Palace confident new CJ will uphold judicial independence

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang confirmed on Monday the appointment of the country’s 27th chief justice, Alexander Gesmundo, replacing Diosdado Peralta who retired on March 27.

“We are confident that new Chief Justice will continue to uphold judicial excellence and independence, apply the rule of law and lead the reforms to foster integrity and professionalism in the Judiciary,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said at a press briefing.

Gesmundo, 64, is President Rodrigo Duterte’s fourth appointee to the the post of chief justice, after Peralta, Lucas Bersamin and Teresita Leonardo-De Castro.

—Jerome Aning