Atty. Panelo explains whyJustice Carpio was not picked as chief justice

There is a saying be careful for what you wished for, because you might just get it- that seems to be the most appropriate description as to what happen to the most senior magistrate of the Supreme Court – Justice Antonio Carpio.

His turning down the nomination for chief justice when Maria Lourdes Sereno was ousted affected his chances of becoming the next Chief Justice.

"On a personal level, because I have voted against it, I don’t want to benefit from it, so I will decline any nomination," Carpio was quoted saying.

PRRD, Justice Carpio, & CJ Bersamin (photo credit to owner)

As a result Associate Supreme Court Justice was appointed eventhough she occupies the position for less than two months.

It was after the retirement of De castro, Carpio accepted the nomination to be considered as the next Chief magistrate of the land.

The new Chief Justice is Supreme Court Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin, he is to  succeed de Teresita De Castro  as chief justice.

Panelo explains PRRD choice

"What I am saying is if you follow his (Carpio) logic, it will apply to every vacancy because the vacancy was triggered by the ouster of Sereno. If Sereno were not ousted we would have a chief justice until she retired," Panelo told mediamen.

"That was the reason cited by the president. He (Carpio) said he would decline because he did not want to take advantage (of Sereno's ouster)," Panelo added. 

Atty. Panelo also reiterated that Carpio’s position to Duterte’s manner of handling the issue of the West Philippine Sea had no bearing on the selection of the new chief justice.

"Look at (former presidential) spokesperson (Harry) Roque. He did not only campaign against him. He said a lot of things against teh president," he said. 

Roque, supported then Vice President Jejomar Binay’s 2016 bid to Malacanang.

"Just remember, it was discretionary on the part of the president. He also looked at other aspects," Panelo further explains.

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Report from PhilStar