Professional Documents
Culture Documents
RULING: NO -- HE IS ESTOPPED.
SO ORDERED.
● It should be noted that the territory over which Zandueta could exercise and did
exercise jurisdiction by virtue of his last appointment is wider than that over which
17. Zandueta v. de la Costa he could exercise and did exercise jurisdiction by virtue of the former.
G.R. No. L-46267 ○ Hence, there is incompatibility between the 2 appointments and,
November 28, 1938 consequently, in the discharge of the office conferred by each of them,
By: Sarah Zurita resulting in the absorption of the former by the latter.
Topic: ACCEPTANCE OF INCOMPATIBLE OFFICE ● In accepting this appointment and qualifying for the exercise of the functions of the
Petitioners: FRANCISCO ZANDUETA office conferred by it, by taking the necessary oath, and in discharging the same,
Respondents: SIXTO DE LA COSTA disposing of both judicial and administrative cases corresponding to the CFIs of
Ponente: Villa-real Manila & Palawan, Zandueta abandoned his first appointment and ceased in the
FACTS: exercise of the functions of the office occupied by him by virtue thereof.
● Quo warranto instituted by Hon. Zandueta against Hon. de la Costa ● GR: when a public official voluntarily accepts an appointment to an office newly
○ Zandueta is alleging that de la Costa has been illegally occupying the created or reorganized by law, — which new office is incompatible with the one
office of Judge CFI MANILA formerly occupied by him — , qualifies for the discharge of the functions thereof by
● 1st appointment: Zandueta was discharging the office of judge of first instance of taking the necessary oath, and enters into the performance of his duties by
CFI MANILA, by virtue of an ad interim appointment issued by the President in his executing acts inherent in said newly created or reorganized office and receiving
favor, and confirmed by the Com. on Appointments of the National Assembly. the corresponding salary, he will be considered to have abandoned the office he
● CA 145 (Judicial Reorganization Law) was enacted was occupying by virtue of his former appointment and he can not question the
○ Zandueta received from the President a new ad interim appointment as constitutionality of the law by virtue of which he was last appointed
judge of first instance of both CFI MANILA & CFI PALAWAN in accordance ○ He is excepted from said rule only when his non-acceptance of the new
with said Act. appointment may affect public interest or when he is compelled to
● National Assembly adjourned with the Com. on Appointments NOT acting on the accept it by reason of legal exigencies
new ad interim appointment of Zandueta ● If the petitioner believed, as he now seems to believe, that Commonwealth Act No.
● 2nd appointment: Another ad interim appointment to the same office was issued 145 is unconstitutional, he should have refused to accept the appointment offered
for Zandueta -- he took oath him or, at least, he should have accepted it with reservation, had he believed that
● Zandueta, acting as executive judge, performed several executive acts: his duty of obedience to the laws compelled him to do so, and afterwards resort to
○ Designation of assistant clerk as admin. Officer; Appointment of a lawyer the power entrusted with the final determination of the question whether a law is
as notary public; Authorized justice of the peace Iñigo R. Peña to defend a unconstitutional or not.
criminal case the hearing of which had begun during the past sessions in ○ If he voluntarily accepted the office to which he was appointed, he would
Coron; Granted a leave of absence of 10 days to justice of the peace later be estopped from questioning the validity of said appointment by
Abordo; Granted a leave of absence of 13 days to another justice of the alleging that the law, by virtue of which his appointment was issued, is
peace unconstitutional.
● May 1938: Com. on Appointments disapproved the ad interim appointment of ○ He likewise knew, or at least he should know, that his ad interim
Zandueta, who was advised by the Secretary of Justice appointment was subject to the approval of the Commission on
Appointments of the National Assembly and that if said commission were
to disapprove the same, it would become ineffective and he would cease intention of terminating his possession and control thereof. Indeed, abandonment of office is
discharging the office. a species of resignation; while resignation in general is a formal relinquishment,
● when a judge of first instance, presiding over a branch of a Court of First Instance abandonment is a voluntary relinquishment through nonuser. Nonuser refers to a neglect to
of a judicial district by virtue of a legal and valid appointment, accepts another use a privilege or a right (Cylopedic Law Dictionary, 3rd ed.) or to exercise an easement or an
appointment to preside over the same branch of the same Court of First Instance, office (Black's Law Dictionary, 6th ed.). Abandonment springs from and is accompanied by
in addition to another court of the same category, both of which belong to a new deliberation and freedom of choice. Its concomitant effect is that the former holder of an
judicial district formed by the addition of another Court of First Instance to the old office can no longer legally repossess it even by forcible reoccupancy.
