Humble Cebu Judge Dies on Her Way to Court
CEBU – A 41-year-old judge tragically died in a motorcycle collision on October 22 in Barangay Cabiangon, Pinamungajan. The victim was identified as Judge Carmela Rosario Pasquin, the presiding judge of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) of Pinamungajan-Aloguinsan.
According to police reports, the accident occurred at around 6:55 a.m. while Judge Pasquin was on her way to court. She was riding as a passenger on a motorcycle driven by her court process server, 48-year-old Eric Gelizon Lanzarate, who also sustained injuries. Their motorcycle collided with another vehicle driven by 19-year-old Mark James Cabiling, who had two passengers—Ronalyn Anas, 39, and Thely Lahaylahay, 47—both of whom were injured in the crash.
Initial investigations revealed that both motorcycles were traveling in the same direction and on the same lane when Cabiling allegedly swerved to the left without warning, causing Lanzarate’s motorcycle to hit his vehicle. The impact caused both motorcycles to crash, resulting in fatal injuries to the judge. Responding officers arrived minutes later, but Judge Pasquin was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Cabiling is currently in police custody as authorities continue their investigation and prepare to file appropriate charges.
Judge Pasquin was known in her community as a humble and dedicated public servant. Despite holding a high position in the judiciary, she lived modestly, often commuting or hitching rides with her colleagues instead of using a government vehicle. Netizens praised her humility and dedication to her duty, calling her a true example of integrity in public service.
The Supreme Court expressed deep sorrow over her passing, describing her as a model of simplicity, modesty, and devotion to her work—qualities that the judiciary should uphold. Her untimely death serves as a reminder of the quiet sacrifices made by honest and hardworking public servants.