SC undergoes reorganization under new Chief Justice De Castro

Following the appointment of new Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, the Supreme Court (SC) reorganized its three divisions to achieve a quorum for deciding cases.

The high court has three divisions that handle cases that do not immediately fall under the jurisdiction of its en banc (full court).

De Castro, being the Chief Justice, will also head the high court’s First Division, with Associate Justices Mariano del Castillo, Francis Jardeleza, and Noel Tijam as members. Associate Justice Lucas P. Bersamin will sit as the working chairman.

The Second Division will be headed by Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio, with Associate Justices Estela M. Perlas Bernabe, Benjamin Alfredo S. Caguioa, Andres B. Reyes Jr., and Jose C. Reyes Jr. as members.

Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta will chair the Third Division, with Associate Justices Marvic Mario Victor F. Leonen, Alexander G. Gesmundo, Andres B. Reyes Jr. and Jose C. Reyes Jr. as members.

The two Reyeses are the swing justices to complete the required membership of five justices for every division.

Reyes Jr. is the latest addition to the high court’s magistrates. He replaced Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr. who mandatory retired last Aug. 8 after reaching the age of 70.

Currently, there are 13 justices at the high court following De Castro’s appointment and the early retirement of former Associate Justice and now Ombudsman Samuel Martires.

The JBC has already opened the nomination to fill up the position vacated by Martires.