Frederrick Vida appointed acting Justice secretary

Frederrick Vida has been appointed as the Acting Justice Secretary, taking over the leadership of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. signed his appointment paper as acting Justice secretary on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments.

He had previously served as the Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of the DOJ after the previous secretary, Jesus Remulla, was appointed Ombudsman.

Under his short term as OIC, information broke out that the International Criminal Court (ICC) allegedly issued an arrest warrant against Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, though this remains unconfirmed by the ICC and DOJ.

It was also under Vida that the DOJ referred its recommendation to file graft and other charges against Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and contractors involved in five flood control projects to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Vida was promoted to undersecretary in October 2023 and served three terms as mayor of Mendez in Cavite province from 2013 to 2022.