SC reorganizes 3 divisions as Lopez assumes post

MANILA – The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday announced the reorganization of its three divisions and the designation of chairpersons and members following the entry of its newest member, Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez.

Under Special Order 2814, the first division’s members will be associate justices Alfredo S. Caguioa, Rosmari D. Carandang, Rodil V. Zalameda, and Samuel H. Gaerlan.

Chief Justice Diosdado M. Peralta will chair the division while Caguioa will be its working chairperson.

Senior Associate Justice Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe will head the second division with associate justices Alexander G. Gesmundo, Amy Lazaro-Javier, Mario V. Lopez, and Ricardo R. Rosario as members.

The third division, on the other hand, will be led by Associate Justice Marvic F. Leonen with associate justices Ramon Paul L. Hernando, Henri B. Inting, Edgardo I. delos Santos, and Lopez as members.

On Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced that President Rodrigo Duterte has picked Lopez as the newest magistrate of the high court.

Lopez, a former Court of Appeals justice, completes the 15-seat roster of the SC.

He replaced Associate Justice Priscilla Baltazar-Padilla who availed of early retirement last year due to health reasons.