SC lifts sanction vs retired Justice

The Supreme Court building in Manila. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court has lifted the disqualification imposed against a retired Supreme Court Justice who has been penalized in 2009 for leaking an unpromulgated decision involving the questions on the citizenship of a member of Congress.

Retired Associate Justice Ruben Reyes, in his letter to the high court, asked that the disqualification meted against him be lifted.

He said while rejoining the government is farthest from his mind, he said he only wants to live a normal life “as a retiree from the Judiciary for his personal health and peace of mind and that of his family.”

Last year, the high court lifted the suspension on law practice four years after it was meted against Reyes citing humanitarian reason.

“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 high court said.

“In addition to his advancing age, the Court sees his contrite heart avowing to expiate the misdemeanour and inappropriate conduct he committed and henceforth, swearing to measure up to the benchmark of discipline required of a member of the Bar…The Court believes that the passage of time and the same rationale warrants that the prayer of Justice Reyes be granted by the Court,” the high court added.

The Court found Reyes guilty of grave misconduct on February 24, 2009 for leaking his draft decision that would have unseated Negros Oriental Representative Jocelyn Limkaichong on the ground that she was a Chinese citizen.

Reyes, the high court in 2009, said violated Rules 1.01 and 1.02 of Canon 1 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.

He was among the highest member of the Bar sanctioned by the high court. Aside from Reyes, retired Supreme Court Justice Fidel Purisima was censured for failure to disclose that his nephew took the 1999 Bar Examination.