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College of Law
UCLASS Bar Operations
Political Law Society
POLITICAL LAW
JURISPRUDENCE
2012
Chairperson: Paul Nejudne
Vice Chair: Lester Wee
Members:
Robie Quino, Gibran Abubakar,
Jhona Grace Alo, Leah Lara Bardoquillo,
Jennelyn Bilocura, Joy Bolivar,
Kristine Athena Nedamo,
Kristine Nejudne, Chelisa Roxas
References: Law Textbooks, Codes, Reviewers, Notes, Compilations, Articles and Internet Sources
SELECTED SUPREME
to call out because it is considered as the lesser and
more benign power compared to the power to suspend
the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus and the power
COURT DECISIONS to impose martial law, both of which involve the
curtailment and suppression of certain basic civil rights
IN and individual freedoms, and thus necessitating
safeguards by Congress and review by the Court.
Ruling:
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damages by the lower court was itself consistent deemed paid from the filing of the criminal complaint or
with the petitioner’s acquittal for the reason that information.
the civil action was impliedly instituted with the
criminal action and there was no express waiver
of the civil action or reservation to institute it CITY OF MANDALUYONG vs. ANTONIO N.,
separately by the private respondents in the trial FRANCISCO N., THELMA N., EUSEBIO N., RODOLFO
court. N., all surnamed AGUILAR G.R. No. 137152 (2001)
3.
4. The CA did not have jurisdiction to take Facts:
cognizance of the case and render the decision
sought to be reviewed when the same was On August 4, 1997, petitioner filed with
prosecuted by the private respondents in their the Regional Trial Court a complaint for expropriation.
personal capacities and the filing fees not having Petitioner sought to expropriate three (3) adjoining
been paid, thus violating the Manchester parcels of land with an aggregate area of 1,847 square
doctrine. meters registered under Transfer Certificates of Title Nos.
59780, 63766 and 63767 in the names of the defendants,
herein respondents.
Ruling:
Respondents, except Eusebio N. Aguilar
The court ruled that: who died in 1995, denied having received a copy of
1st issue: That the petitioner had once been Mayor Abalos' offer to purchase their lots. They alleged
placed in jeopardy by the filing of Criminal Case No. 066 that the expropriation of their land is arbitrary and
and the jeopardy was terminated by his discharge. The capricious, and is not for a public purpose; the subject
judgment of acquittal became immediately final. Note, lots are their only real property and are too small for
however, that what was elevated to the Court of Appeals expropriation, while petitioner has several properties
by private respondents was the civil aspect of Criminal inventoried for socialized housing. As counterclaim,
Case No. 066. Petitioner was not charged anew with a respondents prayed for damages of P21 million.
second criminal offense identical to the first offense. The
records clearly show that no second criminal offense was Respondents filed a "Motion for
being imputed to petitioner on appeal. In modifying the Preliminary Hearing" claiming that the defenses alleged in
lower court's judgment, the appellate court did not their Answer are valid grounds for dismissal of the
modify the judgment of acquittal. Nor did it order the complaint for lack of jurisdiction over the person of the
filing of a second criminal case against petitioner for the defendants and lack of cause of action. Respondents
same offense. Obviously, therefore, there was no second prayed that the affirmative defenses be set for
jeopardy to speak of. Petitioner's claim of having been preliminary hearing and that the complaint be dismissed.
placed in double jeopardy is incorrect.
2nd issue: The court supports the conclusion of Petitioner filed an Amended Complaint
the appellate court that the acquittal was based on which was admitted by the trial court. Respondents filed
reasonable doubt; hence, petitioner's civil liability was a "Manifestation and Motion" adopting their "Answer with
not extinguished by his discharge. We note the trial Counterclaim" and "Motion for Preliminary Hearing" as
court's declaration that did not discount the possibility their answer to the Amended Complaint.
that "the accused was really negligent." However, it
found that "a hypothesis inconsistent with the negligence The motion was granted. The trial court
of the accused presented itself before the Court" and issued an order dismissing the Amended Complaint after
since said "hypothesis is consistent with the record…the declaring respondents as "small property owners" whose
Court's mind cannot rest on a verdict of conviction."The land is exempt from expropriation under Republic Act No.
foregoing clearly shows that petitioner's acquittal was 7279. The court also found that the expropriation was not
predicated on the conclusion that his guilt had not been for a public purpose for petitioner's failure to present any
established with moral certainty. Stated differently, it is evidence that the intended beneficiaries of the
an acquittal based on reasonable doubt and a suit to expropriation are landless and homeless residents of
enforce civil liability for the same act or omission lies. Mandaluyong.
3rd issue: The actual damages claimed by the
offended parties, as in this case, are not included in the In 1992, the Congress of the Philippines
computation of the filing fees. Filing fees are to be paid passed Republic Act No. 7279, the "Urban Development
only if other items of damages such as moral, nominal, and Housing Act of 1992." The law lays down as a policy
temporate, or exemplary damages are alleged in the that the state, in cooperation with the private sector,
complaint or information, or if they are not so alleged, undertake a comprehensive and continuing Urban
shall constitute a first lien on the judgment. Criminal Development and Housing Program. Section 9 also
Case No. 066 contained no specific allegations of exempts from expropriation parcels of land owned by
damages. Considering that the Rules of Criminal small property owners. Petitioner argues that the
Procedure effectively guarantee that the filing fees for the exercise of the power of eminent domain is not anymore
award of damages are a first lien on the judgment, the conditioned on the size of the land sought to be
effect of the enforcement of said lien must retroact to the expropriated.
institution of the criminal action. The filing fees are
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due process clause and the prohibition against the taking A confession is often said to constitute evidence
of private property without just compensation. Petitioners of high order but before it can be taken in evidence,
now ask this Court to exercise its power of judicial review. several requirements have to be satisfied. Chiseled in our
jurisprudence are the four fundamental conditions
Jurisprudence has laid down the following needed for admissibility of a confession, to wit: (1) The
requisites for the exercise of this power: First, there must confession must be voluntary; (2) the confession must be
be before the Court an actual case calling for the exercise made with the assistance of a competent and
of judicial review. Second, the question before the Court independent counsel; (3) the confession must be express;
must be ripe for adjudication. Third, the person and (4) the confession must be in writing. Confessing to a
challenging the validity of the act must have standing to crime has the semblance, at least insofar as its legal
challenge. Fourth, the question of constitutionality must repercussions are concerned, of a plea of guilt. Extreme
have been raised at the earliest opportunity, and lastly, care must thus be taken by lawyers, prosecutors, and the
the issue of constitutionality must be the very lis mota of police in seeing to it that the person under investigation
the case. for the commission of an offense has been properly
secured in his constitutional rights. Article III, Section 2,
of the 1987 Constitution requires that –
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES vs. "(1) Any person under investigation for the
RAMIL VELEZ RAYOS G.R. No. 133823, February 7, commission of an offense shall have the right to be
2001 informed of his right to remain silent and to have
competent and independent counsel preferably of his own
choice. If the person cannot afford the services of counsel,
Facts: he must be provided with one. These rights cannot be
On or about the 9th day of April, 1997 at about waived except in writing and in the presence of counsel.
6 o'clock in the evening, more or less, at Barangay "(3) Any confession or admission obtained in
Binitinan, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, Philippines and violation of this or section 17 hereof shall be inadmissible
within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, the above- in evidence against him."
named accused, with force and intimidation, did then and The right to counsel, particularly, is designed to
there, willfully, unlawfully and feloniously have carnal avoid the pernicious practice of extorting false
knowledge with a nine-year old retardate Mebelyn B. confessions or coerced admissions and to preclude the
Ganzan against her will and consent and with intent to slightest suspicion that an accused would be led to an
kill, did then and there willfully, unlawfully, and imprudent act. It ought to follow that a lawyer should see
feloniously attack, assault and stab the victim with the to the protection of an accused in ensuring his basic
use of a knife which accused previously provided himself rights. The accused is entitled to no less than an effective
thus hitting her on the different parts of her body, and vigilant counsel who must be present and able to
causing her instantaneous death." advise and assist his client from the time the confessant
The accused, when arraigned, entered answers the first question asked by the investigating
a plea of “not guilty”. The facts were culled from the officer until the signing of the extrajudicial confession.
testimony of the individual witnesses presented, by the Counsel should ascertain that the confession is
prosecution and the defense in the course of trial. It voluntarily made and that the person making the same
showed that the circumstantial evidence points out to the fully understands the nature and consequences of his
accused. However accused appellant contended that ohe extrajudicial confession.
was brought to the municipal hall on the same night and But while the Court in this case is not
placed behind bars until he would have recovered from comfortable in giving weight to the confession made by
drunkenness. Eventually, he was released from jail but the accused and holding it to bear out a faithful
he was soon brought back to the police station and held observance of the Constitution, the guilt of accused-
for the rape-slay of the child victim. appellant, nevertheless, has here been independently
Accused-appellant, in the instant appeal, established. When there are no eyewitnesses to a crime,
maintains his innocence and seeks a reversal of the resort to circumstantial evidence becomes almost
decision rendered by the trial court holding him certainly unavoidable. Circumstantial evidence would be
responsible for the rape-slay of the victim. He further sufficient for conviction, if (a) there is more than one
contends that he has been coerced into executing his circumstance; (b) the facts from which the inferences
extrajudicial confession and insists that he only has been have been derived are proven; (c) the combination of all
forced to affix his signature on the document by a the circumstances is such as to produce a conviction
policeman. beyond reasonable doubt. The circumstances must be
consistent with each other, from which the only rational
Issues: hypothesis that can be drawn there from would be that
the accused is guilty. The circumstances must create a
Whether or not the trial court has erred in finding the solid chain of events, coherent and intrinsically believable,
accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of that pinpoints the accused, to the exclusion of others, as
rape with homicide, claiming to have been coerced into being the perpetrator of the crime and thereby
executing his extrajudicial confession. sufficiently overcome the presumption of innocence in his
favor.
Here, the pieces of evidence, taken in their
Ruling: entirety, unmistakably point to the guilt, not innocence,
of accused-appellant. In rape with homicide, the evidence
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against an accused is basically circumstantial. The nature 1. Whether or not the trial court erred in giving
of the crime, where only the victim and the rapist would credence to the testimony of Editha despite her
have been around during its commission makes the silence or failure to shout and cry for help.
prosecution of the offense particularly difficult since the
victim could no longer testify against the perpetrator.
Thus, resorting to circumstantial evidence is inevitable 2. Whether or not the trial court erred in holding
and to demand direct evidence proving the modality of him liable only for qualified rape as the
the offense and the identity of the perpetrator would be Complaint failed to allege the special qualifying
unreasonable. circumstance of his relationship to Editha.
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Upon arraignment, accused-appellants paragraph 2, which bolsters and solidifies the protection
pleaded not guilty to the accusation against them. Trial against unreasonable searches and seizures. Thus:
ensued, wherein the prosecution presented Police Any evidence obtained in violation of this or the
Superintendent Eriel Mallorca, SPO1 Leonardo Y. preceding section shall be inadmissible for any purpose in
Pamplona, Jr., and SPO1 Marino S. Paguidopon, Jr. as any proceeding.
witnesses. Without this rule, the right to privacy would be a
The trial court then found the form of words, valueless and undeserving of mention in a
appellants guilty and through counsel, jointly filed a perpetual charter of inestimable human liberties; so too,
Demurrer to Evidence, contending that the marijuana without this rule, the freedom from state invasions of
allegedly seized from them is inadmissible as evidence privacy would be so ephemeral and so neatly severed
for having been obtained in violation of their from its conceptual nexus with the freedom from all
constitutional right against unreasonable searches and brutish means of coercing evidence as not to merit this
seizures. The demurrer was denied by the trial court. A Court's high regard as a freedom implicit in the concept
motion for reconsideration was filed by accused- of ordered liberty.
appellants, but this was likewise denied. Accused- The foregoing constitutional proscription,
appellants waived presentation of evidence and opted to however, is not without exceptions. Search and seizure
file a joint memorandum. The Solicitor General filed a may be made without a warrant and the evidence
Manifestation and MO1ion (In Lieu of Brief), wherein he obtained there from may be admissible in the following
prayed for the acquittal of both accused-appellants. instances: (1) search incident to a lawful arrest; (2)
The case was elevated to this Court on search of a moving motor vehicle; (3) search in violation
automatic review. of customs laws; (4) seizure of evidence in plain view; (5)
when the accused himself waives his right against
unreasonable searches and seizures; and (6) stop and
Issues: frisk situations (Terry search).
In the case at bar, the court a quo anchored its
judgment of conviction on a finding that the warrantless
arrest of accused-appellants, and the subsequent search
1. Whether or not the marijuana is inadmissible
conducted by the peace officers, are valid because
in evidence for having been seized in violation of
accused-appellants were caught in flagrante delicto in
appellants’ constitutional rights against
possession of prohibited drugs. This brings us to the
unreasonable, searches and seizures;
issue of whether or not the warrantless arrest, search
and seizure in the present case fall within the recognized
2. Whether or not, assuming it is admissible in exceptions to the warrant requirement.
evidence, the government has otherwise proved Here, there could have been no valid in flagrante
their guilt beyond reasonable doubt; and delicto ... arrest preceding the search in light of the lack
of personal knowledge on the part of the arresting officer,
3. Whether or not, assuming their guilt has been or an overt physical act, on the part of petitioner,
proved beyond reasonable doubt, the imposable indicating that a crime had just been committed, was
penalty for violation of Sec. 8 of RA No. 7659 being committed or was going to be committed. Accused-
(sic), in the absence of any aggravating appellants manifested no outward indication that would
circumstance, is life imprisonment, not death. justify their arrest. In holding a bag on board a trisikad,
accused-appellants could not be said to be committing,
attempting to commit or have committed a crime.
Moreover, it could not be said that accused-
appellants waived their right against unreasonable
Ruling: searches and seizure. Implied acquiescence to the search,
if there was any, could not have been more than mere
The fundamental law of the land mandates that passive conformity given under intimidating or coercive
searches and seizures be carried out in a reasonable circumstances and is thus considered no consent at all
fashion that is, by virtue or on the strength of a search within the purview of the constitutional guarantee.
warrant predicated upon the existence of a probable Withal, the Court holds that the arrest of
cause. The pertinent provision of the Constitution accused-appellants does not fall under the exceptions
provides: allowed by the rules. Hence, the search conducted on
SEC. 2. The right of the people to be secure in their person was likewise illegal. Consequently, the
their persons, houses, papers, and effects against marijuana seized by the peace officers could not be
unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature admitted as evidence against accused-appellants, and the
and for any purpose shall be inviolable, and no search Court is thus, left with no choice but to find in favor of
warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue except upon accused-appellants.
probable cause to be determined personally by the judge
after examination under oath or affirmation of the
complainant and the witnesses he may produce, and
particularly describing the place to be searched and the
persons or things to be seized.
Complementary to the foregoing provision is the
exclusionary rule enshrined under Article III, Section 3,
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DELA CRUZ vs. ADJUTO ABILLE, G.R. No. 130196, predecessor's (Balbino dela Cruz) Certificate of Land
(2001) Transfer; that in the said petition filed by Herminio Abille,
they were not notified and given the opportunity to be
heard. Petitioners maintained that they were denied due
process so that the Order dated April 19,1989 of Regional
Facts:
Director Nuesa cancelling the Certificate of Land Transfer
No. 0-064711 in the name of Balbino dela Cruz is null
Herminio Abille, now deceased, had a total
and void, and cannot be used to deny their petition for
landholding of 13.0561 hectares, located in Infanta,
the issuance of an emancipation patent.
Pangasinan, in which 2.84 hectares were tilled by Balbino
dela Cruz, as an agricultural tenant since 1968, who died
in 1981. After his death, he was, nevertheless, issued a
Issues:
Certificate of Land Transfer (CLT) No. 0-064711pursuant
to Presidential Decree No. 27. The certificate was entered
in the Registration Book of the Registry of Deeds of 1. Whether or not the CA erred in holding that
Pangasinan. Tax Declaration No. 3 in the name of the petitioners were accorded due process
Herminio Abille was cancelled and Tax Declaration No. when the validity of the cancellation of
1134 was issued in the name of Balbino dela Cruz. Certificate of land Transfer No. 0-064711
In 1987, Abille filed a petition for exemption was resolved.
under Operation Land Transfer (OLT) of his landholdings
alleging that he was not notified of the coverage of his
2. Whether or not the petition for the issuance
land under OLT; that he learned of its coverage only on
of emancipation patent may be granted due
March 25, 1987; that prior to the issuance of the
to lack of due process.
Certificate of Land Transfer No. 0-064711, DAR did not
notify him or his representative; that he has been
deprived of his constitutional right to due process. Ruling:
1989, Regional Director Antonio M. Nuesa of the
Bureau of Agrarian Legal Assistance, Region I, San The petition is devoid of merit.
Fernando, La Union, issued an Order, denying the The court ruled that the CA was correct
petition for exemption, and granted the right of extension in holding that although the petitioners were not given
of not more than seven (7) hectares instead. He directed the opportuniy to be heard when Regional Director
the petitioner to immediately select the retention areas, Antonio Nuesa in his Order regarding the cancellation of
canceling the Certificates of Land Transfer issued on the Certificate of Land Transfer No. 0-064711 on the retained
tenants on the retained area and ordered MARO to area, nevertheless, in their petition for issuance of an
prepare Agricultural Leasehold Contracts between the emancipation patent, petitioners were given the
petitioner and the tenants and implement the Order. opportunity to be heard as they raised in issue the
Herminio selected the 7-hectare retention area, validity of the cancellation of the said CLT, which was
which included the area covered by CLT No. 0-064711 resolved by DAR Regional Director Eligio P. Pacis and also
issued to Balbino dela Cruz; hence, said CLT was in their (petitioners') motion for reconsideration, which
automatically cancelled. was treated as an appeal by the Secretary of Agrarian
Petitioners, on the other hand, who are the Reform and was resolved. The essence of due process is
compulsory heirs of the late Balbino dela Cruz, filed with simply an opportunity to be heard or, as applied to
the Department of Agrarian Reform a petition for the administrative proceedings, an opportunity to seek
issuance of emancipation patent, which was later referred a reconsideration of the action or ruling complained
to the Regional Director I, San Fernando, La Union, for of (emphasis supplied). Futher, the petition filed by
appropriate action. They prayed for the dismissal of the landowner Herminio Abille, which was for exemption of
petition for the issuance of emancipation patent on the his property from the coverage of Operation Land
ground that DAR Order, ordering the cancellation of the Transfer, cognizable by Region I Director Antonio M.
Certificate of Land Transfer of the retained area, had Nuesa of the Bureau of Agrarian Legal Assistance, did not
become final and had been implemented by the Provincial require notice to petitioners.
Agraria Officer of Pangasinan; hence, the petition had Furthermore, the Certificate of Land
become moot and academic. Transfer No. 0-064711 was validly cancelled. Said
Petitioners' motion for reconsideration of the certificate was issued to petitioners' predecessor, Balbino
said Decision of the Secretary of DAR having been denied, dela Cruz, before landowner Herminio Abille was
they filed a petition for review with the Court of Appeals. informed of such issuance and that his landholding was
However, the Court of Appeals dismissed the said petition subject to Operation Land Transfer. Subsequently,
for review. Their motion for reconsideration was also Herminio Abille, who was found to own riceland with an
denied by the appellate court. area of 9.2903 hectares, was granted the right to retain
Petitioners argued that it was incorrect for the an area not exceeding seven (7) hectares, and the right
Court of Appeals to hold that they were accorded due to select and segregate such area under P.D. No. 27.
process when the validity of the cancellation of Certificate Where there is no showing, as in the case at bar,
of land Transfer No. 0-064711 was resolved in the Order that there was fraud, collusion, arbitrariness, illegality,
dated April 19, 1989; and that their petition for issuance imposition or mistake on the part of a department head,
of an emancipation patent is a different proceeding from in rendering his questioned decisions or of a total lack of
the petition filed by Herminio Abille where in Regional substantial evidence to support the same, such
Director Antonio Nuesa ordered the cancellation of their
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administrative decisions are entitled to great weight and recall of the appointments of private
respect and will not be interfered with. respondents in the face of fraud and
violation of rules and laws on issuance of
DE RAMA vs.THE COURT OF APPEALS (NINTH appointments.
DIVISION, THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION and
FLORENIO RAMOS, G.R. No. 131136 , (2001)
2. Whether or not the public respondent Court
of Appeals seriously erred in finding
Facts:
that the particular grounds namely:
Upon his assumption to the position of Mayor of
Pagbilao, Quezon, petitoner Conrado De Rama wrote a
letter to the CSC seeking the recall of the appointments I. No screening process and no criteria
of 14 municipal employees. Petitioner justified his recall were adopted by the Personnel Selection Board
request on the allegation that the appointments of said in nominating the respondents;
employees were “midnight” appointments of the former
mayor, done in violation of Art. VII, Sec. 15 of the II. No posting in three (3) conspicuous
Constitution. The CSC denied petitioner’s request for the public places of notice of vacancy as required by
recall of the appointments of the 14 employees for lack of the rules and the law;
merit. The CSC dismissed petitioner’s allegation that
these were “midnight” appointments, pointing out that
the constitutional provision relied upon by petitioner III. Merit and fitness requirements were
prohibits only those appointments made by an outgoing not observed by the selection board and by the
President and cannot be made to apply to local elective appointing authority as required by the Civil
officials. The CSC opined that the appointing authority Service rules;
can validly issue appointments until his term has expired,
as long as the appointee meets the qualification IV. Petitioner has valid grounds to
standards for the position. recall the appointments of respondents.
Petitioner moved for the
reconsideration of the CSC's Resolution, but petitioner's
motion for reconsideration was denied Petitioner assails the findings of both the CSC
Petitioner then filed a petition for and the Court of Appeals for being contrary to
review before the Court of Appeals, arguing that the CSC law and not being supported by the evidence on
arrived at the erroneous conclusion after it ignored his record.
"supplement to the consolidated appeal and motion for
reconsideration" wherein he laid out evidence showing
that the subject appointments were obtained through Ruling:
fraud. The Court of Appeals denied for lack of merit the
petition for review. The CSC correctly ruled that the constitutional
Petitioner filed a motion for prohibition on so-called “midnight appointments,”
reconsideration arguing that the appellate court erred in specifically those made within 2 months immediately
upholding the CSC's resolutions despite the following prior to the next presidential elections, applies only to the
defects: President or Acting President. There is no law that
I. No screening process and no criteria were prohibits local elective officials from making
adopted by the Personnel Selection Board in nominating appointments during the last days of his or her tenure.
the respondents; The records reveal that when the petitioner
II. No posting in three (3) conspicuous public brought the matter of recalling the appointments of the
places of notice of vacancy as required by the rules and fourteen (14) private respondents before the CSC, the
the law; only reason he cited to justify his action was that these
III. Merit and fitness requirements were not were "midnight appointments" that are forbidden under
observed by the selection board and by the appointing Article VII, Section 15 of the Constitution. However, the
authority as required by the Civil Service rules; CSC ruled, and correctly so, that the said prohibition
IV. Petitioner has valid grounds to recall the applies only to presidential appointments. In truth and in
appointments of respondents. fact, there is no law that prohibits local elective officials
The Court of Appeals denied the motion from making appointments during the last days of his or
for reconsideration. her tenure. Petitioner certainly did not raise the issue of
Hence, the instant petition for review fraud on the part of the outgoing mayor who made the
on certiorari. appointments. Neither did he allege that the said
appointments were tainted by irregularities or anomalies
that breached laws and regulations governing
Issues: appointments. His solitary reason for recalling these
appointments was that they were, to his personal belief,
"midnight appointments" which the outgoing mayor had
1. Whether or not the public respondent Court no authority to make.
of Appeals, gravely and seriously erred in It has been held that upon the issuance of an
finding that the Civil Service Commission appointment and the appointee's assumption of the
was correct in not upholding the petitioner's position in the civil service, "he acquires a legal right
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which cannot be taken away either by revocation of the Whether or not the trial court erred in:
appointment or by removal except for cause and with ...CONVICTING THE ACCUSED APPELLANTS AND IN NOT
previous notice and hearing."17 Moreover, it is well- ACQUITTING THEM:
settled that the person assuming a position in the civil (A) ON GROUNDS OF REASONABLE DOUBT;
service under a completed appointment acquires a legal, AND
not just an equitable, right to the position. This right is (B) BY APPLYING THE "EQUIPOISE RULE."
protected not only by statute, but by the Constitution as
well, which right cannot be taken away by either Ruling:
revocation of the appointment, or by removal, unless
there is valid cause to do so, provided that there is The accused appellants invoke the “equipoise”
previous notice and hearing. rule because their guilt had not been established beyond
reasonable doubt. The SC said that it has enumerated
the requisites for credible identification in the case of
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES vs. People v. Teehankee, Jr., 249 SCRA 54 (1995)
ARNEL MATARO y ELIZAGA and NICK PERUCHO y as follows:
SINGSON, G.R. No. 130378, (2001) 1) the witness’ opportunity to view the
criminal at the time of the crime;
Facts: 2) witness’ degree of attention at that time;
Two separate information were filed against 3) the accuracy of any prior description
appellants Amel Mataro and Nick Perucho. That on or given by the witness;
about the 23rd day of October 1992 in Quezon City, 4) the level of certainty demonstrated by
Metro Manila, Philippines, the above-named accused, the witness at the identification;
conspiring, confederating with other persons whose true 5) the length of time between the crime
identities, whereabouts and other personal circumstances and the identification; and
of which have not as yet been ascertained and mutually 6) the suggestiveness of the identification
helping one another, with intent to kill, with treachery, procedure. 18
superior strength and evident premeditation, did, then The Court held that in their view, these
and there, willfully, unlawfully and feloniously attack, requirements were met. In the instant case, there is no
assault and employ personal violence upon the person of question that both witnesses had the opportunity to view
one SPO1 ENRIQUE CASTILLO, JR. y BALBIN, by then the incident as it unfolded before them with a degree of
and there shooting the latter with the use of firearms attention that allowed them to take in the important
thereby inflicting upon him serious and mortal wounds details and recall them clearly. Moreover, as repeatedly
which were the direct and immediate cause of his stressed, appellate court should accord to the factual
untimely death, to the damage and prejudice of the heirs findings of trial courts and their evaluation great weight
of the said SPO1 ENRIQUE CASTILLO, JR., y BALBIN. and respect concerning the credibility of witnesses. The
The prosecution presented two conditions of visibility being favorable and these
eyewitnesses, Victor Nilo Fernandez and Reden Guzman, witnesses not appearing to be biased, the conclusion of
seeing the two accused shot the victim. trial courts regarding the identity of the malefactors
Appelants on the other hand, denied should normally be accepted.
accusation against him, averring that they were in Aklan The SC also held that the trial court did
from June until November. not err in qualifying the killing as murder. There was
Trial court rendered its decision, finding treachery in this case since, as testified to by prosecution
the appellants guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the witness Fernandez, the victim had already dismissed the
crime of murder, both to suffer the penalty of reclusion appellants after they talked to him. The victim was
perpetua and to pay jointly and severally the heirs of deliberately allowed to enjoy a false sense of security.
Enrique Castillo the following: 1) P725,000.00 as actual They shot the victim when the latter had his hands raised.
damages; 2) P1,000,000.00 as moral damages; and 3) to The SC therefore affirmed the ruling of the lower court,
pay the cost. but made modifications with the costs to be paid by the
The appellants question the credibility accused.
of Femandez and Guzman. They aver that during the
investigation, a certain Ebalde gave his statements to the
police that the car used by the assailants was a gray Kia
Pride. They also point out that the witnesses of the
prosecution did not agree on the number of persons
riding the car which was stopped by Castillo. They
likewise raise that during the initial investigation, the PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES vs.
eyewitnesses described Mataro as a man between 35 to ANGELES STA. TERESA, G.R. No. 130663, (2001)
40 years old. Mataro was only 24 years old at the time of
the incident. Finally, they invoke the "equipoise" rule15 Facts:
because their guilt had not been established beyond
reasonable doubt. That sometime in the month of October, 1996,
at Brgy. Soledad, Municipality of Sta. Rosa, Province of
Nueva Ecija, Philippines, and within the jurisdiction of this
Honorable Court, the above-named accused, with lewd
Issues: design, and by means of force, violence and intimidation,
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did then and there willfully, unlawfully and feloniously present evidence to prove the guilt of the accused and
have carnal knowledge of his own minor daughter LORNA the precise degree of his culpability; and third, ask the
STA. TERESA, who is about 12 years old, taking accused if he desires to present evidence on his behalf
advantage of her tender age and innocence, against her and allow him to do so if he desires. As shown in the
will and without her consent, to her damage and records of the case, the trial court, after a brief exchange
prejudice. of remarks with appellant's counsel de oficio, and finally
with appellant himself, issued the Order dated May 16,
When arraigned, appellant with the 1997 or nine (9) days after the accused was initially
assistance of his counsel de oficio pleaded "not guilty." arraigned.
But after the prosecution presented its witnesses -- Dr. The court held that the abbreviated and aborted
Maria Lorraine De Guzman, medico-legal officer, and the presentation of the prosecution evidence and appellant's
rape victim withdrew his plea of "not guilty" and changed improvident plea of guilty, with the scanty and lackluster
it to a plea of "guilty." He said that he "had no intention performance of his counsel de oficio, are just too
to commit such act at the time but because I was drunk, exiguous to accept as being the standard constitutional
I was not on my right mind x x x." He then asked that he due process at work enough to snuff out the life of a
be pardoned for his deed. human being.
The right to counsel proceeds from the
The trial court then admitted all the fundamental principle of due process which basically
documentary exhibits offered by the prosecution without means that a person must be heard before being
any comment and/or objection from the defense counsel. condemned. The due process requirement is a part of a
It granted the motion of appellant to change his plea to person's basic rights; it is not a mere formality that may
one of guilt. be dispensed with or performed perfunctorily.
"The right to counsel must be more than just the
The trial court, after evaluating the prosecution presence of a lawyer in the courtroom or the mere
evidence and considering appellant's admission of the propounding of standard questions and objections. The
crime, convicted him of rape and sentenced him to death. right to counsel means that the accused is amply
accorded legal assistance extended by a counsel who
Issues: commits himself to the cause for the defense and acts
accordingly. The right assumes an active involvement by
the lawyer in the proceedings, particularly at the trial of
1. Whether or not the court a quo gravely erred
the case, his bearing constantly in mind of the basic
in not entering a plea of not guilty for the
rights of the accused, his being well-versed on the case,
accused-appellant and in not affording the latter
and his knowing the fundamental procedures, essential
the opportunity to adduce controverting
laws and existing jurisprudence. The right of an accused
evidence in blatant violation of his right to due
to counsel finds substance in the performance by the
process.
lawyer of his sworn duty of fidelity to his client. Tersely
put, it means an efficient and truly decisive legal
2. Whether or not the court a quo gravely erred assistance and not a simple perfunctory representation."
in convicting the accused-appellant in spite of Using this standard, the court believes that the
the material inconsistencies and improbabilities defense counsel's conduct falls short of the commitment
that tainted the testimony of the private and zeal required of him as appellant's attorney. Barely
complainant. nine (9) days after appellant pleaded "not guilty" to the
crime charged, his counsel de oficio made a
3. Whether or not the court a quo gravely erred manifestation in open court that his client is changing his
in convicting the accused-appellant in spite of plea to that of "guilty."
the fact that the testimony of the private
complainant is contrary to the common
knowledge and experience of mankind.
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General Elections, of new voters ages 18 to 21. According end up with a voter's list full of flying voters, overflowing
to them, around four million youth failed to register on or with unqualified registrants, populated with shadows and
before the December 27, 2000 deadline set by the ghosts.
respondent COMELEC.
Likewise, petitioners invoke the so
However, the COMELEC issued called "standby" powers or "residual" powers of the
Resolution No. 3584 disapproving the request for COMELEC, as provided under the relevant provisions of
additional registration of voters on the ground that Sec. 28 of RA 8436 "Designation of Other Dates for
Section 8 of R.A. 8189 explicitly provides that no Certain Pre- election Act".. The act of registration is
registration shall be conducted during the period starting concededly, by its very nature, a pre-election act. Under
one hundred twenty (120) days before a regular election Section 3(a) of R.A. 8189, "(a) Registration refers to the
and that the Commission has no more time left to act of accomplishing and filing of a sworn application for
accomplish all pre-election activities. registration by a qualified voter before the election officer
of the city or municipality wherein he resides and
Aggrieved by the denial, petitioners including the same in the book of registered voters upon
filed before the SC the instant which seeks to set aside approval by the Election Registration Board. It bears
and nullify respondent COMELEC's Resolution and/or to emphasis that the provisions of Section 29 of R.A. 8436
declare Section 8 of R. A. 8189 unconstitutional insofar invoked by herein petitioners and Section 8 of R.A. 8189
as said provision effectively causes the volunteered by respondent COMELEC, far from
disenfranchisement of petitioners and others similarly contradicting each other. SC hold that Section 8 of R.A.
situated. Likewise, petitioners pray for the issuance of a 8189 applies in the present case, for the purpose of
writ of mandamus directing respondent COMELEC to upholding the assailed COMELEC Resolution and denying
conduct a special registration of new voters and to admit the instant petitions, considering that the aforesaid law
for registration petitioners and other similarly situated explicitly provides that no registration shall be conducted
young Filipinos to qualify them to vote in the May 14, during the period starting one hundred twenty (120) days
2001 General Elections before a regular election. The provisions of Section 28,
R.A. 8436 would come into play in cases where the pre-
election acts are susceptible of performance within the
Issues: available period prior to election day.The "stand-by
power" of the respondent COMELEC under Section 28 of
1. Whether or not respondent COMELEC committed grave R.A. 8436, presupposes the possibility of its being
abuse of discretion in issuing COMELEC Resolution; exercised or availed of, and not otherwise.
2. Whether or not the SC can compel respondent
COMELEC to conduct a special registration of new Moreover, the petitioners in the instant
voters during the period between the COMELEC's case are not without fault or blame. They admit in their
imposed December 27, 2000 deadline and the petition that they failed to register, for whatever reason,
May 14, 2001 general elections. within the period of registration and came to this Court
and invoked its protective mantle not realizing, so to
speak, the speck in their eyes. Impuris minibus nemo
Ruling: accedat curiam. Let no one come to court with unclean
1. No hands. Well-entrenched is the rule in our jurisdiction that
The right of suffrage invoked by the law aids the vigilant and not those who slumber on
petitioners is not at all absolute. The exercise of the right their rights.Vigilantis sed non dormientibus jura in re
of suffrage, as in the enjoyment of all other rights is subveniunt.
subject to existing substantive and procedural
requirements embodied in our Constitution, statute books 2. NO .
and other repositories of law. As to the procedural
limitation, the right of a citizen to vote is necessarily SC believes that petitioners failed to
conditioned upon certain procedural requirements he establish, to the satisfaction of this Court, that they are
must undergo: among others, the process of registration. entitled to the issuance of this extraordinary writ so as to
Specifically, a citizen in order to be qualified to exercise effectively compel respondent COMELEC to conduct a
his right to vote, in addition to the minimum special registration of voters.
requirements set by thefundamental charter, is obliged
by law to register, at present, under the provisions of TUNG CHIN HUI vs.RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ,
Republic Act No. 8189, otherwise known as the "Voter's Commissioner of Immigration and the BOARD OF
Registration Act of 1996." Section 8, of the R.A. 8189, COMMISSIONERS, Bureau of Immigration and
explicitly provides that "No registration shall, however, Deportation, G.R. No. 141938, (2001)
be conducted during the period starting one hundred
twenty (120) days before a regular election and ninety
(90) days before a special election." The 100-day Facts:
prohibitive period serves a vital role in protecting the Petitioner, a "Taiwanese national," arrived in this
integrity of the registration process. Without the country, as a temporary visitor. A few days later, he was
prohibitive periods, the COMELEC would be deprived of arrested by several policemen, who turned him over to
any time to evaluate the evidence on the application. If the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID). He
we compromise on these safety nets, we may very well was then duly charged, and the Bill of Commissioners
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issued Summary Deportation Order, finding him guilty of memorandum but are not supported by the evidence
possessing a tampered passport earlier cancelled by presented, identified and admitted by the trial court
Taiwanese authorities. during the hearing of the case?
Petitioner filed before the Regional Trial
Court (RTC) of Manila a Petition for Habeas Corpus on the
(3) Did the Court of Appeals acquire jurisdiction over the
ground that his detention was illegal. In their Return of
case when the appeal was filed out of time and the Order
Writ, respondents denied petitioner's claim. In a Decision,
appealed from is not appealable?"
the trial court granted his Petition and ordered his release
and consequently denied respondents' Motion for
Reconsideration. Ruling:
Respondents then filed a Notice of The Petition is not meritorious.
Appeal which was granted. Subsequently, the appellate Propriety of the Appeal
court rendered its Decision, which as earlier mentioned The reglementary period for filing an
reversed the trial court. appeal in a habeas corpus case is now similar to that in
Meanwhile, during the pendency of the ordinary civil actions and is governed by Section 3, Rule
proceedings before the CA, petitioner filed a Petition for 41 of the 1997 Rules, which provides:
Certiorari before this Court, contending that the 'SEC. 3. Period of ordinary appeal. - The appeal
RTC should have rejected the appeal for allegedly being shall be taken within fifteen (15) days from notice of the
filed late-beyond the 48-hour period provided under the judgment or final order appealed from. Where a record
pre-1997 Rules of Court. In its decision, which became on appeal is required the appellant shall file a notice of
final, this Court denied the Petition. appeal and a record on appeal within thirty (30) days
The appellate court held that petitioner from notice of the judgment or final order.
was not entitled to the writ of habeas corpus, because The period of appeal shall be interrupted by a
the BID Board of Commissioners had found him guilty of timely motion for new trial or reconsideration. No motion
violating Section 37 (a) of the Philippine Immigration Act for extension of time to file a motion for new trial or
of 1940, as amended. Citing documents from the Taiwan reconsideration shall be allowed.'
Economic and Cultural Offices (TECO), the CA found that In this light, the appeal was seasonably filed
petitioner's passport had been cancelled by the Republic within the 15-day reglementary period.
of China on the ground that its holder was not the real
Tung Chin Hui, but a fugitive from justice who had
tampered the passport. The CA also held that the TECO Propriety of the Writ of Habeas Corpus
documents, being public in nature, need not be testified Section 1, Rule 102 of the Rules of
to by the persons who had issued them. Court provides that "the writ of habeas corpus shall
extend to all cases of illegal confinement or detention by
Issues: which any person is deprived of his liberty, or by which
the rightful custody of any person is withheld from the
person entitled thereto." The objective of the writ is to
A. PRINCIPAL ISSUES:
determine whether the confinement or detention is valid
or lawful. If it is, the writ cannot be issued.
(1) Is the reglementary period within which to appeal in In the instant case, petitioner was
habeas corpus cases forty-eight hours from notice of the properly charged before the Bureau of Immigration for
Decision appealed from? (as petitioner contends); or is it illegally entering the Philippines with the use of a
15 days similar to other cases from notice of the passport issued to another person and cancelled by the
Decision? (as contended by the respondents); Taiwanese government in 1995.
Alleged Lack of Notice
The court rejects petitioner's reliance
(2) Was the appeal taken by the respondents from the
on the ruling of the trial court that "[w]hile it may be true
Order of the Regional Trial Court of Manila, Branch 26,
that there is a Summary Deportation Order against the
denying respondents' Motion for Reconsideration, proper?
petitioner allegedly for being [an] undocumented alien,
(as postulated by the respondents) or improper and not
having used a passport which had already been cancelled,
allowable being violative of Sec. 1 (a), Rule 41, of the
there is no showing that he was informed about it. There
1997 Rules of Civil Procedure? (as comprehended by the
is no sufficient basis to overturn the presumption that the
petitioner)
Bureau of Immigration conducted its proceedings in
accordance with law.
A. SECONDARY ISSUES: In sum, the court hold that petitioner's
confinement was not illegal; hence, there is no
(1) Should the Court of Appeals give weight to findings of justification for the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus.
fact arrived at by the Regional Trial Court of Manila, Moreover, he has not shown any cogent reason to
Branch 26, based on the evidence presented or adduced warrant the nullification of the Board of Commissioners'
during the trial of the case, in keeping with established Summary Deportation Order.
precedents?
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES and ALFREDO DE
TORRES vs.
(2) May the Honorable Court of Appeals consider CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION, G.R. No.
extraneous facts brought out by the respondents in their 132860, April 3, 2001
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CONSOLIDATED ORIX LEASING and FINANCE the ground that failure of their former counsel to file the
CORPORATION, G.R. No. 135287, (2001) required brief constitutes gross mistake or negligence
which should not bind them as to do so would deprive
Facts: them of due process and will cause them serious injustice.
