SEC chairperson Teresita Herbosa 1st Interviewee (4th Batch)

I feel like I have all the qualifications

Give everyone access to the courts, no delay, all cases decided on the basis of merits.

I took part in a UNICEF-funded project on training policemen in handling child-sensitive cases

As pointed out by other nominees, we lack judges. The filing fees should be graduated according to the nature of the case.


There should be an opportunity for everyone to rehabilitate & give back to society.


We should have most special courts to deal with special cases.

Law schools should have courses that train students into becoming judges.

Judges assigned to far-flung areas should be given more budget, hazard pay.


Some judges are not adept in handling estate cases; says judges should also be computer-literate.


Judges themselves should be able to train other judges. There should be emphasis on little-known fields of law.

IBP should start hiring full-time commissioners

There should be a filtering system for cases to be passed on to IBP commissioners. Young lawyers can read the cases.

Her great-grandmother was the sister of Jose Rizal

These are unusual times and may call for the unusual solution of an outsider being appointed as Chief Justice.

Lady Justice represents the underprivileged, including women, children.

For judicial restraint, says the Constitution is adequately worded & intent of the framers should be considered if it is unclear.

She is for SC taking an active role in shaping economic policy

The reason there's perception of corruption in the judiciary is some lawyers overpromise and underdeliver.

The court must be more transparent to fight corruption. Ex.: making public memoranda of both parties

Hermosisima: Do you feel God should give you a partner? Herbosa: I'm used to just be alone.


Everything should be based on merits. The court should implement more reforms to decongest clogged court dockets.

SC has a duty to restrain other Gov't entities when it comes to grave abuse of discretion but shouldn't interfere with other Gov't branches

You can't let personal beliefs interfere in deciding matters especially in evaluating facts of the case, evidence.

Believes candidates for CJ with pending cases should not be automatically disqualified. "You have to look into the merits of the case"

ex-San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora 2nd Interviewee (4th Batch)

Ang ating hukuman ay inaanay. Inaanay ng lagayan, inaanay ng suhulan

Give the poor more in law because they have less in life. The reward for massive reforms is justice for all.

I'd like to see more people getting involved in the law as part of their daily life

If we can double the judiciary's budget in 2-3 years, there will be tremendous improvements in dispensation of justice in PH.

I don't owe anybody a political obligation, a personal favor

I'm an outsider, I've never been in the judiciary, but I can enter it w/certain useful skills from other branches of Gov't

Every decision of every Gov't department is appealable just as, unfortunately, far too many decisions are appealable to SC.

On being a politician: I don't think politics is that far from the judiciary. Both are part of public life.

Tingin ko ang jueteng ay tanggap ng ordinaryong tao

Change the mentality that if they lost a case, the judge was bribed or they've been cheated

We should show judiciary's capital requirements; I'm surprised we're not computerized like law offices.

Marcos cases should be resolved. No case should drag on for 30 years.

Ma. Lourdes Sereno Associate Justice 3rd Interviewee (4th Batch)

Willing ako to undertake whatever sacrifices necessary to make (my vision for the judiciary) alive.

Ayaw ko ng personalistic na panunungkulan. Gusto ko community-shared vision.

My leadership will be marked by the creation of a generation of judges committed to excellence.

Lahat ng meron tayo galing sa Diyos. Pinanganak po ako na ganito talaga, ganado sa buhay.

"The moment you first accept a bribe (or) render an unjust decision, tuloy-tuloy na yan."

Guiding philosophy as a law professor: "Na napakaganda po ng batas."

Nais kong malaman ng mga Pilipino na ang kinakain nila, kinakain ko rin. Hindi nila masasabi na, 'masyado kang nasa taas.'

Kailangang mamuhay ako sa isang pamamaraan na nakikita ng mga tao na hindi ako magiging corrupt.

Kailangang nakikita na ang quality ng aking trabaho ay napakataas. Ang bawat linya ng aking trabaho galing sa puso, isip.


If it no longer hurts for her to see injustice, then she's no longer fulfilling her oath & not fit to stay.

It all depends on God whom I see from an eternal perspective.

Walang katotohanan na nais kong pahirapan yung mga magsasaka.

Bigla na lang po lumabas yung P10B (na just compensation amount) sa media.

Uniform ang jurisprudence natin. May formula ang just compensation.

Kung outsider ang ilalagay natin, parang nag-appoint ng civilian na mag-head ng giyera imbis na general.

Proposes body of experts which would identify possible conflicts in decisions.

In order to be justice, must be rendered in a credible manner. Judge rendering it must be credible

When we try to render justice, we try to render the work of God which is also justice.

