COTABATO CITY, Philippines  – Muslim and Christian sectors across the country have endorsed Court of Appeals Justice Japar Dimaampao for appointment as Supreme Court justice amid reports that President Aquino through the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) is in search of potential nominees to imminent vacancies in the High Tribunal.

Reports reaching the Manila Bulletin said at least two justices in the Supreme Court are set to retire this month and that the JBC has already been swarmed with nominees from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and other concerned sectors.

Dimaampao is said to be one of the nominees but people knowledgeable of his qualifications would like to push him more in pursuit of the relentless government dream to fully integrate Muslim Filipino citizenry to the national mainstream.

Various sectors in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) led by regional and provincial governors, lawmakers, and academic leaders believe that Dimaampao is “highly qualified” and equipped with “very impressive” academic and career history.