Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio testified before the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) that he respects the Constitution and had no involvement in the ouster of former Chief Justice Renato Corona.
Carpio denied allegations that he schemed with President Benigno Aquino III and Secretary Manuel Roxas to remove Corona from office. He stated that he never spoke to these individuals and was instead focused on his work as acting chief justice.
Carpio also addressed concerns about the impact of the impeachment trial on the judiciary, stating that the court’s integrity remains intact despite the ouster of the former chief justice. He emphasized the importance of impartiality and transparency in the judiciary, citing his own decision to inhibit from cases related to Corona’s impeachment.
Carpio highlighted the need for judicial reform, including the establishment of mediation and judicial dispute resolution processes. He also proposed additional training for mediators and judges to improve their skills.
Despite the challenges facing the judiciary, Carpio expressed his admiration for the law as it is applied in its purest form at the Supreme Court.
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