Justice Secretary Caguioa: ‘More to offer than being Aquino’s classmate’

He has more to offer than being President Benigno Aquino III’s classmate, Justice Secretary Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa told reporters Monday after he was included in the shortlist of candidates to replace Supreme Court Associate Justice Martin Villarama who retired early, citing health reasons.

“Sana naman people see me other than being a classmate. That’s not the only thing I bring to the table,” Caguioa said.

READ: Aquino classmate on shortlist for next SC justice

Caguioa, who left private practice in 2010, served as Aquino’s Chief Presidential Legal Counsel. His father was a Court of Appeals Justice.

He added that President Aquino does not make choices based on relationship.

“The President has his own mind. He doesn’t make choices or decisions based on relationships. I never knew him that way,” he added.

Caguioa added that he has no expectations on his nomination for the high court post.

“Will I feel bad if I didn’t get a nomination? No. Will I feel good that I got the nomination? Well, yeah, I guess because people recognize me,” Caguioa said, adding that now, his goal is to do a good job as a justice secretary.

During his interview with members of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), Caguioa said he can no longer make grand plans with the Department of Justice (DOJ) having been appointed eight months before the Aquino administration ends.

He said his concern is to address the most pressing problem of the department, such lack of prosecutors.

If ever appointed to the high court, he said he would recommend Justice Undersecretary and DOJ Spokesperson Emmanuel Caparas to replace him as DOJ chief.

“Sabay kaming nilagay dito sa DOJ kaya alam niya yung mga bagay na nasimulan ko na at pwede niyang tapusin,” Caguioa said.