tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59156882098935540172024-03-13T07:35:19.101+08:00Philippine News, Facts and FiguresNews stories from the Philippines and all other important information about the Philippine islands.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2672125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-57150941720529137172024-02-10T08:44:00.001+08:002024-02-10T08:44:18.261+08:00Bohol News Update<div dir="auto">News story from Bohol, Philippines<div dir="auto"><a href="https://bohol.news/2024/02/10/bohol-provincial-government-gives-p210000-to-pilar-for-foundation-day/">https://bohol.news/2024/02/10/bohol-provincial-government-gives-p210000-to-pilar-for-foundation-day/</a><br></div></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-91902205131729049652023-11-25T14:40:00.000+08:002023-11-25T14:41:10.423+08:00Court Decision in Bohol<div dir="auto"><table width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:13px"><tbody><tr height="14px"><td width="143"><br></td><td align="right"></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:13px" dir="auto"><table width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tbody></tbody></table><table width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2"><table width="100%" cellpadding="12" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tbody><tr><td><div><font size="-1"><div dir="ltr"><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Republic of the Philippines</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF BOHOL</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">7</span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">th </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Judicial Region</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">Branch 2</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">City of Tagbilaran</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">LARRY M. PAMUGAS,</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Petitioner,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">-versus-</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">ERICO ARISTOTLE AUMENTADO </span></b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">in</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">his capacity as Governor of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Provincial Government of Bohol and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">LEONCIO EVASCO, JR., SUCESO</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">ARCAMO, MACARIO DELUSA, DAN</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">LIM and </span><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">EMMANUEL "WILLY"</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">RAMASOLA </span></b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">in their capacity as</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Boa rd of Di rectors of the Office of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Governance Accountability and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Review (OGAR),</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Respondents.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:15.5pt;font-family:'timesnewromanpsmt','sans-serif'">x-------------------------1</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">DECISION</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">CIVIL CASE NO. 9916</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">For:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">CERTIORARI,</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">PROHIBITION AND</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">INJUNCTION WITH</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">PRAYER FOR</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">TEMPORARY</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">RESTRAINING ORDER</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">AND/OR WRIT OF</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">PRELIMINARY</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">INJUNCTION</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">This is a Special Civil Action for CERTIORARI, PROHIBITION AND</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">INJUNCTION against two (2) EXECUTIVE ORDERS issued by Bohol Provincial</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Governor ERICO ARISTOTLE AUMENTADO, namely:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">1. Executive Order No. 2 dated July 30, 2022, entitled "Establishing the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Office of Governance, Accountability and Review"; and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">2. Executive Order No. 2-A dated December 16, 2022 entitled</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">"Expanding the Coverage of the Office of Governance, Accountability</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and Review".</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Before the court, however can embark to resolve the main issues in</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the instant petition, it is confronted with procedural issues raised by the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Respondents as follows:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">THAT PETITION FOR CERTIORARI AND PROHIBITION IS NOT PROPER</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Respondents at the outset alleged that the Petition for CERTIORARI</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">AND PROHIBITION is not the appropriate legal remedy for the issues raised</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">in this case; that the Local Chief Executive's office is not a judicial or quasi</span><i><span style="font-size:49pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'"></span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:9pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">2</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">judicial body subject to questioning via the special civil action for certiorari</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">or prohibition; and that the correct procedure is by Petition for Declaratory</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Relief. The petitioner claims otherwise.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Accordingly, </span><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">the petitioner is not merely requesting the Honorable</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Court to define and clarify his rights and obligations under the assailed</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Executive Order Nos. 2 and 2-A of respondent Governor Aumentado.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Instead, he ultimately seeks for the Honorable Court to declare the same</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">issuances UNCONSTITUTIONAL or NULL AND VOID.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Petitioner also stated that the Supreme Court has repeatedly held</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">that a petition for certiorari and prohibition under Rule 65 of the Rules of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Civil Procedure is the proper remedy available to an aggrieved party not</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">only against acts that are committed with grave abuse of discretion</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction by judicial or quasi-judicial bodies</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">but also by other branches of government, offices, instrumentalities and</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">agencies exercising quasi-legislative functions.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">In certain situations where the petitioner or petitioners therein</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">erroneously resorted to or availed of the remedy of declaratory relief under</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Rule 63 of the Rules of Court, the Supreme Court treated these petitions for</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">certiorari and prohibition owing to the fact that the issues involved are of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">transcendental importance. This buttresses petitioner's respectful assertion</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">that a petition for certiorari and prohibition and not a petition for</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">declaratory relief is the proper remedy availed of and resorted to by</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">petitioner. In gist, petitioner is accusing respondent Governor Aumentado of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">having illegally and unlawfully "usurped legislative authority" which</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">properly belongs to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the province of Bohol.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">In an En Banc Case, the Supreme Court pronounced that: "the writ of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">certiorari or prohibition may be issued to correct errors of jurisdiction</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">committed not only by a tribunal, corporation, board or officer exercising</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">judicial, quasi-judicial or ministerial functions, but also to set right, undo,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">and restrain any act of grave abuse of discretion, amounting to lack or</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">excess of jurisdiction by any branch or instrumentality of the Government,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">even </span></i><i><span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">if </span></i><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">the latter does not exercise judicial, quasi-judicial or ministerial</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">functions. This application is expressly authorized by the text of the second</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">paragraph of Section 1, Article VIII of the 1987 Constitution cited above."</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">1. The Petition failed to show a prima facie existence of grave abuse</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">discretion on the part of Governor Aumetnado in the issuance of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the assailed Executive Orders, much less on the part of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">respondents Evasco, Arcamo, Delusa, Lim and Ramasola when the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">latter acted as designated members of the OGAR.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">3</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">2. The Petition failed to show the existence of an actual case or</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">controversy.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">3. The Petitioner failed to show that he possess the requisite locus</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">standi to file the present petition.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">4. The Petitioner failed to show that the constitutional question</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">herein raised is the very lis mota presented in the controversy.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">5. The Administrative Complaint Against Petitioner in their Individual</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Capacity and as Taxpayers and Concerned Citizens.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">In Yaphockun, et. al. vs. PRC, et.al.G.R. No. 2133141, the Supreme</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Court reiterated its ruling in Araullo vs. Pres. Aquino</span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">2 </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and elaborated thus:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Arau/lo v. Pres. Aquino 111</span></i><i><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">3 </span></i><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">had already clarified that petitions for</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">certiorari and prohibition filed before the Court are appropriate remedies to</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">raise constitutional issues and to review and/or prohibit or nullify the acts of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">legislative and executive officials. These writs may be issued to set right,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">undo and restrain any act of grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">excess of jurisdiction by any branch or instrumentality of the Government,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">even if it does not exercise judiciat quasi-judicial or ministerial functions.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Thus:</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">The respondents' arguments and submissions on the procedural issue</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">are bereft of merit.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Section </span></i><i><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:'timesnewromanps-italicmt','sans-serif'">1, </span></i><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Article VIII of the </span></i><i><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:'timesnewromanps-italicmt','sans-serif'">1987 </span></i><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Constitution expressly provides:</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Section </span></i><i><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:'timesnewromanps-italicmt','sans-serif'">1. </span></i><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">The judicial power shall be vested in one Supreme Court and in</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">such lower courts as may be established by law.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Judicial power includes the duty of the courts of justice to settle</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">actual controversies involving rights which are legally demandable and</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">enforceable, and to determine whether or not there has been a grave abuse</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of any</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">branch or instrumentality of the Government.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">'rhus, the Constitution vests judicial power in the Court and in such</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">lower courts as may be established by law. In creating a lower court,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Congress concomitantly determines the jurisdiction of that court, and that</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">court, upon its creation, becomes by operation of the Constitution one of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">the repositories of judicial power. However, only the Court is a</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5.5pt;font-family:'timesnewromanpsmt','sans-serif'">1 </span><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">G.R. No. 213314 March 23, 2021</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">2 </span><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">G.R. No. 214332 March 23, 2021</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">3 </span><span style="font-size:9pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">737 Phil. 457 (2014).</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:9pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">4</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">constitutionally created court, the rest being created by Congress in its</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">exercise of the legislative power.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">The Constitution states that judicial power includes the duty of the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">courts of justice not only "to settle actual controversies involving rights</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">which are legally demandable and enforceable" but also "to determine</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">whether or not there has been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of any branch or instrumentality of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">the Government." It has thereby expanded the concept of judicial power,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">which up to then was confined to its traditional ambit of settling actual</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">controversies involving rights that were legally demandable and</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">enforceable.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:'timesnewromanps-bolditalicmt','sans-serif'">xxxx</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">What are the remedies by which the grave abuse of discretion</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of any branch or</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">instrumentality of the Government may be determined under the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Constitution?</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">The present Rules of Court uses </span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">two </span><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">special civil actions for</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">determining and correcting grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">excess of jurisdiction. These are the special civil actions for certiorari and</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">prohibition, and both are governed by Rule 65. A similar remedy</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">of certiorari exists under Rule 64, but the remedy is expressly applicable only</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">to the judgments and final orders or resolutions of the Commission on</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Elections and the Commission on Audit.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:'timesnewromanps-bolditalicmt','sans-serif'">xxxx</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Although similar to prohibition in that it will lie for want or excess of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">jurisdiction, certiorari is to be distinguished from prohibition by the fact that</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">it is a corrective remedy used for the re-examination of some action of an</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">inferior tribunal, and is directed to the cause or proceeding in the lower</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">court and not to the court itself, while prohibition is a preventative remedy</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">issuing to restrain future action, and is directed to the court itself xx x</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:'timesnewromanps-bolditalicmt','sans-serif'">xxxx</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">With respect to the Court, however, the remedies of certiorari and</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">prohibition are necessarily broader in scope and reach, </span></i></b><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">and the writ of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">certiorari or prohibition may be issued to correct errors of jurisdiction</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">committed not only by a tribunal, corporation, board or officer exercising</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">judicial, quasi-judicial or ministerial functions but also </span></i><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">to set right, undo</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">and restrain any act of grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">excess of jurisdiction by any branch or instrumentality of the</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">Government, even </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">i </span></i><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">the latter does not exercise ·udicial uasi- ·udicial or</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">5</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">minister/al functions. </span></i></b><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">This application is expressly authorized by the text of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">the second paragraph of Section 1, xx x.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">Thus, petitions for certiorari and prohibition are appropriate</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">remedies to raise constitutional issues and to review and/or prohibit or</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">nullify the acts of legislative and executive officials.</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Necessarily, in discharging its duty under Section 1, x xx, to set right</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">and undo any act of grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">of jurisdiction by any branch or instrumentality of the Government, the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Court is not at all precluded from making the inquiry provided the challenge</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">was properly brought by interested or affected parties. </span></i><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">The Court has been</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">thereby entrusted expressly or by necessary implication with both the</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">duty and the obligation of determining, in appropriate cases, the validity</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">of any assailed legislative or executive action. </span></i></b><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">This entrustment is</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">consistent with the republican system of checks and balances. (citations</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">omitted, emphases and underscoring supplied)</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Accordingly, the special civil action of certiorari may be availed of to</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">invoke the expanded scope of judicial power of the Court although the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">provisions of the Rules of Court on certiorari and prohibition refers to the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">exercise of judicial, quasi-judicial or ministerial functions by a board,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">tribunal or officer.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">It should be emphasized, however, that while the Constitution</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">expressly vested this Court with original jurisdiction over petitions</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">for certiorari, prohibition, and mandamus, among others, such power is</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">shared with the Court of Appeals (CA) and the Regional Trial Courts</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">(RTC). Such concurrence of jurisdiction does not grant litigants unrestrained</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">freedom of choice of the court where application for the writ may be filed.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">There is a hierarchy of courts determinative of the venue of appeals which</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">should also serve as a general determinant of the proper forum for the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">application for the extraordinary writs.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">In Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) v. National</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Telecommunications Commission (NTC), this Court held that if what is being</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">assailed is the validity or constitutionality of a rule or regulation issued by</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">an administrative agency in the performance of its quasi-legislative</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">functions, then the RTC has jurisdiction to pass upon the same. The</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">determination of whether a specific rule or set of rules issued by an</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">administrative agency contravenes the law or the Constitution is within the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">jurisdiction of the RTC. The doctrine of hierarchy of courts directs the parties</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">to file their petitions for extraordinary writs before the appropriate court of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">lower rank. Non-compliance with this requirement is a ground for dismissal</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">of the petition.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">6</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">As a matter of policy, therefore, where the issuance of an</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">extraordinary writ is also within the competence of the CA or the RTC, it is in</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">either of these courts that the specific action for the issuance of the writ</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">must be instituted. Nevertheless, the hierarchy of courts is not an iron-clad</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">rule. As we stressed in The Diocese of Bacolod v. Commission on</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Elections,this Court has ''full discretionary power to take cognizance [of] and</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">assume jurisdiction [over] special civil actions for certiorari </span></i><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">xx x </span></i></b><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">filed directly</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">with it for exceptionally compelling reasons or if warranted by the nature of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">the issues clearly and specifically raised in the petition," such as when what</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">is raised is a pure question of law.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">In the recent case of Gios-Samar, Inc. v. Department of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Transportation and Communications, We clarified that the existence of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">"special and important reasons" is not the decisive factor in deciding</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">whether to grant the plea for this Court's exercise of its original jurisdiction,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">at the first instance, over the issuance of extraordinary writs. It is rather</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">the nature of the question raised by the parties in those exceptions that will</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">enable us to allow a direct action. Further, We declared that strict</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">observance of the doctrine of hierarchy of courts serves the purpose of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">effectively filtering the cases that reach the Court, which should not only</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">meet the requisites of judicial review but also should not involve factual</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">questions indispensable to resolving the legal issue presented. Thus:</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">The doctrine of hierarchy of courts operates to: (1) prevent inordinate</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">demands upon the Court's time and attention which are better devoted to</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">those matters within its exclusive jurisdiction; (2) prevent further</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">overcrowding of the Court's docket; and (3) prevent the inevitable and</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">resultant delay, intended or otherwise, in the adjudication of cases which</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">often have to be remanded or referred to the lower court as the proper</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">forum under the rules of procedure, or as the court better equipped to</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">resolve factual questions.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">The above ruling puts to rest the issue of the propriety of the instant</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">petition. Respondents themselves, in their Comment quoted Art. VIII</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Section 1 of the Constitution stating thus:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Section 1. The judicial power shall be vested in one Supreme Court</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">and in such lower courts as may be established by law.