NCR prosecutors’ group backs Zalameda as next chief justice

MANILA, Philippines – The National Capital Region (NCR) Chief Prosecutors Association Inc., has endorsed Supreme Court Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda to be the next chief justice.

Zalameda began his career as a public prosecutor in Mandaluyong City in 1995 and rose through the ranks to become city prosecutor in 2002 before his 11 year stint as a Court of Appeals Justice.

“RESOLVED, that the Association shall give its full support and solely endorse Supreme Court Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda as Supreme Court Chief Justice vice Hon. Alexander G. Gesmundo,” the prosecutors’ group stated in the Resolution No. 03 (Series of 2026), made public Tuesday.

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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.

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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.

Highlighting the shared responsibility between prosecutors and the judiciary in preventing crime and upholding public trust, the resolution emphasized that the upcoming appointment is critical to the entire criminal justice system. 

The prosecutors cited Zalameda’s extensive legal practice, administrative acumen, leadership traits, and “unyielding pursuit of justice” as key qualifications that make him the most fitting choice for the highest judicial post.

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The race for the next chief justice has drawn support from various legal figures and civic groups. 

Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen received an endorsement and nomination from former vice president Leni Robredo.

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Meanwhile, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Arturo Brio and the Association of Retired Regional Trial Court Judges of the Philippines nominated Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez.

Zalameda, Marquez and Leonen, together with Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa and Japar Dimaampao are included in the shortlist of candidates submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. who has 90 days from Nov. 6 to make his choice. /gsg