Dispatch from Crame No. 401:
Sen. Leila M. de Lima's statement on Justice Carpio's acceptance of nomination to the CJ post

Amidst issues of great national importance that call out on the members of the Judiciary to preserve their independence and to do their part in upholding the Rule of Law and our Democracy, I am happy and relieved to find out that Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio has accepted the nomination to be the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

While it is indubitable that he possesses the legal acumen and reasoning prowess to merit appointment to the highest judicial post in the country, it is his integrity and active patriotism that I respect the most.

He has been passionately, consistently and proactively defending our sovereignty against foreign incursions - physical, economic, political and otherwise. He has shown that being a patriot is not inconsistent with maintaining the dignity and neutrality of a magistrate as, in fact, defending and advocating for the preservation of our sovereignty and territorial integrity are essential aspects of the solemn duty that every public official undertakes whenever they take the oath to protect the Constitution and our system of government.

I sincerely believe that Justice Carpio is the leader that the Judiciary deserves, and the champion of the Rule of Law that the Filipino people need.