The Supreme Court has ruled Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 256 Presiding Judge Romeo Buenaventura guilty of simple misconduct and neglect of duty in his handling of former Senator Leila de Lima’s drug case.
In a resolution dated November 13, 2024, the SC First Division imposed a total fine of ₱36,000 on Buenaventura—₱18,000 for misconduct due to violations of the New Code of Judicial Conduct, and another ₱18,000 for neglect of duty. He was also given a stern warning that future violations would lead to harsher consequences.
The decision came after de Lima’s legal team, Atty. Teddy Esteban Rigoroso and Atty. Rolly Francis Peoro, filed an administrative complaint accusing the judge of causing delays in the proceedings.
De Lima, who served as Justice Secretary and senator, filed motions for bail in December 2020 and March 2023. However, Judge Buenaventura only ruled on these in June 2023, denying both on the grounds that “the evidence of guilt is strong.”
In June 2024, a Muntinlupa court granted de Lima’s demurrer to evidence, dismissing her third and final drug case. She had earlier been acquitted in two other cases in February 2021 and May 2023, and a Quezon City court dismissed two disobedience cases against her.
After nearly seven years of detention at Camp Crame since February 2017, de Lima was released on bail in November 2023.