Rolynne Javier

28/07/2026

SC: Ombudsman Decisions Are Immediately Executory Despite a Pending Motion for Reconsideration

The Supreme Court (SC) ruled that the filing of a motion for reconsideration does not suspend the immediate ex*****on of an administrative decision of the Office of the Ombudsman.

Read the full decision in the comments section.

27/06/2026

Build your ADR expertise — anytime, anywhere.

Batch 3 of the Fundamental Course on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is now open for enrollment!

📅 28 July–11 August 2026
💻 Asynchronous via OADR‑LMS
💰 Fee: ₱2,400.00

What you’ll gain:

• A solid grounding in ADR concepts and processes
• Practical techniques you can apply in real conflict situations
• Flexible, self‑paced learning you can complete on your schedule
• A strong foundation for mediators, legal professionals, and public servants

How to join:

Submit your application: https://forms.gle/qbnpSYLUzWVTTr788

Or scan the QR code in the photo.

Questions? Email TPDD at [email protected].

02/05/2026

READ | Barangays Told: Update Development Plans, Put Anti-Poverty Programs First

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed all barangays nationwide to formulate or update their 2026 Barangay Development Plans (BDPs) and Barangay Development Investment Programs (BDIPs) before the end of the year, with a clear instruction to prioritize programs that directly reduce poverty and improve daily life in communities.

The directive supports the call of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sustain poverty-reduction gains despite global economic pressures, including uncertainties arising from the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The BDP serves as a three-year multi-sectoral roadmap that identifies a barangay’s priorities, programs, projects, and activities. It is the main planning tool that helps local leaders translate community needs into concrete action.

Under DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2021-087, barangays are encouraged to integrate sectoral and thematic concerns into their plans, including livelihood generation, food security, social protection, health, education, disaster resilience, peace and order, and other grassroots anti-poverty interventions.

The Department also underscored the importance of participatory governance, urging barangay officials to consult residents, civil society groups, and key stakeholders during the planning process. Inclusive planning ensures that programs are grounded on real conditions, responsive to urgent needs, and supported by the people they are meant to serve.

Barangays were likewise reminded to align their BDPs with the Comprehensive Development Plans of their respective cities and municipalities, while exploring cooperation with neighboring barangays to maximize resources and widen development impact.

DILG records show that 5,540 barangays under the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) have already completed enhanced BDPs, helping strengthen local governance and improve the delivery of basic services, particularly in formerly conflict-affected and underserved communities.

The Department stressed that timely compliance is mandatory. Failure to prepare or update required plans may expose concerned officials to administrative liability under Section 60 of the Local Government Code of 1991.

To ensure accountability and full compliance, the DILG said progress will be tracked through the Barangay Information System.

14/04/2026

READ | DILG: Local Sanggunian Cannot Hold Sessions Outside Their Jurisdiction

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday reminded all local government units (LGUs) that regular and special sanggunian sessions cannot be conducted outside their territorial jurisdiction, stressing that local legislation must remain accessible to the people it serves.

The Department said sanggunian sessions are official legislative proceedings of the LGU and, as a general rule, must be held within the locality, as provided under the Local Government Code. Conducting sessions elsewhere undermines public access to deliberations and decisions that directly affect residents.

The Department added that sessions held beyond an LGU’s jurisdiction may be questioned before the proper courts and could expose responsible officials to appropriate administrative liability.

The DILG, however, recognized limited exceptions in extraordinary and compelling circumstances, including force majeure, natural or human-induced calamities, public emergencies, and serious threats to safety or security within the LGU.

In such cases, any temporary alternative venue must remain open and reasonably accessible to the public and all sanggunian members. Proceedings must also be properly recorded, documented, and reflected in the official minutes.

In a separate reminder, the DILG emphasized that the vice governor or vice mayor, as presiding officers of their respective sanggunian bodies, must be counted in determining quorum to avoid legal questions on the validity of deliberations and enacted measures.

At the barangay level, the punong barangay, as presiding officer of the Sangguniang Barangay, must likewise be included in determining quorum.

The Department said these rules uphold transparency, legal order, and the people’s right to witness how local decisions are made.

