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PEOPLE v. NAZARIO
PEOPLE v. NAZARIO
EUSEBIO NAZARIO
G.R. No. L-44143 | August 31, 1988
Sarmiento, J.
Doctrine: A statute is vague when it lacks comprehensible standards that “men of common
intelligence must necessarily guess at its meaning and differ as to its application.”
FACTS
The present case is an appeal assailing the decision of the trial Court which found the
accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of violation of Municipal Ordinance No. 4.
Appellant Nazario was charged with various violations of municipal ordinances in
Pagbilao, Quezon Province which mandates that any owner or manager of fishponds should pay
a municipal tax amounting to 3 pesos per hectare after the lapse of 3 years following the
approval of the fishponds by the Bureau of Fisheries.
Initially, the respondent admitted to the said violations but would later argue that such
ordinances were unconstitutional or do not apply to his case on the ground that the assailed
ordinances are vague. He contends that he is a mere lessee of the fish pond hence he is not
contemplated in the does not fall within those who are “owners” or “manager”. He also imputes
such vagueness on the date of payment because while Ordinance 4 provides that parties shall
commence payment 3 years after lapse of 3 years following the approval of the fishpond,
Ordinance 12 states that liability for the tax will begin on 1964 if the fishpond started operating
before said year.
1. W/N the assailed ordinances are null and void for being ambiguous? - NO.
SERAPIO C2021 | 1