DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY

THE LAW ON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Prof. Ron P. Salo

First Semester, SY 2016-2017

I. Local Government: Background, Nature, and Basic Concepts

A. Background of Local Governments in the Philippines

The World Bank, Chapter 5, Decentralization: Rethinking Government

The Local Government Code of 1991 Annotated, Rufus B. Rodriguez, Local Governments, History, 2003, pp.
19 26
Municipality of Catbalogan vs. Director of Lands, 17 Phil. 216
Mondano vs. Silvosa, 97 Phil. 175 (1955)

B. Nature and Status

1. Municipal Corporation and Local Government Defined

Local Government interchangeable with municipal corporations

Section 6, LGC

Alvarez v. Guingona, G.R. No. 118303, Jan. 31, 1996

Basco v. Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corp., G.R. No. 91649, May 4, 1991

2. Nature and Status of Municipal Corporations

Refer to relevant Civil Code provisions on juridical persons, state and political subdivisions

Title 1 Civil Personality, Civil Code

o Book 1 Article 37, provisions on Juridical capacity
o Chapter 2 Natural Persons
o Chapter 3 Juridical Persons include the state and its political subdivision

Sec. 15, LGC

3. Dual Nature
1.Dual nature and functions of municipal corporations Sec. 15, LGC

Villas v. City of Manila, 41 Phil, 953 [1921]

Lidasan v. COMELEC 12 SCRA 496 [1967]
Republic of the Philippines et al. v. City of Davao, G.R. No. 148622, September 12, 2002
2. Purposes
3.General Powers and Attributes, Secs. 6-24, LGC

C. General Principles and Policies

Secs. 1, 3, 11, 12, Art. X, Constitution Secs. 1-5, LGC

1. L o c a l Au t o n o m y

Sec. 25, Art. II, Const.

Secs. 2, 4, 11, 12, Art. X., 1987 Const.
Political Law, Isagani Cruz

San Juan v. Civil Service Commission, 196 SCRA 69 [1991] Pimentel v. Aguirre, 336
SCRA 201 [2000]
Ganzon v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 93252, Aug. 5, 1991 Cordillera Broad Coalition v.
COA, G.R. No. 79956, Jan. 29, 1990

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 2. Decen tral i zati o n

Secs. 3, 14, Art. X, 1987 Const.

Limbona v. Mangellin, G.R. No. 80391, Feb. 28, 1989

3. President's Power of General Supervision

Secs. 2 and 4, Art. X, Const.

Sec. 25, LGC

Mondano v. Silvosa, 97 Phil 175 [1955]

Hebron v. Reyes, 104 Phil 175 [1958]
Ganzon v. Kayanan, 104 Phil 175 [1958]
Drilon v. Lim, G.R. No. 112497, Aug. 4, 1994
Bito-Onon v. Fernandez, 350 SCRA 732 [2001]

D. Creation of Municipal Corporations

1. Nature and Powers to Create Municipal Corporations

Pelaez v. Auditor General, 19 SCRA 569 [1965]

Municipality of Kapalong v. Moya, 166 SCRA 70 [1988]

2. Creation of Municipal Corporations

a. Constitutional Provisions
Secs. 1, 10, 11, 15, 18, 19 Art X, Const.
Alvarez v. Guingona, 252 SCRA 695 [1996]

b. S t at ut or y P rovisions
Secs. 6, 7, 385, 441,442, 449, 450, 460, 461, LGC Special Acts or
Charters; Presidential Decrees

Cawaling v. COMELEC, 368 SCRA 453 [2001]

i.Income

Alvarez vs. Guingona, 252 SCRA 695 (1996)

League of Cities of the Philippines vs. COMELEC, G.R. 176951, June 28, 2011

ii.Population

Aquino III vs. COMELEC, G.R. No. 18973, April 7, 2010

iii.Land Area

c. Section 68, Revised Administrative Code [1917]

Pelaez v. Auditor General 15 SCRA 569 [1965]

Municipality of Condijay, Bohol v. Court of Appeals 251 SCRA 530 [1995]
Camid vs. Office of the President (G.R. No. 161414, January 17, 2005)

d. Municipal Corporation by Prescription

e. De Facto Municipal Corporations

f.Beginning of Corporate Existence of Municipal Corporations Sec. 14, LGC

3. Alteration and Dissolution of Municipal Corporations

a. M an ne r o r Mo de Secs. 7, 8, 9. 10 LGC Sec. 10, Art. X, Const.

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 b. Plebiscite Requirements

Sec. 10, Art. X, Const.

