by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Because her son is owed a tax refund, District Court Chief Judge Frances Tydingco Gatewood has recused herself from presiding over a class action lawsuit that seeks the payment of refunds. The judge found that disqualification was necessary since her son has an interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the case.

Rea and Jeffrey Paeste and Sharon Zapanta filed the civil suit, asking the court to certify the class and order the government to pay what is owed to taxpayers. The government has moved to have the case thrown out. The matter will be referred to 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Chief Judge Alex Kozinski, who will designate another judge to the case.