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Judicial power includes the duty of the courts of justice to settle</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">actual controversies involving rights which are legally demandable and</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">enforceable, and to determine whether or not there has been a grave abuse</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">of discretion amounting to Jack or excess of </span></i><b><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">jurisdiction on the part of any</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">branch or instrumentality of the Government.</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:8pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">7</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">By so stating, respondents have practically conceded to the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">correctness of the instant Petition as the above disquisition upheld the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Petitioner's contention. There is therefore no need for further elaboration</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">on the matter as the court now proceeds to tackle the other procedural</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">issues raised ..</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">PETITION FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE JUDICIAL</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">REVIEW</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">BE THAT AS IT MAY, Respondents claim that the present Petition</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">failed to comply with all the requirements of the exercise of judicial review</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">because:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">1. The Petition failed to show a prima facie existence of grave abuse</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">discretion on the part of Governor Aumentado in the issuance of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the assailed Executive Orders, much less on the part of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">respondents Evasco, Arcamo, Delusa, Lim and Ramasola when the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">latter acted as designated members of the OGAR.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">2. The Petition failed to show the existence of an actual case or</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">controversy.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">3. The Petitioner failed to show that he possesses the requisite locus</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">standi to file the present petition.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">4. The Administrative Complaint Against Petitioner in their Individual</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Capacity and as Taxpayers and Concerned Citizens.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Respondents alleged that for grave abuse of discretion to exist in the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">exercise or in the performance of a governmental act, it is incumbent upon</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the Petitioner to establish a "capricious or whimsical exercise of judgment"</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">on the part of Respondents Evasco, Arcamo, Delusa, Lim and Ramasola</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">"that is patent and gross as to amount to an evasion of positive duty of a</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">virtual refusal to perform a duty enjoined by law" when they acted</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">allegedly pursuant to their duty as designated members of the Office of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Governanance Accountability and Review (OGAR) under the assailed</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Executive Order issued by Respondent Governor Erica Aristotle Aumentado.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">NO ACTUAL CASE OR CONTROVERSY</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Petitioner claims that the assailed Executive Orders created the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Office of Governance, Accountability and Review which office has subjected</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">petitioner to public hate, contempt and ridicule when it accused him in</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">public through print media, radio interviews and social media. The said</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">office through its Board of Directors has persecuted petitioner long before</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">he received a copy of the alleged administrative complaint against him.</span><span style="font-size:42.5pt;font-family:'timesnewromanpsmt','sans-serif'"></span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">8</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Petitioner also stated that the instant petition is brought by him as the OIC</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Provincial Agricultural and public employee of the Provincial of Bohol as</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">one who has sustained and continues to be in danger of sustaining personal</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">injury attributable to the creation of Executive Order No 2 and 2-A and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">because of the proceedings that the OGAR has so far conducted and will</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">continue to conduct.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">In their defense, respondents alleged that Petitioner failed to show</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">that he possesses the requisite locus standi to file the present petition.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">They maintain that the petition shows that it is not the issuance of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">assailed Executive Orders, but rather, the actions attributed to individuals</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">who are identified as members of OGAR, particularly, Respondents Evasco</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and Ramasola who allegedly caused a violation of Petitioner's rights. From</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the allegations stated in the Petition, it is clear that the injury the Petitioner</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">claims to have suffered did not arise from the enforcement of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">challenged Executive Orders. Rather, the bare allegations of the Petitioner</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">are more in the nature of generalized grievances against the alleged</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">actuations and public pronouncements of the Respondents members of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">OGAR, particularly Respondents Evasco and Ramasola. Consequently,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">petitioner, has no standing to challenge the issuance of the assailed</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Executive Order.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Responder:its also claim that petitioner failed to show that the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">constitutional question herein raised is the very litis mota presented in the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">controversy. This claim was supported by the assertion that the act of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">respondent Aumentado violates due process and equal protection clause of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the Constitution that mandates that "no person shall be deprived of life,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">liberty or property without due process and equal protection of law, nor</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws." Hence,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">unconstitutional. In addition is the allegation that the sole purpose of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Executive Order is to persecute political opponents as stated in the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Whereas Clauses. The respondents thus concludes that the above</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">allegations lend credence to their argument that Petitioner Pamugas filed</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">to show a clear and unequivocal breach of the Constitution, but merely</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">relied on doubtful, speculative, or argumentative assertions. Consequently,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the petitioner failed to show that the constitutional question is the very lis</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">mota of the instant petition.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">In Republic vs. Maria Basa Express Jeepney Operators and Driver's</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Assocation, et. al., </span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">4 </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Angat Tsuer Stop and Go, Inc. et. al., vs. Sec. Abaya, et.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">al., </span><span style="font-size:6.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">5 </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">XIMEX Delivery Express Inc. vs. DOTC </span><span style="font-size:6.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">6 </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and Cruz, et. al., vs. DOTC, et.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">al., the Supreme Court elaborated:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">4 </span><span style="font-size:8pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">G.R. No. 206484, August 16, 2022,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">5 </span><span style="font-size:8pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">G.R. No. 212604, August 16, 2022.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">6 </span><span style="font-size:8pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">G.R. No. 212682, August 16 ,2022;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">9</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">An actual case or controversy "is one which involves "a conflict of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">legal rights, an assertion of opposite legal claims, susceptible of judicial</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">resolution as distinguished from a hypothetical or abstract difference or</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">dispute. "It is a settled condition precedent that there be "an actual and</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">substantial controversy admitting of specific relief through a decree</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">conclusive in nature, as distinguished from an opinion advising what the law</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">would be upon a hypothetical state of facts." </span></i><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">7</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">In the case of Inmates of the New Bi/ibid Prison, Muntinlupa City v. De</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Lima, this Court elaborated that an actual case or controversy exists in the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">instance where there is a "contrariety of legal rights." It further declared</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">that the existence of an actual case or controversy does not call for concrete</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">acts, as an actual case may exist even in the absence of "tangible instances:</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">There is an actual case or controversy in the case at bar because</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">there is a contrariety of legal rights that can be interpreted and enforced</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">on the basis of existing law and jurisprudence. </span></i></b><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Respondents stand for the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">prospective application of the grant of </span></i><span style="font-family:'timesnewromanpsmt','sans-serif'">GCTA, </span><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">TASTM, and STAL while</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">petitioners and intervenors view that such provision violates the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Constitution and Article 22 of the RPC. The legal issue posed is ripe for</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">adjudication as the challenged regulation has a direct adverse effect on</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">petitioners and those detained and convicted prisoners who are similarly</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">situated. There exists an immediate and/or threatened injury and they have</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">sustained or are immediately in danger of sustaining direct injury as a result</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">of the act complained of In fact, while the case is pending, petitioners are</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">languishing in jail. If their assertion proved to be true, their illegal</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">confinement or detention in the meantime is oppressive. With the prisoners'</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">continued incarceration, any delay in resolving the case would cause them</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">great prejudice. Justice demands that they be released soonest, if not on</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">time.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">There is no need to wait and see the actual organization and operation of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">the MSEC. Petitioners Edago[,J et al.[,] correctly invoked Our ruling</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">in Pimentel, Jr. v. Hon. Aguirre. There, </span></i><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">We dismissed the novel theory that</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">people should wait for the implementing evil to befall on them before</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">they could question acts that are illegal or unconstitutional, and held that</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">"[by] the mere enactment of the questioned law or the approval of the</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">challenged action, the dispute is said to have ripened into a judicial</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">controversy even without any other overt act." </span></i></b><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Similar to Pimentel, Jr., the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">real issue in this case is whether the Constitution and the RPC are</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">contravened by Section 4, Rule 1 of the /RR, not whether they are violated</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">by the acts implementing it. </span></i><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">Concrete acts are not necessary to render the</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:4.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">7 </span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">tbid citing </span><b><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PHAPI) v.</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">Medialdea, </span></b><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">842 Phil. 747, 782 (2018) and </span><b><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">Information Technology Foundation of</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">the Philippines v. Commission on Elections, </span></b><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">499 Phil. 281, 305 (2005).</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">10</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">present controversy ripe. An actual case may exist even In the absence of</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">tangible instances when the assailed /RR has actually and adversely</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">affected petitioners. </span></i></b><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">The mere issuance of the subject /RR has led to the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">ripening of a judicial controversy even without any other overt act. If this</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Court cannot await the adverse consequences of the law in order to</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">consider the controversy actual and ripe for judicial intervention, the same</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">can be said for an /RR. Here, petitioners need not wait for the creation of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">the MSEC and be individually rejected in their applications. They do not</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">need to actually apply for the revised credits, considering that such</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">application would be an exercise in futility in view of respondents' insistence</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">that the law should be prospectively applied. If the assailed provision is</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">indeed unconstitutional and illegal, there is no better time than the present</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">action to settle such question once and for all. (Citations omitted.)</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">Xxx.</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Closely linked to the concept of an actual or justiciable case or controversy is</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">the requirement of ripeness. A question is considered ripe for adjudication</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">when the act being challenged has had a direct adverse effect on the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">individual or entity challenging it. To expand, a case is likewise considered</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">ripe for adjudication if the party alleging such fact can show that "he has</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">sustained </span></i><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">or is immediately in danger of sustaining some direct injury as a</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">result of the act complained of." </span></i></b><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">It cannot be denied that the petitioners in</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">G.R. Nos. 212604, 212682, 212800, being drivers and operators, are</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">similarly situated with the petitioners in G.R. No. 206486 such that an</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">immediate and threatened injury actually exists. The certainty of going</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">through the same experience as what the drivers had in G.R. No. 206486 is</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">imminent. To be apprehended and fined for violation of the provisions of the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">JAO No. 2014-01 is not simply a hypothetical scenario as in fact, a group of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">individuals has already been charged by its predecessor, D. 0. No. 2008-39,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">which is part of the consolidated cases before this Court in G.R. No. 206486.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Xxx.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Given the presence of a definite and concrete set of facts that indicate a live</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">case before it, this Court may very well exercise its power of judicial review</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">to its full extent. Ultimately, as the petitions alleged acts or omissions on</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">the part of public respondents that exceed their authority, the petitioners</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">make a prima facie case for certiorari and actual case or controversy ripe</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">for adjudication exists. As emphatically held in Province of North Cotabato,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">et al. v. The Government of the Republic of the Philippines Peace Panel on</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Ancestral Domain (GRP), et al., "when an act of a branch of government is</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">seriously alleged to have infringed the Constitution, it becomes not only</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">right but[,] in fact[,] the duty of the [J]udiciary to settle the dispute."</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">rcitations omitted}</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">11</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">From the foregoing, the petitioner's case is ripe for adjudication as</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the act being challenged - the creation of an OFFICE OF GOVERNANCE,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">ACCOUNTABILITY AND REVIEW - has a direct adverse effect on the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">petitioner as provincial government employee who has been charged by</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">th~ said offic~ with an administrative offense and who as a taxpayer may</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">validly question the budgetary allocation for the office's creation. The</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">respondents did not deny that in several instances through radio,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">newspaper, and social media publications, respondents have actually</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">announced the fact that the administrative charges against the petitioner</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">were initiated by their office. Petitioner feels wronged by the actuation of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">an office the existence of which he questions. </span><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">There is an actual case or</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">controversy in the case at bar.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">PETITIONER'S LOCUS STANDI</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">The court therefore agrees with the petitioner. He has the legal</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">standing to file the instant petition. Indeed, he has personal and substantial</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">interest in this case since he has allegedly sustained or will sustain direct</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">injury because of the governmental act that is being challenged.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Respondents did not deny that petitioner is one of the first respondents</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">against whom their office has filed an administrative complaint. This matter</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">after all was well publicized in local radio and newspapers in the province of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Bohol and in social media accounts of the OGAR members. The filing of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">case against Petitioner, though done in the individual capacity of some</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">OGAR Board of Directors' members, is undoubtedly a product of the office's</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">work and mandate as per the Executive Order issued by the respondent</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Provincial Governor. Petitioner is clearly, one of the first subjects if not the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">first subject in the present administration's war against "irregular and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">questionable transactions" and fight for "clean governance". Nevertheless,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">whether the administrative charge filed against the petitioner has merit is</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">not the petition's concern. The crux of the petition is whether the office</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">which initiated the filing of the petition against him is validly constituted as</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">such.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Funa vs. COA, et. al </span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">8</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">., </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">states thus:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">As a general rule, a petitioner must have the necessary personality or</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">standing (locus standi) before a court will recognize the issues present~d.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">In </span><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Integrated Bar of the Philippines v. Zamora, </span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">We defined </span><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">locus stand, </span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">as:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">xx x a personal and substantial interest in the case such that the party has</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">sustained or </span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">will </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">sustain a direct injury as a result of the governmental act</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">that is being challenged. The term "interest" means a material inte_rest, an</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">interest in issue affected by the decree, as distinguished from mere interest</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">8 </span><span style="font-size:8pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">G.R. No. 192791, April 24, 2012.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'timesnewromanpsmt','sans-serif'">12</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">in the question involved, or a mere incidental interest. The gist of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">question of standing is whether a party alleges "such personal stake in the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">outcome of the controversy as to assure the concrete adverseness which</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">sharpens the presentation of issues upon which the court depends for</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">illumination of difficult constitutional questions."</span><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">9</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">To have legal standing, therefore, a suitor must show that he has</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">sustained or will sustain a "direct injury" as a result of a government action,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">or have a "material interest" in the issue affected by the challenged official</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">act. However, the Court has time and again acted liberally on the </span><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">locus</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">standi </span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">requirements and has accorded certain individuals, not otherwise</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">directly injured, or with material interest affected, by a Government act,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">standing to sue provided a constitutional issue of critical significance is at</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">stake. The rule on </span><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">locus standi </span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">is after all a mere procedural technicality in</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">relation to which the Court, in a </span><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">catena </span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">of cases involving a subject</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">of </span><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">transcendental import, </span></b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">has waived, or relaxed, thus allowing nontraditional</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">plaintiffs, such as concerned citizens, taxpayers, voters or</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">legislators, to sue in the public interest, albeit they may not have been</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">personally injured by the operation of a law or any other government act.