Presbitero Velasco Jr.  Associate Justice 4th Interviewee (4th Batch)

SC needs a bigger budget for construction of courtrooms, equipment

The independence of our judges who receive allowances from LGUs may be somewhat compromised.

Financial support from LGUs should be placed in a judicial trust fund

He had difficulty deciding whether to accept CJ nomination or not

I realized I have a wealth of experience behind me.

Rule of law & economic growth: We must show foreign investors that court decisions are predictable, uniform, consistent.

A lot of litigants in this country can be considered 'pauper litigants.' There's a big need for legal aid lawyers.


More public attorneys needed to help address delays in cases.


IBP chapters have to create legal aid committees with volunteer lawyers.

Suggests creation of a community legal service where new lawyers will be mandated to serve a community for free for 1 year

Aspiring judges have to undergo training in preparing resolutions.

Napakaganda po ng Writ of Kalikasan. We are trying to encourage litigation for the environment

CHIEF JUSTICE interviews now completed.

UE Law Dean Amado Valdez 1st interviewee (3rd Batch)

Even if a candidate doesn't pass Bar he can be useful in the community.


Passing the Bar is tough work, a bragging right, but it is not a sad commentary on the legal system of PH.


Every student who graduates, you develop him as a productive asset of the community.

The best can still be better

We need disciplined people for the purpose of economic development.

 "I'm well rounded, I write, teach, manage, walked the corridors of power, met dignitaries etc.".

I have walked along the corridor of powers. I have acquired the confidence of dealing w/ these people.

Weaknesses should not be avoided, it reminds you of your mortality.

I believe we have to empower our judges.

"I'm not just academician, I sit on the board, legal aid, member of Rotary"

"I think it's unconstitutional, don't know why SC imposed that, but maybe SC needs money".

walang magbubuhat ng bangko kundi ang sarili mo.

I think that's pending; It has to be reasonable, should not affect country's coffers.


We should have an inventory of those who have been granted lands from this program if we are able to achieve our purpose.

I wasn't being narcissistic, I was just being passionate in answering the questions.

Novus Ordo Seclorum. A new order of the ages.

You can't be a judicial activist on one hand and exercise judicial restraint on the other. You have to follow the mean.


While the public has a window to proceedings, he has reservations as the process may be trivialized.

My inclination is not to allow foreigners to practice law in PH

Humility is important but modesty could be more appropriate. Sometimes if you overdo humility, it will show weakness

Note: Vicente Velasquez has been disqualified, so next is SC Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio.

Justice Antonio Carpio Most Senior sitting magistrate of SC 2nd interviewee (3rd Batch)

We have to follow the Constitution; the President has prerogative to appoint anyone in JBC list.


A tradition that CJ be chosen from senior SC justices; Only 1 instance outsider was put in place.

It doesn't mean that because the CJ was impeached, the whole court is also impeached. There is no guilt by association.

He will work harmoniously with whoever is appointed Chief Justice.

"Only one man was impeached not the whole Supreme Court, reforms can be done by someone from within"

They accuse me of being close to Pres.; I'm not. Some even saying I'm not close to the President and I won't be appointed.

"The power to impeach lies with Congress, we can't complain - the constitution authorizes that"

"I've never lobbied with any justice, or visited any in their chambers, I've never approached on any case, even political cases"

If they want to join me in my ponencia, then they join me. That's my policy ever since.

# 1 problem in judiciary: Clogged dockets. I have proposed changes here.

"The objective is only 10% of cases filed go to trial, that's doable, we can filter cases. We've adopted small-claims court too"

"We've prohibited delay tactics like motion to dismiss, postpone. We should expand this to ALL civil cases, cut trial time 50%"

I assure the public that I will continue to be independent; I maintained a consistent judicial philosophy ever since

"I opposed cha-cha of FVR, constitution shouldn't be amended for 1 person - it should be enduring, be assured I respect constitution"

It took me 3 years to be comfortable with the work in the Supreme Court. 

To know the problems in the judiciary, you have to observe it over a period of time.


Do you think you can ever be friends with the former chief justice? | Carpio: Yes, why not?

SC Assoc. Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro 3rd interviewee (3rd Batch)

The judiciary is not for the weak of heart.

I understand that it's important to reach out to Gov't branches & agencies, to expand perspective & avail of resources.

Public services must be wielded for the common good

I am committed to pursue reforms in the judiciary including access to justice, enhancing institutional integrity.


We try to see to it that the Supreme Court is gender-sensitive.

I will be ready for work if appointed to CJ post.

In our meetings we discuss how to improve the administration of justice, the decongestion of prisons.


Improving case adjudication as main priority; Congestion in dockets already a problem in '70s, until now.

We need to do more; We can do measures to make sure we can speedily dispense justice.

Discussing mediation, small claims court, Katarungang Pambarangay

Judicial system a contributing factor in delays in resolving cases.

