JBC interview: ‘Outsider’ bets offer plans to unite SC

MANILA, Philippines—The members of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) questioned Tuesday “outsider” candidates for the chief justice post on how they would unite the Supreme Court considering that they would bypass more senior high court justices.

Presidential Commission on Good Government Chairman Andres Bautista said, “I will lead by example, fully transparent and accountable.”

He said he believes the high court justices will accept whoever is appointed with an open mind with everyone’s focus is on reforming and improving the judiciary.

“All things being equal. It should be an insider but we are in a peculiar situation,” Bautista said.

He added that the impeachment of Renato Corona is not only an impeachment of one person but of the system.

Law Professor Soledad Cagampang-De Castro, on the other hand, said “I do not have to deal or lead because they themselves are leaders. We will be cooperating and working together.”

Meanwhile, Solicitor-General Francis Jardeleza said if ever appointed, he will face the high court justices with all humility.

“How bless I would be to be with them. I am very conscious that I have never been a judge. I will assure them that I will do my work with all humility, learn from them, I will fully adjust myself,” Jardeleza said.