Frank Chavez nominated to replace Corona

MANILA, Philippines—Francisco Chavez, who served as solicitor general under the late President Corazon Aquino, was nominated on Thursday as a possible replacement for ousted Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Francisco Chavez. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

In a letter to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), Manuel Baviera of the Whistleblowers’ Association cited Chavez’s “proven competence, integrity and probity.”

He said Chavez was also involved in at least 70 cases which decided by the Supreme Court and have since formed part of Philippine jurisprudence.

“Active and fearless trial lawyer for 40 years, Chavez has been consistently in the forefront of fighting injustice, graft and corruption not only in the government, but also in the private sector,” Baviera said.

“If and when appointed as the next chief justice of the Supreme Court, Chavez will no doubt immediately regain the people’s confidence in the judiciary, weeding out the so-called ‘hoodlums in robes,’” he added.

Chavez’ nomination brought to 17 the number of individuals who have either been recommended or applied for the post vacated by Corona, the first government official removed from office by impeachment.