GovCon Syllabus Part III

III.

III.

ART

ARTICL

ICLE XI, 1

E XI, 1

987 C

987 CONS

ONSITU

ITU

TION (A P

TIO

N (A PUBL

UBLIC OF

IC OFFIC

FICER IS A P

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ARTICLE XI ARTICLE XI

ACCOUNTABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS  ACCOUNTABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS 

Section 1. Public office is a public trust. Public officers and employees must, at all times, be Section 1. Public office is a public trust. Public officers and employees must, at all times, be accountable to te people, ser!e tem "it utmost responsibility, inte#rity, loyalty, and efficiency$ accountable to te people, ser!e tem "it utmost responsibility, inte#rity, loyalty, and efficiency$ act "it patriotism and %ustice, and lead modest li!es.

act "it patriotism and %ustice, and lead modest li!es.

Section &. Te President, te 'ice(President, te )embers of te Supreme Court, te )embers of  Section &. Te President, te 'ice(President, te )embers of te Supreme Court, te )embers of  t

te e CoConsnstititututitiononal al CommiCommissssionions, s, anand d tte e *m*mbubudsdsmaman n mamay y be be remo!remo!ed ed frfrom om ofoffifice ce onon impeacment for, and con!iction of, culpable !iolation of te Constitution, treason, bribery, #raft impeacment for, and con!iction of, culpable !iolation of te Constitution, treason, bribery, #raft and corruption, oter i# crimes, or betrayal of public trust. All oter public officers and and corruption, oter i# crimes, or betrayal of public trust. All oter public officers and employees may be remo!ed from office as pro!ided by la", but not by impeacment.

employees may be remo!ed from office as pro!ided by la", but not by impeacment.

Section +. 1- Te ouse of Representati!es sall a!e te e/clusi!e po"er to initiate all cases of  Section +. 1- Te ouse of Representati!es sall a!e te e/clusi!e po"er to initiate all cases of  impeacment.

impeacment. &

&- - A A !er!erifified compied complalainint t fofor r imimpepeacacmmenent t mamay y be be fifileled d by by anany y )e)embmber er of of tte e ooususe e of of  Representati!es or by any citi0en upon a resolution or endorsement by any )ember tereof, Representati!es or by any citi0en upon a resolution or endorsement by any )ember tereof, "ic sall be included in te *rder of usiness "itin ten session days, and referred to te "ic sall be included in te *rder of usiness "itin ten session days, and referred to te proper Committ

proper Committee ee "iti"itin n tree session days tree session days tereatereafter. Te fter. Te CommitCommittee, after tee, after earinearin#, and #, and by aby a ma%ority !ote of all its )embers, sall submit its report to te ouse "itin si/ty session days ma%ority !ote of all its )embers, sall submit its report to te ouse "itin si/ty session days from suc referral, to#eter "it te correspondin# resolution. Te resolution sall be calendared from suc referral, to#eter "it te correspondin# resolution. Te resolution sall be calendared for consideration by te ouse "itin ten session days from receipt tereof.

for consideration by te ouse "itin ten session days from receipt tereof.

+- A !ote of at least one(tird of all te )embers of te ouse sall be necessary eiter to affirm +- A !ote of at least one(tird of all te )embers of te ouse sall be necessary eiter to affirm a fa!orable resolution "it te Articles of Impeacment of te Committee, or o!erride its contrary  a fa!orable resolution "it te Articles of Impeacment of te Committee, or o!erride its contrary  resolution. Te !ote of eac )ember sall be recorded.

resolution. Te !ote of eac )ember sall be recorded.

2- In case te !erified complaint or resolution of impeacment is filed by at least one(tird of all 2- In case te !erified complaint or resolution of impeacment is filed by at least one(tird of all te )embers of te ouse, te same sall constitute te Articles of Impeacment, and trial by  te )embers of te ouse, te same sall constitute te Articles of Impeacment, and trial by  te Senate sall fort"it proceed.

te Senate sall fort"it proceed.

3- 4o impeacment proceedin#s sall be initiated a#ainst te same official more tan once 3- 4o impeacment proceedin#s sall be initiated a#ainst te same official more tan once "itin a period of one year.

"itin a period of one year.

5- Te Senate sall a!e te sole po"er to try and decide all cases of impeacment. 6en sittin# 5- Te Senate sall a!e te sole po"er to try and decide all cases of impeacment. 6en sittin# for tat

for tat purpurpospose, e, te Senatte Senators ors sasall ll be be on on oat oat or or affaffirmairmatiotion. n. 6e6en n te Presidte President of ent of tete Pilippines is on trial, te Cief 7ustice of te Supreme Court sall preside, but sall not !ote. Pilippines is on trial, te Cief 7ustice of te Supreme Court sall preside, but sall not !ote. 4o person sall be con!icted "itout te concurrence of t"o(tirds of all te )embers of te 4o person sall be con!icted "itout te concurrence of t"o(tirds of all te )embers of te Senate.

Senate.

8- 7ud#ment in cases of impeacment sall not e/tend furter tan remo!al from office and 8- 7ud#ment in cases of impeacment sall not e/tend furter tan remo!al from office and dis9ualification to old any office under te Republic of te Pilippines, but te party con!icted dis9ualification to old any office under te Republic of te Pilippines, but te party con!icted sall ne!erteless be liable and sub%ect to prosecution, trial, and punisment, accordin# to la". sall ne!erteless be liable and sub%ect to prosecution, trial, and punisment, accordin# to la". :- Te Con#ress sall promul#ate its rules on impeacment to effecti!ely carry out te purpose :- Te Con#ress sall promul#ate its rules on impeacment to effecti!ely carry out te purpose of tis section.

of tis section. Sectio

Section n 2. Te 2. Te present anti(present anti(#raft court ;no"n as #raft court ;no"n as te Sandi#ante Sandi#anbayan sall continue to bayan sall continue to functifunctionon and e/ercise its %urisdiction as no" or ereafter may be pro!ided by la".

and e/ercise its %urisdiction as no" or ereafter may be pro!ided by la".

Section 3. Tere is ereby created te independent *ffice of te *mbudsman, composed of te Section 3. Tere is ereby created te independent *ffice of te *mbudsman, composed of te *mbud

*mbudsman to sman to be ;no"n as be ;no"n as TanodTanodbayanbayan, one , one o!erall <eputy and at o!erall <eputy and at least one <eputy eac least one <eputy eac forfor Lu0on, 'isayas, and )indanao. A separate <eputy for te military establisment may li;e"ise be Lu0on, 'isayas, and )indanao. A separate <eputy for te military establisment may li;e"ise be appointed.

appointed.

Section 5. Te officials and employees of te *ffice of te *mbudsman, oter tan te <eputies, Section 5. Te officials and employees of te *ffice of te *mbudsman, oter tan te <eputies, sall be appointed by te *mbudsman, accordin# to te Ci!il Ser!ice La".

sall be appointed by te *mbudsman, accordin# to te Ci!il Ser!ice La". Sec

Sectiotion n 8. 8. Te e/istiTe e/istin# n# TanodbTanodbayaayan n sasall ll erereafeafter ter be be ;no;no"n "n as as te te *ffice *ffice of of te te SpeSpeciaciall Prosecutor. It sall continue to function and e/ercise its po"ers as no" or ereafter may be Prosecutor. It sall continue to function and e/ercise its po"ers as no" or ereafter may be pro!ided by la", e/cept tose conferred on te *ffice of te *mbudsman created under tis pro!ided by la", e/cept tose conferred on te *ffice of te *mbudsman created under tis

Pa#e 1 of 25 Pa#e 1 of 25

Constitution. Constitution.

Section :. Te *mbudsman and is <eputies sall be natural(born citi0ens of te Pilippines, Section :. Te *mbudsman and is <eputies sall be natural(born citi0ens of te Pilippines, an

and d at at tte e titime me of of teiteir r apappopoinintmtmenent, t, at at leleast ast foforty rty yeyearars s olold, d, of of reco#reco#nini0ed 0ed prprobobitity y anandd independence, and members of te Pilippine ar, and must not a!e been candidates for any  independence, and members of te Pilippine ar, and must not a!e been candidates for any  electi!e office in te immediately precedin# election. Te *mbudsman must a!e, for ten years or electi!e office in te immediately precedin# election. Te *mbudsman must a!e, for ten years or more, been a %ud#e or en#a#ed in te practice of la" in te Pilippines.

more, been a %ud#e or en#a#ed in te practice of la" in te Pilippines.

