The question on judicial independence is loaded against the government, newly appointed Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin said.
The chief magistrate said there is always that view that to be called “independent,” one must decide against the government.
However, it is not always the case, he said.
“Maybe, your concept of judicial independence is that the government should lose the case. I hate to disappoint you. [But] the government is better in the arguments than the other side,” Bersamin said, pointing out that the government is represented by the Solicitor General.
“There are also many cases where the government loses and yet, you do not call out independence. It’s just that [on these cases] the government has less on the merits than the other side,” he added.
He assured that his decision is based on a thorough study of every case and rule that the law dictates. /ee
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