CONSTITUTIONAL LAW 1

PARTIAL COURSE SYLLABUS1

Prof. Mario C. Cerilles Jr.

cerilles@yahoo.com

1st Semester, A.Y. 2022-2023

COURSE IDENTIFICATION
A. Course Code Law 121
B. Course Title Constitutional Law 1
C. Course Credit Four Units
D. Course Hours 4 Hours Per Week
E. Course Classification Core, Bar
F. Course Prerequisite None

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
A study of principles governing the structure, operations, and hierarchy of the Philippine government.
The course also delves into the three branches of government, departments and political units of the
government and the constitutional commissions.

COURSE COVERAGE

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW 1

A. THE PHILIPPIINE CONSTITUTION: Definition, Nature and Concept

1. Definition
2. Purposes
3. Constitution as The Fundamental Law of the Land

Read the following cases:

1. Marbury v. Madison, 1 Cranch 137 (1803): Read from the internet, see the facts and main issue for
resolution and the portion of the decision which laid down the rule why the Court may intervene to
reconcile a law subordinate to the Constitution.
2. Republic v. Sandiganbayan, 407 SCRA 10 (2003)
3. Gudani v. Senga, 498 SCRA 671 (2006), at 708
4. Nicolas v. Romulo, 578 SCRA, Read the facts and cover only the portion of the decision on the
adoption of the Mutual Defense Treaty under the 1935 Constitution: every treaty needs ratification of
the Senate; any agreement in furtherance of a duly ratified treaty does not need any action from the
Senate.

4. The History of the Philippine Constitution: Landmark documents/events

leading to adoption of the 1987 Constitution

The Fall of Marcos https://www.nytimes.com/1986/02/26/world/fall-marcos-two-decades-

philippine-chief-marcos-years-vow-make-country-great.html

1 Adopted from the syllabi of Prof. Herminio C. Bagro III and Prof. Marie Michelle B. Go

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 5. Manner of Interpreting the Constitution

i. Self-executing and non-self-executing provisions

Read:

Guides to Constitutional Interpretation (in order of Importance):

1. Text of the Consti ; 2. Intent; 3. Precedent (aka cases) ; 4. Policy
- Civil Liberties Union v. Executive Secretary, 194 SCRA 317 (1991);
- Sarmiento v. Mison, 156 SCRA 549 (1987);
- Marcelino v. Cruz, 121 SCRA 51 (1983);
- Vera v. Avelino, 77 Phil. 192 (1946);

Read cases:
1. Civil Liberties Union v. Executive Secretary, G.R. No. 83896, Feb. 22, 1991
2. Integrated Bar of the Philippines v. Hon. Ronaldo Zamora, G.R. No. 141254, Aug. 15, 2000, Puno, C.J.
separate opinion
3. Francisco v. House of Representatives, G.R. No. 160261, Nov. 10, 2003. Manila Prince Hotel v. GSIS,
G.R. 122156, Feb. 3, 1997

Read Article XVII of the 1987 Constitution

6. The Doctrine of Constitutional Supremacy

Alba v. Evangelista, 100 Phil. 683 (1957)

Morfe v. Mutuc, 22 SCRA 424
Knights of Rizal v. DMCI Homes, Inc., 824 SCRA 327 (2017)
Philippine Contractors Adjudication Board v. Manila Water Company, Inc. GR 217590, 10 March
2020

7. Amending Process

i. How amendment is instituted

ii. How revision is instituted
iii. Amendment vs. Revision
iv. Requisites for valid ratification
v. Different types of Initiative
vi. Kinds of Referendum

Read: TEXT of the Constitution

Read the following cases on People’s Initiative and the distinction between amendment and revision:
1. Defensor-Santiago v. COMELEC G.R. No. 127325, March 19, 1997
2. Lambino v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 174153, Oct. 25, 2006

Read the following cases on proper submission:

1, Gonzales v. COMELEC, G.R. No. L-28196, Nov. 9, 1967:
2. Tolentino v. COMELEC, G.R. No. L-34150, Oct. 16, 1971

B. THE STATE

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 1. Elements: People, Territory, Government and Sovereignty
2. Inherent Powers of the State: Police Power, Eminent Domain and Taxation

Read the following cases on the attributes of the State:

1. William C. Reagan v. CIR, G.R. No. L-26379,
December 27, 1969
2. Shipside Incorporated v. Court of Appeals, 352 SCRA 334 (2001)

Read the following cases:

1. Calalang v. Williams, 70 Philippine Reports 726, (1940)
2. Agustin v. Edu, 88 SCRA 195
(1979)
4. Morfe v. Mutuc, . G.R. No. L-20387, January 31, 1968
5. Rubi v. Provincial Board of Mindoro, G.R. No. L-14078, March 7, 1919
6. Manapat v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 110478, October 15, 2007]
7. Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority v. Lozada, Sr, G.R. No. 176625, February 25, 2010

Police Power

◦ U.S. v. Pompeya, 31 Phil 245

◦ Ichong v. Hernandez, 101 Phil 1155
◦ Agustin v. Edu, 88 SCRA 195
◦ Ermita-Malate Motel Hotel Assn v. City Mayor, 20 SCRA 849
◦ Calleja vs. Executive Secretary, G.R. No. 252579

