ZALAMEDA, J.:
"While people perceive judges to be above the ordinary run of men, they know that a perfect judge, like a perfect priest, exists only in fantasy."[1]
October 30, 2017Justice Bersamin, in a letter dated 22 November 2017,[3] requested for the anonymous letter to be docketed as an administrative matter for prompt investigation by the Court. Thus, in the Resolution dated 28 November 2017,[4] the Court resolved to note the letter of Justice Bersamin and refer the same to the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) for investigation, report, and recommendation.
HON. MA. LOURDES SERENO
Chief Justice
Supreme Court of the Philippines
ManilaThrough: Hon. Lucas P. Bersamin
Associate Justice
Supreme Court
Dear Chief Justice:
We are writing to you, Honorable Chief Justice, in our hope that the acts of bullying, harassment and power play by one of the trial judges in Abra be mitigated or totally eradicated if the actual happenings are brought to your attention.
We are the Concerned Citizens of Abra for Good Governance (CCAGG), a non-government organization committed to serve the Province of Abra and the country by our active involvement and participation in electoral concerns, socio-cultural, eco-political and environmental issues and problems.
Our complaint is bout Hon. Corpus B. Alzate, Presiding Judge of Branch 2, RTC Bangued, Abra and the Acting Presiding Judge of Branch 21, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur (may we refer to him in this letter as either "Judge Corpus", "Judge Alzate" or "Judge"). For the longest time, we have been receiving complaints and information about his endless tirades, insults, bullying and harassment against other court employees, litigation lawyers and the public as well. In his obvious thirst for power as he continued to accumulate more years as a trial judge, he seems to have developed an ego much bigger than himself and an insatiable desire for control. For us, these despicable acts of Judge Corpus are totally beyond limit and are now causing extreme inconvenience, undue fear and stress to those affected, not to mention seriously undermining the integrity of the judiciary and ruining the trust of the public in our courts. The following acts brazenly display Judge Corpus Alzate's unsuitability to further discharge his duties as trial judge;
1. He has five (5) administrative cases for resolution pending before the 3rd Division of the Supreme Court. For unknown reasons, these cases are not yet resolved despite the passage of time. These were filed by different persons and they bear serious accusations against the judge, and we are asking the Honorable Chief Justice to urge the 3rd Division to promptly act on these cases.
2. Hon. Justice Lucas Bersamin, who is from Abra himself, is fully aware of the acts of Judge Corpus who often brags that Justice Bersamin is the bestfriend of his brother-in-law. In fact, we have information that Justice Bersamin himself has been receiving complaints against Judge Corpus from various people of Abra.
3. Mr. Medimar Balaoro, the utility worker of Branch 2, has become the personal slave of Judge Corpus, and the farmer's services extend to the household of Judge Corpus and his family. Once, while serving at the house of Judge Corpus, the utility worker encountered an accident which caused his right eye to go blind. He also serves at the farm of Judge Corpus where the judge's fighting cocks are reared, kept and conditioned. However, it has become a public knowledge that because of Judge Corpus' "medieval'' point of view, the utility worker is treated practically as a slave. In court, the utility worker is often shamed by Judge Corpus infront of court employees and other persons, telling that he (utility worker) is useless, inept, and indolent. The utility worker act as the driver of Judge Corpus and his family, and although we are not certain if he is being paid aside from his salary as utility worker, the way he is being treated by Judge Corpus is just inhumane. Despite the services being rendered by the poor utility worker who cannot even complain for fear of losing his job, Judge Corpus still acts as if the former is of no use to him. He always blames the utility worker if something is destroyed, severely scolding him infront of other people over simple mistakes.
