Title
Abubacar vs. Alauya
Case
A.M. No. 02-4-03-SDC, SDC-03-4-P
Decision Date
May 27, 2004
A clerk of court is suspended for eighteen months without pay for negligence in handling court records, while charges against the complainant are dismissed for lack of evidence.
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Case Digest (A.M. No. 02-4-03-SDC, SDC-03-4-P)

Facts:

  • Datu Ashary M. Alauya, Clerk of Court of the Shariah District Court in Marawi City, faced administrative charges in two consolidated cases: A.M. No. 02-4-03-SDC and A.M. No. SDC-03-4-P.
  • The first case involved Alauya's failure to submit records of collections and deposits for the Judiciary Development Fund and Clerk of Court General Fund, necessary for audits.
  • An investigation by Deputy Court Administrator Christopher Lock revealed no shortages or overages but identified a deliberate delay in remitting collections.
  • Several official receipt booklets were unaccounted for, prompting Lock to request an explanation and recommend withholding Alauya's salary until compliance.
  • In the second case, Alauya faced multiple allegations, including falsification of reports and issuing duplicate official receipts, filed by Minombao M. Abubacar, a Court Process Server.
  • Alauya denied the allegations, claiming they were attempts to damage his reputation and that Abubacar was involved in irregularities.
  • Judge Salazar found insufficient evidence for the second case but recommended suspension for negligence in the first matter.
  • The Court ultimately found Alauya guilty of gross neglect of duty and suspended him for eighteen months without pay.

Issue:

  • (Unlock)

Ruling:

  • Yes, Datu Ashary M. Alauya was found guilty of gross neglect of duty in the custody of court property and was suspended for eighteen months without pay.
  • The administrative charges filed by Mi...(Unlock)

Ratio:

  • The Court highlighted the essential role of a Clerk of Court in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the judicial system.
  • Alauya had a duty to ensure the safekeeping and proper management of court properties, which he failed to do, as evidenced by missing official receipt booklets and case records.
  • Although evidence did not conclusively prove he issued the questioned receipts, similari...continue reading

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