Professional Documents
Culture Documents
I.LAWONPUBLICOFFICERS
a.GENERALPRINCIPLES
Q:Definepublicoffice.
A:Itistheright,authority,anddutycreatedand
conferred by law, by which for a given period,
eitherfixedbylaworenduringatthepleasureof
thecreatingpower,anindividualisinvestedwith
some portion of the sovereign functions of the
government, to be exercised by him for the
benefit of the public (Fernandez v. Sto. Tomas,
G.R.No.116418,Mar.7,1995).
Q:Howarepublicofficescreated?
A:By:
1. TheConstitution
2. Validstatutoryenactments
3. Authority of law (Secretary of
Department of Transportation and
Communications v. Mabalot, G.R. No.
138200,Feb.27,2002)
Q:Whataretheelementsofapublicoffice?
A:PILAC
1. CreatedbyConstitutionorbylaworby
somebody or agency to which the
power to create the office has been
delegated;
2. Invested with Authority to exercise
someportionofthesovereignpowerof
theState
3. Thepowersconferredandthedutiesto
be discharged must be defined directly
or impliedly by the Legislature or
throughlegislativeauthority;
4. Duties are performed Independently
without control unless those of a
subordinate.
5. ContinuingandPermanent
(Fernandez v. Sto. Tomas, G.R. No.
116418, Mar. 7, 1995; Tejada v.
Domingo,G.R.No.91860,Jan.13,1992)
118
A:No,controlisessentiallythepowertoalteror
modifyornullifyorsetasidewhatasubordinate
officerhaddoneintheperformanceofhisduties
andtosubstitutethejudgmentoftheformerwith
thatofthelatter.Clearly,thepowerofcontrolis
entirelydifferentfromthepowertocreatepublic
offices. The former is inherent in the Executive,
while the latter finds basis from either a valid
delegationfromCongress,orhisinherentdutyto
faithfully execute the laws. (Biraogo v. Philippine
Truth Commission of 2010, G.R. No. 192935,
December7,2010)
Q:CanP.D.1416beusedasjustificationforthe
Presidents power to create public offices,
particularlythePTC?
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
ADVISER:ATTY.EDWINREYSANDOVAL;SUBJECTHEAD:RACHELMARIEL.FELICES;ASST.SUBJECTHEADS:WIVINOE.BRACEROII&
HERAZEUSCHRISTINEY.UY;MEMBERS
:LAWRENCEPAULOH.AQUINO,LEANDRORODELV.ATIENZA,MARINETHEASTERAND.AYOS,
CARLOR.BALA,WILFREDOT.BONILLA,JR.,KEELACHERNARR.DINOY,APRILV.ENRILE,KENNETHJAMESCARLOC.HIZON,JOSEMARIA
G.MENDOZA,ROGERCHRISTOPHERR.REYES,ROMILINDAC.SIBAL,JASMINM.SISON,ZARAHPATRICIAT.SUAREZ,RALPHJULIOUSL.
VILLAMOR.
embodiesinitslastWhereasclause:WHEREAS,
thetransitiontowardstheparliamentaryformof
government will necessitate flexibility in the
organizationofthenationalgovernment.
Clearly,asitwasonlyforthepurposeofproviding
manageability and resiliency during the interim,
P.D. No. 1416, as amended by P.D. No. 1772,
becamefunctusoficioupontheconveningofthe
FirstCongress,asexpresslyprovidedinSection6,
ArticleXVIIIofthe1987Constitution.(Biraogo v.
Philippine Truth Commission of 2010, G.R. No.
192935,December7,2010)
TheExecutiveisgivenmuchleewayinensuring
thatourlawsarefaithfullyexecuted.Thepowers
of the President are not limited to those specific
powers under the Constitution. One of the
recognized powers of the President granted
pursuanttothisconstitutionallymandateddutyis
the power to create ad hoc committees. This
flows from the obvious need to ascertain facts
and determine if the laws have been faithfully
executed. It should be stressed that the purpose
ofallowingadhocinvestigatingbodiestoexistis
to allow an inquiry into matters which the
President is entitled to know so that he can be
properly advised and guided in the performance
of his duties relative to the execution and
enforcement of the laws of the land. (Biraogo v.
Philippine Truth Commission of 2010, G.R. No.
192935,December7,2010)
A:
1. Itisapublictrust.
2. It is not a property and is outside the
commerce of man. It cannot be the
subjectofacontract.
Itisnotavestedright.
Itcannotbeinherited.
(Sec. 1, Art. XI, Constitution; Santos v.
SecretaryofLabor,G.R.No.L21624,Feb
27,1968)
A:Itmeansthattheofficerholdsthepublicoffice
in trust for the benefit of the peopleto whom
suchofficersarerequiredtobeaccountableatall
times, and to serve with utmost responsibility,
loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and
justice, and lead modest lives. (Sec. 1, Art. XI,
Constitution)
Q:Whatdoestheconcept"publicofficeisnota
propertymean?
A:Itmeansnoofficercanacquirevestedrightin
theholdingofapublicoffice,norcanhisrightto
hold the office be transmitted to his heirs upon
hisdeath.Nevertheless,therighttoholdapublic
office is a protected rightsecured by due
process and the provision of Constitution on
security of tenure. (Santos v. Secretary of Labor,
G.R.No.L21624,Feb27,1968)
A:
1. CareerService
2. NoncareerService
Q:Whatareincludedinthecareerservice?
A:
1. Open career positions for appointment
to which prior qualifications in an
appropriateexaminationisrequired
2. Closed career positions which are
scientificorhighlytechnicalinnature
3. PositionsintheCareerexecutiveservice
4. Career officers other than those in the
career executive service, who are
appointedbythePresident
5. Commissioned officers and enlisted
menoftheArmedForces
6. Personnel of GOCCs, whether
performing
governmental
or
proprietary functions, who do not fall
underthenoncareerservice;and
7. Permanent laborers, whether skilled,
semiskilled, or unskilled (Sec. 5, P.D.
No.807).
3.
4.
ACADEMICSCHAIR:LESTERJAYALANE.FLORESII
UNIVERSITYOFSANTOTOMAS
VICECHAIRSFORACADEMICS:KARENJOYG.SABUGO&JOHNHENRYC.MENDOZA
Facultad de Derecho Civil
V ICECHAIRFORADMINISTRATIONANDFINANCE:JEANELLEC.LEE
VICECHAIRSFORLAYOUTANDDESIGN:EARLLOUIEM.MASACAYAN&THEENAC.MARTINEZ
119
A:
CAREERSERVICE
NONCAREERSERVICE
Entrance based on
meritsandfitnessexcept
positionswhichare
1. primarily confidential,
2.highlytechnicaland
3.Policydetermining.
Determined
by
competitiveexamination
Opportunity
for
advancement to higher
careerposition
There is security of
tenure
Determine not by
competitive
examination
Nosuchopportunity
Tenure is limited to a
period specified by law,
coterminous with the
appointing authority or
subject to his pleasure,
or which is limited to
the duration of a
particular
purpose
(Jocomv.Regalado,G.R.
No. 77373, Aug. 22,
1991).
b.MODESOFACQUIRINGTITLETOPUBLIC
OFFICE
A:Publicofficesarefilledupeitherby:
1. Appointment
2. Election
3. In some instances by contract or by
some other modes authorized by law.
(Preclaro v. Sandiganbayan, G.R. No.
111091,Aug.21,1995)
c.MODESANDKINDSOFAPPOINTMENT
Q:Whataretheclassificationsofappointments?
A:
1. PermanentExtendedtoapersonwho
meets all the requirements for the
positiontowhichheisbeingappointed,
including the appropriate eligibility
120
2.
TemporaryExtendedtoapersonwho
may not possess the requisite
qualifications or eligibility and is
revocable at will without necessity of
just cause or investigation. However, if
theappointmentisforaspecificperiod,
the appointment may not be revoked
untiltheexpirationoftheterm.
3.Regularappointmentonemadebythe
President while the Congress is in
session, takes effect only after
confirmation by the CA, and once
approved, continues until the end of
thetermoftheappointee.
A:AccordingtoSevillav.CA,G.R.No.88498,June
9, 1992, an acting appointment is merely
temporary. As held in Marohombsar v. Alonto,
G.R. No. 93711, Feb. 25, 1991, a temporary
appointment cannot become a permanent
appointment,unlessanewappointmentwhichis
permanent is made. This holds true unless the
acting appointment was made because of a
temporaryvacancy.Insuchacase,thetemporary
appointee holds office until the assumption of
officebythepermanentappointee.
Q:Whatisaprovisionalappointment?