Sec. 10, LGC

Padilla v. COMELEC, 214 SCRA 735 [1992]

Tan v. COMELEC, 142 SCRA 727 [1996]
Miranda v. Aguirre, 314 SCRA 603 [1999]
Tobias v. Abalos, 239 SCRA 106 [1994]

II. Types of Local Government Units

A. Th e Baran ga y, Secs. 384-439, LGC

B. The Municipality, Secs. 440-447, LGC

Munez v. Arino, 241 SCRA 478 [1995]

Greater Balanga Dev. Corp. v. Municipality of Balanga, Bataan, G.R. No. 83987, Dec. 27, 1994

C. The City, Secs. 448-458, LGC

Lim and Garayblas v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 111397, Aug. 12, 2002

D. The Province, Secs. 459-490, LGC

III. Officials of Local Government and System of Accountability

A. Elective Local Officials, Secs. 39-75, LGC

1. Qualifications, Sec. 39, LGC

Frivaldo v. COMELEC, June 23, 1989

Frivaldo v. COMELEC, G.R. No.120295, June 28, 1996
Labo v. COMELEC, August 1, 1989
Labo, Jr. v. COMELEC and Ortega, G.R. No. 105111, July 3, 1992
Coquilla v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 15194, July 31, 2002

2. Disqualif ications, Sec. 40, LGC

Caasi v. Court of Appeals, 191 SCRA 229 [1990]

Rodriguez v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 120099, July 24, 1996
Dela Torre v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 121592, July 5, 1996
Magno v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 147904, Oct. 4, 2002

3. Term of Office; Three-Term Limit Rule, Sec. 8, Art. X, Const. Sec. 43, LGC

Borja v. COMELEC, 295 SCRA 157 [1998]

Lonzanida v. COMELEC, 311 SCRA 602 [1991]
Adormeo v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 147927, Feb. 4, 2002
Socrates v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 154512, Nov. 12, 2002
Mendoza v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 149736, Dec. 17, 2002

4. T en u r e o f O f f i c e

Osmena v. COMELEC, 199 SCRA 750 [1991]

5. Vacancies and Succession, Secs. 44-47, LGC

Labo, Jr. v. COMELEC supra

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 Menzon v. Petilla, 197 SCRA 251 [1991]
Docena v. Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Eastern Samar, 198 SCRA 493 [1991]

B. Appointive Local Officials, Secs. 469-490, LGC

De Rama v. Court of Appeals, 353 SCRA 94 [2001]

C . L o c a l B o a r d s Secs. 98-116, LGC

Osea v. Malaya, G.R. No. 139821, Jan, 30, 2002

D. System of Accountability

1. Disciplinary Actions, Secs. 60-68, LGC

Ganzon v. Court of Appeals, 200 SCRA 271, G.R. No. 93252, Nov. 8, 1991
Reyes v. COMELEC, 254 SCRA 514 [1996]
Salalima v. Guingona, G.R. No. 117589, May 22, 1996
Joson v. Executive Secretary Torres, 290 SCRA 279 [1998]
Publico v. Villapando, G.R. No. 147870, July 31, 2002

2. Removal

Pablico vs. Villapando, 385 SCRA 601 (2002)

Aguinaldo vs. Santos, 212 SCRA 768 (1992)
M o r a l e s v s . C A , G . R . N o . 2 1 7 1 2 6 - 2 7 , N o v. 1 0 , 2 0 1 5

3 . R e c a l l , Secs. 69-75, LGC

Republic Act No. 9244, Feb. 19, 2004

Evardone v. COMELEC, 204 SCRA 46

Garcia v. COMELEC, 237 SCRA 279 [1994]
Malonzo v. COMELEC, 269 SCRA 380 [1997]
Claudio v. COMELEC, 331 SCRA 388 [2000]
Socrates v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 154152, Nov. 12, 2002.

4. Discipline over Local Appointive Officials, Secs. 84-89, LGC

Mendez v. Civil Service Commission, 204 SCRA 985 [1991]

Macalingcag and Carlos v. Chang, G.R. No. 96056, March 6, 1992
Salalima v. Guingona, G.R.No.117589-92, May 22, 1996
Garcia v. Pajaro and the City of Dagupan, G.R. No. 141149, July 5, 2002

5. Other Matters

a.Human Resources and Development Secs. 76-97, LGC

b. Practice of Profession, Sec. 90, LGC

Javellana v. DILG and Santos, 212 SCRA 475

IV.General Powers of Local Governments

A. P o l i c e P o w e r

General Welfare, Sec. 16 LGC

Dela Cruz v. Paras, G.R. L-42571-72, July 25,1983

Binay v. Domingo, 201 SCRA 508 [1991]
Patalinhug v. Court of Appeals, 229 SCRA 554 [1994]
Tano v. Socrates, 278 SCRA 154 [1997]
White Light Corp. v. City of Manila, Jan. 20, 2009

