Political Law Case Digests

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW
SAN BEDA COLLEGE OF LAW 2003 CENTRALIZED BAR OPERATIONS

Reproductio i ! " #or$ o# t%i& cop" i& &trict'" pro%i(ited)))
F*NDA+ENTAL POWERS OF T,E STATE POLICE POWER

POLICE POWER; THE STATE UNDER ITS POLICE POWER, MAY ALTER, MODIFY OR AMEND MINING EXPLORATION PERMITS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DEMANDS OF THE GENERAL WELFARE. SO*T,EAST +INDANAO GOLD+INING CORP- .&- BALITE PORTAL +INING COOP-/ et !'0G-R- No- 132130/ Apri' 3/ 20024
5NARES6SANTIAGO/ 78 FACTS8 On March 01, 0233, Marco,,er Mining Cor,ora ion 4Marco,,er5 6a! gran ed
Ex,lora ion Per)i No& 077 4EP No& 0775 o%er 8,820 hec are! o# land, 6hich included he *i6al6al area& On "une 9:, 9220, Congre!! enac ed Re,ublic Ac No& :1:;, or he Peo,le<! -)all= -cale Mining Ac & The la6 e! abli!hed a Peo,le<! -)all=-cale Mining Progra) o be i),le)en ed by he -ecre ary o# he *ENR and crea ed he Pro%incial Mining Regula ory $oard 4PMR$5 under he *ENR -ecre ary<! direc !u,er%i!ion and con rol& -ub!e>uen ly, a ,e i ion #or he cancella ion o# EP No& 077 and he ad)i!!ion o# a Mineral Produc ion -haring Arrange)en 4MP-A5 ,ro,o!al o%er *i6al6al 6a! #iled be#ore he *ENR Regional Execu i%e *irec or, doc?e ed a! RE* Mine! Ca!e& On .ebruary 0;, 0228, 6hile he RE* Mine! ca!e 6a! ,ending, Marco,,er a!!igned i ! EP No& 077 o ,e i ioner -ou hea! Mindanao 'old Mining Cor,ora ion 4-EM5, 6hich in urn a,,lied #or an in egra ed MP-A o%er he land co%ered by he ,er)i & In due i)e, he Mine! and 'eo!cience! $ureau Regional O##ice No& @I in *a%ao Ci y 4M'$=@I5 acce, ed and regi! ered he in egra ed MP-A a,,lica ion o# ,e i ioner and herea# er, !e%eral MAC ca!e! 6ere #iled& On March 7, 022A, Re,ublic Ac No& :289, he Phili,,ine Mining Ac , 6a! enac ed& Pur!uan o hi! ! a u e, he MAC ca!e! 6ere re#erred o a Regional Panel o# Arbi ra or! 4RPA5 a!?ed o re!ol%e di!,u e! in%ol%ing con#lic ing )ining righ !& The RPA !ub!e>uen ly oo? cogni(ance o# he RE* Mine! ca!e, 6hich 6a! con!olida ed 6i h he MAC ca!e!& On "une 98, 022:, he *ENR -ecre ary i!!ued Me)orandu) Order No& 2:=17 6hich ,ro%ided ha he *ENR !hall ! udy horoughly and exhau! i%ely he o, ion o# direc ! a e u ili(a ion o# he )ineral re!ource! in he *i6al6al 'old=Ru!h Area& On "uly 0;, 022:, ,e i ioner #iled a !,ecial ci%il ac ion #or cer iorari, ,rohibi ion and )anda)u! be#ore he Cour o# A,,eal! again! PMR$=*a%ao, he *ENR -ecre ary and $ali e Co))unal Por al Mining Coo,era i%e 4$CPMC5& I ,rayed #or he nulli#ica ion o# he abo%e=>uo ed Me)orandu) Order No& 2:=17 on he ground ha he Bdirec ! a e u ili(a ionB e!,ou!ed herein 6ould e##ec i%ely i),air i ! %e! ed righ ! under EP No& 077C and ha he )e)orandu) order arbi rarily i),o!ed he un6arran ed condi ion ha cer ain ! udie! be conduc ed be#ore )ining and en%iron)en al la6! are en#orced by he *ENR&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he Bdirec ! a e u ili(a ion !che)eB e!,ou!ed in MO 2:=17 di%e! ed
,e i ioner o# i ! %e! ed righ o he gold ru!h area under i ! EP No& 077&
,ELD8
NO& MO 2:=17 did no conclu!i%ely ado, Bdirec ! a e u ili(a ionB a! a ,olicy in re!ol%ing he *i6al6al di!,u e& The er)! o# he )e)orandu) clearly indica e ha 6ha 6a! direc ed hereunder 6a! )erely a ! udy o# hi! o, ion and no hing el!e& Con rary o ,e i ioner<! con en ion, i did no gran any )anage)en Do,era ing or ,ro#i =!haring agree)en o !)all=!cale )iner! or o any ,ar y, #or ha )a er, bu !i),ly in! ruc ed he *ENR o##icial! concerned o under a?e ! udie! o de er)ine i ! #ea!ibili y& A! o he alleged B%e! ed righ !B clai)ed by ,e i ioner, i i! 6ell o no e ha he !a)e i! in%ariably ba!ed on EP No& 077, 6ho!e %alidi y i! ! ill being di!,u ed in he Con!olida ed Mine! ca!e!& A reading o# he a,,ealed MA$ deci!ion re%eal! ha he con inued e##icacy o# EP No& 077 19
POLITICAL LAW COMMITTEE: Andy Nachura, Alexander Ragonjan, Maricel Abaren o!, "enni#er $alboa, A%i o Cahig, "r&, Ma& Cri! ina Con! an ino, Ricardo de 'u()an, E hel *egollado, Alder *elloro, "oyce *i+o, Chri! o,her 'odine(, Andre "acob, "uani o Li), "r&, "ona han Mangundayao, Raji Mendo(a, "eanne Mon e!, Charo Reju!o, Ai)ee -abilala, "enni#er -obre)on e, 'erald -o o, "e)ina -y, Ryan -y Li a, 'lorio!a -(e, Maria .e Taal, "oe!hia! Ta)bago, Mae /en ura, El!a /illa#lor&

i! one o# he i!!ue! rai!ed in !aid ca!e!, 6i h re!,onden ! herein a!!er ing ha Marco,,er canno legally a!!ign he ,er)i 6hich ,ur,or edly had ex,ired& In o her 6ord!, 6he her or no ,e i ioner ac ually ha! a %e! ed righ o%er *i6al6al under EP No& 077 i! ! ill an inde#ini e and un!e led )a er& And un il a ,o!i i%e ,ronounce)en i! )ade by he a,,ella e cour in he Con!olida ed Mine! ca!e!, EP No& 077 canno be dee)ed a! a !ource o# any conclu!i%e righ ! ha can be i),aired by he i!!uance o# MO 2:=17& I )u! li?e6i!e be ,oin ed ou ha under no circu)! ance! )ay ,e i ioner<! righ ! under EP No& 077 be regarded a! o al and ab!olu e& A! correc ly held by he Cour o# A,,eal! EP No& 077 )erely e%idence! a ,ri%ilege gran ed by he - a e, 6hich )ay be a)ended, )odi#ied or re!cinded 6hen he na ional in ere! !o re>uire!& Thi! i! nece!!arily !o !ince he ex,lora ion, de%elo,)en and u ili(a ion o# he coun ry<! na ural )ineral re!ource! are )a er! i),re!!ed 6i h grea ,ublic in ere! & Li?e i)ber ,er)i !, )ining ex,lora ion ,er)i ! do no %e! in he gran ee any ,er)anen or irre%ocable righ 6i hin he ,ur%ie6 o# he non=i),air)en o# con rac and due ,roce!! clau!e! o# he Con! i u ion, !ince he - a e, under i ! all=enco),a!!ing ,olice ,o6er, )ay al er, )odi#y or a)end he !a)e, in accordance 6i h he de)and! o# he general 6el#are& Addi ionally, here can be no %alid o,,o!i ion rai!ed again! a )ere ! udy o# an al erna i%e 6hich he - a e, hrough he *ENR, i! au hori(ed o under a?e in he #ir! ,lace& Wor h no ing i! Ar icle @II, -ec ion 9, o# he 023: Con! i u ion and -ec ion 8, Cha, er II o# he Phili,,ine Mining Ac o# 022A& Thu!, he - a e )ay ,ur!ue he con! i u ional ,olicy o# #ull con rol and !u,er%i!ion o# he ex,lora ion, de%elo,)en and u ili(a ion o# he coun ry<! na ural )ineral re!ource!, by ei her direc ly under a?ing he !a)e or by en ering in o agree)en ! 6i h >uali#ied en i ie!& The *ENR -ecre ary ac ed 6i hin hi! au hori y 6hen he ordered a ! udy o# he #ir! o, ion, 6hich )ay be under a?en con!i! en ly in accordance 6i h he con! i u ional ,olicy enuncia ed abo%e& Ob%iou!ly, he - a e )ay no be ,recluded #ro) con!idering a direc a?eo%er o# he )ine!, i# i i! he only ,lau!ible re)edy in !igh o he gna6ing co),lexi ie! genera ed by he gold ru!h&
EMINENT DOMAIN
EMINENT DOMAIN; JUST COMPENSATION IS DETERMINED AT THE DATE OF THE FILING OF THE COMPLAINT EXCEPT WHEN THE COURT FIXES THE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY AT THE DATE IT WAS TAKEN CIT5 OF CEB* .&- SPO*SES APOLONIO ! d BLASA DEDA+O
0G-R- No- 1923:1/ +!" :/ 20024
DA;IDE/ 7R-/ C -78 FACTS8 On 0: -e, e)ber 0227, ,e i ioner Ci y o# Cebu #iled a co),lain #or e)inen do)ain
again! re!,onden ! !,ou!e! A,olonio and $la!a *eda)o& The ,e i ioner alleged herein ha i needed he land #or a ,ublic ,ur,o!e, i&e&, #or he con! ruc ion o# a ,ublic road 6hich !hall !er%e a! an acce!!Drelie# road o# 'orordo A%enue o ex end o he 'eneral Maxilu) A%enue and he bac? o# Magellan In erna ional Eo el Road! in Cebu Ci y& The lo6er cour #ixed he a)oun o# ju! co),en!a ion a P91,39;,772&A1& Pe i ioner alleged ha he lo6er cour erred in #ixing he a)oun o# ju! co),en!a ion a P91,39;,772&A1& The ju! co),en!a ion !hould be ba!ed on he ,re%ailing )ar?e ,rice o# he ,ro,er y a he co))ence)en o# he ex,ro,ria ion ,roceeding!& The ,e i ioner did no con%ince he Cour o# A,,eal!, 6hich a##ir)ed he lo6er cour F! deci!ion in o o&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no ju! co),en!a ion !hould be de er)ined a! o# he da e o# he #iling o#

he co),lain &
,ELD8 NO& In he ca!e a bar, he a,,licable la6 a! o he ,oin o# rec?oning #or he

de er)ina ion o# ju! co),en!a ion i! -ec ion 02 o# R&A& No& :0;1, 6hich ex,re!!ly ,ro%ide! ha ju! co),en!a ion !hall be de er)ined a! o# he i)e o# ac ual a?ing& The ,e i ioner ha! )i!read our ruling in The National Power Corp. vs. Court of Appeals& We did no ca egorically rule in ha ca!e ha ju! co),en!a ion !hould be de er)ined a! o# he 20

#iling o# he co),lain & We ex,lici ly ! a ed herein ha al hough he general rule in de er)ining ju! co),en!a ion in e)inen do)ain i! he %alue o# he ,ro,er y a! o# he da e o# he #iling o# he co),lain , he rule Bad)i ! o# an exce, ion: 6here hi! Cour #ixed he %alue o# he ,ro,er y a! o# he da e i 6a! a?en and no a he da e o# he co))ence)en o# he ex,ro,ria ion ,roceeding!&B
BILL OF RIG,TS DUE PROCESS

DUE PROCESS; PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION IS NOT PART OF THE DUE PROCESS GUARANTEED BY THE CONSTITUTION BENEDICTO ! d RI;ERA .&- CO*RT OF APPEALS
0G-R- No- 122323/ Septe$(er 9/ 20014
<*IS*+BING/ 78 FACTS8 On *ece)ber 9:, 0220, Mr!& I)elda Marco! and Me!!r!& $enedic o and Ri%era 6ere
indic ed #or %iola ion o# -ec ion 01 o# Circular No& 2;1 0 in rela ion o -ec ion 78 o# he Cen ral $an? Ac 4Re,ublic Ac No& 9;A, a! a)ended5 in #i%e In#or)a ion! #iled 6i h he Regional Trial Cour o# Manila& *oc?e ed a! Cri)inal Ca!e! No!& 20=0103:2 o 20=010337, he charge !hee ! alleged ha he rio #ailed o !ub)i re,or ! o# heir #oreign exchange earning! #ro) abroad andDor #ailed o regi! er 6i h he .oreign Exchange *e,ar )en o# he Cen ral $an? 6i hin he ,eriod )anda ed by Circular No& 2;1& -aid Circular ,rohibi ed na ural and juridical ,er!on! #ro) )ain aining #oreign exchange accoun ! abroad 6i hou ,rior au hori(a ion #ro) he Cen ral $an?& On Augu! 00, 0228, ,e i ioner! )o%ed o >ua!h all he In#or)a ion! #iled again! he) in Cri)inal Ca!e! No!& 20=0103:2 o 20=010337C 20=010338 o 20=010329, and 20=0102A2 o 20= 0102;2& Their )o ion 6a! grounded on lac? o# juri!dic ion, #oru) !ho,,ing, ab!ence o# a ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion and ex inc ion o# cri)inal liabili y 6i h he re,eal o# Circular No& 2;1& On -e, e)ber ;, 0228, he rial cour denied ,e i ioner!< )o ion& A !i)ilar )o ion #iled on May 97, 0228 by Mr!& Marco! !ee?ing o di!)i!! he dollar=!al ing ca!e! again! her due o he re,eal o# Circular No& 2;1 had earlier been denied by he rial cour in i ! order da ed "une 2, 0228& Pe i ioner! hen #iled a )o ion #or recon!idera ion, bu he rial cour li?e6i!e denied hi! )o ion on Oc ober 03, 0228&
ISS*ES8
405 Whe her or no he Cour o# A,,eal! erred in denying he Mo ion o Gua!h #or ab!ence o# a %alid ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion& 495 Whe her or no he re,eal o# Cen ral $an? Circular No& 2;1 and Re,ublic Ac No& 9;A by Circular No& 07A7 and Re,ublic Ac No& :;A7 re!,ec i%ely, ex ingui!h he cri)inal liabili y o# ,e i ioner!&
,ELD8
405 NO& Preli)inary in%e! iga ion i! no ,ar o# he due ,roce!! guaran eed by he Con! i u ion& I i! an in>uiry o de er)ine 6he her here i! !u##icien ground o engender a 6ell= #ounded belie# ha a cri)e ha! been co))i ed and he re!,onden i! ,robably guil y hereo#& In! ead, he righ o a ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion i! ,er!onal& I i! a##orded o he accu!ed by ! a u e, and can be 6ai%ed, ei her ex,re!!ly or by i),lica ion& When he record! o# he ca!e 6ere di!clo!ed o he), in o, ing o en er heir re!,ec i%e ,lea! o he charge!, and #iled %ariou! )o ion! and ,leading!, hey are dee)ed o ha%e )ade an ex,re!! 6ai%er o# heir righ o ha%e a ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion& 495 NO& In he in! an ca!e, i )u! be no ed ha de!,i e he re,eal o# Circular No& 2;1, Circular No& 07A7 re ained he !a)e re,or orial re>uire)en #or re!iden ! recei%ing earning! or ,ro#i ! #ro) non= rade #oreign exchange ran!ac ion!& E%en he )o! cur!ory glance a he re,ealing circular!, Circular No!& 0703 and 07A7 !ho6! ha bo h con ain a !a%ing clau!e, ex,re!!ly ,ro%iding ha he re,eal o# Circular No& 2;1 !hall ha%e no e##ec on ,ending ac ion! #or 21

%iola ion o# he la er Circular& A !a%ing clau!e o,era e! o exce, #ro) he e##ec o# he re,ealing la6 6ha 6ould o her6i!e be lo! under he ne6 la6& In he ,re!en ca!e, he re!,ec i%e !a%ing clau!e! o# Circular No!& 0703 and 07A7 clearly )ani#e! he in en o re!er%e he righ o# he - a e o ,ro!ecu e and ,uni!h o##en!e! #or %iola ion! o# he re,ealed Circular No& 2;1, 6here he ca!e! are ei her ,ending or under in%e! iga ion&
DUE PROCESS; THE RIGHT TO PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION IS A COMPONENT PART OF DUE PROCESS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE. SALES .&- SANDIGANBA5AN
0G-R- No- 193=02/ No.e$(er 1>/ 20014
5NARES6SANTIAGO/ 78 FACTS8 Pe i ioner, he incu)ben o6n )ayor o# Pagud,ud, Iloco! Nor e, #a ally !ho he
#or)er )ayor and hi! ,oli ical ri%al, A y& Ra#ael $ene)eri o, in an alleged !hoo ou a# er a hea ed al erca ion be 6een he)& A# er he !hoo ing inciden , ,e i ioner !urrendered and ,laced hi)!el# under he cu! ody o# he )unici,al ,olice& The nex day, a cri)inal co),lain #or Murder again! ,e i ioner 6a! #iled& Munici,al "udge Cal%an hen conduc ed a ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion a! under he old rule!, 6i h 6o ! age!: 405 he de er)ina ion o# 6he her here i! rea!onable ground o belie%e ha an o##en!e ha! been co))i ed and he accu!ed i! ,robably guil y hereo#, !o ha a 6arran o# arre! )ay be i!!ued and he accu!ed held #or rialC and 495 he ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion ,ro,er 6here he co),lain or in#or)a ion i! read o he accu!ed a# er hi! arre! and he i! in#or)ed o# he !ub! ance o# he e%idence adduced again! hi), a# er 6hich he i! allo6ed o ,re!en e%idence in hi! #a%or i# he !o de!ire!& Munici,al "udge hen #or6arded he ca!e record! o he Pro%incial Pro!ecu or 6ho, in! ead o# conduc ing a ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion o# hi! o6n, )erely #or6arded he !aid record! o he O)bud!)an #or he la er o conduc he !a)e& The O)bud!)an hen direc ed he ,e i ioner o #ile hi! coun er=a##ida%i , 6hich he la er #ound !u,er#luou! a! he ,re%iou!ly !ub)i ed !uch o he Pro%incial Pro!ecu or& An In#or)a ion #or Murder 6a! #iled again! ,e i ioner& Thi! Cour i! a!?ed o re!ol%e he i!!ue o# 6he her or no he ,ro,er ,rocedure 6a! #ollo6ed and 6he her ,e i ioner<! con! i u ional righ ! 6ere !a#eguarded during he ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion conduc ed be#ore he #iling o# an In#or)a ion #or Murder again! hi) and he i!!uance o# a 6arran #or hi! arre! by re!,onden -andiganbayan& Pe i ioner a!!er ! ha he In#or)a ion 6a! ha! ily #iled and he 6arran #or hi! arre! 6a! i),ro,er becau!e o# an inco),le e ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion& Re!,onden ! !ay o her6i!e&
ISS*ES8
405 Whe her or no he ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion conduc ed by he )unici,al judge 6a! ,ro,er& 495 Whe her or no he ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion conduc ed by he O)bud!)an 6a! ,ro,er&
,ELD8
405 NO& Pre!iden ial *ecree 200 4#ur her a)ending -ec& 0, R&A& A031, a! a)ended by P&*& ::5 u,on 6hich he ,re!en rule i! ba!ed, re)o%ed he ,reli)inary exa)ina ion ! age and in egra ed i in o he ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion ,ro,er& No6 he ,roceeding! con!i! ! o# only one ! age& Re!,onden "udge did no conduc he re>ui!i e in%e! iga ion ,rior o i!!uance o# he arre! 6arran & The Rule! re>uire an exa)ina ion in 6ri ing under oa h in he #or) o# !earching >ue! ion! and an!6er!& The ! a e)en ! o# 6i ne!!e! 6ere no !6orn be#ore hi) bu be#ore he Pro%incial Pro!ecu or& The ,ur,or ed ran!cri, o# ! enogra,hic no e! do no bear he !igna ure o# he ! enogra,her& Moreo%er, he did no co),le e he ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion& Ee clai)ed o ha%e exa)ined only he 6i ne!!e! o# he co),lainan & Ee i!!ued a Re!olu ion and #or6arded he record! o he Pro%incial Pro!ecu or 6i hou gi%ing he accu!ed 4,e i ioner5 an o,,or uni y o !ub)i coun er=a##ida%i ! and !u,,or ing docu)en !& While i i! rue ha he u!ual re)edy o an irregular ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion i! o a!? #or a ne6 ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion, !uch nor)al re)edy 6ould no be ade>ua e o #ree ,e i ioner #ro) he 6arran o# arre! 6hich ! e))ed #ro) ha irregular in%e! iga ion& The Pro%incial Pro!ecu ion ha! no ,o6er o recall he 6arran o# arre! & 22

495 NO& A! hi! Cour ,oin ed ou in Duterte v. Sandiganbayan, B he ,ur,o!e o# a ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion or a ,re%iou! in>uiry o# !o)e ?ind, be#ore an accu!ed ,er!on i! ,laced on rial, i! o !ecure he innocen again! ha! y, )aliciou! and o,,re!!i%e ,ro!ecu ion and o ,ro ec hi) #ro) an o,en and ,ublic accu!a ion o# a cri)e, #ro) he rouble, ex,en!e! and anxie y o# a ,ublic rial& I i! al!o in ended o ,ro ec he ! a e #ro) ha%ing o conduc u!ele!! and ex,en!i%e rial!& While he righ i! ! a u ory ra her han con! i u ional in i ! #unda)en , i i! a co),onen ,ar o# due ,roce!! in cri)inal ju! ice& The righ o ha%e a ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion conduc ed be#ore being bound o%er o rial #or a cri)inal o##en!e and hence #or)ally a ri!? o# incarcera ion or !o)e o her ,enal y, i! no a )ere #or)al or echnical righ C i i! a !ub! an i%e righ & To deny he accu!ed<! clai) o a ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion 6ould be o de,ri%e hi) o# he #ull )ea!ure o# hi! righ o due ,roce!!&B Al hough a ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion i! no a rial and i! no in ended o u!ur, he #unc ion o# he rial cour , i i! no a ca!ual a##air& The o##icer conduc ing he !a)e in%e! iga e! or in>uire! in o he #ac ! concerning he co))i!!ion o# he cri)e 6i h he end in %ie6 o# de er)ining 6he her or no an in#or)a ion )ay be ,re,ared again! he accu!ed& Indeed, ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion i! in e##ec a reali! ic judicial a,,rai!al o# he )eri ! o# he ca!e& -u##icien ,roo# o# he guil o# he accu!ed )u! be adduced !o ha 6hen he ca!e i! ried, he rial cour )ay no be bound a! a )a er o# la6 o order an ac>ui al& A ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion ha! been called a judicial in>uiry& I i! a judicial ,roceeding& An ac beco)e! a judicial ,roceeding 6hen here i! an o,,or uni y o be heard and #or he ,roduc ion o# and 6eighing o# e%idence, and a deci!ion i! rendered hereon& The au hori y o# a ,ro!ecu or or in%e! iga ing o##icer duly e),o6ered o ,re!ide or o conduc a ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion i! no le!! han a )unici,al judge or e%en a regional rial cour judge& While he in%e! iga ing o##icer, ! ric ly !,ea?ing, i! no a BjudgeB by he na ure o# hi! #unc ion!, he i! and )u! be con!idered o be a >ua!i=judicial o##icer becau!e a ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion i! con!idered a judicial ,roceeding& A ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion !hould here#ore be !cru,ulou!ly conduc ed !o ha he con! i u ional righ o liber y o# a ,o en ial accu!ed can be ,ro ec ed #ro) any )a erial da)age& Indeed, !ince a ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion i! de!igned o !creen ca!e! #or rial, only e%idence )ay be con!idered& While e%en ra6 in#or)a ion )ay ju! i#y he ini ia ion o# an in%e! iga ion, he ! age o# ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion can be held only a# er !u##icien e%idence ha! been ga hered and e%alua ed 6arran ing he e%en ual ,ro!ecu ion o# he ca!e in cour & In o her 6ord!, i i! no enough ha he ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion i! conduc ed in he !en!e o# )a?ing !ure ha a ran!gre!!or !hall no e!ca,e 6i h i),uni y& A ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion !er%e! no only he ,ur,o!e! o# he - a e& More i),or an , i i! a ,ar o# he guaran ee o# #reedo) and #air ,lay 6hich are he bir hrigh ! o# all 6ho li%e in our coun ry& I i! here#ore i),era i%e u,on he #i!cal or he judge, a! he ca!e )ay be, o relie%e he accu!ed #ro) he ,ain o# going hrough a rial once i i! a!cer ained ha he e%idence i! in!u##icien o !u! ain a ,ri)a #acie ca!e or ha no ,robable cau!e exi! ! o #or) a !u##icien belie# a! o he guil o# he accu!ed& Al hough here i! no general #or)ula or #ixed rule #or he de er)ina ion o# ,robable cau!e !ince he !a)e )u! be decided in he ligh o# he condi ion! ob aining in gi%en !i ua ion! and i ! exi! ence de,end! o a large degree u,on he #inding or o,inion o# he judge conduc ing he exa)ina ion, !uch a #inding !hould no di!regard he #ac ! be#ore he judge nor run coun er o he clear dic a e! o# rea!on& Mea!ured %i!=a=%i! he #oregoing legal yard! ic?!, 6e hold ha he ,ro,er ,rocedure in he conduc o# he ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion 6a! no #ollo6ed, #or he #ollo6ing rea!on!: .ir! , he record! !ho6 ha he !u,,o!ed ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion 6a! conduc ed in in! all)en ! by a lea! hree 475 di##eren in%e! iga ing o##icer!, none o# 6ho) co),le ed he ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion& There 6a! no one con inuou! ,roceeding bu ra her a ca!e o# ,a!!ing he buc?, !o o !,ea?, he la! one being he O)bud!)an hurriedly hro6ing he buc? o he -andiganbayan& -econd, he charge again! herein ,e i ioner i! Murder, a non=bailable o##en!e& The gra%i y o# he o##en!e alone, no o )en ion he #ac ha he ,rinci,al accu!ed i! an incu)ben )ayor 6ho!e i),ri!on)en during he ,endency o# he ca!e 6ould de,ri%e hi! con! i uen ! o# heir duly=elec ed )unici,al execu i%e, !hould ha%e )eri ed a dee,erC and )ore horough ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion& The O)bud!)an, ho6e%er, did no hing o# he !or and in! ead !6allo6ed hoo?, line and !in?er he re!olu ion and reco))enda ion o# 'ra# In%e! iga ion O##icer& Third, i 6a! ,a en error #or he -andiganbayan o ha%e relied ,urely on he O)bud!)an<! cer i#ica ion o# ,robable cau!e gi%en he ,re%ailing #ac ! o# hi! ca!e )uch )ore !o in he #ace o# he la er<! #la6ed re,or and one=!ided #ac ual #inding!& In he order o# ,rocedure #or cri)inal ca!e!, he a!? o# de er)ining ,robable cau!e #or ,ur,o!e! o# i!!uing a 6arran o# arre! i! a re!,on!ibili y 6hich i! exclu!i%ely re!er%ed by he Con! i u ion o judge!& People v. Inting clearly delinea ed he #ea ure! o# hi! con! i u ional )anda e, %i(: 0&H The de er)ina ion o# ,robable cau!e i! a #unc ion o# he judgeC i i! no #or he ,ro%incial #i!cal or ,ro!ecu or o 23

a!cer ain& Only he judge and he judge alone )a?e! hi! de er)ina ionC 9&H The ,reli)inary in>uiry )ade by a ,ro!ecu or doe! no bind he judge& I )erely a!!i! ! hi) in )a?ing he de er)ina ion o# ,robable cau!e& I i! he re,or , he a##ida%i !, he ran!cri, ! o# ! enogra,hic no e!, i# any, and all o her !u,,or ing docu)en ! behind he ,ro!ecu or<! cer i#ica ion 6hich are )a erial in a!!i! ing he judge in hi! de er)ina ion o# ,robable cau!eC and 7&H "udge! and ,ro!ecu or! ali?e !hould di! ingui!h he ,reli)inary in>uiry 6hich de er)ine! ,robable cau!e #or he i!!uance o# a 6arran o# arre! #ro) he ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion ,ro,er 6hich a!cer ain! 6he her he o##ender !hould be held #or rial or be relea!ed& E%en i# he 6o in>uirie! be )ade in one and he !a)e ,roceeding, here !hould be no con#u!ion abou heir objec i%e!& The de er)ina ion o# ,robable cau!e #or ,ur,o!e! o# i!!uing he 6arran o# arre! i! )ade by he judge& The ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion ,ro,er I 6he her or no here i! rea!onable ground o belie%e ha he accu!ed i! guil y o# he o##en!e charged and, here#ore, 6he her or no he !hould be !ubjec ed o he ex,en!e, rigor! and e)barra!!)en o# rial I i! he #unc ion o# he ,ro!ecu or& - a ed di##eren ly, 6hile he a!? o# conduc ing a ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion i! a!!igned ei her o an in#erior cour )agi! ra e or o a ,ro!ecu or, only a judge )ay i!!ue a 6arran o# arre! & When he ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion i! conduc ed by an in%e! iga ing ,ro!ecu or, in hi! ca!e he O)bud!)an, he de er)ina ion o# ,robable cau!e by he in%e! iga ing ,ro!ecu or canno !er%e a! he !ole ba!i! #or he i!!uance by he cour o# a 6arran o# arre! & Thi! i! becau!e he cour 6i h 6ho) he in#or)a ion i! #iled i! a!?ed o )a?e i ! o6n inde,enden de er)ina ion o# ,robable cau!e #or he i!!uance o# he 6arran o# arre! & Indeed he "udge canno ignore he clear 6ord! o# he 023: Con! i u ion 6hich re>uire! ,robable cau!e o be ,er!onally de er)ined by he judge, no by any o her o##icer or ,er!on&
DUE PROCESS; THE FACT THAT THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED BY THE CSC ITSELF DOES NOT MEAN THAT IT COULD NOT BE AN IMPARTIAL JUDGE. CR*Z ! d PAITI+ .&- CI;IL SER;ICE CO++ISSION
0G-R- No- 1999>9/ No.e$(er 22/ 20014
?AP*NAN/ 78 FACTS8 On -e, e)ber 2, 0228 i 6a! di!co%ered by he Ci%il -er%ice Co))i!!ion ha Pai i),
Munici,al Trea!urer o# $ulacan oo? he non=,ro#e!!ional exa)ina ion #or Cru( a# er he la er had ,re%iou!ly #ailed in he !aid exa)ina ion hree i)e!& The C-C #ound a# er a #ac #inding in%e! iga ion ha a ,ri)a #acie ca!e exi! ! again! you #or *I-EONE-TJ, 'RA/E MI-CON*KCT and CON*KCT PRE"K*ICIAL TO TEE $E-T INTERE-T O. TEE -ER/ICE& The ,e i ioner! #iled heir An!6er o he charge en ering a general denial o# he )a erial a%er)en ! o# he B.or)al Charge&B They al!o declared ha hey 6ere elec ing a #or)al in%e! iga ion on he )a er& The ,e i ioner! !ub!e>uen ly #iled a Mo ion o *i!)i!! a%erring ha i# he in%e! iga ion 6ill con inue, hey 6ill be de,ri%ed o# heir righ o due ,roce!! becau!e he Ci%il -er%ice Co))i!!ion 6a! he co),lainan , he Pro!ecu or and he "udge, all a he !a)e i)e& On No%e)ber 0;, 022A, *ulce "& Cochon i!!ued an BIn%e! iga ion Re,or and Reco))enda ionB #inding he Pe i ioner! guil y o# B*i!hone! yB and ordering heir di!)i!!al #ro) he go%ern)en !er%ice Pe i ioner! )ain ain ha he C-C did no ha%e original juri!dic ion o hear and decide he ad)ini! ra i%e ca!e& Allegedly, in accordance 6i h -ec ion 8:405, Cha, er :, -ub i le A, Ti le 0, $oo? /, Ad)ini! ra i%e Code o# 023:, he C-C i! %e! ed 6i h a,,ella e juri!dic ion only in all ad)ini! ra i%e ca!e! 6here he ,enal y i),o!ed i! re)o%al or di!)i!!al #ro) he o##ice and 6here he co),lain 6a! #iled by a ,ri%a e ci i(en again! he go%ern)en e),loyee&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no ,e i ioner!F righ o due ,roce!! 6a! %iola ed 6hen he C-C ac ed a!
in%e! iga or, co),lainan , ,ro!ecu or and jugde all a he !a)e i)e&
,ELD8 NO& The #ac ha he co),lain 6a! #iled by he C-C i !el# doe! no )ean ha i could
no be an i),ar ial judge& A! an ad)ini! ra i%e body, i ! deci!ion 6a! ba!ed on !ub! an ial #inding!& .ac ual #inding! o# ad)ini! ra i%e bodie!, being con!idered ex,er ! in heir #ield, are
24

binding on he -u,re)e Cour & The record! clearly di!clo!e ha he ,e i ioner! 6ere duly in%e! iga ed by he C-C& A# er a care#ul exa)ina ion o# he record!, he Co))i!!ion #ind! re!,onden ! guil y a! charged& The ,ho ogra,h ,a! ed o%er he na)e 'ilda Cru( in he Pic ure -ea Plan 4P-P5 during he "uly 71, 0232 Career -er%ice Exa)ina ion i! no ha o# Cru( bu o# Pai i)& Al!o, he !igna ure o%er he na)e o# 'ilda Cru( in he !aid docu)en i! o ally di##eren #ro) he !igna ure o# 'ilda Cru(& Pe i ioner!< con en ion ha hey 6ere denied due ,roce!! o# la6 by he #ac ha he C-C ac ed a! in%e! iga or, co),lainan , ,ro!ecu or and judge, all a he !a)e i)e again! he ,e i ioner! i! un enable& The CA correc ly ex,lained ha he C-C i! )anda ed o hear and decide ad)ini! ra i%e ca!e in! i u ed by i or in! i u ed be#ore i direc ly or on a,,eal including ac ion! o# i ! o##icer! and he agencie! a ached o i ,ur!uan o $oo? /, Ti le 0, -ub i le A, Cha, er 7, -ec ion 09, ,aragra,h 00 o# he Ad)ini! ra i%e Code o# 023:& I can no be denied ha he ,e i ioner! 6ere #or)ally charged a# er a #inding ha a ,ri)a #acie ca!e #or di!hone! y lie! again! he)& They 6ere ,ro,erly in#or)ed o# he charge!& They !ub)i ed an An!6er and 6ere gi%en he o,,or uni y o de#end he)!el%e!& Pe i ioner! can no , here#ore, clai) ha here 6a! a denial o# due ,roce!! )uch le!! he lac? o# juri!dic ion on he ,ar o# he C-C o a?e cogni(ance o# he ca!e&
DUE PROCESS; DUE PROCESS OF LAW REQUIRES THAT EVERY LITIGANT MUST BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD. +AN*EL C- RO@AS/ et !'- .&- CONRADO +- ;AS<*EZ/ et !'0G-R- No- 119399/ +!" 23/ 20024
5NARES6SANTIAGO/ 78 FACTS8 Pe i ioner Roxa! 6a! he Chair)an, 6hile Nac,il 6a! a Me)ber, o# he $id! and
A6ard! Co))i ee o# he Phili,,ine Con! abulary=In egra ed Na ional Police 4PC=INP5& The PC= INP in%i ed bid! #or he !u,,ly o# !ix y=#i%e uni ! o# #ire ruc?!& The $id! and A6ard! Co))i ee %o ed o a6ard he con rac o he Tahei Co&, L d&, )anu#ac urer o# Ni??o=Eino& Accordingly, he con rac 6a! execu ed be 6een PC=INP and Tahei Co& The COA !ub!e>uen ly di!co%ered ha here 6a! a di!cre,ancy in he a)oun ! indica ed on he di!bur!e)en %oucher and he ,urcha!e order& Con!e>uen ly, he *IL' -ecre ary #iled a co),lain 6i h he O)bud!)an again! he re!,onden !& A# er ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion, he *e,u y O)bud!)an #or he Mili ary reco))ended he indic )en o# all re!,onden !, exce, Ra)ire(& On re%ie6, he O##ice o# he -,ecial Pro!ecu or reco))ended he di!)i!!al o# he co),lain ! again! Roxa!, Nac,il, Codoy, Lairan and Ra)ire(& .or)al charge! 6ere #iled 6i h he -andiganbayan again! Na(areno, .lore!, Tanchanco, Cu! odio, O!ia, E!,eMa and -an o!& Pe i ioner! 6ere no included in he cri)inal in#or)a ion& .lore! and Tanchanco )o%ed #or a rein%e! iga ion, 6hich 6a! gran ed& Therea# er, he O##ice o# he -,ecial Pro!ecu or reco))ended he di!)i!!al o# he charge! again! .lore! and Tanchanco& In he !a)e re!olu ion, ho6e%er, he -,ecial Pro!ecu or )ade a !udden urnabou a! regard! Roxa!, Nac,il and Lairan, and ordered heir inclu!ion a! accu!ed&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he inclu!ion o# he ,e i ioner! a! accu!ed %iola ed heir righ o due
,roce!!&
,ELD8 5ES& I a,,ear! ha he charge again! re!,onden ! 6a! ,re%iou!ly di!)i!!ed& .or
hi! rea!on, here being no )o ion or recon!idera ion #iled by he co),lainan , !aid re!,onden ! cea!ed o be ,ar ie!& Con!e>uen ly, he )ere #iling o# )o ion! #or recon!idera ion by ho!e ,re%iou!ly indic ed, 6i hou >ue! ioning he di!)i!!al o# he charge again! he !aid re!,onden !, could no and !hould no be )ade he ba!i! #or i),leading he) a! accu!ed in hi! ca!e 6i hou %iola ing heir righ o due ,roce!!& .ur her)ore, i a,,ear! ha ,e i ioner! 6ere de,ri%ed o# due ,roce!! 6hen he -,ecial Pro!ecu or rein! a ed he co),lain again! he) 6i hou heir ?no6ledge& *ue ,roce!! o# la6 re>uire! ha e%ery li igan )u! be gi%en an o,,or uni y o be heard& Ee ha! he righ o be ,re!en and de#end hi)!el# in ,er!on a e%ery ! age o# he ,roceeding!& 25

SEARCHES AND SEIZURES

SEARCHES AND SEIZURES; PROBABLE CAUSE REQUIRES THAT FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT A BELIEF THAT THE ACCUSED IS GUILTY OF THE CRIME JUST COMMITTED. SALES .&- SANDIGANBA5AN
0G-R- No- 193=02/ No.e$(er 1>/ 20014
5NARES6SANTIAGO/ 78 FACTS8 !ee ,age 99 ISS*E8 Whe her or no he 6arran o# arre! i!!ued by he -andiganbayan 6a! ,ro,erly
i!!ued&
,ELD8 NO& Wha he -andiganbayan !hould ha%e done, #aced 6i h !uch a !le6 o# con#lic ing
e%idence #ro) he con ending ,ar ie!, 6a! o a?e care#ul no e o# he con radic ion! in he e! i)onie! o# he co),lainan <! 6i ne!!e! a! 6ell a! he i),robabili ie! in he ,ro!ecu ion e%idence& Cer ainly ,robable cau!e )ay no be e! abli!hed !i),ly by !ho6ing ha a rial judge !ubjec i%ely belie%e! ha he ha! good ground! #or hi! ac ion& 'ood #ai h i! no enough& I# !ubjec i%e good #ai h alone 6ere he e! , he con! i u ional ,ro ec ion 6ould be de)eaned and he ,eo,le 6ould be B!ecure in heir ,er!on!, hou!e!, ,a,er! and e##ec !B only in he #allible di!cre ion o# he judge& On he con rary, he ,robable cau!e e! i! an objec i%e one, #or in order ha here be ,robable cau!e he #ac ! and circu)! ance! )u! be !uch a! 6ould 6arran a belie# by a rea!onably di!cree and ,ruden )an ha he accu!ed i! guil y o# he cri)e 6hich ha! ju! been co))i ed& Thi!, a! 6e !aid i! he ! andard&
SEARCHES AND SEIZURES; PERSONAL DETERMINATION MERELY EMPHASIZES THE EXCLUSIVE AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ISSUING JUDGE TO SATISFY HIMSELF OF THE EXISTENCE OF PROBALBE CAUSE. ATT5- EDGAR ,- TALINGDAN .&- 7*DGE ,ENEDINO P- ED*ARTE
0A-+- No- RT760161>10/ Octo(er 2/ 20014
BELLOSILLO/ 78 FACTS8 Co),lainan alleged ha !o)e i)e in A,ril 9111 ele)en ! o# he PNP ! or)ed in o
hi! re!idence o arre! hi) and hi! clien , Lu(ano, on he ! reng h o# a Warran o# Arre! da ed 09 A,ril 9111 i!!ued by re!,onden "udge Eduar e in Cri)& Ca!e No& $r& 91=07:7 o# he RTC=$r& 91, Cauayan, I!abela #or he !u,,o!ed cri)e o# libel& -ur,ri!ed ha !uch a ca!e exi! ed again! hi) and hi! clien a! hey had no been ,re%iou!ly charged, co),lainan #iled a /ery Krgen Mo ion o Gua!h andDor -e A!ide Warran o# Arre! and *irec Pro!ecu or<! O##ice o Conduc Preli)inary In%e! iga ion da ed A May 9111 a!?ing ha he Warran o# Arre! be !e a!ide #or being ,re)a ure !ince hey had no been ,re%iou!ly no i#ied o# he charge again! he) and no ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion 6a! e%er conduc ed by he ,ublic ,ro!ecu or<! o##ice ye , and #or being de#ec i%e !ince he a)oun o# bail 6a! no !,eci#ied herein in %iola ion o# heir con! i u ional righ o bail& Re!,onden "udge gran ed he )o ion and recalled he 6arran o# arre! in an Order da ed 09 May 9111 ad)i ing ha he i!!ued he !a)e under he )i! a?en belie# ha a ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion had already been conduc ed and an in#or)a ion already #iled in cour & Co),lainan none hele!! #iled hi! ad)ini! ra i%e ca!e&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he judge #ailed o #ollo6 he re>uired ,rocedure and 6a! negligen in
he i!!uance o# he 6arran o# arre! &
26

,ELD8 5ES. En!hrined in our Con! i u ion i! he rule ha BNnHo & & & 6arran o# arre! !hall i!!ue
exce, u,on ,robable cau!e o be de er)ined ,er!onally by he judge a# er exa)ina ion under oa h or a##ir)a ion o# he co),lainan and he 6i ne!!e! he )ay ,roduce, and ,ar icularly de!cribing & & & he ,er!on! & & & o be !ei(ed&B In er,re ing he 6ord! B,er!onal de er)ina ionB 6e !aid ha i doe! no hereby )ean ha judge! are obliged o conduc he ,er!onal exa)ina ion o# he co),lainan and hi! 6i ne!!e! he)!el%e!& To re>uire hI! 6ould be o unduly laden he) 6i h ,reli)inary exa)ina ion! and in%e! iga ion! o# cri)inal co),lain ! in! ead o# concen ra ing on hearing and deciding ca!e! #iled be#ore he)& Ra her 6ha i! e),ha!i(ed )erely i! he exclu!i%e and ,er!onal re!,on!ibili y o# he i!!uing judge o !a i!#y hi)!el# a! o he exi! ence o# ,robable cau!e& To hi! end he )ay: 4a5 ,er!onally e%alua e he re,or and he !u,,or ing docu)en ! !ub)i ed by he ,ro!ecu or regarding he exi! ence o# ,robable cau!e and, on he ba!i! hereo#, i!!ue a 6arran o# arre! C or 4b5 i# on he ba!i! hereo# he #ind! no ,robable cau!e, di!regard he ,ro!ecu or<! re,or and re>uire he !ub)i!!ion o# !u,,or ing a##ida%i ! o# 6i ne!!e! o aid hi) in de er)ining i ! exi! ence& Wha he i! ne%er allo6ed o do i! #ollo6 blindly he ,ro!ecu or<! bare cer i#ica ion a! o he exi! ence o# ,robable cau!e& Much )ore i! re>uired by he con! i u ional ,ro%i!ion& "udge! ha%e o go o%er he re,or , he a##ida%i !, he ran!cri, o# ! enogra,hic no e! i# any, and o her docu)en ! !u,,or ing he ,ro!ecu or<! cer i#ica ion& In he ca!e a bench re!,onden "udge no only #ailed o #ollo6 he re>uired ,rocedure bu 6or!e, 6a! negligen enough no o ha%e no iced ha here 6a! no e%en a ,ro!ecu or<! cer i#ica ion o rely u,on !ince no in#or)a ion had e%en been #iled ye in cour , and ha Cri)& Ca!e No& $r& 91=07:7 6a! )erely doc?e ed a! !uch on he ! reng h o# a )ere co),lain #iled by he ,ri%a e co),lainan Leoncio *alin -r& hi)!el#& Re!,onden "udge ad)i ed ha he !igned he Warran o# Arre! again! co),lainan and he la er<! clien !i),ly becau!e i 6a! ,re!en ed o hi) #or !igna ure by he Cri)inal *oc?e Cler?& There 6a! hu! a o al and un6arran ed abdica ion o# a judicial #unc ion& Re!,onden canno excul,a e hi)!el# #ro) ad)ini! ra i%e liabili y by con ending ha he )i! a?e 6a! en irely a ribu able o he Cri)inal *oc?e Cler? 6ho #ailed o #ai h#ully co),ly 6i h her Bdu yB o# going o%er he record! o# cri)inal ca!e! and en!uring #ir! ha an in#or)a ion had already been #iled in cour be#ore ,re,aring he 6arran o# arre! & A judge #ail! in hi! bounden du y i# he relie! )erely on he cer i#ica ion o# he in%e! iga ing o##icer a! o he exi! ence o# ,robable cau!e )a?ing hi) ad)ini! ra i%ely liable&
SEARCHES AND SEIZURES; ISSUANCE OF A WARRANT OF ARREST IS DISCRETIONARY UPON THE INVESTIGATING JUDGE. CR*Z ! d +ONEDERO .&- 7*DGE AREOLA
0A-+- No- RT760161>92/ +!rc% >/ 20024
P*NO/ 78 FACTS8 On No%e)ber 9;, 0223, he E%alua ion and Preli)inary In%e! iga ion $ureau o# he
O##ice o# he O)bud!)an i!!ued a Re!olu ion reco))ending he #iling o# an In#or)a ion #or E! a#a again! Marilyn Carreon, an e),loyee o# he Land Tran!,or a ion O##ice, ba!ed on he co),lain #iled by herein co),lainan !& The O##ice o# he Ci y Pro!ecu or #ound no cogen rea!on o re%er!e, )odi#y, or al er he re!olu ion o# he O##ice o# he O)bud!)an and reco))ended ha he ca!e be !e #or rial& Co),lainan ! #iled he in! an co),lain charging bo h re!,onden "udge and hi! $ranch Cler? o# Cour 6i h ignorance o# he la6& Co),lainan ! a?e i!!ue o# he #ac ha al hough re!,onden "udge already i!!ued a 6arran o# arre! , he ! ill de#erred i ! i),le)en a ion o gi%e 6ay o a rein%e! iga ion o# he ca!e on )o ion o# he accu!ed& They belie%e ha here i! no longer any rea!on 6hy he re!,onden "udge !hould 6i hhold he i!!uance o# a 6arran o# arre! con!idering ha he O##ice o# he Ci y Pro!ecu or already )ade a #inding ha here exi! ! ,robable cau!e o indic he accu!ed& In heir "oin Co))en , re!,onden "udge )ani#e! ! ha he i!!uance o# a 6arran o# arre! i! no a )ini! erial #unc ion o# a judge a! he i! )anda ed o de er)ine he exi! ence o# ,robable cau!e be#ore i!!uing a 6arran & Re!,onden $ranch Cler? o# Cour , on he o her hand, clai)! ha i i! a )ini! erial du y on her ,ar o relea!e duly !igned order!, re!olu ion! and deci!ion! o# he ,re!iding judge o# her branch&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he re!,onden "udge erred in de#erring he i),le)en a ion! o# he

6arran o# arre! & 27

,ELD8 NO& The 023: Con! i u ion ,ro%ide! ha no 6arran o# arre! !hall i!!ue exce, u,on
,robable cau!e o be de er)ined ,er!onally by he judge a# er exa)ina ion under oa h or a##ir)a ion o# he co),lainan and he 6i ne!!e! he )ay ,roduce& Preli)inary in%e! iga ion !hould be di! ingui!hed a! o 6he her i i! an in%e! iga ion #or he de er)ina ion o# a !u##icien ground #or he #iling o# he in#or)a ion or i i! an in%e! iga ion #or he de er)ina ion o# a ,robable cau!e #or he i!!uance o# a 6arran o# arre! & The #ir! ?ind o# ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion i! execu i%e in na ure& I i! ,ar o# he ,ro!ecu ionF! job& The !econd ?ind o# ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion i! judicial in na ure and i! lodged 6i h he judge& In )a?ing he re>uired ,er!onal de er)ina ion, a judge i! no ,recluded #ro) relying on he e%idence earlier ga hered by re!,on!ible o##icer!& The ex en o# reliance de,end! on he circu)! ance! o# each ca!e and i! !ubjec o he judgeF! !ound di!cre ion& I i! no obliga ory, bu )erely di!cre ionary, u,on he in%e! iga ing judge o i!!ue a 6arran #or he arre! o# he accu!ed, e%en a# er ha%ing ,er!onally exa)ined he co),lainan and hi! 6i ne!!e! in he #or) o# !earching >ue! ion! and an!6er!& .or he de er)ina ion o# 6he her a ,robable cau!e exi! ! and 6he her i i! nece!!ary o arre! he accu!ed in order no o #ru! ra e he end! o# ju! ice, i! le# o hi! !ound judg)en or di!cre ion& I a,,ear! #ro) he record! ha he challenged Order! i!!ued by he re!,onden "udge 6ere no a all ba!ele!!& The re!,onden "udge )erely exerci!ed hi! !ound di!cre ion in no i))edia ely i!!uing he 6arran o# arre! and in !u!,ending #ur her ,roceeding! ,ending rein%e! iga ion o# he ca!e& On her ,ar , re!,onden $ranch Cler? o# Cour canno be #aul ed #or ,er#or)ing a )ini! erial #unc ion, ha i!, relea!ing Order! duly !igned by he re!,onden "udge&
SEARCHES AND SEIZURES; PARTICULARITY OF DESCRIPTION DOES NOT REQUIRE PRECISE AND MINUTE DETAILS. 5O*SEF AL6G,O*L/ et !'- .&- CO*RT OF APPEALS/ et !'0G-R- No- 12>=23/ Septe$(er 9/ 20014
<*IS*+BING/ 78 FACTS8 Pre!iding judge o# he RTC o# Laloo?an Ci y, i!!ued !earch 6arran ! #or he !earch
and !ei(ure o# cer ain i e)! in A,ar )en No& 9 a 0A8 Obiniana Co),ound, *e,aro Road, Laloo?an Ci y& The ,olice !earched A,ar )en No& 3, in he !a)e co),ound and #ound one 405 & 8A caliber ,i! ol& .ound in A,ar )en No& 9 6ere 9 M=0; ri#le! 6i h 9 )aga(ine! and 91 li%e M=0; a))uni ion!, a)ong o her!& Pe i ioner! 6ere charged be#ore he Regional Trial Cour in#or)a ion! accu!ing he) 6i h illegal ,o!!e!!ion o# #irear)!, a))uni ion! and ex,lo!i%e!, ,ur!uan o Pre!iden ial *ecree No& 03;;& Therea# er, ,e i ioner! 6ere arre! ed and de ained& A he hearing #or bail, he RTC denied ,e i ioner!< )o ion #or bail earlier #iled #or he accu!ed are being charged o# 6o cri)inal o##en!e! and bo h o##en!e! under Pre!iden ial *ecree 03;;, -ec ion! 0 and 7 hereo# ,re!cribe he ,enal y o# Reclu!ion Te),oral in i ! )axi)u) ,eriod o Reclu!ion Per,e ua& Knder Rule 008 o# he Rule! on Cri)inal Procedure a! a)ended by -u,re)e Cour Ad)ini! ra i%e Circular No& 09=28, ,ar icularly -ec ion : hereo#, no ,er!on charged 6i h a ca,i al o##en!e or an o##en!e ,uni!hable by reclu!ion ,er,e ua or li#e i),ri!on)en , 6hen e%idence o# guil i! ! rong !hall be ad)i ed o bail regardle!! o# he ! age o# he cri)inal ,ro!ecu ion& Pe i ioner! con end ha he !earch and !ei(ure order! %iola ed -ec ion! 9 and 7 o# he $ill o# Righ ! a! 6ell a! -ec ion 7 o# Rule 09; o# he Rule! o# Cour on Cri)inal Procedure becau!e he ,lace !earched and ar icle! !ei(ed 6ere no de!cribed 6i h ,ar iculari y&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he re!,onden cour erred and gra%ely abu!ed i ! di!cre ion 6hen i
ruled ha he !earch and !ei(ure order! in >ue! ion 6ere %alid and he objec ! !ei(ed ad)i!!ible in e%idence&
,ELD8 A! held in PICOP v. Asuncion, he ,lace o be !earched canno be changed, enlarged

nor a),li#ied by he ,olice& Police)en )ay no be re! rained #ro) ,ur!uing heir a!? 6i h %igor, bu in doing !o, care )u! be a?en ha con! i u ional and legal !a#eguard! are no di!regarded& Exclu!ion o# unla6#ully !ei(ed e%idence i! he only ,rac ical )ean! o# en#orcing he con! i u ional 28

injunc ion again! unrea!onable !earche! and !ei(ure!& Eence, 6e are con! rained o declare ha he !earch )ade a A,ar )en No& 3 i! illegal and he &8A caliber ,i! ol a?en herea i! inad)i!!ible in e%idence again! ,e i ioner!& No6, in con ra! , he !earch conduc ed a A,ar )en No& 9 could no be !i)ilarly #aul ed& The !earch 6arran ! in >ue! ion !,eci#ically )en ioned A,ar )en No& 9& The !earch 6a! done in he ,re!ence o# i ! occu,an !, herein ,e i ioner!, in accordance 6i h -ec ion : o# Rule 09;, Re%i!ed Rule! o# Cour & Pe i ioner! allege lac? o# ,ar iculari y in he de!cri, ion o# objec ! o be !ei(ed ,ur!uan o he 6arran !& Tha he ar icle! !ei(ed during he !earch o# A,ar )en No& 9 are o# he !a)e ?ind and na ure a! ho!e i e)! enu)era ed in he !earch 6arran a,,ear! o be beyond ca%il& The i e)! !ei(ed #ro) A,ar )en No& 9 6ere de!cribed 6i h !,eci#i y in he 6arran ! in >ue! ion& The na ure o# he i e)! ordered o be !ei(ed did no re>uire a echnical de!cri, ion& Moreo%er, he la6 doe! no re>uire ha he hing! o be !ei(ed )u! be de!cribed in ,reci!e and )inu e de ail! a! o lea%e no roo) #or doub on he ,ar o# he !earching au hori ie!, o her6i!e, i 6ould be %ir ually i),o!!ible #or he a,,lican ! o ob ain a !earch 6arran a! hey 6ould no ?no6 exac ly 6ha ?ind o# hing! hey are loo?ing #or& -ub! an ial !i)ilari y o# ho!e ar icle! de!cribed a! a cla!! or !,ecie! 6ould !u##ice& The ca!e o# ache and Co. !Phil."# Inc. v. $ui%, 7: -CRA 397, 37A 402:05, ,oin ed ou ha one o# he e! ! o de er)ine he ,ar iculari y in he de!cri, ion o# objec ! o be !ei(ed under a !earch 6arran i! 6hen he hing! de!cribed are li)i ed o ho!e 6hich bear direc rela ion o he o##en!e #or 6hich he 6arran i! being i!!ued& A care#ul exa)ina ion o# he -earch Warran ! !ho6! ha hey 6ere 6orded in !uch a )anner ha he enu)era ed i e)! o be !ei(ed could bear a direc rela ion o he o##en!e o# %iola ion o# -ec ion 0 and 7 o# Pre!iden ial *ecree No& 03;;, a! a)ended, ,enali(ing illegal ,o!!e!!ion o# #irear)!, a))uni ion! and ex,lo!i%e!& Wha he 6arran ! au hori(ed 6a! he !ei(ure o# ar icle! ,ro!cribed by ha decree, and no o her&
SEARCHES AND SEIZURES; WARRANTLESS SEARCHES AND SEIZURES WHEN VALID. PEOPLE OF T,E P,ILIPPINES .&- PO2 ALBERT ABRIOL
0G-R- NO- 12313:/ Octo(er 1:/ 20014
<*IS*+BING/ 78 FACTS8 A,,ellan ! PO9 Alber Abriol o# he Phili,,ine Na ional Police 4PNP5, Macario
A! ellero, "anuario *o!do!, and PNP PDChie# In!,ec or 'audio!o Na%ale! 6ere charged 6i h and con%ic ed, o# )urder #or ha%ing !ho one Alejandro .lore!, and o# Illegal Po!!e!!ion o# .irear)! #or he handgun! ha hey 6ere ar)ed 6i h& On a,,eal, one o# heir con en ion! again! heir con%ic ion #or )urder i! ha he PNP canno be ,re!u)ed o ha%e done heir 6or? regularly due o he error! and blunder! hey co))i ed in ran!#erring he ,o!!e!!ion and cu! ody o# he ,hy!ical e%idence and in ha%ing #ailed o i!!ue ac?no6ledg)en recei, ! hereo#& They #ur her con end, a! again! heir con%ic ion #or Illegal Po!!e!!ion o# .irear)!, ha he handgun! and a))uni ion a?en #ro) he) by he ,olice o##icer! 6ere illegally !ei(ed in he ab!ence o# a 6arran &
ISS*ES8 Whe her or no
he handgun! and a))uni ion! u!ed in he ?illing 6ere illegally !ei(ed #ro) a,,ellan ! in he ab!ence o# a 6arran &
,ELD8 NO& There are eigh 435 in! ance! 6here a 6arran le!! !earch and !ei(ure i! %alid&
They are: 405 con!en ed !earche!C 495 a! an inciden o a la6#ul arre! C 475 !earche! o# %e!!el! and aircra# #or %iola ion o# i))igra ion, cu! o)!, and drug la6!C 485 !earche! o# )o%ing %ehicle!C 4A5 !earche! o# au o)obile! a border! or con! ruc i%e border!C 4;5 6here he ,rohibi ed ar icle! are in B,lain %ie6CB 4:5 !earche! o# building! and ,re)i!e! o en#orce #ire, !ani ary, and building regula ion!C and 435 B! o, and #ri!?B o,era ion!& In hi! ca!e, he 6arran le!! !earch and !ei(ure o# he !ubjec handgun! and a))uni ion i! %alid #or 6o rea!on!& I 6a! a !earch inciden al o a la6#ul arre! & I 6a! )ade a# er a #a al !hoo ing, and ,ur!ui o# a #a! =)o%ing %ehicle !ee?ing o elude ,ur!uing ,olice o##icer!, and a )ore han rea!onable belie# on he ,ar o# he ,olice o##icer! ha he #leeing !u!,ec ! aboard !aid %ehicle had ju! engaged in cri)inal ac i%i y& The urgen need o# he ,olice o a?e i))edia e ac ion in he ligh o# he #oregoing exigencie! clearly !a i!#ie! he re>uire)en ! #or 6arran le!! arre! ! under he Rule! o# Cour & Moreo%er, 6hen caugh in #lagran e delic o 6i h #irear)! and 29

a))uni ion 6hich hey 6ere no au hori(ed o carry, a,,ellan ! 6ere ac ually %iola ing P&*& No& 03;;, ano her ground #or %alid arre! under he Rule!&
SEARCHES AND SEIZURES; THERE MUST BE A PRIOR JUSTIFICATION FOR AN INTRUSION IN APPLYING THE PLAIN VIEW DOCTRINE; SEIZURE OF EVIDENCE DURING A VALID ARREST. PEOPLE OF T,E P,ILIPPINES .&- C*BC*BIN
0G-R- No- 13>2>:/ 7u'" 10/ 20014
+ENDOZA/ 78 FACTS8 A abou 7:71 in he )orning o# Augu! 9;, 022:, -g & Rogel, de!? o##icer o# he Ca%i e
Ci y ,olice ! a ion, recei%ed a ele,hone call ha a ,er!on had been !ho near he ce)e ery along "ulian .eli,e $oule%ard in -an An onio, Ca%i e Ci y& .or hi! rea!on, a ,olice ea), co),o!ed o# -PO0 Malinao, "r&, PO7 Ro!al, PO7 E! oy, "r&, PO7 Manicio, and -PO7 Manalo, re!,onded o he call and #ound Eenry P& Pia)on e !lu),ed dead on hi! ricycle 6hich 6a! hen ,ar?ed on he road A ricycle dri%er, 6ho re#u!ed o di%ulge hi! na)e, old hi) he) accu!ed=a,,ellan and he %ic i) 6ere la! !een oge her co)ing ou o# he - ing Ca#e, loca ed in -an An onio near he ga e o# -angley Poin , Ca%i e Ci y, abou a ?ilo)e er and a hal# a6ay #ro) he cri)e !cene& Ar)ando Pla a, ano her ricycle dri%er, old Ro!al and Malinao, "r& ha 'arcellano<! de!cri, ion #i ed a ,er!on ?no6n a! alia! B"un *ulceO and led he ,olice)en 6here accu!ed= a,,ellan li%ed& K,on arri%ing he ,olice a!?ed ,er)i!!ion i# hey could en er he hou!e& A# er en ering hey #ound a bloodied !hir and 6o !,en &73 caliber !hell!& Accu!ed a,,ellan 6a! hen a!?ed o re urn o he ca#e #or iden i#ica ion& Ee 6a! ,o!i i%ely iden i#ied by he 6ai re!! o be he ,er!on 6i h 6ho) he %ic i) dran? 6i h& The ,olice hen 6en bac? o hi! hou!e and here #ound a &73 ,al i? ,i! ol& An in#or)a ion #or )urder 6a! hen #iled again! accu!ed=a,,ellan & The rial cour #ound hi) guil y and !en enced hi) 6i h he ca,i al ,uni!h)en &
ISS*ES8
405 Whe her or no he arre! o# he accu!ed a,,ellan 6a! %alid& 495 Whe her or no here 6a! a %alid !earch and !ei(ure&
,ELD8
405 NO- On he #ir! i!!ue, he arre! o# accu!ed=a,,ellan 6a! e##ec ed !hor ly a# er he %ic i) 6a! ?illed& The >ue! ion, here#ore, i! 6he her here 6a! B,robable cau!eB #or PO7 Ro!al and -PO0 Malinao, "r&, he arre! ing o##icer!, o belie%e ha accu!ed=a,,ellan co))i ed he cri)e& We hold ha here 6a! none& The 6o did no ha%e B,er!onal ?no6ledge o# #ac !B indica ing ha accu!ed=a,,ellan had co))i ed he cri)e& Their ?no6ledge o# he circu)! ance! #ro) 6hich hey allegedly in#erred ha accu!ed=a,,ellan 6a! ,robably guil y 6a! ba!ed en irely on 6ha hey had been old by o her!, o 6i : by !o)eone 6ho called he PNP ! a ion in -an An onio, Ca%i e Ci y a abou 7:71 in he )orning o# Augu! 9;, 022: and re,or ed ha a )an had been ?illed along "ulian .eli,e $oule%ard o# he !aid ci yC by an alleged 6i ne!! 6ho !a6 accu!ed=a,,ellan and he %ic i) co)ing ou o# he - ing Ca#eC by *ane 'arcellano, 6ai re!! a he - ing Ca#e, 6ho !aid ha he )an la! !een 6i h he %ic i) 6a! lean, )u! achioed, dar?=co),lexioned and 6a! 6earing a 6hi e =!hir and a ,air o# bro6n !hor ,an !C by a ricycle dri%er na)ed Ar)ando Pla a 6ho old he) ha he ,hy!ical de!cri, ion gi%en by 'arcellano #i ed accu!ed=a,,ellan , alia! B"un *ulceB and 6ho !aid he ?ne6 6here accu!ed= a,,ellan li%ed and acco),anied he) o accu!ed=a,,ellan <! hou!e& Thu!, PO7 Ro!al and -PO0 Malinao, "r& )erely relied on in#or)a ion gi%en o he) by o her!& 495 NO& On he !econd i!!ue, accu!ed=a,,ellan con end! ha nei her he nor hi! !on ga%e ,er)i!!ion o he arre! ing ,olice o##icer! o !earch hi! hou!e and, here#ore, he BEane!B =!hir , he 6o !,en !lug!, and he &73 caliber re%ol%er allegedly #ound in hi! hou!e are inad)i!!ible in e%idence& The ,ro!ecu ion, on he o her hand, in!i! ! ha accu!ed=a,,ellan con!en ed o he !earch o# hi! hou!e&
30

