Case Digest (Adm. Case No. 187-J)
Facts:
The case involves the Republic of the Philippines, represented by the Capiz Agricultural and Fishery School as the complainant, against Hon. Leon Roxas, Jr. as the respondent. The events leading to this administrative case began in 1969 when the Provincial Fiscal Vicente Abalajon filed an information against Romeo A. Arceno, accusing him of malversation of public funds while serving as the disbursing and collecting officer of the Capiz Agricultural and Fishery School. The information alleged that from September 18, 1962, to September 30, 1967, Arceno misappropriated a total of P6,619.34, which he failed to account for despite repeated demands. This accusation arose from an audit conducted by Ronaldo D. Brodit, a regional supervising auditor, who discovered a shortage in Arceno's accounts amounting to P6,619.34, which included P5,265.24 in collections and P1,354.10 in cash advances.
Arceno responded to the audit findings by claiming that the missing funds were used for ...
Case Digest (Adm. Case No. 187-J)
Facts:
- Accusation of Malversation: In 1969, Provincial Fiscal Vicente Abalajon filed an information charging Romeo A. Arceno, the disbursing and collecting officer of the Capiz Agricultural and Fishery School, with malversation of public funds amounting to P6,619.34.
- Audit Findings: An audit conducted in 1967 by Ronaldo D. Brodit revealed that Arceno’s accountability was short by the said amount.
- Arceno’s Defense: Arceno claimed that the funds were disbursed for the benefit of the school, supported by cash invoices, chits, receipts, and vouchers.
- Trial Proceedings: Both prosecution and defense presented evidence. The prosecution argued that Arceno failed to issue official receipts and violated auditing rules, while the defense maintained that the funds were used for school purposes.
- Acquittal: Judge Leon Roxas, Jr. acquitted Arceno on September 30, 1970, citing reasonable doubt.
- Administrative Complaint: The Capiz Agricultural and Fishery School filed an administrative complaint against Judge Roxas, accusing him of “knowingly rendering an unjust judgment.”
Issue:
- Whether Judge Leon Roxas, Jr. rendered an unjust judgment in acquitting Arceno.
- Whether Judge Roxas “knowingly” rendered an unjust judgment.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)