SC shouldn’t withdraw from educating public–ex-energy chief

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Former Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the Supreme Court should not withdraw from the positive aspects of educating the public about its decisions.

During his interview before members of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), Lotillla was asked about the court’s dignified silence policy..

He said while he agreed that a justice of the Supreme Court should be read through the decisions he or she has written, he said the court also has the duty to educate the public as well.

“The teaching function of the court, may also require, at some level, the public, especially the media may need some guidelines on how the decision impacts the rights of individuals,” Lotilla said Thursday.

Lotilla is one of the candidates forthe  Supreme Court Associate Justice position vacated by Maria Lourdes Sereno who was appointed Chief Justice.

He explained that when he was Energy Secretary, even members of the media who has been covering the energy sector for a long time needs briefings to explain policies of his agency.

“In the executive, even with a very well trained Energy beat and business beat, these are technical people with several years of continuity covering the office, nevertheless, there are points that one would need to explain to them the significant points in a decision…I think [the dignified silence policy] does not mean the court will withdraw from the positive aspects of teaching the public and explaining its role and functions as well as its decisions,” Lotilla said.

Sereno has opted to observe dignified silence since she assumed the top judicial post. She has declined all request for media interviews and the court, from time to time issues press releases on activities of the court but no press conference even if pressed to explain court decisions.