MUNTINLUPA REGIONAL Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 Executive Judge Juanita T. Guerrero has voluntarily inhibited from hearing the illegal drugs case against Senator Leila M. de Lima, according to a court order signed by the judge on Jan. 4. Ms. De Lima previously sought Ms. Guerrero’s inhibition, citing “evident partiality and bad faith in ensuring the detention and deprivation of liberty” of the embattled senator. Ms. Guerrero was among the three judges who issued warrants of arrest against Ms. De Lima in connection with her alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP). Due to the inhibition, Ms De Lima’s Jan. 24 arraignment was canceled as the case was re-raffled to other regional trial court branches. — Camille A. Aguinaldo
