Facts:

• Acela P. Leonor filed a complaint against Vilma B. Delfin, Clerk of Court III, Municipal Trial Circuit Court, Bacolod City.
• On August 22, 1996, Leonor sought corrections for her son Roscoe Leonor Deles, Jr.'s birth certificate to facilitate his employment in Japan.
• Delfin assured Leonor that the corrections could be completed in one and a half months for a fee.
• The agreed fee was P6,000.00, which Leonor could not pay upfront.
• Payments made by Leonor included:
  • P2,000.00 initially
  • P2,000.00 on August 27
  • P1,000.00 on September 16
  • P1,000.00 on September 18, 1996
• Leonor believed the petition for correction was being prepared and filed by Delfin.
• On October 16, 1996, Leonor's son learned from Delfin that no petition had been filed.
• Leonor demanded a refund and received only P3,635.00 back.
• Leonor filed a letter complaint on November 18, 1996, alleging dishonesty on Delfin's part.
• Delfin claimed she did not solicit Leonor's retainership and that her actions were outside her official duties.
• The case was docketed as an administrative matter, leading to a recommendation for disciplinary action against Delfin.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• The Supreme Court found Vilma B. Delfin guilty of gross misconduct.
• A fine of P2,000.00 was imposed on Delfin.
• Delfin was warned that any fu...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Court highlighted that court employees must exhibit propriety, decorum, and integrity in their conduct.
• Delfin's solicitation of fees and direct dealings with a client in her official capacity were deemed highly improper and constituted grave misconduct.
• Although Delfin claimed her actions were motivated ...continue reading