MANILA, Philippines - Over 100 people, including opposition leaders, civil society groups, and law students, marched on Friday from Kalaw St. to Taft Avenue to protest the Supreme Court’s decision allowing the appointment of a "midnight Chief Justice" by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

The rally was greeted by a barricade upon the entrance of Padre Faura St., but they were allowed to go through anyway upon seeing the front liners in the protest march, which included Sen. Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan, Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño, and Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros, among others.

Upon reaching the gate of the Supreme Court, they burned the images of the 9 Supreme Court justices who voted in favor of allowing President Arroyo to appoint the next chief justice.

A provision in the Constitution states that presidential appointments should no longer be made 2 months before the elections, but the Supreme Court ruled that the provision does not cover the judiciary but only the executive department.

The protest was held in the midst of the Supreme Court's own internal battle as nominees for the next chief justice await the names that will be shortlisted and submitted to President Arroyo.

Meanwhile, a forum on the Supreme Court's controversial decision will be held at the UP College of Law on Friday from 3 to 5 pm. UP College of Law Dean Marvic Leonen and former Dean Raul Pangalangan are expected to discuss the implications of the ruling. (Read: Chief Justice to play key role if polls fail)

After the forum, a protest march calling for the defense of judicial independence will be held around the UP Oval, followed by candle lighting at 6:30 pm. Those who will join have been asked to wear black.

The Philippine Bar Association (PBA) is set to file before April a motion for reconsideration on the controversial decision. -- report from Timi Nubla, ABS-CBN News