FACTS:

In this case, then Presiding Judge Victoria Villalon-Pornillos was found guilty of gross misconduct by the Court on July 7, 2009. The misconduct included borrowing money from a lawyer in a case pending before her court, as well as undue delay in rendering decisions or orders and violation of Supreme Court rules, directives, and circulars. As a result, she was dismissed from the service with forfeiture of all retirement benefits except accrued leave credits and with prejudice to re-employment in any government agency or instrumentality. On August 8, 2016, respondent filed a Petition for Absolute Pardon from 'Dismissal from the Service Sentence' to the Office of the President. The petition was later denied by the Court. On November 3, 2016, respondent filed a letter to the Office of the Court Administrator, requesting that her petition for judicial clemency be subject to judicial review. The Court, in a resolution, noted the letter without action. On December 28, 2016, respondent filed another letter reiterating her plea for judicial clemency, insisting that she has endured almost eight years of unfounded punishment. The Court denied the petition for judicial clemency, citing respondent's lack of remorse and reformation, as well as her attitude of impenitence, self-righteousness, and vindictiveness.

ISSUES:

1. Whether or not respondent is entitled to judicial clemency.

2. Whether or not respondent has shown remorse and reformation.

3. Whether or not respondent has shown promise and potential for public service.

RULING:

1. The petition for judicial clemency is denied. Respondent is not entitled to judicial clemency as she has failed to show remorse and reformation for her past misdeeds. There is no evidence of repentance or acceptance of the judgment of the Court. Moreover, her attitude of impenitence, self-righteousness, and vindictiveness renders her undeserving of judicial clemency. She has also failed to comply with the other requisites for judicial clemency such as showing promise and potential for public service. Consequently, respondent is not qualified for judicial clemency and the petition is denied.

PRINCIPLES:

• Judicial clemency is an act of mercy removing any disqualification from an erring judge.

• To warrant the grant of judicial clemency, there must be proof of remorse and reformation.

• There must be a showing of promise and potential for public service.

• Other relevant factors and circumstances may be considered in determining whether judicial clemency should be granted.