The essence of democracy is freedom. Nonetheless, absolute freedom is not guaranteed. It has certain limits. The present issue between the Executive and the Judicial branches of government is a classic example that portrays the essence of democracy.
Though under the 1987 Philippine Constitution the Judiciary has expanded powers, and that it has been strengthened by being an independent body, however, the latter also has limits. No one is beyond the reach of the law by hiding behind the constitutional provision on "Fiscal Autonomy". The Supreme Court Justices are not "Gods". They remain subservient to the to rules of democracy. That rule is transparency and accountability.
The Judiciary is accountable not to the Executive Office nor to the Legislative Office, but to the people. Even if the Justices are not elected officials directly and expressly installed by the people into their seats, the rules on public accountability still apply to them squarely.
ReplyDelete