To be !ure, he righ again! unrea!onable !earche! and !ei(ure! i! a ,er!onal righ 6hich )ay be 6ai%ed ex,re!!ly or i),liedly& $u a 6ai%er by i),lica ion canno be ,re!u)ed& There )u! be ,er!ua!i%e e%idence o# an ac ual in en ion o relin>ui!h he righ & A! in hi! ca!e!, a )ere #ailure on he ,ar o# he accu!ed o objec o a !earch canno be con! rued a! a 6ai%er o# hi! ,ri%ilege& Nor can he 6arran le!! !earch in hi! ca!e be ju! i#ied under he B,lain %ie6B doc rine& A! hi! Cour held in People v. &usa: The B,lain %ie6B doc rine i! u!ually a,,lied 6here a ,olice o##icer i! no !earching #or e%idence again! he accu!ed, bu none hele!! inad%er en ly co)e! acro!! an incri)ina ing objec & Wha he B,lain %ie6B ca!e! ha%e in co))on i! ha he ,olice o##icer in each o# he) had a ,rior ju! i#ica ion #or an in ru!ion in he cour!e o# 6hich he ca)e inad%er en ly acro!! a ,iece o# e%idence incri)ina ing he accu!ed& The doc rine !er%e! o !u,,le)en he ,rior ju! i#ica ion I 6he her i be a 6arran #or ano her objec , ho ,ur!ui , !earch inciden o la6#ul arre! , or !o)e o her legi i)a e rea!on #or being ,re!en unconnec ed 6i h a !earch direc ed again! he accu!ed I and ,er)i ! he 6arran le!! !ei(ure& .inally, he ,ro!ecu ion !ay! he !earch can be ju! i#ied a! inciden al o a %alid arre! & E%en a!!u)ing he 6arran le!! arre! o be %alid, he !earch canno be con!idered an inciden here o& A %alid arre! allo6! only he !ei(ure o# e%idence or dangerou! 6ea,on! ei her in he ,er!on o# he one arre! ed or 6i hin he area o# hi! i))edia e con rol& The ra ionale #or !uch !earch and !ei(ure i! o ,re%en he ,er!on arre! ed ei her #ro) de! roying e%idence or #ro) u!ing he 6ea,on again! hi! ca, or& I i! clear ha he 6arran le!! !earch in hi! ca!e canno be ju! i#ied on hi! ground& .or nei her he =!hir nor he gun 6a! 6i hin he area o# accu!ed= a,,ellan <! i))edia e con rol& In #ac , according o he ,ro!ecu ion, he ,olice #ound he gun only a# er going bac? o he hou!e o# accu!ed=a,,ellan &
SEARCHES AND SEIZURES; ELEMENTS NECESSARY TO APPLY THE PLAIN VIEW DOCTRINE. PEOPLE OF T,E P,ILIPPINES .&- CO+PACION
0G-R- No- 129992/ 7u'" 20/ 20014
?AP*NAN/ 78 FACTS8 Ac ing on a con#iden ial i, !u,,lied by a ,olice in#or)an ha accu!ed=a,,ellan 6a!
gro6ing and cul i%a ing )arijuana ,lan !, -PO0 'ilber L& Linda and -PO9 $a!ilio -arong o# he ; h Narco ic Regional .ield Kni o# he Narco ic! Co))and 4NARCOM5 o# he $acolod Ci y *e ach)en conduc ed a !ur%eillance o# he re!idence o# accu!ed=a,,ellan 6ho 6a! hen he barangay ca, ain o# barangay $agonbon, -an Carlo! Ci y, Negro! Occiden al on "uly 2, 022A& *uring he !aid !ur%eillance, hey !a6 6o 495 all ,lan ! in he bac?yard o# he accu!ed=a,,ellan 6hich hey !u!,ec ed o be )arijuana ,lan !& *e!,i e #ailing o ob ain a 6arran , he ea) ,roceeded o barangay $agonbon and arri%ed a he re!idence o# accu!ed=a,,ellan in he early )orning o# "uly 07, 022A& -PO8 /illa)or ?noc?ed a he ga e and called ou #or he accu!ed=a,,ellan & Wha ha,,ened herea# er i! !ubjec o con#lic ing accoun !& The ,ro!ecu ion con end! ha he accu!ed=a,,ellan o,ened he ga e and ,er)i ed he) o co)e in& Ee 6a! i))edia ely a!?ed by -PO8 /illa)or abou he !u!,ec ed )arijuana ,lan ! and he ad)i ed ha he ,lan ed and cul i%a ed he !a)e #or he u!e o# hi! 6i#e 6ho 6a! !u##ering #ro) )igraine The o,era i%e! hen u,roo ed he !u!,ec ed )arijuana ,lan !& Accu!ed=a,,ellan F! %er!ion o# 6ha ran!,ired i! ha around one= hir y in he early )orning o# "uly 07, 022A 6hile he and hi! #a)ily 6ere !lee,ing, he heard !o)ebody ?noc?ing ou !ide hi! hou!e& Ee 6en do6n bringing 6i h hi) a #la!hligh & A# er he o,ened he ga e, #our 485 ,er!on! 6ho he hough 6ere )e)ber! o# he )ili ary, en ered he ,re)i!e! hen 6en in!ide he hou!e& I 6a! dar? !o he could no coun he o her! 6ho en ered he hou!e a! he !a)e 6a! li only by a ?ero!ene la),& One o# he #our )en old hi) o !i in he li%ing roo)& -o)e o# he )en 6en u,! air! 6hile he o her! 6en around he hou!e& None o# he) a!?ed #or hi! ,er)i!!ion o !earch hi! hou!e and he ,re)i!e!&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he !earch and !ei(ure ,er#or)ed a he bac?yard o# he accu!ed 6a!
%alid&
31

,ELD8 NO& In he in! an ca!e, he !earch and !ei(ure conduc ed by he co),o!i e ea) in
he hou!e o# accu!ed=a,,ellan 6a! no au hori(ed by a !earch 6arran & I doe! no a,,ear ei her ha he !i ua ion #all! under any o# he exce, ion!& Con!e>uen ly, accu!ed=a,,ellan <! righ again! unrea!onable !earch and !ei(ure 6a! clearly %iola ed& I i! ex an #ro) he record! ha accu!ed=a,,ellan did no con!en o he 6arran le!! !earch and !ei(ure conduc ed& While he righ o be !ecure #ro) unrea!onable !earch and !ei(ure )ay, li?e e%ery righ , be 6ai%ed ei her ex,re!!ly or i),liedly, !uch 6ai%er )u! con! i u e a %alid 6ai%er )ade %olun arily, ?no6ingly and in elligen ly& The ac o# he accu!ed=a,,ellan in allo6ing he )e)ber! o# he )ili ary o en er hi! ,re)i!e! and hi! con!e>uen !ilence during he unrea!onable !earch and !ei(ure could no be con! rued a! %olun ary !ub)i!!ion or an i),lied ac>uie!cence o 6arran le!! !earch and !ei(ure e!,ecially !o 6hen )e)ber! o# he raiding ea) 6ere in i)ida ingly nu)erou! and hea%ily ar)ed& A! a general rule, objec ! in he B,lain %ie6B o# an o##icer 6ho ha! he righ o be in he ,o!i ion o ha%e ha %ie6 are !ubjec o !ei(ure 6i hou a 6arran & I i! u!ually a,,lied 6here a ,olice o##icer i! no !earching #or e%idence again! he accu!ed, bu none hele!! inad%er en ly co)e! acro!! an incri)ina ing objec & Thu!, he #ollo6ing ele)en ! )u! be ,re!en be#ore he doc rine )ay be a,,lied: 4a5 a ,rior %alid in en ion ba!ed on he %alid 6arran le!! arre! in 6hich he ,olice are legally ,re!en in he ,ur!ui o# heir o##icial du ie!C 4b5 he e%idence 6a! inad%er en ly di!co%ered by he ,olice 6ho ha%e he righ o be 6here hey areC 4c5 he e%idence )u! be i))edia ely a,,aren C and 4d5 B,lain %ie6B ju! i#ied 6ere !ei(ure o# e%idence 6i hou #ur her !earch& Eere, here 6a! no %alid 6arran le!! arre! & They #orced heir 6ay in o accu!ed= a,,ellan <! ,re)i!e! 6i hou he la er<! con!en & I i! undi!,u ed ha he NARCOM agen ! conduc ed a !ur%eillance o# he re!idence o# accu!ed=a,,ellan on "uly 2, 022A on he !u!,icion ha he 6a! gro6ing and cul i%a ing )arijuana 6hen hey allegedly ca)e in B,lain %ie6B o# he )arijuana ,lan !& When he agen ! en ered hi! ,re)i!e! on "uly 07, 022A, heir in en ion 6a! o !ei(e he e%idence again! hi)& In #ac , hey ini ially 6an ed o !ecure a !earch 6arran bu could no !i),ly 6ai #or one o be i!!ued& The NARCOM agen !, here#ore, did no co)e acro!! he )arijuana ,lan ! inad%er en ly 6hen hey conduc ed a !ur%eillance and barged in o accu!ed= a,,ellan <! re!idence&
RIGHT TO INFORMATION
RIGHT TO INFORMATION; COVERAGE OF THE TRIAL OF THE PLUNDER CASES SHALL BE LIMITED TO AUDIOVISUAL RECORDING FOR DOCUMENTARY PURPOSES. RE8 RE<*EST FOR LI;E RADIO6T; CO;ERAGE OF T,E TRIAL IN T,E SANDIGANBA5AN OF T,E PL*NDER CASES AGAINST FOR+ER PRESIDENT 7OSEP, E- ESTRADA .&- 7OSEP, E- ESTRADA ! d INTEGRATED BAR OF T,E P,ILIPPINES
0A-+- No- 0061696036SC/ Septe$(er 13/ 20014
+ENDOZA/ 78 FACTS8 Thi! i! a )o ion #or recon!idera ion o# he deci!ion denying ,e i ioner!< re>ue! #or
,er)i!!ion o ele%i!e and broadca! li%e he rial o# #or)er Pre!iden E! rada be#ore he -andiganbayan& The )o ion 6a! #iled by he -ecre ary o# "u! ice, a! one o# he ,e i ioner!, 6ho argue! ha here i! really no con#lic be 6een he righ o# he ,eo,le o ,ublic in#or)a ion and he #reedo) o# he ,re!!, on he one hand, and, on he o her, he righ o# he accu!ed o a #air rialC ha i# here i! a cla!h be 6een he!e righ !, i )u! be re!ol%ed in #a%or or o# he righ o# he ,eo,le and he ,re!! becau!e he ,eo,le, a! he re,o!i ory o# !o%ereign y, are en i led o in#or)a ionC and ha li%e )edia co%erage i! a !a#eguard again! a e), ! by any ,ar y o u!e he cour ! a! in! ru)en ! #or he ,ur!ui o# !el#i!h in ere! !& On he o her hand, #or)er Pre!iden "o!e,h E& E! rada rei era e! hi! objec ion o he li%e T/ and radio co%erage o# hi! rial on he ground ha i ! allo6ance 6ill %iola e he !ub judice rule and ha , ba!ed on hi! ex,erience 6i h he i),each)en rial, li%e )edia co%erage 6ill only ,a%e 32

he 6ay #or !o=called Bex,er co))en aryB 6hich can rigger )a!!i%e de)on! ra ion! ai)ed a ,re!!uring he -andiganbayan o render a deci!ion one 6ay or he o her& Mr& E! rada con end! ha he righ o# he ,eo,le o in#or)a ion )ay be !er%ed hrough o her )ean! le!! di! rac ing, degrading, and ,rejudicial han li%e T/ and radio co%erage&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he ca!e! o# a #or)er Pre!iden ,ending be#ore he -andiganbayan can
be co%ered by li%e ele%i!ion and radio broadca! 6i hou i),airing he righ o# he accu!ed o a ju! and #air rial&
,ELD8 NO& The Cour #ind! no rea!on o al er or in any 6ay )odi#y i ! deci!ion ,rohibi ing li%e
or real i)e broadca! by radio or ele%i!ion o# he rial o# he #or)er ,re!iden & In lieu o# li%e T/ and radio co%erage o# he rial, he Cour ha! re!ol%ed o order he audio%i!ual recording o# he rial #or docu)en ary ,ur,o!e!& Con!idering he !igni#icance o# he rial be#ore he -andiganbayan o# #or)er Pre!iden E! rada and he i),or ance o# ,re!er%ing he record! hereo#, he Cour belie%e! ha here !hould be an audio=%i!ual recording o# he ,roceeding!& The recording! 6ill no be #or li%e or real i)e broadca! bu #or docu)en ary ,ur,o!e!& Only la er 6ill hey be a%ailable #or ,ublic !ho6ing, a# er he -andiganbayan !hall ha%e ,ro)ulga ed i ! deci!ion in e%ery ca!e o 6hich he recording ,er ain!& The )a! er #il) !hall be de,o!i ed in he Na ional Mu!eu) and he Record! Manage)en and Archi%e! O##ice #or hi! orical ,re!er%a ion and exhibi ion ,ur!uan o la6& There are !e%eral rea!on! #or !uch ele%i!ed recording& .ir! , he hearing! are hi! oric !igni#icance& They are an a##ir)a ion o# our co))i )en o he rule ha B he Ling i! under no )an, bu he i! under 'od and he la6&B 4Guod Rex non debe e!!e !ub ho)ine, !ed !ub *eo e Lege5& -econd, he E! rada ca!e! in%ol%e )a er! o# %i al concern o our ,eo,le 6ho ha%e a #unda)en al righ o ?no6 ho6 heir go%ern)en i! conduc ed& Thi! righ can be enhanced by audio=%i!ual ,re!en a ion& Third, audio=%i!ual ,re!en a ion i! e!!en ial #or he educa ion and ci%ic raining o# he ,eo,le& They 6ill be ,ri)arily #or he u!e o# a,,ella e cour ! in he e%en a re%ie6 o# he ,roceeding!, ruling!, or deci!ion! o# he -andiganbayan i! !ough or beco)e! nece!!ary& The accuracy o# he ran!cri, ! o# ! enogra,hic no e! a?en during he rial can be chec?ed by re#erence o he a,e!& On he o her hand, by delaying he relea!e o# he a,e! #or broadca! , concern! ha ho!e a?ing ,ar in he ,roceeding! 6ill be ,laying o he ca)era! and 6ill hu! be di! rac ed #ro) he ,ro,er ,er#or)ance o# heir role! = 6he her a! coun!el, 6i ne!!e!, cour ,er!onnel, or judge! = 6ill be allayed& The ,o!!ibili y ha ,arallel rial! be#ore he bar o# ju! ice and he bar o# ,ublic o,inion )ay jeo,ardi(e, or e%en ,re%en , he ju! de er)ina ion o# he ca!e! can be )ini)i(ed& The ,o!!ibili y ha judg)en 6ill be rendered by he ,o,ular ribunal be#ore he cour o# ju! ice can render i ! o6n 6ill be a%oided& A he !a)e i)e, concern! abou he regulari y and #airne!! o# he rial = 6hich, i )ay be a!!u)ed, i! he concern o# ho!e o,,o!ed o, a! )uch a! o# ho!e in #a%or o#, ele%i!ed rial! = 6ill be addre!!ed !ince he a,e! 6ill no be relea!ed #or ,ublic !ho6ing un il a# er he deci!ion o# he ca!e! by he -andiganbayan& $y delaying he relea!e o# he a,e!, )uch o# he ,roble) ,o!ed by real i)e T/ and radio broadca! 6ill be a%oided& Thu!, )any i),or an ,ur,o!e! #or ,re!er%ing he record o# he rial! can be !er%ed by audio=%i!ual recording! 6i hou i),airing he righ o# he accu!ed o a #air rial& Nor i! he righ o# ,ri%acy o# he accu!ed a bar o he ,roduc ion o# !uch docu)en ary& In Ayer Productions Pty. 'td. v. Capulong, hi! Cour held: BA li)i ed in ru!ion in o a ,er!on<! ,ri%acy ha! long been regarded a! ,er)i!!ible 6here ha ,er!on i! a ,ublic #igure and he in#or)a ion !ough o be elici ed #ro) hi) or o be ,ubli!hed abou hi) con! i u e )a er! o# a ,ublic charac er&B
SEPARATE OPINION! VITUG, J!

In addre!!ing he ,re!en )o ion #or recon!idera ion, colleague! on he Cour o,ine ha here !hould be an audio=%i!ual recording o# he ,roceeding! #or docu)en ary ,ur,o!e! becau!e, #ir! , he hearing! are o# hi! oric !igni#icanceC !econd, he E! rada ca!e! in%ol%e )a er! o# %i al concern o our ,eo,le 6ho ha%e a #unda)en al righ o ?no6 ho6 heir go%ern)en 6or?!C hird, he audio=%i!ual ,re!en a ion i! e!!en ial #or educa ion and ci%ic raining o# he ,eo,leC and #our h, !uch recording can be u!ed by a,,ella e cour ! in he e%en ha he re%ie6 o# he ,roceeding!, ruling, or deci!ion! o# he -andiganbayan i! !ough or beco)e! nece!!ary&
33

The ,ro,o!i ion ha! no%el #ea ure!C regre ably, I ! ill #ind i hard o belie%e ha he ,re!ence o# he ca)era! in!ide he cour roo) 6ill no ha%e an un o6ard i),ac on he cour ,roceeding!& No e),irical da a ha! been !ho6n o !ugge! o her6i!e& To he con rary, ex,erience a e! ! o he in i)ida ing e##ec o# ca)era! and elec ronic de%ice! in cour roo)! on he li igan !, 6i ne!!e! and juror!& In addi ion, he na ural re icence o# 6i ne!!e! a he ! and can e%en ea!ily be exacerba ed by ,lacing he) on ca)era in con ra%en ion o# nor)al ex,erience& The de)eanor o# he 6i ne!!e! can al!o ha%e an ab! ru!e e##ec on he abili y o# he judge o accura ely a!!e!! he credibili y o# !uch 6i ne!!e!& The ,re!ence o# ca)era!, #or 6ha e%er rea!on, )ay no ade>ua ely addre!! he danger! )en ioned in he Cour <! deci!ion o# 92 "une 9110& There are ju! oo )any i),onderable!& Mo! i),or an ly, i doe! no !ee) righ o !ingle ou and )a?e a !,ec acle o# he ca!e! again! Mr& E! rada& *igni y i! a ,reciou! ,ar o# ,er!onali y inna e in e%ery hu)an being, and here can be no cogen excu!e #or i),inging i e%en o he !ligh e! degree& I i! no he ,roble) o# ,ri%acy ha can cau!e concern )ore han he ero!ion o# reali y ha ca)era! end o ca! &
RIGHTS UNDER THE MIRANDA DOCTRINE

MIRANDA DOCTRINE; THE RIGHT TO COUNSEL CANNOT BE CLAIMED DURING INDENTIFICATION IN POLICE LINE"UP. PEOPLE OF T,E P,ILIPPINES .&- A+EST*ZO/ et !'0G-R- No- 1093=3/ 7u'" 12/ 20014
?AP*NAN/ 78 FACTS8 On .ebruary 9;, 0220, #our day! a# er a re,or ed robbery 6i h )ul i,le ra,e, a grou,
o# ,olice)en oge her 6i h accu!ed .ederico A),a in, 6ho 6a! hen a !u!,ec , 6en o he handicra# ! #ac ory in NIA Road, Pa!ay Ci y 6here accu!ed=a,,ellan 6a! 6or?ing a! a ! ay=in !hell cu er& They 6ere loo?ing #or a cer ain BMarioB and B!earched he #ir! and !econd #loor! o# he building& .ailing o #ind !aid Mario, he ,olice hi A),a in a he bac? o# hi! nec? 6i h a gun and u ered, BNilolo?o lang ya a ayo ng aong i oB and BMag uro ?a ng ao ?ahi !ino&B I 6a! a hi! junc ure ha A),a in ,oin ed o accu!ed=a,,ellan $aga! a! he 6a! he #ir! ,er!on A),a in chanced o loo? u,on& Therea# er, $aga! 6a! arre! ed and )ade o board he ,olice %ehicle oge her 6i h accu!ed A),a in& They 6ere brough o he Krduja Police - a ion in Laloo?an Ci y and ,laced under de en ion oge her 6i h he o her 6o accu!ed, A)e! u(o and /iMa!& When he co),lainan ! arri%ed, accu!ed=a,,ellan 6a! brough ou , in! ruc ed o urn o he le# and hen o he righ and he 6a! a!?ed o al?& Co),lainan Lac!a)ana a!?ed hi) i# he ?ne6 accu!ed A)e! u(o and /iMa!& Accu!ed=a,,ellan an!6ered in he nega i%e& The ,olice)en old he co),lainan ! ha accu!ed=a,,ellan 6a! one o# he !u!,ec !& Thi! inci ed co),lainan ! o an e)o ional #ren(y, ?ic?ing and hi ing hi)& They only ! o,,ed 6hen one o# he ,olice)en in er%ened& Accu!ed=a,,ellan allege! ha he rial cour co))i ed a !eriou! error 6hen i de,ri%ed hi) o# hi! con! i u ional righ o be re,re!en ed by a la6yer during hi! in%e! iga ion& Ei! !ingular ,re!en a ion o he co),lainan ! #or iden i#ica ion 6i hou he bene#i o# coun!el, accu!ed= a,,ellan a%er!, i! a #lagran %iola ion o# he con! i u ional ,reroga i%e o be a!!i! ed by coun!el o 6hich he 6a! en i led #ro) he )o)en he 6a! arre! ed by he ,olice and ,laced on de en ion& Ee )ain ain! ha he iden i#ica ion 6a! a cri ical ! age o# ,ro!ecu ion a 6hich he 6a! a! )uch en i led o he aid o# coun!el a! during he rial ,ro,er&
ISS*ES8
405 Whe her or no a,,ellan F! righ o coun!el 6a! %iola ed& 495 Whe her or no here 6a! a %alid ou =o#=cour iden i#ica ion o# a,,ellan o he co),lainan !&
,ELD8
405 NO& Eerein accu!ed=a,,ellan could no ye in%o?e hi! righ o coun!el 6hen he 6a! ,re!en ed #or Iden i#ica ion by he co),lainan ! becau!e he !a)e 6a! no ye ,ar o# he in%e! iga ion ,roce!!& Moreo%er, here 6a! no !ho6ing ha during hi! iden i#ica ion by he 34

co),lainan !, he ,olice in%e! iga or! !ough o elici any ad)i!!ion or con#e!!ion #ro) accu!ed= a,,ellan & In #ac , record! !ho6 ha he ,olice did no a all al? o accu!ed=a,,ellan 6hen he 6a! ,re!en ed be#ore he co),lainan !& The alleged in#ringe)en o# he con! i u ional righ ! o# he accu!ed 6hile under cu! odial in%e! iga ion i! rele%an and )a erial only o ca!e! in 6hich an ex rajudicial ad)i!!ion or con#e!!ion ex rac ed #ro) he accu!ed beco)e! he ba!i! o# hi! con%ic ion& In he ,re!en ca!e, here i! no !uch con#e!!ion or ex rajudicial ad)i!!ion& 495 5ES& The ou =o#=cour iden i#ica ion o# herein accu!ed=a,,ellan by co),lainan ! in he ,olice ! a ion a,,ear! o ha%e been i),ro,erly !ugge! i%e& E%en be#ore co),lainan ! had he o,,or uni y o %ie6 accu!ed=a,,ellan #ace= o=#ace 6hen he 6a! brough ou o# he de en ion cell o be ,re!en ed o he) #or iden i#ica ion, he ,olice )ade an announce)en ha he 6a! one o# he !u!,ec ! in he cri)e and ha he 6a! he one ,oin ed o by accu!ed A),a in a! one o# cul,ri !&
MIRANDA DOCTRINE; THE RIGHT TO COUNSEL ATTACHES ONLY UPON THE START OF CRIMINAL CUSTODIAL INVESTIGATION. ESTELITO RE+OLONA ;S- CI;IL SER;ICE CO++ISSION
0G-R- No- 13:9:3/ AuAu&t 2/ 20014
P*NO/ 78 FACTS8 E! eli o Re)olona i! he Po! )a! er o# In#an a, Gue(on 6hile hi! 6i#e Nery i! a
eacher in Liboro!a Ele)en ary -chool& On "anuary 7, 0220, .ranci!co A)erica, he *i! ric -u,er%i!or o# In#an a in>uired abou NeryF! Ci%il -er%ice eligibili y 6ho ,ur,or edly go a ra ing o# 30&9AP& Mr& A)erica al!o di!clo!ed ha he recei%ed in#or)a ion ha Nery 6a! ca),aigning #or a #ee o# 3,111 ,e!o! ,er exa)inee #or a ,a!!ing )ar? in he board exa)ina ion #or eacher!& I 6a! e%en ually re%ealed ha Nery Re)olonaF! na)e did no a,,ear in he ,a!!ing and #ailing exa)inee! and ha he exa) no& 1;093A a! indica ed in her re,or o# ra ing belonged o a cer ain Marlou Madelo 6ho go a ra ing o# ;AP& E! eli o Re)olona in hi! 6ri en ! a e)en o# #ac ! !aid ha he )e a cer ain A y& -alu,adin in a bu!, 6ho o##ered o hel, hi! 6i#e ob ain eligibili y #or a #ee o# 7,111 ,e!o!& Mr& A)erica ho6e%er, in#or)ed Nery ha here 6a! no %acancy 6hen !he ,re!en ed her ra ing re,or , !o E! eli o 6en o Lucena o co),lain ha A)erica a!?ed #or )oney in exchange #or he a,,oin )en o# hi! 6i#e, and ha #ro) 023;=0233, A)erica 6a! able o recei%e ; chec?! a 9,;11 ,e!o! each ,lu! bonu! o# Nery Re)olona& Re)olona ad)i ed ha he 6a! re!,on!ible #or he #a?e eligibili y and ha hi! 6i#e had no ?no6ledge hereo#& On reco))enda ion o# Regional *irec or A)ilha!an o# he Ci%il -er%ice, he C-C #ound he !,ou!e! guil y o# di!hone! y and i),o!ed a ,enal y o# di!)i!!al and all i ! acce!!ory ,enal ie!& On Mo ion .or Recon!idera ion, only Nery 6a! exonera ed and rein! a ed& On a,,eal, he Cour o# A,,eal! di!)i!!ed he ,e i ion #or re%ie6 and denied he )o ion #or recon!idera ion and ne6 rial&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no here 6a! a %iola ion o# due ,roce!! a! he ex ra=judicial ad)i!!ion
allegedly !igned by hi) 6a! in blan? #or) and ha he 6a! no a!!i! ed by coun!el&
,ELD8 NO& Righ o Coun!el i! )ean o ,ro ec a !u!,ec in a cri)inal ca!e under cu! odial
in%e! iga ion 6hen >ue! ion! are ini ia ed by la6 en#orce)en o##icer! a# er a ,er!on ha! been a?en in cu! ody& The righ o coun!el a ache! only u,on he ! ar o# !uch in%e! iga ion& The exclu!ionary rule under Paragra,h 9, -ec ion 09 a,,lie! only o ad)i!!ion! )ade in a cri)inal in%e! iga ion bu no ho!e )ade in an ad)ini! ra i%e in%e! iga ion&
MIRANDA DOCTRINE; THE CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION ON CUSTODIAL INVESTIGATION DOES NOT APPLY TO A SPONTANEOUS STATEMENT NOT ELICITED THROUGH QUESTIONING BY THE AUTHORITIES. PEOPLE OF T,E P,ILIPPINES .&- BALOLO5
0G-R- No- 190:90/ Apri' 12/ 20024
35

PER C*RIA+8 FACTS8 A he 6a er#all! o# $arangay Ina!agan, Aurora, Qa)boanga del -ur, on he e%ening
o# Augu! 7, 022;, he dead body o# an 00=year=old girl 'enelyn Ca)acho 6a! #ound& Au o,!y re,or ! #ound ha 'enelyn 6a! ra,ed be#ore !he 6a! dro6ned& The one 6ho cau!ed i ! di!co%ery 6a! accu!ed=a,,ellan "uani o $aloloy hi)!el#, 6ho clai)ed ha he had caugh !igh o# i 6hile he 6a! ca ching #rog! in a nearby cree?& While in he 6a?e o# 'enelyn, "uani o con#e!!ed o he $arangay Ca, ain ha he only 6an ed o #righ en he girl bu ended u, ra,ing and hro6ing her body in he ra%ine& While in he cu! ody o# he au hori ie!, he 6a! a!?ed incri)ina ing >ue! ion! by "udge *icon 6ho ju! i#ied hi! ac ion! !aying ha "uani o 6a! no ye in cu! odial in%e! iga ion& $a!ed on hi! alleged ex rajudicial con#e!!ion, cou,led 6i h circu)! an ial e%idence, he rial cour #ound "uani o guil y o# ra,e 6i h ho)icide and !en enced hi) o dea h& On a,,eal, "uani o )ain ain! ha he rial cour %iola ed -ec ion 09405 o# Ar icle III o# he Con! i u ion 6hen i ad)i ed in e%idence hi! alleged ex rajudicial con#e!!ion o $arangay Ca, ain Ceni(a and "udge *icon& According o hi), he 6o #ailed o in#or) hi) o# hi! con! i u ional righ ! be#ore hey oo? i u,on he)!el%e! o elici #ro) hi) he incri)ina ory in#or)a ion& I i! o# no )o)en ha Ceni(a and *icon are no ,olice in%e! iga or!, #or a! ,ublic o##icial! i 6a! incu)ben u,on he) o ob!er%e he ex,re!! )anda e o# he Con! i u ion& While he!e righ ! )ay be 6ai%ed, he ,ro!ecu ion #ailed o !ho6 ha he e##ec i%ely 6ai%ed hi! righ ! hrough a 6ri en 6ai%er execu ed in he ,re!ence o# coun!el& Ee conclude! ha hi! ex rajudicial con#e!!ion i! inad)i!!ible in e%idence&
ISS*E8
405 Whe her or no "uani oF! ex rajudicial con#e!!ion be#ore he barangay ca, ain 6a! ad)i!!ible& 495 Whe her or no "uani oF! ex rajudicial con#e!!ion be#ore he judge 6a! ad)i!!ible&
,ELD8
405 5ES& A! o hi! con#e!!ion 6i h he $aragay Ca, ain Ceni(a, i ha! been held ha he con! i u ional ,ro%i!ion on cu! odial in%e! iga ion doe! no a,,ly o a !,on aneou! ! a e)en , no elici ed hrough >ue! ioning by he au hori ie! bu gi%en in an ordinary )anner 6hereby he !u!,ec orally ad)i ! ha%ing co))i ed he cri)e& Nei her can i a,,ly o ad)i!!ion! or con#e!!ion! )ade by a !u!,ec in he co))i!!ion o# a cri)e be#ore he i! ,laced under in%e! iga ion& Wha he Con! i u ion bar! i! he co),ul!ory di!clo!ure o# incri)ina ing #ac ! or con#e!!ion!& In he in! an ca!e, "uani o %olun arily narra ed o Ceni(a ha he ra,ed 'ENELJN and herea# er hre6 her body in o he ra%ine& Thi! narra ion 6a! a !,on aneou! an!6er, #reely and %olun arily gi%en in an ordinary )anner& I 6a! gi%en be#ore he 6a! arre! ed or ,laced under cu! ody #or in%e! iga ion in connec ion 6i h he co))i!!ion o# he o##en!e& Moreo%er, "uani o did no o##er any e%idence o# i),ro,er or ul erior )o i%e on he ,ar o# Ceni(a, 6hich could ha%e co),elled her o e! i#y #al!ely again! hi)& 495 NO& Eo6e%er, here i! )eri in "uani oF! clai) ha hi! con! i u ional righ ! during cu! odial in%e! iga ion 6ere %iola ed by "udge *icon 6hen he la er ,ro,ounded o hi) incri)ina ing >ue! ion! 6i hou in#or)ing hi) o# hi! con! i u ional righ !& I i! !e led ha a he )o)en he accu!ed %olun arily !urrender! o, or i! arre! ed by, he ,olice o##icer!, he cu! odial in%e! iga ion i! dee)ed o ha%e ! ar ed& -o, he could no hence#or h be a!?ed abou hi! co),lici y in he o##en!e 6i hou he a!!i! ance o# coun!el& "udge *icon<! clai) ha no co),lain ha! ye been #iled and ha nei her 6a! he conduc ing a ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion de!er%e! !can con!idera ion& The #ac re)ain! ha a ha i)e "uani o 6a! already under he cu! ody o# he ,olice au hori ie!, 6ho had already a?en he ! a e)en o# he 6i ne!!e! 6ho 6ere hen be#ore "udge *icon #or he ad)ini! ra ion o# heir oa h! on heir ! a e)en !&
MIRANDA DOCTRINE; TWO KINDS OF INVOLUNTARY OR COERCED CONFESSIONS TREATED IN SECTION #$ OF THE #%&' CONSTITUTION. PEOPLE OF T,E P,ILIPPINES .&- ;ALLE7O
0G-R- No- 199>2>/ +!" 3/ 20024
PER C*RIA+8
36

FACTS8 The accu!ed a,,ellan , 'errico /allejo, 6a! !en enced o dea h by he RTC o# Ca%i e
Ci y #or he ra,e !laying o# a 2=year old child, *ai!y *iolola, in Ro!ario, Ca%i e on "uly 01, 0222& Accu!ed=a,,ellan no6 >ue! ion! he %alidi y o# he )e hod by 6hich hi! blood! ained clo he! 6ere reco%ered& According o accu!ed=a,,ellan , he ,olice)en >ue! ioned hi) a! o he clo he! he 6ore he day be#ore& Therea# er, hey oo? hi) o hi! hou!e and accu!ed=a,,ellan acco),anied he) o he bac? o# he hou!e 6here dir y clo he! 6ere ?e, & Accu!ed=a,,ellan challenge! he %alidi y o# he oral and 6ri en con#e!!ion! ,re!en ed a! e%idence again! hi)& Ee allege! ha he oral con#e!!ion! 6ere inad)i!!ible in e%idence #or being hear!ay, 6hile he ex rajudicial con#e!!ion! 6ere ob ained hrough #orce and in i)ida ion& Accu!ed=a,,ellan argue! ha he oral con#e!!ion! gi%en o Mayor Abu an o# Ro!ario, Ca%i e and o N$I .oren!ic $iologi! !hould be dee)ed inad)i!!ible #or being %iola i%e o# hi! con! i u ional righ ! a! he!e 6ere )ade by one already under cu! odial in%e! iga ion o ,er!on! in au hori y 6i hou he ,re!ence o# coun!el&
ISS*E8
Whe her or no inad)i!!ible&
he oral and 6ri en con#e!!ion! u!ed again!
he accu!ed i!
,ELD8 NO& -ec ion 09 o# Ar & III o# he Con! i u ion ,ro%ide! in ,er inen ,ar !:
B405 Any ,er!on under in%e! iga ion #or he co))i!!ion o# an o##en!e !hall ha%e he righ o be in#or)ed o# hi! righ o re)ain !ilen and o ha%e co),e en and inde,enden coun!el, ,re#erably o# hi! o6n choice& I# he ,er!on canno a##ord he !er%ice! o# coun!el, he )u! be ,ro%ided 6i h one& The!e righ ! canno be 6ai%ed exce, in 6ri ing and in he ,re!ence o# coun!el& B495 No or ure, #orce, %iolence, hrea , in i)ida ion or any o her )ean! 6hich %i ia e he #ree 6ill !hall be u!ed again! hi)& -ecre de en ion ,lace!, !oli ary, inco))unicado, or o her !i)ilar #or)! o# de en ion are ,rohibi ed& B475 Any con#e!!ion or ad)i!!ion ob ained in %iola ion o# hi! or -ec ion 0: !hall be inad)i!!ible in e%idence again! hi)&B There are 6o ?ind! o# in%olun ary or coerced con#e!!ion! rea ed in hi! con! i u ional ,ro%i!ion: 405 coerced con#e!!ion!, he ,roduc o# hird degree )e hod! !uch a! or ure, #orce, %iolence, hrea , and in i)ida ion, 6hich are deal 6i h in ,aragra,h 9 o# -ec ion 09, and 495 uncoun!elled ! a e)en !, gi%en 6i hou he bene#i o# Miranda 6arning!, 6hich are he !ubjec o# ,aragra,h 0 o# he !a)e !ec ion& Clearly, accu!ed=a,,ellan canno no6 clai) ha he 6a! no a,,ri!ed o# he con!e>uence! o# he ! a e)en ! he 6a! o )a?e a! 6ell a! he 6ri en con#e!!ion! he 6a! o execu e, #or he 6a! ,ro,erly in#or)ed by A y& Ley%a ha i )ay be u!ed again! hi) and here 6a! no a endance o# #orce or any #or) o# coercion& Nei her can he >ue! ion he >uali#ica ion! o# A y& Lu,o Ley%a 6ho ac ed a! hi! coun!el during he in%e! iga ion& To be an e##ec i%e coun!el, a la6yer need no challenge all he >ue! ion! being ,ro,ounded o hi! clien & The ,re!ence o# a la6yer i! no in ended o ! o, an accu!ed #ro) !aying any hing 6hich )igh incri)ina e hi) bu , ra her, i 6a! ado, ed in our Con! i u ion o ,reclude he !ligh e! coercion a! 6ould lead he accu!ed o ad)i !o)e hing #al!e& Indeed, coun!el !hould no ,re%en an accu!ed #ro) #reely and %olun arily elling he ru h&
MIRANDA DOCTRINE; CONFESSION TO A RADIO REPORTER IS ADMISSIBLE WHERE SAID REPORTER WAS NOT ACTING FOR THE POLICE OR CONFESSION WAS NOT MADE OUT OF FEAR. PEOPLE OF T,E P,ILIPPINES .&- AB*LENCIA
0G-R- No- 13=903/ AuAu&t 22/ 20014
PER C*RIA+8 FACTS8 The accu!ed Rolly Abulencia 6a! charged o# ha%ing ra,ed and ?illed a 01 year old
girl na)ed Rebelyn 'arcia& The body o# Rebelyn 6a! #ound li#ele!! and na?ed 6hile #loa ing in a cree? in Panga!inan& The exa)ina ion o# he body #ound !ign! ha !he 6a! ra,ed and ha !he died o# dro6ning& According o eye 6i ne!! accoun !, he accu!ed 6a! la! ,er!on 6ho 6a! !een o ha%e been 6i h he %ic i) be#ore !he died& While in de en ion, he accu!ed 6a! in er%ie6ed by a radio co))en a or o# *QWN $o)bo Radio and ad)i ed o# ha%ing ra,ed 37

Rebelyn and ha !he #ell o## he bridge 6hich cau!ed her dea h& The in er%ie6 6a! a,e= recorded and 6a! !ub)i ed a! e%idence in cour & The rial cour !en ence he accu!ed o a ,enal y o# dea h hence hi! ,e i ion by he accu!ed arguing ha here i! no direc e%idence lin?ing hi) o he co))i!!ion o# he cri)e&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he accu!ed can be con%ic ed ba!ed on circu)! an ial e%idence and
hi! ad)i!!ion in a radio in er%ie6&
,ELD8 5ES& Nor)ally, he cri)e o# ra,e I 6he her !i),le, >uali#ied or co),lexed 6i h o her
cri)e! I i! co))i ed in !eclu!ion, hereby rendering i ! ,ro!ecu ion di##icul o6ing o he ab!ence o# 6i ne!!e! o i ! co))i!!ion& The ,ro!ecu ion o# !uch cri)e beco)e! e%en )ore in rica e and co),lex i# ho)icide i! co))i ed !ince he %ic i) her!el# 6ould no longer be able o e! i#y again! he ,er,e ra or& In )o! ca!e!, only circu)! an ial e%idence i! a%ailable o ,ro%e i ! co))i!!ion& The ab!ence o# direc e%idence, ho6e%er, doe! no ,reclude he con%ic ion o# a ,er!on accu!ed o# he co),lex cri)e o# ra,e 6i h ho)icide& Circu)! an ial e%idence can be a! ,o en a! direc e%idence o !u! ain a con%ic ion ,ro%ided ha here i! a concurrence o# all he re>ui!i e! ,re!cribed in -ec ion A, Rule 077 o# he Re%i!ed Rule! on E%idence& Li?e6i!e, he Cour held ha an accu!ed can be con%ic ed ba!ed on circu)! an ial e%idence i# he circu)! ance! ,ro%en con! i u e an unbro?en chain 6hich lead! o a #air and rea!onable conclu!ion ,oin ing o he accu!ed, o he exclu!ion o# all o her!, a! he guil y ,er!on& The o ali y o# all he circu)! ance! ob aining, a?en oge her 6i h he condi ion o# Rebelyn<! body 6hen #ound, elo>uen ly indica e ha he a,,ellan !exually a!!aul ed her be#ore dro6ning her o dea h& I bear! ! re!!ing ha a,,ellan ad)i ed ha%ing ra,ed Rebelyn 6hen he 6a! in er%ie6ed by *enni! Mojare!, a radio co))en a or o# $o)bo Radio& Mojare!< e! i)ony lend! !u,,or o he cour F! conclu!ion& We ha%e held ha Ba con#e!!ion o a radio re,or er i! ad)i!!ible 6here i 6a! no !ho6n ha !aid re,or er 6a! ac ing #or he ,olice or ha he in er%ie6 6a! conduc ed under circu)! ance! 6here i i! a,,aren ha he !u!,ec con#e!!ed o he ?illing ou o# #ear&B
MIRANDA DOCTRINE; ADMISSIBLE.
EXTRAJUDICIAL
CONFESSIONS,
WHEN
PEOPLE OF T,E P,ILIPPINES .&- PRINCIPE

0G-R- No- 132=>2/ +!" 2/ 20024
PER C*RIA+8 FACTS8 Ra#ael Princi,e 6a! accu!ed o# he ra,e !laying o# one Arlene I,urong 6ho 6a! hen
; year! o# age& An in%e! iga ion 6a! conduc ed by he ,olice in he e%ening o# Augu! 2, 0223& -e%eral 6i ne!!e! ,oin ed o accu!ed=a,,ellan a! he ,er!on 6ho 6a! la! !een 6i h he %ic i) Arlene& Accu!ed=a,,ellan 6a! !ub!e>uen ly a?en in o cu! ody by he ,olice& On Augu! 0:, 0223, accu!ed=a,,ellan 6a! in erroga ed by he ,olice, o 6ho), a# er reading hi! righ ! in Tagalog and in he ,re!ence o# accu!ed=a,,ellan <! #a her and o# hi! coun!el A y& Ce!ar /illar, he ad)i ed hi ing Arlene 6i h a large roc? un il !he 6a! uncon!ciou! and !ub!e>uen ly ra,ing her& Accu!ed=a,,ellan con end! ha he rial cour #ailed o a!cer ain 6he her accu!ed= a,,ellan 6a! #ully a,,ri!ed o# he legal con!e>uence! o# hi! ,lea, con!idering ha he #ini!hed only u, o he !ix h grade o# he ele)en ary !chool&
ISS*ES8
405 Whe her or no he rial cour co),lied 6i h he re>uire)en o# in>uiring on he %olun arine!! o# he ,lea& 495 Whe her or no he ex rajudicial con#e!!ion o# he accu!ed i! ad)i!!ible&
,ELD8
405 NO& When an accu!ed en er! a ,lea o# guil o a ca,i al o##en!e, -ec ion 7 o# Rule 00; o# he Rule! o# Cri)inal Procedure ,ro%ide! ha i i! he du y o# he rial cour o ob!er%e he #ollo6ing rule!: 405 i )u! conduc a !earching in>uiry in o he %olun arine!! and #ull 38

co),rehen!ion o# he con!e>uence! o# hi! ,leaC 495 i )u! re>uire he ,ro!ecu ion o ,re!en e%idence o ,ro%e he guil o# he accu!ed and he ,reci!e degree o# hi! cul,abili yC and 475 i )u! a!? he accu!ed i# he de!ire! o ,re!en e%idence in hi! behal# and allo6 hi) o do !o i# he de!ire!& Thi! i! becau!e a ,lea o# guil )u! be ba!ed on a #ree and in#or)ed judg)en & Thu!, he in>uiry )u! #ocu! on he %olun arine!! o# he ,lea and he #ull co),rehen!ion o# he con!e>uence! o# he ,lea& In hi! ca!e, he rial cour #ailed o co),ly #ully 6i h he re>uire)en o conduc a !earching in>uiry o de er)ine 6he her accu!ed=a,,ellan <! ,lea 6a! %olun ary and done 6i h #ull co),rehen!ion o# he con!e>uence! hereo#& Thu!, in de er)ining 6he her accu!ed=a,,ellan 6a! a6are o# he #ull con!e>uence! o# hi! ,lea o# guil , he rial cour !i),ly a!?ed hi) 6he her he ?ne6 ha he B)ayB be !en enced o dea h, i),lying ha i 6a! ,o!!ible ha he dea h ,enal y )igh no be i),o!ed on hi)& A )ere 6arning ha he accu!ed #ace! he !u,re)e ,enal y o# dea h i! in!u##icien & 495 5ES& Wi h re!,ec o accu!ed=a,,ellan <! ex rajudicial con#e!!ion, he Con! i u ion, R&A& No& :873, and ca!e la6 lay do6n #our #unda)en al re>uire)en ! #or he ad)i!!ibili y o# ex rajudicial con#e!!ion! in general, o 6i : 4a5 he con#e!!ion )u! be %olun aryC 4b5 i )u! be )ade 6i h he a!!i! ance o# co),e en and inde,enden coun!elC 4c5 he con#e!!ion )u! be ex,re!!C and 4d5 i )u! be in 6ri ing& In hi! ca!e, a# er accu!ed=a,,ellan 6a! read hi! righ ! in Tagalog, he !igni#ied hi! in en ion o con#e!! hi! ,ar ici,a ion in he ra,e and ?illing o# Arlene& Accu!ed=a,,ellan <! con#e!!ion 6a! ,laced in 6ri ing and i 6a! !igned by hi), hi! coun!el, and he ad)ini! ering o##icer& Eence, he !aid con#e!!ion i! ad)i!!ible i being in accordance 6i h he abo%e re>ui!i e!&
RIGHT TO BAIL
RIGHT TO BAIL; PRIOR TO CONVICTION BY THE TRIAL COURT FOR ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF FIREARMS, AMMUNITIONS AND EXPLOSIVES, BAIL SHALL BE A MATTER OF RIGHT. 5O*SEF AL6G,O*L/ et !'- .&- CO*RT OF APPEALS/ et !'0G-R- No- 12>=23/ Septe$(er 9/ 20014
<*IS*+BING/ 78 FACTS8 !ee ,age 93 ISS*E8 Whe her or no he ,e i ioner! ha%e he righ o bail& ,ELD8 5ES& The i!!ue on bail ha! been re!ol%ed in our re!olu ion da ed No%e)ber 98, 0223,
6here hi! Cour ruled: Con!e>uen o he enac )en o# RA 3928, he ,enal y ,re!cribed in -ec ion 0 and 7 o# P&*& 03;; #or illegal ,o!!e!!ion o# #irear)!, a))uni ion! and ex,lo!i%e! under 6hich ,e i ioner! 6ere charged, ha! no6 been reduced o ,ri!ion )ayor in i ! )ini)u) ,eriod and ,ri!ion )ayor in i ! )axi)u) ,eriod o reclu!ion e),oral, re!,ec i%ely& E%iden ly, ,e i ioner! are no6 en i led o bail a! a )a er o# righ ,rior o heir con%ic ion by he rial cour ,ur!uan o -ec ion 8 o# -C Ad)ini! ra i%e Circular No& 09=28&
RIGHT TO BAIL; WHEN BAIL SHALL BE DENIED PEOPLE OF T,E P,ILIPPINES .&- PALARCA
0G- R- No- 19>020/ +!" 23/ 20024
5NARES6SANTIAGO/ 78 FACTS8 Accu!ed Palarca 6a! con%ic ed o# he cri)e o# ra,e by he RTC !en encing hi) o
!u##er he ,enal y o# reclu!ion ,er,e ua&
39

On a,,eal, a,,ellan ,oin ! ou ha he accu!a ory ,or ion o# he in#or)a ion #ailed o !,eci#ically allege ha he ra,e 6a! co))i ed hrough #orce or in i)ida ion&
ISS*E8 Whe her he e%idence #or he ,ro!ecu ion e! abli!hed he guil o# accu!ed=a,,ellan
beyond rea!onable doub in order o deny he accu!ed hi! righ o bail&
,ELD8 NO- Accu!ed=a,,ellan )a?e! )uch o# he #inding o# he in%e! iga ing judge during he
bail hearing ha he e%idence again! accu!ed=a,,ellan 6a! no ! rong& I )u! be ! re!!ed, ho6e%er, ha he a!!e!!)en o# he e%idence ,re!en ed during a bail hearing i! in ended only #or he ,ur,o!e o# gran ing or denying an a,,lica ion #or he ,ro%i!ional relea!e o# he accu!ed& No being a #inal a!!e!!)en , and )erely #or he ,ur,o!e o# de er)ining he nece!!i y o# con#ine)en o a%oid e!ca,e, cour ! end o be #air and liberal in heir a,,recia ion o# e%idence& Thu! in People v. aldo%# et al., he Cour )ade he #ollo6ing ,ronounce)en !: RThe a!!e!!)en o# he e%idence ,re!en ed during a bail hearing i! in ended only #or he ,ur,o!e o# gran ing or denying an a,,lica ion #or he ,ro%i!ional relea!e o# he accu!ed& I i! no a #inal a!!e!!)en & $e#ore con%ic ion, e%ery one accu!ed i! en i led o bail, exce, 6hen he o##en!e charged i! ,uni!hable by reclu!ion ,er,e ua, li#e i),ri!on)en or dea hC and he e%idence o# guil i! ! rong& RThe denial o# hi! #unda)en al righ i! ju! i#ied only i# here i! a grea ,robabili y o# e!ca,e& Con#ine)en ,rior o con%ic ion i! 6arran ed, in order o a!!ure he ,re!ence o# he accu!ed a he rial& Thu!, he na ural endency o# he cour ! ha! al6ay! been o6ard! a #air and liberal a,,recia ion o# he e%idence in he de er)ina ion o# he degree o# ,roo# and in he ,re!u), ion o# guil nece!!ary o 6arran a de,ri%a ion o# ha righ & -uch a,,recia ion i! a be! ,reli)inary and !hould no ,re%en he rial judge #ro) )a?ing a #inal a!!e!!)en o# he e%idence be#ore hi) a# er #ull rial& I i! no an unco))on occurrence ha an accu!ed ,er!on gran ed bail i! con%ic ed in due cour!e&O
RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED

RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED; RATIONALE BEHIND THE RIGHT OF AN ACCUSED TO BE INFORMED OF THE NATURE AND CAUSE OF THE ACCUSATION AGAINST HIM. PEOPLE OF T,E P,ILIPPINES .&- +ONTERON
0G-R- No- 130:03/ +!rc% >/ 20024
5NARES6SANTIAGO/ 78 FACTS8 Accu!ed=a,,ellan 6a! #or)ally charged 6i h ra,e, he en ered a ,lea o# no guil y a
hi! arraign)en & A# er rial, he lo6er cour con%ic ed hi) o# he cri)e o# ra,e& Accu!ed=a,,ellan con end! ha he RTC o# *a%ao ha! co))i ed an error in no ac>ui ing hi) o# he cri)e charged in he In#or)a ion& Ee argue! ha hi! nega i%e ,lea o he in#or)a ion #iled again! hi), hi! #iling o# he no ice o# a,,eal, and hi! denial o# he ra,e charge! again! hi) during rial, indica e hi! innocence&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he con en ion o# he accu!ed=a,,ellan i! correc & ,ELD8 NO& Con! i u ional due ,roce!! de)and! ha he accu!ed in a cri)inal ca!e !hould be
in#or)ed o# he na ure and cau!e o# he accu!a ion again! hi)& The ra ionale behind hi! con! i u ional guaran ee are: .ir! , o #urni!h he accu!ed 6i h he de!cri, ion o# he charge again! hi) a! 6ill enable hi) o )a?e hi! de#en!eC !econd, o a%ail hi)!el# o# hi! con%ic ion or ac>ui al, #or ,ro ec ion again! a #ur her ,ro!ecu ion #or he !a)e cau!eC and hird, o in#or) he cour o# he #ac ! alleged, !o ha i )ay decide 6he her hey are !u##icien in la6 o !u,,or a con%ic ion, i# one !hould be had& The ,ur,o!e o# arraign)en i! o a,,ri!e he accu!ed o# he ,o!!ible lo!! o# #reedo), e%en o# hi! li#e, de,ending on he na ure o# he cri)e i),u ed o hi), or a he %ery lea! o in#or) hi) 6hy he ,ro!ecu ing ar) o# he - a e i! )obili(ed again! hi)& Con!e>uen ly, 6hen he accu!ed= a,,ellan en ered a nega i%e ,lea during hi! arraign)en , he !a)e 6a! no binding on he cour 40

a! an indica ion o# hi! innocence& Ra her, i i! a general denial o# he charge! i),ugned again! hi) and an exerci!e o# hi! righ o be heard o# hi! ,lea& Nei her i! he accu!ed=a,,ellan F! #iling o# a no ice o# a,,eal indica i%e o# hi! innocence& On he con rary, accu!ed=a,,ellan F! a,,eal 6a! nece!!i a ed by he judg)en o# con%ic ion rendered again! hi) by he rial cour & While he accu!ed=a,,ellan i! guil y o# ra,e, he !a)e 6a! co))i ed only in i ! a e), ed ! age& Thi! and he #ac ha he accu!ed=a,,ellan 6a! ! ill a )inor 6hen he cri)e 6a! co))i ed 6arran he )odi#ica ion o# he deci!ion o# he RTC o# *a%ao&
RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED; THE RIGHT TO BE INFORMED CARRIES WITH IT THE OBLIGATION TO EFFECTIVELY CONVEY TO THE ACCUSED INFORMATION TO ENABLE HIM TO PREPARE HIS DEFENSE. PEOPLE OF T,E P,ILIPPINES .&- ALCALDE
0G-R- No&- 13322262=/ +!" 23/ 20024
DA;IDE/ 7R-/ C-78 FACTS8 On 98 -e, e)ber 022:, he O##ice o# he Pro%incial Pro!ecu or o# Laguna #iled be#ore
he rial cour 6o in#or)a ion! #or ,arricide and 6o in#or)a ion! #or #ru! ra ed ,arricide& K,on hi! arraign)en on 99 Oc ober 022:, ARNEL, 6ho 6a! a!!i! ed by a coun!el de ,ar e, re#u!ed o !,ea?& Pur!uan o -ec ion 04c5 o# Rule 00; o# he Rule! o# Cour , he rial cour en ered #or hi) a ,lea o# no guil y in each o# he ca!e!& On he !a)e occa!ion, he de#en!e 6ai%ed ,re= rial& The ca!e! 6ere hen con!olida ed and join ly ried& A# er he ,ro!ecu ion re! ed i ! ca!e and #or)ally o##ered i ! exhibi !, he de#en!e #iled a )o ion #or lea%e o# cour o #ile a de)urrer o e%idence, 6hich 6a! gran ed& On 9: A,ril 0223, he de#en!e, hrough coun!el de ,ar e, #iled a de)urrer o e%idence ba!ed on he #ollo6ing ground!: 4a5 The accu!ed ha! no been ade>ua ely in#or)ed o# he na ure and cau!e o# accu!a ion again! hi) during he arraign)en C 4b5 No an io a o# incri)ina ory e%idence, direc or circu)! an ial, ha! been adduced and ,re!en ed by he ,ro!ecu ion during he rialC and 4c5 The con! i u ional ,re!u), ion o# innocence o# he accu!ed ha! no been o%erco)e by any e%idence or con rary ,re!u), ion& In !u,,or hereo#, he de#en!e alleged ha ARNEL 6a! a##lic ed 6i h ,!ycho!i! and could no co),rehend, and ha de!,i e hi! ! range beha%ior charac eri(ed by hi! dea#ening !ilence, )o ionle!! a,,earance, and !ingle direc ion blan? ! are he rial cour in!i! ed on hi! arraign)en & Thu!, accu!ed 6a! no ade>ua ely a,,ri!ed o# he na ure and cau!e o# he accu!a ion again! hi)& Moreo%er, no concre e e%idence ,oin ing o ARNEL a! he cul,ri 6a! ,re!en ed by he ,ro!ecu ion& Eence, he con! i u ional ,re!u), ion o# innocence o# an accu!ed ,re%ail!&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he accu!ed ha! been ade>ua ely in#or)ed o# he na ure and cau!e o#
accu!a ion again! hi) during he arraign)en &
,ELD8 NO& The ,hy!ical and ou 6ard )ani#e! a ion! o# ARNEL a he i)e o# hi! arraign)en ,
6hich 6ere brough o he a en ion o# he rial cour , indica ed !ub! an ial de)on! ra ion o# a )en al di!order ha rendered ARNEL un#i o be arraigned or ried in he #our cri)inal ca!e! a bar& The rial cour #ailed o exerci!e u )o! circu)!,ec ion in a!!u)ing ha ARNEL 6a! in #ull ,o!!e!!ion o# hi! )en al #acul ie! and under! ood he ,roceeding! again! hi)& The con! i u ional righ o be in#or)ed o# he na ure and cau!e o# he accu!a ion again! hi) under he $ill o# Righ ! carrie! 6i h i he correla i%e obliga ion o e##ec i%ely con%ey o he accu!ed he in#or)a ion o enable hi) o e##ec i%ely ,re,are #or hi! de#en!e& A he bo o) i! he i!!ue o# #air rial& While no e%ery aberra ion o# he )ind or exhibi ion o# )en al de#iciency on he ,ar o# he accu!ed i! !u##icien o ju! i#y !u!,en!ion o# he ,roceeding!, he rial cour )u! be #ully !a i!#ied ha he accu!ed 6ould ha%e a #air rial 6i h he a!!i! ance he la6 !ecure! or gi%e!& Knder he circu)! ance! in he!e ca!e!, he rial cour gra%ely #ailed in hi! regard& -ole)n and in#lexible i! he con! i u ional behe! ha no ,er!on !hall be de,ri%ed o# li#e, liber y or ,ro,er y 6i hou due ,roce!! o# la6& Ab!olu e heed#ulne!! o# hi! con! i u ional
41

injunc ion i! )o! ,ronounced in cri)inal ca!e! 6here he accu!ed i! in he gra%e! jeo,ardy o# lo!ing hi! li#e& I con! an ly behoo%e! e%ery cour o ,roceed 6i h u )o! care in each o# !uch ca!e! be#ore i , and no hing can be )ore de)anding o# judge! in ha re!,ec han 6hen he ,o!!ible ,uni!h)en 6ould be in i ! !e%ere! #or) li?e dea h I a ,enal y ha , once carried ou , i! irre%er!ible and irre,arable& In ligh o# he #oregoing #a al in#ir)i ie! co))i ed by he rial cour , a! 6ell a! by he de#en!e coun!el, 6e ha%e no o her al erna i%e exce, o !e a!ide he join deci!ion in >ue! ion and re)and he ca!e! o he rial cour #or #ur her ,roceeding! o allo6 he de#en!e o ,re!en e%idence o ,ro%e ha ARNEL 6a! ei her un#i #or arraign)en and rial or 6a! in!ane a he i)e he cri)e! charged 6ere co))i ed&
RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED; THE RECITAL OF THE ESSENTIALS OF A CRIME DELINEATES THE NATURE AND CAUSE OF ACCUSATION AGAINST AN ACCUSED. PEOPLE OF T,E P,ILIPPINES .&- BERNAS
0G-R- No&- 1332=36=2/ Fe(ru!r" 20/ 20024
PANGANIBAN/ 78 FACTS8 .or au o)a ic re%ie6 are deci!ion! ,ro)ulga ed by he Regional Trial Cour 4RTC5 o#
Lib)anan, Ca)arine! -ur #inding a,,ellan Rober o $erna! y Nacario guil y beyond rea!onable doub o# hree coun ! o# ra,e o# her 6o )inor daugh er!& When #ir! arraigned on he charge!, a,,ellan , 6i h he a!!i! ance o# hi! coun!el, ,leaded no guil y& When he ca!e 6a! !ub)i ed #or deci!ion, he ,ro!ecu ion )o%ed o reo,en he ca!e o ,re!en he $ir h Cer i#ica e o# he %ic i)! a! 6ell a! he Marriage con rac o# he ,aren !& Thi! )o ion 6a! gran ed o%er he objec ion o# he de#en!e coun!el& $e#ore he ,ro!ecu ion ,re!en ed i ! e%idence, a,,ellan , hrough hi! coun!el, )o%ed #or he change o# hi! #or)er ,lea o# no guil y o ha o# guil y, a Mo ion 6hich he RTC gran ed& A,,ellan 6a! hu! rearraigned and ,leaded guil y o he charge!& The de#en!e 6ai%ed i ! righ o ,re!en e%idence and !ub)i ed he) #or deci!ion ba!ed on he e%idence ,re!en ed by he ,ro!ecu ion& The RTC hen rendered he a!!ailed deci!ion!&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he con%ic ion o# he accu!ed 6a! ,ro,er& ,ELD8 NO& The Con! i u ion guaran ee! he righ o# e%ery ,er!on accu!ed in a cri)inal
,ro!ecu ion o be in#or)ed o# he na ure and cau!e o# accu!a ion again! hi)& Thi! righ #ind! a),li#ica ion and i),le)en a ion in he di##eren ,ro%i!ion! o# he Rule! o# Cour & .ore)o! a)ong he!e enabling ,ro%i!ion! i! he o##ice o# an In#or)a ion& The #ac ! ! a ed in he body o# he In#or)a ion de er)ine he cri)e ha he accu!ed ! and! charged and #or 6hich he )u! be ried& Thi! reci al o# he e!!en ial! o# a cri)e delinea e! he na ure and cau!e o# accu!a ion again! an accu!ed& O her han he allega ion o# carnal ?no6ledge, no o her ele)en o# ra,e a! de#ined by la6 i! alleged in he In#or)a ion& -ince he In#or)a ion #ail! o allege he e!!en ial ele)en ! o# >uali#ied ra,e, a,,ellan !hould no ha%e been con%ic ed o# ha cri)e& O her6i!e, hi! con! i u ional righ o be in#or)ed o# he na ure and cau!e o# accu!a ion again! hi) 6ould be %iola ed&
RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED; R.A. NO. '(&( WAS CRAFTED TO AVOID THE FOLLY OF FILING MULTIPLE INFORMATIONS. 7OSE B7INGGO5C E- ESTRADA .&- SANDIGANBA5AN/ et !'0GR No- 19=3>2/ Fe(ru!r" 2>/ 20024
P*NO/ 78 FACTS8 In No%e)ber 9111, a! an o##!hoo o# he i),each)en ,roceeding! again! "o!e,h E&
E! rada, hen Pre!iden o# he Phili,,ine!, #i%e cri)inal co),lain ! again! he #or)er Pre!iden and )e)ber! o# hi! #a)ily, hi! a!!ocia e!, #riend! and con!,ira or! 6ere #iled 6i h he O##ice o# 42

he O)bud!)an& On A,ril 8, 9110, he O)bud!)an i!!ued a "oin Re!olu ion #inding ,robable cau!e 6arran ing he #iling 6i h he -andiganbayan o# !e%eral cri)inal in#or)a ion again! he #or)er Pre!iden and he o her re!,onden ! herein& One o# he in#or)a ion 6a! #or he cri)e o# Plunder under RA :131 and a)ong he re!,onden ! 6a! herein ,e i ioner "o!e R"inggoyO E! rada, hen Mayor o# -an "uan, Me ro Manila& I 6a! doc?e ed a! Cri)inal Ca!e No& 9;AA3& On A,ril 98, 9110, ,e i ioner #iled a RMo ion o Gua!h or -u!,endO he A)ended In#or)a ion on he ground ha he An i=Plunder La6, RA :131, i! uncon! i u ional and ha i charged )ore han one o##en!e& On "uly 2, 9110, he -andiganbayan i!!ued a Re!olu ion denying ,e i ionerF! RMo ion o Gua!h and -u!,end&O Eence, hi! ,e i ion&
ISS*ES8
405 Whe her or no he An i=Plunder La6, RA :131, i! con! i u ional& 495 Whe her or no "inggoy E! rada can be ,ro!ecu ed #or ,lunder under RA :131 e%en i# he ha! been charged only on one coun 6i h 6ha 6ould con! i u e ac ! o# ,lunder under ,aragra,h 4a5 o# he A)ended In#or)a ion&
,ELD8
405 5ES& Pe i ionerF! con en ion ha RA :131 i! uncon! i u ional a! a,,lied o hi) i! ,rinci,ally ,erched on he ,re)i!e ha he A)ended In#or)a ion charged hi) 6i h only one ac or one o##en!e 6hich canno con! i u e ,lunder& Pe i ionerF! ,re)i!e i! ,a en ly #al!e& A care#ul exa)ina ion o# he A)ended In#or)a ion 6ill !ho6 ha i i! di%ided in o hree ,ar !: 405 he #ir! ,aragra,h charge! #or)er Pre!iden E! rada 6i h he cri)e o# ,lunder oge her 6i h ,e i ioner "inggoy E! rada, Charlie SA ongF Ang, Ed6ard -era,io, Jolanda Rica#or e and o her!C 495 he !econd ,aragra,h !,ell! ou in general er)! ho6 he accu!ed con!,ired in co))i ing he cri)e o# ,lunderC and 475 he #ollo6ing #our !ub=,aragra,h! 4a5 o 4d5 de!cribe in de ail he ,redica e ac ! con! i u i%e o# he cri)e o# ,lunder ,ur!uan o i e)! 0=; o# RA :131& Per inen o he ca!e a bar i! he ,redica e ac alleged in !ub ,aragra,h 4a5 o# he A)ended In#or)a ion 6hich i! o# Rrecei%ing or collec ing, direc ly or indirec ly, on !e%eral in! ance!, )oney in he aggrega e a)oun o# PA8A,111,111&11 #or illegal ga)bling in he #or) o# gi# , !hare, ,ercen age, ?ic?bac? or any #or) o# ,ecuniary bene#i xxxO In hi! !ub ,aragra,h 4a5, ,e i ioner, in con!,iracy 6i h #or)er Pre!iden E! rada, i! charged 6i h he ac o# recei%ing or collec ing )oney #ro) illegal ga)bling& Con rary o ,e i ionerF! ,o! ure, he allega ion i! ha he recei%ed or collec ed )oney #ro) illegal ga)bling Ron !e%eral in! ance!&O The ,hra!e Ron !e%eral in! ance!O )ean! he ,e i ioner co))i ed he ,redica e ac ! in a !erie!& To in!i! ha he a)ended In#or)a ion charged he ,e i ioner 6i h only one ac or o##en!e de!,i e he ,hra!e R!e%eral in! ance!O i! o indulge in a 6i! ed, nay, R,re (elF in er,re a ion& Re!,onden O)bud!)an canno be #aul ed #or including he ,redica e ac ! alleged in !ub=,aragra,h! 4a5 o 4d5 o# he A)ended In#or)a ion in one, and no in #our !e,ara e In#or)a ion!& A ! udy o# he hi! ory o# RA :131 6ill !ho6 ha he la6 6a! cra# ed o a%oid he )i!chie# and #olly o# #iling )ul i,le in#or)a ion!& The !aid la6 6a! ,reci!ely enac ed o addre!! hi! ,rocedural ,roble)& 495 5ES- There i! no denying he #ac ha he R,lunder o# an en ire na ion re!ul ing in )a erial da)age o he na ional econo)yO i! )ade u, o# a co),lex and )ani#old ne 6or? o# cri)e!& In he cri)e o# ,lunder, here#ore, di##eren ,ar ie! )ay be uni ed by a co))on ,ur,o!e& In he ca!e a bar, he di##eren accu!ed and heir di##eren cri)inal ac ! ha%e a co))onali y o hel, he #or)er ,re!iden a)a!!, accu)ula e or ac>uire ill=go en 6eal h& -ub=,aragra,h! 4a5 o 4d5 in he A)ended In#or)a ion alleged he di##eren ,ar ici,a ion o# each accu!ed in he con!,iracy& The gra%a)en o# he con!,iracy charge here#ore, i! no ha each accu!ed agreed o recei%e ,ro ec ion )oney #ro) illegal ga)bling, ha each )i!a,,ro,ria ed a cer ain ,or ion o# he obacco exci!e ax, ha ach accu!ed ordered he '-I- and --- o ,urcha!e !hare! o# $elle Cor,ora ion and recei%e co))i!!ion! #ro) !uch !ale, nor ha each unju! ly enriched hi)!el# #ro) co))i!!ion!, gi# ! and ?ic?bac?!C ra her, i i! ha each o# he), by heir indi%idual ac !, agreed o ,ar ici,a e direc ly or indirec ly, in he a)a!!ing, accu)ula ion, and ac>ui!i ion o# ill= go en 6eal h o# andDor #or #or)er Pre!iden E! rada&
RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED; FAILURE TO OBJECT TO THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE INFORMATION CONSTITUTES A WAIVER OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO BE INFORMED OF THE NATURE AND CAUSE OF THE ACCUSATION.
43

