Metro Manila, Philippines – Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro denied reports that she could be appointed an associate justice of the Supreme Court, saying she had not applied for the position.
Castro dismissed the speculation during a press briefing in Cagayan de Oro City after the media questioned her about a report linking her to a possible appointment to the high court.
“Associate Justice ng Supreme Court? Si Ante Kler? Hindi ako nag-apply. So wala pong katotohanan iyan,” she said on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
[Translation: Associate justice of the Supreme Court? Auntie Claire? I did not apply. There is no truth to that.]
The question also raised reports that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. might choose Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda as the next chief justice.
Castro declined to confirm whether Zalameda was the choice, saying the Palace would not preempt the president’s decision.
“At kung sino man ang mapipili ng pangulo bilang susunod na Chief Justice ng Supreme Court, ayaw po nating pangunahan kung sino man mapipili ng pangulo,” she said.
[Translation: Whoever the president chooses as the next chief justice of the Supreme Court, we do not want to preempt his decision.]
She acknowledged that the candidates were qualified but stopped short of identifying any preferred nominee.
“At asahan natin na ang pipiliin ng pangulo—lahat naman sila ay magaling, pero syempre mayroong namumukod-tangi,” Castro said.
[Translation: We can expect the president to make his choice. All of them are capable, but of course, someone stands out.]
Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo will retire on Nov. 6.
Five Supreme Court justices have been identified as candidates: Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen and Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Rodil Zalameda, Japar Dimaampao, and Jose Midas Marquez.
The Judicial and Bar Council screens candidates and prepares a shortlist from which the president will make his appointment.
