Sigma Rho

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS IN POLITICAL LAW AND

PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW
Atty. EDWIN REY SANDOVAL
POLITICAL LAW
1. Distinguish sovereignty from dominion.
Held: Sovereign! is the righ o e"er#i$e he %&n#ion$ o% a
Sae o he e"#l&$ion o% an! oher Sae. It is often referred to as
the 'o(er o% imperium , whih is defined as the !o"ern#ent a$thority
%ossessed &y the State. On the other hand, dominion, or domini&m, is
the #a'a#i! o% he Sae o o(n or a#)&ire 'ro'er! s$h as 'ands and
nat$ra' reso$res. (Se%arate O%inion, )a%$nan, *., in Isagani Cruz v.
Secretary of DENR, +.R. No. ,-.-/., De. 0, 1222, En 3an, See 4ootnote
/05
2. What was the basis for the early Spanish decrees embracing the
theory of jura regalia? Is this also the basis of the declaration in
Section 2, rticle !II of the "#$% &onstitution that all lands of
the public domain are owned by the State? &onse'uently, did Spain
ac'uire title over all lands in the (hilippines in the ")
th
century?
Held: Dominium was the &asis for the ear'y S%anish derees
e#&rain! the theory of jura regalia. The de'aration in Setion 1,
Arti'e 6II of the ,7/8 Constit$tion that a'' 'ands of the %$&'i
do#ain are owned &y the State is 'i9ewise fo$nded on dominium. If
dominium, not imperium, is the &asis of the theory of jura regalia,
then the 'ands whih S%ain a:$ired in the ,0
th
ent$ry were 'i#ited to
non;%ri"ate 'ands, &ea$se it o$'d on'y a:$ire 'ands whih were not
yet %ri"ate'y;owned or o$%ied &y the 4i'i%inos. <ene, S%ain
a:$ired tit'e on'y o"er 'ands whih were $no$%ied and $n'ai#ed,
i.e., %$&'i 'ands. (Se%arate O%inion, )a%$nan, *., in Isagani Cruz v.
Secretary of DENR, +.R. No. ,-.-/., De. 0, 1222, En 3an, See 4ootnote
/05
*. What is the Doctrine of &onstitutional Supremacy?
Held: =nder the doctrine of constitutional supremacy, i% a la(
or #onra# violae$ an! norm o% he Con$i&ion, that 'aw or
ontrat, whether %ro#$'!ated &y the 'e!is'ati"e or &y the e>e$ti"e
&ranh or entered into &y %ri"ate %ersons for %ri"ate %$r%oses, i$ n&ll
and void and (iho& an! %or#e and e%%e#* Th&$+ $in#e he
Con$i&ion i$ he %&ndamenal+ 'aramo&n and $&'reme la( o% he
naion+ i i$ deemed (rien in ever! $a&e and #onra#.
(Manila Prince Hotel v. GSIS 108 SCRA ?2/ @,778A @3e''osi''oA5
+. What are self,e-ecuting and non,self e-ecuting provisions of the
&onstitution?
Held: Pro"isions whih la! do(n a general 'rin#i'le, s$h as
those fo$nd in Arti'e II of the ,7/8 Constit$tion, are $s$a''y no
$el%,e"e#&ing. 3$t a %ro"ision whih is #om'lee in i$el% and
-e#ome$ o'eraive (iho& he aid o% $&''lemenar! or ena-ling
legi$laion, or that whih $&''lie$ $&%%i#ien r&le -! mean$ o% (hi#h
he righ i gran$ ma! -e en.o!ed or 'roe#ed, is $el%,e"e#&ing.
Th$s a onstit$tiona' %ro"ision is se'f;e>e$tin! if the nat$re and
e>tent of the ri!ht onferred and the 'ia&i'ity i#%osed are fi>ed &y
the Constit$tion itse'f, so that they an &e deter#ined &y an
e>a#ination and onstr$tion of its ter#s, and there is no 'an!$a!e
indiatin! that the s$&Bet is referred to the 'e!is'at$re for ation.
(Manila Prince Hotel v. GSIS 108 SCRA ?2/ @,778A @3e''osi''oA5
2
.. re provisions of the &onstitution self,e-ecuting or non,self
e-ecuting? Why?
Held: Unle$$ i i$ e"'re$$l! 'rovided ha+ a legi$laive a# i$
ne#e$$ar! o en%or#e a #on$i&ional mandae, the %res$#%tion now is,
that all 'rovi$ion$ are $el%,e"e#&ing. If the onstit$tiona'
%ro"isions are treated as re:$irin! 'e!is'ation instead of se'f;
e>e$tin!, the 'e!is'at$re wo$'d ha"e the %ower to i!nore and
%ratia''y n$''ify the #andate of the f$nda#enta' 'aw. This an &e
ata'ys#i. (Manila Prince Hotel v. GSIS 108 SCRA ?2/ @,778A
@3e''osi''oA5
). Is the /0ilipino 0irst1 (olicy e-pressed in Section "2, rticle !II
of the &onstitution a self,e-ecuting provision?
Held: Yes. It is a mandaor!+ 'o$iive #ommand (hi#h i$ #om'lee
in i$el% and (hi#h need$ no %&rher g&ideline$ or im'lemening la($ or
r&le$ %or i$ en%or#emen. 4ro# its "ery words the %ro"ision does not
re:$ire any 'e!is'ation to %$t it in o%eration. It is per se
.&di#iall! en%or#ea-le. When o$r Constit$tion #andates that 3i4n the
grant of rights, privileges, and concessions covering the national
economy and patrimony, the State shall give preference to 'ualified
0ilipinos, it #eans B$st that C :$a'ified 4i'i%inos #$st &e %referred.
(Manila Prince Hotel v. GSIS +.R. No. ,,/17., Day 1, ,778, 108 SCRA
?2/ @3e''osi''oA5
%. 5ive e-amples of non,self e-ecuting provisions of the &onstitution.
Held: 3y its "ery nat$re, !rticle II of the Constitution is a
Ede'aration of %rini%'es and state %o'iies.F These %rini%'es in
Arti'e II are not intended to &e se'f;e>e$tin! %rini%'es ready for
enfore#ent thro$!h the o$rts. They are $sed &y the B$diiary as aid$
or a$ g&ide$ in he e"er#i$e o% i$ 'o(er o% .&di#ial revie(+ and -!
he legi$la&re in i$ ena#men o% la($. As he'd in the 'eadin! ase
of "ilos#ayan Incorporate$ v. Morato (1?0 SCRA .?2, .0?, *$'y ,8,
,77.5, the %rini%'es and state %o'iies en$#erated in Arti'e II and
so#e setions of !rticle %II are not Ese'f;e>e$tin! %ro"isions, the
disre!ard of whih an !i"e rise to a a$se of ation in o$rts. They
do not e#&ody B$diia''y enforea&'e onstit$tiona' ri!hts &$t
!$ide'ines for 'e!is'ation.F (&ana$a v. !ngara 181 SCRA ,/ @,778A, En
3an @Pan!ani&anA5
$. When are acts of persons considered /State action1 covered by the
&onstitution?
Held: In onstit$tiona' B$ris%r$dene, the ats of %ersons
distint fro# the !o"ern#ent are onsidered Estate ationF o"ered &y
the Constit$tion /01 when the a#ivi! i engage$ in i$ a 2'&-li#
%&n#ion34 /51 when the !o"ern#ent is so $igni%i#anl! involved (ih
he 'rivae a#or a$ o ma6e he governmen re$'on$i-le %or hi$ a#ionG
and /71 when the !o"ern#ent has a''roved or a&hori8ed he a#ion.
(Manila Prince Hotel v. GSIS 108 SCRA ?2/ @,778A @3e''osi''oA5
THE DOCTRINE O9 STATE I::UNIT; 9RO: SUIT
#. Discuss the basis of the doctrine of State immunity from suit.
Held: The &asi %ost$'ate enshrined in the Constit$tion that
E<=he Sae ma! no -e $&ed (iho& i$ #on$en,F ref'ets nothin!
'ess than a re#ogniion o% he $overeign #hara#er o% he Sae and an
e"'re$$ a%%irmaion o% he &n(rien r&le e%%e#ivel! in$&laing i
%rom he .&ri$di#ion o% #o&r$* I i$ -a$ed on he ver! e$$en#e o%
$overeign!. As has &een a%t'y o&ser"ed &y *$stie <o'#es, a so"erei!n
is e>e#%t fro# s$it, not &ea$se of any for#a' one%tion or o&so'ete
theory, &$t on the 'o!ia' and %ratia' !ro$nd that here #an -e no
3
legal righ a$ again$ he a&hori! ha ma6e$ he la( on (hi#h he
righ de'end$. Tr$e, the dotrine, not too infre:$ent'y, is derisi"e'y
a''ed Ethe roya' %rero!ati"e of dishonestyF &ea$se it !rants the
state the %rero!ati"e to defeat any 'e!iti#ate 'ai# a!ainst it &y
si#%'y in"o9in! its non;s$a&i'ity. We ha"e had oasion to e>%'ain in
its defense, howe"er, ha a #onin&ed adheren#e o he do#rine o%
non,$&a-ili! #anno -e de'lored+ %or he lo$$ o% governmenal
e%%i#ien#! and he o-$a#le o he 'er%orman#e o% i$ m&li%ario&$
%&n#ion$ (o&ld -e %ar greaer in $everi! han he in#onvenien#e ha
ma! -e #a&$ed 'rivae 'arie$, if s$h f$nda#enta' %rini%'e is to &e
a&andoned and the a"ai'a&i'ity of B$diia' re#edy is not to &e
aordin!'y restrited. (Department of !griculture v. N'RC 118 SCRA
07-, No". ,,, ,77- @Vit$!A5
"2. Is the rule absolute, i.e., that the State may not be sued at
all? 6ow may consent of the State to be sued given?
Held: The r$'e, in any ase, is not rea''y a&so'$te for it does
not say that the state #ay not &e s$ed $nder any ir$#stanes. On the
ontrary, as orret'y %hrased, the dotrine on'y on"eys, Ethe state
#ay not &e s$ed witho$t its onsentGF its 'ear i#%ort then is that the
State #ay at ti#es &e s$ed. The StateHs onsent #ay &e !i"en either
e"'re$$l! or im'liedl!. 7!(87SS &9:S7:; #ay &e #ade thro$!h a general
la( <i.e., Common(ealt) !ct No. *+,, as amended by (residential Decree
:o. "++. 3Sections +#,.24, which re'uires that all money claims against
the government must first be filed with the &ommission on udit which
must act upon it within si-ty days. 8ejection of the claim will
authori=e the claimant to elevate the matter to the Supreme &ourt on
certiorari and, in effect, sue the State thereby> or a $'e#ial la(. In
this B$risdition, the !enera' 'aw wai"in! the i##$nity of the state
fro# s$it is fo$nd in !ct No. *-.*, where he Phili''ine governmen
2#on$en$ and $&-mi$ o -e $&ed &'on an! mone! #laim involving
lia-ili! ari$ing %rom #onra#+ e"'re$$ or im'lied+ (hi#h #o&ld $erve
a$ a -a$i$ o% #ivil a#ion -e(een he 'rivae 'arie$ .F I?(@I7D
&9:S7:;, on the other hand, is oneded when the Sae i$el% #ommen#e$
liigaion+ h&$ o'ening i$el% o a #o&ner#laim or (hen i ener$
ino a #onra#. In this sit$ation, the !o"ern#ent is dee#ed to ha"e
desended to the 'e"e' of the other ontratin! %arty and to ha"e
di"ested itse'f of its so"erei!n i##$nity. This r$'e > > > is not,
howe"er, witho$t :$a'ifiation. Not a'' ontrats entered into &y the
!o"ern#ent o%erate as a wai"er of its non;s$a&i'ityG distintion #$st
sti'' &e #ade &etween one whih is e>e$ted in the e>erise of its
$overeign %&n#ion and another whih is done in its 'ro'riear!
#a'a#i!.
In /nite$ States of !merica v. Ruiz (,-0 SCRA ?/85, where the
:$estioned transation dea't with the i#%ro"e#ents on the whar"es in
the na"a' insta''ation at S$&i 3ay, we he'dI
EThe traditiona' r$'e of i##$nity e>e#%ts a State fro#
&ein! s$ed in the o$rts of another State witho$t its onsent or
wai"er. This r$'e is a neessary onse:$ene of the %rini%'e of
inde%endene and e:$a'ity of States. <owe"er, the r$'es of
Internationa' Law are not %etrifiedG they are onstant'y
de"e'o%in! and e"o'"in!. And &ea$se the ati"ities of states
ha"e #$'ti%'ied, it has &een neessary to distin!$ish the# ;
&etween so"erei!n and !o"ern#enta' ats <jure imperii> and
%ri"ate, o##eria' and %ro%rietary ats <jure gestionis>. The
res$'t is that Sae imm&ni! no( e"end$ onl! o a#$ 0ure
imperii. The restriti"e a%%'iation of State i##$nity is now
the r$'e in the =nited States, the =nited )in!do# and other
states in Western E$ro%e.
6 > >
The restriti"e a%%'iation of State i##$nity is %ro%er
on'y when the %roeedin!s arise o$t of #ommer#ial ran$a#ion$ of
the forei!n so"erei!n, i$ #ommer#ial a#iviie$ or e#onomi#
4
a%%air$. Stated different'y, a Sae ma! -e $aid o have
de$#ended o he level o% an individ&al and #an h&$ -e deemed o
have a#il! given i$ #on$en o -e $&ed onl! (hen i ener$
ino -&$ine$$ #onra#$* I doe$ no a''l! (here he #onra#$
relae o he e"er#i$e o% i$ $overeign %&n#ion$. In this ase
the %roBets are an inte!ra' %art of the na"a' &ase whih is
de"oted to the defense of &oth the =nited States and the
Phi'i%%ines, indis%$ta&'y a f$ntion of the !o"ern#ent of the
hi!hest orderG they are not $ti'iJed for nor dediated to
o##eria' or &$siness %$r%oses.F
(Department of !griculture v. N'RC 118 SCRA 07-, No". ,,, ,77- @Vit$!A5
"". When is a suit against a public official deemed to be a suit
against the State? Discuss.
Held: ,. The dotrine of state i##$nity fro# s$it a%%'ies to
o#%'aints fi'ed a!ainst %$&'i offiia's for a#$ done in he
'er%orman#e o% heir d&ie$. The r$'e is that the s$it #$st &e
re!arded as one a!ainst the State where the $ai$%a#ion o% he
.&dgmen again$ he '&-li# o%%i#ial #on#erned (ill re)&ire he Sae
i$el% o 'er%orm a 'o$iive a#+ $&#h a$ a''ro'riaion o% he amo&n
ne#e$$ar! o 'a! he damage$ a(arded o he 'laini%%.
The r&le doe$ no a''l! (here he '&-li# o%%i#ial i$ #harged in
hi$ o%%i#ial #a'a#i! %or a#$ ha are &nla(%&l and in.&rio&$ o he
righ$ o% oher$. P$&'i offiia's are not e>e#%t, in their %ersona'
a%aity, fro# 'ia&i'ity arisin! fro# a#$ #ommied in -ad %aih.
Neither does it a%%'y where the %$&'i offiia' is 'ear'y &ein!
$&ed no in hi$ o%%i#ial #a'a#i! -& in hi$ 'er$onal #a'a#i!,
a'tho$!h the ats o#%'ained of #ay ha"e &een o##itted whi'e he
o$%ied a %$&'i %osition. (!ma$o 1. 'ansang v. C! 5.8. :o. "22))%,
0eb. 2*, 2222, 2
nd
Div. 3Auisumbing45
1. As ear'y as ,7.?, this Co$rt has %rono$ned that an offier
annot she'ter hi#se'f &y the %'ea that he is a %$&'i a!ent atin!
$nder the o'or of his offie when his ats are who''y witho$t
a$thority. =nti' reent'y in ,77, (&have= v. Sandiganbayan, ,7- SCRA
1/1 @,77,A5, this dotrine sti'' fo$nd a%%'iation, this Co$rt sayin!
that i##$nity fro# s$it annot instit$tiona'iJe irres%onsi&i'ity and
non;ao$nta&i'ity nor !rant a %ri"i'e!ed stat$s not 'ai#ed &y any
other offiia' of the Re%$&'i. (Repu#lic v. San$oval, 112 SCRA
,1?, Darh ,7, ,77-, En 3an @Ca#%os, *r.A5
"2. State instances when a suit against the State is proper.
Held: So#e instanes when a s$it a!ainst the State is %ro%er areI
1) When the Re'&-li# i$ $&ed -! nameG
2) When the s$it is again$ an &nin#or'oraed governmen agen#!G
3) When the s$it is on its fae a!ainst a !o"ern#ent offier &$t
the ase is s$h that &limae lia-ili! (ill -elong no o
he o%%i#er -& o he governmen.
(Repu#lic v. San$oval, 112 SCRA ,1?, Darh ,7, ,77-, En 3an @Ca#%os,
*r.A5
"*. 6as the government waived its immunity from suit in the ?endiola
massacre, and, therefore, should indemnify the heirs and victims of
the ?endiola incident? &onse'uently, is the suit filed against the
8epublic by petitioners in said case really a suit against the
State?
Held: Petitioners > > > ad"ane the ar!$#ent that the State has
i#%'ied'y wai"ed its so"erei!n i##$nity fro# s$it. It is their
onsidered "iew that &y the reo##endation #ade &y the Co##ission for
the !o"ern#ent to inde#nify the heirs and "iti#s of the Dendio'a
5
inident and &y the %$&'i addresses #ade &y then President A:$ino in
the after#ath of the 9i''in!s, the State has onsented to &e s$ed.
6 > >
Thi$ i$ no a $&i again$ he Sae (ih i$ #on$en.
4irst'y, the re#ommendaion #ade &y the Co##ission re!ardin!
inde#nifiation of the heirs of the deeased and the "iti#s of the
inident &y the !o"ern#ent doe$ no in an! (a! mean ha lia-ili!
a&omai#all! aa#he$ o he Sae. It is i#%ortant to note that A.O.
,, e>%ress'y states that the %$r%ose of reatin! the Co##ission was to
ha"e a &ody that wi'' ond$t an Ein"esti!ation of the disorder, deaths
and as$a'ties that too9 %'ae.F In the e>erise of its f$ntions,
A.O. ,, %ro"ides !$ide'ines, and what is re'e"ant to O$r dis$ssion
readsI
E,. Its on'$sions re!ardin! the e>istene of %ro&a&'e a$se
for the o##ission of any offense and of the %ersons %ro&a&'y !$i'ty
of the sa#e sha'' &e s$ffiient o#%'iane with the r$'es on
%re'i#inary in"esti!ation and the har!es arisin! therefro# #ay &e
fi'ed diret'y with the %ro%er o$rt.F
In effet, (haever ma! -e he %inding$ o% he Commi$$ion+ he
$ame $hall onl! $erve a$ he #a&$e o% a#ion, in the e"ent that any
%arty deides to 'iti!ate hisKher 'ai#. Therefore, the Co##ission is
#ere'y a 'reliminar! ven&e. The Co##ission is not the end in itse'f.
Whaever re#ommendaion i ma6e$ #anno in an! (a! -ind he Sae
immediael!+ $&#h re#ommendaion no having -e#ome %inal and e"e#&or!*
Thi$ i$ 're#i$el! he e$$en#e o% i -eing a 9ACT,9INDIN> BOD; .
Seond'y, whate"er ats or $tteranes that then President A:$ino
#ay ha"e done or said, the sa#e are not tanta#o$nt to the State ha"in!
wai"ed its i##$nity fro# s$it. The PresidentLs at of Boinin! the
#arhers, days after the inident, does not #ean that there was an
ad#ission &y the State of any 'ia&i'ity. In fat to &orrow the words
of %etitioner > > >, Eit was an a# o% $olidari! -! he governmen
(ih he 'eo'le.F Doreo"er, %etitioners re'y on President A:$inoLs
s%eeh %ro#isin! that the !o"ern#ent wo$'d address the !rie"anes of
the ra''yists. 3y this a'one, it annot &e inferred that the State has
ad#itted any 'ia&i'ity, #$h 'ess an it &e inferred that it has
onsented to the s$it.
A'tho$!h onsent to &e s$ed #ay &e !i"en i#%'ied'y, sti'' it
annot &e #aintained that s$h onsent was !i"en onsiderin! the
ir$#stanes o&tainin! in the instant ase.
Third'y, the ase does not :$a'ify as a s$it a!ainst the State.
6 > >
Whi'e the Re%$&'i in this ase is s$ed &y na#e, the &limae
lia-ili! doe$ no 'erain o he governmen. A'tho$!h the #i'itary
offiers and %ersonne', then %arty defendants, were dishar!in! their
offiia' f$ntions when the inident o$rred, heir %&n#ion$ #ea$ed
o -e o%%i#ial he momen he! E?CEEDED THEIR AUTHORIT; . 3ased on the
Co##ission findin!s, here (a$ la#6 o% .&$i%i#aion -! he governmen
%or#e$ in he &$e o% %irearm$. Doreo"er, the #e#&ers of the %o'ie and
#i'itary rowd dis%ersa' $nits o##itted a %rohi&ited at $nder 3.P.
3'!. //2 as there was $nneessary firin! &y the# in dis%ersin! the
#arhers.
As ear'y as ,7.?, this Co$rt has %rono$ned that an o%%i#er
#anno $heler him$el% -! he 'lea ha he i$ a '&-li# agen a#ing
&nder he #olor o% hi$ o%%i#e (hen hi$ a#$ are (holl! (iho&
a&hori!* =nti' reent'y in ,77, (C)avez v. San$igan#ayan, ,7- SCRA
1/1 @,77,A5, this dotrine sti'' fo$nd a%%'iation, this Co$rt sayin!
that imm&ni! %rom $&i #anno in$i&ionali8e irre$'on$i-ili! and
non,a##o&na-ili! nor gran a 'rivileged $a&$ no #laimed -! an!
6
oher o%%i#ial o% he Re'&-li#. The #i'itary and %o'ie fores were
de%'oyed to ens$re that the ra''y wo$'d &e %eaef$' and order'y as we''
as to !$arantee the safety of the "ery %eo%'e that they are d$ty;&o$nd
to %rotet. <owe"er, the fats as fo$nd &y the tria' o$rt showed that
they fired at the $nr$'y rowd to dis%erse the 'atter.
Whi'e it is tr$e that nothin! is &etter sett'ed than the !enera'
r$'e that a so"erei!n state and its %o'itia' s$&di"isions annot &e
s$ed in the o$rts e>e%t when it has !i"en its onsent, it annot &e
in"o9ed &y &oth the #i'itary offiers to re'ease the# fro# any
'ia&i'ity, and &y the heirs and "iti#s to de#and inde#nifiation fro#
the !o"ern#ent. The %rini%'e of state i##$nity fro# s$it does not
a%%'y, as in this ase, when the re'ief de#anded &y the s$it re:$ires
no affir#ati"e offiia' ation on the %art of the State nor the
affir#ati"e dishar!e of any o&'i!ation whih &e'on!s to the State in
its %o'itia' a%aity, even though the officers or agents who are made
defendants claim to hold or act only by virtue of a title of the state
and as its agents and servants. This Co$rt has #ade it :$ite 'ear
that e"en a Ehigh position in the government does not confer a license
to persecute or recBlessly injure another.F
The ine$#a'a-le #on#l&$ion i$ ha he Sae #anno -e held
#ivill! lia-le %or he deah$ ha %ollo(ed he in#iden* In$ead+ he
lia-ili! $ho&ld %all on he named de%endan$ in he lo(er #o&r. In
'ine with the r$'in! of this Co$rt in Shauf v. &ourt of ppeals (,7,
SCRA 8,- @,772A5, herein '&-li# o%%i#ial$+ having -een %o&nd o have
a#ed -e!ond he $#o'e o% heir a&hori!+ ma! -e held lia-le %or
damage$. (Repu#lic v. San$oval, 112 SCRA ,1?, Darh ,7, ,77-, En
3an @Ca#%os, *r.A5
CITI@ENSHIP
14. ;o what citi=enship principle does the (hilippines adhere to?
7-plain, and give illustrative case.
Held: The Phi'i%%ine 'aw on itiJenshi% adheres to the %rini%'e
of 0us sanguinis. There$nder, a #hild %ollo($ he naionali! or
#ii8en$hi' o% he 'aren$ regardle$$ o% he 'la#e o% hi$Aher -irh, as
o%%osed to the dotrine of 0us soli whih deter#ines nationa'ity or
itiJenshi% on the &asis of 'la#e o% -irh.
Pri"ate res%ondent Rosa'ind Y&aso Lo%eJ was &orn on Day ,0, ,7-?
in Na%ier Terrae, 3roo#e, Western A$stra'ia, to the s%o$ses, Te'esforo
Y&aso, a 4i'i%ino itiJen and nati"e of Daet, Ca#arines Norte, and
Theresa Dar:$eJ, an A$stra'ian. <istoria''y, this was a year &efore
the ,7-. Constit$tion too9 into effet and at that ti#e, what ser"ed as
the Constit$tion of the Phi'i%%ines were the %rini%a' or!ani ats &y
whih the =nited States !o"erned the o$ntry. These were the
Phi'i%%ine 3i'' of *$'y ,, ,721 and the Phi'i%%ine A$tono#y At of
A$!$st 17, ,7,0, a'so 9nown as the *ones Law.
A#on! others, these 'aws defined who were dee#ed to &e itiJens
of the Phi'i%%ine Is'ands. > > >
Under -oh organi# a#$+ all inha-ian$ o% he Phili''ine$ (ho
(ere S'ani$h $&-.e#$ on A'ril 00+ 0BCC and re$ided herein in#l&ding
heir #hildren are deemed o -e Phili''ine #ii8en$. Pri"ate
res%ondentLs father, Te'esforo Y&aso, was &orn on *an$ary ., ,/87 in
Daet, Ca#arines Norte, a fat d$'y e"idened &y a ertified tr$e o%y
of an entry in the Re!istry of 3irths. Th$s, $nder the Phi'i%%ine 3i''
of ,721 and the *ones Law, Te'esforo Y&aso was dee#ed to &e a
Phi'i%%ine itiJen. B! vir&e o% he $ame la($+ (hi#h (ere he la($ in
%or#e a he ime o% her -irh+ Tele$%oroD$ da&gher+ herein 'rivae
re$'onden Ro$alind ;-a$#o Lo'e8+ i$ li6e(i$e a #ii8en o% he
Phili''ine$.
The si!nin! into 'aw of the ,7-. Phi'i%%ine Constit$tion has
esta&'ished the %rini%'e of jus sanguinis as &asis for the a:$isition
7
of Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi% > > >. So a'so, the %rini%'e of jus
sanguinis, whih onfers itiJenshi% &y "irt$e of &'ood re'ationshi%,
was s$&se:$ent'y retained $nder the ,78- and ,7/8 Constit$tions. Th&$+
he herein 'rivae re$'onden+ Ro$alind ;-a$#o Lo'e8+ i$ a 9ili'ino
#ii8en+ having -een -orn o a 9ili'ino %aher* The %a# o% her -eing
-orn in A&$ralia i$ no anamo&n o her lo$ing her Phili''ine
#ii8en$hi'* I% A&$ralia %ollo($ he 'rin#i'le o% .&$ $oli+ hen a
mo$+ 'rivae re$'onden #an al$o #laim A&$ralian #ii8en$hi'
re$&ling o her 'o$$e$$ion o% d&al #ii8en$hi'. (2alles v. C3ME'EC,
--8 SCRA .?-, A$!. 7, 1222, En 3an @P$risi#aA5
".. What are the ways of ac'uiring citi=enship? Discuss.
Held: There are two ways of a:$irin! itiJenshi%I (,5 -! -irh,
and (15 &y na&rali8aion. These ways of a:$irin! itiJenshi%
orres%ond to the two 9inds of itiJensI the nat$ra';&orn itiJen, and
the nat$ra'iJed itiJen. A %erson, who at the ti#e of his &irth is a
itiJen of a %arti$'ar o$ntry, is a nat$ra';&orn itiJen thereof.
As defined in the > > > Constit$tion, nat$ra';&orn itiJens Eare
those itiJens of the Phi'i%%ines fro# &irth witho$t ha"in! to %erfor#
any at to a:$ire or %erfet his Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi%.F
On the other hand, nat$ra'iJed itiJens are those who ha"e &eo#e
4i'i%ino itiJens thro$!h nat$ra'iJation, !enera''y $nder Common(ealt)
!ct No. 4,*, otherwise 9nown as the Revise$ Naturalization 'a(, whih
re%ea'ed the for#er Nat$ra'iJation Law (At No. 17185, and &y Repu#lic
!ct No. 5*-. (!ntonio 6engson III v. HRE&, +.R. No. ,?1/?2, Day
8, 122,, En 3an @)a%$nanA5
"). ;o be naturali=ed, what must an applicant prove? When and what
are the conditions before the decision granting (hilippine
citi=enship becomes e-ecutory?
Held: To &e nat$ra'iJed, an a%%'iant has to %ro"e that he
'o$$e$$e$ all he )&ali%i#aion$ and none o% he di$)&ali%i#aion$
%ro"ided &y 'aw to &eo#e a 4i'i%ino itiJen. The deision !rantin!
Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi% &eo#es e>e$tory on'y after two (15 years fro#
its %ro#$'!ation when the o$rt is satisfied that d$rin! the
inter"enin! %eriod, the a%%'iant has /01 no le% he Phili''ine$G /51
has dedi#aed him$el% o a la(%&l #alling or 'ro%e$$ionG /71 has no
-een #onvi#ed o% an! o%%en$e or violaion o% governmen 'rom&lgaed
r&le$G or /E1 #ommied an! a# 're.&di#ial o he inere$ o% he
naion or #onrar! o an! governmen anno&n#ed 'oli#ie$ <Section ",
8.. .*2>. (!ntonio 6engson III v. HRE&, +.R. No. ,?1/?2, Day 8, 122,,
En 3an @)a%$nanA5
17. What AC@I0I&;I9:S must be possessed by an applicant for
naturali=ation?
Held: Section +, !ct 4,* %ro"ides the fo''owin! AC@I0I&;I9:SI
(a) <e #$st &e no le$$ han 50 !ear$ o% age on he da! o% he
hearing of the %etitionG
(b) <e #$st ha"e re$ided in he Phili''ine$ %or a #onin&o&$
'eriod o% no le$$ han en !ear$G
(c) <e #$st &e of good moral #hara#er and -elieve$ in he
'rin#i'le$ &nderl!ing he Phili''ine Con$i&ion, and #$st
ha"e #ond&#ed him$el% in a 'ro'er and irre'roa#ha-le manner
d&ring he enire 'eriod o% hi$ re$iden#e in the Phi'i%%ines
in his re'ation with the onstit$ted !o"ern#ent as we'' as
with the o##$nity in whih he is 'i"in!G
(d) <e #$st o(n real e$ae in he Phili''ine$ (orh no le$$ han
%ive ho&$and 'e$o$, Phi'i%%ine $rreny, or #$st ha"e so#e
6no(n l&#raive rade, 'ro%e$$ion, or la(%&l o##&'aionG
8
(e) <e #$st &e a-le o $'ea6 and (rie Engli$h or S'ani$h and an!
o% he 'rin#i'al lang&age$G and
(f) <e #$st ha"e enrolled hi$ minor #hildren o% $#hool age+ in an!
o% he '&-li# $#hool$ or 'rivae $#hool$ re#ogni8ed -! he
B&rea& o% Privae S#hool$ o% he Phili''ine$ (here Phili''ine
hi$or!+ governmen and #ivi# are a&gh or 're$#ri-ed a$ 'ar
o% he $#hool #&rri#&l&m+ d&ring he enire 'eriod o% he
re$iden#e in he Phili''ine$ re)&ired o% him 'rior o he
hearing of his %etition for nat$ra'iJation as Phi'i%%ine
itiJen.
(!ntonio 6engson III v. HRE&, +.R. No. ,?1/?2, Day 8, 122,, En 3an
@)a%$nanA5
18. What are the DISAC@I0I&;I9:S under Section +, ct +%*, in an
application for naturali=ation?
Held: Section 4 !ct 4,*, %ro"ides the fo''owin!
DISAC@I0I&;I9:SI
(a) <e #$st no -e o''o$ed o organi8ed governmen or a%%iliaed
(ih an! a$$o#iaion or gro&' o% 'er$on$ (ho &'hold and ea#h
do#rine$ o%%osin! a'' or!aniJed !o"ern#entsG
(b) <e #$st no -e de%ending or ea#hing he ne#e$$i! or
'ro'rie! o% violen#e+ 'er$onal a$$a&l+ or a$$a$$inaion %or
he $&##e$$ and 'redominan#e o% heir idea$G
(c) <e #$st no -e a 'ol!gami$ or -eliever in he 'ra#i#e of
%o'y!a#yG
(d) <e #$st no have -een #onvi#ed o% an! #rime involving moral
&r'i&deG
(e) <e #$st no -e $&%%ering %rom menal alienaion or in#&ra-le
#onagio&$ di$ea$e$G
(f) <e #$st ha"e, d$rin! the %eriod of his residene in the
Phi'i%%ines (or no le$$ han $i" monh$ -e%ore %iling hi$
a''li#aion5, mingled $o#iall! (ih he 9ili'ino$+ or (ho have
no evin#ed a $in#ere de$ire o learn and em-ra#e he #&$om$+
radiion$ and ideal$ of the 4i'i%inosG
(g) <e #$st no -e a #ii8en or $&-.e# o% a naion (ih (hom he
Phili''ine$ i$ a (ar+ d&ring he 'eriod o% $&#h (arG
(h) <e #$st no -e a #ii8en or $&-.e# o% a %oreign #o&nr! (ho$e
la($ do no gran 9ili'ino$ he righ o -e#ome na&rali8ed
#ii8en$ or $&-.e#$ hereo%.
(!ntonio 6engson III v. HRE&, +.R. No. ,?1/?2, Day 8, 122,, En 3an
@)a%$nanA5
"#. &an a legitimate child born under the "#*. &onstitution of a
0ilipino mother and an alien father validly elect (hilippine
citi=enship fourteen <"+> years after he has reached the age of
majority?
Held: =nder !rticle I2 Section 78*9 of the 7:*5 Constitution,
the itiJenshi% of a 'e!iti#ate hi'd, &orn of a 4i'i%ino #other and an
a'ien father, fo''owed the itiJenshi% of the father $n'ess, $%on
reahin! the a!e of #aBority, the hi'd e'eted Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi%.
C.!. No. ;+5 whih was enated %$rs$ant to Setion ,(-5, Arti'e IV of
the ,7-. Constit$tion, %resri&es the %roed$re that sho$'d &e fo''owed
in order to #a9e a "a'id e'etion of Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi%. <owe"er,
the ,7-. Constit$tion and C.A. No. 01. did not %resri&e a ti#e %eriod
within whih the e'etion of Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi% sho$'d &e #ade.
The ,7-. Charter on'y %ro"ides that the e'etion sho$'d &e #ade E&'on
rea#hing he age o% ma.ori!.F The a!e of #aBority then o##ened $%on
reahin! twenty;one (1,5 years. In the o%inions of the Seretary of
*$stie on ases in"o'"in! the "a'idity of e'etion of Phi'i%%ine
itiJenshi%, this di'e##a was reso'"ed &y &asin! the ti#e %eriod on the
deisions of this Co$rt %rior to the effeti"ity of the ,7-.
Constit$tion. In these deisions, the %ro%er %eriod for e'etin!
Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi% was, in t$rn, &ased on the %rono$ne#ents of the
9
De%art#ent of State of the =nited States +o"ern#ent to the effet that
the e'etion sho$'d &e #ade within a Erea$ona-le imeF after attainin!
the a!e of #aBority. The %hrase Ereasona&'e ti#eF has &een inter%reted
to #ean that the ele#ion $ho&ld -e made (ihin hree /71 !ear$ %rom
rea#hing he age o% ma.ori!.
The $'an o% %o&reen /0E1 !ear$ that 'a%sed fro# the ti#e that
%erson reahed the a!e of #aBority $nti' he fina''y e>%ressed his
intention to e'et Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi% is clearly way beyond the
contemplation of the re'uirement of electing /upon reaching the age of
majority.1
Phili''ine #ii8en$hi' #an never -e reaed li6e a #ommodi! ha
#an -e #laimed (hen needed and $&''re$$ed (hen #onvenien* One (ho i$
'rivileged o ele# Phili''ine #ii8en$hi' ha$ onl! an in#hoae righ
o $&#h #ii8en$hi'* A$ $&#h+ he $ho&ld avail o% he righ (ih
%ervor+ enh&$ia$m and 'rom'i&de. (Re< !pplication for
!$mission to t)e P)ilippine 6ar 2icente D. C)ing, 3ar Datter No. 7,?,
Ot. ,, ,777, En 3an @)a%$nanA5
22. 6ow may (hilippine citi=enship be renounced? Is the application
for an alien certificate of registration, and the possession of
foreign passport, tantamount to acts of renunciation of (hilippine
citi=enship?
Held: Petitioner a'so ontends that e"en on the ass$#%tion that
the %ri"ate res%ondent is a 4i'i%ino itiJen, she has nonethe'ess
reno$ned her Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi%. To &$ttress this ontention,
%etitioner ited %ri"ate res%ondentLs a%%'iation for an a'ien
Certifiate of Re!istration (ACR5 and I##i!rant Certifiate of
Residene (ICR5, on Se%te#&er ,7, ,7//, and the iss$ane to her of an
A$stra'ian %ass%ort on Darh -, ,7//.
6 > >
In order that itiJenshi% #ay &e 'ost &y ren$niation, s$h
ren&n#iaion m&$ -e E?PRESS . PetitionerLs ontention, that the
a%%'iation of %ri"ate res%ondent for an a'ien ertifiate of
re!istration, and her A$stra'ian %ass%ort, is &ereft of #erit. This
iss$e was %$t to rest in the ase of !znar v. C3ME'EC (,/. SCRA 82-
@,772A5 and in the #ore reent ase of Merca$o v. Manzano an$ C3ME'EC
(+.R. No. ,-.2/-, -28 SCRA 0-2, Day 10, ,7775.
In the ase of =nar, the Co$rt r$'ed that the mere %a# ha he
i$ an Ameri#an did no mean ha he i$ no longer a 9ili'ino, and that
an a''li#aion %or an alien #eri%i#ae o% regi$raion (a$ no
anamo&n o ren&n#iaion o% hi$ Phili''ine #ii8en$hi'.
And, in Merca$o v. Manzano an$ C3ME'EC, it was he'd that the fat
that res%ondent DanJano was re!istered as an A#erian itiJen in the
3$rea$ of I##i!ration and De%ortation and was ho'din! an A#erian
%ass%ort on A%ri' 11, ,778, on'y a year &efore he fi'ed a ertifiate
of andiday for "ie;#ayor of Da9ati, (ere .&$ a$$erion$ o% hi$
Ameri#an naionali! &efore the ter#ination of his A#erian
itiJenshi%.
Th$s, the #ere fat that %ri"ate res%ondent Rosa'ind Y&aso Lo%eJ
was a ho'der of an A$stra'ian %ass%ort and had an a'ien ertifiate of
re!istration are not ats onstit$tin! an effeti"e ren$niation of
itiJenshi% and do not #i'itate a!ainst her 'ai# of 4i'i%ino
itiJenshi%. 9or ren&n#iaion o e%%e#ivel! re$&l in he lo$$ o%
#ii8en$hi'+ he $ame m&$ -e e"'re$$. As he'd &y this Co$rt in the
aforeited ase of =nar, an a%%'iation for an a'ien ertifiate of
re!istration does not a#o$nt to an e>%ress ren$niation or re%$diation
of oneLs itiJenshi%. The a%%'iation of the herein %ri"ate res%ondent
for an a'ien ertifiate of re!istration, and her ho'din! of an
A$stra'ian %ass%ort, as in the ase of ?ercado v. ?an=ano, were mere
a#$ o% a$$erion o% her A&$ralian #ii8en$hi' -e%ore $he e%%e#ivel!
10
reno&n#ed he $ame. Th$s, at the #ost, %ri"ate res%ondent had d$a'
itiJenshi% C she was an A$stra'ian and a 4i'i%ino, as we''.
Doreo"er, $nder Common(ealt) !ct ;*, he %a# ha a #hild o%
9ili'ino 'arenA$ (a$ -orn in anoher #o&nr! ha$ no -een in#l&ded a$
a gro&nd %or lo$ing oneD$ Phili''ine #ii8en$hi'. Sine %ri"ate
res%ondent did not 'ose or reno$ne her Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi%,
%etitionerLs 'ai# that res%ondent #$st !o thro$!h the %roess of
re%atriation does not ho'd water. (2alles v. C3ME'EC, --8 SCRA .?-,
A$!. 7, 1222, En 3an @P$risi#aA5
21. 6ow may 0ilipino citi=ens who lost their citi=enship 87&ACI87 the
same?
An$(er: 4i'i%ino itiJens who ha"e 'ost their itiJenshi% #ay >
> > rea:$ire the sa#e in the #anner %ro"ided &y 'aw. Common(ealt) !ct
No. ;* en$#erates the three #odes &y whih Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi% #ay
&e rea:$ired &y a for#er itiJenI /01 &y na&rali8aion, /51 &y
re'ariaion, and /71 &y dire# a# o% Congre$$. (=rival$o v.
C3ME'EC, 1.8 SCRA 818, *$ne 1/, ,770, En 3an @Pan!ani&anAG !ntonio
6engson III v. HRE&, +.R. No. ,?1/?2, Day 8, 122,, En 3an @)a%$nanA5
22. Distinguish naturali=ation from repatriation.
Held: :;C8@ID;I9: is a mode %or -oh a#)&i$iion and
rea#)&i$iion of Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi%. As a mode of initially
ac'uiring Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi%, nat$ra'iJation is !o"erned &y
Common(ealt) !ct No. 4,*, as amended. On the other hand,
nat$ra'iJation as a mode for reac'uiring Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi% is
!o"erned &y Common(ealt) !ct No. ;* (n ct (roviding for the Ways in
Which (hilippine &iti=enship ?ay Ee @ost or 8eac'uired @,7-0A5. =nder
this 'aw, a %ormer 9ili'ino #ii8en (ho (i$he$ o rea#)&ire Phili''ine
#ii8en$hi' m&$ 'o$$e$$ #erain )&ali%i#aion$ and none o% he
di$)&ali%i#aion$ menioned in Se#ion E o% C*A* EF7.
87(;8I;I9:, on the other hand, #ay &e had $nder "ario$s
stat$tes &y those who 'ost their itiJenshi% d$e toI /01 de$erion of
the ar#ed fores (Section +, &.. :o. )*5G /51 $ervi#e in he armed
%or#e$ o% he allied %or#e$ in Wor'd War II (Section ", 8epublic ct
:o. #). 3"#.*45G /71 $ervi#e in he Armed 9or#e$ o% he Unied Sae$
at any other ti#e (Sec. ", 8epublic ct :o. 2)*2 3"#)245G /E1 marriage
o% a 9ili'ino (oman o an alien (Sec. ", 8epublic ct :o. $"%" 3"##.45G
and /G1 'olii#al and e#onomi# ne#e$$i! <Ibid>.
As distin!$ished fro# the 'en!thy %roess of nat$ra'iJation,
87(;8I;I9: si#%'y onsists of the a6ing o% an oah o% allegian#e o
he Re'&-li# o% he Phili''ine$ and regi$ering $aid oah in he Lo#al
Civil Regi$r! o% he 'la#e (here he 'er$on #on#erned re$ide$ or la$
re$ided*
In !ngat v. Repu#lic (-,? SCRA ?-/ @,777A5, we he'dI
@PAarenthetia''y, $nder these stat$tes (referrin! to RA
Nos. 70. and 10-25, the %erson desirin! to rea:$ire Phi'i%%ine
itiJenshi% wo$'d no e"en &e re:$ired to fi'e a %etition in
o$rt, and a'' that he had to do was to a6e an oah o% allegian#e
to the Re%$&'i of the Phi'i%%ines and to regi$er ha %a# (ih
he #ivil regi$r! in the %'ae of his residene or where he had
'ast resided in the Phi'i%%ines.
Doreo"er, re%atriation res$'ts in the re#over! o% he original
naionali!. This #eans that a nat$ra'iJed 4i'i%ino who 'ost his
itiJenshi% wi'' &e restored to his %rior stat$s as a nat$ra'iJed
4i'i%ino itiJen. On the other hand, if he was ori!ina''y a nat$ra';
&orn itiJen &efore he 'ost his Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi%, he wi'' &e
restored to his for#er stat$s as a nat$ra';&orn 4i'i%ino. (!ntonio
6engson III v. HRE&, +.R. No. ,?1/?2, Day 8, 122,, En 3an @)a%$nanA5
11
2*. Who may validly avail of repatriation under 8.. :o. $"%"?
Held: R.!. No. .7,7, whih has 'a%sed into 'aw on Oto&er 1-,
,77., is an at %ro"idin! for the re%atriation /a1 of 9ili'ino (omen
(ho have lo$ heir Phili''ine #ii8en$hi' -! marriage o alien$ and
/-1 of na&ral,-orn 9ili'ino$ (ho have lo$ heir Phili''ine
#ii8en$hi' on a##o&n o% 'olii#al or e#onomi# ne#e$$i!.
(Gerar$o !ngat v. Repu#lic, +.R. No. ,-11??, Se%t. ,?, ,777
@Vit$!A5
2+. Eefore what agency should application for repatriation under 8.
$"%" be filed?
Held: =nder Section 7 of P.D. No. ,+5, dated *$ne ., ,78.,
a#endin! C.A. No. 0-, an a%%'iation for re%atriation o$'d &e fi'ed
with the S'e#ial Commiee on Na&rali8aion, haired &y the Soli#ior
>eneral with the Under$e#rear! o% 9oreign A%%air$ and the Dire#or o%
he Naional Inelligen#e Coordinaing Agen#! as the other #e#&ers.
A'tho$!h the a!eny was deati"ated &y "irt$e of President CoraJon C.
A:$inoLs De#orand$# of Darh 18, ,7/8, it was not, howe"er, a&ro!ated.
The Co##ittee was reati"ated on *$ne /, ,77.. <ene, he a''li#aion
$ho&ld -e %iled (ih $aid Agen#!+ no (ih he Regional Trial Co&r.
(Gerar$o !ngat v. Repu#lic, +.R. No. ,-11??, Se%t. ,?, ,777 @Vit$!A5
2.. ?ay a natural,born 0ilipino who became an merican citi=en still
be considered a natural,born 0ilipino upon his reac'uisition of
(hilippine citi=enship and, therefore, 'ualified to run for
&ongressman?
Held: 87(;8I;I9: res$'ts in the re#over! o% he original
naionali!. This #eans that a nat$ra'iJed 4i'i%ino who 'ost his
itiJenshi% wi'' &e re$ored o hi$ 'rior $a&$ as a nat$ra'iJed
4i'i%ino itiJen. On the other hand, if he was ori!ina''y a nat$ra';
&orn itiJen &efore he 'ost his Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi%, he wi'' &e
restored to his for#er stat$s as a nat$ra';&orn 4i'i%ino.
In res%ondent Cr$JLs ase, he 'ost his 4i'i%ino itiJenshi% when
he rendered ser"ie in the Ar#ed 4ores of the =nited States. <owe"er,
he s$&se:$ent'y rea:$ired Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi% $nder R.!. No. +;*-,
whih %ro"idesI
Se#ion 0. Any %erson who had 'ost his Phi'i%%ine
itiJenshi% &y renderin! ser"ie to, or ae%tin! o##ission in,
the Ar#ed 4ores of the =nited States, or after se%aration fro#
the Ar#ed 4ores of the =nited States, a:$ired =nited States
itiJenshi%, ma! rea#)&ire Phili''ine #ii8en$hi' -! a6ing an
oah o% allegian#e o he Re'&-li# o% he Phili''ine$ and
regi$ering he $ame (ih Lo#al Civil Regi$r! in he 'la#e (here
he re$ide$ or la$ re$ided in he Phili''ine$* The $aid oah o%
allegian#e $hall #onain a ren&n#iaion o% an! oher #ii8en$hi'*
<a"in! th$s ta9en the re:$ired oath of a''e!iane to the Re%$&'i
and ha"in! re!istered the sa#e in the Ci"i' Re!istry of Dan!atare#,
Pan!asinan in aordane with the aforeited %ro"ision, res%ondent Cr$J
is dee#ed to ha"e reo"ered his ori!ina' stat$s as a nat$ra';&orn
itiJen, a stat$s whih he a:$ired at &irth as the son of a 4i'i%ino
father. It &ears stressin! that the at of re%atriation a''ows hi# to
re#over+ or re&rn o+ hi$ original $a&$ -e%ore he lo$ hi$
Phili''ine #ii8en$hi'*
PetitionerLs ontention that res%ondent Cr$J is no 'on!er a
nat$ra';&orn itiJen sine he had to %erfor# an at to re!ain his
itiJenshi% is $ntena&'e. @TAhe ter# Enat$ra';&orn itiJenF was first
defined in Arti'e III, Setion ? of the ,78- Constit$tion as fo''owsI
12
Setion ?. A nat$ra';&orn itiJen is one who is a itiJen
of the Phi'i%%ines fro# &irth witho$t ha"in! to %erfor# any at
to a:$ire or %erfet his Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi%.
Two re:$isites #$st on$r for a %erson to &e onsidered as s$hI
/01 a %erson #$st &e a =ilipino citizen from #irt) and /51 he doe$ no
have o 'er%orm an! a# o o-ain or 'er%e# hi$ Phili''ine #ii8en$hi'.
=nder the ,78- Constit$tion definition, there were two ate!ories
of 4i'i%ino itiJens whih were not onsidered nat$ra';&ornI (,5 those
who were nat$ra'iJed and (15 those &orn &efore *an$ary ,8, ,78- <the
date of effectivity of the "#%* &onstitution>, of 4i'i%ino #others who,
$%on reahin! the a!e of #aBority, e'eted Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi%.
Those Enat$ra'iJed itiJensF were not onsidered nat$ra';&orn o&"io$s'y
&ea$se they were not 4i'i%inos at &irth and had to %erfor# an at to
a:$ire Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi%. Those &orn of 4i'i%ino #others &efore
the effeti"ity of the ,78- Constit$tion were 'i9ewise not onsidered
nat$ra';&orn &ea$se they a'so had to %erfor# an at to %erfet their
Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi%.
The %resent Constit$tion, howe"er, now onsiders those &orn of
4i'i%ino #others &efore the effeti"ity of the ,78- Constit$tion and
who e'eted Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi% $%on reahin! the #aBority a!e as
nat$ra';&orn. A%er de%ining (ho are na&ral,-orn #ii8en$+ Se#ion 5
o% Ari#le IH add$ a $enen#e: 2Tho$e (ho ele# Phili''ine #ii8en$hi'
in a##ordan#e (ih 'aragra'h /71+ Se#ion 0 hereo% $hall -e deemed
na&ral,-orn #ii8en$*3 Con$e)&enl!+ onl! na&rali8ed 9ili'ino$ are
#on$idered no na&ral,-orn #ii8en$. It is a%%arent fro# the
en$#eration of who are itiJens $nder the %resent Constit$tion that
there are on'y two 'asses of itiJensI (,5 those who are natural,born
and (15 those who are naturali=ed in aordane with 'aw. A #ii8en (ho
i$ no a na&rali8ed 9ili'ino+ i*e*+ did no have o &ndergo he
'ro#e$$ o% na&rali8aion o o-ain Phili''ine #ii8en$hi'+ ne#e$$aril!
i$ a na&ral,-orn 9ili'ino. Noteworthy is the a&sene in the said
en$#eration of a se%arate ate!ory for %ersons who, after 'osin!
Phi'i%%ine itiJenshi%, s$&se:$ent'y rea:$ire it. The reason
therefore is 'earI a$ o $&#h 'er$on$+ he! (o&ld eiher -e na&ral,
-orn or na&rali8ed de'ending on he rea$on$ %or he lo$$ o% heir
#ii8en$hi' and he mode 're$#ri-ed -! he a''li#a-le la( %or he
rea#)&i$iion hereo%. As res%ondent Cr$J was not re:$ired &y 'aw to
!o thro$!h nat$ra'iJation %roeedin!s in order to rea:$ire his
itiJenshi%, he is %erfore a nat$ra';&orn 4i'i%ino. As s$h, he
%ossessed a'' the neessary :$a'ifiations to &e e'eted as #e#&er of
the <o$se of Re%resentati"es. (!ntonio 6engson III v. HRE&, +.R. No.
,?1/?2, Day 8, 122,, En 3an @)a%$nanA5
2). Distinguish dual citi=enship from dual allegiance.
Held: DC@ &I;ID7:S6I( arises when, a$ a re$&l o% he
#on#&rren a''li#aion o% he di%%eren la($ o% (o or more $ae$+ a
'er$on i$ $im&laneo&$l! #on$idered a naional -! he $aid $ae$. 4or
instane, s$h a sit$ation #ay arise when a %erson whose %arents are
itiJens of a state whih adheres to the %rini%'e of jus sanguinis is
&orn in a state whih fo''ows the dotrine of jus soli. S$h a %erson,
ipso facto and witho$t any "o'$ntary at on his %art, is on$rrent'y
onsidered a itiJen of &oth states.
DC@ @@75I:&7, on the other hand, refers to a sit$ation in
whih a 'er$on $im&laneo&$l! o(e$+ -! $ome 'o$iive a#+ lo!al! o
(o or more $ae$* While d&al #ii8en$hi' i$ invol&nar!+ d&al
allegian#e i$ he re$&l o% an individ&alD$ voliion. (Merca$o v.
Manzano, -28 SCRA 0-2, Day 10, ,777, En 3an @DendoJaA5
2%. What is the main concern of Section ., rticle IF, "#$%
&onstitution, on citi=enship? &onse'uently, are persons with mere
dual citi=enship dis'ualified to run for elective local positions
under Section +2<d> of the @ocal 5overnment &ode?
13
Held: In in'$din! Section 5 in !rticle I2 on itiJenshi%, he
#on#ern o% he Con$i&ional Commi$$ion (a$ no (ih d&al #ii8en$ 'er
$e -& (ih na&rali8ed #ii8en$ (ho mainain heir allegian#e o heir
#o&nrie$ o% origin even a%er heir na&rali8aion. <ene, the %hrase
Ed&al #ii8en$hi'3 in R*A* No* F0IJ+ Se#ion EJ/d1 /Lo#al >overnmen
Code1 m&$ -e &nder$ood a$ re%erring o 2d&al allegian#e.F
Conse:$ent'y, %ersons with #ere d$a' itiJenshi% do not fa'' $nder this
dis:$a'ifiation. CnliBe those with dual allegiance, who must, - - -,
be subject to strict process with respect to the termination of their
status, for candidates with dual citi=enship, it should suffice if,
upon the filing of their certificate of candidacy, they elect
(hilippine citi=enship to terminate their status as persons with dual
citi=enship considering that their condition is the unavoidable
conse'uence of conflicting laws of different states.
B! ele#ing Phili''ine #ii8en$hi'+ $&#h #andidae$ a he $ame
ime %or$(ear allegian#e o he oher #o&nr! o% (hi#h he! are al$o
#ii8en$ and here-! erminae heir $a&$ a$ d&al #ii8en$. It #ay
&e that, fro# the %oint of "iew of the forei!n state and of its 'aws,
s$h an indi"id$a' has not effeti"e'y reno$ned his forei!n
itiJenshi%. That is of no #o#ent. (Merca$o v. Manzano, +.R. No.
,-.2/-, -28 SCRA 0-2, Day 10, ,777 @DendoJaA5
2$. &ite instances when a citi=en of the (hilippines may possess dual
citi=enship considering the citi=enship clause <rticle IF> of the
&onstitution.
Held:
1) Those -orn o% 9ili'ino %aher$ andAor moher$ in %oreign
#o&nrie$ (hi#h %ollo( he 'rin#i'le o% 0us soli G
2) Those -orn in he Phili''ine$ o% 9ili'ino moher$ and alien
%aher$ i% -! he la($ o% heir %aherD$ #o&nr! $&#h #hildren
are #ii8en$ o% ha #o&nr!G
3) Those who marry aliens if #y t)e la(s of t)e latter>s
country t)e former are consi$ere$ citizens unless #y t)eir
act or omission t)ey are $eeme$ to )ave renounce$ P)ilippine
citizens)ip.
(Merca$o v. Manzano, +.R. No. ,-.2/-, -28 SCRA 0-2, Day 10, ,777
@DendoJaA5
2#. Does res judicata apply in cases hinging on the issue of
citi=enship?
Held: Petitioner #aintains f$rther that when itiJenshi% is
raised as an iss$e in B$diia' or ad#inistrati"e %roeedin!s, the
reso'$tion or deision thereon is !enera''y not onsidered res B$diata
in any s$&se:$ent %roeedin! ha''en!in! the sa#eG itin! the ase of
Moy ?a 'im ?ao v. Commissioner of Immigration (?, SCRA 171 @,78,A5. <e
insists that the sa#e iss$e of itiJenshi% #ay &e threshed o$t anew.
Petitioner is orret insofar as the !enera' r$'e is onerned,
i.e., the %rini%'e of res judicata !enera''y does not a%%'y in ases
hin!in! on the iss$e of itiJenshi%. <owe"er, in the ase of 6urca v.
Repu#lic (., SCRA 1?/ @,78-A5, an e"#e'ion to this !enera' r$'e was
reo!niJed. The Co$rt r$'ed in that ase that in order that the
dotrine of res judicata #ay &e a%%'ied in ases of itiJenshi%, the
fo''owin! #$st &e %resentI
1) a %ersonLs #ii8en$hi' -e rai$ed a$ a maerial i$$&e in a
#onrover$! (here $aid 'er$on i$ a 'ar!G
2) the Soli#ior >eneral or hi$ a&hori8ed re're$enaive oo6
a#ive 'ar in he re$ol&ion thereof, and
3) the %inding on #ii8en$hi' i$ a%%irmed -! hi$ Co&r.
14
A'tho$!h the !enera' r$'e was set forth in the ase of ?oy Ga @im
Gao, the ase did not fore'ose the wei!ht of %rior r$'in!s on
itiJenshi%. It e'$idated that re'iane #ay so#ehow &e %'aed on
these anteedent offiia' findin!s, tho$!h not rea''y &indin!, to #a9e
the effort easier or si#%'er. (2alles v. C3ME'EC, --8 SCRA .?-,
A$!. 7, 1222, En 3an @P$risi#aA5
CIHILIAN SUPRE:AC; CLAUSE
*2. ;he (resident issued @etter of Instruction <@9I> ordering the
deployment of members of the (hilippine ?arines in the metropolis to
conduct joint visibility patrols with members of the (hilippine
:ational (olice in various shopping malls. Will this not violate
the civilian supremacy clause under Section *, rticle II of the
&onstitution? Does this not amount to an Hinsidious incursionH of
the military in the tasB of law enforcement in violation of Section
.<+>, rticle !FI of the &onstitution?
Held: The de%'oy#ent of the Darines does not onstit$te a &reah
of the i"i'ian s$%re#ay 'a$se. The a''in! of the #arines in this
ase onstit$tes 'ermi$$i-le &$e o% miliar! a$$e$ %or #ivilian la(
en%or#emen. > > > The limied 'ari#i'aion o% he :arine$ is e"ident
in the %ro"isions of the LOI itse'f, whih $&%%i#ienl! 'rovide$ he
mee$ and -o&nd$ o% he :arine$K a&hori!. It is noteworthy that the
lo#al 'oli#e %or#e$ are he one$ in #harge o% he vi$i-ili! 'arol$ a
all ime$+ he real a&hori! -elonging o he PNP . In fat, he :ero
:anila Poli#e Chie% i$ he overall leader o% he PNP,Phili''ine :arine$
.oin vi$i-ili! 'arol$ . =nder the LOI, the %o'ie fores are tas9ed
to &rief or orient the so'diers on %o'ie %atro' %roed$res. It is
their res%onsi&i'ity to diret and #ana!e the de%'oy#ent of the
Darines. It is, 'i9ewise, their d$ty to %ro"ide the neessary
e:$i%#ent to the Darines and render 'o!istia' s$%%ort to these
so'diers. In vie( o% he %oregoing+ i #anno -e 'ro'erl! arg&ed ha
miliar! a&hori! i$ $&'reme over #ivilian a&hori!*
Doreo"er, the de%'oy#ent of the Darines to assist the PNP does
not $n#a9e the i"i'ian harater of the %o'ie fore. Neither does it
a#o$nt to an Einsidio$s in$rsionF of the #i'itary in the tas9 of 'aw
enfore#ent in "io'ation of Setion .@?A, Arti'e 6VI of the
Constit$tion.
In this re!ard, it is not orret to say that +enera' An!e'o
Reyes, Chief of Staff of the A4P, &y his a''e!ed in"o'"e#ent in
i"i'ian 'aw enfore#ent, has &een "irt$a''y a%%ointed to a i"i'ian
%ost in dero!ation of the aforeited %ro"ision. The real a&hori! in
he$e o'eraion$+ a$ $aed in he LOI+ i$ lodged (ih he head o% a
#ivilian in$i&ion+ he PNP+ and no (ih he miliar!* S&#h -eing
he #a$e+ i doe$ no maer (heher he A9P Chie% a#&all!
'ari#i'ae$ in he Ta$6 9or#e T&l&ngan $in#e he doe$ no e"er#i$e an!
a&hori! or #onrol over he $ame* Sin#e none o% he :arine$ (a$
in#or'oraed or enli$ed a$ mem-er$ o% he PNP+ here #an -e no
a''oinmen o a #ivilian 'o$iion o $'ea6 o%. <ene, the de%'oy#ent
of the Darines in the Boint "isi&i'ity %atro's does not destroy the
i"i'ian harater of the PNP.
Considerin! the a&o"e ir$#stanes, he :arine$ render nohing
more han a$$i$an#e re)&ired in #ond&#ing he 'arol$. As s$h,
there an &e no Einsidio$s in$rsionF of the #i'itary in i"i'ian
affairs nor an there &e a "io'ation of the i"i'ian s$%re#ay 'a$se
in the Constit$tion.
It is worth #entionin! that military assistance to civilian
authorities in various forms persists in (hilippine jurisdiction. The
Phi'i%%ine e>%eriene re"ea's that it is not a"erse to re:$estin! the
assistane of the #i'itary in the i#%'e#entation and e>e$tion of
ertain traditiona''y Ei"i'F f$ntions. > > > @SAo#e of the
multifarious activities wherein military aid has been rendered,
15
e>e#%'ifyin! the ati"ities that &rin! &oth the i"i'ian and the
#i'itary to!ether in a re'ationshi% of oo%eration, areI
,. E'etionsG
1. Ad#inistration of the Phi'i%%ine Nationa' Red CrossG
-. Re'ief and res$e o%erations d$rin! a'a#ities and
disastersG
?. A#ate$r s%orts %ro#otion and de"e'o%#entG
.. De"e'o%#ent of the $'t$re and the artsG
0. Conser"ation of nat$ra' reso$resG
8. I#%'e#entation of the a!rarian refor# %ro!ra#G
/. Enfore#ent of $sto#s 'awsG
7. Co#%osite i"i'ian;#i'itary 'aw enfore#ent
ati"itiesG
,2. Cond$t of 'iens$re e>a#inationsG
,,. Cond$t of nationwide tests for e'e#entary and hi!h
shoo' st$dentsG
,1. Anti;dr$! enfore#ent ati"itiesG
,-. Sanitary ins%etionsG
,?. Cond$t of ens$s wor9G
,.. Ad#inistration of the Ci"i' Aerona$tis 3oardG
,0. Assistane in insta''ation of weather foreastin!
de"iesG
,8. Peae and order %o'iy for#$'ation in 'oa'
!o"ern#ent $nits.
This $n:$estiona&'y onstit$tes a !'oss on e>e$ti"e %ower
res$'tin! fro# a syste#ati, $n&ro9en, e>e$ti"e %ratie, 'on! %$rs$ed
to the 9now'ed!e of Con!ress and, yet, ne"er &efore :$estioned. What
we ha"e here is #$t$a' s$%%ort and oo%eration &etween the #i'itary and
i"i'ian a$thorities, not dero!ation of i"i'ian s$%re#ay.
In the =nited States, where a 'on! tradition of s$s%iion and
hosti'ity towards the $se of #i'itary fore for do#esti %$r%oses has
%ersisted and whose Constit$tion, $n'i9e o$rs, does not e>%ress'y
%ro"ide for the %ower to a'', the use of military personnel by
civilian law enforcement officers is allowed under circumstances
similar to those surrounding the present deployment of the (hilippine
?arines. (I6P v. Hon. Ronal$o 6. @amora, +.R. No. ,?,1/?, A$!. ,.,
1222, En 3an @)a%$nanA5
THE RI>HT TO A BALANCED AND HEALTH9UL ECOLO>;
*". Is the right to a balanced and healthful ecology any less
important than any of the civil and political rights enumerated in
the Eill of 8ights? 7-plain.
Held: Whi'e the ri!ht to a &a'aned and hea'thf$' eo'o!y is to
&e fo$nd $nder the De'aration of Prini%'es and State Po'iies and not
$nder the 3i'' of Ri!hts, i doe$ no %ollo( ha i i$ le$$ im'oran
han an! o% he #ivil and 'olii#al righ$ en&meraed in he laer*
S&#h a righ -elong$ o a di%%eren #aegor! o% righ$ alogeher %or
i #on#ern$ nohing le$$ han $el%,'re$ervaion and $el%,'er'e&aion+
he advan#emen o% (hi#h ma! even -e $aid o 'redae all governmen$
and #on$i&ion$* A$ a maer o% %a#+ he$e -a$i# righ$ need no
even -e (rien in he Con$i&ion %or he! are a$$&med o e"i$ %rom
he in#e'ion o% h&man6ind. If they are now e>%'iit'y #entioned in
the f$nda#enta' harter, it is &ea$se of the we'';fo$nded fear of its
fra#ers that $n'ess the ri!hts to a &a'aned and hea'thf$' eo'o!y and
to hea'th are #andated as state %o'iies &y the Constit$tion itse'f,
there&y hi!h'i!htin! their ontin$in! i#%ortane and i#%osin! $%on the
state a so'e#n o&'i!ation to %reser"e the first and %rotet and ad"ane
the seond, the day wo$'d not &e too far when a'' e'se wo$'d &e 'ost
not on'y for the %resent !eneration, &$t a'so for those to o#e C
!enerations whih stand to inherit nothin! &$t %arhed earth ina%a&'e
of s$stainin! 'ife. (3posa v. =actoran 1r., 11? SCRA 871 @,77-A
@Da"ideA5
16
*2. ;he (rovince of (alawan and the &ity of (uerto (rincesa enacted
ordinances prohibiting the catching andIor e-portation of live
tropical fishes, and imposing penalties for violations thereof, in
order to stop the illegal practice of cyanide fishing which destroys
the corals and other marine resources. Several fishermen
apprehended for violating the ordinances in 'uestion challenged
their constitutionality contending that the ordinances violated
their preferential right as subsistence and marginal fishermen to
the use of our communal marine resources guaranteed by the
&onstitution, under Section %, rticle !III. Will you sustain the
challenge?
Held: The 2're%erenial righ3 o% $&-$i$en#e or marginal
%i$hermen o he &$e o% marine re$o&r#e$ i$ no a-$ol&e* In
a##ordan#e (ih he RE>ALIAN DOCTRINE + marine re$o&r#e$ -elong o he
Sae+ and+ '&r$&an o he %ir$ 'aragra'h o% Se#ion 5+ Ari#le ?II
o% he Con$i&ion+ heir 2e"'loraion+ develo'men and &ili8aion "
" " $hall -e &nder he %&ll #onrol and $&'ervi$ion o% he Sae*3
:oreover+ heir mandaed 'roe#ion+ develo'men and #on$ervaion " " "
im'l! #erain re$ri#ion$ on (haever righ o% en.o!men here ma! -e
in %avor o% an!one* Wha m&$ -e -orne in mind i$ he Sae 'oli#!
en$hrined in he Con$i&ion regarding he d&! o% he Sae o
'roe# and advan#e he righ o% he 'eo'le o a -alan#ed and healh%&l
e#olog! in a##ord (ih he rh!hm and harmon! o% na&re /Se#ion 0I+
Ari#le II5. The ordinanes in :$estion are #eant %reise'y to %rotet
and onser"e o$r #arine reso$res to the end that their enBoy#ent #ay
&e !$aranteed not on'y for the %resent !eneration, &$t a'so for the
!enerations to o#e. The ri!ht to a &a'aned and hea'thf$' eo'o!y
arries with it a orre'ati"e d$ty to refrain fro# i#%airin! the
en"iron#ent. (&ano v. Gov. Salva$or P. Socrates, +.R. No. ,,21?7, A$!.
1,, ,7785
ACADE:IC 9REEDO:
**. ?ay a university validly revoBe a degree or honor it has
conferred to a student after the graduation of the latter after
finding that such degree or honor was obtained through fraud?
Held: In 5arcia v. 0aculty dmission &ommittee, @oyola School of
;heology <)$ S&8 2%% 3"#%.4>, the SC %ointed o$t that a#ademi# %reedom
o% in$i&ion$ o% higher learning i$ a %reedom graned o
2in$i&ion$ o% higher learning3 (hi#h i$ h&$ given a 2(ide $'here o%
a&hori! #erainl! e"ending o he #hoi#e o% $&den$*3 I% $&#h
in$i&ion o% higher learning #an de#ide (ho #an and (ho #anno $&d!
in i+ i #erainl! #an al$o deermine on (hom i #an #on%er he honor
and di$in#ion o% -eing i$ grad&ae$.
Where i i$ $ho(n ha he #on%ermen o% an honor or di$in#ion
(a$ o-ained hro&gh %ra&d+ a &niver$i! ha$ he righ o revo6e or
(ihdra( he honor or di$in#ion i ha$ h&$ #on%erred* Thi$ %reedom
o% a &niver$i! doe$ no erminae &'on he 2grad&aion3 o% a $&den+
%or i i$ 're#i$el! he 2grad&aion3 o% $&#h a $&den ha i$ in
)&e$ion.
(/P 6oar$ of Regents v. Hon. Court of !ppeals an$ !roAias(amy Billiam
Margaret Celine, +.R. No. ,-?01., A$!. -,, ,777, 1
nd
Di". @DendoJaA5
*+. What are the essential freedoms subsumed in the term /academic
freedom1?
Held: In !teneo $e Manila /niversity v. Capulong (+.R. No.
77-18, 18 Day ,77-5, this Co$rt ited with a%%ro"a' the for#$'ation
#ade &y *$stie 4e'i> 4ran9f$rter of the essentia' freedo#s s$&s$#ed in
the ter# Eaade#i freedo#F eno#%assin! no onl! 2he %reedom o
deermine " " " on a#ademi# gro&nd$ (ho ma! ea#h+ (ha ma! -e a&gh
/and1 ho( i $hall -e a&gh+3 -& li6e(i$e 2(ho ma! -e admied o
$&d!*3 We have h&$ $an#ioned i$ invo#aion -! a $#hool in
17
re.e#ing $&den$ (ho are a#ademi#all! delin)&en (&angonan v. Pano,
,-8 SCRA 1?. @,7/.A5, or a la!(oman $ee6ing admi$$ion o a $eminar!
(Garcia v. 'oyola Sc)ool of &)eology, 0/ SCRA 188 @,78.A5, or stu$ents
violating CSc)ool Rules on Discipline.F (!teneo $e Manila /niversity v.
Capulong, supra.5
(Isa#elo 1r. v. Perpetual Help College of Rizal Inc., 118 SCRA .7.;
.78, No". /, ,77-, En 3an @Vit$!A5
ECONO:IC POLIC;
*.. Does the &onstitutional policy of a /self,reliant and independent
national economy1 rule out foreign competition?
Held: The onstit$tiona' %o'iy of a Ese'f;re'iant and
inde%endent nationa' eono#yF doe$ no ne#e$$aril! r&le o& he enr!
o% %oreign inve$men$+ good$ and $ervi#e$* I #onem'lae$ neiher
2e#onomi# $e#l&$ion3 nor 2mendi#an#! in he inernaional #omm&ni!.F

Aside fro# en"isionin! a rade 'oli#! -a$ed on 2e)&ali! and
re#i'ro#i!+3 he %&ndamenal la( en#o&rage$ ind&$rie$ ha are
2#om'eiive in -oh dome$i# and %oreign mar6e$+3 here-!
demon$raing a #lear 'oli#! again$ a $helered dome$i# rade
environmen+ -& one in %avor o% he grad&al develo'men o% ro-&$
ind&$rie$ ha #an #om'ee (ih he -e$ in he %oreign mar6e$.
(&ana$a v. !ngara, 181 SCRA ,/ @,778A5
THE RI>HTS O9 INDI>ENOUS CULTURAL CO::UNITIESAINDI>ENOUS PEOPLES
*). 7numerate the &onstitutional provisions recogni=ing and
protecting the rights and interests of the indigenous peoples.
Held: The fra#ers of the ,7/8 Constit$tion, 'oo9in! &a9 to the
'on! destit$tion of o$r 'ess fort$nate &rothers, fittin!'y saw the
histori o%%ort$nity to at$a'iJe the idea's of %eo%'e e#%ower#ent and
soia' B$stie, and to reah o$t %arti$'ar'y to the #ar!ina'iJed
setors of soiety, in'$din! the indi!eno$s %eo%'es. They
inor%orated in the f$nda#enta' 'aw se"era' %ro"isions reo!niJin! and
%rotetin! the ri!hts and interests of the indi!eno$s %eo%'es, to witI
Section ++. The State reo!niJes and %ro#otes the ri!hts of
indi!eno$s %eo%'es within the fra#ewor9 of nationa' $nity and
de"e'o%#ent. <!rticle II of the &onstitution, entitled State
(rinciples and (olicies>
Section 5. The State, s$&Bet to the %ro"isions of the
Constit$tion and nationa' de"e'o%#ent %o'iies and %ro!ra#s,
sha'' %rotet the ri!hts of indi!eno$s $'t$ra' o##$nities to
their anestra' 'ands to ens$re their eono#i, soia', and
$'t$ra' we'';&ein!.
The Con!ress #ay %ro"ide for the a%%'ia&i'ity of $sto#ary
'aws !o"ernin! %ro%erty ri!hts and re'ations in deter#inin! the
ownershi% and e>tent of anestra' do#ains. <!rticle %II of the
&onstitution, entitled :ational 7conomy and (atrimony>
Section 7. The Con!ress sha'' !i"e the hi!hest %riority to
the enat#ent of #eas$res that %rotet and enhane the ri!ht of
a'' the %eo%'e to h$#an di!nity, red$e soia', eono#i and
%o'itia' ine:$a'ities, and re#o"e $'t$ra' ine:$a'ities &y
e:$ita&'y diff$sin! wea'th and %o'itia' %ower for the o##on
!ood.
To this end, the State sha'' re!$'ate the a:$isition,
ownershi%, $se and dis%osition of %ro%erty and its inre#ents.
<!rticle %III of the &onstitution, entitled Social Justice and
6uman 8ights>
18
Section ;. The State sha'' a%%'y the %rini%'es of a!rarian
refor# or stewardshi%, whene"er a%%'ia&'e in aordane with
'aw, in the dis%osition and $ti'iJation of other nat$ra'
reso$res, in'$din! 'ands of the %$&'i do#ain $nder 'ease or
onession, s$&Bet to %rior ri!hts, ho#estead ri!hts of s#a''
sett'ers, and the ri!hts of indi!eno$s o##$nities to their
anestra' 'ands. <I#i$.>
Section 7,. The State sha'' reo!niJe, res%et, and %rotet
the ri!hts of $'t$ra' o##$nities to %reser"e and de"e'o% their
$'t$res, traditions, and instit$tions. It sha'' onsider these
ri!hts in the for#$'ation of nationa' %'ans and %o'iies.
<!rticle %I2 of the &onstitution, entitled 7ducation, Science,
;echnology, rts, &ulture, and Sports>
Section 7+. The Con!ress #ay reate a ons$'tati"e &ody to
ad"ise the President on %o'iies affetin! indi!eno$s $'t$ra'
o##$nities, the #aBority of the #e#&ers of whih sha'' o#e fro#
s$h o##$nities. <!rticle %2I of the &onstitution, entitled
5eneral (rovisions>
(Se%arate O%inion, )a%$nan, *., in Isagani Cruz v. Secretary of
Environment an$ Natural Resources, et a'., +.R. No. ,-.-/., De. 0,
1222, En 3an5
37. Discuss the Indigenous (eoples 8ights ct <R.!. No. .*,7>.
Held: Repu#lic !ct No. .*,7 is entit'ed MAn At to Reo!niJe,
Protet and Pro#ote the Ri!hts of Indi!eno$s C$'t$ra'
Co##$nitiesKIndi!eno$s Peo%'es, Creatin! a Nationa' Co##ission on
Indi!eno$s Peo%'es, Esta&'ishin! I#%'e#entin! Dehanis#s, A%%ro%riatin!
4$nds Therefor, and for Other P$r%oses.M It is si#%'y 9nown as M&)e
In$igenous Peoples Rig)ts !ct of 7::,M or the IPRA.
The IPRA re#ogni8e$ he e"i$en#e o% he indigeno&$ #&l&ral
#omm&niie$ or indigeno&$ 'eo'le$ /ICC$AIP$1 a$ a di$in# $e#or in
Phili''ine $o#ie!* I gran$ he$e 'eo'le he o(ner$hi' and
'o$$e$$ion o% heir an#e$ral domain$ and an#e$ral land$+ and de%ine$
he e"en o% he$e land$ and domain$* The o(ner$hi' given i$ he
indigeno&$ #on#e' o% o(ner$hi' &nder #&$omar! la( (hi#h ra#e$ i$
origin o naive ile.
6 > >
Wihin heir an#e$ral domain$ and an#e$ral land$+ he ICC$AIP$
are given he righ o $el%,governan#e and em'o(ermen (Setions ,- to
125, social justice and human rights (Setions 1, to 1/5, he righ o
're$erve and 'roe# heir #&l&re+ radiion$+ in$i&ion$ and
#omm&ni! inelle#&al righ$+ and he righ o develo' heir o(n
$#ien#e$ and e#hnologie$ (Setions 17 to -85. (Se%arate O%inion,
P$no, *., in Isagani Cruz v. Secretary of DENR, et a'., +.R. No.
,-.-/., De. 0, 1222, En 3an5
*$. Define Hindigenous peoplesIindigenous cultural communities.H
Held: ,. Drawin! ins%iration fro# &oth o$r f$nda#enta' 'aw and
internationa' 'aw, IPRA now e#%'oys the %o'itia''y;orret onB$nti"e
ter# Mindi!eno$s %eo%'esKindi!eno$s $'t$ra' o##$nitiesM as fo''owsI
Se#ion 7. Definition of ;erms. ; 4or %$r%oses of this At,
the fo''owin! ter#s sha'' #eanI
(i) Indigeno&$ 'eo'le$AIndigeno&$ #&l&ral #omm&niie$. ; refer to
a gro&' o% 'eo'le or homogeno&$ $o#ieie$ ideni%ied -! $el%,
a$#ri'ion and a$#ri'ion -! oher$+ (ho have #onin&o&$l!
lived a$ organi8ed #omm&ni! on #omm&nall! -o&nded and de%ined
errior!+ and (ho have+ &nder #laim$ o% o(ner$hi' $in#e ime
immemorial+ o##&'ied+ 'o$$e$$ed and &ili8ed $&#h erriorie$+
19
$haring #ommon -ond$ o% lang&age+ #&$om$+ radiion$+ and
oher di$in#ive #&l&ral rai$+ or (ho have+ hro&gh
re$i$an#e o 'olii#al+ $o#ial and #&l&ral inroad$ o%
#oloni8aion+ non,indigeno&$ religion$ and #&l&re$+ -e#ame
hi$ori#all! di%%ereniaed %rom he ma.ori! o% 9ili'ino$.
Indi!eno$s %eo%'es sha'' 'i9ewise in'$de %eo%'es who are
regarded a$ indigeno&$ on a##o&n o% heir de$#en %rom he
'o'&laion$ (hi#h inha-ied he #o&nr! a he ime o%
#on)&e$ or #oloni8aion+ or a he ime o% inroad$ o% non,
indigeno&$ religion$ and #&l&re$+ or he e$a-li$hmen o%
're$en Sae -o&ndarie$+ (ho reain $ome or all o% heir o(n
$o#ial+ e#onomi#+ #&l&ral and 'olii#al in$i&ion$+ -& (ho
ma! have -een di$'la#ed %rom heir radiional domain$ or (ho
ma! have re$eled o&$ide heir an#e$ral domain$ > > >.
(Separate 9pinion, Kapunan, J., in Isagani Cruz v. Secretary of
Environment an$ Natural Resources et al., +.R. No. ,-.-/., De. 0,
1222, En 3an5
1. The IPRA is a 'aw dea'in! with a s%eifi !ro$% of %eo%'e,
i.e., the Indi!eno$s C$'t$ra' Co##$nities (ICCs5 or the Indi!eno$s
Peo%'es (IPs5. The ter# MICCsM is $sed in the ,7/8 Constit$tion whi'e
that of MIPsM is the onte#%orary internationa' 'an!$a!e in the
Internationa' La&or Or!aniJation (ILO5 Con"ention ,07 <&onvention
&oncerning Indigenous and ;ribal (eoples in Independent &ountries, June
2%, "#$#> and the =nited Nations (=N5 Draft De'aration on the Ri!hts
of Indi!eno$s Peo%'es <5uide to 8.. $*%", published by the &oalition
for I(s 8ights and ncestral Domains in cooperation with the I@9 and
Eilance,sia Department, p. + 3"###4 , hereinafter referred to as 5uide
to 8.. $*%">.
Indigeno&$ C&l&ral Comm&niie$ or Indigeno&$ Peo'le$ re%er o a
gro&' o% 'eo'le or homogeneo&$ $o#ieie$ (ho have #onin&o&$l! lived a$
an organi8ed #omm&ni! on #omm&nall! -o&nded and de%ined errior!.
These !ro$%s of %eo%'e ha"e at$a''y o$%ied, %ossessed and $ti'iJed
their territories $nder 'ai# of ownershi% sine ti#e i##e#oria'. They
share o##on &onds of 'an!$a!e, $sto#s, traditions and other
distinti"e $'t$ra' traits, or, they, &y their resistane to
%o'itia', soia' and $'t$ra' inroads of o'oniJation, non;indi!eno$s
re'i!ions and $'t$res, &ea#e historia''y differentiated fro# the
4i'i%ino #aBority. ICCsKIPs a'so in'$de desendants of ICCsKIPs who
inha&ited the o$ntry at the ti#e of on:$est or o'oniJation, who
retain so#e or a'' of their own soia', eono#i, $'t$ra' and
%o'itia' instit$tions &$t who #ay ha"e &een dis%'aed fro# their
traditiona' territories or who #ay ha"e resett'ed o$tside their
anestra' do#ains. (Separate 9pinion, (uno, J., in Isagani Cruz v.
Secretary of DENR et al., +.R. No. ,-.-/., De. 0, 1222, En 3an5
*#. Define Hancestral domainsH and Hancestral lands.H Do they
constitute part of the land of the public domain?
Held: Anestra' do#ains and anestra' 'ands are he 'rivae
'ro'er! o% indigeno&$ 'eo'le$ and do no #on$i&e 'ar o% he land
o% he '&-li# domain.
The IPRA !rants to ICCsKIPs a distint 9ind of ownershi% o"er
anestra' do#ains and anestra' 'ands. Anestra' 'ands are not the
sa#e as anestra' do#ains. These are defined in Setion -(a5 and (&5
of the Indi!eno$s Peo%'es Ri!hts At > > >.
An#e$ral domain$ are all area$ -elonging o ICC$AIP$ held &nder
a #laim o% o(ner$hi'+ o##&'ied or 'o$$e$$ed -! ICC$AIP$ -! hem$elve$
or hro&gh heir an#e$or$+ #omm&nall! or individ&all! $in#e ime
immemorial+ #onin&o&$l! &nil he 're$en+ e"#e' (hen inerr&'ed -!
(ar+ %or#e ma.e&re or di$'la#emen -! %or#e+ de#ei+ $ealh or a$ a
#on$e)&en#e o% governmen 'ro.e#$ or an! oher vol&nar! dealing$ (ih
governmen andAor 'rivae individ&al$ or #or'oraion$. Anestra'
do#ains o#%rise 'ands, in'and waters, oasta' areas, and nat$ra'
reso$res therein and in'$des anestra' 'ands, forests, %ast$re,
20
residentia', a!ri$'t$ra', and other 'ands indi"id$a''y owned whether
a'iena&'e or not, h$ntin! !ro$nds, &$ria' !ro$nds, worshi% areas,
&odies of water, #inera' and other nat$ra' reso$res. They a'so
in'$de 'ands whih #ay no 'on!er &e e>'$si"e'y o$%ied &y ICCsKIPs
&$t fro# whih they traditiona''y had aess to for their s$&sistene
and traditiona' ati"ities, %arti$'ar'y the ho#e ran!es of ICCsKIPs
who are sti'' no#adi andKor shiftin! $'ti"ators (Section *DaE IPR!5.
An#e$ral land$ are land$ held -! he ICC$AIP$ &nder he $ame
#ondiion$ a$ an#e$ral domain$ e"#e' ha he$e are limied o land$
and ha he$e land$ are no merel! o##&'ied and 'o$$e$$ed -& are al$o
&ili8ed -! he ICC$AIP$ &nder #laim$ o% individ&al or radiional
gro&' o(ner$hi'. These 'ands in'$de &$t are not 'i#ited to
residentia' 'ots, rie terraes or %addies, %ri"ate forests, swidden
far#s and tree 'ots <Section *3b4, I(8>. (Separate 9pinion, (uno, J.,
in Isagani Cruz v. Secretary of DENR et al., +.R. No. ,-.-/., De. 0,
1222, En 3an5
+2. 6ow may I&&sII(s ac'uire rights to their ancestral domains and
ancestral lands?
Held: The ri!hts of the ICCsKIPs to their anestra' do#ains and
anestra' 'ands #ay &e a:$ired in two #odesI (,5 &y naive ile o"er
&oth anestra' 'ands and do#ainsG or (15 &y orren$ ile $nder the
P$&'i Land At and the Land Re!istration At with res%et to anestra'
'ands on'y. (Separate 9pinion, (uno, J., in Isagani Cruz v. Secretary
of DENR et al., +.R. No. ,-.-/., De. 0, 1222, En 3an5
+". What is the concept of Hnative titleH? What is a &ertificate of
ncestral Domain ;itle <&D;>?
Held: :;IF7 ;I;@7 refers to ICC$AIP$ 're#on)&e$ righ$ o
land$ and domain$ held &nder a #laim o% 'rivae o(ner$hi' a$ %ar -a#6
a$ memor! rea#he$. These 'ands are deemed never o have -een '&-li#
land$ and are indi$'&a-l! 're$&med o have -een held ha (a! $in#e
-e%ore he S'ani$h Con)&e$. The ri!hts of ICCsKIPs to their anestra'
domains (whih a'so in'$de anestra' lands5 &y "irt$e of nati"e tit'e
sha'' &e reo!niJed and res%eted <Section "", I(8>. 9ormal
re#ogniion+ (hen $oli#ied -! ICC$AIP$ #on#erned+ $hall -e em-odied in
a Ceri%i#ae o% An#e$ral Domain Tile (CADT5, (hi#h $hall re#ogni8e
he ile o% he #on#erned ICC$AIP$ over he erriorie$ ideni%ied and
delineaed.
Li6e a orren$ ile+ a CADT i$ eviden#e o% 'rivae o(ner$hi' o%
land -! naive ile. :;IF7 ;I;@7, howe"er, is a ri!ht of %ri"ate
ownershi% %e$'iar'y !ranted to ICCsKIPs o"er their anestra' 'ands and
do#ains. The IPRA ate!oria''y de'ares an#e$ral land$ and domain$
held -! naive ile a$ NEHER TO HAHE BEEN '&-li# land . Do#ains and
'ands he'd $nder nati"e tit'e are, therefore, indis%$ta&'y %res$#ed to
ha"e ne"er &een %$&'i 'ands and are %ri"ate.
The one%t of nati"e tit'e in the IPRA was ta9en fro# the ,727
ase of Carino v. Insular Government (?, Phi'. 7-. @,727A, 1,1 =.S.
??7, .- L. Ed. .7?5. &arino fir#'y esta&'ished a one%t of %ri"ate
'and tit'e that e>isted irres%eti"e of any roya' !rant fro# the State.
(Separate 9pinion, (uno, J., in Isagani Cruz v. Secretary of
DENR et al., +.R. No. ,-.-/., De. 0, 1222, En 3an5
+2. Discuss the concept of Hjura regaliaH and how it evolved in the
(hilippines. Does it negate native title to lands held in private
ownership since time immemorial?
Held: +enera''y, $nder the one%t of 0ura regalia, 'rivae
ile o land m&$ -e ra#ed o $ome gran+ e"'re$$ or im'lied+ %rom
he S'ani$h Cro(n or i$ $&##e$$or$+ he Ameri#an Colonial governmen+
and herea%er+ he Phili''ine Re'&-li#. The &e'ief that the S%anish
21
Crown is the ori!in of a'' 'and tit'es in the Phi'i%%ines has %ersisted
&ea$se tit'e to 'and #$st e#anate fro# so#e so$re for it annot iss$e
forth fro# nowhere.
In its &road sense, the ter# H0ura regaliaH refers to ro!al
gran$+ or ho$e righ$ (hi#h he Ling ha$ -! vir&e o% hi$
'rerogaive$. In S%anish 'aw, it refers to a righ (hi#h he $overeign
ha$ over an!hing in (hi#h a $&-.e# ha$ a righ o% 'ro'er! or
propriedad. These were ri!hts enBoyed d$rin! fe$da' ti#es &y the 9in!
as the so"erei!n.
The theory of the fe$da' syste# was that tit'e to a'' 'ands was
ori!ina''y he'd &y the )in!, and whi'e the $se of 'ands was !ranted o$t
to others who were %er#itted to ho'd the# $nder ertain onditions, the
)in! theoretia''y retained the tit'e. 3y fition of 'aw, the )in! was
re!arded as the ori!ina' %ro%rietor of a'' 'ands, and the tr$e and on'y
so$re of tit'e, and fro# hi# a'' 'ands were he'd. The theory of jura
regalia was therefore nothin! #ore than a nat$ra' fr$it of on:$est.
The Regalian heor!+ ho(ever+ doe$ no negae naive ile o
land$ held in 'rivae o(ner$hi' $in#e ime immemorial. In the 'and#ar9
ase of &arino v. Insular 5overnment (?, Phi'. 7-., 1,1 =.S. ??7, .- L.
Ed. .7? @,727A5, the =nited States S$%re#e Co$rt, re"ersin! the
deision of the %re;war Phi'i%%ine S$%re#e Co$rt, #ade the fo''owin!
%rono$ne#entI
> > > E"ery %res$#%tion is and o$!ht to &e ta9en a!ainst
the +o"ern#ent in a ase 'i9e the %resent. It #i!ht, %erha%s, &e
%ro%er and s$ffiient to say that (hen+ a$ %ar -a#6 a$ e$imon!
or memor! goe$+ he land ha$ -een held -! individ&al$ &nder a
#laim o% 'rivae o(ner$hi'+ i (ill -e 're$&med o have -een held
in he $ame (a! %rom -e%ore he S'ani$h #on)&e$+ and never o
have -een '&-li# land. - - - (Carino v. Insular Government,
s$%ra note 8., at 7?,5
The a&o"e r$'in! instit$tiona'iJed the reo!nition of the
e>istene of nati"e tit'e to 'and, or ownershi% of 'and &y 4i'i%inos &y
"irt$e of %ossession $nder a 'ai# of ownershi% sine ti#e i##e#oria'
and inde%endent of any !rant fro# the S%anish Crown, as an e"#e'ion o
he heor! o% 0ura regalia.
6 > >
&arino was deided &y the =.S. S$%re#e Co$rt in ,727, at a ti#e
when deisions of the =.S. Co$rt were &indin! as %reedent in o$r
B$risdition <Section "2, (hilippine Eill of "#22>. We a%%'ied the
&arino dotrine in the ,7?0 ase of 9h &ho v. Director of @ands (8.
Phi'. /72 @,7?0A5, where we stated that M<a=ll land$ ha (ere no
a#)&ired %rom he >overnmen eiher -! '&r#ha$e or -! gran+ -elong o
he '&-li# domain+ -& <a=n e"#e'ion o he r&le (o&ld -e an! land
ha $ho&ld have -een in he 'o$$e$$ion o% an o##&'an and o% hi$
'rede#e$$or$ in inere$ $in#e ime immemorial+ %or $&#h 'o$$e$$ion
(o&ld .&$i%! he 're$&m'ion ha he land had never -een 'ar o% he
'&-li# domain or ha i had -een 'rivae 'ro'er! even -e%ore he
S'ani$h #on)&e$. (Separate 9pinion, Kapunan, J., in Isagani Cruz
v. Secretary of DENR, +.R. No. ,-.-/., De. 0, 1222, En 3an5
+*. Distinguish ownership of land under native title and ownership by
ac'uisitive prescription against the State.
Held: Ownershi% &y "irt$e of :;IF7 ;I;@7 're$&''o$e$ ha he
land ha$ -een held -! i$ 'o$$e$$or and hi$ 'rede#e$$or,in,inere$ in
he #on#e' o% an o(ner $in#e ime immemorial. The 'and is no
a#)&ired %rom he Sae, that is, S%ain or its s$essor;in;interest,
the =nited States and the Phi'i%%ine +o"ern#ent. There has &een no
ran$%er o% ile %rom he Sae a$ he land ha$ -een regarded a$
'rivae in #hara#er a$ %ar -a#6 a$ memor! goe$. In ontrast,
ownershi% of 'and &y &ACISI;IF7 (87S&8I(;I9: a!ainst the State
22
involve$ a #onver$ion o% he #hara#er o% he 'ro'er! %rom aliena-le
'&-li# land o 'rivae land+ (hi#h 're$&''o$e$ a ran$%er o% ile %rom
he Sae o a 'rivae 'er$on. (Separate 9pinion, Kapunan, J., in
Isagani Cruz v. Secretary of DENR, +.R. No. ,-.-/., De. 0, 1222, En
3an5
THE RI>HT O9 THE STATE TO RECOHER PROPERTIES UNLAW9ULL; ACQUIRED B;
PUBLIC O99ICIALS OR E:PLO;EES
++. Does the right of the State to recover properties unlawfully
ac'uired by public officials or employees which may not be barred by
prescription, laches, or estoppel under Section "., rticle !I of
the &onstitution apply to criminal cases for the recovery of ill,
gotten wealth?
Held: Section 75, !rticle %I, ,7/8 Constit$tion %ro"ides that
E3;4he right of the State to recover properties unlawfully ac'uired by
public officials or employees, from them or from their nominees as
transferees, shall not be barred by prescription, laches, or estoppel.F
4ro# the 'ro#eeding$ o% he Con$i&ional Commi$$ion o% 0CBI+ ho(ever+
i (a$ #lear ha hi$ 'rovi$ion a''lie$ onl! o #ivil a#ion$ %or
re#over! o% ill,goen (ealh+ and no o #riminal #a$e$* Th&$+ he
'ro$e#&ion o% o%%en$e$ ari$ing %rom+ relaing or in#iden o+ or
involving ill,goen (ealh #onem'laed in Se#ion 0G+ Ari#le ?I o%
he Con$i&ion ma! -e -arred -! 're$#ri'ion. (Presi$ential !$
Hoc =actF=in$ing Committee on 6e)est 'oans et al. v. Hon. !niano !.
Desierto et al., +.R. No. ,-2,?2, Ot. 1., ,777, En 3an @Da"ide,
C.*.A5
STR=CT=RE O4 +OVERNDENT
THE DOCTRINE O9 SEPARATION O9 POWERS
+.. ?ay the 5overnment, through the (&55, validly bind itself to
cause the dismissal of all cases against the ?arcos heirs pending
before the Sandiganbayan and other courts in a &ompromise greement
entered into between the former and the latter?
Held: This is a dire# en#roa#hmen on .&di#ial 'o(er+
'ari#&larl! in regard o #riminal .&ri$di#ion. We'';sett'ed is the
dotrine that on#e a #a$e ha$ -een %iled -e%ore a #o&r o% #om'een
.&ri$di#ion+ he maer o% i$ di$mi$$al or '&r$&an#e lie$ (ihin he
%&ll di$#reion and #onrol o% he .&dge. In a ri#ina' ase, he
manner in (hi#h he 'ro$e#&ion i$ handled+ in#l&ding he maer o%
(hom o 're$en a$ (ine$$e$+ ma! lie (ihin he $o&nd di$#reion o%
he governmen 'ro$e#&or4 -& he #o&r de#ide$+ -a$ed on he eviden#e
'ro%%ered+ in (ha manner i (ill di$'o$e o% he #a$e* M&ri$di#ion+
on#e a#)&ired -! he rial #o&r+ i$ no lo$ de$'ie a re$ol&ion+
even -! he .&$i#e $e#rear!+ o (ihdra( he in%ormaion or o
di$mi$$ he #om'lain* The 'ro$e#&ionD$ moion o (ihdra( or o
di$mi$$ i$ no he lea$ -inding &'on he #o&r. On the ontrary,
deisiona' r$'es re:$ire the tria' o$rt to #a9e its own e"a'$ation of
the #erits of the ase, &ea$se !rantin! s$h #otion is e:$i"a'ent to
effetin! a dis%osition of the ase itse'f.
Th$s, the PC++, as the !o"ern#ent %rose$tor of i'';!otten wea'th
ases, annot !$arantee the dis#issa' of a'' s$h ri#ina' ases
a!ainst the Daroses %endin! in the o$rts, for said dis#issa' is not
within its so'e %ower and disretion. (C)avez v. PCGG, 177 SCRA
8??, De. 7, ,77/ @Pan!ani&anA5
DELE>ATION O9 POWERS
+). What are the tests of a valid delegation of power?
23
Held: E#%owerin! the CODELEC, an ad#inistrati"e &ody e>erisin!
:$asi;B$diia' f$ntions, to %ro#$'!ate r$'es and re!$'ations is a for#
of de'e!ation of 'e!is'ati"e a$thority > > >. <owe"er, in ever! #a$e
o% 'ermi$$i-le delegaion+ here m&$ -e a $ho(ing ha he delegaion
i$el% i$ valid. It is "a'id on'y if the 'aw /a1 is #om'lee in
i$el%, setting forth therein the policy to be e-ecuted, carried out,
or implemented by the delegateG and /-1 %i"e$ a $andard C the limits
of which are sufficiently determinate and determinable C o (hi#h he
delegae m&$ #on%orm in he 'er%orman#e o% hi$ %&n#ion$. A
SC00I&I7:; S;:D8D is one whih de%ine$ legi$laive 'oli#!+ mar6$ i$
limi$+ ma'$ o& i$ -o&ndarie$ and $'e#i%ie$ he '&-li# agen#! o
a''l! i* I indi#ae$ he #ir#&m$an#e$ &nder (hi#h he legi$laive
#ommand i$ o -e e%%e#ed. (Santiago v. C3ME'EC, 182 SCRA ,20, Darh
,7, ,7785
THE LE>ISLATIHE DEPART:ENT
+%. Discuss the nature of the (arty,@ist system. Is it, without any
'ualification, open to all?
Held: ,. The %arty;'ist syste# is a $o#ial .&$i#e ool
de$igned no onl! o give more la( o he grea ma$$e$ o% o&r 'eo'le
(ho have le$$ in li%e+ -& al$o o ena-le hem o -e#ome veria-le
la(ma6er$ hem$elve$+ em'o(ered o 'ari#i'ae dire#l! in he
ena#men o% la($ de$igned o -ene%i hem* I inend$ o ma6e he
marginali8ed and he &nderre're$ened no merel! 'a$$ive re#i'ien$ o%
he SaeD$ -enevolen#e+ -& a#ive 'ari#i'an$ in he main$ream o%
re're$enaive demo#ra#!. Th$s, a''owin! a'' indi"id$a's and !ro$%s,
in'$din! those whih now do#inate distrit e'etions, to ha"e the sa#e
o%%ort$nity to %artii%ate in %arty;'ist e'etions wo$'d deserate this
'ofty o&Beti"e and #on!re'iJe the soia' B$stie #ehanis# into an
atroio$s "eneer for traditiona' %o'itis. (!ng 6agong 6ayani G
3=B 'a#or Party v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,?8./7, *$ne 10, 122,, En 3an
@Pan!ani&anA5
1. Cr$ia' to the reso'$tion of this ase is the f$nda#enta'
soia' B$stie %rini%'e that those who ha"e 'ess in 'ife sho$'d ha"e
#ore in 'aw. The 'ar!,li$ $!$em i$ one $&#h ool inended o
-ene%i ho$e (ho have le$$ in li%e* I give$ he grea ma$$e$ o% o&r
'eo'le gen&ine ho'e and gen&ine 'o(er* I i$ a me$$age o he
de$i&e and he 're.&di#ed+ and even o ho$e in he &ndergro&nd+
ha #hange i$ 'o$$i-le* I i$ an inviaion %or hem o #ome o& o%
heir lim-o and $ei8e he o''or&ni!.
Clearl!+ here%ore+ he Co&r #anno a##e' he $&-mi$$ion$ " " "
ha he 'ar!,li$ $!$em i$+ (iho& an! )&ali%i#aion+ o'en o all.
S$h %osition does not on'y wea9en the e'etora' hanes of the
#ar!ina'iJed and $nderre%resentedG it a'so %reB$dies the#. It wo$'d
!$t the s$&stane of the %arty;'ist syste#. Instead of !eneratin!
ho%e, it wo$'d reate a #ira!e. Instead of ena&'in! the #ar!ina'iJed,
it wo$'d f$rther wea9en the# and a!!ra"ate their #ar!ina'iJation.
(!ng 6agong 6ayani G 3=B 'a#or Party v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No.
,?8./7, *$ne 10, 122,, En 3an @Pan!ani&anA5
+$. re political parties L even the major ones L prohibited from
participating in the party,list elections?
Held: =nder the Constitution and R! ,:47, %ri"ate re$'onden$
#anno -e di$)&ali%ied %rom he 'ar!,li$ ele#ion$+ merel! on he
gro&nd ha he! are 'olii#al 'arie$. Section 5, !rticle 2I of the
Constit$tion, %ro"ides that #e#&ers of the <o$se of Re%resentati"es #ay
E&e e'eted thro$!h a %arty;'ist syste# of re!istered national,
regional, and setora' parties or or!aniJations .
4$rther#ore, $nder Sections , and ., !rticle I% DCE of the
Constit$tion, political parties may be registered under the party,list
system. 6 > >
24
D$rin! the de'i&erations in the Constit$tiona' Co##ission, Co##.
Christian S. Donsod %ointed o$t that the %artii%ants in the %arty;'ist
syste# #ay E&e a re!iona' %arty, a setora' %arty, a nationa' %arty,
=NIDO, Da!sasa9a, or a re!iona' %arty in Dindanao.F > > >.
Indeed, Co##issioner Donsod stated that the %$r%ose of the %arty;
'ist %ro"ision was to o'en &' he $!$em, in order to !i"e a hane to
%arties that onsistent'y %'ae third or fo$rth in on!ressiona'
distrit e'etions to win a seat in Con!ress. <e e>%'ainedI EThe
'&r'o$e o% hi$ i$ o o'en he $!$em* In he 'a$ ele#ion$+ (e %o&nd
o& ha here (ere #erain gro&'$ or 'arie$ ha+ i% (e #o&n heir
voe$ naion(ide+ have a-o& 0+JJJ+JJJ or 0+GJJ+JJJ voe$* B& he!
(ere al(a!$ hird or %o&rh 'la#e in ea#h o% he di$ri#$* So+ he!
have no voi#e in he A$$em-l!* B& hi$ (a!+ he! (o&ld have %ive or
$i" re're$enaive$ in he a$$em-l! even i% he! (o&ld no (in
individ&all! in legi$laive di$ri#$* So+ ha i$ e$$eniall! he
me#hani#$+ he '&r'o$e and o-.e#ive o% he 'ar!,li$ $!$em.F
4or its %art, Section + of R! ,:47 a'so %ro"ides for Ea %arty;
'ist syste# of re!istered nationa', re!iona' and setora' parties or
or!aniJations or oa'itions thereof, > > >.F Setion - e>%ress'y
states that a E%artyF is Eeither a %o'itia' %arty or a setora' %arty
or a oa'ition of %arties.F Dore to the %oint, the 'aw defines
E%o'itia' %artyF as Ean or!aniJed !ro$% of itiJens ad"oatin! an
ideo'o!y or %'atfor#, %rini%'es and %o'iies for the !enera' ond$t
of !o"ern#ent and whih, as the #ost i##ediate #eans of se$rin! their
ado%tion, re!$'ar'y no#inates and s$%%orts ertain of its 'eaders and
#e#&ers as andidates for %$&'i offie.F
4$rther#ore, Section 77 of R! ,:47 'ea"es no do$&t as to the
%artii%ation of %o'itia' %arties in the %arty;'ist syste#. 6 > >
Ind$&ita&'y, therefore, %o'itia' %arties C e"en the #aBor ones C
#ay %artii%ate in the %arty;'ist e'etions.
