Palace: SC decision on Imelda raps won’t affect Bongbong’s choice of next SC Chief Justice

September 11, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

Malacañang on Friday dismissed speculation that the recent decision of the Supreme Court over the graft cases against former First Lady Imelda Marcos could influence President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s choice of the next Chief Justice of the High Court.

This was after the SC reversed the 2018 conviction of the former First Lady on seven counts of graft by the Sandiganbayan.

The case is in relation to her alleged financial interests in private foundations in Switzerland.

In a press briefing in New Delhi, India, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace press officer Claire Castro said the High Court is the “final arbiter of legal disputes.”

“Ang gobyerno, ang administrasyon ay laging ginagalang po kung anuman ang desisyon ng Supreme Court,” Castro said.

Castro dismissed speculation that the decision would affect the President’s choice for the next Chief Justice.

“Normal sa mga kritiko ang mag-isip ng puwede nilang i-issue. Karamihan naman dito ay walang mga basehan,” she said.

She added: “Ang pag-criticize nilang ganito, ito ay sumasalamin sa hindi nila paggalang sa Supreme Court, hindi nila paggalang sa kaisipan at independiyensa ng mga justices natin sa Supreme Court.”