Private prosecutor in Corona impeachment replaces Padaca

MANILA, Philippines - One of the 57 private prosecutors in the impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2011 has been appointed to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said lawyer Arthur Lim has replaced Commissioner Grace Padaca, whose interim appointment was not renewed by President Aquino when it expired in June 11.

“We already got his appointment papers and I think he will be coming to Comelec on Monday. He has already taken his oath,” Brillantes said.

Brillantes, however, could not discuss the tasks awaiting Lim.

Brillantes said he wanted to talk to Lim first, but he believes the new commissioner will be an asset to the Comelec.

“He used to be the president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and that means you are a good lawyer,” he said.

At one point during the impeachment trial, Lim took center stage when Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago berated him for raising his voice and talking simultaneously with her.

Santiago even branded Lim as “impertinent” and almost cited him in contempt.

With his appointment, Lim will continue Padaca’s unfinished term in the Comelec until Feb. 2, 2018.

Lim, however, was not among the 202 nominations received by the Commission on Appointments (CA) during the congressional break.

The nominees included Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla, who is the only Cabinet member who has not yet been confirmed by the CA.

Appointed in November 2012, Petilla has not been scheduled for his confirmation hearing by the CA.              

Petilla’s problem with the CA lies with the chairman of the CA’s committee on energy, Sen. Sergio Osmeña III, who has not hidden his opposition to his appointment. – With Marvin Sy