THE JUDICIAL AND Bar Council (JBC) is accepting applicants for the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (SC) to replace former Senior Associate Justice Reynato S. Puno, who was appointed Chief Justice on December 7. Chief Justice Puno, the High Court’s 22nd chief magistrate, replaced Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban who mandatorily retired at the age of 70.
     The JBC also announced the opening of the position of Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals. The appointee would replace Justice Eliezer R. De los Santos whose permanent and total disability retirement was approved by the SC effective December 31, 2006.
     Applications or recommendations for these positions must be submitted not later than December 23, 2006 to the JBC Secretariat, 2nd Flr. Centennial Bldg., Supreme Court, Padre Faura St., Manila (Tel.No.552-9512; Fax No.552-9598; email address jbc@supremecourt.gov.ph, JBC_supremecourt@yahoo.com.ph). Recommendations must bear the conformity of the recommendee.