CJ Search: Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr.

Associate Justice and former court administrator Presbitero J. Velasco, Jr. was the last of the 20 candidates for chief justice the Judicial and Bar Council interviewed Friday in the country's first nationally-televised public interviews for the vacant judicial post.   Velasco, who said that he had a difficult time accepting the nomination, said that he eventually realized he had something to contribute.   “I initially thought Carpio should be appointed since he's the most senior associate justice, because I strictly follow the seniority in our court,” he said.   “But, I realized I have a wealth of experience behind me,” he added.   He also said that because he was a court administrator, he has insight on the intricacies of the judiciary that none of the other nominees have.   The court administrator is “tasked with the supervision and administration of the lower courts and their personnel,” according to the SC website.    The court administrator also recommends all actions on court management, personal and financial administration and administrative discipline to the Supreme Court. Complaints against judges and court personnel are also filed with the court administrator.    Resources   Velasco told the JBC that the SC needs a bigger budget for more courtrooms and equipment.   He also added that to ensure fairness and equality, giving allowances and perks to justices should be the concern of the Supreme Court, and not of the local governments.   Velasco said he wants to prioritize the environment and those who defend it, should he be appointed to the top SC post.   “Dapat bigyan rin natin ng proteksyon ang mga officials who are only doing their job under existing environmental laws,” Velasco said. “Rules of court should be amended to incorporate innovation,” he added.   Like several candidates before him, Velasco also highlighted the problem of an understaffed judiciary. “There must be a way we can entice [private practitioners] to serve as legal aid lawyers. Legal aid is not enough. We must create more positions for public attorneys,” he said.   Velasco is the ponente of the SC decision awarding Hacienda Luisita to farmers. In 2002, 2003 and 2006, the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) received complaints against Velasco accusing him of ethical misconduct.