CA Justice Lopez appointed to SC

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Court of Appeals (CA) Justice Jhosep Lopez as the newest magistrate at the Supreme Court (SC), Malacañang confirmed Tuesday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announced Lopez’s appointment in an online Palace briefing.

“Kinukumpirma ko po na ang dating CA Justice Jhosep Lopez ay natalaga po bilang Associate Justice ng Korte Suprema,” Roque said.

The President signed Lopez’s appointment paper as Supreme Court Associate Justice on Monday, he added.

“Inaasahan ng Pangulo ng paiiralin ni Justice Lopez ang judicial independence at rule of law at ipagpapatuloy niya ang mga reporma sa ating court processes,” said the Palace official.

Lopez will take the place vacated by SC Associate Justice Priscilla Baltazar-Padilla who opted for an early retirement in November last year due to health reasons.

Prior to being CA Justice, Lopez was Manila Chief City Prosecutor and councilor of Manila’s third district.