4. Judge Corpus is a gambler. He regularly bets injueteng and has in fact won Php700, 00 in one winning number combination. Further, he is one of the biggest aficionados of cockfighting in the province. He has an extensive array of game cocks. While gambling may not be a big issue to ordinary citizens, it becomes significant for judges because they are supposed to uphold the integrity of the judiciary and if the public sees him betting and associating with fellow cockfighting enthusiasts, this could create a bad impression not only on the judge himself but to the judiciary as well. We may not be too familiar with judicial ethics but just be seeing a judge inside the cockpit arena betting and associating with bettors make us seriously question his character and reputation as a judge. This could likewise affect the way he dispenses justice especially if one of the cockpit aficionados is a party to a case brought before him.
5. Judge Corpus is oppressive and tyrannical. This is especially true to two of his employees, Samson Sanchez, Legal researcher and OIC-Clerk of Court, and Alma Bosque, Docket Clerk. The way Judge Corpus treats Mr. Sanchez is no secret to the public because he is being shamed even in open court, infront of lawyers, parties and the public. Mr. Sanchez, according to information, is a graduate of law but did not pass the bar. Because of this, if he commits mistakes, Judge Corpus would utter shameful words against him and utter words like, "that is why you cannot pass the bar" or words of the same import. He also would tell Mr. Sanchez to file a leave and attend seminar before the Branch Clerk of Court in his other Court in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur in order for him (Mr. Sanchez) to learn. During hearings, Judge Corpus does not even think twice in putting Mr. Sanchez to shame and does not seem to consider what the lawyers and the public will think Mr. Sanchez is being harassed and victimized. We also constantly receive information that Mr. Sanchez sometimes cries over how he is being treated by Judge Corpus, but like the utility worker, Mr. Balaoro, he could not complain for fear of further antagonizing bis boss and losing his job. With the way he is being mistreated and maltreated by Judge Corpus, Mr. Sanchez is no longer getting the respect he deserves from those who know how his status us being reduced to a level lower than animal existence. For us, it is ok for the boss to reprimand an employee but if it this happens every day over trivial matters and goes to the extent of insulting the employee infront of the public during hearing of cases, questioning his intelligence, is simply an unacceptable manner for a judge. He is abusing his authority and his position as a judge by not only encouraging but in fact leading the offense and mockery against Mr. Samson "[Sanchez], and out of, perhaps, fear that not reacting or laughing would offend Judge Corpus, the lawyers and the people present in court could only sneer and laugh in apparent agreement to his insults towards Mr. Sanchez. Mr. Sanchez is a professional and even if he did not pass the bar examinations, he does not deserve to be treated as an object of ridicule and insult by Judge Corpus or by any other judge for that matter.
6. Regarding Alma Bosque, it has come to our knowledge that she is treated as an "outcast" at Branch 2, RTC together with Mr. Sanchez. Whenever Judge Corpus treats his staff lunch or snacks in the office or outside, or whenever he holds celebrations, Ms. Bosque and Mr. Samson [Sanchez] are not invited even if they are inside the room. In fact, according to sources, upon the instructions of Judge Corpus, the table of Ms. Bosque had been moved inside the room office of Mr. Sanchez apparently-because the judge does not want to see her whenever he is out of his chamber. Worst, instead of pacifying things, the other staff who are close to judge Corpus seem to delight in this "outcast scenario" inside their office. If Ms. Bosque insists to go with them, they will tell her, "Haan, madini Judge ngaumayka: ("No, Judge does not like you to come.") Granting that it is the prerogative of the Judge to choose the staff he wants to be with, the treatment of Ms. Bosque (and Mr. Sanchez) is going overboard. If it is true that Ms. Bosque is not doing her work well, there is a proper and professional way to deal with this and we do not think that she should be treated inhumanely as if she is invisible. Further, Judge Corpus is abusing the rating of employees when he threatened to rate Ms. Bosque "Unsatisfactory" unless she pays her loan to him within the day. It is reported that Ms. Bosque owed Judge Corpus Php50,000.00 and in order to have it paid, he gave Ms. Bosque less than 8 hours to raise the amount, lest she'll be rated "Unsatisfactory." During hearing and in the presence of many people, Judge Corpus also told Mr. Sanchez that he will also get a rating of "Unsatisfactory" together with Ms. Bosque. The acts of Judge Corpus towards his three "disfavored" employees are not the acts of a professional, especially unbecoming of a judge. Even if [they] cannot themselves complain perhaps because of fear of the consequences, the employees, Mr. Balaoro, Mr. Sanchez and Ms. Bosque, deserve to be vindicated or at least to feel once again their self-worth
7. Still according to reliable sources, most criminal cases in Branch 2 which are dismissed are those cases where the accused posted cashbond. It is likewise common knowledge outside the court, based on the narratives of accused and bondsmen themselves who are personally known to some members of the CCAGG[I], that Judge Corpus dismisses criminal cases in exchange of the bailbond put up for the provisional liberty of the accused. Rumor has it that one the bondsmen receive the money posted as bond after the dismissal of the cases, they immediately and reluctantly give the money to Jerry Calayoan, the Process Server of Branch 2, and the bagman of Judge Corpus. Surely, the cash goes straight to the pockets of Judge Corpus and his bagman. Those cases where the bond put up are properties are not usually dismissed but they continue to trial.
