"x x x.
It must be stressed that every employee of the Judiciary should be an
example of integrity, uprightness, and honesty. Like any public servant, she
must exhibit the highest sense of honesty and integrity not only in the
performance of her official duties but also in her personal and private
dealings with other people, to preserve the court’s good name and standing.
The image of a court of justice is mirrored in the conduct, official and
otherwise, of the personnel who work thereat, from the judge to the lowest
of its personnel. Court personnel have been enjoined to adhere to the
exacting standards of morality and decency in their professional and private
conduct in order to preserve the good name and integrity of the courts of
justice. Here, Ampong failed to meet these stringent standards set for a
judicial employee and does not, therefore, deserve to remain with the
Judiciary.21
WHEREFORE, the Court SUSTAINS the dismissal of respondent
Sarah P. Ampong, Court Interpreter III of the Regional Trial Court of
Alabel, Sarangani Province, Branch 38, on the ground of Dishonesty.
Accordingly, her retirement and other benefits are forfeited except accrued
leave credits, and she is perpetually disqualified from re-employment in any
government agency or instrumentality, including any government-owned
and controlled corporation or government financial institution, effective
immediately.
x x x."
