A.M. No. P-17-3731 (Formerly OCA IPI No. 12-3871-P) - FERDINAND E. TAURO, COURT INTERPRETER, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 122, CALOOCAN CITY, COMPLAINANT, VS. RACQUEL O. ARCE, CLERK III, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 122, CALOOCAN CITY.RESOLUTION - Supreme Court E-Library

Ruling

accordingly adopts the findings and recommendation of the OCA. Employees of the judiciary should be very circumspect in the way they conduct themselves both inside and outside the office. [22] Any scandalous behavior or any act that may erode the people's esteem for the judiciary is unbecoming of an employee. [23] Professionalism, respect for the rights of others, good manners and right conduct are expected of all judicial officers and employees. [24] Any transgression or deviation from established norm of conduct, work related or not, amounts to a misconduct. [25] The Court will not countenance and finds reprehensible the altercation that ensued between complainant and respondent, more so since it happened within the premises of the court. [26] In Ginete v. Caballero , [27] where a verbal argument occurred between therein respondent Clerk of Court and respondent Process Server, the Court deemed it proper to fine both transgressors P1,000.00 each, and held, thus: Fighting between court employees during office hours is a disgraceful behavior reflecting adversely on the good image of the judiciary. It displays a cavalier attitude towards the seriousness and dignity with which court business should be treated. Shouting at one another in the workplace and during office hours is arrant discourtesy and disrespect not only towards co-workers, but to the court as well. [28] Noting our ruling in Ginete , the Court finds the penalty recommended by the OCA to be proper. Thus, complainant and respondent shall both be fined in the amount of P5,000.00 each, with a stem warning that a repetition of the same or similar infraction would be dealt with more severely. WHEREFORE , the Court finds complainant Ferdinand E. Tauro and respondent Racquel O. Arce both GUILTY of conduct unbecoming a court employee and imposes on both a FINE in the amount of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) each, with a stem warning that a repetition of the same or similar infraction would be dealt with more severely. SO ORDERED.