De Lima decision: ‘No go-signal from PNoy’

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III did not give Justice Secretary Leila de Lima the “go signal” to accept the nomination for the position of chief justice, Malacañang said Monday, July 2.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said De Lima is not assured of the seat because “she has to go through the JBC [Judicial and Bar Council] interview, screening.”

What the President merely told her in their meeting last Friday, according to Lacierda, was that it was up to her to make the decision and “that the President will accept it.”

“Walang go signal ni Presidente,” Lacierda stressed (There was no go-signal from the President). “The President just told Secretary de Lima that he will respect whatever decision that she will make.”

In a statement on Sunday, July 1, De Lima said: “After a deeper reflection and further consultations with my family and close confidants, and amidst my initial hesitance and apprehensions, I now feel that I will be up to the challenge and will now take on the challenge.”

She added: “What the judiciary needs is an effective and trusted leader. That, to me, is the call of the times.”

De Lima told reporters however that she reached the decision after a meeting with the President on Friday, June 29.

Rappler reported that De Lima is President Aquino’s top choice for the CJ position. She was at first reluctant to accept the nomination, but sources told us she was eventually persuaded by the President.

After De Lima’s initial reluctance, the position was offered to another key Aquino ally, Sen Franklin Drilon, who refused, according to the same sources.

Lacierda said he was unaware that a meeting between the President and De Lima two took  place on Friday. What Lacierda said he attended last Friday was a meeting with De Lima, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and Budget Secretary Florencio Abad.

“I was not aware that there was a separate meeting between Secretary Leila de Lima and the President. But I confirmed it with her and she mentioned to me that it was not so much a discussion but more to… Secretary Leila de Lima informed me that what the President told her was that ‘it’s up to you, you make your decision and whatever decision you make’ the President will respect the decision,” Lacierda added. – Rappler.com