</span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">10</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">In </span><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">David, </span></i><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">11 </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the Court laid out the bare minimum norm before the so</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">called "non-traditional suitors" may be extended standing to sue, thusly:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">For </span></b><b><i><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:'timesnewromanps-bolditalicmt','sans-serif'">taxpayers, </span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">there must be a claim of illegal disbursement of public</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">funds or that the tax measure is unconstitutional;</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">2.) For </span><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">voters, </span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">there must be a showing of obvious interest in the validity of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the election law in question;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">3.) For </span><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">concerned citizens, </span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">there must be a showing that the issues raised</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">are of transcendental importance which must be settled early; and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">4.) For </span><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">legislators, </span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">there must be a claim that the official action complained</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">of infringes their prerogatives as legislators.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">In the instant special civil action, Petitioner spelled out the injury</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">caused him by the publications of administrative charges filed against him</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and the appropriation of public funds for the questioned office.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">9 </span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">G.R. </span><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">No. 141284, August 15, 2000, 338 </span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">SCRA </span><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">81; citing </span><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Baker v. Carr, </span></i><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">369 </span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">U.S.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">186.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">10 </span><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Abaya v. Ebdane, </span></i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">G.R. </span><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">No. 167919, February 14, 2007, 515 </span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">SCRA </span><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">720; </span><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Agan v.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Philippine International Air Terminals </span></i><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Co., </span><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Inc., </span></i><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">450 Phil. 744 (2003); </span><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Del Marv.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">PAGCOR, </span></i><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">400 Phil. 307 (2000).</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">11 </span><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">David vs. Macapagal-Arroyon </span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">G.R. </span><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Nos. 171396, 171409, 171485, 171483,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">171400, 171489 & 171424, May 3, 2006, 489 </span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">SCRA </span><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">161.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'timesnewromanpsmt','sans-serif'">13</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">LITIS MOTA</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">There is no denying that the instant petition assailing the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">constitutionality of the creation of OGAR is the very litis mota in the instant</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">case.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">A requirement for the exercise of this Court's power of judicial</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">review is that the case must be ripe for adjudication:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Petitioners must, thus, comply with the requisites for the exercise of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the power of judicial review: (1) there must be an actual case or justiciable</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">controversy before this Court; (2) the question before this Court must be</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">ripe for adjudication; (3) the person challenging the act must be a proper</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">party; and (4) the issue of constitutionality must be raised at the earliest</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">opportunity and must be the very litis mota of the case. (Citation omitted)</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">An issue is ripe for adjudication when an assailed act has already</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">been accomplished or performed by a branch of government. Moreover,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the challenged act must have directly adversely affected the party</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">challenging it. In </span><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Philconsa v. Philippine Government: </span></i><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">12</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">For a case to be considered ripe for adjudication, it is a prerequisite</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">that an act had then been accomplished or performed by either branch of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">government before a court may interfere, and the petitioner must allege</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the existence of an immediate or threatened injury to himself as a result of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the challenged action. Petitioner must show that he has sustained or is</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">immediately in danger of sustaining some direct injury as a result of the-act</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">complained of. </span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">13</span><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(Citations omitted)</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">There appears to be no reason why the court cannot consider that</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the issue of constitutionality is the very motivation or the very litis mota in</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the filing of this case. The administrative case filed against the petitioner</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">has no bearing whatsoever in the instant petition as it may or may not</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">prosper on its own merits. While respondents alleged that the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">administrative case against petitioner was filed in the individual capacity of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the members of the OGAR and not by the body as a whole, there is no</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">dispute that such a case can be filed in the absence of the assailed office.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">The court sustains thus the petitioner's argument that the issue raised in</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">this petition is its very litis mota as the issue of constitutionality cannot be</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">disposed of on some other ground such as the application of a statute or a</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">general law.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:4.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">12</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">13 </span><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Ibid.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:48pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">t</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'timesnewromanpsmt','sans-serif'">14</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">WHETHER OR NOT PRIVATE LAWYERS CAN REPRESENT OGAR</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">That the respondents in the instant case should only be represented</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">by the Provincial Legal Officer pursuant to Section 481 of the Local</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Government Code of 1991 is likewise sustained. The instant petition assails</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">a government act i.e. the Provincial Chief Executive's issuance of Executive</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Order 2 and 2-A.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">In Domato-Togonon vs COA, et. al.</span><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:'timesnewromanpsmt','sans-serif'">14,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">This Court {Supreme Court) stresses that Commission on Audit</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Circular No. 98-002, which the Commission on Audit cites, amended</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Commission on Audit Circular Nos. 86-255£</span></i><i><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">15 </span></i><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">dated April 2, 1986 and 95-</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">011</span></i><i><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">16 </span></i><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">dated December 4, 1995.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Circular No. 86-255 provides:</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">SUBJECT </span></i></b><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Inhibition against employment by government agencies and</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">of private lawyers to handle their legal cases.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">It has come to the attention of this Commission that notwithstanding</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">restrictions or prohibitions on the matter under existing laws, certain</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">government agencies, instrumentalities, and government-owned and/or</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">controlled corporations, notably government banking and financing</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">institutions, persist in hiring or employing private lawyers or Jaw</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">practitioners to render legal services for them and/or to handle their legal</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">cases in consideration of fixed retainer fees, at times in unreasonable</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">amounts, paid from public funds. In keeping with the retrenchment policy of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">the present administration, this Commission frowns upon such a practice.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Accordingly, it is hereby directed that, henceforth, the payment out of public</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">funds of retainer fees to private law practitioners who are so hired or</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">employed without the prior written conformity and acquiescence of the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Solicitor General or the Government Corporate Counsel, as the case may be,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">as well as the written concurrence of the Commission on Audit shall be</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">disallowed in audit and the same shall be a personal liability of the officials</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">concerned.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">14 </span><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">G.R. No. 224516, July 6, 2021.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">15 </span><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Ibid citing </span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'timesnewromanpsmt','sans-serif'">I </span><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">COA Circular No. 86-255, available at <<a href="https://www.coa.gov.ph/index.php/2013-06-19-13-" style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(17,85,204);text-decoration-line:none">https://www.coa.gov.ph/index.php/2013-06-19-13-</a></span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">06-41/1-circulars/category/4480-cy-1986?download=17043:cy-1986> (last accessed on July 6, 2021).</span><span style="font-size:6.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">1</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">16 </span><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Ibid citing </span><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:'timesnewromanpsmt','sans-serif'">I </span><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">COA Circular No. 95-2011, available at</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'"><<a href="https://www.coa.gov.ph/phocadown1oadpap/userupload/lssuances/Circulars/Circ1995/C0A" style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(17,85,204);text-decoration-line:none">https://www.coa.gov.ph/phocadown1oadpap/userupload/lssuances/Circulars/Circ1995/C0A</a> C95-</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">011.pdf> (last accessed on July 6, 2021).</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:9pt;font-family:'timesnewromanps-boldmt','sans-serif'">15</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">This Circular shall take effect on April 15, 1986.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">In Polloso v. Hon. Gangan, </span></i><i><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">17</span></i><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">th is Court explained the purpose of Circular No.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">86-255:</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">It bears repeating that the purpose of the circular is to curtail the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">unauthorized and unnecessary disbursement of public funds to private</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">lawyers for services rendered to the government. This is in line with the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Commission on Audit's constitutional mandate to promulgate accounting</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">and auditing rules and regulations including those for the prevention and</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">disallowance of irregular, unnecessary, excessive, extravagant or</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">unconscionable expenditures or uses of government funds and</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">properties. (Citation omitted}</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">In 1995, by reason of this Court's pronouncement in Municipality of Pili/la,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Rizal v. Court of Appeals, the Commission on Audit issued Circular No. 95-</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">011 to amend Circular No. 86-255. It provides:</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">For the information and guidance of all concerned, quoted hereunder are</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">excerpts from the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Municipality of Pili/la, Rizal vs. Court of Appeals, et. al., G. R. No. 105909,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">promulgated on June 28, 1994:</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">"Under the above-provision (Section 1683 of the Revised Administrative</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Code), complemented by Section 3, Republic Act No. 2264, the Local</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Autonomy Law, only the Provincial Fiscal and the Municipal Attorney can</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">represent a Province or Municipality in their lawsuits. The provision is</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">mandatory. The municipality's authority to employ a private lawyer is</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">expressly limited only to situations where the Provincial Fiscal is disqualified</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">to represent it.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">"For the aforementioned exception to apply, the fact that the Provincial</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Fiscal Disqualified to handle the Municipality's case must appear on record.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">In the instant case, there is nothing in the records to show that the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Provincial Fiscal is disqualified to act as Counsel for the Municipality of</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Pili/la on appeal, hence the appearance of herein private Counsel is without</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">authority of law."</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">The decision of the Supreme Court in the above case clearly indicates that</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">where a government agency is provided by law with a legal officer or office</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">who or which can handle its legal requirements or cases in courts, it</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">(agency) may not be allowed to hire the services of private lawyers for a fee,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">17 </span><i><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Polloso v. Gangan, </span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'timesnewromanpsmt','sans-serif'">390 Phil. 1101 (2000) [Per J. Kapunan, En Banc].</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'timesnewromanpsmt','sans-serif'">16</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">chargeable against public funds, unless exceptional or extraordinary</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">circumstances obtain as exemplified in the above-cited case of Municipality</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">of Pili/la, Rizal vs. Court of Appeals, [et] al.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Accordingly and pursuant to this Commission's exclusive authority to</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">promulgate accounting and auditing rules and regulations, including for the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">prevention and disallowance of irregular, unnecessary, excessive,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">extravagant and/or unconscionable expenditure or uses of public funds and</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">property (Sec. 2-2, Art. IX-D, Constitution), public funds shall not be utilized</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">for payment of the services of a private legal counsel or law firm to</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">represent government agencies in court or to render legal services for them.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">In the event that such legal services cannot be avoided or is justified under</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">extraordinary or exceptional circumstances, the written conformity and</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">acquiescence of the Solicitor General or the Government Corporate Counsel,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">as the case may be, and the written concurrence of the Commission on</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Audit shall first be secured before the hiring or employment of a private</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">lawyer or law firm.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">This amends or modifies COA Circular No. 86-255, dated April 2, 1986 and</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">all other existing COA issuances inconsistent herewith.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">On June 9, 1998, the Commission on Audit promulgated Circular No. 98-</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">002, amending Circular Nos. 86-255 and 95-011. Its pertinent portions</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">provide:</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">In view thereof, the last paragraph of COA Circulars Number 95-011 and 86-</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">255, dated December 4, 1995 and April 2, 1986, respectively, are hereby</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">amended insofar as LG Us are concerned, to read as follows:</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">"Accordingly and pursuant to this Commission's exclusive authority to</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">promulgate accounting and auditing rules and regulations, including for the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">prevention and disallowance of irregular, unnecessary, excessive,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">extravagant and/or unconscionable expenditure or uses of public funds and</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">property (Sec. 2-2, Art. IX-D, Constitutional, public funds shall not be utilized</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">for payment of the services of a private legal counsel or law firm to</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">represent government agencies and instrumentalities, including</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">government-owned or controlled corporations and local government units</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">in court or to render legal services for them. In the event that such legal</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">services cannot be avoided or is justified under extraordinary or exceptional</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">circumstances for government agencies and instrumentalities, including</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">government-owned or controlled corporations, the written conformity and</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">acquiescence of the Solicitor General or the Government Corporate Counsel,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">as the case maybe, and the written concurrence of the Commission on Audit</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">shall first be secured before the hiring or employment of a private lawyer or</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">law firm. With respect to local government units, only in those instances</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">provided in par. 3(1), Section 481 of R.A. 7160, which states, thus:</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'timesnewromanpsmt','sans-serif'">17</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">"x xx x: Provided, That, in actions or proceedings where a component city or</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">municipality is a party adverse to the provincial government or to another</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">component city or municipality, a special legal officer may be employed to</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">represent the adverse party;"</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">may public funds be utilized as payment for the services of a private legal</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">counsel or law firm."</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">These circulars prohibit the hiring of private lawyers and law firms by</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">government agencies and instrumentalities, government-owned or</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">controlled corporations, and local government units to represent them in</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">court or to render legal services.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">This rule, however, is not absolute. Local government units may avail the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">services of private lawyers and law firms under certain conditions.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">To reiterate, Circular No. 95-011 states that "where a government agency is</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">provided by law with a legal officer or office who or which can handle its</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">legal requirements or cases in courts, it (agency) may not be allowed to hire</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">the services of private lawyers for a fee, chargeable against public funds,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">unless exceptional or extraordinary circumstances obtain[.]" Circular No. 98-</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">002 states that only in instances provided in Section 481(b}(3}(i) of the Local</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Government Code may local government units use public funds to pay for a</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">private lawyer's or a law firm's services.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Furthermore, Mancenido v. Court of Appeals</span></i><i><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">18</span></i><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">teaches:</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">The Court has previously ruled on the representation of a local government</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">unit by a private attorney. In Municipality of Bocaue v. Manotok, </span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">... </span><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">and</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">succeeding cases, we held that only when the provincial fiscal is disqualified</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">may the municipal council be authorized to hire the services of a special</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">attorney. We reiterated this in De Guia v. Auditor General . </span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">.. </span><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">In Enriquez, Sr.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">v. Gimenez, </span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">. . . </span><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">we enumerated the instances when the provincial public</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">prosecutor is disqualified from representing a particular municipality, i.e.,</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">when the jurisdiction of a case involving the municipality lies with the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Supreme Court, when the municipality is a party adverse to the provincial</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">government or to some other municipality in the same province, and when</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">in a case involving the municipality, the provincial prosecutor, his spouse, or</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">his child is involved as a creditor, heir, legatee, or otherwise. (Emphasis in</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">the original, citations omitted)</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">18 </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'timesnewromanpsmt','sans-serif'">386 Phil. 627 (2000) [Per J. Quisumbing, Second Division]</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:'timesnewromanps-boldmt','sans-serif'">18</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">In this case, petitioner asserts that the prohibition only contemplates the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">hiring of a private lawyer or law firm to represent the local government unit</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">in a lawsuit. She says notarization is not included in the prohibition as it</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">does not involve the representation of any party to the contract.