JBC shortlist for SC Associate Justice: 9 nominees

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) came up with nine names for President Rodrigo Duterte to choose from to replace former Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Samuel Martires, who is now the Ombudsman.

During Monday’s deliberation, the JBC has chosen eight Court of Appeals Associate Justices and the Court Administrator.

Six out of seven JBC members voted for Court of Appeals Associate Justices Japar Dimaampao and Ramon Garcia while CA Associate Justice Manuel Barrios, Apolinario Bruselas, and Rosmari Carandang, all got five votes.

On the other hand, receiving four votes include CA Associate Justices Edgardo Delos Santos, Ramon Paul Hernando, Amy Lazaro-Javier, and Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez.

Marquez has managed to land in the shortlist despite opposition from Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who accused him of pushing for the withdrawal of a disbarment case against her to earn her favor.

READ:  Sara Duterte opposes Midas Marquez’ bid for SC post

The seven-member JBC is constitutionally mandated to vet nominees to judicial posts.

The 1987 Constitution requires a vacancy in the SC to be filled within 90 days. Martires was appointed Ombudsman last July 26 and retired earlier from the judiciary last August 3, which means Mr. Duterte has until October 31 to name his replacement in the SC.

The Constitution also requires that an SC Associate Justice must be a natural-born Filipino citizen, at least 40 years old, with experience as judge or in private law practice for at least 15 years, and a person with proven competence, integrity, probity, and independence.      /kga