Ex-Supreme Court justice Mendoza returns to JBC

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has reappointed former Supreme Court (SC) associate justice Jose Mendoza to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), the body tasked to screen and nominate candidates for vacancies in the judiciary.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed Mendoza’s appointment yesterday.

Based on his appointment paper, Mendoza will represent the retired justices of the SC in the council until July 9, 2029.

Mendoza initially assumed his post at the JBC last July, but his ad interim appointment was deferred by the Commission on Appointments on Oct. 7.

Earlier this month, Senators Imee Marcos and Rodante Marcoleta raised questions over Mendoza’s responses to then-Justice secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla’s inclusion in the JBC’s ombudsman shortlist despite the latter having pending cases. Mendoza retired from the SC in August 2017.

In October 2017, then president Rodrigo Duterte appointed Mendoza as a member of the JBC.

The JBC prepares the shortlist from which the President selects his appointees to the judiciary and to constitutional bodies like the Office of the Ombudsman.