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Po/Jaso defines the extent of the phrase "handling of legal cases":</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">. . . </span><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">[T}he prohibition covers the hiring of private lawyers </span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:'timesnewromanps-boldmt','sans-serif'">to </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">render any</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">form of legal service. It makes no distinction as </span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:'timesnewromanps-boldmt','sans-serif'">to </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">whether or not the legal</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">services </span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:'timesnewromanps-boldmt','sans-serif'">to </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">be performed involve an actual legal controversy or court</span></i></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><i><span style="font-family:'helvetica-boldoblique','sans-serif'">litigation. </span></i></b><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Petitioner insists that the prohibition pertains only to "handling</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">of legal cases," perhaps because this is what is stated in the title of the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">circular. To rely on the title of the circular would go against a basic rule in</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">statutory construction that a particular clause should not be studied as a</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">detached and isolated expression, but the whole and every part of the</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">statute must be considered in fixing the meaning of any of its</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">part. </span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(Emphasis supplied, citation omitted)</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Evidently, the Commission on Audit's circulars cover any form of legal</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">service that may be offered by private lawyers or law firms.</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">In view of the cited COA circulars and jurisprudence, the court</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">sustains the petitioner in his prayer to disallow the respondents to be</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">represented by private lawyers in the instant case. Nevertheless, the court</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">takes note that the respondents were represented by the Provincial Legal</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Office during the hearings set for this case in its COMMENT dated May 17,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">2023 and in all the hearings called for this Petition. While the COMMENT</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">filed by the private lawyers cannot be taken cognizance of, the record shows</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">that the Office of the Provincial Legal Officer has duly filed its COMMENT to</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the PETITION and the same cannot be stricken off from the record.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">THE MERITS OF THE PETITION</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">The subject Executive Orders are hereunder quoted as follows:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 2</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Series of 2022-Aumentado</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">ESTABLISHING THE OFFICE OF GOVERNANCE ACCOUNTABILITY AND</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">REVIEW</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">WHEREAS, Section 1, Article XI of the 1987 Constitution provides</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">that, "A public office is a public trust. Public officers and employees</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">must, at all times, be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">justice, and lead modest lives."</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'timesnewromanpsmt','sans-serif'">19</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">WHEREAS, for the past few years, allegations of irregular and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">questionable transactions of the Provincial Governmetn of Bohol and by</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">its offices and employees have been reported in the mainstream and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">social media;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">WHEREAS, the present leadership of the Provincial Government</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">which has just assumed office ranits campaign on the platform of clean</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">governance and prioritizing the welfare of the Boholanos which resulted</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">to a landslide victory thereby demonstrating the strong support of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">people towards these objectives;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">WHEREAS, the present leadership is committed to achieve the said</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">objectives. For this purpose there is a need to create an office which will</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">focus on reviewing the performance of the Provincial Government, its</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">officers and employees in relation to the legal mandates to determine</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">accountability and any possible culpability under the law.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">NOW, THEREFORE, I, ERICO ARISTOTLE C. AUMENTADO, by virtue of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the powers vested in me by law, do hereby Order:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">SECTION 1. CREATION - The Office of the Governance Accountability</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and Review (OGAR) is hereby created under the Office of the Governor:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">SECTION 2. FUNCTIONS - The OGAR shall perform the following</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">mandates:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(a) Identify actuations of the Provincial Government of Bohol</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">committed by its officers or employees prior to July 1, 2022 which</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">appears to be in violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Act (R.A. 3019) and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Government Officials and Employees (R.A. 6713).</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(b) Probe and investigate such identified actuations to determine the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">persons responsible or involved, whether public or private</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">individuals, and the manner by which the acts were committed;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(c) Recommend appropriate actions to the Governor pursuant to</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">finding such as, but not limited to, the filing of criminal, civil, or</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">administrative complaints against those concerned.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">SECTION 3. COMPOSITION - The OGAR shall be chaired by a</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">person of known probity and integrity, and will be assisted by lawyers</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">of the same quality, researchers, and office personnel who shall all be</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">appointed or designated by the Governor.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:8pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">20</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">SECTION 4. ACCESS TO RECORDS AND PRESERVATION OF</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">EVIDENCE - The OGAR is hereby authorized to access any and all</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">record of the Provincial Government in whatever format, request</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">access of records from other government offices, obtain sworn</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">statement of witnesses and resource persons, preserve such record,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">objects or pieces of evidence related to the transactions under</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">investigation, and perform all acts necessary, inherent, and desirable</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">in order to accomplish its objectives. The Office of the Provincial</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Legal Office shall provide operational support to the OGAR.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">SECTION 5. FUNDING. - The operations of the OGAR and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">compensation of its chairperson and personnel shall be allocated</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">from the budge of the Office of the Governor.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">SECTION 6. REPEAL. - All orders, circulars and issuances</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed, amended or modified</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">accordingly.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">SECTION 7. SEPARABILITY. - If any part of this Order is declared</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">invalid or unconstitutional, the provisions unaffected thereby shall</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">remain valid and subsisting.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">SECTION 8. EFFECTIVITY. - This Order shall take effect</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">immediately.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">DONE, this 30</span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">th </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">day of June, 2022 at the City of Tagbilaran,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Bohol, Philippines.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">(SGD). ERICO ARISTOTLE C. AUMENTADO</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">Governor</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 2-A</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">EXPANDING THE COVERAGE OF THE OFFICE OF GOVERNANCE</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">ACCOUNTABILITY AND REVIEW</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">WHEREAS, Executive Order no. 2 entitled " ESTABLISHING THE</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">OFFICE OF GOVERNANCE ACCOUNTING AND REVIEW" (OGAR) was</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">issued by this Office on June 30, 2022;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">WHEREAS, one of the functions of OGAR is to "Identify</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">actuations of the Provincial Government of Bohol committed by its</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">officers or employees prior to July 1, 2022 which appears to be in</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">violation of the Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (R.A. 3019) and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'timesnewromanpsmt','sans-serif'">21</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Government Officials</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and Employees (R.A. 6713)";</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">WHEREAS, this Office subsequently pronounced that OGAR</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">shall not only look into actuations of past provincial administrations</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">but including the current administration as well as by removing the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">cut-off date of July 1, 2022.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">NOW THEREFORE, I, ERICO ARISTOTLE C. AUMENTADO, by</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby Order:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">SECTION 1. COVERAGE EXPANSION - Section 2 (a) of Executive</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Order No. 1 Series of 2022 - Aumentado is hereby amended to read</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">as follows:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">"SECTION 2. FUNCTIONS - The OGAR shall perform the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">following mandates:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">"(a) Identify actuations of the Provincial Government of Bohol</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">committed by its officers or employees which appears to be in</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">violation of the Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (R.A. 3019) and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Government Officials</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and Employees (R.A. 6713)."</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">SECTION 2. EFFECTIVITY. - This Order shall take effect</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">immediately.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">DONE, this 16</span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">th </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">day of December, 2022 at the City of Tagbilaran,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Bohol, Philippines.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">(SGD.) ERICO ARISTOTLE C. AUMENTADO</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">Governor</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">The herein Petition alleged that the questioned Executive Orders are</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">unconstitutional and therefore invalid and inoperative because:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">1. First, the local chief executive has no residual power like that of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">President of the Philippines. The creation of any office is beyond the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">powers of the Governor. Hence, it cannot create any Office and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">appropriate its funds thereto;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">2. Second, the act of respondent Governor is contrary to law and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">unconstitutional for violating the applicable provisions of the Local</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Government Code of 1991 and the Equal Protection Clause of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Constitution;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:9pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">22</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">3. Third, the use of funds of the Office of the Governor for the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">operations of the OGAR and compensation of its personnel is illegal</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and constitutes malversation and violation of R.A. 3019 and R.A.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">9184;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Petitioner thus prays for the respondent and OGAR to immediately</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">CEASE AND DESIST from implementing EXECUTIVE ORDER no. 2 and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Executive Order No. 2-A until further orders from the Court. It is</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">prayed that the respondents be stopped from carrying on acts</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">pursuant to the challenged executive orders.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Accordingly, the </span><b><span style="font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">CREATION OF ANY OFFICE IS BEYOND THE POWERS</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">OF THE GOVERNOR. </span></b><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Art. 465 of the Local Government Code enumerates</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the power of the Chief Executive of the Province, thus:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">CHAPTER Ill</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Officials and Offices Common to All Provinces</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">ARTICLE I</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">The Provincial Governor</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">SECTION 465. The Chief Executive: Powers, Duties, Functions, and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Compensation. - (a) The provincial governor, as the chief executive of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">provincial government, shall exercise such powers and perform such duties</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and functions as provided by this Code and other laws.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(b) For efficient, effective and economical governance the purpose of which</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">is the general welfare of the province and its inhabitants pursuant to</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Section 16 of this Code, the provincial governor shall:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(1) Exercise general supervision and control over all programs, projects,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">services, and activities of the provincial government, and in this connection,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">shall:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(i) Determine the guidelines of provincial policies and be responsible</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">to the sangguniang panlalawigan for the program of government;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(ii) Direct the formulation of the provincial development plan, with</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the assistance of the provincial development council, and upon</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">approval thereof by the sangguniang panlalawigan, implement the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">same;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(iii) Present the program of government and propose policies and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">projects for the consideration of the sangguniang panlalawigan at</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the opening of the regular session of the sangguniang</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:52pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">t</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">23</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">panlalawigan every calendar year and as often as may be deemed</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">necessary as the general welfare of the inhabitants and the needs</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">of the provincial government may require;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(iv) Initiate and propose legislative measures to the sangguniang</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">panlalawigan and as often as may be deemed necessary, provide</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">such information and data needed or requested by said</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">sanggunian in the performance of its legislative functions;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(v) Appoint all officials and employees whose salaries and wages are</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">wholly or mainly paid out of provincial funds and whose</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">appointments are not otherwise provided for in this Code, as well</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">as those he may be authorized by </span><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">law </span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">to appoint;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(vi) Represent the province in all its business transactions and sign in</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">its behalf all bonds, contracts, and obligations, and such other</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">documents upon authority of the sangguniang panlalawigan or</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">pursuant to law or ordinance;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(vii) Carry out such emergency measures as may be necessary during</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and in the aftermath of man made and natural disasters and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">calamities;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(viii) Determine the time, manner and place of payment of salaries or</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">wages of the officials and employees of the province, in</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">accordance with law or ordinance;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(ix) Allocate and assign office space to provincial and other officials</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and employees who, by law or ordinance, are entitled to such</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">space in the provincial capitol and other buildings owned or</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">leased by the provincial government;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(x) Ensure that all executive officials and employees of the province</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">faithfully discharge their duties and functions as provided by law</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and this Code, and cause to be instituted administrative or judicial</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">proceedings against any official or employee of the province who</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">may have committed an offense in the performance of his official</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">duties;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(xi) Examine the books, records and other documents of all offices,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">officials, agents or employees of the province and, in aid of his</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">executive powers and authority, require all national officials and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">employees stationed in the province to make available to him such</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">books, records, and other documents in their custody, except</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">those classified by </span><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">law </span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">as confidential;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:8pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">24</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">{xii) Furnish copies of executive orders issued by him to the Office of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the President within seventy-two (72) hours after their issuance;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">{xiii) Visit component cities and municipalities of the province at least</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">once every six (6) months to deepen his understanding of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">problems and conditions, listen and give appropriate counsel to</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">local officials and inhabitants, inform the officials and inhabitants</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">of component cities and municipalities of general laws and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">ordinances which especially concern them, and otherwise conduct</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">visits and inspections to ensure that the governance of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">province will improve the quality of life of the inhabitants;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">{xiv) Act on leave applications of officials and employees appointed by</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">him and the commutation of the monetary value of leave credits</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">in accordance with law;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">{xv) Authorize officials trips of provincial officials and employees</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">outside of the province for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">{xvi) Call upon any national official or employee stationed in or</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">assigned to the province to advise him on matters affecting the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">province and to make recommendations thereon; coordinate with</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">said official or employee in the formulation and implementation</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">of plans, programs and projects; and when appropriate, initiate an</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">administrative or judicial action against a national government</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">official or employee who may have committed an offense in the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">performance of his official duties while stationed in or assigned to</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the province;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">{xvii) Authorize payment for medical care, necessary transportation,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">subsistence, hospital or medical fees of provincial officials and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">employees who are injured while in the performance of their</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">official duties and functions, subject to availability of funds;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(xviii) Represent the province in inter-provincial or regional sports</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">councils or committees, and coordinate the efforts of component</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">cities or municipalities in the regional or national palaro or sports</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">development activities;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(xix) Conduct an annual palarong panlalawigan, which shall feature</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">traditional sports and disciplines included in national and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">international games in coordination with the Department of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Education, Culture and Sports; and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:9pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">25</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">(xx) </span></b><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Submit to the Office of the President the following reports: an</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">annual report containing a summary of all matters pertinent to</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the management, administration and development of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">province and all information and data relative to its political, social</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and economic conditions; and supplemental reports when</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">unexpected events and situations arise at any time during the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">year, particularly when man-made or natural disasters or</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">calamities affect the general welfare of the province, region or</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">country;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(2) Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the governance of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">province and the exercise of the appropriate corporate powers provided for</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">under Section 22 of this Code, implement all approved policies, programs,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">projects, services and activities of the province and, in addition to the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">foregoing, shall:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(i) Ensure that the acts of the component cities and municipalities of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the