UP Law dean Darlene Berberabe named new SolGen

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

NEW SOLICITOR GENERAL. Newly appointed Solicitor General Darlene Berberabe takes her oath of office before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday (May 29, 2025) in Malacañang. Berberabe, currently serving as dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law, will replace Menardo Guevarra. (PCO photo)

MANILA – Seasoned lawyer and academic Darlene Marie Berberabe will take over as the new Solicitor General.

Berberabe took her oath before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday in Malacañang, based on photos shared on social media by the Presidential Communications Office.

Currently serving as dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law, Berberabe will replace Menardo Guevarra, who previously served as Justice Secretary under the Duterte administration.

Berberabe also served as chief executive officer of the Pag-IBIG fund.

The Office of the Solicitor General acts as the “law firm” for the government, handling legal matters on its behalf, its agencies, and officials. This includes representing them in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and other courts.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez welcomed Berberabe’s appointment, citing her strong qualifications to lead the government’s legal team amid complex constitutional issues and high-stakes cases that require sharp and independent counsel.

“She is stepping in at a critical moment, and I have no doubt she is ready. Her legal expertise, leadership, and integrity make her the right choice to serve as the Republic’s chief legal defender,” Romualdez, a lawyer from UP and president of the Philippine Constitution Association, said in a statement.

He said the government needs a Solicitor General who can stand firm before the Supreme Court, argue persuasively, and safeguard the legal interests of the State.

“Dean Berberabe has the intellect, experience, and independence to do just that. Her professional record is not only impressive — it is defined by discipline, fairness and vision,” Romualdez said.

“I am confident she will lead the OSG with the same rigor and patriotism that have marked every chapter of her career.”

New DHSUD chief takes oath

Newly appointed Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling also took his oath before the President on Thursday.

The fresh appointments are among the latest changes in the Cabinet after Marcos ordered his appointees to submit their courtesy resignation as he looks to recalibrate his administration following the midterm elections.