NUPL exec: De Castro should address issues on impartiality, independence

The newly appointed Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro should address doubts on her independence and impartiality, a lawyer group executive said Saturday.

Castro was appointed Chief Justice by President Rodrigo Duterte over Associate Justices Diosdado Peralta and Lucas Bersamin, who were among the shortlisted candidates for the position.

READ: Duterte appoints De Castro as new CJ

“The new Chief Justice will have to credibly address uncomplimentary views about her independence and impartiality,” lawyer Edre Olalia, Secretary General of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) told reporters in a text message.

“We need a leader who inspires and who commands respect and admiration,” he said.

Olalia said De Castro should answer the negative views on her leadership, as he said the public “needs to trust the system and its symbols amidst the trials and tribulations.” /jpv

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