FACTS:

The case involved a criminal and administrative aspect, with the criminal case charging the
petitioner with violating Republic Act No.7080, and the administrative case charging them
with dishonesty, serious misconduct, and acts inimical to the interest of the public service.

ISSUES:

The issue was whether the removal of the petitioner from the office was justified, and
whether the respondents failed to observe due process in the administrative proceedings.

RULING:

The ruling was that the removal from office was justified because the petitioner committed
acts punishable under the anti-graft laws and their conduct was prejudicial to the best
interest of the service.However, the alleged failure of the respondents to observe due
process was also addressed, stating that the essence of due process in administrative
proceedings is the opportunity to explain one’s side or seek a reconsideration of the action
or ruling complained of and to submit any evidence in support of their defense.

DOCTRINED APPLIED:

The doctrine of due process in administrative proceedings, which includes the right to a
hearing, the consideration of evidence presented, and the need for some evidence to
support a finding or conclusion.

Doctrine of the hierarchy of courts. Rem. Law. An established policy that parties must
observe the hierarchy of courts before they can seek relief directly from the[e Sup.] Court.
The Rationale for this rule is twofold: (a) it would be an imposition upon the limited time of
the[e Sup.] Court; and (b) it would inevitably result in a delay, intended or otherwise, in the
adjudication of cases, which in some instances, had to be remanded or referred to the
lower court as the proper forum under the rules of procedure, or as better equipped to
resolve the issues because the[e Sup.] The court is not a trier of facts.
Doctrine of primary jurisdiction. Rem. Law. [The doctrine that holds that] if the case is such
that its determination requires the expertise, specialized skills and knowledge of the proper
administrative bodies because technical matters or intricate questions of facts are
involved, then relief must first be obtained in an administrative proceeding before a remedy
will be supplied by the courts even though the matter is within the proper jurisdiction of a
court.

Doctrine of forum shopping.

Forum shopping is the institution of two or more actions or proceedings involving the same
parties for the same cause of action, either simultaneously or successively, on the
supposition that one or the other court would make a favorable disposition.