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Marquez hits back at Aquino admin, describes Corona impeachment as 'dastardly'


Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez, who is also the spokesman of the Supreme Court, reiterated before Manila judges on Tuesday that the "dastardly" impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona is an “assault to the entire judiciary.”   “Make no mistake, this is an assault not only to the person of Chief Justice Corona, not only on his office, not only on SC. This is an assault on the rights, power and privacy of the entire judiciary,” Marquez said in a speech at the Manila Regional Trial Court Judges’ Association oath-taking ceremony.   He added that with the impeachment, which he said was done in a "blitzkrieg fashion," members of the judiciary branch “are being forced to surrender our constitutionally mandated powers and functions to the whim and caprice of political machinations.”   Without mentioning any names, Marquez, in his speech, said “perpetrators of this dastardly assault” on Corona and the judiciary are seeking to “intimidate and inspire fear amongst us with the loud clamoring of their ill-advised leadership.”   Marquez delivered the speech a day after the House of Representatives impeached Corona for alleged graft and corruption, culpable violation of the Constitution, and betrayal of public trust. A total of 188 lawmakers signed the complaint.   Corona is an appointee of embattled former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is now facing electoral sabotage charges in connection with the alleged irregularities in the 2007 elections.   Corona, who occupied various posts under Arroyo even when she was still vice president, had earlier said that he will not vacate his post despite the attacks on him.   Before being impeached, Corona was on the receiving end of criticisms from no less than President Benigno Aquino III, who had questioned his impartiality. — KBK, GMA News

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