Gadon blocking JBC member’s bid to join tax court

MANILA, Philippines – An opposition has been filed with the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) to disqualify one of its members who is aspiring to be an associate justice of the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA).

Lawyer Larry Gadon, who is running for senator in the upcoming elections, is opposing the application of Atty. Ma. Milagros Cayosa to be part of the CTA.

Cayosa, current member of the JBC representing the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), allegedly lacks “proven competence, integrity, probity and independence” which are key qualifications for the CTA justice position.

Gadon accused Cayosa of falsely testifying in Congress when she claimed that then Chief Justice  Maria Lourdes Sereno complied with the statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) requirement during her application for the chief justice post in 2012.

Gadon also said that Cayosa has no experience being a trial court judge.

He added that there is also a conflict of interest because she is part of the JBC which will deliberate on her application.

She has “undue advantage among the other applicants,” said Gadon.

JBC is the seven-member council tasked to screen nominees for judicial posts.

Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin sits as chairperson with Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra and Sen. Richard Gordon as ex-officio members.

Apart from Cayosa, the other regular members of the council are retired SC Justice Jose Mendoza, retired SC Justice Noel Tijam and retired Judge Toribio Ilao. / gsg