Justice who convicted Erap named Sandigan chief

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has appointed Francisco Villaruz Jr. as presiding justice of the Sandiganbayan, replacing Edilberto Sandoval who retired last June 20, Malacañang said yesterday.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a statement that Aquino signed Villaruz’s appointment papers last Oct. 5. He had been nominated for the position four times. 

Villaruz was one of the Sandiganbayan justices who convicted former President Joseph Estrada for plunder in 2007. He was the unanimous choice of all eight members of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) to head the Sandiganbayan.

“The Aquino administration is hopeful that the reforms it is instituting across all branches of government will gain greater momentum with the appointment of Justice Villaruz. The Filipino people can rest assured that government positions integral to the straight path will continue to be filled based on merit, integrity, and competence,” Lacierda said.

Villaruz worked in the private sector for almost four decades before being appointed associate justice of the Sandiganbayan in 2001.

“He is known for his professionalism and diligence, proof of which are the six decisions and 100 resolutions that he renders every month, and his 99 percent affirmance rating,” Lacierda said. 

Villaruz was Bar examiner in Criminal Law in 2004 and a Mandatory Continuing Legal Education lecturer. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1963 and his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines, graduating third in his class, before being admitted to the Bar in 1968.

Supreme Court spokesman and Judicial and Bar Council consultant Midas Marquez said also shortlisted for the position were Associate Justices Efren de la Cruz and Alex Quiroz.