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
ADVISER:ATTY.EDWINREYSANDOVAL;SUBJECTHEAD:RACHELMARIEL.FELICES;ASST.SUBJECTHEADS:WIVINOE.BRACEROII&
HERAZEUSCHRISTINEY.UY;MEMBERS
:LAWRENCEPAULOH.AQUINO,LEANDRORODELV.ATIENZA,MARINETHEASTERAND.AYOS,
CARLOR.BALA,WILFREDOT.BONILLA,JR.,KEELACHERNARR.DINOY,APRILV.ENRILE,KENNETHJAMESCARLOC.HIZON,JOSEMARIA
G.MENDOZA,ROGERCHRISTOPHERR.REYES,ROMILINDAC.SIBAL,JASMINM.SISON,ZARAHPATRICIAT.SUAREZ,RALPHJULIOUSL.
VILLAMOR.
A:UnderSection25(a)oftheCivilServiceDecree,
an appointment in the civil service is permanent
when issued to a person who meets all the
requirementsforthepositiontowhichheisbeing
appointed, including the appropriate eligibility
prescribed, in accordance with the provisions of
law, rules and standards promulgated in
pursuancethereof.
Adinterimappointmentsarepermanentuntil:
1. DisapprovedbytheCA;or
2. Next adjournment of the Congress,
either in regular or special session
(inactionbytheCA).
Anadinterimappointee,whosetermhadexpiredby
virtue of inaction by the Commission on
Appointments, may be reappointed to the same
A:
REGULAR
ADINTERIM
MadewhenCongressis
insession
MadewhenCongressis
inrecess
Madeonlyafterthe
nominationisconfirmed
byCA
Madebeforesuch
confirmation
Continuesuntilthe
expirationoftheterm
Shallceasetobevalidif
disapprovedbyCA.(Sec.
16,Art.VII,Constitution)
A:Anappointmentinanactingcapacityextended
byaDepartmentSecretaryisnotpermanentbut
temporary.Hence,theDepartmentSecretarymay
terminate the services of the appointee at any
time.
ACADEMICSCHAIR:LESTERJAYALANE.FLORESII
UNIVERSITYOFSANTOTOMAS
VICECHAIRSFORACADEMICS:KARENJOYG.SABUGO&JOHNHENRYC.MENDOZA
Facultad de Derecho Civil
V ICECHAIRFORADMINISTRATIONANDFINANCE:JEANELLEC.LEE
VICECHAIRSFORLAYOUTANDDESIGN:EARLLOUIEM.MASACAYAN&THEENAC.MARTINEZ
121
A:
TEMPORARY
APPOINTMENT
Issued to a person to a
positionneededonlyfora
limitedperiod
Not to exceed 6
months/no
definite
tenure and is dependent
on the pleasure of the
appointingpower
Meets all requirements
for position except civil
serviceeligibility
PROVISIONAL
APPOINTMENT
Issued
prior
to
authorizationofCSC
Regular position in the
meantime that no
suitable eligible does
not qualify for the
position
Has not qualified in an
appropriate
examination
but
otherwise
meets
requirements
for
appointments
Theprotestmustbeforacause(i.e.appointeeis
notqualified;appointeewasnotthenextinrank;
unsatisfactory reasons given by the appointing
authorityinmakingthequestionedappointment).
The mere fact that the protestant has the more
impressiveresumeisnotacauseforopposingan
appointment(Aquinov.CSC,G.R.No.92403,April
22,1992).
122
Q:Distinguishtermfromtenure.
A:
TERM
Fixedanddefiniteperiod
oftimewhichthelaw
prescribesthatanofficer
mayholdanoffice.
TENURE
Periodduringwhichthe
incumbentactually
holdstheoffice.
Q:Whatarethethree(3)kindsofterms?
A:
1. Termfixedbylaw
2. Termdependentongoodbehavioruntil
reachingretirementage
3. Indefiniteterm,whichterminatesatthe
pleasure of the appointing authority.
(Borres v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. L
36845, Aug. 21, 198; Ruben E. Agpalo,
Administrative Law, Law on Public
Officers and Election Law, 2005 ed., p.
304)
Q:Whatistheconceptofholdover?
d.ELIGIBILITYANDQUALIFICATION
REQUIREMENTS
Q:Whataretherequirementsforpublicoffice?
A:
1. Eligibility It is the state or quality of
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
ADVISER:ATTY.EDWINREYSANDOVAL;SUBJECTHEAD:RACHELMARIEL.FELICES;ASST.SUBJECTHEADS:WIVINOE.BRACEROII&
HERAZEUSCHRISTINEY.UY;MEMBERS
:LAWRENCEPAULOH.AQUINO,LEANDRORODELV.ATIENZA,MARINETHEASTERAND.AYOS,
CARLOR.BALA,WILFREDOT.BONILLA,JR.,KEELACHERNARR.DINOY,APRILV.ENRILE,KENNETHJAMESCARLOC.HIZON,JOSEMARIA
G.MENDOZA,ROGERCHRISTOPHERR.REYES,ROMILINDAC.SIBAL,JASMINM.SISON,ZARAHPATRICIAT.SUAREZ,RALPHJULIOUSL.
VILLAMOR.
2.
a. Endowments,
qualities
or
attributes which make an
individual eligible for public office,
(e.g.citizenship);or
b. The act of entering into the
performance of the functions of a
public office, (i.e. taking oath of
office).
Note:Thesequalificationsmustbepossessedatthe
time of the appointment or election and
continuously for as long as the official relationship
continues(Aguilav.Genato,G.RNo.L55151,Mar.
17,1981).
e.DISABILITIESANDINHIBITIONSOFPUBLIC
OFFICERS
A:
A.MembersofCongressshallnot:
1. Appear as counsel before any court,
electoral tribunal, or quasijudicial and
otheradministrativebodies;
2. Shall not be interested in any contract
with, or in any franchise, or special
privilegegrantedbytheGovernment,or
any
subdivision,
agency
or
instrumentality thereof, including
GOCCs,oritssubsidiary;
3. Shallnotinterveneinanymatterbefore
any office of the Government for his
pecuniary benefit or where he may be
called upon to act on account of his
office
B.ThePresident,VicePresident,Membersofthe
Cabinet,andtheirdeputiesorassistants,unless
otherwise allowed by the Constitution, shall
not:
1. Directly or indirectly practice any other
profession;
2.
Q:Asanexceptiontotheruleagainstholding2
or more positions, which public officers are
allowed by the Constitution to hold other
positionsintheGovernment?
ACADEMICSCHAIR:LESTERJAYALANE.FLORESII
UNIVERSITYOFSANTOTOMAS
VICECHAIRSFORACADEMICS:KARENJOYG.SABUGO&JOHNHENRYC.MENDOZA
Facultad de Derecho Civil
V ICECHAIRFORADMINISTRATIONANDFINANCE:JEANELLEC.LEE
VICECHAIRSFORLAYOUTANDDESIGN:EARLLOUIEM.MASACAYAN&THEENAC.MARTINEZ
123
A:
A:
1. Gifts of nominal value received a s
souvenirormarkofcourtesy;
2. Scholarship or fellowship grant or
medicaltreatment;
3. Travel grants or expenses for travel
outside the Philippines (Sec. 7(d), R.A.
No.6713)
Q:Whatismeantbypartisanpoliticalactivity?
A:Itisanactdesignedtopromotetheelectionor
defeat of a particular candidate/s to a public
office. It is also known as electioneering (Sec.
79,OmnibusElectionCode).
Note:OfficersandemployeesintheCivilServicecan
nonetheless express their views on current political
124
A:
1. Those holding political offices, such as
the President of the Philippines; Vice
President of the Philippines; Executive
Secretary/Department Secretaries and
otherMembersoftheCabinet;Allother
elective officials at all levels; and those
inthepersonalandconfidentialstaffof
theaboveofficials.However,itshallbe
unlawful for them to solicit
contributions from their subordinates
or subject them to any of the acts
involvingsubordinatesprohibitedinthe
ElectionCode.
A:Asageneralrule,judges,otherofficialsofthe
superior courts, of the office of the Solicitor
General and of other Government prosecution
offices; the President; VicePresident, and
members of the cabinet and their deputies or
assistants;
members
of
constitutional
commissions; and civil service officers or
employees whose duties and responsibilities
requirethattheirentiretimebeatthedisposalof
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
ADVISER:ATTY.EDWINREYSANDOVAL;SUBJECTHEAD:RACHELMARIEL.FELICES;ASST.SUBJECTHEADS:WIVINOE.BRACEROII&
HERAZEUSCHRISTINEY.UY;MEMBERS
:LAWRENCEPAULOH.AQUINO,LEANDRORODELV.ATIENZA,MARINETHEASTERAND.AYOS,
CARLOR.BALA,WILFREDOT.BONILLA,JR.,KEELACHERNARR.DINOY,APRILV.ENRILE,KENNETHJAMESCARLOC.HIZON,JOSEMARIA
G.MENDOZA,ROGERCHRISTOPHERR.REYES,ROMILINDAC.SIBAL,JASMINM.SISON,ZARAHPATRICIAT.SUAREZ,RALPHJULIOUSL.
