Following nominations by the University Senate, HAU – University Student Council (HAU-USC) President Adonis Cayanan selected former School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) Senator Kurt Gabriel Lopez to fill the vacant associate justice position in the High Court, June 25.

Among the other nominees that include former Senate President Imma Rose Pangilinan and Allen John Laxamana, Cayanan has chosen Lopez due to his “consistent academic excellence, combined with his steadfast leadership and commitment to student service,” as the council president mentioned in his appointment letter.

“Lopez previously served as a senator in the 1st Congress of our student government. He has held numerous leadership roles that demonstrate his dedication and excellence. His strong academic performance further reflects his ability to balance leadership and academics effectively,” added Cayanan in an interview.

Included in Cayanan’s selection of the new associate justice were the submission of the nominees’ curriculum vitae, along with their responses to essay questions.

“Kurt brings a strong sense of excellence and an extensive background in leadership, making him a valuable addition to the High Court,” the USC president said.

With Lopez’s installation to the student court, among his responsibilities, along with the chief justice and other associate justices, include certifying the constitutionality of the bills and laws passed by the student government and opening “cases on its own initiative as necessary for the facilitation of justice,” as stated in Section 2, Article VIII of the HAU Student Government Constitution.

Lopez also replaces Rik Bjorn Salvador as associate justice, with the latter having retired May 31 due to his graduation, according to Senate President Malthine Valiente.