MANILA, Philippines - The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has shortlisted five trial court judges for the vacancy in the Court of Appeals (CA) left by the retirement of Associate Justice Ruben Ayson in March.
On top of the shortlist are Quezon City regional trial court Judges Maria Luisa Padilla and Severino de Castro Jr., getting the approval of five of eight members of the council chaired by Chief Justice Renato Corona.
Another round of voting was held to complete the shortlist after which the following were included in the list: Pasay City RTC Judge Pedro Corales, Quezon City RTC Judge Maria Elisa Sempio-Diy, and Guagua, Pampanga RTC Judge Jonel Mercado.
Under the 1987 Constitution, the President has to make his appointment within 90 days of submission of the list by the JBC.