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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider UP Law dean Berberabe is new Solicitor General; Aliling takes over DHSUD

UP Law dean Berberabe is new Solicitor General; Aliling takes over DHSUD

Published May 29, 2025 12:50 pm  |  Updated May 29, 2025 05:04 pm
President Marcos has named Darlene Berberabe as the new Solicitor General, replacing Menardo Guevarra, as a review of the Cabinet continues.

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. swears in lawyer Darlene Berberabe and engineer Jose Ramon Aliling as new Solicitor General and Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, respectively, in Malacañan, on Thursday, May 29, 2025. (Malacañang photos)

Berberabe took her oath before the President in Malacañan on Thursday morning, May 29.

In a message to reporters, Guevarra described his successor as a "top-caliber lawyer."

"I am happy for Darlene Berberabe. As a top-caliber lawyer with an impressive management background, she will surely do as well as Solicitor General," he said.

"As for me, maybe it’s time to go back to a quiet and peaceful private life. Salamat (Thank you)!," he added.

In a Facebook post, President Marcos expressed confidence in Berberabe's ability to protect the country's interests.

"A respected legal mind and academic leader, she brings with her the sharpness of a law professor and the discipline of a public servant," he said.

"I trust she will safeguard the Republic’s interests with strength, precision, and integrity," he added.


In a press briefing, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Guevarra's recusal from the case filed against the government following the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte had nothing to do with the decision to replace him.

"I don’t think that that was a factor," he said on Thursday.

According to Bersamin, President Marcos could have immediately removed Guevarra if that were the case.

"He (Guevarra) and the President had a conversation about this, and the President respected his ethical decision to recuse," Bersamin said.

"Now, if there was a reservation about his professionalism at that time, the President could have already removed him. But the President continued to repose trust in him," he added.

Berberabe, the dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law, graduated summa cum laude in Philosophy from UP and was salutatorian of UP Law in 1999.

Her career includes serving as chief executive officer of Pag-IBIG Fund during the time of former president Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. She was also a senior counsel at Procter & Gamble Philippines.

She has also been recognized as one of the Ten Outstanding Women in Nation Service in 2013 and one of the 100 Most Influential Filipino Women in 2014.

Berberabe's appointment is part of a broader Cabinet reshuffle initiated by President Marcos following the May 12 midterm elections. The reshuffle aims to enhance government performance and efficiency.

As Solicitor General, Berberabe will serve as the principal law officer and legal defender of the country, representing the government in legal proceedings and determining its legal positions in court.

In addition, Engr. Jose Ramon Aliling likewise took his oath as the new Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), succeeding Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, who has been designated Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Development.

Secretary Aliling is not new to the department, as he previously served as a DHSUD undersecretary.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos cabinet reshuffle Darlene Berberabe Jose Ramon Aliling solicitor general DHSUD
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