MANILA, Philippines – “The Supreme Court has made itself an instrument to suppress or prevent the discovery of the truth,” retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. said, reacting to the high court’s ruling that the creation of the Philippine Truth Commission is unconstitutional.
Davide, in his statement, questioned the timing of the release of the high court’s decision dismissing the government’s appeal.
The government, in December last year, filed its motion for reconsideration to the high court’s decision declaring as unconstitutional Executive Order No. 1, which created the Truth Commission to be headed by Davide.
“It delayed for several months [the release of the ruling], and only after the retirement of two Justices who wrote strong dissenting opinions, the release of the resolution which was expected anyway…The timing of its promulgation – barely 20 hours after the President delivered his State of the Nation Address where he solemnly declared that the fight against graft and corruption is a personal one for himself and for all the Filipinos who are its victims, and announced the appointment of newly retired SC Justice Conchita Carpio Morales as Ombudsman – clearly proves beyond doubt that the Court has become a protector of some people,” Davide said.
“But the Supreme Court will not succeed. For the truth will triumph and prevail despite and inspite of the Supreme Court,” he added.
“I only pray to God, the Supreme Judge, that He will help the Supreme Court redeem its honor and integrity.”
The high court last Tuesday affirmed the high court’s December 2010 decision declaring as unconstitutional the creation of the Truth Commission, saying the government failed to raise new issues that would warrant a reversal of its ruling.