Sandigan's Norberto Geraldez passes away at 60

Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Norberto Geraldez passed away Sunday morning due to a lingering illness. He was 60 years old. Geraldez served as head magistrate of the anti-graft court for less than a month as he was appointed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo only last March 10, replacing Justice Maria Cristina Cortez-Estrada who retired last Nov. 30 upon reaching 70. Malacañang immediately extended its condolences to the family of Geraldez as it assured that a worthy successor would be named soon. “We extend our condolences to the family of the late presiding Justice Geraldez and we assure our people that a worthy successor will be appointed as soon as possible," said deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar. Before his appointment as presiding justice, Geraldez was chairman of the Sandiganbayan First Division. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree at the San Beda College in 1977 and worked for a commercial bank before he joined government service as special prosecutor for the Office of the Ombudsman in July 1980. After 10 years as government prosecutor, Geraldez was appointed regional trial court judge in Calamba, Laguna and conducted trial on several big cases including the rebellion charges against former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao governor Nur Misuari. He is the son of retired CA justice Ambrosio Geraldez and lawyer Herminia Yatco. He is married to Atty. Regina Padilla Geraldez with whom he had four children namely Norberto Jr., Agustin, Patricia and Nicanor. - KBK, GMANews.TV