Petitioners were declared in default when they
and their counsel, Atty. Rodolfo L. Vega, failed to appear
at the pretrial hearing on 22 April 1993. The order of Issues:
default was subsequently lifted. Petitioners were again Whether or not the negligent act of counsel in failing to
declared in default for having been absent in the pretrial file the appellants’ brief, resulting in the dismissal of an
hearing scheduled on that day. Respondent presented its appeal, a matter that binds the client.
evidence ex-parte. the default order was once more lifted
but the evidence presented was retained in the records Ruling:
subject to cross-examination by petitioners. In the next Regrettably, the Court finds itself unable to hold
pretrial hearing, petitioners and counsel still failed to that the appellate court has committed a reversible error.
show up. For the third time, they were declared in default. Rule 50, Section 1(e), of the 1997
This time, the trial court considered the case submitted Rules of Civil Procedure provides that an appeal may be
for decision. dismissed by the Court of Appeals on its own accord or
The trial court ruled in favor of on motion of the appellee for failure of the appellant to
respondent in a decision. Petitioners filed a "Motion for serve and file the required number of copies of his brief
Reconsideration and/or Set Aside Judgment by Default", or memorandum within the time prescribed by the Rules.
but were subsequently denied by the trial court. The obvious reason for this rule is that upon appeal, the
Petitioners then filed a "Petition for appellate court can only but place reliance on the
Relief from Judgment." Petitioners claimed that they were pleadings, briefs and memoranda of parties such as may
deprived of their right to present their evidence. Their be required. The dereliction of duty by counsel affects the
non-appearance in the pretrial hearing was according to client. While, exceptionally, the client may be excused
them, was due to their counsel’s "honest mistake and from the failure of counsel, the factual and case settings
excusable negligence" of entering in his calendar the date in this instance, however, would not warrant such an
of the pretrial to be "May 23" when it should have been exception; indeed, petitioners themselves may not be
"May 16". said to be entirely faultless.
The trial court dismissed the petition for Petitioners have not been denied their
relief for lack of merit. The court said that the mistake of day in court. It is basic that as long as a party is given
counsel cannot be countenanced and could not in any the opportunity to defend his interests in due course, he
manner be attributed to fraud or deception committed by would have no reason to complain, for it is this
the prevailing party that could call for the setting aside of opportunity to be heard that makes up the essence of
the judgment. due process. Where opportunity to be heard, either
Still undaunted, petitioners filed a through oral argument or through pleadings, is accorded,
notice of appeal to the order denying the petition for there can be no denial of procedural due process.
relief, which notice was approved by the court a quo. Furthermore, petitioners could not have
The Court of Appeals sent a letter- failed to notice the succession of blunders committed by
notice to petitioners’ counsel, Atty. Rodolfo L. Vega, their counsel, yet they took no precautionary measures
requiring him to file the appellants’ brief within 45 days such as by forthwith seeking the help of another counsel.
from notice. Meanwhile, counsel filed with the Court of No prudent party would leave the fate of his case
Appeals a "Motion for Leave to Admit Late Payment with completely to his lawyer. It should be the duty of the
Notice of Change of Address," prompting the appellate client to be in touch with his counsel so as to be
court to send anew a letter-notice to counsel. Atty. Vega constantly posted about the case.
filed a "Motion for Extension to file Brief" alleging that he
received the first notice on 04 October 1997 and praying
for an additional 90 days, or until 12 February 1998,
within which to file the required pleading. The motion for Spouses VIRGILIO AND GLYNNA F. CRYSTAL, acting
extension was granted by the Court of Appeals. Noting for themselves and as parents of minor children
that counsel had, in fact, received the first letter-notice, MONICA CLAIRE CRYSTAL and FRANCES LORRAINE
the appellate court withdrew the second notice. CRYSTAL vs.
Despite the extension, Atty. Vega still CEBU INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, G.R. No. 135433 ,
failed to file the appellants’ brief. The Court of Appeals April 4, 2001
thus considered the appeal by petitioners to have been
abandoned and accordingly dismissed the case pursuant Facts:
to Rule 50, Section 1(e), of the 1997 Rules of Civil
Procedure. After the receipt of the notice of dismissal, The petitioners-spouses Virgilio and Glynna
that counsel filed a "Very Urgent Motion for Crystal alleged that they sent all their children — Sheryll
Reconsideration." Consequently, the appellate court Louise, Doreen Angeli, Monica Claire and Frances Loraine
dismissed the motion for having been filed out of time. — to study at the private respondent Cebu International
Petitioners, with a new counsel, now School (CIS). In 1996, the petitioners' parents and
come before this Court in this petition for review on children went to CIS to enroll. After complying with the
certiorari seeking the remand of the case to the appellate school's enrollment and admission requirements, they
court and another chance to file the appellants’ brief on were given the schedule of fees as well as the summary
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of total fees due upon enrollment in the amount. deposit under Option 3 which the petitioners themselves
However, without any justifiable reason, the school finally chose after they were not able to comply with
refused to accept the payment by the petitioners of the Option 2 which was their earlier preference.
enrollment fees unless they also pay the other charges Petitioner's Motion for Reconsideration
called 'land purchase deposit' in the amount of P50, of the RTC Order was denied. Petitioners filed before the
000.00 per student plus surcharge of 2.5% per month CA a special civil action for certiorari under Rule 65. They
starting from the school year 1995-1996. contended that the RTC had acted without or in excess of
The petitioners thereafter repeatedly its jurisdiction or with grave abuse of discretion when it
tendered payment of the total fees due upon enrollment issued its Order.
computed at and pleaded for the admission of their The CA issued a Temporary Restraining
daughters for enrollment and for the release of their Order enjoining respondents from collecting from
report cards but were just ignored by the respondents. petitioners the questioned land purchase deposit. The
Accordingly, they prayed for the appellate court promulgated the assailed Decision
following reliefs: denying petitioners' Motion for Reconsideration, holding
1. Immediately enjoining the defendants from that the RTC committed no grave abuse of discretion in
enforcing and collecting the 'land purchase deposit' and denying petitioners' prayer for the issuance of a writ of
its 'surcharge' as prerequisite for enrollment and/or preliminary prohibitory and mandatory injunction. The
ordering the defendants to immediately accept, the former held that petitioners had not shown the existence
plaintiffs' application for admission and/or to immediately of a right that was free from doubt.
admit the plaintiffs in Grade 4 and Grade 8 respectively
at the defendant school and to accept the payment in the Issues:
amount of P35, 187.00;
2. After trial, making the injunction above
1. Whether the respondents' insistence on the
mentioned permanent and:
land purchase deposit which is judicially
a. Declaring the imposition and collection of
admitted; by them as not a precondition or an
'land purchase deposit' and surcharge of 2.5% per month
additional requirement for enrollment is a valid
as illegal, unreasonable and oppressive;
challenge to the petitioners' right to enrollment.
b. Declaring the imposition and collection of the
increase in tuition fees and other fees not approved by
the Department of Education and Culture as illegal and 2. Whether or not the minor children have a
ordering the refund thereof to the plaintiffs; clear and legal right to be admitted to
c. Ordering the defendants to jointly and respondent school.
severally pay plaintiffs the amount of P2,000,000.00 as
moral damages; the amount of P500,000.00 as 3. Whether or not respondents have the right to
exemplary damages; the amount of P100,000;00 as . . . reject or bar the petitioners' children from
nominal damages; the amount of P100,000.00 as enrollment for refusal to pay the land purchase
attorney's fees; and costs of this suit; deposit which is judicially admitted as [a] non-
3. Plaintiffs pray for such other reliefs and enrollment [requirement].
remedy consistent with law and equity.
After the summary hearing, the
respondent court issued a temporary restraining order, 4. Whether or not the Court of Appeals erred in
restraining defendants from imposing on the plaintiffs not issuing the writ of a preliminary mandatory
any amount, except the total amount due upon injunction." 7
enrollment, as reflected in the Schedule of Fees for
Grades 4 and 8. In the main, the Court is called upon to
Meanwhile, private respondents, in determine whether petitioners are entitled to a writ of
their answer averred that petitioner did not pay with cash preliminary mandatory and prohibitory injunction.
but with checks postdated. The postdated checks were
not accepted because the respondent CIS Board of
Trustees had earlier decided that the petitioners should Ruling:
pay either in cash or in manager's check because on
several instances in the past their personal checks either The Petition is devoid of merit.
bounced or were delayed in encashment due to their A writ of preliminary injunction is
advice not to cash the same until further notice. issued only upon proof of the following: (1) a clear legal
The land purchase deposit of is not an right of the complainant, (2) a violation of that right, and
additional requirement for enrollment or admission as it (3) a permanent and urgent necessity for the writ to
is refundable once the student graduates or otherwise prevent serious damage.
decides to leave the school. It was imposed after prior Petitioners have failed to show that
consultation with the parents and upon agreement of all they have a clear and unmistakable right that has been
parents, including the petitioners, to enable the school to violated. Neither have they shown permanent and urgent
purchase a piece of land and to construct new school necessity for the issuance of the writ.
buildings and other facilities to which the CIS will transfer Furthermore, petitioners have no right
and occupy after the expiration of its lease contract with or standing to pray for the issuance of an injunctive writ,
the Province of Cebu over its present site. The 2.5% because they failed to pay the required school fees on
surcharge per month refers to the late payment of the time. Not only had their personal checks bounced several
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times in the past, but these had been postdated as well; Code or for any offense involving fraud upon government
sometimes they were not even encashed upon or public funds or property whether as a simple or as a
petitioners' advice. complex offense and in whatever stage of execution and
It was not clearly shown any urgent mode of participation, is pending in court, shall be
and permanent necessity for the writ since the children suspended from office.
are already enrolled in another school. In view of suspension NOT as a penalty
It would appear, indeed, to be a ministerial duty
of the court to issue an order of suspension upon
MIRIAM DEFENSOR SANTIAGO vs. determination of the validity of the information filed
SANDIGANBAYAN, G.R. No. 128055, April 18, 2001 before it. Once the information is found to be sufficient in
form and substance, the court is bound to issue an order
Facts: of suspension as a matter of course, and there seems to
That on or about October 17, 1988, or sometime be "no ifs and buts about it."
prior or subsequent thereto, in Manila, Philippines and Thus, it has been held that the use of the word
within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, accused "office" would indicate that it applies to any office which
MIRIAM DEFENSOR-SANTIAGO, a public officer, being the officer charged may be holding, and not only the
then the Commissioner of the Commission on particular office under which he stands accused.
Immigration and Deportation, with evident bad faith and The law does not require that the guilt of the
manifest partiality in the exercise of her official functions, accused must be established in a pre-suspension
did then and there willfully, unlawfully and criminally proceeding before trial on the merits proceeds. Neither
approve the application for legalization for the stay of the does it contemplate a proceeding to determine (1) the
aliens in violation of Executive Order No. 324 dated April strength of the evidence of culpability against him, (2)
13, 1988 which prohibits the legalization of said the gravity of the offense charged, or (3) whether or not
disqualified aliens knowing fully well that said aliens are his continuance in office could influence the witnesses or
disqualified thereby giving unwarranted benefits to said pose a threat to the safety and integrity of the records
aliens whose stay in the Philippines was unlawfully and other evidence before the court could have a valid
legalized by said accused. basis in decreeing preventive suspension pending the
Two other criminal cases, one for violation of the trial of the case. All it secures to the accused is adequate
provisions of Presidential Decree No. 46 and the other for opportunity to challenge the validity or regularity of the
libel, were filed with the Regional Trial Court of Manila, proceedings against him, such as, that he has not been
docketed, respectively, No. 91-94555 and No. 91-94897. afforded the right to due preliminary investigation, that
Petitioner, then filed with the Sandiganbayan a the acts imputed to him do not constitute a specific crime
Motion to "Redetermine Probable Cause" and to dismiss warranting his mandatory suspension from office under
or quash said information. Pending the resolution of this Section 13 of Republic Act No. 3019, or that the
incident, the prosecution filed on 31 July 1995 with the information is subject to quashal on any of the grounds
Sandiganbayan a motion to issue an order suspending set out in Section 3, Rule 117, of the Revised Rules on
petitioner. Criminal Procedure.
On 22 August 1995, petitioner filed her In view of multiple petitions
opposition to the motion of the prosecution to suspend Petitioner next claims that the
her. Amended information did not charge any offense
The petition assails the authority of the punishable under Section 3 (e) of RA. No. 3019 because
Sandiganbayan to decree a ninety-day preventive the official acts complained therein were authorized
suspension of Mme. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, a Senator under Executive Order No. 324 and that the Board of
of the Republic of the Philippines, from any government Commissioners of the Bureau of Investigation adopted
position, and furnishing a copy thereof to the Senate of the policy of approving applications for legalization of
the Philippines for the implementation of the suspension spouses and unmarried, minor children of "qualified
order aliens" even though they had arrived in the Philippines
after December 31, 1983. She concludes that the
Issues: Sandiganbayan erred in not granting her motion to quash
the information.
"In a motion to quash, the accused the accused
Whether the Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction issuing
admits hypothetically the allegations of fact in the
suspension to petitioner.
information (People vs. Supnad, 7 SCRA 603 [1963]).
Therefore, petitioner admitted hypothetically in her
Ruling: motion that:
(1) She was a public officer,
The authority of the Sandiganbayan to order the (2) She approved the application for legalization of
preventive suspension of an incumbent public official the stay of aliens, who arrived in the Philippines after
charged with violation of the provisions of Republic Act January 1, 1984;
No. 3019 has both legal and jurisprudential support. (3) Those aliens were disqualified;
Section 13 of the statute provides: (4) She was cognizant of such fact; and
"SECTION 13. Suspension and loss of (5) She acted in 'evident bad faith and manifest
benefits. — Any incumbent public officer against whom partiality in the execution of her official functions.'
any criminal prosecution under a valid information under In view of RA 3019 and Sec 16, Art VI of
this Act or under Title 7, Book II of the Revised Penal the Constitution
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The order of suspension prescribed by 1. Whether or not the court a quo gravely erred
Republic Act No. 3019 is distinct from the power of in declaring the search warrant valid
Congress to discipline its own ranks.
Section 16, Article VI of the Constitution —
2. Whether the court a quo erred in convicting
which deals with the power of each House of Congress
accused-appellant for illegal possession of
inter alia to 'punish its Members for disorderly behavior,'
methamphetamine hydro-chloride (SHABU)
and 'suspend or expel a Member' by a vote of two-thirds
of all its Members subject to the qualification that the
penalty of suspension, when imposed, should not exceed 3. Whether or not the court a quo gravely erred
sixty days — is unavailing, as it appears to be quite in convicting accused-appellant for violation Sec
distinct from the suspension spoken of in Section 13 of 8, R.A. No. 6425.
RA 3019, which is not a penalty but a preliminary,
preventive measure, prescinding from the fact that the 4. Whether or not the court a quo erred in
latter is not being imposed on petitioner for misbehavior admitting in evidence the two (2) bricks of
as a Member of the House of Representatives." marijuana.
In view of the power of the Court
Republic Act No. 3019 does not exclude from its
coverage the members of Congress and that, therefore, 5. Whether or not the court a quo erred in not
the Sandiganbayan did not err in thus decreeing the finding that the policemen used excessive force
assailed preventive suspension order. in enforcing the search warrant.
Attention might be called to the fact that
Criminal Case No. 16698 has been decided by the First Ruling:
Division of the Sandiganbayan on 06 December 1999,
acquitting herein petitioner. The Court, nevertheless, First. It was held that the first part of the search
deems it appropriate to render this decision for future warrant, authorizing the search of accused-appellant's
guidance on the significant issue raised by petitioner. house for an undetermined quantity of shabu, is valid,
even though the second part, with respect to the search
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES vs. for drug paraphernalia, is not. Evidence was presented
ROBERTO SALANGUIT y KO, G.R. No. 133254-55, showing probable cause of the existence of
April 19, 2001 methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu.
However, the fact that there was no probable
Facts: cause to support the application for the seizure of drug
Two charges against accused-appellant for paraphernalia does not warrant the conclusion that the
violations of R.A. No. 6425 were filed docketed as Case search warrant is void. This fact would be material only if
No. Q-95-64357 and Case No. Q-95-64358 alleging the drug paraphernalia was in fact seized by the police. The
facts as follows: fact is that none was taken by virtue of the search
That on or about the 26th day of December warrant issued. If at all, therefore, the search warrant is
1995, in Quezon City, Philippines, the said accused, did void only insofar as it authorized the seizure of drug
then and there willfully, unlawfully and knowingly possess paraphernalia, but it is valid as to the seizure of
and/or use 11.14 grams of Methamphetamine methamphetamine hydrochloride as to which evidence
Hydrochloride (Shabu) a regulated drug, without the was presented showing probable cause as to its existence.
necessary license and/or prescription therefor, in Second. Because the location of the shabu was
violation of said law and knowingly have in his possession indicated in the warrant and thus known to the police
and under his custody and control 1,254 grams of operatives, it is reasonable to assume that the police
Marijuana, a prohibited drug. found the packets of the shabu first. Once the valid
Upon arraignment, accused-appellant portion of the search warrant has been executed, the
pleaded not guilty. "plain view doctrine" can no longer provide any basis -for
Prosecution presented three witnesses. admitting the other items subsequently found.
For the defense, accused-appellant testified in his own Accordingly, for failure of the prosecution to
behalf. His testimony was corroborated by his mother-in- prove that the seizure of the marijuana without a warrant
law. was conducted in accordance with the "plain view
After hearing, the trial court rendered its doctrine," we hold that the marijuana is inadmissible in
decision, finding the accused guilty beyond reasonable evidence against accused-appellant. However, the
doubt of the crime charged and he is hereby accordingly confiscation of the drug must be upheld.
sentenced to suffer an indeterminate sentence with a Third. The court justified the police officers’
minimum of six (6) months of arresto mayor and a claim that they had to use some force in order to gain
maximum of four (4) years and two (2) months of prision entry cannot be doubted. The occupants of the house,
correccional; and, accordingly sentenced to suffer especially accused-appellant, refused to open the door
reclusion perpetua and to pay a fine of P700,000.00. despite the fact that the searching party knocked on the
door several times. Furthermore, the agents saw the
suspicious movements of the people inside the house.
Issues: These circumstances justified the searching party's
forcible entry into the house, founded as it is on the
apprehension that the execution of their mission would
be frustrated unless they do so.
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only by a kerosene lamp. One of the four men told him to SOCIAL WEATHER STATIONS, INCORPORATED and
sit in the living room. Some of the men went upstairs KAMAHALAN PUBLISHING CORPORATION, doing
while the others went around the house. None of them business as MANILA STANDARD, vs.
asked for his permission to search his house and the COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS, G.R. No. 147571,
premises. May 5, 2001
Facts:
Issues: Petitioner, Social Weather Stations, Inc. (SWS)
is a private non-stock, non-profit social research
Whether or not the search and seizure performed at institution conducting surveys in various fields, including
the backyard of the accused was valid. economics, politics, demography, and social development,
and thereafter processing, analyzing, and publicly
Ruling: reporting the results thereof. On the other hand,
NO. In the instant case, the search and seizure petitioner Kamahalan Publishing Corporation publishes
conducted by the composite team in the house of the Manila Standard, a newspaper of general circulation,
accused-appellant was not authorized by a search which features newsworthy items of information including
warrant. It does not appear either that the situation falls election surveys.
under any of the exceptions. Consequently, accused- Petitioners brought this action for prohibition to
appellant's right against unreasonable search and seizure enjoin the Commission on Elections from enforcing
was clearly violated. It is extant from the records that Section 5.4 of RA. No.9006 (Fair Election Act), which
accused-appellant did not consent to the warrantless provides:
search and seizure conducted. While the right to be Surveys affecting national candidates shall not
secure from unreasonable search and seizure may, like be published fifteen (15) days before an election and
every right, be waived either expressly or impliedly, such surveys affecting local candidates shall not be published
waiver must constitute a valid waiver made voluntarily, seven (7) days before an election.
knowingly and intelligently. The act of the accused- The term "election surveys" is defined in Section
appellant in allowing the members of the military to enter 5.1 of the law as follows:
his premises and his consequent silence during the Election surveys refer to the measurement of
unreasonable search and seizure could not be construed opinions and perceptions of the voters as regards a
as voluntary submission or an implied acquiescence to candidate's popularity, qualifications, platforms or a
warrantless search and seizure especially so when matter of public discussion in relation to the election,
members of the raiding team were intimidatingly including voters preference for candidates or publicly
numerous and heavily armed. discussed issues during the campaign period (hereafter
referred to as "Survey").
As a general rule, objects in the "plain view" of The implement of Section 5.4, Resolution 3636,
an officer who has the right to be in the position to have Sec. 24(h), dated March I, 2001, of the COMELEC enjoins:
that view are subject to seizure without a warrant. It is Surveys affecting national candidates shall not
usually applied where a police officer is not searching for be published fifteen (15) days before an election and
evidence against the accused, but nonetheless surveys affecting local candidates shall not be published
inadvertently comes across an incriminating object. Thus, seven (7) days before an election.
the following elements must be present before the
doctrine may be applied: (a) a prior valid intention based Issues:
on the valid warrantless arrest in which the police are
legally present in the pursuit of their official duties; (b) Whether or not Section 5.4 of R.A. No. 9006
the evidence was inadvertently discovered by the police constitutes an unconstitutional abridgment of freedom
who have the right to be where they are; (c) the of speech, expression, and the press.
evidence must be immediately apparent; and (d) "plain
view" justified were seizure of evidence without further
search. Ruling:
Here, there was no valid warrantless arrest.
They forced their way into accused-appellant's premises The Supreme Court ruled Section 5.4 of R.A.
without the latter's consent. It is undisputed that the No.9006 as unconstitutional.
NARCOM agents conducted a surveillance of the
residence of accused-appellant on July 9, 1995 on the To be sure, Section 5.4 Iays a prior restraint on
suspicion that he was growing and cultivating marijuana freedom of speech, expression, and the press prohibiting
when they allegedly came in "plain view" of the the publication of election survey results affecting
marijuana plants. When the agents entered his premises candidates within the prescribed periods of fifteen (15)
on July 13, 1995, their intention was to seize the days immediately preceding a national election seven (7)
evidence against him. In fact, they initially wanted to days before a local election. Because of the preferred
secure a search warrant but could not simply wait for one status of the constitutional rights of speech, expression,
to be issued. The NARCOM agents, therefore, did not and the press, such a measure is vitiated by a weighty
come across the marijuana plants inadvertently when presumption of invalidity. Indeed, any system of prior
they conducted a surveillance and barged into accused- restraints of expression comes to this Court bearing a
appellant’s residence. heavy presumption against its constitutional validity. The
Government thus carries a heavy burden of showing
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justification for in enforcement of such restraint. There, as General Order No. 1 ordering the AFP and the PNP to
thus a reversal of the normal presumption of validity that suppress the rebellion in the NCR. Warrantless arrests of
inheres in every legislation. several alleged leaders and promoters of the “rebellion”
were thereafter effected. Petitioner filed for prohibition,
What test should then be employed to determine injunction, mandamus and habeas corpus with an
the constitutional validity of Sec. 5.4? The United States application for the issuance of temporary restraining
Supreme Court, through Chief Justice Warren, held in order and/or writ of preliminary injunction. Petitioners
United States v. O 'Brien: assail the declaration of Proc. No. 38 and the warrantless
“[A] Government regulation is sufficiently arrests allegedly effected by virtue thereof. Petitioners
justified [1] if it is within the constitutional power of the furthermore pray that the appropriate court, wherein the
Government; [2] if it furthers an important or substantial information against them was filed, would desist
governmental interest; [3] if the governmental interest is arraignment and trial until this instant petition is resolved.
unrelated to the suppression of free expression; and [4] They also contend that they are allegedly faced with
if the incidental restriction on alleged First Amendment impending warrantless arrests and unlawful restraint
freedoms [of speech, expression and press] is no greater being that hold departure orders were issued against
than is essential to the furtherance of that interest.” them.
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1998, directing the City to deposit the amount of of evidence, although in its amended complaint petitioner
P1,825,241.00 equivalent to the assessed value of the did allege that it had complied with the requirements.
properties. After the City had made the deposit, the trial The determination of this question must await the
court issued another order, dated 15 December 1998, hearing on the complaint for expropriation, particularly
directing the issuance of a writ of possession in favor of the hearing for the condemnation of the properties
the City. The Serranos filed a petition for certiorari with sought to be expropriated. Expropriation proceedings
the Court of Appeals. On November 16, 1999, the Court consists of two stages: first, condemnation of the
of Appeals rendered a decision holding that although Lot property after it is determined that its acquisition will be
1-C is not exempt from expropriation because it for a public purpose or public use and, second, the
undeniably exceeds 300 square meters which is no longer determination of just compensation to be paid for the
considered a small property within the framework of RA taking of private property to be made by the court with
7279, the other modes of acquisition of lands the assistance of not more than three commissioners.
enumerated in Sec. 9-10 of the law must first be tried by
the city government before it can resort to expropriation, SANTIAGO ESLABAN, JR., in his capacity as Project
and thus enjoined the City from expropriating Lot 1-C. In Manager of the National Irrigation Administration,
its resolution, dated February 23, 2000, the Court of vs. CLARITA VDA. DE ONORIO,
Appeals likewise denied two motions for reconsideration G.R. No. 146062, June 28, 2001
filed by the City. The City filed a petition for review on
certiorari before the Supreme Court.
Facts:
Issues:
Clarita Vda. de Onorio is the owner of a lot in
Whether it was premature to determine whether the Barangay M. Roxas, Sto. Nino, South Cotabato with an
requirements of RA 7279, Sec. 9-10 have been area of 39,512 square meters (Lot 1210-A-Pad-11-
complied with. 000586, TCT T-22121 of the Registry of Deeds, South
Cotabato). On 6 October 1981, Santiago Eslaban, Jr.,
Project Manager of the NIA, approved the construction of
Ruling: the main irrigation canal of the NIA on the said lot,
affecting a 24,660 square meter portion thereof. De
Rule 67, Sec. 2 provides that “Upon the filing of Onorio’s husband agreed to the construction of the NIA
the complaint or at any time thereafter and after due canal provided that they be paid by the government for
notice to the defendant, the plaintiff shall have the right the area taken after the processing of documents by the
to take or enter upon the possession of the real property Commission on Audit. Sometime in 1983, a Right-of-Way
involved if he deposits with the authorized government agreement was executed between De Onorio and the NIA.
depositary an amount equivalent to the assessed value of The NIA then paid De Onorio the amount of P4,180.00 as
the property for purposes of taxation to be held by such Right-of-Way damages. De Onorio subsequently executed
bank subject to the orders of the court. Such deposit an Affidavit of Waiver of Rights and Fees whereby she
shall be in money, unless in lieu thereof the court waived any compensation for damages to crops and
authorizes the deposit of a certificate of deposit of a improvements which she suffered as a result of the
government bank of the Republic of the Philippines construction of a right-of-way on her property. The same
payable on demand to the authorized government year, Eslaban offered De Onorio the sum of P35,000,00
depositary. If personal property is involved, its value by way of amicable settlement (financial assistance)
shall be provisionally ascertained and the amount to be pursuant to Executive Order 1035, §18. De Onorio
deposited shall be fixed by the court. After such deposit demanded payment for the taking of her property, but
is made the court shall order the sheriff or other proper Eslaban/NIA refused to pay. Accordingly, De Onorio filed
officer to forthwith place the plaintiff in possession of the on 10 December 1990 a complaint against Eslaban before
property involved and promptly submit a report thereof the Regional Trial Court (RTC), praying that Eslaban/NIA
to the court with service of copies to the parties.” Thus, a be ordered to pay the sum of P111,299.55 as
writ of execution may be issued by a court upon the filing compensation for the portion of her property used in the
by the government of a complaint for expropriation construction of the canal constructed by the NIA,
sufficient in form and substance and upon deposit made litigation expenses, and the costs. Eslaban admitted that
by the government of the amount equivalent to the NIA constructed an irrigation canal over the property of
assessed value of the property subject to expropriation. De Onorio and that NIA paid a certain landowner whose
Upon compliance with these requirements, the issuance property had been taken for irrigation purposes, but
of the writ of possession becomes ministerial. Herein, Eslaban interposed the defense that: (1) the government
these requirements were satisfied and, therefore, it had not consented to be sued; (2) the total area used by
became the ministerial duty of the trial court to issue the the NIA for its irrigation canal was only 2.27 hectares,
writ of possession. The distinction between the Filstream not 24,600 square meters; and (3) that De Onorio was
and the present case is that in the former, the judgment not entitled to compensation for the taking of her
in that case had already become final while herein, the property considering that she secured title over the
trial court has not gone beyond the issuance of a writ of property by virtue of a homestead patent under
possession. Hearing is still to be held to determine Commonwealth Act 141. On 18 October 1993, the trial
whether or not petitioner indeed complied with the court rendered a decision, ordering the NIA to pay to De
requirements provided in RA 7279. Whether the City has Onorio the sum of P107,517.60 as just compensation for
complied with these provisions requires the presentation the questioned area of 24,660 square meters of land
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owned by De Onorio and taken by the NIA which used it of the taking of the property or the filing of the complaint,
for its main canal plus costs. On 15 November 1993, the “whichever came first.”
NIA appealed to the Court of Appeals which, on 31
October 2000, affirmed the decision of the Regional Trial ANTONIO BENGZON III vs. HOUSE of
Court. NIA filed the petition for review. REPRESENTATIVES ELECTORAL TRIBUNAL and
Teodoro Cruz, 357 SCRA 545; G. R. No. 142840,
May 7, 2001
Issues:
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allowances for good conduct in the service of their sectors to be elected to the House of Representatives. In
respective sentences. Respondents asked herein other words, while they are not disqualified merely on the
petitioner Rosendo M. Dial, City Warden of the Manila ground that they are political parties, they must show,
City Jail, to effect their release on the ground that they however, that they represent the interests of the
had already served their sentences, less time allowances marginalized and underrepresented.
for good conduct. Respondents invoked Arts. 97 and 99
of the Revised PenalCode.
LACSASA M. ADIONG vs. COURT OF APPEALS ,G.R.
Issues: No. 136480, December 4, 2001
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officer or employee of the civil service shall be removed On December 27, 1991, Mrs. Imelda Marcos and
are suspended except for cause provided by law." Messrs. Benedicto and Rivera were indicted for violation
In this case, respondent Nuska had a permanent of Section 10 of Circular No. 960 1 in relation to Section
appointment to the position of municipal civil registrar of 34 of the Central Bank Act (Republic Act No. 265, as
Ditsaan Ramain, Lanao Del Sur. She thus enjoyed amended) in five Informations filed with the Regional
security of tenure as guaranteed by law. As an employee Trial Court of Manila. Docketed as Criminal Cases Nos.
in the civil service and as a civil service eligible, 91-101879 to 91-101883, the charge sheets alleged that
respondent Nuska entitled to the benefits, rights and the trio failed to submit reports of their foreign exchange
privileges extended to those belonging to the classified earnings from abroad and/or failed to register with the
service. She could not be removed or dismissed from the Foreign Exchange Department of the Central Bank within
service without just cause and without observing the the period mandated by Circular No. 960. Said Circular
requirements of due process. prohibited natural and juridical persons from maintaining
The reasons advanced by petitioner why foreign exchange accounts abroad without prior
respondent Nuska's employment was terminated were authorization from the Central Bank.
the following: failure to make a courtesy call, failure to On August 11, 1994, petitioners moved to quash
submit her appointment papers, and failure to report to all the Informations filed against them in Criminal Cases
work which was tantamount to abandonment. The failure Nos. 91-101879 to 91-101883; 91-101884 to 91-101892,
to make a courtesy call to one's superior is not an offense, and 91-101959 to 91- 101969. Their motion was
much less a ground to terminate a person's employment. grounded on lack of jurisdiction, forum shopping, and
Respondent Nuska's failure to submit her appointment absence of a preliminary investigation and extinction of
papers is not a cause for her outright dismissal. It was criminal liability with the repeal of Circular No. 960.
not shown that respondent Nuska was informed of the On September 6, 1994, the trial court denied
July 1, 1995 memorandum requiring those with petitioners' motion. A similar motion filed on May 23,
permanent appointments to submit their papers. At the 1994 by Mrs. Marcos seeking to dismiss the dollar-salting
very least, petitioner could have reminded her to submit cases against her due to the repeal of Circular No. 960
the documents without terminating her employment had earlier been denied by the trial court in its order
immediately. dated June 9, 1994. Petitioners then filed a motion for
On the alleged abandonment by respondent reconsideration, but the trial court likewise denied this
Nuska of her position, the same is without any basis. It is motion on October 18, 1994.
significant to note that Nuska, in her letter dated 27
August 1995, informed Mayor Adiong that she did not Issues:
resign and that the termination of her services was not in
accordance with existing Civil Service rules and (1) Whether or not the Court of Appeals erred in
regulations. She requested that she be reinstated to her denying the Motion to Quash for absence of a valid
lawful position and her back salaries be paid accordingly. preliminary investigation.
The foregoing explains that although Nuska was (2) Whether or not the repeal of Central Bank Circular
physically absent in the office premises, all the while, she No. 960 and Republic Act No. 265 by Circular No. 1353
had the intention to return to work. Hence, she could not and Republic Act No. 7653 respectively, extinguish the
be deemed to have abandoned or relinquished her right criminal liability of petitioners.
to the position under an appointment with permanent
employment status.
A person holding a public office may abandon Ruling:
such office by non-user or acquiescence. Non-user refers
to a neglect to use a right or privilege or to exercise an (1) NO. Preliminary investigation is not part of
office. However, nonperformance of the duties of an the due process guaranteed by the Constitution. It is an
office does not constitute abandonment where such inquiry to determine whether there is sufficient ground to
nonperformance results from temporary disability or from engender a well- founded belief that a crime has been
involuntary failure perform committed and the respondent is probably guilty thereof.
Abandonment may also result from Instead, the right to a preliminary investigation is
acquiescence by the officer in his wrongful removal or personal. It is afforded to the accused by statute, and
discharge, for instance, after a summary removal; an can be waived, either expressly or by implication.
unreasonable delay by an officer illegally removed in When the records of the case were disclosed to
taking steps to vindicate his rights may constitute an them, in opting to enter their respective pleas to the
abandonment of the office. If a person was still willing to charges, and filed various motions and pleadings, they
return to work despite his physical absence, it would not are deemed to have made an express waiver of their
constitute as abandonment. right to have a preliminary investigation.
(2) NO. In the instant case, it must be noted
that despite the repeal of Circular No. 960, Circular No.
1353 retained the same reportorial requirement for
BENEDICTO and RIVERA vs. COURT OF APPEALS , residents receiving earnings or profits from non-trade
G.R. No. 125359, September 4, 2001 foreign exchange transactions. Even the most cursory
glance at the repealing circulars, Circular Nos. 1318 and
Facts: 1353 shows that both contain a saving clause expressly
providing that the repeal of Circular No. 960 shall have
no effect on pending actions for violation of the latter
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and where the complaint was filed by a private citizen nature of private respondent's appointment as Ministry
against the government employee. Legal Counsel - CESO IV, of the Ministry of Local
Government, was first contested, this Court issued a
Issues: Minute Resolution dated March 17, 1992, holding that
Achacoso v. Macaraig is not applicable to the case of
Whether or not petitioners’ right to due process was private respondent.
violated when the CSC acted as investigator, There was no Career Executive Service Board
complainant, prosecutor and jugde all at the same time. during the Freedom Constitution or at the time of
appointment of petitioner. The CESO was only
reconstituted by the appointment of its Board of six (6)
Ruling: members sometime in August 1988. There was no
CESO eligibility examination during petitioner's
NO. The fact that the complaint was filed by the incumbency in the Department, as there was no CESO
CSC itself does not mean that it could not be an impartial board. The first CESO examination was given on
judge. As an administrative body, its decision was based August 5 and 12, 1990. The CESO eligibility was not a
on substantial findings. Factual findings of administrative requirement at the time of the appointment of
bodies, being considered experts in their field, are petitioner. The only eligibility required is that of a first
binding on the Supreme Court. The records clearly grader and petitioner is a first grade eligible. Therefore,
disclose that the petitioners were duly investigated by the having met all the requirements for the position to
CSC. which he was appointed, he cannot be removed in
After a careful examination of the records, the violation of the constitutional guarantee on security of
Commission finds respondents guilty as charged. The tenure and due process.
photograph pasted over the name Gilda Cruz in the Invoking res judicata, private respondent
Picture Seat Plan (PSP) during the July 30, 1989 Career contends that the nature of his appointment can no
Service Examination is not that of Cruz but of Paitim. longer be passed upon and controverted in the present
Also, the signature over the name of Gilda Cruz in the case considering that said issue had already been
said document is totally different from the signature of settled in the foregoing Minute Resolution of the Court.
Gilda Cruz.
Petitioners' contention that they were denied Issues:
due process of law by the fact that the CSC acted as
investigator, complainant, prosecutor and judge, all at Whether or not res judicata applies.
the same time against the petitioners is untenable. The
CA correctly explained that the CSC is mandated to hear
and decide administrative case instituted by it or Ruling:
instituted before it directly or on appeal including actions
of its officers and the agencies attached to it pursuant to NO. Concededly, if we follow the conventional
Book V, Title 1, Subtitle A, Chapter 3, Section 12, procedural path, i.e., the principle on conclusiveness of
paragraph 11 of the Administrative Code of 1987. judgment set forth in Rule 39, Section 47, paragraph (c)
It cannot be denied that the petitioners were of the Rules of Court, 3 would bar a re-litigation of the
formally charged after a finding that a prima facie case nature of private respondent's appointment. Indeed, once
for dishonesty lies against them. They were properly an issue has been adjudicated in a valid final judgment of
informed of the charges. They submitted an Answer and a competent court, it can no longer be controverted anew
were given the opportunity to defend themselves. and should be finally laid to rest.
Petitioners cannot, therefore, claim that there was a Yet, the Court is not precluded from re-
denial of due process much less the lack of jurisdiction on examining its own ruling and rectifying errors of
the part of the CSC to take cognizance of the case. judgment if blind and stubborn adherence to res judicata
would involve the sacrifice of justice to technicality. It
DE LEON vs. COURT OF APPEALS ,G.R. No. 127182, must be stressed that this is not the first time in
December 5, 2001 Philippine and American jurisprudence that the principle
of res judicata has been set aside in favor of substantial
Facts: justice, which is after all the avowed purpose of all law
and jurisprudence.
In the Decision sought to be reconsidered, we
ruled that private respondent's appointment on August
28, 1986, as Ministry Legal Counsel - CESO IV of the
Ministry of Local Government, was temporary. Applying
the case of Achacoso v. Macaraig, we held that since Estrada v. Sandiganbayan, GR 148560, 19
private respondent was not a Career Executive Service November 2001
(CES) eligible, his appointment did not attain
permanency because he did not possess the required Facts:
CES eligibility for the CES position to which he was
appointed. Hence, he can be transferred or reassigned On 4 April 2001, the Office of the Ombudsman
without violating his right to security of tenure. filed before the Sandiganbayan 8 separate Informations,
It appears, however, that in Jacob Montesa v. Santos, docketed as: (a) Criminal Case 26558, for violation of
et al., decided on September 26, 1990, where the Republic Act (RA) 7080, as amended by RA 7659; (b)
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Criminal Cases 26559 to 26...562, inclusive, for violation amassing or accumulating ill-gotten wealth of at least
of Sections 3, paragraph (a), 3, paragraph (a), 3, P50,000,000.00 through a series or combination of acts
paragraph (e), and 3, paragraph (e) of RA 3019 (Anti- enumerated in Section 1, paragraph (d), of the Plunder
Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), respectively; (c) Law. Herein, the amended Information itself closely
Criminal Case 26563, for violation of Section 7, tracks the language of the law, indicating with reasonable
paragraph (d), of RA 6713 (The Code of Conduct and certainty the various elements of the offense which
Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees); (d) Estrada is alleged to have committed. There was nothing
Criminal Case 26564, for Perjury (Article. 183 of The that is vague or ambiguous that will confuse Estrada in
Revised Penal Code); and, (e) Criminal Case 26565, for his defense. Factual assertions clearly show that the
Illegal Use Of An Alias (Commonwealth Act 142, as elements of the crime are easily understood and provide
amended by RA 6085). On 11 April 2001, Joseph Estrada adequate contrast between the innocent and the
filed an Omnibus Motion for the remand of the case to prohibited acts. Upon such unequivocal assertions,
the Ombudsman for preliminary investigation with Estrada is completely informed of the accusations against
respect to specification “d” of the charges in the him as to enable him to prepare for an intelligent defense.
