Will the new Judicial Integrity Board root out corruption in PH courts? JIB’s success will depend on the qualities of its members. “It all depends on who are appointed, who will do the job,” says Antonio La Viña. BY STANLEY BUENAFE GAJETE May 5, 2021 | 11:00:00 AM
President Rodrigo Duterte has seemingly ended his revolving-door policy on appointments to the highest post in the judiciary with the selection of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, who is expected to serve five years at the helm of the Supreme Court.
Gesmundo, who will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 in 2026, will have one of the longest stints in the post-Martial Law court, along with former chief magistrates Andres Narvasa (Dec. 8, 1991 – Nov. 30, 1998, 6 years and 357 days), Hilario Davide Jr. (Nov. 30, 1998 – Dec. 20, 2005, 7 years and 20 days), and Maria Lourdes Sereno (Aug. 25, 2012 – May 11, 20