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May"Encarnina"P."Gaoiran"
Constitutional"Law"Reviewer"
"

Chapter"1"
Introduction"
"
"
Constitutional"Law'%study%of%the%maintenance%of%the%proper%balance%between%authority%as%represented%
by%the%three%inherent%powers%of%the%State%and%liberty%as%guaranteed%by%the%Bill%of%Rights%
%
%
Role:"to%effect%an%equilibrium%between%authority%and%liberty%so%that%rights%are%exercised%within%
the%framework%of%the%law%and%the%laws%are%enacted%with%due%deference%to%rights.%
%
%
Fundamental"Powers"of"the"State:"1.%Police%power,%2.%the%power%of%eminent%domain,%and%3.%the%power%
of%Taxation%
%
%
Safeguards" in" the" Bill" of" Rights:% 1.% the% right% to% due% process% and% equal% protection,% 2.% the% prohibition%
against% unreasonable% searches% and% seizures,% 3.% freedom% of% expression,% 4.% the% impairment% clause,% and%5.% the%
guarantees%against%injustice%to%the%accused%
%
%
Objective:%co'existence%
%
%
Goal:%a%well'ordered%society%based%on%the%inviolability%of%rights%which,%although%they%may%not%
be%curtailed%arbitrarily,%may%nevertheless%be%regulated%for%the%common%good.%
%
%
*recognition" of" authority'% a% condition% sine% qua% non% for% the% proper% enjoyment% of% liberty;% criterion'%
common%weal%
%
Chapter"2"
The"Nature"of"the"Constitution"
"
Definition"
"
Constitution" '%body%of%rules%and%maxims%in%accordance%with%which%the%power%of%sovereignty%are%
habitually%exercised%(Cooley)%
%
%
%
'% the% written% instrument% enacted% by% direct% action% of% the% people% by% which% the%
fundamental%powers%of%the%government%are%established,%limited%and%defined,%and%by%which%those%powers%are%
distributed%among%the%several%departments%for%their%safe%and%useful%exercise%for%the%benefit%of%the%body%politic%
(Justice%Malcom)%
%
Purposes"
1. to%prescribe%permanent%framework%of%a%system%of%government;%
2. to%assign%to%the%several%departments%their%respective%powers%and%duties;%and%
3. to%establish%certain%first%fixed%principles%on%which%the%government%is%founded%
%
%
*Constitution" neither% creates% nor% confers% certain% basic% individual% rights,% rather% it" merely" recognizes"
and"protects"these"rights"and"does"not"bring"them"into"existence."It"is%not%the%cause%but%the"consequence"of"
personal"and"political"freedom."
"
"
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Supremacy"of"the"Constitution"
1. It% is% the% basic% and% paramount% law% to% which% all% other% laws% must% conform% and% to% which% all% persons,%
including%the%highest%official%of%the%land,%must%defer.%
2. No%act%shall%be%valid,%however%noble%its%intentions,%if%it%conflicts%with%the%Constitution.%
3. The%Constitution%must%ever%remain%supreme.%All%must%bow%to%the%mandate%of%this%law.%
4. Expediency"must%not%be%allowed%to%sap%its%strength%nor%greed"for"power%debase%its%rectitude.%
5. Right%or%wrong,%the%Constitution%must%be%upheld%as%long%as%it%has%not%been%changed%by%the%sovereign%
people.%
%
Classification"
1. Written'%one%whose%precepts%are%embodied%in%one%document%or%set%of%documents."
2. Unwritten'% consists% of% rules% which% have% not% been% integrated% into% a% single,% concrete% form% byt% are%
scattered%in%various%sources.%"
a. Statutes%of%a%fundamental%character"
b. Judicial%decisions"
c. Commentaries%of%publicists"
d. Customs%and%traditions"
e. Certain%common%law%principles"
3. Conventional'% an% enacted% constitution,% formally% struck% off% at% a% definite% time% and% place% following% a%
conscious%or%deliberate%effort%taken%by%a%constituent%body%or%ruler."
4. Cumulative'% result% of% the% political% evolution,% not% inaugurated% at% any% specific% time% but% changing% by%
accretion%rather%than%by%any%systematic%method."
5. Rigid'%one%that%can%be%amended%only%by%a%formal%and%usually%difficult%process."
6. Flexible'%one%that%can%be%changed%by%ordinary%legislation."
%
%
Constitution"of"the"Philippines:%written,%conventional%and%rigid%
%
Essential"Qualities"of"the"Written"Constitution"
1. Broad'%it%is%supposed%to%embody%the%past,%to%reflect%the%present%and%to%anticipate%the%future;"must%be%
comprehensive%enough%to%provide%for%every%contingency."
2. Brief'% it% must% confine% itself% to% basic% principles% to% be% implemented% with% legislative% details% more%
adjustable%to%change%and%easier%to%amend."
3. Definite'%to%avoid%confusion%and%divisiveness%among%the%people,%and%perhaps%even%physical%conflict."
%
%
Exception:% due% process% clause;% Rationale:% to% make% them% more% malleable% to% judicial%
interpretation%in%the%light%of%new%conditions%and%circumstances.%
%
Essential"Parts"of"the"Written"Constitution"
1. Constitution" of" Liberty'% consists% of% a% series% of% prescriptions% setting% forth% the% fundamental% civil% and%
political%rights%of%the%citizens%and%imposing%limitations%on%the%powers%of%the%government%as%a%means%of%
securing%the%enjoyment%of%those%rights%(Art."3,"2,"4,"5,"7)"
2. Constitution" of" Government'% consists% of% series% of% provisions% outlining% the% organization% of% the%
government,% enumerating% its% powers,% laying% down% certain% rules% relative% to% its% administration,% and%
defining%the%electorate%(Art."6\9)"
3. Constitution" of" Sovereignty'% consists% of% the% provisions% pointing% out% to% the% mode% or% procedure% in%
accordance%with%which%formal%changes%in%the%fundamental%law%may%be%brought%about%(Art."17)"
"
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Permanence"of"the"Constitution"
"
'capacity%to%resist%capricious%or%whimsical%change%dictated%not%by%legitimate%needs%but%only%by%passing%
fancies,%temporary%passions%or%occasional%infatuations%of%the%people%with%ideas%or%personalities.%
%
Interpretation"
1. Verba& Legiswhenever% possible,% the% words% used% in% the% Constitution% must% be% given% their% ordinary%
meaning%except%where%technical%terms%are%employed."
2. When%there%is%Ambiguityratio&legis&et&anima\\"A%doubtful%provision%shall%be%examined%in%the%light%of%
the% history% of% the% times% and% the% conditions% and% circumstances% under% which% the% Constitution% was%
framed.%(Civil&Liberties&Union&vs.&Executive&Secretary,&194&SCRA&317)"
3. Ut&magis&valeat&quam&pereatthe%Constitution%has%to%be%interpreted%as%a%whole.%(Francisco&vs.&HR,&
G.R.&No.&160261,&November&10,&2003)"
4. Whenever%the%language%used%in%the%Constitution%is%prohibitory,%it%is%to%be%understood%as%intended%to%be%
positive%and%unequivocal%negation."
5. Whenever%the%language%contains%a%grant%of%power,%it%is%intended%as%a%mandate,%not%a%mere%direction."
"
If%the%plain%meaning%of%the%word%is%not%found%to%be%clear,%resort%to%other%aids%is%availableconstrue%
the%Constitution%from%what%appears"upon"its"face.%The%proper%interpretation,%therefore,%depends%
more% on% how% it% was% understood% by% the% people% adopting% it% than% in% the% framers% understanding%
thereof.%
In% case% of% doubt,% the% provision% should% be% considered% as% self\executing;% mandatory" rather% than%
directory;%and%prospective"rather%than%retroactive.%
%
%
Self\Executing"Provision'%rule%that%by%itself%is%directly%or%indirectly%applicable%without%need%of%statutory%
implementation%
%
%
eg." Provisions" on" Bill" of" Rights'% may% be% invoked% by% proper% parties% independently% of% or% even%
against%legislative%enactment%
o Collector& Customs& v.& Villaluz:" Article% 3,% Sec.% 2% of% the% Constitution'% the% authority% to%
conduct%preliminary%investigations%to%determine%probable%cause%for%the%issuance%of%a%
search%warrant%or%warrant%of%arrest,%which%power%may%not%be%withdrawn%or%restricted%
by%the%legislature."
"
Non\Self\Executing"Provision'%remains%dormant%unless%it%is%activated%by%legislative%implementation.%%
%
%
eg.""Article%2,%Sec.%4'%such%requirement%cannot%be%imposed%until%and%unless%the%legislature%so%
wills,%through%the%passage%of%a%law%specifying%the%conditions.%
%
%
%
Article%2,%Sec.%5'%it%is%the%implementing%statute%that%will.%
%
Amendment"or"Revision"
o P& vs.& Pomar:" maternity% leave% privileges% to% female% employees% are% constitutional% now%
via%social"legislation.%
%
iron"rules'%cannot%be%altered%except%by%formal%amendment;%eg.%Age%qualifications%and%terms%of%office%
of%certain%officers%
%
%
Amendment'%isolated%or%piecemeal%change%only%
%
Revision'%revamp%or%rewriting%of%the%whole%instrument%
%
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P a g e %|%4"
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Procedure"
1. Proposal'%generally%made%either%directly%by%the%Congress%or%by%a%constitutional%convention."
a. Direct" legislative" action'% % of% all% the% members% of% the% Congress% is% needed;% suited% for% a% mere%
amendment%or%change%of%particular%provisions%only"
b. Constitutional"Convention'%may%be%made%by%a%2/3%of%all%the%members%of%the%Congress;%suited%if%
there%is%a%need%to%overhaul%the%entire%Constitution"
o Occena& v.& COMELEC:% the% choice% of% method% of% proposal% is% discretionary% upon% the%
legislature"
o Imbong& v." COMELEC:" Congress% as% constituent" body'% may% with% the% concurrence% of% 2/3%
votes% call% a% constitutional% convention;% legislative" body'% may% pass% the% necessary%
implementing%law%providing%the%details%of%the%constitutional%convention&
c. People"through"Initiative'%upon%the%petition%of%at%least%12%per%centum%of%the%total%number%of%
registered% voters,% of% which% every% legislative% district% must% be% represented% by% at% least% 3%
percentum%of%the%registered%voters%therein%(Sec."2,"Art."17)&
& &
Position"of"the"Constitutional"Convention"
o Loomis& v.& Jackson:% THEORY" OF" CONVENTIONAL" SOVEREIGNTY'% the%
constitutional% convention% is% supreme% over% the% other% departments% of% the%
government%because%the%powers%it%exercises%are%in%nature%of%sovereign%powers.%
o Woods& Appeal:% considers% the% constitutional% convention% inferior% to% the% other%
departments%of%the%government%since%it%is%merely%a%creation%of%the%legislature.%
o Frantz&v.%Autry:%the%constitutional%convention%must%be%considered%independent%
and%co'equal%with%the%other%departments%of%the%government.%
2. Ratification'%any%amendment%to%or%revision%shall%be%valid%when%ratified%by%a%majority%of%the%votes%cast%
in%a%plebiscite%held%not"earlier"than"60"days%nor"later"than"90"days"after%the%approval%of%such%change%
by% the% Congress% or% the% constitutional% convention% or% after% the% certification% by% the% COMELEC% of% the%
sufficiency%of%the%petition%under%Section%2.&
& &
Staute:%enacted%by%the%chosen%representatives%pursuant%to%their%mandate%
" "
Constitution:%approval%will%come%directly%from%the%people%themselves%
o Gonzales&v.&COMELEC:%the%Congress%does%not%negate%its%authority%to%submit%proposed%
amendments%for%ratification%in%general%elections.%
%
Judicial"Review"of"Amendments"
o Tanada& v.& Cuenco:% the% present% doctrine% allows% the% courts% to% inquire% into% whether% or%
not%the%prescribed%procedure%for%amendment%has%been%observed."
o Sanidad&v."COMELEC:%the%amending%process,%both%as%to%proposal%and%ratification,%raises%
a%judicial%question;%judiciary'%may%declare%a%proposal%invalid"
%
The"1987"Constitution"
"
'fourth%fundamental%law%to%govern%the%Philippines%since%it%became%independent%on%July"4,"1946.%
%%
%
Evolution"of"the"Constitution"
1. Commonwealth%Constitution%in%1935%
2. Constitution%of%1973%during%the%Marcos%Regime%
3. Freedom%Constitution%of%1986%(February"25,"1986)%
%
"
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P a g e %|%5"
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"

