People of the Phils Vs Que Po Lay March 29, 1945, Montemayor
(effectivity of laws: is publication needed: Yes : Penal In Character)
Facts: Que Po Lay failed was found in possession of 7000 dollars worth of US checks and Money orders but failed to sell it to the Central Bank as required by Circular 20, the circular was issued on 1949 but was published in the OG on November 1851, que po lay was sentenced by the lower court to 6 years in prison but it took almost 6 months for the circular to be published after conviction. Issue: whether or not publication of Circular 20 in needed for it to become EFFECTIVE. Held: It is necessary for a law, rule or circular especially with a penal character to be published in order to bound the public to its contents, Que po lay was acquitted. Askay VS Cosalan September 15,1924, Malcolm (effectivity of laws: when is publication: exclusion if stated for approval) Facts: Sakay questioned the jurisdiction of Judge Harvey in the case, following the line that a certain Act.3107 that basically gives the secretary of justice to assign judges to a court not of his own,should be effective only 15 days after the publication. However on the last section of the Act there states that the acts shall take effect on its approval. Issue: whether or not Act.3107 is in effect when Judge Harvey started to hear the case Held: Judge Harvey has jurisdiction over the case as Act 3107, provided a clear section that the act should be in effect upon its approval which covers the exclusion to the general rule of 15 days after publication.
Balbuena vs Secretary of Education November 29, 1960 (effectivity of laws: Publication: Only in General Application) Facts: In a case pertaining to Department Order.8, members of the Jehovah witness find it in violation of the their rights of freedom of worship and speech especially when they are dismissed for not saluting the flag. The case was dismissed in the reason that the Flag is not a religious image together with the entire ceremony. The Jehovas witnesses members however raised a new issue on the validity of the the order on the subject of publication as it was not published in the OG as required in C.A 638, Art.2 New Civil Code. Issue: Whether or not, Department Order.8 required publication in the Official Gazette to take effect. Held: It is the view of the court that this particular order does not require general publication for it is not a law of general application because it is addressed only to Director of Public and Private schools where they have a job to maintain discipline. Tanada vs Tuvera December 29, 1986 ,Escolin LANDMARK, NEW BASIS(Effectivity of Laws: Publication: Indespinsable; Ignoratia Legis Nominem Exusar.. due to the secret files of Marcos.
Facts: A motion for reconsideration pertaining to a previous case that dealt with the necessity of publication in order for a law to be effective. While it was found necessary to publish law as a rule, the argument still continued about the specific clause that states other wise provided in relation to law that have specific mention of validity on its approval. Issue: Whether or not, a law can have full effect right after its approval without publication on the basis of the clause other wise provided Held: The clause unless otherwise provided refers to the date of effectively and not of the requirement of publication itself. As the SC stated Publication in full or its no publication at all and that the publication must be made forthwith or at least as soon as possible for ignoratia legis nominem excusat.
Lara Vs Del Rosario, April 20, 1954, Montemayor Effectivity of Civil code (Replaced Code of Commerce Art.302 the governing agency) Facts: Lara et al were former taxi drivers of the defendant. When the latter sold some of his vehicles, the plaintiffs who were no longer needed were dismissed. Because their employer did not give them their one months salary in lieu of the notice required in Article 302 of the Code of Commerce, this action was instituted.
ISSUE: Whether or not the New Civil Code took effect on August 30, 1949.
HELD: In this case, the Supreme Court in an obiter dictum held that the new Civil Code of the Philippines took effect on August 30, 1950. This date is exactly one year after the Official Gazette publishing the Code was released for circulation, the said release having been made on August 30, 1949. The plaintiffs then are not entitled to any compensation, the New Civil Code having repealed the Code of Commerce. The case was on latter period on September 24,1950.
