WE stand together1

by

HONORABLE RENATO C. CORONA

Chief Justice

My fellow justices of the Supreme Court, Court officials and employees, Fellow workers in the Judiciary

I want to take this opportunity to address some matters of great concern to the Court and the Office of the Chief Justice.

Reports

yesterday

confirmed

the

mobilization of a secret plan to oust me from office, by any means fair or foul. A few days ago,
1 Delivered before Supreme Court Justices and Court officials and employees during the flag raising ceremonies on 12 December 2011 at the Supreme Court grounds, in response to the surreptitious Oust the CJ Plot.

as you all know, I was content to let things pass in the spirit of Christmas. Today, however, with the discovery of this scheme, that will destroy our democracy, I am forced to call upon you to remain ready and vigilant. My silence does not mean anything more than caution and patience. Let no one mistake my silence as a sign of weakness.

I have been quietly preparing and will be ready to take more determined steps in the coming days.

I want all of you to know that your Chief continues to be in command and will lead the

fight against any and all who dare to destroy the Court and the independence of the Judiciary. WE do not want to see a constitutional crisis befall our democracy, but if we are challenged to defend our independence, we shall not meekly walk away.

In the words of Jose Rizal, It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. It is like a stone wasted on the field without becoming a part of any edifice. You and I are but stones in the edifice known as the Supreme Court. We must dedicate our lives and actions to building our edifice and securing the independence that is promised and demanded by the Constitution.

This is our path, the only path to a principled life.

We must keep our guard otherwise the enemies of the Court will surely take advantage of our good faith. By continuing with

uninterrupted dedication to our work, we will prove all our critics and detractors wrong. Do

not do anything that will encourage division or dissension in the Court. I assure you, I do not intend to leave them to do as they please. I do not intend to leave you to fight this battle alone. We have great plans for the Court, and promises to keep to the Filipino people. Ours, however,

are not borne of electoral campaigns or the quest

for publicity, but demanded by our principles and our sworn duty to uphold and defend the Constitution. Ours is a chosen life committed to principles we must adhere to without complaint, without rest, for God and for country.

Stay

at

your

posts

and

keep

the

administration of justice going. Maintain fidelity to your duty to render efficient and impartial public service. Do your jobs and stick to your principles, to our principles.

Do not forget, I am here. I am not going anywhere. I am your defender and most of all, I am your Chief Justice. Together, we will face

these challenges and fight all who dare to destroy the Court and our system of justice under the Constitution.

My fellow Court workers, WE stand together.

Good day to all of you and may God continue to bless us all.