SC Fines RTC Judge for Delay in De Lima’s Bail Petition The Supreme Court (SC) fined Presiding Judge Romeo Buenaventura of the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 256 for delaying the bail petition of former Senator Leila de Lima in connection with her drug case. The SC imposed an ₱18,000 fine on Judge Buenaventura after finding him guilty of simple neglect of duty and simple misconduct under the New Code of Judicial Conduct. In a per curiam resolution, the SC stated that the delay in hearing De Lima’s petition and Judge Buenaventura’s failure to immediately inhibit himself from the case prompted complaints from De Lima’s lawyer. While the SC ruled that the delay violated De Lima’s right to due process under Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution, it clarified that the non-issuance of a decision or order does not automatically constitute an “unreasonable delay.” Under the Revised Guidelines for Continuous Trial of Criminal Cases, bail petitions in drug cases must be resolved within 20 calendar days without the need for oral arguments or a memorandum. The SC warned Judge Buenaventura that any repetition of the offense or a similar violation would result in harsher penalties. This decision serves as a reminder to the judiciary of the need for prompt and proper administration of justice to uphold the constitutional rights of individuals.