Case Summary (A.M. No. RTJ-06-1982, RTJ-06-1983)
Allegations and Proceedings
Two formal complaints were filed against Judge Pacuribot, initiated by Ms. Tan and Ms. Villafranca, citing incidents of sexual harassment and abuse within the court's premises. Additional complaints reached the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) through anonymous letters detailing allegations of harassment and illicit relations with another individual. The OCA recommended an investigation and temporary suspension of Judge Pacuribot while both complaints were addressed.
Investigation and Findings
The investigation was conducted by Justice Teresita Dy-Liacco Flores, focusing on the testimonies of both complainants. Ms. Tan detailed an alarming incident that took place on October 20, 2004, involving coercion and sexual assault in a motel where Judge Pacuribot allegedly made threatening remarks and displayed a firearm to intimidate her into compliance with his advances. Similarly, Ms. Villafranca recounted an incident from February 22, 2005, when she was misled into a situation with Judge Pacuribot, resulting in sexual assault. The investigation found their testimonies credible, reflecting consistent patterns of manipulation and intimidation by the judge.
Judge Pacuribot's Defense
Judge Pacuribot vehemently denied all allegations, asserting an alibi that he was not present at the sites of the alleged incidents during the specified dates. He depicted the complaints as contrived and claimed they were coerced by ulterior motives connected to personal grievances, including concerns over his management and prior disciplinary measures against the complainants.
Assessments of Credibility
The investigation critically analyzed Judge Pacuribot's denial and established that mere denial lacked evidentiary weight compared to the positive testimonies presented by the complainants. The testimonies demonstrated a psychological and emotional context that facilitated the assaults, including the coercive dynamics of their professional relationships with Judge Pacuribot.
Judicial Code and Ethical Violations
The acts committed by Judge Pacuribot constituted a violation of multiple standards within the Code of Judicial Conduct, explicitly emphasizing the necessity for judges to maintain moral integrity and the high standards expected from judicial personnel. His conduct was as
...continue readingCase Syllabus (A.M. No. RTJ-06-1982, RTJ-06-1983)
Case Overview
- The case involves consolidated complaints against Judge Rexel M. Pacuribot, Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 27, Gingoog City.
- The complaints were brought by Sherlita O. Tan and Johanna M. Villafranca, both court employees, alleging sexual harassment, and by anonymous citizens raising concerns about Judge Pacuribot's behavior and personal conduct.
Complaints Filed
- Complainant 1: Sherlita O. Tan, a court stenographer, filed her affidavit-complaint on December 4, 2005, accusing Judge Pacuribot of sexual harassment.
- Complainant 2: Johanna M. Villafranca, a Clerk II, filed her affidavit-complaint on December 20, 2005, with similar accusations.
- Anonymous Letters: Additional letters from concerned citizens alleged that Judge Pacuribot terrorized court employees and had an illicit relationship with a woman named Sheryl Gamulo, with whom he fathered two children.
Initial Investigations
- The Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) issued a memorandum on December 14, 2005, recommending the referral of complaints for investigation and immediate suspension of Judge Pacuribot.
- On March 7, 2006, the court suspended Judge Pacuribot pending further investigation.
Investigating Justice's Findings
- Justice Teresita Dy-Liacco Flores investigated the complaints and submitted a detailed report on October 8, 2007, outlining the findings of both complainants.
Account of Sherlita O. Tan
- Incident Details: Tan recounted an incident on October 20, 2004, when Judge Pacuribot forcibly took her to a motel after deceiving her into believing he would drop her off at a bus terminal.
- Behavior of the Judge: Judge Pacuribot displayed aggressive behavior, made u