MANILA (UCAN): The appointment of Antonio Kho Jr., to the Philippines Supreme Court has come under tight scrutinity. A former election commisioner, the 55-year-old is a fraternity brother and ally of the country’s incumbent president, Rodrigo Duterte.
Kho was sworn in as the 193rd justice of the country’s highest court less than 24 hours after his appointment was announced on February 23, ensuring that 13 of the 15 members of the top judicial body are Duterte appointees.
Kho graduated from the same law school as Duterte and earlier invited criticism as election commissioner when he junked the petition against former lawmaker Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., clearing the path for his run in the upcoming presidential polls.
A group of civic leaders led by Carmelite Father Christian Buenafe had questioned the ruling. “Marcos Jr. violated the law, was convicted by the final judgment and is perpetually disqualified to hold public office,” Father Buenafe said in November 2021.
Kho should not participate in Marcos cases, particularly the Comelec ruling where he participated and voted to allow Marcos Jr. to run for president
martial law victim, Dana de Guzman
Human rights groups also questioned Marcos Jr. after he was convicted of moral turpitude. The Commission on Elections, however, said that the appeals court did not say in its ruling that he was prohibited from running for public office.
Kho was born in 1966 in Sulu in Jolo province, in Mindanao. He ranked 10th in the Philippine bar examinations and practised law in the private sector until he joined the Duterte administration in 2016.
Critics said his appointment was “clearly” influenced by his relationship with the president.
“Kho should not participate in Marcos cases, particularly the Comelec ruling where he participated and voted to allow Marcos Jr. to run for president,” martial law victim, Dana de Guzman, said.
“There are already 13 Duterte-appointed justices. Any case filed against Duterte or Marcos would surely be junked or dismissed. He [Duterte] has made sure he still controls the courts,” de Guzman added.
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However, Father Simeon Galang of the Prelature of Libmanan, said Catholics must still trust in the system of governance to attain peace and stability.
“We must still trust in the process. It is the president who appoints members of the Supreme Court, or judges. This is how the constitution designed it. But, most importantly, let us trust in the conscience of those appointed. Even though you were appointed, may you have the courage to fight for what is right and just for the people, not for the person who appointed you,” Father Galang said.