That %o'itia' %arties #ay %artii%ate in the %arty;'ist
e'etions does not #ean, howe"er, that any %o'itia' %arty C or any
or!aniJation or !ro$% for that #atter C #ay do so. The re)&i$ie
#hara#er o% he$e 'arie$ or organi8aion$ m&$ -e #on$i$en (ih he
'&r'o$e o% he 'ar!,li$ $!$em+ a$ laid do(n in he Con$i&ion and
RA FCE0. 6 > > (!ng 6agong 6ayani G 3=B 'a#or Party v. C3ME'EC, +.R.
No. ,?8./7, *$ne 10, 122,, En 3an @Pan!ani&anA5
+#. Who are the marginali=ed and underrepresented sectors to be
represented under the party,list system?
Held: The #ar!ina'iJed and $nderre%resented setors to &e
re%resented $nder the %arty;'ist syste# are en$#erated in Section 5 of
R! ,:47 > > >.
Whi'e the en$#eration of #ar!ina'iJed and $nderre%resented
setors is no e"#l&$ive, it de#onstrates the #lear inen o% he la(
ha no all $e#or$ #an -e re're$ened &nder he 'ar!,li$ $!$em. 6
> >
@WAe stress that the %arty;'ist syste# see9s to ena&'e ertain
4i'i%ino itiJens C s%eifia''y those &e'on!in! to marginali8ed and
&nderre're$ened $e#or$+ organi8aion$ and 'arie$ C to &e e'eted to
the <o$se of Re%resentati"es. The assertion > > > that the %arty;'ist
syste# is not e>'$si"e to the #ar!ina'iJed and $nderre%resented
disre!ards the 'ear stat$tory %o'iy. Its 'ai# that e"en the s$%er;
rih and o"erre%resented an %artii%ate deserates the s%irit of the
%arty;'ist syste#.
Indeed+ he la( #ra%ed o addre$$ he 'e#&liar di$advanage o%
Pa!aa$ hovel d(eller$ #anno -e a''ro'riaed -! he man$ion o(ner$ o%
9or-e$ Par6* The inere$$ o% he$e (o $e#or$ are mani%e$l!
25
di$'arae4 hen#e+ he " " " 'o$iion o rea hem $imilarl! de%ie$
rea$on and #ommon $en$e. 6 > >
While he -&$ine$$ mog&l$ and he mega,ri#h are+ n&meri#all!
$'ea6ing+ a in! minori!+ he! are neiher marginali8ed nor
&nderre're$ened+ %or he $ar6 reali! i$ ha heir e#onomi# #lo&
engender$ 'olii#al 'o(er more a(e$ome han heir n&meri#al limiaion*
Tradiionall!+ 'olii#al 'o(er doe$ no ne#e$$aril! emanae %rom he
$i8e o% oneD$ #on$i&en#!4 indeed+ i i$ li6el! o ari$e more dire#l!
%rom he n&m-er and amo&n o% oneD$ -an6 a##o&n$.
I i$ ironi#+ here%ore+ ha he marginali8ed and
&nderre're$ened in o&r mid$ are he ma.ori! (ho (allo( in 'over!+
de$i&ion and in%irmi!* I (a$ %or hem ha he 'ar!,li$ $!$em
(a$ ena#ed N o give hem no onl! gen&ine ho'e+ -& gen&ine 'o(er4 o
give hem o''or&ni! o -e ele#ed and o re're$en he $'e#i%i#
#on#ern$ o% heir #on$i&en#ie$4 and $im'l! o give hem a dire# voe
in Congre$$ and in he larger a%%air$ o% he Sae. In its no&'est
sense, the %arty;'ist syste# tr$'y e#%owers the #asses and $shers a new
ho%e for !en$ine han!e. Veri'y, it in"ites those #ar!ina'iJed and
$nderre%resented in the %ast C the far# hands, the fisher fo'9, the
$r&an %oor, e"en those in the $nder!ro$nd #o"e#ent C to o#e o$t and
%artii%ate, as indeed #any of the# a#e o$t and %artii%ated d$rin!
the 'ast e'etions. The State annot now disa%%oint and fr$strate the#
&y disa&'in! the deseratin! this soia' B$stie "ehi'e.
3ea$se the #ar!ina'iJed and $nderre%resented had not &een a&'e
to win in the on!ressiona' distrit e'etions nor#a''y do#inated &y
traditiona' %o'itiians and "ested !ro$%s, 12 %erent of the seats in
the <o$se of Re%resentati"es were set aside for the %arty;'ist syste#.
In ar!$in! that e"en those setors who nor#a''y ontro''ed /2 %erent
of the seats in the <o$se o$'d %artii%ate in the %arty;'ist e'etions
for the re#ainin! 12 %erent, the OS+ and the Co#e'e disre!ard the
f$nda#enta' differene &etween the on!ressiona' distrit e'etions and
the %arty;'ist e'etions.
As ear'ier noted, he '&r'o$e o% he 'ar!,li$ 'rovi$ion (a$ o
o'en &' he $!$em+ in order o enhan#e he #han#e o% $e#oral gro&'$
and organi8aion$ o gain re're$enaion in he Ho&$e o%
Re're$enaive$ hro&gh he $im'le$ $#heme 'o$$i-le. Lo!i shows that
the syste# has &een o%ened to those who ha"e ne"er !otten a footho'd
within it C those who annot otherwise win in re!$'ar e'etions and who
therefore need the Esi#%'est she#e %ossi&'eF to do so. Con"erse'y, it
wo$'d &e i''o!ia' to o%en the syste# to those who ha"e 'on! &een
within it C those %ri"i'e!ed setors that ha"e 'on! do#inated the
on!ressiona' distrit e'etions.
6 > >
Heril!+ allo(ing he non,marginali8ed and overre're$ened o vie
%or he remaining $ea$ &nder he 'ar!,li$ $!$em (o&ld no onl!
DILUTE + -& al$o PREMUDICE he #han#e o% he marginali8ed and
&nderre're$ened+ #onrar! o he inenion o% he la( o enhan#e i*
The 'ar!,li$ $!$em i$ a ool %or he -ene%i o% he &nder'rivileged4
he la( #o&ld no have given he $ame ool o oher$+ o he 're.&di#e
o% he inended -ene%i#iarie$. (!ng 6agong 6ayani G 3=B
'a#or Party v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,?8./7, *$ne 10, 122,, En 3an
@Pan!ani&anA5
.2. Section .<2>, rticle FI of the &onstitution provides that H3t4he
party,list representatives shall constitute twenty per centum of the
total number of representatives including those under the party,
list.H Does the &onstitution re'uire all such allocated seats to be
filled up all the time and under all circumstances?
Held: The Constit$tion si#%'y states that M@tAhe %arty;'ist
re%resentati"es sha'' onstit$te twenty per centum of the tota' n$#&er
of re%resentati"es in'$din! those $nder the %arty;'ist.M
26
6 > >
We r$'e that a si#%'e readin! of Setion ., Arti'e VI of the
Constit$tion, easi'y on"eys the e:$a''y si#%'e #essa!e that Congre$$
(a$ ve$ed (ih he -road 'o(er o de%ine and 're$#ri-e he me#hani#$
o% he 'ar!,li$ $!$em o% re're$enaion* The Con$i&ion
e"'li#il! $e$ do(n onl! he 'er#enage o% he oal mem-er$hi' in he
Ho&$e o% Re're$enaive$ re$erved %or 'ar!,li$ re're$enaive$.
In he e"er#i$e o% i$ #on$i&ional 'rerogaive+ Congre$$
ena#ed R! ,:47 . As said ear'ier, Con!ress de'ared therein a %o'iy
to %ro#ote M%ro%ortiona' re%resentationM in the e'etion of %arty;'ist
re%resentati"es in order to ena&'e 4i'i%inos &e'on!in! to the
#ar!ina'iJed and $nderre%resented setors to ontri&$te 'e!is'ation
that wo$'d &enefit the#. I ho(ever deemed i ne#e$$ar! o re)&ire
'arie$+ organi8aion$ and #oaliion$ 'ari#i'aing in he $!$em o
o-ain a lea$ (o 'er#en o% he oal voe$ #a$ %or he 'ar!,li$
$!$em in order o -e eniled o a 'ar!,li$ $ea* Tho$e garnering
more han hi$ 'er#enage #o&ld have Oaddiional $ea$ in 'ro'orion o
heir oal n&m-er o% voe$*O 9&rhermore+ no (inning 'ar!+
organi8aion or #oaliion #an have more han hree $ea$ in he Ho&$e
o% Re're$enaive$. 6 > >
Considerin! the fore!oin! stat$tory re:$ire#ents, it wi'' &e
shown > > > that Se#ion G/51+ Ari#le HI o% he Con$i&ion i$ no
mandaor!* I merel! 'rovide$ a CEI'ING %or 'ar!,li$ $ea$ in
Congre$$. (2eterans =e$eration Party v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,-08/,,
Ot. 0, 1222, En 3an @Pan!ani&anA5
51. What are the I:FI9@E@7 (8?7;78S to determine the winners in a
(hilippine,style party,list election?
Held: To deter#ine the winners in a Phi'i%%ine;sty'e %arty;'ist
e'etion, the Constit$tion and Re%$&'i At No. 87?, #andate at 'east
fo$r in"io'a&'e %ara#eters. These areI
0irst, T<E TWENTY PERCENT ALLOCATION ; he #om-ined n&m-er o% ALL
'ar!,li$ #ongre$$men $hall no e"#eed (en! 'er#en o% he oal
mem-er$hi' o% he Ho&$e o% Re're$enaive$+ in#l&ding ho$e ele#ed
&nder he 'ar! li$.
Second, T<E TWO PERCENT T<RES<OLD ; onl! ho$e garnering a
minim&m o% (o 'er#en o% he oal valid voe$ #a$ %or he 'ar!,li$
$!$em are O)&ali%iedO o have a $ea in he Ho&$e o% Re're$enaive$.
;hird, T<E T<REE SEAT LIDIT ; eac) Hualifie$ party regar$less of
t)e num#er of votes it actually o#taine$ is entitle$ to a maIimum of
t)ree seatsJ t)at is one KHualifyingK an$ t(o a$$itional seats.
0ourth, PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION ; he addiional $ea$ (hi#h
a )&ali%ied 'ar! i$ eniled o $hall -e #om'&ed Oin 'ro'orion o
heir oal n&m-er o% voe$.M (2eterans =e$eration Party v. C3ME'EC,
+.R. No. ,-08/, and Co#%anion Cases, Ot. 0, 1222, En 3an @Pan!ani&anA5
.2. State the guidelines for screening (arty,@ist (articipants.
Held: In this 'i!ht, the Co$rt finds it a%%ro%riate to 'ay down
the fo''owin! !$ide'ines, $''ed fro# the 'aw and the Constit$tion, to
assist the Co#e'e in its wor9.
4IRST, the 'olii#al 'ar!+ $e#or+ organi8aion or #oaliion
m&$ re're$en he marginali8ed and &nderre're$ened gro&'$ ideni%ied
in Se#ion G o% RA FCE0* In oher (ord$+ i m&$ $ho( N hro&gh i$
#on$i&ion+ ari#le$ o% in#or'oraion+ -!la($+ hi$or!+ 'la%orm o%
governmen and ra#6 re#ord N ha i re're$en$ and $ee6$ o &'li%
marginali8ed and &nderre're$ened $e#or$* Heril!+ ma.ori! o% i$
27
mem-er$hi' $ho&ld -elong o he marginali8ed and &nderre're$ened* And
i m&$ demon$rae ha in a #on%li# o% inere$+ i ha$ #ho$en or i$
li6el! o #hoo$e he inere$ o% $&#h $e#or$.
SECOND, whi'e e"en #aBor %o'itia' %arties are e>%ress'y a''owed
&y RA 87?, and the Constit$tion to %artii%ate in the %arty;'ist
syste#, they #$st o#%'y with the de'ared stat$tory %o'iy of ena&'in!
E4i'i%ino itiJens &e'on!in! to #ar!ina'iJed and $nderre%resented
setors > > > to &e e'eted to the <o$se of Re%resentati"es.F In oher
(ord$+ (hile he! are no di$)&ali%ied merel! on he gro&nd ha he!
are 'olii#al 'arie$+ he! m&$ $ho(+ ho(ever+ ha he! re're$en he
inere$$ o% he marginali8ed and &nderre're$ened. 6 > >.
T<IRD, in "iew of the o&Betions direted a!ainst the
re!istration of An! 3$hay <ayaan! Y$#a&on!, whih is a''e!ed'y a
re'i!io$s !ro$%, he Co&r noe$ he e"'re$$ #on$i&ional 'rovi$ion
ha he religio&$ $e#or ma! no -e re're$ened in he 'ar!,li$
$!$em. > > >
4$rther#ore, the Constit$tion %ro"ides that Ereligio&$
denominaion$ and $e#$ $hall no -e regi$ered.F <Sec. 2 3.4, rticle
I! 3&4> The %rohi&ition was e>%'ained &y a #e#&er of the
Constit$tiona' Co##ission in this wiseI E<T=he 'rohi-iion i$ on an!
religio&$ organi8aion regi$ering a$ a 'olii#al 'ar!* I do no $ee
an! 'rohi-iion here again$ a 'rie$ r&nning a$ a #andidae* Tha i$
no 'rohi-ied here4 i i$ he regi$raion o% a religio&$ $e# a$ a
'olii#al 'ar!.F
4O=RT<, a 'ar! or an organi8aion m&$ no -e di$)&ali%ied &nder
Se#ion I o% RA FCE0+ (hi#h en&merae$ he gro&nd$ %or di$)&ali%i#aion
a$ %ollo($I
1) It is a religio&$ $e# or denominaion+ organi8aion or
a$$o#iaion organi8ed %or religio&$ '&r'o$e$G
2) It advo#ae$ violen#e or &nla(%&l mean$ to see9 its !oa'G
3) It is a %oreign 'ar! or organi8aionG
4) It is re#eiving $&''or %rom an! %oreign governmen+ %oreign
'olii#al 'ar!+ %o&ndaion+ organi8aion+ (heher dire#l! or
hro&gh an! o% i$ o%%i#er$ or mem-er$ or indire#l! hro&gh
hird 'arie$ %or 'ari$an ele#ion '&r'o$e$G
5) It violae$ or %ail$ o #om'l! (ih la($+ r&le$ or reg&laion$
relaing o ele#ion$G
6) It de#lare$ &nr&h%&l $aemen$ in i$ 'eiionG
7) It has #ea$ed o e"i$ %or a lea$ one /01 !earG or
8) It %ail$ o 'ari#i'ae in he la$ (o /51 're#eding
ele#ion$ or %ail$ o o-ain a lea$ (o 'er #en&m /5P1 o%
he voe$ #a$ &nder he 'ar!,li$ $!$em in he (o /51
're#eding ele#ion$ %or he #on$i&en#! in (hi#h i had
regi$ered.F
Note sho$'d &e ta9en of %ara!ra%h ., whih dis:$a'ifies a %arty
or !ro$% for "io'ation of or fai'$re to o#%'y with e'etion 'aws and
re!$'ations. These 'aws in'$de Section + of R! ,:47, whih states
that the %arty;'ist syste# see9s to Eena&'e 4i'i%ino itiJens &e'on!in!
to #ar!ina'iJed and $nderre%resented setors, or!aniJations and %arties
> > > to &eo#e #e#&ers of the <o$se of Re%resentati"es.F A %arty or
or!aniJation, therefore, that does not o#%'y with this %o'iy #$st &e
dis:$a'ified.
4I4T<, he 'ar! or organi8aion m&$ no -e an ad.&n# o%+ or a
'ro.e# organi8ed or an eni! %&nded or a$$i$ed -!+ he governmen.
3y the "ery nat$re of the %arty;'ist syste#, the %arty or or!aniJation
#$st &e a !ro$% of itiJens, or!aniJed &y itiJens and o%erated &y
itiJens. I m&$ -e inde'enden o% he governmen. The %artii%ation
of the !o"ern#ent or its offiia's in the affairs of a %arty;'ist
andidate is not on'y illegal and &n%air to other %arties, &$t a'so
deleerio&$ o he o-.e#ive o% he la(I to ena&'e itiJens &e'on!in!
to #ar!ina'iJed and $nderre%resented setors and or!aniJation to &e
e'eted to the <o$se of Re%resentati"es.
28
SI6T<, he 'ar! m&$ no onl! #om'l! (ih he re)&iremen$ o%
he la(4 i$ nominee$ m&$ li6e(i$e do $o. > > >
SEVENT<, no onl! he #andidae 'ar! or organi8aion m&$
re're$en marginali8ed and &nderre're$ened $e#or$4 $o al$o m&$ i$
nominee$. To re%eat, $nder Setion 1 of RA 87?,, the no#inees #$st &e
4i'i%ino itiJens Ewho &e'on! to #ar!ina'iJed and $nderre%resented
setors, or!aniJations and %arties.F S&rel!+ he inere$$ o% he
!o&h #anno -e %&ll! re're$ened -! a reiree4 neiher #an ho$e o%
he &r-an 'oor or he (or6ing #la$$+ -! an ind&$riali$* To allo(
oher(i$e i$ o -era! he Sae 'oli#! o give gen&ine re're$enaion
o he marginali8ed and &nderre're$ened.
EI+<T<, > > > whi'e 'a9in! a we'';defined %o'itia'
onstit$eny, he nominee m&$ li6e(i$e -e a-le o #onri-&e o he
%orm&laion and ena#men o% a''ro'riae legi$laion ha (ill -ene%i
he naion a$ a (hole. > > > (!ng 6agong 6ayani G 3=B 'a#or Party v.
C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,?8./7, *$ne 10, 122,, En 3an @Pan!ani&anA5
.*. ccused,appellant &ongressman 8omeo 5. Jalosjos filed a motion
before the &ourt asBing that he be allowed to fully discharge the
duties of a &ongressman, including attendance at legislative
sessions and committee meetings despite his having been convicted in
the first instance of a non,bailable offense. 6e contended that his
reelection being an e-pression of popular will cannot be rendered
inutile by any ruling, giving priority to any right or interest L
not even the police power of the State. 8esolve.
Held: The imm&ni! %rom arre$ or deenion o% Senaor$ and
mem-er$ o% he Ho&$e o% Re're$enaive$ " " " ari$e$ %rom a 'rovi$ion
o% he Con$i&ion. The history of the %ro"ision shows that the
%ri"i'e!e has a'ways &een !ranted in a restriti"e sense. The
%ro"ision !rantin! an e>e#%tion as a s%eia' %ri"i'e!e annot &e
e>tended &eyond the ordinary #eanin! of its ter#s. It #ay not &e
e>tended &y intend#ent, i#%'iation or e:$ita&'e onsiderations.
The ,7-. Constit$tion %ro"ided in its Arti'e VI on the
Le!is'ati"e De%art#entI
Se. ,.. The Senators and De#&ers of the <o$se of
Re%resentati"es sha'' in a'' ases e>e%t treason, fe'ony, and
&reah of the %eae, &e %ri"i'e!ed fro# arrest d$rin! their
attendane at the sessions of Con!ress, and in !oin! to and
ret$rnin! fro# the sa#eG > > >.
3ea$se of the &road o"era!e of fe'ony and &reah of the %eae,
the e>e#%tion a%%'ied on'y to i"i' arrests. A on!ress#an 'i9e the
a$sed;a%%e''ant, on"ited $nder Tit'e E'e"en of the Re"ised Pena'
Code o$'d not 'ai# %ar'ia#entary i##$nity fro# arrest. <e was
s$&Bet to the sa#e !enera' 'aws !o"ernin! a'' %ersons sti'' to &e
tried or whose on"itions were %endin! a%%ea'.
The ,78- Constit$tion &roadened the %ri"i'e!e of i##$nity as
fo''owsI
Arti'e VIII, Se. 7. A De#&er of the 3atasan! Pa#&ansa
sha'', in a'' offenses %$nisha&'e &y not #ore than si> years
i#%rison#ent, &e %ri"i'e!ed fro# arrest d$rin! his attendane at
its sessions and in !oin! to and ret$rnin! fro# the sa#e.
4or offenses %$nisha&'e &y #ore than si> years i#%rison#ent,
there was no i##$nity fro# arrest. The restriti"e inter%retation of
i##$nity and the intent to onfine it within aref$''y defined
%ara#eters is i''$strated &y the on'$din! %ortion of the %ro"ision,
to witI
29
6 > > &$t the 3atasan! Pa#&ansa sha'' s$rrender the #e#&er
in"o'"ed to the $stody of the 'aw within twenty fo$r ho$rs after
its adBo$rn#ent for a reess or for its ne>t session, otherwise
s$h %ri"i'e!e sha'' ease $%on its fai'$re to do so.
The %resent Constit$tion adheres to the sa#e restriti"e r$'e
#in$s the o&'i!ation of Con!ress to s$rrender the s$&Bet Con!ress#an
to the $stody of the 'aw. The re:$ire#ent that he sho$'d &e attendin!
sessions or o##ittee #eetin!s has a'so &een re#o"ed. 4or re'ati"e'y
#inor offenses, it is eno$!h that Con!ress is in session.
The a$sed;a%%e''ant ar!$es that a #e#&er of Con!ressL f$ntion
to attend sessions is $ndersored &y Setion ,0(15, Arti'e VI of the
Constit$tion whih states that C
(15 A #aBority of eah <o$se sha'' onstit$te a :$or$# to
do &$siness, &$t a s#a''er n$#&er #ay adBo$rn fro# day to day and
#ay o#%e' the attendane of a&sent De#&ers in s$h #anner, and
$nder s$h %ena'ties, as s$h <o$se #ay %ro"ide.
<owe"er, the a$sed;a%%e''ant has not !i"en any reason why he
sho$'d &e e>e#%ted fro# the o%eration of Setion ,,, Arti'e VI of the
Constit$tion. The mem-er$ o% Congre$$ #anno #om'el a-$en mem-er$ o
aend $e$$ion$ i% he rea$on %or he a-$en#e i$ a legiimae one* The
#on%inemen o% a Congre$$man #harged (ih a #rime '&ni$ha-le -!
im'ri$onmen o% more han $i" !ear$ i$ no merel! a&hori8ed -! la(+ i
ha$ #on$i&ional %o&ndaion$.
A$sed;a%%e''antLs re'iane on the r$'in! in !guinal$o v. Santos
(1,1 SCRA 80/, at 88- @,771A5, whih states, inter alia, that C
The Co$rt sho$'d ne"er re#o"e a %$&'i offier for ats
done %rior to his %resent ter# of offie. To do otherwise wo$'d
&e to de%ri"e the %eo%'e of their ri!ht to e'et their offiers.
When the %eo%'e ha"e e'eted a #an to offie, it #$st &e ass$#ed
that they did this with the 9now'ed!e of his 'ife and harater,
and that they disre!arded or for!a"e his fa$'t or #isond$t, if
he had &een !$i'ty of any. It is not for the Co$rt, &y reason of
s$h fa$'t or #isond$t, to %ratia''y o"err$'e the wi'' of the
%eo%'e.
wi'' not e>triate hi# fro# his %redia#ent. I #an -e readil! $een "
" " ha he Ag&inaldo #a$e involve$ he admini$raive removal o% a
'&-li# o%%i#er %or a#$ done PRIOR o hi$ 're$en erm o% o%%i#e* I
doe$ no a''l! o im'ri$onmen ari$ing %rom he en%or#emen o% #riminal
la(* :oreover+ in he $ame (a! ha 'revenive $&$'en$ion i$ no
removal+ #on%inemen 'ending a''eal i$ no removal* He remain$ a
Congre$$man &nle$$ e"'elled -! Congre$$ or+ oher(i$e+ di$)&ali%ied.
One raionale -ehind #on%inemen+ (heher 'ending a''eal or a%er
%inal #onvi#ion+ i$ '&-li# $el%,de%en$e* So#ie! m&$ 'roe# i$el%*
I al$o $erve$ a$ an e"am'le and (arning o oher$ .
A 'er$on #harged (ih #rime i$ a6en ino #&$od! %or '&r'o$e$ o%
he admini$raion o% .&$i#e. As stated in /nite$ States v. Gustilo
(,7 Phi'. 12/, 1,15, i i$ he in.&r! o he '&-li# (hi#h Sae a#ion
in #riminal la( $ee6$ o redre$$* I i$ no he in.&r! o he
#om'lainan* A%er #onvi#ion in he Regional Trial Co&r+ he a##&$ed
ma! -e denied -ail and h&$ $&-.e#ed o in#ar#eraion i% here i$ ri$6
o% hi$ a-$#onding.
The a$sed;a%%e''ant states that the %'ea of the e'etorate
whih "oted hi# into offie annot &e s$%%'anted &y $nfo$nded fears
that he #i!ht esa%e e"ent$a' %$nish#ent if %er#itted to %erfor#
on!ressiona' d$ties o$tside his re!$'ar %'ae of onfine#ent.
It wi'' &e rea''ed that when a warrant for a$sed;a%%e''antLs
arrest was iss$ed, he f'ed and e"aded a%t$re des%ite a a'' fro# his
o''ea!$es in the <o$se of Re%resentati"es for hi# to attend the
30
sessions and to s$rrender "o'$ntari'y to the a$thorities. Ironia''y,
it is now the sa#e &ody whose a'' he initia''y s%$rned whih a$sed;
a%%e''ant is in"o9in! to B$stify his %resent #otion. This an not &e
o$ntenaned &ea$se, > > > aside fro# its &ein! ontrary to we'';
defined Constit$tiona' restrainsG it wo$'d &e a #o9ery of the ai#s of
the StateLs %ena' syste#.
A$sed;a%%e''ant ar!$es that on se"era' oasions, the Re!iona'
Tria' Co$rt of Da9ati !ranted se"era' #otions to te#%orari'y 'ea"e his
e'' at the Da9ati City *ai', for offiia' or #edia' reasons > > >.
<e a'so a''s attention to "ario$s instanes, after his transfer
at the New 3i'i&id Prison in D$ntin'$%a City, when he was 'i9ewise
a''owedK%er#itted to 'ea"e the %rison %re#ises > > >.
There i$ no $ho(ing ha he a-ove 'rivilege$ are 'e#&liar o him
or o a mem-er o% Congre$$* Emergen#! or #om'elling em'orar! leave$
%rom im'ri$onmen are allo(ed o all 'ri$oner$+ a he di$#reion o%
he a&horiie$ or &'on #o&r order$.
Wha he a##&$ed,a''ellan $ee6$ i$ no o% an emergen#! na&re*
Allo(ing a##&$ed,a''ellan o aend #ongre$$ional $e$$ion$ and
#ommiee meeing$ %or %ive /G1 da!$ or more in a (ee6 (ill vir&all!
ma6e him a %ree man (ih all he 'rivilege$ a''&renan o hi$
'o$iion* S&#h an a-erran $i&aion no onl! elevae$ a##&$ed,
a''ellanD$ $a&$ o ha o% a $'e#ial #la$$+ i al$o (o&ld -e a
mo#6er! o% he '&r'o$e$ o% he #orre#ion $!$em. 6 > >
The a$sed;a%%e''ant a"ers that his onstit$ents in the 4irst
Distrit of Na#&oan!a de' Norte want their "oies to &e heard and that
sine he is treated as bona fide #e#&er of the <o$se of
Re%resentati"es, the 'atter $r!es a o;e:$a' &ranh of !o"ern#ent to
res%et his #andate. <e a'so 'ai#s that the one%t of te#%orary
detention does not neessari'y $rtai' his d$ty to dishar!e his
#andate and that he has a'ways o#%'ied with the
onditionsKrestritions when he is a''owed to 'ea"e Bai'.
We re#ain $n%ers$aded.
6 > >
When he voer$ o% hi$ di$ri# ele#ed he a##&$ed,a''ellan o
Congre$$+ he! did $o (ih %&ll a(arene$$ o% he limiaion$ on hi$
%reedom o% a#ion* The! did $o (ih he 6no(ledge ha he #o&ld
a#hieve onl! $&#h legi$laive re$&l$ (hi#h he #o&ld a##om'li$h (ihin
he #on%ine$ o% 'ri$on* To give a more dra$i# ill&$raion+ i% voer$
ele# a 'er$on (ih %&ll 6no(ledge ha he i$ $&%%ering %rom a erminal
illne$$+ he! do $o 6no(ing ha a an! ime+ he ma! no longer $erve
hi$ %&ll erm in o%%i#e. (People v. 1alos0os, -1? SCRA 0/7, 4e&.
-, 1222, En 3an @Ynares;Santia!oA5
.+. Discuss the objectives of Section 2)<">, rticle FI of the "#$%
&onstitution, that H3e4very bill passed by the &ongress shall
embrace only one subject which shall be e-pressed in the title
thereof.H
Held: The o&Beti"es of Section +;879, !rticle 2I of the 7:.,
Constitution areI
1) To 'reven hodge,'odge or log,rolling legi$laionG
2) To 'reven $&r'ri$e or %ra&d &'on he legi$la&re &y #eans of
%ro"isions in &i''s of whih the tit'es !a"e no infor#ation,
and whih #i!ht therefore &e o"er'oo9ed and are'ess'y and
$nintentiona''y ado%tedG and
3) To %airl! a''ri$e he 'eo'le+ hro&gh $&#h '&-li#aion o%
legi$laive 'ro#eeding$ a$ i$ &$&all! made, of the s$&Bets of
'e!is'ation that are &ein! onsidered, in order that they #ay
31
ha"e o%%ort$nity of &ein! heard thereon &y %etition or
otherwise if they sha'' so desire.
Setion 10(,5 of Arti'e VI of the ,7/8 Constit$tion is
s$ffiient'y o#%'ied with where > > > the ile i$ CO:PREHENSIHE
eno&gh o em-ra#e he general o-.e#ive i $ee6$ o a#hieve+ and i% all
he 'ar$ o% he $a&e are RELATED and >ER:ANE o he $&-.e# maer
em-odied in he ile or $o long a$ he $ame are NOT INCONSISTENT (ih
or %oreign o he general $&-.e# and ile. (!gripino !. De
Guzman 1r. et al. v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,17,,/, *$'y ,7, 1222, en 3an
@P$risi#aA5
... Section ++ of 8.. :o. $"$# <;he FoterMs 8egistration ct of
"##)> which provides for automatic transfer to a new station of any
7lection 9fficer who has already served for more than four years in
a particular city or municipality was assailed for being violative
of Section 2)<"> of rticle FI of the &onstitution allegedly because
it has an isolated and different subject from that of 8 $"$# and
that the same is not e-pressed in the title of the law. Should the
challenge be sustained?
Held: Section 44 of R! .7.: i$ no i$olaed #on$idering ha i
i$ relaed and germane o he $&-.e# maer $aed in he ile o% he
la(. The tit'e of RA /,/7 is MThe VoterHs Re!istration At of ,770M
with a s$&Bet #atter en$niated in the e>%'anatory note as MAN ACT
PROVIDIN+ 4OR A +ENERAL RE+ISTRATION O4 VOTERS, ADOPTIN+ A SYSTED O4
CONTIN=IN+ RE+ISTRATION, PRESCRI3IN+ T<E PROCED=RES T<EREO4 AND
A=T<ORININ+ T<E APPROPRIATION O4 4=NDS T<ERE4OR.M Se#ion EE+ (hi#h
'rovide$ %or he rea$$ignmen o% ele#ion o%%i#er$+ i$ relevan o he
$&-.e# maer o% regi$raion a$ i $ee6$ o en$&re he inegri! o%
he regi$raion 'ro#e$$ -! 'roviding g&ideline %or he CO:ELEC o
%ollo( in he rea$$ignmen o% ele#ion o%%i#er$* I i$ no an alien
'rovi$ion -& one (hi#h i$ relaed o he #ond&# and 'ro#ed&re o%
#onin&ing regi$raion o% voer$. In this re!ard, it &ears stressin!
that he Con$i&ion doe$ no re)&ire Congre$$ o em'lo! in he ile
o% an ena#men+ lang&age o% $&#h 're#i$ion a$ o mirror+ %&ll! inde"
or #aalog&e+ all he #onen$ and he min&e deail$ herein.
(!gripino !. De Guzman 1r. et al. v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,17,,/,
*$'y ,7, 1222, En 3an @P$risi#aA5
.). Do courts have the power to in'uire into allegations that, in
enacting a law, a 6ouse of &ongress failed to comply with its own
rules?
Held: The ases, &oth here and a&road, in "aryin! for#s of
e>%ression, all den! o he #o&r$ he 'o(er o in)&ire ino
allegaion$ ha+ in ena#ing a la(+ a Ho&$e o% Congre$$ %ailed o
#om'l! (ih i$ o(n r&le$+ in he a-$en#e o% $ho(ing ha here (a$ a
violaion o% a #on$i&ional 'rovi$ion or he righ o% 'rivae
individ&al$. In 3smena v. Pen$atun (,27 Phi'. At /82;/8,5, it was
he'dI EAt any rate, o$rts ha"e de'ared that Ohe r&le$ ado'ed -!
deli-eraive -odie$ are $&-.e# o revo#aion+ modi%i#aion or (aiver
a he 'lea$&re o% he -od! ado'ing hem*D And i ha$ -een $aid ha
QParliamenar! r&le$ are merel! 'ro#ed&ral+ and (ih heir o-$ervan#e+
he #o&r$ have no #on#ern* The! ma! -e (aived or di$regarded -! he
legi$laive -od!*D Con$e)&enl!+ Qmere %ail&re o #on%orm o
'arliamenar! &$age (ill no invalidae ha a#ion /a6en -! a
deli-eraive -od!1 (hen he re)&i$ie n&m-er o% mem-er$ have agreed o
a 'ari#&lar mea$&re.LF
I m&$ -e reali8ed ha ea#h o% he hree de'armen$ o% o&r
governmen ha$ i$ $e'arae $'here (hi#h he oher$ ma! no invade
(iho& &'$eing he deli#ae -alan#e on (hi#h o&r #on$i&ional
order re$$. D$e re!ard for the wor9in! of o$r syste# of !o"ern#ent,
#ore than #ere o#ity, o#%e's re'$tane on the %art of the o$rts to
enter $%on an in:$iry into an a''e!ed "io'ation of the r$'es of the
<o$se. Co$rts #$st aordin!'y de'ine the in"itation to e>erise
32
their %ower. (!rroyo v. De 2enecia, 188 SCRA 10/, A$!. ,?, ,778
@DendoJaA5
.%. What is the Eicameral &onference &ommittee? Discuss the nature
of its function and its jurisdiction.
Held: Whi'e it is tr$e that a onferene o##ittee is the
me#hani$m %or #om'romi$ing di%%eren#e$ -e(een he Senae and he
Ho&$e, it is no limied in i$ .&ri$di#ion o hi$ )&e$ion. Its
&roader f$ntion is desri&ed th$sI
A #on%eren#e #ommiee ma! deal generall! (ih he $&-.e# maer
or i ma! -e limied o re$olving he 're#i$e di%%eren#e$ -e(een he
(o ho&$e$* Even (here he #on%eren#e #ommiee i$ no -! r&le limied
in i$ .&ri$di#ion+ legi$laive #&$om $everel! limi$ he %reedom
(ih (hi#h ne( $&-.e# maer #an -e in$ered ino he #on%eren#e -ill.
3$t oasiona''y a onferene o##ittee %rod$es $ne>%eted res$'ts,
res$'ts &eyond its #andate. These e>$rsions o$r e"en where the
r$'es i#%ose strit 'i#itations on onferene o##ittee B$risdition.
This is sy#%to#ati of the a$thoritarian %ower of onferene o##ittee.
(P)ilippine 1u$ges !ssociation v. Pra$o, 118 SCRA 82-, No". ,,, ,77-,
En 3an @Cr$JA5
.$. Discuss the 7nrolled Eill Doctrine.
Held: /n$er t)e enrolle$ #ill $octrine t)e signing of H. 6ill
No. ,7.: #y t)e SpeaAer of t)e House an$ t)e Presi$ent of t)e Senate
an$ t)e certification #y t)e secretaries of #ot) Houses of Congress
t)at it (as passe$ on Novem#er +7 7::; are conclusive of its $ue
enactment. - > > To &e s$re, there is no 'ai# either here or in the
deision in the EVAT ases (&olentino v. Secretary of =inance5 that he
enrolled -ill em-odie$ a #on#l&$ive 're$&m'ion. In one ase (!storga
v. 2illegas, .0 SCRA 8,? @,78?A5 (e 2(en -ehind3 an enrolled -ill and
#on$&led he Mo&rnal o deermine (heher #erain 'rovi$ion$ o% a
$a&e had -een a''roved -! he Senae.
B&+ (here a$ here here i$ no eviden#e o he #onrar!+ hi$
Co&r (ill re$'e# he #eri%i#aion o% he 're$iding o%%i#er$ o% -oh
Ho&$e$ ha a -ill ha$ -een d&l! 'a$$ed* Under hi$ r&le+ hi$ Co&r
ha$ re%&$ed o deermine #laim$ ha he hree,%o&rh$ voe needed o
'a$$ a 'ro'o$ed amendmen o he Con$i&ion had no -een o-ained+
-e#a&$e 2a d&l! a&heni#aed -ill or re$ol&ion im'or$ a-$ol&e
veri! and i$ -inding on he #o&r$.F > > >
This Co$rt has ref$sed to e"en 'oo9 into a''e!ations that the
enro''ed &i'' sent to the President ontained %ro"isions whih had &een
Es$rre%titio$s'yF inserted in the onferene o##ittee > > >.
(&olentino v. Secretary of =inance5
It has ref$sed to 'oo9 into har!es that an a#end#ent was #ade
$%on the 'ast readin! of a &i'' in "io'ation of Art. VI, Se. 10(15 of
the Constit$tion that, E$%on the 'ast readin! of a &i'', no a#end#ent
sha'' &e a''owed.F (P)ilippine 1u$ges !ss>n v. Pra$o, 118 SCRA 82-,
8,2 @,77-A5
In other ases, this Co$rt has denied 'ai#s that the tenor of a
&i'' was otherwise than as ertified &y the %residin! offiers of &oth
<o$ses of Con!ress.
The enro''ed &i'' dotrine, as a r$'e of e"idene, is we'';
esta&'ished. It is ited with a%%ro"a' &y te>t writers here and
a&road. The enro''ed &i'' r$'e rests on the fo''owin! onsiderationsI
6 > >. A$ he Pre$iden ha$ no a&hori! o a''rove a -ill
no 'a$$ed -! Congre$$+ an enrolled A# in he #&$od! o% he
Se#rear! o% Sae+ and having he o%%i#ial ae$aion$ o% he
S'ea6er o% he Ho&$e o% Re're$enaive$+ o% he Pre$iden o% he
33
Senae+ and o% he Pre$iden o% he Unied Sae$+ #arrie$+ on
i$ %a#e+ a $olemn a$$&ran#e -! he legi$laive and e"e#&ive
de'armen$ o% he governmen+ #harged+ re$'e#ivel!+ (ih he
d&! o% ena#ing and e"e#&ing he la($+ ha i (a$ 'a$$ed -!
Congre$$* The re$'e# d&e o #oe)&al and inde'enden de'armen$
re)&ire$ he .&di#ial de'armen o a# &'on ha a$$&ran#e+ and
o a##e'+ a$ having 'a$$ed Congre$$+ all -ill$ a&heni#aed in
he manner $aed4 leaving he #o&r o deermine+ (hen he
)&e$ion 'ro'erl! ari$e$+ (heher he A#+ $o a&heni#aed+ i$
in #on%ormi! (ih he Con$i&ion. (Mars)all =iel$ L Co. v.
ClarA, ,?- =.S. 0?7, 081, -0 L. Ed. 17?, -2- @,/7,A5
To o"err$'e the dotrine now, > > > is to re%$diate the #assi"e
teahin! of o$r ases and o"erthrow an esta&'ished r$'e of e"idene.
(!rroyo v. De 2enecia, 188 SCRA 10/, A$!. ,?, ,778 @DendoJaA5
.#. When should the @egislative Journal be regarded as conclusive
upon the courts, and why?
Held: The Mo&rnal i$ regarded a$ #on#l&$ive (ih re$'e# o
maer$ ha are re)&ired -! he Con$i&ion o -e re#orded herein*
Wih re$'e# o oher maer$+ in he a-$en#e o% eviden#e o he
#onrar!+ he Mo&rnal$ have al$o -een a##orded #on#l&$ive e%%e#$.
Th$s, in /nite$ States v. Pons (-? Phi'. 817, 8-. @,7,0AA, 'uoting e-
rel. 6erron v. Smith, ?? Ohio -?/ @,//0A5, this Co$rt s%o9e of the
im'eraive$ o% '&-li# 'oli#! %or regarding he Mo&rnal$ a$ 2'&-li#
memorial$ o% he mo$ 'ermanen #hara#er+3 h&$: 2The! $ho&ld -e
'&-li#+ -e#a&$e all are re)&ired o #on%orm o hem4 he! $ho&ld -e
'ermanen+ ha righ$ a#)&ired oda! &'on he %aih o% (ha ha$ -een
de#lared o -e la( $hall no -e de$ro!ed omorro(+ or a $ome remoe
'eriod o% ime+ -! %a#$ re$ing onl! in he memor! o% individ&al$.F 6
> >. (!rroyo v. De 2enecia, 188 SCRA 10/, A$!. ,?, ,778
@DendoJaA5
)2. What matters are re'uired to be entered on the Journal?
Held:
1) The !ea$ and na!$ on he hird and %inal reading of a &i''
(Ar* HI+ Se#* 5I<5=5G
2) The !ea$ and na!$ on an! )&e$ion+ a he re)&e$ o% one,%i%h
o% he mem-er$ 're$en (Id., Se#* 0I<E=5G
3) The !ea$ and na!$ &'on re'a$$ing a -ill over he Pre$idenD$
veo (Id., Se#* 5F<0=5G and
4) The Pre$idenD$ o-.e#ion o a -ill he had veoed (Id.5.
(!rroyo v. De 2enecia, 188 SCRA 10/, A$!. ,?, ,778 @DendoJaA5
)". dis'ualification case was filed against a candidate for
&ongressman before the election with the &9?7@7&. ;he latter failed
to resolve that dis'ualification case before the election and that
candidate won, although he was not yet proclaimed because of that
pending dis'ualification case. Is the &9?7@7& now ousted of
jurisdiction to resolve the pending dis'ualification case and,
therefore, should dismiss the case, considering that jurisdiction is
now vested with the 6ouse of 8epresentatives 7lectoral ;ribunal
<687;>?
Held: ,. In his first assi!n#ents of error, %etitioner
"i!oro$s'y ontends that after the Day /, ,77. e'etions, the CODELEC
'ost its B$risdition o"er the :$estion of %etitionerLs :$a'ifiations
to r$n for #e#&er of the <o$se of Re%resentati"es. <e 'ai#s that
B$risdition o"er the %etition for dis:$a'ifiation is e>'$si"e'y
'od!ed with the <o$se of Re%resentati"es E'etora' Tri&$na' (<RET5.
+i"en the yet;$nreso'"ed :$estion of B$risdition, %etitioner a"ers
that the CODELEC o##itted serio$s error and !ra"e a&$se of disretion
in diretin! the s$s%ension of his %ro'a#ation as the winnin!
34
andidate in the Seond Con!ressiona' Distrit of Da9ati City. We
disa!ree.
Peiioner #onvenienl! #on%&$e$ he di$in#ion -e(een an
&n'ro#laimed #andidae o he Ho&$e o% Re're$enaive$ and a mem-er o%
he $ame* O-aining he highe$ n&m-er o% voe$ in an ele#ion doe$
no a&omai#all! ve$ he 'o$iion in he (inning #andidae. Section
7, of !rticle 2I of the 7:., Constitution readsI
/;he Senate and the 6ouse of 8epresentatives shall have an
7lectoral ;ribunal which shall be the sole judge of all contests
relating to the election, returns and 'ualifications of their
respective ?embers.F
Under he a-ove,$aed 'rovi$ion+ he ele#oral ri-&nal #learl!
a$$&me$ .&ri$di#ion over all #one$$ relaive o he ele#ion+
re&rn$ and )&ali%i#aion$ o% #andidae$ %or eiher he Senae or he
Ho&$e onl! (hen he laer -e#ome :E:BERS o% eiher he Senae or he
Ho&$e o% Re're$enaive$* A #andidae (ho ha$ no -een 'ro#laimed and
(ho ha$ no a6en hi$ oah o% o%%i#e #anno -e $aid o -e a mem-er o%
he Ho&$e o% Re're$enaive$ $&-.e# o Se#ion 0F o% Ari#le HI o% he
Con$i&ion. Whi'e the %ro'a#ation of a winnin! andidate in an
e'etion is #inisteria', E.(. Elg. $$" in conjunction with Sec. ) of
8.. ))+) allows suspension of proclamation under circumstances
mentioned therein. Th$s, %etitionerLs ontention that Eafter the
ond$t of the e'etion and (%etitioner5 has &een esta&'ished the
winner of the e'etora' e>erise fro# the #o#ent of e'etion, the
CODELEC is a$to#atia''y di"ested of a$thority to %ass $%on the
:$estion of :$a'ifiationF finds no &asis in 'aw, &ea$se even A9TER
he ele#ion$ he CO:ELEC i$ em'o(ered -! Se#ion I /in relaion o
Se#ion F1 o% R*A* IIEI o #onin&e o hear and de#ide )&e$ion$
relaing o )&ali%i#aion$ o% #andidae$. 6 > >.
Under he a-ove,)&oed 'rovi$ion+ no onl! i$ a di$)&ali%i#aion
#a$e again$ a #andidae allo(ed o #onin&e a%er he ele#ion /and
doe$ no o&$ he CO:ELEC o% i$ .&ri$di#ion1+ -& hi$ o-aining he
highe$ n&m-er o% voe$ (ill no re$&l in he $&$'en$ion or
erminaion o% he 'ro#eeding$ again$ him (hen he eviden#e o% g&il
i$ $rong* Whi'e the %hrase Ewhen the e"idene of !$i't is stron!F
see#s to s$!!est that the %ro"isions of Setion 0 o$!ht to &e
a%%'ia&'e on'y to dis:$a'ifiation ases $nder Setion 0/ of the
O#ni&$s E'etion Code, Setion 8 of R.A. 00?0 a''ows the a%%'iation of
the %ro"isions of Setion 0 to ases in"o'"in! dis:$a'ifiation &ased
on ine'i!i&i'ity $nder Setion 8/ of 3P. 3'!. //,. 6 > >.
(!Huino v. C3ME'EC, 1?/ SCRA ?22, Se%t. ,/, ,77., En 3an
@)a%$nan, *.A5
1. As to the <o$se of Re%resentati"es E'etora' Tri&$na'Ls
s$%%osed ass$#%tion of B$risdition o"er the iss$e of %etitionerLs
:$a'ifiations after the Day /, ,77. e'etions, s$ffie it to say that
HRETD$ .&ri$di#ion a$ he $ole .&dge o% all #one$$ relaing o he
ele#ion$+ re&rn$ and )&ali%i#aion$ o% mem-er$ o% Congre$$ -egin$
onl! a%er a #andidae ha$ -e#ome a mem-er o% he Ho&$e o%
Re're$enaive$ (rt. FI, Sec. "%, "#$% &onstitution5. Peiioner no
-eing a mem-er o% he Ho&$e o% Re're$enaive$+ i i$ o-vio&$ ha he
HRET a hi$ 'oin ha$ no .&ri$di#ion over he )&e$ion.
(Romual$ezFMarcos v. C3ME'EC, 1?/ SCRA -22, Se%t. ,/, ,77., En
3an @)a%$nan, *.A5
)2. Will the rule be the same if that candidate wins and was
proclaimed winner and already assumed office as &ongressman?
Held: Whi'e the CODELEC is "ested with the %ower to de'are
"a'id or in"a'id a ertifiate of andiday, its ref$sa' to e>erise
that %ower fo''owin! the %ro'a#ation and ass$#%tion of the %osition &y
4arinas is a reo!nition of the B$risditiona' &o$ndaries se%aratin!
the CODELEC and the E'etora' Tri&$na' of the <o$se of Re%resentati"es
(<RET5. =nder Arti'e VI, Setion ,8 of the Constit$tion, the <RET has
35
so'e and e>'$si"e B$risdition o"er a'' ontests re'ati"e to the
e'etion, ret$rns, and :$a'ifiations of #e#&ers of the <o$se of
Re%resentati"es. Th&$+ on#e a (inning #andidae ha$ -een 'ro#laimed+
a6en hi$ oah+ and a$$&med o%%i#e a$ a mem-er o% he Ho&$e o%
Re're$enaive$+ CO:ELECD$ .&ri$di#ion over ele#ion #one$$ relaing
o hi$ ele#ion+ re&rn$+ and )&ali%i#aion$ end$+ and he HRETD$ o(n
.&ri$di#ion -egin$* Th&$+ he CO:ELECD$ de#i$ion o di$#onin&e
e"er#i$ing .&ri$di#ion over he #a$e i$ .&$i%ia-le+ in de%eren#e o
he HRETD$ o(n .&ri$di#ion and %&n#ion$.
6 > >
Petitioner f$rther ar!$es that the <RET ass$#es B$risdition on'y
if there is a "a'id %ro'a#ation of the winnin! andidate. <e ontends
that if a andidate fai's to satisfy the stat$tory re:$ire#ents to
:$a'ify hi# as a andidate, his s$&se:$ent %ro'a#ation is "oid ab
initio. Where the %ro'a#ation is n$'' and "oid, there is no
%ro'a#ation at a'' and the #ere ass$#%tion of offie &y the %ro'ai#ed
andidate does not de%ri"e the CODELEC at a'' of its %ower to de'are
s$h n$''ity, aordin! to %etitioner. B& " " "+ in an ele#oral
#one$ (here he validi! o% he 'ro#lamaion o% a (inning #andidae
(ho ha$ a6en hi$ oah o% o%%i#e and a$$&med hi$ 'o$ a$ #ongre$$man i$
rai$ed+ ha i$$&e i$ -e$ addre$$ed o he HRET* The rea$on %or hi$
r&ling i$ $el%,eviden+ %or i avoid$ d&'li#i! o% 'ro#eeding$ and a
#la$h o% .&ri$di#ion -e(een #on$i&ional -odie$+ (ih d&e regard o
he 'eo'leD$ mandae. (Guerrero v. C3ME'EC, --0 SCRA ?./, *$'y 10,
1222, En 3an @P$is$#&in!A5
)*. Is there an appeal from a decision of the Senate or 6ouse of
8epresentatives 7lectoral ;ribunal? What then is the remedy, if
any?
Held: The Constit$tion #andates that the <o$se of
Re%resentati"es E'etora' Tri&$na' and the Senate E'etora' Tri&$na'
sha'' eah, res%eti"e'y, &e the sole B$d!e of a'' ontests re'atin! to
the e'etion, ret$rns and :$a'ifiations of their res%eti"e #e#&ers.
The Co$rt has stressed that E> > > $o long a$ he Con$i&ion
gran$ he HRET he 'o(er o -e he $ole .&dge o% all #one$$ relaing
o he ele#ion+ re&rn$ and )&ali%i#aion$ o% mem-er$ o% he Ho&$e o%
Re're$enaive$+ an! %inal a#ion a6en -! he HRET on a maer (ihin
i$ .&ri$di#ion $hall+ a$ a r&le+ no -e revie(ed -! hi$ Co&r* The
'o(er graned o he Ele#oral Tri-&nal " " " e"#l&de$ he e"er#i$e o%
an! a&hori! on he 'ar o% hi$ Co&r ha (o&ld in an! (i$e re$ri#
i or #&rail i or even a%%e# he $ame.F
The Co$rt did reo!niJe, of o$rse, its %ower of B$diia' re"iew
in e>e%tiona' ases. In 8obles v. 687; (,/, SCRA 8/25, the Co$rt has
e>%'ained that (hile he .&dgmen$ o% he Tri-&nal are -e!ond .&di#ial
iner%eren#e+ he Co&r ma! do $o+ ho(ever+ -& onl! 2in he e"er#i$e
o% hi$ Co&rD$ $o,#alled e"raordinar! .&ri$di#ion " " " &'on a
deerminaion ha he Tri-&nalD$ de#i$ion or re$ol&ion (a$ rendered
(iho& or in e"#e$$ o% i$ .&ri$di#ion+ or (ih grave a-&$e o%
di$#reion or 'ara'hra$ing ?orrero (Morrero v. 6ocar @00 Phi'. ?17A5,
&'on a #lear $ho(ing o% $&#h ar-irar! and im'roviden &$e -! he
Tri-&nal o% i$ 'o(er a$ #on$i&e$ a denial o% d&e 'ro#e$$ o% la(+ or
&'on a demon$raion o% a ver! #lear &nmiigaed error+ mani%e$l!
#on$i&ing $&#h grave a-&$e o% di$#reion ha here ha$ o -e a
remed! %or $&#h a-&$e.F
The Co$rt does not > > > "ent$re into the %eri'o$s area of
orretin! %erei"ed errors of inde%endent &ranhes of the +o"ern#entG
it o#es in on'y when it has to "indiate a denia' of d$e %roess or
orret an a&$se of disretion so !ra"e or !'arin! that no 'ess than
the Constit$tion itse'f a''s for re#edia' ation. ('i#anan v. HRE&,
1/- SCRA .12, De. 11, ,778 @Vit$!A5
36
THE E?ECUTIHE DEPART:ENT
64. Did former (resident 7strada resign as (resident or should be
considered resigned as of January 22, 222" when (resident 5loria
?acapagal rroyo tooB her oath as the "+
th
(resident of the 8epublic?
Held: 87SI5:;I9: > > > is a fat$a' :$estion and its 7@7?7:;S
are &eyond :$i&&'eI here m&$ -e an inen o re$ign and he inen
m&$ -e #o&'led -! a#$ o% relin)&i$hmen. ;he validity of a
resignation is not governed by any formal re'uirement as to form. It
can be oral. It can be written. It can be e-press. It can be
implied. A$ long a$ he re$ignaion i$ #lear+ i m&$ -e given legal
e%%e#*
In the ases at &ar, the fats show that %etitioner did not write
any for#a' 'etter of resi!nation &efore he e"a$ated Da'aanan! Pa'ae
in the afternoon of *an$ary 12, 122, after the oath;ta9in! of
res%ondent Arroyo. Conse:$ent'y, (heher or no 'eiioner re$igned
ha$ o -e deermined %rom hi$ a#$ and omi$$ion$ -e%ore+ d&ring and
a%er Man&ar! 5J+ 5JJ0 or -! THE TOTALIT; O9 PRIOR+ CONTE:PORANEOUS AND
POSTERIOR 9ACTS AND CIRCU:STANTIAL EHIDENCE BEARIN> A :ATERIAL
RELEHANCE ON THE ISSUE.
=sin! this ;9;@I;G ;7S;, (e hold ha 'eiioner re$igned a$
Pre$iden.
6 > >
In s$#, we ho'd that the resi!nation of the %etitioner annot &e
do$&ted. It was onfir#ed &y his 'ea"in! Da'aanan!. In the %ress
re'ease ontainin! his fina' state#ent, /01 he a#6no(ledged he oah,
a6ing o% he re$'onden a$ Pre$iden of the Re%$&'i a'&eit with
reser"ation a&o$t its 'e!a'ityG /51 he em'ha$i8ed he (a$ leaving he
Pala#e, the seat of the %resideny, %or he $a6e o% 'ea#e and in order
o -egin he healing 'ro#e$$ o% o&r naion* He $i$ not say )e (as
leaving t)e Palace $ue to any Ain$ of ina#ility an$ t)at )e (as going
to reFassume t)e presi$ency as soon as t)e $isa#ility $isappearsG /71
he e"'re$$ed hi$ grai&de o he 'eo'le %or he o''or&ni! o $erve
hem* Wiho& do&-+ he (a$ re%erring o he past opportunity given
him o $erve he 'eo'le a$ Pre$idenG /E1 he a$$&red ha he (ill no
$hir6 %rom an! future c)allenge ha ma! #ome ahead on he $ame $ervi#e
o% o&r #o&nr!* PeiionerD$ re%eren#e i$ o a future c)allenge after
occupying t)e office of t)e presi$ent (hi#h he ha$ given &' G and /G1 he
#alled on hi$ $&''orer$ o .oin him in he 'romoion o% a #on$r&#ive
naional $'iri o% re#on#iliaion and $olidari!* Certainly t)e
national spirit of reconciliation an$ soli$arity coul$ not #e attaine$
if )e $i$ not give up t)e presi$ency. The 're$$ relea$e (a$
'eiionerD$ valedi#or!+ hi$ %inal a# o% %are(ell* His presi$ency is
no( in t)e past tense. (Estra$a v. Desierto, +.R. Nos. ,?08,2;,.,
Darh 1, 122,, en 3an @P$noA5
).. Discuss our legal history on e-ecutive immunity.
Held: The dotrine of e>e$ti"e i##$nity in this B$risdition
e#er!ed as a case law. In the ,7,2 ase of =or#es etc. v. C)uoco
&iaco an$ Crossfiel$ (,0 Phi'. .-? @,7,2A5, the res%ondent Tiao, a
Chinese itiJen, s$ed %etitioner W. Ca#eron 4or&es, +o"ernor;+enera' of
the Phi'i%%ine Is'ands, *.E. <ardin! and C.R. Trow&rid!e, Chief of
Po'ie and Chief of the Seret Ser"ie of the City of Dani'a,
res%eti"e'y, for da#a!es for a''e!ed'y ons%irin! to de%ort hi# to
China. In !rantin! a writ of %rohi&ition, this Co$rt, s%ea9in! thr$
Dr. *$stie *ohnson, he'dI
EThe 'rin#i'le o% nonlia-ili! " " " doe$ no mean ha he
.&di#iar! ha$ no a&hori! o o&#h he a#$ o% he >overnor,
>eneral4 ha he ma!+ &nder #over o% hi$ o%%i#e+ do (ha he (ill+
&nim'eded and &nre$rained. S$h a onstr$tion wo$'d #ean that
tyranny, $nder the !$ise of the e>e$tion of the 'aw, o$'d wa'9
37
defiant'y a&road, destroyin! ri!hts of %erson and of %ro%erty,
who''y free fro# interferene of o$rts or 'e!is'at$res. Thi$
doe$ no mean+ eiher+ ha a 'er$on in.&red -! he e"e#&ive
a&hori! -! an a# &n.&$i%ia-le &nder he la( ha$ no remed!+
-& m&$ $&-mi in $ilen#e. On the ontrary, it #eans, si#%'y,
that he >overnor,>eneral+ li6e he .&dge$ o% he #o&r$ and he
mem-er$ o% he Legi$la&re+ ma! no -e 'er$onall! m&l#ed in
#ivil damage$ %or he #on$e)&en#e$ o% an a# e"e#&ed in he
'er%orman#e o% hi$ o%%i#ial d&ie$ . The .&di#iar! ha$ %&ll 'o(er
o+ and (ill+ (hen he maer i$ 'ro'erl! 're$ened o i and he
o##a$ion .&$l! (arran$ i+ de#lare an a# o% he >overnor,
>eneral illegal and void and 'la#e a$ nearl! a$ 'o$$i-le in
$a&$ )&o an! 'er$on (ho ha$ -een de'rived hi$ li-er! or hi$
'ro'er! -! $&#h a#. This re#edy is ass$red to e"ery %erson,
howe"er h$#&'e or of whate"er o$ntry, when his %ersona' or
%ro%erty ri!hts ha"e &een in"aded, e"en &y the hi!hest a$thority
of the state. The hing (hi#h he .&di#iar! #an no do i$ m&l#
he >overnor,>eneral 'er$onall! in damage$ (hi#h re$&l$ %rom he
'er%orman#e o% hi$ o%%i#ial d&!, any #ore than it an a #e#&er
of the Phi'i%%ine Co##ission or the Phi'i%%ine Asse#&'y. P$&'i
%o'iy for&ids it.
Neiher doe$ hi$ 'rin#i'le o% nonlia-ili! mean ha he
#hie% e"e#&ive ma! no -e 'er$onall! $&ed a all in relaion o
a#$ (hi#h he #laim$ o 'er%orm a$ $&#h o%%i#ial* On he
#onrar!+ i #learl! a''ear$ %rom he di$#&$$ion hereo%ore had,
%arti$'ar'y that %ortion whih to$hed the 'ia&i'ity of B$d!es
and drew an ana'o!y &etween s$h 'ia&i'ity and that of the
+o"ernor;+enera', ha he laer i$ lia-le (hen he a#$ in a
#a$e $o 'lainl! o&$ide o% hi$ 'o(er and a&hori! ha he #an
no -e $aid o have e"er#i$ed di$#reion in deermining (heher
or no he had he righ o a#* Wha i$ held here i$ ha he
(ill -e 'roe#ed %rom 'er$onal lia-ili! %or damage$ no onl!
(hen he a#$ (ihin hi$ a&hori!+ -& al$o (hen he i$ (iho&
a&hori!+ 'rovided he a#&all! &$ed di$#reion and .&dgmen+
ha i$+ he .&di#ial %a#&l!+ in deermining (heher he had
a&hori! o a# or no. In other words, he is entit'ed to
%rotetion in deermining he )&e$ion o% hi$ a&hori!. If he
deides wron!'y, he is sti'' %roteted %ro"ided the :$estion of
his a$thority was one o"er whih two #en, reasona&'y :$a'ified
for that %osition, #i!ht honest'y differG &$t he is not %roteted
if the 'a9 of a$thority to at is so %'ain that two s$h #en
o$'d not honest'y differ o"er its deter#ination. In s$h ase,
he ats, not as +o"ernor;+enera' &$t as a %ri"ate indi"id$a',
and, as s$h, #$st answer for the onse:$enes of his at.F
Dr. *$stie *ohnson $ndersored the onse:$enes if the Chief E>e$ti"e
was not !ranted i##$nity fro# s$it, vi=N E> > >. A#ion &'on im'oran
maer$ o% $ae dela!ed4 he ime and $&-$an#e o% he #hie% e"e#&ive
$'en in (rangling liigaion4 di$re$'e# engendered %or he 'er$on o%
one o% he highe$ o%%i#ial$ o% he Sae and %or he o%%i#e he
o##&'ie$4 a enden#! o &nre$ and di$order4 re$&ling in a (a!+ in a
di$r&$ a$ o he inegri! o% governmen i$el%.F
O$r "#*. &onstitution too9 effet &$t it did not contain any
specific provision on e-ecutive immunity. Then a#e the t$#$'t of the
#artia' 'aw years $nder the 'ate President 4erdinand E. Daros and the
,78- Constit$tion was &orn. In ,7/,, it was a#ended and one of the
amendments involved e-ecutive immunity. Setion ,8, Arti'e VII statedI
EThe President sha'' &e i##$ne fro# s$it d$rin! his ten$re.
Thereafter, no s$it whatsoe"er sha'' 'ie for offiia' ats done
&y hi# or &y others %$rs$ant to his s%eifi orders d$rin! his
ten$re.
The i##$nities herein %ro"ided sha'' a%%'y to the in$#&ent
President referred to in Arti'e 6VII of this Constit$tion.F
38
In his seond Viente +. Sino Professoria' Chair Let$re entit'ed,
EPresidentia' I##$nity And A'' The )in!Ls DenI The Law Of Pri"i'e!e As
A Defense To Ations 4or Da#a!es,F (01 Phi'. L.*. ,,- @,7/8A5
%etitionerLs 'earned o$nse', for#er Dean of the =P Co''e!e of Law,
Atty. Paifio A!a&in, &ri!htened the #odifiations effeted &y this
onstit$tiona' a#end#ent on the e>istin! 'aw on e>e$ti"e %ri"i'e!e.
To :$ote his dis:$isitionI
EIn the Phi'i%%ines tho$!h, we so$!ht to do the A#erian
one &etter &y en'ar!in! and fortifyin! the a&so'$te i##$nity
one%t. 4irst, we e>tended it to shie'd the President not on'y
fro# i"i' 'ai#s &$t a'so fro# ri#ina' ases and other 'ai#s.
Seond, we en'ar!ed its so%e so that it wo$'d o"er e"en ats of
the President o$tside the so%e of offiia' d$ties. And third,
we &roadened its o"era!e so as to in'$de not on'y the President
&$t a'so other %ersons, &e they !o"ern#ent offiia's or %ri"ate
indi"id$a's, who ated $%on orders of the President. It an &e
said that at that %oint #ost of $s were s$fferin! fro# AIDS (or
a&so'$te i##$nity defense syndro#e5.F
;he 9pposition in the then Eatasang (ambansa sought the repeal of this
?arcosian concept of e-ecutive immunity in the "#%* &onstitution. The
#o"e was 'ed &y then De#&er of Par'ia#ent, now Seretary of 4inane,
A'&erto Ro#$'o, who ar!$ed that the after incumbency immunity !ranted
to President Daros "io'ated the %rini%'e that a %$&'i offie is a
%$&'i tr$st. <e deno$ned the i##$nity as a ret$rn to the anahronis#
Ethe 9in! an do no wron!.F The effort fai'ed.
The ,78- Constit$tion eased to e>ist when President Daros was
o$sted fro# offie &y the Peo%'e Power re"o'$tion in ,7/0. When the
"#$% &onstitution was rafted, its framers did not reenact the
e>e$ti"e i##$nity %ro"ision of the ,78- Constit$tion. 6 > > (Estra$a
v. Desierto, +.R. Nos. ,?08,2;,., Darh 1, 122,, en 3an @P$noA5
)). &an former (resident 7strada still be prosecuted criminally
considering that he was not convicted in the impeachment proceedings
against him?
Held: We re.e# hi$ arg&men ha he #anno -e 'ro$e#&ed %or
he rea$on ha he m&$ %ir$ -e #onvi#ed in he im'ea#hmen
'ro#eeding$. The i#%eah#ent tria' of %etitioner Estrada was a&orted
&y the wa'9o$t of the %rose$tors and &y the e"ents that 'ed to his
'oss of the %resideny. Indeed, on 4e&r$ary 8, 122,, the Senate %assed
Senate Reso'$tion No. /- EReo!niJin! that the I#%eah#ent Co$rt is
0unctus 9fficio.1 Sin#e he Im'ea#hmen Co&r i$ no( %&n#&$ o%%i#io+
i i$ &nena-le %or 'eiioner o demand ha he $ho&ld %ir$ -e
im'ea#hed and hen #onvi#ed -e%ore he #an -e 'ro$e#&ed* The 'lea i%
graned+ (o&ld '& a 'er'e&al -ar again$ hi$ 'ro$e#&ion* S&#h a
$&-mi$$ion ha$ nohing o #ommend i$el% %or i (ill 'la#e him in a
-eer $i&aion han a non,$iing Pre$iden (ho ha$ no -een
$&-.e#ed o im'ea#hmen 'ro#eeding$ and !e #an -e he o-.e# o% a
#riminal 'ro$e#&ion* To -e $&re+ he de-ae$ in he Con$i&ional
Commi$$ion ma6e i #lear ha (hen im'ea#hmen 'ro#eeding$ have -e#ome
moo d&e o he re$ignaion o% he Pre$iden+ he 'ro'er #riminal and
#ivil #a$e$ ma! alread! -e %iled again$ him > > >.
This is in aord with o$r r$'in! in In 8eN Saturnino Eermude=
(,?. SCRA ,02 @,7/0A5 that Ein#&m-en Pre$iden$ are imm&ne %rom $&i
or %rom -eing -ro&gh o #o&r d&ring he 'eriod o% heir in#&m-en#!
and en&re3 BUT NOT BE;OND * Con$idering he 'e#&liar #ir#&m$an#e ha
he im'ea#hmen 'ro#e$$ again$ he 'eiioner ha$ -een a-ored and
herea%er he lo$ he 're$iden#!+ 'eiioner E$rada #anno demand a$
a #ondiion $ine )&a non o hi$ #riminal 'ro$e#&ion -e%ore he
Om-&d$man ha he -e #onvi#ed in he im'ea#hmen 'ro#eeding$.
(Estra$a v. Desierto, +.R. Nos. ,?08,2;,., Dar. 1, 122,, en 3an
@P$noA5

39
)%. State the reason why not all appointments made by the (resident
under the "#$% &onstitution will no longer re'uire confirmation by
the &ommission on ppointments.
Held: The aforeited %ro"ision <Section "), rticle FII> of the
Constit$tion has &een the s$&Bet of se"era' ases on the iss$e of the
restriti"e f$ntion of the Co##ission on A%%oint#ents with res%et to
the a%%ointin! %ower of the President. This Co$rt to$hed $%on the
historia' anteedent of the said %ro"ision in the ase of Sarmiento
III v. ?ison (,.0 SCRA .?75 in whih it was ratioinated $%on that
Section 7; of !rticle 2II of the 7:., Constitution re:$irin!
onfir#ation &y the Co##ission on A%%oint#ents of ertain a%%oint#ents
iss$ed &y the President #onem'lae$ a $!$em o% #he#6$ and -alan#e$
-e(een he e"e#&ive and legi$laive -ran#he$ o% governmen .
E"'erien#e $ho(ed ha (hen almo$ all 're$idenial a''oinmen$
re)&ired he #on$en o% he Commi$$ion on A''oinmen$+ a$ (a$ he #a$e
&nder he 0C7G Con$i&ion+ he #ommi$$ion -e#ame a ven&e o% Ohor$e
radingO and $imilar mal'ra#i#e$* On he oher hand+ 'la#ing a-$ol&e
'o(er o ma6e a''oinmen$ in he Pre$iden (ih hardl! an! #he#6 -!
he legi$la&re+ a$ (ha ha''ened &nder he 0CF7 Con$i&ion+ lead$ o
a-&$e o% $&#h 'o(er. Th$s was %erei"ed the need to esta&'ish a
M#idd'e !ro$ndM &etween the ,7-. and ,78- Constit$tions. The fra#ers
of the ,7/8 Constit$tion dee#ed it i#%erati"e to s$&Bet ertain hi!h
%ositions in the !o"ern#ent to the %ower of onfir#ation of the
Co##ission on A%%oint#ents and to a''ow other %ositions within the
e>'$si"e a%%ointin! %ower of the President. (Manalo v. Sistoza, -,1
SCRA 1-7, A$!. ,,, ,777, En 3an @P$risi#aA5
)$. 7numerate the groups of officers who are to be appointed by the
(resident under Section "), rticle FII of the "#$% &onstitution,
and identify those officers whose appointments shall re'uire
confirmation by the &ommission on ppointments.
Held: Confor#a&'y, as onsistent'y inter%reted and r$'ed in the
'eadin! ase of Sar#iento III v. ?ison <Ibid.>, and in the s$&se:$ent
ases of Eautista v. Salonga (,81 SCRA ,025, Auintos,Deles v.
&onstitutional &ommission (,88 SCRA 1.75, and &alderon v. &arale (12/
SCRA 1.?5, $nder Setion ,0, Arti'e VII, of the Constit$tion, there
are fo$r !ro$%s of offiers of the !o"ern#ent to &e a%%ointed &y the
PresidentI
4IRST, the head$ o% he e"e#&ive de'armen$+ am-a$$ador$+
oher '&-li# mini$er$ and #on$&l$+ o%%i#er$ o% he armed %or#e$
%rom he ran6 o% #olonel or naval #a'ain+ and oher o%%i#er$
(ho$e a''oinmen$ are ve$ed in him in hi$ Con$i&ionG
SECOND, all oher o%%i#er$ o% he >overnmen (ho$e
a''oinmen$ are no oher(i$e 'rovided %or -! la(G
T<IRD, ho$e (hom he Pre$iden ma! -e AUTHORI@ED B; LAW o
a''oinG
4O=RT<, o%%i#er$ lo(er in ran6 (ho$e a''oinmen$ he
Congre$$ ma! -! la( ve$ in he Pre$iden alone.
I i$ (ell,$eled ha onl! 're$idenial a''oinee$ -elonging o
he %ir$ gro&' re)&ire he #on%irmaion -! he Commi$$ion on
A''oinmen$.
(Manalo v. Sistoza, -,1 SCRA 1-7, A$!. ,,, ,777, En 3an @P$risi#aA5
)#. Cnder 8epublic ct )#%. <the DI@5 ct of "##2>, the Director
5eneral, Deputy Director 5eneral, and other top officials of the
(hilippine :ational (olice <(:(> shall be appointed by the (resident
and their appointments shall re'uire confirmation by the &ommission
on ppointments. 8espondent Sisto=a was appointed Director 5eneral
of the (:( but he refused to submit his appointment papers to the
40
&ommission on ppointments for confirmation contending that his
appointment shall no longer re'uire confirmation despite the e-press
provision of the law re'uiring such confirmation. Should his
contention be upheld?
Held: I i$ (ell,$eled ha onl! 're$idenial a''oinee$
-elonging o he %ir$ gro&' /en&meraed &nder he %ir$ $enen#e o%
Se#ion 0I+ Ari#le HII o% he 0CBF Con$i&ion1 re)&ire he
#on%irmaion -! he Commi$$ion on A''oinmen$. The a%%oint#ents of
res%ondent offiers, who are not within the first ate!ory, need not &e
onfir#ed &y the Co##ission on A%%oint#ents. As he'd in the ase of
;arrosa v. Singson (1-1 SCRA ..-5, Congre$$ #anno -! la( e"'and he
'o(er o% #on%irmaion o% he Commi$$ion on A''oinmen$ and re)&ire
#on%irmaion o% a''oinmen$ o% oher governmen o%%i#ial$ no
menioned in he %ir$ $enen#e o% Se#ion 0I o% Ari#le HII o% he
0CBF Con$i&ion.
&onse'uently, unconstitutional are Sections 2) and *" of 8epublic
ct )#%. which empower the &ommission on ppointments to confirm the
appointments of public officials whose appointments are not re'uired by
the &onstitution to be confirmed. > > >. (Manalo v. Sistoza, -,1 SCRA
1-7, A$!. ,,, ,777, En 3an @P$risi#aA5
%2. Will it be correct to argue that since the (hilippine :ational
(olice is aBin to the rmed 0orces of the (hilippines, therefore,
the appointments of police officers whose ranB is e'ual to that of
colonel or naval captain will re'uire confirmation by the &ommission
on ppointments?
Held: This ontention is > > > $ntena&'e. The Phili''ine
Naional Poli#e i$ $e'arae and di$in# %rom he Armed 9or#e$ o% he
Phili''ine$* The Con$i&ion+ no le$$+ $e$ %orh he di$in#ion.
=nder Section 4 of !rticle %2I of the 7:., Constitution,
M;he rmed 0orces of the (hilippines shall be composed
of a citi=en armed force which shall undergo military training
and service, as may be provided by law. It shall Beep a
regular force necessary for the security of the State.M
On the other hand, Section ; of the sa#e Arti'e of the
Constit$tion ordains thatI
M;he State shall establish and maintain one police
force, which shall be national in scope and civilian in
character to be administered and controlled by a national
police commission. ;he authority of local e-ecutives over the
police units in their jurisdiction shall be provided by law.M
To so distin!$ish the %o'ie fore fro# the ar#ed fores,
Con!ress enated Repu#lic !ct ;:,5 > > >.
There&nder+ he 'oli#e %or#e i$ di%%eren %rom and inde'enden o%
he armed %or#e$ and he ran6$ in he miliar! are no $imilar o ho$e
in he Phili''ine Naional Poli#e* Th&$+ dire#or$ and #hie%
$&'erinenden$ o% he PNP " " " do no %all &nder he %ir$ #aegor!
o% 're$idenial a''oinee$ re)&iring #on%irmaion -! he Commi$$ion on
A''oinmen$. (Manalo v. Sistoza, -,1 SCRA 1-7, A$!. ,,, ,777, En
3an @P$risi#aA5

%". ;o what types of appointments is Section "., rticle FII of the
"#$% &onstitution <prohibiting the (resident from maBing
appointments two months before the ne-t presidential elections and
up to the end of his term> directed against?
Held: Section 75, !rticle 2II is direted a!ainst two ty%es of
a%%oint#entsI /01 ho$e made %or -&!ing voe$ and /51 ho$e made %or
'ari$an #on$ideraion$. ;he first refers to those appointments made
41
within two months preceding the (residential election and are similar
to those which are declared election offenses in the 9mnibus 7lection
&odeO while the second consists of the so,called /midnight1
appointments. The SC in In Re< Hon. Mateo !. 2alenzuela an$ Hon.
Placi$o 6. 2allarta, (17/ SCRA ?2/, No". 7, ,77/, En 3an @Nar"asa
C.*.A5 'arified this when it he'dI
ESe#ion 0G+ Ari#le HII ha$ a -roader $#o'e han he
A!ona r&ling* I ma! no &nrea$ona-l! -e deemed o #onem'lae
no onl! 2midnigh3 a''oinmen$ N ho$e made o-vio&$l! %or
'ari$an rea$on$ a$ $ho(n -! heir n&m-er and he ime o% heir
ma6ing N -& al$o a''oinmen$ 're$&med made %or he '&r'o$e o%
in%l&en#ing he o&#ome o% he Pre$idenial ele#ion.F
%2. Distinguish the (residentPs power to call out the armed forces as
their &ommander,in,&hief in order to prevent or suppress lawless
violence, invasion or rebellion, from his power to proclaim martial
and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus. 7-plain why
the former is not subject to judicial review while the latter two
are.
Held: There is a 'ear te>t$a' o##it#ent $nder the Constit$tion
to &estow on the President f$'' disretionary %ower to a'' o$t the
ar#ed fores and to deter#ine the neessity for the e>erise of s$h
%ower. Section 7., !rticle 2II of the Constitution, whih e#&odies the
%owers of the President as Co##ander;in;Chief, %ro"ides in %artI
EThe Pre$iden $hall -e he Commander,in,Chie% o% all armed
%or#e$ o% he Phili''ine$ and (henever i -e#ome$ ne#e$$ar!+ he
ma! #all o& $&#h armed %or#e$ o 'reven or $&''re$$ la(le$$
violen#e+ inva$ion or re-ellion* In #a$e o% inva$ion or
re-ellion+ (hen he '&-li# $a%e! re)&ire$ i+ he ma!+ %or a
'eriod no e"#eeding $i"! da!$+ $&$'end he 'rivilege o% he
(ri o% ha-ea$ #or'&$+ or 'la#e he Phili''ine$ or an! 'ar
hereo% &nder marial la(.F (:9;7N 8ead complete provision.5
The f$'' disretionary %ower of the President to deter#ine the
fat$a' &asis for the e>erise of the a''in! o$t %ower is a'so
i#%'ied and f$rther reinfored in the rest of Setion ,/, Arti'e VII >
> >.
Under he %oregoing 'rovi$ion$+ Congre$$ ma! revo6e $&#h
'ro#lamaion$ /o% marial la(1 or $&$'en$ion /o% he 'rivilege o% he
(ri o% ha-ea$ #or'&$1 and he Co&r ma! revie( he $&%%i#ien#! o% he
%a#&al -a$i$ hereo%* Ho(ever+ here i$ no $&#h e)&ivalen 'rovi$ion
dealing (ih he revo#aion or revie( o% he Pre$idenK$ a#ion o #all
o& he armed %or#e$* The di$in#ion 'la#e$ he #alling o& 'o(er in
a di%%eren #aegor! %rom he 'o(er o de#lare marial la( and he
'o(er o $&$'end he 'rivilege o% he (ri o% ha-ea$ #or'&$+ oher(i$e+
he %ramer$ o% he Con$i&ion (o&ld have $im'l! l&m'ed ogeher he
hree 'o(er$ and 'rovided %or heir revo#aion and revie( (iho& an!
)&ali%i#aion. 7-pressio unios est e-clusio alterius. 6 > >. That
the intent of the Constit$tion is e>at'y what its 'etter says, i.e.,
that the %ower to a'' is f$''y disretionary to the President, is
e>tant in the de'i&eration of the Constit$tiona' Co##ission > > >.
The reason for the differene in the treat#ent of the
afore#entioned %owers hi!h'i!hts the intent to !rant the President the
widest 'eeway and &roadest disretion in $sin! the %ower to a'' o$t
-e#a&$e i i$ #on$idered a$ he le$$er and more -enign 'o(er #om'ared
o he 'o(er o $&$'end he 'rivilege o% he (ri o% ha-ea$ #or'&$ and
he 'o(er o im'o$e marial la(+ -oh o% (hi#h involve he #&railmen
and $&''re$$ion o% #erain -a$i# #ivil righ$ and individ&al %reedom$+
and h&$ ne#e$$iaing $a%eg&ard$ -! Congre$$ and revie( -! hi$ Co&r.
Doreo"er, $nder Section 7., !rticle 2II of the Constitution, in
the e>erise of the %ower to s$s%end the %ri"i'e!e of the writ of
habeas corpus or to i#%ose #artia' 'aw, two onditions #$st on$rI /01
42
there #$st &e an a#&al inva$ion or re-ellion and, /51 '&-li# $a%e!
m&$ re)&ire i* ;hese conditions are not re'uired in the case of the
power to call out the armed forces. ;he only criterion is that
M()enever it #ecomes necessary,M the (resident may call the armed
forces Mto prevent or suppress la(less violence invasion or
re#ellion.M The i#%'iation is that the President is !i"en f$''
disretion and wide 'atit$de in the e>erise of the %ower to a'' as
o#%ared to the two other %owers.
I% he 'eiioner %ail$+ -! (a! o% 'roo%+ o $&''or he
a$$erion ha he Pre$iden a#ed (iho& %a#&al -a$i$+ hen hi$
Co&r #anno &ndera6e an inde'enden inve$igaion -e!ond he
'leading$* The %a#&al ne#e$$i! o% #alling o& he armed %or#e$ i$
no ea$il! )&ani%ia-le and #anno -e o-.e#ivel! e$a-li$hed $in#e
maer$ #on$idered %or $ai$%!ing he $ame i$ a #om-inaion o% $everal
%a#or$ (hi#h are no al(a!$ a##e$$i-le o he #o&r$. 3esides the
a&sene of te>t$a' standards that the o$rt #ay $se to B$d!e neessity,
infor#ation neessary to arri"e at s$h B$d!#ent #i!ht a'so %ro"e
$n#ana!ea&'e for the o$rts. Certain %ertinent infor#ation #i!ht &e
diffi$'t to "erify, or who''y $na"ai'a&'e to the o$rts. In #any
instanes, the e"idene $%on whih the President #i!ht deide that
there is a need to a'' o$t the ar#ed fores #ay &e of a nat$re not
onstit$tin! tehnia' %roof.
On he oher hand+ he Pre$iden a$ Commander,in,Chie% ha$ a va$
inelligen#e ne(or6 o gaher in%ormaion+ $ome o% (hi#h ma! -e
#la$$i%ied a$ highl! #on%idenial or a%%e#ing he $e#&ri! o% he
$ae* In he e"er#i$e o% he 'o(er o #all+ on,he,$'o de#i$ion$ ma!
-e im'eraivel! ne#e$$ar! in emergen#! $i&aion$ o aver grea lo$$
o% h&man live$ and ma$$ de$r&#ion o% 'ro'er!. Indeed, the deision
to a'' o$t the #i'itary to %re"ent or s$%%ress 'aw'ess "io'ene #$st
&e done swift'y and deisi"e'y if it were to ha"e any effet at a''.
S$h a senario is not farfethed when we onsider the %resent
sit$ation in Dindanao, where the ins$r!eny %ro&'e# o$'d s%i'' o"er
the other %arts of the o$ntry. The deter#ination of the neessity for
the a''in! o$t %ower if s$&Beted to $nfettered B$diia' sr$tiny
o$'d &e a "erita&'e %resri%tion for disaster, as s$h %ower #ay &e
$nd$'y straitBa9eted &y an inB$ntion or a te#%orary restrainin! order
e"ery ti#e it is e>erised.
Th&$+ i i$ he &n#lo&ded inen o% he Con$i&ion o ve$ &'on
he Pre$iden+ a$ Commander,in,Chie% o% he Armed 9or#e$+ %&ll
di$#reion o #all %orh he miliar! (hen in hi$ .&dgmen i i$
ne#e$$ar! o do $o in order o 'reven or $&''re$$ la(le$$ violen#e+
inva$ion or re-ellion* Unle$$ he 'eiioner #an $ho( ha he
e"er#i$e o% $&#h di$#reion (a$ gravel! a-&$ed+ he Pre$idenK$
e"er#i$e o% .&dgmen de$erve$ o -e a##orded re$'e# %rom hi$ Co&r.
(Integrate$ 6ar of t)e P)ilippines v. Hon. Ronal$o 6. @amora,
+.R. No. ,?,1/?, A$!. ,., 1222, En 3an @)a%$nanA5
%*. Ey issuing a ;89 on the date convicted rapist @eo 7chegaray is to
be e-ecuted by lethal injection, the Supreme &ourt was critici=ed on
the ground, among others, that it encroached on the power of the
(resident to grant reprieve under Section "#, rticle FII, "#$%
&onstitution. Justify the S&Ms act.
Held: Section 7:, !rticle 2II of the 7:., Constitution is $im'l!
he $o&r#e o% 'o(er of the President to !rant re%rie"es, o##$tations,
and %ardons and re#it fines and forfeit$res after on"ition &y fina'
B$d!#ent. Thi$ 'rovi$ion+ ho(ever+ #anno -e iner'reed a$ den!ing
he 'o(er o% #o&r$ o #onrol he en%or#emen o% heir de#i$ion$ a%er
he %inali!* In r&h+ an a##&$ed (ho ha$ -een #onvi#ed -! %inal
.&dgmen $ill 'o$$e$$e$ #ollaeral righ$ and he$e righ$ #an -e
#laimed in he a''ro'riae #o&r$. 4or instane, a death on"it who
&eo#es insane after his fina' on"ition annot &e e>e$ted whi'e in a
state of insanity <See rticle %# of the 8evised (enal &ode>. The
$&$'en$ion o% $&#h a deah $enen#e i$ &ndi$'&a-l! an e"er#i$e o%
.&di#ial 'o(er* I i$ no &$&r'aion o% he 're$idenial 'o(er o%
43
re'rieve ho&gh i$ e%%e# i$ he $ame N he em'orar! $&$'en$ion o%
he e"e#&ion o% he deah #onvi#* In he $ame vein+ i #anno -e
denied ha Congre$$ #an a an! ime amend R*A* No* FIGC -! red&#ing
he 'enal! o% deah o li%e im'ri$onmen* The e%%e# o% $&#h an
amendmen i$ li6e ha o% #omm&aion o% $enen#e* B& -! no $re#h
o% he imaginaion #an he e"er#i$e -! Congre$$ o% i$ 'lenar! 'o(er o
amend la($ -e #on$idered a$ a violaion o% he Pre$idenD$ 'o(er o
#omm&e %inal $enen#e$ o% #onvi#ion. ;he powers of the 7-ecutive,
the @egislative and the Judiciary to save the life of a death convict
do not e-clude each other for the simple reason that there is no higher
right than the right to life. (Ec)egaray v. Secretary of 1ustice, -2,
SCRA 70, *an. ,7, ,777, En 3an @P$noA5
%+. Discuss the nature of a conditional pardon. Is its grant or
revocation by the (resident subject to judicial review?
Held: A #ondiional 'ardon i$ in he na&re o% a #onra#
-e(een he $overeign 'o(er or he Chie% E"e#&ive and he #onvi#ed
#riminal o he e%%e# ha he %ormer (ill relea$e he laer $&-.e#
o he #ondiion ha i% he doe$ no #om'l! (ih he erm$ o% he
'ardon+ he (ill -e re#ommied o 'ri$on o $erve he &ne"'ired 'orion
o% he $enen#e or an addiional one (!lvarez v. Director of Prisons,
/2 Phi'. .25. B! he 'ardoneeD$ #on$en o he erm$ $i'&laed in
hi$ #onra#+ he 'ardonee ha$ here-! 'la#ed him$el% &nder he
$&'ervi$ion o% he Chie% E"e#&ive or hi$ delegae (ho i$ d&!,-o&nd o
$ee o i ha he 'ardonee #om'lie$ (ih he erm$ and #ondiion$ o%
he 'ardon. =nder Section ;48i9 of the Revise$ !$ministrative Co$e,
the Chief E>e$ti"e is a$thoriJed to order Ethe arrest and re;
inareration of any s$h %erson who, in his B$d!#ent, sha'' fai' to
o#%'y with the ondition, or onditions of his %ardon, %aro'e, or
s$s%ension of sentene.F It is now a we'';entrenhed r$'e in this
B$risdition that hi$ e"er#i$e o% 're$idenial .&dgmen i$ -e!ond
.&di#ial $#r&in!* The deerminaion o% he violaion o% he
#ondiional 'ardon re$$ e"#l&$ivel! in he $o&nd .&dgmen o% he Chie%
E"e#&ive+ and he 'ardonee+ having #on$ened o 'la#e hi$ li-er! on
#ondiional 'ardon &'on he .&dgmen o% he 'o(er ha ha$ graned i+
#anno invo6e he aid o% he #o&r$+ ho(ever erroneo&$ he %inding$ ma!
-e &'on (hi#h hi$ re#ommimen (a$ ordered.
It #atters not that the %ardonee has a''e!ed'y &een a:$itted in
two of the three ri#ina' ases fi'ed a!ainst hi# s$&se:$ent to his
onditiona' %ardon, and that the third re#ains %endin! for thirteen
(,-5 years in a%%arent "io'ation of his ri!ht to a s%eedy tria'.
Ulimael!+ $olel! ve$ed in he Chie% E"e#&ive+ (ho in he
%ir$ 'la#e (a$ he e"#l&$ive a&hor o% he #ondiional 'ardon and o%
i$ revo#aion+ i$ he #orollar! 'rerogaive o rein$ae he 'ardon i%
in hi$ o(n .&dgmen+ he a#)&ial o% he 'ardonee %rom he $&-$e)&en
#harge$ %iled again$ him+ (arran$ he $ame* Co&r$ have no a&hori!
o iner%ere (ih he gran -! he Pre$iden o% a 'ardon o a #onvi#ed
#riminal* I ha$ -een o&r %ori%ied r&ling ha a %inal .&di#ial
'rono&n#emen a$ o he g&il o% a 'ardonee i$ no a re)&iremen %or
he Pre$iden o deermine (heher or no here ha$ -een a -rea#h o%
he erm$ o% a #ondiional 'ardon. There is 'i9ewise ni' a &asis for
the o$rts to effet$ate the reinstate#ent of a onditiona' %ardon
re"o9ed &y the President in the e>erise of %owers $ndis%$ta&'y so'e'y
and a&so'$te'y in his offie. (In Re< Bilfre$o Sumulong &orres, 1.,
SCRA 827, De. 17, ,77. @<er#osisi#aA5
%.. Who has the power to ratify a treaty?
Held: In o$r B$risdition, he 'o(er o rai%! i$ ve$ed in he
Pre$iden and NOT, as o##on'y &e'ie"ed, in he legi$la&re . The role
o% he Senae i$ limied onl! o giving or (ihholding i$ #on$en+ or
#on#&rren#e+ o he rai%i#aion. (6!?!N 3Eagong lyansang
?aBabayan4 v. EIecutive Secretary Ronal$o @amora, +.R. No. ,-/.82, Ot.
,2, 1222, En 3an @3$enaA5
44
%). What is the power of impoundment of the (resident? What are its
principal sources?
Held: IDPO=NDDENT refers to the re%&$al o% he Pre$iden+ %or
(haever rea$on+ o $'end %&nd$ made availa-le -! Congre$$* I i$ he
%ail&re o $'end or o-ligae -&dge a&hori! o% an! !'e.
Pro%onents of i#%o$nd#ent ha"e in"o9ed at 'east three %rini%a'
so$res of the a$thority of the President. 4ore#ost is the a&hori!
o im'o&nd given o him eiher e"'re$$l! or im'liedl! -! Congre$$.
Seond is the e"e#&ive 'o(er dra(n %rom he Pre$idenD$ role a$
Commander,in,Chie%. Third is the 9aih%&l E"e#&ion Cla&$e.
The 'ro'onen$ in$i$ ha a %aih%&l e"e#&ion o% he la($
re)&ire$ ha he Pre$iden de$i$ %rom im'lemening he la( i% doing
$o (o&ld 're.&di#e '&-li# inere$. An e>a#%'e !i"en is when thro$!h
effiient and %r$dent #ana!e#ent of a %roBet, s$&stantia' sa"in!s are
#ade. In s$h a ase, it is sheer fo''y to e>%et the President to
s%end the entire a#o$nt &$d!eted in the 'aw. (PHI'C3NS! v.
EnriHuez, 1-. SCRA .20, A$!. 7, ,77? @P$iasonA5
THE MUDICIAL DEPART:ENT
%%. What are the re'uisites before the &ourt can e-ercise the power
of judicial review?
Held: ,. The ti#e;tested standards for the e>erise of B$diia'
re"iew areI /01 the eIistence of an appropriate caseG /51 an inere$
'er$onal and $&-$anial -! he 'ar! rai$ing he #on$i&ional
)&e$ionG /71 the 'lea ha he %&n#ion -e e"er#i$ed a he earlie$
o''or&ni!G and /E1 the ne#e$$i! ha he #on$i&ional )&e$ion -e
'a$$ed &'on in order o de#ide he #a$e. (Separate 9pinion,
Kapunan, J., in Isagani Cruz v. Secretary of Environment an$ Natural
Resources et al., +.R. No. ,-.-/., De. 0, 1222, En 3an5
1. When :$estions of onstit$tiona' si!nifiane are raised, the
Co$rt an e>erise its %ower of B$diia' re"iew on'y if the fo''owin!
re:$isites are o#%'ied with, na#e'yI /01 the e>istene of an a#&al
and a''ro'riae #a$eG /51 a 'er$onal and $&-$anial inere$ o% he
'ar! rai$ing he #on$i&ional )&e$ionG /71 the e"er#i$e o% .&di#ial
revie( i$ 'leaded a he earlie$ o''or&ni!G and /E1 the
#on$i&ional )&e$ion i$ he li$ moa o% he #a$e. (Integrate$ 6ar
of t)e P)ilippines v. Hon. Ronal$o 6. @amora, +.R. No. ,?,1/?, A$!. ,.,
1222, En 3an @)a%$nanA5
%$. What is an Hactual case or controversyH?
Held: An M&;C@ &S7 98 &9:;89F78SGM #eans an e"i$ing #a$e or
#onrover$! (hi#h i$ -oh ri'e %or re$ol&ion and $&$#e'i-le o%
.&di#ial deerminaion+ and ha (hi#h i$ no #on.e#&ral or
ani#i'aor!+ or ha (hi#h $ee6$ o re$olve h!'ohei#al or %eigned
#on$i&ional 'ro-lem$. A %etition raisin! a onstit$tiona' :$estion
does not %resent an Mat$a' ontro"ersy,M $n'ess it allege$ a legal
righ or 'o(er. Doreo"er, it m&$ $ho( ha a #on%li# o% righ$
e"i$$+ %or inheren in he erm O#onrover$!O i$ he 're$en#e o%
o''o$ing vie($ or #onenion$. Otherwise, the Co$rt wi'' &e fored to
reso'"e iss$es whih re#ain $nfo$sed &ea$se they 'a9 s$h
onreteness %ro"ided when a :$estion e#er!es %reise'y fra#ed fro# a
'ash of ad"ersary ar!$#ents e>%'orin! e"ery as%et of a #$'ti;faeted
sit$ation e#&rain! onf'itin! and de#andin! interests. The
#onrover$! m&$ al$o -e .&$i#ia-le4 ha i$+ i m&$ -e $&$#e'i-le
o% .&di#ial deerminaion. (Integrate$ 6ar of t)e P)ilippines v. Hon.
Ronal$o 6. @amora, +.R. No. ,?,1/?, A$!. ,., 1222, En 3an @)a%$nanA5
45
%#. (etitioners Isagani &ru= and &esar 7uropa brought a suit for
prohibition and mandamus as citi=ens and ta-payers, assailing the
constitutionality of certain provisions of 8epublic ct :o. $*%",
otherwise Bnown as the Indigenous (eoples 8ights ct of "##% <I(8>,
and its Implementing 8ules and 8egulations. preliminary issue
resolved by the S& was whether the petition presents an actual
controversy.
Held: Co&r$ #an onl! de#ide a#&al #onrover$ie$+ no
h!'ohei#al )&e$ion$ or #a$e$. The thresho'd iss$e, therefore, is
whether an Ma%%ro%riate aseM e>ists for the e>erise of B$diia'
re"iew in the %resent ase.
6 > >
In the ase at &ar, there e>ists a 'i"e ontro"ersy in"o'"in! a
'ash of 'e!a' ri!hts. A 'aw has &een enated, and the I#%'e#entin!
R$'es and Re!$'ations a%%ro"ed. Doney has &een a%%ro%riated and the
!o"ern#ent a!enies onerned ha"e &een direted to i#%'e#ent the
stat$te. It annot &e s$essf$''y #aintained that we sho$'d await the
ad"erse onse:$enes of the 'aw in order to onsider the ontro"ersy
at$a' and ri%e for B$diia' reso'$tion. It is %reise'y the
ontention of the %etitioners that the 'aw, on its fae, onstit$tes an
$nonstit$tiona' a&diation of State ownershi% o"er 'ands of the %$&'i
do#ain and other nat$ra' reso$res. :oreover+ (hen he Sae ma#hiner!
i$ $e ino moion o im'lemen an alleged &n#on$i&ional $a&e+
hi$ Co&r 'o$$e$$e$ $&%%i#ien a&hori! o re$olve and 'reven
imminen in.&r! and violaion o% he #on$i&ional 'ro#e$$.
(Separate 9pinion, Kapunan, J., in Isagani Cruz v. Secretary of
Environment an$ Natural Resources et al., +.R. No. ,-.-/., De. 0,
1222, En 3an5
$2. What is the meaning of Hlegal standingH or locus standi?
Held: M@75@ S;:DI:5M or @9&CS S;:DI has &een defined as a
'er$onal and $&-$anial inere$ in he #a$e $&#h ha he 'ar! ha$
$&$ained or (ill $&$ain dire# in.&r! a$ a re$&l o% he governmenal
a# ha i$ -eing #hallenged. The ter# MI:;787S;M #eans a maerial
inere$+ an inere$ in i$$&e a%%e#ed -! he de#ree+ a$ di$ing&i$hed
%rom mere inere$ in he )&e$ion involved+ or a mere in#idenal
inere$. The !ist of the :$estion of standin! is whether a %arty
a''e!es M$&#h 'er$onal $a6e in he o&#ome o% he #onrover$! a$ o
a$$&re ha #on#ree adver$ene$$ (hi#h $har'en$ he 're$enaion o%
i$$&e$ &'on (hi#h he #o&r de'end$ %or ill&minaion o% di%%i#&l
#on$i&ional )&e$ion$.M (Integrate$ 6ar of t)e P)ilippines v. Hon.
Ronal$o 6. @amora, +.R. No. ,?,1/?, A$!. ,., 12225
In addition to the e>istene of an at$a' ase or ontro"ersy, a
%erson who assai's the "a'idity of a stat$te #$st ha"e a 'er$onal and
$&-$anial inere$ in he #a$e+ $&#h ha+ he ha$ $&$ained+ or (ill
$&$ain+ a dire# in.&r! a$ a re$&l o% i$ en%or#emen. E"ident'y,
the ri!hts asserted &y %etitioners as itiJens and ta>%ayers are he'd
in o##on &y a'' the itiJens, the "io'ation of whih #ay res$'t on'y
in a M!enera'iJed !rie"aneM. Yet, in a sense, a'' itiJenHs and
ta>%ayerHs s$its are efforts to air !enera'iJed !rie"anes a&o$t the
ond$t of !o"ern#ent and the a''oation of %ower. (Separate 9pinion,
Kapunan, J., in Isagani Cruz v. Secretary of Environment an$ Natural
Resources et al., +.R. No. ,-.-/., De. 0, 1222, En 3an5
$". sserting itself as the official organi=ation of 0ilipino lawyers
tasBed with the bounden duty to uphold the rule of law and the
&onstitution, the Integrated Ear of the (hilippines <IE(> filed a
petition before the S& 'uestioning the validity of the order of the
(resident commanding the deployment and utili=ation of the
(hilippine ?arines to assist the (hilippine :ational (olice <(:(> in
law enforcement by joining the latter in visibility patrols around
46
the metropolis. ;he Solicitor 5eneral 'uestioned the legal standing
of the IE( to file the petition? 8esolve.
Held: In the ase at &ar, the I3P %ri#ari'y anhors its standin!
on its a''e!ed res%onsi&i'ity to $%ho'd the r$'e of 'aw and the
Constit$tion. A%art fro# this de'aration, howe"er, the I3P asserts no
other &asis in s$%%ort of its locus standi. The mere invo#aion -! he
IBP o% i$ d&! o 're$erve he r&le o% la( and nohing more+ (hile
&ndo&-edl! r&e+ i$ no $&%%i#ien o #lohe i (ih $anding in hi$
#a$e* Thi$ i$ oo general an inere$ (hi#h i$ $hared -! oher gro&'$
and he (hole #ii8enr!* Ba$ed on he $andard$ a-ove,$aed+ he IBP
ha$ %ailed o 're$en a $'e#i%i# and $&-$anial inere$ in he
re$ol&ion o% he #a$e* I$ %&ndamenal '&r'o$e (hi#h+ &nder Se#ion
5+ R&le 07C,A o% he R&le$ o% Co&r+ i$ o elevae he $andard$ o% he
la( 'ro%e$$ion and o im'rove he admini$raion o% .&$i#e i$ alien
o+ and #anno -e a%%e#ed -! he de'lo!men o% he :arine$. > > >
:oreover+ he IBP " " " ha$ no $ho(n an! $'e#i%i# in.&r! (hi#h i ha$
$&%%ered or ma! $&%%er -! vir&e o% he )&e$ioned governmenal a#*
Indeed+ none o% i$ mem-er$+ (hom he IBP '&r'oredl! re're$en$+ ha$
$&$ained an! %orm o% in.&r! a$ a re$&l o% he o'eraion o% he .oin
vi$i-ili! 'arol$. Neither is it a''e!ed that any of its #e#&ers has
&een arrested or that their i"i' 'i&erties ha"e &een "io'ated &y the
de%'oy#ent of the Darines. What the I3P %roBets as inB$rio$s is the
s$%%osed M#i'itariJationM of 'aw enfore#ent whih #i!ht threaten
Phi'i%%ine de#orati instit$tions and #ay a$se #ore har# than !ood in
the 'on! r$n. Not on'y is the %res$#ed MinB$ryM not %ersona' in
harater, it is 'i9ewise too "a!$e, hi!h'y s%e$'ati"e and $nertain
to satisfy the re:$ire#ent of standin!. Sin#e 'eiioner ha$ no
$&##e$$%&ll! e$a-li$hed a dire# and 'er$onal in.&r! a$ a #on$e)&en#e
o% he )&e$ioned a#+ i doe$ no 'o$$e$$ he 'er$onali! o a$$ail
he validi! o% he de'lo!men o% he :arine$* Thi$ Co&r+ ho(ever+
doe$ no #aegori#all! r&le ha he IBP ha$ a-$ol&el! no $anding o
rai$e #on$i&ional i$$&e$ no( or in he %&&re* The IBP m&$+ -! (a!
o% allegaion$ and 'roo%+ $ai$%! hi$ Co&r ha i ha$ $&%%i#ien
$a6e o o-ain .&di#ial re$ol&ion o% he #onrover$!.
(Integrate$ 6ar of t)e P)ilippines v. Hon. Ronal$o 6. @amora,
+.R. No. ,?,1/?, A$!. ,., 1222, En 3an @)a%$nanA5
$2. &onsidering the lacB of re'uisite standing of the IE( to file the
petition 'uestioning the validity of the order of the (resident to
deploy and utili=e the (hilippine ?arines to assist the (:( in law
enforcement, may the &ourt still properly taBe cogni=ance of the
case?
Held: Having $aed he %oregoing+ i m&$ -e em'ha$i8ed ha
hi$ Co&r ha$ he di$#reion o a6e #ogni8an#e o% a $&i (hi#h doe$
no $ai$%! he re)&iremen o% legal $anding (hen 'aramo&n inere$
i$ involved* In no a %e( #a$e$+ he Co&r ha$ ado'ed a li-eral
ai&de on he lo#&$ $andi o% a 'eiioner (here he 'eiioner i$
a-le o #ra% an i$$&e o% ran$#endenal $igni%i#an#e o he 'eo'le*
Th&$+ (hen he i$$&e$ rai$ed are o% 'aramo&n im'oran#e o he '&-li#+
he Co&r ma! -r&$h a$ide e#hni#aliie$ o% 'ro#ed&re. In this ase, a
readin! of the %etition shows that the I3P has ad"aned onstit$tiona'
iss$es whih deser"e the attention of this Co$rt in "iew of their
serio$sness, no"e'ty and wei!ht as %reedents. Doreo"er, &ea$se %eae
and order are $nder onstant threat and 'aw'ess "io'ene o$rs in
inreasin! te#%o, $ndo$&ted'y a!!ra"ated &y the Dindanao ins$r!eny
%ro&'e#, the 'e!a' ontro"ersy raised in the %etition a'#ost ertain'y
wi'' not !o away. It wi'' stare $s in the fae a!ain. It, therefore,
&ehoo"es the Co$rt to re'a> the r$'es on standin! and to reso'"e the
iss$e now, rather than 'ater. (Integrate$ 6ar of t)e P)ilippines
v. Hon. Ronal$o 6. @amora, +.R. No. ,?,1/?, A$!. ,., 12225
/-. When is an action considered /moot1? ?ay the court still resolve
the case once it has become moot and academic?
