How the Court should behave

"But the best way for the Supreme Court to restore its tarnished luster is not to go after everyone who dares criticize it, especially since it has the power of career life and death over lawyers. The best way for the justices to win back public trust and confidence is to behave in ways that leave no room for doubt or skepticism. And to show their collective will to go after even their own who dares cross the ethical line and endanger the Court’s reputation." - Rina Jimenez-David, Phil. Daily Inquirer.




At Large
Supreme Court’s reputation at stake
By Rina Jimenez-David
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:02:00 10/23/2010

MANILA, Philippines—Most Filipinos seem to have grasped the absurdity of the situation in which the Supreme Court finds itself pitted against 37 faculty members of the UP College of Law over a case of plagiarism in the country’s highest tribunal.

The Supreme Court has gone after the law faculty after the lawyer-teachers issued a statement decrying the act of plagiarism committed by Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo, who wrote the decision in a case involving Japanese Occupation-era “comfort women.”

That plagiarism was committed is no longer in question. Neither has anyone said that plagiarism is not a crime, much less an offense. But as others have pointed out previously, what the Supreme Court decision seeks to establish is that since neither Del Castillo nor his law clerk had “malicious intent” in copying verbatim from three articles by foreign scholars, they must be judged innocent.

Plagiarism in academic circles (and even in journalism) is taken so seriously that once an act of plagiarism is verified, the student (or journalist) is immediately sanctioned. A student could get an automatic “F,” or failing grade, and even be suspended or expelled. Journalists have lost their jobs over it. But if you’re a Supreme Court associate justice or a lawyer clerking for one, it seems that you’re subjected to looser standards of conduct or morals.

So jealous of its reputation is the Supreme Court that it won’t hesitate to scold or sanction anyone who dares criticize it or imply it was guilty of wrongdoing. Maybe that’s why it’s now gunning after the UP law faculty who dared bring up the accusations of plagiarism against a member.

But the best way for the Supreme Court to restore its tarnished luster is not to go after everyone who dares criticize it, especially since it has the power of career life and death over lawyers. The best way for the justices to win back public trust and confidence is to behave in ways that leave no room for doubt or skepticism. And to show their collective will to go after even their own who dares cross the ethical line and endanger the Court’s reputation.

* * *

MANY groups have rushed to release statements in support of beleaguered Peace Adviser Teresita “Ging” Quintos Deles, who was the subject of a House resolution calling for her resignation in the wake of an alleged altercation with a Muslim legislator.

But I would like to highlight the statement of young professionals, many of them working in government and civil society who, contrary to the perceived notion that Generation X’ers and Y’ers are self-centered and money-obsessed, have chosen to go into public service. The list of signatories includes the most idealistic and dedicated of these young public servants who describe themselves as “young Filipinos who stand for peace and reform.”

“Secretary Deles’ background reveals a lifetime of commitment to peace and social reform. This should have been more than enough to erase any doubt about her capability and sincerity,” the statement opens. “But for us who have had the chance to be among those she has mentored, accompanied, advised, employed and nurtured, we have much more to offer as reason to stand by the person we have come to know as ‘Ging.’”

* * *

THE STATEMENT then cites the various paths Deles has pursued: social reform, peace, indigenous peoples’ rights, peace in Mindanao, gender sensitivity, good governance, human rights and Philippine democracy. Deles, they said, “has always been open to discussion and debate” (which makes it unlikely that she would “insult” a Muslim legislator over the peace situation in Mindanao.)

“Around her, we have learned to work with passion and to give our best to each task we do. With her, we have learned to love our country and believe in the best for Filipinos,” the young people said.

“But perhaps most of all, we support her because throughout her journey through the literal and political minefield known as the peace process, a process that has hardened many, Ging has made it a point to end any talk or engagement ‘with heart.’”

Would that any “senior” trekker on the road to national transformation receive such a stirring testimonial from those she (or he) has mentored, guided and befriended.

* * *

A BIT of good news about tomorrow’s barangay elections is that Constancia “Nene” Lichauco, who was barangay chair of Barangay Bel-Air in Makati for all of 18 years, is running for the same post again.

Under Nene’s chairmanship from 1989-2007 Bel-Air became well known for its cohesiveness as exemplified by the annual summer “Pasinaya” or community celebration. She also supported the founding and maintenance of the Salcedo Weekend Market, which put the barangay in the spotlight and became a destination for both tourists and locals, some coming from distant parts of Metro Manila.

From personal experience, I know Nene Lichauco as a dedicated, hard-working community leader, harnessing Bel-Air’s energies for such concerns as environmental protection, safety and security, and residents’ rights not just in Bel-Air but in all of Makati.


Nene Lichauco heads a group that has dubbed itself “24/7 Serbisyong Todo-todo,” which includes my friends Mila Alora and Mark Floro, who are running for kagawad. Mila is a PR and event organizer while Mark is a well-known photographer, and I can assure Bel-Air residents that both of them are energetic and committed and will bring these gifts with them should they be elected to serve Barangay Bel-Air.

Best of luck to Nene Lichauco, Mila Alora, Mark Floro and all other well-meaning citizens aspiring to serve the people at the most basic unit of government!


see - http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20101023-299337/Supreme-Courts-reputation-at-stake