Elements of a State: People

Read the Following:

Citizenship
Article IV (Citizenship), Sections 1-5
See Exec. Ord. No. 292 (1987), Book I, sections 5 to 9.
Aznar v. COMELEC, 185 SCRA 703 (1990)
Tecson v. Commission on Elections, 424 SCRA 277 (2004)
Co v. Electoral Tribunal of the House of Representatives, 199 SCRA 692 (1991)
Labo v. COMELEC, 176 SCRA 1 (1989)
Frivaldo v. COMELEC, 257 SCRA 727 (1996)
Poe-Llmanzares v. COMELEC, GR 221967 (2016)
Republic Act No. 8171 (1995)
Republic Act No. 9225 or “An Act Making the Citizenship of Philippine Citizens who Acquire Foreign
Citizenship Permanent, Amending for the Purpose Commonwealth Act No. 63, As Amended and for
other Purposes” (August 29, 2003)

Suffrage
Art. V, Sections 1-2
Romualdez v. RTC, 226 SCRA 408, 415 (1993)
Kabataan Party List v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 221318, December 16, 2015
Gonzales v. COMELEC, L-40117, February 22, 1975
Macalintal v. COMELEC, 405 SCRA 614 (2003)
See Republic Act No. 9189 or “An Act Providing for a System of Overseas Absentee Voting by
Qualified Citizens of the Philippines Abroad, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for other
Purposes” (February 13, 2003) as amended by Republic Act No. 10590.

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 Elements of a State: Territory

Read the Following:

Exec. Ord. No. 292 (1987), Book I, sec. 3.
Republic Act No. 9522 (2009).
Magallona v. Ermita, G.R. No. 187167, July 16, 2011
In the Matter of the South China Sea Arbitration, PCA Case Nº 2013-19, July 12, 2016, available at
https://pca-cpa.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/175/2016/07/PH-CN-20160712-Award.pdf
The Province of North Cotabato v. The Government of the Republic of the Philippines Peace Panel
on Ancestral Domain, G.R. No. 183591, October 14, 2008
Cruz v. Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, G.R. No. 135385, December 6, 2000

Elements of a State: Government

Government of the Philippines, Defined

See Exec. Ord. No. 292 (1987), Introductory Provisions, section 2.
U.S. v. Dorr, 2 Phil. 332 (1903)

Constituent and Ministrant and Functions of the Government

Bacani v. NACOCO, 100 Phil. 468 (1956)
ACCFA v. CUGCO, 141 Phil 334 (1969)
De Facto and De Jure Government
Co Cham v. Valdez, 75 Phil. 113 (1945)
Revolutionary Government
Republic v. Sandiganbayan, G.R. No. 104768, July 21, 2003

Sub-Topic: Local Autonomy

Local Autonomy
Mandanas v. Ochoa, G.R. No. 199802, July 3, 2018, Associate Justice Lucas P. Bersamin

Sovereignty and State Immunity

Doctrine of Auto-limitation

Read the following cases on state immunity:

1. United States of America v. Ruiz, 136 SCRA 487 (1985)
2. Liang v. People, G.R. No. 125865. January 28, 2000
3. Arigo v. Swift, G.R. No. 206510, Sept. 16, 2014:
4. GTZ v. CA, 585 SCRA 150
5. Holy See v. Rosario, G.R. No. 101949, Dec. 1, 1994
6. Callado, v. IRRI, G.R. No. 106483, May 22, 1995
7. Garcia v. Chief of Staff, G.R. No. L-20213, January 31, 1966
8. Chavez v. Sandiganbayan, 193 SCRA 282
9. Department of Transportation and Communications v. Abecina, 795 SCRA 214 (2016)
10. Buisan v. COA, 816 SCRA 346 (2017)

Read the following cases:

1. Reagan v. Commissioner on Internal Revenue, G.R. No. L-26379, December 27, 19692.
2. Nicolas v. Secretary Romulo, G.R. No. 175888, February 11, 2009

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The Legislative Branch

Composition, Qualifications, and Term of Office

a. Senate - Art. VI, §§2-4
b. House of Representatives - Art. VI, §§5-8; Art. IX-C, §§6-8; Art. XVIII, §7
Dimaporo v. Mitra, 202 SCRA 779

i. Apportionment and Reapportionment

Bagabuyo v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 176970, July 16, 2008
Aquino v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 189793, April 7, 2010
Mariano v. COMELEC, 240 SCRA 211*
Aquino v. COMELEC, 248 SCRA 400*

ii. Party – List Representatives –

See Republic Act No. 7941
Atong Paglaum, Inc. v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 203766, April 2, 2013
Barangay Association for National Advancement and Transparency (BANAT) v.
COMELEC, G.R. No. 179271, April 21, 2009, Resolution dated July 8, 2009
Lico v. Commission on Elections, G.R. No. 205505, September 29, 2015
Ang Ladlad LGBT Party v. COMELEC, G.R. 190582, April 8, 2010*
Coalition of Associations of Senior Citizens in the Philippines v. Commission on
Elections, G.R. Nos. 206844-45, July 23, 2013*
COCOFED v. Commission on Elections, G.R. No. 207026, August 6, 2013*
Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy (ANAD) v. Commission on Elections, G.R.
No. 206987, September 10, 2013
Abang Lingkod Party-List v. Commission on Elections, G.R. No. 206952, October
22, 2013