VILLAMOR.
Q:Isalawyermemberwhoisalsoamemberof
the Legislature absolutely prohibited from
engagingtheprivatepracticeoflaw?
A:No.He isonlyprohibitedfromappearingas
counselbeforeanycourtofjusticeorbeforethe
Electoral Tribunals, or quasijudicial and other
administrative bodies. The word appearance
includes not only arguing a case before any such
body but also filing a pleading on behalf of a
client such as filing a motion, plea or answer.
Neither is his name allowed to appear in such
pleadingsbyitselforaspartofafirmnameunder
thesignatureofanotherqualifiedlawyer.(Ruben
E. Agpalo, Administrative Law, Law on Public
OfficersandElectionLaw,2005ed.,p.410)
A:GR:Yes.
XPNs:
1. Cannot appear as counsel in any civil
case where in a local government unit
oranyoffice,agencyorinstrumentality
oftheGovt.istheadverseparty;
2. Cannot appear as counsel in any
criminal case wherein an officer or
employeeofthenationalorlocalGovt.
is accused of an offense committed in
relationtohisoffice;
3. Shall not collect any fee for their
appearance
in
administrative
proceeding involving the LGU of which
heisanofficial;and
4. Maynotusepropertyandpersonnelof
the Govt., except when defending the
interestoftheGovt.
A:
1. Local Chief Executives (governors, city
and municipal mayors) are prohibited
frompracticingtheirprofession
2. Sanggunianmembersmaypracticetheir
profession, engage in any occupation,
or teach in schools except during
sessionhours
3.
ACADEMICSCHAIR:LESTERJAYALANE.FLORESII
UNIVERSITYOFSANTOTOMAS
VICECHAIRSFORACADEMICS:KARENJOYG.SABUGO&JOHNHENRYC.MENDOZA
Facultad de Derecho Civil
V ICECHAIRFORADMINISTRATIONANDFINANCE:JEANELLEC.LEE
VICECHAIRSFORLAYOUTANDDESIGN:EARLLOUIEM.MASACAYAN&THEENAC.MARTINEZ
125
f.POWERSANDDUTIESOFPUBLICOFFICERS
A:
1. Expressly conferred upon him by the
Actappointinghim;
2. Expresslyannexedtotheofficebylaw;
3. Attached to the office by common law
asincidentstoit.
A:Allpowersnecessaryfortheeffectiveexercise
of the express powers are deemed impliedly
granted.(Pimentelv.COMELEC,G.R.No.L53581,
Dec.19,1980)
Q:Isthereanyprotectionintheexerciseofthis
power?
A:
MINISTERIAL
Dischargeisimperative
anditmustbedoneby
thepublicofficer
Canbecompelledby
mandamus
Canbedelegated
DISCRETIONARY
Publicofficermaydo
whicheverwayhewants
provideditisin
accordancewithlawand
notwhimsical
Cannotbecompelledby
mandamusexceptwhen
thereisgraveabuseof
discretion
Cannotbedelegated
unlessotherwise
providedbylaw
Q:Whatarethedutiesofpublicofficers?
A:
1. Tobeaccountabletothepeople;
2. To serve the people with utmost
responsibility,integrity,andefficiency;
3. To act with patriotism and justice and
toleadmodestlives;
4. To submit a declaration under oath of
his assets, liabilities, and net worth
uponassumptionofofficeandasoften
thereafterasmayberequiredbylaw;
126
5.
g.RIGHTSOFPUBLICOFFICCERS
A:
1. Righttooffice
2. Righttocompensation/salary
3. Righttoappointments
4. Righttovacationandsickleave
5. Righttomaternityleave
6. Righttoretirementpay
7. Righttolongevitypay
8. Righttopension
9. Righttoselforganization
10. Right to protection of temporary
employees.
Q:Canpublicofficialsavailoftheservicesofthe
SolicitorGeneral?
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
ADVISER:ATTY.EDWINREYSANDOVAL;SUBJECTHEAD:RACHELMARIEL.FELICES;ASST.SUBJECTHEADS:WIVINOE.BRACEROII&
HERAZEUSCHRISTINEY.UY;MEMBERS
:LAWRENCEPAULOH.AQUINO,LEANDRORODELV.ATIENZA,MARINETHEASTERAND.AYOS,
CARLOR.BALA,WILFREDOT.BONILLA,JR.,KEELACHERNARR.DINOY,APRILV.ENRILE,KENNETHJAMESCARLOC.HIZON,JOSEMARIA
G.MENDOZA,ROGERCHRISTOPHERR.REYES,ROMILINDAC.SIBAL,JASMINM.SISON,ZARAHPATRICIAT.SUAREZ,RALPHJULIOUSL.
VILLAMOR.
h.LIABILITIESOFPUBLICOFFICERS
1.PreventiveSuspensionandBackSalaries
2.IllegalDismissal,ReinstatementandBack
Salaries
Q:Arepublicofficersliableforinjuriessustained
byanotherintheperformanceofhisofficialacts
donewithinthescopeofhisauthority?
A:
GR:No.
XPNs:
1. Otherwiseprovidedbylaw;
2. Statutory liability under the Civil Code
(Articles27,32,&34);
3. Presence of bad faith, malice, or
negligence;
4. Liability on contracts entered into in
excessorwithoutauthority;
5. Liability on tort if the public officer
actedbeyondthelimitsofauthorityand
there is bad faith (United States of
Americav.Reyes,G.R.No.79253,Mar.
1,1993).
Q:Whataretheliabilitiesofministerialofficers?
A:
1. Nonfeasance Neglect to perform an
actwhichistheofficer'slegalobligation
toperform.
2.MisfeasanceThefailuretoobservethe
proper degree of care, skill, and
diligence required in the performance
ofofficialduty;and
3. Malfeasance Performance of an act
which the officer had no legal right to
perform.
A:Thisdoctrineprovidesthatasuperiorofficeris
liable for the acts of his subordinate in the
followinginstances:
1. He negligently or willfully employs or
retains
unfit
or
incompetent
subordinates;
2. He negligently or willfully fails to
require his subordinates to conform to
prescribedregulations;
3. He negligently or carelessly oversees
thebusinessoftheofficeastogivehis
subordinates the opportunity for
default;
4. He directed, cooperated, or authorized
thewrongfulact;
5. The law expressly makes him liable.
(Sec.3839, Chap. 9, Book I, E.O. No.
292,AdministrativeCodeof1987)
A:
1. Dishonesty
2. Oppression
3. Neglectofduty
4. Misconduct
5. Disgracefulandimmoralconduct
6. Discourtesy in the course of official
duties
7. Inefficiency and incompetence in the
performanceofofficialduties
8. Conviction of a crime involving moral
turpitude
9. Beingnotoriouslyundesirable
10. Falsificationofofficialdocuments
11. Habitualdrunkenness
12. Gambling
13. Refusal to perform official duty or
renderovertimeservice
14. Physical or mental incapacity due to
immoralorvicioushabits
15. Willful refusal to pay just debts or
willfulfailuretopaytaxes
Q:Whatistheconceptofsecurityoftenure?
A:Itmeansthatnoofficeroremployeeinthecivil
service shall be suspended or dismissed except
foracauseprovidedbylawandafterdueprocess
orafterheshallhavebeengiventheopportunity
todefendhimself.
Note:Onceanappointmentisissuedandcompleted
andtheappointeeassumestheposition,heacquires
a legal right, not merely an equitable right to the
position.(Lumiguedv.Exevea,G.R.No.117565,Nov.
18,1997)
ACADEMICSCHAIR:LESTERJAYALANE.FLORESII
UNIVERSITYOFSANTOTOMAS
VICECHAIRSFORACADEMICS:KARENJOYG.SABUGO&JOHNHENRYC.MENDOZA
Facultad de Derecho Civil
V ICECHAIRFORADMINISTRATIONANDFINANCE:JEANELLEC.LEE
VICECHAIRSFORLAYOUTANDDESIGN:EARLLOUIEM.MASACAYAN&THEENAC.MARTINEZ
127
Q:Whatisthenatureofpreventivesuspension?
