G.R. No. A.M. No. P-23-109 (Formerly OCA IPI No. 20-5043-P) and A.M. No. P-23-110 (Formerly JIB FPI No. 21-022-P). February 18, 2025.
Mercedes D. Felongco, Complainant, vs. Gerald Eric F. Sanchez, Clerk III, Branch 108, Regional Trial Court, Cabuyao City, Laguna, Respondent. / Hon. Arnold Rimon Martinez, Presiding Judge, Branch 108, Regional Trial Court, Cabuyao City, Laguna, Petitioner, vs. Gerald Eric F. Sanchez, Clerk III, Branch 108, Regional Trial Court, Cabuyao City, Laguna, Respondent.

FACTS

Two consolidated administrative complaints were filed against respondent Gerald Eric F. Sanchez, Clerk III of Branch 108, Regional Trial Court (RTC), Cabuyao City, Laguna. In A.M. No. P-23-109, complainant Mercedes D. Felongco alleged that Sanchez, in connection with Criminal Case Nos. 229-C-2020 to 231-C-2020 involving her son and daughter-in-law, represented himself as a court employee and promised to help with the cases in exchange for PHP 100,000.00. Felongco personally handed him PHP 50,000.00 on July 4, 2020, and deposited the remaining PHP 50,000.00 to a BDO account on July 20, 2020. Sanchez sent her messages via Facebook Messenger discussing the status and caution in handling the cases. Sanchez denied demanding a fee, claiming he was only assisting in finding a private lawyer for the accused upon the introduction of a certain Anne Vale Orozco, and that the money was a deposit for the lawyer. He admitted meeting Felongco later when she followed up the cases. The Office of the Executive Director of the Judicial Integrity Board (JIB) initially recommended a six-month suspension, but the JIB later recommended dismissal from service. In A.M. No. P-23-110, Presiding Judge Arnold Rimon Martinez requested an investigation based on information that Sanchez was collecting money from a litigant and using the name of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO). An investigation by Executive Judge Rosauro Angelito S. David reported an encounter between Judge Martinez and Sanchez, after which Sanchez became agitated and attempted to borrow PHP 100,000.00 from a sheriff.

ISSUE

Whether respondent Gerald Eric F. Sanchez is guilty of Gross Misconduct warranting dismissal from the service.

RULING

Yes. The Court adopted the findings and recommendation of the JIB. The Court held that every court employee must be an exemplar of integrity, uprightness, and honesty. Sanchez, as a Clerk III with duties involving the receipt and docketing of cases, committed Gross Misconduct by soliciting and receiving money from a party-litigant with pending cases in his court. His actions constituted a violation of the Code of Conduct for Court Personnel, specifically the prohibition against using one’s official position to secure unwarranted benefits and the duty to act with propriety. The Court found his denials unsubstantiated and his defense untenable. The act of receiving money in exchange for a promise to influence the outcome of a case is a serious charge under the Rules of Court. The appropriate penalty for Gross Misconduct is dismissal from the service with forfeiture of retirement benefits (except accrued leave credits) and with prejudice to re-employment in any government agency. The consolidated cases were decided accordingly.