Former Judge Hermes Montero of the Philippines; idiotic slacker

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines found Judge Montero guilty of engaging in the following misconduct, all of which took place was he was the Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court of Toledo City, Cebu, Branch 59.

• Guilty of gross ignorance of the law or procedure (idiot)
• Failed to act with due diligence (slacker)
• Engaged in procedural infractions in cases involving annulment of marriages and/or declaration of nullity of marriages
• Failed to acquire jurisdiction over the person of the respective persons in various cases
• Presided over cases despite an absence of
• returns on summonses
• Granted motions to take the depositions of the plaintiff prior to the receipt of the notice of appearance of the Office of the Solicitor General
• Despite being ordered to take appropriate action in thirty­ seven (37) criminal cases and one (1) civil case he failed to so act
• Failed to timely act on twenty-nine (29) pending motions in criminal cases and seven (7) in civil cases; and eighteen (18) civil cases already submitted for decision
• Willfully disregard the law
• Engaged in undue delay in rendering decisions and resolving motions

Rather than await a ruling by the Supreme Court that would have resulted in him being tossed off the bench, Hermes did what any coward is expected to do, he resigned.

As a direct result of his misconduct, the Supreme Court ordered the forfeiture of Hermes’ retirement benefits, except accrued leave credits, and perpetual disqualification from re-employment in any public agency, including government-owned or controlled corporations.

As we speak (ca. May 2023), it is rumored that Hermes has an application pending as a stock boy at the Metro Gaisano Grocery and Department Store located at R. Macapagal Road Corner M. Barba Street 6038 in Toledo City, Cebu, Philippines.