province and of its officials and employees are within the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">scope of their prescribed powers, duties and functions;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(ii) Call conventions, conferences, seminars, or meetings of any</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">elective and appointive officials of the province and its component</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">cities and municipalities, including national officials and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">employees stationed in or assigned to the province, at such time</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and place and on such subject as he may deem important for the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">promotion of the general welfare of the province and its</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">inhabitants;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(iii) Issue such executive orders for the faithful and appropriate</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">enforcement and execution of laws and ordinances;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(iv) Be entitled to carry the necessary firearm within his territorial</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">jurisdiction;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(v)</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(vi)</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">In coordination with the mayors of component cities and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">municipalities and the National Police Commission, formulate the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">peace and order plan of the province and upon its approval,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">implement the same in accordance with R.A. No. 6975;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Call upon the appropriate national law enforcement agencies to</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">suppress disorder, riot, lawless violence, rebellion or sedition o~ to</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">apprehend violators of the law when public interest so requires</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and the police forces of the component city or municipality where</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the disorder or violation is happening are inadequate to cope with</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the situation or the violators;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:9pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">26</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(3) Initiate and maximize the generation of resources and revenues, and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">apply the same to the implementation of development plans, program</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">objectives and priorities as provided for under Section 18 of this Code,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">particularly those resources and revenues programmed for agro-industrial</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">development and country-wide growth and progress and, relative thereto,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">shall:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(i) Require each head of an office or department to prepare and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">submit an estimate of appropriations for the ensuing calendar</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">year, in accordance with the budget preparation process under</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Title Five, Book II of this Code;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(ii) Prepare and submit to the sanggunian for approval the executive</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and supplemental budgets of the province for the ensuing</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">calendar year in the manner provided for under Title Five, Book II</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">of this Code;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(iii) Ensure that all taxes and other revenues of the province are</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">collected, and that provincial funds are applied to the payment of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">expenses and settlement of obligations of the province, in</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">accordance with law or ordinance;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(iv) Issue licenses and permits and suspend or revoke the same for</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">any violation of the conditions upon which said licenses or permits</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">had been issued, pursuant to law or ordinance;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(v) Adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">mineral, marine, forest and other resources of the province, in</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">coordination with the mayors of component cities and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">municipalities;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(vi) Provide efficient and effective property and supply management</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">in the province; and protect the funds, credits, rights, and other</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">properties of the province; and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(vii) Institute or cause to be instituted administrative or judicial</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">proceedings for violation of ordinances in the collection of taxes,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">fees or charges, and for the recovery of funds and property, and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">cause the province to be defended against all suits to ensure that</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">its interests, resources and rights shall beadequately protected.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(4) Ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">facilities as provided for under Section 17 of this Code, and in addition</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">thereto, shall:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:9pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">27</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(i) Ensure that the construction and repair of roads and highways</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">funded by the national government shall be, as far as practicable,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">carried out in a spatially contiguous manner and in coordination</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">with the construction and repair of the roads and bridges of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">province and of its component cities and municipalities; and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(ii) Coordinate the implementation of technical services by national</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">offices for the province and its component cities and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">municipalities, including public works and infrastructure programs</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">of the provincial government and its component cities and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">municipalities;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(5) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(c) The provincial governor shall receive a minimum monthly compensation</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">corresponding to Salary Grade thirty (30) prescribed under R.A. No. 6758</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">The petition stressed that nowhere in the powers of the Governor</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">enumerated above or in the Local Government Code is it stated that the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Governor has the power to create or establish an office such as the Office of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Accountability, Governance and Review. Instead, such power is vested upon</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the Sangguniang Panlalawigan under Sec. </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">463 </span><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">of the Local Government</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Code, which states:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(c) The Sangguniang Panlalawigan may:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(1) Maintain existing offices not mentioned in subsections (a) and (b)</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">hereof;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(2) </span><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">Create such other offices as may be necessary to carry out the</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">purposes of the provincial government; </span></b><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">or</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(3) Consolidate the functions of any office with those of another in the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">interest of efficiency and economy</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Petitioner claims that the foregoing only shows that only the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Sangguniang Panlalawigan and not the Office of the Governor is vested with</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the power to create an office.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Petitioner elaborates that the power to investigate and cause to be</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">investigated any local official or employee for administrative neglect or</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">misconduct is lodged with the Office of the Provincial Legal Officer and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">28</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">quoted Section 481 (b) (iv) of the Local Government Code of 1991 as</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">follows:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">ARTICLE XI</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">The Legal Officer</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">SECTION 481. Qualifications, Terms, Powers and Duties. - (a) </span><b><span style="font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">Xxx.</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(b) </span><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">The legal officer, the chief legal counsel of the local government unit,</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">shall take charge of the office of legal services and shall:</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(1) </span><b><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:'timesnewromanps-boldmt','sans-serif'">XXX,</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(2) </span><span style="font-size:8pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">XXX</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(3) </span><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the legal officer</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">shall:</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(i) </span><b><span style="font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">Xxx.</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">(ii)Xxx.</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(iii) Xxx.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(iv) </span><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">Investigate or cause to be investigated any local official or employee</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">for administrative neglect or misconduct in office, and recommend</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">appropriate action to the governor, mayor or sanggunian, as the case may</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">be;</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Petitioner then concludes that Respondent Governor Aumentado</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">"should not have created another office that performs the redundant,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">similar, duplicitous and (to a certain extent) overlapping functions of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Office of the Provincial Legal Officer enumerated under Section 481 of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Local Government Code". Accordingly, OGAR has the same function of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Provincial Legal Officer and "by allocating millions of pesos as its operation</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">budget and compensation for its Board of Directors, respondent has</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">violated his sworn duty to protect the funds of the province and implement</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">economical governance."</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Secondly, petitioner asserts that </span><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">THE ACT OF THE RESPONDENT</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">GOVERNOR IS CONTRARY TO LAW AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL FOR</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">VIOLATING THE EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">The petition also insists that Executive Order No. 2, notwithstanding</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the amendment in Executive Order No. 2-A is violative of equal protection</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">clause. With the mandate to "identify actuations of the Provincial</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Government of Bohol committed by its officers or employees, for the past</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">years and prior to July 1, 2022 which appears to be in violation of the Anti-</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Code of Conduct and Ethical</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Standards for Government Officials and Employees" buttressed the true</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">intent of the issuances to single out the previous administration and its</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:9pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">29</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">officers and employees as the Whereas Clauses remained the same. Thus,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">just like the Supreme Court ruling in Biraogo vs. Philippine Truth</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Commission, the creation of the OGAR is a class legislation </span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">or a law that</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">discriminates against some, but favors others, and is prohibited</span><span style="font-size:6.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">19 </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">is it is a</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">violation of the "Equal Protection Clause".</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Lastly, the </span><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">USE OF FUNDS OF THE GOVERNOR FOR THE OPERATIONS</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">OF THE OGAR AND COMPENSATION OF ITS PERSONNEL IS ILLEGAL AND</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">CONSTITUTES MALVERSATION AND VIOLATION OF R.A. 3019 AND R.A.</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">9184.</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">The petition stressed that since there is no law or ordinance creating</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">OGAR and providing for its budget, appropriating for and using funds from</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the Office of the Governor to support the operation of the OGAR is</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">malversation and is a violation of RA 3019 and RA 9184. The same should</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">therefore be restrained to prevent further dissipation and misuse of public</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">funds.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Respondents' COMMENT of May, 2023, answered the above petition</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">in this wise:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">PETITION FAILED TO SHOW A PRIMA FACIE EXISTENCE OF GRAVE</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">ABUSE OF DISCRETION IN THE ISSUANCE OF THE ASSAILED EXECUTIVE</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">ORDERS</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">The Local Government provides:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Section 86. Administrative Investigation - In any local government</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">unit, administrative investigation </span><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">may be conducted by a person or a</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">committee duly authorized by the local chief executive. </span></b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Said person or</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">committee shall conduct hearings on the cases brought against appointive</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">local officials and employees and submit their findings and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">recommendations to the local chief executive concerned within fifteen days</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">from the conclusion of the hearings. The administrative cases herein</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">mentioned shall be decided within ninety (90) days from the time the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">respondent is formally notified of the charges.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Section 87. Disciplinary Jurisdiction - Except as otherwise provided by</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">law, the local chief executive may impose the penalty of removal from</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">service, demotion in rank, suspension for not more than one (1) years</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">without pay, fine in an amount not exceeding six (6) months' salary, or</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">reprimand and otherwise discipline subordinate officials and employees</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">under his jurisdiction. If the penalty imposed is suspension without pay for</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">not more than thirty (30) days, his decision shall be final. If the penalty</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">19 </span><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">People v. Chan, </span></i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">65 Phil. 611, 613 (1938) [Per </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'timesnewromanpsmt','sans-serif'">J. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Concepcion, First Division</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:9pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">30</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">imposed is heavier than suspension shall be appealable to the Civil Service</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Commission, which shall decide the appeal within thirty (30) days from</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">receipt thereof.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Respondents likewise cited the other powers of the Chief Executive of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the Province of Bohol under Art. 465 of the Local Government Code, to wit:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Sec. 465. The Chief Executive Powers, Duties, Functions and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Compensation.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:8pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">XXX.</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(b) For efficient, effective and economical governance the purpose of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">which is the general welfare of the province and its inhabitants pursuant to</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Section </span><span style="font-family:'timesnewromanpsmt','sans-serif'">16 </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">of this Code, the provincial governor shall:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:8pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">XXX.</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(v) Appoint all officials and employees whose salaries and wages are</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">wholly or mainly paid out of provincial funds and whose appointments are</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">not otherwise provided for in this Code as well as those he may be</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">theorizeded by law to appoint:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:8pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">XXX.</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(x) Ensure that all executive officials and employees of the province</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">faithfully discharge their duties and functions as provided by law and this</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Code, and cause to be instituted administrative or judicial proceedings</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">against any official or employee of the province who may have committed</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">an offense in the performance of his official duties;</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">THE CREATION OF ANY OFFICE IS BEYOND THE POWERS OF THE</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">GOVERNOR.</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">The aforequoted prov1s1ons in the Local Government Code</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">enumerating the duties and functions of the Office of the Governor and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">that of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan shows that the Local Chief Executive</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">of the province has no power to create an office. The said power is lodged</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">with the Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">While it is true that Sec. 86 of the Local Government Code allows the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Office of the Governor to appoint </span><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">a person or a committee </span></b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">to conduct</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">administrative investigation, a "committee" stated in Sec. 86 of the Local</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Government Code is different from an "office" contemplated under 463 (c)</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(2) under the same Code. A committee is a "group of people appointed for a</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:9pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">31</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">specific function typically consisting of members of a larger group</span><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">1120 </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">while</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">an office or a public office for this matter is defined as the "right, authority,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and duty created and conferred by law, by which for a given period, either</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">fixed by law or enduring at the pleasure of the appointing power, an</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">individual is invested with some portion of the sovereign functions of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">government, to be exercised by him for the benefit of the public. </span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">21 </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">The</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Merriam-Webster dictionary defines </span><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">'office' </span></b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">as "a special duty, charge, or</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">position conferred by an exercise of governmental authority and for a public</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">purpose: a position of authority to exercise a public function and </span><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">to receive</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">whatever emoluments may belong to it," </span></b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Clearly, the OFFICE OF</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">GOVERNANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY AND REVIEW is not just a COMMITTEE. It</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">is not just a small portion of a larger group tasked to a specific function. It is</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">an OFFICE created and conferred by an EXECUTIVE ORDER with the power</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">to investigate public officers of any administrative wrongdoing.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">The OGAR 's COMPOSITION is as follows:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">SECTION 3. COMPOSITION - The OGAR shall be chaired by person of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">known probity and integrity, and will be assisted by lawyers of the same</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">quality, researchers, and office personnel who shall all be appointed or</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">designated by the Governor.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">With the above composition, it cannot be said that the Provincial</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Governor's intention was just to form a committee and that the term</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">"office" is just a misnomer. Clearly, the intention was to create an office in</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">its real form and meaning such that the entire entity is complete with</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">assisting lawyers, researchers, and office staff.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">While the court finds nothing amiss in the intention of the Provincial</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Governor in investigating dishonest and corrupt government officials it is</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">not his purpose in creating the office that is being assailed in this petition.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">The court simply must define the line between the propriety or impropriety</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">of the action as stated in the Local Government Code. That the creation of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the office is beyond the powers vested upon the local chief executive is</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">unfortunately, evident to the mind of the court.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Nevertheless, the court holds that the equal protection clause is not</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">violated with the issuance of the subject Executive Orders. Executive Order</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">2-A specifically stated that the erring officials subject of the investigation</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">will cover all provincial employees from before, during and after the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">administration of respondent Governor Erica Aristotle Aumentado. Indeed,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">20 </span><span style="font-size:8pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Definition from Oxford </span><b><span style="font-size:8pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">Languages</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:9pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'"><a href="https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=43&q=committee+meaning&cvid=82dbbdd871254283b591" style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(17,85,204);text-decoration-line:none">https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=43&q=committee+meaning&cvid=82dbbdd871254283b591</a></span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:9pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">4281495c0606&gs_lcrp=Eg2jaHJvbWUqBggAEAAYQDIGCAAQABhAMgclARDrBxhA</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">21 </span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">DE LEON AND DE LEON JR., THE LAW ON PUBLIC OFFICERS AND ELECTION LAW,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">2000 </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Edition, p. </span><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">1.