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.