VIAJE V. SHERIFF DIZON (ADMIN LAW)

The dismissal of the charges for grave misconduct and dishonesty is proper because Viaje despite notice, failed to attend the hearings scheduled by Judge Santos. In administrative cases, the complainant has the burden of proving by SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE the allegations in the complaint. And in the absence of contrary evidence, THE PRESUMPTION THAT RESPONDENT HAS REGULARLY PERFORMED HIS DUTIES PREVAILS.

Time and again we have held that sheriffs and deputy sheriffs play a significant role in the administration of justice. They are primarily responsible for the execution of a final judgment which is the fruit and end of the suit and is the life of the law. Thus, sheriffs must at all times, show high degree of professionalism in the performance of their duties. As officers of the court, they are expected to uphold the norm of public accountability and to avoid any kind of behavior that would diminish or even just tend to diminish the faith of the people in the judiciary.