DUPAX DEL NORTE— A Nueva Vizcaya regional trial court has denied a motion for inhibition filed by an individual in a criminal case involving the barricading of public roads near a Woggle Corp.’s mineral exploration project.
The court denied the motion filed by Florentino Daynos, ruling the request failed to establish a legal or factual basis to warrant disqualification.
It said judicial inhibition is not a matter of right and requires clear evidence of bias or personal interest rather than mere disagreement with previous court actions.
The case involves the unauthorized erection of barricades on public roads in Dupax del Norte. Authorities intervened after reports indicated the structures obstructed vehicles and equipment linked to Woggle Corp.’s operations.
Daynos, who has led opposition against the project, was subsequently charged in connection with the blockades.
The court cited the Supreme Court doctrine that judges are presumed to act with impartiality unless proven otherwise. To ensure the speedy disposition of the case, the court ordered proceedings to continue and cautioned against filing motions that could cause undue trial delays.
Woggle Corp. officials said the company respects the ruling and remains committed to resolving the dispute through due process and the orderly administration of justice.
