Jardeleza now with SC’s Third Division

MANILA, Philippines - New Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza has been named junior member of the  Supreme Court (SC)’s Third Division following a reorganization.

In SC Special Order No. 176   last week, Jardeleza was assigned to take the place of Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, who was moved to the Second Division as junior member.

Associate Justice Roberto Abad, whom was Jardeleza replaced, was a senior member of the Third Division before he retired last May.

All the other justices have kept their posts.

Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno remains chairman of the First Divison, with Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro as working chairman and Associate Justices Lucas Bersamin, Jose Perez and Estela Perlas-Bernabe as members.

Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio is remains chairman of the Second Division. Other members are Associate Justices Arturo Brion, Mariano del Castillo and Jose Mendoza.

Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco has been tasked to chair the Third Division with Associate Justices Diosdado Peralta, Martin Villarama and Bienvenido Reyes as  members.

Jardeleza’s appointment has completed the SC’s membership.

He is set to sit in a full court session for the first time next week after a two-week leave.

Jardeleza is not expected to face Sereno, who had opposed his nomination in the Judicial and Bar Council, in his first session as the Chief Justice has taken a wellness leave starting today and until Sept. 15.