#SCwatch Day 3 of JBC public interviews to resume in a few minutes. Follow the Rappler live blog: www.rappler.com
Day 3 interviewees include UE Law Dean Amado Valdez; Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio; SC Justice Teresita De Castro; and GOCC sector head Cesar Villanueva.
Lawyer Vicente Velasquez, one of the nominees scheduled for this morning, will not be interviewed after he and another nominee, Rep Rufus Rodriguez, were disqualified for not complying with documentary requirements.
#SCwatch Dean Valdez to give a short opening statement.
#SCwatch Valdez opening statement: Proposes "integrity councils"; Mandatory legal aid; Use of technology
#SCwatch Valdez says he also proposes a "limited" jury system
#SCwatch Valdez now being asked questions by panel. First to ask Qs is JBC's Cayosa
#SCwatch Valdez says he was not eyeing CJ post when he was a resource person in #CoronaTrial coverage
#SCwatch Valdez cites his experiences as law school dean, his work in government
#SCwatch Valdez on outsider CJ: With all due respect, I don't consider myself an outsider; A lawyer is not an outsider
#SCwatch Valdez: I feel I'm not an outsider from the judiciary
#SCwatch Mejia now asking Valdez questions about his work in government
#SCwatch Valdez: Regardless of personalities involved, SC should be independent in making decisions
#SCwatch Valdez on law school curriculum: We're trying to convince law schools to shift to Juris Doctor program (fr Bachelor of Laws)
#SCwatch Valdez: Advantage of JD program is apprenticeship; Also, standardize law curriculum
#SCwatch Valdez: We dream of a time a mere municipal judge can be appointed directly to SC - shows legal system is best
#SCwatch Valdez on low Bar passing rate: Even if a candidate doesn't pass Bar he can be useful in community
#SCwatch Valdez: The best can still be better
#SCwatch Valdez asked by JBC's Lagman about his "strong and weak points"
#SCwatch Valdez cites long experience, confidence in dealing with people as strong points
#SCwatch Valdez: We need to empower judges; We cannot solve the problems of the judiciary from the top
#SCwatch Valdez: You have to equip judges, inspire them, show leadership by example
#SCwatch Valdez on court fees as taxation: I think its unconstitutional; I know of the problems of judiciary finances, there are other ways
#SCwatch Valdez on court fees: If I become CJ we have to sit down, discuss it; We have to be reasonable; We have to find middle way
#SCwatch Valdez on Hacienda Luisita compensation: I think that's pending; It has to be reasonable, should not affect country's coffers
#SCwatch Valdez: Perhaps we could appeal to their patriotism so that these farmers can have these lands (re: HLI)
#SCwatch Valdez now talks about his proposed changes in law education; He envisions "Bar-less" entry into law profession
#SCwatch Valdez says there's a perpetual weeding out; My suggestion is to give them a chance, a fair trial, for them to achieve dreams
#SCwatch Our livestream: www.rappler.com
#SCwatch Valdez: Novus Ordo Seclorum (New Order of the Ages) is his judicial philosophy
#SCwatch Valdez's concept of justice: It's a question of right or wrong; High moral ground; Do decisions pass the moral test?
#SCwatch Valdez: The law is the nation's conscience; You have to follow superior authority
#SCwatch Valdez if he will continue media work: It will be a conflict of interest (he is currently also dzMM radio show host)
#SCwatch Valdez: To us at UE, the College of Law is a finishing school, not just a law school
#SCwatch Valdez on CJ selection process: I am happy; The process makes me respect you (JBC members) more
#SCwatch Valdez asked again about court fees: High fees affect access to justice; We have to give more premium to access to justice
#SCwatch Valdez on his legacy: I hope to make a difference in the administration of justice
#SCwatch Valdez on foreign lawyers in PH: My inclination is not to allow; But as we expand our horizons, perhaps on a reciprocity basis
#SCwatch Valdez: Humility is important; Modesty is more appropriate I think
#SCwatch Peralta discussing the issue of court fees with Valdez; Explains how court fees work in system
#SCwatch Valdez on court fees: I just said we have to review it, make it reasonable
#SCwatch Day 3 of JBC public interviews to resume in a few minutes. Follow the Rappler live blog: www.rappler.com