A.M. No. MTJ-11-1792. September 21, 2011

A.M. No. MTJ-11-1792. September 21, 2011

Ernesto Z. Obre Vs. Judge Manolito Y. Gumarang, Pairing Judge, Municipal Trial Court, Imus, Cavite

http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2011/september2011/MTJ-11-1792.htm

Overview
On May 10, 2011, the OCA, in its Memorandum,[4] recommended that the instant matter be redocketed as a regular administrative complaint. It likewise found Judge Gumarang guilty of Gross Ignorance of the Law, but recommended that he be fined in the amount of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) only for  violating the Rule of Procedure for Small Claims Cases.

We cannot countenance undue delay in the disposition of cases or motions, especially now when there is an all-out effort to minimize ? if not totally eradicate ? the problem of congestion long plaguing our courts. The requirement that cases be decided within the reglementary period is designed to prevent delay in the administration of justice. For obviously, justice delayed is justice denied. Delay in the disposition of cases erodes the faith and confidence of our people in the judiciary, lowers its standards, and brings it into disrepute.

Decision
WHEREFORE, the Court finds Judge Manolito Y. Gumarang, Municipal Trial Court, Imus, Cavite, GUILTY of Undue Delay in Rendering a Decision and Violation of the Rule of Procedure for Small Claims Cases, and is hereby ORDERED to pay a fine of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) and WARNED that a repetition of the same or similar act shall be dealt with more severely.

Trivia
Judge guilty