PEOPLE OF T,E P,ILIPPINES .&- PALARCA

0G- R- No- 19>020/ +!" 23/ 20024
5NARES6SANTIAGO/ 78 FACTS8 !ee ,age 72 ISS*E8 Whe her or no accu!ed=a,,ellan )ay be %alidly con%ic ed under he in#or)a ion
charging hi) 6i h ra,e&
,ELD8 5ES& While generally an accu!ed canno be con%ic ed o# an o##en!e ha i! no clearly

charged in he co),lain or in#or)a ion, hi! rule i! no 6i hou exce, ion& The righ o a!!ail he !u##iciency o# he in#or)a ion or he ad)i!!ion o# e%idence )ay be 6ai%ed by he accu!ed= a,,ellan & In People v. 'ope%, 6e held ha an in#or)a ion 6hich lac?! cer ain e!!en ial allega ion! )ay ! ill !u! ain a con%ic ion 6hen he accu!ed #ail! o objec o i ! !u##iciency during he rial, and he de#iciency 6a! cured by co),e en e%idence ,re!en ed herein& Thu!, RN.Hailure o objec 6a! hu! a 6ai%er o# he con! i u ional righ o be in#or)ed o# he na ure and cau!e o# he accu!a ion& I i! co),e en #or a ,er!on o 6ai%e a righ guaran eed by he Con! i u ion, and o con!en o ac ion 6hich 6ould be in%alid i# a?en again! hi! 6ill&O Thi! Cour ha!, on )ore han one occa!ion, recogni(ed 6ai%er! o# con! i u ional righ !, e&g&, he righ again! unrea!onable !earche! and !ei(ure!C he righ o coun!el and o re)ain !ilen C he righ o be heardC and he righ o bail&
RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED; A COUNSEL DE OFFICIO MUST BE GIVEN A REASONABLE TIME TO CONSULT WITH THE ACCUSED AS TO HIS PLEA BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE ARRAIGNMENT. PEOPLE OF T,E P,ILIPPINES .&- BASC*G*IN
0G-R- No- 199909/ Septe$(er 29/ 20014
B*ENA/ 78 FACTS8 $a!cuguin, herein accu!ed=a,,ellan , 6a! charged 6i h he cri)e o# ra,e 6i h

ho)icide be#ore he RTC o# $alayan, $a anga!& A hi! arraign)en , he a,,eared 6i hou he a!!i! ance o# coun!el& The rial cour a!!igned a coun!el de o##icio& Ee ,leaded guil y o he cri)e charged& A !erie! o# >ue! ion! 6ere ,ro,ounded by he rial cour o e! accu!ed= a,,ellan <! %olun arine!! and co),rehen!ion o# he con!e>uence! o# hi! ,lea& Trial on he )eri ! 6a! conduc ed herea# er o allo6 he ,ro!ecu ion o ,ro%e hi! guil and he ,reci!e degree o# cul,abili y& Trial cour rendered i ! deci!ion #inding Leodegario $a!cuguin guil y beyond rea!onable doub & The ,rocedure ob!er%ed by he rial cour a he arraign)en o# accu!ed=a,,ellan i! gra,hically illu! ra ed in he Tran!cri, o# - enogra,hic No e! NT-NH herein >uo ed a! #ollo6! = BCOKRT: Ready #or arraign)en T Jou a!?ed he accu!ed i# he ha! a coun!elT BCLERL O. COKRT: 4No e: A!?ing he accu!ed5 BACCK-E*: None, !ir& BCOKRT: A y& Maca!ae , I 6ill a,,oin you a! coun!el de o##icio #or he accu!ed& BATTJ& MACA-AET: Je!, Jour Eonor& BATTJ& MACA-AET: May I con#er 6i h he accu!ed, Jour Eonor& The accu!ed i! ready #or arraign)en , your Eonor& BCOKRT: Arraigned 4!ic5 he accu!ed& 4No e: he Cler? o# Cour i! reading he In#or)a ion o he accu!ed5 BCLERL O. COKRT: The accu!ed ,leaded 4!ic5 guil y, your Eonor, #or he cri)e charged& BCOKRT: Jou a!? he accu!ed i# he ?no6! he con!e>uence! o# hi! ,lea& BCOKRT: *o you ?no6 ha he ,enal y i),o!!ible 4!ic5 in ca!e! o# hi! na ure i! dea hT BACCK-E*: Je!, !ir& BCOKRT: *o you ?no6 ha in your ,lea o# guil you can be !en enced by he Cour T BACCK-E*: Je!, !ir& 44

BCOKRT: *o you ad)i ha%ing ra,ed Mari!!a MoralT BACCK-E*: Je!, !ir& BCOKRT: *o you ad)i ha a# er ra,ing Mari!!a Moral you ! abbed and ?illed herT BACCK-E*: Je!, !ir&B
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he con! i u ional guaran ee! o# due ,roce!! o# an accu!ed 6ere
%iola ed in he ca!e a hand&
,ELD8 5ES& $a!ic i! he ,rece, ha e%ery ,er!on accu!ed o# a cri)e )u! ?no6 he na ure
and cau!e o# accu!a ion again! hi)& Thi! i! e##ec ed, a)ong o her!, by he reading o# he in#or)a ion in a language under! ood by he ,er!on accu!ed& Reading he T-N, 6e are le# o !,ecula e on 6he her he in#or)a ion 6a! ac ually read in he dialec ?no6n o accu!ed= a,,ellan , or 6he her i 6a! ran!la ed o hi) or ex,lained in a )anner he can co),rehend& Wha i! %i!ible o u! i! he cry, ic recording o# he ,roceeding! in he cour a >uo& Ne%er hele!!, he rial cour <! deci!ion declared ha he in#or)a ion 6a! read in Tagalog, a language ?no6n o accu!ed=a,,ellan & 'ran ing, on ,re!u), ion o# correc ne!!, ha he in#or)a ion 6a! read in Tagalog a! declared by he rial cour , ! ill, 6e canno ad)i accu!ed=a,,ellan <! con%ic ion on he ba!i! o# hi! i),ro%iden ,lea o# guil & One o# he con! i u ional guaran ee! o# due ,roce!! i! he righ o# an accu!ed o be heard by hi)!el# and coun!el& The rial cour ga%e accu!ed=a,,ellan a coun!el de o##icio o re,re!en hi)& Eo6e%er, accu!ed=a,,ellan i),ugn! !uch a!!ign)en con ending ha he 6a! no gi%en he o,,or uni y o choo!e hi! o6n coun!el& Wha i! %i!ible #ro) he T-N i! he #ac ha 6hen he cour a!?ed accu!ed=a,,ellan i# he ha! a la6yer, and u,on re!,onding ha he ha! none, he rial cour a,,oin ed a coun!el de o##icio, a! #ollo6! = COKRT: Ready #or arraign)en T Jou a!?4ed5 he accu!ed i# he ha! a coun!elTC CLERL O. COKRT: 4No e: A!?ing he accu!ed5C ACCK-E*: None, !ir&C COKRT: A y& Maca!ae , I 6ill a,,oin you a! coun!el de o##icio #or he accu!ed&B I a,,ear! #ro) he record! ha a# er he a,,oin )en o# a coun!el de o##icio, he arraign)en i))edia ely #ollo6ed& A! glaringly re#lec ed in he record!, he a,,oin ed coun!el de o##icio con#erred 6i h he accu!ed only #or a #e6 )inu e!, hu! = COKRT: A y& Maca!ae , I 6ill a,,oin you a! coun!el de o##icio #or he accu!edC ATTJ& MACA-AET: Je!, Jour EonorC ATTJ& MACA-AET: May I con#er 6i h he accu!ed, Jour Eonor& The accu!ed i! ready #or arraign)en , your Eonor& B A cri)inal ca!e i! a !eriou! )a er ha de!er%e! !eriou! a en ion e!,ecially in ca!e! in%ol%ing ca,i al ,uni!h)en & Knder he ,re!en Re%i!ed Rule! o# Cri)inal Procedure, 6hene%er a coun!el de o##icio i! a,,oin ed by he cour o de#end he accu!ed a he arraign)en , he !hall be gi%en a rea!onable i)e o con!ul 6i h he accu!ed a! o hi! ,lea be#ore ,roceeding 6i h he arraign)en & Coun!el de o##icio<! ha! e in ,roceeding 6i h he arraign)en #all! !hor o# he ! andard )anda ed by he rule! #or an e##ec i%e and ade>ua e coun!eling& The li)i ed i)e allo ed #or con!ul a ion 6i h accu!ed=a,,ellan !eriou!ly ca! ! doub on 6he her coun!el de o##icio ha! indeed !u##icien ly ex,lained o he accu!ed=a,,ellan he cri)e charged, he )eaning o# hi! ,lea, and i ! con!e>uence!& /erily, a judg)en o# con%ic ion canno ! and u,on an in%alid arraign)en & In he in ere! o# !ub! an ial ju! ice hen, hi! Cour ha! no recour!e bu o re)and he ca!e o he rial cour #or #ur her and a,,ro,ria e ,roceeding!&
RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED; A SEARCHING INQUIRY MUST FOCUS ON THE VOLUNTARINESS AND THE FULL COMPREHENSION OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE PLEA. PEOPLE OF T,E P,ILIPPINES .&- ARANZADO
0G-R- No&- 132992699/ Septe$(er 29/ 20014
DA;IDE/ C-78 FACTS8 QENJ 6a! born on 02 No%e)ber 0238 in - o& Nino, -ou h Co aba o& Eer ,aren !
6ere $ERNAR*INO and Lourde! 'erongani& A abou )idnigh o# : March 022:, !he 6a! !lee,ing 6i h her !i! er! and younger bro her in heir hou!e a Poblacion, E!,eran(a, -ul an Ludara , 6hen he ?noc?ing a he door o# heir roo) a6a?ened her& When !he o,ened he door, her #a her i))edia ely !la,,ed her and de)anded o ?no6 6hy !he loc?ed he door& Then, 45

$ERNAR*INO a!?ed her daugh er: BCan I ouch your %aginaTB Re,ul!ed by he !ugge! ion, QENJ re#u!ed, only o #ind ju! a! >uic?ly ha her #a her had ,o?ed a ?ni#e a her nec?& $ERNAR*INO herea# er ,ulled QENJ<! hair, #orcibly held her do6n he #loor and boxed her ! o)ach& Recogni(ing he 6ea?ne!! o# hi! daugh er, he undre!!ed herC and 6hile cho?ing her he i),o!ed hi! lechery& Ee 6a! ob! ina e o her daugh er<! ,lea! #or )ercy and co),a!!ion& Ee 6arned her no o ell anyone o# he deed or he 6ould ?ill her& Ee hen ! ood u,, dre!!ed u, and le# he daugh er o her 6ee,ing& Kn!a i!#ied 6i h ha !ingle ac o# carnali y, $ERNAR*INO re,ea ed he a!!aul , 6ice on he honor and cha! i y o# QENJ abou )idnigh o# 01 March 022:& K,on arraign)en on 02 May 022:, $ERNAR*INO, a!!i! ed by hi! coun!el A y& $alo, en ered a ,lea o# no guil y in each ca!e& On 91 Oc ober 022:, $ERNAR*INO, hrough hi! coun!el A y& $alo, )o%ed o 6i hdra6 hi! ,re%iou! ,lea o# no guil y in each o# he hree ca!e! and o !ub! i u e he !a)e u,on re=arraign)en 6i h ,lea! o# guil y&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he accu!ed 6a! accorded 6i h due ,roce!!& ,ELD8 NO& The Cour #ound ha he rial cour #ailed, albei regre ably, o ob!er%e he rigid
and !e%ere con! i u ional )anda e on due ,roce!!, )ore ,ar icularly he de)and! o# -ec ion 7, Rule 00; o# he Rule! o# Cour , 6hich read!: -ECTION 7& Plea o# guil y o ca,i al o##en!eC rece, ion o# e%idence& = When he accu!ed ,lead! guil y o a ca,i al o##en!e, he cour !hall conduc a !earching in>uiry in o he %olun arine!! and #ull co),rehen!ion o# he con!e>uence! o# hi! ,lea and !hall re>uire he ,ro!ecu ion o ,ro%e hi! guil and he ,reci!e degree o# cul,abili y& The accu!ed )ay ,re!en e%idence in hi! behal#& A! ,oin ed by he O-', he -u,re)e Cour had already ou lined ho6 co),liance 6i h !aid rule, 6here an accu!ed ,lead! guil y o a ca,i al o##en!e, !hould be a ained by he rial cour , hu!: 0& The cour )u! conduc a !earching in>uiry in o he %olun arine!! and #ull co),rehen!ion Nby he accu!edH o# he con!e>uence! o# hi! ,leaC 9& The cour )u! re>uire he ,ro!ecu ion o ,re!en e%idence o ,ro%e he guil o# he accu!ed and ,reci!e degree o# hi! cul,abili y, and 7& The cour )u! a!? he accu!ed i# he de!ire! o ,re!en e%idence in hi! behal# and allo6 hi) o do !o i# he de!ire!& There i! no deba e ha he rial cour had ,er!ua!i%ely ob!er%ed he !econd co))and o# he rule by direc ing he ,ro!ecu ion o adduce e%idence o de er)ine he exac cul,abili y o# he accu!ed, a?ing in o accoun he ,re!ence o# o her ,o!!ible aggra%a ing or )i iga ing circu)! ance!& On he #ir! re>uire)en , i bear! o no e ha a !earching in>uiry )u! #ocu! on he %olun arine!! o# he ,lea and he #ull co),rehen!ion o# he con!e>uence! o# he ,lea !o ha he ,lea o# guil y can be ruly !aid o be ba!ed on a #ree and in#or)ed judg)en & While here can be no hard and #a! rule a! o ho6 a judge )ay conduc a B!earching in>uiry,B i 6ould be 6ell #or he cour o do he #ollo6ing: 0& A!cer ain #ro) he accu!ed hi)!el# a&5 ho6 he 6a! brough in o he cu! ody o# he la6C b&5 6he her he had he a!!i! ance o# a co),e en coun!el during he cu! odial and ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion!C and c&5 under 6ha condi ion! he 6a! de ained and in erroga ed during he in%e! iga ion!& The!e he cour !hall do in order o rule ou he ,o!!ibili y ha he accu!ed ha! been coerced or ,laced under a ! a e o# dure!! ei her by ac ual hrea ! o# ,hy!ical har) co)ing #ro) )ale%olen or a%enging >uar er!& 9& A!? he de#en!e coun!el a !erie! o# >ue! ion! a! o 6he her he had con#erred 6i h, and co),le ely ex,lained o, he accu!ed he )eaning and con!e>uence! o# a ,lea o# guil y& 7& Elici in#or)a ion abou he ,er!onali y ,ro#ile o# he accu!ed, !uch a! hi! age, !ocio= econo)ic ! a u!, and educa ional bac?ground, 6hich )ay !er%e a! a ru! 6or hy index o# hi! ca,aci y o gi%e a #ree and in#or)ed ,lea o# guil y& 8& In#or) he accu!ed he exac leng h o# i),ri!on)en or na ure o# he ,enal y under he la6 and he cer ain y ha he 6ill !er%e !uch !en ence& No in#re>uen ly indeed an accu!ed ,lead! guil y in he ho,e o# a lenien rea )en or u,on bad ad%ice or becau!e o# ,ro)i!e! o# he au hori ie! or ,ar ie! o# a ligh er ,enal y !hould he ad)i guil or ex,re!! re)or!e& I i! he du y o# he judge o !ee o i ha he accu!ed doe! no labor under he!e )i! a?en i),re!!ion!&
46

A& Re>uire he accu!ed o #ully narra e he inciden ha !,a6ned he charge! again! hi) or )a?e hi) reenac he )anner in 6hich he ,er,e ra ed he cri)e, or cau!e hi) o !u,,ly )i!!ing de ail! o# !igni#icance& .ir! , he >ue! ion! 6ere #ra)ed in Engli!h& The record o# !uch in>uiry i! bere# o# any indica ion ha he rial cour a e), ed o a!cer ain 6he her $ERNAR*INO 6a! 6ell=%er!ed in he Engli!h languageC nei her doe! i re%eal any in#or)a ion abou hi! ,er!onali y ,ro#ile 6hich could B,ro%ide con ribu ory in!igh ! #or a ,ro,er %erdic in he ca!e&B Nor doe! he record o# he !earching in>uiry !hed ligh on )a er! concerning hi! a,,rehen!ion, de en ion and ,rior in%e! iga ion& An exa)ina ion o# he record!, ho6e%er, di!clo!ed ha $ERNAR*INO !igned a BWai%erB 6hereby he 6ai%ed hi! righ o a ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion& -uch 6ai%er 6a! a e! ed o by he Munici,al "ail Warden, bu here 6a! no hing ha 6ould indica e ha he 6a! a!!i! ed by a co),e en coun!el a he i)e& -econd, 6hile A y& $alo )ani#e! ed ha a# er he con#erred 6i h $ERNAR*INO he la er in i)a ed ha he 6a! ready o 6i hdra6 hi! #or)er ,lea o# guil y, i i! no clear 6he her he #or)er ex,lained o he la er he i),lica ion! o# a ,lea o# guil y& Third, during he !earching in>uiry, he rial judge and $ERNAR*INO ?e, )en ioning abou he B hree ca!e! #iledB or Bcri)e! chargedB again! he la er& $ERNAR*INO e%en hoi! ed, a! one o# he rea!on! 6hy he co))i ed he cri)e!, he #ac ha he had a %ery big ,roble) becau!e hi! hou!e 6a! burned& To en!ure ha he #ully under! ood he na ure o# he cri)e! #iled again! hi) o 6hich he ,leaded guil y, he cour !hould ha%e a lea! a!?ed hi) o recoun 6ha he exac ly did&
RIGHT TO SPEEDY DISPOSITION OF CASES

RIGHT TO SPEEDY DISPOSITION OF CASES; THE RIGHT IS DEEMED VIOLATED ONLY WHEN THE PROCEEDINGS IS ATTENDED BY VEXATIOUS, CAPRICIOUS, AND OPPRESSIVE DELAYS. 7OSE P- LOPEZ .&- OFFICE OF T,E O+B*DS+AN/ et !'0G-R- No- 190223/ Septe$(er >/ 20014
GONZAGA6RE5ES/ 78 FACTS8 The O##ice o# he O)bud!)an narra e! ha he %eri#ied audi re,or o# he COA
!,ecial audi ea) 6a! recei%ed on *ece)ber 99, 0227, and #inding he !a)e !u##icien in #or) and !ub! ance 6a! doc?e ed a! OM$ Ca!e No& 78=27=9:20& On he ba!i! hereo#, a ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion 6a! conduc ed& On March 0, 0228, he re!,onden ! 6ere ordered o #ile heir coun er=a##ida%i !& On May 01, 0228, he O##ice o# he O)bud!)an recei%ed he coun er= a##ida%i ! o# re!,onden !& On .ebruary 92, 022A, he O##ice o# he O)bud!)an recei%ed he re,ly=a##ida%i o# COA& In a Re!olu ion da ed "uly 0:, 0223, gra# in%e! iga ion o##icer Ladrera reco))ended he #iling o# hir y 4715 in#or)a ion! again! ,e i ioner& The !aid reco))enda ion 6a! a,,ro%ed by *e,u y O)bud!)an #or Mindanao 'er%acio on .ebruary 9:, 0222, and by O)bud!)an *e!ier o on A,ril 71, 0222& The in#or)a ion! 6ere #iled 6i h he -andiganbayan on May A, 0222& In hi! ca!e, he ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion 6a! re!ol%ed clo!e o #our 485 year! #ro) he i)e all he coun er and re,ly a##ida%i ! 6ere !ub)i ed o he O##ice o# he O)bud!)an& A# er he la! re,ly=a##ida%i 6a! #iled on .ebruary 93, 022A, i 6a! only on "uly 0:, 0223 ha a re!olu ion 6a! i!!ued reco))ending he #iling o# he corre!,onding cri)inal in#or)a ion! again! he ,e i ioner and he o her!& I oo? eigh )on h! or on .ebruary 9:, 0222 #or *e,u y O)bud!)an Margari o P& 'er%acio, "r& o a,,ro%e he !a)e and clo!e o ano her year or on A,ril 71, 0222 #or O)bud!)an Aniano *e!ier o o a,,ro%e he reco))enda ion
ISS*E8 Whe her or no here 6a! undue and unju! i#iable delay on he ,ar o# he O)bud!)an
in re!ol%ing he co),lain #iled again! he ,e i ioner, 6hich %iola ed hi! con! i u ional righ o a !,eedy di!,o!i ion o# he co),lain again! hi)&
47

,ELD8 5ES& Ar icle III o# he Con! i u ion ,ro%ide! ha : -ECTION 0;& All ,er!on! !hall ha%e
he righ o a !,eedy di!,o!i ion o# heir ca!e! be#ore all judicial, >ua!ijudicial, or ad)ini! ra i%e bodie!& The con! i u ional righ o a B!,eedy di!,o!i ion o# ca!e!B i! no li)i ed o he accu!ed in cri)inal ,roceeding! bu ex end! o all ,ar ie! in all ca!e!, including ci%il and ad)ini! ra i%e ca!e!, and in all ,roceeding!, including judicial and >ua!i=judicial hearing!&B Eence, under he Con! i u ion, any ,ar y o a ca!e )ay de)and ex,edi iou! ac ion on all o##icial! 6ho are a!?ed 6i h he ad)ini! ra ion o# ju! ice& Eo6e%er, he righ o a !,eedy di!,o!i ion o# a ca!e, li?e he righ o !,eedy rial, i! dee)ed %iola ed only 6hen he ,roceeding! i! a ended by %exa iou!, ca,riciou!, and o,,re!!i%e delay!C or 6hen unju! i#ied ,o! ,one)en ! o# he rial are a!?ed #or and !ecured, or e%en 6i hou cau!e or ju! i#iable )o i%e a long ,eriod o# i)e i! allo6ed o ela,!e 6i hou he ,ar y ha%ing hi! ca!e ried& E>ually a,,licable i! he balancing e! u!ed o de er)ine 6he her a de#endan ha! been denied hi! righ o a !,eedy rial, or a !,eedy di!,o!i ion o# a ca!e #or ha )a er, in 6hich he conduc o# bo h he ,ro!ecu ion and he de#endan i! 6eighed, and !uch #ac or! a! he leng h o# he delay, he rea!on! #or !uch delay, he a!!er ion or #ailure o a!!er !uch righ by he accu!ed, and he ,rejudice cau!ed by he delay& The conce, o# !,eedy di!,o!i ion i! a rela i%e er) and )u! nece!!arily be a #lexible conce, & We #ind ha he ca!e! are no !u##icien ly co),lex o ju! i#y he leng h o# i)e #or heir re!olu ion& Nei her can he long delay in re!ol%ing he ca!e under ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion be ju! i#ied on he ba!i! o# he nu)ber o# in#or)a ion! #iled be#ore he -andiganbayan nor o# he ran!ac ion! in%ol%ed& /erily, he delay in hi! ca!e di!regarded he O)bud!)an<! du y, a! )anda ed by he Con! i u ion and Re,ublic Ac No& ;::1, o en#orce he cri)inal liabili y o# go%ern)en o##icer! or e),loyee! in e%ery ca!e 6here he e%idence 6arran ! in order o ,ro)o e e##icien !er%ice o he ,eo,le& The #ailure o# !aid o##ice o re!ol%e he co),lain ! ha ha%e been ,ending #or al)o! #our year! i! clearly %iola i%e o# hi! )anda e and he righ ! o# ,e i ioner a! a ,ublic o##icial& In !uch e%en , ,e i ioner i! en i led o he di!)i!!al o# he ca!e! #iled again! hi)&
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
DOUBLE JEOPARDY; ELEMENTS NECESSARY FOR DOUBLY JEOPARDY TO ATTACH LETICIA R- +ERCIALES .&- CO*RT OF APPEALS/ et !'0G-R- No- 1291:1/ +!rc% 1=/ 20024
5NARES6SANTIAGO/ 78 FACTS8 On Augu! 09, 0227, cri)inal ca!e! #or ra,e 6i h ho)icide 6ere #iled again! he
,ri%a e re!,onden ! #or he dea h o# Mari e!! Rica#or Merciale!& *uring he rial, a# er ,re!en ing !e%en 6i ne!!e!, he ,ublic ,ro!ecu or #iled a )o ion #or he di!charge o# accu!ed "o!eli o Nuada, in order ha he )ay be u ili(ed a! a ! a e 6i ne!!& Eo6e%er, he ,ro!ecu ion con ended ha i 6a! no re>uired o ,re!en e%idence o 6arran he di!charge o# accu!ed Nuada, !ince he la er had already been ad)i ed in o he Wi ne!! Pro ec ion Progra) o# he *e,ar )en o# "u! ice& Con!e>uen ly, he re!,onden judge denied he )o ion #or di!charge, #or #ailure o# he ,ro!ecu ion o ,re!en e%idence a! ,ro%ided #or by -ec ion 2, Rule 002 o# he 023A Rule! on Cri)inal Procedure& On "uly 07, 0228, ,ri%a e re!,onden ! #iled a )o ion o !e he ca!e #or hearing, in%o?ing heir con! i u ional righ o !,eedy rial& The re!,onden "udge gran ed he )o ion& On he !aid da e, he ,ro!ecu ion #iled a )o ion #or recon!idera ion, in! ead o# ,re!en ing #ur her e%idence& The re!,onden "udge ,o! ,oned he hearing and re!e he !a)e #or Augu! 2, 0228& On Augu! 2, 0228, he re!,onden "udge called #or a rece!! !o a! o le he ,ro!ecu ion decide 6he her or no o ,re!en an N$I agen , 6ho 6a! hen ,re!en , o ,ro%e he due execu ion o# he accu!ed Nuada<! ex rajudicial con#e!!ion& Eo6e%er, a# er he rece!!, he ,ublic ,ro!ecu or declined o ,re!en he N$I agen , and in! ead )ani#e! ed ha he 6a! no ,re!en ing any #ur her e%idence&
48

On Oc ober 90, 0228, he rial cour i!!ued he a!!ailed Order 6hich ac>ui ed all o# he accu!ed& Pe i ioner Le icia Merciale!, 6ho i! he )o her o# he %ic i) in he !aid cri)inal ca!e!, #iled be#ore he re!,onden Cour o# A,,eal! a ,e i ion o annul he Order o# he rial cour & Eo6e%er, he Cour o# A,,eal! di!)i!!ed he ,e i ion&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he Order o# he rial cour i! %alid& ,ELD8 NO& The rial cour , no 6i h! anding i ! ?no6ledge ha he e%idence #or he ,ro!ecu ion
6a! in!u##icien o con%ic , e!,ecially a# er he ,ublic ,ro!ecu or enaciou!ly in!i! ed on u ili(ing Nuada a! ! a e 6i ne!!, he rial cour ,a!!i%ely 6a ched a! he ,ublic ,ro!ecu or bungled he ca!e& The rial cour 6a! 6ell a6are o# he na ure o# he e! i)onie! o# he !e%en ,ro!ecu ion 6i ne!!e! ha ha%e !o #ar been ,re!en ed& 'i%en hi! circu)! ance, he rial cour , )o u ,ro,rio, !hould ha%e called addi ional 6i ne!!e! #or he ,ur,o!e o# >ue! ioning he) hi)!el# in order o !a i!#y hi! )ind 6i h re#erence o ,ar icular #ac ! or i!!ue! in%ol%ed in he ca!e& I i! e%iden ha ,e i ioner 6a! de,ri%ed o# her day in cour & Indeed, i i! no only he - a e, bu )ore !o he o##ended ,ar y, ha i! en i led o due ,roce!! in cri)inal ca!e!& Ina!)uch a! he ac>ui al o# he accu!ed by he cour a >uo 6a! done 6i hou regard o due ,roce!! o# la6, he !a)e i! null and %oid& I i! a! i# here 6a! no ac>ui al a all, and he !a)e canno con! i u e a clai) #or double jeo,ardy& $y con ending ha he challenged deci!ion i! %oid #or ha%ing been i!!ued 6i h gra%e abu!e o# di!cre ion a)oun ing o lac? or exce!! o# juri!dic ion, he ,e i ion doe! no %iola e he righ o# he accu!ed again! double jeo,ardy& I i! ele)en ary ha double jeo,ardy a ache! only 6hen he #ollo6ing ele)en ! concur: 405 he accu!ed are charged under a co),lain or in#or)a ion !u##icien in #or) and !ub! ance o !u! ain heir con%ic ionC 495 he cour ha! juri!dic ionC 475 he accu!ed ha%e been arraigned and ha%e ,leadedC and 485 hey are con%ic ed or ac>ui ed, or he ca!e i! di!)i!!ed 6i hou heir con!en & Thu!, he accu!ed 6ould no be ,laced in double jeo,ardy becau!e, #ro) he %ery beginning, he lo6er ribunal had ac ed 6i hou juri!dic ion& Any ruling i!!ued 6i hou juri!dic ion i! in legal con e),la ion, nece!!arily null and %oid and doe! no exi! & The di!)i!!al o# he ca!e belo6 6a! in%alid #or lac? o# a #unda)en al ,rere>ui!i e, ha i!, due ,roce!!&
DOUBLE JEOPARDY; WHEN DOUBLE JEOPARDY ATTACHES EVEN IF MOTION TO DISMISS IS MADE BY ACCUSED HIMSELF. PEOPLE OF T,E P,ILIPPINES .&- ;ERRA
0G-R- No- 139:32/ +!" 23/ 20024
P*NO/ 78 FACTS8 On No%e)ber 08, 0233, re!,onden Acelo /erra 6a! charged 6i h he cri)e o#
)urder #or ?illing a cer ain Elia! Cor e(o& A 6arran o# arre! 6a! i!!ued by he Regional Trial Cour again! hi) on No%e)ber 90, 0233& Ee re)ained a =large un il May 98, 022; 6hen he %olun arily !ub)i ed hi)!el# o he juri!dic ion o# he cour acco),anied by hi! coun!el& I))edia ely, arraign)en ,roceeded during 6hich he en ered a ,lea o# BNo 'uil y&B On he !a)e day, he ,ro!ecu ion called o he 6i ne!! ! and he 6i#e o# he %ic i), ,ri%a e co),lainan *a)iana Cor e(o& -he e! i#ied ha : 405 !he ha! execu ed an a##ida%i o# de!i! anceC 495 !he i! no longer in ere! ed in ,ro!ecu ing he ca!eC and 475 o her 6i ne!!e! o# he !hoo ing inciden ha%e urned ho! ile and ha%e !i)ilarly lo! concern in ,ur!uing he !a)e& T herea# er, he ,ro!ecu ion, joined by he coun!el #or he accu!ed, )o%ed #or he di!)i!!al o# he ca!e& Thu!, he cour di!)i!!ed he ca!e and he 6arran o# arre! 6a! cancelled& -ub!e>uen ly, 6o o her 6i ne!!e! a,,eared a# er learning o# he di!)i!!al o# he ca!e and )ani#e! ed heir 6illingne!! o e! i#y& On Augu! 90, 022;, he rial cour !e a!ide he Order o# *i!)i!!al da ed May 98, 022;& Re!,onden )o%ed #or i ! recon!idera ion bu hi! )o ion 6a! denied on -e, e)ber 9;, 022;& Ee hen in! i u ed be#ore he Cour o# A,,eal! a Pe i ion #or Cer iorari challenging he Augu! 90 Order& The a,,ella e cour rendered a *eci!ion on A,ril ;, 0223 gran ing he ,e i ion& I ruled ha he di!)i!!al o# he ca!e again! ,e i ioner ha! a ained #inali y, and ha i ! re%i%al re>uire! he #iling o# a ne6 ca!e or in#or)a ion&
49

ISS*E8 Whe her or no he re%i%al o# he ca!e i! %iola i%e o# he con! i u ional righ o# he
accu!ed again! double jeo,ardy&
,ELD8 5ES& Knder Ar icle III, -ec ion 90 o# he Con! i u ion, BNo ,er!on !hall be 6ice ,u in
jeo,ardy o# ,uni!h)en #or he !a)e o##en!e& I# an ac i! ,uni!hed by a la6 and an ordinance, con%ic ion or ac>ui al under ei her !hall con! i u e a bar o ano her ,ro!ecu ion #or he !a)e ac &B In a long line o# deci!ion!, 6e ha%e enu)era ed he #ollo6ing re>ui!i e! #or double jeo,ardy o a ach: 405 u,on a %alid indic )en C 495 be#ore a co),e en cour C 475 a# er arraign)en C 485 6hen a %alid ,lea ha! been en eredC and 4A5 6hen he de#endan 6a! ac>ui ed or con%ic ed or he ca!e 6a! di!)i!!ed or o her6i!e er)ina ed 6i hou he ex,re!! con!en o# he accu!ed& There are ho6e%er 6o occa!ion! 6hen double jeo,ardy 6ill a ach e%en i# he )o ion o di!)i!! he ca!e i! )ade by he accu!ed hi)!el#& The #ir! i! 6hen he ground i! in!u##iciency o# e%idence o# he ,ro!ecu ion, and he !econd i! 6hen he ,roceeding! ha%e been unrea!onably ,rolonged in %iola ion o# he righ o a !,eedy rial& In he ca!e a bar, 6e #ind all he abo%e=ci ed re>ui!i e! ,re!en & .ir! , here 6a! a %alid in#or)a ion, !u##icien in #or) and !ub! ance o !u! ain a con%ic ion, #iled on No%e)ber 08, 0233 duly !igned by he A!!i! an Pro%incial .i!cal& -econd, he Regional Trial Cour clearly had juri!dic ion o hear and ry he )urder charge again! he re!,onden & Third, he 6a! arraigned in o,en cour on May 98, 022; 6i h he a!!i! ance o# a coun!el de o##icio& .our h, during he arraign)en , he en ered a ,lea o# no guil y& .inally, here 6a! a %alid er)ina ion o# hi! ca!e on he ba!i! o# he rial judge<! Order o *i!)i!! he ca!e& While i i! rue ha he re!,onden joined he ,ro!ecu ion in ,raying #or i ! di!)i!!al, double jeo,ardy 6ill ! ill a ach !ince he ba!i! #or he ruling 6a! he in!u##iciency o# e%idence o# he ,ro!ecu ion& In %ie6 o# ,ri%a e co),lainan <! de!i! ance and her e! i)ony ha o her 6i ne!!e! ha%e urned ho! ile and are al!o no longer in ere! ed in ,ro!ecu ing hi! ca!e, ,e i ioner clearly lac?! he e%idence o !u,,or he charge&
7*DICIAL DEPART+ENT JUDICIAL SUPERVISION

JUDICIAL SUPERVISION; ONLY THE SUPREME COURT CAN OVERSEE THE JUDGES) AND COURT PERSONNEL)S COMPLIANCE WITH ALL LAWS, AND TAKE THE PROPER ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION AGAINST THEM IF THEY COMMIT ANY VIOLATION THEREOF. CAOIBES .&- O+B*DS+AN/ et !'0G-R- No- 1321::/ 7u'" 13/ 20014
B*ENA/ 78 FACTS8 On May 97, 022:, re!,onden .loren ino M& Alu)bre!, Pre!iding "udge o# $ranch 9AA
o# he Regional Trial Cour o# La! PiMa! Ci y, #iled be#ore he O##ice o# he O)bud!)an, a Cri)inal Co),lain #or ,hy!ical injurie!, )aliciou! )i!chie# #or he de! ruc ion o# co),lainan <! eyegla!!e!, and a!!aul u,on a ,er!on in au hori y& Re!,onden alleged herein ha on May 91, 022:, a he hall6ay on he hird #loor o# he Eall o# "u! ice, La! PiMa! Ci y, he re>ue! ed ,e i ioner o re urn he execu i%e able he borro6ed #ro) re!,onden C ha ,e i ioner did no an!6er !o re!,onden rei era ed hi! re>ue! bu be#ore he could #ini!h al?ing, ,e i ioner blur ed BTaran ado i o ah,B and boxed hi) a hi! righ eyebro6 and le# lo6er ja6 !o ha he righ len! o# hi! eyegla!!e! 6a! hro6n a6ay, rendering hi! eyegla!!e! un!er%iceableC and ha re!,onden had he inciden blo ered 6i h he La! PiMa! Police - a ion& Ee ,rayed ha cri)inal charge! be #iled be#ore he -andiganbayan again! he ,e i ioner& On "une 07, 022:, re!,onden "udge lodged ano her Co),lain again! ,e i ioner, hi! i)e an ad)ini! ra i%e ca!e 6i h he -u,re)e Cour , doc?e ed a! Ad)& Ca!e No& 2:=73:=RT", ,raying #or he di!)i!!al o# ,e i ioner #ro) he judiciary on he ground o# gra%e )i!conduc or conduc unbeco)ing a judicial o##icer& -aid co),lain i! ba!ed on he !a)e #ac ! a! ho!e in he co),lain #iled earlier 6i h he O##ice o# he O)bud!)an& 50

In he Order 7 da ed "une 9A, 022:, he O##ice o# he O)bud!)an re>uired ,e i ioner o #ile a coun er=a##ida%i 6i hin en 4015 day! #ro) recei, hereo#& In! ead o# #iling a coun er= a##ida%i , ,e i ioner #iled on "uly :, 022: an BEx=Par e Mo ion #or Re#erral o he Eonorable -u,re)e Cour ,B ,raying ha he O##ice o# he O)bud!)an hold i ! in%e! iga ion o# Ca!e No& OM$=1=2:=1217 in abeyance, and re#er he !a)e o he -u,re)e Cour 6hich, hrough he O##ice o# he Cour Ad)ini! ra or, i! already in%e! iga ing 6ha ran!,ired on May 91, 022:& In%o?ing -ec ion 0A o# R&A& ;::1, he O##ice o# he O)bud!)an re#u!e! o re#rain #ro) a?ing cogni(ance o# Ca!e No& M$=1=2:=1217 in #a%or o# hi! Cour on he ground ha , allegedly, he accu!a ion! herein again! ,e i ioner con! i u e !i),le cri)inal charge! #alling 6i hin he ,ara)e er! o# i ! con! i u ional ,o6er and du y o in%e! iga e and ,ro!ecu e any ac or o)i!!ion o# any ,ublic o##icer or e),loyee 6hich a,,ear! o be illegal, unju! , i),ro,er or ine##icien &
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he O##ice o# he O)bud!)an !hould de#er ac ion on Ca!e No& OM$=1=
2:=1217 ,ending re!olu ion o# Ad)& Ca!e No& 2:=73:=RT"&
,ELD8 5ES& I a,,ear! ha he ,re!en ca!e in%ol%e! 6o )e)ber! o# he judiciary 6ho 6ere
en angled in a #igh 6i hin cour ,re)i!e! o%er a ,iece o# o##ice #urni ure& Knder -ec ion ;, Ar icle /III o# he Con! i u ion, i i! he -u,re)e Cour 6hich i! %e! ed 6i h exclu!i%e ad)ini! ra i%e !u,er%i!ion o%er all cour ! and i ! ,er!onnel& Pre!cinding #ro) hi! ,re)i!e, he O)bud!)an canno de er)ine #or i !el# and by i !el# 6he her a cri)inal co),lain again! a judge, or cour e),loyee, in%ol%e! an ad)ini! ra i%e )a er& The O)bud!)an i! du y bound o ha%e all ca!e! again! judge! and cour ,er!onnel #iled be#ore i , re#erred o he -u,re)e Cour #or de er)ina ion a! o 6he her an ad)ini! ra i%e a!,ec i! in%ol%ed herein& Thi! rule !hould hold rue regardle!! o# 6he her an ad)ini! ra i%e ca!e ba!ed on he ac !ubjec o# he co),lain be#ore he O)bud!)an i! already ,ending 6i h he Cour & .or, a!ide #ro) he #ac ha he O)bud!)an 6ould no ?no6 o# hi! )a er unle!! he i! in#or)ed o# i , he !hould gi%e due re!,ec #or and recogni ion o# he ad)ini! ra i%e au hori y o# he Cour , becau!e in de er)ining 6he her an ad)ini! ra i%e )a er i! in%ol%ed, he Cour ,a!!e! u,on no only ad)ini! ra i%e liabili ie! bu al!o o her ad)ini! ra i%e concern!, a! i! clearly con%eyed in he ca!e o# &aceda vs. (as)ue%&
JUDICIAL SUPERVISION; THE OMBUDSMAN MAY NOT INITIATE OR INVESTIGATE A CRIMINAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT BEFORE HIS OFFICE AGAINST A JUDGE, PURSUANT TO HIS POWER TO INVESTIGATE PUBLIC OFFICERS. 7*DGE RENATO A- F*ENTES .&- OFFICE OF T,E O+B*DS+AN6 +INDANAO/ et !'0G-R- No- 129232/ Octo(er 23/ 20014
PARDO/ 78 FACTS8 The Re,ublic o# he Phili,,ine! 4re,re!en ed by *PWE5 #iled an ex,ro,ria ion ca!e
again! he o6ner! o# he ,ro,er ie! a##ec ed by he ,rojec be#ore he rial cour ,re!ided by ,e i ioner "udge Rena o A& .uen e!& *PWE 6on he ex,ro,ria ion ca!e and a! o# 02 May 0228, i ! ill o6ed he lo o6ner! he #ollo6ing a)oun !: Reynaldo Lao U P832,111C Te!!ie A)adeo U P0,128,911C and Al#on!o 'alo U P07,29:,90A& On A A,ril 0228, he rial cour gran ed A)adeoF! )o ion #or he i!!uance o# a 6ri o# execu ion again! he *PWE o !a i!#y her un,aid clai)& The 6ri 6a! !er%ed by -heri## Parali!an o he *PWE=Region I@& On 7 May 0228, Parali!an i!!ued a No ice o# Le%y addre!!ed o he Regional *irec or de!cribing he ,ro,er ie! !ubjec o# he le%y& The auc ion !ale ,u!hed hrough on 03 May 0228 6i h Alex $ac>uial a! he highe! bidder and he corre!,onding cer i#ica e o# !ale 6a! i!!ued by Parali!an& On 02 May 0228, $ac>uial and Parali!an a e), ed o 6i hdra6 he auc ioned ,ro,er ie! bu 6ere ,re%en ed #ro) doing !o by he cu! odian o# he !ubjec *PWE ,ro,er ie!& On 91 May 0228, $ac>uial #iled an ex=,ar e urgen )o ion #or he i!!uance o# a Rbrea? hroughO order o enable hi) o e##ec he 6i hdra6al o# he auc ioned ,ro,er ie!& The )o ion 6a! gran ed by ,e i ioner on he !a)e da e& Ar)ed 6i h he cour order, $ac>iual !ucceeded in hauling o## he ,ro,er ie! #or A !ucce!!i%e day! un il he lo6er cour i!!ued ano her order e),orarily !u!,ending he 6ri o# execu ion earlier i!!ued& Eo6e%er, on 90 "une 0228, he lo6er cour i!!ued ano her order u,holding he %alidi y o# he 6ri o# execu ion& 51

On he ba!i! o# le er! #ro) Cong& Manuel 'arcia o# he 9 nd *i! ric o# *a%ao Ci y and he *PWE cu! odian, he Cour Ad)ini! ra or, -u,re)e Cour direc ed ,e i ioner and Parali!an o co))en on he re,or reco))ending he #iling o# an ad)ini! ra i%e ca!e again! he !heri## and o her ,er!on! re!,on!ible #or he ano)alou! i),le)en a ion o# he 6ri o# execu ion& $y %ir ue o# an ad)ini! ra i%e co),lain #iled by he *PWE, Parali!an 6a! di!)i!!ed #ro) he !er%ice by he -u,re)e Cour on 97 Augu! 022A& The Cour #ur her direc ed he Cour Ad)ini! ra or o conduc an in%e! iga ion on ,e i ioner and o charge hi) i# he in%e! iga ion !o 6arran !& On 0A "anuary 022;, *ir& An onio /alen(uela o# he O##ice o# he O)bud!)an=Mindanao reco))ended ha ,e i ioner be charged be#ore he -andiganbayan 6i h %iola ion o# R&A& 7102, -ec& 74e5 and li?e6i!e be ad)ini! ra i%ely charged be#ore he -u,re)e Cour #or ac ! unbeco)ing o# a judge& On 99 "anuary 022;, /alen(uela #iled 6i h he O##ice o# he *e,u y O)bud!)an #or Mindanao a cri)inal co),lain charging ,e i ioner 6i h %iola ion o# R&A& 7102, -ec& 74e5& On 99 .ebruary 022;, ,e i ioner #iled 6i h he O##ice o# he O)bud!)an=Mindanao a )o ion o di!)i!! co),lain andDor )ani#e! a ion o #or6ard all record! o he -u,re)e Cour & The )o ion 6a! denied&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he O)bud!)an )ay conduc an in%e! iga ion o# ac ! o# a judge in he
exerci!e o# hi! o##icial #unc ion! alleged o be in %iola ion o# he An i='ra# and Corru, Prac ice! Ac , in he ab!ence o# an ad)ini! ra i%e charge #or he !a)e ac ! be#ore he -u,re)e Cour &
,ELD8 NO& R&A& ;::1, o her6i!e ?no6n a! he O)bud!)an Ac o# 0232, ,ro%ide!:

R-ec& 0A& Po6er!, .unc ion! and *u ie!& U The O##ice o# he O)bud!)an !hall ha%e he #ollo6ing ,o6er!, #unc ion! and du ie!: 405 In%e! iga e and ,ro!ecu e on i ! o6n or on co),lain by any ,er!on, any ac or o)i!!ion o# any ,ublic o##icer or e),loyee, o##ice or agency, 6hen !uch ac or o)i!!ion a,,ear! o be illegal, unju! , i),ro,er or ine##icien & I ha! ,ri)ary juri!dic ion o%er ca!e! cogni(able by he -andiganbayan and, in he exerci!e o# hi! ,ri)ary juri!dic ion, i )ay a?e o%er, a any ! age, #ro) any in%e! iga ory agency o# he 'o%ern)en , he in%e! iga ion o# !uch ca!e!&O R-ec& 90& O##icial! -ubjec o *i!ci,linary Au hori y, Exce, ion!& U The O##ice o# he O)bud!)an !hall ha%e di!ci,linary au hori y o%er all elec i%e and a,,oin i%e o##icial! o# he 'o%ern)en and i ! !ubdi%i!ion!, in! ru)en ali ie! and agencie!, including )e)ber! o# he Cabine , local go%ern)en , go%ern)en =o6ned or con rolled cor,ora ion! and heir !ub!idiarie!, exce, o%er o##icial! 6ho )ay be re)o%ed only be i),each)en , or o%er Me)ber! o# Congre!!, and he "udiciary&O Thu!, he O)bud!)an )ay no ini ia e or in%e! iga e a cri)inal or ad)ini! ra i%e co),lain be#ore hi! o##ice again! ,e i ioner judge, ,ur!uan o hi! ,o6er o in%e! iga e ,ublic o##icer!& The O)bud!)an )u! indor!e he ca!e o he -u,re)e Cour , #or a,,ro,ria e ac ion& Ar icle /III, -ec ion ; o# he Con! i u ion exclu!i%ely %e! ! in he -u,re)e Cour ad)ini! ra i%e !u,er%i!ion o%er all cour ! and cour ,er!onnel, #ro) he Pre!iding "udge o# he Cour o# A,,eal! o he lo6e! )unici,al rial cour cler?& Eence, i i! he -u,re)e Cour ha i! a!?ed o o%er!ee he judge! and he cour ,er!onnel and a?e he ,ro,er ad)ini! ra i%e ac ion again! he) i# hey co))i any %iola ion o# he la6! o# he land& No o her branch o# go%ern)en )ay in rude in o hi! ,o6er, 6i hou running a#oul o# he inde,endence o# he judiciary and he doc rine o# !e,ara ion o# ,o6er!& Pe i ionerF! >ue! ioned order! direc ing he a ach)en o# go%ern)en ,ro,er y and i!!uing a 6ri o# execu ion 6ere done in rela ion o hi! o##ice, 6ell 6i hin hi! o##icial #unc ion!& The order )ay be erroneou! or %oid #or lac? or exce!! o# juri!dic ion& Eo6e%er, 6he her or no !uch order o# execu ion 6a! %alid under he gi%en circu)! ance!, )u! be in>uired in o in he cour!e o# he judicial ac ion only by he -u,re)e Cour ha i! a!?ed o !u,er%i!e he cour !& RNo o her en i y or o##icial o# he 'o%ern)en , no he ,ro!ecu ion or in%e! iga ion !er%ice o# any o her branch, no any #unc ionary hereo#, ha! co),e ence o re%ie6 a judicial order or deci!ionI 6he her #inal and execu ory or no Iand ,ronounce i erroneou! !o a! o lay he ba!i! #or a cri)inal or ad)ini! ra i%e co),lain #or rendering an unju! judg)en or order& Tha ,reroga i%e belong! o he cour ! alone&O
52

PERIODS FOR DECISION

PERIODS FOR DECISION; THE LOWER COURTS HAVE THREE MONTHS WITHIN WHICH TO DECIDE CASES OR MATTERS PENDING BEFORE THEM. ELIEZER A- SIBA5AN67OA<*IN .&- 7*DGE ROBERTO S- 7A;ELLANA
0A-+- No- RT760061>01/ No.e$(er 13/ 20014
;IT*G/ 78 FACTS8 In a co),lain =a##ida%i , da ed 0: -e, e)ber 0222, Elie(er A& -ibayan="oa>uin
charged "udge Rober o -& "a%ellana, ac ing ,re!iding judge o# he Regional Trial Cour 4RTC5 o# -an Carlo! Ci y, $ranch A:, 6i h gra%e )i!conduc in he ,er#or)ance o# o##icial du ie!, gra# and gro!! ignorance o# he la6& The co),lain 6a! an o##!hoo o# a ca!e #or e! a#a, doc?e ed Cri)inal Ca!e No& RTC 00A1, en i led BPeo,le o# he Phili,,ine! %!& Ro)eo Tan y -ala(ar,B #iled by -ibayan="oa>uin #or and in behal# o# Ander!on! 'rou,, Inc&, again! Ro)eo Tan be#ore he -an Carlo! Ci y RTC& Co),lainan a%erred ha here 6a! an undue delay in he rendi ion o# judg)en in he a#orenu)bered cri)inal ca!e, he deci!ion, da ed 0; "uly 0222, ha had ac>ui ed he accu!ed Ro)eo Tan, ha%ing been rendered only on he en h )on h a# er he ca!e 6a! !ub)i ed #or deci!ion& The )a er 6a! re#erred o he O##ice o# he Cour Ad)ini! ra or 4OCA5 #or e%alua ion& The In%e! iga ing "u! ice ended hi! re,or o he Cour by reco))ending re!,onden judge be held ad)ini! ra i%ely liable #or #ailure o render judg)en in Cri)inal Ca!e No& RTC=00A1 6i hin he ,eriod ,re!cribed by la6 4in %iola ion o# V0A, ARTICLE /III O. TEE PEILIPPINE CON-TITKTION, CANON 0, RKLE 0&19, and CANON 7, RKLE 7&1A O. TEE Code o# "udicial Conduc 5&
ISS*E8
Whe her or no a judge )ay be held ad)ini! ra i%ely liable #or #ailure o render judg)en 6i hin he ,eriod ,re!cribe by la6&
,ELD8 5ES& -ec ion 0A, Ar icle @/III, o# he Con! i u ion ,ro%ide! ha lo6er cour ! ha%e hree
)on h! 6i hin 6hich o decide ca!e! or )a er! ,ending be#ore he) #ro) he da e o# !ub)i!!ion o# !uch ca!e! or )a er! #or deci!ion or re!olu ion& Canon 7 o# he Code o# "udicial Conduc hold! !i)ilarly by )anda ing ha he di!,o!i ion o# ca!e! )u! be done ,ro), ly and !ea!onably& Ad)i edly, re!,onden judge ha! a?en en )on h! o #inally decide Cri)inal Ca!e No& RTC= 00A1 #ro) i ! !ub)i!!ion #or deci!ion, a ,eriod clearly beyond he nine y=day regle)en ary ,eriod& Ee could ha%e a!?ed #or an ex en!ion o# i)e o decide he ca!e and ex,lain 6hy, bu he did no & Any undue delay in he re!olu ion o# ca!e! o# en a)oun ! o a denial o# ju! ice and can ea!ily under)ine he ,eo,le<! #ai h and con#idence in he judiciary& A6are o# he hea%y ca!eload o# judge!, he Cour ha! con inued o ac 6i h grea under! anding on re>ue! ! #or ex en!ion o# i)e o decide ca!e!&
PERIODS FOR DECISION; ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR #("%* WHICH DIRECTS ALL TRIAL JUDGES TO MAKE A PHYSICAL INVENTORY OF THE CASES IN THEIR DOCKETS APPLIES TO THE SANDIGANBAYAN. PROBLE+ OF DELA5S IN CASES BEFORE T,E SANDIGANBA5AN
0A-+- No- 006=6026SC/ No.e$(er 2=/ 20014
PARDO 78 FACTS8 On -e, e)ber 9:, 9111, co),lying 6i h he order, Pre!iding "u! ice .ranci! E&
'archi orena !ub)i ed a re,or ad)i ing a nu)ber o# ca!e! !ub)i ed #or deci!ion and )o ion #or recon!idera ion ,ending re!olu ion be#ore i ! di%i!ion!& We >uo e: BCa!e! -ub)i ed WD Mo ion! .or B.or *eci!ion Recon!idera ion B0! *i%i!ion 780 None 53

B9nd *i%i!ion B7rd *i%i!ion B8 h *i%i!ion BA h *i%i!ion +T,-./
A None 09 None A None A9 0 ================================================ *#0+
On "uly 70, 9111, he I$P, hrough i ! Na ional Pre!iden , Ar hur *& Li), ran!)i ed o he Cour a Re!olu ion 0 addre!!ing he ,roble) o# delay! in ca!e! ,ending be#ore he -andiganbayan& On No%e)ber 90, 9111, he Cour re!ol%ed o direc hen Cour Ad)ini! ra or Al#redo L& $eni,ayo 4herea# er, he OCA5 B o conduc a judicial audi o# he -andiganbayan, e!,ecially on he ca!e! !ubjec o# hi! ad)ini! ra i%e )a er, and o !ub)i a re,or hereon no la er han 70 *ece)ber 9111&B On *ece)ber 8, 9111, in a le er addre!!ed o he Chie# "u! ice, Pre!iding "u! ice .ranci! E& 'archi orena ad)i ed ha he .ir! *i%i!ion o# he -andiganbayan ha! a bac?log o# ca!e!C ha one ca!e alone )ade he bac?log o# he .ir! *i%i!ion !o large, in%ol%ing 0A; ca!e! bu he !a)e ha! been !e #or ,ro)ulga ion o# deci!ion on *ece)ber 3, 9111, 6hich 6ould reduce he bac?log by a lea! #i# y ,ercen 4A1P5&
ISS*ES8 Whe her or no -u,re)e Cour Ad)ini! ra i%e Circular No& 0128 i! a,,licable o he
-andiganbayan&
,ELD8 5ES& Ad)ini! ra i%e Circular 01=28 direc ! all rial judge! o )a?e a ,hy!ical in%en ory
o# he ca!e! in heir doc?e !& 'i%en he ra ionale behind he Ad)ini! ra i%e Circular, 6e hold ha i i! a,,licable o he -andiganbayan 6i h re!,ec o ca!e! 6i hin i ! original and a,,ella e juri!dic ion& We rei era e he ad)oni ion 6e i!!ued in our re!olu ion o# Oc ober 01, 9111: BThi! Cour ha! con!i! en ly i),re!!ed u,on judge! 46hich include! ju! ice!5 o decide ca!e! ,ro), ly and ex,edi iou!ly on he ,rinci,le ha ju! ice delayed i! ju! ice denied& *eci!ion=)a?ing i! he ,ri)ordial and )o! i),or an du y o# he )e)ber o# he bench& Eence, judge! are enjoined o decide ca!e! 6i h di!,a ch& Their #ailure o do !o con! i u e! gro!! ine##iciency ha 6arran ! di!ci,linary !anc ion including #ine !u!,en!ion and e%en di!)i!!al& The rule ,ar icularly a,,lie! o ju! ice! o# he -andiganbayan& *elay! in he di!,o!i ion o# ca!e! erode he #ai h and con#idence o# our ,eo,le in he judiciary, lo6er i ! ! andard!, and bring i in o di!re,u e& *elay! canno be !anc ioned or olera ed e!,ecially in he an i=gra# cour , he !ho6ca!e o# he na ion<! de er)ina ion o !ucceed in i ! 6ar again! gra# &
JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT

JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT; THE APPELLATE JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT OVER DECISIONS OR FINAL ORDERS OF THE SANDIGANBAYAN IS LIMITED TO QUESTIONS OF LAW. REP*BLIC OF T,E P,ILIPPINES .&- SANDIGANBA5AN/ et !'0G-R- No- 132:=3- 7! u!r" 31/ 20024
PARDO/ 78 FACTS8 On May A, 0239, Manuel '& Mon ecillo, Eduardo M& Cojuangco, "r&, Ce!ar C&
Qala)ea and "o!e J& Ca),o! organi(ed EMEMI o !er%e a! a holding co),any #or he !hare! o# ! oc?! o# Ean! M& Men(i, "o!e J& Ca),o!, Ce!ar C& Qala)ea and Eduardo M& Cojuangco, "r& in $ulle in Publi!hing Cor,ora ion and he !hare! o# ! oc?! o# Ean! M& Men(i in o her co),anie!, including Li6ay6ay Publi!hing Incor,ora ed& On "une 9:, 0238, Ean! M& Men(i died& On "uly ;, 0238, he cour a,,oin ed Manuel '& Mon ecillo execu or o# he E! a e o# Ean! M& Men(i and la er he ,re!iden o# EMEMI& Wi h he lone exce, ion o# Mon ecillo, Eduardo M& Cojuangco, "r&, Ce!ar C& Qala)ea and "o!e J& Ca),o!, con! i u e he ,rinci,al ! oc?holder! and incor,ora or! o# EMEMI& 54

On .ebruary 09, 023:, he PC'' i!!ued -e>ue! ra ion Wri No& 3:=191; again! all !hare! o# ! oc?!, a!!e !, ,ro,er ie!, record! and docu)en ! o# EMEMI& .or h6i h, on .ebruary 07, 023:, u,on he re>ue! o# PC'', Cen ral $an? 'o%ernor .ernande( in! ruc ed co))ercial ban?! and non=ban? #inancial in! i u ion! o 6i hhold he 6i hdra6al o# #und! and a!!e ! by Li6ay6ay Publi!hing Cor,ora ion and EMEMI& On "uly 92, 023:, ,e i ioner #iled 6i h he -andiganbayan a co),lain #or recon%eyance, re%er!ion, accoun ing, re! i u ion and da)age! again! he #ollo6ing de#endan !: Manuel '& Mon ecillo, Eduardo M& Cojuangco, "r&, Ce!ar C& Qala)ea, .erdinand E& Marco! and I)elda R& Marco!& On Oc ober 0:, 0221, he PC'' #iled a -econd A)ended Co),lain na)ing !,eci#ically he e! a e o# Ean! M& Men(i a! one o# he de#endan !& On No%e)ber 9:, 0229, he e! a e o# Ean! M& Men(i, in behal# o# EMEMI, #iled 6i h he -andiganbayan a BMo ion o Li# .ree(e OrderB da ed .ebruary 09, 023:, alleging ha : 405 The ! oc?!, a!!e !, ,ro,er ie!, record! and docu)en ! o# EMEMI 6ere !e>ue! ered 6i hou any judicial ac ion ha%ing been #iled again! i , or 6i hou i),leading i a! a de#endan in Ci%il Ca!e No& 1199C and 495 -uch i!!uance o# a 6ri o# !e>ue! ra ion 6i hou #iling a corre!,onding judicial ac ion again! EMEMI 6i hin he regle)en ary ,eriod e! abli!hed by -ec ion 9;, Ar icle @/III o# he 023: Con! i u ion re!ul ed in he au o)a ic li# ing o# he !e>ue! ra ion order on Augu! 09, 023:& On A,ril 9, 0229, he -andiganbayan gran ed he )o ion& On Oc ober 9, 0229, he -andiganbayan denied ,e i ioner<! )o ion #or recon!idera ion& On "anuary 0A, 0227, he Re,ublic o# he Phili,,ine! #iled 6i h he -u,re)e Cour a ,e i ion #or re%ie6 a!!ailing he re!olu ion o# he -andiganbayan li# ing he #ree(e order& On "uly 0;, 022;, he Cour !e a!ide he -andiganbayan<! re!olu ion li# ing he #ree(e order and re)anded he ca!e bac? o he -andiganbayan #or re!olu ion& -andiganbayan li# ed he 6ri o# !e>ue! ra ion da ed .ebruary 09, 023:, rea!oning ha here 6a! no ,ri)a #acie #ac ual ba!i! #or i ! i!!uance& Pe i ioner #iled a )o ion #or recon!idera ion 6hich he -andiganbayan denied&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he -andiganbayan erred in li#i ng he 6ri o# !e>ue! ra ion o%er he
a!!e !, !hare! o# ! oc?, ,ro,er y record! and ban? de,o!i ! o# EMEMI&
,ELD8 NO& I i! 6ell !e led ha he a,,ella e juri!dic ion o# he -u,re)e Cour o%er deci!ion!
or #inal order! o# he -andiganbayan i! li)i ed o >ue! ion! o# la6& A >ue! ion o# la6 exi! ! 6hen he doub or con ro%er!y concern! he correc a,,lica ion o# la6 or juri!,rudence o a cer ain !e o# #ac !C or 6hen he i!!ue doe! no call #or an exa)ina ion o# he ,roba i%e %alue o# he e%idence ,re!en ed, he ru h or #al!ehood o# #ac ! being ad)i ed& A >ue! ion o# #ac exi! ! 6hen he doub or di##erence ari!e! a! o he ru h or #al!ehood o# #ac ! or 6hen he >uery in%i e! calibra ion o# he 6hole e%idence con!idering )ainly he credibili y o# he 6i ne!!e!, he exi! ence and rele%ancy o# !,eci#ic !urrounding circu)! ance! a! 6ell a! heir rela ion o each o her and o he 6hole, and he ,robabili y o# he !i ua ion& The -u,re)e Cour i! no a rier o# #ac !& I i! no he Cour <! #unc ion o exa)ine and 6eigh all o%er again he e%idence ,re!en ed in he ,roceeding! belo6& A any ra e, he Cour agree! 6i h re!,onden ! ha he -andiganbayan ha! #ull au hori y o decide on all inciden ! in he ill=go en ca!e, including he ,ro,rie y o# he 6ri ! o# !e>ue! ra ion ha he PC'' ini ially i!!ued& $a!ed on he e%idence he PC'' !ub)i ed !o #ar o he -andiganbayan, he la e Ean! M& Men(i o6ned he $ulle in Publi!hing Cor,ora ion al)o! one hundred 4011P5 ,er cen !ince 02A:, exce, ho!e $ulle in !hare! !old o K& -& Au o)o i%e Cor,ora ion in 023A, ho!e con%er ed o rea!ury !hare! in 023;, and ho!e !old o he general ,ublic a ,ublic o##ering!& In he ab!ence o# co),e en e%idence !ho6ing hu! #ar ha Pre!iden .erdinand E& Marco! or hi! cronie! e%er ac>uired $ulle in !hare! o# he la e Ean! M& Men(i or EMEMI ha )igh be !ubjec o !e>ue! ra ion, he Cour )ay no %oid he re!olu ion! o# he -andiganbayan in >ue! ion&
55

