Manila, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed University of the Philippines College of Law Dean Darlene Berberabe as the new Solicitor General of the Philippines, replacing veteran legal official Menardo Guevarra. The appointment was confirmed on May 29, as part of a sweeping Cabinet revamp initiated by the administration following the 2025 midterm elections.
Berberabe, an accomplished lawyer, academic, and former government executive, brings a diverse and extensive background in law, policy, and public service. She served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) from 2010 to 2017, where she was credited with implementing reforms that improved efficiency, transparency, and corporate governance within the agency. In 2023, she made history as the second woman to be appointed dean of the prestigious UP College of Law.
As Solicitor General, Berberabe will lead the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), the government’s principal law office responsible for representing the Republic in legal proceedings, including cases before the Supreme Court and international tribunals. Her appointment signals the Marcos administration’s intention to strengthen the state’s legal representation amid a growing docket of high-profile cases involving governance, human rights, and international law.
A Strategic Move Amid Cabinet Reshuffle
Berberabe’s appointment comes at a critical time. Following the May 2025 midterm elections, President Marcos requested courtesy resignations from all department heads to allow for a comprehensive performance review. The reshuffle aims to refresh the administration’s leadership team and align the Cabinet more closely with the government’s priorities for the second half of Marcos’ term.
According to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the President seeks to install reform-oriented and high-performing leaders across key institutions. Berberabe’s blend of legal scholarship, management acumen, and public sector experience made her a natural fit for the role.
Departure of Menardo Guevarra
Her predecessor, Menardo Guevarra, served as Solicitor General from 2022 to 2025, following his tenure as Secretary of Justice under President Rodrigo Duterte. A respected figure in legal circles, Guevarra played a pivotal role in defending the government’s actions during the pandemic, and navigating complex international cases, including those related to the International Criminal Court’s investigation into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
Guevarra formally vacated the post on May 29, following his decision to step down amid the Marcos administration’s broader executive transition. Sources cited by Rappler indicated that Guevarra’s departure was voluntary and in line with the President’s directive for Cabinet officials to offer their resignations to enable restructuring.
Looking Ahead: A New Era at the OSG
Berberabe’s entry into the Office of the Solicitor General marks a significant shift. Legal observers expect her to bring a strong emphasis on academic rigor, human rights sensitivity, and public transparency — areas she championed during her time in the legal academe and in public service.
She takes the helm at a time when the OSG is expected to play a vital role in defending the state’s position on several contentious issues, including economic reforms, international arbitration disputes, and human rights accountability.
Her leadership could also pave the way for modernization within the OSG, particularly in areas such as digitalization of case management and enhancing the government’s capacity to respond to legal challenges in both domestic and global arenas.
The legal community has largely welcomed her appointment, with several colleagues from the UP College of Law and legal aid circles expressing confidence that she will bring balance, intellect, and independence to one of the most powerful legal offices in the country.
