This case has been cited 1 times or more.
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2003-07-17 |
AUSTRIA-MARTINEZ, J. |
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| Failure to decide cases on time constitutes inefficiency that merits administrative sanction.[12] In previous cases, we have imposed on judges the penalty of fines ranging from P5,000.00 to P20,000.00 for their failure to decide cases within the reglementary period.[13] However, under Section 9 (1), in relation to Section 11(B), of the amended Rule 140 of the Rules of Court, which took effect on October 1, 2001, the imposable penalty for undue delay in rendering a decision or order may either be (a) suspension from office without salary and other benefits for not less than one (1) nor more than three (3) months, or (b) a fine of more than P10,000.00 but not exceeding P20,000.00. Considering that Judge Fernando failed to decide 48 cases within the reglementary period and to take immediate action on 49 cases, we find a penalty amounting to P20,000.00 to be sufficient. | |||||