SC disbars La Trinidad court clerk for misconduct, dishonesty

The Supreme Court (SC) has disbarred and dismissed from service a clerk of court for demanding money from a litigant to safekeep land titles and assist in a case.

In a 22-page decision, the SC En Banc found the clerk of court of the La Trinidad, Benguet Regional Trial Court (RTC) guilty of grave misconduct, dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The SC said the clerk is dismissed from service with forfeiture of all his benefits, except accrued leave benefits, as well as prejudice to re-employment from service in any branch of the government.

He was also disbarred and fined P18,000.

“In synthesis, the Court holds that respondent had violated several canons of professional and ethical conduct expected of him as a lawyer and an officer of the court, warranting not only his dismissal from service but ultimately his disbarment."

“Membership in the legal profession is a privilege, and whenever it is made to appear that an attorney is no longer worthy of the trust and confidence of his clients and the public, it becomes not only the right but also the duty of the court to withdraw the same,” it added.

The case stemmed from a complaint accusing the clerk of asking money to safekeep three land titles. Further, he asked for money in return for following the litigant’s case with the RTC and after he claimed that the RTC has ruled on the case.

The SC said the clerk’s conduct violated the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability.

“By falsely representing that he could influence a pending court case and make ‘follow-ups’ thereto, respondent not only deceived the complainant, but also exploited the prestige of the judicial office for improper gain and eroded public confidence in the impartiality and independence of the courts,” it said.

The decision was promulgated in July 2025 and made public in December 2025. — BAP, GMA Integrated News