JBC resets deliberation on judicial vacancies

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) will hold its deliberation on judicial vacancies, including the Office of the Ombudsman, “in the coming weeks” instead of Sept. 19.
In a message to reporters on Thursday, Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Ting said the rescheduling was intended to give Sen. Francis Pangilinan, the new Senate committee on justice chair, more time to review the applications.
The move may favor Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who is applying for the post of Ombudsman.
However, he has yet to secure the required clearance from the Office of the Ombudsman because he is facing several complaints filed by Sen. Imee Marcos, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and lawyer Ferdinand Topacio.
Remulla had said the timing of the charges against him was intended to make it “impossible” for him to get the clearance he needs to qualify.