During the public account of the Comptroller’s Office, the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Luis Cordero, referred to the report by the Center for Journalistic Investigation (Ciper) that revealed the influence of lawyer Luis Hermosilla in the appointment of ministers of the Judiciary in Chile. Specifically, his participation in the appointment of Jean Pierre Matus to the Supreme Court and Antonio Ulloa to the Court of Appeals of Santiago was mentioned.

This case revived a long-standing debate in the country about the mechanisms for appointing judges in Chile. Minister Cordero reviewed the modifications made in the late 90s, as well as other rules related to hearings and lobbying.

“There is no institutional system or legal reform that can overcome or protect when integrity in general is affected,” said Cordero. “It is not only resolved with the modification of the appointment system, on which there is consensus to do so. “There has been progress, but it is necessary to maintain integrity policies, which not only affect the Judiciary, but also the legal profession.”

The minister highlighted the importance of observing situations like these, mentioning the Code of Ethics of the Bar Association, which establishes strict rules for relationships with practicing judges.

“Let’s not be left with the feeling that only by modifying the law are we going to solve bad practices,” Cordero warned. “It involves behavioral, cultural changes and institutional development practices that, despite all the efforts we have made, we have seen that some have been maintained.”