President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administered the oath of office to Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda, appointing him as the new Chief Justice of the Philippines Supreme Court, succeeding Alexander Gesmundo.
On Monday, November 9, 2026, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. officially swore in Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda as the 28th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines at Malacañang Palace. Zalameda succeeds outgoing Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, who retired on November 6, 2026.
Rodil Zalameda brings over three decades of extensive judicial experience to the nation’s highest court, having served as a court official, public prosecutor, and appellate court justice before his Supreme Court appointment in August 2019 by former President Rodrigo Duterte. Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Lino Edgardo Cayetano highlighted Zalameda’s distinguished career dedicated to the administration of justice across multiple administrations.
During his tenure on the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Zalameda authored significant decisions including the First Division ruling that overturned the graft conviction of former First Lady Imelda Marcos in September 2026 and the 2023 En Banc decision granting a writ of amparo to former Bayan Muna lawmaker Siegfred Deduro.
Zalameda’s appointment marks a continuation of experienced judicial leadership in the Philippines’ highest legal institution, with expectations of upholding justice and strengthening the judiciary’s role in governance.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/1008801/look-marcos-swears-in-rodil-zalameda-as-sc-chief-justice/story/