A:Preventivesuspensionisnotapenaltybyitself;
it is merely a measure of precaution so that the
employeewhoischargedmaybeseparatedfrom
the scene of his alleged misfeasance while the
same is being investigated, to prevent him from
using his position or office to influence
prospectivewitnessesortamperwiththerecords
whichmaybevitalintheprosecutionofthecase
againsthim.(Bejav.CA,G.R.No.91749,Mar.31,
1992)
Itcanbeorderedevenwithoutahearingbecause
this is only preliminary step in an administrative
investigation.(Alonzov.Capulong,etal.,G.R.No.
110590,May10,1995)
Thelifespanofpreventivesuspensionislimitedto
90 days after which the respondent must be
automatically reinstated provided that when the
delayisduetothefault,negligenceorpetitionof
therespondent,suchperiodofdelayshallnotbe
counted.(Sec.42,P.D.No.807)
Note:Whenapublicofficerischargedwithviolation
of the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act or R. A
No.3019,apresuspensionhearingisrequiredsolely
todeterminetheapplicabilityofsuchlawandforthe
accusedbegivenafairandadequateopportunityto
challenge the validity of the criminal proceedings
against him. This may be done through various
pleadings.(Torresv.Garchitorena,G.R.No.153666,
Dec.27,2002)
A:
1. Foradministrativecases:
a. CivilServiceLaw90days
b. Local Government Code (R.A.
7160)
i. Sec.85:60daysforappointive
officials
128
ii.
2.
c.
Q.Whatarethedistinctionsbetweenpreventive
suspension pending investigation and pending
appeal?
A:
PENDINGINVESTIGATION
PENDING
APPEAL
Notapenaltybutonlya
meansofenablingthe
disciplinaryauthorityan
unhamperedinvestigation
Punitiveincharacter
Afterthelapseof90days, Ifexonerated,heshould
thelawprovidesthathe bereinstatedwithfull
payfortheperiodof
beautomatically
suspension
reinstated
Ifduringtheappealhe
remainssuspendedand
thepenaltyimposedis
Duringsuchpreventive
onlyreprimand,the
suspension,theemployee
suspensionpending
isnotentitledtopayment
appealbecomesillegal
ofsalaries
andheisentitledtoback
salarycorrespondingto
theperiodofsuspension
Q:Whatisadisciplinaryaction?
A:Itisaproceedingwhichseekstheimpositionof
disciplinary sanction against, or the dismissal or
suspension of, a public officer or employee on
any of the grounds prescribed by law after due
hearing. (Ruben E. Agpalo, Administrative Law,
LawonPublicOfficersandElectionLaw,2005ed.,
p416)
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
ADVISER:ATTY.EDWINREYSANDOVAL;SUBJECTHEAD:RACHELMARIEL.FELICES;ASST.SUBJECTHEADS:WIVINOE.BRACEROII&
HERAZEUSCHRISTINEY.UY;MEMBERS
:LAWRENCEPAULOH.AQUINO,LEANDRORODELV.ATIENZA,MARINETHEASTERAND.AYOS,
CARLOR.BALA,WILFREDOT.BONILLA,JR.,KEELACHERNARR.DINOY,APRILV.ENRILE,KENNETHJAMESCARLOC.HIZON,JOSEMARIA
G.MENDOZA,ROGERCHRISTOPHERR.REYES,ROMILINDAC.SIBAL,JASMINM.SISON,ZARAHPATRICIAT.SUAREZ,RALPHJULIOUSL.
VILLAMOR.
A:
GR: Decisions are initially appealable to the
departmentheadsandthentotheCSC.
XPNs:Decisionsinadisciplinaryactionwhich:
1. exoneratetherespondent;or
2. impose upon him the penalty of
suspension for not more than 30 days
or a fine in an amount not exceeding
thirtydayssalaryorreprimandarefinal
andunappealable.
A:Itdependsonthepenaltyimposed:
1. Appealisavailableifthepenaltyis:
a. Demotion
b. Dismissal,or
c. Suspension for more than 30 days
orfineequivalenttomorethan30
day salary (P.D. 807, Sec.37 par
[a]).
2. Appealisnotavailableifthepenaltyis:
a. Suspension for not more than 30
days
b. Finenotmorethan30daysalary
c. Censure
d. Reprimand
e. Admonition
Note:Inthesecondcase,thedecisionbecomesfinal
andexecutorybyexpressprovisionoflaw.
Q:PetitionerMJ,anElementarySchoolPrincipal,
wasfoundguiltytohaveviolatedR.A.3019.His
conviction was based merely on technical error
and for which he was granted absolute pardon
by the President. With this, he applied for
reinstatement to his former office, only to be
reinstated to the wrong position of a mere
classroom teacher. Can he be reinstated to his
formeroffice?Explain.
A:No.Adismissedofficerwhohasbeengranted
executive clemency and who has been re
employedisnotentitledtobackwages.Letterof
Instruction 647 provides that employees who
were not recommended for reinstatement but
are qualified to reenter the government service
are granted executive clemency for purpose of
reemploymentsubjecttoCivilServiceRulesand
ifrecommendedbytheirrespectivedepartment
heads. Reemployment is different from
reinstatement.Reemploymentimpliesthatone
is hired anew, which does not carry with it
payment of backwages. (Echeche v. Court of
Appeals,G.R.No.89865,June27,1991)
i.IMMUNITYOFPUBLICOFFICERS
Q:WhatisImmunity?
Q:Arepublicofficersimmunefromliabilities?
Q:Whatisthebasisforthisimmunity?
ACADEMICSCHAIR:LESTERJAYALANE.FLORESII
UNIVERSITYOFSANTOTOMAS
VICECHAIRSFORACADEMICS:KARENJOYG.SABUGO&JOHNHENRYC.MENDOZA
Facultad de Derecho Civil
V ICECHAIRFORADMINISTRATIONANDFINANCE:JEANELLEC.LEE
VICECHAIRSFORLAYOUTANDDESIGN:EARLLOUIEM.MASACAYAN&THEENAC.MARTINEZ
129
Q:Whenisthisdoctrineapplicable?
j.PUBLICOFFICERS
A:Apublicofficermaybe:
1. Constitutionalorstatutory
2. Nationalorlocal
3. Legislative,executive,orjudicial
4. Lucrativeorhonorary
5. Discretionaryorministerial
6. Appointiveorelective
7. Civilormilitary
8. Dejureordefacto
Q:Whataretheelementsofapublicoffice?
A:
1. Createdbylaworbyauthorityoflaw
2. Possessadelegationofaportionofthe
sovereignpowersofgovernment,tobe
exercisedforthebenefitofthepublic
3. Powers conferred and duties imposed
must be defined, directly or impliedly,
by the legislature or by legislative
authority
4. Duties
must
be
performed
independently and without the control
ofasuperiorpowerotherthanthelaw,
unless they be those of an inferior or
subordinate
office
created
or
authorized by the legislature, and by it
placed under the general control of a
superiorofficeorbody;and
5. Must have permanence of continuity.
[Outline on Political Law, Nachura,
(2006)]
130
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Age
Residence
Education
Suffrage
Civilserviceexamination
Abilitytoreadandwrite
Political affiliation as a rule, it is not a
qualification
XPN: in PartyList, Membership in
theElectoralTribunal,Commission
onappointment
A:Uponhisoathofoffice,itisdeemedperfected.
Only when the public officer has satisfied this
prerequisite can his right to enter into the
position be considered complete. Until then, he
has none at all, and for as long as he has not
qualified, the holdover officer is the rightful
occupant. (Lecaroz v. Sandiganbayan, G.R. No.
130872,Mar.25,1999)
1.DeFactoOfficers
Q:Whatistheconceptofadejureofficer?
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
ADVISER:ATTY.EDWINREYSANDOVAL;SUBJECTHEAD:RACHELMARIEL.FELICES;ASST.SUBJECTHEADS:WIVINOE.BRACEROII&
HERAZEUSCHRISTINEY.UY;MEMBERS
:LAWRENCEPAULOH.AQUINO,LEANDRORODELV.ATIENZA,MARINETHEASTERAND.AYOS,
CARLOR.BALA,WILFREDOT.BONILLA,JR.,KEELACHERNARR.DINOY,APRILV.ENRILE,KENNETHJAMESCARLOC.HIZON,JOSEMARIA
G.MENDOZA,ROGERCHRISTOPHERR.REYES,ROMILINDAC.SIBAL,JASMINM.SISON,ZARAHPATRICIAT.SUAREZ,RALPHJULIOUSL.
VILLAMOR.
Q:Whoisadefactoofficer?
