(Photo ocurtesy of SC PIO)
Rodil Zalameda formally assumed his post as the Philippines’ 28th chief justice on Friday, November 6, succeeding Alexander Gesmundo, who retired upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Zalameda took his oath of office before Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen at the Supreme Court’s en banc session hall in Manila.
The ceremony was attended by Supreme Court associate justices, court officials and employees, retired magistrates, and incumbent and former justices of the Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, and Sandiganbayan.
Zalameda was accompanied by his wife, Ma. Vilma Amor, and their son, lawyer Jasper Rodil II.
With more than three decades of experience in the legal profession and judiciary, Zalameda brings extensive experience as a court employee, private practitioner, prosecutor, and appellate court justice.
During his public interview before the Judicial and Bar Council in October, Zalameda emphasized that his varied experience in the justice system had prepared him to lead the judiciary.
“I value these experiences because they have given me something I consider particularly important for anyone who aspires to lead the Judiciary: perspective and readiness to lead,” he said.
Born in Caloocan City on August 2, 1963, Zalameda earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from Ateneo de Manila University in 1987 under an academic scholarship.
After passing the Bar Examinations in 1988, he began his public service career as a branch clerk of court at the Makati City Regional Trial Court.
He said his early experience as a court employee gave him a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by personnel working behind the scenes to keep the justice system functioning.
“The judiciary is often spoken of in terms of judges, justices, decisions, and jurisprudence. But behind every decision are countless employees who perform their duties quietly and without recognition. I understand their challenges because I have been where many of them are,” Zalameda said.
He entered private legal practice in 1990 before returning to government service as a public prosecutor in 1995.
In 2002, Zalameda was appointed city prosecutor of Mandaluyong, further strengthening his experience in criminal prosecution and public service.
He later served as an associate justice of the Court of Appeals for 11 years before being appointed to the Supreme Court in 2019.
His elevation to chief justice marks another milestone in a judicial career spanning more than three decades.
As the country’s new top magistrate, Zalameda assumes leadership of the judiciary, including oversight of court administration and the continuing implementation of judicial reforms.
