MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III poured his sentiments on the judiciary right in front of Supreme Court Justice Renato Corona during the 1st National Criminal Justice Summit at Manila Hotel today.
Aquino started his speech on the belief that Corona was illegally appointed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, implying that the SC chief was a “midnight appointee” of his predecessor.
He then went vocal on the SC’s move to block the creation of the Truth Commission, saying “Unang hakbang palang ay may barikada na agad.”
He also questioned the issuance of the temporary restraining order against the effectivity of the watchlist order against the former President and her husband.
He bashed the SC for issuing the TRO bearing some requirements when, he said, the tribunal itself noted that it may not be followed.
“Bakit pa gagawa ng patakaran kung wala naman balak sundin,” he said, adding “tapos tayo pa daw ang naghahanap ng away.”
“Naninindigan pa rin akong ang katarungan ay hindi manibelang basta-basta naililiko kung saan nais sumadsad ng mga mahistrado,” he added.
He also mentioned that the judiciary has became a stumbling block in his administration’s campaign for good government.
“(Ang batas ay hindi) laruan ng mga abugado't hukom na binabaligtad at pinapasirko ayon sa kanilang kagustuhan,” he pointed out.
When asked for reaction on the President's speech, Corona said: "Hayaan nalang natin, magpapasko na."
Full Transcript of President Aquino's Speech