Case Summary (A.M. No. CA-07-21-P)
Procedural Background
The administrative complaint against Atty. Dabon was filed by Nelson Valdez and subsequently assigned to Justice Rosalinda Asuncion-Vicente for investigation. Initial attempts to serve court orders to Atty. Dabon were unsuccessful, as he was purportedly out of the country. Efforts included courier services and process servers visiting various addresses associated with the respondent, including his residence in Pandacan, Manila, and a provincial address in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Allegations of Harassment and Immorality
Nelson Valdez presented evidence outlining a five-year illicit affair between Atty. Dabon and Sonia starting in November 2000. Allegations included that Sonia attempted to end the relationship but was met with harassment and threats from Atty. Dabon. Incidents described by the complainant included Atty. Dabon forcibly boarding Sonia’s car and bringing her to a motel against her will. The complaints culminated in formal accusations of gross immorality and threats.
Falsification and Unauthorized Travel
It was alleged that Atty. Dabon left for the United States shortly after the complaint was lodged, without the requisite travel authority from the Supreme Court. Nelson claimed that the respondent omitted his status as a government employee in his embarkation card, constituting falsification and misrepresentation.
Findings of the Investigating Justice
The Investigating Justice found substantial evidence supporting the allegations made by the complainant, noting that the respondent's actions constituted gross immoral conduct. The evidence included sworn statements from Sonia's coworkers, asserting the reality of Atty. Dabon’s harassment and the illicit relationship. It was further established that Atty. Dabon’s trip to the USA was an attempt to evade the consequences of the pending administrative complaint.
Violation of Administrative Rules
Atty. Dabon was found to have violated Administrative Matter No. 99-12-08-SC, which requires a judicial employee to secure travel authority before leaving the country. The Investigating Justice determined that this violation, coupled with the evidence of gross immorality, warranted administrative action.
Recommended Sanction
While the Investigating Justice initially recommended a fine equivalent to six months' salary
...continue readingCase Syllabus (A.M. No. CA-07-21-P)
Case Background
- The case involves a complaint filed by Nelson P. Valdez against Atty. Antolin Allyson M. Dabon for gross immorality, gross violation of Administrative Matter No. 99-12-08-SC, and falsification/misrepresentation.
- Atty. Dabon was the Division Clerk of Court of the Court of Appeals and allegedly had an illicit relationship with Sonia Valdez, the complainant’s wife, which began in November 2000 and lasted until March 2006.
- The complaint was assigned to Associate Justice Rosalinda Asuncion-Vicente for investigation.
Procedural History
- An initial Order was issued on June 5, 2006, directing the parties to attend a preliminary conference, which was later canceled due to issues of service on the respondent.
- Attempts to serve the respondent at both his Manila and Pampanga addresses were unsuccessful; he was reported to be in the United States.
- An Amended Order on June 16, 2006, required the respondent to submit his Answer within 15 days, with failure to do so resulting in the case being deemed submitted for resolution.
Allegations of Harassment
- Nelson Valdez alleged that after his wife decided to end her relationship with Atty. Dabon, the latter began harassing