THE University of Cebu College of Law conducted a round table discussion on the topic “Strengthening Judicial Independence through Reforms in the Selection Process of Judges and Justices” last Sept. 14 at the Justice Bernardo LL. Salas Moot Court, University of Cebu Banilad Campus.
The discussants were Associate Justice Isaias Dicdican of Court of Appeals, Justice Gabriel Ingles of the Court of Appeals Cebu station, Judge Meinrado Paredes of Cebu Regional Trial Court branch 13, Integrated Bar of the Philippines Cebu City Chapter vice president Hidelito Pascual, IBP Cebu Province Chapter director Ria Lidia Espina and Donn Serpico Capon, senior Law student of UC.
It was pointed out in the discussion that the selection of judges and justices shall be freed from political influence by avoiding the “padrino” system.
To assure judicial independence, applicants for judges and justices shall undergo the normal procedure by taking the qualifying exam.
The discussants encouraged the participants to aspire to become judges or justices in order to introduce reforms and be catalysts for change in the judiciary.
The activity was graced by UC College of Law Dean Baldomero Estenzo, lawyer Gloria Estenzo Ramos, UC College of Law Professor in Problem Areas in Legal Ethics, UC College of Law students and Cebu Normal University Political Science students.