Manila, Nov. 9 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administered the ceremonial oath of office to Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice Rodil Zalameda at Malacanan Palace on Monday, formally beginning his tenure as the country's top magistrate.

"As the Judiciary continues to pursue reforms to improve the administration of justice, addressing case backlogs and ensuring the timely resolution of cases remain important to protecting the rights of every Filipino and strengthening public trust in the justice system," the Presidential Communications Office said in a news release.

Zalameda earlier took his oath as the 28th chief justice before Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen on Nov. 6 at the Supreme Court in Manila.

He succeeded Alexander G...