Wong Woo You vs Vivo, March 31, 1965, Angelo Village Chief cannot celebrate marriage under Philippine Law: Doctrine Procedurial Presumption Facts: Wong Woo You a chinese woman was married to Perfecto Blas in China which was solemnized by a certain Village Chief, Chua Tio. As a requirement for entry in the Philippines as a non-qouta immigrant, a binding marriage is required. Issue: Is the marriage of Wong Woo you and Perfecto Blas legal? Whether or not the petitioner presented sufficient fact for her marriage? Held: The court did not find sufficient and substantial proof of marriage between the two, other than oral and documentary evidence that has basically little to no weight at all in proving a husband and wife relationship, they cannot prove it. More importantly, the validity of the marriage in China through the village elder may only be proven if again, they can give enough proof of the case, such as laws. However since they cannot provide one, the law of the Philippines applies about who can celebrate marriage, which in this case, thus not include a village elder. Doctrine of Procedurial Presumption. Adong vs Cheong Seng Gee, Malcolm, Ignorantia Legis nominem exusat: A question of fact, must be proven. Ignorance of the fact may limit liability Facts: A certain Cheong Boo, deceased, left a certain estate property with an estimated worth of 100k, now Cheong Seng Gee claimed that he is the legitimate son of Cheong Boo and Tandit who were married in China and therefore have the right to the property and not Mora Adong, who claimed to be lawfully wedded to Cheong Boo in Basilan.
Issue: Whether or not a marriage contracted in China and proven mainly by an alleged matrimonial letter, valid in the Philippines? Are the marriages performed in the Philippines according to the rites of the Mohammedan religion valid? Held: Sec. IV of the Marriage law provides that all marriages contracted outside the islands, which would be valid by the laws of the country in which the same were contracted, are valid in these islands. In order for the marriage between Cheong Seng Gee and Boo to be valid they must prove a question of fact, which a matrimonial letter cannot do. A Philippine marriage followed by 23 years of uninterrupted marital life, should not be impugned and discredited, after the death of the husband through an alleged prior Chinese marriage, save upon proof so clear, strong and unequivocal as to produce a moral conviction of the existence of such impediment. A marriage alleged to have been contracted in China and proven mainly by a so- called matrimonial letter held not to be valid in the Philippines.
Marcos vs Comelec
Marcos filed for certificate of candidacy as Rep of 1 st distrct of Leyte
Montejo filed petition for disqualification under the residency requirement
Marcos amended COC, honest misrepresentation, claiming tacloban city as her domicile
Marcos COC is stil void
COMELEC issued another resolution allowing Marcos to office should the canvas show she obtained the highest number of votes
Resolution was reversed again, proclamation would be suspended even if she did win.
Marcos declared that she was the winner of the election.
Marcos was a resident of Tacloban and his marriage to Ferdinand only made her transfer actual residence, but after death she chose tacloban as expressed in the letter to PCGG chairman in rehabilitating their ancestral house.
A wife does not automatically gain the husbands domicile because th term residence in civil law does not mean the same thin in political law,
Proclaim Marcos as duly elected representative of the first district of leyte
Coron vs Carino FACTS: Sometime in 1976, an action was filed by the petitioner before the Court of First Instance of Palawan and Puerto Princesa City. The action sought to demolish the structures built by the private respondents alongside the rock causeway of the petitioners' wharf. After a series of postponements, the trial court, on January 16, 1979 reset the hearing for the latter time for three consecutive dates, March 20, 21 and 22, 1979 with further warning to the private respondents that no more postponements shall be allowed. On March 20, 1979 despite proper notice, the private respondents and their counsel failed to appear at the scheduled hearing. The petitioner then moved that private respondents' non-appearance be considered as a waiver on their parts and rights to be heard. The private respondents went to the appellate court for certiorari but the petition was dismissed due to lack of merit.
On appeal, the private respondents were required "to submit the forty (40) printed copies of their record on appeal together with the proof of service of fifteen (15) copies thereof with appellee." However, the respondents still failed to comply with the requirements even after the sixty (60) days extension.
A resolution, dated September 27, 1982, dismissing the private respondents appeal had became final and executory. The respondents, in their supplemental motion argued that since under the present law, printed records on appeal are no longer required, their right to be heard on appeal must be upheld instead of the rule on technicalities.
ISSUE/S: Whether or not the procedural rules invoked by the private respondents be given retroactive effect?
