Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 6) — The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) is again opening its search for the next top judge ahead of the impending retirement of Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin.

The post will be vacated by Bersamin on October 18 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70.

The JBC, which screens applicants to the judiciary, said applications must be sent not later than August 20, 4:30 p.m. Individuals may apply or be nominated. Nominees must manifest their acceptance to be considered an applicant.

Under the JBC's rules, applicants will undergo comprehensive medical examinations, psychological evaluation, written evaluative examinations, and public interviews. An applicant should obtain the affirmative vote of at least four members of the JBC to be considered for nomination.

The JBC will then submit to President Rodrigo Duterte at least three nominees for him to choose from.

This is the third time Duterte is naming a chief magistrate, following the historic ouster of Maria Lourdes Sereno. Bersamin took over the post in November 2018 after the short stint of Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, who replaced Sereno.

Sereno, the first woman Chief Justice, was unseated by the high court in May 2018 for her failure to file some of her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.