Malacañang has described the appointment of Supreme Court Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda as the 28th Chief Justice of the Philippines as “extremely consequential” for the entire country amid various legal controversies confronting the administration.
During a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Lino Edgardo Cayetano was asked about the significance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision, particularly amid legal issues involving impeachment proceedings and the national budget.
“For the entire country, I think it's extremely consequential,” Cayetano said when asked about the importance of the appointment.
Cayetano said governments pursuing reforms and long-term changes should expect legal challenges and obstacles along the way.
“When you govern and when you want to govern and when you want to impose reform and changes in government, pag gusto mong banggain ang mga institusyon para magdala ng pang-mahabaang solusyon sa ating mga problema, natural, darating ho ang mga legal obstacles,” Cayetano said.
He added that such challenges are expected when the government seeks to implement meaningful and lasting reforms.
“So when you want to govern and you want to make sure that there are actual changes, there is actual reform and long-lasting reforms, all these challenges and these legal consequences are expected,” he stressed.
Zalameda was appointed by Marcos to succeed Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, who is set to reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 on November 6.
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