New chief justice named this week

The President recognized Gesmundo’s public service and contributions to the country’s justice system.

Philstar.com / EC Toledo

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos will name this week the next chief justice  to succeed Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, who will retire tomorrow.

This is the first time Marcos is picking the top magistrate.

Marcos yesterday conferred the Order of Lakandula with the Rank of Grand Cross (Bayani) on Gesmundo in a ceremony at Malacañang.

The President recognized Gesmundo’s public service and contributions to the country’s justice system.

“Let us wait for the announcement of the next chief justice, which is expected this week,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said.

Gesmundo will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 on Nov. 6.

Associate Justice Raul Villanueva was Marcos’ first appointee to the high court.

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has submitted a shortlist of nominees for chief justice and Supreme Court associate justice to the President.

The JBC said five SC justices were shortlisted for the chief justice position.

They are Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda, Associate Justice Japar Dimaampao and Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez.

Two other senior magistrates, Associate Justices Ramon Paul Hernando and Henri Jean Paul Inting, withdrew their acceptance of their nominations for the chief justice post before the shortlist was submitted.

New PTV GM

Meanwhile, the President has named John Benedict Teston Tigson as the new general manager of the People’s Television Network.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Lino Cayetano yesterday administered the oath of office to Tigson.

Tigson replaced Cayetano, who was appointed PCO chief last month.