Press Release
January 5, 2009

APPOINT SC JUSTICE NOW

Independent Senator Kiko Pangilinan and one of the convenors of Bantay Korte Suprema urged today the President not to delay longer the naming of the successor of Supreme Court Justice Ruben Reyes who retired last January 3. In the shortlist submitted by the JBC to the President are CA Justice Martin Villarama, Justice Portia Alino-Hormachuelos, Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Diosdado Peralta, Sandiganbayan Justice Francisco Villaruz and Dean Cesar L. Villanueva, Dean of the Ateneo Law School.

"While the constitutional requirement for the President to make the appointment is ninety days, I hope the President will appoint the replacement of Justice Reyes as soon as possible before Justice Adolf Azcuna's retires next month. We do not want the public to suspect that delaying Justice

Reyes' replacement will enable a Malacanang favored nominee to sneak in without much public scrutiny because of two appointments she has to make by then," Kiko said.

A total of seven Justice positions are opened in the High Court this year as six more are expected to retire this year beginning with Justice Azcuna on February 16. Also due to retire this year are Dante Tinga on May 11, Consuelo Ynares-Santiago on October 5, Leonardo Quisumbing on Novemeber 6; Minita Chico-Nazario on Dec. 5; and Ma. Alicia A. Martinez on Dec. 19.

Senator Kiko together with the members of the Bantay Korte Suprema continuously calls on the public to monitor closely the aspirants for the SC vacancies and to participate actively in examining the credentials and integrity of those who will be nominated.

For more info on Bantay Korte Suprema, type BKS and send to 2948. If you would like to recommend a possible nominee for the next vacancy, type BKS, name of possible nominee, info, and send to 2948.

News Latest News Feed