SC justices conspired for TRO paving way for Arroyo trip abroad

MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Leila De Lima maintained that the Supreme Court justices conspired to issue a temporary restraining order that would have allowed former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to leave the country.

“Would you say that there was conspiracy among members of the Supreme Court that enables the grant of temporary restraining order? Conspiracy is a positive act, the liability of one is the liability of all. Why is the impeachment complaint centered on the Chief Justice excluding the other conspirators?” asked retired Associate Justice Serafin Cuevas, lead counsel of Chief Justice Renato Corona. His question was echoed by Senator-Judge Alan Peter Cayetano.

“When is it simply erroneous and when does it become an impeachable offense? [The Supreme Court] is a collegial body why single him out?” Cayetano asked.

De Lima said the impeachment complaint was filed only against the Chief Justice and that while he only has one vote in a collegial body, he has other functions and powers different from a fellow high court associate justice.

Eight justices voted for the issuance of a temporary restraining order against the Department of Justice’s order that prevented Arroyo from seeking medical treatment abroad.

“Kung ordinary decision, kahit hindi kayo agree, hindi impeachable yun. Ang dali kasi humusga dito dahil napaka unpopular ni Mrs. Arroyo. I’m trying to find out what makes it betrayal of public trust,” Cayetano said.

Prosecution lawyer and Representative Raul Daza said there was distortion as noted in the dissenting opinion of Associate Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno.

“You have to show a link that closeness led to partiality,” Cayetano said.

De Lima will return on Thursday for the continuation of her cross examination and to answer questions from senator-judges.