Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez has been nominated anew for Chief Justice as the Judicial and Bar Council searches for a successor to retiring Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo.
Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Arturo Brion formally nominated Marquez for the post in a Sept. 4, 2026 letter addressed to the JBC.
Brion cited Marquez’s contributions to the judiciary particularly his work in improving court operations and his leadership while serving as Court Administrator.
Marquez served as Court Administrator for 11 years from January 2010 until his appointment as SC Associate Justice on Nov. 16, 2021.
Before becoming Court Administrator, Marquez served as chief of staff to then Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno.
He also headed the SC Public Information Office and served as the Court’s spokesperson.
“I had the privilege of witnessing Associate Justice Marquez’ exemplary work ethic and dedication to public service during my tenure in the Court, particularly while he served as Court Administrator,” Brion said in his letter.
“His invaluable contribution to the Judiciary, especially in improving court operations and providing effective leadership to judges and court personnel, have undoubtedly strengthened the administration of justice,” he added.
Brion also cited Marquez’s role in introducing and expanding the use of videoconferencing for court proceedings during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Marquez currently chairs the SC Committee on Virtual Hearings and Electronic Testimony, which oversees matters involving the use of technology in court proceedings.
Brion described Marquez as a person of “proven competence, integrity, probity, and independence.”
“These qualities, together with his extensive experience in both judicial adjudication and court administration, make him exceptionally qualified to lead the Supreme Court and the entire Judiciary,” Brion said.
Marquez has also received an endorsement from the Association of Retired Regional Trial Court Judges of the Philippines, which submitted its recommendation to the JBC.
The group likewise cited Marquez’s experience working with judges and court personnel during his 11-year tenure as Court Administrator as an advantage in considering him for the Chief Justice post.
Sources said Marquez has yet to formally accept the nomination.
The JBC has invited five senior associate justices to apply for the Chief Justice position: Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen and Associate Justices Benjamin S. Caguioa, Ramon Paul L. Hernando, Henri Jean Paul B. Inting and Rodil V. Zalameda.
The JBC is a constitutional body tasked with accepting, screening and recommending nominees for appointments to the judiciary, the Office of the Ombudsman and the Legal Education Board.#