JBC denies associate justice’s request for result of psychological exam

Senator Francis Escudero: No to Associate Justice Brion’s request. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has maintained that it will not accede to any Chief Justice post candidate’s request for the results of his or her psychological and psychiatric examinations unless it is directed by the Supreme Court to do so.

“Under the rules of the JBC, psychological and psychiatric results are confidential and there is no suspension of this rule,” Senator Francis Escudero, JBC member, told reporters Monday.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Arturo Brion, one of the candidates for the Chief Justice post, asked for the results of his examinations but his request was denied by the JBC. He then raised the issue to the Supreme Court.

The JBC screens applicants for the judiciary and the Office of the Ombudsman. It provides a shortlist of qualified candidates to the President who will make the appointment.

Under the JBC rules, a candidate is required to undergo psychological and psychiatric examinations. The results, however, are confidential.

“We will abide with and follow whatever decision the Supreme Court will hand down on this matter because the JBC is under the Supreme Court’s supervision,” Escudero, however, said.

The Supreme Court en banc is expected to tackle Brion’s request on Tuesday.