This case has been cited 1 times or more.
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2004-02-02 |
CALLEJO, SR., J. |
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| The respondent Judge also argues in his Position Paper submitted to the undersigned Executive Judge that there is absolutely no evidence to show that he was motivated by bad faith, fraud, dishonesty or corruption in granting bail. As such, he argues that his act which was done in his official capacity is not subject to disciplinary action. Unfortunately for the respondent Judge, it is already settled that when a judge grants bail to a person charged with a capital offense, or an offense punishable by reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment without conducting the required [bail] hearing, he is considered guilty of ignorance or incompetence the gravity of which cannot be excused by a claim of good faith or excusable negligence. …[12] In the recent case of Rosalia Docena-Caspe v. Judge Arnulfo O. Bagtas,[13] the Court stressed the indispensable nature of a hearing in petitions for bail, citing a plethora of cases,[14] where judges were found to be grossly ignorant of the rules and procedures and were fined P20,000.00 therefor. | |||||