Associate Justice Midas Marquez nominated for Supreme Court Chief Justice

Retired Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Arturo Brion has nominated Associate Justice Midas P. Marquez for the next chief justice.

SC Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 and step down on Nov. 6, 2026.

In his letter to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), Brion cited Marquez’s contributions to improving court operations during his 11-year tenure as Court administrator, beginning in January 2010.

He also served as chief of staff of former Chief Justice Reynato Puno, chief of the Public Information Office, and spokesperson of the Court.

“I had the privilege of witnessing Associate Justice Marquez’ exemplary work ethic and dedication to public service during my tenure in the Court, particularly while he served as Court Administrator,” Brion said in his letter.

“His invaluable contribution to the Judiciary, especially in improving court operations and providing effective leadership to judges and court personnel, have undoubtedly strengthened the administration of justice,” he added.

Marquez, who chairs the SC Committee on Virtual Hearings and Electronic Testimony, spearheaded the use of videoconferencing for court proceedings during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brion described Marquez as “a person of proven competence, integrity, probity, and independence.”

“These qualities, together with his extensive experience in both judicial adjudication and court administration, make him exceptionally qualified to lead the Supreme Court and the entire Judiciary,” Brion said.

Aside from Brion, the Association of Retired Regional Trial Court Judges of the Philippines has also endorsed Marquez to the JBC for the chief justice post.

-Philippine News Agency