MANILA, Philippines–Twenty four candidates for the Supreme Court associate justice posts took a decision-writing examination.
The exam was conducted last June 20, a day before the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) begins the public interview of the aspirants. The JBC has set three days to interview all the candidates–June 21, 25 and 26.
Prior to the interview and aside from decision-writing examination, aspirants also took an essay writing examination.
Supreme Court associate justice aspirants during their decision-writing exam. Photo from JBC
The aspirants are also required to submit documents including their statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN). They are also required to undergo a physical and psychological evaluation.
The JBC is constitutionally mandated to vet aspirants to posts in the Judiciary and the top positions at the Office of the Ombudsman. The list of aspirants will be narrowed down and will be submitted to the President for his selection.
The 24 aspirants are vying for the Associate Justice position which will become vacant on July 29, with the mandatory retirement of Associate Justice Mariano Del Castillo. (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)