FIFTEEN Metro Manila chief prosecutors have endorsed the bid of Supreme Court Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda as the next Chief Justice.
In Resolution 03, Series of 2026, the NCR Chief Prosecutors Association Inc. said Zalameda was the most qualified candidate to succeed Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, who is set to retire on November 6.
They cited Zalameda’s legal expertise, leadership skills and record of public service as his advantage over other nominees included on the shortlist submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) to President Marcos.
The resolution was signed by Chief Prosecutors Ma. Aileen D. Guño of Caloocan City, Marylin Cynthia Fatima Madamba-Luang of Las Piñas City, Dindo G. Venturanza of Makati City, Rennet D. Evangelista of Malabon City and Elinore Concepcion R. Aquino-Laluces of Mandaluyong City.
Other signatories were Chief Prosecutors Giovanne T. Lim of Manila, Laurence Joel M. Taliping of Marikina City, Aileen Marie S. Gutierrez of Muntinlupa City, Armando H. Cavalida of Navotas City and Benjamin S. Vermug Jr. of Parañaque City. Also signing were Chief Prosecutors Elmer Cris L. Rillo of Pasay City, Rey Camilo B. Dumlao II of Pasig City, Vimar M. Barcellano of Quezon City, Vincent M. Villena of Taguig City and Lemuel B. Nobleza of Valenzuela City.
Zalameda began his career as a public prosecutor in Mandaluyong City in 1995 and rose through the ranks to become city prosecutor in 2002.
He later served as a Court of Appeals justice for 11 years before joining the Supreme Court in 2019, becoming the first former city prosecutor to sit on the High Tribunal.
The association said Zalameda’s extensive experience in prosecution and the judiciary made him well-suited to lead the country’s highest court.
‘Supreme Court Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda’s years of law practice attests to his unyielding pursuit of justice, effective leadership skills and administrative acumen,’ it said.
The group also cited Zalameda’s ‘academic excellence and impeccable record of public service’ in declaring him the most qualified candidate for the position.
It stressed that the next chief justice must possess ‘outstanding legal credentials with exceptional moral, administrative and leadership traits.’
Aside from Zalameda, also included on the JBC’s shortlist are SC Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen and Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, Japar B. Dimaampao, and Jose Midas P. Marquez.
Former Vice President and now Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor G. Robredo has endorsed the bid of Leonen to get the top post in the Judiciary.
Robredo noted that Leonen is the most senior among all the justices of the Court and has proven his ‘competence, independence, probity, and integrity.’
She also pointed out that Leonen has written thousands of decisions and separate opinions which show his awareness on various issues.
On the other hand, Marquez was nominated by the Association of Retired Regional Trial Court Judges of the Philippines and former SC Associate Justice Arturo Brion for the post.
They cited Marquez’ contribution in improving court operations during his stint as Court Administrator.
Marquez served as Court Administrator for 11 years or from January 2010 until his appointment as associate justice on November 16, 2021. He also served as spokesperson of at least four chief justices.
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As Court Administrator, Marquez initiated the E-warrant and e-subpoena, implemented The Hague Service Convention and spearheaded the creation of Office of Judiciary Marshals by petitioning Congress.
As an associate justice, Marquez is the working chairman of Judiciary Budget Committee and advocated online appearances of overseas Filipino workers abroad before the courts in real time through videoconferencing.
Dimaampao, on the other hand, was endorsed by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament.
Under Article VIII, Section 4 (1), the President is mandated to make appointments in the judiciary within 90 days from the occurrence of the vacancy.