JUDICIAL REVIEW
JUDICIAL REVIEW; STATUTE WHEN VAGUE ESTRADA .&- SANDIGANBA5AN
0G-R- NO- 19=2>0/ No.e$(er 13/ 20014
BELLOSILLO/ 78 FACTS8 Pe i ioner "o!e,h Ejerci o E! rada, he highe! =ran?ing o##icial o be ,ro!ecu ed under
RA :131 4An Ac *e#ining and Penali(ing he Cri)e o# Plunder5, a! a)ended by RA :;A2, 6i!he! o i),re!! u,on u! ha he a!!ailed la6 i! !o de#ec i%ely #a!hioned ha i cro!!e! ha hin bu di! inc line 6hich di%ide! he %alid #ro) he con! i u ionally in#ir)& Ee here#ore )a?e! a ! ringen call #or hi! Cour o !ubjec he Plunder La6 o he crucible o# con! i u ionali y )ainly becau!e, according o hi), i !u##er! #ro) he %ice o# %aguene!!&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he Plunder La6 i! %ague and i! here#ore uncon! i u ionalT ,ELD8 NO& Preli)inarily, he 6hole ga)u o# legal conce, ! ,er aining o he %alidi y o#
legi!la ion i! ,redica ed on he ba!ic ,rinci,le ha a legi!la i%e )ea!ure i! ,re!u)ed o be in har)ony 6i h he Con! i u ion& Cour ! in%ariably rain heir !igh ! on hi! #unda)en al rule 6hene%er a legi!la i%e ac i! under a con! i u ional a ac?, #or i i! he ,o! ula e o# con! i u ional adjudica ion& Thi! ! rong ,redilec ion #or con! i u ionali y a?e! i ! bearing! on he idea ha i i! #orbidden #or one branch o# he go%ern)en o encroach u,on he du ie! and ,o6er! o# ano her& Thu! i ha! been !aid ha he ,re!u), ion i! ba!ed on he de#erence he judicial branch accord! o i ! coordina e branch I he legi!la ure& Eence in de er)ining 6he her he ac ! o# he legi!la ure are in une 6i h he #unda)en al la6, cour ! !hould ,roceed 6i h judicial re! rain and ac 6i h cau ion and #orbearance& E%ery in end)en o# he la6 )u! be adjudged by he cour ! in #a%or o# i ! con! i u ionali y, in%alidi y being a )ea!ure o# la! re!or & In con! ruing here#ore he ,ro%i!ion! o# a ! a u e, cour ! )u! #ir! a!cer ain 6he her an in er,re a ion i! #airly ,o!!ible o !ide! e, he >ue! ion o# con! i u ionali y& In 'a *nion Credit Cooperative# Inc. v. +aranon 6e held ha a! long a! here i! !o)e ba!i! #or he deci!ion o# he cour , he con! i u ionali y o# he challenged la6 6ill no be ouched and he ca!e 6ill be decided on o her a%ailable ground!& Je he #orce o# he ,re!u), ion i! no !u##icien o ca a,ul a #unda)en ally de#icien la6 in o he !a#e en%iron! o# con! i u ionali y& O# cour!e, 6here he la6 clearly and ,al,ably ran!gre!!e! he hallo6ed do)ain o# he organic la6, i )u! be ! ruc? do6n on !igh le! he ,o!i i%e co))and! o# he #unda)en al la6 be unduly eroded& A! long a! he la6 a##ord! !o)e co),rehen!ible guide or rule ha 6ould in#or) ho!e 6ho are !ubjec o i 6ha conduc 6ould render he) liable o i ! ,enal ie!, i ! %alidi y 6ill be !u! ained& I )u! !u##icien ly guide he judge in i ! a,,lica ionC he coun!el, in de#ending one charged 6i h i ! %iola ionC and )ore i),or an ly, he accu!ed, in iden i#ying he real) o# he ,ro!cribed conduc & Indeed, i can be under! ood 6i h li le di##icul y ha 6ha he a!!ailed ! a u e ,uni!he! i! he ac o# a ,ublic o##icer in a)a!!ing or accu)ula ing ill=go en 6eal h o# a lea! PA1,111,111&11 hrough a !erie! or co)bina ion o# ac ! enu)era ed in -ec& 0, ,ar& 4d5, o# he Plunder La6& Pe i ioner, ho6e%er, be6ail! he #ailure o# he la6 o ,ro%ide #or he ! a u ory de#ini ion o# he er)! Bco)bina ionB and B!erie!B in he ?ey ,hra!e Ba co)bina ion or !erie! o# o%er or cri)inal ac !B #ound in -ec& 0, ,ar& 4d5, and -ec& 9, and he 6ord B,a ernB in -ec& 8& The!e o)i!!ion!, according o ,e i ioner, render he Plunder La6 uncon! i u ional #or being i),er)i!!ibly %ague and o%erbroad and deny hi) he righ o be in#or)ed o# he na ure and cau!e o# he accu!a ion again! hi), hence, %iola i%e o# hi! #unda)en al righ o due ,roce!!& The ra ionali(a ion !ee)! o u! o be ,ure !o,hi! ry& A ! a u e i! no rendered uncer ain and %oid )erely becau!e general er)! are u!ed herein, or becau!e o# he e),loy)en o# er)! 6i hou de#ining he)C )uch le!! do 6e ha%e o de#ine e%ery 6ord 6e u!e& $e!ide!, here i! no ,o!i i%e con! i u ional or ! a u ory co))and re>uiring he legi!la ure o de#ine each and e%ery 6ord in an enac )en & Congre!! i! no re! ric ed in he #or) o# ex,re!!ion o# i ! 6ill, and i ! inabili y o !o de#ine he 6ord! e),loyed in a ! a u e 6ill no nece!!arily re!ul in he %aguene!! 56

or a)bigui y o# he la6 !o long a! he legi!la i%e 6ill i! clear, or a lea! , can be ga hered #ro) he 6hole ac , 6hich i! di! inc ly ex,re!!ed in he Plunder La6& Moreo%er, i i! a 6ell=!e led ,rinci,le o# legal her)eneu ic! ha 6ord! o# a ! a u e 6ill be in er,re ed in heir na ural, ,lain and ordinary acce, a ion and !igni#ica ion, unle!! i i! e%iden ha he legi!la ure in ended a echnical or !,ecial legal )eaning o ho!e 6ord!& The in en ion o# he la6)a?er! I 6ho are, ordinarily, un rained ,hilologi! ! and lexicogra,her! I o u!e ! a u ory ,hra!eology in !uch a )anner i! al6ay! ,re!u)ed& Knder he circu)! ance!, ,e i ioner<! reliance on he B%oid=#or=%aguene!!B doc rine i! )ani#e! ly )i!,laced& The doc rine ha! been #or)ula ed in %ariou! 6ay!, bu i! )o! co))only ! a ed o he e##ec ha a ! a u e e! abli!hing a cri)inal o##en!e )u! de#ine he o##en!e 6i h !u##icien de#ini ene!! ha ,er!on! o# ordinary in elligence can under! and 6ha conduc i! ,rohibi ed by he ! a u e& I can only be in%o?ed again! ha !,ecie o# legi!la ion ha i! u erly %ague on i ! #ace, i&e&, ha 6hich canno be clari#ied ei her by a !a%ing clau!e or by con! ruc ion& A ! a u e or ac )ay be !aid o be %ague 6hen i lac?! co),rehen!ible ! andard! ha )en o# co))on in elligence )u! nece!!arily gue!! a i ! )eaning and di##er in i ! a,,lica ion& In !uch in! ance, he ! a u e i! re,ugnan o he Con! i u ion in 6o 495 re!,ec ! I i %iola e! due ,roce!! #or #ailure o accord ,er!on!, e!,ecially he ,ar ie! arge ed by i , #air no ice o# 6ha conduc o a%oidC and, i lea%e! la6 en#orcer! unbridled di!cre ion in carrying ou i ! ,ro%i!ion! and beco)e! an arbi rary #lexing o# he 'o%ern)en )u!cle& $u he doc rine doe! no a,,ly a! again! legi!la ion! ha are )erely couched in i),reci!e language bu 6hich none hele!! !,eci#y a ! andard hough de#ec i%ely ,hra!edC or o ho!e ha are a,,aren ly a)biguou! ye #airly a,,licable o cer ain y,e! o# ac i%i ie!& The #ir! )ay be B!a%edB by ,ro,er con! ruc ion, 6hile no challenge )ay be )oun ed a! again! he !econd 6hene%er direc ed again! !uch ac i%i ie!& Wi h )ore rea!on, he doc rine canno be in%o?ed 6here he a!!ailed ! a u e i! clear and #ree #ro) a)bigui y, a! in hi! ca!e& The e! in de er)ining 6he her a cri)inal ! a u e i! %oid #or uncer ain y i! 6he her he language con%ey! a !u##icien ly de#ini e 6arning a! o he ,ro!cribed conduc 6hen )ea!ured by co))on under! anding and ,rac ice& I )u! be ! re!!ed, ho6e%er, ha he B%aguene!!B doc rine )erely re>uire! a rea!onable degree o# cer ain y #or he ! a u e o be u,held I no ab!olu e ,reci!ion or )a he)a ical exac i ude, a! ,e i ioner !ee)! o !ugge! & .lexibili y, ra her han )e iculou! !,eci#ici y, i! ,er)i!!ible a! long a! he )e e! and bound! o# he ! a u e are clearly delinea ed& An ac 6ill no be held in%alid )erely becau!e i )igh ha%e been )ore ex,lici in i ! 6ording! or de ailed in i ! ,ro%i!ion!, e!,ecially 6here, becau!e o# he na ure o# he ac , i 6ould be i),o!!ible o ,ro%ide all he de ail! in ad%ance a! in all o her ! a u e!& The %oid=#or=%aguene!! doc rine ! a e! ha Ba ! a u e 6hich ei her #orbid! or re>uire! he doing o# an ac in er)! !o %ague ha )en o# co))on in elligence )u! nece!!arily gue!! a i ! )eaning and di##er a! o i ! a,,lica ion, %iola e! he #ir! e!!en ial o# due ,roce!! o# la6&B The o%erbread h doc rine, on he o her hand, decree! ha Ba go%ern)en al ,ur,o!e )ay no be achie%ed by )ean! 6hich !6ee, unnece!!arily broadly and hereby in%ade he area o# ,ro ec ed #reedo)!&<< The o%erbread h and %aguene!! doc rine! hen ha%e !,ecial a,,lica ion only o #ree !,eech ca!e!& They are ina, #or e! ing he %alidi y o# ,enal ! a u e!& A! he K&-& -u,re)e Cour ,u i , in an o,inion by Chie# "u! ice Rehn>ui! , B6e ha%e no recogni(ed an <o%erbread h< doc rine ou !ide he li)i ed con ex o# he .ir! A)end)en &B In $roadric? % O?laho)a, he Cour ruled ha Bclai)! o# #acial o%erbread h ha%e been en er ained in ca!e! in%ol%ing ! a u e! 6hich, by heir er)!, !ee? o regula e only !,o?en 6ord!B and, again, ha Bo%erbread h clai)!, i# en er ained a all, ha%e been cur ailed 6hen in%o?ed again! ordinary cri)inal la6! ha are !ough o be a,,lied o ,ro ec ed conduc &B .or hi! rea!on, i ha! been held ha Ba #acial challenge o a legi!la i%e ac i! he )o! di##icul challenge o )oun !ucce!!#ully, !ince he challenger )u! e! abli!h ha no !e o# circu)! ance! exi! ! under 6hich he Ac 6ould be %alid&B A! #or he %aguene!! doc rine, i i! !aid ha a li igan )ay challenge a ! a u e on i ! #ace only i# i i! %ague in all i ! ,o!!ible a,,lica ion!& BA ,lain i## 6ho engage! in !o)e conduc ha i! clearly ,ro!cribed canno co),lain o# he %aguene!! o# he la6 a! a,,lied o he conduc o# o her!&<< In !u), he doc rine! o# ! ric !cru iny, o%erbread h, and %aguene!! are analy ical ool! de%elo,ed #or e! ing Bon heir #ace!B ! a u e! in #ree !,eech ca!e! or, a! hey are called in A)erican la6, .ir! A)end)en ca!e!& They canno be )ade o do !er%ice 6hen 6ha i! in%ol%ed i! a cri)inal ! a u e& Wi h re!,ec o !uch ! a u e, he e! abli!hed rule i! ha Bone o 6ho) a,,lica ion o# a ! a u e i! con! i u ional 6ill no be heard o a ac? he ! a u e on he ground ha i),liedly i )igh al!o be a?en a! a,,lying o o her ,er!on! or o her !i ua ion! in 6hich i ! a,,lica ion )igh be uncon! i u ional&B A! ha! been ,oin ed ou , B%aguene!! challenge! in he .ir! A)end)en con ex , li?e o%erbread h challenge! y,ically ,roduce #acial in%alida ion, 6hile 57

! a u e! #ound %ague a! a )a er o# due ,roce!! y,ically are in%alida ed NonlyH <a! a,,lied< o a ,ar icular de#endan &<< Con!e>uen ly, here i! no ba!i! #or ,e i ioner<! clai) ha hi! Cour re%ie6 he An i=Plunder La6 on i ! #ace and in i ! en ire y& In ligh o# he #oregoing di!>ui!i ion, i i! e%iden ha he ,ur,or ed a)bigui y o# he Plunder La6, !o enaciou!ly clai)ed and argued a leng h by ,e i ioner, i! )ore i)agined han real& A)bigui y, 6here none exi! !, canno be crea ed by di!!ec ing ,ar ! and 6ord! in he ! a u e o #urni!h !u,,or o cri ic! 6ho ca%il a he 6an o# !cien i#ic ,reci!ion in he la6& E%ery ,ro%i!ion o# he la6 !hould be con! rued in rela ion and 6i h re#erence o e%ery o her ,ar & To be !ure, i 6ill a?e )ore han ni ,ic?ing o o%er urn he 6ell=en renched ,re!u), ion o# con! i u ionali y and %alidi y o# he Plunder La6& A #or iori, ,e i ioner canno #eign ignorance o# 6ha he Plunder La6 i! all abou & $eing one o# he -ena or! 6ho %o ed #or i ! ,a!!age, ,e i ioner )u! be a6are ha he la6 6a! ex en!i%ely delibera ed u,on by he -ena e and i ! a,,ro,ria e co))i ee! by rea!on o# 6hich he e%en regi! ered hi! a##ir)a i%e %o e 6i h #ull ?no6ledge o# i ! legal i),lica ion! and !ound con! i u ional anchorage&
JUDICIAL REVIEW; THE SUPREME COURT IS NOT PRECLUDED FROM RECTIFYING ERRORS OF JUDGMENT. DE LEON .&- CO*RT OF APPEALS
0G-R- No- 12:1=2/ Dece$(er 2/ 20014
5NARES6SANTIAGO/ 7FACTS8 In he *eci!ion !ough o be recon!idered, 6e ruled ha ,ri%a e re!,onden <!

a,,oin )en on Augu! 93, 023;, a! Mini! ry Legal Coun!el = CE-O I/ o# he Mini! ry o# Local 'o%ern)en , 6a! e),orary& A,,lying he ca!e o# Achacoso v. &acaraig, 6e held ha !ince ,ri%a e re!,onden 6a! no a Career Execu i%e -er%ice 4CE-5 eligible, hi! a,,oin )en did no a ain ,er)anency becau!e he did no ,o!!e!! he re>uired CE- eligibili y #or he CE- ,o!i ion o 6hich he 6a! a,,oin ed& Eence, he can be ran!#erred or rea!!igned 6i hou %iola ing hi! righ o !ecuri y o# enure& I a,,ear!, ho6e%er, ha in ,acob &ontesa v. Santo!, e al&, decided on -e, e)ber 9;, 0221, 6here he na ure o# ,ri%a e re!,onden <! a,,oin )en a! Mini! ry Legal Coun!el = CE-O I/, o# he Mini! ry o# Local 'o%ern)en , 6a! #ir! con e! ed, hi! Cour i!!ued a Minu e Re!olu ion da ed March 0:, 0229, holding ha Achacoso v. &acaraig i! no a,,licable o he ca!e o# ,ri%a e re!,onden & There 6a! no Career Execu i%e -er%ice $oard during he .reedo) Con! i u ion or a he i)e o# a,,oin )en o# ,e i ioner& The CE-O 6a! only recon! i u ed by he a,,oin )en o# i ! $oard o# !ix 4;5 )e)ber! !o)e i)e in Augu! 0233& There 6a! no CE-O eligibili y exa)ina ion during ,e i ioner<! incu)bency in he *e,ar )en , a! here 6a! no CE-O board& The #ir! CE-O exa)ina ion 6a! gi%en on Augu! A and 09, 0221& The CE-O eligibili y 6a! no a re>uire)en a he i)e o# he a,,oin )en o# ,e i ioner& The only eligibili y re>uired i! ha o# a #ir! grader and ,e i ioner i! a #ir! grade eligible& There#ore, ha%ing )e all he re>uire)en ! #or he ,o!i ion o 6hich he 6a! a,,oin ed, he canno be re)o%ed in %iola ion o# he con! i u ional guaran ee on !ecuri y o# enure and due ,roce!!& In%o?ing re! judica a, ,ri%a e re!,onden con end! ha he na ure o# hi! a,,oin )en can no longer be ,a!!ed u,on and con ro%er ed in he ,re!en ca!e con!idering ha !aid i!!ue had already been !e led in he #oregoing Minu e Re!olu ion o# he Cour &
ISS*E8 Whe her or no re! judica a a,,lie!& ,ELD8 NO& Concededly, i# 6e #ollo6 he con%en ional ,rocedural ,a h, i&e&, he ,rinci,le on
conclu!i%ene!! o# judg)en !e #or h in Rule 72, -ec ion 8:, ,aragra,h 4c5 o# he Rule! o# Cour , 7 6ould bar a re=li iga ion o# he na ure o# ,ri%a e re!,onden <! a,,oin )en & Indeed, once an i!!ue ha! been adjudica ed in a %alid #inal judg)en o# a co),e en cour , i can no longer be con ro%er ed ane6 and !hould be #inally laid o re! & Je , he Cour i! no ,recluded #ro) re=exa)ining i ! o6n ruling and rec i#ying error! o# judg)en i# blind and ! ubborn adherence o re! judica a 6ould in%ol%e he !acri#ice o# ju! ice o echnicali y& I )u! be ! re!!ed ha hi! i! no he #ir! i)e in Phili,,ine and A)erican
58

juri!,rudence ha he ,rinci,le o# re! judica a ha! been !e a!ide in #a%or o# !ub! an ial ju! ice, 6hich i! a# er all he a%o6ed ,ur,o!e o# all la6 and juri!,rudence&
CONSTIT*TIONAL CO++ISSIONS CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

CIVIL SERVICE; THE CSC HAS JURISDICTION OVER CASES INVOLVING ANOMALIES CONNECTED TO CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATIONS. CR*Z ! d PAITI+ .&- CI;IL SER;ICE CO++ISSION
0G-R- No- 1999>9/ No.e$(er 22/ 20014
?AP*NAN/ 78 FACTS8 !ee ,age 98 ISS*ES8 Whe her or no he C-C had juri!dic ion o hear and decide he co),lain again!
,e i ioner!&
,ELD8 5ES- Pe i ioner!< in%oca ion o# he la6 i! )i!,laced& The ,ro%i!ion i! a,,licable o
in! ance! 6here ad)ini! ra i%e ca!e! are #iled again! erring e),loyee! in connec ion 6i h heir du ie! and #unc ion! o# he o##ice& Thi! i!, ho6e%er, no he !cenario con e),la ed in he ca!e a bar& I )u! be no ed ha he ac ! co),lained o# aro!e #ro) a chea ing cau!ed by he ,e i ioner! in he Ci%il -er%ice 4-ub,ro#e!!ional5 exa)ina ion& The exa)ina ion! 6ere under he direc con rol and !u,er%i!ion o# he Ci%il -er%ice Co))i!!ion& The cul,ri ! are go%ern)en e),loyee! o%er 6ho) he Ci%il -er%ice Co))i!!ion undeniably ha! juri!dic ion& Thu!, a# er he ,e i ioner! 6ere duly in%e! iga ed and a!cer ained 6he her hey 6ere indeed guil y o# di!hone! y, he ,enal y )e ed 6a! di!)i!!al #ro) he o##ice& -ec ion 93, Rule @I/ o# he O)nibu! Ci%il -er%ice Rule! and Regula ion! ex,lici ly ,ro%ide! ha he C-C can righ #ully a?e cogni(ance o%er any irregulari ie! or ano)alie! connec ed o he exa)ina ion!, a! i read!: R-ECTION 93& The Co))i!!ion !hall ha%e original di!ci,linary juri!dic ion o%er all i ! o##icial! and e),loyee! and o%er all ca!e! in%ol%ing ci%il !er%ice exa)ina ion ano)alie! or irregulari ie!& I can no be denied ha he ,e i ioner! 6ere #or)ally charged a# er a #inding ha a ,ri)a #acie ca!e #or di!hone! y lie! again! he)& They 6ere ,ro,erly in#or)ed o# he charge!& They !ub)i ed an An!6er and 6ere gi%en he o,,or uni y o de#end he)!el%e!& Pe i ioner! can no , here#ore, clai) ha here 6a! a denial o# due ,roce!! )uch le!! he lac? o# juri!dic ion on he ,ar o# he C-C o a?e cogni(ance o# he ca!e&
COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS
COMELEC; THE COMELEC EXERCISES SUPERVISION AND CONTROL OVER BOARDS OF ELECTION INSPECTORS AND BOARDS OF CANVASSERS. OD,ARA .&- CO++ISSION ON ELECTIONS/ et !'0G-R- No&- 19=391692/ +!rc% 12/ 20024
?AP*NAN/ 78 FACTS8 Pe i ioner and re!,onden "o%i a Rodrigue( 6ere candida e! #or he ,o!i ion o# %ice=
go%ernor, ,ro%ince o# Ri(al during he May 08, 9110 elec ion!& 59

On May 02, 9110, u,on conclu!ion o# he can%a!!ing o# he cer i#ica e! o# can%a!! co)ing #ro) he hir een )unici,ali ie! and one co),onen ci y o# Ri(al, he Pro%incial $oard o# Can%a!!er! 4P$C5 ,roclai)ed ,e i ioner a! he duly elec ed %ice=go%ernor 6i h 90;,:23 %o e! o%er re!,onden Rodrigue(<! 90A,887 %o e!& On May 97, 9110, he Munici,al $oard o# Can%a!!er! 4M$C5 o# $inangonan, Ri(al #iled 6i h he COMELEC, a ,e i ion o correc en rie! in he cer i#ica e o# can%a!! o# %o e!& I 6a! alleged ha here 6ere y,ogra,hical error! in he nu)ber o# %o e! garnered by ,e i ioner and re!,onden re!ul ing in he addi ion o# :,111 %o e! o ,e i ioner& The M$C o# $inangonan !ub)i ed he a##ida%i o# E%elyn Ra)ire(, he Munici,al Accoun an o# $inangonan, Ri(al, ad)i ing ha !he co))i ed he )a he)a ical error& On May 9A, 9110, re!,onden Rodrigue( #iled 6i h he COMELEC a ,e i ion o annul he ,rocla)a ion o# he 6inning candida e #or %ice=go%ernor o# he ,ro%ince o# Ri(al, and o correc alleged )ani#e! )a he)a ical error!& Re!,onden Rodrigue( a!!er ed ha a# er he )a he)a ical error 6ould ha%e been correc ed, !he 6ould ob ain a ,lurali y o# 90A,899 %o e! a! again! ,e i ioner<! 912,:23& Pe i ioner #iled hi! an!6er o he ,e i ion, arguing ha here 6a! no )ani#e! error a,,aren in he cer i#ica e o# can%a!! 6hich re!,onden Rodrigue( and he M$C o# $inangonan !ough o correc & On "uly 9A, 9110, he COMELEC i!!ued a re!olu ion in he ca!e!, 6herein i ordered ha ,e i ionerF! ,rocla)a ion i! annulled, he P$C o# Ri(al o recon%ene and correc he )ani#e! )a h)a ical error in he %o e!, and o ,roclai) re!,onden a! he duly elec ed /ice='o%ernor o# Ri(al& Accordingly, on "uly 9:, 9110, he P$C o# Ri(al recon%ened& Eo6e%er, ,e i ioner 6a! no no i#ied o# he ,roceeding! o# he P$C o# Ri(al& On he !a)e day, he P$C o# Ri(al i!!ued ano her cer i#ica e o# can%a!! o# %o e! and ,rocla)a ion o# he 6inning candida e! #or ,ro%incial o##icer!, and on he ba!i! hereo# ,roclai)ed ,ri%a e re!,onden a! he duly elec ed %ice=go%ernor o# Ri(al& I))edia ely, re!,onden Rodrigue( oo? her oa h o# o##ice be#ore "udge Leila -uare( Acebo, Regional Trial Cour , Pa!ig Ci y&
ISS*E8
Whe her or no he Co)elec gra%ely abu!ed i ! di!cre ion 6hen i annulled he ,rocla)a ion o# ,e i ioner a! %ice=go%ernor o# Ri(al and by ordering he P$C o# Ri(al o recon%ene and correc he alleged )ani#e! )a he)a ical error !u,,o!edly co))i ed by he M$C o# Ri(al&
,ELD8 5ES& The COMELEC !hould ha%e conduc ed #ur her in%e! iga ion or a lea! a echnical
in!,ec ion or exa)ina ion o# elec ion re urn! o %eri#y he exi! ence o# he alleged error be#ore i ga%e credence o he ! a e)en ! o# he M$C o# $inangonan and concluding ou righ ha he - a e)en o# /o e! !ub)i ed by re!,onden ! 6ere accura e& The COMELEC canno !i),ly rely on he!e - a e)en o# /o e! becau!e hey 6ere ,re,ared by he !a)e )e)ber! o# he M$C 6ho clai)ed o ha%e )ade a )i! a?e due o B#a igue, !lee,le!! nigh ! and ,hy!ical exhau! ion&B I 6ould ha%e been )ore ,ruden o )a?e a de er)ina ion 6he her he!e !a)e indi%idual! co))i ed any o her )i! a?e in he abula ion or ! a e)en o# %o e!& E%en ba!ed on he ! a e)en !Da##ida%i ! o# he M$C o# $inangonan, i i! a,,aren ha he error! !ough o be correc ed do no a,,ear on he #ace o# he cer i#ica e o# can%a!!& A! abo%e=! a ed, he alleged error 6hich he COMELEC ,ercei%ed o be )ani#e! doe! no #all under he de#ini ion o# B)ani#e! errorB 6hich 6a! laid do6n in Chave% vs. CO&-'-C & & & RTo be )ani#e! , he error! )u! a,,ear on he #ace o# he cer i#ica e! o# can%a!! or elec ion re urn! !ough o be correc ed andDor objec ion! here o )u! ha%e been )ade be#ore he board o# can%a!!er! and !,eci#ically no ed in he )inu e! o# heir re!,ec i%e ,roceeding!&O The Con! i u ion gi%e! he Co))i!!ion on Elec ion! he broad ,o6er B o en#orce and ad)ini! er all la6! and regula ion! o he conduc o# an elec ion, ,lebi!ci e, ini ia i%e, re#erendu) and recall&B The Co))i!!ion indi!,u ably exerci!e! he ,o6er o# !u,er%i!ion and con rol o%er board! o# elec ion in!,ec or! and board! o# can%a!!er!& The Co))i!!ion )u! do e%ery hing in i ! ,o6er o !ecure a #air and hone! can%a!! o# he %o e! ca! in he elec ion!& The Con! i u ion u,graded o a con! i u ional ! a u! he ! a u ory au hori y under $a a! Pa)ban!a $lg& 330 o gran he Co))i!!ion broad and )ore #lexible ,o6er! o e##ec i%ely ,er#or) i ! du ie! and o en!ure #ree, orderly, hone! , ,eace#ul and credible elec ion!, and o !er%e a! he guardian o# he ,eo,le<! !acred righ o# !u##rage&
60

In he ab!ence o# any )ani#e! error in he cer i#ica e o# can%a!! !ough o be correc ed, he Co))i!!ion !hould ha%e ordered he re=can%a!! o# he elec ion re urn! or he re=coun ing o# he ballo ! in he )unici,ali y o# $inangonan in order o %alida e he clai) o# i ! M$C& I# a# er he re=can%a!! o# he elec ion re urn! or he re=coun ing o# he o##icial ballo !, he clerical error or )a he)a ical )i! a?e in he addi ion o# he %o e! had been e! abli!hed, he Co))i!!ion !hould ha%e annulled he can%a!! and ,rocla)a ion ba!ed on he erroneou! cer i#ica e o# can%a!!& I# he record! had borne ou ha ,e i ioner<! ,rocla)a ion 6a! he re!ul o# a clerical error or !i),le )a he)a ical )i! a?e in he addi ion o# %o e! and did no re#lec he rue and legi i)a e 6ill o# he elec ora e, here could ha%e been no %alid ,rocla)a ion o !,ea? o#& The i!!ue 6ould in%ol%e a ,re=,rocla)a ion con ro%er!y&
COMMISSION ON AUDIT
COA; THE FACT THAT PRIVATE AUDITORS MAY AUDIT GOVERNMENT AGENCIES FOES NOT DIVEST COA THE POWER TO AUDIT AND EXAMINE THE SAME GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. DE;ELOP+ENT BAN? OF T,E P,ILIPPINES .&- CO++ISSION ON A*DIT
0G-R- No- ==932/ 7! u!r" 1>/ 20024
CARPIO/ 78 FACTS8 In 023;, he Phili,,ine 'o%ern)en , under he ad)ini! ra ion o# hen Pre!iden
Cora(on C& A>uino, ob ained #ro) he World $an? 4W$5 an Econo)ic Reco%ery Loan 4ERL5 in he a)oun o# 701 Million K- *ollar!& The ERL 6a! in ended o !u,,or he reco%ery o# he Phili,,ine econo)y, a he i)e !u##ering !e%erely #ro) he #inancial cri!i! ha hi he coun ry during he la er ,ar o# he Marco! regi)e& A! a condi ion #or gran ing he loan, he World $an? re>uired he Phili,,ine go%ern)en o rehabili a e he *e%elo,)en $an? o# he Phili,,ine! 4*$P5 6hich 6a! hen !addled 6i h huge non=,er#or)ing loan!& The go%ern)en F! co))i )en 6a! e)bodied in he Policy - a e)en o# he *$P 6hich, a)ong o her!, ,ro%ided ha he )en ioned ban? 6ill no6 be re>uired o ha%e a ,ri%a e ex ernal audi or& On No%e)ber 93, 023;, he Mone ary $oard ado, ed Re!olu ion No& 01:2 a)ending he Cen ral $an?F! Manual o# Regula ion #or $an?! and o her .inancial In er)ediarie!& Thu!, on *ece)ber A, 023;, he Cen ral $an? 'o%ernor i!!ued Cen ral $an? Circular No& 0098 6hich !ub! an ially ,ro%ide! ha R he re>uire)en ! #or an annual #inancial audi by an ex ernal inde,enden audi or !hall ex end o !,eciali(ed and uni>ue ban?! !uch a! he Land $an? o# he Phili,,ine! and he *$P&O On *ece)ber 09, 023;, ,ur!uan o C$ Circular No& 0098 and he go%ern)en F! co))i )en o he W$, *$P Chair)an "e!u! E! ani!lao 6ro e he Co))i!!ion on Audi 4COA5 !ee?ing he a,,ro%al o# he *$PF! engage)en o# a ,ri%a e ex ernal audi or in addi ion o he COA& On "anuary 91, 023:, he COA Chair)an Teo#i! o 'uingona, "r& re,lied o he *ece)ber 09, 023; le er o# he *$P Chair)an 6i h a ! a e)en ha R he COA 6ill in er,o!e no objec ion o your engage)en o# a ,ri%a e ex ernal audi or a! re>uired by he Econo)ic Reco%ery Progra) Loan Agrre)en o# 023: ,ro%ided ha he er)! #or !aid audi are #ir! re%ie6ed and a,,ro%ed by he Co))i!!ion&O Co!e>uen ly, he $oard o# *irec or! o# he *$P a,,ro%e he hiring o# "oa>uin Cunanan W Co& a! he *$PF! ,ri%a e ex ernal audi or #or calendar year 023;& Eo6e%er, a change in he leader!hi, o# he COA re%er!ed he cour!e o# e%en !& On A,ril 9:, 023:, he ne6 COA Chair)an, Eu#e)io *oningo, 6ro e he C$ 'o%ernor ,ro e! ing he i!!uance o# Circular No& 0098 6hich allegedly encroached u,on he COAF! con! i u ional and ! a u ory ,o6er o audi go%ern)en agencie!& On May 07, 023:, a# er learning ha *$P had !igned a con rac 6i h abo%e=)en ioned audi ing #ir), he ne6 COA Chair)an 6ro e he *$P Chair)an ha he COA re!iden audi or! 6ere under in! ruc ion o di!allo6 any ,ay)en o he ,ri%a e audi or 6ho!e !er%ice! 6ere uncon! i u ional, illegal and unnece!!ary& On "uly 0, 023:, he *$P Chair)an !en o he COA Chair)an a co,y o# he *$PF! con rac 6i h "oa>uin Cunanan W Co&, !igned #our )on h! earlier on March A, 023:& The *$P Chair)anF! co%ering hand=6ri en no e !ough he COAF! concurrence o he con rac & *uring he ,endency o# COAF! concurrence o he con rac , *$P ,aid he billing! o# he ,ri%a e audi or in he 61

o al a)oun o# Ph, 83:,790&08 de!,i e he #or)erF! objec ion o he !a)e& Therea# er, he COA chair)an i!!ued a )e)orandu) di!allo6ing he ,ay)en !& On "anuary 02, 0233, he *$P Chair)an )o%ed #or a recon!idera ion o# he )e)orandu) i!!ued by he COA 6hich he la er al!o denied ra iocina ing ha he !aid Co))i!!ion ha! he R,o6er, au hori y and du y o exa)ine, audi and !e le all accoun ! ,er aining o he re%enue and recei, ! o#, and ex,endi ure! o# u!e! o# #und! and ,ro,er yX,er aining o he go%ern)en &O 4-ec& 9, Ar & I@=*, 023: Phili,,ine Con! i u ion5
ISS*ES8
405 Whe her or no he con! i u ional ,o6er o# he COA o exa)ine and audi he *$P i! exclu!i%e and ,reclude! he concurren audi o# he *$P by a ,ri%a e ex ernal audi or& 495 Whe her or no here i! a nece!!i y o# hiring a ,ri%a e audi or and he rea!onablene!! o# heir #ee!&
,ELD8
405 NO& The re!olu ion o# he i!!ue herein re>uire! an in er,re a ion o# -ec ion 9, Ar icle I@= * o# he 023: Con! i ui ion, 6hich ,ro%ide!: R-ec& 9 405 The Co))i!!ion on Audi !hall ha%e he ,o6er, au hori y, and du y o exa)ine, audi , and !e le all accoun ! ,er aining o he re%enue and recei, ! o#, and ex,endi ure! or u!e! o# #und! and ,ro,er y, o6ned and held in ru! by, or ,er aining o, he 'o%ern)en , or any o# i ! !ubdi%i!ion!, agencie!, or in! ru)en ali ie!, including go%ern)en = o6ned or con rolled cor,ora ion! 6i h original char er!X& 495 The Co))i!!ion !hall ha%e he exclu!i%e au hori y, !ubjec o he li)i a ion! in hi! Ar icle, o de#ine he !co,e o# i ! audi and exa)ina ion, e! abli!h he echni>ue! and )e hod! re>uired here#ore, and ,ro)ulga e accoun ing and audi ing rule! and regula ion!, including ho!e #or he ,re%en ion and di!allo6ance o# irregular, unnece!!ary, exce!!i%e, ex ra%agan , or uncon!cionable ex,endi ure!, or u!e! o# go%ern)en #und! and ,ro,er ie!&O The bare language o# -ec ion 9 !ho6! ha he COAF! ,o6er under he #ir! ,aragra,h i! no declared exclu!i%e, 6hile i ! au hori y under he !econd ,aragra,h i! declared Rexclu!i%e&O The #ra)er! o# he Con! i u ion, in dele ing he 6ord Rexclu!i%eO in he #ir! ,aragra,h, dee)ed ha he inclu!ion o# !uch 6ord 6ould con! i u e a di!incen i%e or ob! acle o ,ri%a e in%e! )en & There are go%ern)en in! i u ion! 6i h ,ri%a e in%e! )en ! in he), and !o)e o# he!e in%e! or! I.ili,ino!, a! 6ell a! in !o)e ca!e!, #oreigner!Ire>uire he ,re!ence o# ,ri%a e audi ing #ir)!, no exclu!i%ely bu concurren ly& The >uali#ying 6ord Rexclu!i%eO in he !econd ,aragra,h o# -ec ion 9 canno be a,,lied o he #ir! ,aragra,h 6hich i! ano her !ub=!ec ion o# -ec ion 9& A >uali#ying 6ord i! in ended o re#er only o he ,hra!e o 6hich i i! i))edia ely a!!ocia ed& Thu!, he #ir! ,aragra,h o# -ec ion 9 )u! be read he 6ay i a,,ear!, 6i hou he 6ord Rexclu!i%e,O !igni#ying ha non=COA audi or! can al!o exa)ine and audi go%ern)en agencie!& $e!ide!, he #ra)er! o# he Con! i u ion in en ionally o)i ed he 6ord Rexclu!i%eO in he #ir! ,aragra,h o# -ec ion 9 ,reci!ely o allo6 concurren audi by ,ri%a e ex ernal audi or!& The clear and un)i! a?able conclu!ion #ro) he reading o# he en ire -ec ion 9 i! ha he COAF! ,o6er o exa)ine and audi i! non=exclu!i%e& On he o her hand, he COAF! au hori y o de#ine he !co,e o# i ! audi , ,ro)ulga e audi ing rule! and regula ion!, and di!allo6 unnece!!ary ex,endi ure! i! exclu!i%e& .ur her, he )ere #ac ha ,ri%a e audi or! )ay audi go%ern)en agencie! doe! no di%e! COA o# i ! ,o6er o exa)ine and audi he !a)e go%ern)en agencie!& The COA i! nei her by=,a!!ed nor ignored !ince e%en 6i h a ,ri%a e audi he COA 6ill ! ill conduc i ! u!ual exa)ina ion and audi , and i ! #inding! and conclu!ion! 6ill ! ill bind he go%ern)en agencie! and i ! o##icial!& A concurren ,ri%a e audi ,o!e! no danger 6ha !oe%er o# ,ublic #und! or a!!e ! e!ca,ing he u!ual !cru iny o# a COA audi & 495 5ES& The hiring o# a ,ri%a e audi or being an ex,re!! condi ion #or he gran o# he K- Y 701 Million Econo)ic Reco%ery Loan, a )ajor objec i%e o# 6hich 6a! *$PF! rehabili a ion, he !a)e 6a! a nece!!ary cor,ora e ac on he ,ar o# he *$P& The na ional go%ern)en , re,re!en ed by he Cen ral $an? 'o%ernor, a! 6ell a! he Mini! er! o# .inance, Trade, and Econo)ic Planning, had already co))i ed o he hiring by all go%ern)en ban?! #or ,ri%a e audi or! in addi ion o he COA& .or he *$P o re#u!e o hire a ,ri%a e audi or 6ould ha%e abor ed he %i al loan and derailed he na ional econo)ic reco%ery, re!ul ing in gra%e con!e>uence! o he en ire na ion& The hiring o# a ,ri%a e audi or 6a! no only nece!!ary ba!ed
62

on he go%ern)en F! loan co%enan 6i h he World $an?, i 6a! al!o nece!!ary becau!e i 6a! )anda ed by Cen ral $an? No& 0098 under ,ain ad)ini! ra i%e and ,enal !anc ion!& The hiring o# a ,ri%a e audi or by he *$P being a condi ion o# he loan, he #ee! o# !uch ,ri%a e audi or! are in reali y ,ar o# he go%ern)en F! co! o# borro6ing #ro) he World $an?& An annual ,ri%a e audi #ee o# abou hal# a )illion ,e!o! added o he in ere! on a K- Y701 Million loan 6ould hardly )a?e he co! o# borro6ing exce!!i%e, ex ra%agan or uncon!cionable& $e!ide!, he condi ion i),o!ed by a lender, 6ho!e )oney i! a ri!?, re>uiring he borro6er o !ub)i o audi by an inde,enden ,ublic accoun an , i! a rea!onable and nor)al bu!ine!! ,rac ice&
ACCO*NTABILIT5 OF P*BLIC OFFICERS SANDIGANBAYAN

SANDIGANBAYAN; THE LIFTING OF THE WRITS OF SEQUESTRATION DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE SEQUESTERED PROPERTY ARE NOT ILL" GOTTEN. PCGG .&- SANDIGANBA5AN/ et !'0G-R- No&- 113>03610/ Septe$(er 21/ 20014
PARDO/ 78 FACTS8 On Augu! 93, 0221, PC'' !en Cor,ora e -ecre ary /ic or A& A#rica o# Oceanic
Wirele!! Ne 6or?, Inc& 4OWNI5, a le er da ed Augu! 7, 0221, direc ing hi) o !end no ice! o all ! oc?holder! o# record o# OWNI #or !,ecial ! oc?holder!< )ee ing& On -e, e)ber 0:, 0221, during he !,ecial ! oc?holder!< )ee ing o# OWNI, PC'' %o ed all he Cla!! BAB !hare! in he elec ion o# direc or! and elec ed o he board o# direc or! Co))i!!ioner! Maceren, Parlade and 'u ierre( re,re!en ing he Cla!! BAB !hare! and $roo?er and Miller re,re!en ing Cla!! B$B and BCB !hare!& None o# he regi! ered Cla!! BAB !hareholder! o# OWNI 6a! ,re!en in ha , !,ecial ! oc?holder! )ee ing& PC'' !e>ue! ered he Cla!! BAB !hareholding abou ;1P o# he ou ! anding ca,i al ! oc?, and PC'' %o ed all he Cla!! BAB !hare!& On Oc ober 2, 0221, Cor,ora e -ecre ary A#rica 6ro e he -EC >ue! ioning he elec ion o# PC'' no)inee! a! direc or! o# he OWNI board on he ground ha hey 6ere no ! oc?holder! o# OWNI& On "anuary 9:, 0220, he !,ecial ! oc?holder!< )ee ing o# OWNI oo? ,lace& - oc?holder! o6ning ;7,A:7 Cla!! BAB !hare! 6ere re,re!en ed& An elec ion o# direc or! #or Cla!! BAB !hare! 6a! held& Nie o, "r&, "& A#rica and A& A#rica 6ere elec ed a! direc or! #or Cla!! BAB !hare! #or 0220 un il heir !ucce!!or! are elec ed and >uali#ied& Cla!! B$B and BCB !hareholder! did no a end he )ee ing& No ne6 direc or! #or he) 6ere elec ed& On "uly 92, 0220, PC'', ac ing #or i !el# and in behal# o# OWNI, #iled 6i h he -andiganbayan a co),lain #or injunc ion 6i h da)age! again! /& A#rica, "& A#rica, Nie o, "r& and Oca),o& PC'' !ough o enjoin he de#endan ! #ro) in er#ering 6i h PC''<! )anage)en o# OWNI andDor re,re!en ing he)!el%e! a! direc or&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he PC''<! a?eo%er o# OWNI i! legal& ,ELD8 NO& In PC.. v. Co/uanco# ,r&, he Cour ruled ha 6ho !hould %o e he !e>ue! ered
!hare! re>uire! he de er)ina ion o# he ill=go en charac er o# ho!e !hare! and con!e>uen ly he righ #ul o6ner!hi, hereo#& The i!!ue 6a! ! ill ,ending in he )ain ca!e in he -andiganbayan& Thi! i! only an inciden o# he )ain ca!e and i! li)i ed o he ! oc?holder!< )ee ing held on -e, e)ber 0:, 0221& Thi! i! 6i hou ,rejudice o he #inal di!,o!i ion o# he )eri ! o# he )ain !ui & The o6ner!hi, o# he !hare! i! ! ill under li iga ion& I i! no ?no6n 6he her he !hare! are ,ar o# he ill=go en 6eal h o# #or)er Pre!iden Marco! and hi! Bcronie!&B We #ind he 6ri o# !e>ue! ra ion i!!ued again! OWNI no %alid becau!e he !ui in Ci%il Ca!e No& 1112 again! Nie o, "r& and "& A#rica a! !hareholder! in OWNI i! no a !ui again! 63

OWNI& Thi! Cour ha! held ha B#ailure o i),lead he!e cor,ora ion! a! de#endan ! and )erely annexing a li! o# !uch cor,ora ion! o he co),lain ! i! a %iola ion o# heir righ o due ,roce!! #or i 6ould in e##ec be di!regarding heir di! inc and !e,ara e ,er!onali y 6i hou a hearing&<< .ur her)ore, PC'' i!!ued he 6ri ! o# !e>ue! ra ion on Augu! 7, 0233, 6hich 6a! beyond he ,eriod !e by he Con! i u ion& Ar icle @/III, -ec ion 9;, o# he 023: Con! i u ion ,ro%ide!: B-ec& 9;&The au hori y o i!!ue !e>ue! ra ion or #ree(e order! under Procla)a ion No& 7 da ed March 9A, 023; in rela ion o he reco%ery o# ill=go en 6eal h !hall re)ain o,era i%e #or no )ore han eigh een )on h! a# er he ra i#ica ion o# hi! Con! i u ion& Eo6e%er, in he na ional in ere! , a! cer i#ied by he Pre!iden , he Congre!! )ay ex end !aid ,eriod& BA !e>ue! ra ion or #ree(e order !hall be i!!ued only u,on !ho6ing o# a ,ri)a #acie ca!e& The order and he li! o# he !e>ue! ered or #ro(en ,ro,er ie! !hall #or h6i h be regi! ered 6i h he ,ro,er cour & .or order! i!!ued be#ore he ra i#ica ion o# hi! Con! i u ion, he corre!,onding judicial ac ion or ,roceeding !hall be #iled 6i hin !ix )on h! #ro) i ! ra i#ica ion& .or ho!e i!!ued a# er !uch ra i#ica ion, he judicial ac ion or ,roceeding !hall be co))enced 6i hin !ix )on h! #ro) he i!!uance hereo#& BThe !e>ue! ra ion or #ree(e order i! dee)ed au o)a ically li# ed i# no judicial ac ion or ,roceeding i! co))enced a! herein ,ro%ided&B The !e>ue! ra ion order! i!!ued again! re!,onden ! !hall be dee)ed au o)a ically li# ed due o he #ailure o# PC'' o co))ence he ,ro,er judicial ac ion or o i),lead he re!,onden ! herein 6i hin he ,eriod ,re!cribed by Ar icle @/III, -ec ion 9; o# he 023: Con! i u ion& The li# ing o# he 6ri ! o# !e>ue! ra ion 6ill no nece!!arily be #a al o he )ain ca!e !ince he li# ing o# he !ubjec order! doe! no i,!o #ac o )ean ha he !e>ue! ered ,ro,er y are no ill= go en& The e##ec o# he li# ing o# he !e>ue! ra ion again! OWNI 6ill )erely be he er)ina ion o# he role o# he go%ern)en a! con!er%a or hereo#& In o her 6ord!, he PC'' )ay no longer exerci!e ad)ini! ra i%e or hou!e?ee,ing ,o6er! and i ! no)inee! )ay no longer %o e he !e>ue! ered !hare! o enable he) o !i on he cor,ora e board o# he !ubjec #ir)&
SANDIGANBAYAN; WHEN FINDINGS OF FACTS OF THE SANDIGANBAYAN NOT CONCLUSIVE BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT; THE ACQUISITION COST OF THE PROPERTY SHALL BE THE BASIS FOR ASCERTAINING THE VALUE THEREOF. REP*BLIC OF T,E P,LILPPINES .&- SANDIGANBA5AN/ et !'0G-R- No- 10220=/ 7! u!r" 30/ 20024
DA;IDE/ 7R-/ C-78 FACTS8 Pri%a e re!,onden "olly R& $ugarin, a go%ern)en o##icial during he Marco! regi)e,
i! no6 being ,ur!ued by he ,e i ioner o reco%er he alleged unex,lained 6eal h a)a!!ed by he #or)er& In a ,e i ion #iled by he Re,ublic, re,re!en ed by he Pre!iden ial Co))i!!ion on 'ood 'o%ern)en 4PC''5, 6i h he -andiganbayan on Augu! 7, 023:, i a%erred ha re!,onden $ugarin ac>uired during hi! incu)bency a! *irec or o# he Na ional $ureau o# In%e! iga ion 4N$I5, real and ,er!onal ,ro,er ie! 6ho!e aggrega e #air )ar?e %alue a he i)e o# heir ac>ui!i ion 6a! P;,707,;79&A;& Allegedly, ho!e ,ro,er ie! 6ere )ani#e! ly in exce!! or ou o# ,ro,or ion o hi! !alarie!, allo6ance!, and o her e)olu)en ! #ro) "uly 0, 02;: o )arch 0A, 023; o aling P:87,987&;A only& In he re!,onden F! an!6er, he clai)ed ha !o)e o# he ,ro,er ie! enu)era ed 6ere ac>uired by hi) and hi! 6i#e be#ore he beca)e he *irec or o# N$I& The ac>ui!i ion co! o# he ,ro,er ie! he ac>uired during hi! incu)bency 6a! P9,:27,080&9; only& Ee li?e6i!e alleged ha a,ar #ro) hi! !alary a! N$I *irec or #or he en ire ,eriod o# hi! !er%ice, he al!o recei%ed allo6ance! #ro) he *angerou! *rug! $oard 4**$5, he Na ional Police Co))i!!ion, he Cen ral $an?, and he La6 .ir) o# -an "uan, A#rica, 'on(ale!, and -an Agu! in& Ee al!o deri%ed !ub! an ial inco)e #ro) he in%e! )en and ,ro,er ie! he and hi! 6i#e ac>uired be#ore he beca)e he *irec or o# N$I& $a!ed on he #inding! o# he -andiganbayan, he !aid Tribunal di!)i!!ed he ,e i ion #or #or#ei ure on he ground o# in!u##iciency o# e%idence& 64

ISS*ES8
405 Whe her or no re!,onden F! ,ro#e!!ional #ee! ou !ide N$I !hould #or) ,ar o# hi! la6#ul inco)e& 495 Whe her or no re!,onden F! ,ro,er ie! are )ani#e! ly ou o# ,ro,or ion o hi! la6#ul inco)e&
,ELD8
405 5ES& The re!,onden F! ,ro#e!!ional #ee! ou !ide he N$I !hould #or) ,ar o# hi! la6#ul inco)e& $e#ore re!ol%ing he i!!ue! herein in%ol%ed, i )u! be ?e, in )ind ha he -u,re)e Cour i! no a rier o# #ac !& I i! no he Cour F! #unc ion o exa)ine and 6eigh all o%er again he e%idence ,re!en ed in he ,roceeding!& While he ,e i ioner concede! ha he -andiganbayanF! #inding! o# #ac ! are conclu!i%e u,on hi! Cour , i in%o?e! he exce, ion laid do6n in Dischoso vs. Court of Appeals, o 6i : 0&5 6hen he conclu!ion i! a #inding en irely grounded !,ecul ion, !ur)i!e, and conjec ureC 9&5 6hen he in#erence )ade i! )ani#e! ly ab!urd, )i! a?en, or i),o!!ibleC 7&5 X&C 8&5 6hen he judg)en i! ,re)i!ed on a )i!a,,rehen!ion o# #ac !& A ,lain reading o# he -andiganbayanF! ruling ex,o!ed )ani#e! error! ,ro), ing he Cour o del%e u,on he #ac ual )a er! o# he ca!e& Re!,onden 6a! engaged a! a con!ul an on Rhand6ri ing, docu)en e%alua ion, balli! ic!, #inger,rin ing and o her !,eciali(ed ,rojec !&O Ee clai)ed ha he rendered hi! !er%ice! a! !uch ou !ide o# o##ice hour!& Ee 6a! gi%en ,er)i!!ion by hi! !u,erior o ac a! con!ul an , bu he could no #ind a)ong hi! #ile! 6ri en ,er)i!!ion allegedly gi%en o hi) in 02;:& A any ra e, he did no conceal hi! con!ul ancy !er%ice! and he corre!,onding #ee! he recei%ed: in #ac , he ! a ed he) in he - a e)en o# A!!e ! and Liabili ie! he !ub)i ed o he o##ice o# he -ecre ary o# "u! ice, a! 6ell a! in hi! ITR& E%en a!!u)ing ha he had no ,rior 6ri en au hori y o ac a! a con!ul an o# ,ri%a e en i y, re!,onden F! %iola ion o# he rule U lac? o# ,rior ,er)i!!ion U 6a! a echnical one& A )o! , i 6ould !ubjec hi) o ad)ini! ra i%e ,enal y ,ro%ided in he Ci%il -er%ice rule! had he ,ro,er charge been #iled again! hi)& -uch %iola ion did no a)oun o a cri)e or gra# and corru, ,rac ice a! de#ined by la6& Eence, 6e are o# he o,inion ha hi! ,ro#e!!ional #ee! !hould be included in he co),u a ion o# hi! la6#ul inco)e& In a!cer aining he %alue o# re!,onden F! ,ro,er ie! and !hareholding!, i i! no he #air )ar?e %alue, a! clai)ed by he ,e i ioner ha !hould be )ade he ba!i! hereo#, ra her, a! correc ly held by he -andiganbayan, i i! he ac>ui!i ion co! hereo#, !ince i i! he ac ual a)oun o# )oney !helled ou by re!,onden in ac>uiring he)& I i! he ac>ui!i ion co! ha )u! be charged again! re!,onden F! la6#ul inco)e and #und!& Nei her can 6e !u! ain ,e i ionerF! bare allega ion ha he co! or con!idera ion o# he !ubjec ,ro,er ie! ! a ed in he con rac ! 6ere under! a ed #or ax e%a!ion ,ur,o!e!& Ab!en any e%idence o !u,,or i , !uch clai) de!er%e! a !hor !hri# #or being )erely !,ecula i%e or conjec ural& 495 5ES& In re!ol%ing he !econd i!!ue, i 6ould be no e6or hy o ha%e a re#erence on -ec ion 9 o# R& A& No& 07:2 6hich ,ro%ide! ha 6hene%er any ,ublic o##icer or e),loyee ha! ac>uired during hi! incu)bency ,ro,er y 6hich i! )ani#e! ly ou o# ,ro,or ion o hi! !alary a! !uch ,ublic o##icer or e),loyee and o hi! o her la6#ul inco)e and inco)e #ro) legi i)a ely ac>uired ,ro,er y, he !aid ,ro,er y !hall be ,re!u)ed ,ri)a #acie o ha%e been unla6#ully ac>uired& .ro) he !u))ary o# $ugarinF! a!!e !, i can readily be !een ha all o# hi! real ,ro,er ie! 6ere ,urcha!ed or con! ruc ed a! he ca!e )ay be #ro) 02;3 o 0231& The o al ac>ui!i ion co! hereo# 6a! P0,:1A,A37& Wi h he exce, ion o# ho!e ha had been li>uida ed, ho!e ac>uired #ro) 0230 on6ard, and ho!e 6ho!e year o# ac>ui!i ion could no be de er)ined, hi! !hareholding! in %ariou! cor,ora ion! and o her in%e! )en ! a)oun ed o P8;8,A31& Eence, #or he ,eriod #ro) 02;3 o 0231, he a)a!!ed 6eal h in he a)oun o# P9,0:1,0;7& On he o her hand, hi! o al inco)e #ro) 02;: o 0231 a)oun ed only o P:;;,A83& Pre)i!e! con!idered, re!,onden F! ,ro,er ie! ac>uired #ro) 02;3 o 0231 6hich 6ere ou o# ,ro,or ion o hi! la6#ul inco)e #or he !aid ,eriod !hould be #or#ei ed in #a%or o# he go%ern)en #or #ailure o# he re!,onden o !ho6 o he Cour F! !a i!#ac ion ha he !a)e 6ere la6#ully ac>uired&
65

SANDIGANBAYAN; THE SANDIGANBAYAN HAS NO JURISDICTION OVER A PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL EXCEPT WHEN HE IS CHARGED AS CO" PRINCIPAL, ACCOMPLICE OR ACCESSORY OF A PUBLIC OFFICER. +ACALINO .&- SANDIGANBA5AN
0G-R- No&- 1901336200/ Fe(ru!r" >/20024
PARDO/ 78 FACTS8 Pe i ioner .elici o -& Macalino 6a! he A!!i! an Manager o# he Trea!ury *i%i!ion
and he Eead o# he Loan! Ad)ini! ra ion W In!urance -ec ion o# he Phili,,ine! Na ional Con! ruc ion Cor,ora ion 4PNCC5, a go%ern)en =con rolled cor,ora ion& On -e, e)ber 0;, 0229, he -,ecial Pro!ecu or, O##ice o# he O)bud!)an, 6i h he a,,ro%al o# he O)bud!)an, #iled 6i h he -andiganbayan 6o in#or)a ion! again! he ,e i ioner and hi! !,ou!e Li6ay6ay -& Tan charging he) 6i h e! a#a hrough #al!i#ica ion o# o##icial docu)en ! and #ru! ra ed e! a#a hrough #al!i#ica ion o# )ercan ile docu)en !& *uring he ini ial ,re!en a ion o# e%idence #or he de#en!e, ,e i ioner )o%ed #or lea%e o #ile a )o ion o di!)i!! on he ground ha he -andiganbayan ha! no juri!dic ion o%er hi) !ince he i! no a ,ublic o##icer becau!e he Phili,,ine Na ional Con! ruc ion Cor,ora ion 4PNCC5, #or)erly Con! ruc ion and *e%elo,)en Cor,ora ion o# he Phili,,ine! 4C*CP5, i! no a go%ern)en =o6ned or con rolled cor,ora ion 6i h original char er& The -andiganbayan denied ,e i ionerF! )o ion o di!)i!!&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he -andiganbayan ha! juri!dic ion o%er he ,e i ioner& ,ELD8 NO& Ina!)uch a! he PNCC ha! no original char er a! i 6a! incor,ora ed under he
general la6 on cor,ora ion!, i #ollo6! ine%i ably ha ,e i ioner i! no a ,ublic o##icer 6i hin he co%erage o# RA 7102, a! a)ended& Thu!, he -andiganbayan ha! no juri!dic ion o%er hi)& The only in! ance 6hen he -andiganbayan ha! juri!dic ion o%er a ,ri%a e indi%idual i! 6hen he co),lain charge! hi) ei her a! a co=,rinci,al, acco),lice, or acce!!ory o# a ,ublic o##icer 6ho ha! been charged 6i h a cri)e 6i hin he juri!dic ion o# he -andiganbayan& The ca!e! ci ed by re!,onden Peo,le o# he Phili,,ine! are ina,,licable becau!e hey 6ere decided under he ,ro%i!ion! o# he 02:7 Con! i u ion 6hich included a! ,ublic o##icer!, o##icial! and e),loyee! o# cor,ora ion! o6ned and con rolled by he go%ern)en hrough organi(ed and exi! ing under he general cor,ora ion la6& The 023: Con! i u ion excluded !uch cor,ora ion!& The cri)e charged again! ,e i ioner 6a! co))i ed in 0232 and 0221& The cri)inal ac ion! 6ere in! i u ed in 0229& I i! 6ell=!e led ha R he juri!dic ion o# a cour o ry a cri)inal ca!e i! de er)ined by he la6 in #orce a he in! i u ion o# he ac ion&O
OMBUDSMAN
OMBUDSMAN; THE POWER TO INVESTIGATE AND TO PROSECUTE GRANTED BY LAW TO THE OMBUDSMAN IS PLENARY AND UNQUALIFIED. OFFICE OF T,E O+B*DS+AN .&- R*BEN ENOC/ et !'0G-R- No&- 19232:6>=/ 7! u!r" 22/ 20024
+ENDOZA/ 78 FACTS8 Re!,onden ! herein 6ere e),loyed a
he O##ice o# he -ou hern Cul ural Co))ini ie! 4O-CC5, *a%ao *el -ur, Pro%incial O##ice, *igo!, *a%ao del -ur 6i h belo6 grade 9:& They 6ere charged 6i h 00 coun ! o# )al%er!a ion hrough #al!i#ica ion, ba!ed on he alleged ,urcha!e! o# )edicine and #ood a!!i! ance #or cul ural co))uni y )e)ber!, and 0 coun o# %iola ion o# R&A& 7102 in connec ion 6i h he ,urcha!e! o# !u,,lie! #or he O-CC 6i hou biddingDcan%a!!& A! none o# he re!,onden ! ha! he ran? re>uired under R&A& 3982 o be ried 66

