Case Summary (A.M. No. RTJ-12-2333)
Administrative Complaint Against Judge Soluren
- An administrative complaint was filed against Judge Corazon D. Soluren of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 96, Baler, Aurora.
- The complaint was initiated by Assistant Provincial Prosecutors Hydierabad A. Casar, Jonald E. Hernandez, Dante P. Sindac, and Atty. Jobert D. Reyes on August 12, 2011.
- The complainants charged Judge Soluren with Gross Misconduct for her actions during visits to the Aurora Provincial Jail.
Unauthorized Jail Visits
- Judge Soluren allegedly visited the Aurora Provincial Jail on June 20, June 22, and July 19, 2011.
- These visits were in violation of Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) Circular No. 03-2010, which suspended jail visitations by Executive Judges and Presiding Judges pending a review of related provisions.
- The complainants asserted that the purpose of these visits was to persuade inmates to sign a letter to then Chief Justice Renato C. Corona, seeking the dismissal of an administrative complaint against her.
Evidence Presented by Complainants
- The complaint included a certification from the Prison Guard Administrator confirming Judge Soluren's unauthorized visits.
- An affidavit from Dolores P. Sollano, who accompanied Judge Soluren, was also submitted.
- A handwritten letter from the inmates expressed their lack of understanding regarding the letter to the Chief Justice and their desire to withdraw their signatures.
Judge Soluren's Response
- In her Comment dated November 5, 2011, Judge Soluren acknowledged her visits but claimed they were not official and lacked compliance with Supreme Court orders.
- She contended that her visits were informal and conducted without her staff's presence.
Findings of the Office of the Court Administrator
- Following the exchange of replies and rejoinders, the OCA issued a report on August 17, 2012, finding Judge Soluren guilty of Simple Misconduct.
- The OCA recommended a fine of ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) to be deducted from her retirement benefits due to her impending retirement on January 29, 2012.
Court's Resolution and Rationale
- The Court adopted the OCA's findings and recommendations, emphasizing the impropriety of Judge Soluren's actions.
- The Court highlighted the ...continue reading