This case has been cited 1 times or more.
|
2003-08-20 |
QUISUMBING, J. |
||||
| Respondent judge's explanation that the delay was occasioned by Ms. Buenaventura's inefficiency and her having misplaced the records of the case could not free him from administrative liability, even considering that the responsibility of safekeeping the record is primarily vested upon the Branch Clerk of Court or the Officer-In-Charge. As a judge, he has the bounden duty to maintain proper monitoring of cases submitted for his decision or resolution. A judge ought to know the cases submitted to him for decision or resolution and is expected to keep his own record of cases so that he may act on them promptly.[16] It is his duty to take note of the cases submitted for his decision or resolution and see to it that they are decided within the prescribed period.[17] He cannot hide behind the inefficiency or irresponsibility of his court personnel because the latter are not the guardians of his responsibilities.[18] Indeed, Rule 3.09[19] of the Code of Judicial Conduct requires respondent judge to organize and supervise the court personnel for prompt and efficient dispatch of business. The fact that Ms. Buenaventura misplaced the records and was inefficient only goes to prove that the respondent judge failed in his duty to properly supervise court personnel. | |||||