JBC to vote on chief justice shortlist on August 24

MANILA, Philippines — The Judicial and Bar Council is set to vote on the shortlist for the next chief justice on Friday, August 24, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said on Monday.

In a message to reporters, Guevarra said the voting was moved to a later date to give “more time to review all the documents submitted, particularly the [Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth].”

The justice chief is one of the ex-officio members of the JBC by virtue of his position.

The JBC held its public interview of the five chief justice applicants last August 16.

During the public interview, the panel grilled applicants on their qualifications to become the head of the judiciary. The JBC also asked them on changes in their wealth declaration documents.

Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin, one of the applicants, was asked to expound on the jump in his SALN in the last years.

The justice reasoned that it was due to bank deposits from his wife, who is a businesswoman, and allowances that he received as a member of electoral tribunals.

Associate Justices Teresita De Castro, Diosdado Peralta and Andres Reyes Jr., and Davao court judge Virginia Tehano-Ang also faced the JBC last week to defend their qualifications.

READ: Rundown: Views of chief justice applicants on key issues

Chief justices and SALNs

The JBC requires applicants to vacancies in the judiciary to file their SALNs.

Two chief justices were removed from their positions due to issues connected with their SALNs.

The Congress impeached the late Chief Justice Renato Corona due to his non-disclosure of bank deposits in his SALNs.

Corona’s successor, Maria Lourdes Sereno was booted out of the SC over her missing wealth declaration documents. The SC, last May, voted 8-6 to nullify Sereno’s appointment as chief justice.

The 1987 Constitution mandates the president to fill the vacancy at the Office of the Chief Justice in 90 days, which puts the deadline for the appointment of the new head of the judiciary on September 16. — Kristine Joy Patag