CASES

IN
NATURAL RESOURCES
SUBMITTED TO: Atty. Ismael Manaligod
SUBMITTED BY:
Sophia E. Matote
Jonna Maye S. Canindo
Maureen Margareth D. Eslava
Sony Berth Daluping
Eric Gonayon
CSU Ll.B- II
G.R. No. 79538. Octobe !8" !99#
$ELI%E YSMAEL" &R. ' CO." INC." petitioner"
vs.
T(E DE%UTY E)ECUTI*E SECRETARY" T(E SECRETARY O$
EN*IRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES" T(E DIRECTOR O$ T(E
BUREAU O$ $OREST DE*ELO%MENT +,- T.IN %EA/S DE*ELO%MENT
AND REALTY COR%ORATION" respondents.
FACS!
"n "cto#er $%& $'()& petitioner entered into a tim#er license agreement
*ith the Department o+ Agriculture and ,atural -esources& represented #y
then Secretary Jose Feliciano& *herein it *as issued an e.clusive license to
cut& collect and remove tim#er e.cept prohi#ited species *ithin a speci/ed
portion o+ pu#lic +orest land *ith an area o+ )0&'%1 hectares located in the
municipality o+ Maddela& province o+ ,ueva 2i3caya +rom "cto#er $%& $'()
until June 41& $''1.
5o*ever& on August $6& $'64& the Director o+ the Bureau o+ Forest
Development 7Bureau8& Director Edmundo Cortes& issued a memorandum
order stopping all logging operations in ,ueva 2i3caya and 9uirino provinces&
and cancelling the logging concession o+ petitioner and nine other +orest
concessionaires& pursuant to presidential instructions and a memorandum
order o+ the Minister o+ ,atural -esources eodoro :ena.
Su#se;uently& petitioner<s tim#er license agreement *as cancelled. 5e sent
a letter addressed to then :resident Ferdinand Marcos *hich sought
reconsideration o+ the Bureau=s directive& citing in support thereo+ its
contri#utions to +orest conservation and alleging that it *as not given the
opportunity to #e heard prior to the cancellation o+ its logging operations& #ut
no +avora#le action *as ta>en on his letter?
Barely one year therea+ter& appro.imately one@hal+ o+ the area +ormerly
covered #y petitioner<s AA *as re@a*arded to *in :ea>s Development and
-ealty Corporation under a ne* AA *hich *as set to e.pire on July 4$& %11'&
*hile the other hal+ *as allo*ed to #e logged #y Filipinas Aoggers& Inc.
*ithout the #ene/t o+ a +ormal a*ard or license. he latter entities *ere
controlled or o*ned #y relatives or cronies o+ deposed :resident Ferdinand
Marcos.
Soon a+ter the change o+ government in Fe#ruary $'6(& petitioner sent a
letter dated March $B& $'6( to the "Cce o+ the :resident& and another letter
dated April %& $'6( to Minister Ernesto Maceda o+ the Ministry o+ ,atural
-esources DM,-E& see>ing! 7$8 the reinstatement o+ its tim#er license
agreement *hich *as cancelled in August $'64 during the Marcos
administration? 7%8 the revocation o+ AA ,o. 4)( *hich *as issued to *in
:ea>s Development and -ealty Corporation *ithout pu#lic #idding and in
violation o+ +orestry la*s& rules and regulations? and& 748 the issuance o+ an
order allo*ing petitioner to ta>e possession o+ all logs +ound in the
concession area. 5o*ever& petitioner=s re;uest *as denied. :etitioner
moved +or reconsideration reiterating& among others& its re;uest that the
tim#er license agreement issued to private respondent #e declared null and
void. he M,- ho*ever denied this motion. :etitioner su#se;uently
appealed +rom the orders o+ the M,- to the "Cce o+ the :resident. he
"Cce o+ the :resident& acting through then Deputy E.ecutive Secretary
Catalino Macaraig& denied petitioner=s appeal +or lac> o+ merit. :etitioner /led
*ith the Court a petition +or certiorari, *ith prayer +or the issuance o+ a
restraining order or *rit o+ preliminary inFunction&
ISSGE! Hhether or not petitioner has the right to see> the nulli/cation o+
the Bureau orders cancelling his tim#er license agreement and the granting
o+ AA to private respondent& *hich *ere issued *ay #ac> in $'64 and $'60&
respectively.
5EAD!
,". he +ailure o+ petitioner to /le the petition +or certiorari *ithin a
reasona#le period o+ time renders the petitioner suscepti#le to the adverse
legal conse;uences o+ laches. Aaches is de/ned as the +ailure or neglect +or
an unreasona#le and une.plained length o+ time to do that *hich #y
e.ercising due diligence& could or should have #een done earlier& or to assert
a right *ithin a reasona#le time& *arranting a presumption that the party
entitled thereto has either a#andoned it o+ declined to assert it. he rule is
that unreasona#le delay on the part o+ a plaintiI in see>ing to en+orce an
alleged right may& depending upon the circumstances& #e destructive o+ the
right itsel+. 2erily& the la*s did these *ho are vigilant& not those *ho sleep
upon their rights. In the case at #ar& petitioner *aited +or at least three
years #e+ore it /nally /led a petition +or certiorari *ith the Court attac>ing
the validity o+ the assailed Bureau actions in $'64 and $'60. Considering
that petitioner& throughout the period o+ its inaction& *as not deprived o+ the
opportunity to see> relie+ +rom the courts *hich *ere normally operating at
the time& its delay constitutes unreasona#le and ine.cusa#le neglect&
tantamount to laches. Accordingly& the *rit o+ certiorari re;uiring the
reversal o+ these orders *ill not lie. here is a more signi/cant +actor *hich
#ars the issuance o+ a *rit o+ certiorari in +avor o+ petitioner and against
pu#lic respondents herein. A long line o+ cases esta#lish the #asic rule that
the courts *ill not inter+ere in matters *hich are addressed to the sound
discretion o+ government agencies entrusted *ith the regulation o+ activities
coming under the special technical >no*ledge and training o+ such agencies.
More so *here& as in the present case& the interests o+ a private logging
company are pitted against that o+ the pu#lic at large on the pressing pu#lic
policy issue o+ +orest conservation. For this Court recogni3es the *ide
latitude o+ discretion possessed #y the government in determining the
appropriate actions to #e ta>en to preserve and manage natural resources&
and the proper parties *ho should enFoy the privilege o+ utili3ing these
resources. im#er licenses& permits and license agreements are the principal
instruments #y *hich the State regulates the utili3ation and disposition o+
+orest resources to the end that pu#lic *el+are is promoted. And it can hardly
#e gainsaid that they merely evidence a privilege granted #y the State to
;uali/ed entities& and do not vest in the latter a permanent or irrevoca#le
right to the particular concession area and the +orest products therein. hey
may #e validly amended& modi/ed& replaced or rescinded #y the Chie+
E.ecutive *hen national interests so re;uire. hus& they are not deemed
contracts *ithin the purvie* o+ the due process o+ la* clause.
BE,GGE C"-:"-AI",& G.-. ,o. $(4$1$
:etitioner&
@ versus @
DE:A-ME, "F E,2I-",ME, A,D ,AG-AA -ES"G-CES@MI,ES
ADJGDICAI", B"A-D and J.G. -EAAJ A,D MI,I,G C"-:"-AI",&
-espondents.
FACS!
Benguet and J.G. -ealty entered into a -oyalty Agreement *ith "ption to
:urchase 7-AH":8 & *herein J.G. -ealty *as ac>no*ledged as the o*ner o+
+our mining claims *ith a total area o+ %66.6()( hectares. he parties also
e.ecuted a Supplemental Agreement. he mining claims *ere covered #y
Mineral :roduction Sharing Agreement 7M:SA8 Application ,o. A:SA@2@111'
Fointly /led #y J.G. -ealty as claim@o*ner and Benguet as operator.
A+ter some time& the E.ecutive 2ice@:resident o+ Benguet& Antonio ,.
achuling& issued a letter in+orming J.G. -ealty o+ its intention to develop the
mining claims. 5o*ever& J.G. -ealty& through its :resident& Johnny A. an&
then sent a letter to the :resident o+ Benguet in+orming the latter that it *as
terminating the -AH":. he latter alleged that petitioner violated some o+
the provisions o+ the -AH":& speci/cally on non@payment o+ royalties and
non@+ul/llment o+ o#ligations stipulated therein.
J.G. -ealty /led a :etition +or Declaration o+ ,ullityKCancellation o+ the
-AH":. :"A issued a Decision& cancelling the -AH": and its Supplemental
Agreement. BE,GGE *as su#se;uently e.cluded +rom the Foint M:SA
Application over the mineral claims. Su#se;uent M- *as denied. Said
decision *as upheld #y DE,-@MAB.
5ence this instant petition.
ISSGE!

Hhether or not petitioner the /ling o+ the petition *ith the Supreme
Court is proper.
5EAD!
,". the instant petition can #e denied outright as Benguet resorted to
an improper -emedy.
he last paragraph o+ Section B' o+ -epu#lic Act ,o. 7-A8 B'0% or the
L:hilippine Mining Act o+ $'')M states& LA petition +or revie* #y certiorari and
;uestion o+ la* may #e /led #y the aggrieved party *ith the Supreme Court
*ithin thirty 7418 days +rom receipt o+ the order or decision o+ the DMABE.M
he -evised -ules o+ Civil :rocedure included -ule 04 to provide a
uni+orm rule on appeals +rom ;uasi@Fudicial agencies. Gnder the rule& appeals
+rom their Fudgments and /nal orders are no* re;uired to #e #rought to the
CA on a veri/ed petition +or revie*. A ;uasi@Fudicial agency or #ody has #een
de/ned as an organ o+ government& other than a court or legislature& *hich
aIects the rights o+ private parties through either adFudication or rule@
ma>ing. MAB +alls under this de/nition? hence& it is no diIerent +rom the
other ;uasi@Fudicial #odies enumerated under -ule 04. Besides& the
introductory *ords in Section $ o+ Circular ,o. $@'$NNLamong these agencies
areMNNindicate that the enumeration is not e.clusive or conclusive and
ac>no*ledge the e.istence o+ other ;uasi@Fudicial agencies *hich& though not
e.pressly listed& should #e deemed included therein.
The Fudicial policy o+ o#serving the hierarchy o+ courts dictates that direct
resort +rom administrative agencies to this Court *ill not #e entertained&
unless the redress desired cannot #e o#tained +rom the appropriate lo*er
tri#unals& or unless e.ceptional and compelling circumstances Fusti+y
availment o+ a remedy +alling *ithin and calling +or the e.ercise o+ our
primary Furisdiction.
hus Benguet should have /led the appeal *ith the CA.
:etitioner having +ailed to properly appeal to the CA under -ule 04& the
decision o+ the MAB has #ecome /nal and e.ecutory. "n this ground alone&
the instant petition must #e denied.
G.R. No. 148267. August 8, 2002
ARMANDO C. CARPIO, petitioner, vs. SULU RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION, respondent.
FACTS:
This case originated from a petition filed by respondent [Sulu Resources Development
Corporation] for Mines Production Sharing Agreement MPSA! "o# MPSA$%&$'(') covering
certain areas in Antipolo) Ri*al# Petitioner [Armando C# Carpio] filed an opposition+adverse
claim thereto) alleging) inter alia, that his landholdings in Cupang and Antipolo) Ri*al ,ill be
covered by respondent-s claim) thus he en.oys a preferential right to e/plore and e/tract the
0uarry resources on his properties#
After due proceedings ,ere held) the Panel of Arbitrators of the Mines and 1eo$Sciences 2ureau
of the D3"R rendered a Resolution upholding petitioner-s opposition+adverse claim#
Respondent appealed the foregoing Resolution to the Mines Ad.udication 2oard# Mean,hile)
petitioner filed a motion to dismiss appeal on the ground of respondent-s failure to comply ,ith
the re0uirements of the "e, Mining Act-s %mplementing Rules and Regulations# The Mines
Ad.udication 2oard rendered the assailed 4rder dismissing petitioner-s opposition+adverse claim#
Petitioner filed a motion for reconsideration of said 4rder ,hich ,as denied by the 2oard# An
appeal ,as filed ,ith the CA but same ,as denied#
%SS536
7hether or not appeals from the Decision or 8inal 4rders of the Mines Ad.udication 2oard
should be made directly to the Supreme Court as contended by the respondent and the Court of
Appeals) or such appeals be first made to the Court of Appeals as contended by herein petitioner#
93:D6
The petition is meritorious#
8actual controversies are usually involved in administrative actions; and the CA is prepared
to handle such issues because) unli<e this Court) it is mandated to rule on 0uestions of fact#
i
%n
Metro Construction, ,e observed that not only did the CA have appellate .urisdiction over C%AC
decisions and orders) but the revie, of such decisions included 0uestions of fact and la,#
ii
At the
very least ,hen factual findings of the MA2 are challenged or alleged to have been made in
grave abuse of discretion as in the present case) the CA may revie, them) consistent ,ith the
constitutional duty
iii
of the .udiciary#
To summari*e) there are sufficient legal footings authori*ing a revie, of the MA2 Decision
under Rule =( of the Rules of Court# First, Section (> of Article &% of the '?@A Constitution)
mandates that B[n]o la, shall be passed increasing the appellate .urisdiction of the Supreme
Court as provided in this Constitution ,ithout its advice and consent#C 4n the other hand)
Section A? of RA "o# A?=D provides that decisions of the MA2 may be revie,ed by this Court
on a Bpetition for revie, by certiorari#C This provision is obviously an e/pansion of the Court-s
appellate .urisdiction) an e/pansion to ,hich this Court has not consented# %ndiscriminate
enactment of legislation enlarging the appellate .urisdiction of this Court ,ould unnecessarily
burden it#
iv
Second, ,hen the Supreme Court) in the e/ercise of its rule$ma<ing po,er) transfers to the
CA pending cases involving a revie, of a 0uasi$.udicial body-s decisions) such transfer relates
only to procedure; hence) it does not impair the substantive and vested rights of the parties# The
aggrieved party-s right to appeal is preserved; ,hat is changed is only the procedure by ,hich
the appeal is to be made or decided#
v
The parties still have a remedy and a competent tribunal to
grant this remedy#
Third, the Revised Rules of Civil Procedure included Rule =( to provide a uniform rule on
appeals from 0uasi$.udicial agencies#
vi
5nder the rule) appeals from their .udgments and final
orders are no, re0uired to be brought to the CA on a verified petition for revie,#
vii
A 0uasi$
.udicial agency or body has been defined as an organ of government) other than a court or
legislature) ,hich affects the rights of private parties through either ad.udication or rule$
ma<ing#
viii
MA2 falls under this definition; hence) it is no different from the other 0uasi$.udicial
bodies enumerated under Rule =(# 2esides) the introductory ,ords in Section ' of Circular "o#
'$?' $$ Bamong these agencies areC $$ indicate that the enumeration is not e/clusive or conclusive
and ac<no,ledge the e/istence of other 0uasi$.udicial agencies ,hich) though not e/pressly
listed) should be deemed included therein#
i/
Fourth, the Court reali*es that under 2atas Pambansa 2P! 2lg# 'D?
/
as amended by RA "o#
A?>D)
/i
factual controversies are usually involved in decisions of 0uasi$.udicial bodies; and the
CA) ,hich is li<e,ise tas<ed to resolve 0uestions of fact) has more elbo, room to resolve them#
2y including 0uestions of fact
/ii
among the issues that may be raised in an appeal from 0uasi$
.udicial agencies to the CA) Section 3 of Revised Administrative Circular "o# '$?E and Section (
of Rule =( e/plicitly e/panded the list of such issues#
According to Section ( of Rule =() B[a]n appeal under this Rule may be ta<en to the Court of
Appeals ,ithin the period and in the manner herein provided ,hether the appeal involves
0uestions of fact) of la,) or mi/ed 0uestions of fact and la,#C 9ence) appeals from 0uasi$.udicial
agencies even only on 0uestions of la, may be brought to the CA#
8ifth) the .udicial policy of observing the hierarchy of courts dictates that direct resort from
administrative agencies to this Court ,ill not be entertained) unless the redress desired cannot be
obtained from the appropriate lo,er tribunals) or unless e/ceptional and compelling
circumstances .ustify availment of a remedy falling ,ithin and calling for the e/ercise of our
primary .urisdiction#
/iii
Consistent ,ith these rulings and legal bases) ,e therefore hold that Section A? of RA A?=D
is li<e,ise to be understood as having been modified by Circular "o# '$?') 2P 2lg# 'D? as
amended by RA A?>D) Revised Administrative Circular '$?E) and Rule =( of the Rules of Court#
%n brief) appeals from decisions of the MA2 shall be ta<en to the CA through petitions for revie,
in accordance ,ith the provisions of Rule =( of the '??A Rules of Court#
DESAMA vs ELISEA GOZUN G.R. No. 157882, Marc !", 2""#
FACTS:
E$%c&'(v% Or)%r No. 27*, +ro,&-.a'%) /0 '%1 2r%s()%1' Cora3o1 A4&(1o,
a&'or(3%) '% DENR S%cr%'ar0 'o acc%+', co1s()%r a1) %va-&a'% +ro+osa-s 5ro,
5or%(.16o71%) cor+ora'(o1s or 5or%(.1 (1v%s'ors 5or co1'rac's o5 a.r%%,%1's (1vo-v(1.
%('%r '%c1(ca- or 5(1a1c(a- ass(s'a1c% 5or -ar.%6sca-% %$+-ora'(o1, )%v%-o+,%1', a1)
&'(-(3a'(o1 o5 ,(1%ra-s, 7(c, &+o1 a++ro+r(a'% r%co,,%1)a'(o1 o5 '% S%cr%'ar0, '%
2r%s()%1' ,a0 %$%c&'% 7(' '% 5or%(.1 +ro+o1%1'.
A5'%r so,% '(,%, 2r%s()%1' F()%- 8. Ra,os s(.1%) (1'o -a7 R%+. Ac' No. 7*92
%1'('-%), :A1 Ac' I1s'('&'(1. A N%7 S0s'%, o5 M(1%ra- R%so&rc%s E$+-ora'(o1,
D%v%-o+,%1', U'(-(3a'(o1 a1) Co1s%rva'(o1,; o'%r7(s% <1o71 as '% 2(-(++(1% M(1(1.
Ac' o5 1**5. T%1 DENR S%cr%'ar0 8(c'or O. Ra,os (ss&%) DENR A),(1(s'ra'(v%
Or)%r =DAO> No. 2!, S%r(%s o5 1**5, co1'a(1(1. '% (,+-%,%1'(1. .&()%-(1%s o5 R%+. Ac'
No. 7*92. T(s 7as soo1 s&+%rs%)%) /0 DAO No. *#69", s. 1**#, 7(c 'oo< %55%c' o1
2! ?a1&ar0 1**7 a5'%r )&% +&/-(ca'(o1.
2r%v(o&s-0, o7%v%r, or s+%c(5(ca--0 o1 2" ?&1% 1**9, 2r%s()%1' Ra,os %$%c&'%)
a1 FTAA 7(' Ar(,co M(1(1. Cor+ora'(o1 =AMC> ov%r a 'o'a- -a1) ar%a o5 !7,"""
%c'ar%s cov%r(1. '% +rov(1c%s o5 N&%va 8(3ca0a a1) @&(r(1o. I1c-&)%) (1 '(s ar%a (s
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-%''%r a))r%ss%) 'o '%1 DENR S%cr%'ar0 C%%rso1 A-var%3, 5or '% ca1c%--a'(o1 o5 '%
CAMC FTAA 5or '% +r(,ar0 r%aso1 'a' R%+. Ac' No. 7*92 a1) ('s I,+-%,%1'(1. R&-%s
a1) R%.&-a'(o1s DAO *#69" ar% &1co1s'('&'(o1a-.
S&/s%4&%1'-0, AMC co1so-()a'%) 7(' C-(,a$ M(1(1. L(,('%) 'o 5or, a s(1.-%
co,+a10 'a' 1o7 .o%s &1)%r '% 1%7 1a,% o5 C-(,a$6Ar(,co M(1(1. Cor+ora'(o1
=CAMC>, '% co1'ro--(1. **D o5 s'oc<o-)%rs o5 7(c ar% A&s'ra-(a1 1a'(o1a-s.
MGA r%E%c'%) '% )%,a1) o5 co&1s%-s 5or +%'('(o1%rs 5or '% ca1c%--a'(o1 o5 '% CAMC
FTAA.
2%'('(o1%rs '&s 5(-%) '% +r%s%1' +%'('(o1 5or +ro(/('(o1 a1) mandamus, 7(' a
+ra0%r 5or a '%,+orar0 r%s'ra(1(1. or)%r.
ISSUE:
F%'%r or 1o' '% ,(1(1. ac' a1) ('s (,+-%,%1'(1. r&-%s a1) r%.&-a'(o1s ar% vo()
a1) &1co1s'('&'(o1a- s+%c(5(ca--0 S%c'(o1 7# o5 R%+. Ac' No. 7*92 a1) S%c'(o1 1"7 o5
DAO *#69" FOR IT a--o7s '% &1-a75&- a1) &1E&s' :'a<(1.; o5 +r(va'% +ro+%r'0 5or
+r(va'% +&r+os% (1 co1'ra)(c'(o1 7(' S%c'(o1 *, Ar'(c-% III o5 '% 1*87 Co1s'('&'(o1.
CELD:
NO. S%c'(o1 7# o5 R%+&/-(c Ac' No. 7*92 a1) S%c'(o1 1"7 o5 DAO *#69"G
R%+&/-(c Ac' No. 7*92 a1) ('s I,+-%,%1'(1. R&-%s a1) R%.&-a'(o1s co1'a(1%) (1 DAO
*#69" H (1so5ar as '%0 r%-a'% 'o 5(1a1c(a- a1) '%c1(ca- ass(s'a1c% a.r%%,%1's r%5%rr%)
'o (1 +ara.ra+ 9 o5 S%c'(o1 2 o5 Ar'(c-% III o5 '% Co1s'('&'(o1 ar% NOT
UNCONSTITUTIONAL.
F(-% '(s Co&r' )%c-ar%s 'a' '% assa(-%) +rov(s(o1 (s a 'a<(1. +rov(s(o1, '(s
)o%s 1o' ,%a1 'a' (' (s &1co1s'('&'(o1a- o1 '% .ro&1) 'a' (' a--o7s 'a<(1. o5 +r(va'%
+ro+%r'0 7('o&' '% )%'%r,(1a'(o1 o5 +&/-(c &s% a1) '% +a0,%1' o5 E&s' co,+%1sa'(o1.
T% 'a<(1. 'o /% va-() ,&s' /% 5or +&/-(c &s%. 2&/-(c &s% as a r%4&(r%,%1' 5or '%
va-() %$%rc(s% o5 '% +o7%r o5 %,(1%1' )o,a(1 (s 1o7 s01o10,o&s 7(' +&/-(c (1'%r%s',
+&/-(c /%1%5(', +&/-(c 7%-5ar% a1) +&/-(c co1v%1(%1c%. I' (1c-&)%s '% /roa)%r 1o'(o1 o5
(1)(r%c' +&/-(c /%1%5(' or a)va1'a.%. 2&/-(c &s% as 'ra)('(o1a--0 &1)%rs'oo) as :ac'&a-
&s% /0 '% +&/-(c; as a-r%a)0 /%%1 a/a1)o1%).
M(1(1. (1)&s'r0 +-a0s a +(vo'a- ro-% (1 '% %co1o,(c )%v%-o+,%1' o5 '% co&1'r0
a1) (s a v('a- 'oo- (1 '% .ov%r1,%1'Js 'r&s' o5 acc%-%ra'%) r%cov%r0. Irr%5ra.a/-0, ,(1(1.
(s a1 (1)&s'r0 7(c (s o5 +&/-(c /%1%5('. Ta' +&/-(c &s% (s 1%.a'%) /0 '% 5ac' 'a' '%
s'a'% 7o&-) /% 'a<(1. +r(va'% +ro+%r'(%s 5or '% /%1%5(' o5 +r(va'% ,(1(1. 5(r,s or ,(1(1.
co1'rac'ors (s 1o' a' a-- 'r&%.
T%r% (s a-so 1o /as(s 5or '% c-a(, 'a' '% M(1(1. La7 a1) ('s (,+-%,%1'(1.
r&-%s a1) r%.&-a'(o1s )o 1o' +rov()% 5or E&s' co,+%1sa'(o1 (1 %$+ro+r(a'(1. +r(va'%
+ro+%r'(%s. S%c'(o1 7# o5 R%+. Ac' No. 7*92 a1) S%c'(o1 1"7 o5 DAO *#69" +rov()% 5or
'% +a0,%1' o5 E&s' co,+%1sa'(o1
LA AUGAL6AJLAAN TRIAAL ASSOCIATION, I1c. vs RAMOS
G.R. No. 127882 ?a1&ar0 27, 2""9
FACTS:
4n March () '??E) President Ramos signed into la, R#A# "o# A?=D# Section 'E thereof
declares that the Act Bshall govern the e/ploration) development) utili*ation) and processing of
all mineral resources#C Such declaration not,ithstanding) R#A# "o# A?=D does not actually cover
all the modes through ,hich the State may underta<e the e/ploration) development) and
utili*ation of natural resources#
The State) being the o,ner of the natural resources) is accorded the primary po,er and
responsibility in the e/ploration) development and utili*ation thereof# As such) it may underta<e
these activities through four modes6
The State may directly underta<e such activities#
D!The State may enter into co$production) .oint venture or production$sharing agreements
,ith 8ilipino citi*ens or 0ualified corporations#
(!Congress may) by la,) allo, small$scale utili*ation of natural resources by 8ilipino
citi*ens#
=!8or the large$scale e/ploration) development and utili*ation of minerals) petroleum and
other mineral oils) the President may enter into agreements ,ith foreign$o,ned corporations
involving technical or financial assistance#
R#A# "o# A?=D primarily concerns itself ,ith the second and fourth modes#
Petitioners submit that) in accordance ,ith the te/t of Section D) Article F%% of the
Constitution) 8TAAs should be limited to Btechnical or financial assistanceC only# They
observe) ho,ever) that) contrary to the language of the Constitution) the 7MCP 8TAA allo,s
7MCP) a fully foreign$o,ned mining corporation) to e/tend more than mere financial or
technical assistance to the State) for it permits 7MCP to manage and operate every aspect of the
mining activity
4n Ganuary '>) '??A) counsels for petitioners sent a letter to the D3"R Secretary
demanding that the D3"R stop the implementation of R#A# "o# A?=D and DA4 "o# ?H$=>)
giving the D3"R fifteen days from receipt to act thereon# The D3"R) ho,ever) has yet to
respond or act on petitioners- letter#
2%'('(o1%rs '&s 5(-%) '% +r%s%1' +%'('(o1 5or +ro(/('(o1 a1) ,a1)a,&s, 7(' a
+ra0%r 5or a '%,+orar0 r%s'ra(1(1. or)%r. T%0 a--%.% 'a' a' '% '(,% o5 '% 5(-(1. o5 '%
+%'('(o1, 1"" FTAA a++-(ca'(o1s a) a-r%a)0 /%%1 5(-%), cov%r(1. a1 ar%a o5 8.9 ,(--(o1
%c'ar%s, #9 o5 7(c a++-(ca'(o1s ar% /0 5&--0 5or%(.16o71%) cor+ora'(o1s cov%r(1. a
'o'a- o5 5.8 ,(--(o1 %c'ar%s, a1) a' -%as' o1% /0 a 5&--0 5or%(.16o71%) ,(1(1. co,+a10
ov%r o55sor% ar%as.
ISSUE:
FCETCER OR NOT R%+&/-(c Ac' No. 7*92 IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL.
CELD:
The Court hereby declares unconstitutional and void the follo,ing6
'! provisions of Republic Act "o# A?=D6
a!The proviso in Section ( a0!)
b!Section D()
c!Section (( to =')
d!Section EH)
e!The second and third paragraphs of Section @') and
f! Section ?>#
D! All provisions of Department of 3nvironment and "atural Resources Administrative
4rder ?H$=>) s# '??H ,hich are not in conformity ,ith this Decision) and
(! The 8inancial and Technical Assistance Agreement bet,een the 1overnment of the
Republic of the Philippines and 7MC Philippines) %nc#
%t is undisputed that R#A# "o# A?=D and DA4 "o# ?H$=> contain provisions that are more
favorable to 7MCP) hence) these la,s) to the e/tent that they are favorable to 7MCP) govern
the 8TAA#
%n addition) R#A# "o# A?=D e/plicitly ma<es certain provisions apply to pre$e/isting
agreements#
R#A# "o# A?=D is invalid insofar as said Act authori*es service contracts# Although the
statute employs the phrase Bfinancial and technical agreementsC in accordance ,ith the '?@A
Constitution) it actually treats these agreements as service contracts that grant beneficial
o,nership to foreign contractors contrary to the fundamental la,#
APEX MINING CO., INC.,
2%'('(o1%r,
6 versus 6
SOUTHEAST MINDANAO GOD MINING CORP. ET A,
R%s+o1)%1's.
! " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " !
#AITE COMMUNA PORTA MINING COOPERATI$E,
2%'('(o1%r,
6 versus 6
SOUTHEAST MINDANAO GOD MINING CORP., APEX MINING CO., INC., ET A,
R%s+o1)%1's.
$ 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 $
THE MINES AD%UDICATION #OARD AND ITS MEM#ERS, THE HON. $ICTOR O.
RAMOS &C'()*+(,-, UNDERSECRETAR. $IRGIIO MARCEO &M/+0/*- (,1
DIRECTOR HORACIO RAMOS &M/+0/*-,
2%'('(o1%rs,
6 versus 6
SOUTHEAST MINDANAO GOD MINING CORPORATION,
R/s2o,1/,t.
3ACTS4
T(s r%so-v%s '% ,o'(o1 5or r%co1s()%ra'(o1 )a'%) 12 ?&-0 2""#, 5(-%) /0 So&'%as'
M(1)a1ao Go-) M(1(1. Cor+ora'(o1 =SEM>, o5 '(s Co&r'Js D%c(s(o1 )a'%) 2! ?&1% 2""#
=Assa(-%) D%c(s(o1>. T% Assa(-%) D%c(s(o1 %-) 'a' '% ass(.1,%1' o5 E$+-ora'(o1
2%r,(' =E2> 1!! (1 5avor o5 SEM v(o-a'%) o1% o5 '% co1)('(o1s s'(+&-a'%) (1 '% +%r,(',
i.e., 'a' '% sa,% sa-- /% 5or '% %$c-&s(v% &s% a1) /%1%5(' o5 Marco++%r M(1(1.
Cor+ora'(o1 =MMC> or ('s )&-0 a&'or(3%) a.%1's. S(1c% SEM )() 1o' c-a(, or s&/,('
%v()%1c% 'a' (' 7as a )%s(.1a'%) a.%1' o5 MMC, '% -a''%r ca11o' /% co1s()%r%) as a1
a.%1' o5 '% 5or,%r 'a' ca1 &s% E2 1!! a1) /%1%5(' 5ro, ('. I' a-so r&-%) 'a' '%
'ra1s5%r o5 E2 1!! v(o-a'%) 2r%s()%1'(a- D%cr%% No. 9#!, 7(c r%4&(r%s 'a' '%
ass(.1,%1' o5 a ,(1(1. r(.' /% ,a)% 7(' '% +r(or a++rova- o5 '% S%cr%'ar0 o5 '%
D%+ar',%1' o5 E1v(ro1,%1' a1) Na'&ra- R%so&rc%s =DENR>. Mor%ov%r, '% Assa(-%)
D%c(s(o1 +o(1'%) o&' 'a' E2 1!! %$+(r%) /0 1o16r%1%7a- s(1c% (' 7as 1o' r%1%7%)
/%5or% or a5'%r ('s %$+(ra'(o1.
T% Assa(-%) D%c(s(o1 -(<%7(s% &+%-) '% va-()('0 o5 2roc-a,a'(o1 No. 2*7
a/s%1' a10 4&%s'(o1 a.a(1s' ('s va-()('0. I1 v(%7 o5 '(s, a1) co1s()%r(1. 'a' &1)%r
S%c'(o1 5 o5 R%+&/-(c Ac' No. 7*92, o'%r7(s% <1o71 as '% :M(1(1. Ac' o5 1**5,;
,(1(1. o+%ra'(o1s (1 ,(1%ra- r%s%rva'(o1s ,a0 /% &1)%r'a<%1 )(r%c'-0 /0 '% S'a'% or
'ro&. a co1'rac'or, '% Co&r' )%%,%) '% (ss&% o5 o71%rs(+ o5 +r(or('0 r(.' ov%r '%
co1'%s'%) D(7a-7a- Go-) R&s Ar%a as av(1. /%%1 ov%r'a<%1 /0 '% sa()
+roc-a,a'(o1. T&s, (' 7as %-) (1 '% Assa(-%) D%c(s(o1 'a' (' (s 1o7 7('(1 '%
+r%ro.a'(v% o5 '% E$%c&'(v% D%+ar',%1' 'o &1)%r'a<% )(r%c'-0 '% ,(1(1. o+%ra'(o1s o5
'% )(s+&'%) ar%a or 'o a7ar) '% o+%ra'(o1s 'o +r(va'% %1'('(%s (1c-&)(1. +%'('(o1%rs
A+%$ a1) Aa-('%, s&/E%c' 'o a++-(ca/-% -a7s, r&-%s a1) r%.&-a'(o1s, a1) +rov()%) 'a'
'%s% +r(va'% %1'('(%s ar% 4&a-(5(%).
SEM a-so 5(-%) a Mo'(o1 5or R%5%rra- o5 Cas% 'o '% Co&r' En Banc a1) 5or Ora-
Ar.&,%1's )a'%) 22 A&.&s' 2""#.
A+%$, 5or ('s +ar', 5(-%) a Mo'(o1 5or C-ar(5(ca'(o1 o5 '% Assa(-%) D%c(s(o1, +ra0(1.
'a' '% Co&r' %-&c()a'% o1 '% D%c(s(o1Js +ro1o&1c%,%1' 'a' :,(1(1. o+%ra'(o1s, ar%
1o7, '%r%5or% 7('(1 '% 5&-- co1'ro- o5 '% S'a'% 'ro&. '% %$%c&'(v% /ra1c.;
Mor%ov%r, A+%$ as<s '(s Co&r' 'o or)%r '% M(1%s a1) G%osc(%1c%s Aoar) =MGA> 'o
acc%+' ('s a++-(ca'(o1 5or a1 %$+-ora'(o1 +%r,('.
I1 ('s Ma1(5%s'a'(o1 a1) Mo'(o1 )a'%) 28 ?&-0 2""#, Aa-('% %co%s '% sa,%
co1c%r1 as 'a' o5 A+%$ o1 '% ac'&a- 'a<%ov%r /0 '% S'a'% o5 '% ,(1(1. (1)&s'r0 (1 '%
)(s+&'%) ar%a 'o '% %$c-&s(o1 o5 '% +r(va'% s%c'or. I1 a))('(o1, Aa-('% +ra0s 5or '(s
Co&r' 'o )(r%c' MGA 'o acc%+' ('s a++-(ca'(o1 5or a1 %$+-ora'(o1 +%r,('.
Ca,(-o Aa1a), et al., -(<%7(s% 5(-%) a ,o'(o1 5or r%co1s()%ra'(o1 a1) +ra0%) 'a'
'% )(s+&'%) ar%a /% a7ar)%) 'o '%,.
ISSUEKS:
Whether Southeast Mindanao Mining Corp. (SEM) acquired a vested right
over the disputed area, which constitutes a property right protected y the
Constitution.
CELD:
NO. SEM )o%s 1o' av%r or +rov% 'a' ('s ,(1(1. r(.'s a) /%%1 +%r5%c'%) a1)
co,+-%'%) 7%1 '% 2(-(++(1% A(-- o5 1*"2 7as s'(-- '% o+%ra'(v% -a7. S&r%-0, (' (s
(,+oss(/-% 5or SEM 'o s&cc%ss5&--0 ass%r' 'a' (' ac4&(r%) ,(1(1. r(.'s ov%r '%
)(s+&'%) ar%a (1 accor)a1c% 7(' '% sa,% /(--, s(1c% (' 7as o1-0 (1 1*89 'a' MMC,
SEMJs +r%)%c%ssor6(16(1'%r%s', 5(-%) ('s )%c-ara'(o1 o5 -oca'(o1s a1) ('s +ros+%c'(1.
+%r,(' a++-(ca'(o1 (1 co,+-(a1c% 7(' 2r%s()%1'(a- D%cr%% No. 9#!. I' 7as o1 1 ?&-0
1*85 a1) 1" Marc 1*8# 'a' a 2ros+%c'(1. 2%r,(' a1) E2 1!!, r%s+%c'(v%-0, 7%r%
(ss&%) 'o MMC. Co1s()%r(1. '%s% 5ac's, '%r% (s 1o +oss(/(-('0 'a' MMC or SEM co&-)
av% ac4&(r%) a +%r5%c'%) ,(1(1. c-a(, &1)%r '% a&s+(c%s o5 '% 2(-(++(1% A(-- o5
1*"2. Fa'%v%r ,(1(1. r(.'s MMC a) 'a' (' (1va-()-0 'ra1s5%rr%) 'o SEM ca11o', /0
a10 s'r%'c o5 (,a.(1a'(o1, /% co1s()%r%) :,(1(1. r(.'s; as co1'%,+-a'%) &1)%r '%
2(-(++(1% A(-- o5 1*"2 a1) (,,or'a-(3%) (1 Mc!aniel a1) "old Cree# Mining.
SEM -(<%1s E2 1!! 7(' a /&(-)(1. +%r,('. SEM -(<%7(s% %4&a'%s ('s s&++os%)
r(.'s a''ac%) 'o '% %$+-ora'(o1 +%r,(' 7(' '% r(.'s 'a' a +r(va'% +ro+%r'0 -a1)
o71%r as 'o sa() -a1)o-)(1.. T(s a1a-o.0 as 1o /as(s (1 -a7. As %ar-(%r )(sc&ss%),
&1)%r '% 1*!5, 1*7! a1) 1*87 Co1s'('&'(o1s, 1a'(o1a- 7%a-', s&c as ,(1%ra-
r%so&rc%s, ar% o71%) /0 '% S'a'% a1) 1o' /0 '%(r )(scov%r%r. T% )(scov%r%r or
-oca'or ca1 o1-0 )%v%-o+ a1) &'(-(3% sa() ,(1%ra-s 5or (s o71 /%1%5(' (5 % as co,+-(%)
7(' a-- '% r%4&(r%,%1's s%' 5or' /0 a++-(ca/-% -a7s a1) (5 '% S'a'% as co15%rr%) o1
(, s&c r(.' 'ro&. +%r,('s, co1c%ss(o1s or a.r%%,%1's. I1 o'%r 7or)s, 7('o&' '%
(,+r(,a'&r o5 '% S'a'%, a10 ,(1(1. as+(ra1' )o%s 1o' av% a10 )%5(1('(v% r(.' ov%r '%
,(1%ra- -a1) /%ca&s%, &1-(<% a +r(va'% -a1)o-)(1., ,(1%ra- -a1) (s o71%) /0 '% S'a'%,
a1) '% sa,% ca11o' /% a-(%1a'%) 'o a10 +r(va'% +%rso1 as %$+-(c('-0 s'a'%) (1 S%c'(o1 2,
Ar'(c-% II8 o5 '% 1*87 Co1s'('&'(o1:
A-- -a1)s o5 +&/-(c )o,a(1, 7a'%rs, +),/*(5s ! ! ! (,1 (55 ot'/*
,(tu*(5 */sou*6/s (*/ o7,/1 08 t'/ St(t/. F(' '% %$c%+'(o1 o5
a.r(c&-'&ra- -a1)s, a-- o'%r ,(tu*(5 */sou*6/s s'(55 ,ot 0/ (5)/,(t/1.
=E,+as%s s&++-(%).>
F&r'%r, a c-os%r scr&'(10 o5 '% )%%) o5 ass(.1,%1' (1 5avor o5 SEM r%v%a-s 'a'
MMC ass(.1%) 'o '% 5or,%r '% r(.'s a1) (1'%r%s's (' a) (1 E2 1!!, '&s:
1. Ta' 5or ONE 2ESO =21.""> a1) o'%r va-&a/-% co1s()%ra'(o1
r%c%(v%) /0 '% ASSIGNOR 5ro, '% ASSIGNEE, '% ASSIGNOR %r%/0
ASSIGNS, TRANS3ERS (,1 CON$E.S u,to t'/ ASSIGNEE 7'(t/9/*
*)g'ts o* ),t/*/st t'/ ASSIGNOR +(8 '(9/ ), t'/ (*/( s)tu(t/1 ),
Mo,:(8o, D(9(o 1/5 No*t/ (,1 C(t//5, D(9(o O*)/,t(5, )1/,t);)/1 (s
E!25o*(t)o, P/*+)t No. 1<< a1) A++-(ca'(o1 5or a 2%r,(' 'o 2ros+%c' (1
A&1a7a1, A.&sa1 )%- S&r r%s+%c'(v%-0. =E,+as(s s&++-(%).>
I' (s %v()%1' 'a' 7a' MMC a) ov%r '% )(s+&'%) ar%a )&r(1. '% ass(.1,%1'
7as a1 %$+-ora'(o1 +%r,('. C-%ar-0, '% r(.' 'a' SEM ac4&(r%) 7as -(,('%) 'o
%$+-ora'(o1, o1-0 /%ca&s% MMC 7as a ,%r% o-)%r o5 a1 %$+-ora'(o1 +%r,('. As
+r%v(o&s-0 %$+-a(1%), SEM )() 1o' ac4&(r% '% r(.'s (1%r%1' (1 '% +%r,(', as '%
ass(.1,%1' /0 MMC 'o SEM 7as )o1% (1 v(o-a'(o1 o5 '% co1)('(o1 s'(+&-a'%) (1
'% +%r,(', a1) '% ass(.1,%1' 7as %55%c'%) 7('o&' '% a++rova- o5 '% +ro+%r
a&'or('0 (1 co1'rav%1'(o1 o5 '% +rov(s(o1 o5 '% ,(1(1. -a7 .ov%r1(1. a' 'a'
'(,%. I1 a))('(o1, '% +%r,(' %$+(r%) o1 # ?&-0 1**9. I' (s, '%r%5or%, 4&('% c-%ar
'a' SEM as 1o r(.' ov%r '% ar%a.
CELESTIAL NICBEL MINING G.R. No. 1#*"8"
EI2LORATION COR2ORATION,
2%'('(o1%r,
6 v%rs&s 6
MACROASIA COR2ORATION=5or,%r-0 INFANTA MINERAL AND INDUSTRIAL
COR2ORATION>,
ALUE RIDGE MINERAL COR2ORATION, a1) LEAACC MINING COR2ORATION,
R%s+o1)%1's.
FACTS:
T% S%cr%'ar0 o5 A.r(c&-'&r% a1) Na'&ra- R%so&rc%s a1) I15a1'a M(1%ra- a1)
I1)&s'r(a- Cor+ora'(o1 =I15a1'a> %1'%r%) (1'o a M(1(1. L%as% Co1'rac' 861"5".
I15a1'aJs cor+ora'% 1a,% 7as '%1 ca1.%) 'o Co/%r'so1 Co-)(1.s Cor+ora'(o1
a1) s&/s%4&%1'-0 'o ('s +r%s%1' 1a,%, Macroas(a Cor+ora'(o1.
A5'%r so,%'(,%, C%-%s'(a- 5(-%) a 2%'('(o1 'o Ca1c%- '% s&/E%c' ,(1(1. -%as%
co1'rac's a1) o'%r ,(1(1. c-a(,s o5 Macroas(a (1c-&)(1. 'os% cov%r%) /0 M(1(1.
L%as% Co1'rac' No. 861"5", /%5or% '% 2a1%- o5 Ar/('ra'ors =2OA> o5 '% M(1%s a1)
G%o6Sc(%1c%s A&r%a& =MGA> o5 '% DENR.
A-&% R().%, (1 a1 %ar-(%r -%''%r6+%'('(o1, a-so 7ro'% '% D(r%c'or o5 M(1%s 'o s%%<
ca1c%--a'(o1 o5 ,(1(1. -%as% co1'rac's a1) o'%r ,(1(1. r(.'s o5 Macroas(a a1) a1o'%r
%1'('0, L%/ac M(1(1. Cor+ora'(o1 =L%/ac>, (1 ,(1(1. ar%as (1 Aroo<%Js 2o(1'.
C%-%s'(a- (s '% ass(.1%% o5 199 ,(1(1. c-a(,s cov%r(1. s&c ar%as co1'(.&o&s 'o
I15a1'aJs =1o7 Macroas(a> ,(1(1. -o)% c-a(,s. C%-%s'(a- a-so o-)s a1 M2SA 7(' '%
.ov%r1,%1' 7(c cov%rs 2,8!5 %c'ar%s -oca'%) a' I+(-a1KMaas(1, Aroo<%Js 2o(1',
2a-a7a1 a1) '7o +%1)(1. a++-(ca'(o1s cov%r(1. a1o'%r 9,"9" %c'ar%s (1 Aara1.a0
Ma(1(' a-so (1 Aroo<%Js 2o(1'.
C%-%s'(a- so&.' '% ca1c%--a'(o1 o5 Macroas(aJs -%as% co1'rac's.
Macroas(a r%5&'%) '% .ro&1)s 5or ca1c%--a'(o1 (1vo<%) /0 C%-%s'(a-.
Aas%) o1 '% r%cor)s o5 '% A&r%a& o5 M(1%s a1) 5(1)(1.s o5 '% 5(%-)
(1v%s'(.a'(o1s, '% 2OA .ra1'%) '% +%'('(o1 o5 C%-%s'(a- 'o ca1c%- '% M(1(1. L%as%
Co1'rac's o5 Macroas(aG a1) 5o&1) '% c-a(,s o5 '% o'%rs (1)&/('a/-0 ,%r('or(o&s. I'
.av% C%-%s'(a- '% +r%5%r%1'(a- r(.' 'o Macroas(aJs ,(1(1. ar%as.
1
I' &+%-) A-&%
R().%Js +%'('(o1, /&' o1-0 as a.a(1s' '% M(1(1. L%as% Co1'rac' ar%as o5 L%/ac, a1)
'% sa() -%as%) ar%as 7%r% )%c-ar%) a&'o,a'(ca--0 a/a1)o1%). I' .av% A-&% R().%
1
+r(or('0 r(.' 'o '% a5or%sa() L%/acJs ar%asK,(1(1. c-a(,s. A-&% R().% a1) Macroas(a
a++%a-%) /%5or% '% MAA.
L%/ac )() 1o' 5(-% a10 1o'(c% o5 a++%a- 7(' '% r%4&(r%) ,%,ora1)&, o5
a++%a-G '&s, 7(' r%s+%c' 'o L%/ac, '% a/ov% r%so-&'(o1 /%ca,% 5(1a- a1) %$%c&'or0.
T% MAA ,a)% a )%c(s(o1 &+o-)(1. '% D%c(s(o1 o5 '% 2OA 'o ca1c%- '%
M(1(1. Lo)%KL%as% Co1'rac's o5 Macroas(a.
Co7%v%r, '% MAA, s&/s%4&%1'-0 (ss&%) a r%so-&'(o1 vaca'(1. ('s +r%v(o&s
)%c(s(o1, o-)(1. 'a' 1%('%r '% 2OA 1or '% MAA a) '% +o7%r 'o r%vo<% a ,(1%ra-
a.r%%,%1' )&-0 %1'%r%) (1'o /0 '% DENR S%cr%'ar0. T% MAA 5&r'%r %-) 'a' '%
+o7%r 'o ca1c%- or r%vo<% a ,(1%ra- a.r%%,%1' 7as %$c-&s(v%-0 -o).%) 7(' '% DENR
S%cr%'ar0.
C%-%s'(a- a1) A-&% R().% ,a)% a1 a++%a-.
T% CA S+%c(a-12
'
D(v(s(o1 a55(r,%) '% MAA R%so-&'(o1 7(c &+%-) '%
%$c-&s(v% a&'or('0 o5 '% DENR S%cr%'ar0 'o a++rov%, ca1c%-, a1) r%vo<% ,(1%ra-
a.r%%,%1's. T% CA a-so )%1(%) C%-%s'(a-Js Mo'(o1 5or R%co1s()%ra'(o1.
F(-% '% CA S+%c(a- 1"' D(v(s(o1 .ra1'%) A-&% R().%Js +%'('(o1G r%v%rs%) a1)
s%' as()% '% R%so-&'(o1s o5 '% MAAG a1) 'r%a'%) '% ca1c%--a'(o1 o5 a ,(1(1. -%as%
a.r%%,%1' as a ,(1(1. )(s+&'% 7('(1 '% %$c-&s(v% E&r(s)(c'(o1 o5 '% 2OA &1)%r S%c.
77 o5 RA 7*92, %$+-a(1(1. 'a' '% +o7%r 'o r%so-v% ,(1(1. )(s+&'%s, 7(c (s '%
.r%a'%r +o7%r, 1%c%ssar(-0 (1c-&)%s '% -%ss%r +o7%r 'o ca1c%- ,(1(1. a.r%%,%1's.
ISSUE:
F%'%r or 1o' (' (s o1-0 '% S%cr%'ar0 o5 '% DENR 7o as '% E&r(s)(c'(o1 'o
ca1c%- ,(1(1. co1'rac's a1) +r(v(-%.%sL
CELD:
MES. I' (s o1-0 '% S%cr%'ar0 o5 '% DENR 7o as E&r(s)(c'(o1 'o ca1c%- ,(1(1.
co1'rac's a1) +r(v(-%.%s.
A5'%r a scr&'(10 o5 '% +rov(s(o1s o5 2D 9#!, EO 211, EO 27*, RA 7*92 a1) ('s
(,+-%,%1'(1. r&-%s a1) r%.&-a'(o1s, %$%c&'(v% (ss&a1c%s, a1) cas% -a7, 7% r&-% 'a' '%
DENR S%cr%'ar0, 1o' '% 2OA, as '% E&r(s)(c'(o1 'o ca1c%- %$(s'(1. ,(1%ra- -%as%
co1'rac's or ,(1%ra- a.r%%,%1's /as%) o1 '% 5o--o7(1. r%aso1s:
T% +o7%r o5 '% DENR S%cr%'ar0 'o ca1c%- ,(1%ra- a.r%%,%1's %,a1a'%s 5ro,
(s a),(1(s'ra'(v% a&'or('0, s&+%rv(s(o1, ,a1a.%,%1', a1) co1'ro- ov%r ,(1%ra-
r%so&rc%s &1)%r Ca+'%r I, T('-% II8 o5 Aoo< I8 o5 '% R%v(s%) A),(1(s'ra'(v% Co)% o5
1*87.
I' (s '% DENR, 'ro&. '% S%cr%'ar0, 'a' ,a1a.%s, s&+%rv(s%s, a1) r%.&-a'%s
'% &s% a1) )%v%-o+,%1' o5 a-- ,(1%ra- r%so&rc%s o5 '% co&1'r0. I' as %$c-&s(v%
E&r(s)(c'(o1 ov%r '% ,a1a.%,%1' o5 a-- -a1)s o5 +&/-(c )o,a(1, 7(c cov%rs ,(1%ra-
r%so&rc%s a1) )%+os('s 5ro, sa() -a1)s. I' as '% +o7%r 'o ov%rs%%, s&+%rv(s%, a1)
+o-(c% o&r 1a'&ra- r%so&rc%s 7(c (1c-&)% ,(1%ra- r%so&rc%s. D%r(v%) 5ro, '% /roa)
a1) %$+-(c(' +o7%rs o5 '% DENR a1) ('s S%cr%'ar0 &1)%r '% A),(1(s'ra'(v% Co)% o5
1*87 (s '% +o7%r 'o a++rov% ,(1%ra- a.r%%,%1's a1) 1%c%ssar(-0 'o ca1c%- or ca&s% 'o
ca1c%- sa() a.r%%,%1's.
U1)%r RA 7*92, '% +o7%r o5 co1'ro- a1) s&+%rv(s(o1 o5 '% DENR S%cr%'ar0
ov%r '% MGA 'o ca1c%- or r%co,,%1) ca1c%--a'(o1 o5 ,(1%ra- r(.'s c-%ar-0
)%,o1s'ra'%s '% a&'or('0 o5 '% DENR S%cr%'ar0 'o ca1c%- or a++rov% '% ca1c%--a'(o1
o5 ,(1%ra- a.r%%,%1's.
T% DENR S%cr%'ar0Js +o7%r 'o ca1c%- ,(1(1. r(.'s or a.r%%,%1's 'ro&. '%
MGA ca1 /% (15%rr%) 5ro, S%c. 2!", Ca+'%r III8 o5 DENR AO *#69" o1 ca1c%--a'(o1,
r%voca'(o1, a1) '%r,(1a'(o1 o5 a +%r,('K,(1%ra- a.r%%,%1'KFTAA.
[G.R. No. 86889. December 4, 1990]
LUZ FARMS, petitioner, vs. THE HNRA!LE SE"RETAR# F THE
DE$ARTMENT F AGRAR%AN REFRM, respondent.
FACTS: On June 10, 1988, the President of the Philippines approved RA !o
""#$, %hi&h in&ludes the raisin' of livesto&(, poultr) and s%ine in its
&overa'e On Januar) *, 1989, the Se&retar) of A'rarian Refor+
pro+ul'ated the ,uidelines and Pro&edures -+ple+entin' Produ&tion and
Profit Sharin' as e+.odied in Se&tions 1/ and /* of RA !o ""#$ On
Januar) 9, 1989, the Se&retar) of A'rarian Refor+ pro+ul'ated its Rules
and Re'ulations i+ple+entin' Se&tion 11 of RA !o ""#$ 0Co++er&ial
Far+s1
2u3 Far+s, petitioner in this &ase, is a &orporation en'a'ed in the
livesto&( and poultr) .usiness and to'ether %ith others in the sa+e .usiness
alle'edl) stands to .e adversel) affe&ted .) the enfor&e+ent of Se&tion
/0.1, Se&tion 11, Se&tion 1/, Se&tion 1"0d1 and 1$ and Se&tion /* of RA
!o ""#$ other%ise (no%n as Co+prehensive A'rarian Refor+ 2a% and of
the ,uidelines and Pro&edures -+ple+entin' Produ&tion and Profit Sharin'
under RA !o ""#$ pro+ul'ated on Januar) *, 1989 and the Rules and
Re'ulations -+ple+entin' Se&tion 11 thereof as pro+ul'ated .) the 4AR on
Januar) 9, 1989
5en&e, this petition pra)in' that aforesaid la%s, 'uidelines and rules
.e de&lared un&onstitutional 6ean%hile, it is also pra)ed that a %rit of
preli+inar) in7un&tion or restrainin' order .e issued en7oinin' pu.li&
respondents fro+ enfor&in' the sa+e, insofar as the) are +ade to appl) to
2u3 Far+s and other livesto&( and poultr) raisers This Court in its
Resolution dated Jul) 8, 1989 resolved to den), a+on' others, 2u3 Far+s9
pra)er the issuan&e of a preli+inar) in7un&tion in its 6anifestation dated 6a)
*" and /1, 1989
2ater, ho%ever, this Court in its Resolution dated Au'ust *8, 1989
resolved to 'rant said 6otion for Re&onsideration re'ardin' the in7un&tive
relief, after the filin' and approval .) this Court of an in7un&tion .ond in the
a+ount of P100,00000 This Court also 'ave due &ourse to the petition and
re:uired the parties to file their respe&tive +e+oranda
-SS;<: =O! Se&tion /0.1, Se&tion 11, Se&tion 1/, Se&tion 1"0d1 and 1$ and
Se&tion /* of RA !o ""#$ other%ise (no%n as Co+prehensive A'rarian
Refor+ 2a% and of the ,uidelines and Pro&edures -+ple+entin' Produ&tion
and Profit Sharin' under RA !o ""#$ is un&onstitutional
5<24: ><S -t is evident fro+ the fore'oin' dis&ussion that Se&tion -- of RA
""#$ %hi&h in&ludes ?private a'ri&ultural lands devoted to &o++er&ial
livesto&(, poultr) and s%ine raisin'@ in the definition of A&o++er&ial far+sA
is invalid, to the eBtent that the afore&ited a'roCindustrial a&tivities are +ade
to .e &overed .) the a'rarian refor+ pro'ra+ of the State There is si+pl)
no reason to in&lude livesto&( and poultr) lands in the &overa'e of a'rarian
refor+
5en&e, there is +erit in 2u3 Far+s9 ar'u+ent that the re:uire+ent in
Se&tions 1/ and /* of RA ""#$ dire&tin' ?&orporate far+s@ %hi&h in&lude
livesto&( and poultr) raisers to eBe&ute and i+ple+ent ?produ&tionCsharin'
plans@ 0pendin' final redistri.ution of their landholdin's1 %here.) the) are
&alled upon to distri.ute fro+ three per&ent 0/D1 of their 'ross sales and
ten per&ent 010D1 of their net profits to their %or(ers as additional
&o+pensation is unreasona.le for .ein' &onfis&ator), and therefore violative
of due pro&ess
E,R !o "1*9/ Fe.ruar) 1#, 1990F
4O6-!,O G 6A44;6GA and A!-TA C 6A44;6GA, petitioners, vs
,OH<R!6<!T S<RH-C< -!S;RA!C< S>ST<6, Represented .) its Chair+an,
Goard of Trustees, 5O!ORAG2< 2<O!-2O OCA6PO, respondent
FACTS: On 4e&e+.er 10, 1980, respondent ,S-S &ondu&ted a pu.li& .iddin'
of several fore&losed properties -n&luded in the properties offered to the
pu.li& %as a house and lot situated at //$$ !e% Panaderos Street, Sta Ana,
6anila, &overed .) Transfer Certifi&ate of Title !o 8$89 of the Re'ister of
4eeds of 6anila
Petitioner 4o+in'o G 6addu+.a parti&ipated in the pu.li& .iddin' and
su.+itted his sealed .id in the a+ount of P98,00000 in Philippine &urren&)
The .id %as su.7e&t to the &ondition that there should .e a do%n pa)+ent of
/#D of the a+ount thereof, the 10D &onstitutin' the proposal .ond %ith the
re+ainin' *#D to .e paid after the re&eipt of the noti&e of a%ard or
a&&eptan&e of the .id A&&ordin'l), petitioner en&losed %ith his sealed .id a
+ana'erIs &he&( in the a+ount of P9,#0000 and &ash in the a+ount of
P/0000 to &o+plete the P9,80000 proposal .ond
;pon the re&eipt of the noti&e of a%ard, petitioner offered to pa) the
additional *#D in 2and Gan( .onds at their fa&e value These .onds %ere
issued to petitioner as pa)+ent for his ri&eland &onsistin' of t%ent)CsiB
he&tares lo&ated in Cordon, -sa.ela a&:uired .) the ,overn+ent fro+ hi+
under Presidential 4e&ree !o *$ 5o%ever, the ,S-S re7e&ted the offer,
hen&e it %as %ithdra%n .) petitioner Petitioner then offered to pa) in &ash
the re+ainin' *#D do%n pa)+ent Aand all future install+entsA Thereafter,
on !ove+.er 1", 1981, petitioner paid in &ash the .alan&e of the re:uired
do%n pa)+ent
A A4eed of Conditional SaleA %as eBe&uted .) the parties on !ove+.er 19,
1981, %here the petitioner as vendee a'reed to pa) the vendor ,S-S Athe
.alan&e of the pur&hase pri&e of S-JT> T5R<< T5O;SA!4 S<H<! 5;!4R<4
F-H< K #0L100 0P"/,$0##01 P<SOS Philippine &urren&), in S-JT> 0"01
+onthl) install+ents of O!< T5O;SA!4 FO;R 5;!4R<4 S-JT<<! K "9L100
0P1,81""91 P<SOS Philippine &urren&), at t%elve 01*D1 per&ent interest
per annu+, &o+pounded +onthl), .e'innin' 4e&e+.er 1, 1981A
The first install+ent in the a+ount of P1,81"00 %as paid .) petitioner on
4e&e+.er /, 1981 =hen the se&ond +onthl) install+ent .e&a+e due,
petitioner sent a letter dated Januar) #, 198*, to the ,S-S Goard of Trustees
re:uestin' that he .e allo%ed to pa) the +onthl) a+orti3ations %ith his
2and Gan( .onds &o++en&in' in Januar), 198* until the eBhaustion of the
said .onds Petitioner invo(ed the provisions of Se&tion 8# of Repu.li& A&t
!o /888, as a+ended .) Presidential 4e&ree !o *#1
The ,S-S Goard of Trustees, in its Resolution !o 91 adopted on Januar) **,
198*, denied petitionerIs offer The .oard ?resolved to reiterate the poli&)
that 2and Gan( .onds shall .e a&&epted as pa)+ent onl) at a dis&ounted
rate to )ield the S)ste+ 18D at +aturit)@
-n a letter dated Fe.ruar) 1*, 198*, petitioner as(ed the Goard of Trustees
to re&onsider Resolution !o 91 Petitioner reiterated his relian&e on Se&tion
8# of Repu.li& A&t !o /888, as a+ended, and further supported his position
%ith the &ontention that the poli&) of the ,S-S &ontravenes the rulin' in the
&ase of ,on3ales, et al vs The ,overn+ent -nsuran&e S)ste+, et&, et al
2i(e%ise, petitioner su.+itted an opinion of the 6inistr) of A'rarian Refor+,
dated Fe.ruar) 1*, 198*, %herein it %as stated, inter alia, that ?if the ,S-S
a&&epts the 2and Gan( .onds as pa)+ent thereof, it +ust a&&ept the sa+e
at par or fa&e value To a&&ept said .onds at a dis&ounted rate %ould lessen
the &redi.ilit) of the .onds as instru+ents of inde.tedness@
-n a letter dated 6a) /1, 198*, petitioner %as advised .) the 6ana'er,
A&:uired Assets 4epart+ent, ,S-S that Resolution !o 81# %as adopted on
6a) 18, 198* .) the ,S-S Goard of Trustees den)in' the re:uest of
petitioner 5en&e, on Au'ust #, 198*, the instant ori'inal a&tion for
mandamus %as filed .) petitioner
-SS;<: =hether or not under the provisions of Se&tion 8# of Repu.li& A&t
!o /888, as a+ended .) Presidential 4e&ree !o *#1 effe&tive Jul) *1,
19$/, the ,S-S +a) .e &o+pelled to a&&ept 2and Gan( .onds at their fa&e
value in pa)+ent for a residential house and lot pur&hased .) the
.ondholder fro+ the ,S-S
5<24: >es -t is not disputed that under the a.ove :uoted provisions, a
'overn+entCo%ned or &ontrolled &orporation, li(e the ,S-S, is &o+pelled to
a&&ept 2and Gan( .onds as pa)+ent for the pur&hase of its assets As a
+atter of fa&t, the .idder %ho offers to pa) in .onds of the 2and Gan( is
entitled to preferen&e =hat respondent ,S-S is resistin', ho%ever, is its
.ein' &o+pelled to a&&ept said .onds at their fa&e value Respondent, in
support of its stan&e that it &an dis&ount the .onds, avers that A0a1 P4 *#1
has a+ended Se&tion 8# of RA /888 .) deletin' and eli+inatin' the ori'inal
provision that 2and Gan( .onds shall .e a&&epted Min the a+ount of their
fa&e value9N and 0.1 to a&&ept the said .onds at their fa&e value %ill i+pair
the a&tuarial solven&) of the ,S-S and thorou'hl) pre7udi&e its &apa&it) to
pa) death, retire+ent, insuran&e, dividends and other .enefits and &lai+s to
its +ore than a +illion +e+.ers, the +a7orit) of %ho+ are lo% salaried
'overn+ent e+plo)ees and %or(ersA
E,R !o 1/#/8# 4e&e+.er ", *000F
-SA,A!- CR;O and C<SAR <;ROPA, petitioners, vs S<CR<TAR> OF
<!H-RO!6<!T A!4 !AT;RA2 R<SO;RC<S, S<CR<TAR> OF G;4,<T A!4
6A!A,<6<!T and C5A-R6A! and CO66-SS-O!<RS OF T5< !AT-O!A2
CO66-SS-O! O! -!4-,<!O;S P<OP2<S, respondents.
FACTS: Cru3, a noted &onstitutionalist, assailed the validit) of the RA 8/$1
or the -ndi'enous People9s Ri'hts A&t on the 'round that the la% a+ount to
an unla%ful deprivation of the State9s o%nership over lands of the
pu.li& do+ain as %ell as +inerals and other natural resour&es therein, in
violation of the re'alian do&trine e+.odied in Se&tion *, Arti&le J-- of the
Constitution The -PRA la% .asi&all) enu+erates the ri'hts of the indi'enous
peoples over an&estral do+ains %hi&h +a) in&lude natural resour&es Cru3 et
al &ontend that, .) providin' for an allCen&o+passin' definition of
?an&estral do+ains@ and ?an&estral lands@ %hi&h +i'ht even in&lude private
lands found %ithin said areas, Se&tions /0a1 and /0.1 of said la% violate the
ri'hts of private lando%ners
%SSUE& =hether or not the -PRA la% is un&onstitutional
HELD& The SC deli.erated upon the +atter After deli.eration the) voted
and rea&hed a $C$ vote The) deli.erated a'ain and the sa+e result
transpired Sin&e there %as no +a7orit) vote, Cru39s petition %as dis+issed
and the -PRA la% %as sustained 5en&e, an&estral do+ains +a) in&lude
pu.li& do+ain P so+eho% a'ainst the re'alian do&trine