<urin# teir tenure, tey sall be sub%ect to te same dis9ualifications and proibitions as <urin# teir tenure, tey sall be sub%ect to te same dis9ualifications and proibitions as pro!ided for in Section & of Article IX(A of tis Constitution.

pro!ided for in Section & of Article IX(A of tis Constitution.

Section =. Te *mbudsman and is <eputies sall be appointed by te President from a list of at Section =. Te *mbudsman and is <eputies sall be appointed by te President from a list of at least si/ nominees prepared by te

least si/ nominees prepared by te 7udicia7udicial and l and ar Council, and from a ar Council, and from a list of list of tree nomineestree nominees for e!ery !acancy tereafter. Suc appointments sall re9uire no confirmation. All !acancies for e!ery !acancy tereafter. Suc appointments sall re9uire no confirmation. All !acancies sall be filled "itin tree monts after tey occur.

sall be filled "itin tree monts after tey occur.

Section 1>. Te *mbudsman and is <eputies sall a!e te ran; of Cairman and )embers, Section 1>. Te *mbudsman and is <eputies sall a!e te ran; of Cairman and )embers, respecti!ely, of te Constitutional Commissions, and tey sall recei!e te same salary "ic respecti!ely, of te Constitutional Commissions, and tey sall recei!e te same salary "ic sall not be decreased durin# teir term of office.

sall not be decreased durin# teir term of office.

Section 11. Te *mbudsman and is <eputies sall ser!e for a term of se!en years "itout Section 11. Te *mbudsman and is <eputies sall ser!e for a term of se!en years "itout reappointment. Tey sall not be 9ualified to run for any office in te election immediately  reappointment. Tey sall not be 9ualified to run for any office in te election immediately  succeedin# teir cessation from office.

succeedin# teir cessation from office.

Section 1&. Te *mbudsman and is <eputies, as protectors of te people, sall act promptly on Section 1&. Te *mbudsman and is <eputies, as protectors of te people, sall act promptly on complaints filed in any form or manner a#ainst public officials or employees of te ?o!ernment, complaints filed in any form or manner a#ainst public officials or employees of te ?o!ernment, or any subdi!ision, a#ency or instrumentality tereof, includin# #o!ernment(o"ned or controlled or any subdi!ision, a#ency or instrumentality tereof, includin# #o!ernment(o"ned or controlled corporations, and sall, in appropriate cases,

corporations, and sall, in appropriate cases, notify te complainants of te action notify te complainants of te action ta;en and teta;en and te result tereof.

result tereof.

Section 1+. Te *ffice of te *mbudsman sall a!e te follo"in# po"ers, functions, and duties@ Section 1+. Te *ffice of te *mbudsman sall a!e te follo"in# po"ers, functions, and duties@ 1- In!esti#ate on its o"n, or on complaint by any person, any act or omission of any public 1- In!esti#ate on its o"n, or on complaint by any person, any act or omission of any public official, employee, office or a#ency, "en suc act or omission appears to be ille#al, un%ust, official, employee, office or a#ency, "en suc act or omission appears to be ille#al, un%ust, improper, or inefficient.

improper, or inefficient. &

&- - <i<irecrect, t, upupon on cocompmplalainint t or or at at itits s o"o"n n ininststanance, ce, anany y pupublblic ic ofoffificiacial l or or empemploloyeyee e of of ttee ?o!ernment, or any subdi!ision, a#ency or instrumentality tereof, as "ell as of any #o!ernment( ?o!ernment, or any subdi!ision, a#ency or instrumentality tereof, as "ell as of any #o!ernment( o"ned or controlled corporation "it ori#inal carter, to perform and e/pedite any act or duty  o"ned or controlled corporation "it ori#inal carter, to perform and e/pedite any act or duty  re9uired by la", or to stop, pre!ent, and correct any abuse or impropriety in te performance of  re9uired by la", or to stop, pre!ent, and correct any abuse or impropriety in te performance of  duties.

duties.

+- <irect te officer concerned to ta;e appropriate action a#ainst a public official or employee at +- <irect te officer concerned to ta;e appropriate action a#ainst a public official or employee at fault, and recommend is remo!al, suspension, demotion, fine, censure, or prosecution, and fault, and recommend is remo!al, suspension, demotion, fine, censure, or prosecution, and ensure compliance tere"it.

ensure compliance tere"it.

2- <irect te officer concerned, in any appropriate case, and sub%ect to suc limitations as may  2- <irect te officer concerned, in any appropriate case, and sub%ect to suc limitations as may  be pro!ided by la", to furnis it "it copies of documents relatin# to contracts or transactions be pro!ided by la", to furnis it "it copies of documents relatin# to contracts or transactions entered into by is office in!ol!in# te disbursement or use of public funds or properties, and entered into by is office in!ol!in# te disbursement or use of public funds or properties, and report any irre#ularity to te Commission on Audit for appropriate action.

report any irre#ularity to te Commission on Audit for appropriate action.

3- Re9uest any #o!ernment a#ency for assistance and information necessary in te discar#e of  3- Re9uest any #o!ernment a#ency for assistance and information necessary in te discar#e of  its responsibilities, and to e/amine, if necessary, pertinent records and documents.

its responsibilities, and to e/amine, if necessary, pertinent records and documents.

5- Publici0e matters co!ered by its in!esti#ation "en circumstances so "arrant and "it due 5- Publici0e matters co!ered by its in!esti#ation "en circumstances so "arrant and "it due prudence.

prudence.

8- <etermine te causes of inefficiency, red tape, mismana#ement, fraud, and corruption in te 8- <etermine te causes of inefficiency, red tape, mismana#ement, fraud, and corruption in te ?o!

?o!ernernment ment and and ma;ma;e e recorecommemmendandationtions s for for teir teir elimeliminaination and tion and te te obser!aobser!ance nce of of i#i# standards of etics and efficiency.

standards of etics and efficiency. :- Promul#a

:- Promul#ate its te its rules of procedure and e/ercise suc oter rules of procedure and e/ercise suc oter po"ers or perform suc functionspo"ers or perform suc functions or duties as may be pro!ided by la".

or duties as may be pro!ided by la".

Section 12. Te *ffice of te *mbudsman sall en%oy fiscal autonomy. Its appro!ed annual Section 12. Te *ffice of te *mbudsman sall en%oy fiscal autonomy. Its appro!ed annual

Pa#e & of 25 Pa#e & of 25

appropriations sall be automatically and re#ularly released. appropriations sall be automatically and re#ularly released.

Section 13. Te ri#t of te State to reco!er properties unla"fully ac9uired by public officials or Section 13. Te ri#t of te State to reco!er properties unla"fully ac9uired by public officials or employees, from tem or from teir nominees or transferees, sall not be barred by prescription, employees, from tem or from teir nominees or transferees, sall not be barred by prescription, laces, or estoppel.

laces, or estoppel. Sec

Sectiotion n 15. 15. 4o 4o loan, loan, #ua#uaranranty, or ty, or ototer er forform m of of finfinancancial ial accaccommoommodatdation for ion for any busineany businessss purpose may be #ranted, directly or indirectly, by any #o!ernment(o"ned or controlled ban; or purpose may be #ranted, directly or indirectly, by any #o!ernment(o"ned or controlled ban; or fin

financancial ial insinstittitutiution on to to te te PresPresideident, nt, te te 'ic'ice(Pe(Presiresidendent, t, te te )emb)embers ers of of te te CabCabineinet, t, tete Con#ress, te Supreme Court, and te Constitutional Commissions, te *mbudsman, or to any  Con#ress, te Supreme Court, and te Constitutional Commissions, te *mbudsman, or to any  firm or entity in "ic tey a!e controllin# interest, durin# teir tenure.

firm or entity in "ic tey a!e controllin# interest, durin# teir tenure.

