By elAmigo
MANILA — Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo formally welcomed newly appointed Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) Associate Justices Paolo Sierra Teston and Debbie Jean Centeno-Dijamco following their recent appointments to the tax court.
Justice Teston was appointed on July 27 and took his oath before Chief Justice Gesmundo at the Supreme Court Dignitaries’ Lounge. Present during the ceremony were Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez and members of Justice Teston’s family.
He fills the vacancy left by retired CTA Associate Justice Catherine T. Manahan, who retired on Jan. 2, 2026.
Justice Centeno-Dijamco, who was appointed on July 29, paid a courtesy call on Chief Justice Gesmundo at the Chief Justice’s chambers on the same day.
Joining the courtesy call were retired CTA Presiding Justice Ramon G. Del Rosario, retired CTA Associate Justice Erlinda Piñera Uy, Department of Justice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida, and Court Administrator Ma. Theresa Dolores C. Gomez-Estoesta.
Justice Centeno-Dijamco assumes the position vacated following the appointment of CTA Presiding Justice Ma. Belen M. Ringpis-Liban on Dec. 18, 2025.
The appointments further strengthen the Court of Tax Appeals, which plays a vital role in resolving tax and customs-related disputes and upholding the fair administration of justice.
elamigo/xf