A:
1.
2.
Q:Whataretheelementsofadefactoofficer?
A:
1. Without a known appointment or
election, but under such circumstances
of reputation or acquiescence as were
calculated to induce people, without
inquiry, to submit to or invoke his
action, supposing him to the be the
officerheassumedtobe;or
Thedefactoofficercannotbenefitfrom
his own status because public policy
demands that unlawful assumption of
publicofficebediscouraged
3.
Q:Howisachallengetoadefactoofficermade?
A:
1. Theincumbencymaynotbechallenged
collaterallyorinanactiontowhichthe
defactoofficerisnotaparty
2. Thechallengemustbemadeinadirect
proceedingwheretitletotheofficewill
betheprincipalissue
3. The authorized proceeding is quo
warrantoeitherbytheSolicitorGeneral
in the name of the Republic or by any
personclaimingtitletotheoffice
Q:Differentiateadejureofficerfromadefacto
officer.
A:
DEJUREOFFICER
Has lawful title to
theoffice
Holding of office
restsonright
Officer cannot be
removed through a
direct
proceeding
(quowarranto)
DEFACTOOFFICER
Has
possession
and
performsthedutiesundera
colorabletitlewithoutbeing
technically qualified in all
pointsoflawtoact
Holding of office rests on
reputation
Officer may be ousted in a
direct proceeding against
him
ACADEMICSCHAIR:LESTERJAYALANE.FLORESII
UNIVERSITYOFSANTOTOMAS
VICECHAIRSFORACADEMICS:KARENJOYG.SABUGO&JOHNHENRYC.MENDOZA
Facultad de Derecho Civil
V ICECHAIRFORADMINISTRATIONANDFINANCE:JEANELLEC.LEE
VICECHAIRSFORLAYOUTANDDESIGN:EARLLOUIEM.MASACAYAN&THEENAC.MARTINEZ
131
Q:Whatarethedifferencesbetweenadefacto
officerandamereusurper?
A:
DEFACTOOFFICER
USURPER
3.
Takes possession of an
Complies with the 4
office and does official
elements of a de jure
acts without any actual
officer
orapparentauthority
Has color of right or title Hasneithercolorofright
tooffice
ortitletooffice
Actsarerenderedvalidas
tothepublicuntilhistitle Actsareabsolutelyvoid
isadjudgedinsufficient
Entitled to compensation Not
entitled
forservicesrendered
compensation
to
A:
1. AVE cannot collect salaries and
allowances from the government for
thefirsttwoyearsofhisterm,because
in the meanwhile BART collected the
salariesandallowances.BARTwasade
factoofficerwhilehewasinpossession
oftheoffice.ToallowAVEtocollectthe
salaries and allowances will result in
making the government pay a second
time. (Mechem, A Treatise on the Law
of Public Offices and Public Officers,
[1890]pp.222223.)
132
2.TerminationofOfficialRelation
1. Expirationoftermortenure
2. Reachingtheagelimitforretirement
3. Resignation
4. Recall
5. Removal
6. Abandonment
7. Acceptanceofanincompatibleoffice
8. Abolitionofoffice
9. Prescriptionoftherighttooffice
10. Impeachment
11. Death
12. Failuretoassumeoffice
13. Convictionofacrime
14. Filingforacertificateofcandidacy
Q.Whatisthetermofofficeofanelectedlocal
official?
Q:WhatisthetermlimitofBarangayofficials?
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
ADVISER:ATTY.EDWINREYSANDOVAL;SUBJECTHEAD:RACHELMARIEL.FELICES;ASST.SUBJECTHEADS:WIVINOE.BRACEROII&
HERAZEUSCHRISTINEY.UY;MEMBERS
:LAWRENCEPAULOH.AQUINO,LEANDRORODELV.ATIENZA,MARINETHEASTERAND.AYOS,
CARLOR.BALA,WILFREDOT.BONILLA,JR.,KEELACHERNARR.DINOY,APRILV.ENRILE,KENNETHJAMESCARLOC.HIZON,JOSEMARIA
G.MENDOZA,ROGERCHRISTOPHERR.REYES,ROMILINDAC.SIBAL,JASMINM.SISON,ZARAHPATRICIAT.SUAREZ,RALPHJULIOUSL.
VILLAMOR.
Q:UnderSection8,ArticleXoftheConstitution,
"Thetermofofficeofelectivelocalofficialsshall
bethreeyearsandnosuchofficialshallservefor
morethanthreeconsecutiveterms."Howisthis
term limit for elective local officials to be
interpreted?
A:Yes,becausehehasservedonlytwofullterms
successively.
Inbothcases,themayorisentitledtorunforre
election because the two conditions for the
applicationofthedisqualificationprovisionshave
not concurred, namely, (1) that the local official
concerned has been elected three consecutive
times and (2) that he has fully served three
consecutive terms. In the first case, even if the
local official is considered to have served three
full terms notwithstanding his resignation before
theendofthefirstterm,thefactremainsthathe
hasnotbeenelectedthreetimes.Inthesecond
case, the local official has been elected three
consecutive times, but he has not fully served
three consecutive terms. (Borja, Jr. V. COMELEC,
G.R.No.133495September3,1998)
A:Yes,becausehewasnotelectedtotheoffice
of mayor in the first term but simply found
himselfthrustintoitbyoperationoflaw.Neither
had he served the full term because he only
continued the service, interrupted by the death,
of the deceased mayor. (Borja, Jr. v. COMELEC,
G.R.No.133495,Sept.3,1998)
ACADEMICSCHAIR:LESTERJAYALANE.FLORESII
UNIVERSITYOFSANTOTOMAS
VICECHAIRSFORACADEMICS:KARENJOYG.SABUGO&JOHNHENRYC.MENDOZA
Facultad de Derecho Civil
V ICECHAIRFORADMINISTRATIONANDFINANCE:JEANELLEC.LEE
VICECHAIRSFORLAYOUTANDDESIGN:EARLLOUIEM.MASACAYAN&THEENAC.MARTINEZ
133
Xcannotbedeemedtohaveservedthefullterm
of 20042007 because he was ordered to vacate
his post before the expiration of the term. Xs
occupancyofthepositionofmayorofMabalacat
from 1 July 2004 to 16 May 2007 cannot be
countedasatermforpurposesofcomputingthe
threetermlimit.Indeed,theperiodfrom17May
2007 to 30 June 2007 served as a gap for
purposes of the threeterm limit rule. Thus, the
present 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2010 term is
effectivelyXsfirsttermforpurposesofthethree
term limit rule. (Dizon v. COMELEC G.R. No.
182088,Jan.30,2009)
A:Yes.NBwasservinghisthirdtermasPBwhen
he ran for SB member and, upon winning,
assumed the position of SB member, thus,
voluntarilyrelinquishinghisofficeasPBwhichthe
Court deems a voluntary renunciation of said
office. Under Sec.8 of Art X of the Constitution,
voluntaryrenunciationoftheofficeforanylength
oftimeshallnotbeconsideredasaninterruption
inthecontinuityofhisserviceforthefulltermfor
whichhewaselected.(BolosvCOMELEC,G.R.No.
184082,Mar.17,2009)
134
Q:Whatisresignation?
Q:Whatistheagelimitforretirement?
A:
1.
Formembersofthejudiciary70y.o.
2.
Gov'tofficersandemployees65y.o.
3.
Optional retirement must have
renderedatleast20serviceyears
A:
1. For appointed officers the tender of
resignation must be given to the
appointingauthority.
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
ADVISER:ATTY.EDWINREYSANDOVAL;SUBJECTHEAD:RACHELMARIEL.FELICES;ASST.SUBJECTHEADS:WIVINOE.BRACEROII&
HERAZEUSCHRISTINEY.UY;MEMBERS
:LAWRENCEPAULOH.AQUINO,LEANDRORODELV.ATIENZA,MARINETHEASTERAND.AYOS,
CARLOR.BALA,WILFREDOT.BONILLA,JR.,KEELACHERNARR.DINOY,APRILV.ENRILE,KENNETHJAMESCARLOC.HIZON,JOSEMARIA
G.MENDOZA,ROGERCHRISTOPHERR.REYES,ROMILINDAC.SIBAL,JASMINM.SISON,ZARAHPATRICIAT.SUAREZ,RALPHJULIOUSL.
VILLAMOR.
c.
d.
e.
Q:Whatiscourtesyresignation?
Q:Whatisremoval?
Q:Whatisrecall?
Q:Whatarethelimitationsonrecall?
A:
1. An elective official can be subjected to
recallonlyonce
2. Norecallshalltakeplacewithinone(1)
year from the assumption of office or
one year immediately preceding a
regularlocalelection.
