SC's new chief denies link to charter change initiative

Newly appointed Chief Justice Reynato Puno’s time has finally come.

After being bypassed to a less senior justice for the post last year, Puno’s face glowed with relief on his first day as chief magistrate of the country. He smiled when asked if the appointment was sweeter this time.

“I am a believer in God’s own plan and time. While seniority is a big factor, I know now there are other considerations in the appointment."

True enough, speculations on all sorts of consideration float with Puno’s appointment. Eyebrows were raised when he was called to take his oath at Malacanang shortly before midnight Wednesday, while administration lawmakers at the House of Representatives were passing a resolution on a Senate-less Constituent Assembly or Con-ass. The matter has been raised at the Supreme Court. (see related story)

Puno, who voted in favor of charter change in a previous ruling by the Court, was seen as an advantage by members of the lower House.

The new Chief Justice however says no one can figure him out at this point. He denied allegations the administration has found a new ally on the charter change issue with his appointment.

"They can entertain that kind of opinion, but my records can speak otherwise...my actions will only be dictated by one consideration, the rule of law."

Like apples and oranges

He added it was impossible to tell how the justices will vote on the issue since lawmakers have not even started debates on the proposed changes. Comparing his position to the people’s initiative for cha-cha (which the court ruled on recently) to the proposed Con-ass by the House would be like comparing apples to oranges.

Puno also found humor in the media’s slant to his “midnight appointment”.

“Just because I was appointed at 12 midnight, it’s literally called a midnight appointment. But it’s more of Chief Justice Panganiban retiring and the new CJ taking up the post…it’s for a seamless transition.”

Puno, known as one of the most reclusive among the justices of the Supreme Court, surprised media by gamely answering all the questions raised on his first press conference. Notwithstanding the late night because of his oath-taking, Puno faced media’s questions with ease. He ended with the assurance that he will be independent from the authority that placed him in power.

“I pledge to do what is expected of me: to espouse no ideology but constitutionalism, to uphold no theology but the rule of law.”

Puno is the country's 22nd Chief Justice.