Peralta, Bernabe get top JBC votes in SC chief justice shortlist

MANILA, Philippines – Supreme Court Associate Justices Estela Perlas-Bernabe and Diosdado Peralta got top votes from the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) in its shortlist for the next chief justice.
According to a copy of the shortlist released by the SC’s Public Information Office on Tuesday, October 15, both Bernabe and Peralta got seven votes.
Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr., meanwhile, got four votes from JBC members while Associate Justice Jose Reyes received one vote.
The chief justice position will be vacated when CJ Lucas Bersamin reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70 on October 18.
Bersamin was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as chief justice on November 28, 2018.
The shortlist has been submitted by the JBC to Duterte for choosing.
Under the Philippine Constitution, Duterte has 90 days to pick the next SC top magistrate.