MANILA – The top Integrated Bar of the Philippines official welcomed the acceptance of Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio of his nomination to the chief justice position.
Carpio’s nomination is an opportunity for President Rodrigo Duterte to test once again the virtue of seniority as a tool to “stabilize the judiciary,” IBP president Atty. Abdiel Dan Elijah Fajardo said in a statement.
Duterte banked on seniority when he appointed Teresita Leonardo De Castro as chief magistrate even just for 41 days in lieu of the dismissed Maria Lourdes Sereno.
“I am glad that SAJ Carpio has decided to add his name to the list of names the President may choose from in the appointment of the new Supreme Court CJ,” Fajardo said.
“The appointment of an experienced jurist, who is known for his adherence to the letter and spirit of the law, will also be in recognition of the independence of the judiciary as a coequal to the other branches of government,” he added.
Carpio rejected his previous nomination out of delicadeza as he voted against the ouster of Sereno. He said there is no reason to reject the nomination this time.
Aside from Carpio, associate justices Diosdado Peralta and Lucas Bersamin also accepted their nominations to replace De Castro, who vacated the post when she retired on Oct. 10 upon reaching the age of 70.
Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo declined his automatic nomination to the top Supreme Court post, being one of the five most senior associate justices, to focus on being the chairman of the 2018 Bar Examinations./PN
