Title
Teresa T. Gonzales La'o and Co., Inc. vs. Hatab
Case
A.M. No. P-99-1337
Decision Date
Jan 25, 2006
In the case of Teresa T. Gonzales La'o & Co., Inc. v. Hatab, Sheriff Jadi T. Hatab was found guilty of delaying the execution of a court decision, but was granted judicial clemency due to his sincere repentance, long years of government service, and lack of evidence of bad faith or malice.
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Case Digest (A.M. No. P-99-1337)

Facts:

  • The case is Teresa T. Gonzales La'o & Co., Inc. v. Hatab (A.M. No. P-99-1337), decided by the Supreme Court of the Philippines on January 25, 2006.
  • Complainant Teresa T. Gonzales La'o & Co., Inc. filed a complaint against Sheriff Jadi T. Hatab for failing to execute a court decision in Civil Case No. 97-1067.
  • The Regional Trial Court (RTC) issued a writ of execution on September 1, 1997, which Hatab did not enforce.
  • An administrative complaint was filed against Hatab due to his inaction.
  • Hatab claimed he was awaiting a motion for reconsideration and that the case had been re-raffled to another sala.
  • The RTC found Hatab administratively liable for grave misconduct on April 5, 2000, resulting in his dismissal from service.
  • His dismissal included forfeiture of retirement benefits and leave credits, along with a prohibition against future government employment.
  • Following his dismissal, Hatab experienced significant hardships and sought judicial clemency, supported by letters from family and colleagues.

Issue:

  • (Unlock)

Ruling:

  • The Supreme Court granted judicial clemency to Sheriff Jadi T. Hatab.
  • The Court lifted the prohibition against his re-employment in government service, allowing him to seek positions in government offices and government-owned or controlled corporati...(Unlock)

Ratio:

  • The Court's decision was influenced by several mitigating factors, including Hatab's seventeen years of dedicated service and the fact that this was his first administrative charge.
  • The Court acknowledged changes in legal procedures from the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, which may have contr...continue reading

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