Alexander Gesmundo assumes Chief Justice post

Alexander Gesmundo assumed the highest post in the judiciary on Monday.

The country’s 27th chief justice took the oath of office before Supreme Court (SC) Senior Associate Justice Estela Perlas Bernabe, one of his two rivals for the position vacated by Diosdado Peralta on March 27.

Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando—the other applicant for the post—watched the ceremony online along with the other members of the Court and Gesmundo’s immediate family.

A former SC and Sandiganbayan magistrate, Gesmundo is President Rodrigo Duterte's fourth chief justice appointee in less than three years.

Malacañang has expressed confidence that Gesmundo will continue to uphold judicial excellence and independence, and promote the rule of law, as well as carry out reforms in the judiciary.

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