Chapter"3"
The"Constitution"and"the"Courts"
"

Role"of"Judiciary"
1. ultimate%guardian%of%the%Constitution"
2. to%rectify%the%wrong"
3. sacred"and"solemn"duty:%to%uphold%the%Constitution%and%the%laws%of%the%land"
4. to%protect%the%individual%liberties%guaranteed%by%the%Bill%of%Rights"

"
Voting"(see%Art.%8,%Sec.%4)%
%
Requisites"of"a"Judicial"Inquiry"
1. there%must%be%an%actual%case%or%controversy;"
2. the%question%of%constitutionality%must%be%raised%by%the%proper%party;"
3. the%question%of%constitutionality%must%be%raised%at%the%earliest%possible%opportunity;%and"
4. the%decision%of%the%constitutional%question%must%be%necessary%to%the%determination%of%the%case%itself.%
%
1."Actual"Case"'% involves% a% conflict% of% legal% rights,% an% assertion% of% opposite% legal% claims% susceptible% of%
judicial%adjudication%
%
%
%
'must%not%be%moot%or%academic%or%based%on%extra'legal%or%other%similar%considerations%
not%cognizable%by%a%court%of%justice%
%
%
Justiciable" Controvery:% must% be% definite% and% concrete,% touching,% the% legal% relations% of% parties%
having%adverse%legal%interests;%real"and"substantial%controvery%admitting%a%specific%relief%through%a%decree%that%
is%conclusive"in"character.%
%
%
%
request"for"advisory"opinion:%not%an%actual%case%or%controversy%
%
%
%
%
Rationale:% it% does% not% involve% any% conflict% in% law% that% has% assumed% the%
proportions%of%a%full'blown%dispute;%the%court%is%being%asked%only%to"counsel"and"not"to"decide.%
%
%
%
advice" of" the" courts:% a% mere% suggestion% or% recommendation% that% may% be% accepted% or%
rejected%at%will%by%the%department%requesting%it.%
%
%
%
declaratory"judgment:%actual%controversy%
o Pacu& v.& Secretary& of& Education:% the% mere" apprehension% that% the% Secretary% of% Education%
might,%under%the%law,%withdraw%the%permit%of%one%of%the%petitioners%does"not"constitute"a"
justiciable"controversy.%
o PHILCONSA&v.%Villareal:%the%SC%dismissed%the%petition%to%compel%the%Speaker%of%the%House%
of% Representatives% to% produce% the% books% of% accounts% of% that% body% because% the% same% had%
already%become%moot"and"academic%as%the%Congress%of%the%Philippines%was%abolished%due%
to%the%effectivity%of%1973%Constitution.%
o Perez&v.%Provincial&Board:%after%filing%a%certificate%of%candidacy%for%an%elective%office,%a%claim%
to%an%appointive%office%is%already%moot%and%academic.%
o Morelos&v.%De&la&Rosa:%an%election%protest%will%have%to%be%dismissed%upon%the%expiration%of%
the%protested%officials%term.%
%
"
2."Proper"Party'%one%who%has%sustained%or%is%in%immediate%danger%of%sustaining%an%injury%as%a%result%of%
the%act%complained%of.%
o Tileston& v.& Ulmann:% the% patients% of% the% physician% and% not% the% physician% himself% were% the%
proper% parties% to% question% the% constitutionality% of% a% law% prohibiting% the% use% of%
contraceptives.%

