MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reappointed retired Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Jose Mendoza to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), Malacañang confirmed Friday. In a text message, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin told The Manila Times that Mendoza has been reappointed as a member of the JBC, representing retired justices of the high tribunal. Mendoza's term as JBC member will expire on July 9, 2029, based on his appointment paper. The Commission of Appointments had deferred the confirmation of Mendoza's ad interim appointment to the JBC after close allies of Vice President Sara Duterte raised questions about his role in vetting Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla as the next Ombudsman. In July Marcos appointed Mendoza to the JBC to fill the vacancy at the council, which is tasked with screening applicants and nominating appointments to the judiciary. The council was created to eliminate politics from the appointment of judges and justices, and to preserve the independence of the judiciary. 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 was previously appointed by former president Rodrigo Duterte to the council from 2017 to 2021 representing retired justices. He served on the High Tribunal from 2010 until his retirement in 2017.