Leonen appointment to add stability to Supreme Court, says Drilon

Senator Franklin Drilon

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Franklin Drilon lauded newly-appointed Associate Justice Mario Victor “Marvic” Leonen, saying that his appointment at the age of 49 will add stability to the Supreme Court (SC).

Drilon, speaking at a media forum in the Senate Thursday, said that Leonen can even become the next Chief Justice (CJ) after Maria Lourdes Sereno retires at the mandatory age of 70 because he will be the most senior at the time.

Sereno, who was recently appointed Chief Justice at the age of 52, would serve for 18 years while Leonen will be serving for 21 years in the SC. “That is good because there is stability,” Drilon said.

“Leonen can be the next CJ after Sereno. He will be staying longer then [her],” he added. “They will be sitting through four presidents and [Leonen] is among the youngest [justices] at 49.” Drilon said.

The Philippine Constitution requires that justices have to be at least 40 years of age. Leonen is currently youngest justice with majority of the justices being 60 to 65 years of age.

Leonen, the government’s chief negotiator, played a major role in the crafting of the Peace Framework agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Drilon said he was sure there would be an able replacement for Leonen to finish the work he has started.

“I am sure that there are enough back up people who can take over the negotiations …. the most critical portion of the framework agreement was already established,” Drilon said.

It was reported that Leonen’s MILF counterpart, Mohagher Iqbal, had written an endorsement letter to President Benigno Aquino III in favor of Leonen’s appointment to the Supreme Court.

Drilon said he was confident in Leonen and knows he has very good principles.