20 vie for judge in cities of Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu

At least 20 lawyers are vying for the judgeship position of two court branches in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.

Among those gunning for the post are already judges and government prosecutors, including Cebu City assistant prosecutor Mary Ann Castro.

Castro, who is now detailed at the regional office of the Bureau of Immigration, is eyeing the vacant slot at the Municipal Trial Court in Cities of Lapu- Lapu City.

She was earlier reported to be vying for the position of regional state prosecutor, but has failed to get the post.

Other personalities who are reportedly wanted the MTCC position are Pamela Baring-Uy, Luis Calderon III, Allan Francisco Garciano, Wilson Ibones, Jose Ramon Nacao, Rosemarie Pabatao, Marive Peque, Jesus Rodrigo Tagaan and Pastor Trimor Jr.

Those eyeing as judge of the Regional Trial Court Branch 56 in Mandaue City are Teresita Galaneda, Fred Bien, Rick Bastasa, Gerardo Gestopa, Glenda Go, Hermes Montero, Manuel Ong, Eusebio Otadoy, Federico Pansoy and Aida Sanchez.

Galaneda, Go, Gestopa, Montero are already court judges while Sanchez is one of the assistant provincial prosecutors of Cebu.

These judges reportedly wanted to be assigned either in Mandaue City or Lapu-Lapu City because of their present assignments in remote places in Central Visayas. Galaneda is presently assigned in Dumaguete City.

Court judges are specifically assigned to a particular court and they could not be transferred to preside in other courts, unless on temporary capacity while the concerned courts still have no judges.

Supreme Court Chief Clerk Maria Luisa Villarama has encouraged those who are against the application of a certain individual to the post to submit their opposition through a sworn statement.

The sworn complaint can be sent to the secretariat of the Judicial and Bar Council, second floor of Supreme Court’s Centennial Building along Padre Faura Street, Manila, or to the [email protected], not later than July 18. — Rene U. Borromeo/LPM