On 17 Sept 1990, some 800 public school teachers in Manila did not attend work and decided to stage

rallies in order
for their grievances to be heard. As a result thereof, eight teachers were suspended from work for 90 days. The issue
was then investigated, and on 17 Dec 1990, Secretary Carino ordered the dismissal from the service of one teacher
and the suspension of three others. The case was appealed to the Commission on Human Rights. In the meantime,
the Solicitor General filed an action for certiorari regarding the case and prohibiting the CHR from continuing the
case. Nevertheless, CHR continued trial and issued a subpoena to Secretary Carino.
ISSUE: Whether or not CHR has the power to try and decide and determine certain specific cases such as the
alleged human rights violation involving civil and political rights.
HELD: The CHR is not competent to try such case. It has no judicial power. It can only investigate all forms of human
rights violation involving civil and political rights but it cannot and should not try and decide on the merits and matters
involved therein. The CHR is hence then barred from proceeding with the trial.