Bu-lat-lat (boo-lat-lat) verb: to search, probe, investigate, inquire; to unearth facts

Volume III, Number 41 November 16 - 22, 2003 Quezon City, Philippines

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Pursue JDF Investigation, Bayan Urges Congress

With the House bowing to the Supreme Court ruling against the impeachment of its own chief justice, militant groups are asking Congress to complete its investigation into the Judiciary Development Fund (JDF).

By Alexander Martin Remollino
Bulatlat.com

A red streamer on the windows of the Bacolod City Hall of Justice screams the demands of court employees

Photo by Karl G. Ombion

The militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) has called on Congress to pursue the investigation on the Judiciary Development Fund (JDF). This comes in the wake of the impeachment complaint against Hilario Davide, Jr., Supreme Court (SC) chief justice.

Congressmen belonging to businessman Eduardo Cojuangco’s Nationalist People’s Coalition had weeks before filed an impeachment complaint against the chief justice. The impeachment complaint was declared unconstitutional by the SC, being the second one to be filed against the chief justice this year. Under the law, only one impeachment complaint may be filed against one official within a year.

“With the impeachment controversy set aside, it is now incumbent upon Congress to investigate the complaints about the JDF. We challenge our legislators to fulfill their commitment to the court employees,” said Bayan spokesperson Renato Reyes.

“If they truly believe that Davide is guilty of mismanaging the fund, then they should investigate and let the public know the real score,” Reyes added.

Meanwhile, Reyes also called on the SC to open the financial records of the JDF to the public. “Nothing less than full transparency and accountability on the JDF is necessary,” said Reyes. Otherwise, the impression that the SC came out with its ruling to protect Davide will snowball.” Bulatlat.com

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