Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) Legal Ethics Page 1 of 17 UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF LAW Respondent Court Stenographer Monilla prepared an extra judicial settlement ofestateforthecomplainantAriendaandhersiblings.Inrulingthatthe respondentisguiltyofsimplemisconduct,theSupremeCourtheldthatthe preparation of an extrajudicial settlement of estate constitutes practice of law as defined in Cayetano v. Monsod, 201 SCRA 210 (1991) to wit: Practice of law meansanyactivity,inoroutofcourt,whichrequirestheapplicationoflaw, legal procedure, knowledge, training and experience. - Leticia A. Arienda vs. Evelyn A. Monilla, Court Stenographer III, Regional Trial Court, Branch 4, Legazpi City, A.M. No. P112980, June 10, 2013 SUSPENSION, DISBARMENT AND DISCIPLINE OF LAWYERS The right to institute a disbarment proceeding is not confined to clients nor is itnecessarythatthepersoncomplainingsufferedinjuryfromthealleged wrongdoing. A lawyer who paid another with a personal check from a bank account which heknewhasalreadybeenclosedexhibitedanextremelylowregardtohis commitmenttotheoathhetookwhenhejoinedhispeers,therebyseriously tarnishing the image of the profession which he should hold in high esteem. - Cecilia A. Agno vs. Atty. Marciano J. Cagatan, A.C. No. 4515, July 14, 2008 Clearly,therefore,theactofalawyerinissuingacheckwithoutsufficient fundstocoverthesameconstitutessuchwilfuldishonestyandimmoral conductastounderminethepublicconfidenceinthelegalprofession.He cannotjustifyhisactofissuingworthlesschecksbyhisdirefinancial condition.MoyaIIshouldhavecontracteddebtswhicharebeyondhis financialcapacitytopay.Ifhesufferedareversaloffortune,heshouldhave explained with particularity the circumstances which cause his failure to meet his obligations. His generalized and unsubs-tantiated allegations as to why he reneged in the payment of his debts promptly despite repeated demands and sufficienttimeaffordedhimcannotwithstandscrutiny.-JerryT.Wongvs. Atty. Salvador N. Moya II, A.C. No. 6972, October 17, 2008 LEGAL ETHICS Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) Legal Ethics Page 2 of 17 The Court have held that the issuance of checks which were later dishonored for having been drawn against a closed account indicates a lawyers unfitness forthetrustandconfidencereposedonher.Itshowsalackofpersonal honestyandgoodmoralcharacterastorenderherunworthyofpublic confidence.Theissuanceofaseriesofworthlesschecksalsoshowsthe remorselessattitudeofrespondent,unmindfultothedeleteriouseffectsof suchacttothepublicinterestandpublicorder.Italsomanifestsalawyers low regard to her commitment to the oath she has taken when she joined her peers,seriouslyandirreparablytarnishingtheimageoftheprofessionshe should hold in high esteem. - Walter Wilkie vs. Atty. Sinamar E. Limos, A.C. No. 7505, October 24, 2008 A lawyer has the responsibility to diligently prosecute the case of his clients to the best of his ability within the bounds of law. A lawyer, when he undertakes hisclientscause,makesacovenantthathewillexertalleffortsforits prosecution until its final conclusion. - Cesar TalentoandModesta Herrera Talento vs. Atty. Agustin F. Paneda, A.C. No. 7433, December 23 2009 Once he agrees to take up the cause of a client, the lawyer owes fidelity to such causeandmustalwaysbemindfulofthetrustandconfidencereposedin him. Hemustservetheclientwithcompetenceanddiligence,andchampion thelatterscausewithwholeheartedfidelity,care,anddevotion.Thissimply meansthathisclientisentitledtothebenefitofanyandeveryremedyand defense that is authorized by the law of the land and he may expect his lawyer toasserteverysuchremedyordefense. -SpousesVirgilioandAngelina Aranda vs. Atty. Emmanuel F. Elayda, A.C. No. 7907, December 15, 2010 RE-ADMISSION TO THE BAR Itiswellsettledthattheobjectiveofadisciplinarycaseisnotsomuchto punishtheindividualattorneyastoprotectthedispensationofjusticeby shelteringthejudiciaryandthepublicfromthemisconductorinefficiencyof officersofthecourt.Restorativejustice,notretribution,isourgoalin disciplinaryproceedings.-ConstanciaL.Valenciavs.Atty.DionisioC. Antiniw, A.C. No. 1302, June 30, 2008 NOTARIAL PRACTICE Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) Legal Ethics Page 3 of 17 ByfailingtocomplywiththeconditionssetforSCCircularNo.190and violatingtheprovisionoftheRulesonNotarialPracticeof2004,respondent judgefailedtoconducthimselfinamannerthatisbeyondreproachand suspicion. Judges are enjoined by the Code of Judicial Conduct to regulate their extrajudicialactivitiesinordertominimizetheriskofconflictwiththeir judicialduties.