The Supreme Court declared that it is unconstitutional for a Department Undersecretary to concurrently hold the position of Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of a government agency. This ruling reinforces the principle that members of the Cabinet, their deputies, and assistants are generally prohibited from holding multiple government positions to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure dedicated service in their primary roles. The decision clarifies the strict limitations on holding multiple offices within the executive branch, emphasizing the need for officials to focus on their core responsibilities.

When Does Serving in Two Government Roles Become a Constitutional Problem?

In Dennis A.B. Funa v. Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita, the central question was whether Undersecretary Maria Elena H. Bautista could simultaneously serve as the Undersecretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and as the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). Dennis Funa, a taxpayer, argued that this dual role violated Section 13, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution, which generally prohibits members of the Cabinet, their deputies, and assistants from holding any other office or employment during their tenure.

The petitioner contended that while the prohibition does not apply to positions held in an ex-officio capacity, the position of MARINA Administrator is not ex-officio to the post of DOTC Undersecretary, based on the provisions of Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 474 and the Administrative Code of 1987. He further argued that even a temporary designation must not violate a standing constitutional prohibition, as temporariness is not an exception under Section 13, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution. Funa also raised concerns about the incompatibility between the posts of DOTC Undersecretary and MARINA Administrator, arguing that it eliminates necessary checks and balances within the maritime industry.

The respondents countered that the case was moot because Bautista was later appointed as MARINA Administrator and relinquished her post as DOTC Undersecretary. They also argued that Funa lacked legal standing to bring the suit because he had not demonstrated a personal and substantial interest in the case or that public funds were illegally disbursed due to Bautista’s designation. Respondents maintained that Bautista’s concurrent designation was constitutional because she was merely an acting head of MARINA, and her case fell under the recognized exceptions to the rule against multiple offices: no additional compensation and as required by the primary functions of the office.

The Supreme Court, however, found the petition meritorious, emphasizing the importance of adhering to constitutional limitations on holding multiple offices. The Court reiterated that the power of judicial review is subject to limitations, including the requirement of an actual case or controversy, the standing of the challenger, the timeliness of raising the constitutional question, and the necessity of the constitutional issue to the case’s resolution. It found that Funa, as a concerned citizen alleging a grave violation of the Constitution, had sufficient standing to sue.

While acknowledging that the case had become moot due to Bautista’s subsequent appointment as MARINA Administrator, the Court emphasized that supervening events cannot prevent a decision if there is a grave violation of the Constitution, or if the issue is capable of repetition yet evading review. According to the Court, “Even in cases where supervening events had made the cases moot, this Court did not hesitate to resolve the legal or constitutional issues raised to formulate controlling principles to guide the bench, bar, and public.”

The Court grounded its analysis in Section 13, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution. The provision states:

Sec. 13. The President, Vice-President, the Members of the Cabinet, and their deputies or assistants shall not, unless otherwise provided in this Constitution, hold any other office or employment during their tenure.

The Supreme Court contrasted this provision with Section 7, paragraph (2), Article IX-B, which reads:

Sec. 7. x x x
Unless otherwise allowed by law or the primary functions of his position, no appointive official shall hold any other office or employment in the Government or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries.

In light of these provisions, the Court referenced its landmark decision in Civil Liberties Union v. Executive Secretary, which struck down Executive Order No. 284, which allowed members of the Cabinet, undersecretaries, and assistant secretaries to hold up to two positions in government. The Court explained that the 1987 Constitution treats the President and their official family as a class by itself, imposing stricter prohibitions on them, as compared to other public officials and employees. “[W]hile all other appointive officials in the civil service are allowed to hold other office or employment in the government during their tenure when such is allowed by law or by the primary functions of their positions, members of the Cabinet, their deputies and assistants may do so only when expressly authorized by the Constitution itself.”

