SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
Retired Justice Ruben Reyes asked the SC to consider its April 2013 resolution of judicial clemency that already lifted his indefinite suspension from law practice
MANILA, Philippines – Retired Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Ruben Reyes may now hold public office.
This, after the SC en banc issued a resolution dated April 22 but released Tuesday, April 29, granting his request to be able to assume a post in government, elective or otherwise, including positions in state firms.
Reyes was suspended as a lawyer and disqualified from government service after being held administratively liable for releasing an SC decision prior to its promulgation. The Court declared him guilty of grave misconduct on February 24, 2009.
He was also fined for P500,000 (US$11,219.53).
Reyes was punished for leaking his draft decision on the citizenship case of then Negros Oriental Rep Jocelyn Limkaichong. One of the petitioners – businessman Louis Biraogo – got a copy of the draft decision, which disqualified Limkaichong as a member of the House of Representatives for allegedly being Chinese.
He released a copy of the decision to the media.
The SC at the time said Reyes showed “undue interest” in the case as he circulated the decision for signing even when justices earlier agreed to withhold the draft decision. He also drafted a decision even as the parties had yet to submit their respective memoranda.
In April 2013, however, following Reyes’ appeal, the SC lifted its order suspending him indefinitely as a lawyer. (READ: SC allows suspended ex-justice to practice law again)
Reyes cited this decision in his December 5, 2013 letter to the SC that asked the justices to also lift his disqualification from government employment.
The April 2013 judicial clemency cited Reyes’ “cooperative and humble attitude during the investigation proceedings” and the absence of any “prior disciplinary history in his 35 years of government service.”
“Respondent’s espousal of much regret and sincere apology for the leakage incident and the consequent disturbance and inconvenience it caused the Court, coupled with the persisting anguish and prevailing anxiety which he withstood through deepened spirituality and corporal good works, show his genuine repentance,” the SC said in its April 2013 resolution.
“In addition to his advancing age, the Court sees his contrite heart avowing to expiate the misdemeanor and inappropriate conduct he committed and henceforth, swearing to measure up to the benchmark of discipline required of a member of the Bar,” it added.
Reyes was appointed to the SC in 2007 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Prior to this, he was presiding justice of the Court of Appeals. – Rappler.com
Add a comment
How does this make you feel?
Loading
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.