G.R. No. P-10-2753; December 15, 2010
Donnabelle D. Ruben, Complainant, vs. Ramil L. Abon, Utility Worker I, Respondent.

FACTS

Donnabelle D. Ruben, a Clerk IV, filed an administrative complaint against Ramil L. Abon, a Utility Worker I, both of the Office of the Clerk of Court, RTC of Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, for conduct unbecoming a court employee. The incident occurred on February 3, 2009, when complainant heard respondent utter in Ilocano a comment about a colleague who “stabs you at your back.” When inquired, respondent identified complainant as the subject. He then alluded to having a voice record to prove she was maligning him, played a brief portion, and left the room.
Complainant alleged that during this encounter, respondent shouted at her. She further claimed that when he returned to the office later, he was drunk and threatened her with a .45 caliber pistol. Respondent, in his defense, denied shouting, being drunk, or threatening complainant with a gun. He claimed he was with an officemate, Hartly Fernandez, and that the Clerk of Court was present when he returned, but he submitted no corroborating affidavits from these individuals to support his version of events.

ISSUE

Whether respondent Ramil L. Abon is administratively liable for conduct unbecoming a court employee.

RULING

Yes, respondent is administratively liable. The Court adopted the findings and recommendation of the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA). The resolution hinged on the credibility of the conflicting versions. Respondent failed to substantiate his denials with corroborating evidence from the witnesses he claimed were present, namely Fernandez and the Clerk of Court. His bare denials were deemed self-serving and deserved scant consideration.
In contrast, absent any showing of ill motive on complainant’s part to fabricate charges, her detailed account was found credible. The Court held that respondent’s actions—shouting at a female co-employee and, more egregiously, threatening her with a loaded firearm—constituted a blatant violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees ( Republic Act No. 6713 ). Such boorish and belligerent behavior is grossly unbecoming of a court employee, who is expected to act with propriety, decorum, and respect for others’ rights at all times. The alleged settlement between the parties does not extinguish administrative liability, as the proceeding is for the protection of the public service. Considering it was his first offense and the claim of settlement, the Court imposed a one-month suspension without pay with a stern warning.