-GeronimoC.Fuentesvs.JudgeRomualdoG.Buno,A.M. No. MTJ991204, July 28, 2008 DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY The Court has always impressed upon all members of the judiciary the need to decide cases promptly and expeditiously under the timehonored precept that justicedelayedisjusticedenied.TheConstitutionitself,underSection15, ArticleVIII,mandatesthatlower courtshave three(3)monthsfromthedate ofsubmissionwithinwhichtodecidethecasesormatterspendingbefore them.Rule3.05,Canon3oftheCodeofJudicialConductdirectsjudgesto disposeofthecourtsbusinesspromptlyanddecidecaseswithinthe requiredperiods.Finally,Canons6and7oftheCanonsofJudicialEthics exhortjudges tobepromptandpunctualinthedispositionandresolutionof cases and matters pending before their court. - Re: Judicial Audit Conducted In The Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 14,DavaoCity, Presided over by Judge William M. Layague, A.M. RTJ072039, April 18, 2008 Theimageofacourtofjusticeisnecessarilymirroredintheconduct,official orotherwise,ofthemenandwomentherein,fromthejudge totheleastand lowest of its personnel; hence, it becomes imperative and sacred duty of each andeveryoneinthecourttomaintainitsgoodnameandgoodstandingasa truetempleofjustice.Theconductofcourtpersonnelmustbe,andalso perceivedtobe,freefromanywhiffofimpropriety,withrespectnotonlyto theirdutiesinthejudiciarybutalsointheirbehavioroutsidethecourt. Ronnie C. Dela Cruz vs. Redentor A. Zapico, Quirino Y. Itliong II, and Odon C. Balani, A.M. No. 2007-25-SC, September 18, 2008 Itmustbestressedthatalljudicialemployeesmustdevotetheirofficialtime togovern-mentservice.Theymustexerciseatalltimesahighdegreeof professionalismandresponsibility,asserviceinthejudiciaryisnotonlya JUDICIAL ETHICS Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) Legal Ethics Page 4 of 17 duty;itisamission.Toinspirepublicrespectforthejusticesystem,court officialsandemployeesareatalltimesbehovedtostrictlyobserveofficial time.Strictobservanceofofficialtimeismandatorylestthedignityofthe justicesystembecompromised.Thus,Section1,CanonIVoftheCodeof Conduct for Court Personnel mandates that the same shall commit themselves exclusively to the business andresponsibilities of theiroffice during working hours. In the case at bar, we find that [Pacariem] has failed to live up to the standard ofefficiencyandprofessionalismthatthejudiciarydemandsfromitscourt personnel. Furthermore, by writing false and inaccurate entries in her former offices Logbook of Permission Slips and Logbook of Daily Attendance of Court Personnel, [Pacariem] likewise failed to meet the standard of honesty. - Judge PlacidoC.MarquezandAtty.LynL.Llamasaresvs.LucilaC.Pacariem, A.M. No. P-06-2249, October 8, 2008 Theunreasonabledelayoftherespondentjudgeinresolvingthemotion submittedforhisresolutionclearlyconstitutedaviolationofcomplainants constitutional right to a speedy disposition of his case. Having failed to resolve theMotionforReconsiderationwithintheprescribedperiodoftime, respondentjudgeisliableforunduedelayinresolvingadecisionororder whichisconsideredalessseriousoffense.-Atty.RaulH.Sesbreovs.Judge IreneoL.Gako,Jr.andManuelG.Nollora,A.M.No.RTJ-08-2144, November 3, 2008 Rafflingofcases:Respondentjudgecannotexcusehimselffromhisdutyas ExecutiveJudgebydispensingwiththeraffleofthecaseanddismissingit outrightonthepretextthatitwouldbejustawasteoftimeonhispartto raffleandentertainthecase. AsExecutiveJudge,heoughttoknowthat raffling of cases is his personal duty and responsibility. He is expected to keep abreast andbe conversant with SupremeCourt rules andcirculars thataffect theconductofcasesbeforehimandstrictlycomplytherewithatall times. Failuretoabidebytheserulesunderminesthewisdombehindthem and diminishes respect for the rule of law. Judges should therefore administer theirofficewithdueregardtotheintegrityofthesystemoflawitself, rememberingthattheyarenotdepositoriesofarbitrarypower,butjudges under the sanction of law. Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) Legal Ethics Page 5 of 17 Contempt of court: The salutary rule is that the power to punish for contempt mustbeexercisedonthepreservative,notvindictiveprinciple,andonthe correctiveandnotretaliatoryideaofpunishment. Thecourtsmustexercise thepowertopunishforcontemptforpurposesthatareimpersonal,because that power is intended as a safeguard not for the judges as persons but for the functions that they exercise. - Sergio & Gracelda N. Andres vs. Judge Jose S. Majaducon, A.M. No. RTJ-03-1762, December 17, 2008 Complainant contends that she does not know how to sign her name and only affixesherthumbmarktodocumentstosignifyherconsent,whilethe signature of her husband appearing on the document is very different from his customary signature. Respondent failed to sufficiently rebut the