Department of Science and Technology Officials and Personnel v. Commission on Audit [February 4, 2025]
The Supreme Court dismissed the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) petition challenging the Commission on Audit’s (COA) disallowance of step increment differentials paid alongside longevity pay to 101 employees from 2005 to 2008. The Court ruled the petition was filed too late, as the COA’s decision had become final years earlier. Additionally, only those directly held liable under the Notice of Disallowance had the legal standing to appeal. This case underscores the importance of adhering to procedural deadlines and clarifies that government personnel cannot receive both step increments and longevity pay simultaneously.