OMBUDSMAN vs MADRIAGA (2006)

Third Division | Carpio Morales, J.

Office of the Special Prosecutor
A letter complaint was filed before the Office of Ombudsman against respondents in violation of RA
6713. The Graft Investigation Officer found them guilty and imposed the proper penalty. However,
another GIO set aside the decision and found them guilty also of another violation and increased their
penalty to 6 months of suspension. Respondents then filed a motion for reconsideration, but was
denied. They then filed a petition for certiorari before the Court of Appeals which it granted and
declared that the penalty was merely recommendatory to the Department of Education. Thus, the
petition before the Supreme Court.
On the issue on whether or not the Ombudsman has full disciplinary authority over public officials and
employees including the power to enforce its duly issued judgements, the Court held in the
affirmative. By the Constitutional provision, the phrase "ensure compliance therewith" gives such
power.