Court clerk suspended for disgraceful conduct

CEBU, Philippines - The Supreme Court First Division suspended the clerk of court of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 4, Cebu City, for allegedly drinking alcohol during office hours inside the court premises.

Division Clerk of Court Edgar Aricheta meted Reynaldo Teves six months suspension for disgraceful and immoral conduct, violation of the code of conduct for court employees and violation of reasonable office rules and regulations.

Former Regional Trial Court executive judge Meinrado Paredes, who made the investigation, said there were photos attached in the records of the alleged incident.

He said as far as he can remember there was a birthday celebration and bottles of alcoholic drinks were placed on a table as shown in the photo. Aricheta said the order of suspension will be effective immediately.

The SC also dismissed the charges filed by Teves against Judge Rosabella Tormis of MTCC Branch 4 and sheriff Edmund Barriga of MTCC Branch 5 for lack of merit and being moot and academic, respectively.

Tormis said she never gave Teves alcoholic drinks as the latter claimed. She added she was under suspension when the incident happened.

However, Aricheta reminded Tormis “to exercise more caution and prudence in her actions to maintain the respect and integrity due to the court.” He added based on his recommendation he absolved Barriga as the latter has retired from government service.

Tormis yesterday said she never knew the recommendation of Paredes but she said she was okay with the decision of the SC.

“I never complained. I consider myself innocent as long as I am not guilty of the said charges,” she said.

Paredes said Teves and Tormis have had misunderstandings for a long time.

The SC likewise dismissed the charges filed by Teves against former MTCC executive judge Oscar Andrino for harsh and oppressive behavior for lack of merit.   - THE FREEMAN