Duterte’s frat brod abandons bid for SC seat

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Antonio Kho, President Duterte’s fraternity brother, has withdrawn his name from the list of those vying to become an associate justice at the Supreme Court.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, an ex-officio member of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), confirmed Kho’s withdrawal in a text message to reporters.

Guevarra said Kho did not provide a reason for his withdrawal. But he said Kho first indicated his intentions in an Aug. 3 email. He then officially informed the JBC “through a letter,” Guevarra said.

Mr. Duterte appointed Kho to the poll body in July 2018, following his resignation from the Department of Justice.

Both Kho and Mr. Duterte are members of the Lex Talionis Fraternity. —Patricia Denise M. Chiu