Palace to name five ‘independent-minded’ SC justices

President Arroyo will name five new "independent-minded" associate justices of the Supreme Court this year to replace members of the tribunal who are set to retire.

The five associate justices due for retirement are Bernardo Pardo in February, Arturo Buena in March, Jose Melo in May, Sabino de Leon Jr. in June, and Santiago Kapunan in August.

Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo told reporters yesterday the new magistrates will be competent, moral, independent-minded and dedicated.

"(The appointments) will live up to the expectations of the people," he told a forum of the non-government organization Kilosbayan.

Romulo said the Arroyo administration would welcome recommendations to the Supreme Court from Bantay Katarungan, otherwise known as the "Sentinel of Justice," and other lawyers’ and legal groups.

"We will follow recommendations," he said. "The recommendation for prospective candidates will be welcomed."

Bantay Katarungan is an independent, non-partisan, ethics-oriented organization, which was formed for the purpose of reforming and modernizing the justice system in the Philippines.

It is chaired by former solicitor general and ambassador Sedfrey Ordoñez.

Mrs. Arroyo will listen to recommendations, citing the selection of Presidential Commission on Good Government Chairwoman Haydee Yorac, who was recommended by Katarungan and Kilosbayan, Romulo said.