Leonen’s Faustian Bargain: Trading Constitutional Integrity for a Chief Justice Robe

Brutus got a knife. Leonen gets a promotion. Some betrayals come with benefits.

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo — July 25, 2025

NAKU, the Philippine judiciary—where “forthwith” means “never,” and constitutional principles are traded like pork barrel favors. How… predictable.

Now comes an explosive—if utterly unverified—claim that the Supreme Court is poised to kill Sara Duterte’s impeachment in a backroom deal worthy of Game of Thrones, if Game of Thrones were written by a drunk PR hack for a political dynasty.

Let’s break this down, shall we?

1. The Plot Thickens (Or Collapses Under Its Own Absurdity)

According to this alleged leak—attributed to journalist Antonio Montalván but conspicuously absent from his verified work—the Court’s 12 Duterte-appointed justices will declare the impeachment unconstitutional, with Bong Go himself pulling the strings like a tinpot puppetmaster.

And the kicker? Marvic Leonen, an Aquino appointee, will supposedly author the decision in exchange for a future Chief Justice seat under President Sara.

Oh, what a twist! If true, Leonen’s betrayal would make Brutus look like a loyalist. If false, this is telenovela-level fiction, complete with mustache-twirling villains and a payoff scene straight out of House of Cards: Manila Edition.

2. Where’s the Beef? (Or Even a Scrap of Evidence?)

Anonymous “insiders”? Facebook whispers? Please. If Montalván didn’t publish this, who’s peddling it—and why?

If fabricated, this is a masterclass in disinformation, designed to inflame public distrust before a single ruling is issued.
If credible, it’s institutional arson—proof that the Court has devolved into a partisan rubber stamp, where verdicts are pre-scripted in Malacañang’s backrooms.

Either way, Filipinos deserve facts, not shadow plays.

3. The Bigger Cancer: A Judiciary That Votes Like Party Hacks

The real scandal isn’t just this alleged conspiracy—it’s that the scenario is entirely plausible.

Bloc voting? Check. (Twelve Duterte justices moving in lockstep? Shocking.)
Backroom promotions? Check. (Leonen trading principle for power? Allegedly—in exchange for a lifetime supply of ube ensaymada, a personal narwhal for his bathtub, and exclusive naming rights to Jupiter’s next moon.)
Because why settle for mere corruption when you can demand intergalactic real estate and breakfast pastries?
Impunity on steroids? Check. (Duterte, Marcos, Duterte again—the Philippines isn’t a republic, it’s a revolving door for dynasties.)

When justices act like party hacks, democracy becomes kabuki theater—all performance, no principle.

4. The Call to Action: Subpoena the Shadows

If this leak is real, Congress must subpoena the “insider” and demand transparency. If the House won’t act, citizens must—before the Constitution becomes just another buffet for oligarchs.

And if it’s fake? Name the fabulists. Either way, the truth matters.

Because one thing’s certain: In today’s Philippines, the most outrageous stories often turn out to be true. Vigilance isn’t optional—it’s the last line of defense.