JBC opens applications for next chief justice

MANILA, Philippines — The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) on Saturday opened applications and nominations for the next Supreme Court chief justice ahead of Alexander Gesmundo’s compulsory retirement on November 6.

In a notice issued on Saturday, the JBC said the deadline for the submission of applications, along with the necessary documentary requirements, is on October 13, at 4:30 p.m.

The JBC is a constitutional body that screens and vets nominees to the president for vacant posts in the judiciary, the Office of the Ombudsman, and members of the Legal Education Board.

Aspirants may refer to the 2020 Revised JBC Rules, as amended, on the official website of the JBC for the qualification requirements and evaluative criteria.

Among the requirements are sworn Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth, accompanied by an explanation in case of an unusual, appreciable or sudden increase or decrease in net worth.

Affidavit of Waiver of Confidentiality and Secrecy of Bank Deposits must also be submitted, as well as certifications issued by banks or other financial institutions, medical records, and necessary clearances, among others.

The qualifications of applicants shall be formally reckoned by the Council as of the date of nomination, according to the JBC. 

Applicants found to have deliberately made “false statements, misrepresentations, or concealments” on any documents submitted shall be disqualified from being nominated or may be subject to perjury.

READ: Gesmundo swears in as new Supreme Court chief justice

Gesmundo is the fourth magistrate appointed by then-President Rodrigo Duterte in 2021 and the country’s 27th chief justice.

His successor will be the first Chief Justice to be appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. /gsg