Facts:

• Clerk of Court Jocelyn G. Caballero of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Kidapawan City, North Cotabato is involved in this case.
• The case originated from a financial audit conducted by the Audit Team of the Court Management Office on Caballero's accountability period from April 1983 to April 2004.
• The preliminary cash count revealed a cash shortage of P19,875.20, which Caballero claimed was due to the encashment of her personal checks.
• A more detailed audit uncovered several irregularities, including the issuance of acknowledgment receipts instead of official receipts, failure to remit confiscated bonds, and unwithdrawn interest.
• Caballero was given the opportunity to comment on the findings but failed to provide any proof of remittances or liquidation.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• The Court found Caballero guilty of gross neglect of duty and dishonesty.
• Caballero was ordered dismissed from service with forfeiture of all retirement benefits and with prejudice to re-employment in the government.
• The Court also directed...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Court emphasized the importance of upholding propriety, decorum, and integrity in the dispensation of justice, including for clerks of court.
• Caballero's actions, such as encashing personal checks from court collections and issuing acknowledgment receipts instead of official receipts, violated circulars and regulations.
• Her failure to provide proof of remittances and liquidation further demonstrated her neglect of duty.
• The Court als...continue reading