Duterte still undecided on next Chief Justice

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday admitted that he has yet to make up his mind who to appoint as the successor of retiring Supreme Court Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo De Castro.

“I’m still toying with so many names. Kung may vacancy (If there is a vacancy), we’ll fill it up with good men,” Duterte told Palace reporters in a press conference in Malacañang.

Asked if he will appoint Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio to the post, Duterte said: “I will decide that when I cross the bridge.”

The most senior justices of the Supreme Court will receive an automatic nomination to the chief justice post. However, they are required to submit a formal acceptance to be shortlisted.

Carpio, the most senior justice, earlier declined the nomination for Chief Justice after former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno was ousted through a quo warranto petition.

Duterte then appointed De Castro, who is due to retire on October 10. /ee

READ: Duterte’s choice: De Castro Chief Justice for 41 days