MANILA— President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to appoint the country’s next chief justice this week, succeeding Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, who is set to retire on November 6, Malacañang said Wednesday.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said all five nominees have their respective qualifications and integrity to lead the Supreme Court (SC), but declined to preempt the President’s decision.

“Lahat naman po ng mga kandidato para maging chief justice sa Supreme Court, lahat po sila ay may kanya-kanyang kagalingan, kanya-kanyang integridad,” Castro said during a press briefing on November 4.

“Hayaan niyo po, ina-announce naman po kung sino po ‘yung susunod na chief justice this week,” she added.

Castro also urged the public to wait for Marcos to make his announcement.

“Hindi na natin pangunahan ang ating Pangulo,” she said.

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) submitted its shortlist of nominees to Marcos in October, listing five incumbent Supreme Court justices for the chief justice position.

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

Gesmundo’s retirement on November 6 will leave the country’s highest court under new leadership following the President’s appointment.