E,R !o 1/89#8 Januar) /1, *001F
PATR-C-O C;TARA!, 4AH-4 4A!,=AS and PAC-O 4OS-2, petitioners, vs.
4<PART6<!T OF <!H-RO!6<!T and !AT;RA2 R<SO;RC<S, herein
represented .) S<C H-CTOR O RA6OS, OSCAR 6 5A6A4A and
,;-22<R6O S F-A!OA, in his &apa&it) as Chair+an of Co++unit) Spe&ial
Tas( For&e on An&estral 2ands 0CSTFA21, Ga'uio Cit), respondents.
FACTS: Cutaran etal assails the validit) of 4<!R Spe&ial Order/1, Spe&ial
Order *#, and 4epart+ent Ad+inistrative Order * for .ein' issued %ithout
prior le'islative authorit)C Spe&ial Order 0SO1 /1 019901: ?Creation of a
Spe&ial Tas( for&e on a&&eptan&e, identifi&ation, evaluation and delineation of
an&estral land &lai+s in the Cordillera Ad+inistrative Re'ion@C Spe&ial Order
0SO1 *#: ?Creation of Spe&ial Tas( For&es provin&ial and &o++unit)
environ+ent and natural resour&es offi&es for the identifi&ation, delineation
and re&o'nition of an&estral land &lai+s nation%ide@C 4AO *: -+ple+entin'
Rules and ,uidelines of Spe&ial Order no *# The sa+e )ear SO /1 %as
issued, relatives of petitioners filed separate appli&ations for Certifi&ate of
An&estral 2and Clai+ 0CA2C1 for the land the) o&&up) inside the Ca+p John
5a) Reservation CThese petitions %ere denied Also pursuant to the SO9s,
the heirs of A pe' Carantes filed appli&ation for CA2C for so+e portions of
land in the Ca+p John 5a) Reservation, overlappin' so+e of the land
o&&upied .) the petitioners The petitioners &ontend that if not for the
respondent9s ti+el) resistan&e to the Orders, the petitioners %ould .e totall)
evi&ted fro+ their landC Petitioners filed in the CA petition to en7oin
respondents fro+ i+ple+entin' Orders on 'round that the) are void for la&(
of le'al .asis CA ruled that SO/1 has no for&e and effe&t for pree+ptin'
le'islative prero'ative for it %as issued prior to the effe&tivit) of RA$#8"
0!ational -nte'rated Prote&ted S)ste+s1, .ut it sustained SO*#and 4AO *
on the 'round that the) %ere issued pursuant to po%ers dele'ated to 4<!R
under RA$#8"C Petitioners no% &ontend that CA erred in upholdin' the
validit) of SO*# and 4AO * and see( to en7oin the 4<!R fro+ pro&essin' the
appli&ation of CA2C of 5eirs of Carantes
-SS;<: =O! SO *# and 4AO * are valid
5<24: !ot a 7usti&ia.le &ontrovers) The petition %as pre+aturel) filed
There is )et no 7usti&ia.le &ontrovers) for the &ourt to resolve The adverse
le'al interests involved are the &o+petin' &lai+s of the petitioners and heirs
of Carantes to possess a &o++on pie&e of land Sin&e the CA2C appli&ation
of the 5eirs of Carantes has not )et .een 'ranted or issued, and %hi&h the
4<!R +a) or +a) not 'rant, there is )et no a&tual or i++inent violation of
petitioner9s asserted ri'ht to possess the disputed landC 4efinition of
7usti&ia.le &ontrovers): a definite and &on&rete dispute tou&hin' on the le'al
relations of parties havin' adverse le'al interests %hi&h +a) .e resolved .)
a &ourt of la% throu'h the appli&ation of a la%C Su.7e&t to &ertain %ellC
defined eB&eptions, the &ourts %ill not tou&h an issue involvin' the validit) of
a la% unless there has .een a 'overn+ental a&t a&&o+plished or perfor+ed
that has a dire&t adverse effe&t on the le'al ri'ht of the person &ontestin' its
validit) This Court &annot rule on the .asis of petitioners9 spe&ulation that
the 4<!R %ill approve the appli&ation of the heirs of Carantes There +ust
.e an a&tual 'overn+ental a&t %hi&h dire&tl) &auses or %ill i++inentl) &ause
in7ur) to the alle'ed le'al ri'ht of the petitioner to possess the land .efore
the 7urisdi&tion of this Court +a) .e invo(ed There is no sho%in' that the
petitioners %ere .ein' evi&ted fro+ the land .) the heirs of Carantes under
orders fro+ the 4<!R
E,R !o #9"0/ April *9, 198$F
<JPORT PROC<SS-!, OO!< A;T5OR-T>, petitioner, vs 5O! C<F<R-!O <
4;2A>, in his &apa&it) as the Presidin' Jud'e, Court of First -nstan&e of
Ce.u, Gran&h JH-, 2apuC2apu Cit), and SA! A!TO!-O 4<H<2OP6<!T
CORPORAT-O!, respondents
F'c()& The four par&els of land %hi&h are the su.7e&t of this &ase is %here
the 6a&tan <Bport Pro&essin' Oone Authorit) in Ce.u 0<POA1 is to .e
&onstru&ted Private respondent San Antonio 4evelop+ent Corporation 0San
Antonio, for .revit)1, in %hi&h these lands are re'istered under, &lai+ed that
the lands %ere eBpropriated to the 'overn+ent %ithout the+ rea&hin' the
a'ree+ent as to the &o+pensation Respondent Jud'e 4ula) then issued an
order for the appoint+ent of the &o++issioners to deter+ine the 7ust
&o+pensation -t %as later found out that the pa)+ent of the 'overn+ent to
San Antonio %ould .e P1# per s:uare +eter, %hi&h %as o.7e&ted to .) the
latter &ontendin' that under P4 1#//, the .asis of 7ust &o+pensation shall
.e fair and a&&ordin' to the fair +ar(et value de&lared .) the o%ner of the
propert) sou'ht to .e eBpropriated, or .) the assessor, %hi&hever is lo%er
Su&h o.7e&tion and the su.se:uent 6otion for Re&onsideration %ere denied
and hearin' %as set for the re&eption of the &o++issioner9s report <POA
then filed this petition for &ertiorari and +anda+us en7oinin' the respondent
fro+ further hearin' the &ase
%))*e& =hether or !ot the eB&lusive and +andator) +ode of deter+inin'
7ust &o+pensation in P4 1#// is un&onstitutional
He+,& The Supre+e Court ruled that the +ode of deter+ination of 7ust
&o+pensation in P4 1#// is un&onstitutional
The +ethod of as&ertainin' 7ust &o+pensation &onstitutes i+per+issi.le
en&roa&h+ent to 7udi&ial prero'atives -t tends to render the &ourts inutile in
a +atter in %hi&h under the Constitution is reserved to it for finan&ial
deter+ination The valuation in the de&ree +a) onl) serve as 'uidin'
prin&iple or one of the fa&tors in deter+inin' 7ust &o+pensation, .ut it +a)
not su.stitute the &ourt9s o%n 7ud'+ent as to %hat a+ount should .e
a%arded and ho% to arrive at su&h a+ount The deter+ination of 7ust
&o+pensation is a 7udi&ial fun&tion The eBe&utive depart+ent or the
le'islature +a) +a(e the initial deter+ination .ut %hen a part) &lai+s a
violation of the 'uarantee in the Gill of Ri'hts that the private part) +a) not
.e ta(en for pu.li& use %ithout 7ust &o+pensation, no statute, de&ree, or
eBe&utive order &an +andate that its o%n deter+ination shall prevail over
the &ourt9s findin's 6u&h less &an the &ourts .e pre&luded fro+ loo(in' into
the 7ustness of the de&reed &o+pensation
E,R !o 1*$*9" Januar) **, 1998F
<4;G-,-S ,OR4;2A, C<2SO H F<R!A!4<O, JR, C<2SO A F<R!A!4<O,
!ORA <22<! <STR<22A4O, 4<H<2OP6<!T GA!Q OF T5< P5-2-PP-!<S, JF
F<ST<JO A!4 CO, -!C A!4 R<,-ST<R OF 4<<4S OF 2A,;!A, petitioners,
vs. T5< 5O!ORAG2< CO;RT OF APP<A2S and R<P;G2-C OF T5<
P5-2-PP-!<S 0represented .) the !ational Po%er Corporation1, respondents.
FACTS: For+er President Ferdinand < 6ar&os issued Pro&la+ation !o
#$/E/F %ithdra%in' fro+ sale and settle+ent and settin' aside as
per+anent forest reserves, su.7e&t to private ri'hts, &ertain par&els of the
pu.li& do+ain %hi&h in&luded Par&el !o 9 C Calira)aC2u+ot River Forest
Reserve The) %ere pri+aril) for use as %atershed area The par&el of land
su.7e&t of the &ase at .ar is, .) petitionersI eBpli&it ad+ission,E8F%ithin
Par&el !o 9, the Calira)aC2u+ot River Forest Reserve Petitioner <du.i'is
,ordula filed %ith the Gureau of 2ands, an Appli&ationE#Ffor a Free Patent
over the land 6anuel Fernande3 and several others also filed free patent
appli&ations &overin' other par&els of land in the area 6r Antonio A:uino,
Jr, the Civil Se&urit) Offi&er of the Cavinti reservoir &o+pleB, sent a
6e+orandu+ to the President of the !apo&or infor+in' hi+ of the fen&es
and roads .ein' &onstru&ted in the saddle area, +ore parti&ularl), in the lots
sold .) petitioner Fernande3 to petitioner <strellado Respondent Repu.li&,
throu'h the !apo&or, filed a'ainst petitioners a Co+plaint for Annul+ent of
Free Patent and Can&ellation of Titles and Reversion %ith =rit of Preli+inar)
-n7un&tion in the RTC of Sta Cru3, 2a'una The trial &ourt rendered
7ud'+ent in favor of petitioners Respondent Repu.li&, throu'h the !apo&or,
elevated the &ase to the respondent Court of Appeals On June *0, 199", the
respondent Court of Appeals ruled a'ainst petitioners 5en&e, this petition
-SS;<: =hether or not the su.7e&t par&els of land are nonCdisposa.le and
inaliena.le pu.li& landR
5<24: The t%o 0*1 par&els of land %ere pu.li& disposa.le and aliena.le lands
.efore the issuan&e, .) the for+er President, of Pro&la+ation !o#$/, on
June *", 19" The propert) %as, ho%ever, later reserved, under
Pro&la+ation !o #$/, as a per+anent forest, on June*", 19"E9F Sin&e
then, the propert) .e&a+e nonCdisposa.le and inaliena.le pu.li& land G)
their ver) nature or .) eBe&utive or statutor) fiat, the) are outside the
&o++er&e of +an, unsus&epti.le of private appropriation in an) for+ and
in&onverti.le into an) &hara&ter less than of inaliena.le pu.li& do+ain,
re'ardless of their a&tual state, for as lon' as the reservation su.sists and is
not revo(ed .) a su.se:uent valid de&lassifi&ation Petitioners do not &ontest
the nature of the land in the &ase at .ar -t is ad+itted that it lies in the
heart of the Calira)aC2u+ot River Forest Reserve, %hi&h Pro&la+ation !o
#$/ &lassified as inaliena.le and in disposa.le !o pu.li& land &an .e
a&:uired .) private persons %ithout an) 'rant, eBpress or i+plied fro+ the
'overn+entN it is indispensa.le that there .e a sho%in' of a title fro+ the
state The fa&ts sho% that petitioner ,ordula, did not a&:uire title to the
su.7e&t land prior to its reservation under Pro&la+ation !o #$/ 5e filed his
appli&ation for free patent onl) in Januar), 19$/, +ore than three 0/1 )ears
after the issuan&e of Pro&la+ation !o #$/ in June, 19"9 At that ti+e, the
land, as part of the Calira)aC2u+ot River Forest Reserve, %as no lon'er open
to private o%nership as it has .een &lassified as pu.li& forest reserve for the
pu.li& 'ood
J6 T;ASO! K CO, -!C v 2A!4 T<!;R< A46-!-STRAT-O!
FACTS: RA *"1" authori3ed eBpropriation of the Tatalon <state in Sue3on
Cit) o%ned .) petitioner and * others 2ands %ere to .e divided to lots to .e
sold The) pra)ed that it .e de&lared un&onstitutional .e&ause violative of
e:ual prote&tion &lause sin&e statute applies onl) to Tatalon estate
-SS;<: =O!
5<24: !o person shall .e denied e:ual prote&tion A 7udi&ial .ein' is
in&luded %ithin its ter+s Those adversel) affe&ted +a) under su&h
&ir&u+stan&es invo(e the e:ual prote&tion &lause onl) if the) &an sho% that
the 'overn+ental a&t assailed %as pro+pted .) the spirit of hostilit), or at
the ver) least dis&ri+ination that finds no support in reason Petitioner failed
to prove denial of e:ual prote&tion O&&upants .elieve in 'f that veterans
su.division is the real o%ner Onl) %hen the pla&e vastl) i+proved %ith
.uildin' of roads, infrastru&ture did petitioner &lai+ed for the first ti+e that
the) are the o%ners
E,R !o 88"8$ 6a) */, 1991F
6AR-A A2-C-A 2<;T<R-O, petitioner, vs CO;RT OF APP<A2S and 5<-RS OF
G<!-TO 2<;T<R-O, respondents
FACTS: Pa.lo 2euterio died in San 2uis, Pa+pan'a on June 1#, 19#0, leavin'
a lar'e estate &onsistin' of several par&els of land in Pa+pan'a 5is %ido%,
Ana 6a'lan:ue CC %ho had .een one of his do+esti& servants and later his
+istress, and %ho+ he had +arried a fe% +onths .efore his death, +ore
pre&isel), on Fe.ruar) *#, 19#0 CC too( possession of his estate and
ad+inistered it
On Jul) */, 19#$, Patro&inio Apostol, a nie&e of Pa.lo 2euterio, filed a
petition in the Court of First -nstan&e of Pa+pan'a for her appoint+ent as
'uardian of 6aria Ali&ia 2euterio, then 1" )ears of a'e, alle'ed to .e the
le'iti+ated dau'hter of said Pa.lo 2euterio
On !ove+.er *0, 19#$, Genito 2euterio, a .rother of Pa.lo 2euterio of the
full .lood, instituted pro&eedin's for the settle+ent of the de&edentIs
intestate estate in the sa+e Court of First -nstan&e of Pa+pan'a, pra)in' for
his appoint+ent as ad+inistrator Genito 2euterioIs petition pertinentl)
alle'ed that Pa.lo 2euterio had died %ithout leavin' a %illN that he %as
survived, not onl) .) said Genito 2euterio, .ut also .) a1 the &hildren of
<lena 2euterio, de&eased, sister of the full .lood of the de&edentN .1 Hi&ente
4 2euterio, the son of ,re'oria 2euterio, also de&eased, and also a sister of
the full .lood of Pa.lo 2euterio That Pa.lo 2euterio died a %ido%erN and that
the &lai+ of Patro&inio Apostol, a nie&e of the de&edent, that the latter had
left a le'iti+ate dau'hter %as A%ithout foundation in fa&t and in la%A
The petition %as opposed .) Ana 6a'lan:ue and 6aria Ali&ia 2euterio 0the
latter .ein' represented .) the a.ove na+ed Patro&inio Apostol1 After
hearin', the Pro.ate Court appointed Ana 6a'lan:ue ad+inistratriB of Pa.lo
2euterioIs estate
The event leadin' dire&tl) to the appellate pro&eedin's at .ar %as the filin'
in the settle+ent pro&eedin' .) 6aria Ali&ia 2euterio on O&to.er 19, 19"* of
a pleadin' entitled "Assertion of Rights," in %hi&h she averred that she %as
the onl) for&ed heir of Pa.lo 2euterio and therefore entitled to su&&eed to the
latterIs entire estate, su.7e&t onl) to the ri'hts a&&orded .) la% to her
+other, Ana 6a'lan:ue
-n respe&t of this &lai+, the parties entered into a stipulation of fa&ts and
issues, as re'ards the &ele.ration and the validit) of the +arria'e of Pa.lo
2euterio and Ana 6a'lan:ueN the identit) of the de&edentIs relatives .)
&onsan'uinit), supraN the &hara&ter of the de&edentIs estate as .ein' Ahis
o%n separate, eB&lusive properties and, therefore, his &apital@
-SS;<: =O! the Pro.ate Court had erred C
11 in re7e&tin' 0as spurious1 <Bhi.it 4, A%hi&h is the &ertifi&ate of the re&ord
of .irth of 6aria Ali&ia 2euterio in the Civil Re'istr) of San 2uis, Pa+pan'aNA
*1 Ain not 'ivin' full faith and &reden&e to the testi+onies of ,erva&io Ga'tas
and Paula Pun3alan %ho are disinterested %itnesses and %ho are s&hool
tea&hers at the San 2uis <le+entar) S&hool %here appellant 6aria Ali&ia
2euterio %as stud)in'NA
/1 Ain holdin' that the testi+on) of 4on Sotero Galu)ut 'iven in the for+ of
a deposition appears to .e in the for+ of an a&&o++odationNA
81 ?in not de&larin' 0on the .asis of the eviden&e1 that 6aria Ali&ia 2euterio
has .een in the possession of the status of a natural &hild .efore and after
the +arria'e of her parents T T A
5<24: A-n this &ase, the Court is not in&lined to &on&lude that there %as an
eBpress desire on the part of Pa.lo to re&o'ni3e 6aria Ali&ia as his natural
&hild As previousl) adverted to, the .irth &ertifi&ate, .aptis+al &ertifi&ate
and the photo'raphs do not .ear the si'natures of Pa.lo eBpressin' his
a&(no%led'+ent of 6aria Ali&ia as his natural dau'hter %ith Ana
6a'lan:ue -ndeed, 6aria Ali&ia is said to have .een .orn, reared and
raised in the house of Pa.lo Appellees eBplain this .) statin' that Ana %as
a househelp in the house of Pa.lo Pa.lo has no &hild %ith his previous %ife,
and it is not unusual if he loo(ed upon 6aria Ali&ia as if she %ere his o%n
dau'hter in or outside his residen&e ;pon these &onsiderations, the &ourt a
:uo %as &orre&t in re7e&tin' the testi+onies of 4ar Juan, Paula Pun3alan and
,erva&io Ga'tas, and the deposition of Sotero Galu)ut =ith respe&t to 4ar
Juan, Pun3alan and Ga'tas, the lo%er &ourt sa% and o.served their
de+eanor in the %itness stand and o.7e&ted to their vital &lai+s =ith
respe&t to the testi+on) of Sotero Galu)ut, petitioners ad+it that he and
Pa.lo %ere ver) &lose friends
A=hat &lin&hes the &ase in favor of appellees, to Our +ind, is the a.solute
la&( of a do&u+ent or %ritin', su&h as re&eipts of pa)+ent of s&hool fees in
the na+e of Pa.lo, si'natures in s&hool &ards, or a letter to relatives or
friends na+in' 6aria Ali&ia as his dau'hter, despite the lapse of 9 )ears fro+
the .irth of 6aria Ali&ia in 1981 up to his death in 19#0
-n her appeal to this Court, petitioner 6aria Ali&ia 2euterio su.+its that the
4e&ision of the Court of Appeals should .e reversed .e&ause it %as A&lear
and patent errorA on its part C
11 to sur+ise Athat the a&tion of the petitioner for le'iti+ation is .ased on
voluntar) re&o'nition,A and
*1 to hold that the Afa&ts and the la%s involved pla&e this &ase s:uarel) on
all fours %ith the &ase of Colorado et al vs Court of Appeals, ,R !o 2C
/9988, Fe.ruar) *8, 198#, althou'h the a&tion of herein petitioner is one for
&o+pulsor) re&o'nition and for le'iti+ationA
The petition is %ithout +erit, and &annot .e 'ranted
-t see+s to this Court that .oth the Court of Appeals and the Pro.ate Court
%ere a%are of the pre&ise nature of the petitionerIs re&ourse: a 7udi&ial
de&laration of her &o+pulsor) or involuntar) re&o'nition as Pa.lo 2euterioIs
natural &hild The re&ord dis&loses that the Pro.ate Court %ent to so+e
len'ths to stress the distin&tion .et%een voluntar) and &o+pulsor)
re&o'nition, and to +a(e petitionerIs &ounsel identif) the eBa&t &hara&ter of
the re+ed) that she %as see(in' CC %hether it .e voluntar), or &o+pulsor),
re&o'nition CC :uotin' in this &onne&tion, the eB&han'e .et%een the Jud'e
and petitionerIs attorne), %hi&h &ul+inated in the latterIs des&ription of the
desired relief as Anot voluntar) a&(no%led'+ent in the sense that the
de&edent did not eBe&ute a pu.li& do&u+ent eBpressl) a&(no%led'in' the
petitioner 6aria Ali&ia 2euterio as his natural &hild Ge&ause %e .elieve that
a pu.li& do&u+ent is one of the eviden&e of &o+pulsor) a&(no%led'+entA -t
said:
AThere should not .e &onfusion in ter+s: one thin' is the a&(no%led'+ent
of a &hild .) the father, +ade voluntaril)N another is the a&tion that should
.e instituted .) the &hild a'ainst the father to &o+pel the latter to
a&(no%led'e hi+ as a natural &hild The &ontinuous possession of the status
of a natural &hild, tolerated .) his father and 7ustified .) dire&t a&ts of the
latter, does not, of itself, &onstitute eviden&e of a&(no%led'+ent that he is
so in effe&t -t is, at +ost, an eviden&e to &o+pel the father to a&(no%led'e
hi+ 5o%ever, the a&tion for this purpose should .e .rou'ht %ithin the
periods of ti+e pres&ri.ed in Arti&le 1/$ of the old Civil Code 0no% Arti&le
*8# of the ne% Civil Code1 0,itt vs ,itt, "8 Phil /8#1A
The Pro.ate CourtIs state+ents &orre&tl) refle&t the state of the la% at the
ti+e -n fa&t, it is &onsistent %ith the state+ent of the la% atte+pted .)
petitionerIs o%n distin'uished &ounsel, &itin' Concepcion vs. Untaran, /8
Phil, $/$, $/8, viz:
AThe father of a natural &hild +a) re&o'ni3e it in t%o different %a)s: 0a1 .) a
voluntar) re&o'nition 0Art, 1/1, &iv &ode1N 0*1 .) an involuntar) re&o'nition
enfor&ed .) either a &ivil or &ri+inal a&tion 0Art 1/#, Civ CodeN Art 899,
Pen Code1
AA voluntar) re&o'nition of a natural &hild +a) .e +ade: 0a1 in the re&ord of
.irthsN 0.1 .) %illN and 0&1 .) an) other pu.li& instru+ent 0Art 1/1, Civil
Code1
AAn involuntar) re&o'nition of a natural &hild is +ade: 0a1 .) an
in&ontroverti.le paper %ritten .) the parent eBpressl) re&o'ni3in' his
paternit)N 0.1 .) 'ivin' su&h &hild the status of a natural &hild of the father,
7ustified .) dire&t a&t of the &hild of the father or his fa+il) 0art 1/#, Civ
Code1N and 0&1 .) a &ri+inal a&tion for rape, sedu&tion or a.du&tion 0par *,
art 889, Pen Code1A
-t %as in this sense, too, that the Court of Appeals appeared to have
understood and applied the la% to the &ase As +u&h is apparent fro+ its
de&laration that A0r1e&o'nition under the Civil Code of 1889 M+ust .e pre&ise,
eBpress and sole+n9 02i+ vs Court of Appeals, "# SCRA 1"11, %hether
voluntar) or &o+pulsor) 0Garon vs Garon, "/ O, !o *, Jan 9, 19"$1A 2i(e
the Pro.ate Court, %hose 7ud'+ent it affir+ed, the Court of Appeals ruled
that the eviden&e failed to prove either the eBisten&e of Aan in&ontroverti.le
paper %ritten .) the parent eBpressl) re&o'ni3in' his paternit),A or the
A'ivin' 0to1 su&h &hild 0of1 the status of a natural &hild of the fatherA
&onfor+a.l) %ith Arti&le 1/# of the Civil Code of 1889 5en&e, there %as no
fa&tual .asis on %hi&h to rest a de&laration of involuntar) re&o'nition .)
Pa.lo 2euterio of 6aria Ali&ia as his natural dau'hter
!o%, the findin's of fa&t of the Court of Appeals are, .) fa+iliar do&trine,
&on&lusive on this Court and are not thus su.7e&t of revie%, spe&iall) %here
those findin's are the sa+e as those +ade .) the Trial Court There are, of
&ourse, eB&eptions to this rule, .ut none o.tains in the &ase at .ar
The petitioner also &ontests the Appellate CourtIs holdin' that Arti&le *8/ of
the present 019#01 Civil Code has no retroa&tive effe&t That &on&lusion %as
no dou.t .ased on the fa&t that Arti&le **"0 of the sa+e Code eBpressl)
a&&ords su&h effe&t onl) to voluntar) re&o'nition thus .) inferen&e eB&ludin'
&o+pulsor) re&o'nition for the &auses or under the &ir&u+stan&es
enu+erated in Arti&le *8/, %ith its A&at&hCallA provision that re&o'nition +a)
.e &o+pelled if the &hild has in his favor Aan) eviden&e or proof that the
defendant is his fatherA =hile a &ontrar) vie%, ie, in favor of retroa&tivit),
+a) find support in the eB&eptin' &lause of Arti&le **#/, also of the Civil
Code, %hi&h 'ives effe&t to ri'hts de&lared for the first ti+e therein, thou'h
arisin' fro+ a&ts done or events o&&urred under prior la% provided no vested
or a&:uired ri'hts of the sa+e ori'in are pre7udi&ed there.), there is little
point in pursuin' that :uestion insofar as the resolution of this appeal is
&on&erned
=hether Arti&le *8/ has retroa&tive effe&t or it operates onl) prospe&tivel),
the fa&t is that .oth the Pro.ate Court and the Court of Appeals re7e&ted in
its entiret) CC as variousl), insuffi&ient, unpersuasive and spurious CC
petitionerIs eviden&e .oth oral and do&u+entar) .earin' on her alle'ed
status as a natural &hild of Pa.lo 2euterio That re7e&tion fore&loses the
&lai+ of petitioner to either voluntar) or &o+pulsor) re&o'nition, .e it +ade
under the Civil Code of 1889 %hi&h %as in for&e at the ti+e of her asserted
.irth or, in the &ase of &o+pulsor) re&o'nition, under the +ore li.eral Arti&le
*8/ of the present Code -t &an hardl) .e disputed that in openin' the door
to Aan) eviden&eA of paternit) in an a&tion to &o+pel a&(no%led'+ent,
Arti&le *8/ .) no +eans did a%a) %ith the usual tests of &o+peten&e,
suffi&ien&) and &redi.ilit) to %hi&h su&h eviden&e is su.7e&t %hen offered in a
&ourt of la%, or strip the &ourts of their fun&tion and prero'ative of passin'
upon its a&&epta.ilit) after appl)in' su&h tests Su&h eviden&e here havin'
.een found %antin' after due assess+ent as alread) stated, petitionerIs
&lai+ %as properl) denied
E,R !o 109890 Fe.ruar) 18, 1998F
PATROC-!-O < 6AR,O22<S, H-R,-!-A < H-22O!,CO, <4;AR4O C
<SP-!OSA, 2;C-A < 2AP<RA2, !OR6A C <SP-!OSA, T<R<S-TA < CASA2,
A2-C< < SOTTO, petitioners, vs 5O! CO;RT OF APP<A2S, F-R<STO!<
C<RA6-CS, -!C, GOO6TO=! 4<H<2OP6<!T CORPORAT-O!, SPO;S<S
C>!T5-A 4 C5-!, and C5-!, T-O!, Q<!,, SPO;S<S CAR6<! SOCO and
2OR<!OO O!, <!, C5O!,, SPO;S<S SO2<4A4 G >; and >; S> C5-A,
and 2<T-C-A !OCO! C5A!, respondents.
On 11 Jul) 198#, Firestone, Goo+to%n, spouses C)nthia 4 Chin' and Chin'
Tion' Qen', spouses Car+en So&o and 2oren3o On' <n' Chon', spouses
Soledad >u and >u S) Chia, and 2eti&ia !o&on Chan filed %ith the Re'ional
Trial Court, Gran&h #8, 6a(ati, 6etro 6anila, a &o+plaint for annul+ent of
titles, re&over) of possession, and :uietin' of titles a'ainst Patro&inio <
6ar'olles, Hir'inia < Hillon'&o, <d'ardo C <spinosa, 2u&ia < 2aperal,
!or+a < <spinosa, Teresita < Casal, Ali&e < Sotto, Heroni&a ,ana, and
<:uita.le Gan(in' Corporation Also in&luded a+on' the defendants %ere
the 2and Re'istration Co++issioner and the Re'ister of 4eeds of Pasa) Cit)
The &o+plaint averred that the par&els of land in :uestion %ere re'istered in
the na+es of Genito ,on3ales and <+eterio <spiritu %as issued pursuant to
a de&ision in 2and Re'istration Case !o !C""*#, dated ** Jul) 19"9 On 08
Fe.ruar) 19$", the propert) %as su.divided .) ,on3ales and <spiritu into
five lots, resultin' in the issuan&e of five TCT
6onths after plaintiffs too( possession of the pre+ises, the defendants
de+anded that the plaintiffs va&ate the pre+ises Clai+in' o%nership, the
defendants, on their part, tra&ed their titles fro+ Ori'inal Certifi&ate of Title
!o 8*1" issued to the spouses 2oren3o ,ana and 6a Juliana Carlos on *"
6ar&h 19*9 pursuant to 4e&ree !o /#18/ in 2and Re'istration Case 02RC1
!o "$* of the Court of First -nstan&e of Ri3al, ,2RO Re&ord !o /080"
On 08 April 19#", OCT !o 8*1" %as &an&elled and, in its pla&e, TCT !o
8/### %as issued to 2oren3o ,ana and Heroni&a ,ana +arried to Ra+on
Rodri'ue3 TCT !o 8/### %as itself li(e%ise &an&elled 0on the sa+e da)1
and TCT !o 8/##" %as issued, this ti+e in the na+e of Heroni&a ,ana
alone On 1/ Au'ust 19#", Heroni&a ,ana sold the land to Patro&inio
6ar'olles, resultin' in the issuan&e of TCT !o 8"/0*
6ar'olles su.divided the propert) into seven 0$1 lots, ea&h lot .ein'
&overed, respe&tivel), .) TCTs !o /$991/, !o /$9918, !o /$991#, !o
/$991", !o /$991$, !o /$9918 and !o /$9919
On 0/ !ove+.er 19$*, 6ar'olles sold 1L* interest in the propert) to Sto
!iUo <state 6ana'e+ent Corporation and TCTs !o /8*1$", !o /8*1$$, !o
/8*1$8, !o /8*1$9, !o /8*180, !o /8*181 and !o /8*18* %ere
thereupon issued in the na+es of .oth Sto !iUo <state 6ana'e+ent
Corporation and Patro&inio 6ar'olles
On 1$ 6a) 19$/, Sto !iUo <state 6ana'e+ent Corporation re&onve)ed its
interest to the propert) to Patro&inio 6ar'olles and, a'ain, ne% TCTs !o
810#/#, !o 810#/", !o 810#/$, !o 810#/8, !o 810#/9, !o 810#80 and
!o 810#81 %ere issued in the na+e of the latter Su.se:uentl), TCTs !o
810#/", !o 810#/8, !o 810#/9, !o 810#80 and !o 810#81 %ere
&an&elled and, in lieu thereof, TCT !o SC1$99* %as issued to Peltan
4evelop+ent Corporation
6ar'olles su.divided the re+ainin' par&els &overed .) TCTs !o 810#/# and
!o 810#/$ into fifteen 01#1 lots, ea&h of %hi&h %as titled in her na+e, ie,
TCTs !o SC1"/"9 up to !o SC1"/8/, in&lusive These titles, eB&ept TCTs
!o SC1"/$* and !o SC1"/$/ %hi&h %ere retained in her na+e, %ere later
&an&elled and transferred to her .rother and sisters, her &oCdefendants and
&oCpetitioners in the present &ase The transferees Hir'inia Hillon'&o and
!or+a <spinosa later +ort'a'ed their o%n lots to <:uita.le Gan(in'
Corporation
-SS;<S:
011 =hether or not the 'enuineness and authenti&it) of Ori'inal Certifi&ate
of Title !o ACSC8$, a'ainst an overlappin' Ori'inal Certifi&ate of Title !o
8*1", %as suffi&ientl) esta.lishedN
0*1 =hether or not Ori'inal Certifi&ate of Title !o 8*1" %as issued %hile the
propert) %as still un&lassified pu.li& landN and
0/1 =hether or not the &lai+ of the petitioners %as &orre&tl) .arred .)
la&hes
The first issue is .asi&all) fa&tual Ordinaril), onl) :uestions of la% +a) .e
raised in a petition for revie% on certiorari This rule, ho%ever, is su.7e&t to
eB&eptions, su&h as %hen there are &o+pellin' reasons to 7ustif) other%ise,
or %hen the appealed de&ision is &learl) &ontradi&ted .) the eviden&e on
re&ord This &ase is so illustrative of su&h eB&eptional instan&es
To support their &lai+ that OCT !o 8*1" is 'enuine, the petitioners have
su.+itted, a+on' other thin's, the follo%in' pie&es of do&u+entar)
eviden&e:
011 The ori'inal of OCT !o 8*1", as %ell as the o%ners9 dupli&ate
&ertifi&ates, on file %ith the Offi&e of the Re'ister of 4eeds of Ri3alN
0*1 The pu.li&ations 0in the <n'lish and Spanish versions1 of the Offi&ial
,a3ette 019*$ editions1, &ontainin' noti&es of the initial hearin' in 2and
Re'istration Case !o "$* 0,2RO Re&ord !o /080"1, instituted .) the
spouses 2oren3o ,ana and 6aria Juliana Carlos, &overin' a par&el of land in
Tindi' na 6an''a, 2as PiUasN
0/1 The order of then CF- Jud'e Ce&ilia 6uUo3CPal+a, dated */ 6ar&h 19"1,
in 2RC Case !o !C*1*" 0,2RO Re&ord !o !C"#"81, den)in' the re'istration
of a par&el of land .) reason of the &ertifi&ation, dated *" June 19#9, of the
2and Re'istration Co++issioner, Antonio ! !o.le7as, that a portion of the
propert) &overed in this postC%ar land &ase had .een de&reed under 4e&ree
!o /#18*/, issued on 0# 6ar&h 19*9, in the na+e of the spouses 2oren3o
,ana and 6aria Juliana A Carlos in 2RC Case !o "$* 0,2RO Re&ord !o
/080"1, and %hile said &ase &overed onl) a part of the propert) in dispute, it
did sho%, ho%ever, that the de&ree %as, in fa&t, issued to the spouses ,ana
and CarlosN
081 The Report, dated 0$ June 198/, of the 2and Re'istration Co++issionIs
Herifi&ation Co++ittee, sustainin' the validit) of 4e&ree !o /#18*/ in favor
of 2oren3o J ,ana and 6aria Juliana A CarlosN
0#1 Pa'e *09 of the Goo( of 4e&rees 0Old Goo(1 of the 2and Re'istration
Co++ission, sho%in' that a de&ree %as Ao(a)edA in ,2RO Re&ord !o /080"
02RC Case !o "$*1, under the entr) A4ate OQ for 4e&reeA on A1C**C*9A
0** Januar) 19*91 and that a de&ree %as issued under the entr) A4ate
4e&ree -ssuedA on A/C#C*9A 00# 6ar&h 19*91N
0"1 The &ertified true +i&rofil+ reprodu&tion of plan PsuC89*$/ &overin' a
par&el of land in Garrio Tindi' na 6an''a, 2as PiUas, surve)ed for 2oren3o
,ana and 6aria Juliana Carlos, approved .) the Gureau of 2ands in 19*"N
0$1 The de&ision of this Court in ,ui&o vs San Pedro, $* Phil 81#, pointin'
to the de&ision rendered .) the Court of First -nstan&e of Ri3al in 2RC Case
!o "$* in favor of the spouses 2oren3o ,ana and 6aria Juliana CarlosN and
081 The letters of Soli&itor ,eneral <stelito 6endo3a and Soli&itor ,eneral
Fran&is&o Chave3, statin' that the infor+ation and do&u+ents su.+itted to
the Offi&e of the Soli&itor ,eneral .) the Gureau of 2ands and the 2and
Re'istration Co++ission %ere not suffi&ient to support an a&tion for
&an&ellation of OCT !o 8*1" and the derivative titles thereof
5<24: The a.ove do&u+entar) eviden&e is +u&h too over%hel+in' to .e
si+pl) .rushed aside -t is our &onsidered vie% that the appellate &ourt has
&o++itted serious error in refusin' to 'ive an) pro.ative value to su&h
eviden&e All that the private respondents &ould .asi&all) proffer a'ainst
OCT 8*1" are that P
011 The title is invalid, fa(e and spurious, %hi&h +ust have .een the %or( of
Aso+e uns&rupulous ele+entsA %ho &ould have a&&ess to Athe Re'istr) Goo(
of the Offi&e of the Re'ister of 4eeds of the Provin&e of Ri3al,A that eBplains
petitionersI failure to present a &op) of the de&ision in 2and Re'istration
Case !o "$* or 4e&ree !o /#18*/N and
0*1 Assu+in' OCT !o 8*1" to have .een issued, the sa+e is invalid havin'
.een issued on still un&lassified land of the pu.li& do+ain
Se&tion /, Rule 1/0, of the Revised Rules of Court, ta(en fro+ Se&tion /*1
of A&t !o 190, states:
ASe& / Ori'inal do&u+ent +ust .e produ&edN eB&eptions C =hen the
su.7e&t of in:uir) is the &ontents of a do&u+ent, no eviden&e shall .e
ad+issi.le other than the ori'inal do&u+ent itself, eB&ept in the follo%in'
&ases:
?0a1 =hen the ori'inal has .een lost or destro)ed, or &annot .e
produ&ed in &ourt, %ithout .ad faith on the part of the offerorN
?0.1 =hen the ori'inal is in the &ustod) or under the &ontrol of the
part) a'ainst %ho+ the eviden&e is offered, and the latter fails to
produ&e it after reasona.le noti&eN
?0&1 =hen the ori'inal &onsists of nu+erous a&&ounts or other
do&u+ents %hi&h &annot .e eBa+ined in &ourt %ithout 'reat loss
of ti+e and the fa&t sou'ht to .e esta.lished fro+ the+ is onl)
the 'eneral result of the %holeN and
?0d1 =hen the ori'inal is a pu.li& re&ord in the &ustod) of a pu.li&
offi&er or is re&orded in a pu.li& offi&eA
-t has .een plainl) sho%n that the failure of the petitioners to produ&e the
4e&ree is due to the .urnin' of the Ar&hives of the Court of First -nstan&e of
Ri3al durin' the li.eration of Pasi', in &onse:uen&e of %hi&h all preC%ar land
re'istration &ases in Ri3al have .een destro)ed The respondents9 o%n
%itness, <duardo Santos, Jr, has testified that the re&ords of preC%ar
re'istration &ases are thus in&o+plete as &an .e eBpe&ted The Certifi&ation,
dated 0* 6a) 1980, of Re)naldo S Her'ara, A&tin' Chief of the 4o&(et
4ivision of the 2and Re'istration Authorit), states that the preC%ar re&ord of
2RC Case !o "$*, ,2RO Re&ord !o 0/080" for the provin&e of Ri3al, is not
a+on' the re&ords on file %ith the Hault Se&tion of the 4o&(et 4ivision sin&e
the sa+e +ust have .een lost or destro)ed as a &onse:uen&e of the last
%orld %ar Certainl), the petitioners &annot .e held to a&&ount for those lost
or destro)ed re&ords
The private respondents ar'ue that the petitioners should have as(ed
for the re&onstitution of the 2RC &ase and the de&ree in a&&ordan&e %ith A&t
!o /110 and Repu.li& A&t !o *", or that the) &ould have opposed, or
intervened in, the pro&eedin's in 2RC Case !o !C""*# 02RC Re&ord !o !C
/"#$91 %here OCT !o ACSC8$ has .een de&reed For failin' to do so, the
petitioners, it is no% &ontended, should .e held .ound .) the order of
default issued .) the land re'istration &ourt The ar'u+ent is
una&&epta.le The petitioners are not &overed .) the 'eneral order of
default in 2RC Case !o !C""*# Repu.li& A&t !o *" onl) &overs lost or
destro)ed &ertifi&ates of title The ori'inal of OCT !o 8*1" is not eBtantN it
has, in fa&t, .een presented in eviden&e A&t !o /110, on the other hand,
applies onl) to pendin' 7udi&ial pro&eedin's This Court has heretofore held,
thus C
AThe %hole theor) of re&onstitution is to reprodu&e or repla&e re&ords lost or
destro)ed so that said re&ords +a) .e &o+plete and &ourt pro&eedin's +a)
&ontinue fro+ the point or sta'e %here said pro&eedin's stopped due to the
loss of the re&ords B B B
ABBB BBB BBB
A-f the re&ords up to a &ertain point or sta'e are lost and the) are not
re&onstituted, the parties and the &ourt should 'o .a&( to the neBt pre&edin'
sta'e %here re&ords are availa.le, .ut not .e)ond thatN other%ise to i'nore
and 'o .e)ond the sta'e neBt pre&edin' %ould .e voidin' and unne&essaril)
i'norin' pro&eedin's %hi&h are dul) re&orded and do&u+ented, to the 'reat
pre7udi&e not onl) of the parties and their %itnesses, .ut also of the &ourt
%hi&h +ust 'ain perfor&e ad+it pleadin's, rule upon the+ and then tr) the
&ase and de&ide it ane%,CCall of these, %hen the re&ords up to said point or
sta'e are inta&t and &o+plete, and un&ontroverted
AB B B A&t !o /110, %as not pro+ul'ated to penali3e people for failure to
o.serve or invo(e its provisions -t &ontains no penal san&tion -t %as
ena&ted rather to aid and .enefit liti'ants, so that %hen &ourt re&ords are
destro)ed at an) sta'e of 7udi&ial pro&eedin's, instead of institutin' a ne%
&ase and startin' all over a'ain, the) +a) re&onstitute the re&ords lost and
&ontinue the &ase -f the) fail to as( for re&onstitution, the %orst that &an
happen to the+ is that the) lose the advanta'es provided .) the
re&onstitution la% B B B
AB B B 0T1o re:uire the parties to file their a&tion ane% and in&ur the
eBpenses and suf0f1er the anno)an&e and veBation in&ident to the filin' of
pleadin's and the &ondu&t of hearin's, aside fro+ the possi.ilit) that so+e
of the %itnesses +a) have died or left the 7urisdi&tion, and also to re:uire
the &ourt to a'ain rule on the pleadin's and hear the %itnesses and then
de&ide the &ase, %hen all alon' and all the ti+e the re&ord of the for+er
pleadin's of the trial and eviden&e and de&ision are there and are not
disputed, all this %ould appear to .e not eBa&tl) lo'i&al or reasona.le, or fair
and 7ust to the parties, in&ludin' the trial &ourt %hi&h has not &o++itted an)
ne'li'en&e or fault at all@
Further+ore, Se&tion 8# of A&t !o /110, provides that A0n1othin' &ontained
in 0the1 A&t shall .e &onstrued to repeal or +odif) the provisions of Se&tion
Three 5undred and T%ent) One of A&t !u+.ered One 5undred and !inet)A
Se&tion /*1 of A&t !o 190 is no% Se&tion / 0afore:uoted1, Rule 1/0, of the
Revised Rules of Court, other%ise (no%n as the ?.est eviden&e ruleA 5en&e,
even if the petitioners have failed to have the re&ords of the 2RC &ase
re&onstituted, the) are not pre&luded fro+ esta.lishin' .) other eviden&e
the re:uisite proof of validit) of OCT !o 8*1"
Suite re&entl), in =ido%s and Orphans Asso&iation, -n& 0=-4ORA1 vs Court
of Appeals, this Court, spea(in' throu'h 6r Justi&e Florentino Feli&iano,
said:
AB B B. The &op) of OCT !o /#1 offered .) Orti'as %as a &ertified true &op)
of the ori'inal thereof found in the Re'istration Goo( of the Re'ister of
4eeds of Ri3al The ad+issi.ilit) of su&h a &op) in &ourt pro&eedin's is an
eB&eption to the ordinar) rule on se&ondar) eviden&eN su&h ad+issi.ilit) is in
fa&t +andated .) Se&tion 8$ of A&t !o 89" 0The 2and Re'istration A&t1
;nder the 2and Re'istration A&t %hi&h %as in for&e at the ti+e OCT !o /#1
issued, the ori'inal thereof found in the Re'istration Goo( of the Re'ister of
4eeds of Ri3al %as an official transcript of Decree No. 14!, "ith respect to
the land covered #$ such decree situated in the %rovince of Rizal
AThus, OCT !o /#1 &onstitutes dire&t proof of the eBisten&e of 4e&ree !o
18*# upon %hi&h the Orti'as TCTs 0!os $$"#* and $$"#/1 are .ased B B
BA 0Footnotes o+ittedN unders&orin' supplied1
The private respondents +aintain, nonetheless, that OCT !o 8*1", issued in
favor of the spouses ,ana and Carlos, is invalid, so &overin', as it
supposedl) did, un&lassified pu.li& lands 5ere, the private respondents
.ase their &lai+ on Forestr) Ad+inistration Order 0FAO1 !o 8C1181 019"81,
i+ple+entin' 2C 6ap !o *"*/, Pro7e&t !o 1/CA A&&ordin' to the+, 2as
PiUas &o+prises *,##" he&tares, out of %hi&h 1,*00 he&tares have .een
de&lared aliena.le and disposa.le pu.li& lands in 19*8, under 2C 6ap !o
$"", Pro7e&t 1/, and that ATindi' na 6an''aA has not .een &overed there.)
until the re&lassifi&ation in 19"8 As su&h, the) su.+it, the Court of First
-nstan&e of Ri3al, sittin' as 2and Re'istration Court in 19*9, did not a&:uire
7urisdi&tion to ad7udi&ate the propert) in :uestion to the petitioners9
prede&essorsCinCinterest
!o &o'ent proof, ho%ever, has .een 'iven to support the a.ove &ontention
To the &ontrar), in fa&t, is the letter, dated *$ April 1988, of then Soli&itor
,eneral Fran&is&o Chave3, %hi&h in part, reads:
AThirdl), it is also alle'ed that the title is null and void .e&ause it alle'edl)
&overs land %ithin the forest 3one There is no &learC&ut proof to that
effe&t The &ertifi&ation of 6r Ro'elio dela Rosa of the Ti+.er 6ana'e+ent
4ivision, Gureau of Forest 4evelop+ent, dated Jul) /1, 19$9, si+pl) states
Mthat the tra&t of land situated in Garrio Tindi' na 6an''a, 2as PiUas, 6etro
6anila &ontainin' an area of 19$,#*# s:uare +eters as sho%n and des&ri.ed
on this plan PsuC08C00"81$ B B B %as found to .e %ithin the Aliena.le or
4isposa.le Glo&( of 2C Pro7e&t !o 1/CA of 2as PiUas, Ri3al &ertified as su&h
on Januar) /, 19"8 per GF4 6ap 2CC*"*/9 The &ertifi&ation refers to land
%ith an area of onl) 19$#*# he&tares -t does not state the relationship of
said land %ith the land &overed .) OCT !o 8*1" %hi&h has an area of
99"1#$ he&tares
ABBB BBB BBB
AFifthl), the re&o++endation of the 4ire&tor of 2ands for the &an&ellation of
OCT !o 8*1" is pre+ised +ainl) on the alle'ation that the land is %ithin the
forest 3one, havin' .een alle'edl) released as A K 4 land onl) in 19"8 Gut
the re&o++endation is .ased on the sa+e &ertifi&ation of 6r de la Rosa of
the Gureau of Forest 4evelop+ent %hi&h, as earlier o.served, does not +a(e
an) &lear referen&e to the land &overed .) OCT !o 8*1" and is, therefore,
va'ue and in&on&lusiveA
;nfortunatel), for all &on&erned, no authenti& &op) of 2C 6ap !o $"",
Pro7e&t 1/, &ould .e presented, al.eit understanda.l), &onsiderin' that even
the re&ords of the !ational 6appin' and Resour&e Authorit) 0!A6R<A1 have
apparentl) .een lost or destro)ed durin' the se&ond =orld =ar
-n Sta 6oni&a -ndustrial and 4evelop+ent Corporation vs Court of
Appeals 0a &ase to annul a 191* de&ision of the land re'istration &ourt1, the
Repu.li& sou'ht to prove that, at the ti+e an ori'inal &ertifi&ate of title %as
issued, the land &overed there.) %as still %ithin the forest 3one -t offered
as eviden&e a land &lassifi&ation +ap prepared .) the 4ire&tor of Forestr) in
19"1 The Court ruled:
?B B B =hen the pro&eedin's %ere ori'inall) filed .) the Repu.li& .efore
the Court of Appeals, the petitioner &ontended that %hen the de&ree in favor
of 4e Perio %as issued .) Jud'e Ostrand in 191* the par&els of land %ere
still part of the inaliena.le pu.li& forests 5o%ever, petitionerIs &ase rested
solel) on land &lassifi&ation +aps dra%n several )ears after the issuan&e of
the de&ree in 191* These +aps failed to &on&lusivel) esta.lish the a&tual
&lassifi&ation of the land in 191* and the )ears prior to that Gefore this
Court, petitioner reiterates said &ontention and refers, for the first ti+e, to a
1908 pro&la+ation reservin' the land in Oa+.ales as a naval reservation
and alle'in' that the su.7e&t par&els of land are parts thereof These B B B
are insuffi&ient to over&o+e the le'al presu+ption in favor of the de&reeIs
re'ularit) B B BA
Further+ore, FAO !o 8C1181, si'ned .) then Se&retar) of A'ri&ulture and
!atural Resour&es Arturo R Tan&o, Jr, on 0/ Januar) 19"8, provides:
A1 Pursuant to the provisions of Se&tion 18*$ of the Revised
Ad+inistrative Code, - here.) de&lare as aliena.le or disposa.le
and pla&e the sa+e under the &ontrol of the Gureau of 2ands for
ad+inistration and disposition in a&&ordan&e %ith the Pu.li& 2and
A&t, su.7e&t to private ri'hts, if an) there .e and to the &onditions
herein spe&ified, the portions of the pu.li& do+ain situated in the
6uni&ipalities of B B B 2as PiUas, B B B Provin&e of Ri3al B B B
%hi&h are desi'nated and des&ri.ed as aliena.le or disposa.le on
Gureau of Forestr) 6ap 2CC*"*/, approved on Januar) /, 19"8A
0;nders&orin' supplied1
The issuan&e of OCT !o 8*1" in 19*9, &onferrin' a private ri'ht, is then
a+pl) prote&ted .) FAO !o 8C1181N other%ise, &ertifi&ates of title issued
prior to 19"8 &ould possi.l) .e all nullified
Finall), the private respondents raise estoppel .) la&hes on the part of the
petitioners 2a&hes is Athe failure or ne'le&t for an unreasona.le and
uneBplained len'th of ti+e, to do that %hi&h .) eBer&isin' due dili'en&e
&ould or should have .een done earlier, or the ne'li'en&e or o+ission to
assert a ri'ht %ithin a reasona.le ti+e, %arrantin' a presu+ption that the
part) entitled to assert it either has a.andoned it or has de&lined to assert
it@
Contrar) to private respondents9 &lai+ that no a&tion %as ta(en .) the
petitioners until a petition for :uietin' of title %as filed in 198# .) the private
respondents the+selves, the re&ords %ould indi&ate that upon the
su.division of the lots in :uestion .) <spiritu and ,on3ales, and the
su.se:uent transfers of the sa+e to the private respondents in 19$", a
de+and %as seasona.l) +ade .) the petitioners for the private respondents
to va&ate the pre+ises Fro+ the ti+e OCT !o ACSC8$ %as issued to the
private respondents in 19"9 until the de+and %as +ade in 19$", onl) seven
0$1 )ears had elapsed
2astl), it is a settled rule that A%hen t%o &ertifi&ates of title are issued to
different persons &overin' the sa+e land in %hole or in part, the earlier in
date +ust prevail, and, in &ase of su&&essive re'istrations %here +ore than
one &ertifi&ate is issued over the land, the person holdin' a prior &ertifi&ate
is entitled to the land as a'ainst a person %ho relies on a su.se:uent
&ertifi&ate The titles of the petitioners, havin' e+anated fro+ an older title,
should thus .e upheld

