Case Summary (G.R. No. 224469)
Charges Against Judge Quijano
Ricardo Arrojado accused Judge Quijano of altering the boundary of his property by planting tuba-tuba plants approximately half a meter into Arrojado's land, thus encroaching on his property rights which had been established for nearly 51 years. Arrojado also claimed that Judge Quijano attempted to pressure his relatives into signing an agreement to legitimize the altered boundary and that the judge’s actions led to the destruction of the plants which served as a boundary marker.
Judge Quijano's Defense
In response to the complaint, Judge Quijano contended that the allegations were baseless, malicious, and motivated by Arrojado's feelings of anger and vengeance. He asserted that he acted in good faith to mediate a boundary dispute brought to him by the heirs of Gregorio Rodrigo, whom he had convened to his office for an amicable settlement. According to the judge, this intervention was consistent with community mediation practices.
Mediation Process and Findings
On November 18, 1974, Judge Quijano, accompanied by local law enforcement officials, inspected the disputed land. The examination included attempts by the parties to locate a banyan tree that marked the original boundary. When the tree could not be found, the parties agreed to use an alternative marker as suggested by Andrew Arrojado, one of the heirs of Cayetano Arrojado. Judge Quijano emphasized the importance of settling the matter amicably, advising the parties on the potential costs of litigation.
Disagreement and Contents of Affidavits
Despite some initial consensus among the Arrojado heirs about the proposed boundary, dissent emerged from Panfila Sericon, their aunt. Subsequently, Andrew Arrojado retracted his agreement, citing his father's opposition to the new boundary. Judge Quijano presented affidavits from multiple individuals, including Buenaventura Arrojado and others, which contradicted the allegations of coercion and affi
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Case Overview
- This case involves a sworn complaint filed by Ricardo Arrojado against Judge Sabas Quijano of the Municipal Court of Da-anbantayan, Cebu.
- The complaint alleges multiple charges, including malicious mischief, conduct unbecoming of a public officer, abuse of public office, and coercion.
- The events in question took place around November 1974 concerning a boundary dispute between the properties of the complainant and the late Gregorio Rodrigo’s family.
Allegations Made by the Complainant
- Alteration of Property Boundary:
- It is alleged that Judge Quijano altered the boundary of Arrojado's land by planting 'tuba-tuba' plants approximately half a meter from the long-established boundary, which had existed for about 51 years.
- Coercion to Sign Agreement:
- Judge Quijano allegedly pressured Arrojado's relatives (sister Rosario, brother Buenaventura, and aunt Panfila) to sign an agreement to make this altered boundary permanent.
- Destruction of Property:
- The complainant claims that Judge Quijano’s relatives cut and destroyed the plants that marked the boundary, without any higher judicial order, leading to damage to his property.
Respondent Judge’s Defense
- Denial of Allegations:
- Judge Quijano responded to the complaint, asserting that the charges were baseless, malicious, and false, indicating that the co