MANILA — Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen will serve as acting chief justice once Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo retires on Nov. 6, the Supreme Court said.

Gesmundo, the country’s 27th chief justice, will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 on Nov. 6.

SC spokesperson Camille Ting said Section 12 of Republic Act 296, or the Judiciary Act of 1948, provides that when the chief justice post is vacant, “the duties and powers of the Chief Justice shall be exercised by the most senior Associate Justice until a new Chief Justice is appointed and qualified.”

Under the 1987 Constitution, the President has 90 days to appoint a permanent chief justice from a shortlist submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).

Following JBC practice, the five most senior associate justices were invited to apply as preferred candidates for the post: Leonen, Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Ramon Paul Hernando, Henri Jean Paul Inting and Rodil Zalameda.

Retired SC Associate Justice Arturo Brion on Monday nominated Associate Justice Midas Marquez for the post.

Marquez previously served as chief of staff to former Chief Justice Reynato Puno and as head of the Court’s Public Information Office and spokesperson.

The JBC set Oct. 13 as the deadline for applications and nominations for the chief justice post.

At a Palace press briefing Tuesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. would not interfere in the affairs of the judiciary.

(PNA)