MANILA, Philippines — The Judicial Bar Council (JBC) will convene on Monday (June 25) to set final guidelines on the nomination and application process for the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (SC).
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, an ex-officio member of the JBC, said in a text message on Thursday (June 21): “It is expected that the JBC will direct the publication of a notice stating that it will now accept applications or nominations for the vacant CJ position.”
Meanwhile, Atty. Jose Mejia assured that they will be strict when it comes to screening the applicants especially on the issue of the statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN); an important document that triggered a controversy and toppled Maria Lourdes Sereno as chief justice.
“We have always been strict naman kasi simple lang naman kasi iyan. Here are the requirements you submit kaya lang may konting nuisances that had to happen,” Mejia explained.
Mejia added that they may also consider cutting the application period short.
“Normally we give 45 days, but with this one, since time is of the essence, maybe we will lower down the number of days for the application, ” he said.
After the screening process, the JBC will begin the public interviews before deliberating on the shortlist and voting for the person they will recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte.
Under the law, the chief justice position must be filled within 90 days from the occurrence of the vacancy. – JL Asayo / Marje Pelayo
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