MANILA, Philippines?There is no shame in being an appointee of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the Supreme Court., Makati Representative Teodoro ?Teddy Boy? Locsin said.

Locsin, who is among the three dozen aspirants being interviewed by the Judicial and Bar Council for the three vacancies in the high court expected to be created by retirements this year.

"Of course not, nobody else can appoint to that post. It is an honor to be appointed by a smart person. Do you see anyone smarter on the horizon??? Locsin told the Inquirer when asked if being marked out as an Arroyo appointee to the Supreme Court was a bad thing.

There will be three vacancies in the high court by next month when Associate Justice Minita Chico-Nazario retires next month. Associate Justice Consuelo Ynares-Santiago retired last Oct. 5 while Associate Justice Leonardo Quisumbing retired on Friday.

On concerns that a court dominated by Arroyo appointees would not be impartial if a case is filed against the President after her term ends in 2010, Locsin said the Supreme Court would ensure it would act independently on any such case "by respecting due process and respecting the Bill of Rights.??

By the end of this year, Mrs. Arroyo would have filled up all but one of the 15 seats on the court. Chief Justice Reynato Puno, who was appointed by President Fidel V. Ramos in 1993, will not be retiring until May next year.

Ms Arroyo?s appointees include Antonio T. Carpio, Renato Corona, Conchita Carpio-Morales, Presbitero J. Velasco Jr., Antonio Eduardo B. Nachura, Teresita J. Leonardo de Castro, Arturo D. Brion, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Marinao del Castillo, and Roberto Abad.

Locsin would not comment on his snagging one of the three vacancies. "`It is hard enough to predict the past, what more the future,?? he said.

The former newspaper publisher has been named as one of the candidates on the senatorial slate of former President Joseph Estrada, but he has stated this was done merely out of friendship and that he was realistic about his chances of moving on to Senate.

"I?m informed there is a deafening clamor for me to be senator which might explain why I can?t hear it. I?m puzzled why many don?t find me charming,?? Locsin said.

He believed he was better off aspiring to a high post in another branch of government.

"It?s time to use my brain at its full capacity before I get too old and lose it altogether,?? Locsin said.