Five Supreme Court justices shortlisted for Philippines' next chief justice

The Judicial and Bar Council released a list of five senior Supreme Court justices vying to become the Philippines' 28th chief justice after Alexander Gesmundo's retirement on November 6. The candidates will face public interviews on October 22 and 26, after which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has up to 90 days to make a selection, as mandated by the constitution. Should the appointment lag, Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen will serve as acting chief justice.

Notably, two senior justices, Ramon Paul Hernando and Henri Jean Paul Inting, were omitted from the shortlist. The pool includes appointees of former presidents Benigno Aquino III and Rodrigo Duterte, reflecting the court's current composition. The decision will mark Marcos Jr.'s third chief justice appointment, influencing the judiciary's direction for years to come.