Rolynne Javier

The RTC Has Jurisdiction Over Unjust Vexation When Committed Through ICT (Cyber-Enabled Unjust Vexation)

Unjust vexation (UV) is punished under Article 287 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by R.A. No. 10951. Article 287 expressly provides that “other coercions or unjust vexations” are punishable by arresto menor or a fine ranging from ₱1,000 to ₱40,000, or both.

When unjust vexation is committed by, through, and with the use of information and communications technology (ICT)—for example, harassment or annoying conduct carried out through Facebook, Messenger, email, or other online platforms—Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act (R.A. No. 10175) applies. Section 6 provides that all RPC crimes committed through ICT are covered by RA 10175, and the penalty to be imposed is one (1) degree higher.

Accordingly, cyber-enabled unjust vexation (UV “in relation to Sec. 6, RA 10175”) is penalized one degree higher than the penalty for ordinary unjust vexation under Article 287.

The correct basis for RTC jurisdiction is Section 21 of R.A. No. 10175, which expressly provides that the Regional Trial Court shall have jurisdiction over any violation of the provisions of the Act:

“SEC. 21. Jurisdiction. — The Regional Trial Court shall have jurisdiction over any violation of the provisions of this Act….”— RA 10175, Sec. 21 (2012)

Thus, once the prosecution alleges and proves that unjust vexation was committed through ICT (triggering Section 6 coverage), the case falls under RA 10175’s jurisdictional framework and should be filed in the RTC.

This is reinforced by the Rules on Cybercrime Warrants, which state that RPC crimes committed through ICT (i.e., Section 6 cases) shall be filed before the regular or specialized RTCs, as applicable.

References

RA 10951, Sec. 73 (amending Art. 287) (2017)

RA 10175, Sec. 21 (2012)

Catan v. People (2023)

A.M. No. 17-11-03-SC, Rules on Cybercrime Warrants (2018)

𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐋 𝐊𝐀 𝐁𝐀? 𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐋 𝐘𝐀𝐍 #Epal #PhilippinePolitics

No noon break policy

SUPREME COURT FINES RTC JUDGE ₱18,000 FOR SIMPLE MISCONDUCT; CLARIFIES RULES ON JUDICIAL BENEFITS

The Supreme Court En Banc found Judge # # # guilty of Simple Misconduct for ordering most of her staff to leave the court during office hours to attend to matters related to their new office site.

The incident stemmed from an anonymous complaint alleging that Branch # # # was closed during office hours in violation of the court’s “No Noon Break” policy. The Court emphasized that judicial duties take precedence over all other activities and that court offices must remain open during official hours. She was fined ₱18,000.00.

While several personnel were cleared for merely following instructions, two employees were directed to explain their absence. In the same ruling, the Court issued comprehensive guidelines on the effects of administrative sanctions on judicial allowances and bonuses, including PERA, RATA, PEI, MYB, YEB, and Cash Gifts.

A.M. No. RTJ-23-040 (Formerly OCA IPI No. 20-5081-RTJ)
June 25, 2024 | SC En Banc | Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan

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𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗼𝘃'𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗢𝗛 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘀–𝗥𝘂𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

In support of children’s health and protection, the Department of Health calls for all civil servant's active participation to the Measles–Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity, which will be conducted as follows:

📍 Phase 1: 19 January to 13 February – Mindanao and BARMM
📍 Phase 2: June – Luzon and Visayas

In line with this initiative, the Civil Service Commission reiterates that government workers may avail of Special Leave Privileges to accompany their children for measles–rubella vaccination at the nearest health center. Parents may also inquire with the barangay nurse or midwife for vaccination schedules and assistance.

This is pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 6, s. 1996, as amended by MC No. 6, s. 1999, which allows the filing of leave for parental obligations, including medical needs.

Government agencies are encouraged to support this campaign by facilitating the availment of Special Leave Privileges. Together, let us protect our children and help keep our communities safe and healthy.

The Supreme Court revisited and abandoned the “second placer rule.”

It held that where a permanent vacancy results from disqualification/COC cancellation in a local elective position, (e.g. false material representation on residency (Sec. 78, Omnibus Election Code), the vacancy should be filled by statutory succession, not by proclaiming the second placer. | GAERLAN, J.

