The topnotcher in the recent Bar examinations Sunday called for respect for the Supreme Court (SC) decision allowing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to appoint the successor of outgoing Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno.

Reinier Paul R. Yebra, who is scheduled to take his oath on April 28 along with 1,450 others who passed the 2009 Bar exams, said that while critics cannot be prevented from voicing their disapproval of the ruling, they have no choice but to respect the same especially if it becomes final.

“We live in a democratic country and Republican state. People are allowed to believe differently and have their own opinions. Free speech and the right to peaceably assemble are rights protected and guaranteed by our Constitution,” Yebra said.

“For as long as these rights are exercised within legal bounds, and in accordance with the conditions provided by law there is nothing contentious about it,” he added.

Yebra said he personally believes that the March 17 decision of the High Court giving Mrs. Arroyo the power to appoint the next SC chief when Chief Justice Puno retires on May 17 was “legally sound.”

He said it was clear from the ruling that the constitutional ban on midnight appointments, which started on March 10 and will last on June 30, does not cover appointments to the Supreme Court, including that of the Chief Justice.