Manila
SECOND DIVISION
[ A.M. No. RTJ-18-2536 (Formerly OCA IPI No. 15-4396-RTJ). October 10, 2018 ]
GOV. EDGARDO A. TALLADO, COMPLAINANT, V. HON. WINSTON S. RACOMA, PRESIDING JUDGE, BRANCH 39, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT (RTC), DAET, CAMARINES NORTE, RESPONDENT.
D E C I S I O N
CAGUIOA, J:
Before this Court is a Complaint Affidavit1 filed before the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) by Complainant Governor Edgardo A. Tallado (Tallado) against Respondent Judge Winston S. Racoma (Judge Racoma), Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 39 in Daet, Camarines Norte, for Gross Ignorance of the Law and Procedure and violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
The Factual Antecedents
The instant complaint arose from the Temporary Restraining Order2 (TRO) dated April 23, 2015 issued by Judge Racoma in favor of Mayor Agnes D. Ang (Ang), the respondent, in Civil Case No. 8080, in connection with Administrative Case No. 04-2014 entitled "Jose T. Segundo vs. Hon. Agnes D. Ang,"3 for Dishonesty, Misconduct in Office, Grave Abuse of Authority and violation of Republic Act No. (R.A.) 91844 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
On October 15, 2014, Punong Barangay Jose T. Segundo (Segundo), of Barangay Sabang, Vinzons, Camarines Norte, filed before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Camarines Norte a Verified Complaint5 against Ang, then Municipal Mayor of Vinzons, Camarines Norte, for Dishonesty, Misconduct in Office, Grave Abuse of Authority and violation of R.A. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. Segundo accused Ang of implementing the third phase of the rehabilitation of the seawall of Barangay Sula in Vinzons, Camarines Norte, without first complying with the requirements set forth under R.A. No. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
On April 14, 2015, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan issued Resolution No. 159-2015,6 "A Resolution Recommending to Honorable Governor Edgardo A. Tallado to place Mayor Agnes D. Ang under Preventive Suspension for a period not exceeding sixty (60) days from service of the Preventive Suspension Order."7
On the same day, Tallado, upon receipt of a copy of the above mentioned Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution, issued a Notice of Preventive Suspension8 and directed Acting Provincial Warden Reynaldo N. Pajarillo to serve the same on Ang.9 After the service of the subject Notice of Preventive Suspension on Ang, then Vice-Mayor Radames Herrera took his oath of office as Municipal Mayor of Vinzons, Camarines Norte.
On April 15, 2015, Ang filed before the RTC a Petition10 for Certiorari and Prohibition under Rule 65, with Prayer for TRO/Preliminary Injunction, entitled, "Mayor Agnes D. Ang vs. Governor Edgardo A. Tallado, Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Camarines Norte, rep. by Vice Governor Jonah Pimentel, Jose T. Segundo and Vice Mayor Radames F. Herrera,"11 docketed as Civil Case No. 8080. The case was filed before the Office of the Executive Judge, Hon. Arniel A. Dating (Judge Dating), the Presiding Judge of Branch 41, RTC, Daet, Camarines Norte.
Judge Dating simultaneously issued an Order12 denying Ang's application for a seventy-two (72) hour TRO on the ground that no factual matters were shown to prove that the preventive suspension order issued by Tallado would result in irreparable injury on the part of Ang. Judge Dating then directed that Civil Case No. 8080 be included in the regular raffle of cases.13 Civil Case No. 8080 was thereafter raffled to Judge Racoma, who immediately issued a Notice of Hearing14 setting the hearing on the application for TRO on April 20, 2015.
During the hearing on April 20, 2015, Tallado manifested before Judge Racoma that the respondents in Civil Case No. 8080 already performed what Ang was seeking to enjoin by way of a TRO, to wit: (a) on the part of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, it had already issued Resolution No. 159-2015; (b) on the part of Tallado, the issuance of the Preventive Suspension Order against Ang; and (c) on the part of Herrera, he had already taken his oath of office as Municipal Mayor of Vinzons, Camarines Norte on April 15, 2015 and has been performing his functions as such.
On April 23, 2015, Judge Racoma issued a TRO against the respondents in Civil Case No. 8080. Judge Racoma ruled in this wise:
x x x. Given the gravity of the charges and the complexity of the antecedent events in this case, this Court has taken a stance to maintain the status quo prior to the occurrence of the act sought to be stopped—the preventive suspension— in order to avert possible material injury on the petitioner. This preservation of status quo is deemed essential while the Court is in the process of hearing and examining more closely the issues of the case.
