MANILA — Human rights group Kapatid has expressed strong opposition against the promotion of Quezon City Regional Trial Court judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert to any position within the judiciary, particularly at the Sandiganbayan and the Court of Appeals.

In a letter to the Judicial and Bar Council dated April 13, 2025, Kapatid said Villavert’s court has become notorious as a “warrant factory” for “reckless issuance of search warrants” which were later found to be defective by various courts including the Supreme Court.

Kapatid said the the warrants, which were primarily sought by the Philippine National Police, resulted to violent raids, planting of fabricated evidence and wrongful arrests and detention of numerous activists on baseless charges.

“This disturbing pattern of judicial conduct undermines the very foundation of justice which the JBC cannot ignore,” Kapatid Convenor Fides Lim said in the letter.

Kapatid noted that the JBC bears the solemn responsibility of ensuring that judicial appointments are conferred only upon individuals who exemplify the highest standards of competence, independence and integrity.

“Unfortunately, the tenure of Judge Villavert, particularly as Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Quezon City, stands in stark contrast to these exacting standards,” Lim said.

Kapatid noted that at least 76 activists were unjustly arrested under supposedly flawed warrants of Villavert.

Among the cases cited by Kapatid were that of Lim’s husband, Vicente Ladlad as well as the case of Reina Mae Nasino who gave birth under detention.

Kapatid further stated that Nasino, as well as detainees Ram Carlo Bautista and Alma Moran were freed after the Court of Appeals quashed the search warrants against them for being invalid.

“The Supreme Court later affirmed this decision, criticizing the warrants for their vagueness and failure to meet constitutional requirements, including in specifically describing the place to be searched,” Lim said.

Kapatid expressed hope that the JBC will give due consideration to the concerns they raised against Villavert.

“Promoting Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert despite her track record would not only perpetuate grave injustices but would further erode public confidence in our courts and the rule of law,” Lim said.

Last year, human rights group Karapatan also opposed the promotion of Villavert to the Sandiganbayan or the Court of Appeals.

Activists oppose 'warrant factory' judges' application to higher posts

Villavert was interviewed by the JBC last year but her interview is still valid for CA and Sandiganbayan positions, according to the JBC website.

ABS-CBN News has reached out to Burgos-Villavert, but she has yet to respond.