47
Held: ,. It is a''e!ed &y res%ondent that, with res%et to the
PCCR @Pre%aratory Co##ission on Constit$tiona' Refor#A, this ase has
&eo#e #oot and aade#i. We a!ree.
An ation is onsidered E?99;F (hen i no longer 're$en$ a
.&$i#ia-le #onrover$! -e#a&$e he i$$&e$ involved have -e#ome
a#ademi# or dead. Cnder 7.9. :o. +*, the (&&8 was instructed to
complete its tasB on or before June *2, "###. 6owever, on 0ebruary "#,
"###, the (resident issued 7-ecutive 9rder :o. %2 <7.9. :o. %2>, which
e-tended the time frame for the completion of the commissionPs worB - -
-. ;he (&&8 submitted its recommendations to the (resident on December
22, "### and was dissolved by the (resident on the same day. It had
liBewise spent the funds allocated to it. ;hus, the (&&8 has ceased to
e-ist, having lost its raison dPQtre. Subse'uent events have overtaBen
the petition and the &ourt has nothing left to resolve.
The $alene$$ o% he i$$&e -e%ore &$ i$ made more mani%e$ -! he
im'o$$i-ili! o% graning he relie% 'ra!ed %or -! 'eiioner*
Ba$i#all!+ 'eiioner a$6$ hi$ Co&r o en.oin he PCCR %rom a#ing a$
$&#h* Clearl!+ 'rohi-iion i$ an ina''ro'riae remed! $in#e he -od!
$o&gh o -e en.oined no longer e"i$$* I i$ (ell,e$a-li$hed ha
'rohi-iion i$ a 'revenive remed! and doe$ no lie o re$rain an a#
ha i$ alread! 9AIT ACCO:PLI * A hi$ 'oin+ an! r&ling regarding he
PCCR (o&ld $im'l! -e in he na&re o% an advi$or! o'inion+ (hi#h i$
de%iniel! -e!ond he 'ermi$$i-le $#o'e o% .&di#ial 'o(er. (Gonzales
v. Narvasa, --8 SCRA 8--, A$!. ,?, 1222, En 3an @+onJa!a;ReyesA5
1. The %etition whih was fi'ed &y %ri"ate res%ondents &efore
the tria' o$rt so$!ht the iss$ane of a writ of #anda#$s, to o##and
%etitioners to ad#it the# for enro'#ent. Ta6ing ino a##o&n he
admi$$ion o% 'rivae re$'onden$ ha he! have %ini$hed heir N&r$ing
#o&r$e a he Laning College o% N&r$ing even -e%ore he 'rom&lgaion
o% he )&e$ioned de#i$ion+ hi$ #a$e ha$ #learl! -een overa6en -!
even$ and $ho&ld here%ore -e di$mi$$ed. <owe"er, the ase of Eastern
6roa$casting Corporation 8D?RE9 v. Dans etc. et al., 5.8. :o. .#*2#,
July "#, "#$., "*% S&8 )2$ is the a$thority for the "iew that Meven i%
a #a$e (ere moo and a#ademi#+ a $aemen o% he governing 'rin#i'le
i$ a''ro'riae in he re$ol&ion o% di$mi$$al %or he g&idan#e no onl!
o% he 'arie$ -& o% oher$ $imilarl! $i&aed.F We sha'' adhere to
this "iew and %roeed to dwe'' on the #erits of this %etition.
(/niversity of San !gustin Inc. v. Court of !ppeals, 1-2 SCRA 80,,
882, Darh 8, ,77? @NoonA5
$+. In connection with the ?ay "", "##$ elections, the &9?7@7& issued
a resolution prohibiting the conduct of e-it polls on the ground, among
others, that it might cause disorder and confusion considering the
randomness of selecting interviewees, which further maBes the e-it
polls unreliable. ;he constitutionality of this resolution was
challenged by ES,&E: Eroadcasting &orporation as violative of freedom
of e-pression. ;he Solicitor 5eneral contends that the petition has
been rendered moot and academic because the ?ay "", "##$ election has
already been held and done with and, therefore, there is no longer any
actual controversy to be resolved. 8esolve.
Held: While he a$$ailed Re$ol&ion re%erred $'e#i%i#all! o he
:a! 00+ 0CCB ele#ion+ i$ im'li#aion$ on he 'eo'leD$ %&ndamenal
%reedom o% e"'re$$ion ran$#end he 'a$ ele#ion* The holding o%
'eriodi# ele#ion$ i$ a -a$i# %ea&re o% o&r demo#rai# governmen* B!
i$ ver! na&re+ e"i 'olling i$ ied &' (ih ele#ion$* To $e a$ide
he re$ol&ion o% he i$$&e no( (ill onl! 'o$'one a a$6 ha #o&ld
(ell #ro' &' again in %&&re ele#ion$.
In any e"ent, in Salonga v. Cruz Pano (,-? SCRA ?-/, ?0-, 4e&.
,/, ,7/.5, the Co$rt had oasion to reiterate that it Ea'so has the
d&! o %orm&lae g&iding and #onrolling #on$i&ional 'rin#i'le$+
're#e'$+ do#rine$+ or r&le$* I ha$ he $!m-oli# %&n#ion o%
ed&#aing -en#h and -ar on he e"en o% 'roe#ion given -!
#on$i&ional g&aranee$.F Sine the f$nda#enta' freedo#s of s%eeh
48
and of the %ress are &ein! in"o9ed here, we ha"e reso'"ed to sett'e,
for the !$idane of %osterity, whether they 'i9ewise %rotet the
ho'din! of e>it %o''s and the disse#ination of data deri"ed therefro#.
(!6SFC6N 6roa$casting Corporation v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,--?/0,
*an. 1/, 1222, En 3an @Pan!ani&anA5
$.. Discuss the nature of a ta-payerPs suit. When may it be allowed?
Held: ,. Petitioner and res%ondents a!ree that o #on$i&e a
a"'a!erK$ $&i+ (o re)&i$ie$ m&$ -e me+ namel!+ ha '&-li# %&nd$
are di$-&r$ed -! a 'olii#al $&-divi$ion or in$r&menali! and in
doing $o+ a la( i$ violaed or $ome irreg&lari! i$ #ommied+ and ha
he 'eiioner i$ dire#l! a%%e#ed -! he alleged &lra vire$ a#.
The sa#e %rono$ne#ent was #ade in "ilos#ayan Inc. v. Guingona 1r.,
(1-1 SCRA ,,2 @,77?A, where the Co$rt a'so reiterated its 'i&era'
stane in entertainin! so;a''ed ta>%ayerHs s$its, es%eia''y when
i#%ortant iss$es are in"o'"ed. A 'oser e>a#ination of the fats of
this ase wo$'d readi'y de#onstrate that %etitionerHs standin! sho$'d
not e"en &e #ade an iss$e here, Msine standin! is a one%t in
onstit$tiona' 'aw and here no onstit$tiona' :$estion is at$a''y
in"o'"ed.M
In the ase at &ar, dis&$rse#ent of %$&'i f$nds was on'y #ade in
,78. when the Pro"ine &o$!ht the 'ands fro# Orti!as at P,,2.22 %er
s:$are #eter in 'ine with the o&Beti"es of P.D. 08?. Petitioner ne"er
referred to s$h %$rhase as an i''e!a' dis&$rse#ent of %$&'i f$nds
&$t fo$sed on the a''e!ed fra$d$'ent reon"eyane of said %ro%erty to
Orti!as &ea$se the %rie %aid was 'ower than the %re"ai'in! #ar9et
"a'$e of nei!h&orin! 'ots. The first re:$ire#ent, therefore, whih
wo$'d #a9e this %etition a ta>%ayerHs s$it is a&sent. The on'y
re#ainin! B$stifiation for %etitioner to &e a''owed to %$rs$e this
ation is whether it is, or wo$'d &e, diret'y affeted &y the at
o#%'ained of. As we stated in "ilos#ayan Inc. v. Morato <supra.>,
MStandin! is a s%eia' onern in onstit$tiona' 'aw &ea$se in
so#e ases s$its are &ro$!ht not &y %arties who ha"e &een %ersona''y
inB$red &y the o%eration of a 'aw or &y offiia' ation ta9en, &$t &y
onerned itiJens, ta>%ayers or "oters who at$a''y s$e in the %$&'i
interest. Hen#e he )&e$ion in $anding i$ (heher $&#h 'arie$ have
Kalleged $&#h a 'er$onal $a6e in he o&#ome o% he #onrover$! a$ o
a$$&re ha #on#ree adver$ene$$ (hi#h $har'en$ he 're$enaion o%
i$$&e$ &'on (hi#h he #o&r $o largel! de'end$ %or ill&minaion o%
di%%i#&l #on$i&ional )&e$ion$.H (Citin! 6aAer v. Carr, -07 =.S. ,/0,
8'. Ed. 1d 0-- @,701A5M
Undenia-l!+ a$ a a"'a!er+ 'eiioner (o&ld $omeho( -e adver$el!
a%%e#ed -! an illegal &$e o% '&-li# mone!* When+ ho(ever+ no $&#h
&nla(%&l $'ending ha$ -een $ho(n+ a$ in he #a$e a -ar+ 'eiioner+
even a$ a a"'a!er+ #anno )&e$ion he ran$a#ion validl! e"e#&ed -!
and -e(een he Provin#e and Origa$ %or he $im'le rea$on ha i i$
no 'riv! o $aid #onra#. In other words, %etitioner has a&so'$te'y
no a$se of ation, and onse:$ent'y no 'o$s standi, in the instant
ase. (&)e !ntiFGraft 'eague of t)e P)ilippines Inc. v. San
1uan, 102 SCRA 1.2, 1.-;1.., A$!. ,, ,770, En 3an @Ro#eroA5
1. A a"'a!er i$ deemed o have he $anding o rai$e a
#on$i&ional i$$&e (hen i i$ e$a-li$hed ha '&-li# %&nd$ have -een
di$-&r$ed in alleged #onravenion o% he la( or he Con$i&ion*
Th&$+ a a"'a!erD$ a#ion i$ 'ro'erl! -ro&gh onl! (hen here i$ an
e"er#i$e -! Congre$$ o% i$ a"ing or $'ending 'o(er <0last v. &ohen,
*#2 CS $*, 22 @ 7d 2d #+%, $$ S &t "#+2>. This was o$r r$'in! in a
reent ase wherein %etitioners Te'eo##$niations and 3roadast
Attorneys of the Phi'i%%ines (TELE3AP5 and +DA Networ9, In. :$estioned
the "a'idity of Setion 71 of 3.P. 3'!. //, (otherwise 9nown as the
EO#ni&$s E'etion CodeF5 re:$irin! radio and te'e"ision stations to
!i"e free air ti#e to the Co##ission on E'etions d$rin! the a#%ai!n
%eriod <;elecommunications and Eroadcast ttorneys of the (hilippines,
Inc. v. &ommission on 7lections, 2$# S&8 **% 3"##$4>. The Co&r held
ha 'eiioner TELEBAP did no have an! inere$ a$ a a"'a!er $in#e
49
he a$$ailed la( did no involve he a"ing or $'ending 'o(er o%
Congre$$.
Dany other r$'in!s ha"e %re#ised the !rant or denia' of standin!
to ta>%ayers $%on whether or not the ase in"o'"ed a dis&$rse#ent of
%$&'i f$nds &y the 'e!is'at$re. In Sani$a$ v. Commission on Elections
(8- SCRA --- @,780A5, the %etitioners therein were a''owed to &rin! a
ta>%ayerLs s$it to :$estion se"era' %residentia' derees %ro#$'!ated &y
then President Daros in his 'e!is'ati"e a%aity a''in! for a
nationa' referend$#, with the Co$rt e>%'ainin! that C
6 > > @iAt is now an anient r$'e that the "a'id so$re of a
stat$te C Presidentia' Derees are of s$h nat$re C #ay &e ontested &y
one who wi'' s$stain a diret inB$ry as a res$'t of its enfore#ent. A
he in$an#e o% a"'a!er$+ la($ 'roviding %or he di$-&r$emen o% '&-li#
%&nd$ ma! -e en.oined+ &'on he heor! ha he e"'endi&re o% '&-li#
%&nd$ -! an o%%i#er o% he Sae %or he '&r'o$e o% e"e#&ing an
&n#on$i&ional a# #on$i&e$ a mi$a''li#aion o% $&#h %&nd$. The
&readth of Presidentia' Deree No. 77, arries an a%%ro%riation of 4i"e
Di''ion Pesos for the effeti"e i#%'e#entation of its %$r%oses.
Presidentia' Deree No. ,2-, a%%ro%riates the s$# of Ei!ht Di''ion Pesos
to arry o$t its %ro"isions. The inere$ o% he a%orenamed 'eiioner$
a$ a"'a!er$ in he la(%&l e"'endi&re o% he$e amo&n$ o% '&-li# mone!
$&%%i#ienl! #lohe$ hem (ih ha 'er$onali! o liigae he validi!
o% he De#ree$ a''ro'riaing $aid %&nd$ > > >.
In sti'' another ase, the Co$rt he'd that %etitioners C the Phi'i%%ine
Constit$tion Assoiation, In., a non;%rofit i"i or!aniJation C had
standin! as ta>%ayers to :$estion the onstit$tiona'ity of Re%$&'i At
No. -/-0 insofar as it %ro"ides for retire#ent !rat$ity and o##$tation
of "aation and si9 'ea"es to Senators and Re%resentati"es and to the
e'eti"e offiia's of &oth ho$ses of Con!ress ((hilippine &onstitution
ssociation, Inc. v. 5imene=, ,. SCRA ?87 @,70.A5. And in (ascual v.
Secretary of (ublic WorBs (,,2 Phi'. --, @,702A5, the Co$rt a''owed
%etitioner to #aintain a ta>%ayerLs s$it assai'in! the onstit$tiona'
so$ndness of Re%$&'i At No. 712 a%%ro%riatin! P/.,222 for the
onstr$tion, re%air and i#%ro"e#ent of feeder roads within %ri"ate
%ro%erty. A'' these ases in"o'"ed the dis&$rse#ent of %$&'i f$nds &y
#eans of a 'aw.
Deanwhi'e, in 6ugnay Construction an$ Development Corporation v.
'aron (,80 SCRA 1., @,7/7A5, the Co$rt de'ared that the tria' o$rt
was wron! in a''owin! res%ondent Ra"anJo to &rin! an ation for
inB$ntion in his a%aity as a ta>%ayer in order to :$estion the
'e!a'ity of the ontrat of 'ease o"erin! the %$&'i #ar9et entered
into &etween the City of Da!$%an and %etitioner. The Co$rt de'ared
that Ra"anJo did not %ossess the re:$isite standin! to &rin! s$h
ta>%ayerLs s$it sine E<o=n i$ %a#e+ and here i$ no eviden#e o he
#onrar!+ he lea$e #onra# enered ino -e(een 'eiioner and he
Ci! $ho($ ha no '&-li# %&nd$ have -een or (ill -e &$ed in he
#on$r&#ion o% he mar6e -&ilding.F
Co#in! now to the instant ase, i i$ readil! a''aren ha here
i$ no e"er#i$e -! Congre$$ o% i$ a"ing or $'ending 'o(er* The PCCR
(a$ #reaed -! he Pre$iden -! vir&e o% E*O* No* E7+ a$ amended -!
E*O* No* FJ* Under Se#ion F o% E*O* No* E7+ he amo&n o% P7 million
i$ Oa''ro'riaedO %or i$ o'eraional e"'en$e$ Oo -e $o&r#ed %rom he
%&nd$ o% he O%%i#e o% he Pre$iden.F > > >. The a''ro'riaion$ %or
he PCCR (ere a&hori8ed -! he Pre$iden+ no -! Congre$$* In %a#+
here (a$ no a''ro'riaion a all. EIn a strit sense, ((89(8I;I9:
has &een defied Oa$ nohing more han he legi$laive a&hori8aion
're$#ri-ed -! he Con$i&ion ha mone! ma! -e 'aid o& o% he
Trea$&r!,L whi'e ((89(8I;I9: ?D7 EG @W refers to Rt)e act of t)e
legislature setting apart or assigning to a particular use a certain
sum to #e use$ in t)e payment of $e#t or $ues from t)e State to its
cre$itors.PF The f$nds $sed for the PCCR were ta9en fro# f$nds intended
for the Offie of the President, in the e>erise of the Chief
E>e$ti"eLs %ower to transfer f$nds %$rs$ant to Section +5 859 of
!rticle 2I of the Constit$tion.
50
In the fina' ana'ysis, i m&$ -e $re$$ed ha he Co&r reain$
he 'o(er o de#ide (heher or no i (ill enerain a a"'a!erD$ $&i.
In the ase at &ar, there &ein! no e>erise &y Con!ress of its ta>in!
or s%endin! %ower, %etitioner annot &e a''owed to :$estion the
reation of the PCCR in his a%aity as a ta>%ayer, &$t rather, he #$st
esta&'ish that he has a E%ersona' and s$&stantia' interest in the ase
and that he has s$stained or wi'' s$stain diret inB$ry as a res$'t of
its enfore#ent.F In other words, %etitioner #$st show that he is a
rea' %arty in interest C that he wi'' stand to &e &enefited or inB$red
&y the B$d!#ent or that he wi'' &e entit'ed to the a"ai's of the s$it.
Nowhere in his %'eadin!s does %etitioner %res$#e to #a9e s$h a
re%resentation. (Gonzales v. Narvasa, --8 SCRA 8--, A$!. ,?, 1222, En
3an @+onJa!a;ReyesA5
$). What is a justiciable controversy? What are political 'uestions?
Held: As a !enera' %ro%osition, a ontro"ersy is B$stiia&'e if
it re%er$ o a maer (hi#h i$ a''ro'riae %or #o&r revie(* I
'erain$ o i$$&e$ (hi#h are inherenl! $&$#e'i-le o% -eing de#ided on
gro&nd$ re#ogni8ed -! la(. Ne"erthe'ess, the Co$rt does not
a$to#atia''y ass$#e B$risdition o"er at$a' onstit$tiona' ases
&ro$!ht &efore it e"en in instanes that are ri%e for reso'$tion. One
'ass of ases wherein the Co$rt hesitates to r$'e on are M(9@I;I&@
AC7S;I9:S.M The rea$on i$ ha 'olii#al )&e$ion$ are #on#erned (ih
i$$&e$ de'enden &'on he WISDO: + NOT THE LE>ALIT; + o% a 'ari#&lar a#
or mea$&re -eing a$$ailed* :oreover+ he 'olii#al )&e$ion -eing a
%&n#ion o% he $e'araion o% 'o(er$+ he #o&r$ (ill no normall!
iner%ere (ih he (or6ing$ o% anoher #o,e)&al -ran#h &nle$$ he #a$e
$ho($ a #lear need %or he #o&r$ o $e' in o &'hold he la( and he
Con$i&ion.
As &ana$a v. !ngara (,2- Phi'. ,2., @,7.8A5 %$ts it, %o'itia'
:$estions refer Mo ho$e )&e$ion$ (hi#h+ &nder he Con$i&ion+ are
o -e DECIDED B; THE PEOPLE IN THEIR SOHEREI>N CAPACIT; + or in regard
o (hi#h 9ULL DISCRETIONAR; AUTHORIT; HAS BEEN DELE>ATED o he
legi$laive or e"e#&ive -ran#h o% governmen.M Th$s, if an iss$e is
'ear'y identified &y the te>t of the Constit$tion as #atters for
disretionary ation &y a %arti$'ar &ranh of !o"ern#ent or to the
%eo%'e the#se'"es then it is he'd to &e a %o'itia' :$estion. In the
'assi for#$'ation of *$stie 3rennan in 6aAer v. Carr (-07 =.S. ,/0,
/1 S Ct. 07,, 8 L. Ed. 00-, 08/ @,701A5, M@%Aro#inent on the s$rfae of
any ase he'd to in"o'"e a %o'itia' :$estion is fo$nd a te>t$a''y
de#onstra&'e onstit$tiona' o##it#ent of the iss$e to a oordinate
%o'itia' de%art#entG or a 'a9 of B$diia''y diso"era&'e and
#ana!ea&'e standards for reso'"in! itG or the i#%ossi&i'ity of deidin!
witho$t an initia' %o'iy deter#ination of a 9ind 'ear'y for
nonB$diia' disretionG or the i#%ossi&i'ity of a o$rtHs $nderta9in!
inde%endent reso'$tion witho$t e>%ressin! 'a9 of the res%et d$e
oordinate &ranhes of !o"ern#entG or an $n$s$a' need for $n:$estionin!
adherene to a %o'itia' deision a'ready #adeG or the %otentia'ity of
e#&arrass#ent fro# #$'tifario$s %rono$ne#ents &y "ario$s de%art#ents
on the one :$estion.M
The ,7/8 Constit$tion e>%ands the one%t of B$diia' re"iew &y
%ro"idin! that M/T1he M&di#ial 'o(er $hall -e ve$ed in one S&'reme
Co&r and in $&#h lo(er #o&r$ a$ ma! -e e$a-li$hed -! la(* M&di#ial
'o(er in#l&de$ he d&! o% he #o&r$ o% .&$i#e o $ele a#&al
#onrover$ie$ involving righ$ (hi#h are legall! demanda-le and
en%or#ea-le+ and o deermine (heher or no here ha$ -een a grave
a-&$e o% di$#reion amo&ning o la#6 or e"#e$$ o% .&ri$di#ion on he
'ar o% an! -ran#h or in$r&menali! o% he >overnmen.M (!rticle
2III, Sec. 7 of the ,7/8 Constit$tion5 =nder this definition, the
Co$rt annot a!ree > > > that the iss$e in"o'"ed is a %o'itia'
:$estion &eyond the B$risdition of this Co$rt to re"iew. When he
gran o% 'o(er i$ )&ali%ied+ #ondiional or $&-.e# o limiaion$+ he
i$$&e o% (heher he 're$#ri-ed )&ali%i#aion$ or #ondiion$ have -een
me or he limiaion$ re$'e#ed+ i$ .&$i#ia-le , he 'ro-lem -eing
one o% legali! or validi!+ no i$ (i$dom* :oreover+ he
51
.&ri$di#ion o delimi #on$i&ional -o&ndarie$ ha$ -een given o
hi$ Co&r. When political 'uestions are involved, the &onstitution
limits the determination as to whether or not there has been a grave
abuse of discretion amounting to lacB or e-cess of jurisdiction on the
part of the official whose action is being 'uestioned.
3y 58F7 ECS7 90 DIS&87;I9: is #eant si#%'y #a'ri#io&$ or
(him$i#al e"er#i$e o% .&dgmen ha i$ 'aen and gro$$ a$ o amo&n o
an eva$ion o% 'o$iive d&! or a vir&al re%&$al o 'er%orm a d&!
en.oined -! la(+ or o a# a all in #onem'laion o% la(+ a$ (here he
'o(er i$ e"er#i$ed in an ar-irar! and de$'oi# manner -! rea$on o%
'a$$ion or ho$ili!. =nder this definition, a court is without power
to directly decide matters over which full discretionary authority has
been delegated. Eut while this &ourt has no power to substitute its
judgment for that of &ongress or of the (resident, it may looB into the
'uestion of whether such e-ercise has been made in grave abuse of
discretion. A showin! that %'enary %ower is !ranted either de%art#ent
of !o"ern#ent #ay not &e an o&sta'e to B$diia' in:$iry, for the
i#%ro"ident e>erise or a&$se thereof #ay !i"e rise to B$stiia&'e
ontro"ersy. (Integrate$ 6ar of t)e P)ilippines v. Hon. Ronal$o 6.
@amora, +.R. No. ,?,1/?, A$!. ,., 1222, En 3an @)a%$nanA5
$%. Is the legitimacy of the assumption to the (residency of
(resident 5loria ?acapagal rroyo a political 'uestion and, therefore,
not subject to judicial review? Distinguish 7DS (eople (ower I from
7DS (eople (ower II.
Held: Res%ondents re'y on the ase of @awyers @eague for a
Eetter (hilippines andIor 9liver . @o=ano v. (resident &ora=on &.
'uino, et al. and re'ated ases to s$%%ort their thesis that sine the
ases at &ar in"o'"e the 'e!iti#ay of the !o"ern#ent of res%ondent
Arroyo, er!o, they %resent a %o'itia' :$estion. A #ore ere&ra'
readin! of the ited ases wi'' show that they are ina%%'ia&'e. In
the ited ases, (e held ha he governmen o% %ormer Pre$iden A)&ino
(a$ he re$&l o% a $&##e$$%&l revol&ion -! he $overeign 'eo'le+
al-ei a 'ea#e%&l one* No le$$ han he 9reedom Con$i&ion de#lared
ha he A)&ino governmen (a$ in$alled hro&gh a dire# e"er#i$e o%
he 'o(er o% he 9ili'ino 'eo'le 2in de%ian#e o% he 'rovi$ion$ o% he
0CF7 Con$i&ion+ a$ amended*3 I i$ %amiliar learning ha he
legiima#! o% a governmen $ired -! a $&##e$$%&l revol&ion -! 'eo'le
'o(er i$ -e!ond .&di#ial $#r&in! %or ha governmen a&omai#all!
or-i$ o& o% he #on$i&ional loo'* In #he#6ered #onra$+ he
governmen o% re$'onden Arro!o i$ no revol&ionar! in #hara#er* The
oah ha $he oo6 a he EDSA Shrine i$ he oah &nder he 0CBF
Con$i&ion* In her oah+ $he #aegori#all! $(ore o 're$erve and
de%end he 0CBF Con$i&ion* Indeed+ $he ha$ $re$$ed ha $he i$
di$#harging he 'o(er$ o% he 're$iden#! &nder he a&hori! o% he
0CBF Con$i&ion.
In fine, the 'e!a' distintion &etween EDSA Peo%'e Power I and
EDSA Peo%'e Power II is 'ear.
,.5 7DS I involve$ he e"er#i$e o% he 'eo'le 'o(er o%
revol&ion (hi#h overhro($ he (hole governmen. 7DS II is an
e"er#i$e o% 'eo'le 'o(er o% %reedom o% $'ee#h and %reedom o% a$$em-l!
o 'eiion he governmen %or redre$$ o% grievan#e$ (hi#h onl!
a%%e#ed he o%%i#e o% he Pre$iden.
2.> 7DS I is e"ra #on$i&ional and he legiima#! o% he
ne( governmen ha re$&led %rom i #anno -e he $&-.e# o% .&di#ial
revie(, &$t 7DS II is inra #on$i&ional and he re$ignaion o% he
$iing Pre$iden ha i #a&$ed and he $&##e$$ion o% he Hi#e
Pre$iden a$ Pre$iden are $&-.e# o .&di#ial revie(.
-.5 7DS I 're$ened a 'olii#al )&e$ionG 7DS II involve$
legal )&e$ion$.
Need'ess to state, the ases at &ar %ose 'e!a' and not %o'itia'
:$estions. The %rini%a' iss$es for reso'$tion re:$ire the %ro%er
inter%retation of ertain %ro"isions in the ,7/8 Constit$tion, nota&'y
Setion , of Arti'e II, and Setion / of Arti'e VII, and the
52
a''oation of !o"ern#enta' %owers $nder Setion ,, of Arti'e VII. The
iss$es 'i9ewise a'' for a r$'in! on the so%e of %residentia' i##$nity
fro# s$it. They a'so in"o'"e the orret a'i&ration of the ri!ht of
%etitioner a!ainst %reB$diia' %$&'iity. As ear'y as the ,/2- ase of
?arbury v. ?adison (, Cranh @. =SA ,-8, L Ed 02 @,/2-A5, the dotrine
has &een 'aid down that /it is emphatically the province and duty of
the judicial department to say what the law is - - -.1 Th$s,
res%ondentLs in"oation of the dotrine of %o'itia' :$estion is &$t a
foray in the dar9. (1osep) E. Estra$a v. !niano Desierto, +.R. Nos.
,?08,2;,., Darh 1, 122,, En 3an @P$noA5
$$. Is the (residentPs power to call out the armed forces as their
&ommander,in,&hief in order to prevent or suppress lawless violence,
invasion or rebellion subject to judicial review, or is it a political
'uestion? &larify.
Held: When he Pre$iden #all$ he armed %or#e$ o 'reven or
$&''re$$ la(le$$ violen#e+ inva$ion or re-ellion+ he ne#e$$aril!
e"er#i$e$ a di$#reionar! 'o(er $olel! ve$ed in hi$ (i$dom* Thi$ i$
#lear %rom he inen o% he %ramer$ and %rom he e" o% he
Con$i&ion i$el%* The Co&r+ h&$+ #anno -e #alled &'on o
overr&le he Pre$idenD$ (i$dom or $&-$i&e i$ o(n* Ho(ever+ hi$
doe$ no 'reven an e"aminaion o% (heher $&#h 'o(er (a$ e"er#i$ed
(ihin 'ermi$$i-le #on$i&ional limi$ or (heher i (a$ e"er#i$ed in
a manner #on$i&ing grave a-&$e o% di$#reion* In vie( o% he
#on$i&ional inen o give he Pre$iden %&ll di$#reionar! 'o(er o
deermine he ne#e$$i! o% #alling o& he armed %or#e$+ i i$
in#&m-en &'on he 'eiioner o $ho( ha he Pre$idenD$ de#i$ion i$
oall! -ere% o% %a#&al -a$i$. The %resent %etition fai's to
dishar!e s$h hea"y &$rden as there is no e"idene to s$%%ort the
assertion that there e>ists no B$stifiation for a''in! o$t the ar#ed
fores. There is, 'i9ewise, no e"idene to s$%%ort the %ro%osition
that !ra"e a&$se was o##itted &ea$se the %ower to a'' was e>erised
in s$h a #anner as to "io'ate the onstit$tiona' %ro"ision on i"i'ian
s$%re#ay o"er the #i'itary. In the %erfor#ane of this Co$rtLs d$ty
of E%$r%osef$' hesitationF &efore de'arin! an at of another &ranh as
$nonstit$tiona', on'y where s$h !ra"e a&$se of disretion is 'ear'y
shown sha'' the Co$rt interfere with the PresidentLs B$d!#ent. To
do$&t is to s$stain. (Integrate$ 6ar of t)e P)ilippines v. Hon.
Ronal$o 6. @amora, +.R. No. ,?,1/?, A$!. ,., 1222, En 3an @)a%$nanA5
$#. Do lower courts have jurisdiction to consider the
constitutionality of a law? If so, how should they act in the e-ercise
of this jurisdiction?
Held: We $re$$ a he o&$e ha he lo(er #o&r had
.&ri$di#ion o #on$ider he #on$i&ionali! o% Se#ion 0BF+ hi$
a&hori! -eing em-ra#ed in he general de%iniion o% he .&di#ial
'o(er o deermine (ha are he valid and -inding la($ -! he #rierion
o% heir #on%ormi! o he %&ndamenal la(. S%eifia''y, 6P 7+: "ests
in the re!iona' tria' o$rts B$risdition o"er a'' i"i' ases in whih
the s$&Bet of the 'iti!ation is ina%a&'e of %e$niary esti#ation
<Sec. "#3"4>, e"en as the a$sed in a ri#ina' ation has the ri!ht to
:$estion in his defense the onstit$tiona'ity of a 'aw he is har!ed
with "io'atin! and of the %roeedin!s ta9en a!ainst hi#, %arti$'ar'y
as they ontra"ene the 3i'' of Ri!hts. Doreo"er, !rticle 2III, Section
58+9, of the Constit$tion ve$$ in he S&'reme Co&r a''ellae
.&ri$di#ion over %inal .&dgmen$ and order$ o% lo(er #o&r$ in all
#a$e$ in (hi#h he #on$i&ionali! or validi! o% an! rea!+
inernaional or e"e#&ive agreemen+ la(+ 're$idenial de#ree+
'ro#lamaion+ order+ in$r&#ion+ ordinan#e+ or reg&laion i$ in
)&e$ion.
In the e>erise of this B$risdition, 'ower o$rts are ad"ised to
at with the $t#ost ir$#s%etion, &earin! in #ind the onse:$enes of
a de'aration of $nonstit$tiona'ity $%on the sta&i'ity of 'aws, no
'ess than on the dotrine of se%aration of %owers. A$ he )&e$ioned
53
a# i$ &$&all! he handi(or6 o% he legi$laive or he e"e#&ive
de'armen$+ or -oh+ i (ill -e 'r&den %or $&#h #o&r$+ i% onl! o&
o% a -e#oming mode$!+ o de%er o he higher .&dgmen o% hi$ Co&r in
he #on$ideraion o% i$ validi!+ (hi#h i$ -eer deermined a%er a
horo&gh deli-eraion -! a #ollegiae -od! and (ih he #on#&rren#e o%
he ma.ori! o% ho$e (ho 'ari#i'aed in i$ di$#&$$ion. (rt. FIII,
Sec. +324, &onstitution5 8Drilon v. 'im +*5 SCR! 7*5 7*:F74-
!ug. 4 7::4 En 6anc DCruzE9
#2. What cases are to be heard by the Supreme &ourt en banc?
Held: =nder S$%re#e Co$rt Cir$'ar No. 1;/7, dated 4e&r$ary 8,
,7/7, as a#ended &y the Reso'$tion of No"e#&er ,/, ,77-I
6 > >, the fo''owin! are onsidered en &an asesI
1) Cases in whih the #on$i&ionali! or validi! o% an!
rea!+ inernaional or e"e#&ive agreemen+ la(+ e"e#&ive
order+ or 're$idenial de#ree+ 'ro#lamaion+ order+
in$r&#ion+ ordinan#e+ or reg&laion i$ in )&e$ionG
2) Criminal #a$e$ in whih the a''ealed de#i$ion im'o$e$ he
deah 'enal!G
3) Cases raisin! novel )&e$ion$ o% la(G
4) Cases affetin! am-a$$ador$+ oher '&-li# mini$er$ and
#on$&l$G
5) Cases in"o'"in! de#i$ion$+ re$ol&ion$ or order$ o% he Civil
Servi#e Commi$$ion+ Commi$$ion on Ele#ion$+ and Commi$$ion on
A&diG
6) Cases where the 'enal! o -e im'o$ed i$ he di$mi$$al o% a
.&dge+ o%%i#er or em'lo!ee o% he .&di#iar!+ di$-armen o% a
la(!er+ or eiher he $&$'en$ion o% an! o% hem %or a 'eriod
o% more han one /01 !ear or a %ine e"#eeding P0J+JJJ*JJ or
-ohG
7) Cases where a do#rine or 'rin#i'le laid do(n -! he #o&r en
-an# or in divi$ion ma! -e modi%ied or rever$edG
8) Cases a$$igned o a divi$ion (hi#h in he o'inion o% a lea$
hree /71 mem-er$ hereo% meri he aenion o% he #o&r en
-an# and are a##e'a-le o a ma.ori! o% he a#&al mem-er$hi'
o% he #o&r en -an#G and
9) A'' other ases a$ he #o&r en -an# -! a ma.ori! o% i$
a#&al mem-er$hi' ma! deem o% $&%%i#ien im'oran#e o meri
i$ aenion. (=irestone Ceramics Inc. v. Court of !ppeals,
--? SCRA ?0., ?8,;?81, *$ne 1/, 1222, En 3an @P$risi#aA5
#". What is fiscal autonomy? What is the fiscal autonomy clause?
Held: As en"isioned in the Constit$tion, the fisa' a$tono#y
enBoyed &y the *$diiary, the Ci"i' Ser"ie Co##ission, the Co##ission
on A$dit, the Co##ission on E'etions, and the Offie of the O#&$ds#an
onte#%'ates a g&aranee o% %&ll %le"i-ili! o allo#ae and &ili8e
heir re$o&r#e$ (ih he (i$dom and di$'a#h ha heir need$ re)&ire.
It reo!niJes the 'o(er and a&hori! o lev!+ a$$e$$ and #olle# %ee$+
%i" rae$ o% #om'en$aion no e"#eeding he highe$ rae$ a&hori8ed -!
la( %or #om'en$aion and 'a! 'lan$ o% he governmen and allo#ae and
di$-&r$e $&#h $&m$ a$ ma! -e 'rovided -! la( or %resri&ed &y the# in
the o$rse of the dishar!e of their f$ntions.
0IS&@ C;9:9?G #eans %reedom %rom o&$ide #onrol. The
*$diiary, the Constit$tiona' Co##issions, and the O#&$ds#an #$st ha"e
the inde%endene and f'e>i&i'ity needed in the dishar!e of their
onstit$tiona' d$ties. The i#%osition of restritions and onstraints
on the #anner the inde%endent onstit$tiona' offies a''oate and
$ti'iJe the f$nds a%%ro%riated for their o%erations is anahema o
%i$#al a&onom! and "io'ati"e not on'y of the e>%ress #andate of the
Constit$tion &$t es%eia''y as re!ards the S$%re#e Co$rt, of the
inde'enden#e and $e'araion o% 'o(er$ $%on whih the entire fa&ri of
54
o$r onstit$tiona' syste# is &ased. (6engzon v. Drilon, 12/ SCRA
,--, A%ri' ,., ,771, En 3an @+$tierreJA5
#2. ?ay the 9mbudsman validly entertain criminal charges against a
judge of the regional trial court in connection with his handling of
cases before the court.
Held: Petitioner ritiiJes the B$ris%r$dene (?aceda v.
Fas'ue=, 11, SCRA ?0? @,77-A and Dolalas v. 9ffice of the 9mbudsman,
?indanao, 10. SCRA /,/ @,770A5 ited &y the Offie of the O#&$ds#an as
erroneo$s and not a%%'ia&'e to his o#%'aint. <e insists that sine
his o#%'aint in"o'"ed a ri#ina' har!e a!ainst a B$d!e, it was within
the a$thority of the O#&$ds#an not the S$%re#e Co$rt to reso'"e whether
a ri#e was o##itted and the B$d!e %rose$ted ..herefore.
The %etition an not s$eed.
6 > >
We a!ree with the So'iitor +enera' that the O#&$ds#an o##itted
no !ra"e a&$se of disretion warrantin! the writs %rayed for. The
iss$es ha"e &een sett'ed in the ase of In 8eN Joa'uin Eorromeo (1?,
SCRA ?2/, ?02 @,77.A5. There, we 'aid down the r$'e that -e%ore a
#ivil or #riminal a#ion again$ a .&dge %or a violaion o% Ar$* 5JE
and 5JG /6no(ingl! rendering an &n.&$ .&dgmen or order1 #an -e
enerained+ here m&$ %ir$ -e 2a %inal and a&horiaive .&di#ial
de#laraion3 ha he de#i$ion or order in )&e$ion i$ indeed 2&n.&$*3
The 'rono&n#emen ma! re$&l %rom eiher:
/a1 an a#ion o% #eriorari or 'rohi-iion in a higher #o&r
im'&gning he validi! o% he .&dgmen4 or
/-1 an admini$raive 'ro#eeding in he S&'reme Co&r again$
he .&dge 're#i$el! %or 'rom&lgaing an &n.&$ .&dgmen or
order*
Li6e(i$e+ he deerminaion o% (heher a .&dge ha$ mali#io&$l!
dela!ed he di$'o$iion o% he #a$e i$ al$o an e"#l&$ive .&di#ial
%&n#ion (In Re< 6orromeo, s$%ra, at ?0,5.
ETo re'ea+ no oher eni! or o%%i#ial o% he governmen+ NOT THE
PROSECUTION OR INHESTI>ATION SERHICE O9 AN; OTHER BRANCH + no an!
%&n#ionar! hereo%+ ha$ #om'een#e o revie( a .&di#ial order or
de#i$ion N (heher %inal and e"e#&or! or no N and 'rono&n#e i
erroneo&$ $o a$ o la! he -a$i$ %or a #riminal or admini$raive
#om'lain %or rendering an &n.&$ .&dgmen or order* Tha 'rerogaive
BELON>S TO THE COURTS ALONE.
This ha"in! &een said, we find that the O#&$ds#an ated in
aordane with 'aw and B$ris%r$dene when he referred the ases
a!ainst *$d!e Pe'ayo to the S$%re#e Co$rt for a%%ro%riate ation.
(De 2era v. Pelayo, --. SCRA 1/,, *$'y 0, 1222, ,
st
Di". @PardoA5
#*. Discuss the validity of /?emorandum Decisions.1

Held: ,. The #on$i&ional mandae ha no de#i$ion $hall -e
rendered -! an! #o&r (iho& e"'re$$ing herein #learl! and di$in#l!
he %a#$ and he la( on (hi#h i i$ -a$ed doe$ no 're#l&de he
validi! o% 2memorand&m de#i$ion$3 (hi#h ado' -! re%eren#e he
%inding$ o% %a# and #on#l&$ion$ o% la( #onained in he de#i$ion$ o%
in%erior ri-&nal$. 6 > >
6ence, even in this jurisdiction, incorporation by reference is
allowed if only to avoid the cumbersome reproduction of the decision of
the lower courts, or portions thereof, in the decisions of the higher
court (=rancisco v. PermsAul, ,8- SCRA -1?, ---5. This is %arti$'ar'y
tr$e when the deision so$!ht to &e inor%orated is a 'en!thy and
thoro$!h dis$ssion of the fats and on'$sions arri"ed at > > >.
55
(3il an$ Natural Gas Commission v. Court of !ppeals, 17- SCRA 10, *$'y
1-, ,77/ @DartineJA5
2. We ha"e s$stained deisions of 'ower o$rts as ha"in!
s$&stantia''y or s$ffiient'y o#%'ied with the onstit$tiona'
inB$ntion notwithstandin! the 'aoni and terse #anner in whih they
were written and e"en if Ethere @was 'eftA #$h to &e desired in ter#s
of @theirA 'arity, oherene and o#%rehensi&i'ityF %ro"ided that they
e"ent$a''y set o$t the fats and the 'aw on whih they were &ased, as
when they stated the 'e!a' :$a'ifiations of the offense onstit$ted &y
the fats %ro"ed, the #odifyin! ir$#stanes, the %artii%ation of the
a$sed, the %ena'ty i#%osed and the i"i' 'ia&i'ityG or dis$ssed the
fats o#%risin! the e'e#ents of the offense that was har!ed in the
infor#ation, and aordin!'y rendered a "erdit and i#%osed the
orres%ondin! %ena'tyG or :$oted the fats narrated in the
%rose$tionLs #e#orand$# &$t #ade their own findin!s and assess#ent of
e"idene, &efore fina''y a!reein! with the %rose$tionLs e"a'$ation of
the ase.
We ha"e a'so santioned the $se of #e#orand$# deisions (In
=rancisco v. PermsAul, ,8- SCRA -1?, --- @,7/7A, the Co$rt desri&ed
E@tAhe distinti"e feat$res of a #e#orand$# deision are, 4IRST, it is
rendered -! an a''ellae #o&r, SECOND, i in#or'orae$ -! re%eren#e
he %inding$ o% %a# or he #on#l&$ion$ o% la( #onained in he
de#i$ion+ order+ or r&ling &nder revie(. Dost 'i9e'y, the %$r%ose is
to affir# the deision, a'tho$!h it is not i#%ossi&'e that the a%%ro"a'
of the findin!s of fats &y the 'ower o$rt #ay 'ead to a different
on'$sion of 'aw &y the hi!her o$rt. At any rate, he rea$on %or
allo(ing he in#or'oraion -! re%eren#e i$ evidenl! o avoid he
#&m-er$ome re'rod&#ion o% he de#i$ion o% he lo(er #o&r+ or 'orion$
hereo%+ in he de#i$ion o% he higher #o&r* The idea i$ o avoid
having o re'ea in he -od! o% he laer de#i$ion he %inding$ or
#on#l&$ion$ o% he lo(er #o&r $in#e he! are -eing a''roved or ado'ed
an!(a!.5, a s%eie of s$int'y written deisions &y a%%e''ate o$rts
in aordane with the %ro"isions of Setion ?2, 3.P. 3'!. ,17 on the
!ro$nds of e>%edieny, %ratia'ity, on"eniene and do9et stat$s of
o$r o$rts. We ha"e a'so de'ared that #e#orand$# deisions o#%'y
with the onstit$tiona' #andate.
In =rancisco v. PermsAul, howe"er, we 'aid the onditions for the
"a'idity of #e#orand$# deisions, th$sI
EThe #e#orand$# deision, to &e "a'id, #anno in#or'orae he
%inding$ o% %a# and he #on#l&$ion$ o% la( o% he lo(er #o&r onl! -!
remoe re%eren#e, whih is to say that the ha''en!ed deision is not
easi'y and i##ediate'y a"ai'a&'e to the %erson readin! the #e#orand$#
deision. 9or he in#or'oraion -! re%eren#e o -e allo(ed+ i m&$
'rovide %or dire# a##e$$ o he %a#$ and he la( -eing ado'ed+ (hi#h
m&$ -e #onained in a $aemen ATTACHED o he $aid de#i$ion* In oher
(ord$+ he memorand&m de#i$ion a&hori8ed &nder Se#ion EJ o% B*P* Blg*
05C $ho&ld a#&all! em-od! he %inding$ o% %a# and #on#l&$ion$ o% la( o%
he lo(er #o&r in an anne" aa#hed o and made an indi$'en$a-le 'ar o%
he de#i$ion.
EIt is e>%eted that this re:$ire#ent wi'' a''ay the s$s%iion
that no st$dy was #ade of the deision of the 'ower o$rt and that its
deision was #ere'y affir#ed witho$t a %rior e>a#ination of the fats and
the 'aw on whih it is &ased. The pro-imity at 'east of the anne>ed
state#ent sho$'d s$!!est that s$h e>a#ination has &een $nderta9en. It
is, of o$rse, a'so $nderstood that the deision &ein! ado%ted sho$'d, to
&e!in with, o#%'y with Arti'e VIII, Setion ,? as no a#o$nt of
inor%oration or ado%tion wi'' retify its "io'ation.
EThe Co&r %ind$ ne#e$$ar! o em'ha$i8e ha he memorand&m
de#i$ion $ho&ld -e $'aringl! &$ed le$ i -e#ome an addiive e"#&$e %or
.&di#ial $loh* I i$ an addiional #ondiion %or he validi! o% hi$
6ind o% de#i$ion ma! -e re$ored o onl! in #a$e$ (here he %a#$ are in
he main a##e'ed -! -oh 'arie$ and ea$il! deermina-le -! he .&dge
and here are no do#rinal #om'li#aion$ involved ha (ill re)&ire an
e"ended di$#&$$ion o% he la($ involved* The memorand&m de#i$ion ma! -e
em'lo!ed in $im'le liigaion$ onl!+ $&#h a$ ordinar! #olle#ion #a$e$+
56
(here he a''eal i$ o-vio&$l! gro&ndle$$ and de$erve$ no more han he
ime needed o di$mi$$ i.
6 > >
EHen#e%orh+ all memorand&m de#i$ion$ $hall #om'l! (ih he
re)&iremen$ herein $e %orh a$ o he %orm 're$#ri-ed and he o##a$ion$
(hen he! ma! -e rendered* An! deviaion (ill $&mmon he $ri#
en%or#emen o% Ari#le HIII+ Se#ion 0E o% he Con$i&ion and $ri6e
do(n he %la(ed .&dgmen a$ a la(le$$ di$o-edien#e.
Tested a!ainst these standards, we find that the RTC deision at
&ar #isera&'y fai'ed to #eet the# and, therefore, fe'' short of the
onstit$tiona' inB$ntion. The RTC deision is &rief indeed, &$t it is
star9'y ha''ow, otiose'y written, "a$o$s in its ontent and trite in
its for#. It ahie"ed nothin! and atte#%ted at nothin!, not e"en at a
si#%'e s$##ation of fats whih o$'d easi'y &e done. Its inade:$ay
s%ea9s for itse'f.
We annot e"en onsider or affir# said RTC deision as a
#e#orand$# deision &ea$se it fai'ed to o#%'y with the #eas$res of
"a'idity 'aid down in 0rancisco v. (ermsBul. It #ere'y affir#ed in
toto the DeTC deision witho$t sayin! #ore. A de#i$ion or re$ol&ion+
e$'e#iall! one re$olving an a''eal+ $ho&ld dire#l! mee he i$$&e$ %or
re$ol&ion4 oher(i$e+ he a''eal (o&ld -e 'oinle$$ (See !6D 3verseas
Manpo(er Corporation v. N'RC, 1/0 SCRA ?.?, ?0? @,77/A5.
We therefore reiterate o$r ad#onition in Nicos In$ustrial
Corporation v. Court of !ppeals (120 SCRA ,18, ,-? @,771A5, in that
whi'e we oneded that &re"ity in the writin! of deisions is an
ad#ira&'e trait, it sho$'d not and annot &e s$&stit$ted for s$&staneG
and a!ain in 0rancisco v. (ermsBul, where we a$tioned that e>%edieny
a'one, no #atter how o#%e''in!, annot e>$se non;o#%'iane with the
onstit$tiona' re:$ire#ents.
This is not to diso$ra!e the 'ower o$rts to write a&&re"iated
and onise deisions, &$t ne"er at the e>%ense of sho'ar'y ana'ysis,
and #ore si!nifiant'y, of B$stie and fair %'ay, 'est the fears
e>%ressed &y *$stie 4eria as the ponente in Romero v. Court of !ppeals
o#e tr$e, i.e., i% an a''ellae #o&r %ailed o 'rovide he a''eal he
aenion i righ%&ll! de$erved+ $aid #o&r de'rived he a''ellan o%
d&e 'ro#e$$ $in#e he (a$ a##orded a %air o''or&ni! o -e heard -! a
%air and re$'on$i-le magi$rae* Thi$ $i&aion -e#ome$ more omino&$
in #riminal #a$e$+ a$ in hi$ #a$e+ (here no onl! 'ro'er! righ$ are
a $a6e -& al$o he li-er! i% no he li%e o% a h&man -eing.
4aithf$' adherene to the re:$ire#ents of Section 74, !rticle
2III of the Constit$tion is indis%$ta&'y a %ara#o$nt o#%onent of d$e
%roess and fair %'ay. It is 'i9ewise de#anded &y the d$e %roess
'a$se of the Constit$tion. The 'arie$ o a liigaion $ho&ld -e
in%ormed o% ho( i (a$ de#ided+ (ih an e"'lanaion o% he %a#&al and
legal rea$on$ ha led o he #on#l&$ion$ o% he #o&r* The #o&r
#anno $im'l! $a! ha .&dgmen i$ rendered in %avor o% ? and again$ ;
and .&$ leave i a ha (iho& an! .&$i%i#aion (ha$oever %or i$
a#ion* The lo$ing 'ar! i$ eniled o 6no( (h! he lo$+ $o he ma!
a''eal o he higher #o&r+ i% 'ermied+ $ho&ld he -elieve ha he
de#i$ion $ho&ld -e rever$ed* A de#i$ion ha doe$ no #learl! and
di$in#l! $ae he %a#$ and he la( on (hi#h i i$ -a$ed leave$ he
'arie$ in he dar6 a$ o ho( i (a$ rea#hed and i$ 're#i$el!
're.&di#ial o he lo$ing 'ar!+ (ho i$ &na-le o 'in'oin he 'o$$i-le
error$ o% he #o&r %or revie( -! a higher ri-&nal* :ore han ha+
he re)&iremen i$ an a$$&ran#e o he 'arie$ ha+ in rea#hing
.&dgmen+ he .&dge did $o hro&gh he 'ro#e$$e$ o% legal rea$oning.
It is, th$s, a safe!$ard a!ainst the i#%et$osity of the B$d!e,
%re"entin! hi# fro# deidin! ipse di-it. Vo$hsafed neither the sword
nor the %$rse &y the Constit$tion &$t nonethe'ess "ested with the
so"erei!n %rero!ati"e of %assin! B$d!#ent on the 'ife, 'i&erty or
%ro%erty of his fe''ow#en, the B$d!e #$st $'ti#ate'y de%end on the
%ower of reason for s$stained %$&'i onfidene in the B$stness of his
deision.
57
Th$s the Co$rt has str$9 down as "oid, deisions of 'ower o$rts
and e"en of the Co$rt of A%%ea's whose are'ess disre!ard of the
onstit$tiona' &ehest e>%osed their so#eti#es a"a'ier attit$de not
on'y to their #a!isteria' res%onsi&i'ities &$t 'i9ewise to their a"owed
fea'ty to the Constit$tion.
Th$s, we n$''ified or dee#ed to ha"e fai'ed to o#%'y with
Setion ,?, Arti'e VIII of the Constit$tion, a deision, reso'$tion or
order whihI ontained no ana'ysis of the e"idene of the %arties nor
referene to any 'e!a' &asis in reahin! its on'$sionsG ontained
nothin! #ore than a s$##ary of the testi#onies of the witnesses of &oth
%artiesG on"ited the a$sed of 'i&e' &$t fai'ed to ite any 'e!a'
a$thority or %rini%'e to s$%%ort on'$sions that the 'etter in
:$estion was 'i&e'o$sG onsisted #ere'y of one (,5 %ara!ra%h with
#ost'y swee%in! !enera'iJations and fai'ed to s$%%ort its on'$sion of
%arriideG onsisted of fi"e (.5 %a!es, three (-5 %a!es of whih were
:$otations fro# the 'a&or ar&iterLs deision in'$din! the dis%ositi"e
%ortion and &are'y a %a!e (two @1A short %ara!ra%hs of two @1A
sentenes eah5 of its own dis$ssion or reasonin!sG was #ere'y &ased
on the findin!s of another o$rt sans transri%t of steno!ra%hi notes,
or fai'ed to e>%'ain the fat$a' and 'e!a' &ases for the award of #ora'
da#a!es.
In the sa#e "ein do we stri9e down as a n$''ity the RTC deision
in :$estion. (?ao v. Court of !ppeals, -?? SCRA 121, Ot. 1?,
1222, ,
st
Di". @Da"ideA5
#+. Does the period for decision maBing under Section "., rticle
FIII, "#$% &onstitution, apply to the Sandiganbayan? 7-plain.
Held: The a-ove 'rovi$ion doe$ no a''l! o he Sandigan-a!an*
The 'rovi$ion re%er$ o RE>ULAR COURTS o% lo(er #ollegiae level that
in the %resent hierarhy a%%'ies on'y to the Co$rt of A%%ea's.
The Sandigan-a!an i$ a SPECIAL COURT o% he $ame level a$ he
Co&r o% A''eal$ and 'o$$e$$ing all he inheren 'o(er$ o% a #o&r o%
.&$i#e+ (ih %&n#ion$ o% a rial #o&r.
Th&$+ he Sandigan-a!an i$ no a reg&lar #o&r -& a $'e#ial one.
The Sandi!an&ayan was ori!ina''y e#%owered to %ro#$'!ate its own r$'es
of %roed$re. <owe"er, on Darh -2, ,77., Con!ress re%ea'ed the
Sandi!an&ayanLs %ower to %ro#$'!ate its own r$'es of %roed$re and
instead %resri&ed that the R$'es of Co$rt %ro#$'!ated &y the S$%re#e
Co$rt sha'' a%%'y to a'' ases and %roeedin!s fi'ed with the
Sandi!an&ayan.
ES%eia' o$rts are B$diia' tri&$na's e>erisin! 'i#ited
B$risdition o"er %arti$'ar or s%eia'iJed ate!ories of
ations. They are the Co$rt of Ta> A%%ea's, the Sandi!an&ayan,
and the ShariLa Co$rts.F <Supra, :ote 2*, at p. $>
=nder Arti'e VIII, Setion .@.A of the Constit$tion ER$'es of
%roed$re of special courts and :$asi;B$diia' &odies sha'' re#ain
effeti"e $n'ess disa%%ro"ed &y the S$%re#e Co$rt.F
In his re%ort, the Co$rt Ad#inistrator wo$'d distin!$ish &etween
ases whih the Sandi!an&ayan has o!niJane of in its ori!ina'
B$risdition, and ases whih fa'' within the a%%e''ate B$risdition of
the Sandi!an&ayan. The Co$rt Ad#inistrator %osits that sine in the
first 'ass of ases, the Sandi!an&ayan ats #ore as a tria' o$rt,
then for that 'assifiation of ases, the three @-A #onth re!'e#entary
%eriod a%%'ies. 4or the seond 'ass of ases, the Sandi!an&ayan has
the twe'"e;#onth re!'e#entary %eriod for o''e!iate o$rts. We do not
a!ree.
The 'aw reatin! the Sandi!an&ayan, P.D. No. 7;-; is 'ear on
this iss$e. It %ro"idesI
58
ESe#. I. ?a-imum period for termination of cases C As far
as %ratia&'e, the tria' of ases &efore the Sandi!an&ayan
one o##ened sha'' &e continuous until terminated and t)e
0u$gment s)all #e ren$ere$ (it)in t)ree D*E mont)s from t)e
$ate t)e case (as su#mitte$ for $ecision.F
On Se%te#&er ,/, ,7/?, the Sandi!an&ayan %ro#$'!ated its own
r$'es, th$sI
ESe#. 7. ?a-imum (eriod to Decide &ases L The B$d!#ent or
fina' order of a di"ision of the Sandi!an&ayan sha'' &e
rendered (it)in t)ree D*E mont)s from t)e $ate t)e case (as
su#mitte$ for $ecision.1
>iven he #lari! o% he r&le ha doe$ no di$ing&i$h+ (e hold
ha he hree <7= monh 'eriod+ no he (elve <05= monh 'eriod+ o
de#ide #a$e$ a''lie$ o he Sandigan-a!an. 9&rhermore+ he
Sandigan-a!an 're$enl! $iing in %ive <G= divi$ion$+ %&n#ion$ a$ a
rial #o&r* The erm 2rial3 i$ &$ed in i$ -road $en$e+ meaning+ i
allo($ inrod&#ion o% eviden#e -! he 'arie$ in he #a$e$ -e%ore i.
The Sandi!an&ayan, in ori!ina' ases within its B$risdition, ond$ts
tria's, has the disretion to wei!h the e"idene of the %arties, ad#it
the e"idene it re!ards as redi&'e and reBet that whih they onsider
%erB$rio$s or fa&riated. (Re< Pro#lem of Delays in Cases
6efore t)e San$igan#ayan, A.D. No. 22;/;2.;SC, No". 1/, 122,, En 3an
@PardoA5
CONSTIT=TIONAL LAW
A. T<E IN<ERENT POWERS O4 T<E STATE
POLICE POWER
#.. Define (9@I&7 (9W78 and clarify its scope.
Held: ,. (9@I&7 (9W78 is an inheren ari-&e o% $overeign!.
It has &een defined as he 'o(er ve$ed -! he Con$i&ion in he
legi$la&re o :ALE + ORDAIN + and ESTABLISH all manner o% (hole$ome and
rea$ona-le la($+ $a&e$ and ordinan#e$+ eiher (ih 'enalie$ or
(iho&+ no re'&gnan o he Con$i&ion+ a$ he! $hall .&dge o -e
9OR THE >OOD AND WEL9ARE O9 THE CO::ONWEALTH + and %or he $&-.e#$ o%
he $ame. The %ower is PLENAR; and its SCOPE is HAST and PERHASIHE,
reahin! and B$stifyin! #eas$res for '&-li# healh+ '&-li# $a%e!+
'&-li# moral$+ and he general (el%are.
It &ears stressin! that 'oli#e 'o(er i$ lodged 'rimaril! in he
Naional Legi$la&re* I #anno -e e"er#i$ed -! an! gro&' or -od! o%
individ&al$ no 'o$$e$$ing legi$laive 'o(er. The Nationa'
Le!is'at$re, howe"er, ma! delegae hi$ 'o(er o he Pre$iden and
admini$raive -oard$ a$ (ell a$ he la(ma6ing -odie$ o% m&ni#i'al
#or'oraion$ or lo#al governmen &ni$. One de'e!ated, the a!ents an
e>erise on'y s$h 'e!is'ati"e %owers as are onferred on the# &y the
nationa' 'aw#a9in! &ody. (Metropolitan Manila Development !ut)ority v.
6elF!ir 2illage !ssociation Inc., -1/ SCRA /-0, /?-;/??, Darh 18,
1222, ,
st
Di". @P$noA5
1. The SCOPE of %o'ie %ower has &een he'd to &e $o
#om'rehen$ive a$ o en#om'a$$ almo$ all maer$ a%%e#ing he healh+
$a%e!+ 'ea#e+ order+ moral$+ #om%or and #onvenien#e o% he #omm&ni!.
Po'ie %ower is e$$eniall! RE>ULATOR; in na&re and he 'o(er o i$$&e
li#en$e$ or gran -&$ine$$ 'ermi$+ i% e"er#i$ed %or a reg&laor! and
no reven&e,rai$ing '&r'o$e+ i$ (ihin he am-i o% hi$ 'o(er.
6 > >
@TAhe iss$ane of &$siness 'ienses and %er#its &y a #$nii%a'ity
or ity is essentia''y re!$'atory in nat$re. The a$thority, whih
de"o'"ed $%on 'oa' !o"ern#ent $nits, to iss$e or !rant s$h 'ienses
59
or %er#its, is essentia''y in the e>erise of the %o'ie %ower of the
State within the onte#%'ation of the !enera' we'fare 'a$se of the
Loa' +o"ern#ent Code. (!ce#e$o 3ptical Company Inc. v. Court of
!ppeals, -17 SCRA -,?, Darh -,, 1222, En 3an @P$risi#aA5
#). Does rticle 2)*<g> of the @abor &ode <vesting upon the Secretary
of @abor the discretion to determine what industries are indispensable
to the national interest and thereafter, assume jurisdiction over
disputes in said industries> violate the worBersP constitutional right
to striBe?
Held: Said ari#le doe$ no iner%ere (ih he (or6er$D righ o
$ri6e -& merel! reg&lae$ i+ (hen in he e"er#i$e o% $&#h righ+
naional inere$$ (ill -e a%%e#ed. The ri!hts !ranted &y the
Constit$tion are not a&so'$te. They are sti'' s$&Bet to ontro' and
'i#itation to ens$re that they are not e>erised ar&itrari'y. The
interests of &oth the e#%'oyers and the e#%'oyees are intended to &e
%roteted and not one of the# is !i"en $nd$e %referene.
The La&or Code "ests $%on the Seretary of La&or the disretion
to deter#ine what ind$stries are indis%ensa&'e to nationa' interest.
Th$s, $%on the deter#ination of the Seretary of La&or that s$h
ind$stry is indis%ensa&'e to the nationa' interest, it wi'' ass$#e
B$risdition o"er the 'a&or dis%$te of said ind$stry. The a$$&m'ion
o% .&ri$di#ion i$ in he na&re o% 'oli#e 'o(er mea$&re* Thi$ i$ done
%or he 'romoion o% he #ommon good #on$idering ha a 'rolonged
$ri6e or lo#6o& #an -e inimi#al o he naional e#onom!* The
Se#rear! o% La-or a#$ o mainain ind&$rial 'ea#e* Th&$+ hi$
#eri%i#aion %or #om'&l$or! ar-iraion i$ no inended o im'ede he
(or6er$D righ o $ri6e -& o o-ain a $'eed! $elemen o% he
di$'&e. (P)iltrea$ BorAers /nion DP&B/E v. Confesor, 107 SCRA
-7-, Darh ,1, ,7785
#%. ?ay solicitation for religious purposes be subject to proper
regulation by the State in the e-ercise of police power?
Held: The onstit$tiona' inhi&ition of 'e!is'ation on the
s$&Bet of re'i!ion has a do$&'e as%et. On the one hand, it
foresta''s o#%$'sion &y 'aw of the ae%tane of any reed or the
%ratie of any for# of worshi%. 4reedo# of onsiene and freedo# to
adhere to s$h re'i!io$s or!aniJation or for# of worshi% as the
indi"id$a' #ay hoose annot &e restrited &y 'aw. On the other hand,
it safe!$ards the free e>erise of the hosen for# of re'i!ion. Th&$+
he Con$i&ion em-ra#e$ (o #on#e'$+ ha i$+ %reedom o -elieve and
%reedom o a#* The %ir$ i$ a-$ol&e -&+ in he na&re o% hing$+
he $e#ond #anno -e* Cond&# remain$ $&-.e# o reg&laion %or he
'roe#ion o% $o#ie!* The %reedom o a# m&$ have a''ro'riae
de%iniion$ o 're$erve he en%or#emen o% ha 'roe#ion. In e"ery
ase, the %ower to re!$'ate #$st &e so e>erised, in attainin! a
%er#issi&'e end, as not to $nd$'y infrin!e on the %roteted freedo#.
When#e+ even he e"er#i$e o% religion ma! -e reg&laed+ a $ome
$ligh in#onvenien#e+ in order ha he Sae ma! 'roe# i$ #ii8en$
%rom in.&r!* Wiho& do&-+ a Sae ma! 'roe# i$ #ii8en$ %rom
%ra&d&len $oli#iaion -! re)&iring a $ranger in he #omm&ni!+
-e%ore 'ermiing him '&-li#l! o $oli#i %&nd$ %or an! '&r'o$e+ o
e$a-li$h hi$ ideni! and hi$ a&hori! o a# %or he #a&$e (hi#h he
'&r'or$ o re're$en* The Sae i$ li6e(i$e %ree o reg&lae he ime
and manner o% $oli#iaion generall!+ in he inere$ o% '&-li# $a%e!+
'ea#e+ #om%or+ or #onvenien#e.
It does not fo''ow, therefore, fro# the onstit$tiona' !$arantees
of the free e>erise of re'i!ion that e"erythin! whih #ay &e so a''ed
an &e to'erated. It has &een said that a la( advan#ing a legiimae
governmenal inere$ i$ no ne#e$$aril! invalid a$ one iner%ering
(ih he 2%ree e"er#i$e3 o% religion merel! -e#a&$e i al$o
in#idenall! ha$ a derimenal e%%e# on he adheren$ o% one or more
religion* Th&$+ he general reg&laion+ in he '&-li# inere$+ o%
$oli#iaion+ (hi#h doe$ no involve an! religio&$ e$ and doe$ no
60
&nrea$ona-l! o-$r&# or dela! he #olle#ion o% %&nd$+ i$ no o'en o
an! #on$i&ional o-.e#ion+ even ho&gh he #olle#ion -e %or a
religio&$ '&r'o$e* S&#h reg&laion (o&ld no #on$i&e a 'rohi-ied
'revio&$ re$rain on he %ree e"er#i$e o% religion or iner'o$e an
inadmi$$i-le o-$a#le o i$ e"er#i$e.
E"en with n$#ero$s re!$'ati"e 'aws in e>istene, it is s$r%risin!
how #any o%erations are arried on &y %ersons and assoiations who,
seretin! their ati"ities $nder the !$ise of &ene"o'ent %$r%oses,
s$eed in heatin! and defra$din! a !enero$s %$&'i. It is in fat
a#aJin! how %rofita&'e the fra$d$'ent she#es and %raties are to
%eo%'e who #ani%$'ate the#. The State has a$thority $nder the e>erise
of its %o'ie %ower to deter#ine whether or not there sha'' &e
restritions on so'iitin! &y $nsr$%$'o$s %ersons or for $nworthy
a$ses or for fra$d$'ent %$r%oses. That so'iitation of ontri&$tions
$nder the !$ise of harita&'e and &ene"o'ent %$r%oses is !ross'y a&$sed
is a #atter of o##on 9now'ed!e. Certain'y the so'iitation of
ontri&$tions in !ood faith for worthy %$r%oses sho$'d not &e denied,
&$t so#ewhere sho$'d &e 'od!ed the %ower to deter#ine within reasona&'e
'i#its the worthy fro# the $nworthy. The o&Betiona&'e %raties of
$nsr$%$'o$s %ersons are %reB$diia' to worthy and %ro%er harities
whih nat$ra''y s$ffer when the onfidene of the %$&'i in a#%ai!ns
for the raisin! of #oney for harity is 'essened or destroyed. Some
reg&laion o% '&-li# $oli#iaion i$+ here%ore+ in he '&-li#
inere$.
To #on#l&de+ $oli#iaion %or religio&$ '&r'o$e$ ma! -e $&-.e#
o 'ro'er reg&laion -! he Sae in he e"er#i$e o% 'oli#e 'o(er.
(Centeno v. 2illalonFPornillos, 1-0 SCRA ,78, Se%t. ,, ,77?
@Re!a'adoA5
THE POWER O9 E:INENT DO:AIN
#$. What is 7?I:7:; D9?I:?
Held: ,. 7?I:7:; D9?I: is the righ or 'o(er o% a $overeign
$ae o APPROPRIATE PRIHATE PROPERT; o 'ari#&lar &$e$ o PRO:OTE
PUBLIC WEL9ARE. It is an indi$'en$a-le ari-&e o% $overeign!G a
%ower gro&nded in he 'rimar! d&! o% governmen o $erve he #ommon
need and advan#e he general (el%are. Th$s, the ri!ht of e#inent
do#ain a''erain$ o ever! inde'enden governmen (iho& he ne#e$$i!
%or #on$i&ional re#ogniion* The 'rovi$ion$ %o&nd in modern
#on$i&ion$ o% #ivili8ed #o&nrie$ relaing o he a6ing o% 'ro'er!
%or he '&-li# &$e do no -! im'li#aion gran he 'o(er o he
governmen+ -& limi a 'o(er (hi#h (o&ld oher(i$e -e (iho& limi.
Th$s, o$r own Constit$tion %ro"ides that E<'=rivae 'ro'er! $hall no
-e a6en %or '&-li# &$e (iho& .&$ #om'en$aion.F (!rt. III Sec. :5.
4$rther#ore, the d$e %roess and e:$a' %rotetion 'a$ses ("#$%
&onstitution, rt. III, Sec. "5, at as additiona' safe!$ards a!ainst
the ar&itrary e>erise of this !o"ern#enta' %ower.
Sine the e>erise of the %ower of e#inent do#ain affets an
indi"id$a'Ls ri!ht to %ri"ate %ro%erty, a onstit$tiona''y;%roteted
ri!ht neessary for the %reser"ation and enhane#ent of %ersona'
di!nity and inti#ate'y onneted with the ri!hts to 'ife and 'i&erty,
the need for its ir$#s%et o%eration annot &e o"ere#%hasiJed. In
City of Manila v. C)inese Community of Manila we said (?2 Phi'. -?7
@,7,75I
The e"er#i$e o% he righ o% eminen domain+ (heher
dire#l! -! he Sae+ or -! i$ a&hori8ed agen$+ i$
ne#e$$aril! in derogaion o% 'rivae righ$+ and he r&le in ha
#a$e i$ ha THE AUTHORIT; :UST BE STRICTL; CONSTRUED * No
$'e#ie$ o% 'ro'er! i$ held -! individ&al$ (ih greaer ena#i!+
and none i$ g&arded -! he Con$i&ion and he la($ more
$ed&lo&$l!+ han he righ o he %reehold o% inha-ian$* When
he legi$la&re iner%ere$ (ih ha righ+ and+ %or greaer
'&-li# '&r'o$e$+ a''ro'riae$ he land o% an individ&al (iho&
61
hi$ #on$en+ he 'lain meaning o% he la( $ho&ld no -e enlarged
-! do&-<%&l= iner'reaion. <6ensley v. MountainlaAe Bater Co.,
"* &al., *2) and cases cited 3%* m. Dec., .%)4>
The stat$tory %ower of ta9in! %ro%erty fro# the owner witho$t his
onsent is one of the #ost de'iate e>erises of !o"ern#enta'
a$thority. It is to &e wathed with Bea'o$s sr$tiny. I#%ortant as
the %ower #ay &e to the !o"ern#ent, the in"io'a&'e santity whih a''
free onstit$tions attah to the ri!ht of %ro%erty of the itiJens,
onstrains the strit o&ser"ane of the s$&stantia' %ro"isions of the
'aw whih are prescribed as #odes of the e>erise of the %ower, and to
%rotet it fro# a&$se > > >.
The 'o(er o% eminen domain i$ e$$eniall! LE>ISLATIHE in na&re .
It is fir#'y sett'ed, howe"er, that $&#h 'o(er ma! -e validl! delegaed
o lo#al governmen &ni$+ oher '&-li# eniie$ and '&-li# &iliie$+
alho&gh he $#o'e o% hi$ delegaed legi$laive 'o(er i$ ne#e$$aril!
narro(er han ha o% he delegaing a&hori! and ma! onl! -e
e"er#i$ed in $ri# #om'lian#e (ih he erm$ o% he delegaing la(.
(Heirs of !l#erto Suguitan v. City of Man$aluyong, -1/ SCRA
,-8, ,??;,?0, Darh ,?, 1222, -
rd
Di". @+onJa!a;ReyesA5
1. 7?I:7:; D9?I: is a f$nda#enta' State %ower that is
in$e'ara-le %rom $overeign!* I i$ governmenD$ righ o a''ro'riae+
in he na&re o% a #om'&l$or! $ale o he Sae+ 'rivae 'ro'er! %or
'&-li# &$e or '&r'o$e. Inherent'y %ossessed &y the nationa'
'e!is'at$re, the %ower of e#inent do#ain #ay &e "a'id'y de'e!ated to
'oa' !o"ern#ents, other %$&'i entities and %$&'i $ti'ities. 9or he
a6ing o% 'rivae 'ro'er! -! he governmen o -e valid+ he a6ing
m&$ -e %or PUBLIC PURPOSE and here m&$ -e MUST CO:PENSATION . (Mo$ay
v. Court of !ppeals, 10/ SCRA ./0, 4e&r$ary 12, ,7785
##. State some limitations on the e-ercise of the power of 7minent
Domain.

Held: The @I?I;;I9:S on the %ower of e#inent do#ain are that
he USE m&$ -e PUBLIC + CO:PENSATION m&$ -e made and DUE PROCESS O9 LAW
m&$ -e o-$erved. The S$%re#e Co$rt, ta9in! o!niJane of s$h iss$es
as the ade:$ay of o#%ensation, neessity of the ta9in! and the %$&'i
$se harater or the %$r%ose of the ta9in!, has r$'ed that the
neessity of e>erisin! e#inent do#ain #$st &e !en$ine and of a %$&'i
harater. +o"ern#ent #ay not a%riio$s'y hoose what %ri"ate
%ro%erty sho$'d &e ta9en. (Mo$ay v. Court of !ppeals, 10/ SCRA ./0,
4e&r$ary 12, ,7785
"22. Discuss the 7!(:D7D :9;I9: 90 (CE@I& CS7 in eminent domain
proceedings.
Held: The City of Dani'a, atin! thro$!h its 'e!is'ati"e &ranh,
has the e>%ress %ower to a:$ire %ri"ate 'ands in the ity and
s$&di"ide these 'ands into ho#e 'ots for sa'e to bona fide tenants or
o$%ants thereof, and to 'a&orers and 'ow;sa'aried e#%'oyees of the
ity.
Tha onl! a %e( #o&ld a#&all! -ene%i %rom he e"'ro'riaion o%
he 'ro'er! doe$ no dimini$h i$ '&-li# #hara#er* I i$ $im'l! no
'o$$i-le o 'rovide all a on#e land and $heler %or all (ho need hem.
Coro''ary to the e>%anded notion of %$&'i $se, e"'ro'riaion i$
no an!more #on%ined o va$ ra#$ o% land and landed e$ae$* I i$
here%ore o% no momen ha he land $o&gh o -e e"'ro'riaed in hi$
#a$e i$ le$$ han hal% a he#are onl!.
Thro$!h the years, he '&-li# &$e re)&iremen in eminen domain
ha$ evolved ino a %le"i-le #on#e'+ in%l&en#ed -! #hanging #ondiion$*
P&-li# &$e no( in#l&de$ he -roader noion o% indire# '&-li# -ene%i
or advanage+ in#l&ding in 'ari#&lar+ &r-an land re%orm and ho&$ing.
62
(=ilstream International Incorporate$ v. C!, 1/? SCRA 8,0, *an.
1-, ,77/ @4ranisoA5
"2". ;he constitutionality of Sec. #2 of E.(. Elg. $$" <re'uiring
radio and television station owners and operators to give to the
&omelec radio and television time free of charge> was challenged on the
ground, among others, that it violated the due process clause and the
eminent domain provision of the &onstitution by taBing airtime from
radio and television broadcasting stations without payment of just
compensation. (etitioners claim that the primary source of revenue of
radio and television stations is the sale of airtime to advertisers and
that to re'uire these stations to provide free airtime is to authori=e
a taBing which is not /a de minimis temporary limitation or restraint
upon the use of private property.1 Will you sustain the challenge?
Held: All -road#a$ing+ (heher -! radio or -! elevi$ion
$aion$+ i$ li#en$ed -! he governmen* Air(ave %re)&en#ie$ have o
-e allo#aed a$ here are more individ&al$ (ho (an o -road#a$ han
here are %re)&en#ie$ o a$$ign* A %ran#hi$e i$ h&$ a PRIHILE>E
$&-.e#+ among oher hing$+ o amendmen -! Congre$$ in a##ordan#e
(ih he #on$i&ional 'rovi$ion ha 2an! $&#h %ran#hi$e or righ
graned " " " $hall -e $&-.e# o amendmen+ aleraion or re'eal -!
he Congre$$ (hen he #ommon good $o re)&ire$.F <rt. !II, Sec. "">
Indeed+ 'rovi$ion$ %or Comele# Time have -een made -! amendmen
o% he %ran#hi$e$ o% radio and elevi$ion -road#a$ $aion$ and $&#h
'rovi$ion$ have no -een ho&gh o% a$ a6ing 'ro'er! (iho& .&$
#om'en$aion. Art. 6II, Se. ,, of the Constit$tion a$thoriJes the
a#end#ent of franhises for Ethe o##on !ood.F What better measure can
be conceived for the common good than one for free airtime for the
benefit not only of candidates but even more of the public,
particularly the voters, so that they will be fully informed of the
issues in an election? E<I= i$ he righ o% he vie(er$ and
li$ener$+ no he righ o% he -road#a$er$+ (hi#h i$ 'aramo&n.F
Nor indeed an there &e any onstit$tiona' o&Betion to the
re:$ire#ent that &roadast stations !i"e free airti#e. E"en in the
=nited States, there are res%onsi&'e sho'ars who &e'ie"e that
!o"ern#ent ontro's on &roadast #edia an onstit$tiona''y &e
instit$ted to ens$re di"ersity of "iews and attention to %$&'i affairs
to f$rther the syste# of free e>%ression. 4or this %$r%ose, &roadast
stations #ay &e re:$ired to !i"e free airti#e to andidates in an
e'etion.
In r&h+ radio and elevi$ion -road#a$ing #om'anie$+ (hi#h are
given %ran#hi$e$+ do no o(n he air(ave$ and %re)&en#ie$ hro&gh (hi#h
he! ran$mi -road#a$ $ignal$ and image$* The! are merel! given he
TE:PORAR; PRIHILE>E o% &$ing hem . Sine a franhise is a #ere
%ri"i'e!e, he e"er#i$e o% he 'rivilege ma! rea$ona-l! -e -&rdened
(ih he 'er%orman#e -! he granee o% $ome %orm o% '&-li# $ervi#e.
In he graning o% he 'rivilege o o'erae -road#a$ $aion$
and herea%er $&'ervi$ing radio and elevi$ion $aion$+ he Sae
$'end$ #on$idera-le '&-li# %&nd$ in li#en$ing and $&'ervi$ing $&#h
$aion$* I (o&ld -e $range i% i #anno even re)&ire he li#en$ee$
o render '&-li# $ervi#e -! giving %ree airime.
The #laim ha 'eiioner (o&ld -e lo$ing PG5+7BJ+JJJ*JJ in
&nreali8ed reven&e %rom adveri$ing i$ -a$ed on he a$$&m'ion ha
airime i$ 2%ini$hed 'rod&#3 (hi#h+ i i$ $aid+ -e#ome he 'ro'er! o%
he #om'an!+ li6e oil 'rod&#ed %rom re%ining or $imilar na&ral
re$o&r#e$ a%er &ndergoing a 'ro#e$$ %or heir 'rod&#ion. As he'd in
8ed @ion Eroadcasting &o. v. 0.&.&. (-7. =.S. at -7?, 1- L. Ed. 1d at
-7,, :$otin! ?8 =.S.C. Se. -2,5, whih $%he'd the ri!ht of a %arty
%ersona''y atta9ed to re%'y, Eli#en$e$ o -road#a$ do no #on%er
o(ner$hi' o% de$ignaed %re)&en#ie$+ -& onl! he em'orar! 'rivilege
o% &$ing hem.F Conse:$ent'y, Ea li#en$e 'ermi$ -road#a$ing+ -& he
li#en$ee ha$ no #on$i&ional righ o -e he one (ho hold$ he
63
li#en$e or o mono'oli8e a radio %re)&en#! o he e"#l&$ion o% hi$
%ello( #ii8en$. There is nothin! in the 4irst A#end#ent whih
%re"ents the !o"ern#ent fro# re:$irin! a 'iensee to share his
fre:$eny with others and to ond$t hi#se'f as a %ro>y or fid$iary
with o&'i!ations to %resent those "iews and "oies whih are
re%resentati"e of his o##$nity and whih wo$'d otherwise, &y
neessity, &e &arred fro# the airwa"es.F A$ radio and elevi$ion
-road#a$ $aion$ do no o(n he air(ave$+ no 'rivae 'ro'er! i$
a6en -! he re)&iremen ha he! 'rovide airime o he Comele#.
(&E'E6!P Inc. v. C3ME'EC, 1/7 SCRA --8, A%ri' 1,, ,77/ @DendoJaA5
"22. ?ay eminent domain be barred by Hres judicataH or Hlaw of the
caseH?
Held: The %rini%'e of 87S JCDI&;, whih finds a%%'iation in
!enera''y a'' ases and %roeedin!s, #anno -ar he RI>HT o% he Sae
or i$ agen$ o e"'ro'riae 'rivae 'ro'er!* The ver! na&re o%
eminen domain+ a$ an INHERENT 'o(er o% he Sae+ di#ae$ ha he
RI>HT o e"er#i$e he 'o(er -e ABSOLUTE and UN9ETTERED even -! a 'rior
.&dgmen or RES MUDICATA . The S&9(7 of e#inent do#ain is 'lenar! and,
'i9e %o'ie %ower, an Ereah e"ery for# of %ro%erty whih the State
#i!ht need for %$&'i $se.F All $e'arae inere$$ o% individ&al$ in
'ro'er! are held o% he governmen &nder hi$ a#i agreemen or
I:PLIED RESERHATION. Notwithstandin! the !rant to indi"id$a's, the
7?I:7:; D9?I:, the hi!hest and #ost e>at idea of %ro%erty, remain$ in
he governmen+ or in he aggregae -od! o% he 'eo'le in heir
$overeign #a'a#i!4 and he! have he righ o re$&me he 'o$$e$$ion o%
he 'ro'er! (henever he '&-li# inere$ re)&ire$ i.F Th$s, the
State or its a$thoriJed a!ent annot &e fore"er &arred fro# e>erisin!
said right &y reason a'one of %re"io$s non;o#%'iane with any 'e!a'
re:$ire#ent.
While he 'rin#i'le o% re$ .&di#aa doe$ no denigrae he righ
o% he Sae o e"er#i$e eminen domain+ i doe$ a''l! o $'e#i%i#
i$$&e$ de#ided in a 'revio&$ #a$e* 9or e"am'le+ a %inal .&dgmen
di$mi$$ing an e"'ro'riaion $&i on he gro&nd ha here (a$ no 'rior
o%%er 're#l&de$ anoher $&i rai$ing he $ame i$$&e4 i #anno+
ho(ever+ -ar he Sae or i$ agen %rom herea%er #om'l!ing (ih hi$
re)&iremen+ a$ 're$#ri-ed -! la(+ and $&-$e)&enl! e"er#i$ing i$
'o(er o% eminen domain over he $ame 'ro'er!. (Municipality of
ParanaHue v. 2.M. Realty Corporation, 171 SCRA 08/, *$'y 12, ,77/
@Pan!ani&anA5
"2*. Discuss how e-propriation may be initiated, and the two stages in
e-propriation.
Held: E>%ro%riation #ay &e initiated &y #o&r a#ion or -!
legi$laion. In -oh in$an#e$+ .&$ #om'en$aion i$ deermined -! he
#o&r$ (EP@! v. Dulay, ,?7 SCRA -2. @,7/8A5.
The e>%ro%riation of 'ands onsists of ;W9 S;57S. As e>%'ained
in Municipality of 6inan v. Garcia (,/2 SCRA .80, ./-;./? @,7/7A,
reiterated in National Po(er Corp. v. 1ocson, 120 SCRA .12 @,771A5I
The 0I8S; is onerned with the deerminaion o% he
a&hori! o% he 'laini%% o e"er#i$e he 'o(er o% eminen
domain and he 'ro'rie! o% i$ e"er#i$e in he #one" o% he
%a#$ involved in he $&i. It ends with an order, if not
dis#issa' of the ation, Mof onde#nation de'arin! that the
%'aintiff has a 'awf$' ri!ht to ta9e the %ro%erty so$!ht to &e
onde#ned, for the %$&'i $se or %$r%ose de'ared in the
o#%'aint, $%on the %ay#ent of B$st o#%ensation to &e deter#ined
as of the date of the fi'in! of the o#%'aintM > > >.
The S7&9:D %hase of the e#inent do#ain ation is onerned
with the deerminaion -! he #o&r o% Ohe .&$ #om'en$aion %or
64
he 'ro'er! $o&gh o -e a6en.M This is done &y the o$rt with
the assistane of not #ore than three (-5 o##issioners > > >.
I i$ onl! &'on he #om'leion o% he$e (o $age$ ha
e"'ro'riaion i$ $aid o have -een #om'leed* :oreover+ i i$ ONL;
UPON PA;:ENT O9 MUST CO:PENSATION ha ile over he 'ro'er! 'a$$e$
o he governmen* There%ore+ &nil he a#ion %or e"'ro'riaion ha$
-een #om'leed and erminaed+ o(ner$hi' over he 'ro'er! -eing
e"'ro'riaed remain$ (ih he regi$ered o(ner. Conse:$ent'y, the
'atter an e>erise a'' ri!hts %ertainin! to an owner, in'$din! the
ri!ht to dis%ose of his %ro%erty, s$&Bet to the %ower of the State
$'ti#ate'y to a:$ire it thro$!h e>%ro%riation. (Repu#lic
v. Salem Investment Corporation et. al., +.R. No. ,-8.07, *$ne 1-,
1222, 1
nd
Di". @DendoJaA5
"2+. Do the two <2> stages in e-propriation apply only to judicial,
and not to legislative, e-propriation?
Held: The De la Rama$ are mi$a6en in arg&ing ha he (o
$age$ o% e"'ro'riaion " " " onl! a''l! o .&di#ial+ and no o
legi$laive+ e"'ro'riaion. A'tho$!h Con!ress has the %ower to
deter#ine what 'and to ta9e, it an not do so ar&itrari'y. M&di#ial
deerminaion o% he 'ro'rie! o% he e"er#i$e o% he 'o(er+ %or
in$an#e+ in vie( o% allegaion$ o% 'ariali! and 're.&di#e -! ho$e
adver$el! a%%e#ed+ and he .&$ #om'en$aion %or he $&-.e# 'ro'er!
i$ 'rovided in o&r #on$i&ional $!$em.
We see no %oint in distin!$ishin! &etween B$diia' and
'e!is'ati"e e>%ro%riation as far as the two sta!es #entioned a&o"e are
onerned. Boh involve he$e $age$ and in -oh+ he 'ro#e$$ i$ no
#om'leed &nil 'a!men o% .&$ #om'en$aion i$ made. The Co$rt of
A%%ea's was orret in sayin! that B*P* Blg* 7EJ did no e%%e#ivel!
e"'ro'riae he land o% he De la Rama$* A$ a maer o% %a#+ i
merel! #ommen#ed he e"'ro'riaion o% he $&-.e# 'ro'er!.
6 > >
The De 'a Ra#as #a9e #$h of the fat that ownershi% of the 'and
was transferred to the !o"ern#ent &ea$se the e:$ita&'e and &enefiia'
tit'e was a'ready a:$ired &y it in ,7/-, 'ea"in! the# with on'y the
na9ed tit'e. <owe"er, as this Co$rt he'd in !ssociation of Small
'an$o(ners in t)e P)il. Inc. v. Secretary of !grarian Reform (,8. SCRA
-?-, -/7 @,7/7A5I
The reo!niJed r$'e, indeed, is that ile o he 'ro'er!
e"'ro'riaed $hall 'a$$ %rom he o(ner o he e"'ro'riaor onl!
&'on %&ll 'a!men o% he .&$ #om'en$aion. *$ris%r$dene on
this sett'ed %rini%'e is onsistent &oth here and in other
de#orati B$risditions. 6 > >
(Repu#lic v. Salem Investment Corporation et. al., +.R. No. ,-8.07,
*$ne 1-, 1222, 1
nd
Di". @DendoJaA5
"2.. Is (8I98 C:SC&&7SS0C@ :759;I;I9: a condition precedent for the
e-ercise of eminent domain?
Held: Citin! Iron an$ Steel !ut)ority v. Court of !ppeals (1?7
SCRA .-/, Oto&er 1., ,77.5, %etitioner insists that &efore e#inent
do#ain #ay &e e>erised &y the state, there #$st &e a showin! of %rior
$ns$essf$' ne!otiation with the owner of the %ro%erty to &e
e>%ro%riated.
Thi$ #onenion i$ no #orre#* As %ointed o$t &y the So'iitor
+enera' he #&rren e%%e#ive la( on delegaed a&hori! o e"er#i$e
he 'o(er o% eminen domain i$ %o&nd in Se#ion 05+ Boo6 III of the
Revise$ !$ministrative Co$e, whih %ro"idesI
65
ESEC* 05* (ower of 7minent Domain C The Pre$iden $hall
deermine (hen i i$ ne#e$$ar! or advanageo&$ o e"er#i$e he
'o(er o% eminen domain in -ehal% o% he Naional >overnmen+ and
dire# he Soli#ior >eneral+ (henever he deem$ he a#ion
advi$a-le+ o in$i&e e"'ro'riaion 'ro#eeding$ in he 'ro'er
#o&r.F
The %oregoing 'rovi$ion doe$ no re)&ire 'rior &n$&##e$$%&l
negoiaion a$ a #ondiion 're#eden %or he e"er#i$e o% eminen
domain. In Iron and Steel uthority v. &ourt of ppeals, the President
hose to %resri&e this ondition as an additiona' re:$ire#ent instead.
In the instant ase, howe"er, no s$h "o'$ntary restrition was
i#%osed. (SMI Development Corporation v. Repu#lic, -1- SCRA /01, *an.
1/, 1222, -
rd
Di". @Pan!ani&anA5
THE POWER O9 TA?ATION
"2). &an ta-es be subject to off,setting or compensation?
Held: Ta"e$ #anno -e $&-.e# o #om'en$aion %or he $im'le
rea$on ha he governmen and he a"'a!er are no #redior$ and
de-or$ o% ea#h oher. There is a maerial di$in#ion -e(een a a"
and de-. DE6&S are d&e o he >overnmen in i$ #or'orae #a'a#i!,
whi'e &!%ES are d&e o he >overnmen in i$ $overeign #a'a#i!. It
#$st &e noted that a di$ing&i$hing %ea&re o% a a" i$ ha i i$
CO:PULSOR; raher han a maer o% -argain . <ene, a ta> doe$ no
de'end &'on he #on$en o% he a"'a!er. If any ta>%ayer an defer the
%ay#ent of ta>es &y raisin! the defense that it sti'' has a %endin!
'ai# for ref$nd or redit, this wo$'d ad"erse'y affet the !o"ern#ent
re"en$e syste#. A a"'a!er #anno re%&$e o 'a! hi$ a"e$ (hen he!
%all d&e $im'l! -e#a&$e he ha$ a #laim again$ he governmen or ha
he #olle#ion o% a a" i$ #oningen on he re$&l o% he la($&i i
%iled again$ he governmen. (P)ileI Mining Corporation v.
Commissioner of Internal Revenue, 17? SCRA 0/8, A$!. 1/, ,77/ @Ro#eroA5
"2%. Cnder rticle FI, Section 2$, paragraph * of the "#$%
&onstitution, H3&4haritable institutions, churches and parsonages or
convents appurtenant thereto, mos'ues, non,profit cemeteries, and all
lands, buildings, and improvements, actually, directly and e-clusively
used for religious, charitable or educational purposes shall be e-empt
from ta-ation.H G?& claims that the income earned by its building
leased to private entities and that of its parBing space is liBewise
covered by said e-emption. 8esolve.
Held: The de&ates, inter%e''ations and e>%ressions of o%inion of
the fra#ers of the Constit$tion re"ea' their intent that whih, in
t$rn, #ay ha"e !$ided the %eo%'e in ratifyin! the Charter. S$h intent
#$st &e effet$ated.
Aordin!'y, *$stie <i'ario +. Da"ide, *r., a for#er
onstit$tiona' o##issioner, who is now a #e#&er of this Co$rt,
stressed d$rin! the Cono# de&ates that M> > > (ha i$ e"em'ed i$ no
he in$i&ion i$el% > > >G ho$e e"em'ed %rom real e$ae a"e$ are
land$+ -&ilding$ and im'rovemen$ a#&all!+ dire#l! and e"#l&$ivel!
&$ed %or religio&$+ #haria-le or ed&#aional '&r'o$e$. 4ather *oa:$in
+. 3ernas, an e#inent a$thority on the Constit$tion and a'so a #e#&er
of the Cono#, adhered to the sa#e "iew that he e"em'ion #reaed -!
$aid 'rovi$ion 'erained onl! o PROPERT; TA?ES .
In his treatise on ta>ation, Dr. *$stie *ose C. Vit$! on$rs,
statin! that M@tAhe ta> e>e#%tion o"ers property ta>es on'y.M
(Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. C!, 17/ SCRA /-, Ot. ,?,
,77/ @Pan!ani&anA5
"2$. Cnder rticle !IF, Section +, paragraph * of the "#$%
&onstitution, H34ll revenues and assets of non,stocB, non,profit
66
educational institutions used actually, directly, and e-clusively for
educational purposes shall be e-empt from ta-es and duties.H G?&
alleged that it His a non,profit educational institution whose revenues
and assets are used actually, directly and e-clusively for educational
purposes so it is e-empt from ta-es on its properties and income.H
Held: We reierae ha 'rivae re$'onden i$ e"em' %rom he
'a!men o% 'ro'er! a"+ BUT NOT INCO:E TA? ON THE RENTALS 9RO: ITS
PROPERT; * The -are allegaion alone ha i i$ a non,$o#6+ non,'ro%i
ed&#aional in$i&ion i$ in$&%%i#ien o .&$i%! i$ e"em'ion %rom
he 'a!men o% in#ome a".
DL=a($ allo(ing a" e"em'ion are #on$r&ed STRICTISSI:I MURIS .
<ene, for the YDCA to &e !ranted the e>e#%tion it 'ai#s $nder the
a&o"eited %ro"ision, it #$st %ro"e with s$&stantia' e"idene that /01
i %all$ &nder he #la$$i%i#aion nonFstocA nonFprofit e$ucational
institutionO and /51 he in#ome i $ee6$ o -e e"em'ed %rom a"aion
i$ use$ actually $irectly an$ eIclusively for e$ucational purposes .
<owe"er, the Co$rt notes that not a sinti''a of e"idene was s$&#itted
&y %ri"ate res%ondent to %ro"e that it #et the said re:$isites.
(Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. C!, 17/ SCRA /-, Ot. ,?, ,77/
@Pan!ani&anA5
"2#. Is the G?& an educational institution, within the purview of
rticle !IF, Section +, par. * of the &onstitution?
Held: We r&le ha i i$ NOT . The ter# M7DC&;I9:@
I:S;I;C;I9:M or MI:S;I;C;I9: 90 @78:I:5M has a:$ired a we'';9nown
tehnia' #eanin!, of whih the #e#&ers of the Constit$tiona'
Co##ission are dee#ed o!niJant. =nder the Ed$ation At of ,7/1, $&#h
erm re%er$ o $#hool$. The shoo' syste# is $!non!mo&$ (ih %ormal
ed&#aion, whih Mre%er$ o he hierar#hi#all! $r&#&red and
#hronologi#all! graded learning$ organi8ed and 'rovided -! he %ormal
$#hool $!$em and %or (hi#h #eri%i#aion i$ re)&ired in order %or he
learner o 'rogre$$ hro&gh he grade$ or move o he higher level$.M
The Co$rt has e>a#ined the MA#ended Arti'es of Inor%orationM and M3y;
LawsM of the YDCA, &$t fo$nd nothin! in the# that e"en hints that it is
a shoo' or an ed$ationa' instit$tion.
4$rther#ore, $nder the Ed$ation At of ,7/1, e"en non;for#a'
ed$ation is $nderstood to &e shoo';&ased and M%ri"ate a$s%ies s$h
as fo$ndations and i"i;s%irited or!aniJationsM are r$'ed o$t. It is
sett'ed that the ter# Med$ationa' instit$tion,M when $sed in 'aws
!rantin! ta> e>e#%tions, re%er$ o a O" " " $#hool $eminar!+ #ollege or
ed&#aional e$a-li$hmen " " ".M <$+ &JS .))> Therefore, the %ri"ate
res%ondent annot &e dee#ed one of the ed$ationa' instit$tions o"ered
&y the onstit$tiona' %ro"ision $nder onsideration. (Commissioner of
Internal Revenue v. C!, 17/ SCRA /-, Ot. ,?, ,77/ @Pan!ani&anA5
""2. ?ay the (&55 validly commit to e-empt from all forms of ta-es the
properties to be retained by the ?arcos heirs in a &ompromise greement
between the former and the latter?
Held: The 'o(er o a" and o gran e"em'ion$ i$ ve$ed in he
Congre$$ and+ o a #erain e"en+ in he lo#al legi$laive -odie$.
Setion 1/(?5, Arti'e VI of the Constit$tion, s%eifia''y %ro"idesI
ENo la( graning an! a" e"em'ion $hall -e 'a$$ed (iho& he
#on#&rren#e o% a ma.ori! o% all he mem-er$ o% he Congre$$.F The
PC>> ha$ a-$ol&el! no 'o(er o gran a" e"em'ion$+ even &nder he
#over o% i$ a&hori! o #om'romi$e ill,goen (ealh #a$e$.
Even graning ha Congre$$ ena#$ a la( e"em'ing he :ar#o$e$
%rom 'a!ing a"e$ on heir 'ro'erie$+ $&#h la( (ill de%iniel! no
'a$$ he e$ o% he e)&al 'roe#ion #la&$e &nder he Bill o% Righ$*
An! $'e#ial gran o% a" e"em'ion in %avor onl! o% he :ar#o$ heir$
(ill #on$i&e #la$$ legi$laion. It wi'' a'so "io'ate the
67
onstit$tiona' r$'e that Eta>ation sha'' &e $nifor# and e:$ita&'e.M
(C)avez v. PCGG, 177 SCRA 8??, De. 7, ,77/ @Pan!ani&anA5
""". Discuss the purpose of ta- treaties?
Held: The RP;=S Ta> Treaty is B$st one of a n$#&er of &i'atera'
treaties whih the Phi'i%%ines has entered into for the a"oidane of
do$&'e ta>ation. The %$r%ose of these internationa' a!ree#ents is o
re#on#ile he naional %i$#al legi$laion$ o% he #onra#ing 'arie$
in order o hel' he a"'a!er avoid $im&laneo&$ a"aion in (o
di%%eren .&ri$di#ion$. Dore %reise'y, the ta> on"entions are
drafted with a "iew towards the e'i#ination of international juridical
double ta-ation > > >. (Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. S.C.
1o)nson an$ Son Inc., -27 SCRA /8, ,2,;,21, *$ne 1., ,777, -
rd
Di".
@+onJa!a;ReyesA5
""2. What is Hinternational juridical double ta-ationH?
Held: It is defined as he im'o$iion o% #om'ara-le a"e$ in (o
or more $ae$ on he $ame a"'a!er in re$'e# o% he $ame $&-.e#
maer and %or ideni#al 'eriod$. (Commissioner of Internal Revenue v.
S.C. 1o)nson an$ Son Inc., -27 SCRA /8, ,21, *$ne 1., ,7775
""*. What is the rationale for doing away with international juridical
double ta-ation? What are the methods resorted to by ta- treaties to
eliminate double ta-ation?
Held: The a%%arent rationa'e for doin! away with do$&'e ta>ation
is o en#o&rage he %ree %lo( o% good$ and $ervi#e$ and he movemen o%
#a'ial+ e#hnolog! and 'er$on$ -e(een #o&nrie$+ #ondiion$ deemed
vial in #reaing ro-&$ and d!nami# e#onomie$. 4orei!n in"est#ents
wi'' on'y thri"e in a fair'y %redita&'e and reasona&'e internationa'
in"est#ent 'i#ate and the %rotetion a!ainst do$&'e ta>ation is
r$ia' in reatin! s$h a 'i#ate.
Do$&'e ta>ation $s$a''y ta9es %'ae when a 'er$on i$ re$iden o%
a #onra#ing $ae and derive$ in#ome %rom+ or o(n$ #a'ial in he
oher #onra#ing $ae and -oh $ae$ im'o$e a" on ha in#ome or
#a'ial. In order to e'i#inate do$&'e ta>ation, a ta> treaty resorts
to se"era' #ethods. 4irst, i $e$ o& he re$'e#ive righ$ o a" o%
he $ae o% $o&r#e or $i&$ and o% he $ae o% re$iden#e (ih regard
o #erain #la$$e$ o% in#ome or #a'ial. In so#e ases, an e>'$si"e
ri!ht to ta> is onferred on one of the ontratin! statesG howe"er,
for other ite#s of ino#e or a%ita', &oth states are !i"en the ri!ht
to ta>, a'tho$!h the a#o$nt of ta> that #ay &e i#%osed &y the state of
so$re is 'i#ited.
The seond #ethod for the e'i#ination of do$&'e ta>ation a%%'ies
whene"er he $ae o% $o&r#e i$ given a %&ll or limied righ o a"
ogeher (ih he $ae o% re$iden#e. In this ase, he reaie$ ma6e
i in#&m-en &'on he $ae o% re$iden#e o allo( relie% in order o
avoid do&-le a"aion. There are (o mehod$ o% relie% ; the E?E:PTION
:ETHOD and the CREDIT :ETHOD. In the e>e#%tion #ethod, the in#ome or
#a'ial (hi#h i$ a"a-le in he $ae o% $o&r#e or $i&$ i$ e"em'ed in
he $ae o% re$iden#e+ alho&gh in $ome in$an#e$ i ma! -e a6en ino
a##o&n in deermining he rae o% a" a''li#a-le o he a"'a!erK$
remaining in#ome or #a'ial. On the other hand, in the redit #ethod,
alho&gh he in#ome or #a'ial (hi#h i$ a"ed in he $ae o% $o&r#e i$
$ill a"a-le in he $ae o% re$iden#e+ he a" 'aid in he %ormer i$
#redied again$ he a" levied in he laer. The &asi differene
&etween the two #ethods is that in the e>e#%tion #ethod, the fo$s is
on the ino#e or a%ita' itse'f, whereas the redit #ethod fo$ses $%on
the ta>. (Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. S.C. 1o)nson an$ Son
Inc., -27 SCRA /8, ,21;,2-, *$ne 1., ,7775
68
""+. What is the rationale for reducing the ta- rate in negotiating
ta- treaties?
Held: In ne!otiatin! ta> treaties, the $nder'yin! rationa'e for
red$in! the ta> rate is that he Phili''ine$ (ill give &' a 'ar o%
he a" in he e"'e#aion ha he a" given &' %or hi$ 'ari#&lar
inve$men i$ no a"ed -! he oher #o&nr!. (Commissioner of
Internal Revenue v. S.C. 1o)nson an$ Son Inc., -27 SCRA /8, ,2-, *$ne
1., ,7775
3. T<E 3ILL O4 RI+<TS
THE DUE PROCESS CLAUSE
"".. Discuss the Due (rocess &lause. Distinguish substantive due
process from procedural due process.
Held: Setion , of the 3i'' of Ri!hts 'ays down what is 9nown as
the Md$e %roess 'a$seM of the Constit$tion.
In order to fa'' within the ae!is of this %ro"ision, two
conditions must concur, na#e'y, that here i$ a de'rivaion and that
$&#h de'rivaion i$ done (iho& 'ro'er o-$ervan#e o% d&e 'ro#e$$.
When one s%ea9s of d$e %roess of 'aw, howe"er, a distintion #$st &e
#ade &etween #atters of %roed$re and #atters of s$&stane. In
essene, (89&7DC8@ DC7 (89&7SS Mre%er$ o he :ETHOD or :ANNER -!
