JBC asked to review nominees for Sandigan post

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has asked the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) to re-evaluate the nominees for the seat vacated by Amparo Cabotaje-Tang after she was named Sandiganbayan presiding justice.

Assistant Secretary Jed Eva from the office of Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. officially informed media yesterday that the Office of the President wants the JBC to reassess the shortlist given to Aquino.

“We have requested the JBC to further review and evaluate the candidates for the vacancy in the Sandiganbayan,” Eva said.

Eva said it was “in light of information we received during our vetting process.”

“Our objective is to find the right people for the most vital and sensitive positions in the judiciary,” Eva said.

A source told The STAR that an appointment had actually been made that beat the 90-day deadline.

However, the appointment put on hold after Aquino was apprised of some incriminating information about the nominee.

That was probably why a reconsideration was sought.

The STAR tried to get a statement from Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Benjamin Caguioa, but he did not respond.

It was not clear whether the Palace wanted a new list containing a different set of names or are requesting the JBC to resend the list so that a new 90-day deadline for appointments would start.

Under the law, Aquino has a non-extendible period of 90 days within which to choose from a JBC shortlist.

The appointing authority has the option to return the list if he so desires.