Sonia v. Seville

Summary

This case involves DA Assistant Regional Director for Fisheries Sonia V. Seville who was administratively charged for signing a disbursement voucher for a ghost Multi-Purpose Drying Pavements project. The COA and Ombudsman found her guilty of grave misconduct and gross dishonesty, ordering dismissal from service. The Court of Appeals affirmed this decision. However, the Supreme Court reversed, finding that while she failed to exercise due diligence in verifying the project's authenticity, she lacked corrupt intent and depraved motives required for grave misconduct. The Court noted she signed only due to coincidental absence of regular signatories and her expertise was in fisheries, not crop production. She was instead found liable for simple misconduct and sentenced to three months suspension without pay. The decision establishes important precedent on the mental elements required for grave misconduct versus simple misconduct in ghost project cases.