President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed retired Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Jose Mendoza to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).

Mendoza’s appointment filled the vacancies at the JBC. He was previously appointed by former President Rodrigo Duterte to the council from 2017 to 2021 representing retired justices.

He took his oath of office before Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, on Friday. 

Gesmundo is the ex-officio chairperson of the JBC.

The council’s mandate include screening candidates for vacant positions in the Judicial Branch. It can also recommend qualified persons to posts.

Upon assuming his post to the JBC, Mendoza will be included in the selection process of new judges to the SC, Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan and other courts across the country.

Mendoza served on the High Tribunal from 2010 until his retirement in 2017.