PNoy appoints Manila judge to Sandigan post

Sandiganbayan Building along Commonwealth, Quezon City. Photo courtesy of DGR Law Offices.

MANILA — President Benigno Aquino III appointed Judge Maria Theresa Dolores Gomez-Estoesta of Manila’s regional trial court (RTC) Branch 7 as Sandiganbayan’s new magistrate.

The Manila Trial Court’s judge, a recipient of the Chief Justice Cayetano Arellano Award for judicial excellence in 2012 is known for her leadership and excellence in judicial service.

The new Sandiganbayan judge vowed to maintain a conviction for work ethics, every single day.

“We will not let a single day pass without reaffirming our personal convictions for work ethics,” she vowed.

Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno called her a “modern-day hero” during the awarding ceremony.

Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, who chairs the board of judges who picked Estoesta from among 85 nominees, also said she is a “true leader.”

Despite the controversies on his failure to meet the 90-day period prescribed to make the appointment, President Aquino signed the appointment paper last June 20 or over 120 days after the shortlist was submitted and eight months after the post became vacant.