Under RA 8981, the hearing or investigation of administrative cases shall be presided over by which arrangement?

Under RA 8981, the hearing or investigation of administrative cases shall be presided over by which arrangement?

• A. At least 1 member of the Board; Legal or Hearing Officer
• B. The Chair alone
• C. A panel of two with no officer
• D. The President alone

Answer: (A)

The arrangement focuses on combining regulatory authority with expert adjudication in administrative proceedings. Under RA 8981, hearings or investigations are led by someone who has official standing to decide cases—this can be at least one member of the Board or a designated legal or hearing officer. The Board member brings the authority and standards of the Commission, ensuring decisions reflect policy and professional regulations. The legal or hearing officer provides specialized training in administrative procedure, evidentiary rules, and due process, guiding the conduct of the hearing, rulings on admissibility, and the overall fair handling of the case. This mix prevents reliance on a single person, like the Chair or President, and ensures both regulatory alignment and proper procedural fairness.

The arrangement focuses on combining regulatory authority with expert adjudication in administrative proceedings. Under RA 8981, hearings or investigations are led by someone who has official standing to decide cases—this can be at least one member of the Board or a designated legal or hearing officer. The Board member brings the authority and standards of the Commission, ensuring decisions reflect policy and professional regulations. The legal or hearing officer provides specialized training in administrative procedure, evidentiary rules, and due process, guiding the conduct of the hearing, rulings on admissibility, and the overall fair handling of the case. This mix prevents reliance on a single person, like the Chair or President, and ensures both regulatory alignment and proper procedural fairness.