A COURT stenographer has been dismissed by the Supreme Court for soliciting money from a litigant in exchange for the dismissal of a case.
This decision came following the adoption of a recommendation by the Judicial Integrity Board (JIB), which found Nemia Alma Almanoche, a Court Stenographer III at the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 10, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, guilty of serious dishonesty.
The incident dates back to 2018 when Presiding Judge Ma. Theresa A. Camannong of Branch 9, RTC, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, was informed by a court legal researcher that Almanoche had solicited PHP 20,000 from a certain Jean Baguio in exchange for the dismissal of a criminal case involving Baguio’s two sons.
Allegedly, Almanoche claimed the money was intended for the judge, the prosecutor, and the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO).
Upon learning of the solicitation, Judge Camannong convened a meeting with Baguio, the prosecutor, and the PAO lawyer handling the case.
During the meeting, Baguio disclosed Almanoche’s request for PHP 20,000 to influence the case’s outcome. Baguio initially paid PHP 1,000 and promised to settle the remaining amount later.
Following an investigation, Executive Judge Isobel G. Barroso of the RTC in Malaybalay City reported Almanoche’s serious misconduct to the JIB.
Despite recommendations for a one-month suspension without pay, citing Almanoche’s long service and first-time offense, the JIB maintained that serious dishonesty warranted dismissal.
The SC, concurring with the JIB’s findings, stressed the importance of upholding integrity within the judiciary.
Almanoche’s actions, demanding money in exchange for favorable treatment in court proceedings, were deemed incompatible with the standards of honesty and competence expected of judicial employees.
Therefore, the SC upheld Almanoche’s dismissal, underscoring the necessity of maintaining public trust in the judiciary through exemplary conduct.
metrosundaily
