A.M. No. P-22-053 (Formerly OCA IPI No. 15-4466-P) - JUDGE JAIME B. SANTIAGO, COMPLAINANT, VS. ROMELITO G. FERNANDO, UTILITY WORKER I, BRANCH 18, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, [RTC], TAGAYTAY CITY, CAVITE.R E S O L U T I O N - Supreme Court E-Library

Ruling

Accordingly, their conduct must be guided by strict propriety and decorum at all times in order to merit and maintain the public's respect for, and trust, in the Judiciary. [52] There is no place in the judiciary for those who cannot meet the exacting standards of judicial conduct and integrity. WHEREFORE , the Court finds respondent Romelito G. Fernando GUILTY of two (2) counts of GROSS INSUBORDINATION and one (1) count of GROSS MISCONDUCT constituting a violation of the Code of Conduct of Court Personnel. Respondent Romelito G. Fernando is meted the penalty, under Section 18(a) of the Revised Rule 140 of the Rules of Court, of forfeiture of all benefits, except accrued leave credits, and disqualification from reinstatement or appointment to any public office, including government-owned or controlled corporations. He is also ordered to pay a FINE in the aggregate amount of P300,000.00 within a period not exceeding three (3) months from the time this Resolution is promulgated. If unpaid, such amount shall be deducted from the salaries and benefits, including accrued leave credits due to respondent. Finally, respondent Romelito G. Fernando is ordered to RETURN to Mrs. Lolita Borja the amount of P40,000.00, with interest rate at 6% per annum from finality of this Resolution until full payment. SO ORDERED.