THREE ASPIRANTS for a seat in the highest court, which will be vacated by Associate Justice Jose C. Mendoza, faced the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) yesterday morning for their public interview.

The three, who are among 13 nominees, are Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Gerard A. Mosquera, Court of Appeals (CA) Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan, and Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo.

First to face the council was Mr. Gaerlan, who was asked on the controversial cases that he has acted upon in the appellate court. He said that he concurred in the CA’s recent decision to acquit controversial businesswoman and alleged pork barrel mastermind Janet L. Napoles on the illegal detention case involving former aide and second cousin Benhur K. Luy.

“Upon review, there was no serious illegal detention because [Mr.] Luy was free to go out and contact family,” Mr. Gaerlan said.

He was likewise asked by the panel on what his decision would be on the petitions challenging the factual basis of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao. The said petitions were also acted upon, and dismissed, by the Supreme Court (SC) yesterday afternoon.

Mr. Gaerlan said that he believes that “there is sufficient basis” of Mr. Duterte’s declaration, adding that there is rebellion and invasion in the area.

Mr. Gesmundo, for his part, was grilled on the low disposition of cases in the Sandiganbayan. He pointed out the “peculiarity of cases” in the anti-graft court, specifically those that involve more than one accused.

Last to face the council was Mr. Mosquera, who stressed his “independence” should he be given a chance to serve the high court.”I will not be influenced. I have always stood up for my principles, resolved cases on basis of facts, evidence, applicable law.”

Others who seek to replace Mr. Mendoza but whose previous interviews have been held valid by the council are: CA Presiding Justice Andres B. Reyes, Jr. and Associate Justices Ramon M. Bato, Jr., Apolinario D. Bruselas, Jr., Rosmari D. Carandang, Stephen C. Cruz, Japar B. Dimaampao, Ramon Paul L. Hernando, Amy C. Lazaro-Javier, and Jose C. Reyes, Jr.

The public interview of SC Court Administrator Jose Midas P. Marquez, who faced the Council last June 19, also remains valid.
Mr. Mendoza, the fourth SC justice to retire under Mr. Duterte’s administration, is set to hang his robes on Aug. 13. — Kristine Joy V. Patag

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