2. Election
a. Regular election - Art. VI, §8
b. Special election - Art. VI, §9
3. Salaries, Privileges and Disqualification
a. Salaries – Art. VI, §10
PHILCONSA v. Mathay, 18 SCRA 300*
Ligot v. Mathay, 56 SCRA 823*

b. Freedom from arrest – Art. VI, §11, Revised Penal Code, Art. 145
Martinez v. Morfe, 44 SCRA 22
People v. Jalosjos, G.R. Nos. 132875, February 3, 2000
Trillanes, IV v. Pimentel, Sr., G.R. No. 179817, June 27, 2008

c. Speech and Debate Clause – Art. VI, §11

Jimenez v. Cabangbang, 17 SCRA 876
Pobre v. Defensor-Santiago, A.C. No. 7399, August 25, 2009

d. Disqualifications and other prohibitions – Art. VI, §§13-14

Flores v. Drilon, 223 SCRA 563
Liban v. Gordon, G.R. 175352, January 18, 2011
Social Justice Society (SJS) v. Dangerous Drugs Board, G.R. No. 157870,
November 3, 2008

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e. Duty to disclose – Art. VI, §§12 and 20, Art. XI, §17

Internal Government of Congress – Art. VI, §16

a. Election of Officers
Santiago v. Guingona, G.R. No. 134577, November 18, 1998
Baguilat v. Alvarez, G.R. No. 227757, July 25, 2017
b. Quorum
Avelino v. Cuenco, 83 Phil. 17*

c. Rules of proceedings
Osmeña v. Pendatun, 109 Phil. 863
Pacete v. Secretary of Commission of Appointments, 40 SCRA 58*
Arroyo v. De Venecia, G.R. No. 127255, August 14, 1997
Garcillano v. House of Representatives Committees on Public Information, Public
Order and Safety, 575 SCRA 170*

d. Power over members and right to sit

Vera v. Avelino, 77 Phil 193*
e. Discipline of members
Alejandrino v. Quezon, 46 Phil. 83*
Santiago v. Sandiganbayan, April 19, 2001*
De Venecia v. Sandiganbayan, February 2, 2002 (Resolution)*

f. Sessions – Art. VI, §§ 15 and 16(5); Art. VII, §§10-11 and 18 (par. 2)
g. Journal and Congressional Records – Art. VI, §16 (4)
See discussion under legislative power
5. Powers of Congress
a. General plenary powers
o Arnault v. Nazareno, 87 Phil. 29, at 45-46
b. Legislative power
i. Substantive imitations

Express substantive limitations

Art. III; Art. VI, §§25 and 28; Art. XIV§4(3); Art. VI, §§29-31
Implied substantive limitations
Prohibition against delegation of legislative powers

Criterion of valid delegation

ABAKADA Guro Partylist v. Executive Secretary, 469 SCRA 14
U.S. v. Ang Tang Ho, 43 Phil. 6*
Solicitor General v. MMA, 204 SCRA 837*

Undue delegation of legislative power

Pelaez v. Auditor General, 15 SCRA 596

Proper delegation
By express authority of the Constitution
Garcia v. Executive Secretary, 210 SCRA 256*

Delegation to the President – Art. VI, §23(2)

Biraogo v. The Philippine Truth Commission, G.R. No. 192935, December 7, 2010

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Delegation to local governments – Art. X, §§2-3
Gancayco v. City Government of Quezon City, G.R. No. 177807, October 11, 2011*
Social Justice Society (SJS) v. Atienza, G.R. No. 156052, February 13, 2008

Delegation of power to carry out defined policy according to prescribed standards

Edu v. Ericta, October 24, 1970*
Osmeña v. Orbos, 220 SCRA 703

Promulgation of rules and regulations

o Commissioner of Customs v. Hypermix Feeds Corporation, G.R. No. 179579,
February 1, 2012

Prohibition against passage of irrepealable laws

ii. Procedural limitations – Art. VI, §§26-27

c. Question hour – Art. VI, §22
d. Legislative investigations – Art. VI, §21
Arnault v. Nazareno, 87 Phil. 29; 97 Phil 358*
Bengzon v. Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, 203 SCRA 767
Senate v. Executive Secretary, G.R. No. 169777, April 20, 2006
Romero v. Estrada, G.R. 174105, April 2, 2009
e. Act as board of canvassers (Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections) – Art. VII,
§4, par. 4
f. Call special election for President and Vice-President – Art. VII, §10
g. Revoke or extend suspension of privilege of habeas corpus and declaration of martial
law – Art. VII, §18
h. Approve presidential amnesties – Art. VII, §19

i. Confirm certain appointments – Art. VIII, §9 (by Congress; Id. §16 by the
Commission on Appointments)
Daza vs. Singson, 180 SCRA 496*
Coseteng vs. Mitra, 187 SCRA 377*
Guingona vs. Gonzalez, 214 SCRA 789 *

j. Concur in treaties - Art. VII, §21 (through the Senate)

