CONSTITUTIONAL LAW I

Second Semester, 2018-2019

Arellano University School of Law

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW I

I. Introduction

Nature of the Constitution

• Manila Prince Hotel v. GSIS, 267 SCRA 408 [1997]

Changing the Constitution

• Lambino v Comelec, G.R. 174153 (2006)

II. Interpreting the Constitution

Role of the Judiciary as interpreter of laws

• Marbury v Madison, 5 US 137

• Angara v Electoral Commission, 63 Phil 139 (1936).
• Maria Carolina P. Araullo, et al. v. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III,
et al. G.R. No., 209287, July 1, 2014, En Banc

Rules of Interpretation

• Francisco v House of Representatives, G.R. 160261 (Nov. 10,

2003)

Requisites of Judicial Review

o Actual case or controversy

▪ Mariano v Comelec, G.R. 118577

▪ Montesclaros vs Comelec, G.R. 152295 (2002)
▪ Belgica, et al. v. Exec. Sec. Paquito N. Ochoa, et al., G.R. No.
208566, 710 SCRA 1, 89, Nov. 19, 2013, En Banc
▪ Saturnino C. Ocampo, et al. v. Rear Admiral Ernesto C.
Enriquez, et al., G.R. No. 225973, November 8, 2016, En Banc
▪ James M. Imbong, et al. v. Hon. Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr., et al., GR
No. 204819, April 8, 2014,

o Facial Challenge

• Estrada v Sandiganbayan, G.R. No. 148560 (2001)

• Imbong v Ochoa G.R. No. 204819 (2014)
 • Jose Jesus M. Disini, Jr., et al. v. The Secretary of Justice, et al.,
G.R. No,. 203335, Feb. 11, 2014, En Banc

o Political Question

• Emilio A. Gonzales III v. Office of the President, etc., et

al./Wendell Bareras-Sulit v. Atty. Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr., et al.,
G.R. No. 196231/196232, January 28, 2014
• Vinuya, et al. v. The Honorable Executive Secretary Alberto G.
Romulo, et al., G.R. No. 162230, April 28. 2010, En Banc

o Moot and academic

• Gonzales v Narvasa, G.R. 140835 (2000)

• Lacson v Perez, GR 147780 (2001)
• Defunis v Odegard 416 US 312 (1974)
• (International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech
Applications, Inc. v. Greenpeace Southeast Asia (Philippines), et
al., GR No. 209271, December 8, 2015,
• David v Arroyo
• Belgica, et al. v. Exec. Sec. Paquito N. Ochoa, et al., G.R. No.
208566, 710 SCRA 1, 89, Nov. 19, 2013, En Banc
▪

o Standing

• KMU Labor Center v Garcia, G.R. 115381 (1994)

• IBP v Zamora GR 141284 (2000)
• Tanada v Tuvera 136 SCRA 27 (1985)
• Ople v Torres 293N SCRA 141 (1998)
• Information Technology Foundation v Comelec, GR 159139
(2004)
• Kilosbayan v Guingona, 232 SCRA 110 (1994)
• Saturnino C. Ocampo, et al. v. Rear Admiral Ernesto C. Enriquez,
et al., G.R. No. 225973, November 8, 2016,
• Most Rev. Pedro D. Arigo, et al. v. Scott H. Swift, et al., G.R. No.
206510, September 16, 2014,

o Earliest Opportunity
o Need to notify Solicitor General
• Mirasol vs CA GR 128448 (2001)
o Symbolic Decisions
• Salonga v Cruz Pano 134 SCRA 438

Effects of declaration of unconstitutionality

• Serrano de Agbayani vs PNB, 38 SCRA 429 (1972)

 • Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. San Roque Power
Corporation, G.R. No. 187485, October 8, 2013
• Maria Carolina P. Araullo, et al. v. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III,
et al. G.R. No., 209287, 728 SCRA 1, July 1, 2014
• Maria Carolina P. Araullo, et al. v. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III,
et al., G.R. No. 209287, February 3, 2015, En Banc [Bersamin],
Resolution of the Motion for Reconsideration)

III. The Philippines as a State

Territory
• Magallona v Ermita, G.R. 187167 (2011)
• Province of North Cotabato v GRP Peace Panel on Ancestral
Domain, 568 SCRA 402 (2008)
• Reagan v CIR, 30 SCRA 968 (1969)
• People v Gozo 53 SCRA 476

Philippine Citizenship

• Lee v Director of Lands, G.R. 128195 (2001)

