Editorial

Erudition

Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno may be trying to make light of the situation early on by saying he would consult his advisory team, composed of his grandchildren, before he gives an answer to those clamoring for his decision to run for the presidency next year. His grandchildren?s ages: seven, four and two.

Then again, Puno may just as well be reminding us of the basic wisdom of babes. After all, age, experience, bias and personal agenda only serve to muddle one?s judgment and taint one?s motives.

For instance, an opposition senator says he is willing to forego his presidential ambitions and run as Puno?s vice-presidential pick instead. Senator Ping Lacson is trying to sound gallant.

He comes across, however, as presumptuous. What makes him think the Chief Justice will allow himself to be used by anybody who wants to attach himself to his (Puno?s ) unassailable reputation?

Sometimes brilliant ideas are not practical. Good intentions don?t guarantee best results. If he accepts the challenge, Puno has to resign his post at the Supreme Court as soon as he can in order to organize his supporters and make himself known nationwide. He will then have no choice but to leave behind the programs he has introduced in a painstaking effort to reform the judiciary.

The vacancy will then make a dent on the Court?s precarious image, which Puno?s credibility has helped protect. Indeed, the Chief Justice has established himself as a luminary in the field. And not just in terms of the mastery of the law.

Meanwhile, the demands of an executive post are different. At some point, every politician finds he has to make some compromises. An executive may have to find a middle ground to get things done and achieve cooperation.

In contrast, it is Puno?s uncompromising nature that has helped establish his place in the judiciary.

At the very least, we now know the public needs a central moral figure around which we can rally to overhaul the corrupt, opportunistic environment. But even though we have the highest regard for Justice Puno, that figure cannot be him.

The Chief Justice showed his erudition when he rejected that call.