By Jeffrey Damicog
A retired Supreme Court (SC) justice has been appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).
Retired-SC Associate Justice Noel Tijam
(Kevin Tristan Espiritu / MANILA BULLETIN)
“Retired SC Noel Tijam appointed to JBC,” confirmed Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.
On the other hand, Guevarra, who is an Ex Officio member of the JBC, explained that the appointment is “subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments (CA).”
Under the Constitution, the JBC is tasked to screen and vet applicants to the judiciary.
Apart from Guevarra and Tijam, the JBC is composed of Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin and Sen. Richard Gordon as Ex Officio members.
The other members include retired SC Justice Jose Mendoza, lawyer Milagros Fernan-Cayosa who represents the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), and retired Judge Toribo Ilao representing the private sector.
Tijam retired from the SC last January 5 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.