S*-be'm "o-.e-/e-ce Foo,), %-c. .). "A

G.R. No. 00464, 1'-. 29, 1990
FA"TS&
Sun.ea+ Convenien&e Foods, -n& is the re&ipient of a Sales Patent issued
.) the Gureau of 2ands over t%o par&els of land in Gataan An OCT %as
there.) issued The Soli&itorC,eneral filed an a&tion for reversion on the
'round that the lots %ere forest lands and therefore inaliena.le
CA ruled, upholdin' the Soli&itorC,eneralIs &ontention
%SSUE&
=hether or not land is aliena.le
HELD&
The SC affir+ed
Our adheren&e to the Re'alian 4o&trine su.7e&ts all a'ri&ultural, ti+.er, and
+ineral lands to the do+inion of the State Thus, .efore an) land +a) .e
de&lassified fro+ the forest 'roup and &onverted into aliena.le or disposa.le
land for a'ri&ultural purposes, there +ust .e a positive a&t fro+ the
,overn+ent <ven rules on the &onfir+ation of i+perfe&t titles do not appl)
unless and until the land &lassified as forest land is released in an offi&ial
pro&la+ation to that effe&t so that it +a) for+ part of the disposa.le
a'ri&ultural lands of the pu.li& do+ain
The +ere fa&t that a title %as issued .) the 4ire&tor of 2ands does not
&onfer an) validit) on su&h title if the propert) &overed .) the title or patent
is part of the pu.li& forest
2and Titles and 4eeds Case 4i'est: 4ire&tor of 2ands v -AC 0198"1
2a.els: 198", Case 4i'est, Juris 4o&tor, 2and Titles and 4eeds, 2and Titles
and 4eeds Case 4i'est
,R !o $/00* 4e&e+.er *9, 198"
2essons Appli&a.le: Se& / Art J--, 198$ Constitution 02and Titles and
4eeds1
FACTS:
A&+e Pl)%ood K Heneer Co, -n&, a &orp represented .) 6r Rodolfo
!a3ario, a&:uired fro+ 6ariano and A&er -nfiel, +e+.ers of the 4u+a'at
tri.e # par&els of land
possession of the -nfiels over the landdates .a&( .efore the Philippines %as
dis&overed .) 6a'ellan
land sou'ht to .e re'istered is a private land pursuant to RA /8$* 'rantin'
a.solute o%nership to +e+.ers of the nonCChristian Tri.es on land o&&upied
.) the+ or their an&estral lands, %hether %ith the aliena.le or disposa.le
pu.li& land or %ithin the pu.li& do+ain
A&+e Pl)%ood K Heneer Co -n&, has introdu&ed +ore than P8#6 %orth of
i+prove+ents
o%nership and possession of the land sou'ht to .e re'istered %as dul)
re&o'ni3ed .) the 'overn+ent %hen the 6uni&ipal Offi&ials of 6a&ona&on,
-sa.ela
donated part of the land as the to%nsite of 6a&ona&on -sa.ela
-AC affir+ed CF-: in favor of
-SS;<S:
=L! the land is alread) a private land C ><S
=L! the &onstitutional prohi.ition a'ainst their a&:uisition .) private
&orporations or asso&iations appliesC !O
5<24: -AC affir+ed A&+e Pl)%ood K Heneer Co, -n&
><S
alread) a&:uired, .) operation of la% not onl) a ri'ht to a 'rant, .ut a 'rant
of the ,overn+ent, for it is not ne&essar) that a &ertifi&ate of title should .e
issued in order that said 'rant +a) .e san&tioned .) the &ourts, an
appli&ation therefore is suffi&ient
it had alread) &eased to .e of the pu.li& do+ain and had .e&o+e private
propert), at least .) presu+ption
The appli&ation for &onfir+ation is +ere for+alit), the la&( of %hi&h does not
affe&t the le'al suffi&ien&) of the title as %ould .e eviden&ed .) the patent
and the Torrens title to .e issued upon the stren'th of said patent
The effe&t of the proof, %herever +ade, %as not to &onfer title, .ut si+pl) to
esta.lish it, as alread) &onferred .) the de&ree, if not .) earlier la%
* !O
-f it is a&&eptedCas it +ust .eCthat the land %as alread) private land to %hi&h
the -nfiels had a le'all) suffi&ient and transfera.le title on O&to.er *9, 19"*
%hen A&+e a&:uired it fro+ said o%ners, it +ust also .e &on&eded that
A&+e had a perfe&t ri'ht to +a(e su&h a&:uisition
The onl) li+itation then eBtant %as that &orporations &ould not a&:uire, hold
or lease pu.li& a'ri&ultural lands in eB&ess of 1,0*8 he&tares
Restituto >not vs -nter+ediate Appellate Court
There had .een an eBistin' la% %hi&h prohi.ited the slau'hterin' of
&ara.aos 0<O "*"1 To stren'then the la%, 6ar&os issued <O "*"CA %hi&h
not onl) .anned the +ove+ent of &ara.aos fro+ interprovin&es .ut as %ell
as the +ove+ent of &ara.eef On 1/ Jan 1988, >not %as &au'ht transportin'
" &ara.aos fro+ 6as.ate to -loilo 5e %as then &har'ed in violation of <O
"*"CA >not averred <O "*"CA as un&onstitutional for it violated his ri'ht to
.e heard or his ri'ht to due pro&ess 5e said that the authorit) provided .)
<O "*"CA to outri'htl) &onfis&ate &ara.aos even %ithout .ein' heard is
un&onstitutional The lo%er &ourt ruled a'ainst >not rulin' that the <O is a
valid eBer&ise of poli&e po%er in order to pro+ote 'eneral %elfare so as to
&ur. do%n the indis&ri+inate slau'hter of &ara.aos
%SSUE& =hether or not the la% is valid
HELD& The SC ruled that the <O is not valid as it indeed violates due
pro&ess <O "*"CA &treated a presu+ption .ased on the 7ud'+ent of
the eBe&utive The +ove+ent of &ara.aos fro+ one area to the other does
not +ean a su.se:uent slau'hter of the sa+e %ould ensue >not should .e
'iven to defend hi+self and eBplain %h) the &ara.aos are .ein' transferred
.efore the) &an .e &onfis&ated The SC found that the &hallen'ed +easure
is an invalid eBer&ise of the poli&e po%er .e&ause the +ethod e+plo)ed to
&onserve the &ara.aos is not reasona.l) ne&essar) to the purpose of the la%
and, %orse, is undul) oppressive 4ue pro&ess is violated .e&ause the o%ner
of the propert) &onfis&ated is denied the ri'ht to .e heard in his defense and
is i++ediatel) &onde+ned and punished The &onfer+ent on
the ad+inistrative authorities of the po%er to ad7ud'e the 'uilt of the
supposed offender is a &lear en&roa&h+ent on 7udi&ial fun&tions and +ilitates
a'ainst the do&trine of separation of po%ers There is, finall), also an invalid
dele'ation of le'islative po%ers to the offi&ers +entioned therein %ho are
'ranted unli+ited dis&retion in the distri.ution of the properties ar.itraril)
ta(en

1#A 3S. $"GG [220 S"RA 0684 G.R. No. 960414 24 A*5 1996]
Frida), Januar) /0, *009 Posted .) Coffeeholi& =rites
2a.els: Case 4i'ests, Politi&al 2a%
F'c()& On 9 Au'ust 1990, 6ateo AT Caparas, then Chair+an of PC,,,
%rote then President Cora3on C A:uino, re:uestin' her for authorit) to si'n
the proposed Consi'n+ent A'ree+ent .et%een the Repu.li& of the
Philippines throu'h PC,, and Christie, 6anson and=oods -nternational, -n&
&on&ernin' the s&heduled sale on 11 Januar) 1991 of ei'ht)Ct%o1 Old
6asters Paintin's and anti:ue silver%are sei3ed fro+ 6ala&aUan' and the
6etropolitan 6useu+ of 6anilaalle'ed to .e part of the illC'otten %ealth of
the late President 6ar&os, his relatives and &ronies On 18 Au'ust 1990,
then President A:uino, throu'h for+er <Be&utive Se&retar) Catalino
6a&arai', Jr, authori3ed Chair+an Caparas to si'n
the Consi'n+ent A'ree+ent allo%in' ChristieIs of !e% >or( to au&tion off
the su.7e&t art pie&es for and in .ehalf of the Repu.li& of the Philippines On
1# Au'ust 1990, PC,,, throu'h Chair+an Caparas, representin' the
,overn+ent of the Repu.li& of the Philippines, si'ned
the Consi'n+ent A'ree+ent %ith ChristieIs of !e% >or( A&&ordin' to the
a'ree+ent, PC,, shall &onsi'n to C5R-ST-<IS for sale at pu.li& au&tion the
ei'ht)Ct%o Old 6asters Paintin's then found at the 6etropolitan 6useu+
of 6anila as %ell as the silver%are &ontained in sevent)Cone &artons in the
&ustod) of the Central Gan( of the Philippines, and su&h other propert) as
+a) su.se:uentl) .e identified .) PC,, and a&&epted .) C5R-ST-<IS to .e
su.7e&t to the provisions of the a'ree+ent
On *" O&to.er 1990, the Co++ission on Audit throu'h then Chair+an
<ufe+io C 4o+in'o su.+itted to President A:uino the audit findin's and
o.servations of COA on the Consi'n+ent A'ree+ent of 1# Au'ust 1990 to
the effe&t that: the authorit) of for+er PC,, Chair+an Caparas to enter into
the Consi'n+ent A'ree+ent %as of dou.tful le'alit)N the &ontra&t %as hi'hl)
disadvanta'eous to the 'overn+entN PC,, had a poor tra&( re&ord in asset
disposal .) au&tion in the ;SN and, the assets su.7e&t of au&tion %ere
histori&al reli&s and had &ultural si'nifi&an&e, hen&e, their disposal %as
prohi.ited .) la%
After the oral ar'u+ents of the parties on 9 Januar) 1991, %e issued
i++ediatel) our resolution den)in' the appli&ation for preli+inar) in7un&tion
to restrain the s&heduled sale of the art%or(s on the 'round that petitioners
had not presented a &lear le'al ri'ht to a restrainin' order and that proper
parties had not .een i+pleaded
On 11 Januar) 1991, the sale at pu.li& au&tion pro&eeded as s&heduled and
the pro&eeds of V1/,/0*,"088" %ere turned over to the Gureau of
Treasur)
%))*e)&
011 =hether or not petitioners have le'al standin'
0*1 =hether or not the Old 6asters Paintin's and anti:ue silver%are are
e+.ra&ed in the phrase A&ultural treasure of the nationA
0/1 =hether or not the paintin's and silver%are are properties of pu.li&
do+inion on %hi&h &an .e disposed of throu'h the 7oint &on&urren&e of the
President and Con'ress
081 =hether or not PC,, has &o+plied %ith the due pro&ess &lause and
other statutor) re:uire+ents for the eBportation and sale of the su.7e&t
ite+s
0#1 =hether or not the petition has .e&o+e +oot and a&ade+i&, and if so,
%hether the a.ove -ssue %arrant resolution fro+ this Court
He+,& This is pre+ised on Se& *, Rule /, of the Rules of Court %hi&h
provides that ever) a&tion +ust .e prose&uted and defended in the na+e of
the real part)CinCinterest, and that all persons havin' interest in the su.7e&t
of the a&tion and in o.tainin' the relief de+anded shall .e 7oined as
plaintiffs The Court %ill eBer&ise its po%er of 7udi&ial revie% onl) if the &ase
is .rou'ht .efore it .) a part) %ho has the le'al standin' to raise
the &onstitutional or le'al :uestion A2e'al standin'A +eans a personal and
su.stantial interest in the &ase su&h that the part) has sustained or %ill
sustain dire&t in7ur) as a result of the 'overn+ental a&t that is .ein'
&hallen'ed The ter+ AinterestA is +aterial interest, an interest in issue and
to .e affe&ted .) the de&ree, as distin'uished fro+ +ere interest in the
:uestion involved, or a +ere in&idental interest 6oreover, the interest of the
part) plaintiff +ust .e personal and not one .ased on a desire to vindi&ate
the &onstitutional ri'ht of so+e third and related part)
There are &ertain instan&es ho%ever %hen this Court has allo%ed eB&eptions
to the rule on le'al standin', as %hen a &iti3en .rin's a &ase for +anda+us
to pro&ure the enfor&e+ent of a pu.li& dut) for the fulfill+ent of a pu.li&
ri'ht re&o'ni3ed .) the Constitution, and %hen a taBpa)er :uestions the
validit) of a 'overn+ental a&t authori3in' the dis.urse+ent of pu.li& funds
PetitionersI ar'u+ents are devoid of +erit The) la&( .asis in fa&t and in la%
The o%nership of these paintin's le'all) .elon's to the foundation or
&orporation or the +e+.ers thereof, althou'h the pu.li& has .een 'iven the
opportunit) to vie% and appre&iate these paintin's %hen the) %ere pla&ed
on eBhi.it
The &onfis&ation of these properties .) the A:uino ad+inistration ho%ever
should not .e understood to +ean that the o%nership of these paintin's has
auto+ati&all) passed on the 'overn+ent %ithout &o+pl)in'
%ith &onstitutional and statutor) re:uire+ents of due pro&ess and 7ust
&o+pensation -f these properties %ere alread) a&:uired .) the 'overn+ent,
an) &onstitutional or statutor) defe&t in their a&:uisition and their
su.se:uent disposition +ust .e raised onl) .) the proper parties the true
o%ners thereof %hose authorit) to re&over e+anates fro+ their proprietar)
ri'hts %hi&h are prote&ted .) statutes and the Constitution 5avin' failed to
sho% that the) are the le'al o%ners of the art%or(s or that the valued
pie&es have .e&o+e pu.li&l) o%ned, petitioners do not possess an) &lear
le'al ri'ht %hatsoever to :uestion their alle'ed unauthori3ed disposition
!either &an this petition .e allo%ed as a taBpa)erIs suit O.viousl),
petitioners are not &hallen'in' an) eBpenditure involvin' pu.li& funds .ut
the disposition of %hat the) alle'e to .e pu.li& properties -t is %orth) to
note that petitioners ad+it that the paintin's and anti:ue silver%are %ere
a&:uired fro+ private sour&es and not %ith pu.li& +one)
Anent the se&ond re:uisite of a&tual &ontrovers), petitioners ar'ue that this
&ase should .e resolved .) this Court as an eB&eption to the rule on +oot
and a&ade+i& &asesN that althou'h the sale of the paintin's and silver has
lon' .een &onsu++ated and the possi.ilit) of retrievin' the treasure trove is
nil, )et the novelt) and i+portan&e of the -ssue raised .) the petition
deserve this CourtIs attention The) su.+it that the resolution .) the Court
of the -ssue in this &ase %ill esta.lish future 'uidin' prin&iples and do&trines
on the preservation of the nationIs pri&eless artisti& and &ultural possessions
for the .enefit of the pu.li& as a %hole
For a &ourt to eBer&ise its po%er of ad7udi&ation, there +ust .e an a&tual
&ase of &ontrovers) W one %hi&h involves a &onfli&t of le'al ri'hts, an
assertion of opposite le'al &lai+s sus&epti.le of 7udi&ial resolutionN the &ase
+ust not .e +oot or a&ade+i& or .ased on eBtraCle'al or other si+ilar
&onsiderations not &o'ni3a.le .) a &ourt of 7usti&e A &ase .e&o+es +oot
and a&ade+i& %hen its purpose has .e&o+e stale, su&h as the &ase .efore
us Sin&e the purpose of this petition for prohi.ition is to en7oin respondent
pu.li& offi&ials fro+ holdin' the au&tion sale of the art%or(s on a parti&ular
date W 11 Januar) 1991 W %hi&h is lon' past, the -ssue raised in the
petition have .e&o+e +oot and a&ade+i&
The &ultural properties of the nation %hi&h shall .e under the prote&tion of
the state are &lassified as the Ai+portant &ultural propertiesA and the
Anational &ultural treasuresA On the other hand, a Anational &ultural
treasuresA is a uni:ue o.7e&t found lo&all), possessin' outstandin' histori&al,
&ultural, artisti& andLor s&ientifi& value %hi&h is hi'hl) si'nifi&ant and
i+portant to this &ountr) and nation This Court ta(es note of the
&ertifi&ation issued .) the 4ire&tor of the 6useu+ that the -talian paintin's
and silver%are su.7e&t of this petition do not &onstitute prote&ted &ultural
properties and are not a+on' those listed in the Cultural Properties Re'ister
of the !ational 6useu+
=5<R<FOR<, for la&( of +erit, the petition for prohi.ition and +anda+us is
4-S6-SS<4
6A!-2A PR-!C< 5OT<2 HS ,S-S Case 4i'est
MAN%LA $R%N"E HTEL 3S. GS%S [267 S"RA 4084 G.R. No. 1221064 6
Feb 1997]
F'c()& The &ontrovers) arose %hen respondent ,overn+ent Servi&e
-nsuran&e S)ste+ 0,S-S1, pursuant to the privati3ation pro'ra+ of
thePhilippine ,overn+ent under Pro&la+ation !o #0 dated 8 4e&e+.er
198", de&ided to sell throu'h pu.li& .iddin' /0D to #1D of the issued and
outstandin' shares of respondent 6anila 5otel Corporation -n a &lose.iddin'
held on 18 Septe+.er 199# onl) t%o 0*1 .idders parti&ipated:
petitioner 6anila Prin&e 5otel Corporation, a Filipino &orporation, %hi&h
offered to .u) #1D of the 65C or 1#,/00,000 shares at P81#8 per share,
and Renon' Gerhad, a 6ala)sian fir+, %ith -TTCSheraton as its hotel
operator, %hi&h .id for the sa+e nu+.er of shares at P8800 per share, or
P*8* +ore than the .id of petitioner
Pendin' the de&laration of Renon' Gerhad as the %innin' .idderLstrate'i&
partner and the eBe&ution of the ne&essar) &ontra&ts, +at&hed the .id pri&e
of P8800 per share tendered .) Renon' Gerhad
On 1$ O&to.er 199#, perhaps apprehensive that respondent ,S-S has
disre'arded the tender of the +at&hin' .id and that the sale of #1D of the
65C +a) .e hastened .) respondent ,S-S and &onsu++ated %ith Renon'
Gerhad, petitioner &a+e to this Court on prohi.ition and +anda+us
-n the +ain, petitioner invo(es Se& 10, se&ond par, Art J--, of the
198$Constitution and su.+its that the 6anila 5otel has .een identified %ith
the Filipino nation and has pra&ti&all) .e&o+e a histori&al +onu+ent %hi&h
refle&ts the vi.ran&) of Philippine herita'e and &ulture -t is a proud le'a&) of
an earlier 'eneration of Filipinos %ho .elieved in the no.ilit) and sa&redness
of independen&e and its po%er and &apa&it) to release the full potential of
the Filipino people To all intents and purposes, it has .e&o+e a part of the
national patri+on) " Petitioner also ar'ues that sin&e #1D of the shares of
the 65C &arries %ith it the o%nership of the .usiness of the hotel %hi&h is
o%ned .) respondent ,S-S, a 'overn+entCo%ned and &ontrolled
&orporation, the hotel .usiness of respondent ,S-S .ein' a part of the
touris+ industr) is un:uestiona.l) a part of the national e&ono+)
%))*e& =hether or !ot the sale of 6anila 5otel to Renon' Gerhad is violative
of the Constitutional provision of Filipino First poli&) and is therefore null and
void
He+,& The 6anila 5otel or, for that +atter, #1D of the 65C, is not 7ust an)
&o++odit) to .e sold to the hi'hest .idder solel) for the sa(e of
privati3ation The 6anila 5otel has pla)ed and &ontinues to pla) a si'nifi&ant
role as an authenti& repositor) of t%entieth &entur) Philippine histor) and
&ulture This is the plain and si+ple +eanin' of the Filipino First Poli&)
provision of the Philippine Constitution And this Court, heedin' the &larion
&all of the Constitution and a&&eptin' the dut) of .ein' the elderl) %at&h+an
of the nation, %ill &ontinue to respe&t and prote&t the san&tit) of the
Constitution -t %as thus ordered that ,S-S a&&epts the +at&hin' .id of
petitioner 6A!-2A PR-!C< 5OT<2 CORPORAT-O! to pur&hase the su.7e&t
#1D of the shares of the 6anila 5otel Corporation at P8800 per share and
thereafter to eBe&ute the ne&essar) &learan&es and to do su&h other a&ts and
deeds as +a) .e ne&essar) for purpose
The Supre+e Court dire&ted the ,S-S and other respondents to &ease and
desist fro+ sellin' the #1D shares of the 65C to the 6ala)sian fir+ Renon'
Gerhad, and instead to a&&ept the +at&hin' .id of the petitioner 6anila
Prin&e 5otel
A&&ordin' to Justi&e Gellosillo, ponente of the &ase at .ar, Se&tion 10, se&ond
para'raph, Arti&le 11 of the 198$ Constitution is a +andator) provision, a
positive &o++and %hi&h is &o+plete in itself and needs no further 'uidelines
or i+ple+entin' la%s to enfor&e it The Court <n Gan& e+phasi3ed that
:ualified Filipinos shall .e preferred over forei'ners, as +andated .) the
provision in :uestion
The 6anila 5otel had lon' .een a land+ar(, therefore, +a(in' the #1D of
the e:uit) of said hotel to fall %ithin the purvie% of the &onstitutional shelter
for it e+prises the +a7orit) and &ontrollin' sto&( The Court also reiterated
ho% +u&h of national pride %ill vanish if the nation9s &ultural herita'e %ill fall
on the hands of forei'ners
-n his dissentin' opinion, Justi&e Puno said that the provision in :uestion
should .e interpreted as proCFilipino and, at the sa+e ti+e, not antiCalien in
itself .e&ause it does not prohi.it the State fro+ 'rantin' ri'hts, privile'es
and &on&essions to forei'ners in the a.sen&e of :ualified Filipinos 5e also
ar'ued that the petitioner is estopped fro+ assailin' the %innin' .id of
Renon' Gerhad .e&ause the for+er (ne% the rules of the .iddin' and that
the forei'ners are :ualified, too
6anos&a Hs CA Case 4i'est
M'-o)c' 3). "o*r( 8 A99e'+)
202 S"RA 412
G.R. No. 106440
1'-*'r: 29, 1996
F'c()& The !ational 5istori&al -nstitute de&lared the par&el of land o%ned .)
Petitioners as a national histori&al land+ar(, .e&ause it %as the site of the
.irth of FeliB 6analo, the founder of -'lesia ni Cristo The Repu.li& of the
Philippines filed an a&tion to appropriate the land Petitioners ar'ued that the
eBpropriation %as not for a pu.li& purpose
%))*e& =hether or !ot the ta(in' or eBer&ise of e+inent do+ain +a) .e
'ranted
He+,& Pu.li& use should not .e restri&ted to the traditional uses The ta(in'
is for a pu.li& use .e&ause of the &ontri.ution of FeliB 6analo to the &ulture
and histor) of the Philippines
MMDA 3). !e+;A/r 3/++'5e [628 S"RA 8664 G.R. No. 1609624 27 M'r
2000]
Frida), Januar) /0, *009 Posted .) Coffeeholi& =rites
2a.els: Case 4i'ests, Politi&al 2a%
F'c()& 6etropolitan 6anila 4evelop+ent Authorit) 0664A1, petitioner
herein, is a ,overn+ent A'en&) tas(ed %ith the deliver) of .asi& servi&es in
6etro 6anila GelCAir Hilla'e Asso&iation 0GAHA1, respondent herein, re&eived
a letter of re:uest fro+ the petitioner to open !eptune Street of GelC
Air Hilla'e for the use of the pu.li& The said openin' of !eptune Street %ill
.e for the safe and &onvenient +ove+ent of persons and to re'ulate the
flo% of traffi& in 6a(ati Cit) This %as pursuant to 664A la% or Repu.li& A&t
!o $9*8 On the sa+e da), the respondent %as appraised that the
peri+eter %all separatin'the su.division and Qala)aan Avenue %ould .e
de+olished
The respondent, to stop the openin' of the said street and de+olition of the
%all, filed a preli+inar) in7un&tion and a te+porar) restrainin' order
Respondent &lai+ed that the 664A had no authorit) to do so and the lo%er
&ourt de&ided in favor of the Respondent Petitioner appealed the de&ision of
the lo%er &ourts and &lai+ed that it has the authorit) to open !eptune
Street to pu.li& traffi& .e&ause it is an a'ent of the State that &an pra&ti&e
poli&e po%er in the deliver) of .asi& servi&es in 6etro 6anila
%))*e& =hether or not the 664A has the +andate to open !eptune Street
to pu.li& traffi& pursuant to its re'ulator) and poli&e po%ers
He+,& The Court held that the 664A does not have the &apa&it)
toeBer&ise poli&e po%er Poli&e po%er is pri+aril) lod'ed in the !ational
2e'islature 5o%ever, poli&e po%er +a) .e dele'ated to 'overn+ent units
Petitioner herein is a develop+ent authorit) and not a politi&al 'overn+ent
unit Therefore, the 664A &annot eBer&ise poli&e po%er .e&ause it &annot .e
dele'ated to the+ -t is not a le'islative unit of the 'overn+ent Repu.li&
A&t !o $9*8 does not e+po%er the 664A to ena&t ordinan&es, approve
resolutions and appropriate funds for the 'eneral %elfare of the inha.itants
of 6anila There is no s)lla.le in the said a&t that 'rants 664A poli&e po%er
-t is an a'en&) &reated for the purpose of la)in' do%n poli&ies and
&oordinatin' %ith various national 'overn+ent a'en&ies, people9s
or'ani3ations, nonC'overn+ental or'ani3ations and the private se&tor for the
effi&ient and eBpeditious deliver) of .asi& servi&es in the vast +etropolitan
area
Te&hnolo') vs CA 019/ s&ra 18$1
Fa&ts: Te&hnolo') 4evelopers -n& is en'a'ed in +anufa&turin' and
eBportin' &har&oal .ri:uette On Fe.ruar) 1", 1989, the) re&eived a letter
fro+ respondent A&tin' 6a)or Pa.lo Cru3, orderin' the full &essation of the
operation of the petitioner9s plant in Sta 6aria, Gula&an The letter also
re:uested the &o+pan) to sho% to the offi&e of the +a)or so+e do&u+ents,
in&ludin' the Guildin' per+it, +a)or9s per+it, and Re'ion ---CPollution of
<nviron+ental and !atural Resour&es AntiCPollution Per+it Sin&e the
&o+pan) failed to &o+pl) in .rin'in' the re:uired do&u+ents, respondent
A&tin' 6a)or, %ithout noti&e, &aused the padlo&( of &o+pan)9s plant
pre+ises, effe&tivel) &ausin' stoppa'e of its operation Te&hnolo')
4evelopers then instituted an a&tion for &ertiorari, prohi.ition, +anda+us
%ith preli+inar) in7u&tion a'ainst respondents, alle'in' that the &losure
order %as issued in 'rave a.use of dis&retion The lo%er &ourt ruled a'ainst
the &o+pan) The CA affir+ed the lo%er &ourt9s rulin'
-ssue: 1 =hether or not the +a)or has authorit) to order the &losure of the
plant ><S
* =hether or not the &losure order %as done %ith 'rave a.use of
dis&retion !O

Rulin':
1 !o +a)orIs per+it had .een se&ured =hile it is true that the +atter of
deter+inin' %hether there is a pollution of the environ+ent that re:uires
&ontrol if not prohi.ition of the operation of a .usiness is essentiall)
addressed to the then !ational Pollution Control Co++ission of the 6inistr)
of 5u+an Settle+ents, no% the <nviron+ental 6ana'e+ent Gureau of the
4epart+ent of <nviron+ent and !atural Resour&es, it +ust .e re&o'ni3ed
that the +a)or of a to%n has as +u&h responsi.ilit) to prote&t its inha.itants
fro+ pollution, and .) virture of his poli&e po%er, he +a) den) the
appli&ation for a per+it to operate a .usiness or other%ise &lose the sa+e
unless appropriate +easures are ta(en to &ontrol andLor avoid in7ur) to the
health of the residents of the &o++unit) fro+ the e+issions in the operation
of the .usiness
* The A&tin' 6a)or, in the letter, &alled the attention of petitioner to the
pollution e+itted .) the fu+es of its plant %hose offensive odor Anot onl)
pollute the air in the lo&alit) .ut also affe&t the health of the residents in the
area,A so that petitioner %as ordered to stop its operation until further orders
and it %as re:uired to .rin' the follo%in': a Guildin' per+itN . 6a)orIs
per+itN and & Re'ion ---C4epart+ent of <nviron+ent and !atural Resour&es
AntiCPollution per+it
/ This a&tion of the A&tin' 6a)or %as in response to the &o+plaint of the
residents of Garan'a) ,u)on', Sta 6aria, Gula&an, dire&ted to the Provin&ial
,overnor throu'h &hannels
8 The &losure order of the A&tin' 6a)or %as issued onl) after an
investi'ation %as +ade -t found that the fu+es e+itted .) the plant of
petitioner 'oes dire&tl) to the surroundin' houses and that no proper air
pollution devi&e has .een installed
# Petitioner failed to produ&e a .uildin' per+it fro+ the +uni&ipalit) of Sta
6aria, .ut instead presented a .uildin' per+it issued .) an offi&ial of 6a(ati

" =hile petitioner %as a.le to present a te+porar) per+it to operate .) the
then !ational Pollution Control Co++ission on 4e&e+.er 1#, 198$, the
per+it %as 'ood onl) up to 6a)*#, 1988

Petitioner had not eBerted an) effort to eBtend or validate its per+it +u&h
less to install an) devi&e to &ontrol the pollution and prevent an) ha3ard to
the health of the residents of the &o++unit) Petitioner ta(es note of the
plea of petitioner fo&usin' on its hu'e invest+ent in this dollarCearnin'
industr) -t +ust .e stressed ho%ever, that &on&o+itant %ith the need to
pro+ote invest+ent and &ontri.ute to the 'ro%th of the e&ono+) is the
e:uall) essential i+perative of prote&tin' the health, na) the ver) lives of
the people, fro+ the deleterious effe&t of the pollution of the environ+ent
G.R. No. !#80!9 &1l2 3!" !997
E%I$ANIO LALICAN" petitioner& vs. (ON. $ILOMENO A. *ERGARA"
%e34-4,5 &1-5e" RTC B+,c6 57" %1eto
%4,ce3+ C4t2 +,- %EO%LE O$ T(E %(ILI%%INES" respondents.
I331e:
Hhether the term lum#er is included in the concept o+ tim#er in order
to constitute an oIense as stated in Sec. (6 o+ :residential Decree ,o. B1)
7he Forestry -e+orm Code o+ the :hilippines8.
$+ct3:
he petitioners *ere apprehended on the Sitio Cadi3& Barangay
Bacungan :uerto :rincesa +or violating Section (6 o+ :D ,o. B1) or >no*n as
he Forestry -e+orm Code o+ the :hilippines. here *ere $& 611 #oard +eet o+
lum#er loaded in t*o 7%8 passenger Feeps in diIerent si3es and dimension
that *ere con/scated. "n August '& $''$& all the accused *ere pleaded not
guilty to the crime charged.
:etioner Aalican /led a motion to ;uash the in+ormation /led against
them contenting that& Section (6 o+ :D B1) does not include lum#er #ecause
the *ording o+ the la* categorically speci+y tim#er to #e collected as to
constitute the violation on the said la*. 5e +urther contends that& the la* is
vague #ecause it does speci+y the authority or legal documents re;uired #y
e.isting +orest la* and regulation.
he prosecution opposed the motion to ;uash on the ground that it is
not the courts to determine the *isdom o+ the la* or to set the policy as rest
#y the legislature. 5e +urther asserts that the *ord tim#er should include
lum#er *hich is a product or derivative o+ a tim#er. he position o+ the
prosecution could result to the circumvention o+ the la*& +or one could
stealthily cut a tim#er and process it to #ecome a lum#er. "n Septem#er %0&
$''$& the lo*er court construed the interpretation o+ the la* against the
State thus the motion *as granted.
he prosecution /led a motion +or reconsideration on the order
underscoring the +act that the accused presented :rivate Aand im#er :ermit
,o. 141$01 dated Fe#ruary $1& $''$ *hich had e.pired? that *hile the
certi/cate o+ origin indicated Brgy. Sta. Cru3& the product actually came +rom
Sitio Cadi3& and that the t*o Feeps #earing the product *ere not e;uipped
*ith certi/cates o+ transport agreement. Added to this *as the +act that& i+
the product *ere indeed lum#er& then the accused could have presented a
certi/cate o+ lum#er origin& lum#er sale invoices in case o+ sale& tally sheets
and delivery receipts +or transportation +rom one point to another. he
motion *as approved thus this case.
R1l4,5:
,"& he Court ruled that& the *ord lum#er includes tim#er. he primary
reason *hy the la* *as enacted is to secure and ma.imi3e the use o+ the
natural resources? the non inclusion o+ lum#er on the la* may give rise +or
the circumvention o+ la*. Section (6 o+ the said la* punishes these acts
namely 7a8 the cutting, gathering, collection, or removal of timber or other
forest products from the places therein mentioned without any authority; or
(b) possession of timber or other forest products without the legal
documents as required under existing forest laws and regulations. Be that as
it may& the legislative intent to include possession o+ lum#er in Sec. (6 is
clearly gleaned +rom the e.pressed reasons +or enacting the la* *hich&
under E.ecutive "rder ,o. %BB. o e.clude possession o+ Olum#erO +rom the
acts penali3ed in Sec. (6 *ould certainly emasculate the la* itsel+. A la*
should not #e so construed as to allo* the doing o+ an act *hich is prohi#ited
#y la*& nor so interpreted as to aIord an opportunity to de+eat compliance
*ith its terms& create an inconsistency& or contravene the plain *ords o+ the
la*.

