Palace confident new Chief Justice Gesmundo will uphold judicial independence, implement reforms

Malacañang on Monday confirmed the appointment of Alexander Gesmundo as the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (SC).

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said during a news conference that President Rodrigo Duterte had signed the appointment paper of Gesmundo, successor of Diosdado Peralta who retired on March 27.

Gesmundo’s appointment was previously disclosed

Roque expressed confidence that Gesmundo will continue to uphold judicial excellence and independence, promote the rule of law, and implement reforms to ensure the integrity and professionalism among members of the judiciary.

Gesmundo earlier said he planned to establish a “technology-driven court” and conduct a review and assessment of the organizational setup and structure of the entire judiciary.

The 64-year-old Gesmundo is Duterte's fourth chief justice appointee in less than three years. Duterte previously named Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Lucas Bersamin, and Peralta to the Philippines' highest judicial post.

It was also Duterte who promoted Gesmundo from the Sandiganbayan to the SC in August 2017.

Gesmundo will serve as top magistrate for more than five years or until he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70 on November 6, 2026.—AOL, GMA News