complainants assertion that her signature in the deed of sale is forged, as complainant does not know how to read and write and instead of signing documents, she merely affixes her thumbmark. - Dominga C. Menor vs. Teodora P. Guillermo, A.M. No. P-08-2587, December 18, 2008 TheCourthasincessantlyadmonishedmembersofthebenchtoadminister justice without undue delay, for justice delayedis justice denied. The present cloggeddocketsinalllevelsofourjudicialsystemcannotbeclearedunless everymagistrateearnestly,painstakinglyandfaithfullycomplieswiththe mandateofthelaw. Unduedelayinthedispositionofcasesamountstoa denial of justice which, in turn, brings the courts into disrepute and ultimately erodes the faith and confidence of the public in the judiciary. TheCourtwishestoremindthatasanofficialoftheJudiciary,aJudgeis expectedtofollowtheruleslaiddownbythisCourtforthepromptand speedydispositionofcases. Failuretodecidecasesandothermatterswithin thereglementaryperiodconstitutesgrossinefficiencyandwarrantsthe impositionofadministrativesanction. Ifajudgecannotcomplywiththis Courts directives on the matter of disposition of cases, he may seek extensions from this Court to avoid administrative liability. - Letter of Judge Josefina D. Farrales,ActingPresidingJudge, RTC, Br.72, Olongapo City Re:30Cases and84MotionsSubmittedForDecision/ResolutioninthesaidCourt, A.M. No. 06-3-196-RTC, December 24, 2008 Asatrialjudge,respondentisthevisiblerepresentationoflawand justice. Under Canon 1.01 of the Code of Judicial Conduct, she is expected to be theembodimentofcompetence,integrityandindependence. Judgesare Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) Legal Ethics Page 6 of 17 expectedtokeepabreastofdevelopmentsinlawandjurisprudence. He should strive for excellence exceeded only by his passion for truth, to the end thathe be the personification of justice andthe Rule of Law. When the law is sufficiently basic, a judge owes it to his office to simply apply it; anything less thanthatwouldbegrossignoranceofthelaw.-OfficeoftheCourt Administratorvs.JudgeNormaC.Perello,formerClerkofCourtLuisC. BucayonII,CourtStenographersThelmaA.Mangilit,CecilioB.Argame, MaricarN.Eugenio,andRadigundaR.LamanandInterpreterPaulM. Resurreccion,alloftheRegionalTrialCourt,Branch276,Muntinlupa City, A.M. No. RTJ-05-1952, December 24, 2008 ThewithdrawalofcomplaintscannotdivesttheCourtofitsjurisdictionnor stripitofitspowertodeterminetheveracityofthechargesmadeandto discipline,suchastheresultsofitsinvestigationmaywarrant,anerring respondent. -AureoBayacavs.JudgeTranquilinoRamos,A.M.No.MTJ-07-1676, January 29, 2009 Thesheriff,asanofficerofthecourtuponwhomtheexecutionofafinal judgmentdepends,mustnecessarilybecircumspectandproperinhis behavior.-EmiliaMariasvs.TerencioG.Florendo,A.M.No.P-07-2304, February 12, 2009 Atthecoreofajudgesesteemedpositionisobediencetothedictatesofthe lawandjusticeandso ajudgemustbethefirsttoexhibitrespectfor authority. -Ma.TheresaG.WinterniitzandRaquelGonzalesvs.Judge Lizabeth Gutierrez-Torres, A.M. No. MTJ-09-1733, February 24, 2009 Anydelayintheadministrationofjustice,nomatterhowbrief,deprivesthe litigantofhisrighttoaspeedydispositionofhiscase,for,notonlydoesit magnifythecostofseekingjustice,itunderminesthepeoplesfaithand confidenceinthejudiciary,lowersitsstandardsandbringsittodisrepute. Marietta Duquevs.JudgeCrisostomoL.Garrido,A.M.NO.RTJ-06-2027, February 27, 2009 Thefailuretoimplementawritofexecutionmaybeclassifiedasalessgrave offense of simple neglect of duty punishable by suspension from office for one month and one day to six months for the first offense. - Estelito R. Marabe vs. TyroneV.Tan,SheriffIV,OCC,RegionalTrialCourt,MalaybalayCity, Bukidnon, A.M. No. P-05-1996, April 21, 2009 Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) Legal Ethics Page 7 of 17 Dishonesty or grave misconduct carries the extreme penalty of dismissal from the service with forfeiture of retirement benefits, except accrued leave credits but the court may nevertheless impose fines to be deducted from the accrued leave credits for judgment based on another set of facts.- Peter B. Mallonga vs.MaritesR.Manio,CourtInterpreterIII,RegionalTrialCourt(RTC), Branch 4, Tuguegarao City, A.M. No. P-07-2298, April 24, 2009 Apersoncannot,fordisobedience,bepunishedforcontemptunlesstheact whichisforbiddenorrequiredtobedoneisclearlyandexactlydefined,so that there can be no reasonable doubt or uncertainty as to what specific act or thingisforbiddenorrequired.-VenancioInonogvs.JudgeFranciscoB. Ibay, A.M. No. RTJ-09-2175, July 28, 2009 The act of a married man cohabiting with a woman not his spouse constitutes animmoralconductandtheemploymentofthedefenseofdenialcannot overthrow the positive testimonies of the witnesses.