Back

OCA vs. Hon. Alaras

THE OFFICE OF THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR, COMPLAINANT, VS. HON. SELMA P. ALARAS, PRESIDING JUDGE, BRANCH 62, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, MAKATI CITY, RESPONDENT.

A.M. No. RTJ-16-2484 | 2018-07-23

D E C I S I O N
 
BERSAMIN, J.:
 
Liability for gross ignorance of the law attaches when the respondent judge is found to have issued her assailed erroneous order, decision or actuation in the performance of official duties moved by bad faith, dishonesty, hatred, or some other like motive. Otherwise, her good faith prevails, and she must be absolved.
 
The Case

This administrative case stemmed from the Affidavit-Complaint dated May 23, 2013[1] executed by Spouses Crescenciano M. Pitogo and Nova A. Pitogo charging Teofilo C. Soon, Jr., Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court in Mandaue City, Cebu with grave abuse of...