Former VP Robredo Nominated Leonen as Next Chief Justice

Former Vice President and incumbent Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo has nominated and endorsed Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen as the next chief justice. Robredo’s nomination and endorsement are contained in a letter dated Sept. 11, 2026, addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with a copy furnished to the Office of the Vice President. In the Philippine judicial system, the appointment of the Chief Justice is a prerogative of the President, who typically selects from among the incumbent Supreme Court justices. Robredo’s act of nominating and endorsing a specific candidate to the sitting President could be seen as an attempt to exert political influence. Justice Leonen has been serving as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court since his appointment in August 2020. This nomination could reignite discussions surrounding the independence of the Philippine judiciary and the extent of political influence on judicial appointments. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo