G.R. No. L-10662 - Senarillos vs. Hermosisima

Roque Senarillos was appointed Chief of Police of Sibonga, Cebu, an appointment he held until January 2, 1952.
On January 2, 1952, Senarillos was suspended by the Municipal Mayor of Sibonga following charges filed by Roque Geraldizo, which Senarillos denied.
A "police committee" composed of three municipal councilors was created by Resolution No. 2, Series 1952, of the municipal council to investigate Senarillos.

Despite Senarillos’ protest that the investigation should be conducted by the full municipal council as mandated by Republic Act No. 557, the committee held the investigation.
On April 15, 1952, the committee issued an adverse decision against Senarillos, later signed by all council members.
The Commissioner of Civil Service affirmed the decision on August 28, 1952, and the Civil Service Board of Appeals upheld it in October 1954.

After the initial suspension period ended, Senarillos was again suspended based on an untried Administrative Case No. V-6. Upon expiry of this suspension, he was reinstated on May 25, 1952.
On July 9, 1952, the Municipal Mayor filed a criminal swindling case against Senarillos and suspended him for a third time.
The criminal case was dismissed on July 28, 1954.

On April 27, 1955, Senarillos filed a petition with the Court of First Instance for relief, challenging his multiple suspensions and removal.
The Court issued a writ of mandamus compelling the Municipal Mayor and Council to reinstate Senarillos as Chief of Police and declared his removal null and void.
The court ordered payment of salary from January 3, 1952, and taxed costs against the respondents.

The Municipal Mayor and Council appealed the decision.
The Supreme Court examined the legality of the investigation conducted by the "police committee" instead of the full municipal council.

Whether the investigation and removal of Roque Senarillos as Chief of Police conducted by a committee of the municipal council instead of the full council was valid under Republic Act No. 557.
Whether the decisions of the Commissioner of Civil Service and the Civil Service Board of Appeals affirming the removal could validate the otherwise illegal investigation and removal.
Whether Roque Senarillos committed laches in seeking relief from his removal and suspension.
Whether Senarillos was entitled to reinstatement and back pay.