Villaruz takes oath, vows to strengthen Sandigan's integrity

MANILA, Philippines - Newly appointed Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Francisco Villaruz Jr. took his oath of office yesterday, vowing to strengthen the integrity of the anti-graft court shaken by criticism of its approval of a plea-bargaining agreement with accused plunderer, former military comptroller Carlos Garcia.

“Sandiganbayan has to embark with many activities. We have to hit the ground running,” he told reporters after the ceremony administered by Chief Justice Renato Corona.

He also bared plans to introduce reforms in the anti-graft court, beginning with “review and possible amendment in the law creating the Sandiganbayan.”

“It is an old law. It has to adjust to the needs of the times,” he said. The anti-graft court was created through Presidential Decree 1486 issued by the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos on June 11, 1978. It was initially on the same level as what were then known as the courts of first instance, now the regional trial courts.

On Dec. 10, 1978, it was elevated to the level of the Court of Appeals through Presidential Decree 1606.

The 68-year-old Villaruz also said he is ready to lead the Sandiganbayan in resolving big cases, including plunder and graft cases against former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Villaruz, the third member of the special division of the anti-graft court that found deposed President Joseph Estrada guilty of corruption charges in 2007, was appointed by President Aquino last Friday after he was unanimously endorsed by all eight members of the Judicial and Bar Council. The Palace said Villaruz was chosen for his “integrity and qualification.”