CJ Gesmundo honors retiring Sandiganbayan justice

Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo has honored Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Efren De la Cruz who is expected to retire next week, the Supreme Court announced Friday.

Gesmundo honored De la Cruz during a special En Banc Session at the Sandiganbayan on Thursday, June 13, over his retirement on June 18 following 21 years of service.

“He is the longest-serving member of the Sandiganbayan… and has distinguished himself by earning the respect of his colleagues who refer to him as Mr. Ethics,” the SC said in a tweet.

Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo honored Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Efren N. De la Cruz at a special En Banc session of the Sandiganbayan on June 13, 2024 on the occasion of the latter’s retirement. He retires from the Sandiganbayan on June 18, 2024.#SupremeCourtPH pic.twitter.com/nXY6nl91jx

— Philippine Supreme Court Public Information Office (@SCPh_PIO) June 14, 2024

Gesmundo said De la Cruz is also known for his unassailable integrity.

According to the SC, De la Cruz has one of the highest disposition rates in the Sandiganbayan.

De la Cruz was known for handling the trial of Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla for plunder and graft charges in connection to the pork barrel scam. 

The special division voted 3-2 in acquitting Revilla, with only the chairperson, De la Cruz, as the lone regular member who voted to convict him. He is joined by Associate Justice Ma. Theresa Dolores Gomez-Estoesta.—Joahna Lei Casilao/Vince Ferreras/AOL, GMA Integrated News