Case Summary (G.R. No. 237277)
Complaint Overview
Mrs. Rotilla A. Marcos and her children filed a handwritten letter to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, alleging Judge Ferdinand Marcos’s failure to provide adequate financial support for their family. They highlighted that they were unaware of the full extent of his income, which included various allowances and salaries from both the judiciary and Southwestern University, where he also taught. The complaint expressed concerns about the potential influence of a reported mistress on his judicial conduct and financial obligations.
Respondent's Defense
In his response to the complaint, Judge Ferdinand Marcos denied allegations of financial neglect. He claimed to have provided reasonable support to his family, attributed financial issues to a loan contracted in the early months of his judicial career, and denied any relationship with a mistress. He indicated that the withdrawal of the complaint by his family, along with his promise to direct all payments to Mrs. Marcos, should conclude the matter.
Court Proceedings
The Supreme Court referred the case to the Office of the Court Administrator for further investigation. On October 17, 1997, the Deputy Court Administrator reported that the complaint appeared resolved, citing a formal withdrawal from the complainants. However, the complaint resurfaced following a scandal involving Judge Marcos observed by Chief Justice Hilario Davide during a fun run event, where the judge was seen with a woman later identified as Mae Tacaldo.
Admission of Infidelity
During a subsequent encounter with Chief Justice Davide, Judge Marcos candidly admitted to living with Mae Tacaldo, which prompted a full investigation by the Office of the Court Administrator. The investigation revealed substantial evidence of his infidelity, including documents and statements substantiating the extramarital relationship that dated back to before his separation from his wife.
Hearing and Evidence
The hearing commenced with testimonies from various witnesses, including Mrs. Rotilla A. Marcos and other individuals who confirmed the existence of the relationship with Mae Tacaldo. Evidence included financial documents, personal communications, and testimonies corroborating the series of events leading to the marital conflict and Judge Marcos’s inappropriate conduct.
Findings and Judicial Conduct
The Court, upon reviewing the findings of the investigative report by Justice Romulo Quimbo, concluded there was a confirmed illicit relationship between Judge Marcos and Mae Tacaldo. The evidence of infidelity and the damaging effects of such behavior on public trust in the judiciary warranted serious disciplinary action. The ongoing scandal was deemed unbecoming of a judge, furth
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 237277)
Case Overview
- This case revolves around a complaint filed by Mrs. Rotilla A. Marcos and her children against Judge Ferdinand J. Marcos of the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City, alleging neglect of family support and infidelity.
- The complaint was initiated through a handwritten letter addressed to Chief Justice Andres Narvasa on December 9, 1996.
Allegations Against Judge Ferdinand J. Marcos
- The complainants claimed they had not seen or received any of Judge Marcos's remuneration since he became a judge.
- They indicated that the financial support provided by Judge Marcos was insufficient for their needs, particularly for education and sustenance.
- Allegations included that Judge Marcos was secretly receiving additional allowances and bonuses, yet only managed to provide minimal support to his family.
- The complainants also expressed concerns about Judge Marcos's alleged affair with a mistress, suggesting it would lead to further financial instability if he were reassigned to another judicial region.
Judge Marcos's Response
- In his comment dated May 15, 1997, Judge Marcos denied the allegations of failing to support his family.
- He claimed to have provided a monthly total of P15,000.00 to his wife during the first months of his judicial tenure and insisted that he was not in debt to any private person.
- Judge Marcos argued that any financial issues stemmed from a loan taken early in his career and maintained there was no truth to the allegations of infidelity.