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OCA v. DANILO P. GALVEZ

FACTS:

The case involves the administrative liability of retired Judge Danilo P. Galvez, the former Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 24, Iloilo City. The Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) conducted a judicial audit and physical inventory of cases in Branch 25 after the compulsorily retirement of the erstwhile Presiding Judge. The audit revealed that there were eight (8) criminal and thirty-six (36) civil cases left undecided by the previous judge. Judge Galvez was directed by the Court to resolve these cases, with the assistance of Judge Lolita C. Besana and Judge Roger B. Patricio. However, the three judges failed to comply with the Court's resolution, resulting in a show cause order issued against them. Judge Patricio and Judge Besana submitted letters explaining their compliance, while Judge Galvez, allegedly unaware of the resolutions, filed a motion explaining his misunderstanding and expressing willingness to accept the recommended fine. The OCA found that Judge Galvez showed ignorance of the pendency of the case and exhibited a recalcitrant behavior by failing to comply with the Court's directives.

ISSUES:

  1. Whether Judge Galvez should be held administratively liable for his failure to comply with the Court's directive to resolve the pending cases in Branch 25.

  2. Whether Judge Galvez's explanation for his non-compliance is acceptable.

RULING:

  1. Yes, Judge Galvez should be held administratively liable for his failure to comply with the Court's directive to resolve the pending cases in Branch 25. The OCA found that Judge Galvez gravely ignored the Court's directives and his failure to comply constitutes disrespect for the Court's lawful order and directive.

  2. No, Judge Galvez's explanation for his non-compliance is not acceptable. The OCA found that Judge Galvez was aware of the pendency of the case and tried to feign ignorance. His explanation that he misunderstood the directive and adopted a separate remedy for the cases is not credible.

PRINCIPLES:

  • Judges are obligated to comply with the lawful orders and directives of the Court.

  • Failure to comply with the Court's directives constitutes disrespect for the judicial system and may lead to administrative liability.