MANILA, Philippines – Last Tuesday (May 29), history was made in the Philippines. For the first time ever, an impeachment trial was completed in the country, resulting in the removal of Renato Corona from his seat as chief justice of the Supreme Court. This chapter in the country’s history is over and done with–Corona will no longer appeal the verdict before the Supreme Court, his defense spokesperson said today. 

The concluded impeachment trial, however, marks the start of another long and arduous process — the search for the next chief justice. As early as now, a lot has been said about it. Sen Alan Peter Cayetano today urged President Benigno Aquino III not to choose a politician to succeed Corona.

Another senator also said recently that the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) should convene soon to start the selection process. “The law ahbors a vacuum,” said Sen Frances Escudero, who has also been batting for an outsider to replace Corona. Escudero is also the senate’s representative in the JBC. 

[READ: CJ position now vacant, per law and Senate]

Sen Francis Pangilinan, meanwhile, today called on the JCB to make the meetings, deliberations, and the voting on the final list of nominees public. “Transparency will make the process more accountable and will make the JBC members more careful,” he said in a statement. Palace spokesperson Abigail Valte said today that the president is open to choosing an outsider to replace Corona. 

The JBC will convene on June 4 to begin the process. 

As the start of the process draws nearer, Rappler wants to know: How should the JBC choose the next chief justice? What steps can the JBC take to ensure transparency in the nomination process? What role do you think the public should play in the selection process? 

Let us know what you think. Leave a comment on Facebook, send us a tweet, or tweet using the hashtag #SCWatch. 

Here’s what our online community is saying: 

CONVERSATIONS: How should the JBC choose the next chief justice? #SCWatch

Storified by Rappler · Thu, May 31 2012 06:53:57

Click on the links below for more. 

• 22 official candidates for Chief Justice
• JBC to interview CJ candidates starting July 24
• 25 accept nominations for chief justice
• Questions for chief justice candidates
• JBC should review process of choosing CJ
• Besides JBC, Palace has judicial search committee