JBC opens application for Chief Justice after SC OKs Peralta’s early retirement

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.