CHAPTER I: CONCEPTS

OFFICE – The incumbent is selected by appointment or by election, and whether he is appointed during the pleasure of the appointing power or for a fixed term.

PUBLIC OFFICE – is the right, authority, and duty created and conferred by law, by which for a given period, either fixed by law or enduring at the pleasure of the
appointing power, and individual is invested with some portion of the sovereign functions of the government, to be exercised by him for benefit of the public.

PURPOSE AND NATURE OF PUBLIC OFFICES.

PUBLIC TRUST
-Holders regards as public servants
-Holders subject to highest standards of accountability and service

Public office is a public trust. Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with the utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty
and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.

NOT PROPERTY
-Holder subject to removal or suspension according to law
-Holder without vested right in any public office.
-Holder’s right in nature of privilege entitled to protection.
-Holder’s right personal to him.

Public office is not property of the office holder within the meaning and contemplation of the due process requirements of the constitution.
Exceptions:
1. In quo warranto proceedings relating to the question as to which of 2 persons is entitled to a public office.
2. In an action for recovery of compensation accruing by virtue of the public office

NOT A CONTRACT
-Created no contractual relation between holder and the public.
-Exists by virtue of some law.
-Generally entitles holder to compensation

PUBLIC OFFICE PUBLIC CONTRACT

Creation incident of sovereignty originates from the will of the contracting parties

Its object carry’s out sovereign as well Obligation only upon persons who entered the
Same.
As governmental function affecting
Person

Embraces the idea of tenure, duration Limited In its duration and specific in its object and
continuity, and the duties connected Its Terms define and limit the rights and obligations
Therewith are generally continuing parties and neither without consent of each party
and permanent

*Public Office is public employment, but not all public employment is a public office
PUBLIC OFFICE PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Created by law, with duties Created not by forced of law but by
Cast upon the incumbent with contact of Employment
Involve the exercise of
Sovereign power

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS

C-AE-PF-Du-CP
1. By the CONSTITUTION or by LAW.
2. AUTHORITY and EXERCISE of sovereign power.
3. POWER and FUNCTION are defined by the Constitution.
4. The DUTIES pertaining are performed independently, without control of superior power other than law.
5. CONTINUITY and PERMANENCY

CREATION OF PUBLIC OFFICE [C-S-TB-CongPre]

1. GENERALLY
a. By the CONSTITUTION, STATUTE, TRIBUNAL BODY.
b. By the Congress
i. Exigencies of government it is necessary to create and define duties.
ii. An office created by the legislature is wholly within the power of the body. Can fit and abolish the office.
c. By the PRESIDENT
i. Bureaus, agencies or office in executive department.

MODIFICATIONS OR ABOLITION OF PUBLIC OFFICE [CO-CO]

1. OFFICE CREATED BY THE CONGRESS
a. The power to create an office generally includes the power to modify or abolish it.
b. The power is inherently legislative.
c. Power to fix the number of positions and the salaries or emoluments of the holders thereof and to provide funds for the offices created.
2. OFFICES CREATED BY THE CONSTITUTION
a. Constitutional offices may be modified or abolished by the people through a constitutional provision.

EXERCISES OF SOVEREIGN POWERS AND FUNCTION.[P-O-E-A]

 1. One of the most important criteria of public office
a. exercise some portion of the sovereign power of the State
2. Authority conferred by law
3. Extent of authority not material.
4. Presumption of regularity of official acts.

TENURE AND DURATION [E-C-P]

1. Existence of definite tenure not material
a. The duration of tenure need not be for a fixed period, but may be at the pleasure of the appointing power.
2. Continuance of office holder not material.
3. Permanence of office not material.

MEANING OF OFFICER/PUBLIC [O-E]

1. Officer - required by law to be elected or appointed who a designation or title has given to him by law, and who exercises functions concerning the public,
assigned to him by law.
2. Employee any person in the service of the government. (Not a clerk)

OFFICER AND EMPLOYEE DISTINGUISHED [PO-RPC]

1. In the law of public officer greater importance, dignity, and independence of his positions.
2. Under the Revised Penal Code.

MEANING OF PUBLIC OFFICIAL

- An officer of the Government itself, as distinguished from the officers and employees of instrumentalities of government.

KINDS AND CLASSIFICATION OF PUBLIC OFFICE/ PUBLIC OFFICERS

1. As to nature of functions: (Co-M)
a. Civil office — it covers any kind of a public office, whether executive, legislative, or judicial.
b. Military office
2. As to creation: (CS)
a. Constitutional office
b. Statutory office
3. As to the department of government to which it belongs: (L-E-J)
a. Legislative office
b. Executive office
c. Judicial office
4. As to branch of government served: (NAT-LOC)
a. National office
b. Local office
5. As to whether exercise of discretion is required: (QJO- MinOff)
a. Quasi-judicial office
b. Ministerial office

6. As to compensation:
a. Lucrative office, office of profit, or office coupled with an interest. It includes any office to which salary, compensation or fees are attached.
b. Honorary office no compensation.
 CHAPTER II: ELIGIBILITYAND QUALIFICATION
Meaning of eligibility/eligible/ineligibility/ineligible

Eligibility

1. The state or quality of being legally fitted or qualified to be chosen

2. Eligibility to a public office is of a continuing nature and must exist both at the commencement and during the occupancy of an office.

Eligible
1. Means legally fitted or qualified to hold an office.

Ineligibility
2. Refers to the lack of qualification prescribed by the Constitution or applicable laws for holding an office.

Ineligible
3. Legally or otherwise disqualified to hold an office
4. Disqualified to be elected to an office
5. Disqualified to hold an office, if elected or appointed to it

Meaning of qualification
 May refer to the endowment and accomplishment that fits one for office
 May refer to an act which a person, before entering the performance of his duties, is, by the law, required to do, such as the taking, and often,
of subscribing and taking of an official oath, and, in some cases, the giving of an official bond

Nature of right to hold public office

 Not a natural right – To hold a public office, one must be eligible and possess the qualifications prescribed by the Constitution.
 Not a constitutional right – There is no constitutional right to run for office or hold elected office. Rather, it is a political privilege which depends
upon the favor of the people for the public good.

Powers of Congress to prescribe qualifications

1. In General - Congress is generally empowered to prescribe the qualifications for holding public office, provided it does not exceed thereby its
constitutional powers or impose conditions of eligibility inconsistent with constitutional provisions.

2. Where office created by Congress - body can deal with the subject of qualification and disqualification, provided that in so doing it does not
impinge upon an express provision of the Constitution.

3. Where office created by the Constitution - General rule is that where the Constitution establishes specific eligibility requirements for a particular
constitutional office, the constitutional criteria are exclusive.

4. Where qualifications prescribed by the Constitution - not self-executing

Power of Congress to prescribe disqualifications

 Congress may not add disqualifications where the Constitution has provided them in such a way as to indicate an intention that the
disqualifications provided shall embrace all that are to be permitted
 Moreover, when the Constitution has attached a disqualification to the holding of any office, Congress cannot remove it under the power to
prescribe qualifications as to such offices as it may create

Act adds grounds of disqualifications of a SC justice

 The subject Act added grounds of disqualifications, SC prohibits certain Justices from fulfilling the power and duty given by the Constitution.
 The Act disqualified a majority of the constitutional component members of the Supreme Court. Thus, it deprives it of its jurisdiction established
by the Constitution.
 The designees would not have been consented to by the Commission on Appointments; thus, the appointment would not comply with the
Constitution
 Temporary composition of the SC not authorized by the Constitution since the Supreme Court is one of the permanent institutions of the
government.
 Method of appointment of a SC justice provided by the Constitution is mandatory and binding upon all departments of government.

Construction of restrictions on eligibility

 Presumption in favor of ineligibility – There is a presumption in favor of the eligibility of one who has been elected or appointed to public office.
 Basis of presumption – A strong public policy exists in favor of eligibility to public office.
 Rule of liberal construction – The right to public office should be strictly construed against ineligibility.
General Rule: The right of a citizen to hold office
Exception: A citizen may not be deprived of this right without proof of some disqualification specifically declared by law.
Time of possession of qualifications
1. Where the time specified by the Constitution or law – The Constitution or law may, expressly or by necessary implication, specify the time when
the required eligibility must exist. The candidate must possess the necessary qualifications at that time of the election.
2. Where Constitution or law is silent – It is necessary for the courts to have recourse to some other means of determining the matter.

3. When qualification must always exist – The candidate or appointee may have been qualified at the time of his election or appointment is not
sufficient to entitle him to hold the office.

Removal of disqualification during term

 Courts have not agreed as to the effect of removal by an office-holder of his disqualifications after the commencement of term of office and
during its continuance

Particular Qualifications and Disqualifications

 Citizenship
 Age
  The right of suffrage
 Residence
 Education
 Ability to read and write
 Political affiliation
 Civil service examinations

Religious qualification prohibited

 Religious beliefs and opinions cannot be made a test of political right and privilege
 No state interest can be discerned which would justify the burden upon the free exercise of religion imposed by the restriction
 Our Constitution expressly provides that no religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil and political rights
o Religious test- is one demanding the avowal or repudiation of certain religious beliefs before the performance of any act

Power of Congress to impose property qualifications

1. View that law constitutional – The view has taken that unless inhibited by the Constitution, a legislature has the power to impose property
qualifications upon office holders. A certain public officers be resident property owners does not transgress the constitutional guarantees of due process
and equal protection.
2. View that law unconstitutional – In a case, The Supreme Court stated the property qualifications are inconsistent with the essence and nature
of the republican system ordained in our Constitution and the principles of social justice underlying the same.
Power of congress to impose property qualifications
1. View that law constitutional- a legislature has the power to impose qualifications upon the office holders.
2. View that law unconstitutional- there is no rational connection between qualifications for administering public affairs and ownership of real
property.

Qualifications prescribed by the constitution for certain officers

President and Vice President
 Natural born citizen
 Registered voter
 Able to read and write
 At least 40 years of age on the day of election
 Resident of the Philippines for at least 10 years immediately preceding the election.
Senators
 Natural born citizen
 Registered voter
 Able to read and write
 At least 35 years of age on the day of election
 Resident of the Philippines for not less than 2 years immediately preceding the election.
Members of the House
 Natural born citizen
 Registered voter in the district for which he shall be elected except in cases of party list, and a Resident thereof for at least 1 year immediately
preceding the election.
 Able to read and write
 At least 25 years of age on the day of election

Members of the Supreme Court and lower collegiate court

 Natural born citizen
 Registered voter
 At least 40 years of age
 Must have been for 15 years or more a judge of the lower court or engage in the practice of law
 Of proven competence probity integrity and independence.

Chairman and commissioners of the civil service commissions

 composed of a Chairman and two Commissioners
 who shall be natural-born citizens of the Philippines and,
 at the time of their appointment, at least thirty-five years of age,
 with proven capacity for public administration,
 And must not have been candidates for any elective position in the elections immediately preceding their appointment.
Commission on Audit
 natural-born citizens of the Philippines
 at the time of their appointment, at least thirty-five years of age,
 Certified Public Accountants with not less than ten years of auditing experience, or members of the Philippine Bar who have been engaged in
the practice of law for at least ten years,
 And must not have been candidates for any elective position in the elections immediately preceding their appointment.
 At no time shall all Members of the Commission belong to the same profession.
Commission on Elections
 shall be natural-born citizens of the Philippines
 at the time of their appointment, at least thirty-five years of age,
 holders of a college degree,
 And must not have been candidates for any elective positions in the immediately preceding elections.
 A majority thereof, including the Chairman, shall be members of the Philippine Bar who have been engaged in the practice of law for at least
ten years.
Commission on Human Rights
 must be natural-born citizens of the Philippines
 A majority of whom shall be members of the Bar.
 The term of office and other qualifications and disabilities of the Members of the Commission shall be provided by law.
The Ombudsman and his Deputies
 shall be natural-born citizens of the Philippines,
 and at the time of their appointment, at least forty years old,
 of recognized probity and independence,
 and members of the Philippine Bar,
  And must not have been candidates for any elective office in the immediately preceding election.
 The Ombudsman must have, for ten years or more, been a judge or engaged in the practice of law in the Philippines.
Qualifications prescribed by law for certain officers
Secretaries of departments
 Citizens of the Philippines at least 25 years of age
Presiding justice and associate justices of the court of appeals
 Same as Supreme Court justices
Judges of the Regional Trial Court
 Natural-born citizen
 At least 35 years of age
 For at least 10 years, has been engaged in the practice of law in the Philippines requiring admission to the practice of law, as indispensable requisite
Judges of the Municipal Trial Court
 Natural-born citizen
 At least 30 years of age
 For at least 5 years, has been engaged in the practice of law in the Philippines requiring admission to the practice of law, as indispensable requisite
Elective Local Officials

General Applicability
 Citizen of the Philippines
 Registered voter in the barangay, municipality, city or province or in the case of sanggunian, the district where he intends to be elected, resident
therein foe at least 1 year immediately preceding the elections;
 Able to read and write Filipino or any other local language or dialect.
Governor, Vice Governor, Sanggunian Panlalawigan, Mayor, Vice Mayor or Sanggunian Panlungsod of highly urbanized cities
 At least 23 years old on election day
Mayor, Vice Mayor of independent component cities, component cities, or municipalities
 At least 21 years old on election day
Sanggunian Panlungsod or Sanggunian Bayan
 Atleast18 years old on election day
Punong Barangay or Sanggunian Barangay
 Atleast18 years old on election day
Sanggunian Kabataan
 Atleast15 years old, but not more than 21 years old on election day
Board of Election Inspectors
 he is of good moral character
 irreproachable reputation,
 a registered voter of the city or municipality,
 has never been convicted of any election offense or of any other crime punishable by more than six months of imprisonment or if there is a pending
information against him for any election offense
 Able to speak and write English or the local dialect

Disqualifications to hold public office

1. By Constitution or by Law- In general, individuals who lack any of the qualifications prescribed by the Constitution or by law for a public office are
ineligible or disqualified from holding such office. An appointment of an ineligible or unqualified person is a nullity.

