Palace respects Carpio's decision to accept nomination

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang respects the decision of acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio to accept his nomination to the top Supreme Court post.

“In the same manner that we respect the decision of those who have chosen to reject their nomination, we respect his decision to accept it,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said.

“I will not turn down any chance or opportunity to lead the judiciary if given the opportunity,” Carpio told reporters at the sidelines of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Central Luzon regional convention in Clark, Pampanga last Friday.

“It’s part of my work. There’s no reason for me to depart from my work,” he added.

Carpio was automatically nominated for chief justice along with the four other most senior justices of the high tribunal: Presbitero Velasco Jr., Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Arturo Brion, and Diosdado Peralta.

Nine other magistrates of the SC had also been nominated: Lucas Bersamin, Mariano del Castillo, Roberto Abad, Martin Villarama Jr., Jose Perez, Jose Mendoza, Ma. Lourdes Sereno, Bienvenido Reyes and Estela Perlas-Bernabe.

Justices Brion and Abad have accepted their nomination.

On the other hand, Del Castillo, Mendoza, Reyes and Bernabe have declined and instead endorsed more the senior justices.