Her court will be an independent; integrity is upheld, people have trust, confidence; Members of court as a model...

If I were appointed back then, I hope there would be no impeachment.


SC can utilize the spirit of cooperation of women judges in implementing judicial reform projects.

Hopes more female judges will be appointed, says only 33% of judges/justices are female

SC can utilize the spirit of cooperation of women judges in implementing judicial reform projects.

I understand moral fitness mean not simply obeying the law. You must transcend that, actions should be proper, decent

There should be standard criteria for evaluating judges; We're now drafting it; Many factors to be taken in consideration.

Accountability is not only legal but also a spiritual standard as well.

The Legal Education Board has enough authority to reform our law schools.


Anyone who tells me there's a mass at SC, I attend (when asked about the masses at SC during.


We pray for everyone (during those masses); I think prayer is very good.

I don't see anything wrong w/ being populist, as long as we serve the people; No conflict b/w transparency, populism

In private practice: I've had some experience in handling family law cases; These are cases elevated up to SC.

I have no regrets over any decision. I have never flip-flopped. 

If appointed first female Chief Justice: Would be a great honor, but pressure to prove myself to be worthy.

I'm not in favor of the death penalty; I'm more for restorative justice.


We're being criticized left & right but people should know there are many dedicated public servants in the judiciary.

The court is not as bad as (people) think it is.

Cesar VillanuevaChair, Governance Commission for GOCC5th interviewee (3rd Batch)

The law represents the mind and soul of society

The law constitutes the very essence of man's civilization.


Our nation is at the crossroads; Men & women should show goodwill in the process of selecting CJ.


Being part of the Supreme Court and update the principles of commercial law are important tasks.

I think by requiring MCLE providers a program to let students get better, upgraded courses, it would be more relevant

The SC's education & training arm should be empowered.

I don't consider myself exactly an outsider (cites working with PhilJA, judiciary)

What attracted me to becoming a justice was when I worked at Phil Judicial Academy; Some of the best legal minds there.


Vision for SC: That it becomes more than just a trier of facts, Constitutional court; Becomes a true pillar in PH.

How can people ask for democracy if they are starving?

Being a member of fraternity not really an advantage. However he says it will be a natural way of things

If you're a frat bro, it doesn't necessarily become an advantage. Instead of trying to outlaw them, live with them.


Top 3 priorities: 1) Unite the SC, judiciary 2) Study road map for the judiciary 3) Ease caseloads of judges, justices


If we want to have a quality justice system, the justices should be well-paid.


SC should primarily be a Constitutional court; It should not overburden itself w/ cases, should concentrate on important cases.


On Sharia law (Islamic law): There is an important consideration given to make sure Sharia system develops.




Good Job again. 




JBC ends interviews for July 26. To resume tomorrow, July 27, 9am.

Associate Justice Roberto Abad 1st Interviewee (2nd Batch)

Our bail system is anti-poor. Only the rich can pay in cash.

Everybody should obey the law; But we should interpret the law to serve 

justice

What's

important is you have personality, ability, character to gain the trust of your colleagues even if you're an outsider.

Justice Abad admits he is a "compromise candidate" for CJ. He is 68, has to retire at 70. PNOY can appoint another CJ after.

Atty. Rafael Morales Lecturer at UP College of Law 2nd interviewee (2nd Batch)

The chief justice must exhibit managerial skills.


I have been the President of the Inter-Pacific Bar Association with the duties I think similar to that of a CJ.

Decongestion ng mga kaso at salary adjustment ng mga mahistrado ang ilan sa mga vision ko kaugnay sa judicial reform

To be a trial lawyer is not necessarily a guarantee that you will make a good justice.

I'm willing, ready, and able to do full-time public service.

I am in favor of making the courts more accessible to litigants.


Reduce filing fees, work for an increase in budget.

I have the ability to respond to clients in 24 hrs. The promptitude to respond to legal matters. 

I do work very diligently for the past 37 years. Excellence is the cornerstone of our law firm.

Top 3 priorities: fill up vacancies, hike salaries to avoid brain drain in judiciary, hike budget allocation of judiciary

Atty. Raul Pangalanan Former UP College of Law Dean 3rd interviewee ( 2nd Batch )

"Being young can actually turn into an advantage".

The constitution should be reviewed.


JDF a fund beyond reach of other branches of govt; I feel there's a sense fund can be managed more properly.


If impeachment did not occur, no outsider will even be sitting in the JBC interview.

I had 2 terms as dean of a public law school. I know the difficulties of Gov't procedure.

There's a completely separate, distinct political pressure on the courts; Evidence is a court spokesperson post.


We have to strengthen the court for it to stand fast against the political/external pressures.


