By Gillian M. Cortez
THE Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) will hold public interviews for applicants of the position of chief justice on August 16, the Supreme Court announced on Friday.
“Public interviews for all nominees for the post of Chief Justice on Aug 16, 9AM onwards at the Division Hearing Room, SC New Building. Proceedings will be live-streamed by the PIO,” the SC said on its Twitter.
SC Associate Justices Lucas P. Bersamin, Teresita L. De Castro, Diosdado M. Peralta and Andres B. Reyes Jr. are part of the five nominees for the position of chief justice. Davao Regional Trial Court Judge Virginia Tehano-Ang is the only nominee outside the SC.
Acting Chief Justice Antonio T. Carpio has declined his nomination, which had been by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and by retired chief justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr.
In a media briefing last Tuesday, SC Spokesperson Theodore O. Te said Mr. Bersamin got the most votes for the chief justice position from the members of the SC. Mr. Bersamin got 10 votes while his fellow justices Ms. De Castro and Mr. Peralta got nine votes each. Mr. Peralta got two votes.
The JBC opened the position of chief justice on June 25. Deadline of application was July 26.
Former chief justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno was removed through quo warranto last May 11, as rendered final on June 19 by the SC.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte must appoint a new chief justice within 90 days of the post’s vacancy.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR