JBC asked to extend application period for Ombudsman aspirants

An advocacy group has asked the Judicial and Bar Council to extend the deadline for applications and nominations for candidates seeking to replace former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez. In a letter to the council dated May 10, the Transparency and Accountability Network expressed concern over the "short deadline" given to the aspirants. The JBC has set the application period from May 6 to May 16. [See: Ombudsman aspirants can send applications until May 16 - JBC] In his letter, TAN executive director Vincent Lazatin said the 10-day period — of which there are only seven working days — "does not allow for a wider search" for the replacement of Gutierrez, who allegedly sat on high-profile cases involving the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He then asked the JBC to extend the deadline by at least two weeks. "We believe that an extra couple of weeks to allow for more names to be submitted to the JBC is well worth the relatively insignificant time lag to ensure quality recommendations. We respectfully ask that the JBC consider allowing for more time for candidates and nominees to submit their interest in the Ombudsman post," said Lazatin. As of Tuesday, the JBC has so far received a DOJ prosecutor's recommendation letter nominating Justice Secretary Leila de Lima for the Ombudsman post. De Lima, who is also an ex-officio member of the council because of her position as Justice chief, has already said she will decline any nomination for the position. Gutierrez tendered her resignation to President Beningo Aquino III last April 29, 10 days before the Senate was set to open the impeachment trial against her. Gutierrez's resignation took effect last May 6. 90 days to fill up vacancy Under the 1987 Constitution, the President has 90 days to fill up the vacancy. In this case, Aquino must appoint a new Ombudsman by August 4, 2011. In his letter to the JBC, Lazatin said during the 90-day period, 30 days can be allotted for the submission of applications, 30 days for interviews and JBC evaluation, and 30 days for the President to pick his choice from the shortlist of nominees to be submitted by the JBC. "We cannot and should not compromise or take shortcuts in considering candidates for the Ombudsman. While the need to fill the top post is urgent, this must be balanced with the long-term effect of the appointment. "On balance, a few more weeks, which would allow for a deeper and wider search, is certainly worth ensuring that an Ombudsman of integrity, independence, probity and competence will lead the fight against corruption in the next seven years," said Lazatin. He also suggested to the council the use of a score sheet in screening the candidates. "Using a score sheet is a rigorous discipline and can help JBC members better focus on these qualities," he said. — RSJ, GMA News