Members of Judiciary to receive allowances from government agencies
Solicitor General Francis H. Jardeleza Tuesday said there is nothing wrong for members of the Judiciary to receive allowances from other government agencies.
Jardeleza was answering the question of Atty. Milagros Cayosa on the allowances being received by judges from the local government units during a public interview of nominees to the post of Chief Justice.
The interview by the Judicial and Bar Council at the Supreme Court was seen on nationwide television.
Cayosa is a member of the JBC representing the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
Jardeleza said the Office of the Solicitor General faces the same issue, but he said what they do is not to give the money to particular people but place the same in a fund to avoid what he called a payback for some “debt of gratitude”.
If appointed as Chief Justice, Jardeleza said he would call all members of the SC and assure them he will do his work with humility and learn from them.
On the separation of powers of the three branches of government, Jardeleza said each branch should respect each other as co-equal branches of government.
Jardeleza agreed with the proposal for the Commission on Audit to review the Judiciary Development Fund because it is a public fund and that it is the right of the people to know where the JDF ended up.
He believed the people would be closer to the SC if there would be a fair decision.
To earn the trust of the associate justices of the SC if appointed as Chief Justice, Jardeleza said he would talk to them, knowing fully well they have more extensive experience than he has.
On the issue of coco levy fund, Jardeleza clarified he did not interfere in the case when he was the lawyer of San Miguel Corp. because the case merely involved Danding Cojuangco, the chairman of SMC.
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