Chief Justice Corona bares plot to oust him

MANILA, Philippines — Chief Justice Renato Corona has revealed a plot to oust him and destabilize the Judiciary.

Chief Justice Renato Corona. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

In his speech before the Supreme Court employees entitled “We Stand Together,” the high court chief called on them to stand together and be vigilant. He said he would lead the fight against all efforts to destabilize the court.

“With the discovery of this scheme that will destroy our democracy, I am forced to call upon you to remain ready and vigilant,” Corona said.

“We shall not meekly walk away,” Corona said. This is the first time that Corona has spoken against critics of the Supreme Court.

The high court has been in hot water following its ruling stopping the implementation of the enforcement of the watchlist order against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

President Benigno Aquino III, in his speech during he 1st National Criminal Justice Summit, said the high court was making it difficult for the executive to prosecute officials involved in graft and corruption.

But Corona said his silence was not a sign of weakness but that he was just being patient and cautious.

“I have been quietly preparing and will be ready to take more determined steps in the coming days.”

Aquino has refused to recognize Corona’s appointment after he opted to take his oath of office before then Supreme Court Associate Justice now Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.

Aquino insist that Corona was among the midnight appointees of Mrs. Arroyo. In his speech early this month, he reiterated that the Constitution prohibited the appointment of officials two months before the elections.

Corona was appointed a week after the May 2010 polls.