The son of businessman Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco hit critics of President Arroyo about her plan to appoint the next Chief Justice, saying they are just politicizing the issue and trying to get media mileage from it.

Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuangco said that the enemies of President Arroyo are merely capitalizing on her unpopularity as they find it to be the easiest ticket to fame.

“Sumusunod lang sila (critics) sa uso na sa tingin nila ay makakakuha ng attention sa election (They are just trying to get along the fashion through which they could get public attention),” he said.

Despite the supposed constitutional ban on "midnight appointments" by an outgoing President, Deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar earlier said that President Arroyo will still make the appointment for next chief justice even without the shortlist from the Judicial and Bar Council.

Cojuangco said critics should stop politicizing the issue and instead wait for the proper time for them to elevate the matter before the SC.

“Bakit nila ini-issue? [Why are they making issue out of it] It is within her (President Arroyo) prerogative to appoint. I-challenge na lang nila sa Supreme Court.[They should just challenge it before the Supreme Court]. Parang tinatakot at ini-intimidate naman nila ang Presidente not to do what she thinks is right,” he said. (Gabriel Mabutas)