“The law is very clear,” Camacho, 42, told Variety on Friday, when asked what he would do if family members, friends, politicians, former clients, or other individuals would ask him for a favor regarding certain cases pending before him.
Camacho said he has to render a fair and impartial decision, adding that favoritism and nepotism violate the law.
As the new judge, Camacho gets the small claims docket as well as the Rota civil docket, small claims.
During his investiture ceremony on Friday, the first CNMI judge of Carolinian-descent credited his success to his mother, Marcella Lieto Norita Camacho, who succumbed to cancer three years ago.
“Today is your day, Mom,” Camacho said in his remarks.
“I vow to serve the judiciary in a just, honest, and unbiased manner taking my position on the bench with the deliberation, solemnity and thoughtfulness the position deserves and requires,” Camacho stated in his judicial address.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial Fitial administered Camacho’s oath of office in Carolinian.
“I have full confidence that he will faithfully and wholeheartedly serve our people as a fair and impartial judge,” said Fitial in his speech.
Chief Deputy Attorney General of Guam Philip J. Tydingco recalled his first interaction with Camacho nine years ago, adding that the future judge had a “neat and organized” office.
“Our families have remained close friends since then,” said Tydingco.
Acting CNMI Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro in his remarks said Camacho “went through a well-defined process set forth in our Constitution to become a judge…. It is through that process and our ceremony today that we once again reaffirm our commitment to those core values embodied in our Constitution.”
Attorney Viola Alepuyo, Camacho’s wife, and their son Ulen Joseph helped in the ceremonial investiture of Camacho’s judicial robe.
Dignitaries from the Philippines, Japan, Guam and Palau joined retired and current justices and judges, as well as other guests at the judicial building in Susupe for the ceremony.
