“WHY no car, Judge?”

It was a rainy Thursday evening in Iloilo City when my good friend, Fiscal Myra Duremdes, mentioned over coffee the death of a female judge in a motorcycle accident.

Carmela Rosario Pasquin, 41, Presiding Judge of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) of Pinamungajan–Aloguinsan in Cebu Province, died in a tragedy on the morning of Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

Pasquin was on her way to work, riding pillion on a motorcycle driven by her court processor, Eric Lanzarate, when the accident occurred along the national highway of Barangay Cabiangon, Pinamungajan.

Police reported that a motorcycle in front of them suddenly swerved. Lanzarate failed to avoid it, causing them to crash. The impact sent Judge Pasquin flying off the motorcycle and onto the pavement.

The other driver was identified as 19-year-old Mark James Cabiling, who reportedly did not have a driver’s license.

Judge Pasquin sustained severe injuries and was declared dead on arrival.
At first, her name didn’t immediately ring a bell — until I saw a statement from the UP College of Law accompanied by a photograph where she happened to be standing beside me.

The photo was taken in March 2024 at UP Visayas during a gathering of law students and alumni based in Panay and Bacolod. It coincided with the visit of then UP Law Dean Darlene Berberabe-Lim — now Solicitor General — who was conducting an ocular of the planned UP Law building.

I stayed for less than three hours since I had a flight back to Manila. But in that short time, we shared a candid conversation about life as UP Law students and our careers after graduation.

A native of Cebu City, Judge Pasquin began her legal career as a solo practitioner after passing the 2010 Bar Exams. In 2019, she joined the judiciary as Branch Clerk of Court of the Regional Trial Court Branch 71 in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo.

In 2021, she was promoted to Clerk of Court VI of the same court before her appointment as Presiding Judge of MCTC Aloguinsan–Pinamungajan in 2024. She had hoped to teach in the UP Law extension program in Iloilo.

She was recognized as the judge who often commuted — either by public transport or by hitching a ride with coworkers — from her home in Toledo City to her court.

In a Facebook post, her UP Law classmate, Atty. Michael Ocampo, wrote:
“Someone once asked, rather insensitively, ‘Why no wheels, Judge?’ Many were surprised that a judge could live simply, without the trappings of power. In a time when officials shamelessly flaunt luxury cars bought with stolen public money, Judge Carms stood in stark contrast. She was competent, diligent, incorruptible, and fair. She wore the robe with honor.”

The Supreme Court paid tribute:

“Though her service as a trial judge was abruptly cut short, her simplicity, modesty, and dedication to judicial duty reflect the moral compass that everyone in the Judiciary must faithfully adhere to.”

The UP College of Law also released a statement:

“Judge Carms exemplified the highest ideals of UP Law — commitment to public service, intellectual rigor, and leadership. Although she owned a car, she chose not to drive one, believing that public servants should live modestly and that anything else would be an injustice to taxpayers. She wanted to set an example of integrity and simplicity. Judge Carms leaves behind a legacy of dedication and kindness that will continue to inspire.”

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Iloilo Chapter called for stronger road safety enforcement following her death, saying her loss was a stark reminder that “justice is often pursued on roads less protected.”

“We grieve with the public, but we also urge reflection,” the IBP stated. “Our traffic laws are not lacking — their implementation is. Legislation left only on paper cannot save lives. Enforcement must be as consistent as it is compassionate.”

They added that the safety of citizens — including those who work quietly in service of justice — must be guaranteed, and that Pasquin’s death should push the country toward a more mindful and lawful road culture.

Farewell, and thank you for your service, Judge Carms.

(‘Peyups’ is the moniker for the University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the Seafarers’ Division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez.com or call 0917-502-5808.)