New delhi: Malaca±ang has firmly denied allegations that the Supreme Court's recent decision regarding the graft cases against former First Lady Imelda Marcos could sway President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s appointment of the next chief justice. This declaration comes in the wake of the Supreme Court's reversal of the Sandiganbayan 5th Division's 2018 conviction of Marcos on seven counts of graft related to her alleged financial interests in Swiss private foundations.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a press briefing held at the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, India, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro expressed the administration's respect for the Supreme Court's ruling, emphasizing that the high tribunal remains the ultimate authority in legal disputes. She asserted, "Pero ang pamahalaan po, ang gobyerno, ang administrasyon ay laging ginagalang po kung anuman ang desisyon ng Supreme Court (The government, the administration, always respects whatever decision the Supreme Court makes)."
Despite the Palace's stance, critics have argued that the Supreme Court's decision could impact President Marcos Jr.'s choice of the next chief justice. Castro, however, dismissed these claims as baseless, suggesting that they show a lack of respect for the Supreme Court and its members. She remarked, "Normal sa mga kritiko ang mag-isip ng puwede nilang i-issue. Karamihan naman dito ay walang mga basehan (It is normal for critics to think of things they can use as issues. Most of them have no basis)."
The Supreme Court's First Division, which ruled on the case, includes Associate Justices Jhosep Lopez, Henri Jean Paul Inting, and Mario Lopez, all of whom are considered potential successors to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo. Castro accused critics of making claims without presenting supporting evidence, implying that such criticism undermines the high court's independence.
Castro further highlighted the qualifications of the Supreme Court's justices, emphasizing that they were appointed based on their legal knowledge and experience. She noted, "Hindi naman po sila nailagay diyan na na-appoint bilang Supreme Court Justice nang hindi sila marunong sa batas. Marami na po silang napagdaanan. Alam nila po kung paano bumasa, paano humimay ng mga ebidensya (They were not appointed as Supreme Court justices without knowing the law. They have gone through a lot. They know how to read and analyze evidence)."
