AM 07 7 343 RTC; (September 2007) (Digest)
A.M. No. 07-7-343-RTC. September 5, 2007. RE: ABSENCE WITHOUT OFFICIAL LEAVE (AWOL) OF MR. ROBERT L. BORCILLO, UTILITY WORKER I, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF ILOILO CITY, BRANCH 28.
FACTS:
This administrative case concerns Robert L. Borcillo, a Utility Worker I at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Iloilo City, Branch 28. The presiding judge issued a memorandum dated February 27, 2007, detailing Borcillo’s habitual absenteeism from October 2006 to January 2007, his failure to be present during prescribed office hours on specific dates, and his non-submission of Daily Time Records (DTRs) for November and December 2006 and January 2007. The memorandum directed him to explain his absences and omissions within five days.
Borcillo failed to submit any written explanation or comply with the directive. He had not reported for work, applied for leave, or submitted his DTRs since November 2006, placing him on Absence Without Official Leave (AWOL). The Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) recommended that he be dropped from the rolls and his position declared vacant.
ISSUE
Whether respondent Robert L. Borcillo should be administratively disciplined for being continuously absent without official leave.
RULING
Yes. The Supreme Court approved the OCA’s recommendation and ordered Borcillo dropped from the rolls. The legal basis is Rule XVI, Section 63 of the Omnibus Civil Service Rules and Regulations, as amended, which mandates that an employee continuously absent without approved leave for at least thirty (30) calendar days shall be considered on AWOL and separated from service without prior notice. Borcillo’s unauthorized absence since November 2006 clearly falls under this rule.
The Court emphasized that such conduct by a court employee disrupts judicial operations and is prejudicial to public service. It constitutes a gross disregard of official duties and a violation of the public accountability required of all government personnel. By going on AWOL, Borcillo failed to uphold the standards of responsibility, integrity, and efficiency essential to the judiciary, conduct which diminishes public faith in the justice system. His separation from service is therefore warranted.