Case Summary (G.R. No. 174730-37)
Allegations and Evidence by Complainant
Marites claims that in December 2002, Joselito admitted to having an extramarital affair, which he promised to terminate. Contrary to this promise, he continued the affair and abandoned Marites in August 2003. She alleges that Joselito was seen publicly with another woman as if they were spouses. The complainant supported her case with an affidavit from Perfecto B. Cabansag, a wedding sponsor, who testified to Joselito’s admission of infidelity and subsequent abandonment. The complainant also provided a transcript of her testimony in a separate legal proceeding, further corroborating her claims of Joselito’s confessions and behavior post-separation.
Respondent’s Defense and Counterarguments
In response to the allegations, Joselito categorically denied having an extramarital affair or admitting to such behavior. He acknowledged the dysfunctionality of their marriage but attributed the abandonment to unresolved conflicts rather than infidelity. He submitted affidavits from individuals attesting to the lack of truth in the complainant's claims, thus contesting the validity of her accusations.
Procedural Background and Investigative Actions
The Office of the Court Administrator directed Joselito to respond to the complaint, leading to a referral for investigation due to the discrepancies in testimonies. The case was assigned to Executive Judge Francis A. Buliyat, who subsequently delegated the investigation to Vice-Executive Judge Marybelle L. Demot-MariAas to ensure impartiality due to an ongoing annulment case involving the parties. There were multiple delays in submitting the required investigation report, prompting further inquiries from the Court.
Investigative Findings
Judge Demot-MariAas eventually submitted a report, concluding that there was substantial evidence supporting Marites’s claims. The judge emphasized that the credible testimonies from the complainant and her witnesses outweighed the respondent’s mere denials. The evidence, including Joselito’s prior admissions, established a reasonable belief that he engaged in immoral conduct.
Legal Standards and Conclusions
Under the relevant administrative laws, Joselito’s actions were classified as disgraceful and immoral conduct, a serious offense warranting disciplinary action. The established standard required only substantial evidence, defined as adequate evidence that a reasonable mind might accept to support the conclusion of guilt.
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 174730-37)
Background of the Case
- Marites Flores-Tumbaga filed an administrative complaint against her husband, Joselito S. Tumbaga, who held the position of Sheriff IV at the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, La Trinidad, Benguet.
- The complaint alleged "disgraceful and immoral conduct" based on Joselito's extra-marital affair.
- Complainant claimed that in December 2002, Joselito confessed to having an affair but promised to end it, which he failed to do.
- The couple separated in August 2003, after which Joselito was seen publicly with the woman involved in the affair.
Evidence Presented
- The complainant submitted an affidavit from Perfecto B. Cabansag, a wedding sponsor, who corroborated the claims of Joselito's extra-marital affair and his admission of fault.
- Cabansag's affidavit detailed a meeting where Joselito admitted his wrongdoing and promised to cease the affair.
- The complainant also included a transcript of her testimony from a civil case concerning the nullity of their marriage, recounting Joselito's confessions and behavior throughout their relationship.
Respondent's Defense
- In his formal comment dated October 17, 2005, Joselito denied the allegations of having an extra-marital affair and claimed that any admissions made were untrue.
- He acknowledged