The disposition of administrative and criminal cases involving the high-ranking officers enumerated in Office Orders No. 03-97 dated 15 September 2003 and 03-166 dated 17 October 2003 shall be subject to the final approval of the Deputy Ombudsman concerned where the offense charged involves injury or damage amounting to, or valued at, One Million Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P1,500,000.00) or less, or where the maximum imposable penalty for any of the offense charged does not exceed twenty (20) years imprisonment; provided, that, where the offense charged involves injury or damage amounting to, or valued at, more than One Million Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P1,500,000.00), or where the maximum imposable penalty for any of the offense charged is more than twenty (20) years imprisonment, the disposition shall be subject to the final approval of the Tanodbayan.

The final disposition of administrative and criminal cases where the highest ranking respondent is any of the following officials:

1. Chancellors of state universities, colleges and other educational institutions or foundations; and
   
   
2. Director-Generals of government/public hospitals and/or medical institutions.

shall also be governed by the provisions of Office Orders No. 03-97 dated 15 September 2003 and 03-116 dated 17 October 2003, as amended by the instant office Order.

This Order takes effect immediately and amends Office Orders No. 03-97 dated 15 September 2003 and 03-116 dated 17 October 2003.

For strict compliance.

Adopted: 12 May 2004


(SGD.) SIMEON V. MARCELO
Tanodbayan