President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is still awaiting the submission of the shortlist of nominees who will replace retiring Chief Justice Reynato Puno next month.

At the awarding rites of the Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities, the President said she is waiting for the transmittal of the nomination list that will be submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council.

“I have not received the copy of the nomination,” she said when asked when she will appoint the next Chief Justice.

Malacañang said that the President will carefully study the shortlist of candidates for the Chief Justice post as it is also counting on the JBC to provide a “timely” list of competent nominees.

“We are hopeful that the JBC and other parties with a role to play in the selection and appointment process can now return to their work and furnish the President with timely list of most capable candidates for the position,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Gary Olivar said.

Included in the list of Puno’s possible successors in the shortlist of potential successors of Puno are SC Associate Justices Renato C. Corona, Teresita Leonardo De Castro and Arturo D. Brion, and acting Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Edilberto G. Sandoval.

But Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr. said Thursday it is a matter of prudence and delicadeza for President Arroyo not to name the replacement of Chief Justice Puno when he retires on May 17 as her six-year term ends on June 30.