“RESIGN.”
This was the suggestion of Pio Andrade Jr. to Chief Justice Renato Corona after being appointed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Andrade stated his disapproval of Renato’s appointment in an open letter read to the delegates of the 27th Buklod Atenista Congress held on May 29 that afternoon.
Andrade is a chemist-turned-historian who wrote a book called The Fooling of America: The Untold Story of Carlos P. Romulo, an exposé on Romulo’s true character and political motives.
No guts
Andrade said that Corona’s appointment was a breach of the Constitution, Section 15 Article 7, which stated that a president cannot make any appointments to executive positions two months before the presidential elections and up to the end of his term.
He also criticized Corona’s decision to abstain when the Supreme Court voted on Arroyo’s right to appoint the new Chief Justice.
“[It] is an abdication of responsibility, deviousness, and cowardice. On that point, you are tener huevos—walang bayag (no guts),” he said.
Andrade also asked Corona, “What happened to the moral formation given to you by the Jesuits? Gone with the wind? Your lack of courage and integrity makes you unfit to be Chief Justice.”
Not easily fooled people
Andrade added that Corona should resign in order to repair the damage that he and Arroyo had caused. “Your being Chief Justice, given your questionable moral background, makes the people suspect that you would work not for the people’s welfare, but for [Arroyo’s].”
He ended the letter with a footnote, which said: “Don’t treat us as easily fooled people, the way [Arroyo] thinks we are. We may not be lawyers, but we know when the letter and spirit of the law is violated despite the technicalities put up by lawyers.”
Andrade also asked the Ateneans to adhere to the theme of this year’s Buklod Atenista—Engaging Ateneans for a Better Philippines—by conducting a signature campaign requesting for Corona’s resignation.
Read Andrade’s full letter here.
