The death of a humble Cebu judge sparks discussion on simplicity and public road safety

The sudden death of a Cebuano judge, Carmela Rosario Pasquin, in a roadside accident has resonated deeply with Filipinos, sparking a conversation about simplicity, as well as the safety of public servants.

Pasquin, 41, who presided over the Municipal Circuit Trial Court in Pinamungajan-Aloguinsan, Cebu, was killed on Friday, Oct. 22, after the motorcycle she was riding was hit by another vehicle on the national highway in Pinamungajan. She was on her way to work, backriding behind Eric Gelizon Lanzarate, a court processor.

Based on The Freeman's report, the judge was thrown off upon impact and landed on the pavement. She and Lanzarate were rushed to the Pinamungajan District Hospital, where Pasquin was declared dead on arrival.

The other motorcycle was driven by Mark James Cabiling, a 19-year-old with no license, who is now facing charges of reckless driving resulting in homicide. 

Simple, unflashy lifestyle

What struck a chord with the public was the revelation that Pasquin regularly took public transport to work from Toledo City, where she lived, or rode with colleagues—a stark contrast to the lavish displays of some government officials.

Michael Ocampo, a law school classmate at the University of the Philippines College of Law, captured this sentiment, writing that Pasquin's life was a rebuke to those who "shamelessly parade their multi-million peso luxury cars bought with stolen public money."

"Judge Carms stands in contrast to the many corrupt government officials in more ways than not having a luxury vehicle. If you looked at the posts of lawyers who appeared before her court, one would get a picture of a competent, diligent, incorruptible and fair judge. She wore the robes with honor," he wrote on Facebook.

A call for enforcement

Online, Filipinos channeled their grief into a critique of the system. A Facebook user wrote, "My heart grieves for the loss of this kind soul. Kung kelan natin kailangan ng matitinong judges, mababawasan pa dahil sa kamoteng trike driver. Ang hirap kaya ng trabaho ng judge. They deserve a better commute. Perhaps the SC can devise a car loan system. This accident was totally avoidable."

One also wondered, "Bakit kaya ganun...mga congressman may mga bodyguard at may matitibay, mamahaling sasakyan...taga gawa ng batas...ang mga judges...taga implement ng batas....pero ni walang bodyguard...walang service vehicle na maayos ...dapat they have that kind of privileges..."

The Supreme Court of the Philippines was one with Filipinos in their grief. In their statement released by the Office of the Spokesperson on Oct. 23, they 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," they continued.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines, in a statement released Oct. 23, called for officials to strictly enforce traffic laws in the country. 

“Our traffic laws are not wanting; their implementation is. Legislation, when left on paper, cannot save lives. Enforcement must be as consistent as it is compassionate,” the IBP wrote.

“The IBP calls on both national and local authorities to strengthen road safety measures, enforce existing traffic regulations with urgency and discipline, and ensure that public awareness translates into daily compliance. The safety of our citizens, including those who labor quietly for justice, deserves no less," they added.