P a g e %|%6"
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o Cuyegkeng& v.% Cruz:% if% a% certain% person% had% not% made% a% claim% to% the% position% held% by% the%
other,%he%could%not%be%regarded%as%the%proper%party%who%had%sustained%an%injury%as%a%result%
of%the%questioned%act.%
o Ex&Parte&Levitt:%Levitt%was%not%a%proper%party%since%he%was%not%claiming%the%position%held%by%
Justice%Black.%
o People&v.%Vera:%the%Government%was%the%proper%party%to%challenge%the%constitutionality%of%
its%own%laws.%
o Emergency& Powers& Case:% it% is% now% permissible% for% an% ordinary% taxpayer,% or% a% group% of%
taxpayers,%to%raise%the%question%of%the%validity%of%an%appropriation%law.%
o Tolentino&v.%COMELEC:%a%senator%had%the%proper%party%personality%to%seek%the%prohibition%of%
a%plebiscite%for%the%ratification%of%a%proposed%constitutional%amendment.%
o PHILCONSA&v.%Gimenez:%an%organization%of%taxpayers%and%citizens%were%the%proper%party%to%
question%the%constitutionality%of%a%law%providing%for%certain%special%retirement%benefits%for%
members%of%the%legislature.%
o Oposa& v.% Factoran:% petitioners% minors% personality% to% sue% on% behalf% of% succeeding%
generation%can%only%be%based%on%the%personality%concept%of%intergenerational%responsibility%
insofar%as%the%right%to%a%balanced%and%healthful%ecology%is%concerned.%
o Sanidad&v.%COMELEC:%the%interest%of%taxpayers%in%the%lawful%expenditure%if%the%amounts%of%
public% money% sufficiently% clothe% them% with% that% personality% to% litigate% the% validity% of% the%
Decrees%appropriating%said%funds.%
o Macalintal&v.%COMELEC:%if%the%issue%is%of%transcendental%significance%to%the%Filipino%people,%
then%the%Court%can%take%jurisdiction%over%such%cases.%
o Lozada& v.% COMELEC:% if% it% involves% a% generalized" interest" just% like% calling% for% a% special%
election,%the%petitioners%were%not%the%proper%parties.%
o Guazon&v.%De&Villa:%well'meaning%citizens%with%only%second'hand%knowledge%of%the%events%
were% not% considered% proper% parties% to% challenge% the% saturation% driver% or% zonas% being%
conducted%by%the%military.%
o Kilosbayan& v.% Morato:% taxpayers% do% not% have% a% legal% standing% to% question% the% contract%
providing%for%the%holding%of%the%lotto%or%a%national%lottery.%
o Osmena& v.% COMELEC:% if% the% petitioner% had% not% been% injured% as% a% result% of% the% ban% on%
political%commercials%on%radio%and%television,%then%he%is%not%the%proper%party.%
o Telecommunications& and& Broadcast& Attorneys& of& the& Philippines,& Inc.& v.& COMELEC:%
petitioners%have%no%right%of%questioning%the%law%requiring%the%television%and%radio%stations%
to%allocate%free%time%to%the%respondent%agency.%

%
%
*suspension" of" the" privilege" of" the" writ" ofhabeas" corpus" or% the% proclamation" of" martial" law'% any%
citizen%are%allowed%to%challenge%it.%
%
%
3." Earliest" Opportunity'% General" Rule:" if% not% raised% in% the% pleadings,% it% cannot% be% considered% at% the%
trial,%and%if%not%considered%at%the%trial,%it%cannot%be%considered%on%appeal.%
"
"
Exceptions:"
a) criminal"cases:%it%can%be%raised%at%any"time%in%the%discretion%of%the%court."
b) civil"cases:%it%can%be%raised%at%any%stage"if%it%is%necessary"to"the"determination"of"the"case%
itself."
c) every"case"except"estoppels:%it%can%be%raised%at%any%stage%if%it%involves%the"jurisdiction%of%
the%court."
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"
4."Necessity"of"Deciding"Constitutional"Question'%to"doubt"is"to"sustain:"a%law%is%supposed%to%have%
been%carefully%studied%and%determined%to%be%constitutional%before%it%was%finally%enacted;%presence"of"other"
basis:%its%constitutionality%cannot%be%touched%and%the%case%will%be%decided%on%other%available%grounds.%
o Laurel&v.&Garcia&and&Lalican&v.&Vergara:"the%Court%will%not%pass%upon%a%constitutional%question%
although% properly% presented% by% the% record% if% the% case% can% be% disposed% of% on% some% other"
ground:%application%of%a%statue%or%general%law."
o Zandueta&v."dela&Costa:%estoppel'%a%person%cannot%question%the%validity%of%a%law%under%which%
he%had%previously%accepted%benefits."
o Gobenciong&v."CA:%General"Rule'%the%matter%of%constitutionality%shall%be%considered%if%it%is%the%
lis"mota"of%the%case%and%raised%and%argued%at%the%earliest%opportunity."
"
Effects"of"Declaration"of"Unconstitutionality"
"
"
2"Views:%
1. Orthodox"view%
o Norton& v.& Shelby:% unconstitutional" act'% a.% not% a% law,% b.% confers% no% rights,% c.% imposes% no%
duties,%d.%affords%no%protection,%e.%creates%no%office;%total"nullity%
2. Modern"view'%less%stringent;%it%does%not%repeal,%supersede,%revoke%or%annul%the%statute%if%it%finds%
it%in%conflict%with%the%Constitution.%
o Manila&Motors&Co.&vs.&Flores:%due%to%equity,%the%SC%relaxed%the%operation%of%the%general%
rule.%
%
%
Partial"Unconstitutionality"(separability"clause)"
"
"
Requisites"
1. the% legislature% is% willing% to% retain% the% valid% portions% even% if% the% rest% of% the% statute% is%
declared%illegal;"
2. that%the%valid%portions%can%stand%independently%as%a%separate%statute."
o Bar& Flunkers& Case:% the% law% was% sustained% in% so% far% as% it% amended% the% Rules% of% Court%
prospectively%but%reducing%the%passing%average%in%the%bar%exam%was%declared%unconstitutional;"
Rationale:"encroachment%upon%judicial%functions."
o Macalintal&Case:%unconstitutional'%Congress%interfering%with%COMELECs%duties."
&
Chapter"4"
The"Fundamental"Powers"of"the"State"
"
3"Powers"of"the"State"
1. Police"Power'%power%of%the%State%to%regulate%liberty%and%property%for%the%promotion%of%the%general%
welfare."
2. Power"of"Eminent"Domain'%enables%the%State%to%forcibly%acquire%private%property,%upon%payment%of%
just%compensation,%for%some%intended%public%use."
3. Power"of"Taxation'%the%State%is%able%to%demand%from%the%members%of%society%their%proportionate%share%
or%contribution%in%the%maintenance%of%the%Government."
"
"
"
"
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"

"
"
"

Similarities"
1. They%are"inherent%in%the%state%and%may%be%exercised%by%it%without%need%of%express%constitutional%
grant"
2. They%are%not%only%necessary%but%indispensable.%The%State%cannot%continue%or%be%effective%unless%it%
is%able%to%exercise%them."
3. They%are%methods"by%which%the%State%interferes%with%private%rights."
4. They%all%presuppose%an%equivalent"compensation"for%the%private%rights%interfered%with."
5. They%are%exercised%primarily%by%the%legislature."
Differences""

Police"Power"
Power"of"Eminent"Domain"
Power"of"Taxation"
1.%regulates%both%property%and% affect%only%property%of%rights%
'same%with%PED%
liberty%
2.%may%be%exercised%only%by%the% may%be%exercised%by%some%
'same%with%PP%
government%
private%entities%
3.%the%property%taken%is%
intended%%for%a%public%use%or%
'same%with%PED%
destroyed;%Rationale'%it%is%
purpose%and%is%therefore%
noxious%or%intended%for%a%
wholesome%
noxious%purpose%
4.%compensation:%intangible%
a%full%and%fair%equivalent%%of%the% public%improvements%for%the%
altruistic%feeling%that%he%has%
property%expropriated%or%
taxes%paid%
contributed%to%the%general%
protection%
welfare%
%
%
"
Limitations'% Constitutional% provisions% for% the% security% of% persons% and% property% should% be% liberally%
construed.%
%
Chapetr"5"
The"Police"Power"
"
Definition"and"Scope"
"
Professor"Freund:%the%power%of%promoting%the%public%welfare%by%restraining%and%regulating%the%use%of%
liberty%and%property.%
%
%
*more"important"than"eminent"domain"and"taxation"
"
Characteristics"
1. the%most%pervasive,%the%least%limitable,%and%the%most%demanding%of%three%powers"
2. it%may%be%exercised%as%long%as%the%activity%or%the%property%sought%to%be%regulated%has%some%relevance%
to%the%public%welfare"
3. where%the%persons%act%and%acquisitions%are%hemmed'%Rationale:%Salus&populi&est&suprema&lex&and%Sic&
utere&tuo&ut&alienum&non&laedas'%calls%for%the%subordination%of%individual%benefit%to%the%interests%of%the%
greater%number."
4. it%may%not%be%bargained%away%through%the%medium%of%a%contract%or%a%treaty"
o Stobe&v.&Mississippi:%legislature"cannot"bargain'%1.%police%power%of%the%State,%2.%public%health,%
3.% public% morals;% lotteries'% mala% prohibita:% the% right% to% stop% tem% is% governmental,% to% be%
exercised%at%all%times%by%those%in%power,%at%their%discretion."

