Case Summary (G.R. No. 121468)
Complaint Overview
On August 12, 2011, the complainants lodged an administrative complaint against Judge Soluren, alleging Gross Misconduct. They claimed that she unlawfully visited the Aurora Provincial Jail on multiple occasions—specifically June 20, June 22, and July 19 of 2011—contrary to the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) Circular No. 03-2010, which prohibited Executive Judges and Presiding Judges from conducting jail visits pending a review of certain judicial procedures.
Allegations and Evidence
The complainants asserted that the Judge's visits aimed to pressure inmates into signing a letter directed to then Chief Justice Renato C. Corona, which sought to dismiss an administrative complaint against her and sought the removal of another judge. Supporting evidence was presented, including a certification from the Prison Guard Administrator evidencing the Judge's unauthorized visits, an affidavit provided by Dolores P. Sollano, who accompanied Judge Soluren on these visits, and a letter from the inmates indicating that they were unaware of the letter's significance and wished to withdraw their support.
Judge's Response
In her Comment dated November 5, 2011, Judge Soluren acknowledged her attendance at the jail but contended that these visits were not official and that she lacked staff assistance, implying that they did not breach any formal judicial procedures. This defense, however, did not mitigate the underlying concerns of impropriety raised by the complainants.
Findings of the Office of the Court Administrator
Following further submissions from both parties, the OCA issued a report on August 17, 2012, characterizing Judge Soluren's actions as Simple Misconduct. A penalty of P10,000 was recommended, to be deducted from her retirement benefits, given her impending retirement on January 29, 2012.
Ruling and Judicial Analysis
The Court resolved to adopt the OCA's findings and recommendation. The Court expressed its determination that Judge Soluren's attempts to solicit signatures from inmates—especially those whose cases were under her jurisdiction—constituted a severe impropriety that undermined public confidence in the impartiality of the
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 121468)
Case Overview
- The case involves an administrative complaint filed against Judge Corazon D. Soluren of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 96, Baler, Aurora.
- Complainants: Assistant Provincial Prosecutors Hydierabad A. Casar, Jonald E. Hernandez, Dante P. Sindac, and Atty. Jobert D. Reyes.
- Date of Complaint: August 12, 2011.
- Nature of the Complaint: Gross Misconduct.
Allegations Against Judge Soluren
- The complainants alleged that Judge Soluren visited the Aurora Provincial Jail on multiple occasions (June 20, June 22, and July 19, 2011).
- These visits were said to contravene Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) Circular No. 03-2010, which suspended jail visitations by judges pending re-examination of prior administrative orders.
- The purpose of these visits was alleged to be an attempt to persuade inmates, including those with cases before her, to sign a letter to then Chief Justice Renato C. Corona.
- The letter called for the dismissal of an administrative complaint against her filed by Atty. Juliet M. Isidro-Reyes and the removal of Judge Evelyn Atienza-Turla from her position