G.R. No.

78957

Ortiz vs. Commission on Elections

June 28, 1988

Facts:

The petitioner, Ortiz was appointed by President Marcos Sr. as a COMELEC

Commissioner with a term expiring on May 17, 1992. When the Aquino government took in
power however, Ortiz filed a “courtesy resignation” and then accepted by President Aquino. He
then invoked the Republic Act No. 1568, as amended by the Republic Act No. 3595 and re-
enacted by Republic Act No. 6118 to request payment for retirement benefits. However, it was
denied by the respondent, Commission on Elections due to the reasoning that he was not
entitled for retirement under R.A. 1568 without specifying any reason whatsoever.

Issue:

Whether or not the petitioner was really qualified for a “retirement benefits” as provided
by Republic Act No. 1568 and re-enacted by Republic Act No. 6118

Ruling:

The petitioner is entitled for a retirement benefit. The Republic Act No. 6118 being a
retirement legislation, is remedial in nature and therefore should be liberally read and applied in
favor of those who stand to benefit. This is understandable given that the liberal approach seeks
to meet the humanitarian goals of the legislation in order to improve the productivity, security,
and well-being of government personnel.