Section 18. A public officer or employee sall, upon assumption of office and as often tereafter Section 18. A public officer or employee sall, upon assumption of office and as often tereafter as may be re9uired by la", submit a declaration under oat of is assets, liabilities, and net as may be re9uired by la", submit a declaration under oat of is assets, liabilities, and net "or

"ort. In t. In te case te case of of te te PrePresidsidentent, , te 'ice(Pte 'ice(Presiresidendent, t, te )emberte )embers s of of te Cabinte Cabinet, et, tete Con#ress, te Supreme Court, te Constitutional Commissions and oter constitutional offices, Con#ress, te Supreme Court, te Constitutional Commissions and oter constitutional offices, and officers of te armed forces "it #eneral or fla# ran;, te declaration sall be disclosed to te and officers of te armed forces "it #eneral or fla# ran;, te declaration sall be disclosed to te public in te manner pro!ided by la".

public in te manner pro!ided by la".

Section 1:. Public officers and employees o"e te State and tis Constitution alle#iance at all Section 1:. Public officers and employees o"e te State and tis Constitution alle#iance at all times and any public officer or employee "o see;s to can#e is citi0ensip or ac9uire te times and any public officer or employee "o see;s to can#e is citi0ensip or ac9uire te status of an immi#rant of anoter country durin# is tenure sall be dealt "it by la".

status of an immi#rant of anoter country durin# is tenure sall be dealt "it by la".

Rele!ant 7urisprudence@ Rele!ant 7urisprudence@

a-a- Amit Amit !s. !s. C*AC*A, 5, 5:5 :5 SCRSCRA 1A 1> &> &>1& >1&--

b-b- Se!iSe!ille !lle !s. Cs. C*A, *A, 5:5 5:5 SCRSCRA &: A &: &>1&>1&- &-

c-c- ?utierr?utierre0 !s. oue0 !s. ouse of Repse of Representaresentati!es Coti!es Committee mmittee on 7ustion 7ustice, ?.Rce, ?.R. 4o. 1. 4o. 1=+23==+23=, 13 eb, 13 ebruary ruary  &>11

&>11

d-d- ololastasti# !s. Sai# !s. Sandindi#an#anbaybayan, &an, &+3 SC+3 SCRA 1>+RA 1>+

e-e- a%arda%ardo !s. o !s. *ffi*ffice of ce of te *te *mbudsmmbudsman, 5an, 58= SC8= SCRA =8 RA =8 &>1& &>1&--

f-f- <i<ia0 !sa0 !s. Sa. Sandndi#i#ananbabayayan, &n, &1= S1= SCRCRA 58A 5833

#-#- Ledesma Ledesma !s. C!s. Court oourt of Appf Appeals, eals, ?.R. ?.R. 4o. 4o. 1515&1515&=, &=, &= 7uly = 7uly &>>3&>>3

-- a#ona#on# Bap# Bapisanan isanan !s. <!s. <olot, olot, 5:> 5:> SCRA SCRA 152 152 &>1& &>1&--

i-i- CoCoronrona !sa !s. Se. Senanatete, 58, 585 SC5 SCRA 3RA 35+ 5+ &>&>1& 1&--

 %- %- )ontallana !s. *mbudsman, 58: SC)ontallana !s. *mbudsman, 58: SCRA 23: &>1&-RA 23:

&>1&-Republic of te Pilippines Republic of te Pilippines

SUPREME COURT

SUPREME COURT

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EFREN G. AMIT,

EFREN G. AMIT,

!s.

COMMISSION ON AU'IT, REGIONAL OFFICE NO. VI, OFFICE OF TE OMBU'SMAN (VISAYAS),

COMMISSION ON AU'IT, REGIONAL OFFICE NO. VI, OFFICE OF TE OMBU'SMAN (VISAYAS),

*+ TE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE,

*+ TE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE,

BRION,

BRION,

efore us is a petition for re!ie" on certiorari

efore us is a petition for re!ie" on certiorari11 under Rule 23 of te Rules of Court assailin# teunder Rule 23 of te Rules of Court assailin# te decision

decision&& dated 7uly 1:, &>>5 and te resolutiondated 7uly 1:, &>>5 and te resolution++ dated <ecember &1, &>>5 of te Court of Appealsdated <ecember &1, &>>5 of te Court of Appeals CA- in CA(?.R. CE(SP 4o. >1+=:, "ic affirmed te decision

CA- in CA(?.R. CE(SP 4o. >1+=:, "ic affirmed te decision22 dated 7uly =, &>>2 of te *ffice of dated 7uly =, &>>2 of te *ffice of  te

te *mbuds*mbudsman man 'isa'isayas- yas- *mbud*mbudsman- sman- in in *)('*)('IS(A<IS(A<)(&>>)(&>>1(>11(>1+8. +8. Te Te *mbuds*mbudsman man foundfound petitioner Efren ?. Amit #uilty of fi!e counts of #ra!e misconduct and #ross disonesty for "ic e petitioner Efren ?. Amit #uilty of fi!e counts of #ra!e misconduct and #ross disonesty for "ic e "as dismissed from te ser!ice, "it forfeiture of benefits and dis9ualification from oldin# public "as dismissed from te ser!ice, "it forfeiture of benefits and dis9ualification from oldin# public office.

office.33

Pa#e + of 25 Pa#e + of 25

 Te acts  Te acts  Te

 Te special special audit audit results, results, conducted conducted by by te te respondent respondent Commission Commission on on Audit Audit C*A- C*A- on on te te )ulti()ulti( Purpose <ryin# Pa!ement )P<P- pro%ects, under te ?rains Production Enancement Pro#ram of  Purpose <ryin# Pa!ement )P<P- pro%ects, under te ?rains Production Enancement Pro#ram of  te <epartment of A#riculture Re#ional ield nit 4o. <A R- 5, are as follo"s@

te <epartment of A#riculture Re#ional ield nit 4o. <A R- 5, are as follo"s@

1. 4ineteen 1=- )P<P pro%ects in te Pro!ince of Iloilo do not e/ist, resultin# to te loss of  1. 4ineteen 1=- )P<P pro%ects in te Pro!ince of Iloilo do not e/ist, resultin# to te loss of  P1,1+>,>>>.>> on te part of te #o!ernment.

P1,1+>,>>>.>> on te part of te #o!ernment. &. Te construction of 1>1 )P<P

&. Te construction of 1>1 )P<P pro%ectpro%ects in s in te Pro!ince of Iloilo falls sort te Pro!ince of Iloilo falls sort of te of te standastandardrd measurement of 2&> s9uare meters as per appro!ed plan and specifications of <A R 5, measurement of 2&> s9uare meters as per appro!ed plan and specifications of <A R 5, Iloilo City, resultin# in an estimated loss of P:8=,+>1.>> on te part of te #o!ernment.

Iloilo City, resultin# in an estimated loss of P:8=,+>1.>> on te part of te #o!ernment.

+. Te cec;s representin# te reimbursement for te cost of materials for te construction of  +. Te cec;s representin# te reimbursement for te cost of materials for te construction of  te )P<P pro%ects "ere released to persons oter tan te payee, "itout autority from te te )P<P pro%ects "ere released to persons oter tan te payee, "itout autority from te recipient, )CPI, in !iolation of C*A Circular =&(+:5 and Article 1&2> sic- of te Re!ised Penal recipient, )CPI, in !iolation of C*A Circular =&(+:5 and Article 1&2> sic- of te Re!ised Penal Code.

Code.

2. Te supplies and materials for te construction of te )P<P pro%ects "ere procured by <A 2. Te supplies and materials for te construction of te )P<P pro%ects "ere procured by <A R 5, in !iolation of te )emorandum of A#reement.

R 5, in !iolation of te )emorandum of A#reement.55

or tese irre#ularities, ele!en 11- #o!ernment employees includin# Amit- D alle#edly responsible for or tese irre#ularities, ele!en 11- #o!ernment employees includin# Amit- D alle#edly responsible for te #ost pro%ects and te misappropriation D "ere administrati!ely car#ed before te *mbudsman. te #ost pro%ects and te misappropriation D "ere administrati!ely car#ed before te *mbudsman. Amit "as a Senior A#riculturist of <A R 5, desi#nated to old te concurrent positions of Cief of  Amit "as a Senior A#riculturist of <A R 5, desi#nated to old te concurrent positions of Cief of  te

te Re#iRe#ionaonal l A#rA#riculiculturtural al En#En#ineineerinerin# # ?ro?roup, up, IloIloilo ilo CitCity, y, and and <A <A Pro!Pro!incial incial CooCoordirdinatnator or of of tete Pro!ince of Anti9ue for Infrastructure Pro%ects.

