JBC to investigate Sereno's psych test leakage

MANILA, Philippines – A member of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) disclosed yesterday that there is a pending request from another council member to investigate the alleged leakage of Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno’s psychological examination results.

“There is a pending request of JBC member (Aurora Santiago) Lagman to investigate the leakage, because we are investigating from the start that it is very confidential and we are concerned that it was leaked. It was allegedly leaked,” said JBC academe representative Jose Mejia.

“I think there will be an investigation, although we did not talk about the details on how the investigation will proceed,” Mejia added.

Mejia said that the JBC might call members of the media to participate in the investigation of the leak.

The JBC psychological test is a requirement for all the applicants for judicial posts.

The alleged leakage was revealed after a news report alleged that Sereno scored low in the psychological exam.

The three-hour examination is composed of a battery of five tests that will determine the mental fitness of a candidate.

The news report said that the Sereno was “dramatic and emotional, she appears energetic and all smiles and agreeable, but with religious preoccupation in almost all significant aspects of her life.”

Mejia said that the JBC had dismissed the request of Supreme Court Associate Justice Arturo Brion to get a copy of the results of his psychological exam.

Brion was a nominee for chief justice and was included in the shortlist of candidates that was submitted to President Aquino.

“JBC’s executive committee denied the request of Justice Brion. He requested it last week. We have relayed the decision to Justice Brion,” Mejia said.

“There was a request but it was denied. Because it is confidential, even to the candidate himself,” said Mejia.

Mejia said, to his recollection, it is the first time that a candidate requested for the results of a psychological test.