Will work towards enhancing salaries/benefits of Judges.

At this moment, a CJ should have to rise above the "grayness of reality"

PH first must define the disputed territory - define if island, shoal, etc.; Issue is multilateral, too, he says.


If ever, his court will speak with a clear voice; Try to live up to "loftiest dreams" of '87 Constitution.

Top 3 priorities: 1) Consolidation of institution (after impeachment) at all levels, 2) Administrative reforms in the judiciary - implementing good ideas, reforms,  3) Address question of staff morale, benefits, etc.

"That I was a dean loved by no one except his wife"

Arturo Brion Associate Justice 4th Interviewee (2nd Batch)

Even if I am or I am not appointed chief justice, I dream of an independent Supreme Court

I dream of a court that can be trusted; fairness, balance... court that is efficient... noted for decisional stability

I'd like to see a judiciary where one rises through merit

The WB program ended June; WB not the only funding agency helping SC, judiciary in their programs.

Math & Philosophy good pre-law courses; Math useful for logic, precise thinking

Graft and corruption is not purely a judiciary problem but a societal problem.

Public needs to be assured that there are no shenanigans within the judiciary

"dream court": I have a plan of action laid out, it's a question of prioritization.

Law is the glue; The Constitution is the glue that binds this nation... court is the guardian, thru rule of law.

The judiciary provides solutions, stability; To my mind, this is a very significant contribution to nation-building.


The clogging of the dockets is a problem of huge proportions; Talagang di maniniwala sa atin ang publiko kung ganun.

High esteem & respect for the court is not something we can achieve through the media.

Accountability - a question of complying; We have been taking steps individually, as court (re: SALNs)


Transparency is not a magic word na lahat nalang ipapakita sa madla.

We have many concerns to think of - concern for the nation, court, individual selves

We could make a mistake if there's death penalty; Says he would prefer reclusion perpetua w/o bail.

I've been in the executive, legislative & judiciary kaya malakas ang loob kong sabihin na there should be cooperation.

Judicial independence and accountability are complementary.

Judicial pragmatist: Hindi ako conservative, hindi ako activist.

 If we want to do it, we can do it.

Rene Sarmiento Comelec Commissioner  5th interviewee (2nd Batch)

Cites social justice, human rights has the basis of his judicial philosophy.

Hudikatura na etiko, may moralidad, may katapatan sa rule of law at nagtataguyod ng common good

Judicial activism & judicial restraint must be balanced.


Judicial philosophy; He says he will implement additional Writs
Cites projects, programs that use sharing of best practices w/ other agencies, groups.

Ako ay pabor sa restorative justice. Maghanap ng paraan to rehabilitate. Magiging productive member siya ng lipunan.

"By [rehabilitating] a person through restorative justice, he regains his dignity."

Comelec, PPCRV officials recognize my work during elections

He'll be able to initiate reforms in SC. "Ako ay akma kung pag-uusapan ang pagbabago."

No elections are perfect. But I try my very best to uphold the integrity of the electoral process

Mas maraming makakaintindi kung isusulat sa Filipino ang mga desisyon ng korte.


Sa pag-amyenda ng Konstitusyon: House, Senate should vote separately. Dapat mauna ang Mababang Kapulungan bago ang Senado.

Open to changing Constitution parts pertaining to the economy; Restrictions are outdated due to globalization

A justice should be very careful in ruling cases pending before it.

Malaking pagkakataon para magsilbi

Open to amendments to mining laws "to bring investments provided [they] are properly regulated."

Hindi dapat palitan ang judicial power.

I'm in favor of a constitutional assembly as a mode of amending the Constitution.

Retired Judge Manuel Siayngco 6th Interviewee (2nd Batch)

He retired early as he "stopped dreaming of promotion" & felt he had done enough in the Regional Trial Court.

This [nomination] was totally unexpected. I called up the JBC and asked them, "Nakuryente ba kayo?"

Now I'm dreaming again of entering the judiciary. After the impeachment & people's high expectations, I'm dreaming again.

We're at the Frontlines of the judiciary, receive all kinds of threats; Sentiment of lower court judges: it's unfair.

Lower court judges feel it's unfair there are not enough merit/rewards for them.

I am not an outsider in the judiciary. And as a trial court judge I know the problems of the courts better than many SC Justices.

The fact that I'm here out of 70 in the long list, it's an honor for me to be included in the 20 candidates.


When I retired, I just wanted to enjoy the fruits of my labor. But it's been 7 months, I haven't received any benefits yet.

His edge over other applicants is his background, spiritual foundation, and experience as lower court judge.




GOOD JOB ALL!!!











Interview ends. Panel interviews resume tomorrow, Thursday, July 26 at 9am.