Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita today confirmed that Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Diosdado Peralta is the new associate justice of the Supreme Court.

Peralta was one of five nominees to the SC shortlisted by the Judicial and Bar Council. The others are: Ateneo College of Law dean Cesar Villanueva, Sandiganbayan Justice Francisco Villaruz, Court of Appeals Justices Martin Villarama and Portia Hormachuelos.

Peralta will replace Ruben Reyes, who retired January 3, 2008.

Peralta, who was named after President Arroyo's father, is close to the President and her cousin, Erlynda de Leon, who is her confidential assistant.