Ex-NTC chief, CoA chair Cordoba appointed to High Court
The Telecommunications and Broadcast Attorneys of the Philippines (TELEBAP) has welcomed the appointment of Gamaliel Cordoba as an associate justice of the Supreme Court, citing his extensive experience in government service,public accountability, and telecommunications regulation.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Cordoba to the high tribunal on Friday.
He succeeds Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, who is scheduled to retire on 16 November upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
In a statement, TELEBAP said Cordoba’s background as the country’s longest-serving commissioner of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) provides him with vital insight into the legal frameworks governing the telecommunications and broadcasting industries.
The organization expressed confidence that Cordoba’s regulatory expertise and understanding of necessary legal reforms in these sectors will strengthen the Supreme Court.
"His in-depth experience while chairman of the Commission on Audit (CoA) will also be helpful in resolving legal issues in the workings of the government," TELEBAP said.
TELEBAPpresident Atty. V. Froilan Castelo described the appointment as a significant contribution to the Philippine judiciary.
Cordoba brings more than two decades of public sector experience to the Supreme Court, having served under four presidential administrations.
Before his appointment as CoA chairman in October 2022, he served as NTC commissioner from 2009 to 2022.
During his 13-year tenure, he oversaw initiatives that introduced a third major telecommunications player, advanced digital television broadcasting, and expanded internet connectivity nationwide.
At the CoA, Cordoba headed the constitutional auditing body and served as an external auditor for the International Labour Organization and the World Trade Organization.
He also chaired the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Supreme Audit Institutions in 2024 and 2025.
His previous government posts include serving as appointments secretary, undersecretary, and assistant executive secretary at the Office of the President, as well as a member of the board of directors of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
An economist and lawyer, Cordoba earned his bachelor's degree in economics and his Juris Doctor from the Ateneo de Manila University.
He passed the Philippine Bar examinations in 1997 and previously practiced law at Siguion Reyna,Montecillo & Ongsiako, as well as working as a tax lawyer at SyCip Gorres Velayo & Co.