Jardeleza's appointment part of PNoy's 'war' with SC

MANILA, Philippines - Anti pork barrel and militant group Bayan on Wednesday said the appointment of new Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza is part of President Benigno Aquino's "war" with the High Court in connection with the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program.

 

Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said Jardeleza now owes a big debt of gratitude to the President for his appointment.

 

"Justice Jardeleza now owes Aquino big time. It was Aquino who exerted extra effort to delay appointing a new SC justice until Jardeleza was included in the Judicial Bar Council shortlist...so Jardeleza's independence would naturally be questionable," Reyes said.

 

He said that  the former Solicitor General has been consistent in defending the DAP and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the US government.

 

"These two petitions remain pending before the SC. It seems the Jardeleza appointment is still in line with the SC in the aftermath of the DAP ruling," Reyes said.

 

The High Court has declared the government's DAP unconstitutional.

 

Bayan said it now fears the implications of the appointment of Jardeleza with a pending government motion for reconsideration on the DAP decision.