The Supreme Court has dismissed from the service a trial court stenographer who falsified a decision on annulment of marriage for P150,000.
Dismissed with forfeiture of all benefits, except accrued leave credits, was Cesar D. Calpo, Stenographer III of the Cavite Regional Trial Court Branch 16 in Cavite City, who was found guilty of grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.
Calpo was also barred from re-employment in the government and his dismissal was without prejudice to the filing of appropriate criminal and civil cases, the SC said.
A summary of the decision released by the SC Public Information Office stated:
“The administrative case against Calpo stemmed from the complaint of Philippine Coast Guard member Zenmond D. Duque. According to Duque, Calpo, in 2010, voluntarily offered his services to help secure an annulment of Duque’s marriage for P150,000, paid in three equal installments as evidenced by receipts duly signed by Calpo.
“A year later, Calpo gave Duque a decision purportedly issued by Executive Judge Perla V. Cabrera-Faller of the Regional Trial Court, Dasmariñas, Cavite, Branch 90 granting the annulment of Duque’s marriage.
“Duque, however, subsequently learned that there was no such case and that Judge Cabrera-Faller had not issued any such decision as her signature on the decision was a forgery.”
It said the SC adopted the findings and recommendation of the Office of the Court Administrator in Calpo’s case. (Rey Panaligan)
