“We urge other groups and individuals to make a stand on this matter to join their voices against this illegal appointment. We reiterate, no one is above the law.”
by Ducky Paredes
According to Joel Obar, former dean of the law faculty of the Foundation University of Dumaguete City and a columnist of the newspaper Negros Chronicle, the appointment of Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio as SC chief justice will compromise the highest court and “will endanger its integrity and shatter beyond repair the very foundation of the democratic institution.”
Obar notes that Carpio was one of those named in a report on the Supreme Court inquiry in 1989 into the election for president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in which money and government resources were “extravagantly spent for solicitation and electioneering.”
According to Obar, Carpio was one of the supposed “conspirators who treated the sanctity of such elections with ignominy.”
“From the records of the aforementioned case, it was clearly established as a fact that Antonio Carpio spent P20,000 in hotel accommodations in the Philippine Plaza hotel to billet the delegates.
“This has been adjudged by the Supreme Court as a conscious and deliberate act to influence the outcome of the election in clear contravention of the IBP laws.”
Obar told the JBC that “Carpio should not be allowed to tarnish even by mere perception the last bastion of democracy in our country … “We should stand guard against the appointment of Mr. Antonio Carpio to the highest position of the Court lest we endanger its integrity and shatter beyond repair the very foundation of our democratic institution.”
The position of chief justice of the Supreme Court will be vacated on May 17 when incumbent Chief Justice Reynato Puno retires. As the most senior associate justice of the Supreme Court, Carpio is among the six nominees to replace Puno.
The question that needs serious consideration is whether President Gloria Arroyo can appoint a chief justice on May 17 in view of a constitutional provision prohibiting midnight appointments near the end of the term of the President.
Article VII of the Constitution states that “two months immediately before the next presidential elections and up to the end of his term, a President or Acting President shall not make appointments, except temporary appointments to executive positions when continued vacancies therein will prejudice public service or endanger public safety.”
Various quarters have appealed to JBC not to entertain nominations to the position of chief justice until after the May 10 elections. This would enable the next president to choose the chief justice.
Despite these objections, the JBC has continued entertaining nominations to the position, while President Arroyo’s allies claims she has the right to make the appointment despite the constitutional provision.
Among the most recent voices hear on this issue is that of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP): “As young journalists and the so-called hope of the nation, we vow to stand unflinchingly against the SC appointment by Mrs. Arroyo and against her other plans to undermine justice and democracy. We urge other groups and individuals to make a stand on this matter to join their voices against this illegal appointment.
We reiterate, no one is above the law.
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There is a suggested list coming from the PMAP (Human Resources Executives) and FINEX (Financial Executives) on the Roles and Attributes on which to judge the presidentiables.
This is the list of Roles (Katungkulan) and Attributes (Katangian) on which to judge them, according to these professionals:
Navigator.
- Clear Vision. Ability to steer the country to its destination as a just and humane society;, properly addresses causes of poverty and other social problems; discern and prioritize among conflicting interests with the common good in mind; address and manage crises.
2. Mobilizer
- Effectively leads the executive department; proactively builds alliances to achieve complex objectives; consensus builder; attracts and empowers the right people with the right skills and motivations for government service. Anticipates and diffuses roadblocks to change initiatives; uses appropriate and legitimate persuasion techniques to gain support from decision-makers.
3. Servant leader
- Serves the people with a genuinely caring heart and is a good example to follow. Sacrifices personal, family or other vested interests for the common good. ; Displays humility and reaches out to all sectors. Good work ethic. Continuous learner.
4. Inspirational leader
- As captivator, the President inspires unity, trust, and optimism among the people,. Builds trust in the presidency and in government. Understands ideals and aspirations of the ordinary Filipino. Conveys a simple but compelling picture of the country’s vision and goals. Effectively partners with media to inform and build support for programs and advocacies. Walks the talk.
5. Guardian of national wealth and resources
- Ensures that that the national wealth and resources are used properly. Strong political will. Champions the fight against graft and corruption, ensures a level playing field and promotes competence and professionalism.
Here are the attributes (Katangian):
1. Character: Outstanding character manifested in his personal vision and mission in life. Is honest, sincere, humble, passionate, spiritual. Is not corrupt and does not take advantage of his position or power.
2. Competence: Excellent manager and outstanding leader. User of technology, analytical, conceptual thinker, creative producer, articulate, intellectual heavyweight, with ability to see both the forest and the trees. Natural in alliance building, partnering and negotiations. Outstanding track record in either public or corporate governance.
3. Commitment: Passionately pursues the vision of a people that is truly free. God-loving, patriotic, disciplines, united and with a strong sense of community. Fully committed to defend the constitution and the democratic way of life, Relentless in eradication of poverty, defending the environment and educational reforms.
4. Compassion: Manifested sympathy and strong desire to reach out and help the disadvantaged, the poor, the handicapped, the elderly and the marginalized. Able to feel the suffering and the plight of the people with a firm resolve to alleviate suffering. A person for others.
5. Country Above Self: Puts the interest of the country ahead of personal, family and other vested interests. Exemplifies the national core values as embodied in the Constitution (truth, justice, freedom, love, equality and peace).
Compare the candidates and send me your evaluation for discussion in this column. At the same time, it might help you to make up your mind about who you should choose for our next President.
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hvp 02.21.10
One Comment
If people will only compare each candidate, they will find out that there is no one that best suit the position as the next president other than Gilbert Teodoro. He has all the attributes you mentioned
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