FEBRUARY ISSUE

MANILA, Philippines – Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge

Juanita Guerrero has inhibited from the drug charge against detained
Senator Leila de Lima, according to an order signed by Guerrero on
January 4.
Guerrero of Branch 204 was the judge who issued the first warrant of
arrest that detained De Lima in February 2017. De Lima filed a
motion for inhibition.
“In order not to cast doubt on the integrity and impartiality of the
Presiding Judge and to disabuse the mind of the accused and her
counsels who have expressed serious doubts on her objectivity in
resolving this case due to the adverse orders issued against her, the
court, acting on its sound discretion, voluntarily inhibits herself from
further hearing the case,” Guerrero wrote in the order.
She also ordered the re-raffle of De Lima’s case.
The other judges handling the other two counts of illegal drug trading
against De Lima are Judge Amelia Fabros Corpuz of Branch 205 and
Judge Patria Manalastas de Leon of Branch 206. Both have also issued
warrants of arrest.
Guerrero was the judge who dismissed the charges against the so-
called "Alabang Boys" and the judge who granted the plea for release
of convicted road rage killer Rolito Go. De Lima was the justice
secretary during both case, where she contested Guerrero’s
decisions.