A.M. No. P-14-3240 (Formerly OCA IPI No. 12-3835-P) - GERALYN DELA RAMA, COMPLAINANT, VS. PATRICIA D. DE LEON,* CLERK III, OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, NAGA CITY, CAMARINES SUR.

Ruling

Accordingly, all of her benefits, except accrued leave credits, if any, were FORFEITED, WITH PREJUDICE to [reemployment] or appointment to any public office or employment, including government-owned or controlled corporations. In 2019, De Leon was also found guilty of grave misconduct and willful violation of Supreme Court rules in another administrative matter [28] and was FINED in the amount of Forty Thousand Pesos (P40,000.00). In view of De Leon's earlier dismissal in Judge Contreras v. De Leon , [29] she could no longer be further imposed the same penalty with the accessory penalties inherent therein. The Court hereby affirms with modification the OCA's findings and recommendation and impose a penalty of fine on her instead in lieu of dismissal. As per Section 25, Rule 140 of the Revised Rules of Court, the amount of fine should be within the range of more than P20,000.00 but not exceeding P40,000.00. In light of previous administrative infractions, however, the Court, in the exercise of its due discretion to discipline its ranks, increases the penalty of a fine in the amount of P100,000.00, which she shall be ordered to pay directly to the Court. As a final note, it must be emphasized that the image of a court of justice is mirrored in the conduct, official and otherwise, of the personnel who work thereat. [30] "All Court employees, being public servants in an office dispensing justice, must always act with a high degree of professionalism and responsibility. Their conduct must not only be characterized by propriety and decorum, but must also be in accordance with the law and Court regulations. To maintain the people's respect and faith in the judiciary, Court employees should be models of uprightness, fairness and honesty. They should avoid any act or conduct that would diminish public trust and confidence in the Courts." [31] WHEREFORE , the Court finds Patricia D. De Leon, former Clerk III, Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court of Naga City, Camarines Sur, GUILTY of Gross Misconduct and would have been DISMISSED from the service, had she not been earlier dropped from the rolls. Her retirement and other benefits, except accrued leave credits, would have been FORFEITED and she would have been PERPETUALLY DISQUALIFIED from reemployment in any branch or instrumentality of the government, including government-owned or controlled corporations, had she not been previously held liable in another administrative case. Patricia D. De Leon is hereby FINED in the amount of P100,000.00 to be paid by Patricia D. De Leon directly to the Court. SO ORDERED.