LEGASPI vs.

CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

G.R. No. L-72119, May 29, 1987
Facts:
Petitioner Valentin Legaspi requested to the Civil Service Commission
information on the civil service eligibilities of Julian Sibonghanoy, and Mariano
Agas, government employees employed as sanitarians in the Health
Department of Cebu City. He claimed that he was entitled to such information
as a constitutional right. The respondent commission denied his request. The
petitioner then filed for mandamus to compel the Civil Service Commission to
comply with his request. The respondent, however contended that Legaspi had
no actual interest and no clear legal right to secure the particular information.
Issue:
Whether or not the petitioner has the right to access information on civil
service eligibilities of the sanitarians
Ruling:
Yes. The Court ruled that Legaspi can access information on the civil service
eligibilities of the sanitarians because it is matter of public concern and as such
is covered by the right to information. The Constitution mandates the State and
its agents to afford full disclosure of all its information involving public interest
or concern. In this case, the eligibility of the sanitarians is of public concern
because it is the legitimate concern of citizens to ensure that government
positions requiring civil service eligibility are occupied only by eligible persons.