one, enters into the discharge of the functions of his new office and receives the ● There are 2 essential elements of abandonment
corresponding salary, he abandons his old office and cannot claim to be to o (1) an intention to abandon and
repossess it or question the constitutionality of the law by virtue of which his new o (2) an overt act by which intention is carried on.
appointment has been issued
○ said new appointment having been disapproved by the Commission on
Appointments of the National Assembly, neither can he claim to continue
occupying the office conferred upon him by said new appointment, FACTS:
having ipso jure ceased in the discharge of the functions thereof. ● Antonio, private respondent, was elected barangay captain of Sapang Palay
Catanduanes on March 1989.
DISPOSITIVE PORTION: Wherefore, the petition for quo warranto instituted is denied and the ● He was later elected president of the Association of Barangay Council(ABC) for the
same is dismissed with costs to the petitioner. So ordered. Municiplity of San Andres Catanduanes.
● Pursuant to the Local Government Code of 1983, he was appointed by the President as
Member of the Sanguniang Bayan of the said municipality.
● Meanwhile, DILG Sec. declared the election for the president of the Federation of the
Association of Barangay Council(FABC) void for lack of quorum.
● As a result, the provincial council was reorganized.
● DILG Sec then designated private respondent as a temporary member of the Sanguniang
Panlalawigan of Catanduanes effective on 15 June 1990. Because of his designation,
private respondent tendered his resignation as a member of the Sanguniang
18. Sangguniang Bayan of San Andres v CA Bayan dated 14 June 1990 to the Mayor of San Andres Catanduanes. Copies of his
GR 118883 letters were also forwarded to the provincial governor, DILG and the municipal
January 16,1998 treasurer
By: MJB ● Subsequently, Aquino then the Vice President of ABC was appointed by the provincial
Topic: Termination of Official Relations – Acceptance of Incompatible Office governor as member of the Sanguniang Bayan in place of private respondent.
Petitioners: SB of San Andres Catanduanes – V.Mayor Nenito Aquino and Mayor Lydia ● Aquino assumed office on 18 July 1980 after taking his oath.
Romano ● Subsequently, the ruling of the DILG annulling the election of the FABC president was
Respondents: CA and Augusto Antonio reversed by the Supreme Court and declared the appointment of private respondent
Ponente: Carpio Morales void for lacking the essential qualification of being the president of FABC.
NOTE: Mahaba lang pagkakagawa ko dahil sa Doctrine pero madali lang siya. ● On 31 March 1992, private respondent wrote to the Sanguniang Bayan(SB) of San
Andres regarding his re-assumption of his original position. SB refused.
DOCTRINE:
Resignation – Defined in Ortiz v Comelec act of giving up or the act of an officer by which he ISSUE:
declines his office and renounces the further right to use it. It is an expression of the 1. Whether or not respondent's resignation as ex-officio member of Petitioner
incumbent in some form, express or implied, of the intention to surrender, renounce, and Sangguniang Bayan ng San Andres, Catanduanes is deemed complete so as to terminate
relinquish the office and the acceptance by competent and lawful authority." his official relation thereto; - NOPE!
● To constitute a complete and operative resignation from public office, there must 2. Whether or not respondent had totally abandoned his ex-officio membership in
be: Petitioner Sangguniang Bayan
o (a) an intention to relinquish a part of the term; 3. Whether or not respondent is entitled to collect salaries - NO SIR!
o (b) an act of relinquishment;
o (c) an acceptance by the proper authority. HELD/RATIO:
Abandonment of Office - voluntary relinquishment of an office by the holder, with the First Issue: RESIGNATION
● The resignation was not complete for lack of acceptance thereof of the proper authority
however, an office may still be deemed relinquished through
voluntary abandonment which needs no acceptance. Third Issue: SALARY
● In Ortiz vs Comelec, resignation is defined as the “act of giving up of an ifficer by which ● Having ruled that private respondent had voluntarily abandoned his post at
he declines his office andrenounces the further right to use it”. It can be express or theSangguniang Bayan, he cannot be entitled to any back salaries.
implied. ● Basic is the "no work, no pay" rule.
