Case Digest (A.M. No. P-02-1557)
Facts:
The case involves Cenon R. Alfonso as the complainant and Armando B. Ignacio, a Court Stenographer III at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Pasig City, Branch 161, as the respondent. The administrative complaint was filed on January 4, 2001, stemming from allegations of gross negligence by Ignacio in the transcription of stenographic notes during the proceedings of Civil Case No. 67654, titled "Doctors of the New Millenium Holdings, Inc. v. Peopleas Trans-East Asia Insurance Corp., et al." The complainant, who served as the President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the plaintiff corporation, testified on August 9, 2000. Following the hearing, Alfonso's office personnel repeatedly followed up for a copy of the transcript, which was only provided two days before the next scheduled hearing on October 26, 2000. Upon reviewing the transcript, Alfonso discovered significant discrepancies, including distorted facts and omissions in h...
Case Digest (A.M. No. P-02-1557)
Facts:
- Complaint Filed: Cenon R. Alfonso, President and CEO of Doctors of the New Millenium Holdings, Inc., filed an administrative complaint against Armando B. Ignacio, Court Stenographer III of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Pasig City, Branch 161, for gross negligence in relation to Civil Case No. 67654.
- Allegations:
- Alfonso testified as a witness on August 9, 2000, and Ignacio was the stenographer on duty.
- The transcript of stenographic notes (TSN) was delayed and contained grave discrepancies, distortions, and omissions in Alfonso’s testimony.
- Alfonso’s lawyer, Atty. Norberto Ortiz Perez, confirmed the distortions and deliberate intent to alter the testimony.
- On October 26, 2000, during the hearing, Judge Alicia P. Marino-Co ordered the re-taking of Alfonso’s testimony and instructed Ignacio to use a tape recorder.
- Respondent’s Defense:
- Ignacio admitted to being the stenographer on duty but claimed he completed the transcription five days before the next hearing.
- He denied any deliberate distortion and offered to read the stenographic notes in the presence of the complainant and the Deputy Court Administrator.
- He admitted to a prior administrative charge but claimed he had since been more diligent in his work.
- OCA Report: The Office of the Court Administrator found the complaint meritorious and recommended a three-month suspension without pay, citing Ignacio’s failure to use a tape recorder as a precautionary measure.
Issue:
- Whether Armando B. Ignacio, as a court stenographer, was grossly negligent in his duties by allegedly distorting and omitting portions of Cenon R. Alfonso’s testimony.
- Whether the allegations of gross negligence were sufficiently substantiated by the complainant.
Ruling:
The Supreme Court dismissed the administrative complaint against Armando B. Ignacio for lack of merit.
Ratio:
- (Unlock)