MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he will appoint the next Chief Justice based on the recommendation of the people, particularly those from the law profession.
“It would depend on the recommendation of people. I have to consult not only the Justices themselves but also the law profession,” Duterte said in a media interview after his event in Panglao, Bohol.
Duterte, a former fiscal, has specifically mentioned the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the Philippine Constitutional Association.
The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), mandated to screen applications to the Judiciary and top Ombudsman position, on Monday started the application process for the Chief Justice post vacated by Maria Lourdes Sereno.
On June 19, the Supreme Court (SC) affirmed its decision on Solicitor General Jose Calida’s quo warranto petition to nullify Sereno’s appointment as CJ in 2012.
The President has until Sept. 16 to pick the next top magistrate from the JBC shortlist since the 1987 Constitution provides that the vacancy at the Office of the Chief Justice must be filled within 90 days.
Duterte said acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio, being one of five senior justices who received automatic nominations, is not precluded to be the next chief justice “but the guy has already said he is not interested”.
“He said he is not interested and he will not accept. He does not want the position,” Duterte said when asked if Carpio is being considered as Sereno’s replacement. (Jelly Musico/PNA)