P a g e %|%9"
%

5.
6.
7.
8.

o Inchong& v." Hernandez:% even% the% law% infringers% upon% a% certain% treaty,% the% treaty% is% always%
subject%to%qualification%or%amendment%by%a%subsequent%law%and%the%same%may%never%curtail%or%
restrict%the%scope%of%the%police%power%of%the%State."
dynamic%and%must%move%with%the%moving%society%it%supposed%to%regulate."
it% is% not% deemed% exhausted% and% may% be% exercised% often% as% it% is% necessary% for% the% protection% or% the%
promotion%of%public%welfare."
must%conform%to%every%changes%of%conditions"
may% sometimes% use% the% taxing% power% as% an% implement% for% the% attainment% of% a% legitimate% police%
objective"
o Powell& v.& Pennsylvania:% exorbitant% tax% for% a% margarine% industry% which% products% are% being%
mistaken%for%butter%as%well%as%massage%parlors%or%sauna%baths%if%they%are%found%to%be%fronts%for%
prostitution."
o Lutz& v." Araneta:% legitimate" exercise" of" police" power'% imposition% of% a% special% tax% on% sugar%
producers."
o Association& of& Small& Landowners& v." Secretary& of& Agrarian& Reform:% the% power% of% eminent%
domain%could%be%used%as%an%implement%of%the%police%power;%police"power'%prescribe%retention%
limits%for%landowners;%eminent"domain'%depriving%such%owners%f%whatever%lands%they%may%own%
in%the%excess%of%the%maximum%area%allowed."

"
Exercise"of"the"Police"Power"
1. lodged%primarily%in%the%national"legislature"
2. by% virtue% of% a% valid% delegation% of% legislative% power,% it% may% also% be% exercised% by% the% President" and"
administrative"boards"as%well%as%the%lawmaking"bodies"on"all"municipal"levels,%including%the%barangay"
Municipal"governments'%exercise%their%power%under%the%general"welfare"clause."
3. no"mandamus"is%available%to%coerce%the%exercise%of%the%police%power"
Remedy" to" legislative" inaction'% to% resort% to% the% bar" of" public" opinion:% a% refusal% of% the%
electorate% to% return% to% the% legislature% members,% who,% in% their% view,% have% been% remiss% in% the%
discharge%of%their%duties;%political"questions"
Third%remedies%as%regards%to%prostitution%are%questions%that%only%the%legislature%can%decide%in%
the%exercise%of%its%sound%discretion."
The% courts% are% powerless% to% intervene% and% compel% decisive% action% as% regards% to% cigarette%
smoking%as%a%cause%of%lung%cancer."
4. the%ascertainment%of%facts%upon%which%the%police%power%is%to%be%based%is%a%legislative"prerogative"
Debatable" questions" are% for% the% legislature% to% decide.% The% courts" DO" NOT" sit% to% resolve% the%
matters%on%conflicting%theories."
o Jacobson&v.&Massachusetts:%a%convicted%person%cannot%question%the%dubious%efficacy%of%
a%remedy"
"
Tests"of"the"Police"Power"
justiciable'%the%question%of%the%validity%of%legislative%enactments%as%determined%by%the%criterion%
of%their%conformity%to%the%Constitution%
1. The% interests% of% the% public% generally,% as% distinguished% from% those% of% a% particular% class,% require% the%
exercise%of%the%police%power%(lawful"subject);%and%
2. The%means%employed%are%reasonably%necessary%for%the%accomplishment%of%the%purpose%and%not%unduly%
oppressive%upon%individuals%(lawful"means).%
%
%

P a g e %|%10"
%

1. Lawful" Subject'% within% the% scope% of% the% police% power;% the% activity% or% property% sought% to% be%
regulated%affects%the%public%welfare;%No"man"is"an"island;%must%pass%the%test%of%reasonableness%and%
must%conform%to%the%safeguards%embodied%in%the%Bill%of%Rights"
o Taxicab&Operators&of&Metro&Manila&v.&Board&of&Transportation:%phasing%out%taxicabs%more%
than%6%yrs.%old'%to%protect%the%riding%public%and%promote%their%comfort%and%convenience"
o Velasco&v."Villegas:%prohibition%of%barber%shop%operators%from%rendering%massage%services%
in% a% separate% room'% to% prevent% immorality% and% enable% the% authorities% to% properly% assess%
license%fees."
o Bautista&v."Junio:%prohibition%of%heavy%and%extra'heavy%vehicles%from%using%public%streets%on%
weekends%and%legal%holidays'%to%conserve%energy"
o Tio& Case:% Video" Regulatory" Board'% 1.% to% regulate% the% video% industry;% 2.to% prevent% piracy,%
flagrant% violation% of% intellectual% property% rights% and% the% proliferation% of% pornographic%
videotapes"
o Lozano&v."Martinez:"BP22'%to%preserve%the%integrity%of%the%banking%system"
o DepEd& v." San& Diego:% it% is% not% enough% to% simply% invoke% the% right% to% quality% education% as% a%
guaranty% of% the% Constitution;% one% must% show% that% he% is% entitled% to% it% because% of% his%
preparation%and%promise."
o Sangalang&v."IAC:%opening%of%two%erstwhile%private%roads%in%Bel%Air%Village'%to%prevent%traffic%
decongestion%and%for%public%convenience"
o Del&Rosario&v."Bengzon:%Generics"Act'%to%promote%and%require%the%use%of%generic%products"
o TeleBAP&v."COMELEC:%a%franchise%is%merely%a%privilege;%Sec.%29%of%BP%Blg.%881'%valid"
o Ople&v."Torres:%National"Computerized"Identification"Reference"System'%%unconstitutional;%
it% pressures% the% people% to% surrender% their% privacy% by% giving% information% about% themselves%
on%the%pretext%that%it%will%facilitate%the%delivery%of%basic%services."
2. Lawful"Means'%both%the%end%and%the%means%must%be%legitimate"
o Ynot&v.&IAC:%the%prohibition%of%the%interprovincial%transport%of%carabaos%cannot%prevent%the%
indiscriminate%slaughter%because%they%can%be%killed%anywhere."
castration"of"convicted"rapist'%invalid;%Rationale'%affront%to%the%integrity%of%the%
persons%body%as%guaranteed%by%due%process."

"
Integrity"of"the"Police"Power"
"
'%effective%instrument%for%the%furtherance%of%the%public%welfare%
%
Chapter"6"
Eminent"Domain"
"
Definition"and"Scope"
"
'power%of%expropriation%
%
'%the%highest%and%the%most%exact%idea%of%property%remaining%in%the%government%that%may%be%acquired%
from%some%public%purpose%through%a%method%in%the%nature%of%a%compulsory"sale"to"the"State.%
%
%
Article"III,"Sec."9:%Private%property%shall%not%be%taken%for%public%use%without%just%compensation.%
%
'should%be%strictly%interpreted%against%the%expropriator%and%liberally%construed%in%favor%of%the%property%
owner%
%
"
"
"

