MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) suspended disqualified presidential candidate and lawyer Elly Pamatong yesterday from practicing law for two years.
According to a complaint filed by Judge Gregorio Pantanosas Jr., Pamatong made the accusation in a motion after the judge ordered him to remove his “copia” or headwear worn by Muslims while in the courtroom for a civil case.
Pamatong sought the inhibition of the judge in the case and called him “corrupt” in the motion.
“We sternly warn the respondent (Pamatong) that a repetition of the same or similar infraction shall merit a more sever sanction,” read the ruling.
The judge filed a disbarment complaint against Pamatong before the SC, which referred the case to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).
In its report, the IBP has found Pamatong guilty of misconduct and recommended his suspension for three years.
The High Court reduced the penalty to two years “considering previous cases of similar nature,” SC spokesman Theodore Te said.