Chavez says he didn’t refuse Chief Justice nomination

MANILA, Philippines— Former Solicitor General Francisco Chavez said Tuesday that he didn’t refuse his nomination as the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, only that he didn’t act upon it.

In an interview with anchors Susan K, Den Macaranas and Captain Dylan Halili of “Good Morning Inquirer” on Radio Inquirer 990AM, Chavez said his reason was that he didn’t want to submit himself to the jurisdiction of the proceeding, “whose composition is unconstitutional.”

By doing so, Chavez said, would “validate” the question that he has raised before the high court, particularly with the number of members of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), saying

Francisco Chavez. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

that “there should only be seven, not eight.”

Among others, JBC is the body assigned in the screening of applicants and nominees for positions in the judiciary.

“It’s always a matter of principle for me,” Chavez said.

For the full interview, listen to the attached audio clip from Radyo Inquirer 990AM.