JBC now accepting applications for chief justice

MANILA, Philippines — The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) is accepting applications and recommendations for the position of chief justice of the Supreme Court (SC).

Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin will turn 70 years old on Oct. 18, the mandatory age of retirement for justices. 

The last day of submission of applications and requirements is on Aug. 20 at 4:30 p.m., according to SC clerk of court and JBC ex-officio secretary Edgar Aricheta. 

Interested applicants must submit two sets of applications or recommendations with conforme, along with all documentary requirements, to the JBC office located at the SC Centennial Building on  Padre Faura Street, Manila.

Those who are being recommended for the position should signify their acceptance.

“A recommendation or nomination filed in lieu of an application may be given due course only if the recommendee has signified his or her acceptance thereof, either in the recommendation itself or in a separate document, and has submitted two complete sets of the documentary requirement,” The JBC said.

The public may view the guidelines and list of documentary requirement and the requisite forms on the JBC website at www.jbc.judiciary.gov.ph.

All incomplete applications and/or out-of-date documentary requirements as well as those submitted beyond the deadline would not be given due course.

Bersamin is the 25th chief justice. He was appointed by President Duterte on Nov. 28 last year, replacing Teresita de Castro. 

Before becoming chief justice, Bersamin was SC associate justice from April 3, 2009 until his appointment to the top post. He had served as a judge of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 96.

Bersamin, a native of Bangued, Abra, took his undergraduate degree at the University of the Philippines before studying law at the University of the East. He placed 9th in the 1973 Bar examinations.