JC Remulla or Sec. G. Teodoro for chief justice

Come November 2, 2026, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo is going to retire. All the incumbent associate justices are eminently qualified but I do not think that they have chances to be chosen. Appointment is a political exercise. With due respect, I cannot imagine President BBM choosing any of the Duterte appointees, not even the two PNoy appointees. He will most probably look for an outsider.

If credentials do count first and foremost, I would bet for a Bar topnotcher, DND secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro. His academic records, unsullied integrity and his consistent and unflinching stand against China will make him a truly reliable chief magistrate. He will never compromise our territorial integrity, our national security, and our administration of justice. Gibo Teodoro could have been an excellent senator but the voters in our country are too fixated on actors and celebrities who have zero knowledge about the law and law-making.

But then again, if and when politics and Palace loyalty would be made the primordial considerations, then Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla might have the distinct advantage. The Remullas who control the vote-rich Cavite delivered a whopping chunk of votes for BBM in 2022. They even impeded, derailed, and obstructed the Leni Robredo political rally in that province. The Remullas, the Revillas, and the Tolentinos in Tagaytay assured BBM of a very convincing victory in Cavite.

As Justice secretary and as Ombudsman, Remulla demonstrated beyond doubt that he delivered what the Palace wanted. This is not to say necessarily that the justice system is being weaponized. But the arrest and detention of such characters as Apollo Quiboloy, Alice Guo, and Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta, and many others has shown that even the powerful and the moneyed are not untouchable. Even the former speaker of the House, a presidential cousin, is being subjected to investigation.