Inclusion of ex-DILG exec in shortlist of Sandigan justices hit

MANILA, Philippines - The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) said yesterday there is something sinister in the inclusion of former interior undersecretary Rafael Santos in the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC)’s shortlist of candidates for Sandiganbayan presiding justice.

UNA secretary-general Toby Tiangco asked President Aquino not to pick Santos as he, being a former associate of The Firm and an ally of Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, would not measure up to the reforms the President wants in the judicial system.

“I believe that President Aquino is serious in his journey toward a straight path. If necessary reforms are to be instituted, there is a need to insulate the anti-graft court from devious and dishonest lawyers,” he said.

Tiangco said he could not understand why Santos got the highest number of votes from the JBC. He expressed doubts on the real agenda of Santos last June, as he noted that there is a chance that cases pending in the Sandiganbayan may be influenced due to his connection with legal powerhouses.

“As much as we don’t want to judge a dog by its collar, but Santos’ former pack leaders who have cases in Sandiganbayan may compromise the course of justice,” he said.

The UNA official said that prior to his appointments at the Departments of National Defense and Interior and Local Government, Santos was a senior partner at the Carpio, Villaraza and Cruz Law Offices, known as The Firm. The company is currently breaking up.

“If he will be the next presiding justice of the Sandiganbayan, then it is most likely that allies will be treated with kid gloves, and iron fists for known adversaries,” he said.