Case Summary (A.C. No. 5379)
Allegations Against Judge Pardo
The allegations against Judge Pardo include claims of demanding and receiving money in exchange for favorable judicial actions. Notable allegations involve:
- Criminal Case No. 1427 - Judge Pardo allegedly received P6,000 from Rosendo Discipulo for a favorable decision on a probation application.
- Land Registration Case No. 223-2002 - It was claimed that Judge Pardo collected P1,000 for expedited service.
- Criminal Case No. 1581 - Allegation of demanding a deer from the accused Johny Kimayong for a favorable ruling.
- Additional accusations include receiving money from Richard Calpito and goods such as a cow from Michael Garingan, purportedly for endorsing their candidacies for court positions.
- He was also accused of directing an RTC employee to illegally take court property (specifically, two cans of paint) for personal use.
Judge Pardo's Defense
In his defense, Judge Pardo vehemently denied all allegations presented by Tuldague and Balajo. He stated that Rosendo's claims were false, presenting witnesses—including Fr. Lazo—who testified that no money was exchanged during his interactions with Rosendo. Pardo also claimed that the accusations stemmed from a personal vendetta because he had implemented strict protocols regarding court procedures and management, which displeased Tuldague.
Allegations Against Jaime Calpatura
Calpatura was accused of acting as a fixer and bagman for Judge Pardo by soliciting bribes from litigants:
- Criminal Case Involvement - Allegations asserted that Calpatura solicited P10,000 to ensure a favorable court ruling on a probation application.
- Testimonies from various witnesses, such as Alberto Gorospe and Juanito Pascua, involved claims of Calpatura expecting goats or money for Judge Pardo’s birthday or for expediting cases.
Calpatura's Defense
Calpatura denied any wrongdoing and claimed he was not involved in corrupt practices. He asserted that the allegations were fabricated, emphasizing that witnesses who testified against him lacked credibility or direct knowledge of the accused events.
Judicial Audit Findings
A judicial audit conducted in August 2005 revealed significant case backlog and management issues in the RTC. Reports indicated 44 cases were unresolved or inactive for extensive periods, and certain cases had exceeded the legally mandated deadlines for resolutions. The audit findings contributed to the identification of systemic problems in Judge Pardo's conduct and case management.
Recommendations by the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA)
The OCA ultimately found Judge Pardo liable for violating the New Code of Judicial Conduct, specifically for having a conduct perceived as improper due to his relationship with a litigant who was currently before him in a pending matter. The OCA recommended that while allegations of corruption and other serious offenses should be dismissed due to insufficient evidence, Judge Pardo be fined P20,000 for his inappropriate actions.
Court's Final Ruling
The court found that the evidence presented by complainants Tuldague and Balajo was circumstantial and insufficient to conclusively prove corruption and other grave misconduct claims against Judge Pardo and Calpatura. However, it ruled Judge Pardo was guilty of gross misconduct given the a
...continue readingCase Syllabus (A.C. No. 5379)
Introduction
- The case involves administrative complaints against Judge Moises Pardo and Jaime Calpatura, concerning allegations of corruption and violations of the New Code of Judicial Conduct.
- The complaints were filed by Atty. Jessie Tuldague and Atty. Alfredo Balajo, who alleged various misconducts against the respondents.
Background of the Case
- Three administrative complaints were consolidated:
- A.M. No. RTJ-05-1962: Allegations against Judge Pardo for corruption.
- A.M. OCA IPI No. 05-2243-P: Allegations against Calpatura for corruption, in connection with Judge Pardo.
- A.M. No. 05-10-661-RTC: Report on a judicial audit in the Regional Trial Court of Cabarroguis, Quirino.
Allegations Against Judge Moises Pardo
- Criminal Case No. 1427: Allegedly received P6,000 from Rosendo Discipulo for a favorable probation decision.
- Allegation supported by Rosendo’s claim of being solicited for P10,000.
- Rosendo claimed he delivered P6,000 to Pardo while socializing at his residence.
- Land Registration Case No. 223-2002: Allegedly received P1,000 from John F. Toribio for a speedy action on his case.
- Criminal Case No. 1581: Allegedly received a deer from Johny Kimayong in exchange for a favorable decision.
- Alleged receipt of P10,000 from Richard Calpito for endorsing him to a position.
- Allegedly received a cow from Michael T. Garingan for a similar endorsement.
- Misappropriation of court property: Allegedly ordered an employee to take two cans of paint for personal use.
Judge Pardo's Defense
- Judge Pardo