This case has been cited 1 times or more.
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2009-10-09 |
PER CURIAM |
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| Azurin's work in the Records Division was critical in determining whether or not Lantin was entitled to any retirement benefits. We are not convinced that Azurin could not remember seeing a copy of the Court Resolution in the former judge's 201 file that contained the Resolution or that could he not remember seeing the notation "dismissed from the service" in the folder. It was later discovered that the Resolution was actually in the 201 file. Had he paid more attention to his duty, he would not have missed the annotation. We, therefore, find Azurin guilty of gross negligence. Gross Neglect of Duty is punishable with dismissal for the first offense. In precedent cases,[12] however, the penalty of dismissal was reduced to suspension upon considering mitigating circumstances, such as length of service in the Court. Azurin has served the court for twenty (20) years and, in our view, a suspension of three months is sufficient punishment for his neglect of duty. | |||||