5 governors back Nachura for SC chief

Political bigwigs in Eastern Visayas are pushing for the appointment of Solicitor General Antonio Eduardo Nachura to the Supreme Court with the forthcoming retirement of Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban.

Led by Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone, the group said Nachura is the ideal choice to join the 15-member Supreme Court.

In a joint statement, Evardone, along with four other governors in the Central Visayas, said Nachura’s "legal prowess, indubitable integrity and extensive background in academe, civil service, the corporate world and Congress make him the most ideal choice at this point to replace" Panganiban.

The four other governors pushing for Nachura’s appointment to the Supreme Court are Raul Daza of Western Samar, Carlos Jericho Petilla of Leyte, Rosette Lerias of Southern Leyte and Rogelio Espina of Biliran.

Panganiban is slated to retire next month and the Palace is currently scouting for his replacement.

"Given his sterling record in a wide gamut of fields, we are confident that Nachura is the most ideal choice to succeed Chief Justice Panganiban at the High Court," said Evardone, press relations officer of League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP).

LPP and the Sigaw ng Bayan were key proponents of the doomed attempt to amend the Constitution through people’s initiative.

"With his track record and proven integrity, we believe (Nachura) will do justice to such an appointment to what has become an activist, forward-looking Supreme Court," Evardone said.

A product of the San Beda Law School, Nachura is from Catbalogan City, Samar.

Nachura previously served as presidential legal counsel and as undersecretary for legal affairs and legislative liaison at the Department of Education.

Evardone said Nachura is a towering figure in the legal community because he was at one time the dean of Arellano Law School, a sought-after pre-Bar reviewer and lecturer and one of the prosecutors in the aborted impeachment of former President Joseph Estrada.

Aside from being a two-term member of the House of Representatives, where he held various key posts, Nachura’s corporate experience is a plus, Evardone said.

"While his appointment as justice will be a great loss to the Palace, we believe it will be a big gain for the Supreme Court, which can certainly benefit from his wisdom and experience not only in the field of law but in many more undertakings as well," Evardone said.