President Benigno Aquino III has approved the appointments of 11 new judges and 321 prosecutors two weeks before the election ban takes effect.
In a transmittal letter dated March 7, 2016, Malacañang informed Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno of the appointment of the new judges that will be assigned in Metro Manila.
The new judges are Rosalia I. Hipolito-Bunagan for Caloocan City Regional Trial Court Branch 232, Rhoda Magdalene L. Mapile-Osinada for Malabon City RTC Branch 289, Rosario G. Ines-Pinzon for Malabon City RTC Branch 290, Ma. Antonia L. Largoza-Cantero for Malabon RTC Branch 291.
Other appointees are Judge Anthony B. Fama for Mandaluyong City RTC Branch 277, Judge Jaime Fortunato A. Caringal for Mandaluyong RTC Branch 278, Judge Juliet M. Manalo-San Gaspar for Mandaluyong RTC Branch 279, Judge Restituto V. Mangalindan Jr. for Mandaluyong RTC Branch 280, Judge J. Ermin Ernest Louie Miguel for Mandaluyong RTC Branch 281, Judge Juris S. Dilinila-Callanta for Quezon City RTC Branch 85 and Judge Orven Kuan Ontalan for Valenzuela City RTC Branch 285.
Aside from the 11 court judges, President Aquino also appointed and promoted 321 state, regional, provincial and city prosecutors in regions 1-13, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the National Capital Region.
The transmittal letter dated March 8 was sent by Malacañang to Justice Secretary Emmanuel Caparas.
The appointments of new judges and prosecutors came 16 days before the start of the appointment ban on March 25, 2016.