The Supreme Court (SC) appointed three new deputy court administrators (DCAs) on Monday as part of its ongoing effort to modernize the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) and decentralize its functions.

Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo administered the oath of office to Leo T. Madrazo, Lilian C. Barribal-Co and Rainelda H. Estacio-Montesa at the SC session hall.

The appointments mark a strategic shift, transitioning the DCA roles from traditional geographic assignments (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao) to new functional designations.

This change aims to enhance strategic oversight for the new Central OCA Leadership Team, which will focus on strategy, policy and innovation for the judiciary’s administrative arm.

Madrazo, formerly the Deputy Court Administrator for Mindanao, was confirmed as the Deputy Court Administrator for Operations on 21 October. Madrazo brings extensive judicial experience, having served as a Prosecutor and a Presiding Judge in Davao City before his 2018 appointment to the OCA.

Barribal-Co, on the other hand, was appointed Deputy Court Administrator for Administration. A certified public accountant, Barribal-Co is a long-time SC official who began her career at the OCA in 1990.