● To constitute a complete and operative resignation the following must be present. ● A public officer is entitled to receive compensation for services actually rendered for as
o (1) an intention to relinquish a part of the term; long as he has the right to the office being claimed.
o (b) an act of relinquishment; ● When the act or conduct of a public servant constitutes a relinquishment of his office,
o (c) an acceptance by the proper authority. In the case at bar, there was no he has no right to receive any salary incident to the office he had abandoned.
evidence that the private respondent’s resignation was accepted by the
proper authority. ● Petition Granted and Assailed Decision is Reversed and Set Aside. No Cost
● Although the Local Government Code of 1983 was silent as to who specifically should
accept the resignation it provides that the position shall be deemed vacated only upon 20.) DARIO vs. MISON
acceptance of resignation and should be acted upon by the Sangunian concerned. G.R. NO. 81954
● The resignation letter was tendered to the mayor and copies were sent to the governor, 08 AUG 1989
DILG and the municipal treasurer but none of them expressly acted on it.
● Furthermore, under established jurisprudence, resignations, in the absence of statutory TOPIC: Termination of official relations; Removal
provisions as to whom it should be submitted, should be submitted to the appointing PETITIONER: Cesar Dario
power. RESPONDENTS: HON. SALVADOR M. MISON, HON. VICENTE JAYME and HON. CATALINO
● Therefore, the resignation should have been submitted to the president or to the DILG MACARAIG, JR., in their respective capacities as Commissioner of Customs, Secretary of
as the president’s alter ego. Finance, and Executive Secretary
PONENTE: Sarmiento
FACTS:
● On March 25, 1986, President Corazon Aquino promulgated Proclamation No. 3, "DECLARING
A NATIONAL POLICY TO IMPLEMENT THE REFORMS MANDATED BY THE PEOPLE,
PROTECTING THEIR BASIC RIGHTS, ADOPTING A PROVISIONAL CONSTITUTION, AND
Second Issue: ABANDONMENT PROVIDING FOR AN ORDERLY TRANSITION TO A GOVERNMENT UNDER A NEW
● Abandonment has been defined as the voluntary relinquishment of an office by the CONSTITUTION."
holder, with the intention of terminating his possession and control thereof. ● Among other things, Proclamation No. 3 provided:
● Resignation is the formal relinquishment, abandonment is the voluntary ○ The President shall give priority to measures to achieve the mandate of the people to:
relinquishment by non-user. ○ (a) Completely reorganize the government, eradicate unjust and oppressive structures,
● There are 2 essential elements of abandonment and all iniquitous vestiges of the previous regime;
o (1) an intention to abandon and ● Pursuant thereto, it was also provided:
o (2) an overt act by which intention is carried on. ○ SECTION 2. All elective and appointive officials and employees under the 1973
● In the case at bar the first element was manifested on the following instances: Constitution shall continue in office until otherwise provided by proclamation or
o (1) private respondent’s failure to perform his function as SB; executive order or upon the appointment and qualification of their successors, if such is
o (2) his failure to collect the corresponding renumeration for the position, made within a period of one year from February 25, 1986.
o (3)his failure to object to the appointment of Aquino as his replacement to SB ○ SECTION 3. Any public officer or employee separated from the service as a result of the
and organization effected under this Proclamation shall, if entitled under the laws then in
o (4) his prolonged failure to initiate any act to reassume his post in the SB after force, receive the retirement and other benefits accruing thereunder.
SC had nullified his designation as member of Sanguniang Panlalawigan. ● The reorganization process actually started as early as February 25, 1986, when the President
● The second element was demonstrated by the following: called upon "all appointive public officials to submit their courtesy resignations beginning
o (1) his letter of resignation, with the members of the Supreme Court."
