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Mercedes Gochan, et al vs Virginia Gochan, et al

MERCEDES R. GOCHAN, ALFREDO R. GOCHAN, ANGELINA R. GOCHAN HERNAEZ, MA. MERCED R. GOCHAN GOROSPE, CRISPO R. GOCHAN JR. and MARLON R. GOCHAN, petitioners, vs. VIRGINIA GOCHAN, LOUISE GOCHAN, LAPULAPU REAL ESTATE CORPORATION, FELIX GOCHAN & SONS REALTY CORPORATION and MACTAN REALTY CORPORATION, respondents.

G.R. No. 143089 | 2003-02-27

D E C I S I O N

PANGANIBAN, J.:

Allegations and perceptions of bias from the mere tenor and language of a judge is insufficient to show prejudgment. Allowing inhibition for these reasons would open the floodgates to abuse. Unless there is concrete proof that a judge has a personal interest in the proceedings, and that his bias stems from an extra-judicial source, this Court shall always commence from the presumption that a magistrate shall decide on the merits of a case with an unclouded vision of its facts.[1]

The Case

Before us is a Petition for Review on Certiorari under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court, assailing the January 28, 2000...