MANILA, Philippines ? Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III has called on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to reconsider her appointment of a new Supreme Court Justice, saying the appointment was "inappropriate."

Aquino, who is leading the presidential race based on the partial counting of the Commission on Elections, said Arroyo should recognize the next government's right to make the appointment.

?Is it too much to ask President Arroyo to not add another problem for the next administration to inherit?" he said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Her appointment of a Chief Justice in waiting is at the very least inappropriate. Chief Justice [Reynato] Puno?s term has not ended. There is no vacancy to be filled," he pointed out.

Puno's term will expire on May 17.

?We call upon her to recognize the new government?s right to appoint the next Chief Justice,? said Aquino.

He said, "There is still time, time for Mrs. Arroyo to reconsider her decision."

"We hope she will choose not to add another burden on top of everything else she will be leaving behind. She should instead concentrate on ensuring a smooth transition," Aquino added.

Once officially proclaimed president of the country, Aquino promised to resolve the problem of the appointment of the Chief Justice "with the utmost consideration for the provisions of the Constitution and the interest of the Filipino people.?