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-size:9pt;font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">32</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the executive orders avoided the flaw of the Truth Commission created by</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the Aquino administration in Biraogo vs. The Philippine Truth Commission</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">of 2010</span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">22 </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and Lagman, et. al., vs. Exec. Sec. Ochoa </span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">23</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">• </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">However, the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">questioned Orders constitute an encroachment on the power of the Office</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and cannot be allowed.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">In Kapisanan ng mga Kawani ng Energy Regulatory Board v.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Commissioner Fe Bari, </span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">24 </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">it was stressed that:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">A public office is created by the Constitution or by law or by an officer</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">or tribunal to which the power to create the office has been delegated by</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">the legislature. </span></i><i><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">25</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">The case of Atienza vs. Villarosa</span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">26 </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">clarified that:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">With Rep. Act No. 7160, the union of legislative and executive powers</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">in the office of the local chief executive under the BP Big. 337 has been</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">disbanded, so that either department now comprises different and nonintermingling</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">official personalities with the end in view of ensuring a better</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">delivery of public service and provide a system of check and balance</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">between the two.</span><span style="font-size:6.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">27</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Senator Aquilino Pimentel, the principal author of Rep. Act No. 7160,</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">explained that "the Vice-Governor is now the presiding officer of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the </span><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Sangguniang Panlalawigan. </span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">The City Vice-Mayor presides at meetings</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">of the </span><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Sangguniang Panlungsod </span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">and the Municipal Vice-Mayor at the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">sessions of the </span><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Sangguniang Bayon. The idea is to distribute powers among</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">elective local officials so that the legislative, which is the Sanggunian, can</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">properly check the executive, which is the Governor or the Mayor and vice</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">versa and exercise their functions without any undue interference from one</span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">by the other." </span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">(Citation omitted).</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">The avowed intent of Rep. Act. No. 7160, therefore, is to vest on</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">the </span><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Sangguniang Panlalawigan's </span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">independence in the exercise of its</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">legislative functions vis-a-vis the discharge by the Governor of the executive</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">functions.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Under sec. 48 of Rep. Act No. 7160 The Local legislative power shall</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">be exercised by the sangguniang panlalawigan for the province; xx x.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">22 </span><span style="font-size:8pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">G.R. No. 192935, December 07, 2010</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">23 </span><span style="font-size:8pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">G.R. No. 193036, December 07, 2010.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">24 </span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">G.R. No. 150974, June 29, 2007, 526 SCRA 1.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">25 </span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">R.E. AGPALO, PHILIPPINE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW 5 (2004).</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:4.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">26 </span><span style="font-size:8pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">G.R. No. 161081, May 10, 2005.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:5.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">21 </span></i><i><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Gamboa, </span></i><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Jr. </span></i><i><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">v. Aguirre, </span></i><i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'">Jr., </span></i><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">G.R. No. 134213, 20 July 1999, 310 SCRA 867.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:8pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">33</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">The "local legislative power shall be vested in the SP,</span><span style="font-size:4.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">11 </span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">which is "the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">legislative body of the province,".</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">The assailed Executive Orders are therefore, clearly not in keeping</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">with the intent of Rep. Act No. 7160 and their implementation should thus</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">be permanently enjoined.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, THE PETITION IS GRANTED.</span></b></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">EXECUTIVE ORDERS 2 AND 2-A issued by GOVERNOR ERICO ARISTOTLE</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">AUMENTADO are hereby DECLARED NULL AND VOID for being</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">UNCONSTITUTIONAL as the latter's office went beyond the powers and</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">duties of the local chief executive under sec. 465 of the LOCAL</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">GOVERNMENT CODE and encroached upon the powers of the</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN under Sec. 463 (3) of the same code.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Judgment is therefore rendered:</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">DIRECTING RES PON DENT GOVERNOR ERICO ARISTOTLE</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">AUMENTADO, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF OGAR, RESPONDENTS</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">LEONCIO EVASCO, JR., SUCESO ARCAMO, MACARIO DELUSA, DAN LIM AND</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">EMMANUEL RAMASOLA as well as all persons acting on the basis of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Executive Orders No. 2 and 2-A to immediately CEASE AND DESIST from</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">carrying on acts pursuant to the subject Executive Orders. The Office of</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Governance Accountability and Review (OGAR) created by the said</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">Executive Orders as well as its respondent Board of Directors are hereby</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">enjoined f{om performing its functions under the said Executive Orders.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><i><span style="font-size:8pt;font-family:'helvetica-oblique','sans-serif'"> </span></i></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">SO ORDERED. </span></b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">---</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:'helvetica','sans-serif'">City of Tagbilaran: October 31, 2023.</span></p><p style="font-family:'calibri','sans-serif';margin:0in 0in 10pt;line-height:18.5533px;font-size:11pt"><b><span style="font-family:'helvetica-bold','sans-serif'">El-MARCOS</span></b></p></div></font></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-85293657931074323502023-07-28T06:35:00.001+08:002023-07-28T06:35:48.786+08:00Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI)<div dir="auto"><div dir="auto">MCCI's Mandaue Business Month 2023 highlights emerging technology, business models</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Addressing emerging challenges to businesses is one of the major highlights of the upcoming Mandaue Business Month (MBM) 2023, the annual series of events organized by the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">During the launching of MBM 2023 held at City Sports Club, MBM 2023 chair Mark Anthony Ynoc said the various events are aimed to equip businesses to cope with present challenges.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">"With the adoption of technology across all industries, the new reality changes as we struggle to reinvent businesses. It is quite important to embrace the future and explore insights in the new era with one that helps achieve growth and positive impact for businesses," said Mr. Ynoc, Vice President of Prime Movers Total Logistics Inc..</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">"We are entering a new era that technology has ushered in. Thus, our MBM 2023 theme is Empowering Business for the New Era. New business models, artificial intelligence, changing geopolitical landscape, and a borderless economy are becoming the norm. We need to face these challenges head-on," he added.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">The MBM kicks off with the MCCI Business Connect and Induction of New Members set on August 3, 2023, at Horizon in Oakridge Business Park. Ms. Marvey Alcantara, Uratex director for Vismin, and Ms. Mae Ann Yee, Creative Director of Purple Chalk, are the chair and co-chair, respectively.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">As part of MCCI's corporate social responsibility, member companies will participate in a tree-planting activity at Mandaue Green Learning Park on August 5. It will be spearheaded by San Miguel Corp. through Ms. Girlie Garces.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Selected micro-entrepreneurs will participate in a three-day exhibit at SM Northwing from August 11 to 13. MCCI President Kelie Ko, general manager of KGK Management Inc., explained that this event will showcase the top Sugbo Negosyo winners.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">On August 22, 2023, the MCCI Business Seminars will be conducted at the Benedicto College in Mandaue City chaired by Mr. Ynoc.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">One of the highlights for MBM 2023 is the MCCI Business Summit chaired by Walter Ong, Chief Financial Officer of Worldwide Steel, and scheduled on August 23, 2023 at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">The next day, August 24, 2023, Sarah Matthews, a seasoned speaker and travel trend spotter, will discuss the topic "Digital Makeover: Enhancing Online Reputation in the Travel Industry in a Post-Pandemic World" at the City Sports Club.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Another highlight for MBM 2023 is the Bakery World to be held from September 14 to 16, 2023, at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. Mr. Ko, who chairs this event said MCCI aims to help build entrepreneurs.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">"We are not only doing this for the big bakeries or big cafes, we are doing this for the MSMEs as well. Our activities in Bakery World includes seminars so new bakers, home-based bakers, and new business owners will learn a lot of new technology. This is really upskilling," he explained.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">The Property & Investment Expo scheduled on October 5 to 8, 2023, at Ayala Center Cebu, will showcase the latest and upcoming projects of real estate companies.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">MBM 2023 also includes fun activities for member companies and their employees. Teams from member companies will compete in the Lord of the Pins Bowling Tournament set on August 17, 2023 (preliminary) and August 19, 2023 (finals).</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Employees of member companies will be given the chance to show their talent at the MCCI Talent Fest. The audition for this competition is set on August 26, 2023 while the semi-finals will be held at the Benedicto College on September 2, 2023. The finals will be on September 29, 2023 at the Mandaue Sports Complex. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">MBM 2023 will culminate on the Chamber Night October 18, 2023 at Oakridge Pavilion in Mandaue City.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">#MandaueBusinessMonth2023</div><div dir="auto">#SkyScraperCityCebuUpdates</div></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-42605020207193087832023-04-01T02:57:00.001+08:002023-04-01T02:57:43.920+08:00DENR Decision on Richli Water vs LGU Balilihan, Bohol<div dir="auto"><p dir="auto">Republic of the Philippines<br>Department of Environment and Natural Resources<br>NATIONAL WATER RESOURCES BOARD<br>8 Floor NIA Bldg. EDSA Diliman Quezon City, Philippines 1100<br><br>RICHLI CORPORATION, WATER USE CONFLICT<br>Petitioner/Protestant, CASE NO. 2021-011<br><br>- versus -<br><br>LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT OF IN RE: CWP NO. 01-22-20-008<br>BALILIHAN, BOHOL,<br>Respondent/Protestee.<br>x—-------------------------------------------x<br><br>RESOLUTION<br><br>For resolution is the Motion for Reconsideration (MR), dated 18 July 2022, and Supplemental MR, dated 19 September 2022, filed by the Local Government Unit of Balilihan (Respondent or LGU-Balilihan) on the Resolution dated 2 June 2022 rendered by the National Water Resources Board thru the Executive Director, the dispositive portion of which reads:<br><br>"WHEREFORE, premises considered, judgment is hereby rendered as follows:<br>1. For failure to comply with the requirement set forth under Section 9 of the Amended Implementing Rules and Regulations of P.D. 1067 or the Water Code of the Philippines, the Decision dated 14 September 2021 is hereby SET ASIDE.<br>2. Conditional Water Permit No. 01-22-20-008 issued to the Municipality of Balilihan is hereby CANCELLED/REVOKED without prejudice to the filing of application for water permit showing compliance with the cited provision.<br><br>SO ORDERED."<br><br>In its MR dated 18 July 2022, Movant-Respondent Local Government Unit Balilihan, Bohol (LGU Balilihan) alleged the following:<br><br>1. It provided accurate data and information and did not indicate that Bugwak Spring is located in Sto Niño, Balilihan;<br><br>2. The CWP enjoys the presumption of regularity as it passed through the application process and posting of notice takes the place of publication which is deemed as constructive notice of the application to the whole world, including petitioner Richli and LGU Sevilla;<br><br>3. There is substantial compliance with Section 9 of the Amended Implementing Rules and Regulation of the P.D. 1067 as it relied in good faith on the coordinates provided by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), an agent of NWRB, in determining the extraction of its water source, and official notice was sent to Sevilla thru Mayor Dano on 17 May 2021 about the project of LGU Balilihan;<br><br>4. The defect was not mentioned in the ruling of NWRB dismissing the petition to cancel of Richli. Site validation is a function of NWRB to be conducted before CWP is approved with or without protest. There is lack of due diligence in verifying applications; and<br><br>5. It was not afforded due process because Richli committed the same mistake yet was only issued a Show Cause Order instead of cancellation.<br><br>On 03 August 2022, NWRB received an Opposition to the Motion for Reconsideration, dated 29 July 2022, filed by petitioner Richli Corporation (Richli), submitting as follows:<br><br>1. Good faith and negligence are not substitutes for compliance;<br><br>2. The Respondent was afforded due process in the revocation of its water permit, the fact that it was given a copy of the Petition, given a chance to answer and present its evidence, and file the motion for reconsideration is already due process;<br><br>3. Respondent has no access to the water source as it does not have lot beside the source of the water. The alleged barangay road is a private road owned by the petitioner-protestant Richli Corporation and the alleged permission given by BOHECO has not been presented in evidence; and<br><br>4. The Respondent has to show that it has ECC for the project in Sevilla, Bohol.<br><br>On 20 September 2022, LGU Balilihan filed a Supplemental MR dated 19 September 2022 alleging the following:<br><br>1. What cannot be legally done directly cannot be done indirectly - The petition to cancel the water permit is in effect a protest which was filed out of time. It enjoys the presumption of regularity and cannot be attacked unless by grounds that would warrant its suspension, cancellation or revocation under the Water Code;<br><br>2. LGU Balilihan had nothing to do with the determination of the coordinates - It was NIA, as agent of NWRB, which designated and assigned the coordinates of the diversion point of the water source. The same can be plainly seen in the application as "TO BE FILLED BY NWRB";<br><br>3. Posting of the notices is the obligation of the NWRB and not of the applicant Section 9 of the Amended IRR of the Water Code provides that the Board shall send notices to offices for posting in conspicuous places. LGU Balilihan also sent a letter to LGU Sevilla<br>regarding its water supply project which constitutes substantial compliance;<br><br>4. LGU Balilihan applied for the water source at Bugwak Spring and no other - Even if there is a seeming mistake on the technical coordinates, both LGU Balilihan and NWRB are in perfect understanding that the water source over which the water permit is being applied for is the same;<br><br>5. The penalty of cancellation of the CWP of LGU Balilihan is harsh under the prevailing facts - There is double standard when Richli was merely issued with a Show Cause Order when their CWP was found with inaccurate coordinates which is worse as it pertains to a different spring.<br><br>6. It was deprived of due process for lack of due notice and hearing under Article 29 of the Water Code when NWRB- The CWP of LGU Balilihan was cancelled not based on grounds raised in Richli's MR but only after the ocular inspection which doubles as a fishing expedition. No due regard was given towards notice and hearing;<br><br>7. There is no cause of action against LGU Balilihan - Articles 28, 29, and 90 of the Water Code and Articles 15 (g) (h) 👎, 20 and 89 or its IRR provides the specific grounds for the suspension, cancellation and revocation of water permits. Clearly, it was not among the grounds for cancellation;<br><br>8. Richli has no locus standi - Richli was not able to show any direct and material injury that it would suffer by virtue of the CWP issued in favor of LGU Balilihan. All structures were placed on public properties carefully and completely plotted by DENR and DPWH to ensure that private rights will be respected; and<br><br>9. Monopoly is unlawful and is frowned upon by the State - LGU Balilihan, Richli and even LGU Sevilla can mutually and beneficially co-exist. LGU Balilihan is pushing for competition in order to improve the delivery of water supply in the municipality;<br><br>10. Cancelling the CWP would set a bad precedent to LGUs and would put to waste public funds - LGUS' water development plans are not respected. LGUs deserve support and technical assistance from the national government. The public funds allocated for the project which has started construction since 2020 is nearing completion to date.<br><br>In response, Richli filed its Comment on the Supplemental MR on 7 October 2022, submitting the following:<br><br>1. Estoppel cannot lie against the government;<br><br>2. The grounds for suspension and revocation of a water permit under Article 28 and 29 of Presidential Decree No. 1067 or the Water Code are not exclusive; and<br><br>3. Richli has locus standi in the case as the owner of several lots traversed by the pipelines of the water project construction of LGU Balilihan.<br><br>With the filing of Richli's Comment on the Supplemental MR, the case is deemed submitted for resolution by the Board.<br><br>Pursuant to the Board Resolution No. 005-1000, delineating the authority of the Board, the Executive Director and the Division Chiefs, motions for reconsideration from resolutions/decisions of the Executive Director, shall be acted upon by the members of the Board.<br><br>This case stemmed from the Petition to Cancel the Conditional Water Permit No. 01-22-20-008 of LGU Balilihan filed by Richli on 5 October 2020.<br><br>On procedural grounds, the timeliness of the petition to cancel the subject CWP was already passed upon in both the Decision dated 14 September 2021 and Resolution dated 2 June 2022 issued by the Board.<br><br>Article 16 of P.D. 1067 or the Water Code of the Philippines (Water Code) provides that:<br><br>"ARTICLE 16. Any person who desires to obtain a water permit shall file an application with the Council who shall make known said application to the public for any protests.<br><br>In determining whether to grant or deny an application, the Council shall consider the following: protests filed, if any; prior permits granted; the availability of water; the water supply needed for beneficial use; possible adverse effects; land-use economics; and other relevant factors.<br><br>Upon approval of an application, a water permit shall be issued and recorded." (Emphasis supplied)<br><br>ARTICLE 17. The right to the use of water is deemed acquired as of the date of filing of the application for a water permit in case of approved permits, or as of the date of actual use in a case where no permit is required.<br><br>Section 9 of the Amended Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Water Code states that:<br><br>"Section 9. Processing, Posting and Sending of Notices of Applications/Petitions - Upon receipt of an application or a petition, the Board shall process the same to determine completeness of the requirements prescribed in Section 5 hereof. Once completed, and upon payment of the filing fee, notices of the application/petition shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the office of the Board for a period of thirty (30) days. The Board shall also send notices to the following offices for posting in conspicuous places for the same period:<br><br>a) Barangay Chairman of the place where the point of diversion is located;<br><br>b) City of Municipal Secretary of the city or town where the point of diversion is located;<br><br>c) The Secretary of the SangguniangPanlalawigan of the province where the point of diversion is located;<br><br>d) Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District Engineer or National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Provincial Irrigation Officer as the case may be.<br><br>Copies of the notices of application shall, likewise, be furnished to concerned Regional Offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways, National Irrigation Administration, National Power Corporation, Department of tres Environment and Natural Resources, and Local Water District Office, if there is one and such other agencies as may be specified by the Board." (Emphasis supplied)<br><br>Section 10(B) of the Amended IRR further states that:<br><br>"B. Protest on Applications - Any person who may be adversely affected by the proposed appropriation may file a verified protest with the Board within thirty (30) days after the last day of posting of Notice.<br><br>Protests to an application for water permit shall be governed by the rules prescribed for resolving water use controversies." (Emphasis supplied)<br><br>From the above provisions, it is evident that after an application to obtain a water permit has been made known to the public, any interested party must file his protest thereto in order that the application may be properly evaluated. Otherwise, after the application for a water permit has been approved, the grantee of the permit now acquires an exclusive right to use the water source, reckoned from the date of the filing of the application. Thus, after the grantee's right to the water permit has been properly adjudicated, the same may no longer be questioned.<br><br>To reiterate, no opposition/protest was received by the Board within the reglementary period to file the same against LGU Balilihan's water permit application. The CWP No. 01-22-20-008 was already issued in favor of LGU Balilihan on 22 January 2020 when Richli filed its Water Permit Application (WPA) No. VII-BOH-2019-11-054 and the Petition to Cancel LGU Balilihan's CWP No. 01-22-20-008 on 5 October 2020. Hence, on the ground of timeliness alone, Richli's Petition to Cancel LGU Balilihan's CWP should not be given due course.<br><br>The fact that the petition was filed out of time was not affected by the findings in the ocular inspection conducted on 2-3 December 2021 based on a request made by Richli on 16 November 2021. While the Order dated 30 May 2022 indicated that Bugwak Spring is located in Brgy. Magsaysay, Sevilla, Bohol (LGU Sevilla) and not in Sto. Niño, Balilihan, Bohol, which was the location indicated in the WPAs of both LGU Balilihan and Richli, the same did not change the fact that the period to file a protest has already lapsed in favor of LGU Balilihan.<br><br>It is within logic and common sense that notices for posting will not be sent to LGU Sevilla when LGU Balilihan filed its water permit application because, at the time, there was an inadvertent mistake on the coordinates provided by NIA stating that Bugwak Spring's location is in Sto. Niño, Balilihan, Bohol. Therefore, to require compliance with the posting requirement in Brgy. Magsaysay, Sevilla, Bohol based on an ocular inspection conducted after the permit was already issued would be to impose an impossible condition. The same is true for Richli's CWP.<br><br>The presumption of regularity in the performance of official duties is an aid to the effective and unhampered administration of government functions. Without such benefit, every official action could be negated with minimal effort from litigants, irrespective of merit or sufficiency of evidence to support such challenge. To this end, our body of jurisprudence has been consistent in requiring nothing short of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary to overthrow such presumption.<br><br>The issuance of CWP in favor of LGU Balilihan is presumed valid and regular absent any clear and convincing evidence from Richli that the issuance of CWP is done with grave abuse of discretion, malice, or undue favor in spite of existing irregularities. No such proof was forwarded by Richli when it filed its petition or protest because the mistake or defect in the application was found after the conduct of the ocular inspection long after the issuance of CWP. Hence, the permits already issued by the Board after undergoing the procedures and requirements provided by the Water Code and the Amended IRR of the Water Code are presumed valid and regular. They cannot therefore be attacked indirectly if the period for filing protests have already lapsed.<br><br>Anent the locus standi of Richli, Section 10(B) of the Amended IRR of the Water Code states that "any person who may be adversely affected by the proposed appropriation may file a verified protest with the Board within thirty (30) days after the last day of posting of Notice".<br><br>Richli submitted that it has locus standi as the owner of several lots traversed by the pipelines of the water project construction of LGU Balilihan. In proving the same, Richli merely submitted proof of purchase of lots in Sto. Niño, Balilihan, Bohol, acquired from one TomasaPajuta designated as Lot No. 8491 - PART covered by Tax Declaration No. 2016-06-0029-00233. Richli asserts that the barangay road within the said lot is a private road to which it will not allow LGU Balilihan to use.