AQUINO TO JOIN PROTEST MARCHES VS SC DECISION

BAGUIO CITY: Liberal Party standard bearer Senator Noynoy Aquino said Friday he will join protest marches against the Supreme Court's ruling allowing President Arroyo to choose the next Chief Justice.

Aquino told reporters here he is even willing to sacrifice some of his

sorties just to join these protests against what he called "a confusing" decision.

"I hope there will be no conflict in schedule between the protest marches and my sorties. And I hope our supporters in the provinces will understand if I skip sorties to join the protests," he said.

Aquino said the Supreme Court decision was tantamount to a "constitutional amendment."

On the other hand, the LP bet admitted the Supreme Court is not likely to change an en banc decision so easily. "I swore to defend and uphold the Constitution. I remain hopeful but I admit the high court does not usually reverse its decisions, particularly those made en banc," he said.

Aquino also said he is now looking at other possible options, including impeachment."Papasok yan pag nag-appoint si Mrs. Arroyo at may tumanggap, doon siguro papasok ang issue. Kailangan makonsulta ang abogado para masiguro na legal ang lahat na tatahakin natin," he said.