Chiz: Re-think move to inhibit 3 justices

BY DENNIS GADIL

SEN. Francis "Chiz" Escudero yesterday advised senators to rethink a proposal to ask three associate justices of the Supreme Court to inhibit from deliberations on the Senate’s motion for reconsideration on the issue of executive privilege.

Escudero, a lawyer, told a media forum that SC justices are also human and could be offended if subjected to an inhibition petition.

He said ultimately it is the Supreme Court as a collegial body that would decide on any petition to inhibit one or two magistrates.

He stressed that if a petition to inhibit is actually filed, the proponents should make sure that the move would get a favorable ruling from the tribunal.

Escudero also frowned on the plan of majority leader Francis Pangilinan to go solo in moving for the inhibition of Associate Justices Arturo Brion, Renato Corona and Presbitero Velasco.

"We should act and plan accordingly, not as individual senators, not as majority but as an institution and a collective group," he said.

Pangilinan had stressed the grounds set forth in the motion for inhibition "are valid and material."

"Justice Arturo Brion was not yet appointed when the petition of Commission Higher Education Romulo Neri invoking executive privilege was heard. Justice Renato Corona’s wife, in a paid advertisement, was reported to have publicly expressed support for President Gloria Arroyo. Mrs. Corona is also reported to be a presidential appointee. Justice Presbitero Velasco is said to be petitioner Neri’s golf buddy," he said.