In Mendova v. Afable, the Supreme Court addressed the administrative liability of a judge who dismissed a criminal case based on prescription, failing to consider the suspension of the prescriptive period due to prior barangay conciliation proceedings. The Court ruled that while the judge erred, his mistake did not warrant administrative sanction because the complainant had not first sought reconsideration of the dismissal and did not prove bad faith on the judge’s part. This decision underscores the importance of exhausting judicial remedies before filing administrative complaints against judges and highlights the impact of barangay conciliation on the prescription periods of offenses.

Did the Judge Err or Was Justice Delayed? Barangay Conciliation and Criminal Case Dismissal

Abraham Mendova filed an administrative complaint against Judge Crisanto Afable for allegedly showing ignorance of the law. The complaint stemmed from Criminal Case No. 2198-98, where Mendova charged Roberto Palada with slight physical injuries. Judge Afable dismissed the case on the grounds that the crime had already prescribed under Article 90 of the Revised Penal Code, which sets a two-month prescriptive period for light offenses. Mendova argued that the judge failed to consider Section 410(c) of the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160), which suspends the prescriptive period of offenses while a dispute is under mediation, conciliation, or arbitration before the barangay.

In his defense, Judge Afable admitted his error, citing a mental lapse due to a heavy workload. The Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) initially found Judge Afable guilty and recommended a fine, emphasizing the need for judges to be knowledgeable of the law. However, the Supreme Court took a different view. The Court reiterated the principle that administrative complaints are not substitutes for judicial remedies like motions for reconsideration or appeals. In this case, Mendova failed to file a motion for reconsideration, rendering his administrative complaint premature. The Court also noted that administrative sanctions against judges are warranted only when the error is gross, deliberate, malicious, or committed with evident bad faith.

The Supreme Court emphasized that disciplinary proceedings against judges are not complementary or suppletory of judicial remedies. The established doctrine requires exhaustion of judicial remedies before initiating administrative action. In the words of Flores vs. Abesamis, “It is only after the available judicial remedies have been exhausted and the appellate tribunals have spoken with finality, that the door to an inquiry into his criminal, civil or administrative liability may be said to have opened, or closed.”

Section 410(c) of the Local Government Code provides a crucial exception to the prescriptive period. It states that while a dispute is under barangay mediation, conciliation, or arbitration, the prescriptive periods for offenses are interrupted upon filing the complaint with the Punong Barangay. This interruption continues until the complainant receives the certificate to file action from the Lupon or Pangkat Secretary. The interruption, however, cannot exceed 60 days from the filing of the complaint with the Punong Barangay. The law clearly intends to promote amicable settlement at the barangay level by providing legal space for conciliation without prejudice to the prescriptive period.

In this instance, Mendova filed his complaint with the barangay on February 18, 1998. This action, by law, interrupted the prescriptive period. While there was a certification that a hearing took place, the Court needed proof that Mendova received the barangay certification to file action to begin the statute of limitations once again. Failing to supply that critical proof was cause for the Court’s doubt as to the veracity of the claims made against the judge. This lapse made it impossible to definitively determine whether the criminal case was indeed filed within the prescribed period.

While Judge Afable admitted his error, the Court concluded that it amounted to an error of judgment rather than ignorance of the law. Moreover, the absence of any allegation of bad faith or malice on the part of Judge Afable further weakened Mendova’s administrative complaint. The Court underscored the importance of proving malice, bad faith, ignorance, or inexcusable negligence before administrative sanctions can be imposed on a judge.

FAQs

What was the central issue in this case?	The central issue was whether Judge Afable should be held administratively liable for dismissing a criminal case based on prescription without considering the suspension of the prescriptive period due to barangay conciliation proceedings.
Why did the complainant file an administrative case instead of an appeal?	It’s not entirely clear why the complainant chose to file an administrative case. One key point to remember is that one cannot directly apply administrative remedies to cases already up for judicial review. One MUST exhaust all possibilities.
What is the significance of Section 410(c) of the Local Government Code?	Section 410(c) provides that the prescriptive period for offenses is suspended during barangay conciliation proceedings. This allows parties to attempt amicable settlements without fear of losing their right to file a case in court due to prescription.
What must a complainant show to succeed in an administrative case against a judge?	To succeed, a complainant must demonstrate that the judge’s error was gross, deliberate, or malicious, or committed with evident bad faith, ignorance, or inexcusable negligence. This should go without saying.
What are the remedies for an erroneous court decision?	The ordinary remedies include a motion for reconsideration or appeal. Extraordinary remedies may include special civil actions such as certiorari, prohibition, or mandamus. Only then can criminal proceedings be brought up on appeal.
What was the Court’s final decision?	The Court dismissed the administrative complaint against Judge Afable. However, it reminded him to be more assiduous and circumspect in his judicial duties and to not take matters like this so lightly.
What is the effect of filing a complaint with the Punong Barangay on the prescriptive period?	Filing a complaint with the Punong Barangay interrupts the prescriptive period for the offense. This interruption lasts until the complainant receives the certification to file action.
What does this case tell us about filing administrative cases against judges?	This case reminds us that administrative cases against judges are not substitutes for judicial remedies. They are reserved for instances of gross misconduct or errors made with bad faith or malice.

The decision in Mendova v. Afable clarifies the interplay between barangay conciliation proceedings and the prescription of offenses. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of exhausting judicial remedies before seeking administrative sanctions against judges, as well as the stringent requirements for proving administrative liability in such cases.

For inquiries regarding the application of this ruling to specific circumstances, please contact ASG Law through contact or via email at frontdesk@asglawpartners.com.

Disclaimer: This analysis is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.
Source: Abraham L. Mendova v. Crisanto B. Afable, A.M. No. MTJ-02-1402, December 04, 2002