SC creates body to probe corruption and decision brokering at judiciary

SC ASSOCIATE Justice Leonen INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court has created a body that would investigate corruptions in the judiciary and the alleged “decision-broker” named “Arlene.”

High court’s information chief Theodore Te said the body would be headed by Associate Justice Marvic Leonen and his members will be two retired Supreme Court Justices.

Te, at a press conference Thursday, said all investigations by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Office of the Court Administrator and the Court of Appeals would be consolidated to the investigation to be conducted by Justice Leonen’s committee.

“In order to avoid confusion and conflicting results and duplication of efforts, to consolidate all existing efforts to investigate these reports,” Te said.

The findings of the NBI, according to Te, shall be submitted to Justice Leonen’s committee.

The issue stemmed from the controversial election of officers of the Philippine Judges Association (PJA) where “Ma’am Arlene” was said to have worked her ‘magic’ to influence the selection process.

“Ma’am Arlene” was said to provide expensive gifts to justices and their spouses as well as bankroll their travels abroad so she can tap them for favorable ruling for rich litigants.