P a g e %|%11"
%

Who"May"Exercise"
1. The%Congress"
2. The%President"of"the"Philippines"
3. The%various"local"legislative"bodies"
4. Certain"public"corporation;"eg.%Land%Authority,%National%Housing%Authority"
5. Quasi\public"corporations;"eg.%Philippine%National%Railways,%PLDT%Co.,%Meralco"
"
"
1."Destruction"from"Necessity'%may%be%validly%undertaken%even%by%private%individuals%
"
"
"
"
"
'not%allowed%in%eminent%domain%
%
%
%
%
%
'cannot%require%the%conversion%of%the%property%taken%to%public%use%
%
%
%
%
%
'%no%need%for%payment%of%just%compensation%
%
%
%
%
%
%
o American&Print&Works&v.&Lawrence:%right"of"eminent"domain'%public%right,%it%arises%from%the%
laws%of%society%and%is%vested%in%the%state,%or%benefit%of%the%state,%or%those%acting%under%it;%right"
of" necessity'% under% the% laws% of% society% or% society% itself,% right% of% self'defense% or% self'
preservation.%
"
Necessity" of" Exercise'% decided% by% a% delegate% only% of% the% national" legislature;% judiciary'% whether% the%
expropriation%contemplated%by%the%delegate%is%necessary%or%wise%
o RP&v.&La&Orden&de&PP.&Benedictinos&de&Filipinas:%condemnation%of%property%is%justified%only%if%
it%is%for%the%public"good"and%there%is%genuine"necessity"therefore%of%a%public%character.%
o City& of& Manila& v.% Chinese& Community:% the% necessity% for% conferring% the% authority% upon% a%
municipal%corporation%to%exercise%the%right%of%eminent%domain%is%admittedly%within%the%power%
of% the% legislature.% But% whether% or% not% the% municipal% corporation% or% entity% is% exercising% the%
right%in%a%particular%case%under%the%conditions%imposed%by%the%general%authority%is%a%question%
which%the%courts%have%the%right%to%inquire%into.%
%
Private"Property'%includes%real"and%personal,%tangible"and%intangible"properties.%
%
%
eg.%franchise,%churches%and%other%religious%properties,%cemeteries%
%
%
Exceptions:% money% and% chose" in" action\" a% personal% right% not% reduced% into% possession% but%
recoverable%by%a%suit%at%law,%a%right%to%receive,%demand%or%recover%a%debt,%demand%or%damages%on%a%cause%of%
action%ex"contractu%or%for%a%tort%or%omission%of%duty;%conjectural%both%as%to%its%validity%and%value.%
o RP&v.&PLDT:%the%State%may%require%a%public%utility%to%render%services%in%the%general%interest,%provided%
just%compensation%is%paid%therefor.%
o PLDT&Co.%v.&NTC:%PLDT%is%required%to%interconnect%with%a%private%communications%company.%
%
Taking'% may% include% trespass% without% actual% eviction% of% the% owner,% material% impairment% of% the% value% of% the%
property%or%prevention%of%the%ordinary%uses%for%which%the%property%was%intended.%
o U.S&v.&Causby:%there%is%no%diverstiture%of%title%rather%merely%an%intrusion%into%the%superjacent%rights%of%
the%owner.%
o Ayala& de& Roxas& v.% Vity& of& Manila:% there% must% be% a% just% compensation% for% the% imposition% of% ones%
property%
o P.%v.&Fajardo:%a%just%compensation%must%be%given%to%the%owner%affected%with%the%ordinance%prohibiting%
the%construction%of%the%building%which%would%destroy%the%view%of%the%public%plaza.%
o NAPOCOR& v.% AguirreaPaderanga:% right'of'way% easement% falls% within% the% ambit% of% the% term%
expropriation.%

P a g e %|%12"
%

o
o

o
o

Taking% may% be% justified% under% police" power'% aimed% at% improving% the% general% welfare,% and%
whatever%damages%are%sustained%by%the%property%owners%are%regarded%as%merely%incidental%to%a%
proper%execution%of%such%power;%loss'%damnm"obsque"injuria;%recompensation'%altruistic%feeling"
special" injury'% if% he% suffers% more% than% his% aliquot% part% of% the% damages,% he% will% be% entitled% to%
payment%of%the%corresponding%compensation."
Richards&v.&Washington&Terminal:%if%the%petitioner%sustained%more%than%the%damage%incurred%bu%the%
other%houses%in%the%vicinity,%he%is%entitled%to%just%compensation."
Republic& v." Castellvi:% the% just% compensation% shall% commence% during% the% actual% occupancy% and%
deprivation%which%was%in%1959;%mere%notice%of%the%intention%to%expropriate%a%particular%property%does%
not%bind%its%owner%and%inhibit%him%from%disposing%of%it%or%otherwise%dealing%with%it."
Requisites"of"Taking"in"Eminent"Domain"
1. The%expropriator%must%enter%a%private%property."
2. The%entry%must%be%for%more%than%a%momentary%period."
3. The%entry%must%be%under%warrant%or%color%of%legal%authority."
4. The% property% must% be% devoted% to% public% use% or% otherwise% informally% appropriated% or%
injuriously%affected."
5. The%utilization%of%the%property%for%public%use%must%be%in%such%a%way%as%to%oust%the%owner%
and%deprive%him%of%beneficial%enjoyment%of%the%property."
Amigable&v.&Cuenca:%the%owner%may%immediately%file%a%complaint%with%the%proper%court%for%payment%of%
his%property%as%the%arbitrary%action%of%the%government%shall%be%deemed%a%waiver%of%its%immunity%from%
suit."
City& Government& of& Quezon& City& v." Ericta:% if% it% is% intended% for% public% use,% then% the% principle% that%
governs%is%eminent%domain."
Philippine&Press&Institute&v."COMELEC:%compulsory%donation%was%a%taking%of%private%property%without%
payment%of%the%just%compensation%required%in%expropriation%cases."

"
Public"Use'%any%use%directly%available%to%the%general%public%as%a%matter%of%right%and%not%merely%of%forbearance%
or%accommodation.%
res&communes'%subject%to%direct%enjoyment%by%any%and%all%members%of%the%public%indiscriminately%
telephone& or& light& companies'% such% services% are% demandable% as% a% matter% of% right% % by% any% one%
prepared%to%pay%for%them.%
Any%member%of%the%general%public,%as%such,%can%demand%the%right%to%use%the%converted%property%for%
his%direct%and%personal%convenience.%
If% the% lot% is% transferred% already,% it% ceases% to% be% public% property% and% come% under% the% exclusive%
ownership%of%the%transferees;%the%promotion%of%social%objectives%is%more%paramount.%
slum" clearance'% valid% object% of% expropriation% under% the% modern% expanded% interpretation% of% public%
use.%
o Province&of&Camarines&Sur&v.&CA:%if%it%is%for%public%purpose,%expropriation%can%take%place.%
%
Just"Compensation'full%and%fair%equivalent%of%the%property%taken%from%the%private%owner%by%the%expropriator;%
intended%to%indemnify%the%owner%fully%for%the%loss%he%has%sustained%as%a%result%of%the%expropriation.%
' if% it% is% prejudicial% to% rge% public,% it% will% not% satisfy% the% requirement% of% just%
compensation.%
o Knetch& v.& CA:% owner'% refers% to% all% those% who% have% lawful% interest% in% the% property% to% be%
condemned,%eg.%mortgagee,%lessee,%vendee%
&
& &

P a g e %|%13"
%

"

Steps"in"Ascertaining"Just"Compensation"
1. the%court%shall%determine%the%actual%or%basic%value%of%the%property;"
2. if%the%entire%property%is%not%expropriated,%there%should%be%added%to%the%basic%value%of%the%
owners% consequential% damages% after% deducting% there% from% the% consequential% benefits%
arising%from%the%expropriation.%"
3. if% the% consequential% benefits% exceed% the% consequential% damages,% these% items% should% be%
disregarded%altogether%as%the%basic%value%of%the%property%should%be%paid%in%every%case/"
market"value'%price%that%may%be%agreed%upon%by%the%parties%willing%but%not%compelled%to%enter%into%a%
contract%of%sale."
"
Factors"to"be"considered"in"Ascertaining"Fair"Market"Value"
1. cost%of%acquisition"
2. current%value%of%like%properties"
3. actual%or%potential%uses"
4. size,%shape%or%location,%tax%declarations"
consequential"damages'%consist%of%injuries%directly%caused%on%the%residue%of%the%private%property%taken%
by%reason%of%the%expropriation"
consequential" benefits'% must% be% direct% and% particular% and% not% merely% shared% with% the% rest% of% the%
properties%in%the%area,%as%where%there%is%a%general%appreciation%of%land%values%because%of%the%public%use%
to%which%the%condemned%properties%are%devoted."
o EPZA&v.&Dulay:%the%court%simply%state%the%lower%value%of%the%property%as%declared%either%by%the%
owner%or%the%assessor;%courts%still%have%the%power%and%authority%to%determine%just%compensation,%
independent%of%what%is%stated%by%the%decree%and%to%this%effect,%to%appoint%commissioners%for%such%
purpose."
o CARP& Cases:% revolutionary" expropriation;% the% contention% and% the% manner% of% the% just%
compensation% provided% in% Sec.% 18% of% the% CARP% Law% is% not% violative% of% the% Constititution;% the%
invalidation%of%said%section%will%result%in%the%nullification%of%the%entire%program."
When"the"property"taken"should"be"assessed?'%as%of%the%time%of%taking;%When"the"assessment"should"
be"made"as"the"time"of"the"entry?'%when%entry%precedes%the%filing%of%the%complaint%of%expropriation."
o Castellvi& Case:% just% compensation% is% ascertained% at% the% moment% the% expropriation% proceedings%
were%commenced."
o Commissioner&of&Public&Highways&v."Burgos:%the%obligation%to%pay%arises%from%law,%independent%of%
contract."
Rights"and"Obligations"of"the"Owner"
1. He% is% entitled% to% payment% of% interest% from% the% time% of% the% taking% until% just% compensation% is%
actually%paid%to%him."
2. Interests%must%be%claimed%or%else%it%will%be%deemed%waived."
3. Taxes%paid%by%him%from%the%time%of%the%taking%until%the%transfer%of%title,%during%which%he%did%not%
enjoy%any%beneficial%use%of%the%property,%are%reimbursable%by%the%expropriator."
o Republic& v.& Lim:% General" Rule'% non'payment% of% compensation% does% not% entitle% the% private%
landowner%to%recover%possession%of%the%expropriated%lots.%Exception'%when%the%government%failed%
to% pay% the% compensation% within% 5% years% from% the% finality% of% judgment% in% the% expropriation%
proceedings,% the% owner% concerned% shall% have% the% right% to% recover% their% property.% Principle'% the%
government%cannot%keep%the%property%and%dishonor%the%judgment."
o Coscolluella&v."CA:%just%compensation%is%the%correct%determination%of%the%amount%to%be%paid%to%the%
property%owner%and%the%payment%of%the%property%within%a%reasonable%time."
Title%to%the%property%shall%not%be%transferred%until%the%actual%payment%of%just%compensation%is%made%to%
the%owner."

