CJ candidates to face JBC on March 12

The Judicial and Bar Council will conduct a public interview on March 12 with the three senior associate justices of the Supreme Court who are aspiring for the judiciary’s top post that will be left vacant when Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta retires this month.

The seven-member JBC also urged concerned individuals or groups who oppose the nomination of Senior Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe and Associate Justices Alexander Gesmundo and Ramon Paul Hernando to formally submit a sworn complaint, report or opposition before the council.

SC Clerk of Court and JBC ex-officio Secretary Edgar Aricheta said those who may have any valid reason why any of the three candidates should not become top magistrate should formally inform the council.

“The public may submit a sworn complaint, report, or opposition against any of the aforesaid candidates by personal delivery or by mail in 10 eligible copies to the JBC,” Aricheta said.

The complaint should be sent to the JBC, located at the 2nd Floor, Centennial Building, Supreme Court, Padre Faura Street, Manila City, or via facsimile at tel. no. 02-5529607 or through email at jbc@judiciary.gov.ph and jbc78supremecourt@gmail.com not later than 4:30 p.m. of March 15.

Bernabe, the only female candidate for the position of chief justice, will be the first to be interviewed by the JBC on Friday.

The JBC said the three justices who were automatically nominated have already complied with the requirements for the position to be vacated by Peralta on March 27, one year ahead of his mandatory retirement age of 70 on March 27, 2022.

Under the rules, the five most senior magistrates of the Supreme Court are automatically nominated as Chief Justice applicants.

The two other senior Associate Justices who did not complete their application requirements were Marvic Leonen, who would retire on Dec. 29, 2032; and Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa who would retire on Sept. 24, 2029.

In December, the High Court approved Peralta’s request for early retirement, but did not provide details why the chief justice opted to step down one year ahead of his mandatory retirement age.