The Supreme Court is vested with the rule-making
power under which it determines the rules
of procedure and of practice, and of matters
relating to attorneys, the internal discipline
of the courts and the administration of judicial
affairs.
Judges shall not be removed except by public
impeachment unless judicially declared mentally
or physically incompetent to perform official
duties. No disciplinary action against judges
shall be administered by any executive organ
or agency.
The Supreme Court shall consist of a Chief
Judge and such number of judges as may be
determined by law; all such judges excepting
the Chief Judge shall be appointed by the
Cabinet.
The appointment of the judges of the Supreme
Court shall be reviewed by the people at
the first general election of members of
the House of Representatives following their
appointment, and shall be reviewed again
at the first general election of members
of the House of Representatives after a lapse
of 10 years, and in the same manner thereafter.
The judges of the inferior courts shall be
appointed by the Cabinet from a list of persons
nominated by the Supreme Court. All such
judges shall hold office for a term of 10
years with privilege of reappointment, provided
that they shall be retired upon the attainment
of the age as fixed by law.
The judges of the inferior courts shall receive,
at regular stated intervals, adequate compensation
which shall not be decreased during their
terms of office.
Where a court unanimously determines publicity
to be dangerous to public order or morals,
a trial may be conducted privately, but trials
of political offenses, offenses involving
the press or cases wherein the rights of
people as guaranteed in CHAPTER III of this
Constitution are in question shall always
be conducted publicly.