JBC eyes point system for judiciary, Ombudsman bets

MANILA, Philippines - Aspirants for positions in the judiciary and the Office of the Ombudsman will face stiffer screening standards.

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has drafted proposed guidelines for the selection process using a scoring system that puts premium on physical and mental fitness.

As proposed, the JBC would exclude nominees and applicants otherwise qualified in all criteria, but with poor health.

“While the grade of only 20 percent is allocated to good health, the JBC can disqualify applicants otherwise well-qualified who are proved to be physically or mentally incapable of discharging judicial functions,” read the proposed guidelines which consist of four tables.

Under current rules, the JBC conducts mental tests of applicants, but has not strictly imposed a disqualification rule. 

Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno had reportedly scored low in the mental test, getting a rating of four on a scale of one to five, with five as the failing mark.

Under the proposed guidelines, the JBC will assess candidates based on seven criteria – good health (20 percent), integrity (20 percent), work experience (15 percent), work performance (15 percent), academic performance (10 percent), Bar rating (10 percent) and other accomplishments (10 percent).

The JBC will also consider the number of times an applicant took the Bar exams and give topnotchers additional points.

Scores of an aspirant in the seven criteria will be totaled and “only applicants with total scores of 70 percent and above shall be considered for nomination of the JBC.”

Candidates with “exceptional qualification” who will miss the mark may still be considered if any of the eight members of the JBC endorses him or her upon approval of the collegial body.

Those applying for posts in the Supreme Court, ombudsman and deputy ombudsman, will undergo screening based on these criteria prior to the JBC voting for the shortlist.

For other posts, this will be done in the first stage upon filing of nominations or applications.

Retired SC Justice Regino Hermosisima Jr., regular member and JBC executive committee chairman, had signed the proposed guidelines, which were already submitted to the JBC for collegial approval.

However, the proposed guidelines would not be used for the screening of applicants to the vacancy that Sereno’s appointment as chief justice had left since voting has already been set tomorrow.

Sereno chairs the JBC. Other members are Hermosisima, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Senate justice committee chairman Sen. Francis Escudero, House of Representatives justice committee chairman Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas Jr., lawyer Milagros Fernan-Cayosa from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, lawyer Jose Mejia from academe, and retired Court of Appeals Justice Aurora Lagman from the private sector.