Solgen Jardeleza's appeal for SC shortlist granted

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court granted the petition of Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza asking to be included in the Judicial and Bar Council's (JBC) shortlist for the high court vacancy.

In a decision on Tuesday, the Supreme Court ordered Malacañang to include Jardeleza among the final candidates for the associate justice position vacated by Associate Justice Roberto Abad who retired May 22.

Magistrates of the high tribunal conducted a secret balloting, with seven voting in favor of Jardeleza's petition and four opposing it.

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio inhibited from voting. Associate Justice Martin Villarama Jr., meanwhile, is on wellness leave.

In July, Sereno questioned Jardeleza's integrity before the JBC, where she sits as chairperson, excluding his name from the shortlist submitted to the Palace for President Aquino's selection.

Jardeleza then sought the relief over the alleged violation of his right to due process, arguing he was not informed of the accusations against him.

Also read: Palace wants Jardeleza in SC shortlist  | SC justice questions JBC exclusion of Jardeleza

Earlier this month, Malacañang pushed for the inclusion of Jardeleza, its chief counsel, in the shortlist for the lone Supreme Court vacancy. It argued that the exclusion was not in keeping with the collegial character of the JBC. - with a report from Edu Punay