2. Other Causes
Mental or physical incapacity.
Misconduct or crime
Impeachment.
Removal or suspension from office.
Previous tenure of office
Consecutive terms.
Holding more than one office.
Relationship with the appointing power.
Office newly created or the emoluments of which have been increased
Being an elective official- ineligible to be appointed to be designated
Having been a candidate for any elective position
Under the local government code
i.Sentenced by final judgement for an offense involving moral turpitude by 1 year or more imprisonment within 2 years after serving sentence
ii.Those removed from office as a result of an administrative case
iii.Convicted by final judgement for violating ought of allegiance to the republic
iv.Dual citizenship
v.Fugitive from justice in criminal or non-political cases here or abroad
vi.Insanity or feeblemindedness

Appointment of elective and appointive local officials and candidates who lost in an election (Political Lame-Ducks)
a. No elective or appointive local official shall be eligible for appointment or designation in any capacity to any public office or position during his
tenure. Unless otherwise allowed by law or by the primary functions of his position, no elective or appointive local official shall hold any other office or
employment in the Government or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations or their
subsidiaries.
b. Except for losing candidates in barangay elections, no candidate who lost in any election shall, within one (1) year after such election, be
appointed to any office in the Government or any government-owned or controlled corporations or in any of their subsidiaries."
DISABILITIES AND INHIBITIONS OF PUBLIC
OFFICERS
Disqualifications attached to civil service
employees or officials
1. Losing candidate in any election
a. Cannot be appointed to any office in the
government or GOCCs or their subsidiaries
b. Period of disqualification: 1 year after such
election
XPN: Losing candidates in barangay
elections
2. Elective officials:
GR: Not eligible for appointment or
designation in any capacity to any public office
or position during their tenure.
XPN: May hold ex officio positions. E.g. The
Vice President may be appointed as a Cabinet
member
3. Appointive officials:
GR: Cannot hold any other office or agency,
instrumentality, including GOCCs and their
subsidiaries
XPN: Unless otherwise allowed by law, or by
the primary functions of his position.
NOTE: The exception does not apply to Cabinet
members, and those officers mentioned in Art.
VII, Sec. 13. They are governed by the stricter
prohibitions contained therein.
Prohibitions attached to elective and
appointive officials in terms of compensation
GR: They cannot receive:
1. Additional compensation – An extra reward
given for the same office e.g. bonus
2. Double compensation – When an officer is given
2 sets of compensation for 2 different offices
held concurrently by 1 officer.
3. Indirect compensation
XPN: Unless specifically authorized by law.
NOTE: Specifically authorized means a specific
authority particularly directed to the officer or
employee concerned.
Pensions and gratuities, per diems and allowances
are not considered as additional, double, or
indirect compensation (Sec. 7-8, Art. IX-B, 1987
Constitution).
Prohibitions imposed under the Constitution
against the holding of 2 or more positions
A. Members of Congress shall not:
1. Appear as counsel before any court, electoral
tribunal, or quasi-judicial and other
administrative bodies;
2. Be interested in any contract with, or in any
franchise, or special privilege granted by the
Government, or any subdivision, agency or
instrumentality thereof, including GOCCs, or its
subsidiary;
3. Intervene in any matter before any office of the
Government for his pecuniary benefit or where
he may be called upon to act on account of his
office.
B. The President, Vice President, Members of the
Cabinet, and their deputies or assistants, unless
otherwise allowed by the Constitution, shall
not:
1. Directly or indirectly practice any other
profession;
2. Participate in any business, or be financially
interested in any contract with, or in any
franchise, or special privilege granted by the
Government, or any subdivision, agency or
instrumentality thereof, including GOCCs, or its
subdivisions; shall avoid conflict of interest in
the conduct of their office.
C. Members of the Constitutional Commission shall
not:
1. Hold any other office or employment or engage
in the practice of any profession or in the
active management or control of any business
that may be affected by the functions of his
office;
2. Be financially interested, directly or indirectly,
in any contract with, or in any franchise, or
special privilege granted by the Government,
or any subdivision, agencies or
instrumentalities including GOCCs, or their
subsidiaries. These shall also apply to the
Ombudsman and his deputies during his term.
D. Unless otherwise allowed by law or by the
primary functions of his position, no appointive
official shall hold any other office or employment
in the Government or any subdivision, agency
or instrumentality thereof, including GOCCs or
their subsidiaries (Art. IX – B, Sec. 7; Flores v
Drilon, G.R. No. 104732 June 22, 1993).
E. No member of the armed forces in the active
service shall, at any time, be appointed or
designated in any capacity to a civilian position
in the government including GOCCs or any of
their subsidiaries (Sec. 5 par. 4, Art XVI,
Philippine Constitution).
Grounds for disqualification to hold public
office
1. Mental or physical incapacity
2. Misconduct or commission of a crime
3. Impeachment
4. Removal or suspension from office
NOTE: Where there is no constitutional or
statutory declaration of ineligibility for
suspension or removal from office, the courts
may not impose the disability.
5. Consecutive terms exceeding the allowable
number of terms
6. Holding more than one office (except ex officio)
7. Relationship with the appointing power
(nepotism) (2010 Bar)
8. Office newly created or the emoluments of
which have been increased (forbidden office)
9. Being an elective official (Flores v. Drilon, G.R.
No. 104732, June 22, 1993)
10. Losing candidate in the election within 1 year
following the date of election (prohibitions
from office not employment);
XPN: in barangay
11. Grounds provided for under the Local
Government Code.
NOTE: The Supreme Court held that while all other
appointive officials in the Civil Service are allowed
to hold other office or employment in the
government during their tenure when such is
allowed by law or by the primary functions of their
positions, members of the Cabinet, their deputies
and assistants may do so only when expressly
authorized by the Constitution itself (Civil Liberties
Union v. Executive Secretary, 194 SCRA 317).
Prohibitions under Code of Conduct and Ethical
Standards for Public Officials and Employees
1. Prohibition against financial and material
interest – Directly or indirectly having any
financial or material interest in any transaction
requiring the approval of their office.
2. Prohibition against outside employment and
other activities related thereto – Owning,
controlling, managing or accepting
employment as officer, employee, consultant,
counsel, broker, agent, trustee or nominee in
any private enterprise regulated, supervised or NOTE: Partisan political activity is an act
licensed by their office. designed to promote the election or defeat of a
3. Engaging in the private practice of their particular candidate/s to a public office. It is
profession. also known as “electioneering” (Sec. 79,
4. Recommending any person to any position in Omnibus Election Code).
any private enterprise which has a regular or Officers or employees in the Civil Service
pending official transaction with their office. including members of the Armed Forces
NOTE: These prohibitions shall continue to cannot engage in such activity except to vote.
apply for a period of one year after resignation, They shall not use their official authority or
retirement, or separation from public office, influence to coerce the political activity of any
except in the case of participating in any person (Sec. 55, Subtitle A, Title I, Book V, 1987
business or having financial interest in any Administrative Code).
contract with the government, but the Officers and employees in the Civil Service can
professional concerned cannot practice his nonetheless express their views on current
profession in connection with any matter political issues and mention the names of the
before the office he used to be with, in which candidates they support.
case the one-year prohibition shall likewise Public officers who may engage in partisan
apply. political activities
Prohibitions against the practice of other a. Those holding political offices, such as the
professions under the LGC President of the Philippines, Vice President
1. Local Chief Executives (governors, city and of the Philippines; Executive Secretary or
municipal mayors) are prohibited from Department Secretaries and other
practicing their profession Members of the Cabinet; all other elective
2. Sanggunian members may practice their officials at all levels; and those in the
profession, engage in any occupation, or teach personal and confidential staff of the above
in schools except during session hours officials.
3. Doctors of medicine may practice their NOTE: It shall, however, be unlawful for
profession even during official hours of work them to solicit contributions from their
in cases of emergency provided that they do subordinates or subject them to any of the
not derive monetary compensation therefrom. acts involving subordinates prohibited in
Q: Can the members of Sanggunian engage in the Election Code.
the practice of law under the LGC? b. National, provincial, city and municipal
A: GR: Yes. elective officials (Santos v. Yatco, G.R. No. L-
XPNs: 16133, Nov. 6, 1959).
1. Cannot appear as counsel in any civil case 3. Prohibition against engaging in strike (Social
where in a LGU or any office, agency or Security System Employees Assn. v. CA, G.R No.
instrumentality of the Gov’t is the adverse 85279, July 28,1989).
party; 4. Restriction against engaging in the practice of
2. Cannot appear as counsel in any criminal case law (Sec. 90, RA 7160)
wherein an officer or employee of the national 5. Prohibition against practice of other
or local government is accused of an offense professions (Sec. 90, RA 7160)
committed in relation to his office; 6. Restriction against engaging in private
3. Shall not collect any fee for their appearance in business (Abeto v. Garces, A.M. No. P-88-269,
administrative proceeding involving the LGU of Dec. 29, 1995).
which he is an official; and 7. Restriction against accepting certain
4. May not use property and personnel of the employment (Sec. 7(b), RA 6713)
Gov’t, except when defending the interest of Q: Does the election or appointment of an
the Gov’t. attorney to a government office disqualify him
Other prohibitions imposed on public officers from engaging in the private practice of law?
1. Prohibition against solicitation of gifts (Sec. A: YES. As a general rule, judges, other officials of
7(d), RA 6713) the superior courts, of the office of the Solicitor
NOTE: Public officers, however, may accept the General and of other Government prosecution
following gifts from foreign governments: offices; the President; Vice-President, and
a. Gifts of nominal value received as souvenir members of the cabinet and their deputies or
or mark of courtesy; assistants; members of constitutional
b. Scholarship or fellowship grant or medical commissions; and civil service officers or
treatment; employees whose duties and responsibilities
c. Travel grants or expenses for travel require that their entire time be at the disposal of
outside the Philippines (Sec. 7(d), RA 6713) the government are strictly prohibited from
2. Prohibition against partisan political activities engaging in the private practice of law (See: E.O.
(Sec. 2(4), Art. IX(B), Constitution) 297).

CHAPTER III: ACQUISITION OF RIGHT OR TITLE OF OFFICE

A. In General

1. Modes of Commencing official relations

The manner of selecting persons for public office is generally by either:
a. Election
b. Appointment

2. Meaning of “Appointment”
a. It is an act of designation by the executive officer, board, or body to whom that power has been delegated, of the individual who is to exercises the powers and
functions of a given office.
b. It is equivalent to “filling a vacancy” in an office.
c. It is the nomination or designation of an individual to an office.
3. Where appointing power resides
a. Inherently belongs to the people
b. Entrusted to designated elected and appointed public officials

4. Appointing power generally regarded as an executive function

a. Where power exercised by executive department
b. Where power exercised by other departments

5. Power to appoint discretionary

a. Power of court to review appointments
b. Power of Civil Service Commission to revoke appointment

6. Power may be absolute or conditional

a. absolute ‐ where the choice of the appointing authority is conclusive if it falls upon an eligible person. No further consent or approval is necessary.
b. conditional ‐ where assent or approval by some other officer or body, such as the Commission on Appointments, is necessary to complete the appointment.

7. Restrictions on the power to appoint

a. Generally
Persons to be appointed to a public office should possess the required qualifications and be selected solely with a view to the public welfare.

b. Under the Constitution

a. “The spouse and relatives by consanguinity or affinity within the fourth civil degree of the President shall not, during his tenure, be appointed as Members of the
Constitutional Commissions, or the Office of the Ombudsman, or as Secretaries, Undersecretaries, chairmen or heads of bureaus or offices, including government‐
owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries” Art. VII, Sec. 13

b. “Two months immediately before the next presidential elections and up to the end of his term, a President or Acting President shall not make appointments, except
temporary appointments to executive positions when continued vacancies therein will prejudice public service or endanger public safety.”

c. “The Congress may, by law, vest the appointment of other officers lower in rank in the President alone, in the courts, or in the heads of departments, agencies,
commissions, or boards.”

d. “The Supreme Court shall have the following powers: Appoint all officials and employees of the Judiciary in accordance with the Civil Service Law.”

e. “The Members of the Supreme Court and judges of the lower courts shall be appointed by the President from a list of at least three nominees prepared by the
Judicial and Bar Council for every vacancy. Such appointments need no confirmation. For the lower courts, the President shall issue the appointments within ninety
days from the submission of the list.”

f. “The Constitutional Commissions shall appoint their officials and employees in accordance with law.”

g. The Members of the Civil Service Commission, Commission on Elections and Commission on Audit shall be appointed “without reappointment xxx. Appointment to
any vacancy shall be only for the unexpired term of the predecessor. In no case shall any Member be appointed or designated in a temporary or acting capacity.”

h. “No candidate who has lost in any election shall, within one year after such election, be appointed to any office in the Government or any Government‐owned or
controlled corporations or in any of their subsidiaries.”

i. “No elective official shall be eligible for appointment or designation in any capacity to any public office or position during his tenure. Unless otherwise allowed by law
or by the primary functions of his position, no appointive official shall hold any other office or employment in the Government or any subdivision, agency or
instrumentality thereof, including Government‐owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries.”

j. “The officials and employees of the Office of the Ombudsman, other than the Deputies, shall be appointed by the Ombudsman, according to the Civil Service Law.”

k. “The Ombudsman and his Deputies shall be appointed by the President from a list of at least six nominees prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council, and from a
list of three nominees for every vacancy thereafter. Such appointments shall require no confirmation. All vacancies shall be filled within three months after they
occur.”

c. Under existing laws

8. When Appointment deemed complete

a. Not subject to confirmation
b. Subject to confirmation
c. Approval by the Civil Service Commission
d. Effects of completed appointment

9. Acceptance of appointment
a. Not necessary to completion or validity of appointment
b. Necessary to possession of office

10. Form of Acceptance

a. Express or when done verbally or in writing
b. Implied or when, without formal acceptance, the appointee enters upon exercise
of the duties and functions of an office

11. Obligation of elected or appointed individual to accept office

a. Generally not subject to compulsion
b. Obligation in the nature of a social duty

12. Necessary of written appointment

a. View that appointment should be evidenced by writing
b. Contrary view

13. Revocation of appointment

a. Where appointment final and complete
b. Where appointee has assumed position
c. Where protestant more qualified than appointee

B. Appointments by the President

1. Power of appointment of the President

By the provision of Art. VII, Sec. 16 in the Constitution, the President is authorized to appoint, namely:

a. First:
● heads of executive departments
● ambassadors
● other public ministers and consuls
● officers of the armed forces from the rank of colonel or naval captain
● other officers
i. regular members of Judicial and Bar Council
ii. chairman and commissioners of the Civil Service Commission
iii. chairman and commissioners of the Commission on Elections
iv. chairman and commissioners of the Commission on Audit
v. members of the regional consultative commission

b. Second:

● All other officers ‐ appointments are not otherwise provided by law and to be appointed to lower offices created by Congress

c. Third ‐ those whom the President may be authorized by law

● heads of government‐owned or controlled corporations
● undersecretaries
● heads of bureaus and offices
● other officials

d. Fourth: ‐ appointments the Congress by law vests in the President alone

● other officers lower in rank

2. Confirmation of appointments by Commission on Appointments

a. Required
● first group above

b. Unnecessary
● heads of bureaus
● certain offices under different departments which are not called bureaus
i. Securities and Exchange Commission example
ii. Insurance Commission example
● members of Supreme Court
● judges of lower courts
● Sandiganbayan
● Tanodbayan (Ombudsman) ~ including deputies
● chairman and members of the Commission on Human Rights Art. VII Sec. 16

3. Appointment by other officials

Congress may vest power to appoint officers “lower in rank” to the following: Art. VII, Sec 16
a. heads of departments
b. agencies
c. commissions
d. boards
“lower in rank” does not include heads of bureaus and offices not specifically mentioned in the Constitution as among those to be appointed by President who are
subordinates of Cabinet members. By law, their appointments are vested in the President.

