Facts:

• Grace Crisilda A. Pantaleon served as Revenue Clerk II for the Municipal Government of Barobo, Surigao del Sur.
• On October 8, 2015, a Joint Affidavit Complaint was filed against her by State Auditors from the Commission on Audit (COA) - Regional Office No. XIII.
• The complaint arose from an audit conducted on June 23, 2013, revealing a cash shortage of P436,748.45 for the period from December 18, 2012, to June 26, 2013.
• Pantaleon fully restituted the amount on September 6, 2013, before any formal demand was made.
• The complaint alleged that she committed both criminal and administrative offenses.
• In her Counter-Affidavit, Pantaleon admitted to the cash shortage but denied personal use, claiming she lent the money to co-workers.
• On September 29, 2016, the Ombudsman found her guilty of Grave Misconduct and Serious Dishonesty, imposing dismissal and accessory penalties.
• The Ombudsman ordered a special audit investigation into the borrowing practices within the municipal government.
• Pantaleon appealed to the Court of Appeals, which affirmed the Ombudsman's decision on February 1, 2019.
• Her motion for reconsideration was denied on July 18, 2019, leading her to file a petition for review on certiorari.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• The Supreme Court denied the petition, upholding the decisions of the Ombudsman and the Court of Appeals.
• Pantaleon was found guilty of Grave Misconduct and Serious Dishonesty, resulting in her dismissal from government...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Court stated that the Ombudsman's factual findings are conclusive when supported by substantial evidence, particularly when affirmed by the Court of Appeals.
• Pantaleon was charged with Grave Misconduct and Serious Dishonesty, both serious offenses warranting dismissal even for first-time offenders.
• Misconduct...continue reading