11/07/2022
SC suspends judge for homophobic slurs vs. litigants
The Supreme Court has suspended for 30 days without pay a Manila Metropolitan Trial Court presiding judge for uttering homophobic slurs against litigants and allowing his religious beliefs to impair his judicial functions.
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In an 18-page decision, the High Court found Presiding Judge Jorge Emmanuel Lorredo guilty of work-related sexual harassment.
“He is further sternly warned that a repetition of the same or similar acts in the future shall be dealt with more severely,” the SC said.
In 2019, complainants Marcelino Espejon and Erickson Cabonita filed a civil case against Lorredo, saying the judge made remarks showing his prejudgment of the case and obvious bias against them and their sexual orientation.
They also complained that Lorredo’s conduct in their case was heavily influenced by his religious beliefs and impressions about homosexuality.
“The Court wholly agrees with the findings of the JlB that these remarks were inappropriate. The records will bear out how Judge Lorredo badgered complainants with his questions about their sexual orientation,” it said.
During the preliminary conference, Lorredo repeatedly asked the complaints about their sexuality and if they were not “in a relationship that was forbidden in the bible.”
In his comment, he argued that he wanted to warn the complainants of God’s supposed dislike for homosexuals.
The SC said Lorredo violated Sections I and 6 of Canon 4 of the New Code of Judicial Conduct on Propriety as well as Sections 1, 2, and 3 of Canon 5 of the New Code of Judicial Conduct on Equality.
The High Court also fined Lorredo P40,000 for simple misconduct and P10,000 for conduct unbecoming of a judge, as this is his second offense. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/837334/sc-suspends-judge-for-homophobic-slurs-vs-litigants/story/?fbclid=IwAR04JWjqFch2PgByRMobe9LlMmjDFbeP_q-39tHqJN7BinbTM8LVn0sTi20
The Supreme Court has suspended for 30 days without pay a Manila Metropolitan Trial Court presiding judge for uttering homophobic slurs against litigants and allowing his religious beliefs to impair his judicial functions.