Artes named MMDA chief

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has officially named Metropolitan Manila Development Authority officer-in-charge Romando Artes as the MMDA’s new chairman.

In a statement yesterday, the MMDA said Artes was officially named as its new chairman on March 1, replacing Benhur Abalos, who resigned in February to serve as the campaign manager of presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Artes said he would continue the “projects and programs needed and pursuant to our mandates – traffic, solid waste and flood management, urban renewal and public safety, among others, and the equally important COVID-19 vaccination as we transition to the new normal.”

Artes was the MMDA’s assistant general manager for finance and administration in May 2017 and became the agency’s general manager in November 2021.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary Frisco San Juan Jr. was appointed general manager, concurrent to being the agency’s deputy chairman.

San Juan vowed to assist Artes in formulating projects, resolutions and regulations that will benefit Metro Manila and its residents.

Sandigan justice,  LEB exec appointed

Duterte also appointed two officials to fill vacant positions in the Sandiganbayan and the Legal Education Board, the Supreme Court (SC) reported yesterday.

A letter signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, copies of which were sent by the SC to reporters, stated that Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 93 Judge Arthur Oliveros Malabaguio was appointed Associate Justice of the Sandiganbayan, replacing Reynaldo Cruz, who died in 2020.

Duterte also appointed lawyer Salex Espinosa as an LEB member for a term expiring on Jan. 14, 2025. He will replace Abelardo Domondon, whose term ended on Jan. 13, 2020.

The LEB was created under Republic Act 7662 or the Legal Education Act of 1993 as an independent government agency that regulates legal education in the Philippines. –  Robertzon Ramirez