Information in Criminal Case 26558; and, for
reconsideration / reinvestigation of the offenses under There is no basis for Estrada’s claim that the Supreme
specifications “a,” “b,” and “c” to give the accused an Court review the Anti-Plunder Law on its face and in its
opportunity to file counter-affidavits and other entirety. A facial challenge is allowed to be made to a
documents necessary to prove lack of probable cause. vague statute and to one which is overbroad because of
The grounds raised were only lack of preliminary possible “chilling effect” upon protected speech. The
investigation, reconsideration / reinvestigation of theory is that “[w]hen statutes regulate or proscribe
offenses, and opportunity to prove lack of probable cause. speech and no readily apparent construction suggests
The purported ambiguity of the charges and the itself as a vehicle for rehabilitating the statutes in a single
vagueness of the law under which they are charged were prosecution, the transcendent value to all society of
never raised in that Omnibus Motion thus indicating the constitutionally protected expression is deemed to justify
explicitness and comprehensibility of the Plunder Law. On allowing attacks on overly broad statutes with no
25 April 2001, the Sandiganbayan, Third Division, issued requirement that the person making the attack
a Resolution in Criminal Case No. 26558 finding that “a demonstrate that his own conduct could not be regulated
probable cause for the offense of plunder exists to justify by a statute drawn with narrow specificity.” This rationale
the issuance of warrants for the arrest of the accused.” does not apply to penal statutes. Criminal statutes have
On 25 June 2001 petitioner’s motion for reconsideration general in terrorem effect resulting from their very
was denied by the Sandiganbayan. On 14 June 2001, existence, and, if facial challenge is allowed for this
Estrada moved to quash the Information in Criminal Case reason alone, the State may well be prevented from
26558 on the ground that the facts alleged therein did enacting laws against socially harmful conduct. In the
not constitute an indictable offense since the law on area of criminal law, the law cannot take chances as in
which it was based was unconstitutional for vagueness, the area of free speech. The void-for-vagueness doctrine
and that the Amended Information for Plunder charged states that “a statute which either forbids or requires the
more than one (1) offense. On 9 July 2001, the doing of an act in terms so vague that men of common
Sandiganbayan denied petitioner’s Motion to Quash. intelligence must necessarily guess at its meaning and
differ as to its application, violates the first essential of
Issues: due process of law.” The over breadth doctrine, on the
other hand, decrees that “a governmental purpose may
Whether the Plunder law, and the information, are clear not be achieved by means which sweep unnecessarily
to inform Estrada of the accusations against him as to broadly and thereby invade the area of protected
enable him to prepare for an intelligent defense. freedoms.” The doctrines of strict scrutiny, over breadth,
and vagueness are analytical tools developed for testing
“on their faces” statutes in free speech cases. “On its
Ruling: face” invalidation of statutes has been described as
“manifestly strong medicine,” to be employed “sparingly
As it is written, the Plunder Law contains and only as a last resort,” and is generally disfavored.
ascertainable standards and well-defined parameters
which would enable the accused to determine the nature
of his violation. Section 2 is sufficiently explicit in its
description of the acts,... conduct and conditions required
or forbidden, and prescribes the elements of the crime
with reasonable certainty and particularity. As long as the JUDGE RENATO A. FUENTES vs. OFFICE OF THE
law affords some comprehensible guide or rule that OMBUDSMAN-MINDANAO, et al. G.R. No. 124295,
would inform those who are subject to it what conduct October 23, 2001
would render them liable to its penalties, its validity will
be sustained. It must sufficiently guide the judge in its Facts:
application; the counsel, in defending one charged with
its violation; and more importantly, the accused, in The Republic of the Philippines (represented by
identifying the realm of the proscribed conduct. Indeed, it DPWH) filed an expropriation case against the owners of
can be understood with little difficulty that what the the properties affected by the project before the trial
assailed statute punishes is the act of a public officer in court presided by petitioner Judge Renato A. Fuentes.
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Ruling:
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On August 28, 1990, PCGG sent Corporate period set by the Constitution. Article XVIII, Section 26,
Secretary Victor A. Africa of Oceanic Wireless Network, of the 1987 Constitution provides:
Inc. (OWNI), a letter dated August 3, 1990, directing him "Sec. 26.The authority to issue sequestration or
to send notices to all stockholders of record of OWNI for freeze orders under Proclamation No. 3 dated March 25,
special stockholders' meeting. On September 17, 1990, 1986 in relation to the recovery of ill-gotten wealth shall
during the special stockholders' meeting of OWNI, PCGG remain operative for not more than eighteen months
voted all the Class "A" shares in the election of directors after the ratification of this Constitution. However, in the
and elected to the board of directors Commissioners national interest, as certified by the President, the
Maceren, Parlade and Gutierrez representing the Class Congress may extend said period.
"A" shares and Brooker and Miller representing Class "B" "A sequestration or freeze order shall be issued
and "C" shares. None of the registered Class "A" only upon showing of a prima facie case. The order and
shareholders of OWNI was present in that, special the list of the sequestered or frozen properties shall
stockholders meeting. PCGG sequestered the Class "A" forthwith be registered with the proper court. For orders
shareholding about 60% of the outstanding capital stock, issued before the ratification of this Constitution, the
and PCGG voted all the Class "A" shares. corresponding judicial action or proceeding shall be filed
within six months from its ratification. For those issued
On October 9, 1990, Corporate Secretary Africa after such ratification, the judicial action or proceeding
wrote the SEC questioning the election of PCGG shall be commenced within six months from the issuance
nominees as directors of the OWNI board on the ground thereof.
that they were not stockholders of OWNI. "The sequestration or freeze order is deemed
On January 27, 1991, the special stockholders' automatically lifted if no judicial action or proceeding is
meeting of OWNI took place. Stockholders owning 63,573 commenced as herein provided."
Class "A" shares were represented. An election of The sequestration orders issued against
directors for Class "A" shares was held. Nieto, Jr., J. respondents shall be deemed automatically lifted due to
Africa and A. Africa were elected as directors for Class the failure of PCGG to commence the proper judicial
"A" shares for 1991 until their successors are elected and action or to implead the respondents therein within the
qualified. Class "B" and "C" shareholders did not attend period prescribed by Article XVIII, Section 26 of the 1987
the meeting. No new directors for them were elected. Constitution.
On July 29, 1991, PCGG, acting for itself and in The lifting of the writs of sequestration will not
behalf of OWNI, filed with the Sandiganbayan a complaint necessarily be fatal to the main case since the lifting of
for injunction with damages against V. Africa, J. Africa, the subject orders does not ipso facto mean that the
Nieto, Jr. and Ocampo. PCGG sought to enjoin the sequestered property are not ill- gotten. The effect of the
defendants from interfering with PCGG's management of lifting of the sequestration against OWNI will merely be
OWNI and/or representing themselves as director. the termination of the role of the government as
conservator thereof. In other words, the PCGG may no
longer exercise administrative or housekeeping powers
Issues: and its nominees may no longer vote the sequestered
shares to enable them to sit on the corporate board of
Whether or not the PCGG's takeover of OWNI is legal the subject firm.
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BERNARDINO repeated the assault, twice on the honor b.) whether he had the assistance of a
and chastity of ZENY about midnight of 10 March 1997. competent counsel during the custodial and preliminary
Upon arraignment on 19 May 1997, investigations; and
BERNARDINO, assisted by his counsel Atty. Balo, entered c.) under what conditions he was detained and
a plea of not guilty in each case. On 20 October 1997, interrogated during the investigations. These the court
BERNARDINO, through his counsel Atty. Balo, moved to shall do in order to rule out the possibility that the
withdraw his previous plea of not guilty in each of the accused has been coerced or placed under a state of
three cases and to substitute the same upon re- duress either by actual threats of physical harm coming
arraignment with pleas of guilty. from malevolent or avenging quarters.
2. Ask the defense counsel a series of questions
as to whether he had conferred with, and completely
Issues: explained to, the accused the meaning and consequences
of a plea of guilty.
Whether or not the accused was accorded with due 3. Elicit information about the personality profile
process. of the accused, such as his age, socio- economic status,
and educational background, which may serve as a
Ruling: trustworthy index of his capacity to give a free and
informed plea of guilty.
NO. The Court found that the trial court failed, 4. Inform the accused the exact length of
albeit regrettably, to observe the rigid and severe imprisonment or nature of the penalty under the law and
constitutional mandate on due process, more particularly the certainty that he will serve such sentence. Not
the demands of Section 3, Rule 116 of the Rules of Court, infrequently indeed an accused pleads guilty in the hope
which reads: of a lenient treatment or upon bad advice or because of
promises of the authorities or parties of a lighter penalty
SECTION 3. Plea of guilty to capital offense; should he admit guilt or express remorse. It is the duty
reception of evidence. - When the accused pleads guilty of the judge to see to it that the accused does not labor
to a capital offense, the court shall conduct a searching under these mistaken impressions.
inquiry into the voluntariness and full comprehension of
the consequences of his plea and shall require the SALES VS. SANDIGANBAYAN, 369 SCRA 293 G.R.
prosecution to prove his guilt and the precise degree of NO. 143802; 16 NOV 2001
culpability. The accused may present evidence in his
behalf. Facts:
As pointed by the Office of the Solicitor General,
the Supreme Court had already outlined how compliance The petitioner, the incumbent mayor of Pagudpud Ilocos
with said rule, where an accused pleads guilty to a capital Norte, shot the former mayor and his political rival Atty.
offense, should be attained by the trial court, thus: Benemerito. After the shooting, he surrendered himself
1. The court must conduct a searching inquiry and hence the police inspector and wife of the victim filed
into the voluntariness and full comprehension [by the a criminal complaint for murder against him. The judge
accused] of the consequences of his plea; after conducting the preliminary examination (p.e. for
2. The court must require the prosecution to brevity) found probable cause and issued a warrant of
present evidence to prove the guilt of the accused and arrest. Also after conducting the preliminary investigation
precise degree of his culpability, and (p.i. for brevity), he issued a resolution forwarding the
case to the prosecutor for appropriate action. Petitioner
3. The court must ask the accused if he desires received a subpoena directing him to file his counter
to present evidence in his behalf affidavit, affidavit of witnesses and other supporting
and allow him to do so if he desires. documents. He did it the following day. While
There is no debate that the trial court had proceedings are ongoing, he filed a petition for habeas
persuasively observed the second command of the rule corpus with the C.A alleging that: the warrant was null
by directing the prosecution to adduce evidence to and void because the judge who issued it was a relative
determine the exact culpability of the accused, taking by affinity of the private respondent and the p.e. and the
into account the presence of other possible aggravating p.i. were illegal and irregular as the judge doesn’t have
or mitigating circumstances. On the first requirement, it jurisdiction on the case. The C.A. granted the petition
bears to note that a searching inquiry must focus on the holding that the judge was a relative by affinity by 3rd
voluntariness of the plea and the full comprehension of degree to the private respondent and the p.i. he
the consequences of the plea so that the plea of guilty conducted has 2 stages, the p.e. and the p.i. proper. The
can be truly said to be based on a free and informed proceeding now consists only of one stage. He conducted
judgment. While there can be no hard and fast rule as to the requisite investigation prior to the issuance of
how a judge may conduct a "searching inquiry," it would warrant of arrest. Moreover he did not complete it. He
be well for the court to do the following: only examined the witness of the complainant. But the
1. Ascertain from the accused himself prosecution instead of conducting p.i. of his own
a.) how he was brought into the custody of the forwarded the records to the Ombudsman (OMB for
law; brevity) for the latter to conduct the same. The OMB
directed the petitioner to submit his counter affidavit, but
he did not comply with it finding the same superfluous.
The graft investigator recommended the filing of
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2002
Yes, it is a valid arrest. The appellant cannot
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES vs. BALTAZAR assail the validity of his arrest on account of the absence
BONGALON y MATEOS G.R. No. 125025 January 23, of a warrant. He was caught in flagrante delicto selling
2002 shabu. There was, therefore, no need for a warrant to
effect his arrest pursuant to Section 5 (a), Rule 113 of
Facts: the Revised Rules on Criminal procedure. Said section
provides:
On December 8, 1994, Baltazar Bongalon not “Sec. 5. Arrest, without warrant; when lawful—A
being lawfully authorized by law, and by means of motor peace officer or a private person may, without a warrant,
vehicle, did then and there willfully, unlawfully and arrest a person:
feloniously sell, deliver and give away to another, one (1) (a) When, in his presence, the person to be
heat-sealed transparent plastic bag/sachet containing arrested has committed, is actually committing, or is
brown crystalline substance weighing 250.70 grams, attempting to commit an offense;
which was found positive to the test for xxx
Methamphetamine Hydrochloride (shabu), a regulated x
drug, in violation of. When arraigned, the accused pled xx xxx.”
not guilty. Moreover, the rule is that an accused is
he prosecution presented the following estopped from assailing the legality of his arrest if he
witnesses, to wit: (1) PO3 Noel Castañeto, the poseur- failed to move to quash the information against him
buyer who discussed in details the preceding incidents before his arraignment. Any objection involving the
prior to the entrapment operation; (2) PO3 Rogelio Galos, arrest or the procedure in the acquisition by the court of
member of the buy-bust operation team who testified the jurisdiction over the person of an accused must be made
same; and (3) Police Senior Inspector Julita de Villa, the before he enters his plea, otherwise, the objection is
forensic chemist who showed his findings of the specimen deemed waived. Even in the instances not allowed by law,
confiscated in the position of the accused. The a warrantless arrest is not a jurisdictional defect, and
presentation of PO2 Felipe Metrillo, member of the buy- objection thereto is waived where the person arrested
bust team, was dispensed with after the prosecution and submits to arraignment without objection. The
the defense had stipulated at the trial that he would subsequent filing of the charges and the issuance of the
merely corroborate the testimony of PO3 Galos. corresponding warrant of arrest against a person illegally
For its part, the defense presented the accused detained will cure the defect of that detention.
himself, Baltazar Bongalon who denied the allegations 2. Yes, it is a valid search. The appellant claims
and saying among others that his house was search that the search conducted in his house was unlawful. He
without securing any search warrant. also laments that the NARCOM agents robbed him of his
After the trial, the trial court found the accused personal properties during the search and they received
guilty as charged. The accused filed a Notice of Appeal. money from his relatives after his arrest. This Court
Thereafter, he filed a Motion for Reconsideration/New need not tarry on the validity of the said search for the
Trial to present additional witnesses that included his 4- appellant consented to the search. He admitted that he
year old son, Mark Anthony. The motion was denied by voluntarily accompanied the policemen to his house. As
the trial court on the ground that the additional witnesses for the charges of robbery and extortion, as in the
he offered to present were available during the trial alleged unlawful search made in his house, those
proper of the case. Subsequently, the accused filed incidents transpired after his arrest. Whether true or not,
several motions including a motion to inhibit, but they his liability for the unlawful sale of shabu remains.
were all denied. The trial court ordered the transmittal of
the records of the case to this Court for automatic review. THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, vs. ANTHONY
In the meantime, the accused filed a “MOTION ESCORDIAL G.R. Nos. 138934-35. January 16,
FOR NEW TRIAL” with this Court. Pursuant to its directive, 2002
the Office of the Solicitor General filed its Comment. After
considering their pleadings, we denied the motion for
new trial for lack of merit. The accused’s motion for Facts:
reconsideration was also denied. Finally, the appellant
and the Solicitor General filed their respective briefs. On December 27, 1996, the said accused,
armed with a deadly weapon, a knife, with intent of gain
and by means of violence and intimidation on the person,
Issues: did, then and there willfully, unlawfully and feloniously
take from Michelle Darunday y Jintula the sums of
1. Whether or not the arrest without warrant is a valid P3,650.00, belonging to said offended party and on the
arrest. occasion thereof have carnal knowledge with the
complainant Michelle Darunday y Jintula, against her will,
2. Whether or not the search conducted by the NARCOM and inside her room wherein she was temporarily
agents constitutes a valid search even without securing a residing as a boarder. When arraigned on February 25,
search warrant. 1997, accused-appellant pleaded not guilty to the
charges, whereupon the two cases were jointly tried.
The prosecution presented eight witnesses,
Ruling: namely, Jason Joniega and Mark Esmeralda who were
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playing inside a jeepney in front of the boarding house (b) When an offense has just been
where the complainant resides and said accused told committed and he has probable cause to believe based
them to go home; Erma Blanca, one of the roommates of on personal knowledge of facts or circumstances that the
the victim who was in the room when the accident took person to be arrested has committed it; and
place; Dr. Joy Ann Jocson who examined the victims and (c) When the person to be arrested is a
found bruises and lacerations; PO3 Nicolas Tancinco, one prisoner who has escaped from a penal establishment or
of the policemen who responded to the report shortly place where he is serving final judgment or is temporarily
after the commission of the crime; Leo Asan, an confined while his case is pending, or has escaped while
employee at the City Health Office in Bacolod; Ma. Teresa being transferred from one confinement to another.
Gellaver; and Michelle Darunday. The victim herself The cases at bar do not fall under paragraphs (a)
narrated facts pointing the appellant as accused. She said or (c) of the aforequoted rule. At the time of his arrest,
that eventhough she was blindfolded when raped, she accused-appellant was watching a game in a basketball
could identify the accused because of the scar and rough court in Barangay Miranda, Pontevedra, Negros
skin which she accidentally touch and it so happened that Occidental. He was not committing or attempting to
the same scar was found in the body of the accused. commit a crime when he was arrested by the police on
The defense presented as its witnesses Elias that day. Nor was he an escaped prisoner whose arrest
Sombito, Aaron Lavilla, PO2 Rodolfo Gemarino, Ricardo could be effected even without a warrant.
Villaspen, Nestor Dojillo, the barangay captain of The question is whether these cases fall under
Barangay Miranda, accused-appellant Anthony Escordial, paragraph (b) because the police officers had personal
Jerome Jayme, and Lucila Jocame. These witnesses gave knowledge of facts and circumstances that would lead
a different account of the events that led to the arrest of them to believe that accused-appellant had just
accused-appellant. The accused as his defense put up an committed a crime. The phrase “personal knowledge” in
alibi stating among others that he was in Pontevedra paragraph (b) has been defined in this wise:
when the incident happened. However, the trial court Personal knowledge of facts in arrests without a
found the accused guilty of the crime charged and is warrant under Section 5(b) of Rule 113 must be based
ordered to pay for damages. Hence, the accused upon “probable cause” which means “an actual belief or
appealed. In his appeal, he contends among others that reasonable grounds of suspicion.” The grounds of
the court erred in convicting him guilty of the crime suspicion are reasonable when, in the absence of actual
charged. belief of the arresting officers, the suspicion that the
person to be arrested is probably guilty of committing the
Issues: offense is based on actual facts, i.e., supported by
circumstances sufficiently strong in themselves to create
1. Whether or not the arrest conducted against the the probable cause of guilt of the person to be
accused constitutes an illegal arrest. arrested. A reasonable suspicion therefore must be
founded on probable cause, coupled with good faith on
2. Whether or not the constitutional rights of the the part of the peace officer making the arrest.
accused to remain silent and to have an independent In these cases, the crime took place on
counsel are violated. December 27, 1996. But, accused-appellant was arrested
3. Whether or not the presence of counsel is needed in only on January 3, 1997, a week after the occurrence of
the conduct of police lineup. the crime. As the arresting officers were not present
when the crime was committed, they could not have
Ruling: “personal knowledge of the facts and circumstances of
the commission of the crime” so as to be justified in the
1. Yes. Accused-appellant questions the legality belief that accused-appellant was guilty of the
of his arrest without a warrant. Indeed, PO3 Nicolas crime. The arresting officers had no reason for not
Tancinco admitted that he and his companions had securing a warrant.
arrested accused-appellant without any warrant issued by However, the records show that accused-
a judge. Art. III, §2 of the Constitution states: appellant pleaded not guilty to the crimes charged
The right of the people to be secure in their against him during his arraignment on February 25, 1997
persons, houses, papers, and effects against without questioning his warrantless arrest. He thus
unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature waived objection to the legality of his arrest. As this
and for any purpose shall be inviolable, and no search Court has held in another case:
warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue except upon The accused waived objections based on the
probable cause to be determined personally by the judge alleged irregularity of their arrest, considering that they
after examination under oath or affirmation of the pleaded not guilty to the charges against them and
complainant and the witnesses he may produce, and participated in the trial. Any defect in their arrest must
particularly describing the place to be searched and the be deemed cured when they voluntarily submitted to the
persons or things to be seized. jurisdiction of the court. For the legality of an arrest
To implement this provision, Rule 113, §5 of the affects only the jurisdiction of the court over the person
Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure provides that a of the accused. Consequently, if objections based on this
peace officer or a private person may, without a warrant, ground are waived, the fact that the arrest was illegal is
arrest a person only under the following circumstances: not a sufficient cause for setting aside an otherwise valid
(a) When, in his presence, the person to judgment rendered after a trial, free from error. The
be arrested has committed, is actually committing, or is technicality cannot render subsequent proceedings void
attempting to commit an offense; and deprive the State of its right to convict the guilty
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when all the facts on record point to the culpability of the regarding these identifications should have been held
accused. inadmissible for being “the direct result of the illegal
2. No. Accused-appellant invokes Art. lineup ‘come at by exploitation of [the primary] illegality.’”
III, §12(1) of the Constitution which provides that “[a]ny Be that as it may, as the defense failed to object
person under investigation for the commission of an immediately when these witnesses were presented by the
offense shall have the right to be informed of his right to prosecution or when specific questions regarding this
remain silent and to have competent and independent matter were asked of them, as required by Rule 132, §36
counsel preferably of his own choice. If the person of the Rules on Evidence, accused-appellant must be
cannot afford the services of counsel, he must be deemed to have waived his right to object to the
provided with one. These rights cannot be waived except admissibility of these testimonies.
in writing and in the presence of counsel.” He contends Furthermore, the inadmissibility of these out-of-
that he was subjected to custodial interrogation without court identifications does not render the in-court
being informed of his right to remain silent and to have identification of accused-appellant inadmissible for being
independent counsel preferably of his choice. Hence, he the “fruits of the poisonous tree.” This in-court
contends, the trial court erred in not excluding evidence identification was what formed the basis of the trial
obtained from him during such interrogation for violation court’s conviction of accused-appellant. As it was not
of accused-appellant’s rights under this provision. derived or drawn from the illegal arrest of accused-
While it cannot be denied that accused-appellant appellant or as a consequence thereof, it is admissible as
was deprived of his right to be informed of his rights to evidence against him. However, whether or not such
remain silent and to have competent and independent prosecution evidence satisfies the requirement of proof
counsel, he has not shown that, as a result of his beyond reasonable doubt is another matter altogether.
custodial interrogation, the police obtained any statement
from him – whether inculpatory or exculpatory - which
was used in evidence against him. The records do not
show that he had given one or that, in finding him guilty,
the trial court relied on such statement. In fact, accused- STA. CLARA HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION v.
appellant testified that at no point, even when subjected Spouses VICTOR MA. GASTON and LYDIA GASTON,
to physical torture, did he ever admit committing the G.R. No. 141961 : January 23, 2002
crime with which he was charged. In other words, no
uncounseled statement was obtained from accused-
appellant which should have been excluded as evidence Facts:
against him.
3. No. As a rule, an accused is not Spouses Victor Ma. Gaston and Lydia M. Gaston
entitled to the assistance of counsel in a police line-up were residents of San Jose Avenue, Sta. Clara
considering that such is usually not a part of the custodial Subdivision located in Mandalagan, Bacolod City. They
inquest. However, the cases at bar are different purchased their lots in the said subdivision sometime in
inasmuch as accused-appellant, having been the focus of 1974, and at the time of purchase, there was no mention
attention by the police after he had been pointed to by a or requirement of membership in any homeowners'
certain Ramie as the possible perpetrator of the crime, association. From that time on, they have remained non-
was already under custodial investigation when these members of Sta. Clara Homeowners’ Association (SCHA).
out-of-court identifications were conducted by the police. They also stated that an arrangement was made wherein
An out-of-court identification of an accused can homeowners who were non-members of the association
be made in various ways. In a show-up, the accused were issued "non-member" gatepass stickers for their
alone is brought face to face with the witness for vehicles for identification by the security guards manning
identification, while in a police line-up, the suspect is the subdivision's entrances and exits. This arrangement
identified by a witness from a group of persons gathered remained undisturbed until sometime in the middle of
for that purpose. During custodial investigation, these March 1998, when SCHA disseminated a board resolution
types of identification have been recognized as “critical which decreed that only its members in good standing
confrontations of the accused by the prosecution” which were to be issued stickers for use in their vehicles.
necessitate the presence of counsel for the accused. This Thereafter, on three separate incidents, Victor M. Gaston,
is because the results of these pre-trial proceedings the son of the spouses Gaston who lives with them, was
“might well settle the accused’s fate and reduce the trial required by the guards on duty employed by SCHA to
itself to a mere formality.” We have thus ruled that any show his driver's license as a prerequisite to his entrance
identification of an uncounseled accused made in a police to the subdivision and to his residence therein despite
line-up, or in a show-up for that matter, after the start of their knowing him personally and the exact location of his
the custodial investigation is inadmissible as evidence residence. On March 29,1998 Victor Ma. Gaston was
against him. himself prevented from entering the subdivision and
Here, accused-appellant was identified by proceeding to his residential abode when security guards
Michelle Darunda in a show-up on January 3, 1997 and Roger Capillo and a "John Doe" lowered the steel bar of
by Erma Blanca, Ma. Teresa Gellaver, Jason Joniega, and the KAMETAL gate of the subdivision and demanded from
Mark Esmeralda in a police line-up on various dates after him his driver's license for identification. On April 1,1998,
his arrest. Having been made when accused-appellant Spouses Victor Ma. Gaston and Lydia M. Gaston filed a
did not have the assistance of counsel, these out-of-court complaint for damages with preliminary
identifications are inadmissible in evidence against him. injunction/preliminary mandatory injunction and
Consequently, the testimonies of these witnesses temporary restraining order before the Regional Trial
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Court in Negros Occidental at Bacolod City against Santa agree, directly or indirectly, to become members of the
Clara Homeowners Association (SCHA) thru its Board of association. True also, memberships in homeowners'
Directors, namely: Arneil Chua, Luis Sarrosa, Jocelyn associations may be acquired in various ways — often
Garcia, Ma. Milagros Vargas, Lorenzo Lacson, Ernesto through deeds of sale, Torrens certificates or other forms
Piccio, Dindo Ilagan, Danilo Gamboa, Jr., Rizza de la of evidence of property ownership. Herein, however,
Rama and Security Guard Capillo and 'John Doe', and other than the said Articles of Incorporation and By-laws,
Santa Clara Estate, Incorporated (Civil Case 98-10217, there is no showing that the Spouses Gaston have agreed
RTC-Branch 49, Bacolod City); alleging that the acts of to be SCHA members. The approval by the SEC of the
SCHA, et al., done in the presence of other subdivision said documents is not an operative act which bestows
owners had caused the spouses Gaston to suffer moral membership on the Spouses Gaston because the right to
damage. On 8 April 1998, SCHA, et al. filed a motion to associate partakes of the nature of freedom of contract
dismiss arguing that the trial court had no jurisdiction which can be exercised by and between the homeowners
over the case as it involved an intra-corporate dispute amongst themselves, the homeowners' association and a
between SCHA and its members pursuant to Republic Act homeowner, and the subdivision owner and a
580, as amended by Executive Orders 535 and 90, much homeowner/lot buyer. Clearly, no privity of contract
less, to declare as null and void the subject resolution of exists between SCHA and Spouses Gaston. When the
the board of directors of SCHA, the proper forum being Spouses Gaston purchased their property in 1974 and
the Home Insurance and Guaranty Corporation (HIGC). obtained Transfer Certificates of Titles T-126542 and T-
To support their claim of intra-corporate controversy, 127462 for Lots 11 and 12 of Block 37 along San Jose
SCHA, et al. stated that the Articles of Incorporation of Avenue in Sta. Clara Subdivision, there was no
SCHA, which was duly approved by the Securities and annotation showing their automatic membership in the
Exchange Commission (SEC) on 4 October 1973, SCHA. Furthermore, the records are bereft of any
provides "that the association shall be a non-stock evidence that would indicate that the Spouses Gaston
corporation with all homeowners of Sta. Clara intended to become members of the SCHA. Prior to the
constituting its membership"; and that its by-laws implementation of the aforesaid Resolution, they and the
contains a provision that "all real estate owners in Sta. other homeowners who were not members of the
Clara Subdivision automatically become members of the association were issued non-member gate pass stickers
association", among others. On 6 July 1998, the lower for their vehicles; a fact not disputed by SCHA. Thus, the
court resolved to deny SCHA et al.'s motion to dismiss, SCHA recognized that there were subdivision landowners
finding that there existed no intra-corporate controversy who were not members thereof, notwithstanding the
since the Spouses Gaston alleged that they had never provisions of its Articles of Incorporation and By-laws.
joined the association. On July 18,1998, SCHA, et al.
submitted a Motion for Reconsideration, adding lack of SALVADOR H. LAURELvs . HON. ANIANO A.
cause of action as ground for the dismissal of the case. DESIERTO G.R. No. 145368, April 12, 2002
On August 17,1998, the trial court denied the said
motion without however ruling on the additional ground Facts:
of lack of cause of action. On August 18,1998, SCHA, et President Aquino issued Administrative Order No.
al. filed a motion to resolve its motion to dismiss on 223 "constituting a Committee for the preparation ofthe
ground of lack of cause of action. On September 8,1998, National Centennial Celebration in 1998." The Committee
the trial court issued an order denying the motion. On was mandated "to take charge of thenationwide
September 24,1998, SCHA. et al. elevated the matter to preparations for the National Celebration of the Philippine
the Court of Appeals via a Petition for Certiorari. On Centennial of the Declaration ofPhilippine Independence
August 31,1999, the Court of Appeals dismissed the and the Inauguration of the Malolos Congress.” President
Petition and ruled that the RTC had jurisdiction over the Ramos issued Executive Order No. 128, "reconstituting
dispute. The appellate court likewise denied SCHA, et the Committee for the preparation ofthe National
al.'s motion for reconsideration in a resolution dated 11 Centennial Celebrations in 1988." It renamed the
February 2000. SCHA, et al. filed the petition for review. Committee as the "National CentennialCommission" and
Vice-President Laurel was appointed as chair. Its duty is
Issues: to "take charge of the nationwide preparations for the
National Celebration of the Philippine Centennial of the
Whether or not the Spouses Gaston are to be Declaration of Philippine Independence and the
considered members of the SCHA. Inauguration of the Malolos Congress and its existence
shall terminate upon thecompletion of all activities
Ruling: related to the Centennial Celebrations.
No. The constitutionally guaranteed freedom of
association includes the freedom not to associate. The A corporation named the Philippine Centennial
right to choose with whom one will associate oneself is Expo ’98 Corporation (Expocorp) was created. Laurel was
the very foundation and essence of that partnership. among the nine (9) Expocorp incorporators and was
Further, the Spouses Gaston cannot be compelled to elected Expocorp Chief Executive Officer. Senator
become members of the SCHA by the simple expedient of Coseteng delivered a privilege speech denouncing alleged
including them in its Articles of Incorporation and By-laws anomalies in the construction andoperation of the
without their express or implied consent. True, it may be Centennial Exposition Project at the Clark Special
to the mutual advantage of lot owners in a subdivision to Economic Zone. The privilege speech was referred to the
band themselves together to promote their common Blue Ribbon Committee for investigation.
welfare, but that is possible only if the owners voluntarily
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President Estrada issued Administrative Order The Ombudsman has the power to investigate
No. 35, creating an ad hoc and independent any malfeasance, misfeasance and non-feasance by a
citizens’committee to investigate all the facts and public officer or employee of the government, or of any
circumstances surrounding the Philippine centennial subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, including
projects. Senator Saguisag was appointed to chair the government-owned or controlled corporations. Neither
Committee. Blue Ribbon Committee filed its report the Constitution nor the Ombudsman Act of 1989,
recommending the prosecution by the Ombudsman/DOJ however, defines who public officers are. A definition of
ofLaurel, chair of NCC and of EXPOCORP for violating the public officers cited in jurisprudence 13 is that provided
rules on public bidding, relative to theaward of centennial by Mechem, a recognized authority on the subject: a
contracts to AK (Asia Construction & Development Corp.); public office is the right, authority and duty, created and
for exhibiting manifest bias in the issuance of the NTP conferred by law, by which, for a given period, either
(Notice to Proceed) to AK to construct the FR (Freedom fixed by law or enduring at the pleasure of the creating
Ring) even in the absence of a valid contract that has power, an individual is invested with some portion of the
caused material injury to government and for sovereign functions of the government, to be exercised
participating in the scheme to preclude audit by COA of by him for the benefit of the public. The individual so
the funds infused by the government for the invested is a public officer.
implementation of the said contracts all in violation of the
anti-graft law. The characteristics of a public office, according
to Mechem, include the delegation of sovereign functions,
The Saguisag Committee issued its own report. its creation by law and not by contract, an oath, salary,
It recommended the further investigation by the continuance of the position, scope of duties, and the
Ombudsman, and indictment, in proper cases of Laurel designation of the position as an office.
for violations of Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019, Section
4(a) in relation to Section 11 of R.A. No. 6713, and We hold that the NCC performs executive
Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code. functions. The executive power "is generally defined
as the power to enforce and administer the laws. It is the
The Bureau of the Office of the Ombudsman power of carrying the laws into practical
issued its Evaluation Report, recommending: operation and enforcing their due observance." The
that a formal complaint be filed and preliminary executive function, therefore, concerns the
investigation be conducted before theEvaluation and implementation of the policies as set forth by law.
Preliminary Investigation Bureau (EPIB), Office of the
Ombudsman against former NCC and EXPOCORP chair The NCC was precisely created to ensure a more
Salvador H. Laurel, former EXPOCORP President Teodoro coordinated and synchronized celebration ofthe Philippine
Q. Peña and AK President Edgardo H. Angeles for Centennial and wider participation form the government
violation of Sec. 3(e) and (g) of R.A. No.3019, as and non-government or privateorganizatiuons and to
amended in relation to PD 1594 and COA Rules and rationalize the relevance of historical links with other
Regulations; countries and to carrythem into effect.
That the Fact Finding and Intelligence Bureau of
this Office, act as the nominal complainant. Apostol, OIC- E.O. No. 128, reconstituting the Committee for
Director of the EPIB, directed Laurel to submit his the National Centennial Celebrations in 1998, cited the
counter-affidavit and those of his witnesses. Laurel filed "need to strengthen the said Committee to ensure a
with the Office of the Ombudsman a Motion to Dismiss more coordinated andsynchronized celebrations of the
questioning the jurisdiction of said office. Philippine Centennial and wider participation from the
governmentand non-government or private
Ombudsman denied motion to dismiss. EPIB organizations." It also referred to the "need to rationalize
found probable cause to indict respondents LAUREL and the relevanceof historical links with other countries."
PEÑA before the Sandiganbayan for conspiring to violate
Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, in relation to There can hardly be any dispute that the
Republic Act No. 1594. Desierto, in his capacity as promotion of industrialization and full employment is
Ombudsman, approved the resolution with respect to afundamental state policy. Clearly, the NCC performs
Laurel but dismissed the charge against Peña. Laurel sovereign functions. It is, therefore, a publicoffice, and
moved for reconsideration but the motion was denied. petitioner, as its Chair, is a public officer.
Hence this present petition for certiorari.
That petitioner allegedly did not receive any
Issues: compensation during his tenure is of little consequence. A
1. Whether or not Ombudsman has jurisdiction over salary is a usual but not a necessary criterion for
the case; Whether EXPOCORP is a private corporation determining the nature of the position. It is not
and not a GOCC; Whether NCC was not a public office; conclusive. The salary is a mere incident and forms no
Whether or not Laurel is not a public officer. part of the office. Where a salary or fees is annexed, the
office is provided for it is a naked or honorary office, and
is supposed to be accepted merely for the public good.
Hence, the office of petitioner as NCC Chair may be
Ruling: characterized as an honorary office, as opposed to a
lucrative office or an office of profit, i.e., one to which
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salary, compensation or fees are attached. But it is a Whether or not the "direct state utilization scheme"
public office, nonetheless.The petition is DISMISSED. espoused in MO 97-03 divested
petitioner of its vested right to the gold rush area
under its EP No. 133.
SOUTHEAST MINDANAO GOLDMINING CORP. vs.
BALITE PORTAL MINING COOP., et al.[G.R. No.
135190, April 3, 2002 Ruling:
Facts: No. MO 97-03 did not conclusively adopt "direct
On March 10, 1988, Marcopper Mining state utilization" as a policy in resolving the Diwalwal
Corporation (Marcopper) was granted Exploration Permit dispute.The terms of the memorandum clearly indicate
No. 133 (EP No. 133) over 4,491 hectares of land, which that what wasdirected thereunder was merely a study of
included the Diwalwal area. On June 27, 2991, Congress this option and nothing else.Contrary to
enacted Republic Act No. 7076, or the People's Small- petitioner'scontention, it did not grant any
Scale Mining Act.The law established a People's Small- management/operating or profit-sharing agreement to
Scale Mining Program to beimplemented by the Secretary small-scaleminers or to any party, for that matter, but
of the DENR and created the Provincial Mining Regulatory simply instructed the DENR officials concerned
Board (PMRB) under the DENR Secretary's direct toundertake studies to determine its feasibility.
supervision and control.
As to the alleged "vested rights" claimed by
Subsequently, a petition for the cancellation of petitioner, it is well to note that the same isinvariably
EP No. 133 and the admission of aMineral Production based on EP No. 133, whose validity is still being
Sharing Arrangement (MPSA) proposal over Diwalwal was disputed in the Consolidated Minescases.A reading of the
filed before theDENR Regional Executive Director, appealed MAB decision reveals that the continued efficacy
docketed as RED Mines Case. of EP No. 133 is one of the issues raised in said cases,
with respondents therein asserting that Marcoppercannot
On February 16, 1994, while the RED Mines case legally assign the permit which purportedly had
was pending, Marcopper assigned itsEP No. 133 to expired.In other words, whether or notpetitioner actually
petitioner Southeast Mindanao Gold Mining Corporation has a vested right over Diwalwal under EP No. 133 is still
(SEM), which in turnapplied for an integrated MPSA over an indefinite andunsettled matter.And until a positive
the land covered by the permit. pronouncement is made by the appellate court in
theConsolidated Mines cases, EP No. 133 cannot be
In due time, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau deemed as a source of any conclusive rightsthat can be
Regional Office No. XI in Davao City(MGB-XI) accepted impaired by the issuance of MO 97-03.
and registered the integrated MPSA application of
petitioner and thereafter,several MAC cases were filed. It must likewise be pointed out that under no
On March 3, 1995, Republic Act No. 7942, the Philippine circumstances may petitioner's rights underEP No. 133 be
Mining Act, was enacted.Pursuant to this statute, the regarded as total and absolute.As correctly held by the
MAC cases were referred to a Regional Panel of Court of Appeals EP No.133 merely evidences a privilege
Arbitrators (RPA)tasked to resolve disputes involving granted by the State, which may be amended, modified
conflicting mining rights.The RPA subsequently orrescinded when the national interest so requires.This is
tookcognizance of the RED Mines case, which was necessarily so since the exploration,development and
consolidated with the MAC cases. utilization of the country's natural mineral resources are
On June 24, 1997, the DENR Secretary issued matters impressed withgreat public interest.Like timber
Memorandum Order No. 97-03 whichprovided that the permits, mining exploration permits do not vest in the
DENR shall study thoroughly and exhaustively the option granteeany permanent or irrevocable right within the
of direct stateutilization of the mineral resources in the purview of the non-impairment of contract and
Diwalwal Gold-Rush Area. dueprocess clauses of the Constitution, since the State,
under its all-encompassing police power,may alter,
On July 16, 1997, petitioner filed a special civil modify or amend the same, in accordance with the
action for certiorari, prohibition andmandamus before the demands of the general welfare.
Court of Appeals against PMRB-Davao, the DENR
Secretary and BaliteCommunal Portal Mining Cooperative Additionally, there can be no valid opposition
(BCPMC). It prayed for the nullification of the above- raised against a mere study of analternative which the
quotedMemorandum Order No. 97-03 on the ground that State, through the DENR, is authorized to undertake in
the "direct state utilization" espoused thereinwould the first place. Worthnoting is Article XII, Section 2, of
effectively impair its vested rights under EP No. 133; and the 1987 Constitution and Section 4, Chapter II of the
that the memorandum orderarbitrarily imposed the PhilippineMining Act of 1995.
unwarranted condition that certain studies be conducted Thus, the State may pursue the constitutional
before mining andenvironmental laws are enforced by the policy of full control and supervision of theexploration,
DENR. development and utilization of the country's natural
mineral resources, by eitherdirectly undertaking the
same or by entering into agreements with qualified
entities.The DENRSecretary acted within his authority
Issues: when he ordered a study of the first option, which may
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beundertaken consistently in accordance with the In making the required personal determination,
constitutional policy enunciated above.Obviously, the a judge is not precluded from relying onthe evidence
State may not be precluded from considering a direct earlier gathered by responsible officers.The extent of
takeover of the mines, if it isthe only plausible remedy in reliance depends on thecircumstances of each case and is
sight to the gnawing complexities generated by the gold subject to the judge’s sound discretion. It is not
rush. obligatory, but merely discretionary, upon the
investigating judge to issue awarrant for the arrest of the
CRUZ and MONEDERO vs. JUDGE AREOLA accused, even after having personally examined the
A.M. No. RTJ-01-1642, March 6, 2002 complainant andhis witnesses in the form of searching
questions and answers. For the determination of whether
Facts: aprobable cause exists and whether it is necessary to
On November 26, 1998, the Evaluation and arrest the accused in order not to frustratethe ends of
Preliminary Investigation Bureau of the Office of the justice, is left to his sound judgment or discretion.
Ombudsman issued a Resolution recommending the filing
of an Information forEstafa against Marilyn Carreon, an It appears from the records that the challenged
employee of the Land Transportation Office, based on Orders issued by the respondent Judgewere not at all
thecomplaint filed by herein complainants.The Office of baseless.The respondent Judge merely exercised his
the City Prosecutor found no cogent reasonto reverse, sound discretion in notimmediately issuing the warrant of
modify, or alter the resolution of the Office of the arrest and in suspending further proceedings
Ombudsman and recommended thatthe case be set for pendingreinvestigation of the case.On her part,
trial. Complainants filed the instant complaint charging respondent Branch Clerk of Court cannot be faulted
both respondent Judge and his BranchClerk of Court with forperforming a ministerial function, that is, releasing
ignorance of the law.Complainants take issue of the fact Orders duly signed by the respondent Judge.
that althoughrespondent Judge already issued a warrant
of arrest, he still deferred its implementation to giveway PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES vs. BALOLOY G.R. No.
to a reinvestigation of the case on motion of the 140740, April 12, 2002
accused.They believe that there is nolonger any reason
why the respondent Judge should withhold the issuance Facts:
of a warrant of arrestconsidering that the Office of the
City Prosecutor already made a finding that there At the waterfalls of Barangay Inasagan, Aurora,
existsprobable cause to indict the accused. Zamboanga del Sur, on the evening of August 3, 1996,
the dead body of an 11-year-old girl Genelyn Camacho
In their Joint Comment, respondent Judge was found.Autopsy reports found that Genelyn was raped
manifests that the issuance of a warrant ofarrest is not a before she was drowned.The one who caused its
ministerial function of a judge as he is mandated to discovery was accused-appellant Juanito Baloloy himself,
determine the existence ofprobable cause before issuing who claimed that he had caught sight of it while he was
a warrant.Respondent Branch Clerk of Court, on the catching frogs in a nearby creek. While in the wake of
other hand, claims that it is a ministerial duty on her part Genelyn, Juanito confessed to the Barangay Captain that
to release duly signed orders, resolutions anddecisions of he only wanted to frighten the girl but ended up raping
the presiding judge of her branch. and throwing her body in the ravine. While in the custody
of the authorities, he was asked incriminating questions
by Judge Dicon who justified his actions saying that
Issues: Juanito was not yet incustodial investigation. Based on
his alleged extrajudicial confession, coupled with
Whether or not the respondent Judge erred in deferring circumstantial evidence, the trial court found Juanito
the implementations of the warrant of arrest. guilty of rape with homicide and sentenced him to death.
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Ruling: Issues:
NO.The Constitution guarantees the right of Whether or not the Order of the trial court is valid.
every person accused in a criminal prosecution to be
informed of the nature and cause of accusation against Ruling:
him.This right finds amplification and implementation in NO. The trial court, notwithstanding its
the different provisions of the Rules of Court.Foremost knowledge that the evidence for the prosecution was
among these enabling provisions is the office of an insufficient to convict, especially after the public
Information.The facts stated in the body of the prosecutor tenaciously insisted on utilizing Nuada as
Information determine the crime that the accused stands state witness, the trial court passively watched as the
charged and for which he must betried. This recital of the public prosecutor bungled thecase.The trial court was
essentials of a crime delineates the nature and cause of well aware of the nature of the testimonies of the seven
accusation against an accused. Other than the allegation prosecution witnesses that have so far been
of carnal knowledge, no other element of rape asdefined presented.Given this circumstance, the trial court, motu
by law is alleged in the Information. proprio,should have called additional witnesses for the
purpose of questioning them himself in order to satisfy
Since the Information fails to allege the essential his mind with reference to particular facts or issues
elements of qualified rape, appellant should not have involved in the case.
been convicted of that crime. Otherwise, his
constitutional right to be informed of the nature and It is evident that petitioner was deprived of her
cause of accusation against him would be violated. day in court. Indeed, it is not only the State, but more so
the offended party, that is entitled to due process in
LETICIA R. MERCIALES vs. COURT OF APPEALS, et criminal cases. Inasmuch as the acquittal of the accused
al. [G.R. No. 124171, March 18, 2002] by the court a quo was done without regard to due
process of law, the same is null and void.It is as if there
Facts: was no acquittal at all, and the same cannot constitute
On August 12, 1993, criminal cases for rape with aclaim for double jeopardy.
homicide were filed against the private respondents for
the death of Maritess Ricafort Merciales. During the trial, By contending that the challenged decision is
after presenting seven witnesses, the public prosecutor void for having been issued with grave abuse of
filed a motion forthe discharge of accused Joselito Nuada, discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction, the
in order that he may be utilized as a state petition does not violate the right of the accused against
witness.However, the prosecution contended that it was double jeopardy. It is elementary that double jeopardy
not required to present evidence to warrant thedischarge attaches onlywhen the following elements concur: (1) the
of accused Nuada, since the latter had already been accused are charged under a complaint orinformation
admitted into the WitnessProtection Program of the sufficient in form and substance to sustain their
Department of Justice. Consequently, the respondent conviction; (2) the court hasjurisdiction; (3) the accused
judge denied themotion for discharge, for failure of the have been arraigned and have pleaded; and (4) they are
prosecution to present evidence as provided for by convicted oracquitted, or the case is dismissed without
Section9, Rule 119 of the 1985 Rules on Criminal their consent.
Procedure. Thus, the accused would not be placed in double
jeopardy because, from the verybeginning, the lower
On July 13, 1994, private respondents filed a tribunal had acted without jurisdiction. Any ruling issued
motion to set the case for hearing, invokingtheir without jurisdictionis in legal contemplation, necessarily
constitutional right to speedy trial.The respondent Judge null and void and does not exist. The dismissal of the
granted the motion.On the saiddate, the prosecution filed casebelow was invalid for lack of a fundamental
a motion for reconsideration, instead of presenting prerequisite, that is, due process.
further evidence.The respondent Judge postponed the
hearing and reset the same for August 9, 1994. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES vs.
SANDIGANBAYAN, et al. [G.R. No. 135789.January
On August 9, 1994, the respondent Judge called 31, 2002]
for a recess so as to let the prosecution decide whether
or not to present an NBI agent, who was then present, to Facts:
prove the due executionof the accused Nuada's On May 5, 1982, Manuel G. Montecillo, Eduardo
extrajudicial confession.However, after the recess, the M. Cojuangco, Jr., Cesar C. Zalamea and Jose Y. Campos
public prosecutordeclined to present the NBI agent, and organized HMHMI to serve as a holding company for the
instead manifested that he was not presenting any shares of stocks of Hans M. Menzi, Jose Y. Campos, Cesar
furtherevidence. On October 21, 1994, the trial court C. Zalamea and Eduardo M. Cojuangco, Jr. in Bulletin
issued the assailed Order which acquitted all of Publishing Corporation and the shares of stocks of Hans
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M. Menzi in other companies including Liwayway NO. It is well settled that the appellate
Publishing Incorporated. jurisdiction of the Supreme Court over decisions or final
orders of the Sandiganbayan is limited to questions of
On June 27, 1984, Hans M. Menzi died. On July law. A question of law exists when the doubt or
6, 1984, the court appointed Manuel G.Montecillo controversy concerns the correct application of law or
executor of the Estate of Hans M. Menziand later the jurisprudence to a certain setof facts; or when the issue
president of HMHMI. With the lone exception of does not call for an examination of the probative value of
Montecillo, Eduardo M. Cojuangco, Jr., Cesar C. Zalamea the evidencepresented, the truth or falsehood of facts
and Jose Y.Campos, constitute the principal stockholders being admitted. A question of fact exists when the
and incorporators of HMHMI. doubtor difference arises as to the truth or falsehood of
facts or when the query invites calibration of thewhole
On February 12, 1987, the PCGG issued evidence considering mainly the credibility of the
Sequestration Writ No. 87-0206 against allshares of witnesses, the existence and relevancy ofspecific
stocks, assets, properties, records and documents of surrounding circumstances as well as their relation to
HMHMI. Forthwith, on February13, 1987, upon the each other and to the whole, andthe probability of the
request of PCGG, Central Bank Governor Fernandez situation.
instructed commercial banks and non-bank financial
institutions to withhold the withdrawal of funds and The Supreme Court is not a trier of facts. It is
assets by Liwayway Publishing Corporation and HMHMI. not the Court's function to examine and weigh all over
again the evidence presented in the proceedings below.
On July 29, 1987, petitioner filed with the
Sandiganbayan a complaint for reconveyance,reversion, At any rate, the Court agrees with respondents
accounting, restitution and damages against the following that the Sandiganbayan has full authorityto decide on all
defendants: Manuel G.Montecillo, Eduardo M. Cojuangco, incidents in the ill-gotten case, including the propriety of
Jr., Cesar C. Zalamea, Ferdinand E. Marcos and Imelda the writs of sequestrationthat the PCGG initially issued.
R.Marcos.On October 17, 1990, the PCGG filed a Second Based on the evidence the PCGG submitted so far to
Amended Complaint naming specifically the estate of theSandiganbayan, the late Hans M. Menzi owned the
Hans M. Menzi as one of the defendants. Bulletin Publishing Corporation almost onehundred
On November 27, 1992, the estate of Hans M. (100%) per cent since 1957, except those Bulletin shares
Menzi, in behalf of HMHMI, filed with the Sandiganbayan sold to U. S. AutomotiveCorporation in 1985, those
a "Motion to Lift Freeze Order" dated February 12, 1987, converted to treasury shares in 1986, and those sold to
alleging that: (1) Thestocks, assets, properties, records the generalpublic at public offerings. In the absence of
and documents of HMHMI were sequestered without competent evidence showing thus far that
anyjudicial action having been filed against it, or without PresidentFerdinand E. Marcos or his cronies ever acquired
impleading it as a defendant in Civil Case No. 0022; and Bulletin shares of the late Hans M. Menzi orHMHMI that
(2) Such issuance of a writ of sequestration without filing might be subject to sequestration, the Court may not
a corresponding judicial action against HMHMI within the void the resolutions of theSandiganbayan in question.
reglementary period established by Section 26, Article
XVIII ofthe 1987 Constitution resulted in the automatic O'HARA vs. COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS, et al.
lifting of the sequestration order on August 12, 1987. [G.R. Nos. 148941-42, March 12, 2002]
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On May 25, 2001, respondent Rodriguez filed board of canvassers and specifically noted in the minutes
with the COMELEC a petition to annul the proclamation of of their respective proceedings.”
the winning candidate for vice-governor of the province The Constitution gives the Commission on
of Rizal, and to correct alleged manifest mathematical Elections the broad power "to enforce all laws and
errors. Respondent Rodriguez asserted that after regulations to the conduct of an election, plebiscite,
themathematical error would have been corrected, she initiative, referendumand recall."The Commission
would obtain a plurality of 215,422 votes as against indisputably exercises the power of supervision and
petitioner's 209,798. control over boards of election inspectors and boards of
Petitioner filed his answer to the petition, canvassers. The Commission must do everything in its
arguing that there was no manifest error apparent in the power to secure a fair and honest canvass of the votes
certificate of canvass which respondent Rodriguez and cast in the elections. The Constitution upgraded to a
the MBC of Binangonan sought to correct. constitutional status the statutory authority under Batas
On July 25, 2001, the COMELEC issued a Pambansa Blg. 881 to grant the Commission broad and
resolution in the cases, wherein it ordered that more flexible powers to effectively perform its duties and
petitioner’s proclamation is annulled, the PBC of Rizal to to ensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible
reconvene and correct the manifest mathmatical error in elections, and to serve as the guardian of the people's
the votes, and to proclaim respondent as the duly elected sacred right of suffrage.
Vice-Governor of Rizal. In the absence of any manifest error in the
Accordingly, on July 27, 2001, the PBC of Rizal certificate of canvass sought to be corrected, the
reconvened.However, petitioner wasnot notified of the Commission should have ordered the re-canvass of the
proceedings of the PBC of Rizal.On the same day, the election returns or the re-counting of the ballots in the
PBC of Rizal issued another certificate of canvass of votes municipality of Binangonan in order to validate the claim
and proclamation of the winning candidates for provincial of its MBC.
officers, and on the basis thereof proclaimed private If after the re-canvass of the election returns or
respondent as the duly elected vice-governorof Rizal. the re-counting of the official ballots, the clerical error or
Immediately, respondent Rodriguez took her oath of mathematical mistake in the addition of the votes had
office before Judge Leila SuarezAcebo, Regional Trial been established, the Commission should have annulled
Court, Pasig City. the canvass and proclamation based on the erroneous
certificate of canvass. If the records had borne out that
Issues: petitioner's proclamation was the result of a clerical error
Whether or not the Comelec gravely abused its or simple mathematical mistake in the addition of votes
discretion when it annulled the proclamation of and did not reflect the true and legitimate will of the
petitioner as vice-governor of Rizal and by ordering the electorate, there could have been no valid proclamation
PBC of Rizal to reconvene and correct the alleged to speak of. The issue would involve a pre-proclamation
manifest mathematical error supposedly committed by controversy.
theMBC of Rizal.
DEVELOPMENT BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES vs.
COMMISSION ON AUDIT
Ruling: [G.R. No. 88435, January 16, 2002]
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as the Land Bank of thePhilippines and the DBP.”On The Commission on Audit shall have the power,
December 12, 1986, pursuant to CB Circular No. 1124 authority, and duty toexamine, audit, and settle all
and the government’s commitment to the WB, DBP accounts pertaining to the revenue and receipts of,
Chairman Jesus Estanislao wrote the Commission on andexpenditures or uses of funds and property, owned
Audit (COA) seeking the approval of the DBP’s and held in trust by, or pertaining to, theGovernment, or
engagement of a private external auditor in addition to any of its subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities,
the COA. including government-owned or controlled corporations
On January 20, 1987, the COA Chairman with original charters.
Teofisto Guingona, Jr. replied to the December 12, 1986
letter of the DBP Chairman with a statement that “the (2) The Commission shall have the exclusive
COA will interpose no objection to your engagement of a authority, subject to thelimitations in this Article, to
private external auditor as required by the Economic define the scope of its audit and examination, establish
Recovery Program Loan Agrrement of 1987 provided that the techniquesand methods required therefore, and
the terms for said audit are first reviewed and approved promulgate accounting and auditing rules and regulations,
by the Commission.”Cosequently, the Board of Directors including those for the prevention and disallowance of
of the DBP approve the hiring of Joaquin Cunanan & Co. irregular, unnecessary, excessive,extravagant, or
as the DBP’s private external auditor for calendar year unconscionable expenditures, or uses of government
1986. funds and properties.”
However, a change in the leadership of the COA The bare language of Section 2 shows that the
reversed the course of events. On April27, 1987, the new COA’s power under the first paragraph is not declared
COA Chairman, Eufemio Doningo, wrote the CB Governor exclusive, while its authority under the second paragraph
protesting the issuance of Circular No. 1124 which is declared “exclusive.”The framers of the Constitution, in
allegedly encroached upon the COA’s constitutional and deleting the word “exclusive” in the first paragraph,
statutory power to audit government agencies.On May 13, deemed that the inclusion of such word would constitute
1987, after learning that DBP had signed a contract with a disincentive or obstacle to private investment. There
above-mentioned auditing firm, the new COA Chairman are government institutions with private investments in
wrote the DBP Chairman that the COA resident auditors them, and some of these investors—Filipinos, as well as
were under instruction to disallow any payment to the in some cases, foreigners—require the presence of
private auditor whose services were unconstitutional, private auditing firms, not exclusively but concurrently.
illegal and unnecessary. The qualifying word “exclusive” in the second
On July 1, 1987, the DBP Chairman sent to the paragraph of Section 2 cannot be applied to the first
COA Chairman a copy of the DBP’scontract with Joaquin paragraph which is another sub-section of Section 2. A
Cunanan & Co., signed four months earlier on March 5, qualifying word is intended to refer only to the phrase to
1987.The DBPChairman’s covering hand-written note which it is immediately associated.Thus, the first
sought the COA’s concurrence to the contract.During paragraph of Section2 must be read the way it appears,
thependency of COA’s concurrence to the contract, DBP without the word “exclusive,” signifying that non-COA
paid the billings of the private auditor in the total amount auditors can also examine and audit government
of Php 487,321.14 despite the former’s objection to the agencies. Besides, the framers of the Constitution
same.Thereafter, the COA chairman issued a intentionally omitted the word “exclusive” in the first
memorandum disallowing the payments.On January 19, paragraph of Section 2 precisely to allow concurrent audit
1988, the DBP Chairman moved for a reconsideration of by private external auditors.
the memorandum issued by the COA which the latter also The clear and unmistakable conclusion from the
denied ratiocinating that the said Commission has the reading of the entire Section 2 is that the COA’s power to
“power, authority and duty to examine, audit and settle examine and audit is non-exclusive.On the other hand,
all accounts pertaining to the revenue and receipts of, the COA’s authority to define the scope of its audit,
and expenditures of uses of funds and property promulgate auditing rules and regulations, and disallow
pertaining to the government.” (Sec. 2, Art. IX-D, 1987 unnecessary expenditures is exclusive.
Philippine Constitution) Further, the mere fact that private auditors may
audit government agencies does not divest COA of its
Issues: power to examine and audit the same government
agencies.The COA is neither by-passed nor ignored since
(1) Whether or not the constitutional power of the COA even with a private audit the COA will still conduct its
to examine and audit the DBP is exclusive and usual examination and audit, and its findings and
precludes the concurrent audit of the DBP by a private conclusions will still bind the government agencies and its
external auditor. officials.A concurrent private audit poses no danger
whatsoever of public funds or assets escaping the usual
(2)Whether or not there is a necessity of hiring a scrutiny of a COA audit.
private auditor and the reasonableness of their fees.
(2)YES.The hiring of a private auditor being an
Ruling: express condition for the grant of the US $310 Million
(1) NO.The resolution of the issue herein Economic Recovery Loan, a major objective of which was
requires an interpretation of Section 2, Article IX-D of the DBP’s rehabilitation, the same was a necessary corporate
1987 Constituition, which provides: act on the part of the DBP. The national government,
represented by the Central Bank Governor, as well as the
“Sec. 2 (1) Ministers of Finance, Trade, and Economic Planning, had
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already committed to the hiring by all government banks questioning the appointment and the right to remain in
for private auditors in addition to the COA. For the DBP to office of Benipayo, Borraand Tuason, as Chairman and
refuse to hire a private auditor would have aborted the Commissioners of the COMELEC, respectively.
vital loan and derailed the national economic recovery, Issues:
resulting in grave consequences to the entire nation.The
hiring of a private auditor was not only necessary based (1)Whether or not the assumption of office by Benipayo,
on the government’s loan covenant with the World Bank, Borra and Tuason on the basis of thead interim
it was also necessary because it was mandated by appointments issued by the President amounts to a
Central Bank No. 1124 under pain administrative and temporary appointmentprohibited by Section 1 (2),
penal sanctions. Article IX-C of the Constitution.
The hiring of a private auditor by the DBP being
a condition of the loan, the fees of suchprivate auditors (2)Whether or not the renewal of their ad interim
are in reality part of the government’s cost of borrowing appointments and subsequent assumption
from the World Bank.Anannual private audit fee of about of office to the same positions violate the prohibition on
half a million pesos added to the interest on a US $310 reappointment under Section 1 (2), Article IX-C of the
Millionloan would hardly make the cost of borrowing Constitution.
excessive, extravagant or unconscionable.Besides, the
condition imposed by a lender, whose money is at risk, (3)Whether or not Benipayo's removal of petitioner from
requiring the borrower tosubmit to audit by an her position as Director IV of the EIDand her
independent public accountant, is a reasonable and reassignment to the Law Department is illegal and
normal business practice. without authority, having been done without the approval
of the COMELEC as a collegial body.
Ruling:
MA. J. ANGELINA G. MATIBAG vs. ALFREDO L. (1) NO. An ad interim appointment is a
BENIPAYO, et al. [G.R. No. 149036, April 2, 2002] permanent appointment because it takes effect
immediately and can no longer be withdrawn by the
President once the appointee has qualified into office. The
Facts: fact that it is subject to confirmation by the Commission
On February 2, 1999, the COMELEC appointed on Appointments does not alter its permanent character.
petitioner as "Acting Director IV" of the EID.On February The Constitution itself makes an ad interim appointment
15, 2000, then Chairperson Harriet O. Demetriou permanent in character by making it effective until
renewed the appointment of petitioner as Director IV of disapproved by the Commission on Appointments or until
EID in a "Temporary" capacity. On February 15, 2001, the next adjournment of Congress. The second paragraph
Commissioner Rufino S. B. Javier renewed again the of Section 16, Article VII of the Constitution provides as
appointment of petitioner to the same position in a follows:
"Temporary" capacity. "The President shall have the power to make
On March 22, 2001, President Gloria Macapagal- appointments during the recess of theCongress, whether
Arroyo appointed, ad interim, Benipayo as COMELEC voluntary or compulsory, but such appointments shall be
Chairman, and Borra and Tuason as COMELEC effective only until disapproval by the Commission on
Commissioners, each for a term of seven years and all Appointments or until the next adjournment of the
expiring on February 2, 2008. Benipayo took his oath of Congress."
office and assumed the position of COMELEC Chairman; Thus, the ad interim appointment remains
and Borra and Tuason likewise took their oaths ofoffice effective until such disapproval or next adjournment,
and assumed their positions as COMELEC Commissioners. signifying that it can no longer be withdrawn or revoked
The Office of the President submitted to the Commission by the President. The fear that the President can
on Appointments on May 22, 2001 the ad interim withdraw or revoke at any time and for any reason an ad
appointments of Benipayo, Borra and Tuason for interim appointment is utterly without basis.
confirmations. However, the Commission on Hence the ad interim appointments extended by
Appointments did not act on said appointments. This the President to Benipayo, Borra andTuason, as
process was repeated twice. COMELEC Chairman and Commissioners, respectively, do
On April 11, 2001, COMELEC Chairman Benipayo not constitute temporary or acting appointments
issued a Memorandum whereby here aasigned petitioner prohibited by Section 1 (2), Article IX-C of the
to the Law Department. Petitioner requested Benipayo to Constitution.
reconsider her reassignment to the Law Department but
to no avail.Upon denial, petitioner filed an administrative (2) NO. There is no dispute that an ad interim
and criminal complaint with the Law Department against appointee disapproved by the Commission on
Benipayo, alleging that her reassignment violated Appointments can no longer be extended a new
Omnibus Election Code, COMELEC Resolution No. 3258, appointment. The disapproval is a final decision of the
Civil Service Memorandum Circular No. 07 and other Commission on Appointments in the exercise of its
pertinent administratve and civil service laws, rules and checking power on the appointingauthority of the
regulations. President. The disapproval is a decision on the merits,
During the pendency of her complaint before the being a refusal by the Commission on Appointments to
Law Department, petitioner filed the instant petition give its consent after deliberating on the qualifications of
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the appointee. Since the Constitution does not provide for arraignment proceeded during which he entered a plea of
any appeal from such decision, the disapproval is final "Not Guilty."
and binding on the appointee as well as on the appointing On the same day, the prosecution called to the
power.In this instance, the President can no longer renew witness stand the wife of the victim, private complainant
the appointment not because of the constitutional Damiana Cortezo. She testified that: (1) she has
prohibition on reappointment, but because of a final executed an affidavit of desistance;3 (2) she is no longer
decision by the Commission onAppointments to withhold interested in prosecuting the case; and (3) other
its consent to the appointment. witnesses of the shooting incident have turned hostile
An ad interim appointment that is by-passed and have similarly lost concern in pursuing the same.
because of lack of time or failure of the Commission on Thereafter, the prosecution, joined by the counsel for the
Appointments to organize is another matter.A by-passed accused, moved for the dismissal of the case. In light of
appointment is one that has not been finally acted upon these developments, the trial judge issued an Order
on the merits by the Commission on Appointments at dated May 24, 1996 granting the motion, thus the Court
theclose of the session of Congress. There is no final dismissed the case.
decision by the Commission on Appointments to give or Subsequently, two other witnesses of the
withhold its consent to the appointment as required by shooting incident appeared after learning of the dismissal
the Constitution. Absent such decision, the President is of the case and manifested their willingness to testify.
free to renew the ad interim appointment of a by-passed Further, two sisters of the victim assailed the allegation
appointee. of lack of interest. Consequently, the prosecution filed a
Motion to Set Aside the Order of Dismissal on July 22,
(3) NO. The Chairman, as the Chief Executive of 1996 asserting that Damiana and the accused misled the
the COMELEC, is expressly empowered on his own trial court and deprived the plaintiff, People of the
authority to transfer or reassign COMELEC personnel in Philippines, its day in court. For which reason, it argued,
accordance with the Civil Service Law. In the exercise of the Order dismissing the case should be voided.
this power, the Chairman is not required by law to secure The Court of Appeals set aside the decision of
the approval of the COMELEC en banc. the Regional Trial Court and reinstated the case. Hence,
Petitioner's appointment papers dated February the present course of action.
2, 1999, February 15, 2000 andFebruary 15, 2001,
indisputably show that she held her Director IV position Issues:
in the EID only in anacting or temporary capacity.
Petitioner is not a Career Executive Service (CES) officer, Whether or not the court of appeals committed a grave
and neither does she hold Career Executive Service abuse of decision on reinstating the case.
Eligibility, which are necessary qualifications for holding
the position of Director IV as prescribed in the Ruling:
Qualifications Standards (Revised 1987) issued by the Petitioner cannot complain that it was denied its
Civil Service Commission. Obviously, petitioner does not day in court. It was, in the first place, represented by a
enjoy security of tenure as Director IV. public prosecutor who was personally present in every
stage of the proceeding -- from the arraignment to the
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES vs. ACELO promulgation of the dismissal order -- to protect its
VERRA, G.R. No. 134732 - May 29, 2002 interests. It was given the chance to submit its evidence
as it in fact called to the stand its own witness, Damiana
Facts: (who incidentally was the only witness presented here),
during the day of the hearing. Then, the prosecutor was
A day in court is the touchstone of the right to able to conduct her direct examination. More importantly,
due process in criminal justice. It is an aspect of the duty petitioner was the one who jointly moved with accused's
of the government to follow a fair process of decision- counsel for the dismissal of this case due to lack of
making when it acts to deprive a person of his evidence. The Order of Dismissal was given in open court
liberty.1 But just as an accused is accorded this by the presiding judge without any remonstrance from
constitutional protection, so is the State entitled to due the prosecution.
process in criminal prosecutions.2 It must similarly be In the case at bar, we find all the above-cited
given the chance to present its evidence in support of a requisites present. First, there was a valid information,
charge. sufficient in form and substance to sustain a conviction,
Petitioner, People of the Philippines, claims that filed on November 14, 1988 duly signed by 4th Assistant
it was denied its day in court and its due process right Provincial Fiscal Cesar M. Merin.16Second, the Regional
was breached. Filing this Petition under Rule 45, it seeks Trial Court, Branch 10 of Tacloban City clearly had
to set aside, on pure questions of law, the April 6, 1998 jurisdiction to hear and try the murder charge against the
Decision of the Court of Appeals. respondent. Third, he was arraigned in open court on
On November 14, 1988, respondent Acelo Verra May 24, 1996 with the assistance of a counsel de
was charged with the crime of murder for killing a certain officio.17 Fourth, during the arraignment, he entered a
Elias Cortezo. A warrant of arrest was issued by the plea of not guilty.18 Finally, there was a valid termination
Regional Trial Court against him on November 21, 1988. of this case on the basis of the trial judge's Order to
He remained at-large until May 24, 1996 when he Dismiss the case. While it is true that the respondent
voluntarily submitted himself to the jurisdiction of the joined the prosecution in praying for its dismissal, double
court accompanied by his counsel. Immediately, jeopardy will still attach since the basis for the ruling was
the insufficiency of evidence of the prosecution. In view
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of private complainant's desistance and her testimony Gonzales' admission in the course of his cross-
that other witnesses have turned hostile and are also no examination of the said witness.
longer interested in prosecuting this case, petitioner
clearly lacks the evidence to support the charge. JOEY POTOT y SURIO vs. PEOPLE OF THE
PHILIPPINES and LOLITO DAPULAGG.R. No.
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES vs. 143547, June 26, 2002
JOEL GONZALES, JOSEPH BERNALDEZ, and ROMEO
BERNALDEZ, G.R. No. 142932 May 29, 2002
Facts:
Facts: After the accused has filed with the trial court a
This is an appeal from the decision,1
dated manifestation that he is not appealing its Decision
February 10, 2000, of the Regional Trial Court, 11th convicting him of homicide and that he is ready to serve
Judicial Region, Branch 6, Mati, Davao Oriental, insofar his sentence, can the same court, upon motion by the
as it finds accused-appellants Joel Gonzales and Romeo private complainant with the conformity of the public
Bernaldez guilty as principals of the complex crime of prosecutor, set aside the said judgment and remand the
robbery with homicide and sentences each of them to records of the case to the Office of the Provincial
suffer the penalty ofreclusion perpetua, with the Prosecutor for re-evaluation of the evidence and the filing
accessory penalties provided by law, and to indemnify of the corresponding charge? This is the issue raised in
jointly and severally the heirs of the victim Nicanor the instant petition for review on certiorari.1âwphi1.nêt
Suralta in the amounts of P50,000.00 as civil indemnity Joey S. Potot, petitioner, was charged with
and P2,425.00, plus the costs of the proceedings. homicide in Criminal Case No. 2739 before the Regional
When arraigned on December 1, 1992, the three Trial Court (RTC), Branch 19, Catarman, Northern Samar.
entered a plea of not guilty, whereupon they were tried. Upon arraignment on February 1, 2000, wherein
Trial Court adjudged them to be guilty beyond reasonable the information was read to him in his own dialect,
doubt. Counsel for accused-appellant Joel Gonzales petitioner, assisted by counsel, pleaded guilty to the
appealed contending that the evidence adduced by the charge.2 Forthwith, he invoked not only the mitigating
prosecution during the trial are inadmissible in law. circumstance of plea of guilty, but also the circumstance
Accused-appellant Gonzales contends that during the of voluntary surrender since, as shown in the records, he
interrogation and investigation, he and his co-appellant surrendered voluntarily to the Philippine National Police
Romeo Bernaldez were not informed of their rights to (PNP) Headquarters immediately after the commission of
remain silent and to secure the services of counsel, in the crime. The public prosecutor did not raise any
violation of §§2 and 12, Art. III of the Constitution. objection. Instead, he manifested that there is no
Hence, their admission of the commission of the crime is aggravating circumstance which attended the commission
inadmissible in evidence against them. of the crime.
Thereupon, the trial court, after being satisfied
that petitioner understood the meaning and
Issues: consequences of his plea of guilty, rendered and
Whether or not the appellant was corrent in his claim promulgated its Decision in open court convicting him of
3
that the evidence be inadmissible in trial. homicide, with the mitigating circumstances of plea of
guilty and voluntary surrender appreciated in his favor.
On February 3, 2000, petitioner, through
Ruling: counsel, filed a manifestation with motion5 informing the
trial court that he is not appealing from the Decision and
This contention lacks merit. praying that a commitment order be issued so he could
Accused-appellants were already under immediately serve his sentence. Attached to the motion
custodial investigation when they made their admissions is petitioner's letter to the court stating that he does not
to the police. At that point, the investigation had ceased intend to appeal from its Decision.6
to be a general inquiry into an unsolved crime and had However, on February 11, 2000, the private
began to focus on the guilt of a suspect and for this complainant, Rosalie Dapulag (wife of the victim), filed
reason the latter were taken into custody or otherwise through counsel, a motion for
deprived of freedom in a substantial way.40 Hence, the reconsideration/retrial7 praying that the Decision be set
admissions made by accused-appellants are inadmissible aside and that the case be heard again because "there
in evidence pursuant to Art. III, § 2(1) and (3) of the were irregularities committed before and during the trial
Constitution. However, the defense failed to raise its which caused miscarriage of justice." The motion, which
objections to the admissibility of these statements bears the conformity of the public prosecutor, alleges,
immediately, as required by Rule 132, §36, when among others, that:
Inspector Malintad was presented as a witness for the Petitioner opposed8 the motion, asserting that
prosecution or when specific questions concerning the there was no irregularity in the preliminary investigation
confession were asked of him. Consequently, accused- of the case and in the proceedings before the trial court;
appellants are deemed to have waived their right to and that the decision can no longer be modified or set
object to the admissibility of Inspector Malintad's aside because it became final when he formally waived
testimony.41 Indeed, it was even the defense counsel who his right to appeal.
provided the opportunity for Inspector Malintad to The trial court, in its order dated May 3,
elaborate on the circumstances of accused-appellant 2000,9 granted private complainant's motion and set
aside its February 1, 2000 Decision "as proceeding from a
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rigged, hence, sham hearing." It likewise ordered that Criminal Case No. 2739 under a valid information before
the records of the case be remanded to the Office of the the trial court which has jurisdiction over it. He was
Provincial Prosecutor "for re-evaluation of the evidence arraigned and pleaded guilty to the charge. On the basis
and to file the corresponding charge," of his plea, petitioner was convicted and meted the
corresponding penalty. As petitioner has been placed in
jeopardy for the crime of homicide, he cannot be
Issues: prosecuted anew for the same offense, or any offense
Whether or not the Trial Court was correct in its which necessarily includes or is necessarily included in
decision to reopen the case because of the the first offense charged.
irregularities in the previous proceedings.
Ruling:
It is thus clear that only the accused may ask SALVADOR H. LAUREL vs. HON. ANIANO A.
for a modification or setting aside of a judgment DESIERTO, in his capacity as Ombudsman, G.R. No.
of conviction. And this he must do before the said 145368 July 1, 2002
judgment becomes final or before he perfects his appeal.
Such judgment becomes final in any of the following Facts:
ways: (a) when no appeal is seasonably filed by the Petitioner Salvador H. Laurel moves for a
accused, except in case of automatic review of the reconsideration of this Court's decision declaring him, as
decision imposing the capital penalty;13 (b) when he has Chair of the National Centennial Commission (NCC), a
partially or totally served his sentence; (c) when he public officer. Petitioner also prays that the case be
expressly waives his right to appeal the judgment, except referred to the Court En Banc.
when the death penalty is imposed; or (d) when he First, petitioner points out that the decision has
applies for probation. When one of these circumstances is "serious constitutional repercussions"1 because the
present, the trial court which rendered the judgment of composition of the NCC included members of the Cabinet,
conviction loses jurisdiction to alter, modify or revoke the Senate, the House of Representatives and the
it.14 Supreme Court,2who are prohibited by the Constitution
It is an undisputed fact that on February 3, 2000, from holding any other office during their term or tenure.
or three days after the promulgation of the judgment of In connection, the Court, in its decision,
conviction, petitioner filed a manifestation expressly allegedly disregarded the pronouncement in Manila
waiving his right to appeal therefrom. His intention not to Electric Co. vs. Panay Transportation Co.4 that the
appeal is further indicated by his prayer in the same "Supreme Court and its members should not and cannot
manifestation for the immediate issuance of a be required to exercise any power or to perform any trust
commitment order so he could serve his sentence. Such or to assume any duty not pertaining to or connected
waiver has the effect of causing the judgment to become with the administering of judicial functions."
final and unalterable.15 Thus, it was beyond the authority
of the trial court to issue the order of May 3, 2000 setting Issues:
aside its February 3, 2000 Decision which had attained Where or not the petitioner as Chair of the NCC is a
finality. public officer under the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman.
In Calalang vs. Register of Deeds of Quezon
City16 and in a long line of cases, this Court (En
Banc) held that a judgment which has acquired the status Ruling:
of finality becomes immutable. Any error, assuming one Assuming, as petitioner proposes, that the
was committed in the judgment, will not justify its designation of other members to the NCC runs counter to
amendment except only to correct clerical errors or the Constitution, it does not make petitioner, as NCC
mistakes. Chair, less a public officer. Such "serious constitutional
Finally, we agree with the petitioner that the repercussions" do not reduce the force of the rationale
assailed orders would violate his constitutional right behind this Court's decision.
against double jeopardy.19 Such right prohibits any Second, petitioner invokes estoppel. He claims
subsequent prosecution of any person for a crime of that the official acts of the President, the Senate
which he has previously been acquitted or convicted. The President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives,
objective is to set the effects of the first prosecution and the Supreme Court, in designating Cabinet members,
forever at rest, assuring the accused that he shall not Senators, Congressmen and Justices to the NCC, led him
thereafter be subjected to the peril and anxiety of a to believe that the NCC is not a public office.6
second charge against him for the same offense. The contention has no merit. In estoppel, the
To invoke the defense of double jeopardy, the party representing material facts must have the intention
following requisites must be present: (1) a valid that the other party would act upon the
complaint or information; (2) the court has jurisdiction to representation.7 It is preposterous to suppose that the
try the case; (3) the accused has pleaded to the charge; President, the Senate President, the Speaker and the
and (4) he has been convicted or acquitted, or the case Supreme Court, by the designation of such officials to the
against him dismissed or otherwise terminated without NCC, intended to mislead petitioner just so he would
his express consent. accept the position of NCC Chair. Estoppel must be
These requisites have been established. Records unequivocal and intentional.8 Moreover, petitioner himself
show that petitioner was charged with homicide in admits that the principle of estoppel does not operate
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against the Government in the exercise of its sovereign Thousand Pesos (P2,221,000.00) or One Thousand Pesos
powers.9 (P1,000.00) per square meter. Respondent claimed that
Third, as ground for the referral of the case to the value of the properties subject for expropriation is
the Court En Banc, petitioner submits that our decision in
this case modified or reversed doctrines rendered by this Lot No. TCT No. Total Area Affected Area
Court, which can only be done by the Court En Banc. Site I 2-D-1-A- T-212616 29.583 sq. 1,186 sq. m.
It is argued that by designating three of its then 2 m.
incumbent members to the NCC, the Court took the
Site II 2-D-1-B- T-212617 2,902 sq. m. 1,035 sq. m.
position that the NCC was not a public office.10 The
1
argument is a bit of a stretch. Section 4 (3), Article VIII
of the Constitution provides that "no doctrine or principle more than Four Thousand Pesos (P4,000.00) per square
of law laid down by the court in a decision rendered en meter. While petitioner found the valuation of
banc or in division may be modified or reversed except respondent’s property in Site II reasonable, petitioner, in
by the court sitting en banc." In designating three of its its comment on the Report of the Appraisers found the
incumbent members to the NCC, the Court did not render estimate for Site I excessive, stating that:
a "decision," in the context of said constitutional 1) the provincial Appraisal Committee in a joint
provision, which contemplates an actual case. Much less Appraisal Report dated January 14, 1993 recommended
did the Court, by such designation, articulate any the market value of Ker and Company’s property at
"doctrine or principle of law." P1,000.00 per square meter;
Invoking the same provision, petitioner 2) the highest valuation of lots within the JP
asserts11 that the decision in this case reversed or Laurel-Buhangin area adjudicated by the RTC, Davao City
modified Macalino vs. Sandiganbayan,12 holding that the in a decision rendered on December 23, 1993 is at
Assistant Manager of the Treasury Division and the Head P4,000.00 per sq. meter; and,
of the Loans Administration & Insurance Section of the 3) the appraisers did not take into account that
Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC) is the areas in the proceedings are being expropriated for
not a public officer under Republic Act No. 3019. This use in a government project vested with public interest.
contention also has no merit. The rationale for the ruling On September 27, 1996, the RTC rendered a
in Macalino is that "the PNCC has no original charter as it decision declaring plaintiff to have a lawful right to
was incorporated under the general law on corporations." acquire possession of and title to tne two lots ordering to
However, as we pointed out in our decision, a conclusion pay just and fair compensation.
that EXPOCORP is a government-owned or controlled The appellate court affirmed the decision of the
corporation would not alter the outcome of this case lower court in toto, ruling that just compensation cannot
because petitioner's position and functions as Chief be measured by the assessed value of the property as
Executive Officer of EXPOCORP are by virtue of his being stated in the tax declaration and schedule of market
Chairman of the NCC. The other issues raised by values approved by the Provincial Appraisal Committee
petitioner are mere reiterations of his earlier arguments. and that for the purpose of appraisal, the fair market
The Court, however, remains unswayed thereby value of the property is taken into account and such
value refers to the highest price in terms of money which
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINESvs. KER AND a property will bring if exposed for sale in the public
COMPANY LIMITED, G.R. No. 136171 July 2, 2002 market.
