SC's new chief denies link to charter change initiative

LEAD IN: New Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno denies his appointment is linked to the Charter Change initiative by the administration. Marieton Pacheco reports.

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Newly-appointed Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno denied allegations the adminstration has found a new ally on the charter change issue with his appointment to the post Wednesday.

In his first press briefing, Puno said administration lawmakers can entertain that kind of opinion, but his records will speak otherwise.

The new chief justice emphasized, his actions will only be dictated by one consideration, the rule of law.

Puno, who voted in favor of charter change thru a People's Initiative in a recent Supreme Court ruling says, it is impossible to tell how the justices will vote on the proposed amendments to the charter, this time thru a Constituent Assembly.

Pro-charter change groups have claimed they have Puno on their side. But the new Chief Justice says there's no one who can figure him out at this point.

Puno is the country's 22nd Chief Justice.

His appointment comes at a time when Congress is pushing for charter change, even without their counterparts from the Senate.

The matter is expected to be raised at the Supreme court.
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