Judge in De Lima drug case gets Sandigan post

MANILA, Philippines — The Muntinlupa judge who acquitted former senator Leila de Lima in her third and last drug case has been named associate justice of the Sandiganbayan.

Judge Gener Gito was assigned to the anti-graft court on Oct. 8, based on appointment papers signed by President Marcos.

In June, Gito cleared De Lima in her third drug case that stemmed from her alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison when she was justice secretary.

Marcos also appointed J. Ermin Ernest Louie Miguel as Sandiganbayan associate justice, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and Supreme Court announced yesterday.

Gito and Miguel’s appointment papers were transmitted by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to the Office of the Chief Justice on Wednesday.

New appointees to the PCO, trade department as well as Movie and Television Review and Classification Board were also announced: Jose Ma. Dinsay, Magnolia Misolas-Ashley and Benedict Uy (foreign trade service officers I); Carla Grepo (foreign trade service officer III); Emerald Anne Ridao (PCO senior undersecretary); Florante Solmerin (PCO director III) and Ricardo Salomon Jr. (MTRCB member).