This is an administrative case against Justice of the Peace Felipe Laurena of Perez, Quezon Province, arising from his prosecution in 1949 for threats to kill and murder which resulted in his conviction in the former and acquittal on reasonable doubt in the latter. The case was investigated by the District Judge who recommends respondent’s removal, which is concurred in by the Secretary of Justice.

In his defense the respondent claimed that he did not lose his right to his office despite his conviction to suffer two months and twenty-one days of imprisonment and that after serving sentence he was legally entitled to resume his duties as justice of the peace on the basis of the absolute and unconditional pardon granted him by the former President.

Good moral character is a qualification for justices of the peace, and respondent’s conviction for threats to kill shows that he lacks this essential requirement. His pardon has restored his civil and political rights but not his fitness for the office.

Wherefore, Mr. Felipe Laurena is hereby removed from office as justice of the peace of Perez, Quezon Province, effective as of the date of his: suspension by the District Judge by reason of this case.

Done in the City of Manila, this 23rd day of March, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and fifty-four, and of the Independence of the Philippines, the eighth.

(Sgd.) RAMON MAGSAYSAY
President of the Philippines

By the President:
(Sgd.) FRED RUIZ CASTRO
Executive Secretary