#or he !aid cri)e! in he -andiganbayan, he in#or)a ion! 6ere #iled by he O)bud!)an in RTC o# *igo! 4$ranch 025& Therea# er, he re!,onden ! )o%ed o #or he >ua!hal o# he ca!e be#ore he RTC a%erring , a! in he ca!e o# *y vs. Sandiganbayan, ha he O)bud!)an ha! no au hori y o ,ro!ecu e gra# ca!e! #alling 6i hin he juri!dic ion o# he regular cour !& The !aid )o ion 6a! gran ed by he lo6er cour &
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he O)bud!)an ha! he ,o6er o ,ro!ecu e and in%e! iga e ca!e!
cogni(able by he regular cour !&
,ELD8 5ES& The ,o6er o in%e! iga e and ,ro!ecu e gran ed by la6 o he O)bud!)an i!
,lenary and un>uali#ied& I ,er ain! o any ac or o)i!!ion o# any ,ublic o##icer or e),loyee 6hen !uch ac or o)i!!ion a,,ear! o be illegal, unju! , i),ro,er, or ine##icien & The la6 doe! no )a?e any di! inc ion be 6een ca!e! cogni(able by he -andiganbayan and ho!e cogni(able by regular cour !& I ha! been held ha he clau!e Rany illegal ac or o)i!!ion o# any ,ublic o##icialO i! broad enough o e)brace any cri)e co))i ed by a ,ublic o##icer or e),loyee& The re#erence )ade by R&A& ;::1 o ca!e! cogni(able by he -andiganbayan, ,ar icularly in -ec ion 0A405 gi%ing he O)bud!)an ,ri)ary juri!dic ion o%er ca!e! cogni(able by he -andiganbayan, and -ec ion 00485 gran ing he -,ecial Pro!ecu or he ,o6er o conduc ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion and ,ro!ecu e cri)inal ca!e! 6i hin he juri!dic ion o# he -andiganbayan, !hould no be con! rued a! con#ining he !co,e o# he in%e! iga ory and ,ro!ecu ory ,o6er o# he O)bud!)an o !uch ca!e!& -ec ion 0A o# R&A& ;::1 gi%e he O)bud!)an ,ri)ary juri!dic ion o%er ca!e! cogni(able by he -andiganbayan& The la6 de#ine! !uch ,ri)ary juri!dic ion a! au hori(ing he O)bud!)an R o a?e o%er, a any ! age, #ro) any in%e! iga ory agency o# he go%ern)en , he in%e! iga ion o# !uch ca!e!&O The gran o# hi! au hori y doe! no nece!!arily i),ly he exclu!ion #ro) i ! juri!dic ion o# ca!e! in%ol%ing ,ublic o##icer! and e),loyee! cogni(able by o her cour !& The exerci!e o# he O)bud!)an o# hi! ,ri)ary juri!dic ion o%er ca!e! cogni(able by he -andiganbayan i! no inco),a ible 6i h he di!charge o# hi! du y o in%e! iga e and ,ro!ecu e o her o##en!e! co))i ed by ,ublic o##icer! and e),loyee!& Moreo%er, he juri!dic ion o# he O##ice o# he O)bud!)an !hould no be e>ua ed 6i h he li)i ed au hori y o# he -,ecial Pro!ecu or under -ec ion 00 o# R&A& ;::1& The O##ice o# he -,ecial Pro!ecu or i! )erely a co),onen o# he O##ice o# he O)bud!)an and )ay only ac under he !u,er%i!ion and con rol and u,on au hori y o# he O)bud!)an& I ! ,o6er o conduc ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion and o ,ro!ecu e cri)inal ca!e! i! 6i hin he juri!dic ion o# he -andiganbayan& The O)bud!)an i! )anda ed by la6 o ac on all co),lain ! again! o##icer! and e),loyee! o# he go%ern)en and o en#orce heir ad)ini! ra i%e, ci%il, and cri)inal liabili y in e%ery ca!e 6here he e%idence 6arran !& To carry ou hi! du y, he la6 allo6! hi) o u ili(e he ,ero!onnel o# hi! o##ice andDor de!igna e any #i!cal, ! a e ,ro!ecu or or la6yer in he go%ern)en !er%ice o ac a! !,ecial in%e! iga or or ,ro!ecu or o a!!i! in in%e! iga ion and ,ro!ecu ion o# cer ain ca!e!& The la6 li?e6i!e allo6! hi) o direc he -,eciall Pro!ecu or o ,ro!ecu e ca!e! ou !ide he -andiganbayanF! juri!dic ion in accordance 6i h -ec ion 0048c5 o# R&A& ;::1&
OMBUDSMAN; THE OMBUDSMAN CANNOT SUBJECT AN ACCUSED TO THE EXPENSE, RIGORS AND EMBARRASSMENT OF TRIAL ARBITRARILY. CABA,*G .&- PEOPLE OF T,E P,ILIPPINES/ et !'0G-R- NO- 132=1>/ Fe(ru!r" 2/ 20024
5NARES6SANTIAGO/ 78 FACTS8 A nego ia ed con rac 6a! en ered in o by he *e,ar )en o# Educa ion, Cul ure and
-,or ! 4*EC-5, re,re!en ed by ,e i ioner -u!ana $& Cabahug, by %ir ue o# her ,o!i ion a! *e,ar )en o# Educa ion, Cul ure and -,or ! *irec or #or Region @I, #or he ,urcha!e o# 8;,111 uni ! o# o,a( Monobloc Ar)chair! #ro) Rubber 6or h Indu! rie! Cor,ora ion 4RWIC5, a P82A ,er uni & The nego ia ed con rac 6a! a,,ro%ed by Ricardo T& 'loria, hen -ecre ary o# he *EC-& $e#ore he con!u))a ion o# he con rac , ano her *EC- !u,,lier, "e!u!a T& dela Cru( 6ro e o -ecre ary 'loria objec ing o he !aid con rac #or he rea!on ha he chair! 6ere 67

,a en ly o%er,riced& The le er 6a! re#erred o An onio E&$& Nachura, *EC- Knder!ecre ary #or Legal A##air!, 6ho a# er re>uiring ,e i ioner Cabahug o co))en on !aid le er, re!ol%ed o gi%e due cour!e o he ran!ac ion& Con!e>uen ly, a co),lain 6a! #iled by dela Cru( be#ore he O##ice o# he O)bud!)an=Mindanao, again! ,e i ioner Cabahug, -ecre ary 'loria, and Knder!ecre ary Nachura& The O##ice o# he O)bud!)an hrough "o%i o Core!i!, "r&, i!!ued a Re!olu ion #inding ,robable cau!e and reco))ending he #iling o# In#or)a ion 6i h he -andiganbayan by he O##ice o# he -,ecial Pro!ecu or and he di!)i!!al o# he ca!e again! -ecre ary 'loria and Knder!ecre ary Nachura& Kna6are o# he In#or)a ion #iled be#ore he -andiganbayan, ,e i ioner #iled a Mo ion #or Recon!idera ion be#ore he O##ice o# he -,ecial Pro!ecu or& A# er learning o# he #iling o# he In#or)a ion 6i h he -andiganbayan, ,e i ioner #iled a Mo ion #or Rein%e! iga ion& Pe i ioner ,rayed ha he Mo ion #or Recon!idera ion #iled be#ore he O##ice o# he -,ecial Pro!ecu or be ad)i ed by he gra# cour a! her Mo ion #or Rein%e! iga ion& The Third *i%i!ion o# he -andiganbayan gran ed he Mo ion #or Recon!idera ion& Accordingly, he ca!e 6a! e%alua ed by he O##ice o# he -,ecial Pro!ecu or& Cicero *& "urado, "r&, -,ecial Pro!ecu ion O##icer 4-PO5 II a!!igned o re%ie6 he ca!e, reco))ended di!)i!!al o# he ca!e, here being no !ho6ing ha ,e i ioner ac ed in bad #ai h or 6i h gro!! negligence& While -,ecial Pro!ecu or Leonardo P& Ta)ayo and hi! *e,u y Rober E& Lallo!, concurred in he #inding!, O)bud!)an Aniano *i!ier o did no agree& No ing ha bad #ai h andDor gro!! inexcu!able negligence i! deducible #ro) he ac ! o# he accu!ed, O)bud!)an *i!ier o ordered ,ro!ecu ion o ,roceed& To hi! ,e i ioner #iled a Mo ion #or Re=de er)ina ion o# Exi! ence o# Probable Cau!e& Thi! )o ion 6a! denied by he -andiganbayan and rea ed he !a)e a! a !econd Mo ion #or Recon!idera ion 6hich i! no allo6ed by he Rule! o# Cour & Pe i ioner #iled a /ery Krgen Mo ion #or Recon!idera ion arguing herein ha he !aid )o ion canno be con!idered a !econd )o ion #or recon!idera ion !ince i 6a! addre!!ed o he cour , and no any)ore o he O##ice o# he -,ecial Pro!ecu or or he O)bud!)an& The )o ion 6a! denied and !o 6a! he !ub!e>uen /ery Krgen Mo ion #or Recon!idera ion&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he -andiganbayan co))i ed gra%e abu!e o# di!cre ion& ,ELD8 5ES& While i i! he #unc ion o# he O)bud!)an o de er)ine 6he her or no he
,e i ioner !hould be !ubjec ed o he ex,en!e, rigor! and e)barra!!)en o# rial, he canno do !o arbi rarily& When a he ou !e he e%idence canno !u! ain a ,ri)a #acie ca!e or ha he exi! ence o# ,robable cau!e o #or) a !u##icien belie# a! o he guil o# he accu!ed canno be a!cer ained, he ,ro!ecu ion )u! de!i! #ro) in#lic ing on any ,er!on he rau)a o# going hrough a rial& There i! no hing in he record! ha !ho6 Cabahug ac ed in bad #ai h or e%en 6i h gro!! inexcu!able negligence& In he ab!ence o# bad #ai h, !he canno be held liable #or %iola ion o# -ec ion 74e5 o# RA 7102, a! a)ended& "udicial ,o6er o# re%ie6 include! he de er)ina ion o# 6he her here 6a! gra%e abu!e o# di!cre ion a)oun ing o lac? or exce!! o# juri!dic ion on he ,ar o# any branch or in! ru)en ali y o# he go%ern)en N-ec ion 0495 Ar icle /III 023: Con! i u ionH& Knder hi! de#ini ion, he -andiganbayan !hould ha%e, con!idering he di%ergen ,o!i ion! in he O##ice o# he O)bud!)an, gran ed he )o ion #or rede er)ina ion o# ,robable cau!e a# er re%ie6ing he e%idence hu! #ar !ub)i ed, and di!)i!!ed he ca!e again! ,e i ioner& Thu!, re!,onden cour co))i ed gra%e abu!e o# di!cre ion in allo6ing he ca!e o ,roceed&
OMBUDSMAN; THE OMBUDSMAN CAN ONLY RECOMMEND REMOVAL OF A PUBLIC OFFICIAL FOUND TO BE AT FAULT. RENATO A- TAPIADOR .&- OFFICE OF T,E O+B*DS+AN/ et !'0G-R- No- 123129/ +!rc% 12/ 20024
THE
68

DE LEON/ 7R-/ 78 FACTS8 On 8 "uly 0228, Wal er E& $ec?, a K&-& ci i(en, lodged a co),lain =a##ida%i 6i h he
Re!iden O)bud!)an a he )ain o##ice in Manila o# he $ureau o# I))igra ion and *e,or a ion again! ,e i ioner Rena o A& Ta,iador, $I* -,ecial In%e! iga or and a!!igned a! Technical A!!i! an in he o##ice o# he hen A!!ocia e Co))i!!ioner $ayani M& -ubido, "r& The co),lain alleged in !ub! ance ha ,e i ioner Ta,iador de)anded and recei%ed #ro) Wal er $ec? he a)oun o# Ten Thou!and Pe!o! 4P01,111&115 in exchange #or he i!!uance o# an alien cer i#ica e o# regi! ra ion 4ACR5 6hich 6a! !ub!e>uen ly 6i hheld delibera ely by he ,e i ioner de!,i e re,ea ed de)and! by $ec?, unle!! he la er ,ay an addi ional a)oun o# -e%en Thou!and Pe!o! 4P:,111&115& Acco),anying he co),lain 6a! he a##ida%i execu ed by a cer ain Puri!i)a C& Terencio 6hich e!!en ially !ee?! o corrobora e he alleged ,ay)en o# he a)oun o# Ten Thou!and Pe!o! 4P01,111&115 by Wal er $ec? and hi! 6i#e o he ,e i ioner in con!idera ion #or he i!!uance o# he !ubjec ACR& A# er in%e! iga ion, $I* Re!iden O)bud!)an Ronaldo P& Lede!)a #ound he ,e i ioner liable #or %iola ing exi! ing ci%il !er%ice rule! and regula ion! a! 6ell a! ,enal la6! and hu!, reco))ended ha cri)inal and ad)ini! ra i%e charge! be #iled again! he ,e i ioner& K,on re%ie6 o# he ca!e, he cri)inal charge 6a! di!)i!!ed by he O)bud!)an #or lac? o# e%idenceC ho6e%er, he O)bud!)an #ound he ,e i ioner liable #or gra%e )i!conduc in he ad)ini! ra i%e a!,ec o# he ca!e and i),o!ed he ,enal y o# di!)i!!al #ro) he go%ern)en !er%ice&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he ,e i ioner i! liable #or gra%e )i!conduc in he ad)ini! ra i%e ca!e
again! hi)&
,ELD8 NO& A horough re%ie6 o# he record!, ho6e%er, !ho6ed ha he !ubjec a##ida%i ! o#

$ec? and Terencio 6ere no e%en iden i#ied by he re!,ec i%e a##ian ! during he #ac =#inding in%e! iga ion conduc ed by he $I* Re!iden O)bud!)an a he $I* o##ice in Manila& Nei her did hey a,,ear during he ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion o iden i#y heir re!,ec i%e !6orn ! a e)en ! de!,i e ,rior no ice be#ore he in%e! iga ing o##icer 6ho !ub!e>uen ly di!)i!!ed he cri)inal a!,ec o# he ca!e u,on #inding ha he charge again! he ,e i ioner B6a! no !u,,or ed by any e%idenceB& Eence, $ec?<! a##ida%i i! hear!ay and inad)i!!ible in e%idence& On hi! ba!i! alone, he Ad)ini! ra i%e Adjudica ion $ureau o# he O##ice o# he O)bud!)an !hould ha%e di!)i!!ed he ad)ini! ra i%e co),lain again! he ,e i ioner in he #ir! in! ance& None hele!!, a ,eru!al o# he a##ida%i execu ed by Wal er $ec? doe! no ca egorically ! a e ha i 6a! ,e i ioner Ta,iador 6ho ,er!onally de)anded #ro) $ec? he a)oun o# Ten Thou!and Pe!o! 4P01,111&115 in con!idera ion #or he i!!uance o# he la er<! ACR& On he o her hand, i a,,ear! ha Wal er $ec? and hi! 6i#e !ough he a!!i! ance o# Puri!i)a Terencio !o)e i)e in he la er ,ar o# 0229 in #acili a ing he i!!uance o# hi! ACR and in he ,roce!!, Terencio allegedly in#or)ed he cou,le ha $ec? could be gran ed he !a)e and 6ould be allo6ed o ! ay in he Phili,,ine! ,er)anen ly 6i h he hel, o# he ,e i ioner and a cer ain Mr& Angele! 6ho 6a! al!o 6i h he $I*, #or a #ee o# Ten Thou!and Pe!o! 4P01,111&115& Eence, $ec? and hi! 6i#e did no a,,ear o ha%e any direc or ,er!onal ?no6ledge o# he alleged de)and o# he ,e i ioner exce, hrough he in#or)a ion allegedly relayed o he) by Terencio& Li?e6i!e, al hough $ec? clai)ed o ha%e !ub!e>uen ly ,aid Ten Thou!and Pe!o! 4P01,111&115, hi! a##ida%i i! !ilen a! o he iden i y o# he ,er!on 6ho ac ually recei%ed he !aid a)oun #ro) hi)& In ad)ini! ra i%e ,roceeding!, he co),lainan ha! he burden o# ,ro%ing, by !ub! an ial e%idence, he allega ion! in he co),lain & -ub! an ial e%idence doe! no nece!!arily i),or ,re,onderance o# e%idence a! i! re>uired in an ordinary ci%il ca!eC ra her, i i! !uch rele%an e%idence a! a rea!onable )ind )igh acce, a! ade>ua e o !u,,or a conclu!ion& The co),lainan clearly #ailed o ,re!en he >uan u) o# ,roo# nece!!ary o ,ro%e he charge in he !ubjec ad)ini! ra i%e ca!e, ha i!, 6i h !ub! an ial e%idence& $e!ide!, a!!u)ing arguendo, ha ,e i ioner 6ere ad)ini! ra i%ely liable, he O)bud!)an ha! no au hori y o direc ly di!)i!! he ,e i ioner #ro) he go%ern)en !er%ice, )ore ,ar icularly #ro) hi! ,o!i ion in he $I*& Knder -ec ion 07, !ub,aragra,h 475, o# Ar icle @I o# he 023: Con! i u ion, he O)bud!)an can only Breco))endB he re)o%al o# he ,ublic o##icial or e),loyee #ound o be a #aul , o he ,ublic o##icial concerned&
69

OMBUDSMAN; APPEALS FROM THE ORDERS OF THE OMBUDSMAN ARE COGNIZABLE BY THE COURT OF APPEALS. S*SAN +ENDOZA6ARCE .&- OFFICE OF T,E O+B*DS+AN
0G-R- No- 19319=/ Apri' 2/ 20024
+ENDOZA/ 78 FACTS8 Re!,onden -an iago $& /illaru( 6a! originally he ad)ini! ra or o# he e! a e o# hi!
)o her Re)edio! $er)ejo /illaru(& Eo6e%er, in an order i!!ued by he rial cour , he 6a! re)o%ed a! !uch #or ,a en neglec o# hi! legal du ie! and #ailure o co),ly 6i h he cour order!& In hi! ,lace, re!,onden <! elde! bro her, Nicola! $& /illaru(, "r&, 6a! a,,oin ed regular ad)ini! ra or and 6a! re>uired o #ile a bond& Therea# er, Nicola! #iled a )o ion #or he a,,ro%al o# hi! bond& -an iago and hi! bro her, "o!e Ma& /illaru(, o,,o!ed Nicola!< )o ion and ,rayed ha "o!e Maria be in! ead a,,oin ed regular ad)ini! ra or& A ached o heir o,,o!i ion 6a! a cer i#ica ion execu ed by heir )o her Re)edio! be#ore !he ,a!!ed a6ay& -ub!e>uen ly, "udge Pa ricio denied he o,,o!i or!< o,,o!i ion, 6hile recogni(ing he %alidi y o# he cer i#ica ion execu ed by Re)edio! $er)ejo= /illaru(& On Oc ober 09, 0223, "udge -ergio Pe! aMo, o 6ho) he ca!e 6a! in he )ean i)e rea!!igned, a,,ro%ed he ad)ini! ra or<! bond o# re!,onden Nicola! $& /illaru(, "r& A# er recei%ing a co,y o# "udge Pe! aMo<! order, re!,onden -u!an Mendo(a=Arce, Cler? o# Cour /I o# he Regional Trial Cour o# Roxa! Ci y, ,re,ared a Le er o# Ad)ini! ra ion 4LOA5& On *ece)ber :, 0223, ad)ini! ra or Nicola! $& /illaru(, "r&, acco),anied by hree ar)ed !ecuri y guard! and re!,onden <! *e,u y -heri## Charle! Aguiling, oo? ,o!!e!!ion o# he en ire e! a e o# he deceden & Thi! ga%e ri!e o he ,re!en ac ion& In a le er=co),lain o he O)bud!)an, re!,onden -an iago $& /illaru( alleged ha ,e i ioner co))i ed 6o cri)e! in i!!uing he LOA, o 6i : 05 #al!i#ica ion by a ,ublic o##icer under Ar icle 0:0 o# he Re%i!ed Penal Code and 95 Corru, ,rac ice in %iola ion o# V74e5 o# he An i='ra# and Corru, Prac ice! Ac 4R&A& No& 71025& Re!,onden accu!ed ,e i ioner o# ac ing B6i h )ani#e! ,ar iali y, e%iden bad #ai h and gro!! inexcu!able negligenceB by #al!ely a ribu ing o "udge Pe! aMo he a,,oin )en o# Nicola! $& /illaru( a! ne6 ad)ini! ra or and in%e! ing hi) 6i h B#ull au hori y o a?e ,o!!e!!ion o# all ,ro,er yDie!B o# he deceden , becau!e he #ac 6a! ha i 6a! "udge Pa ricio 6ho had a,,oin ed Nicola! ad)ini! ra or o# he e! a e&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he ,e i ion #or cer iorari in hi! ca!e !hould ha%e been #iled in he Cour
o# A,,eal!&
,ELD8 NO& In Tirol# ,r. v. del $osario, i i! held ha al hough a! a con!e>uence o# he deci!ion
in 0abian v. Desierto, a,,eal! #ro) he order!, direc i%e!, or deci!ion! o# he O)bud!)an in ad)ini! ra i%e ca!e! are no6 cogni(able by he Cour o# A,,eal!, ne%er hele!! in ca!e! in 6hich i i! alleged ha he O)bud!)an ha! ac ed 6i h gra%e abu!e o# di!cre ion a)oun ing o lac? or exce!! o# juri!dic ion, a !,ecial ci%il ac ion o# cer iorari under Rule ;A )ay be #iled in he Cour o !e a!ide he O)bud!)an<! order or re!olu ion& In 1ui%on v. Desierto i i! again held ha he Cour ha! juri!dic ion o%er ,e i ion! #or cer iorari >ue! ioning re!olu ion! or order! o# he O##ice o# he O)bud!)an in cri)inal ca!e!& In Posadas v. O2buds2an, B he rule, o# cour!e, i! ha a cri)inal ,ro!ecu ion canno be enjoined& $u a! ha! been held, in#ini ely )ore i),or an han con%en ional adherence o general rule! o# cri)inal ,rocedure i! re!,ec #or he ci i(en<! righ o be #ree no only #ro) arbi rary arre! and ,uni!h)en bu al!o #ro) un6arran ed and %exa iou! ,ro!ecu ion&B Indeed, 6hile he Cour <! ,olicy i! one o# non=in er#erence in he conduc o# ,reli)inary in%e! iga ion!, lea%ing he in%e! iga ing o##icer! 6i h a la i ude o# di!cre ion in he de er)ina ion o# ,robable cau!e, none hele!! exce, ion! o he general rule ha%e been recogni(ed, o 6i : 0& When nece!!ary o a##ord ade>ua e ,ro ec ion o he con! i u ional righ ! o# he accu!edC 9& When nece!!ary #or he orderly ad)ini! ra ion o# ju! ice or o a%oid o,,re!!ion or )ul i,lici y o# ac ion!C 7& When here i! a ,rejudicial >ue! ion 6hich i! !ub judiceC
70

8& When he ac ! o# he o##icer are 6i hou or in exce!! o# au hori yC A& Where he ,ro!ecu ion i! under an in%alid la6, ordinance or regula ionC ;& When double jeo,ardy i! clearly a,,aren C :& Where he cour ha! no juri!dic ion o%er he o##en!eC 3& Where i i! a ca!e o# ,er!ecu ion ra her han ,ro!ecu ionC 2& Where he charge! are )ani#e! ly #al!e and )o i%a ed by he lu! #or %engeance& 01& When here i! clearly no ,ri)a #acie ca!e again! he accu!ed and )o ion o >ua!h on ha ground ha! been denied&
OMBUDSMAN; THE COURTS WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH THE DISCRETION OF THE OMBUDSMAN TO INVESTIGATE AND PROSECUTE EXCEPT WHEN THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED ARE IMPAIRED. +AN*EL C- RO@AS/ et !'- .&- CONRADO +- ;AS<*EZ/ et !'0G-R- No- 119399/ +!" 23/ 20024
5NARES6SANTIAGO/ 78 FACTS8 !ee ,age 9A ISS*E8 Whe her or no he ca!e 6arran ! he in er%en ion o# he cour & ,ELD8 5ES& I a,,ear! ha he charge again! re!,onden ! 6a! ,re%iou!ly di!)i!!ed& .or
hi! rea!on, here being no )o ion or recon!idera ion #iled by he co),lainan , !aid re!,onden ! cea!ed o be ,ar ie!& Con!e>uen ly, he )ere #iling o# )o ion! #or recon!idera ion by ho!e ,re%iou!ly indic ed, 6i hou >ue! ioning he di!)i!!al o# he charge again! he !aid re!,onden !, could no and !hould no be )ade he ba!i! #or i),leading he) a! accu!ed in hi! ca!e 6i hou %iola ing heir righ o due ,roce!!& Ordinarily, he cour ! 6ill no in er#ere 6i h he di!cre ion o# he O)bud!)an o de er)ine 6he her here exi! ! rea!onable ground o belie%e ha a cri)e ha! been co))i ed and ha he accu!ed i! ,robably guil y hereo# and, herea# er, o #ile he corre!,onding in#or)a ion 6i h he a,,ro,ria e cour !& Eo6e%er, he ca!e a bar #all! under one o# he recogni(ed exce, ion! o hi! rule, )ore !,eci#ically, he con! i u ional righ ! o# he accu!ed are i),aired and he charge! are )ani#e! ly #al!e& In ca!e! 6here he O)bud!)an and he -,ecial Pro!ecu or 6ere unable o agree on 6he her or no ,robable cau!e exi! !, 6e )ay in er#ere 6i h he #inding! and conclu!ion!& The ,o6er o in%e! iga e o##en!e! o# hi! na ure belong! o he O)bud!)an and he -,ecial Pro!ecu or& While he O)bud!)an )ay ha%e erred in di!regarding he reco))enda ion! o# he -,ecial Pro!ecu ion O##icer! 6hich a,,ear o be !ub! an ia ed by he record, he !hould be allo6ed an o,,or uni y o re%ie6 hi! deci!ion and, 6here nece!!ary, correc i& .ur her)ore, i a,,ear! ha ,e i ioner! 6ere de,ri%ed o# due ,roce!! 6hen he -,ecial Pro!ecu or rein! a ed he co),lain again! he) 6i hou heir ?no6ledge& *ue ,roce!! o# la6 re>uire! ha e%ery li igan )u! be gi%en an o,,or uni y o be heard& Ee ha! he righ o be ,re!en and de#end hi)!el# in ,er!on a e%ery ! age o# he ,roceeding!&
AD+INISTRATI;E LAW EXHAUSTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES
71

EXHAUSTION OF REMEDIES; WHERE THE CASE INVOLVES ONLY LEGAL QUESTIONS, THE LITIGANT NEED NOT EXHAUST ALL ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES BEFORE SUCH JUDICIAL RELIEF CAN BE SOUGHT. CASTRO .&- SECRETAR5 RICARDO T- GLORIA
0G-R- No- 1321:9/ AuAu&t 20/ 20014
SANDO;AL6G*TIEREZ/ 78 FACTS8 Por#irio 'u ang, "r& #iled 6i h he *e,ar )en o# Educa ion, Cul ure and -,or !
4*EC-5 a co),lain #or di!grace#ul and i))oral conduc again! ,e i ioner 'ualber o Ca! ro, a eacher in 'uibuangan Cen ral -chool, $arili, Cebu& I 6a! alleged ha he ha! an illici a##air 6i h 'u ang<! 6i#e, ,e i ioner<! co= eacher a he !a)e !chool& A# er hearing or on Augu! 93, 0238, he *EC- Regional O##ice /II, hrough A!!i! an -u,erin enden .ranci!co $& Concillo, rendered a deci!ion declaring ,e i ioner guil y o# he o##en!e charged& Ee 6a! )e ed he ,enal y o# di!)i!!al #ro) he !er%ice& 7 The *EC- Cen ral O##ice a##ir)ed Concillo<! deci!ion in an Indor!e)en da ed March 9A, 023;& A# er hi! )o ion #or recon!idera ion and !ub!e>uen a,,eal o he Cen ral *EC- o##ice 6ere denied, ,e i ioner #iled a ,e i ion #or )anda)u! 6i h he Regional Trial Cour , i),loring ha judg)en be rendered ordering re!,onden -ecre ary or anyone 6ho )ay ha%e a!!u)ed he du ie! and #unc ion! o# hi! o##ice 405 o reduce hi! ,enal y #ro) di!)i!!al o one 405 year !u!,en!ionC 95 o con!ider he one 405 year !u!,en!ion a! already !er%ed con!idering ha he ha! been ou o# he !er%ice #or )ore han en 4015 year!C 75 o rein! a e hi) o hi! #or)er ,o!i ionC and 85 o ,ay hi! bac? !alarie!& On No%e)ber 91, 022:, he rial cour rendered he herein a!!ailed deci!ion di!)i!!ing he ,e i ion on he ground o# non=exhau! ion o# ad)ini! ra i%e re)edie!& I ruled ha ,e i ioner !hould ha%e a,,ealed o he Ci%il -er%ice Co))i!!ion be#ore co)ing o cour & Pe i ioner in!i! ! ha , B6hen he >ue! ion o be !e led i! ,urely a >ue! ion o# la6, he )ay go direc ly o he ,ro,er cour !o ha he can ha%e ,ro,er redre!!&B .or i ! ,ar , he O##ice o# he -olici or 'eneral 4O-'5 con end! ha ,e i ioner<! ade>ua e re)edy 6a! o a,,eal he deci!ion o# re!,onden -ecre ary o he Ci%il -er%ice Co))i!!ion&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he #ollo6ing i! a >ue! ion o# la6 I I! di!)i!!al #ro) he !er%ice he
,ro,er ,enal y #or he 0! o##en!e o# di!grace#ul and i))oral conduc T
,ELD8 5ES& In he ca!e a bench, ,e i ioner no longer di!,u e! he ad)ini! ra i%e #inding o#
hi! guil #or he o##en!e o# di!grace#ul and i))oral conduc & I i! !e led and #inal in!o#ar a! he i! concerned& Wha ,e i ioner only i),ugn! i! he correc ne!! o# he ,enal y o# Bdi!)i!!al #ro) he !er%ice&B Ee i! con%inced ha he ,ro,er ,enal y #or he #ir! o##en!e o# di!grace#ul and i))oral conduc i! only !u!,en!ion #ro) he !er%ice& Kndoub edly, he i!!ue here i! a ,ure >ue! ion o# la6& We need only o loo? a he a,,licable la6 or rule and 6e 6ill be able o de er)ine 6he her he ,enal y o# di!)i!!al i! in order& A! correc ly ,oin ed ou by ,e i ioner, he ,ro,er ,enal y #or he 0! o##en!e o# di!grace#ul and i))oral conduc i! only !u!,en!ion #or !ix 4;5 )on h! and one 405 day o one 405 year& In #ac , hi! ha! been he con!i! en ruling o# hi! Cour & In A)uino v. Navarro, a !econdary guidance coun!elor in a ,ublic high !chool, 6a! )erely !u!,ended #or di!grace#ul and i))oral conduc & In urgos v. A)uino, he Cour !u!,ended a cour ! enogra,her #or !ix )on h! #or )ain aining illici rela ion! 6i h he co),lainan <! hu!band and #or ,erjury in no di!clo!ing in her ,er!onal in#or)a ion !hee !he ha! a daugh er a! a re!ul o# ha rela ion!hi,&
EXHAUSTION OF REMEDIES; THE PURPOSE OF THE MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION IS TO GIVE THE COMELEC AN OPPORTUNITY TO CORRECT THE ERROR IMPUTED TO IT. BERNARDO .&- ABALOS
0G-R- No- 13:2>>/ Dece$(er 2- 20014
SANDO;AL6G*TIERREZ/ 78
72

FACTS8 On A,ril 90, 0223, ,e i ioner! An onio M& $ernardo, Erne! o A& *o)ingo, "r& and
"e!u! C& Cru( #iled 6i h he COMELEC a cri)inal co),lain again! re!,onden ! $enja)in -& Abalo!, -r&, $enja)in C& Abalo!, "r&, *r& Eden C& *ia(, Ro)eo Qa,an a and Arcadio de /era #or %o e buying in %iola ion o# -ec ion 9;0, ,aragra,h! 4a5, 4b5 and 4j5 o# he O)nibu! Elec ion Code 4OEC5, in rela ion o -ec ion 93 o# Re,ublic Ac ;;8; and -ec ion ;3 o# he OEC& The co),lain , doc?e ed a! E&O& Ca!e No& 23=001, alleged ha : RRe!,onden ! !,on!ored, arranged and conduc ed an all=ex,en!e=#ree ran!,or a ion, #ood and drin?! a##air #or he Mandaluyong Ci y ,ublic !chool eacher!, regi! ered %o er! o# !aid ci y, a he Tayaba! $ay $each Re!or , -ariaya, Gue(on Pro%ince& RMayor $enja)in Abalo!, -r& deli%ered a !,eech 6herein he o##ered and ,ro)i!ed he Mandaluyong Ci y ,ublic !chool eacher! and e),loyee! a Sha(ardF ,ay o# P0,111&11, and increa!ing heir allo6ance! #ro) P0,A11&11 o P9,111&11 #or #ood, or 6i h a o al o# P7,111&11 6hich hey 6ill ge by he end o# he )on h& RThe o##er! and ,ro)i!e! o !aid ,ublic !chool eacher!, 6ho are )e)ber! o# he $oard o# Elec ion In!,ec or! o# Mandaluyong Ci y and regi! ered %o er! herea , 6ere )ade a #e6 6ee?! be#ore he elec ion o induce or unduly in#luence he !aid eacher! and he ,ublic in general 4 he o her gue! !5 o %o e #or he candidacy o# $enja)in S$enhurF Abalo!, "r&O On *ece)ber 0, 0223, he COMELEC En $anc i!!ued he a!!ailed Re!olu ion No& 23= 7913 di!)i!!ing he co),lain B#or in!u##iciency o# e%idence o e! abli!h ,ri)a #acie ca!e&B On .ebruary 12, 0222, ,e i ioner!, 6i hou #ir! !ub)i ing a )o ion #or recon!idera ion, #iled he in! an ,e i ion 6i h hi! Cour &
ISS*ES8 Whe her ,e i ionerF! #ailure o !ub)i a )o ion #or recon!idera ion 6a! #a al o hi!
cau!e o# ac ion&
,ELD8 5ES& Pe i ioner! did no exhau! all he re)edie! a%ailable o he) a he COMELEC
le%el& -,eci#ically, hey did no !ee? a recon!idera ion o# he a!!ailed COMELEC En $anc Re!olu ion a! re>uired by -ec ion 0, Rule 07 o# he 0227 COMELEC Rule! o# Procedure, Pe i ioner!< #ailure o #ile he re>uired )o ion #or recon!idera ion u erly di!regarded he COMELEC Rule! in ended B o achie%e an orderly, ju! , ex,edi iou! and inex,en!i%e de er)ina ion and di!,o!i ion o# e%ery ac ion and ,roceeding brough be#ore he Co))i!!ion&B Con rary o ,e i ioner!< ! a e)en ha a re!or o a )o ion #or recon!idera ion i! Bdila ory,B i bear! ! re!!ing ha he ,ur,o!e o# he !aid )o ion i! o gi%e he COMELEC an o,,or uni y o correc he error i),u ed o i & I# he error i! i))edia ely correc ed by 6ay o# a )o ion #or recon!idera ion, hen i i! he )o! ex,edi iou! and inex,en!i%e recour!e& $u i# he COMELEC re#u!e! o correc a ,a en ly erroneou! ac , hen i co))i ! a gra%e abu!e o# di!cre ion ju! i#ying a recour!e by he aggrie%ed ,ar y o a ,e i ion #or cer iorari& A ,e i ion #or cer iorari under Rule ;A o# he 022: Rule! o# Ci%il Procedure, a! a)ended, can only be re!or ed o i# B here i! no a,,eal, or any ,lain, !,eedy, and ade>ua e re)edy in he ordinary cour!e o# la6&<< Ea%ing #ailed o #ile he re>uired )o ion #or recon!idera ion o# he challenged Re!olu ion, ,e i ioner!< in! an ,e i ion i! cer ainly ,re)a ure& -igni#ican ly, hey ha%e no rai!ed any ,lau!ible rea!on #or heir direc recour!e o hi! Cour &
JUDICIAL REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS

JUDICIAL REVIEW; FINDINGS OF FACT OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY MUST BE RESPECTED BUT THE SAME SHOULD BE SUPPORTED BY SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE. OFELIA D- ART*Z .&- CO*RT OF APPEALS/ et !'0G-R- No- 192999/ Septe$(er 13/ 20014
BELLOSILLO/ 78 FACTS8 Pri%a e re!,onden Rene A& $ornale!, Legal Aide, Regional Eeal h O##ice No& /I
4REO /I5,1 #iled again! ,e i ioner O#elia *& Ar u(, hen Legal O##icer I/, REO /I, *OE, #or E! a#a or -6indling hrough .al!i#ica ion o# Public *ocu)en ! andDor .al!i#ica ion o# Public *ocu)en !&
73

In %ie6 ,erha,! o# he delay, ,ri%a e re!,onden $ornale! 6en o he Meri -y! e) Pro ec ion $oard 4M-P$5 o# he Ci%il -er%ice Co))i!!ion 4C-C5 6hich oo? cogni(ance o# he Le er=Co),lain and direc ed Regional O##ice o conduc he nece!!ary in%e! iga ion, and o !ub)i i ! re,or and reco))enda ion& Therea# er, on 93 May 0227 he M-P$ #or)ally charged ,e i ioner 6i h *i!hone! y and .al!i#ica ion o# Public *ocu)en !& In her an!6er da ed 91 "uly 0227 ,e i ioner Ar u( %ehe)en ly denied he charge! again! her, con ending ha hey 6ere B)aliciou!, #abrica ed and ,ure hara!!)en &B -he )ain ained ha he charge! had no #ac ual and legal ba!i! a! !he had regularly re,or ed o o##ice and ,er#or)ed her du ie! a! Legal O##icer I/ during he ,eriod in >ue! ion, a! !ho6n by her *aily Ti)e Record! 4*TR!5 #or "uly and Augu! 0220, 6hich 6ere duly %eri#ied by he Per!onnel -ec ion and #inally a,,ro%ed by he *irec or o# REO /I& Moreo%er, !he a!!er ed ha her Punch Card! #or ho!e )on h! 6ould ally 6i h her *TR! and #ur her con#ir) he regulari y o# her o##ice a endance& According o her, heir o##ice 6a! i),le)en ing he $undy cloc? !y! e), and here 6a! no o##ice )e)orandu) or circular re>uiring he u!e o# he Logboo?& -ub!e>uen ly, ,e i ioner recei%ed co,y o# C-C Re!olu ion No& 230;A1 #inding her guil y o# di!hone! y and #al!i#ica ion o# ,ublic docu)en ! and i),o!ed u,on her he ,enal y o# di!)i!!al #ro) he !er%ice including all i ! acce!!ory ,enal ie!& According o he C-C U X!ub! an ial e%idence e! abli!he! he #ac ha re!,onden #al!i#ied en rie! in her *TR! #or he )on h! o# "uly and Augu! 0220 o enable her o clai) her !alarie! in #ull& I i!, here#ore, clear ha !he bene#i ed #ro) !aid delibera e ac ! o# #al!i#ica ion& BIn #al!i#ica ion or #orgery, he ,er!on or ,er!on! 6ho are or 6ere in ,o!!e!!ion o#, or )ade u!e o#, or bene#i ed #ro) he #orged or #al!i#ied docu)en ! are legally ,re!u)ed o be #orger!&B
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he Logboo? i! he be! e%idence o ,ro%e he a endance o# any

e),loyee a! again! he *TR!&
,ELD8 NO- The C-C and he CA ,roceeded in di!,o!ing o# hi! ca!e on a 6rong ,re)i!e&
$o h a!!u)ed ha he Logboo? alone 6ould be he be! e%idence o# an e),loyee<! a endance in hi! o##ice& Thi! a!!u), ion i! erroneou! and ba!ele!!& Ordinarily, he Logboo? i! u!ed a! a )ere loca or #or ho!e e),loyee! 6ho no6 and hen are re>uired o render !er%ice or !en on o##icial bu!ine!! ou !ide he o##ice ,re)i!e!, or o record e%en ! or unu!ual ha,,ening! in he o##ice, unle!! o her6i!e !,eci#ied or re>uired in an o##ice )e)orandu) or circular& "u! o illu! ra e he #allacy o# hi! a!!u), ion and he unreliabili y o# he Logboo? a! ,iece o# e%idence: REO /I !i ! in Iloilo Ci y& I co),ri!e! he Pro%ince! o# A?lan, An i>ue, Ca,i(, 'ui)ara!, Negro! Occiden al and he Ci ie! o# Iloilo, $acolod, Roxa!, -ilay, e c& I# an e),loyee o# REO /I i! !en on an o##icial bu!ine!! o $acolod Ci y and a?e! he regular ri, by boa ha lea%e! Iloilo Ci y a ;:11 o<cloc? in he )orning, arri%ing a he ,ier o# $acolod Ci y a 3:11 o<cloc?, he doe! no ha%e o go o he regional o##ice be#ore de,ar ure i)e o !ign he Logboo?& -i)ilarly, 6hen he lea%e! $acolod Ci y a# er o##ice hour! a ;:11 o<cloc? in he a# ernoon and arri%e! in Iloilo a 3:11 o<cloc? in he e%ening, he doe! no ha%e o ,a!! he o##ice o !ign he Logboo?, a! i 6ould be i),rac ical, unrea!onable and ab!urdZ In !uch ca!e, he o##ice can only rely on hi! *TR 6hich i! no only cer i#ied correc by hi) bu al!o by hi! chie# o# o##ice& .inding! o# #ac o# an ad)ini! ra i%e agency )u! be re!,ec ed and hi! Cour !hould no be a!?ed o 6eigh once )ore he e%idence !ub)i ed be#ore he ad)ini! ra i%e body& Eo6e%er, i i! axio)a ic ha !uch #inding! o# #ac !hould be !u,,or ed by !ub! an ial e%idence& We are no con%inced ha he non=!igning in he Logboo? by ,e i ioner Ar u( alone i! !ub! an ial e%idence con!idering ha 6e ha%e clearly !ho6n in he abo%e di!cu!!ion ha i i! no B he be! e%idence o ,ro%e a endance o# an e),loyee,B unli?e he >ue! ioned *TR! ha 6ere duly cer i#ied by he e),loyee concerned, %eri#ied by hi! i))edia e !u,er%i!or, and au hen ica ed by he head o# he regional o##ice&
JUDICIAL REVIEW; WHERE THE LAW PROVIDES FOR AN APPEAL FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE BODIES TO THE SUPREME COURT OR COURT OF APPEALS, SUCH BODIES ARE CO"EQUAL WITH THE RTCS. P,ILIPPINE SINTER CORPORATION/ et !'- .&- CAGA5AN ELECTRIC POWER ! d LIG,T CO-/ INC0G-R- No- 12:3:1/ Apri' 22/ 20024
74

SANDO;AL6G*TIERREZ/ 78 FACTS8 Pur!uan o a Cabine Me)orandu) i!!ued by Pre!iden A>uino, re!,onden

Cagayan Elec ric Po6er and Ligh , Co& 4CEPALCO5, gran ee o# a legi!la i%e #ranchi!e o di! ribu e elec ric ,o6er o he )unici,ali ie! o# /illanue%a, "a!aan and Tagoloan, and he ci y o# Cagayan de Oro, all o# he ,ro%ince o# Mi!a)i! Orien al, #iled 6i h he Energy Regula ory $oard 4ER$5 a ,e i ion en i led BIn Re: Pe i ion #or I),le)en a ion o# Cabine Policy Re#or)! in he Po6er -ec orB& The ,e i ion !ough he Bdi!con inua ion o# all exi! ing direc !u,,ly o# ,o6er by he Na ional Po6er Cor,ora ion 4NPC5 6i hin CEPALCO<! #ranchi!e area&B A# er hearing, he ER$ rendered a deci!ion gran ing he ,e i ion, and declaring ha he ,e i ioner ha! been ,ro%en o be ca,able o# di! ribu ing ,o6er o i ! indu! rial con!u)er! and ha%ing ,a!!ed he !econdary con!idera ion! 6i h a ,a!!ing )ar? o# 3A and ha all direc connec ion o# indu! rie! o NPC 6i hin he #ranchi!e area o# CEPALCO i! no longer nece!!ary& There#ore, all exi! ing NPC direc !u,,ly o# ,o6er o indu! rial con!u)er! 6i hin he #ranchi!e area o# CEPALCO i! hereby ordered o be di!con inued& The deci!ion beca)e #inal and execu ory& To i),le)en he deci!ion, CEPALCO 6ro e Phili,,ine -in er Cor,ora ion 4P-C5, ,e i ioner, and ad%i!ed he la er o# i ! de!ire B o ha%e he ,o6er !u,,ly o# P-C, direc ly a?en #ro) NPC, di!connec ed, cu and ran!#erredB o CEPALCO& P-C re#u!ed CEPALCO<! re>ue! , ci ing i ! con rac #or ,o6er !u,,ly 6i h NPC e##ec i%e un il "uly 9;, 022;& To re! rain he execu ion o# he ER$ *eci!ion, P-C and PIA #iled a co),lain #or injunc ion again! CEPALCO 6i h he Regional Trial Cour o# Cagayan de Oro Ci y& On A,ril 00, 0228, he rial cour rendered judg)en in #a%or o# P-C and PIA& CEPALCO #iled a )o ion #or recon!idera ion bu 6a! denied by he rial cour in i ! order da ed *ece)ber 07, 0228& Aggrie%ed, CEPALCO a,,ealed o he Cour o# A,,eal!& The a,,ella e cour gran ed he ,e i ion and di!!ol%ed he injunc ion&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no an injunc ion ordered by he rial cour can lie again! he #inal judg)en
o# he ER$&
,ELD8 NO& BThe rule indeed i!, and ha! al)o! in%ariably been, ha a# er a judg)en ha!
gained #inali y, i beco)e! he )ini! erial du y o# he cour o order i ! execu ion& No cour , ,er#orce, !hould in er#ere by injunc ion or o her6i!e o re! rain !uch execu ion& The rule, ho6e%er, concededly ad)i ! o# exce, ion!C hence, 6hen #ac ! and circu)! ance! la er ran!,ire ha 6ould render execu ion ine>ui able or unju! , he in ere! ed ,ar y )ay a!? a co),e en cour o ! ay i ! execu ion or ,re%en i ! en#orce)en & -o, al!o, a change in he !i ua ion o# he ,ar ie! can 6arran an injunc i%e relie#&B Clearly, an injunc ion o ! ay a #inal and execu ory deci!ion i! una%ailing exce, only a# er a !ho6ing ha #ac ! and circu)! ance! exi! 6hich 6ould render execu ion unju! or ine>ui able, or ha a change in he !i ua ion o# he ,ar ie! occurred& Eere, no !uch exce, ion exi! ! a! !ho6n by he #ac ! earlier narra ed& To di! urb he #inal and execu ory deci!ion o# he ER$ in an injunc ion !ui i! o bra(enly di!regard he rule on #inali y o# judg)en !& Public in ere! re>uire! ha ,roceeding! already er)ina ed !hould no be al ered a e%ery ! e,, #or he rule o# non )uieta 2overe ,re!cribe! ha 6ha had already been er)ina ed !hould no be di! urbed& A di!regard o# hi! ,rinci,le doe! no co))end i !el# o !ound ,ublic ,olicy& Corollarily, -ec ion 01 o# Execu i%e Order No& 0:9 4 he la6 crea ing he ER$5 ,ro%ide! ha a re%ie6 o# i ! deci!ion! or order! i! lodged in he -u,re)e Cour & -e led i! he rule ha 6here he la6 ,ro%ide! #or an a,,eal #ro) he deci!ion! o# ad)ini! ra i%e bodie! o he -u,re)e Cour or he Cour o# A,,eal!, i )ean! ha !uch bodie! are co=e>ual 6i h he Regional Trial Cour ! in er)! o# ran? and ! a ure, and logically, beyond he con rol o# he la er& Eence, he rial cour , being co=e>ual 6i h he ER$, canno in er#ere 6i h he deci!ion o# he la er& I bear! ! re!!ing ha hi! doc rine o# non=in er#erence o# rial cour ! 6i h co=e>ual ad)ini! ra i%e bodie! i! in ended o en!ure judicial ! abili y in he ad)ini! ra ion o# ju! ice 6hereby he judg)en o# a cour o# co),e en juri!dic ion )ay no be o,ened, )odi#ied or %aca ed by any cour o# concurren juri!dic ion&
LAW OF P*BLIC OFFICERS
75

DE FACTO OFFICERS
DE FACTO OFFICERS; A DE FACTO OFFICER TAKES THE SALARIES AT HIS RISK. T,E GENERAL +ANAGER/ P,ILIPPINE PORTS A*T,ORIT5 EPPAF ! d RA+ON ANINO .&- 7*LIETA +ONSERATE
0G-R- No- 123>1>/ Apri' 1:/ 20024
SANDO;AL6G*TIERREZ/ 78 FACTS8 "ulie a Mon!era e, re!,onden , ! ar ed her go%ern)en !er%ice in 02:: a!

$oo??ee,er II in he Por Manage)en O##ice, PPA, Iloilo Ci y& $arely a year la er, !he 6a! ,ro)o ed o he ,o!i ion o# Ca!hier II and hen a! .inance O##icer 4-'=0;5 in 0231& In he early ,ar o# 0233, 6hen he PPA under6en a reorgani(a ion, re!,onden a,,lied #or he ,er)anen ,o!i ion o# Manager II 4-'=025 o# he Re!ource Manage)en *i%i!ion, !a)e o##ice& The Co),ara i%e *a a -hee 8 acco),li!hed by he PPA Reorgani(a ion Ta!? .orce !ho6ed ha re!,onden 6a! ran?ed [0 in he eligibili y& On .ebruary 0, 0233, Maxi)o *u)lao, "r&, hen 'eneral Manager o# he PPA, a,,oin ed re!,onden o he ,o!i ion o# Manager II 4Re!ource Manage)en *i%i!ion5& On e%en da e, re!,onden a!!u)ed o##ice and di!charged he #unc ion! hereo#& On "uly 3, 0233, he C-C, hrough 'uiller)o R& -il%a 4A!!i! an *irec or o# he Ci%il -er%ice .ield O##ice=PPA5 a,,ro%ed her a,,oin )en & Mean6hile, on A,ril 03, 0233, ,e i ioner Ra)on Anino, 6ho ran?ed !econd o re!,onden ,er he Co),ara i%e *a a #iled an a,,ealD,e i ion 6i h he PPA A,,eal! $oard, ,ro e! ing again! re!,onden <! a,,oin )en & The PPA A,,eal! $oard, in a Re!olu ion da ed Augu! 00, 0233, !u! ained he ,ro e! and rendered ine##ec i%e re!,onden <! a,,oin )en ba!ed on B405 C-C MC No& A, !& 0233, Par& 7C 495 C-C MC NO& 01, !& 023;, Par& A, 0&9 and Par& $C and 475 Ci%il -er%ice Eligibili y&B The!e ground! 6ere no ex,lained or di!cu!!ed in he Re!olu ion& Aggrie%ed, re!,onden #iled 6i h he PPA 'eneral Manager an a,,ealDre>ue! #or clari#ica ion da ed No%e)ber 9, 0233& -he >ue! ioned her re,lace)en clai)ing ha he ,roceeding! be#ore he PPA A,,eal! $oard 6ere irregular becau!e 405 !he 6a! no no i#ied o# he hearing be#ore i C 495 !he 6a! no #urni!hed a co,y o# he Augu! 00, 0233 PPA A,,eal! $oard Re!olu ion or a co,y o# he ,ro e! #iled by ,e i ioner AninoC 475 !he 6a! no in#or)ed o# he rea!on! behind her re,lace)en C and 485 heir Por Manager 4in Iloilo Ci y5, 6ho 6a! hen an o##icial )e)ber o# he $oard, 6a! no included in he !aid ,roceeding!& On No%e)ber 3, 0233, ,ending re!olu ion o# her a,,ealDre>ue! #or clari#ica ion, re!,onden recei%ed a co,y o# PPA -,ecial Order No& 829=33 da ed Oc ober 90, 0233, al!o i!!ued by 'eneral Manager *ayan& Thi! PPA Order o##icially rea!!igned her o he ,o!i ion o# Ad)ini! ra i%e O##icer 4-'=0A5 6hich 6a! ,e i ioner Anino<! #or)er ,o!i ion and 6a! lo6er han her ,re%iou! ,o!i ion a! .inance O##icer 4-' 0;5 be#ore !he 6a! a,,oin ed a! *i%i!ion Manager On "anuary 0;, 0232, re!,onden #iled 6i h he C-C an a,,eal #or)ally ,ro e! ing again! ,e i ioner Anino<! a,,oin )en and a he !a)e i)e >ue! ioning he ,ro,rie y o# he Augu! 00, 0233 Re!olu ion o# he PPA A,,eal! $oard& The C-C di!)i!!ed re!,onden <! a,,eal& On a,,eal o he CA, he a,,ella e cour nulli#ied he re!olu ion! o# he $oard and he Ci%il -er%ice due o lac? o# no ice and hearing and ha he a,,oin )en o# re!,onden o he ,o!i ion o# Ad)ini! ra i%e o##icer con! i u e! a de)o ion 6hich %iola e! her righ ! o !ecuri y o# enure& The CA ordered al!o ordered he rein! a e)en o# Mon!era e o he ,o!i ion o# Re!ource Manage)en *i%i!ion Manager&
ISS*ES8
405 Whe her or no here 6a! due ,roce!! 6hen re!,onden 6a! re,laced by ,e i ioner Anino& 495 Whe her or no he a,,oin )en o# ,e i ioner Anino 6a! %alid&
,ELD8
405 NO& The ground! )en ioned again! re!,onden F! a,,oin )en 6ere no !u,,or ed by he e%idence and 6ere in he)!el%e! a)biguou!& Re!,onden ne%er had any ,ending cri)inal or ad)ini! ra i%e ca!e a he i)e o# her a,,oin )en a! )anager& -he 6a! no gi%en he chance o
76

de#end her!el# or air her !ide o# he ! ory a! !he 6a! ne%er no i#ied o# he re!olu ion o# he PPA A,,eal! $oard and 6a! no #urni!hed a co,y o# he re!olu ion& Wha !he recei%ed 6a! he order already ordering her de)o ion& There#ore he re!olu ion o# he PPA A,,eal! $oard i! irregular i# no null and %oid& 495 NO& None hele!!, he i! con!idered a de #ac o o##icer during he ,eriod o# hi! incu)bency& A de #ac o o##icer i! one 6ho i! in ,o!!e!!ion o# an o##ice and 6ho o,enly exerci!e! i ! #unc ion! under color o# an a,,oin )en or elec ion, e%en hough !uch a,,oin )en or elec ion )ay be irregular& In &onroy vs. Court of Appeals, hi! Cour ruled ha a righ #ul incu)ben o# a ,ublic o##ice )ay reco%er #ro) a de #ac o o##icer he !alary recei%ed by he la er during he i)e o# hi! 6rong#ul enure, e%en hough he 4 he de #ac o o##icer5 occu,ied he o##ice in good #ai h and under color o# i le& A de #ac o o##icer, no ha%ing a good i le, a?e! he !alarie! a hi! ri!? and )u! , here#ore, accoun o he de jure o##icer #or 6ha e%er !alary he recei%ed during he ,eriod o# hi! 6rong#ul enure& The rule i! ha 6here here i! a de jure o##icer, a de #ac o o##icer, during hi! 6rong#ul incu)bency, i! no en i led o he e)olu)en ! a ached o he o##ice, e%en i# he occu,ied he o##ice in good #ai h& Thi! rule, ho6e%er, canno be a,,lied !>uarely on he ,re!en ca!e in %ie6 o# i ! ,eculiar circu)! ance!& Re!,onden had a!!u)ed under ,ro e! he ,o!i ion o# Ad)ini! ra i%e O##icer !o)e i)e in he la er ,ar o# 0233, 6hich ,o!i ion !he curren ly hold!& -ince hen, !he ha! been recei%ing he e)olu)en !, !alary and o her co),en!a ion a ached o !uch o##ice& While her a!!u), ion o !aid lo6er ,o!i ion and her acce, ance o# he corre!,onding e)olu)en ! canno be con!idered a! an abandon)en o# her clai) o her righ #ul o##ice 4*i%i!ion Manager5, !he canno reco%er #ull bac? 6age! #or he ,eriod 6hen !he 6a! unla6#ully de,ri%ed hereo#& -he i! en i led only o bac? ,ay di##eren ial! #or he ,eriod ! ar ing #ro) her a!!u), ion a! Ad)ini! ra i%e O##icer u, o he i)e o# her ac ual rein! a e)en o her righ #ul ,o!i ion a! *i%i!ion Manager& -uch bac? ,ay di##eren ial! ,er ain o he di##erence be 6een he !alary ra e! #or he ,o!i ion! o# Manager II and Ad)ini! ra i%e O##icer& The !a)e )u! be ,aid by ,e i ioner Anino corre!,onding #ro) he i)e he 6rong#ully a!!u)ed he con e! ed ,o!i ion u, o he i)e o# hi! re ire)en on No%e)ber 71, 022:&
COMMENCEMENT OF OFFICIAL RELATIONS

COMMENCEMENT; A CES ELIGIBILITY IS A REQUIREMENT FOR A POSITION EMBRACED IN THE CES. DE LEON .&- CO*RT OF APPEALS
0G-R- No- 12:1=2/ Dece$(er 2/ 20014
5NARES6SANTIAGO/ 78 FACTS8 In he *eci!ion !ough o be recon!idered, 6e ruled ha ,ri%a e re!,onden <!

a,,oin )en on Augu! 93, 023;, a! Mini! ry Legal Coun!el = CE-O I/ o# he Mini! ry o# Local 'o%ern)en , 6a! e),orary& A,,lying he ca!e o# Achacoso v. &acaraig, 6e held ha !ince ,ri%a e re!,onden 6a! no a Career Execu i%e -er%ice 4CE-5 eligible, hi! a,,oin )en did no a ain ,er)anency becau!e he did no ,o!!e!! he re>uired CE- eligibili y #or he CE- ,o!i ion o 6hich he 6a! a,,oin ed& Eence, he can be ran!#erred or rea!!igned 6i hou %iola ing hi! righ o !ecuri y o# enure& I a,,ear!, ho6e%er, ha in ,acob &ontesa v. Santo!, e al&, decided on -e, e)ber 9;, 0221, 6here he na ure o# ,ri%a e re!,onden <! a,,oin )en a! Mini! ry Legal Coun!el = CE-O I/, o# he Mini! ry o# Local 'o%ern)en , 6a! #ir! con e! ed, hi! Cour i!!ued a Minu e Re!olu ion da ed March 0:, 0229, holding ha Achacoso v. &acaraig i! no a,,licable o he ca!e o# ,ri%a e re!,onden & There 6a! no Career Execu i%e -er%ice $oard during he .reedo) Con! i u ion or a he i)e o# a,,oin )en o# ,e i ioner& The CE-O 6a! only recon! i u ed by he a,,oin )en o# i ! $oard o# !ix 4;5 )e)ber! !o)e i)e in Augu! 0233& There 6a! no CE-O eligibili y exa)ina ion during ,e i ioner<! incu)bency in he *e,ar )en , a! here 6a! no CE-O board& The #ir! CE-O exa)ina ion 6a! gi%en on Augu! A and 09, 0221& The CE-O eligibili y 6a! no a re>uire)en a he i)e o# he a,,oin )en o# ,e i ioner& The only eligibili y re>uired i! ha o# a #ir! grader and ,e i ioner i! a #ir! grade eligible& There#ore, ha%ing )e all he re>uire)en ! #or he ,o!i ion o
77

6hich he 6a! a,,oin ed, he canno be re)o%ed in %iola ion o# he con! i u ional guaran ee on !ecuri y o# enure and due ,roce!!& In%o?ing re! judica a, ,ri%a e re!,onden con end! ha he na ure o# hi! a,,oin )en can no longer be ,a!!ed u,on and con ro%er ed in he ,re!en ca!e con!idering ha !aid i!!ue had already been !e led in he #oregoing Minu e Re!olu ion o# he Cour &
ISS*E8 Whe her or no re!,onden ! ,o!!e!!ed eligibili y #or a ,er)anen a,,oin )en 6hich
en i le! hi) o !ecuri y o# enure&
,ELD8 NO& A reading, ho6e%er, o# he In egra ed Reorgani(a ion Plan 6hich 6a! ado, ed and
declared ,ar o# he la6 o# he land by Pre!iden ial *ecree No& 0, da ed -e, e)ber 98, 02:9, clearly !ho6! ha a CE- eligibili y i! indeed a re>uire)en #or a ,o!i ion e)braced in he CE-& I bear! ! re!!ing ha in Achacoso v. &acaraig, he >ue! ioned a,,oin )en 6a! )ade on Oc ober 0;, 023:, be#ore he CE- $oard 6a! recon! i u ed in 0233, and be#ore he #ir! CE-O exa)ina ion 6a! gi%en in 0221, a! in he ,re!en ca!e& Ne%er hele!!, he Cour , in Achaco!o, ruled ha a CE- eligibili y i! re>uired #or a CE- ,o!i ion, !uch ha an a,,oin )en o# one 6ho doe! no ,o!!e!! !uch eligibili y !hall be e),orary& E%iden ly, a CE- eligibili y ha! al6ay! been one o# he re>uire)en ! #or a ,o!i ion e)braced in he CE-& The Cour #ind! no rea!on o )a?e an exce, ion in he in! an con ro%er!y& The #oregoing la6 and circular 6ere ne%er a)ended nor re,ealed by he .reedo) Con! i u ion& A CE- eligibili y 6a! an exi! ing and o,era i%e re>uire)en a he i)e o# ,ri%a e re!,onden <! a,,oin )en a! Mini! ry Legal Coun!el = CE-O I/& Nei her 6ere he !aid la6 and circular incon!i! en 6i h he .reedo) Con! i u ion a! o render he) )odi#ied or !u,er!eded& In #ac , he In egra ed Reorgani(a ion Plan allo6! he a,,oin )en o# non=CE- eligible!, li?e ,ri%a e re!,onden , ,ro%ided hey !ub!e>uen ly ac>uire he needed eligibili y&
COMMENCEMENT; APPOINTMENT VS. REASSIGNMENT DR- ELEANOR A- OSEA .&- DR- CORAZON E- +ALA5A
0G-R- No- 133=21/ 7! u!r" 30/ 20024
5NARES6SANTIAGO/ 78 FACTS8 On No%e)ber 91, 022:, ,e i ioner #iled Pro e! Ca!e No& 20091=118 6i h he Ci%il
-er%ice Co))i!!ion& -he a%erred ha !he 6a! a,,oin ed a! O##icer=in=Charge, A!!i! an -chool! *i%i!ion -u,erin enden o# Ca)arine! -ur, by hen -ecre ary Ricardo T& 'loria o# he *e,ar )en o# Educa ion, Cul ure and -,or !, u,on he endor!e)en o# he Pro%incial -chool $oard o# Ca)arine! -urC ha de!,i e he reco))enda ion o# -ecre ary 'loria, Pre!iden .idel /& Ra)o! a,,oin ed re!,onden o he ,o!i ion o# -chool! *i%i!ion -u,erin enden o# Ca)arine! -urC ha re!,onden <! a,,oin )en 6a! )ade 6i hou ,rior con!ul a ion 6i h he Pro%incial -chool $oard, in %iola ion o# -ec ion 22 o# he Local 'o%ern)en Code o# 0220& Eence, ,e i ioner ,rayed ha re!,onden <! a,,oin )en be recalled and !e a!ide #or being null and %oid& In di!)i!!ing ,e i ioner<! ,ro e! , he Ci%il -er%ice Co))i!!ion held ha -ec ion 22 o# he Local 'o%ern)en Code o# 0220 con e),la e! a !i ua ion 6here he *e,ar )en o# Educa ion, Cul ure and -,or ! i!!ue! he a,,oin )en !, 6herea! re!,onden <! a,,oin )en 6a! )ade by no le!! han he Pre!iden , in he exerci!e o# hi! a,,oin ing ,o6er& Moreo%er, he de!igna ion o# re!,onden a! -chool! *i%i!ion -u,erin enden o# Ca)arine! -ur and o# ,e i ioner a! -chool! *i%i!ion -u,erin enden o# Iriga Ci y 6ere in he na ure o# rea!!ign)en !, in 6hich ca!e con!ul a ion 6i h he local !chool board 6a! unnece!!ary& Thu!, ,e i ioner #iled a ,e i ion #or re%ie6 o# bo h he Re!olu ion! o# he Ci%il -er%ice Co))i!!ion be#ore he Cour o# A,,eal!, 6hich ho6e%er di!)i!!ed he ,e i ion&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he Eonorable Cour o# A,,eal! erred in deciding ha he re!,onden