HELD:NO, because the Supreme Court have resolved the issue as to the extent of the retroactive application of Section 18 of the Interim Rules of Court. It reiterated that "Statutes regulating the procedure of the courts will be construed as applicable to actions pending and undetermined at the time of their passage. Procedural laws are retrospective in that sense and to that extent. WHEREFORE, the petition is hereby GRANTED. The resolution of the respondent appellate court dated July 29, 1983 is SET ASIDE.
PAFLU VS Secretary of Labor FACTS: PAFLU File for writs of certiorari and prohibition to restrain Secretary to enforce an order of cancellaion of SSSEmploymentAssoc which is Afilliated with PAFLU And annul all proceedings in connection with the cancellation AND prohibit enforcing sec.23 of R.A 875 and prey for a writ of preliminary injunction pending the final determination of the case, no W.P.I pendent lite has been issued It appears that on September 25, 1963, the Registration of Labor Org, issued a hearing on October 17, 1963, on the matter of cancelation of SSSEA because 1: Failure to furinish BOLandRel, with verified copies of financial report 2.Failure to submit to this office, the names and addresses of the non subversive affidavits of the officers of the union. They violated, sec.23, of R.A.875, registration of labor organizations. Councel of SSSEA moved the hearing to submit such documents but nobody appeared, the next day October 22 SSEA ass.sec filed the documents and the constitution and by laws. October 23, BOLandR cancelled,SSSEA registration certificate. Alfredo Fajardo, President of SSSEA, filed a reconsideration of the decision and asked for time to November 15,.. December 4, the registrar declared that SSSEA failed to submit, non- subversive affidavits and names and addresses. SSEA then filed the case at hand, claiming that Sec.23 RA875 violates their FREEDOM of ASSEMBLY and ASSOCIATIOn, and is inconsistent of the UDHR, that it unduly delegates judicial power to an Admin agency. *FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATION is DEVOID OF FACTUAL BASIS because registration is not a limitation but for a condition an org or assoc. to acquire legal personality. Those financial statements are also reasonable since they collect huge amount of money on behalf of the org, making the demand reasonable.
*Section 23 does not impinge upon the right of organization by UDHR or to ILO on the matter of employee to create an organization. *SSSEA would still exist because it is their right but its judicial personality and statutory rights and priviledges would be suspended thereby. *the period within which decision should be rendered is directory and not mandatory, the judgement therefore is not null and void, those who is incharge of the judgment may only be dealt with administratively but the judgment still stands. Also there is now law requiring the approval of Sec for cancellation, because once the condition is meet, judgment on cancellation can be rendered. It also shows that the petitioners failed to exhaust all remedies for they directly went to court against the secretary when the secretarty is not needed yet on a decision since there was a pending petition for extension to the registar.
PETITION FOR WRITS PRAYED FOR DENIED WITH COST AGAINST PETITIONERS.
TANADA VS CUENCO
After the 1955 elections, members of the Senate were chosen. The Senate was overwhelmingly occupied by the Nacionalista Party. The lone opposition senator was Lorenzo. Diosdado on the other hand was a senatorial candidate who lost the bid but was contesting it before the SET. But prior to a decision the SET would have to choose its members. It is provided that the SET should be composed of 9 members; 3 justices, 3 senators from the majority party and 3 senators from the minority party. But since there is only one minority senator the other two SET members supposed to come from the minority were filled in by the NP. Lorenzo assailed this process. So did Diosdado because he deemed that if the SET would be dominated by NP senators then he, as a member of the Liberalista will not have any chance in his election contest. Cuenco et al (members of the NP) averred that the SC cannot take cognizance of the issue because it is a political question. Cuenco argued that the power to choose the members of the SET is vested in the Senate alone and the remedy for Lorenzo and Diosdado is not to raise the issue before judicial courts but rather to leave it before the bar of public opinion.
ISSUE: Whether or not the issue is a political question.
