SC axes sheriff for neglect of duty

A court sheriff was dismissed by the Supreme Court for failing to properly perform his duties at the office of the Clerk of Court of the Regional Trial Court, Angeles City, Pampanga.

The high bench emphasized that sheriff, when serving the court’s writs and processes and implementing its orders, must perform their duties with the utmost care and diligence, as any mistake affects the administration of justice.

In a decision written by Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen dated 30 July 2024, the SC En Banc dismissed Vicente S. Sicat Jr. for repeatedly failing to properly perform his duties as Sheriff in the Office of the Clerk of Court of the Regional Trial Court, Angeles City, Pampanga.

The case stemmed from Sicat’s handling of a writ of execution in a case involving the Anti-Bouncing Check Law which the Municipal Circuit Trial Court had ordered him to seize and sell the properties of Bernadette Mullet Potts to satisfy a judgment.

Complainant Ricky Hao Monion alleged that Sicat improperly submitted a Notice to Lift the Levy on Potts’ real properties to the Register of Deeds without a court order.

This led to the cancellation of the levy, allowing Potts to transfer the property to another person.

The Office of the Court Administrator found Sicat negligent and recommended his dismissal, noting that he had already been found liable in six prior administrative cases.

The SC agreed, stressing that sheriffs must strictly adhere to procedural rules to ensure the proper enforcement of court orders.

It said any deviation from these procedures can undermine the administration of justice and warrants disciplinary action.