6a! )erely rea!!igned o Ca)arine! -ur and did no re>uire he )anda ory ,rior con!ul a ion 6i h he local !chool board under -ec ion 22 o# RA :0;1&
,ELD8 NO& Clearly, -ec ion 22 o# he Local 'o%ern)en Code o# 0220 a,,lie! o
a,,oin )en ! )ade by he *e,ar )en o# Educa ion, Cul ure and -,or !& Thi! i! becau!e a he i)e o# he enac )en o# he Local 'o%ern)en Code, !chool! di%i!ion !u,erin enden ! 6ere 78

a,,oin ed by he *e,ar )en o# Educa ion, Cul ure and -,or ! o !,eci#ic di%i!ion or loca ion& In 0228, he Career Execu i%e -er%ice $oard i!!ued Me)orandu) Circular No& 90, -erie! o# 0228, ,lacing he ,o!i ion! o# !chool! di%i!ion !u,erin enden and a!!i! an !chool! di%i!ion !u,erin enden 6i hin he career execu i%e !er%ice& Con!e>uen ly, he ,o6er o a,,oin ,er!on! o career execu i%e !er%ice ,o!i ion! 6a! ran!#erred #ro) he *e,ar )en o# Educa ion, Cul ure and -,or ! o he Pre!iden & Knder he circu)! ance!, he de!igna ion o# re!,onden a! -chool! *i%i!ion -u,erin enden o# Ca)arine! -ur 6a! no a ca!e o# a,,oin )en & Eer de!igna ion ,ar oo? o# he na ure o# a rea!!ign)en #ro) Iriga Ci y, 6here !he ,re%iou!ly exerci!ed her #unc ion! a! O##icer= in=Charge=-chool! *i%i!ion -u,erin enden , o Ca)arine! -ur& Clearly, here#ore, he re>uire)en in -ec ion 22 o# he Local 'o%ern)en Code o# 0220 o# ,rior con!ul a ion 6i h he local !chool board, doe! no a,,ly& I only re#er! o a,,oin )en ! )ade by he *e,ar )en o# Educa ion, Cul ure and -,or !& -uch i! he ,lain )eaning o# he !aid la6& A,,oin )en !hould be di! ingui!hed #ro) rea!!ign)en & An a,,oin )en )ay be de#ined a! he !elec ion, by he au hori y %e! ed 6i h he ,o6er, o# an indi%idual 6ho i! o exerci!e he #unc ion! o# a gi%en o##ice& When co),le ed, u!ually 6i h i ! con#ir)a ion, he a,,oin )en re!ul ! in !ecuri y o# enure #or he ,er!on cho!en unle!! he i! re,laceable a ,lea!ure becau!e o# he na ure o# hi! o##ice& On he o her hand, a rea!!ign)en i! )erely a )o%e)en o# an e),loyee #ro) one organi(a ional uni o ano her in he !a)e de,ar )en or agency 6hich doe! no in%ol%e a reduc ion in ran?, ! a u! or !alary and doe! no re>uire he i!!uance o# an a,,oin )en & In he !a)e %ein, a de!igna ion conno e! )erely he i),o!i ion o# addi ional du ie! on an incu)ben o##icial&
COMMENCEMENT; AN AD INTERIM APPOINTMENT IS A PERMANENT APPOINTMENT; DISAPPROVED AD INTERIM VS. BY"PASSSED AD INTERIM. +A- 7- ANGELINA G- +ATIBAG .&- ALFREDO L- BENIPA5O/ et !'0G-R- No- 19303>/ Apri' 2/ 20024
CARPIO/ 78 FACTS8 On .ebruary 9, 0222, he COMELEC a,,oin ed ,e i ioner a! BAc ing *irec or I/B o#
he EI*& On .ebruary 0A, 9111, hen Chair,er!on Earrie O& *e)e riou rene6ed he a,,oin )en o# ,e i ioner a! *irec or I/ o# EI* in a BTe),oraryB ca,aci y& On .ebruary 0A, 9110, Co))i!!ioner Ru#ino -& $& "a%ier rene6ed again he a,,oin )en o# ,e i ioner o he !a)e ,o!i ion in a BTe),oraryB ca,aci y& On March 99, 9110, Pre!iden 'loria Maca,agal=Arroyo a,,oin ed, ad in eri), $eni,ayo a! COMELEC Chair)an, and $orra and Tua!on a! COMELEC Co))i!!ioner!, each #or a er) o# !e%en year! and all ex,iring on .ebruary 9, 9113& $eni,ayo oo? hi! oa h o# o##ice and a!!u)ed he ,o!i ion o# COMELEC Chair)anC and $orra and Tua!on li?e6i!e oo? heir oa h! o# o##ice and a!!u)ed heir ,o!i ion! a! COMELEC Co))i!!ioner!& The O##ice o# he Pre!iden !ub)i ed o he Co))i!!ion on A,,oin )en ! on May 99, 9110 he ad in eri) a,,oin )en ! o# $eni,ayo, $orra and Tua!on #or con#ir)a ion!& Eo6e%er, he Co))i!!ion on A,,oin )en ! did no ac on !aid a,,oin )en !& Thi! ,roce!! 6a! re,ea ed 6ice& On A,ril 00, 9110, COMELEC Chair)an $eni,ayo i!!ued a Me)orandu) 6hereby he reaa!igned ,e i ioner o he La6 *e,ar )en & Pe i ioner re>ue! ed $eni,ayo o recon!ider her rea!!ign)en o he La6 *e,ar )en bu o no a%ail& K,on denial, ,e i ioner #iled an ad)ini! ra i%e and cri)inal co),lain 6i h he La6 *e,ar )en again! $eni,ayo, alleging ha her rea!!ign)en %iola ed O)nibu! Elec ion Code, COMELEC Re!olu ion No& 79A3, Ci%il -er%ice Me)orandu) Circular No& 1: and o her ,er inen ad)ini! ra %e and ci%il !er%ice la6!, rule! and regula ion!& *uring he ,endency o# her co),lain be#ore he La6 *e,ar )en , ,e i ioner #iled he in! an ,e i ion >ue! ioning he a,,oin )en and he righ o re)ain in o##ice o# $eni,ayo, $orra and Tua!on, a! Chair)an and Co))i!!ioner! o# he COMELEC, re!,ec i%ely&
ISS*ES8
79

405 Whe her or no he a!!u), ion o# o##ice by $eni,ayo, $orra and Tua!on on he ba!i! o# he ad in eri) a,,oin )en ! i!!ued by he Pre!iden a)oun ! o a e),orary a,,oin )en ,rohibi ed by -ec ion 0 495, Ar icle I@=C o# he Con! i u ion& 495 Whe her or no he rene6al o# heir ad in eri) a,,oin )en ! and !ub!e>uen a!!u), ion o# o##ice o he !a)e ,o!i ion! %iola e he ,rohibi ion on rea,,oin )en under -ec ion 0 495, Ar icle I@=C o# he Con! i u ion& 475 Whe her or no $eni,ayo<! re)o%al o# ,e i ioner #ro) her ,o!i ion a! *irec or I/ o# he EI* and her rea!!ign)en o he La6 *e,ar )en i! illegal and 6i hou au hori y, ha%ing been done 6i hou he a,,ro%al o# he COMELEC a! a collegial body&
,ELD8
405 NO& An ad in eri) a,,oin )en i! a ,er)anen a,,oin )en becau!e i a?e! e##ec i))edia ely and can no longer be 6i hdra6n by he Pre!iden once he a,,oin ee ha! >uali#ied in o o##ice& The #ac ha i i! !ubjec o con#ir)a ion by he Co))i!!ion on A,,oin )en ! doe! no al er i ! ,er)anen charac er& The Con! i u ion i !el# )a?e! an ad in eri) a,,oin )en ,er)anen in charac er by )a?ing i e##ec i%e un il di!a,,ro%ed by he Co))i!!ion on A,,oin )en ! or un il he nex adjourn)en o# Congre!!& The !econd ,aragra,h o# -ec ion 0;, Ar icle /II o# he Con! i u ion ,ro%ide! a! #ollo6!: BThe Pre!iden !hall ha%e he ,o6er o )a?e a,,oin )en ! during he rece!! o# he Congre!!, 6he her %olun ary or co),ul!ory, bu !uch a,,oin )en ! !hall be e##ec i%e only un il di!a,,ro%al by he Co))i!!ion on A,,oin )en ! or un il he nex adjourn)en o# he Congre!!&B Thu!, he ad in eri) a,,oin )en re)ain! e##ec i%e un il !uch di!a,,ro%al or nex adjourn)en , !igni#ying ha i can no longer be 6i hdra6n or re%o?ed by he Pre!iden & The #ear ha he Pre!iden can 6i hdra6 or re%o?e a any i)e and #or any rea!on an ad in eri) a,,oin )en i! u erly 6i hou ba!i!& Eence he ad in eri) a,,oin )en ! ex ended by he Pre!iden o $eni,ayo, $orra and Tua!on, a! COMELEC Chair)an and Co))i!!ioner!, re!,ec i%ely, do no con! i u e e),orary or ac ing a,,oin )en ! ,rohibi ed by -ec ion 0 495, Ar icle I@=C o# he Con! i u ion& 495 NO& There i! no di!,u e ha an ad in eri) a,,oin ee di!a,,ro%ed by he Co))i!!ion on A,,oin )en ! can no longer be ex ended a ne6 a,,oin )en & The di!a,,ro%al i! a #inal deci!ion o# he Co))i!!ion on A,,oin )en ! in he exerci!e o# i ! chec?ing ,o6er on he a,,oin ing au hori y o# he Pre!iden & The di!a,,ro%al i! a deci!ion on he )eri !, being a re#u!al by he Co))i!!ion on A,,oin )en ! o gi%e i ! con!en a# er delibera ing on he >uali#ica ion! o# he a,,oin ee& -ince he Con! i u ion doe! no ,ro%ide #or any a,,eal #ro) !uch deci!ion, he di!a,,ro%al i! #inal and binding on he a,,oin ee a! 6ell a! on he a,,oin ing ,o6er& In hi! in! ance, he Pre!iden can no longer rene6 he a,,oin )en no becau!e o# he con! i u ional ,rohibi ion on rea,,oin )en , bu becau!e o# a #inal deci!ion by he Co))i!!ion on A,,oin )en ! o 6i hhold i ! con!en o he a,,oin )en & An ad in eri) a,,oin )en ha i! by=,a!!ed becau!e o# lac? o# i)e or #ailure o# he Co))i!!ion on A,,oin )en ! o organi(e i! ano her )a er& A by=,a!!ed a,,oin )en i! one ha ha! no been #inally ac ed u,on on he )eri ! by he Co))i!!ion on A,,oin )en ! a he clo!e o# he !e!!ion o# Congre!!& There i! no #inal deci!ion by he Co))i!!ion on A,,oin )en ! o gi%e or 6i hhold i ! con!en o he a,,oin )en a! re>uired by he Con! i u ion& Ab!en !uch deci!ion, he Pre!iden i! #ree o rene6 he ad in eri) a,,oin )en o# a by=,a!!ed a,,oin ee& 475 NO& The Chair)an, a! he Chie# Execu i%e o# he COMELEC, i! ex,re!!ly e),o6ered on hi! o6n au hori y o ran!#er or rea!!ign COMELEC ,er!onnel in accordance 6i h he Ci%il -er%ice La6& In he exerci!e o# hi! ,o6er, he Chair)an i! no re>uired by la6 o !ecure he a,,ro%al o# he COMELEC en banc& Pe i ioner<! a,,oin )en ,a,er! da ed .ebruary 9, 0222, .ebruary 0A, 9111 and .ebruary 0A, 9110, indi!,u ably !ho6 ha !he held her *irec or I/ ,o!i ion in he EI* only in an ac ing or e),orary ca,aci y& Pe i ioner i! no a Career Execu i%e -er%ice 4CE-5 o##icer, and nei her doe! !he hold Career Execu i%e -er%ice Eligibili y, 6hich are nece!!ary >uali#ica ion! #or holding he ,o!i ion o# *irec or I/ a! ,re!cribed in he Guali#ica ion! - andard! 4Re%i!ed 023:5 i!!ued by he Ci%il -er%ice Co))i!!ion& Ob%iou!ly, ,e i ioner doe! no enjoy !ecuri y o# enure a! *irec or I/&
80

POWERS AND D*TIES OF A P*BLIC OFFICER

POWERS AND DUTIES; MANDAMUS WILL LIE ONLY TO COMPEL THE PERFORMANCE OF A MINISTERIAL DUTY BUT NOT TO FULFILL CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS. G G S TRANSPORT CORP- .&- CO*RT OF APPEALS/ et !'0G-R- No- 1202=:/ +!" 2=/ 20024
BELLOSILLO/ 78 FACTS8 Pe i ioner ' W - Tran!,or Cor,ora ion 4' W -5, 6i h he na)e and ! yle A%i! Ren =A=
Car, 6a! he exclu!i%e o,era or o# cou,on axi !er%ice! a he Ninoy A>uino In erna ional Air,or 4NAIA5 under a #i%e 4A5=year con rac o# conce!!ion 6i h re!,onden Manila In erna ional Air,or Au hori y 4MIAA5& The conce!!ion con rac ex,ired bu 6a! rene6ed by he ,ar ie! on a )on hly ba!i! Bun il !uch i)e 6hen a ne6 conce!!ionaire 4!hall ha%e been5 cho!en&B Knder he arrange)en , ' W - 6a! able o o,era e he cou,on axi !er%ice unin erru, edly beyond he ,eriod o# #i%e 4A5 year! originally a6arded by MIAA& On 09 "uly 0228 MIAA ini ia ed ,roceeding! #or ,ublic bidding o choo!e 6o 495 conce!!ionaire! o# he cou,on axi !er%ice! a he NAIA& .i%e 4A5 #ir)! ,re=>uali#ied o join& Con!e>uen ly, MIAA !elec ed 9111 TRAN-PORT and NI--AN a! he 6inning bidder! and i!!ued in heir #a%or he re!,ec i%e no ice o# a6ard! o# he cou,on axi !er%ice conce!!ion& Pe i ioner ' W - #iled a co),lain #or injunc ion and )anda)u! 6i h ,reli)inary injunc ion and e),orary re! raining order again! MIAA and i ! 'eneral Manager, 9111 TRAN-PORT and NI--AN& The co),lain !ough o di!>uali#y 9111 TRAN-PORT #ro) he a6ard o# he conce!!ion con rac he bidding including ,e i ioner ' W - and re!,onden ! 9111 TRAN-PORT and NI--AN and i al!o a!!er ed ha he conce!!ion con rac !hould ha%e been execu ed in #a%or o# ' W -& The rial cour di!)i!!ed he co),lain & I ruled ha he co),lain #ailed o ! a e a cau!e o# ac ion again! herein re!,onden ! and ha )anda)u! 6a! una%ailable o co),el he a6ard o# he conce!!ion con rac in #a%or o# ' W - !ince !uch deci!ion 6a! di!cre ionary u,on he MIAA& The Cour o# A,,eal! gran ed he ,e i ion! #or cer iorari o# 9111 TRAN-PORT and NI--AN, !e a!ide he order o# he rial cour i!!uing he 6ri o# ,reli)inary injunc ion, and ,rohibi ed he rial cour #ro) Bhearing and a?ing #ur her cogni(ance o# he ca!e exce, o di!)i!! he !a)e& The a,,ella e cour held ha he rial cour gra%ely abu!ed i ! di!cre ion 6hen i i!!ued he 6ri o# ,reli)inary injunc ion !ince under P* 0303 no cour 6ould ha%e juri!dic ion o re! rain he o,era ion o# a ,ublic u ili y and !ince he !elec ion o# 6inning bidder! 6a! !olely he di!cre ion o# he !,on!oring go%ern)en agency&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no a )anda)u! 6a! a%ailable o co),el he a6ard o# he conce!!ion

con rac in #a%or o# he ,e i ioner&
,ELD8 NO& I i! a !e led rule ha )anda)u! 6ill lie only o co),el he ,er#or)ance o# a
)ini! erial du y bu doe! no lie o re>uire anyone o #ul#ill con rac ual obliga ion!& Only !uch du ie! a! are clearly and ,ere), orily enjoined by la6 or by rea!on o# o##icial ! a ion are o be en#orced by he 6ri & Whe her MIAA 6ill en er in o a con rac #or he ,ro%i!ion o# a cou,on axi !er%ice a he in erna ional air,or i! en irely and exclu!i%ely 6i hin i ! cor,ora e di!cre ion& I doe! no in%ol%e a du y he ,er#or)ance o# 6hich i! enjoined by la6 and hu! hi! Cour canno direc he exerci!e o# hi! ,reroga i%e& Indeed he de er)ina ion o# he 6inning bidder! !hould be le# o he !ound judg)en o# he MIAA 6hich i! he agency in he be! ,o!i ion o e%alua e he ,ro,o!al! and o decide 6hich bid 6ould )o! co),le)en he NAIA<! !er%ice!& The exerci!e o# !uch di!cre ion i! a ,olicy deci!ion ha nece!!i a e! !uch ,rocedure! a! ,rior in>uiry, in%e! iga ion, co),ari!on, e%alua ion and delibera ion& Thi! ,roce!! 6ould nece!!arily en ail he echnical ex,er i!e o# MIAA 6hich he cour ! do no ,o!!e!! in order o e%alua e he ! andard! a##ec ing hi! )a er == cour !, a! a rule, re#u!e o in er#ere 6i h ,roceeding! under a?en by ad)ini! ra i%e bodie! or o##icial! in he exerci!e o# ad)ini! ra i%e #unc ion!& Thi! i! !o becau!e !uch bodie! are generally be er
81

e>ui,,ed echnically o decide ad)ini! ra i%e >ue! ion! and ha non=legal #ac or!, !uch a! go%ern)en ,olicy on he )a er, are u!ually in%ol%ed in he deci!ion!&
LIABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS

LIABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS; PUBLIC SERVICE REQUIRES UTMOST INTEGRITY AND STRICTEST DISCIPLINE POSSIBLE OF EVERY PUBLIC SERVANT. BALTAZAR LL- FIR+ALO .&- +ELINDA C- <*IRREZ
0A-+- No- P60061901/ 7! u!r" 23/ 20024
5NARES6SANTIAGO/ 78 FACTS8 On May 91, 022;, hen Pre!iding "udge, Ce(ar R& Mara%illa, o# RTC=$ranch 39 o#
Odiongan, i!!ued an order re,ri)anding and cen!uring he re!,onden #or in!ubordina ion and gro!! ine##iciency& The re,ri)and aro!e #ro) he re!,onden F! #ailure o !ub)i an in%en ory o# ca!e! and o !chedule cer ain cri)inal ca!e! in he cour F calendar& Mean6hile, he -u,re)e Cour re>uired he re!,onden o !ub)i a 6ri en ex,lana ion 6hy no ad)ini! ra i%e !anc ion !hould be rendered again! her& -e%eral )on h! herea# er, re!,onden 6a! re=a!!igned o he y,ing o# order!, deci!ion! clearance!, e c& Eo6e%er, !he #ailed o ,er#or) he!e a!?! e##icien ly a! !ho6n by her 6or?! )arred by o)i!!ion!, !,elling !yn ax and error& Re!,onden #iled her co))en ! a ing ha he )a er o# her #ailure o calendar he cri)inal ca!e! 6a! dee)ed clo!ed and er)ina ed #ollo6ing he !ub)i!!ion o# her ex,lana ion& -he #ur her ,oin ed ou ha he error! !he co))i ed 6ere already correc ed and re)edied& K,on !ub)i!!ion o# hi! ca!e o he O##ice o# he Cour Ad)ini! ra or 4OCA5 #or e%alua ion and reco))enda ion, he !aid o##ice reco))ended ha re!,onden be ordered o ,ay a #ine o# Ph, 0,111&11 6i h a ! ern 6arning ha ha a co))i!!ion o# !i)ilar o##en!e !hall be deal 6i h )ore !e%erely&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he re!,onden i! guil y a! #ound by he OCA& ,ELD8 5ES& Indeed, he re!,onden ha! all bu ad)i ed he 6rongdoing co),lained o# 6hen
!he ! a ed, a)ong o her!, ha he Rexhibi ! !ub)i ed o your O##ice are Order! o# he hen judge! 4re ired and re urned o regular ! a ion5 y,e6ri en by )e !ho6ing an error in he )argin& The!e, ho6e%er, ha%e been accordingly correc edX&O While indeed re!,onden )ay ha%e Rcorrec edO and Rre)ediedO her )i! a?e! and !hor co)ing!, i )u! be ! re!!ed ha re>ui!i e co),e ence and e##iciency i! no con#ined o ho!e i!ola ed in! ance! ,oin ed ou by co),lainan bu i! a con inuou! obliga ion de)anded o# her #or !o long a! !he !er%e! in he judiciary& -ine he ad)ini! ra ion o# ju! ice i! a !acred a!?, he ,er!on in%ol%ed in i ough o li%e u, o he ! ric e! ! andard o# hone! y, in egri y and u,righ ne!!& I bear! ! re!!ing once again ha ,ublic !er%ice re>uire! u )o! in egri y and he ! ric e! di!ci,line ,o!!ible o# e%ery ,ublic !er%an & A ,ublic o##ice i! a ,ublic ru! ha enjoin! all ,ublic o##icer! and e),loyee!, ,ar icularly ho!e !er%ing in he judiciary o re!,ond o he highe! degree o# dedica ion o# en e%en beyond ,er!onal in ere! & A! held in he ca!e &endo%a vs. &abutas, he Cour conde)n! and 6ould ne%er coun enance !uch conduc , ac or o)i!!ion on he ,ar o# all ho!e in%ol%ed in he ad)ini! ra ion o# ju! ice 6hich 6ould %iola e he nor) o# ,ublic accoun abili y and di)ini!h and e%en ju! end o di)ini!h he #ai h i# he ,eo,le in he "udiciary&
LIABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS; THOSE INVOLVED IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE CARRY A HEAVY BURDEN OF RESPONSIBILITY.
82

TERESITA ,- ZIPAGAN .&- 7O;ENCIO N- TATTAO

0A-+- No- P60161212/ Septe$(er 29/ 20014
PANGANIBAN/ 78 FACTS8 Co),lainan clai)! ha on 9; .ebruary 0223 !he 6en o he O##ice o# he Cler? o#
Cour o# he Regional Trial Cour o# Cabagan, I!abela o di!cu!! an i),or an o##icial )a er 6i h he ,re!iding judge o# !aid Cour & Therea# er !he al?ed 6i h a cer ain Mr!& Albano, he o##icer=in= charge o# he Regional Trial Cour , $ranch 99, Cabagan, I!abela regarding her con!ul a ion 6i h he judge& I 6a! a ha junc ure ha re!,onden bera ed her !aying RN'He ou o# hi! ,lace, 6e don< recei%e order! #ro) he *e,ar )en o# "u! ice becau!e 6e are under he -u,re)e Cour , you Nha%e beenH a !uc?er e%er !ince he i)e o# "udge /era Cru(&O A# er6ard!, re!,onden !la,,ed her righ chee? and hi her righ eye 6i h a gla!! 6i h 6a er cau!ing her o beco)e 6e & A! a re!ul o# he inciden !he !u##ered injury in her righ eye& In hi! COMMENT da ed 19 "une 0223, re!,onden a%er! ha on 9; .ebruary 0223, co),lainan en ered heir o##ice and herein !hou ed SX !o )any u erance! 6hich di! urbed he ,eo,le 6ho N6ereH a ending he rial o# ca!e! !e #or !aid da e&< Ee old her no o !hou !ince heir o##ice N6a!H no a )ar?e ,lace bu co),lainan 6en near hi) and hre6 he <gla!! o# -,ri e< he 6a! drin?ing 4re!,onden 6a! a?ing hi! )erienda ha i)e5& Therea# er, Qi,agan hi hi) 6i h a ball,en, 6ounding hi! righ elbo6 in he ,roce!! !o he !la,,ed her 6i h hi! le# hand& - ill, co),lainan ?e, on a ac?ing hi) and 6a! only ,aci#ied 6hen K ili y Wor?er 'erard /ina!oy brough her ou o# he o##ice&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no re!,onden #ailed o )ea!ure u, o ha beha%ior ex,ec ed o# a cour

e),loyee&
,ELD8 5ES- Ti)e and i)e again, hi! Cour ha! e),ha!i(ed ha B he conduc o# e%ery
e),loyee o# he judiciary )u! be a all i)e! charac eri(ed NbyH ,ro,rie y <and decoru) and abo%e all el!e, i )u! be abo%e and beyond !u!,icion&B We ha%e rei era ed in !e%eral ca!e! ha B he conduc and beha%ior o# e%ery o##icial and e),loyee o# an agency in%ol%ed in he ad)ini! ra ion o# ju! ice, #ro) he ,re!iding judge o he )o! junior cler?, !hould be circu)!cribed 6i h he hea%y burden o# re!,on!ibili y& Their conduc )u! a all i)e! be charac eri(ed by, a)ong o her!, ! ric ,ro,rie y and decoru) !o a! o earn and ?ee, he re!,ec o# he ,ublic #or he judiciary&<< Moreo%er, he Code o# Conduc and E hical - andard! #or Public O##icer! and E),loyee! 4RA ;:075 i),le)en ! he - a e ,olicy o# ,ro)o ing a high ! andard o# e hical re!,on!ibili y in he ,ublic !er%ice& -,eci#ically, -ec ion 8 o# he Code re>uire! BN,Hublic o##icial! and e),loyee! & & & N oH re!,ec he righ ! o# o her!, and & & & re#rain #ro) doing ac ! con rary o la6, good )oral!, good cu! o)!, ,ublic ,olicy, ,ublic order, ,ublic !a#e y and ,ublic in ere! &B Clearly, he bra!h and callo6 beha%ior o# re!,onden i! unbeco)ing a cour e),loyee& A!!u)ing ha co),lainan 6a! di! urbing he orderly ad)ini! ra ion o# ju! ice 6i h her noi!y cha er, re!,onden !hould ha%e exerci!ed )ore ,a ience and ado, ed a )ore ,ruden )anner in a!?ing her o lea%e he o##ice& Ei! abru, in erru, ion o# he con%er!a ion, #ollo6ed by hi! !la,,ing her #ace and hi ing her righ eye ha! !ha)ed no only he cour he 6a! !er%ing, bu he en ire judiciary a! 6ell& Clearly, re!,onden ha! degraded he digni y o# he judiciary and under)ined he ,eo,le<! #ai h and con#idence in i & Indeed, he Cour loo?! 6i h grea di!#a%or Nu,onH any di!,lay o# ani)o!i y by any cour e),loyee& Cour ,er!onnel )u! , a all i)e!, ac 6i h ! ric ,ro,rie y and ,ro,er decoru) !o a! o earn he ,ublic<! regard #or he judiciary& I),ro,er beha%ior, ,ar icularly during o##ice hour!, exhibi ! no only a ,auci y o# ,ro#e!!ionali!) a he 6or?,lace bu al!o a grea di!re!,ec o he cour i !el#& -uch a de)eanor i! a #ailure o# circu)!,ec ion de)anded o# e%ery ,ublic o##icial and e),loyee&
LIABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS; THE GROUND FOR REMOVAL OF A JUDICIAL OFFICER SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT. ANG .&- 7*DGE ASIS
0A-+- No- RT760061230/ 7! u!r" 12/ 20024 83

5NARES6SANTIAGO/ 78 FACTS8 In a Co),lain =A##ida%i da ed A,ril :, 9111 #iled 6i h he O##ice o# he Cour

Ad)ini! ra or, 'ina $& Ang charged "udge Enri>ue C& A!i!, Pre!iding "udge o# $ranch 0; o# he Regional Trial Cour o# Na%al, $iliran, 6i h $ribery, Ex or ion and /iola ion o# he An i='ra# and Corru, Prac ice! Ac rela i%e o Elec ion Ca!e No& 23=10& -o)e i)e in Oc ober 0223, 6hile her elec ion ,ro e! 6a! ,ending, re!,onden allegedly in i)a ed o co),lainan <! la6yer! ha he 6ill decide he ca!e in co),lainan <! #a%or in exchange #or )one ary con!idera ion& Wi hou her ?no6ledge, co),lainan <! #a her deli%ered o re!,onden he o al a)oun o# P081,111&11 on hree occa!ion! in Oc ober 0223, "anuary 0222, and A,ril 0222& -o)e i)e in *ece)ber 0223, co),lainan 6a! old by her la6yer! ha re!,onden had re>ue! ed a!!i! ance in he ,ro)o ion o# hi! bro her, hen Exa)iner II a he $ureau o# Cu! o)!, hrough co),lainan <! cou!in, A y& Ra)on -ala(ar, "r&, 6ho 6a! he Chie# o# - a## o# he Cu! o)! Co))i!!ioner& Co),lainan re#u!ed bu , unbe?no6n o her, her #a)ily i))edia ely con ac ed her cou!in and re!,onden <! bro her 6a! !oon ,ro)o ed& -ub!e>uen ly, co),lainan learned ha re!,onden had re>ue! ed ha hi! !on be ad)i ed #or raining a he Phili,,ine Eear Cen er& Co),lainan re#u!ed a! !he )igh be )i!in er,re ed a! ex ending any a!!i! ance o re!,onden in order o ob ain a #a%orable deci!ion& Ne%er hele!!, !he acceded o her la6yer<! re>ue! o bring re!,onden <! !on o Manila and e%en ,aid #or he la er<! ,lane #are and acco))oda ion un il hi! a,,lica ion 6a! gran ed by he Phili,,ine Eear Cen er& In "anuary 9111, co),lainan allegedly recei%ed a call #ro) re!,onden elling her ha hi! !on needed P8,111&11 #or hi! raining& Thin?ing ha hi! 6a! a re>ue! #or a loan, !he agreed& -ince !he did no ha%e ca!h a he i)e, !he a!?ed her #riend o gi%e a chec? o re!,onden <! !on& On March 08, 9111, re!,onden rendered hi! deci!ion in he elec ion ,ro e! declaring Caridad A o? 6inner in he )ayoral y race& Re!,onden #iled hi! Co))en & Ee %ehe)en ly denied he charge! o# co),lainan and in! ead, he ci ed %ariou! ci a ion! he recei%ed a! a )e)ber o# he "udiciary o# $iliran becau!e o# hi! in egri y&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no re!,onden judge i! guil y o# $ribery, Ex or ion and /iola ion o# he An i=
'ra# and Corru, Prac ice! Ac &
,ELD8 NO& .ro) he a##ida%i =co),lain o# he co),lainan , i 6ill be no ed ha all he charge!

o# co),lainan are ba!ed on in#or)a ion! 4!ic5 allegedly gi%en or ,a!!ed on o her by her la6yer!& Co),lainan <! la6yer! in her elec oral ,ro e! #iled in he !ala o# re!,onden "udge A!i! 6ere A orney! Lee and Ma riano& Eo6e%er, co),lainan did no ,re!en any o# he!e la6yer!, A y!& Lee or Ma riano, o corrobora e her allega ion! ha hey, A y!& Lee and Ma riano, 6ere a,,roached by re!,onden Bin i)a ingB ha #or a con!idera ion he 6ill render a #a%orable deci!ion #or co),lainan in he elec oral ,ro e! The ground #or he re)o%al o# a judicial o##icer !hould be e! abli!hed beyond rea!onable doub & -uch i! he rule 6here he charge! on 6hich he re)o%al i! !ough i! )i!conduc in o##ice, 6ill#ul neglec , corru, ion, inco),e ency, e c& The general rule in regard o ad)i!!ibili y in e%idence in cri)inal rial! a,,ly& In !hor , hi! Cour can no gi%e credence o charge! ba!ed on )ere !u!,icion or !,ecula ion& While hi! Cour 6ill ne%er olera e or condone any ac , conduc or o)i!!ion ha 6ould %iola e he nor) o# ,ublic accoun abili y or di)ini!h he ,eo,le<! #ai h in he judiciary, nei her 6ill i he!i a e o !hield ho!e under i ! e),loy #ro) un#ounded !ui ! ha only !er%e o di!ru, ra her han ,ro)o e he orderly ad)ini! ra ion o# ju! ice .or ad)ini! ra i%e liabili y o a ach i )u! be e! abli!hed ha re!,onden 6a! )o%ed by bad #ai h, di!hone! y, ha red or !o)e o her )o i%e& $ad #ai h doe! no !i),ly conno e bad judg)en or negligenceC i i),u e! a di!hone! ,ur,o!e or !o)e )oral obli>ui y and con!ciou! doing o# a 6rongC a breach o# a !6orn du y hrough !o)e )o i%e or in en or ill=6illC i ,ar a?e! o# he na ure o# #raud& I con e),la e! a ! a e o# )ind a##ir)a i%ely o,era ing 6i h #ur i%e de!ign or !o)e )o i%e o# !el#=in ere! or ill=6ill #or ul erior ,ur,o!e!& E%iden bad #ai h conno e! a )ani#e! delibera e in en on he ,ar o# he accu!ed o do 6rong or cau!e da)age& 84

In he ca!e a bar, he record doe! no !ho6 ha re!,onden judge 6a! )o%ed by ill=6ill or bad #ai h in rendering he ad%er!e judg)en , or ha hi! ruling 6a! )ani#e! ly unju! & Co),lainan ha! no , in #ac , adduced any ,roo# o !ho6 ha i),ro,rie y a ended he i!!uance o# he !ubjec deci!ion& To rei era e, bad #ai h i! no ,re!u)ed and he 6ho allege! he !a)e ha! he onu! o# ,ro%ing i &
LIABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS; JUDGES MAY NOT BE HELD LIABLE ADMINISTRATIVELY RESPONSIBLE FOR EVERY ERROR OR MISTAKE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES. GERR5 7A*CIAN .&- SAL;ACION B- ESPINAS
0A-+- No- RT760161>91/ +!" 3/ 20024
PANGANIBAN/ 78 FACTS8 Co),lainan , a! lo!ing )ayoral candida e #or he Munici,ali y o# *araga, Albay, in he
May 00, 0223 local elec ion!, #iled a ,e i ion, da ed May 99, 0223, deno)ina ed a! an <elec ion ,ro e! andDor re%i!ionDrecoun ing o# %o e!,< on he ground ha #raud and ano)alie! 6ere allegedly co))i ed during he a#ore!aid local elec ion!, bo h in he cour!e o# %o ing and during he coun ing and abula ion o# he ballo !, o hi! ,rejudice& Ee ,rayed #or he i!!uance o# an order direc ing he re%i!ion or recoun ing o# he ballo ! in he con e! ed 008 ,recinc ! a! enu)era ed in hi! ,e i ion, he nulli#ica ion and !e ing a!ide o# he ,rocla)a ion o# Wil!on Ande! a! )ayor, and hi! o6n ,rocla)a ion a! )ayor& La er, re!,onden judge i!!ued he a!!ailed Order, da ed March 3, 0222 6hich con ained a #inding ha <only hir een 4075 ballo boxe! 6ere #ound 6ell !u,,or ed o 6arran he a,,ro%al o# he relie# being !ough by he ,ro e! an & Co),lainan a!!er ! ha re!,onden judge !hould ha%e ordered a re%i!ion o# he ballo ! in all he ,recinc ! alleged in he Co),lain , ,ur!uan o -ec ion 9AA o# he O)nibu! Elec ion Code& To ju! i#y her March 3, 0222 Order direc ing a ,ar ial re%i!ion o# he ballo !, re!,onden ci e! The K,da ed Elec ion Code o# he Phili,,ine! a! )odi#iedDa)ended&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he re!,onden judge can be held ad)ini! ra i%ely liable #or gro!!
ignorance o# he la6&
,ELD8 5ES& "udge! )ay be held ad)ini! ra i%ely liable #or gro!! ignorance o# he la6 6hen i
i! !ho6n ha I )o i%a ed by bad #ai h, #raud, di!hone! y or corru, ion I hey ignored, con radic ed or #ailed o a,,ly !e led la6 and juri!,rudence& In hi! ca!e, re!,onden <! Order on a %ery ba!ic !ubjec 6a! ,a en ly erroneou!& 0; Eer #ailure o ob!er%e he re>uire)en ! ,re!cribed by he O)nibu! Elec ion Code #or an elec ion ,ro e! i! inexcu!able& .ir! , he !aid Code oo? e##ec on *ece)ber 7, 023A, long be#ore he 0223 elec ion!& -econd, he e%idence !ho6! ha !he ac ed in bad #ai h& "udge! )ay no be held liable ad)ini! ra i%ely re!,on!ible #or e%ery error or )i! a?e in he ,er#or)ance o# heir du ie!C o her6i!e, ha 6ould )a?e heir ,o!i ion unbearable& To )eri di!ci,linary !anc ion, he error or )i! a?e )u! be gro!! or ,a en , )aliciou!, delibera e, or in bad #ai h& In he ab!ence o# ,roo# o he con rary, a de#ec i%e or erroneou! deci!ion or order i! ,re!u)ed o ha%e been i!!ued in good #ai h&
LIABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS; GOOD FAITH IS ALWAYS PRESUMED UNLESS CONVINCING EVIDENCE TO THE CONTRARY IS ADDUCED. ANDRADE .&- CO*RT OF APPEALS
0G-R- No- 12:332/ Dece$(er :/ 20014
DE LEON 7R/ 78 FACTS8 On "uly ;, 02:0, ,e i ioner 6a! a,,oin ed a! ,er)anen eacher in he *i%i!ion o# Ci y
-chool!, Manila& -he 6a! ini ially a!!igned a! Engli!h eacher a he Araullo Eigh -chool, Manila& On "une 08, 023A, 6o 495 day! be#ore he o,ening o# cla!!e! #or he !chool year 023A=023;, ,e i ioner 6a! no gi%en any eaching load& 85

In an indor!e)en da ed "uly 71, 023A, addre!!ed o -u,erin enden Coronel, ,ri%a e re!,onden Wing!ing ci ed hree 475 rea!on! 6hy ,e i ioner Andrade 6a! no gi%en any eaching load: 405 dra! ic dro, o# enroll)en C 495 !he 6a! declared an exce!! eacherC and 475 !he ran?ed lo6e! in her ,er#or)ance ra ing& Eence, on Augu! 99, 023A, -u,erin enden Coronel in#or)ed he ,e i ioner, hrough ,ri%a e re!,onden Wing!ing, ha he ,e i ioner 6ould be de!igna ed o a non= eaching ,o!i ion in he )ean i)e ha arrange)en ! 6ere being )ade #or her e%en ual rea!!ign)en o o her !chool! 6here her !er%ice! )ay be needed& .eeling aggrie%ed, ,e i ioner #iled an ac ion #or da)age! 6i h )anda ory injunc ion again! ,ri%a e re!,onden *o)inador -& Wing!ing, Engli!h *e,ar )en Eead /irginia E& .er)in and A!!i! an -chool! *i%i!ion -u,erin enden Ar uro .& Coronel be#ore he Regional Trial Cour 4RTC5, Gue(on Ci y& Pe i ioner con end! ha ,ublic re!,onden Cour o# A,,eal! erred in a,,lying he Orcino *oc rine and ha -ec& 70 o# P&*& No& 31:, o her6i!e ?no6n a! he Ci%il -er%ice Co))i!!ion, -ec& ; o# R&A& No& 8;:1, o her6i!e ?no6n a! The Magna Car a #or Public -chool Teacher! and R&A& No& 99;1, a! a)ended !hould be he a,,licable la6!& Pe i ioner a!!er ! ha ,ri%a e re!,onden Wing!ing #ailed o co),ly 6i h he !aid la6! con!idering ha no ,er#or)ance e%alua ion ,lan 6hich can be he ba!i! #or ,er!onal ac ion 6a! e%er ,re!en ed in e%idence o ju! i#y he la er<! ac ion!& Wha 6a! !ho6n 6ere ,er#or)ance ra ing !hee ! and he Cer i#ica ion on he Audi o# Teacher!, allegedly ,re,ared by ,e i ioner<! co= eacher! and ,er!onnel #ro) he O##ice o# he Re!earch and E%alua ion -er%ice!, 6hich ,e i ioner Andrade did no con#or) o nor !ign& Pe i ioner al!o doub ! he %eraci y o# ,ri%a e re!,onden Wing!ing<! clai) ha here 6a! a reduc ion o# cla!!e! #or he !chool year 023A=023; a! rea!on #or her being declared a! an exce!! eacher !ince Araullo Eigh -chool e%en hired hree 475 )ore ne6 eacher! ha !chool year& To under!core her clai) ha !he had been !ingled ou , ,e i ioner a!!er ! ha , con rary o he declara ion o# re!,onden Wing!ing, here 6a! no o her ,er!on declared a! an exce!! eacher in Araullo Eigh -chool #or ha !chool year&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no ,ri%a e re!,onden i! liable #or da)age!& ,ELD8 NO& BE%ery ,er!on )u! , in he exerci!e o# hi! righ ! and in he ,er#or)ance o# hi!
du ie!, ac 6i h ju! ice, gi%e e%eryone hi! due, and ob!er%e hone! y and good #ai h&B The ele)en ! o# abu!e o# one<! righ ! under he !aid Ar icle 02 4Ne6 Ci%il Code5 are he #ollo6ing: 405 here i! a legal righ or du yC 495 6hich i! exerci!ed in bad #ai hC 475 #or he !ole in en o# ,rejudicing or injuring ano her& In hi! regard, i a,,eared ha he co),lain o# ,e i ioner Andrade #ailed o )ee he !econd and hird re>uire)en !& Wing!ing 6a! no a all dic a ed by 6hi) or #ancy, nor o# !,i e again! he ,e i ioner bu 6a! ra her guided by he #ollo6ing #ac or!: >uali#ica ion o each, !eniori y, eaching ,er#or)ance and a i ude o6ard! he !chool co))uni y& .or 6o 495 con!ecu i%e year! ,e i ioner recei%ed an un!a i!#ac ory ra ing, he lo6e! , #ro) 6o 495 Engli!h *e,ar )en Eead!, na)ely: Eer)inia /alde( and /irginia .er)in& Pe i ioner ?ne6 abou her ,oor ra ing, bu !he re#u!ed o ac?no6ledge i & -he did no >ue! ion nor con e! he !a)e& Con rary o he clai) o# ,e i ioner, here 6ere no ne6 eacher! hired ha !chool year in Araullo Eigh -choolC ra her, exi! ing !ub! i u e eacher! 6ere )erely gi%en ,er)anen de!igna ion or a!!igned ne6 !ubjec !, !igni#ican ly, ,rior o he eacher!< audi or o he declara ion o# exce!! eacher! on "uly 9:, 023A& En renched i! he rule ha bad #ai h doe! no !i),ly conno e bad judg)en or negligenceC i i),u e! a di!hone! ,ur,o!e or !o)e )oral obli>ui y and con!ciou! doing o# a 6rongC a breach o# !6orn du y hrough !o)e )o i%e or in en or ill 6illC i ,ar a?e! o# he na ure o# #raud& In he ca!e a bar, 6e #ind ha here 6a! no Bdi!hone! ,ur,o!e,B or B!o)e )oral obli>ui y,B or Bcon!ciou! doing o# a 6rong,B or Bbreach o# a ?no6n du y,B or B!o)e )o i%e or in ere! or ill 6illB ha can be a ribu ed o he ,ri%a e re!,onden & I a,,eared ha e##or ! o acco))oda e ,e i ioner 6ere )ade a! !he 6a! o##ered o handle 6o 495 non= eaching job!, ha i!, o handle *e%elo,)en al Reading le!!on! and be an a!!i! an Librarian, ,ending her re= a!!ign)en or ran!#er o ano her 6or? ! a ion, bu !he re#u!ed& The !a)e 6ould no ha%e been ,ro,o!ed i# he in en ion o# ,ri%a e re!,onden 6ere o cau!e undue hard!hi, on he ,e i ioner& 'ood #ai h i! al6ay! ,re!u)ed unle!! con%incing e%idence o he con rary i! adduced& I i! incu)ben u,on he ,ar y alleging bad #ai h o !u##icien ly ,ro%e !uch allega ion& Ab!en enough ,roo# hereo#, he ,re!u), ion o# good #ai h ,re%ail!& In he ca!e a bar, he burden o# ,ro%ing alleged bad #ai h here#ore 6a! 6i h ,e i ioner bu !he #ailed o di!charge !uch onu! ,robandi& 86

Wi hou a clear and ,er!ua!i%e e%idence o# bad #ai h, he ,re!u), ion o# good #ai h in #a%or o# ,ri%a e re!,onden ! and!& A! ex,lained by ,ayroll cler? Aida -oli)an, ,e i ioner<! na)e 6a! no dele ed #ro) he regular )on hly ,ayroll bu )erely ran!#erred o he la! ,age o# he roll !ince !he #ailed o !ub)i her .or) 83 or *aily Ti)e Record 4*TR5 !hee on i)e&
LIABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS; WITHDRAWAL OF A COMPLAINT OR SUBSEQUENT DESISTANCE BY THE COMPLAINANT IN AN ADMINISTRATIVE CASE DOES NOT NECESSARILY WARRANT ITS DISMISSAL. ISAGANI RIZON .&- 7*DGE OSCAR E- ZERNA
0A-+- No- RT7600612:2/ Septe$(er 1:/ 20014
?AP*NAN/ 78 FACTS8 Co),lainan Ri(on #iled an elec ion ,ro e! be#ore he RTC ,re!ided by re!,onden
"udge Qerna& Co),lainan con e! ed he elec ion o# ,ro e! ee Ong #or he ,o!i ion o# Mayor o# he Munici,ali y o# $aroy, Lanao del Nor e, he la er ha%ing been ,roclai)ed a! 6inner in he May 00, 0223 elec ion!& On No%e)ber 99, 0223, he ,ar ie! !ub)i ed he ca!e #or deci!ion bu he ca!e had re)ained undecided 6i hin hree 475 )on h! a# er i ! !ub)i!!ion& On .ebruary 9;, 0223 co),lainan #iled a BMo ion o Render Early *eci!ion,B 6hich according o co),lainan , #ell on Bdea# ear!&B Co),lainan hu! #iled an a##ida%i =co),lain be#ore hi! Cour charging re!,onden 6i h B6ill#ul, delibera e, and )aliciou! delay in rendering he deci!ion&B K,on e%alua ion o# he co),lain and re!,onden "udge<! co))en here o, he OCA !ub)i ed a re,or o hi! Cour #inding he judge guil y o# gro!! ine##iciency, he delay in he di!,o!i ion o# he ca!e being inexcu!able& The re,or ! a ed, a)ong o her hing!, ha : R"udge Qerna ha! a hi! ory o# delay in deciding ca!e!, he #ailed o render deci!ion 6i hin he nine y 4215 day ,eriod and o accordingly render deci!ion in 6en y 6o 4995 cri)inal ca!e!, !e%en een 40:5 ci%il ca!e!, #i%e 4A5 cri)inal and nine 425 ci%il ca!e! a,,ealed #ro) he lo6er cour !, and o her ,ending )a er! in #our 485 ca!e!C o a?e a,,ro,ria e ac ion #or he early re!olu ion o# 6en y eigh 4935 o her ca!e!C o a?e #ur her ac ion on hir y 6o 4795 o her! 6hich he #ailed o ac on or !e in he cour calendar a# er he la,!e o# con!iderable leng h o# i)eC and o ac on 6en y hree 4975 o her ca!e! ha could already be archi%ed&O Pending re!olu ion o# hi! ca!e, co),lainan #iled be#ore he -u,re)e Cour an A##ida%i o# *e!i! ance, ! a ing ha Ba# er care#ul delibera ion,B he #ound ha he ca!e Bdoe! no )eri #ur her ,ro!ecu ion&B Co),lainan in#or)ed he Cour ha he i! Bno longer in ere! ed in ,ur!uing he co),lain &B
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he A##ida%i o# *e!i! ance #iled by he co),lainan can ab!ol%e he
re!,onden #ro) liabili y&
,ELD8 NO- Co),lainan <! de!i! ance canno ab!ol%e re!,onden #ro) liabili y& In -no/as# ,r.
vs. .acott# ,r., 6e !aid: RTo begin 6i h, 6i hdra6al o# a co),lain or !ub!e>uen de!i! ance by he co),lainan in an ad)ini! ra i%e ca!e doe! no nece!!arily 6arran i ! di!)i!!al& Ad)ini! ra i%e ac ion! canno de,end on he 6ill or ,lea!ure o# he co),lainan 6ho )ay, #or rea!on! o# hi! o6n, condone 6ha )ay be de e! able& Nei her can he Cour be bound by he unila eral ac o# he co),lainan in a )a er rela ing o i ! di!ci,linary ,o6er& The Cour doe! no di!)i!! ad)ini! ra i%e ca!e! again! )e)ber! o# he $ench )erely on he ba!i! o# 6i hdra6al o# he charge!& *e!i! ance canno di%e! he Cour o# i ! juri!dic ion o in%e! iga e and decide he co),lain again! he re!,onden & To be !ure, ,ublic in ere! i! a ! a?e in he conduc and ac ua ion o# o##icial! and e),loyee! o# he judiciary& And he ,rogra) and e##or ! o# hi! Cour in i),ro%ing he deli%ery o# ju! ice o he ,eo,le !hould no be #ru! ra ed and ,u o naugh by ,ri%a e arrange)en ! be 6een he ,ar ie!&O
LIABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS; IN THE ABSENCE OF SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE, ANDMINISTRATIVE LIABILITY COULD NOT BE BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF COMMAND RESPONSIBILITY.
87

ANTONIO G- PRINCIPE .&- FACT6FINDING AND INTELLIGENCE B*REA* EFFIBF/ OFFICE OF T,E O+B*DS+AN
0G-R- No- 1923:3/ 7! u!r" 23/ 20024
PARDO/ 78 FACTS8 On .ebruary 02, 0220, hen Ci y Mayor o# An i,olo Ci y, *aniel -& 'arcia, endor!ed
he Philja! Cor,ora ion o he Eou!ing and Land K!e Regula ory $oard 4ELKR$5 #or he crea ion, de%elo,)en and !ale o# lo ! o# he Cherry Eill! -ubdi%i!ion 4CE-5 loca ed in he abo%e= )en ioned ci y& Therea# er, Philja! 6a! i!!ued di##eren ,er)i ! and docu)en ! #or ,ur,o!e! o# ,roceeding 6i h he ,rojec & E%en ually, a -)all -cale Mining Per)i 4--MP5 6a! i!!ued o Philja! o ex rac and re)o%e 01,111 cu& Me er! o# #illing )a erial! #ro) he area 6here he ,ro,o!ed !ubdi%i!ion i! o be con! ruc ed& Eo6e%er, ano her re!,onden 4in he CA ca!e5 in#or)ed Philja! ha CE- i! 6i hin he EI- -y! e) and a! !uch )u! !ecure ECC #ro) he *ENR& -ub!e>uen ly, Philja! a,,lied #or an ECC ,er)i & K,on he reco))enda ion o# one o# he !ubordina e! o# herein ,e i ioner, he la er a,,ro%ed Philja!F! a,,lica ion #or an ECC ,er)i & The ,e i ioner a,,ro%ed he !a)e ba!ed #ro) he In!,ec ion Re,or conduc ed by ,e i ionerF! !ubordina e!& The O)bud!)an rendered a deci!ion #inding he ,e i ioner Princi,e ad)ini! ra i%ely liable #or 'ro!! Neglec o# *u y and i),o!ed u,on hi) he ,enal y o# di!)i!!al #ro) o##ice& The CA a##ir)ed he O)bud!)anF! deci!ion& Eence, hi! ,e i ion&
ISS*E8
Whe her or no he O)bud!)an )ay di!)i!! ,e i ioner #ro) he !er%ice on an ad)ini! ra i%e charge #or gro!! neglec o# du y, ini ia ed, in%e! iga ed and decided by he O)bud!)an hi)!el# 6i hou !ub! an ial e%idence o !u,,or hi! #inding! o# gro!! neglec o# du y becau!e he du y o )oni or and in!,ec he ,rojec 6a! no %e! ed in he ,e i ioner&
,ELD8 NO& *AO 73=0221 !,eci#ically ,oin ! ou he #unc ion! o# he o##ice a ached o he
,e i ioner and no6here in i can be #ound he la erF! re!,on!ibili y o# )oni oring hou!ing and land de%elo,)en ,rojec !& The O)bud!)an, 6i hou a?ing in o con!idera ion he la6#ully )anda ed du ie! and #unc ion! a ached o ,e i ionerF! ,o!i ion, i))edia ely concluded ha a! he !igning and a,,ro%ing au hori y o# he ECC i!!ued o Philja!, i 6a! incu)ben u,on he ,e i ioner o conduc ac ual )oni oring and en#orce ! ric co),liance 6i h he er)! o# he ECC& Eence, ho6 could ,e i ioner be guil y o# neglec ing a du y, 6hich i! no e%en hi! o begin 6i hT Ad)ini! ra i%e liabili y could no be ba!ed on he #ac ha ,e i ioner 6a! he ,er!on 6ho !igned and a,,ro%ed he ECC, 6i hou ,roo# o# ac ual ac or o)i!!ion con! i u ing neglec o# du y& In he ab!ence o# !ub! an ial e%idence o# gro!! neglec o# ,e i ioner, ad)ini! ra i%e liabili y could no be ba!ed on he ,rinci,le o# co))and re!,on!ibili y& The negligence o# he ,e i ionerF! !ubordina e! i! no an a)oun o hi! o6n negligence& I 6a! no 6i hin he )anda ed re!,on!ibili ie! o# ,e i ioner o conduc ac ual )oni oring o# ,rojec !& The ,rinci,le! go%erning ,ublic o##icer! under he Re%i!ed Ad)ini! ra i%e Code o# 023: clearly ,ro%ide ha a head o# a de,ar )en or a !u,erior o##icer !hall no be ci%illy liable #or he 6rong#ul ac !, o)i!!ion! o# du y, negligence, or )i!#ea!ance o# hi! !ubordina e!, unle!! he ha! ac ually au hori(ed by 6ri en order he !,eci#ic ac or )i!conduc co),lained o#&
LIABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS; ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENSES DO NOT PRESCRIBE. FLORIA .&- S*NGA
0A-+- NO- CA6016106P 1/ No.e$(er 19/ 20014
SANDO;AL6G*TIERREZ/ 78 FACTS8 Thi! i! a )o ion #or recon!idera ion #or an ad)ini! ra i%e ca!e #iled again! Alda .loria
by her #ello6 e),loyee! in he Cour o# A,,eal!, 6hich 6a! ,re%iou!ly di!)i!!ed by hi! Cour & -aid .loria 6a! co),lained #or i))orali y #or ha%ing an illici rela ion!hi, 6i h a )arried )an, #or #al!i#ica ion #or a),ering her childrenF! bir h cer i#ica e! 6i h a legi i)a e ! a u!, and #or )i!re,re!en a ion by clai)ing ha !he earned a Ma! eralF! *egree& The ,rior ca!e 6a!
88

di!)i!!ed on he ground ha he illici rela ion!hi, 6a! ongoing and he ,re!ence o# ill )o i%e on he ,ar o# he co),lainan !&
ISS*E8 *oe! he #ac ha he o##en!e 6a! no longer exi! ing excul,a e a ,er!on #ro) an
ad)ini! ra i%e co),lain T
,ELD8 NO& Ad)ini! ra i%e o##en!e! do no ,re!cribe& I bear! ! re!!ing ha i i! no in

accordance 6i h he nor)! o# )orali y #or a 6o)an, e%en i# !ingle, o )ain ain an illici rela ion!hi, 6i h a )arried )an& E%en i# !uch rela ion!hi, had ended, he ! ig)a o# i))orali y ! ill a ache! o he ,ar ie!, e!,ecially he 6o)an& Thi! i! !,ecially !o 6hen he ,er!on! concerned are ,ublic e),loyee! 6ho are !u,,o!ed o )ain ain a high ! andard o# )orali y in order o li%e u, o heir role a! )odel! in !ocie y& The #ac ha he illici rela ion!hi, ha! cea!ed 6ill only )i iga e her cul,abili y& Thi! Cour de)and! ha e%ery e),loyee o# he judiciary )u! adhere o he exac ing ! andard! o# hone! y, in egri y, )orali y, and decency in hi! ,ro#e!!ional and ,er!onal conduc , hu!: BE%ery e),loyee o# he judiciary !hould be an exa),le o# in egri y, u,righ ne!! and hone! y& Li?e any ,ublic !er%an , he )u! exhibi he highe! !en!e o# hone! y and in egri y no only in he ,er#or)ance o# hi! o##icial du ie! bu in hi! ,er!onal and ,ri%a e dealing! 6i h o her ,eo,le, o ,re!er%e he cour <! good na)e and ! anding&O I canno be o%er! re!!ed ha he i)age o# a cour o# ju! ice i! )irrored in he conduc , o##icial and o her6i!e, o# he ,er!onnel 6ho 6or?ed herea , #ro) he judge o he lo6e! o# i ! ,er!onnel& Cour ,er!onnel ha%e been enjoined o adhere o he exac ing ! andard! o# )orali y and decency in heir ,ro#e!!ional and ,ri%a e conduc in order o ,re!er%e he good na)e and in egri y o# he cour ! o# ju! ice&
RIGHTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS

RIGHTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS; NO ONE CAN BE SAID TO HAVE ANY VESTED RIGHT IN AN OFFICE OR ITS SALARY; EXCEPTION. B*?LOD NG ?AWANING EIIB .&- E@EC*TI;E SECRETAR5
0G-R- No- 192=016=02/ 7u'" 10/ 20014
SANDO;AL6G*TIERREZ/ 78 FACTS8 On 71 "une 023:, #or)er Pre!iden Cora(on C& A>uino i!!ued Execu i%e Order 4EO5
No& 09:7 e! abli!hing he Econo)ic In elligence and In%e! iga ion $ureau 4EII$5 a! ,ar o# he ! ruc ural organi(a ion o# he *e,ar )en o# .inance& I 6a! )ade a! he agency o# ,ri)ary re!,on!ibili y #or an i !)uggling o,era ion! in all land area! and inland 6a er! and 6a er6ay! ou !ide he area! o# !ole juri!dic ion o# he $ureau o# Cu! o)!& On : "anuary 9111, )o i%a ed by he #ac ha R he de!igna ed #unc ion! o# he EII$ are al!o being ,er#or)ed by he o her exi! ing agencie! o# he go%ern)en O and ha R here i! a need o con! an ly )oni or he o%erla,,ing #unc ion!O a)ong he!e agencie!, #or)er Pre!iden "o!e,h E! rada i!!ued EO No&0200 ordering he deac i%a ion o# EII$ and he ran!#er o# i ! #unc ion! o he $ureau o# Cu! o)! and he Na ional $ureau o# In%e! iga ion& On 92 March 9111, #or)er Pre!iden E! rada i!!ued EO No& 9979 ,ro%iding ha all EII$ ,er!onnel occu,ying ,o!i ion! !,eci#ied herein !hall be dee)ed !e,ara ed #ro) he !er%ice e##ec i%e 71 A,ril 9111, ,ur!uan o a bona #ide reorgani(a ion re!ul ing o aboli ion, redundancy, )erger, di%i!ion or con!olida ion o# ,o!i ion!& Pe i ioner!, 6ho #or he)!el%e! and in behal# o# o her! 6i h 6ho) hey !hare a co))on or general in ere! , #iled he in! an ,e i ion !ee?ing he nulli#ica ion o# EO No!& 0200 and 9979 ba!ed on he ground! ,re!en ed a! i!!ue! belo6&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he a!!ailed EO! %iola e he righ o !ecuri y o# enure& ,ELD8 NO& No hing i! be er !e led in our la6 han ha he aboli ion o# an o##ice 6i hin he
co),e ence o# a legi i)a e body done in good #ai h !u##er! #ro) no in#ir)i y& /alid aboli ion o# o##ice! i! nei her re)o%al nor !e,ara ion o# he incu)ben !& 89

In Dario v. &ison, i 6a! ruled ha Rreorgani(a ion! in hi! juri!dic ion ha%e been regarded a! %alid ,ro%ided hey are ,ur!ued in good #ai h& A! a general rule, a reorgani(a ion i! carried ou in Sgood #ai hF i# i i! #or he ,ur,o!e o# econo)y or o )a?e bureaucracy )ore e##icien & In ha e%en , no di!)i!!al 4in ca!e o# di!)i!!al5 or !e,ara ion ac ually occur! becau!e he ,o!i ion i !el# cea!e! o exi! & And in ha ca!e, !ecuri y o# enure 6ould no be a Chine!e 6all& $e ha a! i )ay, i# he Saboli ion,F 6hich i! no hing el!e bu a !e,ara ion or re)o%al, i! done #or he ,oli ical rea!on! or ,ur,o!ely o de#ea !ecuri y o# enure, o her6i!e no in good #ai h, no %alid aboli ion a?e! ,lace and 6ha e%er aboli ion done i! %oid ab ini io& There i! an in%alid aboli ion a! 6here here i! )erely a change o# no)encla ure o# ,o!i ion! or 6here clai)! o# econo)y are belied by he exi! ence o# a),le #und!&O Indeed, here i! no !uch hing a! an ab!olu e righ o hold o##ice& Exce, con! i u ional o##ice! 6hich ,ro%ide #or !,ecial i))uni y a! regard! !alary and enure, no one can be !aid o ha%e any %e! ed righ in an o##ice or i ! !alary&
RIGHTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS; DISTINCTION AMONG EMPLOYEES MUST BE BASED ON SUBSTANTIAL DISTINCTIONS. CR*Z/ et/ !'- .&- CO++ISSION ON A*DIT
0G-R- No- 139:90/ Octo(er 23/ 20014
PARDO/ 78 FACTS8 -ince 02;7, he -ugar Regula ory Ad)ini! ra ion 4-RA5, a go%ern)en o6ned
cor,ora ion, ado, ed %ariou! re!olu ion! gran ing he ,ay)en o# !ocial a)eliora ion bene#i ! 4-A$5 o all i ! e),loyee!, !ourced #ro) cor,ora e #und!& In May 0228, he Re!iden Audi or o# he Co))i!!ion on Audi 4COA5 in he -RA, "uani a /illaro!a exa)ined he accoun ! o# he -RA& Pur!uan o -ec ion 09 o# R&A& ;:A3, 6hich ,ro%ide! ha R!uch o her addi ional co),en!a ion, 6he her in ca!h or in ?ind, being recei%ed by he incu)ben ! only a! o# 0 "uly 0232, no in egra ed in o he ! andardi(ed ra e! !hall con inue o be au hori(ed,O /illaro!a >ue! ioned he legali y o# he ,ay)en o# he -A$ o all e),loyee! o# he -RA& In a le er da ed 9; -e, e)ber 0228, he *e,ar )en o# $udge and Manage)en 4*$M5 ruled ha he gran o# he -A$ had no legal ba!i! and 6a! in %iola ion o# R&A& ;:A3& Accordingly, he audi or !u!,ended he ,ay)en o# -A$ o -RA e),loyee!& The -RA Ad)ini! ra or #iled a le er 6i h he COA re>ue! ing he li# ing o# he !u!,en!ion& In he )ean i)e, he a##ec ed -RA e),loyee! a,,ealed o he O##ice o# he Pre!iden #or he con inued gran o# -A$& The COA denied he re>ue! #or he li# ing o# !u!,en!ion o# ,ay)en o# -A$, clai)ing ha u,on he e##ec i%i y o# R&A& ;:A3 4on 0 "uly 02325, he gran o# he -A$ 6a! no longer allo6ed unle!! here 6a! a ,rior au hori y #ro) he *$M or O##ice o# he Pre!iden or a legi!la i%e i!!uance& On 00 May 022;, he O##ice o# he Pre!iden , hrough Execu i%e -ecre ary Ruben Torre!, i!!ued a 0! Indor!e)en , gran ing ,o! #ac o a,,ro%alDra i#ica ion o# he -A$ o -RA e),loyee!& On he ba!i! hereo#, -RA #iled a )o ion #or recon!idera ion 6i h he COA #or he li# ing o# he !u!,en!ion o# ,ay)en o# -A$ o i ! e),loyee!& COA allo6ed he ,ay)en o# -A$ o -RA e),loyee! bu only o ho!e hired be#ore 70 Oc ober 0232& O her e),loyee! re)ained no en i led o !aid bene#i !&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no COA gra%ely abu!ed i ! di!cre ion in denying -A$ o -RA e),loyee!
hired be#ore 70 Oc ober 0232&
,ELD8 5ES- The cla!!i#ica ion o# COA a! o 6ho 6ere en i led o he -A$ and excluding
here#ro) ho!e e),loyee! hired a# er 70 Oc ober 0232, ha! no legal ba!i!& The da e o# hiring o# an e),loyee canno be con!idered a! a !ub! an ial di! inc ion& The e),loyee!, ba!ed on he i le or ,o!i ion hey 6ere holding, 6ere ex,o!ed o he !a)e y,e o# 6or?, regardle!! o# he da e hey 6ere hired& The da e o# hiring i! no a)ong he #ac or! ha !hall be a?en in o con!idera ion in #ixing co),en!a ion or gran ing o# bene#i !& R&A& ;:A3, -ec ion 9 ,ro%ide!, hu!: R-ec& 9& - a e)en o# Policy& U I i! hereby declared he ,olicy o# he - a e o ,ro%ide e>ual ,ay #or !ub! an ially e>ual 6or? and o ba!e di##erence! in ,ay u,on !ub! an i%e di##erence! in du ie! and re!,on!ibili ie!, and >uali#ica ion re>uire)en ! o# he ,o!i ion!& xxxO E%iden ly, any di! inc ion a)ong e),loyee! )u! be ba!ed on !ub! an ial di##erence!, ha i!, le%el or ran?, degree o# 90

di##icul y and a)oun o# 6or?& To di!cri)ina e again! !o)e e),loyee! on he ba!i! !olely o# he da e o# hiring i! o run again! he ,rogre!!i%e and !ocial ,olicy o# he la6&
RIGHTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS; THOSE WHO SIT AS ALTERNATES FOR DEPARTMENT SECRETARIES ARE LIKEWISE PROHIBITED FROM RECEIVING ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION. DELA CR*Z/ et !'- .&- CO++ISSION ON A*DIT
0G-R- No- 13=9=3/ No.e$(er 23/ 20014
SANDO;AL6G*TIERREZ/ 78 FACTS8 On -e, e)ber 02, 022:, he COA i!!ued Me)orandu) No& 2:=173 direc ing all uni
head!Daudi or!D ea) leader! o# he na ional go%ern)en agencie! and go%ern)en =o6ned and con rolled cor,ora ion! 6hich ha%e e##ec ed ,ay)en o# any #or) o# addi ional co),en!a ion or re)unera ion o cabine !ecre arie!, heir de,u ie! and a!!i! an !, or heir re,re!en a i%e!, in %iola ion o# he rule on )ul i,le ,o!i ion!, o 4a5 i))edia ely cau!e he di!allo6ance o# !uch addi ional co),en!a ion or re)unera ion gi%en o and recei%ed by he concerned o##icial!, and 4b5 e##ec he re#und o# he !a)e #ro) he i)e o# he #inali y o# he -u,re)e Cour En $anc *eci!ion in he con!olida ed ca!e! o# Civil 'iberties *nion vs. -3ecutive Secretary and Anti4.raft 'eague of the Philippines# Inc# et al. vs. Secretary of Agrarian $efor2# et al.# ,ro)ulga ed on .ebruary 99, 0220& The COA Me)orandu) #ur her ! a ed ha he !aid -u,re)e Cour *eci!ion, 6hich beca)e #inal and execu ory on Augu! 02, 0220, declared Execu i%e Order No& 938 uncon! i u ional in!o#ar a! i allo6! Cabine )e)ber!, heir de,u ie! and a!!i! an ! o hold o her o##ice!, in addi ion o heir ,ri)ary o##ice!, and o recei%e co),en!a ion here#or& Pe i ioner!, hrough hen Chair)an *ioni!io C& *ela -erna o# he NEA $oard o# *irec or!, a,,ealed #ro) he No ice o# *i!allo6ance o he Co))i!!ion on Audi ba!ed on he #ollo6ing ground!: 0& The *eci!ion o# he -u,re)e Cour in Ci%il Liber ie! Knion and An i='ra# League o# he Phili,,ine!, Inc& 6a! clari#ied in he Re!olu ion o# he Cour En $anc on Augu! 0, 0220, in ha he con! i u ional ban again! dual or )ul i,le ,o!i ion! a,,lie! only o he )e)ber! o# he Cabine , heir de,u ie! or a!!i! an !& I doe! no co%er o her a,,oin i%e o##icial! 6i h e>ui%alen ran? or ho!e lo6er han he ,o!i ion o# A!!i! an -ecre aryC and 9& The NEA *irec or! are no -ecre arie!, Knder!ecre arie! or A!!i! an -ecre arie! and ha hey occu,y ,o!i ion! lo6er han he ,o!i ion o# A!!i! an -ecre ary&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no ,e i ioner!, a! )ere al erna e! are en i led o heir re,re!en a ion
allo6ance!&
,ELD8 NO& Pre!iden ial *ecree No& :A: i! he la6 BCrea ing he Na ional Eou!ing Au hori y
and di!!ol%ing he exi! ing hou!ing agencie!, de#ining i ! ,o6er! and #unc ion!, ,ro%iding #und! here#or, and #or o her ,ur,o!e!&B -ec ion : hereo# ,ro%ide!: -ECTION :& $oard o# *irec or!& I The Au hori y !hall be go%erned by a $oard o# *irec or!, hereina# er re#erred o a! he $oard, 6hich !hall be co),o!ed o# he -ecre ary o# Public Wor?!, Tran!,or a ion and Co))unica ion, he *irec or='eneral o# he Na ional Econo)ic and *e%elo,)en Au hori y, he -ecre ary o# .inance, he -ecre ary o# Labor, he -ecre ary o# Indu! ry, he Execu i%e -ecre ary and he 'eneral Manager o# he Au hori y& .ro) a)ong he )e)ber!, he Pre!iden 6ill a,,oin a chair)an& The )e)ber! o# he $oard )ay ha%e heir re!,ec i%e al erna e! 6ho !hall be he o##icial! nex in ran? o he) and 6ho!e ac ! !hall be con!idered he ac ! o# heir ,rinci,al! 6i h he righ o recei%e heir bene#i : Pro%ided, ha in he ab!ence o# he Chair)an, he $oard !hall elec a e),orary ,re!iding o##icer& The ,rohibi ion again! holding dual or )ul i,le o##ice! or e),loy)en under -ec ion 07, Ar icle /II o# he Con! i u ion )u! no , ho6e%er, be con! rued a! a,,lying o ,o! ! occu,ied by he Execu i%e o##icial! !,eci#ied herein 6i hou addi ional co),en!a ion in an ex=o##icio ca,aci y a! ,ro%ided by la6 and a! re>uired by he ,ri)ary #unc ion! o# !aid o##icial!< o##ice& The rea!on i! ha he!e ,o! ! do no co),ri!e any o her o##ice 6i hin he con e),la ion o# he con! i u ional ,rohibi ion bu are ,ro,erly an i),o!i ion o# addi ional du ie! and #unc ion! on !aid o##icial!& 91

