10 people vying for SC justice post

MANILA -- Five justices of the Court of Appeals and government officials are among the 10 individuals who expressed interest to become the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

A list obtained from the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) at the close of the nomination period on Monday showed that CA Presiding Justice Andres Reyes, and CA Justices Noel Tijam, Isaias Dicdican, Magdangal de Leon and Ramon Bato Jr., either applied or accepted their nomination for the post.

Tijam was the justice who wrote the decision upholding the constitutionality of President Benigno Aquino III's executive order to nullify the so-called "midnight appointees" of his predecessor, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairperson Teresita Herbosa, former Ateneo Law Dean Cesar Villanueva, and De La Salle Law Dean Jose Manuel Diokno, who have earlier vied for the chief justice post, again signified their interest for the lone SC vacancy. Of the three, only Villanueva was shortlisted by the JBC for Chief Justice, which eventually went to then SC Associate Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

Former Davao City Regional Trial Court Judge Adoracion Cruz-Avisado and government's chief negotiator for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Marvic Leonen also confirmed their nomination.

"I believe that would be an honor to work with the existing members of the Court and continue its reforms so that justice becomes more accessible, effective and appropriate. I also know that I’m bringing my background as public interest lawyer and academic," Leonen told Sun.Star.

Asked if a possible appointment to the SC would affect the handling of the peace talks, Leonen declined to comment although both parties had already claimed of reaching "substantive gains" in the recent negotiations in Malaysia.

Leonen, a former dean of the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law, earlier declined his nomination for Chief Justice.

The JBC has yet to set a date for public interview, but those already interviewed for the CJ post such as Herbosa, Villanueva and Diokno need not go through the same for this particular position.

President Benigno Aquino III has 90 days or until November 22 to appoint from the shortlist, which will be submitted by the JBC. (Virgil Lopez/JCV/Sunnex)