NCR prosecutors back Zalameda as Chief Justice
The NCR chief Prosecutors Association Inc. has formally endorsed Supreme Court Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda to serve as the next chief justice of the Philippines, joining a competitive selection process ahead of the incumbent top magistrate’s upcoming retirement.
In Resolution No. 03, series of 2026, 15 chief prosecutors across Metro Manila expressed unanimous support for Zalameda, pointing to his extensive career in public prosecution and the judiciary.
The association declared Zalameda the most qualified candidate to succeed Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, who is scheduled to retire on 6 November.
“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 resolution stated.
Zalameda began his career in 1995 as a public prosecutor in Mandaluyong City, rising to city prosecutor in 2002.
Following 11 years as an associate justice of the Court of Appeals, he was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2019, becoming the first former city prosecutor elevated to the high tribunal.
The association noted that Zalameda’s background in both prosecution and the bench uniquely equips him to lead the judiciary and uphold the rule of law.
“Supreme Court Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda’s years of law practice attests to his unyielding pursuit of justice, effective leadership skills and administrative acumen,” the resolution added.
The endorsement comes as the Judicial and Bar Council evaluates candidates for the highest judicial post.
Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the most senior magistrate on the high bench, has also received key endorsements and is included on the official JBC shortlist.
Former Vice President Leni Robredo formally endorsed Leonen in a 23 September letter to the council, citing his decades of judicial service, independence, and administrative modernization efforts, including digital tribunal initiatives.
Leonen has served on the high court since November 2012, while Zalameda has served since 2019.