A.M. No. P-17-3639 (Formerly OCA I.P.I. No. 14-4314-P) - MA. CECILIA FERMINA T. ROXAS, COMPLAINANT, V. ALLEN FRANCISCO S. SICAT, SHERIFF III, OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT IN CITIES, ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA.

Ruling

Accordingly, a sheriff must comply with his mandated ministerial duty as speedily as possible. x x x x x x The long delay in the execution of the judgments and the failure to accomplish the required periodic reports demonstrate respondent sheriffs gross neglect and gross inefficiency in the performance of his official duties. Likewise, respondent sheriffs receipt of the money in his official capacity and his failure to turn over the amount to the clerk of court is an act of misappropriation of funds amounting to dishonesty. x x x Time and again, this Court has pointed out the heavy burden and responsibility which court personnel are saddled with in view of their exalted positions as keepers of the public faith. They should, therefore, be constantly reminded that any impression of impropriety, misdeed or negligence in the performance of official functions must be avoided. Those who work in the judiciary must adhere to high ethical standards to preserve the courts' good name and standing. They should be examples of responsibility, competence and efficiency, and they must discharge their duties with due care and utmost diligence, since they are officers of the court and agents of the law. Indeed, any conduct, act or omission on the part of those who would violate the norm of public accountability and diminish or even just tend to diminish the faith of the people in the judiciary shall not be countenanced. [80] Section 46, Rule 10, of the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service classifies gross neglect of duty and grave misconduct as grave offenses punishable by dismissal from the service for the first offense. The Court notes that respondent was previously administratively charged in A.M. No. P-00-1423, [81] and was found guilty of misconduct for implementing a writ that was not addressed to him and for non-observance of Section 10, Rule 39 of the Rules of Court. Respondent was penalized with suspension for six (6) months without pay with a stem warning that a repetition of the same or similar acts in the future will be dealt with more severely. WHEREFORE , respondent Allen Francisco S. Sicat, Sheriff III, Office of the Clerk of Court, Municipal Trial Court in Cities, Angeles City, Pampanga, is found GUILTY of gross neglect of duty, inefficiency in the performance of official duties and misconduct and is ORDERED DISMISSED from the service with forfeiture of all retirement benefits and privileges, except accrued leave credits, with prejudice to re-employment in any branch or instrumentality of the government, including government­ owned or controlled corporations. SO ORDERED.