COURT Administrator Jose Midas Marquez yesterday chided Malacañang for scouting for the replacement of Chief Justice Renato Corona even before the Senate, seating as an impeachment court, has started Corona’s impeachment trial.

In a press briefing, Marquez called on Malacañang to remain calm, be humble, and not to preempt the Senate.

“Stop being arrogant. Let’s exercise humility,” Marquez said.

Marquez, who is also the concurrent SC spokesperson, accused the Palace of conditioning the minds of the people on Corona’s conviction and ouster.

“Huwag na natin pangunahan ang mga senador. Wala pa ngang trial. Let’s wait and not preempt the Senate. So hinay-hinay lang. Hintayin natin ang proseso,” Marquez said.

“Kasama na yan,” Marquez added when asked if Malacañang has already resorted to mind-conditioning on the impeachment.


Aquino is not the JBC

President Benigno Aquino III was reported to have asked his legal advisers to look for the replacement of Corona even before the start of the impeachment trial.

Aquino asked for a shortlist of people that can be considered for the position of chief justice.

But Marquez reminded Aquino that only the Judicial and Bar Council can initiate the selection process for the possible replacement of Corona.


CJ will not go on leave

Also, Marquez said Corona will not go on leave and will continue to function as chief justice, saying there is nothing in the Constitution nor in the impeachment rules requiring him to go on leave.

“There is nothing in the law requiring Corona to do that. So he will continue to remain in office as long as he can perform his duties as chief justice,” Marquez said.

At the same time, he bared that the law does not speak in clear words requiring the physical presence of the Chief Justice in the Senate during trial.

“Unless he is summoned, otherwise, his lawyers will be the ones attending,” Marquez said.