JBC to accept nominees for chief justice’s seat

MANILA, Philippines — With Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro scheduled to step down on Oct. 8, the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) is set to begin the search for her replacement on Monday.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, an ex-officio member of the JBC, said applicants would have until Oct. 15 to submit their applications and requirements.

“The notice about the opening of the CJ position will be published (today). So applications or nominations will be accepted starting Monday until Oct. 15,” he said. 

De Castro is set to retire at the age of 70 on Oct. 8 after serving less than two months in office. She was appointed by President Duterte on Aug. 25.

According to the JBC rules, only nominations with a letter of acceptance from the nominee would be processed.

The five most senior associate justices at the Supreme Court (SC) – Antonio Carpio, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Mariano del Castillo and Estela Perlas-Bernabe – are automatically nominated but would have to submit a letter of acceptance and other requirements if they are interested in the position.

De Castro started serving as SC associate justice in 2007. When  she applied for the post of chief justice, she was the second most senior member of the High Court after Carpio, who did not apply for the post.

Her appointment also made her the first female chief justice since the appointment of her predecessor, Ma. Lourdes Sereno, became void when the SC voted in favor of the quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida.