TINGNAN: Liham ni dating Supreme Court Chief Justice at ConCom chair Reynato Puno kay Pangulong Duterte na nagrerekomenda kay SC Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez na papalit sa mababakanteng puwesto ni Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr. na magreretiro bukas | via @dzmmRP45 pic.twitter.com/sDwK3jruEi

— DZMM TeleRadyo (@DZMMTeleRadyo) August 7, 2018

MANILA - Former Chief Justice Reynato Puno on Tuesday said he believes Supreme Court administrator Midas Marquez is "qualified to the highest degree" for the position of associate justice.

In an endorsement letter addressed to President Rodrigo Duterte, Puno said his former chief of staff has the "moral fiber" and superior intellectual ability to be a magistrate.

"I have known Midas to be with a strong moral fiber. His integrity is beyond reproach. His intellectual ability is superior. His loyalty is unwavering," Puno said.

Marquez, who was appointed Court Administrator in 2010, is among the nominees the Judicial and Bar Council shortlisted for the post to replace retiring Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr.

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The Philippine Judges Association also recommended Marquez for the position, believing that the longest-serving high court administrator has the experience to be associate justice.

A certain Rizza Joy Laurea earlier tried to block Marquez's bid for appointment, linking him to some questionable fund disbursements by the high court.

• Shortlisted SC associate justice aspirant Midas Marquez faces graft rap

The court official has denied this accusation and dismissed it as "hearsay, unsubstantiated, misplaced" and "at best, they are recycled non-issues."

Despite the opposition, the Supreme Court justices, in en banc session, still shortlisted Marquez for the impending vacancy.--report from Dexter Ganibe, ABS-CBN News