Judge dismissed for ignoring Supreme Court suspension order

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) has dismissed an Ilocos Sur judge for ignoring a suspension order issued against him in connection with marriage annulment cases.

The Supreme Court found Judge Raphiel Alzate of Branch 24 of the Ilocos Sur Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Cabugao City guilty of gross misconduct and insubordination.

Alzate was first released in 2020 after the Supreme Court found him guilty of obstructing proceedings to annul his marriage.

In 2023, the Supreme Court reversed its decision and acquitted Alzate of the charges.

Instead, the Supreme Court suspended Alzate for five years and fined him P200,000 for settling annulment cases without proper reporting or procedures.

In a declaration and statement filed in February this year, Alzate informed the Supreme Court that he had paid the fine and assumed the office of presiding judge of the Abra RTC in Bangued.

He urged the Supreme Court to consider payment of the fine as sufficient compliance with its order.

But the Supreme Court said Alzate had “blatantly disregarded and disregarded” the decision to suspend him for five years.

The Supreme Court said Alzate should have started serving his suspension after receiving the Supreme Court order on January 31 this year.

Alzate was said to have reported to the RTC of Bangued without prior notice or approval from the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court said Alzate had intended to deceive the judges when he concealed his five-year suspension in his rally and compliance.

“We cannot allow Alzate to again wear the judicial robe, as his serious and shameful acts and omissions reveal his unworthiness,” the Supreme Court said.