Marcos Appoints Ronald Chua as New Sandiganbayan Justice; Randolph Pascasio Named to Court of Appeals

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Ronald Chua, Deputy Secretary of the Commission on Appointments, as the newest Associate Justice of the Sandiganbayan, while Assistant Secretary Randolph Pascasio has been named Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals, reinforcing the administration’s efforts to strengthen the judiciary and fill key vacancies in the country’s courts. Both officials took their oaths on Wednesday, marking another step toward enhancing the efficiency and integrity of the Philippine justice system.

MANILA, Philippines — In a move to strengthen the country’s judiciary, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Deputy Secretary Ronald Chua of the Commission on Appointments as the newest Associate Justice of the Sandiganbayan, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The appointment marks another key development in the administration’s ongoing efforts to fill vacancies in the judiciary and ensure the efficient administration of justice in the country’s anti-graft court.

Chua officially took his oath of office on Wednesday, formally assuming his new role as a Sandiganbayan justice. His appointment comes after years of public service within the legislative branch, where he served as Deputy Secretary of the Commission on Appointments—the constitutional body tasked with confirming presidential appointees to key government positions.

Alongside Chua’s appointment, President Marcos also designated Assistant Secretary Randolph Pascasio as the newest Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals (CA). Pascasio likewise took his oath on Wednesday, paving the way for his transition from the Department of Justice to one of the country’s highest appellate courts.

The Court of Appeals plays a crucial role in the Philippine judicial system by reviewing decisions issued by regional trial courts and various quasi-judicial agencies. Pascasio’s appointment is expected to further strengthen the appellate court’s capacity to resolve cases efficiently amid its extensive docket.

Despite Pascasio’s designation, vacancies remain within the Court of Appeals. His promotion leaves three judicial positions still unfilled, highlighting the continued need for appointments to maintain the court’s full complement of magistrates and prevent delays in the disposition of pending cases.

The Sandiganbayan, meanwhile, remains one of the country’s most significant judicial institutions, holding exclusive jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases involving graft, corruption, and offenses committed by high-ranking public officials. As one of its newest members, Chua is expected to participate in resolving cases that have significant implications for public accountability and the rule of law.

Judicial appointments made by the President are vital to ensuring the continuous operation of the courts, particularly amid growing case backlogs and increasing public demand for timely resolutions of legal disputes. Filling vacancies in both the Sandiganbayan and the Court of Appeals is seen as an important step toward strengthening the country’s justice system and reinforcing public confidence in judicial institutions.

The appointments of Chua and Pascasio are part of the administration’s broader efforts to reinforce the judiciary by placing qualified legal professionals in key judicial posts, with additional appointments expected to address the remaining vacancies in the Court of Appeals.