A+ter all& the phrase O+orest productsO is #road enough to encompass
lum#ers *hich& to reiterate& is manu+actured tim#er. 5ence& to mention
lum#er in Sec. (6 *ould merely result in tautology.
G.R. No. !58!87 &1,e !7" 7##8
SESINANDO MERIDA" petitioner& vs. %EO%LE O$ T(E
%(ILI%%INES" respondent.
I331e:
$. Hhether the trial court ac;uired Furisdiction over Criminal Case ,o.
%%1B even though it *as #ased on a complaint /led #y ansiongco and
not #y a DE,- +orest oCcer
%. Hhether petitioner is lia#le +or violation o+ Section (6 o+ :D B1). N
$+ct3:
:etitioner *as charged in the -C o+ -om#lon *ith violation o+ Section
(6 o+ :D B1) +or Ocutting& gathering& collecting and removing a lone narra tree inside
a private land over *hich private complainant "scar ansiongco claims
o*nership. Hhen con+ronted during the meeting a#out the +ell narra tree&
petitioner admitted cutting the tree #ut claimed that he did so *ith the permission
o+ one 2icar Cali. *ho& according to petitioner& #ought the Mayod :roperty +rom
ansiongco in "cto#er $'6B under a pacto de retro sale. It *as later +ound out that he
converted the narra trun> into lum#er.
5e *as +ound guilty #y the rial Court #ut he appealed to the Court
o+ Appeals reiterating his de+ense o+ denial. :etitioner also contended that the
trial court did not ac;uire Furisdiction over the case #ecause it *as #ased on a
complaint /led #y ansiongco and not #y a +orest oCcer as provided under Section 61
o+ :D B1). CA aCrmed the lo*er court<s ruling& #ut ordered the sei3ed
lum#er con/scated in the government=s +avor. Also& it sustained the trial
court=s /nding that petitioner is #ound #y his e.traFudicial admissions o+
cutting the narra tree in the Mayod :roperty *ithout any DE,- permit.
R1l4,5:
Jes& he -evised -ules o+ Criminal :rocedure list the cases *hich must
#e initiated #y a complaint /led #y speci/ed individuals& non@compliance o+
*hich ousts the trial court o+ Furisdiction +rom trying such cases. 5o*ever&
these cases concern only de+amation and other crimes against chastity and
not to cases concerning Section (6 o+ :D B1). Further& Section 61
o+ :D B1) does not prohi#it an interested person +rom /ling a complaint
#e+ore any ;uali/ed oCcer +or violation o+ Section (6 o+ :D B1)& as
amended.
Moreover& here& it *as not +orest oCcers o+ employees o+ the Bureau o+
Forest Development *ho reported to 5ernande3 the tree@cutting in the
Mayod :roperty #ut ansiongco& a private citi3en *ho claims o*nership
over the Mayod :roperty. hus& 5ernande3 cannot #e +aulted +or not
conducting an investigation to determine Oi+ there is prima +acie
evidence to support the complaint or report.O At any rate& ansiongco *as
not precluded& either under Section 61 o+ :D B1) or the -evised -ules& +rom /ling
a complaint E#e+ore the :rovincial :rosecutor +or petitioner=s alleged violation o+ Section
(6 o+ :D B1).
%. Jes& :etitioner is guilty o+ the second paragraph o+ section 61& *hich is the
cutting& gathering& collecting& or removing o+ tim#er +rom aliena#le or disposa#le
pu#lic land& or +rom private land *ithout any authority. he court also said
that the lum#er or Lprocessed log Lis covered #y the L+orest productsM term in
:D B1)& as the la* does not distinguish #et*een a ra* and processed tim#er.
A.M. No. MT&-93-878 M+c6 !8" !995
AUGUSTUS L. MOMONGAN petitioner& vs. &UDGE RA$AEL B. OMI%ON"
respondent.
I331e:
Hhether the respondent Judge erred in releasing the truc> used to
transport an illegal lum#er despite o+ prima +acie evidence +or violation o+ :D
B1) as amended #y E" %BB.
$+ct3:
Augustus Momongan is the -egional Director o+ DE,- in aclo#an City&
*hile the respondent Judge "mipon is the incum#ent Judge o+ MCC o+
5inunangan Silago& Southern Aeyte. At around $1!11 o+ ,ovem#er $0& $''%
the police oCcer o+ 5inunangan Silago& Southern Aeyte apprehended a truc>
loaded *ith illegally cut lum#er. he truc> *as o*ned #y Basilio Ca#ig drived
#y Dionisio Golpe. A+ter the apprehension and con/scation& a preliminary
investigation *as done to determine *hether there is a pro#a#le cause to
engender the o*ner o+ the truc> and the driver guilty on the violation o+ :D
B1). Despite o+ the presence o+ prima +acie evidence the respondent Judge
ordered the release o+ the truc> apprehended. Mr.Ca#ig *as charged against
:D B1) #ut Mr. Golpe the driver *as not included in the complaint.
he -egional Director Momongan /led an instant complaint against the
Fudge alleging that the release order *as a violation o+ :D B1) Sections (6
and (6@A respectively& and Administrative "rder ,o. )'.Complainant claims
that respondent Judge has no authority to order the release o+ the truc>
despite the non@inclusion o+ Mr. Golpe in the complaint. he truc> should
have #een turned over to the Community Environment and ,atural
-esources "Cce o+ San Juan& Southern Aeyte +or appropriate disposition as
the same +alls under the administrative Furisdiction o+ the Department o+
Environment and ,atural -esources "Cce.
-espondent Judge e.plained that a+ter conducting the preliminary
investigation& he +ound that Golpe& the o*ner o+ the truc>& is principally
engaged in the hauling o+ sand and gravel and the delivery o+ hollo* #loc>s&
and the loading o+ the tim#er in the car is due to the re;uest o+ his +riend
Ca#ig. -espondent Judge o#served that Golpe has a lesser participation in
the crime o+ illegal logging. More importantly& the +act that the complaint
charged only Ca#ig& respondent Judge& in the e.ercise o+ his sound
discretion& ordered the release o+ the truc> o*ned #y Golpe.
R1l4,5:
,o& he court +ound that the respondent order to release the truc>
o*ned and driven #y Mr. Dionisio Golpe legally Fusti/a#le. According to the
-:C& LEvery penalty imposed for the commission of a felony shall carry with
it the forfeiture of the proceeds of the crime and the instrument or tools with
which it was committed. 5o*ever& this cannot #e done i+ such proceeds and
instruments or tools O#e the property o+ a third person not lia#le +or oIense.O
In this case& the truc>& though used to transport the illegally cut lum#er&
cannot #e con/scated and +or+eited in the event accused therein #e
convicted #ecause the truc> o*nerKdriver& Mr. Dionisio Golpe *as not
indicted. 5ence& there *as no Fusti/cation +or respondent Judge not to
release the truc>.
Complainant is correct in pointing out that the DE,- Secretary or his
duly authori3ed representative has the po*er to con/scate any illegally
o#tained or gathered +orest products and all conveyances used in the
commission o+ the oIense and to dispose o+ the same in accordance *ith
pertinent la*s. he release o+ the truc> did not render nugatory the
administrative authority o+ the DE,- Secretary. Despite the order o+ release&
the truc> can #e sei3ed again either #y /ling a motion +or reinvestigation and
motion to include the truc> o*nerKdriver& as co@accused& *hich complainant
has done as mani+ested #e+ore the lo*er court or #y en+orcing Adm. "rder
,o. )'. Section $%.
G.R. No. !#!#83 &1l2 3#" !993
&UAN ANTONIO" ANNA ROSARIO +,- &OSE AL$ONSO" +ll 31,+9e-
O%OSA" 94,o3" +,- e:e3e,te- b2 t6e4 :+e,t3 petitioners&
vs.
T(E (ONORABLE $ULGENCIO S. $ACTORAN" &R." 4, 643 c+:+c4t2 +3
t6e Secet+2 o; t6e De:+t9e,t o; E,<4o,9e,t +,- N+t1+l
Re3o1ce3" +,- T(E (ONORABLE ERIBERTO U. ROSARIO" %e34-4,5
&1-5e o; t6e RTC" M+=+t4" B+,c6 00" respondents.
I331e
Hhether children have the legal standing to /le the caseP
$+ct3
his case is uni;ue in that it is a class suit #rought #y 00 children&
through their parents& claiming that they #ring the case in the name o+ Ltheir
generation as *ell as those generations yet un#orn.M Aiming to stop
de+orestation& it *as /led against the Secretary o+ the Department o+
Environment and ,atural -esources& see>ing to have him cancel all the
tim#er license agreements 7AAs8 in the country and to cease and desist
+rom accepting and approving more tim#er license agreements.
he children invo>ed their right to a #alanced and health+ul ecology and to
protection #y the State in its capacity as parens patriae.
he petitioners claimed that the DE,- Secretary=s re+usal to cancel the
AAs and to stop issuing them *as Ocontrary to the highest la* o+
human>ind@@ the natural la*Qand violative o+ plaintiIs= right to sel+@
preservation and perpetuation.O he case *as dismissed in the lo*er court&
invo>ing the la* on non@impairment o+ contracts& so it *as #rought to the
Supreme Court on certiorari.
R1l4,5
Jes. he Supreme Court in granting the petition ruled that
the children had the legal standing to /le the case #ased on the concept o+
Lintergenerational responsi#ilityM. heir right to a healthy environment
carried *ith it an o#ligation to preserve that environment +or the succeeding
generations. In this& the Court recogni3ed legal standing to sue on #ehal+ o+
+uture generations. Also& the Court said& the la* on non@impairment o+
contracts must give *ay to the e.ercise o+ the police po*er o+ the state in
the interest o+ pu#lic *el+are.
G.R. No. !3!77# M+c6 !7" 7###
%ER$ECTO %ALLADA" petitioner& vs. %EO%LE O$ T(E
%(ILI%%INES" respondent.
I331e:
Hhether a separate certi/cates o+ origin is used +or lum#er and tim#er.
$+ct3:
Sometime in the latter part o+ $''%& DE,- received a reports that
illegally cut lum#er *ere delivered in the *arehouse o+ 2alencia Golden
5arvest Corporation in 2alencia Bu>idnon. DE,- oCcers in colla#oration o+
:,: raided the company<s *arehouse and +ound a large stoc>pile o+ lum#er
in varying si3es cut #y a chainsa*. As proo+ that the company had ac;uired
the lum#er #y purchase& petitioner produced t*o receipts issued #y -.A.
-ivero Aum#eryard o+ Maramag& Bu>idnon& dated March ( and $B& $''%. he
DE,- oCcers did not& ho*ever& give credit to the receipt considering that -.
A. -ivero Aum#eryard=s permit to operate had long #een suspended. Hhat is
more& the pieces o+ lum#er *ere cut #y chain sa* and thus could not have
come +rom a licensed sa*mill operator.
"n Fe#ruary %4& $''4& petitioner& as general manager& together *ith
,oel Sy& as assistant operations manager& and Francisco an>i>o& as
president o+ the 2alencia Golden 5arvest Corporation& and Isaias 2aldehue3a&
*ere charged *ith violation o+ section (6 o+ :.D. ,o. B1)& as amended.
During the trial& the accused presented documents that the lum#er are
legally o#tained. his may include the certi/cate o+ origin. 5o*ever& the
court +ound out that :allada *as guilty o+ the violation o+ :D B1) and the rest
o+ the accused *ere ac;uitted due to insuCciency o+ evidence. he case *as
appealed to the CA and rendered a decision aCrming the decision o+ the
lo*er court& thus this case *as elevated.
R1l4,5:
Jes& there should #e a separate Certi/cate o+ origin. he trial court
acted correctly in not giving credence to the Certi/cates o+ im#er "rigin
presented #y petitioner since the lum#er held #y the company should #e
covered #y Certi/cates o+ Aum#er "rigin. For indeed& as BFD Circular ,o. $1@
64 states in pertinent parts!
!n order to provide an e"ective mechanism to pinpoint accountability
and responsibility for shipment of lumber . . . and to have uniformity in
documenting the origin thereof, the attached #erti$cate of %umber
&rigin (#%&) . . . which form's( part of this circular 'is( hereby adopted
as accountable forms for o)cial use by authori*ed +,- o)cers . . . .
.. %umber . . . transported/shipped without the necessary #erti$cate of
%umber &rigin (#%&) . . . as herein required shall be considered as
proceeding from illegal sources and as such, shall be sub0ect to
con$scation and disposition in accordance with %&! 1232 and +,-
implementing guidelines.
he irregularities and discrepancies ma>e the documents in *hich they
are +ound not only ;uestiona#le #ut invalid and& thus& Fusti/ed the trial
court in giving no credence to the same. he presence o+ such glaring
irregularities negates the presumption that the C"s *ere regularly
e.ecuted #y the DE,- oCcials concerned.
G.R. No. L-80777 $eb1+2 !3" !997
%EO%LE O$ T(E %(ILI%%INES" petitioner& vs. COURT O$ $IRST
INSTANCE O$ >UE?ON " respondent.
I331e:
Hhether the in+ormation correctly and properly charged an oIense and
*hether the trial court had Furisdiction over the case.
$+ct3:
he private respondents *ere charged *ith the crime o+ ;uali/ed the+t
o+ logs& de/ned and punished under Section (6 o+ :residential Decree ,o. B1)&
other*ise >no*n as the -evised Forestry Code o+ the :hilippines.
he in+ormation provided that Godo+redo Arro3al and Auis Flores&
together *ith %1 other John Does *hose identities are still un>no*n& the
/rst@named accused #eing the administrator o+ the In+anta Aogging
Corporation& conspired and entered the privately@o*ned land o+ one Felicitacion
:uFalte& titled in the name o+ her deceased +ather& Macario :rudente& and
proceeded to illegally cut& gather& and ta>e& there +rom& *ithout the consent
o+ the said o*ner and *ithout any authority under a license agreement& (1
logs o+ diIerent species.
"n March %4& $'BB& the named accused /led a motion to ;uash the
in+ormation on %grounds& to *it! 7$8 that the +acts charged do not constitute
an oIense? and& 7%8 that the in+ormation does not con+orm su#stantially to
the prescri#ed +orm. rial court thus dismissed the in+ormation #ased on the
respondent<s grounds.
R1l4,5:
he elements o+ the crime o+ ;uali/ed the+t o+ logs are! $8 hat the
accused cut& gathered& collected or removed tim#er or other +orest products?
%8 that the tim#er or other +orest products cut &gathered& collected or
removed #elongs to the government or to any private individual? and 48 that
the cutting& gathering& collecting or removing *as *ithout authority under
a license agreement& leas& license& or permit granted #y the state. he +ailure
o+ the in+ormation to allege that the logs ta>en *ere o*ned #y the state is
not +atal. It should #e noted that the logs su#Fect o+ the complaint *ere ta>en
not +rom a pu#lic +orest #ut +rom private *oodland registered in the name o+
complainant=s deceased +ather& Macario :rudente. he +act that only the
state can grant a license agreement& license or lease does not ma>e the
state the o*ner o+ all the logs and tim#er products produced in
the :hilippines including those produced in private *oodlands. hus&
o*nership is not an essential element o+ the oIense as de/ned in Section (1 o+
:.D. ,o. B1). As to the second issue raised& the regular courts still has
Furisdiction. Sec. 61 o+ :D B1)covers % speci/c instances *hen a +orest oCcer
may commence a prosecution +or the violation o+ the -evised Forestry Code o+
the :hilippines.
he /rst authori3es a +orest oCcer or employee o+ the Bureau o+
Forestry to arrest *ithout a *arrant& any person *ho has committed or is
committing& in his presence& any o+ the oIenses descri#ed in the decree.
he second covers a situation *hen an oIense descri#ed in the decree is
not committed in the presence o+ the +orest oCcer or employee and the
commission is #rought to his attention #y a report or a complaint. In #oth cases&
ho*ever& the +orest oCcer or employee shall investigate the oIender and /le
a complaint *ith the appropriate oCcial authori3ed #y la* to conduct a
preliminary investigation and /le the necessary in+ormations in court.
Gn+ortunately& the instant case does not +all under any o+ the situations covered
#y Section 61 o+ :.D. B1). he alleged oIense *as committed not in the
presence o+ a +orest oCcer and neither *as the alleged commission reported
to any +orest oCcer. he oIense *as committed in a private land and the
complaint *as #rought #y a private oIended party to the /scal. As such&
the "SG *as correct in insisting that :.D. B1) did not repeal Section $(6B
o+ the Administrative Code giving authority to the /scal to conduct
investigation into the crime o+ demeanour and have the necessary in+ormation
or complaint prepared or made against person charged *ith the commission o+
the crime. In short& Section 61 does not grant e.clusive authority to the +orest
oCcers& #ut only special authority to rein+orce the e.ercise o+ such #y those
upon *hom vested #y the general la*.
G.R. No. !30!87 Octobe 78" 7###
%EO%LE O$ T(E %(ILI%%INES" plainti"4appellee, vs. AL$ONSO DATOR
et.+l " Acc13e-- A::el+,t
I331e:
Hhether the penalty imposed to elan the accused is correct in
violation o+ :D B1)
$+ct3:
:ator eala and his co accused Al+onso Dator and Benito Genol *ere
charged *ith the crime o+ violation o+ Section (6

o+ :residential Decree ,o.
B1)& other*ise >no*n as the -evised Forestry Code. he accused *hile
transporting pieces o+ lum#er #ound to Maasin Souther Aeyte& they *ere
apprehended #y the police oCcer and sei3ed pieces o+ lum#er. As a result
S:"$ Bacala issued a sei3ure receipt

covering the /+ty@one 7)$8 pieces o+
con/scated Dita and Antipolo lum#er and one 7$8 unit o+ Isu3u cargo truc>
*ith :late ,o. 5AF (%6. he con/scated pieces o+ lum#er and the cargo truc>
*ere turned over to S:"4 Daniel Aasala& :,: :roperty Custodian o+ Maasin&
Southern Aeyte *ho& in turn& oCcially trans+erred custody o+ the same to the
CE,-"& Maasin& Southern Aeyte. he accused elan alleged that the pieces o+
lum#er *ere cut +rom the trac> o+ land #elonging to his mother in San Jose&
Maasin& Southern Aeyte *hich he intended to use in the renovation o+ his
house in Barangay A#gao o+ the same municipality. 5e +urther contends that
he secured ver#al permission to Boy Aeonor an oCcer@in @charge o+ the
DE,-.
he lo*er courts +ound out that the accused is guilty in violation o+ :D
B1) sentencing the accused to suIer the indivisi#le penalty o+ -ECAGSI",
:E-:EGA& *ith the accessory penalties provided #y la*& *hich is t*o 7%8
degrees higher than :-ISI", MAJ"- ma.imum& the authori3ed penalty
similar to 9uali/ed he+t& and to pay the costs. hus& this case *as elevated
to the court.
R1l4,5:
,o& In the case at #ench& the con/scated /+ty@one 7)$8 pieces o+
assorted Dita and Antipolo lum#er *ere classi/ed #y the CE,-" oCcials as
so+t& and there+ore not premium ;uality lum#er. It may #e noted that the said
pieces o+ lum#er *ere cut #y the appellant& a mere Fanitor in a pu#lic
hospital& +rom the land o*ned #y his mother& not +or commercial purposes
#ut to #e utili3ed in the renovation o+ his house. It does not appear that
appellant elen had #een convicted nor *as he an accused in any other
pending criminal case involving violation o+ any o+ the provisions o+ the
-evised Forestry Code 7:.D. ,o. B1)& as amended8. In vie* o+ the attendant
circumstances o+ this case& and in the interest o+ Fustice& the #asis +or the
penalty to #e imposed on the appellant should #e the minimum amount
under Article 41' paragraph 7(8 o+ the -evised :enal Code *hich carries the
penalty o+ arresto mayor in its minimum and medium periods +or simple
the+t.
Considering that the crime o+ violation o+ Section (6 o+ :residential
Decree ,o. B1)& as amended& is punished as ;uali/ed the+t under Article 4$1
o+ the -evised :enal Code& pursuant to the said decree& the imposa#le
penalty on the appellant shall #e increased #y t*o degrees& that is& +rom
arresto mayor in its minimum and medium periods to prision mayor in its
minimum and medium periods. Applying the Indeterminate Sentence
Aa*& the penalty to #e imposed on the appellant should #e si. 7(8 months
and one 7$8 day o+ prision correccional to si. 7(8 years and one 7$8 day o+
prision mayor.
G.R. No. !7#305 Dece9be !7" !990
%EO%LE O$ T(E %(ILI%%INES" plaintiI@appellee& vs. .ILSON B.
>UE" accused@appellant
I331e:
Hhether the appellant<s activities consist an oIense
$+ct3:
:rovincial as> Force got *ind that a that a ten@*heeler truc> #earing
plate num#er :AD@)06 loaded *ith illegally cut lum#er *ill pass through
Ilocos ,orte. Acting on said in+ormation& mem#ers o+ the :F *ent
on patrol several times *ithin the vicinity o+ General Segundo Avenue
in Aaoag City. "n March 6& $''0& S:"$ Corpu3& together *ith S:"$ Raldy
Asuncion and S:"$ Elmer :atoc *ent on patrol around the area. At
a#out$!11 in the morning& they posted themselves at the corner o+ General
Segundo Avenue and -i3al Street. hirty minutes later& they sa* a ten@
*heeler truc> *ith plate num#er :AD@)06 pass #y. hey +ollo*ed the truc>
and apprehended it at the Marcos Bridge."n June %4& $''0& accused@
appellant *as charged #e+ore the -egional rial Court o+ Aaoag *ith violation
o+ Section (6 o+ :.D. B1)as amended #y E.". %BB. he In+ormation alleged
that& on or a#out the 6
th
day o+ March& $''0& in the City o+ Aaoag& :hilippines&
and *ithin the Furisdiction o+ this 5onora#le Court& the a#ove@named
accused& #eing then the o*ner o+ an I7s8u3u en Hheeler ruc> #earing :late
,o. :AD@)06& *ith intent o+ gain& did then and there *ill+ully& unla*+ully and
+eloniously have in possession& control and custody %)6 pieces o+ various
si3es o+ Forest :roducts Chain sa* lum#er 7Species o+ anguile8 *ith a total
volume o+ 4&B%'.4 #d. +t. or e;uivalent to 6.B' cu#ic meters valued in the
total amount o+ :'4&%4%.)1 at:%).11K#d. +t.& necessary permit& license or
authority to do so +rom the proper authorities Accused@appellant denied the
charge against him. 5e claimed that he ac;uired the %)6 pieces o+ tanguile
lum#er +rom a legal source. During the trial& he presented the private land
tim#er permits 7:A:8 issued #y the Department o+ Environment and ,atural
-esources 7DE,-8 to Enrica Cayosa and Elpidio Sa#al he :A: authori3es its
holder to cut& gather and dispose tim#er +rom the +orest area covered #y the
permit. 5e alleged that the tanguile lum#er came +rom the +orest area
covered #y the :A:<s o+ Cayosa and Sa#al and that they *ere given to him
#y Cayosa and Sa#al as payment +or his hauling services
R1l4,5:
Jes& :ossession o+ the lum#er *ithout the necessary permit is a
violation o+ the -FC. Hhen the police apprehended 9ue& he +ailed to present
documentary evidence to prove that he has the permit to possess and
transport the lum#er. All he had *as the permit +or the coconut sla#s. 5e
even concealed the lum#er so as to avoid it +rom #eing seen upon /rst
inspection o+ the load. Gnder the circumstances& there is no dou#t that the
accused *as a*are that he needed documents to possess and transport the
lum#er& #ut could not secure one and there+ore& concealed such #y placing it
in such a manner that it could not #e seen #y merely loo>ing at the cargo.
here are % *ays o+ violating Sec. (6 o+ the -evised Forestry Code!
a. #y cutting& gathering andKor collecting tim#er or other +orest
products *ithout licence and
#. #y possessing tim#er or other +orest products *ithout re;uired legal
documents.
In the /rst oIense& one can raise as a de+ense the legality o+ said acts.
5o*ever& in the second oIense& mere possession *ithout
proper documentation consummates the crime.
G.R. No. !0!798 Octobe 7#" 7##8
%ICO% RESOURCES" INC." petitioner& vs. (ON. AUGUSTUS L. CALO"
%e34-4,5 &1-5e" respondent
I331e@
Hhether petitioner has the right to retain the sei3ed con/scated
products #y the virtue o+ M"A regarding the :rocedural Guidelines in the
Conduct o+ 2eri/cation o+ :rivate ree :lantation.
$+ct3:
:etitioner :IC": -esources& Inc. 7:IC":8 o*ns and operates a multi@
#illion peso pulp and paper manu+acturing +acility in Bislig City& Agusan del
,orte. It holds government@issued :ulp*ood and im#er Aicense Agreement
7:AA8 ,o. 0B and Integrated Forest Management Agreement 7IFMA8 ,o. 4)
*hich gave petitioner the e.clusive right to co@manage and develop *ith the
State almost $41&111 hectares o+ +orest land *ithin the Agusan@Davao@
Surigao Forest -eserve.
he Department o+ Environment and ,atural -esources 7DE,-8&
through its oCcers& rendered three Memoranda& dated August %%& $''B&
Fe#ruary $(& %11$ and April (& %11$ designating the petitioner as DE,-
depository and custodian +or apprehended +orest products and conveyances
*ithin its concession. "n May %)& %11$& the "Cce o+ the CE,-"@Bislig and
petitioner entered into a Memorandum o+ Agreement 7M"A8 containing
O:rocedural Guidelines in the Conduct o+ 2eri/cation o+ :rivate ree
:lantation.O he M"A provided& among others& that /eld
validationKveri/cation o+ applications +or Certi/cates o+ :rivate ree
"*nership 7C:"s8 shall #e conducted Fointly #y the DE,-& the local
government unit concerned& and petitioner. :ursuant to these Memoranda&
petitioner<s security personnel *ere deputi3ed as DE,- oCcers to apprehend
and sei3e the tools& e;uipment and conveyance used in the commission o+
illegal logging and the +orest products removed and possessed #y the
oIenders.
In the course o+ the en+orcement o+ the a+oresaid Memoranda&
petitioner :IC":& through its security personnel& had on numerous occasions
apprehended *ithin its concession and tree plantation area. hese illegally
cut +orest products and conveyances *ere >ept in :IC":<s impounding area.
A class suit *as initiated among the mem#ers o+ GFAB as>ing +or
preliminary mandatory InFunction. hey +urther as>ed +or the declaration o+
the memoranda null and void and sought to restrain the DE,- and those
*ho are participants +rom en+orcing the said memoranda. he -C ordered
Elias -. Seraspio& Jr. to recall& *ithdra* and a#rogate the en+orcement o+ the
assailed Memorandum dated Fe#ruary $(& %11$ and to re+rain and desist
+rom implementation. :etitioner *as also ordered to release the
con/scated falcata logs and vehicles to the o*ners thereo+& or to the CE,-"@
Bislig or the "Cce o+ the Government :rosecution@Surigao del Sur& *here the
administrative and criminal proceedings *ere ongoing.
R1l4,5:
:etitioner had no right or interest to protect in the con/scated +orest
products and conveyances. :etitioner<s compound *as used only as a
depository +or the con/scated logs and conveyances #y virtue o+ the
Memorandum. Hhile it claimed that some o+ the con/scated +orest products
may have come +rom its concession area& petitioner admitted that the
o*nership o+ the con/scated products *as still to #e determined in the cases
pending either at the CE,-"@Bislig or at the "Cce o+ the Government
:rosecution@Surigao del Sur. 5ence& petitioner<s interest in the con/scated
+orest products *as merely contingent and cannot #e material as
contemplated under Section %& -ule 4 o+ the -evised -ules o+ Civil :rocedure.
:etitioner contends that private respondents< intrusion *as in violation o+
petitioner<s :AA ,o. 0B and IFMA ,o. 4). hese license agreements gave
petitioner the e.clusive right to co@manage and develop +orest lands& and
recogni3ed petitioner as o*ner o+ the trees and other products in the
concession area. In /ling this petition& petitioner is merely de+ending its
su#sisting proprietary interest pursuant to these license agreements.
It is clear that petitioner has no material interest to protect in the
con/scated +orest products and conveyances. It has no su#sisting proprietary
interest& as #orne out #y its licensing agreements& *hich need to #e
protected #y annulling the *rit o+ inFunction issued #y the trial court.
:etitioner also cannot claim the right to retain custody o+ the apprehended
logs and conveyances #y virtue o+ its #eing designated a depository o+ the
DE,- pursuant to the assailed Memoranda. As such depository& petitioner
merely holds the con/scated products and conveyances in custody +or the
DE,- *hile the administrative or criminal proceedings regarding said
products are pending.
GR NO. !57989. Se:te9be 8" 7##7
Rol-+," &. petitioner <. (o," M+-o,+ et.+l. respondents
I331e:
a. Hhether a person *ho cuts trees +or his o*n use *ithin his property
*ithout the necessary permit +rom the DE,- and *ithout transporting the
same outside said property& #e criminally charged +or violating :D B1)P
#. Hhether the o*ner o+ a private property is administratively lia#le
under Section $0 o+ DE,- Administrative "rder ,o. %111@%$ despite the +act
that he did not transport the logs out o+ his property and used them +or his
o*n agricultural purposes.
$+ct3:
"n August '& %11$& petitioner applied +or a :rivate Aand im#er :ermit
7:A:8 +rom the Department o+ Environment and ,atural -esources +or him to
cut some trees +or a proposed road and poultry +arm in his property. 5e also
paid all the +ees re;uired #y the various government agencies. Hhile *aiting
+or the permit to #e issued& petitioner *as allegedly in+ormed #y some
employees +rom the Department o+ Environment and ,atural -esources
7DE,-8 that he could proceed *ith the cutting o+ trees even though his
application *as still a*aiting approval. Conse;uently& petitioner proceeded
*ith the cutting o+ trees and #ulldo3ing o+ the road*ay. 5e used the cut logs
as materials to #uild his chic>en cages. A#out three *ee>s later&
representatives o+ the Community Environment and ,atural -esources "Cce
7CE,-"8 o+ the Department o+ Environment and ,atural -esources and
personnel +rom the Intelligence Service& Armed Forces o+ the :hilippines
7ISAF:8 o+ aclo#an City raided petitioner<s place& allegedly *ithout a search
*arrant. An inventory o+ the cut trees *as conducted there *ere 6B% pieces
o+ sa*n lum#erKSitches 76&)1( #oard +eet8 and three +elled tim#er logs *ith a
total mar>et value o+ :%4)&0)0.(6 at :%B.11 per #oard +oot.
R1l4,5:
a. Jes& Gnder Section (6& :D B1) as amended #y E.". %BB& it is clear
that the violators o+ the said la* are not declared as #eing guilty o+ ;uali/ed
the+t. As to the assertion that his penalty +or cutting trees in his o*n land
should not #e e;uated *ith that +or ;uali/ed the+t& suCce it to say that the
Fudiciary is never concerned *ith the *isdom o+ the la*. Hhether or not the
legislature *as correct in imposing on violators o+ :D B1) a penalty e;ual to
that imposa#le on those guilty o+ ;uali/ed the+t is a ;uestion #eyond the
po*er o+ the Court to resolve. It is a settled rule that the +undamental duty o+
the Court is to apply the la* regardless o+ *ho may #e aIected& even i+ the
la* is harsh @ dura lex sed lex
Section $0 o+ Administrative "rder ,o. %111@%$& the L-evised
Guidelines in the Issuance o+ :rivate Aand im#er :ermitKSpecial :rivate Aand
im#er :ermit&M provides!
SEC. $0. :enal :rovisions. @ Any logKtim#er or /nished@*ood
products covered #y these regulations *hich are transported
*ithout the prescri#ed documents shall #e considered illegal
and& there+ore& su#Fect to con/scation in +avor o+ the government
and shall #e disposed in accordance *ith la*s& rules and
regulations governing the matter.
#. ,o& he rule is clear. he a+orementioned administrative order
considers the mere act of transporting any *ood product or tim#er without
the prescribed documents as an oIense *hich is su#Fect to the penalties
provided +or #y la*.
G.R. No. !88#98 No<e9be 75" 7##8
AMADO TAO%A" petitioner& vs. %EO%LE O$ T(E
%(ILI%%INES" respondent.
I331e:
Hhether the penalty imposed against the petitioner is correct in
violation o+ :D B1)
$+ct3:
"n April %& $''(& the Community Environment and ,atural
-esources "Cce o+ 2irac& Catanduanes sei3ed a truc> loaded *ith illegally@
cut lum#er and arrested its driver& :lacido Cuison. he lum#er *as covered
*ith #undles o+ a#aca /#er to prevent detection. "n investigation& Cuison
pointed to petitioner Amado aopa and a certain -u/no "galesco as the
o*ners o+ the sei3ed lum#er aopa& "galesco and Cuison pleaded not guilty
on arraignment. A+ter trial on the merits& the -C +ound them guilty as
charged #eyond reasona#le dou#t. "nly aopa and Cuison appealed the -C
decision to the Court o+ Appeals 7CA8. Cuison *as ac;uitted #ut aopa=s
conviction *as aCrmed.he dispositive portion o+ the CA decision read!
WHEREFORE, the -ecision appealed from is REVERSED with
respect to accused4appellant #uison, who is ACQUITTED of the crime
charged on reasonable doubt, and MODIFIEDwith respect to accused4
appellants 5mado Taopa and 6u$no &galesco by reducing the penalty
imposed on them to four (7) years, nine (8) months and eleven
(11) days of prision correccional, as minimum, to ten (12) years
of prision mayor, as maximum
-uling!
,"& Section (6 o+ :D B1)& as amended&

re+ers to Articles 41' and 4$1
o+ the -evised :enal Code 7-:C8 +or the penalties to #e imposed on violators.
2iolation o+ Section (6 o+ :D B1)& as amended& is punished as ;uali/ed the+t.
he la* treats cutting& gathering& collecting and possessing tim#er or other
+orest products *ithout license as an oIense as grave as and e;uivalent to
the +elony o+ ;uali/ed the+t.
he actual mar>et value o+ the $$4 pieces o+ sei3ed lum#er
*as :(B&(41.

Follo*ing Article 4$1 in relation to Article 41'& the imposa#le
penalty should #e reclusion temporal in its medium and ma.imum periods or
a period ranging +rom $0 years& eight months and one day to %1 years plus
an additional period o+ +our years +or the e.cess o+ :0B&(41.
he minimum term o+ the indeterminate sentence

imposa#le on aopa
shall #e the penalty ne.t lo*er to that prescri#ed in the -:C. In this case& the
minimum term shall #e any*here #et*een $1 years and one day to $0 years
and eight months or prision mayor in its ma.imum period to reclusion
temporal in its minimum period.
he ma.imum term shall #e the sum o+ the additional +our years and
the medium period

o+ reclusion temporal in its medium and ma.imum
periods or $( years& /ve months and $$ days to $6 years& t*o months and
%$ days o+ reclusion temporal. he ma.imum term there+ore may #e
any*here #et*een $( years& /ve months and $$ days o+ reclusion
temporal to %% years& t*o months and %$ days o+ reclusion perpetua.
G.R. No. !75789 A1513t 3!" 7#!!
CRISOSTOMO *ILLARIN et.+l " :etitioners& . %EO%LE O$ T(E
%(ILI%%INES" -espondent.
I311e:
Hhether mere possession o+ tim#er *ithout the legal documents
re;uired under +orest la*s and regulations ma>es one automatically lia#le
even criminal intent in violation o+ Section (6& :residential Decree 7:.D.8 ,o.
B1)&

as amended.
$+ct3:
In a Criminal Complaint

/led #e+ore the Municipal rial Court in Cities&
Branch 0& Cagayan de "ro City #y Marcelino B. :io;uinto 7:io;uinto8& Chie+ o+
the Forest :rotection and Aa* En+orcement Gnit under the A Stri>e Force
eam o+ Department o+ Environment and ,atural -esources 7DE,-8&
petitioner Aniano Aatayada 7Aatayada8 and three others namely& Barangay
Captain Camilo Sudaria 7Sudaria8 o+ agpangi& Cagayan de "ro City& Marlon
Baillo 7Baillo8 and Cipriano Boyatac 7Boyatac8& *ere charged *ith violation o+
Section (6& :.D. ,o. B1) as amended #y E.ecutive "rder ,o. %BB. he
respondents *ere guilty o+ gathering and possessing si.ty@three 7(48 pieces
Sitches o+ varying si3es #elonging to the Apitong specie *ith a total volume
o+ Four housand hree 5undred *enty Si. 70&4%(8 #oard +eet valued
at :$16&$)1.11& *ithout any authority and supporting documents as re;uired
under e.isting +orest la*s and regulation to the damage and preFudice o+ the
government.
R1l4,5:
Jes& As a special la*& the nature o+ the oIense is malum
prohi#itum and as such& criminal intent is not an essential element. here is
no dispute that petitioners *ere in constructive possession o+ the tim#er
*ithout the re;uisite legal documents. 2illarin and Aatayada *ere personally
involved in its procurement& delivery and storage *ithout any license or
permit issued #y any competent authority. Given these and considering that
the oIense is malum prohi#itum& petitioners< contention that the possession
o+ the illegally cut tim#er *as not +or personal gain #ut +or the repair o+ said
#ridge is& there+ore& inconse;uential.
CA-G.R. S%. No. 8#977. $eb1+2 8" 7##5
LT. RODELLO B. LARAYA" %N" et.+l." petitioners, vs. (ON. %ER$ECTO E.
%E" RTC o; %+l+A+,"respondent.
I331e:
Hhether the -espondent Judge acted in e.cess o+ his Jurisdiction or
*ith Grave A#use "+ Discretion *hen he allo*ed the -e@"pening "+ :re@rial
For :urposes "+ :lea@Bargaining *ithout he consent o+ the Complainants
and Contrary to Section %& -ule $$( "+ he -evised -ules "n Criminal
:rocedure& As Amended.
$+ct3:
It *as on $% Septem#er %11%& thirty eight 7468 Chinese nationals on
#oard their /shing vessels *ere caught *ithin the Malampaya ,atural Gas
:lat+orm :roFect E.clusive Rone& in El ,ido& :ala*an in the act o+ illegal
/shing. 5undreds o+ >ilos o+ Groupers 7locally >no*n& as %apu4%apu8& Hrasse
7locally >no*n& as 9ameng8 and Snappers 7locally >no*n& as Maya@Maya8
*ere +ound in the said /shing vessels +ound *ithin the vessels& among
others& *ere po*ders and pillets& suspected to #e no.ious su#stances or
component ingredients o+ e.plosives. A #ottle o+ home@made dynamite *as
also retrieved. A criminal complaint *as /led against the accused@private
respondents +or the violation o+ -epu#lic Act ,o. 6))1& other*ise >no*n as
the :hilippine Fisheries Code o+ $''6& speci/cally& Section 6B 7:oaching8 and
Section 66 7Fishing through E.plosives& ,o.ious or :oisonous Su#stances8 o+
the said Act.
Su#se;uently& criminal in+ormations +or violation o+ -epu#lic Act ,o.
6))1 *ere /led against all 46 Chinese nationals *ith the -egional rial Court
o+ :ala*an. All o+ the accused@private respondents therea+ter pleaded not
guilty to the charges on 1B May %114.
During the pre@trial o+ the criminal cases& counsel +or the accused@
private respondents mani+ested their intention to enter into plea #argaining
#y entering a plea o+ guilty to a lesser oIense under paragraph % o+ Section
66 o+ -epu#lic Act 6))1. 5o*ever& the then prosecuting oCcer o+ the cases&
:rovincial :rosecutor Alen -oss B. -odrigue3 did not accede
A+ter prosecution presented its /rst *itness and initial cross@
e.amination *as conducted #y the counsel +or the de+ense& or a+ter only t*o
hearing dates& ho*ever& :rovincial :rosecutor Alen -oss B. -odrigue3
mani+ested his intention to inhi#it +rom +urther prosecuting the criminal
cases. Continuation o+ the trial *as& hence& rescheduled the +ollo*ing day.
"n $( July %114& *ith the appearance o+ a ne* prosecutor& counsel +or
the de+ense as>ed the court to re@open the pre@trial stage o+ the criminal
cases and reiterated the accused@private respondent<s earlier intention o+
availing plea #argaining. his time& the :rovincial :rosecutor<s "Cce&
represented #y :rosecutor "legario Cayetano& Jr.& did not o#Fect. "n the
contrary& :rosecutor Cayetano mani+ested that the government *as
amena#le to re@open pre@trial +or the purpose o+ plea@#argaining.
Conse;uently& the trial court ordered the re@opening o+ the pre@trial.
During the re@opened pre@trial stage& all the accused@private respondents
through their counsel plead guilty to violation o+ :aragraph %& Section 66 o+
-epu#lic Act 6))1. he pu#lic prosecutor interposed no o#Fection *ith the
change o+ plea and in+ormed the court that the prosecutor<s con+ormity *ith
the plea #argaining *as in consonance *ith the directive o+ the Chie+ State
:rosecutor
R1l4,5:
NO" Section $& -ule () o+ the -evised -ules o+ Court e.pressly
provides!
:;E#T!&< 1. =etition for #ertiorari. > ?hen any tribunal, board or o)cer
exercising 0udicial and quasi40udicial functions has acted without or in excess
of its 0urisdiction, or with grave abuse of discretion amounting to lac@ or
excess of 0urisdiction, and there is no appeal, or any plain, speedy, and
adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law, a person aggrieved thereby
may $le a veri$ed petition in the proper court, alleging the facts with
certainty and praying that 0udgment be rendered annulling or modifying the
proceedings of such tribunal, board or o)cer, and granting such incidental
reliefs as law and 0ustice may require. AAA
AAA AAAB
5ence& +or the herein petitioners to lodge the instant action& they must
/rst #e :a person aggrievedB, other*ise& they *ould #e *ithout legal
standing to pursue this legal recourse. hat having #een said& this Court
rules that the herein petitioners are not persons aggrieved #y the assailed
decision o+ the trial court in the su#Fect criminal cases. It is elementary in
criminal la* that a crime is an oIense against the State& and is hence
prosecuted in the name o+ the :eople o+ the :hilippines. For this reason&
Section ) o+ -ule $$1 o+ the -evised -ules o+ Criminal :rocedure provides
that Lall criminal actions commenced #y a complaint or in+ormation shall #e
prosecuted under the direction and control o+ the prosecutor.M Furthermore&
Section $ o+ :.D. $%B)& provides the e.clusive domain o+ the prosecutory arm
o+ the government as ho* #est to deal *ith the prosecution o+ criminal
cases. 5ence& any grievance in course thereo+ aIecting the interest o+ the
State must proceed only +rom such an arm o+ the government.
A.M. No. MT&- #3- !887. Dece9be !" 7##3
SANGGUNIANG BAYAN O$ GUINDULMAN" BO(OL& petitioner" vs. &UDGE
MANUEL A. DE CASTRO" Act4,5 %e34-4,5
&1-5e" MCTC" G14,-1l9+,-D1eo" Bo6ol& respondent.
I331e:
Hhether the respondent Judge committed gross ignorance o+ the la*
+or not imposing the proper penalty provided +or in Sec. '1& -.A. ,o. 6))1&
other*ise >no*n as he :hilippine Fisheries Code o+ $''6.
Facts!
It *as on May $B& %11% *hen la*men apprehended a #oat captain
and eight cre* mem#ers o+ the /shing #oat BKB Junida@J *ho *ere /shing
*ithin the vicinity o+ the municipal *aters and /sh sanctuary o+ Basdio&
Guindulman& Bohol *ith a ring net 7>no*n locally as LlicomM8. Charges +or
violation o+ Sections 6(& '1 and '( o+ -epu#lic Act ,o. 6))1 *ere
immediately /led *ith the MCC& Guindulman@Duero& Bohol& presided over in
an acting capacity #y Judge Manuel A. de Castro. In the morning o+ the very
ne.t day& a Saturday& t*o o+ the accused& namely! ,arciso J. Jusay& Jr. 7#oat
o*ner8 and -olando . Amistoso 7#oat captain8 *ere released +rom detention
upon order o+ respondent. It appears that respondent held a court session
on May $6& %11%& despite the +act that it *as a Saturday& and proceeded to
arraign #oth accused *ho pleaded guilty. he respondent Fudge e.aggerated
the speedy disposition o+ the case commanding the accused to pay /ve
thousand pesos and +urther commanded to return the alleged impounded
#oats to the accused. Surprised #y such turn o+ events& the Sangguniang
Bayan passed a resolution +or the +urther investigation on the action o+
respondent Fudge a#out the crime charged against the accused and a copy
thereo+ *as received #y the "Cce o+ the Chie+ Justice& Supreme Court on
June %)& %11%.
R1l4,5:
Jes& the respondent Judge committed a grave ignorance o+ the la* and
violation o+ circulars issued #y the court *hen he tried a case in Saturday.
he respondent Fudge impudently misused his authority to impose the
penalty under the la* *hich it cannot #e countenanced. I+ Fudges *antonly
misuse the po*ers vested in them #y la*& there *ill not only #e con+usion in
the administration o+ Fustice #ut even also oppressive disregard o+ the #asic
re;uirements o+ due process. he o#servance o+ the la*& *hich he is #ound
to >no* is re;uired o+ every Fudge. Hhen the la* is suCciently #asic& a
Fudge o*es it to his oCce to simply apply it? anything less than that *ould #e
constitutive o+ gross ignorance o+ the la*. A Fudge should #e the
em#odiment o+ competence& integrity and independence. It is a pressing
responsi#ility o+ Fudges to >eep a#reast *ith the la* and the changes therein
+or ignorance o+ the la*& *hich everyone is #ound to >no*& e.cuses no one&
not even Fudges. Indeed& it has #een said that @@ *hen the ineCciency
springs +rom a +ailure to consider so #asic and elemental a rule& a la* or a
principle in the discharge o+ his duties& a Fudge is either too incompetent and
undeserving o+ the position and the title he holds or is too vicious that the
oversight or omission *as deli#erately done in #ad +aith and in grave a#use
o+ Fudicial authority.
A.M. No. MT&-#7-!83#. Se:te9be 8" 7##3
S%ECIAL %ROSECUTOR ROMEO B. SENSON" complainant, vs. &UDGE
(ERIBERTO M. %ANGILINAN"
MTCC" %UERTO %RINCESA CITY" respondent.
I331e:
Hhether the decision o+ the respondent Fudge is correct in approving
the Grgent motion +or custody o+ Fishing ,et.
$+ct3:
"n $0 March %111& several persons *ere apprehended +or violation o+
Section 6( o+ -epu#lic Act ,o. 6))1& also >no*n as Lhe :hilippine Fisheries
Code o+ $''6M #y mem#ers o+ the :hilippine ,ational :olice. he items
sei3ed +rom those arrested included 7a8 $ unit /sh net& 7#8 4( units lights
7411 *atts8& 7c8 $ unit light 7)11 *atts8& 7d8 $ unit #uoy& 7e8 B containers& 7+8 B
plastic container #o.es& 7g8 0 styropore #o.es& and 7h8 $1 #o.es o+ /sh. "n
the same day& Criminal Case ,o.$)1$' against them *as /led. hree days
later& Danilo Alayon and ,orma 2illarosa& asserting to #e the co@o*ners o+
the MKB Ting Fisher that *as used in the illegal /shing activity& /led an
LGrgent Motion +or Custody o+ Fishing ,et&M alleging that the /sh net *hich
costs Lno less than :(11&111.11M *as le+t unattended at the #each e.posed
to the elements and movements o+ the sea *hich could cause its early
deterioration and ultimate loss. -espondent Judge& despite the vigorous
o#Fection o+ the pu#lic prosecutor& granted the motion in part& to the
+ollo*ing eIect @
:To obviate their possible loss, destruction and/or deterioration, pending
resolution of the above4captioned case, the apprehending o)cers or
whoever has the custody, are ordered to cause the immediate turnover of
the following items to movants who underta@e to produce the same
whenever needed in court, as they can only be properly con$scated in favor
of the government upon conviction of the accused.
he respondent contended that -epu#lic Act ,o. 6))1& the la* under
*hich the accused *ere charged *ith having transgressed& did not provide
+or the sei3ure o+ the /shing paraphernalia pending trial and that the
prosecution still could prove the guilt o+ the accused #eyond reasona#le
dou#t even *ithout the evidence #eing presented since it had suCcient
*itnesses +or the purpose.
R1l4,5:
,o& the sei3ure o+ the /shing paraphernalia has #een made as #eing an
incident to a la*+ul arrest. -ule $%B& Section $%& o+ the -ules o+ Court
provides!
LSEC. $%. Search incident to la*+ul arrest.@ A person la*+ully arrested may
#e searched +or dangerous *eapons or anything *hich may #e used as proo+
o+ the commission o+ an oIense& *ithout a search *arrant.M
G.R. No. !3785! Dece9be !7" !999
CONGRESSMAN ENRI>UE T. GARCIA" petitioner& vs. (ON. RENATO C.
CORONA" 4, 643 c+:+c4t2 +3 t6e EBec1t4<e
Secet+2" (ON. $RANCISCO *IRAY" 4, 643 c+:+c4t2 +3
t6e Secet+2 o; E,e52" CALTE) %(ILI%%INES INC."
%ILI%INAS S(ELL %ETROLEUM COR%. +,-
%ETRON COR%." respondents.
I331e:
Hhether the e.clusion o+ Section $' 7setting the time o+ +ull
deregulation o+ oil la*8 on -A 60B' made #y the congress ma>es the la*
unconstitutional.
$+ct3:
,ovem#er )& $''B& this Court in Tatad v. ;ecretary of the -epartment
of Energy and %agman& et al.& v. Con.6uben Torres& et al.& declared -epu#lic
Act ,o. 6$61& entitled OAn Act Deregulating the Do*nstream "il Industry and
For "ther :urposesO& unconstitutional& and its implementing E.ecutive "rder
,o. 4'% void. -.A. 6$61 *as struc> do*n as invalid #ecause three >ey
provisions intended to promote +ree competition *ere sho*n to achieve the
opposite result. More speci/cally& this Court ruled that its provisions on tariI
diIerential& stoc>ing o+ inventories& and predatory pricing inhi#it +air
competition& encourage monopolistic po*er& and inter+ere *ith the +ree
interaction o+ the mar>et +orces.
As a result o+ the atad decision& Congress enacted -epu#lic Act ,o.
60B'& a ne* deregulation la* *ithout the oIending provisions o+ the earlier
la*. :etitioner Enri;ue . Garcia& a mem#er o+ Congress& has #rought the
petition see>ing to declare Section $' thereo+& *hich sets the time o+ +ull
deregulation& unconstitutional. A+ter +ailing in his attempts to have Congress
incorporate in the la* the economic theory he espouses& petitioner as>s the
court& in the name o+ upholding the Constitution& to undo a violation *hich he
claims Congress has committed.
R1l4,5:
,o& It #ears stressing that -.A. 6$61 *as declared invalid not #ecause
deregulation is unconstitutional. he la* *as struc> do*n #ecause& as
cra+ted& three >ey provisions plainly encouraged the continued e.istence i+
not the proli+eration o+ the constitutionally proscri#ed evils o+ monopoly and
restraint o+ trade. It is not the +unction o+ the Court to sa+eguard the
mem#ers o+ the congress on *hat la* they *ill enact #ecause this is the
e.act tenet on the encroachment o+ po*er as stipulated on the principle o+
separation o+ po*er. he court as a *hole& respects the la*s legislate #y the
congress. he validity o+ such la*s& may only #e impugned i+ it violates the
Constitution. In the case at #ar& the Constitution perse *as not violated nor
ridiculed.
G.R. No3. !7#805-7! Dece9be 7" !995
LAGUNA LA/E DE*ELO%MENT AUT(ORITY" petitioner& vs. COURT O$
A%%EALS@ (ON. &UDGE
(ERCULANO TEC(" %RESIDING &UDGE" BRANC( 7#" REGIONAL
TRIAL COURT O$ BINANGONAN
RI?AL@ $LEET DE*ELO%MENT" INC. +,-
CARLITO ARROYO@ T(E MUNICI%ALITY O$
BINANGONAN +,-Co MAYOR ISIDRO B. %ACIS" respondents.
I331e:
Hhether the Aocal Government Code Code o+ $''$ repealed the
Charter o+ Aaguna Aa>e Developmental Authority 7-A ,". 06)18 in the
issuance o+ /sh pen permits and other related activity involving Aaguna de
Bay.
Facts!
his is a petition made #y Aaguna Aa>e Development Authority to
declare an e.clusive po*er on the regulation o+ issuing a /sh open permits
over the #usinessmen engage in the Aaguna de #ay. he po*er to issue a
permit *as then trans+erred to the oCce o+ the mayor on the diIerent
municipalities o+ Aaguna thus ma>ing the Aaguna de #ay cro*ded and
unhealthy +or living o+ natural resources and danger to the livelihood among
the +ol>s o+ Aaguna.
R1l4,5:
,o& the court holds that the provisions o+ -epu#lic Act ,o. B$(1 do not
necessarily repeal the la*s creating the Aaguna Aa>e Development Authority
and granting the latter *ater rights authority over Aaguna de Bay and the
la>e region. he Aocal Government Code o+ $''$ does not contain any
e.press provision *hich categorically e.pressly repeal the charter o+ the
Authority. It has to #e conceded that there *as no intent on the part o+ the
legislature to repeal -epu#lic Act ,o. 06)1 and its amendments.
It has to #e conceded that the charter o+ the Aaguna Aa>e
Development Authority constitutes a special la*. -epu#lic Act ,o. B$(1& the
Aocal Government Code o+ $''$& is a general la*. It is #asic in statutory
construction that the enactment o+ a later legislation *hich is a general la*
cannot #e construed to have repealed a special la*. It is a *ell@settled rule in
this Furisdiction that Oa special statute& provided +or a particular case or class
o+ cases& is not repealed #y a su#se;uent statute& general in its terms&
provisions and application& unless the intent to repeal or alter is mani+est&
although the terms o+ the general la* are #road enough to include the cases
em#raced in the special la*.O

