Former Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Commissioner Antonio T. Kho Jr. has been named as new associate justice of the Supreme Court, Malacañang confirmed Wednesday.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, acting presidential spokesperson, said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Kho’s appointment paper on Wednesday.

“We wish Associate Justice Kho success in the Supreme Court, and we are confident that he will continue to dispense justice to every man, woman, and child with integrity, impartiality, and fairness,” Nograles said in a statement.

Lawyer Brian Hosaka, Supreme Court’s public information officer, likewise confirmed that the High Court through the Office of Chief Justice, Alexander Gesmundo, already received Kho’s appointment papers on Wednesday afternoon.

Kho, who recently retired as commissioner of the COMELEC, will be replacing the position vacated by Rosmari Carandang, who retired in January.

Kho also served as undersecretary of the Department of Justice prior to his stint in COMELEC. (PNA)