HELD: The SC took cognizance of the case and ruled in favor of Lorenzo and Diosdado. The term Political Question connotes what it means in ordinary parlance, namely, a question of policy. It refers to those questions which, under the Constitution, are to be decided by the people in their sovereign capacity; or in regard to which full discretionary authority has been delegated to the legislative or executive branch of the government. It is concerned with issues dependent upon the wisdom, not legality, of a particular measure.
TITLE: Emetrio Cui v Arellano University CITATION: GR NO. L15127, May 30, 1961 | 112 Phil 135
FACTS:
Emetrio Cui took his preparatory law course at Arellano University. He then enrolled in its College of Law from first year (SY1948-1949) until first semester of his 4 th year. During these years, he was awarded scholarship grants of the said university amounting to a total of P1,033.87. He then transferred and took his last semester as a law student at Abad Santos University. To secure permission to take the bar, he needed his transcript of records from Arellano University. The defendant refused to issue the TOR until he had paid back the P1,033.87 scholarship grant which Emetrio refunded as he could not take the bar without Arellanos issuance of his TOR.
On August 16, 1949, the Director of Private Schools issued Memorandum No. 38 addressing all heads of private schools, colleges and universities. Part of the memorandum states that the amount in tuition and other fees corresponding to these scholarships should not be subsequently charged to the recipient students when they decide to quit school or to transfer to another institution. Scholarships should not be offered merely to attract and keep students in a school.
ISSUE: Whether or not Emetrio Cui can refund the P1,033.97 payment for the scholarship grant provided by Arellano University.
HELD:
The memorandum of the Director of Private Schools is not a law where the provision set therein was advisory and not mandatory in nature. Moreover, the stipulation in question, asking previous students to pay back the scholarship grant if they transfer before graduation, is contrary to public policy, sound policy and good morals or tends clearly to undermine the security of individual rights and hence, null and void.
The court sentenced the defendant to pay Cui the sum of P1,033.87 with interest thereon at the legal rate from Sept.1, 1954, date of the institution of this case as well as the costs and dismissing defendants counterclaim.
Compulsory Recognition Bernabe v. Alejo [G.R. No. 140500, January 21, 2002]PONENTE: Panganiban, J.
FACTS:
The late Fiscal Ernesto Bernabe allegedly fathered a son with Carolina Alejo, his secretary for 23 years.
The son, Adrian Bernabe, was born on September 18, 1981. Fiscal Bernabe died on August 13, 1993 while his wifeRosalina died on December 3, 1981, leaving Ernestina as their sole surviving heir.
Carolina, on behalf of Adrian, frilled a complaint praying that Adrian be declared as an acknowledged illegitimate son of Fiscal Bernabe and as such, be given his share in Fiscal Bernabes estate, which was being held by Ernestina as the sole surviving heir.
The RTC dismissed the complaint, ruling that under the provisions of the Family Code, the complaint was alreadybarred.
On appeal to the CA, it ruled that the subsequent enactment of the Family Code did not take away the right of Adrianto file a petition for recognition within four years from attaining majority age.
Hence this petition for review on certiorari under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court, praying for (1) nullification of the July 7,1999 CA decision and (2) reinstatement of two (2) orders issued by RTC.
ISSUE: 1)
Whether or not Adrian Bernabe can petition for compulsory recognition now that his alleged father is dead. HELD: 1)
Yes, Adrian Bernabe can petition for compulsory recognition even when his alleged father is already dead. RATIONALE: The Family Code took effect on August 3, 1988, Adrian was only 7 years old then and he was only 12 years old when his father died.The Supreme Court ruled that Adrians right to an action for recognition which was granted by Article 285 of the Civil Code, had already vested prior to the enactment of the Family Code. Article 255 of the Civil Code states: This code shall have retroactiveeffect insofar as it does not prejudice or impair vested or acquired rights in accordance with the Civil Code or other laws.
