Case Summary (A.M. No. RTJ-07-2060)
Background of Civil Cases
The complaint is anchored in several civil cases against NPC, notably Civil Case No. 1918-03, where plaintiffs, identified as a collective group of farmers and local residents, allege that NPC's operations of hydroelectric power plants led to ecological and economic devastation in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur. The plaintiffs sought damages and the refund of PPA (Purchase Power Adjustment) collected from consumers.
Allegations Against the Respondent Judge
The administrative complaint accuses Judge Adiong of gross ignorance of the law, manifest partiality, and conduct unbecoming a member of the judiciary, specifically citing the issuance of an order in favor of the plaintiffs without first ensuring procedural adherence, including conducting a requisite pre-trial.
Procedural Missteps Cited
Notably, Judge Adiong granted a motion for the release of P640,000,000 in PPA refunds ex-parte and later issued a resolution mandating NPC to refund amounts without conducting a proper pre-trial conference. Despite NPC's requests for reconsideration, Judge Adiong maintained his position, claiming that hearings had thoroughly provided NPC the opportunity to present its evidence.
Multiple Cases and Bias Allegations
The complaint details that multiple other cases against NPC also presided by Judge Adiong were marked by similar issues of procedural mismanagement, including the granting of motions for execution pending appeal without substantiated justification. The allegations contend that this behavior demonstrates a pattern of bias towards the plaintiffs, suggesting a lack of impartiality.
Judge Adiong's Defense
In his defense, Judge Adiong argues that he conducted necessary hearings and that NPC failed to raise concerns about the lack of pre-trial in a timely manner. He also contends that he had valid reasons for issuing orders for execution pending appeal based on the financial distress claimed by plaintiffs, even if such claims were only supported by personal testimonies.
Investigative Findings
After referral to the Court of Appeals, an investigation led by Justice Ruben C. Ayson concluded that Judge Adiong was administratively liable, identifying failures to adhere to core procedural rules, such as the mandatory requirement for conducting pre-trial conferences. The distinction was made that a judge is not held administratively liable for every error but may face consequences for gross ignorance of elementary legal principles.
Conclusion on Administrative Responsibility
The Investigating Justice's findings articulated that Judge Adiong’s failures constituted gross ignora
...continue readingCase Syllabus (A.M. No. RTJ-07-2060)
Introduction to the Case
- The case involves an administrative complaint filed by the National Power Corporation (NPC) against Judge Santos B. Adiong, the Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 8, Marawi City.
- The complaint alleges gross ignorance of the law, manifest partiality, and conduct unbecoming a member of the judiciary.
- The issues arose from several civil cases related to damages sought by various plaintiffs against NPC concerning ecological and economic disasters linked to the operation of hydroelectric power plants.
Background of the Cases Involved
- The administrative complaint is tied to multiple civil cases, specifically:
- Civil Case No. 1918-03 - Ibrahim Abdo, et al. v. NPC for damages.
- Civil Case Nos. 1322-95, 1332-95, 1367-95, 1361-95, and 1355-95 - all for damages against NPC.
- Plaintiffs claimed NPC was liable for damages caused by the operation of hydroelectric power plants affecting their livelihoods and properties.
Allegations Against Judge Adiong
- Judge Adiong is accused of:
- Granting a motion for the release of P640,000,000 in Purchase Power Adjustment (PPA) without proper due process.
- Failing to conduct a pre-trial conference in Civil Case No. 1918-03, leading to premature decisions without necessary jurisdictional inquiries.
- Issuing a resolution on February 28, 2006, ordering NPC to refund P114,000,000 and other amounts without conducting adequate hearings.
- Granting motion