17 persons vie for SC post

MANILA, Philippines – A total of 17 persons are vying for the position as Supreme Court Associate Justice which became vacant upon the appointment of Diosdado Peralta as Chief Justice.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, a member of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), said the body would deliberate on Thursday for the initial screening of the applicants.

The applicants will also have to face the seven-man body for a public interview unless they have been interviewed for previous applications this year.

JBC is constitutionally mandated to vet applicants to the judiciary and Office of the Ombudsman. The JBC then submits the shortlist to the Office of the President who will make the final determination.

For the Supreme Court, the President has 90 days from vacancy to make a decision.

Peralta was appointed chief justice last Oct. 23 replacing Lucas Bersamin who retired last Oct. 18.

RELATED STORIES

Diosdado Peralta is new Chief Justice

Justice Secretary Guevarra turns down SC nomination: I’m still in love with DOJ