P a g e %|%14"
%

Chapter"7"
Taxation"
"

Nature"
"
Taxes'% the% enforced% proportional% contributions% from% persons% and% property,% levied% by% the% State% by%
virtue%of%its%sovereignty,%for%the%support%of%government%and%for%all%public%needs%
%
Taxation'%method%by%which%tax%contributions%are%exacted%
%
obligation"to"pay"taxes'%not%a%contract;%it%is%a%duty%imposed%upon%the%individual%by%the%mere%fact%of%his%
membership% in% the% body% politic% and% his% enjoyment% of% the% benefits% available% from% such% membership.%
Exceptions'poll%taxes%
Taxes"
License"
'are%levied%to%raise%revenues%
'%are%imposed%for%regulatory%purposes%only%
%
'justified%under%the%police%power%
%
'the%amount%of%fees%required%is%usually%limited%only%to%
the%cost%of%regulation%
%
Exception:"if%the%business%licensed%is%non'useful%and%is%
sought%to%be%discouraged%by%the%legislature%
%
%
Scope"
1. citizen%abroad%and%his%income%earned%from%sources%outside%his%State"
2. all%income%earned%in%the%taxing%State"
a. citizens%or%aliens"
b. all%immovable%and%tangible%properties%found%in%its%territory"
c. tangible%property%owned%by%persons%domiciled"
3. shares%of%stock%issued%by%a%foreign%corporation"
"
Principle"
1. power" to" tax" may" include" the" power" to" destroy'% if% it% is% used% validly% as% an% implement% of% the%
police% power% in% discouraging% and% in% effect% ultimately% prohibiting% certain% things% or% enterprises%
inimical%to%public%welfare."
2. power" to" tax" does" not" include" the" power" to" destroy'% if% the% purpose% is% to% raise% revenues,% it%
cannot%be%allowed%to%confiscate%or%destroy."
Exercise"
1. it%is%inherent%in%the%State"
2. it%may%now%also%be%exercised%not%only%by%the%national%legislature%but%also%by%the%local%legislative%bodies"
3. it%is%pursuant%to%a%direct%authority%conferred%by%Article%X,%Sec.%5%of%the%Constitution"
4. its% exercise% may% be% reversed% in% proper% cases% specifically% when% it% violates% the% due% process% and% equal%
protection% clauses% or% the% particular% restriction% on% the% power% of% taxations% as% prescribed% in% Article% VI,%
Sec.%28%of%the%Constitution"
"
Due"Process"and"Taxation"
1. taxes% will% not% be% allowed% if% they% are% confiscatory% except" when% they% are% intended% precisely% for%
destruction%as%an%instrument%of%the%police%power."
2. due" process'% where% the% tax% to% be% collected% is% to% be% based% on% the% value% of% the% taxable% property,% the%
taxpayer% is% entitled% to% be% notified% of% the% assessment% proceedings% and% to% be% heard% therein% on% the%
correct%valuation%to%be%given%the%property."
"

P a g e %|%15"
%

Equal"Protection"and"Taxation"
uniformity"in"taxation'%means%that%persons%or%things%belonging%to%the%same%class%shall%be%taxed%at%the%
same%rate"
equality" in" taxation'% means% that% the% tax% shall% be% strictly% proportional% to% the% relative% value% of% the%
property"
"
Rule'%higher%taxes%
a. commercial%or%industrial%lands%than%on%residential%lands"
b. practitioners%in%urban%centers%than%in%rural%areas"
c. luxury%items%than%on%prime%commodities"
d. non'useful%enterprises%than%on%useful%enterprises"
e. persons%with%high%income%than%on%those%with%low%income"
equitable"taxation'%connotes%that%taxes%should%be%apportioned%among%the%people%according%to%their%
capacity%to%pay"
"
Double"Taxation'%when%additional%taxes%laid%on%the%same%subject%by%the%same%taxing%jurisdiction%during%the%
same%taxing%period%and%for%the%same%purpose%
o Punzalan& v.& Municipal& Board& of& Manila:% if% imposed% by% different% jurisdictions% such% as% national%
government% and% the% other% by% the% city% government,% there% is% no% double% taxation;% no% violation% of% the%
equal%protection%clause'%practitioners%in%Manila%have%a%more%lucrative%income%
%
Public"Purpose'%include%even%indirect%public%advantage%or%benefit;%as%long%as%some%link%to%the%public%welfare%is%
established%
"
Tax"Exemptions"
"
Constitutional'%religious%and%charitable%institutions%
o Lladoc&v.&CIR:%gift"tax'%an%excise%tax%imposed%on%the%transfer%of%property%by%way%of%gift%inter"vivos,%the%
imposition% of% which% on% property% used% exclusively% for% religious% purposes% does% not% constitute% an%
impairment%of%the%Constitution.%
%
Statutory'%granted%in%the%discretion%of%the%legislature%
1. granted%gratuitously%
2. in%pursuant%to%economic%policy%
3. General"Rule'%it%may%be%validly%revoked%at%will,%with%or%without%cause;%Exemption'%granted%for%
valuable% consideration,% it% is% deemed% to% partake% of% the% nature% of% a% contract% and% obligation%
thereof%is%protected%against%impairment%
o Casanova& v.& Hord:% if% the% contract% was% impaired% by% the% enactment% of% Section% 134% of% the% Internal%
Revenue%Law%thereby%infringing%the%impairment%clause.%
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"

