The Judicial and Bar Council announced that it is now accepting applications and recommendations for the position of Chief Justice, ahead of the retirement of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo on November 6.
Gesmundo’s successor will be the first Chief Justice appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Gesmundo was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Marcos’ first appointee to the Supreme Court is Associate Justice Raul Villanueva.
The deadline for submitting applications for Chief Justice, along with documentary requirements, is on October 13, 2026 at 4:30 in the afternoon.
Among the requirements are their Sworn Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) accompanied by an explanation in case of unusual, appreciable, or sudden increase or decrease of net worth.
Applicants must also submit an Affidavit of Waiver of Confidentiality and Secrecy of Bank Deposits and certifications issued by banks or other financial institutions within the application period regarding the amounts of local or foreign deposits and other investments under the applicant’s name or held jointly with the applicant’s spouse, children, and other persons or entities.
Also required are two sample decisions or resolutions for Justices, Judges, and quasijudicial officers, and for other applicants, two pleadings, treatises, written articles, opinions, edited or published.
They must also submit medical examination records.
Those found to have willfully made false statements, misrepresentations, or concealments of any material information will be considered disqualified from being nominated by the Council or may be charged with perjury.
The JBC draws up the list of nominees for vacancies in the judiciary.