Case Summary (A.M. No. MTJ-02-1449)

Case Background

• Parties Involved: Engr. Fundador Ambalong (complainant) vs. Judge Antonio C. Lubguban (respondent).
• Nature of Complaint: Delay in resolving Civil Case No. 311 for damages.
• Court: Metropolitan Circuit Trial Court, Siquijor-Enrique Villanueva-Larena.

Allegations

• Complainant alleged that Judge Lubguban failed to render a decision in a civil case within the mandated three-month period after it was submitted for decision.
• The case was submitted for decision on January 5, 2000, after which no decision was rendered until November 27, 2000.
• The complainant noted that the judge issued a decision in a related criminal case on February 21, 2001, indicating potential bias or negligence.

Judge's Response

• Judge Lubguban admitted to the delay but claimed he had completed the draft decision before the three-month deadline and intended to finalize it.
• The judge cited a crowded docket and responsibilities in another sala as reasons for the delay in issuing the decision.

Findings of the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA)

• Gross Inefficiency: The OCA found Judge Lubguban guilty of gross inefficiency due to the delay in rendering a decision beyond the three-month period as prescribed by the law.
• Management Responsibilities: The judge's failure to manage his docket effectively was highlighted as a significant factor contributing to the delay.

Legal Principles and Provisions

• Constitutional Mandate: According to Article VIII, Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution, all lower court cases must be resolved within three months from submission.
• Judicial Conduct: Canon 3, Rules 3.08 and 3.09 of the Code of Judicial Conduct requires judges to ensure timely resolution of cases and maintain proper court management.

Penalties and Consequences

• Recommended Sanction: The OCA recommended that Judge Lubguban be fined P5,000.00 for his gross inefficiency.
• Final Decision: The court agreed with the OCA's recommendation, imposing a fine of P5,000.00 on the respondent judge.

Key Details

• Complainant filed for damages on January 5, 2000. • Decision was due by April 5, 2000, but was rendered only on November 27, 2000. • The delay amounted to seven months beyond the legal deadline. • Judge's justification of a crowded docket was deemed insufficient. • Failure to seek an extension of time...continue reading

Case Syllabus (A.M. No. MTJ-02-1449)

Case Background

• The case involves an administrative complaint filed by Engr. Fundador Ambalong against Judge Antonio C. Lubguban, presiding judge at the Metropolitan Circuit Trial Court in Siquijor.
• The complaint centers on the delay in resolving Civil Case No. 311, wherein Ambalong was the plaintiff against defendants Jose Castillon and Rudy Castillon for damages based on quasi-delict.
• Following the termination of proceedings on September 13, 1999, the judge directed both parties to submit memoranda within 30 days from receiving the last transcript.

Timeline of Events

• Complainant submitted his memorandum on January 5, 2000, while the defendants did not submit any memorandum.
• Despite the deadline, the judge did not render a decision on the civil case by the time the administrative complaint was filed on March 14, 2001.
• Notably, on February 21, 2001, the judge issued a decision in a separate criminal case acquitting the accused driver, Jose Castillon, who was also a defendant in the civil case.

Allegations Against the Judge

• The complainant alleged that Judge Lubguban violated the rule requiring judges to decide cases within t...continue reading