Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada has honored the city’s outstanding prosecutors, judges, and police officers for their continuous contributions to fight criminality and give equal and fair justice to the people during an awarding ceremony at the Manila Hotel as part of the 447th Araw ng Maynila celebration.
The Manila chief executive also urged the officials to remain honest in protecting the people and giving justice to the oppressed while providing due process to the offender.
Estrada, who is on his fifth year in office, also cited the accomplishments by the city government in providing assistance to thousands of poor families and recovering from more than P5.5 billion in debts he inherited from the past administration.
The Manila Mayor also renewed his pledge to boost the city’s economy by providing a better room for businesses and investors to come and open more job opportunities to thousands of Manileños.
“We are no longer the city that was left behind by its neighbors. Manila’s former glory and vitality have returned,” Estrada said in his speech before prosecutors, judges and police officers.
He said Manila is once again a major player on the national stage, having made great advances in prudent financial management, responsible governance, and delivery of social services.
The country’s capital city has also become a center of renewed business and tourist activity.
In honoring the prosecutors, judges and police officers, Estrada gave his assurance of full support by providing them new equipment, funds for their conventions, and official travels abroad, which would help them to be more effective in their work.
Estrada expressed confidence that the full cooperation of the prosecutors, judges, and police would pave the way for peaceful and orderly Manila and a safe place to live.
“You have helped me regain the trust and confidence of investors who are again willing to be part of Manila’s rise as business and tourism center,” the Mayor said.
During the awarding ceremony, Estrada also lauded the prosecutors and judges for dispensing justice with utmost probity and impartiality, while the police are tireless in keeping the peace in the streets and elsewhere in Manila.
The Outstanding Prosecutors are Hon. Jovencio A. Senados, Senior Assistant City Prosecutor; Hon. Lourdes Antonietta J. Danta, Senior Assistant City Prosecutor; Hon. Viven C. Andino, Senior Assistant City Prosecutor; Hon. Erlinda O. Lim, Senior Assistant City Prosecutor; and Hon. Berna B. Cabiles-Torneros, Assistant City Prosecutor.
Estrada named the Outstanding MTC Judges and they are Hon. Andy S. De Vera, Executive Judge, Br. 28; Hon. Michelle G. Divina-Delfin, Presiding Judge Brv8; Hon. Maria Zoraida S. Zabat-Tuazon, Presiding Judge, Br23; Hon. Minerva M. Alejandra-Bautista, Presiding Judge, Br16; and Hon. Fricia C. Gomez-Guillen, Presiding Judge, Br15.
The Outstanding RTC Judges, are Hon. Bernardita J. Santos, Presiding Judge, Br35; Hon. Emily San Gaspar-Gito, Presiding Judge, Br05; Hon. Caroline Rivera-Colasito, Presiding Judge, Br23; Hon. Virgilio V. Macaraig, Presiding Judge, Br37; and Hon. Alfredo D. Ampuan, Presiding Judge, Br40.
And for the police officers, Estrada honored the Outstanding MPD Personnel and they are PSSupt. Christopher E. Tambungan, PSupt. Jay C. Dimaandal, PSupt. Emerey C. Abating, PCInsp. Reynante G. Parlade, SPO4 Agapito E. Yadao, Jr., SPO3 Dennis G. Ebuega, PO2 Edgardo DL Medrano, PO1 Raquel P. Dela Cruz, PO1 Danilo P. Kabigting and PO2 Paolo M. Samonte.
In his parting words, Estrada called on the awardees to commit themselves and to deliver the greatest good for the greatest number.