COURT Administrator Jose Midas P. Marquez has been directed to employ stricter measures to prevent incidents like the killing of Manila Regional Trial Court Judge Ma. Theresa Abadilla from happening again.
“The passing of Judge Abadilla is indeed a big loss to the Judiciary because I personally know her to be an upright and highly competent magistrate. Although there are currently security protocols in place in all our courthouses, I have directed the Court Administrator to employ stricter measures to prevent incidents like these from happening again,” said Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta.
On Wednesday, Abadilla, 44, was allegedly shot dead by her clerk of court, Atty. Amador Rebato, inside her office at the Manila RTC Branch 45.
Abadilla was declared dead on arrival by emergency doctors at the Medical Center Manila.
Rebato killed himself after shooting Abadilla over a still unknown motive.
Witnesses disclosed that the two were heard arguing inside Abadilla’s office when gunshots were heard.
Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines (UP) Portia Sorority said Abadilla will be remembered for her “tireless contributions to the judiciary,” first as a Supreme Court clerk then as judge of the Manila RTC.
Abadilla is a member of Portia.
The group also urged the public to stop sharing videos of Abadilla being wheeled out of the Manila City Hall.
“As we mourn for Sis Tessa, and as her family deals with this tragic news, we humbly ask that we respect her memory and protect the family’s privacy,” the group said.
