PNoy vs. Corona: A PDI columnist’s perspective

(The following is an excerpt of Rina Jimenez-David’s column at the Philippine Daily Inquirer. This gives us a clearer historical perspective to better understand the ongoing controversy between President PNoy Aquino and Chief Justice Renato Corona. Of course, I agree with her points.)

The “original sin” of Chief Justice Renato Corona was agreeing to be nominated by the Judicial and Bar Council and then accepting his “midnight appointment,” as chief justice, by outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

He took his oath—not without irony in the wee hours—despite the stormy conditions surrounding his appointment. The Constitution was pretty clear about the timing of any appointment done before a presidential election, a clear prohibition the Supreme Court at the time chose to ignore when it in effect allowed Arroyo to go ahead and name the next chief justice.

Even as a candidate, President Aquino had already declared that he would not recognize Corona as a “legitimate” chief magistrate. This position he underscored when he asked then Associate Justice Conchita Carpio Morales to administer his oath when he took office. Corona scored points for civility when, despite the snub, he showed up at the Luneta Grandstand for the inauguration. And P-Noy responded in kind, shaking hands with Corona.

To skeptics, Corona begged: “Watch me.” He pleaded with critics to give him the benefit of the doubt, saying that he would prove by his subsequent actions and the conduct of the Supreme Court he headed, that he was capable of ruling impartially and obeying the rule of law despite his perceived loyalty and favors owed to the former president who appointed him.

Well, it seems President Aquino and his political allies held him to his word. They watched and waited and pounced when the opportunity presented itself. Corona shouldn’t be surprised or shocked at the impeachment. What started out as an uneasy relationship soon turned testy and nasty, and from there deteriorated into active hostility and conflict. (Read full column at inquirer.net …)

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