- Lolita S. Regir vs. Joel T. Regir, A.M. No. P-06-2282, August 4, 2009 Judgesmustavoidnotonlyimproprietybutalsotheappearanceof impropriety.Theyaremandatednottoallowfamily,socialorother relationships to influence judicial conduct or judgment, nor convey or permit others to convey the impression that they are in a special position to influence thejudge.HeirsoftheLateRev.Fr.JoseO.Aspirasvs.JudgeCliftonU. Ganay,PresidingJudgeoftheRegionalTrialCourt,Branch31,Agoo,La Union, A.M. No. RTJ-07-2055, December 17, 2009 TheRulesofCourtexpresslyprohibitsthegrantofpreliminaryinjunction without hearing and prior notice to the party or person sought to be enjoined. In this case, the judge has issuedan order which was in effect a TRO ex parte in violation of the rules, and thus, is found guilty of ignorance of law. - Mayor Hadji Amer R. Sampiano, Somer Abdullah, Salic Tampugao, Anthony Abi, SagaPoleInog,TororacDomato,KingMaronsing,MargaritaSolaiman, HadjiAcmadMamentingandBillieJaiLaineT.Ogkavs.JudgeCaderP. Indar,ActingPresidingJudge,RegionalTrialCourt,Branch12, Malabang, Lanao del Sur, A.M. No. RTJ-05-1953, December 21, 2009 Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) Legal Ethics Page 8 of 17 Sheriffsplayanimportantroleintheadministrationofjustice,andasagents of the law, high standards are expected of them. They are duty-bound to know andtocomplywiththeverybasicrulesrelativetotheimplementationof writsofexecution.-EmmaB.Ramosvs.ApolloR.Ragot,SheriffIII, MunicipalTrialCourtinCities,GingoogCity,A.M.No.P-09-2600, December 23 2009 Absentanyevidenceshowingoutrightbadfaith,ajudgeshouldnotbeheld liableforgrossmisconductandgrossignoranceofthelaw.Thus,for committingactsthatmanifestedpoorjudgmentandnegligence,heisonly guilty of simplemisconduct anda penalty of suspension fora periodof three months shall be imposedupon him. - Walter J. Aragones vs. Hon. Hector B. Barillo, Municipal Trial Court, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental, A.M. No. MTJ-10-1752, March 10, 2010 Ajudgemustnotsacrificetheorderlyadministrationofjusticeinfavorofa speedybutrecklessdispositionofacase.Aprudentjudgeshouldhave ascertainedthefactsbeforereachingconclusionsandissuingorders.Thus,a judgeisliableforsimplenegligenceindismissingacaseduetothenon-appearanceoftheplaintiffonthescheduleddateformediation,thelatter beingdeclaredaregularholidayanddespitetherequestfortheresettingof thesame.-CeciliaGadrinabSenarlovs.JudgeMaximoG.W.Paderanga, RTC, Branch 38, Cagayan De Oro City, A.M. No. RTJ-06-2025, April 5, 2010 Everyjudgeshoulddecidecaseswithdispatchandshouldbecareful, punctual,andobservantintheperformanceofhisfunctionsfordelayinthe dispositionofcaseserodesthefaithandconfidenceofourpeopleinthe judiciary,lowersitsstandardsandbringsitintodisrepute.However,in imposingthepenaltyoffine,othercircumstancesmaybeconsideredsuchas the judges continuous service in the judiciary, his avoweddire need of funds, andhisexpressedwillingnesstoabidebywhateverpenaltytheCourtmay impose upon him. - Re: Cases Submitted for Decision Before Hon. Teresito A. Andoy, former Judge, Municipal Trial Court, Cainta, Rizal, A.M. No. 09-9-163-MTC, May 6, 2010 JudgeFranciscofiledcontemptagainsthistwoemployeeswhichtherebyis baseless.Itiswell-settledthatthepowertopunishapersonincontemptof court is inherent in all courts to preserve order in judicial proceedings and to uphold the orderly administration of justice. However, judges are enjoinedto Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) Legal Ethics Page 9 of 17 exercise the power judiciously andsparingly, with utmost restraint, andwith theendinviewofutilizingthesameforcorrectionandpreservationofthe dignity of the court, and not for retaliation or vindictiveness. It bears stressing that the power to declare for contempt must be exercised on the preservative, notvindictiveprinciple,andonthecorrectiveandnotretaliatoryideaof punishment. - Olivia Laurel vs.Judge PabloB. Francisco, A.M. No. RTJ-06-1992, July 6, 2010, J. Leonardo-De Castro Judgewaschargedofbeingmanifestbias,partialityandgraveabuseof authority.ThecourtruledEstablishedisthenormthatjudgesshouldnot onlybeimpartialbutshouldalsoappearimpartial. Judgesmustnotonly render just, correct and impartial decisions, but must do so in a manner free from any suspicion as to their fairness, impartiality and integrity. - Atty. Jose A.Bernasvs.JudgeJuliaA.Reyes,MetropolitanTrialCourt,Branch 69, Pasig City, A.M. No. MTJ-09-1728, July 21, 2010 Canons 2, 6 and 31 of the Canons of Judicial Ethics, provide, respectively, that theadministrationofjusticeshouldbespeedyandcarefulthatjudges shouldbepromptindisposingofallmatterssubmittedtothem, rememberingthatjusticedelayedisoftenjusticedeniedandthatinthe discharge of his judicial duties, a judge should be conscientious thorough. Rule3.05,Canon3oftheCodeofJudicialConductexpresslydirectsthata judgeshoulddisposeofthecourtsbusinesspromptlyanddecidecases withintherequiredperiods.