Article285 of the Civil Code states:
The action for recognition of the natural children may be brought only during the lifetime of thepresumed parents except in the following cases: (1) If the father or mother died during the minority of the child, in which case thelatter may file the action before the expiration of four years from the attainment of his majority; (2) If after the death of the fatheror of the mother a document should appear of which nothing had been heard and in which either or both parents recognize thechild. In this case, the action must be commenced within four years from the finding of the document.The petition for compulsory recognition was filed by Carolina on behalf of Adrian on May 16, 1994, when Adrian was still a minor or13 years old. This is well before the expiration of four years from the attainment of his majority
U.S vs Palacio Palacio was charge, omit from the tax list certain real properties belonging to said Francisco Madlonito.
Palacio was found guilty and then appealed SC STAGE
The basis of palacio report were facts given by Madlonito and the measurement of the 2 laborers Palacio did not also measure a certain property with an improvement because the owner was not there, the brother of Francisco, Emiliano
Palacio should have verified the measurement, since it is his duty. Palacio wilfully omitted from his report an extensive portion of Francisco madlonito, real property.
when there are two laws on the same subject enacted on different dates, and it appears evidently by the form and essence of the later law that it was the intention of the legislator to cover therein the whole of the subject, and that it is a complete and perfect system, or is in itself a provision, the latest law should be considered as a legal declaration that all that is comprised therein shall continue in force and that all that is not shall rejected and repealed
However it was not the intention of the legislature to cover all matters relative to the assessment.
Repeals by implications are not favoured, and will not be decreed, unless it is manifest that the legislature so intended.
Palacio is liable, because it constitutes false representation in that document and a fraud committed by the public official.
lower court judgement holds.
Lichauco vs Apostol (not favored-repeal by implication; specific over general)
Lachauco wants to import draft cattle and bovine to produce serum for diseases, D.A wants the cattle immunize from rinderpest before embarkation at Pnom-Pehn as stated in A.O 21.(prohibiting bringing of infected animals) Company wants an order requiring DA to allow said importation. 1770 authorizes closing of port by DA on the matter of prevention of infection Section 1762 is general, amended by 3052 (no repealing clause) 1770 is special, deals with special contingency, power of DA Repealing 1770 would render DA powerless to protect Agricultural Agencies General must always yield to the particular No implied repeal of a special provision of the character of the one now under consideration will result from the enactment of broader provision. A general statute without negative words does not repeal a previous statute which is particular. 1770 remains in full force.
People vs Jabinal (Stare Decisis; People Vs Mapa: Retroactivity) Jabinal found guilty of the crime, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Jabinal is an appointed secret agent by Gov.Leviste and confidential agent from the PC provincial commander. Decision is 1968 mitigating circumstance as Secret agent, not an excuse to an offense but can reduce severity of the charge. Macarandang -> Exempted from license requirements Lucero-> granting temporary use of firearms is okay due to situation MAPA -> no provision is made for a secret agent, he is not exempt. Legis interpretation legis vim obtinet interpretation placed upon a the written law by a competent court has the force of the law.
STARE DECISIS, Jabinal is absolved, lower court decision reversed, appealant may not be punished for an act which at the time it was done was held not to be punishable. -> non-retroactivity New decisions cannot reverse the previous decisions of the court in terms of it being an evidence of what the law means, also the decision was in 1967 of Mapa, while the appointment was 1962
The principle of stare decisis enjoins adherence by lower courts to doctrinal rules established by this Court in its final decisions. It is based on the principle that once a question of law has been examined and decided, it should be deemed settled and closed to further argument Apiag vs Judge Cantero ( Judge Cantero was charged with gross misconduct for allegedly committing bigamy and falsification of public documents Cantero allegedly left his family for no reason, nowhere to be found. stare decisis et non quieta movere stand by the thing and do not disturb the calm Plaintiffs beg for support, ignored by defendant Cantero A valid marriage cannot be dissolved without a judicial declaration of death and that Judge Canteros marriage to Ms.Ygay, is an act of bigamy for it was contracted during the existence of the previous marriage. A void marriage does not necessarily need a judicial decree in ODayat vs Amante., there was no Family Code yet. It is also important to show that Judge Cantero, has no malice and believed that the first marriage is void as evidence in his confidence in filing up these public documents, a valid defense.
