PART I

FUNDAMENTAL/INHERENT POWERS OF THE STATE

TOPIC 1: POLICE POWER

Specific Learning Objectives:

1. To define and identify the nature, scope and characteristics of Police Power as a fundamental
and inherent power of the State.
2. To demonstrate specific instances of the exercise of Police Power by the Philippine government
in the past through case laws.
3. To identify which organs of the State may exercise Police Power.
4. To demonstrate the similarities and differences as to how these various organs may exercise
Police Power.
5. To identify, demonstrate, and analyze, through case laws, how Police Power may be validly
exercised in light of the limitations attached to it.

A. Definition, Scope, Characteristics

Cases:

• Ichong v. Hernandez, G.R. No. L-7995, 31 May 1957.

• Tio v. Videogram Regulatory Board, G.R. No. L-75697, 18 June 1987.
• Gaston v. Republic Planters Bank, G.R. No. L-77194, 15 March 1988.
• Osmeña v. Orbos, G.R. No. 99886, 31 March 1993.
• Association of Small Landowners v. Secretary of Agrarian Reform, G.R. No. 78742, 14
July 1989.
• Ortigas & Co. v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 126102, 4 December 2000.
• PNB v. Office of the President, G.R. No. 104528.
• St. Luke’s Medical Center Employees Association-AFW v. National Labor Relations
Commission, G.R. No. 162053, 7 March 2007.
• Professional Regulation Commission v. De Guzman, G.R. No. 144681, 21 June 2004.
• Chavez v. Romulo, G.R. No. 157036, 9 June 2004.
• Southeast Mindanao Goldmining Corporation v. Balite Portal Mining, G.R. No. 134190, 3
April 2002.
• Metropolitan Manila Development Authority v. Garin, G.R. No. 130230, 15 April 2005.
• Carlos Superdrug Corporation v. DSWD, G.R. No. 166494, 29 June 2007.
• Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative v. Energy Regulatory Commission, G.R. No.
183626, 4 October 2010.

B. Exercising Power/Authority

Cases:

• Camarines Norte Electric Cooperative v. Torres, G.R. No. 127249, 27 February 1998.
• Buklod ng Magbubukid v. E.M. Ramos, G.R. No. 131481, 10 March 2011.
• Gancayco v. City Government of Quezon City, G.R. No. 177807, 11 October 2011.
• United BF Homeowners Associations v. The City Mayor of Parañaque, G.R. No. 141010,
7 February 2007.
• Social Justice Society v. Atienza, G.R. No. 156052, 13 February 2008.
• Metro Manila Development Authority v. Bel-Air Village Association, G.R. No. 135962, 27
March 2000.
• Metropolitan Manila Development Authority v. Garin, G.R. No. 130230, 15 April 2005.
• Francisco v. Fernando, G.R. No. 166501, 16 November 2006.
 • Metropolitan Manila Development Authority v. Viron Transportation, G.R. No. 170656, 15
August 2007.

C. Limitations (Tests for Valid Exercise)

a. Lawful Subject

Cases:

• Taxicab Operators v. Board of Transportation, G.R. No. L-59234, 30 September 1982.

• Velasco v. Villegas, G.R. No. L-24153, 14 February 1983.
• Bautista v. Juinio, G.R. No. L-50908, 31 January 1984.
• Sangalang v. Intermediate Appellate Court, G.R. No. 71169, 22 December 1989.
• Lim v. Pacquing, G.R. No. 11504, 27 January 1995.
• Miners Association of the Philippines v. Factoran, G.R. No. 98332, 16 January 1995.
• Pollution Adjudication Board v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 93891, 11 March 1991.

b. Lawful Means

Cases:

• Ynot v. Intermediate Appellate Court, G.R. No. 74457, 20 March 1987.

• Tablarin v. Gutierrez, G.R. No. 78164, 31 July 1987.
• Balacuit v. CFI of Agusan del Norte, G.R. No. L-38429, 29 June 1988.
• JMM Promotion and Management, Inc. v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 120095, 5 August
1996.
• Philippine Press Institute v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 119694, 22 May 1995.
• City Government of Quezon City v. Ericta, G.R. No. L-34915, 24 June 1983.
• Lucena Grand Central Terminal v. JAC Liner, G.R. No. 148339, 23 February 2005.
• Cabrera v. Lapid, G.R. No. 129098, 6 December 2006.

D. Additional Limitations (When Exercised by Delegate)

a. Express grant by law

b. Within territorial limits
c. Must not be contrary to law

Cases:

• Ermita-Malate Hotel and Motel Operators Association vs. City Mayor, G.R. No. L-24693, 31
July 1967.
• Magtajas v. Pryce Properties, G.R. No. 111097, 20 July 1994.
• City of Manila v. Judge Laguio, G.R. No. 118127, 12 April 2005
• Pasong Bayabas Farmers Association v. Court of Appeals, G.R. Nos. 142359 and
142980, 25 May 2004.
• Valentino Legaspi v. City of Cebu, G.R. No. 159110, 10 December 2013.
• Social Justice Society v. Alfredo Lim, G.R. No. 187836, 25 November 2014.

E. Judicial Review

Case:

• White Light Corp. vs. City of Manila, G.R. No. 122846, 20 January 2009.