Mayor Peña opposing Carpio's bid for CJ post

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Mayor Magdaleno Peña of Pulupandan town in Negros Occidental has filed a formal opposition to the possible appointment of Justice Antonio Carpio to the position of Chief Justice.

Peña, in his letter to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), said he vehemently opposed Carpio’s appointment, alleging that the latter is “morally/ethically unfit for the position of Chief Justice” based on the mayor’s personal knowledge and experience with the magistrate.

In a press release from his office, Peña said the basis of his opposition is that SC Resolution, dated November 13, 2002, in G.R. 145817 and 145822, penned by Justice Carpio, when released, became “Granted” from being only “Noted” by the members of the SC First Division under suspect circumstances.

Last May 16, after Peña filed his administrative complaint against Justices Carpio and Sereno before the SC committee on ethical standards, the High Court disbarred him, his statement further said.

Peña said his move to expose some anomalies committed before the SC at his expense, and even being stripped of his title as a member of the Bar, clearly elucidates his advocacy to clean up the judiciary. - THE FREEMAN