Facts:

• Three consolidated administrative cases filed against Judge Zenaida L. Galvez and Clerk of Court Eugenio Sto. Tomas of the Municipal Trial Court (MTC) of Cabuyao, Laguna.
• Stemmed from a previous administrative case where several clerks of court, including Sto. Tomas, were accused of neglect of duty for their failure to submit reports of monthly collections for judiciary funds.
• First case: Sto. Tomas filed a motion to include Judge Galvez as a respondent in the administrative case. Judge Galvez was placed under preventive suspension and required to file her comment. The Court later resolved to docket Sto. Tomas' complaint against Judge Galvez as A.M. No. MTJ-01-1385 and lifted the suspension of Judge Galvez, directing her to be detailed to another court.
• Second case: An audit team discovered various irregularities and misconduct by both Judge Galvez and Sto. Tomas. Judge Galvez was found to have failed to decide numerous cases, failed to resolve motions/incidents within the prescribed period, and failed to take appropriate action on cases under preliminary investigation. Sto. Tomas was found guilty of several offenses, including failure to transmit records of criminal cases, failure to docket cases, and irregularities in the handling of court funds.
• Administrative complaint filed against Judge Galvez and Sto. Tomas based on the findings of the audit team.
• Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) recommended that Judge Galvez be found guilty of undue delay in rendering decisions or orders and be fined, while Sto. Tomas be found guilty of serious dishonesty, grave misconduct, and gross neglect of duty and be dismissed from service with forfeiture of retirement benefits.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• Judge Galvez was found guilty of undue delay in rendering decisions or orders and was fined.
• Sto. Tomas was found guilty of serious dishonesty, grave misconduct, and gross neglect of ...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• T...continue reading