MANILA, Philippines– A Filipino lawyer and law professor has blasted the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision allowing Sen. Grace Poe to run for president in the 2016 Philippine national elections.
Poe, who was earlier disqualified by the Commission on Election (Comelec) due to citizenship issues, was favored by the SC in a landmark ruling announced by SC spokesperson Atty. Teddy Te on Tuesday, March 8.
Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno along with 8 other magistrates supported the petition of the independent presidential candidate. Associate Justices Lucas Bersamin, Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Diosdado Peralta ,Francis Jardeleza, Presbitero Velasco Jr., Marvic Leonen, Jose Mendoza, and Jose Perez favored Poe’s petition.
Atty. Bruce V. Rivera, who teaches Persons and Family Relations at San Beda College of Law, expressed his negative sentiments towards SC’s decision through a brief video posted on his Facebook account. According to Rivera, SC’s decision allowing Poe to run and possibly lead the country makes being and staying a Filipino meaningless.
“Kung hahayaan naten na mamuno na at some point in her life ay tinalikuran niya ang maging isang Pilipino, yun po ay di ko matatanggap, yun po ay di ko kayang lunukin,” Rivera stressed.
(If we will let a person who at some point in her life turned her back on being a Filipino, that’s something I cannot accept and take.)
Furthermore, Rivera revealed that the SC’s decision personally affects him because he fought hard in being a Filipino. His parents and sibling, who are all American citizens now, can now easily travel anywhere because they don’t need a visa.
“Mas madali sa kanila, mas mahirap sa akin kasi Pilipino ako. Pero bakit ko pinaglalaban ito? Dahil mahal ko ang Pilipinas,” Rivera said.
(It’s easier for them and it’s more difficult for me because I’m a Filipino. But why am I fighting for this? Because I love the Philippines.)
Rivera also pointed out that there is nothing wrong with Filipinos who choose to be citizens of other countries especially those who are looking for more opportunities.
As of press time, Rivera’s video has over 900,0000 views and more than 22,000 shares on Facebook.
Watch his video below.
As a lawyer, I can criticize the Supreme Court without being disrespectful. And this is how I feel at this moment. Sorry po, I am emotional but I am just hurt. Just hurt. Bruce Villafuerte Rivera
Posted by Bruce V. Rivera on Tuesday, March 8, 2016