4. Kinds of Presidential appointments

a. as to manner in which it is made
● regular ‐ made by Congress while in session; subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments
● ad interim ‐ made while Congress is in recess

b. as to its nature
● permanent ‐ those which last until they are lawfully terminated
● temporary or acting ‐ those which last until a permanent appointment is issued

5. Ad interim appointments
a. These are appointments made by the President while Congress is in recess, thus, the Commission on Appointments may only deliberate upon such appointments
when Congress goes into session

b. The President is usually aided by the Commission on Appointments’ advice when it comes to appointments. In case of ad interim appointments, however, the
President acts alone and the system of checks and balances vital to our system of government is not in place

c. Ad interim appointments, however, are necessary due to the existence of situations where there is a clear and present urgency caused by an impending
obstruction or paralysis of the function assigned to office to be filled if no immediate appointment is made

d. An ad interim appointment is permanent in nature and not a mere temporary or acting appointment even if it subject to confirmation by the Commission on
appointments. However, it may be recalled or revoked by the President before confirmation

6. Temporary or acting appointments

a. Generally, the power to appoint vested in the President includes temporary or acting appointments, unless otherwise provided by law.
b. An acting appointment, being essentially temporary or provisional in character, cannot be validly confirmed by the Commission on Appointments because
confirmation presupposes a valid nomination or ad interim appointment.
c. A temporary appointment ‐ an acting appointment.
d. An unqualified person cannot be appointed even in an acting capacity

7. Designations
Is simply the mere imposition of new or additional duties upon an officer to be performed by him in a special manner while he performs the function of his permanent
office.

8. Steps in the appointing process

a. Nomination ‐ It is the exclusive prerogative of the President upon which no limitation may be imposed by Congress, except those resulting from the need securing
the concurrence of the Commission on Appointments and from the exercises of the limited legislative power to prescribe the qualifications to a given appointive office.

b. Confirmation
● The power to confirm and reject certain appointments belongs to Congress through the Commission on Appointments since it is a check on the executive.
● A confirmation cannot be reconsidered after the President has been notified of the confirmation and has completed the appointment by issuing a commission the
appointee even if the rules of the confirming body provide for reconsideration

c. Issuance of Commission
● “Commission” is the written authority from a competent source given to the officer as his warrant for exercise of the powers and duties of the office. It is the written
evidence of the appointment
● When a person is elected to office, his right as established as a result of the election and does not depend upon the issuance of a commission. Issuance of a
commission to an elected officer is merely a ministerial act and not a part of the act of appointment. Instead, the elected officer is entitled to a certificate of election.

C. Appointments in the Civil Service

1. The Civil Service System
a. Scope ‐ all branches, subdivisions, instrumentalities and agencies of the government including GOCCs with original charter. This covers the administrative
personnel of the entire government system, both national and local, including the military.

b. Purpose ‐ to enable the national and local government and all its instrumentalities and agencies to render more efficient services to the public by enabling them to
obtain efficient servants.

2. Classification of positions in the Civil Service

a. Career Service
● Characteristics:
i. Entrance based on merit and fitness to be determined as far practicable by competitive examinations or are based on highly technical qualifications
ii. Security of tenure
iii. Opportunity for advancement to higher career positions
● It includes:
i. Open career positions for appointments requiring prior qualification in an appropriate examination
ii. Closed career positions which are scientific or highly technical in nature.
iii. Positions in the Career Executive Service
iv. Career officers other than those in the Career Service who are appointed by the President
v. Commissioned officers and enlisted men of the Armed Forces
vi. Personnel of government‐owned and controlled corporations whether performing governmental or proprietary functions who do not fall under non‐career services;
and
vii. Permanent laborer, whether skilled, semi‐skilled, or unskilled.

b. Non‐Career Service
i. Characteristics:
● Entrance bases other than those of the usual test of merit and fitness
● Tenure which is limited to a period specified by law or coterminous with that of the appointing authority or subject to his pleasure or limited to the duration of a
particular project

ii. Includes:
● Elective officials and their personal or confidential staffs.
● Department heads and other officers of cabinet rank and their
staffs
● Chairmen and members of commissions and boards with fixed terms of office and their staffs
● Contractual personnel
● Emergency and seasonal personnel
● Casual employees

3. Classes of positions in the career service

a. Three major levels:
● Clerical, trades, crafts, and custodial service positions
● Professional, technical, and scientific positions
● Career Executive Service

b. Requirement of competitive examinations

● Entrance to the first two levels are through competitive examinations
● Entrance to the third level is prescribed by the Career Executive Service Board
● For promotion to a higher position in one or more related occupational groups, no examination is required within the same level. However, the candidate for
promotion must have previously passed the examination for the level.

4. Constitutional Classification
a. Competitive ‐ Those appointments are made according to merit and fitness as
determined by competitive examinations.

b. Non‐competitive ‐ Those appointments do not take into account merit and fitness as determined by competitive examinations. These include positions which are
policy‐determining, primarily confidential, or highly technical in nature.

5. Determination of merit and fitness by competitive examinations

General Rule : The selection of any appointee to any government position shall be made only according to merit and fitness to be determined, as far as practicable,
by competitive examinations to perform duties and assumes the responsibility of the position, without regard to any other consideration such as sex, color, social
status, religion, or political affiliation.

6. Exemption from rule of non‐competitive positions

a. Through policy determining, primarily confidential and highly technical positions are exempt from competitive examinations and still enjoy the operation of the
principle: “no office or employee in the Civil Service shall be removed or suspended except for cause provided by law”.

b. Whether an administrative position is primarily confidential, policy‐determining, or highly technical in the nature of the functions attached to the position.

c. Policy determining position

Its occupant is vested with the power of formulating policies for the government or any of its agencies, subdivisions or instrumentalities.

d. Primarily confidential position

● Its occupants enjoys more than the ordinary confidence i his aptitude of the appointing power but bears primarily such as close intimacy which insure freedom of
intercourse without embarrassment of freedom from misgiving of betrayal of personal trust on confidential matters of the State. More than ordinary is required.

● A position may be considered primarily confidential when the President, upon recommendation of Civil Service Commissioner, has declared it to be.
● It is the nature of the position which finally determines whether a position is primarily confidential.
● Primarily confidential appointee is not subject to removal at the pleasure of the appointing authority. Instead, termination of such an appointee’s official relation can
be justified on the ground of loss of confidence, which involves no removal but merely the expiration of the term of office.

e. Highly‐technical position ‐ Its occupant is required to possess skills or training in the supreme or superior degree.

7. Qualification standards in the Civil Service

1. These are the minimum requirements for a class of positions in terms of education, training and experience, civil service eligibility, physical fitness, and other
qualities required for successful performance.

2. Use of Qualification Standards

● As basis for civil service examinations for positions in the career service
● As guides in the appointment and other personnel actions in the adjudication of protested appointments
● In determining training needs
● As aid in the inspection and audit of the agencies personnel work programs

8. Kinds of appointment in the career service

a. Permanent ‐ One which is issued to a person who meets all the requirements for the position including the appropriate eligibility prescribed.
b. Temporary or acting ‐ One which is issued to a person who meets all the requirements for the position to which he is being appointed except the appropriate civil
service eligibility.

9. Instances of temporary appointment

a. Where the appointee does not possess civil service eligibility
b. Where the appointee has civil service eligibility but different from that which is
appropriate to the position for which he was appointed.
c. Where the appointment is made by the President to fill an executive office
during the absence or incapacity of the incumbent
d. Where the appointee has not passed any civil service examination
e. Where the new appointment is still subject to a condition and compliance has not been made yet
f. Where a new incumbent has been appointed to fill the position of a regular employee who has been illegally suspended or dismissed.
g. Where a person is designated as an officer in charge
h. Where the appointment is made at the pleasure of the appointing power

10. Separation of temporary employees

Can be terminated or withdrawn at the pleasure of the appointing power, without notice of hearing, or a moment’s choice, and regardless of the grounds or reasons.

11. Qualification in an appropriate examination

a. Temporary appointment of non‐eligible in the absence of eligible
b. Appointment to a position requiring lower eligibility
c. Issuance/revocation of certificate of eligibility

12. Approval/recall of appointments by the Civil Service Commission

a. Appointments required to be approved:
● General Rule: The Civil Service Commission must approve all appointments, whether original or promotional, to positions in the civil service and disapprove those
where the appointees do not possess the appropriate eligibility or required qualifications.
● EXPN: Presidential appointments, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, police forces, firemen, and jail guards.

b. Right of appointee to a hearing in case of disapproval

c. Effectivity of appointment until disapproval
d. Criterion to be employed
e. Extent of Commission’s authority
f. Attestation of appointment
g. Keeping of records of all appointments
h. Recall of appointment
i. Grounds for recall Rule VI, Sec. 20 Omnibus Implementing Regulations of the Revised Administrative Code :

● Non‐compliance with the procedures/criteria provided in the agencies

Merit Promotion Plan;
● Failure to pass through the agency’s Selection/Promotion Board;
● Violation of the existing collective bargaining agreement between management and employees relative to promotion; or
● Violation of other existing civil service law, rules and regulation.

D. Vacancy
There is a vacancy when an office is empty and without a legally qualified incumbent appointed
or elected to it with a lawful right to exercise it powers and perform its duties.
1. Classifications
a. original – when an office is created and no one has been appointed to fill it;
b. constructive ‐ when the incumbent has no legal right or claim to continue in office and can be legally replaced by another functionary;
c. accidental – when the incumbent having died, resigned, or been removed, there
is no one in esse discharging the duties of the office
d. absolute – when the term of an incumbent having expired and the latter not having held over, no successor is in being who is legally qualified to assume the office
2. Causes of vacancy
a. Death, permanent disability, removal from office or resignation of the incumbent.
b. Abandonment, expiration of term, conviction of a crime, impeachment conviction, acceptance of incompatible office, creation of a new office, reaching the age limit
and recall. Failure of persons chosen for office to accept or qualify for the office.

3. Filing of anticipated vacancies

a. Generally appointment legal – a prospective appointment to fill an anticipated vacancy in a public office, made by the person or body which, as then constituted, is
empowered to fill the vacancy when it arises, is in the absence of express law forbidding it, legal appointment, and vests title to the office in the appointee.

b. Where appointment to take effect after expiration of appointing power – but the appointing power cannot forestall the rights and prerogatives of their successors by
appointing successors to offices expiring after its power to appoint has itself expired. It is also plain that an appointment thus made by anticipation has no other basis
than expediency and convenience.

E. Qualifying to Office
1. Qualification
The person appointed or elected to a public office is usually required by law, before entering upon the performance of his duties to do some act by which he shall
signify his acceptance of the office and his undertaking to execute the trust confided in him.

2. Oath of office for public officers and employees

a. Oath – is an outward pledge whereby one formally calls upon God to witness to the truth of what he says or to the fact that he sincerely intends to do what he says
● Constitution – Article VII Section 5
● Administrative Code of 1987
● Local Government Code

3. Necessity of oath of office

a. When the public officer has satisfied the prerequisite of oath that his right to enter into the position becomes plenary and complete.
b. Although the law usually requires the taking of an oath, it is not indispensable. It is mere incident to the office and constitutes no part of the office itself.
c. The President, the Vice President, or the Acting President – oath taking is mandatory
d. Unless the law expressly requires more, it is sufficient that the oath be taken

4. Officers authorized to administer oath

a. Notaries public, members of the judiciary, clerks of court, the Secretary of either House of the Congress, Secretaries of departments, bureau directors, registrars of
deeds, provincial governors and lieutenant‐governors, city mayors, and any other officer in the service of the government whose appointment is vested in the
President.
b. Officers whose duties, as defined by law or regulation.

5. Public officers and employees required to give bonds

Those to whom are entrusted the collection and custody of public money, and public ministerial officers whose actions may affects the rights and interests of
individuals.

6. Nature of public funds

a. Indemnity – binding the officer to discharge the duties of his office
b. Obligation binding the sureties to make good the officer's default
c. Collateral security

7. Necessity of giving official bonds

a. Mere incident of office
b. Where time prescribed within which to give bond

F. De Facto Officers
1. De facto doctrine
Is the principle which holds that a person who, by the proper authority is admitted and sworn into office is deemed to be rightfully in such office until, by judicial
declaration in a proper proceeding, he is ousted therefrom, or his admission thereto is declared void. Springs from the fear of the chaos that would result from
multiple and repetitious suits challenging every action taken by every official whose claim to office could be open to question, and seeks to protect the public by
insuring the orderly functioning of the government despite technical defect in title to office.

2. De facto officer is one who has the reputation of being the officer he assumed to be and yet is not good officer in point of law.
A person where the duties of the officer are exercised:
a. without a known appointment or election, but under such circumstance of reputation or acquiescence as were calculated to induce people, without inquiry to submit
to or invoke his action, supposing him to be the officer he assumed to be; or
b. under color of a known and valid appointment or election, but where the officer has failed to conform to some precedent requirement or condition, such as to take
an oath, give a bond, or the like; or
c. under the color of a known election or appointment, void because the officer was not eligible, or because there was a want of power in the electing or appointing
body, or by reason of some defect or irregularity in its exercise, such as ineligibility, want of power, or defect being unknown to the public; or
d. under color of an election or an appointment by or pursuant to a public, unconstitutional law, before the same is adjudged to such.

Officer is one who derives his appointment from one having colorable authority to appoint if the office is an appointive office, and whose appointment is valid on its
face.

3. De jure officer is one who has the lawful right to the office in all respects, but who has either been ousted from it, or who has never actually taken possession of it.

4. Requirements to become officer de jure

a. He must possess the legal qualifications for the office in question;
b. He must be lawfully chosen to such office; and
c. He must have qualified himself to perform the duties of such office according to the mode prescribed by the Constitution of law.
5. Usurper or intruder is one who takes possession of the office and undertakes to act officially without any color of right or authority, either actual or apparent.

6. Elements of de facto officership

a. There must be a de jure office
b. There must be a color of right or general acquiescence by the public.
c. There must be actual physical possession of the office in good faith.
7. Liabilities of a de facto officer
a. It may be stated generally that a d e facto officer is held the same degree of accountability for official acts as a d e jure officer and cannot escape liability because
he has not qualified for failure to file a bond.

b. While official acts of a d e facto officer are valid and may be binding with regard to third persons and the public the person so acting may be liable for all penalties
imposed by law for usurping or unlawfully holding office, or for exercising the functions thereof without lawful right or without being qualified according to law.

c. It is likewise the general rule that a public officer cannot excuse his responsibility for crimes committed in his official capacity by asserting that he was an officer de
facto .

d. A rightful incumbent of a public office may recover from a d e facto officer the salary received by the latter during the time of his wrongful tenure, even though he
(the d e facto officer) occupied the office in good faith and under the color of title.
 CHAPTER IV: POWERS, DUTIES, AND NORMS OF CONDUCT
OFPUBLIC OFFICERS
Source of powers and authority of public office.
 People themselves.
 Public law.

Authority of public officer not presumed.

Authority of public officer and private agents distinguished.