● Later on, she abolished the Batasang Pambansa and the positions of Prime Minister and
o (2) his assumption of office as member of the Sanguniang Panlalawigan,
Cabinet under the 1973 Constitution. Since then, the President has issued a number of
o (3) his faithful discharge of his duties and functions of SP and
executive orders and directives reorganizing various other government offices.
o (4) his recept of renumeration for such post.
● On January 30, 1987, the President promulgated E.O. 127, "REORGANIZING THE MINISTRY OF ● Other than references to "reorganization following the ratification of this Constitution," there
FINANCE." Among other offices, Executive Order No. 127 provided for the reorganization is no provision for "automatic" vacancies under the 1987 Constitution.
of the Bureau of Customs and prescribed a new staffing pattern therefor. ● Invariably, transition periods are characterized by provisions for "automatic" vacancies. They
● Three days later, on February 2, 1987, the Filipino people adopted the new Constitution. are dictated by the need to hasten the passage from the old to the new Constitution free
● Incumbent Commissioner of Customs Salvador Mison issued a Memorandum, in the nature from the "fetters" of due process and security of tenure.
of "Guidelines on the Implementation of Reorganization Executive Orders," prescribing the ● At this point, we must distinguish removals from separations arising from abolition of
procedure in personnel placement. office (not by virtue of the Constitution) as a result of reorganization carried out by
● On January 26, 1988, Commissioner Mison addressed several notices to various Customs reason of economy or to remove redundancy of functions.
officials, in the tenor as follows: ● In the latter case, the Government is obliged to prove good faith. In case of removals
○ Please be informed that the Bureau is now in the process of implementing the undertaken to comply with clear and explicit constitutional mandates, the Government
Reorganization Program under Executive Order No. 127. is not hard put to prove anything, plainly and simply because the Constitution allows it.
○ Pursuant to Section 59 of the same Executive Order, all officers and employees of the ● Evidently, the question is whether or not Section 16 of Article XVIII of the 1987 Constitution is
Department of Finance, or the Bureau of Customs in particular, shall continue to a grant of a license upon the Government to remove career public officials it could have
perform their respective duties and responsibilities in a hold-over capacity, and that validly done under an "automatic" vacancy-authority and to remove them without rhyme
those incumbents whose positions are not carried in the new reorganization pattern, or or reason.
who are not re- appointed, shall be deemed separated from the service. ● As we have seen, since 1935, transition periods have been characterized by provisions for
○ In this connection, we regret to inform you that your services are hereby terminated as "automatic" vacancies. We take the silence of the 1987 Constitution on this matter as a
of February 28, 1988. Subject to the normal clearances, you may receive the retirement restraint upon the Government to dismiss public servants at a moment's notice.
benefits to which you may be entitled under existing laws, rules and regulations. ● What is, indeed, apparent is the fact that if the present Charter envisioned an "automatic"
○ In the meantime, your name will be included in the consolidated list compiled by the vacancy, it should have said so in clearer terms, as its 1935, 1973, and 1986 counterparts
Civil Service Commission so that you may be given priority for future employment with had so stated.
the Government as the need arises. ● Whatever reorganization is taking place is upon the authority of the present Charter, and
● As far as the records will likewise reveal, a total of 394 officials and employees of the Bureau necessarily, upon the mantle of its provisions and safeguards. Hence, it can not be
of Customs were given individual notices of separation. legitimately stated that we are merely continuing what the revolutionary Constitution of
the Revolutionary Government had started.
ISSUE: Whether Section 16 of Article XVIII of the 1987 Constitution is a grant of a license ● Reorganization under the aegis of the 1987 Constitution is not as stern as reorganization
upon the Government to remove career public officials it could have validly done under an under the prior Charter. Whereas the latter, sans the President's subsequently imposed
"automatic" vacancy-authority and to remove them without rhyme or reason. NO. constraints, envisioned a purgation, the same cannot be said of the reorganization
inferred under the new Constitution because, precisely, the new Constitution seeks to
RULING: usher in a democratic regime.
