Puno rejects offer to head transition government

Chief Justice Reynato Puno yesterday shielded the Supreme Court from politics as he rejected an offer by the Kilusang Makabansang Ekonomiya (KME) to head a transition government amid mounting calls for the resignation of President Arroyo.

In a statement issued through the Court’s spokesman, Atty. Midas Marquez, the Chief Justice said that although he appreciates the confidence in him by the KME, he would rather remain in the judiciary.

“The news reports, nonetheless, if accurate, are humbling and the trust confided in Chief Justice Reynato Puno is appreciated. The Chief Justice, however, would rather stay out of politics and remain in the judiciary, whose independence he has committed to ensure, and whose integrity he has committed to strengthen,” Marquez said.

Marquez stressed that Puno wants the Court to be spared from politics in order to accomplish its tasks, which include the handling of politically charged cases.

“Chief Justice Puno would also like to appeal to everyone to keep the judiciary out of the present political turmoil. The judiciary should always be above politics. Otherwise, it loses its authority as an effective and credible dispenser of laws and justice,” Marquez said.   – Mike Frialde