JBC starts interviews for new SC justice

MANILA, Philippines — The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has conducted the first round of interviews for the position of Supreme Court associate justice, which will be vacated by Associate Justice Mario Lopez when he retires on June 4.

The JBC interviewed Court of Appeals Justices Nina Antonio-Valenzuela and Ramon Bato Jr. as well as University of the Philippines College of Law dean Darlene Marie Berberabe.

Among the panel of interviewers was Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

Under Article VIII, Section 8(1) of the 1987 Constitution, the justice secretary serves as an ex-officio member of the JBC.

Interviews for the 14 other applicants will be held today and on May 21.