The Judicial and Bar Council yesterday nominated seven Court of Appeals associate justices to the post of Supreme Court associate justice that was vacated with the promotion of the now retired Chief Justice Teresita J. Leonardo de Castro.
Nominated were Associate Justices Japaar B. Dimaampao, Manuel M. Barrios, Ramon R. Garcia, Edgardo L. delos Santos, Apolinario D. Bruselas Jr., and Amy C. Lazaro Javier with six votes each, and Rosmari D. Carandang with five votes.
The list is expected to be submitted today to President Duterte who, under the Constitution, has 90 days from Aug. 28 to appoint De Castro’s replacement.
Whoever is appointed from the JBC nominees would be the President’s seventh appointee in the 15-member SC. This is on top of the President’s promotion of De Castro as head of the Judiciary.
The first six appointees of the President were Associate Justices Samuel Martires, who retired to assume the post of Ombudsman; Noel G. Tijam, Andres B. Reyes Jr., Alexander G. Gesmundo, Jose C. Reyes Jr., and Ramon Paul L. Hernando.
Tijam will retire mandatorily in January next year. The JBC has opened the applications and endorsements to his post. (Rey G. Panaligan)