Aquino urges SC to look back at controversial decisions

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Friday urged the Supreme Court to look back at some of its controversial decisions while pursuing reforms in the judiciary.

During the groundbreaking of the new SC complex in Fort Bonifacio, Aquino told Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and other magistrates present that he alone cannot reform the country's justice system.

"Ang panawagan ko: Balikan ninyo ang mabibigat at kontrobersiyal na isyung kinaharap ng hudikatura, gaya ng mga panahong naging kataka-taka ang posisyon ng isa o iilang mahistrado, kung kailan biglang nagbago ang pananaw ng korte sa mahahalagang usapin, o tila nagkaroon ng judicial legislation," Aquino said.

"Batid kong may mga hakbang na kayong ginagawa para lalong patatagin at isulong ang positibong transpormasyon sa inyong institusyon," he added.

Aquino assured the justices that the SC has the support of the executive.

Reacting to Aquino's criticism that the SC is committing judicial legislation, Sereno said the magistrates remain wary of overstepping the high court's mandate.

"Ultimately, it will redound to a question of what the final vote will be," Sereno told reporters. "It's an evolving thing but we are mindful about the need to maintain that line."

In his speech, Aquino also reminded SC justices to ensure the rightful and immediate resolution of cases.

"Lahat ng magiging kasangkapan sa bago ninyong gusali, makakatulong sa pagtupad ng inyong mandato, pero nasa sa inyo pa rin kung isusulong ninyo ang tama at makatwiran," the president said.