JBC starts 2-day public interview of SC associate justice candidates

Former University of Manila Law School Dean Joe Santos-Bisquera. CONTRIBUTED FILE PHOTO

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) on Thursday started its two-day public interview of 16 candidates to fill the position of Supreme Court Associate Justice to be vacated by Associate Justice Martin Villarama on Jan. 16 who retired early citing health reasons.

READ: SC justice opts for early retirement due to ‘deteriorating health’

First to be interviewed was former University of Manila Law School Dean Joe Santos-Bisquera who admitted that with the 16 candidates, it will be difficult for someone like him to be appointed.

“I am a realistic person. Getting government position is not purely on the basis of merits on the table. There are a lot of unmentionable factors that can happen…I have no political backing,” Santos-Bisquera said.

READ: Dean Bisquera nominated as next SC associate justice

However, he said that if ever he will be appointed, he will focus more on major efforts to expedite the dispensation of justice.

Santos-Bisquera said being in the private sector for 45 years, he was exposed to the problems besetting the judiciary as he pointed that he knows the problems in the grassroots level.

He added that he will also introduce amendments to the Rules of Court such as eliminating the process of filing a motion for reconsideration.

Motion for reconsideration “really prolongs the process. They [litigants] use this to tire opposing parties who do not have resources for a prolonged trial.”

When asked about his health after undergoing triple heart bypass, Santos-Bisquera said: “I’m running on borrowed time but if you ask me how’s my health, I am good.” RAM