Of Politics and the Rule of Law in the Philippines
Daniel Wagner, Edsel Tupaz, Jermaine Spence
1/18/12
The impeachment of incumbent Philippine Chief Justice Renato Corona has commenced in the Philippine Senate, with the customary fanfare one would expect in Manila. Consistent with the circus-like atmosphere that has prevailed throughout the course of former President Arroyo's prosecution for alleged corruption and electoral manipulation while she was president, pro- and anti-Arroyo forces were out in force. The proceedings may ultimately become a commentary on whether the Rule of Law is taking substantial root in the Philippine judicial and political process, or whether pretensions to reform remain nothing more than political machinations dressed up in the emperor's new clothes.
Depending on one's viewpoint, Corona's impeachment may prove to be the crowning achievement of the so-called 'Davide Watch' -- the eponymous description given to the vision of former Chief Justice of the Philippines Hilario G. Davide Jr. (1998 to 2005) who, during his stewardship, envisioned and promoted "a judiciary that was independent, effective and efficient, worthy of public trust and confidence." On the other hand, a conviction could in fact point to Davide's failure to inspire fundamental and normative change in judicial culture. Much will depend on the aftertaste left by the process of the impeachment itself.
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