AM No.

RTJ-03-1766 March 28, 2003

Linda M. Sacmar, complainant
Vs.
Judge Agnes Reyes-Carpio, respondent

Ynares-Santiago, J.:
Facts: Complainant is a private complainant in a criminal case entitled “People vs.
Legaspi” for Grave Threats in MTC. After trial, accused Legaspi was convicted. Accused
Legaspi appealed the conviction to the RTC. Respondent judge rendered decision
affirming the modification the decision of MTC. Accused Legaspi was found guilty only
for Light Threats.
Complainant claims that respondent judge wittingly afforded unwarranted
benefits to the accused which caused undue injury to her as private complainant in the
case. She likewise avers that respondent judge exhibited manifest partiality towards the
accused when she disregarded the evidence on record in modifying the decision of the
Metropolitan Trial Court by downgrading the conviction of accused Legaspi from “Grave
Threats” to “Other Light Threats” thereby reducing the criminal and civil liabilities of
accused Legaspi.

Issue: Whether or not the respondent commits a violation for “Knowingly Rendering
Unjust Judgement” of RPC.

Ruling: No. The elements of the said violation are: (1) That the offender is a judge; (2)
That he renders a judgment in a case submitted to him for decision; (3) That the
judgment is unjust; (4) That the judge knows that his judgment is unjust. All the
elements is present except for the last one. It is hardly show that respondent judge has
indeed knowingly and deliberately rendered an unjust judgment.
Moreover, the acts of a judge which pertain to his judicial functions are not
subject to disciplinary power unless they are committed with fraud, dishonesty,
corruption or bad faith.
Wherefore, the complaint is dismissed.