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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider JBC taps IBP in screening applicants for posts in Judiciary, Ombudsman, Legal Education Board

JBC taps IBP in screening applicants for posts in Judiciary, Ombudsman, Legal Education Board

Published Sep 13, 2025 11:57 am  |  Updated Sep 13, 2025 01:21 pm
The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has tapped the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) to conduct independent background investigations on applicants for posts in the Judiciary, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Legal Education Board (LEB).
The JBC, a constitutional body headed by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo as ex officio chairperson, said the IBP’s background investigations will help ensure that only those who meet the highest standards of competence, integrity, and impartiality are nominated.
The IBP is the official organization of all lawyers in the country, while the JBC nominates those qualified for judicial and legal posts for appointment by the President.
Under the new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), IBP representatives will be officially deputized to conduct independent background investigations on applicants for judicial and key legal positions.
It will then issue nominations based on qualified applicants, including those initially screened by the JBC.
The SC’s Office of the Spokesperson said the investigations will be carried out through IBP’s local, regional, and national offices.
Aside from the signing of the MOA, the JBC and the IBP have finalized the guidelines on the deputization of IBP representatives who will conduct background investigations of applicants.
The guidelines define who are eligible to be deputized, their duties, and the ethical standards they must follow, particularly on confidentiality, impartiality, and compliance with data privacy laws.
Chief Justice Gesmundo led the ceremonial signing of the MOA held last Sept. 11 at the SC’s session hall.
During the ceremony, JBC Regular Member and retired Court of Tax Appeals Associate Justice Erlinda Piñera Uy and IBP National President Allan G. Panolong gave their remarks.
Justice Piñera Uy highlighted the importance of the partnership as she pointed out that it “fortifies our shared mission to ensure that the selection process in the Judiciary, Office of the Ombudsman, and the Legal Education Board is guided by integrity, transparency, and excellence.”
IBP President Panolong, on the other hand, said the agreement strengthens “the gateway through which our public entrusts the awesome power of judgment to men and women who will decide actual cases and controversies, safeguard rights, and vindicate the rule of law.”
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