CHIEF Justice Renato C. Corona’s Dec. 12 speech before Supreme Court Justices and court officials and employees during the flag raising ceremonies at the Supreme Court grounds, in response to the surreptitious “Oust the CJ Plot.”
My fellow justices of the Supreme Court,
Court officials and employees,
Fellow workers in the Judiciary…
I want to take this opportunity to address some matters of great concern to the Court and the Office of the Chief Justice.
Reports yesterday confirmed the mobilization of a secret plan to oust me from office, by any means fair or foul. A few days ago, as you all know, I was content to let things pass in the spirit of Christmas. Today, however, with the discovery of this scheme, that will destroy our democracy, I am forced to call upon you to remain ready and vigilant. My silence does not mean anything more than caution and patience.
Let no one mistake my silence as a sign of weakness.
I have been quietly preparing and will be ready to take more determined steps in the coming days.
I want all of you to know that your Chief continues to be in command and will lead the fight against any and all who dare to destroy the Court and the independence of the Judiciary.
WE do not want to see a constitutional crisis befall our democracy, but if we are challenged to defend our independence, we shall not meekly walk away.
In the words of Jose Rizal, “It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. It is like a stone wasted on the field without becoming a part of any edifice.” You and I are but stones in the edifice known as the Supreme Court. We must dedicate our lives and actions to building our edifice and securing the independence that is promised and demanded by the Constitution.
This is our path, the only path to a principled life.
We must keep our guard otherwise the enemies of the Court will surely take advantage of our good faith. By continuing with uninterrupted dedication to our work, we will prove all our critics and detractors wrong. Do not do anything that will encourage division or dissension in the Court. I assure you, I do not intend to leave them to do as they please. I do not intend to leave you to fight this battle alone.
We have great plans for the Court, and promises to keep to the Filipino people. Ours, however, are not borne of electoral campaigns or the quest for publicity, but demanded by our principles and our sworn duty to uphold and defend the Constitution. Ours is a chosen life committed to principles we must adhere to without complaint, without rest, for God and for country.
Stay at your posts and keep the administration of justice going. Maintain fidelity to your duty to render efficient and impartial public service. Do your jobs and stick to your principles, to our principles.
Do not forget, I am here. I am not going anywhere. I am your defender and most of all, I am your Chief Justice. Together, we will face these challenges and fight all who dare to destroy the Court and our system of justice under the Constitution.
My fellow Court workers, WE stand together.
Good day to all of you and may God continue to bless us all.