Case Summary (A.M. No. RTJ-09-2211)
Allegations Against Judge Villegas
Evangeline accused Judge Villegas of undue delay in rendering decisions, fraternizing with litigants involved in her case, and violating the Code of Judicial Conduct. The complaint stemmed from a visit Evangeline made on September 11, 2007, to the court in Dumaguete City seeking information about her annulment case. During this visit, it was revealed that her case records were at Judge Villegas's residence, leading her to discover that Judge Villegas and Carmelita were neighbors. Evangeline expressed concerns about the potential bias in the proceedings due to this proximity and the perceived delay, alleging that the delay was beneficial to Carmelita.
Petitioner’s Actions and Concerns
Evangeline filed a petition on January 31, 2008, requesting to change the venue of her annulment case to Manila, asserting that she did not feel confident in receiving a fair trial in Dumaguete after filing an administrative complaint against Judge Villegas. She highlighted a significant delay, indicating that the case filed on March 6, 2003, had barely progressed five years later, remaining stuck in the pre-trial stage.
Judge Villegas's Explanation
In response to the complaint, Judge Villegas submitted a comment detailing that Evangeline failed to present critical information about the annulment of her marriage, specifically a decision from March 24, 1986, declaring it null and void. He also denied the allegations regarding fraternization and contended that his workload hindered prompt action on the case, estimating he handled between 10 to 12 cases daily.
Evidence and Counterclaims
In Evangeline's reply, she insisted on the close proximity of their residences and challenged the authenticity of the annulment that Judge Villegas referenced, claiming that it was fabricated. She questioned the timing of the registration of her annulment and suggested it indicated collusion involved in the handling of her case.
Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) Report
The OCA concluded that Judge Villegas was liable for undue delay due to his failure to resolve the motions and incidents associated with Civil Case No. 192 in a timely manner. The OCA determined that his performance reflected gross inefficiency, with the recommendation for a corresponding penalty.
Court’s Ruling and Recommendations
The Court accepted the OCA's findings, particularl
...continue readingCase Syllabus (A.M. No. RTJ-09-2211)
Case Overview
- The case involves a verified complaint filed by Evangeline Vera Cruz against Judge Winston M. Villegas of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 43, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.
- The complaint, dated November 26, 2007, alleges several charges against Judge Villegas, including undue delay in rendering decisions, fraternizing with litigants, and violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Allegations Against Judge Villegas
- Undue Delay: Evangeline asserts that her annulment case (Civil Case No. 192) has been stagnant for over a year, with no significant progress since the last hearing on July 6, 2006.
- Fraternization with Litigants: Evangeline claims that Judge Villegas has a close relationship with Dra. Carmelita Vera Cruz, a co-defendant in her annulment case, raising suspicions about the fairness of the proceedings.
- Violation of Judicial Conduct: The conduct of Judge Villegas is questioned based on the allegations of delay and potential conflicts of interest.
Background of the Complaint
- Evangeline visited Dumaguete City on September 11, 2007, to inquire about the status of her annulment case.
- Upon her visit, the clerk of court, Atty. Jaime Jasmin, revealed that the case record was at Judge Villegas' residence, leading to her discovery of their proximity.
- Evangeline expressed concerns that the delay in her case was beneficial to Carmelita and detrimental to her interests.
Petition for Change of Venue
- On January 31, 2008, Evangeline filed a petition to transfer her case from Judge Villegas' sala to Manila, citi