Marquez, who was former Supreme Court spokesman, was endorsed by a certain Egay Bigay, the same person who earlier recommended Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa to the same post.

 

In a text message, Marquez said he was not yet prepared to become a chief magistrate. 

 

"Thank you for the nomination but I will have to decline it. I lack the wisdom, qualities, and experience to be a Chief Justice," he said.

 

Marquez became court administrator in January 2010.

Meanwhile, he was appointed SC spokesman and chief of the SC public information office in January 2007.

 

The latest list of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) indicated that Dean Amado Valduz of the University of the East was among those who have already accepted their nominations.

Apart from Marquez, the other new names on the list were Commission on Audit chairperson Grace Pulido-Tan and Energy Undersecretary Jose Layug Jr.

Thirteen others have earlier accepted their endorsements, including Associate Justices Arturo Brion and Roberto Abad.