<br><br>On the other hand, LGU Balilihan stated that in order to verify the issue regarding the barangay road of Sto. Niño, Balilihan, an actual ground survey and verification/investigation on the site was conducted on 4-5 November 2021 attended by personnel from LGU Balilihan, DPWH and Brgy. Captain of Sto. Niño, Balilihan. It was confirmed that there is an existing barangay road which starts from the national road up to the BOHECO-1 JanopolHyrdo Electric Plant.<br><br>According to the PENR Officer For. Ariel Rica thru letter dated 8 November 2021, per ground verification, there is an existing concrete road in Sto. Niño, Balilihan which is a barangay road per approved cadastral map. Lots 23228 and 23225 both claimed by TomasaPajuta, the predecessor in interest of Richli. It is not titled/patented but the same are classified as alienable and disposable.<br><br>Based on the above submissions, TomasaPajuta, the predecessor-in-interest of Richli, could not be considered an owner of the barangay road which is neither titled nor patented. More importantly, besides the question of ownership over the barangay road, Richli failed to prove that it stands to be adversely affected by the CWP issued in favor of LGU Balilihan.<br><br>Article 18 of the Water Code provides that:<br><br>"ARTICLE 18. All water permits granted shall be subject to conditions of beneficial use, adequate standards of design and construction, and such other terms and conditions as may be imposed by the Council.<br><br>Such permits shall specify the maximum amount of water which may be diverted or withdrawn, the maximum rate of diversion or withdrawal, the time or times during the year when water may be diverted or withdrawn, the point or points of diversion or location of wells, the place of use, the purposes for which water may be used and such other requirements the Council deems desirable." (Emphasis supplied)<br><br>Article 20 of the Water Code further states that:<br><br>"ARTICLE 20. The measure and limit of appropriation of water shall be beneficial use.<br><br>Beneficial use of water is the utilization of water in the right amount during the period that the water is needed for producing the benefits for which the water is appropriated." (Emphasis supplied)<br><br>The Board notes that during the ocular inspection conducted, it was found that Bugwak Spring has a discharge capacity of 6542.50 lps.3 Even considering the CWP No. 01-22-20-008 granted to LGU Balilihan in an amount not exceeding 227.18 lps for municipal use as well as other permittees' CWPS, i.e. LGU Sevilla (33.45 Ips) and Richli (894.47 lps.), there is more than enough water to sustain the beneficial use of intended water users as aptly pointed out in the Decision dated 14 September 2021. Hence, Richli's Petition is without basis as it failed to establish any prejudice or adverse effect on the appropriation of LGU Balilihan on the same water source. Water is public good and should be shared.<br><br>On substantive grounds, the issue to be resolved is whether the mistake in the coordinates in the water permit application of LGU Balilihan found after the issuance of a CWP No. 01-22-20-008 may be a ground for summary cancellation of the permit.<br><br>We rule in the negative.<br><br>Article 30 of the Water Code provides that:<br><br>"ARTICLE 30. All water permits are subject to modification or cancellation by the Council, after due notice and hearing, in favor of a project of greater beneficial use or for multi-purpose development, and a water permittee who suffers thereby shall be duly compensated by the entity or person in whose favor the cancellation was made." (Emphasis supplied)<br><br>Section 89 of the Amended IRR of the Water Code further provides as follows:<br><br>"Section 89. Summary Revocation/Suspension - Water permits or other rights to use the water may be revoked or suspended summarily by the Board if any of the following facts and/or conditions exists:<br><br>a) That the suspension or revocation will redound to greater public interest, public health or safety;<br><br>b) That the acts complained of are grossly illegal per se;<br><br>c) That the violative act is the second offense on record involving the same infraction;<br><br>d) That the non-observance of or non-compliance with the rules, order or regulation is willful and deliberate;<br><br>e) When there is a prima facie showing that the non-observance of any standard for the beneficial use of water or non-compliance with any of the terms or conditions in a water permit or water rights granted is prejudicial to the life and property of third person;<br><br>f) When the suspension or revocation thereof is sought by an injured party, provided he files a bond to cover any damage which maybe sustained by the permittee or grantee arising from such summary revocation/suspension;<br><br>g) In times of emergency, where there is a prima facie showing that the use of water by the permittee/grantee is wasteful;<br><br>h) When health authorities so recommend to prevent or control the spread of disease due to inadequate facilities;<br><br>i) When in a decision of a competent court, the revocation or suspension of the water permit or grant is ordered or recommended; and<br><br>j) Such other serious offenses or gross violations and infractions as the Board stal may decide." (Emphases supplied)<br><br>While the Board agrees with Richli's submission that the grounds for suspension and revocation of water permits are not exclusive, the Board holds that the mistake in the coordinates provided by NIA is not the willful and deliberate non-observance of or non-compliance with the rules, order or regulations deserving of a summary revocation/cancellation contemplated above.<br><br>To summarily revoke or cancel LGU Balilihan's CWP based on a mistake it did not commit in the first place would result in grave injustice and inequity. The Board likewise notes that LGU Balilihan's Water Supply Project - which is a part of the 25-Year Bulk Water Masterplan of the Municipality of Balilihan - is infused with funds from the National Government worth Ninety-Five Million Pesos (PHP95,000,000.00) and is nearing completion.<br><br>Finally, on Richli's allegation that LGU Balilihan has no access to the water source because it does not own lots beside the water source, the Board considered Article 25 of the Water Code in relation to Section 5(A)(1) of the Amended IRR of the Water Code, viz:<br><br>"ARTICLE 25. A holder of a water permit may demand the establishment of easements necessary for the construction and maintenance of the works and facilities needed for the beneficial use of the waters to be appropriated subject to the requirements of just compensation and to the following conditions:<br><br>a. That he is the owner, lessee, mortgagee or one having real right over the land upon which he proposes to use water; and<br><br>b. That the proposed easement is the most convenient and the least onerous to the servient estate.<br><br>Easements relating to the appropriation and use of waters may be modified by agreement of the contracting parties provided the same is not contrary to law or prejudicial to third persons." (Emphases supplied)<br><br>"Section 5. Form and Requirements of Application - All applications shall be filed in the prescribed form, sworn to by the applicant and supported by the following:<br><br>A. Water Permit for Municipal Use<br><br>1. Proof of land ownership of, legal title to, or right to use, the property on which the water source is situated; xxx" (Emphasis supplied)<br><br>Based on the above provisions, ownership of lots beside the water source is not a requirement. It is sufficient that an applicant has a real right over the land upon which water is proposed to be used. The Board notes the submission of LGU Balilihan that it will utilize an unclassified dry land which forms part of public land, adjoining corner 10 of Lot 23225 and corner 7 of the Lot 23228 with an area of 2,861 sqm., to install the pipelines from the end of the barangay road down to the Bugwak Spring¹, and that LGU Balilihan's nationally funded infrastructure project for the rehabilitation of an existing water supply and construction of new water supply system will not pass through Richli's alleged properties.5 He who asserts - not he who denies-must prove. To date, no proof was submitted by Richli to establish that LGU Balilihan has no access to the water source.<br><br>IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, the Motion for Reconsideration filed by LGU Balilihan is hereby GRANTED. The Resolution dated 2 June 2022 is hereby SET ASIDE.<br>The Decision dated 14 September 2021 dismissing the Petition to Cancel Water Permit is REINSTATED.<br><br>SO ORDERED.<br><br>20 January 2023, Quezon City, Metro Manila.<br><br>MA. ANTONIA YULO-LOYZAGA<br>Chairman<br>Secretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources<br><br>ATTY. ANALIZA REBUELTA-TEH<br>Representative<br>Undersecretary, DENR</p></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-54976317296814526822022-11-23T19:15:00.001+08:002022-11-23T19:15:24.107+08:00PAL expands Cebu hub with new routes<div dir="auto"><div dir="auto">Happening Now: Media Presscon at Radisson Blu today. PAL expands Cebu hub with new routes, pioneer services</div><div dir="auto">By Minerva Newman</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">CEBU CITY— Philippine Airlines (PAL) Philippine Airlines is expanding its Cebu hub and pioneering services as it launched new connections to Baguio, Borongan, Bangkok and BARMM in Dec 2022, with its "Larga Ta, Cebu!"campaign, introducing brand new regional and domestic routes out of Mactan-Cebu International Airport.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">For December 2022, the Philippine flag carrier is pioneering services to link Cebu with Baguio in northern Luzon and Borongan in Eastern Samar. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">PAL will also connect Cebu with Cotabato City and Tawi-Tawi, the key commercial and tourist gateways for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Internationally, PAL is resuming flights between Cebu and Bangkok on December 9, adding a new regional connection to PAL's existing flights between Cebu and Tokyo's Narita Airport.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">"Philippine Airlines hopes to build up Cebu as the Queen of Gateways, strategically positioned as the ideal gateway to the tourist islands and provincial economic centers of the Visayas and Mindanao, and beyond to Northern Luzon and Palawan," PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Capt.</div><div dir="auto">Stanley Ng said during a press conference at Cebu's Radisson Blu hotel. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">"We aim to fly in visitors from</div><div dir="auto">overseas and give them easy access to holiday resorts, business hubs and emerging economic centers throughout the Philippines via Cebu," Rabbi Ang, OIC-President of PAL Express.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Ang added, PAL's goal is to revitalize domestic travel and economic development by leveraging the strength of the Queen City of the South and enhancing its connectivity to all corners of the nation. This is a vital step in support of the government's thrust to revitalize Philippine tourism and the national economy. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">From Mactan-Cebu, Philippine Airlines will offer more than 200 weekly flights to 19 destinations, comprising 17 cities in the Philippines as well as Bangkok and Tokyo. Philippine Airlines</div></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-62430738751245528182022-10-15T12:30:00.001+08:002022-10-15T12:30:58.557+08:00Ateneo de Davao Electronics Engineers Passers<div dir="auto"><div dir="auto">Congratulations to our new Electronics Engineers. Out of the 2,644 takers, 6 of our alumni passed the October 2022 Electronics Engineer Licensure Examination!</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Engr. Nil Marc Badilles</div><div dir="auto">Engr. Martin Benjamin Bonleon</div><div dir="auto">Engr. Rafael Angelo Buensuceso</div><div dir="auto">Engr. Edrian Cedrick De Leon</div><div dir="auto">Engr. Trazon Guda III</div><div dir="auto">Engr. Jayson James Pedrajas</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">AdDU Passing Rate: 6/12 (50.00%)</div><div dir="auto">National Passing Rate: 785/2,644 (29.69%)</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Kudos to Engr. Martin Benjamin Bonleon for ranking 6th in the Electronics Engineer Licensure Examination and 3rd in the Electronics Technician Licensure Examination.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Congratulations as well to the faculty and staff of the Electronics Engineering Department headed by Dr. Jenith L. Banluta</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Your AdDU School of Engineering and Architecture is proud of you! </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">#AdDUSEA</div><div dir="auto">#AdDU</div><div dir="auto">#electronicsengineering</div><div dir="auto">#PRCExamResults</div></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-28829360957320946502022-10-15T06:47:00.001+08:002022-10-15T06:47:47.088+08:00Foreign Borrowing of the Philippines<div dir="auto"><p align="center" style="font-size:12.8px;text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:14pt">Monetary Board Approved US$178.10 Million Foreign Borrowing of the Public Sector in Q3 2022</span></b></p><p style="font-size:12.8px;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12pt">For the period July to September 2022</span><span style="font-size:12pt">, the Monetary Board (MB) approved one (1) public sector foreign borrowing of US$178.10 million. </span><span style="font-size:12pt">This is 96 percent lower than the borrowings approved in the same period in 2021 amounting to US$4.66 billion and 95 percent lower than the approvals in the second quarter of 2022 amounting to US$3.54 billion. </span><span style="font-size:12pt">This borrowing of the Republic of the Philippines will fund the National Government's (NG) multisectoral nutrition project.</span></p><p style="font-size:12.8px;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12pt">Under Section 20, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, prior approval of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), through its MB, is required for all foreign loans to be contracted or guaranteed by the Republic of the Philippines. Similarly, Letter of Instructions No. 158 dated 21 January 1974 requires all foreign borrowing proposals by the NG, government agencies and government financial institutions to be submitted for approval-in-principle by the MB before commencement of actual negotiations. The BSP promotes the judicious use of the resources and ensures that external debt requirements are at manageable levels, to support external debt sustainability.</span></p></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-34996363457494963772022-06-03T06:58:00.000+08:002022-06-03T13:19:01.911+08:00Potential disruptions from global developments<div dir="auto">FSCC REMAINS VIGILANT AGAINST SYSTEMIC RISKS<br><br>The Financial Stability Coordination Council (FSCC) remains vigilant against potential disruptions from global developments to ensure that Filipinos can rely on a functioning financial system.<br><br>"The Council will always choose to be pre-emptive against possible systemic risks," assured FSCC Chairman and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin E. Diokno during the recent meeting of FSCC, which also reaffirmed the country's strong domestic economic performance.<br><br>"The global outlook has changed significantly downwards over the last six months, and yet our Q1 growth was a strong 8.3 percent year-on-year. This reflects the resilience of the local economy," explained Governor Diokno.<br><br>The FSCC also noted that with Q1 growth outperforming market expectations, prospects for the economy differ significantly from global trends; and that the local growth momentum is expected to be sustained despite fluidity of markets worldwide.<br><br>This was validated by the recent International Monetary Fund statement which showed a higher growth forecast for 2022 for the country despite a significant reduction in global growth.<br><br>The FSCC noted that the rest of the world is already feeling the pressure from rising fuel costs and the recent policy actions of the US Federal Reserve.<br><br>The FSCC is an inter-agency council comprised of the BSP, the Department of Finance, the Insurance Commission, the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is the venue for financial market authorities to identify, monitor, manage, and mitigate the build-up of systemic risks in the Philippine financial system. </div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-40325423892683096902022-05-25T13:02:00.001+08:002022-05-25T13:02:54.523+08:00Libel Case Filed by Samar Governor<div dir="auto"><div dir="auto">STATEMENT ON THE LIBEL CASE FILED BY SAMAR GOVERNOR MICHAEL TAN AGAINST REPORTERS JAZMIN BONIFACIO AND GABRIEL CEJAS AND ITS DISMISSAL.</div><div dir="auto">(May 25,2022)</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Eastern Visayas News and Metro Tacloban Times faced squarely and with pride the libel case filed last March 4, 2022 by Samar Gov. Michael Tan , against reporters/journalists Jazmin Bonifacio and Gabriel Cejas relative to the airing of the "Reporter's Diary, episode 1- titled " An Kasakit han Samar " (The Agony of Samar) via the said media outfits. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Mayo 17, 2022 nakarawat han Eastern Visayas News ngan Metro Tacloban Times an desisyon han Catbalogan Prosecutors Office kasumpay han Libel nga kaso nga igin sampa kontra ha ira. Diin gin disisyonan han piskaliya han Catbalogan nga IGBASURA ( DISMISS) an nasabi nga kaso.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"> EV News and Metro Tacloban Times would like to express our thanks, First, to God, for you have never failed us, giving us the courage and strength in times when we are weak.</div><div dir="auto">Ha Piskaliya han Catbalogan nga nag tratar hin patas nga pag tagad han amon kaso.</div><div dir="auto">Ngadto han amon legal counsel, Atty. Alma Uy, thank you so much for your hard work, you worked tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome han amon kaso, and we can't thank you enough.</div><div dir="auto">To our friends, Atty. Edgar Navales, Atty. Annie Rose Labine, to Mirriam Desacada of Phil. Star, Ronnie Yanuario of Magic Fm & to our Rappler Family, and all the followers of EV News and Metro Tacloban Times, who stood for us, when there was none by our side. Thank you for all the support and love.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Eastern Visayas News and Metro Tacloban Times, together with Jazmin Bonifacio and Gabriel Cejas will not be cowed by libel case which is clearly meant to harass and force them to stop airing the misfeasance, malfeasance and corruption committed by those in the government especially against those people who controls the reigns of the provincial government. Instead, the filing of the libel case/s against the Eastern Visayas News and Metro Tacloban Times, and against Jazmin Bonifacio and Gabriel Cejas, will not deter them, and all the more give them more zealousness and courage, to make public truthful and issues and concerns that affect the interest of the people of Samar. It is the best interest of all the people of Eastern Visayas, and the people of the Province of Samar in particular, that the EV News and MT Times, and Jazmin Bonifacio and Gabriel Cejas, take pride in protecting above all other interests, political or otherwise. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">We will not stop bringing to light and to the knowledge of the people of Samar all the evils of governance committed by all the public officials who put their personal interests above the interest of the people whom they swear to protect.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">JAZMIN BONIFACIO | GABRIEL CEJAS</div><div dir="auto">Eastern Visayas News & Metro Tacloban Times</div></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-66728537566387762622022-05-22T12:30:00.001+08:002022-05-22T12:30:35.112+08:00Manny Piñol Sorghum Contract Growing Starts In Central Mindanao<div dir="auto"><div dir="auto">First 2,000 hectares by Manny Piñol</div><div dir="auto">Sorghum Contract Growing</div><div dir="auto">Starts In Central Mindanao</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Even outside of government, I am pursuing the Sorghum Development Program which I believe would ease the pressure on the livestock, poultry and aquaculture industry because of the high cost of feeds and the unpredicatabiity of the supplies of raw materials.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Starting next month, a small agri-aqua ventures group which I have formed, will engage farmers with areas totaling 2,000 hectares in a contract growing scheme for Sorghum. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">The Sorghum seeds from Scott Seeds of Hereford. Texas have arrived and I will be flying to the US this week to finalize the seeds supply agreement between my group of Scott Seeds.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Sorghum is a grass which produces grains with high protein content and is used in the production of animal, poultry and aqua feeds.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">When I was Secretary of Agriculture, I reintroduced Sorghum in the Philippines hoping that this would help boost the local poultry, livestock and aqua industries.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">A budget of P100-M was allocated to start the program following successful field tests but when I resigned from the Dept. of Agriculture, the funds were realigned to other programs.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Today, as prices of corn and wheat skyrocketed and the supply had become unpredictable, the best option for us is to plant Sorghum.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Under the Contract Growing Scheme which I designed, we will select farmers who are willing to venture into Sorghum farming.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">The farmers will be provided with Sorghum seeds payable after while their counterpart would be land preparation, planting and harvesting.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">My group will buy the Sorghum produced by the farmers at an agreed price not lower than P12 per kilo which, assuming that his average harvest is 6-metric tons, would earn him a gross of P72,000 per hectare.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">The good thing about Sorghum is its ability to survive with less water, the low-cost of seeds and it could harvested three times without replanting.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">The additional benefits would be the stalks to be used as animal silage which could provide the farmer an additional income.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">This program will be initially concentrated in areas surrounding our small village-level feed mill in Kidapawan City which means that the idea planting areas would be in North Cotabato, Davao Del Sur, Maguindanao, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">An orientation seminar will be conducted before the launching of the program.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">#KungGustoMaramingParaan!</div><div dir="auto">#TargetFoodSufficiency!</div></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-2667395918051310352021-11-04T15:27:00.001+08:002021-11-04T15:27:42.465+08:00Online Food Delivery in the Philippines<div dir="auto"><div dir="auto">Online Food Delivery Philippines</div>Get ₱ 100.00 off your next meal with foodpanda! <a href="https://www.foodpanda.ph/referral?code=8b48db1fbe2b03d00f4010d77006d9ba&geid=FP_PH">https://www.foodpanda.ph/referral?code=8b48db1fbe2b03d00f4010d77006d9ba&geid=FP_PH</a></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-15355659342118157552021-11-04T15:04:00.001+08:002021-11-04T15:04:49.089+08:00Best Online Loan App in Philippines<div dir="auto">For easy access to loan in the Philippines, use TALA.<div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Na-try mo na ba yung Tala app? Reliable sa unexpected expenses at laking tulong sa future! Use my code 9SO1TSL or click <a href="http://inv.re/9o3vp">http://inv.re/9o3vp</a> to sign up!</div></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-68148324180548011982021-09-24T02:58:00.001+08:002021-09-24T02:58:53.728+08:00Manny Pacquiao as PDP Labat Presidential Candidate<div dir="auto"><div style="font-family:sans-serif;font-size:12.8px" dir="auto"><div style="width:328px;margin:16px 0px"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><div class="elided-text"><div dir="ltr"><p align="center" style="margin:0cm;text-align:center;line-height:22.1276px;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:20pt;line-height:40.232px;font-family:'arial',sans-serif">PRESS RELEASE</span></b></p><p align="center" style="margin:0cm;text-align:center;line-height:22.1276px;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:28.1624px;font-family:'arial',sans-serif">20 September 2021</span></p><p align="center" style="margin:0cm;text-align:center;line-height:22.1276px;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:28.1624px;font-family:'arial',sans-serif"> </span></p><p align="center" style="margin:0cm;text-align:center;line-height:12.3pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:14pt">"Tragic" ending for Pacquiao's prexy bid seen</span></b></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:14pt"> </span></b></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">Senator Manny Pacquiao's foray into the 2022 presidential derby could end up tragically for him, PDP Laban Secretary General Atty. Melvin Matibag said Monday.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">In a virtual press briefing, Matibag insisted that the supposed national convention held by the faction of Senators Pacquiao and Aquilino Pimentel III—where the former accepted his nomination as presidential candidate---failed to comply with the ruling party's constitution and thus, illegal.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">"We are not surprised; we expect them to do that. The ouster of President (Rodrigo) Duterte (as party chairman), that was a comedy. The proclamation (of Pacquiao), that's drama. Hopefully, it would not end up for them as a tragedy," Matibag said.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">By "tragedy" Matibag said he means the prospect of Pacquiao's defeat in the legal battle for legitimacy before the Commission on Elections but also of losing in the 2022 national elections.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">Matibag expressed confidence the Comelec would eventually decide in favor of their petition seeking to declare as illegitimate the claim of Pacquiao and Pimentel are rightful officers of PDP Laban.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">He noted that under PDP Laban's constitution, drafted by Pimentel himself, only the party chairman has authority to call a national council, which in turn is the only body that can convene a national assembly to elect the party's officers.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">Matibag noted that in both the Sworn Information Update Statement (SIUS) that his group submitted to the Comelec on 05 August 2021 and that of Pacquiao's faction submitted on 19 July 2021 named President Duterte as the party chairman.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">"That was the reason why they supposedly ousted President Duterte as chairman and replaced him with Sen. Pimentel to give them a semblance of authority to call a national council meeting. But the SIUS they filed is a declaration against their own interest," he explained.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">Matibag also said it was wrong for Sen. Pimentel to accuse the party's wing led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi of trying to "hijack" the party.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">"If there is anybody who is not an original member of the party who wants to wrest its leadership it's Sen. Pacquiao," Matibag said.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">He noted that before becoming a PDP Laban member Pacquaio came from the Liberal Party. Before joining LP, Pacquiao was a member of the Nacionalista Party.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">"As to Sen. Pimentel, he would not be a Senate President had it not been for President Duterte. When the Senate Presidency was being contested between him and (the) Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Pacquiao initially supported Cayetano," Matibag recalled.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">Matibag added that when Pimentel was ousted as Senate President, Pacquiao signed the resolution in support of the change in leadership of the Upper Chamber.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">According to reports Pacquiao was among the top absentees in the House of Representatives during the 16th Congress as well as in the Senate, particularly in the Third Session of the 17th Congress. Another report noted that in his 12 years as lawmaker, no significant piece of legislation can be truly identified with Pacquiao.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">It was estimated that under the 2020 budget, taxpayers spent nearly P396 million for each of the 24 senators, their staff and consultants, and Senate employees.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">Meanwhile, Matibag noted that PDP Laban's legal department is investigating Pacquiao in connection with the attempt to change his regional party People's Champ Movement (PCM) into a national party to back the senator's plans for 2022.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">Reymar Mansilungan, PDP Laban Livelihood Committee chairman, membership in another national party is ground for automatic expulsion under the constitution of PDP Laban.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">Matibag also bared Pimentel's attempt to register the humanitarian arm of the ruling party, known as PDP Cares, as a party list in support of his political agenda.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">PDP Cares was established by former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and was eventually headed by Pimentel's partner, Kathryna Yu.