02/03/2026

The RTC Has Jurisdiction Over Unjust Vexation When Committed Through ICT (Cyber-Enabled Unjust Vexation)

Unjust vexation (UV) is punished under Article 287 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by R.A. No. 10951. Article 287 expressly provides that “other coercions or unjust vexations” are punishable by arresto menor or a fine ranging from ₱1,000 to ₱40,000, or both.

When unjust vexation is committed by, through, and with the use of information and communications technology (ICT)—for example, harassment or annoying conduct carried out through Facebook, Messenger, email, or other online platforms—Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act (R.A. No. 10175) applies. Section 6 provides that all RPC crimes committed through ICT are covered by RA 10175, and the penalty to be imposed is one (1) degree higher.

Accordingly, cyber-enabled unjust vexation (UV “in relation to Sec. 6, RA 10175”) is penalized one degree higher than the penalty for ordinary unjust vexation under Article 287.

The correct basis for RTC jurisdiction is Section 21 of R.A. No. 10175, which expressly provides that the Regional Trial Court shall have jurisdiction over any violation of the provisions of the Act:

“SEC. 21. Jurisdiction. — The Regional Trial Court shall have jurisdiction over any violation of the provisions of this Act….”— RA 10175, Sec. 21 (2012)

Thus, once the prosecution alleges and proves that unjust vexation was committed through ICT (triggering Section 6 coverage), the case falls under RA 10175’s jurisdictional framework and should be filed in the RTC.

This is reinforced by the Rules on Cybercrime Warrants, which state that RPC crimes committed through ICT (i.e., Section 6 cases) shall be filed before the regular or specialized RTCs, as applicable.

References

RA 10951, Sec. 73 (amending Art. 287) (2017)

RA 10175, Sec. 21 (2012)

Catan v. People (2023)

A.M. No. 17-11-03-SC, Rules on Cybercrime Warrants (2018)

19/02/2026

13/02/2026

No noon break policy

SUPREME COURT FINES RTC JUDGE ₱18,000 FOR SIMPLE MISCONDUCT; CLARIFIES RULES ON JUDICIAL BENEFITS

The Supreme Court En Banc found Judge ### guilty of Simple Misconduct for ordering most of her staff to leave the court during office hours to attend to matters related to their new office site.

The incident stemmed from an anonymous complaint alleging that Branch ### was closed during office hours in violation of the court’s “No Noon Break” policy. The Court emphasized that judicial duties take precedence over all other activities and that court offices must remain open during official hours. She was fined ₱18,000.00.

While several personnel were cleared for merely following instructions, two employees were directed to explain their absence. In the same ruling, the Court issued comprehensive guidelines on the effects of administrative sanctions on judicial allowances and bonuses, including PERA, RATA, PEI, MYB, YEB, and Cash Gifts.

A.M. No. RTJ-23-040 (Formerly OCA IPI No. 20-5081-RTJ)
June 25, 2024 | SC En Banc | Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan

Read the full story in the comment section.

02/02/2026

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗼𝘃'𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗢𝗛 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘀–𝗥𝘂𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

In support of children’s health and protection, the Department of Health calls for all civil servant's active participation to the Measles–Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity, which will be conducted as follows:

📍 Phase 1: 19 January to 13 February – Mindanao and BARMM
📍 Phase 2: June – Luzon and Visayas

In line with this initiative, the Civil Service Commission reiterates that government workers may avail of Special Leave Privileges to accompany their children for measles–rubella vaccination at the nearest health center. Parents may also inquire with the barangay nurse or midwife for vaccination schedules and assistance.

This is pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 6, s. 1996, as amended by MC No. 6, s. 1999, which allows the filing of leave for parental obligations, including medical needs.

Government agencies are encouraged to support this campaign by facilitating the availment of Special Leave Privileges. Together, let us protect our children and help keep our communities safe and healthy.

17/01/2026

The Supreme Court revisited and abandoned the “second placer rule.”

It held that where a permanent vacancy results from disqualification/COC cancellation in a local elective position, (e.g. false material representation on residency (Sec. 78, Omnibus Election Code), the vacancy should be filled by statutory succession, not by proclaiming the second placer. | GAERLAN, J.

Read the full story in the comments section.

04/01/2026

Happy new year sec! Mahal ka namin 😁