Category Archives: Columns

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang’s letter announcing the appointment of Sandiganbayan Justice Gregory S. Ong to the Supreme Court was received last May 16, while the high tribunal was holding a special session. Presided over by Acting Chief Justice Leonardo A. Quisumbing, in the absence of Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno who was on official business in Sydney, the justices were flustered by the presidential choice. Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court decision in “Bantay Republic vs Comelec” (May 4, 2007), ordering the Commission on Elections “to immediately disclose and release the names of the nominees” of the party-list candidates, was greeted with jubilation. By knowing the nominees, the voters would be more “informed” in making their choices when they troop to the polling places tomorrow. Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines — Though already implemented in 1998, 2001 and 2004, the party-list election is still hounded by unnecessary controversies. These problems could have been easily avoided if the Commission on Elections followed meticulously?as, indeed, it is duty-bound to?the two Supreme Court decisions in Veterans Federation Party vs Comelec (Oct. 6, 2000) and Ang Bagong Bayani vs Comelec (June 26, 2001), as well as the implementing resolution in the latter case dated June 25, 2003. I wrote these two decisions and resolution. Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines — A few days ago, on April 25, the 1,893 law graduates who passed the 2006 bar examinations took their oaths at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). They may now sport the title of “Atty.” before their names and, after paying their dues to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, practise law in any Philippine court. Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines — Last Sunday, I extolled the gifted bar examinees who placed among the top 10 passers. Now, I shall discuss a more delicate topic: how the various law schools fared during the bar tests. Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines — For a job superbly done, unfettered felicitations are due the 2006 Supreme Court Bar Examination Committee (chaired by the able and amiable Justice Angelina Sandoval Gutierrez) and the following examiners: Salvador B. Lao (Political Law), Salvador C. Medialdea (Labor), retired Supreme Court Justice Josue N. Bellosillo (Civil Law), Court of Tax Appeals Presiding Justice Ernesto D. Acosta (Taxation), Nilo B. Peña (Mercantile Law), retired Sandiganbayan Justice Romeo M. Escarreal (Criminal Law), retired Supreme Court Justice Bernardo P. Pardo (Remedial Law), and Deputy Court Administrator Zenaida D. Elepaño (Legal Ethics). The Office of the Bar Confidant, headed by the indefatigable Cristina B. Layusa, assisted the committee. Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines — The period for filing certificates of candidacy for the coming elections is over. Now, the vital public concern is to ensure that every ballot is counted honestly, accurately and speedily. As a small contribution to this effort, I will attempt, as simply as I can, to expose some of the ways used by politicians to subvert the popular will during the various stages of the electoral process. The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) codes these schemes as the three Gs: “guns, goons and gold.” Someone quipped a fourth G, “Garci.” Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines — The dismissal of Court of Appeals Justice Elvi John Asuncion shows the continuing determination of the Supreme Court to cleanse the judicial ranks of unfits and misfits. The imposition of this severe sanction should be contextualized with other events. Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines — Prior to 1965, the Catholic Church?s involvement in politics was largely unheard of. Since then, however, Church militancy in political affairs has increasingly become visible and audible. Why? Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines — Since my first column came out a month ago on Feb. 11, I have pursued one consistent theme: to enable our people to enjoy the full blessings of a prosperous, liberal democracy that adheres faithfully to the rule of law, we urgently need visionary leadership by example. Continue reading →