1. Private agents
a. Universal
b. General
c. Special
2. Public agents
a. General
b. Special/ Limited

Ascertainment of authority of public officer.

 Persons contracting with the public officer acting under a public law, must, at their peril, ascertain the scope of the officer's authority, and are chargeable
with notice of the contents of the law conferring that authority.

Scope of power of a public officer.

1. Expressly conferred upon him by the law under which he has been appointed or elected;
2. Expressly annexed to the office by the law which created it or some other law referring to it; or
3. Attached to the office as incidents to it.

Territorial limitation of authority of public officers.

1. Limited to territory where law has effect.
2. Action at a place not authorized by law ordinarily invalid.

Duration of authority.
1. Duration of term as provided by the law.
2. Where officer chosen to act in reference to a particular subject.

Construction of grant of powers.

 Strict interpretation and will be construed as conferring those powers only which are expressly imposed or necessarily implied.

Classification of powers and duties.

From their nature Ministerial. — Official duty is ministerial when it is absolute, certain, and imperative involving merely execution of a
specific duty arising from fixed and designated facts.

Discretionary. — Discretionary or judicial duties are such as necessarily require the exercise of reason in the
adaptation of means to an end, and discretion in determining how or whether the act shall be done or the course
pursued.

From the standpoint of the
obligation of the officer to
perform his powers and
duties
Mandatory. — Powers conferred on public officers are generally construed as mandatory although the language may
be permissive, where they are for the benefit of the public or individuals.
Permissive. — Statutory provisions define the time and mode in which public officers will discharge their duties, and
those which are obviously designed merely to secure order, uniformity, system, and dispatch in public business, are
generally deemed directory.

From the standpoint of the Power of control. — It implies the power of an officer to manage, direct or govern, including the power to alter or
relationship of the officer to modify or set aside what a subordinate had done in the performance of his duties and to substitute his judgment for
his subordinates that of the latter.

Power of supervision. — Supervisory power is the power of mere oversight over an inferior body. It does not include
any restraining authority over such body. He merely sees to it that the rules are followed, but he himself does not lay
down such rules, nor does he have the discretion to modify or replace them.

Ministerial and discretionary powers distinguished.

1. Nature of act. — Determined by the facts of the particular case.
2. Exercise of discretion. — Whether the act complained of involves policy making or judgment.

Meaning of discretion.
Discretion - act or the liberty to decide according to the principles of justice and one's ideas of what is right and proper under the circumstances, without willfulness or
favor.

Exercise of discretion limited.

 The exercise of the officer's discretion is still limited, by legal construction, to the evident purposes of the act, and to what is known as a sound and legal
discretion, excluding all arbitrary, capricious, inquisitorial and oppressive proceedings.
Remedy to compel exercise of duty.
 Purely ministerial - the courts will require specific action.
 Purely discretionary - the courts, by mandamus, will require action only.

Delegation of discretionary powers.

 Unless the power to substitute another in his place has been given to him, a public officer cannot delegate his duties to another.

Delegation of ministerial powers.

It can be delegated, except:
 Expressly prohibited.
 Expressly requires the act to be performed by the officer in person.

Time to perform official acts.

1. Where no time stated in statute. — Must be performed within a reasonable time.
2. Where time stated in statute. — The time period expressed is to be construed as directory and not mandatory, unless the nature of the act to be
performed or the language used in the statute evidences an intention to limit the power of the officer.

Ratification of unauthorized acts.

His acts may be ratified, except:
a. When an act which was absolutely void at the time it was done.
b. Not merely voidable.

State is not estopped by the unauthorized or illegal acts of its agents.

Where superior officers have authority to ratify the acts of their inferiors, they are restricted to the ratification of acts and contracts which they themselves are
empowered to make.

Judicial review of official acts.

1. Where act involves exercise of discretionary power. — He is the sole and exclusive judge of the existence of those facts.
2. Where act involves performance of purely ministerial duty. — Any person who will sustain personal injury by such refusal may have a mandamus to
compel its performance.
3. Where act reviewed done without jurisdiction. —The courts are not bound by an officer’s interpretation of the law under which he presumes to act.

Norms of conduct of public officials and employees.

1. Public office is a public trust.
2. Standards of personal conduct.
a. Commitment to public interest.
b. Professionalism.
c. Justness and sincerity.
d. Political neutrality.
e. Responsiveness to the public.
f. Nationalism and patriotism.
g. Commitment to democracy.
h. Simple living.
3. Duties of the Civil Service Commission.
a. Promote observance of these standards; and
b. Continue to research and experiment on measures which provide positive motivation to public officials and employees.

System of incentives and rewards.

1. Criteria.
a. Years of service;
b. Quality and consistency of performance;
c. Obscurity of the position;
d. Level of salary;
e. Unique and exemplary quality of achievement;
f. Risk or temptation inherent in the work; and
g. Any similar circumstances or consideration in favor of the particular awardee.
2. Form of incentives and rewards.
a. Bonuses; or
b. Citations; or
c. Directorship in government-owned or –controlled corporations; or
d. Local and foreign scholarship grants; or
e. Paid vacations; and
f. Automatic promotion to the next higher position suitable to his qualifications and with commensurate salary.
3. Committee on Awards. — Composed of the following:
a. The Ombudsman
b. Chairman of the Civil Service Commission as Co-Chairmen
c. Chairman of the Commission on Audit
d. Two (2) government employees to be appointed by the President as members.

Purpose:
a. Conduct a periodic, continuing review of performance of officials and employees in all departments, offices, and agencies;
b. Establish a system of annual incentives and rewards to the end that due recognition is given to officials and employees of outstanding merit;
c. Determine the form of rewards to be granted;
d. Formulate and adopt its own rules to govern the conduct of its activities.
4. Secretariat. — Provide secretariat services to the Committee.

Duties of public officers as trustees for the public.

1. In General Duties
a. Duty to obey the law.
b. Duty to accept and continue in office.
 c. Duty to accept burden of office.
d. Duty as to diligence and care.
e. Duties in choice and supervision of subordinates.
2. Ethical duties.
a. Duty as to outside activities. rights
b. Duty where personal interest is involved.
c. Duty to act with civility.

Duty to make financial disclosure.

 To maintain public confidence in government and in public officials and employees,
 To avoid conflicts of interest from arising, to deter corruption,
 To provide the citizens with information concerning a public officer's financial affairs.

Specific duties of public officials and employees.

1. Act promptly on letters and requests.
2. Submit annual performance reports.
3. Process documents and papers expeditiously.
4. Act immediately on the public's personal transactions.
5. Make documents accessible to the public.

Actions on requests and petitions.

1. General rule - shall do so immediately, without discrimination, and in no case beyond fifteen (15) working days from receipt of the request or petition.
2. In case of written requests - shall act on the same within fifteen (15) working days from receipt thereof.
3. The department, office, or agency must take action within a period of fifteen (15) working days.

Processing of papers and documents.

Within a reasonable time from the preparation thereof, in accordance with the following rules:
1. As prescribed by the law;
2. If law is silent, head of department, office, or agency to determine reasonable time, taking into account the:
a. Nature, simplicity or complexity of the subject matter;
b. Completeness or inadequacy of requirements;
c. Lack of resources caused by circumstances beyond the control of the department, office, or agency or official or employee concerned;
d. Legal constraints;
e. Fault, failure or negligence of the party concerned which renders decision or action not possible or premature; and
f. Fortuitous events or force majeure.

Signing of any written action or decision.

 Must contain no more than three (3) initials or signatures.

Public disclosure of statements of assets and liabilities.

1. Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Financial Disclosure.
a. Contents.
 real property, its improvements, acquisition costs, assessed value and current fair market value;
 personal property and acquisition cost;
 all other assets such as investments, cash on hand or in banks, stocks, bonds, and the like;
 financial liabilities, both current and long-term;
 all business interests and financial connections,
b. When to file.
 within thirty (30) days after assumption of office, statements of which must be reckoned as of his first day of service;
 on or before April 30, of every year thereafter, statements of which must be reckoned as of the end of the preceding year;
 within thirty (30) days after separation from the service, statements of which must be reckoned as of his last day in office.
c. Where to file.
 President, Vice-President, and Constitutional Officials, with the National Office of the Ombudsman;
 Senators and Congressmen, with the Secretaries of the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively; Justices, with the Clerk of the
Supreme Court; Judges, with the Court of Administrator; and all national executive officials, such as members of the Cabinet, Undersecretaries,
and Assistant Secretaries, including the foreign service and heads of government- owned or -controlled corporations with original charters and
their subsidiaries and state colleges and universities, with the Office of the President;
 Regional and local officials and employees, both appointive and elective, including other officials and employees of government-owned or -
controlled corporations and their subsidiaries, with the Deputy Ombudsman in their respective regions;
 Officers of the armed forces from the rank of colonel or naval captain, with the Office of the President, and those below said ranks, with the
Deputy Ombudsman in their respective regions; and
 All other public officials and employees, defined in Republic Act No. 3019, as amended, with the Civil Service Commission.
d. Authority in favor of Ombudsman. — Execute, within thirty (30) days from the date of their assumption of office, the necessary authority in favor of
the Ombudsman to obtain from all appropriate government agencies such documents as may show their assets, liabilities, net worth.
2. Identification and disclosure of relatives. — Such relatives shall include those up to the fourth civil degree of relationships, either of consanguinity or
affinity.
3. Accessibility of documents.
a. At reasonable hours.
b. Made available for copying after ten (10) working days from the time they are filed.
c. Available to the public for a period of ten (10) years after receipt of the statement.
4. Prohibited acts.
a. any purpose contrary to morals or public policy; or
b. any commercial purpose other than by news and communications media for dissemination to the general public.

5. Authority/ responsibility of certain officials - Authority to determine whether said statements have been properly accomplished:
a. In the case of Congress, the designated committees of both Houses of Congress subject to approval by the affirmative vote of the majority of the
particular House concerned;
b. In the case of the Executive Department, the heads of departments, offices, and agencies insofar as their respective departments, offices and
agencies are concerned subject to approval of the Secretary of Justice;
c. In the case of the Judicial Department, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; and
d. In case of the Constitutional Commissions and other Constitutional Offices, the respective Chairman and members thereof; in the case of the Office
of the Ombudsman, the Ombudsman.
 6. Review and compliance procedures.
7. Basis in monitoring income and lifestyle of government officials and employees. — Sworn Statement of Assets and Liabilities (SSAL).

Transparency of transactions and access to information.

1. Ensure transparency of public transactions.
2. Provide official information, except if:
a. must be kept secret in the interest of national defense or security or the conduct of foreign affairs;
b. would put the life and safety of an individual in imminent danger;
c. falls within the concepts of established privilege or recognized exceptions as may be provided by law;
d. information, record, or document comprises drafts of decisions, orders, rulings, policy-decisions, memoranda, etc.;
e. would disclose information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
f. would disclose investigatory records compiled for law enforcement purposes that will cause partial adjudication; or
g. premature disclosure that will endanger the stability of financial institution.
3. Establish information systems. — for the purpose of informing the public of such policies, programs, and accomplishments, and not to build the public
image of any official or employee or advance his own personal interest.

Reforms on public administrative systems.

1. Conduct value development programs.
2. Conduct professional, etc. programs.
3. Conduct studies and analyses of work systems.
4. Develop and make available a service guide.
5. Consult the public for feedbacks and suggestions.
6. Conduct research and experimentation.
7. Designate a resident Ombudsman.
8. Consult and dialogue with staff.
 THE LAW ON PUBLIC OFFICER
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Summary by Chapter
CHAPTER V: RIGHTS AND PRIVILEDGES OF PUBLIC
OFFICERS
A. IN GENERAL
Rights incident to public office

Rights as a citizen

a. Protection from publication commenting on his fitness and the like

b. Engaging in certain political and business activities

SECURITY OF TENURE
No officer or employee in the career service shall be removed except for a valid cause and after due notice and
hearing. A valid cause for removal exists when, pursuant to a bona fide reorganization, a position has been
abolished or rendered redundant or there is a need to merge, divide, or consolidate positions in order to meet the
exigencies of the service, or other lawful causes allowed by the Civil Service Law. The existence of any or some
of the following circumstances may be considered as evidence of bad faith in the removals made as a result of
reorganization, giving rise to a claim for reinstatement or reappointment by an aggrieved party:

(a) Where there is a significant increase in the number of positions in the new staffing pattern of the department
or agency concerned;

(b) Where an office is abolished and other performing substantially the same functions is created;

(c) Where incumbents are replaced by those less qualified in terms of status of appointment, performance and
merit;

(d) Where there is a reclassification of offices in the department or agency concerned and the reclassified offices
perform substantially the same function as the original offices;

(e) Where the removal violates the order of separation provided in Section 3 hereof.
B. RIGHT TO COMPENSATION
Power of Congress to fix compensation

a. Power primarily but not exclusively legislative in character

b. Power may be delegated subject to statutory limitations

Compensation, not an element of public office

Forms of compensation defined and distinguished

A. Compensation

means pay for doing all that may be required whether it is in the form of a fixed salary or wages, per diems, fees, commissions, or
perquisites of whatever character.

it is distinguished from honorarium, as honorarium is given not as a matter of obligation but in appreciation for services rendered; a
voluntary donation in consideration of services which admit of no compensation in money.

B. Salary

is the personal compensation to be paid to the public officer for his services, it is generally a fixed annual or periodical payment
depending on the time and not the amount of service.

It is distinguished from wages, as wages is given to officers of lesser rank and paid per day or week.

C. Per diem
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Summary by Chapter
is merely one forms of compensation granted to public officers which is fixed, not as ordinarily by the year or by the month but by the
day.

is a daily allowance given for each day an officer or employee of government is away from her home base. It is intended to cover the cost
of lodging and subsistence of officers and employees when the latter are on duty outside of their permanent station.

Could rightfully be considered a compensation or remuneration attached to an office.

not deemed to be a salary within the Constitutional provision that no change in the compensation of officers shall affect the salary of any
officer during his existing term.

D. Emoluments

refers to the profits arising from the office, and that which is received as compensation for services or which is annexed to the office as
salary, fees or perquisites.

Includes fees and compensation as the incumbent of the office is, by law, entitled to receive.

Allowances are included in the term “emoluments” (i.e., representation and transportation, housing, etc.)

Basis of right to compensation

1. Creation of law
2. Services rendered
3. Compensation fixed by law
4. Legal title to office
5. Amount of compensation
6. Ex oficio position

Recovery of compensation

1. From the government

a. De jure officer cannot recover that which has been paid to a de facto officer unless the government continues to pay even after having
received notice of an adjudication in favor of the de jure.

b. In cases where there is no de jure officer, a de facto officer is legally entitled to the emoluments of the office if he is:

1. In good faith
2. Has possession of the office
3. Has discharge of the duties of said office

2. From the de facto officer

a. After the notice of adjudication in favor of the de jure officer, the de facto officer is not entitled to keep what has been paid for services
rendered.
b. Also, where the tenure of the de facto was wrongful, the salary received by such may be recovered.