(hi#h he la( i$ en%or#ed,M whi'e SCES;:;IF7 DC7 (89&7SS Mre)&ire$
ha he LAW i$el%+ no merel! he 'ro#ed&re$ -! (hi#h he la( (o&ld
-e en%or#ed+ i$ 9AIR + REASONABLE + and MUST .M (Corona v. /nite$
Har#or Pilots !ssociation of t)e P)ils., 1/- SCRA -,, De. ,1, ,778
@Ro#eroA5
""). 8espondents Cnited 6arbor (ilots ssociation of the (hilippines
argue that due process was not observed in the adoption of ((,9 :o.
2+,#2 which provides thatN /<a>ll e-isting regular appointments which
have been previously issued by the Eureau of &ustoms or the (( shall
remain valid up to *" December "##2 only,1 and /<a>ll appointments to
harbor pilot positions in all pilotage districts shall, henceforth, be
only for a term of one <"> year from date of effectivity subject to
renewal or cancellation by the (hilippine (orts uthority after conduct
of a rigid evaluation of performance,1 allegedly because no hearing was
conducted whereby /relevant government agencies1 and the harbor pilots
themselves could ventilate their views. ;hey also contended that the
sole and e-clusive right to the e-ercise of harbor pilotage by pilots
has become vested and can only be /withdrawn or shortened1 by observing
the constitutional mandate of due process of law.
Held: They are o&"io$s'y referrin! to the (89&7DC8@ S(7&; of
the enat#ent. 4ort$nate'y, the Co$rt has #aintained a 'ear %osition
in this re!ard, a stane it has stressed in the reent ase of 'umiHue$
v. Hon. EIevea (+.R. No. ,,8.0., No"e#&er ,/, ,7785, where it de'ared
that E/a1$ long a$ a 'ar! (a$ given he o''or&ni! o de%end hi$
inere$$ in d&e #o&r$e+ he #anno -e $aid o have -een denied d&e
'ro#e$$ o% la(+ %or hi$ OPPORTUNIT; TO BE HEARD i$ he ver! ESSENCE o%
d&e 'ro#e$$* :oreover+ hi$ #on$i&ional mandae i$ deemed $ai$%ied
i% a 'er$on i$ graned an o''or&ni! o $ee6 re#on$ideraion o% he
a#ion or r&ling #om'lained o%.F
In the ase at &ar, res%ondents :$estioned PPA;AO No. 2?;71 no
'ess than fo$r ti#es &efore the #atter was fina''y e'e"ated to this
Tri&$na'. Their ar!$#ents on this sore, howe"er, fai'ed to %ers$ade.
6 > >
Neither does the fat that the %i'ots the#se'"es were not
ons$'ted in any way taint the "a'idity of the ad#inistrati"e order.
A$ a general r&le+ noi#e and hearing+ a$ he %&ndamenal re)&iremen$
o% 'ro#ed&ral d&e 'ro#e$$+ are e$$enial onl! (hen an admini$raive
69
-od! e"er#i$e$ i$ QUASI,MUDICIAL 9UNCTION * In he 'er%orman#e o% i$
e"e#&ive or legi$laive %&n#ion$+ $&#h a$ i$$&ing r&le$ and
reg&laion$+ an admini$raive -od! need no #om'l! (ih he
re)&iremen$ o% noi#e and hearing.
=%on the other hand, it is a'so ontended that the so'e and
e>'$si"e ri!ht to the e>erise of har&or %i'ota!e &y %i'ots is a
sett'ed iss$e. Res%ondents a"er that said ri!ht has &eo#e "ested and
an on'y &e Ewithdrawn or shortenedF &y o&ser"in! the onstit$tiona'
#andate of d$e %roess of 'aw. Their ar!$#ent has th$s shifted fro#
the %roed$ra' to one of S=3STANCE. It is here where PPA;AO No. 2?;71
fai's to #eet the ondition set &y the or!ani 'aw.
Pi'ota!e, B$st 'i9e other %rofessions, #ay &e %ratied on'y &y
d$'y 'iensed indi"id$a's. Liens$re is Ethe !rantin! of 'iense
es%eia''y to %ratie a %rofession.F It is a'so Ethe syste# of
!rantin! 'ienses (as for %rofessiona' %ratie5 in aordane with
esta&'ished standards.F A 'iense is a ri!ht or %er#ission !ranted &y
so#e o#%etent a$thority to arry on a &$siness or do an at whih,
witho$t s$h 'iense, wo$'d &e i''e!a'.
3efore har&or %i'ots an earn a 'iense to %ratie their
%rofession, they 'itera''y ha"e to %ass thro$!h the %ro"er&ia' eye of a
need'e &y ta9in!, not one &$t five e>a#inations, eah fo''owed &y
at$a' trainin! and %ratie. 6 > >
Their 'iense is !ranted in the for# of an a%%oint#ent whih
a''ows the# to en!a!e in %i'ota!e $nti' they retire at the a!e of 82
years. This is a "ested ri!ht. =nder the ter#s of PPA;AO No. 2?;71,
E@aA'' e>istin! re!$'ar a%%oint#ents whih ha"e &een %re"io$s'y iss$ed
&y the 3$rea$ of C$sto#s or the PPA sha'' re#ain "a'id $% to -,
Dee#&er ,771 on'y,F and E(a5'' a%%oint#ents to har&or %i'ot %ositions
in a'' %i'ota!e distrits sha'', heneforth, &e on'y for a ter# of one
(,5 year fro# date of effeti"ity s$&Bet to renewa' or ane''ation &y
the A$thority after ond$t of a ri!id e"a'$ation of %erfor#ane.F
I i$ readil! a''aren ha PPA,AO No* JE,C5 &nd&l! re$ri#$ he
righ o% har-or 'ilo$ o en.o! heir 'ro%e$$ion -e%ore heir
#om'&l$or! reiremen. In the %ast, they enBoyed a #eas$re of se$rity
9nowin! that after %assin! fi"e e>a#inations and $nder!oin! years of
on;the;Bo& trainin!, they wo$'d ha"e a 'iense whih they o$'d $se
$nti' their retire#ent, $n'ess sooner re"o9ed &y the PPA for #enta' or
%hysia' $nfitness. =nder the new iss$ane, they ha"e to ontend with
an ann$a' ane''ation of their 'iense whih an &e te#%orary or
%er#anent de%endin! on the o$to#e of their %erfor#ane e"a'$ation.
Veteran %i'ots and neo%hytes a'i9e are s$dden'y onfronted with one;
year ter#s whih ipso facto e>%ire at the end of that %eriod. Renewa'
of their 'iense is now de%endent on a Eri!id e"a'$ation of
%erfor#aneF whih is ond$ted on'y after the 'iense has a'ready &een
ane''ed. <ene, the $se of the ter# Erenewa'.F I i$ hi$ 're,
eval&aion #an#ellaion (hi#h 'rimaril! ma6e$ PPA,AO No* JE,C5
&nrea$ona-le and #on$i&ionall! in%irm* In a real $en$e+ i i$ a
de'rivaion o% 'ro'er! (iho& d&e 'ro#e$$ o% la(. (Corona v. /nite$
Har#or Pilots !ssociation of t)e P)ils., 1/- SCRA -,, Dee#&er ,1, ,778
@Ro#eroA5
""%. Does the due process clause encompass the right to be assisted by
counsel during an administrative in'uiry?
Held: The righ o #o&n$el+ (hi#h #anno -e (aived &nle$$ he
(aiver i$ in (riing and in he 're$en#e o% #o&n$el+ i$ a righ
a%%orded a $&$'e# or an a##&$ed d&ring #&$odial inve$igaion* I i$
no an a-$ol&e righ and ma!+ h&$+ -e invo6ed or re.e#ed in a
#riminal 'ro#eeding and+ (ih more rea$on+ in an admini$raive in)&ir!.
In the case at bar, petitioners invoBe the right of an accused in
criminal proceedings to have competent and independent counsel of his
own choice. @umi'ued, however, was not accused of any crime in the
proceedings below. ;he investigation conducted by the committee - - -
70
was for the sole purpose of determining if he could be held
D?I:IS;8;IF7@G @IE@7 under the law for the complaints filed against
him. - - - s such, the hearing conducted by the investigating
committee was not part of a criminal prosecution. 6 > >
While inve$igaion$ #ond&#ed -! an admini$raive -od! ma! a
ime$ -e a6in o a #riminal 'ro#eeding+ he %a# remain$ ha &nder
e"i$ing la($+ a 'ar! in an admini$raive in)&ir! :A; or :A; NOT BE
ASSISTED B; COUNSEL + irre$'e#ive o% he na&re o% he #harge$ and o%
he re$'ondenK$ #a'a#i! o re're$en him$el%+ and no d&! re$$ on
$&#h a -od! o %&rni$h he 'er$on -eing inve$igaed (ih #o&n$el. In
an ad#inistrati"e %roeedin! > > > a res%ondent > > > has the 9(;I9: of
en!a!in! the ser"ies of o$nse' or not. > > > Th&$+ he righ o
#o&n$el i$ no im'eraive in admini$raive inve$igaion$ -e#a&$e $&#h
in)&irie$ are #ond&#ed merel! o deermine (heher here are %a#$
ha meri di$#i'linar! mea$&re$ again$ erring '&-li# o%%i#er$ and
em'lo!ee$+ (ih he '&r'o$e o% mainaining he digni! o% governmen
$ervi#e.
The righ o #o&n$el i$ no indi$'en$a-le o d&e 'ro#e$$ &nle$$
re)&ired -! he Con$i&ion or he la(. 6 > >. ('umiHue$
v. EIevea, 1/1 SCRA ,1., No". ,/, ,778 @Ro#eroA5
""$. Does an e-traditee have the right to notice and hearing during
the evaluation stage of an e-tradition proceeding?
Held: Con$idering ha in he #a$e a -ar+ he e"radiion
'ro#eeding i$ onl! a i$ eval&aion $age+ he na&re o% he righ
-eing #laimed -! he 'rivae re$'onden i$ ne-&lo&$ and he degree o%
're.&di#e he (ill allegedl! $&%%er i$ (ea6+ (e a##ord greaer (eigh o
he inere$$ e$'o&$ed -! he governmen hr& he 'eiioner Se#rear!
o% M&$i#e. 6 > >
In iling he -alan#e in %avor o% he inere$$ o% he Sae+
he Co&r $re$$e$ ha i i$ no r&ling ha he 'rivae re$'onden
ha$ no righ o d&e 'ro#e$$ a all hro&gho& he lengh and -readh o%
he e"radiion 'ro#eeding$. Proed$ra' d$e %roess re:$ires a
deter#ination of what %roess is d$e, when it is d$e, and the de!ree of
what is d$e. Stated otherwise, a 'rior deerminaion $ho&ld -e made a$
o (heher 'ro#ed&ral 'roe#ion$ are a all d&e and (hen he! are d&e+
(hi#h in &rn de'end$ on he e"en o (hi#h an individ&al (ill -e
O#ondemned o $&%%er grievo&$ lo$$.H We ha"e e>%'ained why an
e>traditee has no ri!ht to notie and hearin! d$rin! the e"a'$ation
sta!e of the e>tradition %roess. As aforesaid, P*D* No* 0JIC whih
i#%'e#ents the RP;=S E>tradition Treaty a%%ord$ an e"radiee
sufficient opportunity o mee he eviden#e again$ him once t)e
petition is file$ in court. The time %or he e"radiee o 6no( he
-a$i$ o% he re)&e$ %or hi$ e"radiion is merely move$ o he %iling
in #o&r o% he %ormal 'eiion %or e"radiion* The e"radieeK$
righ o 6no( i$ momentarily (it))el$ $uring t)e evaluation stage o%
he e"radiion 'ro#e$$ o a##ommodae he more #om'elling inere$ o%
he Sae o 'reven e$#a'e o% 'oenial e"radiee$ (hi#h #an -e
're#i'iaed -! 'rema&re in%ormaion o% he -a$i$ o% he re)&e$ %or
hi$ e"radiion* No le$$ #om'elling at t)at stage o% he e"radiion
'ro#eeding$ i$ he need o -e more de%erenial o he .&dgmen o% a #o,
e)&al -ran#h o% he governmen+ he E"e#&ive+ (hi#h ha$ -een endo(ed
-! o&r Con$i&ion (ih greaer 'o(er over maer$ involving o&r
%oreign relaion$. Need'ess to state, this &a'ane of interests is not
a static but a moving balance whih an &e adB$sted as the e>tradition
%roess #o"es fro# the ad#inistrati"e sta!e to the B$diia' sta!e and
to the e>e$tion sta!e de%endin! on fators that wi'' o#e into %'ay.
In s$#, (e r&le ha he temporary )ol$ on 'rivae re$'ondenK$
'rivilege o% noi#e and hearing i$ a soft restraint on hi$ righ o d&e
'ro#e$$ (hi#h (ill no de'rive him o% fun$amental fairness $ho&ld he
de#ide o re$i$ he re)&e$ %or hi$ e"radiion o he Unied Sae$*
&)ere is no $enial of $ue process as long as fun$amental fairness is
assure$ a party. (Secretary of 1ustice v. Hon. Ralp) C. 'antion,
+.R. No. ,-7?0., Ot. ,8, 1222, En 3an @P$noA5
71
THE EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE
""#. 7-plain and discuss the e'ual protection of the law clause.
Held: ,. The e:$a' %rotetion of the 'aw is e#&raed in the
one%t of d$e %roess, as ever! &n%air di$#riminaion o%%end$ he
re)&iremen$ o% .&$i#e and %air 'la!. It has nonethe'ess &een
e#&odied in a se%arate 'a$se in Ari#le III, Se#* 0, of the
Constitution to 'rovide %or a more $'e#i%i# g&aran! again$ an! %orm
o% &nd&e %avorii$m or ho$ili! %rom he governmen. ARBITRARINESS in
general #ay &e ha''en!ed on the &asis of the d&e 'ro#e$$ #la&$e. 3$t
if the %arti$'ar at assai'ed %arta9es of an UNWARRANTED PARTIALIT; or
PREMUDICE, the shar%er wea%on to $t it down is the e)&al 'roe#ion
#la&$e.
Aordin! to a 'on! 'ine of deisions, 7AC@ (89;7&;I9: $im'l!
re)&ire$ ha all 'er$on$ or hing$ SI:ILARL; SITUATED $ho&ld -e
reaed ali6e+ -oh a$ o righ$ #on%erred and re$'on$i-iliie$
im'o$ed. Si#i'ar s$&Bets, in other words, sho$'d not &e treated
different'y, so as to !i"e $nd$e fa"or to so#e and $nB$st'y
disri#inate a!ainst others.
The e:$a' %rotetion 'a$se does not re:$ire the $ni"ersa'
a%%'iation of the 'aws on a'' %ersons or thin!s witho$t distintion.
This #i!ht in fat so#eti#es res$'t in $ne:$a' %rotetion, as where,
for e>a#%'e, a 'aw %rohi&itin! #at$re &oo9s to a'' %ersons, re!ard'ess
of a!e, wo$'d &enefit the #ora's of the yo$th &$t "io'ate the 'i&erty
of ad$'ts. Wha he #la&$e re)&ire$ i$ e)&ali! among e)&al$ a$
deermined a##ording o a valid #la$$i%i#aion* B! #la$$i%i#aion i$
mean he gro&'ing o% 'er$on$ or hing$ $imilar o ea#h oher in
#erain 'ari#&lar$ and di%%eren %rom all oher$ in he$e $ame
'ari#&lar$.
(P)ilippine 1u$ges !ssociation v. Pra$o, 118 SCRA 82-, 8,,;8,1, No".
,,, ,77-, En 3an @Cr$JA5
1. The e:$a' %rotetion 'a$se e>ists o 'reven &nd&e %avor or
'rivilege. It is inended o eliminae di$#riminaion and o''re$$ion
-a$ed on ine)&ali!. Reo!niJin! the e>istene of rea' differene
a#on! #en, the e:$a' %rotetion 'a$se doe$ no demand a-$ol&e
e)&ali!. It #ere'y re:$ires that all 'er$on$ $hall -e reaed ali6e+
&nder li6e #ir#&m$an#e$ and #ondiion$ -oh a$ o he 'rivilege$
#on%erred and lia-iliie$ en%or#ed* Th&$+ he e)&al 'roe#ion #la&$e
doe$ no a-$ol&el! %or-id #la$$i%i#aion$ " " "* I% he
#la$$i%i#aion i$ /01 -a$ed on REAL and SUBSTANTIAL DI99ERENCES 4 /51 i$
>ER:ANE TO THE PURPOSE O9 THE LAW 4 /71 APPLIES TO ALL :E:BERS O9 THE
SA:E CLASS 4 and /E1 APPLIES TO CURRENT AS WELL AS 9UTURE CONDITIONS +
he #la$$i%i#aion ma! no -e im'&gned a$ violaing he Con$i&ionK$
e)&al 'roe#ion g&aranee. A distintion &ased on rea' and reasona&'e
onsiderations re'ated to a %ro%er 'e!is'ati"e %$r%ose > > > is neither
$nreasona&'e, a%riio$s nor $nfo$nded. (Himagan v. People, 1-8 SCRA
.-/, Ot. 8, ,77?, En 3an @)a%$nanA5
"22. &ongress enacted 8.. :o. $"$# which provides, in Section ++
thereof, that H:o 7lection 9fficer shall hold office in a particular
city or municipality for more than four <+> years. ny election
officer who, either at the time of the approval of this ct or
subse'uent thereto, has served for at least four <+> years in a
particular city or municipality shall automatically be reassigned by
the &ommission to a new station outside the original congressional
district.H (etitioners, who are &ity and ?unicipal 7lection 9fficers,
theori=e that Section ++ of 8 $"$# is violative of the He'ual
protection clauseH of the "#$% &onstitution because it singles out the
&ity and ?unicipal 7lection 9fficers of the &9?7@7& as prohibited from
holding office in the same city or municipality for more than four <+>
years. ;hey maintain that there is no substantial distinction between
them and other &9?7@7& officials, and therefore, there is no valid
72
classification to justify the objective of the provision of law under
attacB. 8esolve.
Held: The Co$rt is not %ers$aded &y %etitionersH ar!$#ents. The
M7AC@ (89;7&;I9: &@CS7M of the 7:., Constitution permits a vali$
classification $nder the fo''owin! onditionsI
1) The 'assifiation #$st rest on $&-$anial di$in#ionG
2) The 'assifiation #$st &e germane o he '&r'o$e o% he la(G
3) The 'assifiation #$st no -e limied o e"i$ing #ondiion$
onl!G and
4) The 'assifiation #$st a''l! e)&all! o all mem-er$ o% he
$ame #la$$.
After a aref$' st$dy, the ine'$ta&'e on'$sion is that the
'assifiation $nder Setion ?? of RA /,/7 satisfies the aforestated
re:$ire#ents.
The $ingling o& o% ele#ion o%%i#er$ in order o Oen$&re he
im'ariali! o% ele#ion o%%i#ial$ -! 'revening hem %rom develo'ing
%amiliari! (ih he 'eo'le o% heir 'la#e o% a$$ignmenO doe$ no
violae he e)&al 'roe#ion #la&$e o% he Con$i&ion.
In 'utz v. !raneta (7/ Phi'. ,?/, ,.- @,7..A5, it was he'd that
Mhe legi$la&re i$ no re)&ired -! he Con$i&ion o adhere o a
'oli#! o% Kall or noneKM. This is so for $nderin'$si"eness is not an
ar!$#ent a!ainst a "a'id 'assifiation. It #ay &e tr$e that a'' other
offiers of CODELEC referred to &y %etitioners are e>%osed to the sa#e
e"i's so$!ht to &e addressed &y the stat$te. <owe"er, in this ase, it
an &e diserned that the 'e!is'at$re tho$!ht the no&'e %$r%ose of the
'aw wo$'d &e s$ffiient'y ser"ed &y &rea9in! an i#%ortant 'in9 in the
hain of orr$%tion than &y &rea9in! $% eah and e"ery 'in9 thereof.
Heril!+ &nder Se#ion 7/n1 o% RA B0BC+ ele#ion o%%i#er$ are he
highe$ o%%i#ial$ or a&hori8ed re're$enaive$ o% he CO:ELEC in a
#i! or m&ni#i'ali!* I i$ $a%e o $a! ha (iho& he #om'li#i! o%
$&#h o%%i#ial$+ large,$#ale anomalie$ in he regi$raion o% voer$ #an
hardl! -e #arried o&. (!gripino !. De Guzman 1r. et al. v. C3ME'EC,
+.R. No. ,17,,/, *$'y ,7, 1222, en 3an @P$risi#aA5

"2". re there substantial distinctions between print media and
broadcast media to justify the re'uirement for the latter to give free
airtime to be used by the &omelec to inform the public of
'ualifications and program of government of candidates and political
parties during the campaign period? Discuss.
Held: There are i#%ortant differenes in the harateristis of
the two #edia whih B$stify their differentia' treat#ent for free
s%eeh %$r%oses. Be#a&$e o% he 'h!$i#al limiaion$ o% he -road#a$
$'e#r&m+ he governmen m&$+ o% ne#e$$i!+ allo#ae -road#a$
%re)&en#ie$ o ho$e (i$hing o &$e hem* There i$ no $imilar
.&$i%i#aion %or governmen allo#aion and reg&laion o% he 'rin
media.
In he allo#aion o% limied re$o&r#e$+ relevan #ondiion$ ma!
validl! -e im'o$ed on he granee$ or li#en$ee$* The rea$on %or hi$
i$ ha he governmen $'end$ '&-li# %&nd$ %or he allo#aion and
reg&laion o% he -road#a$ ind&$r!+ (hi#h i doe$ no do in he #a$e
o% 'rin media* To re)&ire radio and elevi$ion -road#a$ ind&$r! o
'rovide %ree airime %or he Comele# Time i$ a %air e"#hange %or (ha
he ind&$r! ge$.
4ro# another %oint of "iew, the SC has a'so he'd that -e#a&$e o%
he &ni)&e and 'erva$ive in%l&en#e o% he -road#a$ media+
2<n=e#e$$aril! " " " he %reedom o% elevi$ion and radio -road#a$ing
i$ $ome(ha le$$er in $#o'e han he %reedom a##orded o ne($'a'er and
'rin media.F (&E'E6!P Inc. v. C3ME'EC, 1/7 SCRA --8,
A%ri' 1,, ,77/ @DendoJaA5
73
"22. Does the death penalty law <8.. :o. %).#> violate the e'ual
protection clause considering that, in effect, it punishes only people
who are poor, uneducated, and jobless?
Held: R.!. No. ,;5: s%eifia''y %ro"ides that E@TAhe death
%ena'ty sha'' &e i#%osed if the ri#e of ra%e is o##itted > > > when
the "iti# is a re'i!io$s or a hi'd &e'ow se"en (85 years o'd.F
A''arenl!+ he deah 'enal! la( ma6e$ no di$in#ion* I a''lie$ o
all 'er$on$ and o all #la$$e$ o% 'er$on$ N ri#h or 'oor+ ed&#aed or
&ned&#aed+ religio&$ or non,religio&$* No 'ari#&lar 'er$on or
#la$$e$ o% 'er$on$ are ideni%ied -! he la( again$ (hom he deah
'enal! $hall -e e"#l&$ivel! im'o$ed. The 'aw %$nishes with death a
%erson who sha'' o##it ra%e a!ainst a hi'd &e'ow se"en years of a!e.
Th$s, the %er%etration of ra%e a!ainst a .;year o'd !ir' does not
a&so'"e or e>e#%t an a$sed fro# the i#%osition of the death %ena'ty
&y the fat that he is %oor, $ned$ated, Bo&'ess, and 'a9s
atehetia' instr$tion. To ho'd otherwise wi'' not e'i#inate &$t
%ro#ote ine:$a'ities.
In Cecilleville Realty an$ Service Corporation v. C!, (18/ SCRA
/,7 @,778A5, the SC 'arified that #om'a$$ion %or he 'oor i$ an
im'eraive o% ever! h&mane $o#ie! -& onl! (hen he re#i'ien i$ no a
ra$#al #laiming an &nde$erved 'rivilege. (People v. 1immy Mi0ano
y &amora, +.R. No. ,17,,1, *$'y 1-, ,777, En 3an @Per C$ria#A5
"2*. ;he International School lliance of 7ducators <IS7> 'uestioned
the point,of,hire classification employed by International School, Inc.
to justify distinction in salary rates between foreign,hires and local,
hires, i.e., salary rates of foreign,hires are higher by 2.S than their
local counterparts, as discriminatory and, therefore, violates the
e'ual protection clause. ;he International School contended that this
is necessary in order to entice foreign,hires to leave their domicile
and worB here. 8esolve.
Held: That %$&'i %o'iy a&hors ine:$a'ity and disri#ination is
&eyond ontention. O$r Constit$tion and 'aws ref'et the %o'iy
a!ainst these e"i's. 6 > >
Internationa' 'aw, whih s%rin!s fro# !enera' %rini%'es of 'aw,
'i9ewise %rosri&es disri#ination > > >. The =ni"ersa' De'aration of
<$#an Ri!hts, the Internationa' Co"enant on Eono#i, Soia' and
C$'t$ra' Ri!hts, the Internationa' Con"ention on the E'i#ination of A''
4or#s of Raia' Disri#ination, the Con"ention a!ainst Disri#ination
in Ed$ation, the Con"ention (No. ,,,5 Conernin! Disri#ination in
Res%et of E#%'oy#ent and O$%ation ; a'' e#&ody the !enera' %rini%'e
a!ainst disri#ination, the "ery antithesis of fairness and B$stie.
The Phi'i%%ines, thro$!h its Constit$tion, has inor%orated this
%rini%'e as %art of its nationa' 'aws.
<I= (o&ld -e an a%%ron o -oh he $'iri and leer o% he$e
'rovi$ion$ i% he Sae+ in $'ie o% i$ 'rimordial o-ligaion o
'romoe and en$&re e)&al em'lo!men o''or&niie$+ #lo$e$ i$ e!e$ o
&ne)&al and di$#riminaor! erm$ and #ondiion$ o% em'lo!men " " "*
Di$#riminaion+ 'ari#&larl! in erm$ o% (age$+ i$ %ro(ned &'on
-! he La-or Code* Ari#le 07G+ %or e"am'le+ 'rohi-i$ and 'enali8e$
he 'a!men o% le$$er #om'en$aion o a %emale em'lo!ee a$ again$ a
male em'lo!ee %or (or6 o% e)&al val&e* Ari#le 5EB de#lare$ i an
&n%air la-or 'ra#i#e %or an em'lo!er o di$#riminae in regard$ o
(age$ in order o en#o&rage or di$#o&rage mem-er$hi' in an! la-or
organi8aion. 6 > >
The %oregoing 'rovi$ion$ im'regna-l! in$i&ionali8e in hi$
.&ri$di#ion he long honored legal r&i$m o% OE)&al 'a! %or e)&al
(or6*O Per$on$ (ho (or6 (ih $&-$aniall! e)&al )&ali%i#aion$+
$6ill+ e%%or and re$'on$i-ili!+ &nder $imilar #ondiion$+ $ho&ld -e
74
'aid $imilar $alarie$* Thi$ r&le a''lie$ o he S#hool /Inernaional
S#hool+ In#*1+ i$ Oinernaional #hara#erO no(ih$anding.
The Shoo' ontends that %etitioner has not add$ed e"idene that
'oa';hires %erfor# wor9 e:$a' to that of forei!n;hires. The Co$rt
finds this ar!$#ent a 'itt'e a"a'ier. I% an em'lo!er a##ord$
em'lo!ee$ he $ame 'o$iion and ran6+ he 're$&m'ion i$ ha he$e
em'lo!ee$ 'er%orm e)&al (or6* Thi$ 're$&m'ion i$ -orne -! logi# and
h&man e"'erien#e* I% he em'lo!er 'a!$ one em'lo!ee le$$ han he
re$+ i i$ no %or ha em'lo!ee o e"'lain (h! he re#eive$ le$$ or
(h! he oher$ re#eive more* Tha (o&ld -e adding in$&l o in.&r!*
The em'lo!er ha$ di$#riminaed again$ ha em'lo!ee4 i i$ %or he
em'lo!er o e"'lain (h! he em'lo!ee i$ reaed &n%airl!.
The em'lo!er in hi$ #a$e %ailed o di$#harge hi$ -&rden* There
i$ no eviden#e here ha %oreign,hire$ 'er%orm 5GP more e%%i#ienl! or
e%%e#ivel! han he lo#al,hire$* Boh gro&'$ have $imilar %&n#ion$
and re$'on$i-iliie$+ (hi#h he! 'er%orm &nder $imilar (or6ing
#ondiion$.
The Shoo' annot in"o9e the need to entie forei!n;hires to
'ea"e their do#ii'e to rationa'iJe the distintion in sa'ary rates
witho$t "io'atin! the %rini%'e of e:$a' wor9 for e:$a' %ay.
6 > >
While (e re#ogni8e he need o% he S#hool o ara# %oreign,
hire$+ $alarie$ $ho&ld no -e &$ed a$ an eni#emen o he 're.&di#e o%
lo#al,hire$* The lo#al,hire$ 'er%orm he $ame $ervi#e$ a$ %oreign,
hire$ and he! o&gh o -e 'aid he $ame $alarie$ a$ he laer* 9or
he $ame rea$on+ he Odi$lo#aion %a#orO and he %oreign,hire$K
limied en&re al$o #anno $erve a$ valid -a$e$ %or he di$in#ion in
$alar! rae$* The di$lo#aion %a#or and limied en&re a%%e#ing
%oreign,hire$ are ade)&ael! #om'en$aed -! #erain -ene%i$ a##orded
hem (hi#h are no en.o!ed -! lo#al,hire$+ $&#h a$ ho&$ing+
ran$'oraion+ $hi''ing #o$$+ a"e$ and home leave ravel allo(an#e$.
The Constit$tion enBoins the State to M%rotet the ri!hts of
wor9ers and %ro#ote their we'fareM, Mto afford 'a&or f$'' %rotetion.M
The State, therefore, has the ri!ht and d$ty to re!$'ate the re'ations
&etween 'a&or and a%ita'. These re'ations are not #ere'y ontrat$a'
&$t are so i#%ressed with %$&'i interest that 'a&or ontrats,
o''eti"e &ar!ainin! a!ree#ents in'$ded, #$st yie'd to the o##on
!ood. Sho$'d s$h ontrats ontain sti%$'ations that are ontrary to
%$&'i %o'iy, o$rts wi'' not hesitate to stri9e down these
sti%$'ations.
In hi$ #a$e+ (e %ind he 'oin,o%,hire #la$$i%i#aion em'lo!ed
-! re$'onden S#hool o .&$i%! he di$in#ion in he $alar! rae$ o%
%oreign,hire$ and lo#al,hire$ o -e an invalid #la$$i%i#aion* There
i$ no rea$ona-le di$in#ion -e(een he $ervi#e$ rendered -! %oreign,
hire$ and lo#al,hire$. The %ratie of the Shoo' of aordin! hi!her
sa'aries to forei!n;hires ontra"enes %$&'i %o'iy and, ertain'y,
does not deser"e the sy#%athy of this Co$rt. (International Sc)ool
!lliance of E$ucators 8IS!E9 v. Hon. 'eonar$o !. Nuisum#ing, +.R. No.
,1//?., *$ne ,, 1222, ,
st
Di". @)a%$nanA5
"2+. ccused,appellant 8omeo 5. Jalosjos filed a motion before the
&ourt asBing that he be allowed to fully discharge the duties of a
&ongressman, including attendance at legislative sessions and committee
meetings despite his having been convicted in the first instance of a
non,bailable offense. Does being an elective official result in a
substantial distinction that allows different treatment? Is being a
&ongressman a substantial differentiation which removes the accused,
appellant as a prisoner from the same class as all persons validly
confined under law?
75
Held: In the $'ti#ate ana'ysis, the iss$e &efore $s &oi's down
to a :$estion of onstit$tiona' e:$a' %rotetion.
6 > >
The 'er%orman#e o% legiimae and even e$$enial d&ie$ -! '&-li#
o%%i#er$ ha$ never -een an e"#&$e o %ree a 'er$on validl! in 'ri$on.
The d$ties i#%osed &y the E#andate of the %eo%'eF are #$'tifario$s.
The a$sed;a%%e''ant asserts that the d$ty to 'e!is'ate ran9s hi!hest
in the hierarhy of !o"ern#ent. The a##&$ed,a''ellan i$ onl! one o%
5GJ mem-er$ o% he Ho&$e o% Re're$enaive$+ no o menion he 5E
mem-er$ o% he Senae+ #harged (ih he d&ie$ o% legi$laion*
Congre$$ #onin&e$ o %&n#ion (ell in he 'h!$i#al a-$en#e o% one or a
%e( o% i$ mem-er$. De%endin! on the e>i!eny of +o"ern#ent that has
to &e addressed, the President or the S$%re#e Co$rt an a'so &e dee#ed
the hi!hest for that %arti$'ar d$ty. The i#%ortane of a f$ntion
de%ends on the need for its e>erise. The d$ty of a #other to n$rse
her infant is #ost o#%e''in! $nder the 'aw of nat$re. A dotor with
$ni:$e s9i''s has the d$ty to sa"e the 'i"es of those with a %arti$'ar
aff'ition. An e'eti"e !o"ernor has to ser"e %ro"inia' onstit$ents.
A %o'ie offier #$st #aintain %eae and order. Ne"er had the a'' of
a %arti$'ar d$ty 'ifted a %risoner into a different 'assifiation
fro# those others who are "a'id'y restrained &y 'aw.
A strit sr$tiny of 'assifiations is essentia' 'est wittin!'y
or otherwise, insidio$s disri#inations are #ade in fa"or of or a!ainst
!ro$%s or ty%es of indi"id$a's.
The Co$rt annot "a'idate &ad!es of ine:$a'ity. The neessities
i#%osed &y %$&'i we'fare #ay B$stify e>erise of !o"ern#ent a$thority
to re!$'ate e"en if there&y ertain !ro$%s #ay %'a$si&'y assert that
their interests are disre!arded.
We+ here%ore+ %ind ha ele#ion o he 'o$iion o% Congre$$man
i$ no a rea$ona-le #la$$i%i#aion in #riminal la( en%or#emen* The
%&n#ion$ and d&ie$ o% he o%%i#e are no $&-$anial di$in#ion$
(hi#h li% him %rom he #la$$ o% 'ri$oner$ inerr&'ed in heir %reedom
and re$ri#ed in li-er! o% movemen* La(%&l arre$ and #on%inemen
are germane o he '&r'o$e$ o% he la( and a''l! o all ho$e -elonging
o he $ame #la$$.
6 > >
I #an -e $een %rom he %oregoing ha in#ar#eraion+ -! i$
na&re+ #hange$ an individ&alD$ $a&$ in $o#ie!* Pri$on o%%i#ial$
have he di%%i#&l and o%en han6le$$ .o- o% 're$erving he $e#&ri!
in a 'oeniall! e"'lo$ive $eing+ a$ (ell a$ o% aem'ing o 'rovide
reha-iliaion ha 're'are$ inmae$ %or re,enr! ino he $o#ial
main$ream* Ne#e$$aril!+ -oh he$e demand$ re)&ire he #&railmen
and eliminaion o% #erain righ$.
Pre#ises onsidered, we are onstrained to r$'e a!ainst the
a$sed;a%%e''antLs 'ai# that re;e'etion to %$&'i offie !i"es
%riority to any other ri!ht or interest, in'$din! the %o'ie %ower of
the State. (People v. 1alos0os, -1? SCRA 0/7, 4e&. -, 1222, En
3an @Ynares;Santia!oA5
THE RI>HT A>AINST UNREASONABLE SEARCHES AND SEI@URES
"2.. Discuss the constitutional re'uirement that a judge, in issuing a
warrant of arrest, must determine probable cause /personally.1
Distinguish determination of probable cause by the prosecutor and
determination of probable cause by the judge.
Held: It #$st &e stressed that the ,7/8 Constit$tion re:$ires
the B$d!e to deter#ine %ro&a&'e a$se E%ersona''yF, a re:$ire#ent whih
does not a%%ear in the orres%ondin! %ro"isions of o$r %re"io$s
onstit$tions. This e#%hasis e"ines the intent of the fra#ers to
76
%'ae a !reater de!ree of res%onsi&i'ity $%on tria' B$d!es than that
i#%osed $nder %re"io$s Constit$tions.
In Soliven v. MaAasiar, this Co$rt %rono$nedI
EWhat the Constit$tion $ndersores is the e"#l&$ive and
'er$onal re$'on$i-ili! o% he i$$&ing .&dge o $ai$%! him$el%
o% he e"i$en#e o% 'ro-a-le #a&$e. In satisfyin! hi#se'f of the
e>istene of %ro&a&'e a$se for the iss$ane of a warrant of
arrest, he .&dge i$ no re)&ired o 'er$onall! e"amine he
#om'lainan and hi$ (ine$$e$. 4o''owin! esta&'ished dotrine
and %roed$re, he sha''I /01 'er$onall! eval&ae he re'or and
he $&''oring do#&men$ $&-mied -! he %i$#al regarding he
e"i$en#e o% 'ro-a-le #a&$e and+ on he -a$i$ hereo%+ i$$&e a
(arran o% arre$G or /51 if in the &asis thereof he finds no
%ro&a&'e a$se, he ma! di$regard he %i$#alD$ re'or and re)&ire
he $&-mi$$ion o% $&''oring a%%idavi$ o% (ine$$e$ o aid him
in arriving a a #on#l&$ion a$ o he e"i$en#e o% 'ro-a-le
#a&$e.F
Ho v. People <Ibid.> s$##ariJes e>istin! B$ris%r$dene on the
#atter as fo''owsI
ELest we &e too re%etiti"e, we on'y wish to e#%hasiJe three
"ita' #atters one #oreI 0I8S;, as he'd in Inting, he
deerminaion o% 'ro-a-le #a&$e -! he 'ro$e#&or i$ %or a
'&r'o$e di%%eren %rom ha (hi#h i$ o -e made -! he .&dge*
Wheher here i$ rea$ona-le gro&nd o -elieve ha he a##&$ed i$
g&il! o% he o%%en$e #harged and $ho&ld -e held %or rial i$
(ha he 'ro$e#&or 'a$$e$ &'on* The .&dge+ on he oher hand+
deermine$ (heher a (arran o% arre$ $ho&ld -e i$$&ed again$
he a##&$ed+ i*e*+ (heher here i$ a ne#e$$i! %or 'la#ing him
&nder immediae #&$od! in order no o %r&$rae he end$ o%
.&$i#e* Th&$+ even i% -oh $ho&ld -a$e heir %inding$ on one
and he $ame 'ro#eeding or eviden#e+ here $ho&ld -e no #on%&$ion
a$ o heir di$in# o-.e#ive$.
S7&9:D, sine their o&Beti"es are different, he .&dge
#anno rel! $olel! on he re'or o% he 'ro$e#&or in %inding
'ro-a-le #a&$e o .&$i%! he i$$&an#e o% a (arran o% arre$.
O&"io$s'y and $nderstanda&'y, the ontents of the %rose$torLs
re%ort wi'' s$%%ort his own on'$sion that there is reason to
har!e the a$sed for an offense and ho'd hi# for tria'.
Ho(ever+ he .&dge m&$ de#ide INDEPENDENTL; . <ene, he m&$
have $&''oring eviden#e+ oher han he 'ro$e#&orD$ -are
re'or+ &'on (hi#h o legall! $&$ain hi$ o(n %inding$ on he
e"i$en#e /or none"i$en#e1 o% 'ro-a-le #a&$e o i$$&e an arre$
order. This res%onsi&i'ity of deter#inin! %ersona''y and
inde%endent'y the e>istene or none>istene of %ro&a&'e a$se is
'od!ed in hi# &y no 'ess than the #ost &asi 'aw of the 'and.
Parenthetia''y, the %rose$tor o$'d ease the &$rden of the
B$d!e and s%eed $% the 'iti!ation %roess &y forwardin! to the
'atter not on'y the infor#ation and his &are reso'$tion findin!
%ro&a&'e a$se, &$t a'so so #$h of the reords and the e"idene
on hand as to ena&'e the <is <onor to #a9e his %ersona' and
se%arate B$diia' findin! on whether to iss$e a warrant of arrest.
@S;@G, it is no re)&ired ha he #om'lee or enire
re#ord$ o% he #a$e d&ring he 'reliminar! inve$igaion -e
$&-mied o and e"amined -! he .&dge* We do no inend o
&nd&l! -&rden rial #o&r$ -! o-liging hem o e"amine he
#om'lee re#ord$ o% ever! #a$e all he ime $im'l! %or he
'&r'o$e o% ordering he arre$ o% an a##&$ed* Wha i$ re)&ired+
raher+ i$ ha he .&dge m&$ have $&%%i#ien $&''oring
do#&men$ (s$h as the o#%'aint, affida"its, o$nter;affida"its,
sworn state#ents of witnesses or transri%t of steno!ra%hi
notes, if any5 &'on (hi#h o ma6e hi$ inde'enden .&dgmen or+ a
he ver! lea$+ &'on (hi#h o veri%! he %inding$ o% he
'ro$e#&or a$ o he e"i$en#e o% 'ro-a-le #a&$e* The 'oin i$:
77
he #anno rel! $olel! and enirel! on he 'ro$e#&orD$
re#ommendaion, as Res%ondent Co$rt did in this ase. A'tho$!h
the %rose$tor enBoys the 'e!a' %res$#%tion of re!$'arity in the
%erfor#ane of his offiia' d$ties and f$ntions, whih in t$rn
!i"es his re%ort the %res$#%tion of a$ray, the Constit$tion,
we re%eat, o##ands the B$d!e to personally deter#ine %ro&a&'e
a$se in the iss$ane of warrants of arrest. This Co$rt has
onsistent'y he'd that a B$d!e fai's in his &o$nden d$ty if he
re'ies #ere'y on the ertifiation or the re%ort of the
in"esti!atin! offier.F <&itations omitted>
In the ase at &enh, res%ondent ad#its that he iss$ed the
:$estioned warrant as there was Eno reason for (hi#5 to do$&t the
"a'idity of the ertifiation #ade &y the Assistant Prose$tor that a
%re'i#inary in"esti!ation was ond$ted and that %ro&a&'e a$se was
fo$nd to e>ist as a!ainst those har!ed in the infor#ation fi'ed.F The
state#ent is an ad#ission that res%ondent re'ied so'e'y and o#%'ete'y
on the ertifiation #ade &y the fisa' that %ro&a&'e a$se e>ists as
a!ainst those har!ed in the infor#ation and iss$ed the ha''en!ed
warrant of arrest on the so'e &asis of the %rose$torLs findin!s and
reo##endations. <e ado%ted the B$d!#ent of the %rose$tor re!ardin!
the e>istene of %ro&a&'e a$se as his own. (!#$ula v. Guiani, -10
SCRA ,, 4e&. ,/, 1222, -
rd
Di". @+onJa!a;ReyesA5
"2). In an application for search warrant, the application was
accompanied by a sBetch of the compound at .") San Jose de la ?ontana
St., ?abolo, &ebu &ity, indicating the 2,storey residential house of
private respondent with a large /!1 enclosed in a s'uare. Within the
same compound are residences of other people, worBshops, offices,
factories and warehouse. ;he search warrant issued, however, merely
indicated the address of the compound which is .") San Jose de la
?ontana St., ?abolo, &ebu &ity. Did this satisfy the constitutional
re'uirement under Section 2, rticle III that the place to be searched
must be particularly described?
Held: This Co$rt has he'd that he a''li#an $ho&ld 'ari#&larl!
de$#ri-e he 'la#e o -e $ear#hed and he 'er$on or hing$ o -e
$ei8ed+ WHEREHER and WHENEHER i i$ %ea$i-le . In the %resent ase, it
#$st &e noted that the a%%'iation for a searh warrant was ao#%anied
&y a s9eth of the o#%o$nd at .,0 San *ose de 'a Dontana St., Da&o'o,
Ce&$ City. The s9eth indiated the 1;storey residentia' ho$se of
%ri"ate res%ondent with a 'ar!e M6M en'osed in a s:$are. Within the
sa#e o#%o$nd are residenes of other %eo%'e, wor9sho%s, offies,
fatories and wareho$se. Wih hi$ $6e#h a$ he g&ide+ i #o&ld have
-een ver! ea$! o de$#ri-e he re$idenial ho&$e o% 'rivae re$'onden
(it) sufficient particularity so as to segregate it from t)e ot)er
#uil$ings or structures insi$e t)e same compoun$. 3$t the searh
warrant #ere'y indiated the address of the o#%o$nd whih is .,0 San
*ose de 'a Dontana St., Da&o'o, Ce&$ City. &)is $escription of t)e
place to #e searc)e$ is too general an$ $oes not pinpoint t)e specific
)ouse of private respon$ent. &)us t)e ina$eHuacy of t)e $escription
of t)e resi$ence of private respon$ent soug)t to #e searc)e$ )as
c)aracterize$ t)e Huestione$ searc) (arrant as a general (arrant ()ic)
is violative of t)e constitutional reHuirement. (People v.
Estra$a, 170 SCRA -/-, ?22, @DartineJA5
"2%. &an the place to be searched, as set out in the warrant, be
amplified or modified by the officersP own personal Bnowledge of the
premises, or the evidence they adduce in support of their application
for the warrant?
Held: S&#h a #hange i$ PROSCRIBED -! he Con$i&ion (hi#h
re)&ire$ iner alia he $ear#h (arran o 'ari#&larl! de$#ri-e he
'la#e o -e $ear#hed a$ (ell a$ he 'er$on$ or hing$ o -e $ei8ed. It
wo$'d onede to %o'ie offiers the %ower of hoosin! the %'ae to &e
searhed, e"en if it not &e that de'ineated in the warrant. I (o&ld
o'en (ide he door o a-&$e o% he $ear#h 'ro#e$$+ and gran o
78
o%%i#er$ e"e#&ing a $ear#h (arran ha di$#reion (hi#h he
Con$i&ion ha$ 're#i$el! removed %rom hem* The 'ari#&lari8aion o%
he de$#ri'ion o% he 'la#e o -e $ear#hed ma! 'ro'erl! -e done onl!
-! he M&dge+ and onl! in he (arran i$el%4 i #anno -e le% o he
di$#reion o% he 'oli#e o%%i#er$ #ond&#ing he $ear#h.
I i$ neiher %air nor li#i o allo( 'oli#e o%%i#er$ o $ear#h a
'la#e di%%eren %rom ha $aed in he (arran on he #laim ha he
'la#e a#&all! $ear#hed N alho&gh no ha $'e#i%ied in he (arran N
i$ e"a#l! (ha he! had in vie( (hen he! a''lied %or he (arran and
had demar#aed in heir $&''oring eviden#e* Wha i$ maerial in
deermining he validi! o% a $ear#h i$ he 'la#e $aed in he (arran
i$el%+ no (ha a''li#an$ had in heir ho&gh$+ or had re're$ened
in he 'roo%$ he! $&-mied o he #o&r i$$&ing he (arran.
(People v. Court of !ppeals, 17, SCRA ?22, *$ne 10, ,77/
@Nar"asaA5
"2$. What is /search incidental to a lawful arrest1? Discuss.
Held: While a #onem'oraneo&$ $ear#h o% a 'er$on arre$ed ma! -e
e%%e#ed o di$#over dangero&$ (ea'on$ or 'roo%$ or im'lemen$ &$ed in
he #ommi$$ion o% he #rime and (hi#h $ear#h ma! e"end o he area
(ihin hi$ immediae #onrol (here he migh gain 'o$$e$$ion o% a (ea'on
or eviden#e he #an de$ro!+ A HALID ARREST :UST PRECEDE THE SEARCH *
The 'ro#e$$ #anno -e rever$ed.
In a $ear#h in#idenal o a la(%&l arre$+ a$ he 're#eden
arre$ deermine$ he validi! o% he in#idenal $ear#h+ he legali!
o% he arre$ i$ )&e$ioned in a large ma.ori! o% he$e #a$e$+ e*g*+
(heher an arre$ (a$ merel! &$ed a$ a 'ree" %or #ond&#ing a $ear#h*
In hi$ in$an#e+ he la( re)&ire$ ha here -e %ir$ a la(%&l arre$
-e%ore a $ear#h #an -e made N he 'ro#e$$ #anno -e rever$ed. (?alacat
v. &ourt of ppeals, 1/- SCRA ,.7, ,8. @,778A5
(People v. C)ua Ho San, -2/ SCRA ?-1, *$ne ,8, ,777, En 3an @Da"ide,
*r., C.*.A5
"2#. What is the /plain view1 doctrine? What are its re'uisites?
Discuss.
Held: ,. O-.e#$ %alling in 'lain vie( o% an o%%i#er (ho ha$ a
righ o -e in he 'o$iion o have ha vie( are $&-.e# o $ei8&re
even (iho& a $ear#h (arran and ma! -e inrod&#ed in eviden#e. The
E%'ain "iewF dotrine a%%'ies when the fo''owin! re)&i$ie$ #on#&rI (a5
he la( en%or#emen o%%i#er in $ear#h o% he eviden#e ha$ a PRIOR
MUSTI9ICATION 9OR AN INTRUSION or i$ in a 'o$iion %rom (hi#h he #an
vie( a 'ari#&lar areaG (&5 he di$#over! o% he eviden#e in 'lain vie(
i$ INADHERTENT G (5 i i$ I::EDIATEL; APPARENT o he o%%i#er ha he
iem he o-$erve$ ma! -e eviden#e o% a #rime+ #onra-and or oher(i$e
$&-.e# o $ei8&re. The 'aw enfore#ent offier #$st 'awf$''y #a9e an
initia' intr$sion or %ro%er'y &e in a %osition fro# whih he an
%arti$'ar'y "iew the area. In the o$rse of s$h 'awf$' intr$sion, he
a#e inad"ertent'y aross a %iee of e"idene inri#inatin! the
a$sed. The o&Bet #$st &e o%en to eye and hand and its diso"ery
inad"ertent.
It is 'ear that an o&Bet is in %'ain "iew if the o-.e# i$el%
i$ 'lainl! e"'o$ed o $igh. The diffi$'ty arises when the o&Bet is
inside a 'osed ontainer. Where the o&Bet seiJed was inside a 'osed
%a9a!e, the o&Bet itse'f is not in %'ain "iew and therefore annot &e
seiJed witho$t a warrant. Ho(ever+ i% he 'a#6age 'ro#laim$ i$
#onen$+ (heher -! i$ di$in#ive #on%ig&raion+ i$ ran$'aren#!+
or i% i$ #onen$ are o-vio&$ o an o-$erver+ hen he #onen$ are in
'lain vie( and ma! -e $ei8ed* In oher (ord$+ i% he 'a#6age i$ $&#h
ha an e"'erien#ed o-$erver #o&ld in%er %rom i$ a''earan#e ha i
#onain$ he 'rohi-ied ari#le+ hen he ari#le i$ deemed in 'lain
vie(. It #$st &e i##ediate'y a%%arent to the %o'ie that the ite#s
that they o&ser"e #ay &e e"idene of a ri#e, ontra&and or otherwise
79
s$&Bet to seiJ$re. (People v. Doria, -2, SCRA 00/, *an. 11, ,777,
En 3an @P$no, *.A5
1. 4or the dotrine to a%%'y, the fo''owin! elemen$ #$st &e
%resentI
a) a 'rior valid inr&$ion -a$ed on he valid (arranle$$ arre$
in whih the %o'ie are 'e!a''y %resent in the %$rs$it of
their offiia' d$tiesG
b) the eviden#e (a$ inadverenl! di$#overed &y the %o'ie who
ha"e the ri!ht to &e where they areG and
c) the eviden#e m&$ -e immediael! a''arenG and
d) %'ain "iew B$stified #ere seiJ$re of e"idene (iho& %&rher
$ear#h.
In the instant ase, rea'' that PO1 3a'$t testified that they
first 'oated the #ariB$ana %'ants &efore a%%e''ant was arrested
witho$t a warrant. <ene, there was no "a'id warrant'ess arrest whih
%reeded the searh of a%%e''antLs %re#ises. Note f$rther that the
%o'ie tea# was dis%athed to a%%e''antLs Baingin %reise'y to searh
for and $%root the %rohi&ited f'ora. The $ei8&re o% eviden#e in 2'lain
vie(3 a''lie$ onl! (here he 'oli#e o%%i#er i$ NOT $ear#hing %or
eviden#e again$ he a##&$ed+ -& inadverenl! #ome$ a#ro$$ an
in#riminaing o-.e#. C'ear'y, their diso"ery of the anna&is %'ants
was not inad"ertent. We a'so note the testi#ony of SPO1 Ti%ay that
$%on arri"in! at the area, they first had to E'oo9 aro$nd the areaF
&efore they o$'d s%ot the i''e!a' %'ants. Patent'y, the seiJed
#ariB$ana %'ants were not Ei##ediate'y a%%arentF and Ef$rther searhF
was needed. In s$#, the #ariB$ana %'ants in :$estion were not in
E%'ain "iewF or Eo%en to eye and hand.F The E%'ain "iewF dotrine,
th$s, annot &e #ade to a%%'y.
Nor an we s$stain the tria' o$rtLs on'$sion that B$st &ea$se
the #ariB$ana %'ants were fo$nd in an $nfened 'ot, a%%e''ant o$'d not
in"o9e the %rotetion afforded &y the Charter a!ainst $nreasona&'e
searhes &y a!ents of the State. The ri!ht a!ainst $nreasona&'e
searhes and seiJ$res is the i##$nity of oneLs %erson, whih in'$des
his residene, his %a%ers, and other %ossessions. The !$arantee refers
to Ethe ri!ht of %ersona' se$rityF of the indi"id$a'. 6 > >, (ha i$
$o&gh o -e 'roe#ed again$ he SaeD$ &nla(%&l inr&$ion are
'er$on$+ no 'la#e$* To #on#l&de oher(i$e (o&ld no onl! mean
$(imming again$ he $ream+ i (o&ld al$o lead o he a-$&rd logi#
ha %or a 'er$on o -e imm&ne again$ &nrea$ona-le $ear#he$ and
$ei8&re$+ he m&$ -e in hi$ home or o%%i#e+ (ihin a %en#ed !ard or a
'rivae 'la#e. ;he Eill of 8ights belongs as much to the person in the
street as to the individual in the sanctuary of his bedroom.
(People v. !#e 2al$ez, +.R. No. ,17170, Se%t. 1., 1222, En 3an
@P$is$#&in!A5
-. Considerin! its fat$a' #i'ie$, this ase fa''s s:$are'y
$nder the plain view doctrine. 6 > >.
When S%ener wrenhed hi#se'f free fro# the !ras% of PO1 +a"io'a,
he instinti"e'y ran towards the ho$se of a%%e''ant. The #e#&ers of
the &$y;&$st tea# were B$stified in r$nnin! after hi# and enterin! the
ho$se witho$t a searh warrant for they were hot in the hee's of a
f'eein! ri#ina'. One inside the ho$se, the %o'ie offiers ornered
S%ener and reo"ered the &$y;&$st #oney fro# hi#. They a'so a$!ht
a%%e''ant in flagrante delicto re%a9in! the #ariB$ana &ri9s whih
were in f$'' "iew on to% of a ta&'e. 6 > >.
<ene, a%%e''antLs s$&se:$ent arrest was 'i9ewise 'awf$', o#in!
as it is within the %$r"iew of Setion .(a5 of R$'e ,,- of the ,7/.
R$'es on Cri#ina' Proed$re > > >.
Setion .(a5 is o##on'y referred to as the r$'e on in %lagrane
deli#o arre$$. <ere two e'e#ents #$st on$rI (,5 he 'er$on o -e
arre$ed m&$ e"e#&e an over a# indi#aing ha he ha$ .&$
#ommied+ i$ a#&all! #ommiing+ or i$ aem'ing o #ommi a #rimeG
80
and (15 $&#h over a# i$ done IN THE PRESENCE or WITHIN THE HIEW o%
he arre$ing o%%i#er. Th$s, when a%%e''ant was seen re%a9in! the
#ariB$ana, the %o'ie offiers were not on'y a$thoriJed &$t a'so d$ty;
&o$nd to arrest hi# e"en witho$t a warrant.
(People v. Elamparo, -17 SCRA ?2?, ?,?;?,., Darh -,, 1222, 1
nd
Di".
@P$is$#&in!A5
"*2. What is a /stop,and,frisB1 search?
Held: ,. In the 'and#ar9 ase of &erry v. 3)io (12 L Ed 1d //7G
// S Ct ,/0/, -71 =S ,, 722, *$ne ,2, ,70/5, a sto%;and;fris9 was
defined as he verna#&lar de$ignaion o% he righ o% a 'oli#e o%%i#er
o $o' a #ii8en on he $ree+ inerrogae him+ and 'a him %or
(ea'on/$1I
E> > > /W1here a 'oli#e o%%i#er o-$erve$ an UNUSUAL CONDUCT
(hi#h lead$ him REASONABL; TO CONCLUDE IN LI>HT O9 HIS E?PERIENCE
ha #riminal a#ivi! ma! -e a%oo and ha he 'er$on$ (ih
(hom he i$ dealing ma! -e armed and 're$enl! dangero&$+ (here in
he #o&r$e o% inve$igaing hi$ -ehavior he IDENTI9IED HI:SEL9
AS A POLICE:AN and ma6e rea$ona-le in)&irie$+ and (here nohing
in he iniial $age$ o% he en#o&ner $erve$ o di$'el hi$
rea$ona-le %ear %or hi$ o(n or oher$D $a%e!+ he i$ eniled %or
he 'roe#ion o% him$el% or oher$ in he area o #ond&# a
CARE9ULL; LI:ITED SEARCH O9 THE OUTER CLOTHIN> O9 SUCH PERSONS in
an aem' o di$#over (ea'on$ (hi#h migh -e &$ed o a$$a&l
him. S$h a searh is a reasona&'e searh $nder the 4o$rth
A#end#ent, and any wea%on seiJed #ay %ro%er'y &e introd$ed in
e"idene a!ainst the %erson fro# who# they were ta9en.F
<6errera, 6andbooB on rrest, Search and Sei=ure and &ustodial
Investigation, "##. ed., p. "$.O and ;erry v. 9hio, supra, p.
#"">
In a''owin! s$h a searh, the =nited States S$%re#e Co$rt he'd
that he inere$ o% e%%e#ive #rime 'revenion and dee#ion allo($ a
'oli#e o%%i#er o a''roa#h a 'er$on+ in a''ro'riae #ir#&m$an#e$ and
manner+ %or '&r'o$e$ o% inve$igaing 'o$$i-le #riminal -ehavior even
ho&gh here i$ in$&%%i#ien 'ro-a-le #a&$e o ma6e an a#&al arre$.
In ad#ittin! in e"idene two !$ns seiJed d$rin! the sto%;and;
fris9, the =S S$%re#e Co$rt he'd that (ha .&$i%ied he limied $ear#h
(a$ he more immediae inere$ o% he 'oli#e o%%i#er in a6ing $e'$
o a$$&re him$el% ha he 'er$on (ih (hom he (a$ dealing (a$ no
armed (ih a (ea'on ha #o&ld &ne"'e#edl! and %aall! -e &$ed again$
him.
It did not, however, abandon the rule that the police must,
whenever practicable, obtain advance judicial approval of searches and
sei=ures through the warrant procedure, e-cused only by e-igent
circumstances. (Manalili v. C!, 1/2 SCRA ?22, Ot. 7, ,778
@Pan!ani&anA5
1. We now %roeed to the .&$i%i#aion for and allo(a-le $#o'e
of a Esto%;and;fris9F as a Elimied 'roe#ive $ear#h o% o&er #lohing
%or (ea'on$,F as 'aid down in ;erry, th$sI
We #ere'y ho'd today that where a %o'ie offier o&ser"es
$n$s$a' ond$t whih 'eads hi# reasona&'y to on'$de in 'i!ht
of his e>%eriene that ri#ina' ati"ity #ay &e afoot and that
the %ersons with who# he is dea'in! #ay &e ar#ed and %resent'y
dan!ero$s, where in the o$rse of in"esti!atin! this &eha"ior he
identifies hi#se'f as a %o'ie#an and #a9es reasona&'e in:$iries,
and where nothin! in the initia' sta!es of the eno$nter ser"es
to dis%e' his reasona&'e fear for his own or othersL safety, he
is entit'ed for the %rotetion of hi#se'f and others in the area
to ond$t a aref$''y 'i#ited searh of the o$ter 'othin! of
s$h %ersons in an atte#%t to diso"er wea%ons whih #i!ht &e
$sed to assa$'t hi#. S$h a searh is a reasona&'e searh $nder
81
the 4o$rth A#end#ent <;erry, at #"". In fact, the &ourt noted
that the Osole 0ustification> for a stopFan$FfrisA (as t)e
Oprotection of t)e police officer an$ ot)ers near#y>O while the
scope of t)e searc) con$ucte$ in t)e case (as limite$ to patting
$o(n t)e outer clot)ing of petitioner an$ )is companions t)e
police officer $i$ not place )is )an$s in t)eir pocAets nor un$er
t)e outer surface of t)eir garments until )e )a$ felt (eapons
an$ t)en )e merely reac)e$ for an$ remove$ t)e guns. &)is $i$
not constitute a general eIploratory searc). Id.>
Other nota&'e %oints of ;erry are that (hile 'ro-a-le #a&$e i$
no re)&ired o #ond&# a 2$o',and,%ri$6+3 i neverhele$$ hold$ ha
mere $&$'i#ion or a h&n#h (ill no validae a 2$o',and,%ri$6*3 A
gen&ine rea$on m&$ e"i$+ in ligh o% he 'oli#e o%%i#erD$ e"'erien#e
and $&rro&nding #ondiion$+ o (arran he -elie% ha he 'er$on
deained ha$ (ea'on$ #on#ealed a-o& him. 4ina''y, a Esto%;and;fris9F
ser"es a two;fo'd interestI (,5 he general inere$ o% e%%e#ive #rime
'revenion and dee#ion, whih $nder'ies the reo!nition that a %o'ie
offier #ay, $nder a%%ro%riate ir$#stanes and in an a%%ro%riate
#anner, a%%roah a %erson for %$r%oses of in"esti!atin! %ossi&'e
ri#ina' &eha"ior e"en witho$t %ro&a&'e a$seG and (15 he more
're$$ing inere$ o% $a%e! and $el%,'re$ervaion (hi#h 'ermi he
'oli#e o%%i#er o a6e $e'$ o a$$&re him$el% ha he 'er$on (ih
(hom he deal$ i$ no armed (ih a deadl! (ea'on ha #o&ld &ne"'e#edl!
and %aall! -e &$ed again$ he 'oli#e o%%i#er. (Malacat v. Court
of !ppeals, 1/- SCRA ,.7, De. ,1, ,778 @Da"ideA5
"*". re searches at checBpoints valid? Discuss.
Held: A$sed;a%%e''ants assai' the #anner &y whih the
he9%oint in :$estion was ond$ted. They ontend that the he9%oint
#anned &y e'e#ents of the Da9ati Po'ie sho$'d ha"e &een anno$ned.
They a'so o#%'ain of its ha"in! &een ond$ted in an ar&itrary and
disri#inatory #anner.
We ta9e B$diia' notie of the e>istene of the CODELEC
reso'$tion i#%osin! a !$n &an d$rin! the e'etion %eriod iss$ed
%$rs$ant to Setion .1(5 in re'ation to Setion 10(:5 of the O#ni&$s
E'etion Code (3atas Pa#&ansa 3'!. //,5. The nationa' and 'oa'
e'etions in ,77. were he'd on / Day, the seond Donday of the #onth.
The inident, whih ha%%ened on . A%ri' ,77., was we'' within the
e'etion %eriod.
This Co$rt has r$'ed that no all #he#6'oin$ are illegal* Tho$e
(hi#h are (arraned -! he e"igen#ie$ o% '&-li# order and are #ond&#ed
in a (a! lea$ inr&$ive o moori$$ are allo(ed* 9or+ admiedl!+
ro&ine #he#6'oin$ do inr&de+ o a #erain e"en+ on moori$$D
righ o 2%ree 'a$$age (iho& inerr&'ion+3 -& i #anno -e denied
ha+ a$ a r&le+ i involve$ onl! a -rie% deenion o% raveler$ d&ring
(hi#h he vehi#leD$ o##&'an$ are re)&ired o an$(er a -rie% )&e$ion
or (o* 9or a$ long a$ he vehi#le i$ neiher $ear#hed nor i$
o##&'an$ $&-.e#ed o a -od! $ear#h+ and he in$'e#ion o% he vehi#le
i$ limied o a vi$&al $ear#h+ $aid ro&ine #he#6$ #anno -e regarded
a$ violaive o% an individ&alD$ righ again$ &nrea$ona-le $ear#h* In
%a#+ he$e ro&ine #he#6$+ (hen #ond&#ed in a %i"ed area+ are even
le$$ inr&$ive.
The #he#6'oin herein #ond&#ed (a$ in '&r$&an#e o% he g&n -an
en%or#ed -! he CO:ELEC* The CO:ELEC (o&ld -e hard '& o im'lemen
he -an i% i$ de'&i8ed agen$ (ere limied o a HISUAL SEARCH o%
'ede$rian$* I (o&ld al$o de%ea he '&r'o$e %or (hi#h $&#h -an (a$
in$i&ed* Tho$e (ho inend o -ring a g&n d&ring $aid 'eriod (o&ld
6no( ha he! onl! need a #ar o -e a-le o ea$il! 'er'erae heir
mali#io&$ de$ign$.
The fats add$ed do not onstit$te a !ro$nd for a "io'ation of
the onstit$tiona' ri!hts of the a$sed a!ainst i''e!a' searh and
seiJ$re. PO- S$&a ad#itted that they were #ere'y sto%%in! ars they
82
dee#ed s$s%iio$s, s$h as those whose windows are hea"i'y tinted B$st
to see if the %assen!ers thereof were arryin! !$ns. A -e$ he!
(o&ld merel! dire# heir %la$hligh$ in$ide he #ar$ he! (o&ld $o'+
(iho& o'ening he #arD$ door$ or $&-.e#ing i$ 'a$$enger$ o a -od!
$ear#h* There i$ nohing di$#riminaor! in hi$ a$ hi$ i$ (ha he
$i&aion demand$.
We $ee no need %or #he#6'oin$ o -e anno&n#ed " " "* No onl!
(o&ld i -e im'ra#i#al+ i (o&ld al$o %ore(arn ho$e (ho inend o
violae he -an* Even $o+ -adge$ o% legiima#! o% #he#6'oin$ ma!
$ill -e in%erred %rom heir 9I?ED LOCATION and he reg&lari8ed manner
in (hi#h he! are o'eraed. (People v. /sana, -1- SCRA 8.?, *an. 1/,
1222, ,
st
Di". @Da"ide, C*A5
"*2. Do the ordinary rights against unreasonable searches and sei=ures
apply to searches conducted at the airport pursuant to routine airport
security procedures?
Held: Per$on$ ma! lo$e he 'roe#ion o% he $ear#h and $ei8&re
#la&$e -! e"'o$&re o% heir 'er$on$ or 'ro'er! o he '&-li# in a
manner re%le#ing a la#6 o% $&-.e#ive e"'e#aion o% 'riva#!+ (hi#h
e"'e#aion $o#ie! i$ 're'ared o re#ogni8e a$ rea$ona-le* S&#h
re#ogniion i$ im'li#i in air'or $e#&ri! 'ro#ed&re$. With inreased
onern o"er air%'ane hiBa9in! and terroris# has o#e inreased
se$rity at the nationLs air%orts. Passen!ers atte#%tin! to &oard an
airraft ro$tine'y %ass thro$!h #eta' detetorsG their arry;on
&a!!a!es as we'' as he9ed '$!!a!e are ro$tine'y s$&Beted to >;ray
sans. Sho$'d these %roed$res s$!!est the %resene of s$s%iio$s
o&Bets, %hysia' searhes are ond$ted to deter#ine what the o&Bets
are. There i$ lile )&e$ion ha $&#h $ear#he$ are rea$ona-le+ given
heir minimal inr&$ivene$$+ he gravi! o% he $a%e! inere$$
involved+ and he red&#ed 'riva#! e"'e#aion$ a$$o#iaed (ih airline
ravel* Indeed+ raveler$ are o%en noi%ied hro&gh air'or '&-li#
addre$$ $!$em$+ $ign$+ and noi#e$ in heir airline i#6e$ ha he!
are $&-.e# o $ear#h and+ i% an! 'rohi-ied maerial$ or $&-$an#e$
are %o&nd+ $&#h (o&ld -e $&-.e# o $ei8&re* The$e anno&n#emen$ 'la#e
'a$$enger$ on noi#e ha ordinar! #on$i&ional 'roe#ion$ again$
(arranle$$ $ear#he$ and $ei8&re$ do no a''l! o ro&ine air'or
'ro#ed&re$.
The %a9s of #etha#%heta#ine hydroh'oride ha"in! th$s &een
o&tained thro$!h a "a'id warrant'ess searh, they are ad#issi&'e in
e"idene a!ainst the a$sed;a%%e''ant herein. Coro''ari'y, her
s$&se:$ent arrest, a'tho$!h 'i9ewise witho$t warrant, was B$stified
sine it was effeted $%on the diso"ery and reo"ery of Esha&$F in her
%erson I: 0@58:;7 D7@I&;9 . (People v. 'eila 1o)nson, +.R. No. ,-///,,
De. ,/, 1222, 1
nd
Di". @DendoJaA5

"**. ?ay the constitutional protection against unreasonable searches
and sei=ures be e-tended to acts committed by private individuals?
Held: As he'd in People v. Marti (,7- SCRA .8 @,77,A5, he
#on$i&ional 'roe#ion again$ &nrea$ona-le $ear#he$ and $ei8&re$
re%er$ o he imm&ni! o% oneK$ 'er$on %rom iner%eren#e -! governmen
and i #anno -e e"ended o a#$ #ommied -! 'rivae individ&al$ $o
a$ o -ring i (ihin he am-i o% alleged &nla(%&l inr&$ion.
(People v. Men$oza, -2, SCRA 00, *an. ,/, ,777, ,
st
Di". @De'oA5
"*+. Should the sei=ed drugs which are pharmaceutically correct but
not properly documented subject of an illegal search because the
applicant /failed to allege in the application for search warrant that
the subject drugs for which she was applying for search warrant were
either faBe, misbranded, adulterated, or unregistered,1 be returned to
the owner?
83
Held: With the StateHs o&'i!ation to %rotet and %ro#ote the
ri!ht to hea'th of the %eo%'e and insti'' hea'th onsio$sness a#on!
the# <rticle II, Section "., "#$% &onstitution>, in order to de"e'o% a
hea'thy and a'ert itiJenry <rticle !IF, Section "#3"4>, it &ea#e
#andatory for the !o"ern#ent to s$%er"ise and ontro' the %ro'iferation
of dr$!s in the #ar9et. The onstit$tiona' #andate that Mthe State
sha'' ado%t an inte!rated and o#%rehensi"e a%%roah to hea'th
de"e'o%#ent whih sha'' endea"or to #a9e essentia' !oods, hea'th and
other soia' ser"ies a"ai'a&'e to a'' %eo%'e at afforda&'e ostM
<rticle !III, Section ""> annot &e ne!'eted. This is why Mthe State
sha'' esta&'ish and #aintain an effeti"e food and dr$! re!$'atory
syste#.M <rticle !III, Section "2> The 34AD is the !o"ern#ent a!eny
"ested &y 'aw to #a9e a #andatory and a$thoritati"e deter#ination of
the tr$e thera%e$ti effet of dr$!s &ea$se it in"o'"es tehnia'
s9i'' whih is within its s%eia' o#%etene. The hea'th of the
itiJenry sho$'d ne"er &e o#%ro#ised. To the 'ay#an, #ediine is a
$re that #ay 'ead to &etter hea'th.
I% he $ei8ed G5 -o"e$ o% dr&g$ are 'harma#e&i#all! #orre# -&
no 'ro'erl! do#&mened+ he! $ho&ld -e 'rom'l! di$'o$ed o% in he
manner 'rovided -! la( in order o en$&re ha he $ame do no %all
ino he (rong hand$ (ho migh &$e he dr&g$ &ndergro&nd. Pri"ate
res%ondent annot re'y on the state#ent of the tria' o$rt that the
a%%'iant Mfai'ed to a''e!e in the a%%'iation for searh warrant that
the s$&Bet dr$!s for whih she was a%%'yin! for searh warrant were
either fa9e, #is&randed, ad$'terated, or $nre!isteredM in order to
o&tain the ret$rn of the dr$!s. The %o'iy of the 'aw en$niated in
R.A. No. /12- is to %rotet the ons$#ers as we'' as the 'iensed
&$siness#en. 4ore#ost a#on! these ons$#ers is the !o"ern#ent itse'f
whih %ro$res #ediines and distri&$tes the# to the 'oa' o##$nities
thro$!h diret assistane to the 'oa' hea'th enters or thro$!h
o$treah and harity %ro!ra#s. On'y with the %ro%er !o"ern#ent
santions an #ediines and dr$!s ir$'ate the #ar9et. We annot
afford to ta9e any ris9, for the 'ife and hea'th of the itiJenry are
as %reio$s as the e>istene of the State. (People v. 1u$ge
Estrella &. Estra$a, +.R No. ,1??0,, *$ne 10, 1222, S%'. 1
nd
Di".
@Ynares;Santia!oA5
"*.. Do 8egional ;rial &ourts have competence to pass upon the
validity or regularity of sei=ure and forfeiture proceedings conducted
by the Eureau of &ustoms and to enjoin or otherwise interfere with
these proceedings?
Held: In 1ao v. Court of !ppeals (1?7 SCRA -., ?1;?- @,77.A5,
this Co$rt, reiteratin! its r$'in!s > > > saidI
There i$ no )&e$ion ha Regional Trial Co&r$ are devoid
o% an! #om'een#e o 'a$$ &'on he validi! or reg&lari! o%
$ei8&re and %or%ei&re 'ro#eeding$ #ond&#ed -! he B&rea& o%
C&$om$ and o en.oin or oher(i$e iner%ere (ih he$e
'ro#eeding$* The Colle#or o% C&$om$ $iing in $ei8&re and
%or%ei&re 'ro#eeding$ ha$ E?CLUSIHE MURISDICTION o hear and
deermine all )&e$ion$ o&#hing on he $ei8&re and %or%ei&re o%
d&ia-le good$* The Regional Trial Co&r$ are 're#l&ded %rom
a$$&ming #ogni8an#e over $&#h maer$ even hro&gh 'eiion$ o%
#eriorari+ 'rohi-iion or mandam&$.
It is 'i9ewise we'';sett'ed that the %ro"isions of the
Tari%% and C&$om$ Code and that of Re'&-li# A# No* 005G, as
a#ended, otherwise 9nown as EAn A# Creaing he Co&r o% Ta"
A''eal$,F s%eify the %ro%er fora and %roed$re for the
"enti'ation of any 'e!a' o&Betions or iss$es raised onernin!
these %roeedin!s. Th$s, a#ion$ o% he Colle#or o% C&$om$ are
a''eala-le o he Commi$$ioner o% C&$om$+ (ho$e de#i$ion+ in
&rn+ i$ $&-.e# o he e"#l&$ive a''ellae .&ri$di#ion o% he
Co&r o% Ta" A''eal$ and %rom here o he Co&r o% A''eal$.
84
The r&le ha Regional Trial Co&r$ have no revie( 'o(er$
over $&#h 'ro#eeding$ i$ an#hored &'on he 'oli#! o% 'la#ing no
&nne#e$$ar! hindran#e on he governmenD$ drive+ no onl! o
'reven $m&ggling and oher %ra&d$ &'on C&$om$+ -& more
im'oranl!+ o render e%%e#ive and e%%i#ien he #olle#ion o%
im'or and e"'or d&ie$ d&e he Sae+ (hi#h ena-le$ he
governmen o #arr! o& he %&n#ion$ i ha$ -een in$i&ed o
'er%orm.
Even i% he $ei8&re -! he Colle#or o% C&$om$ (ere
illegal+ " " " (e have $aid ha $&#h a# doe$ no de'rive he
B&rea& o% C&$om$ o% .&ri$di#ion hereon.
Res%ondents ite the state#ent of the Co$rt of A%%ea's that
re!$'ar o$rts sti'' retain B$risdition Ewhere, as in this ase, for
'a9 of %ro&a&'e a$se, there is serio$s do$&t as to the %ro%riety of
%'ain! the arti'es $nder C$sto#s B$risdition thro$!h
seiJ$reKforfeit$re %roeedin!s.F They o"er'oo9 the fat, howe"er, that
$nder the 'aw, the :$estion of whether %ro&a&'e a$se e>ists for the
seiJ$re of the s$&Bet sa9s of rie is not for the Re!iona' Tria'
Co$rt to deter#ine. The #&$om$ a&horiie$ do no have o 'rove o
he $ai$%a#ion o% he #o&r ha he ari#le$ on -oard a ve$$el (ere
im'ored %rom a-road or are inended o -e $hi''ed a-road -e%ore he!
ma! e"er#i$e he 'o(er o e%%e# #&$om$D $ear#he$+ $ei8&re$+ or
arre$$ 'rovided -! la( and #onin&e (ih he admini$raive hearing$.
As the Co$rt he'd in Ponce Enrile v. 2inuya (-8 SCRA -/,, -//;-/7
@,78,A, reiterated in 1ao v. Court of !ppeals, supra and Mison v.
Nativi$a$, 1,- SCRA 8-? @,771A5I
The !o"ern#enta' a!eny onerned, the 3$rea$ of C$sto#s, is
"ested with e>'$si"e a$thority. E"en if it &e ass$#ed that in
the e>erise of s$h e>'$si"e o#%etene a taint of i''e!a'ity
#ay &e orret'y i#%$ted, the #ost that an &e said is that $nder
ertain ir$#stanes the !ra"e a&$se of disretion onferred #ay
o$st it of s$h B$risdition. It does not #ean howe"er that
orres%ondin!'y a o$rt of first instane is "ested with
o#%etene when 'ear'y in the 'i!ht of the a&o"e deisions the
'aw has not seen fit to do so. The %roeedin! &efore the
Co''etor of C$sto#s is not fina'. An a%%ea' 'ies to the
Co##issioner of C$sto#s and thereafter to the Co$rt of Ta>
A%%ea's. It #ay e"en reah this Co$rt thro$!h the a%%ro%riate
%etition for re"iew. ;he proper ventilation of the legal issues
raised is thus indicated. &ertainly a court of first instance is
not therein included. It is devoid of jurisdiction.
(6ureau of Customs v. 3gario, -17 SCRA 1/7, 170;17/, Darh -2, 1222, 1
nd
Di". @DendoJaA5
THE PRIHAC; O9 CO::UNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE
"*). (rivate respondent 8afael S. 9rtane= filed with the 8egional
;rial &ourt of Aue=on &ity a complaint for annulment of marriage with
damages against petitioner ;eresita Salcedo,9rtane=, on grounds of lacB
of marriage license andIor psychological incapacity of the petitioner.
mong the e-hibits offered by private respondent were three <*>
cassette tapes of alleged telephone conversations between petitioner
and unidentified persons. ;he trial court issued the assailed order
admitting all of the evidence offered by private respondent, including
tape recordings of telephone conversations of petitioner with
unidentified persons. ;hese tape recordings were made and obtained
when private respondent allowed his friends from the military to wire
tap his home telephone. Did the trial court act properly when it
admitted in evidence said tape recordings?
Held: Repu#lic !ct No. 4+-- entit'ed M!n !ct to Pro)i#it an$
Penalize Bire &apping an$ 3t)er Relate$ 2iolations of t)e Privacy of
Communication an$ =or 3t)er PurposesM e"'re$$l! ma6e$ $&#h a'e
re#ording$ inadmi$$i-le in eviden#e. > > >.
85
C'ear'y, res%ondent tria' o$rt and Co$rt of A%%ea's fai'ed to
onsider the afore;:$oted %ro"isions of the 'aw in ad#ittin! in
e"idene the assette ta%es in :$estion. A-$en a #lear $ho(ing ha
-oh 'arie$ o he ele'hone #onver$aion$ allo(ed he re#ording o%
he $ame+ he inadmi$$i-ili! o% he $&-.e# a'e$ i$ mandaor! &nder
Rep. !ct No. 4+--.
Additiona''y, it sho$'d &e #entioned that the a&o"e;#entioned
Re%$&'i At in Setion 1 thereof i#%oses a %ena'ty of i#%rison#ent of
not 'ess than si> (05 #onths and $% to si> (05 years for "io'ation of
said At. (Salce$oF3rtanez v. Court of !ppeals, 1-. SCRA ,,,,
A$!. ?, ,77? @Padi''aA5
THE RI>HT TO PRIHAC;
"*%. Is there a constitutional right to privacy?
Held: The ESSENCE of %ri"ay is the Erigh o -e le alone.F In
the ,70. ase of Gris(ol$ v. Connecticut (-/, =.S. ?87, ,? '. ed. 1D
.,2 @,70.A5, the =nited States S$%re#e Co$rt !a"e #ore s$&stane to the
ri!ht of %ri"ay when it r$'ed that he righ ha$ a #on$i&ional
%o&ndaion. It he'd that there is a ri!ht of %ri"ay whih an &e
fo$nd within the %en$#&ras of the 4irst, Third, 4o$rth, 4ifth and Ninth
A#end#ents. In the ,70/ ase of Morfe v. Mutuc (11 SCRA ?1?, ???;??.5,
(e ado'ed he Gris(ol$ r&ling ha here i$ a #on$i&ional righ o
'riva#!.
The SC 'arified that the ri!ht of %ri"ay is reo!niJed and
enshrined in se"era' %ro"isions of o$r Constit$tion. It is e>%ress'y
reo!niJed in Section *879 of the 6ill of Rig)ts. Other faets of the
ri!ht to %ri"ay are %roteted in "ario$s %ro"isions of the 3i'' of
Ri!hts, i.e., Secs. 7 + ; . and 7,. (3ple v. &orres, +.R.
No. ,180/., *$'y 1-, ,77/ @P$noA5
"*$. Identify the D9:7S 90 (8IF&G recogni=ed and protected in our
laws.
Held: The Civil Co$e %ro"ides that E<e=ver! 'er$on $hall re$'e#
he digni!+ 'er$onali!+ 'riva#! and 'ea#e o% mind o% hi$ neigh-or$
and oher 'er$on$F and %$nishes as ationa&'e torts se"era' ats &y a
%erson of #edd'in! and %ryin! into the %ri"ay of another. It a'so
ho'ds a %$&'i offier or e#%'oyee or any %ri"ate indi"id$a' 'ia&'e for
da#a!es for any "io'ation of the ri!hts and 'i&erties of another
%erson, and reo!niJes the %ri"ay of 'etters and other %ri"ate
o##$niations. The Revise$ Penal Co$e #a9es a ri#e the violaion o%
$e#re$ -! an o%%i#er+ he revelaion o% rade and ind&$rial $e#re$+
and re$'a$$ o d(elling. Inva$ion o% 'riva#! i$ an o%%en$e in $'e#ial
la($ li6e he !ntiFBiretapping 'a( /R*A* E5JJ1+ he Secrecy of 6anA
Deposits /R*A* 0EJG1 and the Intellectual Property Co$e /R*A* B5C71 .
The Rules of Court on %ri"i'e!ed o##$niation 'i9ewise reo!niJe the
'riva#! o% #erain in%ormaion <Section 2+, 8ule "*23c4, 8evised 8ules
on 7vidence>. (3ple v. &orres, +.R. No. ,180/., *$'y 1-, ,77/ @P$noA5
"*#. Discuss why dministrative 9rder :o. *2$ <issued by the (resident
prescribing for a :ational ID system for all citi=ens to facilitate
business transactions with government agencies engaged in the delivery
of basic services and social security provisions> should be declared
unconstitutional.
Held: We %resind fro# the %re#ise that the ri!ht to %ri"ay is
a f$nda#enta' ri!ht !$aranteed &y the Constit$tion, hene, it is the
&$rden of !o"ern#ent to show that A.O. No. -2/ is B$stified &y so#e
o#%e''in! state interest and that it is narrow'y drawn. A.O. No. -2/
is %rediated on two onsiderationsI /01 he need o 'rovide o&r
#ii8en$ and %oreigner$ (ih he %a#ili! o #onvenienl! ran$a#
-&$ine$$ (ih -a$i# $ervi#e and $o#ial $e#&ri! 'rovider$ and oher
86
governmen in$r&menaliie$ and /51 he need o red&#e+ i% no oall!
eradi#ae+ %ra&d&len ran$a#ion$ and mi$re're$enaion$ -! 'er$on$
$ee6ing -a$i# $ervi#e$. It is de&ata&'e whether these interests are
o#%e''in! eno$!h to warrant the iss$ane of A.O. No. -2/. B& (ha i$
no arg&a-le i$ he BROADNESS + he HA>UENESS + he OHERBREADTH o% A*O*
No* 7JB (hi#h i% im'lemened (ill '& o&r 'eo'leD$ righ o 'riva#! in
#lear and 're$en danger.
The heart of .9. :o. *2$ 'ies in its Setion ? whih %ro"ides
for a Po%$'ation Referene N$#&er (PRN5 as a Eo##on referene n$#&er
to esta&'ish a 'in9a!e a#on! onerned a!eniesF thro$!h the $se of
E3io#etris Tehno'o!yF and Eo#%$ter a%%'iation desi!ns.F
I i$ noe(orh! ha A*O* No* 7JB doe$ no $ae (ha $'e#i%i#
-iologi#al #hara#eri$i#$ and (ha 'ari#&lar -iomeri#$ e#hnolog!
$hall -e &$ed o ideni%! 'eo'le (ho (ill $ee6 i$ #overage*
Con$idering he -an)&e o% o'ion$ availa-le o he im'lemenor$ o%
A*O* No* 7JB+ he %ear ha i hreaen$ he righ o 'riva#! o% o&r
'eo'le i$ no gro&ndle$$.
A*O* No* 7JB $ho&ld al$o rai$e o&r anenna$ %or a %&rher loo6
(ill $ho( ha i doe$ no $ae (heher en#oding o% daa i$ limied o
-iologi#al in%ormaion alone %or ideni%i#aion '&r'o$e$* ? " "*
Clearl!+ he inde%iniene$$ o% A*O* No* 7JB #an give he governmen he
roving a&hori! o $ore and rerieve in%ormaion %or a '&r'o$e oher
han he ideni%i#aion o% he individ&al hro&gh hi$ PRN.
;he potential for misuse of the data to be gathered under .9.
:o. *2$ cannot be underplayed - - -. ;he more fre'uent the use of the
(8:, the better the chance of building a huge and formidable
information base through the electronic linBage of the files. The daa
ma! -e gahered %or gain%&l and &$e%&l governmen '&r'o$e$4 -& he
e"i$en#e o% hi$ va$ re$ervoir o% 'er$onal in%ormaion #on$i&e$ a
#over inviaion o mi$&$e+ a em'aion ha ma! -e oo grea %or
$ome o% o&r a&horiie$ o re$i$.
It is %'ain and we ho'd that A.O. No. -2/ fa''s short of ass$rin!
that %ersona' infor#ation whih wi'' &e !athered a&o$t o$r %eo%'e wi''
on'y &e %roessed for $ne:$i"oa''y s%eified %$r%oses. The 'a9 of
%ro%er safe!$ards in this re!ard, of A.O. No. -2/ #ay interfere with
the indi"id$a'Ls 'i&erty of a&ode and tra"e' &y ena&'in! a$thorities to
tra9 down his #o"e#entG it #ay a'so ena&'e $nsr$%$'o$s %ersons to
aess onfidentia' infor#ation and ir$#"ent the ri!ht a!ainst se'f;
inri#inationG it #ay %a"e the way for Efishin! e>%editionsF &y
!o"ern#ent a$thorities and e"ade the ri!ht a!ainst $nreasona&'e
searhes and seiJ$res. The 'o$$i-iliie$ o% a-&$e and mi$&$e o% he
PRN+ -iomeri#$ and #om'&er e#hnolog! are a##en&aed (hen (e
#on$ider ha he individ&al la#6$ #onrol over (ha #an -e read or
'la#ed on hi$ ID+ m&#h le$$ veri%! he #orre#ne$$ o% he daa en#oded*
The! hreaen he ver! a-&$e$ ha he Bill o% Righ$ $ee6$ o 'reven.
The a&i'ity of a so%histiated data enter to !enerate a
o#%rehensi"e cradle,to,grave dossier on an indi"id$a' and trans#it it
o"er a nationa' networ9 is one of the #ost !ra%hi threats of the
o#%$ter re"o'$tion. The o#%$ter is a%a&'e of %rod$in! a
o#%rehensi"e dossier on indi"id$a's o$t of infor#ation !i"en at
different ti#es and for "aried %$r%oses. 6 > >. Retrie"a' of stored
data is si#%'e. When infor#ation of a %ri"i'e!ed harater finds its
way into the o#%$ter, it an &e e>trated to!ether with other data on
the s$&Bet. One e>trated, the infor#ation is %$tty in the hands of
any %erson. The end of %ri"ay &e!ins.
<T=he Co&r (ill no -e r&e o i$ role a$ he &limae g&ardian
o% he 'eo'leD$ li-er! i% i (o&ld no immediael! $moher he $'ar6$
ha endanger heir righ$ -& (o&ld raher (ai %or he %ire ha
#o&ld #on$&me hem.
<A=nd (e no( hold ha (hen he inegri! o% a %&ndamenal righ
i$ a $a6e+ hi$ Co&r (ill give he #hallenged la(+ admini$raive
87
order+ r&le or reg&laion a $ri#er $#r&in!* I (ill no do %or he
a&horiie$ o invo6e he 're$&m'ion o% reg&lari! in he 'er%orman#e
o% o%%i#ial d&ie$* Nor i$ i eno&gh %or he a&horiie$ o 'rove ha
heir a# i$ no irraional %or a -a$i# righ #an -e dimini$hed+ i% no
de%eaed+ even (hen he governmen doe$ no a# irraionall!* The!
m&$ $ai$%a#oril! $ho( he 're$en#e o% CO:PELLIN> STATE INTEREST and
ha he la(+ r&le+ or reg&laion i$ narro(l! dra(n o 're#l&de a-&$e$.
This a%%roah is de#anded &y the ,7/8 Constit$tion whose entire #atri>
is desi!ned to %rotet h$#an ri!hts and to %re"ent a$thoritarianis#.
In ase of do$&t, the 'east we an do is to 'ean towards the stane
that wi'' not %$t in dan!er the ri!hts %roteted &y the Constit$tion.
The ri!ht to %ri"ay is one of the #ost threatened ri!hts of #an
'i"in! in a #ass soiety. The threats e#anate fro# "ario$s so$res C
!o"ern#ents, Bo$rna'ists, e#%'oyers, soia' sientists, et. In the
ase at &ar, the threat o#es fro# the e>e$ti"e &ranh of !o"ern#ent
whih &y iss$in! A.O. No. -2/ %ress$res the %eo%'e to s$rrender their
%ri"ay &y !i"in! infor#ation a&o$t the#se'"es on the %rete>t that it
wi'' fai'itate de'i"ery of &asi ser"ies. +i"en the reord;9ee%in!
%ower of the o#%$ter, on'y the indifferent wi'' fai' to %erei"e the
dan!er that A.O. No. -2/ !i"es the !o"ern#ent the %ower to o#%i'e a
de"astatin! dossier a!ainst $ns$s%etin! itiJens. 6 > > <W=e #lo$e
(ih he $aemen ha he righ o 'riva#! (a$ no engraved in o&r
Con$i&ion %or %laer!.
(3ple v. &orres, +.R. No. ,180/., *$'y 1-, ,77/ @P$noA5
"+2. Should in camera inspection of banB accounts be allowed? If in
the affirmative, under what circumstances should it be allowed?
Held: The iss$e is whether %etitioner #ay &e ited for indiret
onte#%t for her fai'$re to %rod$e the do$#ents re:$ested &y the
O#&$ds#an. And whether the order of the O#&$ds#an to ha"e an in camera
ins%etion of the :$estioned ao$nt is a''owed as an e>e%tion to the
'aw on serey of &an9 de%osits (R.A. No. ,?2.5.
An e>a#ination of the serey of &an9 de%osits 'aw (R.A. No.
,?2.5 wo$'d re"ea' the fo''owin! e>e%tionsI
1) Where the de'o$ior #on$en$ in (riingG
2) Im'ea#hmen #a$e$ G
3) B! #o&r order in -ri-er! or dereli#ion o% d&! #a$e$ again$
'&-li# o%%i#ial$G
4) De'o$i i$ $&-.e# o% liigaion G
5) Se. /, R.A. No. -2,7, in #a$e$ o% &ne"'lained (ealh a$ held
in he #a$e o% PNB v* >an#a!#o (,11 Phi'. .2-, .2/ @,70.A5.
The order of the O#&$ds#an to %rod$e for in camera ins%etion
the s$&Bet ao$nts with the =nion 3an9 of the Phi'i%%ines, *$'ia
Var!as 3ranh, is &ased on a %endin! in"esti!ation at the Offie of the
O#&$ds#an a!ainst A#ado La!da#eo, et. al. for "io'ation of R.!. No.
*-7:, Se#* 7 /e1 and /g1 re'ati"e to the *oint Vent$re A!ree#ent
&etween the P$&'i Estates A$thority and ADARI.
We r&le ha -e%ore an in #amera in$'e#ion ma! -e allo(ed+ /01
here m&$ -e a 'ending #a$e -e%ore a #o&r o% #om'een .&ri$di#ion*
9&rher+ /51 he a##o&n m&$ -e #learl! ideni%ied+ /71 he in$'e#ion
limied o he $&-.e# maer o% he 'ending #a$e -e%ore he #o&r o%
#om'een .&ri$di#ion* /E1 The -an6 'er$onnel and he a##o&n holder
m&$ -e noi%ied o -e 're$en d&ring he in$'e#ion+ and /G1 $&#h
in$'e#ion ma! #over onl! he a##o&n ideni%ied in he 'ending #a$e.
In Union Ban6 o% he Phili''ine$ v* Co&r o% A''eal$, we he'd
that ESe#ion 5 of the La( on Se#re#! o% Ban6 De'o$i$, as a#ended,
de'ares -an6 de'o$i$ o -e Qa-$ol&el! #on%idenialD e"#e'I
1) In an e"aminaion made in he #o&r$e o% a $'e#ial or general
e"aminaion of a &an9 that is s%eifia''y a$thoriJed &y the
Donetary 3oard after &ein! satisfied that there is rea$ona-le
88
gro&nd o -elieve ha a -an6 %ra&d or $erio&$ irreg&lari!
has &een or is &ein! o##itted and that it is ne#e$$ar! o
loo6 ino he de'o$i o e$a-li$h $&#h %ra&d or irreg&lari!,
2) In an e"aminaion made -! an inde'enden a&dior hired &y the
&an9 to ond$t its reg&lar a&di %ro"ided that the
e"aminaion i$ %or a&di '&r'o$e$ onl! and the re$&l$ thereof
sha'' &e for the e"#l&$ive &$e o% he -an6 ,
3) =%on (rien 'ermi$$ion o% he de'o$ior,
4) In ases of im'ea#hmen,
5) =%on order o% a #om'een #o&r in #a$e$ o% -ri-er! or
dereli#ion o% d&! o% '&-li# o%%i#ial$, or
6) In ases where the mone! de'o$ied or inve$ed i$ he $&-.e#
maer o% he liigaionF.
In he #a$e a -ar+ here i$ !e no 'ending liigaion -e%ore an!
#o&r o% #om'een a&hori!* Wha i$ e"i$ing i$ an inve$igaion -!
he O%%i#e o% he Om-&d$man* In $hor+ (ha he O%%i#e o% he
Om-&d$man (o&ld (i$h o do i$ o %i$h %or addiional eviden#e o
%ormall! #harge Amado Lagdameo+ e* al*+ (ih he Sandigan-a!an*
Clearl!+ here (a$ no 'ending #a$e in #o&r (hi#h (o&ld (arran he
o'ening o% he -an6 a##o&n %or in$'e#ion.
Nones of %ri"ay are reo!niJed and %roteted in o$r 'aws. The
Ci"i' Code %ro"ides that E@eA"ery %erson sha'' res%et the di!nity,
%ersona'ity, %ri"ay and %eae of #ind of his nei!h&ors and other
%ersonsF and %$nishes as ationa&'e torts se"era' ats for #edd'in! and
%ryin! into the %ri"ay of another. It a'so ho'ds %$&'i offier or
e#%'oyee or any %ri"ate indi"id$a' 'ia&'e for da#a!es for any "io'ation
of the ri!hts and 'i&erties of another %erson, and reo!niJes the
%ri"ay of 'etters and other %ri"ate o##$niations. The Re"ised Pena'
Code #a9es a ri#e of the "io'ation of serets &y an offier,
re"e'ation of trade and ind$stria' serets, and tres%ass to dwe''in!.
In"asion of %ri"ay is an offense in s%eia' 'aws 'i9e the anti;
Wireta%%in! Law, the Secrecy of EanB Deposits ct, and the Inte''et$a'
Pro%erty Code. ('our$es &. MarHuez v. Hon. !niano !. Desierto, +.R.
No. ,-.//1, *$ne 18, 122,, En 3an @PardoA5
9REEDO: O9 E?PRESSION
"+". Distinguish /&9:;7:;,ES7D 87S;8I&;I9:S1 on free speech from
/&9:;7:;,:7C;8@ 87S;8I&;I9:S,1 and give e-ample of each.
Held: Conen,-a$ed re$ri#ion$ are im'o$ed -e#a&$e o% he
#onen o% he $'ee#h and are+ here%ore+ $&-.e# o he #lear,and,
're$en danger e$. 4or e>a#%'e, a r$'e s$h as that in"o'"ed in
Sanidad v* Comele# (,/, SCRA .17 @,772A5, 'rohi-iing #ol&mni$$+
#ommenaor$+ and anno&n#er$ %rom #am'aigning eiher %or or again$ an
i$$&e in a 'le-i$#ie m&$ have #om'elling rea$on o $&''or i+ or i
(ill no 'a$$ m&$er &nder $ri# $#r&in!* The$e re$ri#ion$ are
#en$orial and here%ore he! -ear a heav! 're$&m'ion o% #on$i&ional
invalidi!* In addiion+ he! (ill -e e$ed %or 'o$$i-le over-readh
and vag&ene$$.
Conen,ne&ral re$ri#ion$, on the other hand, 'i9e Se#* 00/-1
of R*A* No* IIEI, whih 'rohi-i$ he $ale or donaion o% 'rin $'a#e
and air ime o 'olii#al #andidae$ d&ring he #am'aign 'eriod+ are
no #on#erned (ih he #onen o% he $'ee#h* The$e reg&laion$ need
onl! a $&-$anial governmenal inere$ o $&''or hem* A
de%erenial $andard o% revie( (ill $&%%i#e o e$ heir validi!*
The #lear,and,'re$en danger r&le i$ ina''ro'riae a$ a e$ %or
deermining he #on$i&ional validi! o% la($+ li6e Se#* 00/-1 o%
R*A* No* IIEI+ (hi#h are no #on#erned (ih he #onen o% 'olii#al
ad$ -& onl! (ih heir in#iden$. To a%%'y the 'ear;and;%resent
dan!er test to s$h re!$'atory #eas$res wo$'d &e 'i9e $sin! a
s'ed!eha##er to dri"e a nai' when a re!$'ar ha##er is a'' that is
needed.
89
The TEST for this differene in the 'e"e' of B$stifiation for the
restrition of s%eeh is that #onen,-a$ed re$ri#ion$ di$or '&-li#
de-ae+ have im'ro'er moivaion+ and are &$&all! im'o$ed -e#a&$e o%
%ear o% ho( 'eo'le (ill rea# o a 'ari#&lar $'ee#h* No $&#h rea$on$
&nderlie #onen,ne&ral reg&laion$+ li6e reg&laion o% ime+ 'la#e
and manner o% holding '&-li# a$$em-lie$ &nder B*P* Blg* BBJ+ he P&-li#
A$$em-l! A# o% 0CBG.
(3smena v. C3ME'EC, 1// SCRA ??8, Darh -,, ,77/ @DendoJaA5
"+2. Does the conduct of e-it poll by ES &E: present a clear and
present danger of destroying the credibility and integrity of the
electoral process as it has the tendency to sow confusion considering
the randomness of selecting interviewees, which further maBes the e-it
poll highly unreliable, to justify the promulgation of a &omelec
resolution prohibiting the same?
Held: S$h ar!$#ents are %$re'y $'e#&laive and 'ear'y
&nena-le. 0I8S;, -! he ver! na&re o% a $&rve!+ he inervie(ee$ or
'ari#i'an$ are $ele#ed a RANDO: + $o ha he re$&l$ (ill a$ m&#h
a$ 'o$$i-le -e re're$enaive or re%le#ive o% he general $enimen or
vie( o% he #omm&ni! or gro&' 'olled. S7&9:D, he $&rve! re$&l i$
no mean o re'la#e or -e a 'ar (ih he o%%i#ial Comele# #o&n* I
#on$i$$ merel! o% he o'inion o% he 'olling gro&' a$ o (ho he
ele#orae in general ha$ 'ro-a-l! voed %or, &ased on the 'i#ited data
!athered fro# %o''ed indi"id$a's. 0I:@@G, no a $a6e are he
#redi-ili! and he inegri! o% he ele#ion$+ (hi#h are e"er#i$e$
ha are $e'arae and inde'enden %rom he e"i 'oll$* The holding and
he re'oring o% he re$&l$ o% e"i 'oll$ #anno &ndermine ho$e o%
he ele#ion$+ $in#e he %ormer i$ onl! 'ar o% he laer* I% a all+
he o&#ome o% one #an onl! -e indi#aive o% he oher.
The CO:ELECD$ #on#ern (ih he 'o$$i-le non#omm&ni#aive e%%e#
o% e"i 'oll$ N di$order and #on%&$ion in he voing #ener$ N doe$ no
.&$i%! a oal -an on hem* Undo&-edl!+ he a$$ailed Comele#
Re$ol&ion i$ oo -road+ $in#e i$ a''li#aion i$ (iho& )&ali%i#aion
a$ o (heher he 'olling i$ di$r&'ive or no* There i$ no $ho(ing+
ho(ever+ ha e"i 'oll$ or he mean$ o inervie( voer$ #a&$e #hao$
in voing #ener$. Neither has any e"idene &een %resented %ro"in!
that the %resene of e>it %o'' re%orters near an e'etion %reint
tends to reate disorder or onf$se the "oters.
:oreover+ he 'rohi-iion in#idenall! 'reven$ he #olle#ion o%
e"i 'oll daa and heir &$e %or an! '&r'o$e* The val&a-le in%ormaion
and idea$ ha #o&ld -e derived %rom hem+ -a$ed on he voer$D an$(er$
o he $&rve! )&e$ion$ (ill %orever remain &n6no(n and &ne"'lored.
=n'ess the &an is restrained, andidates, researhers, soia'
sientists and the e'etorate in !enera' wo$'d &e de%ri"ed of st$dies
on the i#%at of $rrent e"ents and of e'etion;day and other fators
on "otersL hoies.
The a-$ol&e -an im'o$ed -! he Comele# #anno+ here%ore+ -e
.&$i%ied* I doe$ no leave o'en an! alernaive #hannel o%
#omm&ni#aion o gaher he !'e o% in%ormaion o-ained hro&gh e"i
'olling* On he oher hand+ here are oher valid and rea$ona-le (a!$
and mean$ o a#hieve he Comele# end o% avoiding or minimi8ing di$order
and #on%&$ion ha ma! -e -ro&gh a-o& -! e"i $&rve!$.
With fore!oin! %re#ises, it is on'$ded that the interest of the
state in red$in! disr$%tion is o$twei!hed &y the drasti a&rid!#ent of
the onstit$tiona''y !$aranteed ri!hts of the #edia and the e'etorate.
P$ite the ontrary, instead of disr$%tin! e'etions, e>it %o''s C
%ro%er'y ond$ted and %$&'iiJed C an &e "ita' too's for the ho'din!
of honest, order'y, %eaef$' and redi&'e e'etionsG and for the
e'i#ination of e'etion;fi>in!, fra$d and other e'etora' i''s.
(!6SFC6N 6roa$casting Corporation v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,--?/0, *an. 1/,
1222, En 3an @Pan!ani&anA5
90
"+*. Section 5.4 of R.!. No. :--; <=air Election !ct> which providesN
/Surveys affecting national candidates shall not be published fifteen
<".> days before an election and surveys affecting local candidates
shall not be published seven <%> days before an election.1 ;he Social
Weather Stations, Inc. <SWS>, a private non,stocB, non,profit social
research institution conducting surveys in various fieldsO and
Kamahalan (ublishing &orporation, publisher of the ?anila Standard, a
newspaper of general circulation, which features newsworthy items of
information including election surveys, challenged the
constitutionality of aforesaid provision as it constitutes a prior
restraint on the e-ercise of freedom of speech without any clear and
present danger to justify such restraint. Should the challenge be
sustained?
Held: 4or reason here$nder !i"en, we ho'd that Se#ion G*E of
R.!. No. :--; onstit$tes an &n#on$i&ional a-ridgmen o% %reedom o%
$'ee#h+ e"'re$$ion+ and he 're$$.
