Malacañang is confident the mounting protests against the Supreme Court decision allowing President Arroyo to appoint the next Chief Justice would not cause any serious political instability in the country.

Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Charito Planas said the Palace respects the protest rally held by some groups but reminded them to abide by the SC ruling once it becomes final and executory.

“Each person has a right to protest but once the Supreme Court decision is final and executory, we can’t do anything but follow the order,” Planas said in a news conference in the Palace.

Planas said the government would also respect any attempt by government critics to take legal remedies to appeal the SC decision, adding they have to respect due process.

“No. the opposition has done nothing but oppose. There is no end to it. Let us just follow the rule of law,” she said when asked if the growing opposition to the SC ruling may shake the foundation of the Arroyo government.

“If we will not follow the Supreme Court, then there would be trouble,” she added.

Meanwhile, former National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Solita “Winnie” Monsod said that the Constitution was slandered after the SC decision. She added that before, the Supreme Court is the last “bulwark” of our democracy but after the recent ruling, she said she doesn’t know where the Filipino people will run for help. (With a report from John Carlo Cahinhinan)