(Section74(b)ofRepublicActNo.7160)
Q:Whatisabandonment?
Q:Doestheacceptanceofanincompatibleoffice
pertaintoitsphysicalimpossibilityoritsnature?
A:Itreferstothenatureandrelationofthetwo
officestoeachother,theyshouldnotbeheldby
onepersonfromthecontrarietyandantagonism
whichwouldresultintheattemptbyoneperson
to faithfully and impartially discharge the duties
of one, toward the incumbent of the other.
(TreatiseontheLawofPublicOfficesandOfficers,
Mechem,1890edition)
Q:Doestheacceptanceofanincompatibleoffice
ipsofactovacatetheother?
A:GR:Yes.
XPN:Wheresuchacceptanceisauthorizedby
law.
Q:Whataretherequisitesforavalidabolitionof
office?
A:
1. Mustbemadeingoodfaith;
2. Clearintenttodoawaywiththeoffice;
3. Must not be for personal or political
reasons;and
4. Mustnotbecontrarytolaw.
Q:Whatistheperiodprovidedtotaketheoath
ofofficetoavoidfailuretoassumeoffice?
A:Failuretotaketheoathofofficewithinsix(6)
monthsfromproclamationofelectionshallcause
thevacancyoftheofficeunlesssuchfailureisfor
acausebeyondhiscontrol.(Sec.11B.P.881)
ACADEMICSCHAIR:LESTERJAYALANE.FLORESII
UNIVERSITYOFSANTOTOMAS
VICECHAIRSFORACADEMICS:KARENJOYG.SABUGO&JOHNHENRYC.MENDOZA
Facultad de Derecho Civil
V ICECHAIRFORADMINISTRATIONANDFINANCE:JEANELLEC.LEE
VICECHAIRSFORLAYOUTANDDESIGN:EARLLOUIEM.MASACAYAN&THEENAC.MARTINEZ
135
k.THECIVILSERVICE
Q:Whatisthescopeofcivilservice?
Q:Howareappointmentstocivilservicemade?
A:
1. Competitive positions according to
merit and fitness to be determined by
competitive examinations, as far as
practicable.
2. Noncompetitivepositionsnoneedfor
competitiveexaminations.
Ithas3kinds:
a. Policydetermining tasked to
formulate a method of action for
the government or any of its
subdivisions.
b. Primarily confidential duties are
not merely clerical but devolve
upontheheadofanoffice,which,
by reason of his numerous duties,
delegates his duties to others, the
performance of which requires
skill, judgment, trust and
confidence.
c. Highly technical requires
technical skill or training in the
highestdegree
Note:Thetesttodeterminewhetherthepositionis
noncompetitiveisthenatureoftheresponsibilities,
notthedescriptiongiventoit.
Q:Whattestisappliedtodeterminewhethera
particularpositionishighlyconfidential?
136
Q:Whatisthenatureofanappointment?
A:AccordingtoSec.7,Chapter2,Title1,BookV
of the Administrative Code of 1987, the career
serviceischaracterizedby:
1. Entrance based on merit and fitness to
be determined as far as practicable by
competitive examination or based on
highlytechnicalqualification;
2. Opportunityforadvancementtohigher
careerposition;and
3. Securityoftenure.
Thecareerserviceincludes:
1. Open career position for appointment
to which prior qualification in an
appropriateexaminationisrequired;
2. Closed career positions which are
scientificorhighlytechnicalinnature;
3. Positions in the career executive
service;
4. Career officers other than those in the
career executive service, who are
appointedbythePresident;
5. Commissioned officers and enlisted
menoftheArmedForces;
6. Personnel of GOCCs, whether
performing
governmental
or
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
ADVISER:ATTY.EDWINREYSANDOVAL;SUBJECTHEAD:RACHELMARIEL.FELICES;ASST.SUBJECTHEADS:WIVINOE.BRACEROII&
HERAZEUSCHRISTINEY.UY;MEMBERS
:LAWRENCEPAULOH.AQUINO,LEANDRORODELV.ATIENZA,MARINETHEASTERAND.AYOS,
CARLOR.BALA,WILFREDOT.BONILLA,JR.,KEELACHERNARR.DINOY,APRILV.ENRILE,KENNETHJAMESCARLOC.HIZON,JOSEMARIA
G.MENDOZA,ROGERCHRISTOPHERR.REYES,ROMILINDAC.SIBAL,JASMINM.SISON,ZARAHPATRICIAT.SUAREZ,RALPHJULIOUSL.
VILLAMOR.
7.
Q:Whomaybeappointedinthecivilservice?
Q:Whatisdoesthesecurityoftenureofofficers
oremployeesofthecivilserviceguarantee?
Q:Whatcharacterizessecurityoftenure?
Q:Whendoessecurityoftenureattaches?
A:Itattachesonceanappointmentisissuedand
themomenttheappointeeassumesapositionin
thecivilserviceunderacompletedappointment,
heacquiresalegal,notmerelyequitable,right(to
the position) which is protected not only by
statute, but also by the constitution, and cannot
be taken away from him either by revocation of
theappointment,orbyremoval,exceptforcause,
and with previous notice and hearing. (Aquino v.
CSC,G.R.No.92403April22,1992)
Q:Whatislegalcause?
A:
1. Primarily confidential officers and
employees hold office only for so long
asconfidenceinthemremains.Ifthere
is genuine loss of confidence, there is
no removal, but merely the expiration
ofthetermofoffice.
2. Noncareer service officers and
employees do not enjoy security of
tenure.
3. Political appointees in the foreign
service possess tenure coterminous
withthatoftheappointingauthorityor
subjecttohispleasure.
Q:Javierwasfirstemployedasprivatesecretary
intheGSISin1960onaconfidentialstatus.In
1962 Javier was promoted to Tabulating
Equipment Operator with permanent status.
In 1986, she was appointed corporate secretary
of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the
corporation. In 2001, she opted for early
retirement.In2002,Javier,whowas64yearsold
at the time, was reappointed by GSIS President
(with approval of BOT) as corporate secretary.
The BOT classified her appointment as
confidentialinnatureandthetenureofofficeis
atthepleasureoftheBoard.
ACADEMICSCHAIR:LESTERJAYALANE.FLORESII
UNIVERSITYOFSANTOTOMAS
VICECHAIRSFORACADEMICS:KARENJOYG.SABUGO&JOHNHENRYC.MENDOZA
Facultad de Derecho Civil
V ICECHAIRFORADMINISTRATIONANDFINANCE:JEANELLEC.LEE
VICECHAIRSFORLAYOUTANDDESIGN:EARLLOUIEM.MASACAYAN&THEENAC.MARTINEZ
137
Inthelightoftheinstantcontroversy,theCourt's
viewisthatthegreaterpublicinterestisservedif
the position of a corporate secretary is classified
asprimarilyconfidentialinnature.(CSCv.Javier,
G.R.No.173264,Feb.22,2008)
Q:Whataretherequisitesforavalidabolitionof
office?
A:
1. Ingoodfaith;(goodfaithispresumed)
2. Not for political or personal reasons;
and
3. Not in violation of law. (Administrative
Law,LawonPublicOfficersandElection
Law,Agpalo,2006)
Note:TheCongresshastherighttoabolishanoffice
even during the term for which an existing
incumbent may have been elected EXCEPT when
restrainedbytheConstitution.
138
A:No.TheCESBwascreatedbylaw(P.D.No.1);
it can only be abolished by the legislature. This
follows an unbroken stream of rulings that the
creationandabolitionofpublicofficesisprimarily
a legislative function. (Eugenio v. Civil Service
Commission, et al., G.R. No. 115863, Mar. 31,
1995)
Q:Whatrulesapplytotemporaryemployees?
A:
1. Notprotectedbysecurityoftenurecan
be removed anytime even without
cause.
2. Iftheyareseparated,thisisconsidered
an expiration of term. But, they can
only be removed by the one who
appointedthem.
3. Entitled to such protection as may be
provided by law. (Sec. 2[6], Art. IXB,
1987Constitution)
Note:Noofficeroremployeeinthecivilserviceshall
engage in any electioneering or in partisan political
activity.However,theyareallowedtoexpressviews
onpoliticalissues,andtomentionthenamesofthe
candidates whom he supports. (Sec. 2[4], Art. IXB,
1987Constitution)
A:Yes,butTherighttoselforganizeaccordedto
governmentemployeesshallnotcarrywithitthe
right to engage in any form of prohibited
concerted activity or mass action causing or
intending to cause work stoppage or service
disruption, albeit of temporary nature. (Sec. 4,
CSCResolutionNo.021316,2002)
Q:Whatarethedisqualificationsattachedtothe
civilserviceemployeesorofficials?
