Appointing an outsider bad for Supreme Court’s morale, Carpio tells JBC

ONE SEAT AWAY Associate Justice Antonio Carpio is one seat away from an empty chair that belonged to former Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona in this photo taken on May 8 at the Supreme Court in Manila. As the most senior SC justice, Carpio is automatically nominated. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines—While he respects the prerogative of the President in appointing the next Chief Justice, Senior Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said it would demoralize the court if an outsider is appointed.

“I will not deny that [appointing an outsider] will be bad for the morale [of the insiders],” Carpio who now sits as acting chief justice said but added that he respects the President’s prerogative to choose who should sit as Chief Justice.

“We have to follow the Constitution and under the Constitution, the President has the prerogative to appoint anyone from the list submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council,” he added.

But he added there has been a seniority tradition not only with the Supreme Court but with the Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan and Court of Tax Appeals.

“It encourages the incumbent in the appellate courts to look forward to the day that they will be senior,” Carpio said.

Carpio likened the situation when the President appoints a colonel as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“The President can appoint anybody from rank of colonel up but can you command if colonel is appointed although the President has the prerogative, wisdom and all,” Carpio said.

Carpio added it is not necessary that an outsider should be appointed to reform the Judiciary.

“You have impeached the Chief Justice but it does not mean you have impeached the entire court, there is no guilt by association,” Carpio said.