To &e s$re, Setion ..? 'ays a 'rior re$rain on %reedom o%
$'ee#h+ e"'re$$ion+ and he 're$$ -! 'rohi-iing he '&-li#aion o%
ele#ion $&rve! re$&l$ a%%e#ing #andidae$ (ihin he 're$#ri-ed
'eriod$ o% %i%een /0G1 da!$ immediael! 're#eding a naional ele#ion
and $even /F1 da!$ -e%ore a lo#al ele#ion* Be#a&$e o% he 're%erred
$a&$ o% he #on$i&ional righ$ o% $'ee#h+ e"'re$$ion+ and he
're$$+ $&#h a mea$&re i$ viiaed -! a (eigh! 're$&m'ion o%
invalidi!* Indeed+ 2an! $!$em o% 'rior re$rain$ o% e"'re$$ion
#ome$ o hi$ Co&r -earing a heav! 're$&m'ion again$ i$
#on$i&ional validi! " " "* The >overnmen Qh&$ #arrie$ a heav!
-&rden o% $ho(ing .&$i%i#aion %or he en%or#emen o% $&#h
re$rain.LF There is th$s a re"ersa' of the nor#a' %res$#%tion of
"a'idity that inheres in e"ery 'e!is'ation.
Nor #ay it &e ar!$ed that &ea$se of !rt. I%FC, Se#* E of the
Constitution, whih !i"es the Co#e'e s$%er"isory %ower to re!$'ate the
enBoy#ent or $ti'iJation of franhise for the o%eration of #edia of
o##$niation, no %res$#%tion of in"a'idity attahes to a #eas$re 'i9e
Se. ..?. 9or a$ (e have 'oined o& in $&$aining he -an on media
'olii#al adveri$emen$+ he gran o% 'o(er o he Comele# &nder Ar*
I?,C+ Se#* E i$ limied o en$&ring 2 EQUAL OPPORTUNIT;+ TI:E+ SPACE +
and he RI>HT TO REPL; 3 a$ (ell a$ UNI9OR: and REASONABLE RATES O9
CHAR>ES %or he &$e o% $&#h media %a#iliie$ %or 2'&-li# in%ormaion
#am'aign$ and %or&m$ among #andidae$.F
6 > >
Nor an the &an on e'etion s$r"eys &e B$stified on the !ro$nd
that there are other o$ntries > > > whih si#i'ar'y i#%ose
restritions on the %$&'iation of e'etion s$r"eys. At &est this
s$r"ey is inon'$si"e. It is noteworthy that in the =nited States no
restrition on the %$&'iation of e'etion s$r"ey res$'ts e>ists. It
annot &e ar!$ed that this is &ea$se the =nited States is a #at$re
de#oray. Neither are there 'aws i#%osin! an e#&ar!o on s$r"ey
res$'ts, e"en for a 'i#ited %eriod, in other o$ntries. 6 > >.
What ;7S; sho$'d then &e e#%'oyed o deermine he #on$i&ional
validi! of Setion ..?Q The =nited States S$%re#e Co$rt > > > he'd in
/nite$ States v. 3> 6rienN
@AA !o"ern#ent re!$'ation is s$ffiient'y B$stified /01 if it is
(ihin he #on$i&ional 'o(er o% he governmenG /51 if it
%&rher$ an im'oran or $&-$anial governmenal inere$G /71
if he governmenal inere$ i$ &nrelaed o he $&''re$$ion o%
%ree e"'re$$ionG and /E1 if he in#idenal re$ri#ion on alleged
9ir$ Amendmen %reedom$ (of s%eeh, e>%ression and %ress5 i$ no
greaer han i$ e$$enial o he %&rheran#e o% ha inere$
(-7, =.S. -08, 12 L. Ed. 1d 071, 0/2 @,70/A @&ra9eted n$#&ers
addedA5.
91
Thi$ i$ $o %ar he mo$ in%l&enial e$ %or di$ing&i$hing
#onen,-a$ed %rom #onen,ne&ral reg&laion$ and i$ $aid o have
2-e#ome #anoni#al in he revie( o% $&#h la($.F It is noteworthy that
the 9P Erien test has &een a%%'ied &y this Co$rt in at 'east two ases
(!$iong v. Comelec, 128 SCRA 8,1 @,771AG 3smena v. Comelec, s$%ra.5.
Under hi$ e$+ even i% a la( %&rher$ an im'oran or
$&-$anial governmenal inere$+ i $ho&ld -e invalidaed i% $&#h
governmenal inere$ i$ 2no &nrelaed o he $&''re$$ion o% %ree
e"'re$$ion*3 :oreover+ even i% he '&r'o$e i$ &nrelaed o he
$&''re$$ion o% %ree $'ee#h+ he la( $ho&ld neverhele$$ -e invalidaed
i% he re$ri#ion on %reedom o% e"'re$$ion i$ greaer han i$
ne#e$$ar! o a#hieve he governmenal '&r'o$e in )&e$ion.
O$r in:$iry sho$'d aordin!'y fo$s on these two onsiderations
as a%%'ied to Se. ..?.
0I8S;. Se#* G*E %ail$ o mee #rierion /71 o% he OD Brien e$
-e#a&$e he #a&$al #onne#ion o% e"'re$$ion o he a$$ered
governmenal inere$ ma6e$ $&#h inere$ 2no &nrelaed o he
$&''re$$ion o% %ree e"'re$$ion.F Ey prohibiting the publication of
election survey results because of the possibility that such
publication might undermine the integrity of the election, Sec. ..+
actually suppresses a whole class of e-pression, while allowing the
e-pression of opinion concerning the same subject matter by newspaper
columnists, radio and ;F commentators, armchair theorists, and other
opinion maBers. In effect, Sec. ..+ shows a bias for a particular
subject matter, if not viewpoint, by preferring personal opinion to
statistical results. The onstit$tiona' !$arantee of freedo# of
e>%ression #eans that Ehe governmen ha$ no 'o(er o re$ri#
e"'re$$ion -e#a&$e o% i$ me$$age+ i$ idea$+ i$ $&-.e# maer+ or
i$ #onen$.F The inhi&ition of s%eeh sho$'d &e $%he'd on'y if the
e>%ression fa''s within one of the few $n%roteted ate!ories dea't
with in C)aplinsAy v. Ne( Hamps)ire (-,. =.S. .0/, .8,;.81, /0 L. Ed.
,2-,, ,2-. @,7?1A5, th$sI
There are ertain we'';defined and narrow'y 'i#ited 'asses
of s%eeh, the %re"ention and %$nish#ent of whih ha"e ne"er &een
tho$!ht to raise any Constit$tiona' %ro&'e#. These in'$de the
le(d and o-$#ene, the 'ro%ane, the li-elo&$, and the in$&ling or
Q%ighingD (ord$ C ho$e (hi#h -! heir ver! &eran#e in%li#
in.&r! or end o in#ie an immediae -rea#h o% he 'ea#e.
@SA$h $tteranes are no essentia' %art of any e>%osition of
ideas, and are of s$h s'i!ht soia' "a'$e as a ste% to tr$th
that any &enefit that #ay &e deri"ed fro# the# is 'ear'y
o$twei!hed &y the soia' interest in order and #ora'ity.
Nor is there B$stifiation for the %rior restraint whih Se. ..?
'ays on %roteted s%eeh. In Near v. Minnesota (1/- =.S. 078, 8,.;8,0,
8. '. Ed. ,-.8, ,-08 @,7-,A5, it was he'dI
<T=he 'roe#ion even a$ o 'revio&$ re$rain i$ no a-$ol&el!
&nlimied* B& he limiaion ha$ -een re#ogni8ed onl! in
e"#e'ional #a$e$ " " ". No one wo$'d :$estion &$t that a
!o"ern#ent #i!ht %re"ent at$a' o&str$tion to its rer$itin!
ser"ie or the %$&'iation of the sai'in! dates of trans%orts or
the n$#&er and 'oation of troo%s. On $imilar gro&nd$+ he
'rimar! re)&iremen$ o% de#en#! ma! -e en%or#ed again$ o-$#ene
'&-li#aion$* The $e#&ri! o% he #omm&ni! li%e ma! -e
'roe#ed again$ in#iemen$ o a#$ o% violen#e and he
overhro( -! %or#e o% orderl! governmen " " ".
Th&$+ " " " he 'rohi-iion im'o$ed -! Se#* G*E #anno -e
.&$i%ied on he gro&nd ha i i$ onl! %or a limied 'eriod and i$
onl! in#idenal* The 'rohi-iion ma! -e %or a limied ime+ -& he
#&railmen o% he righ o% e"'re$$ion i$ dire#+ a-$ol&e+ and
$&-$anial* I #on$i&e$ a oal $&''re$$ion o% a #aegor! o%
$'ee#h and i$ no made le$$ $o -e#a&$e i i$ onl! %or a 'eriod o%
92
%i%een /0G1 da!$ immediael! -e%ore a naional ele#ion and $even /F1
da!$ immediael! -e%ore a lo#al ele#ion.
This s$ffiient'y distin!$ishes Se. ..? fro# R.A. No. 00?0, Se.
,,(&5, whih this Co$rt fo$nd to &e "a'id in :ational (ress &lub v.
&omelec <supra.>, and 9smena v. &omelec <supra.>. 4or the &an i#%osed
&y R.A. No. 00?0, Se. ,,(&5 is not on'y a$thoriJed &y a s%eifi
onstit$tiona' %ro"ision <rt. I!,&, Sec. +>, &$t it a'so %ro"ided an
a'ternati"e so that, as this Co$rt %ointed o$t in 9smena, there was
at$a''y no &an &$t on'y a s$&stit$tion of #edia ad"ertise#ents &y the
Co#e'e s%ae, and Co#e'e ho$r.
S7&9:D. Even i% he governmenal inere$ $o&gh o -e 'romoed
i$ &nrelaed o he $&''re$$ion o% $'ee#h and he re$&ling re$ri#ion
o% %ree e"'re$$ion i$ onl! in#idenal+ Se#* G*E nonehele$$ %ail$ o
mee #rierion /E1 o% he OD Brien e$+ namel!+ ha he re$ri#ion
-e no greaer han i$ ne#e$$ar! o %&rher he governmenal inere$*
A$ alread! $aed+ Se#* G*E aim$ a he 'revenion o% la$,min&e
're$$&re on voer$+ he #reaion o% -and(agon e%%e#+ 2.&n6ing3 o% (ea6
or 2lo$ing3 #andidae$+ and re$or o he %orm o% ele#ion #heaing
#alled 2dagdag,-a(a$*3 Prai$e(orh! a$ he$e aim$ o% he reg&laion
migh -e+ he! #anno -e aained a he $a#ri%i#e o% he %&ndamenal
righ o% e"'re$$ion+ (hen $&#h aim #an -e more narro(l! '&r$&ed -!
PUNISHIN> UNLAW9UL ACTS + RATHER THAN SPEECH -e#a&$e o% a''rehen$ion
ha $&#h $'ee#h #reae$ he danger o% $&#h evil$. Th$s, $nder the
!$ministrative Co$e of 7:., (39. V, Tit. I, S$&tit. C, Ch ,, Se.
-@,A5, he Comele# i$ given he 'o(erI
To sto% any i''e!a' ati"ity, or onfisate, tear down, and
$o' an! &nla(%&l+ li-elo&$+ mi$leading or %al$e ele#ion
'ro'aganda, after d$e notie and hearin!.
This is s$re'y a 'ess restriti"e #eans than the %rohi&ition
ontained in Se. ..?. P$rs$ant to this %ower of the Co#e'e, it an
onfisate &o!$s s$r"ey res$'ts a'$'ated to #is'ead "oters.
Candidates an ha"e their own s$r"eys ond$ted. No ri!ht of re%'y an
&e in"o9ed &y others. No %rini%'e of e:$a'ity is in"o'"ed. It is a
free #ar9et to whih eah andidate &rin!s his ideas. As for the
%$r%ose of the 'aw to %re"ent &andwa!on effets, it is do$&tf$' whether
the +o"ern#ent an dea' with this nat$ra';eno$!h tendeny of so#e
"oters. So#e "oters want to &e identified with the Ewinners.F So#e
are s$se%ti&'e to the herd #enta'ity. Can these &e 'e!iti#ate'y
%rohi&ited &y s$%%ressin! the %$&'iation of s$r"ey res$'ts whih are a
for# of e>%ressionQ It has &een he'd that E@#ereA 'e!is'ati"e
%referenes or &e'iefs res%etin! #atters of %$&'i on"eniene #ay
we'' s$%%ort re!$'ation direted at other %ersona' ati"ities, &$t &e
ins$ffiient to B$stify s$h as di#inishes the e>erise of ri!hts so
"ita' to the #aintenane of de#orati instit$tions.F
To s$##ariJe then, (e hold ha Se#* G*E i$ invalid -e#a&$e /01
i im'o$e$ a 'rior re$rain on he %reedom o% e"'re$$ion, /51 i i$ a
dire# and oal $&''re$$ion o% a #aegor! o% e"'re$$ion even ho&gh
$&#h $&''re$$ion i$ onl! %or a limied 'eriod, and /71 he governmenal
inere$ $o&gh o -e 'romoed #an -e a#hieved -! mean$ oher han he
$&''re$$ion o% %reedom o% e"'re$$ion.
(Social Beat)er Stations Inc. v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,?8.8,, Day .,
122,, En 3an @DendoJaA5
"++. Discuss the HD9&;8I:7 90 0I8 &9??7:;H as a valid defense in an
action for libel or slander.
Held: 9air #ommenarie$ on maer$ o% '&-li# inere$ are
'rivileged and #on$i&e a valid de%en$e in an a#ion %or li-el or
$lander. The dotrine of fair o##ent #eans that whi'e in !enera'
e"ery disredita&'e i#%$tation %$&'i'y #ade is dee#ed fa'se, &ea$se
e"ery #an is %res$#ed innoent $nti' his !$i't is B$diia''y %ro"ed,
and e"ery fa'se i#%$tation is dee#ed #a'iio$s, ne"erthe'ess, (hen he
di$#redia-le im'&aion i$ dire#ed again$ a '&-li# 'er$on in hi$
93
'&-li# #a'a#i!+ i i$ no ne#e$$aril! a#iona-le* In order ha $&#h
di$#redia-le im'&aion o a '&-li# o%%i#ial ma! -e a#iona-le+ i
m&$ eiher -e a %al$e allegaion o% %a# or a #ommen -a$ed on a %al$e
$&''o$iion* I% he #ommen i$ an e"'re$$ion o% o'inion+ -a$ed on
e$a-li$hed %a#$+ hen i i$ immaerial ha he o'inion ha''en$ o -e
mi$a6en+ a$ long a$ i migh rea$ona-l! -e in%erred %rom he %a#$.
(6or0al v. C!, -2, SCRA ,, *an. ,?, ,777, 1
nd
Di". @3e''osi''oA5
"+.. What is the /raison dPetre1 for the :ew GorB ;imes v. Sullivan
(-80 =S 1.?5 holding that honest criticisms on the conduct of public
officials and public figures are insulated from libel judgments?
Held: The g&aranee$ o% %reedom o% $'ee#h and 're$$ 'rohi-i a
'&-li# o%%i#ial or '&-li# %ig&re %rom re#overing damage$ %or a
de%amaor! %al$ehood relaing o hi$ o%%i#ial #ond&# &nle$$ he 'rove$
ha he $aemen (a$ made (ih a#&al mali#e+ i*e*+ (ih 6no(ledge
ha i (a$ %al$e or (ih re#6le$$ di$regard o% (heher i (a$ %al$e or
no.
The raison dLetre for the New Yor9 Ti#es dotrine was that o
re)&ire #rii#$ o% o%%i#ial #ond&# o g&aranee he r&h o% all heir
%a#&al a$$erion$ on 'ain o% li-el .&dgmen$ (o&ld lead o $el%,
#en$or$hi'+ $in#e (o&ld,-e #rii#$ (o&ld -e deerred %rom voi#ing o&
heir #rii#i$m$ even i% $&#h (ere -elieved o -e r&e+ or (ere in %a#
r&e+ -e#a&$e o% do&- (heher i #o&ld -e 'roved or -e#a&$e o% %ear o%
he e"'en$e o% having o 'rove i.
(6or0al v. C!, -2, SCRA ,, *an. ,?, ,777, 1
nd
Di". @3e''osi''oA5
"+). Who is a /public figure,1 and therefore subject to public
comment?
Held: @WAe dee# %ri"ate res%ondent a %$&'i fi!$re within the
%$r"iew of the :ew GorB ;imes r$'in!. At any rate, we ha"e a'so
defined E%$&'i fi!$reF in !yers Pro$uction Pty. 't$. v. Capulong
(+.R. Nos. /1-/2 and /1-7/, 17 A%ri' ,7//, ,02 SCRA /0,5 as C
6 > > a 'er$on (ho+ -! hi$ a##om'li$hmen$+ %ame+ mode o%
living+ or -! ado'ing a 'ro%e$$ion or #alling (hi#h give$ he
'&-li# a legiimae inere$ in hi$ doing$+ hi$ a%%air$ and hi$
#hara#er+ ha$ -e#ome a Q'&-li# 'er$onageD. <e is, in other
words, a #ele-ri!. O&"io$s'y, to &e in'$ded in this ate!ory
are those who ha"e ahie"ed so#e de!ree of re%$tation &y
a%%earin! &efore the %$&'i, as in the ase of an ator, a
%rofessiona' &ase&a'' %'ayer, a %$!i'ist, or any other
entertainer. The 'ist is, howe"er, &roader than this. It
in'$des %$&'i offiers, fa#o$s in"entors and e>%'orers, war
heroes and e"en ordinary so'diers, infant %rodi!y, and no 'ess a
%ersona!e than the +reat E>a'ted R$'er of the 'od!e. I
in#l&de$+ in $hor+ an!one (ho ha$ arrived a a 'o$iion (here
he '&-li# aenion i$ %o#&$ed &'on him a$ a 'er$on.
;he 0:&@; <0irst :ational &onference on @and ;ransportation> was
an undertaBing infused with public interest. It was promoted as a
joint project of the government and the private sector, and organi=ed
by top government officials and prominent businessmen. 0or this
reason, it attracted media mileage and drew public attention not only
to the conference itself but to the personalities behind as well. s
its 7-ecutive Director and spoBesman, private respondent conse'uently
assumed the status of a public figure.
B& even a$$&ming e",graia arg&meni ha 'rivae re$'onden+
de$'ie he 'o$iion he o##&'ied in he 9NCLT+ (o&ld no )&ali%! a$ a
'&-li# %ig&re+ i doe$ no ne#e$$aril! %ollo( ha he #o&ld no validl!
-e he $&-.e# o% a '&-li# #ommen even i% he (a$ no a '&-li# o%%i#ial
or a lea$ a '&-li# %ig&re+ %or he #o&ld -e+ a$ long a$ he (a$
involved in a '&-li# i$$&e* I% a maer i$ a $&-.e# o% '&-li# or
general inere$+ i #anno $&ddenl! -e#ome le$$ $o merel! -e#a&$e a
94
'rivae individ&al i$ involved or -e#a&$e in $ome $en$e he individ&al
did no vol&naril! #hoo$e o -e#ome involved* The '&-li#D$ 'rimar!
inere$ i$ in he even4 he '&-li# %o#&$ i$ on he #ond&# o% he
'ari#i'an and he #onen+ e%%e# and $igni%i#an#e o% he #ond&#+
no he 'ari#i'anD$ 'rior anon!mi! or noorie!. (6or0al v.
C!, -2, SCRA ,, *an. ,?, ,777, 1
nd
Di". @3e''osi''oA5
"+%. ;he 9ffice of the ?ayor of @as (inas refused to issue permit to
petitioners to hold rally a rally in front of the Justice 6all of @as
(inas on the ground that it was prohibited under Supreme &ourt 7n Eanc
8esolution dated July %,"##$ in .?. :o. #$,%,22,S&, entitled, H8eN
5uidelines on the &onduct of Demonstrations, (icBets, 8allies and 9ther
Similar 5atherings in the Ficinity of the Supreme &ourt and ll 9ther
&ourts.H (etitioners thus initiated the instant proceedings. ;hey
submit that the Supreme &ourt gravely abused its discretion andIor
acted without or in e-cess of jurisdiction in promulgating those
guidelines.
Held: We sha'' first dwe'' on the ritia' ar!$#ent #ade &y
%etitioners that the r$'es onstit$te an a&rid!#ent of the %eo%'eHs
a!!re!ate ri!hts of free s%eeh, free e>%ression, %eaef$' asse#&'y and
%etitionin! !o"ern#ent for redress of !rie"anes itin! Se. ?, Arti'e
III of the ,7/8 Constit$tion that Mno 'aw sha'' &e %assed a&rid!in!M
the#.
It is tr$e that the safe!$ardin! of the %eo%'eHs freedo# of
e>%ression to the end that indi"id$a's #ay s%ea9 as they thin9 on
#atters "ita' to the# and that fa'sehoods #ay &e e>%osed thro$!h the
%roesses of ed$ation and dis$ssion is essentia' to free !o"ern#ent.
B& %reedom o% $'ee#h and e"'re$$ion de$'ie i$ indi$'en$a-ili! ha$
i$ limiaion$* I ha$ never -een &nder$ood a$ he a-$ol&e righ o
$'ea6 (henever+ ho(ever+ and (herever one 'lea$e$+ %or he manner+
'la#e+ and ime o% '&-li# di$#&$$ion #an -e #on$i&ionall!
#onrolled* <T=he -eer 'oli#! i$ no li-er! &named -& li-er!
reg&laed -! la( (here ever! %reedom i$ e"er#i$ed in a##ordan#e (ih
la( and (ih d&e regard %or he righ$ o% oher$.
Con"entiona' wisdo# te''s $s that the rea'ities of 'ife in a
o#%'e> soiety 're#l&de an a-$ol&i$ iner'reaion o% %reedom o%
e"'re$$ion (here i doe$ no involve '&re $'ee#h -& $'ee#h 'l&$
'h!$i#al a#ion$ li6e 'i#6eing* There are oher $igni%i#an $o#ieal
val&e$ ha m&$ -e a##ommodaed and (hen he! #la$h+ he! m&$ all -e
(eighed (ih he 'romoion o% he general (el%are o% he 'eo'le a$ he
&limae o-.e#ive* In -alan#ing he$e val&e$+ hi$ Co&r ha$ a##orded
%reedom o% e"'re$$ion a 're%erred 'o$iion in ligh o% i$ more
#om'araive im'oran#e. <ene, o$r r$'in!s now #$sty in years ho'd
that on'y the narrowest ti#e, %'ae and #anner re!$'ations that are
s%eifia''y tai'ored to ser"e an i#%ortant !o"ern#enta' interest #ay
B$stify the a%%'iation of the &a'anin! of interests test in
dero!ation of the %eo%'eHs ri!ht of free s%eeh and e>%ression. Where
$aid reg&laion$ do no aim 'ari#&larl! a he evil$ (ihin he
allo(a-le area$ o% $ae #onrol -&+ on he #onrar!+ $(ee' (ihin
heir am-i oher a#iviie$ a$ o o'erae a$ an overhanging hrea o
%ree di$#&$$ion+ or (here &'on heir %a#e he! are $o vag&e+
inde%inie+ or ine"a# a$ o 'ermi '&ni$hmen o% he %air &$e o% he
righ o% %ree $'ee#h+ $&#h reg&laion$ are void.
Pre$#inding %rom hi$ 'remi$e+ he Co&r reierae$ ha .&di#ial
inde'enden#e and he %air and orderl! admini$raion o% .&$i#e
#on$i&e 'aramo&n governmenal inere$$ ha #an .&$i%! he
reg&laion o% he '&-li#K$ righ o% %ree $'ee#h and 'ea#e%&l a$$em-l!
in he vi#ini! o% #o&rho&$e$. In the ase of In Re< Emil P. 1ura$o,
the Co$rt %rono$ned in no $nertain ter#s thatI
M> > > %reedom o% e"'re$$ion need$ on o##a$ion o -e
ad.&$ed o and a##ommodaed (ih he re)&iremen$ o% e)&all!
im'oran '&-li# inere$$* One o% he$e %&ndamenal '&-li#
inere$$ i$ he mainenan#e o% he inegri! and orderl!
95
%&n#ioning o% he admini$raion o% .&$i#e* There i$ no
aninom! -e(een %ree e"'re$$ion and he inegri! o% he $!$em
o% admini$ering .&$i#e* 9or he 'roe#ion and mainenan#e o%
%reedom o% e"'re$$ion i$el% #an -e $e#&red onl! (ihin he
#one" o% a %&n#ioning and orderl! $!$em o% di$'en$ing
.&$i#e+ (ihin he #one"+ in oher (ord$+ o% via-le
inde'enden in$i&ion$ %or deliver! o% .&$i#e (hi#h are
a##e'ed -! he general #omm&ni!. > > >M (In Re< Emil P.
1ura$o, 1?- SCRA 177, -1-;-1? @,77.A5
I i$ $adl! o-$erved ha .&di#ial inde'enden#e and he orderl!
admini$raion o% .&$i#e have -een hreaened no onl! -! #onem'&o&$
a#$ in$ide+ -& al$o -! ira$#i-le demon$raion$ o&$ide+ he
#o&rho&$e$* The! (iingl! or &n(iingl!+ $'oil he ideal o% $o-er+
non,'ari$an 'ro#eeding$ -e%ore a #old and ne&ral .&dge. E"en in the
=nited States, a %rohi&ition a!ainst %i9etin! and de#onstratin! in or
near o$rtho$ses has &een r$'ed as "a'id and onstit$tiona'
notwithstandin! its 'i#itin! effet on the e>erise &y the %$&'i of
their 'i&erties. 6 > >
The admini$raion o% .&$i#e m&$ no onl! -e %air -& m&$ al$o
APPEAR o -e %air and i i$ he d&! o% hi$ Co&r o eliminae
ever!hing ha (ill dimini$h i% no de$ro! hi$ .&di#ial de$idera&m.
To &e s$re, there wi'' &e !rie"anes a!ainst o$r B$stie syste# for
there an &e no %erfet syste# of B$stie &$t these !rie"anes #$st &e
"enti'ated thro$!h a%%ro%riate %etitions, #otions or other %'eadin!s.
S&#h a mode i$ in 6ee'ing (ih he re$'e# d&e o he #o&r$ a$ ve$$el$
o% .&$i#e and i$ ne#e$$ar! i% .&dge$ are o di$'o$e heir -&$ine$$ in
a %air %a$hion* I i$ he radiional #onvi#ion o% ever! #ivili8ed
$o#ie! ha #o&r$ m&$ -e in$&laed %rom ever! e"raneo&$ in%l&en#e
in heir de#i$ion$* The %a#$ o% a #a$e $ho&ld -e deermined &'on
eviden#e 'rod&#ed in #o&r+ and $ho&ld -e &nin%l&en#ed -! -ia$+
're.&di#e or $!m'ahie$. (In Re< Petition to !nnul En 6anc
Resolution !.M. :.F,F-+FSC F Ricar$o C. 2almonte an$ /nion of 'a(yers
an$ !$vocates for &ransparency in Government D/'!&E, +.R. No. ,-?01,,
Se%t. 17, ,77/5
"+$. Did the Supreme &ourt commit an act of judicial legislation in
promulgating 7n Eanc 8esolution .?. #$,%,22,S&, entitled, H8eN
5uidelines on the &onduct of Demonstrations, (icBets, 8allies and 9ther
Similar 5atherings in the Ficinity of the Supreme &ourt and ll 9ther
&ourts?H
Held: Petitioners a'so 'ai# that this Co$rt o##itted an at of
B$diia' 'e!is'ation in %ro#$'!atin! the assai'ed reso'$tion. They
har!e that this Co$rt a#ended %ro"isions of 3atas Pa#&ansa (3.P.5 3'!.
//2, otherwise 9nown as Mthe P$&'i Asse#&'y At,M &y on"ertin! the
sidewa'9s and streets within a radi$s of two h$ndred (1225 #eters fro#
e"ery o$rtho$se fro# a %$&'i for$# %'ae into a Mno ra''yM Jone.
Th$s, they a$se this Co$rt of > > > "io'atin! the %rini%'e of
se%aration of %owers.
We reBet these 'ow watts ar!$#ents. P$&'i %'aes historically
associated with the free e>erise of e>%ressi"e ati"ities, s$h as
streets, sidewa'9s, and %ar9s, are onsidered, without more, to &e
%$&'i fora. In oher (ord$+ i i$ no an! la( ha #an im-&e $&#h
'la#e$ (ih he '&-li# na&re inheren in hem* B& even in $&#h
'&-li# %ora+ i i$ $eled .&ri$'r&den#e ha he governmen ma!
re$ri# $'ee#h 'l&$ a#iviie$ and en%or#e rea$ona-le ime+ 'la#e+ and
manner reg&laion$ a$ long a$ he re$ri#ion$ are /01 #onen,ne&ral+
/51 are narro(l! ailored o $erve a $igni%i#an governmenal inere$+
and /71 leave o'en am'le alernaive #hannel$ o% #omm&ni#aion.
Conrar! here%ore o 'eiioner$D im're$$ion+ B*P* Blg* BBJ did
no e$a-li$h $ree$ and $ide(al6$+ among oher 'la#e$+ a$ '&-li#
%ora* A #lo$e loo6 a he la( (ill reveal ha i in %a# 're$#ri-e$
rea$ona-le ime+ 'la#e+ and manner reg&laion$. Th$s, it re:$ires a
written %er#it for the ho'din! of %$&'i asse#&'ies in %$&'i %'aes
96
s$&Bet, e"en, to the ri!ht of the #ayor to #odify the %'ae and ti#e
of the %$&'i asse#&'y, to i#%ose a rero$tin! of the %arade or street
#arh, to 'i#it the "o'$#e of 'o$d s%ea9ers or so$nd syste# and to
%resri&e other a%%ro%riate restritions on the ond$t of the %$&'i
asse#&'y.
The e"i$en#e o% B*P* Blg* BBJ+ ho(ever+ doe$ no 're#l&de hi$
Co&r %rom 'rom&lgaing r&le$ reg&laing #ond&# o% demon$raion$ in
he vi#ini! o% #o&r$ o a$$&re o&r 'eo'le o% an im'arial and orderl!
admini$raion o% .&$i#e a$ mandaed -! he Con$i&ion* To in$&lae
he .&di#iar! %rom mo- 're$$&re+ %riendl! or oher(i$e+ and i$olae i
%rom '&-li# h!$eria+ hi$ Co&r merel! moved a(a! he $i&$ o% ma$$
a#ion$ (ihin a 5JJ,meer radi&$ %rom ever! #o&rho&$e* In %ine+ B*P*
Blg* BBJ im'o$e$ general re$ri#ion$ o he ime+ 'la#e and manner o%
#ond&#ing #on#ered a#ion$* On he oher hand+ he re$ol&ion o%
hi$ Co&r reg&laing demon$raion$ add$ $'e#i%i# re$ri#ion$ a$ he!
involve .&di#ial inde'enden#e and he orderl! admini$raion o%
.&$i#e. There is th$s no disre%any &etween the two sets of
re!$'atory #eas$res. Si#%'y %$t, B*P* Blg* BBJ and he a$$ailed
re$ol&ion #om'lemen ea#h oher. We so ho'd fo''owin! the r$'e in
'e!a' her#ene$tis that an a%%arent onf'it &etween a o$rt r$'e and a
stat$tory %ro"ision sho$'d &e har#oniJed and &oth sho$'d &e !i"en
effet if %ossi&'e. (In Re< Petition to !nnul En 6anc
Resolution !.M. :.F,F-+FSC F Ricar$o C. 2almonte an$ /nion of 'a(yers
an$ !$vocates for &ransparency in Government D/'!&E, +.R. No. ,-?01,,
Se%t. 17, ,77/5
"+#. Should live media coverage of court proceedings be allowed?
Held: The %ro%riety of !rantin! or denyin! %er#ission to the
#edia to &roadast, reord, or %hoto!ra%h o$rt %roeedin!s in"o'"es
wei!hin! the onstit$tiona' !$arantees of freedo# of the %ress, the
ri!ht of the %$&'i to infor#ation and the ri!ht to %$&'i tria', on
the one hand, and on the other hand, the d$e %roess ri!hts of the
defendant and the inherent and onstit$tiona' %ower of the o$rts to
ontro' their %roeedin!s in order to %er#it the fair and i#%artia'
ad#inistration of B$stie. Co''atera''y, it a'so raises iss$es on the
nat$re of the #edia, %arti$'ar'y te'e"ision and its ro'e in soiety,
and of the i#%at of new tehno'o!ies on 'aw.
The reords of the Constit$tiona' Co##ission are &ereft of
dis$ssion re!ardin! the s$&Bet of a#eras in the o$rtroo#.
Si#i'ar'y, Phi'i%%ine o$rts ha"e not had the o%%ort$nity to r$'e on
the :$estion s:$are'y.
Whi'e we ta9e notie of the Se%te#&er ,772 re%ort of the =nited
States *$diia' Conferene Ad <o Co##ittee on Ca#eras in the
Co$rtroo#, sti'' the $rrent r$'e o&tainin! in the 4edera' Co$rts of
the =nited States %rohi&its the %resene of te'e"ision a#eras in
ri#ina' tria's. R&le G7 o% he 9ederal R&le$ o% Criminal Pro#ed&re
%or-id$ he a6ing o% 'hoogra'h$ d&ring he 'rogre$$ o% .&di#ial
'ro#eeding$ or radio -road#a$ing o% $&#h 'ro#eeding$ %rom he
#o&rroom* A rial o% an! 6ind or in an! #o&r i$ a maer o% $erio&$
im'oran#e o all #on#erned and $ho&ld no -e reaed a$ a mean$ o%
enerainmen* To $o rea i de'rive$ he #o&r o% he digni! (hi#h
'erain$ o i and de'ar$ %rom he orderl! and $erio&$ )&e$ %or r&h
%or (hi#h o&r .&di#ial 'ro#eeding$ are %orm&laed.
Co$rts do not disri#inate a!ainst radio and te'e"ision #edia &y
for&iddin! the &roadastin! or te'e"isin! of a tria' whi'e %er#ittin!
the news%a%er re%orter aess to the o$rtroo#, sine a te'e"ision or
news re%orter has the sa#e %ri"i'e!e, as the news re%orter is not
%er#itted to &rin! his ty%ewriter or %rintin! %ress into the o$rtroo#.
In Estes v. &eIas (-/, =.S. .-15, the =nited States S$%re#e Co$rt
he'd that elevi$ion #overage o% .&di#ial 'ro#eeding$ involve$ an
inheren denial o% d&e 'ro#e$$ righ$ o% a #riminal de%endan. Votin!
.;?, the Co$rt thro$!h Dr. *$stie C'ar9, identified %o&r /E1 area$ o%
97
'oenial 're.&di#e (hi#h migh ari$e %rom he im'a# o% he #amera$ on
he .&r!+ (ine$$e$+ he rial .&dge and he de%endan. The deision
in %art %ertinent'y statedI
ME>%eriene 'i9ewise has esta&'ished the %reB$diia' effet
of te'eastin! on witnesses. /01 Wine$$e$ migh -e %righened+
'la! o he #amera+ or -e#ome nervo&$* The! are $&-.e# o
e"raordinar! o&,o%,#o&r in%l&en#e$ (hi#h migh a%%e# heir
e$imon!. A'so, /51 ele#a$ing no onl! in#rea$e$ he rial
.&dgeK$ re$'on$i-ili! o avoid a#&al 're.&di#e o he
de%endan4 i ma! a$ (ell a%%e# hi$ o(n 'er%orman#e* M&dge$ are
h&man -eing$ al$o and are $&-.e# o he $ame '$!#hologi#al
rea#ion$ a$ la!men. /71 9or he de%endan+ ele#a$ing i$ a
%orm o% menal hara$$men and $&-.e#$ him o e"#e$$ive '&-li#
e"'o$&re and di$ra#$ him %rom he e%%e#ive 're$enaion o% hi$
de%en$e.
MThe elevi$ion #amera i$ a 'o(er%&l (ea'on (hi#h
inenionall! or inadverenl! #an de$ro! an a##&$ed and hi$
#a$e in he e!e$ o% he '&-li#.M
Re%resentati"es of the %ress ha"e no s%eia' standin! to a%%'y
for a writ of #andate to o#%e' a o$rt to %er#it the# to attend a
tria', sine within the o$rtroo# a re%orterHs onstit$tiona' ri!hts
are no !reater than those of any other #e#&er of the %$&'i. :a$$ive
inr&$ion o% re're$enaive$ o% he ne($ media ino he rial i$el%
#an $o aler or de$ro! he #on$i&ionall! ne#e$$ar! .&di#ial
amo$'here and de#or&m ha he re)&iremen$ o% im'ariali! im'o$ed -!
d&e 'ro#e$$ o% la( are denied he de%endan and a defendant in a
ri#ina' %roeedin! sho$'d not &e fored to r$n a !a$nt'et of re%orters
and %hoto!ra%hers eah ti#e he enters or 'ea"es the o$rtroo#.
Con$idering he 're.&di#e i 'o$e$ o he de%endanK$ righ o
d&e 'ro#e$$ a$ (ell a$ o he %air and orderl! admini$raion o%
.&$i#e+ and #on$idering %&rher ha he %reedom o% he 're$$ and he
righ o% he 'eo'le o in%ormaion ma! -e $erved and $ai$%ied -! le$$
di$ra#ing+ degrading and 're.&di#ial mean$+ live radio and elevi$ion
#overage o% #o&r 'ro#eeding$ $hall no -e allo(ed. Video foota!es of
o$rt hearin!s for news %$r%oses sha'' &e restrited and 'i#ited to
shots of the o$rtroo#, the B$diia' offiers, the %arties and their
o$nse' ta9en %rior to the o##ene#ent of offiia' %roeedin!s. No
"ideo shots or %hoto!ra%hs sha'' &e %er#itted d$rin! the tria' %ro%er.
(Supreme Court En 6anc Resolution Re< 'ive &2 an$ Ra$io
Coverage of t)e Hearing of Presi$ent Corazon C. !HuinoPs 'i#el Case,
dated Ot. 11, ,77,5
".2. Should the &ourt allow live media coverage of the anticipated
trial of the plunder and other criminal cases filed against former
(resident Joseph 7. 7strada before the Sandiganbayan in order /to
assure the public of full transparency in the proceedings of an
unprecedented case in our history1 as re'uested by the Kapisanan ng mga
ErodBaster ng (ilipinas?
Held: The 'ro'rie! o% graning or den!ing he in$an 'eiion
involve he (eighing o& o% he #on$i&ional g&aranee$ o% %reedom o%
he 're$$ and he righ o '&-li# in%ormaion+ on he one hand+ and he
%&ndamenal righ$ o% he a##&$ed+ on he oher hand+ along (ih he
#on$i&ional 'o(er o% a #o&r o #onrol i$ 'ro#eeding$ in en$&ring
a %air and im'arial rial*
When he$e righ$ ra#e again$ one anoher+ .&ri$'r&den#e ell$
&$ ha he righ o% he a##&$ed m&$ -e 're%erred o (in.
Wih he 'o$$i-ili! o% lo$ing no onl! he 're#io&$ li-er! -&
al$o he ver! li%e o% an a##&$ed+ i -ehoove$ all o ma6e a-$ol&el!
#erain ha an a##&$ed re#eive$ a verdi# $olel! on he -a$i$ o% a
.&$ and di$'a$$ionae .&dgmen+ a verdi# ha (o&ld #ome onl! a%er
he 're$enaion o% #redi-le eviden#e e$i%ied o -! &n-ia$ed
98
(ine$$e$ &n$(a!ed -! an! 6ind o% 're$$&re+ (heher o'en or $&-le+ in
'ro#eeding$ ha are devoid o% hi$rioni#$ ha migh dera# %rom i$
-a$i# aim o %erre veria-le %a#$ %ree %rom im'ro'er in%l&en#e+ and
de#reed -! a .&dge (ih an &n're.&di#ed mind+ &n-ridled -! r&nning
emoion$ or 'a$$ion$.
D$e %roess !$arantees the a$sed a %res$#%tion of innoene
$nti' the ontrary is %ro"ed in a tria' that is not 'ifted a&o"e its
indi"id$a' settin!s nor #ade an o&Bet of %$&'iLs attention and where
the on'$sions reahed are ind$ed not &y any o$tside fore or
inf'$ene &$t on'y &y e"idene and ar!$#ent !i"en in o%en o$rt, where
fittin! di!nity and a'# a#&iane is de#anded.
Witnesses and B$d!es #ay "ery we'' &e #en and wo#en of fortit$de,
a&'e to thri"e in hardy 'i#ate, with e"ery reason to %res$#e fir#ness
of #ind and reso'$te end$rane, &$t it #$st a'so &e oneded that
Ete'e"ision an wor9 %rofo$nd han!es in the &eha"ior of the %eo%'e it
fo$ses on.F Even (hile i ma! -e di%%i#&l o )&ani%! he in%l&en#e+
or 're$$&re ha media #an -ring o -ear on hem dire#l! and hro&gh
he $ha'ing o% '&-li# o'inion+ i i$ a %a#+ nonehele$$+ ha+ indeed+
i doe$ $o in $o man! (a!$ and in var!ing degree$* The #on$#io&$ or
&n#on$#io&$ e%%e# ha $&#h #overage ma! have on he e$imon! o%
(ine$$e$ and he de#i$ion o% .&dge$ #anno -e eval&aed -&+ i #an
li6e(i$e -e $aid+ i i$ no a all &nli6el! %or a voe o% g&il or
inno#en#e o !ield o i* I migh -e %ar#i#al o -&ild aro&nd hem an
im'regna-le armor again$ he in%l&en#e o% he mo$ 'o(er%&l media o%
'&-li# o'inion .
To say that at$a' %reB$die sho$'d first &e %resent wo$'d 'ea"e
to near nir"ana the s$&t'e threats to B$stie that a dist$r&ane of the
#ind so indis%ensa&'e to the a'# and de'i&erate dis%ensation of
B$stie an reate. The effet of te'e"ision #ay esa%e the ordinary
#eans of %roof, &$t it is not far;fethed for it to !rad$a''y erode o$r
&asa' one%tion of a tria' s$h as we 9now it now.
An a##&$ed ha$ a righ o a '&-li# rial -& i i$ a righ ha
-elong$ o him+ more han an!one el$e+ (here hi$ li%e or li-er! #an -e
held #rii#all! in -alan#e* A '&-li# rial aim$ o en$&re ha he i$
%airl! deal (ih and (o&ld no -e &n.&$l! #ondemned and ha hi$
righ$ are no #om'romi$ed in $e#re #on#lave$ o% long ago* A '&-li#
rial i$ no $!non!mo&$ (ih '&-li#i8ed rial4 i onl! im'lie$ ha he
#o&r door$ m&$ -e o'en o ho$e (ho (i$h o #ome+ $i in he
availa-le $ea$+ #ond&# hem$elve$ (ih de#or&m and o-$erve he rial
'ro#e$$. In the onstit$tiona' sense, a #o&rroom $ho&ld have eno&gh
%a#iliie$ %or a rea$ona-le n&m-er o% he '&-li# o o-$erve he
'ro#eeding$+ no oo $mall a$ o render he o'enne$$ negligi-le and no
oo large a$ o di$ra# he rial 'ari#i'an$ %rom heir 'ro'er
%&n#ion$+ (ho $hall hen -e oall! %ree o re'or (ha he! have
o-$erved d&ring he 'ro#eeding$.
The #o&r$ re#ogni8e he #on$i&ionall! em-odied %reedom o% he
're$$ and he righ o '&-li# in%ormaion* I al$o a''rove$ o% mediaD$
e"aled 'o(er o 'rovide he mo$ a##&rae and #om'rehen$ive mean$ o%
#onve!ing he 'ro#eeding$ o he '&-li# and in a#)&aining he '&-li#
(ih he .&di#ial 'ro#e$$ in a#ion4 neverhele$$+ (ihin he
#o&rho&$e+ he overriding #on$ideraion i$ $ill he 'aramo&n righ
o% he a##&$ed o d&e 'ro#e$$ (hi#h m&$ never -e allo(ed o $&%%er
dimin&ion in i$ #on$i&ional 'ro'orion$* M&$i#e Clar6 h&$l!
'rono&n#ed+ 2(hile a ma"im&m %reedom m&$ -e allo(ed he 're$$ in
#arr!ing o& he im'oran %&n#ion o% in%orming he '&-li# in a
demo#rai# $o#ie!+ i$ e"er#i$e m&$ ne#e$$aril! -e $&-.e# o he
mainenan#e o% ABSOLUTE %airne$$ in he .&di#ial 'ro#e$$ .F
6 > >
The Inte!rated 3ar of the Phi'i%%ines > > > e>%ressed its own
onern on the 'i"e te'e"ision and radio o"era!e of the ri#ina'
tria's of Dr. EstradaG to %ara%hraseI Li"e te'e"ision and radio
o"era!e an ne!ate the r$'e on e>'$sion of witnesses d$rin! the
99
hearin!s intended to ass$re a fair tria'G at sta9e in the ri#ina'
tria' is not on'y the 'ife and 'i&erty of the a$sed &$t the "ery
redi&i'ity of the Phi'i%%ine ri#ina' B$stie syste#, and 'i"e
te'e"ision and radio o"era!e of the tria' o$'d a''ow the Ehootin!
thron!F to arro!ate $nto the#se'"es the tas9 of B$d!in! the !$i't of
the a$sed, s$h that the "erdit of the o$rt wi'' &e ae%ta&'e on'y
if %o%$'arG and 'i"e te'e"ision and radio o"era!e of the tria' wi''
not s$&ser"e the ends of B$stie &$t wi'' on'y %ander to the desire for
%$&'iity of a few !randstandin! 'awyers.
6 > >
=n'i9e other !o"ern#ent offies, o$rts do not e>%ress the
%o%$'ar wi'' of the %eo%'e in any sense whih, instead, are tas9ed to
on'y adB$diate ontro"ersies on the &asis of what a'one is s$&#itted
&efore the#. A tria' is not a free trade of ideas. Nor is a o#%etin!
#ar9et of tho$!hts the 9nown test of tr$th in a o$rtroo#.
(Re< ReHuest Ra$ioF&2 coverage of t)e &rial in t)e San$igan#ayan
of t)e Plun$er Cases against t)e former Presi$ent 1osep) E. Estra$a,
A.D. No. 2,;?;2-;SC, *$ne 17, 122,, En 3an @Vit$!A5
9REEDO: O9 RELI>ION
".". Discuss why the Gerona ruling (justifying the e-pulsion from
public schools of children of JehovahPs Witnesses who refuse to salute
the flag and sing the national anthem during flag ceremony as
prescribed by the 0lag Salute @aw5 should be abandoned.
Held: O$r tas9 here is e>tre#e'y diffi$'t, for the -2;year o'd
deision of this o$rt in 5erona $%ho'din! the f'a! sa'$te 'aw and
a%%ro"in! the e>%$'sion of st$dents who ref$se to o&ey it, is not
'i!ht'y to &e trif'ed with.
It is so#ewhat ironi howe"er, that after the 5erona r$'in! had
reei"ed 'e!is'ati"e ahet &y its inor%oration in the Ad#inistrati"e
Code of ,7/8, the %resent Co$rt &e'ie"es that the ti#e has o#e to
ree>a#ine it. The idea ha one ma! -e #om'elled o $al&e he %lag+
$ing he naional anhem+ and re#ie he 'arioi# 'ledge+ d&ring a
%lag #eremon! on 'ain o% -eing di$mi$$ed %rom oneD$ .o- or o% -eing
e"'elled %rom $#hool+ i$ alien o he #on$#ien#e o% he 're$en
generaion o% 9ili'ino$ (ho #& heir eeh on he Bill o% Righ$ (hi#h
g&aranee$ heir righ$ o %ree $'ee#h <;he flag salute, singing the
national anthem and reciting the patriotic pledge are all forms of
utterances.> and he %ree e"er#i$e o% religio&$ 'ro%e$$ion and (or$hi'.
Religio&$ %reedom i$ a %&ndamenal righ (hi#h i$ eniled o he
highe$ 'riori! and he am'le$ 'roe#ion among h&man righ$+ %or i
involve$ he relaion$hi' o% man o hi$ Creaor (Chief *$stie Enri:$e
D. 4ernandoLs se%arate o%inion in German v. 6arangan, ,-. SCRA .,?,
.-2;.-,5.
EThe righ o religio&$ 'ro%e$$ion and (or$hi' ha$ a (o,
%old a$'e#+ vi8*+ %reedom o -elieve and %reedom o a# on oneD$
-elie%* The %ir$ i$ a-$ol&e a$ long a$ he -elie% i$ #on%ined
(ihin he realm o% ho&gh* The $e#ond i$ $&-.e# o reg&laion
(here he -elie% i$ ran$laed ino e"ernal a#$ ha a%%e# he
'&-li# (el%areF <J. &ru=, &onstitutional @aw, "##" 7d., pp. "%),
"%%>.
Petitioners stress > > > that whi'e they do not ta9e %art in the
o#%$'sory f'a! ere#ony, they do not en!a!e in Ee>terna' atsF or
&eha"ior that wo$'d offend their o$ntry#en who &e'ie"e in e>%ressin!
their 'o"e of o$ntry thro$!h the o&ser"ane of the f'a! ere#ony.
They :$iet'y stand at attention d$rin! the f'a! ere#ony to show their
res%et for the ri!hts of those who hoose to %artii%ate in the so'e#n
%roeedin!s. Sine they do not en!a!e in disr$%ti"e &eha"ior, there is
no warrant for their e>%$'sion.
100
EThe $ole .&$i%i#aion %or a 'rior re$rain or limiaion
on he e"er#i$e o% religio&$ %reedom (according to the late &hief
Justice &laudio ;eehanBee in his dissenting opinion in German v.
6arangan, ,-. SCRA .,?, .,85 i$ he e"i$en#e o% a grave and
're$en danger o% a #hara#er -oh grave and imminen+ o% a
$erio&$ evil o '&-li# $a%e!+ '&-li# moral$+ '&-li# healh or
an! oher legiimae '&-li# inere$+ ha he Sae ha$ a righ
/and d&!1 o 'reven*3 A-$en $&#h a hrea o '&-li# $a%e!+
he e"'&l$ion o% he 'eiioner$ %rom he $#hool$ i$ no
.&$i%ied.
The sit$ation that the Co$rt diret'y %redited in 5erona thatI
E@TAhe f'a! ere#ony wi'' &eo#e a thin! of the %ast or
%erha%s ond$ted with "ery few %artii%ants, and the ti#e wi''
o#e when we wo$'d ha"e itiJens $nta$!ht and $nin$'ated in and
not i#&$ed with re"erene for the f'a! and 'o"e of o$ntry,
ad#iration for nationa' heroes, and %atriotis# C a %atheti, e"en
tra!i sit$ation, and a'' &ea$se a s#a'' %ortion of the shoo'
%o%$'ation i#%osed its wi'', de#anded and was !ranted an
e>e#%tion.F
has not o#e to %ass. We are no 'er$&aded ha -! e"em'ing he
MehovahD$ Wine$$e$ %rom $al&ing he %lag+ $inging he naional anhem
and re#iing he 'arioi# 'ledge+ hi$ religio&$ gro&' (hi#h
admiedl! #om'ri$e$ a 2$mall 'orion o% he $#hool 'o'&laion3 (ill
$ha6e &' o&r 'ar o% he glo-e and $&ddenl! 'rod&#e a naion 2&na&gh
and &nin#&l#aed in and &nim-&ed (ih reveren#e %or he %lag+
'arioi$m+ love o% #o&nr! and admiraion %or naional heroe$* A%er
all+ (ha he 'eiioner$ $ee6 onl! i$ e"em'ion %rom he %lag
#eremon!+ no e"#l&$ion %rom he '&-li# $#hool$ (here he! ma! $&d!
he Con$i&ion+ he demo#rai# (a! o% li%e and %orm o% governmen+
and learn no onl! he ar$+ $#ien#e$+ Phili''ine hi$or! and #&l&re
-& al$o re#eive raining %or a vo#aion or 'ro%e$$ion and -e a&gh
he vir&e$ o% 2'arioi$m+ re$'e# %or h&man righ$+ a''re#iaion %or
naional heroe$+ he righ$ and d&ie$ o% #ii8en$hi'+ and moral and
$'iri&al val&e$ <Sec. *324, rt. !IF, "#$% &onstitution.> as %art of
the $rri$'a. E>%e''in! or &annin! the %etitioners fro# Phi'i%%ine
shoo's wi'' &rin! a&o$t the "ery sit$ation that this Co$rt had feared
in 5erona. 4orin! a s#a'' re'i!io$s !ro$%, thro$!h the iron hand of
the 'aw, to %artii%ate in a ere#ony that "io'ates their re'i!io$s
&e'iefs, wi'' hard'y &e ond$i"e to 'o"e of o$ntry or res%et for
d$'y onstit$ted a$thorities.
As Dr. *$stie *a9son re#ar9ed in Best 2irginia v. 6arnette, -,7
=.S. 01? (,7?-5I
E> > > To -elieve ha 'arioi$m (ill no %lo&ri$h i%
'arioi# #eremonie$ are vol&nar! and $'onaneo&$ in$ead o% a
#om'&l$or! ro&ine i$ o ma6e an &n%laering $aemen o% he
a''eal o% o&r in$i&ion$ o %ree mind$* " " " When he!
/diver$i!1 are $o harmle$$ o oher$ or o he Sae a$ ho$e (e
deal (ih here+ he 'ri#e i$ no oo grea* B& %reedom o
di%%er i$ no limied o hing$ ha do no maer m&#h* Tha
(o&ld -e a mere $hado( o% %reedom* The e$ o% i$ $&-$an#e i$
he righ o di%%er a$ o hing$ ha o&#h he hear o% he
e"i$ing order.F
E9&rhermore+ le i -e noed ha #oer#ed &ni! and
lo!al! even o he #o&nr!+ " " " N a$$&ming ha $&#h &ni! and
lo!al! #an -e aained hro&gh #oer#ion N i$ no a goal ha i$
#on$i&ionall! o-aina-le a he e"'en$e o% religio&$ li-er!*
A de$ira-le end #anno -e 'romoed -! 'rohi-ied mean$.F (Meyer
v. Ne#rasAa, 101 =.S. -72, 08 L. ed. ,2?1, ,2?05
Doreo"er, the e>%$'sion of #e#&ers of *eho"ahLs Witnesses fro#
the shoo's where they are enro''ed wi'' violae heir righ a$
Phili''ine #ii8en$+ &nder he 0CBF Con$i&ion+ o re#eive %ree
ed&#aion, for it is the d$ty of the State to E%rotet and %ro#ote the
101
ri!ht of a'' itiJens to :$a'ity ed$ation > > > and to #a9e s$h
ed$ation aessi&'e to a''F <Sec. ", rt. !IF>.
In 2ictoriano v. Elizal$e Rope BorAers> /nion, .7 SCRA .?, we
$%he'd the e>e#%tion of #e#&ers of the I!'esia Ni Cristo, fro# the
o"era!e of a 'osed sho% a!ree#ent &etween their e#%'oyer and a $nion
&ea$se it wo$'d "io'ate the teahin! of their h$rh not to Boin any
'a&or !ro$%I
E> > > I i$ #erain ha no ever! #on$#ien#e #an -e
a##ommodaed -! all he la($ o% he land4 -& (hen general la($
#on%li# (ih $#r&'le$ o% #on$#ien#e+ e"em'ion$ o&gh o -e
graned &nle$$ $ome Q#om'elling $ae inere$$D inervene$.
(S)er#ert v. 6erner, -8? =.S. -7/, ,2 L. Ed. 1d 70., 782, /- S.
Ct. ,8725.F
We ho'd that a si#i'ar e>e#%tion #ay &e aorded to the *eho"ahLs
Witnesses with re!ard to the o&ser"ane of the f'a! ere#ony o$t of
res%et for their re'i!io$s &e'iefs, howe"er E&iJarreF those &e'iefs
#ay see# to others. Ne"erthe'ess, their ri!ht not to %artii%ate in
the f'a! ere#ony does not !i"e the# a ri!ht to disr$%t s$h %atrioti
e>erises. Para%hrasin! the warnin! ited &y this Co$rt in Non v.
Dames II, ,/. SCRA .1-, (hile he highe$ regard m&$ -e a%%orded heir
righ o he %ree e"er#i$e o% heir religion+ 2hi$ $ho&ld no -e a6en
o mean ha $#hool a&horiie$ are 'o(erle$$ o di$#i'line hem3 i%
he! $ho&ld #ommi -rea#he$ o% he 'ea#e -! a#ion$ ha o%%end he
$en$i-iliie$+ -oh religio&$ and 'arioi#+ o% oher 'er$on$. If they
:$iet'y stand at attention d$rin! the f'a! ere#ony whi'e their
'ass#ates and teahers sa'$te the f'a!, sin! the nationa' anthe# and
reite the %atrioti %'ed!e, we do not see how s$h ond$t #ay
%ossi&'y dist$r& the %eae, or %ose Ea !ra"e and %resent dan!er of a
serio$s e"i' to %$&'i safety, %$&'i #ora's, %$&'i hea'th or any
other 'e!iti#ate %$&'i interest that the State has a ri!ht (and d$ty5
to %re"ent.1 (E#ralinag v. &)e Division Superinten$ent of
Sc)ools of Ce#u, 1,7 SCRA 1.0, 107;18-, Darh ,, ,77-, En 3an @+rino;
A:$inoA5
".2. preFtape$ ;F program of the Iglesia :i &risto <I:&> was
submitted to the ?;8&E for review. ;he latter classified it as /rated
!1 because it was shown to be attacBing another religion. ;he I:&
protested by claiming that its religious freedom is per se beyond
review by the ?;8&E. Should this contention be upheld?
Held: The righ o religio&$ 'ro%e$$ion and (or$hi' ha$ a (o,
%old a$'e#+ viz. %reedom o -elieve and %reedom o a# on oneK$
-elie%* The %ir$ i$ a-$ol&e a$ long a$ he -elie% i$ #on%ined (ihin
he realm o% ho&gh* The $e#ond i$ $&-.e# o reg&laion (here he
-elie% i$ ran$laed ino e"ernal a#$ ha a%%e# he '&-li# (el%are.
The Igle$ia Ni Cri$oK$ 'o$&lae ha i$ religio&$ %reedom i$
per se -e!ond revie( -! he :TRCB $ho&ld -e re.e#ed* I$ '&-li#
-road#a$ on TH o% i$ religio&$ 'rogram$ -ring$ i o& o% he -o$om o%
inernal -elie%* Televi$ion i$ a medi&m ha rea#he$ even he e!e$ and
ear$ o% #hildren* The e"er#i$e o% religio&$ %reedom #an -e reg&laed
-! he Sae (hen i (ill -ring a-o& he #lear and 're$en danger o% a
$&-$anive evil (hi#h he Sae i$ d&!,-o&nd o 'reven+ i.e.
$erio&$ derimen o he more overriding inere$ o% '&-li# healh+
'&-li# moral$+ or '&-li# (el%are* A laissez faire 'oli#! on he
e"er#i$e o% religion #an -e $ed&#ive o he li-eral mind -& hi$or!
#o&n$el$ he Co&r again$ i$ -lind ado'ion a$ religion i$ and
#onin&e$ o -e a volaile area o% #on#ern in o&r $o#ie! oda!. M4or
s$re, we sha'' ontin$e to s$&Bet any at %inhin! the s%ae for the
free e>erise of re'i!ion to a hei!htened sr$tiny &$t we sha'' not
'ea"e its rationa' e>erise to the irrationa'ity of #an. 4or when
re'i!ion di"ides and its e>erise destroys, the State sho$'d not stand
sti''.M (Iglesia Ni Cristo v. C!, 1.7 SCRA .17, *$'y 10, ,770 @P$noA5
102
".*. Did the ?;8&E act correctly when it rated /!1 the Iglesia :i
&ristoMs pre,taped ;F program simply because it was found to be
HattacBingH another religion?
Held: The :TRCB ma! di$agree (ih he #rii#i$m$ o% oher
religion$ -! he Igle$ia Ni Cri$o -& ha give$ i no e"#&$e o
inerdi# $&#h #rii#i$m$+ ho(ever &n#lean he! ma! -e* Under o&r
#on$i&ional $#heme+ i i$ no he a$6 o% he Sae o %avor an!
religion -! 'roe#ing i again$ an aa#6 -! anoher religion.
Re'i!io$s do!#a and &e'iefs are often at war and to %reser"e %eae
a#on! their fo''owers, es%eia''y the fanatis, the esta&'ish#ent
'a$se of freedo# of re'i!ion %rohi&its the State fro# 'eanin! towards
any re'i!ion. 2isFQFvis religio&$ di%%eren#e$+ he Sae en.o!$ no
-an)&e o% o'ion$* Ne&rali! alone i$ i$ %i"ed and immova-le
$an#e* In %ine+ he :TRCB #anno $)&el#h he $'ee#h o% he INC $im'l!
-e#a&$e i aa#6$ anoher religion. In a State where there o$!ht to
&e no differene &etween the a%%earane and the rea'ity of freedo# of
re'i!ion, the re#edy a!ainst &ad theo'o!y is &etter theo'o!y. The
&edro9 of freedo# of re'i!ion is freedo# of tho$!ht and it is &est
ser"ed &y eno$ra!in! the #ar9et%'ae of d$e'in! ideas. When the
'$>$ry of ti#e %er#its, the #ar9et%'ae of ideas de#ands that s%eeh
sho$'d &e #et &y #ore s%eeh for it is the s%ar9 of o%%osite s%eeh,
the heat of o''idin! ideas, that an fan the e#&ers of tr$th.
(Iglesia Ni Cristo v. C!, 1.7 SCRA .17, *$'y 10, ,770 @P$noA5
".+. Is solicitation for the construction of a church covered by (.D.
:o. ".)+ and, therefore, punishable if done without the necessary
permit for solicitation from the DSWD?
Held: 0I8S;. Soli#iaion o% #onri-&ion$ %or he #on$r&#ion
o% a #h&r#h i$ no $oli#iaion %or O#haria-le or '&-li# (el%are
'&r'o$eO -& %or a religio&$ '&r'o$e+ and a religio&$ '&r'o$e i$ no
ne#e$$aril! a #haria-le or '&-li# (el%are '&r'o$e. A f$nd a#%ai!n
for the onstr$tion or re%air of a h$rh is not 'i9e f$nd dri"es for
needy fa#i'ies or "iti#s of a'a#ity or for the onstr$tion of a
i"i enter and the 'i9e. Li6e $oli#iaion o% $&-$#ri'ion o
religio&$ maga8ine$+ i i$ 'ar o% he 'ro'agaion o% religio&$ %aih
or evangeli8aion* S&#h $oli#iaion #all$ &'on he vir&e o% %aih+
no o% #hari!+ $ave a$ ho$e $oli#ied %or mone! or aid ma! no -elong
o he $ame religion a$ he $oli#ior* S&#h $oli#iaion doe$ no
engage he 'hilanhro'i# a$ m&#h a$ he religio&$ %ervor o% he 'er$on
(ho i$ $oli#ied %or #onri-&ion.
S7&9:D. The '&r'o$e o% he De#ree i$ o 'roe# he '&-li#
again$ %ra&d in vie( o% he 'roli%eraion o% %&nd #am'aign$ %or
#hari! and oher #ivi# 'ro.e#$* On he oher hand+ $in#e religio&$
%&nd drive$ are &$&all! #ond&#ed among ho$e -elonging o he $ame
religion+ he need %or '&-li# 'roe#ion again$ %ra&d&len
$oli#iaion$ doe$ no e"i$ in a$ grea a degree a$ doe$ he need %or
'roe#ion (ih re$'e# o $oli#iaion$ %or #hari! or #ivi# 'ro.e#$
a$ o .&$i%! $ae reg&laion.
;6I8D. To re)&ire a governmen 'ermi -e%ore $oli#iaion %or
religio&$ '&r'o$e ma! -e allo(ed i$ o la! a 'rior re$rain on he
%ree e"er#i$e o% religion* S&#h re$rain+ i% allo(ed+ ma! (ell
.&$i%! re)&iring a 'ermi -e%ore a #h&r#h #an ma6e S&nda! #olle#ion$
or en%or#e ihing. 3$t in !merican 6i#le Society v. City of Manila
(,2, Phi'. -/0 @,7.8A5, we %reise'y he'd that an ordinan#e re)&iring
'a!men o% a li#en$e %ee -e%ore one ma! engage in -&$ine$$ #o&ld no -e
a''lied o he a''ellanK$ $ale o% -i-le$ -e#a&$e ha (o&ld im'o$e a
#ondiion on he e"er#i$e o% a #on$i&ional righ* I i$ %or he
$ame rea$on ha religio&$ rallie$ are e"em'ed %rom he re)&iremen o%
'rior 'ermi %or '&-li# a$$em-lie$ and oher &$e$ o% '&-li# 'ar6$ and
$ree$ (3.P. 3'!. //2, Se. -@aA5. To read the Deree, therefore, as
in'$din! within its reah so'iitations for re'i!io$s %$r%oses wo$'d
&e to onstr$e it in a #anner that it "io'ates the 4ree E>erise of
Re'i!ion C'a$se of the Constit$tion > > >. (Con$rrin! O%inion,
103
DendoJa, V.V., *., in Centeno v. 2illalonFPornillos, 1-0 SCRA ,78,
Se%t. ,, ,77?5
"... What is a purely ecclesiastical affair to which the State can not
meddle?
Held: An 7&&@7SIS;I&@ 00I8 is Eone ha #on#ern$ do#rine+
#reed+ or %orm o% (or$hi' o% he #h&r#h+ or he ado'ion and
en%or#emen (ihin a religio&$ a$$o#iaion o% need%&l la($ and
reg&laion$ %or he governmen o% he mem-er$hi'+ and he 'o(er o%
e"#l&ding %rom $&#h a$$o#iaion$ ho$e deemed no (orh! o% mem-er$hi'.F
3ased on this definition, an e'esiastia' affair involve$ he
relaion$hi' -e(een he #h&r#h and i$ mem-er$ and relae o maer$
o% %aih+ religio&$ do#rine$+ (or$hi' and governan#e o% he
#ongregaion. To &e onrete, e>a#%'es of this so;a''ed
e'esiastia' affairs to whih the State annot #edd'e are %roeedin!s
for e>o##$niation, ordinations of re'i!io$s #inisters, ad#inistration
of sara#ents and other ati"ities with attahed re'i!io$s si!nifiane.
(Pastor Dionisio 2. !ustria v. N'RC, +.R. No. ,1?-/1, A$!. ,0, ,777, ,
st
Di". @)a%$nanA5
".). (etitioner is a religious minister of the Seventh Day dventist
<SD>. 6e was dismissed because of alleged misappropriation of
denominational funds, willful breach of trust, serious misconduct,
gross and habitual neglect of duties and commission of an offense
against the person of his employerPs duly authori=ed representative.
6e filed an illegal termination case against the SD before the labor
arbiter. ;he SD filed a motion to dismiss invoBing the doctrine of
separation of &hurch and State. Should the motion be granted?
Held: Where (ha i$ involved i$ he relaion$hi' o% he #h&r#h
a$ an em'lo!er and he mini$er a$ an em'lo!ee and ha$ no relaion
(ha$oever (ih he 'ra#i#e o% %aih+ (or$hi' or do#rine$ o% he
#h&r#h, i.e., the #inister was not e>o##$niated or e>%e''ed fro# the
#e#&ershi% of the on!re!ation &$t was ter#inated fro# e#%'oy#ent, i
i$ a '&rel! $e#&lar a%%air* Con$e)&enl!+ he $&i ma! no -e
di$mi$$ed invo6ing he do#rine o% $e'araion o% #h&r#h and he $ae.
(Pastor Dionisio 2. !ustria v. N'RC, +.R. No. ,1?-/1, A$!.
,0, ,777, ,
st
Di". @)a%$nanA5
THE RI>HT O9 THE PEOPLE TO IN9OR:ATION ON :ATTERS O9 PUBLIC CONCERN
".%. Discuss the scope of the right to information on matters of
public concern.
Held: In 2almonte v. 6elmonte 1r., the Co$rt e#%hasiJed that
he in%ormaion $o&gh m&$ -e 2maer$ o% '&-li# #on#ern+3 a##e$$ o
(hi#h ma! -e limied -! la(* Similarl!+ he $ae 'oli#! o% %&ll
'&-li# di$#lo$&re e"end$ onl! o 2ran$a#ion$ involving '&-li#
inere$3 and ma! al$o -e 2$&-.e# o rea$ona-le #ondiion$ 're$#ri-ed
-! la(.F As to the #eanin!s of the ter#s E'&-li# inere$F and E'&-li#
#on#ern,F the Co$rt, in 'egaspi v. Civil Service Commission, e'$idatedI
EIn deter#inin! whether or not a %arti$'ar infor#ation is
of %$&'i onern there is no ri!id test whih an &e a%%'ied.
OP&-li# #on#ernL 'i9e O'&-li# inere$L is a ter# that e'$des
e>at definition. Boh erm$ em-ra#e a -road $'e#r&m o%
$&-.e#$ (hi#h he '&-li# ma! (an o 6no(+ eiher -e#a&$e he$e
dire#l! a%%e# heir live$+ or $im'l! -e#a&$e $&#h maer$
na&rall! aro&$e he inere$ o% an ordinar! #ii8en* In he
%inal anal!$i$+ i i$ %or he #o&r$ o deermine on a #a$e -!
#a$e -a$i$ (heher he maer a i$$&e i$ o% inere$ or
im'oran#e+ a$ i relae$ o or a%%e#$ he '&-li#.F
Considered a %$&'i onern in the a&o"e;#entioned ase was the
E'e!iti#ate onern of itiJens to ens$re that !o"ern#ent %ositions
104
re:$irin! i"i' ser"ie e'i!i&i'ity are o$%ied on'y &y %ersons who
are e'i!i&'es.F So was the need to !i"e the !enera' %$&'i ade:$ate
notifiation of "ario$s 'aws that re!$'ate and affet the ations and
ond$t of itiJens, as he'd in ;anada. Li9ewise did the E%$&'i
nat$re of the 'oana&'e f$nds of the +SIS and the %$&'i offie he'd &y
the a''e!ed &orrowers (#e#&ers of the def$nt 3atasan! Pa#&ansa5F
:$a'ify the infor#ation so$!ht in Falmonte as #atters of %$&'i
interest and onern. In !HuinoFSarmiento v. Morato (12- SCRA .,.,
.11;1-, No"e#&er ,-, ,77,5, the Co$rt a'so he'd that o%%i#ial a#$ o%
'&-li# o%%i#er$ done in '&r$&i o% heir o%%i#ial %&n#ion$ are '&-li#
in #hara#er4 hen#e+ he re#ord$ 'eraining o $&#h o%%i#ial a#$ and
de#i$ion$ are (ihin he am-i o% he #on$i&ional righ o% access to
pu#lic recor$s.
=nder Repu#lic !ct No. ;,7*, '&-li# o%%i#ial$ and em'lo!ee$ are
mandaed o 2'rovide in%ormaion on heir 'oli#ie$ and 'ro#ed&re$ in
#lear and &nder$anda-le lang&age+ <and= en$&re o'enne$$ o%
in%ormaion+ '&-li# #on$&laion$ and hearing (henever a''ro'riae " "
"+3 e"#e' (hen 2oher(i$e 'rovided -! la( or (hen re)&ired -! he
'&-li# inere$*3 In 'ari#&lar+ he la( mandae$ %ree '&-li# a##e$$+
a rea$ona-le ho&r$+ o he ann&al 'er%orman#e re'or$ o% o%%i#e$ and
agen#ie$ o% governmen and governmen,o(ned or #onrolled #or'oraion$4
and he $aemen$ o% a$$e$+ lia-iliie$ and %inan#ial di$#lo$&re$ o%
all '&-li# o%%i#ial$ and em'lo!ee$.
In general+ (riing$ #oming ino he hand$ o% '&-li# o%%i#er$ in
#onne#ion (ih heir o%%i#ial %&n#ion$ m&$ -e a##e$$i-le o he
'&-li#+ #on$i$en (ih he 'oli#! o% ran$'aren#! o% governmenal
a%%air$* Thi$ 'rin#i'le i$ aimed a a%%ording he 'eo'le an
o''or&ni! o deermine (heher ho$e o (hom he! have enr&$ed he
a%%air$ o% he governmen are hone$l!+ %aih%&ll! and #om'eenl!
'er%orming heir %&n#ion$ a$ '&-li# $ervan$. =ndenia&'y, the essene
of de#oray 'ies in the free;f'ow of tho$!htG &$t tho$!hts and ideas
#$st &e we'';infor#ed so that the %$&'i wo$'d !ain a &etter
%ers%eti"e of "ita' iss$es onfrontin! the# and, th$s, &e a&'e to
ritiiJe as we'' as %artii%ate in the affairs of the !o"ern#ent in a
res%onsi&'e, reasona&'e and effeti"e #anner. Certain'y, it is &y
ens$rin! an $nfettered and $ninhi&ited e>han!e of ideas a#on! a we'';
infor#ed %$&'i that a !o"ern#ent re#ains res%onsi"e to the han!es
desired &y the %eo%'e. (C)avez v. PCGG, 177 SCRA 8??, De. 7, ,77/,
@Pan!ani&anA5
".$. What are some of the recogni=ed 87S;8I&;I9:S to the right of the
people to information on matters of public concern?
Held:
1) Naional $e#&ri! maer$ and inelligen#e in%ormaion . This
B$risdition reo!niJes the o##on 'aw ho'din! that there is a
!o"ern#enta' %ri"i'e!e a!ainst %$&'i dis'os$re with res%et
to state serets re!ardin! #i'itary, di%'o#ati and other
nationa' se$rity #atters. Li6e(i$e+ in%ormaion on iner,
governmen e"#hange$ 'rior o he #on#l&$ion o% reaie$ and
e"e#&ive agreemen$ ma! -e $&-.e# o rea$ona-le $a%eg&ard$
%or he $a6e o% naional inere$G
2) Trade or ind&$rial $e#re$ (%$rs$ant to the Intellectual
Property Co$e @R.!. No. .+:*, a%%ro"ed on *$ne 0, ,778A and
other re'ated 'aws5 and -an6ing ran$a#ion$ (%$rs$ant to the
Secrecy of 6anA Deposits !ct @R.!. No. 74-5, as a#endedA5G
3) Criminal maer$ , s$h as those re'atin! to the a%%rehension,
the %rose$tion and the detention of ri#ina's, (hi#h #o&r$
ma! no in)&ire ino prior o $&#h arre$+ deenion and
'ro$e#&ionG
4) Oher #on%idenial in%ormaion . The Et)ical Stan$ar$s !ct
(R.!. No. ;,7*, enated on 4e&r$ary 12, ,7/75 f$rther
'rohi-i$ '&-li# o%%i#ial$ and em'lo!ee$ %rom &$ing or
div&lging 2#on%idenial or #la$$i%ied in%ormaion o%%i#iall!
6no(n o hem -! rea$on o% heir o%%i#e and no made availa-le
105
o he '&-li#.F (Se. 8@A, i&id.5 Other a9now'ed!ed
'i#itations to infor#ation aess in'$de di'lomai#
#orre$'onden#e+ #lo$ed door Ca-ine meeing$ and e"e#&ive
$e$$ion$ o% eiher ho&$e o% Congre$$+ a$ (ell a$ he inernal
deli-eraion$ o% he S&'reme Co&r.
(C)avez v. PCGG, 177 SCRA 8??, De. 7, ,77/ @Pan!ani&anA5
".#. Is the alleged ill,gotten wealth of the ?arcoses a matter of
public concern subject to this right?
Held: With s$h %rono$ne#ents of o$r !o"ern#ent, whose
a$thority e#anates fro# the %eo%'e, there is no do$&t that the reo"ery
of the DarosesH a''e!ed i'';!otten wea'th is a #atter of %$&'i
onern and i#&$ed with %$&'i interest. We #ay a'so add that Ei'';
!otten wea'thF refers to a$$e$ and 'ro'erie$ '&r'oredl! a#)&ired+
dire#l! or indire#l!+ -! %ormer Pre$iden :ar#o$+ hi$ immediae
%amil!+ relaive$ and #lo$e a$$o#iae$ hro&gh or a$ a re$&l o% heir
im'ro'er or illegal &$e o% governmen %&nd$ or 'ro'erie$4 or heir
having a6en &nd&e advanage o% heir '&-li# o%%i#e4 or heir &$e o%
'o(er$+ in%l&en#e$ or relaion$hi'$+ 2re$&ling in heir &n.&$
enri#hmen and #a&$ing grave damage and 're.&di#e o he 9ili'ino
'eo'le and he Re'&-li# o% he Phili''ine$*3 Clearl!+ he a$$e$ and
'ro'erie$ re%erred o $&''o$edl! originaed %rom he governmen
i$el%* To all inen$ and '&r'o$e$+ here%ore+ he! -elong o he
'eo'le* A$ $&#h+ &'on re#onve!an#e he! (ill -e re&rned o he '&-li#
rea$&r!+ $&-.e# onl! o he $ai$%a#ion o% 'o$iive #laim$ o%
#erain 'er$on$ a$ ma! -e ad.&dged -! #om'een #o&r$* Anoher
de#lared overriding #on$ideraion %or he e"'ediio&$ re#over! o% ill,
goen (ealh i$ ha i ma! -e &$ed %or naional e#onomi# re#over!.
We &e'ie"e the fore!oin! dis:$isition sett'es the :$estion of
whether %etitioner has a ri!ht to res%ondentsH dis'os$re of any
a!ree#ent that #ay &e arri"ed at onernin! the DarosesL %$r%orted
i'';!otten wea'th. (C)avez v. PCGG, 177 SCRA 8??, De. 7, ,77/
@Pan!ani&anA5
9REEDO: O9 ASSOCIATION
")2. Does the right of civil servants to organi=e include their right
to striBe? &larify.
Held: S%eifia''y, the ri!ht of i"i' ser"ants to or!aniJe
the#se'"es was %ositi"e'y reo!niJed in !ssociation of Court of !ppeals
Employees 8!C!E9 v. =errerFCalle0a (12- SCRA .70, No"e#&er ,., ,77,5.
3$t, as in the e>erise of the ri!hts of free e>%ression and of
asse#&'y, there are standards for a''owa&'e 'i#itations s$h as the
'e!iti#ay of the %$r%oses of the assoiation, the o"erridin!
onsiderations of nationa' se$rity and the %reser"ation of de#orati
instit$tions <(eople v. 0errer, +$ S&8 *$2, December 2%, "#%2, per
&astro, J., where the &ourt, while upholding the validity of the nti,
Subversion ct which outlawed the &ommunist (arty of the (hilippines
and other HsubversiveH organi=ations, clarified, HWhatever interest in
freedom of speech and freedom of association is infringed by the
prohibition against Bnowing membership in the &ommunist (arty of the
(hilippines, is so indirect and so insubstantial as to be clearly and
heavily outweighed by the overriding considerations of national
security and the preservation of democratic institutions in this
country.H It cautioned, though, that Hthe need for prudence and
circumspection 3cannot be overemphasi=ed4 in 3the lawMs4 enforcement,
operating as it does in the sensitive area of freedom of e-pression and
belief.H>
A$ regard$ he righ o $ri6e+ he Con$i&ion i$el% )&ali%ie$
i$ e"er#i$e (ih he 'rovi$o Oin a##ordan#e (ih la(*O Thi$ i$ a
#lear mani%e$aion ha he $ae ma!+ -! la(+ reg&lae he &$e o%
hi$ righ+ or even den! #erain $e#or$ $&#h righ. EIecutive 3r$er
No. 7.- <Issued by former (resident &ora=on &. 'uino on June ", "#$%>
106
whih %ro"ides !$ide'ines for the e>erise of the ri!ht of !o"ern#ent
wor9ers to or!aniJe, for instane, im'li#il! endor$ed an earlier CSC
#ir#&lar (hi#h Oen.oin$ &nder 'ain o% admini$raive $an#ion$+ all
governmen o%%i#er$ and em'lo!ee$ %rom $aging $ri6e$+ demon$raion$+
ma$$ leave$+ (al6o&$ and oher %orm$ o% ma$$ a#ion (hi#h (ill re$&l
in em'orar! $o''age or di$r&'ion o% '&-li# $ervi#eM (CSC Memoran$um
Circular No. ; s. 7:.,, dated A%ri' 1,, ,7/85 -! $aing ha he
Civil Servi#e la( and r&le$ governing #on#ered a#iviie$ and $ri6e$
in he governmen $ervi#e $hall -e o-$erved.
It is a'so sett'ed in B$ris%r$dene that, in general+ (or6er$ in
he '&-li# $e#or do no en.o! he righ o $ri6e. !lliance of
Concerne$ Government BorAers v. Minister of 'a#or an$ Employment (,1?
SCRA ,, A$!$st -, ,7/-, a'so %er +$tierreJ, *r., *.5 rationa'iJed the
%rosri%tion th$sI
MThe general r&le in he 'a$ and &' o he 're$en i$ ha
he Kerm$ and #ondiion$ o% em'lo!men in he >overnmen+
in#l&ding an! 'olii#al $&-divi$ion or in$r&menali! hereo%
are governed -! la(*K ? " "* Sin#e he erm$ and #ondiion$ o%
governmen em'lo!men are fiIe$ #y la( + governmen (or6er$ #anno
&$e he $ame (ea'on$ em'lo!ed -! he (or6er$ in he 'rivae
$e#or o $e#&re #on#e$$ion$ %rom heir em'lo!er$* The 'rin#i'le
-ehind la-or &nioni$m in 'rivae ind&$r! i$ ha ind&$rial
'ea#e #anno -e $e#&red hro&gh #om'&l$ion -! la(* Relaion$
-e(een 'rivae em'lo!er$ and heir em'lo!ee$ re$ on an
e$$eniall! vol&nar! -a$i$* S&-.e# o he minim&m re)&iremen$
o% (age la($ and oher la-or and (el%are legi$laion+ he erm$
and #ondiion$ o% em'lo!men in he &nioni8ed 'rivae $e#or are
$eled hro&gh he 'ro#e$$ o% #olle#ive -argaining* In
governmen em'lo!men+ ho(ever+ i i$ he legi$la&re and+ (here
'ro'erl! given delegaed 'o(er+ he admini$raive head$ o%
governmen (hi#h %i" he erm$ and #ondiion$ o% em'lo!men* And
hi$ i$ e%%e#ed hro&gh $a&e$ or admini$raive #ir#&lar$+
r&le$+ and reg&laion$+ no hro&gh #olle#ive -argaining
agreemen$.M <Ibid., p. "*>
After de'"in! into the intent of the fra#ers of the Constit$tion,
the Co$rt affir#ed the a&o"e r$'e in Social Security System Employees
!ssociation 8SSSE!9 v. Court of !ppeals (,8. SCRA 0/0, *$'y 1/, ,7/75
and e>%'ainedI
M+o"ern#ent e#%'oyees #ay, therefore, thro$!h their $nions
or assoiations, either %etition the Con!ress for the &etter#ent
of the ter#s and onditions of e#%'oy#ent whih are within the
a#&it of 'e!is'ation or ne!otiate with the a%%ro%riate !o"ern#ent
a!enies for the i#%ro"e#ent of those whih are not fi>ed &y 'aw.
If there &e any $nreso'"ed !rie"anes, the dis%$te #ay &e
referred to the P$&'i Setor La&or;Dana!e#ent Co$ni' for
a%%ro%riate ation. B& em'lo!ee$ in he #ivil $ervi#e ma! no
re$or o $ri6e$+ (al6o&$ and oher em'orar! (or6 $o''age$+
li6e (or6er$ in he 'rivae $e#or+ o 're$$&re he >overnmen o
a##ede o heir demand$. As now %ro"ided $nder Se. ?, R$'e III
of the R$'es and Re!$'ations to +o"ern the E>erise of the Ri!ht
of +o"ern#ent E#%'oyees to Se'f;Or!aniJation, whih too9 effet
after the instant dis%$te arose, H<=he erm$ and #ondiion$ o%
em'lo!men in he governmen+ in#l&ding an! 'olii#al $&-divi$ion
or in$r&menali! hereo% and governmen,o(ned and #onrolled
#or'oraion$ (ih original #harer$ are governed -! la( and
em'lo!ee$ herein $hall no $ri6e %or he '&r'o$e o% $e#&ring
#hange$ <hereo=*HH <Ibid., p. )#$>
(1acinto v. Court of !ppeals, 1/, SCRA 0.8, No". ,?, ,778, En 3an
@Pan!ani&anA5
")". (etitioners public school teachers walBed out of their classes
and engaged in mass actions during certain dates in September "##2
protesting the alleged unlawful withholding of their salaries and other
economic benefits. ;hey also raised national issues, such as the
107
removal of CS bases and the repudiation of foreign debts, in their mass
actions. ;hey refused to return to worB despite orders to do so and
subse'uently were found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best
interests of the service for having absented themselves without proper
authority, from their schools during regular school days, and
penali=ed. ;hey denied that they engaged in /striBe1 but claimed that
they merely e-ercised a constitutionally guaranteed right L the right
to peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress of
grievances , and, therefore, should not have been penali=ed. Should
their contention be upheld?
Held: Petitioners, who are %$&'i shoo'teahers and th$s
!o"ern#ent e#%'oyees, do not see9 to esta&'ish that they ha"e a ri!ht
to stri9e. Rather, they tenaio$s'y insist that their a&senes d$rin!
ertain dates in Se%te#&er ,772 were a "a'id e>erise of their
onstit$tiona' ri!ht to en!a!e in %eaef$' asse#&'y to %etition the
!o"ern#ent for a redress of !rie"anes. They 'ai# that their
!atherin! was not a stri9e, therefore, their %artii%ation therein did
not onstit$te any offense. MPS&! v. 'aguio <Supra, per :arvasa, J.,
now &J.> and !C& v. Carino <Ibid.>, in whih this Co$rt de'ared that
Mthese H#ass ationsH were to a'' intents and %$r%oses a stri9eG they
onstit$ted a onerted and $na$thoriJed sto%%a!e of, or a&sene fro#,
wor9 whih it was the teahersH d$ty to %erfor#, $nderta9en for
essentia''y eono#i reasons,M sho$'d not %rini%a''y reso'"e the
%resent ase, as the $nder'yin! fats are a''e!ed'y not identia'.
S;8IK7, as defined &y 'aw, #eans any em'orar! $o''age o% (or6
done -! he #on#ered a#ion o% em'lo!ee$ a$ a re$&l o% an ind&$rial
or la-or di$'&e . A la-or di$'&e in#l&de$ an! #onrover$! or maer
#on#erning erm$ and #ondiion$ o% em'lo!men4 or he a$$o#iaion or
re're$enaion o% 'er$on$ in negoiaing+ %i"ing+ mainaining+ #hanging
or arranging he erm$ and #ondiion$ o% em'lo!men+ regardle$$ o%
(heher he di$'&an$ $and in he 'ro"imae relaion o% em'lo!er$ and
em'lo!ee$. With these %re#ises, we now e"a'$ate the ir$#stanes of
the instant %etition.
I #anno -e denied ha he ma$$ a#ion or a$$em-l! $aged -!
he 'eiioner$ re$&led in he non,holding o% #la$$e$ in $everal
'&-li# $#hool$ d&ring he #orre$'onding 'eriod* Peiioner$ do no
di$'&e ha he grievan#e$ %or (hi#h he! $o&gh redre$$ #on#erned he
alleged %ail&re o% '&-li# a&horiie$ , e$$eniall!+ heir Oem'lo!er$O
, o %&ll! and .&$l! im'lemen #erain la($ and mea$&re$ inended o
-ene%i hem maeriall! " " "* And 'ro-a-l! o #lohe heir a#ion
(ih 'ermi$$i-le #hara#er <In justifying their mass actions,
petitioners liBen their activity to the pro,bases rally led by former
(resident &ora=on &. 'uino on September "2, "##", participated in, as
well, by public school teachers who conse'uently absented themselves
from their classes. :o administrative charges were allegedly
instituted against any of the participants.>, they a'so raised nationa'
iss$es s$h as the re#o"a' of the =.S. &ases and the re%$diation of
forei!n de&t. In 6alingasan v. Court of !ppeals <5.8. :o. "2+)%$, July
*", "##%, per 8egalado, J.>, ho(ever+ hi$ Co&r $aid ha he %a#
ha he #onvenional erm O$ri6eO (a$ no &$ed -! he 'ari#i'an$ o
de$#ri-e heir #ommon #o&r$e o% a#ion (a$ in$igni%i#an+ $in#e he
$&-$an#e o% he $i&aion+ and no i$ a''earan#e+ (a$ deemed
#onrolling.
Moreover t)e petitioners )ere I I I (ere not penalize$ for t)e
eIercise of t)eir rig)t to assem#le peacefully an$ to petition t)e
government for a re$ress of grievances. Rat)er t)e Civil Service
Commission foun$ t)em guilty of con$uct pre0u$icial to t)e #est
interest of t)e service for )aving a#sente$ t)emselves (it)out proper
aut)ority from t)eir sc)ools $uring regular sc)ool $ays in or$er to
participate in t)e mass protest t)eir a#sence inelucta#ly resulting in
t)e nonF)ol$ing of classes an$ in t)e $eprivation of stu$ents of
e$ucation for ()ic) t)ey (ere responsi#le. Ha$ petitioners availe$
t)emselves of t)eir free time F recess after classes (eeAen$s or
)oli$ays F to $ramatize t)eir grievances an$ to $ialogue (it) t)e
proper aut)orities (it)in t)e #oun$s of la( no one F not t)e DECS t)e
108
CSC or even t)is Court F coul$ )ave )el$ t)em lia#le for t)e vali$
eIercise of t)eir constitutionally guarantee$ rig)ts. !s it (as t)e
temporary stoppage of classes resulting from t)eir activity necessarily
$isrupte$ pu#lic services t)e very evil soug)t to #e forestalle$ #y
t)e pro)i#ition against striAes #y government (orAers. ;heir act by
their nature was enjoined by the &ivil Service law, rules and
regulations, for which they must, therefore, be made answerable.
(1acinto v. C!, 1/, SCRA 0.8, No". ,?, ,778, En 3an @Pan!ani&anA5
THE NON,I:PAIR:ENT CLAUSE
")2. Is the constitutional prohibition against impairing contractual
obligations absolute?
Held: ,. Nor is there #erit in the 'ai# that the reso'$tion and
#e#orand$# ir$'ar "io'ate the ontrat 'a$se of the 3i'' of Ri!hts.
The e>e$ti"e order reatin! the POEA was enated to f$rther
i#%'e#ent the soia' B$stie %ro"isions of the ,78- Constit$tion, whih
ha"e &een !reat'y enhaned and e>%anded in the ,7/8 Constit$tion &y
%'ain! the# $nder a se%arate Arti'e <rticle !III>. The Arti'e on
Soia' *$stie was a%t'y desri&ed as the Mheart of the new CharterM &y
the President of the ,7/0 Constit$tiona' Co##ission, retired *$stie
Cei'ia D$noJ Pa'#a. Soia' B$stie is identified with the &road so%e
of the %o'ie %ower of the state and re:$ires the e>tensi"e $se of s$h
%ower. 6 > >.
The #on$i&ional 'rohi-iion again$ im'airing #onra#&al
o-ligaion$ i$ no a-$ol&e and i$ no o -e read (ih lieral
e"a#ne$$* I i$ re$ri#ed o #onra#$ (ih re$'e# o 'ro'er! or
$ome o-.e# o% val&e and (hi#h #on%er righ$ ha ma! -e a$$ered in a
#o&r o% .&$i#e4 i ha$ no a''li#aion o $a&e$ relaing o '&-li#
$&-.e#$ (ihin he domain o% he general legi$laive 'o(er$ o% he
Sae and involving he '&-li# righ$ and '&-li# (el%are o% he enire
#omm&ni! a%%e#ed -! i* I doe$ no 'reven a 'ro'er e"er#i$e -! he
Sae o% i$ 'oli#e 'o(er -! ena#ing reg&laion$ rea$ona-l! ne#e$$ar!
o $e#&re he healh+ $a%e!+ moral$+ #om%or+ or general (el%are o%
he #omm&ni!+ even ho&gh #onra#$ ma! here-! -e a%%e#ed+ %or $&#h
maer$ #anno -e 'la#ed -! #onra# -e!ond he 'o(er o% he Sae o
reg&lae and #onrol hem.
Veri'y, he %reedom o #onra# i$ no a-$ol&e4 all #onra#$
and all righ$ are $&-.e# o he 'oli#e 'o(er o% he Sae and no
onl! ma! reg&laion$ (hi#h a%%e# hem -e e$a-li$hed -! he Sae+ -&
all $&#h reg&laion$ m&$ -e $&-.e# o #hange %rom ime o ime+ a$
he general (ell,-eing o% he #omm&ni! ma! re)&ire+ or a$ he
#ir#&m$an#e$ ma! #hange+ or a$ e"'erien#e ma! demon$rae he
ne#e$$i!* And &nder he Civil Code+ #onra#$ o% la-or are e"'li#il!
$&-.e# o he 'oli#e 'o(er o% he Sae -e#a&$e he! are no ordinar!
#onra#$ -& are im're$$ed (ih '&-li# inere$. Ari#le 0FJJ thereof
e>%ress'y %ro"idesI
Ar* 0FJJ. The relaion$ -e(een #a'ial and la-or are no
merel! #onra#&al* The! are $o im're$$ed (ih '&-li# inere$
ha la-or #onra#$ m&$ !ield o he #ommon good* There%ore+
$&#h #onra#$ are $&-.e# o he $'e#ial la($ on la-or &nion$+
#olle#ive -argaining+ $ri6e$ and lo#6o&$+ #lo$ed $ho'+ (age$+
(or6ing #ondiion$+ ho&r$ o% la-or and $imilar $&-.e#$.
The ha''en!ed reso'$tion and #e#orand$# ir$'ar &ein! "a'id
i#%'e#entations of E.O. No. 878 (Creatin! the POEA5, whih was enated
$nder the %o'ie %ower of the State, they annot &e str$9 down on the
!ro$nd that they "io'ate the ontrat 'a$se. To ho'd otherwise is to
a'ter 'on!;esta&'ished onstit$tiona' dotrine and to s$&ordinate the
%o'ie %ower to the ontrat 'a$se. (&)e Conference of Maritime
Manning !gencies Inc. v. P3E!, 1?- SCRA 000, A%ri' 1,, ,77. @Da"ide,
*r.A5
109
1. Petitioners %ray that the %resent ation sho$'d &e &arred,
&ea$se %ri"ate res%ondents ha"e "o'$ntari'y e>e$ted :$it'ai#s and
re'eases and reei"ed their se%aration %ay. Petitioners 'ai# that the
%resent s$it is a M!ra"e dero!ation of the f$nda#enta' %rini%'e that
o&'i!ations arisin! fro# a "a'id ontrat ha"e the fore of 'aw &etween
the %arties and #$st &e o#%'ied with in !ood faith.M
The Co&r di$agree$* M&ri$'r&den#e hold$ ha he #on$i&ional
g&aranee o% non,im'airmen o% #onra# i$ $&-.e# o he 'oli#e 'o(er
o% he $ae and o rea$ona-le legi$laive reg&laion$ 'romoing
healh+ moral$+ $a%e! and (el%are* No all )&i#laim$ are 'er $e
invalid or again$ '&-li# 'oli#!+ e"#e' /01 where there is #lear 'roo%
ha he (aiver (a$ (angled %rom an &n$&$'e#ing or g&lli-le 'er$on, or
/51 where the erm$ o% $elemen are &n#on$#iona-le on heir %a#e* In
he$e #a$e$+ he la( (ill $e' in o ann&l he )&e$iona-le
ran$a#ion$ . S&#h )&i#laim and relea$e agreemen$ are regarded a$
ine%%e#ive o -ar he (or6er$ %rom #laiming he %&ll mea$&re o% heir
legal righ$.
In the ase at &ar, the %ri"ate res%ondents a!reed to the
:$it'ai# and re'ease in onsideration of their se%aration %ay. Sine
they were dis#issed a''e!ed'y for &$siness 'osses, they are entit'ed to
se%aration %ay $nder Arti'e 1/- of the La&or Code. And sine there
was th$s no e>tra onsideration for the %ri"ate res%ondents to !i"e $%
their e#%'oy#ent, s$h $nderta9in!s annot &e a''owed to &ar the ation
for i''e!a' dis#issa'.
(6ogoFMe$ellin Sugarcane Planters !ssociation Inc. v. N'RC, 170 SCRA
,2/, ,1?, @Pan!ani&anA5
-. On'y s'i!ht'y 'ess a&strat &$t nonethe'ess hy%othetia' is
the ontention of CRE3A that the i#%osition of the VAT on the sa'es and
'eases of rea' estate &y "irt$e of ontrats entered %rior to the
effeti"ity of the 'aw wo$'d "io'ate the onstit$tiona' %ro"ision that
MNo 'aw i#%airin! the o&'i!ation of ontrats sha'' &e %assed.M I i$
eno&gh o $a! ha he 'arie$ o a #onra# #anno+ hro&gh he
e"er#i$e o% 'ro'hei# di$#ernmen+ %eer he e"er#i$e o% he a"ing
'o(er o% he Sae* 9or no onl! are e"i$ing la($ read ino #onra#$
in order o %i" o-ligaion$ a$ -e(een 'arie$+ -& he re$ervaion o%
e$$enial ari-&e$ o% $overeign 'o(er i$ al$o read ino #onra#$ a$
a -a$i# 'o$&lae o% he legal order* The 'oli#! o% 'roe#ing
#onra#$ again$ im'airmen 're$&''o$e$ he mainenan#e o% a
governmen (hi#h reain$ ade)&ae a&hori! o $e#&re he 'ea#e and
good order o% $o#ie!.
In r&h+ he Conra# Cla&$e ha$ never -een ho&gh a$ a
limiaion on he e"er#i$e o% he SaeK$ 'o(er o% a"aion $ave onl!
(here a a" e"em'ion ha$ -een graned %or a valid #on$ideraion. 6 >
>. (&olentino v. Secretary of =inance, 1-. SCRA 0-2, 0/.;0/0, A$!.
1., ,77?, En 3an @DendoJaA5
?. Sin#e im-er li#en$e$ are no #onra#$+ he non,im'airmen
#la&$e " " " #anno -e invo6ed.
6 > >, even i% i i$ o -e a$$&med ha he $ame are #onra#$+
he in$an #a$e doe$ no involve a la( or even an e"e#&ive i$$&an#e
de#laring he #an#ellaion or modi%i#aion o% e"i$ing im-er li#en$e$*
Hen#e+ he non,im'airmen #la&$e #anno a$ !e -e invo6ed*
Neverhele$$+ graning %&rher ha a la( ha$ a#&all! -een 'a$$ed
mandaing #an#ellaion$ or modi%i#aion$+ he $ame #anno $ill -e
$igmai8ed a$ a violaion o% he non,im'airmen #la&$e* Thi$ i$
-e#a&$e -! i$ ver! na&re and '&r'o$e+ $&#h a la( #o&ld have onl! -een
'a$$ed in he e"er#i$e o% he 'oli#e 'o(er o% he $ae %or he '&r'o$e
o% advan#ing he righ o% he 'eo'le o a -alan#ed and healh%&l
e#olog!+ 'romoing heir healh and enhan#ing heir general (el%are. 6
> >.
In short, he non,im'airmen #la&$e m&$ !ield o he 'oli#e
'o(er o% he $ae.
110
9inall!+ i i$ di%%i#&l o imagine " " " ho( he non,im'airmen
#la&$e #o&ld a''l! (ih re$'e# o he 'ra!er o en.oin he re$'onden
Se#rear! %rom re#eiving+ a##e'ing+ 'ro#e$$ing+ rene(ing or a''roving
ne( im-er li#en$e %or+ $ave in #a$e$ o% rene(al + no #onra# (o&ld
have a$ !e e"i$ed in he oher in$an#e$* :oreover+ (ih re$'e# o
rene(al+ he holder i$ no eniled o i a$ a maer o% righ.
(3posa v. =actoran, *r., 11? SCRA 871 @,77-A5
.. Anent %etitionersH ontention that the fori&'e ref$nd of
inenti"e &enefits is an $nonstit$tiona' i#%air#ent of a ontrat$a'
o&'i!ation, s$ffie it to state that M<n=o all #onra#$ enered ino
-! he governmen (ill o'erae a$ a (aiver o% i$ non,$&a-ili!4
di$in#ion m&$ -e made -e(een i$ $overeign and 'ro'riear! a#$*
The a#$ involved in hi$ #a$e are governmenal* Be$ide$+ he Co&r i$
in agreemen (ih he Soli#ior >eneral ha he in#enive 'a! or
-ene%i i$ in he na&re o% a -on&$ (hi#h i$ no a demanda-le or
en%or#ea-le o-ligaion. (6laHuera v. !lcala, 17. SCRA -00, ??0,
Se%t. ,,, ,77/, En 3an @P$risi#aA5
THE IN,CUSTODIAL INHESTI>ATION RI>HTS O9 AN ACCUSED PERSON
")*. State the procedure, guidelines and duties which the arresting,
detaining, inviting, or investigating officer or his companions must do
and observe at the time of maBing an arrest and again at and during the
time of the custodial interrogation.
Held: Last'y, onsiderin! the hea"y %ena'ty of death and in
order to ens$re that the e"idene a!ainst an a$sed were o&tained
thro$!h 'awf$' #eans, he Co&r+ as guar$ian of t)e rig)ts of t)e
people la!$ do(n he 'ro#ed&re+ g&ideline$ and d&ie$ (hi#h he
arre$ing+ deaining+ inviing+ or inve$igaing o%%i#er or hi$
#om'anion$ m&$ do and o-$erve a he ime o% ma6ing an arre$ and
again a and d&ring he ime o% he #&$odial inerrogaion in
a##ordan#e (ih he Constitution + .&ri$'r&den#e and Repu#lic !ct No.
,4*. (n ct Defining &ertain 8ights of (erson rrested, Detained or
Cnder &ustodial Investigation as well as the Duties of the rresting,
Detaining, and Investigating 9fficers and (roviding (enalties for
Fiolations ;hereof5. It is hi!h;ti#e to ed$ate o$r 'aw;enfore#ent
a!enies who ne!'et either &y i!norane or indifferene the so;a''ed
Diranda ri!hts whih had &eo#e ins$ffiient and whih the Co$rt #$st
$%date in the 'i!ht of new 'e!a' de"e'o%#entsI
1) The %erson arrested, detained, in"ited or $nder $stodia'
in"esti!ation m&$ -e IN9OR:ED in a lang&age 6no(n o and
&nder$ood -! him o% he rea$on %or he arre$ and he m&$ -e
$ho(n he (arran o% arre$+ i% an!* Ever! oher (arning$+
in%ormaion or #omm&ni#aion m&$ -e in a lang&age 6no(n o
and &nder$ood -! $aid 'er$onG
2) <e #$st &e warned that he has a righ o remain $ilen and
ha an! $aemen he ma6e$ ma! -e &$ed a$ eviden#e again$
himG
3) <e #$st &e infor#ed that he has the righ o -e a$$i$ed a
all ime$ and have he 're$en#e o% an inde'enden and
#om'een la(!er+ 're%era-l! o% hi$ o(n #hoi#eG
4) <e #$st &e infor#ed that i% he ha$ no la(!er or #anno a%%ord
he $ervi#e$ o% a la(!er+ one (ill -e 'rovided %or him4 and
ha a la(!er ma! al$o -e engaged -! an! 'er$on in hi$ -ehal%+
or ma! -e a''oined -! he #o&r &'on 'eiion o% he 'er$on
arre$ed or one a#ing on hi$ -ehal%G
5) That whether or not the %erson arrested has a 'awyer, he #$st
&e infor#ed that no #&$odial inve$igaion in an! %orm $hall
-e #ond&#ed e"#e' in he 're$en#e o% hi$ #o&n$el o% a%er a
valid (aiver ha$ -een madeG
6) The %erson arrested #$st &e infor#ed that, a an! ime+ he ha$
he righ o #omm&ni#ae or #on%er -! he mo$ e"'edien mean$
, ele'hone+ radio+ leer or me$$enger , (ih hi$ la(!er
/eiher reained or a''oined1+ an! mem-er o% hi$ immediae
%amil!+ or an! medi#al do#or+ 'rie$ or mini$er #ho$en -!
