JBC starts accepting applications for SC justice

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has emphasized the need to file complete statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs) as it announced that it is accepting applications and nominations for the position of Supreme Court (SC) associate justice to replace Noel Tijam who will be retiring on Jan. 5 next year.

Tijam was a classmate of President Duterte at San Beda College of Law and became the second justice to be appointed by Duterte to the high court last March 8, 2017.

SC clerk of court and JBC ex-officio secretary Edgar Aricheta said that those interested to apply for the post must submit two complete sets of applications or recommendations with conforme, along with all the documentary requirements not later than 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 5.

Among the documentary requirements that have to be submitted are SALNs for the last 10 years for those who are currently in government service.

If the government service is less than 10 years, only SALNs for the years while in government service need to be submitted.

For those who are currently employed in the private sector but were in government service within the past 10 years, all SALNs for the years in government service must be submitted.

As for the applicants from the private sector who have never served in government, only SALN as of Dec. 31, 2017 must be submitted.

He also said that if the applications are incomplete and/or have out-of-date documentary requirements, or those submitted beyond the deadline, would not be given due course.

Applicants have to submit all the needed requirements to the JBC office located at the second floor of the Centennial Building of the SC on Padre Faura street in Manila, the JBC said.

Aricheta reminded applicants that the date of actual receipt by the JBC of the complete documentary requirements shall be deemed as the date of filing.

“The qualifications of applicants shall be reckoned from the said deadline,” Aricheta said.