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Happy new year sec! Mahal ka namin 😁

Aprubado na ang gratuity pay para sa COS at JO workers!

Bilang pagkilala sa mahalagang kontribusyon ng mga Contract of Service (COS) at Job Order (JO) workers, pinirmahan ni PBBM ang Administrative Order No. 39 na nagbibigay ng year-end gratuity pay na hanggang PhP7,000 para sa mga kwalipikadong manggagawa sa gobyerno.

Basahin: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2025/12/11/administrative-order-no-39-s-2025/

WHY THE CESO TITLE AND RANK ARE THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS MARKS IN GOVERNMENT?

In the Philippine bureaucracy, no title commands greater respect than CESO — Career Executive Service Officer. It is not a political appointment, not a mere promotion, and definitely not a product of connections. It is earned — through years of public service, rigorous examinations, and leadership assessments designed to test the heart, mind, and integrity of a true public servant.

The CESO rank is not about position — it is about competence, character, and commitment. It symbolizes that one has passed the most demanding stages of the CES Eligibility process — from the Written Exam, Assessment Center, Validation, and Panel Interview. Each stage filters not just knowledge, but integrity, judgment, and leadership potential.

To be conferred the CESO title is to be recognized as part of the country’s highest circle of career administrators — individuals entrusted with the most critical responsibilities in government, guided by the values of service, excellence, and accountability.

In a bureaucracy often shaken by political transitions, CESOs stand firm as the steady hands of governance — ensuring that institutions continue to function, policies are implemented, and the Filipino people are served with dignity and consistency.

So when you see “CESO” after someone’s name, remember: That is not just a rank — it is a mark of excellence, a badge of integrity, and a lifetime honor earned through dedication and sacrifice for the public good.

🇵🇭 THE CESO TITLE — THE GOLD STANDARD OF PUBLIC LEADERSHIP.

'KUNG NAKAYA KO, I'M SURE KAYA MO RIN'

It has been a decade since Chito Miranda stopped smoking, and he continues to commit to a healthier lifestyle as he approaches his 50th birthday.

Read more:
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/healthandwellness/965824/chito-miranda-marks-10-years-smoke-free-shares-lessons-on-health-and-discipline/story/

TODAY TEN YEARS AGO: On November 10, 2015, the Supreme Court abandoned the decade-old condonation doctrine in the landmark case of Carpio-Morales vs. Court of Appeals, ruling that a public official's re-election does not absolve them of administrative liability for misconduct committed in a prior term.

Voting 7-3, the SC, speaking through its ponente, former Senior Associate Justice Estela Perlas Bernabe, ruled that the condonation doctrine should be abandoned for lack of basis in the Constitution and the Local Government Code.

The high court emphasized the doctrine was inconsistent with the principle that “public office is a public trust” and with the constitutional requirement of public officials of accountability to the people at all times.

It added that the doctrine perpetuates a plainly inconsistent idea that an elective local official’s administrative liability for misconduct committed during a prior term can be wiped off by the fact that he was elected to a second term of office, or even another elective post.

The Condonation Doctrine was first introduced by the high court in 1959, where it provides that in the event that the public officer is re-elected into office, such re-election operates as a condonation to all misconduct committed during the previous term of office. The doctrine is only applicable to administrative cases and not criminal cases.

READ | JOINT ADVISORY
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
Philippine National Police (PNP)

Guidance on Forced Evacuation and Handling of Residents Refusing to Leave High-Risk Areas

The DILG and PNP remind all local government units and police personnel that saving lives is the top priority. During preemptive or forced evacuations, local officials must lead with both firmness and compassion.

All means of persuasion must be used to convince residents to move to safer ground. Explain clearly that evacuation is a measure to protect lives, not to take away their rights or property.

If residents still refuse despite repeated warnings and imminent danger, LGUs and the PNP are authorized to enforce mandatory evacuation in accordance with Republic Act No. 10121 and the Local Government Code. Actions must be done peacefully, respectfully, and with proper documentation.

Ensure that transportation, shelter, food, and medical aid are ready for evacuees, with priority for the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities.

The DILG and PNP call on all local leaders to act quickly and humanely. Protect every Filipino life. No one should be left behind.