Digest.ph

This case involves an administrative complaint against Umaima L. Silongan, Abie M. Amilil, and Salick U. Panda, Jr. The complaint originated from a previous case involving Judge Cader P. Indar, who was dismissed for issuing spurious decisions on annulment of marriage cases. Silongan and Amilil, who were court personnel at the time, were accused of certifying these spurious decisions as true copies. Panda, another court personnel, was accused of issuing a certificate of finality for a case that did not exist in the court's records. The Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) conducted an investigation and recommended that Silongan and Amilil be held liable for grave misconduct and dishonesty, while Panda be held liable for simple neglect of duty. The OCA also recommended fines for Silongan, Amilil, and Panda. The case was referred to an investigating justice, who found Silongan and Amilil guilty of grave misconduct and dishonesty, and recommended fines for them. The investigating justice dismissed the case against Panda. The Supreme Court adopted the recommendations of the investigating justice, imposing fines on Silongan and Amilil, and dismissing the case against Panda.

Administrative due process does not require strict adherence to technical rules of procedure and evidence applicable to judicial proceedings. It is enough that the party is given the opportunity to explain their side or seek reconsideration of the action or ruling complained of. Due process is not violated when a person chooses not to be heard.