President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to name the country's next Supreme Court (SC) chief justice this week, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro said Wednesday.
Marcos will appoint the next chief justice following the retirement of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo on November 6.
During a press briefing on Nov. 4, Castro said all five nominees possess the qualifications and integrity necessary to lead the country's highest court.
“Lahat naman po ng mga kandidato para maging chief justice sa Supreme Court, lahat po sila ay may kanya-kanyang kagalingan, kanya-kanyang integridad,” Castro said.
“Hayaan niyo po, ina-announce naman po kung sino po ‘yung susunod na chief justice this week,” she added.
Castro also urged the public not to preempt the President's decision.
“Hindi na natin pangunahan ang ating Pangulo,” she said.
The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has nominated five incumbent SC senior associate justices for the position:
- Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen
- Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa
- Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda
- Associate Justice Japar Dimaampao
- Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez
