Five Supreme Court Justices Compete to Become Philippines’ Next Chief Justice

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has released a list of five candidates for the Philippines’ next chief justice, who will replace Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo upon his retirement on November 6. The candidates—Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Rodil Zalameda, Japar Dimaampao, and Jose Midas Marquez—will undergo public interviews on October 22 and 26. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. must appoint the new chief justice within 90 days, by February 2027, based on the JBC’s nominees. If no appointment is made by Gesmundo’s retirement, Leonen will serve as acting chief justice. The selection will shape the leadership of the Supreme Court and its oversight of the country’s entire judiciary.