JBC opens applications, recommendations for Ombudsman, SC justice post

MANILA, Philippines — The search for the next Ombudsman and Supreme Court Associate Justice has begun.

In a two-page statement, dated March 16, the Judicial and Bar Council announced it will now start accepting applications and recommendations for the position of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales and SC Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr.

All documentary requirements must be submitted not later than May 2, the JBC said.

Carpio-Morales, an appointee of former President Benigno Aquino III in 2011, will end her term on July 26, 2018.

Like other presidential critics, she became a particular target of President Rodrigo Duterte’s outbursts, accusing her of brewing plans to unseat him after the ombudsman announced it would look into the first family’s alleged concealed wealth.

Early this year, Solicitor-General Jose Calida declined to comment on rumors that he is being groomed to replace Carpio-Morales in the anti-graft agency.

Meanwhile, Velasco was appointed to the high court by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2006. He will retire on Aug. 8, 2018.

Last year, opposition Sen. Leila de Lima, who is currently detained over drug charges that she said were part of a presidential vendetta, accused Velasco of lobbying for the acquittal of a “drug lord” that served as one of the government's witnesses against her.

But the magistrate denied the embattled senator’s claims.

The JBC is the body in charge of conducting careful screening of candidates seeking to fill the vacancies in the judiciary.