Villanueva sworn in as Marcos’ first Supreme Court appointee

Newly appointed Supreme Court Associate Justice Raul Villanueva took his oath of office before President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, 10 June 2025.

Villanueva is Marcos’ first appointee to the High Court, filling the vacancy left by Associate Justice Mario Lopez, who retired after reaching the mandatory age of 70.

“This is a well-deserved appointment,” Marcos said, citing Villanueva’s “wealth of experience” as a jurist. “He is well-versed in all that needs to be done for the proper and smooth function of the court.”

Before his appointment, Villanueva served for three years as Court Administrator of the Supreme Court — the top official in charge of the judiciary’s administrative supervision nationwide. The Office of the Court Administrator plays a key role in ensuring the operational efficiency of all courts across the country.

Villanueva began his judicial career as presiding judge of the Las Piñas City Regional Trial Court Branch 255. He later became the executive judge of the Las Piñas RTC and also served as acting presiding judge in Taguig City RTC Branch 267 and Manila RTC Branch 4.

An Ilocano like Marcos, Villanueva hails from Ilocos Sur. He graduated at the top of his class from Narvacan South Central School in 1976 and completed his secondary education with honors at Lourdes School of Quezon City in 1981.

He earned his economics degree from the University of the Philippines in 1985 and his law degree from the same university in 1990.