I )ay be conceded ha he direc or! concerned occu,y ,o!i ion! lo6er han A!!i! an -ecre ary 6hich )ay exe), he) #ro) he ,rohibi ion 4under5 he doc rine enuncia ed in Civil 'iberties *nion vs. -3ecutive Secretary, !u,ra& Eo6e%er, heir ,o!i ion! are )erely deri%a i%eC hey deri%e heir au hori y a! agen ! o# he au hori y hey are re,re!en ingC heir ,o6er and au hori y i! !ourced #ro) he ,o6er and au hori y o# he cabine )e)ber! hey are !i ing #or& -an! he cabine )e)ber!, hey are non=en i ie!, 6i hou ,o6er and 6i hou ,er!onali y o ac in any )anner 6i h re!,ec o he o##icial ran!ac ion! o# he NEA& The agen or re,re!en a i%e can only %alidly ac and recei%e bene#i ! #or !uch ac ion i# he ,rinci,al au hori y he i! re,re!en ing can legally do !o #or he agen can only do !o )uch a! hi! ,rinci,al can do& The agen can ne%er be larger han he ,rinci,al& I# he ,rinci,al i! ab!olu ely barred #ro) holding any ,o!i ion in and ab!olu ely ,rohibi ed #ro) recei%ing any re)unera ion #ro) he NEA or any go%ern)en agency, #or ha )a er, !o )u! he agen be& Indeed, he 6a er canno ri!e abo%e i ! !ource& -ince he Execu i%e *e,ar )en -ecre arie!, a! ex=o##icio )e)ber! o# he NEA $oard, are ,rohibi ed #ro) recei%ing Bex ra 4addi ional5 co),en!a ion, 6he her i be in he #or) o# a ,er die) or an honorariu) or an allo6ance, or !o)e o her !uch eu,he)i!),B i #ollo6! ha ,e i ioner! 6ho !i a! heir al erna e! canno li?e6i!e be en i led o recei%e !uch co),en!a ion& A con rary rule 6ould gi%e ,e i ioner! a be er righ han heir ,rinci,al!&
RIGHTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS; SECURITY OF TENURE DEPENDS UPON THE NATURE OF THE APPOINTMENT WHICH IN TURN DEPENDS UPON THE POSSESSION OF THE REQUISITE ELIGIBILITY. +A- C,ONA +- DI+A5*GA .&- +ARIANO E- BENEDICTO II
0G-R- No- 199123/ 7! u!r" 1>/ 20024
DE LEON/ 7R-/ 78 FACTS8 On Oc ober 9;, 0229, hen -ecre ary o# Public Wor?! and Eigh6ay! "o!e P&
*i)ayuga i!!ued a ,er)anen a,,oin )en in #a%or o# ,e i ioner Chona M& *i)ayuga a! Execu i%e *irec or II o# he Toll Regula ory $oard 4$oard, #or bre%i y5& A! i ! highe! =ran?ing 6or?ing o##icial, he ,e i ioner exerci!ed !u,er%i!ion and con rol o%er he boardF! hree di%i!ion!& -he al!o o%er!a6 he $oardF! $uild=O,era e=Tran!#er 4$OT5 ,rojec !& A he i)e, he ,o!i ion o# Execu i%e *irec or II 6a! no dee)ed ,ar o# he Career Execu i%e -er%ice 4CE-5, ha i! un il "une 8, 0227, 6hen i 6a! included herein& On May 70, 0228, he Ci%il -er%ice Co))i!!ion i!!ued Me)orandu) Circular No& 90, ,ro%iding a)ong o her!, ha Rincu)ben ! o# ,o!i ion! 6hich are declared o be CE- ,o!i ion! are #or he #ir! i)e ,ur!uan o hi! re!olu ion 6ho hold ,er)anen a,,oin )en here o !hall re)ain under ,er)anen ! a u! in heir re!,ec i%e ,o!i ion!& Eo6e%er, u,on ,ro)o ion or ran!#er o o her CE- ,o!i ion!, he!e incu)ben ! !hall be under e),orary ! a u! in !aid ,o!i ion! un il hey >uali#y&O Pe i ioner allege! ha !he had been a !ubjec o# !e%eral ad)ini! ra i%e and cri)inal co),lain ! 6hich 6ere all de!igned o coerce her re)o%al& A! a con!e>uence o# !uch co),lain !, *PWE -ecre ary /igilar i!!ued a #ir! 21=day !u!,en!ion order 6hich 6a! #ollo6ed by ano her 21=day !u!,en!ion i!!ued hi! i)e by Execu i%e -ecre ary Alexander Aguirre& A# er he ex,ira ion o# he la! !u!,en!ion order, ,e i ioner 6a! direc ed by *PWE -ecre ary /igilar o he Legal -er%ice *e,ar )en o a!!i! in he i),le)en a ion o# P&*& 012; 4Na ional $uilding Code o# he Phili,,ine!5& A! a ge! ure o# ,ro e! o !uch order o# he -ecre ary, he ,e i ioner #iled a lea%e o# ab!ence ra her han a!!u)e a ,o!i ion 6hich !he con!idered a! a de)o ion& On -e, e)ber 93, 0223, 6hile !he 6a! on lea%e, ,e i ioner recei%ed a le er #ro) -ecre ary /igilar in#or)ing her ha Pre!iden E! rada had a,,oin ed Mariano $enedic o II a! he ne6 Execu i%e *irec or II o# he $oard& A! a con!e>uence hereo#, ,e i ioner #iled a ,e i ion #or >uo 6arran o be#ore he Cour o# A,,eal! 6hich he la er ribunal di!)i!!ed&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he !ub!e>uen inclu!ion o# he ,e i ionerF! ,o!i ion under he CE6ould au o)a ically >uali#y he la er #or he !aid ,o!i ion e%en in he ab!ence o# he re>uired eligibili y&
,ELD8 NO& The )ere #ac ha a ,o!i ion belong! o a Career -er%ice doe! no au o)a ically
con#er !ecuri y o# enure o i ! occu,an e%en i# he doe! no ,o!!e!! he re>uired >uali#ica ion!& 92

-uch righ 6ill ha%e o de,end on he na ure o# hi! a,,oin )en , 6hich in urn de,end on hi! eligibili y or lac? o# i & A ,er!on 6ho doe! no ha%e he re>ui!i e >uali#ica ion! #or he ,o!i ion canno be a,,oin ed o i in he #ir! ,lace or, only a! an exce, ion o he rule, )ay be a,,oin ed o i )erely in an ac ing ca,aci y in he ab!ence o# a,,ro,ria e eligible!& The a,,oin )en ex ended o hi) canno be !o regarded a! ,er)anen e%en i# i )ay be !o de!igna ed& In he doc rinal ca!e o# Cuevas vs. acal, he Cour e),ha!i(ed 6o 495 !alien ,oin !, o 6i : .ir! , in order o >uali#y an a,,oin )en a! ,er)anen , he a,,oin ee )u! ,o!!e!! he ran? a,,ro,ria e o he ,o!i ion& .ailure in hi! re!,ec 6ill render he a,,oin )en )erely e),orary& -econd, !ecuri y o# enure in he Career Execu i%e -er%ice 4CE-5 i! hu! ac>uired 6i h re!,ec o ran? and no o ,o!i ion& The guaran y o# !ecuri y o# enure o he )e)ber! o# he CE- doe! no ex end o he ,ar icular ,o!i ion! o 6hich hey )ay be a,,oin edIa conce, 6hich i! a,,licable only o #ir! and !econd le%el e),loyee! in he ci%il !er%iceIbu o he ran? o 6hich hey are a,,oin ed by he Pre!iden & The Cour rei era e! he abo%e ,oin ! i# only o !er%e a! a con radi! inc ion o ,e i ionerF! argu)en !& I# a career execu i%e o##icerF! !ecuri y o# enure ,er ain! only o hi! ran? and no o hi! ,o!i ion, 6i h grea er rea!on hen ha ,e i ioner herein, 6ho i! no e%en a CE-O eligible, ha! no !ecuri y o# enure 6i h regard o he ,o!i ion o# Execu i%e *irec or II o# he Toll Regula ory $oard 6hich 6a! earlier cla!!i#ied on "une 8, 0227 a! ,ar o# he CE- or ,rior o he i!!uance o# he C-C Me)o& Circ& No& 90 da ed May 70, 0228& La! ly, and a! correc ly ,oin ed ou by he -olici or='eneral, non=eligible! holding ,er)anen a,,oin )en ! o CE- ,o!i ion! 6ere ne%er )ean o re)ain i))obile in heir ! a u!& O her6i!e, heir lac? o# eligibili y 6ould be a ,re)iu) %e! ing he) 6i h ,er)anency in he CE,o!i ion!, a ,ri%ilege e%en heir eligible coun er,ar do no enjoy&
RIGHTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS; THE EXERCISE OF MANAGEMENT PREROGATIVE BY THE GOVERNMENT CORPORATIONS IS LIMITED BY THE APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF LAW. BA5BA5 WATER DISTRICT .&- CO++ISSSION ON A*DIT
0G-R- No- 19:29=693/ 7! u!r" 23/ 20024
+ENDOZA/ 78 FACTS8 In 022;, he Re!iden Audi or o# he $W* conduc ed an audi o# i ! 0228 accoun !& In
he cour!e o# he audi , he audi or di!allo6ed ,ay)en ! o# ,er die)! in exce!! o# ho!e au hori(ed by he Local Wa er K ili ie! Ad)ini! ra ion 4LWKA5 and P&*& 023, RATA 4re,re!en a ion and ran!,or a ion allo6ance, e c& Re!,onden ! 6ere !er%ed 6i h no ice! o# !uch di!allo6ance&
ISS*ES8
405 Whe her or no )e)ber! o# he $oard o# *irec or! o# 6a er di! ric ! are en i led o recei%e bene#i ! in addi ion o ho!e au hori(ed o be ,aid ,ur!uan o heir char er and he guideline! o# he LWKA& 495 Whe her or no he di!allo6ance o# du,lica ion o# clai)! o# ran!,or a ion allo6ance o# %ariou! $W* e),loyee!, a! 6ell a! he gran o# RATA, rice allo6ance, and exce!!i%e ,er die)! o )e)ber! o# he board o# direc or! o# $W*, 6ould i),air %e! ed righ !, %iola e any rule again! di)inu ion o# bene#i !, and under)ine he )anage)en ,reroga i%e! o# 6a er di! ric !& 475 Whe her or no he $W* o##icer! and e),loyee! are en i led o recei%e bene#i ! in exce!! o# ha au hori(ed by he la6&
,ELD8
405 NO& Pe i ioner! in%o?e he ruling o# hi! Cour in he ca!e! o# 1neebone vs. N'$C, (engco vs. Tra/ano and Philippine Duplicators# Inc. vs. N'$C, o !u,,or heir con en ion ha he ,rohibi ion again! he ,ay)en o# co),en!a ion o her han ,er die)! doe! no include he ,ay)en o# allo6ance! and o her bene#i !& The!e ca!e! are, ho6e%er, no a,,licable& They re#er o exclu!ion )ade by hi! Cour o# allo6ance! and o her bene#i ! #ro) he !alarie! o# e),loyee! in he ,ri%a e !ec or, no o he co),en!a ion o# )e)ber! o# he board o# direc or! o# 6a er di! ric !, 6ho!e righ ! o co),en!a ion, a! already ! a ed, are go%erned by P&*& No& 023& Knder 93

-ec ion 07 o# hi! decree, ,er die) i! ,reci!ely in ended o be he co),en!a ion o# he )e)ber! o# he board o# direc or! o# 6a er di! ric !& Indeed, 6ord! and ,hra!e! in a ! a u e )u! be gi%en heir na ural, ordinary and co))only=acce, ed )eaning, due regard being gi%en o he con ex in 6hich he 6ord! and ,hra!e! are u!ed& $y !,eci#ying he co),en!a ion 6hich a direc or i! en i led o recei%e and by li)i ing he a)oun heD!he i! allo6ed o recei%e in a )on h, and, in he !a)e ,aragra,h, ,ro%iding RNo direc or !hall recei%e o her co),en!a ionO han he a)oun ,ro%ided #or ,er die)!, he la6 >ui e clearly indica e! ha direc or! o# 6a er di! ric ! are au hori(ed o recei%e only he ,er die) au hori(ed by la6 and no o her co),en!a ion or allo6ance in 6ha e%er #or)& R&A& ;:A3, -ec ion 8, !,eci#ically ,ro%ide! ha he -alary - andardi(a ion La6 a,,lie! o R,o!i ion!, a,,oin i%e or elec i%e, on #ull or ,ar = i)e ba!i!, no6 exi! ing or herea# er crea ed in he go%ern)en , including go%ern)en =o6ned or con rolled cor,ora ion! and go%ern)en #inancial in! i u ion!& The ,o!i ion! in hi! ca egory are a!!igned -alary 'rade 0 o -alary 'rade 01& I i! ob%iou! ha he -alary - andardi(a ion La6 doe! no a,,ly o ,e i ioner! becau!e direc or! o# 6a er di! ric ! are in #ac li)i ed o ,olicy=)a?ing and are ,rohibi ed #ro) he )anage)en o# he di! ric !& 495 NO& Pe i ioner! con end ha e%en be#ore hi! Cour declared in Davao City 5ater District vs. Civil Service Co22ission ha 6a er di! ric ! are go%ern)en =o6ned and con rolled cor,ora ion! !ubjec o he juri!dic ion o# he COA, 6a er di! ric ! had already been gran ing addi ional bene#i ! o )e)ber! o# he board o# direc or! 6i h he a,,ro%al o# he LWKA, and o heir o##icer! and e),loyee! and ha hey con inued doing !o a# er he ,ro)ulga ion o# he deci!ion in ha ca!e& Thi! con en ion canno be 6arran ed& The erroneou! a,,lica ion and en#orce)en o# he la6 by ,ublic o##icer! doe! no e! o, he go%ern)en #ro) )a?ing he !ub!e>uen correc ion o# !uch error!& More !,eci#ically, 6here here i! an ex,re!! ,ro%i!ion o# la6 ,rohibi ing he gran o# cer ain bene#i !, he la6 )u! be en#orced e%en i# i ,rejudice! cer ain ,ar ie! due o an error co))i ed by ,ublic o##icial! in gran ing he bene#i !& A! already ! a ed, P&*& no& 023 ex,re!!ly ,rohibi ! he gran o# co),en!a ion o her han he ,ay)en o# ,er die)! a! de er)ined by he LWKA ,ur!uan o P& *& no& 023, o direc or! o# 6a er di! ric !& Prac ice 6i hou )ore, no )a er ho6 long con inued, canno gi%e ri!e o any %e! ed righ i# i i! con rary o la6& The !a)e rule a,,lie! o he o##icer! and e),loyee! o# he $W*& R&A& no& ;;3;, 6hich hen a,,lied, ,ro%ide! ha all go%ern)en ,er!onnel are en i led o a Chri! )a! $onu! o# one )on h ba!ic !alary and addi ional ca!h gi# o# one hou!and ,e!o!& The ca!h gi# gran ed o he $W* )anager #or he year 0228 a)oun ed o P0,A11& The re!iden audi or, here#ore, ,ro,erly di!allo6ed he A11 hereo# a! hi! a)oun 6a! in exce!! o# he au hori(ed by la6& 475 NO& Wi h re!,ec o he o##icer! and e),loyee! o# $W*, i ha! been held ha he er)! and condi ion! o# e),loy)en o# go%ern)en e),loyee! are go%erned by la6& Thu!, he exerci!e o# )anage)en ,reroga i%e by go%ern)en cor,ora ion! are li)i ed by he ,ro%i!ion! o# he la6! a,,licable o he)& The ca!h gi# gran ed o he general )anager a! ,ar o# hi! Chri! )a! bonu! 6a! in exce!! o# ha au hori(ed by R& A& no& ;;3;& I canno be ju! i#ied by he exerci!e o# )anage)en ,reroga i%e a! i i! con rary o la6&
RIGHTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS; TRANSFERS OF OFFICERS AGAINST THEIR WILL AMOUNT TO REMOVAL ONLY IF THEY ARE APPOINTED TO PARTICULAR STATIONS. CRISTINA 7ENN5 CARIHO .&- E@EC- DIR- DA;ID DAOAS
0G-R- No- 199933/ Apri' 3/ 20024
?AP*NAN/ 78 FACTS8 On 0; Augu! 022A, Cri! ina "enny CariMo 6a! a,,oin ed Accoun an III in he O##ice
o# he Nor hern Cul ural Co))uni ie! 4ONCC5, no6 ?no6n a! he Na ional Co))i!!ion #or Indigenou! Peo,le& On 1A No%e)ber 022;, CariMo 6a! rea!!igned by A y& *a%id *aoa!, ONCC Execu i%e *irec or, o he ,o!i ion o# Technical A!!i! an o# he -ocio=Econo)ic *i%i!ion o# he ONCC& CariMo alleged ha her rea!!ign)en 6a! an o##!hoo o# her re#u!al o !ign a *i!bur!e)en /oucher #or he ra%el ex,en!e! o Indone!ia o# ONCC Regional *irec or Ro!alina $i! oyong& -he #ur her alleged ha he ,o!i ion 6a! non=exi! en &
94

On 08 March 022:, CariMo recei%ed a #axed )e)orandu) #ro) $i! oyong direc ing her o re,or o he ONCC Region II o##ice& Therea# er, CariMo #iled an ad)ini! ra i%e co),lain #or 'ra%e Mi!conduc , O,,re!!ion and Conduc Prejudicial o he $e! In ere! o# he -er%ice again! $i! oyong& $i! oyong allegedly a!?ed CariMo a nu)ber o# i)e! o 6i hdra6 he ca!e in exchange #or rein! a e)en o her #or)er ,o!i ion& CariMo re#u!ed 6hereu,on $i! oyong hrea ened o rea!!ign her o he ONCC Region II in Cagayan or in Manila& On 08 A,ril 022:, A y& *aoa! i!!ued a )e)orandu) o ,e i ioner, re,ri)anding her #or her #ailure o re,or a he Region II o##ice, and ! a ing ha !he 6a! con!idered Ab!en Wi hou Lea%e 4AWOL5 !ince 0: March 022:& - ill, CariMo con inued o re,or #or 6or? in Region I e%eryday de!,i e he #ac ha !he 6a! no gi%en any a!!ign)en & On 00 -e, e)ber 022:, he Ci%il -er%ice Co))i!!ion i!!ued Re!olu ion No& 2:=7:A8 di!)i!!ing he a,,eal o# A y& *aoa! and $i! oyong and ordering he) o re urn CariMo o Region I& CariMo re,or ed bac? o 6or? only o be in#or)ed, hrough a )e)orandu), ha he C-C re!olu ion 6a! rendered )oo and acade)ic by her ha%ing been dro,,ed #ro) he roll!& On 00 March 0223, he C-C i!!ued Re!olu ion No& 23=1833 di!)i!!ing CariMo<! a,,eal and a##ir)ing her dro,,ing #ro) he roll!& .ro) hi! Carino a,,ealed o he Cour o# A,,eal!, 6hich denied her ,e i ion #or lac? o# )eri &
ISS*ES8
405 Whe her or no he er)ina ion 6a! %alid& 495 Whe her or no he rea!!ign)en order o# he ,e i ioner ha i! null and %oid, being %iola i%e o# he Con! i u ional righ o !ecuri y o# enure, i),o!e! u,on her he obliga ion o co),ly 6i h i be#ore i i! declared illegalT
,ELD8
405 NO& A! correc ly ! a ed by he Cour o# A,,eal!, he %alidi y o# he rea!!ign)en o# ,e i ioner 6a! already !e led by he ,ronounce)en o# he Ci%il -er%ice Co))i!!ion ha !uch rea!!ign)en 6a! no %alid and ha !he could no be ran!#erred o ano her region 6i hou her con!en & I i! rue ha he ran!#er or de ail o# a ,ublic o##icer or e),loyee i! a ,reroga i%e o# he a,,oin ing au hori y and ha i can be done a! he exigencie! o# he ,ublic !er%ice )ay re>uire& A! !uch, hi! Cour in a nu)ber o# ca!e! allo6ed he rea!!ign)en o# ,er!onnel bu in !uch in! ance!, hey 6ere no a,,oin ed o a !,eci#ic ! a ion or ,ar icular uni or agency& The rule ,ro!cribe! ran!#er! 6i hou con!en o# o##icer! a,,oin ed I no )erely a!!igned I o a ,ar icular ! a ion, !uch a! in he ca!e o# herein ,e i ioner 6ho 6a! a,,oin ed a! Accoun an III in Region I& Eence, !he could no be rea!!igned o ano her ! a ion or region 6i hou her con!en & O her6i!e, he uncon!en ed ran!#er 6ould a)oun o a re)o%al& 495 NO& Pe i ioner i! hu! ju! i#ied in no heeding her rea!!ign)en order becau!e her ba!i! 6a! no her B#ir) belie#B ha her ran!#er 6a! illegal, bu he legal o,inion o# a regional o##ice o# he Ci%il -er%ice Co))i!!ion& Pe i ioner could no here#ore be con!idered AWOL becau!e !he 6a! in #ac re,or ing #or 6or? in Region I un il 92 A,ril 022: 6hen $i! oyong i!!ued a )e)orandu) ordering her o re#rain #ro) re,or ing #or 6or? herein&
RIGHTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS; A PUBLIC OFFICIAL MAY BE TEMPORARILY ASSIGNED TO OTHER DUTIES FOR THE GOOD OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE EVEN OVER HIS OBJECTION. RE+EDIOS PASTOR .&- CIT5 OF PASIG/ et !'0G-R- No- 19>=:3/ +!" 3/ 20024
+ENDOZA/ 78 FACTS8 Pe i ioner Re)edio! Pa! or i! $udge O##icer o# he Munici,ali y 4no6 Ci y5 o# Pa!ig&
In 0229, !he 6a! rea!!igned o he O##ice o# he Munici,al Ad)ini! ra or ,ending in%e! iga ion o# re,or ! again! her concerning he i!!uance o# Ad%ice o# Allo )en ! by her& In 022A, a# er hree year! 6i h no ca!e #iled again! her, !he a!?ed #or rein! a e)en o her #or)er ,o!i ion bu !he 6a! in! ead rea!!igned o ano her uni o# he no6 ci y go%ern)en & K,on her co),lain , he Ci%il -er%ice Co))i!!ion ordered her rein! a e)en a! $udge O##icer o# he Ci y o# Pa!ig& Eo6e%er, on a,,eal o# he ci y go%ern)en , he Cour o# A,,eal! !e a!ide he deci!ion o# he Ci%il -er%ice Co))i!!ion 4C-C5& 95

ISS*E8 Whe her or no ,e i ioner )ay be rein! a ed o her original ,o!i ion a! $udge O##icer& ,ELD8 5ES& We agree 6i h he C-C ha ,e i ioner !hould no6 be re urned o her original
,o!i ion #or her inde#ini e de ail o o her ,o!i ion! 6ould a)oun o her re)o%al 6i hou cau!e #ro) he ,o!i ion o 6hich !he ha! been ,er)anen ly a,,oin ed& The C-C held ha , 6hile ,e i ioner<! rea!!ign)en 6a! originally )ade in he exigency o# he !er%ice 6i hou reduc ion in her ran?, ! a u!, or !alary, re!,onden Ci y Mayor #ailed o ad%ance B!u##icien rea!onB o 6arran ,e i ioner<! con inuou! rea!!ign)en #or )ore han hree year! 6hich Ba,,ear! oo long #or one o conduc he ! udy a!!igned o her&B There i! no >ue! ion ha 6e recogni(e he %alidi y and indi!,en!able nece!!i y o# he 6ell e! abli!hed rule ha #or he good o# ,ublic !er%ice and 6hene%er ,ublic in ere! de)and!, a ,ublic o##icial )ay be e),orarily a!!igned or de ailed o o her du ie! e%en o%er hi! objec ion 6i hou nece!!arily %iola ing hi! #unda)en al and legal righ ! o !ecuri y o# enure in he ci%il !er%ice& $u a! 6e ha%e already ! a ed, B!uch canno be under a?en 6hen he ran!#er o# he e),loyee i! 6i h a %ie6 o hi! re)o%alB and Bi# he ran!#er i! re!or ed o a! a !che)e o lure he e),loyee a6ay #ro) hi! ,er)anen ,o!i ionB becau!e B!uch a i ude i! i),ro,er a! i 6ould in e##ec re!ul in a circu)%en ion o# he ,rohibi ion 6hich !a#eguard! he enure o# o##ice o# ho!e 6ho are in he ci%il !er%ice&B
TERMINATION OF OFFICIAL RELATIONS

TERMINATION; EXCEPT WHERE THE OFFICE WAS CREATED BY THE CONSTITUTION ITSELF, IT MAY BE ABOLISHED BY THE SAME LEGISLATURE THAT BROUGHT IT INTO EXISTENCE; EXCEPTION. B*?LOD NG ?AWANING EIIB .&- E@EC*TI;E SECRETAR5 0G-R- No- 192=016=02/ 7u'" 10/ 20014 SANDO;AL6G*TIERREZ/ 78 FACTS8 !ee ,age 32 ISS*E8 Whe her or no he Pre!iden ha! he au hori y o aboli!h EII$& ,ELD8 5ES- The general rule ha! al6ay! been ha he ,o6er o aboli!h a ,ublic o##ice i!
lodged 6i h he legi!la ure& Thi! ,roceed! #ro) he legal ,rece, ha he ,o6er o crea e included he ,o6er o de! roy& A ,ublic o##ice i! ei her crea ed by he Con! i u ion, by ! a u e, or by au hori y o# la6& Thu!, exce, 6here he o##ice 6a! crea ed by he Con! i u ion i !el#, i )ay be aboli!hed by he !a)e legi!la ure ha brough i in o exi! ence& The exce, ion, ho6e%er, i! ha a! #ar a! bureau!, agencie! or o##ice! in he execu i%e de,ar )en are concerned, he Pre!iden F! ,o6er o# con rol )ay ju! i#y hi) o inac i%a e he #unc ion! o# a ,ar icular o##ice or cer ain la6! )ay gran hi) he broad au hori y o carry our reorgani(a ion )ea!ure!& Knder -ec ion 70, $oo? III, o# EO No& 929 4Ad)ini! ra i%e Code o# 023:5, R he Pre!iden , !ubjec o he ,olicy in he Execu i%e O##ice an in order o achie%e !i),lici y, econo)y and e##iciency, !hall ha%e he con inuing au hori y o reorgani(e he ad)ini! ra i%e ! ruc ure o# he O##ice o# he Pre!iden &O .or hi! ,ur,o!e, he )ay ran!#er he #unc ion! o# o her *e,ar )en ! or Agencie! o he O##ice o# he Pre!iden & In Canoni%ado v. Aguirre, i 6a! ruled ha reorgani(a ion Rin%ol%e! he reduc ion o# ,er!onnel, con!olida ion o# o##ice!, or aboli ion hereo# by rea!on econo)y or redundancy o# #unc ion!&O I a?e! ,lace 6hen here i! an al era ion o# he exi! ing ! ruc ure o# go%ern)en o##ice! or uni ! herein, including line! o# con rol, au hori y and re!,on!ibili y be 6een he)& The EII$ i! a bureau a ached o he *e,ar )en o# .inance& I #all! under he O##ice o# he Pre!iden & Eence i i! !ubjec o he Pre!iden F! con inuing au hori y o reorgani(e&
TERMINATION; NATURE OF ABANDONMENT.

96

LACSASA +- ADIONG .&- CO*RT OF APPEALS

0G-R- No- 13>9=0/ Dece$(er 9/ 20014
PARDO/ 78 FACTS8 On *ece)ber ;, 0228, Mayor -ul an -erad A& $a ua i!!ued a ,er)anen
a,,oin )en o Na!iba A& Nu!?a o he ,o!i ion o# Munici,al Local Ci%il Regi! rar& The !a)e a,,oin )en 6a! duly a,,ro%ed by he Ci%il -er%ice Co))i!!ion O##ice, Mara6i Ci y on *ece)ber 2, 0228& The ne6 )ayor, Lac!a!a M& Adiong i!!ued a )e)orandu) in#or)ing all )unici,al e),loyee! o# he er)ina ion o# heir a,,oin )en and direc ing he) o clear he)!el%e! #ro) )oney and ,ro,er y accoun abili ie!& On "uly 0, 022A, ano her )e)orandu) clari#ied hi! by !,eci#ying ha he )a!! er)ina ion o# !er%ice! a,,lied only o e),orary or ca!ual 6or?er! and re>uiring ho!e holding a,,ro%ed ,er)anen a,,oin )en ! o !ub)i co,ie! o# heir a,,oin )en !& *ue o re!,onden Nu!?a<! #ailure o !ub)i a co,y o# her a,,oin )en cou,led 6i h her #ailure o )a?e a cour e!y call on he ,e i ioner a! he ne6 )ayor, he er)ina ed her !er%ice! and a,,oin ed a cer ain Nanayaon -a),orna in her ! ead& On Augu! 9:, 022A, re!,onden Nu!?a 6ro e Mayor Adiong re>ue! ing #or her rein! a e)en and ,ay)en o# !alarie! co%ering he ,eriod "uly 0,022A o Augu! 70, 022A& Mayor Adiong #ailed o ac on he re>ue! & Eence, on March 00, 022;, re!,onden Nu!?a a,,ealed o he Ci%il -er%ice Co))i!!ion 4C-C5& The la er i!!ued a re!olu ion declaring he er)ina ion o# Nu!?aF! e),loy)en o be in%alid and ordering her i))edia e rein! a e)en & On March 0:, 022:, ,e i ioner Mayor Adiong #iled a )o ion #or recon!idera ion& On *ece)ber 00, 022:, he C-C denied he )o ion& Mayor Adiong #iled 6i h he Cour o# A,,eal! a ,e i ion #or re%ie6 6i h ,reli)inary injunc ion and e),orary re! raining order& The CA di!)i!!ed he ,e i ion and a##ir)ed he re!olu ion o# C-C&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no re!,onden Nu!?aF! er)ina ion o# e),loy)en 6a! %alid& ,ELD8 NO& The Con! i u ion ,ro%ide! ha : BNo ,er!on !hall be de,ri%ed o# li#e, liber y or
,ro,er y 6i hou due ,roce!! o# la6, nor !hall any ,er!on be denied he e>ual ,ro ec ion o# he la6!&B I #ur her )anda e! ha : BNo o##icer or e),loyee o# he ci%il !er%ice !hall be re)o%ed are !u!,ended exce, #or cau!e ,ro%ided by la6&B In hi! ca!e, re!,onden Nu!?a had a ,er)anen a,,oin )en o he ,o!i ion o# )unici,al ci%il regi! rar o# *i !aan Ra)ain, Lanao del -ur& -he hu! enjoyed !ecuri y o# enure a! guaran eed by la6& A! an e),loyee in he ci%il !er%ice and a! a ci%il !er%ice eligible, re!,onden Nu!?a en i led o he bene#i !, righ ! and ,ri%ilege! ex ended o ho!e belonging o he cla!!i#ied !er%ice& -he could no be re)o%ed or di!)i!!ed #ro) he !er%ice 6i hou ju! cau!e and 6i hou ob!er%ing he re>uire)en ! o# due ,roce!!& The rea!on! ad%anced by ,e i ioner 6hy re!,onden Nu!?a<! e),loy)en 6a! er)ina ed 6ere he #ollo6ing: #ailure o )a?e a cour e!y call, #ailure o !ub)i her a,,oin )en ,a,er!, and #ailure o re,or o 6or? 6hich 6a! an a)oun o abandon)en & The #ailure o )a?e a cour e!y call o one<! !u,erior i! no an o##en!e, )uch le!! a ground o er)ina e a ,er!on<! e),loy)en & Re!,onden Nu!?a<! #ailure o !ub)i her a,,oin )en ,a,er! i! no a cau!e #or her ou righ di!)i!!al& I 6a! no !ho6n ha re!,onden Nu!?a 6a! in#or)ed o# he "uly 0, 022A )e)orandu) re>uiring ho!e 6i h ,er)anen a,,oin )en ! o !ub)i heir ,a,er!& A he %ery lea! , ,e i ioner could ha%e re)inded her o !ub)i he docu)en ! 6i hou er)ina ing her e),loy)en i))edia ely& On he alleged abandon)en by re!,onden Nu!?a o# her ,o!i ion, he !a)e i! 6i hou any ba!i!& I i! !igni#ican o no e ha Nu!?a, in her le er da ed 9: Augu! 022A, in#or)ed Mayor Adiong ha !he did no re!ign and ha he er)ina ion o# her !er%ice! 6a! no in accordance 6i h exi! ing Ci%il -er%ice rule! and regula ion!& -he re>ue! ed ha !he be rein! a ed o her la6#ul ,o!i ion and her bac? !alarie! be ,aid accordingly& The #oregoing ex,lain! ha al hough Nu!?a 6a! ,hy!ically ab!en in he o##ice ,re)i!e!, all he 6hile, !he had he in en ion o re urn o 6or?& Eence, !he could no be dee)ed o ha%e abandoned or relin>ui!hed her righ o he ,o!i ion under an a,,oin )en 6i h ,er)anen e),loy)en ! a u!& A ,er!on holding a ,ublic o##ice )ay abandon !uch o##ice by non=u!er or ac>uie!cence& Non=u!er re#er! o a neglec o u!e a righ or ,ri%ilege or o exerci!e an o##ice& Eo6e%er, non,er#or)ance o# he du ie! o# an o##ice doe! no con! i u e abandon)en 6here !uch non,er#or)ance re!ul ! #ro) e),orary di!abili y or #ro) in%olun ary #ailure ,er#or)& 97

Abandon)en )ay al!o re!ul #ro) an ac>uie!cence by he o##icer in hi! 6rong#ul re)o%al or di!charge, #or in! ance, a# er a !u))ary re)o%al, an unrea!onable delay by an o##icer illegally re)o%ed in a?ing ! e,! o %indica e hi! righ ! )ay con! i u e an abandon)en o# he o##ice& I# a ,er!on 6a! ! ill 6illing o re urn o 6or? de!,i e hi! ,hy!ical ab!ence, i 6ould no con! i u e a! abandon)en &
ELECTION LAW PROCEDURE IN ELECTION CASES

FILING FEES; ERRORS IN THE PAYMENT OF FILING FEES IS NO LONGER EXCUSABLE. ;ILLOTA .&- CO++ISSION ON ELECTIONS
0G-R- No- 19>:29/ AuAu&t 10/ 20014
5NARES6SANTIAGO/ 78 FACTS8 In he May 09, 022: barangay elec ion!, ,e i ioner 6a! ,roclai)ed a! he Punong
$arangay o# $arangay :A9, Qone 30, *i! ric /, o%er hi! o,,onen , herein ,ri%a e re!,onden & Con!e>uen ly, he la er #iled an elec ion ,ro e! again! ,e i ioner 6i h he Me ro,oli an Trial Cour o# Manila, $ranch 98& On *ece)ber 92, 0222, he cour , a# er due hearing rendered deci!ion declaring ,ri%a e re!,onden a! he duly elec ed Punong $arangay& On March 9, 9111, ,e i ioner #iled a no ice o# a,,eal and !i)ul aneou!ly ,aid 6i h he ca!hier o# Me ro,oli an Trial Cour he a)oun o# P0A1&11 a! a,,eal #ee and ano her P91&11 a! legal re!earch #ee, or a o al o# P0:1&11& On March 2, 9111, or nine 425 day! a# er ,e i ioner<! recei, o# he deci!ion o# he rial cour , he again ,aid 6i h he Ca!h *i%i!ion o# he COMELEC he !u) o# PA91&11 a! a,,eal #ee and legal re!earch #ee& Pri%a e re!,onden #iled a )o ion o di!)i!! ,e i ioner<! a,,eal #or #ailure o ,ay he a,,eal #ee 6i hin he regle)en ary ,eriod&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he COMELEC gra%ely abu!ed i ! di!cre ion a)oun ing o lac? or
exce!! o# juri!dic ion in di!)i!!ing ,e i ioner<! a,,eal and in denying hi! )o ion #or recon!idera ion&
,ELD8
NO& In he ca!e a bar, al hough ,e i ioner #iled hi! no ice o# a,,eal 6i hin he regle)en ary ,eriod, ho6e%er, he erroneou!ly ,aid he re>uired a,,eal #ee! 6i h he ca!hier o# he Me ro,oli an Trial Cour and no 6i h he Ca!h *i%i!ion o# he COMELEC, a! re>uired in -ec ion! 7 and 8, Rule 81, o# he COMELEC Rule! o# Procedure& A# er he reali(ed hi! )i! a?e, ,e i ioner ,aid again 6i h he Ca!h *i%i!ion o# he COMELEC he o al a)oun o# PA91&11 only on March 2, 9111 or #our 485 day! beyond he #i%e 4A5 day regle)en ary ,eriod o a,,eal& /erily, he ,re!en con ro%er!y i! no di##eren #ro) he ca!e o# $odillas v. CO&-'-C# et al., 6here he nece!!ary a,,eal #ee! 6ere li?e6i!e ,aid ou o# i)e& The Cour held herein ha : The )ere #iling o# he no ice o# a,,eal 6a! no enough& I !hould be acco),anied by he ,ay)en o# he correc a)oun o# a,,eal #ee& The ,ay)en o# he #ull a)oun o# he doc?e #ee i! an indi!,en!able ! e, #or he ,er#ec ion o# an a,,eal 4Dorego v. Pere%C ello v. 0ernande%5& In bo h original and a,,ella e ca!e, he cour ac>uire! juri!dic ion o%er he ca!e only u,on he ,ay)en o# he ,re!cribed doc?e #ee! a! held in Acda v. &inister of 'abor& The re>uire)en o# an a,,eal #ee i! by no )ean! a )ere echnicali y o# la6 or ,rocedure& I i! an e!!en ial re>uire)en 6i hou 6hich he deci!ion a,,ealed #ro) 6ould beco)e #inal and execu ory a! i# no a,,eal 6a! #iled a all& The righ o a,,eal i! )erely a ! a u ory ,ri%ilege and )ay be exerci!ed only in he )anner ,re!cribed by, and in accordance 6i h, he ,ro%i!ion o# he la6& In Soller v. CO&-'-C, e al&, rei era ing he ca!e! o# 'oyola v. CO&-'-C, e al&, and &iranda v. Castillo, e al&, he Cour ! re!!ed he ca%ea ha error! in he ,ay)en o# #iling #ee! in elec ion ca!e! i! no longer excu!able& Thu!, on he )a er o# non=,ay)en or inco),le e 98

,ay)en o# #iling #ee! 6e o,ined ha : B he Cour 6ould no longer olera e any )i! a?e in he ,ay)en o# he #ull a)oun o# #iling #ee! #or elec ion ca!e! #iled a# er he ,ro)ulga ion o# he Loyola deci!ion on March 9A, 022:&B
DISPOSITION OF CASES; THE PERIOD PROVIDED BY ELECTION LAWS IN THE DISPOSITION OF CASES MUST BE OBSERVED FAITHFULLY BECAUSE AN ELECTION CASE, UNLIKE ORDINARY ACTIONS, INVOLVES PUBLIC INTEREST. ISAGANI RIZON .&- 7*DGE OSCAR E- ZERNA
0A-+- No- RT7600612:2/ Septe$(er 1:/ 20014
?AP*NAN/ 78 FACTS8 !ee ,age 3; ISS*E8 Whe her or no he delay in he di!,o!i ion o# ca!e!, in he ca!e a hand i! inexcu!able& ,ELD8 5ES& -ec ion 9A3 o# he O)nibu! Elec ion Code ,ro%ide!:
-ECTION 9A3& Pre#eren ial di!,o!i ion o# con e! ! in cour !& = The cour !, in heir re!,ec i%e ca!e!, !hall gi%e ,re#erence o elec ion con e! ! o%er all o her ca!e!, exce, ho!e o# habea! cor,u!, and !hall 6i hou delay, hear and, 6i hin hir y day! #ro) he da e o# heir !ub)i!!ion #or deci!ion, bu in e%ery ca!e 6i hin !ix )on h! a# er #iling, decide he !a)e& "udge Qerna did no con e! he allega ion o# delay& Ee ho6e%er a!cribed i o he ,roce!! o# going o%er each o# he >ue! ioned ballo & Thi! i! a #li)!y excu!e con!idering ha he hir y=day ,eriod ,ro%ided hi) under -ec& 9A3 o# he O)nibu! Elec ion Code i! )ore han !u##icien o exa)ine a li le o%er a hundred >ue! ioned ballo !, and ha he could ha%e a!?ed he Cour #or an ex en!ion o# i)e o render deci!ion i# he 6a! ha%ing ,roble)! 6i h he Bexa)ina ionB o# he con e! ed ballo ! !uch ha he could no be able o decide he ca!e on i)e& A! he Cour ha%e held in -spa6ola vs. Panay 4983 -CRA ;385 a!?ing #or an ex en!ion o# i)e o di!,o!e a ca!e i! o a%oid or di!,el any !u!,icion ha !o)e hing !ini! er or corru, i! going on& In olalin vs. Occiano, i 6a! held ha : RX The ,eriod ,ro%ided by Nelec ionH la6N!H Nin he di!,o!i ion o# ca!e!H )u! be ob!er%ed #ai h#ully becau!e an elec ion ca!e, unli?e ordinary ac ion!, in%ol%e! ,ublic in ere! & Ti)e i! o# he e!!ence in i ! di!,o!i ion !ince he uncer ain y a! o 6ho i! he real choice o# he ,eo,le #or he ,o!i ion )u! !oone! be di!,elled& I i! nei her #air nor ju! ha one 6ho!e righ o he o##ice i! in doub !hould re)ain in ha o##ice #or an uncer ain ,eriodXO Moreo%er, record! o# he OCA di!clo!e ha re!,onden had a B,ro,en!i y N#orH delay in he di!,o!i ion o# hi! ca!e!&B The Cour al!o concur! 6i h hi! ra ionali(a ion, and )e e! u,on re!,onden a #ine o# PA,111&11, 6i h a 6arning ha !i)ilar ac ! !hall be deal 6i h )ore !e%erely&
DISQUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATES
DISQUALIFICATION; VIOLATION OF BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. $$ CONSTITUTES MORAL TURPITUDE AND CONVICTION THEREFOR DISQUALIFIES A PERSON FROM RUNNING FOR PUBLIC OFFICE. ;ILLABER .&- CO++ISSION ON ELECTIONS
0G-R- No- 19=32>/ No.e$(er 12/ 20014
SANDO;AL6G*TIERREZ/ 78 FACTS8 /illaber 6a! a candida e #or he congre!!ional !ea in he .ir! *i! ric o# *a%ao del
-ur during he May 08, 9110 elec ion!& Ei! ri%al #iled a ,e i ion o di!>uali#y hi) and o cancel hi! cer i#ica e o# candidacy on he ground ha /illaber had been ,re%iou!ly con%ic ed #or %iola ing $a a! Pa)ban!a $lg& 99 and he cri)e in%ol%e! )oral ur,i udeC hence under -ec ion 09 o# he 99

O)nibu! Elec ion Code, he i! di!>uali#ied o run #or any ,ublic o##ice& /illaber 6a! !ub!e>uen ly di!>uali#ied by he COMELEC re! ing i ! deci!ion on he ca!e o# People vs. Atty. 0e Tuanda& Eence hi! ,e i ion by /illaber, con ending ha %iola ion o# $&P& 99 doe! no in%ol%e )oral ur,i ude and ha People vs. Tuanda i! no a,,licable !ince he i! no a la6yer&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no ,e i ioner !hould be di!>uali#ied on he ground ha %iola ion o# $P 99

con! i u e! )oral ur,i ude&
,ELD8 5ES& A! o he )eaning o# B)oral ur,i ude,B 6e ha%e con!i! en ly ado, ed he

de#ini ion in $lac?<! La6 *ic ionary a! Ban ac o# ba!ene!!, %ilene!!, or de,ra%i y in he ,ri%a e du ie! 6hich a )an o6e! hi! #ello6 )en, or o !ocie y in general, con rary o he acce, ed and cu! o)ary rule o# righ and du y be 6een )an and 6o)an, or conduc con rary o ju! ice, hone! y, )ode! y, or good )oral!&<< In In re (in%on, he er) B)oral ur,i udeB i! con!idered a! enco),a!!ing Be%ery hing 6hich i! done con rary o ju! ice, hone! y, or good )oral!&B We, ho6e%er, clari#ied in Dela Torre vs. Co22ission on -lections ha Bno e%ery cri)inal ac in%ol%e! )oral ur,i ude,B and ha Ba! o 6ha cri)e in%ol%e! )oral ur,i ude i! #or he -u,re)e Cour o de er)ine&B We #ur her ,ronounced herein ha : BXin International $ice $esearch Institute vs. N'$C 4990 -CRA :;1 N0227H5, he Cour ad)i ed ha i canno al6ay! be a!cer ained 6he her )oral ur,i ude doe! or doe! no exi! by )erely cla!!i#ying a cri)e a! )alu) in !e or a! )alu) ,rohibi u)& There are cri)e! 6hich are )ala in !e and ye bu rarely in%ol%e )oral ur,i ude, and here are cri)e! 6hich in%ol%e )oral ur,i ude and are )ala ,rohibi a only& In he #inal analy!i!, 6he her or no a cri)e in%ol%e! )oral ur,i ude i! ul i)a ely a >ue! ion o# #ac and #re>uen ly de,end! on all he circu)! ance! !urrounding he %iola ion o# he ! a u e&B We rei era e here our ruling in *ela Torre ha he de er)ina ion o# 6he her a cri)e in%ol%e! )oral ur,i ude i! a >ue! ion o# #ac and #re>uen ly de,end! on all he circu)! ance! !urrounding he %iola ion o# he ! a u e& A any ra e, he >ue! ion o# 6he her or no he cri)e in%ol%e! )oral ur,i ude can be re!ol%ed by analy(ing i ! ele)en ! alone& The ele)en ! o# he o##en!e again! $P 99 are: 05 The accu!ed )a?e!, dra6! or i!!ue! any chec? o a,,ly o accoun or #or %alueC 95 The accu!ed ?no6! a he i)e o# he i!!uance ha he or !he doe! no ha%e !u##icien #und! in, or credi 6i h, dra6ee ban? #or he ,ay)en o# he chec? in #ull u,on i ! ,re!en )en C and 75 The chec? i! !ub!e>uen ly di!honored by he dra6ee ban? #or in!u##iciency o# #und! or credi , or i 6ould ha%e been di!honored #or he !a)e rea!on had no he dra6er, 6i hou any %alid rea!on, ordered he ban? o ! o, ,ay)en & The ,re!ence o# he !econd ele)en )ani#e! ! )oral ur,i ude& In People vs. Atty. 0e Tuanda 6e held ha a con%ic ion #or %iola ion o# $&P& $lg& 99 Bi),or ! decei B and Bcer ainly rela e! o and a##ec ! he good )oral charac er o# a ,er!onXB The ca!e did no )a?e a di! inc ion, hence i a,,lie! o ,e i ioner&
DISQUALIFICATION; THE TERM LIMIT FOR ELECTIVE OFFICIALS REFERS TO THE RIGHT TO BE ELECTED AND THE RIGHT TO SERVE IN THE SAME ELECTIVE POSITION. ADOR+EO .&- CO++ISSION ON ELECTIONS/ et !'0G-R- No- 19:32:/ Fe(ru!r" 9/ 20024
<*IS*+BING/ 78 FACTS8 Pe i ioner and ,ri%a e re!,onden , 6ho 6a! hen he incu)ben )ayor, 6ere he only
candida e! 6ho #iled heir cer i#ica e! o# candidacy #or )ayor o# Lucena Ci y in he May 08, 9110 elec ion!& Pri%a e re!,onden Talaga, "r& 6a! elec ed )ayor in May 0229& Ee !er%ed he #ull er)& Again, he 6a! re=elec ed in 022A=0223& In he elec ion o# 0223, he lo! o $ernard '& Tagarao& In he recall elec ion o# May 09, 9111, he again 6on and !er%ed he unex,ired er) o# Tagarao un il "une 71, 9110& On March 9, 9110, ,e i ioner #iled 6i h he O##ice o# he Pro%incial Elec ion -u,er%i!or, Lucena Ci y a Pe i ion o *eny *ue Cour!e o or Cancel Cer i#ica e o# Candidacy andDor *i!>uali#ica ion o# Ra)on J& Talaga, "r&, on he ground ha he la er 6a! elec ed and had !er%ed a! ci y )ayor #or hree 475 con!ecu i%e er)! a! #ollo6!: 405 in he elec ion o# May 0229C 495 in he elec ion o# May 022AC and, 475 in he recall elec ion o# May 09, 9111, 6here he !er%ed only he unex,ired er) o# Tagarao a# er ha%ing lo! o Tagarao in he 0223 elec ion& Pe i ioner con ended
100

ha Talaga<! candidacy a! Mayor con! i u ed a %iola ion o# -ec ion 3, Ar icle @ o# he 023: Con! i u ion 6hich ,ro%ide!& On March 2, 9110, ,ri%a e re!,onden re!,onded ha he 6a! no elec ed Ci y Mayor #or hree 475 con!ecu i%e er)! bu only #or 6o 495 con!ecu i%e er)!& $ecau!e o# hi! de#ea in he 0223 elec ion by Tagarao, he con!ecu i%ene!! o# hi! year! a! )ayor 6a! in erru, ed, and hu! hi! )ayor!hi, 6a! no #or hree con!ecu i%e er)! o# hree year! each& On A,ril 91, 9110, he COMELEC, hrough he .ir! *i%i!ion, #ound ,ri%a e re!,onden Ra)on J& Talaga, "r& di!>uali#ied #or he ,o!i ion o# ci y )ayor on he ground ha he had already !er%ed hree 475 con!ecu i%e er)!, and hi! Cer i#ica e o# Candidacy 6a! ordered 6i hdra6n andDor cancelled& On A,ril 9:, 9110, ,ri%a e re!,onden #iled a )o ion #or recon!idera ion rei era ing ha B hree 475 con!ecu i%e er)!B )ean! con inuou! !er%ice #or nine 425 year! and ha he 6o 495 year! !er%ice #ro) 0223 o 9111 by Tagarao ,re%en ed hi) #ro) ha%ing hree con!ecu i%e year! o# !er%ice& Ee #ur her alleged ha he recall elec ion 6a! no a regular elec ion, bu a !e,ara e !,ecial elec ion !,eci#ically o re)o%e inco),e en local o##icial!& On May 2, 9110, he COMELEC en banc ruled in #a%or o# ,ri%a e re!,onden Ra)on J& Talaga, "r& I re%er!ed he .ir! *i%i!ion<! ruling and held ha he did no #ully !er%e he hree 475 con!ecu i%e er)!, and hi! lo!! in he May 00, 0223 elec ion! i! con!idered an in erru, ion in he con inui y o# hi! !er%ice a! Mayor o# Lucena Ci y& On May 02, 9110, a# er can%a!!ing, ,ri%a e re!,onden 6a! ,roclai)ed a! he duly elec ed Mayor o# Lucena Ci y&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no ,ublic re!,onden COMELEC ac ed 6i h gra%e abu!e o# di!cre ion
a)oun ing o lac? or exce!! o# juri!dic ion 6hen i declared ,ri%a e re!,onden Ra)on J& Talaga, "r& >uali#ied o run #or Mayor in Lucena Ci y #or he May 08, 9110 elec ion!&
,ELD8 NO& The er) li)i #or elec i%e local o##icial! )u! be a?en o re#er o he righ o be
elec ed a! 6ell a! he righ o !er%e in he !a)e elec i%e ,o!i ion& Con!e>uen ly, i i! no enough ha an indi%idual ha! !er%ed hree con!ecu i%e er)! in an elec i%e local o##ice, he )u! al!o ha%e been elec ed o he !a)e ,o!i ion #or he !a)e nu)ber o# i)e! be#ore he di!>uali#ica ion can a,,ly& The Cour held ha he 6o condi ion! #or he a,,lica ion o# he di!>uali#ica ion )u! concur: a5 ha he o##icial concerned ha! been elec ed #or hree con!ecu i%e er)! in he !a)e local go%ern)en ,o! and 95 ha he ha! #ully !er%ed hree con!ecu i%e er)!& Accordingly, COMELEC<! ruling ha ,ri%a e re!,onden 6a! no elec ed #or hree 475 con!ecu i%e er)! !hould be u,held& .or nearly 6o year! he 6a! a ,ri%a e ci i(en& The con inui y o# hi! )ayor!hi, 6a! di!ru, ed by hi! de#ea in he 0223 elec ion!& Nei her can re!,onden <! %ic ory in he recall elec ion be dee)ed a %iola ion o# -ec ion 3, Ar icle @ o# he Con! i u ion a! B%olun ary renuncia ionB #or clearly i i! no & In 'on%anida vs. CO&-'-C, he Cour held ha he !econd !en ence o# he con! i u ional ,ro%i!ion under !cru iny ! a e!, B/olun ary renuncia ion o# o##ice #or any leng h o# i)e !hall no be con!idered a! an in erru, ion in he con inui y o# !er%ice #or he #ull er) #or 6hich he 6a! elec ed&B The clear in en o# he #ra)er! o# he con! i u ion o bar any a e), o circu)%en he hree= er) li)i by a %olun ary renuncia ion o# o##ice and a he !a)e i)e re!,ec he ,eo,le<! choice and gran heir elec ed o##icial #ull !er%ice o# a er) i! e%iden in hi! ,ro%i!ion& /olun ary renuncia ion o# a er) doe! no cancel he renounced er) in he co),u a ion o# he hree er) li)i C con%er!ely, in%olun ary !e%erance #ro) o##ice #or any leng h o# i)e !hor o# he #ull er) ,ro%ided by la6 a)oun ! o an in erru, ion o# con inui y o# !er%ice& The ,e i ioner %aca ed hi! ,o! a #e6 )on h! be#ore he nex )ayoral elec ion!, no by %olun ary renuncia ion bu in co),liance 6i h he legal ,roce!! o# 6ri o# execu ion i!!ued by he COMELEC o ha e##ec & -uch in%olun ary !e%erance #ro) o##ice i! an in erru, ion o# con inui y o# !er%ice and hu!, he ,e i ioner did no #ully !er%e he 022A=0223 )ayoral er)&
DISQUALIFICATION; BEFORE A COMELEC RESOLUTION OF A DISQUALIFICATION CASE BECOMES FINAL AND EXECUTORY, THE BEI HAS THE MINISTERIAL DUTY TO COUNT AND TALLY THE VOTES IN FAVOR OF THE CANDIDATE UNDER INVESTIGATION. PAPANDA5AN/ 7R- .&- CO++ISSION ON ELECTIONS
0G-R- No- 19:303/ Apri' 1>/ 20024 101

+ENDOZA/ 78 FACTS8 In he May 08, 9110 elec ion!, hree candida e! ran #or he ,o!i ion o# Mayor o#
Tubaran, Lanao del -ur, na)ely: ,e i ioner Mauyag $& Pa,andayan, "r&, re!,onden .ahida P& $al , 6ho 6a! he incu)ben )ayor !ee?ing reelec ion, and Mai?o Ea!!an $an ua!& Re!,onden $al !ough he di!>uali#ica ion o# ,e i ioner in -PC Ca!e No& 10=008 o# he COMELEC, alleging ha ,e i ioner 6a! no a re!iden o# $arangay Tangcal in Tubaran, Lanao del -ur bu a ,er)anen re!iden o# $ayang, Lanao del -ur& In !u,,or o# her allega ion, re!,onden !ub)i ed he join a##ida%i , da ed .ebruary 08, 9110, o# $arangay Chair)an Eadji $a!hir Ayonga and 6o )e)ber! o# he -angguniang $arangay o# Tangcal, Tubaran, Eadji Taher $a a6e and -aadori $ua , ! a ing ha ,e i ioner ne%er re!ided in $arangay Tangcal, Tubaran& Re!,onden al!o !ub)i ed a !i)ilar a##ida%i , da ed .ebruary 0:, 9110, o# -a)oranao -ari,, a )e)ber o# he -angguniang $arangay o# Tangcal& -he a%erred ha ,e i ioner did no ! a e in hi! /o er Regi! ra ion Record, acco),li!hed on May 3, 0222, he nu)ber o# year! and )on h! he had been a re!iden o# he Munici,ali y o# Tubaran& Eadji Ayonga and -a)oranao -ari, la er #iled heir A##ida%i ! o# *e!i! ance re rac ing heir earlier ! a e)en !& In i ! re!olu ion, da ed May 3, 9110, he COMELEC 4-econd *i%i!ion5 in -PA No& 10=008 declared ,e i ioner o be di!>uali#ied and ordered hi! na)e o be ! ric?en o## he li! o# candida e! and all %o e! ca! in hi! #a%or no o be coun ed bu con!idered a! ! ray %o e!& On May 08, 9110, elec ion! 6ere held in Tubaran& Pe i ioner 6a! a)ong ho!e %o ed by he elec ora e #or he ,o!i ion o# )unici,al )ayor& Mean6hile, on May 02, 9110, ,e i ioner #iled a ,e i ion 6i h he COMELEC 4.ir! *i%i!ion5 in -PC No& 10=172 !ee?ing he i!!uance o# an order direc ing he $oard o# Elec ion In!,ec or! 4$EI5 o# Tubaran o coun and ally he ballo ! ca! in hi! #a%or during he May 08, 9110 elec ion! ,ur!uan o COMELEC Re!olu ion No& 800;& The !aid re!olu ion ,ro%ide! ha i# he di!>uali#ica ion ca!e ha! no beco)e #inal and execu ory on he day o# he elec ion, he $EI !hall ally and coun he %o e! o# he candida e declared di!>uali#ied On he o her hand, re!,onden #iled a ,re=,rocla)a ion ca!e 4-PC No& 10=9A25 in he COMELEC& On May 92, 9110, he .ir! *i%i!ion o# he COMELEC 4in -PC No& 10=1725 i!!ued an order !u!,ending he ,rocla)a ion o# ,e i ioner a! he duly elec ed )ayor o# Tubaran ,ending he re!olu ion o# hi! ,re!en ,e i ion& Eo6e%er, de!,i e he !aid order 4in -PC No& 10=1725, he Munici,al $oard o# Can%a!!er! o# Tubaran ,roceeded 6i h he ,rocla)a ion o# ,e i ioner on "une 7, 9110& K,on )o ion o# re!,onden , here#ore, he COMELEC 4.ir! *i%i!ion5, in an order, da ed "une 9A, 9110, !e a!ide he ,rocla)a ion o# ,e i ioner, 6i hou ,rejudice o he #iling o# he a,,ro,ria e charge! again! he )e)ber! o# he $oard re!,on!ible #or he ,rocla)a ion& Therea# er, he COMELEC en banc i!!ued a re!olu ion, da ed "anuary 71, 9119, !u! aining he annul)en o# he ,rocla)a ion o# ,e i ioner and di!)i!!ing -PC No& 10=172 #or being )oo and acade)ic& I a,,ear! ha , a! a con!e>uence hereo#, he incu)ben /ice=Mayor o# Tubaran a!!u)ed he ,o!i ion o# )ayor ,ur!uan o he COMELEC en banc re!olu ion da ed "une 71, 9119&
ISS*ES8
405 Whe her or no he $oard o# Elec ion In!,ec or! i! ,recluded #ro) coun ing and allying he %o e! ca! in ,e i ionerF! #a%or& 495 Whe her or no he #ac ual #inding! o# he COMELEC declaring ,e i ioner a! di!>uali#ied !hould be u,held&
,ELD8
405 NO& The re!olu ion, da ed May 09, 9110, o# he COMELEC en banc 6a! no ye #inal and execu ory 6hen he elec ion! 6ere held on May 08, 9110& Con!e>uen ly, he $oard o# Elec ion In!,ec or! o# Tubaran, in he exerci!e o# i ! )ini! erial du y, had o coun he %o e! ca! in hi! #a%or& A he i)e he elec ion! 6ere held in May 08, 9110, he a!!ailed re!olu ion, da ed May 09, 9110, had no ye beco)e #inal and execu ory& Eence, he $oard o# Elec ion In!,ec or! 4$EI5 6a! du y bound o ally and coun he %o e! ca! in #a%or o# ,e i ioner& 495 NO, e%en hough i# he >ue! ion o# 6he her or no ,e i ioner i! a re!iden o# Tubaran i! a #ac ual i!!ue 6hich ha! been horoughly ,a!!ed u,on and de er)ined by he and ha he COMELECF! #inding! or conclu!ion! are generally re!,ec ed and e%en gi%en #inali y, he e%idence i! in!u##icien o !u! ain i ! re!olu ion& The -u,re)e Cour agreed 6i h he -olici or 'eneral ha ,e i ioner ha! duly ,ro%en ha , al hough he 6a! #or)erly a re!iden o# he Munici,ali y o# $ayang, 102

he la er ran!#erred re!idence o Tangcal in he Munici,ali y o# Tubaran a! !ho6n by hi! ac ual and ,hy!ical ,re!ence herein #or en year! ,rior o he May 08, 9110 elec ion!& The record !ho6! ha 6hen ,e i ioner and hi! 6i#e Raida 'uina *i)a,oro go )arried in 0221, hey re!ided in Tangcal, Tubaran& .ro) hen on, here 6a! )ani#e! in en ion on he ,ar o# ,e i ioner o re!ide in Tubaran, 6hich he dee)ed o be he ,lace o# hi! conjugal abode 6i h hi! 6i#e& The #ac ha he and hi! 6i#e ran!#erred re!idence #ro) $ayang o Tubaran !ho6! ha ,e i ioner 6a! relin>ui!hing hi! #or)er ,lace o# re!idence in $ayang and ha he in ended Tubaran o be hi! ,lace o# do)icile& Al hough ,e i ioner 6or?ed a! a ,ri%a e !ecre ary o# he )ayor o# $ayang, he 6en ho)e o Tubaran e%eryday a# er 6or?& .ur her, he e%idence !ho6! ha in he May 00, 0223 elec ion, ,e i ioner 6a! regi! ered a! a %o er in Tubaran and ha in #ac he #iled hi! cer i#ica e o# candidacy al hough he la er 6i hdre6 he !a)e& In he May 3, 0222 regi! ra ion o# %o er!, he 6a! again regi! ered a! a %o er in Precinc No& 93=A o# $arangay Tangcal in Tubaran&
PRE"PROCLAMATION CONTROVERSY
PRE"PROCLAMATION CONTROVERSY; THE FACT THAT A CANDIDATE PROCLAIMED HAS ASSUMED OFFICE DOES NOT DEPRIVE THE COMELEC OF ITS AUTHORITY TO ANNUL ANY CANVASS AND ILLEGAL PROCLAMATION. A+PAT*AN/ et !'- .&- CO++ISSION ON ELECTIONS/ et !'0G-R- No- 193=03/ 7! u!r" 31/ 20024
PARDO/ 78 FACTS8 Pe i ioner! and re!,onden ! 6ere candida e! #or he ,ro%incial elec i%e ,o!i ion! in
he ,ro%ince o# Maguindanao in he May 08, 9110 elec ion& Pe i ioner A),a uan and re!,onden Candao con ended #or he ,o!i ion o# go%ernor& The !la e o# A),a uan e)erged a! 6inner! a! ,er elec ion re urn!& On May 97, 9110, re!,onden ! #iled a ,e i ion 6i h he Co)elec #or he annul)en o# elec ion re!ul ! andDor declara ion o# #ailure o# elec ion! in !e%eral )unici,ali ie! in he ,ro%ince o# Maguindanao& They clai)ed ha he ballo ! 6ere #illed=u, en )a!!e by a #e6 ,er!on! he nigh be#ore elec ion day, and in !o)e ,recinc !, he ballo boxe!, o##icial ballo ! and o her elec ion ,ara,hernalia 6ere no deli%ered a all& On May 9A, 9110, he Co)elec i!!ued an order !u!,ending he ,rocla)a ion o# he 6inning candida e! #or congre!!)an o# he !econd di! ric , go%ernor, %ice=go%ernor and board )e)ber! o# Maguindanao& I 6a! ho6e%er li# ed by Co)elec on "une 08, 9110 in re!,on!e o he ,e i ion #iled by he ,e i ioner! on May 71, 9110&Con!e>uen ly, he Pro%incial $oard o# Can%a!!er! ,roclai)ed ,e i ioner! 6inner!& On "une 0;, 9110, re!,onden ! #iled 6i h he -u,re)e Cour a ,e i ion o !e a!ide he Co)elec order da ed "une 08, 9110, and ,reli)inary injunc ion o !u!,end he e##ec ! o# he ,rocla)a ion o# he ,e i ioner!& Mean i)e, ,e i ioner! a!!u)ed heir re!,ec i%e o##ice! on "une 71, 9110& On "uly 0:, 9110, he Cour re!ol%ed o deny re!,onden !< ,e i ion& Pe i ioner!< a!!u), ion in o o##ice no 6i h! anding, on "uly 9;, 9110, he Co)elec ordered he con!olida ion o# re!,onden !< ,e i ion #or declara ion o# #ailure o# elec ion! 6i h -PA No!& 10=988, 10=779, 10=7;1, 10=733 and 10=721& The COMELEC #ur her ordered a rando) echnical exa)ina ion on #our o !e%en ,recinc ! ,er )unici,ali y on he hu)b=)ar?! and !igna ure! o# he %o er! 6ho %o ed and a##ixed in heir %o er<! regi! ra ion record!, and #or h6i h direc ed he ,roduc ion o# rele%an elec ion docu)en ! in he!e )unici,ali ie!& On Augu! 93, 9110, he Co)elec i!!ued ano her order direc ing he con inua ion o# he hearing and di!,o!i ion o# he con!olida ed -PA! on he #ailure o# elec ion! and o her inciden ! rela ed here o& I li?e6i!e ordered he con inua ion o# he echnical exa)ina ion o# elec ion docu)en ! a! au hori(ed in he "uly 9;, 9110 order& On -e, e)ber 9;, 9110, ,e i ioner! #iled he ,re!en ,e i ion& They clai)ed ha by %ir ue o# heir ,rocla)a ion ,ur!uan o he "une 08, 9110 order i!!ued by he Co)elec, he ,ro,er re)edy a%ailable o re!,onden ! 6a! no a ,e i ion #or declara ion o# #ailure o# elec ion! bu an elec ion ,ro e! & The #or)er i! heard !u))arily 6hile he la er in%ol%e! a #ull=blo6n rial& 103