Sombilon v. Romulo, February 1, 2009*
k. Declaration of war and delegation of emergency powers – Art. VI, §23
l. Be judge of president’s physical fitness – Art. VII, §11 (par. 4)
m. Power of impeachment – Art. XI, §§2-3
n. Amendment or revision of the Constitution – Art. XVII

6. The Legislative Process

a. Requirements as to bills
i. As to title
o Review BANAT Partylist v. COMELEC, supra.
o Lidasan v. COMELEC, 21 SCRA 496

ii. Requirements as to certain laws

(1) Appropriation laws
Guingona v. Carague, 196 SCRA 221
Belgica v. Ochoa, 208566, September 10, 2013

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Lawyers Against Monopoly and Poverty v. Secretary of Budget and Management,
G.R. No. 164987, April 24, 2012*
TESDA v. Commission on Audit, G.R. No. 196418, February 10, 2015
(2) Power of taxation and requirement as to tax laws
(3) Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
First Lepanto Ceramic v. Court of Appeals, 237 SCRA 519*
b. Procedure for the passage of bills
Calleja vs. Executive Secretary, G.R. No. 252579
c. The President’s veto power
Bolinao Electronics Corp. v. Valencia, 11 SCRA 486
Gonzales v. Macaraig, 191 SCRA 452
Bengzon v. Drilon, 208 SCRA 133
PHILCONSA v. Enriquez, 235 SCRA 506

d. Legislative veto
Macalintal v. COMELEC, 405 SCRA 719
e. Effectivity of laws
f. Journal and Congressional Records
Mabanag v. Lopez Vito on the enrolled bill doctrine*
Casco (Phil.) Chemical Co. v. Gimenez, 7 SCRA 347*
Astorga v. Villegas, 56 SCRA 714*
Morales v. Subido, 27 SCRA 131*

7. Electoral Tribunal

The Executive Branch

1. The President
a. Singular Executive
Villena v. Secretary, 67 Phil. 451
Ang-Angco v. Castillo, 9 SCRA 619*

b. Qualifications, election, term and oath - Art. VII, §§2, 4 and 5

Macalintal v. Presidential Electoral Tribunal, G.R. No. 191618, June 7, 2001
Pormento v. Estrada, G.R. No. 191988, August 31, 2010*
c. Privilege and salary - Art. VII, §6
d. Prohibitions - Art. VII, §13
Funa v. Ermita, G.R. No. 184740, February 11, 2010

e. Exceptions to prohibition from holding another office

(Vice-President as member of the cabinet; Secretary of Justice as member of the
Judicial and Bar Council)
CLU v. Executive Secretary, 194 SCRA 317
Dela Cruz v. Commission on Audit, G.R. No. 138489, November 29, 2001

2. Powers and Functions of the President

a. Executive Power –
Ocampo v. Medialdea, G.R. No. 225973, November 8, 2016

i. Power to execute laws - Art. VII, §§1 and 17

Ople v. Torres, 293 SCRA 141

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 ii. Control and supervision over the executive branch of the government - Art. VII,
§17
Lacson-Magallanes Co., Inc. v. Pano, 21 SCRA 895
Banda v. Ermita, G.R. No. 166620, April 20, 2010
Buklod ng Kawaning EIIB v. Executive Secretary, 360 SCRA 718*
Pichay v. Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs, G.R. No.
196425, July 24, 2012
Araullo v. Aquino, III, G.R. No. 209287, July 1, 2014
iii. General supervision of local governments and autonomous regions - Art. X, §§4,
16
Pimentel v. Aguirre, 336 SCRA 201*
Ganzon v. Court of Appeals, 200 SCRA 271*

iv. Power of appointment

With consent of Commission on Appointments
Sarmiento v. Mison, 156 SCRA 549

Limitations on appointing power of the President - Art. VII, §§13 and 15

Aytona v. Castillo, 4 SCRA 1*
Jorge v. Mayor, 10 SCRA 331*

Interim or recess appointments

Art. VI, §19
Art. VII, §16
Temporary designations
Administrative Code of 1987, Bk. III, §17
b. Powers over Legislation
i. Veto
ii. Delegated decree authority
Emergency powers - Art. VI, §23(2)
Araneta v. Dinglasan, 84 Phil. 368
David v. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, G.R. No. 171396, May 3, 2006, Focus on concept of emergency
powers

iii. Integrative powers

c. Special Powers -
i. Powers as Commander-in-Chief - Art. VII, §18; Art. III, §13; Art. VIII, §1, par. 2
Gudani v. Senga, G.R. No. 170165, August 15, 2006, supra.
Lansang v. Garcia, 42 SCRA 448
IBP v. Zamora, G.R. No. 141284, August 15, 2000 *
Lacson v. Perez, 357 SCRA 756*
Sanlakas v. Angelo Reyes, G.R. No. 159085, February 3, 2004
David v. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, G.R. No. 171396, May 3, 2006
Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan v. Puno, G.R. No. 190259, June 7, 2011
Fortun v. Macapagal-Arroyo, G.R. No. 190293, March 12, 2012*
Padilla v. Congress of the Philippines, G.R. No. 231671, July 25, 2017
Kulayan v Tan, G.R. No. 187298, July 3, 2012
Lagman v. Senate President, G.R. No. 235935, February 6, 2018
ii. Executive clemencies
Art. VII, §19