• Republic v Chule Lim, GR No. 153883
• Calilung v Datumanong, GR 160869
• Republic v Nora Sagun, GR 187567 (2012)
• In Re Ching, Bar Matter 914 (1999)
• Co v HRET 199 SCRA 692
• Bengson v HRET, GR 142840
• So v RP, 513 SCRA 267 (2007)
• David v Agbay, GR 1991113, Mar 18, 2015
• Nicholas-Lewis v Comelec, GR No. 162759 (2006)
• Aznar v Comelec, GR No. 83820, (1990)
• Valles v Comelec GR No. 137000 (2000)
• Poe v COMELEC G.R. 221697 (2016)

The Doctrine of State Immunity

o Suits vs the Philippine State

• Department of Agriculture v. NLRC, 227 SCRA 693, Nov. 11,

1993
• Philippine Agila Satellite v Lichauco, G.R. No. 134887 (2006)
• Amado J. Lansang v. CA, G.R. No. 102667, Feb. 23, 2000
• Republic v. Sandoval, 220 SCRA 124, March 19, 1993
• Sayson v Singson 54 SCRA 282)
• Republic v Purisima 78 SCRA 470 (1977)
• UP v. Dizon, G.R. No. 171182, 679 SCRA 54, 23 August 2012
• Rayo v CFI, 110 SCRA 450 (1981)
• Farolan v CTA, 217 SCRA 298 (1993)
• Republic v Sandiganbayan, GR No. 85384 (1990)
 • Santiago v Republic, 87 SCRA 294 (1978)
• DOTC v Sps. Abecina, GR 206484, Jan 29, 2016
• Amigable v Cuenca 43 SCRA 360 (1972)
• EPG Construction Co. v. Vigilar, 354 SCRA 566, Mar.16, 2001
• Torio v Fontanilla 85 SCRA 99 (1978)

o Suits vs Foreign States

• Arigo v Swift, G.R. 206510 (2014)

• The Holy See v Rosario, (December 17, 1994)
• USA v Ruiz, 136 SCRA 487 (1985)
• Minucher v CA, GR No. 76609 (1990)
• Rep. of Indonesia v Vinzon, GR 154705 (2003)
• DFA v NLRC, GR No. 113191 (1997)
• ATCI v Echin, GR 178551, Oct 11, 2010

o Suits against Public Officers

• Animas vs PVAO, 174 SCRA 214

• USA v Reyes, GR No. 79233 (1993)
• Shauf v CA 191 SCRA 713 (1990)

o Execution vs the State

• Nessia v Fermin, 220 SCRA 615 (1993)

• Caloocan City v Allarde, GR No. 107721 (2003)

IV. Philippine Constitutional Principles and Policies

Principles and Policies

• Pable Ocampo v HRET, GR No. 158466 (2004)

• Maquiling v COMELEC, G.R. 195649 (2013)
• Villavicencio v Lukban, 39 Phil 778 (1919)
• Agustin v Edu, 88 SCRA 195 (1979)
• Ichong v Hernandez, 101 Phil 115 (1957)
• Deutsche Bank AG Manila Branch v CIR, 704 SCRA 216 (2013)
• In RE Garcia, 2 SCRA 984
• Lagman v Zosa, 66 Phil 13 (1938)
• Estrada v Escritor AM No. P-02-1651 (2006)
• Republic v Manalo, GR 221029, Apr 4, 2018
• Bayan v Exec Secretary, GR No. 138570 (2000)
• Pamatong v Comelec GR No. 161872 (2004)
• Garcia v Drilon, 699 SCRA 352 (2013)
• PASEI v Drilon, 163 SCRA 386 (1988)
• UP BOR v CA, GR No. 134629 (1999)
• CoTeSCUP v Secretary of Education, G.R. 216930, October 2018
 • University of San Agustin, Inc. v. Court of Appeals, 230 SCRA 761,
774-775, March 7, 1994
• SSS Employees Assn. vs CA, 175 SCRA 686
• Oposa v Factoran, GR 101083 (1993)
• Republic v Albios, 707 SCRA 584 (2013)
• Imbong v Ochoa, 721 SCRA 146 (2014)
• Roe v Wade, 410 US 113
• Limbona v Conte Mangelin, 170 SCRA 786
•
V. The Exercise of Government Power

Separation of Powers and Delegation of Power

• Mamiscal v Abdullah 761 SCRA 39 (2015)