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">"Now who's greedy for power?" Matibag said.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">While PDP Laban led by Sec. Cusi tried to reach out to Pacquiao to iron out their differences, Matibag said reconciliation may be too late at this stage. noting the senator had already been acting "like an opposition candidate."</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">Likewise, Matibag said PDP Laban remains hopeful that Sen. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, would change his mind and eventually accept his nomination as candidate for President of the ruling party in the 2022 elections.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">"As we said before we will wait for his (Go's) Decision. We have enough time. Remember what he said before: he leaves his fate to God and the Dutertes and also that he might run for President if President Duterte were his vice-presidential running mate," Matibag said.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">On the other hand, Matibag denied that there are talks for a possible tandem between former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. and President Duterte.</span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt"> </span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">"We have heard of such reports but, personally, I can tell you that there are no official discussions on such matter," Matibag said. ####</span><span style="font-size:13pt"></span></p><p style="margin:0cm;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt;text-indent:7.1pt">Reference: </span><b style="font-size:11pt;text-indent:7.1pt"><span style="font-size:13pt">Melvin Matibag </span></b></p><p style="text-indent:7.1pt;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">Secretary General</span></p><p style="text-indent:7.1pt;line-height:12.3pt;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;font-family:'calibri',sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt">09178063523 </span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-78498255508541383892021-05-28T19:55:00.000+08:002021-05-28T19:56:00.805+08:00VAT-exemption sa electricity at water bills ng mga seniors<div dir="auto">REP. RODOLFO "OMPONG" ORDANES<br>SENIOR CITIZEN Party-list<br>Chair, Committee on Senior Citizens - 09177292437<br>· Mula sa 5 percent itataas ang diskwento sa 10 percent<br>· VAT-exemption sa electricity at water bills ng mga seniors<br>· Discount sa first 150 kwh at first 50 cubic meters<br><br>BREAKING NEWS: MAS MALAKING DISKWENTO SA ELECTRICITY at WATER BILLS NG MGA SENIOR CITIZENS PASADO NA SA HOUSE COMMITTEE ON SENIOR CITIZENS<br><br>Aprubado na sa House Committee on Senior Citizens ang House Bills 1903 (Rep. Mark Go) at 3040 (Reps. Estrelita Suansing, Horacio Suansing) na naglalayong itaas ang diskwento ng mga Senior Citizens sa mga bayarin sa tubig at kuryente.<br><br>Ayon sa napagkasunduan ng mga mambabatas sa Committee na pinamumunuan ni Senior Citizen Party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes, mula sa kasalukuyang 5 percent na diskwento lamang na itinatadhana sa Expanded Senior Citizens Act (RA 9994), itataas na ang diskwento ng mga senior citizens sa 10 percent.<br><br>Paliwanag ni Rep. Ordanes, "bukod sa dinoble natin yung diskwento sa tubig at kuryente, mas pinalawak pa ang sakop nito. Sa ngayon kasi, yun lang mga seniors na kumukonsumo ng 100 kwh sa kuryente at 30 cubic meters sa tubig ang eligible sa discount. Ibig sabihin, kapag mas mataas dyan ang konsumo ng seniors, wala siyang makukuhang discount."<br><br>"Sobrang limiting po nyan at halos walang saysay dahil ang average na konsumo ng kuryente at tubig ng bawat household ay nasa 200 kwh at 50 cubic meters; kaya halos walang nakaka-avail ng outdated na discount na iyan," diin ni Ordanes.<br><br>"Kapag naisabatas ang panukala, mag-aaplay ang diskwento sa first 150 kwh na konsumo sa kuryente at sa first 50 cubic meters na konsumo sa tubig," paliwanag ni Ordanes.<br><br>"Wait there's more," pahabol ni Ordanes, "bukod sa mas mataas na discount, hindi na rin sisingilin ng value added tax ang electricty bills at water bills na nakapangalan sa mga senior citizens, kaya't tiyak na mararamdaman ng ating mga nakatatanda ang ginhawa kapag naisabatas na ito."<br><br>The secretariat of the Committee on Senior Citizens is finalizing the report so that it can be forwarded right away to the Committee on Rules which will calendar it to plenary deliberations and eventually be put into vote by all House lawmakers.<br><br>Panawagan ni Ordanes sa mga power distributors gaya ng MERALCO at water companies gaya ng MAYNILAD at MANILA WATER, na tiyaking magiging madali at walang hassle sa pag-avail ng mga seniors sa kanilang nasa batas nang diskwento.<br><br>"Senior citizens wishing to avail of power and water discounts should start applying now for the perks that are now in effect under the present law so that when the updated law takes effect, the seniors can enjoy the discounts right away," payo ni Ordanes.<br><br>In the case of MERALCO, for instance, eligible senior citizens can go to any Meralco Business Center to bring proof of age and citizenship, proof of residence, and proof of billing. The applications will be processed within 15 days and the discount, if approved, will be applied during the next billing period.<br><br>Ang diskwento ay "granted per household, regardless of the number of senior citizens residing therein," tagubilin ng RA 9994. (END)<br></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-2607700760783953022021-05-24T16:19:00.001+08:002021-05-24T16:19:25.153+08:00CPP-NPA's 1,506 Human Rights Abuses To Be Investigated<div dir="auto"><div dir="auto">COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS, IIMBESTIGAHAN NA ANG 1,506 NA KRIMEN NG CPP-NPA</div><div dir="auto">---</div><div dir="auto">IN THE NEWS: The Commission on Human Rights has been asked to investigate the 1,506 atrocities and International Humanitarian Law violations committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), collectively known as communist terrorist group (CTG), from 2010-2020.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Brig. Gen. Jose Alejandro S. Nacnac, Director of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Center for the Law on Armed Conflic, submitted to CHR Commissioner Karen Dumpit last Thursday a list of hundreds of willful killings perpetrated by the CTG for the same ten-year period.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">According to NTF-ELCAC spokesperson on human rights, peace process and international engagements Undersecretary Severo Catura, the CTG may be compelled to indemnify victims of their human rights abuses and atrocities in the amount of billions of dollars.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Catura, Executive Director of the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat , explained that under existing local and international laws, particularly the IHL, parties that are found guilty of such abuses and atrocities committed in a situation of internal armed conflict may be compelled by the courts to indemnify their victims.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Under Section 14 of Republic Act No. 9851, or the "Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity" signed into law on 11 December 2009, Catura said the courts follow the principles relating to reparations, including restitution, compensation and rehabilitation, and determine the amount of the same based on the scope and extent of damages inflicted.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">READ MORE: <a href="https://bit.ly/3oH6qVR">https://bit.ly/3oH6qVR</a></div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">#NSCPH #NSCGovPH #NSCNewsPH #NSCPhilippines #CPP #NPA #NTFELCAC #EO70 #GoodGovernance #DismissDisinformation #FactsNotFiction #ActivismIsNotTerrorism #CounteringTerrorism #HOOC #HandsOffOurChildren #StudentsNotSoldiers #InformInformInform</div></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-78300159909805964962021-02-25T11:08:00.000+08:002021-02-25T11:09:01.130+08:00Sinovac Vaccine for Filipino Soldiers<div dir="auto">SINOVAC PARA SA 2.7 MILYONG PINOY SA ARMED SERVICES SECTOR; NATIONWIDE MGCQ PAGHANDAAN NA DIN<br><br>Kaugnay sa mga desisyon ng Food and Drug Administration ukol sa emergency use authorization para sa Sinovac, nauna nang naging mungkahi ni House Deputy Speaker Bernadette Herrera na italaga ang sapat supply ng Sinovac para sa mga sundalo at pulis, ang mga iba pang armadong kawani ng gobyerno at ang lahat ng kanilang pamilya pati na ang mga retirado.<br><br>Kasunod ng matagumpay na pagpasa ng House Bill 8648 na bumuo ng P500 million indemnification fund para sa severe adverse reactions, ipinaalala ni BHW Party-list Rep. Angelica Natasha Co, na dapat pa rin kumilos ang ilang ahensiya ng gobyerno upang gampanan nila ang kanilang mga insurance and compensation roles ayon sa kani-kanilang charter.<br><br>Nais niyang kumilos na ang Employees Compensation Commission, Insurance Commission, GSIS, SSS, at PhilHealth.<br><br>"I suggest that the PhilHealth Board of Directors immediately approve a new resolution providing the packages and rates for the PhilHealth coverage of possible adverse reactions to COVID vaccines requiring medicines and hospitalization," ani Rep. Co malapit nang magkaroon ng P500-million indemnification fund.<br><br>Kasama sa HB 8648 ang suhestyon ni House Deputy Speaker Herrera na sundin ng mga local government units ang vaccination prioritization ranking ng vulnerable sectors.<br><br>"When LGUs with the financial means buy their vaccines, it follows that the national government would have more vaccines for the LGUs which are not as financially able. The reality on the ground is neighboring cities and towns help each other because it is in their natural interest as neighbors to do so. One LGU is not safe from COVID-19 if its neighboring LGU is not, so the natural and logical course of action would be to help each other. Community health is a cross-border mutual interest," paliwanag ni Deputy Speaker Herrera.<br><br>SINOVAC PARA SA ARMED SERVICES SECTOR<br><br>Paliwanag ni Herrera, ang ekslusibong allocation ng Sinovac para sa armed services sector ay magreresulta sa herd immunity para sa buong sektor.<br><br>Kasama sa mungkahi ng Bagong Henerasyon Party-list congresswoman ang mga ahensya ng Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Corrections, Philippine Coast Guard, at Office of Transportation Security.<br><br>Tinatayang aabot sa 2.25 milyon hanggang 2.67 milyong katao maaaring mabakunahan sa armed services sector ayon sa mungkahi ni Deputy Speaker Herrera. Kabilang dito ang 155 libong military at civilian personnel sa Department of National Defense at 290 libo sa pinagsamang bilang ng mga armado at sibilyang kawani ng Department of Interior and Local Government at Department of Transportation.<br><br>Mas madali pa aniya ang pagsasagawa ng pagbabakuna sa kanila at pati na rin ang monitoring sa bisa ng bakuna at anumang kaunting adverse reaction.<br><br>SIMULAN NA ANG TRANSITION TO 'NEW NORMAL' SA ILALIM NG MGCQ<br><br>Bilang paghahanda sa "new normal" na Modified General Community Quarantine para sa buong bansa, dapat pag-ibayuhin ang minimum health and safety protocols kontra COVID-19, ayon sa BHW Party-list.<br><br>"Consistent safety protocols will let us live new normal lives despite the coronavirus," ayon kay Rep. Angelica Natasha Co. "It is time to gradually overcome our collective fear of the virus but not letting our guard down. We cannot keep staying inside our homes in fear of the virus. We must face our fears safely."<br><br>Ipinaaalala ni Rep. Co na ang sitwasyon ngayon ay ibang iba na sa 2020.<br><br>"We all know better now how to defend ourselves, much more than a year ago when COVID-19 surprised all of us. We can phase into the new normal while being always protected by proper wearing of face masks and face shields, frequent washing of hands with soap and water, and keeping safe distance," aniya.<br><br>Pabor ang BHW Party-list sa mga dagdag na safety measures sa mga sinehan at restaurants.<br><br>"For the movie theaters, I suggest screening protocols prior to entry, banning all food and drinks inside the theaters, wearing face mask and face shield, contact tracing QR codes, requiring moviegoers to bring rubbing alcohol for their personal use, and keeping the doors open for continuing circulation of air," ani Rep. Co.<br><br>"For the restaurants, I suggest more outdoor dining options and keeping the doors and windows open for fresh air circulation. Outdoor dining alternatives can include allowing closing select streets to traffic to allow sidewalk and on-street dining on specific days like Fridays to Saturdays.<br><br>Kasabay ng paghahanda sa pagdating ng COVID vaccines, mayroon aniya dapat na "aggressive roll out of flu vaccines and vitamins to boost the health defenses of citizens especially the younger ones." see<br><br>Payagan rin aniya sana ng mga may-ari ng mga bakanteng lote ang mga barangay na magamit ang mga lote para sa urban gardens ng gulay at prutas. Namimigay dapata ang mga barangay ng personal hygiene kits at face masks sa mga dukha.<br><br>Nilinaw naman ni Rep. Juliette T. Uy ng Misamis Oriental na hindi agaran ang implementasyon ng Commission on Higher Education at Department of Health ng kanilang Joint Memorandum Circular sa pagbubukas muli ng ilang kurso ng ilang kolehiyo at unibersidad dahil maraming kondisyon ang circular na kailangan pang maisakatuparan.<br><br>Sinabi na dati ni Rep. Uy na binabalangkas pa lamang ng Department of Education ang mga patakaran nito sa pagbubukas ng mga paaralan sa senior high school at junior high school.<br><br>"The gradual reopening of schools will decongest our homes, release the stress build-up among students and parents, and rekindle local economies which are sustained by economic activities revolving around campuses, students, and teachers" ani Uy na kasapi ng House Committee on Basic Education and Culture. (WAKAS)<br><br>Contact information – 0917729243<br>Rep. Bernadette Herrera – Deputy Speaker<br>Bagong Henerasyon Party-list<br>Rep. Juliette Uy – Vice-Chair, Committee on Appropriations<br>Misamis Oriental 2nd District<br>Rep. Angelica Natasha Co – Member, Committee on Health<br>BHW Party-list<br></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-72186245362142222592021-02-17T20:54:00.001+08:002021-02-17T20:54:58.079+08:00Statement of Atty. Vic Rodriguez<div dir="auto">February 16, 2021<br>Refer to: Honey Rose Mercado<br>(+63 917 840 1277)<br>Statement of Atty. Vic Rodriguez, spokesperson of former Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.<br><br>Based on the official pronouncement made by the Presidential Electoral Tribunal today, the court unanimously voted to dismiss our second cause of action which is the manual recount and judicial revision.<br><br>However, as to the issue on how to proceed with our third cause of action which is the annulment of votes in Mindanao, the Tribunal has yet to decide on the matter.<div dir="auto"><br>OFFICE OF FERDINAND "BONGBONG" R. MARCOS, JR.<br>G/F Sunset View Towers<br>2230 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City<br>Philippines<br>Telephone: +63 (02) 8821-4591<br>Facsimile: (+63.2) 8821-4589<br><a href="mailto:info@bongbongmarcos.com">info@bongbongmarcos.com</a><br><a href="http://www.bongbongmarcos.com">http://www.bongbongmarcos.com</a> </div></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-7914228512271227332021-02-10T20:10:00.001+08:002021-02-10T20:10:29.706+08:00ASF Problem in the Philippines<div dir="auto">REP. BERNADETTE "BH" HERRERA <br>Bagong Henerasyon Party-list<br>Deputy Speaker | Governor, Rotary Philippines RID3780<br>Secretary-General, The Party-list Coalition Foundation, Inc.<br>0917-729-2437 Twitter: @BHherrerady<br>Mobile number 09177292437<br><br>Tugunan agad ang ASF, communal hog raising isa sa mga solusyon, ayon kay Deputy Speaker Herrera<br><br>APEKTADO NG INFLATION ANG BUDGET NG MGA MAHIHIRAP KONTRA COVID-19<br><br>Nangangamba si House Deputy Speaker Bernadette Herrera na hihina ang panlaban kontra COVID-19 ng mga mahihirap dahil sa pagtaas ng mga presyo ng baboy, gulay, at manok.<br><br>Ipinaaalala rin ng Bagong Henerasyon Party-list congresswoman sa DOH at DSWD na kailangang tuparin ng pamahalaan ang pangako nitong pamamahagi ng libreng face masks para sa mga mahihirap.<br><br>Kailangan rin aniyang paalahanan ang publiko na madalas labhan ang mga ginagamit nilang cloth face mask upang hindi pamahayan ng mikrobyo ang materyales nitong tela.<br><br>Dahil mas mataas ang presyo ngayon ang pagkain, nababawasan tuloy ang budget ng mga mahihirap pambili ng face masks, face shields, skin soap, rubbing alcohol, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, at iba pang essential personal hygiene items "which are also necessities in this time of COVID-19 pandemic", ayon kay Herrera.<br><br>Hindi sana tumaas ang presyo ng baboy kung inagapan agad ng Department of Agriculture ang swine flu noong 2019 nang sa dalawang probinsiya pa lang kumalat ang swine flu.<br><br>"Kumalat ang ASF sa mga babuyan dahil wala o kulang ang safety protocols na ipinatupad. That is why we need shift from backyard hog raising to communal with better measures against ASF and other livestock diseases," aniya.<br><br>"Kapag sama-sama mag-alaga ng baboy ang mga residente ng isang barangay sa mga piling lugar, makakayanan nila ang gastusin kontra ASF, food safety, at minimum health protocols," dagdag niya. (WAKAS)<br></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-23195224739276070272021-01-24T13:41:00.001+08:002021-01-24T13:41:45.035+08:00TRAIN Law for Importing Covid Vaccine<div dir="auto">REP. ANGELICA NATASHA CO<br>BHW Party-list | Member for the Minority,<br>Appropriations, Health, and 12 other Committees<br>09177292437 | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BHWPhilippinesOfficial/">https://www.facebook.com/BHWPhilippinesOfficial/</a><br><br>RA 10863, TRAIN LAW MAAARING BASEHAN PARA MAGING IMPORT TAX-FREE ANG MGA COVI9-19 VACCINE, GAMOT, TESTING KIT<br><br>Nakasaad sa Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863) sa mismong Section 1609 nito ang mga paaran upang maibaba ang halaga ng buwis sa mga imported COVID-19 vaccines, gamot, at testing kits, ayon kay BHW Party-list Rep. Angelica Natasha Co.<br><br>Nasa kamay ng NEDA ang susi upang magamit ang RA 10863 para hindi na kailangang maghintay ng batas mula sa Kongreso, ani Rep. Co, kasapi ng Committee on Economic Affairs sa Kamara.<br><br>"Section 1609 gives the Executive Branch, via NEDA, authority to change the import duties or the classification of products through recommendation to the President. The import duties can be suspended and import restrictions can be modified," punto ng kinatawan ng mga barangay health workers sa Kongreso.<br><br>Maaari ring gamitin ang TRAIN Law bilang dagdag paraan upang mura ang halaga ng pagbabakuna para sa mga mahihirap dahil mayroong probisyon TRAIN Law para sa anuman social safety net na maisipan ng gobyerno para sa mga, aniya.<br><br>Tungkol naman sa iba't ibang fees at procedures sa Bureau of Customs, marami sa mga ito pwedeng isantabi muna ng Department of Finance at BoC dahil nagawa na ito dati tulad noong 2019 noong kinailangang paramihin ang supply ng pagkain sa pag-import upang mapabagal ang inflation, paalala ni Congresswoman Co. (WAKAS)<br></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-57363094750303264432021-01-17T13:44:00.001+08:002021-01-17T13:44:56.081+08:00Insanity Defense of Police Officer<div dir="auto">REP. FREDERICK W. SIAO<br>Lone District of Iligan City<br>Chair, Committee on Civil Service & Professional Regulation<br>Vice-Chair, Committee on Public Order & Safety<br><a href="http://www.freddiesiao.com/">http://www.freddiesiao.com/</a> Twitter: @freddiesiao 0917-729-2437 <div dir="auto"><br>GOVERNMENT PROSECUTORS SHOULD BE READY TO DEMOLISH ANY INSANITY DEFENSE OF DISMISSED POLICE OFFICER NUEZCA<br><br>Given the not guilty plea the accused murderer police officer Nuezca has made, we can most probably expect an insanity defense by his legal counsel in the coming weeks.<br><br>Nuezca's lawyers will try to put forward the insanity defense. They will try to convince the public that Nuezca "lost his mind", had a "psychotic episode", or "nagdilim ang paningin" moments before he shot in the head and instantly killed Sonya Gregorio and Frank Gregorio.<br><br>The viral video of the murder is clear and plain to see. All the necessary elements of the crime of murder are there. In my view Nuezca and his lawyers will fail at their insanity defense.<br><br>Being an exception, the insanity defense has the strictest tests and hurdles in our courts. Our court judges are limited by established rules and precedents on the use of the insanity defense.<br><br>Nuezca's lawyers could try to use eyewitness testimony and might have some psychologist or psychiatrist or pastor or priest of whatever church to come forward to publicly state a compassionate assessment of Nuezca's mental health. They might even use the "nagdilim ang paningin defense" used in other situations completely different from the Nuezca situation.</div><div dir="auto"><br>Nuezca's lawyer's might point out that the viral video did not show or have a frontal view of the incident because the angle of the video was from the window behind Nuezca. But that defense should not prosper because the video did show the face of Nuezca several times during the video. The video also had audio proving Nuezca was conversing with the people around him who were pleading for mercy for Sonya and Frank Gregorio.<br><br>I hope our government prosecutors will be ready to assail and demolish the insanity defense Nuezca's lawyers will mount. (END)<br></div></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-30806959166929792842021-01-17T13:29:00.001+08:002021-01-17T13:29:42.935+08:002 Pinoy Cops Face Dismissal<div dir="auto"><div dir="auto">2 POLICE ROOKIES FACE DISMISSAL</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">PNP Chief, Police General Debold M Sinas has ordered the pre-charge investigation and summary dismissal proceedings against two Police Non-Commissioned Officers who were found positive for drug use.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">"If left undetected, these two police rookies will continue with their drug use and perhaps influence others. They will have to go because there is no place for addicts in the PNP," the Chief PNP said.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">On orders of the Chief PNP, Patrolman Reyland Lacap Intal of Olongapo City Mobile Force Company and Patrolman Benhur S. Ismael of the 2nd Sulu Provincial Mobile Force Company have been disarmed and placed under restrictive custody by their respective units while investigation is underway.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Intal was confirmed POSITIVE for THC metabolites (Marijuana) during a random drug test conducted by the PNP Crime Laborarory to 397 out of 422 personnel of Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO) on January 15, 2021, immediately following the arrest of 4 other officers from OCPO during a raid conducted by CIDG and PDEA that led to the discovery of a kitchen-type clandestine drug laboratory in Subic.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">The remaining 25 more (OCPO) personnel who are either on schooling or on detail will be subjected to the same test upon their return to unit.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Over in Sulu, a Crime Laboratory Chemistry Report showed Pat Ismael POSITIVE for Methamphetamine after screening and confirmatory tests completed on January 14, 2021.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Both police rookies are now facing administrative cases filed before the regional investigative bodies.</div><div dir="auto">(PNP-PIO)</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">#TeamPNP</div><div dir="auto">#WeServeAndProtect</div><div dir="auto">#PNPKakampiMo</div></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-79562790695507362282021-01-16T10:05:00.001+08:002021-01-16T10:05:22.149+08:00SEAOIL Free Gas Promo 2021<div dir="auto">SEAOIL's Lifetime Free Gas Promo, ending on February 8, 2021, has been instrumental in helping Filipinos fast-track their financial recovery from the pandemic.<br><br>Ernie Linarez, a Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) driver and LFG 2018 winner, said, "My earnings dwindled when transport network vehicle services stopped operations during the lockdown. Not having to spend much on gas has been very helpful to a TNVS driver like me. I'm able to allocate the savings to my family's needs, especially supporting the online classes of my child."<br><br>Ron Ditching, a banker and an LFG 2019 winner mentioned, "We thought we no longer could proceed with our retirement fund when my wife lost her job during the pandemic. We had been allocating a percentage of our salaries to the fund. Luckily, we're still able to provide for the daily needs of our family while saving for the future since we have no fuel expenses." <br><br>Attached is a story about two previous winners who lost income due to last year's lockdowns, but still managed to support their households, as they were able to save on "gas-tos" and reallocate their fuel budget to their family's essentials. </div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-84380558182309474162021-01-15T11:26:00.001+08:002021-01-15T11:26:14.677+08:00Covid Vaccine Program in Philippines<div dir="auto">REP. BERNADETTE "BH" HERRERA <br>Bagong Henerasyon Party-list<br>Deputy Speaker | Governor, Rotary Philippines RID3780<br>Secretary-General, The Party-list Coalition Foundation, Inc.<br>0917-729-2437 Twitter: @BHherrerady<br>Mobile number 09177292437<br>Paggawad ng Philippine FDA ng EUA sa Pfizer vaccine, ikinatuwa sa Kamara<br><br>REPUTASYON NG VACCINE DEVELOPERS, IMPORTANTE SA KUMPIYANSA NG PUBLIKO SA VACCINATION PROGRAM<br><br>Malaking bagay ang reputasyon ng gumawa ng mga bakuna sa pagtanggap ng publiko sa COVID-19 vaccines, ayon kay House Deputy Speaker Bernadette Herrera-Dy bilang reaksyon sa mga pag-apruba ng Food and Drug Administration sa bakuna ng Pfizer para sa emergency use authorization at sa Phase 3 clinical trials ng bakuna ng Janssen Pharmaceuticals ng Johnson & Johnson.<br><br>Nakikita ni Rep. Herrera ng Bagong Henerasyon Party-list ang "solid track record" ng dalawang higanteng kumpanya at makakatulong upang lumakas ang "acceptance of their COVID vaccines."<br><br>"Upon the strong foundation of trust, our country now has the means to defeat the coronavirus, especially here in Metro Manila, as well as in a few other urban centers," aniya.<br><br>Inaasahan ng congresswoman na unang prayoridad ang health care frontliners at ang mga tao na magbibigay ng bakuna sa mga tao.<br><br>"It is now up to the authorities and their partners to make sure the vaccines are given swiftly," aniya.<br><br>Tiwala ang deputy speaker na sapat ang mga "cold storage chain" facilities sa Metro Manila at iba pang mauunlad na lungsod sa bansa.<br></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-4142837737096372162020-11-23T16:54:00.001+08:002020-11-23T16:54:56.847+08:00Justice for Police Lt Colonel Walter Annayo<div dir="auto"><div dir="auto">BOSTAH STATEMENT on the gruesome killing of PLTCOL WALTER ANNAYO</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">We, the members of PNP LATERAL ENTRY BAGONG TANGLAW CLASS OF 2006 strongly condemn in the strongest possible words the gruesome killing of our classmate, PLTCOL WALTER ANNAYO. He was treacherously murdered by unidentified suspects in Narciso Ramos Highway, Brgy Macabiso, Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao on November 21, 2020.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">We cry for justice and call for an immediate investigation and solution of the case so that the culprits will be held liable and justice is served.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">We thank our CPNP for ordering the PROBAR Leadership to conduct immediate follow-up investigation and leave not a stone unturned that will pave the way to the prompt solution of the case.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">On behalf of the PNP LATERAL ENTRY CLASS OF 2006, I extend my deepest condolences to the orphaned family of the late PLTCOL WALTER ANNAYO. The whole class assure the bereaved family of Walter the assistance the class can extend.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">We pray for PLTCOL ANNAYO. May he rest in peace.... Let justice be served.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">PLTCOL HAROLD AGLIPAY</div><div dir="auto">Class President</div><div dir="auto">PNP Lateral Entry</div><div dir="auto">Bagong Tanglaw Class of 2006</div></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915688209893554017.post-42903249133638698812020-10-30T20:41:00.001+08:002020-10-30T20:41:33.108+08:00Protect Electricity Consumers From Service Disconnection<div dir="auto">AKO BICOL PARTY-LIST<br>REP. ALFREDO A. GARBIN, JR.<br>Vice-Chair, Committee on Justice<br>09177292437 | Twitter @AlfredoGarbin<br><br>ERC ASKED TO TAKE A SECOND LOOK AT SUFFERING OF HOUSEHOLDS, BUSINESSES<br><br>I commend the ERC for its swift action on our appeal to protect electricity consumers from service disconnection although the ERC order covers only households consuming not more than 200 kilowatt-hours per month and is only up to December 31 this year.<br><br>I asked for no disconnection coverage up to January 31, 2021 for all households and small businesses.<br><br>ERC can take a second look at the situation on the ground. Electricity bills are aggravating the suffering of families and enterprises. They must be allowed recover so our country can recover.<br><br>I ask ERC Chairperson Agnes Devanadera and her Commissioners to consider this alternative: For those with better financial means or over 200 kwh per month electricity consumption, staggered payments across four months and suspended disconnection while during the installment payment period.<br><br>For areas devastated by typhoons, electricity consumers must not suffer service disconnection.<br><br>Water utilities firms nationwide should also be compassionate to their customers. (END)<br></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0