Interviews for next Supreme Court justice end

MANILA, Philippines—The Judicial and Bar Council on Friday concluded its interview of nominees to the vacant seat in the Supreme Court.

COA Chief Maria Gracia Pulido-Tan INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Commission on Audit (COA) Chair Maria Gracia Pulido-Tan and Court of Appeals Presiding Justice Andres Reyes led Friday’s interviewees.

Tan, one of the three nominees not from the judiciary, said that if appointed, the Supreme Court could benefit from her expertise in taxation, finance and corporate law.

The COA chair also denied being close to President Benigno Aquino III, who appointed her to the commission.

“I am not personally close to the President. We met only after he appointed me,” she said.

On the corruption in the judiciary, Tan said: “The tone is always set at the top. [Corruption can be prevented] by example.”

Reyes, for his part, said the appellate court was implementing measures to address perceptions of corruption and lack of integrity. He said the judicial reform he felt most strongly about was that “the courts need more budget, more funds, more courts, more personnel and more buildings.”

Asked how he handled influence peddlers, he replied, “I just decline politely. I tell them that I decide the case on merits.”

Others interviewed on Saturday were Appellate Justices Apolinario Bruselas Jr., Ramon Paul Hernando, Stephen Cruz and Noel Tijam; and Quezon City Judge Reynaldo Daway.

Hernando, 47, is the youngest nominee. If appointed, he would serve on the high court for 23 years and would become its most junior member.

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