(Eagle News)–Supreme Court Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro on Tuesday, Aug. 28, took her oath as the country’s new Chief Justice.
SC administrator Midas Marquez confirmed De Castro , who arrived in the SC around 8 a.m., took her oath in front of the Supreme Court en banc led by Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio.
After the oath-taking, De Castro presided over the en banc session.
She is also expected to preside over the oral arguments on the petitions against the Philippines’ planned withdrawal from the International Criminal Court later in the day.
Balloons were seen hanging by the fences and facade of the SC, which at one time had been filled with red ribbons at the height of calls for Maria Lourdes Sereno, De Castro’s predecessor, to resign.
A big tarpaulin with De Castro’s face was also seen by the entrance of the SC.
De Castro was chosen by Duterte from among the individuals shortlisted by the Judicial and Bar Council for the post.
Included in the shortlist were SC Associate Justices Lucas Bersamin and Diosdado Peralta.
Several opposition lawmakers slammed De Castro’s appointment but Duterte said he only chose “based on seniority.”
De Castro will serve as Chief Justice until October, when she is expected to reach the mandatory age of retirement for justices.
She and six other justices are facing impeachment complaints for their votes to oust Sereno as Chief Magistrate. Moira Encina
