Duterte law classmate, boxing buddy gets JBC post

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed a law school classmate to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).

The 7-member JBC is tasked to screen aspirants to the Judiciary and the Office of the Ombudsman and make proper recommendations to the President.

The appointment of retired Pasig Regional Trial Court Judge Toribio Elises Ilao Jr. is contained in a one-page transmittal letter of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

Ilao is known to friends as Duterte’s “boxing buddy.” His appointment is subject to the confirmation of the Commission on Appointments.

He will take the seat of retired Court of Appeals Justice Aurora Santiago-Lagman who stepped down last July 9 as the JBC representative of the Private Sector.

“…By virtue hereof, an upon consent by the Commission on Appointments , you may qualify and enter upon the performance of the duties of the office, furnishing this office and the Civil Service Commission with copies of your oath of office,” portion of Ilao’s appointment paper.

Ilao handled the case of Andrea Rosal, daughter of CPP-NPA leader Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal.