GMA defends Davide court from Estrada rap

President Arroyo defended yesterday Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice Hilarion Davide Jr. under whose leadership the impartiality and integrity of the country’s judiciary have been questioned by deposed President Joseph Estrada.

President Arroyo took up the cudgels for Davide who led the awardees as outstanding alumni of the Lyceum of the Philippines feted during its 50th anniversary in Intramuros, Manila.

In her speech, the President extolled Davide along with other outstanding Lyceum alumni like Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Sen. Robert Barbers, and Justice Amelita Tolentino.

Mrs. Arroyo especially paid tribute to Davide who was honored by Lyceum for his historic presiding of the Senate impeachment trial of Estrada which started in November 2000 but was suspended on Jan. 16, 2001 with the walkout of the House prosecution panel chaired by then House minority leader Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

"During these times, we should remember the heroism of the Chief Justice, especially now when there are so many criticizing him for their own selfish interests," President Arroyo said. — Marichu Villanueva