ILOILO CITY – The Supreme Court has granted the reinstatement of lawyer Globert Justalero to his judicial functions as the presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 32 in Iloilo City.
Following his one-year suspension for gross ignorance of the law and procedure and gross misconduct, the High Tribunal held that Justalero had served his suspension until the decision was issued on January 18, 2023.
The resolution, penned by Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez, awarded back salaries and benefits to Justalero, limiting the monetary award until his reinstatement in April 2024.
The SC emphasized that failure to reinstate him would further penalize Justalero unjustly.
Financial Hardship
The one-year suspension stemmed from violations of administrative matters and orders, including resolving nullity cases despite lack of jurisdiction, disregarding the Office of the Solicitor General's motion for reconsideration, and prematurely conducting investigations.
Moreover, Justalero was found to have violated court protocols by solemnizing marriages not assigned to his sala and notarizing affidavits in contravention of notarial practice rules.
In his letters to the High Tribunal, Justalero appealed for equitable considerations, citing financial hardships during his suspension.
The Supreme Court acknowledged delays in the disposition of his case, attributing his reinstatement to rules governing preventive suspensions.
Restoring Public Trust
While Justalero's actions warranted severe penalties, the Supreme Court opted for a one-year suspension considering his caseload and lack of prior administrative offenses.
The High Tribunal emphasized that the penalty aims to uphold the judiciary's integrity and restore public trust.
The Supreme Court's decision underscores the importance of accountability and fairness within the judicial system, ensuring that disciplinary measures are proportionate to the offenses committed.
With his reinstatement, Judge Justalero can resume his duties with a renewed commitment to upholding the law and serving justice.
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