Schwarzenegger picks Fil-Am as Monterey judge

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has appointed a Filipino-American attorney as judge in the Monterey County Superior Court. Efren N. Iglesia, 57, fills a new position created last year by Senate Bill 56, adding 50 superior court judgeships in the state of California. Iglesia brings with him 24 years experience in Monterey County courtrooms, according to a report in The Salinas Californian online edition. He has worked for the Monterey County Counsel’s Office since 1983 and is now senior deputy county counsel. He previously served as assistant county counsel for the Imperial County Counsel’s Office from 1979 to 1983 and as an associate in the law firm Gendron & Gendron from 1976 to 1979. “It’s a great honor and a privilege to serve this county," said Iglesia, who left the Philippines in 1971. “This is my way to give back to my adopted country." Iglesia was born in 1950 in Camalig, Albay. He attended Aquinas University in Legaspi City before migrating to the United States. Iglesia was a college student in the Philippines when "people in the know" advised him that the political situation was deteriorating and he should leave, the Monterey Herald quoted him as saying after his new appointment was made public on Aug. 20. With the help of an exchange student he'd met from San Joaquin County, he immigrated to the United States and finished his schooling, earning his law degree from the San Joaquin College of Law. Martial law was declared in the Philippines the year after he left. "When I came to this country, I never dreamed I would be a judge," Iglesia said. "I feel very honored and privileged to be a member of the bench here." Traci Kirkbride, the deputy county counsel, said Iglesia will make a fine judge. “He’s been a fantastic attorney," Kirkbride said. “Our county is lucky to have him on board." The position carries a compensation of $171,648. Iglesia obtained his bachelor’s degree from the Fresno Pacific University, associate’s degree from Reedly College and a juris doctorate degree from the San Joaquin College of Law. He resides in Salinas with his wife, Lite and their three children Jonathan, 26; Kimberly, 22; and Patricia, 17. - GMANews.TV