Alexander Gesmundo, who frequently votes in Duterte’s favor, is new SC chief justice First appointed to the Supreme Court in August 2017, Gesmundo is expected to serve as chief justice until November 2026. He is a hardworking magistrate who advocates for reforms in the judiciary, but some of his decisions have shaken heads. BY CARMELA FONBUENA April 5, 2021 | 12:00:00 AM President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Alexander Gesmundo as the new chief justice, breaking a pledge he made early in his administration that he would respect seniority in his appointments to the Supreme Court. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed Gesmundo's appointment on Monday, April 5.