Why no car, Judge?
Judge Carmela Rosario C. Pasquin met an untimely death today. The motorcycle she was riding, which was driven by her court's process server, collided with another motorcycle. A young man, just 19, without a driver's license, was driving the other motorcycle. I grieve for the judge and her family. I am sorry too for the teen driver. I am sure he is burdened by his conscience.
Judge Carms Cahig (as I knew her when we were classmates at the University of the Philippines College of Law) and her staff were on the road that early morning to report for work at the Municipal Circuit Trial Court in Pinamungajan, Cebu. She died on her way to perform her duty.
Some of the commenters on Facebook wondered why she did not have a car. "Why no wheels, Judge," someone asked insensitively. A GMA news report provided the answer: "It was learned from Pinamungajan Police that the judge commutes from Toledo City where she resides, or would share a ride with colleagues." Many people were surprised that a judge could live simply, without the trappings of power. Perhaps, it's because we live in a time when government officials shamelessly parade their multi-million peso, luxury cars bought with stolen public money. Judge Carms stands in contrast to the many corrupt government officials in more ways than not having a luxury vehicle. If you looked at the posts of lawyers who appeared before her court, one would get a picture of a competent, diligent, incorruptible and fair judge. She wore the robes with honor.
Farewell and thank you for your service, Judge. My condolences to her loved ones.
By: Michael Ocampo | https://www.facebook.com/michael.ocampo.5203/posts/10163283358507350