PB supports Puno on impeach moves

Cebu - The Cebu Provincial Board has expressed support for Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno amidst reports of an ongoing plan to impeach him. In a resolution, the Provincial Board called on instigators of the impeachment to spare the Supreme Court from partisan politics.

“This August Body joins the entire nation in calling out to all those who might seek to weaken or destroy the last bulwark of democracy, the judiciary, to insulate it from partisan politics so that the people may not lose faith in our democratic ideals and institutions,” the resolution reads.

Among those that are reportedly instigating the impeachment move against Puno is a congressman that formerly belongs to the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino who alleged that the Chief Justice sat on an election case.

The Provincial Board said everyone should be vigilant against moves that threaten to tarnish the credibility of the highest court of the country.

“While the truth to the alleged plan to impeach Chief Justice Puno is as vague as the accusations against the Chief Justice, still it is important for the people to remain vigilant and steadfast in preserving our democratic institutions, more so, in the case of the Supreme Court, which is held to be the most credible institution in the country,” the board said.

Some legislators, including Sen. Panfilo Lacson, alleged that the planned impeachment is politically motivated and has the backing of Malacañang.

But Presidential Political Adviser Gabriel Claudio denied this, saying Malacañang would not get involved in any attempt to oust the Chief Justice. — Darlanne R. Sino Cruz (THE FREEMAN)