• In RE Laureta and Maravilla 148 SCRA 382
• INS v Chadha, 462 US 919 (1983)
• Arnault v Balagtas, 97 Phil 358 (1955)
• Belgica v Ochoa, Jr., 710 SCRA 1 (2013)
• Mendoza v People, 659 SCRA 681 (2011)
• NPC Drivers and Mechanical Association v Napocor, 503
SCRA 138 (2006)
• Garcia v Executive Secretary, 211 SCRA 219
• US v Tang Ho 43 Phil 1
• CoTeSCUP v Secretary of Education, G.R. 216930, October 2018
• Pelaez v Auditor General, 15 SCRA 569
• People v Judge Dacuycuy, 173 SCRA 90
• Sema v Comelec, G.R. 177597 (2008)
• Jose Jesus M. Disini, Jr., et al. v. The Secretary of Justice, et al., G.R.
No,. 203335, Feb. 11, 2014

VI. Structure and Powers of Government

The Legislative Branch

o Composition, Qualifications and Term of Office

• Powell v McCormack, 395 US 486

• Pobre v Defensor-Santiago, 597 SCRA 1 (2009)
• Aquino III v Comelec, 617 SCRA 623 (2010)
• Alaba v Comelec, 611 SCRA 147 (2010)
• Naval v Comelec, 729 SCRA 299 (2014)
• Bagabuyo v Comelec, 573 SCRA 290 (2008)
• Reyes v Comelec, 699 SCRA 522 (2013) and 708 SCRA 197 (2013
• Banat v Comelec, GR 179271 (2009)
• Ang Ladlad v Comelec, GR 190582 (2010)
• Walden Bello v Comelec GR 191998 (2010)
• Atong Paglaum v Comelec, GR 203766
• Coalition of Asso. of Senior Citizens in the Phil. v Comelec, 201
SCRA 786 (2013)
• Lico v Comelec, GR 205505, Sep 29, 2015
• Abang Lingkod v Comelec, 708 SCRA 133 (2013)
• Aquino v Comelec, 248 SCRA 400 (1995)
• Daryl Grace J. Abayon v. The Honorable House of Representatives
Electoral Tribunal, et al., G.R. Nos. 189466 and 189506, 612 SCRA
375, 11 February 2010

o Organization and Discipline

• Santiago v Guingona, G.R. 134577, (1998)

• Avelino v Cuenco, 83 Phil 17 (1949)
• Alejandrino v Quezon, 46 Phil 83 (1924)
• De Venecia v SB, G.R. No. 130240 (2002)
• Pobre v Defensor-Santiago, 597 SCRA 1 (2009)

o Privileges, Inhibitions and Disqualifications

• Philconsa v Mathay, 18 SCRA 300 (1966)

• Ligot v Mathay, 56 SCRA 823 (1974)
• People v Jalosjos, G.R. NO. 132875
• Adaza v Pacana, 135 SCRA 431 (1985)
• Puyat v De Guzman 113 SCRA 31 (1982)
• Liban v Gordon, 593 SCRA 68 (2009) and 639 SCRA 709 (2011)

o Powers and LImitations on Powers

• Makalintal v Comelec, GR 157013, Jul 10, 2003

• Abakada group Party List v Purisima, GR 166715, Aug 14, 2008
• Bengzon v Blue Ribbon Committee, 203 SCRA 767
• Arnault v Nazareno, G.R. L-3820
• PHILCOMSAT Holdings Corporation v. Senate, G.R. No. 180308,
June 19, 2012
• Neri v Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers (549
SCRA 77 AND 564 SCRA 152
• Balag, v Senate, G.R. No. G.R. No. 234608, July 03, 2018
• Senate v Ermita, G.R. 169777 (2006)
• Belgica (G.R. 208566, 2013)
• Araullo v Abad (G.R. 209287)
• Lawyers against Monopoly and Poverty [LAMP] v. The Secretary
of Budget and Management, G.R. No. 164987, Apr. 24, 2012,
• Arnault v Balagtas, 97 Phil 358
• Imbong v Ochoa, 721 SCRA 146 (2014)
• Tanada v Tuvera, 136 SCRA 27 (1985)
•

o Non Legislative Powers and Special Bodies

 • Abbas v SET, 166 SCRA 651 (1988)
• Bondoc v Pineda, 201 SCRA 732
• Codilla v De Venecia, G.R. 150605 (2002)
• Cunanan v Tan 5 SCRA 1 (1962)
• Velasco v Belmonte, G.R. 211140 (2016)
• Ty-Delgado v HRET G.R. 219603 (2016)

The Executive Branch

o The President

• Republic v Sandiganbayan, GR 152154 (2003)