Facts: Issues:
Before us is a petition for review
on certiorari under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court filed by Whether or not the Court of Appeals was correct in
petitioner Republic of the Philippines, represented by the affirming the decision of the lower court.
Department of Public Works and Highways, assailing the
decision rendered by the Court of Appeals in CA G.R. CV
No. 54256 entitled, "Republic of the Philippines v. Ker Ruling:
and Company Limited." The decision in question affirmed The appellate court did not err in not upholding
the trial court in ordering petitioner to pay herein petitioner’s claim that the valuation for the lot in Site I is
respondent Ker Company Limited the sum of Six excessive and unreasonable since the tax declaration of
Thousand Pesos (P6,000.00) per square meter as just the property indicated its assessed value at only Four
compensation for the 1,186 square meter lot (Site I) Hundred Twenty-Five Pesos (P425.00) per square meter
which was expropriated by the government. while its market value was only Eight Hundred Forty-Nine
Petitioner filed before the Regional Trial Court Pesos (P849.00) per square meter based on the revised
(RTC) of Davao City a petition for expropriation of 1993 schedule of market values. We have declared
portions of two (2) parcels of land owned by respondent in Manotok v. National Housing Authority3, that the
described as follows: statements made in tax documents by the assessor may
serve as one of the factors to be considered but they
Petitioner needed the parcels of land for the cannot exclude or prevail over a court determination
widening of the road component of J.P. Laurel-Buhangin after expert commissioners have examined the property
Interchange in Davao City. The provisional value of the and all pertinent circumstances are taken into account
properties sought to be expropriated was fixed at the and after all the parties have had the opportunity to fully
aggregate sum of Two Million Two Hundred Twenty One
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plead their cases before a competent and unbiased Transfer Certificate of Title No. T- 131898 in the name of
tribunal. co-owners Lido Beach Corporation and Filomena
That the tax declaration of the property in Site I Bernardo.
indicated a much lower assessed or market value On January 25, 1996, respondents instituted
therefore does not make commissioners’ valuation of just against petitioner Regalado P. Samartino a complaint for
compensation for the property excessive or unreasonable. ejectment, docketed as Civil Case No. 744 of the
The duly appointed commissioners of both parties made a Municipal Trial Court of Noveleta, Cavite.1 They alleged
careful study of the properties subject of expropriation. that during the lifetime of Filomena Bernardo, she leased
They considered factors such as the location, the most her share in the property to petitioner for a period of five
profitable likely use of the remaining area, size, shape, years counted from 1986; that the said lease expired and
accessibility as well as listings of other properties within was not extended thereafter; and that petitioner refused
the vicinity to arrive at a reasonable estimate of just to vacate the property despite demands therefor.
compensation for both lots due the respondent. Petitioner, The trial court, despite the written certification
in fact, does not question the commissioners’ appraisal from NBI-TRC, granted respondents’ motion to declare
value as just compensation for the area affected in Site II. petitioner in default and ordered them to present
Petitioner maintains that the assessment of just evidence ex-parte. On March 21, 1996, the trial court
compensation for the lot in Site I is excessive since the rendered judgment in favor of respondents.
highest valuation made for the properties within the After learning of the adverse decision against
vicinity of J.P. Laurel-Buhangin Road was pegged at Four him, petitioner’s counsel filed with the Regional Trial
Thousand Pesos (P4,000.00) in a decision rendered by Court of Cavite City, Branch 16, a motion to set aside
Branch 17 of the Regional Trial Court of Davao in judgment. The motion was treated as an appeal and
December 1993. This contention is not plausible. In docketed as Civil Case No. N-6281. On July 18, 1996, the
computing just compensation for expropriation RTC affirmed the decision of the MTC.5
proceedings, it is the value of the land at the time of the Certificate of Title No. T-283572, was levied and
taking or at the time of the filing of the complaint not at sold at public auction to respondents in full satisfaction of
the time of the rendition of judgment which should be the monetary award.7
taken into consideration.4 Section 4, Rule 67 of the 1997 On November 25, 1996, petitioner filed with the
Rules of Civil Procedure provides that just compensation Regional Trial Court of Cavite City, a petition for relief
is to be determined as of the date of the taking or the from judgment, docketed as Civil Case No. N-6393.8 In
filing of the complaint whichever came first. On this support thereof, petitioner submitted an affidavit of
matter, the appellate court is correct in disregarding merit,9alleging in fine that the parcel of land from which
petitioner’s claim. he was being evicted had been sold to him by Filomena
Nonetheless, we find merit in petitioner’s Bernardo-Crisostomo, as evidenced by the Deed of
contention that there are no substantial distinctions Absolute Sale dated December 13, 1988.10
between the lot in Site I and the lot in Site II to warrant The following day, November 26, 1996, the RTC
different valuations. issued an Order dismissing the petition for relief from
The lots subject of expropriation are adjacent to judgment.11Petitioner’s Motion for Reconsideration was
each other. The Appraisal Report even indicated that the denied on December 12, 1996. A second Motion for
remaining area of the lot in Site II has the same problem Reconsideration was likewise denied on January 14,
as in Site I with respect to access. The construction of 1997.12 On the same day, a writ of demolition was issued
the service road has created a problem pertaining to commanding the sheriff to remove the building and
ingress or egress to the remaining portions of both improvements made by petitioner on the subject
Sites.5Considering that there is no evidence showing premises and to deliver the possession thereof to
substantial distinctions between the lots affected by Site I respondents.13
and Site II and no explanation was given by the Petitioner thus filed a petition for certiorari with
commissioners as to why Site I had been given a higher the Court of Appeals, docketed as CA-G.R. SP No.
valuation than Site II, we find it just and reasonable that 432O2.14 On August 29, 1997, the Court of Appeals
the undisputed sum of Five Thousand Four Hundred dismissed the petition.15 Petitioner’s Motion for
Twenty-Three Pesos and Forty-Eight Centavos Reconsideration was denied on November 14,
(P5,423.48) per square meter as just compensation for 1997. Hence this petition for review.
16
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person of suitable age and discretion residing therein, or JVA also required the reclamation of an additional 250
by leaving the copies at the defendant’s office or regular hectares of submerged areas surrounding these islands
place of business with some competent person in charge to complete the configuration in the Master Development
thereof. Otherwise stated, service of summons upon the Plan of the Southern Reclamation Project-MCCRRP. PEA
defendant shall be by personal service first and only and AMARI entered into the JVA through negotiation
when the defendant cannot be promptly served in person without public bidding.4 On April 28, 1995, the Board of
will substituted service be availed of. Directors of PEA, in its Resolution No. 1245, confirmed
the JVA.5On June 8, 1995, then President Fidel V. Ramos,
FRANCISCO I. CHAVEZ vs. PUBLIC ESTATES through then Executive Secretary Ruben Torres,
AUTHORITY and AMARI COASTAL BAY approved the JVA.6
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, G.R. No. 133250July On November 29, 1996, then Senate President
9, 2002 Ernesto Maceda delivered a privilege speech in the
Senate and denounced the JVA as the "grandmother of
Facts: all scams." As a result, the Senate Committee on
This is an original Petition for Mandamus with Government Corporations and Public Enterprises, and the
prayer for a writ of preliminary injunction and a Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and
temporary restraining order. The petition seeks to compel Investigations, conducted a joint investigation. The
the Public Estates Authority ("PEA" for brevity) to disclose Senate Committees reported the results of their
all facts on PEA's then on-going renegotiations with investigation in Senate Committee Report No. 560 dated
Amari Coastal Bay and Development Corporation September 16, 1997.7 Among the conclusions of their
("AMARI" for brevity) to reclaim portions of Manila Bay. report are: (1) the reclaimed lands PEA seeks to transfer
The petition further seeks to enjoin PEA from signing a to AMARI under the JVA are lands of the public domain
new agreement with AMARI involving such reclamation. which the government has not classified as alienable
On November 20, 1973, the government, lands and therefore PEA cannot alienate these lands; (2)
through the Commissioner of Public Highways, signed a the certificates of title covering the Freedom Islands are
contract with the Construction and Development thus void, and (3) the JVA itself is illegal.
Corporation of the Philippines ("CDCP" for brevity) to On December 5, 1997, then President Fidel V.
reclaim certain foreshore and offshore areas of Manila Ramos issued Presidential Administrative Order No. 365
Bay. The contract also included the construction of creating a Legal Task Force to conduct a study on the
Phases I and II of the Manila-Cavite Coastal Road. CDCP legality of the JVA in view of Senate Committee Report
obligated itself to carry out all the works in consideration No. 560. The members of the Legal Task Force were the
of fifty percent of the total reclaimed land. Secretary of Justice,8 the Chief Presidential Legal
On February 4, 1977, then President Ferdinand Counsel,9 and the Government Corporate Counsel.10 The
E. Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 1084 creating Legal Task Force upheld the legality of the JVA, contrary
PEA. PD No. 1084 tasked PEA "to reclaim land, including to the conclusions reached by the Senate Committees.11
foreshore and submerged areas," and "to develop, On April 4 and 5, 1998, the Philippine Daily
improve, acquire, x x x lease and sell any and all kinds of Inquirer and Today published reports that there were on-
lands."1 On the same date, then President Marcos issued going renegotiations between PEA and AMARI under an
Presidential Decree No. 1085 transferring to PEA the order issued by then President Fidel V. Ramos. According
"lands reclaimed in the foreshore and offshore of the to these reports, PEA Director Nestor Kalaw, PEA
Manila Bay"2 under the Manila-Cavite Coastal Road and Chairman Arsenio Yulo and retired Navy Officer Sergio
Reclamation Project (MCCRRP). Cruz composed the negotiating panel of PEA.
On December 29, 1981, then President Marcos On April 13, 1998, Antonio M. Zulueta filed
issued a memorandum directing PEA to amend its before the Court a Petition for Prohibition with Application
contract with CDCP, so that "[A]ll future works in for the Issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order and
MCCRRP x x x shall be funded and owned by PEA." Preliminary Injunction docketed as G.R. No. 132994
On January 19, 1988, then President Corazon C. seeking to nullify the JVA. The Court dismissed the
Aquino issued Special Patent No. 3517, granting and petition "for unwarranted disregard of judicial hierarchy,
transferring to PEA "the parcels of land so reclaimed without prejudice to the refiling of the case before the
under the Manila-Cavite Coastal Road and Reclamation proper court."12
Project (MCCRRP) containing a total area of one million On April 27, 1998, petitioner Frank I. Chavez
nine hundred fifteen thousand eight hundred ninety four ("Petitioner" for brevity) as a taxpayer, filed the
(1,915,894) square meters." Subsequently, on April 9, instant Petition for Mandamus with Prayer for the
1988, the Register of Deeds of the Municipality of Issuance of a Writ of Preliminary Injunction and
Parañaque issued Transfer Certificates of Title Nos. 7309, Temporary Restraining Order. Petitioner contends the
7311, and 7312, in the name of PEA, covering the three government stands to lose billions of pesos in the sale by
reclaimed islands known as the "Freedom Islands" PEA of the reclaimed lands to AMARI. Petitioner prays
located at the southern portion of the Manila-Cavite that PEA publicly disclose the terms of any renegotiation
Coastal Road, Parañaque City. The Freedom Islands have of the JVA, invoking Section 28, Article II, and Section 7,
a total land area of One Million Five Hundred Seventy Article III, of the 1987 Constitution on the right of the
Eight Thousand Four Hundred and Forty One (1,578,441) people to information on matters of public concern.
square meters or 157.841 hectares. Petitioner assails the sale to AMARI of lands of the public
On April 25, 1995, PEA entered into a Joint domain as a blatant violation of Section 3, Article XII of
Venture Agreement ("JVA" for brevity) with AMARI, a the 1987 Constitution prohibiting the sale of alienable
private corporation, to develop the Freedom Islands. The lands of the public domain to private corporations. Finally,
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petitioner asserts that he seeks to enjoin the loss of the proper information, they cannot hold public officials
billions of pesos in properties of the State that are of accountable for anything. Armed with the right
public dominion. information, citizens can participate in public discussions
After several motions for extension of leading to the formulation of government policies and
time,13 PEA and AMARI filed their Comments on October their effective implementation. An informed citizenry is
19, 1998 and June 25, 1998, respectively. Meanwhile, on essential to the existence and proper functioning of any
December 28, 1998, petitioner filed an Omnibus Motion: democracy.
(a) to require PEA to submit the terms of the AMARI argues there must first be a
renegotiated PEA-AMARI contract; (b) for issuance of a consummated contract before petitioner can invoke the
temporary restraining order; and (c) to set the case for right. Requiring government officials to reveal their
hearing on oral argument. Petitioner filed a Reiterative deliberations at the pre-decisional stage will degrade the
Motion for Issuance of a TRO dated May 26, 1999, which quality of decision-making in government agencies.
the Court denied in a Resolution dated June 22, 1999. Government officials will hesitate to express their real
In a Resolution dated March 23, 1999, the Court sentiments during deliberations if there is immediate
gave due course to the petition and required the parties public dissemination of their discussions, putting them
to file their respective memoranda. under all kinds of pressure before they decide.
On March 30, 1999, PEA and AMARI signed the The right covers three categories of information
Amended Joint Venture Agreement ("Amended JVA," for which are "matters of public concern," namely: (1)
brevity). On May 28, 1999, the Office of the President official records; (2) documents and papers pertaining to
under the administration of then President Joseph E. official acts, transactions and decisions; and (3)
Estrada approved the Amended JVA. government research data used in formulating policies.
Due to the approval of the Amended JVA by the The first category refers to any document that is part of
Office of the President, petitioner now prays that on the public records in the custody of government agencies
"constitutional and statutory grounds the renegotiated or officials. The second category refers to documents and
contract be declared null and void." papers recording, evidencing, establishing, confirming,
supporting, justifying or explaining official acts,
Issues: transactions or decisions of government agencies or
Whether or not the constitutional right to information officials. The third category refers to research data,
includes official information on on-going negotiations whether raw, collated or processed, owned by the
before a final agreement. government and used in formulating government policies.
The information that petitioner may access on
the renegotiation of the JVA includes evaluation reports,
Ruling: recommendations, legal and expert opinions, minutes of
Section 7, Article III of the Constitution explains meetings, terms of reference and other documents
the people's right to information on matters of public attached to such reports or minutes, all relating to the
concern in this manner: JVA. However, the right to information does not compel
"Sec. 7. The right of the people to information PEA to prepare lists, abstracts, summaries and the like
on matters of public concern shall be recognized. Access relating to the renegotiation of the JVA.34 The right only
to official records, and to documents, and papers affords access to records, documents and papers, which
pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as means the opportunity to inspect and copy them. One
well as to government research data used as basis for who exercises the right must copy the records,
policy development, shall be afforded the citizen, subject documents and papers at his expense. The exercise of
to such limitations as may be provided by law." the right is also subject to reasonable regulations to
(Emphasis supplied) protect the integrity of the public records and to minimize
The State policy of full transparency in all disruption to government operations, like rules specifying
transactions involving public interest reinforces the when and how to conduct the inspection and copying.35
people's right to information on matters of public concern. The right to information, however, does not
This State policy is expressed in Section 28, Article II of extend to matters recognized as privileged information
the Constitution, thus: under the separation of powers.36 The right does not also
"Sec. 28. Subject to reasonable conditions apply to information on military and diplomatic secrets,
prescribed by law, the State adopts and implements information affecting national security, and information
a policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions on investigations of crimes by law enforcement agencies
involving public interest." (Emphasis supplied) before the prosecution of the accused, which courts have
These twin provisions of the Constitution seek to long recognized as confidential.37 The right may also be
promote transparency in policy-making and in the subject to other limitations that Congress may impose by
operations of the government, as well as provide the law.
people sufficient information to exercise effectively other There is no claim by PEA that the information
constitutional rights. These twin provisions are essential demanded by petitioner is privileged information rooted
to the exercise of freedom of expression. If the in the separation of powers. The information does not
government does not disclose its official acts, cover Presidential conversations, correspondences, or
transactions and decisions to citizens, whatever citizens discussions during closed-door Cabinet meetings which,
say, even if expressed without any restraint, will be like internal deliberations of the Supreme Court and other
speculative and amount to nothing. These twin provisions collegiate courts, or executive sessions of either house of
are also essential to hold public officials "at all times x x Congress,38 are recognized as confidential. This kind of
x accountable to the people,"29 for unless citizens have information cannot be pried open by a co-equal branch of
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"That on or about March 13, 1999, in the City of one conducted by the police authorities for like the latter,
Iligan, Philippines, and within the jurisdiction of this the former are armed and tasked to maintain peace and
Honorable Court, the said accused, without authority of order. The vessel security officer in the case at bar is a
law, did then and there wilfully, unlawfully and private employee and does not discharge any
feloniously have in his possession, custody and control governmental function. In contrast, police officers are
eight (8) packs of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, a agents of the state tasked with the sovereign function of
regulated drug commonly known as Shabu, weighing enforcement of the law. Historically and until now, it is
approximately 400 grams, without the corresponding against them and other agents of the state that the
license or prescription. protection against unreasonable searches and seizures
Contrary to and in violation of Section 16, Article may be invoked.
III of RA 6425, otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs
Act of 1972, as amended by RA 7659."3 PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, appellee,
During the arraignment, the accused pleaded vs. CRISPIN VELARDE y BANDOJO, G.R. No. 139333
not guilty. Trial ensued. July 18, 2002
The accused-appellant contends that the
Samsonite suitcase containing the methamphetamine Facts:
hydrochloride or "shabu" was forcibly opened and A municipal mayor cannot be considered a
searched without his consent, and hence, in violation of competent and independent counsel qualified to assist a
his constitutional right against unreasonable search and person under custodial investigation. Hence, the
seizure. Any evidence acquired pursuant to such unlawful extrajudicial confession taken from the accused with His
search and seizure, he claims, is inadmissible in evidence Honor as counsel is inadmissible in evidence. Without this
against him. He also contends thatPeople v. Marti15 is not confession, the remaining evidence, which is
applicable in this case because a vessel security circumstantial, fails the test of moral certainty. Hence,
personnel is deemed to perform the duties of a policeman. acquittal is inevitable.
For automatic review by this Court is the
Decision1 dated February 12, 1999, issued by the
Issues: Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Malolos, Bulacan (Branch
Whether or not the court erred in holding the drug 11), finding Crispin Velarde y Bandojo guilty beyond
admissible in evidence against accused. reasonable doubt of rape with homicide in Criminal Case
No. 773-M-97. The decretal portion of the Decision reads
Ruling: as follows:
"WHEREFORE, this Court finds the accused
The contentions are devoid of merit. CRISPIN B. VELARDE GUILTY beyond reasonable doubt of
The right against unreasonable search and Rape with Homicide and hereby sentences him to suffer
seizure is a fundamental right protected by the the supreme penalty of Death and to indemnify the heirs
Constitution.16Evidence acquired in violation of this right of the victim the amount of P100,000.00 as actual
shall be inadmissible for any purpose in any damages."2
proceeding.17 Whenever this right is challenged, an "Accused declared on June 19, 1998 that he has
individual may choose between invoking the been detained since May 12, 1997 or more than one (1)
constitutional protection or waiving his right by giving year already because he was told that he was the one
consent to the search and seizure. It should be stressed, who committed a crime against his cousin Brenda
however, that protection is against transgression Candelaria. According to him, on the night of May 11,
committed by the government or its agent. As held by 1997 he was arrested while selling balot in Tikay, Malolos,
this Court in the case of People v. Marti,18 "[i]n the Bulacan, by four (4) Barangay Officials. When said
absence of governmental interference, liberties Barangay Officials asked him where he brought the child
guaranteed by the Constitution cannot be invoked Brenda Candelaria, he told them he 'don't know' [sic]. He
against the State."19 The constitutional proscription did not insist answering them 'because I don't know what
against unlawful searches and seizures applies as a they were asking about the child'. He just went with them
restraint directed only against the government and its because if he will not go with them 'di nila lulubayan and
agencies tasked with the enforcement of the law. Thus, it pamilya ko'. He was brought to the Barangay Hall of
could only be invoked against the State to whom the Barangay Tikay, Malolos, Bulacan. He was kicked and
restraint against arbitrary and unreasonable exercise of mauled by the father and brothers of Brenda. The father
power is imposed.20 of Brenda is his uncle and was the one who hurted [sic]
In the case before us, the baggage of the him. He was boxed several times, hitting him in all parts
accused-appellant was searched by the vessel security of his body. While he was being boxed, he told them to
personnel. It was only after they found "shabu" inside the stop because he did not know about the incident.
suitcase that they called the Philippine Coast Guard for Ruling of the Trial Court
assistance. The search and seizure of the suitcase and The RTC found the existence of enough
the contraband items was therefore carried out without circumstantial evidence pointing to appellant as the
government intervention, and hence, the constitutional culprit in the crime. It also found his written extrajudicial
protection against unreasonable search and seizure does confession admissible in evidence. As a consequence, it
not apply. convicted him of rape with homicide and imposed upon
There is no merit in the contention of the him the supreme penalty of death.
accused-appellant that the search and seizure performed Hence, this automatic review.9
by the vessel security personnel should be considered as Assignment of Errors
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In his Brief, appellant faults the court a quo for the place where the investigation was taken, could not
the following alleged errors:10 act as counsel, independent or otherwise, of appellant.
"FIRST ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR During the investigation, Atty. Domingo failed to
The trial court erred in relying merely on the act as the independent and competent counsel
weight and sufficiency of the circumstantial evidence envisioned by the Constitution. He failed to give any
adduced by the prosecution and the admissibility of the meaningful advice to protect the rights of appellant. The
extra-judicial confession of the accused contained in his former did not even bother to inform the latter of the
Sworn Statement made before the police authorities of consequences of an extrajudicial confession.
Malolos, Bulacan.
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direct relation to the offense for which the warrant is Whether or not the warrantless arrest is valid.
being issued.
Ruling:
The High Court also ruled, contrary to the claim
of the accused-appellant, is not a general warrant The warrantless arrest of, or warrantless search
because even if the warrant did not specify provision of and seizure conducted on, ABDUL constitute a valid
the law violated, it was nevertheless, specific on the exemption from the warrant requirement. The evidence
offense committed. clearly shows that on the basis of an intelligence
information that a carnapped vehicle was driven by
It further ruled that the operatives, although ABDUL, who was also a suspect of drug pushing, the
they themselves cannot be eyewitnesses to the crime, members of the CIDG of Laguna went around looking for
relied on a witness with personal knowledge of the the carnapped car. They spotted the suspected
offense, thus it is not hearsay information was used to carnapped car, which was indeed driven by ABDUL. While
secure evidence, notwithstanding the failure to attach the ABDUL was fumbling about in his clutch bag for the
disposition of the said witness. registration papers of the car the CIDG agents saw four
transparent sachets of shabu.[ These sachets of shabu
The address stated in the warrant was held as were therefore in "plain view" of the law enforcers.
specific as can be, supported by a detailed sketch of the
premises. It was ruled that a description of the place to Under the "plain view" doctrine, unlawful objects
be searched is sufficient if the officer serving the warrant within the plain view of an officer who has the right to be
can, with reasonable effort, ascertain and identify the in the position to have that view are subject to seizure
place intended and distinguish it from other places in the and may be presented in evidence. Nonetheless, the
community. A designation or description that points out seizure of evidence in plain view must comply with the
the place to be searched to the exclusion of all others, following requirements: (a) a prior valid intrusion in
and on inquiry unerringly leads the peace officers to it, which the police are legally present in the pursuit of their
satisfies the constitutional requirement of definiteness. official duties; (b) the evidence was inadvertently
discovered by the police who had the right to be where
There was also no violation of right to speedy they are; (c) the evidence must be immediately apparent;
trial, rejecting view that there was unjustified and willful and (d) the plain view justified mere seizure of evidence
delay of resolution of the case due to failure or willful without further search.
refusal of the witness to testify against him. This was
proven, among others, by issuance of warrants of arrest We are convinced beyond any shadow of doubt
against the witness and even punishing NBI supposedly under the circumstances above discussed that all the
having custody over the witness for contempt due to elements of seizure in plain view exist in the case at bar.
failure to produce the witness. Thus, the warrantless search and seizure conducted on
ABDUL, as well as his warrantless arrest, did not
Finding neither mitigating nor aggravating transgress his constitutional rights.
circumstances in the present case, appellant’s possession
of dangerous drugs, no matter how enormous, does not Supreme court affirmed in toto the decision of
merit capital punishment but only the lesser penalty of the lower court.
reclusion perpetua.
Pe People vs. Macalaba G.R. Nos. 146284-86 (395 Reyes vs. National Housing Authority
SCRA 461)
Facts:
Facts
An expropriation proceeding, separate from the
Accused was charged of Illegal Possession of current, transpired between petitioners and respondents.
Firearms and Ammunition, Possession of Forged Money The ruling ordered the respondent to pay the petitioner
and Possession of Dangerous Drugs. the defined just compensation and cost of proceedings.
On the order for search of a carnapped car After sometime the petitioner came before the
allegedly perpetrated by the accused, police officers court praying for forfeiture of the expropriation rights
made a search of the accused and luckily were able to because of the failure of the respondents to effectuate
tag down the accused. There they saw a gun. When the “public use” requirement in eminent domain.
pressed on the papers of the gun, they saw the forged Furthermore, the petitioner argued that the respondent
money and the sachet of shabu from the clutch bag of failed to implement the relocation proceedings which is
the accused. the purpose sought by the taking.
The lower court convicted the accused of The trial court dismissed the petition prayed for
possession of dangerous drugs and acquitted him of by the plaintiff. The Court of Appeals affirmed such
other charges for lack of evidence. dismissal.
Issue/s: Issue/s:
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Whether or not petitioner has the right to ask for said truck was in custodia legis; and (2) for ordering her
forfeiture of expropriation rights. arrest solely on the basis of the purported affidavits of
witnesses. These affidavits turned out to be “non-
Ruling: existing,” as indicated by a Certification by the Clerk of
Court.
The constitutional restraints in the exercise of
the power of eminent domain over private properties Issue/s:
upon just compensation, are public use and just
compensation. Whether or not the respondent judge is guilty as
charged for issuing the warrant of arrest basing on
Petitioners cannot insist on a restrictive view of non-existing affidavits.
the eminent domain provision of the Constitution by
contending that the contract for low cost housing is a Ruling:
deviation from the stated public use. It is now settled
doctrine that the concept of public use is no longer Respondent judge also gravely erred in ordering
limited to traditional purposes. Here, as elsewhere, the the arrest of complainant based on non-existing
idea that "public use" is strictly limited to clear cases of witnesses. In his order, he ruled that probable cause
"use by the public" has been abandoned. The term was established on the basis of witnesses’ affidavits
"public use" has now been held to be synonymous with allegedly submitted together with the Complaint.
"public interest," "public benefit," "public welfare," and However, a Certification issued by Clerk of Court attested
"public convenience.” to the fact that there were no affidavits of the witnesses
in a separate case against petitioner.
The act of respondent NHA in entering into a
contract with a real estate developer for the construction The assumption of office by respondent judge
of low cost housing on the expropriated lots to be sold to placed upon him duties and restrictions peculiar to his
qualified low income beneficiaries cannot be taken to exalted position. While the determination of probable
mean as a deviation from the stated public purpose of cause that would warrant the arrest of a person is subject
their taking. to “judicial discretion,” he should not have carelessly
used or abused such discretion. Also, while the lone
The Supreme Court likewise do not subscribe to affidavit of a complainant might have been sufficient to
petitioners’ contention that the stated public purpose was determine probable cause, respondent should have
abandoned when respondent NHA failed to occupy the nevertheless clearly indicated such fact in his Order of
expropriated lots by relocating squatters from the Metro Arrest. Instead, he made it appear that Atty. Serra had
Manila area. The expropriation judgment declared that submitted the affidavits of the latter’s witnesses’ along
respondent NHA has a lawful right to take petitioners with the Complaint. Further, respondent pretended that
properties "for the public use or purpose of expanding he had personally examined these Affidavits to show that
the Dasmariñas Resettlement Project." The taking here is he had ample basis to order Danao’s arrest. As a
absolute, without any condition, restriction or member of the judiciary, he must be beyond suspicion.
qualification. He must be perceived, not as a repository of arbitrary
power, but as one who dispenses justice under the
When land has been acquired for public use in sanction of the rule of law.
fee simple unconditionally, either by the exercise of
eminent domain or by purchase, the former owner Issuing a patently erroneous order and undue
retains no rights in the land, and the public use may be delay in rendering a ruling constitute serious and less
abandoned, or the land may be devoted to a different use, serious charges under Sections 8 and 9, respectively,
without any impairment of the estate or title acquired, or Rule 140 of the Rules of Court.
any reversion to the former owner.
Thus, Supreme Court fined the respondent judge
The Court ruled that non-payment of just and warned that a repetition of the same or similar acts
compensation does not entitle the private landowners to shall be dealt with more severely in the future.
recover possession of their expropriated lots.
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The trial court convicted the appellant of the crime of 1,200,766 square meters or 120.0766 hectares (“Lot”
possession of dangerous drugs but was acquitted with for brevity). The Lot is situated in Barangay San Isidro
other crimes. (formerly known as Boso-boso), Antipolo, Rizal, and
covered by Survey Plan Psu-162620. Attached to the
Issue/s: application was the technical description of the Lot as Lot
Psu-162620 signed by Robert C. Pangyarihan, Officer-in-
Whether or not the search was valid. Charge of the Survey Division, Bureau of Lands, which
stated, “[t]his survey is inside IN-12 Mariquina
Ruling: Watershed.” On March 24, 1986, petitioner Edna T.
Collado filed an Amended Application to include additional
The Constitution bars the admission of evidence co-applicants. Subsequently, more applicants joined
gathered in violation of the right against unreasonable (collectively referred to as “petitioners” for brevity).
search and seizure. In the present case, the illegal drug The Republic of the Philippines, through the
was searched for and found in a hut that has not been Solicitor General, and the Municipality of Antipolo,
proven to be owned, controlled, or used by appellant for through its Municipal Attorney and the Provincial Fiscal of
residential or any other purpose. Hence, he cannot be Rizal, filed oppositions to petitioners’ application. In due
held guilty of illegal possession of the illegal drug found course, the land registration court issued an order of
therein. general default against the whole world with the
exception of the oppositors.
The OSG argues that appellant is deemed to Petitioners alleged that they have occupied the
have waived his right to object to the legality of the Lot since time immemorial. Their possession has been
search and the admissibility of the evidence seized open, public, notorious and in the concept of owners.
through that search because, during the trial, he did not The Lot was surveyed in the name of Sesinando Leyva,
raise these issues. one of their predecessors-in-interest, as early as March
22, 1902. Petitioners declared the Lot for taxation
On the contrary, during the trial, appellant purposes and paid all the corresponding real estate taxes.
constantly questioned the legality of the search. This was The land registration court held that petitioners
manifested by his objection of admittance of evidence, had adduced sufficient evidence to establish their
testimony concerning the evident and the Demurrer To registrable rights over the Lot. Accordingly, the court
Evidence filed. rendered a decision confirming the imperfect title of
petitioners. The Solicitor General filed with the Court of
All told, without sufficient admissible evidence Appeals a Petition for Annulment of Judgment pursuant
against appellant, the prosecution failed to establish his to Section 9(2) of BP Blg. 129 on the ground that there
guilt with moral certainty. Not only did its evidence fall had been no clear showing that the Lot had been
short of the quantum of proof required for a conviction, it previously classified as alienable and disposable making it
has also failed to present any evidence at all. Under our subject to private appropriation. In a decision dated June
Bill of Rights, among the fundamental rights of the 22, 1992, the Court of Appeals granted the petition and
accused is to be presumed innocent until the contrary is declared null and void the decision dated January 30,
proved. To overcome such presumption, the prosecution 1991 of the land registration court on the ground that the
must establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Our private respondents failed to present any evidence
criminal justice system dictates that if the prosecution whatsoever that the land applied for as described in Psu-
fails to do so, it becomes not only the right of the 162620 has been segregated from the bulk of the public
accused to be set free, but also the constitutional duty of domain and declared by competent authority to be
the court to set them free. This principle leaves this Court alienable and disposable. And worse, the technical
no option but to acquit Appellant Antonio C. Estella for description of Psu-162620 signed by Robert C.
insufficiency of evidence. Pangyarihan, Officer-in-Charge, Survey Division, Bureau
of Lands, which was attached to the application of private
The appealed decision was set aside. respondents, categorically stated that "This survey is
inside IN-12 Mariquina Watershed”.
Edna Collado, et.al, vs. Court of Appeals and
Republic of The Philippines, thru the Director of
Lands , G. R. No. 107764. October 4, 2002 Issues:
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Constitution belong to the State. And Watershed Version of the Prosecution. Based on a
Reservation is a Natural Resource. confidential information that petitioner, Pedro Cupcupin is
In Municipality of Santiago, Isabela vs. Court of engaged in selling methamphetamine hydrochloride
Appeals, the Court declared that inalienable public lands - (shabu), and in possession of firearms and ammunitions
“x x x cannot be acquired by acquisitive without the necessary license, NBI Agent Timoteo Rejano
prescription. Prescription, both acquisitive and extinctive, of the National Capital Region, conducted a surveillance
does not run against the State. on the vicinity of petitioners residence at Int. David
‘The possession of public land, however long the Santos, C. Arellano Streets, Malabon, Metro Manila.After
period may have extended, never confers title thereto confirming said confidential information, Agent Rejano
upon the possessor because the statute of limitations applied for the issuance of search warrants before Judge
with regard to public land does not operate against the Romeo J. Callejo, of the Regional Trial Court of Manila,
State, unless the occupant can prove possession and Branch 49.
occupation of the same under claim of ownership for the Contention of the Accused. Petitioner contends
required number of years to constitute a grant from the that the items allegedly seized from his residence are
State.’ ” inadmissible as evidence because the search warrants
The evidence of record thus appears issuedagainst him failed to comply with the constitutional
unsatisfactory and insufficient to show clearly and and statutory requirements for the issuance of a valid
positively that the Lot had been officially released from search warrant. Specifically, petitioner claims that said
the Marikina Watershed Reservation to form part of the warrants were defective on the grounds that: (1) NBI
alienable and disposable lands of the public domain. Agent Timoteo Rejano who applied for the issuance
Supreme Court pronounced that once a parcel of land is thereof had no personal knowledge of the facts on which
included within a watershed reservation duly established the warrants were based; and (2) subject warrants failed
by Executive Proclamation, as in the instant case, a to particularly describe the place to be searched because
presumption arises that the land continues to be part of there are two houses (the residential house and the nipa
such Reservation until clear and convincing evidence of hut which is the workshop room) located in the address
subsequent declassification is shown. stated in the said warrants.
It is obvious, based on the facts on record that
neither petitioners nor their predecessors-in-interest Issues:
have been in open, continuous, exclusive and notorious
possession and occupation of the Lot for at least thirty 1. Whether the NBI agent who applied the
years immediately preceding the filing of the application issuance of the search warrants has personal
for confirmation of title. Even if they submitted sufficient knowledge of the facts on which the warrants
proof that the Lot had been excluded from the MWR upon were based.
the issuance of Proclamation No. 1283 on June 21, 1974, 2. Whether the subject warrants are able to
petitioners’ possession as of the filing of their application particularly describe the place to be searched.
on April 25, 1985 would have been only eleven years
counted from the issuance of the proclamation in 1974.
The result will not change even if we tack in the two Ruling:
years Sesinando Leyva allegedly possessed the Lot from
1902 until the issuance of EO 33 in 1904. Petitioners’ Yes, the NBI agent who applied the issuance of
case falters even more because of the issuance of the search warrants has personal knowledge of the facts
Proclamation No. 1637 on April 18, 1977. According to on which the warrants were based. In the case at bar,
then DENR Secretary Victor Ramos, Proclamation No. NBI Agent Timoteo Rejano who applied for the issuance
1637 reverted Lot A or the townsite reservation, where of Search Warrant Nos. 56-93 and 57-93, had personal
petitioners' Lot is supposedly situated, back to the MWR. knowledge ofthe circumstances on which the warrants
were based. Admittedly, Rejanos knowledge of
Pedro Cupcupin v. People of the Philippines, G.R. petitioners illegal possession of firearms and prohibited
No. 132389. November 19, 2002 drugs came from a confidential informant, and therefore,
initially hearsay. Nevertheless, the surveillance and
investigation he conducted on the basis of said
Facts: confidential information enabled him to gain personal
knowledge of the illegal activities of petitioner. Hence, his
This is a petition for review on certiorari, seeking testimony was sufficient justification for the examining
to set aside the November 27, 1997 decision of the Court judge to conclude that there was probable cause for the
of Appeals, in CA-G.R. CR No. 17334, which affirmed with issuance of a search warrant.
modification the November 18, 1994 decision of the Yes, the subject warrants are able to
Regional Trial Court of Malabon, Branch 170, wherein particularly describe the place to be searched. It is clear
petitioner Pedro Cupcupin was found guilty of the crimes that the workshop room where the packs of shabu were
of violation of Section 16, Article III, Republic Act 6425, found is actually an integral part of petitioner’s residence.
otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972, as Hence, it cannot be argued that there are two houses in
amended, and of violation of Section 1, Presidential the address stated in the warrants and that the same
Decree 1866, otherwise known as the Unlawful failed to particularly describe the place to be searched.
Possession of Firearms and Ammunition, in Criminal Case The rule is that a description of the place to be searched
No. 13374-MN and Criminal Case No.13375-MN. 5784, is sufficient if the officer with the warrant can, with
respectively. reasonable effort, ascertain and identify the place
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intended to be searched. Tested against the foregoing “Section 6. Means to carry jurisdiction into effect.
rule, the Court finds that the residence of petitioner When by law jurisdiction is conferred on a court or
stated in the warrants as Int. David Santos, C. Arellano judicial officer, all auxiliary writs, processes and other
Street, Malabon, Metro Manila, can with reasonable effort means necessary to carry it into effect may be employed
be ascertained and identified by the NBI agents who were by such court or officer; and if the procedure to be
ordered to search the above address, including the rooms followed in the exercise of such jurisdiction is not
located therein. specifically pointed out by law or by these rules, any
suitable process or mode of proceeding may be adopted
Supreme Court found the contention of the which appears conformable to the spirit of said law or
petitioner not meritorious. rules”
Arguments of the Complainant. Complainant
denied that she consented to the conversion of the
hearing on the motion to dismiss into a trial on the merits
of the criminal cases. According to complainant, there
Fredesminda Dayawon v. Judge Zeida Aurora B. was no order to this effect. Judge Garfin merely adopted
Garfin, Mtcc, Branch 2, Iriga City, A.M. NO. MTJ-01- her own rules of procedure to the prejudice of
1367. SEPTEMBER 5, 2002 complainant’s constitutional right to due process. Had
she known that the proceedings were already on the
merits; complainant stated she would have endeavored
Facts: to present other evidence in her defense. She reiterated
that the evidence presented in the criminal cases
In a verified letter-complaint dated June 25, pertained only to the motion to dismiss.
1999, complainant Fredesminda Dayawon charged Judge
Zeida Aurora B. Garfin of the Municipal Trial Court (MTC) Issues:
of Iriga City, Branch II, with ignorance of the law and
serious misconduct relative to Criminal Case Nos. 20420, Whether complainant is deprived of her constitutional
20424, 20426 and 20428, all entitled People of the right to due process.
Philippines v. Fredesminda Dayawon. Judge Garfin
allegedly convicted complainant, who was the accused in Ruling:
said cases for violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 22,
without conducting a trial on the merits. As a result, Yes, complainant is deprived of her
complainant was deprived of her day in court and was constitutional right to due process. Supreme Court
found guilty of the crime charged without due process of pronounced that conformably, a modified order of trial is
law. After arraignment and in the course of proceedings authorized whenever an accused admits the charge but
in the criminal cases, complainant’s counsel filed a interposes a lawful defense. This does not mean,
motion to dismiss (or a motion to quash) the however, that in such a case, trial could be dispensed
informations on the ground that the amount of the four with altogether. A judge must nonetheless ascertain
bouncing checks she issued have already been paid. On whether the defense put up by the accused could
December 2, 1996, Judge Garfin issued an order setting withstand judicial scrutiny. In other words, while the
the hearing on complainant’s motion to dismiss on burden of evidence is shifted to the accused to prove by
January 21, 1997. Pursuant to the trial courts directive, clear and convincing evidence that he is entitled to an
complainant presented evidence in support of her motion extenuating circumstance, the trial court is still duty-
to dismiss. Thereafter, the prosecution presented bound to establish that the accused, in fact, did not incur
evidence in support of its opposition. On August 24, 1998, any liability relative to his admission. Needless to say, a
the motion was submitted for resolution. On March 19, regular trial on the merits is necessary for this purpose.
