Group launches search for 'ideal' Chief Justice

MANILA, Philippines - Even before the Senate impeachment court hands down a verdict on Chief Justice Renato Corona, a new movement today launched a search for an "ideal" chief of the judiciary.

This morning, several groups from the academe, government, non-government, the Church and youth banded together to spearhead the "Ang Tipo Kong Chief Justice Movement."

In a statement, the movement "seeks to solicit public opinion on the qualities and qualifications that must be embodied by the Chief Justice for him to gain the trust and confidence" of the people.

"Whether Chief Justice Renato Corona is found guilty or not by the Senate in the impeachment proceedings, we want our voices to be heard as part of the widening public clamor for reforms in the country's judicial system," lawyer Maria Sheila Bazar, one of the conveners said.

Alaminos, Pangasinan Mayor Hernani Braganza, also a convener of the movement, said they want a Chief Justice who would not flip-flop on cases and would respect the Constitution.

Braganza, secretary general of the League of Cities of the Philippines, cited the substantial revenue lost of several cities when the Supreme Court affirmed the cityhood of 16 municipalities in the country.

He noted that existing cities lost around P10 billion in revenues because of the High Court's decision.

"We don't look at personalities here but the way his character and integrity," Braganza said.