Marcos to name next chief justice this week
The Manila Times · 11/5/2026, 12:16:00 AM Philippine time
Excerpt from The Manila Times. Read the original report below for the complete story.PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will announce this week the successor to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, who is set to retire on Friday, Malacañang said on Wednesday.Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said all of the contenders for the top judiciary position “have their own strengths and their own integrity.”“Don’t worry, the next chief justice will be announced this week. We will not preempt our president.” The Judicial and Bar Council shortlisted five Supreme Court associate justices to succeed Gesmundo. They are Marvic Leonen, Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Rodil Zalameda, Japar Dimaampao and Jose Midas Marquez.In a letter to the president dated Oct. 14, former Chief Justice Reynato Puno endorsed Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez for the top post in the judiciary.Puno said Marquez’s extensive administrative background, familiarity with the Supreme Court’s internal operations and experience coordinating with other branches of government make him a strong candidate to lead the judiciary.Puno, who served as chief justice from December 2006 to 2010, said…