Hhere there is a conSict #et*een a general la* and a special statute& the
special statute should prevail since it evinces the legislative intent more
clearly than the general statute. he special la* is to #e ta>en as an
e.ception to the general la* in the a#sence o+ special circumstances +orcing
a contrary conclusion. A special la* cannot #e repealed& amended or altered
#y a su#se;uent general la* #y mere implication.hus& it has to #e
concluded that the charter o+ the Authority should prevail over the Aocal
Government Code o+ $''$.
G.R. No. L-08878 $eb1+2 !!" !980
NUCLEAR $REE %(ILI%%INE COALITION" ET AL." petitioners& vs.
NATIONAL %O.ER COR%ORATION" ET AL." respondents.
G.R. No. 7#037 $eb1+2 !!" !980
LOREN?O M. TADADA" ET AL." :et4t4o,e3" vs. %(ILI%%INE ATOMIC
ENERGY COMMISSION" ET AL." respondents.
I331e:
Hhether the Fudgement o+ :AEC on the nuclear po*er plant sa+e.
$+ct3:
a. G.-. ,o. B1(4%& petitioners ;uestion the competence o+ respondent
:AEC Commissioners to pass Fudgment on the sa+ety o+ the :hilippine
,uclear :o*er :lant@$ :,::@$ in :AEC Aicensing :roceedings ,o. $@BB
*ithout ho*ever see>ing their ouster +rom oCce& although Oproven
competenceO is one o+ the ;uali/cations prescri#ed #y la* +or :AEC
Commissioners. :etitioners also assail the validity of the motion
(application) /led #y the ,ational :o*er Corporation 7,:C8 +or the conversion
o+ its construction permit into an operating license +or :,::@$ on the
principal ground that it contained no in+ormation regarding the /nancial
;uali/cations o+ ,:C& its source o+ nuclear +uel& and insurance coverage +or
nuclear damage.
#.. In G.-. ,o. (60B0& acting on the motion /led therein dated June 6&
$'6) to order :AEC to reconsider its orders o+ May 4$ and June )& $'6)& the
urgent motion +or mandatory inFunction andKor restraining order dated
August 4& $'6)& the second urgent motion +or mandatory inFunction dated
August $%& $'6)& and the various pleadings and other documents su#mitted
#y the parties relative thereto& and considering the paramount need o+ a
reasona#le assurance that the operation o+ :,::@$ *ill not pose an undue
ris> to the health and sa+ety o+ the people& *hich dictates that the conduct o+
the in;uiry into the sa+ety aspects o+ :,::@$ #e characteri3ed #y suCcient
latitude& the #etter to achieve the end in vie*& un+ettered #y technical rules
o+ evidence 7-epu#lic Act )%1B& section 408& and in >eeping *ith the
re;uirements o+ due process in administrative proceedings.
R1l4,5:
+. he Court there+ore resolved to -ES-AI, respondent :AEC
Commissioners +rom +urther acting in :AEC Aicensing :roceedings ,o. $@
BB.the said decision is due to the pamphlets that :AEC had circulated.
5aving thus preFudged the sa+ety o+ the :,::@$ respondent :AEC
Commissioners *ould #e acting *ith grave a#use o+ discretion amounting to
lac> o+ Furisdiction *ere they to sit in Fudgment upon the sa+ety o+ the plant&
a#sent the re;uisite o#Fectivity that must characteri3e such an important
in;uiry.
#. he respondent :AEC 7once reconstituted8 to re@open the hearing on
:,::@$ so as to give petitioners suCcient time to complete their cross@
e.amination o+ the e.pert *itnesses on ;uality assurance& to cross@e.amine
the *itnesses that petitioners have +ailed to cross@e.amine on and a+ter
August '& $'6)& and to complete the presentation o+ their evidence& +or
*hich purpose& respondent :AEC shall issue the necessary su#poena and
su#poena duces tecum to compel the attendance o+ relevant *itnesses
andKor the production o+ relevant documents. For the said purposes& the
:AEC may prescri#e a time schedule *hich shall reasona#ly assure the
parties suCcient latitude to ade;uately present their case consistently *ith
the re;uirements o+ dispatch. lt is understood that the :AEC may give ,:C
the opportunity to correct or supply de/ciencies in this application or
evidence in support thereo+.
A*ucena Salalima vs# 3mployees Compensation Comm# and Soc# Sec# System
1#R# "o#$'=H(H>
8acts6
Petitioner-s husband Guancho Saldima ,as employed for t,enty nine years as a route helper and
salesman for the Meycauayan Plant of Coca Cola 2ottlers Philippines %nc# during the annual
company medical e/amination) Guancho ,as diagnosed ,ith pulmonary tuberculosis# :ater
found him to have cancer of the lungs and died after fe, months# A*ucena) the ,ife of Guancho
is no, claiming for the benefits of her husband from the company and the SSS# RTC dismissed
the case# CA affirmed and this petition ,as therefore filed#
%ssue6
7hether the petitioner is entitled to benefits provided by P#D# HDH
9eld6
SC ans,ered in the affirmative# 2ecause the facts of the case sho,ed that the cause of Guancho-s
death ,as his mere ,or< and that his medical history states that his stay at Coca cola is a
contributory to his sic<ness# SSS ,as ordered to pay the claimant and the RTC-s and CA-s
decisions ,ere reversed and set aside#
Social Gustice Society) et# al# vs# 9onorable Gose Atien*a) Gr#
1#R# "o# 'EH>ED
8acts6
Chevron is engaged in the business of importing) distributing and mar<eting of petroleum
products in the Philippines ,hile Shell and Petron are engaged in the business of manufacturing)
refining and li<e,ise importing and mar<eting of petroleum products# Petitioners sought to
compel Mayor Tien*a to enforce 4rdinance "o# @>DA ,hich ,as enacted by Sangguniang
Panlungsod of Manila and became effective upon approval by Mayor Atien*a# This ordinance
reclassifies the area described from industrial to commercial and directed the o,ners to cease
and desist from operating their business ,ithin H months# Among the business is the Pandacan
Terminal of the 4il companies# 4il companies intervened in the issue attac<ing the validity of the
ordinance#
%ssue6
7hether the ordinance approved by respondent is valid or not
9eld6
&alid# 2ecause the tremendous event happened near the area ,hich many ,ere put into danger)
the Manila Municipal 4ffice shall do its ministerial duty to protect all property and health of
those people ,ho lived in the vicinity and nearby cities# The court ordered the transfer of
Pandacan Terminal ,ithin a non e/tendible period of ?> days# The life of the people shall be the
utmost priority of the government in terms of its security) though the business ,ill lose billions
of money) the municipality cannot sacrifice its people#
8ilinvest Credit Corporation vs# %AC and "estor Sunga) Gr#
1#R# "o# HE?(E
8acts6
A case filed by "estor Sunga Gr#) businessman and o,ner of the "2S Machineries and the "AP$
"AP Transit# 9e purchased a minibus Ma*da from Motorcester ,ith an agreement to pay the
balance in monthly basis# :ater) "estor failed to pay his obligations to the company ,hich cause
the confiscation of the minibus by the officers of 8ilinvest Corp# The minibus ,as mortgaged to
8ilinvest Corp# Sunga cleared his obligations to 8ilinvest ,hich the court rendered decisions
granting Sunga moral) actual damages) litigation e/penses and AttorneyIs fees# 8ilinvest filed
motion to revie, the decision of the court#
%ssue6
7hether the a,ard of damages to Sunga is valid
9eld6
Jes# %t is valid but it is unconscionable) therefore the SC reduced the amount granted to Sunga
since the facts sho, that the latter had not suffered much and that it is his obligation to pay the
minibus as it ,as stipulated bet,een him and 8ilinvest Corp# Moral and actual damages ,ere
granted but litigation e/penses ,as eliminated for it has no price for litigation#
:aguna :a<e Development Authority vs# Court of Appeals) et# al#
1#R# "os# 'D>@HE$A'
8acts6
A case filed by authority against all those ,ho ,ere given permit by Municipal mayors Pacis)
Papa and Gala$Gala to include them as releasers of permits and other respondents for violating the
provisions ,ho has the .urisdiction to give permits# 2ut the issue not only lies on the granting of
permits but the error on deciding that authority is not a 0uasi$.udicial agency that R#A# =@E> ,as
amended by P#D# @'( and 3#4# ?DA s# of '?@( and the :15 has the po,er to issue permits#
%ssue6
7hether ::DA has the po,er as a regulatory and 0uasi$.udicial body
9eld6
Jes# ::DA has e/press po,ers as regulatory and 0uasi$.udicial body to cease and desist orders
and on matters affecting the construction of illegal fish pens) fish cages and other a0ua$culture
structures in :aguna De 2ay# %t is not co$e0ual to RTC but only to its e/tent of po,er provided
by la,# All permits issued ,ere declared null and void and all structures on the said area shall be
demolished because of the void permits granted to o,ners and operators#
Agapito Magban,a) et# al# vs# %AC) et# al#
1#R# no# HH@A>$AD
8acts6
A case ,here all plaintiffs ,ho ,ere tenants of the defendants complained the diversion of the
free flo, of ,ater from their farm lots ,hich caused portions of their landholdings to dry up to
their great damage and pre.udice and they ,ere as<ed to vacate the areas for they could not plant
any longer for lac< of ,ater#
%ssue6
7hether plaintiffs are entitled to damages
9eld6
Jes# 2ecause the closing of ,ater flo, to the petitioners- farm lots caused damage and
pre.udicial to them in their harvest# %t has no sho,ing in the facts that petitioners ,ere negligent
but instead the respondents- bad faith ,hich caused pre.udice to the former# 5nder the la,) the
lando,ner has the obligation to <eep tenant in the peaceful and continuous cultivation of his
landholding# A disturbance of possession such as the act complained of is violative of the la,#
Therefore) the court granted moral and e/emplary damages and Attorney-s fees to plaintiffs#
3rnesto Rodrigue*) et# al# vs# %AC and Daytona Construction and Development Corporation
1#R# no# A=@'H
8acts6
Plaintiffs filed an action for abatement of a public nuisance ,ith damages against defendant#
After four e/tensions of time to file an ans,er by defendant) Daytona moved to dismiss the case
for lac< of .urisdiction and cause of action# Motions denied) defendant ,as declared in default
and authori*ed plaintiffs to present evidence e/ parte# The facts of the case at bar sho,s that
there is other nearby residents ,ho ,ere pre.udiced by the Daytona Corp# for the running of its
business# %t affected their health and property# 2ut in this case) the delay of the respondents to
ans,er id 0uestionable and contrary to la,#
%ssues6
'# 7hether petitioners have cause of action to file the case
D# 7hether respondents are liable for damages
9eld6
'# Jes# 2ecause the business had greatly pre.udiced their health and property# The permit given to
Daytona is valid but the conditions provided ,ere not met#
D# Jes# Respondents are liable for damages e/cept nominal damages based on the discretion of
the court instead moral and actual damages ,ere a,arded because sufficient evidence had
supported as such#
D3"R vs# 1regorio Daraman) et# al#
1#R# "o# 'DEA?A
8acts6
This is a case filed by the D3"R represented by R3D %srael 1addi against 1regorio Daraman
and "arciso :ucenecio ,ho ,ere caught by one Pablo opinion to transport illegal pieces of
lumber using the vehicle of one 2aby :ucenecio) the 9oly Cross 8uneral Services# 9ere) the
respondents alleged that one Asan) o,ner of furniture shop as< the t,o to bring also some pieces
of ,ood to his house located near the funeral-s location# 4pinion) D3"R employee) sa, the
vehicle and inspected it) there he sa, some lumber and issued an order of forfeiture# The court
granted bond and released the funeral car and lumber because it ,as found out that Daraman and
:ucenecio ,ere not o,ners of the vehicle and lumber# 9ence) this complaint ,as filed#
%ssue6
7hether the respondents violated P#D# A>E section H@$A
9eld6
Jes# The court cannot deny the fact that Section H@$A P#D# A>E is also applicable to those ,ho
transport lumber ,ithout proper documents# 9ere) Daraman and :ucenecio had no permit to
transport lumber although they ,ere only as<ed to bring the lumber to the house of one Asan#
The RTC has overstepped its .urisdiction of the case since D3"R ,as given the po,er to
confiscate the property in favor of the state+government# The release of this property defeated the
purpose of section H@$A of P#D# A>E# Therefore) SC granted the petition of D3"R) RTC-s
decision ,as reversed and set aside#
Republic of the Philippines vs# 9onorable Roman Cansino) Gr# et# al#
1#R# "o# :$'A?D(
8acts6
4n 4ctober () '?H>) Magdayo Ramire*) o,ner of @E tubs of fish filed a complaint for replevin
against Commander Abraham Campo and manager of Royal Cold Storage# 5pon the filing by
Ramire* of a PD) >>> bond) Gudge Roman Cansino ordered the court sheriff to ta<e possession of
the @E tubs of fish for five days and release it to Ramire*# Commander 4campo filed a petition to
return the fish for the same fish ,ere caught in T4"J :3F % boat# 9ere) the fish ,ere caught
through the use of dynamite) ,hich is a violation and crime under R#A# =D@# Action for
prohibition and in.unction ,ere filed by 4campo against the Gudge and the sheriff#
%ssues6
7hether respondent Gudge erred in posting a bond in dissolving the ,arrant of sei*ure
7hether Ramire* violated R#A# =D@
9eld6
Jes# RTC Gudge Cansino erred in dissolving the ,arrant of sei*ure because the petitioner is the
R#P and the same is e/empt from the obligation to post such a bond#
Jes# Ramire* violated R#A# =D@ because under this la,) it is violative to use dynamite in fishing
,hich the 2ureau of 8isheries strictly observes the implementation of the said la,#
Sea :ion 8ishing Corporation vs# People of the Philippines
1#R# no# 'ADHA@
8acts6
This is a petition for revie, on Certiorari assailing the decision of CA in denying the Motion for
Reconsideration and petition for Certiorari and Mandamus# 9ere) 'A Chinese fishermen ,ere
caught poaching off Mangsee %sland in Pala,an# The 2arangay officials and team of Philippine
Marines found 8+& Sea :ion ,ith five boats ,ith fishing nets spread over the ,ater# The court
filed various cases against the Chinese fishermen to ,it6 &iolation of section ?AA of R#A#
@EE>@[@]; &iolation of section ?>?[?] of R#A# @EE> and violation of Section DAa! and f! '> ['>]
of R#A# ?'='A''''> and section @A'D'D! of R#A# @EE>) 8+& sea :ion filed an 5rgent Motion
for Release of evidence alleging that it o,ns the vessel# The court released the vessel but later
the court found out that the evidence of o,nership of Sea :ion ,as not supported by documents#
Therefore) government forfeited the vessel#
%ssue6
7hether the forfeiture of 8+& Sea :ion in favor of the government ,as proper
9eld6
Jes# The government ,as correct ,hen it forfeited 8+& Sea :ion since its motion ,as only filed
after the .udgment has been rendered and it failed to see< all remedies given the sufficient time to
do so# The lo,er court had .urisdiction over the case and the petitioner ,as not denied of due
process and gets it failed to comply ,ith the other re0uirements provided in the la,#
:egaspi &S# Civil Service Commission
1#R# no# AD''?
8acts6
Civil Service Commission denied &alentin :egaspi-s petitioner! re0uest for information on the
civil service eligibilities of D people employed as sanitarians) Gulian Sibonghanoy and Mariano
Agas) in the 9ealth Department in Cebu# Petitioner claims that his right to information is
guaranteed by the Constitution prays for the issuance of the e/traordinary ,rit of mandamus to
compel the respondent Commission to disclose said information# The Solicitor 1eneral
challenges the petitioner-s standing to sue upon the ground that the latter does not possess any
legal right to be informed of the civil services eligibilities of the government employees
concerned# Sol1en further argues that there is no ministerial duty on the part of the Commission
to furnish the petitioner ,ith the information he see<s#
%ssue6
74" the petitioner has legal to access government records to validate the civil service
eligibilities of the 9ealth Department employees#
9eld6
Civil Service Commission is ordered to open its register of eligible for the position of sanitarian)
and to confirm or deny) the civil service eligibility of Gulian Sibonghanoy and Mariano Agas) for
said position in the 9ealth Department of Cebu City) as re0uested by the petitioner &alentin :#
:egaspi#
Aldovino vs Alunan
1#R no# '>DD(D
8acts6
The petitioners herein ,ere affected by reorgani*ing of Ministry of Tourism as provided in
Section D? of 3/ecutive 4rder "o# 'D> ,hich too< effect on Ganuary (>) '?@A# These 34
provides that incumbents ,hose positions are not included in the ne, position structure and
staffing pattern or ,ho are not reappointed are deemed separated from the service# Pursuant to
this) the Department of Tourism issued various office orders and memoranda declaring all
positions thereat vacant# To that effect) it leads to the separation of many of its employees
including the petitioners# The court had previously decided similar cases of Mandani) Abrogar
and Arnaldo# The petitioners and intervenors claimed that they should not be deprived of their
life granted to their former co$employees plead for reinstatement ,ithout the loss of seniority
rights# 8urthermore) they claimed for bac< salaries ,ill be computed under the ne, staffing
pattern from dates of their invalid termination at rates not lo,er than their former salaries# The
court aims to determine ,hether the separation of herein petitioners and intervenors from service
,as pursuant to office orders and memoranda declared void in Mandani case) thus reinstating
and paying them ,ith their bac< ,ages#
%ssues6
7hether or not the petitioners and intervenors must be reinstated and paid of their bac< ,ages#
9eld6
The Supreme Court ruled that herein petitioners are reinstated immediately to their former
positions ,ithout loss of seniority rights and ,ith bac< salaries computed under ne, staffing
pattern from the dates of their invalid dismissal at rates not lo,er than their former salaries but
not to e/ceed a period of E years ,ith several provisions# 9aving found out that the 3/ecutive
4rder is unconstitutional) thus dismissal of the employees is also unconstitutional# The courts
declared its total nullity# An unconstitutional act is not a la,) it confers no rights) imposes no
duties and affords no protection# %n legal contemplation) it is inoperative as if it had not been
passed#
G.-. ,o. A@%16B) April 41& $'%4
2ICE,E ABA"AG& E AA vs. 5E DI-EC"- "F AA,DS& E AA.
Facts!
In the year $660 a num#er o+ OBagosO or Igorots or non@Christians&
num#ering at that time a#out thirty& *ere invited #y
the go#ernadorcillo and principalia o+ the then to*n o+ Alava& no* the
municipality o+ Sison& o+ the :rovince o+ :angasinan.
he OBagosO entered upon said land& too> possession o+ it and have
continued to live upon the same and have cultivated it since that date. "n
Fe#ruary %6& $'$'& the LBagosM /led an action& claiming the land *as
registered to them under the orrens system #ut *as later dismissed on the
grounds o+ lac> o+ evidence that they are entitled to the land.
Issue!
HK, the court is correct in dismissing the case on the grounds o+ lac> o+
evidence.
5eld!
,o& the court is not correct in dismissing the case on the grounds o+ lac> o+
evidence.
I+ *e *ere to loo> into the -oyal Decrees o+ Spain& as the attorney +or the
appellants has done& *e *ill /nd that Spain did not assume to convert all the
native inha#itants o+ the :hilippines into trespassers o+ the land *hich they
occupy& or even into tenants at *ill. In the -oyal Cedula o+ "cto#er $)&
$B)0& *e /nd the +ollo*ing! OHhere such possessors shall not #e a#le to
produce title deeds& it shall #e suCcient i+ they shall sho* that ancient
possession as a valid title #y prescription.O He may add that every
presumption o+ o*nership under the pu#lic land la*s o+ the :hilippine Islands
is in +avor o+ one actually occupying the land +or many years& and against the
Government *hich see>s to deprive him o+ it& +or +ailure to comply *ith
provisions o+ su#se;uently enacted registration land act.
In addition to the +acts a#ove stated& the record sho*s that at the time o+ the
delivery o+ said parcel o+ land to the petitioners& it *as unoccupied and
unimproved pu#lic land? that since their entry upon the possession o+ the
land in the year $660& they and their ancestors have #een in the open&
continuous& e.clusive& and notorious possession and occupation o+ the same&
#elieving in good +aith that they *ere the o*ners.
Hhere+ore& the court reversed its decision& thus the petitioners *here
permitted to present *hatever evidence they may have.
G.-. ,o. A@0%4$ April $& $'16
CASAE B-"5E-S& H"AFE A,D S",S vs. GGIE--ER 5E-MA,"S
Facts!
here *as a ver#al contract #et*een Tnight and Don Aeopoldo Criado #y
*hich the de+endants agreed to sell the plaintiIs )11 #ales o+ Lgood current
ManilaM hemp at :%0 a picul. hat& *hile some mention o+ mar>s *as made&
Tnight said he could not accept those mar>s unless they turned out to #e up
to the ;uality o+ Ogood current Manila.O 5o*ever& Don Aeopoldo Criado
testi/ed that the phrase Ogood currentO *as never mentioned in the
conversation and that he stated to Mr. Tnight that the de+endants had ))0
#ales o+ the +our mar>s mentioned& and that o+ those he sold )11 #ales.
Tnight<s testimony *as supported #y the testimony o+ 5iggin#otham *ho
*as his assistant in the oCce and *ho heard the conversation& and *ho
states that there *as a positive agreement on the part o+ Don Aeopoldo
Criado to +urnish )11 #ales o+ Ogood current Manila.O
"n the )11 #ales& delivered& the plaintiIs accepted and paid +or %$1 #ales
and no ;uestion as to these #ales on made in the case. hey re+used to
accept %'' #ales on the ground that it *as not good current Manila hemp&
called upon the de+endants to +urnish %'' #ales o+ that ;uality and noti/ed
them that& on +ailure to do so& they *ould #uy the same in the mar>et and
charge the increased cost o+ the de+endants. he de+endants re+used to
su#stitute other #ales and the plaintiIs #ought %'' #ales o+ good current
Manila hemp at :%6.)1 a picul& :0.)1 more per picul than the price at *hich
the de+endants had agreed to +urnish them that ;uality o+ hemp. he loss to
the plaintiIs *as there+ore :%&('$ and to recover that sum this action *as
#rought.
hus the court ruled in +avor o+ the plaintiIs.
Issue!
HK, the ruling o+ the court is correct #asing +rom the evidence presented.
5eld!
Jes& the ruling o+ the court is correct.
Aside +rom Tnight and 5iggin#otham<s testimonies& the other evidence in
*hich the court #ased its ruling is the letter received #y the plaintiI on
Septem#er $4& $'1( +rom :ortland Cordage Company& o+ "regon *hich
states that they are as>ing the plaintiI to oIer them )11 #ales o+ good
current Aeyte hemp& #ut the plaintiIs cannot +urnish )11 good current Aeyte
hemp& instead they oIered )11 #ales o+ good current Manila hemp. "n the
same day& #e+ore sending the letter& Tnight sa* Don Aeopoldo Criado *ho
told him that they could +urnish )11 #ales o+ good current Manila Bales& thus
their ver#al contract. Don Aeopoldo Criado denies that he had the
conversation *ith Tnight on that day& #ut the +act that the telegrams *here
sent and received *as undenia#le.
G.-. ,o. A@%0B'( June %6& $'(6
Director o+ Forestry vs. MuUo3
Facts!
:iadeco claims to #e the o*ner o+ Some B%&111 hectares o+ land 4 located in
the municipalities o+ Angat& ,or3agaray and San Jose del Monte& province o+
Bulacan& and in Antipolo and Montal#an& province o+ -i3al. :iadeco=s
evidence o+ o*nership consists o+ itulo de :ropiedad and a deed o+ a#solute
sale.
he controversy #egan *hen the Acting Director o+ Forestry Apolonio F.
-ivera re;uired :iadeco to surrender the original certi/cate to him. Ground
+or this cancellation *as that :iadeco had violated +orestry rules and
regulations +or cutting trees *ithin the Angat and Mari>ina Hatershed
-eservations& e.pressly e.cluded +rom the said certi/cate.
:iadeco /led a petition +or certiorari and prohi#ition *ith preliminary
inFunction against the Director o+ Forestry& Forest Station Harden Mar;ue3
and ,a*asa& essentially upon the averment that their acts hereto+ore
narrated *ere Oall precipitate& ar#itrary& *himsical and capricious.O he
preliminary inFunction *as granted and then he moved to declare the
+orestry oCcials in de+ault +or +ailure to ans*er its petition on time. he
+orestry oCcials as>ed the court to dismiss the petition upon the averments
that said court had no Furisdiction over their persons or the su#Fect matter o+
the petition& and that administrative remedies have not yet #een e.hausted
#y :iadeco. "n the same date& too& #ut in a separate motion& said +orestry
oCcial as>ed +or a reconsideration o+ the lo*er court=s order granting
preliminary inFunction& #ottomed upon their charge that the illegal cutting o+
trees #y :iadeco inside the Angat and Mari>ina Hatershed -eservations Q
*hich are the main source o+ *ater supply o+ the City o+ Manila and its
surrounding to*ns and cities Q poses a grave danger o+ causing them to dry
up to the preFudice and irrepara#le inFury o+ the inha#itants thereo+. he
+orestry oCcials *ere declared in de+ault.
:iadeco entered into an amica#le settlement *ith ,a*asa *here#y :iadeco=s
case against ,a*asa *as *ithdra*n& the right o+ *ay granted #y ,a*asa to
:iadeco remaining revo>ed and cancelled? and ,a*asa=s counterclaim
against :iadeco *as also *ithdra*n in consideration o+ :$&()$.)' paid #y
:iadeco to ,a*asa& representing the +ormer=s lia#ilities to the latter. he
court approved o+ the amica#le settlement.
:iadeco applied +or the rene*al o+ its Certi/cate o+ :rivate Hoodland
-egistration #ut *as denied #y Assistant Director o+ Forestry J. A. Gtleg #ut
:iadeco continued logging operations. It *as a#out this time that illegal
logging *as denounced #y some mem#ers o+ Congress there#y attracting
national attention. he Secretary o+ ,ational De+ense directed the Chie+ o+
StaI o+ the Armed Forces to implement the re;uest. And& the Chie+ o+ StaI
dispatched a tas> +orce o+ the army into the Angat area& *hich impounded
and sei3ed all logs cut #y :iadeco and other loggers *hich *ere purportedly
conducting illegal operations and they made a private ;uarters on a portion
o+ :iadeco<s land and prevented continuation o+ logging operations& +rom
cutting and gathering o+ tim#er and other +orest products and enFoyment o+
said property. 5ence& :iadeco /led a complaint #ut *as denied.
Issue!
HK, :iadeco=s title is registra#le *ith the Bureau o+ Forestry
5eld!
,o. :iadeco<s title is not registara#le *ith the Breau o+ Forestry.
he pertinent statutory provision is Section $6%' o+ the -evised
Administrative Code& vi3!
SEC. $6%'. -egistration o+ title to private +orest land. Q Every private o*ner
o+ land containing tim#er& /re*ood and other minor +orest products shall
register his title to the same *ith the Director o+ Forestry. A list o+ such
o*ners& *ith a statement o+ the #oundaries o+ their property& shall #e
+urnished #y said Director to the Collector o+ Internal -evenue& and the same
shall #e supplemented +rom time to time as occasion may re;uire.
Gpon application o+ the Director o+ Forestry the /scal o+ the province in *hich
any such land lies shall render assistance in the e.amination o+ the title
thereo+ *ith a vie* to its registration in the Bureau o+ Forestry.
Ampliatory thereo+ is Section B& Forestry Administrative "rder $%@$ o+ July $&
$'0$& as amended #y Forestry Administrative "rder $%@%& *hich too> eIect
on January $& $'(4. It reads!
B. itles that may #e registered. Q "nly the +ollo*ing titles covering lands
containing tim#er& /re*ood and other minor +orest products may #e
registered under and pursuant to Section $6%' o+ the -evised Administrative
Code?
7a8 Administrative titles granted #y the present Government& such as
homestead patent& +ree patent& and sales patent? and
7#8 Judicial titles& such as orrens itle o#tained under the Aand -egistration
Act 7Act 0'(& as amended8 or under the Cadastral Act 7Act ,o. %%)'& as
amended8.
he amendment o+ Forestry Administrative "rder $%@$ #y Forestry
Administrative "rder $%@% consisted in theomission o+ one paragraph&
paragraph 7c8& *hich particulari3ed as one o+ the titles registra#le pursuant
to Section $6%' o+ the -evised Administrative Code& ODtEitles granted #y the
Spanish sovereignty in the islands and duly recogni3ed as valid titles under
the e.isting la*s.O
In the case at #ar ho*ever& :iadeco<s title *as issued during the Spanish
regime. And it is state in Section $6%'& does not descri#e *ith particularity
titles that may #e registered *ith the Bureau o+ Forestry. Spanish titles are
;uite dissimilar to administrative and Fudicial titles under the present system.
Although evidences o+ o*nership& these Spanish titles may #e lost thru
prescription. hey are& there+ore& neither inde+easi#le nor imprescripti#le. It
should not have #een allo*ed registration in the /rst place. "#viously&
registration thereo+ can never #e rene*ed.
G.-. ,o. A@%$6$0 July $)& $'B)
5E DI-EC"- "F AA,DS vs. MEAECI" ABA,RAD"& E AA
Facts!
he Director o+ Forestry /led a petition to revie* a Fudgment in a land
registration proceeding& no decree having #een issued as yet& arose +rom its
+ailure to accord him the opportunity to present his evidence to sho* that
the land in controversy is part o+ a communal +orestand is thus non@
disposa#le.
More speci/cally& *hat *as sought #y appellant pu#lic oCcial in his amended
petition +or revie* *as the reconsideration o+ a previous decision& reached
*ithout his #eing heard& adFudicating in +avor o+ private respondents *hat
*as alleged to #e a portion o+ the Bais Communal Forest& a non@disposa#le
pu#lic land. here *as an opposition to such petition #y private respondents&
*ho argued that no e.trinsic +raud *as alleged and that the Director o+
Forestry *as #arred #y estoppel or laches. he appealed order *as #ased on
the a#sence o+ actual or e.trinsic +raud& thus resulting in the denial o+ the
petition +or revie*.
Issue!
H K , the court the Director o+ Forestry K Aands #e allo*ed to present his
evidences in the case at #ar.
5eld!
Jes& the Director o+ Forestry K Aands should #e allo*ed to present his
evidences in the case at #ar.
A motion +or reconsideration having proved +utile& the appeal *as ta>en
directly to this Court on a ;uestion o+ la* raising the constitutional issues o+
a#sence o+ a hearing in accordance *ith due process as *ell as the deviation
+rom the +undamental principle that +orest resources as part o+ the national
patrimony should #e inaliena#le.
It should #e ;uite apparent *hy no other decision e.cept that o+ reversal o+
the appealed order is *arranted. For in addition to the lac> o+ respect +or the
re;uirements o+ procedural due process& there *as on the part o+ the lo*er
court a disregard o+ a #asic state policy. he Constitution then in +orce& as is
similarly the case *ith the present Charter& *as ;uite e.plicit on the point o+
+orest resources #eing inaliena#le. hat is a paramount state o#Fective.
In the matter "3aeta -omulo 7July 41 $'B'8
Facts!
:etitioners contend that the continued use o+ the name o+ a deceased or
+ormer partner *hen permissi#le #y local custom& is not unethical #ut care
should #e ta>en that no imposition or deception is practiced through this use.
hey also contend that no local custom prohi#its the continued use o+ a
deceased partner<s name in a pro+essional /rm<s name? there is no custom or
usage in the :hilippines& or at least in the Greater Manila Area& *hich
recogni3es that the name o+ a la* /rm necessarily identi/es the individual
mem#ers o+ the /rm.
*o separate :etitions *ere /led #e+ore this Court!
$8 #y the surviving partners o+ Atty. Ale.ander Sycip& *ho died on May )&
$'B)& and
%8 #y the surviving partners o+ Atty. 5erminio "3aeta& *ho died on Fe#ruary
$0& $'B(& praying that they #e allo*ed to continue using& in the names o+
their /rms& the names o+ partners *ho had passed a*ay. In the Court=s
-esolution o+ Septem#er %& $'B(& #oth :etitions *ere ordered consolidated.
Issue!
HK, the surviving partners may #e allo*ed #y the court to retain the name
o+ the partners *ho already passed a*ay in the name o+ the /rm
5eld!
,o. he surviving partners are not allo*ed to retain the name o+ the
deceased partner in the name o+ the /rm.
he Court #elieves that& in vie* o+ the personal and con/dential nature o+
the relations #et*een attorney and client& and the high standards demanded
in the canons o+ pro+essional ethics& no practice should #e allo*ed *hich
even in a remote degree could give rise to the possi#ility o+ deception. Said
attorneys are accordingly advised to drop the names o+ the deceased
partners +rom their /rm name.
G.-. ,o. A@4B'4 Fe#ruary $'& $'16
CI-IA" MA:A vs. 5E I,SGAA- G"2E-,ME,
Facts!
he petitioner sought to have registered a tract o+ land o+ a#out $( hectares
in e.tent& situated in the #arrio o+ San Antonio& in the district o+ Mandurriao&
in the municipality o+ Iloilo. he petitioner presented evidence *hich appears
that the land in ;uestion is lo*land& and has #een uninterruptedly& +or more
than t*enty years& in the possession o+ the petitioner and his ancestors as
o*ners and the same has #een used during the said period& and up to the
present& as /sh ponds& nipa lands& and salt deposits. he *itnesses declare
that the land is +ar +rom the sea& the to*n o+ Molo #eing #et*een the sea and
the said land. Judgment *as rendered in +avor o+ the petitioner and the
Government has appealed.
Issue!
HK , the said property is an agricultural land.
5eld!
he ;uestion as to *hether the lands there involved *ere or *ere not
agricultural lands *ithin the meaning o+ the sections *as neither discussed
nor decided.
he decision o+ that court *as #ased upon Act ,o. '%( section )0& paragraph
( *hich +ollo*s!
All persons *ho #y themselves or their predecessors in interest have #een in
the open& continuous e.clusive& and notorious possession and occupation o+
agricultural pu#lic lands& as de/ned #y said act o+ Congress o+ July /rst&
nineteen hundred and t*o& under a #ona /de claim o+ o*nership e.cept as
against the Government& +or a period o+ ten years ne.t preceding the ta>ing
eIect o+ this act& e.cept *hen prevented #y *ar& or +orce maFeure& shall #e
conclusively presumed to have per+ormed all the conditions essential to a
Government grant and to have received the same& and shall #e entitled to a
certi/cate o+ title to such land under the provisions o+ this chapter.
he main phrase Lagricultural landsM as de/ned #y said act o+ Congress o+
July $& is +ound not only in section )0 a#ove ;uoted #ut in other parts o+ Act
,o. '%(& and it seems that the same construction must #e given to the
phrase *herever it occurs in any part o+ that la*. Moreover& i+ it should #e
said that there is no de/nition in the act o+ Congress o+ the phrase
Oagricultural land&O *e do not see ho* any eIect could #e given to the
provisions o+ Act ,o. '$(& to *hich *e have re+erred. I+ the phrase is not
de/ned in the act o+ Congress& then the lands upon *hich homesteads can
#e granted cannot #e determined.
G.-. ,o. A@4B$0 January %(& $'1'
ISABEA" M",A," J MA-CIAA vs. 5E I,SGAA- G"2E-,ME,& E AA.
Facts!
Isa#elo Montano presents a petition to the Court o+ Aand -egistration +or the
inscription o+ a piece o+ land in the #arrio o+ Ai#is& municipality o+ Caloocan&
used as a /shery. his petition *as opposed #y the Solicitor@General in #ehal+
o+ the Director o+ Aands on the ground that the land in ;uestion #elonged to
the Government o+ the Gnited States& and the latter& that it *as the a#solute
o*ner o+ all the dry land along the eastern #oundary o+ the said /shery. he
Court o+ Aand -egistration in its decision o+ Decem#er $& $'1(& dismissed the
said oppositions *ithout costs in +avor o+ Isa#elo Montano y Marcial.
Issue!
HK, the property in ;uestion is an agricultural land.
5eld!
he property is an agricultural land
he section ;uoted is section )0& paragraph (& Act ,o. '%(& in *hich the
phrase used is Oagricultural pu#lic lands.O
hroughout the opinion the phrase Opu#lic landsO is repeatedly and
e.clusively used. he entire discussion *as directed to the ;uestion as to
*hether the property there in ;uestion #eing Opu#lic land&O it could #e
considered as agricultural pu#lic land and the conclusion reached is stated at
page $6%& as +ollo*s!
In other *ords& that the phrase Oagricultural land&O as used in Act ,o. '%(&
means those pu#lic lands ac;uired +rom Spain *hich are not tim#er or
mineral lands.
In that case the land in ;uestion *as a long distance +rom the sea. In +act&
the entire to*n o+ Molo *as #et*een it and the *ater. It could in no sense #e
called tidal land. here+ore& the opinion *as devoted to a consideration o+ not
*hat *ere Opu#lic landsO #ut *hether this particular tract *as or *as not
agricultural pu#lic land. he ;uestion *hat the phrase Opu#lic landsO meant
neither considered nor decided in that opinion& +or its resolution *as not
necessary. In the concurring opinion& ho*ever& that ;uestion *as discussed
and it *as stated that the phrase Opu#lic landsO used in Act ,o. '%( must #e
interpreted according to the American understanding o+ the *ords employed
and the meaning o+ the terms as de/nitely /.ed #y the decrees o+ the Gnited
States Supreme Court.
G.-. ,o. A@))'(1 ,ovem#er %0& $'66
JA" TEE& SRE S""T HA5& SRE AAI C5"& and SJ C5G, JE, vs.
AIDA SJ@G",RAAES& MA,GEA SJ& E-ESIA SJ@BE-,ABE& -"D"AF" SJ& and
5","-ABAE C"G- "F A::EAAS
Facts!
Sy Tiat& a Chinese national& died on January $B& $'BB leaving #ehind
properties here in the :hilippines.
herea+ter& Aida Sy@Gon3ales et al /led a petition +or the grant o+ letters o+
administration alleging that they are the children o+ the deceased *ith
Asuncion Gillego. he petition *as opposed #y Jao Tee et al alleging that Jao
Tee is the la*+ul *i+e o+ the deceased *hom he married in China. he trial
court rendered decision in +avor o+ the opposition. "n appeal& the Court o+
Appeals rendered a decision& modi+ying the decision declaring the marriage
o+ Sy Tiat to Jao Tee as not has #een proven valid in accordance *ith the
la*s o+ China. 5ence& #oth parties moved +or reconsideration to *hich the
Supreme Court granted.
ISSGE!
HK, the marriage o+ Jao Tee and Sy Tiat is valid in accordance *ith
:hilippine la*s.
5EAD!
Hell@esta#lished in this Furisdiction is the principle that
:hilippine courts cannot ta>e Fudicial notice o+ +oreign la*s. hey must #e
alleged and proven as any other +act. o esta#lish the validity o+ marriage&
the e.istence o+ +oreign la* as a ;uestion o+ +act and the alleged marriage
must #e proven #y clear and convincing evidence.
For +ailure to prove the +oreign la* or custom and conse;uently o+ the
marriage& the marriage #et*een Jao Tee and Sy Tiat in China cannot #e
recogni3ed in the Furisdiction o+ :hilippine courts.
G.-. ,o. %6(' March %)& $'1B
MAE" CA-IV" vs. 5E I,SGAA- G"2E-,ME,
Facts!
Carino is an Igorot o+ the :rovince o+ Benguet& *here the land lies /led +or
*rit o+ error #ecause the CFI and SC dismissed his petition +or application.
For more than )1 years #e+ore the reaty o+ :aris& April $$& $6''& he and his
ancestors had held the land as recogni3ed o*ners #y the Igorots. CariUo
inherited the land in accordance *ith Igorot custom. 5e tried to have the
land adFusted under the Spanish land la*s& #ut no document issued +rom the
Spanish Cro*n. In $'1$& CariUo o#tained a possessory title to the land under
the Spanish Mortgage Aa*. he ,orth American colonial government&
ho*ever& ignored his possessory title and #uilt a pu#lic road on the land
prompting him to see> a orrens title to his property in the land registration
court.
Issue!
HK, the petitioner is granted o*nership o+ the land.
5eld!
Jes. he petitioner is entitled to o*nership o+ said land.
he petitioner=s possession *as not unla*+ul& and no attempt at any such
proceedings against him or his +ather ever *as made. And also under the
Spanish Aa*! OHhere such possessors shall not #e a#le to produce title
deeds& it shall #e suCcient i+ they shall sho* that ancient possession& as a
valid title #y prescription.O For cultivated land& %1 years& uninterrupted& is
enough. For uncultivated& 41.
G.-. ,os. A@4$(((& A@4$((B and A@4$((6 April 41& $'B'
AE:A," vs. DGMJG,G
Facts!
he director o+ lands /led a criminal case against the de+endants on the
ground o+ misrepresentation and +alse data and in+ormation. he de+endants
in the three cases /led an amended Foint ans*er *ith counterclaim to the
complaint in intervention. he de+endants /led a motion to dismiss the same
on the ground that the accused had complied *ith all the legal re;uirements
in the ac;uisition o+ their patents *hich *ere duly issued #y the Director o+
Aands and that they are not guilty o+ the alleged +alsi/cation o+ pu#lic
documents.
Issue!
HK, the de+endants are entitled to o*nership o+ the land.
5eld!
Jes. he De+endants are entitled to o*nership o+ the land in ;uestion.
Section 00 o+ the Aand Act in its second paragraph states!
A mem#er o+ the national cultural& minorities *ho has continuously occupied
and cultivated& either #y himsel+ or through his predecessors@in@ interest& a
tract or tracts o+ land& *hether disposa#le or not since July 0& $'))& shall #e
entitled to the right granted in the preceding paragraph o+ this section!
:-"2IDED& that at the time he /les his +ree patent application& he is not the
o*ner o+ any real property secured or disposa#le under this provision o+ the
:u#lic Aand Aa*.
It is +or this reason Q that is& to give these national cultural minorities *ho
*ere driven +rom their ancestral a#odes& a +air chance to ac;uire lands o+ the
pu#lic domain.
G.-. ,o. A@4B(6% March %'& $'B0
-E:GBAIC "F 5E :5IAI::I,ES vs. 5",. :ED-" SAMS", A,IMAS
Facts!
here *as a land in General Santos City *hich *as claimed #y Isagani Du
im#ol. he land covered #y the +ree patent and title in ;uestion *as
originally applied +or #y :recila Soria& *ho trans+erred her rights to the land
and its improvements to de+endant Isagani Du im#ol *ho /led his
application as a trans+eree +rom :recila Soria.
Bureau o+ Forestry& /led a complaint in the Court o+ First Instance o+
Cota#ato& Branch I& General Santos City to declare the +ree patent in the
name o+ de+endant Isagani Du im#ol null and void a# initio and to order the
reversion o+ the land in ;uestion to the mass o+ pu#lic domain. he action is
#ased on the ground that the land covered there#y is a +orest or tim#er land
*hich is not disposa#le under the :u#lic Aand Act. And claimed that the said
patent and title *ere o#tained +raudulently as private respondent Isagani Du
im#ol never occupied and cultivated the land applied +or. he case *as
dismissed.
Issue!
HK, 5on. Animas< decision is correct.
5eld!
,o. he First decision *as incorrect.
he complaint alleges that applicant Isagani Du im#ol<s actions constitutes
as +raud.
A certi/cate o+ title that is void may #e ordered cancelled. A title *ill #e
considered void i+ it is procured through +raud& as *hen a person applies +or
registration o+ the land under his name although the property #elongs to
another. In the case o+ disposa#le pu#lic lands& +ailure on the part o+ the
grantee to comply *ith the conditions imposed #y la* is a ground +or holding
such title void.
G- ,o.B$$('& Decem#er %%& $'66
Sangalang E. Al v. IAC&
Facts!
Sangalang /led an action to en+orce #y speci/c per+ormance restrictive
easement upon property& speci/cally the Bel@ Air 2illage su#division in
Ma>ati& Metro Manila& pursuant to stipulations em#odied in the deeds o+ sale
covering the su#division& and +or damages. Bel @ Air itsel+ had #rought its
o*n complaints& +our in num#er& li>e*ise +or speci/c per+ormance and
damages to en+orce the same =deed restrictions.= he court ruled in +avor o+
the plantiIs. he IAC reversed the decision o+ the court.
Issue!
HK, the IAC erred in the decision o+ the case at #ar.
5eld!
,o. he IAC did not commit any error in the ruling o+ the case at #ar.
he petitioners have not sho*n *hy *e should hold other*ise other than +or
the supposed Onon@impairmentO guaranty o+ the Constitution& *hich& as *e
have declared& is secondary to the more compelling interests o+ general
*el+are. he "rdinance has not #een sho*n to #e capricious or ar#itrary or
unreasona#le to *arrant the reversal o+ the Fudgments so appealed. In that
connection& *e /nd no reversi#le error to have #een committed #y the Court
o+ Appeals.
G.-. ,o. A@04%14 July %'& $'BB
J"SE C. C-IS"BAA vs. AAEJA,D-" MEAC5"- and FEDE-IC" A-CAAA
Facts!
he plaintiI *as +ormerly employed as a private secretary in the :resident=s
:rivate "Cce& MalacaUang& Manila.
Five o+ the employees *ho *ere separated not including the herein plaintiI
/led a civil and *ere reinstatement and the payment o+ their salaries. he
plaintiI sent a letter to the "Cce o+ the :resident re;uesting reinstatement
to his +ormer position and the payment o+ salary #ut the re;uest *as denied
repeatedly until he received a letter *hich declared the matter Lde/nitely
closedM. he plaintiI then /led a complaint against the E.ecutive Secretary&
AleFandro Melchor and Federico Arcala& cash dis#ursing oCcer& "Cce o+ the
:resident o+ the :hilippines. he de+endants argued that the plaintiI had no
cause o+ action as he is deemed to have a#andoned his oCce +or +ailure to
institute the proper proceedings to assert his right *ithin one year +rom the
date o+ separation pursuant to Sec. $(& -ule (( o+ the -ules o+ Court& he
having come to court only a+ter the lapse o+ more than nine years& there#y in
eIect ac;uiescing to his separation& and there+ore he is not entitled to any
salary +rom termination o+ his employment. he complaint *as dismissed.
Issue!
HK, the court erred in dismissing the case.
5eld!
Jes. he court made an error in dismissing the case.
here *as no ac;uiescence to or inaction on the part o+ Jose Cristo#al
amounting to a#andonment o+ his right to reinstatement in oCce. Although
Cristo#al +ailed to /le his complaint *ithin one year +rom the date o+
separation #ut& it is claimed& he allo*ed almost nine years passing #e+ore
coming to court #y reason o+ *hich he is deemed to have ac;uiesced to his
removal. he Court stated that in a general sense& laches is +ailure or
neglect& +or an unreasona#le and une.plained length o+ time& to do that
*hich& #y e.ercising due diligence& could or should have #een done earlier? it
is negligence or omission to assert a right *ithin a reasona#le time&
*arranting a presumption that the party entitled to assert it either has
a#andoned it or declined to assert it. And it is the doctrine o+ laches *hich is
invo>ed to de+eat Jose Cristo#al=s suit& there are e.ceptional circumstances
attending *hich ta>e this case out o+ the rule enunciated a#ove and lead us
to grant relie+ to appellant. hese are!
@here *as no ac;uiescence to or inaction on the part o+ Jose Cristo#al
amounting to a#andonment o+ his right to reinstatement in oCce.
@It *as an act o+ the government through its responsi#le oCcials more
particularly then E.ecutive Secretary Amelito Mutuc and his successors
*hich contri#uted to the alleged delay in the /ling o+ Cristo#al=s present
complaint +or reinstatement.
@he dismissal o+ appellant Cristo#al *as contrary to la* on the strength o+
this Court=s Decision.
Hhere+ore& the court ordered the reinstatement and payment o+ #ac> *ages
o+ the plaintiI.
G.-. ,o. A@4($0% March 4$& $'B4
JA2EAAA,A 2S. A,
Facts!
In $'B4& Marcos ordered the immediate implementation o+ the ne* $'B4
Constitution. Javellana& a Filipino and a registered voter sought to enFoin the
E.ec Sec and other ca#inet secretaries +rom implementing the said
constitution. Javellana averred that the said constitution is void #ecause the
same *as initiated #y the president. 5e argued that the :resident is *Ko
po*er to proclaim the rati/cation #y the Filipino people o+ the proposed
constitution. Further& the election held to rati+y such constitution is not a +ree
election there #eing intimidation and +raud.
ISSGE!
HK, the SC must give due course to the petition.
5EAD!
he SC ruled that they cannot rule upon the case at #ar. MaFority o+ the SC
Fustices e.pressed the vie* that they *ere concluded #y the ascertainment
made #y the president o+ the :hilippines& in the e.ercise o+ his political
prerogatives. Further& there #eing no competent evidence to sho* such +raud
and intimidation during the election& it is to #e assumed that the people had
ac;uiesced in or accepted the $'B4 Constitution. he ;uestion o+ the validity
o+ the $'B4 Constitution is a political ;uestion *hich *as le+t to the people in
their sovereign capacity to ans*er. heir rati/cation o+ the same had sho*n
such ac;uiescence.