P a g e %|%16"
%

In\depth"Discussion"and"Other"Cases"(Source:"Ma."Luis"Angeles"Ramos)"
"
%
In% Ericta& vs.& City& Government& of& Quezon& City,& 122& SCRA& 759," the% City% Government% of% QC% was% not%
exercising% police% power% when% they% required% private% cemetery% owners% to% reserve% 6%% of% the% burial% lots% for%
paupers%burial%ground.%The%SC%held%that%in%police%power,%the%property%to%be%taken%is%to%be%destroyed.%The%6%%
are% private% property% of% the% cemetery% owners.% This% is% a% taking% of% private% property.% Sec.% 9,% Art.% III:% Private"
property"shall"not"be"taken"for"public"use"without"just"compensation."
%
Clearly,% this% is% an% invalid% exercise% of% police% power.% The% City% was% made% to% pay% the% owners% just%
compensation.%
%
%
In% Philippine& Press& Institute& vs.& COMELEC,& 244& SCRA& 272," Sec.% 2% of% COMELEC% Resolution% No.% 2772,%
which%mandates%newspapers%of%general%circulation%in%every%province%or%city%to%provide%free%print%space%of%not%
less%than%%page%as%COMELEC%space,%was%held%to%be%an%invalid%exercise%of%police%power%there%being%no%showing%
of%the%existence%of%a%national%emergency%or%imperious%public%necessity%for%the%taking%of%print%space,%nor%that%
the% resolution% was% the% only% reasonable% and% calibrated% response% to% such% necessity.% This% was% held% to% be% an%
exercise%of%the%power%of%eminent%domain,%albeit%invalid,%because%the%COMELEC%would%not%pay%for%the%space%to%
be%given%to%it%by%the%newspapers.%
%
%
Police"Power\"It%is%the%power%to%prescribe%regulations%to%promote%the%health,%morals,%peace,%education,%
good%order%or%safety%and%general%welfare%of%the%people%(now%common%good).%(Binay&vs.&Domingo,&201&SCRA&
508)&
&
&
It% has% been% described% as% the% most% essential,% insistent% and% the% least% limitable% of% powers,%
extending%as%it%does%to%all%the%great%public%needs.%It%is%the%power%vested%in%the%legislature%to%make,%ordain,%and%
establish% all% manner% of% wholesome% and% reasonable% laws,% statutes% and% ordinances,% either% with% penalties% or%
without,% not% repugnant% to% the% Constitution,% as% they% shall% judge% to% be% for% the% good% and% welfare% of% the%
commonwealth,%and%for%the%subjects%of%the%same.&(Carlos&Superdrug&Corp.&vs.&DSWD,&G.R.&No.166494,&June&
29,&2007)&
&
&
&
Cabrera& vs.& Lapid,& G.R.& No.& 129098,& December& 6,& 2006,& a% careful% reading% of% the% questioned%
Resolution%reveals%that%the%Ombudsman%dismissed%petitioners%criminal%complaint%because%respondents%had%
validly%resorted%to%the%police%power%of%the%State%when%they%effected%the%demolition%of%the%illegal%fishpond%in%
question%following%the%declaration%thereof%as%a%nuisance%per%se.%in%the%words%of%the%Ombudsman,%those%who%
participated% in% the% blasting% of% the% subject% fishpond% were% only% impelled% by% their% desire% to% serve% the% best%
interest%of%the%general%public;%for%the%good%and%the%highest%good.%
%
%
%
In%Chavez&vs.&Romulo,&431&SCRA&534,&the%right%to%bear%arms%is%merely%statutory%privilege.%The%
license% to% carry% firearm% is% neither% a% property% nor% a% property% right.% Neither% does% it% create% a% vested% right.% A%
permit%to%carry%outside%ones%residence%may%be%revoked%at%any%time.%Even%if%it%were%a%property%right,%it%cannot%
be%considered%as%absolute%as%to%be%beyond%the%reach%of%the%police%power.%
%
%
%
CANORECO& vs.& Torres,& G.R.& no.& 127249,& February& 27,& 1998," while% police% power% may% be%
delegated%to%the%President%by%law,%RA%6939%and%PD%260,%as%amended,%do%not%authorize%the%President%or%any%
other%administrative%body,%to%take%over%the%internal%management%of%a%cooperative.%Accordingly,%Memorandum%
Order% No.% 409,% issued% by% the% President,% constituting% an% ad% hoc% committee% to% temporarily% take% over% and%
manage%the%affairs%of%CANORECO%is%invalid.%
%

P a g e %|%17"
%

%
%
In% MMDA& vs.& BelaAir& Village& Association,& G.R.& No.& 135962,& March& 27,& 2000," there% is% no%
provision%in%RA%7924%that%empowers%the%MMDA%or%its%council%to%enact%ordinance,%approve%resolutions%and%
appropriate%funds%for%the%general%welfare%of%the%inhabitants%of%Metro%Manila.%Thus,%MMDA%may%not%order%
the%opening%of%Neptune%St.%in%the%Bel'Air%Subdivision%to%public%traffic,%as%it%does%not%possess%delegated%police%
power.%MMDA%is%not%a%special%metropolitan%political%subdivision.%
%
%
%
%
However,% in% MMDA& vs.& Garin,& G.R.& No.& 130230,& April& 15,& 2005," although% the% law% (RA% 7924)%
does%not%grant%the%MMDA%the%power%to%confiscate%and%suspend%or%revoke%drivers%licenses%without%need%of%
any% legislative% enactment,% the% same% law% vests% the% MMDA% the% duty% to% enforce% existing% traffic% rules% and%
regulations.%Thus,%where%there%is%a%traffic%law%or%regulation%validly%enacted%by%the%legislature%or%those%agencies%
to%whom%legislative%power%has%been%delegated,%the%MMDA%is%not%precludedand%in%fact%is%duty'bound%to%
confiscate% and% suspend% or% revoke% drivers% licenses% in% the% exercise% of% its% mandate% of% transport% and% traffic%
management,%as%well%as%the%administration%and%implementation%of%all%traffic%enforcement%operations,%traffic%
engineering%services%and%traffic%education%programs.%
%
%
Additional"Limitations"(When"exercised"by"delegate):"
%
%
a.%express%grant%by%law%
%
%
b.%within%territorial%limits%(for%local%government%units,%except%when%exercised%to%protect%water%
supply)%
%
%
c.%must%not%be%contrary%to%law%
%
%
For%municipal%ordinance%to%be%valid:%
%
%
1.%it%must%not%contravene%the%Constitution%or%any%statute;%
%
%
2.%it%must%not%be%unfair%or%oppressive;%
%
%
3.%it%must%not%be%partial%or%discriminatory;%
%
%
4.%it%must%not%prohibit,%but%may%regulate,%trade;%
%
%
5.%it%must%not%be%unreasonable;%and%
%
%
6.%it%must%be%general%in%application%and%consistent%with%public%policy.%
%
%

In% City& of& Manila& vs.& Judge& Laguio,& G.R.& No.& 118127,& April& 12,& 2005," the% SC% declared% as% an%
invalid% exercise% of% the% police% power% the% City% of% Manila% Ordinance% No.% 7783,% which% prohibited% the%
establishment%or%operation%of%businesses%providing%certain%forms%of%amusement,%entertainment,%services%and%
facilities%in%the%Ermita'Malate%area,%for%being%contrary%to%the%Constitution,%infringing%the%guarantees%of%due%
process%and%equal%protection%of%the%laws.%
%
%
%
%
In%Centeno&vs.&VillalonaPornillos,&236&SCRA&197&(1994),&solicitation%for%religious%purposes%may%
be%subject%to%proper%regulation%by%the%State%in%the%exercise%of%police%power.%
%
%
%
In% Acebedo& Optical& Company,& Inc.& vs.& CA,& 329& SCRA& 314& (2000),& the% issuance% of% business%
licenses%and%permits%by%a%municipality%or%city%is%essentially%regulatory%in%nature.%The%authority,%which%devolved%
upon% local% government% units,% to% issue% or% grant% such% licenses% or% permits,% is% essentially% in% the% exercise% of% the%
police%power%of%the%State%within%the%contemplation%of%the%general%welfare%clause%of%the%LGC.%
%
%
%
The%implementation%of%the%Comprehensive%Agrarian%Reform%Law%(CARL)%is%an%exercise%of%police%
power% and% the% power% of% eminent% domain.% To% the% extent% that% the% CARL% prescribes% retention% limits% to% the%
landowners,%there%is%an%exercise%of%police%power%for%the%regulation%of%private%property%in%accordance%with%the%
Constitution.%But%where,%to%carry%out%such%regulation,%the%owners%are%deprived%of%lands%they%own%in%excess%of%
%

