Palace won’t nominate candidate for top SC post–spokesman

MANILA, Philippines – Malacanang won’t have a nominee for Chief Justice and would instead wait for the list to be submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), a spokesman for President Benigno Aquino III said over Radyo Inquirer 990AM.

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares said Aquino was not barred from nominating a replacement for Renato Corona, who was removed as Chief Justice after he was found guilty of culpable violation of the Constitution in an impeachment trial.

“We have no plans of nominating anybody. We will wait for the shortlist that will be coming from the JBC,” Lacierda said.

The JBC is constitutionally mandated to accept nominations and screen applicants for the judiciary and Ombudsman post.

It started accepting applications and nominations last June 6 until June 18 when the JBC will narrow down the list.

At least three names will be forwarded to the President who will make the final choice.