JBC to interview Sandigan justice candidates

MANILA, Philippines - The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) yesterday announced that it would hold public interviews of at least 11 of the candidates for the position of Sandiganbayan associate justice to replace Teresita Diaz-Baldoz, who is due to retire on July 22.

The JBC has divided the 11 candidates into three batches. Each batch would have a three-hour interview.

From 9 a.m. until noon on July 4, the JBC scheduled Edgardo Caldona, Rowena de Juan-Quinagoran, Nancy Rivas-Palmones and Romeo Tagra.

From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Zaldy Docena, Cicero Jurado Jr., Andres Soriano and Esteban Tacla Jr. would face the JBC. 

The third batch, composed of Betlee-Ian Barraquias, Jose Bayani Usman and Kevin Narce Vivero, would be interviewed from 9 a.m. until noon on July 5. 

Some of these applicants have handled controversial cases, such as Docena, who once presided over the Ruby Rose Barrameda murder case.

It was reported that Barraquias had issued court orders that allowed the heirs of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram II to administer their claim over Sabah. 

There were 25 other possible candidates for Sandiganbayan associate justice but they were interviewed for the position less than a year ago.

 They are Jeoffre Acebido, Philip Aguinaldo, Selma Alaras, Tita Alisuag, Ma. Rita Bascos-Sarabia, Edwin Carillo, Evangeline Castillo-Marigomen, Mary Ann Corpus-Manalac, Danilo Cruz, Maria Celestina Cruz-Mangrobang, Ma. Teresa de Guzman-Alvarez, Eugenio dela Cruz, Bernelito Fernandez, and Victoria Fernandez-Bernardo. 

Also interviewed were Wilhelmina Jorge-Wagan, Virgilio Macaraig, Rosalyn Mislos-Loja, Silvino Pampilo, Elvira Panganiban, Vilma Pauig, Benjamin Pozon, Rosanna Romero-Maglaya, Fernando Sagun Jr., Salvador Timbang Jr., and Merianthe Pacita Zuraek.