Lacson v ES

649 SCRA 142

Petitioner: Theron V. Lacson, Jaime R. Millan, Bernaro T. Viray
Respondent: Hon. Executive Secretary, Presidential Anti-Graft Commission
Facts:
Petitioners were non-presidential appointee and career service officials of Philippine
Estates Authority. On October 3, 2002, Sulficio O. Tagud filed a complaint accusing petitioners
for overpricing the contract for the construction of the Central Boulevard Project aka Pres.
Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard. The Ombudsman inestigated both the criminal and
administrative aspects of the case.
Petitoners were subsequently charged with violation of RA 7080 (Act Defining and
Penalizing Plunder), and Dishonesty, Misconduct and Acts Inimical to the Interest of the Public
Service in violation of the Uniform Rules on Administrative Cases.
The PAGC also proceeded against petitioners administratively. Petitioners contend that
because they are not presidential appointees, it is only the Ombudsman who has jurisdiction over
them.
Issue:
WON it is only the Ombudsman who should conduct the investigation against petitioners.
Held:
No, the Ombudsman has concurrent jurisdiction with similarly authorized agencies. Thus,
their power to investigate offense involving public officials is not exclusive therefore the
ombudsman may share its authority to conduct an investigation concerning administrative charges
against petitioners with other agencies.