SC asked Why exclude Econg in marriage scam?

In submitting her motion for reconsideration, Judge Rosabella Tormis of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) Branch 4 said she questioned the “unlawful process” that led to her dismissal along with three Cebu City judges. She also questioned why former RTC Judge Geraldine Faith Econg was cleared of involvement in the alleged marriage scam case despite committing irregularities in solemnizing marriages. Econg's alleged irregularities were indicated in the audit report of the Office of Court Administrator. Econg is the chief of the SC's Program Management Office. “(We, the judges and) these court employees who were suspended and dismissed (from service) were investigated by the audit team without the presence of legal counsel,” Tormis said. In a text message sent to Cebu Daily News, Econg said the SC decision “speaks for itself.” “I have not seen her motion for recon yet. I don’t know the context...Whatever is there (in the SC decision) that’s all. The decision is understandable. I was absolved by the High Court,” Econg said. Early this month, the High Court ordered the dismissal of Judges Tormis, Anatalio Necessario, Gil Acosta, and Edgemelo Rosales of MTCC Branches 4, 2, 3, and 8 in Cebu City over irregularities in solemnizing marriages. Their retirement benefits were also forfeited and they were barred from appointment to any public office, including companies owned or controlled by the government. Based on the audit report, Tormis said Econg solemnized marriages with questionable marriage license. About 11 of the marriage licenses were obtained from Barili town though none of the parties were from Barili. She said Econg was found to have solemnized marriages on the same day that the respective licenses were obtained despite the distance between Barili and Cebu City. Tormis said Econg also solemnized the marriage of a minor. “What is very clear however, is that the proceedings in the investigation were conducted in the chambers/office of former Judge Geraldine Faith Econg,” she said. /Ador Vincent Mayol, Reporter