8. The court (Branch 2) is in disarray. Justice Bersamin himself saw how the records of Judge Corpus are not in order. This is because instead of working in the office as he is supposed to do, the utility worker Medimar Balaoro spends most of his time (office hours) serving in the household of Judge Corpus.
9. It is also of public knowledge that Judge Corpus decides his cases unfairly and in exchange of material and monetary considerations. In the Facebook pages "Abra Elections" and "Abrenian.com," Judge Corpus is depicted by netizens as a corrupt judge who always needs money for his excessive cockfighting. It is also alleged in the social media that he only decides a case favorably and swiftly if he is paid for it.
10. A perfect illustration of Judge Corpus' corrupt ways is when he accepted the amount of Php2,000,000.00 from a litigant in an election case. The witness, whose affidavit was taken and now forms part of the records of the case which is pending appeal before he Court of Appeals, attests that the amount was delivered to Judge Corpus by a certain Atty. Pichay.
11. Judge Corpus Alzate is a notorious, bully, vulgar, and conceited judge. His lack of Morality and professionalism is unbecoming of a judge. He should not be allowed to abuse his position in the judiciary and use his authority to gain undue power and exert undue influence at the expense of morality and ethics.
12. The acts of Judge Corpus Alzate are neither commendable, proper, ethical nor moral, as a lawyer and as a judge. x xx Judge Corpus Alzate continues to violate the canons of judicial ethics which he is supposed to uphold as a magistrate.
Honorable Chief Justice, as people of Abra, we care a lot for our fellow Abrenians and we feel that as a non-government organization, it is our duty to help in whatever legal means we can. We see the courts as the embodiment of justice and the judges as protectors of our rights. While we do not have personal grudges against Judge Corpus Alzate, we are quite alarmed with the information that are being reported to us. We cannot just stay indifferent and unmindful of the corrupt, intimidating and demoralizing ways of Judge. Corpus Alzate because we are apprehensive that this could totally destroy the trust of the people of Abra in the judiciary, and who knows what could happen if people no longer trust our courts and no longer believes in justice.
That is why we are asking Your Honor to please intervene in this situation. We place our trust in the better judgment of the Supreme Court, Your Honor. We will greatly appreciate it if our complaint is promptly acted upon by the Highest Court of the land.
Thank you Chief Justice and more power!Sincerely yours,CONCERNED CITIZENS OF ABRA FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE
Acting on the said letter, the OCA formed a team to conduct the initial investigation to verify the allegations in the said letter and the alleged infractions of Judge Alzate.Finding merit in the recommendation, the Court, in its Resolution dated 19 June 2018,[7] preventively suspended Judge Alzate for six (6) months and directed the conduct of judicial audit in his court.
During the investigation, the team xxx went to the office of the CCAGG to confirm if the letter really came from their office.