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 Art. IX-C, §5
People v. Vera, 65 Phil. 56*
Tesoro v. Director of Prisons, 68 Phil. 154*
Torres v. Gonzales, 152 SCRA 272
Barrioquinto v. Fernandez, 82 Phil. 642*
Macaga-an v. People, 152 SCRA 430*
People v. Salle, Jr., 250 SCRA 581*
Risos-Vidal v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 206666, January 21, 2015
Llamas v. Executive Secretary, 202 SCRA 844
Maruhom v. People, G.R. No. 206513, October 20, 2015
Ruben Tiu v. Dizon, G.R. No. 211269, June 15, 2016

iii. Diplomatic powers

iv. Contracting and guaranteeing foreign loans - Art. VII, §20; Art. XII, §21; Rep. Act
No. 4860
Constantino v. Cuisia, G.R. No. 106064, October 13, 2005

v. Power over foreign affairs

vi. Recognition of foreign states
vii. Conduct of foreign relations
Pimentel v. Office of Executive Secretary, G.R. No. 158088, July 6, 2005*
Phil. International Trading Corp. v. Angeles, 263 SCRA 421*
Intellectual Property Association of the Philippines v. Ochoa, G.R. No. 204605, July
19, 2016
viii. Settlement of disputes with foreign powers
ix. Treaty-making - Art. VII, §21
Executive Agreements
BAYAN v. Executive Secretary, G.R. No. 138570, October 10, 2000*
Saguisag v. Ochoa, supra
Negotiate
Province of North Cotabato v. GRP, supra.
x. Deportation of undesirable aliens
xi. Tariffs
d. Residual Power
Marcos v. Manglapus, 177 SCRA 668; 178 SCRA 760

3. Prohibitions and Immunity

i. Immunity from suit

In re Saturnino Bermudez, G.R. No. 76180, October 24, 1986
Beltran vs. Makasiar, 167 SCRA 393
Nixon vs. Fitzgerald, 457 U.S. 731*
Clinton vs. Jones, 117 S. Ct. 1636*

ii. Executive Privilege

Neri v. Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations
(Blue Ribbon Committee), G.R. No. 180643, March 25, 2008; Read CJ Puno’s
Dissenting Opinion
AKBAYAN v. Aquino, G.R. No. 170516, July 16, 2008

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4. Succession
Constructive Resignation
Estrada v. Desierto, 353 SCRA 452; Resolution on the Motion for Reconsideration,
356 SCRA 108

5. The Vice President - Art. VII, §§3-5, §6 and §9; Art. XI, §2-3
Right of succession and membership in Cabinet - Art. VII, §§8, 11, and 3, par. 2
6. Removal

The Judiciary

In The Matter of Save the Supreme Court Judicial Independence and Fiscal
Autonomy Movement v. Abolition of Judiciary Development Fund (JDF) And
Reduction of Fiscal Autonomy, UDK-15143, January 21, 2015
1. Judicial Power – Art. VIII, §1
All courts can exercise judicial power
Ynot v. IAC, 148 SCRA 659*

2. Supreme Court
a. Jurisdiction - Article 8, §5(2)(d)
b. Congressional Power over the Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court - Art. VIII, §2, par.1,
Art. VI, §30
c. En banc vs. Division - Art. VIII, §4
Manotok v. Barque, G.R. Nos. 162335 and 162605, December 8, 2008*

d. Composition - Art. VIII, §4

Vargas v. Rilloraza, 80 Phil 297 *
De Castro v. JBC, G.R. No. 191002, March 17, 2010 and April 20, 2010

e. Judicial and Bar Council: Appointments and Qualifications – Art. VIII, §§7(1), 8, 9
Villanueva v. JBC, G.R. No. 211833, April 7, 2015
Chavez v. JBC, G.R. No. 202242, July 17, 2012
Kilosbayan v. Ermita, G.R. No. 177721, July 3, 2007
Topacio v. Ong, G.R. No. 179895, December 18, 2008*
Jardeleza v. Sereno, G.R. No. 213181, August 19, 2014
Aguinaldo v. Aquino, G.R. No. 224302, November 29, 2016, Resolution dated
August 8, 2017
Republic of the Philippines v. Sereno, G.R. No. 237428, May 11, 2018, June 19,
2018

f. Salary – Art. VIII §10; Art XVIII §17

g. Security of Tenure – Art. VIII §2, par.2 and §11
De la Llana v. Alba, 112 SCRA 294

h. Removal - Art. VIII, §11; Art. XI, §2

i. Requirements as to Decisions – Art. VIII, §§13-14

Velarde v. Social Justice Society, G.R. No. 159357, April 28, 2004
Oil & Gas Nature Corporation v. CA, 315 SCRA 296, at 307-308

j. Mandatory period for deciding cases – Art. VIII §15; Art. VII, § 18 par. 3; Art. XVIII,