-NarcisoBernardo,Jr.vs.JudgePeterM. Montojo, Municipal Trial Court, Romblon, A.M. No. MTJ-10-1754, October 20, 2010 A judges submission offalse certificates of service seriously undermines and reflects on the honesty and integrity expected of an officer of the court. This is so because a certificate of service is not merely a means to one's paycheck but isaninstrumentbywhichtheCourtcanfulfilltheconstitutionalmandateof thepeople'srighttoaspeedydispositionofcases.-Atty.NorlindaR. Amante-Descallarvs.Hon.Reinerio(Abraham)B.Ramas,A.M.No.RTJ-06-2015, December 15, 2010 The accomplishment of the PDS is a requirement under the Civil Service Rules and Regulations for employment in the government. Since truthful completion ofPDSisarequirementforemploymentintheJudiciary,theimportanceof Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) Legal Ethics Page 10 of 17 answeringthesamewithcandorneednotbegainsaid.Furthermore,inthe determinationofthepenaltiestobeimposed,extenuating,mitigating, aggravatingoralternativecircumstancesattendanttothecommissionofthe offense shall be considered. Among the circumstances that may be allowed to modify the penalty are (1) length of service in the government, (2) good faith, and(3)otheranalogouscircumstances.-OfficeoftheCourtAdministrator vs.JudgeMa.EllenM.Aguilar,RegionalTrialCourt,Branch70,Burgos, Pangasinan, A.M. No. RTJ-07-2087, June 7, 2011 Wherethelawinvolvedissimpleandelementary,lackofconversance therewithconstitutesgrossignoranceofthelaw.Judgesareexpectedto exhibitmorethanjustcursoryacquaintancewithstatutesandprocedural laws.Theymustknowthelawsandapplythemproperlyinallgoodfaith. Judicialcompetencerequiresnoless.Themistakecommittedbyrespondent Judgeisnotamereerrorofjudgmentthatcanbebrushedasideforbeing minor.Thedisregardofestablishedruleoflawwhichamountstogross ignoranceofthelawmakesajudgesubjecttodisciplinaryaction.-Atty. FacundoT.Bautistavs.JudgeBlasO.Causapin,Jr.,PresidingJudge, RegionalTrialCourt,Branch32,Guimba,NuevaEcija,A.M.No.RTJ-07-2044, June 22, 2011 TheOmbudsmanrenderedadecisionadjudgingbothLTOofficers,Reyes, guiltyofgravemisconductandPealozaguiltyofsimplemisconduct.In administrativeandquasi-judicialproceedings,onlysubstantialevidenceis necessarytoestablishthecasefororagainstaparty,however,underwell-established doctrine of due process in administrative proceedings, the filing of chargesandgivingreasonableopportunityforthepersonsochargedto answertheaccusationsagainsthimconstitutetheminimumrequirements of due process. -OfficeoftheOmbudsmanvs.AntonioT.Reyes,G.R. No. 170512, October 5, 2011 TheCourtdeemsBenedictosfalsificationofherbundycardstantamountto dishonesty. Benedictos silence on a principal charge against her is admission, especiallyconsideringthatshewasgivenampleopportunitytodenythe same.Inseveraladministrativecases,theCourtrefrainedfromimposingthe actualpenaltiesinthe presenceofmitigatingfactors.-FalsificationofDaily TimeRecordsofMa.EmcisaA.Benedictos,AdministrativeOfficerI, Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) Legal Ethics Page 11 of 17 RegionalTrialCourt,MalolosCity,Bulacan,A.M. No. P-10-2784,October 19, 2011 "AresolutionoftheSupremeCourtshouldnotbeconstruedasamere request,[and]shouldbecompliedwithpromptlyandcompletely."Such "failure to comply betrays not only a recalcitrantstreak in character, but also adisrespectfortheCourtslawfulorderanddirective."Furthermore,this contumaciousconductofrefusingtoabidebythelawfuldirectivesissuedby theCourthaslikewisebeenconsideredasanutterlackofinteresttoremain with, if not contempt of, the system. Theconductorbehaviorofallcourtpersonneliscircumscribedwiththe heavyburdenofresponsibility.Timeandagain,theHighCourtaffirmsthe practicalrealitythattheimageofthecourtasatruetempleofjusticeis mirrored by the conduct of everyone who works therein, from the judge to the lowestclerk.Itisthereforeimperativethatthoseinvolvedinthe administrationofjusticemustliveuptothehigheststandardofhonestyand integrity in the public service. - Re: Report on Financial Audit Conducted at MCTC,Santiago-SanEsteban,IlocosSur,A.M.No.P-11-2950,January17, 2012 ItiswelltoremindGutierrezthatdishonestyisamalevolentactthathasno placeinthejudiciary.Publicservicerequiresutmostintegrityanddiscipline. Apublicservantmustexhibitatalltimesthehighestsenseofhonestyand integrity,fornolessthantheConstitutiondeclaresthatapublicofficeisa publictrust,andallpublicofficersandemployeesmustatalltimesbe accountabletothepeople,andservethemwithutmostresponsibility, integrity,loyaltyandefficiency.Thesearenotmererhetoricalwordstobe taken lightly as idealistic sentiments, but as working standards and attainable goalsthatshouldbematchedwithactualdeeds.