JBC bares criteria for judicial post

CEBU, Philippines - The Judicial and Bar Council has sought in a dialogue yesterday for comments on the Points and Survey Systems set in evaluating the applicants for the vacant positions in the judiciary and the offices of the Ombudsman and the Deputy Ombudsman.

Representatives from the Judiciary, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and civic organizations were given the opportunity to confer their comments, through questionnaires, on the evaluating systems adopted by JBC.

Former Court of Appeals Justice Aurora Lagman has reiterated that JBC should be vigilant in searching, screening and selecting the person who shall take care of the dispensation of justice in the country.

Under the point system, candidates would be graded based on the criteria- educational background is 20 percent, work experience is 15, work performance is 15, integrity is 20, good health is 20, and accomplishment is 10.

The survey system, on the other hand, will also evaluate the candidates’ knowledge of law and legal principles, oral and written communication skills, Judicial temperament, among others.

Lagman, however, emphasized that while the grade of only 20 percent is given to good health, JBC can disqualify applicants otherwise well-qualified “who are proven to be physically and mentally incapable” of discharging functions in the office.

Moreover, only applicants with total score of 70 percent and above shall be considered for nomination. Lagman further clarified that applicant with a rating below 70 percent may still be considered upon endorsement from any member of the JBC and approval of the collegial body.

“Those who were recommended or endorsed by other officials, that endorsement must have conformity of the endorsee,” Lagman said.

Also attended the dialogue were JBC representative for academe, Jose Mejia, and IBP representative, Milagros Fernan-Cayosa.  (FREEMAN)