Ex-justice secretary named JBC member

MANILA, Philippines –  President Aquino has appointed former justice secretary Artemio Tuquero as member of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), Malacañang said yesterday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Tuquero would represent the legal academe.

Tuquero served as justice secretary during the time of former President Joseph Estrada and was also Court of Appeals justice. He is also the former dean of both the University of the East College of Law and Manuel L. Quezon University School of Law.

Tuquero replaced Dean Amado Dimayuga who retired last July.

The JBC recommends appointees for vacancies that may arise in the composition of the Supreme Court and other lower courts.

The JBC also receives and screens nominations for the position of Ombudsman and Deputy Ombudsman, respectively.