Bersamin: ‘I am independent’

Newly appointed Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin said he is independent “as far as the law is concerned.”

At a press conference, Bersamin said the question on independence is difficult because it depends on the perspective.

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The common perspective, he said, is that being independent “is against the government.”

“That question is loaded against the government…As far as the law is concerned, I am independent,” Bersamin said.

READ: LOOK: Bersamin’s rise as CJ draws mixed reactions from netizens

Bersamin said he has always been “analytical” when handling cases even before he became a magistrate of the Supreme Court.

“If your perspective of what is independent is against the government or any [members of the] administration that has issues in our court, let me assure you I have always given these matters analytical attention and deep study,” Bersamin said.

“When the time comes for me to give a vote or to render a judgment, I always do my best to come out with a fair and valid ruling,” Bersamin added. /ee/muf