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 §12-14
k. Presidential Electoral Tribunal
Macalintal v. Presidential Electoral Tribunal, G.R. No. 191618, June 7, 2011

l. Administrative powers – Art. VIII, §§ 5 (3) (4) (6) and 11

i. Supervision of lower courts
Maceda v. Vasquez, 221 SCRA 464
In re Demetria, A.M. No. 00-7-09-CA, March 27, 2001
ii. Temporarily assign judges to other stations in public interest
iii. Order a change of venue or place of trial to avoid miscarriage of justice
Office of the Court Administrator v. Fernandez, AM RTJ 142379, August 5, 2014*

iv. Appointment of officials and employees of the entire judiciary

v. Promulgate rules concerning the enforcement and protection of constitutional
rights
vi. Promulgate rules concerning pleading, practice and procedure
Estipona, Jr. v. Hon. Lobrigo, G.R. No. 226679, August 15, 2017
vii. Admission to the practice of law
viii. Integration of the bar
ix. Legal assistance to the underprivileged
m. No quasi-judicial and administrative work for judges -Art. VIII, §12
Manila Electric Co. v. Pasay Trans Co., 57 Phil. 600
In re Judge Rodolfo Manzano, 166 SCRA 246
n. Fiscal autonomy
Re: COA Opinion on the Computation of the Appraised Value of the Properties
Purchased by the Retired Chief/Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, A.M. No.
11-7-10-SC, July 31, 2012
Maritime Industry Authority v. Commission on Audit, G.R. 185812, January 13,
2015*

o. Automatic release of appropriation for the Judiciary – Art. VIII, § 3

p. Confidentiality of Deliberations
o In Re: Production of Court Records and Documents and the Attendance of Court
officials and employees as witnesses under the subpoenas of February 10, 2012
and the various letters for the Impeachment Prosecution Panel dated January 19
and 25, 2012, Per Curiam Resolution, February 14, 2012
q. Report on the Judiciary – Art. VIII, § 16

Basic Principles and Concepts which Govern the Three Branches of Government

1. Separation of Powers Doctrine

2. Check and Balances Doctrine.
3. Blending of Powers or Doctrine of Interdependence.
4. Non-Delegation of Powers Doctrine

Read the following cases:

1. Belgica v. Ochoa. G.R. No. 208566, November 19, 2013, Justice Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe
2. Bureau of Customs Employees Association v. Teves. G.R. No. 181704, December 6, 2011, Associate
Justice Martin S. Villarama, Jr.

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3. David v. Macapagal-Arroyo, G.R. No. 171396, May 3, 2006, Associate JusticeAngelina Sandoval
Gutierrez
- Youngstown v. Sawyer
- Francisco v. The House of Representatives, 415 SCRA 44 (2003)
In Re Supreme Court Judicial Independence v. Judiciary Development Fund, UDK-15143
(Resolution), January 21, 2015

Judicial Review:

Read: Remarks of 1987 Constitutional Commission President Justice Cecilia Munoz-Palma

(https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1986/10/15/closing-remarks-of-the-president-of-the-
constitutional-commission-at-the-final-session-october-15-1986/)

Justiciability and the Political Question Doctrine

Requisites of Judicial Review

Miranda v. Aguirre, G.R. No. 133064, September 16, 1999

Francisco v. The House of Representatives, 415 SCRA 44 (2003)

PACU v. Secretary of Education, 97 Phil. 806 (1955)

Mariano v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 118577, March 7, 1995

Mootness
Sanlakas v. Executive Secretary, G.R. 159085, February 3, 2004

Proper Party

Read:
Joya v. PCGG, G.R. 96541, August 24, 1993

Citizen Standing:
Tanada v. Tuvera, 136 SCRA 27 (1985)
Chavez v. PEA and Amari, G.R. 133250, July 9, 2002

Associational Standing:
KMU Labor Center v. Garcia, G.R. 115381, December 23, 1994
IBP v. Zamora, 338 SCRA 81 (2000)

Taxpayer’s Standing:
Information Technology Foundation of the Philippines v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 159139, January 13,
2004

Voter’s Standing:
Tolentino v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 148334, January 21, 2004.

Legislative Standing:
Ople v. Torres, 293 SCRA 141 (1998)

Governmental Standing:
People v. Vera, 65 Phil 56 (1937)

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Standing for Fauna:
Resident Marine Mammals of the Protected Seascape Tanon Strait v. Secretary Reyes, G.R. No.
180771/181527, April 21, 2015

Necessity and Constitutional Avoidance

Read:
Arceta v. Mangrobang, G.R. No. 152895, June 15, 2004
Angara v. Electoral Commission, 63 Phil. 139 (1936)
David v. Arroyo – Exceptions to Mootness

Declaration of Principles and State Policies

1. Essential Characteristics of Republicanism: Representation, Transparency and Accountability.

2. Doctrine of Incorporation v. Doctrine of Transformation

Read the following cases:

1. Imbong v. Ochoa. G.R. No. 204819, April 8, 2014, Associate Justice Jose Catral Mendoza
2. Oposa v. Factoran. G.R. No. 101083, July 30, 1993, Associate Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr.]
3. Initiatives fort Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services, Inc., v. Power Sector Assets and
Liabilities Management Corporation, G.R. No.192088, October 9, 2012, Associate Justice Martin S.
Villarama, Jr.]

