Set Aside Politics in Naming Chief Justice, Arroyo Told

MANILA, March 17, 2010-A Catholic bishop called on President Arroyo to set aside political interests and be "responsible" in appointing the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Bishop Leonardo Medroso of Tagbilaran said there should be no other consideration in picking the next SC chief but "for the good of the justice system and the Filipino people."

"(I hope) that influence and debt of gratitude will not be some considerations in appointing the next Chief Justice," Medroso said over church-run Radyo Veritas.

Arroyo had been the focus of opposition in appointing the successor of outgoing Chief Justice Reynato Puno, but the SC finally ruled in favor of the President.

The decision was released Wednesday amid legal questions on whether Arroyo can name Puno's successor within a period of two months before her term ends.

The Constitution states that the President is prohibited from making appointments 60 days before the national elections and 30 days before the presidential term ends.

But voting 9-1, with three abstentions and with two justices saying the issue was premature, the High Tribunal ruled that the ban on appointments during the election period did not cover the post of Chief Justice.

Medroso and Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez said they will fully accept the court ruling but called on the public not to be complacent on the decision.

They urged the people to remain vigilant and pray that the successor of Puno, who is retiring on May 17, will be selected based on competence.

"We should respect the Supreme Court decision and we should pray," Medroso said.

"We also have to look into the motive behind the move for President Arroyo to appoint the new Chief Justice," Iñiguez, for his part, said in the same radio interview. (CBCPNews)