1999, Judge Garfin rendered a joint judgment in the Furthermore, it was not for respondent judge to
criminal cases denying the Motion to Dismiss and unilaterally determine that the entire case was submitted
convicting the accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt of for decision without giving complainant the opportunity to
the offense charged. Apparently, Judge Garfin submit or at the very least, manifest if she had additional
simultaneously resolved complainant’s motion to dismiss evidence to prove her innocence. Granting that
and the criminal cases on the merits without setting the complainant was accorded the chance to offer proof as to
cases for trial. the alleged payment in support of her motion to dismiss,
Arguments of the Respondent. In view of it remained incumbent upon respondent judge to notify
complainant’s admission and the presentation of evidence complainant that the case will be decided on the merits.
for both parties at the hearing of the motion to dismiss, An accused in a criminal case must not be precluded from
Judge Garfin maintained that the proceedings were availing of every option allowed by the rules to adduce
converted into a full-dress hearing on the merits with the evidence in his defense. In this case, respondent judge
consent of both parties, who actively participated therein. deprived complainant of this opportunity when she
Judge Garfin further emphasized that with the admission adopted procedural shortcuts and decided the criminal
made by complainant that she issued the bad checks, the cases without conducting a trial on the merits. Contrary
burden of proving that she did not violate Batas to respondent judge’s claim, there is no showing that
Pambansa Blg. 22 shifted to her. Since there is no complainant consented to submit the cases for decision
specific provision in the Rules of Court governing such a without a trial. Neither could such consent be inferred
remedial situation, she applied Section 6, Rule 135, to from the active participation of complainant in the
wit: hearing of the motion to dismiss because,
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understandably, she participated therein under the inter alia, that Jimenez was the subject of an arrest
supposition that what was being heard at that time was warrant issued by the United States District Court for the
only her motion. The rules likewise do not sanction the Southern District of Florida on April 15, 1999. The
automatic conversion of a hearing on a motion to dismiss warrant had been issued in connection with the following
to a hearing on the merits of a case, in the absence of charges in Indictment No. 99-00281 CR-SEITZ: (1)
any clear waiver by the accused of his right to a regular conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit
trial. Consequently, respondent judge has no valid excuse certain offenses in violation of Title 18 US Code Section
for her error, which resulted in a violation of 371; (2) tax evasion, in violation of Title 26 US Code
complainant’s right to be properly heard on her defenses. Section 7201; (3) wire fraud, in violation of Title 18 US
Code Sections 1343 and 2; (4) false statements, in
violation of Title 18 US Code Sections 1001 and 2; and (5)
GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA illegal campaign contributions, in violation of Title 2 US
vs. Hon. GUILLERMO G. PURGANAN, Morales, and Code Sections 441b, 441f and 437g(d) and Title 18 US
Presiding Judge, Regional Trial Court of Manila, Code Section 2. In order to prevent the flight of Jimenez,
Branch 42; and MARK B. JIMENEZ a.k.a. MARIO the Petition prayed for the issuance of an order for his
BATACAN CRESPO, G.R. No. 148571. September 24, “immediate arrest” pursuant to Section 6 of PD No. 1069.
2002 Before the RTC could act on the Petition,
Respondent Jimenez filed before it an “Urgent
Facts: Manifestation/Ex-Parte Motion,” which prayed that
petitioner’s application for an arrest warrant be set for
This is a Petition for Certiorari under Rule 65 of hearing. In its assailed May 23, 2001 Order, the RTC
the Rules of Court, seeking to void and set aside the granted the Motion of Jimenez and set the case for
Orders dated May 23, 2001 and July 3, 2001 issued by hearing on June 5, 2001. In that hearing, petitioner
the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Manila, Branch 42.The manifested its reservations on the procedure adopted by
first assailed Order set for hearing petitioner’s application the trial court allowing the accused in an extradition case
for the issuance of a warrant for the arrest of Respondent to be heard prior to the issuance of a warrant of arrest.
Mark B. Jimenez. After the hearing, the court a quo required the parties to
Pursuant to the existing RP-US Extradition submit their respective memoranda. In his Memorandum,
Treaty, the United States Government, through Jimenez sought an alternative prayer: that in case a
diplomatic channels, sent to the Philippine Government warrant should issue, he be allowed to post bail in the
Note Verbale No. 0522 dated June 16, 1999, amount of P100,000. The alternative prayer of Jimenez
supplemented by Note Nos. 0597, 0720 and 0809 and was also set for hearing on June 15, 2001. Thereafter,
accompanied by duly authenticated documents the court below issued its questioned July 3, 2001 Order,
requesting the extradition of Mark B. Jimenez, also directing the issuance of a warrant for his arrest and
known as Mario Batacan Crespo. Upon receipt of the fixing bail for his temporary liberty at one million pesos in
Notes and documents, the secretary of foreign affairs cash. After he had surrendered his passport and posted
(SFA) transmitted them to the secretary of justice (SOJ) the required cash bond, Jimenez was granted provisional
for appropriate action, pursuant to Section 5 of liberty via the challenged Order dated July 4, 2001.
Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1069, also known as the
Extradition Law. Issues:
Upon learning of the request for his extradition,
Jimenez sought and was granted a Temporary 1. Whether respondent is entitled to notice and
Restraining Order (TRO) by the RTC of Manila, Branch 25. hearing before the issuance of a warrant of
The TRO prohibited the Department of Justice (DOJ) from arrest.
filing with the RTC a petition for his extradition. The 2. Whether is respondent entitled to bail?
validity of the TRO was, however, assailed by the SOJ in 3. Whether due process is violated in the
a Petition before this Court in the said GR No. 139465. immediate deprivation of appellant’s liberty prior
Initially, the Court -- by a vote of 9-6 -- dismissed the to his being heard.
Petition. The SOJ was ordered to furnish private
respondent copies of the extradition request and its Ruling:
supporting papers and to grant the latter a reasonable
period within which to file a comment and supporting No, respondent is not entitled to notice and
evidence. Acting on the Motion for Reconsideration filed hearing before the issuance of a warrant of arrest.
by the SOJ, this Court issued its October 17, 2000 Section 2 of Article III of the Constitution does not
Resolution. By an identical vote of 9-6 -- after three require a notice or a hearing before the issuance of a
justices changed their votes -- it reconsidered and warrant of arrest. It provides:
reversed its earlier Decision. It held that private
respondent was bereft of the right to notice and hearing “Sec. 2. The right of the people to be secure in
during the evaluation stage of the extradition process. their persons, houses, papers, and effects against
This Resolution has become final and executory. unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature
Finding no more legal obstacle, the Government and for any purpose shall be inviolable, and no search
of the United States of America, represented by the warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue except upon
Philippine DOJ, filed with the RTC on May 18, 2001, the probable cause to be determined personally by the judge
appropriate Petition for Extradition docketed as after examination under oath or affirmation of the
Extradition Case No. 01192061. The Petition alleged, complainant and the witnesses he may produce, and
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particularly describing the place to be searched and the of Rule 114 of the Rules of Court, applies only when a
persons or things to be seized.” person has been arrested and detained for violation of
Philippine criminal laws. It does not apply to extradition
To determine probable cause for the issuance of proceedings, because extradition courts do not render
arrest warrants, the Constitution itself requires only the judgments of conviction or acquittal. Moreover, the
examination -- under oath or affirmation -- of constitutional right to bail “flows from the presumption of
complainants and the witnesses they may produce. innocence in favor of every accused who should not be
There is no requirement to notify and hear the accused subjected to the loss of freedom as thereafter he would
before the issuance of warrants of arrest. In Ho v. People be entitled to acquittal, unless his guilt be proved beyond
and in all the cases cited therein, never was a judge reasonable doubt.” It follows that the constitutional
required to go to the extent of conducting a hearing just provision on bail will not apply to a case like extradition,
for the purpose of personally determining probable cause where the presumption of innocence is not at issue. The
for the issuance of a warrant of arrest. All we required provision in the Constitution stating that the “right to bail
was that the “judge must have sufficient supporting shall not be impaired even when the privilege of the writ
documents upon which to make his independent of habeas corpus is suspended” does not detract from the
judgment, or at the very least, upon which to verify the rule that the constitutional right to bail is available only in
findings of the prosecutor as to the existence of probable criminal proceedings. It must be noted that the
cause.” In Webb v. De Leon, the Court categorically suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus
stated that a judge was not supposed to conduct a finds application “only to persons judicially charged for
hearing before issuing a warrant of arrest: rebellion or offenses inherent in or directly connected
with invasion.” Hence, the second sentence in the
“Again, we stress that before issuing warrants of constitutional provision on bail merely emphasizes the
arrest, judges merely determine personally the right to bail in criminal proceedings for the
probability, not the certainty of guilt of an accused. In aforementioned offenses. It cannot be taken to mean
doing so, judges do not conduct a de novo hearing to that the right is available even in extradition proceedings
determine the existence of probable cause. They just that are not criminal in nature.
personally review the initial determination of the
prosecutor finding a probable cause to see if it is No, his detention prior to the conclusion of the
supported by substantial evidence.” extradition proceedings does not amount to a violation of
his right to due process. The essence of due process is
That the case under consideration is an the opportunity to be heard but, at the same time, point
extradition and not a criminal action is not sufficient to it does not always call for a prior opportunity to be heard.
justify the adoption of a set of procedures more Where the circumstances -- such as those present in an
protective of the accused. If a different procedure were extradition case -- call for it, a subsequent opportunity
called for at all, a more restrictive one -- not the opposite to be heard is enough. In the present case, respondent
-- would be justified in view of respondent’s will be given full opportunity to be heard subsequently,
demonstrated predisposition to flee. Since this is a when the extradition court hears the Petition for
matter of first impression, we deem it wise to restate the Extradition. Hence, there is no violation of his right to
proper procedure: Upon receipt of a petition for due process and fundamental fairness.There is no
extradition and its supporting documents, the judge must arbitrariness, either, in the immediate deprivation of his
study them and make, as soon as possible, a prima facie liberty prior to his being heard. That his arrest and
finding whether (a) they are sufficient in form and detention will not be arbitrary is sufficiently ensured by
substance, (b) they show compliance with the Extradition (1) the DOJ’s filing in court the Petition with its
Treaty and Law, and (c) the person sought is extraditable. supporting documents after a determination that the
At his discretion, the judge may require the submission of extradition request meets the requirements of the law
further documentation or may personally examine the and the relevant treaty; (2) the extradition judge’s
affiants and witnesses of the petitioner. If, in spite of independent prima facie determination that his arrest will
this study and examination, no prima facie finding is best serve the ends of justice before the issuance of a
possible, the petition may be dismissed at the discretion warrant for his arrest; and (3) his opportunity, once he is
of the judge. On the other hand, if the presence of a under the court’s custody, to apply for bail as an
prima facie case is determined, then the magistrate must exception to the no-initial-bail rule.
immediately issue a warrant for the arrest of the
extraditee, who is at the same time summoned to answer People of the Philippines vs. Susan Canton, G.R. No.
the petition and to appear at scheduled summary 148825. December 27, 2002
hearings. Prior to the issuance of the warrant, the judge
must not inform or notify the potential extraditee of the
pendency of the petition, lest the latter be given the Facts:
opportunity to escape and frustrate the proceedings. In
our opinion, the foregoing procedure will “best serve the Susan Canton (hereafter SUSAN) was charged
ends of justice” in extradition cases. before the Regional Trial Court of Pasay City with the
violation of Section 16 of Article III of the Dangerous
No, the respondent is not entitled to enjoy the Drugs Act of 1972 (Republic Act No. 6425. On February
constitutional right to bail. As suggested by the use of 12, 1998 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, was
the word “conviction,” the constitutional provision (Article found possessing nine hundred ninety eight point two
III, Section 13 of the Constitution), as well as Section 4 eight hundred zero nine (998.2809) GRAMS of
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methamphetamine hydrochloride, a regulated drug, warrantless search and subsequent seizure of the
without the corresponding prescription or license. regulated drugs, as well as the arrest of SUSAN, were not
Version of the Prosecution. Susan was at the violative of her constitutional rights. Sections 2 and 3(2)
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), being a of Article III of the 1987 Constitution provides:
departing passenger bound for Saigon, Vietnam. When Sec. 2. The right of the people to be secure in
she passed through the metal detector booth, a beeping their persons, houses, papers and effects against
sound was emitted. Upon frisking SUSAN, a civilian unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature
employee of the National Action Committee on Hijacking and for any purpose shall be inviolable, and no search
and Terrorism (NACHT) named Mylene felt something warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue except upon
bulging at her abdominal area. Mylene inserted her hand probable cause to be determined personally by the judge
under the skirt of SUSAN, pinched the package several after examination under oath or affirmation of the
times and noticed that the package contained what felt complainant and the witnesses he may produce, and
like rice granules. When Mylene passed her hand, she felt particularly describing the place to be searched and the
similar packages in front of SUSAN’s genital area and persons or things to be seized. XXX
thighs. She asked SUSAN to bring out the packages, but Sec. 3…. (2) Any evidence obtained in violation
the latter refused and said that was money only. Mylene of this or the preceding section shall be inadmissible for
forthwith reported the matter to SPO4 Victorio de los any purpose in any proceeding.
Reyes, her supervisor on duty who in turn instructed
Mylene to call Customs Examiner Lorna Jalac and bring The rule is that the Constitution bars State
SUSAN to a comfort room for a thorough physical intrusions to a person's body, personal effects or
examination. Upon further frisking in the ladies’ room, residence except if conducted by virtue of a valid search
Mylene touched something in front of SUSAN’s sex organ. warrant issued in compliance with the procedure outlined
She directed SUSAN to remove her skirt, girdles and in the Constitution and reiterated in the Rules of Court.
panty. SUSAN obliged. Mylene and Lorna discovered The interdiction against warrantless searches and
three packages individually wrapped and sealed in gray seizures is not absolute. The recognized exceptions
colored packing tape, which SUSAN voluntarily handed to established by jurisprudence are (1) search of moving
them. Together with SUSAN, they brought the gray vehicles; (2) seizure in plain view; (3) customs searches;
plastic packs to the customs examination table, opened (4) waiver or consented searches; (5) stop and frisk
the same and found that they contained white crystalline situations (Terry search); and (6) search incidental to a
substances which, when submitted for laboratory lawful arrest.
examination, yielded positive results for In the present case, the search was made
methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, a regulated pursuant to routine airport security procedure, which is
drug. SUSAN signed a receipt of the articles seized from allowed under Section 9 of Republic Act No. 6235 reading
her. For the defense, SPO2 Jerome Cause, an as follows:
investigator of the First Regional Aviation Office, testified SEC. 9. Every ticket issued to a passenger by
that he informed SUSAN of her constitutional rights but the airline or air carrier concerned shall contain among
admitted that she did not have a counsel when she others the following condition printed thereon: “Holder
signed the receipt. Yet he told her that she had the hereof and his hand-carried luggage(s) are subject to
option to sign or not to sign the receipt. search for , and seizure of, prohibited materials or
Version of the Accused. After the trial court substances. Holder refusing to be searched shall not be
rendered a decision finding SUSAN guilty beyond allowed to board the aircraft,” which shall constitute a
reasonable doubt of the alleged offense, SUSAN filed a part of the contract between the passenger and the air
Motion for Reconsideration and/or New Trial, alleging carrier.
therein that the trial judge erred in upholding the This constitutes another exception to the
presumption of regularity in the performance of duty of proscription against warrantless searches and seizures.
police officers, since lady frisker Mylene Cabunoc is not In the case of People v. Johnson, which involves
even a police officer. SUSAN also assailed the propriety similar facts and issues, The Court held in this wise:
of the search and seizure without warrant on the ground Persons may lose the protection of the search and seizure
that the seized items were not in plain view. clause by exposure of their persons or property to the
public in a manner reflecting a lack of subjective
Issues: expectation of privacy, which expectation society is
prepared to recognize as reasonable. Such recognition is
1. Whether the warrantless search against Susan implicit in airport security procedures. With increased
was legal. concern over airplane hijacking and terrorism has come
2. Whether the arrest of Susan was legal. increased security at the nation’s airports. Passengers
3. Whether the constitutional right to counsel attempting to board an aircraft routinely pass through
afforded an accused under custodial metal detectors; their carry-on baggage as well as
investigation was violated. checked luggage are routinely subjected to x-ray scans.
Should these procedures suggest the presence of
suspicious objects, physical searches are conducted to
determine what the objects are. There is little question
Ruling: that such searches are reasonable, given their minimal
intrusiveness, the gravity of the safety interests involved,
Yes, the warrantless search against Susan and the reduced privacy expectations associated with
was legal. Supreme Court pronounced that the airline travel. Indeed, travelers are often notified
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through airport public address systems, signs, and was taken from her during her detention and used in
notices in their airline tickets that they are subject to evidence against her. Hence, her claim of violation of her
search and, if any prohibited materials or substances are right to counsel has no leg to stand on.
found, such would be subject to seizure. These
announcements place passengers on notice that ordinary PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES vs. DANILO ASIS y
constitutional protections against warrantless searches FONPERADA and GILBERT FORMENTO y
and seizures do not apply to routine airport procedures. SARICONGR 142531, 15 October 2002
Yes, the appellant, having been caught
flagrante delicto, was lawfully arrested without a
warrant. Section 5, Rule 113 of the Rules of Court, as Facts:
amended, provides: Danilo Asis y Fonperada and Gilbert Formento y
SEC. 5. Arrest without warrant; when lawful. -- Saricon were charged in an Information dated 18
A peace officer or a private person may, without a February 1998; the information stating “That on or about
warrant, arrest a person: February 10, 1998, in the City of Manila, Philippines, the
When, in his presence, the person to be arrested said accused, conspiring and confederating together and
has committed, is actually committing, or is attempting mutually helping each other, did then and there wilfully,
to commit an offense; unlawfully and feloniously, with intent to gain and by
When an offense has just been committed and means of force and violence upon person, to wit: by then
he has probable cause to believe based on personal and there stabbing one YU HING GUAN @ ROY CHING
knowledge of facts or circumstances that the person to with a bladed instrument on the different parts of the
be arrested has committed it; and body thereafter take, rob and carry away the following,
When the person to be arrested is a prisoner to wit: Cash money in the amount of P20,000.00; one (1)
who has escaped from a penal establishment or place wristwatch’ one (1) gold necklace; and undetermined
where he is serving final judgment or is temporarily items; or all in the total amount of P20,000.00 more or
confined while his case is pending, or has escaped while less, belonging to said YU HING GUAN @ ROY CHING
being transferred from one confinement to another. against his will, to the damage and prejudice of the said
The present case falls under paragraph (a) of owner in the aforesaid amount more or less of
the afore-quoted Section. The search conducted on P20,000.00, Philippine Currency, and as a result thereof,
SUSAN resulted in the discovery and recovery of three he sustained mortal stab wounds which were the direct
packages containing white crystalline substances, which and immediate cause of his death.” When arraigned on 9
upon examination yielded positive results for July 1998, both accused pleaded not guilty. Found to be
methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu. As discussed deaf-mutes, they were assisted, not only by a counsel de
earlier, such warrantless search and seizure were legal. oficio, but also by an interpreter from the Calvary Baptist
Armed with the knowledge that SUSAN was committing a Church. The prosecution presented 9 witnesses. Although
crime, the airport security personnel and police none of them had actually seen the crime committed,
authorities were duty-bound to arrest her. As held in strong and substantial circumstantial evidence presented
People v. Johnson, her subsequent arrest without a by them attempted to link both accused to the crime.
warrant was justified, since it was effected upon the After due trial, both accused were found guilty and
discovery and recovery of shabu in her person flagrante sentenced to death. The Regional Trial Court (RTC) of
delicto. Manila (Branch 54; Criminal Case 98-163090), on 8
No, the constitutional right to counsel March 2000, held that the “crime charged and proved is
afforded an accused under custodial investigation robbery with homicide under Article 294, No. 1 of the
was not violated. Entrenched is the rule that the rights Revised Penal Code,” ruled that “although no witnesses
provided in Section 12, Article III of the Constitution may to the actual killing and robbery were presented, the
be invoked only when a person is under “custodial circumstantial evidence including the recovery of
investigation” or is “in custody interrogation.” Custodial bloodstained clothing from both accused definitely proved
investigation refers to the “questioning initiated by law that the two (2) x x x committed the crime,” and
enforcement officers after a person has been taken into appreciated the aggravating circumstances of abuse of
custody or otherwise deprived of his freedom of action in confidence, superior strength and treachery and thus
any significant way.” This presupposes that he is sentenced both accused to the supreme penalty of death.
suspected of having committed a crime and that the Hence, the automatic review before the Supreme Court.
investigator is trying to elicit information or a confession Both the accused do not question the legality of their
from him. And the right to counsel attaches upon the arrest, as they made no objection thereto before the
start of such investigation. The objective is to prohibit arraignment, but object to the introduction of the
“incommunicado” interrogation of individuals in a police- bloodstained pair of shorts allegedly recovered from the
dominated atmosphere, resulting in self-incriminating bag of Formento; arguing that the search was illegally
statements without full warnings of constitutional rights. done, making the obtainment of the pair of shorts illegal
In this case, as testified to by the lone witness and taints them as inadmissible. The prosecution, on the
for the defense, SPO2 Jerome Cause, no custodial other hand, contends that it was Formento’s wife who
investigation was conducted after SUSAN’s arrest. She voluntarily surrendered the bag that contained the
affixed her signature to the receipt of the articles seized bloodstained trousers of the victim, and thus claims that
from her, but before she did so, she was told that she her act constituted a valid consent to the search without
had the option to sign or not to sign it. In any event, her a warrant.
signature to the packages was not relied upon by the
prosecution to prove its case. Moreover, no statement
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Facts:
Whether the voluntarily surrender by Formento’s wife of
the bag that contained the bloodstained trousers of the
This is for automatic review of the Decision
victim constitutes a valid consent to the search without a
dated October 8, 1998, issued by the Regional Trial Court
warrant on the part of Formento.
of Calamba, Laguna, Branch 36, in Criminal Case Nos.
5015-96-C and 5016-96-C. The trial court found
Ruling: Guillermo Samus guilty beyond reasonable of two counts
of murder.
NO, the voluntarily surrender by Formento’s Samus, appellant, was a farmer, tilling and
wife of the bag that contained the bloodstained trousers living in the land of Miguel Completo at Barangay Niugan,
of the victim does not constitute a valid consent to the Cabuyao, Laguna. The victims, sixty two (62) year old
search without a warrant on the part of Formento. Dedicacion Balisi and her grandson, six (6) year old John
Primarily, the constitutional right against unreasonable Ardee Balisi, were the neighbors of appellant’s father at
searches and seizures, being a personal one, cannot be San Ramon de Canlubang, Brgy. Canlubang, Calamba,
waived by anyone except the person whose rights are Laguna.
invaded or who is expressly authorized to do so on his or Version of the Prosecution. On September 2,
her behalf. In the present case, the testimonies of the 1996, 4th PNP Criminal Investigation Group Regional
prosecution witnesses show that at the time the Office at Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba, Laguna received
bloodstained pair of shorts was recovered, Formento, a telephone call from a local barangay official informing
together with his wife and mother, was present. Being them of the victims’ deaths. Arriving at the victims’
the very subject of the search, necessarily, he himself residence at Block 8, Lot 6 at San Ramon, Brgy.
should have given consent. Since he was physically Canlubang, Calamba, Senior Police (SP) Inspector Rizaldy
present, the waiver could not have come from any other H. Garcia the team found a pair of maong pants, a white
person. Lopez vs. Commissioner of Customs does not T-shirt, a handkerchief and dirty slippers in the bathroom
apply as the accused therein was not present when the and roof of the house. A pair of earrings worn by
search was made. Further, to constitute a valid waiver, it Dedicacion Balisi was reported missing from her body. On
must be shown that first, the right exists; second, the September 10, 1996, Major Jose Pante of the Criminal
person involved had knowledge, actual or constructive, of Investigation Group received information that appellant
the existence of such a right; and third, the person had was the principal suspect in the killing of the two (2)
an actual intention to relinquish the right. Herein, victims and that he was sighted inside the residence of
Formento could not have consented to a warrantless spouses Rolly and Josie Vallejo at Barangay Macabling,
search when, in the first place, he did not understand Sta. Rosa, Laguna. His team, accompanied by local
what was happening at that moment. There was no barangay authorities, went to Vallejo spouses’ house and
interpreter to assist him — a deaf-mute — during the shortly thereafter, they heard loud footsteps on the roof.
arrest, search and seizure. The point in the case Pasion Rushing outside, they saw appellant crawling on the roof.
vda. de Garcia v. Locsin, i.e. “as the constitutional They ordered him to stop, but he suddenly jumped from
guaranty is not dependent upon any affirmative act of the roof and landed hard on the ground, sustaining an
the citizen, the courts do not place the citizen in the injury on his ankle and bruises on his left and right
position of either contesting an officer’s authority by force, forearm. At that point, the police team closed in on
or waiving his constitutional rights; but instead they hold appellant who, while trembling and shaking, admitted the
that a peaceful submission to a search or seizure is not a killings upon a query from Rolly Vallejo. Appellant was
consent or an invitation thereto, but is merely a brought to the Camp Vicente Lim PNP Investigation Office
demonstration of regard for the supremacy of the law,” where he was informed of his constitutional rights by
becomes even more pronounced in the present case, in SPO3 Alex Malabanan. In the morning of September 11,
which Formento is a deaf-mute, and there was no 1996, appellant, assisted by Atty. Arturo Juliano, gave his
interpreter to explain to him what was happening. His statement admitting the killings. Later that day, SPO3
seeming acquiescence to the search without a warrant Mario Bitos was able to recover the pawned earrings from
may be attributed to plain and simple confusion and Ponciano, to whom appellant allegedly pawned the same,
ignorance. The bloodstained pair of shorts was a piece of who turned them over to SPO3 Malabanan.
evidence seized on the occasion of an unlawful search Version of the Defense. Alleging denial and alibi
and seizure. Thus, it is tainted and should thus be as defenses, appellant presents his version of the
excluded for being the proverbial fruit of the poisonous incident. He alleged that he was brought to Camp Vicente
tree. In the language of the fundamental law, it shall be Lim where he was tortured until he lost his consciousness.
inadmissible in evidence for any purpose in any On the same night, he was brought to a hospital, was
proceeding. Lastly, as to evidence vis-a-is the case in its given medicine, then brought back to the cell where he
totality, circumstantial evidence that merely arouses was handcuffed at the door of the cell. The CIS got hold
suspicions or gives room for conjecture is not sufficient to of the medical certificate. He was forced by the CIS to
convict. It must do more than just raise the possibility, or admit the killing of the victims and the sale of jewelry by
even the probability, of guilt. It must engender moral means of torture and threat. He also testified that he was
certainty. Otherwise, the constitutional presumption of forced to execute a document admitting the killing. He
innocence prevails, and the accused deserves acquittal. was forced to sign said document. He did not know Atty.
Juliano and did not talk to him. According to witness
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Vallejo, appellant Guillermo Samus was in their house at committed.” Evidently, they unlawfully arrested appellant
about 6:00 p.m. of September 10, 1996. It was then on September 10, 1996.
that CIS operative together with their Brgy. Captain
entered their house, arrested and handcuffed appellant. Yes, the confession made by appellant to the
It was not true that accused Guillermo Samus hid himself media while in police custody is admissible as evidence.
on the roof of her house. When the accused was Supreme Court clarified that after being illegally arrested,
arrested by the CIS men, together with the barangay appellant was not informed of his constitutional rights to
officials, the other persons present were the witness and remain silent and to have competent and independent
her 3 children. The police were not armed with a warrant counsel. Hence, any admission elicited from him by the
of arrest or search warrant. On cross-examination, he law enforcers during custodial investigation is normally
testified that media interviewed him 2 days after his inadmissible in evidence. Nonetheless, even if the
arrest. He and his relatives in Laguna did not have the uncounselled admission per se may be inadmissible,
capacity to hire/secure the services of a lawyer. under the present circumstances Supreme Court cannot
rule it out because of appellant’s failure to make timely
objections. Indeed, the admission is inadmissible in
Issues: evidence under Article III, Section 12(1) and (3) of the
Constitution, because it was given under custodial
investigation and was made without the assistance of
1. Whether the arrest of appellant is counsel. However, the defense failed to object to its
lawful. presentation during the trial, with the result that the
2. Whether the confession made by defense is deemed to have waived objection to its
appellant to the media while in police admissibility.
custody be admissible as evidence.
3. Whether the testimony of Pontaños No, the testimony of Pontaños and the picture
and the picture of a pair of earrings of a pair of earrings together with the turnover receipt,
together with the turnover receipt, which appellant identified during his testimony, cannot be
which appellant identified during his considered inadmissible as the fruit of the poisonous tree.
testimony, be considered inadmissible Upon examination of the records, we find that during the
as the fruit of the poisonous tree and entire examination in court of Prosecution Witness
hence be disregarded at this stage of Pontaños, appellant did not question or object to the
appeal. admissibility of the former’s testimony. Worse, the
latter’s counsel even freely cross-examined the witness
without any reservations. Having made no objection
Ruling:
before the trial court, appellant cannot raise this question
for the first time on appeal.i[21] The evidence having been
No, the arrest was unlawful. The police officers’
admitted without objection, we are not inclined to reject
version of the arrest is incredible. Supreme Court finds it
it. If only appellant had made a timely objection to the
hard to believe that anyone would jump from the roof of
admissibility of the said testimony, the prosecution could
a two-story house to escape and, after landing on the
have been warned of the need to present additional
ground without any broken bones, make a complete
evidence to support its case. To disregard
turnaround and just meekly surrender without further
unceremoniously a major portion of its case at this late
ado. Even if this story were true, jumping from a roof is
stage when it can no longer present additional evidence
not a crime that would justify the warrantless arrest of
as substitute for that which is now claimed to be
appellant. It is undisputed that when the CIS team went
inadmissible goes against fundamental fairness. Be that
to the Vallejo residence on the evening of September 10,
as it may, and even if Supreme Court affirmed
1996, it had no warrant of arrest against appellant. Yet,
appellant’s conviction for murder, the Court does not
they arrested him. Under the Rules, peace officers may,
agree with the trial court’s imposition of the death
without a warrant, arrest a person under any of these
sentence, because the proven aggravating circumstance
circumstances: (a) when, in their presence, the person to
of dwelling was not alleged in the Information.
be arrested has committed, is actually committing, or is
attempting to commit, an offense; (b) when an offense
Pimentel, et al. vs. House of Representatives
has just been committed, and they have probable cause
Electoral Tribunal , GR 141489, 29 November 2002;
to believe, based on personal knowledge of facts or
circumstances, that the person to be arrested has
Facts:
committed it; and (c) when the person to be arrested is a
prisoner who has escaped while being transferred from
On 11 May 1998, in accordance with the Party-
one confinement to another, or from a penal
List System Act which took effect on 3 March 1995,
establishment where he or she is serving final judgment
national elections were held which included, for the first
or is temporarily confined while the case is pending. None
time, the election through popular vote of party-list
of these circumstances was present when members of
groups and organizations whose nominees would become
the Criminal Investigation Group (CIG) arrested appellant.
members of the House. Proclaimed winners were 14
He was not a prisoner. The killing of Dedicacion and John
party-list representatives from 13 organizations,
Ardee Balisi was not done in the presence of the arresting
including Melvyn D. Eballe, Leonardo Q. Montemayor,
officers. Since it took place on September 2, 1996, it
Cresente C. Paez, Loretta Ann P. Rosales and Patricia M.
could not have been considered as “having just been
Sarenas from party-list groups Association of Philippine
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2. There is no grave abuse in the action or lack beginning February 1994 and until its billing cycle
of action by the HRET and the CA in response to the beginning February 1998. Separate Motions for
letters of Senator Pimentel. Under Sections 17 and 18 of Reconsideration filed by the petitioners were denied by
Article VI of the 1987 Constitution and their internal rules, the Court of Appeals.
the HRET and the CA are bereft of any power to
reconstitute themselves. Petitioners seek before the Court a reversal of
the decision of the Court of Appeals.
Republic of the Philippines, Represented by Energy
Regulatory Board vs. Manila Electric Company, G.R. Issues:
No. 141314. November 15, 2002
1. Whether the private property used for a public
Facts: purpose is subjected to regulation under the police
power of the State.
On December 23, 1993, MERALCO filed with the 2. Whether there is a proper delegation of
Energy Regulatory Board (ERB) an application for the legislative power to Energy regulation Board with
revision of its rate schedules. The application reflected an regard to the fixing of the rate of energy watts.
average increase of 21 centavos per kilowatt/hour (kwh) 3. Whether the issue on fixing the energy watt rate
in its distribution charge. The application also included a can be subjected for judicial review.
prayer for provisional approval of the increase pursuant
to Section 16(c) of the Public Service Act and Section 8 of Ruling:
Executive Order No. 172.
On January 28, 1994, the ERB issued an Order 1. Yes, the private property used for a
granting a provisional increase of P0.184 per kwh, public purpose be subjected to regulation under the
subject to the condition that in the event the Board finds police power of the State. The regulation of rates to be
that the applicant is entitled to a lesser increase in rates, charged by public utilities is founded upon the police
all excess amounts collected from the applicant’s powers of the State and statutes prescribing rules for the
customers shall either be refunded to them or control and regulation of public utilities are a valid
correspondingly credited in their favor for application to exercise thereof. When private property is used for a
electric bills covering future consumptions. public purpose and is affected with public interest, it
ceases to be juris privati only and becomes subject to
On February 11, 1997, the COA submitted its regulation. The regulation is to promote the common
Audit Report SAO No. 95-07 (the COA Report) which good. Submission to regulation may be withdrawn by the
contained, among others, the recommendation not to owner by discontinuing use; but as long as use of the
include income taxes paid by MERALCO as part of its property is continued, the same is subject to public
operating expenses for purposes of rate determination regulation. In regulating rates charged by public utilities,
and the use of the net average investment method for the State protects the public against arbitrary and
the computation of the proportionate value of the excessive rates while maintaining the efficiency and
properties used by MERALCO during the test year for the quality of services rendered. However, the power to
determination of the rate base. regulate rates does not give the State the right to
prescribe rates which are so low as to deprive the public
Subsequently, the ERB rendered its decision utility of a reasonable return on investment. Thus, the
adopting the above recommendations and authorized rates prescribed by the State must be one that yields a
MERALCO to implement a rate adjustment in the average fair return on the public utility upon the value of the
amount of P0.017 per kwh, effective with respect to property performing the service and one that is
MERALCOs billing cycles beginning February 1994. The reasonable to the public for the services rendered.[10
ERB further ordered that the provisional relief in the The fixing of just and reasonable rates involves a
amount of P0.184 per kilowatt/hour granted under the balancing of the investor and the consumer interests. In
Boards Order dated January 28, 1994 is hereby his famous dissenting opinion in the 1923 case of
superseded and modified and the excess average amount Southwestern Bell Tel. Co. v. Public Service Commission,
of P0.167 per kilowatt/hour starting with [MERALCOs] Mr. Justice Brandeis wrote:
billing cycles beginning February 1994 until its billing The thing devoted by the investor to the public
cycles beginning February 1998, be refunded to use is not specific property, tangible and intangible, but
[MERALCOs] customers or correspondingly credited in capital embarked in an enterprise. Upon the capital so
their favor for future consumption. The ERB held that invested, the Federal Constitution guarantees to the
income tax should not be treated as operating expense utility the opportunity to earn a fair return. However, the
as this should be borne by the stockholders who are Constitution does not guarantee to the utility the
recipients of the income or profits realized from the opportunity to earn a return on the value of all items of
operation of their business hence, should not be passed property used by the utility, or of any of them. The
on to the consumers. investor agrees, by embarking capital in a utility, that its
charges to the public shall be reasonable. His company is
On appeal, the Court of Appeals set aside the the substitute for the State in the performance of the
ERB decision insofar as it directed the reduction of the public service, thus becoming a public servant. The
MERALCO rates by an average of P0.167 per kwh and the compensation which the Constitution guarantees an
refund of such amount to MERALCOs customers
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opportunity to earn is the reasonable cost of conducting the public. The rate of return of a public utility is not
the business. prescribed by statute but by administrative and judicial
pronouncements. This Court has consistently adopted a
2. Yes, there was a proper delegation 12% rate of return for public utilities. The rate base, on
of legislative power to Energy regulation Board the other hand, is an evaluation of the property devoted
with regard to the fixing of the rate of energy watts. by the utility to the public service or the value of invested
The ERB was created under Executive Order No. 172 to capital or property which the utility is entitled to a return.
regulate, among others, the distribution of energy
resources and to fix rates to be charged by public utilities Joel M. Sanvicente vs. People of the Philippines ,
involved in the distribution of electricity. In the fixing of G.R. No. 132081. November 26, 2002
rates, the only standard which the legislature is required
to prescribe for the guidance of the administrative Facts:
authority is that the rate be reasonable and just. It has
been held that even in the absence of an express Petitioner was charged with homicide for the
requirement as to reasonableness, this standard may be killing of one Dennis Wong y Chua. Petitioner fatally shot
implied. What is a just and reasonable rate is a question the victim outside the Far East Bank along Katipunan
of fact calling for the exercise of discretion, good sense, Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City after the latter
and a fair, enlightened and independent judgment. The allegedly attempted to rob him of a large amount of cash
requirement of reasonableness comprehends such rates which he had just withdrawn from the automatic teller
which must not be so low as to be confiscatory, or too machine.
high as to be oppressive. In determining whether a rate Responding policemen found the lifeless body of
is confiscatory, it is essential also to consider the given the victim at the parking space in front of the Far East
situation, requirements and opportunities of the utility. Bank and Trust Company Branch along Katipunan Road,
Settled jurisprudence holds that factual findings of Loyola Heights, Quezon City. Recovered at the scene
administrative bodies on technical matters within their were five empty caliber .45 shells, two live caliber .45
area of expertise should be accorded not only respect but bullets and an ATM card in the name of Violeta
even finality if they are supported by substantial evidence Sanvicente. Petitioner’s counsel, Atty. Leonardo A.
even if not overwhelming or preponderant. In one case, Valmonte, turned over to Police Station 9 petitioner’s .45
we cautioned that courts should "refrain from substituting caliber Mark IV pistol bearing Serial No. 5504095. He
their discretion on the weight of the evidence for the also wrote a letter addressed to P/Major Antonio Diaz,
discretion of the Public Service Commission on questions Station Commander of PNP Station 9, CPDC, Anonas
of fact and will only reverse or modify such orders of the Road, Quezon City which serves as a voluntary surrender
Public Service Commission when it really appears that of his client, however, without admission of guilt. At his
the evidence is insufficient to support their conclusions." arraignment, petitioner pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution filed its Formal Offer of Exhibits,
3. Yes, the issue on fixing of energy which included the above-quoted letter of petitioner’s
watt rate can be subjected for judicial review to counsel to P/Maj. Antonio Diaz, marked as Exhibit LL
determine whether the administrative body is which the trial court. Meanwhile, petitioner begged leave
acting within the limit of its power and discretion. to file a demurrer to evidence, which was granted by the
While the power to fix rates is a legislative function, trial court. Hence, on August 29, 1996, petitioner filed a
whether exercised by the legislature itself or delegated Motion To Dismiss (On Demurrer to Evidence), based on
through an administrative agency, a determination of the following grounds: (1) the lack of positive
whether the rates so fixed are reasonable and just is a identification of the accused is a fatal omission
purely judicial question and is subject to the review of warranting dismissal; (2) prosecution’s evidence are
the courts. In the cases at bar, findings and conclusions totally hearsay/incompetent, hence, inadmissible and the
of the ERB on the rate that can be charged by MERALCO guilt of the accused was not proven by positive evidence
to the public should be respected. The function of the beyond reasonable doubt.
court, in exercising its power of judicial review, is to On October 7, 1996, the trial court issued an
determine whether under the facts and circumstances, Order dismissing the case together with the civil aspect
the final order entered by the administrative agency is thereof for insufficiency of evidence. The prosecution filed
unlawful or unreasonable. Thus, to the extent that the a motion for reconsideration, which was denied on the
administrative agency has not been arbitrary or ground, among others, that with the dismissal of the case
capricious in the exercise of its power, the time-honored double jeopardy had set in. Prosecution filed a petition
principle is that courts should not interfere. The principle for certiorari with the Court of Appeals which was granted
of separation of powers dictates that courts should by the appellate court and nullified the October 7, 1996
hesitate to review the acts of administrative officers Order of the trial court. Petitioner’s motion for
except in clear cases of grave abuse of discretion. In reconsideration was denied.
determining the just and reasonable rates to be charged
by a public utility, three major factors are considered by Issues:
the regulating agency: a) rate of return; b) rate base and
c) the return itself or the computed revenue to be earned Whether the Court of Appeals’ nullification of trial
by the public utility based on the rate of return and rate court’s order dismissing the case is repugnant to the
base. The rate of return is a judgment percentage which, right against double jeopardy of the petitioner.
if multiplied with the rate base, provides a fair return on
the public utility for the use of its property for service to
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Ruling:
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According to the supreme court, the President Thereafter, PEA was granted patent to the reclaimed
has the power to reorganized an office to achieve areas of land and then, years later, PEA entered into
simplicity ,economy and efficiency as provided under EO a JVA with AMARI for the development
292 sec. 31 and section 48 of RA 7645 which provides of the Freedom Islands. These two entered into a
that activities of executive agencies may be scaled down joint venture in the absence of any public bidding.
if it is no longer essential for the delivery of public service.
