OFFICE OF THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR, COMPLAINANT, VS. PRESIDING JUDGE JOSEPH CEDRICK O. RUIZ, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 61, MAKATI CITY, RESPONDENT
“x x x.
Section 11 of Rule 140, as amended, states that [i]f the respondent is guilty of a serious charge, any of the following sanctions may be imposed: (a) dismissal from the service, forfeiture of all or part of the benefits as the Court may determine, and disqualification from reinstatement or appointment to any public office, including government-owned or -controlled corporations; (b) suspension from office without salary and other benefits for more than three but not exceeding six months; or (c) a fine of more than P20,000.00 but not exceeding P40,000.00.
Considering the nature and extent of the respondent’s transgressions, we find the imposition of the supreme administrative penalty of dismissal to be appropriate. The people’s confidence in the judicial system is founded not only on the competence and diligence of the members of the bench, but also on their integrity and moral uprightness.23 We would violate this standard and unduly tarnish the image of the Judiciary if we allow the respondent’s continued presence in the bench. We would likewise insult the legal profession if we allow him to remain within the ranks of legal professionals.
X x x.”
