Duterte meets Chief Justice De Castro in Malacañang for oath-taking

PHOTO: Courtesy of Special Assistant to the President Bong Go

President Rodrigo Duterte met with Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro in Malacañang on Friday for the first time since he appointed her as the country’s new chief magistrate.

READ: Duterte appoints De Castro as new CJ

Duterte’s choice: De Castro Chief Justice for 41 days

Duterte led the ceremonial oath-taking for De Castro whom he appointed on August 25 after the high court declared the appointment of former chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno as invalid.

Sereno was ousted by her colleagues at the Supreme Court (SC) granted the quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida against her.

Duterte had earlier said the appointment of De Castro was based on seniority, dismissing speculations that the new Chief Justice’s appointment was a reward for ousting Sereno.

READ: Duterte: No politics in De Castro appointment

The President insisted that no politics was involved in De Castro’s appointment.   /vvp