A Muslim justice from Marawi City was one of two topnotchers on a shortlist of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) for a vacancy in the Supreme Court (SC). Court of Appeals (CA) Justice Japar Dimaampao and Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Alexander Gesmundo got seven votes each from the seven-member council. CA Presiding Justice Andres Reyes notched 5 votes along with CA Justices Apolinario Bruselas and Ramon Hernando. They are contesting the position of SC Justice Jose Catral Mendoza, who is set to retire on August 13, 2017 upon reaching 70, the mandatory age of retirement for justices. Retired SC Justice Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez is the head of the Executive Committee.

Source: Manila Times July 07, 2017 13:07 UTC