A:
1. Losingcandidateinanyelection
a. cannot be appointed to any office
in the government or GOCCs or
theirsubsidiaries
b. period of disqualification: 1 year
aftersuchelection
2. Electiveofficials:
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
ADVISER:ATTY.EDWINREYSANDOVAL;SUBJECTHEAD:RACHELMARIEL.FELICES;ASST.SUBJECTHEADS:WIVINOE.BRACEROII&
HERAZEUSCHRISTINEY.UY;MEMBERS
:LAWRENCEPAULOH.AQUINO,LEANDRORODELV.ATIENZA,MARINETHEASTERAND.AYOS,
CARLOR.BALA,WILFREDOT.BONILLA,JR.,KEELACHERNARR.DINOY,APRILV.ENRILE,KENNETHJAMESCARLOC.HIZON,JOSEMARIA
G.MENDOZA,ROGERCHRISTOPHERR.REYES,ROMILINDAC.SIBAL,JASMINM.SISON,ZARAHPATRICIAT.SUAREZ,RALPHJULIOUSL.
VILLAMOR.
3.
Appointiveofficials:
GR: cannot hold any other office or
agency, instrumentality, including
GOCCsandtheirsubsidiaries
XPN: unless otherwise allowed by law,
or by the primary functions of his
position.
Inascertainingthelegalqualificationsofaparticular
appointee to a public office, there must be a law
providing for the qualifications of a person to be
nominated or appointed therein. The qualification
to hold public office may refer to educational
attainment,civilserviceeligibilityorexperience.One
who is under the one year prohibition imposed on
losing candidates is disqualified from being
appointedduringthatoneyearperiodevenifhehas
the other qualifications. (People v. Sandiganbayan,
G.R.No.164185,July23,2008)
A:
GR:Theycannotreceive:
1. Additional compensation an extra
reward given for the same office e.g.
bonus
2. Doublecompensationwhenanofficer
is given 2 sets of compensation for 2
different offices held concurrently by 1
officer.
3. Indirectcompensation
XPN:Unlessspecificallyauthorizedbylaw.
Theycannotacceptanypresent,emolument,office,
title of any kind from foreign governments without
theconsentofCongress
l.ACCOUNTABILITYOFPUBLICOFFICERS
1.Impeachment
Q:Whatisimpeachment?
Q:Whoaretheimpeachableofficers?
A:
1. President
2. VicePresident
3. MembersoftheSupremeCourt
4. Members of the Constitutional
Commissions
5. Ombudsman
Q:Whatarethegroundsforimpeachment?
A:
1. Culpableviolationofthe
2. Treason
3. Bribery
4. Otherhighcrimes
5. Betrayal of public trust (Sec. 2, Art. XI,
1987Constitution)
Q:WhatisCulpableViolationoftheConstitution?
A:CulpableviolationoftheConstitutioniswrongful,
intentional or willful disregard or flouting of the
fundamental law. Obviously, the act must be
deliberateandmotivatedbybadfaithtoconstitute
a ground for impeachment. Mere mistakes in the
proper construction of the Constitution, on which
students of law may sincerely differ, cannot be
considered a valid ground for impeachment. (Cruz,
Isagani.PhilippinePoliticalLaw)
Q:WhatisBetrayalofPublicTrust?
ACADEMICSCHAIR:LESTERJAYALANE.FLORESII
UNIVERSITYOFSANTOTOMAS
VICECHAIRSFORACADEMICS:KARENJOYG.SABUGO&JOHNHENRYC.MENDOZA
Facultad de Derecho Civil
V ICECHAIRFORADMINISTRATIONANDFINANCE:JEANELLEC.LEE
VICECHAIRSFORLAYOUTANDDESIGN:EARLLOUIEM.MASACAYAN&THEENAC.MARTINEZ
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A:
1. Initiatingimpeachmentcase
Note:Iftheverifiedcomplaintisfiledbyatleast1/3
of all its members ofthe Houseof Representatives,
the same shall constitute the Articles of
Impeachment,andtrialbytheSenateshallforthwith
proceed.(Sec.3(4)Art.XI,1987Constitution)
g.
2.
140
a.
b.
c.
Q:Whenisanimpeachmentdeemedinitiated?
Q:Whatisthesalutaryreasonofconfiningonly
oneimpeachmentproceedinginayear?
Theconsiderationbehindtheintendedlimitation
refers to the element of time, and not the
number of complaints. The impeachable officer
should defend himself in only one impeachment
proceeding,sothathewillnotbeprecludedfrom
performing his official functions and duties.
Similarly, Congress should run only one
impeachment proceeding so as not to leave it
withlittletimetoattendtoitsmainworkoflaw
making. The doctrine laid down in Francisco that
initiation means filing and referral remains
congruent to the rationale of the constitutional
provision. (Gutierrez v. The House of
Representatives Committee on Justice, G.R. No.
193459,Feb.15,2011)
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
ADVISER:ATTY.EDWINREYSANDOVAL;SUBJECTHEAD:RACHELMARIEL.FELICES;ASST.SUBJECTHEADS:WIVINOE.BRACEROII&
HERAZEUSCHRISTINEY.UY;MEMBERS
:LAWRENCEPAULOH.AQUINO,LEANDRORODELV.ATIENZA,MARINETHEASTERAND.AYOS,
CARLOR.BALA,WILFREDOT.BONILLA,JR.,KEELACHERNARR.DINOY,APRILV.ENRILE,KENNETHJAMESCARLOC.HIZON,JOSEMARIA
G.MENDOZA,ROGERCHRISTOPHERR.REYES,ROMILINDAC.SIBAL,JASMINM.SISON,ZARAHPATRICIAT.SUAREZ,RALPHJULIOUSL.
VILLAMOR.
A:
1.
2.
Removalfromoffice
Disqualificationtoholdanyotheroffice
undertheRepublicofthePhilippines
3. Party convicted shall be liable and
subject to prosecution, trial and
punishment according to law. (Sec. 3
(7).Art.XI,1987Constitution)
A:
1. TheHouseofRepresentativesshallhave
theexclusivepowertoinitiateallcases
ofimpeachment.
2. Not more than one impeachment
proceedingshallbeinitiatedagainstthe
same official within a period of one
year.
Note:Animpeachmentcaseisthelegalcontroversy
that must be decided by the Senate while an
impeachment proceeding is one that is initiated in
the House of Representatives. For purposes of
applying the one year ban rule, the proceeding is
initiatedorbeginswhenaverifiedcomplaintisfiled
andreferredtotheCommitteeonJusticeforaction.
(Francisco v. House of Representatives, et. al., G.R.
No.160261,Nov.10,2003)
Thepowertoimpeachisessentiallyanonlegislative
prerogative and can be exercised by Congress only
within the limits of the authority conferred upon it
by the Constitution. (Francisco v. House of
Representatives, et. al., G.R. No. 160261, Nov. 10,
2003)
Q:CanASupremeCourtJusticebechargedina
criminal case or disbarment proceeding instead
ofanimpeachmentproceeding?
A:No,becausetheultimateeffectofeitheristo
removehimfromoffice,andthuscircumventthe
provision on removal by impeachment thus
violating his security of tenure. (In Re: First
Indorsement from Hon. Raul Gonzalez, A.M. No.
8845433,April15,1988)
2.Ombudsman
Q:WhatisthefunctionofanOmbudsman?
A:Heistaskedtoentertaincomplaintsaddressed
to him against erring public officers and take all
necessaryactionsthereon.
Q:DoestheOmbudsmanenjoyfiscalautonomy?
A:Yes.Itshallenjoyfiscalautonomy.Itsapproved
annual appropriations shall be automatically and
regularlyreleased.(Section14ofArticleXIofthe
1987Constitution)
Q:Whatisthedurationofthetermofofficeof
theOmbudsman?
A:7yearswithoutreappointment.(Section11of
ArticleXIofthe1987Constitution)
Q:Whatarethedisqualificationsandinhibitions
oftheOmbudsman?
A:
1. Shall not hold any other office or
employment;
2. Shall not engage in the practice of any
professionorintheactivemanagement
orcontrolofanybusinesswhichinany
waymaybeaffectedbythefunctionsof
hisoffice;
3. Shall not be financially interested,
directly or indirectly, in any contract
with, or in any franchise or privilege
granted by the government, or any of
itssubdivisions,etc.
4. Shall not be qualified to run for any
office in the election immediately
succeeding their cessation from office.
