JBC cancels deliberation Wednesday

MANILA, Philippines—The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) cancelled its deliberation Wednesday following suspension of work on all courts in Metro Manila.

Lawyer Jose Mejia, academe representative to the JBC said in a text message that there is still no word when the JBC deliberation would push through.

The JBC was supposed to discuss whether to disqualify candidates with pending cases or not. Among those with pending cases include Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza, Presidential Commission on Good Government Chair Andres Bautista and Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Teresita Herbosa.

The JBC was also supposed to come up Wednesday with a shortlist of candidates for the Chief Justice post which will have to be submitted to President Benigno Aquino III.

The JBC, under the Constitutiom is tasked to screen applicants for the judiciary and the Ombudsman posts.