Peralta told: SC needs truth, fairness

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has called on newly appointed Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta to be fair and truthful as head of the Supreme Court (SC).

Duterte, a lawyer, also urged the new Chief Justice to make sure that every Filipino can have a fair trial and attain justice fairly regardless of social status.

The President relayed his message to Peralta after he formally swore him in at Malacañang yesterday in closed door ceremonies, with no media coverage.

“In the oath taking of CJ Peralta this afternoon in Malacañang, PRRD told him that all he asks is that the SC under his watch should be characterized with fairness and truth,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement released last night.

“That every citizen be treated equal before the law regardless of the status in life,” Panelo said.

Duterte also met with the Chinese Vice Premier at Malacañang, as part of his official activities since he was diagnosed as having muscle spasms in his spine. This was believed to be the cause of the excruciating pain he experienced while in Tokyo last Tuesday. This prompted Duterte to cut short his Tokyo visit for the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito.  He was able to attend the enthronement proper but not the banquets hosted by the emperor and by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.