JBC starts search for new chief justice

MANILA, Philippines — The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) yesterday told applicants for the position of chief justice who have been in government service to submit their statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs).

“The JBC announces that applicants for the chief justice post who are currently in the private sector but were in government service within the past 10 years should also submit copies of all their sworn SALNs for the said period,” said Edgar Aricheta, SC clerk of court and JBC ex-officio secretary.

The JBC started its search for chief justice on June 25 after Maria Lourdes Sereno was ousted from the highest position in the judiciary.

Non submission of SALNs was one of the issues raised by Solicitor General Jose Calida during the SC’s deliberations on the petition for quo warranto that he filed against Sereno. 

Last May 11, the SC justices made a landmark decision removing Sereno as chief justice.

Sereno was appointed chief justice on Aug. 25, 2012. She should have served 18 years as chief justice.

Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has been designated as Acting Chief Justice. 

Carpio and Associate Justices Presbitero Velasco Jr., Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Diosdado Peralta and Lucas Bersamin have been nominated for the position of chief justice. Carpio, however, has said publicly he will not accept the nomination.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the vacancy at the Office of the Chief Justice must be filled within 90 days. This means President Duterte must appoint the next chief justice by Sept. 16.

All applicants must file their documentary requirements, which include application or recommendation, personal data sheet, certificate of employment, several clearances, medical examination results and SALNs.