B. Eminent Domain

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 Sec. 19, LGC
Sec. 9, Art. III, Const.
Rule 97, Revised Rules of Court, as amended

City of Manila v. Chinese Community of Manila, 40 Phil 349 [1920]

City of Manila v. Arellano College, 85 Phil 663 [1950]
Meycauayan v. IAC, G.R.L-72126, Jan. 27, 1988
Municipality of Paranaque v. V.M. Realty Corporation, G.R. No. 127820, July 29, 1998
City of Cebu v. Spouses Apolonio and Blasa Dedamo, G.R.No. 142971, May 7, 2002

C. Taxation and Fiscal Administration

1. Local Taxation

Sec. 5, Art. X, Const.

Secs. 128-196, LGC
Secs. 5, 6, 7, Art. X, Const.

Estanislao v. Costales, 196 SCRA 853 [1991]

Phil. Petroleum Corp. v. Municipality of Pililia, Rizal, 198 SCRA 82 [1991]
Tuzon and Mapagu v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 90107, Aug. 21, 1992
Drilon v. Lim, G.R. No. 112497. August 4, 1994
Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority v. Marcos, G.R. No.120082, September 11, 1996

2. Real Propert y Taxation

Secs. 197-283, LGC

Secretary of Finance v. Ilarde, G.R. No. 121782, May 9, 2005

Benguet Corporation v. Central Board of Assessment Appeals, G.R. No. 100959, June 29, 1992
National Development Co. v. Cebu City, et al., G.R. No. 51593, November 5, 1992
Province of Tarlac v. Judge Alcantara, G.R. No. 65230, December 23, 1992

3.Shares of Local Government Units in the Proceeds of National Taxes Secs. 6 & 7, Art. X,
Const.
Secs. 284-294, LGC

Pimentel v. Aguirre, G.R. No. 132988, July 19, 2000

4. Credit Financing/Negotiate and Secure Grants, Secs. 295-303, LGC

5.Local Fiscal Administration, Secs. 304-383, LGC

C. Other Powers

1. Corporate Powers, Sec. 22, LGC

2. Reclassification of Lands, Sec. 20, LGC

Administrative Order No. 363 (1997)

Republic Act No. 8435 (1997), Secs. 9, 11
Department of Agrarian Reform Administrative Order No. 1 (1999), III (f) and (k), 10 NAR 398

Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Association, Inc. vs. The Secretary of Agrarian Reform, G.R. No.
183409, June 18, 2010

3. Closure and Opening Roads, Sec. 21, LGC

City of Manila vs. Chinese Community, 40 Phil. 349 (1919)

Sangalang v. IAC, 176 SCRA 179 [1989]
Pilapil v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 97671, Nov. 26, 1992
MMDA v. Bel Air Village Ass'n Inc., 328 SCRA 836 [2000]

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 4. Abatement of Nuisance, Secs. 447 & 458, LGC; Republic Act No. 9165 (2002), Secs. 52-53

Technology Developers, Inc. vs. CA 193 SCRA 147 (1991)

Aquino vs. Municipality of Malay, Aklan, G.R. No. 211356, September 29, 2014

5. Build-Operate-Transfer Sec. 302, LGC

V. Local Legislation

Secs. 48-59, LGC

Sec. 9, Art. X, Const.
Casino v. Court of Appeals, et al., G.R. No. 91192. December 2, 1991

A. Acts of Sanggunian

1. Ordinance and Resolution

2. Formalities
a. V o t e Ortiz v. Posadas, 55 Phil 741 [1931]
b. Essential Requisites of a Valid Ordinance

City of Manila v. Bagui, Etc. et al, G.R. No. 118127 April 12, 2005

c. Judicial Intervention
Sec. 4 Rule 64, Rules of Court

Perez v. De la Cruz, 27 SCRA 587 [1969]

Homeowner's Ass'n of the Philippines, Inc. v. Municipal Board of City of Manila, 24 SCRA 856 [1968]

B. Local Initiative and Referendum, Secs. 120-127, LGC

Compare with R.A. 6735

Garcia v. COMELEC, 237 SCRA 297 [1994]

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority v. COMELEC, 262 SCRA 492 [1996]

VI. Intergovernmental Relations and Local Government Associations

A. Intergovernmental Relations
Secs. 25-38, LGC

Basco v. PAGCOR, G.R. No. 91649, May 14, 1991; 197 SCRA52 [1991]
Ganzon v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 93252, Aug. 5, 1991
Requirement of Prior Consultations, Sections 27 and Section 2 (c)

