The psychic judge

Imagine courts being presided over by judges such at this.

Judge [Florentino] Floro, who was appointed RTC [Regional Trial Court] Judge in November 1998, admits to having "psychic visions," of foreseeing the future because of his power in "psychic phenomenon." He believes in "duwendes" [dwarves] and of a covenant he had with them. He also said that he can write while on trance and that he had been seen by several people to have been in two places at the same time. He also likened himself to the "angel of death" who can inflict pains on people, especially upon those he perceived to be corrupt officials of the Malabon RTCs. During court sessions, Judge Floro wore blue robes except on Fridays when he wore a black robe and black outfit from head to foot allegedly to recharge his psychic powers. He also conducted healing sessions inside his chambers during break time.

Fortunately, the Philippine Supreme Court justices have their heads screwed on right. The Court ordered Floro "separated from service" after he was diagnosed as suffering from psychosis. In its decision it said,

Psychic phenomena, even assuming such exist, have no place in a judiciary duty bound to apply only positive law and, in its absence, equitable rules and principles in resolving controversies. Judge Floro’s belief system, as well as his actuations in the eight months that he served as RTC judge, indubitably shows his inability to function with the cold neutrality of an impartial judge.

Quite relieving to hear that.