CJ De Lima? From ‘not interested’ to ‘strong alternative’

MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Leila de Lima is known for speaking her mind in public. Her turnaround in accepting the nomination to be Chief Justice also played out in the press.

While De Lima never ruled out the possibility of replacing Renato Corona, she initially expressed strong misgivings about the post. On separate occasions, De Lima told reporters about her reservations before she eventually accepted the nomination on Monday, July 2.

Even before she was nominated, the Secretary responded to speculation that she might be appointed to the post.

She said on June 1, “If you ask me if I am aspiring for that position right now, I am not aspiring for any other position. It is que sera sera. If it is meant for me, it is meant for me.” 

De Lima added that she was focused on her work. “Right now, I have this position, a very critical position, an important position. I still have a lot of things to do.”

Weeks later, she reiterated her stand after receiving nominations from various individuals and groups. She told reporters on June 13 that she was not interested in leading the Supreme Court.  

“I am not used to being in a collegial body. My persona and my personality, I think, I don’t know kung bagay ako doon (if I will fit in there).”

De Lima was candid. “To put it lightly, a Chief Justice is passive. Seldom seen, seldom heard, only read. Can you imagine Leila de Lima seldom seen and seldom heard?”

The Secretary said that while she is professional and able to adjust to any environment, she was having second thoughts “whether at this point I’m ready to head such a crucial institution such as the Supreme Court.”

She said she would have to go on a “deep reflection” to decide.

At one point, she even told reporters, “Kung pwede lang sana huwag muna kayo magtanong. Nahihirapan ako, nape-pressure ako.” (If possible, please don’t ask me first. I’m having a hard time. I’m pressured.)

‘SC insiders have the edge’

De Lima, though, has been consistent about one thing: incumbent Supreme Court justices or insiders have the edge in the race to the top post in the judiciary. 

“Alam na nila ang ‘yung kalakaran. Alam na nila ang mga ginagawa ng isang justice – the ins and outs of the system, ins and outs of the judiciary. So ‘yun ang mga tunay na may edge.” (They know the workings of the court. They know what a justice does. So that is the real edge.)

De Lima was reacting to the statement of the Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares. Henares said that she had the edge because of her experience.

Asked about her advantage over other nominees, De Lima said, “I’d rather let other people say that.”

‘I will defer to PNoy’s wisdom’

Yet on Sunday, July 1, De Lima announced that she is accepting the nomination, saying that “I now feel that I will be up to the challenge and will now take on the challenge.”  The following day, she expressed confidence that she would be a “strong and hopefully acceptable alternative to the insiders.” 

What could have been the turning point?

From the start, De Lima said she would consult two people: her father, former Elections Commissioner Vicente de Lima, and President Benigno Aquino III.

She had said that her father advised her to follow what the President wants.

De Lima revealed that she made up her mind after meeting with Aquino last Friday, June 29. Rappler reported that Palace insiders said Aquino persuaded De Lima to accept the nomination, and she is among his top choices for the post.

Sources said Aquino is eyeing an outsider, and initially offered the post to another ally, Sen Franklin Drilon, but he refused. 

Aquino reportedly has reservations about choosing the most senior insider, Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio because of his links with an influential law firm, Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco.

The Palace, however, was quick to distance itself from De Lima’s statements. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Aquino did not give De Lima any go-signal and merely said he respects her decision.

PNoy wanted De Lima in DOJ

Like De Lima, Aquino has also been giving mixed signals on her possible appointment.

During his trip to London in June, Aquino told reporters, “Baka dapat kausapin ko siya na huwag ka nang magpa-consider diyan at gawin mo ang papel mo bilang vice chair ng JBC.” (Maybe I need to tell her not to be considered and just do her role as vice chair of the Judicial and Bar Council).

Aquino also said, “Maraming cases na pending na hina-handle niya.” (There are many pending cases that she handles.)

The President also told Rappler in an interview last month that De Lima and Henares are already effective members of his Cabinet, and appointing either of them will give him another problem: “Who will fill in their shoes?”

At the same time, Aquino and Lacierda have been saying that the two are competent and qualified to be Chief Justice.

Now that De Lima has made her choice, it is the JBC’s turn to reflect and decide. It will have to see if the President’s alter ego is independent enough to head the judiciary. – Rappler.com

 

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• De Lima’s future dilemma
• [EXCLUSIVE] Disbarment case vs De Lima? IBP never got complaints
• De Lima among PNoy’s top choices for CJ

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