In the twilight of his six-year term, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will appoint a new chief justice from a list prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), as incumbent Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo goes into mandatory retirement.

Gesmundo will retire on 6 November 2026 when he turns 70. As required, the JBC will vet the nominees and submit at least three names to President Marcos to choose from.

By tradition, the five most senior sitting Supreme Court associate justices are automatically included among the nominees, although any of them may decline the nomination.

The current five, in order of seniority, are Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, Benjamin S. Caguioa, Ramon Paul L. Hernando, Amy C. Lazaro-Javier and Henri Jean Paul B. Inting.

Leonen, the most senior, has long been among those considered to be Gesmundo’s successor.

The JBC announced it was accepting applications and recommendations for the position of Chief Justice. Former President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Gesmundo.

Lazaro-Javier is herself compulsorily retiring on 16 November 2026, 10 days after Gesmundo, which means that Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda could be pulled in as the fifth senior nominee in her place if she doesn’t get elevated first.

The JBC said the deadline to submit applications for Chief Justice, along with documentary requirements, is 13 October 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

The requirements include sworn Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth, accompanied by an explanation in case of an unusual, appreciable, or sudden increase or decrease in net worth.