-LeaveDivision,Officeof Administrative Services, Office of the Court Administrator vs. Leoncio K. Gutierrez III, Clerk III, Regional Trial Court, Branch 116, Pasay City, A.M. No. P-11-2951, February 15, 2012 Competence is a mark of a good judge. When a judge displays an utter lack of familiarity with the rules, he erodes the publics confidence in the competence ofourcourts. Itishighlyimperativethatjudgesbeconversantwiththelaw andbasiclegalprinciples.Basiclegalproceduresmustbeatthepalmofa judgeshands.-Dr.RamieG.Hipevs.JudgeRolandoT.Literato,Municpal Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) Legal Ethics Page 12 of 17 Trial Court, Mainit, Surigao Norte, A.M. No. MTJ-11-1781, April 25, 2012 Section 15(1), Article VIII of the Constitution, mandates thatcases or matters filedwiththelowercourtsmustbedecidedorresolvedwithin three months fromthedatetheyaresubmittedfordecisionorresolution. With respecttocasesfallingundertheRuleonSummaryProcedure,firstlevel courts are only allowed 30 days following the receipt of the last affidavit and positionpaper,ortheexpirationoftheperiodforfilingthesame,within which to render judgment.Unfortunately, Judge Torres failed to live up to the exactingstandardsofdutyandresponsibilitythatherpositionrequires. Civil Case No. 20191 was submitted for resolution on July 19, 2006, yet it was still pendingwhenValdezfiledthepresentadministrativecomplaintonJune4, 2010,andremainedunresolvedpercomplainantsmanifestationfiledon September 8, 2010. More than four years after being submitted for resolution, CivilCaseNo.20191wasstillawaitingdecisionbyrespondent.Recordsalso donotshowthatJudgeTorresmadeanypreviousattempttoreportand requestforextensionoftimetoresolveCivilCaseNo.20191.-FeD. Valdez vs. JudgeLizabethG.Torres,MeTC,Branch60, MandaluyongCity,A.M. No. MTJ-11-1796, June 13, 2012 Noteveryjudicialerroristantamounttoignoranceofthelawandifitwas committedingoodfaith,thejudgeneednotbesubjectedtoadministrative sanction.WhileJudgeBayonaadmittedthatheerredininsistingonthe productionoftheJarderResolutiondespitetheprovisionsoftheDOJ-NPS Manual, such error cannot be categorizedas gross ignorance of the law as he did not appear to be motivated by bad faith. Indeed, the rules of procedure in theprosecutionofficewerenotclearastowhetherornotaninvestigating prosecutorsresolutionofdismissalthathadbeenreversedbythecity prosecutor shouldstill form part of the records. - City Prosecutor Armando P.Abanadovs.JudgeAbrahamA.Bayona,PresidingJudge,Municipal TrialCourtinCities,Branch7,BacolodCity,A.M.No.MTJ-12-1804,July 30, 2012 Theruleisthatthoseinvolvedintheadministrationofjusticefromthe highestofficialtothelowestclerkmustliveuptothestricteststandardsof honestyandintegrityinthepublicservice.Asanofficerofthecourt,Valente wasduty-boundtousereasonableskillanddiligenceintheperformanceof her officially-designated duties as clerk of court. If indeed Panaligan was at the MCTCofficeandwaspersonallyfurnishedacopyofthenoticeofhearingby Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) Legal Ethics Page 13 of 17 Valenteherself,thenValenteshouldhaverequiredPanaligantosignthe originalcopyofsaidnoticeasproofofreceipt.Valentesfailuretosecure Panaliganssignatureasproofofreceiptofacopyofthenoticeofhearing exhibitedlackofduediligencerequiredbyherpositionasClerkofCourt.- Anecita Panaligan vs. Ethelda B. Valente, Clerk of Court II, 3rdMunicipal CircuitTrialCourt,Patnogon,Antique,A.M.No.P-11-2952,July30, 2012 TheCourtholdsthatthemistakesorerrorsinthecontentsoftheorders, subpoena,andMinutesoftheHearingcommittedbyrespondentsLagman (Legal Researcher) and Bassig (Stenographer) could be attributed to their lack of attention or focus on the task at hand. These could have easily been avoided hadtheyexercisedgreatercareanddiligenceintheperformanceoftheir duties.WefindrespondentsLagmanandBassigliableforsimpleneglectof duty.-MemorandaofJudgeElizaB.YuissuedtoLegalResearcher MariejoyP.LagmanandtoCourtStenographerSoledadJ.Bassig,allof MetropolitanTrialCourt,Branch47,PasayCity,A.M.No.P-12-3033, August 15, 2012 NeithertheRulesnorjurisprudencerecognizesanyexceptionfromthe periodicfilingof reportsby sheriffs as pursuant to Rule 39, Section 14 of the Rules of Court. If only Sheriff Roxas submitted such periodic reports, he could havebroughthispredicamenttotheattentionoftheRTCandFGUandhe couldhavegiventheRTCandFGUtheopportunitytoactand/ormoveto addressthesame.