3. From the intruder or usurper

o An intruder or usurper has no right to the salary or emoluments of the office. He becomes liable to the de jure officer in an action for
money he had received.

Salary not subject to garnishment

Garnishment
is a kind of attachment for reaching credits belonging to the judgment debtor owing to him from a stranger to litigation.

o The salary of a public officer may not be subject of garnishment, attachment, or order of execution, nor be seized before being paid to
him, and appropriated for the payment of his debts for the following reasons:

1. While the money is still in the hands of the disbursing officer, it belongs to the Government;

2. Public policy forbids such practice since it would be fatal to the public service;

3. The garnishment or attachment of an officer’s salary is tantamount to a suit against the State in its own court, which is
prohibited except with its consent.
 THE LAW ON PUBLIC OFFICER
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Summary by Chapter
Agreements affecting compensation

a. Compensation is given not only for remuneration of services but also to enable the incumbent to give due attention to his official duties
and to perform them better.

o Any agreement respecting such compensation is invalid as against public policy if it tends to pervert such compensation to purpose
other than that for what it was intended. This rule specifically refers to unperformed services and the salaries attached thereto and to
those already performed which the officer can validly disburse as he may see fit.

b. The following agreements are invalid:

1. Agreement to accept, or acceptance of less or other than legal compensation

2. Sale, assignment, or barter of said compensation
3. Dividing compensation with others if it amounts to an anticipatory agreement

Prohibition against diminution of salary

a. Congress has absolute power to fix or alter the compensation of public officers, except as provided by the Constitution.

b. The Constitution prohibits Congress from reducing the salary of the following constitutional officers during their term or tenure in order
to secure their independence:

1. President and Vice-President

2. Chief Justice, Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, and judges of lower courts
3. Chairmen and members of the Constitutional Commissions
4. Ombudsman and his Deputies

Prohibition against receiving additional, double, or indirect compensation

“No elective or appointive public officer or employee shall receive additional, double, or indirect compensation, unless specifically
authorized by law, nor accept without the consent of the Congress, any present, emolument, office, or title of any kind from any foreign
government.

Pensions or gratuities shall not be considered as additional, double, or indirect compensation.” (Constitution, Article IX-B, Section 8)

The prohibition does not apply in the following cases:

1. The law, in certain instances, specifically authorizes payment where it appears just and necessary
2. Additional compensation is received not from government or any of its entities
3. In case of double appointments where there are 2 distinct offices, the public officer may draw the salary attached to the 2nd position
only when law specifically authorizes him.
Free voluntary service to the government

Free voluntary service

refers to services rendered by persons who are in government without pay or compensation.

1. Requirements for free voluntary service

a. Issuance of an appointment document

b. Fitness and suitability for the duties and responsibilities of the particular position
c. Compliance with the rule on nepotism

2. Functions or services that volunteers can perform:

a. Advisory
b. Consultancy or counseling
c. Recommendatory
d. Professional services
e. Staff work such as planning or research
f. Humanitarian

3. Applicable laws and rules

o The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act no. 6713) and the Implementing Rules on:

a. Rewards and incentives

 THE LAW ON PUBLIC OFFICER
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Summary by Chapter
b. Norms of conduct and ethical standards
c. Duties and obligations of public officers and employees
d. Prohibitions and sanctions
enumerated in the Implementing Rules
e. Civil and criminal liability

4. Exemptions

o Those who render free voluntary service are exempted from the following:

a. Filing of statements of assets and liabilities and net worth, and financial disclosures
b. Requirement of divestment
c. Eligibility requirements
d. Security of tenure

5. Prohibitions

o Unless otherwise provided in the terms of their designations, volunteers are prohibited from:

a. Exercising supervisory functions over personnel

b. Exercising functions of positions involving national security
c. Having access to confidential or classified information unless authorized by proper authorities
d. Occupying regular plantilla positions
e. Having such services credited as government service and availing themselves of retirement benefits
f. Using facilities and resources of the office for partisan political purposes
g. Receiving any pecuniary benefit such as honoraria, allowances, and other perquisites of office.

C. OTHER RIGHTS
1. Rights under the Constitution

a. Right to self-organization
b. The right to protection of temporary employees
c. Freedom of members of Congress from arrest and from being questioned
d. The right not to be removed or suspended except for cause provided by law

2. Participation in prohibited activity or mass action

“Prohibited concerted activity or mass action”

refers to any collective activity undertaken by government employees either by themselves or through their employees’ organizations,
with the intent of effecting work stoppage or service disruption in order to realize their demands or force concessions, economic or
otherwise, from their respective agencies or the government.

3. Rights under the Civil Service Decree and the new Administrative Code

a. The right to preference in promotion

b. The right to present complaints and grievances
c. The right not to be suspended or dismissed except for cause as provided by law and after due process
d. Right to organize

NEXT-IN-RANK RULE

4. Personnel actions

refers to any action denoting movement or progress of personnel in the civil service which must be in accordance with the rules or
standards promulgated by the Civil Service .

o Personnel actions include the following:

1. Appointment through certification

2. Promotion
It is the advancement from one position to another with an increase in duties and responsibilities as authorized by law and usually
accompanied by an increase in pay.

3. Transfer
It is the movement from one position to another of equivalent rank, level, or salary without break in service involving issuance of
appointment.
 THE LAW ON PUBLIC OFFICER
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Summary by Chapter
4. Reinstatement

It means restoration to a state or condition from which one has been removed or separated.

5. Reemployment

6. Detail

It is the movement of an employee from one department or agency to another without the issuance of appointment and shall be allowed
only for a limited period in case of employees occupying professional, technical, and scientific positions.

7. Reassignment

8. Demotion

It is the movement from one position to another involving the issuance of an appointment with diminution in duties, responsibilities,
status, grade or rank which may or may not involve reduction in salary.

5. Rights under the Revised Government Service Insurance Act

o Covered employees are entitled to the following benefits:

1. Retirement benefits
2. Separation benefits
3. Unemployment or involuntary separation benefits
4. Disability benefits
5. Survivorship benefits
6. Funeral benefits
7. Life insurance benefits

6. Pension

are regular allowances paid to an individual or group of individuals by the government in consideration of services rendered, or in
recognition of merit, civil or military

Pension and gratuity distinguished

o Gratuity is a donation and act of pure liberality on the part of the State.

7. Retirement

as a withdrawal from office public station, business, occupation, or public duty.

8. Right to reimbursement and indemnity

9. Right to reinstatement and back salary

o Reinstatement

Is the restoration to a state or condition from which one had been removed or separated.
o Back Salary

Is a form of relief that restores the income that was lost by reason of unlawful dismissal.

10. Rights to property, devices and inventions

11. Right to recover reward for performance of duty
 THE LAW ON PUBLIC OFFICER
(De Leon)
Summary by Chapter
CHAPTER VI: DISABILITIES AND INHIBITIONS OF
PUBLIC OFFICERS
A. Constitutional Prohibitions
I. Disabilities of President, Vice-President, Members of Cabinet, and their Deputies and Assistants
1. They shall not hold, unless otherwise provided in the Constitution, any other office or employment;
2. They shall not practice any other profession;
3. They shall not participate, directly or indirectly, in any business;
4. They shall not be financially interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract with, or in any franchise or special privilege granted by the
government or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof including any government-owned or controlled corporation or their
subsidiaries; and
5. They shall strictly avoid conflict of interest in the conduct of their office.

II. Disabilities of the members of the Congress

1. No senator or member of the House of Representatives may hold any other office or employment in the Government, or any
subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries, during his
term without forfeiting his seat;
2. Neither shall he be appointed to any office which may have been created or the emoluments thereof increased during the term for
which he was elected;
3. No Senator or Member of the House of Representatives may personally appear as counsel before any court of justice before the
Electoral Tribunals, or quasi-judicial and other administrative bodies;
4. Neither shall he, directly or indirectly, be interested financially in any contract with, or in any franchise or special privilege granted by the
Government, or any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including any government-owned or controlled corporation, or its
subsidiary, during his term of office. He shall not intervene in any matter before any office of the Government for his pecuniary benefit or
where he may be called upon to act on account of his office;
5. He shall not intervene in any cause or matter before any office of the Government for his pecuniary benefit or where he may be called
upon to act on account of his office or to give his vote as a member of the Congress.

III. Disqualifications to hold any other office or employment in the government

1. Incompatible office – This include any kind of office or employment in the government, or any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality
thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries during his term. The phrase “Any other office or
employment” includes any position in the government outside of Congress, including ex-officio membership of any non-congressional
body, committee or commission in any guise whatsoever, unless the second office or employment is connected with or in aid of legislative
duties.
2. Forbidden office – This refers to any office created or the emoluments of which have been increased during the term for which he was
elected, not merely during his tenure or period of actual insolvency.

IV. Prohibition against financial interest

1. Appearance as counsel before any court of justice, etc. – A member of congress shall not appear personally as counsel before any
court of justice or before the electoral tribunals or quasi-judicial and other administrative bodies.
2. Financial interest in any contract with the government – He shall not, directly or indirectly, be interested financially in any contract with
the government, etc., during his term of office whether as an individual or as a member of a partnership or as an officer of a corporation.
3. Financial interest in any special privilege by the government – He shall not, directly or indirectly, be interested financially in any
franchise or special privilege granted by the government, etc., during his term of office.
4. Intervention in certain matter – he shall not intervene in any cause or matter before any office of the government for his pecuniary
benefit or where he may be called upon to act on account of his office or to give his vote as member of Congress.

V. Disabilities of members of Constitutional Commission

1. No member of a Constitutional Commission shall, during his tenure, hold any other office or employment.
2. Neither shall he engage in the practice of any profession or in the active management or control of any business which in any way may
be affected by the functions of his office.
3. Nor he shall be financially interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract with, or in any franchise or privilege granted by the
government, any of its subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations or their
subsidiaries.

VI. Prohibition against designation of members of judiciary to administrative positions

Article VIII Section 12
“ The members of the Supreme Court and of other courts established by law shall not be designated to any agency performing quasi-
judicial or administrative functions.”

VII. Prohibition against engaging in partisan political activities

Article IX-B, Section 2, par. 4
“No officer or employee in the civil service shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political campaign.”
Article XVI, Section 5, par. 3
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Summary by Chapter
“Professionalism in the armed forces and other remuneration and benefits of its members shall be a prime concern of the State. The
armed forces shall be insulated from partisan politics.
No member of the military shall engage directly or indirectly in any partisan political activity, except to vote.”

VIII. Prohibition against appointment of elective officials

Article IX, Section 7
“xxx No elective official shall be eligible for appointment or designation in any capacity to any public office or position during his tenure .”

IX. Prohibition against holding more than one position by appointive officials
Article IX-B, Section 7
“Unless otherwise allowed by law or by the primary functions of his position, no appointing official shall hold any other office or
employment in the Government or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, including, government-owned or controlled
corporations or their subsidiaries.”

X. Prohibition against acceptance of any present, etc. from any foreign state
Article IX-B, Section 8
“No elective or appointive public officer or employee shall xxx accept without the consent of the Congress, any present, emolument, office,
or title of any kind from any foreign government.”

XI. Prohibition against receiving additional, double, or indirect compensation

Article IX-B, Section 8
“No elective or appointive public officer or employee shall receive additional, double or indirect compensation, unless specifically
authorized by law xxx.
Pensions and gratuities shall not be considered as additional, double or indirect compensation.”

XII. Prohibition against appointment of members of the armed forces to certain positions
Article XVI, Section 5, par. 4
“No member of the armed forces in the active service shall, at any time, be appointed or designated in any capacity to a civilian position in
the Government including government-owned or controlled corporations or any of their subsidiaries.”

XIII. Prohibition against grant of loan, guaranty, or other form of financial accommodation
Article XI, Section 16
“No loan, guaranty, or other form of financial accommodation for any business purpose may be granted, directly or indirectly, by any
government-owned or controlled bank or financial institution to the President, the Vice-President, the Members of the Cabinet, the
Congress, the Supreme Court, and the Constitutional Commissions, the Ombudsman, or to any firm or entity in which they have
controlling interest, during their tenure.”

B. Prohibitions Under Existing Laws

CESO (PD 807)

Political Activity - No officer or employee in the Civil Service including members of the Armed Forces, shall engage directly or indirectly in
any partisan political activity or take part in any election except to vote nor shall he use his official authority or influence to coerce the
political activity of any other person or body. Nothing herein provided shall be understood to prevent any officer or employee from
expressing his views on current political problems or issues, or from mentioning the names of candidates for public office whom he
supports: Provided, That public officers and employees holding political offices may take part in political and electoral activities but it shall
be unlawful for them to solicit contributions from their subordinates or subject them to any of the acts involving subordinates prohibited in
the Election Code.

Additional or Double Compensation- No elective or appointive public officer or employee shall receive additional or double compensation
unless specifically authorized by law nor accept without the consent of the President, any present, emolument, office, or title of any kind
from any foreign state.

Limitation on Employment of Laborers- Laborers, whether skilled, semi-skilled or unskilled, shall not be assigned to perform clerical duties.

Prohibition on Detail or Reassignment- No detail or reassignment whatever shall be made within three (3) months before any election.

Nepotism - All appointments made in favor of a relative of the appointing or recommending authority, or of the chief of the bureau or office,
or of the persons exercising immediate supervision over him, are hereby prohibited.

LGU Officers
Business and Pecuniary interest

Business transaction with local government unit in which he is an official or employee over which he has the power of supervision, or with
any of its authorized board, official, agents, or attorneys, whereby money is to be [paid or property or any other thing of value is to be
transferred directly or indirectly out of the resources of the LGU unit to such person or firm.

Cockpits
 THE LAW ON PUBLIC OFFICER
(De Leon)
Summary by Chapter
Forfeited real estate in favor of LGU for unpaid taxes or by virtue of a legal process at the instance of the said LGU.

Use of Public property for private purposes

ETC.

Practice of Profession
those members of the Bar
Appear as counsel before any court in any civil and criminal cases case wherein a local LGU or any office, agency or instrumentality is the
adverse party

Collect any fee for their appearance in admin proceedings involving LGU of which he is an official

Use property or personnel of government except when the SB member concerned is defending the interest of the Govt

LGU official in medical profession may exercise profession even during official hours of work during emergencies provided that the
officials concerned do not derive monetary compensation.

Partisan Political Activity

Property in Public Auctions

The following persons cannot acquire by purchase, even at a public or judicial auction, either in person or through the mediation of
another:

(1) The guardian, the property of the person or persons who may be under his guardianship;

(2) Agents, the property whose administration or sale may have been entrusted to them, unless the consent of the principal has been
given;

(3) Executors and administrators, the property of the estate under administration;
(4) Public officers and employees, the property of the State or of any subdivision thereof, or of any government-owned or controlled
corporation, or institution, the administration of which has been entrusted to them; this provision shall apply to judges and government
experts who, in any manner whatsoever, take part in the sale;
(5) Justices, judges, prosecuting attorneys, clerks of superior and inferior courts, and other officers and employees connected with the
administration of justice, the property and rights in litigation or levied upon an execution before the court within whose jurisdiction or
territory they exercise their respective functions; this prohibition includes the act of acquiring by assignment and shall apply to lawyers,
with respect to the property and rights which may be the object of any litigation in which they may take part by virtue of their profession.
(6) Any others specially disqualified by law.
The prohibitions in the two preceding articles are applicable to sales in legal redemption, compromises and renunciations.

