Flashcards Studio

(a) Identify the controlling doctrine governing Sandiganbayan’s jurisdiction in cases of graft and malversation by public officers.
(b) Distinguish the controlling rule from RTC’s general jurisdiction in criminal cases involving public officers and funds.
(c) Apply the doctrine to the following facts: A provincial governor's personal assistant, who also serves as provincial administrator, is charged in the Regional Trial Court, Branch 1, in Legazpi City, with malversation of provincial funds totaling 4.1 million pesos by issuing disbursement vouchers to shell vendors for a province-wide housing project. The Office of the Ombudsman argues that Sandiganbayan has exclusive original jurisdiction over cases involving graft and corrupt practices by public officers, and the RTC should transfer the case to Sandiganbayan. The defense maintains that the RTC has proper jurisdiction. Should the case be transferred to the Sandiganbayan? Explain your answer and basis.