President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. meets UP Law dean and incoming Solicitor General Darlene Bernerabe, May 29, 2025. Photo from PCO/Facebook

MANILA (2nd UPDATE) — President Ferdinand Marcos has named UP College of Law dean Darlene Berberabe as the new Solicitor General, replacing Menardo Guevarra, the Palace confirmed Thursday. 

Berberabe took her oath earlier in the day, photos from the Presidential Communications Office showed.

"Her strong philosophy background will help her use the wisdom and the ethical leadership she has gained from deep reflection and rigorous study to competently perform her task as the solicitor general," Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said in a press briefing.

Guevarra said he was "happy" for Berberabe.

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"As a top-caliber lawyer with an impressive management background, she will surely do as well as Solicitor General," he said in a text message.

BACKGROUND

Berberabe was elected UP Law dean in 2023. Prior to that, her last known government post was CEO of Pag-IBIG Fund.

Berberabe obtained her bachelor's degree in Philosophy from UP in 1995, graduating summa cum laude and class valedictorian. She obtained her law degree from UP Law in 1999, graduating salutatorian.

Prior to her appointment as Solicitor General, she was among the contenders interviewed by the Judicial and Bar Council earlier this month for the replacement of Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario Lopez who will retire on June 4, 2025.

'BACK TO PRIVATE LIFE'

Guevarra's exit from OSG comes after his controversial refusal to represent government agencies in petitions before the Supreme Court on the actions of officials which led to Duterte’s arrest. 

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The solicitor general had asserted that the ICC had no jurisdiction over the Philippines due to its 2019 withdrawal from the Rome Statute that created the tribunal.

Guevarra said he might "go back to a quiet and peaceful private life."

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