Judge cantero should be liable for misconduct because the infraction he committed continued from the time he became a lawyer to the time he was appointed as judge, CONTINUING OFFENSE. BUT SC decided that it is not applicable because it was his personal life and it was not in conflict with his official responsibilities. Separation of Character of a man and a character of the officer, OBITER DICTUM
Judge canter commited falsification, as in hius SALN, ITR, he declared Ygay as the wife, while Apiag is the legal wife.
Personal Conduct of A judge - Disciplinary measures, Administratively liable. The conduct of Judge Cantero in his personal life falls short of the standards, free from appearance of impropriety. Violated canon 2 and 3 of Judicial ethics Judges should avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all activities.
The court was inclined to treat him with leniency, for it was this lone case, that question his integrity, other than that he had untarnished 32 years in government service.
The principle of stare decisis enjoins adherence by lower courts to doctrinal rules established by this Court in its final decisions. It is based on the principle that once a question of law has been examined and decided, it should be deemed settled and closed to further argument
ENDENCIA VS DAVID (Abrogation of the decisions of the court) David ordered the taxing of Justice Endencia salary. R.A 590, no salary received by any public officer of the RP shall be considered exempt. A court decision promulgated in Perfecto vs Meer, was not favourably received by congress that is why they enacted R.A 590
Wether R.A 590 is constitutional Congress argued that taxing Judicial officer is not a decrease in compensation which violates Article 8, section 9 in the constitution Which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office Congress, interpreted the constitution which is invasion of the well- defined and established province and jurisdiction of the judiciary.
The reason of Article 8, section 9 is basically to preserve the independence of the judiciary, the independence of the judiciary is of far greater importance than any revenue that could come from taxing their salary. JUDICIAL DECISIONS MAY BE ABROGATED BY A CONTRARY RULING OF THE SUPREME COURT; CORRECTIVE LEGISLATIVE ACTS BY CONGRESS BUT IN TERMS OF INTERPRETATION, JUDICIAL HAS THE SOLE POWER: in this case the word DIMINISHED
Floresca vs Philex ( SC cannot legislate but with exception) IF THE LAW IS SILENT Families of the deceased philex workers complains that alledgely, philex violated government rules and regulations,
Negligently and deliberately failed to take the required precautions for the protection of the workers. Floresca and Families moved to claim their benefits and sued for additional damages. Philex argued that they can no longer be sued because petitioners already have claimed benefits under the Wcompensation Act. ISSUE: Wether or not Floresca et al can claim benefits and at the same time sue.
DECISION: Under the law, floresca et al could only do either one BUT SC however ruled that floresca et al are excuse from this one due to ignorance of FACT. On the ground that if they have been aware of such, they wouldnt have availed such remedy. Going strictly by the book would defeat the purpose of the law, which gives value to human life. In this case the spirit of the law insures mans survival and that reverence for the letter of the law sacrifices the human being, on this case. Article 9 of the new civil code No judge or court shall decline to render judgment by reason of the silence, obscurity or insufficiency of law
Legislators themselves recognizes, that there are instances where judiciary must legislate to fill in gaps in the law. Phil Rabbit Bus vs Arciaga ( how to interpret in case of doubt) Passenger Singson on board a PRBL bus sustained injuries when the bus crashed. Singson brought a complaint for contractual tort. PRBL argued that it was not intended but rather a fortuitous event. Case dismissed for Singson did not appear. He then filed an appeal on the grounds of equity. ISSUE: if dismissal was proper
DECISION: upheald dismissal of the case basing its decision on the doctrine of finality of judgment grounded on fundament considerations concerning public policy and sound practice.
The court further states that the principle of equity cannot be applied to him. equity aids the vigialnt, not those who slumber on their rights Singson, was given a last chance but failed to avail of such last chance within the grace period fixed by statute or rules of court is fatal (Turqueza vs Hernando)
There are instances, indeed, in which a court of equity gives a remedy, where the law gives none; but where a particular remedy is given by the law, and that remedy is bounded and circumscribed by particular rules, it would be very improper for the court to take it up where the law leaves it and to extend it further than the law allows.