JBC endorses 9 CA nominees

The list of nine candidates to fill up two vacant slots in the Court of Appeals has been forwarded by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) to the Office of the President for consideration.

Chief Justice Reynato Puno, who heads the eight-member JBC, forwarded the list, which includes an assistant solicitor general.

President Arroyo has 90 days to appoint those who will occupy the two vacancies at the CA.

The posts were left vacant following the dismissal of former CA associate justice Elvi John Asuncion for gross negligence and the death of Associate Justice Roberto Barrios.

“Pursuant to the provisions of Article VIII Section 9 of the Constitution, the Judicial and Bar Council has the honor to submit nominations for the two position of Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals,” Puno said, in his letter transmitted to the President.

Included in the list of candidates are Assistant Solicitor General Amy Lazaro-Javier; lawyer Edgardo delos Santos; Judge Ruben Ayson of the Baguio City Regional Trial Court; Judge Oscar Herrera Jr. of Malolos, Bulacan; Judge Thelma Ponferrada of the Manila RTC and Judge Eduardo Taguanco of the Cavite RTC.

Also nominated were lower court judges Franchito Diamante, Amelia Tria-Infante and Mercedes Posadas-Lacap. – Mike Frialde