Palace: It’s up to SC to probe alleged bribery in CA

It will be up to the Supreme Court to probe alleged bribery in the Court of Appeals, Malacañang said on Tuesday after Senator Antonio Trillanes IV called for a Senate inquiry on his allegations that two CA justices got millions to stop Makati Mayor Junjun Binay’s suspension.

 

At a press briefing on Tuesday, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. reminded the Senate of the separation of powers in government, and that the SC is the administrator of the country’s court system.

 

"The government is against all forms of corruption. We should, however, consider the doctrine of separation of powers. As the allegation of purported bribery pertains to the judiciary, we will defer to the Supreme Court to take a look at these allegations, and for the Senate to act on the proposed resolution by Senator Trillanes,” Coloma told reporters.

 

The Palace official added that the Senate’s concern in this issue will have to center on remedial legislations.

 

"Hintayin na lang natin kung paano tutukuyin iyan ng Senado dahil kinikilala natin nga na sila ay hiwalay at pantay na sangay ng pamahalaan. Sila na ang dapat magpasya sa mga hinahain ng kanilang mga kasapi,” he said.

 

Trillanes' accusation

 

On Monday, Trillanes filed a Senate resolution calling for a Senate investigation on the supposed “justice for sale” system at the CA.

 

In his resolution, the senator accused CA Associate Justices Jose Reyes Jr. and Francisco Acosta of receiving P20 million each to issue a stop Mayor Binay’s suspension.

 

But Reyes and Acosta denied Trillanes’ accusation, calling it a form of harassment and intimidation. 
 

Legal experts have pointed out that the Senate cannot investigate the CA justices being accused of bribery.

The SC has yet to issue a statement on the matter.

 

Meanwhile, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines will also conduct its own investigation on Reyes and Acosta. — RSJ, GMA News