Lawyers back SP resolution urging SC to probe judge

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

In a move to cause for the investigation of an executive judge, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Ilocos Norte chapter expressed on September 30 their full support to the Ilocos Norte Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s resolution urging the Supreme Court (SC) to conduct an investigation on Judge Rosemarie Ramos of the Regional Trial Court Branch 19.

The said trial court covers the northern towns of the province.

Draft provincial resolution no. 2013-08-008 sponsored by lawyer board member Vicentito M. Lazo, with the committees on good government and laws was unanimously approved by members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during the 13^th regular session on September 30 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall. The resolution requests the high court to specifically “determine the moral fitness and competence of Judge Ramos to continue to sit as presiding judge of RTC Branch 19 in Bangui, Ilocos Norte.”

Except for lawyer board member Juan Conrado A. Respicio II, all lawmakers present during the deliberation approved the passage of said resolution. The said session was also attended by officers and members of the local IBP chapter, led by their president, Atty. Joseph Nerez.

“The resolution is very appropriate and timely,” said former Ilocos Norte Vice Governor and past IBP-Ilocos Norte President Mariano Nalupta Jr. when asked about their view about the SP’s desire for the SC to investigate Ramos who has been earlier accused of “irregularity” while deciding cases at RTC Branch 19.

Nalupta even cited Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno through a published article encouraging lawyers to help stamp out corruption in the judiciary should they know something about it.

According to the chief justice, the SC is open to discussing measures to protect whistle-blowing lawyers should there be a need to do so.

Two weeks ago, Lazo delivered a privilege speech exposing “highly irregular” activities at the Branch 19. The lawyer-lawmaker even went to the extent of alleging that in the said court justice is for sale.

Ramos however vehemently denied Lazo’s allegations saying “it’s unfair” that she is being accused of being biased while deciding cases at RTC Branch 19 regardless of whoever is involved.