Pro!ince of Anti9ue for Infrastructure Pro%ects.88 e appro!ed fi!e issue slips of materials for tee appro!ed fi!e issue slips of materials for te construction of )P<P units in@ 1- Poblacion atad, Iloilo$ &- aran#ay ?inomay, Alimodian, Iloilo$ construction of )P<P units in@ 1- Poblacion atad, Iloilo$ &- aran#ay ?inomay, Alimodian, Iloilo$ +-aran#ay Lapayon, Le#anes, Iloilo$ 2- +-aran#ay Cayos, <uman#as, Iloilo$ and 3- +-aran#ay San <ie#o, aran#ay Lapayon, Le#anes, Iloilo$ 2- aran#ay Cayos, <uman#as, Iloilo$ and 3- aran#ay San <ie#o, Lemery, Iloilo$ and si#ned te disbursement !oucer for te )P<P pro%ect in aran#ay ?inomay, Lemery, Iloilo$ and si#ned te disbursement !oucer for te )P<P pro%ect in aran#ay ?inomay, Alimodian, Iloilo.

Alimodian, Iloilo.

 Te )P<P Pro%ect Processes and Procedure  Te )P<P Pro%ect Processes and Procedure

 Te decision of te *mbudsman summari0es te )P<P pro%ect processes and procedures as follo"s@  Te decision of te *mbudsman summari0es te )P<P pro%ect processes and procedures as follo"s@ In )P<P pro%ects, te <A(5 and te beneficiary )CPI are re9uired to enter into a )emorandum of  In )P<P pro%ects, te <A(5 and te beneficiary )CPI are re9uired to enter into a )emorandum of  A#reement "it te follo"in# terms@

A#reement "it te follo"in# terms@  Te <A Re#ional ield *ffice sall@  Te <A Re#ional ield *ffice sall@

1- Administer, mana#e and disburse te 4< in accordance "it #o!ernment accountin# 1- Administer, mana#e and disburse te 4< in accordance "it #o!ernment accountin# and auditin# rules and re#ulations$

and auditin# rules and re#ulations$

&- )aintain separate boo;s of account and record all transactions related to te 4<S &- )aintain separate boo;s of account and record all transactions related to te 4<S utili0ation under trust fund, &>>(>8, and maintain a separate subsidiary led#er for eac utili0ation under trust fund, &>>(>8, and maintain a separate subsidiary led#er for eac #rantee$

#rantee$

+- Reimburse trou# full payment te actual e/penses incurred by te recipient for supplies +- Reimburse trou# full payment te actual e/penses incurred by te recipient for supplies and materi

and materials relatials relati!e !e to to te constrte constructuction of ion of te pa!ement te pa!ement in in te amount not te amount not e/cee/ceedinedin## P5>

P5>,>>,>>>.>>.>>, >, and and paypayment ment sasall ll be be relereleased ased only only upoupon n recirecipiepientnts s subsubmismission sion of of offofficiicialal receiptFs for actual e/penses incurred for supplies and materials$

receiptFs for actual e/penses incurred for supplies and materials$ 2- Prepare a montly report of disbur

2- Prepare a montly report of disbursement attested to by its resident sement attested to by its resident auditor and submit teauditor and submit te same to te <A Central *ffice to#eter "it duplicate copies of te disbursement !oucers same to te <A Central *ffice to#eter "it duplicate copies of te disbursement !oucers and complete supportin# documents, as li9uidation of funds utili0ed for te implementation of  and complete supportin# documents, as li9uidation of funds utili0ed for te implementation of  te pro%ect co!ered by te bud#et$

te pro%ect co!ered by te bud#et$

3- urnis te Re#ional Auditor a copy of te A#reement and oter pertinent documents$ 3- urnis te Re#ional Auditor a copy of te A#reement and oter pertinent documents$

5- Conduct periodic inspections to ascertain pro#ress of "or;, proper fund utili0ation and te 5- Conduct periodic inspections to ascertain pro#ress of "or;, proper fund utili0ation and te recipients compliance "it te specifications of te )P<P.

recipients compliance "it te specifications of te )P<P.  Te recipient sall@

 Te recipient sall@

1- Ac;no"led#e acceptance of payment upon receipt of te fund in te form prescribed by te 1- Ac;no"led#e acceptance of payment upon receipt of te fund in te form prescribed by te

Pa#e 2 of 25 Pa#e 2 of 25

<A re#ional office$

&- Pro!ide labor for te clearin# and preparation of te area and te construction of te )P<P$ +- Conduct a can!ass of at least tree +- reputable suppliers in te area "o can offer te most beneficial terms for te supply of te materials re9uired in te construction of te )P<P$ 2- Ad!ance te initial e/penses for te supplies and materials relati!e to te pro%ect and finis te construction of te )P<P in strict conformity "it te pro%ects purpose and specifications and, sa!e for %ustifiable causes, "itin tirty +>- days from te si#nin# of te A#reement$ 3- )a;e a!ailable pro%ect records and related documents to te <A Re#ional *ffices representati!e for inspection$

5- Ensure tat te )P<P is at all times properly identified and labeled as a <A )ulti(Purpose <ryin# Pa!ement$

8- 6ene!er feasible and "itout, in any "ay, detractin# from te #rants ma%or purpose and te recipients priority of usa#e, allo" te pa!ements use for te immediate communitys social and oter acti!ities. To tis end, te recipient sall promul#ate rules relati!e to te pa!ements usa#e, copy furnised te <A Re#ional *ffice and te communitys aran#ay  Captain$

:- AssumeFsoulder te cost of te re9uired supplies and materials in e/cess of P5>,>>>.>>$ =- <esistFrefrain from te introduction of any modification or te construction of any buildin# or structure on te )P<P "ic "ill defeat te #rants purpose$

1>- RefundFreturn to te <A Re#ional *ffice te total amount recei!ed from te <A in cases of  a- commission of fraud andFor misrepresentation tereof$ b- 4on(compliance "it te pro%ects specifications$ and c- any oter !iolation of te A#reement. : empases

ours- Tere must also be a stipulation tat in case of fraud or misappropriation of te fund #ranted to te beneficiary, te latter, represented by its board of directors and officers, sall be sub%ect to administrati!e and penal sanctions.=

nder <A Special *rder 4o. 153, issued on <ecember 5, 1==5, te follo"in# must be submitted by  te beneficiary )ulti(Purpose Cooperati!e, Inc. for te reimbursement of funds used in te construction of an )P<P@

1- Re9uisition and issue !oucer$ &- Can!ass papers$

+- Abstract of can!ass$ 2- Purcase order$ 3- CA C*A-$

5- C*A Circular 4o. 85(+2$ 8- C*A )emo. 4o. :+(+++$

:- Car#e in!oiceFbill of collection$

=- Inspection report by a <A and C*A representati!e$ 1>- Inspection report by te L? committee$

11- )emorandum of A#reement$

1&- T"o &- copies of pictures of te )P<P-$ 1+- <eed of donationFusufruct$

12- Certificate of re#istration$ and 13- Resolution.1> empasis

or te e/penses and cost of materials related to te 1==: )P<P pro%ects to be reimbursed to te farmers or#ani0ations, te follo"in# must be submitted@

1- Pro%ect proposal$ &- Resolution$

+- )emorandum of a#reement$

2- Appro!ed plans and specifications$ 3- 4otices to commence$

5- <eli!eryFofficial receipts$

8- Re9uest for inspection of supplies and materials from te beneficiary farmers  or#ani0ations$

:- Inspection report of all specified materials procured and deli!ered$

=- Certificate of final completion to be si#ned by te cairman of te farmers or#ani0ations or is duly autori0ed representati!es$

1>- Re9uest from te beneficiary farmers or#ani0ations for inspection of completed pro%ects addressed to te <A(5 Inspection Committee and te C*A$

