JBC proposes new criteria for SC, Ombudsman posts

MANILA, Philippines–The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has proposed to Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno a point matrix system to thoroughly screen and narrow down applicants to judicial and Ombudsman positions.

JBC, which is constitutionally mandated to screen applicants to the judiciary and Ombudsman positions, made the proposal after it received over 30 nominees and applicants for the Chief Justice position.

The chief justice post became vacant after Chief Justice Renato Corona was impeached last May. Sereno assumed  Corona’s post.
In a letter to Sereno, a copy of which was obtained by reporters Monday, the JBC through its Executive Committee Chairperson Regino Hermosisima Jr., said only applicants with total scores of 70 percent and above shall be considered for nomination by the JBC en banc.

The following criteria shall be considered: Bar exam rating 10 percent (with additional points for topnotchers); scholastic record 10 percent; work experience 15%; work performance 15%; integrity 20%; good health 20%; other accomplishments 10% with a total of 100 percent.

“While the grade of only 20% is allocated for goof health, the JBC can disqualify applicants otherwise well-qualified who are proved to be physically or mentally incapable of discharging judicial functions,” the proposal stated.

It further added that any JBC member can propose for the inclusion of an applicant with a rating below 70% “in view of exceptional qualifications. However, the proposal has to be approved by all members of the JBC.

The JBC enbanc is composed of Sereno as chair; ex-officio members Justice Secretary Leila DeLima, Senator Francis Escudero and Representative Niel Tupas Jr. (Chair of Senate and House Committee on Justice, respectively); retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Regino Hermosisima Jr; academe representative Atty. Jose V. Mejia; private sector Representative Atty. Aurora Santiago-Lagman; representative of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Atty. Maria Milagros Fernan-Cayosa.

The JBC is set to vote this week for the shortlist to fill up the vacancy in the Supreme Court.