Case Digest (G.R. No. 148944)
Facts:
Mrs. Brenda B. Narvasa-Kampana v. Ms. Norma C. Josue, A.M. No. 2004-09-SC, June 30, 2004, the Supreme Court En Banc, Tinga, J., writing for the Court. The complainant is Brenda B. Narvasa-Kampana and the respondent is Norma C. Josue, Buyer IV, Property Division of the Supreme Court.On March 11, 2004, the complainant went to the Centennial Building of the Court at about 3:00 p.m. seeking a certification for the accreditation of a bonding (surety) company; security directed her to the Property Division and to look for "Norma." Inside the Property Division she first asked a male staff member who likewise pointed her to the respondent. The complainant approached the respondent, greeted her “Good afternoon,” and asked whether she could secure the certification there. The respondent replied “Ano yon?” and, after some exchanges in which the complainant mentioned that the bond concerned a probate of a last will, purportedly asked “Di ba alam mo Property ito? Alam mo ba ang ibig sabihin ng property?” and remarked sarcastically that “Ang layo layo ng property sa surety bond na hinahanap mo.” The complainant testified that the respondent’s tone and facial expression were sarcastic and insulting, and she shouted at the respondent “Bastos ka, bastos ka…,” then immediately filed a handwritten sworn letter-complaint the same day.
The Office of Administrative Services (OAS) (Office of the Court) directed respondent to comment (letter dated March 15, 2004); respondent filed a letter-comment (dated March 16, 2004, filed March 17, 2004) denying discourtesy though admitting some lack of comprehension and asserting that it was the complainant who first shouted at her. Several Property Division co‑employees submitted a supporting letter for respondent asserting she had not been discourteous. The complainant filed a reply (April 13, 2004) affirming her allegations and offering to submit to formal investigation.
The OAS conducted an investigation, taking testimony from the parties and two proximate desk employees who said they only noticed the complainant when she shouted and did not hear the prior exchange. The OAS concluded that the respondent was discourteous in her manner of dealing with the complainant and recommended a reprimand.
The Supreme Court, acting on the OAS report and the administrative complaint filed within the Court, received the recor...(Pro-only)
Issues:
- Was respondent Norma C. Josue guilty of discourtesy and conduct unbecoming a court employee?
- If guilty, what penalty should be im...(Pro-only)
Ruling:
- (Pro-only)
Ratio:
- (Pro-only)
Doctrine:
- (Pro-only)