By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
PUBLIC Defender Douglas Hartig last week sent his comments to Senate President Karl King-Nabors regarding Gov. David M. Apatang’s nomination of Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph Camacho to be the next presiding judge, saying that “people are best served” when the Senate acts independently on the governor’s nominations.
He was commenting in response to a letter from Attorney General Edward Manibusan to the Legislature telling its members that Camacho “has not shown the proper legal acumen for serving as the presiding judge.”
In his letter to the Senate president, Hartig said that “no matter what you do, Judge Camacho will continue to be a Superior Court judge.” Whether the Senate confirms Camacho or not, this in no way affects him as a Superior Court judge hearing cases. He said it is an administrative or titled position. If there are real concerns as to competency, Hartig said, there is a process for removal.
“That is not the situation here, nor has any such suggestion been made. This seems more of an effort to have influence over the judiciary, thereby encroaching on the integrity of an independent judiciary,” the public defender said.
Further, he said the dismissal of a few cases at a preliminary hearing without prejudice does not mean the cases are finished. This means the concerns of the court could have been addressed and the case refiled the very same day at no loss of time or added expense. He pointed out that using the filing of extraordinary writs of relief, which is done only in the most dire of circumstances, adds unnecessary delay and costs for the defendant.
“Judge Camacho has ruled in opposition of this office many times. We have lost and filed appeals and, in those cases, the AGO defended the court’s rulings. Every trial lawyer, including me, would like to pick the judges, but I think the people are best served when this body acts on the governor’s nominations independently,” Hartig said.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