Later, a privilege speech was given by Senator
WHEREFORE, the Motion to Admit Petition for En Banc President Maceda denouncing the JVA as the
resolution and the Petition for an En Banc Resolution are grandmother of all scams. An investigation was
DENIED for lack of merit. Let entry of judgment be made conducted and it was concluded that the lands that PEA
in due course. No costs. was conveying to
AMARI were lands of the public domain; the certific
BAROT VS. COMELEC (2003) ates of title over the
Freedom Islands were void; and the JVA itself was
Facts: illegal. This prompted Ramos to form an investigatory
committee on the legality of the JVA.
In the May 14, 2001 elections Barot was proclaimed Formatted: issue_1
the 10th winning candidate for councilor of Tanjay City, Petitioner now comes and contends that the govern
Negros Oriental. On May 29, 2001 the Chairman of the ment stands to lose
Board of Canvassers sent a Memorandum to the billions by the conveyance or sale of the reclaimed
COMELEC requesting for authority to correct the
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areas to AMARI. He also asked for the full disclosure ruling on the validity of the termination of her
of the renegotiations happening between the parties. employment. In Resolution 00-1265 dated 24 May 2000
the CSC upheld her dismissal for lack of attestation and
Issues: prolonged absence without official leave from the time
she was removed from her post in September 1998 as a
W/N stipulations in the amended JVA for the tran result of Special Order 477-P. Gania moved for
sfer to AMARI of the lands, reclaimed or to be reconsideration. In Resolution 01-0558 dated 8 March
reclaimed, violate the Constitution. 2001 the CSC found merit in her motion, declared her
removal from office as illegal, exonerated her from the
Ruling: charge of being on absence without official leave and
ordered her reinstatement as Director II and Manila
The ownership of lands reclaimed from foreshore Information and Liaisoning Officer of MSU but disallowed
and submerged areas is rooted in the Regalian doctrine, the payment of back salaries for the period she was not
which holds that the State owns all lands and waters of working as a result of the illegal dismissal. The CSC
the public domain. explained the non-payment of her back wages, i.e. "the
incumbency of Dr. Gania is governed by the principle of
The 1987 Constitution recognizes the Regalian 'quantum meruit' (as you work so shall you earn). In
doctrine. It declares that all other words, her entitlement to compensation depends
natural resources are owned by the State and excep on her actual performance of work. Short of approval by
t for alienable the Commission, the appointment while already effective,
agricultural lands of the public domain, natural resou by itself is not a basis for payment of salary but the
rces cannot be alienated. assumption of duties of her office x x x x Such being the
case, Dr. Gania is not entitled to compensation for the
The Amended JVA covers a reclamation area of 750 period that she was not reporting to work." MSU moved
hectares. Only 157.84 hectares of the 750 hectare for reconsideration of CSC Resolution 01-0558 dated 8
reclamation project have been reclaimed, and the rest of March 2001, while Gania moved for its early execution.
the area are still submerged areas forming part of Manila In Resolution 01-1225 dated 19 July 2001, the CSC
Bay. Further, it is provided that AMARI will reimburs denied MSU’s motion for reconsideration and ordered its
e the actual costs in reclaiming the areas of land and it President to allow Gania to assume and exercise the
will shoulder the other reclamation costs to be incurred. functions of Manila Information and Liaisoning Officer.
MSU appealed from the denial of its motion for
The foreshore and submerged areas of Manila Bay are reconsideration under Rule 43 of the 1997 Rules of Civil
part of the lands of Procedure (CA-GR SP-66188), to the Court of Appeals,
the public domain, waters and other natural resourc but the appellate court did not issue any restraining order
es and consequently owned by the State. As such, or injunction to prevent the execution of the resolution
foreshore and submerged areas shall not be on appeal. Gania did not seek a review of any of the
alienable unless they are classified as agricultural la resolutions of the CSC including the order denying back
nds of the public domain. The mere reclamation of salaries and other benefits for the period she was out of
these areas by the PEA doesn’t convert work. She instead pursued her prayer for reinstatement
these inalienable natural resources of the State into but MSU refused to employ her back. Hence, she was
alienable and disposable lands of the public compelled to file a second motion for the execution of
domain. There must be a law or presidential CSC Resolution 01-0558 dated 8 March 2001, citing Sec.
proclamation officially classifying these reclaimed land 82 of the Revised Uniform Rules on Administrative Cases
s as alienable and in the Civil Service, which states that “[t]he filing and
disposable if the law has reserved them for some p pendency of petition for review with the Court of Appeals
ublic or quasi-public use. or certiorari with the Supreme Court shall not stop the
execution of the final decision of the Commission unless
Constantino-David vs. Pangandaman-Gania (GR the Court issues a restraining order or an injunction.” In
156039, 14 August 2003) Resolution 01-1616 dated 4 October 2001 the CSC
granted Gania’s motion and held that “CSC Resolution
Facts: 01-0558 dated 8 March 2001 has attained finality and
must be immediately implemented,” as it again ordered
Zenaida D. Pangandaman-Gania is a Director II the MSU President to reinstate Gania. On 8 October 2001
and Manila Information and Liaisoning Officer of the Gania for the first time questioned the portion of CSC
Mindanao State University (MSU). She has been holding Resolution 01-0558 dated 8 March 2001 prohibiting the
this position after the confirmation of her appointment by payment of back wages and other benefits to her for the
the MSU Board of Regents on 1 June 1995. On 2 October period that her employment was terminated, and moved
1998 Gania received a copy of Special Order 477-P dated for the modification of the resolution by granting her the
28 September 1998 designating a certain Agnes relief prayed for. On 29 October 2001 the Court of
Mangondato as Acting Director in her place in view of the Appeals dismissed MSU’s petition for review on the
alleged expiration of her term and was no longer allowed ground that the certificate of non-forum shopping was
to report for work. She verified the status of her not personally signed by pertinent officers of the
appointment and found out that her appointment was not university but by its counsel of record. MSU moved for
submitted to the Civil Service Commission for attestation. reconsideration of the dismissal. On 12 December 2001,
Gania immediately brought the matter to the CSC for a there being still no action on her request to be paid her
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back salaries and other benefits, Gania moved for an of the illegal dismissal that had been done to her and
immediate ruling thereon. On 21 February 2002 the amount to endorsing the wrongful refusal of her
Court of Appeals denied MSU’s motion for reconsideration employer or whoever was accountable to reinstate her. A
of the dismissal of its petition for review for lack of merit. too-rigid application of the pertinent provisions of the
On 28 February 2002 the CSC in Resolution No. 02-0321 Revised Uniform Rules on Administrative Cases in the
denied Gania’s motion. Without the aid of an attorney, Civil Service as well as the Rules of Court will not be
Gania appealed CSC Resolution 02-0321 dated 28 given premium where it would obstruct rather than serve
February 2002 to the Court of Appeals under Rule 43 of the broader interests of justice in the light of the
the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure (CA-GR SP 69668). In prevailing circumstances in the case under consideration.
her petition for review, she did not mention that she did
not seek a review of CSC Resolution 01-0558 dated 8 There is more than substantial evidence
March 2001 which was the real object of her appeal. In in the record consisting of the general payroll and
addition, she impleaded only Chairperson Karina attendance sheets to prove that Gadia assumed and
Constantino-David and Commissioners Jose F. Erestain Jr. exercised the functions of Director II and Manila
and Waldemar V. Valmores of the CSC, but did not name Information and Liaisoning Officer at MSU as early as
as the Mindanao State University or any of its officers. On June 1995 after the MSU Board of Regents approved her
28 October 2002 the Court of Appeals partially found permanent appointment which was issued earlier on 10
merit in Gania’s petition for review. The Court of Appeals April 1995. It cannot be refuted that in September 1998
ruled that back wages should be paid to Gania from the she was terminated from the service on the alleged
time of her illegal dismissal until she was ordered ground of expiration of her term and stopped from
reinstated by the CSC as Director II of MSU on 8 March performing the functions of her position, and
2001, but excluded the period after the CSC had ordered subsequently reinstated to her job upon the declaration
MSU to admit Gania back to work since the damages she of the CSC that her dismissal from the service was illegal.
suffered for that period were chargeable in the proper Clearly, the CSC gravely erred when thereafter it ruled
forum against the MSU President who in bad faith refused that Gania did not actually assume and perform the
to abide by the relevant CSC resolutions. On 3 January duties of her position so as to deprive her of back wages
2003 the OSG filed the present petition for review under and other benefits. As held in Gabriel v. Domingo, an
Rule 45, 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, allegedly in behalf illegally dismissed government employee who is later
of the Chairman and Commissioners of the CSC. ordered reinstated is entitled to back wages and other
monetary benefits from the time of his illegal dismissal
Issues: up to his reinstatement. This is only fair and sensible
because an employee who is reinstated after having been
Whether the Court can still take jurisdiction of the illegally dismissed is considered as not having left his
issue of backwages even if Gania had lost the right to office and should be given a comparable compensation at
ask for the modification of CSC Resolution 01-0558 the time of his reinstatement. Gania cannot be faulted for
dated 8 March 2001 and to demand compensation for her inability to work or to render any service from the
her back salaries and other benefits. time she was illegally dismissed up to the time of her
reinstatement. The policy of “no work, no pay” cannot be
Whether Gania is entitled to receive back salaries and applied to her, for such distressing state of affairs was
other benefits for the period that she was illegally not of her own making or liking even as her family
dismissed. suffered tremendously as a consequence of her removal
and while she was jobless. Verily, to withhold her back
Ruling: salaries and other benefits during her illegal dismissal
would put to naught the constitutional guarantee of
There are special circumstances in accordance security of tenure for those in the civil service. However,
with the tenets of justice and fair play that warrant such MSU cannot be made to pay all accruing back salaries
liberal attitude on the part of the CSC and a and other benefits in favor of Gania. MSU as a
compassionate like-minded discernment by this Court. To government institution must compensate Gania with back
begin with, Gania was consistently denied reinstatement salaries and other benefits only from the time of her
by the responsible officers of MSU and vehemently barred illegal dismissal, which according to the case record
from resuming her previous position. The first order for began sometime in October 1998, until the motion for
her return to work was issued on 8 March 2001 which reconsideration of the MSU was denied and a writ of
was followed by repeated personal appeals for the execution for Gania’s reinstatement as Director II and
immediate execution of the CSC resolution. Thereafter, Manila Information and Liaisoning Officer was issued. The
when Gania was still forced out of work, the CSC issued reckoning period is not 8 March 2001 as determined by
its second and third orders on 19 July 2001 and 4 the appellate court but 19 July 2001 when CSC
October 2001, respectively, for the President of MSU to Resolution 01-1225 was promulgated wherein the motion
restore her to the item from which she was illegally for reconsideration of the MSU was denied with finality
dismissed. As these private requests and official and the latter was explicitly commanded to allow Gania
directives were cruelly rejected by her employer and the to assume and exercise the functions of Director II and
period of her unemployment was unduly prolonged, Manila Information and Liaisoning Officer. For, a final
Gania had no choice and was compelled to ask for back decision of the CSC is immediately executory unless a
salaries and other benefits to offset the callous motion for reconsideration is filed in the meantime. The
repudiation of what was due her. To prevent Gania from back wages and other benefits accruing after 19 July
claiming back wages would leave incomplete the redress 2001 are to be treated separately since they must be
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collected in the proper forum wherein the assertions of encroached on the religious freedom of Muslim
malice and ill will in the failure to reinstate Gania to her organizations like herein petitioner to interpret for Filipino
post are threshed out and the concerned parties given Muslims what food products are fit for Muslim
the full opportunity to be heard. Until such separate consumption. Also, by arrogating to itself the task of
proceeding has been instituted and decided, it is issuing halal certifications, the State has in effect forced
premature to fix the liability for this portion of Gania’s Muslims to accept its own interpretation of the Qur'an
back wages and other benefits upon either the and Sunnah on halal food. Only the prevention of an
government as represented by MSU or the accountable immediate and grave danger to the security and welfare
officers thereof. of the community can justify the infringement of religious
freedom. If the government fails to show the seriousness
ISLAMIC DA'WAH COUNCIL OF THE PHILIPPINES, and immediacy of the threat, State intrusion is
INC (IDCP) vs. Office of the Executive Secretary, et constitutionally unacceptable. In a society with a
al (2003) democratic framework like ours, the State must minimize
its interference with the affairs of its citizens and instead
Facts: allow them to exercise reasonable freedom of personal
and religious activity. There is no compelling justification
Petitioner IDCP, a corporation that operates for the government to deprive Muslim organizations, like
under DSWD, is a non-governmental organization that herein petitioner, of their religious right to classify a
extends voluntary services to the Filipino people, product as halal, even on the premise that the health of
especially to Muslim communities. Among the functions Muslim Filipinos can be effectively protected by assigning
petitioner carries out is to conduct seminars, orient to OMA the exclusive power to issue halal certifications.
manufacturers on halal food and issue halal certifications The protection and promotion of the Muslim Filipinos'
to qualified products and manufacturers. On October 26, right to health are already provided for in existing laws
2001, respondent Office of the Executive Secretary and ministered to by government agencies charged with
issued EO 46 5 creating the Philippine Halal Certification ensuring that food products released in the market are fit
Scheme and designating respondent Office on Muslim for human consumption, properly labeled and safe. Unlike
Affairs (OMA) to oversee its implementation. Under the EO 46, these laws do not encroach on the religious
EO, respondent OMA has the exclusive authority to issue freedom of Muslims. With these regulatory bodies given
halal certificates and perform other related regulatory detailed functions on how to screen and check the quality
activities. Petitioner contends that the subject EO violates and safety of food products, the perceived danger against
the constitutional provision on the separation of Church the health of Muslim and non-Muslim Filipinos alike is
and State and that it is unconstitutional for the totally avoided. The halal certifications issued by
government to formulate policies and guidelines on the petitioner and similar organizations come forward as the
halal certification scheme because said scheme is a official religious approval of a food product fit for Muslim
function only religious organizations, entity or scholars consumption. The petition is GRANTED. Executive Order
can lawfully and validly perform for the Muslims. 46, s. 2000, is hereby declared NULL AND VOID.
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hisOrder dated May 16, 2001.-May 18, 2001, respondent filed , we ruled that “(a)decision is void for lack of
with the Court of Appeals a petition for certiorari with due process if, as a result,a party (as in this case) is
prayer for issuance of a temporary restraining order deprived of theopportunity of being heard-Indeed, in
and/or awrit of preliminary injunction challenging the depriving respondent her constitutionaland procedural
trialcourt’s Order dated April 19, 2001 which denied right to due process, the trial courtgravely abused its
her motion to dismiss; and Order dated April 30, discretion. It is, therefore,imperative that the instant
2001cancelling the April 30, 2001 hearing and resetting case for declaration of nullity of marriage be litigated
it on May 2 and 3, 2001.-Acting thereon, the Court of anew in accordance with the Rules.
Appeals, in a Resolutiondated May 23, 2001, enjoined the
trial court fromconducting further proceedings in Civil MACALINTAL VS. COMELEC, ROMULO, and
Case No. S-695.Meanwhile, on May 15, 2001 the trial court BONCODIN (2003)
rendered its Decision declaring the nullity of the marriage
between the parties on the ground of Facts:
psychologicalincapacity on the part of herein respondent
-July 13, 2001, the Court of Appeals rendered a Petitioner Macalintal files a petition for certiorari
Decision granting respondent’s petition for and prohibition, seeking a declaration that certain
certioraristating: “Petitioner had until April 16, 2001 provisions of R.A. No. 9189 (The Overseas Absentee
within which to file a ‘Motion to Dismiss’ under Section Voting Act of 2003) are unconstitutional. The Court
1,Rule 16 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure or file an upholds petitioner’s right to file the instant petition,
Answer to the complaint. However, she opted to file on stating in essence that the petitioner has seriously and
April 10, 2001, a ‘Motion to Dismiss,’ instead of filing an convincingly presented an issue of transcendental
Answer to the complaint. The filing of said motion significance to the Filipino people, considering that public
suspended the period for her to file herAnswer to the funds are to be used and appropriated for the
complaint. Until said motion isr esolved by the implementation of said law.
Respondent Court with finality, itbehooved the (1) That Section 5(d) of R.A. No. 9189 ing the
Respondent Court to suspend thehearings of the case on registration of voters who are immigrants or permanent
the merits… What is so triteis that the Respondent Court residents in other countries, by their mere act of
violated its own Orderdated February 27, 2001, declaring executing an affidavit expressing their intention to return
that the hearing of the case on its merits will ensue only to the Philippines, violates the residency requirement in
after thePetitioner shall have filed her ‘Answer’ to Art. V, Sec. 1 of the Constitution;
thecomplaint” (2) That Section 18.5 of the same law
empowering the COMELEC to proclaim the winning
Issues: candidates for national offices and party list
representatives, including the President and the Vice-
WON the CA erred in nullifying the orders of the trial President, violates the constitutional mandate under Art.
court. VII, Sec. 4 of the Constitution that the winningcandidates
for President and Vice-President shall be proclaimed as
Ruling: winners only by Congress; and
(3) That Section 25 of the same law, allowing
No. Congress (through the Joint Congressional Oversight
-the trial court did not observe the rudimentary Committee created in the same section) to exercise the
principle of due process enshrined in our Constitution. power to review, revise, amend, and approve the
Neither did it comply with pertinent procedural rules.-the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) that the
trial court, without even waiting for respondent’s motion COMELEC shall promulgate, violates the independence of
for reconsideration of the April 19, 2001Order denying the COMELEC under Art. IX-A, Sec. 1 of the Constitution.
her motion to dismiss, hurriedly setthe case for hearing.
Also, without allowing therespondent to file her answer to Issues:
the petition and
knowing there was no joinder of issues as yet, 1) Whether or not Section 5(d) of R.A. No. 9189 is
thetrial court hastily authorized petitioner to present violative of Art. V, Sec. 1 of the Constitution.
hisevidence 2) Whether or not Section 18.5 of R.A. No. 9189 is
ex-parte violative of Art. VII, Sec. 4 of the Constitution.
-Pursuant to Section 3 (e), Rule 9 of the 1997 3) Whether or not Section 25 of R.A. No. 9189 is
Rulesof Civil Procedure, as amended, where the violative of Art. IX-A, Sec. 1 of the Constitution.
defendingparty fails to file his or her answer to the
petition, thetrial court should order the prosecutor to Ruling:
intervenefor the State by conducting an investigation
todetermine whether or not there was collusionbetween 1) NO. Section 5(d) of R.A. No. 9189 is not
the parties. Here, the trial courtdisregarded such violative of Art. V, Sec. 1 of the Constitution.
procedure-As stated at the outset, respondent received 2) YES. Section 18.5 of R.A. No. 9189, with
thenotice of hearing only on May 8, 2001. So how respect only to the votes of the President and Vice-
couldshe be present in court on May 2 and 3- President, and not to the votes of the Senators and
party-list representatives, is violative of Art. VII, Sec. 4
In Uy vs. Court of Appeals of the Constitution.
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3) YES. Section 25 of R.A. No. 9189, with (Citibank) the value of the checks intended as payment
respect only to the second sentence in its second to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue?
paragraph allowing Congress to exercise the power to
review, revise, amend, and approve the IRR that the Ruling:
COMELEC shall promulgate, is violative of Art. IX-A, Sec.
1 of the Constitution. (1) The general rule is that if the master is
injured by the negligence of a third person and by the
PCIB v. CA (G. R. Nos. 121413 and 121479 & G. R. concuring contributory negligence of his own servant or
No. 128604) agent, the latter's negligence is imputed to his superior
and will defeat the superior's action against the third
Facts: person, asuming, of course that the contributory
negligence was the proximate cause of the injury of
This case is composed of three consolidated which complaint is made. As defined, proximate cause is
petitions involving several checks, payable to the Bureau that which, in the natural and continuous sequence,
of Internal Revenue, but was embezzled allegedly by an unbroken by any efficient, intervening cause produces
organized syndicate. the injury and without the result would not have occurred.
I. G. R. Nos. 121413 and 121479 It appears that although the employees of Ford initiated
On October 19, 1977, plaintiff Ford issued a the transactions attributable to an organized syndicate, in
Citibank check amounting to P4,746,114.41 in favor of our view, their actions were not the proximate cause of
the Commissioner of Internal Revenue for the payment of encashing the checks payable to the CIR. The degree of
manufacturer’s taxes. The check was deposited with Ford's negligence, if any, could not be characterized as
defendant IBAA (now PCIB), subsequently cleared the the the proximate cause of the injury to the parties. The
Central Bank, and paid by Citibank to IBAA. The proceeds mere fact that the forgery was committed by a drawer-
never reached BIR, so plaintiff was compelled to make a payor's confidential employee or agent, who by virtue of
second payment. Defendant refused to reimburse plaintiff, his position had unusual facilities for perpertrating the
and so the latter filed a complaint. An investigation fraud and imposing the forged paper upon the bank, does
revealed that the check was recalled by Godofredo Rivera, notentitle the bank toshift the loss to the drawer-payor,
the general ledger accountant of Ford, and was replaced in the absence of some circumstance raising estoppel
by a manager’s check. Alleged members of a syndicate against the drawer. This rule likewise applies to the
deposited the two manager’s checks with Pacific Banking checks fraudulently negotiated or diverted by the
Corporation. Ford filed a third party complaint against confidential employees who hold them in their possession.
Rivera and PBC. The case against PBC was dismissed. (2) We have to scrutinize, separately, PCIBank's
The case against Rivera was likewise dismissed because share of negligence when the syndicate achieved its
summons could not be served. The trial court held ultimate agenda of stealing the proceeds of these checks.
Citibank and PCIB jointly and severally liable to Ford, but a. G. R. Nos. 121413 and 121479
the Court of Appeals only held PCIB liable. On record, PCIBank failed to verify the authority
II. G. R. No. 128604 of Mr. Rivera to negotiate the checks. The neglect of
Ford drew two checks in favor of the PCIBank employees to verify whether his letter
Commissioner of Internal Revenue, amounting to requesting for the replacement of the Citibank Check No.
P5,851,706.37 and P6,311,591.73. Both are crossed SN-04867 was duly authorized, showed lack of care and
checks payable to payee’s account only. The checks prudence required in the circumstances. Furthermore, it
never reached BIR, so plaintiff was compelled to make was admitted that PCIBank is authorized to collect the
second payments. Plaintiff instituted an action for payment of taxpayers in behalf of the BIR. As an agent of
recovery against PCIB and Citibank. BIR, PCIBank is duty bound to consult its principal
On investigation of NBI, the modus operandi regarding the unwarranted instructions given by the
was discovered. Gorofredo Rivera made the checks but payor or its agent. It is a well-settled rule that the
instead of delivering them to BIR, passed it to Castro, relationship between the payee or holder of commercial
who was the manager of PCIB San Andres. Castro paper and the bank to which it is sent for collection is, in
opened a checking account in the name of a fictitious the absence of an argreement to the contrary, that of
person “Reynaldo Reyes”. Castro deposited a worthless principal and agent. A bank which receives such paper for
Bank of America check with the same amount as that collection is the agent of the payee or holder.
issued by Ford. While being routed to the Central Bank Indeed, the crossing of the check with the
for clearing, the worthless check was replaced by the phrase "Payee's Account Only," is a warning that the
genuine one from Ford. check should be deposited only in the account of the CIR.
The trial court absolved PCIB and held Citibank Thus, it is the duty of the collecting bank PCIBank to
liable, which decision was affirmed in toto by the Court of ascertain that the check be deposited in payee's account
Appeals. only. Therefore, it is the collecting bank (PCIBank) which
is bound to scrutinize the check and to know its
Issues: depositors before it could make the clearing indorsement
"all prior indorsements and/or lack of indorsement
(1) Whether there is contributory negligence on the guaranteed".
part of Ford Lastly, banking business requires that the one
(2) Has petitioner Ford the right to recover from the who first cashes and negotiates the check must take
collecting bank (PCIBank) and the drawee bank some precautions to learn whether or not it is genuine.
And if the one cashing the check through indifference or
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other circumstance assists the forger in committing the being an officer/leader of the Communist Party of the
fraud, he should not be permitted to retain the proceeds Philippines (CPP) aggravated by circumstances of
of the check from the drawee whose sole fault was that it contempt and insult to public officers, subversion by a
did not discover the forgery or the defect in the title of band and aid of armed men to afford impunity. 2.) Nilo
the person negotiating the instrument before paying the Tayag and 5 others, for being members/leaders of the
check. For this reason, a bank which cashes a check NPA, inciting, instigating people to unite and overthrow
drawn upon another bank, without requiring proof as to the Philippine Government. Attended by Aggravating
the identity of persons presenting it, or making inquiries Circumstances of Aid or Armed Men, Craft, and Fraud.
with regard to them, cannot hold the proceeds against The trial court is of opinion that 1.) The Congress
the drawee when the proceeds of the checks were usurped the powers of the judge 2.) Assumed judicial
afterwards diverted to the hands of a third party. In such magistracy by pronouncing the guilt of the CPP without
cases the drawee bank has a right to believe that the any forms of safeguard of a judicial trial. 3.) It created a
cashing bank (or the collecting bank) had, by the usual presumption of organizational guilt by being members of
proper investigation, satisfied itself of the authenticity of the CPP regardless of voluntariness.
the negotiation of the checks. Thus, one who encashed a
check which had been forged or diverted and in turn The Anti Subversive Act of 1957 was approved
received payment thereon from the drawee, is guilty of 20June1957. It is an act to outlaw the CPP and similar
negligence which proximately contributed to the success associations penalizing membership therein, and for
of the fraud practiced on the drawee bank. The latter other purposes. It defined the Communist Party being
may recover from the holder the money paid on the although a political party is in fact an organized
check. conspiracy to overthrow the Government, not only by
b. G. R. No. 128604 force and violence but also by deceit, subversion and
In this case, there was no evidence presented other illegal means. It declares that the CPP is a clear
confirming the conscious participation of PCIBank in the and present danger to the security of the Philippines.
embezzlement. As a general rule, however, a banking Section 4 provided that affiliation with full knowledge of
corporation is liable for the wrongful or tortuous acts and the illegal acts of the CPP is punishable. Section 5 states
declarations of its officers or agents within the course and that due investigation by a designated prosecutor by the
scope of their employment. A bank will be held liable for Secretary of Justice be made prior to filing of information
the negligence of its officers or agents when acting within in court. Section 6 provides for penalty for furnishing
the course and scope of their employment. It may be false evidence. Section 7 provides for 2 witnesses in open
liable for the tortuous acts of its officers even as regards court for acts penalized by prision mayor to death.
that species of tort of which malice is an essential Section 8 allows the renunciation of membership to the
element. In this case, we find a situation where the CCP through writing under oath. Section 9 declares the
PCIBank appears also to be the victim of the scheme constitutionality of the statute and its valid exercise
hatched by a syndicate in which its own management under freedom if thought, assembly and association.
employees had participated. But in this case,
responsibility for negligence does not lie on PCIBank's Issues:
shoulders alone.
Citibank failed to notice and verify the absence (1) Whether or not RA1700 is a bill of attainder/ ex
of the clearing stamps. For this reason, Citibank had post facto law.
indeed failed to perform what was incumbent upon it,
which is to ensure that the amount of the checks should (2) Whether or Not RA1700 violates freedom of
be paid only to its designated payee. The point is that as expression.
a business affected with public interest and because of
the nature of its functions, the bank is under obligation to
treat the accounts of its depositors with meticulous care, Ruling:
always having in mind the fiduciary nature of their
relationship. Thus, invoking the doctrine of comparative The court holds the VALIDITY Of the Anti-
negligence, we are of the view that both PCIBank and Subversion Act of 1957.
Citibank failed in their respective obligations and both
were negligent in the selection and supervision of their A bill of attainder is solely a legislative act. It punishes
employees resulting in the encashment of Citibank Check without the benefit of the trial. It is the substitution of
Nos. SN 10597 AND 16508. Thus, we are constrained to judicial determination to a legislative determination of
hold them equally liable for the loss of the proceeds of guilt. In order for a statute be measured as a bill of
said checks issued by Ford in favor of the CIR. attainder, the following requisites must be present: 1.)
The statute specifies persons, groups. 2.) the statute is
PEOPLE VS. FERRER [48 SCRA 382; NOS.L-32613- applied retroactively and reach past conduct. (A bill of
14; 27 DEC 1972] attainder relatively is also an ex post facto law.)
Facts: In the case at bar, the statute simply declares the CPP as
an organized conspiracy for the overthrow of the
Hon. Judge Simeon Ferrer is the Tarlac trial court judge Government for purposes of example of SECTION 4 of
that declared RA1700 or the Anti-Subversive Act of 1957 the Act. The Act applies not only to the CPP but also to
as a bill of attainder. Thus, dismissing the information of other organizations having the same purpose and their
subversion against the following: 1.) Feliciano Co for successors. The Act’s focus is on the conduct not person.
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CA reversed RTC.
Membership to this organizations, to be UNLAWFUL, it
must be shown that membership was acquired with the Ruling:
intent to further the goals of the organization by overt
acts. This is the element of MEMBERSHIP with 1. Administrative bodies had (a) quasi-
KNOWLEDGE that is punishable. This is the required legislative or rule-making powers and (b) quasi-judicial
proof of a member’s direct participation. Why is or administrative adjudicatory powers. Quasi-legislative
membership punished. Membership renders aid and or rule-making power is the power to make rules and
encouragement to the organization. Membership makes regulations which results in delegated legislation that is
himself party to its unlawful acts. within the confines of the granting statute and the
doctrine of non-delegability and separability of powers.
Furthermore, the statute is PROSPECTIVE in nature. To be valid, such rules and regulations must conform to,
Section 4 prohibits acts committed after approval of the and be consistent with, the provisions of enabling statute.
act. The members of the subversive organizations before Quasi-judicial or administrative adjudicatory power is the
the passing of this Act is given an opportunity to escape power to hear and determine questions of fact to which
liability by renouncing membership in accordance with the legislative policy is to apply and to decide in
Section 8. The statute applies the principle of mutatis accordance with the standards laid down by law itself in
mutandis or that the necessary changes having been enforcing and administering the same law. In carrying
made. out their quasi-judicial functions, the administrative
officers or bodies are required to investigate facts or
The declaration of that the CPP is an organized ascertain the existence of facts, hold hearings, weigh
conspiracy to overthrow the Philippine Government evidence, and draw conclusions from them for their
should not be the basis of guilt. This declaration is only a official action and exercise of discretion in a judicial.
basis of Section 4 of the Act. The EXISTENCE OF
SUBSTANTIVE EVIL justifies the limitation to the exercise 2. The determination of whether a specific rule
of “Freedom of Expression and Association” in this matter. or set of rules issued by an administrative body
Before the enactment of the statute and statements in contravenes the law or the constitution is within the
the preamble, careful investigations by the Congress judicial power as defined by the Constitution which is
were done. The court further stresses that whatever “ the duty of the Courts of justice to settle actual
interest in freedom of speech and association is excluded controversies involving rights which are legally
in the prohibition of membership in the CPP are weak demandable and enforceable, and to determine whether
considering NATIONAL SECURITY and PRESERVATION of or not there haw been a grave abuse of discretion
DEMOCRACY. amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of
any branch or instrumentality of the Government.” The
The court set basic guidelines to be observed in the NTC circular was issued pursuant to its quasi-legislative
prosecution under RA1700. In addition to proving or rule-making power. Hence, the action must be filed
circumstances/ evidences of subversion, the following directly with the regular courts without requiring
elements must also be established: exhaustion of administrative remedies.
1. Subversive Organizations besides the CPP, it must be 3. Where the act of administrative agency was
proven that the organization purpose is to overthrow the performed pursuant to its quasi-judicial function,
present Government of the Philippines and establish a exhaustion of administrative remedy is required, before
domination of a FOREIGN POWER. Membership is willfully going to court.
and knowingly done by overt acts.
2. In case of CPP, the continued pursuance of its 4. The doctrine of primary jurisdiction applies
subversive purpose. Membership is willfully and only where the administrative agency exercises its quasi-
knowingly done by overt acts. judicial or adjudicatory function. Thus, in cases involving
specialized disputes, the same must be referred to an
The court did not make any judgment on the crimes of administrative agency of special competence pursuant to
the accused under the Act. The Supreme Court set aside the doctrine of primary jurisdiction. This doctrine of
the resolution of the TRIAL COURT. primary jurisdiction applies where the claim requires the
resolution of issues which, under a regulatory scheme,
SMART COMMUNICATIONS, INC. ET AL. V. has been placed within the special competence of an
NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION administrative body. In such case, the judicial process is
(NTC) (2003) suspended pending referral of such issues to the
administrative body for its view.
Facts:
The NTC issued Billing Circular 13-6-2000 which Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative, Inc vs.
promulgated rules and regulations on the billing of Macaraeg G.R. No. 145800 (395 SCRA 720)
telecommunications services. Petitioners filed with the
RTC a petition to declare the circular as unconstitutional. Facts:
A motion to dismiss was filed by the NTC on the ground
of petitioner’s to exhaust administrative remedies. The Respondents are employees of the cooperative
RTC denied the motion to dismiss but on certiorari, the who were dismissed for serious misconduct, and breach
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Ruling:
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operations by conducting gambling on the Internet on a not perform its activities arbitrarily and whimsically but
trial-run basis, making pre-paid cards and redemption of must abide by the limits set by its franchise and strictly
winnings available at various Bingo Bonanza outlets. adhere to its terms and conditionalities.
Petitioner, in his capacity as member of the While PAGCOR is allowed under its charter to
Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on enter into operator’s and/or management contracts, it is
Games, Amusement and Sports, files the instant petition, not allowed under the same charter to relinquish or share
praying that the grant of authority by PAGCOR in favor of its franchise, much less grant a veritable franchise to
SAGE be nullified. He maintains that PAGCOR committed another entity such as SAGE. PAGCOR can not delegate
grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of its power in view of the legal principle of delegata
jurisdiction when it authorized SAGE to operate gambling potestas delegare non potest, inasmuch as there is
on the internet. He contends that PAGCOR is not nothing in the charter to show that it has been expressly
authorized under its legislative franchise, P.D. 1869, to authorized to do so.
operate gambling on the internet for the simple reason The instant petition is GRANTED. The "Grant of
that the said decree could not have possibly Authority and Agreement to Operate Sports Betting and
contemplated internet gambling since at the time of its Internet Gaming" executed by PAGCOR in favor of SAGE
enactment on July 11, 1983 the internet was yet is declared NULL and VOID.
inexistent and gambling activities were confined
exclusively to real-space. DORCAS G. PETALLAR vs. JUDGE JUANILLO M.
PULLOS, MCTC, SAN FRANCISCO, SURIGAO DEL NORTE,
[A.M. No. MTJ-03-1484. January 15, 2004]
Issue/s:
Facts:
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judgment. As respondent himself admitted, Case No. 137 LA Cuyuca rendered a decision holding that the
was decided only on June 2, 2002 or two (2) years and respondent was illegally dismissed and directed the
some three (3) months beyond the reglementary period. petitioner to pay P62,530 as backwages and P19,240 as
Moreover, he could not even come up with an separation pay to the private respondent. LA Cuyuca
explanation for the delay. declared that the private respondent was denied of her
We cannot overemphasize the Court’s policy on right to due process before she was dismissed from her
prompt resolution of disputes. Justice delayed is justice employment and that the petitioner failed to show that it
denied. Failure to resolve cases submitted for decision notified the private respondent of the charges against her.
within the period fixed by law constitutes a serious Aggrieved, the petitioner appealed the decision
violation of Article III, Section 16 of the Constitution. to the NLRC, alleging that it was deprived of its right to a
Respondent Judge Juanillo M. Pullos, former formal hearing before the labor arbiter rendered her
presiding judge of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court of San decision. The NLRC issued a resolution dismissing the
Francisco, Surigao del Norte, is found LIABLE for undue appeal. Petitioner filed a petition for certiorari under Rule
delay in rendering a decision in Case No. 137, 65 of the Rules of Court before the Court of Appeals. The
tantamount to GROSS INEFFICIENCY. He is hereby CA rendered judgment affirming the decision of the NLRC.
ORDERED to pay a FINE of P10,000.00 to be deducted The petitioner forthwith filed the instant petition.
from his retirement pay and benefits.
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employee, the employer must notify him in writing of the circumstance of dwelling. This is clearly erroneous. Not
decision to dismiss him, stating clearly the reason being alleged in the Information, dwelling cannot be
therefore. properly considered in determining the imposable
The petition is DENIED for lack of merit. penalty. Indeed, it would be a denial of appellant’s right
to be informed of the charges against him which would
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES vs. FRANCO amount to a denial of due process if he were to be meted
BALLESTER, [G.R. No. 152279. January 20, 2004] the death penalty on the basis of a qualifying
circumstance not alleged in the information. Rule 110,
Section 8 of the Revised Rules on Criminal Procedure, as
Facts: amended, provides that the complaint or information
shall state the designation of the offense given in the
Appellant Franco Ballester was charged with statute, aver the acts or omissions constituting the
Rape before the Regional Trial Court of Ligao, Albay, offense, and specify its qualifying and aggravating
Branch 13, in Criminal Case No. 4038. That on the third circumstance.
week of January, 1999, at noontime, at Barangay When, as in this case, neither mitigating nor
Catumag, Municipality of Guinobatan, Province of Albay, aggravating circumstance attended the commission of
Philippines, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court, the crime, the minimum penalty, i.e. reclusion perpetua,
the above-named accused, with lewd and unchaste should be the penalty imposable pursuant to Article 63 of
design, by means of force, threat and intimidation and the Revised Penal Code.
while armed with a knife did then and there willfully, Franco Ballester is guilty beyond reasonable
unlawfully and feloniously have carnal knowledge with doubt of the crime of rape is AFFIRMED with
(sic) MARICEL ODOÑO, 12 years of age, against her will MODIFICATIONS. As modified, appellant is sentenced to
and consent, to her damage and prejudice. On suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua, and is further
arraignment, appellant pleaded “not guilty” to the crime ordered to INDEMNIFY the victim the reduced sum of
charged. P50,00.00 as civil indemnity, in addition to P50,000.00 as
On December 14, 2001, the trial court rendered moral damages.
judgment finding appellant guilty as charged and
sentencing him to suffer the supreme penalty of death
there being no mitigating circumstance but with the
presence of one aggravating circumstance of dwelling. In
his Brief, appellant assails his conviction. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES vs. THE HONORABLE
COURT OF APPEALS (FOURTH DIVISION), CLAUDIO
FRANCISCO, JR. and RUDY PACAO, G.R. No.
Issue/s: 142051 February 24, 2004
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done with the sole aim and purpose to conceal and jurisdiction, the finality-of-acquittal doctrine as a
mislead the authorities as to the authorship of the crime. safeguard against double jeopardy faithfully adheres to
In a decision dated February 7, 1994, the court the principle first enunciated in Kepner v. United States.
a quo exonerated accused Pellas and Alosan and In this case, verdicts of acquittal are to be regarded as
convicted respondents Francisco Jr. and Pacao for absolutely final and irreviewable.
homicide and attempted murder. On appeal, the trial Noteworthy is the case of People v. Velasco
court’s decision was reversed and respondents Francisco where the Court likewise dismissed a similar petition not
and Pacao were acquitted of the crime charged. only on the ground that the acquittal of the defendant by
In absolving respondent Pacao of any culpability, the lower court was not reviewable via the extraordinary
the Court of Appeals found that Azada, instead of writ of certiorari, but more importantly, the grant of said
surrendering peacefully to the apprehending police petition would constitute a violation of the Double
officers, resisted arrest and fired his gun towards their Jeopardy Clause of the Constitution. In Velasco, we
direction. Respondent Pacao was therefore acting in self- clarified that in the absence of a finding of mistrial, i.e.
defense and in fulfillment of his duty as a police officer the criminal trial was a sham, as in Galman v.
when he returned fire at the victim. Sandiganbayan, a judgment of acquittal is final and
The prosecution, represented by the Office of unappealable on the ground of double jeopardy, whether
the Solicitor General, vehemently challenges the acquittal it happens at the trial court level or at the Court of
in a Petition for Certiorari under Rule 65 of the Rules of Appeals.18
Court, arguing that the Court of Appeals committed grave Respondents Francisco and Pacao, after having
abuse of discretion amounting to lack of jurisdiction in been found not guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,
exonerating the private respondents notwithstanding the must be afforded rest and tranquility from repeated
overwhelming evidence of their guilt. attempts by the State at conviction and their anxiety
finally laid to rest. Their acquittal must therefore be
accorded finality in faithful adherence to the rule against
Issue/s: double jeopardy. Petition is DISMISSED.
