PAULO JOSE S.

VILLARIN
CASE DIGEST
PALE

WILMOR HADAP vs JUDGE ABELARDO LEE

A.M. no. 1665-MJ June 19,1982

FACTS:
Judge Lee was charged with conduct unbecoming of a judge for habitually using vulgar
words especially when solemnizing marriage, Partiality in the administration of Justice,
Alleged use of pronsers/detainees for personal use and re use of his residence as court’s
office instead of the office provided in the government building

ISSUE:
Should Judge Lee be disciplined?

HELD:
Yes. A judge shall avoid impropriety and appearance of impropriety in all his activities.
Here, the advice of the judge using vulgar words during a wedding is not to be expected
of a judge. Such gutter-language is even rarely heard in slums. When used by a judge,
respect for the entire judiciary plummets to the levels where the people would begin to
doubt the moral standards of judges and their capacity and fitness to dispense justice.
The use of services of prisoners is criminal and therefore, Judge lee is dismissed as judge
of the municipal court.forfiture of retirement benefits and with prejudice to re-
employment in any national or local government office or agency.