Acosta appointed RTC judge

CEBU, Philippines - Assistant Cebu City prosecutor Alexander Acosta was reportedly appointed by President Benigno Aquino III as Regional Trial Court judge.

Acosta confirmed his appointment but said he has yet to receive the hardcopy of his appointment paper from Malacanang. But, Acosta said an official from the Palace called him up last Wednesday to inform him of the good news. He will preside the RTC Branch 9, which was vacated by Supreme Court Judicial Reform Program administrator Geraldine Faith Econg two years ago.

Acosta said he applied for RTC Branches 9 and 58 in Cebu City and 53 in Lapulapu City. But the Judicial and Bar Council shortlisted him for branch 9. The JBC is a Constitutionally-created body that recommends appointees to the president for the vacant positions in the judiciary.

Acosta said he received the call from Malacanang at 11:34 a.m. last Wednesday informing him of his appointment.

“I was not able to eat during lunch time…parang bagong pasa sa bar…parang (like) I was in the cloud nine,” he said.

Acosta added he was so blessed. “Maybe it was my destiny.”

As a God-fearing person, Acosta said he attends mass everyday at the Capitol Parish. He said it has been his prayer for the Lord to him as His “ instrument of peace, love and justice.”

Acosta plans to take his oath on May 28 before Court of Appeals Justice Gabriel Ingles, whom he looked up to as his idol. Acosta used to be the resident prosecutor of Branch 58 which Ingles presided before his appointment to the CA.

Acosta said Ingles used to tell him “do not delay in deciding cases, once you delay there is corruption.”

When The Freeman sought Ingles for comment on Acosta’s appointment, the appellate court justice said, “I would like to congratulate him by saying that it is difficult to be a judge but it is more challenging being a good judge…one must always be transparent never corrupt and should always bear witness to his ethics as a judge.”

As a judge, Acosta vowed not to receive gifts. He likewise promised to be fair and impartial in deciding cases.

Acosta however was candid to admit that unlike Inglis, who did not accept allowances from the local government units, he will accept allowances from the LGUs.

“I need the allowance…though I appreciate him (Ingles) of not receiving the same but for me I needed it, it’s a great help for my family,” he said.

Acosta is among the millionaire prosecutors in Cebu based on their Statement of Assets Liabilities and Net Worth submitted before the Office of the Ombudsman. Acosta has a total net worth of P5 million.

Acosta, a native of Bacarra Ilocos Norte, was married to Rosalinda Sisinia, daughter of retired RTC judge Aproniano Taypin. They were blessed with two children Stephanie, 12, and Charmaine, 11.

Acosta, who is also a part time teacher of the University of Cebu College of Law, took his Bachelor of Laws at the San Beda College but finished it at the University of the East in 1996.

He passed the bar exam in 1997 and started working as government prosecutor in 2004. (FREEMAN)