Case Summary (A.M. No. P-19-4002)
Criminal Charges and Arrest
On March 9, 2019, Galan was charged, along with co-accused Praud Joan L. Animas, with a violation of Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The specifics of the charges detail that on March 7, 2019, in Iloilo City, Galan was involved in the illegal sale of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu. The operation was conducted by the Iloilo City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) based on information from a confidential agent. Galan allegedly facilitated the transaction by introducing the poseur buyer to Animas.
Criminal Proceedings
Galan was formally arraigned on April 23, 2019, and later filed a Motion to Plea Bargain on May 9, 2019, to change his plea from "not guilty" to "guilty" of a lesser offense under Section 12 of the same law. The RTC granted this motion, leading to a decision on August 9, 2019, in which he was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced to imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to four years, alongside a fine of thirty thousand pesos.
Resignation and Initial Recommendations
Following the conviction, Galan resigned from his position on January 13, 2020. Subsequently, the Judicial Integrity Board (JIB) considered the case and on March 30, 2022, recommended that Galan be found guilty of gross misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, proposing a fine of 150,000 pesos and forfeiture of benefits.
Court's Ruling
The Court concurred with the JIB’s findings, characterizing Galan's engagement in illegal drug activities as constitutive of grave misconduct. The Court defined misconduct in public service as unlawful behavior that violates established rules, and noted that his actions severely tarnished the reputation of the judiciary. The Court emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of public office, especially for those in the judiciary, highlighting the expectation for court personnel to maintain the highest standards of conduct.
Penalty Imposed
As a result of his administrati
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Case Overview
- This administrative case arises from a letter dated March 8, 2019, from Executive Judge Victor E. Gelvezon, reporting the arrest of Gerson O. Galan, an employee of the Regional Trial Court, for selling dangerous drugs.
- The arrest occurred on March 7, 2019, during a buy-bust operation by the Iloilo City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU).
- Galan was charged with violating Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Background of the Case
- An Information filed on March 9, 2019, in Branch 38, RTC of Iloilo City, detailed the charges against Galan and his co-accused, Praud Joan L. Animas, for illegal drug sale.
- The prosecution alleged that both accused sold a small heat-sealed sachet of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride (shabu) to a poseur buyer.
- The buy-bust operation was initiated following a tip-off about the illegal activities of Galan and Animas.
Criminal Proceedings
- Galan was arraigned on April 23, 2019, and initially pleaded "not guilty."
- A Motion to Plea Bargain was filed on May 9, 2019, seeking to change his plea to "guilty" for a lesser o