On 8 January 2017, the team met Ms. Pura Sumangil, Chairperson of the CCAGG, who was shown a copy of the said letter and she was asked if the said letter was from their office Ms. Sumangil together with other officers, said that they did not send such letter to the court. Ms. Sumangil averred that each time they send a letter complaint they always affix their signatures to prove [that] their intent is good.
The team requested Ms. Sumangil if she can give a letter/manifestation attesting to what they stated during the meeting. The CCAGG gave a letter dated 9 January 2018 signed by Ms. Sumangil disowning the letter against Judge Corpus B. Alzate.
On 8 January 2018, the team went to the place where the house of Judge Corpus Alzate is located. At around 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. the team noticed that a certain individual came cut of the vicinity of the house of Judge Corpus Alzate and later on was identified as Mr. Balaoro, utility worker, Branch 2, RTC, Bangued, Abra. The incident was documented by pictures taken and transferred to a CD which forms part of the records of this case.
Being the Acting Presiding Judge of Branch 21, RTC, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Judge Alzate conducts his hearings in the said court every Monday and Tuesday. On 9 January 2018, the team went to Vigan City, Ilocos Sur to see if Judge Alzate is attending his hearings thereat and to verify if he is really using his staff as a personal driver. Judge Alzate arrived at the Hall of Justice of Vigan City, Ilocos Sur together with his driver. The said driver was later on identified as Mr. Jerry Calayoan, Process Server, Branch 2, RTC, Bangued, Abra. The incident was recorded and this was transferred to a CD that also forms part of the records of the case.
x x x
As to the allegation that Judge Alzate is involved in cockfighting, the team met with a concerned citizen who did not want to reveal his identity but nonetheless he gave a copy of a video clip of Judge Alzate together with his process server Mr. Calayoan inside a cockpit arena. A copy of the video clip was transferred to a CD and again forms part of the records of this case.
During the initial investigation this Office believes that some of the allegations in the letter are true and that there is sufficient basis to continue the investigation to verify the other infractions committed by Judge Alzate. The investigation made by this Office has established that Judge Alzate is treating Mr. Balaoro as his household helper. Likewise, the incident in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur confirms that Judge Alzate is using his court staff (process server), Mr. Calayoan, as his driver.
Also, a verification with the OCA, Office of Administrative Services (OAS) regarding the Daily Time records (DTR) of Mr. Balaoro and Mr. Calayoan for the month of January 2018 was made. Based on the DTR submitted by Mr. Balaoro he was present on 8 January 2018 and arrived at 6:00 a.m. and departed at 12:00 a.m. According to the DTR of Mr. Calayoan, he was also present on 9 January 2018, arriving at 7:10 a.m. and departing at 12:00 a.m. These entries are contrary to what the investigation disclosed as earlier discussed above.
Clearly, the act of Mr. Balaoro and Mr. Calayoan in falsifying the entries in their DTRs cannot be done without the knowledge of Judge Alzate and his clerk of court. This Office is convinced that such practice is with their consent."[6]
I. ORDER OF RELEASE PREMATURELY ISSUED
In the regular course of proceedings, the Order of Release of the Detainee shall only be issued by the judge once the bond, in whatever form, is already posted and subsequently approved by the court. However, this is not the case in the following cases which have been identified during the judicial audit to be highly irregular:
Date of Official Receipt for the Bond Fee Date of Release Order Other observations Criminal Case No. 2015-039, entitled People vs. Regunton April 13, 2015 April 7, 2015 Property Bond was notarized, being subscribed and sworn to before Atty. Elpidio C. Siaga, on April 10, 2015 Criminal Case No. 2010-133, entitled People vs. Villamor October 27, 2010 October 12, 2010 Property Bond was notarized, being subscribed and sworn to before Atty. Benedicto F. Alvarado, Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Notary Public on October 12, 2010. Criminal Case No. 2010-125, entitled People vs. Langgi September 12, 2013 September 11, 2013 Assessment Form and Payment Order issued on September 12, 2013 by the Registry of Deeds of Bangued, Abra, over the unregistered land posted as Property Bond. Please note that the orders of release from detention in the foregoing cases were issued by Judge Alzate days PRIOR to the actual posting of the property bonds by the accused. The fact that the signatures of Judge. Alzate in the bail bonds (for his approval) and the release orders were affixed thereto only shows that these were voluntarily made by him and with knowledge of the circumstances therein.
