Marcos confers Order of Lakandula to retiring Chief Justice Gesmundo

MANILA (UPDATE) — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. conferred the Order of Lakandula with the Rank of Grand Cross (Bayani) to retiring Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo in a ceremony in Malacañang on Wednesday, recognizing his “public service and contributions to the country’s justice system.”

The award is one of the highest civilian honors given by the President to recognize individuals who have dedicated their life and deeds to the welfare of society.

The Bayani Rank is specifically conferred to a Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House, Chief Justice or the equivalent, foreign minister or other official of cabinet rank as well as Ambassador, Undersecretary, Assistant Secretary among others.

Gesmundo’s family witnessed his conferment together with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida.

Marcos also recognized the reforms Gesmundo initiated in the judiciary, particularly in modernizing the justice system, including the electronic notarization.

Gesmundo will retire on November 6 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. He became the country’s 27th chief justice on April 5, 2021.

The Palace said Marcos will announce Gesmundo’s successor within the week.

The Judicial and Bar Council shortlisted five nominees – Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda, Associate Justice Japar Dimaampao and Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez.  

“Ang lahat naman po ng kandidato para maging Chief Justice sa Supreme Court ay may kanya-kanyang kagalingan, kanya kanyang integridad,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.