Duterte swears in new SC justice

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte yesterday swore in Court of Appeals Justice Samuel Gaerlan as a member of the Supreme Court (SC).

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Gaerlan completes the 15-member High Tribunal.

A graduate of San Beda College of Law and a professor at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Gaerlan replaces Diosdado Peralta who was named Chief Justice in October, Malacañang said.

Gaerlan is the sixth Bedan to be appointed by Duterte to the SC.

He will turn 70 years old on Dec. 19, 2028. The mandatory retirement age for a justice is 70.

Duterte, who also finished his law studies in San Beda, swore in several other government officials yesterday, where he emphasized his policy against corruption.

“I am not threatening, I am just saying to avoid corruption,” he said, adding that he has the wherewithals to know if one is into corrupt activities.

“My God, do (things) legally,” the President said. “I mean well, I trust you. I am thanking you for joining the government, lending your expertise... to the people.”

The Chief Executive said he only wants to do what is best for the Filipino people while he still can. – With Evelyn Macairan