JBC Invites 5 Senior Justices to Apply for Chief Justice Post

MANILA, Philippines — The Judicial and Bar Council has invited five senior Supreme Court associate justices to apply for chief justice ahead of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo's retirement in November. Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Ting told Philstar.com Tuesday, September 1, that the JBC invited Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen and Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Ramon Paul Hernando, Henri Jean Paul Inting and Rodil Zalameda. Ting said the JBC has followed the practice since the early 2000s of inviting five senior associate justices to apply as a matter of courtesy and recognition of their seniority. "What began as an informal practice has since become a standing JBC policy," Ting said. The invitation does not guarantee inclusion in the JBC shortlist that will be submitted to the president for appointment. Gesmundo is set to retire on Nov. 6. Applications for chief justice will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 13. His retirement will give President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. his first opportunity to appoint a chief justice. Marcos made his first Supreme Court appointment in June 2025 when he named Associate Justice Raul Villanueva to replace retired Associate Justice Mario Lopez.