Supremacy of Civilian Authority - Article II, §3; Article VII, §18; Article XVI,
§5(4); Article XVI, §5(2); Article VI, §6
Gudani v. Senga, G.R. No. 170165, August 15, 2006

Separation of Church and State

Article II, §6
Article III, §5 (freedom of religion clause)
Article IX-C, 2(5) (political party ban on sects)
Article VI, §5(2) (no sectoral representation from religious sector)
Exceptions: Article VI, §28(3) (tax exemption of churches)
Id., §29(2) (no appropriation for sects; exemptions)
Article XIV, §3(3) (optional religious instruction)
Id., §4(2) (Filipino ownership for schools, except religious groups and mission
boards)
Letter of Tony Q. Valenciano, A.M. 10-4-19-SC, March 7, 2017

Independent foreign policy and a nuclear-free Philippines - Article II, §§ 7-8;

Article XVIII, §§4 and 25 (on foreign military bases)
Saguisag v. Ochoa, G.R. No. 212426, January 12, 2016

A just and dynamic social order – Preamble; Article II, §9

The promotion of social justice
Social justice defined - Art. XIII, §1
o Calalang v. Williams, 70 Phil. 726*
Aspects of social justice
Labor – Art. II, § 18; Art. XIII, §3; Article III, §8; Article IX-B, §2(5)

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o Hongkong Bank Independent Labor Union (HBLU) v. Hongkong and
Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, G.R. No. 218390, February 28,
2018

The priority of education, science, technology, arts, culture & sports - Article
II, § 17
i. Education
Right to education - Art. XIV, §1
Educational mandate of the state - Art. XIV, §§2 and 5
The educational system - Art. XIV, §§3-4, See Republic Act No. 10533 (2013)
o DECS v. San Diego, G.R. No. 89572, December 29, 1989
o Garcia v. Faculty Admission Committee – Loyola School of Theology, G.R.
No. L-40779, November 28, 1975
o Ateneo de Manila University v. Capulong, G.R. No. 99327, May 27, 1993
o De La Salle University, Inc. v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 127980, December
19, 2007
o Calawag v. University of the Philippines Visayas, G.R. No. 207412, August
7, 2013

ii. Language - Art. XIV, §6-9

iii. Science and technology -Art. XIV, §§10-13
iv. Arts and culture - Art. XIV, §§14-18
v. Sports - Art. XIV, §19

Promotion of health and ecology - Article II, §§15-16; Article XIII, §§11-13
o Oposa v. Factoran, 224 SCRA 792
o MMDA v. Concerned Residents of Manila Bay, G.R. No 171947, December
18, 2008

National Economy and Patrimony/Provisions on Control Educational Institutions, Mass

Media and Advertising Companies

1. Development and Utilization of Natural Resources

(1) Read Section 2, Article XII
Limitations for technical and financial assistance from 100% foreign-owned companies
(paragraph 4, Section 2, Article XII)
(2) Read Section 3, Article XII –
Limitations on Ownership of Public Agricultural Lands

2. Classification of lands of public domain

Positive acts to reclassify lands available for disposition
Transfer of land through hereditary succession

3. Filipino First Policy

Read Section 10, Article XII

4. Practice of Profession
Read paragraph 2, Section 14, Article XII

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5. Grant of congressional franchise and take-over of public utility companies
Read Sections 11 and 17, Article XII
Concept of control in a public utility company

7. The rules on control in the following:

- educational institutions,
- mass media
- advertising company

Read the following cases:

1. Cruz v. Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources. G.R. No. 135385, December 6, 2000, Separate
Opinion of Associate Justice Reynato S. Puno
2. La Bugal-B’laan Tribal Association, Inc., v. Ramos, G.R. No. 127882, December 1, 2004, Associate
Justice Artemio V. Panganiban
3. Resident Marine Mammals of the Protected Seascape Tañon Strait v. Reyes, G.R. No. 180771, April 21, 2015,
Associate Justice Teresita J. Leornardo-De Castro
4. Krivenko v. Register of Deeds, G.R. No. L-630, November 15, 194, Chief Justice Manuel V. Moran
5. Philippine Contractors Adjudication Board vs. Manila Water Company, Inc., supra 2020
6. Manila Prince Hotel v. Government Services Insurance System, Supra
7. Gamboa v. Teves, G.R. No. 176579, June 28, 2011, Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio
8. Roy III v. Herbosa, G.R. No. 207246, November 22, 2016, Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S.
Caguioa

Social Justice, Human Rights, and Education

1. The Commission on Human Rights
Composition
Qualifications/ Term of Office
Nature of CHR
Function of the CHR
2. Academic Freedom
Concept/ Components

Carino v. Commission on Human Rights, G.R. No. 96681, December 2, 1991, Chief Justice Andres R.
Narvasa
Mercado v. AMA Computer College-Paranaque City, Inc., G. R. No. 183572, April 13, 2010, Associate Justice
Arturo D. Brion
Ateneo de Manila University v. Capulong, G.R. No. 99327, May 27, 1993, Associate Justice Flerida Ruth P.
Romero
University of the Philippines Board of Regents v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 134625, August 31, 1999. [Per
Associate Justice Vicente V. Mendoza]
De La Salle University, Inc., v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 127980, December 19, 2007, Associate Justice
Ruben T. Reyes

