Garchitorena packing his things

Relieved Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Francis Garchitorena bade goodbye to his co-justices and began packing his things yesterday.

He initially looked anxious to talk to reporters but later said he would respect the Supreme Court’s decision on his bid for an early retirement.

But acting Presiding Justice Minita Chico-Nazario said in open court yesterday that Garchitorena’s early retirement took effect last Sept. 27.

However, Garchitorena, 65, said he has yet to receive the tribunal’s formal order.

The High Court earlier had relieved him as presiding justice to fully devote his time to resolving his backlog of cases. — Jose Rodel Clapano