By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The search for the country’s next chief justice formally began Thursday as the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) opened public interviews for candidates seeking to head the Supreme Court ahead of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo’s mandatory retirement on November 6.
Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen underwent questioning during the morning session on October 22, followed by Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, who was scheduled to face the screening panel in the afternoon.
Both magistrates were appointed by former President Benigno Aquino III and are the longest-serving members of the High Court.
The JBC panel includes Gesmundo, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Catral Mendoza, retired Court of Tax Appeals Associate Justice Erlinda Piñera Uy, lawyer Jose Mejia and law professor Nesauro Firme.
The council’s next interview round is set for October 26, when Associate Justices Rodil Zalameda, Japar Dimaampao and Jose Midas Marquez are expected to undergo screening.
Lawyer and physician Jose Montemayor, a former presidential candidate, also applied for the post. However, Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Ting previously confirmed that the JBC did not consider his application.
Gesmundo’s departure will open the chief justice appointment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the first time since he assumed office. Marcos appointed Associate Justice Raul Villanueva to the Supreme Court in June 2025.
Following the interviews and evaluation, the JBC will submit its shortlist of qualified nominees to the President, who will select the next head of the judiciary.
ia/xf
