A.M. No. P-08-2436 (Formerly OCA I.P.I. No. 06-2394-P) - TEOPICIO TAN, COMPLAINANT, VS. SALVACION D. SERMONIA, CLERK IV, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT IN CITIES, ILOILO CITY,R E S O L U T I O N - Supreme Court E-Library

Ruling

accordingly betrays not only a recalcitrant streak in character, but also disrespect for the Court's lawful order and directive. [25] This contumacious conduct of refusing to abide by the lawful directives issued by the Court has, likewise, been considered as an utter lack of interest to remain with, if not contempt of, the system. [26] Sermonia's insolence is further aggravated by the fact that she is an employee of the Judiciary, who, more than an ordinary citizen, should be aware of her duty to obey the orders and processes of the Supreme Court without delay. For her failure to timely file her comment on Tan's Complaint as directed by the OCA, Sermonia should be admonished. WHEREFORE , respondent Salvacion D. Sermonia, Clerk IV of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities, Iloilo City, is adjudged guilty of willful failure to pay a just debt, for which she is SUSPENDED for 6 months without pay. She is further ordered to pay complainant Teopico Tan P15,145.50, plus 12% interest per annum, 25% attorney's fees, and the costs of suit, as decreed in the MTCC Decision dated 29 December 2003 in Civil Case No. 20730, within six (6) months from receipt of this Resolution. Additionally, Sermonia is ADMONISHED for her repeated failure to promptly file her Comment as directed by the Office of the Court Administrator. Finally, Sermonia is WARNED that a commission of the same or similar acts in the future, including a violation of this Resolution, shall be dealt with more severely. Let a copy of this Resolution be attached to Sermonia's 201 file. SO ORDERED.