Senate mulls ban on reappointment of JBC members

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate is looking at the possibility of imposing a ban on the reappointment of members of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) who have served two full terms.

The Senate committee on justice and human rights prepared a report on Senate Bill 2419, a consolidation of three separate bills filed by Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Francis Escudero and Jinggoy Estrada.

Santiago explained that the measure was introduced as a way to avoid the possibility of instances where members of the JBC, in their desire to be reappointed, “succumb to pressure from the executive to nominate individuals based on political considerations instead of the actual merits and qualifications.”

Santiago also said the bill was originally filed by President Aquino when he was still a senator.

Members of the JBC serve for a period of four years and may be reappointed by the president.

Under the Constitution, the JBC is tasked to go over the nominations of the members of the judiciary. The JBC would then prepare a shortlist of nominees to be submitted to the President from which he would choose his appointee.

Escudero noted in his bill that “reappointments to the JBC may also result in a loss of opportunity for other lawyers and legal experts to serve in the council, limiting the number of potentially talented individuals who might inform and enlighten the Council with their views and insights.”

For Estrada, the nature and composition of the JBC does not only highlight its important role in shaping the judiciary, but also spells out the dangers that may be brought about by abuse and selfish motives.