111
him or -! an! one %rom hi$ immediae %amil! or -! hi$ #o&n$el+
or -e vi$ied -!A#on%er (ih d&l! a##redied naional or
inernaional non,governmen organi8aion* I $hall -e he
re$'on$i-ili! o% he o%%i#er o en$&re ha hi$ i$
a##om'li$hedG
7) <e #$st &e infor#ed that he has the righ o (aive an! o% $aid
righ$ 'rovided i i$ made vol&naril!+ 6no(ingl! and
inelligenl! and en$&re ha he &nder$ood he $ameG
8) In addition, if the %erson arrested (aive$ hi$ righ o a
la(!er+ he m&$ -e in%ormed ha i m&$ -e done in (riing
and in he 're$en#e o% #o&n$el+ oher(i$e+ he m&$ -e (arned
ha he (aiver i$ void even i% he in$i$ on hi$ (aiver and
#hoo$e$ o $'ea6G
9) That the %erson arrested #$st &e infor#ed that he ma! indi#ae
in an! manner a an! ime or $age o% he 'ro#e$$ ha he doe$
no (i$h o -e )&e$ioned (ih (arning ha on#e he ma6e$ $&#h
indi#aion+ he 'oli#e ma! no inerrogae him i% he $ame had
no !e #ommen#ed+ or he inerrogaion m&$ #ea$e i% i ha$
alread! -eg&nG
10) The %erson arrested #$st &e infor#ed that his iniial (aiver
o% hi$ righ o remain $ilen+ he righ o #o&n$el or an! o%
hi$ righ$ doe$ no -ar him %rom invo6ing i a an! ime
d&ring he 'ro#e$$+ regardle$$ o% (heher he ma! have an$(ered
$ome )&e$ion$ or vol&neered $ome $aemen$G
11) <e #$st a'so &e infor#ed that an! $aemen or eviden#e+ a$
he #a$e ma! -e+ o-ained in violaion o% an! o% he
%oregoing+ (heher in#&l'aor! or e"#&l'aor!+ in (hole or in
'ar+ $hall -e inadmi$$i-le in eviden#e.
(People v. Ma)inay, -21 SCRA ?.., 4e&. ,, ,777, En 3an @Per C$ria#A5
")+. 7-plain the Bind of information that is re'uired to be given by
law enforcement officers to suspect during custodial investigation.
Held: @IAt is sett'ed that oneLs ri!ht to &e infor#ed of the
ri!ht to re#ain si'ent and to o$nse' onte#%'ates the trans#ission of
#eanin!f$' infor#ation rather B$st the ere#onia' and %erf$ntory
reitation of an a&strat onstit$tiona' %rini%'e. It is not eno$!h
for the interro!ator to #ere'y re%eat to the %erson $nder in"esti!ation
the %ro"isions of Setion ,1, Arti'e III of the ,7/8 Constit$tionG he
%ormer m&$ al$o e"'lain he e%%e#$ o% $&#h 'rovi$ion in 'ra#i#al
erm$ N e.g. + (ha he 'er$on &nder inve$igaion ma! or ma! no do N
and in a lang&age he $&-.e# %airl! &nder$and$* The righ o -e
in%ormed #arrie$ (ih i a #orrelaive o-ligaion on he 'ar o% he
'oli#e inve$igaor o e"'lain+ and #onem'lae$ e%%e#ive
#omm&ni#aion (hi#h re$&l$ in he $&-.e#D$ &nder$anding o% (ha i$
#onve!ed* Sin#e i i$ #om'rehen$ion ha i$ $o&gh o -e aained+ he
degree o% e"'lanaion re)&ired (ill ne#e$$aril! var! and de'end on he
ed&#aion+ inelligen#e+ and oher relevan 'er$onal #ir#&m$an#e$ o%
he 'er$on &ndergoing inve$igaion* In %&rher en$&ring he righ o
#o&n$el+ i i$ no eno&gh ha he $&-.e# i$ in%ormed o% $&#h righ4
he $ho&ld al$o -e a$6ed i% he (an$ o avail o% he $ame and $ho&ld -e
old ha he #o&ld a$6 %or #o&n$el i% he $o de$ired or ha one #o&ld
-e 'rovided him a hi$ re)&e$* I% he de#ide$ no o reain a #o&n$el
o% hi$ #hoi#e or avail o% one o -e 'rovided %or him and+ here%ore+
#hoo$e$ o (aive hi$ righ o #o&n$el+ $&#h (aiver+ o -e valid and
e%%e#ive+ m&$ $ill -e made (ih he a$$i$an#e o% #o&n$el+ (ho+
&nder 'revailing .&ri$'r&den#e+ m&$ -e a la(!er.
(People v. Canoy, -1/ SCRA -/., Darh ,8, 1222, ,
st
Di". @Da"ide, C*A5
").. What is the meaning of /competent counsel1 under Section "2 of
the Eill of 8ights?
Held: The #eanin! of E&9?(7;7:; &9C:S7@F was e>%'ained in People
v. Deniega (1., SCRA 010, 0-85 as fo''owsI
E> > > <T=he la(!er #alled o -e 're$en d&ring $&#h
inve$igaion $ho&ld -e a$ %ar a$ rea$ona-l! 'o$$i-le+ he #hoi#e
112
o% he individ&al &ndergoing )&e$ioning* I% he la(!er (ere one
%&rni$hed in he a##&$edD$ -ehal%+ i i$ im'oran ha he $ho&ld
-e #om'een and inde'enden+ i.e. t)at )e is (illing to fully
safeguar$ t)e constitutional rig)ts of t)e accuse$ as
$istinguis)e$ from one ()o (oul$ merely #e giving a routine
peremptory an$ meaningless recital of t)e in$ivi$ual>s rig)ts.
In People v. 6asay (1,7 SCRA ?2?, ?,/5, this Co$rt stressed that
an a$sedLs ri!ht to &e infor#ed of the ri!ht to re#ain si'ent
and to o$nse' Oonte#%'ates the trans#ission of #eanin!f$'
infor#ation rather than B$st the ere#onia' and %erf$ntory
reitation of an a&strat onstit$tiona' %rini%'e.L
EIdea''y therefore, a 'awyer en!a!ed for an indi"id$a'
fain! $stodia' in"esti!ation (if the 'atter o$'d not afford
one5 Osho$'d &e en!a!ed &y the a$sed (hi#se'f5, or &y the
'atterLs re'ati"e or %erson a$thoriJed &y hi# to en!a!e an
attorney or &y the o$rt, $%on %ro%er %etition of the a$sed or
%erson a$thoriJed &y the a$sed to fi'e s$h %etition.L Lawyers
en!a!ed &y the %o'ie, whate"er testi#onia's are !i"en as %roof
of their %ro&ity and s$%%osed inde%endene, are !enera''y
s$s%et, as in #any areas, the re'ationshi% &etween 'awyers and
'aw enfore#ent a$thorities an &e sy#&ioti.
E> > > The #om'een or inde'enden la(!er $o engaged
$ho&ld -e 're$en %rom he -eginning o end+ i.e. a all $age$
o% he inervie(+ #o&n$eling or advi$ing #a&ion rea$ona-l! a
ever! &rn o% he inve$igaion+ and $o''ing he inerrogaion
on#e in a (hile eiher o give advi#e o he a##&$ed ha he ma!
eiher #onin&e+ #hoo$e o remain $ilen or erminae he
inervie(.F
(People v. Espiritu, -21 SCRA .--, 4e&. 1, ,777, -
rd
Di". @Pan!ani&anA5
")). &an a (9 lawyer be considered an independent counsel within the
contemplation of Section "2, rticle III, "#$% &onstitution?
Held: In People v. 3racoy, 11? SCRA 8.7 @,77-AG People v.
6an$ula, 1-1 SCRA .00 @,77?A, the SC has he'd that a PAO la(!er #an -e
#on$idered an inde'enden #o&n$el (ihin he #onem'laion o% he
Con$i&ion #on$idering ha he i$ no a $'e#ial #o&n$el+ '&-li# or
'rivae 'ro$e#&or+ #o&n$el o% he 'oli#e+ or a m&ni#i'al aorne!
(ho$e inere$ i$ admiedl! adver$e o ha o% he a##&$ed,a''ellan.
Th$s, the assistane of a PAO 'awyer satisfies the onstit$tiona'
re:$ire#ent of a o#%etent and inde%endent o$nse' for the a$sed.
(People v. 6acor, -20 SCRA .11, A%ri' -2, ,777, 1
nd
Di". @DendoJaA5
")%. Is the confession of an accused given spontaneously, freely and
voluntarily to the ?ayor admissible in evidence, considering that the
?ayor has /operational supervision and control1 over the local police
and may arguably be deemed a law enforcement officer?
Held: Whi'e it is tr$e that a #$nii%a' #ayor has Eo%erationa'
s$%er"ision and ontro'F o"er the 'oa' %o'ie and #ay ar!$a&'y &e
dee#ed a 'aw enfore#ent offier for %$r%oses of a%%'yin! Setion ,1(,5
and (-5 of Arti'e III of the Constit$tion, howe"er, a''ellanD$
#on%e$$ion o he ma!or (a$ no made in re$'on$e o an! inerrogaion
-! he laer* In %a#+ he ma!or did no )&e$ion he a''ellan a
all* No 'oli#e a&hori! ordered a''ellan o al6 o he ma!or* I
(a$ a''ellan him$el% (ho $'onaneo&$l!+ %reel! and vol&naril! $o&gh
he ma!or %or a 'rivae meeing* The ma!or did no 6no( ha a''ellan
(a$ going o #on%e$$ hi$ g&il o him* B)en appellant talAe$ (it) t)e
mayor as a confi$ant an$ not as a la( enforcement officer )is
uncounselle$ confession to )im $i$ not violate )is constitutional
rig)ts. Th$s, it has &een he'd that he #on$i&ional 'ro#ed&re$ on
#&$odial inve$igaion do no a''l! o a $'onaneo&$ $aemen+ no
eli#ied hro&gh )&e$ioning -! he a&horiie$+ -& given in an
ordinar! manner (here-! a''ellan orall! admied having #ommied he
#rime* Wha he Con$i&ion -ar$ i$ he #om'&l$or! di$#lo$&re o%
113
in#riminaing %a#$ or #on%e$$ion$* The righ$ &nder Se#ion 05 are
g&araneed o 're#l&de he $lighe$ &$e o% #oer#ion -! he Sae a$
(o&ld lead he a##&$ed o admi $omehing %al$e+ no o 'reven him
%rom %reel! and vol&naril! elling he r&h. (People v. !n$an, 107
SCRA 7., Darh -, ,7785
")$. re confessions made in response to 'uestions by news reporters
admissible in evidence?
An$(er: ;ES. Con%e$$ion$ made in re$'on$e o )&e$ion$ -! ne($
re'orer$+ no -! he 'oli#e or an! oher inve$igaing o%%i#er+ are
admi$$i-le. In People v. 2izcarra, ,,. SCRA 8?-, 8.1 @,7/1A, (here he
a##&$ed+ &nder #&$od!+ gave $'onaneo&$ an$(er$ o a elevi$ed
inervie( -! $everal 're$$ re'orer$ in he o%%i#e o% he #hie% o% he
CIS+ i (a$ held ha $aemen$ $'onaneo&$l! made -! a $&$'e# o
ne($ re'orer$ on a elevi$ed inervie( are deemed vol&nar! and are
admi$$i-le in eviden#e. In People v. !n$an, 107 SCRA 7., Darh -,
,778, it was he'd that a''ellanD$ #on%e$$ion$ o he ne($ re'orer$
(ere given %ree %rom an! &nd&e in%l&en#e %rom he 'oli#e a&horiie$*
The ne($ re'orer$ a#ed a$ ne($ re'orer$ (hen he! inervie(ed
a''ellan* The! (ere no a#ing &nder he dire#ion and #onrol o% he
'oli#e* The! did no %or#e a''ellan o gran hem an inervie( and
reena# he #ommi$$ion o% he #rime* In %a#+ he! a$6ed hi$
'ermi$$ion -e%ore inervie(ing him* The S&'reme Co&r %&rher r&led
ha a''ellanD$ ver-al #on%e$$ion$ o he ne($men are no #overed -!
Se#ion 05/01 and /71 o% Ari#le III o% he Con$i&ion and+
here%ore+ admi$$i-le in eviden#e.
")#. Discuss the two Binds of involuntary or coerced confessions under
Section "2, rticle III of the "#$% &onstitution. Illustrate how the
&ourt should appreciate said involuntary or coerced confessions.
Held: There are two 9inds of in"o'$ntary or oered onfessions
treated in this onstit$tiona' %ro"isionI /01 those whih are the
'rod&# o% hird degree mehod$ $&#h a$ or&re+ %or#e+ violen#e+
hrea+ inimidaion+ (hi#h are deal (ih in 'aragra'h 5 o% Se#ion
05, and /51 those whih are given (iho& he -ene%i o% :iranda
(arning$+ (hi#h are he $&-.e# o% 'aragra'h 0 o% he $ame Se#ion 05.
A$sed;a%%e''ant 'ai#s that his onfession was o&tained &y
fore and threat. Aside fro# this &are assertion, he has shown no
%roof of the $se of fore and "io'ene on hi#. <e did not see9 #edia'
treat#ent nor e"en a %hysia' e>a#ination. <is a''e!ation that the
fat that he was #ade to si!n the onfession fi"e ti#es is %roof that
he ref$sed to si!n it.
6 > >
We disern no si!n that the onfession was in"o'$ntari'y e>e$ted
fro# the fat that it was si!ned &y a$sed;a%%e''ant fi"e ti#es.
6 > >
E"ra.&di#ial #on%e$$ion$ are 're$&med vol&nar!+ and+ in he
a-$en#e o% #on#l&$ive eviden#e $ho(ing he de#laranD$ #on$en in
e"e#&ing he $ame ha$ -een viiaed+ $&#h #on%e$$ion (ill -e $&$ained.
:oreover+ he #on%e$$ion #onain$ deail$ ha onl! he
'er'eraor o% he #rime #o&ld have given* ? " "* I ha$ -een held
ha vol&narine$$ o% a #on%e$$ion ma! -e in%erred %rom i$ -eing
re'lee (ih deail$ (hi#h #o&ld 'o$$i-l! -e $&''lied onl! -! he
a##&$ed+ re%le#ing $'onanei! and #oheren#e (hi#h #anno -e $aid o% a
mind on (hi#h violen#e and or&re have -een a''lied. When the detai's
narrated in an e>traB$diia' onfession are s$h that they o$'d not
ha"e &een onoted &y one who did not ta9e %art in the ats narrated,
where the 'ai# of #a'treat#ent in the e>tration of the onfession is
$ns$&stantiated and where a&$ndant e"idene e>ists showin! that the
114
state#ent was "o'$ntari'y e>e$ted, the onfession is ad#issi&'e
a!ainst the de'arant. There i$ greaer rea$on %or %inding a
#on%e$$ion o -e vol&nar! (here i i$ #orro-oraed -! eviden#e aliun$e
(hi#h doveail$ (ih he e$$enial %a#$ #onained in $&#h #on%e$$ion.
B& (ha render$ he #on%e$$ion o% a##&$ed,a''ellan inadmi$$i-le
i$ he %a# ha a##&$ed,a''ellan (a$ no given he :iranda (arning$
e%%e#ivel!* Under he Con$i&ion+ an &n#o&n$eled $aemen+ $&#h a$
i i$ #alled in he Unied Sae$ %rom (hi#h Ari#le III+ Se#ion 05/01
(a$ derived+ i$ 're$&med o -e '$!#hologi#all! #oer#ed* S(e' ino an
&n%amiliar environmen and $&rro&nded -! inimidaing %ig&re$ !'i#al
o% he amo$'here o% 'oli#e inerrogaion+ he $&$'e# reall! need$ he
g&iding hand o% #o&n$el.
No(+ &nder he %ir$ 'aragra'h o% hi$ 'rovi$ion+ i i$ re)&ired
ha he $&$'e# in #&$odial inerrogaion m&$ -e given he %ollo(ing
(arning$I /01 he m&$ -e in%ormed o% hi$ righ o remain $ilenG /51 he
m&$ -e (arned ha an!hing he $a!$ #an and (ill -e &$ed again$ himG
and /71 he m&$ -e old ha he ha$ a righ o #o&n$el+ and ha i% he
i$ indigen+ a la(!er (ill -e a''oined o re're$en him.
6 > >
There (a$ h&$ onl! a 'er%&n#or! reading o% he :iranda righ$
o a##&$ed,a''ellan (iho& an! e%%or o %ind o& %rom him (heher he
(aned o have #o&n$el and+ i% $o+ (heher he had hi$ o(n #o&n$el or he
(aned he 'oli#e o a''oin one %or him* Thi$ 6ind o% giving o%
(arning$+ in $everal de#i$ion$ o% hi$ Co&r+ ha$ -een %o&nd o -e
merel! #eremonial and inade)&ae o ran$mi meaning%&l in%ormaion o
he $&$'e#. Es%eia''y in this ase, are sho$'d ha"e &een
sr$%$'o$s'y o&ser"ed &y the %o'ie in"esti!ator that a$sed;a%%e''ant
was s%eifia''y as9ed these :$estions onsiderin! that he on'y
finished the fo$rth !rade of the e'e#entary shoo'. 6 > >
:oreover+ Ari#le III+ Se#ion 05/01 re)&ire$ ha #o&n$el
a$$i$ing $&$'e#$ in #&$odial inerrogaion$ -e #om'een and
inde'enden* Here+ a##&$ed,a''ellan (a$ a$$i$ed -! A!* De lo$
Re!e$+ (ho+ ho&gh 're$&ma-l! #om'een+ #anno -e #on$idered an
2inde'enden #o&n$el3 a$ #onem'laed -! he la( %or he rea$on ha he
(a$ $aion #ommander o% he WPD a he ime he a$$i$ed a##&$ed,
a''ellan. 6 > >.
This is error. As o&ser"ed in People v. 6an$ula (1-1 SCRA .00
@,77?A5, he inde'enden #o&n$el re)&ired -! Ari#le III+ Se#ion 05/01
#anno -e $'e#ial #o&n$el+ '&-li# or 'rivae 'ro$e#&or+ m&ni#i'al
aorne!+ or #o&n$el o% he 'oli#e (ho$e inere$ i$ admiedl! adver$e
o he a##&$ed* In hi$ #a$e+ A!* De lo$ Re!e$+ a$ PC Ca'ain and
Saion Commander o% he WPD+ (a$ 'ar o% he 'oli#e %or#e (ho #o&ld
no -e e"'e#ed o have e%%e#ivel! and $#r&'&lo&$l! a$$i$ed a##&$ed,
a''ellan in he inve$igaion. To a''ow s$h a ha%%enstane wo$'d
render i''$sory the %rotetion !i"en to the s$s%et d$rin! $stodia'
in"esti!ation. (People v. 3#rero, --1 SCRA ,72, 112 C 12/, Day
,8, 1222, 1
nd
Di". @DendoJaA5
"%2. What are the re'uirements for an e-tra,judicial confession of an
accused to be admissible in evidence?
Held: ,. In B$ris%r$dene, no #on%e$$ion #an -e admied in
eviden#e &nle$$ it is !i"enI
1) 9reel! and vol&naril!+ (iho& #om'&l$ion+ ind&#emen or
ri#6er!G
2) Lno(ingl! -a$ed on an e%%e#ive #omm&ni#aion o he
individ&al &nder #&$odial inve$igaion o% hi$ #on$i&ional
righ$G and
3) Inelligenl! (ih %&ll a''re#iaion o% i$ im'oran#e and
#om'rehen$ion o% i$ #on$e)&en#e$.
115
One ad#itted, the onfession #$st ins%ire redi&i'ity or &e one
whih the nor#a' e>%eriene of #an9ind an ae%t as &ein! within the
rea'# of %ro&a&i'ity.
A #on%e$$ion meeing all he %oregoing re)&i$ie$ #on$i&e$
eviden#e o% a high order $in#e i i$ $&''ored -! he $rong
're$&m'ion ha no 'er$on o% normal mind (ill 6no(ingl!+ %reel! and
deli-erael! #on%e$$ ha he i$ he 'er'eraor o% a #rime &nle$$
'rom'ed -! r&h and #on$#ien#e* When all he$e re)&iremen$ are me
and he #on%e$$ion i$ admied in eviden#e+ he -&rden o% 'roo% ha i
(a$ o-ained -! &nd&e 're$$&re+ hrea or inimidaion re$$ &'on he
a##&$ed. (People v. =a#ro, 188 SCRA ,7, A$!. ,,, ,778 @Pan!ani&anA5
1. N$#ero$s deisions of this Co$rt r$'e that for an
e>traB$diia' onfession to &e ad#issi&'e, it #$st &eI ,5 vol&nar!G 15
made (ih he a$$i$an#e o% #om'een and inde'enden #o&n$elG -5
e"'re$$G and ?5 in (riing.
The manle o% 'roe#ion a%%orded -! he a-ove,)&oed
#on$i&ional 'rovi$ion #over$ he 'eriod %rom he ime a 'er$on i$
a6en ino #&$od! %or he inve$igaion o% hi$ 'o$$i-le 'ari#i'aion
in he #ommi$$ion o% a #rime or %rom he ime he i$ $ingled o& a$ a
$&$'e# in he #ommi$$ion o% he o%%en$e alho&gh no !e in #&$od! .
The e"#l&$ionar! r&le i$ 'remi$ed on he 're$&m'ion ha he de%endan
i$ hr&$ ino an &n%amiliar amo$'here r&nning hro&gh mena#ing 'oli#e
inerrogaion 'ro#ed&re$ (here he 'oeniali! %or #om'&l$ion+
'h!$i#al or '$!#hologi#al i$ %or#e%&ll! a''aren.
<owe"er, the r$'e is not intended as a deterrent to the a$sed
fro# onfessin! !$i't if he "o'$ntari'y and inte''i!ent'y so desires
&$t to %rotet the a$sed fro# ad#ittin! what he is oered to ad#it
a'tho$!h $ntr$e. (People v. 6ase, -17 SCRA ,./, ,07;,8,, Darh
-2, 1222, ,
st
Di". @Ynares;Santia!oA5
"%". Is the choice of a lawyer by a person under custodial
investigation who cannot afford the services of a counsel e-clusive as
to preclude other e'ually competent and independent attorneys from
handling his defense?
Held: I m&$ -e remem-ered in hi$ regard ha (hile he righ
o #o&n$el i$ imm&a-le+ he o'ion o $e#&re he $ervi#e$ o% #o&n$el
$e parte i$ no a-$ol&e . Indeed C
The %hrase Eo#%etent and inde%endentF and E%refera&'y of
his own hoieF were e>%'iit detai's whih were added $%on the
%ersistene of h$#an ri!hts 'awyers in the ,7/0 Constit$tiona'
Co##ission who %ointed o$t ases where, d$rin! the #artia' 'aw
%eriod, the 'awyers #ade a"ai'a&'e to the detainee wo$'d &e one
a%%ointed &y the #i'itary and therefore &eho'den to the #i'itary.
<&iting I 8ecord of the &onstitutional &ommission %*",%*+O I
Eernas, ;he &onstitution of the 8epublic of the (hilippines, "#$%
"
st
ed., p. *+%>
6 > > > > > > > >
Wihal+ he (ord 2're%era-l!3 &nder Se#ion 05/01+ Ari#le
7 o% he 0CBF Con$i&ion doe$ no #onve! he me$$age ha he
#hoi#e o% a la(!er -! a 'er$on &nder inve$igaion i$ e"#l&$ive
a$ o 're#l&de oher e)&all! #om'een and inde'enden aorne!$
%rom handling hi$ de%en$e* I% he r&le (ere oher(i$e+ hen+ he
em'o o% a #&$odial inve$igaion (ill -e $olel! in he hand$ o%
he a##&$ed (ho #an im'ede+ na!+ o-$r&# he 'rogre$$ o% he
inerrogaion -! $im'l! $ele#ing a la(!er (ho %or one rea$on or
anoher+ i$ no availa-le o 'roe# hi$ inere$* Thi$ a-$&rd
$#enario #o&ld no have -een #onem'laed -! he %ramer$ o% he
#harer.
116
Whi'e the initia' hoie in ases where a %erson $nder $stodia'
in"esti!ation annot afford the ser"ies of a 'awyer is nat$ra''y
'od!ed in the %o'ie in"esti!ators, the a$sed rea''y has the final
hoie as he #ay reBet the o$nse' hosen for hi# and as9 for another
one. A 'awyer %ro"ided &y the in"esti!ators is dee#ed en!a!ed &y the
a$sed where he ne"er raised any o&Betion a!ainst the for#erLs
a%%oint#ent d$rin! the o$rse of the in"esti!ation and the a$sed
thereafter s$&sri&es to the "eraity of his state#ent &efore the
swearin! offier.
Veri'y, to &e an effeti"e o$nse' E@aA 'awyer need not ha''en!e
a'' the :$estions &ein! %ro%o$nded to his 'ient. The 're$en#e o% a
la(!er i$ no inended o $o' an a##&$ed %rom $a!ing an!hing (hi#h
migh in#riminae him -&+ raher+ i (a$ ado'ed in o&r Con$i&ion
o 're#l&de he $lighe$ #oer#ion a$ (o&ld lead he a##&$ed o admi
$omehing %al$e (People v. 'ayuso, ,8. SCRA ?8 @,7/7A5. The #o&n$el+
ho(ever+ s)oul$ never prevent an accuse$ from freely an$ voluntarily
telling t)e trut).1
(People v. 6ase, -17 SCRA ,./, ,07;,8,, Darh -2, 1222, ,
st
Di".
@Ynares;Santia!oA5
"%2. Should courts be allowed to distinguish between preliminary
'uestioning and custodial investigation proper when applying the
e-clusionary rule?
Held: The e>'$sionary r$'e s%ran! fro# a reo!nition that
%o'ie interro!atory %roed$res 'ay ferti'e !ro$nds for oerion,
%hysia' and %syho'o!ia', of the s$s%et to ad#it res%onsi&i'ity for
the ri#e $nder in"esti!ation. It was not intended as a deterrent to
the a$sed fro# onfessin! !$i't, if he "o'$ntari'y and inte''i!ent'y
so desires &$t to %rotet the a$sed fro# ad#ittin! what he is oered
to ad#it a'tho$!h $ntr$e. Law enfore#ent a!enies are re:$ired to
effeti"e'y o##$niate the ri!hts of a %erson $nder in"esti!ation and
to ins$re that it is f$''y $nderstood. Any #eas$re short of this
re:$ire#ent is onsidered a denia' of s$h ri!ht. Co&r$ are no
allo(ed o di$ing&i$h -e(een 'reliminar! )&e$ioning and #&$odial
inve$igaion 'ro'er (hen a''l!ing he e"#l&$ionar! r&le* An!
in%ormaion or admi$$ion given -! a 'er$on (hile in #&$od! (hi#h ma!
a''ear harmle$$ or inno#&o&$ a he ime (iho& he #om'een
a$$i$an#e o% an inde'enden #o&n$el $ho&ld -e $r&#6 do(n a$
inadmi$$i-le . I ha$ -een held+ ho(ever+ ha an admi$$ion made o
ne($ re'orer$ or o a #on%idan o% he a##&$ed i$ no #overed -! he
e"#l&$ionar! r&le.
The admi$$ion allegedl! made -! he a''ellan i$ no in he %orm
o% a (rien e"ra,.&di#ial #on%e$$ion4 he admi$$ion (a$ allegedl!
made o he arre$ing o%%i#er d&ring an 2in%ormal al63 a he 'oli#e
$aion a%er hi$ arre$ a$ a 'rime $&$'e# in he ra'e and 6illing o%
" " "* The arre$ing 'oli#eman e$i%ied ha he a''ellan admied
ha he (a$ (ih he vi#im on he evening o% Man&ar! 05+ 0CCE+ he
'ro-a-le ime o% he #ommi$$ion o% he #rime and ha he #arried her on
hi$ $ho&lder -& ha he (a$ oo dr&n6 o remem-er (ha $&-$e)&enl!
ha''ened* The arre$ing 'oli#eman admied ha he did no in%orm he
a''ellan o% hi$ #on$i&ional righ$ o remain $ilen and o #o&n$el*
We noe ha he alleged admi$$ion i$ in#riminaing -e#a&$e i 'la#e$
he a##&$ed in he #om'an! o% he vi#im a he ime he #rime (a$
'ro-a-l! #ommied.
The e"#l&$ionar! r&le a''lie$.
The a##&$ed (a$ &nder arre$ %or he ra'e and 6illing o% " " "
and an! $aemen allegedl! made -! him 'eraining o hi$ 'o$$i-le
#om'li#i! in he #rime (iho& 'rior noi%i#aion o% hi$
#on$i&ional righ$ i$ inadmi$$i-le in eviden#e. The %o'ie#anLs
a%%arent atte#%t to ir$#"ent the r$'e &y insistin! that the ad#ission
was #ade d$rin! an Einfor#a' ta'9F %rior to $stodia' in"esti!ation
%rior is not tena&'e. The a%%e''ant was not in"ited to the %o'ie
station as %art of a !enera' in:$iry for any %ossi&'e 'ead to the
117
%er%etrators of the ri#e $nder in"esti!ation. At the ti#e the a''e!ed
ad#ission was #ade the a%%e''ant was in $stody and had &een arrested
as the %ri#e s$s%et in the ra%e and 9i''in! of > > >. The
e"#l&$ionar! r&le 're$&me$ ha he alleged admi$$ion (a$ #oer#ed+ he
ver! evil he r&le $and$ o avoid* S&''orive o% $&#h 're$&m'ion i$
he a-$en#e o% a (rien e"ra,.&di#ial #on%e$$ion o ha e%%e# and
he a''ellanD$ denial in #o&r o% he alleged oral admi$$ion. The
a''e!ed ad#ission sho$'d &e str$9 down as inad#issi&'e.
(People v. 6ravo, -,/ SCRA /,1, No". 11, ,777, En 3an @+onJa!a;ReyesA5
"%*. 7-plain the procedure for out,of,court identification of suspects
and the test to determine the admissibility of such identification.
Held: ,. In People v. &ee)anAee 1r. (1?7 SCRA .?, Oto&er 0,
,77., the Co$rt > > > e>%'ained the %roed$re for o$t;of;o$rt
identifiation and the test to deter#ine the ad#issi&i'ity of s$h
identifiation. It 'isted the fo''owin! ways of identifyin! the
s$s%ets d$rin! $stodia' in"esti!ationI $ho(,&', m&g $ho$ and line,
&'$. The Co$rt there r$'edI
E> > >. O$t;of;o$rt identifiation is ond$ted &y the
%o'ie in "ario$s ways. It is done thr$ s)o(Fups where the
$&$'e# alone i$ -ro&gh %a#e o %a#e (ih he (ine$$ %or
ideni%i#aion. It is done thr$ mug s)ots where 'hoogra'h$ are
$ho(n o he (ine$$ o ideni%! he $&$'e#. It is a'so done
thr$ line ups where a (ine$$ ideni%ie$ he $&$'e# %rom a gro&'
o% 'er$on$ lined &' %or he '&r'o$e. Sine orr$%tion of out,of,
court identifiation onta#inates the inte!rity of in court
identifiation d$rin! the tria' of the ase, o$rts ha"e
fashioned o$t r$'es to ass$re its fairness and its o#%'iane
with the re:$ire#ents of onstit$tiona' d$e %roess. In
reso'"in! the ad#issi&i'ity of and re'yin! on o$t;of; o$rt
identifiation of s$s%ets, o$rts ha"e ado%ted the &3&!'I&? 3=
CIRC/MS&!NCES &ES& where they onsider the fo''owin! fators,
vi=N /01 he (ine$$D o''or&ni! o vie( he #riminal a he
ime o% he #rimeG /51 he (ine$$D degree o% aenion a ha
imeG /71 he a##&ra#! o% an! 'rior de$#ri'ion given -! he
(ine$$G /E1 he level o% #erain! demon$raed -! he (ine$$
a he ideni%i#aionG /G1 he lengh o% ime -e(een he #rime
and he ideni%i#aionG and /I1 he $&gge$ivene$$ o% he
ideni%i#aion 'ro#ed&re.F <Ibid., p. #.> (People v. &imon, 1/,
SCRA .88, No". ,1, ,778 @Pan!ani&anA5
1. > > >. The tota'ity test has &een fashioned %reise'y o
a$$&re %airne$$ a$ (ell a$ #om'lian#e (ih #on$i&ional re)&iremen$
o% d&e 'ro#e$$ in regard o o&,o%,#o&r ideni%i#aion. These ited
fators #$st &e onsidered to %re"ent onta#ination of the inte!rity of
in;o$rt identifiations &etter. (People v. Gamer, -10 SCRA
002, 4e&. 17, 1222, 1
nd
Di". @P$is$#&in!A5
"%+. Does the prohibition for custodial investigation conducted
without the assistance of counsel e-tend to a person in a police line,
up? &onse'uently, is the identification by private complainant of
accused who was not assisted by counsel during police line,up
admissible in evidence?
Held: The 'rohi-iion " " " doe$ no e"end o a 'er$on in a
'oli#e line,&' -e#a&$e ha $age o% an inve$igaion i$ no !e a 'ar
o% #&$odial inve$igaion . I ha$ -een re'eaedl! held ha #&$odial
inve$igaion #ommen#e$ (hen a 'er$on i$ a6en ino #&$od! and i$
$ingled o& a$ a $&$'e# in he #ommi$$ion o% he #rime &nder
inve$igaion and he 'oli#e o%%i#er$ -egin o a$6 )&e$ion$ on he
$&$'e#D$ 'ari#i'aion herein and (hi#h end o eli#i an admi$$ion .
The $age o% an inve$igaion (herein a 'er$on i$ a$6ed o $and in a
'oli#e line,&' ha$ -een held o -e o&$ide he manle o% 'roe#ion o%
he righ o #o&n$el -e#a&$e i involve$ a general in)&ir! ino an
&n$olved #rime and i$ '&rel! inve$igaor! in na&re* I ha$ al$o -een
held ha an &n#o&n$eled ideni%i#aion a he 'oli#e line,&' doe$ no
118
're#l&de he admi$$i-ili! o% an in,#o&r ideni%i#aion. The
identifiation #ade &y the %ri"ate o#%'ainant in the %o'ie 'ine;$%
%ointin! to Pa"i''are as one of his a&d$tors is ad#issi&'e in e"idene
a'tho$!h the a$sed;a%%e''ant was not assisted &y o$nse'. 6 > >
(People v. Pavillare, -17 SCRA 0/?, 07?;07., A%ri' ., 1222, En
3an @Per C$ria#A5
"%.. (etitioner in a case /- - - posits the theory that since he had
no counsel during the custodial investigation when his urine sample was
taBen and chemically e-amined, 7-hibits /@1 and /?,1 - - - are also
inadmissible in evidence since his urine sample was derived in effect
from an uncounselled e-tra,judicial confession. (etitioner claims that
the taBing of his urine sample allegedly violates rticle III, Section
2 of the &onstitution - - -.1 Should his contentions be upheld?
Held: We are no 'er$&aded* The righ o #o&n$el -egin$ %rom
he ime a 'er$on i$ a6en ino #&$od! and 'la#ed &nder inve$igaion
%or he #ommi$$ion o% a #rime+ i.e. (hen he inve$igaing o%%i#er
$ar$ o a$6 )&e$ion$ o eli#i in%ormaion andAor #on%e$$ion or
admi$$ion$ %rom he a##&$ed* S&#h righ i$ g&araneed -! he
Con$i&ion and #anno -e (aived e"#e' in (riing and in he 're$en#e
o% #o&n$el* Ho(ever+ (ha he Con$i&ion 'rohi-i$ i$ he &$e o%
'h!$i#al or moral #om'&l$ion o e"or #omm&ni#aion %rom he a##&$ed+
-& no an in#l&$ion o% hi$ -od! in eviden#e+ (hen i ma! -e maerial*
In %a#+ an a##&$ed ma! validl! -e #om'elled o -e 'hoogra'hed or
mea$&red+ or hi$ garmen$ or $hoe$ removed or re'la#ed+ or o move hi$
-od! o ena-le he %oregoing hing$ o -e done+ (iho& r&nning a%o&l
o% he 'ro$#ri'ion again$ e$imonial #om'&l$ion . The $i&aion in
he #a$e a -ar %all$ (ihin he e"em'ion &nder he %reedom %rom
e$imonial #om'&l$ion $in#e (ha (a$ $o&gh o -e e"amined #ame %rom
he -od! o% he a##&$ed* Thi$ (a$ a me#hani#al a# he a##&$ed (a$
made o &ndergo (hi#h (a$ no mean o &nearh &ndi$#lo$ed %a#$ -& o
a$#erain 'h!$i#al ari-&e$ deermina-le -! $im'le o-$ervaion. In
fat, the reord shows that %etitioner and his o;a$sed were not
o#%e''ed to !i"e sa#%'es of their $rine &$t they in fat "o'$ntari'y
!a"e the sa#e when they were re:$ested to $nder!o a dr$! test. (Gutang
v. People, --. SCRA ?87, *$'y ,,, 1222, 1
nd
Di". @De LeonA5
THE RI>HT TO BAIL
"%). In bail application where the accused is charged with a capital
offense, will it be proper for the judge to grant bail without
conducting hearing if the prosecutor interposes no objection to such
application? Why?
Held: *$ris%r$dene is re%'ete with deisions o#%e''in! B$d!es
to ond$t the re:$ired hearin!s in &ai' a%%'iations, in whih the
a$sed stands har!ed with a a%ita' offense. The a-$en#e o%
o-.e#ion %rom he 'ro$e#&ion i$ never a -a$i$ %or he gran o% -ail
in $&#h #a$e$+ %or he .&dge ha$ no righ o 're$&me ha he
'ro$e#&or 6no($ (ha he i$ doing on a##o&n o% %amiliari! (ih he
#a$e* OSaid rea$oning i$ anamo&n o #eding o he 'ro$e#&or he
d&! o% e"er#i$ing .&di#ial di$#reion o deermine (heher he g&il
o% he a##&$ed i$ $rong* M&di#ial di$#reion i$ he domain o% he
.&dge -e%ore (hom he 'eiion %or 'rovi$ional li-er! (ill -e de#ided*
The mandaed d&! o e"er#i$e di$#reion ha$ never -een re'o$ed &'on
he 'ro$e#&or.M
I#%osed in 6aylon v. Sison (1?- SCRA 1/?, A%ri' 0, ,77.5 was this
mandaor! d&! o #ond&# a hearing de$'ie he 'ro$e#&ionK$ re%&$al
o add&#e eviden#e in o''o$iion o he a''li#aion o gran and %i"
-ail. (1oselito 2. Narciso v. =lor Marie Sta. RomanaFCruz,
+.R. No. ,-?.2?, Darh ,8, 1222, -
rd
Di". @Pan!ani&anA5
"%%. What are the duties of the judge in cases of bail applications
where the accused is charged with capital offense?
119
Held: 6asco v. Rapatalo (107 SCRA 112, Darh ., ,7785 en$niated
the fo''owin! d$ties of the tria' B$d!e in s$h %etition for &ai'I
1) Noi%! he 'ro$e#&or o% he hearing o% he a''li#aion %or
-ail or re)&ire him o $&-mi hi$ re#ommendaionG
2) Cond&# a hearing o% he a''li#aion %or -ail regardle$$ o%
(heher or no he 'ro$e#&ion re%&$e$ o 're$en eviden#e o
$ho( ha he g&il o% he a##&$ed i$ $rong %or he '&r'o$e
o% ena-ling he #o&r o e"er#i$e i$ $o&nd di$#reionG
3) De#ide (heher he eviden#e o% g&il o% he a##&$ed i$ $rong
&ased on the s$##ary of e"idene of the %rose$tionG
4) I% he g&il o% he a##&$ed i$ no $rong+ di$#harge he
a##&$ed &'on he a''roval o% he -ail-ond. Otherwise,
%etition sho$'d &e denied.
The Co$rt addedI MThe a-ove,en&meraed 'ro#ed&re $ho&ld no(
leave no room %or do&- a$ o he d&ie$ o% he rial .&dge in #a$e$ o%
-ail a''li#aion$* So -a$i# and %&ndamenal i$ i o #ond&# a hearing
in #onne#ion (ih he gran o% -ail in he 'ro'er #a$e$ ha i (o&ld
amo&n o .&di#ial a'o$a$! %or an! mem-er o% he .&di#iar! o di$#laim
6no(ledge or a(arene$$ hereo%.M
Additiona''y, the o$rtHs !rant or ref$sa' of &ai' m&$ #onain a
$&mmar! o% he eviden#e %or he 'ro$e#&ion+ on he -a$i$ o% (hi#h
$ho&ld -e %orm&laed he .&dgeK$ o(n #on#l&$ion on (heher $&#h
eviden#e i$ $rong eno&gh o indi#ae he g&il o% he a##&$ed. The
s$##ary thereof is onsidered an a$'e# o% 'ro#ed&ral d&e 'ro#e$$ for
&oth the %rose$tion and the defenseG i$ a-$en#e (ill invalidae he
gran or he denial o% he a''li#aion %or -ail. (1oselito
2. Narciso v. =lor Marie Sta. RomanaFCruz, +.R. No. ,-?.2?, Darh ,8,
1222, -
rd
Di". @Pan!ani&anA5
"%$. Should the accused who remained at large after their conviction
be allowed provisional liberty? &an the bail bond that the accused
previously posted be used during the entire period of appeal?
Held: Des%ite an order of arrest fro# the tria' o$rt and two
warnin!s fro# the Co$rt of A%%ea's, %etitioners had re#ained at 'ar!e.
I i$ a"iomai# ha %or one o -e eniled o -ail+ he $ho&ld -e in
he #&$od! o% he la(+ or oher(i$e+ de'rived o% li-er!* The '&r'o$e
o% -ail i$ o $e#&re oneD$ relea$e and i (o&ld -e in#ongr&o&$ o gran
-ail o one (ho i$ %ree . Peiioner$D Com'lian#e and :oion " " " #ame
$hor o% an &n#ondiional $&-mi$$ion o re$'onden #o&rD$ la(%&l order
and o i$ .&ri$di#ion.
The tria' o$rt orret'y denied %etitionersL #otion that they &e
a''owed %ro"isiona' 'i&erty after their on"ition, under their
respective bail bonds. A%art fro# the fat that they were at 'ar!e,
Se#ion G+ R&le 00E of the Rules of Court, as a#ended &y S$%re#e Co$rt
Ad#inistrati"e Cir$'ar ,1;7?, %ro"ides thatI
6 > >
The Co&r+ in i$ di$#reion+ ma! allo( he a##&$ed o #onin&e
on 'rovi$ional li-er! &nder he $ame -ail -ond d&ring he PERI3D &3
!PPE!' $&-.e# o he #on$en o% he -ond$man .
The -ail -ond ha he a##&$ed 'revio&$l! 'o$ed #an onl! -e &$ed
d&ring he 0G,da! PERI3D &3 !PPE!' /R&le 0551 and NOT d&ring he enire
PERI3D 3= !PPE!' . Thi$ i$ #on$i$en (ih Se#ion 5/a1 o% R&le 00E
(hi#h 'rovide$ ha he -ail 2$hall -e e%%e#ive &'on a''roval and
remain in %or#e a all $age$ o% he #a$e+ &nle$$ $ooner #an#elled+
/N&I' &HE PR3M/'G!&I3N 3= &HE 1/DGMEN& 3= &HE REGI3N!' &RI!' C3/R&
irre$'e#ive o% (heher he #a$e (a$ originall! %iled in or a''ealed o
i.F This a#end#ent, introd$ed &y SC Ad#inistrati"e Cir$'ar ,1;7? is
a de%art$re fro# the o'd r$'es whih then %ro"ided that &ai' sha'' &e
effeti"e and re#ain in fore at a'' sta!es of the ase $nti' its f$''
120
deter#ination, and th$s e"en d$rin! the %eriod of a%%ea'. :oreover+
&nder he 're$en r&le+ %or he a##&$ed o #onin&e hi$ 'rovi$ional
li-er! on he $ame -ail -ond d&ring he 'eriod o a''eal+ #on$en o%
he -ond$man i$ ne#e$$ar!. 4ro# the reord, it a%%ears that the
&onds#an > > > fi'ed a #otion in the tria' o$rt > > > for the
ane''ation of %etitionersL &ai' &ond for the 'atterLs fai'$re to
renew the sa#e $%on its e>%iration. O&tainin! the onsent of the
&onds#an was, th$s, fore'osed. (Magu$$atu v. Court of !ppeals, -10
SCRA -01, 4e&. 1-, 1222, ,
st
Di". @)a%$nanA5
"%#. Is a condition in an application for bail that accused be first
arraigned before he could be granted bail valid?
Held: In re:$irin! that %etitioner &e first arrai!ned &efore he
o$'d &e !ranted &ai', the tria' o$rt a%%rehended that if %etitioner
were re'eased on &ai' he o$'d, &y &ein! a&sent, %re"ent his ear'y
arrai!n#ent and there&y de'ay his tria' $nti' the o#%'ainants !ot
tired and 'ost interest in their ases. <ene, to ens$re his %resene
at the arrai!n#ent, a%%ro"a' of %etitionerLs &ai' &onds sho$'d &e
deferred $nti' he o$'d &e arrai!ned. After that, e"en if %etitioner
does not a%%ear, tria' an %roeed as 'on! as he is notified of the
date of the hearin! and his fai'$re to a%%ear is $nB$stified, sine
$nder Art. III, Se. ,?(15 of the Constit$tion, tria' in absencia is
a$thoriJed. This see#s to &e the theory of the tria' o$rt in its > >
> order onditionin! the !rant of &ai' to %etitioner on his
arrai!n#ent.
Thi$ heor! i$ mi$a6en. /01 In he %ir$ 'la#e " " " in #a$e$
(here i i$ a&hori8ed+ -ail $ho&ld -e graned -e%ore arraignmen+
oher(i$e he a##&$ed ma! -e 're#l&ded %rom %iling a moion o )&a$h*
9or i% he in%ormaion i$ )&a$hed and he #a$e i$ di$mi$$ed+ here
(o&ld hen -e no need %or he arraignmen o% he a##&$ed. /51 In he
$e#ond 'la#e+ he rial #o&r #o&ld en$&re he 're$en#e o% 'eiioner
a he arraignmen 're#i$el! -! graning -ail and ordering hi$ 're$en#e
a an! $age o% he 'ro#eeding$+ $&#h a$ arraignmen* Under R&le 00E+
Se#* 5/-1 o% he R&le$ on Criminal Pro#ed&re+ one o% he #ondiion$ o%
-ail i$ ha 2he a##&$ed $hall a''ear -e%ore he 'ro'er #o&r (henever
$o re)&ired -! he #o&r or he$e R&le$+3 (hile &nder R&le 00I+ Se#*
0/-1 he 're$en#e o% he a##&$ed a he arraignmen i$ re)&ired.
On the other hand, to ondition the !rant of &ai' to an a$sed
on his arrai!n#ent wo$'d &e to %'ae hi# in a %osition where he has to
hoose &etween /01 filing a motion to 'uash and thus delay his release
on bail because until his motion to 'uash can be resolved, his
arraignment cannot be held, and /51 foregoing the filing of a motion to
'uash so that he can be arraigned at once and thereafter be released on
bail. The$e $#enario$ #erainl! &ndermine he a##&$edD$ #on$i&ional
righ no o -e '& on rial e"#e' &'on valid #om'lain or in%ormaion
$&%%i#ien o #harge him (ih a #rime and hi$ righ o -ail.
('avi$es v. C!, -1? SCRA -1,, 4e&. ,, 1222, 1
nd
Di". @DendoJaA5
THE RI>HT TO BE IN9OR:ED O9 THE NATURE AND CAUSE O9 ACCUSATION A>AINST
THE ACCUSED
"$2. What are the objectives of the right to be informed of the nature
and cause of accusations against the accused?
Held: Instr$ti"e in this re!ard is Se#ion I+ R&le 00J of the
Rules of Court > > >.
The '&r'o$e o% he a-ove,)&oed r&le i$ o in%orm he a##&$ed o%
he na&re and #a&$e o% he a##&$aion again$ him+ a righ g&araneed
-! no le$$ han he %&ndamenal la( o% he land (Ari#le III+ Se#ion
0E<5=, 7:., Constitution5. E'a&oratin! on the defendantLs ri!ht to &e
infor#ed, the Co$rt he'd in Pec)o v. People (101 SCRA .,/5 that the
o&Beti"es of this ri!ht areI
121
1) To %&rni$h he a##&$ed (ih $&#h a de$#ri'ion o% he #harge
again$ him a$ (ill ena-le him o ma6e he de%en$eG
2) To avail him$el% o% hi$ #onvi#ion or a#)&ial %or 'roe#ion
again$ a %&rher 'ro$e#&ion %or he $ame #a&$eG and
3) To in%orm he #o&r o% he %a#$ alleged+ $o ha i ma!
de#ide (heher he! are $&%%i#ien in la( o $&''or a
#onvi#ion+ i% one $ho&ld -e had.
I i$ h&$ im'eraive ha he In%ormaion %iled (ih he rial
#o&r -e #om'lee N o he end ha he a##&$ed ma! $&ia-l! 're'are
%or hi$ de%en$e* Corollar! o hi$+ an indi#men m&$ %&ll! $ae he
elemen$ o% he $'e#i%i# o%%en$e alleged o have -een #ommied a$ i
i$ he re#ial o% he e$$enial$ o% a #rime (hi#h delineae$ he na&re
and #a&$e o% a##&$aion again$ he a##&$ed.
6 > >
In the ase $nder sr$tiny, the infor#ation does not allege the
minority of the victim > > > a'tho$!h the sa#e was %ro"en d$rin! the
tria' > > >. The o#ission is not #ere'y for#a' in nat$re sine
dotrina''y, an a$sed annot &e he'd 'ia&'e for #ore than what he is
indited for. It #atters not how on'$si"e and on"inin! the
e"idene of !$i't #ay &e, &$t an a$sed annot &e on"ited of any
offense, not har!ed in the Co#%'aint or Infor#ation on whih he is
tried or therein neessari'y in'$ded. <e has a ri!ht to &e infor#ed
of the nat$re of the offense with whih he is har!ed &efore he is %$t
on tria'. To on"it an a$sed of an offense hi!her than that har!ed
in the Co#%'aint or Infor#ation on whih he is tried wo$'d onstit$te
$na$thoriJed denia' of that ri!ht. (People v. 6ayya *+, SCR! ,,7,
Darh ,2, 1222, En 3an @P$risi#aA5
THE RI>HT TO A 9AIR TRIAL
"$". What is the purpose of the rule barring trial or sentence of an
insane person? What are the reasons underlying it?
Held: The r$'e &arrin! tria' or sentene of an insane %erson is
for the %rotetion of the a$sed, rather than of the %$&'i. It has
&een he'd that it is inh$#an to re:$ire an a$sed disa&'ed &y +od to
#a9e a B$st defense for his 'ife or 'i&erty. To '& a legall!
in#om'een 'er$on on rial or o #onvi# and $enen#e him i$ a
violaion o% he #on$i&ional righ$ o a %air rial4 and hi$ ha$
$everal rea$on$ &nderl!ing i. /01 9or one + he ACCURAC; o% he
'ro#eeding$ ma! no -e a$$&red+ a$ an in#om'een de%endan (ho #anno
#om'rehend he 'ro#eeding$ ma! no a''re#iae (ha in%ormaion i$
relevan o he 'roo% o% hi$ inno#en#e* :oreover+ he i$ no in a
'o$iion o e"er#i$e man! o% he righ$ a%%orded a de%endan in a
#riminal #a$e+ e.g. he righ o e%%e#ivel! #on$&l (ih #o&n$el+ he
righ o e$i%! in hi$ o(n -ehal%+ and he righ o #on%ron o''o$ing
(ine$$e$+ (hi#h righ$ are $a%eg&ard$ %or he a##&ra#! o% he rial
re$&l. /51 Secon$ he 9AIRNESS o% he 'ro#eeding$ ma! -e )&e$ioned+
a$ here are #erain -a$i# de#i$ion$ in he #o&r$e o% a #riminal
'ro#eeding (hi#h a de%endan i$ e"'e#ed o ma6e %or him$el%+ and one
o% he$e i$ hi$ PLEA . /71 &)ir$ he DI>NIT; o% he 'ro#eeding$ ma! -e
di$r&'ed+ %or an in#om'een de%endan i$ li6el! o #ond&# him$el% in
he #o&rroom in a manner (hi#h ma! de$ro! he DECORU: o% he #o&r*
Even i% he de%endan remain$ 'a$$ive+ hi$ la#6 o% #om'rehen$ion
%&ndamenall! im'air$ he %&n#ioning o% he rial 'ro#e$$* A #riminal
'ro#eeding i$ e$$eniall! an adver$arial 'ro#eeding* I% he de%endan
i$ no a #on$#io&$ and inelligen 'ari#i'an+ he ad.&di#aion lo$e$
i$ #hara#er a$ a rea$oned inera#ion -e(een an individ&al and hi$
#omm&ni! and -e#ome$ and inve#ive again$ an in$en$i-le o-.e#. /E1
=ourt) + i i$ im'oran ha he de%endan 6no($ (h! he i$ -eing
'&ni$hed+ a #om'rehen$ion (hi#h i$ greal! de'enden &'on hi$
&nder$anding o% (ha o##&r$ a rial* An in#om'een de%endan ma!
no reali8e he moral re'rehen$i-ili! o% hi$ #ond&#* The $o#ieal
goal o% in$i&ionali8ed reri-&ion ma! -e %r&$raed (hen he %or#e
122
o% he $ae i$ -ro&gh o -ear again$ one (ho #anno #om'rehend i$
$igni%i#an#e.
(People v. Estra$a, --- SCRA 077, 8,/;8,7, *$ne ,7, 1222, En 3an
@P$noA5
THE RI>HT TO AN I:PARTIAL TRIAL
"$2. What are the two principal legal and philosophical schools of
thought on how to deal with the rain of unrestrained publicity during
the investigation and trial of high profile cases?
Held: There are two (15 %rini%a' 'e!a' and %hi'oso%hia'
shoo's of tho$!ht on how to dea' with the rain of $nrestrained
%$&'iity d$rin! the in"esti!ation and tria' of hi!h %rofi'e ases.
The 6ritis) approac) the %ro&'e# with the presumption ha '&-li#i!
(ill 're.&di#e a .&r!. Th$s, En!'ish o$rts readi'y stay and sto%
ri#ina' tria's when the ri!ht of an a$sed to fair tria' s$ffers a
threat. The !merican approac) is different. =S o$rts ass$#e a
sAeptical a''roa#h a-o& he 'oenial e%%e# o% 'erva$ive '&-li#i! on
he righ o% an a##&$ed o a %air rial. They ha"e de"e'o%ed different
strains of TESTS to reso'"e this iss$e, i.e., $&-$anial 'ro-a-ili!
o% irre'ara-le harm, $rong li6elihood, #lear and 're$en danger, et.
(Estra$a v. Desierto, +.R. Nos. ,?08,2;,., Darh 1, 122,, En 3an
@P$noA5
"$*. Should the 9mbudsman be stopped from conducting the investigation
of the cases filed against petitioner <former (resident> 7strada due to
the barrage of prejudicial publicity on his guilt?
Held: Petitioner > > > ontends that the res%ondent O#&$ds#an
sho$'d &e sto%%ed fro# ond$tin! the in"esti!ation of the ases fi'ed
a!ainst hi# d$e to the &arra!e of %reB$diia' %$&'iity on his !$i't.
<e s$&#its that the res%ondent O#&$ds#an has de"e'o%ed &ias and is a''
set to fi'e the ri#ina' ases in "io'ation of his ri!ht to d$e %roess.
6 > >
This is not the first time the iss$e of tria' &y %$&'iity has
&een raised in this Co$rt to sto% the tria's or ann$' on"itions in
hi!h %rofi'e ri#ina' ases. In People v. &ee)anAee 1r. (1?7 SCRA .?
@,77.A5, 'ater reiterated in the ase of 'arranaga v. Court of !ppeals
et al. (1/8 SCRA ./, at %%. .70;.78 @,77/A5, we 'aid down the dotrine
thatI
EWe annot s$stain a%%e''antLs 'ai# that he was denied the
ri!ht to i#%artia' tria' d$e to %reB$diia' %$&'iity. It is
tr$e that the %rint and &roadast #edia !a"e the ase at &ar
%er"asi"e %$&'iity, B$st 'i9e a'' hi!h %rofi'e and hi!h sta9e
ri#ina' tria's. &)en an$ no( (e rule t)at t)e rig)t of an
accuse$ to a fair trial is not incompati#le to a free press. To
-e $&re+ re$'on$i-le re'oring enhan#e$ an a##&$edD$ righ o a
%air rial %or+ a$ (ell 'oined o&+ a re$'on$i-le 're$$ ha$
al(a!$ -een regarded a$ he handmaiden o% e%%e#ive .&di#ial
admini$raion+ e$'e#iall! in he #riminal %ield " " "* The
're$$ doe$ no $im'l! '&-li$h in%ormaion a-o& rial$ -& g&ard$
again$ he mi$#arriage o% .&$i#e -! $&-.e#ing he 'oli#e+
'ro$e#&or$+ and .&di#ial 'ro#e$$e$ o e"en$ive '&-li# $#r&in!
and #rii#i$m*
Perva$ive '&-li#i! i$ no per se 're.&di#ial o he righ
o% an a##&$ed o %air rial* The mere %a# ha he rial o%
a''ellan (a$ given a da!,o,da!+ gavel,o,gavel #overage doe$
no #y itself 'rove ha he '&-li#i! $o 'ermeaed he mind o%
he rial .&dge and im'aired hi$ im'ariali!. 4or one, it is
i#%ossi&'e to sea' the #inds of #e#&ers of the &enh fro# %re;
tria' and other off;o$rt %$&'iity of sensationa' ri#ina'
ases. The state of the art of o$r o##$niation syste# &rin!s
123
news as they ha%%en strai!ht to o$r &rea9fast ta&'es and ri!ht to
o$r &edroo#s. These news for# %art of o$r e"eryday #en$ of the
fats and fitions of 'ife. 4or another, o$r idea of a fair and
i#%artia' B$d!e is not that of a her#it who is o$t of to$h with
the wor'd. We ha"e not insta''ed the B$ry syste# whose #e#&ers
are o"er'y %roteted fro# %$&'iity 'est they 'ose their
i#%artia'ity. > > >. O&r .&dge$ are learned in he la( and
rained o di$regard o%%,#o&r eviden#e and on,#amera
'er%orman#e$ o% 'arie$ o a liigaion* Their mere e"'o$&re o
'&-li#aion$ and '&-li#i! $&n$ doe$ no per se %aall! in%e#
heir im'ariali!.
A -e$+ a''ellan #an onl! #on.&re P3SSI6I'I&? 3=
PRE1/DICE on he 'ar o% he rial .&dge d&e o he -arrage o%
'&-li#i! ha #hara#eri8ed he inve$igaion and rial o% he
#a$e* In Martelino et al. v. !le0an$ro et al. (e re.e#ed
hi$ $andard o% 'o$$i-ili! o% 're.&di#e and ado'ed he e$ o%
!C&/!' PRE1/DICE a$ (e r&led ha o (arran a %inding o%
're.&di#ial '&-li#i!+ here m&$ -e allegaion and 'roo% ha
he .&dge$ have -een &nd&l! in%l&en#ed+ no $im'l! ha he!
migh -e+ -! he -arrage o% '&-li#i!. In the ase at &ar, the
reords do not show that the tria' B$d!e de"e'o%ed actual bias
a!ainst a%%e''ant as a onse:$ene of the e>tensi"e #edia
o"era!e of the %re;tria' and tria' of his ase. The totality of
circumstances of t)e case doe$ no 'rove ha he rial .&dge
a#)&ired a fiIe$ o'inion a$ a re$&l o% 're.&di#ial '&-li#i!
whih is ina%a&'e of han!e e"en &y e"idene %resented d$rin!
the tria'. A%%e''ant has the &$rden to %ro"e this at$a' &ias
and he has not dishar!ed the &$rden.F
We e>%o$nded f$rther on this dotrine in the s$&se:$ent ase of
Be## v. Hon. Raul $e 'eon etc. (1?8 SCRA 0.1 @,77.A5 and its o#%anion
ases, vi=.N
EA!ain, %etitioners raise the effet of %reB$diia'
%$&'iity on their ri!ht to d$e %roess whi'e $nder!oin!
%re'i#inary in"esti!ation. We find no %roed$ra' i#%edi#ent to
its ear'y in"oation onsiderin! the s$&stantia' ris9 to their
'i&erty who'e $nder!oin! a %re'i#inary in"esti!ation.
6 > >
The demo#rai# $eing$+ media #overage o% rial$ o%
$en$aional #a$e$ #anno -e avoided and o%enime$+ i$
e"#e$$ivene$$ ha$ -een aggravaed -! 6inei# develo'men$ in he
ele#omm&ni#aion$ ind&$r!. 4or s$re, few ases an #ath the
hi!h "o'$#e and hi!h "e'oity of %$&'iity that attended the
%re'i#inary in"esti!ation of the ase at &ar. O$r dai'y diet of
fats and fition a&o$t the ase ontin$es $na&ated e"en today.
Co##entators sti'' &o#&ard the %$&'i with "iews not too #any of
whih are so&er and s$&'i#e. Indeed, e"en the %rini%a' ators
in the ase C the N3I, the res%ondents, their 'awyers and their
sy#%athiJers C ha"e %artii%ated in this #edia &'itJ. The
'o$$i-ili! o% media a-&$e$ and heir hrea o a %air rial
no(ih$anding+ #riminal rial$ #anno -e #om'leel! #lo$ed o
he 're$$ and '&-li#. In the se#ina' ase of Ric)mon$
Ne(spapers Inc. v. 2irginia, it was wise'y he'dI
O> > >
(a5 The historia' e"idene of the e"o'$tion of the
ri#ina' tria' in An!'o;A#erian B$stie de#onstrates
on'$si"e'y that at the ti#e this NationLs or!ani 'aws
were ado%ted, ri#ina' tria's &oth here and in En!'and had
'on! &een %res$#%ti"e'y o%en, th$s !i"in! ass$rane that
the %roeedin!s were ond$ted fair'y to a'' onerned and
diso$ra!in! %erB$ry, the #isond$t of %artii%ants, or
deisions &ased on seret &ias or %artia'ity. In addition,
the si!nifiant o##$nity thera%e$ti "a'$e of %$&'i
124
tria's was reo!niJedI when a sho9in! ri#e o$rs, a
o##$nity reation of o$tra!e and %$&'i %rotest often
fo''ows, and thereafter the o%en %roesses of B$stie ser"e
an i#%ortant %ro%hy'ati %$r%ose, %ro"idin! an o$t'et for
o##$nity onern, hosti'ity, and e#otion. To wor9
effeti"e'y, it is i#%ortant that soietyLs ri#ina'
%roess Osatisfy the a%%earane of B$stie,L Off$tt ".
=nited States, -?/ =S ,,, ,?, 77 L Ed ,,, 8. S Ct ,,, whih
an &est &e %ro"ided &y a''owin! %eo%'e to o&ser"e s$h
%roess. 4ro# this $n&ro9en, $nontradited history,
s$%%orted &y reasons as "a'id today as in ent$ries %ast,
it #$st &e on'$ded that a %res$#%tion of o%enness inheres
in the "ery nat$re of a ri#ina' tria' $nder this NationLs
syste# of B$stie, Cf., e.!., Le"ine ". =nited States, -01
=S 0,2, ? L Ed 1d 7/7, /2 S Ct ,2-/.
(&5 The %reedom$ o% $'ee#h+ 're$$+ and a$$em-l!+
e"'re$$l! g&araneed -! he 9ir$ Amendmen+ $hare a #ommon
#ore '&r'o$e o% a$$&ring %reedom o% #omm&ni#aion on
maer$ relaing o he %&n#ioning o% governmen* In
g&araneeing %reedom$ $&#h a$ ho$e o% $'ee#h and 're$$+
he 9ir$ Amendmen #an -e read a$ 'roe#ing he righ o%
ever!one o aend rial$ $o a$ give meaning o ho$e
e"'li#i g&aranee$4 he 9ir$ Amendmen righ o re#eive
in%ormaion and idea$ mean$+ in he #one" o% rial$+ ha
he g&aranee$ o% $'ee#h and 're$$+ $anding alone+
'rohi-i governmen %rom $&mmaril! #lo$ing #o&rroom door$
(hi#h had long -een o'en o he '&-li# a he ime he
9ir$ Amendmen (a$ ado'ed. Doreo"er, the ri!ht of
asse#&'y is a'so re'e"ant, ha"in! &een re!arded not on'y as
an inde%endent ri!ht &$t a'so as a ata'yst to a$!#ent the
free e>erise of the other 4irst A#end#ent ri!hts with
whih it was de'i&erate'y 'in9ed &y the drafts#en. A tria'
o$rtroo# is a %$&'i %'ae where the %eo%'e !enera''y C
and re%resentati"es of the #edia C ha"e a ri!ht to &e
%resent, and where their %resene historia''y has &een
tho$!ht to enhane the inte!rity and :$a'ity of what ta9es
%'ae.
(5 Even ho&gh he Con$i&ion #onain$ no
'rovi$ion (hi#h -! i$ erm$ g&aranee$ o he '&-li# he
righ o aend #riminal rial$+ vario&$ %&ndamenal
righ$+ no e"'re$$l! g&araneed+ have -een re#ogni8ed a$
indi$'en$a-le o he en.o!men o% en&meraed righ$* The
righ o aend #riminal rial i$ im'li#i in he
g&aranee$ o% he 9ir$ Amendmen: (iho& he %reedom o
aend $&#h rial$+ (hi#h 'eo'le have e"er#i$ed %or
#en&rie$+ im'oran a$'e#$ o% %reedom o% $'ee#h and o%
he 're$$ #o&ld -e evi$#eraed.L
3e that as it #ay, we reo!niJe that %er"asi"e and
%reB$diia' %$&'iity $nder ertain ir$#stanes an de%ri"e an
a$sed of his d$e %roess ri!ht to fair tria'. Th$s, in
Martelino et al. v. !le0an$ro et al. we he'd that o (arran a
%inding o% 're.&di#ial '&-li#i! here m&$ -e allegation an$
proof ha he .&dge$ have -een &nd&l! in%l&en#ed+ no $im'l!
ha he! migh -e+ -! he -arrage o% '&-li#i!. In the ase at
&ar, we find nothin! in the reords that wi'' %ro"e that the tone
and ontent of the %$&'iity that attended the in"esti!ation of
%etitioners fata''y infeted the fairness and i#%artia'ity of the
DO* Pane'. Peiioner$ #anno .&$ rel! on he $&-liminal
e%%e#$ o% '&-li#i! on he $en$e o% %airne$$ o% he DOM Panel+
%or he$e are -a$i#all! &n-e6no(n and -e!ond 6no(ing. To &e
s$re, the DO* Pane' is o#%osed of an Assistant Chief State
Prose$tor and Senior State Prose$tors. Their 'on! e>%eriene
in ri#ina' in"esti!ation is a fator to onsider in deter#inin!
whether they an easi'y &e &'inded &y the 9'ie! 'i!hts of
%$&'iity. Indeed, their 10;%a!e Reso'$tion arries no
ind$&ita&'e indiia of &ias for it does not a%%ear that they
125
onsidered any e>tra;reord e"idene e>e%t e"idene %ro%er'y
add$ed &y the %arties. The 'en!th of ti#e the in"esti!ation was
ond$ted des%ite it s$##ary nat$re and the !enerosity with whih
they ao##odated the diso"ery #otions of %etitioners s%ea9 we''
of their fairness. At no instane, we note, did %etitioners see9
the dis:$a'ifiation of any #e#&er of the DO* Pane' on the !ro$nd
of &ias res$'tin! fro# their &o#&ard#ent of %reB$diia'
%$&'iity.F
A''l!ing he a-ove r&ling+ (e hold ha t)ere is not enoug) evi$ence to
(arrant t)is Court to en0oin t)e preliminary investigation of t)e
petitioner #y t)e respon$ent 3m#u$sman. Peiioner need$ o o%%er more
han ho$ile headline$ o di$#harge hi$ -&rden o% 'roo% . He need$ o
$ho( more han (eigh! $o#ial $#ien#e eviden#e o $&##e$$%&ll! 'rove
he im'aired #a'a#i! o% a .&dge o render a -ia$,%ree de#i$ion. We''
to note, the ases a!ainst the %etitioner are still undergoing
%re'i#inary in"esti!ation &y a s%eia' %ane' of %rose$tors in the
offie of the res%ondent O#&$ds#an. No a''e!ation whatsoe"er has &een
#ade &y the %etitioner that the #inds of the #e#&ers of this s%eia'
%ane' ha"e a'ready &een infeted &y &ias &ea$se of the %er"asi"e
%reB$diia' %$&'iity a!ainst hi#. Indeed, the s%eia' %ane' has yet
to o#e o$t with its findin!s and the Co$rt annot seond !$ess whether
its reo##endation wi'' &e $nfa"ora&'e to the %etitioner. (Estra$a
v. Desierto, +.R. Nos. ,?08,2;,., Darh 1, 122,, En 3an @P$noA5
THE RI>HT A>AINST SEL9,INCRI:INATION
"$+. Discuss the types of immunity statutes. Which has broader scope
of protection?
Held: O&r imm&ni! $a&e$ are o% Ameri#an origin. In the
=nited States, there are two ty%es of stat$tory i##$nity !ranted to a
witness. They are the ran$a#ional imm&ni! and the &$e,and,
derivaive,&$e imm&ni!. Tran$a#ional imm&ni! i$ -roader in he
$#o'e o% i$ 'roe#ion* B! i$ gran+ a (ine$$ #an no longer -e
'ro$e#&ed %or an! o%%en$e (ha$oever ari$ing o& o% he a# or
ran$a#ion. In ontrast, &y the !rant of &$e,and,derivaive,&$e
imm&ni!+ a (ine$$ i$ onl! a$$&red ha hi$ or her 'ari#&lar
e$imon! and eviden#e derived %rom i (ill no -e &$ed again$ him or
her in a $&-$e)&en 'ro$e#&ion. (Mapa 1r. v. San$igan#ayan, 1-, SCRA
8/-, 878;87/, A%ri' 10, ,77?, En 3an @P$noA5
"$.. Is the grant of immunity to an accused willing to testify for the
government a special privilege and therefore must be strictly construed
against the accused?
Held: @WAe reBet res%ondent o$rtLs r$'in! that the !rant of
setion . i##$nity #$st &e strit'y onstr$ed a!ainst the %etitioners.
It si#%'istia''y harateriJed the !rant as a s%eia' %ri"i'e!e, as if
it was !ifted &y the !o"ern#ent, e- gratia. In a6ing hi$ 'o$&re+ i
mi$read he raison $> etre and he long 'edigree o% he righ again$
$el%,in#riminaion visFQFvis imm&ni! $a&e$ .
The days of in:$isition &ro$!ht a&o$t the #ost des%ia&'e a&$ses
a!ainst h$#an ri!hts. Not the 'east of these a&$ses is the e>%ert $se
of oered onfessions to send to the !$i''otine e"en the !$i't'ess.
To !$ard a!ainst the re$rrene of this tota'itarian #ethod, the ri!ht
a!ainst se'f;inri#ination was ensoned in the f$nda#enta' 'aws of a''
i"i'iJed o$ntries. Over he !ear$+ ho(ever+ #ame he need o a$$i$
governmen in i$ a$6 o% #onaining #rime %or 'ea#e and order i$ a
ne#e$$ar! mari" o% '&-li# (el%are* To a##ommodae he need+ he righ
again$ $el%,in#riminaion (a$ $ri''ed o% i$ a-$ol&ene$$* Imm&ni!
$a&e$ in var!ing $ha'e$ (ere ena#ed (hi#h (o&ld allo( governmen o
#om'el a (ine$$ o e$i%! de$'ie hi$ 'lea o% he righ again$ $el%,
in#riminaion* To in$&lae he$e $a&e$ %rom he vir&$ o%
&n#on$i&ionali!+ a (ine$$ i$ given (ha ha$ #ome o -e 6no(n a$
ran$a#ional or a &$e,derivaive,&$e imm&ni! " " "* Q&ie #learl!+
126
he$e imm&ni! $a&e$ are no a -onan8a %rom governmen* Tho$e given
he 'rivilege o% imm&ni! 'aid a high 'ri#e %or i N he $&rrender o%
heir 're#io&$ righ o -e $ilen. O$r hierarhy of "a'$es de#ands
that the ri!ht a!ainst se'f;inri#ination and the ri!ht to &e si'ent
sho$'d &e aorded !reater res%et and %rotetion. Laws that tend to
erode the fore of these %ree#inent ri!hts #$st neessari'y &e !i"en a
'i&era' inter%retation in fa"or of the indi"id$a'. The !o"ern#ent has
a ri!ht to so'"e ri#es &$t it #$st do it, ri!ht'y. (Mapa 1r.
v. San$igan#ayan, 1-, SCRA 8/-, /2.;/20, A%ri' 10, ,77?, En 3an @P$noA5
THE RI>HT A>AINST DOUBLE MEOPARD;
"$). Discuss the two Binds of double jeopardy.
Held: O$r 3i'' of Ri!hts dea's with (o /51 6ind$ o% do&-le
.eo'ard!. The first sentene of C'a$se 12, Setion ,, Arti'e III of
the Constit$tion ordains that Eno 'er$on $hall -e (i#e '& in .eo'ard!
o% '&ni$hmen %or he $ame o%%en$e.F The seond sentene of said
'a$se %ro"ides that Ei% an a# i$ '&ni$ha-le -! a la( and an
ordinan#e+ #onvi#ion or a#)&ial &nder eiher $hall #on$i&e a -ar
o anoher 'ro$e#&ion %or he $ame a#.F Th&$+ he %ir$ $enen#e
'rohi-i$ do&-le .eo'ard! o% '&ni$hmen %or he SA:E O99ENSE (herea$4
he $e#ond #onem'lae$ do&-le .eo'ard! o% '&ni$hmen %or he SA:E ACT .
Under he %ir$ $enen#e+ one ma! -e (i#e '& in .eo'ard! o%
'&ni$hmen o% he $ame a#+ 'rovided ha he i$ #harged (ih di%%eren
o%%en$e$+ or he o%%en$e #harged in one #a$e i$ no in#l&ded in+ or
doe$ no in#l&de+ he #rime #harged in he oher #a$e* The $e#ond
$enen#e a''lie$+ even i% he o%%en$e #harged are no he $ame+ o(ing
o he %a# ha one #on$i&e$ a violaion o% an ordinan#e and he
oher a violaion o% $a&e* I% he (o #harge$ are -a$ed on one and
he $ame a#+ #onvi#ion or a#)&ial &nder eiher he la( or he
ordinan#e $hall -ar a 'ro$e#&ion &nder he oher* In#idenall!+ $&#h
#onvi#ion or a#)&ial i$ no indi$'en$a-le o $&$ain he 'lea o%
do&-le .eo'ard! o% '&ni$hmen or he $ame o%%en$e* So long a$ .eo'ard!
ha$ -een aa#hed &nder one o% he in%ormaion$ #harging $aid o%%en$e+
he de%en$e ma! -e availed o% in he oher #a$e involving he $ame
o%%en$e+ even i% here ha$ -een neiher #onvi#ion nor a#)&ial in
eiher #a$e.
E'sewhere stated, where the offense har!ed are %ena'iJed either
&y different setions of the sa#e stat$te or &y different stat$tes, the
i#%ortant in:$iry re'ates to the identity of offenses har!ed. The
onstit$tiona' %rotetion a!ainst do$&'e Beo%ardy is a"ai'a&'e on'y
where an identity is shown to e>ist &etween the ear'ier and the
s$&se:$ent offenses har!ed. The :$estion of identity or 'a9 of
identity of offenses is addressed &y e>a#inin! the essentia' e'e#ents
of eah of the two offenses har!ed, as s$h e'e#ents are set o$t in
the res%eti"e 'e!is'ati"e definitions of the offenses in"o'"ed.
(People v. Nui0a$a, 1.7 SCRA ,7,, *$'y 1?, ,7705
"$%. What must be proved to substantiate a claim of double jeopardy?
When may legal jeopardy attach?
Held: To s$&stantiate a 'ai# of do$&'e Beo%ardy, the fo''owin!
#$st &e %ro"enI
/01 A %ir$ .eo'ard! m&$ have aa#hed 'rior o he $e#ondG /51
he %ir$ .eo'ard! m&$ have -een validl! erminaedG /71 he $e#ond
.eo'ard! m&$ -e %or he $ame o%%en$e+ or he $e#ond o%%en$e in#l&de$
or i$ ne#e$$aril! in#l&ded in he o%%en$e #harged in he %ir$
in%ormaion+ or i$ an aem' o #ommi he $ame or i$ a %r&$raion
hereo%.
Legal .eo'ard! aa#he$ onl!I /01 &'on a valid indi#menG /-1
-e%ore a #om'een #o&rG /#1 a%er arraignmenG /d1 (hen a valid 'lea
ha$ -een eneredG and /e1 he #a$e (a$ di$mi$$ed or oher(i$e
erminaed (iho& he e"'re$$ #on$en o% he a##&$ed.
127
(Cuison v. C!, 1/7 SCRA ,.7, A%ri' ,., ,77/ @Pan!ani&anA5
"$$. In its decision in a criminal case, the Judge promulgated only
the civil aspect of the case, but not the criminal. Will the
promulgation of the criminal aspect later constitute double jeopardy?
Held: Petitioner ontends that Mthe %ro#$'!ation &y *$d!e Ra#os
on A%ri' ?, ,77. of the Res%ondent Co$rtHs deision of *$ne -2, ,77, &y
readin! its dis%ositi"e %ortion has effectively terminated the criminal
cases against the petitioner - - -.H In other words, %etitioner 'ai#s
that the first Beo%ardy attahed at that %oint.
The Co$rt is not %ers$aded. A$ a r&le+ a #riminal 'ro$e#&ion
in#l&de$ a #ivil a#ion %or he re#over! o% indemni!* Hen#e+ a
de#i$ion in $&#h #a$e di$'o$e$ o% -oh he #riminal a$ (ell a$ he
#ivil lia-iliie$ o% an a##&$ed. <ere, tria' o$rt %ro#$'!ated on'y
the i"i' as%et of the ase, &$t not the ri#ina'.
@TAhe %ro#$'!ation of the CA Deision was not o#%'ete. In %a#
and in r&h+ he 'rom&lgaion (a$ no merel! in#om'lee4 i (a$ al$o
void* In e"#e$$ o% i$ .&ri$di#ion+ he rial .&dge rendered a
$&-$aniall! in#om'lee 'rom&lgaion on A'ril E+ 0CCG+ and he re'eaed
hi$ mi$a6e in hi$ A'ril 05+ 0CCI Order* We em'ha$i8e ha grave a-&$e
o% di$#reion rendered he a%oremenioned a# o% he rial #o&r void*
Sin#e he #riminal #a$e$ have no !e -een erminaed+ he %ir$
.eo'ard! ha$ no !e aa#hed* Hen#e+ do&-le .eo'ard! #anno 'ro$'er
a$ a de%en$e.
We #$st stress that Res%ondent Co$rtHs :$estioned Deision did
not #odify or a#end its *$'y -2, ,77, Deision. It #ere'y ordered the
%ro#$'!ation of the B$d!#ent of on"ition and the f$'' e>e$tion of
the %ena'ty it had ear'ier i#%osed on %etitioner. (Cuison v. C!, 1/7
SCRA ,.7, A%ri' ,., ,77/ @Pan!ani&anA5
THE RI>HT A>AINST E? POST 9ACTO LAWS AND BILLS O9 ATTAINDER
"$#. What is a bill of attainder? Is (.D. "$)) a bill of attainder?
Held: @TAhe Co$rt, in People v. =errer (+.R. Nos. L;-10,-;,?,
Dee#&er 18, ,781, ?/ SCRA -/15, defined a &i'' of attainder as a
legi$laive a# (hi#h in%li#$ '&ni$hmen on individ&al$ or mem-er$ o%
a 'ari#&lar gro&' (iho& a .&di#ial rial* E$$enial o a -ill o%
aainder are a $'e#i%i#aion o% #erain individ&al$ or a gro&' o%
individ&al$+ he im'o$iion o% a '&ni$hmen+ 'enal or oher(i$e+ and
he la#6 o% .&di#ial rial* Thi$ la$ elemen+ he oal la#6 o% #o&r
inervenion in he %inding o% g&il and he deerminaion o% he
a#&al 'enal! o -e im'o$ed+ i$ he mo$ e$$enial. P.D. No. ,/00
does not %ossess the e'e#ents of a &i'' of attainder. It does not see9
to inf'it %$nish#ent witho$t a B$diia' tria'. Nowhere in the #eas$re
is there a findin! of !$i't and an i#%osition of a orres%ondin!
%$nish#ent. What the deree does is to define the offense and %ro"ide
for the %ena'ty that #ay &e i#%osed, s%eifyin! the :$a'ifyin!
ir$#stanes that wo$'d a!!ra"ate the offense. There is no
enroah#ent on the %ower of the o$rt to deter#ine after d$e hearin!
whether the %rose$tion has %ro"ed &eyond reasona&'e do$&t that the
offense of i''e!a' %ossession of firear#s has &een o##itted and that
the :$a'ifyin! ir$#stanes attahed to it has &een esta&'ished a'so
&eyond reasona&'e do$&t as the Constit$tion and B$diia' %reedents
re:$ire. (Misolas v. Panga, ,/, SCRA 0?/, 0.7;002, *an. -2, ,772, En
3an @CortesA5
"#2. What is an e- post facto law? Is 8.. :o. $2+# an e- post facto
law?
Held: EI post facto la(+ generall!+ 'rohi-i$ rero$'e#ivi! o%
'enal la($* R.!. .+4: i$ not a penal la(* I i$ a $&-$anive la( on
128
.&ri$di#ion (hi#h i$ no 'enal in #hara#er* Penal la($ are ho$e
a#$ o% he Legi$la&re (hi#h 'rohi-i #erain a#$ and e$a-li$h
'enalie$ %or heir violaion$4 or ho$e ha de%ine #rime$+ rea o%
heir na&re+ and 'rovide %or heir '&ni$hmen* R.!. ,:,5 + (hi#h
amended P*D* 0IJI a$ regard$ he Sandigan-a!anD$ .&ri$di#ion+ i$ mode
o% a''eal and oher 'ro#ed&ral maer$+ ha$ -een de#lared -! he Co&r
a$ no a 'enal la(+ -& #learl! a 'ro#ed&ral $a&e+ i.e. one (hi#h
're$#ri-e$ r&le$ o% 'ro#ed&re -! (hi#h #o&r$ a''l!ing la($ o% all
6ind$ #an 'ro'erl! admini$er .&$i#e* No -eing a 'enal la(+ he
reroa#ive a''li#aion o% R.!. .+4: #anno -e #hallenged a$
&n#on$i&ional.
PeiionerD$ and inervenor$D #onenion ha heir righ o a
(o,iered a''eal (hi#h he! a#)&ired &nder R*A* FCFG ha$ -een dil&ed
-! he ena#men o% R*A* B5EC+ i$ in#orre#* The $ame #onenion ha$
alread! -een re.e#ed -! he #o&r $everal ime$ #on$idering ha he
righ o a''eal i$ not a natural rig)t -& $a&or! in na&re ha #an
-e reg&laed -! la(* The mode o% 'ro#ed&re 'rovided %or in he
$a&or! righ o% a''eal i$ no in#l&ded in he 'rohi-iion again$ eI
post facto la($* R*A* B5EC 'erain$ onl! o maer$ o% 'ro#ed&re+ and
-eing merel! an amendaor! $a&e i doe$ no 'ara6e he na&re o% an
eI post facto la( . It does not #ete o$t a %ena'ty and, therefore, does
not o#e within the %rohi&ition. Doreo"er, the 'aw did not a'ter the
r$'es of e"idene or the #ode of tria'. It has &een r$'ed that
adBeti"e stat$tes #ay &e #ade a%%'ia&'e to ations %endin! and
$nreso'"ed at the ti#e of their %assa!e.
At any rate, R.A. /1?7 has %reser"ed the a$sedLs ri!ht to
a%%ea' to the S$%re#e Co$rt to re"iew :$estions of 'aw. On the re#o"a'
of the inter#ediate re"iew of fats, the S$%re#e Co$rt sti'' has the
%ower of re"iew to deter#ine if the %res$#%tion of innoene has &een
on"inin!'y o"ero#e. (Panfilo M. 'acson v. &)e EIecutive
Secretary, et. a'., +.R. No. ,1/270, *an. 12, ,777 @DartineJA5
AD:INISTRATIHE LAW
"#". Describe the dministrative &ode of "#$%
Held: The Code is a general la( and Ein#or'orae$ in a &ni%ied
do#&men he ma.or $r&#&ral+ %&n#ional and 'ro#ed&ral 'rin#i'le$ o%
governan#e (;hird Whereas &lause, dministrative &ode of "#$%5 and
Eem-odie$ #hange$ in admini$raive $r&#&re$ and 'ro#ed&re$ de$igned
o $erve he 'eo'le.F (0ourth Whereas &lause, dministrative &ode of
"#$%5 The Code is di"ided into se"en (85 &oo9s. These &oo9s ontain
%ro"isions on the (,5 organi8aion+ 'o(er$ and general admini$raion
o% de'armen$+ -&rea&$ and o%%i#e$ &nder he e"e#&ive -ran#h, (15 he
organi8aion and %&n#ion$ o% he Con$i&ional Commi$$ion$ and oher
#on$i&ional -odie$, (-5 he r&le$ on he naional governmen -&dge+
a$ (ell a$ g&ideline$ %or he e"er#i$e -! admini$raive agen#ie$ o%
)&a$i,legi$laive and )&a$i,.&di#ial 'o(er$. The Code o"ers &oth the
interna' ad#inistration, i.e., interna' or!aniJation, %ersonne' and
rer$it#ent, s$%er"ision and disi%'ine, and the effets of the
f$ntions %erfor#ed &y ad#inistrati"e offiia's on %ri"ate indi"id$a's
or %arties o$tside !o"ern#ent. (3ple v. &orres, +.R. No. ,180/., *$'y
1-, ,77/ @P$noA5
"#2. What is administrative power?
Held: !$ministrative po(er is #on#erned (ih he (or6 o%
a''l!ing 'oli#ie$ and en%or#ing order$ a$ deermined -! 'ro'er
governmenal organ$* I ena-le$ he Pre$iden o %i" a &ni%orm
$andard o% admini$raive e%%i#ien#! and #he#6 he o%%i#ial #ond&# o%
hi$ agen$. To this end, he an iss$e ad#inistrati"e orders, r$'es and
re!$'ations. (3ple v. &orres, +.R. No. ,180/., *$'y 1-, ,77/ @P$noA5
"#*. What is an administrative order?
129
Held: An a$ministrative or$er is an ordinan#e i$$&ed -! he
Pre$iden (hi#h relae$ o $'e#i%i# a$'e#$ in he admini$raive
o'eraion o% governmen. It must be in harmony with the law and should
be for the sole purpose of implementing the law and carrying out the
legislative policy. (3ple v. &orres, +.R. No. ,180/., *$'y 1-, ,77/
@P$noA5
"#+. What is the 5overnment of the 8epublic of the (hilippines?
An$(er: The Government of t)e Repu#lic of t)e P)ilippines re%er$
o he #or'orae governmenal eni! hro&gh (hi#h he %&n#ion$ o% he
governmen are e"er#i$ed hro&gho& he Phili''ine$+ in#l&ding+ $ave a$
he #onrar! a''ear$ %rom he #one"+ he vario&$ arm$ hro&gh (hi#h
'olii#al a&hori! i$ made e%%e#ive in he Phili''ine$+ (heher
'eraining o he a&onomo&$ region$+ he 'rovin#ial+ #i!+ m&ni#i'al
or -aranga! $&-divi$ion$ or oher %orm$ o% lo#al governmen. (Se#*
5<0=+ Inrod&#or! Provi$ion$+ EIecutive 3r$er No. +:+5
"#.. What is a government instrumentality? What are included in the
term government instrumentality?
An$(er: A government instrumentality refers to an! agen#! o% he
naional governmen+ no inegraed (ihin he de'armen %rame(or6+
ve$ed (ih $'e#ial %&n#ion$ or .&ri$di#ion -! la(+ endo(ed (ih $ome
i% no all #or'orae 'o(er$+ admini$ering $'e#ial %&nd$+ en.o!ing
o'eraional a&onom!+ &$&all! hro&gh a #harer* The erm in#l&de$
reg&laor! agen#ie$+ #harered in$i&ion$ and governmen,o(ned or
#onrolled #or'oraion$. (Se#* 5<0J=+ Inrod&#or! Provi$ion$+
EIecutive 3r$er No. +:+5
"#). What is a regulatory agency?
An$(er: A regulatory agency refers to an! agen#! e"'re$$l!
ve$ed (ih .&ri$di#ion o reg&lae+ admini$er or ad.&di#ae maer$
a%%e#ing $&-$anial righ$ and inere$ o% 'rivae 'er$on$+ he
'rin#i'al 'o(er$ o% (hi#h are e"er#i$ed -! a #olle#ive -od!+ $&#h a$ a
#ommi$$ion+ -oard or #o&n#il. (Se#* 5<00=+ Inrod&#or! Provi$ion$+
EIecutive 3r$er No. +:+5
"#%. What is a chartered institution?
An$(er: A c)artere$ institution refers to an! agen#! organi8ed
or o'eraing &nder a $'e#ial #harer+ and ve$ed -! la( (ih %&n#ion$
relaing o $'e#i%i# #on$i&ional 'oli#ie$ or o-.e#ive$. This ter#
includes state universities and colleges and the monetary authority of
the State. (Se#ion 5<05=+ Inrod&#or! Provi$ion$+ EIecutive 3r$er
No. +:+5
"#$. When is a government,owned or controlled corporation deemed to be
performing proprietary function? When is it deemed to be performing
governmental function?
Held: +o"ern#ent;owned or ontro''ed or%orations #ay %erfor#
!o"ern#enta' or %ro%rietary f$ntions or &oth, de%endin! on the %$r%ose
for whih they ha"e &een reated. I% he '&r'o$e i$ o o-ain $'e#ial
#or'orae -ene%i$ or earn 'e#&niar! 'ro%i+ he %&n#ion i$
'ro'riear!* I% i i$ in he inere$ o% healh+ $a%e! and %or he
advan#emen o% '&-li# good and (el%are+ a%%e#ing he '&-li# in
general+ he %&n#ion i$ governmenal. Powers 'assified as
E'ro'riear!F are those intended for private advantage and benefit.
(6laHuera v. !lcala, 17. SCRA -00, ?1., Se%t. ,,, ,77/, En 3an
@P$risi#aA5
130
"##. Does the petition for annulment of proclamation of a candidate
merely involve the e-ercise by the &9?7@7& of its administrative power
to review, revise and reverse the actions of the board of canvassers
and, therefore, justifies non,observance of procedural due process, or
does it involve the e-ercise of the &9?7@7&Ps 'uasi,judicial function?
Held: Ta6ing #ogni8an#e o% 'rivae re$'ondenD$ 'eiion$ %or
ann&lmen o% 'eiionerD$ 'ro#lamaion+ CO:ELEC (a$ no merel!
'er%orming an admini$raive %&n#ion. The ad#inistrati"e %owers of
the CODELEC in'$de the power to determine the number and location of
polling places, appoint election officials and inspectors, conduct
registration of voters, deputi=e law enforcement agencies and
governmental instrumentalities to ensure free, orderly, honest,
peaceful and credible elections, register political parties,
organi=ations or coalition, accredit citi=enPs arms of the &ommission,
prosecute election offenses, and recommend to the (resident the removal
of or imposition of any other disciplinary action upon any officer or
employee it has de%$tiJed for "io'ation or disre!ard of its direti"e,
order or deision. In addition, the Co##ission a'so has direct control
and supervision over all personnel involved in the conduct of election.
<owe"er, he re$ol&ion o% he adver$e #laim$ o% 'rivae re$'onden and
'eiioner a$ regard$ he e"i$en#e o% a mani%e$ error in he
)&e$ioned #eri%i#ae o% #anva$$ re)&ire$ he CO:ELEC o a# a$ an
ar-ier* I -ehoove$ he Commi$$ion o hear -oh 'arie$ o deermine
he vera#i! o% heir allegaion$ and o de#ide (heher he alleged
error i$ a mani%e$ error* Hen#e+ he re$ol&ion o% hi$ i$$&e #all$
%or he e"er#i$e -! he CO:ELEC o% i$ )&a$i,.&di#ial 'o(er. It has
been said that where a power rests in judgment or discretion, so that
it is of judicial nature or character, but does not involve the
e-ercise of functions of a judge, or is conferred upon an officer other
than a judicial officer, it is deemed 'uasi,judicial. The CO:ELEC
here%ore+ a#ing a$ )&a$i,.&di#ial ri-&nal+ #anno ignore he
re)&iremen$ o% 'ro#ed&ral d&e 'ro#e$$ in re$olving he 'eiion$ %iled
-! 'rivae re$'onden. (=e$erico S. San$oval v. C3ME'EC, +.R.
No. ,--/?1, *an. 10, 1222 @P$noA5
222. Discuss the Doctrine of (rimary Jurisdiction <or (rior 8esort>.
Held: Co&r$ #anno and (ill no re$olve a #onrover$! involving
a )&e$ion (hi#h i$ (ihin he .&ri$di#ion o% an admini$raive
ri-&nal+ e$'e#iall! (here he )&e$ion demand$ he e"er#i$e o% $o&nd
admini$raive di$#reion re)&iring he $'e#ial 6no(ledge+ e"'erien#e
and $ervi#e$ o% he admini$raive ri-&nal o deermine e#hni#al and
inri#ae maer$ o% %a#.
In reent years, it has &een the B$ris%r$dentia' trend to a%%'y
this dotrine to ases in"o'"in! #atters that de#and the s%eia'
o#%etene of ad#inistrati"e a!enies e"en if the :$estion in"o'"ed is
a'so B$diia' in harater. I a''lie$ 2(here a #laim i$ originall!
#ogni8a-le in he #o&r$+ and #ome$ ino 'la! (henever en%or#emen o%
he #laim re)&ire$ he re$ol&ion o% i$$&e$ (hi#h+ &nder a reg&laor!
$#heme+ have -een 'la#ed (ihin he $'e#ial #om'een#e o% an
admini$raive -od!4 in $&#h #a$e+ he .&di#ial 'ro#e$$ i$ $&$'ended
'ending re%erral o% $&#h i$$&e$ o he admini$raive -od! %or i$
vie(.F
In #a$e$ (here he do#rine o% 'rimar! .&ri$di#ion i$ #learl!
a''li#a-le+ he #o&r #anno arrogae &no i$el% he a&hori! o
re$olve a #onrover$!+ he .&ri$di#ion over (hi#h i$ lodged (ih an
admini$raive -od! o% $'e#ial #om'een#e.
(2illaflor v. C!, 1/2 SCRA 1/85
22". Discuss the Doctrine of 7-haustion of dministrative 8emedies.
7numerate e-ceptions thereto.
131
Held: ,. Be%ore a 'ar! i$ allo(ed o $ee6 he inervenion o%
he #o&r+ i i$ a 're,#ondiion ha he $ho&ld have availed o% all he
mean$ o% admini$raive 'ro#e$$e$ a%%orded him* Hen#e+ i% a remed!
(ihin he admini$raive ma#hiner! #an $ill -e re$ored o -! giving
he admini$raive o%%i#er #on#erned ever! o''or&ni! o de#ide on a
maer ha #ome$ (ihin hi$ .&ri$di#ion hen $&#h remed! $ho&ld -e
e"ha&$ed %ir$ -e%ore he #o&rD$ .&di#ial 'o(er #an -e $o&gh* The
'rema&re invo#aion o% #o&rD$ .&ri$di#ion i$ %aal o oneD$ #a&$e o%
a#ion* A##ordingl!+ a-$en an! %inding o% (aiver or e$o''el he #a$e
i$ $&$#e'i-le o% di$mi$$al %or la#6 o% #a&$e o% a#ion. This dotrine
of e>ha$stion of ad#inistrati"e re#edies was not witho$t its %ratia'
and 'e!a' reasons, for one thin!, a"ai'#ent of ad#inistrati"e re#edy
entai's 'esser e>%enses and %ro"ides for a s%eedier dis%osition of
ontro"ersies. It is no 'ess tr$e to state that the o$rts of B$stie
for reasons of o#ity and on"eniene wi'' shy away fro# a dis%$te
$nti' the syste# of ad#inistrati"e redress has &een o#%'eted and
o#%'ied with so as to !i"e the ad#inistrati"e a!eny onerned e"ery
o%%ort$nity to orret its error and to dis%ose of the ase.
Thi$ do#rine i$ di$regardedI
1) when there is a violaion o% d&e 'ro#e$$G
2) when the i$$&e involved i$ '&rel! a legal )&e$ionG
3) when the admini$raive a#ion i$ 'aenl! illegal amo&ning
o la#6 or e"#e$$ o% .&ri$di#ionG
4) when there is e$o''el on he 'ar o% he admini$raive
agen#! #on#ernedG
5) when there is irre'ara-le in.&r!G
6) when the re$'onden i$ a de'armen $e#rear! (ho$e a#$ a$ an
alter ego o% he Pre$iden -ear$ he im'lied and a$$&med
a''roval o% he laerG
7) when to re:$ire e"ha&$ion o% admini$raive remedie$ (o&ld -e
&nrea$ona-leG
8) when it wo$'d amo&n o a n&lli%i#aion o% a #laimG
9) when the $&-.e# maer i$ a 'rivae land in land #a$e
'ro#eedingG
10) when the r$'e does no 'rovide a 'lain+ $'eed! and ade)&ae
remed!, and
11) when there are #ir#&m$an#e$ indi#aing he &rgen#! o%
.&di#ial inervenion.
(Paat v. C!, 100 SCRA ,08 @,778A5
Non,e"ha&$ion o% admini$raive remedie$ i$ no .&ri$di#ional* I
onl! render$ he a#ion 'rema&re+ i.e. #laimed #a&$e o% a#ion i$ no
ri'e %or .&di#ial deerminaion and %or ha rea$on a 'ar! ha$ no
#a&$e o% a#ion o venilae in #o&r. (Carale v. !#arintos, 107 SCRA
,-15
THE LAW O9 PUBLIC O99ICERS
222. Define ppointment. Discuss its nature.
Held: An E((9I:;?7:;F to a %$&'i offie is the &ne)&ivo#al a#
o% de$ignaing or $ele#ing -! one having he a&hori! here%or o% an
individ&al o di$#harge and 'er%orm he d&ie$ and %&n#ion$ o% an
o%%i#e or r&$. The a%%oint#ent is deemed #om'lee on#e he la$ a#
re)&ired o% he a''oining a&hori! ha$ -een #om'lied (ih and i$
a##e'an#e herea%er -! he a''oinee in order o render i e%%e#ive.
A%%oint#ent neessari'y a''s for an eIercise of $iscretion on the %art
of the a%%ointin! a$thority. In Pamantasan ng 'ungso$ ng Maynila v.
Interme$iate !ppellate Court (,?2 SCRA 115, reiterated in =lores v.
Drilon (11- SCRA .0/5, this Co$rt has he'dI
EThe 'o(er o a''oin i$+ in e$$en#e+ di$#reionar!* The
a''oining 'o(er ha$ he righ o% #hoi#e (hi#h he ma! e"er#i$e
%reel! a##ording o hi$ .&dgmen+ de#iding %or him$el% (ho i$
-e$ )&ali%ied among ho$e (ho have he ne#e$$ar! )&ali%i#aion$
132
and eligi-iliie$* I i$ a 'rerogaive o% he a''oining 'o(er >
> >.F <t p. .%#>

Indeed, it #ay ri!ht'y &e said that the ri!ht of hoie is the heart of
the %ower to a%%oint. In the e>erise of the %ower of a%%oint#ent,
disretion is an inte!ra' thereof. (6ermu$ez v. &orres, -,, SCRA 8--,
A$!. ?, ,777, -
rd
Di". @Vit$!A5
22*. ?ay the &ivil Service &ommission, or the Supreme &ourt, validly
nullify an appointment on the ground that somebody else is better
'ualified?
Held: The head o% an agen#! (ho i$ he a''oining 'o(er i$ he
one mo$ 6no(ledgea-le o de#ide (ho #an -e$ 'er%orm he %&n#ion$ o%
he o%%i#e* A''oinmen i$ an e$$eniall! di$#reionar! 'o(er and m&$
-e 'er%ormed -! he o%%i#er ve$ed (ih $&#h 'o(er a##ording o hi$
-e$ ligh$+ he onl! #ondiion -eing ha he a''oinee $ho&ld 'o$$e$$
he )&ali%i#aion$ re)&ired -! la(* I% he doe$+ hen he a''oinmen
#anno -e %a&led on he gro&nd ha here are oher$ -eer )&ali%ied
(ho $ho&ld have -een 're%erred. Indeed, this is a %rero!ati"e of the
a%%ointin! a$thority whih he a'one an deide. The hoie of an
a%%ointee fro# a#on! those who %ossess the re:$ired :$a'ifiations is a
%o'itia' and ad#inistrati"e deision a''in! for onsiderations of
wisdo#, on"eniene, $ti'ity and the interests of the ser"ie whih an
&est &e #ade &y the head of the offie onerned, the %erson #ost
fa#i'iar with the or!aniJationa' str$t$re and en"iron#enta'
ir$#stanes within whih the a%%ointee #$st f$ntion.
A$ long a$ he a''oinee i$ )&ali%ied he Civil Servi#e
Commi$$ion ha$ no #hoi#e -& o ae$ o and re$'e# he a''oinmen
even i% i -e 'roved ha here are oher$ (ih $&'erior #redenial$*
The la( limi$ he Commi$$ionD$ a&hori! onl! o (heher or no he
a''oinee$ 'o$$e$$ he legal )&ali%i#aion$ and he a''ro'riae #ivil
$ervi#e eligi-ili!+ nohing el$e. If they do then the a%%oint#ents
are a%%ro"ed &ea$se the Co##ission annot e>eed its %ower &y
s$&stit$tin! its wi'' for that of the a%%ointin! a$thority. Neither
an we. (Rimonte v. CSC, 1?? SCRA .2?;.2., Day 17, ,77., En 3an
@3e''osi''o, *.A5
22+. Does the /ne-t,in,ranB1 rule import any mandatory or peremptory
re'uirement that the person ne-t,in,ranB must be appointed to the
vacancy?
Held: The Ene",in,ran6 r&le i$ no a-$ol&e4 i onl! a''lie$ in
#a$e$ o% 'romoion+ a 'ro#e$$ (hi#h denoe$ a $#alar a$#en o% an
o%%i#er o anoher 'o$iion higher eiher in ran6 or $alar!* And even
in 'romoion$+ i #an -e di$regarded %or $o&nd rea$on$ made 6no(n o
he ne",in,ran6+ a$ he #on#e' doe$ no im'or an! mandaor! or
'erem'or! re)&iremen ha he 'er$on ne",in,ran6 m&$ -e a''oined
o he va#an#!* The a''oining a&hori!+ &nder he Civil Servi#e La(+
i$ allo(ed o %ill va#an#ie$ -! 'romoion+ ran$%er o% 're$en
em'lo!ee$+ rein$aemen+ reem'lo!men+ and a''oinmen o% o&$ider$
(ho have a''ro'riae #ivil $ervi#e eligi-ili!+ no ne#e$$aril! in ha
order* There i$ no legal %ia ha a va#an#! m&$ -e %illed onl! -!
'romoion4 he a''oining a&hori! i$ given (ide di$#reion o %ill a
va#an#! %rom among he $everal alernaive$ 'rovided -! la(.
Wha he Civil Servi#e La( 'rovide$ i$ ha i% a va#an#! i$
%illed -! 'romoion+ he 'er$on holding he 'o$iion ne" in ran6
hereo 2$hall -e #on$idered %or 'romoion.F
In &a$uran v. Civil Service Commission (,-, SCRA 00 @,7/?A5, the
Co$rt onstr$ed that %hrase to #ean that he 'er$on ne",in,ran6 2(o&ld
-e among he %ir$ o -e #on$idered %or he va#an#!+ i% )&ali%ied.F In
Santiago 1r. v. Civil Service Commission (,8/ SCRA 8-- @,7/7A5, the
Co$rt e'a&orated the i#%ort of the r$'e in the fo''owin! #annerI
133
EOne (ho i$ ne",in,ran6 i$ eniled o 're%erenial
#on$ideraion %or 'romoion o he higher va#an#! -& i doe$ no
ne#e$$aril! %ollo( ha he and no one el$e #an -e a''oined* The
r&le neiher gran$ a ve$ed righ o he holder nor im'o$e$ a
mini$erial d&! on he a''oining a&hori! o 'romoe $&#h
'er$on o he ne" higher 'o$iion > > >F
(!#ila v. CSC, ,7/ SCRA ,21, *$ne -, ,77,, En 3an @4e'iianoA5
22.. ;he (hilippine :ational 8ed &ross <(:8&> is a government,owned
and controlled corporation with an original charter under 8.. :o. #.,
as amended. Its charter, however, was amended to vest in it the
authority to secure loans, be e-empted from payment of all duties,
ta-es, fees and other charges, etc. With the amendment of its charter,
has it been /impliedly converted to a private corporation1?
Held: The ;7S; to deter#ine whether a or%oration is !o"ern#ent
owned or ontro''ed, or %ri"ate in nat$re is si#%'e. I$ i #reaed -!
i$ o(n #harer %or he e"er#i$e o% a '&-li# %&n#ion+ or -!
in#or'oraion &nder he general #or'oraion la(R Tho$e (ih $'e#ial
#harer$ are governmen #or'oraion$ $&-.e# o i$ 'rovi$ion$+ and i$
em'lo!ee$ are &nder he .&ri$di#ion o% he Civil Servi#e Commi$$ion.