• Estrada v Arroyo, G.R. No. 146738 (2001)
• Makalintal vs PET 635 SCRA 783 and 651 SCRA 239
• Pormento v Estrada, 629 SCRA 530 (2010)

Powers and Limitations

• Laurel v Garcia, GR No. 92013 (1990)

• Marcos v Manglapus, 178 SCRA 760
• Saguisag v Ochoa, G.R. 212426 (2016)
• Funa v Ermita, 612 SCRA 308 (2010)
• Funa v Agra, 691 SCRA 196 (2013
• De Castro v JBC, 615 SCRA 666 (2010)
• Velicaria-Garafil v O.P. GR 203372, Jun 16, 2015
• Manalo v Sistosa, GR 107369 (1999)
• Hontiveros-Baraquel v Toll Regulatory Board, GR 181293, Feb 23,
2015
• Resident Marine Mammals of the Protected Seascape Tanon Strait,
et al. v. Secretary Angelo Reyes, et al., G.R. No. 180771, April 21,
2015
• Kulayan v Tan, 675 SCRA 482 (2012)
• Ampatuan v Puno, 651 SCRA 228 (2011)
• Fortun v Macapagal-Arroyo 668 SCRA 504 (2012)
• Lagman v Medialdea, GR 231658, Jul 4, 2017
• Monsanto v Factoran, Jr., 170 SCRA 190 (1989)
• Risos-Vidal v Comelec, 747 SCRA 210 (2015)
• Saguisag v Ochoa, Jr. GR 212426 and 212444, Jan 12, 2016
• Bayan v Executive Secretary, GR 138570, Oct 10, 2000
• Biraogo v Philippine Truth Commission, GR 192935 (2010)

The Judiciary

o Appointments to the Judiciary

 • Chavez v JBC, 676 SCRA 579 (2012 and 696 SCRA 496 (2013)
• Jardeleza v Sereno, 733 SCRA 279 (2014) and Resolution, GR
213181, Jan 21, 2015
• Villanueva v JBC, GR 211833, Apr 7, 2015

o Judicial Independence

• Re: COA Opinion on the Appraised Value of the Properties

Purchased for the retired Chief/Associate Justices of SC, 678
SCRA 1 (2012)
• Re: Request for Guidance/Clarification on Section 7, Rule 111, RA
10154 requiring government employees to secure a clearance of
pendency/non-pendency of cases from CSC, 706 SCRA 502 (2013)
• Re: Save the SC Judicial Independence and Fiscal Autonomy
Movement v Abolition of Judiciary development Fund (JDF) and
Reduction of Fiscal Autonomy UDK-15143, Jan 21, 2015
• Re: Petition for recognition of the exemption of the GSIS from
payment of legal fees, 612 SCRA 193 (2010)

Constitutional Commissions and Constitutional Creations

o Common Provisions

• Cayetano v Monsod, GR 100113 (1991)

• Gaminde v COA, GR No. 140335 (2000)
• Brillantes v Yorac, GR No. 93867 (1990)
• CSC v DBM, GR 158791
• Funa v Duque 742 SCRA 166 (2014)

o The COMELEC

• Sarmiento v COMELEC, 212 SCRA 307

• Ambil v Comelec GR No. 143398
• Brillantes v Comelec, GR 163193 (2004)
• Sandoval v Comelec, GR 133842
• Al Haj v Comelec, GR No. 151046

o The Civil Service Commission

• General v Roco, GR No. 143366 (2001)

• CSC v Salas, GR 123708
• Office of the Ombudsman vs CSC, GR No. 159940 (2005)
• Vistan v Nicolas 201 SCRA 524
• Domingo v Zamora, GR 142283 (2003)
• OP v Buenaobra, GR 170021 (2006)
• Capablanca v CSC, GR 179370, Nov 19, 2009

o The COA
• DBP v COA, 231 SCRA 202
• Bustamante v COA, 216 SCRA 164
• DBP v COA, GR No. 88435 (2002)

o Sandiganbayan

• PD 1606
• Nunez v Sandiganbayan, 111 SCRA 433

o Ombudsman

• Roxas v Vasquez, GR No 114944

• People v Velez, GR No. 138093
• Ledesma v CA GR No. 161629
• Ombudsman v Madriaga, GR No. 164316
• Caoibes v Ombudsman, GR 132177, Jul 19, 2001

o Office of the Special Prosecutor

• Zaldiva v SB, 160 SCRA 843

• Orap v Sandiganbayan, 139 SCRA 252

o National Commissions

• Carino v CHR, GR 96681

• Canonizado v Aguirre, GR No. 133132 (2000)