This case has been cited 1 times or more.
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2005-01-17 |
TINGA, J. |
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| Ledesma contends that when the robbery occurred, she was in Bacolod City attending a seminar sponsored by PHILJA. However, such fact alone will not exculpate Ledesma from any liability. The records note the dilapidated condition of the steel cabinet where the pieces of evidence are stored. This fact already requires immediate attention from the clerk of court, he or she being the custodian of court's funds, documents and exhibits. A simple exercise of diligence would have alerted the Clerk of Court to inform the judge of the necessary repair and to resort to reliable safety measures to ensure the safety of the contents of the cabinet. In failing to observe this, Ledesma is held liable for simple neglect of duty. This Court has emphasized that the Clerk of Court is the administrative officer of the court who has control and supervision of all court records, exhibits, documents, properties and supplies.[31] Indeed, Section 1 of Canon IV of the Code of Conduct for Court Personnel[32] stresses that court personnel shall at all times perform official duties properly and with diligence. | |||||