-AstorgaandRepolLawOffices,representedAtty. ArnoldB.Lugaresvs.LeodelN.Roxas,SheriffIV,RegionalTrialCourt, Branch 66, Makati City, A.M. No. P-12-3029, August 15, 2012 Judgesshouldrememberthattheymustnotonlyavoidimpropriety,butthe "appearance of impropriety" as well. Also,thepreviousCodeofJudicialConductspecificallywarnedthejudges againstseekingpublicityforpersonalvainglory.Vainglory,initsordinary meaning, refers to an individuals excessive or ostentatious pride especially in onesownachievements.-GerlieM.UyandMa.ConsolacionT.Bascugvs. JudgeErwinB.Javellana,MunicipalTrialCourt,LaCastellana,Negros Occidental, A.M. No. MTJ-07-1666, September 5, 2012 Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) Legal Ethics Page 14 of 17 Whenamotiontoquashawritofexecutionwasfiledbythepetitionerand suchmotionwasalreadysetforahearing,theCourtruledthattheprudent courseofactionoftheSheriffwastodeferimplementationofthewritof executionuntiladeterminationofthemotiontoquash.However,whena motion to quash the Writ was just filed andwas notyeteven set for hearing, intheabsenceofacourtorder,Sheriffhastoproceedwithouthasteandto employsuchmeansasnecessarytoimplementthesubjectWritofExecution and to put complainant in possession of the disputed properties. Also,itisworthytonotethatoncetheRTChasrenderedadecisioninthe exerciseofitsappellatejurisdiction,suchdecisionshall,underRule70, Section2120oftheRulesofCourt,beimmediatelyexecutory,without prejudicetoanappealviapetitionforreviewbeforetheCourtofAppeals and/orSupremeCourt.Thedecisionoftheregionaltrialcourtincivilcases governed by this Rule, including forcible entry and unlawful detainer, shall be immediatelyexecutory,withoutprejudicetoafurtherappealthatmaybe takentherefrom.-LuciaNazarVda.DeFelicianovs.RomeoL.Rivera, SheriffIV,RegionalTrialCourt,OfficeoftheClerkofCourt,Valenzuela City, A.M. No. P-11-2920September 19, 2012 In this case, there is absolutely no showing that Judge Sario was motivated by badfaithorillmotiveinrenderingthedecisioninCivilCaseNo.CEB27778. Thus,anyerrorJudge SariomayhavecommittedindismissingCivilCaseNo. CEB-27778maybecorrectedbyfilinganappealofrespondentsdecision beforetheCourtofAppeals,notbyinstitutinganadministrativecaseagainst therespondentbeforethisCourt.Moreover,recordsshowthatMagdadaro didfileanappealbeforetheCourtofAppeals.Saidappeal,isstillpending before the appellate court. An administrative complaint against a judge cannot bepursuedsimultaneouslywiththejudicialremediesaccordedtoparties aggrievedbyhiserroneousorderorjudgment.Administrativeremediesare neitheralternativenorcumulativetojudicialreviewwheresuchreviewis availabletoaggrievedpartiesandthesamehasnotyetbeenresolvedwith finality.Foruntilthereisafinaldeclarationbytheappellatecourtthatthe challengedorderorjudgmentismanifestlyerroneous,therewillbenobasis to conclude whether respondent judge is administratively liable. -Marcelino Magdadarovs.JudgeBienvenidoSaniel,Jr.,A.M.NO.RTJ-12-2331, December 10, 2012 Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) Legal Ethics Page 15 of 17 Failuretodecideacasewithinthereglementaryperiodisnotexcusableand constitutesgrossinefficiencywarrantingtheimpositionofadministrative sanctions on the defaulting judge. - Re: Cases Submitted for Decision Before Hon.TeofiloD.Baluma,FormerJudge,Branch1,RegionalTrialCourt, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, A.M. No. RTJ132355, August 28, 2013 Sheriffsandtheirdeputiesarethefrontlinerepresentativesofthejustice system, andif, through their lack of care anddiligence in the implementation of judicial writs, they lose the trust reposed on them, they inevitably diminish the faith of the people in theJudiciary As such, the Court will nottolerate or condone any conduct of judicial agents or employees which wouldtendto or actually diminish the faith of the people in the Judiciary. - Office of the Court Administratorvs.DesiderioW.Macusi,Jr.,SheriffIV,RegionalTrial Court, Branch 25, Tabuk City, Kalinga, A.M. No. P-13-3105, September 11, 2013 When a sheriff takes advantage of an erroneous increase of his parcel of land whichwasunknowntothetrueownersbykeepingsilentontheerror, securinganewtitlereflectingsuchincreaseandafterwardsdestroyingthe boundary and improvements of the rightful owners, he is guilty of dishonesty andconductprejudicialtotheservice,eveniftheactisnotrelatedtohis officialfunctions.Aslongasthequestionedconducttarnishestheimageand integrityofhispublicoffice,thecorrespondingpenaltymaybemetedonthe erring public officer or employee. - Heirs of Celestino Teves represented by Paul John Teves Abad Elsa C. Aquino and Felimon E. Fernan vs. Augusto J. Felicidario, Sheriff IV, Office of the Clerk Of Court, Regional Trial Court of Manila, A.M. No. P-12-3089, November 13, 2013 AsclerkofCourtandadministrativeassistantofthejudge,oneistaskedis