Case Digest (A.M. No. P-09-2726, P-10-2884)
Facts:
The case involves Fe A. Mabalot, who served as Clerk of Court III at the Metropolitan Trial Court, Branch 63, Makati City, and Judge Roberto P. Buenaventura, the presiding judge of the same court. The administrative complaints against Mabalot stemmed from two separate incidents. The first complaint, OCA I.P.I. No. 08-2750-P, was initiated by Judge Buenaventura through a letter dated December 12, 2007, requesting Mabalot's transfer due to her alleged involvement in conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and a violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. This was prompted by a text message Mabalot sent to Felipe De Sesto, Jr., suggesting a possible bribery attempt related to an election case pending in Judge Buenaventura's sala. The message indicated that Mabalot was mediating a delivery from Atty. Gaviola, the husband of the protestant in the case, which raised concerns about the integrity of the judicial process.
In her defense, Mabalot de...
Case Digest (A.M. No. P-09-2726, P-10-2884)
Facts:
OCA I.P.I. No. 08-2750-P (Now A.M. No. P-10-2884)
Judge Roberto P. Buenaventura requested the transfer of Fe A. Mabalot, Clerk of Court III, for Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service. This was based on a text message sent by Mabalot to Felipe De Sesto, involving a bribery attempt in an election case pending in Judge Buenaventura's court. Mabalot denied the allegations, claiming she did not author the message and that it was sent without her knowledge.
OCA I.P.I. No. 08-2923-P (Now A.M. No. P-09-2726)
Judge Buenaventura reported that Mabalot made threats against his life and hurled insulting words at him. Mabalot admitted to being emotionally distressed due to personal and professional issues but denied any intent to harm him.
Issue:
- Whether Mabalot was involved in a bribery attempt.
- Whether Mabalot made threats against Judge Buenaventura.
- Whether Mabalot’s actions constituted simple misconduct, gross misconduct, or conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)