11- Report of inspection by te <A(5 "it a C*A representati!e a "ritten manifestation is to be made by te C*A in te absence of its representati!e-$

1&- T"o &- copies of )P<P pictures "it te farmers or#ani0ation Cairman and mar;etin# sic- label D G)P<P(<A(* Pro%ectG$

1+- Certificate of acceptance from te farmers or#ani0ations, noted by te )unicipal A#riculture *fficer.11 empasis

ours- Te indin#s of te *mbudsman

 Te *mbudsman found all te officials so car#ed #uilty of #ra!e misconduct and disonesty for conspirin# in te falsification of documents to facilitate te disbursement and misappropriation of te funds intended for te )P<P pro%ects. It imposed on all of te officials te penalty of dismissal from te public ser!ice, "it forfeiture of benefits and dis9ualification from oldin# public office.1&  Tis conclusion "as based on te follo"in# findin#s@

6en te Audit Team, o"e!er, e/amined te !oucers co!erin# te claims for reimbursements of  supplies and materials used for te )P<Ps, only te follo"in# documents "ere attaced tereto@

1- )emoranda of A#reement$

&- Re9uests for obli#ation of allotment$ +- Certificates as to a!ailability of fund$ 2- Re9uisition Issue 'oucers$

3- Can!ass of prices$ 5- Abstracts of Can!ass$ 8- Purcase orders$

:- Reports of inspection of deli!ery of materials$ =- Reports of acceptance of deli!ery$

1>- Re9uest issue slips$

11- Suppliers official receipts$

1&- <uplicate copies of cec;s issued$ 1+- Ac;no"led#ment receipts$ Hand

12- RAE?s Inspection reports as to 1>>J completion of pro%ects.

Respondent Le#aspi, imself, admits tat te re9uirements e enumerated "ere not complied "it. In some !oucers, te si#natures of te H)CPI Cairmen and officers in te )emoranda of  A#reement #reatly differ from te si#natures attributed to tem in te documents attaced to te !oucers, suc as te@

1- Can!ass papers$ &- Abstracts of can!ass$ +- Reports of inspection$ 2- Certificates of acceptance$ 3- Ac;no"led#ment receipts$ and 5- Re9uisition and issue !oucer.

Accordin# to te Cairmen and officers of some beneficiary cooperati!es, tey "ere #i!en sets of  documents D )*A, can!ass papers, abstracts of can!ass, ac;no"led#ment receipts, inspection reports as to te deli!ery of materials, and certificates of acceptance of items deli!ered, by <A personnel, Pro!incial andFor municipal a#riculturists D for tem to si#n. All tose documents, e/cept te )*A, "ere in blan;.

A can!ass "as re9uired to be made by te recipients of at least tree +- reputable suppliers in te area "o can offer te most beneficial terms in te purcase of materials necessary for te construction of an )P<P. It is apparent, o"e!er, tat no can!ass "ere made by te recipients, and in te can!ass papers, only tree +- suppliers "ere in!ol!ed, namely@ A'' )ar;etin#, )arietta )ar;etin# and <atsan )ulti(Traders, all "it business addresses in Iloilo City, and only one supplier  D te A'' )ar;etin# of respondent 'illaru0 D "as a"arded te ri#t to supply te materials in te

nineteen 1=- )P<P pro%ects.

 Te purcase orders "ere si#ned, and te supplies "ere paid for, not by te recipients but by  officials of- te <A(5 despite te pro!isions of te )emoranda of A#reement tat it "as te recipients "o sall purcase te necessary materials, sub%ect to reimbursement from te <A(5 upon completion of all te re9uirements terefor.

Accordin# to respondents ?on0ales and 7osefa )a%aducon, te Gpaper flo"G for te processin# of  claims for payment at te <A(5 is as follo"s@

a- Te claim for payment starts at te office of te di!ision cief concerned "ere te pro%ect to be paid belon#s. Tere, o/ A of te 'oucer is si#ned by te di!ision cief concerned$ b- Te !oucer and te supportin# documents are brou#t to te ud#et Section for te allocation of funds and te preparation and si#nature of te Re9uest for *bli#ation of  Allotment R*A-$

c- Te ud#et Section sends te documents to te *ffice of te Accountant for processin# and preparation of te !oucer for payment$

d- Te *ffice of te Accountant sends te !oucer and supportin# documents to te Re#ional <irector for te appro!al of te !oucer$

e- After appro!al of te !oucer, te claim is sent to te Casiers *ffice for te preparation of  te cec;$

f- Te cec; and te rest of te documents are ten sent to te *ffice of te Re#ional <irector for counter(si#nature$

#- Tereafter, te cec; and te documents are sent to te Releasin# Cler; in te Casiers *ffice for release to te payee or is duly autori0ed representati!e.

ad tere been no predisposition on te part of te respondents to release te funds, none of tem could a!e failed to notice te fore#oin# irre#ularities. )oreo!er, tere is no e!idence tat efforts a!e been e/erted to reco!er te funds from te beneficiaries or ma;e tem ans"erable terefor as

stipulated in te memoranda of a#reement co!erin# te sub%ect pro%ects. 6orse, altou# te !oucers and cec;s co!erin# te sub%ect )P<P pro%ects "ere in te name of te beneficiary )CPIs, te 6arrant Re#istry oo; so"s tat te cec;s "ere released to <an 'illaru0, 7r. or is representati!e, "itout "ritten autority suc as special po"er of attorney- from te said beneficiaries. 4one of te )CPI officers admits sic- a!in# recei!ed any cec; from te <A(5, and e!en tose fe" amon# tem "o recei!ed sometin# for te construction of )P<Ps, "at tey  recei!ed "ere materials, not money or cec;. *ne could not elp but conclude tat tere e/isted conspiracy amon# te respondents and officersFmembers of some of te beneficiariesFcooperati!es.  Tere is substantial e!idence, terefore, tat te respondents, conspirin# and confederatin# "it one

anoter, falsified documents to facilitate te disbursement of, and misappropriated, te funds intended for te sub%ect )P<P pro%ects.1+ empases and italics

ours-Amit mo!ed to reconsider te decision, essentially ob%ectin# to te *mbudsmans findin# of  conspiracy. Amit ar#ued tat tere "as no e!idence of an a#reement bet"een im and all te oter officials to commit te alle#ed fraud.

 Te *mbudsman denied te motion on te follo"in# reasonin#@

As "e a!e pointed out in te 9uestioned <ecision, Si/teen 15- of te sub%ect )P<P pro%ects "ere not implemented, but te funds intended terefor "ere disbursed and released. In oter "ords, tese pro%ects turned out to be G#ostsG. 4ot only tat.

4one of te respondents(mo!ants disputed te findin#s of tis *ffice and te C*A(5 tat so many of  te documents, includin# poto#raps of te )P<Ps "it te )CPIs cairman and a label D G)P<P( <A(* Pro%ectG, "ic "ere re9uired to be submitted by te beneficiary )CPIs before te release of  te funds, "ere not submitted.

In some !oucers, te si#natures of te )CPI cairpersons and officers affi/ed in te memoranda of  a#reement differ from tose attributed to tem in te documents attaced to te !oucers, suc as te can!ass papers, abstracts of can!ass, reports of inspection, certificates of acceptance, ac;no"led#ment receipts and re9uisition and issue !oucers.

A can!ass "as re9uired to be done by te beneficiaries temsel!es from at least tree +- reputable suppliers in te areas concerned. ut it is apparent tat no can!ass "as made by te beneficiaries. Can!ass papers "ere produced "it te names of only Tree +- suppliers, all based in Iloilo City, appearin# tereon.

 Te purcase orders "ere si#ned, and te supplies "ere paid for, not by te recipients as re9uired, but by <A(5 officials.

<espite te pro!isions of te memoranda of a#reement tat te <A(5 must maintain separate boo;s of account and record all transactions related to te utili0ation of te )P<P funds under trust fund, tose funds "ere actually released under supplies and materials.

6e "onder o" te non(implementation or non(e/istence of not one but si/teen )P<P pro%ects, and te anomalies in te documents tat supported te !oucers and te process by "ic te funds "ere disbursed and released, could a!e escaped te notice of te officials responsible terefor.

