MANILA, Philippines – Despite the final decision of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to investigate the disbarment complaints against Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, she stays as a contender for chief justice.
This was disclosed by Sen Francis Escudero, member of the Judicial and Bar Council which met Monday, August 6, to deliberate on its shortlist.
It was also Escudero who moved for the postponement of the final deliberations from Monday to Wednesday, August 8.
Asked if De Lima is still a contender for the post given the IBP decision rejecting her appeal to dismiss the disbarment complaints filed against her, Escudero said she’s still a contender. “Kasama pa rin siya sa listahan,” he told reporters.
The JBC was supposed to make its shortlist on Monday, August 6. But Escudero told the council that he and Iloilo Rep Niel Tupas Jr needed more time to review the qualifications of the 20 nominees for the position.
Under JBC rules, nominees facing disbarment complaints or administrative cases are disqualified from a judiciary post. De Lima had told the IBP that the complaints against her were baseless and politically motivated and should be dismissed.
The IBP met again on Monday, August 6, to decide on her case. In a unanimous decision, the board of governors rejected her appeal. – Rappler.com
More in #SCWatch:
- De Lima did not have the votes. Period.
- De Lima appeals IBP decision on disbarment
- 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
- CONVERSATIONS: How should the JBC choose the next chief justice? #SCWatch
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