● The core provision of law involved is Section 16 Article XVIII, of the 1987 Constitution. ○ But even if we concede ex gratia argumenti that Section 16 is an exception to due
○ Sec. 16. Career civil service employees separated from the service not for cause but as a process and no-removal-"except for cause provided by law" principles enshrined in the
result of the reorganization pursuant to Proclamation No. 3 dated March 25, 1986 and very same 1987 Constitution, which may possibly justify removals "not for cause," there
the reorganization following the ratification of this Constitution shall be entitled to is no contradiction in terms here because, while the former Constitution left the axe to
appropriate separation pay and to retirement and other benefits accruing to them fall where it might, the present organic act requires that removals "not for cause" must
under the laws of general application in force at the time of their separation. In lieu be as a result of reorganization. As we observed, the Constitution does not provide for
thereof, at the option of the employees, they may be considered for employment in the "automatic" vacancies.
Government or in any of its subdivisions, instrumentalities, or agencies, including ○ It must also pass the test of good faith — a test not obviously required under the
government-owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries. This provision also revolutionary government formerly prevailing, but a test well-established in democratic
applies to career officers whose resignation, tendered in line with the existing policy, societies and in this government under a democratic Charter.
had been accepted. ● Reorganizations in this jurisdiction have been regarded as valid provided they are pursued
● The Court considers the above provision critical for two reasons: in good faith.
○ (1) It is the only provision — in so far as it mentions removals not for cause — that ● As a general rule, a reorganization is carried out in "good faith" if it is for the purpose of
would arguably support the challenged dismissals by mere notice, and economy or to make bureaucracy more efficient. In that event, no dismissal (in case of a
○ (2) It is the single existing law on reorganization after the ratification of the 1987 dismissal) or separation actually occurs because the position itself ceases to exist. And in
Charter, except Republic Act No. 6656, which came much later. that case, security of tenure would not be a Chinese wall.
● It is also to be observed that unlike the grants of power to effect reorganizations under the ● Be that as it may, if the "abolition," which is nothing else but a separation or removal, is
past Constitutions, the above provision comes as a mere recognition of the right of the done for political reasons or purposely to defeat sty of tenure, or otherwise not in good
Government to reorganize its offices, bureaus, and instrumentalities. faith, no valid "abolition' takes place and whatever "abolition' is done, is void ab initio.
● There is an invalid "abolition" as where there is merely a change of nomenclature of Topic: FORFEITURE
positions, 82 or where claims of economy are belied by the existence of ample funds. Petitioners: HONORATO C. PEREZ
● The Court finds that after February 2, 1987 no perceptible restructuring of the Customs Respondents: PROVINCIAL BOARD OF NUEVA ECIJA, HON. EDUARDO L. JOSON, in his capacity
hierarchy — except for the change of personnel — has occurred, which would have as Governor of Nueva Ecija, and VALENTIN C. ESCUADRO, in his capacity as Provincial
justified the contested dismissals. Treasurer of Nueva Ecija
● There is no showing that legitimate structural changes have been made — or a Ponente: ESCOLIN
reorganization actually undertaken, for that matter — at the Bureau since Commissioner
Mison assumed office, which would have validly prompted him to hire and fire employees. FACTS:
● There can therefore be no actual reorganization to speak of, in the sense, say, of reduction of · An action was filed for certiorari, prohibition, and mandamus to annul Resolution
personnel, consolidation of offices, or abolition thereof by reason of economy or No. 228 of the respondent Provincial Board of Nueva Ecija; to enjoin respondents from
redundancy of functions, but a revamp of personnel pure and simple. enforcing and implementing said Resolution; and to compel respondents to recognize
● The records indeed show that Commissioner Mison separated about 394 Customs personnel petitioner Honorato Perez as acting provincial fiscal
but replaced them with 522 as of August 18, 1988. 86 This betrays a clear intent to "pack" · When former fiscal Celestino Juan was appointed judge of the CFI of Quezon, Sec of
the Bureau of Customs. He did so, furthermore, in defiance of the President's directive to Justice, in AO 388, designated first assistant fiscal Emilio Cecilio of Nueva Ecija as acting
halt further layoffs as a consequence of reorganization. provincial fiscal
● Finally, he was aware that layoffs should observe the procedure laid down by Executive · Then Pres. Marcos nominated Honorato for appointment to the position of provincial
Order No. 17. fiscal of Nueva Ecija. It appears, however, that the nomination was submitted to the
● We are not, of course, striking down Executive Order No. 127 for repugnancy to the Commission on Appointments (COA) for confirmation was by-passed upon adjournment
Constitution. While the act is valid, still and all, the means with which it was implemented sine die of Congress. The ff day, Marcos designated petitioner as acting provincial fiscal.
