The interviews of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) for candidates for the position of associate justice of the Supreme Court is ongoing.
First to face the panel in the proceeding held at Supreme Court is SC Administrator Midas Marquez.
When asked for his stand on the petitions against martial law in Mindanao, Marquez said it is not necessary for Congress to convene a joint session to review President Duterte’s proclamation.
Seven other candidates will be screened today.
The interviews are in view of the retirement of SC Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes on July 6.
Other candidates are Court of Appeals Presiding Justice Andres Reyes Jr. and Associate Justices Ramon Bato, Apolinario Bruselas, Rosmari Carandang, Stephen Cruz, Ramon Paul Hernando and Jose Reyes.
Four of the total of 12 nominees need not go through the proceeding as they had been previously interviewed for past vacancies in the high tribunal.
They are CA justices Japar Dimaampao and Amy Lazaro, Centro Escolar University Law School Vice Dean Rita Jimeno and Pasig Regional Trial Court Judge Rowena Adlawan.
JBC will submit a shortlist of recommendations to President Rodrigo Duterte.
SC Associate Justices Samuel Martires and Neol Tijam are the President’s first appointees to the chamber.
