The Philippine STAR, Sunday, April 18, 2010, Page 18
10 QUESTIONS WE SHOULD ASK THE NEXT CHIEF JUSTICE
1. Is it your view that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has legal and constitutional basis to continue in office after June 30, 2010 in the event f a massive failure of elections or the inability of Congress to proclaim her successor?
2. Will the cloud of doubt arising from your closeness to President Arroyo and your voting record in several controversial cases involving checks against the excesses in the exercise of Executive power and prerogatives affect the perception of your impartiality and independence when you are called upon to decide on criminal cases that will be filed against President Arroyo after the end of her term on June 30, 2010?
3. Is it appropriate for a member of the Supreme Court facing serious charges of ethical misconduct to aspire for the leadership of the Judiciary given the challenge of restoring public faith in our judicial system?
4. When approached by a fellow member of the Supreme Court, a counsel or litigant regarding a pending case before him, is it proper for such member of the Supreme Court to keep the matter secret and refuse to file the appropriate complaint for breach of professional and judicial ethics?
5. Is it proper for you to decide cases questioning the acts and policies of the Chief Executive who appointed your spouse or member of your family to a position in the Executive Branch, for which they receive substantial salaries, benefits and emoluments?
6. Is it proper for a member of the Supreme Court to hold bank accounts in his name fro the benefit of the members of the First Family?
7. Is it proper for a member of the Supreme Court to attend social functions as special guests of businessmen and politicians who have cases pending before the Supreme Court involving their commercial or partisan interest?
8. Does it impair Judicial independence for a member of the Supreme Court to accept any kind of assistance or benefit, financial or otherwise, from the President, PAGCOR, PCSO, or any government agency or public official, or any of the President’s relatives or friends?
9. Considering the public outrage against 11th hour appointment of the next Chief Justice by President Arroyo, do you think you will have the moral ascendancy to effectively lead the Judiciary as the primus inter pares of the Supreme Court?
10. Will it impair judicial independence if the Supreme Court is put under the specter of an impeachment complaint that will be filed against you for culpable violation of the Constitution in accepting a midnight appointment from President Arroyo?