Furthermore, after taking into consideration the evidence so far presented by the petitioner, the Court is convinced that there is exists sufficient showing that said petitioner is bound to suffer grave irreparable injury from the implementation of the assailed preventive suspension. Section 3 of Rule 58 of the Rules of Court states that injunctive relief may be granted if the commission, continuance or non-performance of the act or acts complained of during the litigation would probably work injustice to the applicant. Suspended from office, petitioner Ang is then effectively stripped of her obligation and right to carry out her mandated duty to her constituents as their elective leader, even as basis of the preventive suspension does not rest on firm grounds. What is more, the most imperative factor in this milieu is the constituents themselves. Thus, as the Supreme Court held in the Garcia15 case, "at this point we must emphasize that the suspension from office of an elective official, whether as a preventive measure or as a penalty, will undeservedly deprive the electorate of the services of the person they have conscientiously chosen and voted into office[,]" so must this Court be guided by the same consideration in arriving at its conclusion.16 (Emphasis supplied)
On May 5, 2015, Tallado filed the instant Complaint against Judge Racoma, praying that Judge Racoma be disciplined. Tallado alleged that Judge Racoma violated the Judicial Affidavit Rule when he admitted in evidence the judicial affidavit17 executed by Ang because the subject judicial affidavit did not have the required sworn attestation by the lawyer who assisted Ang in preparing her judicial affidavit.18
Tallado further averred that Judge Racoma grossly violated Section 4 (d) of Rule 58 of the Rules of Court when the latter did not allow Tallado and his co-respondents in Civil Case No. 8080 to present their evidence, despite the requests of respondents' counsels to allow them to present evidence.19
In addition, Tallado also claimed that Judge Racoma issued the questioned TRO without discussing the basis of its issuance. Tallado further asserted that the issuance of the subject TRO was tainted with grave abuse of discretion as it was issued capriciously, whimsically, arbitrarily, despotically and by reason of passion and prejudice towards him and the provincial government of Camarines Norte.20
The OCA issued 1st Indorsement21 dated May 19, 2015, directing Judge Racoma to submit a Comment on the Complaint filed by Tallado within ten (10) days from receipt of the subject Indorsement.
On July 29, 2015, Judge Racoma filed a Motion for Extension of Time to file his Comment,22 requesting for an additional period of twenty (20) days within which to file his Comment. The Office of the Court Administrator granted Judge Racoma's subject Motion in a Letter23 dated August 4, 2015.
On October 20, 2015, Tallado filed a Notice of Withdrawal of Complaint24 in view of the conciliatory efforts to bridge and establish good relations with Ang for the benefit of the institutions and constituents they represent.
In a Letter25 dated October 26, 2015, the OCA informed Tallado that his Notice of Withdrawal of Complaint cannot be given due course because "in administrative complaints, the complainant is not given the option to withdraw once the matter has been raised before this office and/or the Court."26 In view of the failure of Judge Racoma to file his Comment despite the lapse of period granted to him, the OCA issued a 1st Tracer27 dated January 18, 2016, reiterating its directive for Judge Racoma to file his Comment within ten (10) days from receipt thereof.
As of date, Judge Racoma has yet to file his Comment on the instant Complaint.
DCA Report and Recommendation
In a Report28 dated November 16, 2017, the OCA recommended that the administrative complaint filed by Tallado against Judge Racoma be dismissed for lack of merit. The OCA however recommended that Judge Racoma be found guilty of Insubordination, and accordingly be fined in the amount of Eleven Thousand Pesos (P11,000.00).
The OCA found that contrary to Tallado's allegations, Judge Racoma followed the standard procedure in hearing the injunction case filed by Ang. Judge Racoma issued a Notice of Hearing29 dated April 23, 2015, which was received by Tallado. On the scheduled hearing, Tallado was able to manifest in open court that the application for TRO filed by Ang was already overtaken by events. The OCA held that contrary to his assertions, Tallado was given the opportunity to present his evidence in court.30
While Tallado claimed that Judge Racoma issued the questioned TRO without any discussion on the basis of its issuance, the OCA observed that Judge Racoma gave his reasons for granting the TRO and cited jurisprudence to support his decision.31
In view of Tallado's failure to establish the factual and legal basis for the charges against Judge Racoma, the OCA recommended that the instant complaint be dismissed.32
The OCA however recommended that Judge Racoma be fined for his failure to file the required Comment as directed by the OCA, despite several opportunities given him.33
The Court 's Ruling
After a judicious examination of the records and submission of the parties, the Court upholds the findings and recommendation of the OCA.
