Villaruz now graft court’s presiding justice

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III has appointed Sandiganbayan Justice Francisco Villaruz as the anti-graft court’s presiding justice, the Palace announced Friday.

Villaruz was a member of the Sandiganbayan Special Division that found former President Joseph Estrada guilty of plunder during the Arroyo administration.

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appointed the two other judges of the special division that convicted Estrada – Teresita De Castro and Diosdado Peralta – as associate justices to the Supreme Court.

“The Aquino administration is hopeful that the reforms it is instituting across all branches of government will gain greater momentum with the appointment of Justice Villaruz,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement on Friday afternoon.