Robredo wife gets JBC nod to sit as judge in Bicol

MANILA (Updated) -- The widow of the late Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo may join public service soon if President Benigno Aquino will appoint her as a judge in a trial court in the Bicol region.

Jose Mejia, academe representative in the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), said Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo was included in the shortlist of applicants for four lower trial court positions.

These are the Ligao, Albay regional trial court branch 13; Pili, Camarines Sur branch 32; Calabanga, Camarines Sur branch 63; and Daet, Camarines Norte branch 40.

Under the 1987 Constitution, applicants for the RTC judge position should be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines; should be at least 35 years old; and had been engaged in the practice of law in the Philippines or has held a public office in the Philippines requiring admission to the practice of law for at least 10 years.

Citing JBC records, Mejia said Leni Robredo applied for the position on March 28, or roughly five months before her husband was killed in a plane crash off Masbate last August 18.

The JBC said Robredo also underwent the usual process of psychological exam and public interview before she was considered for the position on Monday. The shortlist will soon be forwarded to the President who shall make the appointment.

Robredo earlier turned down calls for her to join politics and continue the legacy of clean and honest governance espoused by the late Cabinet official. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)