A.M. NO. MTJ-04-1556 - PURITA LIM, COMPLAINANT, VS. JUDGE CESAR M. DUMLAO, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT, SAN MATEO, ISABELA.D E C I S I O N - Supreme Court E-Library

Ruling

accordingly betrays not only a recalcitrant streak in character, but also disrespect for the Courts lawful order and directive. (Emphasis supplied) [24] In that case, we fined the judge in the amount of P10,000.00 for his failure to comply with our directives. In the present case, a fine of Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) as recommended by the OCA is reasonable penalty for respondent judges repeated failure to file his comment on the complaint. WHEREFORE , premises considered, respondent Judge Cesar M. Dumlao of the Municipal Trial Court of San Mateo, Isabela, is found GUILTY of Gross Ignorance of the Law and Grave Abuse of Authority and is hereby SUSPENDED from office for a period of six (6) months without salary and other benefits with a WARNING that a repetition of the same shall merit a more serious penalty. He is likewise FINED the amount of Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) for his obstinate failure to file comment on the complaint filed against him despite proper notice. SO ORDERED.