Ong’s dismissal a ‘wake-up call’ to justices, govt officials –colleague

Sandiganbayan Justice Alex Quiroz on Thursday said the dismissal of their colleague, Justice Gregory Ong, is a wake up call to justices and everyone in government to keep proper decorum foremost in their minds.

“Admittedly, that's correct,” he told reporters when asked if Ong's dismissal was a wake-up call to justices and public officials. He added that the dismissal “will refresh what is the proper decorum”  justices and government officials should observe.

Still, Quiroz believes that most justices of the courts are aware of the behavior expected of them.

“It's a matter of just maintaining who you are. Ganun pa rin. We do not change. As long as you feel you are within the proper protocol, decorum, that's it,” he said.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court dismissed Ong from his post due to his association with alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles, who was acquitted in a malversation case by the Sandiganbayan division under him. The case involved the falsification of public documents in the sale of 500 Kevlar helmets to the Philippine Marines in 1998.

Executive Clerk of Court Renato Bocar has earlier said work in the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division, which Ong used to head, will not be stalled. He said Justice Jose Hernandez, a senior member of the division, will become chair of the division upon the finalization of Ong’s dismissal.

Meanwhile, Quiroz, considered as the most senior among the junior associate justices, will fill the seat vacated by Hernandez. President Benigno Aquino III will then have to appoint a new justice to fill Quiroz’ seat.

Quiroz admitted that he was somewhat saddened by Ong’s dismissal.

“Of course, para kaming nalagas, nabawasan,” he said. “[But] the Supreme Court has spoken. That's it.”

Quiroz said Ong’s fight is not yet over, reiterating that Ong can still file for a motion for reconsideration within 15 days of the decision.

“He has a right to MR, we have to respect him also,” he said. —KBK, GMA News