Workers to JBC: Defy Palace’s illegal order on midnight CJ

Labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno warned the Judicial and Bar Council today against granting Gloria Arroyo’s dark wish of having the list of nominees for the chief justice post so that she can appoint a “midnight CJ.”

“The Filipino workers and people are demanding the JBC to stand its ground and defy Arroyo’s unconstitutional and dangerous order, as a midnight appointment of the chief justice at this point puts the transition to a new government in serious danger,” said KMU chairperson Elmer “Bong” Labog.

“We demand the JBC to stand on the Filipino people’s struggle for a new government, not on the wrong side of history,” he added.

Labog said KMU sees Arroyo’s most recent order as part of her dark plan to complete a roster of very loyal men sitting in top positions of key government offices.

“She has Delfin Bangit in the AFP, Speaker Prospero Nograles at the House of Representatives and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who recently proposed a military takeover, at the Senate. Now she is itching to handpick her chief justice days before the May polls.”

“Once this roster is completed, any smooth transition to the next government is definitely an uphill battle,” he added.

The labor leader added that the JBC should heed the mounting demand of workers and other sectors to junk moves for a midnight appointment of the next chief justice instead of giving in to Arroyo’s self-serving wish to remain in power beyond 2010.

“She also wants the next chief justice to be on her side so that she can completely control the highest court of the land and thus exonerate herself from her various crimes against the people,” Labog said.

“At this point, the JBC stands as a crucial battleground of opinions regarding the appointment of a midnight CJ. Should the JBC fail to uphold the Constitution over Arroyo’s dark order, workers and the people shall readily pursue the battle against Arroyo’s dictatorial schemes in the streets,” Labog added.