SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant judicial development, President Luis Abinader presided over the formal inauguration of five new magistrates to the Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) during an official ceremony at the National Palace this Monday. The National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) administered the constitutional oath to the newly appointed judges who successfully completed the rigorous evaluation process.
The newly sworn justices include distinguished legal professionals Edyson Alarcón Polanco, Miguelina Ureña Núñez, Manuel Hernández Victoria, Yorlin Vásquez Castro, and Namphi Rodríguez. In a concurrent appointment, sitting SCJ judge Nancy Salcedo Fernández assumed the position of second substitute to the court president, following the provisions outlined in Article 180 of the Dominican Constitution.
The selection process demonstrated adherence to constitutional diversity requirements, with three appointees ascending from the judicial career track as former appellate court judges, while two nominees were selected from private legal practice. The newly constituted bench brings comprehensive expertise across multiple legal domains including civil litigation, criminal justice, economic regulation, tax law, and public administration matters.
Executive Branch legal advisor Antoliano Peralta Romero attended the ceremony, underscoring the administration’s commitment to judicial strengthening. The appointments mark a strategic enhancement of the Supreme Court’s institutional capabilities with the infusion of diverse professional backgrounds and specialized legal knowledge.