New CJ De Castro ‘very qualified,’ says Gordon

Senator Richard Gordon on Saturday lauded the appointment of new Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, saying she is “very qualified” for the post.

Gordon in an interview with DWIZ praised De Castro’s appointment, even though she will only serve as Chief Justice until October 10, 2018.

“I am just comfortable that she is there. To me, to buy the peace for the moment is sufficient. She is well qualified. She is sufficient,” the senator said.

De Castro was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte for the post, even if she can only have the seat for less than two months until she reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70 for justices.

READ: Duterte appoints De Castro as new CJ

But for Gordon, De Castro can still do a lot with such a short time, including increasing the number of courts and continuing hearings of trials.

“Makakapamili tayo ng bago. Marami namang qualified (We can choose a new one. There are many [justices] qualified),” he said.

Minutes before the appointment, Gordon also said in the interview that De Castro is his pick over Associate Justices Diosdado Peralta and Lucas Bersamin, although he said both are also qualified for the position.

“Kahit na pinaka-maikli yung kanyang term baka ang pipiliin ko si Justice De Castro… Nakita kong magaling talaga yung trabaho niya bilang justice sa Sandiganbayan,” he said.

(Even if her term is the shortest, I might pick Justice De Castro. I saw she was really good in her job as Justice of Sandiganbayan.)

Senator Gregorio Honasan in a text message to reporters also lauded De Castro’s appointment.

“The appointment of a new SC Chief Justice whoever he or she is, in this case Justice Teresita De Castro, introduces elements of stability, continuity and predictability not only to the judiciary but to our democracy,” he said. /jpv

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