By Cherrie Anne E. Villahermosa
Variety News Staff

SUPERIOR Court Judge Juan T. Lizama has 15 days to answer the complaint against him that was detailed in the supplemental investigative report of investigative judge Richard H. Benson.
No one in the judiciary wanted to release a copy of the complaint nor comment on it.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Miguel S. Demapan and Associate Justices Alexandro C. Castro and John A. Manglona signed the notice of formal proceedings which was served to Lizama.
The justices stated that the facts alleged in the supplemental investigative report may be deemed admitted if not specifically denied by answer.
Lizama was ordered to appear before the Supreme Court for a formal hearing on Dec. 13 at 9 am.
The notice did not specify the nature of the complaint, but stated that Benson found reasonable cause to submit it to the Supreme Court for a formal hearing.
The Supreme Court has appointed Bruce A. Bradley, a member of the local bar, to prosecute Lizama in a disciplinary proceedings.
According to the justices, “if any party believes that the appointed prosecutor should not serve, the party shall notify the clerk of the Supreme Court no later than 15 days from the date of the order.”
The justices said that unless good cause be shown, Bradley shall have full authority to prosecute the matter in accordance with the Commonwealth Rules of Judicial Disciplinary Procedure and other applicable law and rules.”
The justices issued the notice of formal proceedings against Lizama on Oct. 1.
The justices stated that the judge is entitled to retain counsel.