The chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Macacua, has congratulated Zalameda on becoming the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, according to Inquirer.net. The message of congratulation was reported on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
Zalameda's appointment to the country's top judicial post was made by President Marcos, Philstar.com reports. The BARMM chief minister's public greeting followed that announcement, per Inquirer.net.
The change at the helm of the judiciary comes as the retiring Chief Justice Gesmundo steps down. According to the Philippine News Agency, Gesmundo leaves behind a record focused on modernization and ethical standards in the courts.
Coverage of the transition has also included commentary on the selection process. Rappler published a piece titled "The next chief justice," and the Daily Tribune ran an opinion column critical of Justice Leonen. Neither item is summarized in the material available here.
The congratulatory statement from Macacua is notable because it comes from a regional leader in the Bangsamoro, whose government operates under its own arrangement within the Philippine state. The report from Inquirer.net did not include further details of the message.
What to watch next: how Zalameda's leadership takes shape at the Supreme Court, and whether other officials and regional governments issue their own statements on the appointment.