MANILA, Philippines – The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has opened the applications for chief justice following the Supreme Court en banc’s approval of the early retirement of Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta.

In an announcement, the JBC said the applicants may submit their applications and other documentary requirements on February 15.

Applicants must visit the JBC website and access the online application scheduler from 8 a.m. to 12 midnight not later than the said date, it added.

The JBC said Peralta’s optional retirement was approved by the magistrates on January 5 during their first en banc session this year. He will step down from office when he turns 69 on March 27, one year ahead of the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices.

The SC in December confirmed that Peralta opted for early retirement but did not disclose the reason.

Peralta was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as SC chief justice in 2019.

When he retires, the five most senior magistrates in the high court will be automatically nominated for the post, subject to their confirmation. They are Justices Estela Perlas Bernabe, Marvic Leonen, Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Alexander Gesmundo, and Ramon Hernando.

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Monday distanced itself from an impeachment complaint filed against Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen before the House of Representatives.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte is not involved in the move and did not endorse the complaint.

“Wala pong kinalaman diyan. We don’t even know who the proponents are,” Roque said in a televised press briefing.

The impeachment rap against Leonen was lodged by one Edwin Cordevilla of a group called the Filipino League of Advocates for Good Government.

Cordevilla accused Leonen of committing “culpable violation of the constitution and betrayal of public trust,” and slow case disposition.

He also accused Leonen of failing to file his statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) during his tenure at the University of the Philippines, as required by law.

Cordevilla filed the complaint with the assistance and representation of lawyer Larry Gadon. It was endorsed by Ilocos Norte Representative Angelo Marcor Barba, cousin of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Leonen said he has yet to receive a copy of the complaint but he expressed confidence that House lawmakers will “do the right thing” and will not entertain “false issues raised by some clearly personal or vindictive reasons.” – RRD (with details from Correspondent Rosalie Coz)

MANILA, Philippines – Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen on Monday expressed confidence that members of the House of Representatives will “do the right thing” on the impeachment complaint filed against him.

Leonen issued the statement after an impeachment rap was filed before the lower House by one Edwin Cordevilla of a group called the Filipino League of Advocates for Good Government.

Cordevilla accused Leonen of committing “culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust,” and slow case disposition.

Leonen said he has received information about the complaint but has yet to receive a copy of it.

“Given the urgent and pressing needs of our people during the time of crises, we are confident that our leaders will do the right thing,” the justice said.

“Certainly, this may not be to attend to false issues raised by some clearly personal or vindictive reasons,” he added.

Cordevilla filed the complaint with the assistance and representation of lawyer Larry Gadon.

The complaint against Leonen was endorsed by Ilocos Norte Representative Angelo Marcor Barba, cousin of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

“Regardless, we wish everyone the best for this season of kindness and compassion. May we all continue to help others who are still truly in need,” Leonen said.