No special preference for Caloocan judge—Malacañang

Malacañang has defended the appointment of a Caloocan City judge who dismissed the cases against two policemen tagged in the deaths of two teenagers, saying there was no special treatment involved.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said there was no special preference or reward in the case of Judge Georgina Hidalgo, of Caloocan City Regional Trial Court Branch 22.

Hidalgo was appointed associate justice of the Sandiganbayan, replacing Rodolfo Ponferrada.

Her appointment papers, dated Jan. 18, was released by Malacañang only on Wednesday.

“There was no [special preference]. In our system, the President cannot make arbitrary appointments.

You are limited to what the Judicial and Bar Council gives you,” Roque said.  —JULIE M. AURELIO