II. COURT EMPLOYEES SERVING AS BONDSMEN FOR THE ACCUSED.
"Court personnel, from the lowliest employee to the clerk of court or any position lower than that of a judge or justice, are involved in the dispensation of justice, and parties seeking redress from the courts for grievances look upon court personnel as part of the Judiciary."
This duty, nevertheless, does not extend to giving assistance to parties in cases by using their respective positions, which is beyond the functions mandated to them by law.
Such was the case in Branch 2, RTC, Bangued, Abra when two (2) of its court staff personally acted as bondsmen for the accused in the following criminal cases:
A. Elmer Jerry G. Calayoan
Case Number and Title Kind of Bond Criminal Case No. 2011-141, entitled People vs. Pacsa Cash Bond posted November 22, 2011 Criminal Case No. 2011-143, entitled People vs. Langbayan Cash Bond posted on November 22, 2011 Criminal Case No. 2011-144, entitled People vs. Asia Cash Bond posted on November 22, 2011 Criminal Case No. 2010-188, entitled People vs. Banayos Cash Bond posted on October 12, 2010
B. Estrelita B. BilledoUpon verification with the Office of Administrative Services, OCA, Elmer Jerry G. Calayoan was appointed as Process Server in Branch 2, RTC, Bangued, Abra on February 14, 1996, while Estrelita B. Billedo has been a Court Stenographer in the said court since July 12, 1995. Thus, during the time that they posted the bail bond in favor of then detainees, they were already personnel of Branch 2, RTC, Bangued, Abra.
Case Number and Title
Kind of Bond
Criminal Case No. 2011-008, entitled People vs. Salazar
Cash Bond posted on July 13, 2011
I. DELAY IN RESOLVING CASES
The judicial audit and inventory of the pending cases of Branch 2, RTC, Bangued, Abra likewise reveals numerous cases which have remained unresolved beyond the 90-day period from the day the cases were submitted for decision, to wit:
i. Criminal Cases
Case Number Accused Nature Date Submitted for Decision 1 2008-121 Lazano Theft November 9, 2017 2 2011-030 Layugan Attempted Murder January 17, 2018 3 2011-029 Layugan Murder January 17 2018 4 2014-075 Aquino Violation of RA 1059 October 25, 2017 5 2013-024 Azurin COMELEC Gun Ban January 17, 2018 6 2013-123 Bosque, et al Violation of RA 9165 January 10, 2018 7 2017-076 Neri Acts of Lasciviousness January 19, 2018 8 2013-216 Romero Violation of Sec. 11 of RA 9165 August 10, 2017 9 2013-217 Romero Violation of Sec. 12 of RA 9165 August 10, 2017 10 2003-232 Purruganan Violation of RA 9165 April 12, 2018 11 - 15 2008-072 to 076 Doral Violation of RA 7610 May 11, 2017 16 2016-258 Tandingan Murder January 17, 2018 17 2014-036 Arcena Murder/Carnapping/Theft April 25, 2018 18 2014-090 Castro Violation of RA 10591 May 4, 2017 19 2011-097 Pilar Violation of RA 7610 August 2, 2017 20 - 22 2011-014 to 016 Buenafe, et al. Attempted Murder March 23, 2017 23 2011-149 Florendo Violation of RA 8294 January 25, 2017 24 2011-150 Cariño Violation of RA 8294 January 24, 2017 25 - 27 2008-023 to 025 Rodillo Rape June 10, 2017 28 - 29 2008-021 to 022 Millare Rape June 10, 2017 30 2017-243 Barbosa Violation of RA 10591 January 18, 2017 31 2008-121 Lozano Theft December 9, 2017 32 2016-234 Bodona Violation of RA 10591 January 31, 2018 33 2007-047 Lizardo Violation of COMELEC Resolution No. 7764-A January 18, 2018 34 2012-038 Icaonapo Murder October 4, 2017 35 2010-075 Pasiguen Violation of COMELEC Resolution No. 8714 January 18, 2016 36 2010-076 Bersamira Violation of COMELEC Resolution No. 8714 April 26, 2017 37 2011-133 Cidillo Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Serious Physical Injuries May 10, 2017 38 2010-143 Bona Homicide April 16, 2017
ii. Civil CasesI. JUDGE ALZATE ENGAGED IN COCKFIGHTING.
