Manila, Jan. 26 -- President Rodrigo Duterte has named Court of Appeals (CA) Justice Jhosep Lopez as Supreme Court Associate Justice, completing the 15-seat roster of the high court.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed Lopez's appointment in a Palace press briefing on Tuesday.
"Kinukumpirma ko po na ang dating CA Justice Jhosep Lopez ay naitalaga na po bilang Associate Justice ng Korte Suprema (I confirm that former CA Justice Jhosep Lopez was appointed as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court)," he said.
He said the President signed Lopez's appointment paper on Jan. 25.
"Inaasahan ng Pangulo na paiiralin ni Justice Lopez ang judicial independence at rule of law at ipagpapatuloy niya ang mga reporma sa ating court processes...