JBC meets to discuss Corona’s replacement

MANILA, Philippines—The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) met Monday to discuss the opening of the selection process for the new Chief Justice.

Lawyer Jose V. Mejia, academe representative to the JBC, told reporters that that they will announce the opening of the application for the Chief Justice post and the selection process after the meeting.

Before discussing the opening of the nomination, JBC ex-officio member Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr. said he will ask the members to choose among them who will act as chairman.

“Can the acting Chief Justice preside? I don’t think so. Under the constitution, only the Chief Justice can sit as chairman,” Tupas told reporters.

Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio called for the JBC session. Being a senior member of the high court, he will automatically be considered as one of the candidates for the Chief Justice post.

“I think, the most senior member of the JBC, (retired) SC Justice [Regino] Hermosisima should act as acting presiding chair of the JBC,” Tupas said.

The Chief Justice post was vacated by Renato Corona who was removed from his office through impeachment.