Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen to serve as acting Supreme Court Chief Justice

The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday said Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen will serve as acting chief justice pending the appointment of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo’s replacement.

Gesmundo, the country’s 27th Chief Justice, will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 on Nov. 6.

In a statement, SC spokesperson Camille Ting said Section 12 of Republic Act (RA) 296, or the Judiciary Act of 1948, provides that when the position of Chief Justice is vacant, “the duties and powers of the Chief Justice shall be exercised by the most senior Associate Justice until a new Chief Justice is appointed and qualified."

Under the 1987 Constitution, the President has 90 days to name a permanent replacement from a shortlist provided by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).

Consistent with JBC practice, the five most senior Supreme Court Associate Justices were invited to apply for chief justice as preferred candidates.

They are Leonen, and Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Ramon Paul Hernando, Henri Jean Paul Inting and Rodil Zalameda.

On Monday, retired SC Associate Justice Arturo Brion nominated Associate Justice Midas Marquez for the next chief justice.

Marquez also served as chief of staff of former chief justice Reynato Puno, chief of the Public Information Office and spokesperson of the Court.

The JBC set the deadline for applications and nominations for the chief justice post on Oct. 13.

In a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will not interfere in the affairs of the judiciary.

-Philippine News Agency