Search begins for next Chief Justice
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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 14) — The Judicial and Bar Council has opened the application for the next head of the Supreme Court, with around two months left before Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta's early retirement.
The JBC announced on Thursday that Peralta's retirement was approved on Jan. 5, after he signified last month his intention to bow out of the high court on his 69th birthday this March 27.
The council said it will be accepting applications for the position until Feb. 15, 2021. Individuals may apply or be recommended.
The five most senior magistrates next to Peralta are automatically nominated for the post, but they must manifest their acceptance of the nomination. These include three appointees of President Benigno Aquino III: Associate Justices Estela Perlas Bernabe, Marvic Leonen, and Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa. The other two are appointees of President Rodrigo Duterte: Associate Justices Alexander Gesmundo and Ramon Hernando.