Paredes, Saniel get vote of confidence from lawyers

CEBU, Philippines - The two Regional Trial Court judges in Cebu City who were earlier found guilty by the Supreme Court of incompetence received outpouring moral support from their fellow lawyers.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines Cebu City Chapter passed a resolution expressing its full support for RTC Judges Mienrado Paredes and Bienvenido Saniel, Jr.

Aside from the IBP Cebu City Chapter, Paredes also had the support from his fellow alumni of the University of San Jose Recoletos-College of Law.

IBP Cebu City president Earl Bonachita and the members of the board passed a resolution expressing their full moral support to the two judges.

The IBP resolution stated that the legal community was surprised and saddened by the high court’s decision that led to Paredes’ resignation as executive judge.

According to the IBP, Paredes and Saniel are “magistrates of integrity, independence, competence and stalwarts against corruption in the judiciary.”

Bonachita said they furnish the Supreme Court a copy of their resolution as soon as all members of the board shall have signed it. A copy of the resolution will be sent also to the Office of the Court Administrator, IBP national president and IBP Board of Governors.

Meanwhile, the Recoletos de Cebu law Alumni Association Incorporated has sent a letter of support to Paredes as the latter is a member.

Alumni president Harve Abella said they were saddened by the decision of the Supreme Court against Paredes.

Abella added “the pronouncement cannot hold a candle to the kind of executive judge that he is; his years of selfless dedication to the administration of justice is a testament to what we know and hold to be true.”

Abella said the Alumni Association confirmed and affirmed with their trust, faith, confidence and support to Paredes and strongly urge the SC to review and reconsider its decision against him.

Paredes and Saniel were fined P10,000 by the high tribunal for incompetence and undue delay in the resolution of a civil case pending before their court. The case stemmed from a complaint filed by former NBI-7 director Florencio Villarin. — (FREEMAN)