Facts:

The case involves Robert G. Young, the complainant and President of Banawe Realty Development Corporation, who filed a verified letter-complaint on March 26, 1996, against Judge Pastor V. De Guzman, Jr., of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 60, Baguio City. The complaint centered on the alleged unreasonable delay in the resolution of Civil Case No. 873-R, titled "La Commercial Company, et al. vs. China Banking Corporation." This case concerned the recovery of unpaid rentals from store space lessees and the accounting of all rentals due, as well as the proceeds from the sales of units in a condominium property. During the proceedings, La Commercial Company was substituted by Inter Realty Development Corporation, while China Banking Corporation was replaced by Banawe Realty Development Corporation.

On July 16, 1990, a strong earthquake destroyed the condominium building, prompting the parties to file a joint motion to dismiss the case. However, on December 1, 1994, ...

Facts:

Parties Involved:

• Complainant: Robert G. Young, President of Banawe Realty Development Corporation.
• Respondent: Judge Pastor V. De Guzman, Jr., of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Baguio City, Branch 60.

Case Background:

• The case originated from Civil Service No. 873-R, entitled "La Commercial Company, et al. vs. China Banking Corporation," involving the recovery of unpaid rentals and accounting of receivables from a condominium property.
• During the pendency of the case, La Commercial Company was substituted by Inter Realty Development Corporation, and China Banking Corporation was substituted by Banawe Realty Development Corporation.
• On 16 July 1990, the condominium building was destroyed by an earthquake, prompting the parties to file a joint motion to dismiss the case.
• Despite the joint motion, the case remained unresolved for years, leading to the filing of an administrative complaint against Judge De Guzman for unreasonable delay.

Allegations Against Judge De Guzman:

• Complainant alleged that Judge De Guzman acted with "indecent haste" in granting attorney's fees amounting to P250,000.00 to Atty. Helenea M. Dauz, former counsel of Banawe Realty, while delaying the resolution of the main case.
• The judge was also accused of failing to resolve the joint motion to dismiss filed by the parties.

Respondent Judge's Defense:

• Judge De Guzman countered that the case was not merely about unpaid rentals but involved complex issues of ownership, possession, and annulment of mortgage.
• He explained that the delay was due to the parties' numerous motions and pleadings, as well as his prolonged leave of absence due to illness, which eventually led to his retirement on total disability.
• He denied acting hastily in granting attorney's fees, stating that the motion was resolved only after Banawe Realty failed to file any opposition.

Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) Findings:

• The OCA found that Judge De Guzman failed to comply with Administrative Circular No. 4, which mandates the prompt resolution of cases.
• The OCA recommended a fine of P5,000.00 against the judge.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• (Unlock)

Ratio:

1. Duty to Resolve Cases Promptly: Judges are mandated to resolve cases with dispatch, as provided under the Rules of Court and the Code of Judicial Conduct. However, this duty must not compromise the fundamental requirements of due process or the thorough resolution of complex issues.

2. Complexity of the Case: The Court recognized that the case involved intricate issues of ownership and possession, which required careful consideration. The delay in resolving the case was not due to negligence but to the judicial nature of the issues and the judge's illness.

3. No Bad Faith or Malice: There was no evidence that Judge De Guzman acted with bad faith or malice in delaying the resolution of the case or in granting attorney's fees. The motion for attorney's fees was resolved only after Banawe Realty failed to file any opposition.

4. Release of Withheld Retirement Benefits: The Court found it appropriate to release the P50,000.00 withheld from the judge's retirement benefits, as there was no basis for imposing administrative sanctions.