Acosta takes oath as new RTC judge

CEBU, Philippines - His appointment as Regional Trial Court judge is an answered prayer.

This was the statement of new RTC Branch 9 presiding judge Alexander Acosta following a letter sent to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) that opposed his application. In fact, the opposition letter even helped him to a certain extent, he said.

“In the said letter it states that I cannot hold my temper but described me as good and competent prosecutor,” he said earlier.

Yesterday, as he assumed his new post, Acosta admitted being nervous about the challenges ahead, but said he is ready to face them.

“Becoming a judge would mean more responsibility and I have to make sure justice is duly given,” he said.

“With my commitment to the public, I will fairly and impartially render decision that everybody would experience peace, justice and love of the Lord,” he added.

He said there are changes he would want to push forth and see in the judiciary such as a change in the attitude of court personnel.

“There are many reforms that I want to implement in this court. First, the court personnel, sometimes, they do not show respect to the public. They think that they are above the rest,” he said.

As a first step, he would want his staff to be “more friendly” to the public.

He was also very frank at saying he will not accept gifts from parties in a case, thus, those who plan to do so should think twice.

Before Acosta took his oath, Court of Appeals Associate Justice Gabriel Ingles told him to “always be independent and impartial not only actually but perceived to be because the only ‘alas’ of the judiciary is public confidence.”

Ingles said the judiciary relies on public confidence and public trust in carrying out its responsibilities because it does not have the power of the press or the power of the sword like the executive and the legislative branches of government.

Ingles also advised Acosta to be transparent and accountable for his actions at all times. He also advised the members of Acosta’s family to help maintain independence and impartiality by not giving in to any form of influence. He advised them further not to “expose” themselves too much and not to be in Acosta’s court all the time so that they would not be perceived as interfering with Acosta’s functions as a judge.

Acosta’s wife, Rosalinda Cecelia, said she is grateful for her husband’s appointment.

“This is what God wanted him to be…so I wish my husband the best of luck and to God be the glory and he may be an agent of peace, justice and love,” she said.

She said their family will always be behind Acosta “no matter what.”

They have two children - Stephanie, 12, and Charmaine, 11.

Acosta started law studies at San Beda College, but transferred to the University of East from which he graduated in 1996. He passed the bar exams the following year.

In 2004, he joined the Office of the Cebu City Prosecutor.

Acosta will undergo immersion at the RTC for two months before he can handle cases on his own. He would also need to undergo a seminar at the Supreme Court for two weeks.  (FREEMAN)