is not. · Reacting to the said designation, Provincial Board enacted Resolution No. 146
● In conclusion, we restate as follows: address to the COA, manifesting its opposition to the confirmation of Honorato’s
● 1. The President could have validly removed government employees, elected or appointed, appointment. Gov. Joson also filed a formal protest w/ the Committee on Justice of the
without cause but only before the effectivity of the 1987 Constitution on February 2, COA, making known his strong & emphatic opposition to the confirmation. After
1987 (De Leon v. Esguerra, supra; Palma-Fernandez vs. De la Paz, supra); in this submission of evidence, the said Committee resolved not to recommend the
connection, Section 59 (on non-reappointment of incumbents) of Executive Order No. confirmation of Honorato’s appointment.
127 cannot be a basis for termination; · During the 6th special session of Congress, Honorato was nominated anew for
● 2. In such a case, dismissed employees shall be paid separation and retirement benefits or appointment to the office in question, but the same was likewise by-passed upon
upon their option be given reemployment opportunities (CONST. [1987], art. XVIII, sec. 16; adjournment of the Congress.
Rep. Act No. 6656, sec. 9); · Aug 11, 1972, Honorato took his oath of office as acting provincial fiscal pursuant to
● 3. From February 2, 1987, the State does not lose the right to reorganize the Government the designation extended by Marcos; and on Aug 14, 1972 he formally assumed office
resulting in the separation of career civil service employees [CONST. (1987), supra] · Aug 21, 1972, Provincial Board passed Resolution No 288, ordering Provincial
provided, that such a reorganization is made in good faith. (Rep. Act No. 6656, supra.) Treasurer to stop payment of Honorato’s salaries as acting provincial fiscal. The dispute
came when the Provincial Treasurer disapproved Honorato’s requisition for various
DISPOSITION office supplies. His salary vouchers were likewise disapproved by the Governor.
WHEREFORE, THE RESOLUTIONS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION, DATED JUNE 30, 1988,
SEPTEMBER 20, 1988, NOVEMBER 16, 1988, INVOLVED IN G.R. NOS. 85310, 85335, AND ISSUE: WON Provincial Board has the power to pass & enact a resolution not recognizing
86241, AND MAY 8, 1989, INVOLVED IN G.R. NO. 85310, ARE AFFIRMED. Honorato as acting provincial fiscal despite the fact that Honorato assumed office pursuant
THE PETITIONS IN G.R. NOS. 81954, 81967, 82023, AND 85335 ARE GRANTED. THE PETITIONS to the designation of the president // WON Provincial Board has the power to defy and/or
IN G.R. NOS. 83737, 85310 AND 86241 ARE DISMISSED. pass judgment on the validity of the said designation and assumption
THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS IS ORDERED TO REINSTATE THE EMPLOYEES SEPARATED
AS A RESULT OF HIS NOTICES DATED JANUARY 26, 1988.
RULING:
THE EMPLOYEES WHOM COMMISSIONER MISON MAY HAVE APPOINTED AS REPLACEMENTS
1. We deem it unnecessary to pass upon the issues raised, this petition having become
ARE ORDERED TO VACATE THEIR POSTS SUBJECT TO THE PAYMENT OF WHATEVER BENEFITS
moot and academic.
THAT MAY BE PROVIDED BY LAW.
2. We take cognizance of the fact that petitioner Perez filed his certificate of candidacy
for the office of mayor of Cabanatuan City in the local elections of January 30, 1980.
