Facts:

• Judge Jose M. Estacion, Jr. was dismissed from his position as a Regional Trial Court Judge in Dumaguete City.
• The dismissal was due to his concealment of criminal charges for homicide and attempted homicide when he applied for the judicial post.
• Mrs. Ruth L. Vda. de Sison, the mother of one of the victims, brought this concealment to light.
• The Court, in a Per Curiam Decision dated January 11, 1990, dismissed Judge Estacion for gross misrepresentation.
• Despite filing multiple motions for reconsideration, all were denied by the Court.
• Judge Estacion filed a "Motion To Request For Clemency, Compassion and Mercy With Leave," citing his active involvement in religious and civic organizations and invoking passages from the Scriptures to support his plea for reinstatement.
• The Court, after a thorough review, remained unconvinced and denied his motion.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• Yes, Judge Jose M. Estacion, Jr. committed gross misrepresentation by concealing criminal charges when applying for a judicial post.
  • The Court confirmed this finding.
• No, Judge Estacion should not be granted clemency, compas...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Court found that Judge Estacion's failure to disclose the criminal charges of homicide and attempted homicide constituted gross misrepresentation.
• This omission was a calculated deception against both the Court and the public, indicating a lack of moral rectitude necessary for a judicial position.
• Judges are held to higher standards of integrity and ethical conduct than other individuals.
• They must inspire trust and confidence and bring honor to the judiciary.
• Judge Estacion's actions undermined public confidence in the integrit...continue reading