IT'S PAYBACK TIME

Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban recently joined GMA-7 Network Inc. as one of its board directors (independent), together with former Central Bank Governor Jaime 'Jimmy' Laya. I am reminded of another GMA, the publicity-hungry President Gloria Arroyo who had appointed another former Chief Justice - Hilario Davide Jr. to the United Nations (UN) as the Philippines' Permanent Representative there. Davide's appointment drew criticisms from both students and teachers of the law. To my knowledge, his nomination is contrary to public policy which limits foreign service only to those below 65 years of age. Davide is more than 70, thus he cannot be VALIDLY nominated or appointed. Any such case to his confirmation would be invalid for the same reason. But then again, this is a case of what one may call a 'presidential prerogative,' right? Sure, but the law here is very clear and by all means should never be compromised, and the irony of it all is that it involves no less than the highest guardian and protector of the laws of the land - a former Chief Justice.

(Image from http://pcij.org)