Case Digest (A.M. No. 07-11-14-SC)
Facts:
- Erlinda Ilusorio-Bildner sent a letter to Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno on October 10, 2007, alleging irregularities in Philcomsat Holdings Corporation (PHC).
- Bildner claimed that accounting entries indicated disbursements made for representation in favor of the Supreme Court, suggesting potential administrative action against certain judges and lawyers.
- The Supreme Court, in a Resolution dated July 22, 2008, noted that Bildner "failed to make a case" regarding her allegations of favorable judicial decisions in exchange for disbursements.
- The court expressed concern over the lack of candor from Atty. Luis K. Lokin, Jr. and Desideria Casas, who were invited to provide information.
- An investigation revealed two significant amounts: P206,000.00 and P2 million, allegedly linked to representation for the Supreme Court.
- Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, in a privilege speech on January 29, 2008, alleged that PHC had been plundered, with funds funneled to various government agencies, including the Supreme Court.
- The Investigating Committee found insufficient evidence to hold any judiciary member liable but recommended action against Lokin and Casas for their lack of candor.
- The court found Lokin guilty of lying about a check for P2 million, while Casas was deemed less culpable.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Supreme Court ruled that Bildner failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate her allegations against members of the judiciary.
- Atty. Luis K. Lokin, Jr. was found guilty of indirect contempt for willfully withholding information, while Desideria Casas was absolved of liability.
- Atty. Lokin was ordered to pay a fine o...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Supreme Court emphasized the importance of maintaining judicial integrity and the necessity for individuals involved in judicial proceedings to act with ...continue reading
Case Digest (A.M. No. 07-11-14-SC)
Facts:
The case revolves around a letter sent by Erlinda Ilusorio-Bildner to then Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno on October 10, 2007, alleging irregularities in the management and operation of Philcomsat Holdings Corporation (PHC). Bildner claimed that accounting entries in PHC's books indicated disbursements made for representation in favor of the Supreme Court, suggesting that certain judges and justices, along with involved lawyers, should face administrative action. In a Resolution dated July 22, 2008, the Supreme Court noted that Bildner had "failed to make a case" regarding her allegations that certain individuals received favorable judicial decisions in exchange for these disbursements. However, the court expressed concern over the lack of candor from two individuals, Atty. Luis K. Lokin, Jr. and Desideria Casas, who were invited to provide information regarding Bildner's claims.
The investigation revealed two significant amounts: P206,000.00 and P2 million, both allegedly linked to representation for the Supreme Court. Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, in a privilege speech on January 29, 2008, alleged that PHC had been plundered and that substantial amounts were funneled to various government agencies, including the Supreme Court. The Investigating Committee, formed to probe Bildner's allegations, found that while the accounting entries were "apparently contemptible," there was insufficient evidence to hold any member of the judiciary liable. The committee recommended that Lokin and Casas be required to show cause for their lack of candor during the investigation.
The court ultimately found that Lokin had lied a...