No bribes or assurances: Marvic Leonen sets vision of the judiciary

MANILA, Philippines — Refusing to compromise his independence in his bid for the top judicial post, Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, during his public interview before the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) underscored that high office must never come at the expense of judicial integrity.

“I give no bribe or assurance to anyone about any matter at any time and to anyone. I do not offer a resort that simply follows my own political views, nor do i offer loyalty or protection to anyone,” Leonen said in his opening statement.

He said what he will consider are the pleadings and their responses, the facts, the law, and a legitimate and just legal interpretation.

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READ: Former VP Leni nominates Senior Justice Leonen as next chief justice

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“I have accepted the nomination, but I also know that leadership gained by compromising principle is not worth it,” Leonen stated.

Outlining his vision for a responsive, independent, and reform-oriented judiciary, Leonen anchored his opening remarks on the plight of ordinary litigants who continue to place their faith in the country’s legal system despite systemic delays and institutional challenges.

“Our people still suffer, yet they still come to our courts holding their folders… because they have decided that this is where their grievance belongs. On our watch, we cannot fail them,” he declared.

READ: Leonen tells jail officials: Justice must restore, not just punish

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Leonen presented a comprehensive strategic framework titled “The Rules of Just Law, Toward Social Justice,” which lays out concrete commitments for judicial reform, digital transformation, and strict public accountability.

His key proposals include: timely case disposition, completing an integrated e-court system that links all courts from trial courts to the Supreme Court, strengthening the Judicial Integrity Office (JIO), enhancing physical and digital court accessibility for underprivileged litigants, and a comprehensive review of the traditional bar examination system in favor of enhanced clinical legal education and expanded access for Shari’ah law practitioners.

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When asked about his reputation of being a frequent dissenter in major constitutional rulings, Leonen emphasized the shift in role required of a Chief Justice. 

Leonen said leading the Supreme Court would require a chief justice to build consensus, foster collegiality, and protect the court’s institutional autonomy.

“A chief justice who dictates outcomes will not gain respect or build majorities,” Leonen remarked, noting that a court’s strength lies in rigorous, open deliberation while remaining answerable strictly to the law and the Constitution.

Leonen is currently the most senior associate justice having served under five Chief Justices and alongside 37 associate justices.

Concluding his submission, Leonen said that the judiciary must remain the place where government is held to its constitutional conscience.

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Leonen is one of the five candidates to replace Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo who will mandatorily retire next month. Other aspirants are Supreme Court Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Rodil Zalameda, Japar Dimaampao and Jose Midas Marquez. /mr