00:01The selection of a Chief Justice is among the most consequential responsibilities entrusted to the President under our Constitution.
00:09The Chief Justice leads an institution fundamental to our democracy, one entrusted with upholding the Constitution,
00:17protecting the rights of our citizens, and ensuring that justice is administered fairly and impartially.
00:25Today, I am pleased to announce that the President, Ferdinand R. Marcos, has chosen Supreme Court Associate Justice Rodil V.
00:34Zalameda
00:35to serve as the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines,
00:41succeeding Chief Justice Alexander Gizmundo, who is set to retire tomorrow, November 6.
00:48Justice Zalameda brings more than three decades of distinguished service to our judicial system.
00:54From his early years as a Court Official and Public Prosecutor, to his service in the Court of Appeals, and
01:00ultimately, the Supreme Court,
01:02he devoted his professional life to the administration of justice.
01:07His experience across different levels of our judicial system gives him a comprehensive understanding of the courts and the people
01:16that they serve.
01:16In selecting Justice Zalameda, the President recognizes the importance of experienced and principled leadership
01:25in preserving public confidence in our judicial institutions.
01:30The President expresses his confidence that Justice Zalameda will discharge the responsibilities of Chief Justice
01:37with integrity, impartiality, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
01:43We congratulate Justice Zalameda on his selection and wish him well as he prepares to assume this important responsibility to
01:52the Filipino people.
01:54We also extend our gratitude to Chief Justice Gizmundo for his dedicated service to the judiciary and our nation.
02:05Unang tanong po, mula kay Ace Romero, Philippine Star.
02:09Good afternoon, Secretary. What were the considerations of the President in choosing Justice Zalameda for the post?
02:15Yeah, magandang hapon po. Tulad ho nang sinabi ko, malawa ko yung experience ni Justice Zalameda pagdating sa judikatura.
02:28He served during the time of multiple presidents, from the time of FBR to the time of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
02:34to the time of dating Pangulong Pinoy.
02:37He was eventually appointed to the Supreme Court by dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte.
02:44He has experience working as clerk of court nung siya ay na sa RTC bilang isang prosecutor, bilang isang justice
02:53sa Court of Appeals, at bilang isang justice din sa Korte Suprema.
02:58So this wide, broad experience makes him extremely qualified for the job.
03:04Just a follow-up, Secretary. There were criticisms that Justice Zalameda will not be independent, and some critics, including former
03:17Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, pointed out that he was the ponente of several or a number of decisions favoring the
03:24Marcoses.
03:25So what do you say to those kinds of concerns?
03:28Well, Justice Zalameda served multiple presidents, or during the time of multiple presidents.
03:34Again, he was appointed as a clerk of court during the time of FBR.
03:40He served in the Court of Appeals during the time of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, of President Pinoy.
03:46Siya ho ay appointed sa Supreme Court during the time of President Rodrigo Duterte.
03:51Ang desisyon na tinutukoy mo ay desisyon ng isang dibisyon.
03:57We believe in the impartiality, you know?
04:00And we look forward to working with the new Chief Justice.
04:06One more question, because the gentleman asked two questions.
04:10Alright po.
04:11Next question po, Ivan Mayden.
04:12One more question.
04:15Fairness.
04:16Next question po, Ivan Mayden na GMA said.
04:18Secretary, as you said in the first sentence of your statement,
04:23the selection of Chief Justice is among the most consequential responsibilities entrusted to the President.
04:29Personally, how consequential is this decision for the President,
04:32considering the many legal controversies being brought before the court,
04:36especially issues on impeachment and the budget?
04:38For the entire country, I think it's extremely consequential.
04:43When you govern, and when you want to govern, and when you want to impose reform and changes in government,
04:51pag gusto mong banggain ang mga institusyon para magdala ng pangmahabaang solusyon sa ating mga problema,
04:57natural darating ho ang mga legal obstacles.
05:00Naranasan ko rin yan sa sarili kong eksperyensya.
05:02So, when you want to govern, and you want to make sure that there are actual changes,
05:08there is actual reform, and long-lasting reforms,
05:11all these challenges and these legal consequences are expected.
05:16Okay, salamat. Thank you.
05:18Thank you, Malakanyang President.