Pe i ioner! argued ha he )anner by 6hich he echnical exa)ina ion i! o be conduc ed 6ould de#ea he !u))ary na ure o# a ,e i ion #or declara ion o# #ailure o# elec ion!& On Oc ober 99, 9110, he Co)elec i!!ued an order !u!,ending he i),le)en a ion o# he 6o 495 a!!ailed order!& Eo6e%er, on No%e)ber 07, 9110, he Co)elec i!!ued ano her order li# ing he !u!,en!ion& On No%e)ber 91, 9110, he -u,re)e Cour i!!ued a e),orary re! raining order&
ISS*E8 Whe her he Co))i!!ion on Elec ion! 6a! di%e! ed o# i ! juri!dic ion o hear and
decide re!,onden !< ,e i ion #or declara ion o# #ailure o# elec ion! a# er ,e i ioner! had been ,roclai)ed&
,ELD8 NO& Pe i ioner! !ub)i ha by %ir ue o# heir ,rocla)a ion a! 6inner!, he only
re)edy le# #or ,ri%a e re!,onden ! i! o #ile an elec ion ,ro e! , in 6hich ca!e, original juri!dic ion lie! 6i h he regular cour !& In 'oong v. Co22ission on -lections, he cour ruled ha Ba ,re= ,rocla)a ion con ro%er!y i! no he !a)e a! an ac ion #or annul)en o# elec ion re!ul !, or #ailure o# elec ion!&B The!e 6o re)edie! 6ere )ore !,eci#ically di! ingui!hed in hi! 6i!e: BWhile, ho6e%er, he Co)elec i! re! ric ed, in ,re=,rocla)a ion ca!e!, o an exa)ina ion o# he elec ion re urn! on heir #ace and i! 6i hou juri!dic ion o go beyond or behind he) and in%e! iga e elec ion irregulari ie!, he Co)elec i! du y bound o in%e! iga e allega ion! o# #raud, errori!), %iolence, and o her analogou! cau!e! in ac ion! #or annul)en o# elec ion re!ul ! or #or declara ion o# #ailure o# elec ion!, a! he O)nibu! Elec ion Code deno)ina e! he !a)e& Thu!, he Co)elec, in he ca!e o# ac ion! #or annul)en o# elec ion re!ul ! or declara ion o# #ailure o# elec ion!, )ay conduc echnical exa)ina ion o# elec ion docu)en ! and co),are and analy(e %o er!< !igna ure! and hu)b,rin ! in order o de er)ine 6he her or no he elec ion! had indeed been #ree, hone! and clean&B The #ac ha a candida e ,roclai)ed ha! a!!u)ed o##ice doe! no de,ri%e he Co)elec o# i ! au hori y o annul any can%a!! and illegal ,rocla)a ion& Re!,onden !< allega ion o# )a!!i%e #raud and errori!) ha a ended he May 08, 9110 elec ion in he a##ec ed )unici,ali ie! canno be a?en ligh ly a! o 6arran he di!)i!!al o# heir ,e i ion by he Co)elec on he !i),le ,re ex ha ,e i ioner! had been ,roclai)ed 6inner!& Elucida ing on he conce, o# #ailure o# elec ion, he Cour held ha : B & & & be#ore Co)elec can ac on a %eri#ied ,e i ion !ee?ing o declare a #ailure o# elec ion, 6o 495 condi ion! )u! concur: #ir! , no %o ing ha! a?en ,lace in he ,recinc ! concerned on he da e #ixed by la6 or, e%en i# here 6a! %o ing, he elec ion ne%er hele!! re!ul ed in a #ailure o elec C and !econd, he %o e! ca! 6ould a##ec he re!ul o# he elec ion& In 'oong vs. Co22ission on -lections, hi! Cour added ha he cau!e o# !uch #ailure o# elec ion !hould ha%e been any o# he #ollo6ing: #orce )ajeure, %iolence, errori!), #raud or o her analogou! ca!e!&B
PRE"PROCLAMATION CONTROVERSY; AN INCOMPLETE CANVASS IS ILLEGAL AND CANNOT BE MADE THE BASIS OF A PROCLAMATION. *TTO .&- CO++ISSION ON ELECTIONS/ et !'0G-R- No- 120111/ 7! u!r" 31/ 20024
PARDO/ 78 FACTS8 Pe i ioner Abdul?ari) *& K o and re!,onden *a u Al)an!a $& Anga! 6ere
candida e! #or he ,o!i ion o# he )ayor o# he )unici,ali y o# -ul an !a $arongi!, Maguindanao in he May 08, 9110 elec ion& The original )unici,al board o# can%a!!er! 6a! co),o!ed o# Nena Alid a! chair)an, and Maceda Lida!an Abo and Noron 'onina, a! )e)ber!& *uring he can%a!!ing on May 0;, 9110, elec ion re urn! in Precinc No!& 0AA, 9AAD9;A, ;;A, and ;3AD;2A 6ere ,re!en ed& On May 03, 9110, re!,onden #iled a ,e i ion o inhibi Alid and Abo, 6hich re!ul ed in he !u!,en!ion o# he can%a!!ing& Alid and Abo inhibi ed he)!el%e! #ro) he ,roceeding!& On May 98, 9110, $ai Eaidy *& Ma)alin a oo? o%er a! chair,er!on, 6i h Roihaida Lhalid and Noron 'onina, a! )e)ber! o# he )unici,al board o# can%a!!er!& The can%a!!ing 6a! again !u!,ended 6hen bo h Lhalid and 'onina al!o inhibi ed he)!el%e! #ro) ,ar ici,a ing in he ,roceeding!&
104

On May 9:, 9110, he ,ro%incial elec ion !u,er%i!or de!igna ed Ru#den Mangelen and Ta)ano *iolanen a! )e)ber! o# he )unici,al board o# can%a!!er!& In he )orning o# May 70, 9110, he )unici,al board o# can%a!!er! con%ened 6i h chair,er!on Ma)alin a and )e)ber A!uncion Cora(on Reneido ,re!en & The o her )e)ber, Mo6a?ira) -a)uang 6a! ab!en & $e#ore he ! ar o# he can%a!!, chair,er!on Ma)alin a di! ribu ed o he ,ar ie! ,re!en a re,or on he ! a u! o# can%a!!ing& Ou o# he 23 ,recinc !, he )unici,al board o# can%a!!er! i!!ued #our 485 !e,ara e ruling! excluding he abo%e=ci ed #i%e 4A5 elec ion re urn!& A hi! ,oin , re!,onden orally )ani#e! ed hi! in en ion o a,,eal he ruling, and !i)ul aneou!ly #iled a %eri#ied no ice o# a,,eal, 6hich $ai Eaidy *& Ma)alin a 4chair,er!on o# he )unici,al board o# can%a!!er!5 re#u!ed o acce, & Mean6hile, de!,i e re!,onden <! )ani#e! a ion, he )unici,al board o# can%a!!er! ,roceeded 6i h he ,rocla)a ion o# he candida e! #or )unici,al o##ice!& The board ,roclai)ed ,e i ioner a! he duly elec ed )ayor o# he )unici,ali y& On "une 0, 9110, Cora(on Reniedo !en a le er o A y& Wynne A!dala, ac ing ,ro%incial elec ion !u,er%i!or o# Maguindanao irre%ocably re!igning a! )e)ber o# he )unici,al board o# can%a!!er! o# -ul an !a $arongi!, Maguindanao in connec ion 6i h he can%a!! o# he elec ion re urn! becau!e !he 6a! being ,re!!ured o ,roclai) )ayoral y candida e Abdul?ari) K o in gro!! %iola ion o# -ec ion 91, Re,ublic Ac No& :0;; and -ec ion 73 425, Co)elec Re!olu ion No& 7383& $a!ed on he can%a!! o# 27 elec ion re urn!, ,e i ioner ob ained a )argin o# 082 %o e! o%er re!,onden & The o al nu)ber o# regi! ered %o er! #ro) he #i%e excluded elec ion re urn! i! 288& On "une :, 9110, re!,onden #iled 6i h Co)elec a )o ion o annul ,enden e li e ,e i ioner<! ,rocla)a ion con ending ha !uch ,rocla)a ion %iola ed -ec ion 91 4i5, Re,ublic Ac No& :0;;& 0A& In !,i e o# he la6<! )anda e o !u!,end he can%a!!ing and a6ai he deci!ion o# he Co)elec on he a,,eal, he )unici,al board o# can%a!!er! ,roceeded 6i h he ,rocla)a ion& On "une 08, 9110, ,e i ioner, 6i h %ice=)ayoral y candida e and -angguniang $ayan candida e! 6ho 6ere ,roclai)ed by he )unici,al board o# can%a!!er! on May 70, 9110 #iled 6i h Co)elec )o ion! #or in er%en ion con ending ha heir ,rocla)a ion 6ould no be a##ec ed by he #i%e 4A5 elec ion re urn!& On "une 97, 9110, Co)elec !en ,e i ioner %ia elegra) !u))on! 6i h no ice o# hearing a aching here o a co,y o# re!,onden <! %eri#ied a,,eal& When he ca!e 6a! called #or hearing on "une 92, 9110, be#ore he Co)elec, .ir! *i%i!ion, only coun!el #or re!,onden and in er%enor %ice=)ayor a,,eared& Pe i ioner 6a! no i#ied %ia elegra) o# he re!e ing o# he hearing& On "une 71, 9110, Co)elec 4.ir! *i%i!ion5 ,ro)ulga ed a re!olu ion ordering he inclu!ion o# he uncan%a!!ed elec ion re urn!, and !e ing a!ide ,e i ioner<! ,rocla)a ion& The Co)elec 4.ir! *i%i!ion5 #ound ,e i ioner<! ,rocla)a ion o be illegal& Mean6hile, ,e i ioner oo? hi! oa h a noon o# he !a)e day and i))edia ely a!!u)ed o##ice a! )ayor o# he )unici,ali y o# -ul an !a $arongi!, Maguindanao& On "uly A, 9110, ,e i ioner #iled 6i h Co)elec, .ir! *i%i!ion, a )o ion o recon!ider he re!olu ion o# "une 71, 9110, a!!ailing i a! con rary o la6 and he e%idence and i!!ued 6i hou a##ording hi) no ice and o,,or uni y o be heard a! he 6a! no i),leaded a! a ,ar y o he ,e i ion& Pe i ioner ,rayed ha he inclu!ion o# he uncan%a!!ed re urn be !e a!ide and he ca!e re)anded o he Co)elec 4.ir! *i%i!ion5 #or he a)end)en o# he ,e i ion o include all indi!,en!able ,ar ie!& Pe i ioner clai)! ha re!,onden by B!?ill#ul ! ra egyB )ade i a,,ear ha he 4,e i ioner5 6a! a ,ar y in he a,,eal ,roceeding! by #iling a )o ion o annul ,rocla)a ion in he !a)e ,roceeding! and na)ing hi) ,ar y re!,onden 6i hou ob aining ,rior lea%e o# he Co)elec&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he ,rocla)a ion o# ,e i ioner 6a! legal& ,ELD8 NO& A!!u)ing arguendo ha ,e i ioner 6a! no gi%en no ice or an o,,or uni y o be
heard, he ,e i ion 6ould ! ill be denied& The 6in=re>uire)en o# no ice and hearing in annul)en o# ,rocla)a ion i! no a,,licable becau!e o# he illegali y o# ,e i ioner<! ,rocla)a ion& -ec ion 73 425, Co)elec Re!olu ion No& 7383 8A ,ro%ided he ,rocedure in he di!,o!i ion o# con e! ed elec ion re urn! and cer i#ica e o# can%a!!& The Co)elec ,reclude! he board o# can%a!!er! #ro) ,roclai)ing any candida e a! 6inner, exce, u,on i ! au hori(a ion a# er i ha! ruled on he a,,eal o# he lo!ing ,ar y& Any ,rocla)a ion )ade in %iola ion hereo#
105

!hall be %oid ab ini io, unle!! he con e! ed re urn! 6ill no ad%er!ely a##ec he re!ul ! o# he elec ion& Thi! ,ro%i!ion i! )anda ory and re>uire! ! ric ob!er%ance& Wi hin he regle)en ary ,eriod #or #iling an a,,eal, re!,onden 6en o he Co)elec& Pur!uan o -ec ion 91 4i5, Re,ublic Ac No& :0;;, he )unici,al board o# can%a!!er! )ay no ,roclai) any candida e 6i hou 6ai ing #or he au hori(a ion o# he Co)elec& Con!idering ha ,e i ioner had a %ery !)all )argin o# 082 %o e! o%er re!,onden , and here 6ere 288 regi! ered %o er! #ro) he #i%e excluded elec ion re urn!, he re!ul ! o# he )unici,al elec ion 6ould be undoub edly ad%er!ely a##ec ed by he con e! ed re urn!& The ,rocla)a ion hu! )ade i! %oid ab ini io& I i! no6 !e led ha an inco),le e can%a!! o# %o e! i! illegal and canno be he ba!i! o# a ,rocla)a ion& A can%a!! canno be re#lec i%e o# he rue %o e o# he elec ora e unle!! all re urn! are con!idered and none i! o)i ed& When he )unici,al board o# can%a!!er! di!regarded he #i%e 4A5 elec ion re urn!, i in e##ec di!en#ranchi!ed he %o er! o# he excluded ,recinc !& Ti)e and again, he Cour ha! gi%en i ! i),ri)a ur on he ,rinci,le ha Co)elec i! 6i h au hori y o annul any can%a!! and ,rocla)a ion illegally )ade& The #ac ha a candida e illegally ,roclai)ed ha! a!!u)ed o##ice i! no a bar o he exerci!e o# !uch ,o6er& I i! al!o rue ha a# er ,rocla)a ion, he re)edy o# a ,ar y aggrie%ed in an elec ion i! an elec ion ,ro e! & Thi! i! on he a!!u), ion, ho6e%er, ha here ha! been a %alid ,rocla)a ion& Where a ,rocla)a ion i! null and %oid, he ,roclai)ed candida e<! a!!u), ion o# o##ice canno de,ri%e Co)elec o# he ,o6er o declare !uch ,rocla)a ion a nulli y&
PRE"PROCLAMATION CONTROVERSY; IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY MANIFEST ERROR IN THE CERTIFICATE OF CANVASS SOUGHT TO BE CORRECTED, THE COMELEC SHOULD HAVE ORDERED THE RE" CANVASS OR RE"COUNTING. OD,ARA .&- CO++ISSION ON ELECTIONS/ et !'0G-R- No&- 19=391692/ +!rc% 12/ 20024
?AP*NAN/ 78 FACTS8 !ee ,age A2 ISS*E8

Whe her or no he Co)elec gra%ely abu!ed i ! di!cre ion 6hen i annulled he ,rocla)a ion o# ,e i ioner a! %ice=go%ernor o# Ri(al and by ordering he P$C o# Ri(al o recon%ene and correc he alleged )ani#e! )a he)a ical error !u,,o!edly co))i ed by he M$C o# Ri(al&
,ELD8 5ES& The COMELEC !hould ha%e conduc ed #ur her in%e! iga ion or a lea! a echnical
in!,ec ion or exa)ina ion o# elec ion re urn! o %eri#y he exi! ence o# he alleged error be#ore i ga%e credence o he ! a e)en ! o# he M$C o# $inangonan and concluding ou righ ha he - a e)en o# /o e! !ub)i ed by re!,onden ! 6ere accura e& The COMELEC canno !i),ly rely on he!e - a e)en o# /o e! becau!e hey 6ere ,re,ared by he !a)e )e)ber! o# he M$C 6ho clai)ed o ha%e )ade a )i! a?e due o B#a igue, !lee,le!! nigh ! and ,hy!ical exhau! ion&B I 6ould ha%e been )ore ,ruden o )a?e a de er)ina ion 6he her he!e !a)e indi%idual! co))i ed any o her )i! a?e in he abula ion or ! a e)en o# %o e!& E%en ba!ed on he ! a e)en !Da##ida%i ! o# he M$C o# $inangonan, i i! a,,aren ha he error! !ough o be correc ed do no a,,ear on he #ace o# he cer i#ica e o# can%a!!& A! abo%e=! a ed, he alleged error 6hich he COMELEC ,ercei%ed o be )ani#e! doe! no #all under he de#ini ion o# B)ani#e! errorB 6hich 6a! laid do6n in Chave% vs. CO&-'-C & & & RTo be )ani#e! , he error! )u! a,,ear on he #ace o# he cer i#ica e! o# can%a!! or elec ion re urn! !ough o be correc ed andDor objec ion! here o )u! ha%e been )ade be#ore he board o# can%a!!er! and !,eci#ically no ed in he )inu e! o# heir re!,ec i%e ,roceeding!&O The Con! i u ion gi%e! he Co))i!!ion on Elec ion! he broad ,o6er B o en#orce and ad)ini! er all la6! and regula ion! o he conduc o# an elec ion, ,lebi!ci e, ini ia i%e, re#erendu) and recall&B The Co))i!!ion indi!,u ably exerci!e! he ,o6er o# !u,er%i!ion and con rol o%er board! o# elec ion in!,ec or! and board! o# can%a!!er!& The Co))i!!ion )u! do e%ery hing in i ! ,o6er o !ecure a #air and hone! can%a!! o# he %o e! ca! in he elec ion!& The Con! i u ion 106

u,graded o a con! i u ional ! a u! he ! a u ory au hori y under $a a! Pa)ban!a $lg& 330 o gran he Co))i!!ion broad and )ore #lexible ,o6er! o e##ec i%ely ,er#or) i ! du ie! and o en!ure #ree, orderly, hone! , ,eace#ul and credible elec ion!, and o !er%e a! he guardian o# he ,eo,le<! !acred righ o# !u##rage& In he ab!ence o# any )ani#e! error in he cer i#ica e o# can%a!! !ough o be correc ed, he Co))i!!ion !hould ha%e ordered he re=can%a!! o# he elec ion re urn! or he re=coun ing o# he ballo ! in he )unici,ali y o# $inangonan in order o %alida e he clai) o# i ! M$C& I# a# er he re=can%a!! o# he elec ion re urn! or he re=coun ing o# he o##icial ballo !, he clerical error or )a he)a ical )i! a?e in he addi ion o# he %o e! had been e! abli!hed, he Co))i!!ion !hould ha%e annulled he can%a!! and ,rocla)a ion ba!ed on he erroneou! cer i#ica e o# can%a!!& I# he record! had borne ou ha ,e i ioner<! ,rocla)a ion 6a! he re!ul o# a clerical error or !i),le )a he)a ical )i! a?e in he addi ion o# %o e! and did no re#lec he rue and legi i)a e 6ill o# he elec ora e, here could ha%e been no %alid ,rocla)a ion o !,ea? o#& The i!!ue 6ould in%ol%e a ,re=,rocla)a ion con ro%er!y&
ELECTION CONTESTS
ELECTION CONTESTS; PRE"CONDITIONS FOR DECLARING A FAILURE OF ELECTION. CAWASA .&- CO++ISSION ON ELECTIONS/ et !'0G-R- No- 1209>3/ +!" 30/ 20024
CARPIO/ 78 FACTS8 Pe i ioner "un Ca6a!a and ,ri%a e re!,onden Adbul)ali? Mana),aran 6ere a)ong
he candida e! #or )ayor in he Munici,ali y o# Nunungan, Lanao del Nor e& Ou o# he 81 ,recinc ! in Nunungan, only 7; #unc ioned, a! here 6a! a #ailure o# elec ion in he re)aining 8 ,recinc !& -,ecial elec ion! 6ere !e con!idering ha ha he nu)ber o# regi! ered %o er! in he re)aining 8 ,recinc ! 6ould a##ec he elec ion re!ul !& Co)elec, en banc, ho6e%er oo? cogni(ance o# he ,e i ion o# ,ri%a e re!,onden #or he annul)en o# elec ion re!ul ! #or he #ollo6ing rea!on!: a5 The ca!e ,ending be#ore he !econd di%i!ion o# he Co)elec i! a ,re=,rocla)a ion con ro%er!y, 6hile he ca!e ,ending be#ore he Co)elec en banc i! a ca!e #or annul)en o# elec ion re!ul !& b5 Co)elec #ound ha he !,ecial elec ion! 6ere no held in he de!igna ed ,olling ,lace! in Nunungan bu 6ere ran!#erred o he di##eren )unici,ali ie! 6i hou any au hori y #ro) he Co)elec, in %iola ion o# he due ,roce!! re>ui!i e!& Moreo%er, no hing in he record! could !ho6 ha no ice 6a! gi%en o he ,oli ical candida e! and o he regi! ered %o er! a##ec ed by he !,ecial elec ion! o# he !aid ran!#er o# ,olling ,lace!& c) The Co)elec #ound ha )e)ber! o# he Phili,,ine Ar)y 9; h In#an ry $a alion !er%ed a! elec ion in!,ec or! 6i hou au hori y #ro) Co)elec&
ISS*E8 Whe her or no he Co)elec en banc re!olu ion 6a! i!!ued 6i hou juri!dic ion andDor
6i h gra%e abu!e o# di!cre ion a)oun ing o lac? o# juri!dic ion&
,ELD8 NO& The ran!#er 6a! )ade no only in bla an di!regard o# he Co)elec re!olu ion
!,eci#ying he ,olling ,lace! bu al!o ,ro%i!ion! o# he Elec ion Code 4-ec ion! 0A7 and 0A85& A! clearly ,ro%ided by he la6, he loca ion o# ,olling ,lace! !hall be he !a)e a! ha o# he ,receding regular elec ion& Eo6e%er, charge! )ay be ini ia ed by 6ri en ,e i ion o# he )ajori y o# he %o er! o# he ,recinc or agree)en o# all he ,oli ical ,ar ie! or by re!olu ion o# he Co)elec a# er no ice and hearing& $u ul i)a ely, i i! he Co)elec 6hich de er)ine! 6he her a change i! nece!!ary a# er no ice and hearing& The Co)elec ha! une>ui%ocally ! a ed ha no hing in he record! !ho6ed ha no ice 6a! gi%en o he ,oli ical candida e! and regi! ered %o er! a##ec ed by he ran!#er& There i! no cogen rea!on #or u! o di! urb he #inding! o# he Co)elec on hi! )a er& Indeed, he #ac ual #inding! o# he Co)elec !u,,or ed by he !ub! an ial, e%idence !hall be #inal and non=re%ie6able&
107

Nex , he a,,oin )en o# )ili ary ,er!onnel a! )e)ber! o# he $EI i! ano her gra%e irregulari y ha a ended he !,ecial elec ion!& There 6a! ab!olu ely no legal ba!i! #or he a,,oin )en o# )ili ary ,er!onnel a! )e)ber! o# he $EI& 4-ec OEC -ec ion! 0;8, 0;A, 0;;, 0:1, and -ec& 07 o# RA No& ;;8;5& Prayer! o annul elec ion re!ul !, a! in he in! an ca!e, and a ,rayer o declare #ailure o# elec ion! ba!ed on allega ion! o# #raud, errori!), %iolence or analogou! ca!e!, are ac ually o# he !a)e na ure and he Elec ion Code deno)ina e! he) !i)ilarly& The Co)elec )ay exerci!e he ,o6er o annul elec ion re!ul ! or declare a #ailure o# elec ion )o u ,ro,io, or u,on a %eri#ied ,e i ion& The hearing o# he ca!e !hall be !u))ary in na ure& A #or)al rial= y,e hearing i! no a all i)e! and in all in! ance! e!!en ial o due ,roce!! U i i! enough ha he ,ar ie! are gi%en a #air and rea!!urable o,,or uni y o ex,lain heir re!,ec i%e !ide! o# he con ro%er!y and o ,re!en e%idence on 6hich a #air deci!ion can be ba!ed& In #ine, a rial i! no a all indi!,en!able o !a i!#y he de)and! o# due ,roce!!& The ,re=condi ion! #or declaring a #ailure o# elec ion are: 05 Tha no %o ing ha! been held in any ,recinc or ,recinc ! becau!e o# #orce )ajeure, %iolence, errori!), #raud or o her analogou! ca!e!C and 95 Tha he %o e! no ca! herein are !u##icien o a##ec he re!ul ! o# he elec ion!& The concurrence o# he!e 6o circu)! ance! ju! i#ie! he calling o# !,ecial elec ion!& Eere, he Co)elec #ound ha he !,ecial elec ion! 6ere %i ia ed by #raud due o he illegal ran!#er o# he ,olling ,lace! and he a,,oin )en o# )ili ary ,er!onnel a! )e)ber! o# he $EI& Ine%i ably, he Co)elec could no a!cer ain 6ho %o ed during he !,ecial elec ion!& The circu)! ance! 6ere !uch ha he en ire elec oral ,roce!! 6a! no 6or hy o# #ai h and credi , hence, in ,rac ical e##ec , no elec ion 6a! held&
LAW ON P*BLIC CORPORATIONS LOCAL AUTONOMY

LOCAL AUTONOMY; LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS CANNOT ENACT ORDINANCES THAT GO AGAINST THE LAWS DULY ENACTED BY CONGRESS. LINA .&- PAIO
0G-R- No- 123033/ AuAu&t 30/ 20014
<*IS*+BING/ 78 FACTS8 On *ece)ber 92, 022A, re!,onden Tony Cal%en o 6a! a,,oin ed agen by he
Phili,,ine Chari y -6ee,! a?e! O##ice 4PC-O5 o in! all Ter)inal OM 91 #or he o,era ion o# lo o& Ee a!?ed Mayor Calix o Ca a>ui(, Mayor o# -an Pedro, Laguna, #or a )ayor<! ,er)i o o,en he lo o ou le & Thi! 6a! denied by Mayor Ca a>ui( in a le er da ed .ebruary 02, 022;& The ground #or !aid denial 6a! an ordinance ,a!!ed by he -angguniang Panlala6igan o# Laguna en i led La,a!iyahan $lg& A13 6hich declared i ! ,olicy again! he o,era ion o# lo o 6i hin he ,ro%ince& A! a re!ul o# hi! re!olu ion o# denial, re!,onden Cal%en o #iled a co),lain #or declara ory relie# 6i h ,rayer #or ,reli)inary injunc ion and e),orary re! raining order& On .ebruary 01, 022:, he re!,onden judge, .ranci!co *i(on PaMo, ,ro)ulga ed hi! deci!ion enjoining he ,e i ioner! #ro) i),le)en ing or en#orcing re!olu ion or La,a!iyahan $lg& A13& Pe i ioner! con end ha he a!!ailed re!olu ion i! a %alid ,olicy declara ion o# he Pro%incial 'o%ern)en o# Laguna o# i ! %ehe)en objec ion o he o,era ion o# lo o and all #or)! o# ga)bling& I i! li?e6i!e a %alid exerci!e o# he ,ro%incial go%ern)en <! ,olice ,o6er under he 'eneral Wel#are Clau!e o# Re,ublic Ac :0;1, o her6i!e ?no6n a! he Local 'o%ern)en Code o# 0220& They al!o )ain ain ha re!,onden <! lo o o,era ion i! illegal becau!e no ,rior con!ul a ion! and a,,ro%al by he local go%ern)en 6ere !ough be#ore i 6a! i),le)en ed con rary o he ex,re!! ,ro%i!ion! o# -ec ion! 9 4c5 and 9: o# R&A& :0;1&
ISS*ES8
108

405 Whe her La,a!iyahan $lg& A13, T& 022A o# he -angguniang Panlala6igan o# Laguna and he denial o# a )ayor<! ,er)i ba!ed hereon are %alid& 495 Whe her ,rior con!ul a ion! and a,,ro%al by he concerned -anggunian are needed be#ore a lo o !y! e) can be o,era ed in a gi%en local go%ern)en uni &
,ELD8
405 5ES- The en ire con ro%er!y ! e))ed #ro) he re#u!al o# Mayor Ca a>ui( o i!!ue a )ayor<! ,er)i #or he o,era ion o# a lo o ou le in #a%or o# ,ri%a e re!,onden & According o he )ayor, he ba!ed hi! deci!ion on an exi! ing ordinance ,rohibi ing he o,era ion o# lo o in he ,ro%ince o# Laguna& The ordinance, ho6e%er, )erely ! a e! he Bobjec ionB o# he council o he !aid ga)e& I i! bu a )ere ,olicy ! a e)en on he ,ar o# he local council, 6hich i! no !el#= execu ing& A! a ,olicy ! a e)en ex,re!!ing he local go%ern)en <! objec ion o he lo o, !uch re!olu ion i! %alid& Thi! i! ,ar o# he local go%ern)en <! au ono)y o air i ! %ie6! 6hich )ay be con rary o ha o# he na ional go%ern)en <!& Eo6e%er, hi! #reedo) o exerci!e con rary %ie6! doe! no )ean ha local go%ern)en ! )ay ac ually enac ordinance! ha go again! la6! duly enac ed by Congre!!& 'i%en hi! ,re)i!e, he a!!ailed re!olu ion in hi! ca!e could no and !hould no be in er,re ed a! a )ea!ure or ordinance ,rohibi ing he o,era ion o# lo o& The ga)e o# lo o i! a ga)e o# chance duly au hori(ed by he na ional go%ern)en hrough an Ac o# Congre!!& Re,ublic Ac 00;2, a! a)ended by $a a! Pa)ban!a $lg& 89, i! he la6 6hich gran ! a #ranchi!e o he PC-O and allo6! i o o,era e he lo erie!& Munici,al go%ern)en ! are only agen ! o# he na ional go%ern)en & Local council! exerci!e only delega ed legi!la i%e ,o6er! con#erred u,on he) by Congre!! a! he na ional la6)a?ing body& The delega e canno be !u,erior o he ,rinci,al or exerci!e ,o6er! higher han ho!e o# he la er& I i! a here!y o !ugge! ha he local go%ern)en uni ! can undo he ac ! o# Congre!!, #ro) 6hich hey ha%e deri%ed heir ,o6er in he #ir! ,lace, and nega e by )ere ordinance he )anda e o# he ! a u e& 495 NO& A! #or he !econd i!!ue, 6e hold ha ,e i ioner! erred in declaring ha -ec ion! 9 4c5 and 9: o# Re,ublic Ac :0;1, o her6i!e ?no6n a! he Local 'o%ern)en Code o# 0220, a,,ly )anda orily in he !e ing u, o# lo o ou le ! around he coun ry& .ro) a care#ul reading o# !aid ,ro%i!ion!, 6e #ind ha he!e a,,ly only o na ional ,rogra)! andDor ,rojec ! 6hich are o be i),le)en ed in a ,ar icular local co))uni y& Lo o i! nei her a ,rogra) nor a ,rojec o# he na ional go%ern)en , bu o# a chari able in! i u ion, he PC-O& Though !anc ioned by he na ional go%ern)en , i i! #ar #e ched o !ay ha lo o #all! 6i hin he con e),la ion o# -ec ion! 9 4c5 and 9: o# he Local 'o%ern)en Code&
CREATION OF MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS

CREATION OF MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS; THE CREATION OF A NEW LGU THROUGH A DIVISION OR MERGER OF EXISTING LGU1 IS RECOGNIZED UNDER THE CONSTITUTION. CAWALING .&- CO++ISSION ON ELECTIONS
0G-R- NO- 19>313/ Octo(er 2>/ 20014
SANDO;AL6G*TIERREZ/ 78 FACTS8 $y %ir ue o# Re,ublic Ac 331;, he Ci y o# -or!ogon 6a! crea ed by )erging he

Munici,ali ie! o# $acon and -or!ogon in he Pro%ince o# -or!ogon& A ,lebi!ci e 6a! conduc ed 6hich 6a! a,,ro%ed by he )ajori y o# he %o e! ca! , and ra i#ied he Ac & Pe i ioner a! a ax,ayer, no6 a!!ail! he %alidi y o# he !aid Ac on he ground ha i %iola e! -ec ion 8A14a5 o# he Local 'o%ern)en Code o# 0220 in rela ion 6i h -ec ion 01, Ar icle @ o# he 023: Con! i u ion 6hich re>uire! ha only a R)unici,ali y or clu! er o# barangay! )ay be con%er ed in o a co),onen ci y&O Ee i! hu! a!!ailing i ! )ode o# crea ion and ha under -ec ion 8A14a5 o# he Code, a co),onen ci y )ay be crea ed only by con%er ing Ba )unici,ali y or a clu! er o# barangay!,B no by )erging 6o )unici,ali ie!, a! 6ha R&A& No& 331; ha! done& Pe i ioner #ur her a!!ail! he %alidi y o# he ,lebi!ci e conduc ed by he COMELEC #or he ra i#ica ion o# he crea ion o# -or!ogon Ci y a!!er ing ha he ,lebi!ci e re>uired by R&A& No& 331; 109

!hould be conduc ed 6i hin 091 day! #ro) he Ba,,ro%alB o# !aid Ac ,er ex,re!! ,ro%i!ion o# i ! -ec ion A8& The Ac 6a! a,,ro%ed on Augu! 0;, 9111 by #or)er Pre!iden "o!e,h E& E! rada& Thu!, ,e i ioner clai)!, he *ece)ber 0;, 9111 ,lebi!ci e 6a! conduc ed one 405 day la e #ro) he ex,ira ion o# he 091=day ,eriod a# er he a,,ro%al o# he Ac C a! he 091=day ,eriod ex,ired 6i hou a ,lebi!ci e conduc ed, he Ac i !el# ex,ired and could no longer be ra i#ied and a,,ro%ed in he ,lebi!ci e held on *ece)ber 0;, 9111& In i ! co))en , he COMELEC a!!er ! ha i !cheduled he ,lebi!ci e on *ece)ber 0;, 9111 ba!ed on he da e o# he e##ec i%i y o# he Ac a! under i ! -ec ion ;A, he Ac !hall a?e e##ec u,on i ! ,ublica ion in a lea! 6o 495 ne6!,a,er! o# general and local circula ion&
ISS*ES8
405 Whe her or no he la6 i! con! i u ional& 495 Whe her or no he !aid la6 %iola e! he ,ro%i!ion! o# he Local 'o%ern)en Code and -ec ion 01, Ar icle @ o# he Con! i u ion& 475 Whe her or no he ,lebi!ci e conduc ed by he COMELEC i! %alid&
,ELD8
405 5ES& E%ery ! a u e ha! in i ! #a%or he ,re!u), ion o# con! i u ionali y& Thi! ,re!u), ion i! roo ed in he doc rine o# !e,ara ion o# ,o6er! 6hich enjoin! u,on he hree coordina e de,ar )en ! o# he 'o%ern)en a beco)ing cour e!y #or each o her<! ac !& The heory i! ha e%ery la6, being he join ac o# he Legi!la ure and he Execu i%e, ha! ,a!!ed care#ul !cru iny o en!ure ha i i! in accord 6i h he #unda)en al la6& Thi! Cour , ho6e%er, )ay declare a la6, or ,or ion! hereo#, uncon! i u ional 6here a ,e i ioner ha! !ho6n a clear and une>ui%ocal breach o# he Con! i u ion, no )erely a doub #ul or argu)en a i%e one& In o her 6ord! he ground! #or nulli y )u! be beyond rea!onable doub , #or o doub i! o !u! ain& 495 NO& Pe i ioner<! con! ric ed reading o# -ec ion 8A14a5 o# he Code i! erroneou!& The ,hra!e BA )unici,ali y or a clu! er o# barangay! )ay be con%er ed in o a co),onen ci yB i! no a cri erion bu !i),ly one o# he )ode! by 6hich a ci y )ay be crea ed& -ec ion 01, Ar icle @ o# he Con! i u ion, >uo ed earlier and 6hich ,e i ioner ci ed in !u,,or o# hi! ,o! ure, allo6! he )erger o# local go%ern)en uni ! o crea e a ,ro%ince ci y, )unici,ali y or barangay in accordance 6i h he cri eria e! abli!hed by he Code& Thu!, -ec ion 3 o# he Code di! inc ly ,ro%ide!: B-ECTION 3& *i%i!ion and Merger& I *i%i!ion and )erger o# exi! ing local go%ern)en uni ! !hall co),ly 6i h he !a)e re>uire)en ! herein ,re!cribed #or heir crea ion: Pro%ided, ho6e%er, Tha !uch di%i!ion !hall no reduce he inco)e, ,o,ula ion, or land area o# he local go%ern)en uni or uni ! concerned o le!! han he )ini)u) re>uire)en ! ,re!cribed in hi! Code: Pro%ided, #ur her, Tha he inco)e cla!!i#ica ion o# he original local go%ern)en uni or uni ! !hall no #all belo6 i ! curren inco)e cla!!i#ica ion ,rior o !uch di%i!ion& & & & &B /erily, he crea ion o# an en irely ne6 local go%ern)en uni hrough a di%i!ion or a )erger o# exi! ing local go%ern)en uni ! i! recogni(ed under he Con! i u ion, ,ro%ided ha !uch )erger or di%i!ion !hall co),ly 6i h he re>uire)en ! ,re!cribed by he Code& 475 5ES& The la6 6a! #ir! ,ubli!hed in he Augu! 9A, 9111 i!!ue o# TO*AJ a ne6!,a,er o# general circula ion& Then on -e, e)ber 10, 9111, i 6a! ,ubli!hed in a ne6!,a,er o# local circula ion in he Pro%ince o# -or!ogon& Thu!, he ,ublica ion o# he la6 6a! co),le ed on -e, e)ber 0, 9111, 6hich da e, according o he COMELEC, !hould be he rec?oning ,oin in de er)ining he 091=day ,eriod 6i hin 6hich o conduc he ,lebi!ci e, no #ro) he da e o# i ! a,,ro%al 4Augu! 0;, 91115 6hen he la6 had no ye been ,ubli!hed& -ince ,ublica ion i! indi!,en!able #or he e##ec i%i y o# a la6, ci ing he land)ar? ca!e o# Ta6ada vs. Tuvera, i could only !chedule he ,lebi!ci e a# er he Ac oo? e##ec & Thu!, he *ece)ber 0;, 9111 ,lebi!ci e 6a! 6ell 6i hin he 091=day ,eriod #ro) he e##ec i%i y o# he la6 on -e, e)ber 0, 9111&
POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

POWERS OF LGU1; THE ALLOCATION OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF EXTENSION CLASSES LOGICALLY IMPLIES THE HIRING AND COMPENSATION OF TEACHERS BUT NOT THE GRANTING OF SCHOLARSHIPS.
110

COA o# t%e PRO;INCE o# CEB* .&- PRO;INCE o# CEB*

0G-R- No- 1913=>/ No.e$(er 23/ 20014
5NARES6SANTIAGO/ 78 FACTS8 The ,ro%incial go%ernor o# he ,ro%ince o# Cebu, a! chair)an o# he local !chool
board, under -ec ion 23 o# he Local 'o%ern)en Code, a,,oin ed cla!!roo) eacher! 6ho ha%e no i e)! in he *EC- ,lan illa o handle ex en!ion cla!!e! ha 6ould acco))oda e ! uden ! in he ,ublic !chool!& In he audi o# accoun ! conduc ed by he Co))i!!ion on Audi 4COA5 o# he Pro%ince o# Cebu, #or he ,eriod "anuary o "une 0223, i a,,eared ha he !alarie! and ,er!onnel=rela ed bene#i ! o# he eacher! a,,oin ed by he ,ro%ince #or he ex en!ion cla!!e! 6ere charged again! he ,ro%incial -,ecial Educa ion .und 4-E.5& Li?e6i!e charged o he -E. 6ere he college !cholar!hi, gran ! o# he ,ro%ince& Con!e>uen ly, he COA i!!ued No ice! o# -u!,en!ion o he ,ro%ince o# Cebu, !aying ha di!bur!e)en ! #or he !alarie! o# eacher! and !cholar!hi, gran ! are no chargeable o he ,ro%incial -E.& .aced 6i h he No ice! o# -u!,en!ion i!!ued by he COA, he ,ro%ince o# Cebu, re,re!en ed by i ! go%ernor, #iled a ,e i ion #or declara ory relie# 6i h he rial cour & In%o?ing he legal )axi) Bex,re!!io uniu! e! exclu!io al eriu!,B ,e i ioner allege! ha !ince !alarie!, ,er!onnel=rela ed bene#i ! and !cholar!hi, gran ! are no a)ong ho!e au hori(ed a! la6#ul ex,endi ure! o# he -E. under he Local 'o%ern)en Code, hey !hould be dee)ed excluded here#ro)&
ISS*ES8
405 Whe her or no he !alarie! and ,er!onnel=rela ed bene#i ! o# ,ublic !chool eacher! a,,oin ed by local chie# execu i%e! in connec ion 6i h he e! abli!h)en and )ain enance o# ex en!ion cla!!e! )ay be charged o he -,ecial Educa ion .und 4-E.5 o# he local go%ern)en uni concerned& 495 Whe her or no he ex,en!e! #or college !cholar!hi, gran ! )ay be charged o he -,ecial Educa ion .und 4-E.5 o# he local go%ern)en uni concerned&
,ELD8
405 5ES& I i! a ba!ic ,rece, in ! a u ory con! ruc ion ha he in en o# he legi!la ure i! he con rolling #ac or in he in er,re a ion o# a ! a u e& In hi! connec ion, he #ollo6ing ,or ion! o# he delibera ion! o# he -ena e on he !econd reading o# he Local 'o%ern)en Code on "uly 71, 0221 are !igni#ican : R-ena or Pi)en el: Mr& Pre!iden , ,ur!uan o he 6ording o# he ,ro,o!ed ran!#er o# hi! ele)en ary !chool !y! e) o local go%ern)en uni !, 6ha are !,eci#ically co%ered here are )erely he con! ruc ion, re,air, and )ain enance o# ele)en ary !chool building! and o her ! ruc ure! connec ed 6i h ,ublic ele)en ary !chool educa ion, ,ay)en o# !alarie!, e)olu)en !, allo6ance! e ce era, ,rocure)en o# boo?!, o her eaching )a erial! and e>ui,)en needed #or he ,ro,er i),le)en a ion o# he ,rogra)& There i! no hing here ha 6ill indica e ha he local go%ern)en 6ill ha%e any righ o al er he curriculu)&O Kndoub edly, he a#oreci ed exchange o# %ie6! clearly de)on! ra e! ha he legi!la ure in ended he -E. o an!6er #or he co),en!a ion o# eacher! handling ex en!ion cla!!e! E%en under he doc rine o# nece!!ary i),lica ion, he alloca ion o# he -E. #or he e! abli!h)en and )ain enance o# ex en!ion cla!!e! logically i),lie! he hiring o# eacher! 6ho !hould, a! a )a er o# cour!e be co),en!a ed #or heir !er%ice!& E%ery ! a u e i! under! ood, by i),lica ion, o con ain all !uch ,ro%i!ion! a! )ay be nece!!ary o e##ec ua e i ! objec and ,ur,o!e, or o )a?e e##ec i%e righ !, ,o6er!, ,ri%ilege! or juri!dic ion 6hich i gran !, including all !uch colla eral and !ub!idiary con!e>uence! a! )ay be #airly and logically in#erred #ro) i ! er)!& Ex nece!!i a e legi!& /erily, he !er%ice! and he corre!,onding co),en!a ion o# he!e eacher! are nece!!ary and indi!,en!able o he e! abli!h)en and )ain enance o# ex en!ion cla!!e!& 495 NO& Wi h re!,ec , ho6e%er, o college !cholar!hi, gran !, a reading o# he ,er inen la6! o# he Local 'o%ern)en Code re%eal! ha !aid gran ! are no a)ong he ,rojec ! #or 6hich he ,roceed! o# he -E. )ay be a,,ro,ria ed& I !hould be no ed ha -ec ion! 011 4c5 and 9:9 o# he Local 'o%ern)en Code !ub! an ially re,roduced -ec ion 0, o# R&A& No& A88:& $u , unli?e ,ay)en o# !alarie! o# eacher! 6hich #all! 6i hin he a)bi o# Be! abli!h)en and )ain enance o# ex en!ion cla!!e!B and Bo,era ion and )ain enance o# ,ublic !chool!,B he Bgran ing o# 111

go%ern)en !cholar!hi, o ,oor bu de!er%ing ! uden !B 6a! o)i ed in -ec ion! 011 4c5 and 9:9 o# he Local 'o%ern)en Code& Ca!u! o)i!!u! ,ro o)i!!o habendu! e! & A ,er!on, objec , or hing o)i ed #ro) an enu)era ion in a ! a u e )u! be held o ha%e been o)i ed in en ionally& I i! no #or hi! Cour o !u,,ly !uch gran o# !cholar!hi, 6here he legi!la ure ha! o)i ed i &
P*BLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW TREATIES

TREATIES; THE PARIS CONVENTION RESPECTS THE RIGHTS OF MEMBER COUNTRIES TO ADOPT LEGISLATIVE MEASURES TO PREVENT ABUSES WHICH MIGHT RESULT FROM THE EXERCISE OF EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS CONFERRED BY THE PATENT. S+IT, ?LINE G FRENC, LABORATORIES .&- CO*RT OF APPEALS
0G-R- No- 1212>:/ Octo(er 23/ 20014
?AP*NAN/ 78 FACTS8 Pe i ioner i! he a!!ignee o# Le er! Pa en No& 0991: co%ering he ,har)aceu ical
,roduc Ci)e idine, 6hich rela e! o deri%a i%e! o# he erocyclic hio or lo6er al?oxy or a)ino lo6er al?yl hiourea, urea! or guanadine! i!!ued by he $ureau o# Pa en !, Trade)ar?! and Technology Tran!#er 4$PTTT5& Pri%a e re!,onden #iled 6i h he $PTTT a ,e i ion #or co),ul!ory licen!e o )anu#ac ure and ,roduce i ! o6n brand o# )edicine! u!ing Ci)e idine& Pe i ioner o,,o!ed he ,e i ion #or co),ul!ory licen!e, arguing ha he ,ri%a e re!,onden had no cau!e o# ac ion and #ailed o allege ho6 i in ended o 6or? he ,a en ed ,roduc & A# er bo h ,ar ie! 6ere heard, he $PTTT rendered a deci!ion direc ing he i!!uance o# a co),ul!ory licen!e o ,ri%a e re!,onden o u!e, )anu#ac ure and !ell in he Phili,,ine! i ! o6n brand o# ,har)aceu ical ,roduc ! con aining& Pe i ioner herea# er #iled 6i h he Cour o# A,,eal! a ,e i ion #or re%ie6 o# he deci!ion o# he $PTTT, arguing ha !aid deci!ion i! an in%alid exerci!e o# ,olice ,o6er and i! %iola i%e o# in erna ional la6& Pe i ioner ! a e! ha he gran o# a co),ul!ory licen!e o ,ri%a e re!,onden i! an in%alid exerci!e o# ,olice ,o6er !ince i 6a! no !ho6n ha here i! an o%er6hel)ing ,ublic nece!!i y #or !uch gran , con!idering ha ,e i ioner i! able o ,ro%ide an ade>ua e !u,,ly o# Ci)e idine o !a i!#y he need! o# he Phili,,ine )ar?e & I argue! #ur her ha he ,ro%i!ion! o# he Pa en La6 on co),ul!ory licen!ing con ra%ene he Con%en ion o# Pari! #or he Pro ec ion o# Indu! rial Pro,er y 4Pari! Con%en ion5, 6hich allegedly ,er)i ! he gran ing o# a co),ul!ory licen!e o%er a ,a en ed ,roduc only o ,re%en abu!e! 6hich )igh re!ul #ro) he exerci!e o# he exclu!i%e righ ! con#erred by he ,a en , or on he ground o# #ailure o 6or? or in!u##icien 6or?ing o# he ,a en ed ,roduc , 6i hin #our year! #ro) he da e o# #iling o# he ,a en a,,lica ion or hree year! #ro) he da e o# gran o# he ,a en , 6hiche%er ex,ire! la! & Pe i ioner o,ine! ha he inclu!ion o# ground! #or he gran o# a co),ul!ory licen!e in -ec ion 78 o# he Pa en La6 o her han ho!e ,ro%ided under he Pari! Con%en ion con! i u e! a %iola ion o# he Phili,,ine!< obliga ion o adhere o he ,ro%i!ion! o# !aid rea y&
ISS*ES8
405 Whe her or no he !aid gran o# co),ul!ory licen!e 6a! an in%alid exerci!e o# ,olice ,o6er& 495 Whe her or no he gran %iola ed he in erna ional la6, ,ar icularly he Pari! Con%en ion&
,ELD8
405 NO& The gran o# he co),ul!ory licen!e !a i!#ie! he re>uire)en ! o# he ,ro%i!ion! o# -ec ion 78 o# he Pa en La6& More han en year! ha%e ,a!!ed !ince he ,a en #or Ci)e idine 6a! i!!ued o ,e i ioner and i ! ,redece!!or!=in=in ere! , and he co),ul!ory licen!e a,,lied #or by ,ri%a e re!,onden i! #or he u!e, )anu#ac ure and !ale o# a )edicinal ,roduc & .ur her)ore, bo h he a,,ella e cour and he $PTTT #ound ha ,ri%a e re!,onden had he ca,abili y o 6or? Ci)e idine or o )a?e u!e hereo# in he )anu#ac ure o# a u!e#ul ,roduc &
112

495 NO& Pe i ioner<! con en ion ha -ec ion 78 o# he Pa en La6 con ra%ene! he Pari! Con%en ion becau!e he #or)er ,ro%ide! #or ground! #or he gran o# a co),ul!ory licen!e in addi ion o ho!e #ound in he la er, i! li?e6i!e incorrec & Ar icle A, -ec ion A495 o# he Pari! Con%en ion ! a e!: Each coun ry o# he union !hall ha%e he righ o a?e legi!la i%e )ea!ure! ,ro%iding #or he gran o# co),ul!ory licen!e! o ,re%en he abu!e! 6hich )igh re!ul #ro) he exerci!e o# he exclu!i%e righ ! con#erred by he ,a en , #or exa),le, #ailure o 6or?& -ec ion A495 o# Ar icle A o# he Pari! Con%en ional une>ui%ocally and ex,lici ly re!,ec ! he righ o# )e)ber coun rie! o ado, legi!la i%e )ea!ure! o ,ro%ide #or he gran o# co),ul!ory licen!e! o ,re%en abu!e! 6hich )igh re!ul #ro) he exerci!e o# he exclu!i%e righ ! con#erred by he ,a en & An exa),le ,ro%ided o# ,o!!ible abu!e! i! B#ailure o 6or?CB ho6e%er, a! !uch, i! )erely !u,,lied by 6ay o# an exa),le, i i! ,lain ha he rea y doe! no ,reclude he inclu!ion o# o her #or)! o# ca egorie! o# abu!e!&
TREATIES; THE VFA GIVES LEGITIMACY TO THE BALIKATAN EXERCISES; THERE IS NO TREATY ALLOWING US TROOPS TO ENGAGE IN COMBAT IN THE PHILIPPINES. LI+ .&- ,ONORABLE E@EC*TI;E SECRETAR5
0G-R- No- 121992/ Apri' 11/ 20024
DE LEON/ 7R-/ 78 FACTS8 $eginning "anuary o# hi! year 9119, ,er!onnel #ro) he ar)ed #orce! o# he Kni ed
- a e! o# A)erica ! ar ed arri%ing in Mindanao o a?e ,ar , in conjunc ion 6i h he Phili,,ine )ili ary, in B$ali?a an 19=0&B The!e !o=called B$ali?a anB exerci!e! are he large! co)bined raining o,era ion! in%ol%ing .ili,ino and A)erican roo,!& In heory, hey are a !i)ula ion o# join )ili ary )aneu%er! ,ur!uan o he Mu ual *e#en!e Trea y, a bila eral de#en!e agree)en en ered in o by he Phili,,ine! and he Kni ed - a e! in 02A0& On .ebruary 0, 9119, ,e i ioner! Ar hur *& Li) and Paulino P& Er!ando #iled hi! ,e i ion #or cer iorari and ,rohibi ion, a ac?ing he con! i u ionali y o# he join exerci!e and !ee?ing he i!!uance o# a 6ri o# ,rohibi ionDinjunc ion o ,re%en K- roo,! #ro) ,ar ici,a ing in area! o# ar)ed con#lic on he ground ha !uch i! in gro!! %iola ion o# he Con! i u ion& They argue ha : I& The Phili,,ine! and he Kni ed - a e! !igned he Mu ual *e#en!e Trea y 4M*T5 in 02A0 o ,ro%ide )u ual )ili ary a!!i! ance in accordance 6i h he RCon! i u ional Proce!!e!O o# each coun ry only in he ca!e o# an ar)ed a ac? by an ex ernal aggre!!or, )eaning a hird coun ry again! one o# he)& $y no ! re ch o# he i)agina ion can i be !aid ha he Abu -ayya# bandi ! in $a!ilan con! i u e an ex ernal ar)ed #orce ha ha! !ubjec ed he Phili,,ine! o an ar)ed ex ernal a ac? o 6arran K- )ili ary a!!i! ance under he M*T o# 02A0& II& Nei her doe! he /.A o# 0222 au hori(e A)erican !oldier! o engage in co)ba o,era ion! in Phili,,ine erri ory, no e%en o #ire bec? Ri# #ired u,on&O They 6ere joined !ub!e>uen ly by -ANLALA- and PARTI*O N' MAN''A'AWA, bo h ,ar y=li! organi(a ion!, 6ho #iled a ,e i ion=in=in er%en ion on .ebruary 00, 9119& Li) and Er!ando #iled !ui in heir ca,aci ie! a! ci i(en!, la6yer! and ax,ayer!& -ANLALA- and PARTI*O, on he o her hand, a%er ha cer ain )e)ber! o# heir organi(a ion are re!iden ! o# Qa)boanga and -ulu, and hence 6ill be direc ly a##ec ed by he o,era ion! being conduc ed in Mindanao&
ISS*ES8
405 Whe her or no he R$ali?a anO ac i%i ie! are co%ered under he /i!i ing .orce! Agree)en and are here#ore %alid& 495 Whe her or no he A)erican !oldier! are au hori(ed o engage in co)ba in he Phili,,ine!&
113

,ELD8
405 5ES& The /.A ,er)i ! Kni ed - a e! ,er!onnel o engage, on an i),er)anen ba!i!, in Bac i%i ie!,B he exac )eaning o# 6hich 6a! le# unde#ined& The ex,re!!ion i! a)biguou!, ,er)i ing a 6ide !co,e o# under a?ing! !ubjec only o he a,,ro%al o# he Phili,,ine go%ern)en & A# er ! udied re#lec ion, i a,,eared #ar#e ched ha he a)bigui y !urrounding he )eaning o# he 6ord Bac i%i ie!B aro!e #ro) acciden & In our %ie6, i 6a! delibera ely )ade ha 6ay o gi%e bo h ,ar ie! a cer ain lee6ay in nego ia ion& In hi! )anner, %i!i ing K- #orce! )ay !ojourn in Phili,,ine erri ory #or ,ur,o!e! o her han )ili ary& A! concei%ed, he join exerci!e! )ay include raining on ne6 echni>ue! o# ,a rol and !ur%eillance o ,ro ec he na ion<! )arine re!ource!, !ea !earch=and=re!cue o,era ion! o a!!i! %e!!el! in di! re!!, di!a! er relie# o,era ion!, ci%ic ac ion ,rojec ! !uch a! he building o# !chool hou!e!, )edical and hu)ani arian )i!!ion!, and he li?e& Knder he!e au!,ice!, he /.A gi%e! legi i)acy o he curren $ali?a an exerci!e!& I i! only logical o a!!u)e ha B$ali?a an 19=0,B a B)u ual an i errori!) ad%i!ing, a!!i! ing and raining exerci!e,B #all! under he u)brella o# !anc ioned or allo6able ac i%i ie! in he con ex o# he agree)en & $o h he hi! ory and in en o# he Mu ual *e#en!e Trea y and he /.A !u,,or he conclu!ion ha co)ba =rela ed ac i%i ie! I a! o,,o!ed o co)ba i !el# I !uch a! he one !ubjec o# he in! an ,e i ion, are indeed au hori(ed& 495 NO& There i! no rea y or agree)en allo6ing K- roo,! o engage in co)ba in he Phili,,ine!& Paragra,h 3 o# !ec ion I o# he /.A ! i,ula e! ha K- exerci!e ,ar ici,an ! )ay no engage in co)ba Bexce, in !el#=de#en!e& Nei her he M*T nor he /.A allo6 #oreign roo,! o engage in an o##en!i%e 6ar on Phili,,ine erri ory& $o h he Mu ual *e#en!e Trea y and he /i!i ing .orce! Agree)en , a! in all o her rea ie! and in erna ional agree)en ! o 6hich he Phili,,ine! i! a ,ar y, )u! be read in he con ex o# he 023: Con! i u ion& The ,re!en Con! i u ion con ain! ?ey ,ro%i!ion! u!e#ul in de er)ining he ex en o 6hich #oreign )ili ary roo,! are allo6ed in Phili,,ine erri ory& Thu!, in he *eclara ion o# Princi,le! and - a e Policie!, i i! ,ro%ided ha : xxx xxx xxx -EC& 9& I The Phili,,ine! renounce! 6ar a! an in! ru)en o# na ional ,olicy, ado, ! he generally acce, ed ,rinci,le! o# in erna ional la6 a! ,ar o# he la6 o# he land and adhere! o he ,olicy o# ,eace, e>uali y, ju! ice, #reedo), coo,era ion, and a)i y 6i h all na ion!& xxx xxx xxx -EC& :& I The - a e !hall ,ur!ue an inde,enden #oreign ,olicy& In i ! rela ion! 6i h o her ! a e! he ,ara)oun con!idera ion !hall be na ional !o%ereign y, erri orial in egri y, na ional in ere! , and he righ o !el#=de er)ina ion& -EC& 3& I The Phili,,ine!, con!i! en 6i h he na ional in ere! , ado, ! and ,ur!ue! a ,olicy o# #reedo) #ro) nuclear 6ea,on! in he coun ry& xxx xxx xxx The a#ore>uo ed ,ro%i!ion! be ray a )ar?ed an i,a hy o6ard! #oreign )ili ary ,re!ence in he coun ry, or o# #oreign in#luence in general& Eence, #oreign roo,! are allo6ed en ry in o he Phili,,ine! only by 6ay o# direc exce, ion&
114

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CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

SAN BEDA COLLEGE OF LAW 2003 CENTRALIZED BAR OPERATIONS

F*NDA+ENTAL POWERS OF T,E STATE POLICE POWER

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

ISS*E8 Whe her or no ju! co),en!a ion !hould be de er)ined a! o# he da e o# he #iling o#

,ELD8 NO& In he ca!e a bar, he a,,licable la6 a! o he ,oin o# rec?oning #or he

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

BILL OF RIG,TS DUE PROCESS

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

SEARCHES AND SEIZURES

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

ISS*E8 Whe her or no he re!,onden "udge erred in de#erring he i),le)en a ion! o# he

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

,ELD8 A! held in PICOP v. Asuncion, he ,lace o be !earched canno be changed, enlarged

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

ISS*ES8 Whe her or no

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

SEPARATE OPINION! VITUG, J!

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

RIGHTS UNDER THE MIRANDA DOCTRINE

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

Whe her or no inad)i!!ible&

he oral and 6ri en con#e!!ion! u!ed again!

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

MIRANDA DOCTRINE; ADMISSIBLE.

PEOPLE OF T,E P,ILIPPINES .&- PRINCIPE

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

PEOPLE OF T,E P,ILIPPINES .&- PALARCA

,ELD8 5ES& While generally an accu!ed canno be con%ic ed o# an o##en!e ha i! no clearly

B*ENA/ 78 FACTS8 $a!cuguin, herein accu!ed=a,,ellan , 6a! charged 6i h he cri)e o# ra,e 6i h

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

RIGHT TO SPEEDY DISPOSITION OF CASES

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

7*DICIAL DEPART+ENT JUDICIAL SUPERVISION

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

,ELD8 NO& R&A& ;::1, o her6i!e ?no6n a! he O)bud!)an Ac o# 0232, ,ro%ide!:

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

PERIODS FOR DECISION

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

B9nd *i%i!ion B7rd *i%i!ion B8 h *i%i!ion BA h *i%i!ion +T,-./

A None 09 None A None A9 0 ================================================ *#0+

JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT

CASE DIGESTS IN POLITICAL LAW

B9nd i%i!ion B7rd i%i!ion B8 h i%i!ion BA h i%i!ion +T,-./

ACCONTABILIT5 OF PBLIC OFFICERS SANDIGANBAYAN

POWERS AND DTIES OF A PBLIC OFFICER