Case Summary (A.M. No. RTJ-93-944, RTJ-93-959)
Charges Against Respondent Judge
The complaints filed against Judge Jaramillo allege various corrupt practices which are detrimental to the administration of justice, specifically accusing him of demanding money from litigants and engaging in misconduct during the handling of cases in his court.
Procedural Background
The initial complaints were investigated separately by Justice Corona Ibay-Somera and Deputy Court Administrator Reynaldo L. Suarez, and both cases were subsequently consolidated. Judge Jaramillo was placed on leave pending the investigation.
Details of Adm. Matter No. RTJ-93-944
Complainants Rizalia Capuno and Thelma Villanueva alleged that Judge Jaramillo demanded P200,000 in cash and a postdated check for P150,000 for the resolution of their case regarding a writ of possession filed by Pedro Calara, Jr. They claimed that failure to meet these demands resulted in their eviction from their property, as well as the demolition of their house.
Respondent's Defense
Judge Jaramillo denied the allegations, asserting that they stemmed from harassment and that he did not demand money from the complainants. He claimed the mediation was an attempt to resolve the parties' differences as requested by a sheriff.
Investigating Justice's Findings
Justice Ibay-Somera's investigation revealed credible evidence supporting the complainants' allegations. Testimonies indicated that the judge's demands were explicit and coercive, leading to the eviction of the complainants. The report emphasized that the judge made considerable demands for money, which constituted serious misconduct.
Judicial Conduct and Principles
The Code of Judicial Conduct requires judges to maintain impartiality and integrity. The evidence showed that Judge Jaramillo's actions violated these principles. Specifically, his mediation efforts without the presence of counsel compromised the integrity expected from a judicial officer.
Judgement on Adm. Matter No. RTJ-93-944
Finding the judge guilty of serious misconduct, the investigating body recommended a one-month suspension without pay. The court ultimately agreed with the findings, indicating that the judge's misconduct not only affected the litigants but also diminished the public's trust in the judicial system.
Details of Adm. Matter No. RTJ-93-959
In the second administrative complaint, Celia E. Pampolina accused Judge Jaramillo of demanding favors and improperly managing a vehicle that was in custodia legis, as well as other forms of corruption involving finances and handling of personal property during judicial proceedings.
Respondent's Misconduct in Guardianship Proceedings
Judge Jaramillo was found to have used a luxury vehicle for personal purposes, which he obtained from the complainant's corporation. This conduct raised serious concerns about his impartiality, especially since he was involved in overseeing probate matters related to the estate of the deceased from whom the car was appropriated.
Investigation Findings o
...continue readingCase Syllabus (A.M. No. RTJ-93-944, RTJ-93-959)
Case Overview
- This case involves two administrative complaints against Judge Ausberto B. Jaramillo, Jr. of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 30, San Pablo City, filed by complainants Rizalia Capuno and Thelma Villanueva, and PSM Development Corporation represented by Celia Pampolina.
- The complaints allege corrupt practices detrimental to the administration of justice.
Procedural Background
- The Court referred Adm. Matter No. RTJ-93-944 to Justice Corona Ibay-Somera and Adm. Matter No. RTJ-93-959 to Deputy Court Administrator Reynaldo L. Suarez for investigation.
- The Court placed the respondent judge on leave pending the investigation.
- Both complaints were consolidated on October 27, 1993.
Adm. Matter No. RTJ-93-944: Allegations of Corruption
- The complaint initiated by a sworn statement dated August 28, 1992, details multiple instances where Judge Jaramillo allegedly demanded money from the complainants:
- After issuing a writ of possession in favor of Pedro Calara Jr. against Rizalia Capuno, Sheriff Leonardo Ho informed Rizalia about Judge Jaramillo's desire to speak with her.
- During a meeting, Judge Jaramillo allegedly demanded P200,000 in cash, and a postdated check for P150,000, threatening eviction if the demands were not met.
- Despite multiple attempts to fulfill the demands, the complainants were unable to provide the requested sums, resulting in their eviction and demolition of their home.
Investigative Findings
- Justice Ibay-Somera's investigation concluded that there was merit i