Facts:

• An administrative complaint was filed against Judge Perfecto A.S. Laguio, Jr. by petitioners Robert Z. Barbers, Juanito De Guzman, and Lucio Margallo IV on April 10, 1997.
• The complaint alleged that Judge Laguio rendered an unjust judgment in acquitting Lawrence Wang y Chen in three criminal cases involving drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms.
• The case stemmed from an entrapment operation on May 16, 1996, where Wang was arrested with 150 grams of shabu, P650,000 in cash, and unlicensed firearms.
• The cases were consolidated in the Regional Trial Court of Manila, presided over by Judge Laguio.
• Wang filed a motion for preliminary investigation, which was granted, and he pleaded "not guilty."
• On March 13, 1997, Judge Laguio granted Wang's Demurrer to Evidence, acquitting him based on the unlawful nature of his arrest and search.
• Following the acquittal, the petitioners claimed Judge Laguio acted with manifest partiality and gross negligence, leading to the referral of the case to the Office of the Court Administrator for investigation.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court dismissed the administrative complaint against Judge Perfecto A.S. Laguio, Jr. for lack of merit.
• The Court found no substantial evidence supporting the allegations of knowingly rendering an unjust judgment.
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Ratio:

• The Supreme Court emphasized that acquittals in criminal cases are final and executory, preventing the state from seeking review without risking double jeopardy.
• The Court noted that the administrative complaint was premature due to a pending petition for review on certiorari regard...continue reading