Manila: The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has submitted a shortlist of candidates to Malaca±ang for the appointment of the first Supreme Court justice under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

According to Philippines News Agency, the list includes University of the Philippines College of Law Dean Darlene Berberabe, who was previously appointed as Solicitor General by President Marcos, succeeding Menardo Guevarra. Berberabe had applied for the Supreme Court position prior to the official announcement by the Palace.

In addition to Berberabe, the shortlist features SC Court Administrator Raul Villanueva, along with several justices from the Court of Appeals (CA), Sandiganbayan, and the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA). The CA justices shortlisted include Fernanda Peralta, Ramon Bato Jr., Nina Antonio-Valenzuela, Myra Garcia-Fernandez, Ma. Elisa Diy, Ramon Cruz, Ronaldo Roberto Martin, and Walter Ong. From the Sandiganbayan, Justice Karl Miranda is included, while the CTA is represented by Maria Rowena Modesto-San Pedro.

President Marcos will select a replacement for Associate Justice Mario Lopez, who is set to retire upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70 on June 4. Additionally, the President is expected to appoint a new Ombudsman, as former Justice Samuel Martires will conclude his seven-year term in August.