Group hits ‘decision for sale’ at Court of Appeals

MANILA, Philippines—The Coalition of Filipino Consumers has scored the reportedly alleged rampant “decision-for-sale” racket at the Court of Appeals that taints the judiciary.

“It has come to our attention that some justices at the Court of Appeals have received grease money from influential individuals who are facing cases. This should not happen as cases should be decided based on merits,” said Perfecto Tagalog, secretary-general of the coalition.

Tagalog’s group was responsible for filing plunder case against former Philippine National Police Chief Alan Purisima for his undeclared properties.

Tagalog said they received reports that at least two CA justices have received bribe money in exchange for his issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction.

In fact, one justice was an elected official in a province south of Metro Manila who was appointed as a justice member.

He explained that some justices live beyond their means so they have to resort to illegal ways.

“But not all justices are for sale. There are just exceptions. This small percentage of corrupt justices are the ones maligning the justice system,” he said.

He said there are reports also that some justices maintain mistresses who are models or starlets.

“They are supposed to be living and leading decent lives as magistrates but do they do?” Tagalog said.

Tagalog admitted that a CA justice approached him to expose this because he cannot tolerate the unethical acts of some of his colleagues.

He cited an instance wherein a corrupt colleague even waited for him to go on leave before he issued a Writ of Preliminary Injunction of a highly controversial case. When he got the chance, he immediately issued the WPI despite knowing that his decision was illegal.

Tagalog said the justice since then has refused to associate with any official acts of his corrupt colleague lest he be accused of corruption.

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