AM 89 296; (March, 1993) (Digest)
G.R. No. A.M. No. P-89-296 March 22, 1993
Office of the Court Administrator vs. Leticia Villar-Nool, Court Interpreter, Regional Trial Court, Branch III
FACTS
The Office of the Court Administrator filed an administrative complaint against respondent Leticia Villar-Nool, a Court Interpreter at the Regional Trial Court, Branch III, Baguio City. The charges were: 1) that on May 18, 1987, she issued a subpoena ad testificandum to inmate Manuel Bala of the New Bilibid Prison to appear in Criminal Case No. 2211-R; 2) that in issuing the subpoena, she signed the name of Caroline B. Pangan, the Acting Branch Clerk of Court, without authorization; and 3) that the records of Criminal Case No. 2211-R did not show Manuel Bala as a witness or involved party. The case was referred to Executive Judge Ruben C. Ayson for investigation. After hearings with sixteen witnesses, Judge Ayson found substantial circumstantial evidence against the respondent. The evidence established that the respondent had exclusive access to court records and subpoena forms, prepared the court calendar, had contacts with prison officials, and engaged in questionable activities outside her duties. Specifically, testimony from inmate Johnny Subli and his wife indicated that the respondent offered to arrange a “living out status” for Subli for a fee of P10,000.00 by issuing subpoenas to justify his travel from prison. An NBI handwriting expert also concluded that the signature on the falsified subpoena was that of the respondent. As a result of the falsified subpoena, Manuel Bala enjoyed living-out status from imprisonment for several months in 1987.
ISSUE
Whether respondent Leticia Villar-Nool is administratively liable for Grave Misconduct and Acts Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service.
RULING
Yes. The Court agreed with the investigative report and found respondent Leticia Villar-Nool guilty of Grave Misconduct and Acts Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service. The Court, en banc, dismissed her from service with forfeiture of all retirement benefits and disqualification from any future appointive government position. A copy of the resolution was ordered to be furnished to the Secretary of Justice and the Director of the Bureau of Prisons.