BSP
Outside the interest of the Gov. and Full time monetary board members
Personnel (Anti-Graft and Code of Ethical Standards)

BIR
Unlawful divulgence of trade secrets (PD 1158 sec 269)
Unlawful interest of revenue law enforcers in business. (PD 1158 sec 270)

Anti-Graft
Influencing other public officer to perform an offense in connection with official duties
Requesting or receiving any gift in connection with his official duties
Causing any undue injury to any party
Entering on behalf of the Govt into a contract to the disadvantage of another
Having financial or pecuniary interest in any business which is prohibited by law
Becoming interested for personal gain in any transaction requiring the approval of the board or company
Approving or granting any license or permit in favor of any person known to him to be not qualified or legally entitled to such license

Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards

(a) Public officials and employees shall not, directly or indirectly, have any financial or material interest in any transaction requiring the
approval of their office.
(b) Outside employment and other activities related thereto. - Public officials and employees during their incumbency shall not:
(1) Own, control, manage or accept employment as officer, employee, consultant, counsel, broker, agent, trustee or nominee in any
private enterprise regulated, supervised or licensed by their office unless expressly allowed by law;
(2) Engage in the private practice of their profession unless authorized by the Constitution or law, provided, that such practice will not
conflict or tend to conflict with their official functions; or
(3) Recommend any person to any position in a private enterprise which has a regular or pending official transaction with their office.
 THE LAW ON PUBLIC OFFICER
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Summary by Chapter
These prohibitions shall continue to apply for a period of one (1) year after resignation, retirement, or separation from public office, except
in the case of subparagraph (b) (2) above, but the professional concerned cannot practice his profession in connection with any matter
before the office he used to be with, in which case the one-year prohibition shall likewise apply.
(c) Disclosure and/or misuse of confidential information. - Public officials and employees shall not use or divulge, confidential or classified
information officially known to them by reason of their office and not made available to the public, either:
(1) To further their private interests, or give undue advantage to anyone; or
(2) To prejudice the public interest.
(d) Solicitation or acceptance of gifts. - Public officials and employees shall not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity,
favor, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value from any person in the course of their official duties or in connection with any
operation being regulated by, or any transaction which may be affected by the functions of their office.

Divestment (RA 6713, sec 3, f,g,I,j,k)

A public official or employee shall avoid conflicts of interest at all times. When a conflict of interest arises, he shall resign from his position
in any private business enterprise within thirty (30) days from his assumption of office and/or divest himself of his shareholdings or interest
within sixty (60) days from such assumption.
The same rule shall apply where the public official or employee is a partner in a partnership.
The requirement of divestment shall not apply to those who serve the Government in an honorary capacity nor to laborers and casual or
temporary workers.

"Conflict of interest" arises when a public official or employee is a member of a board, an officer, or a substantial stockholder of a private
corporation or owner or has a substantial interest in a business, and the interest of such corporation or business, or his rights or duties
therein, may be opposed to or affected by the faithful performance of official duty.

"Substantial stockholder" means any person who owns, directly or indirectly, shares of stock sufficient to elect a director of a corporation.
This term shall also apply to the parties to a voting trust.

"Divestment" is the transfer of title or disposal of interest in property by voluntarily, completely and actually depriving or dispossessing
oneself of his right or title to it in favor of a person or persons other than his spouse and relatives as defined in this Act.

"Relatives" refers to any and all persons related to a public official or employee within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity,
including bilas, inso and balae.

"Family of public officials or employees" means their spouses and unmarried children under eighteen (18) years of age.
 THE LAW ON PUBLIC OFFICER
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Summary by Chapter
CHAPTER VII: LIABILITIES OF PUBLIC OFFICERS
A. In General

Doctrine of official immunity from liabilities for public officers

The promotion of fearless, vigorous, and effective administration of policies of government. The threat of suit could also deter
competent people from accepting public office.

Official immunity and State immunity distinguished

Official immunity is by protecting the public official in the performance of his government function. It serves as a protective
aegis for public officials from tort liability for damages arising from discretionary acts or functions in the performance of their official duties.

State immunity does not apply in causes of action which do not seek to impose a charge or financial liability against the
government.

Official immunity not absolute. Hence, such immunity shall only apply to the following:

1. Suit to enforce liability for personal torts; and

2. Suit to compel performance of official duty or restrain performance of an act.
Exceptions:
a. A public officer may be sued as such to compel him to do an act required by law;
b. From enforcing a law claimed to be unconstitutional; and
c. The government itself violated its own laws.

Liability based upon and co-extensive with duty

Two Classes of public officers

1. Those whose duty is owing solely to the public; and

2. Those whose duty is owing in some degree to the individuals.

Three-fold responsibility of public officers

1. CIVIL. If individual is damaged by the violation of duty, the officers shall be held liable civilly to reimburse the injured party;
2. CRIMINAL. If the law has attached a penal sanction, the officer may be punished criminally;
3. ADMINISTRATIVE. The violation of disciplinary power may lead to imposition of fine, reprimand, suspension, or removal from office, as
the case maybe.

Criminal and civil cases different from administrative matters

(Criminal and civil cases VS. Administrative matters)

Administrative Cases/Matters Criminal and Civil Cases

Purpose Protection of public service Punishment of crimes
Constitution of the act or Solely administrative May be administrative and criminal
omission
Case administration Does not bar from criminal penalty; Does not foreclose administrative action, if due
to insufficiency of evidence;
Does not bar from filing of criminal information;
Will not necessarily result to liability in the
Double jeopardy does not apply administrative case
Prejudicial Question Not applicable

Proceedings against public officers

1. Evidence and procedure

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Substantial evidence – such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.

2. Right to be informed of findings and recommendations of an investigating committee.

3. Object of administrative proceedings.
4. Right to counsel.
5. Effect of death.

Administrative liability incurred in a previous term by an elective official

1. Re-election operates as electorate condonation of a previous misconduct

Condonation Rule – applied regardless of the date of filing of the administrative complaint as long as the wrongdoing was
committed prior to the date of re-election.

2. Condonation does not extend to reappointed coterminous employees.

3. Re-election does not extinguish criminal or civil liability
The rule that “when the people have elected a man to his office it must be assumed that they did this with knowledge
of his life and character and that they disregarded or forgave his faults or misconduct if he had been guilty of any” - refers only to
an action for removal from office and does not apply to criminal case.

B. Civil Liability

Requisites for recovery of damages arising from acts of public officers

Two things that must concur in order to create the right of action:

1. Damage to himself; and

2. A wrong or violation of the right of a party committed by the other.

Effect of contributory negligence of injured party

Rule: Public officers should be held to a faithful performance of their official duties, and made to answer in damages to all
persons who may have been injured through their malfeasance, omission or negligence.

Liability of the President for Official Acts

1. Civil responsibility
2. Criminal Liability
3. Liability for Damages

Liability of other Executive Officials for Official Acts

Government officials performing discretionary functions generally are shielded from liability for civil damages insofar as their conduct
does not violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights which any reasonable person would have known.

Reasons for immunity

a. Immunity is necessary because the imposition of monetary costs for mistakes which were not unreasonable in the light of all
circumstances would undoubtedly deter the most conscientious governmental decision maker from exercising his judgment
independently, forcefully and in a matter best serving the long-term interest of the public
b. Officials with broad range of duties and authority must often act swiftly and firmly at the risk that an action deferred will be futile
or constitute virtual abdication of office.

Liability of Legislative Officials for Official Acts

Members of the Congress are not only exempt from general liability but certain special privileges are accorded them by the Constitution.

Reasons for immunity

Members of public legislative bodies are chosen to enact such laws and regulations or rules of conduct as in their judgment best suited to
the welfare and prosperity of the people within their jurisdiction. The performance of this duty is owing to the public and not to individuals.

Liability of Members of the Judiciary for Official Acts

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1. Reasons for immunity
a. The necessary result of the liability would be to occupy the judge’s time and mind with the defense of his own
interests, when he should be giving them up wholly to his public duties, thereby defeating to some extent the very
purpose for which his office was created.
b. The effect of putting the judge on his defense as wrongdoer necessarily is to lower the estimation in which his office
is held by the public, and any adjudication against him lessens the weight of his subsequent decisions.
c. The civil responsibility of the judge would often be an incentive to dishonest instead of honest judgments, and would
invite him to consult public opinion and public prejudices when he ought to be wholly above and uninfluenced by
them.
d. Such civil responsibility would constitute a serious obstruction to justice, in that it would render essential a large
increase in the judicial force, not only as it would multiply litigation, but as it would open each case to endless
controversy. If one judge can be tried for his judgment, the one who presides on the trial may also be tried for his,
and thus the process may go on until it becomes intolerable.
e. Where the judge is really deserving of condemnation, a prosecution at the instance of the state is a much more
effectual method of bringing him to account than the private suit.
f. Judicial offices would never be accepted by any man of standing, reputation or financial worth, if at the peril of his
fortune, he must justify his judgments to the satisfaction of another judge at the instance of a dissatisfied litigant.
2. Liability for rendering an unjust judgment
3. Liability for gross ignorance of law and incompetence
4. Quantum of proof necessary to support administrative charges

Liability of Quasi-judicial Officers for Official Acts

1. Nature of functions
2. Reasons for Immunity
3. Liability for ministerial acts

Liability of Ministerial Officers for Official Acts

1. General Rule
Purely Ministerial Act or Duty – an act which an officer or tribunal performs in a given state of facts, in a prescribed manner,
in obedience to the mandate of the legal authority, without regard to the exercise of his own judgment upon the propriety or
impropriety of the act done.

2. Requisites for liability

3. Liability where officer also acts extra-judicially

Kinds of Liability of Ministerial Officer

1. Nonfeasance or the neglect or refusal, without sufficient excuse, to perform an act which it was the officer’s legal duty to the
individual to perform;
2. Misfeasance or the failure to use, in the performance of a duty owing to an individual, that degree of care, skill and diligence
which the circumstances of the case reasonably demand; and
3. Malfeasance or the doing, either through ignorance, inattention or malice, of that which the officer has no legal right to do at all,
as where he acts without any authority whatever, or exceeds, ignores or abuses his powers.

Liability of Superior Officer for Acts of Subordinates

1. General Rule
2. Exceptions
a. Where, being charged with the duty of employing or retaining his subordinates, he negligently or willfully employs or
retains unfit or improper persons; or
b. Where, being charge with the duty to see that they are appointed or qualified in a proper name, he negligently or
willfully fails to require them the due conformity to the prescribe regulations; or
c. Where he so carelessly or negligently oversees, conducts or carries on the business of his office as to furnish the
opportunity for the default; or
d. A fortiori, where he has directed, authorized or cooperated in the wrong; or
e. Where liability is expressly provided in the statute.
3. Other Exceptions

Liability of Subordinates
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1. Same rules as those applicable to officers of higher rank
2. Where acts done pursuant to orders or instructions

Liability for Tortious Acts

1. Acts done within scope of official authority

2. Acts done without or in excess of official authority

Liability under the Civil Code

1. For failure or neglect to perform official duty

2. For violating rights and liberties of private individuals
a. Freedom of Religion;
b. Freedom of speech;
c. Freedom to write to the press or to maintain a periodical publication;
d. Freedom from arbitrary or illegal detention;
e. Freedom of suffrage;
f. The right against deprivation of property without due process of law;
g. The right to a just compensation when private property is taken for public use;
h. The right to the equal protection of laws;
i. The right to be secure in one’s person, house, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures;
j. The liberty of abode and of changing the same;
k. The privacy of communication and correspondence;
l. The right to become a member of association or societies for purposes not contrary to law;
m. The right to take part in a peaceful assembly to petition the government for redress of grievances;
n. The right to be free from involuntary servitude in any form;
o. The right of the accused against excessive bail;
p. The right of the accused to be heard by himself and counsel, to be informed of the nature and cause of the
accusation against him, and to have a speedy and public trial, to meet witnesses face to face, and to have
compulsory process, to secure the attendance of witness in his behalf;
q. Freedom from being compelled to be a witness against one’s self, or from being forced to confess guilt, or from
being induced by a promise of immunity or reward to make such confession, except when the person confessing
becomes a state witness;
r. Freedom from excessive fines, or cruel and unusual punishment, unless the same is imposed or inflicted with the
statute which has not been judicially declared unconstitutional; and
s. Freedom of access to the courts

3. For failure to render aid or protection to a person

Liability on Contract Executed in behalf of the Government

The general rule is that a public officer within the scope of his authority and in his official capacity is not personally liable on contracts
executed in behalf of the government

Liability for Unexplained Wealth

1. Republic Act No. 1379 (Forfeiture of Unexplained Wealth Act) declares the forfeiture in favor of the state of any property found
to have been unlawfully acquired by any public official or employee
2. On the other hand, R.A. No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) penalizes certain acts (enumerated in Section 2
thereof) of public officers and private persons alike which constitute graft or corrupt practices or which may lead thereto.

Liability of Accountable Officers to the Government

1. Bond requirement
2. Primary and secondary responsibility
3. General liability for unlawful expenditures
4. Measure of liability of accountable officers
5. Liability for acts done by direction of superior officers

C. CRIMINAL LIABILITY

Generally: No public officer, however high his position, is above the law; all may be punished for criminal acts.
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Crimes Peculiar to Certain Public Officers

1. Revised Penal Code

a. Malfeasance and misfeasance in office;
b. Frauds and illegal exactions and transactions;
c. Malversation of public funds or property;
d. Infidelity of public officers; and
e. Other offenses and irregularities committed by public officers which include disobedience, refusal of assistance,
maltreatment of prisoners, prolongation and abandonment of the duties and powers of public office, usurpation of
powers, and unlawful appointments.
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CHAPTER VIII: TERMINATION OF OFFICIAL RELATIONS

A. Specifically

Modes of termination of official relations

The authority and duties imposed by the office may be terminated by any of the following ways:
1. Expiration of the term of tenure of office

2. Reaching the age limit

3. Death or permanent disability

4. Resignation

5. Acceptance of incompatible office

6. Abandonment of office

7. Prescription of right to office

8. Removal

9. Impeachment

10. Abolition of office

11. Conviction of a crime

12. Recall

B. Natural Causes

By expiration of term of office- unless he is authorized by law to hold over, his rights, duties and authority as a public officer
must ipso facto cease.

Term- when used in reference to the tenure of office means ordinarily a fixed and definite time prescribed by law or the Constitution
by which an officer may hold an office.

Expiration of tenure - is the right of the occupant himself to hold the office which is terminated.

Removal and Expiration of term Distinguished

1. Where term of office not fixed by law and incumbent is relieved by appointing authority, legal effect is the same as if term has been fixed
by Congress itself.

