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MANILA, Philippines—The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) already opened nominations for the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

JBC member Atty. Jose Mejia said they will start accepting nominations and applications beginning Thursday.

The Associate Justice position was vacated when Maria Lourdes Sereno was appointed Chief Justice.

Mejia said acceptance of nomination and application is for 10 days.

Under the 1987 Constitution, to be appointed as Supreme Court associate justice, the minimum requirements are: one must be a natural born citizen; at least 40 years of age; and 15 years or more as a judge of a lower court or engaged in the practice of law in the Philippines.

President Benigno Aquino III has 90 days from the time the position became vacant to appoint the next associate justice.