Supreme Court Dismisses Sheriff for Accepting Bribe
MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court has dismissed a court sheriff in Cavite province for accepting bribe money linked to a drug case. This ruling highlights the court’s firm stance against corruption among court personnel.
In a per curiam decision dated July 9, the Supreme Court en banc ordered the dismissal of Dwight Aldwin Geronimo, Sheriff IV of the Imus City Regional Trial Court Branch 21. The Court also revoked all his retirement benefits and permanently banned him from government service.
Details of the Bribery Case
According to sources, complainant Antolyn Dones Gonzales reported that Geronimo demanded P200,000 to expedite the drug case of her friend, Monib Saadoning Amatonding. Geronimo allegedly promised that Monib would be granted bail, citing his familial connection to the judge handling the case.
Gonzales initially paid P115,000, intending to give the remaining balance once the case was resolved. However, when bail was denied, Geronimo disappeared, blocked her on social media, and changed his contact number.
Geronimo’s Defense and Court’s Findings
Geronimo offered conflicting explanations. First, he claimed the money was a personal loan. Later, he said he was feigning cooperation to expose corruption within the court system. Despite these claims, the Judicial Integrity Board found him guilty of gross misconduct and recommended dismissal, which the Supreme Court upheld.
The Court cited Sections 1 and 2, Canon I of the Code of Conduct for Court Personnel. These provisions prohibit using one’s position for personal gain and accepting gifts that influence official duties.
Firm Stand Against Corruption
The Supreme Court emphasized that court employees must never accept money from litigants. Such acts constitute gross misconduct, defined as unlawful behavior or gross negligence combined with corruption or willful rule violations.
Even though Geronimo admitted receiving money as a loan, the Court ruled this violated the Code of Conduct because accepting money from someone with a pending case is strictly forbidden. Text messages between Geronimo and Gonzales further confirmed the money’s connection to the case.
Given the seriousness of his actions and prior misconduct, the Court imposed the ultimate penalty of dismissal. It also reminded all court workers to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, competence, and efficiency.
“They are expected to do their jobs with the highest level of care as officers of the court and agents of the law,” the Court added.
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