Corrupt judges exist, Chief Justice says

Corrupt judges exist, Chief Justice says

Chief Justice Bagir Manan admits that there are currently corrupt
judges both in the Supreme Court and in lower courts, but blamed
lawyers for initiating the practice.

"There are some of us who do not love the court. They are
worse than parasites as they poison us," he said on Wednesday
during the inauguration of 23 chiefs of provincial high courts.

Bagir would not elaborate on what action the Supreme Court
would take against the allegations of bribery. But he said he had
ordered the Supreme Court's General Secretary to increase
supervision over the judiciary and to identify the corrupt
judges.

Bagir said lawyers were responsible as they offered judges
money in exchange for verdicts favorable to their clients.

"Such lawyers do not deserve the status of attorney as they
are only case brokers. They discourage our attempts for reform.
If I identify the lawyers I will ban them from representing their
clients here," he said.

Last month, the Supreme Court proposed the dismissal of two
judges for alleged involvement in bribery. Nine others also face
dismissal.