Remaining years of service no longer a requirement for choice of next SC justices

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has deleted the required remaining years of service to the Supreme Court (SC) by applicants if appointed to the post of associate justice or chief justice in a move to encourage more aspirants.

- By REY PANALIGAN

Deleted was the provision that required an applicant to have at least two-and-a-half years of remaining service if appointed as an associate justice or chief justice of the SC.

The two-and-a-half years remaining service was earlier required for applicants who are associate justice or presiding justice of an appellate court, court administrator, chairperson of a constitutional commission, solicitor general or a department secretary.

Also deleted was the required five years of remaining service to the SC if an applicant is not an associate justice or presiding justice of an appellate court, court administrator, chairperson of a constitutional commission, solicitor general or a department secretary.

The JBC is a constitutional body that accepts, screens, and nominates appointments to the Judiciary, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Legal Education Board.