21. PEREZ V. PROVINCIAL BOARD
3. The mere filing of a certificate of candidacy constitutes forfeiture of his right to the
GR NO. L-35474
controverted office under Section 29 of the Election Code of 1978 which provides:
MARCH 29, 1982
By: CLAIRE
"SEC. 29. Candidates holding appointive office or position. — Every person holding a o claimed that allegations of absence of good faith as well as the attack on
public appointive office or position, including active members of the Armed Forces of the the independence of the judiciary are unwarranted and devoid of any
Philippines, and officers and employees in government-owned or controlled corporations, support in law
shall ipso facto cease in his office or position on the date he files his certificate of candidacy.
Members of the Cabinet shall continue in the offices they presently hold notwithstanding the ISSUE:
filing of certificate of candidacy, subject to the pleasure of the President of the Philippines." W/N Batas Pambansa Blg. 129 is unconstitutional – NO.
4. A petition instituted to establish petitioner's right to an appointive office is
rendered moot and academic where his right to said office has been forfeited by his RULING:
filing of a certificate of candidacy to an elective office. 1. The Batasang Pambansa is expressly vested with the authority to reorganize inferior courts
and in the process, to abolish existing ones.
ACCORDINGLY, this petition is hereby dismissed, No costs. SO ORDERED. ● Section 2, Article VIII of the Constitution vests in the National Assembly the power
to define, prescribe and apportion the jurisdiction of the various courts, subject to
22. DE LLANA v. ALBA certain limitations in the case of the Supreme Court.
G.R. NO. 57883
March 12, 1982 2. The Batasang Pambansa did not act arbitrarily in enacting the assailed law, but rather, in
KCTR good faith.
● A Report was submitted by Presidential Committee on Judicial Reorganization.
Topic: TERMINATION OF OFFICIAL RELATIONS; ABOLITION OF OFFICE o It is imperative that there be a greater efficiency in the disposition of
Petitioners: GUALBERTO J. DE LA LLANA, Presiding Judge, Branch II of the City Court of cases and that litigants, especially those of modest means — much more
Olongapo, ESTANISLAO L. CESA, JR., FIDELA Y. VARGAS, BENJAMIN C. ESCOLANGO, JUANITO so, the poorest and the humblest — can vindicate their rights in an
C. ATIENZA, MANUEL REYES ROSAPAPAN, JR., VIRGILIO E. ACIERTO, and PORFIRIO AGUILLON expeditious and inexpensive manner.
AGUILA o There is need for a major reform in the judicial system.
Respondents: MANUEL ALBA, Minister of Budget, FRANCISCO TANTUITCO, Chairman, o This process of modernization and change compels the government to
Commission on Audit, and RICARDO PUNO, Minister of Justice extend its field of activity and its scope of operations.
Ponente: FERNANDO, C. J. o equally of vital concern is the problem of clogged dockets
● Cabinet Bill #42 was the basis for BP 129.
DOCTRINE: The abolition of an office within the competence of a legitimate body if done in o The Bill alleged that its enactment would result in, 1.) more efficiency in
good faith suffers from no infirmity. the disposal of cases; 2.) improvement in the quality of justice; and 3.)
the reform would fit the court system to the exigencies of present and
FACTS: future Philippine society.
● Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, entitled "An Act Reorganizing the Judiciary, Appropriating ● The deliberations of the Batasang Pambansa amounted to 590 pages.
Funds Therefor and for Other Purposes,” was passed. It provides that: o much discussion and research went into this law
o Justices and judges of inferior courts from the Court of Appeals to 3. Abolition of the existing inferior courts does not collide with the security of tenure enjoyed
municipal circuit courts, except the occupants of the Sandiganbayan and by incumbent Justices and judges Under Article X, Section 7 of the Constitution.
the Court of Tax Appeals, unless appointed to the inferior courts ● It is admitted that Section 9 of the same Article of the Constitution provides for the
established by such Act, would be considered separated from the security of tenure of all the judges.
judiciary. ● Removal is, of course, to be distinguished from termination by virtue of the
● De llana, Presiding Judge of City Court of Olongapo, filed for Declaratory Relief abolition of the office.
and/or for Prohibition, seeking to enjoin Minister of the Budget, Chairman of the o There can be no tenure to a non-existent office. After the abolition, there
Commission on Audit, and Minister of Justice from implementing Batas Pambansa is in law no occupant.