B. Relations with the Philippine National Police, Section 28, LGC

C. Leagues of local government units, Secs. 491-507, LGC

D. League and Federations of Local Elective Officials, Secs. 508-510, LGC

VII. Other Matters

A. M u n i c i p a l P r o p e r t y

City of Cebu v. National Waterworks and Sewerage Authority, 107 Phil 1 112 [1960]
Province of Zamboanga del Norte v. City of Zamboanga, 22 SCRA 1334 [1968]

B. Basic Services and Facilities, Sec. 17 LGC

Tano vs. Socrates, 278 SCRA 154 (1997)

Filinvest Land vs. Flood-Affected Homeowners of Meritville Alliance, 529 SCRA 790 (2007)

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 C. Application of the Code to Local Government Units in the Autonomous Region, Secs. 526, LGC

D. The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

Secs. 1, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 and 21, Art. X, Const.
R.A. No. 6734, as amended by R.A. No. 9054 (An Act providing for the Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao)

Abbas v. COMELEC, 179 SCRA 287 [1989]

Disoman Cop v. Datumanong, G.R. No. 149848, Nov. 25, 2004

E. Cordillera Administrative Region

Executive Order No. 220

Ordillo v. COMELEC, 192 SCRA 100 [1990]

Cordillera Broad Coalition v. COA, G.R. No. 79959, Jan. 29, 1990

F.The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Secs. 11, Art. X, Const.

MMDA v. Bel-Air Villages Ass'n Inc., 328 SCRA 836 [2000] MMDA v. Garin, G.R. No. 130230,
April 15, 2005

G. Katarungang Pambarangay, Secs. 399-422, LGC

Morata v. Go, 125 SCRA 444 [1983]

Corpuz v. Court of Appeals, 274 SCRA 275 [1997]
Mendova v. Judge Afable, A.M. No. MJT 02-1402, Dec. 4, 2002

H. S anggunian g K abat aan, Secs. 423-439, LGC

Mercado v. Board of Election Supervisors, G.R. No.109713, April 6, 1995

Garvida v. Sales, G.R. No.124893, April 18, 1997
Montesclaros v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 152295, July 9, 2002

I. Municipal Liability

1. Liability on Contracts
Ultra Vires Acts

San Diego v. Municipality of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, 107 Phil 112 Rivera v.
Municipality of Malolos, 102 Phil 285 [1957]
Rivera v. Maclang, 7 SCRA 57 [1963]

2. Liability on Torts (Quasi-Delict), Sec. 24, LGC, Arts. 34 & 218, Civil Code Art. 2180, Civil Code

Mendoza v. De Leon, 33 Phil 508 [1916]

Torio v. Fontanilla, G.R. L-29993, October 23, 1978
Municipality of San Fernando, La Union v. Firme, 195 SCRA 692 [1991]
Fernando et al v. Court of Appeals and City of Davao, G.R. No. 92087 May 8, 1992
Tuzon and Mapagu v. Court of Appeals and Jurado, G.R. No. 90107 Aug. 21, 1992

3. Liability by Express Provision of Law,

Art. 34, Civil Code, Art. 2189, Civil Code

Teotico v. City of Manila, 22 SCRA267 [1968] Abella v. Municipal

of Naga, 90 Phil 385 [1952]

4. Satisfying/Executing Judgment Against Municipal Corporations

Tan Toca v. Municipal Council of Iloilo, 49 Phil 52 [1927]

Pasay City Government v. CFI of Manila, 132 SCRA 156 [1984]
Mun. of Paoay, Ilocos Norte v. Manaois G.R. L-3485, June 30, 1955

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 J. Penal Provisions, Secs. 511-520, LGC

K. Transitory Provisions, Secs. 526-533, LGC

REFERENCES:

Basic Laws:
1. The 1987 Constitution, Art. X
2. Local Government Code of 1991, RA 7160 (hereinafter referred to as LGC)
3. Relevant Provisions of the Civil Code
4. Relevant Laws on Public Accountability including the provisions of the Revised Penal Code

Published Books:
1. Rodriguez, Rufus B., The Local Government Code of 1991 Annotated (2003)
2. Sinco, Vicente G. & Cortes, Irene R., Philippine Law on Local Governments
3. Pimentel, Aquilino, Jr. Q., The Local Government Code Revisited 2007

Teaching Methods/Strategies

A question-and-answer format will be primarily employed to determine whether the student read and
understood the provisions of the law, the commentaries and the decisions of the Supreme Court. Lectures, group
discussions and visual aids may be used when applicable. There shall be a midterm and final examination to test the
knowledge and understanding of the students.

Grading Criteria:

Mid-term Exam: 30%

Recitations: 30%
Final Exam: 40%

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