MANILA, Philippines — As the race for the next Supreme Court (SC) chief justice gets underway, Naga City Mayor Leonor Robredo has nominated Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen for the post.
In a Sept. 11, 2026 letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Robredo said Leonen was “way beyond” the constitutional requirements of competence, independence, probity and integrity for the country’s top judicial post.
Leonen is currently the High Court's most senior associate justice and is set to serve as acting chief justice when Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo retires on Nov. 6 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. The High Court has confirmed that the most senior associate justice will exercise the powers and duties of the chief justice while the post is vacant.
The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has invited the five most senior associate justices—including Leonen, Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Ramon Paul Hernando, Henri Jean Paul Inting and Rodil Zalameda—to apply for the position. The deadline for applications and nominations is Oct. 13.
Robredo highlighted Leonen’s nearly 14 years on the Supreme Court, saying he has written thousands of ponencias and separate opinions marked by clarity and depth across various areas of law.
She also cited his previous public-interest work, including his involvement in negotiations that led to the framework agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front before his appointment to the high court.
“His journey to the Supreme Court was defined by a full-time service as a public interest lawyer for indigenous communities, farmers, fishers, and those who are abused politically,” Robredo said.
She pointed to Leonen’s leadership roles in the judiciary, including his service as acting chief justice, chair of the Supreme Court’s Second Division, and chair of the Senate and House Electoral Tribunals.
Robredo also cited Leonen’s involvement in judicial modernization, including the Court’s digitalization initiatives and guidelines governing the human-centered use of augmented intelligence in the judiciary. Leonen currently chairs several Court committees, including those dealing with access to justice, sustainability and environmental concerns, and human rights.
The mayor further cited Leonen’s background as former dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law, his Master of Laws degree from Columbia University and honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from the University of Cebu and Saint Louis University.
Robredo said Leonen’s leadership could help strengthen the credibility of the judiciary and promote social justice and institutional integrity.
“I have no doubt that he will work in a humble and collegial manner that will ensure the stability of our Judiciary and the full development of our country,” Robredo said in her letter.
