Fabian v. Desierto

Summary

This landmark constitutional case involved administrative charges against a DPWH official for grave misconduct in connection with an amorous relationship that affected government contracts. The Supreme Court En Banc declared Section 27 of the Ombudsman Act of 1989 unconstitutional for violating the constitutional prohibition against laws increasing the Supreme Court's appellate jurisdiction without its advice and consent. The Court ruled that Congress failed to consult the Supreme Court before enacting the provision allowing direct appeals from Ombudsman administrative disciplinary decisions. The decision established that such appeals should go to the Court of Appeals under Rule 43, not to the Supreme Court. This case significantly impacted Philippine administrative law by restructuring the appellate procedure for Ombudsman cases and reinforcing constitutional limitations on legislative power over judicial jurisdiction.