This case has been cited 1 times or more.
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2007-06-22 |
YNARES-SANTIAGO, J. |
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| There is no dispute that respondent engaged in an unlawful, dishonest and immoral conduct. The illicit relationship which spanned a period of five years was committed under scandalous circumstances as to shock the common sense of decency. As a Division Clerk of Court of the Court of Appeals, respondent occupied a position of great responsibility. As such, he is expected and required to comport himself with dignity and propriety at all times. Unfortunately, respondent miserably failed to comply with the demands of his office. Despite the apparent refusal by Sonia Valdez to continue with their illicit affair, respondent refused to let go and even continued to harass the former. In one instance, he forcibly boarded Sonia's car which was parked at the Court of Appeals' parking lot and insisted on talking with her. His refusal to alight from the car elicited shouts from Sonia which in turn drew the attention of other persons in the vicinity. Despite being rejected in view of Sonia's apparent intention to end the affair, respondent persisted in his lustful quest by bringing Sonia to a motel against her will. Not only did he transgress the norms of decency expected of every person but he failed to live up to the high moral standard expected of a court employee.[1] The exacting standards of ethics and morality upon court employees are required to maintain the people's faith in the courts as dispensers of justice, and whose image is mirrored by their actuations. Thus, it becomes the imperative sacred duty of everyone in the court to maintain its good name and standing as a true temple of justice.[2] | |||||