2. Where appointment is for a definite and renewable period, non-renewable thereof does not involve dismissal but an expiration of term.

Term and tenure distinguished

Term means the time during which the officer may claim to hold office as of right and fixes the interval after which several incumbents
shall succeed one another.

Tenure represents the period during which the incumbent actually holds the office.

Commencement of terms of office

1. Date for commencement is fixed for some appreciable period after the election or appointment.

2. When there is no time fixed, term will generally begin on the date of election, in case of elective officers, and the date of the
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appointment where the officer is appointed.
3. Where the term runs “from” a certain date, the day of the date is excluded in the computation.

Power of Congress to fix, shorten, or lengthen term

1. Where term fixed by the Constitution- it is beyond the power of Congress to affect the tenure of such Constitutional Office.

2. Where term not fixed by the Constitution- Congress may fix the terms of officers other than those provided for in the Constitution.

Holding over after expiration of term

1. Where holding over provided by law- the office does not become vacant upon the expiration of the term if there is then no successor
elected and qualified to assume it but the present incumbent will hold office until his successor is elected and qualified, even though it be
beyond the term fixed by law.

2. Where holding over not provided by law- unless such holding over be expressly or impliedly prohibited, incumbent may continue to hold
until someone else is elected and qualifies to assume office.

3. Where Constitution limits term- holding over is not permitted

4. Application of hold-over provision-provision for holding-over applies only where a fixed term is annexed to an office.

5. Purpose of hold-over provision- is to prevent a hiatus in the government pending the time when a successor may be chosen and
inducted into office.

6. Status of hold-over officer- is a de jure officer if his holding over is authorized by law; otherwise he is a de facto officer.

Office Created for the Accomplishment of a Specific Act

Where an office is created, or an officer is appointed for performing a single act or accomplishment of a result, the office
terminates and officer's authority ceases with the accomplishment of the purpose which called it into being.

By Reaching of Age Limit

This mode of terminating official relations results in the compulsory and automatic retirement of a public officer.

By death or permanent Disability

The death of incumbent of an office necessarily renders the office vacant.

Permanent disability covers both physical and mental disability.

C. Acts or Neglect of Officer

By Resignation

A resignation by definition is the formal renunciation or relinquishment of a public office. It implies an expression by the
incumbent in some form, express or implied, of the intention to surrender, renounce, and relinquish his right to the office and its
acceptance by competent and lawful authority.

Forms of resignation

1) Where by law a resignation is required to be made in any particular form that form must be substantially
complied with.
2) Where no such form is prescribed, no particular mode is required, but the resignation may
be made by any method indicative of the purpose. It need not be in writing unless so required by law. It may
be oral or implied by conduct.

What constitutes resignation

1) To constitute resignation of public office, there must be a) an intention to relinquish a part of the term
b)accompanied by the voluntary act of relinquishment, and c) an acceptance by the proper authority.
2) A resignation implies an expression of the incumbent in some form, express or
implied, of the intention to surrender, renounce, and relinquish the office his/her
accompanied by the act of relinquishment.
3) As the intent to relinquish must concur with the overt act of relinquishment, the acts of
the employee before or after the alleged resignation must be considered in determining whether he or
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she, in fact intended to severe his or her employment.
a) A written resignation, delivered to the board to the board or officer authorized
to receive it and fill the vacancy thereby created, is prima facie, but not
conclusive evidence of the intention to relinquish the office. Such resignation must be signed
by the party tendering it.
b) By applying for and receiving retirement benefits, one may be deemed to have
irrevocably resigned from the government service.
c) A voluntary resignation is difficulty to reconcile with the filing of a complaint
for illegal dismissal.

To whom resignation tendered.

The official with whom a resignation of a public office must be filed may be designated by statute. In the
absence of a statutory direction, a public officer should tender to the officer or body having authority to appoint his successor or
to call an election to fill the office.

Necessity of acceptance of resignation.

1) Abandonment unlawful before acceptance.

2) Resignation revocable before acceptance.

Form of acceptance

The acceptance of the resignation may be manifested either by a formal declaration or by the appointment
of a successor. So where the written resignation of the officer, intended to operate as such, was duly written in the proper office without
objection, and was endorsed as his resignation, it was held that this was a sufficient acceptance, if any was required.

\ Withdrawal of resignation.

An immediately effective resignation may be withdrawn before it is acted upon, but not after acceptance. It has
also been held that the resignation of an officer, effective at a future date, may not be withdrawn after the resignation has been
accepted. Accordingly, a public employee is entitled to withdraw a prospective resignation if the employee dies so before its
effective date, before it has been accepted, and before the appointing power acts in reliance on the resignation.

Repudiation of resignation.

1) A resignation is not effective although a successor has already been appointed to take the place of the first incumbent
if said resignation has been transmitted without the officer's consent;
2) The resignation of a public officer procured by fraud or by duress is voidable and may be repudiated; and
3) A resignation given as an alternative to have charges filed against the public officer may be repudiated, for said
resignation cannot be accepted as having given by the officer voluntarily and willingly.

Effect of duress or coercion.

A resignation by an officer charged with misconduct is not given under duress or coercion, though the
appropriate authority has already determined that the officer's alternative is termination, where such authority has the legal authority to
terminate the officer's employment under the particular circumstances, since it is not duress to threaten to do what one has the
legal right to do, or to threaten to take any measure authorized by law and the circumstances of the case.

By acceptance of an incompatible or prohibited office.

1) It is contrary to the policy of the law that the same individual should undertake to perform inconsistent and
incompatible duties. He who, while occupying one office, accepts another incompatible with the first, ipso facto, absolutely vacates the
first office.
2) If the law or Constitution as an expression of public policy forbids the acceptance by a public officer of any office other
than that which he holds, it is not a case of incompatibility but of legal or constitutional prohibition.

When offices incompatible with each other.

Incompatibility is to be found in the character of the officers and their relation to each other, in the subordination
of the functions and duties which attach to them. It exists where:
1) There is conflict in such duties and functions, so that the performance of the duties of one interferes with the
performance of the duties of the other, as to render it improper from consideration of public policy for one person to retain both;
and
2) One is subordinate to the other and is subject in some degree to its supervisory power for obviously in such a
situation where both positions are held by the same person, the design that one acts as a heck on the other would be frustrated; or
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3) The Constitution or the law itself, for reasons of public policy, declares the incompatibility even there is no
inconsistency in the nature and functions of the office. Incompatibility of offices or positions requires the involvement of two
government offices or positions which are held by on individual;

Exceptions to the rule on holding incompatible offices.

1) Where the officer cannot vacate the first office by his own act, upon the principle that he will not be permitted to, thus,
do indirectly what he could not do indirectly, as where the law requires the approval of the provincial board before a municipal official
can resign.
2) Where the first office is held under a different government from that which conferred the second;
3) Where the officer is expressly authorized by law to accept another office; and
4) Where the second office is temporary.

By abandonment of office.

Meaning of abandonment.

Abandonment in law means a voluntary relinquishment of an office by the holder of all right, title or claim thereto
without valid or justifiable reason with the intention of not reclaiming it, or terminating his possession and control thereof.

When there is abandonment of office.

A public office is not deemed property but like any other right or property it may be abandoned.
1) Clear intention to abandon office.
2) Acceptance of another office.
3) Concurrence of overt acts and intention.
4) Failure to discharge duties of office, or to claim or resume it.
5) Acquiescence by the officer.

By prescription of right to office.

A person who claims a right to a public office occupied by another may bring an action determine by what authority
the latter assumes to hold and exercise the office in question and ascertain who is entitled to it.

1) Prescriptive period for filing petition for quo warranto. - Under the Rules of Court, the proceeding of quo warranto is the
proper and appropriate remedy against public officer or employee for his ouster from office which should be commenced within one year
after the cause of such ouster or the right of the plaintiff to hold such position arose.

2) Rationale for the one-year period- The rationale is that title to public office should not be subjected to uncertainties but
should be determined as speedily as possible. Consequently, the period runs even when there is no person as yet appointed to succeed
in the position and even during the pendency of a motion for reconsideration in the administrative level/

3) Non-compliance of prescriptive period- Exceptional circumstances attending, however, may justify the non-application of the
prescriptive period enunciated above in order to grant relief that will serve the ends of justice. Thus, failure to file quo warranto
proceedings does not operate adversely against a dismissed government employee where it was the repeated assurance of responsible
government officials which contributed to the delay on the filing of the complaint for reinstatement.

D. ACTS OF THE GOVERNMENT R THE PEOPLE

Removal – entails the ouster of an incumbent before the expiration of his term. It implies that the office exists after the ouster. Another
term used is dismissal

What constitutes removal?

1. Appointment to another office

2. Transfer to another office
3. Demotion- the lowering of position with a lower rate of compensation is also equivalent to removal if no cause is shown for it when it is
not a part of any disciplinary action. It is defined as the movement from one position to another involving the issuance of an appointment
with diminution in duties, responsibilities, status or rank which may or may not involve reduction in salary.
4. Reassignment- a reassignment in good faith and in the interest of the serve is permissible and valid even with the employee's prior
consent. It is defined as the movement of an employee from organization unit to another in the department or agency which does not
involve a reduction in rank, status or salary and does not require the issuance of an appointment.
5. Constructive removal or dismissal – is defined as a quitting because continued employment is rendered impossible, unreasonable or
unlikely, as when there is demotion in rank or of pay. It exists when an act of clear discrimination, insensibility or disdain by an employer
or superior becomes unbearable to the employee, leaving him with no option but to forego his continued employment. Hence, the
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employee is deemed to have been illegally dismissed. This may occur although there is no diminution or deduction of salary. It may be a
transfer from one position of dignity to a more servile or menial job.

Power of removal of the President.

The Constitution contains no provision expressly vesting in the President the power to remove executive officials from their posts.
Nevertheless, the power is possessed by him, as it is implied from any of the following:

1. from his power to appoint

2. from the nature of the executive power exercised by the President, the power to remove being executive in nature
3. from the President's duty to execute the laws
4. from the President's control of all departments, bureaus and offices
5. from the provision that no officer or employee in the Civil Service shall be removed or suspended except for cause provided by
law.
Extent of the President's power of removal.

1. With respect to non-career officers exercising purely executive functions whose tenure is not fixed by law (i.e. members of the
Cabinet), the President may remove them with or without cause and Congress may not restrict such power.
2. With respect to officers exercising quasi-legislative or quasi-judicial functions.
3. With respect to constitutional officers removable only by means of impeachment and judges of lower courts, they are not
subject to the removal power of the President.
4. With respect to civil service officers, the President may remove them only for cause as provided by law
5. With respect to any officer or employee holding temporary, provisional or acting appointments, the President may remove them
at his pleasure with or without cause.
6. With respect to officers holding public offices created by aw where i9t is provided that they shall hold office at the pleasure of
the President their replacement is not a removal but a mere expiration of the terms of office; but with respect to officers holding
public offices created by aw which authorizes the President to remove officers at pleasure, the President may remove them
only for cause if they belong to the civil serviced in view of the requirement of the Constitution
7. With respect to those whose appointments were made on bases other than those of the usual test of merit and fitness utilized
for the career service, their tenure is co-terminus with that of the appointing authority or subject to his pleasure.
8. With respect to local elective officials, see infra

Grounds for remove or suspension under the Constitution

1. Member of Congress – each house may punish its members for disorderly behaviour and with the concurrence of 2/3 of all its
members, suspend or expel a member. A penalty of suspension, when imposed shall not exceed 60 days.
2. The President, the Vice-President, the Members of the Supreme Court, the members of the Constitutional Commissions, and
the Ombudsman- they may be removed from office, on impeachment for and conviction of, culpable violation of the
Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust.
3. Member of the judiciary-they shall hold office during good behaviour until they reach the age of 70 years or become
incapacitated to discharge the duties of their office.
4. Civil service officers or employees-they shall not be removed or suspended except for cause provided by law.

Grounds for disciplinary action under the Local Government Code.

1. Disloyalty to the Republic of the Philippines

2. Culpable violation of the Constitution
3. Dishonesty, oppression, misconduct in office and neglect of duty
4. Commission of any offense involving moral turpitude or an offense punishable by at least prision mayor.
5. Abuse of authority
6. Unauthorized absence for fifteen (15) consecutive working days except in the case of members of the Sanggunian
panlalawigan, Sanggunian panglunsod, Sanggunian Bayan and Sanggunian barangay, and
7. Application for, or acquisition of, foreign citizenship or residence or the status of an immigrant of another country
8. Such other ground as may be provided in the Codes and other laws.

Grounds for disciplinary action under the Civil Service Law

1. Dishonesty
2. Oppression
3. Neglect of duty
4. Misconduct
5. Disgraceful and immoral conduct
6. Being notoriously undesirable
7. Discourtesy in the course of official duties
8. Inefficiency and incompetence in the performance of official duties
9. Receiving for personal use a fee, or other valuable thing in the course of official duties or in connection therewith when such is
given by any person in the hope or expectation of receiving a favour or better treatment than that accorded other persons, or
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committing acts punishable under the anti-graft laws
10. Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude
11. Improper or unauthorized solicitation of contribution from subordinate employees and by teachers or school officials from
school children
12. Violation of existing Civil Service Law and rules or reasonable office regulations
13. Falsification of official documents
14. Frequent unauthorized absences or tardiness in reporting for duty, loafing or frequent unauthorized absences from duty during
regular office hours.
15. Habitual drunkenness
16. Gambling prohibited by aw
17. Refusal to perform official duty or render overtime service
18. Disgrace, immoral or dishonest conduct prior to entering the service
19. Physical or mental incapacity or disability due to immoral or vicious habits
20. Borrowing money by superior officers from subordinates or lending by subordinates to superior officers
21. Lending money at usurious rates of interest
22. Wilful failure to pay just debts or wilful failure to pay taxes due to the government
23. Contracting loans of money or other property from persons with whom the office of the employee concerned has business
relations
24. Pursuit of private business, vocation or profession without the permission required by Civil Service rules and regulations
25. Insubordination
26. Engaging, directly or indirectly, in partisan political activities by one holding non-political office
27. Conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service
28. lobbying for personal interest or gain in legislative halls and offices without authority
29. Promoting the sale of tickets in behalf of private enterprises that are not intended for charitable or public welfare purposes and
even in the latter cases if there is no prior authority
30. Nepotism

Nepotism.

