De Lima backs proposed live telecast of Chief Justice selection

DOJ Secretary Leila De Lima. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Wednesday expressed her support to the suggestion of some groups seeking to broadcast live the public interviews of the aspirants to be the next Chief Justice.

But De Lima, believed to be among President Benigno Aquino III’s choices to succeed ousted Chief Justice Renato Corona, said the rules of the Judicial and Bar Council should be amended first before it could allow the live telecast of the selection process.

“I think it’s OK. In the interest of transparency, the live coverage is really good,” De Lima told reporters in an interview.

“But you must understand also that it’s not covered by the JBC rules. So the only way is to amend the rules. That’s still being discussed,” she added.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and the anti-corruption watchdog Transparency and Accountability Network have been pushing for the live broadcast of the JBC interviews on the applicants to the highest post in the judiciary to ensure public participation and transparency in the selection process.