PCGG chairman Bautista says SC justices should have term limit

MANILA, Philippines—Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) Chairman Andres Bautista said there also has to be a term limit for justices of the Supreme Court.

On the first day of interview by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) for candidates to the top Judicial post, Bautista said like the Executive and the Legislative and other Constitutional Commissions, a justice should only serve for seven years.

If appointed Chief Justice, Bautista will be the youngest high court chief in Philippine history at age 48 and will serve the longest until the mandatory retirement age of 70.

“I am willing to sign a waiver that I will only serve for 7 years,” Bautista said.

Bautista is the first that will be interviewed by the JBC on Wednesday. Next to Bautista will be law professor Soledad Cagampang-De Castro and Justice Secretary Leila De Lima for the morning session.