(Section9ofR.A.No.6770)
2.a.PowersandDuties
A:Overtheyearsthescopeofthepowersofthe
Ombudsman under Section 12 has been clarified
thussettlingvariousdisputedissues:
1. The ombudsman can investigate only
officers of government owned
ACADEMICSCHAIR:LESTERJAYALANE.FLORESII
UNIVERSITYOFSANTOTOMAS
VICECHAIRSFORACADEMICS:KARENJOYG.SABUGO&JOHNHENRYC.MENDOZA
Facultad de Derecho Civil
V ICECHAIRFORADMINISTRATIONANDFINANCE:JEANELLEC.LEE
VICECHAIRSFORLAYOUTANDDESIGN:EARLLOUIEM.MASACAYAN&THEENAC.MARTINEZ
141
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
142
Q:ArethepowersofOmbudsmandelegable?
Inanyformormannermeansthatthefactthat
the Ombudsman may start an investigation on
the basis of any anonymous letter does not
violatetheequalprotectionclause.Forpurposes
of initiating preliminary investigation before the
Office of the Ombudsman, a complaint in any
form or manner is sufficient. (Garcia v. Miro,
G.R.No.148944.February5,2003)
Q:CantheOmbudsmandirectlydismissapublic
officerfromgovernmentservice?
Q:Isthepoweroftheombudsmantoinvestigate
exclusive?
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
ADVISER:ATTY.EDWINREYSANDOVAL;SUBJECTHEAD:RACHELMARIEL.FELICES;ASST.SUBJECTHEADS:WIVINOE.BRACEROII&
HERAZEUSCHRISTINEY.UY;MEMBERS
:LAWRENCEPAULOH.AQUINO,LEANDRORODELV.ATIENZA,MARINETHEASTERAND.AYOS,
CARLOR.BALA,WILFREDOT.BONILLA,JR.,KEELACHERNARR.DINOY,APRILV.ENRILE,KENNETHJAMESCARLOC.HIZON,JOSEMARIA
G.MENDOZA,ROGERCHRISTOPHERR.REYES,ROMILINDAC.SIBAL,JASMINM.SISON,ZARAHPATRICIAT.SUAREZ,RALPHJULIOUSL.
VILLAMOR.
A:No,InAlmontev.Vasquez,G.R.No.95367May
23, 1995, the Court said that where the claim of
confidentiality does not rest in the need to
protect military, diplomatic or the national
security secrets but on general public interest in
preserving confidentiality, the courts have
declined to find in the Constitution an absolute
privilege even for the President. (Bernas Primer,
Primer,(2006ed.)
Moreover,evenincaseswheremattersarereally
confidential,inspectioncanbedoneincamera.
2.b.JudicialReviewinAdministrative
Proceedings
1. Arecontrarytolaworregulation;
2. Areunreasonable,unfair,oppressiveor
discriminatory;
3. Are inconsistent with the general
courseofanagency'sfunctions,though
inaccordancewithlaw;
4. Proceed from a mistake of law or an
arbitraryascertainmentoffacts;
5. Are in the exercise of discretionary
powersbutforanimproperpurpose;or
6. Are otherwise irregular, immoral or
devoidofjustification
2.c.JudicialReviewinPenalProceedings
Note:InGarciaRuedav.Pascasio,G.R.No.118141.
September 5, 1997, the Court held that while the
Ombudsman has the full discretion to determine
whether or not a criminal case is to be filed, the
Court is not precluded from reviewing the
Ombudsmans action when there is grave abuse of
discretion.
3.Sandiganbayan
A:UnderPD1606,itiscomposedof:
1. PresidingJustice
2. Eight Associate Justices, with the rank
ofJusticeoftheCourtofAppeals
Note:Itsitsinthree[3]divisionsofthreemembers
each.
Q:WhatisthenatureoftheSandiganbayan?
A:SandiganbayanisNOTaconstitutionalcourt.It
isastatutorycourt;thatis,itis creatednotonly
by the Constitution but by statute, although its
creationismandatedbytheConstitution.(Bernas
Primerat4432006ed.)
ACADEMICSCHAIR:LESTERJAYALANE.FLORESII
UNIVERSITYOFSANTOTOMAS
VICECHAIRSFORACADEMICS:KARENJOYG.SABUGO&JOHNHENRYC.MENDOZA
Facultad de Derecho Civil
V ICECHAIRFORADMINISTRATIONANDFINANCE:JEANELLEC.LEE
VICECHAIRSFORLAYOUTANDDESIGN:EARLLOUIEM.MASACAYAN&THEENAC.MARTINEZ
143
A:Yes.Incaseprivateindividualsarechargedas
coprincipals,accomplicesoraccessorieswiththe
public officers or employees, they shall be tried
jointly with said public officers and employees.
(Section4,PD1606)
A:Itshallbedeterminedbytheallegationsinthe
information specifically on whether or not the
actscomplainedofwerecommittedinrelationto
theofficialfunctionsoftheaccused.Itisrequired
that the charge be set forth with particularity as
will reasonably indicate that the exact offense
whichtheaccusedisallegedtohavecommittedis
one in relation to his office. (Lacson v. Executive
SecretaryG.R.No.128096January20,1999)
Note:InBinayv.Sandiganbayan,G.R.Nos.120681
83, October 1, 1999, the Supreme Court discussed
theramificationsofSection7,RA8249,asfollows:
144
1.
2.
Q:Howarepronouncementsofdecisions/review
madebytheSB?
A:Theunanimousvoteofallthethreemembers
shall be required for the pronouncement of
judgment by a division. Decisions of the
Sandiganbayan shall be reviewable by the
SupremeCourtonapetitionforcertiorari.
Q:Canbothquestionsoffactandlawberaised
before the Supreme Court in an appeal of a
decisionoftheSandiganbayan?
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
ADVISER:ATTY.EDWINREYSANDOVAL;SUBJECTHEAD:RACHELMARIEL.FELICES;ASST.SUBJECTHEADS:WIVINOE.BRACEROII&
HERAZEUSCHRISTINEY.UY;MEMBERS
:LAWRENCEPAULOH.AQUINO,LEANDRORODELV.ATIENZA,MARINETHEASTERAND.AYOS,
CARLOR.BALA,WILFREDOT.BONILLA,JR.,KEELACHERNARR.DINOY,APRILV.ENRILE,KENNETHJAMESCARLOC.HIZON,JOSEMARIA
G.MENDOZA,ROGERCHRISTOPHERR.REYES,ROMILINDAC.SIBAL,JASMINM.SISON,ZARAHPATRICIAT.SUAREZ,RALPHJULIOUSL.
VILLAMOR.
4.IllGottenWealth
Q:DefineIllgottenwealth?
5. Byestablishingagricultural,industrialor
commercial Monopolies or other
combinationsand/orimplementationof
decreesandordersintendedtobenefit
particularpersonsorspecialinterests
A:Yes,incasesofplunder,anypublicofficerwho,
byhimselforinconnivancewithmembersofhis
family, relatives by affinity or consanguinity,
business associates, subordinates or other
persons, amasses, accumulates or acquires ill
gottenwealththroughacombinationorseriesof
overtorcriminalactsasdescribedinSection1(d)
of RA 7659, in the aggregate amount or total
value of at least fifty million pesos
(P50,000,000.00) shall be guilty of the crime of
plunder.(Sec.2ofRA7659)
Q:Canprosecutionfortherecoveryofillgotten
wealth be barred by prescription, laches and
estoppel?
A:Yes.TheprovisionfoundinSection15,Article
XIofthe1987Constitutionthat"therightofthe
Statetorecoverpropertiesunlawfullyacquiredby
public officials or employees, from them or from
theirnomineesortransferees,shallnotbebarred
byprescription,lachesorestoppels,"hasalready
been settled in Presidential Ad Hoc FactFinding
Committee on Behest Loans v. Desierto. G.R. No.
130140,where the Court held that the above
citedconstitutionalprovision"appliesonlytocivil
actions for recovery of illgotten wealth, and not
to criminal cases. (Presidential Ad Hoc Fact
Finding Committee On Behest Loans v. Desierto,
G.R.No.135715,April13,2011)
ACADEMICSCHAIR:LESTERJAYALANE.FLORESII
UNIVERSITYOFSANTOTOMAS
VICECHAIRSFORACADEMICS:KARENJOYG.SABUGO&JOHNHENRYC.MENDOZA
Facultad de Derecho Civil
V ICECHAIRFORADMINISTRATIONANDFINANCE:JEANELLEC.LEE
VICECHAIRSFORLAYOUTANDDESIGN:EARLLOUIEM.MASACAYAN&THEENAC.MARTINEZ
145