Supreme Court picks nominees to fill vacancy

MANILA, PHilippines - The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday picked its top choices in anticipation of its forthcoming vacancy due to the retirement of Justice Consuelo Ynares-Santiago on Oct. 5.

The High Court, in a statement, said that Court of Appeals Justice Martin Villarama Jr., Sandiganbayan Justice Francisco Villaruz Jr. and lawyer Rodolfo Robles, chairman of the Landfill Management and Development Corp. and Rhudnor Capital Corp., got the most number of votes among the Supreme Court justices.

Villarama got 11 votes, while Villaruz and Robles got 10 votes each from members of the Supreme Court.

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) shall give weight and regard to the recommendees of the SC and is expected to meet on Oct. 5 to take up matters regarding the vacancy and come up with its shortlist, which will be submitted to the Palace.

The JBC, under the 1987 Constitution, has “the principal function of recommending appointees to the judiciary.”

The President has 90 days from the date of retirement or the occurrence of vacancy to fill up the position.   – Sandy Araneta