Zalameda: Chief justice must lead through service, accountability

Supreme Court Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda said the next chief justice must lead through service and accountability, foster a supportive work environment and ensure that the Judiciary remains responsive to the needs of the public and its personnel.

During his interview for the post on Monday, Zalameda said effective leadership was not about demanding obedience but about serving others and enabling them to perform their duties effectively.

“Some of history’s worst leaders have been those who take pleasure that leadership meant only being obeyed. It is the opposite. As a leader, the Chief Justice must first be a servant of the Judiciary—attentive to litigants, lawyers, court employees, judges, and fellow justices,” he told the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).

He said the chief justice must create an environment where court personnel can raise concerns, develop solutions and receive the support they need to fulfill their responsibilities.

“The role is to create an environment where problems are heard, solutions are developed, good ideas are supported, and people are given the tools to fulfill their responsibilities. Leadership is ultimately about service, accountability, and enabling others to succeed,” he said.

Zalameda said his experience as a branch clerk of court at the Makati Regional Trial Court gave him an appreciation of the challenges faced by court employees, whose contributions often go unrecognized.

“The Judiciary is often spoken [of] in terms of judges, justices, decisions, and jurisprudence. But behind every decision are countless employees who perform their duties quietly and without recognition,” he said.

Beyond leadership and workplace concerns, Zalameda said the Judiciary must strengthen its anti-corruption initiatives, promptly and fairly address allegations of misconduct, and protect those who report wrongdoing.

He stressed that public trust must be earned through integrity and accountability, as well as efforts to address delays in the administration of justice.

“In sum, I envision a Judiciary that the Filipino people trust because the public believes in our integrity and accountability and because we deliver timely justice and better public service through evidence-based and sustainable reforms,” Zalameda said.

The JBC concluded its interviews for the chief justice post on Monday.

The vacancy will arise from the mandatory retirement of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo on Nov. 6, when he turns 70.— MCG, GMA News

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