P a g e %|%18"
%

the%maximum%area%allowed,%there%is%also%taking%under%the%power%of%eminent%domain.%The%taking%contemplated%
is%not%a%mere%limitation%of%the%use%of%the%land.%What%is%required%is%the%surrender%of%the%title%to%and%physical%
possession%of%the%said%excess%and%all%beneficial%rights%accruing%to%the%owner%in%favor%of%the%farmer%beneficiary.%
The%Bill%of%rights%provides%that%no"person"shall"be"deprived"of"life,"liberty"and"property"without"due"process"of"
law."The%CARL%was%not%intended%to%take%away%property%without%due%process%of%law.%The%exercise%of%power%of%
eminent%domain%requires%that%due%process%be%observed%in%the%taking%of%private%property.%[Roxas&and&Co.,&vs.&
CA,&321&SCRA&106&(1999)]&
&
&
&
Republic&vs.&Manila&Electric&Company,&G.R.&No.&141314,&November&15,2002,&the%regulation%of%
rates%to%be%charged%by%public%utilities%is%founded%upon%the%police%power%of%the%State%and%statutes%prescribing%
rules%for%the%control%and%regulations%of%public%utilities%are%a%valid%exercise%thereof.%When%a%private%property%is%
used%for%a%public%purpose%and%is%affected%with%public%interest,%it%ceases%to%be%juris%privati%only%and%becomes%
subject% to% regulation.% The% regulation% is% to% promote% the% common% good.% Submission% to% regulation% may% be%
withdrawn%by%the%owner%by%discontinuing%use;%but%as%long%as%the%use%of%the%property%is%continued,%the%same%is%
subject%to%public%regulation.%%
%
%
In%regulating%rates%charged%by%public%utilities,%the%State%protects%the%public%against%arbitrary%and%
excessive% rates% while% maintaining% the% efficiency% and% quality% of% services% rendered.% However,% the% power% to%
regulate%rates%does%not%give%the%State%the%right%to%prescribe%rates%which%are%so%low%as%to%deprive%the%public%
utility%of%a%reasonable%return%on%investment.%
%
%
%
Philippine&Press&Institute&(PPI)&vs.&COMELEC,&244&SCRA&272,&Section%2%of%COMELEC%Resolution%
No.% 2772,% which% mandates% newspapers% of% general% circulation% in% every% province% or% city% to% provide% free% print%
space%of%not%less%than%%page%as%COMELEC%space,%was%held%to%be%invalid"exercise%of%police%power%there%being%
no%showing%of%the%existence%of%national%emergency%or%imperious%public%necessity%for%the%taking%of%print%space,%
nor%that%the%resolution%was%the%only%reasonable%and%calibrated%response%to%such%necessity.%
%
%
Power"of"Eminent"Domain'%It%is%governments%right%to%appropriate,%in%the%nature%of%a%compulsory%sale%
to%the%State,%private%property%for%public%use%or%purpose."(Moday&vs.&CA,&268&SCRA&586)&
&
&
&
In& the& case& of& Republic& vs.& CA,& G.R.& No.& 146587,& July& 2,& 2002,& the% power% of% eminent% domain%
must,%by%enabling%law,%be%delegated%to%local%governments%by%the%national%legislature,%and%thus,%can%only%be%as%
broad%as%the%real%authority%would%want%it%to%be.%The%grant%of%the%power%to%local%government%units%under%RA%
7160% cannot% be% understood% as% equal% to% the% pervasive% and% all% encompassing% power% vested% in% the% legislative%
branch%of%government.%
%
%
%
JIL&School&Foundation&vs.&Municipality&of&Pasig,&G.&R.&No.&152230,&August&9,&2005Sec.%19,%of%
the%LGC%requires%the%LGU%to%tender%a%prior%written%definite%and%valid%offer%to%acquire%the%property%before%the%
filing%of%the%complaint%for%eminent%domain.%
%
%
%
Filstream& Intl& Inc.& vs.& CA,& 284& SCRA& 716the% exercise% of% the% power% of% eminent% domain% is%
clearly%superior%to%the%final%and%executor%judgment%rendered%by%the%court%in%an%ejectment%case.%
%
%
%
RP& vs.& PLDT,& 26& SCRA& 620services% were% considered% embraced% in% the% concept% of% property%
subject% to% taking% under% the% power% of% eminent% domain.% Republic,% in% the% exercise% of% the% sovereign% power% of%
eminent% domain,% may% require% the% telephone% company% to% permit% interconnection% of% the% government%
telephone% system% and% that% of% the% PLDT,% as% the% needs% of% government% service% may% require,% subject% to% the%
payment%of%just%compensation%to%be%determined%by%the%court.%

P a g e %|%19"
%

%
%
CANORECO& vs.& CA,& G.R.& No.& 109338,& November& 20,& 2000,& The% owner% of% the% property% cut% the%
electric%lines%alleging%that%it%impaired%him%of%the%use%of%his%property.%The%SC%held%that%the%property%owner%was%
not%justified%in%cutting%the%electric%lines.%His%property%becomes%the%servient%estate%subject%to%the%encumbrance,%
and%the%acquisition%of%an%easement%of%right%of%way%filed%by%an%electric%power%company%for%the%construction%of%
transmission% lines% falls% within% the% purview% of% the% power% of% eminent% domain.% However,% since% there% was% an%
impairment%of%the%use%of%the%property,%he%is%entitled%to%the%payment%of%just%compensation.%
%
%
%
The% establishment% of% an% easement% is% a% form% of% compensable% taking.% In% NAPOCOR& vs.& Sps.&
Gutierrez,&G.R.&No.&60077,&January&18,&1991,"the%owner%of%the%land%was%awarded%full%compensation%against%
the%NAPOCORs%argument%that%the%owners%were%not%totally%deprived%of%the%use%of%the%land%and%could%still%plant%
the% same% crops% as% long% as% they% did% not% come% into% contact% with% the% wires.% The% Court% said:% the% right% of% way%
easement%perpetually%deprives%defendants%of%their%proprietary%rights%as%manifested%by%the%imposition%by%the%
plaintiff% upon% defendants% that% below% said% transmission% lines% no% plant% higher% than% 3% meters% is% allowed.%
Furthermore,%because%of%the%high'tension%current%conveyed%through%the%transmission%lines,%danger%to%life%and%
limbs%that%may%be%caused%beneath%said%wires%cannot%altogether%be%discounted,%and%to%cap%it%all,%plaintiff%only%
pays%the%fee%to%defendant%once,%while%the%latter%shall%continually%pay%the%taxes%due%on%said%affected%portion%of%
their%property.%
%
%
%
In%People&vs.&Fajardo,&104&Phil.&44,& a%municipal%ordinance%prohibiting%a%building%which%would%
impair% the% view% of% the% plaza% from% the% highway% was% considered% taking.% The% property% owner% was% held% to% be%
entitled%to%payment%of%just%compensation.%
%
%
%
In% Velarma& vs.& CA,& 252& SCRA& 400,& the% owner% of% the% property% can% recover% possession% of% the%
property%from%squatters,%even%if%he%agreed%to%transfer%the%property%to%the%Government,%until%the%transfer%is%
consummated%or%the%expropriation%case%is%filed.%
%

PPI"vs."COMELEC%
a.%there%was%taking%of%property"
b.%newspaper%space%is%the%private%property%of%the%
newspaper%owners%
c.%print%media%do%not%enjoy%privilege%
%
%

%
%

TELEBAP"vs."COMELEC%
there%was%no%taking%of%private%property%
airwaves%are%scarce%resources,%the%use%is%
regulated%by%the%State"
franchise%(privilege)%is%issued%by%the%State%
(Art.%XII,%Sec.%11)"

Shifting%argument%alleged%in%TELEBAP:%both%PPI%and%TELEBAP%are%media%of%communication%and%
information.%Equal%protection%clause%was%raised%as%an%issue.%The%SC%ruled%that%equal%protection%clause%does%not%
guarantee%absolute%equality.%There%may%be%classification.%Persons%or%things%ostensibly%similarly%situated%may,%
nonetheless,%be%treated%differently%if%there%is%a%basis%for%valid%classification.%
%
%
%
May&eminent&domain&be&barred&by&res&judicata&or&law&of&the&case?'%NO!%
%
TAX"
LICENSE"
1."basis'%to%raise%revenue%
2.%%limitation'%Rate%or%amount%to%be%collected%is%unlimited%
provided%it%is%not%confiscatory%
3.%object'%Imposed%on%persons%or%property%
4.%effect"of"non\payment'%Business%or%activity%does%not%
become%illegal%

'%to%regulate%
'%Amount%is%limited%to%cost%of:%a)issuing%the%license;%and%
b)necessary%inspection%of%police%surveillance%
'%Paid%for%privilege%of%doing%something%but%
privilege%is%revocable%
Business%becomes%illegal%

P a g e %|%20"
%

TAX"

DEBT"

'due%to%the%government%in%its%sovereign%
'%due%to%the%government%in%its%corporate%
capacity%
capacity%
%
%
Taxes%cannot%be%subject%to%off'setting%or%compensation%for%the%simple%reason%that%the%government%and%

the%taxpayers%are%not%creditors%and%debtors%of%each%other.%(Philex&Mining&Corp.&vs.&CIR,&294&SCRA&687)%