THE Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) will begin its search for the next Chief Justice on Monday, few days ahead of incumbent Teresita de Castro’s mandatory retirement. “Applications or nominations will be received on October 1,” said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, JBC ex-officio member, in a text message, adding that the deadline of submission of requirements will be on October 15. Former acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio, Associate Justices Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Mariano Del Castillo and Estela Perlas-Bernabe are automatically nominated, but will still need to accept the nominations and submit requirements. Chief Justice Teresita de Castro whom President Rodrigo Duterte appointed on August 25 will mandatorily retire at 70 on October 8. The “endo” appointment was criticized by lawmakers, claiming that it is her ‘reward’ from Duterte for voting in favor of ousting predecessor Maria Lourdes Sereno via quo warranto.

Source: Manila Times September 28, 2018 08:15 UTC