The Supreme Court noted that the 1987 Constitution intends to impose a stricter prohibition on the President, Vice-President, members of the Cabinet, their deputies, and assistants with respect to holding multiple offices or employment in the government during their tenure. The exception to this prohibition must be read with equal severity, literally referring only to specific instances cited in the Constitution itself, such as the Vice-President being appointed as a member of the Cabinet. As Undersecretary of DOTC, Bautista was covered by the stricter prohibition under Section 13, Article VII and could not invoke the exception provided in Section 7, paragraph 2, Article IX-B, where holding another office is allowed by law or the primary functions of the position. She also was not designated OIC of MARINA in an ex-officio capacity, which is the exception recognized in Civil Liberties Union.

The Court reasoned that the prohibition against holding dual or multiple offices or employment under Section 13, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution, was not applicable to posts occupied by the Executive officials specified therein, without additional compensation in an ex-officio capacity as provided by law and as required by the primary functions of said office. Apart from the assertion that Bautista did not receive any compensation when she was OIC of MARINA, respondents failed to demonstrate that her designation was in an ex-officio capacity, required by the primary functions of her office as DOTC Undersecretary for Maritime Transport.

The Court further rejected the argument that Bautista was merely “designated” and not “appointed” as OIC Administrator of MARINA, which meant it was temporary. To “hold” an office means to “possess or occupy” the same, or “to be in possession and administration,” which implies nothing less than the actual discharge of the functions and duties of the office. This disqualification is aimed at preventing the concentration of powers in Executive Department officials and avoiding abuses reminiscent of the Marcos regime.

Ultimately, the Supreme Court granted the petition, declaring the designation of Maria Elena H. Bautista as Officer-in-Charge of MARINA while serving as DOTC Undersecretary unconstitutional. The Court reasoned that to allow otherwise would open the floodgates to circumvention of an important constitutional disqualification of officials in the Executive Department and limitations on the President’s power of appointment in the guise of temporary designations.

FAQs

What was the key issue in this case?	The key issue was whether a Department Undersecretary could concurrently hold the position of Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of another government agency without violating the constitutional prohibition against dual office holding.
What does the Constitution say about holding multiple offices?	Section 13, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution generally prohibits the President, Vice-President, members of the Cabinet, and their deputies or assistants from holding any other office or employment during their tenure, unless otherwise provided in the Constitution.
What is an “ex-officio” position, and how does it relate to this case?	An “ex-officio” position is one held by virtue of holding another office. The prohibition against dual office holding does not apply to positions occupied in an ex-officio capacity as provided by law and required by the primary functions of the official’s office.
Did Undersecretary Bautista receive additional compensation for her role as OIC of MARINA?	The respondents claimed that Bautista did not receive any additional compensation for her role as OIC of MARINA, but the Court found that this was not the only factor to consider and that the designation itself violated the constitutional prohibition.
What was the Court’s reasoning for finding the designation unconstitutional?	The Court reasoned that the designation violated Section 13, Article VII of the Constitution, which imposes a stricter prohibition on members of the Cabinet, their deputies, and assistants from holding multiple offices. The Court also wanted to prevent the concentration of power in Executive Department officials.
What is the difference between an “appointment” and a “designation” in this context?	While both involve naming a person to a public office, a designation often implies a temporary capacity and may be replaced at will by the appointing authority. However, the Court found that the constitutional prohibition refers to “holding” an office, regardless of whether it is through appointment or designation.
What is the practical implication of this ruling?	The ruling reinforces the principle that members of the Cabinet, their deputies, and assistants must focus on their primary roles and avoid holding multiple government positions, unless explicitly allowed by the Constitution. This helps to prevent conflicts of interest and ensures dedicated service.
Is there a public interest exception for dual government positions?	No, the exception to the rule against dual office holding must be explicitly laid out in the constitution. If a role isn’t required by law or ex-officio status, no amount of public interest will supercede.

This case clarifies the extent to which high-ranking government officials can hold multiple positions within the government. The Supreme Court’s decision underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional limitations to prevent potential abuses of power and ensure the focused and dedicated service of public officials. It sends a clear message that these constitutional restrictions must be strictly observed to maintain the integrity of public service.

For inquiries regarding the application of this ruling to specific circumstances, please contact ASG Law through contact or via email at frontdesk@asglawpartners.com.

Disclaimer: This analysis is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.
Source: Funa v. Ermita, G.R. No. 184740, February 11, 2010