Facts:

• Rosa C. Gonzalbo-Macatangay (petitioner) faced a complaint from Marites L. Calivara regarding her marriage to Modesto Macatangay, Jr.
• Marites alleged that the petitioner married Modesto on February 3, 1997, while he was still married to her.
• A criminal case for Bigamy was filed against both the petitioner and Modesto in the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Lucena City.
• Both pleaded guilty, leading to their conviction, which became final on October 8, 2002.
• The petitioner claimed ignorance of Modesto's existing marriage and stated she was coerced into marriage due to pregnancy.
• The Civil Service Commission - National Capital Region (CSC-NCR) charged her with Conviction of a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude.
• The CSC-NCR found her guilty and dismissed her from service on June 19, 2014, with penalties including cancellation of eligibility and forfeiture of retirement benefits.
• The petitioner appealed to the CSC Proper, which affirmed the decision on January 5, 2015.
• The Court of Appeals upheld this ruling on August 10, 2017, and denied her motion for reconsideration on May 9, 2018.
• The petitioner subsequently filed a petition for review before the Supreme Court.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court ruled that the petition was not meritorious and affirmed the decisions of the Court of Appeals and the Civil Service Commission.
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Ratio:

• The Court noted that the petitioner did not contest her guilt regarding the administrative offense, which is classified as a grave offense punishable by dismissal upon first commission.
• CSC Resolution No. 991936 states that such offenses warrant dismissal without the possibility of mitigation.
• While mitigating circumstances can be considered, they must be properly invoked and justified; ...continue reading