MANILA, Philippines – President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has asked high-profile lawyer Vitaliano Aguirre II to serve as justice secretary under his administration.
Aguirre, Duterte's fraternity brother and classmate at the San Beda Law School, told reporters on Wednesday night, May 18, that he did not expect the offer.
He had only asked for an audience to congratulate Duterte for his victory but was told during the meeting that he had been selected. (LIST: Who's who in the Duterte Cabinet)
Aguirre, a private prosecutor, is famous for being the lead counsel of Hubert Webb in the Vizconde murder-rape case.
As the deputy counsel of the fact-finding investigation on the 2003 Oakwood mutiny, he conducted a direct examination of now Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and other mutineers in a televised hearing in Camp Aguinaldo.
In 2012, Aguirre came under the spotlight for "standing up" to Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. A member of the prosecuting panel at the impeachment case of former Supreme Court Justice Renato Corona then, he covered his ears to express his frustration with Santiago, who was berating the prosecution team. (READ: Meet Miriam's nemesis: Vitaliano Aguirre)
Duterte had earlier tapped Aguirre to represent him against the various petitions for disqualification lodged against him in connection with the presidential elections. – Rappler.com