Taguig City Regional Trial Court Judge Byron San Pedro is the new president of the Philippine Judges Association after he was sworn in recently by Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez.
Judge San Pedro, who was PJA’s executive vice president, took over the top post from Judge Danilo Cruz who served as PJA president until his compulsory retirement last July 28.
Justice Marquez administered the oath of office to Judge San Pedro at the SC’s dignitary lounge last July 31.
Justice Marquez also administered the oath of office to Pasay City RTC Judge Divina Gracia L. Peliño as the new PJA executive vice president.
Also present during the oath-taking ceremony were other PJA National Officers: Judge Gener M. Gito, vice president-Administration; Judge Maria Paz R. Yson, VP-external affairs; Judge Ma. Teresa E. De Guzman-Alvarez, VP-finance; Judge Elisa R. Sarmiento-Flores, secretary general; and Judge Cynara Hannah L. Clayton, corporate treasurer.
The SC’s public information office (PIO) said the PJA was organized “to unite all judges of the RTCs, FCs (family courts), Shari’ah District Courts, and all such other courts of equal or similar jurisdictions; preserve and maintain the integrity and independence of the Judiciary by ensuring an efficient and speedy dispensation of justice under the rule of law; and foster a more fraternal relationship among its members by promoting cooperation and mutual understanding among them.”
The PIO also said the next PJA election will be held on Dec. 6, 2023, and those elected will assume their posts in January 2024.