PBBM to pick next CJ as JBC wraps up screenings

The race for the country’s highest judicial post has entered its final stretch after the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) concluded its public interviews with candidates for chief justice on Monday, 26 October.

This paves the way for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to appoint the next head of the judiciary.

The screening process seeks to identify the successor to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, who is set to retire on 6 November upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.

Five sitting Supreme Court associate justices are vying for the position. Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen and Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa faced the panel on 22 October, while Associate Justices Rodil V. Zalameda, Japar B. Dimaampao and Jose Midas P. Marquez completed their interviews on 26 October.

During the final round of public interviews, the JBC panel, which includes Gesmundo, Sen. Francis Pangilinan and Justice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida, questioned the candidates on pressing challenges confronting the judiciary.

The panel raised concerns about the judiciary’s efforts to combat corruption and its handling of high-profile cases involving public funds.

In response, the candidates outlined their plans to restore public trust in the judiciary, expedite the resolution of backlogged cases and strengthen institutional transparency.

The selection process also drew endorsements from judicial and civic organizations.

Dimaampao, the second Muslim appointed to the Supreme Court, received the backing of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.

Marquez, meanwhile, was endorsed by former Supreme Court Associate Justice Arturo Brion and the Association of Retired Regional Trial Court Judges of the Philippines.

The public has until 27 October to submit sworn complaints or oppositions against the candidates.

After the deadline, the JBC is expected to deliberate on and finalize the shortlist of nominees to be submitted to Malacañang for Marcos’ selection of the next chief justice.