A.M. NO. P-05-1945 (FORMERLY A.M. OCA IPI NO. 03-1605-P) - EVELYN T. HONCULADA, COMPLAINANT VS. VICTORIANO S. RAGAY, JR., COURT INTERPRETER, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 41, DUMAGUETE CITY.D E C I S I O N - Supreme Court E-Library

Ruling

accordingly dismissed the respondent from the service. The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees provides that every public servant shall uphold public interest over his or her personal interest at all times. Court personnel, from the presiding judge to the lowest clerk, are required to conduct themselves always beyond reproach, circumscribed with the heavy burden of responsibility as to free them from any suspicion that may taint the good image of the judiciary. [13] Far from observing this norm of conduct, respondents actuations in the instant case raise suspicion that he misappropriated the amount of P3,000.00 which he solicited from one of the parties without court authority. The foregoing acts of respondent indubitably establish his guilt and justify his dismissal. WHEREFORE, the Court finds respondent Victoriano S. Ragay, Jr., Court Interpreter, Regional Trial Court, Branch 41, Dumaguete City, GUILTY of grave misconduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and improper solicitation, and hereby orders his immediate DISMISSAL from the service with FORFEITURE of all leave credits and retirement benefits due. He is hereby DISQUALIFIED from reemployment in the government service, including government owned and/or controlled corporations. SO ORDERED.