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‘Muchacho’ Castillo agrees to be deported
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Posted on Nov 16 2008
Roger C. Castillo, a convict called by Superior Court associate judge Kenneth Govendo a muchacho, has agreed to be deported to the Philippines.
Castillo, 51, and his counsel, chief public defender Adam Hardwicke, signed a stipulation with the CNMI Division of Immigration, represented by chief prosecutor Kevin Lynch.
Under the stipulation, the parties indicate that rather than proceeding with a hearing to show cause as to why Castillo should not be deported, Castillo agrees to an order of deportation.
After being advised of the consequences of deportation, the respondent agreed to waive his right to a deportation hearing and to go ahead with the stipulation.
Castillo does not dispute that he is a deportable alien. He said he understands that an order of deportation is a permanent ban from the CNMI.
Associate Judge David A. Wiseman granted the stipulation last Thursday.
Castillo is serving a prison term for stalking his former common-law wife. He was also convicted of domestic violence a couple of years ago.
When Castillo was brought before Govendo as a Family Court judge, the judge was quoted as calling Castillo muchacho and stating he wishes he could “get rid of locals” involved in domestic violence but that he can’t because they’re Americans.
Govendo had also stated he would recommend Castillo’s prosecution and that he would make it his “personal journey” to make sure that Castillo leaves the CNMI.
When Govendo issued the statements, Castillo had no lawyer and his criminal case was still pending.
Associate judge Ramona Villagomez Manglona had said that Govendo’s statements were in violation of the “principles of decorum and temperance that the Judicial Canons seek to promote.”
Philippine Consul General Wilfredo Maximo had also expressed disappointment over Govendo’s statement.
Filipinos generally find the word muchacho degrading as it means slaves.
