The judge handling the case of the killing of South Korean trader Jee Ick Joo has inhibited herself after initially denying the prosecution’s motion for her to inhibit.

Last 31 July, Angeles City Regional Trial Court Branch 56 Judge Irin Zenaida Buan denied the motion filed by the Department of Justice panel of prosecutors seeking her inhibition.

She denied their motion two months after it was filed last May, but since they had yet to receive information about its denial, they decided to file a second motion, which was acted on favorably this time by Buan.

The motion was filed upon orders of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra and Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento.

Aside from the prosecution, accused Police chief Master Sergeant Ricky Sta. Isabel and Jerry Omlang filed separate motions also asking her to inhibit.

“The allegations/arguments of the movants readily reveal their inner disposition towards the presiding judge clearly signifying their discontent to the latter’s rulings, as well as their obstinate belief that the presiding judge cannot remain impartial in trying these cases,” the judge said.