The Supreme Court building on Padre Faura Street in Manila. (File photo by CATHY MIRANDA / INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippine—The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) already came up with a shortlist of candidates for the Supreme Court Associate Justice position that will become vacant upon the retirement of Associate Justice Noel Tijam.
After its deliberation, of the 20 aspirants, 10 names have been shortlisted.
Court of Appeals Associate Justices Manuel Barrios, Japar Dimaampao and Amy Lazar-Javier leads with six points each.
Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang, and appellate justices Ramon Cruz, Ramon Garcia and Mario Lopez each received five points.
Those who obtained four points were Court of Appeals Associate Justice Apolinario Bruselas Jr., Supreme Court Administrator Midas Marquez and former Ateneo Law School Dean Cesar Villanueva.
Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Efren de la Cruz who dissented to the acquittal of former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. was not included in the shortlist.
The names will be submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte, who has 90 days from vacancy to make a decision. Tijam will retire in January next year. /jpv
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