;he (:8& was not /impliedly converted to a private corporation1 simply
because its charter was amended to vest in it the authority to secure
loans, be e-empted from payment of all duties, ta-es, fees and other
charges, etc. (Campore$on$o v. N'RC, +.R. No. ,172?7, A$!. 0, ,777, ,
st
Di". @PardoA5
22). What is a primarily confidential position? What is the test to
determine whether a position is primarily confidential or not?
Held: A (8I?8I@G &9:0ID7:;I@ (9SI;I9: is one (hi#h denoe$ no
onl! CON9IDENCE in he a'i&de o% he a''oinee %or he d&ie$ o% he
o%%i#e -& 'rimaril! CLOSE INTI:AC; (hi#h en$&re$ %reedom %rom
iner#o&r$e (iho& em-arra$$men or %reedom %rom mi$giving$ or
-era!al$ o% 'er$onal r&$ or #on%idenial maer$ o% $ae. (De los
Santos v. Mallare, /8 Phi'. 1/7 @,7.2A5
=nder the (89!I?I;G 8C@7, he o##&'an o% a 'ari#&lar 'o$iion
#o&ld -e #on$idered a #on%idenial em'lo!ee i% he 'redominan rea$on
(h! he (a$ #ho$en -! he a''oining a&hori! (a$ he laerD$ -elie%
ha he #an $hare a #lo$e inimae relaion$hi' (ih he o##&'an (hi#h
en$&re$ %reedom o% di$#&$$ion (iho& %ear or em-arra$$men or
mi$giving$ o% 'o$$i-le -era!al o% 'er$onal r&$ or #on%idenial
maer$ o% $ae. Withal, where the position occupied is more remote
from that of the appointing authority, the element of trust between
them is no longer predominant. (CSC v. Salas, 18? SCRA ?,?, *$ne ,7,
,7785
22%. Does the &ivil Service @aw contemplate a review of decisions
e-onerating officers or employees from administrative charges?
Held: B! hi$ r&ling+ (e no( e"'re$$l! a-andon and overr&le
e"an .&ri$'r&den#e ha 2he 'hra$e Q'ar! adver$el! a%%e#ed -! he
de#i$ionD re%er$ o he governmen em'lo!ee again$ (hom he
admini$raive #a$e i$ %iled %or he '&r'o$e o% di$#i'linar! a#ion
(hi#h ma! a6e he %orm o% $&$'en$ion+ demoion in ran6 or $alar!+
ran$%er+ removal or di$mi$$al %rom o%%i#e3 and no in#l&ded are 2#a$e$
(here he 'enal! im'o$ed i$ $&$'en$ion %or no more han hir! /7J1
da!$ or %ine in an amo&n no e"#eeding hir! da!$ $alar!F <(aredes v.
&ivil Service &ommission, "#2 S&8 $+, $.> or E(hen re$'onden i$
e"oneraed o% he #harge$+ here i$ no o##a$ion %or a''eal.F <?ende= v.
&ivil Service &ommission, 22+ S&8 #)., #)$> In other words, (e
overr&le 'rior de#i$ion$ holding ha he Civil Servi#e La( 2doe$ no
#onem'lae a revie( o% de#i$ion$ e"oneraing o%%i#er$ or em'lo!ee$
%rom admini$raive #harge$F en$niated in (aredes v. &ivil Service
&ommission <"#2 S&8 $+>O ?ende= v. &ivil Service &ommission <22+ S&8
134
#).>O ?agpale v. &ivil Service &ommission <2". S&8 *#$>O :avarro v.
&ivil Service &ommission and 7-port (rocessing Done uthority <22) S&8
22%> and #ore reent'y Del &astillo v. &ivil Service &ommission <2*%
S&8 "$+>. (CSC v. Pe$ro 3. Dacoycoy, +.R. No. ,-./2., A%ri' 17, ,777,
En 3an @PardoA5
22$. What is preventive suspension? Discuss its nature.
Held: Im'o$ed d&ring he 'enden#! o% an admini$raive
inve$igaion+ 'revenive $&$'en$ion i$ no a 'enal! in i$el%* I i$
merel! a mea$&re o% 're#a&ion $o ha he em'lo!ee (ho i$ #harged ma!
-e $e'araed+ %or o-vio&$ rea$on$+ %rom he $#ene o% hi$ alleged
mi$%ea$an#e (hile he $ame i$ -eing inve$igaed. Th$s %re"enti"e
s$s%ension is distint fro# the ad#inistrati"e %ena'ty of re#o"a' fro#
offie s$h as the one #entioned in Se. /(d5 of P.D. No. /28. While
he %ormer ma! -e im'o$ed on a re$'onden d&ring he inve$igaion o%
he #harge$ again$ him+ he laer i$ he 'enal! (hi#h ma! onl! -e
meed &'on him a he erminaion o% he inve$igaion or he %inal
di$'o$iion o% he #a$e.
(6e0a Sr. v. C!, 128 SCRA 0/7, Darh -,, ,771 @Ro#eroA5
22#. Discuss the Binds of preventive suspension under the &ivil
Service @aw. When may a civil service employee placed under preventive
suspension be entitled to compensation?
Held: There are ;W9 KI:DS 90 (87F7:;IF7 SCS(7:SI9: of i"i'
ser"ie e#%'oyees who are har!ed with offenses %$nisha&'e &y re#o"a'
or s$s%ensionI (,5 'revenive $&$'en$ion pen$ing investigation (Se#*
G0+ Civil Service 'a( E3 No. +:+5 and (15 'revenive $&$'en$ion
pen$ing appeal i% he 'enal! im'o$ed -! he di$#i'lining a&hori! i$
$&$'en$ion or di$mi$$al and+ a%er revie(+ he re$'onden i$ e"oneraed
(Se#ion EF+ 'ar* E, Civil Service 'a( E3 No. +:+5.
Prevenive $&$'en$ion pen$ing investigation i$ no a 'enal!* I
i$ a mea$&re inended o ena-le he di$#i'lining a&hori! o
inve$igae #harge$ again$ re$'onden -! 'revening he laer %rom
inimidaing or in an! (a! in%l&en#ing (ine$$e$ again$ him. If the
investigation is not finished and a decision is not rendered within
that period, the suspension will be lifted and the respondent will
automatically be reinstated. If after investigation respondent is
found innocent of the charges and is e-onerated, he should be
reinstated. 6owever, no compensation was due for the period of
preventive suspension pending investigation. The Ci"i' Ser"ie At of
,7.7 (R.A. No. 11025 %ro"idin! for o#%ensation in s$h a ase one the
res%ondent was e>onerated was re"ised in ,78. and the %ro"ision on the
%ay#ent of sa'aries d$rin! s$s%ension was de'eted.
B& alho&gh i i$ held ha em'lo!ee$ (ho are 'revenivel!
$&$'ended pen$ing investigation are no eniled o he 'a!men o%
heir $alarie$ even i% he! are e"oneraed+ he! are eniled o
#om'en$aion %or he 'eriod o% heir $&$'en$ion pen$ing appeal i%
even&all! he! are %o&nd inno#en.
Prevenive $&$'en$ion pen$ing investigation " " " i$ no a
'enal! -& onl! a mean$ o% ena-ling he di$#i'lining a&hori! o
#ond&# an &nham'ered inve$igaion* On he oher hand+ 'revenive
$&$'en$ion pen$ing appeal i$ a#&all! '&niive alho&gh i i$ in e%%e#
$&-$e)&enl! #on$idered illegal i% re$'onden i$ e"oneraed and he
admini$raive de#i$ion %inding him g&il! i$ rever$ed* Hen#e+ he
$ho&ld -e rein$aed (ih %&ll 'a! %or he 'eriod o% he $&$'en$ion.
(Gloria v. C!, +.R. No. ,-,2,1, A%ri' 1,, ,777, En 3an @DendoJaA5
2"2. What is the doctrine of forgiveness or condonation? Does it
apply to pending criminal cases?
135
Held: ,. A '&-li# o%%i#ial #anno -e removed %or
admini$raive mi$#ond&# #ommied d&ring a PRI3R &ERM + $in#e hi$ REF
E'EC&I3N o o%%i#e o'erae$ a$ a C3ND3N!&I3N o% he o%%i#erD$ 'revio&$
mi$#ond&# o he e"en o% #&ing o%% he righ o remove him
here%or* The %oregoing r&le+ ho(ever+ %ind$ N3 !PP'IC!&I3N &3
CRIMIN!' C!SES 'ending again$ 'eiioner .
(!guinal$o v. Santos, 1,1 SCRA 80/, 88- @,771A5
1. A reele#ed lo#al o%%i#ial ma! no -e held admini$raivel!
a##o&na-le %or mi$#ond&# #ommied d&ring hi$ 'rior erm o% o%%i#e*
The raionale %or hi$ holding i$ ha (hen he ele#orae '& him -a#6
ino o%%i#e+ i i$ 're$&med ha i did $o (ih %&ll 6no(ledge o% hi$
li%e and #hara#er+ in#l&ding hi$ 'a$ mi$#ond&#* I%+ armed (ih $&#h
6no(ledge+ i $ill reele#$ him+ hen $&#h reele#ion i$ #on$idered a
#ondonaion o% hi$ 'a$ mi$deed$.
(Mayor !lvin 6. Garcia v. Hon. !rturo C. Mo0ica et al., +.R. No.
,-72?-, Se%t. ,2, ,777 @P$is$#&in!A5
2"". What are the situations covered by the law on nepotism?
Held: =nder the definition of ne%otis#, one i$ g&il! o%
ne'oi$m i% an a''oinmen i$ i$$&ed in %avor o% a relaive (ihin he
hird #ivil degree o% #on$ang&ini! or a%%ini! o% an! o% he %ollo(ingI
a) a''oining a&hori! G
b) re#ommending a&hori! G
c) #hie% o% he -&rea& or o%%i#e G and
d) 'er$on e"er#i$ing immediae $&'ervi$ion over he a''oinee .
C'ear'y, there are fo$r sit$ations o"ered. In he la$ (o
menioned $i&aion$+ i i$ immaerial (ho he a''oining or
re#ommending a&hori! i$* To #on$i&e a violaion o% he la(+ i
$&%%i#e$ ha an a''oinmen i$ e"ended or i$$&ed in %avor o% a
relaive (ihin he hird #ivil degree o% #on$ang&ini! or a%%ini! o%
he #hie% o% he -&rea& or o%%i#e+ or he 'er$on e"er#i$ing immediae
$&'ervi$ion over he a''oinee.
(CSC v. Pe$ro 3. Dacoycoy, +.R. No. ,-./2., A%ri' 17, ,777, En 3an
@PardoA5
2"2. Distinguish /term1 of office from /tenure1 of the incumbent.
Held: In the 'aw of %$&'i offiers, there is a sett'ed
distintion &etween Eter#F and Eten$re.F E@TAhe ter# of an offie #$st
&e distin!$ished fro# the ten$re of the in$#&ent. The ;78? #eans he
ime d&ring (hi#h he o%%i#er M!? C'!IM &3 H3'D 3==ICE !S 3= RIGH& + and
%i"e$ he inerval a%er (hi#h he $everal in#&m-en$ $hall $&##eed one
anoher. The ;7:C87 re%resents the erm d&ring (hi#h he in#&m-en
!C&/!''? hold$ he o%%i#e . The ter# of offie is not affeted &y the
ho'd;o"er. The ten$re #ay &e shorter than the ter# for reasons within
or &eyond the %ower of the in$#&ent.F (&)elma P. Gamin$e v. C3!, +.R.
No. ,?2--., De. ,-, 1222, En 3an @PardoA5
2"*. Discuss the operation of the rotational plan insofar as the term
of office of the &hairman and ?embers of the &onstitutional &ommissions
is concerned.
Held: In Repu#lic v. Imperial (70 Phi'. 882 @,7..A5, we said
that Ethe o%eration of the rotationa' %'an re:$ires t(o con$itions
#ot) in$ispensa#le to its wor9a&i'ityI (,5 ha he erm$ o% he %ir$
hree /71 Commi$$ioner$ $ho&ld start on a common $ate , and (15 that an!
va#an#! d&e o deah+ re$ignaion or di$a-ili! -e%ore he e"'iraion
o% he erm $ho&ld onl! -e %illed onl! for t)e uneIpire$ #alance of t)e
term.F
Con$e)&enl!+ he erm$ o% he %ir$ Chairmen and Commi$$ioner$
o% he Con$i&ional Commi$$ion$ &nder he 0CBF Con$i&ion m&$
136
start on a common $ate irrespective of t)e variations in t)e $ates of
appointments an$ Hualifications of t)e appointees in order ha he
e"'iraion o% he %ir$ erm$ o% $even+ %ive and hree !ear$ $ho&ld
lead o he regular recurrence of t)e t(oFyear interval -e(een he
e"'iraion o% he erm$.
A''l!ing he %oregoing #ondiion$ " " "+ (e r&le ha he
a''ro'riae starting point of t)e terms of office of t)e first
appointees to t)e Constitutional Commissions un$er t)e 7:.,
Constitution must #e on =e#ruary + 7:., t)e $ate of t)e a$option o%
he 0CBF Con$i&ion* In #a$e o% a -elaed a''oinmen or
)&ali%i#aion+ he inerval -e(een he $ar o% he erm and he
a#&al )&ali%i#aion o% he a''oinee m&$ -e counte$ against t)e
latter. (&)elma P. Gamin$e v. C3!, +.R. No. ,?2--., De. ,-, 1222, En
3an @PardoA5
2"+. What is the hold,over doctrine? What is its purpose?
Held: ,. The one%t of ho'do"er when a%%'ied to a %$&'i
offier im'lie$ ha he o%%i#e ha$ a %i"ed erm and he in#&m-en i$
holding ono he $&##eeding erm* I i$ &$&all! 'rovided -! la( ha
o%%i#er$ ele#ed or a''oined %or a %i"ed erm $hall remain in o%%i#e
no onl! %or ha erm -& &nil heir $&##e$$or$ have -een ele#ed and
)&ali%ied* Where hi$ 'rovi$ion i$ %o&nd+ he o%%i#e doe$ no -e#ome
va#an &'on he e"'iraion o% he erm i% here i$ no $&##e$$or ele#ed
and )&ali%ied o a$$&me i+ -& he 're$en in#&m-en (ill #arr! over
&nil hi$ $&##e$$or i$ ele#ed and )&ali%ied+ even ho&gh i -e -e!ond
he erm %i"ed -! la(.
A&sent an e>%ress or i#%'ied onstit$tiona' or stat$tory
%ro"ision to the ontrary, an offier is entit'ed to stay in offie
$nti' his s$essor is a%%ointed or hosen and has :$a'ified. The
'e!is'ati"e intent of not a''owin! ho'do"er #$st &e 'ear'y e>%ressed
or at 'east i#%'ied in the 'e!is'ati"e enat#ent, otherwise it is
reasona&'e to ass$#e that the 'aw;#a9in! &ody fa"ors the sa#e.
Indeed, he la( a-hor$ a va#&&m in '&-li# o%%i#e$+ and #o&r$
generall! ind&lge in he $rong 're$&m'ion again$ a legi$laive
inen o #reae+ -! $a&e+ a #ondiion (hi#h ma! re$&l in an
e"e#&ive or admini$raive o%%i#e -e#oming+ %or an! 'eriod o% ime+
(holl! va#an or &no##&'ied -! one la(%&ll! a&hori8ed o e"er#i$e i$
%&n#ion$* Thi$ i$ %o&nded on o-vio&$ #on$ideraion$ o% '&-li# 'oli#!+
%or he 'rin#i'le o% holdover i$ $'e#i%i#all! inended o 'reven
'&-li# #onvenien#e %rom $&%%ering -e#a&$e o% a va#an#! and o avoid a
hia&$ in he 'er%orman#e o% governmen %&n#ion$.
('ecaroz v. San$igan#ayan, -2. SCRA -78, Darh 1., ,777, 1
nd
Di".
@3e''osi''oA5
1. The r$'e is sett'ed that &nle$$ 2holding over -e e"'re$$l! or
im'liedl! 'rohi-ied+ he in#&m-en ma! #onin&e o hold over &nil
$omeone el$e i$ ele#ed and )&ali%ied o a$$&me he o%%i#e*3 Thi$ r&le
i$ demanded -! he 2mo$ o-vio&$ re)&iremen$ o% '&-li# 'oli#!+ %or
(iho& i here m&$ %re)&enl! -e #a$e$ (here+ %rom a %ail&re o
ele# or a re%&$al or negle# o )&ali%!+ he o%%i#e (o&ld -e va#an
and he '&-li# $ervi#e enirel! $&$'ended.F Otherwise stated, the
%$r%ose is to %re"ent a hiat$s in the !o"ern#ent %endin! the ti#e when
the s$essor #ay &e hosen and ind$ted into offie. (Galarosa v.
2alencia, 118 SCRA 81/, No". ,,, ,77-, En 3an @Da"ide, *r.A5
2".. What is 87SI5:;I9:? What are the re'uisites of a valid
resignation?
Held: ,. It is he a# o% giving &' or he a# o% an o%%i#er
-! (hi#h he de#line$ hi$ o%%i#e and reno&n#e$ he %&rher righ o &$e
i* I i$ an e"'re$$ion o% he in#&m-en in $ome %orm+ e"'re$$ or
im'lied+ o% he inenion o $&rrender+ reno&n#e+ and relin)&i$h he
o%%i#e and he a##e'an#e -! #om'een and la(%&l a&hori!. To
137
onstit$te a o#%'ete and o%erati"e resi!nation fro# %$&'i offie,
there #$st &eI (a5 an inenion o relin)&i$h a 'ar o% he ermG (&5
an a# o% relin)&i$hmenG and (5 an a##e'an#e -! he 'ro'er
a&hori!. The la$ one i$ re)&ired -! rea$on o% Ari#le 57B o% he
Revise$ Penal Co$e.
(Sangguniang 6ayan of San !n$res Catan$uanes v. C!, 1/? SCRA 180, *an.
,0, ,77/5
1. Resi!nation > > > is a fat$a' :$estion and its elements are
&eyond :$i&&'eI t)ere must #e an intent to resign an$ t)e intent must
#e couple$ #y acts of relinHuis)ment (Gonzales v. Hernan$ez, 1 SCRA 11/
@,70,A5. The "a'idity of a resi!nation is not !o"erned &y any for#a'
re:$ire#ent as to for#. I #an -e oral* I #an -e (rien* I #an -e
e"'re$$* I #an -e im'lied* A$ long a$ he re$ignaion i$ #lear+ i
m&$ -e given legal e%%e#.
(Estra$a v. Desierto, +.R. Nos. ,?08,2;,., Darh 1, 122,, en 3an
@P$noA5
2"). What is abandonment of an office? What are its re'uisites? 6ow
is it distinguished from resignation?
Held: !#an$onment of an office has &een defined as he
vol&nar! relin)&i$hmen o% an o%%i#e -! he holder+ (ih he inenion
o% erminaing hi$ 'o$$e$$ion and #onrol hereo%. Indeed, a&andon#ent
of offie is a $'e#ie$ o% re$ignaionG (hile re$ignaion in general i$
a %ormal relin)&i$hmen+ a-andonmen i$ a vol&nar! relin)&i$hmen
hro&gh non&$er.
A-andonmen $'ring$ %rom and i$ a##om'anied -! DELIBERATION and
9REEDO: o% CHOICE * I$ #on#omian e%%e# i$ ha he %ormer holder o%
an o%%i#e #an no longer legall! re'o$$e$$ i even -! %or#i-le
reo##&'an#!.
C'ear intention to a&andon sho$'d &e #anifested &y the offier
onerned. S$h intention #ay &e e>%ress or inferred fro# his own
ond$t. Th&$+ he %ail&re o 'er%orm he d&ie$ 'eraining o he
o%%i#e m&$ -e (ih he o%%i#erD$ a#&al or im'&ed inenion o
a-andon and relin)&i$h he o%%i#e* A-andonmen o% an o%%i#e i$ no
(holl! a maer o% inenion4 i re$&l$ %rom a #om'lee a-andonmen o%
d&ie$ o% $&#h #onin&an#e ha he la( (ill in%er a relin)&i$hmen*
There%ore+ here are (o e$$enial elemen$ o% a-andonmen4 first an
inenion o a-andon and+ secon$ an over or 2e"ernal3 a# -! (hi#h
he inenion i$ #arried ino e%%e#. (Sangguniang 6ayan of San
!n$res Catan$uanes v. C!, 1/? SCRA 180, *an. ,0, ,77/5
2"%. When may unconsented transfers be considered anathema to security
of tenure?
Held: As he'd in Sta. Maria v. 'opez (-, SCRA 0-8, 0.- itin!
I#anez v. Commission on Elections, L;10../, A%ri' 18, ,708, ,7 SCRA
,221, ,2,1 and Setion ,1 of the &aI Co$e5.
E> > > he r&le ha o&la($ &n#on$ened ran$%er$ a$
anahema o $e#&ri! o% en&re a''lie$ onl! o an o%%i#er (ho i$
APPOINTED N no merel! a$$igned N o a 'ari#&lar $aion* S&#h
a r&le doe$ no 'r<o=$#ri-e a ran$%er #arried o& &nder a
$'e#i%i# $a&e ha em'o(er$ he head o% an agen#! o
'eriodi#all! rea$$ign he em'lo!ee$ and o%%i#er$ in order o
im'rove he $ervi#e o% he agen#!. 6 > >F
The g&aranee o% $e#&ri! o% en&re &nder he Con$i&ion i$ no a
g&aranee o% 'er'e&al em'lo!men* I onl! mean$ ha an em'lo!ee
#anno -e di$mi$$ed /or ran$%erred1 %rom he $ervi#e %or #a&$e$ oher
han ho$e 'rovided -! la( and a%er d&e 'ro#e$$ i$ a##orded he
em'lo!ee* Wha i $ee6$ o 'reven i$ #a'ri#io&$ e"er#i$e o% he 'o(er
o di$mi$$* B& (here i i$ he la(,ma6ing a&hori! i$el% (hi#h
%&rni$he$ he gro&nd %or he ran$%er o% a #la$$ o% em'lo!ee$+ no $&#h
138
#a'ri#io&$ne$$ #an -e rai$ed %or $o long a$ he remed! 'ro'o$ed o #&re
a 'er#eived evil i$ germane o he '&r'o$e$ o% he la(.
(!gripino !. De Guzman 1r. et al. v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,17,,/, *$'y
,7, 1222, En 3an @P$risi#aA5
2"$. Discuss bolition of 9ffice?
Held: The #reaion and a-oliion o% '&-li# o%%i#e$ i$ 'rimaril!
a legi$laive %&n#ion. I i$ a#6no(ledged ha Congre$$ ma! a-oli$h
an! o%%i#e i #reae$ (iho& im'airing he o%%i#erD$ righ o #onin&e
in he 'o$iion held and ha $&#h 'o(er ma! -e e"er#i$ed %or vario&$
rea$on$+ $&#h a$ he la#6 o% %&nd$ or in he inere$ o% e#onom! .
Ho(ever+ in order %or he a-oliion o -e valid+ i m&$ -e made in
good %aih+ no %or 'olii#al or 'er$onal rea$on$+ or in order o
#ir#&mven he #on$i&ional $e#&ri! o% en&re o% #ivil $ervi#e
em'lo!ee$.
An a&o'ition of offie onnotes an intention to do away with s$h
offie who''y and %er#anent'y, as the word Ea&o'ishedF denotes. Where
one o%%i#e i$ a-oli$hed and re'la#ed (ih anoher o%%i#e ve$ed (ih
$imilar %&n#ion$+ he a-oliion i$ a legal n&lli!. Th$s, in /.P.
6oar$ of Regents v. Rasul (122 SCRA 0/. @,77,A5 we saidI
It is tr$e that a "a'id and bona fide a&o'ition of an
offie denies to the in$#&ent the ri!ht to se$rity of ten$re
<De la @lana v. lba, ""2 S&8 2#+ 3"#$24>. Ho(ever+ in hi$
#a$e+ he renaming and re$r&#&ring o% he P>H and i$ #om'onen
&ni$ #anno give ri$e o a valid and #ona fi$e a-oliion o% he
'o$iion o% P>H Dire#or* Thi$ i$ -e#a&$e (here he a-oli$hed
o%%i#e and he o%%i#e$ #reaed in i$ 'la#e have $imilar
%&n#ion$+ he a-oliion la#6$ good %aih (1ose '. Guerrero v.
Hon. !ntonio 2. !riza#al, +.R. No. /,71/, *$ne ?, ,772, ,/0 SCRA
,2/ @,772A5. We here&y a%%'y the %rini%'e en$niated in Cezar
@. Dario v. Hon. Salva$or M. Mison (,80 SCRA /? @,7/7A5 that
a-oliion (hi#h merel! #hange$ he nomen#la&re o% 'o$iion$ i$
invalid and doe$ no re$&l in he removal o% he in#&m-en.
The a-ove no(ih$anding+ and a$$&ming ha he a-oliion
o% he 'o$iion o% he P>H Dire#or and he #reaion o% a UP,P>H
:edi#al Cener Dire#or are valid+ he removal o% he in#&m-en
i$ $ill no .&$i%ied %or he rea$on ha he d&ie$ and
%&n#ion$ o% he (o 'o$iion$ are -a$i#all! he $ame.
This was a'so o$r r$'in! in 5uerrero v. ri=abal <"$) S&8 "2$
3"##24>, wherein we de'ared that the $&-$anial ideni! in he
%&n#ion$ -e(een he (o o%%i#e$ (a$ in$icia o% -ad %aih in he
removal o% 'eiioner '&r$&an o a reorgani8aion. (!leIis C.
Canoniza$o et al. v. Hon. !leIan$er P. !guirre et al., +.R. No.
,--,-1, *an. 1., 1222, En 3an @+onJa!a;ReyesA5
2"#. What is reorgani=ation? When is it valid? When is it invalid?
Held: ,. 87985:ID;I9: ta9es %'ae when there is an aleraion
o% he e"i$ing $r&#&re o% governmen o%%i#e$ or &ni$ herein+
in#l&ding he line$ o% #onrol+ a&hori! and re$'on$i-ili! -e(een
hem . I involve$ a red&#ion o% 'er$onnel+ #on$olidaion o% o%%i#e$+
or a-oliion hereo% -! rea$on o% e#onom! or red&ndan#! o% %&n#ion$.
Nat$ra''y, it #ay res$'t in the 'oss of oneLs %osition thro$!h re#o"a'
or a&o'ition of an offie. <owe"er, %or a reorgani8aion o -e valid+
i m&$ al$o 'a$$ he e$ o% good %aih, 'aid down in Dario v. Mison
(,80 SCRA /? @,7/7A5I
> > > A$ a general r&le+ a reorgani8aion i$ #arried o& in
2good %aih3 i% i i$ %or he '&r'o$e o% e#onom! or o ma6e
-&rea&#ra#! more e%%i#ien* In ha even+ no di$mi$$al /in #a$e
o% di$mi$$al1 or $e'araion a#&all! o##&r$ -e#a&$e he 'o$iion
i$el% #ea$e$ o e"i$* And in ha #a$e+ $e#&ri! o% en&re
139
(o&ld no -e a Chine$e (all. 3e that as it #ay, if the
Ea&o'itionF whih is nothin! e'se &$t a se%aration or re#o"a', is
done for %o'itia' reasons or %$r%ose'y to defeat se$rity of
ten$re, or otherwise not in !ood faith, no "a'id Ea&o'itionF
ta9es %'ae and whate"er Ea&o'itionF is done, is "oid ab initio.
There i$ an invalid 2a-oliion3 a$ (here here i$ merel! a #hange
o% nomen#la&re o% 'o$iion$+ or (here #laim$ o% e#onom! are
-elied -! he e"i$en#e o% am'le %&nd$.
(!leIis C. Canoniza$o et al. v. Hon. !leIan$er P. !guirre et al.,
+.R. No. ,--,-1, *an. 1., 1222, En 3an @+onJa!a;ReyesA5
While he Pre$idenD$ 'o(er o reorgani8e #an no -e denied+ hi$
doe$ no mean ho(ever ha he reorgani8aion i$el% i$ 'ro'erl! made
in a##ordan#e (ih la(* Well,$eled i$ he r&le ha reorgani8aion
i$ regarded a$ valid 'rovided i i$ '&r$&ed in good %aih. Th$s, in
Dario v. Mison, this Co$rt has had the oasion to 'arify thatI
EAs a !enera' r$'e, a reor!aniJation is arried o$t in O!ood
faithL if it is for the %$r%ose of eono#y or to #a9e the
&$rea$ray #ore effiient. In that e"ent no dis#issa' or
se%aration at$a''y o$rs &ea$se the %osition itse'f eases to
e>ist. And in that ase the se$rity of ten$re wo$'d not &e a
Chinese wa''. 3e that as it #ay, if the a&o'ition whih is
nothin! e'se &$t a se%aration or re#o"a', is done for %o'itia'
reasons or %$r%ose'y to defeat se$rity of ten$re, or otherwise
not in !ood faith, no "a'id a&o'ition ta9es %'ae and whate"er
a&o'ition done is "oid ab initio. There is an in"a'id a&o'ition
as where there is #ere'y a han!e of no#en'at$re of %ositions or
where 'ai#s of eono#y are &e'ied &y the e>istene of a#%'e
f$nds.F <"%) S&8 $+>
('arin v. EIecutive Secretary, 1/2 SCRA 8,-, Ot. ,0, ,7785
222. What are the circumstances evidencing bad faith in the removal of
employees as a result of reorgani=ation and which may give rise to a
claim for reinstatement or reappointment>?
Held:
1) Where there is a $igni%i#an in#rea$e in he n&m-er o%
'o$iion$ in he ne( $a%%ing 'aern o% he de'armen or
agen#! #on#ernedG
2) Where an o%%i#e i$ a-oli$hed and anoher 'er%orming
$&-$aniall! he $ame %&n#ion$ i$ #reaedG
3) Where in#&m-en$ are re'la#ed -! ho$e le$$ )&ali%ied in erm$
o% $a&$ o% a''oinmen+ 'er%orman#e and meriG
4) Where there is a re#la$$i%i#aion o% o%%i#e$ in he de'armen
or agen#! #on#erned and he re#la$$i%ied o%%i#e$ 'er%orm
$&-$aniall! he $ame %&n#ion$ a$ he original o%%i#e$G
5) Where the removal violae$ he order o% $e'araion 'rovided in
Se#ion 7 hereo%.
(Se#* 5, R.!. No. ;;5;J 'arin v. EIecutive Secretary, 1/2 SCRA 8,-,
Ot. ,0, ,7785
ELECTION LAWS
22". Discuss the reason behind the principle of ballot secrecy. ?ay
the conduct of e-it polls transgress the sanctity and the secrecy of
the ballot to justify its prohibition?
Held: The reason &ehind the %rini%'e of &a''ot serey is o
avoid voe -&!ing hro&gh voer ideni%i#aion. Th$s, "oters are
%rohi&ited fro# e>hi&itin! the ontents of their offiia' &a''ots to
other %ersons, fro# #a9in! o%ies thereof, or fro# %$ttin!
distin!$ishin! #ar9s thereon so as to &e identified. A'so %rosri&ed
is findin! o$t the ontents of the &a''ots ast &y %arti$'ar "oters or
dis'osin! those of disa&'ed or i''iterate "oters who ha"e &een
140
assisted. C'ear'y, (ha i$ %or-idden i$ he a$$o#iaion o% voer$ (ih
heir re$'e#ive voe$+ %or he '&r'o$e o% a$$&ring ha he voe$ have
-een #a$ in a##ordan#e (ih he in$r&#ion$ o% a hird 'ar!. This
res$'t annot, howe"er, &e ahie"ed #ere'y thro$!h the "otersL "er&a'
and onfidentia' dis'os$re to a %o''ster of who# they ha"e "oted for.
In e"i 'oll$+ he #onen$ o% he o%%i#ial -allo are no
a#&all! e"'o$ed* 9&rhermore+ he revelaion o% (hom an ele#or ha$
voed %or i$ no #om'&l$or!+ -& vol&nar!* Hoer$ ma! al$o #hoo$e no
o reveal heir ideniie$. Indeed, narrow'y tai'ored o$nter#eas$res
#ay &e %resri&ed &y the Co#e'e, so as to #ini#iJe or s$%%ress
inidenta' %ro&'e#s in the ond$t of e>it %o''s, witho$t trans!ressin!
the f$nda#enta' ri!hts of o$r %eo%'e. (!6SFC6N 6roa$casting
Corporation v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,--?/0, *an. 1/, 1222, En 3an
@Pan!ani&anA5
222. Discuss the meaning and purpose of residency re'uirement in
7lection @aw.
Held: ,. The #eanin! and %$r%ose of the resideny re:$ire#ent
were e>%'ained reent'y in o$r deision in !Huino v. Comelec (1?/ SCRA
?22, ?12;?1, @,77.A5, as fo''owsI
6 > > <T=he 'la#e 2(here a 'ar! a#&all! or #on$r&#ivel!
ha$ hi$ 'ermanen home+3 (here he+ no maer (here he ma! -e
%o&nd a an! given ime+ even&all! inend$ o re&rn and remain+
i.e. hi$ domi#ile+ i$ ha o (hi#h he Con$i&ion re%er$ (hen
i $'ea6$ o% re$iden#e %or he '&r'o$e$ o% ele#ion la(. The
#anifest purpose of this de"iation fro# the $s$a' one%tions of
resideny in 'aw as e>%'ained in 5allego v. Fera is Eo e"#l&de
$ranger$ or ne(#omer$ &n%amiliar (ih he #ondiion$ and need$
o% he #omm&ni!3 %rom a6ing advanage o% %avora-le
#ir#&m$an#e$ e"i$ing in ha #omm&ni! %or ele#oral gain.
Whi'e there is nothin! wron! with the %ratie of esta&'ishin!
residene in a !i"en area for #eetin! e'etion 'aw re:$ire#ents,
this nonethe'ess defeats the essene of re%resentation, whih is
to %'ae thro$!h the assent of "oters those #ost o!niJant and
sensiti"e to the needs of a %arti$'ar distrit, if a andidate
fa''s short of the %eriod of resideny #andated &y 'aw for hi# to
:$a'ify. Tha '&r'o$e #o&ld -e o-vio&$l! -e$ me -! individ&al$
(ho have eiher had a#&al re$iden#e in he area %or a given
'eriod or (ho have -een domi#iled in he $ame area eiher -!
origin or -! #hoi#e.
(Marcita Mam#a Perez v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,--7??, Ot. 1/, ,777, En
3an @DendoJaA5
1. The Con$i&ion and he la( re)&ire$ re$iden#e a$ a
)&ali%i#aion %or $ee6ing and holding ele#ive '&-li# o%%i#e+ in order
o give #andidae$ he o''or&ni! o -e %amiliar (ih he need$+
di%%i#&lie$+ a$'iraion$+ 'oenial$ %or gro(h and all maer$ vial
o he (el%are o% heir #on$i&en#ie$4 li6e(i$e+ i ena-le$ he
ele#orae o eval&ae he o%%i#e $ee6er$D )&ali%i#aion$ and %ine$$
%or he .o- he! a$'ire %or. Inas#$h as Viente Y. E#ano has %ro"en
that he, to!ether with his fa#i'y, (,5 had at$a''y resided in a ho$se
he &o$!ht in ,78- in Ca!ayan de Oro CityG (15 had at$a''y he'd offie
there d$rin! his three ter#s as %ro"inia' !o"ernor of Disa#is
Orienta', the %ro"inia' a%ito' &ein! 'oated thereinG and (-5 has
re!istered as "oter in the ity d$rin! the %eriod re:$ired &y 'aw, he
o$'d not &e dee#ed Ea stran!er or newo#erF when he ran for and was
o"erwhe'#in!'y "oted as ity #ayor. E'etion 'aws #$st &e 'i&era''y
onstr$ed to !i"e effet to the %o%$'ar #andate. (&orayno Sr. v.
C3ME'EC, --8 SCRA .8?, A$!. 7, 1222, En 3an @Pan!ani&anA5
-. +enera''y, in re:$irin! andidates to ha"e a #ini#$# %eriod
of residene in the area in whih they see9 to &e e'eted, he
Con$i&ion or he la( inend$ o 'reven he 'o$$i-ili! o% a
2$ranger or ne(#omer &na#)&ained (ih he #ondiion$ and need$ o% a
#omm&ni! and no ideni%ied (ih he laer %rom <$ee6ing= an ele#ive
141
o%%i#e o $erve ha #omm&ni!*3 S&#h 'rovi$ion i$ aimed a e"#l&ding
o&$ider$ 2%rom a6ing advanage o% %avora-le #ir#&m$an#e$ e"i$ing in
ha #omm&ni! %or ele#oral gain*3 E$a-li$hing re$iden#e in a
#omm&ni! merel! o mee an ele#ion la( re)&iremen de%ea$ he
'&r'o$e o% re're$enaion: o ele# hro&gh he a$$en o% voer$ ho$e
mo$ #ogni8an and $en$iive o he need$ o% he #omm&ni!* Thi$
'&r'o$e i$ 2-e$ me -! individ&al$ (ho have eiher had a#&al
re$iden#e in he area %or a given 'eriod or (ho have -een domi#iled in
he $ame area eiher -! origin or -! #hoi#e.F (&orayno Sr. v.
C3ME'EC, --8 SCRA .8?, A$!. 7, 1222, En 3an @Pan!ani&anA5
22*. Does the fact that a person is registered as a voter in one
district prove that he is not domiciled in another district?
Held: The %a# ha a 'er$on i$ regi$ered a$ a voer in one
di$ri# i$ no 'roo% ha he i$ no domi#iled in anoher di$ri#.
Th$s, in =aypon v. Nuirino (70 Phi'. 17? @,7.?A5, this Co$rt he'd that
he regi$raion o% a voer in a 'la#e oher han hi$ re$iden#e o%
origin i$ no $&%%i#ien o #on$ider him o have a-andoned or lo$ hi$
re$iden#e. (Marcita Mam#a Perez v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,--7??, Ot. 1/,
,777, En 3an @DendoJaA5
22+. What is the @one &andidate @aw? What are its salient provisions?
An$(er: The Lone Candidate Law is Repu#lic !ct No. .+:5, enacted
on June ), "##%. Se#ion 5 thereof %ro"ides that EU'on he e"'iraion
o% he deadline %or he %iling o% he #eri%i#ae o% #andida#! in a
$'e#ial ele#ion #alled o %ill a va#an#! in an ele#ive 'o$iion oher
han %or Pre$iden and Hi#e,Pre$iden+ (hen here i$ onl! one /01
)&ali%ied #andidae %or $&#h 'o$iion+ he lone #andidae $hall -e
'ro#laimed ele#ed o he 'o$iion -! 'ro'er 'ro#laiming -od! o% he
Commi$$ion on Ele#ion$ (iho& holding he $'e#ial ele#ion &'on
#eri%i#aion -! he Commi$$ion on Ele#ion$ ha he i$ he onl!
#andidae %or he o%%i#e and i$ here-! deemed ele#ed.F
Se#ion 7 thereof %ro"ides that Ehe lone #andidae $o 'ro#laimed
$hall a$$&me o%%i#e no earlier han he $#hed&led ele#ion da!+ in he
a-$en#e o% an! la(%&l gro&nd o den! d&e #o&r$e or #an#el he
#eri%i#ae o% #andida#! in order o 'reven $&#h 'ro#lamaion+ a$
'rovided %or &nder Se#ion$ IC and FB o% Baa$ Pam-an$a Bilang BB0 al$o
6no(n a$ he Omni-&$ Ele#ion Code.F
22.. Who are dis'ualified to run in a special election under the @one
&andidate @aw?
An$(er: Se#ion E of the Lone Candidate Law %ro"ides that EIn
addiion o he di$)&ali%i#aion$ menioned in Se#ion$ 05 and IB o%
he Omni-&$ Ele#ion Code and Se#ion EJ o% Re'&-li# A# No* F0IJ+
oher(i$e 6no(n a$ he Lo#al >overnmen Code+ (henever he eviden#e o%
g&il i$ $rong, the fo''owin! %ersons are dis:$a'ified to r$n in a
s%eia' e'etion a''ed to fi'' the "aany in an e'eti"e offie, to
witI
a) Any e'eti"e offiia' who has re$igned %rom hi$ o%%i#e -!
a##e'ing an a''oinive o%%i#e or %or (haever rea$on (hi#h he
'revio&$l! o##&'ied -& ha$ #a&$ed o -e#ome va#an d&e o hi$
re$ignaionG and
b) Any %erson who, dire#l! or indire#l!+ #oer#e$+ -ri-e$+
hreaen$+ hara$$e$+ inimidae$ or a#&all! #a&$e$+ in%li#$
or 'rod&#e$ an! violen#e+ in.&r!+ '&ni$hmen+ or&re+ damage+
lo$$ or di$advanage o an! 'er$on or 'er$on$ a$'iring o
-e#ome a #andidae or ha o% he immediae mem-er o% hi$
%amil!+ hi$ honor or 'ro'er! ha i$ mean o eliminae all
oher 'oenial #andidae.F
142
22). What is the purpose of the law in re'uiring the filing of
certificate of candidacy and in fi-ing the time limit therefor?
Held: The e"ident %$r%ose of the 'aw in re:$irin! the fi'in! of
ertifiate of andiday and in fi>in! the ti#e 'i#it therefor areI (a5
o ena-le he voer$ o 6no(+ a lea$ $i"! da!$ -e%ore he reg&lar
ele#ion+ he #andidae$ among (hom he! are o ma6e he #hoi#e, and
(&5 o avoid #on%&$ion and in#onvenien#e in he a-&laion o% he voe$
#a$. 4or if the 'aw did not onfine the hoie or e'etion &y the
"oters to the d$'y re!istered andidates, there #i!ht &e as #any
%ersons "oted for as there are "oters, and "otes #i!ht &e ast e"en for
$n9nown or fititio$s %ersons as a #ar9 to identify the "otes in fa"or
of a andidate for another offie in the sa#e e'etion. (Miran$a v.
!#aya, +.R. No. ,-0-.,, *$'y 1/, ,7775
22%. ?ay a dis'ualified candidate and whose certificate of candidacy
was denied due course andIor canceled by the &omelec be validly
substituted?
Held: E"en on the #ost &asi and f$nda#enta' %rini%'es, it is
readi'y $nderstood that he #on#e' o% a $&-$i&e 're$&''o$e$ he
e"i$en#e o% he 'er$on o -e $&-$i&ed+ %or ho( #an a 'er$on a6e
he 'la#e o% $ome-od! (ho doe$ no e"i$ or (ho never (a$. The Co$rt
has no other hoie &$t to r$'e that in all in$an#e$ en&meraed in
Se#ion FF o% he Omni-&$ Ele#ion Code+ he e"i$en#e o% a valid
#eri%i#ae o% #andida#! $ea$ona-l! %iled i$ a re)&i$ie sine Hua non .
All old+ a di$)&ali%ied #andidae ma! onl! -e $&-$i&ed i% he
had a valid #eri%i#ae o% #andida#! in he %ir$ 'la#e -e#a&$e+ i% he
di$)&ali%ied #andidae did no have a valid and $ea$ona-l! %iled
#eri%i#ae o% #andida#!+ he i$ and (a$ no a #andidae a all* I% a
'er$on (a$ no a #andidae+ he #anno -e $&-$i&ed &nder Se#ion FF
o% he Code. (Miran$a v. !#aya, +.R. No. ,-0-.,, *$'y 1/, ,777, en
3an @De'oA5
22$. Should the votes cast for the substituted candidate be considered
votes for the substitute candidate?
An$(er: Repu#lic !ct No. :--; otherwise 9nown as the =air
Election !ct, %ro"ides in Se#ion 05 thereofI EIn #a$e o% valid
$&-$i&ion$ a%er he o%%i#ial -allo$ have -een 'rined+ he voe$
#a$ %or he $&-$i&ed #andidae$ $hall -e #on$idered a$ $ra! voe$
-& $hall no invalidae he (hole -allo* 9or hi$ '&r'o$e+ he
o%%i#ial -allo$ $hall 'rovide $'a#e$ (here he voer$ ma! (rie he
name o% he $&-$i&e #andidae$ i% he! are voing %or he laer:
Provided+ ho(ever+ ha i% he $&-$i&e #andidae i$ o% he $ame
%amil! name+ hi$ 'rovi$ion $hall no a''l!.F
22#. What is the effect of the filing of certificate of candidacy by
elective officials?
An$(er: C3ME'EC Resolution No. *;*;, %ro#$'!ated Darh ,, 122,,
i#%'e#entin! the =air Election !ct (R.A. No. 72205 %ro"ides in Se#ion
5I thereofI Ean! ele#ive o%%i#ial+ (heher naional or lo#al+ (ho ha$
%iled a #eri%i#ae o% #andida#! %or he $ame or an! oher o%%i#e $hall
no -e #on$idered re$igned %rom hi$ o%%i#e.F
N3&E that Se#ion IF of the 3mni#us Election Co$e and the first
%ro"iso in the third %ara!ra%h of Se#ion 00 of Re'&-li# A# No* BE7I
whih #odified said Setion 08, were e"'re$$l! re'ealed and rendered
ine%%e#ive+ re$'e#ivel!+ -! Se#ion 0E (Re%ea'in! C'a$se5 of &)e =air
Election !ct /R*A* No* CJJI1.
143
2*2. What Bind of /?;78I@ ?IS87(87S7:;;I9:1 is contemplated by
Section %$ of the 9mnibus 7lection &ode as a ground for
dis'ualification of a candidate? Does it include the use of surname?
Held: Therefore, it #ay &e on'$ded that he maerial
mi$re're$enaion #onem'laed -! Se#ion FB o% he 3mni#us Election
Co$e re%er$ o )&ali%i#aion$ %or ele#ive o%%i#e . This on'$sion is
stren!thened &y the fat that the onse:$enes i#%osed $%on a andidate
!$i'ty of ha"in! #ade a fa'se re%resentation in his ertifiate of
andiday are !ra"e C to %re"ent the andidate fro# r$nnin! or, if
e'eted, fro# ser"in!, or to %rose$te hi# for "io'ation of the
e'etion 'aws. It o$'d not ha"e &een the intention of the 'aw to
de%ri"e a %erson of s$h a &asi and s$&stantia' %o'itia' ri!ht to &e
"oted for a %$&'i offie $%on B$st any inno$o$s #ista9e.
<A=$ide %rom he re)&iremen o% maeriali!+ a %al$e
re're$enaion &nder Se#ion FB m&$ #on$i$ o% a 2deli-erae aem'
o mi$lead+ mi$in%orm+ or hide a %a# (hi#h (o&ld oher(i$e render a
#andidae ineligi-le*3 In oher (ord$+ i m&$ -e made (ih an
inenion o de#eive he ele#orae a$ o oneD$ )&ali%i#aion$ %or
'&-li# o%%i#e* The &$e o% a $&rname+ (hen no inended o mi$lead or
de#eive he '&-li# a$ o oneD$ ideni!+ i$ no (ihin he $#o'e o% he
'rovi$ion. (2ictorino Salce$o II v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,-.//0,
A$!. ,0, ,777, En 3an @+onJa!a;ReyesA5
2*". Who has authority to declare failure of elections and the calling
of special election? What are the three instances where a failure of
election may be declared?
Held: The CO:ELECD$ a&hori! o de#lare %ail&re o% ele#ion$ i$
'rovided in o&r ele#ion la($. Se#ion E of RA F0II %ro"ides that he
Comele# $iing en #anc -! a ma.ori! voe o% i$ mem-er$ ma! de#ide+
among oher$+ he de#laraion o% %ail&re o% ele#ion and he #alling o%
$'e#ial ele#ion a$ 'rovided in Se#ion I o% he Omni-&$ Ele#ion Code.
6 > >
There are three instanes where a fai'$re of e'etion #ay &e
de'ared, na#e'y, (a5 the e'etion in any %o''in! %'ae has no -een
held on he dae %i"ed on a##o&n o% force ma0eure violen#e+
errori$m+ %ra&d or oher analogo&$ #a&$e$G (&5 the e'etion in any
%o''in! %'ae has &een $&$'ended -e%ore he ho&r %i"ed -! la( %or he
#lo$ing o% he voing on a##o&n o% force ma0eure violen#e+ errori$m+
%ra&d or oher analogo&$ #a&$e$G or (5 a%er he voing and d&ring he
're'araion and ran$mi$$ion o% he ele#ion re&rn$ or in he #&$od!
or #anva$$ hereo%+ $&#h ele#ion re$&l$ in a %ail&re o ele# on
a##o&n o% force ma0eure violen#e+ errori$m+ %ra&d or oher analogo&$
#a&$e$. In these instanes, there is a res$'tin! fai'$re to e'et.
This is o&"io$s in the first two senarios, where the e'etion was not
he'd and where the e'etion was s$s%ended. !s to t)e t)ir$ scenario
()ere t)e preparation an$ t)e transmission of t)e election returns give
rise to t)e conseHuence of failure to elect it must > > >, -e
iner'reed o mean ha no-od! emerged a$ a (inner.
(6anaga 1r. v. C3ME'EC, --0 SCRA 82,, *$'y -,, 1222, En 3an
@P$is$#&in!A5
2*2. What are the two conditions that must concur before the &9?7@7&
can act on a verified petition seeBing to declare a failure of
election?
Held: 3efore the CODELEC an at on a "erified %etition see9in!
to de'are a fai'$re of e'etion two onditions #$st on$r, na#e'yI
(,5 no voing oo6 'la#e in he 're#in# or 're#in#$ on he dae %i"ed
-! la(+ or even i% here (a$ voing+ he ele#ion re$&led in a %ail&re
o ele#G and (15 he voe$ no #a$ (o&ld have a%%e#ed he re$&l o%
he ele#ion* Noe ha he #a&$e o% $&#h %ail&re o% ele#ion #o&ld
onl! -e an! o% he %ollo(ing: force ma0eure violen#e+ errori$m+ %ra&d
or oher analogo&$ #a&$e$.
144
Th$s, in 6anaga 1r. v. C3ME'EC (--0 SCRA 82,, *$'y -,, 1222, En
3an @P$is$#&in!A5, the SC he'dI
EWe have 'ain$a6ingl! e"amined he 'eiion %iled -!
'eiioner Banaga -e%ore he Comele#* B& (e %o&nd ha 'eiioner
did no allege a all ha ele#ion$ (ere eiher no held or
$&$'ended* Neiher did he aver ha alho&gh here (a$ voing+
no-od! (a$ ele#ed. On the ontrary, he oneded that an e'etion
too9 %'ae for the offie of "ie;#ayor of Parana:$e City, and that
%ri"ate res%ondent was, in fat, %ro'ai#ed e'eted to that %ost.
Whi'e %etitioner ontends that the e'etion was tainted with
wides%read ano#a'ies, it #$st &e noted that o (arran a de#laraion
o% %ail&re o% ele#ion he #ommi$$ion o% %ra&d m&$ -e $&#h ha i
'revened or $&$'ended he holding o% an ele#ion+ or marred %aall!
he 're'araion and ran$mi$$ion+ #&$od! and #anva$$ o% he
ele#ion re&rn$* The$e e$$enial %a#$ o&gh o have -een alleged
#learl! -! he 'eiioner -elo(+ -& he did no.F
2**. &ite instances when &omelec may or may not validly declare
failure of elections.
Held: In Mitmug v. C3ME'EC (1-2 SCRA .? @,77?A5, %etitioner
instit$ted with the CODELEC an action to declare failure of election in
forty;nine %reints where 'ess than a :$arter of the e'etorate were
a&'e to ast their "otes. <e a'so 'od!ed an e'etion %rotest with the
Re!iona' Tria' Co$rt dis%$tin! the res$'t of the e'etion in a''
%reints in his #$nii%a'ity. The Co#e'e denied motu proprio and
witho$t d$e notie and hearin! the %etition to de'are fai'$re of
e'etion des%ite %etitionerLs ar!$#ent that he has #eritorio$s !ro$nds
in s$%%ort thereto, that is #assi"e disenfranhise#ent of "oters d$e to
terroris#. On revie(+ (e r&led ha he Comele# did no gravel! a-&$e
i$ di$#reion in den!ing he 'eiion* I (a$ no 'roven ha no
a#&al voing oo6 'la#e* Neiher (a$ i $ho(n ha even i% here (a$
voing+ he re$&l$ hereon (o&ld -e anamo&n o %ail&re o ele#*
Con$idering ha here i$ no #on#&rren#e o% he #ondiion$ $ee6ing o
de#lare %ail&re o% ele#ion+ here i$ no longer need o re#eive
eviden#e on alleged ele#ion irreg&lariie$.
In Sar$ea v. C3ME'EC (11. SCRA -8? @,77-A5, a'' e'etion
#ateria's and %ara%herna'ia with the #$nii%a' &oard of an"assers were
destroyed &y the sy#%athiJers of the 'osin! #ayora'ty andidate. The
&oard then deided to $se the o%ies of e'etion ret$rns f$rnished to
the #$nii%a' tria' o$rt. Petitioner therein fi'ed a %etition to sto%
the %roeedin!s of the &oard of an"assers on the !ro$nd that it had no
a$thority to $se said e'etion ret$rns o&tained fro# the #$nii%a'
tria' o$rt. The %etition was denied. Ne>t, he fi'ed a %etition
assai'in! the o#%osition of the &oard of an"assers. Des%ite that
%etition, the &oard of an"assers %ro'ai#ed the winnin! andidates.
Later on, %etitioner fi'ed a petition to declare a failure of election
a''e!in! that the attendant fats wo$'d B$stify de'aration of s$h
fai'$re. On revie(+ (e r&led ha 'eiionerD$ %ir$ (o a#ion$
involved 're,'ro#lamaion #onrover$ie$ (hi#h #an no longer -e
enerained a%er he (inning #andidae$ have -een 'ro#laimed*
Regarding he 'eiion o de#lare a %ail&re o% ele#ion+ (e held ha
he de$r&#ion and lo$$ o% #o'ie$ o% ele#ion re&rn$ inended %or he
m&ni#i'al -oard o% #anva$$er$ on a##o&n o% violen#e i$ no one o% he
#a&$e$ ha (o&ld (arran he de#laraion o% %ail&re o% ele#ion* The
rea$on i$ ha voing a#&all! oo6 'la#e a$ $#hed&led and oher valid
ele#ion re&rn$ $ill e"i$ed* :oreover+ he de$r&#ion or lo$$ did
no a%%e# he re$&l o% he ele#ion* We al$o de#lared ha here i$
%ail&re o% ele#ion$ onl! (hen he (ill o% he ele#orae ha$ -een
m&ed and #anno -e a$#erained* I% he (ill o% he 'eo'le i$
deermina-le+ he $ame m&$ a$ %ar a$ 'o$$i-le -e re$'e#ed.
6 > >
145
In 'oong v. C3ME'EC (1.8 SCRA , @,770A5, the %etition for
ann$'#ent of e'etion res$'ts or to de'are fai'$re of e'etions in
Paran!, S$'$, on the !ro$nd of statistia' i#%ro&a&i'ity and #assi"e
fra$d was !ranted &y the CODELEC. E"en &efore the tehnia'
e>a#ination of e'etion do$#ents was ond$ted, the Co#e'e a'ready
o&ser"ed &ad!es of fra$d B$st &y 'oo9in! at the e'etion res$'ts in
Paran!. Ne"erthe'ess, the Co#e'e dis#issed the %etition for ann$'#ent
of e'etion res$'ts or to de'are fai'$re of e'etions in the
#$nii%a'ities of Ta%$', Pan!'i#a Estino, Pata, Siasi and )a'in!!a'an!
Ca'a$a!. The CO:ELEC di$mi$$ed he laer a#ion on gro&nd o%
&nimeline$$ o% he 'eiion+ de$'ie a %inding ha he $ame -adge$ o%
%ra&d eviden %rom he re$&l$ o% he ele#ion -a$ed on he
#eri%i#ae$ o% #anva$$ o% voe$ in Parang are al$o eviden in he
ele#ion re$&l$ o% he %ive menioned m&ni#i'aliie$* We r&led ha
Comele# #ommied grave a-&$e o% di$#reion in di$mi$$ing he 'eiion
a$ here i$ no la( (hi#h 'rovide$ %or a reglemenar! 'eriod o %ile
ann&lmen o% ele#ion$ (hen here i$ !e no 'ro#lamaion* &)e election
resulte$ in a failure to elect on account of frau$. A##ordingl!+ (e
ordered he Comele# o rein$ae he a%ore$aid 'eiion. Those
ir$#stanes, howe"er, are not %resent in this ase, so that re'iane
on @oong &y %etitioner 3ana!a is #is%'aed. (6anaga 1r. v. C3ME'EC,
--0 SCRA 82,, *$'y -,, 1222, En 3an @P$is$#&in!A5
2*+. Is a petition to declare failure of election different from a
petition to annul the election results?
Held: A %rayer to de'are fai'$re of e'etions and a %rayer to
ann$' the e'etion res$'ts > > > are at$a''y o% he $ame na&re.
Wheher an a#ion i$ %or de#laraion o% %ail&re o% ele#ion$ or %or
ann&lmen o% ele#ion re$&l$+ -a$ed on allegaion$ o% %ra&d+
errori$m+ violen#e or analogo&$+ he Omni-&$ Ele#ion Code denominae$
hem $imilarl!.
(6anaga 1r. v. C3ME'EC, --0 SCRA 82,, *$'y -,, 1222, En 3an
@P$is$#&in!A5
2*.. What conditions must concur before the &omelec can act on a
verified petition seeBing to declare a failure of election? Is low
turn,out of voters enough basis to grant the petition?
Held: 3efore CODELEC an at on a "erified %etition see9in! to
de'are a fai'$re of e'etion, two (15 onditions #$st on$rI 0I8S;,
no voing ha$ a6en 'la#e in he 're#in# or 're#in#$ on he dae
%i"ed -! la( or+ even i% here (a$ voing+ he ele#ion neverhele$$
re$&l$ in %ail&re o ele#G and, S7&9:D, he voe$ no #a$ (o&ld
a%%e# he re$&l o% he ele#ion.
There #an -e %ail&re o% ele#ion in a 'olii#al &ni onl! i% he
(ill o% he ma.ori! ha$ -een de%iled and #anno -e a$#erained* B&+
i% i #an -e deermined+ i m&$ -e a##orded re$'e#* A%er all+ here
i$ no 'rovi$ion+ in o&r ele#ion la($+ (hi#h re)&ire$ ha a ma.ori!
o% regi$ered voer$ m&$ #a$ heir voe$* All he la( re)&ire$ i$
ha a (inning #andidae m&$ -e ele#ed -! a 'l&rali! o% valid voe$+
regardle$$ o% he a#&al n&m-er o% -allo$ #a$* Th&$+ even i% le$$
han 5GP o% he ele#orae in he )&e$ioned 're#in#$ #a$ heir
voe$+ he $ame m&$ $ill -e re$'e#ed. (Mitmug v. C3ME'EC, 1-2
SCRA .?, 4e&. ,2, ,77?, En 3an @3e''osi''oA5
2*) Distinguish a petition to declare failure of elections from an
election protest.
Held: Whi'e %etitioner #ay ha"e intended to instit$te an
e'etion %rotest &y %rayin! that said ation #ay a'so &e onsidered an
e'etion %rotest, in o$r "iew, %etitionerLs ation is a %etition to
de'are a fai'$re of e'etions or ann$' e'etion res$'ts. It is not an
e'etion %rotest.
146
4irst, his %etition &efore the Co#e'e was in$i&ed '&r$&an o
Se#ion E o% Re'&-li# A# No* F0II in relaion o Se#ion I o% he
3mni#us Election Co$e. Se#ion E of RA F0II refers to /postponement
failure of election an$ special elections1 whi'e Se#ion I of the
3mni#us Election Co$e re'ates to /failure of election.1 It is si#%'y
a%tioned as /(etition to Declare 0ailure of 7lections andIor 0or
nnulment of 7lections.1
Se#ond+ an ele#ion 'roe$ i$ an ordinar! a#ion (hile a
'eiion o de#lare a %ail&re o% ele#ion$ i$ a $'e#ial a#ion &nder
he 0CC7 Comele# R&le$ o% Pro#ed&re a$ amended* An ele#ion 'roe$ i$
governed -! R&le 5J on ordinar! a#ion$+ (hile a 'eiion o de#lare
%ail&re o% ele#ion$ i$ #overed -! R&le 5I &nder $'e#ial a#ion$.
In this ase, %etitioner fi'ed his %etition as a s%eia' ation
and %aid the orres%ondin! fee therefor. Th$s, the %etition was
do9eted as SPA;7/;-/-. This onfor#s to %etitionerLs ate!oriJation
of his %etition as one to de'are a fai'$re of e'etions or ann$'
e'etion res$'ts. In ontrast, an e'etion %rotest is assi!ned a
do9et n$#&er startin! with EEPC,F #eanin! e'etion %rotest ase.
Third+ 'eiioner did no #om'l! (ih he re)&iremen$ %or %iling
an ele#ion 'roe$* He %ailed o 'a! he re)&ired %iling %ee and #a$h
de'o$i$ %or an ele#ion 'roe$* 9ail&re o 'a! %iling %ee$ (ill no
ve$ he ele#ion ri-&nal .&ri$di#ion over he #a$e* S&#h 'ro#ed&ral
la'$e on he 'ar o% a 'eiioner (o&ld #learl! (arran he o&righ
di$mi$$al o% hi$ a#ion.
9o&rh+ an en #anc de#i$ion o% Comele# in an ordinar! a#ion
-e#ome$ %inal and e"e#&or! a%er hir! /7J1 da!$ %rom i$
'rom&lgaion+ (hile an en #anc de#i$ion in a $'e#ial a#ion -e#ome$
%inal and e"e#&or! a%er %ive /G1 da!$ %rom 'rom&lgaion+ &nle$$
re$rained -! he S&'reme Co&r <&omelec 8ules of (rocedure, 8ule "$,
Section "* 3a4, 3b4>. 9or ha rea$on+ a 'eiion #anno -e reaed a$
-oh an ele#ion 'roe$ and a 'eiion o de#lare %ail&re o% ele#ion$.
9i%h+ he allegaion$ in he 'eiion de#i$ivel! deermine i$
na&re* Peiioner alleged ha he lo#al ele#ion$ %or he o%%i#e o%
vi#e,ma!or in Parana)&e Ci! held on :a! 00+ 0CCB+ denigrae$ he r&e
(ill o% he 'eo'le a$ i (a$ marred (ih (ide$'read anomalie$ on
a##o&n o% voe -&!ing+ %l!ing voer$ and glaring di$#re'an#ie$ in he
ele#ion re&rn$* He averred ha ho$e in#iden$ (arran he
de#laraion o% a %ail&re o% ele#ion$.
+i"en these ir$#stanes, %$&'i res%ondent annot &e said to
ha"e !ra"e'y erred in treatin! %etitionerLs ation as a %etition to
de'are fai'$re of e'etions or to ann$' e'etion res$'ts. (6anaga 1r.
v. C3ME'EC, --0 SCRA 82,, *$'y -,, 1222, En 3an @P$is$#&in!A5
2*%. What are pre,proclamation cases, and e-ceptions thereto? What
&ourt has jurisdiction over pre,proclamation cases?
Held: As a 57:78@ 8C@7, #andidae$ and regi$ered
'olii#al 'arie$ involved in an ele#ion are allo(ed o %ile 're,
'ro#lamaion #a$e$ -e%ore he Comele#* Pre,'ro#lamaion #a$e$ re%er o
an! )&e$ion 'eraining o or a%%e#ing he PROCEEDIN>S o% he BOARD o%
CANHASSERS (hi#h ma! -e rai$ed -! an! #andidae or -! an! regi$ered
'olii#al 'ar! or #oaliion o% 'olii#al 'arie$ -e%ore he -oard or
dire#l! (ih he Commi$$ion+ or an! maer rai$ed &nder Se#ion$ 577+
57E+ 57G and 57I in relaion o he PREPARATION + TRANS:ISSION + RECEIPT +
CUSTOD; and APPRECIATION o% ele#ion re&rn$ (Setion 1?,, 3mni#us
Election Co$e5. The Comele# ha$ E?CLUSIHE MURISDICTION over ALL 're,
'ro#lamaion #onrover$ie$ (Setion 1?1, supra5. As an 7!&7(;I9:,
howe"er, to the !enera' r$'e, Se#ion 0G of Re'&-li# A# F0II 'rohi-i$
#andidae$ in he 're$idenial+ vi#e,'re$idenial+ $enaorial and
#ongre$$ional ele#ion$ %rom %iling 're,'ro#lamaion #a$e$. It statesI
147
ESe#* 0G. (re,(roclamation &ases :ot llowed in 7lections
for (resident, Fice,(resident, Senator, and ?embers of the 6ouse
of 8epresentatives. ; 9or '&r'o$e$ o% he ele#ion$ %or
Pre$iden+ Hi#e,Pre$iden+ Senaor and :em-er o% he Ho&$e o%
Re're$enaive$+ no 're,'ro#lamaion #a$e$ $hall -e allo(ed on
maer$ relaing o he 're'araion+ ran$mi$$ion+ re#ei'+
#&$od! and a''re#iaion o% ele#ion re&rn$ or he #eri%i#ae$
o% #anva$$+ a$ he #a$e ma! -e. Ho(ever+ hi$ doe$ no 're#l&de
he a&hori! o% he a''ro'riae #anva$$ing -od! motu proprio or
&'on (rien #om'lain o% an inere$ed 'er$on o #orre#
mani%e$ error$ in he #eri%i#ae o% #anva$$ or ele#ion re&rn$
-e%ore i.F
The %rohi&ition aim$ o avoid dela! in he 'ro#lamaion o% he (inner
in he ele#ion+ (hi#h dela! migh re$&l in a va#&&m in he$e
$en$iive 'o$$. The 'aw, nonethe'ess, %ro"ides an 7!&7(;I9: ;9 ;67
7!&7(;I9:* The $e#ond $enen#e o% Se#ion 0G allo($ he %iling o%
'eiion$ %or #orre#ion o% M!NI=ES& ERR3RS in he #eri%i#ae o%
#anva$$ or ele#ion re&rn$ even in ele#ion$ %or 're$iden+ vi#e,
're$iden and mem-er$ o% he Ho&$e o% Re're$enaive$ %or he simple
reason ha he #orre#ion o% mani%e$ error (ill no 'rolong he
'ro#e$$ o% #anva$$ing nor dela! he 'ro#lamaion o% he (inner in he
ele#ion. The r$'e is onsistent with and o#%'e#ents the a$thority of
the Co#e'e $nder the Constit$tion to Eenfore and ad#inister a'' 'aws
and re!$'ations re'ati"e to the ond$t of an e'etion, %'e&isite,
initiati"e, referend$# and rea''F <Section 23"4, rticle I!,&, "#$%
&onstitution> and its %ower to Edeide, e>e%t those in"o'"in! the
ri!ht to "ote, a'' :$estions affetin! e'etions.F <Section 23*4,
rticle I!,&, supra> (=e$erico S. San$oval v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No.
,--/?1, *an. 10, 1222 @P$noA5
2*$. Who has authority to rule on petitions for correction of manifest
error in the certificate of canvass or election returns?
Held: The a&hori! o r&le on 'eiion$ %or #orre#ion o%
mani%e$ error i$ ve$ed in he Comelec en #anc . Se#ion F of R&le 5F
of the 7::* C3ME'EC Rules of Proce$ure (too9 effet on 4e&r$ary ,.,
,77-5 %ro"ides that i% he error i$ di$#overed -e%ore 'ro#lamaion+ he
-oard o% #anva$$er$ ma! motu proprio + or &'on veri%ied 'eiion -! an!
#andidae+ 'olii#al 'ar!+ organi8aion or #oaliion o% 'olii#al
'arie$+ a%er d&e noi#e and hearing+ #orre# he error$ #ommied*
The aggrieved 'ar! ma! a''eal he de#i$ion o% he -oard o he
Commi$$ion and $aid a''eal $hall -e heard and de#ided -! he Commi$$ion
en #anc * Se#ion G+ ho(ever+ o% he $ame r&le $ae$ ha a 'eiion
%or #orre#ion o% mani%e$ error ma! -e %iled dire#l! (ih he
Commi$$ion en #anc 'rovided ha $&#h error$ #o&ld no have -een
di$#overed d&ring he #anva$$ing de$'ie he e"er#i$e o% d&e diligen#e
and 'ro#lamaion o% he (inning #andidae had alread! -een made.
(=e$erico S. San$oval v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,--/?1, *an. 10, 1222 @P$noA5
2*#. Distinguish 7lection (rotest from (etition for Auo Warranto.
Held: In Sama$ v. C3ME'EC, we e>%'ained that a PETITION 9OR N/3
B!RR!N&3 &nder he 3mni#us Election Co$e rai$e$ in i$$&e he di$lo!al!
or ineligi-ili! o% he (inning #andidae* I i$ a 'ro#eeding o
&n$ea he re$'onden %rom o%%i#e -& no ne#e$$aril! o in$all he
'eiioner in hi$ 'la#e. An E'EC&I3N PR3&ES& i$ a #one$ -e(een he
de%eaed and (inning #andidae$ on he gro&nd o% %ra&d$ or
irreg&lariie$ in he #a$ing and #o&ning o% he -allo$+ or in he
're'araion o% he re&rn$* I rai$e$ he )&e$ion o% (ho a#&all!
o-ained he 'l&rali! o% he legal voe$ and here%ore i$ eniled o
hold he o%%i#e. (Dumayas 1r. v. C3ME'EC, +.R. Nos. ,?,7.1;.-,
A%ri' 12, 122,, En 3an @P$is$#&in!A5

2+2. What is a counter,protest? When should it be filed?
148
Held: =nder the Comelec Rules of Proce$ure, the 'roe$ee ma!
in#or'orae in hi$ an$(er a #o&ner,'roe$* I ha$ -een $aid ha a
#o&ner,'roe$ i$ anamo&n o a #o&ner#laim in a #ivil a#ion and
ma! -e 're$ened a$ a 'ar o% he an$(er (ihin he ime he i$ re)&ired
o an$(er he 'roe$+ i.e. (ihin %ive /G1 da!$ &'on re#ei' o% he
'roe$+ &nle$$ a moion %or e"en$ion i$ graned+ in (hi#h #a$e i
m&$ -e %iled -e%ore he e"'iraion o% he e"ended ime.
As ear'y as in the ase of !rrieta v. Ro$riguez (.8 Phi'. 8,85,
the SC had fir#'y sett'ed the r$'e that he #o&ner,'roe$ m&$ -e
%iled (ihin he 'eriod 'rovided -! la(+ oher(i$e+ he %or&m lo$e$ i$
.&ri$di#ion o enerain he -elaedl! %iled #o&ner,'roe$.
(")o v. C3ME'EC, 187 SCRA ?0-, Se%t. 1., ,778, En 3an @TorresA5
2+". What is the effect of death of a party in an election protest?
Should it warrant the dismissal of the protest?
Held: An ele#ion 'roe$ involve$ -oh he 'rivae inere$$ o%
he rival #andidae$ and he '&-li# inere$ in he %inal deerminaion
o% he real #hoi#e o% he ele#orae+ and %or hi$ rea$on+ an ele#ion
#one$ ne#e$$aril! $&rvive$ he deah o% he 'roe$an or he
'roe$ee. It is tr$e that a %$&'i offie is %ersona' to the %$&'i
offier and is not a %ro%erty trans#issi&'e to his heirs $%on death,
th$s, $%on the death of the in$#&ent, no heir of his #ay &e a''owed to
ontin$e ho'din! his offie in his %'ae. B& (hile he righ o a
'&-li# o%%i#e i$ 'er$onal and e"#l&$ive o he '&-li# o%%i#er+ an
ele#ion 'roe$ i$ no '&rel! 'er$onal and e"#l&$ive o he 'roe$an
or o he 'roe$ee $&#h ha a%er he deah o% eiher (o&ld o&$ he
#o&r o% all a&hori! o #onin&e he 'roe$ 'ro#eeding$* An
ele#ion #one$+ a%er all+ involve$ no merel! #on%li#ing 'rivae
a$'iraion$ -& i$ im-&ed (ih 'aramo&n '&-li# inere$$* The deah
o% he 'roe$an neiher #on$i&e$ a gro&nd %or he di$mi$$al o% he
#one$ nor o&$$ he rial #o&r o% i$ .&ri$di#ion o de#ide he
ele#ion #one$.
(De Castro v. C3ME'EC, 108 SCRA /20, 4e&. 8, ,7785
2+2. Does the fact that one or a few candidates in an election got
=ero votes in one or a few precincts ade'uately support a finding that
the election returns are statistically improbable?
Held: 9rom e"'erien#e$ in 'a$ ele#ion$+ i i$ 'o$$i-le %or one
#andidae or even a %e( #andidae$ o ge 8ero voe$ in one or a %e(
're#in#$*
Sanding alone and (iho& more+ he -are %a# ha a #andidae
%or '&-li# o%%i#e re#eived 8ero voe$ in one or (o 're#in#$ #an no
ade)&ael! $&''or a %inding ha he $&-.e# ele#ion re&rn$ are
$ai$i#all! im'ro-a-le* A no,voe %or a 'ari#&lar #andidae in
ele#ion re&rn$ i$ -& one $rand in he (e- o% #ir#&m$anial
eviden#e ha ho$e ele#ion re&rn$ (ere 're'ared &nder 2d&re$$+ %or#e
and inimidaion.F In the ase o% /na "i#a$ v. Comelec (1- SCRA .//
@,70/A5, he SC (arned ha he do#rine o% $ai$i#al im'ro-a-ili!
m&$ -e vie(ed re$ri#ivel!+ he &mo$ #are -eing a6en le$ in
'enali8ing he %ra&d&len and #orr&' 'ra#i#e$+ inno#en voer$ -e#ome
di$en%ran#hi$ed, a res$'t whih hard'y o##ends itse'f. Doreo"er, the
dotrine of statistia' i#%ro&a&i'ity in"o'"es a :$estion of fat and a
#ore %r$dentia' a%%roah %rohi&its its deter#ination e- parte.
(!rt)ur 2. 2elayo v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,-.0,-, Darh 7, 1222, En 3an
@P$noA5
2+*. What &ourt has jurisdiction over election protests and 'uo
warranto proceedings involving Sangguniang Kabataan <SK> elections?
Held: An! #one$ relaing o he ele#ion o% mem-er$ o% he
Sangg&niang La-aaan /in#l&ding he #hairman1 N (heher 'eraining o
heir eligi-ili! or he manner o% heir ele#ion N i$ #ogni8a-le -!
149
:TC$+ :CTC$+ and :eTC$. Se#ion I of Comelec Resolution No. +.+4 whih
%ro"ides that #a$e$ involving he eligi-ili! or )&ali%i#aion o% SL
#andidae$ $hall -e de#ided -! he Ci!A:&ni#i'al Ele#ion O%%i#er
(ho$e de#i$ion $hall -e %inal+ a''lie$ onl! o 'ro#eeding$ -e%ore he
ele#ion* Be%ore 'ro#lamaion+ #a$e$ #on#erning eligi-ili! o% SL
o%%i#er$ and mem-er$ are #ogni8a-le -! he Ele#ion O%%i#er* B& a%er
he ele#ion and 'ro#lamaion+ he $ame #a$e$ -e#ome Huo (arranto #a$e$
#ogni8a-le -! :TC$+ :CTC$+ and :eTC$* The di$in#ion i$ -a$ed on he
'rin#i'le ha i i$ he 'ro#lamaion (hi#h mar6$ o%% he .&ri$di#ion
o% he #o&r$ %rom he .&ri$di#ion o% ele#ion o%%i#ial$.
The ase of 1ose M. Merca$o v. 6oar$ of Election Supervisors (1?-
SCRA ?1-, +.R. No. ,278,-, A%ri' 0, ,77.5, in whih this Co$rt r$'ed
that e'etion %rotests in"o'"in! S) e'etions are to &e deter#ined &y
the 3oard of E'etion S$%er"isors was deided $nder the ae!is of
Co#e'e Reso'$tion No. 1?77, whih too9 effet on A$!$st 18, ,771.
Ho(ever+ Comele# Re$ol&ion No* 5B5E+ (hi#h oo6 e%%e# on 9e-r&ar! I+
0CCI and (a$ 'a$$ed '&r$&an o R*A* FBJB+ in relaion o Ar$* 5G5,5G7
o% he Omni-&$ Ele#ion Code+ ha$ $in#e ran$%erred he #ogni8an#e o%
$&#h #a$e$ %rom he Board o% Ele#ion S&'ervi$or$ o he :TC$+ :CTC$
and :eTC$. Th$s, the dotrine of ?ercado is no 'on!er ontro''in!.
(=rancis "ing '. MarHuez v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,18-,/, A$!. 1., ,777, En
3an @P$risi#aA5
THE LAW O9 PUBLIC CORPORATIONS
2++. What is an autonomous region?
An$(er: An C;9:9?9CS 875I9: #on$i$$ o% 'rovin#e$+ #iie$+
m&ni#i'aliie$+ and geogra'hi#al area$ $haring #ommon and di$in#ive
hi$ori#al and #&l&ral heriage+ e#onomi# and $o#ial $r&#&re$+ and
oher relevan #hara#eri$i#$ (ihin he %rame(or6 o% he Con$i&ion
and he naional $overeign! a$ (ell a$ he erriorial inegri! o%
he Re'&-li# o% he Phili''ine$. (Se#* 0G+ Ar* ?+ 7:., Constitution5
2+.. What are administrative regions? re they considered territorial
and political subdivisions of the State? Who has the power to create
administrative regions?
Held: D?I:IS;8;IF7 875I9:S are mere gro&'ing$ o% #onig&o&$
'rovin#e$ %or admini$raive '&r'o$e$* The! are no erriorial and
'olii#al $&-divi$ion$ li6e 'rovin#e$+ #iie$+ m&ni#i'aliie$ and
-aranga!$ . While he 'o(er o merge admini$raive region$ i$ no
e"'re$$l! 'rovided %or in he Con$i&ion+ i i$ a 'o(er (hi#h ha$
radiionall! -een lodged (ih he Pre$iden o %a#iliae he e"er#i$e
o% he 'o(er o% general $&'ervi$ion over lo#al governmen$.
(!##as v. C3ME'EC, ,87 SCRA 1/8, No". ,2, ,7/7, En 3an @CortesA5
2+). Is there a conflict between the power of the (resident to merge
administrative regions with the constitutional provision re'uiring a
plebiscite in the merger of local government units?
Held: There i$ no #on%li# -e(een he 'o(er o% he Pre$iden o
merge admini$raive region$ (ih he #on$i&ional 'rovi$ion
re)&iring a 'le-i$#ie in he merger o% lo#al governmen &ni$ -e#a&$e
he re)&iremen o% a 'le-i$#ie in a merger e"'re$$l! a''lie$ onl! o
'rovin#e$+ #iie$+ m&ni#i'aliie$ or -aranga!$+ no o admini$raive
region$. (!##as v. C3ME'EC, ,87 SCRA 1/8, No". ,2, ,7/7, En 3an
@CortesA5
2+%. What is the ?etropolitan ?anila Development uthority <??D>? Is
it a local government unit or public corporation endowed with
legislative power? ?ay it validly e-ercise police power? 6ow is it
distinguished from the former ?etro ?anila &ouncil <??&> created under
(D :o. $2+?
150
Held: ?7;89(9@I;: or ?7;89 ?:I@ is a #o$y compose$ of several
local government units G i.e. (elve /051 #iie$ and %ive /G1
m&ni#i'aliie$ " " "* Bit) t)e passage of Repu#lic !ct No. ,:+4 in
7::5 Metropolitan Manila (as $eclare$ as a Cspecial $evelopment an$
a$ministrative regionM an$ t)e !$ministration of Cmetro(i$eM #asic
services affecting t)e region place$ un$er Ca $evelopment aut)orityM
referre$ to as t)e MMD!.
The governing #oar$ of t)e MMD! is t)e Metro Manila Council. The
Co&n#il i$ #om'o$ed o% he ma!or$ o% he #om'onen 05 #iie$ and G
m&ni#i'aliie$+ he 're$iden o% he :ero :anila Hi#e,:a!or$D Leag&e
and he 're$iden o% he :ero :anila Co&n#ilor$D Leag&e* The Co&n#il
i$ headed -! a Chairman (ho i$ a''oined -! he Pre$iden and ve$ed
(ih he ran6 o% #a-ine mem-er* A$ he 'oli#!,ma6ing -od! o% he
::DA+ he :ero :anila Co&n#il a''rove$ mero,(ide 'lan$+ 'rogram$ and
'ro.e#$+ and i$$&e$ he ne#e$$ar! r&le$ and reg&laion$ %or he
im'lemenaion o% $aid 'lan$4 i a''rove$ he ann&al -&dge o% he ::DA
and 'rom&lgae$ he r&le$ and reg&laion$ %or he deliver! o% -a$i#
$ervi#e$+ #olle#ion o% $ervi#e and reg&laor! %ee$+ %ine$ and
'enalie$. 6 > >
C'ear'y, the so%e of the DDDALs f$ntion is 'i#ited to the
de'i"ery of the se"en (85 &asi ser"ies. One of these is trans%ort
and traffi #ana!e#ent > > >.
It wi'' &e noted that the %owers of the DDDA are 'i#ited to the
fo''owin! atsI %orm&laion+ #oordinaion+ reg&laion+ im'lemenaion+
're'araion+ managemen+ monioring+ $eing o% 'oli#ie$+ in$allaion
o% a $!$em and admini$raion* &)ere is no sylla#le in R.!. No. ,:+4
t)at grants t)e MMD! police po(er let alone legislative po(er. Even
he :ero :anila Co&n#il ha$ no -een delegaed an! legi$laive 'o(er*
Unli6e he legi$laive -odie$ o% he lo#al governmen &ni$+ here i$
no 'rovi$ion in R*A* No* FC5E ha em'o(er$ he ::DA or i$ Co&n#il 2o
ena# ordinan#e$+ a''rove re$ol&ion$ and a''ro'riae %&nd$ %or he
general (el%are3 o% he inha-ian$ o% :ero :anila* The ::DA i$ " " "
a 2develo'men a&hori!*3 I i$ an agen#! #reaed %or he '&r'o$e o%
la!ing do(n 'oli#ie$ and #oordinaing (ih he vario&$ naional
governmen agen#ie$+ 'eo'leD$ organi8aion$+ non,governmenal
organi8aion$ and he 'rivae $e#or %or he e%%i#ien and e"'ediio&$
deliver! o% -a$i# $ervi#e$ in he va$ mero'olian area* !ll its
functions are a$ministrative in nature and he$e are a#&all! $&mmed &'
in he #harer i$el% > > >.
Secondly, the ??D is not the same entity as the ??& in
Sangalang. lthough the ??& is the forerunner of the present ??D, an
e-amination of (residential Decree :o. $2+, the charter of the ??&,
shows that the latter possessed greater powers which were not bestowed
on the present ??D.
Detro%o'itan Dani'a was first reated in ,78. &y Presidentia'
Deree No. /1?. It o#%rised the +reater Dani'a Area o#%osed of the
onti!$o$s fo$r (?5 ities of Dani'a, P$eJon, Pasay and Ca'ooan, and
the thirteen (,-5 #$nii%a'ities > > >. Detro%o'itan Dani'a was
reated as a res%onse to the findin! that the ra%id !rowth of
%o%$'ation and the inrease of soia' and eono#i re:$ire#ents in
these areas de#and a a'' for si#$'taneo$s and $nified de"e'o%#entG
that the %$&'i ser"ies rendered &y the res%eti"e 'oa' !o"ern#ents
o$'d &e ad#inistered #ore effiient'y and eono#ia''y if inte!rated
$nder a syste# of entra' %'annin!G and this oordination, Ees%eia''y
in the #aintenane of %eae and order and the eradiation of soia' and
eono#i i''s that fanned the f'a#es of re&e''ion and disontent @wereA
%art of the refor# #eas$res $nder Dartia' Law essentia' to the safety
and se$rity of the State.F
?etropolitan ?anila was established as a /pu#lic corporation1 > >
>.
151
&)e a$ministration of Metropolitan Manila (as place$ un$er t)e
Metro Manila Commission 8MMC9 - - -.
;he ??& was the /central government1 of ?etro ?anila for the
%$r%ose of esta&'ishin! and ad#inisterin! %ro!ra#s %ro"idin! ser"ies
o##on to the area. As a Eentra' !o"ern#entF it had the %ower to 'e"y
and o''et ta>es and s%eia' assess#ents, the %ower to har!e and
o''et feesG the %ower to a%%ro%riate #oney for its o%eration, and at
the sa#e ti#e, re"iew a%%ro%riations for the ity and #$nii%a' $nits
within its B$risdition. It was &estowed the %ower to enat or a%%ro"e
ordinanes, reso'$tions and fi> %ena'ties for "io'ation of s$h
ordinanes and reso'$tions. It a'so had the %ower to re"iew, a#end,
re"ise or re%ea' a'' ordinanes, reso'$tions and ats of any of the > >
> ities and > > > #$nii%a'ities o#%risin! Detro Dani'a.
6 > >
&)e creation of t)e MMC also carrie$ (it) it t)e creation of t)e
Sangguniang 6ayan. Thi$ (a$ #om'o$ed o% he mem-er$ o% he #om'onen
#i! and m&ni#i'al #o&n#il$+ -aranga! #a'ain$ #ho$en -! he ::C and
$e#oral re're$enaive$ a''oined -! he Pre$iden* The Sangguniang
6ayan had he 'o(er o re#ommend o he ::C he ado'ion o% ordinan#e$+
re$ol&ion$ or mea$&re$* It (as t)e MMC itself )o(ever t)at
possesse$ legislative po(ers. All ordinan#e$+ re$ol&ion$ and mea$&re$
re#ommended -! he Sangguniang 6ayan (ere $&-.e# o he ::CD$
a''roval* :oreover+ he 'o(er o im'o$e a"e$ and oher levie$+ he
'o(er o a''ro'riae mone!+ and he 'o(er o 'a$$ ordinan#e$ or
re$ol&ion$ (ih 'enal $an#ion$ (ere ve$ed e"#l&$ivel! in he ::C.
&)us Metropolitan Manila )a$ a Ccentral governmentM i.e. t)e
MMC ()ic) fully possesse$ legislative an$ police po(ers. B)atever
legislative po(ers t)e component cities an$ municipalities )a$ (ere all
su#0ect to revie( an$ approval #y t)e MMC.
fter (resident &ora=on 'uino assumed power, there was a 'a#or
to restore the a$tono#y of the 'oa' !o"ern#ent $nits in Detro Dani'a.
<ene, Setions , and 1 of Arti'e 6 of the ,7/8 Constit$tion > > >.
The Constit$tion, howe"er, reo!niJed the neessity of reatin!
#etro%o'itan re!ions not on'y in the e>istin! Nationa' Ca%ita' Re!ion
&$t a'so in %otentia' e:$i"a'ents in the Visayas and Dindanao. 6 > >
The Constit$tion itse'f e>%ress'y %ro"ides that Con!ress #ay, &y
'aw, reate Es%eia' #etro%o'itan %o'itia' s$&di"isionsF whih sha''
&e s$&Bet to a%%ro"a' &y a #aBority of the "otes ast in a %'e&isite
in the %o'itia' $nits diret'y affetedG the B$risdition of this
s$&di"ision sha'' &e 'i#ited to &asi ser"ies re:$irin! oordinationG
and the ities and #$nii%a'ities o#%risin! this s$&di"ision sha''
retain their &asi a$tono#y and their own 'oa' e>e$ti"e and
'e!is'ati"e asse#&'ies <Section "", rticle !, "#$% &onstitution>.
Pendin! enat#ent of this 'aw, the Transitory Pro"isions of the
Constit$tion !a"e the President of the Phi'i%%ines the %ower to
onstit$te the Detro%o'itan A$thority > > >.
In ,772, President A:$ino iss$ed E>e$ti"e Order No. -71 and
onstit$ted the Detro%o'itan Dani'a A$thority (DDA5. The %owers and
f$ntions of the DDC were de"o'"ed to the DDA. It o$!ht to &e
stressed, howe"er, that not a'' %owers and f$ntions of the DDC were
%assed to the DDA. The ::AD$ 'o(er (a$ limied o he 2deliver! o%
-a$i# &r-an $ervi#e$ re)&iring #oordinaion in :ero'olian :anila*3
The ::AD$ governing -od!+ he :ero'olian :anila Co&n#il+ alho&gh
#om'o$ed o% he ma!or$ o% he #om'onen #iie$ and m&ni#i'aliie$+ (a$
merel! given he 'o(er o%: (,5 %orm&laion o% 'oli#ie$ on he deliver!
o% -a$i# $ervi#e$ re)&iring #oordinaion and #on$olidaionG and (15
'rom&lgaion o% re$ol&ion$ and oher i$$&an#e$+ a''roval o% a #ode o%
-a$i# $ervi#e$ and he e"er#i$e o% i$ r&le,ma6ing 'o(er.F
Cnder the "#$% &onstitution, the 'oa' !o"ern#ent $nits &ea#e
%ri#ari'y res%onsi&'e for the !o"ernane of their res%eti"e %o'itia'
s$&di"isions. The MM!>s 0uris$iction (as limite$ o addre$$ing #ommon
152
'ro-lem$ involving -a$i# $ervi#e$ ha ran$#ended lo#al -o&ndarie$*
It $i$ not )ave legislative po(er. I$ 'o(er (a$ merel! o 'rovide he
lo#al governmen &ni$ e#hni#al a$$i$an#e in he 're'araion o% lo#al
develo'men 'lan$* An! $em-lan#e o% legi$laive 'o(er i had (a$
#on%ined o a 2revie( <o%= legi$laion 'ro'o$ed -! he lo#al
legi$laive a$$em-lie$ o en$&re #on$i$en#! among lo#al governmen$
and (ih he #om'rehen$ive develo'men 'lan o% :ero :anila+3 and o
2advi$e he lo#al governmen$ a##ordingl!.F
B)en R.!. No. ,:+4 tooA effect Metropolitan Manila #ecame a
Cspecial $evelopment an$ a$ministrative regionM an$ t)e MMD! a Cspecial
$evelopment aut)orityM ()ose functions (ere C(it)out pre0u$ice to t)e
autonomy of t)e affecte$ local government units.M &)e c)aracter of t)e
MMD! (as clearly $efine$ in t)e legislative $e#ates enacting its
c)arter.
6 > >
Clearly t)e MMD! is not a political unit of government. The
'o(er delegaed o he ::DA i$ ha given o he :ero :anila Co&n#il
o 'rom&lgae admini$raive r&le$ and reg&laion$ in he
im'lemenaion o% he ::DAD$ %&n#ion$* &)ere is no grant of aut)ority
to enact or$inances an$ regulations for t)e general (elfare of t)e
in)a#itants of t)e metropolis. Thi$ (a$ e"'li#il! $aed in he la$
Commiee deli-eraion$ 'rior o he -illD$ 're$enaion o Congre$$. 6
> >
It is t)us #eyon$ $ou#t t)at t)e MMD! is not a local government
unit or a pu#lic corporation en$o(e$ (it) legislative po(er. I i$ no
even a 2$'e#ial mero'olian 'olii#al $&-divi$ion3 a$ #onem'laed in
Se#ion 00+ Ari#le ? o% he Con$i&ion* The #reaion o% a 2$'e#ial
mero'olian 'olii#al $&-divi$ion3 re)&ire$ he a''roval -! a ma.ori!
o% he voe$ #a$ in a 'le-i$#ie in he 'olii#al &ni$ dire#l!
a%%e#ed* R*A* No* FC5E (a$ no $&-mied o he inha-ian$ o% :ero
:anila in a 'le-i$#ie* The Chairman o% he ::DA i$ no an o%%i#ial
ele#ed -! he 'eo'le+ -& a''oined -! he Pre$iden (ih he ran6 and
'rivilege$ o% a #a-ine mem-er* In %a#+ 'ar o% hi$ %&n#ion i$ o
'er%orm $&#h oher d&ie$ a$ ma! -e a$$igned o him -! he Pre$iden
(herea$ in lo#al governmen &ni$+ he Pre$iden merel! e"er#i$e$
$&'ervi$or! a&hori!* Thi$ em'ha$i8e$ he a$ministrative c)aracter o%
he ::DA.
Clearly t)en t)e MMC un$er P.D. No. .+4 is not t)e same entity
as t)e MMD! un$er R.!. No. ,:+4. /nliAe t)e MMC t)e MMD! )as no po(er
to enact or$inances for t)e (elfare of t)e community. It is the 'oa'
!o"ern#ent $nits, atin! thro$!h their res%eti"e 'e!is'ati"e o$ni's
that %ossess 'e!is'ati"e %ower and %o'ie %ower. In the ase at &ar,
the San!!$nian! Pan'$n!sod of Da9ati City did not %ass any ordinane or
reso'$tion orderin! the o%enin! of Ne%t$ne Street, hene, its %ro%osed
o%enin! &y %etitioner DDDA is i''e!a' > > >. (MMD! v. 6elF!ir 2illage
!ssociation Inc., -1/ SCRA /-0, Darh 18, 1222, ,
st
Di". @P$noA5
2+$. Discuss the concept of local autonomy.
Held: C;9:9?G is eiher $ecentralization of a$ministration or
$ecentralization of po(er. There is $ecentralization of a$ministration
when he #enral governmen delegae$ admini$raive 'o(er$ o
'olii#al $&-divi$ion$ in order o -roaden he -a$e o% governmen and
in he 'ro#e$$ o ma6e lo#al governmen$ more re$'on$ive and
a##o&na-le+ and en$&re heir %&lle$ develo'men a$ $el%,relian
#omm&niie$ and ma6e hem more e%%e#ive 'arner$ in he '&r$&i o%
naional develo'men and $o#ial 'rogre$$. At the sa#e ti#e, it
re'ie"es the entra' !o"ern#ent of the &$rden of #ana!in! 'oa' affairs
and ena&'es it to onentrate on nationa' onerns. The Pre$iden
e"er#i$e$ general $&'ervi$ion over hem+ -& onl! o en$&re ha lo#al
a%%air$ are admini$ered a##ording o la(* He ha$ no #onrol over
heir a#$ in he $en$e ha he #an $&-$i&e heir .&dgmen$ (ih hi$
o(n.
153
Decentralization of po(er, on the other hand, involve$ an
a-di#aion o% 'olii#al 'o(er in %avor o% lo#al governmen &ni$
de#lared a&onomo&$* In ha #a$e+ he a&onomo&$ governmen i$ %ree
o #har i$ o(n de$in! and $ha'e i$ o(n %&&re (ih minim&m
inervenion %rom #enral a&horiie$. ccording to a constitutional
author, decentrali=ation of power amounts to /self,immolation,1 since
in that event, the autonomous government becomes accountable not to the
central authorities but to its constituency.
('im#ona v. Mangelin, ,82 SCRA 8/0, 4e&. 1/, ,7/7, En 3an @Sar#ientoA5
2+#. What Bind of local autonomy is contemplated by the &onstitution?
What about the Bind of autonomy contemplated insofar as the autonomous
regions are concerned?
Held: ,. The %rini%'e of 'oa' a$tono#y $nder the ,7/8
Constit$tion si#%'y #eans Ede#enrali8aion.F I doe$ no ma6e lo#al
governmen$ $overeign (ihin he $ae or an 2im'eri&m in im'erio*3
Remaining o -e an inra $overeign $&-divi$ion o% one $overeign naion+
-& no inended+ ho(ever+ o -e an imperium in imperioM he lo#al
governmen &ni i$ a&onomo&$ in he $en$e ha i i$ given more
'o(er$+ a&hori!+ re$'on$i-iliie$ and re$o&r#e$. Power whih $sed to
&e hi!h'y entra'iJed in Dani'a, is there&y deonentrated, ena&'in!
es%eia''y the %eri%hera' 'oa' !o"ern#ent $nits to de"e'o% not on'y at
their own %ae and disretion &$t a'so with their own reso$res and
assets. (!lvarez v. Guingona 1r., 1.1 SCRA 07., *an. -,, ,770, En
3an @<er#osisi#aA5
1. The #on$i&ional g&aranee o% lo#al a&onom! in he
Con$i&ion re%er$ o he !DMINIS&R!&I2E AUTONO:; o% lo#al governmen
&ni$ or+ #a$ in more e#hni#al lang&age+ he de#enrali8aion o%
governmen a&hori!.
On he oher hand+ he #reaion o% a&onomo&$ region$ in :&$lim
:indanao and he Cordillera$+ (hi#h i$ 'e#&liar o he 0CBF
Con$i&ion+ #onem'lae$ he gran o% P3'I&IC!' a&onom! and no .&$
admini$raive a&onom! o he$e region$. Th$s, the %ro"ision in the
Constit$tion for an a$tono#o$s re!iona' !o"ern#ent with a &asi
str$t$re onsistin! of an e>e$ti"e de%art#ent and a 'e!is'ati"e
asse#&'y and s%eia' o$rts with %ersona', fa#i'y and %ro%erty 'aw
B$risdition in eah of the a$tono#o$s re!ions.
(Cor$illera 6roa$ Coalition v. C3!, ,/, SCRA ?7., *an. 17, ,772, En
3an @CortesA5
2.2. Whether or not the Internal 8evenue allotments <I8s> are to be
included in the computation of the average annual income of a
municipality for purposes of its conversion into an independent
component city?
Held: ;ES. The IRA$ are iem$ o% in#ome -e#a&$e he! %orm 'ar
o% he gro$$ a##reion o% he %&nd$ o% he lo#al governmen &ni* The
IRA$ reg&larl! and a&omai#all! a##r&e o he lo#al rea$&r! (iho&
need o% an! %&rher a#ion on he 'ar o% he lo#al governmen &ni .
The! h&$ #on$i&e in#ome (hi#h he lo#al governmen #an invaria-l!
rel! &'on a$ he $o&r#e o% m&#h needed %&nd$.
6 > >
@TAo reiterate, IRAs are a re!$'ar, re$rrin! ite# of ino#eG
ni' is there a &asis, too, to 'assify the sa#e as a s%eia' f$nd or
transfer, sine IRAs ha"e a tehnia' definition and #eanin! a'' its
own as $sed in the Loa' +o"ern#ent Code that $ne:$i"oa''y #a9es it
distint fro# s%eia' f$nds or transfers referred to when the Code
s%ea9s of Ef$ndin! s$%%ort fro# the nationa' !o"ern#ent, its
instr$#enta'ities and !o"ern#ent;owned or ontro''ed or%orations.F
154
Th$s, De%art#ent of 4inane Order No. -.;7- orret'y
ena%s$'iJes the f$'' i#%ort of the a&o"e dis:$isition when it defined
ANN=AL INCODE to &e Ere"en$es and reei%ts rea'iJed &y %ro"ines,
ities and #$nii%a'ities fro# re!$'ar so$res of the Loa' +enera'
4$nd including the internal revenue allotment and other shares %ro"ided
for in Setions 1/?, 172 and 17, of the Code, &$t e>'$si"e of non;
re$rrin! reei%ts, s$h as other nationa' aids, !rants, finania'
assistane, 'oan %roeeds, sa'es of fi>ed assets, and si#i'ar othersF.
S$h order, onstit$tin! e>e$ti"e or onte#%oraneo$s onstr$tion of a
stat$te &y an ad#inistrati"e a!eny har!ed with the tas9 of
inter%retin! and a%%'yin! the sa#e, is entit'ed to f$'' res%et and
sho$'d &e aorded !reat wei!ht &y the o$rts, $n'ess s$h onstr$tion
is 'ear'y shown to &e in shar% onf'it with the Constit$tion, the
!o"ernin! stat$te, or other 'aws. (!lvarez v. Guingona 1r., 1.1 SCRA
07., *an. -,, ,770, En 3an @<er#osisi#a, *r., *.A5
2.". State the importance of drawing with precise stroBes the
territorial boundaries of a local government unit.
Held: The i#%ortane of drawin! with %reise stro9es the
territoria' &o$ndaries of a 'oa' $nit of !o"ern#ent annot &e
o"ere#%hasiJed. The -o&ndarie$ m&$ -e #lear %or he! de%ine he
limi$ o% he erriorial .&ri$di#ion o% a lo#al governmen &ni* I
#an legiimael! e"er#i$e 'o(er$ o% governmen onl! (ihin he limi$
o% i$ erriorial .&ri$di#ion* Be!ond he$e limi$+ i$ a#$ are
ultra vires. Needle$$ o $ae+ an! &n#erain! in he -o&ndarie$ o%
lo#al governmen &ni$ (ill $o( #o$l! #on%li#$ in he e"er#i$e o%
governmenal 'o(er$ (hi#h &limael! (ill 're.&di#e he 'eo'leD$
(el%are. This is the e"i' so$!ht to &e a"oided &y the Loa'
+o"ern#ent Code in re:$irin! that the 'and area of a 'oa' !o"ern#ent
$nit #$st &e s%e''ed o$t in #etes and &o$nds, with tehnia'
desri%tions. (Mariano 1r. v. C3ME'EC, 1?1 SCRA 1,,, 1,8;1,7, Dar. 8,
,77., En 3an @P$noA5
2.2. 8.. %$.+ was enacted converting the ?unicipality of ?aBati into
a highly urbani=ed city. Section 2 thereof did not provide for a
cadastral type of description of its boundary but merely provided that
the boundary of the new city of ?aBati shall be the boundary of the
present municipality of ?aBati. (etitioners contended in a petition
brought the S& that 8.. %$.+ was defective because it did not comply
with the re'uirement in the @ocal 5overnment &ode that /the territorial
jurisdiction of newly created or converted cities should be described
by metes and bounds, with technical descriptions.1 :ote that at the
time the law was enacted, there was a pending boundary dispute between
?aBati and one of its neighbors, ;aguig, before the regular court.
Should the contention be upheld?
Held: +i"en the fats of the ases at &enh, we annot %erei"e
how this e"i' ($nertainty in the &o$ndaries of 'oa' !o"ern#ent $nits
wi'' sow ost'y onf'its in the e>erise of !o"ern#ent %owers whih
$'ti#ate'y wi'' %reB$die the %eo%'eLs we'fare5 an &e &ro$!ht a&o$t &y
the desri%tion #ade in Setion 1 of R.A. No. 8/.?. Peiioner$ have
no demon$raed ha he delineaion o% he land area o% he 'ro'o$ed
Ci! o% :a6ai (ill #a&$e #on%&$ion a$ o i$ -o&ndarie$* We noe ha
$aid delineaion did no #hange even -! an in#h he land area
'revio&$l! #overed -! :a6ai a$ a m&ni#i'ali!* Se#ion 5 did no add+
$&-ra#+ divide+ or m&li'l! he e$a-li$hed land area o% :a6ai* In
lang&age ha #anno -e an! #learer+ Se#ion 5 $aed ha he #i!D$
land area 2$hall #om'ri$e he present errior! o% he m&ni#i'ali! .F
The deli-eraion$ o% Congre$$ (ill reveal ha here i$ a
legiimae rea$on (h! he land area o% he 'ro'o$ed Ci! o% :a6ai (a$
no de%ined -! mee$ and -o&nd$+ (ih e#hni#al de$#ri'ion$* A he
ime o% he #on$ideraion o% R*A* No* FBGE+ he erriorial di$'&e
-e(een he m&ni#i'aliie$ o% :a6ai and Tag&ig over 9or Boni%a#io (a$
&nder #o&r liigaion* O& o% a -e#oming $en$e o% re$'e# o a #o,
e)&al de'armen o% governmen+ he legi$laor$ %el ha he di$'&e
155
$ho&ld -e le% o he #o&r$ o de#ide* The! did no (an o %ore#lo$e
he di$'&e -! ma6ing a legi$laive %inding o% %a# (hi#h #o&ld de#ide
he i$$&e* Thi$ (o&ld have en$&ed i% he! de%ined he land area o% he
'ro'o$ed #i! -! i$ e"a# mee$ and -o&nd$+ (ih e#hni#al
de$#ri'ion$ . We a6e .&di#ial noi#e o% he %a# ha Congre$$ ha$
al$o re%rained %rom &$ing he mee$ and -o&nd$ de$#ri'ion o% he land
area o% oher lo#al governmen &ni$ (ih &n$eled -o&ndar! di$'&e$.
We hold ha he e"i$en#e o% a -o&ndar! di$'&e doe$ no per se
're$en an in$&rmo&na-le di%%i#&l! (hi#h (ill 'reven Congre$$ %rom
de%ining (ih rea$ona-le #eri&de he erriorial .&ri$di#ion o% a
lo#al governmen &ni* In he #a$e$ a -en#h+ Congre$$ mainained he
e"i$ing -o&ndarie$ o% he 'ro'o$ed Ci! o% :a6ai -& a$ an a# o%
%airne$$+ made hem $&-.e# o he &limae re$ol&ion -! he #o&r$.