Case Number Title Date Submitted for Decision 1
1932 Roman Catholic Bishop of Bangued vs. Heirs of Julio Balingao, et al. May 16, 2011 2
N-234 Application for Registration of Title to Land (Jendricks Luna, Applicant) January 17, 2018
3
2060 Balingao vs. DECS, Reconveyance of Real Property, Nullification of Documents April 19, 2017
4 2674 Annulment of Deed of Sale May 18, 2017 5 3409 Sps. Tadeo vs. Baauiran June 17, 2017 6 1395 Heirs of Felissa Valera vs. Partas Trans June 15, 2017 7 3065 Pagui vs. Abbago, et al. October 27, 2017 8 3290 Bernal vs. Bernal December 8, 2017 9 3333 Bandayrel vs. Trinidad January 4, 2018 10 3387 Baula vs. Office of Municipal Civil Registrar of Tineg, Abra 01/10/18 11 3423 Heirs of Jose Villamor vs. Tuazon February 21, 2018 12 3425 Change of Name of Jesus Madrigal February 22, 2018 13 3451 Cancellation of Entries of Certificate of Live Birth of Jean Lorraine Gasmen April 4, 2018
Further, in the Memorandum dated May 15, 2018 submitted by this Office in compliance with the Resolution dated November 28, 2017 of the Court, the investigation conducted therein revealed that Judge Alzate is one of the biggest aficionados of cockfighting in the province and personally joins derbies in and out of the province. A compact disc was attached therein containing a video clip of Judge Alzate, together with Process Server Elmer Calayoan, while inside a cockpit arena.[24]
"xxx The administration of justice is a lofty function and is no less sacred than a religious mission itself. Those who are called upon to render service in it must follow that norm of conduct compatible only with public faith and trust in their impartiality, sense of responsibility, exercising the same devotion to duty and unction done by a priest in the performance of the most sacred ceremonies of a religious liturgy."Under the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur, the Court may impose its authority upon erring judges whose actuations, on their face, would show gross incompetence, ignorance of the law or misconduct.[34]
"Sec. 14. Deposit of Cash as Bail. – The accused or any person acting in his behalf may deposit in cash with the nearest collector of internal revenue or provincial, city or municipal treasurer the amount of bail fixed by the court, or recommended by the prosecutor who investigated or filed the case. Upon submission of a proper certificate of deposit and of a written undertaking showing compliance with the requirements of section 2 of this Rule, the accused shall be discharged from custody. The money deposited shall be considered as bail and applied to the payment of fine and costs while the excess, if any, shall be returned to the accused or to whoever made the deposit." (Emphasis supplied)The established norm of conduct for court employees is to maintain a hands-off attitude in dealings with party-litigants. This is indispensable to maintain the integrity of the courts, and to free court personnel from suspicion of misconduct, an unacceptable behavior that transgresses the established rules of conduct for public officers.[35]
"Respondent is also administratively liable for going to cockpits and placing bets in cockfights. The fact that the cockpits where he used to go were licensed and the cockfights were conducted on authorized days will not absolve him. While such gambling was not illegal, he openly and deliberately disregarded and violated Paragraph 3 of the Canons of Judicial Ethics quoted in Circular No. 4. Verily, it is plainly despicable to see a judge inside a cockpit and more so, to see him bet therein. Mixing with the crowd of cockfighting enthusiasts and bettors is unbecoming a judge and undoubtedly impairs the respect due him. Ultimately, the Judiciary itself suffers therefrom because a judge is a visible representation of the Judiciary. Most often, the public mind does not separate the judge from the Judiciary. In short, any demeaning act of a judge or court personnel demeans the institution he represents."Moreover, the New Code of Judicial Conduct for the Philippine Judiciary[42] provides:
Propriety and the appearance of propriety are essential to the performance of all the activities of a judge.Attending promotional derbies and placing bets in the tourneys undoubtedly violates this Canon.
