Raul Villanueva Appointed to Supreme Court as Marcos’ First SC Pick

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has appointed Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, marking his first appointment to the country’s highest judicial body.

Villanueva fills the vacancy left by Associate Justice Mario Lopez, who retired on June 4 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. His appointment is expected to be formally announced this week, according to sources from Malacañang.

The selection of Villanueva gives Marcos his first opportunity to shape the composition of the 15-member tribunal, which is poised to rule on key constitutional and legal issues that could define his administration in the coming years.

A respected figure in the Philippine judiciary, Villanueva brings more than two decades of judicial experience to the High Court. A native of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1985 and Bachelor of Laws in 1990 at the University of the Philippines.

Villanueva began his judicial career in December 2002 as Presiding Judge of Branch 255, Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Las Piñas City. He also served as Acting Presiding Judge in RTC branches in Taguig City and Manila. In 2009, he was appointed Executive Judge of RTC Las Piñas.

Beyond his judicial duties, Villanueva took active roles in judicial organizations. He became Executive Vice President of the Philippine Judges Association and the Charter President of the Las Piñas City Judges Association.

His ascent to the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) came in March 2010 when he was appointed Deputy Court Administrator, overseeing various judicial regions nationwide. Throughout his career, he has been tapped to lead numerous committees both in the OCA and the Supreme Court, including three Bids and Awards Committees critical to the Court’s administrative functions.

Villanueva is also known for his contributions to judicial education, serving as a Professorial Lecturer and Vice-Chairperson of the Court Management Department of the Philippine Judicial Academy.

The appointment comes as the Supreme Court prepares to deliberate on politically significant cases, including those involving executive powers, electoral issues, and other constitutional matters.

Villanueva’s experience in both trial courts and administrative management is seen by many in the judiciary as a valuable addition to the High Court, especially amid calls for reforms to improve court processes and access to justice.

With Villanueva’s appointment, President Marcos begins to put his imprint on the Supreme Court, with more vacancies expected in the years ahead as other justices reach retirement age.