tasked to keep a calendar of cases for pre-trial, trial, and those with motions to setforhearingandtogivepreferencetohabeascorpuscases,electioncases, specialcivilactions,andthoserequiredbylaw. Here,theclerkofcourt showedcarelessnessandindifferenceintheperformanceofhisduties.He cannotsimplyreasonthathehadnothingtodowiththeresettingandthe settingofthehearings.Thatisanunacceptableexcuse,especiallyinlightof Section 1, Canon IV of the Code of Conduct for Court Personnel which requires thatcourtpersonnelshallatalltimesperformofficialdutiesproperlyand diligently.Furthermore,itisincumbentupontheclerkofcourttoregularly check not only the status of the cases but also the functions of the other court Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) Legal Ethics Page 16 of 17 personnel and employees under his supervision. - Raul K. San Buenaventura vs.TimoteoA.Migrino,ClerkofCourtIII,MetropolitanTrialCourt, Branch 69, Pasig City, A.M. No. P-08-2574, January 22, 2014 OCA Circular No. 7-2003 clearly states that court personnel should indicate in theirbundycardsthetruthfulandaccuratetimesoftheirarrivalat,and departurefrom,theoffice.ProcessServersentriesinhisDTRsfor datesthat hadnotyetcometopasswereaclearviolationofOCACircularNo.7-2003. Furthermore,Section4,RuleXVII(onGovernmentOfficeHours)ofthe OmnibusRulesImplementingBookVofExecutiveOrderNo.292andOther Pertinent Civil Service Laws also provides that falsification or irregularities in thekeepingoftimerecordswillrendertheguiltyofficeroremployee administratively liable. Ajudgewhodeliberatelyandcontinuouslyfailsandrefusestocomplywith theresolutionoftheSupremeCourtisguiltyofgrossmisconductand insubordination.Thus,whenittookthreedirectivesandthreeyearsfora judgetosubmithisCommentonanadministrativematteragainsthimand another, and failure to offer any apology and/or explanation for his long delay incomplyingwiththedirectives/ordersoftheOCAandthisCourt,said conductconstitutesnolessthanaclearactofdefiance,revealingthejudges deliberatedisrespectandindifferencetotheauthorityoftheCourt.Itis completelyunacceptableespeciallyforajudge.-OfficeoftheCourt Administratorvs.Hon.CaderP.Indar,AlHaj,PresidingJudgeand AbdulrahmanD.Piang,ProcessServer,Branch14,BothoftheRegional TrialCourt,Branch14,CotabatoCity,A.M.No.RTJ-11-2287,January22, 2014 ThisCourt has always emphasizedthe need for judges to decide cases within the constitutionally prescribed 90-day period. Any delay in the administration ofjustice,nomatterhowbrief,deprivesthelitigantofhisrighttoaspeedy dispositionofhiscase.Notonlydoesitmagnifythecostofseekingjustice,it underminesthepeoplesfaithandconfidenceinthejudiciary,lowersits standards, and brings it to disrepute. A member of the bench cannot pay mere lip service to the 90-day requirement he/sheshouldinstead persevereinits implementation.Heavycaseloadanddemandingworkloadarenotvalid reasons to fall behind the mandatory period for disposition of cases. The Court usuallyallowsreasonableextensionsoftimetodecidecasesinviewofthe heavycaseloadofthetrialcourts.Ifajudgeisunabletocomplywiththe Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro Cases (2008-2015) Legal Ethics Page 17 of 17 90day reglementary period for deciding cases or matters, he/she can, for good reasons, ask for an extension and such request is generally granted. But Judge Bustamante did not ask for an extension in any of these cases. Having failed to decideacasewithintherequiredperiod,withoutanyorderofextension grantedbytheCourt,JudgeBustamanteisliableforunduedelaythatmerits administrative sanction. In Office of the Court Administrator v. Garcia-Blanco, theCourtheldthatthe90-dayreglementaryperiodismandatory.Failureto decidecaseswithinthereglementaryperiodconstitutesagroundfor administrativeliabilityexceptwhentherearevalidreasonsforthedelay.- OfficeoftheCourtAdministratorvs.JudgeBorromeoBustamante,A.M. NO. MTJ-12-1806, April 7, 2014 WhileitistruethatrespondentSahiismerelyhumanandmaycommit mistakes, there is simply noexcuse for making the same mistakesrepeatedly despite her superior constantly calling her attention to correct them. Granting thatrespondentSahiwasnotgoodatusingcomputersinthebeginning,she shouldhavetakenstepstolearnandhonehercomputerskillswhichwere essentialtoherwork.Theconductandbehaviorofeveryoneconnectedwith an office charged with the dispensation of justice, from the presiding judge to thelowliestclerk,mustalwaysbebeyondreproachandmustbe circumscribedwiththeheavyburdenofresponsibility.-PresidingJudge JuanGabrielHizonAlano,MaryAnnabelleA.Katipunan,SuzeeWong Jamotillo,AnalieDelRioBalitung,EdwinoJaysonOliverosandRoberto Babaodonovs.PadmaLatipSahi,A.M.No.P-11-302,June25,2014,J. Leonardo-De Castro