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The Supreme Court has dismissed a judge from Ilocos region after finding him administratively liable for his irregular disposal of cases on nullity of marriage.
In a decision, the SC found Judge Raphiel F. Alzate, acting presiding judge of both Cabugao, Ilocos Sur Regional Trial Court, Branch 24, and Bucay, Abra RTC, Branch 58, guilty of gross ignorance of the law and gross misconduct.
The high court also ordered the forfeiture of all of Alzate’s benefits except accrued leave benefits. Alzate has also been ordered to be perpetually disqualified from public office.
According to the high court, Alzate’s dismissal is immediately executory.
The SC also ordered the Office of the Bar Confidant to investigate Atty. Ma. Saniata Liwliwa G. Alzate, wife of Judge Alzate who is a law practitioner in Abra, on her alleged participation in the questioned decisions on the annulment of marriage cases issued by Judge Alzate.