Robredo Nominates Leonen as Next SC Chief Justice

Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo has nominated Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen as the next Chief Justice. In her letter to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., the former Vice President said Leonen’s 14-year stint in the court so far has been marked by competence, independence, probity, and integrity. Robredo also sent the letter to the Supreme Court and the Judicial and Bar Council. “I have witnessed his efforts not only to ensure the proper interpretation of our Constitution and our laws, but also his efforts to ensure social justice, human rights, and institutional integrity. At this juncture in our political economy, we need his leadership to inspire credibility and genuine social justice—measures which we all share,” she said. Aside from Leonen’s thousands of ponencias as well as separate opinions, Robredo cited the Senior Associate Justice’s previous tenure as peacemaker as one of those instrumental in the signing of the government’s peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2014, She also mentioned Leonen’s journey to the High Court, starting as a public interest lawyer for indigenous communities, farmers, fishers, and those who are abused politically. “I have no doubt that his appointment will be acceptable to all sectors, including big business, small and medium-scale entrepreneurs, local and national government officials, and those who suffer from poverty, inequality, and disempowerment,” Robredo added. —AOL, GMA News