Magistrate uses courthouse for mother’s birthday

Juan Pedro Alcudia Vázquez, president of the Superior Court of Justice in Campeche, Mexico, held a birthday celebration for his mother, Yamile Vázquez Quevedo, at the state’s House of Justice.

Alcudia Vázquez shared photos of the event on social media, showing a cake and musical performance in the courthouse auditorium. He publicly thanked his mother for her influence, noting she currently serves as president of the Judicial Branch Patronage.

Following public discussion of the celebration, Alcudia Vázquez explained that no public funds were used. He stated the event was a monthly “Campechana Lottery” organized by the Judicial Branch Patronage. He interrupted the lottery briefly to present his mother with a cake and sing her a birthday song. Alcudia Vázquez became president of the Superior Court of Justice in September 2025, after the previous president died.

His appointment sparked debate due to his prior role as legal counsel under Governor Layda Sansores, leading to accusations of political alignment. The magistrate clarified that the lottery is a traditional event held outside of work hours, involving various parts of the state’s judicial system, and is open to the public.