4e!erteless, "e did not %ust conclude from te fore#oin# facts tat te respondents, includin# te mo!ants, are liable terefor. *ur findin#s "ere based on te actual indi!idual participation of te respondents in te processes by "ic te funds intended for te non(e/istent )P<Ps "ere disbursed, released and e!entually, misappropriated.

 Te findin#s of tis *ffice in *)('(C(>&(>+:=(? tat only A4<I* ). LE?ASPI, 7R. is liable for te deficiencies in Tirty +>- oter )P<Ps is irrele!ant in tis case. Suffice it to say tat in tose )P<Ps, only deficiencies "ere found.

Instead of elpin# is defense, te alle#ations of respondent Amit tat te Issue Slips "ere totally  unnecessary seem to stren#ten te e!idence a#ainst im. e ;ne" tat Hte Issue Slips "ere not necessary, "y did e not %ust tell te accountin# section of te <A(5 tat e "as not si#nin# tose documents because tey "ere not necessaryK Tat "at "as done D releasin# te )P<P funds under supplies and materials D "as irre#ularK ut considerin# tat purcases made under supplies and

materials e/pense must be released trou# te issuance of Issue Slips, te issuance by respondent Amit of te Issue Slips of materials "ere intended to facilitate, as it facilitated, te disbursement and release of te misappropriated funds.12 empases

ours- Te Rule 2+ Petition "it te CA

 Tereafter, Amit filed a petition for re !ie" under Rule 2+ of te 1==8 Rules of Court "it te CA. Te CA denied te petition on te reasonin# tat te decision of te *mbudsman "as supported by  substantial e!idence D i.e., affida!its, special audit report, and C*A inspection report D tat are entitled to #reat respect and credence.

 Te CA also ruled tat te appro!al of te issue slips of construction materials for te )P<P pro%ec ts is not ministerial, but in!ol!es te determination of te propriety or impropriety of appro!in# te same, as "ell as te duty to !erify "eter te materials "ere actually issued and recei!ed by te recipient farmers or#ani0ations$ and tat Amit is not obli#ed to appro!e tem, but e did despite ;no"led#e tat te <A "as ne!er in possession of construction materials because it "as not in!ol!ed in te re9uisition, can!ass and purcase tereof.13 It affirmed te *mbudsmans rulin# stated in te order denyin# te motion for reconsideration.15

Amit mo!ed to reconsider te denial of is petition but te CA denied te motion. ence, te present petition.

 Te Petition

Amit ar#ues in is petition tat e cannot be eld liable for falsification because@

1. te issue slips, "ic "ere ordinarily used in te re9uisition and procurement of supplies and materials by te <A R 5, "ere unnecessary in te implementation of te )P<P pro%ects since te <A merely reimburses te actual e/penses incurred by te farmers or#ani0ations in te construction of te )P<P$

&. due to te error in releasin# funds under supplies and materials, te issue slips "ere re9uired by  te Accountin# Section for te purpose of droppin# te entry of in!entory for supplies and materials in te )ontly Report of Supplies and )aterials "ic e follo"ed because e belie!ed tat te Accountin# Section "as better e9uipped to determine te re9uirements for te disbursement of  funds$

+. in si#nin# te issue slips, neiter did e ma;e it appear tat te construction materials listed terein a!e been issued and deli!ered to te farmers or#ani0ations since e ad no participation in te procurement, can!ass, deli!ery, receipt and acceptance of materials, nor did e certify on te deli!ery and acceptance of te materials, "ic functions pertained to te Reports of Inspection and te Certificate of Acceptance by te farmers or#ani0ations concerned$ and

2. te issue slips "ere not intended to facilitate te release of funds because under te memorandum of a#reement, full payment sall be released upon te recipients submission of official receipts for te actual e/penses incurred in te construction of te )P<P, sub%ect to te issuance by te <A of  te Certificate of Inspection on te full completion of te pro%ects, "ic e ad no participation in te issuance tereof.18

e also ar#ues tat tere "as no conspiracy bet"een im and te oter officials in te administrati!e case to falsify documents to facilitate te disbursement and release of public funds andFor to misappropriate te funds.1:

 Te Courts Rulin#  Te petition lac;s merit.

irst, Amits acts did not result from a mere failure to e/ercise te necessary prudence in complyin# "it te proper procedure. Te performance of te complained acts "as discretionary on is part. Amits acts "ere done "illfully and deliberately. Tey "ere done "itout re#ard to te i# positions tat e occupied, "ic impose upon im #reater responsibility, and obli#ed im to be more circumspect in is actions or in te discar#e of is official duties.

Amit, for instance, ine/plicably si#ned te issue slips despite is alle#ed ;no"led#e tat tese

documents "ere unnecessary. 6it Amits si#nin# of te documents, o"e!er, te immediate release of te funds "as facilitated. Tis indicates sortsi#tedness on te part of Amit "ic is so #ross tat it cannot be considered a result of indifference or carelessness. Amit simply failed to conduct imself in te manner e/pected of an occupant of a i# office. In oter "ords, e failed to act in accordance "it te demands of te responsibility tat attaces to te office e "as occupyin#.

Second, te *mbudsmans findin# of conspiracy re!eals te crucial role "ic Amit played in te commission of fraud "it oter officials. Amits acts "ere one of te more, if not te most, indispensable, final, and operati!e acts tat ultimately led to te consummation of te fraud. 4o disbursement or release of #o!ernment funds could appen "itout Amits imprimatur. Amits participatory acts "ere, in oter "ords, of a de#ree tat teir absence could a!e pre!ented te completion of te acts complained of.

Amits role in te committed irre#ularities so"s is concurrence D altou# based on circumstantial, not direct, e!idence D "it te oter officials ob%ecti!e to defraud te #o!ernment. Te irre#ularities "ill not see teir fruition if Amit and te oter officials in!ol!ed in te fraud did not consent to its implementation by ma;in# it appear tat tere "ere !alid re9uisitions, deli!eries, inspections, pre(auditin# and appro!al of te !oucers and cec;s paid to te contractorsFsuppliers.  Tese acts pointed to one 1- criminal intent D "it one participant performin# a part of te transaction and te oters performin# oter parts of te same transaction to complete te "ole sceme, "it a !ie" of attainin# te ob%ect "ic tey "ere pursuin#. 1=

In oter "ords, tere "as te re9uired concurrence of "ills supportin# te findin# of conspiracy, made more pronounced in te case of Amit because of is positions and peculiarly important role in te completion of te acts.

 Tird, Amits defense D te alle#ed reliance on te acts of is subordinates in #ood fait D is simply  unacceptable.

Public office is a public trust and public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to te people, ser!e tem "it utmost responsibility, inte#rity, loyalty and efficiency, act "it patriotism and %ustice and lead modest li!es.&> Tis i# constitutional standard of conduct is not intended to be mere retoric$ tose in te public ser!ice are en%oined to fully comply "it tis standard or run te ris; of facin# administrati!e sanctions ran#in# from reprimand to te e/treme penalty of  dismissal from te ser!ice.

As suc, Amit as te duty to super!ise is subordinates D e must see to it tat is subordinates a!e performed teir functions in accordance "it te la". 6e cannot allo" im to simply interpose tis defense, as e is precisely duty(bound to cec; "eter tese acts are re#ular, la"ful and !alid, and is full reliance on te acts of is subordinates is antitetical to te duties imposed by is position on tem. Te e/cuse or defense is totally unacceptable, too, #i!en tat te transaction relates to disbursement of public funds, o!er "ic #reat responsibility attaces.

ourt, Amit did not "olly rely on te acts of is subordinates. As earlier mentioned, e performed functions usin# independent %ud#ment. Amit si#ned te issue slips despite te absence of some of te re9uired documents for te release of #o!ernment funds for te )P<P pro%ects. y is admission too, Amit !oluntarily a#reed to a system, per te Accountin# <i!isions proddin#, tat purportedly so"s disbursement of funds for supplies and materials, "en in trut and in fact, te disbursement is actually for reimbursement of ad!ances by recipient farmers or#ani0ations.

