MANILA, Philippines — Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen will take over as acting Chief Justice, as the judiciary awaits the appointment of a successor to Alexander Gesmundo who will retire in November.
SC spokesman Camille Sue Mae Ting confirmed the arrangement in response to media inquiries, citing the Judiciary Act of 1948, which provides that the most senior Associate Justice shall exercise the duties and powers of the Chief Justice when the position is vacant.
"Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo is scheduled to retire on November 6, 2026, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. Consequently, Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen will serve as acting Chief Justice until a permanent successor is officially appointed and qualified."
Ting said the arrangement was pursuant to Section 12 of Republic Act 296, or the Judiciary Act of 1948, which specifically provides for the assumption of the Chief Justice’s duties by the most senior Associate Justice during a vacancy.
Under the Constitution, Supreme Court vacancies must be filled within 90 days, with the President selecting the Chief Justice from a Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) shortlist. The succession process is now underway, with the JBC inviting the five most senior Associate Justices to apply as preferred candidates: Marvic Leonen, Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, Ramon Paul L. Hernando, Henri Jean Paul B. Inting, and Rodil V. Zalameda.
Leonen has served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court since 2012, after being appointed by then-President Benigno Aquino III. He has been the Court’s Senior Associate Justice and has remained active in judicial reform initiatives, including the Court's work on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the judiciary.
The transition will also come as the high tribunal faces another impending vacancy, with Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier set to retire on Nov. 16, 2026, according to recent reports.