The Civil Service Decree prohibits all appointments in the national and local governments or any branch or instrumentality thereof,
including government-owned or controlled corporations, made in favour of a relative of the:

1. appointing authority
2. recommending authority
3. chief o the bureau or office
4. person exercising immediate supervision over the appointee

The following are exempted from the operation of the rule of nepotism:

1. persons employed in a confidential capacity

2. teachers
3. physicians
4. member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

Grounds for disciplinary action under the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards

1. Directly or indirectly having financial and material interest in any transaction requiring the approval of his office
2. owning, controlling, managing or accepting employment as officer, employee, consultant, counsel, broker, agent, trustee, or
nominee in any private enterprise regulated, supervised or licenses by his office, unless expressly allowed by law
3. engaging in the private practice of his profession unless authorized by the Constitution, law or regulation, provided that such
practice will not conflict or tend to conflict with his official functions
4. recommending any person to any position in a private enterprise which has a regular or pending official transaction with hi \s
office, unless such recommendation or referral is mandated by :
A. law
B. international agreements,
C. commitment and obligation
5. disclosing or misusing confidential or classified information officially known to him by reason of his office and not made
available to the public, to further his private interests or give advantage to anyone, or to prejudice the public interest
6. soliciting or accepting, directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, favour, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value which in
the course of his official duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by or any transaction which may be affected
by the functions of his office
7. obtaining or using any statement filed under the Code for any purpose contrary to morals or public policy or any commercial
purpose other than by news and communications media for dissemination to the general public
8. unfair discrimination in rendering public service due to party affiliation or preference
9. disloyalty to the Republic of the Philippines and to the Filipino people
10. failure to act promptly on letters and request within fifteen (15) days from receipt, except as otherwise provided in the
Implementing Rules
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11. failure to process documents and compete action on documents and papers within a reasonable time from preparation thereof,
except as otherwise provided in the Implementing Rues
12. failure to attend to anyone who wants to avail himself of the services of the office or to act promptly and expeditiously on public
personal transactions
13. failure to file swoon statements of assets, liabilities and net worth, and disclosure of business interests and financial
connections
14. failure to resign from his position in the private business enterprise with thirty (30) days from assumption of public office when
conflict of interest arises, and/or failure to divest himself of his shareholding or interests in private business enterprise within
sixty (60) days from such assumption of public office when conflict of interest arises.

Administrative investigation of elective local officials

1. Form and filing of administrative complaints. A verified complaint against local elective officials shall be prepared as follows:
A. a complaint against any elective official of a province, a highly urbanized city, an independent component city, or component city shall
be filed before the Office of the President
B. a complaint against any elective official of municipality shall be filed before the Sanggunian Panlalawigan whose decision may be
appealed to the Office of the President
C. a complaint against any elective barangay official shall be filed before the Sanggunian Panlungsod or Sanggunian Bayan whose
decision shall be final and executory
2. Notice of hearing
3. Preventive suspension- it may be imposed:
A. by the President, if the respondent is an elective official of a province, a highly urbanized city or an independent component city
B. by the governor, if the respondent is an elective official of a component city or municipality
C. by the mayor, if the respondent is an elective official of the barangay
4. Salary of the respondent pending suspension
5. rights of respondent
6. form and notice of decision
7. administrative appeals – decisions in admin cases may within thirty (30) days from receipt thereof, be appealed to the following:
a. Sanggunian panlalawigan, in the case of decisions of the Sanggunian panlungsod of component cities and the Sanggunian Bayan
B. the Office of the President in the case of decisions of the Sanggunian panlalawigan and the Sanggunian panlungsod of highly
urbanized cities and independent component cities
8. execution pending appeal

The provisions of AO 23 are given below:

1. how initiated
2. where complaint filed
A copy of the complaint shall be furnished to each of the following:
A. the office of the Governor in the case of component cities
B. the Metropolitan Manila Authority in the case of cities and municipalities in Metro Manila
C. the DILG in all cases
3. Notice
4. Where answer filed
A copy of the answer shall be furnished to each of the following:
A. the complainant
B. the office of the Governor in the case of component cities
C. the Metropolitan Manila Authority in the case of cities and municipalities in Metropolitan Manila
d. DILG in all cases
5. commencement of preliminary investigation
6. evaluation
7. dismissal motu proprio
8. 90-day ban
9. power to suspend- preventive suspension may be imposed by the Disciplining Authority in cases where the respondent is an
elective officials of the following LGUs:
A. provinces
B. highly urbanized cities
C. independent component cities
D. cities or municipalities in Metropolitan Manila
10. 90-day ban
11. Grounds
12. Duration
13. automatic reinstatement
14. salary of respondent pending suspension
15. formal investigation
16. termination of final investigation
17. rendition of decision
18. finality of decision
19. execution pending appeal
 THE LAW ON PUBLIC OFFICER
(De Leon)
Summary by Chapter
20. penalty
21. suspension
22. removal
23. executive clemency

Disciplinary action against appointive local officials and employees.

1) Administrative discipline – Investigation and adjudication of administrative complaints against appointive local officials and
employees as well as their suspension and removal shall be in accordance with the civil service law and rules and other pertinent laws.
The results of such administrative investigations shall be reported to the Civil Service Commission.

2) Preventive Suspension.

(a) The local chief executives may preventively suspend for a period not exceeding sixty (60) days any subordinate
official or employee under his authority pending investigation if the charge against such official or employee involves dishonesty,
oppression or grave misconduct or neglect in the performance of duty, or if there is reason to believe that the respondent is guilty
of the charges which would warrant his removal from the service.
(b) Upon expiration of the preventive suspension, the suspended official or employee shall be automatically reinstated in
office without prejudice to the continuation of the administrative proceedings against him until its termination. If the delay in the
proceedings of the case is due to the fault, neglect or request of the respondent, the time of the delay shall not be counted in
computing the period of suspension herein provided.

3) Administrative investigation – In any local government unit, administrative investigation may be conducted by a person or committee
duly authorized by the local chief executive. Said person or committee shall conduct hearings on the cases brought against appointive
local officials and employees and submit their findings and recommendations to the local chief executive concerned within fifteen (15)
days from the conclusion of the hearings. The administrative cases herein mentioned shall be decided within ninety (90) days from the
time the respondent is formally notified of the charges.

4) Disciplinary jurisdiction – Except as otherwise provided by law, the local chief executive may impose the penalty of removal from
service, demotion in rank, suspension for not more than one (1) year without any pay, fine in an amount not exceeding six (6) months'
salary, or reprimand and otherwise discipline subordinate officials and employees under his jurisdiction.

5) Execution pending appeal – An appeal shall not prevent the execution of a decision of removal or suspension of a respondent-
appellant. In case the respondent-appellant is exonerated, he shall be reinstated to his position with all the rights and privileges
appurtenant thereto from the time he had been deprived thereof.

Disciplinary jurisdiction of the Civil Service Commission.

1) Scope- The Civil Service Commission has jurisdiction over all employees of Government branches, subdivisions, instrumentalities, and
agencies including government owned or controlled corporations with original charters. As the Commission on Elections is the “sole judge”
of call election cases and the Commission on Audit, with respect to government accounts, the Civil Service Commission is the single
arbiter of all controversies pertaining to civil service positions in the government service, whether career or non-career.

2) Appellate jurisdiction over administrative disciplinary cases – The CSC shall decide upon appeal all administrative disciplinary
cases involving the imposition of a penalty of suspension for more than thirty (30) days, or fine in an amount exceeding thirty (30) days'
salary, demotion in rank or salary or transfer, removal or dismissal from office.

3) Jurisdiction of heads of departments, agencies and instrumentalities. - The heads of departments, agencies and instrumentalities,
provinces, cities and municipalities shall have jurisdiction to investigate and decide matters involving disciplinary action against officers
and employees under their jurisdiction.

4) Investigation by a regional director or similar official – An investigation may be entrusted to a regional director or similar officials
who shall make the necessary report and recommendation to the chief or bureau or office or department within the period.

5) Execution of decision pending appeal - An appeal shall not stop the decision from being executory in case the penalty is suspension
or removal the respondent shall be considered as having been under preventive suspension during the pendency of the appeal in the
event he wins an appeal.

6) Reconsideration of a final and executory decision not allowed – The CSC has no power or authority to reconsider its decision
which has become final and executory even if the Commission later discovers that its judgment is erroneous.

7) Power to terminate employment; academic freedom of institutions of higher learning. - As corporate entities, educational
institutions of higher learning are inherently endowed with the right to establish their policies, academic and otherwise, unhampered by
external controls more pressure.
 THE LAW ON PUBLIC OFFICER
(De Leon)
Summary by Chapter
*skipped these parts. Not enough time.*
 Appeal by “party adversely affected by the decision.”
 Withdrawal of complaint against respondent.
 Cessation from office of respondent.
 Procedure in administrative cases against non-Presidential appointees.

APPEAL TO THE PRESIDENT

1. Period to Appeal
2. Appeal, how taken
3. Appeal fee
4. Transmittal of record
5. Perfection of Appeal
6. Period to file appeal memorandum
7. Appeal Memorandum
8. Non-compliance with requirements
9. Stay of execution
10. Action to appeal
11. Comment
12. Submission of resolution
13. Memorandum decision
14. Finality of decision
15. Executory nature of decision
16. Withdrawal of Appeal
17. Delegation of Authority
18. Limitation of appeals
19. Application of Rules of Court

MERIT SYSTEM PROTECTION BOARD

Composition:
1. Commissioner
2. Two Associated Commissioner

1. Power and Function

2. Appellate jurisdiction of the Civil Service Commission

PREVENTIVE SUSPENSION
1. Kinds
a. Preventive suspension pending investigation
b. Preventive suspension pending appeal
2. Preventive suspension pending investigation
3. Right to compensation where employee is exonerated
4. Preventive suspension pending appeal
5. Suspension from office under section 13 of RA No. 3019
6. Pre-condition for suspension
7. Duration of suspension
8. In the case of members of the Philippine National Police
9. In the case of local elective officials
10. In the case of presidential appointees and other elective officials
11. Where suspension imposed by Ombudsman
12. Prior notice and hearing not required
13. Members of Congress covered by RA No. 3019

SUSPENSION AND REMOVAL DISTINGUISHED

1. As to duration
2. As to nature
3. As to time of imposition

SCHEDULE OF ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES

 THE LAW ON PUBLIC OFFICER
(De Leon)
Summary by Chapter
A. PENALTIES FOR GRAVE OFFENSES

1. Dismissal
a. Dishonesty
b. Gross neglect of duty
c. Grave misconduct
d. Being notoriously undesirable
e. Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude
f. Falsification of official documents
g. Physical or mental incapacity or disability due to vicious habits
h. Engaging, directly or indirectly, in partisan political activities by one holding non-political office
I. Receiving for personal use of a fee, gift or other valuable thing
j. Contracting loans of money or other property from persons with whom the office of the employee has business relations
k. Soliciting or accepting directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, favour, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value
l. Disloyalty to the Republic of the Philippine and to the Filipino people

2. Suspension from six months and one day to one year for the first offense and dismissal for the second offense.
a. Oppression
b. Disgraceful and immoral conduct
c. Inefficiency and incompetence in the performance of official duties
d. Frequent unauthorized absences or tardiness in reporting for duty, loafing or frequent unauthorized absences from duty during office
hours
e. Refusal to perform official duty
f. Gross insubordination
g. Conduct grossly prejudicial to the best interest of the service
h. Directly or indirectly having financial and material interest in any transaction requiring the approval of his office
I. Owning, controlling, managing or accepting employment as officer, employee, consultant, counsel, broker, agent, trustee, etc.
j. Engaging in the private practice of his profession unless authorized by the Constitution
k. Disclosing or misusing confidential or classified information officially known to him
l. Obtaining or using any statements filed under the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards

B. Penalties for Less Grave Offenses

1. Suspension from one month and one day to six months for the first offense and dismissal for the second offense.
a. Simple neglect of duty
b. Simple misconduct
c. Gross discourtesy in the course of official duties
d. Gross violation of existing Civil Service Law and rules of serious nature
e. Insubordination
f. Habitual drunkenness
g. Nepotism
h. Recommending any person to any position in private enterprise which has a regular or pending official transactions with his
office
I. Unfair discrimination
j. Failure to file sworn statements of assets, liabilities and net worth
k. Failure to resign from his position in the private business enterprise within 30 days from assumption of public office

C. PENALTIES FOR LIGHT OFFENSES

1. Reprimand for the first offense, suspension from one day to thirty days for the second offense, and dismissal for the third offense
a. Neglect of Duty
b. Discourtesy in the course of official duties
c. Improper or unauthorized solicitation of contributions from subordinate employees
d. Violation of reasonable office rules and regulations
e. Gambling prohibited by law
f. Refusal to render overtime service
g. Disgraceful, immoral or dishonest conduct prior to entering the service
h. Borrowing money by superior officers from subordinates
I. Lending money at usurious rate of interest
j. wilful failure to pay just debts or wilful failure to pay taxes due the government
k. Pursuit of private business, vocation or profession without permission required by Civil
Service rule and regulations
l. Lobbying for personal interest or gain in legislative halls and offices without authority
m. Promoting the sale of tickets in behalf of private enterprise
n. Failure to act promptly on letters and requests within 15 days from receipt
o. Failure to process documents and complete action on documents and papers within a
reasonable time
 THE LAW ON PUBLIC OFFICER
(De Leon)
Summary by Chapter
p. Failure to attend to anyone who wants to avail himself of the services of the offices

D. PENALTIES AND DETERMINATION OF PENALTIES

1. For offenses under Presidential Decree No. 807

2. For offenses under RA No. 6713
3. In determination of penalties to be imposed, mitigating and aggravating circumstances may be considered
E. ACCESSORY PENALTIES

1. The penalty of dismissal shall carry with-it that of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of leave credits and the retirement
benefits, and the disqualification s for re-employment in the government service.

2. The penalty of forced resignation shall carry with it that of forfeiture of leave credits and retirement benefits, and the
disqualification for employment in the government service for a period of one year.

3. The accessory penalties can still be imposed on a government official notwithstanding the impossibility of affecting the
principal penalty of dismissal because of his earlier removal from office.

F. REMOVAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES OR DISABILLITIES

The Sandiganbayan

1. Cases subject to its jurisdiction

2. Officials and private individuals subject to its jurisdiction
3. Jurisdiction of ordinary courts

The Ombudman

1. Power, functions, and duties of the Ombudsman

2. Officials subject to Ombudsman disciplinary authority

By Impeachment

1. Impeachable officials
2. Power to initiate and to try impeachment cases

Meaning and purposes of impeachment

1. Impeachment has been defined as a method of national inquest into the conduct of public men
2. Its purpose is to protect the people from official delinquencies or malfeasance\

By abolition of office

1. Authority with power to abolish

2. Abolition of office even during term of incumbent

What Constitute abolition

Removal from office and termination by abolition of an office distinguished

Abolition must not constitute removal without cause

1. Right to public office not absolute
2. where abolition done in bad faith
3. Requisites of valid abolition
4. Instances of valid abolition

Termination through reorganization

1. Based on a valid purpose and done in good faith
2. Instances of invalid reorganization

By conviction of a crime

What constitutes conviction?

Effects of pardon
 THE LAW ON PUBLIC OFFICER
(De Leon)
Summary by Chapter
By recall

Purpose and nature of the power of recall

1. Effective speedy remedy for removal

2. Political in nature involving exercise of judicial functions
3. Essentially the power of removal exercised by the people themselves

Recall of local elective officials

1. By whom exercised
2. Initiation of the recall process
3. Election on recall
4. Effectivity of recall
5. Probation from resignation
6. Limitation on recall