Case Digest (A.M. No. MTJ-02-1449)
Facts:
This case involves an administrative complaint filed by Engr. Fundador Ambalong against Judge Antonio C. Lubguban, who served as the Presiding Judge of the Metropolitan Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) in Siquijor-Enrique Villanueva-Larena, Siquijor. The complaint was lodged on March 14, 2001, concerning the delay in resolving Civil Case No. 311, which was a suit for damages based on quasi-delict against defendants Jose Castillon and Rudy Castillon. The proceedings in this civil case concluded on September 13, 1999, after which Judge Lubguban instructed the parties to submit their respective memoranda within thirty days from receiving the last transcript. Complainant Ambalong submitted his memorandum on January 5, 2000, while the defendants failed to file theirs. Despite this, Judge Lubguban did not issue a decision on the civil case by the time the administrative complaint was filed. Notably, on February 21, 2001, Judge Lubguban acquitted the accused driver, Jose Castillon, in a r...
Case Digest (A.M. No. MTJ-02-1449)
Facts:
Parties Involved:
- Complainant: Engr. Fundador Ambalong, plaintiff in Civil Case No. 311 for damages based on quasi-delict.
- Respondent: Judge Antonio C. Lubguban, Presiding Judge of the Metropolitan Circuit Trial Court (MCTC), Siquijor-Enrique Villanueva-Larena, Siquijor-Siquijor.
Nature of the Case:
- Civil Case No. 311, entitled Engr. Fundador Ambalong vs. Jose Castillon and Rudy Castillon, was filed for damages based on quasi-delict.
Procedural Timeline:
- The proceedings in Civil Case No. 311 were terminated on September 13, 1999.
- The parties were directed to submit their memoranda within 30 days from receipt of the last transcript.
- Complainant filed his memorandum on January 5, 2000, while the defendants did not file any memorandum.
- Despite the submission of the last pleading, respondent judge failed to render a decision within the three-month reglementary period, which expired on April 5, 2000.
Respondent's Actions:
- Respondent judge admitted that he started drafting the decision immediately after the last pleading was filed but kept the draft in his office cabinet for editing.
- He only finalized and rendered the decision on November 27, 2000, seven months after the deadline.
- Copies of the decision were mailed to the parties on March 6, 2001, after the clerk failed to serve them during the promulgation of the related criminal case on February 21, 2001.
Respondent's Defense:
- Respondent attributed the delay to his crowded docket and his additional responsibilities as acting presiding judge in another sala at MCTC-Lazi, Siquijor.
- He denied any intentional delay, malice, bias, or bad faith.
Issue:
- Whether respondent judge is administratively liable for gross inefficiency for failing to decide Civil Case No. 311 within the three-month reglementary period.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Conclusion:
The Supreme Court imposed a fine of P5,000.00 on respondent judge for gross inefficiency, emphasizing the importance of timely case resolution and proper court management.