Case Summary (A.M. No. RTJ-03-1808)
Allegations and Complaints
A verified complaint was filed by Radelia C. Sy on May 22, 2001, accusing Judge Fineza of bribery, grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a judge, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. Sy claimed that Judge Fineza pressured her to pay P300,000 to dismiss an estafa case against her, threatening conviction if she did not comply. Sy stated that she made several payments to Judge Fineza at various locations, with witnesses present during these transactions. Following these payments, Sy alleged that Judge Fineza harassed her, including citing her for direct contempt during court proceedings.
Details of the Allegations
Sy's encounters with Judge Fineza included multiple cash payments: the first being P30,000 at Steak Town Restaurant, with subsequent payments made in his chambers and restaurants, culminating in a P100,000 payment. Sy contended that she faced harassment related to her bail and contempt citations, which culminated in a five-day imprisonment and a fine following a contempt order issued by Judge Fineza.
Second Verified Complaint
On July 3, 2001, a second verified complaint was jointly filed by Sy and Cato, which included allegations of abuse of authority and grave misconduct against Judge Fineza. Sy claimed that during a court hearing, Judge Fineza made derogatory remarks towards her lawyers and warned them of repercussions if she pursued legal action against him. Complaints of harassment towards Cato were also detailed, indicating patterns of intimidatory behavior from Judge Fineza.
Response of the Respondent
Judge Fineza denied all allegations, labeling the claims as incredible and asserting that the increased bail amount was within the parameters of his duty. He also refuted claims of misconduct in open court and denied engaging in any threatening behavior towards Cato or Sy.
Investigation and Findings
In response to the complaints, the Deputy Court Administrator recommended a referral to an Associate Justice for investigation, which led to hearings where both parties submitted position papers rather than oral evidence. The investigating Justice found insufficient evidence to support the bribery allegations, while recognizing that Judge Fineza's conduct, including the contempt citation and excessive bail increase, demonstrated abuse of authority, thereby qualifying as simple misconduct.
Judicial Assessment
The investigating Justice determined that the bribery charge lacked merit given the nature of the evidence, which relied heavily on the testimony of Sy's associates. In contrast, Judge Fineza's actions, particularly regarding the contempt citation and raising bail dramatically without proper justification, constituted a clear abuse of judicial authority.
Ruling on Missconduct
The court ul
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Background of the Case
- Complainants: Radelia C. Sy and Erwin Cato.
- Respondent: Hon. Judge Antonio J. Fineza, Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 131, Caloocan City.
- Date of Decision: October 15, 2003.
- Case Number: A.M. No. RTJ-03-1808.
- Allegations: Judge Fineza was charged with bribery, grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a judge, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Allegations by Complainants
- Complainant Sy was accused in Criminal Case No. C-53098 for estafa.
- Judge Fineza allegedly pressured Sy to pay P300,000 to dismiss the estafa case.
- Sy recounted six instances of money delivery to Judge Fineza:
- First payment: March 22, 2000, P30,000 at Steak Town Restaurant.
- Second payment: First week of May 2000, P20,000 in Fineza's chambers.
- Third payment: Later that week, P30,000 at Steak Town Restaurant.
- Fourth payment: May 19, 2000, P25,000 at Steak Town Restaurant.
- Fifth payment: June 2000, P50,000 advanced by Atty. dela Cruz.
- Sixth payment: July 20, 2000, P100,000 at Barrio Fiesta Restaurant.
- Sy claimed harassment from Judge Fineza due to her inability to complete the payment, including being cited for direct contempt on December 8, 2000.
Details of the Contempt Charge
- Sy left the courtroom to fetch her bonding agent, which led to her being cited for contempt.
- Judge Fineza denied her motion for reconsideration of the contempt order, subsequently imposing a five-day imprisonment and a P5,000 fine.
- On March 29,