'ie"ed in tese li#ts, te Court of Appeals committed no re!ersible error of la" in affirmin# te *mbudsmans decision. G)isconduct is a trans#ression of some establised and definite rule of  action, more particularly, unla"ful bea!ior or #ross ne#li#ence by a public officer. As differentiated from simple misconduct, in #ra!e misconduct, te elements of corruption, clear intent to !iolate te la" or fla#rant disre#ard of establised rule, must be manifest.G&1 GCorruption as an element of #ra!e misconduct consists in te officials unla"ful and "ron#ful use of is station or caracter Hreputation to procure some benefit for imself or for anoter person, contrary to duty and te ri#ts of oters.G&&

In )anuel !. 7ud#e Calima#, 7r.,&+ "e eld@

y uniform le#al definition, it is a misconduct suc as affects is performance of is duties as an

officer and not suc only as affects is caracter as a pri!ate indi!idual. In suc cases, it as been said at all times, it is necessary to separate te caracter of te man from te caracter of te officer  / / / It is settled tat misconduct, misfeasance, or malfeasance "arrantin# remo!al from office of an

officer must a!e direct relation to and be connected "it te performance of official duties amountin# eiter to maladministration or "illful, intentional ne#lect and failure to discar#e te duties of te office.&2 empasis and italics

ours-6e declared in *ffice of te *mbudsman !. Apolonio&3 tat Gif a ne/us bet"een te public officers acts and functions is establised, suc act is properly referred to as misconduct.G

Amits acts "ere "ell "itin te scope of is functions. Tere is no doubt tat is inability to li!e up to te standards so imposed on im in te performance of is duties is misconduct. In tis case, te misconduct cannot be considered simple misconduct$ it is #ra!e misconduct, considerin# te presence of te 9ualifyin# elements of corrupt moti!e and fla#rant disre#ard of te rules ta;en from a collecti!e consideration of te circumstances of te case.

6ERE*RE, premises considered, "e <E4M te petition for lac; of merit. S* *R<ERE<.

Republic of te Pilippines

SUPREME COURT

)anila E4 A4C

G.R.

No.

17767

No!"#$"%

&,

&1

SONIA V. SEVILLE,

COMMISSION ON AU'IT, R"-o*/ O00" VI, I/o/o C23,

ABA',

 Tis case pro!ides "at it ta;es to ma;e a #o!ernment official or employee liable for #ost pro%ects.  Te acts and te Case

 Te Commission on Audit C*A- Re#ional *ffice 'I administrati!ely car#ed 11 officials and employees of te <epartment of A#riculture <A- Re#ional ield nit in Iloilo City, includin# petitioner Sonia '. Se!ille, an Assistant Re#ional <irector for iseries, before te *ffice of te *mbudsman( 'isayas.

 Te complaint alle#ed tat, as a result of a special audit1 of te Post ar!est Component of te ?rains Production Enancement Pro#ram of te <A, particularly te construction of )ulti(Purpose <ryin# Pa!ements )P<Ps- pro%ects in Iloilo from 7anuary 1, 1==3 to 7une +>, 1===, it "as disco!ered tat se si#ned a #ost )P<P pro%ect in Sto. Rosario, A%uy, Iloilo, out of te 1&> suc pro%ects tat "ere sub%ect of te audit.

Se si#ned te disbursement !oucer, as re9uired by )emorandum *rder 1>2, Series of 1==:, in !ie" of te absence of te Re#ional <irector and te Assistant Re#ional <irector for Administration. ut se claimed tat se acted in #ood fait, merely relyin# on te completeness and #enuineness of  te supportin# documents tat "ere so"n to er. Se ad no prior ;no"led#e of te )P<Ps, "ic catered to rice production, since se "as an Assistant Re#ional <irector for iseries. Se admitted, o"e!er, not conductin# an actual pysical inspection of te pro%ect since se belie!ed tat it "as not er responsibility to do so.

 Te in!esti#ators filed a separate criminal complaint a#ainst petitioner Se!ille for !iolation of te anti( #raft and corrupt practices act before te *ffice of te *mbudsman to determine if se ad any  criminal liability for er acts. Subse9uently, te in!esti#ation resulted in er e/oneration, absent any 

proof tat se too; part in a conspiracy to defraud te #o!ernment.

In its <ecision dated 7uly =, &>>2, & o"e!er, te *ffice of <eputy *mbudsman for 'isayas found tose car#ed in connection "it te #ost )P<Ps, includin# petitioner, #uilty of ?ra!e )isconduct and ?ross <isonesty, resultin# in teir dismissal from #o!ernment ser!ice "it forfeiture of benefits and dis9ualification from oldin# public office.

Petitioner Se!ille filed a petition for re!ie" of te <eputy *mbudsmans decision before te Court of  Appeals CA- in CA(?.R. CE(SP >12=&. *n 7uly &>, &>>5 te CA rendered a decision, + oldin# tat er failure to !erify te correctness and sufficiency of te documents presented to er for si#nin# led to te unre9uited disbursement of public funds. Se filed a motion for reconsideration but te CA denied te same, ence, tis petition for re!ie".

 Te Issue Presented

 Te sole issue in tis case is "eter or not te CA correctly affirmed te *mbudsmans decision tat found petitioner liable for #ra!e misconduct and #ross disonesty for si#nin# te disbursement !oucer for te particular #ost )P<P in Sto. Rosario, A%uy, Iloilo.

 Te Courts Rulin#s

In #ra!e misconduct, te elements of corruption, clear intent to !iolate te la", or fla#rant disre#ard of an establised rule must be e!ident.2 )isconduct, in te administrati!e sense, is a trans#ression of some establised and definite rule of action. *n te oter and, disonesty is intentionally ma;in# a false statement in any material fact or te disposition to lie, ceat, decei!e or defraud. 3 ot are considered #ra!e offenses for "ic te penalty of dismissal is meted e!en for first time offenders. 5 ere, te C*A car#ed petitioner Se!ille administrati!ely because te #o!ernment released funds for tat particular #ost pro%ect in Sto. Rosario, A%uy, Iloilo. Se!ille ancors er innocence on #ood fait. ?ood fait implies onest intent, free from any ;no"led#e of circumstances tat ou#t to a!e prompted an indi!idual to underta;e an in9uiry.

6ile Se!ille merely substituted for te absent Re#ional <irector at tat time, it is not an e/cuse for li#tly sir;in# from te latters duties and responsibilities. It "as er responsibility "en se si#ned tat disbursement !oucer for te Re#ional <irector to !erify te accuracy and completeness of te supportin# documents presented to er. In te discar#e of duties, a public officer must use prudence, caution, and attention "ic careful persons use in te mana#ement of teir affairs. Public ser!ants must so" at all times utmost dedication to duty.

 Te Court finds, o"e!er, tat Se!ille cannot be eld liable for #ra!e misconduct. Corruption, as an element of #ra!e misconduct, consists in te official or employees act of unla"fully or "ron#fully  usin# is position to #ain benefit for ones self. 8 ere, te Court is not con!inced tat under te circumstances ten present, se ad depra!ed moti!es.

Se!ille si#ned on te rare appenstance tat bot te Re#ional <irector and te Assistant Re#ional <irector for Administration "ere absent. Tat bot si#natories "ere absent "en te Sto. Rosario pro%ect "as presented to er for si#nature "as a coincidence tat cannot be imputed to er for se could not a!e orcestrated tat for er #ain, absent e!idence to te contrary. Se did not !olunteer for te position nor is tere proof tat se lobbied for te *IC desi#nation, it bein# pro!ided by a <A internal re#ulation.: Se is but liable for te lesser offense of simple misconduct since se sould a!e e/ercised te necessary prudence to ensure tat te proper procedure "as complied "it in te release of #o!ernment funds.=

 Te penalty for simple misconduct is suspension for one mont and one day to si/ monts for te first offense.1> Tere bein# no a##ra!atin# or miti#atin# circumstances, Section 32b- of te niform Rules on Administrati!e Cases in te Ci!il Ser!ice pro!ides tat te medium of te penalty sould be imposed.

As for te offense of #ross disonesty, te Court also clears petitioner from liability. 1âwphi1 er participation in te release of funds is brou#t upon by er *IC desi#nation and not spurred by  corrupt intent. A post(ar!est facility suc as )P<P is related to rice farmin# and not "itin er ;no"led#e as Assistant <irector for iseries. To a certain e/tent, leniency can be afforded for er reliance on te credibility and e/pertise of er co(si#natories namely te Cief of Crops Sector

<i!ision and Cief of inance and Administrati!e <i!ision. er error in %ud#ment cannot be e9uated "it #ross disonesty. Te e!idence does not pro!e conscious distortion of te trut or e!en an inclination to it.

