Facts:

• Leticia S.A. Resurreccion filed an affidavit-complaint against Rustico I. Ibuna, Jr., Sheriff IV at the Regional Trial Court in Binangonan, Rizal, on November 19, 2002.
• The complaint alleged that Ibuna violated Republic Act No. 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
• Resurreccion purchased bighead carp fingerlings worth PHP 450,000 from Liberty Aralar and paid the full amount.
• On November 8, 2002, Ibuna prepared and personally delivered a letter demanding an additional PHP 250,000 on behalf of Aralar.
• Resurreccion claimed that Ibuna used his official position to harass her.
• Ibuna admitted to preparing and delivering the demand letter but denied any harassment, asserting he was merely helping Aralar without expecting any compensation.
• The Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) investigated and determined that Ibuna acted beyond his official duties in preparing the demand letter.
• The OCA recommended reprimanding Ibuna for conduct unbecoming of his office and warned him against future similar actions.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

1. Rustico I. Ibuna, Jr. committed misconduct.
2. Ibuna's actions compromised...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court determined that Ibuna committed simple misconduct and conduct unbecoming of his office by preparing and delivering a demand letter for Liberty Aralar.
• The duties of a sheriff, as outlined in the 2002 Revised Manual for Clerks of Court, do not include preparing demand letters, a task designated for legal professionals.
• By acting as a counsel and collection agent for Aralar, Ibuna exceeded his official capacity and used his position to advance one individual's interest over another, thus compromising the court's integrity.
• The Cou...continue reading