Section 67June 17, 1948, Sec./Art. 67

Proceedings for removal of Judges. - No District Judge, Judge-at-Large or Cadastral Judge shall be separated or removed from office by the President of the Philippines unless sufficient cause shall exist, in the judgment of the Supreme Court, involving serious misconduct or inefficiency, for the removal of said judge from office after the proper proceedings.

The Supreme Court of the Philippines is authorized, upon its own motion, or upon information of the Secretary of Justice, to conduct an inquiry into the official or personal conduct of any judge appointed under the provisions of this law, and to adopt such rules of procedure in that regard as it may deem proper; and, after such judge shall have been heard in his own defense, the Supreme Court may recommend his removal to the President of the Philippines, who, if he deems that the public interests will be subserved thereby, shall thereupon make the appropriate order for such removal.

The President of the Philippines, upon recommendation of the Supreme Court, may temporarily suspend a judge pending proceedings under this section. In case the judge suspended is acquitted of the cause or causes that gave rise to the investigation, the President of the Philippines shall order the payment to him of the salary, or part thereof, which he did not receive during his suspension, from any available funds for expenses of the judiciary.

The cost and expenses incident to such investigations shall be paid from the funds appropriated for contingent expenses of the judiciary, upon vouchers approved by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

CHAPTER V

Justices of the Peace and Judges of Municipal Courts