G.-. ,o. 6$4$$ June 41& $'66
TA:AI-A, ,G MGA ,AGAIAI,GT"D SA :AMA5AAAA, 2S. A,
Facts!
E" %B4 *as issued #y the :resident o+ the :hilippines *hich amended the
-evenue Code& adopting the value@added ta. 72A8 eIective $ January $'66.
Four petitions assailed the validity o+ the 2A Aa* +or #eing #eyond the
:resident to enact? +or #eing oppressive& discriminatory& regressive& and
violative o+ the due process and e;ual protection clauses& among others& o+
the Constitution. he Integrated Customs Bro>ers Association particularly
contend that it unduly discriminate against customs #ro>ers 7Section $14 DrE8
as the amended provision o+ the a. Code provides that Lservice per+ormed
in the e.ercise o+ pro+ession or calling 7e.cept custom #ro>ers8 su#Fect to
occupational ta. under the Aocal a. Code& and pro+essional services
per+ormed #y registered general pro+essional partnerships are e.empt +rom
2A.
Issue!
Hhether the E@2A la* discriminates against customs #ro>ers.
5eld!
he phrase Le.cept custom #ro>ersM is not meant to discriminate against
custom #ro>ers #ut to avert a potential conSict #et*een Sections $1% and
$14 o+ the a. Code& as amended. he distinction o+ the customs #ro>ers
+rom the other pro+essionals *ho are su#Fect to occupation ta. under the
Aocal a. Code is #ased upon material diIerences& in that the activities o+
customs #ro>ers parta>e more o+ a #usiness& rather than a pro+ession and
*ere thus su#Fected to the percentage ta. under Section $B0 o+ the a. Code
prior to its amendment #y E" %B4. E" %B4 a#olished the percentage ta.
and replaced it *ith the 2A. I+ the Association did not protest
the classi/cation o+ customs #ro>ers then& there is no reason *hy it should
protest no*.
G.-. ,o. A@%4$4( August %(& $'B0
MA5AJ et al vs. 5E C",S"AIDAED BA,T A,D -GS C"M:A,J et al
Facts!
he plaintiI /led a class suit against the de+endant #an> on the ground o+
#reach o+ contract #et*een the plaintiI and de+endant #an> and O+alsely
certi/ed to the calling o+ a special stoc>holders= meeting allegedly pursuant
to due notice and call o+ De+endant Ban>O *ithout noti+ying the plaintiIs and
other stoc>holders. he de+endants moved +or the dismissal o+ the action on
the ground o+ the plaintiIs@appellants had no legal standing or capacity to
institute the alleged class suit? that the complaint did not state a suCcient
and valid cause o+ action? and that plaintiIs@appellants= complaint against
the increase o+ the num#er o+ directors did not li>e*ise state a cause o+
action. hus the court dismissed the case. he plaintiIs appealed.
Issue!
HK, the plaintiIs have suCcient cause o+ action.
5eld!
,o& there *as no suCcient cause o+ action.
It having #een sho*n that the complaint +ailed to state ultimate +acts to
constitute a cause o+ action& it #ecomes unnecessary to discuss the other
assignments o+ errors.
G.-. ,o. A@0)'6B May )& $'4'
5E :E":AE "F 5E :5IAI::I,ES vs. CAJA
Facts!
In $'4B& there e.ists a la* 7Act $(4'8 *hich #ars native non@Christians +rom
drin>ing gin or any other li;uor outside o+ their customary alcoholic drin>s.
Cayat& a native o+ the Cordillera& *as caught *ith an A@$@$ gin in violation o+
this Act. 5e *as then charged and sentenced to pay :).11 and to #e
imprisoned in case o+ insolvency. Cayat admitted his guilt #ut he challenged
the constitutionality o+ the said Act. 5e averred& among others& that it
violated his right to e;ual protection aIorded #y the constitution. 5e said
this attempt to treat them *ith discrimination or Lmar> them as in+erior or
less capa#le race and less entitledM *ill meet *ith their instant challenge.
he la* sought to distinguish and classi+y native non@Christians +rom
Christians.
ISSGE! HK, the said Act violates the e;ual protection clause.
5EAD! he SC ruled that Act $(4' is valid +or it met the re;uisites o+ a
reasona#le classi/cation. he SC emphasi3ed that it is not enough that the
mem#ers o+ a group have the characteristics that distinguish them +rom
others. he classi/cation must& as an indispensa#le re;uisite& not #e
ar#itrary. he re;uisites to #e complied *ith are?
7$8 Must rest on su#stantial distinctions?
7%8 Must #e germane to the purposes o+ the la*?
748 Must not #e limited to e.isting conditions only? and
708 Must apply e;ually to all mem#ers o+ the same class.
Act ,o. $(4' satis/es these re;uirements. he classi/cation rests on real or
su#stantial& not merely imaginary or *himsical& distinctions. It is not #ased
upon Laccident o+ #irth or parentage.M he la*& then& does not see> to mar>
the non@Christian tri#es as Lan in+erior or less capa#le race.M "n the
contrary& all measures thus +ar adopted in the promotion o+ the pu#lic policy
to*ards them rest upon a recognition o+ their inherent right to e;uality in the
enFoyment o+ those privileges no* enFoyed #y their Christian #rothers. But as
there can #e no true e;uality #e+ore the la*& i+ there is& in +act& no e;uality in
education& the government has endeavored& #y appropriate measures& to
raise their culture and civili3ation and secure +or them the #ene/ts o+ their
progress& *ith the ultimate end in vie* o+ placing them *ith
their Christian #rothers on the #asis o+ true e;uality.

G.-. ,o. A@$01B6 March B& $'$'
-GBI& E AA. 7manguianes8 vs. 5E :-"2I,CIAA B"A-D "F MI,D"-"
Facts!
he provincial #oard o+ Mindoro adopted resolution ,o. %) *herein non@
Christian inha#itants 7uncivili3ed tri#es8 *ill #e directed to ta>e up their
ha#itation on sites on unoccupied pu#lic lands. It is resolved that under
section %1BB o+ the Administrative Code& 611 hectares o+ pu#lic land in the
sitio o+ ig#ao on ,auFan Aa>e #e selected as a site +or the permanent
settlement o+ Mangyanes in Mindoro. Further& Mangyans may only solicit
homesteads on thisreservation providing that said
homestead applications are previously recommended #y the provincial
governor.
In that case& pursuant to Section %$0) o+ the -evised Administrative Code& all
the Mangyans in the to*nships o+ ,auFan and :ola and the Mangyans east o+
the Baco -iver including those in the districts o+ Dulangan and -u#i=s place in
Calapan& *ere ordered to ta>e up their ha#itation on the site o+ ig#ao&
,auFan Aa>e. Also& that any Mangyan *ho shall re+use to comply *ith this
order shall upon conviction #e imprisoned not e.ceed in si.ty days& in
accordance *ith section %B)' o+ the revised Administrative Code.
Said resolution o+ the provincial #oard o+ Mindoro *ere claimed as necessary
measures +or the protection o+ the Mangyanes o+ Mindoro as *ell as the
protection o+ pu#lic +orests in *hich they roam& and to introduce civili3ed
customs among them.
It appeared that -u#i and those living in his rancheria have not /.ed their
d*elling *ithin the reservation o+ ig#ao and are lia#le to #e punished.
It is alleged that the Manguianes are #eing illegally deprived o+ their li#erty
#y the provincial oCcials o+ that province. -u#i and his companions are said
to #e held on the reservation esta#lished at ig#ao& Mindoro& against their
*ill& and one Da#alos is said to #e held under the custody o+ the
provincial sheriI in the prison at Calapan +or having run a*ay +rom
the reservation.
Issue! Hhether or ,ot Section %$0) o+ the Administrative Code deprives a
person o+ his li#erty o+ a#ode. hus& H", Section %$0) o+ the Administrative
Code o+ $'$B is constitutional.
5eld! he Court held that section %$0) o+ the Administrative Code does not
deprive a person o+ his li#erty o+ a#ode and does not deny to him the e;ual
protection o+ the la*s& and that con/nement in reservations in accordance
*ith said section does not constitute slavery and involuntary servitude. he
Court is +urther o+ the opinion that section %$0) o+ the Administrative Code is
a legitimate e.ertion o+ the police po*er. Section %$0) o+ the Administrative
Code o+ $'$B is constitutional.
Assigned as reasons +or the action!
7$8 Attempts +or the advancement o+ the non@Christian people o+ the
province? and
7%8 he only success+ully method +or educating the Manguianes *as to o#lige
them to live in a permanent settlement. he Solicitor@General adds the
+ollo*ing?
748 he protection o+ the Manguianes?
708 he protection o+ the pu#lic +orests in *hich they roam?
7)8 he necessity o+ introducing civili3ed customs among the Manguianes.
"ne cannot hold that the li#erty o+ the citi3en is unduly inter+ered *ithout
*hen the degree o+ civili3ation o+ the Manguianes is considered. hey are
restrained +or their o*n good and the general good o+ the :hilippines.
LAi#erty regulated #y la*O! Implied in the term is restraint #y la* +or the
good o+ the individual and +or the greater good o+ the peace and order o+
society and the general *ell@#eing. ,o man can do e.actly as he pleases.
,one o+ the rights o+ the citi3en can #e ta>en a*ay e.cept #y due process o+
la*.
here+ore& petitioners are not unla*+ully imprisoned or restrained o+ their
li#erty. 5a#eas corpus can& there+ore& not issue.
G.-. ,o. A@)$BB4 May $(& $'61
A. C"A. -"D-IG" S. DE GGRMA, and :E":AE "F 5E :5IAI::I,ES
vs. MG,ICI:AA CI-CGI JGDGE MA-CEAI," M. ESCAA",A& FA"-E,I,"
-"D-IG"& and MA-IA," DAJDAJ.
Facts!
he de+endants Florentino -odrigo and Mariano Dayday *ere charged *ith
OIllegal :ossession o+ E.plosive locally >no*n as =dinamita=.M Hhile in the
sea*aters o+ the Ce#u& con+ederating and mutually helping *ith one another&
*ithout authority o+ the la* and *ithout proper permit +rom authorities& did
then and there *ill+ully& unla*+ully& and +eloniously possess& >eep an
e.plosive& locally >no*n as =DI,AMIA= in their #anca purposely +or use o+
illegal /shing and three 748 #ottles o+ e.plosives& t*o 7%8 paddles& t*o 7%8
/shnets locally >no*n as OSIB"O and one 7$8 #anca *ere recovered +rom
their possession and control& *hich acts o+ the a#ove@named accused is a
gross violation o+ :D ,o. $1)6. Both *ere +ound guilty o+ said accusation.
5o*ever& the Fudge only su#mitted possession o+ e.plosives in connection
*ith su#version is covered #y :residential Decree ,o. '& thus& the old la* on
illegal possession o+ e.plosives& Act 41%4& has not #een completely repealed?
that having +ound that the possession #y the t*o accused o+ t*o #ottles o+
home@made e.plosives *as solely +or /shing purposes and had no
connection *ith su#version& the illegal act should +all not under :residential
Decree ,o. ' #ut under Act 41%4.
:etitioner At. Col. -odrigo S. De Gu3man& :C :rovincial Commander
Integrated ,ational :olice Superintendent at Camp Sotero Ca#ahug& Ce#u
City& instituted these certiorari proceedings alleging mainly that the oIense
charged *as one +or possession o+ e.plosives intended +or illegal /shing
under :residential Decree ,o. B10& as amended #y :residential Decree ,o.
$1)6& and not +or violation o+ Act 41%4 *hich had long #een repealed #y
several la*s and decrees? that the penalty provided +or #y current legislation
is one *hich +alls *ithin the e.clusive original Furisdiction o+ the Court o+ First
Instance? and that respondent Judge=s Decision has no legal #asis.
Issue!
HK, the responded Fudge erred in rendering Fudgment even though the court
has no Furisdiction over the su#Fect matter.
5eld!
Jes. Considering that the Municipal Circuit Court lac>ed competent
Furisdiction over the su#Fect matter o+ the criminal complaint against the
accused respondents.
:residential Decree ,o. $1)6 is an amendatory decree& *hich increased the
penalties +or certain +orms o+ illegal /shing and +or other acts made
punisha#le under :residential Decree ,o. B10 or the OFisheries Decree o+
$'B)O. he pertinent portion o+ Section 44 o+ :residential Decree ,o. B10& as
amended #y :residential Decree ,o. $1)6 reads!
Sec. 44. Illegal /shing? illegal possession o+ e.plosives intended +or illegal
/shing? dealing in illegally caught /sh or /sheryKa;uatic products. @ It shall #e
unla*+ul +or any person to catch& ta>e or gather or cause to #e caught& ta>en
gathered /sh or /sheriesKa;uatic products in :hilippine *aters *ith the use
o+ e.plosives& o#no.ious or poisonous su#stance& or #y the use o+ electricity
as de/ned in paragraphs 7$8& 7m8 and 7d8& respectively& o+ Section 4 hereo+!
:rovided& that possession o+ such e.plosives *ith intent to use the same +or
illegal /shing as herein de/ned shall #e punisha#le as hereina+ter
provided. ... 7Emphasis supplied8.
Section 46& su#section a 7$8 o+ :residential Decree ,o. B10& as amended #y
:residential Decree ,o. $1)6& correspondingly provides!
7$8 By the penalty o+ imprisonment ranging +rom t*elve 7$%8 years to
t*enty@/ve 7%)8 years in the case o+ mere possession o+ e.plosives intended
+or illegal /shing. ... 7Emphasis supplied8.
As correctly pointed out #y the Solicitor General in the Comment he /led +or
petitioner :eople o+ the :hilippines& respondent Judge=s re+erence to
:residential Decree ,o. ' is misplaced +or& indeed& there is no mention at all
o+& nor any re+erence to& :residential Decree ,o. ' in the Complaint.
G.-. ,o. A@%)040 July %)& $'B)
5","-ABAE A-SE,I" ,. -"ADA,& J-.& in his capacity as Acting
Commissioner& :hilippine Fisheries Commission& and 5E :5IAI::I,E ,A2J
vs.
5","-ABAE F-A,CISC" A-CA& as :residing Judge o+ the Court o+ First
Instance o+ Manila 7Branch $8 and M"-ABE& DE GGRMA, W C"M:A,J
Facts!
"n August ) or (& $'()& the t*o /shing #oats& ony Ae. 2I and ony Ae. III&
also respectively called Srta. Hinnie and Srta. Agnes& *ere actually sei3ed +or
illegal /shing *ith dynamite. Fish caught *ith dynamite and stic>s o+
dynamite *ere then +ound a#oard the t*o vessels.
It *as alleged that at the time o+ the sei3ure o+ the /shing #oats in issue& the
same *ere engaged in legitimate /shing operations oI the coast o+ :ala*an?
that #y virtue o+ the oIer o+ compromise dated Septem#er $4& $'() #y
respondent company to the Secretary o+ Agriculture and ,atural -esources&
the numerous violations o+ the Fishery Aa*s& i+ any& #y the cre* mem#ers o+
the vessels *ere settled. 5o*ever& the ships *ere apprehended *ithout
*arrant +or alleged violations o+ some provisions o+ the Fisheries Act and the
rules and regulations promulgated there under.
-espondent /led *ith the Court against petitioner Fisheries Commissioner
Arsenio ,. -oldan& Jr.& +or the recovery o+ /shing vessel ony Ae. 2I 7one o+
t*o /shing #oats in ;uestion8 *hich had #een sei3ed and impounded #y
petitioner Fisheries Commissioner through the :hilippine ,avy. he court
dismissed the complaint +or +ailure o+ the petitioner to prosecute and +ailure
o+ the de+endant to appear.
It *as held that 5on. -oldan acted *ithout Furisdiction and *ith grave a#use
o+ discretion.
Issue!
HK, is it la*+ul to apprehend /shing #oats *ithout *arrant.
5eld!
Jes. In the case at #ar& it is la*+ul to apprehend the /shing #oats *ithout
*arrant.
he *ord #oat in its ordinary sense& means any *ater cra+t& the /shing #oats
ony Ae. III and ony Ae. 2I are li>e*ise vessels *ithin the meaning o+ the
term vessel. the accepted de/nition o+ vessel includes Oevery description o+
*ater cra+t& large or small& used or capa#le o+ #eing used as a means o+
transportation on *aterO
Search and sei3ure *ithout search *arrant o+ vessels and aircra+ts +or
violations o+ the customs la*s have #een the traditional e.ception to the
constitutional re;uirement o+ a search *arrant& #ecause the vessel can #e
;uic>ly moved out o+ the locality or Furisdiction in *hich the search *arrant
must #e sought #e+ore such *arrant could #e secured? hence it is not
practica#le to re;uire a search *arrant #e+ore such search or sei3ure can #e
constitutionally eIected.
Since the cre* o+ certain /shing vessels *ere caught& in Sagrante& illegally
/shing *ith dynamite and *ithout the re;uisite license& their apprehension
*ithout a *arrant o+ arrest and the sei3ure o+ the vessel& as *ell as its
e;uipment and the dynamites +ound therein& as an incident to a la*+ul arrest
*as held to #e la*+ul.
G.-. ,o. A@'('' August %(& $'$)
5E G,IED SAES vs. JGA, 5E-,A,DER& E AA.
Facts!
In $'0B& Ai#erato Jimene3 *as appointed as a temporary legal investigator in
the :hilippine 2eterans Board 7:2B8. In $'0'& he *as promoted as the
Chie+ o+ the Investigation Section #ut still in a temporary capacity #ecause
he is not civil service eligi#le. In $')1& he too> a promotional civil service
e.am. In July $')$& Jimene3 received a letter +rom :2B Chairman Gen.
Guillermo Francisco advising him that he is #eing replaced #y a civil service
eligi#le. In Septem#er $')$& Jimene3 received the results o+ the civil service
e.am he too> in $')1? he passed. 5e then appealed his separation +rom
service.
ISSGE!
HK, Jimene3 should #e reinstated.
5EAD!
,o. In +act& he should have #een separated +rom the service even #e+ore
$')$. Gnder the la*& he *as supposed to only hold such temporary
appointment +or three months *hile the appointing po*er is still loo>ing +or a
civil service eligi#le. 5is e.tended stay in the service is only upon the grace
o+ the appointing po*er. Further& there is no la* *hich provides that a
temporary appointment may ripen to a permanent one. Hhen he met the
civil service eligi#ility& Jimene3 did not #ecome entitled to a permanent
position in the :2D. he po*er to appoint is in essence discretionary on the
part o+ the proper authority& in this case the head o+ the department. he
appointing po*er has the right o+ choice *hich he may e.ercise +reely
according to his Fudgment& deciding +or himsel+ *ho is #est ;uali/ed +or any
competitive position in the Civil Service. Mere certi/cation as a civil service
eligi#le does not amount to an appointment. he Civil Service Commission
does not insure any appointment? it only certi/es an eligi#le to #e possessed
o+ the ;uali/cation as re;uired +or a position classi/ed under its rules.
G.R. No. 1=2644 F%/r&ar0 1", 2""#
%OHN ERIC ONE., STE$EN PAU REID (,1 #. HERNANDE>, 2%'('(o1%rs,

6 v%rs&s 6

PEOPE O3 THE PHIIPPINES, R%s+o1)%1'.

FACTS:
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assa(-(1. 'a' +or'(o1 o5 '% Co1so-()a'%) Or)%r ,a(1'a(1(1. '% I15or,a'(o1s 5or
v(o-a'(o1 o5 RA 7*92. T% RTC .ra1'%) +&/-(c r%s+o1)%1'Js a++%a- /&' )%1(%)
+%'('(o1%rsJ +%'('(o1. Ara1c *9 s%' as()% '% Co1so-()a'%) Or)%r (1 so 5ar as (' 4&as%)
'% I15or,a'(o1s 5or v(o-a'(o1 o5 2D 1"#7 a1) 2D *89 a1) or)%r%) 'os% car.%s
r%(1s'a'%). RTC a55(r,%) '% Co1so-()a'%) Or)%r (1 a-- o'%r r%s+%c's. 2%'('(o1%rs 5(-%) a
+%'('(o1 5or c%r'(orar( 7(' '% Co&r' o5 A++%a-s. 2%'('(o1%rs co1'%1)%) 'a' s(1c% '% ac's
co,+-a(1%) o5 (1 '% car.%s 5or v(o-a'(o1 o5 2D 1"#7, 2D *89, a1) RA 7*92 ar% :'%
v%r0 sa,% ac's co,+-a(1%) o5; (1 '% car.% 5or v(o-a'(o1 o5 Ar'(c-% !#5 o5 '% R2C, '%
-a''%r a/sor/s '% 5or,%r. C%1c%, +%'('(o1%rs so&-) o1-0 /% +ros%c&'%) 5or v(o-a'(o1 o5
Ar'(c-% !#5 o5 '% R2C. T% Co&r' o5 A++%a-s a55(r,%) RTCJs r&-(1..
ISSUE:
F%'%r a-- '% car.%s 5(-%) a.a(1s' +%'('(o1%rs %$c%+' o1% so&-) /% 4&as%) 5or
)&+-(c('0 o5 car.%s a1) o1-0 '% car.% 5or R%c<-%ss I,+r&)%1c% R%s&-'(1. (1 Da,a.%
'o 2ro+%r'0 so&-) s'a1).
CELD:
NO. T% (15or,a'(o1 5(-%) /0 '% +%'('(o1%r so&-) 1o' /% 4&as%).
T%r% (s 1o )&+-(c('0 o5 car.%s (1 '% +r%s%1' cas%.
T%r% (s )&+-(c('0 =or ,&-'(+-(c('0> o5 car.%s 7%1 a s),g5/ I,;o*+(t)o, 6'(*g/s +o*/
t'(, o,/ o;;/,s/. U1)%r S%c'(o1 !=%>, R&-% 117 o5 '% 1*85 R&-%s o5 Cr(,(1a-
2roc%)&r%, )&+-(c('0 o5 o55%1s%s (1 a s(1.-% (15or,a'(o1 (s a .ro&1) 'o 4&as '%
I15or,a'(o1. T% R&-%s +ro(/(' '% 5(-(1. o5 s&c I15or,a'(o1 'o avo() co15&s(1. '%
acc&s%) (1 +r%+ar(1. (s )%5%1s%. C%r%, o7%v%r, '% +ros%c&'(o1 car.%) %ac
+%'('(o1%r 7(' 5o&r o55%1s%s, 7(' /(6' I,;o*+(t)o, 6'(*g),g o,58 o,/ o;;/,s/. T&s,
+%'('(o1%rs %rro1%o&s-0 (1vo<% )&+-(c('0 o5 car.%s as a .ro&1) 'o 4&as '%
I15or,a'(o1s. O1 '(s scor% a-o1%, '% +%'('(o1 )%s%rv%s o&'r(.' )%1(a-.
G.R. No. 1!*598. D%c%,/%r 22, 2"""
MARCO22ER MINING COR2ORATION, petitioner,
vs.
ALAERTO G. AUMOLO %' a-., , respondents.
FACTS:
MARCO22ER MINING COR2ORATION r%.(s'%r%) ('s ,(1(1. c-a(,s (1 2ao, Bas(/&,
N&%va 8(3ca0a 7(' '% DENR 5ro, F%/r&ar0 "2,1*82 'o Oc'o/%r 12, 1*82. 2r(va'%
r%s+o1)%1's A-/%r'o G. A&,o-o a1) o'%rs r%.(s'%r%) '%(r ,(1(1. c-a(,s (1 '% sa,%
ar%a 5ro, 28 ?&-0 1*81 'o 22 S%+'%,/%r 1*88, 7(c c-a(,s 7%r% s&/s%4&%1'-0
co1v%r'%) (1'o M(1%ra- 2ro)&c'(o1 Sar(1. A.r%%,%1's =M2SA>.
O1 Marc 12, 1*82 +%'('(o1%r %1'%r%) (1'o O+'(o1 A.r%%,%1's ov%r '% ,(1(1.. U1)%r
'% A.r%%,%1's, +%'('(o1%r 7as .ra1'%) '% %$c-&s(v% a1) (rr%voca/-% r(.' 'o %$+-or%
'% ,(1(1. c-a(,s 5or 'r%% =!> 0%ars 7(' +rov(s(o1 5or %$'%1s(o1.
O1 D%c%,/%r 2!, 1*82 a1) Marc 2#, 1*87 +%'('(o1%r 5(-%) 2ros+%c'(1. 2%r,('
A++-(ca'(o1s =22A> 7(' '% A&r%a& o5 For%s' D%v%-o+,%1', DENR, o1 '% a--%.%)
.ro&1) 'a' a +or'(o1 o5 '% ar%a cov%r%) /0 '% ,(1(1. c-a(,s 7as 7('(1 '% Ma.a'
R(v%r For%s' R%s%rva'(o1 &1)%r 2roc. 57! o5 ?&1% 2#, 1*#* a1) 7(' DAR o1 acco&1'
o5 a--%.%) cov%ra.% o5 '% o'%r +or'(o1 7('(1 '% N&%va 8(3ca0a6@&(r(1o C(v(-
R%s%rva'(o1 &1)%r 2roc. 19*8 o5 11 S%+'%,/%r 1*75.
O1 15 ?&-0 1**1 E$%c&'(v% D(r%c'or L%o1ar)o A. 2aa' r%E%c'%) +%'('(o1%rJs 2ros+%c'(1.
2%r,(' A++-(ca'(o1 =22A> o1 '% .ro&1) 'a' '% M%,ora1)&, o5 ?&-0 "8, 1**1
%1)ors%) /0 '% R%.(o1a- T%c1(ca- D(r%c'or 5or M(1%s r%v%a-%) 'a' '% ar%a cov%r%)
7as o&'s()% .ov%r1,%1' r%s%rva'(o1G 'a' '% +ros+%c' c-a(, 7as (1 co15-(c' 7(' %$(s'(1.
c-a(,sG a1), 'a' '% ar%a a) /%%1 %$'%1s(v%-0 %$+-or%) (1 '% %ar-0 1*8"Ns.
2%'('(o1%r ,ov%) 5or r%co1s()%ra'(o1. R%.(o1a- E$%c&'(v% D(r%c'or Sa,&%- 2ara.as
r%co,,%1)%) 'o '% DENR S%cr%'ar0 'a' +%'('(o1%rNs r%4&%s' 5or r%co1s()%ra'(o1 /%
)%1(%)G 'a' '% %$(s'(1. r(.'s o5 ,(1(1. c-a(, o-)%rs /% r%s+%c'%)G a1), 'a' '% +r(or
-%.a- r(.'s o5 M2SAKF(1a1c(a- a1) T%c1(ca- Ass(s'a1c% A.r%%,%1' a++-(ca1's ov%r
s&/E%c' ar%a /% r%co.1(3%).
As r%.ar)s +%'('(o1%rNs 22A 5(-%) 7(' '% DAR, (' a++%ar%) 'a' (' 7as (ss&%) a
c-%ara1c% 'o +ros+%c' 5or s($ =#> ,o1's 5ro, D%c%,/%r 11, 1**5.
O1 A&.&s' 15, 1**7 +%'('(o1%r a++%a-%) 'o +&/-(c r%s+o1)%1' M(1%s A)E&)(ca'(o1 Aoar)
=MAA>. 2%'('(o1%r ,a(1'a(1%) 'a' s&/E%c' ar%a 7as 7('(1 '% Ma.a' R(v%r For%s'
R%s%rva'(o1. O1 ?&1% 11, 1**8 '% r%E%c'(o1 o5 '% 22A 7as a55(r,%) 7%r%as '%
,(1(1. c-a(,s o5 r%s+o1)%1's A-/%r'o G. A&,o-o %' a-. 'a' a) /%%1 co1v%r'%) (1'o a
M2SA, s&/E%c' 'o co,+-(a1c% 7(' R.A. 7*92 a1) DAO No. *#69", 7%r% .(v%1 )&%
co&rs%.
2%'('(o1%r ,ov%) 5or r%co1s()%ra'(o1. R%s+o1)%1' MAA )%1(%) +%'('(o1%rJs ,o'(o1 .
ISSUE:
F%'%r r%s+o1)%1' MAA %rr%) (1 5(1)(1. 'a' '% ar%a s&/E%c' o5 '% 22A 7as o&'s()%
'% Ma.a' R(v%r For%s' R%s%rva'(o1.
CELD:
R%s+o1)%1' MAA corr%c'-0 &+%-) '% ra'(oc(1a'(o1 o5 R%.(o1a- E$%c&'(v% D(r%c'or
2ara.as (1 )%10(1. +%'('(o1%rNs 22A.
T% )(sa++rova- o5 Marco++%rJs 22A ,or%ov%r, )() 1o' %,a1a'% 5ro, a s(1.-%
r%co,,%1)a'(o1 o5 '% RTD 5or M(1%s. R%cor)s 7o&-) so7 'a' as %ar-0 as Ma0 !1,
1*8* $ $ $ '% A&,o-o .ro&+ o5 2D 9#! c-a(,s 7(c Marco++%r as %v%1'&a--0
s&rro&1)%) /0 5(-(1. ('s o71 2AO 16!" .ro&+ o5 c-a(,s $ $ $ $ 7as co15(r,%) /0 '%
For%s' E1.(1%%r(1. S%c'(o1 o5 '% r%.(o1 'o /% o&'s()% +roc-a(,%) 7a'%rs%) ar%as,
7(-)%r1%ss, 1a'(o1a- +ar<s a1) %$(s'(1. .ov%r1,%1' r%5or%s'a'(o1 +roE%c's $ $ $ $
I1 o'%r 7or)s, '% c(rc&,s'a1c% 'a' '% ar%a cov%r%) /0 +%'('(o1%rNs 22A (s o&'s()% '%
Ma.a' R(v%r For%s' R%s%rva'(o1 as /%%1 a)%4&a'%-0 %s'a/-(s%) /0 '% 5o--o7(1.
%v()%1c%: =a> co15(r,a'(o1 as %ar-0 as !1 Ma0 1*8* /0 '% For%s' E1.(1%%r(1. S%c'(o1
o5 T&.&%.arao, Ca.a0a1G =/> '% 8 ?&-0 1**1 M%,ora1)&, R%+or' o5 R%.(o1a-
T%c1(ca- D(r%c'or 2&1sa- ?r.G a1), =c> +-o''(1. +rov()%) /0 '% Na'(o1a- Ma++(1. a1)
R%so&rc%s I15or,a'(o1 A&'or('0 +%r ('s 2 ?&1% 1**5 (1)ors%,%1' o5 '% ,a+s 'o '%
o55(c% o5 '% R%.(o1a- E$%c&'(v% D(r%c'or. 2%'('(o1%r co1'%s's '% %$c-&s(o1 o5 '% ar%a
s&/E%c' o5 ('s 22A 7('(1 '% Ma.a' R(v%r For%s' R%s%rva'(o1 /as%) ,%r%-0 o1 '%
a--%.%) O'0+o.ra+(ca- %rror co,,(''%) /0 so,%/o)0 (1 '% E1.(1%%r(1. S%c'(o1 o5 '%
DENR.O As()% 5ro, '% 5ac' 'a' '% a--%.a'(o1 )o%s 1o' av% a10'(1. 'o s&++or' (', '%
a5or%,%1'(o1%) )oc&,%1's 7(c '% R%.(o1a- E$%c&'(v% D(r%c'ors r%-(%) &+o1 (1
)%10(1. '% 22A a) a-r%a)0 s%''-%) '% (ss&%.
F&r'%r,or%, r%s+o1)%1' MAA %v%1 5or'(5(%) '% /as%s 5or '% r%E%c'(o1 o5 +%'('(o1%rNs
22A. As +-o''%) /0 '% La1)s Ma1a.%,%1' S%c'or o5 DENR R%.(o1 2 co1'a(1%) (1 '%
s<%'c +-a1 o5 11 Nov%,/%r 1**# a1) as so71 (1 '% La1) Us% ,a+ o5 '% Co,,&1('0
E1v(ro1,%1' a1) Na'&ra- R%so&rc%s O55(c% o5 D&+a$, N&%va 8(3ca0a, '% ar%a cov%r%)
&1)%r '% 22A (s (1)%%) o&'s()% a10 .ov%r1,%1' r%s%rva'(o1.
G.R. No. *8!!2 ?a1&ar0 1#, 1**5
MINERS ASSOCIATION OF TCE 2CILI22INES, INC., petitioner,
vs.
CON. FULGENCIO S. FACTORAN, ?R., S%cr%'ar0 o5 E1v(ro1,%1' a1) Na'&ra-
R%so&rc%s, a1) ?OEL D. MUMCO, D(r%c'or o5 M(1%s a1) G%osc(%1c%s A&r%a&,
respondents.
FACTS:
2&rs&a1' 'o S%c'(o1 # o5 E$%c&'(v% Or)%r No. 27*, a&'or(3(1. '% DENR S%cr%'ar0 'o
1%.o'(a'% a1) co1c-&)% Eo(1' v%1'&r%, co6+ro)&c'(o1, or +ro)&c'(o16sar(1. a.r%%,%1's
5or '% %$+-ora'(o1, )%v%-o+,%1' a1) &'(-(3a'(o1 o5 ,(1%ra- r%so&rc%s, a1) +r%scr(/(1.
'% .&()%-(1%s 5or s&c a.r%%,%1's a1) 'os% a.r%%,%1's (1vo-v(1. '%c1(ca- or
5(1a1c(a- ass(s'a1c% /0 5or%(.16o71%) cor+ora'(o1s 5or -ar.%6sca-% %$+-ora'(o1,
)%v%-o+,%1', a1) &'(-(3a'(o1 o5 ,(1%ra-s, '% DENR S%cr%'ar0 (ss&%) DENR
A),(1(s'ra'(v% Or)%r No. 57, s%r(%s o5 1*8*, %1'('-%) OG&()%-(1%s o1 M(1%ra- 2ro)&c'(o1
Sar(1. A.r%%,%1' &1)%r E$%c&'(v% Or)%r No. 27*.O U1)%r '% 'ra1s('or0 +rov(s(o1 o5
sa() DENR A),(1(s'ra'(v% Or)%r No. 57, %,/o)(%) (1 ('s Ar'(c-% *, a-- %$(s'(1. ,(1(1.
-%as%s or a.r%%,%1's 7(c 7%r% .ra1'%) a5'%r '% %55%c'(v('0 o5 '% 1*87 Co1s'('&'(o1
+&rs&a1' 'o E$%c&'(v% Or)%r No. 211, %$c%+' s,a-- sca-% ,(1(1. -%as%s a1) 'os%
+%r'a(1(1. 'o sa1) a1) .rav%- a1) 4&arr0 r%so&rc%s cov%r(1. a1 ar%a o5 '7%1'0 =2">
%c'ar%s or -%ss, sa-- /% co1v%r'%) (1'o +ro)&c'(o16sar(1. a.r%%,%1's 7('(1 o1% =1>
0%ar 5ro, '% %55%c'(v('0 o5 '%s% .&()%-(1%s.
T% S%cr%'ar0 o5 '% DENR '%1 5&r'%r (ss&%) DENR A),(1(s'ra'(v% Or)%r No. 82,
s%r(%s o5 1**", -a0(1. )o71 '% O2roc%)&ra- G&()%-(1%s o1 '% A7ar) o5 M(1%ra-
2ro)&c'(o1 Sar(1. A.r%%,%1' =M2SA> 'ro&. N%.o'(a'(o1.O
T% (ss&a1c% a1) '% (,+%1)(1. (,+-%,%1'a'(o1 /0 '% DENR o5 A),(1(s'ra'(v% Or)%r
Nos. 57 a1) 82 a5'%r '%(r r%s+%c'(v% %55%c'(v('0 )a'%s co,+%--%) '% M(1%rs Assoc(a'(o1
o5 '% 2(-(++(1%s, I1c. 'o 5(-% '% (1s'a1' +%'('(o1 assa(-(1. '%(r va-()('0 a1)
co1s'('&'(o1a-('0 /%5or% '(s Co&r'.
2%'('(o1%r M(1%rs Assoc(a'(o1 o5 '% 2(-(++(1%s, I1c., ,a(1-0 co1'%1)s 'a' '%
a),(1(s'ra'(v% or)%rs )o 1o' co15or, 7(' E$%c&'(v% Or)%r Nos. 211 a1) 27*, +%'('(o1%r
co1'%1)s 'a' /o' or)%rs v(o-a'% '% 1o16(,+a(r,%1' o5 co1'rac' +rov(s(o1 &1)%r Ar'(c-%
III, S%c'(o1 1" o5 '% 1*87 Co1s'('&'(o1 o1 '% .ro&1) 'a' A),(1(s'ra'(v% Or)%r No. 57
&1)&-0 +r%6'%r,(1a'%s %$(s'(1. ,(1(1. -%as%s a1) o'%r ,(1(1. a.r%%,%1's a1)
a&'o,a'(ca--0 co1v%r's '%, (1'o +ro)&c'(o16sar(1. a.r%%,%1's 7('(1 o1% =1> 0%ar
5ro, ('s %55%c'(v('0 )a'%. O1 '% o'%r a1), A),(1(s'ra'(v% Or)%r No. 82 )%c-ar%s 'a'
5a(-&r% 'o s&/,(' L%''%rs o5 I1'%1' a1) M(1%ra- 2ro)&c'(o16Sar(1. A.r%%,%1's 7('(1 '7o
=2> 0%ars 5ro, '% )a'% o5 %55%c'(v('0 o5 sa() .&()%-(1% or o1 ?&-0 17, 1**1 sa-- ca&s% '%
a/a1)o1,%1' o5 '%(r ,(1(1., 4&arr0 a1) sa1) .rav%- +%r,('s.
2%'('(o1%r ar.&%) 'a' E$%c&'(v% Or)%r No. 27* )o%s 1o' co1'%,+-a'% a&'o,a'(c
co1v%rs(o1 o5 ,(1(1. -%as% a.r%%,%1's (1'o ,(1(1. +ro)&c'(o16sar(1. a.r%%,%1' as
+rov()%) &1)%r Ar'(c-% *, A),(1(s'ra'(v% Or)%r No. 57 a1)Kor '% co1s%4&%1'
a/a1)o1,%1' o5 ,(1(1. c-a(,s 5or 5a(-&r% 'o s&/,(' LOIs a1) M2SAs &1)%r S%c'(o1 !,
A),(1(s'ra'(v% Or)%r No. 82 /%ca&s% S%c'(o1 1 o5 sa() E$%c&'(v% Or)%r No. 27*
%,+o7%rs '% DENR S%cr%'ar0 'o 1%.o'(a'% a1) %1'%r (1'o vo-&1'ar0 a.r%%,%1's 7(c
,&s' s%' 5or' '% ,(1(,&, '%r,s a1) co1)('(o1s +rov()%) &1)%r S%c'(o1 2 '%r%o5.
Mor%ov%r, +%'('(o1%r co1'%1)s 'a' '% +o7%r 'o r%.&-a'% a1) %1'%r (1'o ,(1(1.
a.r%%,%1's )o%s 1o' (1c-&)% '% +o7%r 'o +r%'%r,(1a'% %$(s'(1. ,(1(1. -%as%
a.r%%,%1's.
ISSUE:
F%'%r or 1o' DENR A),(1(s'ra'(v% Or)%r Nos. 57 a1) 82 (ss&%) /0 '% DENR
S%cr%'ar0 ar% &1co1s'('&'(o1a-.
CELD:
NO. DENR A),(1(s'ra'(v% Or)%r Nos. 57 a1) 82 ar% 1o' &1co1s'('&'(o1a-.
T% 4&%s'(o1%) a),(1(s'ra'(v% or)%rs ar% r%aso1a/-0 )(r%c'%) 'o '% acco,+-(s,%1' o5
'% +&r+os%s o5 '% -a7 &1)%r 7(c '%0 7%r% (ss&%) a1) 7%r% (1'%1)%) 'o s%c&r% '%
+ara,o&1' (1'%r%s' o5 '% +&/-(c, '%(r %co1o,(c .ro7' a1) 7%-5ar%. T% va-()('0 a1)
co1s'('&'(o1a-('0 o5 A),(1(s'ra'(v% Or)%r Nos. 57 a1) 82 ,&s' /% s&s'a(1%), a1) '%(r
5orc% a1) %55%c' &+%-).
A),(1(s'ra'(v% Or)%r No. 57 a++-(%s o1-0 'o a-- %$(s'(1. ,(1(1. -%as%s or a.r%%,%1's
7(c 7%r% .ra1'%) a5'%r '% %55%c'(v('0 o5 '% 1*87 Co1s'('&'(o1 +&rs&a1' 'o E$%c&'(v%
Or)%r No. 211. I' /%ars ,%1'(o1 'a' &1)%r '% '%$' o5 E$%c&'(v% Or)%r No. 211, '%r% (s
a r%s%rva'(o1 c-a&s% 7(c +rov()%s 'a' '% +r(v(-%.%s as 7%-- as '% '%r,s a1)
co1)('(o1s o5 a-- %$(s'(1. ,(1(1. -%as%s or a.r%%,%1's .ra1'%) a5'%r '% %55%c'(v('0 o5 '%
1*87 Co1s'('&'(o1, +&rs&a1' 'o E$%c&'(v% Or)%r No. 211, sa-- /% s&/E%c' 'o a10 a1) a--
,o)(5(ca'(o1s or a-'%ra'(o1s 7(c Co1.r%ss ,a0 a)o+' +&rs&a1' 'o Ar'(c-% III, S%c'(o1 2
o5 '% 1*87 Co1s'('&'(o1. C%1c%, '% s'r(c'&r%s o5 '% 1o16(,+a(r,%1' o5 co1'rac' c-a&s%
&1)%r Ar'(c-% III, S%c'(o1 1" o5 '% 1*87 Co1s'('&'(o1 )o 1o' a++-0 'o '% a5or%sa() ,(1(1.
-%as%s or a.r%%,%1's .ra1'%) a5'%r '% %55%c'(v('0 o5 '% 1*87 Co1s'('&'(o1, +&rs&a1' 'o
E$%c&'(v% Or)%r No. 211. T%0 ca1 /% a,%1)%), ,o)(5(%) or a-'%r%) /0 a s'a'&'%
+ass%) /0 Co1.r%ss 'o ac(%v% '% +&r+os%s o5 Ar'(c-% III, S%c'(o1 2 o5 '% 1*87
Co1s'('&'(o1.
Mor%ov%r, 1o7%r% (1 A),(1(s'ra'(v% Or)%r No. 57 (s '%r% a10 +rov(s(o1 7(c 7o&-)
-%a) &s 'o co1c-&)% 'a' '% 4&%s'(o1%) or)%r a&'or(3%s '% a&'o,a'(c co1v%rs(o1 o5
,(1(1. -%as%s a1) a.r%%,%1's .ra1'%) a5'%r '% %55%c'(v('0 o5 '% 1*87 Co1s'('&'(o1,
+&rs&a1' 'o E$%c&'(v% Or)%r No. 211, 'o +ro)&c'(o16sar(1. a.r%%,%1's. T% +rov(s(o1
(1 Ar'(c-% * o5 A),(1(s'ra'(v% Or)%r No. 57 'a' Oa-- s&c -%as%s or a.r%%,%1's sa-- /%
co1v%r'%) (1'o +ro)&c'(o1 sar(1. a.r%%,%1's 7('(1 o1% =1> 0%ar 5ro, '% %55%c'(v('0 o5
'%s% .&()%-(1%sO co&-) 1o' +oss(/-0 co1'%,+-a'% a &1(-a'%ra- )%c-ara'(o1 o1 '% +ar' o5
'% Gov%r1,%1' 'a' a-- %$(s'(1. ,(1(1. -%as%s a1) a.r%%,%1's ar% a&'o,a'(ca--0
co1v%r'%) (1'o +ro)&c'(o16sar(1. a.r%%,%1's. O1 '% co1'rar0, '% &s% o5 '% '%r,
O+ro)&c'(o16sar(1. a.r%%,%1'O (1 '% sa,% +rov(s(o1 (,+-(%s 1%.o'(a'(o1 /%'7%%1 '%
Gov%r1,%1' a1) '% a++-(ca1's, (5 '%0 ar% so ,(1)%). N%.o'(a'(o1 1%.a'%s co,+&-s(o1
or a&'o,a'(c co1v%rs(o1 as s&..%s'%) /0 +%'('(o1%r (1 '% (1s'a1' +%'('(o1. A ,(1%ra-
+ro)&c'(o16sar(1. a.r%%,%1' =M2SA> r%4&(r%s a ,%%'(1. o5 '% ,(1)s o5 '% +ar'(%s
a5'%r 1%.o'(a'(o1s arr(v%) a' (1 .oo) 5a(' a1) (1 accor)a1c% 7(' '% +roc%)&r% -a()
)o71 (1 '% s&/s%4&%1' A),(1(s'ra'(v% Or)%r No. 82.
OLMM2IC MINES AND DE8ELO2MENT COR2., 2%'('(o1%r,
6 v%rs&s 6

2LATINUM GROU2 METALS COR2ORATION, R%s+o1)%1'.

