By el Amigo
MANILA — Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen has assumed the duties of Acting Chief Justice following the vacancy in the top post of the Supreme Court.
SC Spokesperson Atty. Camille L. Ting said Leonen will perform the functions and exercise the powers of the Chief Justice while the Court awaits the appointment and qualification of a permanent successor.
Ting cited Section 12 of Republic Act No. 296, or the Judiciary Act of 1948, which provides that the most senior Associate Justice shall take over the duties of the Chief Justice when the position becomes vacant.
The arrangement will remain in effect until a new Chief Justice is appointed and qualified.
Under the Constitution, a vacancy in the Supreme Court must be filled within 90 days. The President makes the appointment from a list of nominees submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).
In line with established JBC practice, the five most senior Associate Justices of the Supreme Court have been invited to submit their applications for the Chief Justice position as preferred candidates.
The process will proceed as the Court awaits the selection and appointment of its next permanent head.
ia/mnm
