House majority leader Gonzales endorses an outsider to replace Corona

Majority Leader Neptali “Boyet” Gonzales Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The question on who would replace former Chief Justice Renato Corona has brought all sectors of government like the House of Representatives into fever pitch.

For House majority leader and Mandaluyong City’s lone district Representative Neptali Gonzales II, Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio or any other justice known to be an ally of President Benigno Aquino III should not take over the position of chief magistrate.

Carpio has been temporarily installed as the acting chief justice while waiting for President Aquino to choose who would best replace Corona.

Gonzales, a member of the ruling Liberal Party and a well-known ally of the President, told reporters the appointment as chief justice of any official linked to the Aquino administration would not do well for the judiciary.

Corona’s previous accusation that Carpio was behind attacks to remove him from office has tainted Carpio’s image, according to Gonzales.

He mentioned that Supreme Court workers’ opposition to Carpio’s possible appointment as chief justice could also spell trouble.

At this point, he said Aquino must exert utmost care in selecting the new chief justice because of insinuations that he sought to take control of the judiciary through Corona’s ouster.

Contrary to Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile’s statement that an outsider should not be chosen to lead the high tribunal, Gonzales said that an outsider would probably be best for the position, so long as the person possesses the qualifications for the important role.