CITINIC?E MINES AND DE$EOPMENT CORPORATION,2%'('(o1%r,
6 v%rs&s 6
HON. %UDGE #IEN$ENIDO C. #ANCA3OR, ), ')s 6(2(6)t8 (s t'/ P*/s)1),g
%u1g/ o; t'/ R/g)o,(5 T*)(5 Cou*t o; P(5(7(,, #*(,6' @=, Pu/*to P*),6/s( C)t8,
P(5(7(,, (,1 PATINUM GROUP META CORPORATION,
R%s+o1)%1's
PATINUM GROUP METAS CORPORATION,
2%'('(o1%r,
6 v%rs&s 6

CITINIC?E MINES AND DE$EOPMENT CORPORATION, (6t),g ;o* )ts o7,
),t/*/st (,1 o, 0/'(5; o; O.MPIC MINES AND DE$EOPMENT CORPORATION,
R%s+o1)%1'.
PATINUM GROUP METAS CORPORATION,
2%'('(o1%r,

6 v%rs&s 6
COURT O3 APPEAS (,1 PO. C. D.,
R%s+o1)%1's
FACTS:
I1 1*71 a1) 1*8", O-0,+(c 7as .ra1'%) :M(1(1. L%as% Co1'rac's; /0 '% S%cr%'ar0 o5
'% !E$% cov%r(1. ,(1(1. ar%as -oca'%) (1 '% ,&1(c(+a-('(%s o5 Narra a1) Es+a1o-a,
2a-a7a1.
O1 ?&-0 18, 2""!, O-0,+(c %1'%r%) (1'o a1 O2/*(t),g Ag*//+/,t 7(' 2-a'(1&,, /0
v(r'&% o5 7(c 2-a'(1&, 7as .(v%1 '% %$c-&s(v% r(.' 'o co1'ro-, +oss%ss,
,a1a.%Ko+%ra'%, a1) co1)&c' ,(1(1. o+%ra'(o1s, a1) 'o ,ar<%' or )(s+os% ,(1(1.
+ro)&c's o1 '% Toro1'o N(c<%- M(1% (1 '% M&1(c(+a-('0 o5 Narra. I1 r%'&r1, 2-a'(1&,
7o&-) +a0 O-0,+(c a ro0a-'0 5%% o5 2PD o5 '% .ross r%v%1&%s.
O-0,+(c a1) 2-a'(1&, a++-(%) 5or, a1) 7%r% s&/s%4&%1'-0 .ra1'%) '% 1%c%ssar0
.ov%r1,%1' +%r,('s a1) %1v(ro1,%1'a- co,+-(a1c% c%r'(5(ca'%s.
O1 A+r(- 29, 2""#, O-0,+(c s%1' a -%''%r 'o 2-a'(1&,, (15or,(1. '% -a''%r o5 '%
(,,%)(a'% '%r,(1a'(o1 o5 '% O+%ra'(1. A.r%%,%1' o1 acco&1' o5 2-a'(1&,Js .ross
v(o-a'(o1s o5 ('s '%r,s, a1) )(r%c'(1. 2-a'(1&, 'o (,,%)(a'%-0 s&rr%1)%r +oss%ss(o1 o5
'% s&/E%c' ,(1(1. ar%as &1)%r '% O+%ra'(1. A.r%%,%1'.
O-0,+(c (1s'('&'%) a1 ac'(o1 5or '% (ss&a1c% o5 a1 (1E&1c'(v% 7r(' /%5or% '% RTC o5
2&%r'o 2r(1c%sa a.a(1s' 2-a'(1&,. I1 ('s +ra0%r, O-0,+(c so&.' 'o %1Eo(1 2-a'(1&, 5ro,
co1)&c'(1. ,(1(1. o+%ra'(o1s o1 '% s&/E%c' ,(1(1. ar%as, a1) a-so 'o r%cov%r
+oss%ss(o1 '%r%o5. T% RTC )(s,(ss%) O-0,+(cJs co,+-a(1'.
O-0,+(c '%1 5(-%) '7o cas%s 7(' '% 2rov(1c(a- M(1(1. R%.&-a'or0 Aoar) =&M%B> 5or
'% r%voca'(o1 o5 '% SSM2s o5 2-a'(1&,, o1 '% .ro&1) o5 O-0,+(cJs '%r,(1a'(o1 o5 '%
O+%ra'(1. A.r%%,%1' /%ca&s% o5 '% a--%.%) .ross v(o-a'(o1s '%r%o5 /0 2-a'(1&,. T(s
7as )(s,(ss%) a1) 2OA 5or '% ca1c%--a'(o1 o5 '% O+%ra'(1. A.r%%,%1' a1) '%
r%voca'(o1 o5 '% SSM2s o5 2-a'(1&,. T(s cas% 7as s&/s%4&%1'-0 7(')ra71 /0 .
F(-% '%s% '7o a),(1(s'ra'(v% cas%s 7%r% +%1)(1., O-0,+(c 'ra1s5%rr%) ('s a++-(ca'(o1s
5or ,(1%ra- a.r%%,%1's, (1c-&)(1. ('s r(.'s &1)%r '% O+%ra'(1. A.r%%,%1', 'o C('(1(c<%-
via a D%%) o5 , 7('o&' '% <1o7-%).% or co1s%1' o5 2-a'(1&,. T(s ass(.1,%1' 7as
'%r%a5'%r a++rov%) /0 '% R%.(o1a- D(r%c'or o5 '% M(1%s a1) G%osc(%1c%s A&r%a&
=M"B>.
A5'%r '% ass(.1,%1', C('(1(c<%- 5(-%) C(v(- Cas% No. "#6"185 /%5or% '% RTC o5
2araQa4&%, o1 ?&1% 21, 2""#, s%%<(1. 'o (1va-()a'% '% O+%ra'(1. A.r%%,%1' /as%) o1
2-a'(1&,Js a--%.%) v(o-a'(o1 o5 ('s '%r,s. T(s ac'(o1 7as a-so )(s,(ss%) /0 '% 'r(a-
co&r', c('(1. 5or&, so++(1. a1) (,+ro+%r v%1&% as a,o1. '% .ro&1)s 5or )(s,(ssa-.
C('(1(c<%- )() 1o' /o'%r 'o a++%a- '(s )(s,(ssa-, o+'(1. (1s'%a) 'o 5(1) o'%r r%,%)(%s.
C('(1(c<%- '%r%a5'%r 5(-%) 'r%% a),(1(s'ra'(v% cas%s: 2MRA Cas% No. ""26"#, DENR
E1v(ro1,%1'a- Ma1a.%,%1' A&r%a& =EMB> Cas% No. 825!, a1) 2OA Cas% No. 2""#6
"26A.
C(v(- Cas% No. 91** (1vo-v%) a co,+-a(1' 5or 4&(%'(1. o5 '('-%, )a,a.%s, /r%ac o5
co1'rac', a1) s+%c(5(c +%r5or,a1c% 5(-%) /0 2-a'(1&, a.a(1s' O-0,+(c /%5or% '% RTC o5
2&%r'o 2r(1c%sa, 2a-a7a1, Ara1c *5 o1 ?&1% 19, 2""#.
O-0,+(c so&.' '% )(s,(ssa- o5 2-a'(1&,Js C(v(- Cas% No. 91** 'ro&. a ,o'(o1 'o
)(s,(ss 7%r% O-0,+(c a--%.%) 'a' '% 'r(a- co&r' 7as 7('o&' E&r(s)(c'(o1 'o r&-% o1 '%
(ss&%s ra(s%) (1 '% cas%. 'lympic contended that the case involved a mining dispute
requiring the technical e(pertise o) the &'*+ accordingly, ,urisdiction should e with the
&'
ISSUE:
F(c /o)0 as '% a&'or('0 'o %ar a1) )%c()% '% )(s+&'% /%'7%%1 O-0,+(cKC('(1(c<%-
a1) 2-a'(1&,, as +ar'(%s 'o '% o+%ra'(1. a.r%%,%1'.
CELD:
S%''-%) (s '% r&-% 'a' E&r(s)(c'(o1 o5 '% co&r' ov%r '% s&/E%c' ,a''%r (s )%'%r,(1%) /0
'% a--%.a'(o1s o5 '% co,+-a(1'. I' (s '&s o/v(o&s 'a' '% co,+-a(1' 5a--s 7('(1 '%
a,/(' o5 '% RTCJs or(.(1a- E&r(s)(c'(o1, 'o '% %$c-&s(o1 o5 a-- o'%r E&)(c(a- or 4&as(6
E&)(c(a- /o)(%s.
A-'o&. S%c'(o1 77 =)> o5 '% M(1(1. Ac' as 'ra1s5%rr%) 'o '% 2OA E&r(s)(c'(o1 ov%r
)(s+&'%s +%1)(1. /%5or% '% A&r%a& o5 M(1%s a1) '% DENR, S%c'(o1 77 =/> )() 1o'
a)o+' '% 7or)(1. o5 S%c'(o1 7, +ara.ra+s =a> a1) =c> o5 2D No. 1281 so as 'o (1c-&)%
a-- o'%r 5or,s o5 co1'rac's H +&/-(c or +r(va'% H (1vo-v(1. ,(1(1. r(.'sG S%c'(o1 77 =/> (1
r%-a'(o1 'o S%c'(o1 ! =a/> o5 '% M(1(1. Ac' )() 1o' (1c-&)% a .%1%ra- ca'c6a-- +ras% 'o
cov%r o'%r a.r%%,%1's (1vo-v(1. ,(1(1. r(.'s s(,(-ar 'o 'os% (1 S%c'(o1 7, +ara.ra+s
=a> a1) =c> o5 2D No. 1281. I1s'%a), '% M(1(1. Ac', 'ro&. '% a/ov%64&o'%) S%c'(o1s
! =a/> a1) 2#, as -(,('%) '% E&r(s)(c'(o1 o5 '% 2OA, as s&cc%ssor o5 '% a)E&)(ca'or0
5&1c'(o1s o5 '% A&r%a& o5 M(1%s, 'o ,(1%ra- a.r%%,%1's /%'7%%1 '% .ov%r1,%1' a1)
'% +r(va'% co1'rac'or. O'%r7(s% s'a'%), 7(-% )(s+&'%s /%'7%%1 +ar'(%s 'o a10 ,(1(1.
co1'rac' =(1c-&)(1. o+%ra'(1. a.r%%,%1's> ,a0 +r%v(o&s-0 5a-- 7('(1 '% A&r%a& o5
M(1%sJ E&r(s)(c'(o1 &1)%r S%c'(o1 7 =a> or =c> o5 2D No. 1281, (' ca1 1o -o1.%r /% so
+-ac%) 1o7 7('(1 '% a&'or('0 o5 '% 2OA 'o s%''-% &1)%r S%c'(o1 77 =/> o5 '% M(1(1.
La7 /%ca&s% ('s E&r(s)(c'(o1 as /%%1 -(,('%) 'o '% r%so-&'(o1 o5 )(s+&'%s (1vo-v(1.
pulic ,(1%ra- a.r%%,%1's.
T% co1'ro--(1. 5ac'or (1 )%'%r,(1(1. v%1&% 5or cas%s (s '% +r(,ar0 o/E%c'(v% 5or 7(c
sa() cas%s ar% 5(-%). 2-a'(1&,Js +r(,ar0 o/E%c'(v% (1 5(-(1. '% co,+-a(1' (s 'o +ro'%c' ('s
(1'%r%s' (1 '% s&/E%c' ,(1(1. ar%as, a-'o&. (' Eo(1%) ('s c-a(,s o5 /r%ac o5 co1'rac',
)a,a.%s, a1) s+%c(5(c +%r5or,a1c% (1 '% cas%. I1 a10 %v%1', '% R&-%s o5 Co&r' a--o7
Eo(1)%r o5 ca&s%s o5 ac'(o1 (1 '% RTC, +rov()%) o1% o5 '% ca&s%s o5 ac'(o1 =(1 '(s
cas%, '% ca&s% o5 ac'(o1 5or 4&(%'(1. o5 '('-% or (1'%r%s' (1 r%a- +ro+%r'0 -oca'%) (1
2a-a7a1> 5a--s 7('(1 '% E&r(s)(c'(o1 o5 sa() co&r' a1) v%1&% -(%s '%r%(1. I, ;),/, t'/*/
)s (0so5ut/58 ,o */(so, to 1)stu*0 t'/ CAAs ;),1),gs t'(t 9/,u/ 7(s 2*o2/*58 5()1
), t'/ P(5(7(, 6ou*t.
G.R. No. 1#!5"*
2ICO2 RESOURCES, INC.,+%'('(o1%r,
6 v%rs&s 6

AASE METALS MINERAL RESOURCES COR2ORATION a1) TCE MINES
AD?UDICATION AOARD, r%s+o1)%1's.
FACTS:
C%1'ra- M(1)a1ao M(1(1. a1) D%v%-o+,%1' Cor+ora'(o1 =CMMCI 5or /r%v('0> %1'%r%)
(1'o a M(1%s O+%ra'(1. A.r%%,%1' =A.r%%,%1' 5or /r%v('0> 7(' Aa1aa7 M(1(1. a1)
D%v%-o+,%1' Cor+ora'(o1 =Aa1aa7 M(1(1. 5or /r%v('0> 7%r%/0 '% -a''%r a.r%%) 'o ac'
as M(1% O+%ra'or 5or '% %$+-ora'(o1, )%v%-o+,%1', a1) %v%1'&a- co,,%rc(a- o+%ra'(o1
o5 CMMCIJs %(.'%%1 =18> ,(1(1. c-a(,s -oca'%) (1 A.&sa1 )%- S&r.
2&rs&a1' 'o '% '%r,s o5 '% A.r%%,%1', Aa1aa7 M(1(1. 5(-%) a++-(ca'(o1s 5or M(1(1.
L%as% Co1'rac's ov%r '% ,(1(1. c-a(,s 7(' '% A&r%a& o5 M(1%s. So 'a' Aa1aa7
M(1(1. 7as (ss&%) a M(1%s T%,+orar0 2%r,(' a&'or(3(1. (' 'o %$'rac' a1) )(s+os% o5
+r%c(o&s ,(1%ra-s 5o&1) 7('(1 ('s ,(1(1. c-a(,s. U+o1 ('s %$+(ra'(o1, '% '%,+orar0
+%r,(' 7as s&/s%4&%1'-0 r%1%7%) 'r(c% /0 '% A&r%a& o5 M(1%s, '% -as' /%(1. o1 ?&1%
28, 1**1.
S(1c% a +or'(o1 o5 Aa1aa7 M(1(1.Js ,(1(1. c-a(,s 7as -oca'%) (1 +%'('(o1%r 2ICO2Js
-o..(1. co1c%ss(o1 (1 A.&sa1 )%- S&r, Aa1aa7 M(1(1. a1) +%'('(o1%r 2ICO2 %1'%r%)
(1'o a M%,ora1)&, o5 A.r%%,%1', 7%r%/0, (1 ,&'&a- r%co.1('(o1 o5 %ac o'%rJs r(.'
'o '% ar%a co1c%r1%), +%'('(o1%r 2ICO2 a--o7%) Aa1aa7 M(1(1. a1 acc%ssKr(.' o5
7a0 'o ('s ,(1(1. c-a(,s. Aa1aa7 M(1(1. co1v%r'%) ('s ,(1(1. c-a(,s 'o a++-(ca'(o1s
5or M(1%ra- 2ro)&c'(o1 Sar(1. A.r%%,%1's =M2SA 5or /r%v('0>.
F(-% '% M2SA 7%r% +%1)(1., Aa1aa7 M(1(1., o1 D%c%,/%r 18, 1**#, )%c()%) 'o
s%--Kass(.1 ('s r(.'s a1) (1'%r%s's ov%r '(r'06s%v%1 =!7> ,(1(1. c-a(,s (1 5avor o5 +r(va'%
r%s+o1)%1' Aas% M%'a-s M(1%ra- R%so&rc%s Cor+ora'(o1 =Aas% M%'a-s 5or /r%v('0>. T%
'ra1s5%r (1c-&)%) ,(1(1. c-a(,s %-) /0 Aa1aa7 M(1(1. (1 ('s o71 r(.' as c-a(, o71%r,
as 7%-- as 'os% cov%r%) /0 ('s ,(1(1. o+%ra'(1. a.r%%,%1' 7(' CMMCI.
U+o1 /%(1. (15or,%) o5 '% )%v%-o+,%1', CMMCI, as c-a(, o71%r, (,,%)(a'%-0
a++rov%) '% ass(.1,%1' ,a)% /0 Aa1aa7 M(1(1. (1 5avor o5 +r(va'% r%s+o1)%1' Aas%
M%'a-s, '%r%/0 r%co.1(3(1. +r(va'% r%s+o1)%1' Aas% M%'a-s as '% 1%7 o+%ra'or o5 ('s
c-a(,s.
O1 Marc 1", 1**7, +r(va'% r%s+o1)%1' Aas% M%'a-s a,%1)%) Aa1aa7 M(1(1.Js
+%1)(1. M2SA a++-(ca'(o1s 7(' '% A&r%a& o5 M(1%s 'o s&/s'('&'% ('s%-5 as a++-(ca1'
a1) 'o s&/,(' a))('(o1a- )oc&,%1's (1 s&++or' o5 '% a++-(ca'(o1. Ar%a c-%ara1c%s 5ro,
'% DENR R%.(o1a- D(r%c'or a1) S&+%r(1'%1)%1' o5 '% A.&sa1 Mars a1) F(-)-(5%
Sa1c'&ar0 7%r% s&/,(''%), as r%4&(r%).
O1 Oc'o/%r 7, 1**7, +r(va'% r%s+o1)%1' Aas% M%'a-sJ a,%1)%) M2SA a++-(ca'(o1s
7%r% +&/-(s%) (1 accor)a1c% 7(' '% r%4&(r%,%1's o5 '% M(1(1. Ac' o5 1**5.
O1 Nov%,/%r 18, 1**7, +%'('(o1%r 2ICO2 5(-%) 7(' '% M(1%s G%o6Sc(%1c%s A&r%a&
=MGA>, Cara.a R%.(o1a- O55(c% No. IIII a1 A)v%rs% C-a(, a1)Kor O++os('(o1 'o +r(va'%
r%s+o1)%1' Aas% M%'a-sJ a++-(ca'(o1. A5'%r '% s&/,(ss(o1 o5 '%(r r%s+%c'(v% +os('(o1
+a+%r, '% 2a1%- Ar/('ra'or (ss&%) a1 Or)%r )(sa++rov(1. +r(va'% r%s+o1)%1' Aas%
M%'a-sJ M2SA o1 '% r%aso1s 'a' a)v%rs% c-a(, 7as 5(-%) o1 '(,%, 'a' '% .ra1'(1. o5
'% M2SA a++-(ca'(o1 o1 ar%a s&/E%c' o5 a1 IFMA or 2TLA 7(c (s cov%r%) /0 a
2r%s()%1'(a- Farra1'0, '% +a1%- /%-(%v%s (' ca11o', &1-%ss '% .ra1'%% co1s%1's '%r%'o,
7('o&' '% .ra1'%%Js co1s%1', '% ar%a (s co1s()%r%) c-os%) 'o ,(1(1. -oca'(o1 =s%c. 1*>
=/> =No. 2>, DAO No. *#69"> a1) 'a' '% ,(1(1. -oca'(o1 (1 5or%s' or '(,/%r-a1) (s
a--o7%) o1-0 (5 s&c 5or%s' or '(,/%r-a1) (s 1o' -%as%) /0 '% .ov%r1,%1' 'o a 4&a-(5(%)
+%rso1 or %1'('0 a1) (5 (' (s -%as%) '% co1s%1' o5 '% -%ssor (s 1%c%ssar0, (1 a))('(o1 'o
'% ar%a c-%ara1c% 'o /% (ss&%) /0 '% a.%1c0 co1c%r1%) /%5or% (' (s s&/E%c'%) 'o
,(1(1. o+%ra'(o1.
2-a1'a'(o1 (s co1s()%r%) c-os%) 'o ,(1(1. -oca'(o1s /%ca&s% (' (s o55 'a1.%1' 'o ,(1(1..
Ao' ar% %$'r%,%s. T%0 ca1 1o' %$(s' a' '% sa,% '(,%. T% o'%r ,&s' 1%c%ssar(-0
s'o+ /%5or% '% o'%r o+%ra'%.
2r(va'% r%s+o1)%1' Aas% M%'a-s 5(-%) a No'(c% o5 A++%a- 7(' +&/-(c r%s+o1)%1' MAA,
'% -a''%r r%1)%r%) '% assa(-%) )%c(s(o1 s%''(1. as()% '% 2a1%- Ar/('ra'orJs or)%r. T%
Co&r' o5 A++%a-s &+%-) '% )%c(s(o1 o5 '% MAA.
C%1c% '(s +%'('(o1.
2ICO2 +r%s%1's '% 5o--o7(1. (ss&%s: =1> '% 2,75# %c'ar%s s&/E%c' o5 Aas% M%'a-sJ
M2SA ar% c-os%) 'o ,(1(1. o+%ra'(o1s %$c%+' &+o1 2ICO2Js 7r(''%1 co1s%1' +&rs&a1'
'o %$(s'(1. -a7s, r&-%s a1) r%.&-a'(o1s a1) /0 v(r'&% o5 '% 2r%s()%1'(a- Farra1'0G =2> ('s
2r%s()%1'(a- Farra1'0 (s +ro'%c'%) /0 '% 1o16(,+a(r,%1' c-a&s% o5 '% Co1s'('&'(o1G a1)
=!> (' )o%s 1o' ra(s% 1%7 (ss&%s (1 ('s +%'('(o1.
2ICO2 ass%r's 'a' ('s co1c%ss(o1 ar%as ar% c-os%) 'o ,(1(1. o+%ra'(o1s as '%s% ar%
7('(1 '% A.&sa16S&r(.ao6Davao 5or%s' r%s%rv% %s'a/-(s%) &1)%r 2roc-a,a'(o1 No.
!#* o5 '%1 Gov. G%1. D7(.' Dav(s. T% ar%a (s a--%.%)-0 a-so +ar' o5 +%r,a1%1' 5or%s'
%s'a/-(s%) &1)%r R%+&/-(c Ac' No. !"*2 =RA !"*2>, a1) ov%r-a+s '% 7(-)%r1%ss ar%a
7%r% ,(1(1. a++-(ca'(o1s ar% %$+r%ss-0 +ro(/('%) &1)%r RA 758#. C%1c%, '% ar%a (s
c-os%) 'o ,(1(1. o+%ra'(o1s &1)%r S%c. 1*=5> o5 RA 7*92.
ISSUE:

