MALACAÑANG — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Friday, August 31, 2018, administered the oath of newly appointed Supreme Court Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro.

The President congratulated Chief Justice De Castro and told her that she deserves the appointment.

De Castro was appointed as the country’s top magistrate on August 25.

During the ceremony, the Chief Justice was accompanied by her family at the Rizal Hall of Malacañan Palace.

Among the officials present were Special Assistant to the President Secretary Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque Jr., Solicitor General Jose Calida, Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez, and Senator Richard Gordon.

Supreme Court justices and members of the Judicial and Bar Council also attended the oath taking.

The Chief Justice will reach the mandatory age of retirement in October this year.

De Castro was appointed to the Supreme Court in December 2007 and has also served as Presiding Justice of the Sandiganbayan. ###PND