Constitutional Bodies Fighting Graft and Corrupt Practices Act

The Sandiganbayan (SB) hears and renders judgment in criminal and civil matters
involving allegations of graft, corruption, and other related acts against government officials
and employees. According to Republic Act 3019, "public officers" include elected and
appointed officials as well as permanent and temporary employees who work in classified or
unclassified, or exempt positions and receive a salary from the government as described in
the previous subparagraph. The Sandiganbayan's authority was further clarified by Republic
Act 8249, which amended PD 1606 on February 5, 1997. According to the guiding premise
that a public office is a public trust, the Philippine government has made it a priority to
suppress actions taken by both public officials and ordinary citizens that constitute graft or
corrupt practices or have the potential to do so.