Makati RTC judge is new Sandiganbyan justice

The Supreme Court on Tuesday received Caldona’s appointment through a transmittal letter signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.(Photo: Philippine News Agency)

MANILA— President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 65 Judge Edgardo Caldona to the Sandiganbayan as Associate Justice.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday received Caldona’s appointment through a transmittal letter signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

Caldona will fill the post vacated by Associate Justice Jose R. Hernandez who retired in November last year.

The Sandiganbayan has seven divisions composed of a presiding justice and 20 associate justices.

Caldona became a Pangasinan RTC Judge prior to his present position.

Caldona, an Ateneo De Manila University alumnus, served as a lawyer in the Sandiganbayan at the office of Justice Sabino De Leon.

He later on worked as court attorney of the Supreme Court under then Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Among the other contenders for the post are Caldona’s fellow Makati RTC judges, Maryann Corpus-Manalac and Honorio Guanlao Jr.

Also in the shortlist of candidates for the post are Aparri, Cagayan RTC Judge Oscar Zaldivar and Bayani Jacinto, a Director from the Office of the Ombudsman.