Case Summary (G.R. No. L-45510)
Administrative Background
Judge Justalero was appointed as the Assisting Judge of the RTC of Barotac Viejo pursuant to Administrative Order No. 12-2010 to oversee cases previously handled by Judge Daniel Antonio Gerardo S. Amular, alongside his responsibilities in Iloilo City. Newly filed cases in Barotac Viejo were assigned through a raffle system between him and Judge Rogelio Amador, with a designated ratio of 2:1 for Judge Justalero.
Judicial Audit Findings
A regular judicial audit initiated on April 10, 2015, revealed problematic issues within Judge Justalero’s handling of nullity of marriage cases during 2014 and 2015. The audit observed that multiple cases were resolved by Judge Justalero unusually quickly, raising concerns over procedural integrity. Specific irregularities included failure to adhere to requirements for notifying the Office of the Solicitor General, lack of collusion reports despite no responses from respondents, and issuing orders without proper documentation.
Further Investigative Actions
A more detailed investigation from August 10 to 14, 2015, confirmed previous findings that questioned the validity of Judge Justalero’s prompt decision-making, the absence of essential documentation, and irregularities in case management, including claims of immediate decision rendering on cases filed within just days.
Summary of Irregularities in Marriages and Notarization
The audit also flagged Judge Justalero's role in officiating marriages in Barotac Viejo. It was concluded that he lacked the administrative authority necessary for such duties. Irregularities included excessive numbers of marriages officiated, with instances of same-day registration of marriage licenses and notarization of affidavits of cohabitation without proper identification verification from affiants.
Office of the Court Administrator's Recommendations
In light of the findings, the Office of the Court Administrator recommended Judge Justalero’s preventive suspension, along with the revocation of his designation as Assisting Judge and the appointment of replacements to handle his caseload. Subsequently, the Court adopted these recommendations and suspended Judge Justalero in early 2016.
Judge Justalero's Explanations and Defense
Judge Justalero defended his actions by highlighting his diligence in managing cases, attributing some discrepancies to missing paperwork that he alleged were the responsibilities of court staff. He argued that his rapid case resolution aligned with judicial imperatives for expediency. Additionally, he claimed authority to solemnize marriages based on established practices and directives from superiors.
Ruling of the Court
Ultimately, the Court concluded that Judge Justalero’s actions constituted gross ignorance of the law and procedure due to his failure to comply with established judicial standards, as evidenced by the num
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-45510)
Background and Designation of Judge Justalero
- Judge Globert J. Justalero was designated as the Presiding Judge of Branch 32, RTC of Iloilo City, and the Assisting Judge of Branch 66, RTC of Barotac Viejo under Administrative Order No. 12-2010.
- His responsibilities included taking cognizance of cases previously handled by Judge Daniel Antonio Gerardo S. Amular and managing newly-filed cases alongside Judge Rogelio Amador, with cases being raffled at a 2:1 ratio respectively.
Judicial Audit and Findings
- A judicial audit was conducted from April 20 to May 3, 2015, revealing numerous irregularities in Judge Justalero's handling of nullity of marriage cases during 2014 and 2015.
- Key observations included:
- Decisions were rendered unusually quickly, often within six months.
- The Office of the Solicitor General was not notified of various orders and notices.
- Cases continued without the presence of the Solicitor General, and no collusion reports were filed.
- Irregularities in the issuance of orders, notifications, and evidence submissions were noted.
- Judge Justalero decided 26 nullity cases in Barotac Viejo, despite only meeting once weekly, as opposed to 11 cases in Iloilo City during the same timeframe.
Additional Irregularities in Marriage Solemnizations
- The audit uncovered irregularities in Judge Justalero's solemnization of marriages, including:
- Performing marriages without the authority to do so as th