The Constitutional Commissions

Note: Safeguards securing independence of CSC

Read the following cases:

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1. Civil Service Commission v. Department of Budget and Management, G.R. No. 158791, July 22, 2005,
Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales
2. Funa v. Duque III, G.R. No. 191672, November 25, 2014, Associate Justice Lucas P. Bersamin
3. Republic of the Philippines v. Santos, G.R. No. 180027, July 18, 2012, Associate Justice Jose Portugal

Standardization of Pay & Ban on Double Compensation

Art. IX, B, Sec. 13, Art. IX, B, Sec. 5,Art. IX, B, Sec. 8
Book V, Title I, Chapter 8, Sec. 56 of Admin Code of 1987
Santos vs. Court of Appeals, GR No. 139792, Nov 22, 2000

Ban on Partisan Political Activities

Art. IX, B, Sec. 2 (4)
Trinidad vs. Valle, Jr., AM No. 2258-CFI, July 20, 1981
Vistan vs. Nicolas, AM No. MTJ-87-79, Sept 13, 1991, Dec 2, 1991
Art. XVI, Sec. 5 (3)
Cailles vs. Bonifacio, GR No. L-45937, Feb 25, 1938

Removal or Suspension only for Cause

Art. IX, B, 2 (3)
De los Santos vs. Mallare, GR No. L-3881, Aug 31, 1950
Civil Service Commission vs. Salas, GR No. 123708, June 19, 1997

Right of Self-Organization
rt. III, Sec. 8, Art. IX, B, Sec. 2 (5)
Book V, Title I, Subtitle A, Chapter 6, Administrative Code of 1987
Alliance of Gov’t Workers vs. Minister of Labor, GR No. L-60403, Aug 3, 1983

Right to Strike
SSS Employees Association vs. CA, GR No. 85279, July 28, 1989
EO 180
Manila Public School Teachers Assn. vs. Laguio, GR No. 95445, Aug 6, 1991

Read: Article IX, Constitution, Gatmaytan

Cases On COA:
Feliciano vs. Commission on Audit, GR No. 147402, Jan 14, 2004
DBP vs. Commission on Audit, GR No. L-107016, Mar 11, 1994
Blue Bar Coconut Philippines, Inc. vs. Tantuico, GR No. L-47051, July 29, 1988
Phil. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals vs. COA, GR No. 169752, Sept 25, 2007
Funa v. Manila Economic and Cultural Office, G.R. No. 193462, February 4, 2014
Prohibition against Exemption from Audit
Bustamante vs. Commission on Audit, GR No. 103309, Nov 27, 1992
Audit by Private Auditor
Development Bank of the Philippines vs. Commission on Audit, GR No. 88435, Jan 16, 2002
The Special Audit Team, Commission on Audit v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 174788, April 11,
2013

Cases on COMELEC:
Macalintal vs. Commission on Elections, GR No. 157013, July 10, 2003
Cayetano v. Monsod, GR No. 100113, Sept 3, 1991
Brillantes vs. Yorac, GR No. 93867, Dec 18, 1990

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Matibag vs. Benipayo, GR No. 149036, Apr 2, 2002
Sanchez v. COMELEC, GR No. L-55513, June 19, 1982
Pungutan vs. Abubakar, GR No. L-33541, Jan 20, 1972
Prosecute Election Law Violators
Art. IX, C, Sec. 2 (6), BP Blg. 881, Sec. 265, EO 134, Sec. 11, February 27, 1987
People v. Inting, GR No. 88919, July 25, 1990
Kilosbayan v. Comelec ,GR 128054, Oct 16, 1997
Deputize Law Enforcement Agents & Recommend Their Removal
People vs. Basilla, GR No. 83938-40, Nov 6, 1989

Registration of Parties, Organizations & Coalitions & Accreditation of Citizens’ Arms

Atong Paglaum vs. Comelec, Supra
LDP vs. Comelec, GR No. 161265, Feb 24, 2004
Regulation of Public Utilities & Media of Information
GMA Network, Inc vs. COMELEC, GR No. 205357, Sept 2, 2014

Public Accountability

Read:
Constitution, Article IX, X, XIV
Read the following cases:
1. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada v. Sandiganbayan and Ombudsman, G.R. No. 217682, July 17, 2018, Associate Justice
Bersamin, J.
2. Ombudsman Carpio-Morales v. Court of Appeals, Mayor Binay et al., G.R. Nos. 217126-27, November 10,
2015, Associate Justice Perlas-Bernabe
3. Republic v. Sereno, Supra

REFERENCES
Primary Readings:

1. 1987 Constitution – Read the TEXT before you start reading the cases
2. Cases in the original

Reference Reading:

1. Cruz, Isagani, Constitutional Law

2. Cruz, Isagani, Philippine Political Law
3. Bernas, The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines: A Commentary
4. Gatmaytan, Constitutional Law in the Philippines – Government Structure

ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. Attendance
2. Class participation
a. Recitation
b. Quizzes, essays and other activities (Debates, Reporting, etc.)
c. Asynchronous activities (Take home activities)
3. Final Examination

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COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Course Requirements Weight Assigned

Recitation, Attendance and Other Activities 50%
Final Examination 50%

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