F%'%r or 1o' '% ar%a cov%r%) /0 Aas% M%'a-sJ M2SA (s, /0 -a7, c-os%) 'o ,(1(1.
ac'(v('(%s
F%'%r or 1o' '% 2r%s()%1'(a- Farra1'0 (s a co1'rac' +ro'%c'%) /0 '% 1o16(,+a(r,%1'
c-a&s% o5 '% 1*87 Co1s'('&'(o1.
HED4
A,/,t t'/ ;)*st )ssu/, t'/ Cou*t *u5/1 t'(t t'/ ar%a cov%r%) /0 Aas% M%'a-sJ M2SA
(s, /0 -a7, 1o' c-os%) 'o ,(1(1. ac'(v('(%s.
T%r% (s 1o %v()%1c% (1 '(s cas% 'a' '% ar%a cov%r%) /0 Aas% M%'a-sJ M2SA as
/%%1 +roc-a(,%) as 7a'%rs%) 5or%s' r%s%rv%s.
Ev%1 .ra1'(1. 'a' '% ar%a cov%r%) /0 '% M2SA (s +ar' o5 '% A.&sa16Davao6S&r(.ao
For%s' R%s%rv%, s&c )o%s 1o' 1%c%ssar(-0 s(.1(50 'a' '% ar%a (s a/so-&'%-0 c-os%) 'o
,(1(1. ac'(v('(%s. Co1'rar0 'o 2ICO2Js o/v(o&s ,(sr%a)(1. o5 o&r )%c(s(o1 (1 *pe(
Mining Co., -nc. v. "arcia, supra, 'o '% %55%c' 'a' ,(1%ra- a.r%%,%1's ar% 1o' a--o7%)
(1 '% 5or%s' r%s%rv% %s'a/-(s%) &1)%r 2roc-a,a'(o1 !#*, '% Co&r' (1 'a' cas% ac'&a--0
r&-%) 'a' +&rs&a1' 'o 2D 9#! as a,%1)%) /0 2D 1!85, o1% ca1 ac4&(r% ,(1(1. r(.'s
7('(1 5or%s' r%s%rv%s, s&c as '% A.&sa16Davao6S&r(.ao For%s' R%s%rv%, /0 (1('(a--0
a++-0(1. 5or a +%r,(' 'o +ros+%c' 7(' '% A&r%a& o5 For%s' a1) D%v%-o+,%1' a1)
s&/s%4&%1'-0 5or a +%r,(' 'o %$+-or% 7(' '% A&r%a& o5 M(1%s a1) G%osc(%1c%s.
Mor%ov%r, S%c. 18 RA 7*92 a--o7s ,(1(1. %v%1 (1 '(,/%r-a1) or 5or%s''0 s&/E%c' 'o
%$(s'(1. r(.'s a1) r%s%rva'(o1s. S(,(-ar-0, S%c. 97 o5 2D 7"5 +%r,('s ,(1(1. o+%ra'(o1s
(1 5or%s' -a1)s 7(c (1c-&)% '% +&/-(c 5or%s', '% +%r,a1%1' 5or%s' or 5or%s' r%s%rv%s,
a1) 5or%s' r%s%rva'(o1s
F(' r%.ar) 'o '% s%co1) (ss&%, '% Co&r' )o 1o' s&/scr(/% 'o 2ICO2Js ar.&,%1' 'a'
'% 2r%s()%1'(a- Farra1'0 )a'%) S%+'%,/%r 25, 1*#8 (s a co1'rac' +ro'%c'%) /0 '% 1o16
(,+a(r,%1' c-a&s% o5 '% 1*87 Co1s'('&'(o1. A1 %$a,(1a'(o1 o5 '% 2r%s()%1'(a-
Farra1'0 a' o1c% r%v%a-s 'a' (' s(,+-0 r%ass&r%s 2ICO2 o5 '% .ov%r1,%1'Js
co,,(',%1' 'o &+o-) '% '%r,s a1) co1)('(o1s o5 ('s '(,/%r -(c%1s% a1) .&ara1'%%s
2ICO2Js +%ac%5&- a1) a)%4&a'% +oss%ss(o1 a1) %1Eo0,%1' o5 '% ar%as 7(c ar% '%
/as(c so&rc%s o5 ra7 ,a'%r(a-s 5or ('s 7oo) +roc%ss(1. co,+-%$. T% 7arra1'0 cov%rs
o1-0 '% r(.' 'o c&', co--%c', a1) r%,ov% '(,/%r (1 ('s co1c%ss(o1 ar%a, a1) )o%s 1o'
%$'%1) 'o '% &'(-(3a'(o1 o5 o'%r r%so&rc%s, s&c as ,(1%ra- r%so&rc%s, occ&rr(1. 7('(1
'% co1c%ss(o1.
T% 2r%s()%1'(a- Farra1'0 ca11o' /% co1s()%r%) a co1'rac' )(s'(1c' 5ro, 2TLA
No. 97 a1) IFMA No. !5. I' (s ,%r%-0 a co--a'%ra- &1)%r'a<(1. 7(c ca11o' a,+-(50
2ICO2Js r(.'s &1)%r ('s '(,/%r -(c%1s%. S),6/ t)+0/* 5)6/,s/s (*/ ,ot 6o,t*(6ts, t'/
,o,")+2()*+/,t 65(us/ 6(,,ot 0/ ),9o:/1.
2MRO CO22ER MINING COR2ORATION, +%'('(o1%r,
versus
MINES AD?UDICATION AOARD6DE2ARTMENT OF EN8IRONMENT AND NATURAL
RESOURCES, ET AL, r%s+o1)%1'.
FACTS:
2%'('(o1%r (s a cor+ora'(o1 )&-0 or.a1(3%) a1) %$(s'(1. &1)%r 2(-(++(1% -a7s %1.a.%) (1
'% /&s(1%ss o5 ,(1(1.. O1 !1 Marc 2""", +%'('(o1%rJs A++-(ca'(o1 5or M(1%ra-
2ro)&c'(o1 Sar(1. A.r%%,%1' =M2SA>, 5or '% %$+-ora'(o1, )%v%-o+,%1' a1)
co,,%rc(a- &'(-(3a'(o1 o5 c%r'a(1 +0r('% or% a1) o'%r ,(1%ra- )%+os('s (1 a 9,!#".716
%c'ar% -a1) (1 Daso-, 2a1.as(1a1, 7as a++rov%) a1) M2SA No. 15!62"""61 7as
(ss&%) (1 ('s 5avor.
2r(va'% r%s+o1)%1' (s a-so a cor+ora'(o1 or.a1(3%) a1) %$(s'(1. &1)%r '% -a7s o5 '%
2(-(++(1%s a1) %1.a.%) (1 '% /&s(1%ss o5 ,(1(1.. 2r(va'% r%s+o1)%1' 5(-%) a1
A++-(ca'(o1 5or E$+-ora'(o1 2%r,(' 7(' MGA cov%r(1. '% sa,% +ro+%r'(%s cov%r%) /0
a1) )&r(1. '% s&/s(s'%1c% o5 A2SA6SF6""""8* a1) M2SA No. 15!62"""61 o5
+%'('(o1%r. I1 '&r1, +%'('(o1%r 5(-%) a 8%r(5(%) 2ro'%s'KO++os('(o1 'o '% A++-(ca'(o1 5or
E$+-ora'(o1 2%r,(' o5 '% +r(va'% r%s+o1)%1'. I' 7as a--%.%)-0 5(-%) 7(' '% 2a1%- o5
Ar/('ra'ors o1 !" A&.&s' 2""5 a1) 7as r%c%(v%) /0 '% -a''%r o1 5 S%+'%,/%r 2""5.
2r(or, o7%v%r, 'o +%'('(o1%rJs 5(-(1. o5 ('s 8%r(5(%) 2ro'%s'KO++os('(o1 'o '% +r(va'%
r%s+o1)%1'Js A++-(ca'(o1 5or E$+-ora'(o1 2%r,(', +%'('(o1%rJs M2SA No. 15!62"""61 7as
ca1c%--%), a Mo'(o1 5or R%co1s()%ra'(o1 7as -(<%7(s% )%1(%).
T% MGA (ss&%) E2 No. "56""1 'o +r(va'% r%s+o1)%1'.
2a1%- o5 Ar/('ra'ors )(s,(ss%) motu proprio '% 8%r(5(%) 2ro'%s'KO++os('(o1 o5 +%'('(o1%r.
2%'('(o1%r %-%va'%) /0 a++%a- 'o '% MAA 7(c 7as a-so )(s,(ss%).
T% cas% 7as %-%va'%) 'o '% Co&r' o5 a++%a-s /&' E&).,%1' 7as r%1)%r%) a.a(1s' '%
+%'('(o1%r.
C%1c%, '(s +%'('(o1.
ISSUE:
F%'%r '% 2a1%- o5 Ar/('ra'ors as E&r(s)(c'(o1 'o ca1c%-, )%10 a1)Kor r%vo<% E2 No.
"56""1 (ss&%) /0 MGA 'o +r(va'% r%s+o1)%1'.
CELD:
NO. T% 2a1%- o5 Ar/('ra'ors as 1o E&r(s)(c'(o1 'o ca1c%-, )%10 a1)Kor r%vo<% E2 No.
"56""1 (ss&%) /0 MGA 'o +r(va'% r%s+o1)%1'
S%c'(o1 77 o5 R%+&/-(c Ac' No. 7*92 %s'a/-(s%s '% E&r(s)(c'(o1 o5 '% 2a1%- o5
Ar/('ra'ors, '&s:
S%c. 77. &anel o) *ritrators. . $ $ $. F('(1 '(r'0 =!"> 7or<(1. )a0s, a5'%r '%
s&/,(ss(o1 o5 '% cas% /0 '% +ar'(%s 5or )%c(s(o1, t'/ 2(,/5 s'(55 '(9/ /!65us)9/ (,1
o*)g),(5 Bu*)s1)6t)o, to '/(* (,1 1/6)1/ o, t'/ ;o55o7),g4
1. D)s2ut/s ),9o59),g *)g'ts to +),),g (*/(sC
2. D)s2ut/s ),9o59),g +),/*(5 (g*//+/,ts o* 2/*+)tsC
!. D(s+&'%s (1vo-v(1. s&r5ac% o71%rs, occ&+a1's a1)
c-a(,o-)%rsKco1c%ss(o1a(r%sG a1)
9. D(s+&'%s +%1)(1. /%5or% '% A&r%a& a1) '% D%+ar',%1' a' '% )a'% o5 '%
%55%c'(v('0 o5 '(s Ac'.
T'/ P(,/5 o; A*0)t*(to*s o,58 '(s Bu*)s1)6t)o, o9/* (19/*s/ 65()+s, 6o,;5)6ts, (,1
o22os)t)o,s */5(t),g to (225)6(t)o,s ;o* t'/ g*(,t o; +),/*(5 *)g'ts, 0ut ,ot o9/*
6(,6/55(t)o, o; +),/*(5 *)g'ts (5*/(18 g*(,t/1 (,1 /!)st),g.
As 'o 7o as E&r(s)(c'(o1 'o ca1c%- a1 %$(s'(1. %$+-ora'(o1 +%r,(', S%c'(o1 28 o5 DAO
NO. *#69" %$+-(c('-0 +rov()%s:
Section /0. Cancellation o) an E(ploration &ermit. H T%
D(r%c'orKco1c%r1%) R%.(o1a- D(r%c'or ,a0 ca1c%- '% E$+-ora'(o1
2%r,(' 5or 5a(-&r% o5 '% 2%r,(''%% 'o co,+-0 7(' a10 o5 '%
r%4&(r%,%1's a1) 5or v(o-a'(o1=s> o5 '% '%r,s a1) co1)('(o1s &1)%r
7(c '% 2%r,(' (s (ss&%). For r%1%7%) E$+-ora'(o1 2%r,('s, '%
S%cr%'ar0 &+o1 '% r%co,,%1)a'(o1 o5 '% D(r%c'or sa-- ca&s% '%
ca1c%--a'(o1 o5 '% sa,%.
Accor)(1. 'o S%c'(o1 5 o5 DAO No. *#69", :D(r%c'or; ,%a1s '% D(r%c'or o5 '% MGA
C%1'ra- O55(c%, 7(-% :R%.(o1a- D(r%c'or; ,%a1s '% R%.(o1a- D(r%c'or o5 a10 MGA
R%.(o1a- O55(c%. As '% a&'or('0 'o (ss&% a1 E$+-ora'(o1 2%r,(' (s v%s'%) (1 '% MGA,
'%1 '% sa,% 1%c%ssar(-0 (1c-&)%s '% coro--ar0 +o7%r 'o r%vo<%, 7(')ra7 or ca1c%-
'% sa,%. I1)(s+&'a/-0, '% a&'or('0 'o )%10, r%vo<%, or ca1c%- E2 No. "56""1 o5
+r(va'% r%s+o1)%1' (s a-r%a)0 -o).%) 7(' '% MGA, a1) 1o' 7(' '% 2a1%- o5
Ar/('ra'ors.
G.R. No. L69*1"*. D%c%,/%r 1, 1*87
SANTA ROSA MINING COM2ANM, INC., petitioner, vs. CON. MINISTER OF NATURAL
RESOURCES ?OSE ?. LEIDO, ?R. AND DIRECTOR OF MINES ?UANITO C.
FERNANDEZ, respondents.
FACTS:
2%'('(o1%r , Sa1'a Rosa M(1(1. Co,+a10, I1c., (s a ,(1(1. cor+ora'(o1 )&-0 or.a1(3%)
a1) %$(s'(1. &1)%r '% -a7s o5 '% 2(-(++(1%s. I' a--%.%s 'a' (' (s '% o-)%r o5 5(5'0 =5">
va-() ,(1(1. c-a(,s s('&a'%) (1 ?os% 2a1.a1(/a1, Ca,ar(1%s Nor'%, ac4&(r%) &1)%r '%
+rov(s(o1s o5 '% Ac' o5 '% U.S. Co1.r%ss )a'%) 1 ?&-0 1*"2 =2(-(++(1% A(-- o5 1*"2, 5or
sor'>.
O1 19 Oc'o/%r 1*77, 2r%s()%1'(a- D%cr%% No. 1219 7as (ss&%), r%4&(r(1. o-)%rs o5
s&/s(s'(1. a1) va-() +a'%1'a/-% ,(1(1. c-a(,s -oca'%) &1)%r '% +rov(s(o1s o5 '%
2(-(++(1% A(-- o5 1*"2 'o 5(-% a ,(1(1. -%as% a++-(ca'(o1 7('(1 o1% =1> 0%ar 5ro, '%
a++rova- o5 '% D%cr%%. 2%'('(o1%r accor)(1.-0 5(-%) a ,(1(1. -%as% a++-(ca'(o1, /&'
O&1)%r +ro'%s'O, o1 1! Oc'o/%r 1*78, 7(' a r%s%rva'(o1 a11o'a'%) o1 '% /ac< o5 ('s
a++-(ca'(o1 'a' (' (s 1o' 7a(v(1. ('s r(.'s ov%r ('s ,(1(1. c-a(,s &1'(- '% va-()('0 o5
2r%s()%1'(a- D%cr%% No. 1219 sa-- av% /%%1 +ass%) &+o1 /0 '(s Co&r'.
O1 1" Oc'o/%r 1*78, +%'('(o1%r 5(-%) '(s s+%c(a- c(v(- ac'(o1 5or certiorari a1) +ro(/('(o1,
a--%.(1. 'a' (' as 1o o'%r +-a(1, s+%%)0 a1) a)%4&a'% r%,%)0 (1 '% or)(1ar0 co&rs%
o5 -a7 'o +ro'%c' ('s r(.'s =%$c%+' /0 sa() +%'('(o1>. 2%'('(o1%r assa(-s 2r%s()%1'(a-
D%cr%% No. 1219 as &1co1s'('&'(o1a- (1 'a' (' a,o&1's 'o a )%+r(va'(o1 o5 +ro+%r'0
7('o&' )&% +roc%ss o5 -a7.
2%'('(o1%r av%rs 'a' ('s 5(5'0 =5"> ,(1(1. c-a(,s a) a-r%a)0 /%%1 )%c-ar%) as ('s o71
+r(va'% a1) %$c-&s(v% +ro+%r'0 (1 5(1a- E&).,%1's. T% r%s+o1)%1's, o1 '% o'%r a1),
a--%.% 'a' +%'('(o1%r as 1o s'a1)(1. 'o 5(-% '% (1s'a1' +%'('(o1 as (' 5a(-%) 'o 5&--0
%$a&s' a),(1(s'ra'(v% r%,%)(%s.
ISSUE:
F%'%r or 1o' 2r%s()%1'(a- D%cr%% No. 1219 (s co1s'('&'(o1a-.
CELD:
2r%s()%1'(a- D%cr%% No. 1219 (s 1o' &1co1s'('&'(o1a-.
I' (s a va-() %$%rc(s% o5 '% sov%r%(.1 +o7%r o5 '% S'a'%, as o71%r, ov%r -a1)s o5 '%
+&/-(c )o,a(1, o5 7(c +%'('(o1%rNs ,(1(1. c-a(,s s'(-- 5or, a +ar', a1) ov%r '%
+a'r(,o10 o5 '% 1a'(o1, o5 7(c ,(1%ra- )%+os('s ar% a va-&a/-% ass%'. I' ,a0 /%
&1)%rscor%), (1 '(s co11%c'(o1, 'a' '% D%cr%% )o%s 1o' cov%r a-- ,(1(1. c-a(,s
-oca'%) &1)%r '% 2(-. A(-- o5 1*"2, /&' o1-0 'os% c-a(,s ov%r 7(c '%(r -oca'ors a)
5a(-%) 'o o/'a(1 a +a'%1'. A1) %v%1 '%1, s&c -oca'ors ,a0 s'(-- ava(- o5 '% r%1%7a/-%
'7%1'065(v% 0%ar =25> -%as% +r%scr(/%) /0 2r%s. D%c. No. 9#!, '% M(1%ra- D%v%-o+,%1'
R%so&rc%s D%cr%% o5 1*79.
2r%s()%1'(a- D%cr%% No. 1219 (s (1 accor) 7(' S%c. 8, Ar'. II8 o5 '% 1*7! Co1s'('&'(o1.
2%'('(o1 (s )(s,(ss%).
G.R. No. 1!51*". A+r(- !, 2""2
SOUTCEAST MINDANAO GOLD MINING COR2ORATION, petitioner, vs. AALITE
2ORTAL MINING COO2ERATI8E a1) o'%rs s(,(-ar-0 s('&a'%)G a1) TCE CONORAALE
ANTONIO CERILLES, (1 (s ca+ac('0 as S%cr%'ar0 o5 '% D%+ar',%1' o5 E1v(ro1,%1'
a1) Na'&ra- R%so&rc%s =DENR>, 2RO8INCIAL MINING REGULATORM AOARD OF
DA8AO =2MRA6Davao>, respondents.
FACTS:
T% (1s'a1' cas% (1vo-v%s a r(c 'rac' o5 ,(1%ra- -a1) s('&a'%) (1 '% A.&sa16Davao6
S&r(.ao For%s' R%s%rv% <1o71 as '% :D(7a-7a- Go-) R&s Ar%a.; Loca'%) a' M'.
D(7a'a (1 '% ,&1(c(+a-('(%s o5 Mo1<a0o a1) Ca'%%- (1 Davao D%- Nor'%, '% -a1) as
/%%1 %,/ro(-%) (1 co1'rov%rs0 s(1c% '% ,()68"Js )&% 'o '% scra,/-% ov%r .o-)
)%+os('s 5o&1) 7('(1 ('s /o7%-s.
O1 Marc 1", 1*88, Marco++%r M(1(1. Cor+ora'(o1 =Marco++%r> 7as .ra1'%)
E$+-ora'(o1 2%r,(' No. 1!! =E2 No. 1!!> ov%r 9,9*1 %c'ar%s o5 -a1), 7(c (1c-&)%)
'% o'-06co1'%s'%) D(7a-7a- ar%a.
No' -o1. '%r%a5'%r, Co1.r%ss %1ac'%) o1 ?&1% 27, 1**1 R%+&/-(c Ac' No. 7"7#, or '%
2%o+-%Js S,a--6Sca-% M(1(1. Ac'. T% -a7 %s'a/-(s%) a 2%o+-%Js S,a--6Sca-% M(1(1.
2ro.ra, 'o /% (,+-%,%1'%) /0 '% S%cr%'ar0 o5 '% DENR a1) cr%a'%) '% 2rov(1c(a-
M(1(1. R%.&-a'or0 Aoar) =2MRA> &1)%r '% DENR S%cr%'ar0Js )(r%c' s&+%rv(s(o1 a1)
co1'ro-. T% s'a'&'% a-so a&'or(3%) '% 2MRA 'o )%c-ar% a1) s%' as()% s,a--6sca-%
,(1(1. ar%as s&/E%c' 'o r%v(%7 /0 '% DENR S%cr%'ar0 a1) a7ar) ,(1(1. co1'rac's 'o
s,a--6sca-% ,(1%rs &1)%r c%r'a(1 co1)('(o1s.
O1 D%c%,/%r 21, 1**1, DENR S%cr%'ar0 F&-.%1c(o S. Fac'ora1 (ss&%) D%+ar',%1'
A),(1(s'ra'(v% Or)%r =DAO> No. ##, )%c-ar(1. 72* %c'ar%s o5 '% D(7a-7a- ar%a as
1o165or%s' -a1) o+%1 'o s,a--6sca-% ,(1(1.. T% (ss&a1c% 7as ,a)% +&rs&a1' 'o '%
+o7%rs v%s'%) (1 '% DENR S%cr%'ar0 /0 2roc-a,a'(o1 No. !#*, 7(c %s'a/-(s%) '%
A.&sa16Davao6S&r(.ao For%s' R%s%rv%.
O1 ?&1% 29, 1**7, '% DENR S%cr%'ar0 (ss&%) M%,ora1)&, Or)%r No. *76"! 7(c
)(r%c's '% DENR 'o study thoroughly and e(haustively the option o) direct state
utili1ation o) the mineral resources in the !iwalwal "old2%ush *rea. S&c study shall
include, /&' sa-- 1o' /% -(,('%) 'o, s'&)0(1. a1) weighing the )easiility o) entering into
management agreements or operating agreements, or /o', 7(' '% a++ro+r(a'%
.ov%r1,%1' (1s'r&,%1'a-('(%s or +r(va'% %1'('(%s, or /o', (1 carr0(1. o&' '% )%c-ar%)
+o-(c0 o5 ra'(o1a-(3(1. '% ,(1(1. o+%ra'(o1s (1 '% D(7a-7a- Go-) R&s Ar%aG s&c
agreements shall include provisions )or pro)it2sharing /%'7%%1 '% s'a'% a1) '% sa()
+ar'(%s, including pro)it2sharing arrangements with small2scale miners, as 7%-- as '%
+a0,%1' o5 ro0a-'(%s 'o (1)(.%1o&s c&-'&ra- co,,&1('(%s, a,o1. o'%rs. T%
U1)%rs%cr%'ar0 5or F(%-) O+%ra'(o1s, as 7%-- as '% U1)%rs%cr%'ar0 5or L%.a- a1)
L%.(s-a'(v% A55a(rs a1) A''ac%) A.%1c(%s, a1) '% D(r%c'or o5 '% M(1%s a1) G%o6
sc(%1c%s A&r%a& ar% %r%/0 ordered to underta#e such studies. $ $ $
2%'('(o1%r 5(-%) a s+%c(a- c(v(- ac'(o1 5or certiorari, prohiition a1) mandamus /%5or% '%
Co&r' o5 A++%a-s a.a(1s' 2MRA6Davao, '% DENR S%cr%'ar0 a1) Aa-('% Co,,&1a-
2or'a- M(1(1. Coo+%ra'(v% =AC2MC>, 7(c r%+r%s%1'%) a-- '% OT2 .ra1'%%s. I' +ra0%)
5or '% 1&--(5(ca'(o1 o5 '% a/ov%64&o'%) M%,ora1)&, Or)%r No. *76"! o1 '% .ro&1)
'a' '% :)(r%c' s'a'% &'(-(3a'(o1; %s+o&s%) '%r%(1 7o&-) %55%c'(v%-0 (,+a(r ('s v%s'%)
r(.'s &1)%r E2 No. 1!!.
T% Co&r' o5 A++%a-s )(s,(ss%) '% +%'('(o1. I' r&-%) 'a' '% DENR S%cr%'ar0 )() 1o'
a/&s% (s )(scr%'(o1 (1 (ss&(1. M%,ora1)&, Or)%r No. *76"! s(1c% '% sa,% 7as
,%r%-0 a )(r%c'(v% 'o co1)&c' s'&)(%s o1 '% var(o&s o+'(o1s ava(-a/-% 'o '% .ov%r1,%1'
5or so-v(1. '% D(7a-7a- co15-(c'.
ISSUE:
F%'%r or 1o' '% Co&r' o5 A++%a-s %rr%) 7%1 (' co1c-&)%) 'a' '% assa(-%)
,%,ora1)&, or)%r )() 1o' a)o+' '% :)(r%c' s'a'% &'(-(3a'(o1 sc%,%; (1 r%so-v(1. '%
D(7a-7a- )(s+&'%.
C%-):
F% a.r%% 7(' '% Co&r' o5 A++%a-sJ r&-(1. 'a' '% ca--%1.%) MO *76"! )() 1o'
co1c-&s(v%-0 a)o+' :)(r%c' s'a'% &'(-(3a'(o1; as a +o-(c0 (1 r%so-v(1. '% D(7a-7a- )(s+&'%.
T% '%r,s o5 '% ,%,ora1)&, c-%ar-0 (1)(ca'% 'a' 7a' 7as )(r%c'%) '%r%&1)%r 7as
,%r%-0 a study o5 '(s o+'(o1 a1) 1o'(1. %-s%. Co1'rar0 'o +%'('(o1%rJs co1'%1'(o1, (' )()
1o' .ra1' a10 ,a1a.%,%1'Ko+%ra'(1. or +ro5('6sar(1. a.r%%,%1' 'o s,a--6sca-% ,(1%rs
or 'o a10 +ar'0, 5or 'a' ,a''%r, /&' s(,+-0 (1s'r&c'%) '% DENR o55(c(a-s co1c%r1%) 'o
&1)%r'a<% s'&)(%s 'o )%'%r,(1% ('s 5%as(/(-('0.
G.R. No. #***7. S%+'%,/%r !", 1*87
UNGAM MALOAAGO MINES, INC., petitioner, vs. CON. INTERMEDIATE A22ELLATE
COURT, DIRECTOR OF LANDS, GREGORIA AOLANOS, AUREA ARAO?O,
GER8ACIO ARAO?O, MARIA AERNAL, FELII DETECIO, ?ESUS ASUNCION,
MELANIO ASUNCION a1) AIEN8ENIDO ASUNCION, respondents.
FACTS:
O1 ?&-0 2", 1*#2, '% 2r%s()%1' o5 '% 2(-(++(1%s .ra1'%) ,(1(1. +a'%1's o1 ,(1%ra-
c-a(,s -oca'%) a' U1.a0 Ma-o/a.o, Ra+&6Ra+&, A-/a0 'o %r%(1 +%'('(o1%rs a1) o'%r
+r(va'% (1)(v()&a-s.
Fa0 /ac< o1 Oc'o/%r !", 1*5*, ?o1 Ca1so1, ?r. a1) Car-os S'(-(a1o+&-os ass(.1%)
'%(r r(.'s 'o '%(r ,(1(1. c-a(,s (1 5avor o5 '% +%'('(o1%r. T% ass(.1,%1' o5 r(.'s 7as
r%cor)%) (1 '% O55(c% o5 '% M(1(1. R%cor)%r o5 A-/a0 o1 D%c%,/%r 2, 1*5*.
T% a5or%s'a'%) ,(1(1. +a'%1's, a5'%r '%(r (ss&a1c% o1 ?&-0 2", 1*#2, 7%r% a-- r%cor)%)
(1 '% O55(c% o5 '% M(1(1. R%cor)%r o5 A-/a0 o1 A&.&s' 28, 1*#2 a1) 'ra1scr(/%) o1
S%+'%,/%r 9, 1*#2 (1 '% R%.(s'ra'(o1 Aoo< o5 '% R%.(s'r0 o5 D%%)s o5 A-/a0.
Co1s%4&%1'-0, '% R%.(s'%r o5 D%%)s o5 A-/a0 (ss&%) '% r%s+%c'(v% or(.(1a- c%r'(5(ca'%s
o5 '('-%s +&rs&a1' 'o S%c'(o1 122 o5 Ac' No. 9*# (1 '% 1a,%s o5 ?o1 Ca1so1, ?r., Car-os
S'(-(a1o+&-os, a1) '% +%'('(o1%r.
S&/s%4&%1'-0, or 5ro, 1*#8 'o 1*79, 'r%% +a'%1's 7%r% .ra1'%) /0 '% r%s+o1)%1'
D(r%c'or o5 La1)s a1) '% corr%s+o1)(1. or(.(1a- c%r'(5(ca'%s o5 '('-%s 7%r% (ss&%) /0 '%
R%.(s'%r o5 D%%)s 'o +r(va'% r%s+o1)%1's.
A-- o5 '% a/ov% +a'%1's cov%r%) +or'(o1s o5 '% -o's cov%r%) /0 '% +a'%1's /%-o1.(1. 'o
'% +%'('(o1%r.
T% +%'('(o1%r 5(-%) a co,+-a(1' 5or a11&-,%1' a1) ca1c%--a'(o1 o5 +a'%1's a.a(1s' '%
+r(va'% r%s+o1)%1's a1) +ra0%) 'a' a-- '% 5r%% +a'%1' '('-%s (ss&%) (1 '%(r 5avor 5or
+ro+%r'(%s ov%r 7(c or(.(1a- c%r'(5(ca'%s o5 '('-% a) a-r%a)0 /%%1 (ss&%) (1 ('s 5avor /%
)%c-ar%) 1&-- a1) vo().
T% 'r(a- co&r' r%1)%r%) a )%c(s(o1 )(s,(ss(1. '% co,+-a(1'
T% CA a55(r,%) '% )%c(s(o1 o5 '% 'r(a- co&r'.
ISSUE:
a> F%'%r or 1o' '% -a1)s (1 4&%s'(o1 /%-o1. 'o '% +&/-(c )o,a(1G
/> F%'%r or 1o' '% a++%--a'% co&r' %rr%) (1 )(s,(ss(1. '% co,+-a(1' o1 '%
.ro&1) 'a' '% +%'('(o1%r a) 1o +%rso1a-('0 'o (1s'('&'% '% sa,%
CELD:
No.
Ar'(c-% IIII, S%c'(o1 1 o5 '% 1*!5 Co1s'('&'(o1 +rov()%s:
OA-- a.r(c&-'&ra-, '(,/%r, a1) ,(1%ra- -a1)s o5 '% +&/-(c )o,a(1, 7a'%rs, ,(1%ra-s, coa-,
+%'ro-%&,, a1) o'%r ,(1%ra- o(-s, a-- 5orc%s o5 +o'%1'(a- %1%r.0, a1) o'%r 1a'&ra-
r%so&rc%s o5 '% 2(-(++(1%s /%-o1. 'o '% S'a'%, a1) '%(r )(s+os('(o1, %$+-o('a'(o1,
)%v%-o+,%1', or &'(-(3a'(o1 sa-- /% -(,('%) 'o c('(3%1s o5 '% 2(-(++(1%s, or 'o
cor+ora'(o1s or assoc(a'(o1s a' -%as' s($'0 +%r c%1'&, o5 '% ca+('a- o5 7(c (s o71%) /0
s&c c('(3%1s, s&/E%c' 'o a10 %$(s'(1. r(.', .ra1', -%as%, or co1c%ss(o1 a' '% '(,% o5 '%
(1a&.&ra'(o1 o5 '% Gov%r1,%1' %s'a/-(s%) &1)%r '(s Co1s'('&'(o1. Na'&ra- r%so&rc%s,
7(' '% %$c%+'(o1 o5 +&/-(c a.r(c&-'&ra- -a1), sa-- 1o' /% a-(%1a'%) a1) 1o -(c%1s%,
co1c%ss(o1, or -%as% 5or '% %$+-o('a'(o1, )%v%-o+,%1', or &'(-(3a'(o1 o5 a10 o5 '% 1a'&ra-
r%so&rc%s sa-- /% .ra1'%) 5or a +%r(o) %$c%%)(1. '7%1'065(v% 0%ars, r%1%7a/-% 5or
a1o'%r '7%1'065(v% 0%ars, %$c%+' as 'o 7a'%r r(.'s 5or (rr(.a'(o1, 7a'%r s&++-0, 5(s%r(%s,
or (1)&s'r(a- &s%s o'%r 'a1 '% )%v%-o+,%1' o5 7a'%r +o7%r, (1 7(c cas%s /%1%5(c(a-
&s% ,a0 /% '% ,%as&r% a1) '% -(,(' o5 '% .ra1'.O =E,+as(s s&++-(%)>
T%r%5or%, a++-0(1. '% a5or%4&o'%) +rov(s(o1 'o '% cas% a' /ar, 7% co1c-&)% 'a' '%
(ss&a1c% o5 '% -o)% +a'%1's o1 ,(1%ra- c-a(,s /0 '% 2r%s()%1' o5 '% 2(-(++(1%s (1
1*#2 (1 5avor o5 '% +%'('(o1%r .ra1'%) 'o (' o1-0 '% r(.' 'o %$'rac' or &'(-(3% '% ,(1%ra-s
7(c ,a0 /% 5o&1) o1 or &1)%r '% s&r5ac% o5 '% -a1). O1 '% o'%r a1), '%
(ss&a1c% o5 '% 5r%% +a'%1's /0 '% r%s+o1)%1' D(r%c'or o5 La1)s (1 1*7* (1 5avor o5 '%
+r(va'% r%s+o1)%1's .ra1'%) 'o '%, '% o71%rs(+ a1) '% r(.' 'o &s% '% -a1) 5or
a.r(c&-'&ra- +&r+os%s /&' %$c-&)(1. '% o71%rs(+ o5, a1) '% r(.' 'o %$'rac' or &'(-(3%,
'% ,(1%ra-s 7(c ,a0 /% 5o&1) o1 or &1)%r '% s&r5ac%.
T%r% (s 1o /as(s (1 '% r%cor)s 5or '% +%'('(o1%rNs s'a1) 'a' (' ac4&(r%) '% r(.' 'o '%
,(1%ra- -a1)s +r(or 'o '% %55%c'(v('0 o5 '% 1*!5 Co1s'('&'(o1, '&s, ,a<(1. s&c
ac4&(s('(o1 o&'s()% ('s +&rv(%7 a1) sco+%.
A1%1' '% s%co1) (ss&%, '% +%'('(o1%r as 1o +%rso1a-('0 'o (1s'('&'% '% ac'(o1 /%-o7 5or
a11&-,%1' a1) ca1c%--a'(o1 o5 +a'%1's. T% ,(1%ra- -a1)s ov%r 7(c (' as a r(.' 'o
%$'rac' ,(1%ra-s r%,a(1%) +ar' o5 '% (1a-(%1a/-% -a1)s o5 '% +&/-(c )o,a(1 a1) '&s,
o1-0 '% So-(c('or G%1%ra- or '% +%rso1 ac'(1. (1 (s s'%a) ca1 /r(1. a1 ac'(o1 5or
r%v%rs(o1.
LOCAL GO8ERNANCE CASES:
G.R. No. 11"29*. A&.&s' 21, 1**7
ALFREDO TANO, ET AL, petitioners,
vs.
GO8. SAL8ADOR 2. SOCRATES ET AL respondents.
3acts4
O1 D%c%,/%r 15, 1**2, '% Sa1..&1(a1. 2a1-&1.so) 1. 2&%r'o 2r(1c%sa C('0 %1ac'%)
Or)(1a1c% No. 156*2 7(c 'oo< %55%c' o1 ?a1&ar0 1, 1**! %1'('-%): :AN ORDINANCE
AANNING TCE SCI2MENT OF ALL LI8E FISC AND LOASTER OUTSIDE 2UERTO
2RINCESA CITM FROM ?ANUARM 1, 1**! TO ?ANUARM 1, 1**8 AND 2RO8IDING
EIEM2TIONS, 2ENALTIES AND FOR OTCER 2UR2OSES TCEREOF.
To (,+-%,%1' sa() c('0 or)(1a1c%, '%1 Ac'(1. C('0 Ma0or A,a)o L. L&c%ro (ss&%) O55(c%
Or)%r No. 2!, S%r(%s o5 1**! )a'%) ?a1&ar0 22, 1**! 7(c r%a)s as 5o--o7s:
:I1 '% (1'%r%s' o5 +&/-(c s%rv(c% a1) 5or +&r+os%s o5 C('0 Or)(1a1c% No. 2D92#619679,
o'%r7(s% <1o71 as RAN ORDINANCE RE@UIRING ANM 2ERSON ENGAGED OR
INTENDING TO ENGAGE IN ANM AUSINESS, TRADE, OCCU2ATION, CALLING OR
2ROFESSION OR CA8ING IN CIS 2OSSESSION ANM OF TCE ARTICLES FOR
FCICC A 2ERMIT IS RE@UIRED TO AE CAD, TO OATAIN FIRST A MAMORJS
2ERMIT; a1) :C('0 Or)(1a1c% No. 156*2, AN ORDINANCE AANNING TCE SCI2MENT
OF ALL LI8E FISC AND LOASTER OUTSIDE 2UERTO 2RINCESA CITM FROM
?ANUARM 1, 1**! TO ?ANUARM 1, 1**8, 0o& ar% %r%/0 a&'or(3%) a1) )(r%c'%) 'o
c%c< or co1)&c' 1%c%ssar0 (1s+%c'(o1s o1 car.o%s co1'a(1(1. -(v% 5(s a1) -o/s'%r
/%(1. s(++%) o&' 5ro, '% 2&%r'o 2r(1c%sa A(r+or', 2&%r'o 2r(1c%sa Far5 or a' a10
+or' 7('(1 '% E&r(s)(c'(o1 o5 '% C('0 'o a10 +o(1' o5 )%s'(1a'(o1s Ss(cT %('%r v(a a(rcra5'
or s%acra5'.
O1 F%/r&ar0 1*, 1**!, '% Sa1..&1(a1. 2a1-a-a7(.a1, 2rov(1c(a- Gov%r1,%1' o5
2a-a7a1 %1ac'%) R%so-&'(o1 No. !! %1'('-%): :A RESOLUTION 2ROCIAITING TCE
CATCCING, GATCERING, 2OSSESSING, AUMING, SELLING AND SCI2MENT OF
LI8E MARINE CORAL DFELLING A@UATIC ORGANISMS, TO FIT: FAMILM:
SCARIDAE =MAMENG>, E2INE 2CELUS FASCIATUS =SUNO>. CROMILE2TES
ALTI8ELIS =2ANTCER OR SENORITA>, LOASTER AELOF 2"" GRAMS AND
S2AFNING, TRADACNA GIGAS =TABLOAO>, 2INCTADA MARGARITEFERA
=MOTCER 2EARL, OMSTERS, GIANT CLAMS AND OTCER S2ECIES>, 2ENAEUS
MONODON =TIGER 2RAFN6AREEDER SIZE OR MOTCER>, E2INE2CELUS
SUILLUS =LOAA OR GREEN GROU2ER> AND FAMILM: AALISTIDAE =TRO2ICAL
A@UARIUM FISCES> FOR A 2ERIOD FI8E =5> MEARS IN AND COMING FROM
2ALAFAN FATERS,
a1),
ORDINANCE NO. 2, S%r(%s o5 1**!
E1'('-%), :Or)(1a1c% 2ro(/('(1. '% ca'c(1., .a'%r(1., +oss%ss(1., /&0(1., s%--(1. a1)
s(+,%1' o5 -(v% ,ar(1% cora- )7%--(1. a4&a'(c or.a1(s,s, 'o 7(': 1. Fa,(-0: Scar()a%
=Ma,%1.>, 2. E+(1%+%-&s Fasc(a'&s =S&1o>, !. Cro,(-%+'%s a-'(v%-(s =2a1'%r or
S%1or('a>, -o/s'%r /%-o7 2"" .ra,s a1) s+a71(1.>, 9. Tr()ac1a G(.as =Ta<-o/o>, 5.
2(1c'a)a Mar.ar%'%5%ra =Mo'%r 2%ar-, O0s'%rs, G(a1' C-a,s a1) o'%r s+%c(%s>, #.
2%1a%&s Mo1o)o1 =T(.%r 2ra716/r%%)%r s(3% or ,o'%r>, 7. E+(1%+%-&s S&(--&s =Lo/a
or Gr%%1 Gro&+%r> a1) 8. Fa,(-0: Aa-(s'()a% =To+(ca- A4&ar(&, F(s%s> 5or a +%r(o) o5
5(v% =5> 0%ars (1 a1) co,(1. 5ro, 2a-a7a1 Fa'%rs.
R%s+o1)%1's (,+-%,%1'%) '% sa() or)(1a1c%s, '%r%/0 )%+r(v(1. a-- '% 5(s%r,%1 o5
'% 7o-% +rov(1c% o5 2a-a7a1 a1) '% C('0 o5 2&%r'o 2r(1c%sa o5 '%(r o1-0 ,%a1s o5
-(v%-(oo) a1) '% +%'('(o1%rs A(r-(1% S(++%rs Assoc(a'(o1 o5 2a-a7a1 a1) o'%r ,ar(1%
,%rca1's 5ro, +%r5or,(1. '%(r -a75&- occ&+a'(o1 a1) 'ra)%.
2%'('(o1%rs 5(-%) '(s +%'('(o1 )(r%c'-0 7(' '% COURT a--%.(1. 'a' '% Or)(1a1c%s
)%+r(v%) '%, o5 )&% +roc%ss o5 -a7, '%(r -(v%-(oo), a1) &1)&-0 r%s'r(c'%) '%, 5ro,
'% +rac'(c% o5 '%(r 'ra)%, (1 v(o-a'(o1 o5 S%c'(o1 2, Ar'(c-% III a1) S%c'(o1s 2 a1) 7 o5
Ar'(c-% IIII o5 '% 1*87 Co1s'('&'(o1G 'a' '% O55(c% Or)%r No. 2! co1'a(1%) 1o r%.&-a'(o1
1or co1)('(o1 &1)%r 7(c '% Ma0orJs +%r,(' co&-) /% .ra1'%) or )%1(%)G (1 o'%r
7or)s, '% Ma0or a) '% a/so-&'% a&'or('0 'o )%'%r,(1% 7%'%r or 1o' 'o (ss&% +%r,('
a1)G 'a' Or)(1a1c% No. 2 o5 '% 2rov(1c% o5 2a-a7a1 :a-'o.%'%r +ro(/('%) '%
ca'c(1., .a'%r(1., +oss%ss(o1, /&0(1., s%--(1. a1) s(++(1. o5 -(v% ,ar(1% cora-
)7%--(1. or.a1(s,s, 7('o&' a10 )(s'(1c'(o1 7%'%r (' 7as ca&.' or .a'%r%) 'ro&.
-a75&- 5(s(1. ,%'o),; '% Or)(1a1c% 'oo< a7a0 '% r(.' o5 +%'('(o1%rs65(s%r,%1 'o
%ar1 '%(r -(v%-(oo) (1 -a75&- 7a0sG a1) (1so5ar as +%'('(o1%rs6,%,/%rs o5 A(r-(1%
S(++%rs Assoc(a'(o1 ar% co1c%r1%), '%0 7%r% &1)&-0 +r%v%1'%) 5ro, +&rs&(1. '%(r
voca'(o1 a1) %1'%r(1. :(1'o co1'rac's 7(c ar% +ro+%r, 1%c%ssar0, a1) %ss%1'(a- 'o carr0
o&' '%(r /&s(1%ss %1)%avors 'o a s&cc%ss5&- co1c-&s(o1.;
A1) 5(1a--0, 'o )%c-ar% Or)(1a1c% No. 2 o5 '% Sa1..&1(a1. 2a1-a-a7(.a1 as 1&-- a1)
vo(),
ISSUE:
FCETCER OR NOT TCE ASSAILED ORDINANCES ARE
UNCONSTITUTIONAL.
CELD:
I' (s o5 co&rs% s%''-%) 'a' -a7s =(1c-&)(1. or)(1a1c%s %1ac'%) /0 -oca- .ov%r1,%1' &1('s>
%1Eo0 '% +r%s&,+'(o1 o5 co1s'('&'(o1a-('0. To ov%r'ro7 '(s +r%s&,+'(o1, '%r% ,&s' /%
a c-%ar a1) &1%4&(voca- /r%ac o5 '% Co1s'('&'(o1, 1o' ,%r%-0 a )o&/'5&- or
ar.&,%1'a'(v% co1'ra)(c'(o1. I1 sor', '% co15-(c' 7(' '% Co1s'('&'(o1 ,&s' /% so71
/%0o1) r%aso1a/-% )o&/'. F%r% )o&/' %$(s's, %v%1 (5 7%-- 5o&1)%), '%r% ca1 /% 1o
5(1)(1. o5 &1co1s'('&'(o1a-('0. To )o&/' (s 'o s&s'a(1.
A5'%r a scr&1('0 o5 '% ca--%1.%) Or)(1a1c%s a1) '% +rov(s(o1s o5 '% Co1s'('&'(o1
+%'('(o1%rs c-a(, 'o av% /%%1 v(o-a'%), 7% 5(1) +%'('(o1%rsJ co1'%1'(o1s /as%-%ss a1) so
o-) 'a' '% 5or,%r )o 1o' s&55%r 5ro, a10 (15(r,('0, /o' &1)%r '% Co1s'('&'(o1 a1)
a++-(ca/-% -a7s.
U1)%r '% .%1%ra- 7%-5ar% c-a&s% o5 '% LGC, -oca- .ov%r1,%1' &1('s av% '% +o7%r,
inter alia, 'o %1ac' or)(1a1c%s 'o %1a1c% '% r(.' o5 '% +%o+-% 'o a /a-a1c%) %co-o.0.
I' -(<%7(s% s+%c(5(ca--0 v%s's ,&1(c(+a-('(%s 7(' '% +o7%r 'o .ra1' 5(s%r0 +r(v(-%.%s (1
,&1(c(+a- 7a'%rs, a1) (,+os% r%1'a-s, 5%%s or car.%s '%r%5orG 'o +%1a-(3%, /0
a++ro+r(a'% or)(1a1c%s, '% &s% o5 %$+-os(v%s, 1o$(o&s or +o(so1o&s s&/s'a1c%s,
%-%c'r(c('0, muro2ami, a1) o'%r )%-%'%r(o&s ,%'o)s o5 5(s(1.G a1) 'o +ros%c&'% o'%r
,%'o)s o5 5(s(1.G a1) 'o +ros%c&'% a10 v(o-a'(o1 o5 '% +rov(s(o1s o5 a++-(ca/-% 5(s(1.
-a7s. F(1a--0, (' (,+os%s &+o1 '% sangguniang ayan, '% sangguniang panlungsod,
a1) '% sangguniang panlalawigan '% )&'0 'o %1ac' or)(1a1c%s 'o :S+Tro'%c' '%
%1v(ro1,%1' a1) (,+os% a++ro+r(a'% +%1a-'(%s 5or ac's 7(c %1)a1.%r '% %1v(ro1,%1'
s&c as )01a,('% 5(s(1. a1) o'%r 5or,s o5 )%s'r&c'(v% 5(s(1.U a1) s&c o'%r
ac'(v('(%s 7(c r%s&-' (1 +o--&'(o1, acc%-%ra'(o1 o5 %&'ro+(ca'(o1 o5 r(v%rs a1) -a<%s or o5
%co-o.(ca- (,/a-a1c%.;
G.R. No. L69"29!. Marc 11, 1**2
CELESTINO TATEL, petitioner, vs. MUNICI2ALITM OF 8IRAC, SAL8ADOR A.
SURTIDA, (1 (s ca+ac('0 as Ma0or o5 8(rac, Ca'a1)&a1%sG GA8INO 8. GUERRERO, (1
(s ca+ac('0 as 8(c%6Ma0or o5 8(rac, Ca'a1)&a1%sG ?OSE T. AUEAOS, (1 (s ca+ac('0 as
Co&1c(-or o5 8(rac, Ca'a1)&a1%sG ANGELES TAALIZO, (1 (s ca+ac('0 as Co&1c(-or o5
8(rac, Ca'a1)&a1%sG EL2IDIO T. ZAFE, (1 (s ca+ac('0 as Co&1c(-or o5 8(rac, Ca'a16
)&a1%sG MARIANO ALAERTO, (1 (s ca+ac('0 as Co&1c(-or o5 8(rac, Ca'a1)&a1%sG
?ULIA A. GARCIA, (1 %r ca+ac('0 as Co&1c(-or o5 8(rac, Ca'a1)&a1%sG a1) 2EDRO A.
GUERRERO, (1 (s ca+ac('0 as Co&1c(-or o5 8(rac, Ca'a1)&a1%s, respondents.
FACTS:
C%-%s'(1o Ta'%-, a /&s(1%ss,a1, (s %1.a.%) (1 '% (,+or' a1) %$+or' o5 a/aca a1) o'%r
+ro)&c's. C% as a 7ar%o&s% (1 /arr(o S'a. E-%1a.
R%s()%1's o5 /arr(o S'a. E-%1a 5(-%) a co,+-a(1' a.a(1s' +%'('(o1%r. T%0 a--%.%) 'a' '%
)(s'&r/a1c% ca&s%) /0 '% o+%ra'(o1 o5 '% a/aca /a(-(1. ,ac(1% (1s()% '% 7ar%o&s%
o5 +%'('(o1%r a55%c'%) '% +%ac% a1) 'ra14&(-('0 o5 '% 1%(./oroo) )&% 'o '% s,o<%,
o/1o$(o&s o)or a1) )&s' %,(''%) /0 '% ,ac(1%. A co,,(''%% 7as a++o(1'%) /0 '%
,&1(c(+a- co&1c(- o5 8(rac 'o (1v%s'(.a'% '% ,a''%r. T% co,,(''%% 1o'%) '% cro7)%)
1a'&r% o5 '% 1%(./oroo) 7(' 1arro7 roa)s a1) '% s&rro&1)(1. r%s()%1'(a- o&s%s,
so ,&c so 'a' a1 acc()%1'a- 5(r% 7('(1 '% 7ar%o&s% o5 +%'('(o1%r occas(o1%) /0 a
co1'(1&a1c% o5 '% ac'(v('0 (1s()% '% 7ar%o&s% a1) '% s'or(1. o5 (15-a,,a/-%
,a'%r(a-s cr%a'%) a )a1.%r 'o '% -(v%s a1) +ro+%r'(%s o5 '% +%o+-% 7('(1 '%
1%(./oroo).
R%s&-'a1'-0, R%so-&'(o1 No. 2* 7as +ass%) /0 '% M&1(c(+a- Co&1c(- o5 8(rac o1 A+r(- 22,
1*## )%c-ar(1. '% 7ar%o&s% o71%) a1) o+%ra'%) /0 +%'('(o1%r a +&/-(c 1&(sa1c%
7('(1 '% +&rv(%7 o5 Ar'(c-% #*9 o5 '% N%7 C(v(- Co)%.
C(s ,o'(o1 5or r%co1s()%ra'(o1 av(1. /%%1 )%1(%) /0 '% M&1(c(+a- Co&1c(- o5 8(rac.
2%'('(o1%r (1s'('&'%) '% +r%s%1' +%'('(o1 5or +ro(/('(o1 7(' +r%-(,(1ar0 (1E&1c'(o1.
ISSUES:
FCETCER OR NOT +%'('(o1%rNs 7ar%o&s% (s a 1&(sa1c% 7('(1 '% ,%a1(1. o5 Ar'(c-%
#*9 o5 '% C(v(- Co)% a1) 7%'%r Or)(1a1c% No. 1!, S. 1*52 o5 '% M&1(c(+a-('0 o5
8(rac (s &1co1s'('&'(o1a- a1) vo().
CELD:
Or)(1a1c% No. 1!, s%r(%s o5 1*52, 7as +ass%) /0 '% M&1(c(+a- Co&1c(- o5 8(rac (1 '%
%$%rc(s% o5 ('s +o-(c% +o7%r. I' (s a s%''-%) +r(1c(+-% o5 -a7 'a' ,&1(c(+a- cor+ora'(o1s
ar% a.%1c(%s o5 '% S'a'% 5or '% +ro,o'(o1 a1) ,a(1'%1a1c% o5 -oca- s%-56.ov%r1,%1'
a1) as s&c ar% %1)o7%) 7(' +o-(c% +o7%rs (1 or)%r 'o %55%c'(v%-0 acco,+-(s a1)
carr0 o&' '% )%c-ar%) o/E%c's o5 '%(r cr%a'(o1. I's a&'or('0 %,a1a'%s 5ro, '% .%1%ra-
7%-5ar% c-a&s% &1)%r '% A),(1(s'ra'(v% Co)%.
For a1 or)(1a1c% 'o /% va-(), (' ,&s' 1o' o1-0 /% 7('(1 '% cor+ora'% +o7%rs o5 '%
,&1(c(+a-('0 'o %1ac' /&' ,&s' a-so /% +ass%) accor)(1. 'o '% +roc%)&r% +r%scr(/%) /0
-a7, a1) ,&s' /% (1 co1so1a1c% 7(' c%r'a(1 7%-- %s'a/-(s%) a1) /as(c +r(1c(+-%s o5 a
s&/s'a1'(v% 1a'&r%. T%s% +r(1c(+-%s r%4&(r% 'a' a ,&1(c(+a- or)(1a1c% =1> ,&s' 1o'
co1'rav%1% '% Co1s'('&'(o1 or a10 s'a'&'% =2> ,&s' 1o' /% &15a(r or o++r%ss(v% =!> ,&s'
1o' /% +ar'(a- or )(scr(,(1a'or0 =9> ,&s' 1o' +ro(/(' /&' ,a0 r%.&-a'% 'ra)% =5> ,&s' /%
.%1%ra- a1) co1s(s'%1' 7(' +&/-(c +o-(c0, a1) =#> ,&s' 1o' /% &1r%aso1a/-%. Or)(1a1c%
No. 1!, S%r(%s o5 1*52, ,%%'s '%s% cr('%r(a.
LAND TENURE CASES:
G.R. No. 8#88*. D%c%,/%r 9, 1**"
LUZ FARMS, petitioner, vs. TCE CONORAALE SECRETARM OF TCE DE2ARTMENT
OF AGRARIAN REFORM, respondent.
FACTS:
O1 ?&1% 1", 1*88, '% 2r%s()%1' o5 '% 2(-(++(1%s a++rov%) R.A. No. ##57, 7(c
(1c-&)%s '% ra(s(1. o5 -(v%s'oc<, +o&-'r0 a1) s7(1% (1 ('s cov%ra.%.
O1 ?a1&ar0 2, 1*8*, '% S%cr%'ar0 o5 A.rar(a1 R%5or, +ro,&-.a'%) '% G&()%-(1%s a1)
2roc%)&r%s I,+-%,%1'(1. 2ro)&c'(o1 a1) 2ro5(' Sar(1. as %,/o)(%) (1 S%c'(o1s 1!
a1) !2 o5 R.A. No. ##57.
O1 ?a1&ar0 *, 1*8*, '% S%cr%'ar0 o5 A.rar(a1 R%5or, +ro,&-.a'%) ('s R&-%s a1)
R%.&-a'(o1s (,+-%,%1'(1. S%c'(o1 11 o5 R.A. No. ##57 =Co,,%rc(a- Far,s>.
L&3 Far,s, +%'('(o1%r (1 '(s cas%, (s a cor+ora'(o1 %1.a.%) (1 '% -(v%s'oc< a1) +o&-'r0
/&s(1%ss a1) 'o.%'%r 7(' o'%rs (1 '% sa,% /&s(1%ss a--%.%)-0 s'a1)s 'o /%
a)v%rs%-0 a55%c'%) /0 '% %15orc%,%1' o5 S%c'(o1 !=/>, S%c'(o1 11, S%c'(o1 1!, S%c'(o1
1#=)> a1) 17 a1) S%c'(o1 !2 o5 R.A. No. ##57 o'%r7(s% <1o71 as Co,+r%%1s(v%
A.rar(a1 R%5or, La7 a1) o5 '% G&()%-(1%s a1) 2roc%)&r%s I,+-%,%1'(1. 2ro)&c'(o1
a1) 2ro5(' Sar(1. &1)%r R.A. No. ##57 +ro,&-.a'%) o1 ?a1&ar0 2, 1*8* a1) '% R&-%s
a1) R%.&-a'(o1s I,+-%,%1'(1. S%c'(o1 11 '%r%o5 as +ro,&-.a'%) /0 '% DAR o1
?a1&ar0 *, 1*8*.
ISSUE:
F%'%r or 1o' S%c'(o1s !=/>, 11, 1! a1) !2 o5 R.A. No. ##57, '% G&()%-(1%s a1)
2roc%)&r%s I,+-%,%1'(1. 2ro)&c'(o1 a1) 2ro5(' Sar(1. &1)%r R.A. No. ##57 a1) '%
R&-%s a1) R%.&-a'(o1s I,+-%,%1'(1. S%c'(o1 11 ar% &1co1s'('&'(o1a-.
CELD:
S%c'(o1s !=/>, 11, 1! a1) !2 o5 R.A. No. ##57 (1so5ar as '% (1c-&s(o1 o5 '% ra(s(1. o5
-(v%s'oc<, +o&-'r0 a1) s7(1% (1 ('s cov%ra.% as 7%-- as '% I,+-%,%1'(1. R&-%s a1)
G&()%-(1%s +ro,&-.a'%) (1 accor)a1c% '%r%7(', ar% 1&-- a1) vo() 5or /%(1.
&1co1s'('&'(o1a-.
S%c'(o1 II o5 R.A. ##57 7(c (1c-&)%s :+r(va'% a.r(c&-'&ra- -a1)s )%vo'%) 'o co,,%rc(a-
-(v%s'oc<, +o&-'r0 a1) s7(1% ra(s(1.; (1 '% )%5(1('(o1 o5 Oco,,%rc(a- 5ar,sO (s (1va-(), 'o
'% %$'%1' 'a' '% a5or%c('%) a.ro6(1)&s'r(a- ac'(v('(%s ar% ,a)% 'o /% cov%r%) /0 '%
a.rar(a1 r%5or, +ro.ra, o5 '% S'a'%. T%r% (s s(,+-0 1o r%aso1 'o (1c-&)% -(v%s'oc<
a1) +o&-'r0 -a1)s (1 '% cov%ra.% o5 a.rar(a1 r%5or,. T% 'ra1scr(+'s o5 '% )%-(/%ra'(o1s
o5 '% Co1s'('&'(o1a- Co,,(ss(o1 o5 1*8# o1 '% ,%a1(1. o5 '% 7or) Oa.r(c&-'&ra-,O
c-%ar-0 so7 'a' (' 7as 1%v%r '% (1'%1'(o1 o5 '% 5ra,%rs o5 '% Co1s'('&'(o1 'o (1c-&)%
-(v%s'oc< a1) +o&-'r0 (1)&s'r0 (1 '% cov%ra.% o5 '% co1s'('&'(o1a--06,a1)a'%) a.rar(a1
r%5or, +ro.ra, o5 '% Gov%r1,%1'.
T% r%4&(r%,%1' (1 S%c'(o1s 1! a1) !2 o5 R.A. ##57 )(r%c'(1. :cor+ora'% 5ar,s; 7(c
(1c-&)% -(v%s'oc< a1) +o&-'r0 ra(s%rs 'o %$%c&'% a1) (,+-%,%1' :+ro)&c'(o16sar(1.
+-a1s; =+%1)(1. 5(1a- r%)(s'r(/&'(o1 o5 '%(r -a1)o-)(1.s> 7%r%/0 '%0 ar% ca--%) &+o1
'o )(s'r(/&'% 5ro, 'r%% +%rc%1' =!D> o5 '%(r .ross sa-%s a1) '%1 +%rc%1' =1"D> o5 '%(r
1%' +ro5('s 'o '%(r 7or<%rs as a))('(o1a- co,+%1sa'(o1 (s &1r%aso1a/-% 5or /%(1.
co15(sca'or0, a1) '%r%5or% v(o-a'(v% o5 )&% +roc%ss.
G.R. No. 78792. ?&-0 19, 1*8*
ASSOCIATION OF SMALL LANDOFNERS IN TCE 2CILI22INES, INC., ?UANITO D.
GOMEZ, GERARDO A. ALARCIO, FELI2E A. GUICO, ?R., AERNARDO M. ALMONTE,
CANUTO RAMIR A. CAARITO, ISIDRO T. GUICO, FELISA I. LLAMIDO, FAUSTO ?.
SAL8A, REMNALDO G. ESTRADA, FELISA C. AAUTISTA, ESMENIA ?. CAAE,
TEODORO A. MADRIAGA, AUREA ?. 2RESTOSA, EMERENCIANA ?. ISLA,
FELICISIMA C. A2RESTO, CONSUELO M. MORALES, AEN?AMIN R. SEGISMUNDO,
CIRILA A. ?OSE V NA2OLEON S. FERRER, petitioners, vs. CONORAALE
SECRETARM OF AGRARIAN REFORM, respondent.
G.R. No. 7*!1". ?&-0 19, 1*8*
ARSENIO AL. ACUWA, NEFTON ?ISON, 8ICTORINO FERRARIS, DENNIS ?EREZA,
CERMINIGILDO GUSTILO, 2AULINO D. TOLENTINO a1) 2LANTERSN COMMITTEE,
INC., 8(c'or(as M(-- D(s'r(c', 8(c'or(as, N%.ros Occ()%1'a-, petitioners, vs. ?OBER
ARROMO, 2CILI2 E. ?UICO a1) 2RESIDENTIAL AGRARIAN REFORM COUNCIL,
respondents.
G.R. No. 7*799. ?&-0 19, 1*8*
INOCENTES 2AAICO, petitioner, vs. CON. 2CILI2 E. ?UICO, SECRETARM OF TCE
DE2ARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM, CON. ?OBER ARROMO, EIECUTI8E
SECRETARM OF TCE OFFICE OF TCE 2RESIDENT, a1) M%ssrs. SAL8ADOR
TALENTO, ?AIME AAOGADO, CONRADO A8ANCEWA, a1) ROAERTO TAAM,
respondents.
G.R. No. 7*777. ?&-0 19, 1*8*
NICOLAS S. MANAAM a1) AGUSTIN CERMANO, ?R., petitioners, vs. CON. 2CILI2
ELLA ?UICO, as S%cr%'ar0 o5 A.rar(a1 R%5or,, a1) LAND AANB OF TCE
2CILI22INES, respondents.
FACTS:
G.R. No. 7*777
S4&ar%-0 ra(s%) (1 '(s +%'('(o1 (s '% co1s'('&'(o1a-('0 o5 2.D. No. 27, E.O. Nos. 228 a1)
22*, a1) R.A. No. ##57.
T% s&/E%c's o5 '(s +%'('(o1 ar% a *6%c'ar% r(c%-a1) 7or<%) /0 5o&r '%1a1's a1) o71%)
/0 +%'('(o1%r N(co-as Ma1aa0 a1) (s 7(5% a1) a 56%c'ar% r(c%-a1) 7or<%) /0 5o&r
'%1a1's a1) o71%) /0 +%'('(o1%r A.&s'(1 C%r,a1o, ?r. T% '%1a1's 7%r% )%c-ar%) 5&--
o71%rs o5 '%s% -a1)s /0 E.O. No. 228 as 4&a-(5(%) 5ar,%rs &1)%r 2.D. No. 27.
T% +%'('(o1%rs ar% 4&%s'(o1(1. 2.D. No. 27 a1) E.O. Nos. 228 a1) 22* o1 .ro&1)s (1'%r
a-(a o5 s%+ara'(o1 o5 +o7%rs, )&% +roc%ss, %4&a- +ro'%c'(o1 a1) '% co1s'('&'(o1a-
-(,('a'(o1 'a' 1o +r(va'% +ro+%r'0 sa-- /% 'a<%1 5or +&/-(c &s% 7('o&' E&s'
co,+%1sa'(o1.
T%0 co1'%1) 'a' 2r%s()%1' A4&(1o &s&r+%) -%.(s-a'(v% +o7%r 7%1 s% +ro,&-.a'%)
E.O. No. 228. T% sa() ,%as&r% (s (1va-() a-so 5or v(o-a'(o1 o5 Ar'(c-% IIII, S%c'(o1 9, o5
'% Co1s'('&'(o1, 5or 5a(-&r% 'o +rov()% 5or r%'%1'(o1 -(,('s 5or s,a-- -a1)o71%rs.
Mor%ov%r, (' )o%s 1o' co15or, 'o Ar'(c-% 8I, S%c'(o1 25=9> a1) '% o'%r r%4&(s('%s o5 a
va-() a++ro+r(a'(o1.
T% +%'('(o1%rs a-so ,a(1'a(1 'a' (1 )%c-ar(1. '% /%1%5(c(ar(%s &1)%r 2.D. No. 27 'o /%
'% o71%rs o5 '% -a1)s occ&+(%) /0 '%,, E.O. No. 228 (.1or%) E&)(c(a- +r%ro.a'(v%s
a1) so v(o-a'%) )&% +roc%ss. Fors%, '% ,%as&r% 7o&-) 1o' so-v% '% a.rar(a1 +ro/-%,
/%ca&s% %v%1 '% s,a-- 5ar,%rs ar% )%+r(v%) o5 '%(r -a1)s a1) '% r%'%1'(o1 r(.'s
.&ara1'%%) /0 '% Co1s'('&'(o1.
G.R. No. 7*!1"
T% +%'('(o1%rs %r%(1 ar% -a1)o71%rs a1) s&.ar +-a1'%rs (1 '% 8(c'or(as M(-- D(s'r(c',
8(c'or(as, N%.ros Occ()%1'a-. Co6+%'('(o1%r 2-a1'%rsN Co,,(''%%, I1c. (s a1 or.a1(3a'(o1
co,+os%) o5 1,9"" +-a1'%r6,%,/%rs. T(s +%'('(o1 s%%<s 'o +ro(/(' '% (,+-%,%1'a'(o1
o5 2roc. No. 1!1 a1) E.O. No. 22*.
T% +%'('(o1%rs c-a(, 'a' '% +o7%r 'o +rov()% 5or a Co,+r%%1s(v% A.rar(a1 R%5or,
2ro.ra, as )%cr%%) /0 '% Co1s'('&'(o1 /%-o1.s 'o Co1.r%ss a1) 1o' '% 2r%s()%1'.
A-'o&. '%0 a.r%% 'a' '% 2r%s()%1' co&-) %$%rc(s% -%.(s-a'(v% +o7%r &1'(- '%
Co1.r%ss 7as co1v%1%), s% co&-) )o so o1-0 'o %1ac' %,%r.%1c0 ,%as&r%s )&r(1.
'% 'ra1s('(o1 +%r(o). A' 'a', %v%1 ass&,(1. 'a' '% (1'%r(, -%.(s-a'(v% +o7%r o5 '%
2r%s()%1' 7as +ro+%r-0 %$%rc(s%), 2roc. No. 1!1 a1) E.O. No. 22* 7o&-) s'(-- av% 'o /%
a11&--%) 5or v(o-a'(1. '% co1s'('&'(o1a- +rov(s(o1s o1 E&s' co,+%1sa'(o1, )&% +roc%ss,
a1) %4&a- +ro'%c'(o1.
T%0 co1'%1) 'a' 'a<(1. ,&s' /% s(,&-'a1%o&s 7(' +a0,%1' o5 E&s' co,+%1sa'(o1 as ('
(s 'ra)('(o1a--0 &1)%rs'oo), (.%., 7(' ,o1%0 a1) (1 5&--, /&' 1o s&c +a0,%1' (s
co1'%,+-a'%) (1 S%c'(o1 5 o5 '% E.O. No. 22*
G.R. No. 7*799
T% +%'('(o1%r a--%.%s 'a' '% '%1 S%cr%'ar0 o5 D%+ar',%1' o5 A.rar(a1 R%5or,, O(1
v(o-a'(o1 o5 )&% +roc%ss a1) '% r%4&(r%,%1' 5or E&s' co,+%1sa'(o1, +-ac%) (s
-a1)o-)(1. &1)%r '% cov%ra.% o5 O+%ra'(o1 La1) Tra1s5%r C%r'(5(ca'%s o5 La1)
Tra1s5%r 7%r% s&/s%4&%1'-0 (ss&%) 'o '% +r(va'% r%s+o1)%1's, 7o '%1 r%5&s%)
+a0,%1' o5 -%as% r%1'a-s 'o (,.
O1 S%+'%,/%r !, 1*8#, '% +%'('(o1%r +ro'%s'%) '% %rro1%o&s (1c-&s(o1 o5 (s s,a--
-a1)o-)(1. &1)%r O+%ra'(o1 La1) Tra1s5%r a1) as<%) 5or '% r%ca-- a1) ca1c%--a'(o1 o5
'% C%r'(5(ca'%s o5 La1) Tra1s5%r (1 '% 1a,% o5 '% +r(va'% r%s+o1)%1's. C% c-a(,s 'a'
o1 D%c%,/%r 29, 1*8#, (s +%'('(o1 7as )%1(%) 7('o&' %ar(1.. O1 F%/r&ar0 17, 1*87,
% 5(-%) a ,o'(o1 5or r%co1s()%ra'(o1, 7(c a) 1o' /%%1 ac'%) &+o1 7%1 E.O. Nos.
228 a1) 22* 7%r% (ss&%). T%s% or)%rs r%1)%r%) (s ,o'(o1 ,oo' a1) aca)%,(c
/%ca&s% '%0 )(r%c'-0 %55%c'%) '% 'ra1s5%r o5 (s -a1) 'o '% +r(va'% r%s+o1)%1's.
T% +%'('(o1%r 1o7 ar.&%s 'a':
=1> E.O. Nos. 228 a1) 22* 7%r% (1va-()-0 (ss&%) /0 '% 2r%s()%1' o5 '% 2(-(++(1%s.
=2> T% sa() %$%c&'(v% or)%rs ar% v(o-a'(v% o5 '% co1s'('&'(o1a- +rov(s(o1 'a' 1o +r(va'%
+ro+%r'0 sa-- /% 'a<%1 7('o&' )&% +roc%ss or E&s' co,+%1sa'(o1.
=!> T% +%'('(o1%r (s )%1(%) '% r(.' o5 ,a$(,&, r%'%1'(o1 +rov()%) 5or &1)%r '% 1*87
Co1s'('&'(o1.
G.R. No. 78792
T% +%'('(o1%rs (1 '(s cas% (1vo<% '% r(.' o5 r%'%1'(o1 .ra1'%) /0 2.D. No. 27 'o
o71%rs o5 r(c% a1) cor1 -a1)s 1o' %$c%%)(1. s%v%1 %c'ar%s as -o1. as '%0 ar%
c&-'(va'(1. or (1'%1) 'o c&-'(va'% '% sa,%. T%(r r%s+%c'(v% -a1)s )o 1o' %$c%%) '%
s'a'&'or0 -(,(' /&' ar% occ&+(%) /0 '%1a1's 7o ar% ac'&a--0 c&-'(va'(1. s&c -a1)s.
Accor)(1. 'o 2.D. No. !1#, 7(c 7as +ro,&-.a'%) (1 (,+-%,%1'a'(o1 o5 2.D. No. 27:
No '%1a1'65ar,%r (1 a.r(c&-'&ra- -a1)s +r(,ar(-0 )%vo'%) 'o r(c% a1) cor1 sa-- /% %E%c'%)
or r%,ov%) 5ro, (s 5ar,o-)(1. &1'(- s&c '(,% as '% r%s+%c'(v% r(.'s o5 '% '%1a1'6
5ar,%rs a1) '% -a1)o71%r sa-- av% /%%1 )%'%r,(1%) (1 accor)a1c% 7(' '% r&-%s
a1) r%.&-a'(o1s (,+-%,%1'(1. 2.D. No. 27.
T% +%'('(o1%rs c-a(, '%0 ca11o' %E%c' '%(r '%1a1's a1) so ar% &1a/-% 'o %1Eo0 '%(r
r(.' o5 r%'%1'(o1 /%ca&s% '% D%+ar',%1' o5 A.rar(a1 R%5or, as so 5ar 1o' (ss&%) '%
(,+-%,%1'(1. r&-%s r%4&(r%) &1)%r '% a/ov%64&o'%) )%cr%%. T%0 '%r%5or% as< '%
Co&r' 5or a 7r(' o5 mandamus 'o co,+%- '% r%s+o1)%1' 'o (ss&% '% sa() r&-%s.
ISSUEKS:
F%'%r or 1o' R.A. No. ##57, 2.D. No. 27, 2roc. No. 1!1, a1) E.O. Nos. 228 a1) 22*
ar% co1s'('&'(o1a-.
CELD:
R.A. No. ##57, S%c'(o1 18 o5 '% CAR2 La7, 2.D. No. 27, 2roc. No. 1!1, a1) E.O. Nos.
228 a1) 22* ar% co1s'('&'(o1a-.
T% Co&r' )%c-ar%) 'a' '% co1'%1' a1) ,a11%r o5 '% E&s' co,+%1sa'(o1 +rov()%) 5or
(1 S%c'(o1 18 o5 '% CAR2 La7 (s 1o' v(o-a'(v% o5 '% Co1s'('&'(o1.
E.O. No. 228, ca'%.or(ca--0 s'a'%) (1 ('s S%c'(o1 1 'a':
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3aian v. !esierto, supra, +. 98*.
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-id., +. 9*2G Metro Construction v. Chatham &roperties, supra, ++. 2262!.
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Metro Construction v. Chatham &roperties, supra, +. 2".
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Prior to 2P 2lg# 'D?) the .urisdiction of the CA) under the Gudiciary Act of '?=@) ,as as follo,s6
:SEC. 2*. 5urisdiction o) the Court o) *ppeals. 6 T% Co&r' o5 A++%a-s sa-- av% %$c-&s(v% a++%--a'% E&r(s)(c'(o1
ov%r a-- cas%s, ac'(o1s, a1) +roc%%)(1.s, 1o' %1&,%ra'%) (1 s%c'(o1 s%v%1'%%1 o5 '(s Ac', +ro+%r-0 /ro&.' 'o (',
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A++%a-s sa-- .(v% )&% co&rs% o1-0 7%1 '% +%'('(o1 so7s prima )acie 'a' '% co&r' as co,,(''%) %rrors o5
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&1)%r r&-%s a1) co1)('(o1s 'a' (' ,a0 +r%scr(/%, r%4&(r% /0 certiorari 'a' '% sa() cas% /% c%r'(5(%) 'o (' 5or
r%v(%7 a1) )%'%r,(1a'(o1, as (5 '% cas% a) /%%1 /ro&.' /%5or% (' o1 a++%a-. =RA No. 6788)9
:SEC. !". 'riginal ,urisdiction o) the Court o) *ppeals. 6 T% Co&r' o5 A++%a-s sa-- av% or(.(1a- E&r(s)(c'(o1 'o
(ss&% 7r('s o5 ,a1)a,&s, +ro(/('(o1, (1E&1c'(o1, c%r'(orar(, a/%as cor+&s, a1) a-- o'%r a&$(-(ar0 7r('s a1)
+roc%ss (1 a() o5 ('s a++%--a'% E&r(s)(c'(o1.;
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The .urisdiction of the CA ,as e/panded by 2P 2lg# 'D? and RA "o# A?>D to read6
:SEC. *. 5urisdiction. 6 T% Co&r' o5 A++%a-s sa-- %$%rc(s%:
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5o&r' +ara.ra+ o5 S%c'(o1 17 o5 '% ?&)(c(ar0 Ac' o5 1*98.
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Metro Construction v. Chatham &roperties, supra, +. 22.
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St. Martin 3uneral :ome v. $ational ;aor %elations Commission, /<6 SCRA 9*9, 51", S%+'%,/%r 1#, 1**8.