Observe traffic laws, cops appeal following crash that killed lady judge in Cebu
PASQUIN
CEBU CITY – Observe traffic laws.
Authorities issued this reminder following a road accident that claimed the life of a 41-year-old lady judge in Pinamungajan town, Cebu province on Wednesday, Oct. 22.
The Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) said one of the motorcycles involved in the accident was driven by a 19-year-old man who didn’t have a driver's license. The motorcycle’s registration was expired.
Presiding Judge Carmela Rosario Pasquin of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) Branch 14 of Pinamungajan-Aloguinsan died in the accident, which happened while she was on her way to court.
The judge rode a motorcycle driven by Eric Gelizon Lanzarate, court processor of MCTC Aloguinsan-Pinamungajan.
Police said the accident happened when Lanzarate hit another motorcycle that suddenly turned left. The lady judge suffered severe injuries after she was thrown off the motorcycle.
The driver of the other motorcycle was identified as Mark James Cabiling.
“Reckless driving and disregard for traffic laws put innocent lives in danger. This unfortunate incident serves as a painful reminder that road safety begins with discipline and responsibility,” said Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, chief of PRO-7.
Charges for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and physical injury have been filed against Cabiling.
The Supreme Court (SC) has extended its “heartfelt condolences to Judge Pasquin’s family, loved ones, and the entire MCTC Aloguinsan-Pinamungajan staff.”
The High Court said Pasquin’s dedication to justice, integrity, and public service “left a lasting impact on those she served and worked with.”
“Though her stint as a trial judge was abruptly ended, her simplicity, modesty, and dedication to judicial duty reflect the moral compass that everyone in the Judiciary must faithfully adhere to,” the SC said in a statement.
According to SC, Pasquin, a native of Cebu City, began her legal career as a solo practitioner after passing the Bar in 2010. Pasquin joined the Judiciary in 2019 as Clerk of Court of Branch 17, Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Barotac Viejo town, Iloilo province.
Pasquin was promoted to Clerk of Court VI of the same RTC in 2021 before assuming the post of Presiding Judge of MCTC Aloguinsan-Pinamungajan in 2024.