JBC to tackle SC recommendations on chief justice selection process —Guevarra

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) will meet on Thursday to discuss the recommendation of the Supreme Court (SC) to ease rules for chief justice bets who are part of the high tribunal, a member of the screening body said Tuesday.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra confirmed the SC has urged the JBC to exempt from mandatory public interview the five most senior SC justices who are automatically nominated to replace outgoing Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta.

The high court also asked the JBC not to require the magistrates to submit clearances, medical examination results and documentary requirements save for the letter indicating his or her intent to vie for the position.

The five senior magistrates in terms of appointment are Justices Estela Perlas Bernabe, Marvic Leonen, Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Alexander Gesmundo and Ramon Paul Hernando.

“I expect that this matter (SC resolution) will be discussed at the next JBC en banc meeting this Thursday,” Guevarra said.

The SC reportedly pushed for the exemptions since the question of whether or not the five justices possess the qualifications was already determined when they were nominated and later appointed by the President to the high court.

On Monday, the JBC extended until February 26 the submission of applications for chief justice.

Peralta will leave the judiciary on his 69th birthday on March 27, one year ahead of the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the President has 90 days from vacancy or until June this year to choose the next chief justice from among the applicants vetted by the JBC. —KBK, GMA News