Malacañang respects SC ruling

PRESIDENTIAL Spokesperson Ricardo Saludo said Malacañang welcomes the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) on appointing a new Chief Justice.

He said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will discharge her constitutional duty since the issue has been decided with finality.

The High Tribunal ruled that the President can make the appointment, citing that the judiciary is exempted from the ban and that another provision of the Constitution gives the President the power to fill up any vacancies in the Supreme Court and the judiciary within 90 days from the occurrence of any vacancy.

Even if the ruled on the case the other way around, Saludo said Malacañang will respect the decision since the Court has the ultimate authority to decide on such questions.

“We will comply with it. That is the rule of law,” he stressed.

Saludo said critics and those not satisfied with outcome of the SC appointment case, can always file a motion for reconsideration to seek further clarification from the High Tribunal./PN