Malacañang announced that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to name the country’s new Supreme Court Chief Justice within the week.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro shared the timeline during a press briefing on Wednesday, November 4, addressing inquiries regarding the potential successors to outgoing Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and the status of the shortlist.
“Lahat naman po ng mga kandidato para maging chief justice sa Supreme Court, lahat po sila ay may kanya-kanyang kagalingan, kanya-kanyang integridad. At hayaan po ninyo, i-announce naman po kung sino po iyong susunod na chief justice this week; hindi po natin pangungunahan ang ating Pangulo,” Castro stated.
Farewell Honors for Gesmundo
Ahead of his departure, President Marcos conferred the Order of Lakandula with the Rank of Grand Cross (Bayani) upon Gesmundo during a ceremony at Malacañan on Wednesday.
The prestigious honor is awarded to individuals who have dedicated their lives to the peaceful resolution of conflict, set an example worthy of emulation by the Filipino people, or hold high-ranking government and diplomatic offices such as the Chief Justice.
Gesmundo is set to step down from his post as he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70 on November 6.