In defense of Chief Justice Demapan

This is in response to Ms. Guadalupe P. Manglona’s paid advertisement yesterday, Oct. 27, 2005 regarding her displeasure of losing her case in the Supreme Court. As we all know, there are three justices in our Commonwealth Supreme Court. In deciding cases before them, it takes at least two justices to agree before an opinion is rendered. In the case of Ms. Guadalupe P. Manglona, all three justices were of the same opinion that based on the facts and the laws applicable to the case, the Superior Court’s decision to allow amendment of the pleadings was not proper. Therefore, the Supreme Court, not just one justice, reversed the Superior Court’s decision.

To single out one justice during a retention election just because the entire Supreme Court justices’ decision is not in your favor is not only unfair, but irresponsible. In our Commonwealth, we are governed by the rules of law. It is the function and ultimate responsibility of our Supreme Court to interpret our laws and Constitution. Each justice must be able to make decisions based on the facts and laws presented to them by the parties without the threat of being unfairly ridiculed.

After reviewing the actual opinions of the Supreme Court in Manglona v. Tenorio, 2004 MP 17, it is very apparent that the Supreme Court (all three justices) decided Ms. Guadalupe’s case based on the facts and the laws presented to it. Based on my understanding, the Supreme Court cannot take any facts and laws that are not brought before it by the parties. In other words, it is the responsibility of the parties to ensure that all the record established in the Superior Court are brought before the Supreme Court.

Although I understand the frustration of Ms. Guadalupe that she slot on appeal, I do not understand her justification to try to smear the good name of Chief Justice Miguel S. Demapan. Chief Justice Demapan is an honest and hardworking man. He is fair, professional, and responsible. Rather than blame an innocent person who has served our Commonwealth judiciary in an exemplary manner, we must be proud, stand up, and support Chief Justice Miguel S. Demapan for another judicial term as Chief Justice of our Supreme Court. Please vote “yes” for Chief Justice Demapan—the son of the Commonwealth.

Terry A. Santos
Rota