SC panel asks media not to publish info on alleged court 'fixer'

A Supreme Court (SC) committee conducting an investigation regarding an alleged "fixer" in the judiciary issued an appeal to the media on Friday against "unduly" publishing information related to the probe.

 

In a statement, the SC panel, headed by Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, appealed to the press to "find the right balance between the public’s need for information and the necessity for the committee to do its job effectively and efficiently."

 

The panel issued the statement after the Philippine Daily Inquirer published on Friday a picture of Arlene Angeles Lerma, who reportedly peddles influence on court decisions for her clients.

 

"Determining the truth is often not achieved by a mad rush based on incomplete pictures, suggestive images or unsubstantiated contexts. It is best achieved by a sober, clear, complete and independent look at the entire context," the panel statement said.

 

"The committee has taken care not to unduly publicize these documents (including photographs) until it can release its formal report because of the very high possibility that the proper context could not be ascribed," it added.

 

The SC panel vowed to release a preliminary report on the investigation within the next six months.

 

"We thus ask for patience as we do our duty with due and deliberate speed... We continue to appreciate those who have the courage to come forward to enable the Committee to do its work and hence assist the Supreme Court do its work to deliver justice," the panel said in a statement.

 

 

The panel is tasked to consolidate findings by separate probes being conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation, the Court of Appeals, and the office of Court Administrator Midas Marquez on the alleged court "fixer." – Andreo Calonzo/VS/TJD, GMA News