Facts:

• Judge Corazon D. Soluren of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 96, Baler, Aurora, was found guilty of simple misconduct.
• The case was filed by Assistant Provincial Prosecutors Hydierabad A. Casar, Jonald E. Hernandez, Dante P. Sindac, and Atty. Jobert D. Reyes of the Public Attorney's Office, Baler, Aurora.
• Judge Soluren visited the Aurora Provincial Jail on June 20 and 22, 2011, and July 19, 2011.
• During her visits, she met with inmates, including those who had pending cases before her court.
• The purpose of her visit was to persuade the prisoners to sign a letter addressed to then Chief Justice Renato C. Corona.
• The letter called for the dismissal of an administrative complaint filed against her and the removal of Judge Evelyn Atienza-Turla as Presiding Judge of RTC, Branch 6, Baler, Aurora.
• The complainants presented evidence, including a certification from the Prison Guard Administrator confirming Judge Soluren's unauthorized visits to the provincial jail.
• They also presented an affidavit from Dolores P. Sollano, who accompanied Judge Soluren during the visits.
• A handwritten letter from the detention prisoners admitting that they were not aware of the letter's import and wishing to withdraw their signatures was also presented.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• Judge Soluren was found guilty of simple misconduct.
• The Supreme Court adopted the recommendation of the Office of the Court Administrato...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Court emphasized the importance of avoiding impropriety and maintaining pu...continue reading