Judge dismissed, disbared for ordering colleague's slay

A regional trial court (RTC) judge, who was convicted of murder for ordering the killing of his fellow judge, was dismissed as a member of the judiciary and disbarred as a lawyer by the Supreme Court (SC).

- By REY G. PANALIGAN

Dismissed from the service and disbarred was Judge Oscar D. Tomarong of RTC Branch 28 in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte.

Tomarong was convicted in 2022 for the death of Judge Reymar L. Lacaya of RTC Branch 11 in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.

While Tomarong's appeal is still pending, a disciplinary proceeding was initiated motu proprio (on its own) by the Judicial Integrity Board (JIB).

In a full court decision made public on Tuesday, Dec. 23, the SC ruled that although Tomarong's criminal conviction is still on appeal, a final conviction is not required to impose administrative penalties.

The SC said that in disciplinary cases, only substantial evidence is required to prove the judge committed a crime. Administrative cases are separate from criminal cases and do not require the same level of proof, it also said.

It said: "Tomarong's case is a reminder that no one, not even members of the Bench, is above the law. Judges are the embodiment of law and justice. This responsibility is no small matter. Judges are held to the highest standards, both as to their grasp of, as well as their respect for, the law."