Case Summary (A.M. No. RTJ-91-758)
Allegations Against the Respondent
The complainants accused Judge Singson of multiple forms of misconduct, including exhibiting dictatorial and terroristic behavior towards her staff and others present in the courtroom. They stated that she created a toxic work environment affected by her unpredictable moods and failed to adhere to mandatory trial proceedings as mandated by the Supreme Court. Furthermore, the complainants requested her removal from office due to her oppressive behavior and inefficacious management of court operations.
Verified Complaint and Repeated Allegations
On February 19, 1992, a verified letter-complaint signed by several original complainants reiterated prior allegations and introduced additional accusations of incompetence. This included her inappropriate delegation of judicial authority to others, failure to follow procedural requirements, erratic judicial decisions, and improper handling of appeals and motions. The charges highlighted instances of her making orders without due legal process and issuing penalties without substantiation.
Investigation and Findings
The Supreme Court resolved to investigate the matter, which was delegated to Associate Justice Pedro Ramirez. During the proceedings, key witnesses provided testimonies that detailed instances of the Judge's erratic behavior and ignorance of legal fundamentals. Crucially, the Judge waived her right to present evidence on her behalf, focusing instead on submitting a memorandum after the complainants presented their cases.
Summary of Complainants' Evidence
The evidence presented against Judge Singson included testimonies from court personnel detailing her abusive treatment and grave legal errors in her rulings. Witnesses described situations where she would react violently or unreasonably to minor issues and highlighted her lack of basic legal knowledge, which led to several erroneous judicial decisions. Specific cases cited included misapplication of sentencing laws, failure to follow due process in judicial decision-making, and issuing orders that contravened established legal standards.
Findings by Justice Ramirez
Justice Ramirez's investigation indicated that the Judge's conduct not only reflected gross ignorance of the law, but also serious lapses in judgment and disrespect toward court personnel. Her repeated acts of misc
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Background of the Case
- On October 4, 1991, a letter-complaint was filed against Judge Marvie R. Abraham Singson by 47 officers and employees from various branches of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Antique.
- The complainants alleged that Judge Singson exhibited a "dictatorial and terroristic" manner in her treatment of staff, lawyers, and the public, with her moods affecting the working atmosphere.
- Specific allegations included a failure to comply with the rule on continuous trial mandated by the Supreme Court.
- A request for a full investigation was made in January 1992, citing an increase in oppressive behavior following the complaint's filing.
Allegations Against the Respondent
- The complainants accused the respondent of gross and culpable incompetence, detailing actions such as:
- Delegating judicial authority to the Clerk of Court.
- Misinterpreting legal principles, such as considering "unlawful aggression" as a mitigating circumstance.
- Imposing incorrect sentences under the Indeterminate Sentence Law.
- Prematurely promulgating decisions and denying appeals improperly.
- Evidence supporting these claims included affidavits from court personnel and detailed testimonies from witnesses.
Proceedings and Findings
- The Supreme Court required Judge Singson to answer the charges, to which she responded by denying the allegations and claiming her strict work