So much for hegemonic preservation

Earlier this year, when President Arroyo insisted on appointing the new Supreme Court Chief Justice, critics accused her of seeking to stack the judiciary to ensure it would uphold her policies and shield her from accountability. So far, it hasn't exactly worked out that way. The Supreme Court seems intent on accommodating the new Aquino administration and hasn't stuck its neck out for Arroyo. According to reports from Manila, it seems like the Supreme Court will not rule Aquino's Executive Order No. 2 unconstitutional. E.O. No. 2 would sack all of Arroyo's midnight appointees. We'll see what happens, but for now the much-anticipated showdown between Aquino and the justices looks a ways off.