SEC. 1. Judges shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all of their activities.
SEC. 2. As a subject of constant public scrutiny, judges must accept personal restrictions that might be viewed as burdensome by the ordinary citizen and should do so freely and willingly. In particular, judges shall conduct themselves in a way that is consistent with the dignity of the judicial office.
Regarding his involvement in cockfighting, however, there is no clear evidence. Judge Achas denied engaging in cockfighting and betting. He admitted, however, that he reared fighting cocks for leisure, having inherited the practice from his forefathers. While gamecocks are bred and kept primarily for gambling, there is no proof that he goes to cockpits and gambles. While rearing fighting cocks is not illegal, Judge Achas should avoid mingling with a crowd of cockfighting enthusiasts and bettors as it undoubtedly impairs the respect due him. As a judge, he must impose upon himself personal restrictions that might be viewed as burdensome by the ordinary citizen and should do so freely and willingly.Respondent Judge is not prohibited from continuing in this line of business. However, he must be held administratively liable for gambling, which he admits to engaging in, and improper behavior. Attending cockfights in arenas and mingling with bettors, even outside of the cockpits, falls short of the high standard set for judges' conduct. Judges must always be mindful not only to avoid improper behavior, but also the appearance of improper behavior. Whatever behavior that would give the public even a speck of doubt in a magistrate's integrity must be avoided at all costs.
i. | This Office is still awaiting certain documents that are relevant to this case and which may confirm the allegations stated in the anonymous complaint and the initial findings in the judicial audit; |
ii. | There is a need to interview other witnesses who expressed their willingness to give information regarding the supposed anomalous acts of Judge Corpu[s] Alzate; and |
iii. | Time constraints in the scheduling of travels for the investigation in view of the need to conduct judicial audit and investigation of equally important administrative cases against erring judges as well as those judges who are about to retire compulsorily or optionally. |
[31] "I personally know of some colleagues who are also engaged in the sport. Some are even officers of the PJA. In one of our conventions as judges, this topic was opened as a concern and a high ranking officer of the Supreme Court gave the "off the record" opinion that it is alright to join cockfights for as long as the judge concerned maintain a low-profile decorum while at the derby, meaning, that he doesn't show-off by parading big bets and instead, maintain a decent posture."
(1) Case No. 5. Tadeo v. Baquiran
Decided [on] February 20, 2019 (after my first suspension lapsed) There is an MR but [it's] calendared on January 20, 2020.(2) Case No. 6. Valera v. Partas.
Inherited case. Lack of TSN for some witnesses.(3) Case No. 8. Bernal v. Bernal.
Decided on February 18, 2019 (After my first suspension lapsed)(4) Case No. 10. Baula v. OMCR
Case decided on September 11, 2018 by Judge Raphiel F. Alzate, Pair Judge)(5) Case No. 11. Villamor v. Tuazon
Case decided on February 19, 2019. (After my first suspension lapsed.)(6) Case No. 12. Madrigal Change of name.
Decided [on] January 31, 2019. (After my first suspension lapsed.)(7) Case No. 13. Gasmen Cancellation of entries.
Decided [on] February 4, 2019. (After my first suspension lapsed.)