G.R. No. A.M. No. P-17-3731, November 8, 2017
FERDINAND E. TAURO, Court Interpreter, Regional Trial Court, Branch 122, Caloocan City, Complainant vs. RACQUEL O. ARCE, Clerk III, Regional Trial Court, Branch 122, Caloocan City, Respondent

FACTS

Complainant Ferdinand E. Tauro, a Court Interpreter, charged respondent Racquel O. Arce, a Clerk III of the same branch, with serious misconduct. The incident occurred on May 3, 2012, when respondent, looking for missing case folders under her custody, confronted and loudly accused complainant of taking them, calling him a liar and telling him to resign. Despite interventions from co-workers, respondent allegedly continued with slanderous remarks and, in a fit of anger, brandished a kitchen knife towards complainant, an act prevented by other court personnel.
In her defense, respondent admitted an argument ensued after complainant was evasive about the missing records she believed he took to update the court calendar. She conceded stating, out of anger, “pag hindi ka pa tumigil… sasaksakin na kita,” and holding a knife, but denied any intent to harm, claiming she was merely overwhelmed. Complainant, in reply, asserted his actions were within his duties and that respondent’s rank was lower, accusing her of having a motive to oust him.

ISSUE

Whether the conduct of both complainant and respondent during their altercation warrants the imposition of administrative sanctions.

RULING

Yes, both parties are administratively liable for conduct unbecoming of court employees. The Court, adopting the Office of the Court Administrator’s (OCA) findings, emphasized that judiciary personnel must conduct themselves with professionalism, courtesy, and dignity at all times to preserve the public’s respect for the judiciary. Their scandalous behavior, involving a heated verbal altercation and the brandishing of a knife within court premises during office hours, displayed a cavalier attitude and utter lack of decorum. This act erodes the esteem for the judiciary and disrupts the order and discipline expected in a court of justice.
The Court found that while the allegation of serious misconduct against respondent was not fully substantiated, her admission to the argument and handling a knife during the confrontation demonstrated a failure to control her emotions, making her conduct reprehensible. Similarly, complainant’s participation in the altercation and his disrespectful attitude contributed to the unprofessional incident. Citing precedent (Ginete v. Caballero), the Court held that such fighting and shouting during office hours constitute arrant discourtesy. Consequently, both parties were found guilty of conduct unbecoming a court employee. Each was fined Five Thousand Pesos (₱5,000.00) with a stern warning that a repetition would be dealt with more severely.