Considerin! these %e$'iar ir$#stanes, we are not %re%ared to ho'd
that Setion 1 of R.A. No. 8/.? is $nonstit$tiona'. We s$stain the
s$&#ission of the So'iitor +enera' in this re!ard, vi=N
E+oin! now to Setions 8 and ?.2 of the Loa' +o"ern#ent
Code, it is &eyond a"i' that the re:$ire#ent started therein,
vi=N Othe territoria' B$risdition of new'y reated or on"erted
ities sho$'d &e desri&ed &y #etes and &o$nds, with tehnia'
desri%tionsF C was #ade in order to %ro"ide a #eans &y whih the
area of said ities #ay &e reasona&'y asertained. In other
words, he re)&iremen on mee$ and -o&nd$ (a$ mean merel! a$ a
ool in he e$a-li$hmen o% lo#al governmen &ni$* I i$ no
an end in i$el%* Ergo $o long a$ he erriorial .&ri$di#ion
o% a #i! ma! -e rea$ona-l! a$#erained+ i*e*+ -! re%erring o
#ommon -o&ndarie$ (ih neigh-oring m&ni#i'aliie$+ a$ in hi$
#a$e+ hen+ i ma! -e #on#l&ded ha he legi$laive inen
-ehind he la( ha$ -een $&%%i#ienl! $erved.
Certain'y, Con!ress did not intend that 'aws reatin! new
ities #$st ontain therein detai'ed tehnia' desri%tions
si#i'ar to those a%%earin! in Torrens tit'es, as %etitioners see#
to i#%'y. To re:$ire s$h desri%tion in the 'aw as a ondition
sine 'ua non for its "a'idity wo$'d &e to defeat the "ery %$r%ose
whih the Loa' +o"ern#ent Code see9s to ser"e. The #anifest
intent of the Code is to e#%ower 'oa' !o"ern#ent $nits and to
!i"e the# their ri!htf$' d$e. It see9s to #a9e 'oa' !o"ern#ents
#ore res%onsi"e to the needs of their onstit$ents whi'e at the
sa#e ti#e ser"in! as a "ita' o! in nationa' de"e'o%#ent. To
in"a'idate R.A. No. 8/.? on the #ere !ro$nd that no adastra'
ty%e of desri%tion was $sed in the 'aw wo$'d ser"e the 'etter
&$t defeat the s%irit of the Code. It then &eo#es a ase of the
#aster ser"in! the s'a"e, instead of the other way aro$nd. This
o$'d not &e the intend#ent of the 'aw.F 6 > >
(Mariano 1r. v. C3ME'EC, 1?1 SCRA 1,,, 1,8;1,7, Dar. 8, ,77., En 3an
@P$noA5
2.*. What is the meaning of /D7F9@C;I9:1?
An$(er: The ter# ED7F9@C;I9:F refers to the a# -! (hi#h he
Naional governmen #on%er$ 'o(er and a&hori! &'on he vario&$ lo#al
governmen &ni$ o 'er%orm $'e#i%i# %&n#ion$ and re$'on$i-iliie$.
(Se#* 0F<e=+ 5
nd
'ar*+ 'ocal Government Co$e5
2.+. 6ave the powers of the @and ;ransportation 9ffice <@;9> to
register, tricycles in particular, as well as to issue licenses for the
driving thereof, been devolved liBewise to local government units?
Held: Onl! he 'o(er$ o% he Land Tran$'oraion 9ran#hi$ing
Reg&laor! Board /LT9RB1 o reg&lae he o'eraion o% ri#!#le$,%or,
hire and o gran %ran#hi$e$ %or he o'eraion hereo% have -een
devolved o lo#al governmen$ &nder he Lo#al >overnmen Code. C'ear'y
$naffeted &y the Loa' +o"ern#ent Code are the %owers of the LTO $nder
R.A. No. ?,-0 re:$irin! the re!istration of a'' 9inds of #otor "ehi'es
156
E$sed or o%erated on or $%on any %$&'i hi!hwayF in the o$ntry. This
an &e !'eaned fro# the e>%'iit 'an!$a!e of the stat$te itse'f, as
we'' as the orres%ondin! !$ide'ines iss$ed &y the DOTC. In fat, e"en
the %ower of L+=s to re!$'ate the o%eration of triy'es and to !rant
franhises for the o%eration thereof is sti'' s$&Bet to the !$ide'ines
%resri&ed &y the DOTC. ('&3 v. City of 6utuan, +.R. No. ,-,.,1, *an.
12, 1222, -
rd
Di". @Vit$!A5
2... Distinguish the power to grant a license or permit to do business
and the power to issue a license to engage in the practice of a
particular profession.
Held: Distintion #$st &e #ade &etween the gran o% a li#en$e or
'ermi o do -&$ine$$ and the i$$&an#e o% a li#en$e o engage in he
'ra#i#e o% a 'ari#&lar 'ro%e$$ion. (,5 The %ir$ i$ &$&all! graned
-! he lo#al a&horiie$ and he $e#ond i$ i$$&ed -! he Board or
Commi$$ion a$6ed o reg&lae he 'ari#&lar 'ro%e$$ion. (15 A
-&$ine$$ 'ermi a&hori8e$ he 'er$on+ na&ral or oher(i$e+ o engage
in -&$ine$$ or $ome %orm o% #ommer#ial a#ivi!* A 'ro%e$$ional
li#en$e+ on he oher hand+ i$ he gran o% a&hori! o a na&ral
'er$on o engage in he 'ra#i#e or e"er#i$e o% hi$ or her 'ro%e$$ion.
In the ase at &ar, what is so$!ht &y %etitioner (Ae&edo O%tia'
Co#%any, In.5 fro# res%ondent City Dayor is a %er#it to en!a!e in the
&$siness of r$nnin! an o%tia' sho%. It does not %$r%ort to see9 a
'iense to en!a!e in the %ratie of o%to#etry as a or%orate &ody or
entity, a'tho$!h it does ha"e in its e#%'oy, %ersons who are d$'y
'iensed to %ratie o%to#etry &y the 3oard of E>a#iners in O%to#etry.
6 > >
In the %resent ase, the o&Beti"e of the i#%osition of s$&Bet
onditions on %etitionerLs &$siness %er#it o$'d &e attained &y
re:$irin! the o%to#etrists in %etitionerLs e#%'oy to %rod$e a "a'id
ertifiate of re!istration as o%to#etrists, fro# the 3oard of
E>a#iners in O%to#etry. A -&$ine$$ 'ermi i$ i$$&ed 'rimaril! o
reg&lae he #ond&# o% -&$ine$$ and he Ci! :a!or #anno+ hro&gh he
i$$&an#e o% $&#h 'ermi+ reg&lae he 'ra#i#e o% a 'ro%e$$ion+ li6e
ha o% o'omer!* S&#h a %&n#ion i$ (ihin he e"#l&$ive domain o%
he admini$raive agen#! $'e#i%i#all! em'o(ered -! la( o $&'ervi$e
he 'ro%e$$ion+ in hi$ #a$e he Pro%e$$ional Reg&laion$ Commi$$ion
and he Board o% E"aminer$ in O'omer!. (!ce#e$o 3ptical Company
Inc. v. C!, -17 SCRA -,?, Darh -,, 1222, En 3an @P$risi#aA5
2.). ?ay a local government unit validly authori=e an e-propriation of
private property through a mere resolution of its lawmaBing body?
Held: The Lo#al >overnmen Code e"'re$$l! and #learl! re)&ire$
an ORDINANCE or a LOCAL LAW %or ha '&r'o$e* A re$ol&ion ha merel!
e"'re$$e$ he $enimen or o'inion o% he :&ni#i'al Co&n#il (ill no
$&%%i#e. The ase of Province of Camarines Sur v. Court of !ppeals
whih he'd that a #ere reso'$tion #ay s$ffie to s$%%ort the e>erise
of e#inent do#ain &y a 'oa' !o"ern#ent $nit is no in 'oin -e#a&$e
he a''li#a-le la( a ha ime (a$ B*P* 77F+ he 'revio&$ Lo#al
>overnmen Code+ (hi#h had 'rovided ha a mere re$ol&ion (o&ld ena-le
an L>U o e"er#i$e eminen domain* In #onra$+ R*A* F0IJ+ he 're$en
Lo#al >overnmen Code+ e"'li#il! re)&ired an ordinan#e %or hi$
'&r'o$e. (Municipality of ParanaHue v. 2.M. Realty Corp., 171 SCRA
08/, *$'y 12, ,77/ @Pan!ani&anA5
2.%. What are the re'uisites before a @ocal 5overnment Cnit can
validly e-ercise the power of eminent domain?
Held:
157
1) An 3RDIN!NCE is enated &y the 'oa' 'e!is'ati"e o$ni'
a&hori8ing he lo#al #hie% e"e#&ive, in &eha'f of the L+=,
o e"er#i$e he 'o(er o% eminen domain or '&r$&e
e"'ro'riaion 'ro#eeding$ over a 'ari#&lar 'rivae 'ro'er!G
2) The %ower of e#inent do#ain is e"er#i$ed %or '&-li# &$e+
'&r'o$e or (el%are+ or %or he -ene%i o% he 'oor and he
landle$$G
3) There is 'a!men o% .&$ #om'en$aion, as re:$ired $nder
Setion 7, Arti'e III of the Constit$tion, and other
%ertinent 'awsG
4) A valid and de%inie o%%er ha$ -een 'revio&$l! made o he
o(ner o% he 'ro'er! $o&gh o -e e"'ro'riaed+ -& $aid
o%%er (a$ no a##e'ed.
(Municipality of ParanaHue v. 2.M. Realty Corp., 171 SCRA 08/, *$'y 12,
,77/ @Pan!ani&anA5
2.$. ?ay the Sangguniang (anlalawigan validly disapprove a resolution
or ordinance of a municipality calling for the e-propriation of private
property to be made site of a 0armers &enter and 9ther 5overnment
Sports 0acilities on the ground that said /e-propriation is unnecessary
considering that there are still available lots of the municipality for
the establishment of a government center1?
Held: =nder the Loa' +o"ern#ent Code, the San!!$nian!
Pan'a'awi!an is !ranted the %ower to de'are a #$nii%a' reso'$tion
in"a'id on the so'e !ro$nd that it is &eyond the %ower of the
San!!$nian! 3ayan or Dayor to iss$e. As he'd in 2elazco v. 6las (+.R.
No. L;-2?.0, *$'y -2, ,7/1, ,,. SCRA .?2, .??;.?.5, EThe onl! gro&nd
&'on (hi#h a 'rovin#ial -oard ma! de#lare an! m&ni#i'al re$ol&ion+
ordinan#e or order invalid i$ (hen $&#h re$ol&ion+ ordinan#e+ or order
i$ Q-e!ond he 'o(er$ #on%erred &'on he #o&n#il or 're$iden ma6ing
he $ame.L A strit'y 'e!a' :$estion is &efore the %ro"inia' &oard in
its onsideration of a #$nii%a' reso'$tion, ordinane, or order. The
'rovin#ial -oardD$ di$a''roval o% an! re$ol&ion+ ordinan#e+ or order
m&$ -e 'remi$ed $'e#i%i#all! &'on he %a# ha $&#h re$ol&ion+
ordinan#e+ or order i$ o&$ide he $#o'e o% he legal 'o(er$ #on%erred
-! la(* I% a 'rovin#ial -oard 'a$$e$ he$e limi$+ i &$&r'$ he
legi$laive %&n#ion$ o% he m&ni#i'al #o&n#il or 're$iden. S$h has
&een the onsistent o$rse of e>e$ti"e a$thority.F (Mo$ay v. C!, 10/
SCRA ./0, 4e&. 12, ,7785
2.#. Cnder Section $, rticle ! of the &onstitution, /3;4he term of
office of elective local officials - - - shall be three years and no
such official shall serve for more than three consecutive terms.1 6ow
is this term limit for elective local officials to be interpreted?
Held: The ter# 'i#it for e'eti"e 'oa' offiia's #$st &e ta9en
to refer to the rig)t to #e electe$ as (ell as t)e rig)t to serve in
t)e same elective position. Conse:$ent'y, i i$ no eno&gh ha an
individ&al ha$ $erved hree #on$e#&ive erm$ in an ele#ive lo#al
o%%i#e+ he m&$ al$o have -een E'EC&ED o he $ame 'o$iion %or he
$ame n&m-er o% ime$ -e%ore he di$)&ali%i#aion #an a''l!.
(6or0a 1r. v. C3ME'EC an$ Capco 1r., +.R. No. ,--?7., Se%t. -,
,77/, 17. SCRA ,.8, En 3an @DendoJaA5
Case No. 7. Suppose is a vice,mayor who becomes mayor by
reason of the death of the incumbent. Si- months before the ne-t
election, he resigns and is twice elected thereafter. &an he run again
for mayor in the ne-t election?
!ns(er< ;e$+ -e#a&$e alho&gh he ha$ alread! %ir$ $erved a$
ma!or -! $&##e$$ion and $&-$e)&enl! re$igned %rom o%%i#e -e%ore he
%&ll erm e"'ired+ he ha$ no a#&all! $erved hree %&ll erm$ in all
%or he '&r'o$e o% a''l!ing he erm limi* Under Ar* ?+ Se#* B+
vol&nar! ren&n#iaion o% he o%%i#e i$ no #on$idered a$ an
inerr&'ion in he #onin&i! o% hi$ $ervi#e %or he %&ll erm onl! i%
he erm i$ one 2%or (hi#h he (a$ ele#ed.F Sine A is on'y o#%'etin!
158
the ser"ie of the ter# for whih the deeased and not he was e'eted,
A annot &e onsidered to ha"e o#%'eted one ter#. <is resi!nation
onstit$tes an interr$%tion of the f$'' ter#.
Case No. +. Suppose E is elected ?ayor and, during his first
term, he is twice suspended for misconduct for a total of " year. If
he is twice reelected after that, can he run for one more term in the
ne-t election?
!ns(er< ;e$+ -e#a&$e he ha$ $erved onl! (o %&ll erm$
$&##e$$ivel!*
In -oh #a$e$+ he ma!or i$ eniled o r&n %or reele#ion
-e#a&$e he (o #ondiion$ %or he a''li#aion o% he di$)&ali%i#aion
'rovi$ion$ have no #on#&rred+ namel!+ ha he lo#al o%%i#ial
#on#erned ha$ -een ele#ed hree #on$e#&ive ime$ and ha he ha$
%&ll! $erved hree #on$e#&ive erm$* In he %ir$ #a$e+ even i% he
lo#al o%%i#ial i$ #on$idered o have $erved hree %&ll erm$
no(ih$anding hi$ re$ignaion -e%ore he end o% he %ir$ erm+ he
%a# remain$ ha he ha$ no -een ele#ed hree ime$* In he $e#ond
#a$e+ he lo#al o%%i#ial ha$ -een ele#ed hree #on$e#&ive ime$+ -&
he ha$ no %&ll! serve$ hree #on$e#&ive erm$ .
Case No. *. ;he case of vice,mayor & who becomes mayor by
succession involves a total failure of the two conditions to concur for
the purpose of applying rt. !, Sec. $. Suppose he is twice elected
after that term, is he 'ualified to run again in the ne-t election?
!ns(er< Yes, &ea$se he was not e'eted to the offie of #ayor
in the first ter# &$t si#%'y fo$nd hi#se'f thr$st into it &y o%eration
of 'aw. Neither had he ser"ed the f$'' ter# &ea$se he on'y ontin$ed
the ser"ie, interr$%ted &y the death, of the deeased #ayor. (6or0a
1r. v. C3ME'EC an$ Capco 1r., +.R. No. ,--?7., Se%t. -, ,77/, 17. SCRA
,.8, En 3an @DendoJaA5
2)2. What are the policies embodied in the constitutional provision
barring elective local officials, with the e-ception of barangay
officials, from serving more than three consecutive terms?
Held: To %re"ent the esta&'ish#ent of %o'itia' dynasties is not
the on'y %o'iy e#&odied in the onstit$tiona' %ro"ision in :$estion
(&arrin! e'eti"e 'oa' offiia's, with the e>e%tion of &aran!ay
offiia's, fro# ser"in! #ore than three onse$ti"e ter#s5. The other
%o'iy is that of enhanin! the freedo# of hoie of the %eo%'e. To
onsider, therefore, on'y stay in offie re!ard'ess of how the offiia'
onerned a#e to that offie C whether &y e'etion or &y s$ession &y
o%eration of 'aw C wo$'d &e to disre!ard one of the %$r%oses of the
onstit$tiona' %ro"ision in :$estion. (6or0a 1r. v. C3ME'EC an$ Capco
1r., +.R. No. ,--?7., Se%t. -, ,77/, 17. SCRA ,.8, En 3an @DendoJaA5
2)". @on=anida was previously elected and served two consecutive terms
as mayor of San ntonio, Dambales prior to the ?ay "##. mayoral
elections. In the ?ay "##. elections he again ran for mayor of San
ntonio, Dambales and was proclaimed winner. 6e assumed office and
discharged the rights and duties of mayor until ?arch "##$ when he was
ordered to vacate the post by reason of the &9?7@7& decision on the
election protest against him which declared his opponent Juan lve= the
duly elected mayor. lve= served the remaining portion of the "##.,
"##$ mayoral term. Is @on=anida still 'ualified to run for mayor of
San ntonio, Dambales in the ?ay "##$ local elections?
Held: The two re:$isites for the a%%'iation of the three ter#
r$'e were a&sent. =irst, Lon8anida #anno -e #on$idered a$ having -een
d&l! ele#ed o he 'o$ in he :a! 0CCG ele#ion$, and seond, he did
no %&ll! $erve he 0CCG,0CCB ma!oral erm -! rea$on o% invol&nar!
relin)&i$hmen o% o%%i#e. A%er a re,a''re#iaion and revi$ion o% he
#one$ed -allo$ he CO:ELEC i$el% de#lared -! %inal .&dgmen ha
159
Lon8anida lo$ in he :a! 0CCG ma!oral ele#ion$ and hi$ 'revio&$
'ro#lamaion a$ (inner (a$ de#lared n&ll and void* Hi$ a$$&m'ion o%
o%%i#e a$ ma!or #anno -e deemed o have -een -! rea$on o% a valid
ele#ion -& -! rea$on o% a void 'ro#lamaion* I ha$ -een re'eaedl!
held -! he SC ha a 'ro#lamaion $&-$e)&enl! de#lared void i$ no
'ro#lamaion a all and (hile a 'ro#laimed #andidae ma! a$$&me o%%i#e
on he $rengh o% he 'ro#lamaion o% he Board o% Canva$$er$ he i$
onl! a 're$&m'ive (inner (ho a$$&me$ o%%i#e $&-.e# o he %inal
o&#ome o% he ele#ion 'roe$* Lon8anida did no $erve a erm a$
ma!or o% San Anonio+ @am-ale$ %rom :a! 0CCG o :ar#h 0CCB -e#a&$e he
(a$ no d&l! ele#ed o he 'o$G he #ere'y ass$#ed offie as
%res$#%ti"e winner, whih %res$#%tion was 'ater o"ert$rned &y the
CODELEC when it deided with fina'ity that LonJanida 'ost in the Day
,77. #ayora' e'etions.
Secon$, Lon8anida #anno -e deemed o have $erved he :a! 0CCG o
0CCB erm -e#a&$e he (a$ ordered o va#ae hi$ 'o$ -e%ore he
e"'iraion o% he erm* Hi$ o''onen$D #onenion ha Lon8anida
$ho&ld -e deemed o have $erved one %&ll erm %rom :a! 0CCG,0CCB
-e#a&$e he $erved he greaer 'orion o% ha erm ha$ no legal -a$i$
o $&''or i4 i di$regard$ he $e#ond re)&i$ie %or he a''li#aion
o% he di$)&ali%i#aion+ i.e. ha he ha$ %&ll! $erved hree
#on$e#&ive erm$. The seond sentene of the onstit$tiona' %ro"ision
$nder sr$tiny states, EHol&nar! ren&n#iaion o% o%%i#e for any lengt)
of time $hall no -e #on$idered a$ an inerr&'ion in he #onin&i! o%
$ervi#e %or he %&ll erm %or (hi#h he (a$ ele#ed.F The 'ear intent
of the fra#ers of the Constit$tion to &ar any atte#%t to ir$#"ent the
three;ter# 'i#it &y a "o'$ntary ren$niation of offie and at the sa#e
ti#e res%et the %eo%'eLs hoie and !rant their e'eted offiia' f$''
ser"ie of a ter# is e"ident in this %ro"ision. Vo'$ntary ren$niation
of a ter# does not ane' the reno$ned ter# in the o#%$tation of the
three ter# 'i#itG on"erse'y, in"o'$ntary se"erane fro# offie for any
'en!th of ti#e short of the f$'' ter# %ro"ided &y 'aw a#o$nts to an
interr$%tion of ontin$ity of ser"ie. LonJanida "aated his %ost a
few #onths &efore the ne>t #ayora' e'etions, not &y "o'$ntary
ren$niation &$t in o#%'iane with the 'e!a' %roess of writ of
e>e$tion iss$ed &y the CODELEC to that effet. S&#h invol&nar!
$everan#e %rom o%%i#e i$ an inerr&'ion o% #onin&i! o% $ervi#e and
h&$+ Lon8anida did no %&ll! $erve he 0CCG,0CCB ma!oral erm.
In s$#, Lon8anida (a$ not he d&l! ele#ed ma!or and ha he did
not hold o%%i#e %or he %&ll erm4 hen#e+ hi$ a$$&m'ion o% o%%i#e %rom
:a! 0CCG o :ar#h 0CCB #anno -e #o&ned a$ a erm %or '&r'o$e$ o%
#om'&ing he hree erm limi. ('onzani$a v. C3ME'EC, -,, SCRA 021,
*$'y 1/, ,777, En 3an @+onJa!a;ReyesA5
2)2. ?ay the (resident validly withhold a portion of the internal
revenue allotments of @ocal 5overnment Cnits legally due them by
administrative fiat?
Held: The Con$i&ion ve$$ he Pre$iden (ih he 'o(er o%
$&'ervi$ion+ no #onrol+ over lo#al governmen &ni$ /L>U$1. S$h
%ower ena&'es hi# to see to it that L+=s and their offiia's e>e$te
their tas9s in aordane with 'aw. While he ma! i$$&e advi$orie$ and
$ee6 heir #oo'eraion in $olving e#onomi# di%%i#&lie$+ he #anno
'reven hem %rom 'er%orming heir a$6$ and &$ing availa-le re$o&r#e$
o a#hieve heir goal$* He ma! no (ihhold or aler an! a&hori! or
'o(er given hem -! he la(* Th&$+ he (ihholding o% a 'orion o%
inernal reven&e allomen$ legall! d&e hem #anno -e dire#ed -!
admini$raive %ia.
6 > >
Se#ion E of !3 *,+ #anno > > > -e &'held . A -a$i# %ea&re o%
lo#al %i$#al a&onom! i$ he automatic relea$e o% he $hare$ o% L>U$ in
he Naional inernal reven&e* Thi$ i$ mandaed -! no le$$ han he
Con$i&ion . The Lo#al >overnmen Code 8Sec. +.;DaE9 $'e#i%ie$
%&rher ha he relea$e $hall -e made dire#l! o he L>U #on#erned
160
(ihin %ive /G1 da!$ a%er ever! )&arer o% he !ear and Cs)all not #e
su#0ect to any lien or )ol$#acA t)at may #e impose$ #y t)e national
government for ()atever purpose.M A$ a r&le+ he erm 2$hall3 i$ a
(ord o% #ommand ha m&$ -e given a #om'&l$or! meaning*3 The
'rovi$ion i$+ here%ore+ im'eraive.
Setion ? of AO -81, howe"er, orders the withho'din!, effeti"e
*an$ary ,, ,77/, of ,2 %erent of the L+=sL IRA E%endin! the assess#ent
and e"a'$ation &y the De"e'o%#ent 3$d!et Coordinatin! Co##ittee of the
e#er!in! fisa' sit$ationF in the o$ntry. S&#h (ihholding #learl!
#onravene$ he Con$i&ion and he la(* Alho&gh+ em'orar!+ i i$
e)&ivalen o a hold-a#6+ (hi#h mean$ 2$omehing held -a#6 or (ihheld.
Often te#%orari'y.F Hen#e+ he 2em'orar!3 na&re o% he reenion -!
he naional governmen doe$ no maer* An! reenion i$ 'rohi-ied.
In $&m+ (hile Se#ion 0 o% AO 7F5 ma! -e &'held a$ an advi$or!
e%%e#ed in ime$ o% naional #ri$i$+ Se#ion E hereo% ha$ no #olor o%
validi! a all* The laer 'rovi$ion e%%e#ivel! en#roa#he$ on he
%i$#al a&onom! o% lo#al governmen$. Coneded'y, the President was
we'';intentioned in iss$in! his Order to withho'd the L+=sL IRA, &$t
the r$'e of 'aw re:$ires that e"en the &est intentions #$st &e arried
o$t within the %ara#eters of the Constit$tion and the 'aw. Veri'y,
'a$da&'e %$r%oses #$st &e arried o$t &y 'e!a' #ethods. (Pimentel 1r.
v. !guirre, +.R. No. ,-17//, --0 SCRA 12,, *$'y ,7, 1222, En 3an
@Pan!ani&anA5
2)*. What is meant by fiscal autonomy of @ocal 5overnments? Does it
rule out in any manner national government intervention by way of
supervision in order to ensure that local programs are consistent with
national goals?
Held: Under e"i$ing la(+ lo#al governmen &ni$+ in addiion o
having admini$raive a&onom! in he e"er#i$e o% heir %&n#ion$+
en.o! %i$#al a&onom! a$ (ell* 9i$#al a&onom! mean$ ha lo#al
governmen$ have he 'o(er o #reae heir o(n $o&r#e$ o% reven&e in
addiion o heir e)&ia-le $hare in he naional a"e$ relea$ed -! he
naional governmen+ a$ (ell a$ he 'o(er o allo#ae heir re$o&r#e$
in a##ordan#e (ih heir o(n 'rioriie$* I e"end$ o he 're'araion
o% heir -&dge$+ and lo#al o%%i#ial$ in &rn have o (or6 (ihin he
#on$rain$ hereo%* The! are no %orm&laed a he naional level and
im'o$ed on lo#al governmen$+ (heher he! are relevan o lo#al need$
and re$o&r#e$ or no. <ene, the neessity of a &a'anin! of
"iew%oints and the har#oniJation of %ro%osa's fro# &oth 'oa' and
nationa' offiia's, who in any ase are %artners in the attain#ent of
nationa' !oa's.
Lo#al %i$#al a&onom! doe$ no+ ho(ever+ r&le o& an! manner o%
naional governmen inervenion -! (a! o% $&'ervi$ion+ in order o
en$&re ha lo#al 'rogram$+ %i$#al and oher(i$e+ are #on$i$en (ih
naional goal$. Si!nifiant'y, the President, &y onstit$tiona' fiat,
is the head of the eono#i and %'annin! a!eny of the !o"ern#ent
<Section #, rticle !II of the &onstitution>, %ri#ari'y res%onsi&'e for
for#$'atin! and i#%'e#entin! ontin$in!, oordinated and inte!rated
soia' and eono#i %o'iies, %'ans and %ro!ra#s <Section *, &hapter ",
Subtitle &, ;itle II, EooB F, 79 2#2 3dministrative &ode of "#$%4> for
the entire o$ntry. Ho(ever+ &nder he Con$i&ion+ he %orm&laion
and he im'lemenaion o% $&#h 'oli#ie$ and 'rogram$ are $&-.e# o
2#on$&laion$ (ih he a''ro'riae '&-li# agen#ie$+ vario&$ 'rivae
$e#or$+ and lo#al governmen &ni$*3 The Pre$iden #anno do $o
&nilaerall!. (Pimentel 1r. v. !guirre, --0 SCRA 12,, *$'y ,7, 1222,
En 3an @Pan!ani&anA5
2)+. What are the re'uisites before the (resident may interfere in
local fiscal matters?
161
Held: > > > @TAhe 'ocal Government Co$e %ro"ides (Se. 1/?. See
a'so Art. -87 of the 8ules and 8egulations Implementing the @ocal
5overnment &ode of "##"5I
E> > > <I=n he even he naional governmen in#&r$ an
&nmanaged '&-li# $e#or de%i#i, the President of the Phi'i%%ines
is here&y a$thoriJed, &'on he re#ommendaion o% <he= Se#rear!
o% 9inan#e+ Se#rear! o% he Inerior and Lo#al >overnmen and
Se#rear! o% B&dge and :anagemen+ and $&-.e# o #on$&laion
(ih he 're$iding o%%i#er$ o% -oh Ho&$e$ o% Congre$$ and he
're$iden$ o% he liga , to #a9e the neessary adB$st#ents in the
interna' re"en$e a''ot#ent of 'oa' !o"ern#ent $nits -& in no
#a$e $hall he allomen -e le$$ han hir! 'er#en /7JP1 o% he
#olle#ion o% naional inernal reven&e a"e$ o% he hird %i$#al
!ear 're#eding he #&rren %i$#al !ear > > >F
There are therefore se"era' re:$isites &efore the President #ay
interfere in 'oa' fisa' #attersI (,5 an &nmanaged '&-li# $e#or
de%i#i o% he naional governmenG (15 #on$&laion$ (ih he
're$iding o%%i#er$ o% he Senae and he Ho&$e o% Re're$enaive$ an$
t)e presi$ents of t)e various local leaguesO and (-5 he #orre$'onding
re#ommendaion o% he $e#rearie$ o% he De'armen o% 9inan#e+
Inerior and Lo#al >overnmen+ and B&dge and :anagemen. 4$rther#ore,
an! ad.&$men in he allomen $hall in no #a$e -e le$$ han hir!
'er#en /7JP1 o% he #olle#ion o% naional inernal reven&e a"e$ o%
he hird %i$#al !ear 're#eding he #&rren one. (Pimentel 1r. v.
!guirre, --0 SCRA 12,, *$'y ,7, 1222, En 3an @Pan!ani&anA5
2).. Distinguish an ordinance from a mere resolution.
Held: A #$nii%a' ordinane is different fro# a reso'$tion. An
98DI::&7 is a la(, &$t a 87S9@C;I9: is merel! a de#laraion o% he
$enimen or o'inion o% a la(ma6ing -od! on a $'e#i%i# maer. An
98DI::&7 %ossesses a general and 'ermanen #hara#er, &$t a 87S9@C;I9:
is em'orar! in na&re. Additiona''y, the two are enated different'y
C a hird reading i$ ne#e$$ar! %or an ordinan#e+ -& no %or a
re$ol&ion+ &nle$$ de#ided oher(i$e -! a ma.ori! o% all he
Sangg&nian mem-er$. (Municipality of ParanaHue v. 2.M. Realty
Corporation, 171 SCRA 08/, *$'y 12, ,77/ @Pan!ani&anA5
2)). 9n its first regular session, may the Sanggunian transact
business other than the matter of adopting or updating its e-isting
rules or procedure?
Held: We annot infer the #andate of the (Loa' +o"ern#ent5 Code
that no other &$siness #ay &e transated on the first re!$'ar session
e>e%t to ta9e $% the #atter of ado%tin! or $%datin! r$'es. A'' that
the 'aw re:$ires is that Eon he %ir$ reg&lar $e$$ion > > > he
sanggunian #on#erned $hall ado' or &'dae i$ e"i$ing r&le$ or
'ro#ed&re$.F There i$ nohing in he lang&age hereo% ha re$ri#$
he maer$ o -e a6en &' d&ring he %ir$ reg&lar $e$$ion merel! o
he ado'ion or &'daing o% he ho&$e r&le$* I% i (ere he inen o%
Congre$$ o limi he -&$ine$$ o% he lo#al #o&n#il o $&#h maer$+
hen i (o&ld have done $o in #lear and &ne)&ivo#al erm$* B& a$ i
i$+ here i$ no $&#h inen.
Doreo"er, ado%tin! or $%datin! of ho$se r$'es wo$'d neessari'y
entai' wor9 &eyond the day of the first re!$'ar session. Does this
#ean that %rior thereto, the 'oa' o$ni'Ls hands were tied and o$'d
not at on any other #atterQ That wo$'d ertain'y &e a&s$rd for it
wo$'d res$'t in a hiat$s and a %ara'ysis in the 'oa' 'e!is'at$reLs
wor9 whih o$'d not ha"e &een intended &y the 'aw. (Malonzo v.
@amora, -,, SCRA 11?, *$'y 18, ,777, En 3an @Ro#eroA5
162
2)%. ?ay an incumbent Fice,5overnor, while concurrently the cting
5overnor, continue to preside over the sessions of the Sangguniang
(anlalawigan <S(>? If no, who may preside in the meantime?
Held: Being he a#ing governor+ he Hi#e,governor #anno
#onin&e o $im&laneo&$l! e"er#i$e he d&ie$ o% he laer o%%i#e+
$in#e he na&re o% he d&ie$ o% he Provin#ial >overnor #all$ %or a
%&ll,ime o##&'an o di$#harge hem. S$h is not on'y onsistent with
&$t a'so a%%ears to &e the 'ear rationa'e of the new (Loa'
+o"ern#ent5 Code wherein the %o'iy of %erfor#in! d$a' f$ntions in
&oth offies has a'ready &een a&andoned. To re'ea+ he #reaion o% a
em'orar! va#an#! in he o%%i#e o% he >overnor #reae$ a #orre$'onding
va#an#! in he o%%i#e o% he Hi#e,>overnor (henever he laer a#$ a$
>overnor -! vir&e o% $&#h em'orar! va#an#!* Thi$ even #on$i&e$
an 2ina-ili!3 on he 'ar o% he reg&lar 're$iding o%%i#er /Hi#e,
>overnor1 o 're$ide d&ring he SP $e$$ion$+ (hi#h h&$ #all$ %or he
o'eraion o% he remed! $e in Ari#le EC/-1 o% he Lo#al >overnmen
Code N #on#erning he ele#ion o% a em'orar! 're$iding o%%i#er. The
ontin$ity of the Atin! +o"ernorLs (Vie;+o"ernor5 %owers as %residin!
offier of the SP is s$s%ended so 'on! as he is in s$h a%aity.
=nder Se#ion EC/-1, Ein he even o% he ina-ili! o% he reg&lar
're$iding o%%i#er o 're$ide a he $angg&nian $e$$ion+ he mem-er$
're$en and #on$i&ing a )&or&m $hall ele# %rom among hem$elve$ a
em'orar! 're$iding o%%i#er.F (Gam#oa 1r. v. !guirre 1r., +.R.
No. ,-?1,-, *$'y 12, ,777, En 3an @Ynares;Santia!oA5
2)$. What is recall?
Held: 87&@@ is a mode o% removal o% a '&-li# o%%i#er -! he
'eo'le -e%ore he end o% hi$ erm o% o%%i#e* The 'eo'leD$ 'rerogaive
o remove a '&-li# o%%i#er i$ an in#iden o% heir $overeign 'o(er and
in he a-$en#e o% #on$i&ional re$rain+ he 'o(er i$ im'lied in all
governmenal o'eraion$* S&#h 'o(er ha$ -een held o -e indi$'en$a-le
%or he 'ro'er admini$raion o% '&-li# a%%air$. Not $ndeser"ed'y, it
is fre:$ent'y desri&ed as a f$nda#enta' ri!ht of the %eo%'e in a
re%resentati"e de#oray. (Garcia v. C3ME'EC, 118 SCRA ,2/, Ot. .,
,77-, En 3an @P$noA5
2)#. What is the ground for recall? Is this subject to judicial
in'uiry?
Held: 4or#er Senator A:$i'ino Pi#ente', *r., a #aBor a$thor of
the s$&Bet 'aw in his &oo9 ;he @ocal 5overnment &ode of "##"N ;he Key
to :ational Development, stressed the sa#e reason why the s$&stanti"e
ontent of a "ote of 'a9 of onfidene is &eyond any in:$iry, th$sI
EThere i$ onl! one gro&nd %or re#all o% lo#al governmen
o%%i#ial$: lo$$ o% #on%iden#e* Thi$ mean$ ha he 'eo'le ma!
'eiion or he Pre'araor! Re#all A$$em-l! ma! re$olve o re#all
an! lo#al ele#ive o%%i#ial (iho& $'e#i%!ing an! 'ari#&lar
gro&nd e"#e' lo$$ o% #on%iden#e* There i$ no need %or hem o
-ring &' an! #harge o% a-&$e or #orr&'ion again$ he lo#al
ele#ive o%%i#ial$ (ho are $&-.e# o% an! re#all 'eiion.
In the ase of Evar$one v. Commission on Elections et al.,
12? SCRA ?0?, ?81 (,77,5, the Co$rt r$'ed that Olo$$ o%
#on%iden#eL a$ a gro&nd %or re#all i$ a 'olii#al )&e$ion* In
he (ord$ o% he Co&r+ Q(heher or no he ele#orae o% he
m&ni#i'ali! o% S&la ha$ lo$ #on%iden#e in he in#&m-en ma!or
i$ a 'olii#al )&e$ion.LF
(Garcia v. C3ME'EC, 118 SCRA ,2/, Ot. ., ,77-, En 3an @P$noA5
2%2. ;he members of the (reparatory 8ecall ssembly <(8> of the
province of Eataan adopted a resolution calling for the recall of
5overnor 5arcia. It was admitted, however, by the proponents of the
recall resolution that only those members of the assembly inclined to
163
agree were notified of the meeting where said resolution was adopted
/as a matter of strategy and security.1 ;hey justified these selective
notices on the ground that the law <@ocal 5overnment &ode> does not
specifically mandate the giving of notice. Should this submission be
sustained?
Held: We re.e# hi$ $&-mi$$ion o% he re$'onden$* The d&e
'ro#e$$ #la&$e o% he Con$i&ion re)&iring noi#e a$ an elemen o%
%airne$$ i$ inviola-le and $ho&ld al(a!$ -e #on$idered 'ar and 'ar#el
o% ever! la( in #a$e o% i$ $ilen#e* The need %or noi#e o all he
mem-er$ o% he a$$em-l! i$ al$o im'eraive %or he$e mem-er$ re're$en
he di%%eren $e#or$ o% he ele#orae o% Baaan* To he e"en ha
he! are no noi%ied o% he meeing o% he a$$em-l!+ o ha e"en i$
he $overeign voi#e o% he 'eo'le he! re're$en n&lli%ied* The
re$ol&ion o re#all $ho&ld ari#&lae he ma.ori! (ill o% he mem-er$
o% he a$$em-l! -& he ma.ori! (ill #an -e gen&inel! deermined onl!
a%er all he mem-er$ o% he a$$em-l! have -een given a %air
o''or&ni! o e"'re$$ he (ill o% heir #on$i&en$. Need'ess to
stress, he re)&iremen o% noi#e i$ mandaor! %or i i$ indi$'en$a-le
in deermining he #olle#ive (i$dom o% he mem-er$ o% he Pre'araor!
Re#all A$$em-l!* I$ non,o-$ervan#e i$ %aal o he validi! o% he
re$ol&ion o re#all 'eiioner >ar#ia a$ >overnor o% he 'rovin#e o%
Baaan. (Garcia v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,,,.,,, Se%t. 1,, ,77-G
118 SCRA ,22, Ot. ., ,77-, En 3an @P$noA5
2%". Will it be proper for the &ommission on 7lections to act on a
petition for recall signed by just one person?
Held: A 'eiion %or re#all $igned -! .&$ one 'er$on i$ in
violaion o% he $a&or! 5GP minim&m re)&iremen a$ o he n&m-er o%
$igna&re$ $&''oring an! 'eiion %or re#all. Se#* IC/d1 of the 'ocal
Government Co$e of ,77, e>%ress'y %ro"ides that Ore#all o% an! ele#ive
" " " m&ni#i'al " " " o%%i#ial ma! al$o -e validl! iniiaed &'on
'eiion o% a lea$ (en!,%ive 'er#en /5GP1 o% he oal n&m-er o%
regi$ered voer$ in he lo#al governmen &ni #on#erned d&ring he
ele#ion in (hi#h he lo#al o%%i#ial $o&gh o -e re#alled (a$
ele#ed.L The 'aw is %'ain and $ne:$i"oa' as to what onstit$tes
rea'' %roeedin!sI on'y a %etition of at 'east 1.R of the tota' n$#&er
of re!istered "oters #ay "a'id'y initiate rea'' %roeedin!s.
(!ngo#ung v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,10.80, Darh ., ,7785
2%2. Section %+ of the @ocal 5overnment &ode provides that /no recall
shall taBe place within one year - - - immediately preceding a regular
local election.1 What does the term /regular local election,1 as used
in this section, mean?
Held: The ter# Ereg&lar lo#al ele#ionF $nder Se#* FE of the
'ocal Government Co$e of ,77, whih %ro"ides that Eno re#all $hall a6e
'la#e (ihin one /01 !ear " " " immediael! 're#eding a reg&lar lo#al
ele#ion3 re%er$ o one (here he 'o$iion o% he o%%i#ial $o&gh o -e
re#alled i$ o -e a#&all! #one$ed and %illed -! he ele#orae
(Paras v. Comelec, +.R. No. ,1-,07, No". ?, ,7705. The one,!ear ime
-ar (ill no a''l! (here he lo#al o%%i#ial $o&gh o -e re#alled i$ a
:a!or and he a''roa#hing ele#ion i$ a -aranga! ele#ion. (!ngo#ung
v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,10.80, Darh ., ,7785
2%*. Does the word /8ecall1 in paragraph <b> of Section %+ of the
@ocal 5overnment &ode include the convening of the (reparatory 8ecall
ssembly and the filing by it of a recall resolution? Discuss.
Held: Petitioner ontends that the ter# E87&@@F in Se. 8? (&5
refers to a %roess, in ontrast to the ter# Erea'' e'etionF fo$nd in
Se. 8? (a5, whih o&"io$s'y refers to an e'etion. <e 'ai#s that
Ewhen se"era' &aran!ay hair#en #et and on"ened on Day ,7, ,777 and
$nani#o$s'y reso'"ed to initiate the rea'', fo''owed &y the ta9in! of
"otes &y the PRA on Day 17, ,777 for the %$r%ose of ado%tin! a
164
reso'$tion Oto initiate the rea'' of *o"ito C'a$dio as Dayor of Pasay
City for 'oss of onfidene,L the %roess of rea'' &e!anF and, sine
Day 17, ,777 was 'ess than a year after he had ass$#ed offie, the PRA
was i''e!a''y on"ened and a'' %roeedin!s he'd thereafter, in'$din!
the fi'in! of the rea'' %etition on *$'y 1, ,777, were n$'' and "oid.
The CODELEC, on the other hand, #aintains that the %roess of
rea'' starts with the fi'in! of the %etition for rea'' and ends with
the ond$t of the rea'' e'etion, and that, sine the %etition for
rea'' in this ase was fi'ed on *$'y 1, ,777, e>at'y one year and a
day after %etitionerLs ass$#%tion of offie, the rea'' was "a'id'y
initiated o$tside the one;year %rohi&ited %eriod.
3oth %etitioner C'a$dio and the CODELEC th$s a!ree that the ter#
Erea''F as $sed in Se. 8? refers to a %roess. They disa!ree on'y as
to when the %roess starts for %$r%ose of the one;year 'i#itation in
%ara!ra%h (&5 of Se. 8?.
We #an agree ha re#all i$ a 'ro#e$$ (hi#h -egin$ (ih he
#onvening o% he 're'araor! re#all a$$em-l! or he gahering o% he
$igna&re$ a lea$ 5GP o% he regi$ered voer$ o% a lo#al governmen
&ni+ and hen 'ro#eed$ o he %iling o% a re#all re$ol&ion or
'eiion (ih he CO:ELEC+ he veri%i#aion o% $&#h re$ol&ion or
'eiion+ he %i"ing o% he dae o% he re#all ele#ion+ and he
holding o% he ele#ion on he $#hed&led dae* Ho(ever+ a$ &$ed in
'aragra'h /-1 o% Se#* FE+ 2re#all3 re%er$ o he ele#ion i$el% -!
mean$ o% (hi#h voer$ de#ide (heher he! $ho&ld reain heir lo#al
o%%i#ial or ele# hi$ re'la#emen.
6 > >
To s$# $%, the ter# E87&@@F in 'aragra'h /-1 re%er$ o he
re#all ele#ion and no o he 'reliminar! 'ro#eeding$ o iniiae
re#all C
1) Be#a&$e Se#* FE $'ea6$ o% limiaion$ on 2re#all3 (hi#h+
a##ording o Se#* IC+ i$ a 'o(er (hi#h $hall -e e"er#i$ed -!
he regi$ered voer$ o% a lo#al governmen &ni. Sine the
"oters do not e>erise s$h ri!ht e>e%t in an e'etion, it is
'ear that the initiation of rea'' %roeedin!s is not
%rohi&ited within the one;year %eriod %ro"ided in %ara!ra%h
(&5G
2) Be#a&$e he '&r'o$e o% he %ir$ limiaion in 'aragra'h /-1
i$ o 'rovide voer$ a $&%%i#ien -a$i$ %or .&dging an
ele#ive lo#al o%%i#ial+ and %inal .&dging i$ no done &nil
he da! o% he ele#ionG and
3) Be#a&$e o #on$r&e he limiaion in 'aragra'h /-1 a$
in#l&ding he iniiaion o% re#all 'ro#eeding$ (o&ld &nd&l!
#&rail %reedom o% $'ee#h and o% a$$em-l! g&araneed in he
Con$i&ion.
(1ovito 3. Clau$io v. C3ME'EC, +.R. No. ,?2.02, Day ?, 1222, En 3an
@DendoJaA5
2%+. Who has the legal authority to represent a municipality in
lawsuits?
Held: Onl! he 'rovin#ial %i$#al+ 'rovin#ial aorne!+ and
m&ni#i'al aorne! $ho&ld re're$en a m&ni#i'ali! in i$ la($&i$*
Onl! in E%CEP&I3N!' INS&!NCES ma! a 'rivae aorne! -e hired -! a
m&ni#i'ali! o re're$en i in la($&i$. (Ramos v. C!, 107 SCRA
-?, Darh -, ,7785
2%.. What are the 7!&7(;I9:@ I:S;:&7S when a private attorney may be
validly hired by a municipality in its lawsuits?
Held: In !linsug v. R&C 6r. 5. San Carlos City Negros
3cci$ental (11. SCRA ..-, A$!. 1-, ,77-5, it was he'd that Ehe la(
165
allo($ a 'rivae #o&n$el o -e hired -! a m&ni#i'ali! onl! (hen he
m&ni#i'ali! i$ an adver$e 'ar! in a #a$e involving he 'rovin#ial
governmen or anoher m&ni#i'ali! or #i! (ihin he 'rovin#e. This
%ro"ision has its a%%arent ori!in in De Guia v. &)e !u$itor General (??
SCRA ,07, Darh 17, ,7875 where the Co$rt he'd that he m&ni#i'ali!D$
a&hori! o em'lo! a 'rivae aorne! i$ e"'re$$l! limied onl! o
$i&aion$ (here he 'rovin#ial %i$#al (o&ld -e di$)&ali%ied o $erve
and re're$en i.F (Ramos v. C!, 107 SCRA -?, Darh -, ,7785
2%). &ite instances when the provincial fiscal may be dis'ualified to
represent in court a particular municipality.
Held: As he'd in EnriHuez Sr. v. Gimenez (,28 Phi'. 7-1
@,702A5, the %ro"inia' fisa' #ay &e dis:$a'ified to re%resent in
o$rt a %arti$'ar #$nii%a'ity in the fo''owin! instanesI
1) I% and (hen original .&ri$di#ion o% #a$e involving he
m&ni#i'ali! i$ ve$ed in he S&'reme Co&rG
2) When he m&ni#i'ali! i$ a 'ar! adver$e o he 'rovin#ial
governmen or o $ome oher m&ni#i'ali! in he $ame 'rovin#eG
and
3) When+ in a #a$e involving he m&ni#i'ali!+ he+ or hi$ (i%e+
or #hild+ i$ 'e#&niaril! involved+ a$ heir+ legaee+ #redior
or oher(i$e.
(Ramos v. C!, 107 SCRA -?, Darh -, ,7785
2%%. ?ay a municipality be represented by a private law firm which had
volunteered its services gratis, in collaboration with the municipal
attorney and the fiscal?
Held: N3. S$h re%resentation wi'' &e violaive o% Se#ion 0CB7
o% he old Admini$raive Code* Thi$ $ri# #oheren#e o he leer o%
he la( a''ear$ o have -een di#aed -! he %a# ha 2he
m&ni#i'ali! $ho&ld no -e -&rdened (ih e"'en$e$ o% hiring a 'rivae
la(!er3 and ha 2he inere$$ o% he m&ni#i'ali! (o&ld -e -e$
'roe#ed i% a governmen la(!er handle$ i$ liigaion$.F
Privae la(!er$ ma! no re're$en m&ni#i'aliie$ on heir o(n*
Neiher ma! he! do $o even in #olla-oraion (ih a&hori8ed governmen
la(!er$* Thi$ i$ an#hored on he 'rin#i'le ha onl! a##o&na-le
'&-li# o%%i#er$ ma! a# %or and in -ehal% o% '&-li# eniie$ and ha
'&-li# %&nd$ $ho&ld no -e e"'ended o hire 'rivae la(!er$.
(Ramos v. C!, 107 SCRA -?, Darh -, ,7785
2%$. ?ay a municipality adopt the worB already performed in good faith
by a private lawyer, which worB proved beneficial to it?
Held: A'tho$!h a #$nii%a'ity #ay not hire a %ri"ate 'awyer to
re%resent it in 'iti!ations, in the interest of s$&stantia' B$stie,
howe"er, it was he'd that a m&ni#i'ali! ma! ado' he (or6 alread!
'er%ormed in good %aih -! $&#h 'rivae la(!er+ (hi#h (or6 i$
-ene%i#ial o i (,5 'rovided ha no in.&$i#e i$ here-! hea'ed on
he adver$e 'ar! and (15 'rovided %&rher ha no #om'en$aion in an!
g&i$e i$ 'aid here%or -! $aid m&ni#i'ali! o he 'rivae la(!er*
Unle$$ $o e"'re$$l! ado'ed+ he 'rivae la(!erD$ (or6 #anno -ind he
m&ni#i'ali!. (Ramos v. C!, 107 SCRA -?, Darh -, ,7785
2%#. ?ay the (unong Earangay validly appoint or remove the barangay
treasurer, the barangay secretary, and other appointive barangay
officials without the concurrence of the majority of all the members of
the Sangguniang Earangay?
Held: The Loa' +o"ern#ent Code e>%'iit'y "ests on the punong
barangay, &'on a''roval -! a ma.ori! o% all he mem-er$ o% he
sangguniang #arangay + he 'o(er o a''oin or re'la#e he #arangay
166
rea$&rer+ he #arangay $e#rear!+ and oher a''oinive #arangay
o%%i#ial$. Veri'y, he 'o(er o% a''oinmen i$ o -e e"er#i$ed
#on.oinl! -! he punong #arangay and a ma.ori! o% all he mem-er$ o%
he sangguniang #arangay * Wiho& $&#h #on.oin a#ion+ neiher an
a''oinmen nor a re'la#emen #an -e e%%e#&al.
A''l!ing he r&le ha he 'o(er o a''oin in#l&de$ he 'o(er o
remove+ he )&e$ioned di$mi$$al %rom o%%i#e o% he #arangay o%%i#ial$
-! he punong #arangay (iho& he #on#&rren#e o% he ma.ori! o% all
he mem-er$ o% he Sangguniang 6arangay #anno -e legall! .&$i%ied .
To r$'e otherwise o$'d a'so reate an a&s$rd sit$ation of the
Sangguniang Earangay #e#&ers ref$sin! to !i"e their a%%ro"a' to the
re%'ae#ents se'eted &y the punong barangay who has $ni'atera''y
ter#inated the ser"ies of the in$#&ents. It is 'i9e'y that the
'e!is'at$re did not intend this a&s$rdity to fo''ow fro# its enat#ent
of the 'aw.
(Ramon !lHuizola Sr. v. Gallar$o 3col, +.R. No. ,-1?,-, A$!. 18, ,777,
-
rd
Di". @Vit$!A5
PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW
2$2. What is the doctrine of incorporation? 6ow is it applied by
local courts?
Held: =nder the D9&;8I:7 90 I:&98(98;I9:, r&le$ o%
inernaional la( %orm 'ar o% he la( o% he land and no %&rher
legi$laive a#ion i$ needed o ma6e $&#h r&le$ a''li#a-le in he
dome$i# $'here.
The dotrine of inor%oration is a''lied (henever m&ni#i'al
ri-&nal$ /or lo#al #o&r$1 are #on%roned (ih $i&aion$ in (hi#h
here a''ear$ o -e a #on%li# -e(een a r&le o% inernaional la( and
he 'rovi$ion$ o% he Con$i&ion or $a&e o% he lo#al $ae*
E%%or$ $ho&ld %ir$ -e e"ered o harmoni8e hem+ $o a$ o give e%%e#
o -oh $in#e i i$ o -e 're$&med ha m&ni#i'al la( (a$ ena#ed (ih
'ro'er regard %or he generall! a##e'ed 'rin#i'le$ o% inernaional
la( in o-$ervan#e o% he In#or'oraion Cla&$e in Se#ion 5+ Ari#le II
o% he Con$i&ion* In a $i&aion ho(ever+ (here he #on%li# i$
irre#on#ila-le and a #hoi#e ha$ o -e made -e(een a r&le o%
inernaional la( and m&ni#i'al la(+ .&ri$'r&den#e di#ae$ ha
m&ni#i'al la( $ho&ld -e &'held -! he m&ni#i'al #o&r$ %or he rea$on
ha $&#h #o&r$ are organ$ o% m&ni#i'al la( and are a##ordingl! -o&nd
-! i in all #ir#&m$an#e$. The fat that internationa' 'aw has &een
#ade %art of the 'aw of the 'and does not %ertain to or i#%'y the
%ri#ay of internationa' 'aw o"er nationa' or #$nii%a' 'aw in the
#$nii%a' s%here. The D9&;8I:7 90 I:&98(98;I9:, as a%%'ied in #ost
o$ntries, derees that r&le$ o% inernaional la( are given e)&al
$anding (ih+ -& are no $&'erior o+ naional legi$laive
ena#men$. Aordin!'y, the 'rin#i'le o% 'E% P3S&ERI3R DER3G!&E
PRI3RI a6e$ e%%e# N a rea! ma! re'eal a $a&e and a $a&e ma!
re'eal a rea!. In states where the Constit$tion is the hi!hest 'aw
of the 'and, s$h as the Re%$&'i of the Phi'i%%ines, -oh $a&e$ and
reaie$ ma! -e invalidaed i% he! are in #on%li# (ih he
Con$i&ion. (Secretary of 1ustice v. Hon. Ralp) C. 'antion,
+.R. No. ,-7?0., *an. ,/, 1222, En 3an @De'oA5
2$". Is sovereignty really absolute and all,encompassing? If not,
what are its restrictions and limitations?
Held: While $overeign! ha$ radiionall! -een deemed a-$ol&e
and all,en#om'a$$ing on he dome$i# level+ i i$ ho(ever $&-.e# o
re$ri#ion$ and limiaion$ vol&naril! agreed o -! he Phili''ine$+
e"'re$$l! or im'liedl!+ a$ a mem-er o% he %amil! o% naion$* B! he
do#rine o% in#or'oraion+ he #o&nr! i$ -o&nd -! generall! a##e'ed
'rin#i'le$ o% inernaional la(+ (hi#h are #on$idered o -e
a&omai#all! 'ar o% o&r o(n la($* One o% he olde$ and mo$
%&ndamenal r&le$ in inernaional la( i$ pacta sunt servan$a N
167
inernaional agreemen$ m&$ -e 'er%ormed in good %aih* A $ae
(hi#h ha$ #onra#ed valid inernaional o-ligaion$ i$ -o&nd o ma6e
in i$ legi$laion$ $&#h modi%i#aion$ a$ ma! -e ne#e$$ar! o en$&re
he %&l%illmen o% he o-ligaion$.
B! heir inheren na&re+ reaie$ reall! limi or re$ri# he
a-$ol&ene$$ o% $overeign!* B! heir vol&nar! a#+ naion$ ma!
$&rrender $ome a$'e#$ o% heir $ae 'o(er in e"#hange %or greaer
-ene%i$ graned -! or derived %rom a #onvenion or 'a#. After a'',
states, 'i9e indi"id$a's, 'i"e with oe:$a's, and in %$rs$it of
#$t$a''y o"enanted o&Beti"es and &enefits, they a'so o##on'y a!ree
to 'i#it the e>erise of their otherwise a&so'$te ri!hts. Th$s,
treaties ha"e &een $sed to reord a!ree#ents &etween States onernin!
s$h wide'y di"erse #atters as, for e>a#%'e, the 'ease of na"a' &ases,
the sa'e or ession of territory, the ter#ination of war, the
re!$'ation of ond$t of hosti'ities, the for#ation of a''ianes, the
re!$'ation of o##eria' re'ations, the sett'in! of 'ai#s, the 'ayin!
down of r$'es !o"ernin! ond$t in %eae and the esta&'ish#ent of
internationa' or!aniJations. The $overeign! o% a $ae here%ore
#anno in %a# and in reali! -e #on$idered a-$ol&e* Cerain
re$ri#ion$ ener ino he 'i#&reI (,5 limiaion$ im'o$ed -! he
ver! na&re o% mem-er$hi' in he %amil! o% naion$ and (15 limiaion$
im'o$ed -! rea! $i'&laion$.
(&ana$a v. !ngara, 181 SCRA ,/, Day 1, ,778 @Pan!ani&anA5
2$2. What must a person who feels aggrieved by the acts of a foreign
sovereign do to espouse his cause?
Held: =nder &oth P$&'i Internationa' Law and Transnationa' Law,
a %erson who fee's a!!rie"ed &y the ats of a forei!n so"erei!n an a$6
hi$ o(n governmen o e$'o&$e hi$ #a&$e hro&gh di'lomai# #hannel$.
Privae re$'onden #an a$6 he Phili''ine governmen+ hro&gh he
9oreign O%%i#e+ o e$'o&$e i$ #laim$ again$ he Hol! See* I$ %ir$
a$6 i$ o 'er$&ade he Phili''ine governmen o a6e &' (ih he Hol!
See he validi! o% i$ #laim$* O% #o&r$e+ he 9oreign O%%i#e $hall
%ir$ ma6e a deerminaion o% he im'a# o% i$ e$'o&$al on he
relaion$ -e(een he Phili''ine governmen and he Hol! See . On#e he
Phili''ine governmen de#ide$ o e$'o&$e he #laim+ he laer #ea$e$
o -e a 'rivae #a&$e.
Aordin! to the Per#anent Co$rt of Internationa' *$stie, the
forer$nner of the Internationa' Co$rt of *$stieI
EB! a6ing &' he #a$e o% one o% i$ $&-.e#$ and -!
re$oring o di'lomai# a#ion or inernaional .&di#ial
'ro#eeding$ on hi$ -ehal%+ a Sae i$ in reali! a$$ering i$
o(n righ$ N i$ righ o en$&re+ in he 'er$on o% i$ $&-.e#$+
re$'e# %or he r&le$ o% inernaional la(.F <;he ?avrommatis
(alestine &oncessions, " 6udson, World &ourt 8eports 2#*, *22
3"#2+4>
(Holy See &)e v. Rosario 1r., 1-/ SCRA .1?, .--;.-?, De. ,, ,77?, En
3an @P$iasonA5
2$*. Discuss the Status of the Fatican and the 6oly See in
International @aw.
Held: 3efore the anne>ation of the Pa%a' States &y Ita'y in
,/82, the Po%e was the #onarh and he, as the <o'y See, was onsidered
a s$&Bet of Internationa' Law. With the 'oss of the Pa%a' States and
the 'i#itation of the territory $nder the <o'y See to an area of ,2/.8
ares, the %osition of the <o'y See in Internationa' Law &ea#e
ontro"ersia'.
In ,717, Ita'y and the <o'y See entered into the Laeran Trea!,
where Ial! re#ogni8ed he e"#l&$ive dominion and $overeign
.&ri$di#ion o% he Hol! See over he Hai#an Ci!. It a'so re#ogni8ed
168
he righ o% he Hol! See o re#eive %oreign di'loma$+ o $end i$ o(n
di'loma$ o %oreign #o&nrie$+ and o ener ino reaie$ a##ording o
Inernaional La(.
The Laeran Trea! e$a-li$hed he $aehood o% he Hai#an Ci!
2%or he '&r'o$e o% a$$&ring o he Hol! See a-$ol&e and vi$i-le
inde'enden#e and o% g&araneeing o i indi$'&a-le $overeign! al$o in
he %ield o% inernaional relaion$.F
In "iew of the wordin!s of the Lateran Treaty, it is diffi$'t to
deter#ine whether the statehood is "ested in the <o'y See or in the
Vatian City. So#e writers e"en s$!!ested that the treaty reated two
internationa' %ersons C the <o'y See and Vatian City.
The Hai#an Ci! %i$ ino none o% he e$a-li$hed #aegorie$ o%
$ae$+ and he ari-&ion o i o% 2$overeign!3 m&$ -e made in a
$en$e di%%eren %rom ha in (hi#h i i$ a''lied o oher $ae$ . In a
#omm&ni! o% naional $ae$+ he Hai#an Ci! re're$en$ an eni!
organi8ed no %or 'olii#al -& %or e##le$ia$i#al '&r'o$e$ and
inernaional o-.e#$* De$'ie i$ $i8e and o-.e#+ he Hai#an Ci!
ha$ an inde'enden governmen o% i$ o(n+ (ih he Po'e+ (ho i$ al$o
head o% he Roman Caholi# Ch&r#h+ a$ he Hol! See or Head o% Sae+ in
#on%ormi! (ih i$ radiion$+ and he demand$ o% i$ mi$$ion in he
(orld* Indeed+ he (orld,(ide inere$$ and a#iviie$ o% he Hai#an
Ci! are $&#h a$ o ma6e i in a $en$e an 2inernaional $ae.F
One a$thority wrote that the reo!nition of the Vatian City as a
state has si!nifiant i#%'iation C that it is %ossi&'e for any entity
%$rs$in! o&Bets essentia''y different fro# those %$rs$ed &y states to
&e in"ested with internationa' %ersona'ity.
Inas#$h as the Po%e %refers to ond$t forei!n re'ations and
enter into transations as the <o'y See and not in the na#e of the
Vatian City, one an on'$de that in the Po%eLs own "iew, it is the
<o'y See that is the internationa' %erson.
The Re'&-li# o% he Phili''ine$ ha$ a##orded he Hol! See he
$a&$ o% a %oreign $overeign* The Hol! See+ hro&gh i$ Am-a$$ador+
he Pa'al N&n#io+ ha$ had di'lomai# re're$enaion$ (ih he
Phili''ine governmen $in#e 0CGF. This a%%ears to &e the $ni"ersa'
%ratie in internationa' re'ations. (Holy See &)e v. Rosario
1r., 1-/ SCRA .1?, .--;.-?, De. ,, ,77?, En 3an @P$iasonA5
2$+. What are international organi=ations? Discuss their nature.
Held: I:;78:;I9:@ 985:ID;I9:S are in$i&ion$ #on$i&ed
-! inernaional agreemen -e(een (o or more Sae$ o a##om'li$h
#ommon goal$* The legal 'er$onali! o% he$e inernaional
organi8aion$ ha$ -een re#ogni8ed no onl! in m&ni#i'al la(+ -& in
inernaional la( a$ (ell.
Per#anent internationa' o##issions and ad#inistrati"e &odies
ha"e &een reated &y the a!ree#ent of a onsidera&'e n$#&er of States
for a "ariety of internationa' %$r%oses, eono#i or soia' and #ain'y
non;%o'itia'. In $o %ar a$ he! are a&onomo&$ and -e!ond he #onrol
o% an! one Sae+ he! have di$in# .&ridi#al 'er$onali! inde'enden
o% he m&ni#i'al la( o% he Sae (here he! are $i&aed* A$ $&#h+
he! are deemed o 'o$$e$$ a $'e#ie$ o% inernaional 'er$onali! o%
heir o(n.
(SE!=DECF!ND v. N'RC, 120 SCRA 1/-, 4e&. ,?, ,7715
2$.. Discuss the ESI& I??C:I;I7S 90 I:;78:;I9:@ 985:ID;I9:S and
the reason for affording them such immunities.
Held: One of the &asi i##$nities of an internationa'
or!aniJation is imm&ni! %rom lo#al .&ri$di#ion+ i.e. ha i i$
imm&ne %rom legal (ri$ and 'ro#e$$e$ i$$&ed -! he ri-&nal$ o% he
169
#o&nr! (here i i$ %o&nd. The o&"io$s reason for this is that he
$&-.e#ion o% $&#h an organi8aion o he a&hori! o% he lo#al #o&r$
(o&ld a%%ord a #onvenien medi&m hro&gh (hi#h he ho$ governmen ma!
iner%ere in heir o'eraion$ or even in%l&en#e or #onrol i$ 'oli#ie$
and de#i$ion$4 -e$ide$+ $&#h $&-.e#ion o lo#al .&ri$di#ion (o&ld
im'air he #a'a#i! o% $&#h -od! o di$#harge i$ re$'on$i-iliie$
im'ariall! on -ehal% o% i$ mem-er,$ae$.
(SE!=DECF!ND v. N'RC, 120 SCRA 1/-, 4e&. ?, ,7715
2$). Discuss the two conflicting concepts of sovereign immunity from
suit.
Held: There are two onf'itin! one%ts of so"erei!n i##$nity,
eah wide'y he'd and fir#'y esta&'ished. Aordin! to the &@SSI&@ 98
ES9@C;7 ;6798G, a $overeign #anno+ (iho& i$ #on$en+ -e made a
re$'onden in he #o&r$ o% anoher $overeign. Aordin! to the newer
or 87S;8I&;IF7 ;6798G, he imm&ni! o% he $overeign i$ re#ogni8ed onl!
(ih regard o '&-li# a#$ or a#$ 0ure imperii o% a $ae+ -& no
(ih regard o 'rivae a#$ or a#$ 0ure gestionis .
So#e states %assed 'e!is'ation to ser"e as !$ide'ines for the
e>e$ti"e or B$diia' deter#ination when an at #ay &e onsidered as
jure gestionis. The =nited States %assed the 4orei!n So"erei!n
I##$nities At of ,780, whih defines a o##eria' ati"ity as Eeither
a re!$'ar o$rse of o##eria' ond$t or a %arti$'ar o##eria'
transation or at.F 4$rther#ore, the 'aw de'ared that the
Eo##eria' harater of the ati"ity sha'' &e deter#ined &y referene
to the nat$re of the o$rse of ond$t or %arti$'ar transation or
at, rather than &y referene to its %$r%ose.F The Canadian Par'ia#ent
enated in ,7/1 an At to Pro"ide 4or State I##$nity in Canadian
Co$rts. The At defines a Eo##eria' ati"ityF as any %arti$'ar
transation, at or ond$t or any re!$'ar o$rse of ond$t that &y
reason of its nat$re, is of a Eo##eria' harater.F
The restriti"e theory, whih is intended to &e a so'$tion to the
host of %ro&'e#s in"o'"in! the iss$e of so"erei!n i##$nity, has reated
%ro&'e#s of its own. Le!a' treatises and the deisions in o$ntries
whih fo''ow the restriti"e theory ha"e diffi$'ty in harateriJin!
whether a ontrat of a so"erei!n state with a %ri"ate %arty is an at
jure gestionis or an at jure imperii.
The restriti"e theory a#e a&o$t &ea$se of the entry of
so"erei!n states into %$re'y o##eria' ati"ities re#ote'y onneted
with the dishar!e of !o"ern#enta' f$ntions. This is %arti$'ar'y
tr$e with res%et to the Co##$nist states whih too9 ontro' of
nationa'iJed &$siness ati"ities and internationa' tradin!. (Holy See
&)e v. Rosario 1r., 1-/ SCRA .1?, De. ,, ,77?, En 3an @P$iasonA5
2$%. &ite some transactions by a foreign state with private parties
that were considered by the Supreme &ourt as acts /jure imperii1 and
acts /jure gestionis.1
Held: This Co$rt has onsidered the fo''owin! transations &y a
forei!n state with %ri"ate %arties as ats 0ure imperiiI (,5 he lea$e
-! a %oreign governmen o% a'armen -&ilding$ %or &$e o% i$ miliar!
o%%i#er$ (SyHuia v. 'opez, /? Phi'. -,1 @,7?7A5G (15 he #ond&# o%
'&-li# -idding %or he re'air o% a (har% a a Unied Sae$ Naval
Saion (/nite$ States of !merica v. Ruiz, supra.5G and (-5 he #hange
o% em'lo!men $a&$ o% -a$e em'lo!ee$ (San$ers v. 2eri$iano, ,01 SCRA
// @,7//A5.
On the other hand, this Co$rt has onsidered the fo''owin!
transations &y a forei!n state with %ri"ate %arties as ats 0ure
gestionisI (,5 he hiring o% a #oo6 in he re#reaion #ener+
#on$i$ing o% hree re$a&ran$+ a #a%eeria+ a -a6er!+ a $ore+ and a
#o%%ee and 'a$r! $ho' a he Mohn Ha! Air Saion in Bag&io Ci!+ o
#aer o Ameri#an $ervi#emen and he general '&-li# (/nite$ States of
170
!merica v. Ro$rigo, ,/1 SCRA 0?? @,772AG and (15 he -idding %or he
o'eraion o% -ar-er $ho'$ in Clar6 Air Ba$e in Angele$ Ci! (/nite$
States of !merica v. Guinto, ,/1 SCRA 0?? @,772A5. The o%eration of
the resta$rants and other fai'ities o%en to the !enera' %$&'i is
$ndo$&ted'y for %rofit as a o##eria' and not a !o"ern#enta' ati"ity.
3y enterin! into the e#%'oy#ent ontrat with the oo9 in the dishar!e
of its %ro%rietary f$ntion, the =nited States !o"ern#ent i#%'ied'y
di"ested itse'f of it so"erei!n i##$nity fro# s$it. (Holy See &)e v.
Rosario 1r., 1-/ SCRA .1?, De. ,, ,77?, En 3an @P$iasonA5
2$$. What should be the guidelines to determine what activities and
transactions shall be considered /commercial1 and as constituting acts
/jure gestionis1 by a foreign state?
Held: In the a&sene of 'e!is'ation definin! what ati"ities and
transations sha'' &e onsidered Eo##eria'F and as onstit$tin! ats
jure gestionis, we ha"e to o#e o$t with o$r own !$ide'ines, tentati"e
they #ay &e.
Certain'y, the #ere enterin! into a ontrat &y a forei!n state
with a %ri"ate %arty annot &e the $'ti#ate test. S$h an at an on'y
&e the start of the in:$iry. The 'o!ia' :$estion is whether the
forei!n state is en!a!ed in the ati"ity in the re!$'ar o$rse of
&$siness. If the forei!n state is not en!a!ed re!$'ar'y in a &$siness
or trade, the %arti$'ar at or transation #$st then &e tested &y its
nat$re. If the at is in %$rs$it of a so"erei!n ati"ity, or an
inident thereof, then it is an at jure imperii, es%eia''y when it is
not $nderta9en for !ain or %rofit.
As he'd in /nite$ States of !merica v. Guinto <supra.>I
EThere is no :$estion that the =nited States of A#eria,
'i9e any other state, wi'' &e dee#ed to ha"e i#%'ied'y wai"ed its
non;s$a&i'ity if it has entered into a ontrat in its
%ro%rietary or %ri"ate a%aity. It is on'y when the ontrat
in"o'"es its so"erei!n or !o"ern#enta' a%aity that no s$h
wai"er #ay &e i#%'ied.F
(Holy See &)e v. Rosario 1r., 1-/ SCRA .1?, De. ,, ,77?, En 3an
@P$iasonA5
2$#. ?ay the 6oly See be sued for selling the land it ac'uired by
donation from the rchdiocese of ?anila to be made site of its mission
or the postolic :unciature in the (hilippines but which purpose cannot
be accomplished as the land was occupied by s'uatters who refused to
vacate the area?
Held: In he #a$e a -en#h+ i% 'eiioner /Hol! See1 ha$ -o&gh
and $old land$ in he ordinar! #o&r$e o% a real e$ae -&$ine$$+ $&rel!
he $aid ran$a#ion #an -e #aegori8ed a$ an a# 0ure gestionis .
<owe"er, %etitioner has denied that the a:$isition and s$&se:$ent
dis%osa' of Lot .;A were #ade for %rofit &$t 'ai#ed that it a:$ired
said %ro%erty for the site of its #ission or the A%osto'i N$niat$re
in the Phi'i%%ines. 6 > >
Lo G,A (a$ a#)&ired -! 'eiioner a$ a donaion %rom he
Ar#hdio#e$e o% :anila* The donaion (a$ made no %or #ommer#ial
'&r'o$e+ -& %or he &$e o% 'eiioner o #on$r&# hereon he
o%%i#ial 'la#e o% re$iden#e o% he Pa'al N&n#io* The righ o% a
%oreign $overeign o a#)&ire 'ro'er!+ real or 'er$onal+ in a re#eiving
$ae+ ne#e$$ar! %or he #reaion and mainenan#e o% i$ di'lomai#
mi$$ion+ i$ re#ogni8ed in he 0CI0 Hienna Convenion on Di'lomai#
Relaion$ . Thi$ rea! (a$ #on#&rred in -! he Phili''ine Senae and
enered ino %or#e in he Phili''ine$ on Novem-er 0G+ 0CIG.
In Ari#le 70/a1 of the Con"ention, a di'lomai# envo! i$ graned
imm&ni! %rom he #ivil and admini$raive .&ri$di#ion o% he
re#eiving $ae over an! real a#ion relaing o 'rivae immova-le
171
'ro'er! $i&aed in he errior! o% he re#eiving $ae (hi#h he
envo! hold$ on -ehal% o% he $ending $ae %or he '&r'o$e$ o% he
mi$$ion* I% hi$ imm&ni! i$ 'rovided %or a di'lomai# envo!+ (ih all
he more rea$on $ho&ld imm&ni! -e re#ogni8ed a$ regard$ he $overeign
i$el%+ (hi#h in hi$ #a$e i$ he Hol! See.
The de#i$ion o ran$%er he 'ro'er! and he $&-$e)&en di$'o$al
hereo% are li6e(i$e #lohed (ih a governmenal #hara#er* Peiioner
did no $ell Lo G,A %or 'ro%i or gain* I merel! (aned o di$'o$e
o%% he $ame -e#a&$e he $)&aer$ living hereon made i almo$
im'o$$i-le %or 'eiioner o &$e i %or he '&r'o$e o% he donaion.
(Holy See &)e v. Rosario 1r., 1-/ SCRA .1?, De. ,, ,77?, En 3an
@P$iasonA5
2#2. 6ow is sovereign or diplomatic immunity pleaded in a foreign
court?
Held: In P$&'i Internationa' Law, when a state or internationa'
a!eny wishes to %'ead so"erei!n or di%'o#ati i##$nity in a forei!n
o$rt, i re)&e$$ he 9oreign O%%i#e o% he $ae (here i i$ $&ed o
#onve! o he #o&r ha $aid de%endan i$ eniled o imm&ni!.
In the =nited States, the %roed$re fo''owed is the 'ro#e$$ o%
2$&gge$ion+3 where the %oreign $ae or he inernaional organi8aion
$&ed in an Ameri#an #o&r re)&e$$ he Se#rear! o% Sae o ma6e a
deerminaion a$ o (heher i i$ eniled o imm&ni!* I% he
Se#rear! o% Sae %ind$ ha he de%endan i$ imm&ne %rom $&i+ he+ in
&rn+ a$6$ he Aorne! >eneral o $&-mi o he #o&r a 2$&gge$ion3
ha he de%endan i$ eniled o imm&ni!. In En!'and, a si#i'ar
%roed$re is fo''owed, on'y the 4orei!n Offie iss$es a ertifiation
to that effet instead of s$&#ittin! a Es$!!estionF.
In he Phili''ine$+ he 'ra#i#e i$ %or he %oreign governmen or
he inernaional organi8aion o %ir$ $e#&re an e"e#&ive endor$emen
o% i$ #laim o% $overeign or di'lomai# imm&ni!. 3$t how the
Phi'i%%ine 4orei!n Offie on"eys its endorse#ent to the o$rts "aries.
In International Cat)olic Migration Commission v. Calle0a, ,72 SCRA ,-2
(,7725, the Seretary of 4orei!n Affairs B$st sent a leer diret'y to
the Seretary of La&or and E#%'oy#ent, infor#in! the 'atter that the
res%ondent;e#%'oyer o$'d not &e s$ed &ea$se it enBoyed di%'o#ati
i##$nity. In Borl$ Healt) 3rganization v. !Huino, ?/ SCRA 1?1 (,7815,
the Seretary of 4orei!n Affairs sent the tria' o$rt a elegram to
that effet. In 6aer v. &izon, .8 SCRA , (,78?5, the =.S. E#&assy a$6ed
the Seretary of 4orei!n Affairs to re:$est the So'iitor +enera' to
#a9e, in &eha'f of the o##ander of the =nited States Na"a' 3ase at
O'on!a%o City, Na#&a'es, a E$&gge$ionF to res%ondent *$d!e. The
So'iitor +enera' e#&odied the Es$!!estionF in a :ani%e$aion and
:emorand&m as amicus curiae.
In the ase at &enh, the De%art#ent of 4orei!n Affairs, thro$!h
the Offie of Le!a' Affairs #o"ed with this Co$rt to &e a''owed to
inter"ene on the side of %etitioner. The Co$rt a''owed the said
De%art#ent to fi'e its #e#orand$# in s$%%ort of %etitionerLs 'ai# of
so"erei!n i##$nity.
In so#e ases, the defense of so"erei!n i##$nity was s$&#itted
diret'y to the 'oa' o$rts &y the res%ondents thro$!h their %ri"ate
o$nse's. In ases where the forei!n states &y%ass the 4orei!n Offie,
the o$rts an in:$ire into the fats and #a9e their own deter#ination
as to the nat$re of the ats and transations in"o'"ed. (Holy See &)e
v. Rosario 1r., 1-/ SCRA .1?, De. ,, ,77?, En 3an @P$iasonA5
2#". Is the determination of the e-ecutive branch of the government
that a state or instrumentality is entitled to sovereign or diplomatic
immunity subject to judicial review, or is it a political 'uestion and
therefore, conclusive upon the courts?
172
Held: The i$$&e o% 'eiionerD$ /The Hol! See1 non,$&a-ili! #an
-e deermined -! he rial #o&r (iho& going o rial in ligh o% he
'leading$ > > >. 3esides, the %ri"i'e!e of so"erei!n i##$nity in this
ase was s$ffiient'y esta&'ished &y the De#orand$# and Certifiation
of the De%art#ent of 4orei!n Affairs. As the de%art#ent tas9ed with
the ond$t of the Phi'i%%inesL forei!n re'ations, the De%art#ent of
4orei!n Affairs has for#a''y inter"ened in this ase and offiia''y
ertified that the E#&assy of the <o'y See is a d$'y aredited
di%'o#ati #ission to the Re%$&'i of the Phi'i%%ines e>e#%t fro# 'oa'
B$risdition and entit'ed to a'' the ri!hts, %ri"i'e!es and i##$nities
of a di%'o#ati #ission or e#&assy in this o$ntry. The deerminaion
o% he e"e#&ive arm o% governmen ha a $ae or in$r&menali! i$
eniled o $overeign or di'lomai# imm&ni! i$ a 'olii#al )&e$ion
ha i$ #on#l&$ive &'on he #o&r$ . Where he 'lea o% imm&ni! i$
re#ogni8ed and a%%irmed -! he e"e#&ive -ran#h+ i i$ he d&! o% he
#o&r$ o a##e' hi$ #laim $o a$ no o em-arra$$ he e"e#&ive arm o%
he governmen in #ond&#ing he #o&nr!D$ %oreign relaion$. As in
International &atholic ?igration &ommission and in World 6ealth
9rgani=ation, we a&ide &y the ertifiation of the De%art#ent of
4orei!n Affairs. (Holy See &)e v. Rosario 1r., 1-/ SCRA .1?, De.
,, ,77?, En 3an @P$iasonA5
2#2. What is 7!;8DI;I9:? ;o whom does it apply?
Held: It is the E'ro#e$$ -! (hi#h 'er$on$ #harged (ih or
#onvi#ed o% #rime again$ he la( o% a Sae and %o&nd in a %oreign
Sae are re&rned -! he laer o he %ormer %or rial or '&ni$hmen*
I applies o ho$e (ho are merel! #harged (ih an o%%en$e -& have no
-een -ro&gh o rial4 o ho$e (ho have -een ried and #onvi#ed and
have $&-$e)&enl! e$#a'ed %rom #&$od!4 and ho$e (ho have -een
#onvi#ed in a-$enia* I $oes not apply o 'er$on$ merel! $&$'e#ed
o% having #ommied an o%%en$e -& again$ (hom no #harge ha$ -een laid
or o a 'er$on (ho$e 're$en#e i$ de$ired a$ a (ine$$ or %or o-aining
or en%or#ing a #ivil .&dgmen.F (Weston, 0alB, DP mato, International
'a( an$ 3r$er, 1
nd
ed., %. 0-2 @,772A, ited in Dissenting 9pinion,
Puno 1. in Secretary of 1ustice v. Hon. Ralp) C. 'antion, +.R. No.
,-7?0., *an. ,/, 1222, En 3an5
2#*. Discuss the basis for allowing e-tradition.
Held: E>tradition was first %ratied &y the E!y%tians, Chinese,
Cha'deans and Assyro;3a&y'onians &$t their &asis for a''owin!
e>tradition was $n'ear. So#eti#es, it was !ranted d$e to %atsG at
other ti#es, d$e to %'ain !ood wi''. The classical commentators on
internationa' 'aw th$s fo$sed their ear'y "iews on the nature of the
duty to s$rrender an e>tradite ;;; whether the d$ty is 'e!a' or #ora'
in harater. +roti$s and Vatte' 'ed the shoo' of tho$!ht that
internationa' 'aw i#%osed a legal duty a''ed civitas ma-ima to
e>tradite ri#ina's. In shar% ontrast, P$ffendorf and 3i''ot 'ed the
shoo' of tho$!ht that the so;a''ed d$ty was &$t an /imperfect
obligation whih o$'d &eo#e enforceable only &y a ontrat or
a!ree#ent &etween states.
:odern naion$ iled o(ard$ he vie( o% P&%%endor% and Billo
ha &nder inernaional la( here i$ no d&! o e"radie in he
a-$en#e o% rea!+ (heher -ilaeral or m&lilaeral. Th$s, the =S
S$%re#e Co$rt in /S v. Rausc)er (,,7 =S ?28, ?,,, 8 S Ct. 1-?, 1-0, -2
L. ed. ?1. @,//0A5, he'dI E> > > i i$ only in mo$ern times ha he
naion$ o% he earh have im'o$ed &'on hem$elve$ he o-ligaion o%
delivering &' he$e %&giive$ %rom .&$i#e o he $ae$ (here heir
#rime$ (ere #ommied+ %or rial and '&ni$hmen* Thi$ ha$ -een done
generall! -! reaie$ > > >. Prior to these treaties, and a%art fro#
the# there was no we'';defined o&'i!ation on one o$ntry to de'i"er $%
s$h f$!iti"es to anotherG and tho$!h s$h de'i"ery was often #ade it
was $%on the %rini%'e of o#ity > > >.F (Dissenting 3pinion Puno
1., in Secretary of 1ustice v. Hon. Ralp) C. 'antion, +.R. No. ,-7?0.,
*an. ,/, 1222, En 3an5
173
2#+. What is the nature of an e-tradition proceeding? Is it aBin to a
criminal proceeding?
Held: <A=n e"radiion 'ro#eeding i$ sui eItra$i. I i$ not a
criminal procee$ing (hi#h (ill #all ino o'eraion all he righ$ o% an
a##&$ed a$ g&araneed -! he Bill o% Righ$* To -egin (ih+ t)e
process of eItra$ition $oes not involve t)e $etermination of t)e guilt
or innocence of an accuse$. Hi$ g&il or inno#en#e (ill -e ad.&dged in
he #o&r o% he $ae (here he (ill -e e"radied* Hen#e+ a$ a r&le+
#on$i&ional righ$ ha are onl! relevan o deermine he g&il or
inno#en#e o% an a##&$ed #anno -e invo6ed -! an e"radiee e$'e#iall!
-! one (ho$e e"radiion 'a'er$ are $ill &ndergoing eval&aion. As
he'd &y the =S S$%re#e Co$rt in /nite$ States v. GalanisN
EAn e"radiion 'ro#eeding i$ no a #riminal 'ro$e#&ion+
and he #on$i&ional $a%eg&ard$ ha a##om'an! a #riminal rial
in hi$ #o&nr! do no $hield an a##&$ed %rom e"radiion
'&r$&an o a valid rea!.F <Wiehl, 7-tradition @aw at the
&rossroadsN ;he ;rend ;oward 7-tending 5reater &onstitutional
(rocedural (rotections ;o 0ugitives 0ighting 7-tradition from the
Cnited States, "# ?ichigan Journal of International @aw %2#, %+"
3"##$4, citing Cnited States v. 5alanis, +2# 0. Supp. "2". 3D.
&onn. "#%%4>
There are other differences &etween an e>tradition %roeedin! and a
ri#ina' %roeedin!. An e"radiion 'ro#eeding i$ $&mmar! in na&ral
(hile #riminal 'ro#eeding$ involve a %&ll,-lo(n rial . In
#onradi$in#ion o a #riminal 'ro#eeding+ he r&le$ o% eviden#e in an
e"radiion 'ro#eeding allo( admi$$ion o% eviden#e &nder le$$ $ringen
$andard$ . In erm$ o% he )&an&m o% eviden#e o -e $ai$%ied+ a
#riminal #a$e re)&ire$ 'roo% -e!ond rea$ona-le do&- %or #onvi#ion
(hile a %&giive ma! -e ordered e"radied 2&'on $ho(ing o% he
e"i$en#e o% a 'rima %a#ie #a$e*3 9inall!+ &nli6e in a #riminal #a$e
(here .&dgmen -e#ome$ e"e#&or! &'on -eing rendered %inal+ in an
e"radiion 'ro#eeding+ o&r #o&r$ ma! ad.&dge an individ&al
e"radia-le -& he Pre$iden ha$ he %inal di$#reion o e"radie
him. The =nited States adheres to a si#i'ar %ratie where&y the
Seretary of State e>erises wide disretion in &a'anin! the e:$ities
of the ase and the de#ands of the nationLs forei!n re'ations &efore
#a9in! the $'ti#ate deision to e>tradite.
!s an eItra$ition procee$ing is not criminal in c)aracter an$ t)e
evaluation stage in an eItra$ition procee$ing is not aAin to a
preliminary investigation t)e $ue process safeguar$s in t)e latter $o
not necessarily apply to t)e former. Thi$ (e hold %or he 'ro#ed&ral
d&e 'ro#e$$ re)&ired -! a given $e o% #ir#&m$an#e$ 2m&$ -egin (ih a
deerminaion o% he precise nature of t)e government function involve$
as (ell as t)e private interest t)at )as #een affecte$ #y governmental
action.1 The one%t of d$e %roess is fle-ible for Enot a''
sit$ations a''in! for %roed$ra' safe!$ards a'' for the sa#e 9ind of
%roed$re.F (Secretary of 1ustice v. Hon. Ralp) C. 'antion, +.R. No.
,-7?0., Ot. ,8, 1222, En 3an @P$noA5
2#.. Will the retroactive application of an e-tradition treaty violate
the constitutional prohibition against He- post factoH laws?
Held: The 'rohi-iion again$ eI post facto la( a''lie$ onl! o
#riminal legi$laion (hi#h a%%e#$ he $&-$anial righ$ o% he
a##&$ed* Thi$ -eing $o+ here i$ no meri in he #onenion ha he
r&ling $&$aining an e"radiion rea!D$ reroa#ive a''li#aion
violae$ he #on$i&ional 'rohi-iion again$ eI post facto la($*
The rea! i$ neiher a 'ie#e o% #riminal legi$laion nor a #riminal
'ro#ed&ral $a&e.
(Brig)t v. C!, 1-. SCRA -?,, A$!. ,., ,77? @)a%$nanA5
174
2#). Discuss the rules in the interpretation of e-tradition treaties.
Held: <A=ll reaie$+ in#l&ding he RP,US E"radiion Trea!+
$ho&ld -e interprete$ in lig)t of t)eir intent . Nothin! 'ess than the
Fienna &onvention on the @aw of ;reaties to whih the Phi'i%%ines is a
si!natory %ro"ides that Ea rea! $hall -e iner'reed in good %aih in
a##ordan#e (ih he ordinar! meaning o -e given o he erm$ o% he
rea! in heir #one" and in lig)t of its o#0ect an$ purpose .F 6 >
>. It annot &e !ainsaid that today, o$ntries 'i9e the Phi'i%%ines
for!e e>tradition treaties to arrest the dra#ati rise of internationa'
and transnationa' ri#es 'i9e terroris# and dr$! traffi9in!.
E>tradition treaties %ro"ide the ass$rane that the %$nish#ent of these
ri#es wi'' not &e fr$strated &y the frontiers of territoria'
so"erei!nty. I#%'iit in the treaties sho$'d &e the $n&endin!
o##it#ent that the %er%etrators of these ri#es wi'' not &e odd'ed &y
any si!natory state.
It o$!ht to fo''ow that the RP;=S E>tradition Treaty a''s for an
inter%retation that wi'' #ini#iJe if not %re"ent the esa%e of
e>tradites fro# the 'on! ar# of the 'aw and e>%edite their tria'. 6 > >
@AAn e:$a''y o#%e''in! fator to onsider is the understanding
of the parties the#se'"es to the RP;=S E>tradition Treaty as we'' as
the general interpretation of the issue in 'uestion by other countries
with similar treaties with the (hilippines. The r$'e is reo!niJed
that whi'e o$rts ha"e the %ower to inter%ret treaties, the #eanin!
!i"en the# &y the de%art#ents of !o"ern#ent %arti$'ar'y har!ed with
their ne!otiation and enfore#ent is aorded !reat wei!ht. The reason
for the r$'e is 'aid down in Santos III v. Nort)(est 3rient !irlines
et al. (1,2 SCRA 1.0, 10, @,771A5, where we stressed that a treaty is a
Boint e>e$ti"e;'e!is'ati"e at whih enBoys the %res$#%tion that Eit
was first aref$''y st$died and deter#ined to &e onstit$tiona' &efore
it was ado%ted and !i"en the fore of 'aw in the o$ntry.F (Secretary
of 1ustice v. Hon. Ralp) C. 'antion, +.R. No. ,-7?0., Ot. ,8, 1222, En
3an @P$noA5
2#%. What is a ;reaty? Discuss.
Held: A ;87;G, as defined &y the 2ienna Convention on t)e 'a(
of &reaties, is Ean inernaional in$r&men #on#l&ded -e(een Sae$
in (rien %orm and governed -! inernaional la(+ (heher em-odied in
a $ingle in$r&men or in (o or more relaed in$r&men$+ and (haever
i$ 'ari#&lar de$ignaion.F There are #any other ter#s $sed for a
treaty or internationa' a!ree#ent, so#e of whih areI at, %rotoo',
a!ree#ent, compromise dP arbitrage, onordat, on"ention, de'aration,
e>han!e of notes, %at, stat$te, harter and modus vivendi. A''
writers, fro# <$!o +roti$s onward, ha"e %ointed o$t that the na#es or
tit'es of internationa' a!ree#ents in'$ded $nder the !enera' ter#
treaty ha"e 'itt'e or no si!nifiane. Certain ter#s are $sef$', &$t
they f$rnish 'itt'e #ore than #ere desri%tion
Ari#le 5/51 of the 2ienna Convention %ro"ides that Ehe
'rovi$ion$ o% 'aragra'h 0 regarding he &$e o% erm$ in he 're$en
Convenion are (iho& 're.&di#e o he &$e o% ho$e erm$+ or o he
meaning$ (hi#h ma! -e given o hem in he inernal la( o% he Sae.F
(6!?!N D6agong !lyansang MaAa#ayanE v. EIecutive Secretary
Ronal$o @amora, +.R. No. ,-/.82, Ot. ,2, 1222, En 3an @3$enaA5
2#$. Discuss the binding effect of treaties and e-ecutive agreements
in international law.
Held: <I=n inernaional la(+ here i$ no di%%eren#e -e(een
reaie$ and e"e#&ive agreemen$ in heir -inding e%%e# &'on $ae$
#on#erned+ a$ long a$ he %&n#ionarie$ have remained (ihin heir
'o(er$. Internationa' 'aw ontin$es to #a9e no distintion &etween
treaties and e>e$ti"e a!ree#entsI they are e:$a''y &indin! o&'i!ations
$%on nations.
175
(6!?!N D6agong !lyansang MaAa#ayanE v. EIecutive Secretary Ronal$o
@amora, +.R. No. ,-/.82, Ot. ,2, 1222, En 3an @3$enaA5
2##. Does the (hilippines recogni=e the binding effect of e-ecutive
agreements even without the concurrence of the Senate or &ongress?
Held: In o&r .&ri$di#ion+ (e have re#ogni8ed he -inding e%%e#
o% e"e#&ive agreemen$ even (iho& he #on#&rren#e o% he Senae or
Congre$$. In Commissioner of Customs v. Eastern Sea &ra$ing (- SCRA
-.,, -.0;-.8 @,70,A5, we had oasion to %rono$neI
E> > > he righ o% he E"e#&ive o ener ino -inding
agreemen$ (it)out he ne#e$$i! o% $&-$e)&en Congre$$ional
a''roval ha$ -een confirme$ #y long usage. 9rom he earlie$
da!$ o% o&r hi$or! (e have enered ino e"e#&ive agreemen$
#overing $&#h $&-.e#$ a$ #ommer#ial and #on$&lar relaion$+
mo$,%avored,naion righ$+ 'aen righ$+ rademar6 and
#o'!righ 'roe#ion+ 'o$al and navigaion arrangemen$ and he
$elemen o% #laim$* &)e vali$ity of t)ese )as never #een
seriously Huestione$ #y our courts. /
(6!?!N D6agong !lyansang MaAa#ayanE v. EIecutive Secretary Ronal$o
@amora, +.R. No. ,-/.82, Ot. ,2, 1222, En 3an @3$enaA5
*22. What is a /(89;9&9@ D7 &@9;C871? Will it re'uire concurrence by
the Senate?
Held: A final act, so#eti#es a''ed protocol $e cloture, is an
in$r&men (hi#h re#ord$ he (inding &' o% he 'ro#eeding$ o% a
di'lomai# #on%eren#e and &$&all! in#l&de$ a re'rod&#ion o% he e"$
o% reaie$+ #onvenion$+ re#ommendaion$ and oher a#$ agreed &'on
and $igned -! he 'leni'oeniarie$ aending he #on%eren#e* I i$
no he rea! i$el%* I i$ raher a $&mmar! o% he 'ro#eeding$ o% a
'rora#ed #on%eren#e (hi#h ma! have a6en 'la#e over $everal !ear$*
I (ill no re)&ire he #on#&rren#e o% he Senae* The do#&men$
#onained herein are deemed ado'ed (iho& need %or rai%i#aion.
(&ana$a v. !ngara, 181 SCRA ,/, Day 1, ,778 @Pan!ani&anA5
*2". What is the /most,favored,nation1 clause? What is its purpose?
An$(er: ,. The ?9S;,0F987D,:;I9: &@CS7 #ay &e defined, in
!enera', as a 'ledge -! a #onra#ing 'ar! o a rea! o gran o he
oher 'ar! reamen no le$$ %avora-le han ha (hi#h ha$ -een or
ma! -e graned o he 2mo$ %avored3 among oher #o&nrie$. The 'a$se
has &een o##on'y in'$ded in treaties of o##eria' nat$re.
There are !enera''y (o !'e$ of #ost;fa"ored;nation 'a$se,
na#e'y, &9:DI;I9:@ and C:&9:DI;I9:@. Aordin! to the 'a$se in its
unconditional for#, an! advanage o% (haever 6ind (hi#h ha$ -een or
ma! in %&&re -e graned -! eiher o% he #onra#ing 'arie$ o a
hird Sae $hall $im&laneo&$l! and &n#ondiionall! -e e"ended o he
oher &nder he $ame or e)&ivalen #ondiion$ a$ ho$e &nder (hi#h i
ha$ -een graned o he hird Sae. (Salonga L ?ap Pu#lic
International 'a(, .
th
7dition, "##2, pp. "+","+25
1. The '&r'o$e o% a mo$ %avored naion #la&$e i$ o gran o
he #onra#ing 'ar! reamen no le$$ %avora-le han ha (hi#h ha$
-een or ma! -e graned o he 2mo$ %avored3 among oher #o&nrie$*
The mo$ %avored naion #la&$e i$ inended o e$a-li$h he 'rin#i'le
o% e)&ali! o% inernaional reamen -! 'roviding ha he #ii8en$
or $&-.e#$ o% he #onra#ing naion$ ma! en.o! he 'rivilege$
a##orded -! eiher 'ar! o ho$e o% he mo$ %avored naion.
(Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. S.C. 1o)nson an$ Son Inc., -27
SCRA /8, ,28;,2/, *$ne 1., ,777, -
rd
Di". @+onJa!a;ReyesA5
176
*22. What is the essence of the principle behind the /most,favored,
nation1 clause, as applied to ta- treaties?
Held: The e$$en#e o% he 'rin#i'le i$ o allo( he a"'a!er in
one $ae o avail o% more li-eral 'rovi$ion$ graned in anoher a"
rea! o (hi#h he #o&nr! o% re$iden#e o% $&#h a"'a!er i$ al$o a
'ar! 'rovided ha he $&-.e# maer o% a"aion " " " i$ he $ame a$
ha in he a" rea! &nder (hi#h he a"'a!er i$ lia-le.
In Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. S.C. 1o)nson an$ Son
Inc., -27 SCRA /8, *$ne 1., ,777, the SC did not !rant the 'ai# fi'ed
&y S.C. *ohnson and Son, In., a non;resident forei!n or%oration &ased
in the =SA, with the 3IR for ref$nd of o"er%aid withho'din! ta> on
roya'ties %$rs$ant to the #ost;fa"ored;nation 'a$se of the RP;=S Ta>
Treaty in re'ation to the RP;West +er#any Ta> Treaty. It he'dI
>iven he '&r'o$e &nderl!ing a" reaie$ and he raionale
%or he mo$ %avored naion #la&$e+ he #on#e$$ional a" rae o%
0J 'er#en 'rovided %or in he RP,>erman! Ta" Trea! $ho&ld a''l!
onl! i% he a"e$ im'o$ed &'on ro!alie$ in he RP,US Ta" Trea!
and in he RP,>erman! Ta" Trea! are 'aid &nder $imilar
#ir#&m$an#e$. This wo$'d #ean that %ri"ate res%ondent (S.C.
*ohnson and Son, In.5 #$st %ro"e that the RP;=S Ta> Treaty
!rants si#i'ar ta> re'iefs to residents of the =nited States in
res%et of the ta>es i#%osa&'e $%on roya'ties earned fro# so$res
within the Phi'i%%ines as those a''owed to their +er#an
o$nter%arts $nder the RP;+er#any Ta> Treaty.
The RP,US and he RP,We$ >erman! Ta" Treaie$ do no
#onain $imilar 'rovi$ion$ on a" #rediing* Ari#le 5E o% he
RP,>erman! Ta" Trea! " " " e"'re$$l! allo($ #rediing again$
>erman in#ome and #or'oraion a" o% 5JP o% he gro$$ amo&n o%
ro!alie$ 'aid &nder he la( o% he Phili''ine$* On he oher
hand+ Ari#le 57 o% he RP,US Ta" Trea!+ (hi#h i$ he
#o&ner'ar 'rovi$ion (ih re$'e# o relie% %or do&-le a"aion+
doe$ no 'rovide %or $imilar #rediing o% 5JP o% he gro$$ amo&n
o% ro!alie$ 'aid. 6 > >
6 > > The entit'e#ent of the ,2R rate &y =.S. fir#s des%ite
the a&sene of #athin! redit (12R for roya'ties5 wo$'d
dero!ate fro# the desi!n &ehind the #ost fa"ored nation 'a$se to
!rant e:$a'ity of internationa' treat#ent sine the ta> &$rden
'aid $%on the ino#e of the in"estor is not the sa#e in the two
o$ntries. The si#i'arity in the ir$#stanes of %ay#ent of
ta>es is a ondition for the enBoy#ent of #ost fa"ored nation
treat#ent %reise'y to $ndersore the need for e:$a'ity of
treat#ent.
*2*. What is ratification? Discuss its function in the treaty,maBing
process.
Held: 8;I0I&;I9: is !enera''y he'd to &e an e"e#&ive a#+
&ndera6en -! he head o% $ae or o% he governmen+ a$ he #a$e ma!
-e+ hro&gh (hi#h he %ormal a##e'an#e o% he rea! i$ 'ro#laimed . A
State #ay %ro"ide in its do#esti 'e!is'ation the %roess of
ratifiation of a treaty. The onsent of the State to &e &o$nd &y a
treaty is e>%ressed &y ratifiation whenI (a5 he rea! 'rovide$ %or
$&#h rai%i#aion, (&5 i i$ oher(i$e e$a-li$hed ha he negoiaing
Sae$ agreed ha rai%i#aion $ho&ld -e re)&ired, (5 he
re're$enaive o% he Sae ha$ $igned he rea! $&-.e# o
rai%i#aion, or (d5 he inenion o% he Sae o $ign he rea!
$&-.e# o rai%i#aion a''ear$ %rom he %&ll 'o(er$ o% i$
re're$enaive+ or (a$ e"'re$$ed d&ring he negoiaion.
(6!?!N D6agong !lyansang MaAa#ayanE v. EIecutive Secretary Ronal$o
@amora, +.R. No. ,-/.82, Ot. ,2, 1222, En 3an @3$enaA5
*2+. 7-plain the /(&; SC:; S78F:D1 rule.
177
Held: One of the o'dest and #ost f$nda#enta' r$'es in
internationa' 'aw is pacta sunt servanda L inernaional agreemen$
m&$ -e 'er%ormed in good %aih. EA rea! engagemen i$ no a mere
moral o-ligaion -& #reae$ a legall! -inding o-ligaion on he
'arie$ " " "* A $ae (hi#h ha$ #onra#ed valid inernaional
o-ligaion$ i$ -o&nd o ma6e in i$ legi$laion$ $&#h modi%i#aion$ a$
ma! -e ne#e$$ar! o en$&re he %&l%illmen o% he o-ligaion$
&ndera6en.F (&ana$a v. !ngara, 181 SCRA ,/, Day 1, ,778 @Pan!ani&anA5
*2.. 7-plain the /87ECS SI& S;:;IECS1 rule <i.e., things remaining as
they are>. Does it operate automatically to render a treaty
inoperative?
Held: Aordin! to Jessup, the dotrine onstit$tes an aem'
o %orm&lae a legal 'rin#i'le (hi#h (o&ld .&$i%! non,'er%orman#e o% a
rea! o-ligaion i% he #ondiion$ (ih relaion o (hi#h he 'arie$
#onra#ed have #hanged $o maeriall! and $o &ne"'e#edl! a$ o #reae
a $i&aion in (hi#h he e"a#ion o% 'er%orman#e (o&ld -e &nrea$ona-le*
The 6e! elemen o% hi$ do#rine i$ he vial #hange in he #ondiion
o% he #onra#ing 'arie$ ha he! #o&ld no have %ore$een a he
ime he rea! (a$ #on#l&ded.
The dotrine of rebus sic stantibus doe$ no o'erae
a&omai#all! o render he rea! ino'eraive* There i$ a ne#e$$i!
%or a %ormal a# o% re.e#ion+ &$&all! made -! he head o% $ae+ (ih
a $aemen o% he rea$on$ (h! #om'lian#e (ih he rea! i$ no longer
re)&ired. (Santos III v. Nort)(est 3rient !irlines, 1,2 SCRA 1.0,
*$ne 1-, ,7715
*2). What is the /D9&;8I:7 90 7007&;IF7 :;I9:@I;G1 <genuine linB
doctrine>?
Held: This %rini%'e is e>%ressed in Ari#le G of the Hague
Convention of 7:*- on the Conflict of Nationality 'a(s as fo''owsI
Art. .. Wihin a hird Sae a 'er$on having more han one
naionali! $hall -e reaed a$ i% he had onl! one* Wiho&
're.&di#e o he a''li#aion o% i$ la( in maer$ o% 'er$onal
$a&$ and o% an! #onvenion in %or#e+ a hird Sae $hall+ o%
he naionaliie$ (hi#h an! $&#h 'er$on 'o$$e$$e$+ re#ogni8e
e"#l&$ivel! in i$ errior! eiher he naionali! o% he
#o&nr! in (hi#h he i$ ha-i&all! and 'rin#i'all! re$iden or he
naionali! o% he #o&nr! (ih (hi#h in he #ir#&m$an#e$ he
a''ear$ o -e in %a# mo$ #lo$el! #onne#ed.
(=rival$o v. C3ME'EC, ,8? SCRA 1?., *$ne 1-, ,7/75
Sigma RhoAard
178