6ERE*RE, te Court RE'ERSES and SETS ASI<E te decision of te Court of Appeals in CA( ?.R. CE(SP >12=& dated 7uly &>, &>>5. In its place, te Court I4<S petitioner Sonia '. Se!ille liable for SI)PLE )ISC*4<CT and I)P*SES on er te penalty of tree monts suspension "itout pay in accordance "it Section 32b- of te

niform Rules on Administrati!e Cases in te Ci!il Ser!ice.11 S* *R<ERE<.

Republic of te Pilippines

SUPREME COURT

)anila E4 A4C

G.R.

No.

19459

M%

8, &11

MA. MERCE'ITAS N. GUTIERRE

TE OUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE ON USTICE, RISA ONTIVEROS

BARA:UEL, 'ANILO '. LIM, FELIPE PESTA;O, EVELYN PESTA;O, RENATO M. REYES, R.,

SECRETARY GENERAL OF BAGONG ALYANSANG MA<ABAYAN (BAYAN)= MOTER MARY ON

MANANAN, COCAIRPERSON OF PAGBABAGO= 'ANILO RAMOS, SECRETARYGENERAL OF

<ILUSANG MAGBUBU<I' NG PILIPINAS (<MP)= ATTY. E'RE OLALIA, ACTING SECRETARY

GENERAL OF TE NATIONAL UNION OF PEOPLE>S LA?YERS (NUPL)= FER'INAN' R. GAITE,

CAIRPERSON, CONFE'ERATION FOR UNITY, RECOGNITION AN' A'VANCEMENT OF

GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES (COURAGE)= *+ AMES TERRY RI'ON OF TE LEAGUE OF

FILIPINO STU'ENTS (LFS),

FELICIANO BELMONTE, R.,

R E S * L  T I * 4

CARPIO MORALES,

or resolution is petitioners G)otion for Reconsideration of te <ecision dated 13 ebruary &>11-G dated ebruary &3, &>11 )otion-.

pon e/amination of te a!erments in te )otion, te Court finds neiter substantial nor co#ent reason to reconsider its <ecision. A plain readin# of te <ecision could !ery "ell dispose of  petitioners pre!ious contentions, raised ane" in te )otion, but te Court finds it proper, in "ritin#  finis  to te issue, to dra" petitioners attention to certain mar;ers in te <ecision.

I

Contrary to petitioners assertion tat te Court sarply de!iated from te rulin# in rancisco, 7r. !.  Te ouse of Representati!es,1 te <ecision of ebruary 13, &>11 reaffirmed and illuminated te

Francisco  doctrine in li#t of te particular facts of te present case.

 To ar#ue, as petitioner does, tat tere ne!er "as a simultaneous referral of t"o impeacment complaints as tey "ere actually referred to te committee Gseparately, one after te oterG &  is to dismantle er o"n interpretation of Francisco  tat te one(year bar is to be rec;oned from te filin# of te impeacment complaint. Petitioners )otion concedes+  tat te Francisco doctrine on te initiation of an impeacment proceedin# includes te ouses initial action on te complaint. y  reco#ni0in# te le#al import of a referral, petitioner abandons er earlier claim tat per Francisco  an impeacment proceedin# is initiated by te mere filin# of an impeacment complaint.

a!in# uprooted er reliance on te Francisco  case in proppin# er position tat te initiation of an impeacment proceedin# must be rec;oned from te filin# of te complaint, petitioner insists on

actual initiation and not Gconstructi!e initiation by le#al fictionG as a!erred by 7ustice Adolfo A0cuna in is separate opinion in Francisco .

In 7ustice A0cunas opinion "ic concurred "it te ma%ority, "at e similarly found untenable "as te stretcin# of te rec;onin# point of initiation to te time tat te Committee on 7ustice te Committee- report reaces te floor of te ouse.2 4otably, te pro!isions of te Impeacment Rules of te 1&t Con#ress tat "ere successfully callen#ed in Francisco  pro!ided tat an impeacment proceedin# "as to be Gdeemed initiatedG upon te Committees findin# of sufficiency of substance or upon te ouses affirmance or o!erturnin# of te Committees findin#, 3 "ic "as clearly referred to as te instances Gpresumably for internal purposes of te ouse, as to te timin# of some of its internal action on certain rele!ant matters.G5 <efinitely, Gconstructi!e initiation by le#al fictionG did not  refer to te aspects of filin# and referral in te re#ular course of impeacment, for tis "as precisely te #ist of Francisco  in pronouncin# "at initiation means.

 Te Court adered to te Francisco (ordained balance in te tu#(of("ar bet"een tose "o "ant to stretc and tose "o "ant to srin; te term Ginitiate,G eiter of "ic could disrupt te pro!isions con#ruency to te rationale of te constitutional pro!ision. Petitioners imputation tat te Courts <ecision presents a sarp de!iation from Francisco  as it defers te operability of te one(year bar rule rin#s ollo".

Petitioner ur#es tat te "ord GinitiateG must be read in its plain, ordinary and tecnical meanin#, for it is contrary to reason, lo#ic and common sense to rec;on te be#innin# or start of te initiation process from its end or conclusion.

Petitioner "ould a!e been correct ad te sub%ect constitutional pro!ision been "orded as Gno initiation process of te impeacment proceedin# sall be commenced a#ainst te same official more tan once "itin a period of one year,G in "ic case te rec;onin# "ould literally point to te Gstart of te be#innin#.G To immediately rec;on te initiation to "at petitioner erself concedes as te start of te initiation process is to countenance a ra" or alf(ba;ed initiation.

In re(affirmin# "at te prase Gno impeacment proceedin#s sall be initiatedG means, te Court closely applied Francisco on "at comprises or completes te initiation pase. 4otin# can be more une9ui!ocal or "ell(defined tan te elucidation of filin#(and(referral in Francisco . Petitioner must come to terms "it er denial of te e/act terms of Francisco .

Petitioner posits tat referral is not an inte#ral or indispensable part of te initiation of impeacment proceedin#s, in case of a direct filin# of a !erified complaint or resolution of impeacment by at least one(tird of all te )embers of te ouse.8

 Te facts of te case do not call for te resolution of tis issue o"e!er. Suffice it to restate a footnote in te Courts <ecision tat in suc case of Gan abbre!iated mode of initiationH, / / / te filin# of te complaint and te ta;in# of initial action House directi!e to automatically transmit are mer#ed into a sin#le act.G: )oreo!er, it is i#ly impossible in suc situation to coincidentally initiate a second impeacment proceedin# in te interre#num, if any, #i!en te period bet"een filin# and referral.

Petitioners discussion on te sin#ular tense of te "ord GcomplaintG is too tenuous to re9uire consideration. Te praseolo#y of te one(year bar rule does not concern itself "it a numerical limitation of impeacment complaints. If it "ere te intention of te framers of te Constitution to limit te number of complaints, tey "ould a!e easily so stated in clear and une9ui!ocal lan#ua#e. Petitioner furter a!ers tat te demonstrated concerns a#ainst rec;onin# te period from te filin# of te complaint are mere possibilities based on a #eneral mistrust of te ilipino people and teir Representati!es. To er, mere possibility of abuse is not a conclusi!e ar#ument a#ainst te e/istence of po"er nor a reason to in!alidate a la".

 Te present case does not in!ol!e an in!alidation of a le#al pro!ision on a grant of po"er. Since te issue precisely in!ol!es upoldin# an e/press i!itation of a po"er, it beoo!es te Court to loo; into te rationale beind te constitutional proscription "ic #uards a#ainst an e/plicit instance of  abuse of po"er. Te Courts duty entails an e/amination of te same possible scenarios considered by te framers of te Constitution  i"#", incidents tat may pro!e to disrupt te la"(ma;in# function of Con#ress and unduly or too fre9uently arass te impeacable officer-, "ic are basically te same #rounds bein# in!o;ed by petitioner to arri!e at er desired conclusion.