The circle of life exists because there is balance
The Republic of the Philippines is a democratic country. The essence of a true republic hangs on the balance that exists among the three powers – the Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary – and led by their respective heads. Each of the three pillars has a role to play in this great nation in order for the rule of law, regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace to be upheld. By respecting and upholding the limitations and jurisdictions of each power, balance exists.
Otherwise, any attempt to trample upon this sphere of balance sows the seed of doubt and distrust amongst the people.
The Judiciary, led by the Chief Justice, is the only appointed official amongst the other heads of the two other pillars of power. All other heads are elected by a majority vote by the people. The Chief Justice is a head of a collegiate body composed of fifteen members and holds one vote. The Chief Justice leads the Supreme Court of the Philippines.
It is explicit in Section 2, Article XI of the 1987 Constitution, and likewise in the 1973 and 1935 Constitutions, that the removal from office of Members of the Supreme Court is only through impeachment. The Constitution is the highest law of the land, like the Supreme Court is the highest court of the nation. Though the Supreme Court has the original jurisdiction of a petition for quo warranto, it likewise has the duty to uphold the Constitution. In fact, it is repeated in the sections of Article VIII on the Judicial Department that the Supreme Court is the court that shall determine controversies over anything that involves a constitutional question.
All these pillars of government have been defined and laid down by this very same Constitution that has been neglected and made less of a mere “albeit,” “assuming arguendo,” or “other option.”
This sets a dangerous precedent. We cannot and should not allow this to happen.
The removal of Chief Justice Sereno through a Petition for Quo Warranto is a grave injustice. It is a crippling assault on our democratic institutions and indicative of the demise of the independence and impartiality of the Judiciary as the last bastion of democracy. The Petition for Quo Warranto is patently an unconstitutional mode of removal for the sitting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Being part of a democratic society that adheres to the rule of law, we must respect the legal process. Thus, we call on the members of the Supreme Court to reconsider their decision which not only fails to uphold the Constitution that they have been sworn to defend, but also fails to uphold their duty as members of the Supreme Court to promote the fair administration of justice.
Let us not allow the seed of doubt and distrust to grow. Instead, it should be removed like a weed taken out regularly in order to allow the beautiful tree of life to manifest and blossom.
From the words of CJ Sereno herself, “buuin natin ang isang kilusang Pilipino na patuloy na ipagtatanggol ang katarungan at maniningil ng pananagutan sa ating mga tinalagang lingkod bayan. Patuloy nating ipagtanggol ang Konstitusyon at labanan ang kabuktutan. Patuloy nating ikalat ang mensahe ng demokrasya at katuwiran.”
Let the Supreme Court be the true voice of justice and democracy. Our history has taught us to stand firm against injustice and fight for the better. We deserve better. We will continue to dissent.
#StandWithCJ #WeFightWithCJ