Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Sunday said that while he is dreaming of becoming associate justice of the Supreme Court someday, at present he is deeply committed in reforming and strengthening the Department of Justice and its attached agencies.
Guevarra issued the statement after the Judicial and Bar Council announced that it is now accepting nomination and application for the post of associate justice of the Supreme Court.
Guevarra said he has not applied for the position, out of respect to President Duterte who appointed him as his alter ego to the department.
The DOJ chief said that his present concern is also to strengthen the DOJ and its agencies.
Besides, he said it would be improper to apply for a position without first informing the President about it.
“I wish that someday I can join the Supreme Court, should the JBC find me qualified and the President deem it best for the administration of justice,” Guevarra said in a text message.
Guevarra admitted earlier that it would not look good if he applies for position in the judiciary or if accepted nomination because once he accepts the nomination, the process would promptly begin and he would have to submit documents.
“As a member of the Cabinet whose tenure is supposed to be co-terminus with the President, I think it is but proper, out of courtesy and respect, to inform the President of any such intention to seek a position in the Judiciary before accepting any nomination to the Supreme Court,” Guevarra said.
“Right now, I am deeply involved in strengthening the DOJ and the agencies under it, and a fair accomplishment of this objective will determine if the time is ripe for me to move on,” he added.
Last year, Guevarra successfully weeded the DOJ out of good conduct time allowance (GCTA) controversy. Currently, the DOJ chief is helping the Executive department in the drafting of new contracts with the two water firms and expected to submit today (Monday) his study on the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) to President Duterte.
When asked if he is now inclined to apply for the SC post, Guevarra said he has several options if he leaves the DOJ. Apart from applying for the SC, he could return to private practice or the academe.
“Actual circumstances will determine what option is best for anyone. In my case, going back to private law practice and the academe, or staying in government service in a different capacity are options other than seeking a seat in the Judiciary that I may consider after my stint at the DOJ, whenever that may be,” Guevarra added.
On Jan. 17, the JBC announced it is accepting applications and nominations to the position of SC associate justice, with the compulsory retirement of SC Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. on May 11.
Guevarra was previously nominated to the SC by retired Sandigangbayan Associate Justice Raoul Victorino, but he declined the nomination saying that he still loves the DOJ.