Editorial: “Let SC appoint all judges”
MANILA, Philippines - Given the realpolitik of this country, the debate on whether or not the Constitution should be amended is really moot and academic. It will happen one way or another. Whether or not it will happen is no longer an option. In the wake of innumerable scams attributable to the corrupt and graft-ridden Arroyo administration, it is the only way for President Macapagal-Arroyo and her cohorts to escape plunder charges after 2010.
When, not if, that happens, I have a proposal to make: Remove from the president the power to appoint the members of the judiciary! That power should be exclusively exercised by the Supreme Court—to make the “separation of powers” principle more meaningful.
In the light of our pathetic experience in this country, it is the only way to insulate judges/justices from the pernicious influence of politics, and to ensure that only qualified aspirants get to sit on the bench.
We have suffered long enough from the mediocrity of so many Palace-driven appointments, based as they often are on patronage.
Reaction:
I don’t agree to this editorial. People have different perspectives in life and it just so happen when comes to this issue I reset so much with the author’s opinion. I would like to emphasize my resentment to the last line of the second paragraph of this editorial which states that- “That power should be exclusively exercised by the Supreme Court—to make the “separation of powers” principle more meaningful.”
I can’t see any bright views on his statement that such principle would become more meaningful when separation of powers will solely be done by Supreme Court. On his latter explanation he stressed out that this purposely will insulate judges/justices from the pernicious influence of politics, when in the very first place- they are part of the Philippine Politics. And whether we like it or not, no matter what position you are into the government, these people sat on the same seat of “power”. Power that mostly push people to embrace graft and corruption, influence others to satisfy their selfish, political agenda. Mediocrity doesn’t know how to choose people to embrace it. So whether it is a Palace driven or not, politicians faced this one great tempting power.
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
Date Published: January 14, 2008
