Facts:

• Franklin Q. Susa, Clerk of Court for Branch 27 of the RTC in Manila, filed a verified Affidavit-Complaint against Teofila A. PeAa, a Court Stenographer III.
• The complaint, filed on October 25, 2002, alleged serious neglect of duty, inefficiency, incompetence, and conduct prejudicial to the service.
• Allegations arose during a case inventory ordered by Susa, revealing that several appealed cases were not transmitted as required.
• Numerous pleadings and communications were improperly stored, obstructing court operations.
• Documents were found hidden in unusual places, including under a footrest at PeAa's workstation and in a process server's drawer.
• PeAa had previously been admonished for similar negligence.
• Susa issued a memorandum on September 16, 2002, requesting an explanation from PeAa, which she failed to provide adequately.
• In her comment on December 12, 2002, PeAa admitted to the allegations, citing work pressure and health issues, and requested a "second chance."
• The Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) recommended that PeAa be held administratively liable and suspended for three months.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court found Teofila A. PeAa guilty of neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
• The Court modified the OCA's recommendation, imposing a suspension of six ...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Court highlighted the significant responsibility of individuals in the administration of justice, emphasizing that public office is a public trust.
• Public officials must perform their duties diligently to maintain public confidence in the judiciary.
• PeAa's claims of unintentional failure due to work pressure and health issues were deemed insufficient to absolve her of liability.
• Her actions cons...continue reading