Duterte's choice of De Castro reflects his tendency to prioritize seniority as a consideration in key appointments. De Castro is most senior among those in the JBC short list. This tendency of Duterte is also observed in his choice of military chiefs who are the most senior even if their terms will be short.



Respect for seniority has long defined the Supreme Court as an institution, one reason why Sereno's appointment as chief justice ruffled so many feathers. At the time of her appointment, Sereno was a junior justice.