SC clears ex-principal of grave misconduct for cutting trees: No proof

MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court has reduced the offense and the penalty meted on a former public school principal in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro over an unauthorized cutting of trees.

The high tribunal, in a decision on June 2 released only on Thursday, partially granted the petition sought by Melencio Corpuz.

Corpuz was found guilty of grave misconduct, simple neglect of duty, and simple misconduct by the Office of the Ombudsman and, later, by the Court of Appeals.

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The ex-principal of Bagong Sikat Elementary School and San Jose Pilot Elementary School was accused of selling parts of the cut trees for use as teachers’ cabinets, as firewood to a local bakery, and as charcoal for sale and personal use. 

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The Supreme Court, however, cleared Corpuz of grave misconduct because the evidence was insufficient to prove that he pocketed funds or had any other form of personal gain when he ordered the cutting of trees on school property.

It was particularly referring to the statement by the local bakery that it bought wood from Corpuz for P2,800. 

“The statement from (the bakery) does not, by and of itself, prove that Corpuz personally received the proceeds and appropriated them for himself,” read part of the 13-page ruling. 

“At most, it merely established that (the bakery) purchased cut trees from the school on three occasions, and that the transactions were made with Corpuz,” it stated.

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The decision added that the bakery was “silent” on what happened to the funds after the sale, whether it was deposited to the school or whether the ex-principal pocketed them.

No other paper trail, such as receipts or audit reports, were presented to confirm the allegations.

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The high court, instead, affirmed Corpuz’s conviction only for simple neglect of duty and simple misconduct.

This promulgation also reduced the penalty to a six-month suspension, instead of dismissal.

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His fine may also be converted equivalent to Corpuz’s salary for six months, if he was no longer in service. /apl