Zalameda asked to restore people’s trust in the justice system

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan challenged on Friday newly-appointed Supreme Court Chief Justice Rodil Zalameda to bring back Filipinos’ trust in the justice system. 

Zalameda was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take the place of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, who is set to retire on Friday. 

“Leading the reform in the Philippine justice system is the challenge to Chief Justice Rodil Zalameda,” Pangilinan said in a statement.

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The senator noted that Zalameda should see his appointment as “a challenge to restore the people’s trust in the judiciary, a challenge to have faster resolution of cases, fair implementation of the law, and a system free from corruption and lack of accountability.”

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Pangilinan recalled the many reforms needed in the judicial branch, after the Philippines ranked only 97 out of 143 countries in the 2026 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index.

The lawmaker hopes that new chief justice will prioritize the backlog of cases in courts.

“Clear and measurable targets are needed in the coming years,” the senator said.

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Pangilinan would like to see “faster resolution of cases, additional courts in areas with insufficient and overcrowded courts, a reduction in the number of cases handled by each judge, and a significant reduction in vacant judicial positions.”

Moreover, the lawmaker also called on Zalameda to address the corruption within the judicial system.

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He said: “There can be no compromise when it comes to the integrity of the judiciary — in the appointment and promotion of officials, oversight and discipline of offenders.)

READ: Who is Rodil Zalameda, the new chief justice?

Pangilinan also urged that the Judiciary Executive Legislative Advisory and Consultative Council be convened, to allow for coordination between the three branches of government.

“The justice system is the soil where progress grows. We hope that under the leadership of Chief Justice Zalameda, this soil will be enriched through integrity, fairness, efficiency and accountability,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri on Thursday evening hailed Zalameda’s appointment.

“Warmest congratulations to our new Chief Justice, Rodil V. Zalameda!” Zubiri wrote in a social media post.

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“With your decades of experience in public service and the Judiciary, I am confident that you will lead the Supreme Court with wisdom, integrity and a firm commitment to justice,” he added. /apl