The OCA correctly observed that the records of the case readily show that Judge Racoma followed the standard procedure in hearing the injunction case filed by Ang. Judge Racoma also aptly explained his legal basis for granting the TRO in his Order dated April 23, 2015. Tallado claimed that Judge Racoma misapplied the jurisprudence he cited in the subject Order.34
Not every error or mistake by a judge in the performance of his official duties however renders him administratively liable. In the absence of fraud, dishonesty or corruption, the acts of a judge in his judicial capacity are not subject to disciplinary action.35 The Court has ruled that "no judge can be held administratively liable for gross misconduct, ignorance of the law, or incompetence in the adjudication of cases unless his acts constituted fraud, dishonesty or corruption; or were imbued with malice or ill-will, bad faith, or deliberate intent to do an injustice."36
Additionally, the Court held in the case of Romero v. Judge Luna,37 thus:
As a matter of policy[,] "an administrative case is not the [proper] remedy for every act of a judge deemed aberrant or irregular." The administrative case cannot be used as a remedy to challenge the assailed order or decision rendered by the respondent judge nor cannot be used as a substitute for other judicial remedies. Errors committed by a judge in the exercise of adjudicative functions cannot be corrected through administrative proceedings, but should be assailed through judicial remedies. It is only after the available judicial remedies have been exhausted and the appellate tribunals have spoken with finality, that the door to an inquiry into his criminal, civil or administrative liability may be said to have opened and closed.38 (Emphasis supplied)
In this case, there was no evidence to show that Judge Racoma was motivated by bad faith, fraud, or corruption when he granted the prayer for the issuance of a TRO.ℒαwρhi৷
Considering the circumstances of this case and the lack of malice and bad faith on the part of Judge Racoma, the administrative complaint against Judge Racoma is dismissed for lack of merit.
The Court however agrees with the OCA that Judge Racoma's failure to submit the required Comment reveals a failure to live up to the standards required of a government employee for failing to comply with the Court's orders.
Section 9, Rule 140 of the Rules of Court provides that violation of Supreme Court's rules, directives and circulars is considered as a less serious offense. Since Judge Racoma has been previously found guilty of Undue Delay in the Rendition of Judgment in A.M. No. RTJ-14-2373 (formerly OCA IPI No. 10-3533-RTJ)39 and A.M. No. RTJ-10-223340 and has been fined in the amount of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) in each case, the Court agrees with the OCA that a fine in the amount of Eleven Thousand Pesos (P11,000.00) is warranted under the circumstances.
WHEREFORE, the administrative complaint filed by Governor Edgardo A. Tallado against respondent Judge Winston S. Racoma is hereby DISMISSED for lack of merit. The Court however finds respondent Judge Winston S. Racoma GUILTY of Insubordination under Section 9, Rule 140 of the Rules of Court, and is hereby directed to pay a fine of Eleven Thousand Pesos (P11,000.00), with a STERN WARNING that a repetition of the same or similar offense shall be dealt with more severity by the Court.
SO ORDERED.
Carpio (Chairperson), Perlas-Bernabe, and A. Reyes, Jr., JJ., concur.
J. Reyes, Jr.,* J., on wellness leave.
Footnotes
* Designated additional Member per Special Order No. 2587 dated August 28, 2018. On wellness leave.
1 Rollo , pp. 1-15.
2 Id. at 128-132.
3 Id. at 16.
4 AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE MODERNIZATION, STANDARDIZATION AND REGULATION OF THE PROCUREMENT ACTIVITIES OF THE GOVERNMENT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
5 Rollo, pp. 16-24.
6 Id. at 75-77.
7 Id.
8 Id. at 78.
9 Id. at 78-81.
10 Id. at 92-116.
11 Id. at 92.
12 Id. at 91.
13 Id.
14 Id. at 117.
15 604 Phil. 677, 692 (2009).
16 Rollo, p. 130.
17 Id. at 118-126.
18 Id. at 7-8.
19 Id. at 143.
20 Id. at 9.
21 Id. at 133.
22 Id. at 134-135.
23 Id. at 136.
24 Id. at 137-138.
25 Id. at 139.
26 Id.; italics supplied.
27 Id. at 140.
28 Id. at 141-147.
29 Id. at 127.
30 Id. at 143-144.
31 Id. at 144.
32 Id.
33 Id. at 145.
34 Id. at 144.
35 Fortune Life Insurance Co., Inc. v. Judge Luczon, Jr., 538 Phil. 561, 570 (2006).
36 Chua v. Judge Madrona, 742 Phil. 98, 112 (2014); italics supplied, citing Andrada v. Hon. Judge Banzon, 592 Phil. 229, 233-234 (2008).
37 A.M. No. RTJ-11-2303 (Formerly A.M. OCA IPI No. 10-3416-RTJ), March 12, 2012 (Unsigned Resolution).
38 Id. at 2-3.
39 Tee v. Judge Racoma, April 7, 2014, p. 4 (Unsigned Resolution).
40 Brinas v. Judge Racoma, April 28, 2010 (Unsigned Resolution).
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