Case Summary (G.R. No. 172635)
Facts of the Case
The respondent was administratively charged for Grave Misconduct based on a complaint initiated by Cleofas P. dela Cruz alleging inappropriate conduct towards her then 12-year-old daughter, Myra, who was a student in his Mathematics class. The allegations arose after Cleofas discovered that Pedro Delijero was courting Myra, evidenced by love letters and monetary gifts. Myra's affidavit described an occasion on April 7, 2003, where Delijero allegedly kissed her, prompting the administrative complaint.
Respondent's Defense
In his Counter-Affidavit, Delijero denied the allegations, asserting that Myra was infatuated with him and threatened him to reciprocate her feelings. He characterized their interaction as platonic, claiming Myra's actions were forcing him into a corner.
Administrative Proceedings and Ombudsman Decision
The Office of the Ombudsman, after evaluating the complaint, found Delijero guilty of Grave Misconduct and recommended his dismissal from public service, citing Section 46 (b) of the Revised Administrative Code of 1987. Delijero then sought reconsideration of the decision, resulting in the Ombudsman reaffirming its findings.
Court of Appeals Ruling
Delijero appealed the Ombudsman's decision to the Court of Appeals (CA), which ruled favorably for him, setting aside the Ombudsman’s decision. The CA held that the Ombudsman lacked jurisdiction over the administrative complaint against Delijero, as RA 4670 specified that such matters should first be addressed by an investigating committee of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS).
Issues on Jurisdiction and Authority
The CA concluded that the Office of the Ombudsman could not directly impose sanctions since the administrative proceedings should be conducted before the DECS. This decision hinged upon interpreting both the 1987 Constitution and RA 4670 regarding the jurisdiction over public school teachers.
Office of the Ombudsman's Authority
The petitioner contended that it held concurrent disciplinary authority over public school teachers alongside DECS. The Court recognized that while the Ombudsman has extensive investigatory powers, the specific rules governing administrative actions against teachers prioritize DECS's jurisdiction.
Principle of Estoppel
Further complicating the jurisdictional question, the Supreme Court observed that despite the Ombudsman's procedural impropriety, Delijero, by participating in
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Case Background
- The case arises from a petition for review on certiorari by the Office of the Ombudsman against Pedro Delijero, Jr., a public school teacher.
- Delijero was charged with Grave Misconduct by the Ombudsman following a complaint from Cleofas P. dela Cruz, the mother of a 12-year-old student, Myra dela Cruz.
- The complaint was supported by several love notes and monetary gifts that Delijero allegedly gave to Myra, which prompted an investigation by the Ombudsman.
Incident Details
- In May 2003, Cleofas learned from a cousin that Delijero was courting Myra. Upon confrontation, Myra admitted to receiving love letters and money from Delijero.
- Myra's affidavit detailed instances of Delijero courting her, including a specific incident on April 7, 2003, where he allegedly kissed her.
- Fellow students provided affidavits corroborating Myra's claims about the love letters and gifts from Delijero.
Respondent's Defense
- Delijero denied the allegations, claiming that Myra had developed feelings for him and that he was forced to respond to her letters due to her threats of self-harm.
- He argued that their relationship was platonic and submitted a counter-affidavit in response to the charges.
Ombudsman's Decision
- On May 17, 2004, the Ombudsman found Delijero guilty of Grave Misconduct and imposed th