Spare SC chief Puno from politics - FVR

MANILA, Philippines — Former President Fidel Ramos on Tuesday said it would be prudent for Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno to reject growing calls for him to run as president in the 2010 elections. "Of course, he has to reject [the calls]," Ramos said in a chance interview in Malacañang when asked by reporters if it would be prudent for the magistrate to turn down such calls. Ramos – who appointed Puno to the Supreme Court in 1993 - also called on Puno’s supporters to spare the magistrate from the “political process" while he is still seated as chief justice and let the magistrate focus on his function. "There is no need to involve him at this time in the political process. After he retires, okay. But you see, whatever comes out he becomes involved in the political side of government, meaning the Executive and the Legislative. Hindi ba, three separate branches of government tayo under the Constitution? So let's do him a favor. Let him do his job first as Chief Justice. Then after he retires, then you can do anything," he said. On Monday, Puno played coy when asked on whatever political plans he has. He, however, appealed to the public to insulate the judiciary from the politics. "Leave this judiciary out of the political scene. It will not do the judiciary any good," Puno said in a chance interview. Asked about his political plans, Puno said he already made previous commitment to his "advisers" or his grandchildren that he would fetch and deliver them to school once he retires in 2010. "Ah yung advisers ko meron na kaming pinagkasunduan na pag-retire ko ako magsususndo at maghahatid sa kanila [I already made a commitment with my advisers that I would bring and fetch them from school once I retire in 2010]," he said. Calls for Puno to seek the highest post in the land gained strength after the impeachment bid was raised against him last week. - Aie B. See, GMANews.TV