JBC shortlists 5 names to replace ex-Sandiganbayan justice

Sandiganbayan Centennial Building along Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City  (PNA photo by Gil S. Calinga)

MANILA — The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) on Monday shortlisted five names to fill up the post vacated by dismissed Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Gregory S. Ong.

Ong was dismissed from the service due to his links with alleged pork barrel scam queen Janet Lim Napoles.

Napoles is the alleged “brains” behind the Php10-billion pork barrel and the Php900-million Malampaya Fund scams.

”The JBC today, after its regular meeting, shortlisted five names for Sandiganbayan Associate Justice vice former SB Associate Justice Gregory Ong,” SC Public Information Office (PIO) Chief and Spokesman Atty. Theodore O. Te said in a statement issued on Monday.

The following were included in the shortlist:

— Philip A. Aguinaldo with seven votes;
— Mary Ann Corpus-Manalac – seven votes;
— Bernelito R. Fernandez — six votes;
— Assistant Solicitor General Sarah Jane T. Fernandez — six votes; and
— Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Jose Justiniano — five votes.

The five names will be submitted to President Benigno S. Aquino III for his consideration and action.