Senator Arroyo tells SC to exercise judicial activism on JBC membership issue

MANILA, Philippines—Senator Joker Arroyo urged the Supreme Court to exercise judicial activism in resolving the issue whether there should be one or two representatives from Congress at the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).

Arroyo made the remark following a Supreme Court Justice’s statement that the high court has no authority to amend what the Constitution has stated—that there should be seven members of the JBC.

“Constitutional amendment is not possible. They’ve tried it many times but they failed,” Arroyo told high court justices.

Arroyo represents the Senate in the oral argument.

“In a situation when there is no remedy, I urge judicial activism,” Arroyo said.

He said five Chief Justices have allowed two representatives from Congress but nobody complained.

“Nobody will be prejudiced by the change,” Arroyo said.