Blg. 129.
o alleged that the security of tenure provision of the Constitution has been DISPOSITIVE PORTION:
ignored and disregarded WHEREFORE, the unconstitutionality of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129 not having been shown, this
o imputed lack of good faith in its enactment petition is dismissed. No costs.
● Solicitor General Mendoza filed an Answer.
o pointed out that there is no valid justification for the attack on the 25. Loyao v Caube
A.M. No. P-02-1599.
constitutionality of this statute, it being a legitimate exercise of the
April 30, 2003.
power vested in the Batasang Pambansa to reorganize the judiciary
By: RRV ● Considering the gravity of his offense, we find the recommendation of Judge
Topic: Death ● Loyao that respondent be dismissed from the service to be well-taken. Clearly, he
Petitioners: EXECUTIVE JUDGE LEANDRO T. LOYAO, JR was guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Respondents: MAMERTO J. CAUBE, Clerk of Court II and RICARDO B. QUISADIO, ● To be sure, respondent Caube's death has permanently foreclosed the prosecution
Court Interpreter II, Branch 1, MTC, Maasin, Southern Leyte of any other actions, be it criminal or civil, against him for his malfeasance in office.
Ponente: Per Curiam We are, however, not precluded from imposing the appropriate administrative
sanctions against him. Respondent's misconduct is so grave as to merit his dismissal
Doctrine: The death or retirement of any judicial officer from the service does not preclude from the service, were it not for his untimely demise during the pendency of these
the finding of any administrative liability to which he shall still be answerable. proceedings. However, since the penalty can no longer be carried out, this case is
FACTS: now declared closed and terminated
● A group of teachers filed a complaint against Mamerto Caube Ricardo Quisadio for
Grave Misconduct in Office and Usurpation of Judicial Functions ACCORDINGLY, based on all the foregoing, this administrative matter is CLOSED AND
○ Caube was Clerk of Court II TERMINATED in view of the death of respondent Clerk of Court Mamerto J. Caube.
○ Quisadio was Court Interpreter SO ORDERED
● They alleged that respondent Caube issued subpoenas directing them to appear
before his office for a conference to settle their financial obligations to Ester
Servacio, owner of the Maasin Traders Lending Corporation. Respondent Caube
signed the subpoenas purportedly on authority of Presiding Judge Cunanan.
● Despite the fact that they were not parties to any civil or criminal cases,
complainants appeared before respondent Caube's office, where they met with
Servacio and eventually reached a settlement of the latter's claims. Respondent
Caube drew the necessary compromise agreement, wherein the complainants
agreed to pay the amount of P12,000.00 each to Servacio on or before 30 April
1998, otherwise, formal complaints may be instituted against them.
○ (In short, the Clerk of Court presided over settlement whereby the
teachers paid their debts to Servacio. As if this Clerk was a judge.)
● The complainants argued that the respondent Caube had no authority to issue
court processes against them since they were not involved in any lawsuit.
Moreover, the fact of being subpoenaed and required to appear before the court
was traumatic to them. They also alleged that respondent Caube collected from
them the amount of P500.00 as attorney's fees for his services in preparing the
amicable settlement
● Judge Loyao recommended to the OCA Caube be dismissed, and Quisadio be
suspended.
● While the proceedings were ongoing, Caube died in Cebu.
● The case against Quisadio was dismissed
ISSUE: W/N the administrative liability of a public officer is extinguished due to his death -
NO
RULING:
● The death or retirement of any judicial officer from the service does not preclude
the finding of any administrative liability to which he shall still be answerable.
● The Court retains its jurisdiction either to pronounce the respondent public official
innocent of the charges or declare him guilty thereof. A contrary rule would be
fraught with injustice and pregnant with dreadful and dangerous implications . . . If
innocent, respondent public official merits vindication of his name and integrity as
he leaves the government which he has served well and faithfully; if guilty, he
deserves to receive the corresponding censure and a penalty proper and imposable
under the situation.