Philippine Supreme Court junks people's initiative

Senator Edgardo J. Angara today lauded the Philippine Supreme Court for coming out with its decision on the People's Initiative, and called for the nation to support its verdict.

"The Supreme Court, in its decision today, has shown once more that it can rise to the occasion and prove itself an independent and objective institution," he said.

The Supreme Court, with a split vote of 8-7, ruled against the petition to amend the Constitution through the people's initiative mode, which was thrown out in August by the Commission on Elections in light of the high court's earlier decision pointing to the absence of an enabling law.

"Contrary to speculations and some expectations, it has come out truly independent. Their decision has put to rest huge political uncertainty," added Angara, referring to a recent Social Weather Stations survey showing that six of 10 Filipinos were "unsure" whether the high court would decide fairly on the issue of the Malacañang-backed people's initiative to amend the Constitution.

Angara called for support to the Supreme Court's decision, saying that "we must respect and follow their verdict, and plan our course on that basis."