Marcos Jr. picks Zalameda as next chief justice

MANILA, Philippines —  An appointee of former president Rodrigo Duterte to the Supreme Court who has been in the legal profession for more than three decades is the country’s next chief justice.

Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda will succeed Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, who retires today after leading the high court for more than five years.

Presidential Communications Secretary Lino Cayetano said Zalameda’s experience across the different levels of the judicial system gives him a “comprehensive understanding of the courts and the people they serve.”

“In selecting Justice Zalameda, the President recognizes the importance of experienced and principled leadership in preserving public confidence in our judicial institutions,” Cayetano said at a press briefing yesterday.

Days before the announcement, there were speculations that Zalameda would bag the position as he was the magistrate who penned the SC First Division ruling that reversed the conviction on seven counts of graft of President Marcos’ mother Imelda.

Lawyer Ruben Carranza, a former commissioner of the Presidential Commission on Good Government, warned that the selection of Zalameda could undermine confidence in the country’s justice system.

Asked about such concerns, Cayetano replied: “Justice Zalameda served... during the time of multiple presidents... We believe in his impartiality and we look forward to working with the new chief justice.”

Before joining the SC, Zalameda led the 17th division of the Court of Appeals. He was CA justice for 11 years.

“Justice Zalameda brings more than three decades of distinguished service to our justice system. From his early years as a court official and public prosecutor to his service in the Court of Appeals and ultimately the Supreme Court, he has devoted his professional life to the administration of justice,” he added.

Cayetano said President Marcos is confident that Zalameda would discharge the responsibilities of chief justice “with integrity, impartiality, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.”

Zalameda was appointed to the Supreme Court by Duterte in 2019 after going through the first-ever written examinations for magistrate applicants.

Upon his appointment to the SC, he drew criticism for posing with Duterte while flashing the then president’s trademark fist gesture.

The National Capital Region Chief Prosecutors Association Inc. recently endorsed him to be the next chief magistrate, citing his leadership qualities, extensive legal experience and “unyielding pursuit of justice.”

The next chief justice obtained his law degree from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1987 under an academic scholarship grant. He joined the judiciary as branch clerk of the Makati City Regional Trial Court after passing the Bar exams in 1988. Zalameda engaged in private law practice from 1990 to 1995 then returned to government service as a public prosecutor until his appointment as the city prosecutor of Mandaluyong in 2002.

“He served during the time of multiple presidents, from the time of FVR (Fidel V. Ramos) to the time of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to… former president Benigno Aquino III. He was eventually appointed to the Supreme Court by former president Duterte... This wide, broad experience makes him extremely qualified for the job,” Cayetano said.

Zalameda was among the five nominees endorsed by the Judicial and Bar Council for the top judicial post. The other nominees were Associate Justices Marvic Leonen, Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Japar Dimaampao and Jose Midas Marquez.

Servant of the judiciary

In his opening statement during his interview by the JBC on Oct. 26., Zalameda said: “I envision a judiciary that the Filipino people trust because the public believes in our integrity and accountability and because we deliver timely justice and better public service through evidence-based and sustainable reforms.”

“As a leader, the Chief Justice must first be a servant of the judiciary – attentive to litigants, lawyers, court employees, judges, and fellow Justices,” he told the JBC. “The role is to create an environment where problems are heard, solutions are developed, good ideas are supported, and people are given the tools to fulfill their responsibilities. Leadership is ultimately about service, accountability, and enabling others to succeed,” he added.

Gesmundo’s parting message

In his parting message meanwhile,  Gesmundo declared his wish to leave a judiciary “ready to face future challenges with courage, competence, and compassion.”

After his appointment in 2021, he introduced sweeping changes in rules and systems in the country’s judicial and court systems through the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027, which he called “the SC’s blueprint for institutional reforms and modernization, anchored on an overarching goal of providing accessible, responsive, and real-time justice.” - Ghio Ong