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morning, with a warning that if on the next scheduled PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES vs. PRISCILLA DEL
hearing accused would not still be ready to present NORTE, G.R. No. 149462 March 29, 2004
evidence, he would be deemed to have waived his right
to do so.
Record shows that such presentation had been Facts:
repeatedly postponed mostly at the instance of the
accused and/or his lawyer. Thus, as prayed for by the SPO1 Lumabas testified that on August 1, 1997,
Public Prosecutor and pursuant to the order of August 28, their group was tasked to serve a search warrant against
2001, accused is now deemed to have waived his right to a certain Ising Gutierrez Diwa residing at No. 275 North
present evidence. As further prayed for, this case is now Service Road corner Cruzada St., Bagong Barrio,
deemed submitted for decision. Caloocan City, for alleged violation of Republic Act No.
Based on the prosecution evidence, the trial 6425. They were ordered to "forthwith seize and take
court, on November 13, 2001 promulgated its Decision possession of an undetermined quantity of shabu and
dated October 17, 2001, convicting appellant of the crime marijuana leaves." They coordinated with the barangay
of qualified rape and sentencing him to suffer the officials and proceeded to the house pointed out to them
ultimate penalty of death in each of the criminal cases. by the local officials. Upon reaching the house, its door
was opened by a woman. SPO3 De Leon introduced
Issue/s: themselves as policemen to the woman who opened the
door, whom they later identified in court as the appellant.
Whether or not the appellant was deprived of his right They informed her they had a search warrant, but
to due process when the trial court had considered appellant suddenly closed and locked the door. It was
appellant to have waived his right to present his only after some prodding by the barangay officials that
evidence without any showing that the latter was fully she reopened the door. The authorities then conducted
aware of the consequences of such waiver. the search. They found a bundle of marijuana wrapped in
Manila paper under the bed and inside the room. They
asked appellant who owned the marijuana. She cried and
Ruling: said she had no means of livelihood. Appellant was
brought to the police headquarters for further
In criminal cases where the imposable penalty investigation. Both SPO1 Lumabas and SPO3 De Leon
may be death, as in the present cases, the presiding identified the confiscated five (5) bundles of marijuana in
judge is called upon to see to it that the accused is made court.
aware of the consequences of not heeding the warning Appellant assailed the validity of the search
given by the trial court. It must be noted that the waiver warrant against her. She contended that she lived at 376
of the right to present defense evidence in the present Dama de Noche, Barangay Baesa, Caloocan City, and
cases was not even voluntary nor upon the instance of that on August 1, 1997, she was merely visiting a friend,
the appellant but imposed by the trial court, apparently Marlyn, who lived at 275 North Service Road corner
to penalize appellant, after he and his counsel repeatedly Cruzada St., Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City. She went to
moved for the postponements of the scheduled hearings. Marlyn's house to borrow money. Marlyn was out and she
Thus, a simple forewarning to the appellant that waited. While appellant was seated near the door, several
the next time that he would not be ready with his people introduced themselves as policemen, made her
defense evidence, he would be deemed to have waived sign a white paper and entered the house.
his right to present it, did not satisfy appellant’s The trial court convicted appellant. In this
constitutional right to due process. The trial court should appeal, she raises the lone error that "the lower court
have first apprised appellant or explained to him in clear erred in convicting the accused-appellant of the crime
terms the exact nature and consequences of a waiver. charged, when her guilt has not been proved beyond
Moreover, in the same Order declaring appellant reasonable doubt."
to have waived his right to present evidence, the trial Appellant contends that the prosecution failed to
court granted the motion of appellant’s counsel to establish who owned the house where the search was
withdraw his appearance. Appellant, therefore, had no conducted, and avers that her mere presence therein did
more counsel. The trial court did not ask him if he would not automatically make her the owner of the marijuana
wish to solicit the services of another counsel de parte or found therein. She likewise argues that the search
want the court to designate a de oficio counsel for him. warrant specified the name of Ising Gutierrez as the
It is obvious then that the appellant was owner of the house to be searched, and that since she is
deprived of his right to due process. not Ising Gutierrez, the lower court erred in admitting the
In the light of the foregoing, we have no other confiscated drugs as evidence against her.
recourse but to set aside the judgment of the trial court
convicting appellant and order the remand of the records Issue/s:
of the case to the trial court to conduct further
proceedings. Whether or not the lower court erred in convicting the
accused-appellant of the crime charged, when her guilt
has not been proved beyond reasonable doubt
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clause is not violated. The rationale behind the to a capital offense, the court shall conduct a searching
prohibition against nuisance candidates and the inquiry into the voluntariness and full comprehension of
disqualification of candidates who have not evinced a the consequences of his plea and shall require the
bona fide intention to run for office is easy to divine. The prosecution to prove his guilt and the precise degree of
State has a compelling interest to ensure that its culpability. The accused may also present evidence in his
electoral exercises are rational, objective, and orderly. behalf.
The assailed resolutions of the COMELEC do not The reason for this rule is that courts must
direct the Court to the evidence which it considered in necessarily proceed with more care where the possible
determining that petitioner was a nuisance candidate. punishment is in its severest form – death – for the
This precludes the Court from reviewing at this instance reason that the execution of such sentence is irrevocable.
whether the COMELEC committed grave abuse of Experience has shown that innocent persons have at
discretion in disqualifying petitioner, since such a review times pleaded guilty in the hope of a lenient treatment,
would necessarily take into account the matters which or upon bad advice or because of promises of the
the COMELEC considered in arriving at its decisions. authorities or parties of a lighter penalty should he admit
The question of whether a candidate is a guilt or express remorse. An accused might be admitting
nuisance candidate or not is both legal and factual. The his guilt before the court and thus forfeit his life and
basis of the factual determination is not before this Court. liberty without having fully understood the meaning,
Thus, the remand of this case for the reception of further significance and consequences of his plea. The judge
evidence is in order. As to petitioner’s attacks on the therefore has the duty to ensure that the accused does
validity of the form for the certificate of candidacy, suffice not suffer by reason of mistaken impressions. Requiring
it to say that the form strictly complies with Section 74 of the trial court to take further evidence would also aid this
the Omnibus Election Code. Court on appellate review in evaluating the propriety or
COMELEC Case No. SPP (MP) No. 04-001 is impropriety of the plea.
hereby remanded to the COMELEC for the reception of It is well established that the due process
further evidence, to determine the question on whether requirement is part of a person's basic rights and is not a
petitioner Elly Velez Lao Pamatong is a nuisance mere formality that may be dispensed with or performed
candidate as contemplated in Section 69 of the Omnibus perfunctorily. An accused needs the aid of counsel lest he
Election Code. be the victim of overzealous prosecutors, of the law's
The COMELEC is directed to hold and complete complexity or of his own ignorance and bewilderment.
the reception of evidence and report its findings to this Indeed, the right to counsel springs from the
Court with deliberate dispatch. fundamental principle of due process. The right to
counsel, however, means more than just the presence of
a lawyer in the courtroom or the mere propounding of
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES vs. FREDDIE standard questions and objections. The right to counsel
MURILLO, G.R. No. 134583 July 14, 2004 means that the accused is sufficiently accorded legal
assistance extended by a counsel who commits himself to
the cause for the defense and acts accordingly. This right
Facts: necessitates an active involvement by the lawyer in the
proceedings, particularly at the trial of the case, his
That on or about the 6th day of June, 1997, in bearing constantly in mind of the basic rights of the
the Municipality of Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines accused, his being well-versed on the case and his
and within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, the knowing the fundamental procedures, essential laws and
above-named accused, with intent to kill and with existing jurisprudence. Indeed, the right of an accused to
treachery and evident premeditation, did then and there counsel finds meaning only in the performance by the
willfully, unlawfully and feloniously attack, assault and lawyer of his sworn duty of fidelity to his client and an
stab one Paz Abiera with a bladed weapon on her chest, efficient and truly decisive legal assistance which is not
thereby inflicting upon her serious and mortal wounds just a simple perfunctory representation.
which directly caused her death after the latter slapped, While our jurisdiction does not subscribe to a per
scolded him and uttered hurful words. With the se rule that once a plea of guilty is found improvidently
aggravating circumstances of cruelty and abuse of he is at once entitled to a remand, the circumstances of
superior strength. this case warrant that a remand to the trial court be
made. To warrant a remand of the criminal case, the
Issue/s: Court has held that it must be shown that as a result of
such irregularity there was inadequate representation of
facts by either the prosecution or the defense during the
Whether or not the accused be prosecuted of the
trial. Where the improvident plea of guilty was followed
severest penalty on account of his improvident
by an abbreviated proceeding with practically no role at
plea of guilty.
all played by the defense, we have ruled that this
procedure was just too meager to accept as being the
Ruling: standard constitutional due process at work enough to
forfeit a human life. What justifies the remand of the
Rule 116 of the Rules on Criminal Procedure criminal case to the trial court is the unfairness or
provides: complete miscarriage of justice in the handling of the
SEC. 3. Plea of guilty to capital offense; proceedings a quo as occasioned by the improvident plea
reception of evidence.--- When the accused pleads guilty of guilt. In this case, apart from the testimony of
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Sometime in 1995, upon complaint of private GEORGE VINCOY vs. HON. COURT OF APPEALS and
respondent William Lu, filed an Information against the PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, G.R. No. 156558
petitioner Aida Poblete, for Estafa. June 14, 2004
The Information alleged that the petitioner committed
the crime of estafa in relation to P.D. 818 by willfully and Facts:
unlawfully making, drawing and issuing to William Lu,
with deliberate intent to defraud and by means of deceit, On or about March 14, 1996, the accused, by
false pretenses and fraudulent acts executed prior to or means of deceit defraud Lizah C. Cimafranca and Rolando
simultaneous with, checks amounting to P2,318,047.60. Flores, in the following manner, to wit: the said accused
The Information did not recommend bail. represented that he could mobilize 30 dump trucks and 2
On December 18, 1995, counsel for the payloaders for use of the complainants subject to the
petitioner, accused Aida Poblete, filed a Motion for payment ofP600,000.00 mobilization fund and, believing
Reinvestigation. She prayed therein that execution of the this representation to be true, the said complainants paid
warrant of arrest be held in abeyance pending the and delivered the said amount to the accused at Banco
reinvestigation of the case. de Oro Bank, Pasig City Branch, which representation
The lower court issued an Order denying accused knew well to be false and fraudulent and were
accused’s Motion for Reinvestigation and directing the only made to induce the complainants to give and deliver
issuance of a warrant of arrest, with the bail for her as in fact they gave and delivered the said amount
provisional liberty fixed at P40,000.00. The Order stated of P600,000.00 to the respondent, and accused once in
that the accused is entitled to bail as a matter of right possession of said amount, misappropriated, misapplied
since the offense charged is not punishable by and converted the same to his own personal use and
death, reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment. benefit, to the damage and prejudice of the complainants,
In his Motion for Reconsideration dated February Lizah C. Cimafranca and Rolando Flores, in the amount
9, 1996, private respondent sought the setting aside of ofP600,000.00.
the Order, stressing that the imposable penalty upon the In May 1996, Lizah Cimafranca filed a complaint
accused in view of the amount involved would exceed 30 for estafa against petitioner with the Office of the City
years and that applying section 1 of P.D. 818 in relation Prosecutor of Pasay City. It was, however, dismissed on
to section 3 of Rule 114 of the Rules of Court, bail would the ground that petitioner’s obligation was purely civil in
not be a matter of right. That being the case, hearing on nature and for complainant’s failure to attend the
any application for bail would be mandatory, he urged. hearings.4 On October 8, 1996, Lizah Cimafranca, joined
On March 31, 1997 the Court of Appeals by Rolando Flores, re-filed the complaint charging the
reversed the Order of the presiding judge and required same offense against petitioner with the Office of the City
him to conduct hearing on the bail issue. The appellate Prosecutor of Pasig City which filed the corresponding
court ruled that P.D. 818 needs no further interpretation information in court, root of the present petition.
or construction, pointing out that the trial judge’s The trial court sustained the version of the
pronouncement that the penalty for the crime charged at prosecution. The trial judge found incredible petitioner’s
bar should be termed reclusion perpetua only in averment that he failed to notice that the check in
connection with the accessory penalties imposed under question was not issued in his name. A judgment of
the Revised Penal Code is erroneous. In making the conviction was rendered on February 23, 2000.
pronouncement and in granting bail ex parte, the Court
of Appeals stressed, the trial judge committed grave Accused appealed to the Court of Appeals to no
abuse of discretion. avail. Hence, this petition for review.
Hence, the petitioner elevated the Court of He points out that the dismissal of the previous
Appeals’ D E C I S I O N to this Court by a Petition for complaint for estafa filed by Lizah Cimafranca by the City
Review on Certiorari. Prosecutor’s Office of Pasay City supports his acquittal.
Issue/s: Issue/s:
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Issue/s:
JORDAN P. OKTUBRE vs. JUDGE RAMON P.
Whether or not there petitioner is entitled to VELASCO, Municipal Trial Court, Maasin, Southern
presumption of innocence when all the elements of Leyte, A.M. No. MTJ -02-1444 July 22, 2004
arbitrary detention are not attendant.
Facts:
Ruling:
Complainant is the attorney-in-fact of one Peggy
The quoted portions of SPO1 Capoquian’s Louise D'Arcy vda. De Paler ("D'Arcy"), a non-resident
testimony negate the element of detention. More American. D'Arcy is the widow of Abraham Paler
importantly, fear is a state of mind and is necessarily ("Abraham"), a resident of Maasin City, Southern Leyte.
subjective. Addressed to the mind of the victim, its Respondent Judge is Abraham's nephew.
presence cannot be tested by any hard-and-fast rule but During his lifetime, Abraham built a four-storey
must instead be viewed in the light of the perception and commercial and residential building ("Paler building") in
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Maasin city. D'Arcy, through complainant, administered a warrant of arrest in Criminal Case No. 5485, resulting
the Paler building. in the arrest and detention of complainant. By doing so,
Shortly after his appointment to the MTC Maasin respondent Judge violated Rule 3.12 and, by implication
in March 1998, respondent Judge, with D'Arcy's Section 1 of Rule 137, which covers the preliminary
permission, stayed in the Paler building for a few days. stages of criminal prosecution. To be sure, the situation
He sought an extension of his stay but D'Arcy turned in this case does not fall under any of the instances
down his request since during her next visit to the enumerated in Rule 3.12. Nevertheless, as the provision
country she would use the room respondent Judge then itself states, such enumeration is not exclusive. More
occupied. Nevertheless, respondent Judge was able to importantly, paragraph (d) prohibits a judge from sitting
continue staying in the Paler building by transferring to a in a case where he is related to a party or to counsel
room reserved for a sister of Abraham. within the sixth and fourth degree of consanguinity or
Complainant filed a complaint with the affinity, respectively. Thus, there is more reason to
respondent Judge for changing the lock of his room. prohibit a judge from doing so in cases where he is a
Complainant also charged respondent Judge for taking party. Indeed, the idea that a judge can preside over his
the jeep out of the garage of the Paler building. own case is anathema to the notion of impartiality that
Complainant and respondent Judge met at the Office such was no longer included in the enumeration in Rule
of Punong Barangay of Abgao for mediation but there 3.12 nor covered by Section 1 of Rule 137.
was no settlement as respondent Judge questioned Respondent Judge's subsequent inhibition from
complainant's residency in Abgao. the three cases does not detract from his culpability for
Complainant Mr. Jordan Oktubre was arrested he should not have taken cognizance of the cases in the
and detained pursuant to a Warrant of Arrest and a first place. The evil that the rule on disqualification seeks
Commitment Order issued by the respondent Judge, the to prevent is the denial of a party of his right to due
basis for which is a Criminal Complaint for Robbery process. This became fait accompli when respondent
supported by an affidavit executed by the respondent Judge refused to abide by such rule. Equally damaging
Judge Ramon Velasco himself. Also, in Criminal Case for was the effect of respondent Judge's conduct on the
"Malicious Mischief", records show that the complaint is image of the judiciary, which without a doubt,
supported by the lone affidavit of the same.. immeasurably suffered from it.
Aggrieved by the issuance of respondent Judge Respondent Judge aggravated his liability when
of the warrant of arrest, herein complainant elevated the he proceeded to issue the warrant of arrest. Section 6 of
matter to the Regional Trial Court, via "Certiorari and/or Rule 112 provides:
Prohibition with Application for Temporary Restraining When warrant of arrest may issue. — x x x (b)
Order and Writ of Preliminary Injunction". The RTC in its By the Municipal Trial Court. — If the municipal trial court
Order dated December 7, 2000 ruled that "respondent judge conducting the preliminary investigation is
Judge in issuing a warrant of arrest violative of Rule 112, satisfied after an examination in writing and under oath
Sec. 6, par. 2 of the Rules of Court may not only be of the complainant and his witnesses in the form of
committing grave abuse of discretion but gross ignorance searching questions and answers, that a probable cause
of the law. exists and that there is a necessity of placing the
Complainant sought to annul the warrant of respondent under immediate custody in order not to
arrest which was consequently granted by the RTC. frustrate the ends of justice, he shall issue a warrant of
Because of these events, complainant prays that arrest.
the Court discipline respondent Judge for using his sala's This is the same procedure prescribed in Section
letterhead, for his failure to inhibit himself from his own 2, Article III of the Constitution and in Section 5, Rule
criminal complaints, and for his issuance of the warrant 126 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure. A judge
of arrest. who issues a warrant of arrest without first complying
with such mandatory procedure is liable for gross
Issue/s: ignorance of the law.
We have held, in a number of cases before this
Whether or not respondent Judge committed grave Court, that the procedure described in Section 6 of Rule
abuse of discretion in issuing the warrant of arrest 112 is mandatory because failure to follow the same
upon the complainant. And W/N failure to comply with would amount to a denial of due process. With respect
this mandatory procedure would result to his dismissal to the issuance by inferior courts of warrants of
from service. arrest, it is necessary that the judge be satisfied that
probable cause exists: 1) through an examination under
Ruling: oath and in writing of the complainant and his witnesses,
which examination should be 2) in the form of searching
The Office of the Court Administrator ("OCA") questions and answers. This rule is not merely a
recommends that respondent Judge be fined P10, 000 for procedural but a substantive rule because it gives flesh to
Grave Misconduct, Gross Ignorance of the Law and Grave two of the most sacrosanct guarantees found in the
Abuse of Authority is well-taken. However, the Court fundamental law: the guarantee against unreasonable
finds the recommended penalty disproportionate to searches and seizures and the due process requirement.
respondent Judge's offenses and instead imposes on him The only instance where the judge may dispense
the penalty of dismissal from service. with such procedure is when the application for the
Here, although he is the complainant in the warrant of arrest is filed before a Regional Trial Court
three criminal complaints, respondent Judge did not judge. In such a case, the RTC judge can rely on the
disqualify himself from the cases. Worse, he even issued report of the prosecutor on the finding of probable cause.
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falsification of public documents. The Informations arose found guilty of any or all of the crimes alleged therein
from the questioned acts of falsification subject of the and duly proven during the trial, for the allegation of the
earlier quashed information. elements of such component crimes in the said
Petitioner later filed with a motion for the information has satisfied the constitutional guarantee
quashal thereof on the ground of double jeopardy. He that an accused be informed of the nature of the offense
argued he would be placed in double jeopardy as he was with which he or she is being charged. Verily, a
indicted before for the same offenses and the case was duplicitous information is valid since such defect may be
dismissed or otherwise terminated without his express waived and the accused, because of such waiver, could
consent. be convicted of as many offenses as those charged in the
By the assailed Order of December 18, 1996, information and proved during trial.
public respondent, Judge Vicente Q. Roxas to which the 2 It should be noted that the termination of the
informations against petitioner, et al, were eventually first Information was upon motion of petitioner who, on
lodged, held that the information in Criminal Case No. Q- April 1, 1991, filed with the court an Urgent Motion to
93-49988 involved a different document as that involved Quash which was granted by Resolution dated August 23,
in the first one which had already been quashed. 1991. The reinstatement of criminal case against the
Resolution of the motion to quash the information in the accused did not violate his right against double jeopardy
second one was stayed pending the submission by since the dismissal of the information by the trial court
petitioner of the documents required by the court a quo. had been effected at his own instance when the accused
Public respondent thus denied the motion to quash the filed a motion to dismiss on the grounds that the facts
information and ordered petitioner’s arraignment, he charged do not constitute an offense and that the RTC
holding that said case did not place petitioner in double had no jurisdiction over the case. In this case,
jeopardy. considering that since the dismissal of the previous
Herein petitioner then filed a petition for criminal case against petitioner was by reason of his
certiorari before the CA which denied his petition stating motion for the quashal of the information, petitioner is
in its Decision that since the Information in the first thus deemed to have expressly given his consent to such
Criminal Case, on petitioner’s motion, was quashed on dismissal. There could then be no double jeopardy in this
the ground that more than one offense was charged, he case since one of the requisites therefore, i.e., that the
is not placed in double jeopardy by the filing of another dismissal be without accused’s express consent, is not
Information for an offense included in the charge subject present.
of the first Information. As to whether the subsequent filing of the two
informations constitutes a violation of petitioner’s
Issue/s: constitutional right to a speedy disposition of cases, we
rule in the negative. There is no showing that petitioner
was made to endure any vexatious process during the
two-year period before the filing of the proper
1. Whether or not the prosecution of petitioner
informations.
under the second Information would constitute
We emphasize our ruling in Ty-Dazo vs.
double jeopardy, considering that when the first
Sandiganbayan14 where we held that:
Information in Criminal was previously quashed,
The right to a speedy disposition of cases, like
he had already been arraigned; and
the right to a speedy trial, is deemed violated only when
2. Whether or not petitioner’s constitutional right
the proceedings is attended by vexatious, capricious, and
to a speedy disposition of his case has been
oppressive delays; or when unjustified postponements of
violated.
the trial are asked for and secured, or when without
cause or unjustifiable motive, a long period of time is
Ruling: allowed to elapse without the party having his case tried.
In the determination of whether or not that right has
With regard to the first issue, we are in accord been violated, the factors that may be considered and
with the ruling of the CA that not all the elements for balanced are: the length of the delay the reasons for
double jeopardy exist in the case at bench. To raise the such delay, the assertion or failure to assert such right by
defense of double jeopardy, three requisites must be the accused, and the prejudice caused by the delay.
present: (1) a first jeopardy must have attached prior to A mere mathematical reckoning of the time
the second; (2) the first jeopardy must have been validly involved, therefore, would not be sufficient. In the
terminated; and (3) the second jeopardy must be for the application of the constitutional guarantee of the right to
same offense as that in the first. speedy disposition of cases, particular regard must also
Legal jeopardy attaches only (a) upon a valid be taken of the facts and circumstances peculiar to each
indictment, (b) before a competent court, (c) after case.
arraignment, (d) a valid plea having been entered; and What the records clearly show is that petitioner
(e) the case was dismissed or otherwise terminated never asserted his right to a speedy disposition of his
without the express consent of the accused. case. The only ground he raised in assailing the
The duplicitous information was a valid subsequent filing of the two informations is that he will
indictment. We ruled in the long line of cases that when be subjected to double jeopardy. Petitioner did not raise
an appellant fails to file a motion to quash within the time the issue of his right to a speedy disposition of his case.
prescribed, he is thus deemed to have waived the defect We are not convinced that the filing of the informations
in the Information. The accused who fails to object prior against petitioner after two years was an unreasonable
to arraignment to a duplicitous information, may be delay.
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respondent was also often out with her friends, leaving being transferred from one place to another, which
her daughter in the care of the househelp. seems to be the case here, the petitioner in a habeas
On December 7, 2001, respondent left the corpus case will be left without legal remedy. This lack of
family home with her daughter Sequiera without notifying recourse could not have been the intention of the
her husband. She told the servants that she was bringing lawmakers when they passed the Family Courts Act of
Sequiera to Purok Marikit, Sta. Clara, Lamitan, Basilan 1997. As observed by the Solicitor General:
Province. The primordial consideration is the welfare and
Petitioner filed a petition for habeas corpus in best interests of the child. We rule therefore that RA
the designated Family Court in Makati City but this was 8369 did not divest the Court of Appeals and the
dismissed, presumably because of the allegation that the Supreme Court of their jurisdiction over habeas corpus
child was in Basilan. Petitioner then went to Basilan to cases involving the custody of minors. Again, to quote
ascertain the whereabouts of respondent and their the Solicitor General:
daughter. However, he did not find them there and the To allow the Court of Appeals to exercise
barangay office of Sta. Clara, Lamitan, Basilan issued a jurisdiction over the petition for habeas corpus involving
certification3 that respondent was no longer residing a minor child whose whereabouts are uncertain and
there. transient will not result in one of the situations that the
Petitioner gave up his search when he got hold legislature seeks to avoid. First, the welfare of the child is
of respondent’s cellular phone bills showing calls from paramount. Second, the ex parte nature of habeas
different places such as Cavite, Nueva Ecija, Metro Manila corpus proceedings will not result in disruption of the
and other provinces. Petitioner then filed another petition child’s privacy and emotional well-being; whereas to
for habeas corpus, this time in the Court of Appeals deprive the appellate court of jurisdiction will result in the
which could issue a writ of habeas corpus enforceable in evil sought to be avoided by the legislature: the child’s
the entire country. welfare and well being will be prejudiced.
However, the petition was denied by the Court From the foregoing, there is no doubt that the
of Appeals on the ground that it did not have jurisdiction Court of Appeals and Supreme Court have concurrent
over the case. It ruled that since RA 8369 (The Family jurisdiction with family courts in habeas corpus cases
Courts Act of 1997) gave family courts exclusive original where the custody of minors is involved.
jurisdiction over petitions for habeas corpus, it impliedly One final note. Requiring the serving officer to
repealed RA 7902 (An Act Expanding the Jurisdiction of search for the child all over the country is not an
the Court of Appeals) and Batas Pambansa 129 (The unreasonable availment of a remedy which the Court of
Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980). Appeals cited as a ground for dismissing the petition. As
explained by the Solicitor General:
That the serving officer will have to "search for
the child all over the country" does not represent an
Issue/s: insurmountable or unreasonable obstacle, since such a
task is no more different from or difficult than the duty of
Whether or not the Court of Appeals has the peace officer in effecting a warrant of arrest, since
jurisdiction to issue writs of habeas corpus in cases the latter is likewise enforceable anywhere within the
involving custody of minors in the light of the provision in Philippines.
RA 8369 giving family courts exclusive original
jurisdiction over such petitions. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES vs. MAXIMO
IBARRIENTOS y PERICO, G.R. Nos. 148063-64
Ruling: June 17, 2004
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feloniously lie on top of her and succeeded in having Gregorio Amante vs Bibiano Serwelas 471 SCRA
carnal knowledge of her which she reported immediately 348
to her mother, Imelda, to her damage and prejudice.
Facts:
The trial court found that the appellant was
Danilo Bicomong, a plant supervisor of Amante
guilty beyond reasonable doubt on both counts of rape,
Motors, was the registered owner of a 1990 Isuzu Jitney.
and sentenced him to death.
In 1992, he sold the vehicle to respondent Bibiano
Serwelas for P200,000 in a deed of absolute sale. The
Issue/s: respondent had the vehicle registered in his name, which
was later used as a common carrier, on a boundary
Whether or not accused is sentenced to the system.
severest penalty when the qualifying circumstance was
not specifically alleged in the information. On December 9, 1993, the vehicle was seized by the
police highway patrol group in General Mariano Alvarez,
Cavite without a warrant, upon the request of petitioner
Ruling: Gregorio Amante, the manager of Amante Motors. The
vehicle was brought to Camp Vicente Lim in Laguna and,
We agree with the OSG. The Aquino case settled after being subjected to macro-etching examination by
already the issue on the proper allegation of SPO1 Elfin B. Rico of the Philippine National Police Crime
circumstances. What properly informs the accused of the Laboratory Service, was later released to petitioner
nature of the crime charged is the specific allegation of Gregorio Amante.
the circumstances mentioned in the law that raise the
crime to a higher category. Despite respondent's demand, Gregorio Amante refused
The new Rules on Criminal Procedure require the to return the vehicle. Hence, respondent instituted a
qualifying circumstances to be specifically alleged in the replevin suit with the trial court. Asserting ownership of
information, in order to comply with the constitutional the vehicle, petitioner Vicente Amante, the proprietor of
right of the accused to be properly informed of the nature Amante Motors, intervened in the suit. But the trial court
and cause of the accusation against him. The purpose is rendered a decision stating that respondent Serwelas is
to allow the accused to prepare fully for his defense to the lawful owner of the vehicle. The court also awarded
prevent surprises during the trial. This requirement is damages to respondent for lost earnings as premium for
satisfied as long as the circumstances are alleged in the the replevin bond of respondent.
information, even if these are not specified as
aggravating or qualifying circumstances. On appeal, the Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court's
In the present two cases of rape, however, the decision holding respondent as the rightful owner of the
death penalty imposed on appellant is improper and vehicle. It ruled that respondent had established
erroneous. ownership of the vehicle to the exclusion of the whole
Circumstances that qualify a crime and increase world. It also affirmed the award of damages as
its penalty to death cannot be the subject of speculation. unrealized earnings but deleted the award for replevin
The appellant cannot be condemned to suffer the bond premium since no claim for it was made in the
extreme penalty of death on the basis of stipulations or complaint.
admissions. This strict rule is warranted by the gravity
and irreversibility of capital punishment. Proof of the age Petitioners' motion for reconsideration was denied.
of the victim cannot consist merely of testimony. Neither
can a stipulation of the parties with respect to the Issue/s:
victim’s age be considered sufficient proof of minority.
In the instant case, no authentic document was Is there a violation of the right against unreasonable
presented as evidence of the victim’s age other than a seizure of a moving vehicle in this case?
poor photocopy of what is claimed to be Lorelie’s birth
certificate. The prosecution failed to present an original
or certified true copy of the certificate of live birth. Ruling:
Neither was it shown that these were lost, destroyed or
unavailable at the time of trial. Thus, secondary evidence The resolution of San Pablo City Assistant
is inadmissible to prove the age of the victim in Crim. Prosecutor Esperidion Gajitos could not but strengthen
Case No. P-2696. The testimonies tending to prove the respondent's claim of good faith. Petitioner Gregorio
victim’s age cannot be accepted as adequate proof Amante's criminal complaint for violation of RA 6539 and
thereof. the Anti-Fencing Law was filed in court only against
Much as we abhor child abuse, nevertheless, we Bicomong. Respondent was exonerated of any liability
are constrained to hold that capital punishment cannot be whatsoever.
imposed on appellant in these two cases. Even if we
agree that the victims are indeed minors below 12 years As to the issue of damages, we concur with the Court of
old, at most, appellant is liable only for statutory rape. Appeals that only petitioner Gregorio Amante should be
held liable for the unrealized rentals of respondent during
the period he was deprived of the vehicle's possession.
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2005 the President who her alter ego should be. The office of a
department secretary may become vacant while
Pimentel, et al. vs. Ermita, et al. GR 164978, 13 Congress is in session. Since a department secretary is
October 2005 the alter ego of the President, the acting appointee to the
office must necessarily have the President’s confidence.
Facts: Thus, by the very nature of the office of a department
The Senate and the House of Representatives secretary, the President must appoint in an acting
(“Congress”) commenced their regular session on 26 July capacity a person of her choice even while Congress is in
2004. The Commission on Appointments, composed of session. That person may or may not be the permanent
Senators and Representatives, was constituted on 25 appointee, but practical reasons may make it expedient
August 2004. Meanwhile, President Arroyo issued that the acting appointee will also be the permanent
appointments to Arthur C. Yap (Department of appointee. The law expressly allows the President to
Agriculture, 15 August 2004), Alberto G. Romulo make such acting appointment. Section 17, Chapter 5,
(Department of Foreign Affairs, 23 August 2004), Raul M. Title I, Book III of EO 292 states that “[t]he President
Gonzalez (Department of Justice, 23 August 2004), may temporarily designate an officer already in the
Florencio B. Abad (Department of Education, 23 August government service or any other competent person to
2004), Avelino J. Cruz, Jr. (Department of National perform the functions of an office in the executive
Defense, 23 August 2004), Rene C. Villa (Department of branch.” Thus, the President may even appoint in an
Agrarian Reform, 23 August 2004), Joseph H. Durano acting capacity a person not yet in the government
(Department of Tourism, 23 August 2004), and Michael T. service, as long as the President deems that person
Defensor (Department of Environment and Natural competent. Pimentel, et al. assert that Section 17 does
Resources, 23 August 2004) as acting secretaries of their not apply to appointments vested in the President by the
respective departments. Defensor, et al., took their oath Constitution, because it only applies to appointments
of office and assumed duties as acting secretaries. On 8 vested in the President by law. Petitioners forget that
September 2004, Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. (“Senator Congress is not the only source of law. “Law” refers to
Pimentel”), Edgardo J. Angara (“Senator Angara”), Juan the Constitution, statutes or acts of Congress, municipal
Ponce Enrile (“Senator Enrile”), Luisa P. Ejercito-Estrada ordinances, implementing rules issued pursuant to law,
(“Senator Ejercito-Estrada”), Jinggoy E. Estrada and judicial decisions. Finally, Pimentel, et al., claim that
(“Senator Estrada”), Panfilo M. Lacson (“Senator Lacson”), the issuance of appointments in an acting capacity is
Alfredo S. Lim (“Senator Lim”), Jamby A.S. Madrigal susceptible to abuse. They, however, fail to consider that
(“Senator Madrigal”), and Sergio R. Osmeña, III acting appointments cannot exceed one year as expressly
(“Senator Osmeña”) filed the petition for certiorari and provided in Section 17(3), Chapter 5, Title I, Book III of
prohibition with a prayer for the issuance of a writ of EO 292. The law has incorporated this safeguard to
preliminary injunction as Senators of the Republic of the prevent abuses, like the use of acting appointments as a
Philippines, to declare unconstitutional the appointments way to circumvent confirmation by the Commission on
issued by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (“President Appointments. In distinguishing ad interim appointments
Arroyo”) through Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita from appointments in an acting capacity, a noted
(“Secretary Ermita”). The petition also sought to prohibit textbook writer on constitutional law has observed that
respondents from performing the duties of department "Ad-interim appointments must be distinguished from
secretaries. appointments in an acting capacity. Both of them are
effective upon acceptance. But ad-interim appointments
Issue/s: are extended only during a recess of Congress, whereas
acting appointments may be extended any time there is a
Whether President Arroyo’s appointment of vacancy. Moreover ad-interim appointments are
Defensor et al. as acting secretaries was constitutional, submitted to the Commission on Appointments for
even without the consent of the Commission on confirmation or rejection; acting appointments are not
Appointments while Congress is in session submitted to the Commission on Appointments. Acting
appointments are a way of temporarily filling important
Ruling: offices but, if abused, they can also be a way of
circumventing the need for confirmation by the
The essence of an appointment in an acting Commission on Appointments." The Court find no abuse
capacity is its temporary nature. It is a stop-gap measure in the present case. The absence of abuse is readily
intended to fill an office for a limited time until the apparent from President Arroyo’s issuance of ad interim
appointment of a permanent occupant to the office. In appointments to Defensor et al. immediately upon the
case of vacancy in an office occupied by an alter ego of recess of Congress, way before the lapse of
the President, such as the office of a department
secretary, the President must necessarily appoint an alter
ego of her choice as acting secretary before the
permanent appointee of her choice could assume office.
Congress, through a law, cannot impose on the President
the obligation to appoint automatically the
undersecretary as her temporary alter ego. An alter ego,
whether temporary or permanent, holds a position of
great trust and confidence. Congress, in the guise of
prescribing qualifications to an office, cannot impose on
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Facts:
Ruling:
Escritor is a court interpreter since 1999 in the
a. Locus standi is defined as "a right of RTC of Las Pinas City. She has been living with Quilapio,
appearance in a court of justice x x x on a given a man who is not her husband, for more than twenty five
question." In private suits, standing is governed by the years and had a son with him as well. Respondent’s
"real-parties-in interest" rule. Accordingly, the "real- husband died a year before she entered into the judiciary
party-in interest" is "the party who stands to be benefited while Quilapio is still legally married to another woman.
or injured by the judgment in the suit or the party
entitled to the avails of the suit." Complainant Estrada requested the Judge of said RTC to
The records show that petitioner is a non-lawyer investigate respondent. According to complainant,
appearing for himself and conducting litigation in person. respondent should not be allowed to remain employed
Petitioner instituted the instant case before the therein for it will appear as if the court allows such act.
Ombudsman in his own name. In so far as the
Complaint-Affidavit filed before the Office of the Respondent claims that their conjugal arrangement is
Ombudsman is concerned, there is no question on his permitted by her religion—the Jehovah’s Witnesses and
authority and legal standing. The Ombudsman can act the Watch Tower and the Bible Trace Society. They
on anonymous complaints and motu proprioinquire into allegedly have a ‘Declaration of Pledging Faithfulness’
alleged improper official acts or omissions from whatever under the approval of their congregation. Such a
source, e.g., a newspaper. Thus, any complainant may declaration is effective when legal impediments render it
be entertained by the Ombudsman for the latter to impossible for a couple to legalize their union.
initiate an inquiry and investigation for alleged
irregularities. Issues:
However, filing the petition in person before the
Supreme Court is another matter. The Rules allow a non- Whether or Not the State could penalize respondent for
lawyer to conduct litigation in person and appear for such conjugal arrangement.
oneself only when he is a party to a legal controversy.
In the case at bar which involves a criminal Ruling:
proceeding stemming from a civil (agrarian) case, it is
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purportedly illegal and blocked the flow of the Pasak of its discretion will amount to nothing more than mere
River. Despite pleas from petitioner, respondents errors of judgment, correctible by an appeal or a petition
ordered the destruction of petitioner's fishpond. for review under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court. An error
At the preliminary investigation, respondents, of jurisdiction is one where the act complained of was
except Senior Superintendent Ventura, submitted issued by the court without or in excess of jurisdiction
counter-affidavits, denying the accusations against them. and which error is correctible only by the extraordinary
In the counter-affidavit jointly filed by Mayor Baltazar writ of certiorari.
and Vice-Mayor Cabrera, they insisted that contrary to Absent any grave abuse of discretion tainting it,
petitioner's claim, the fishpond was an illegal structure the courts will not interfere with the Ombudsman's
because it was erected on the seashore, at the mouth of supervision and control over the preliminary investigation
the Pasak River, and sat on an inalienable land. They conducted by him. It is beyond the ambit of this Court to
claimed that the demolition was done by the Task review the exercise of discretion of the Ombudsman in
Force Bilis Daloy upon the directive of then President prosecuting or dismissing a complaint filed before it. The
Fidel V. Ramos. rule is based not only upon respect for the investigatory
On 13 May 1996, the Ombudsman issued the and prosecutory powers granted by the Constitution to
assailed Resolution, dismissing petitioner's complaint. the Office of the Ombudsman but upon practicality as
The dismissal was based on the declaration that the well. Otherwise, the functions of the courts will be
fishpond was a nuisance per se and, thus, may be abated grievously hampered by innumerable petitions assailing
by respondents in the exercise of the police power of the the dismissal of investigatory proceedings conducted by
State. the Office of the Ombudsman with regard to complaints
filed before it, in much the same way that the courts
Issue/s: would be extremely swamped if they would be compelled
to review the exercise of discretion on the part of the
Whether or not the Supreme Court can review the fiscals or prosecuting attorneys each time they decide to
exercise of discretion of the Ombudsman in prosecuting file an information in court or dismiss a complaint by a
or dismissing a complaint filed before it. private complainant.
Petition for review on certiorari is DENIED.
Ruling:
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Facts:
Whether or not the facts that no criminal complaint had
been filed against the private respondent and the On 18 March 1996, the Republic of the
subsequent dismissal by the investigating state Philippines, represented by the Department of Public
prosecutor justify the immediate return of the seized Works and Highways (DPWH), filed a complaint for
items. eminent domain for the taking of some portions of the
properties of the private respondents.
Ruling: On October 7, 1997, the court a quo appointed
three (3) competent and disinterested persons; as
The petitioner asserts that the seized articles commissioners to ascertain and report the just
can only be returned when a criminal case can no longer compensation of the properties sought to be taken.
possibly materialize since the seized articles are crucial to On January 9, 1998, the commissioners
the eventual prosecution of the respondent. submitted their report dated January 8, 1998, and
The petitioner’s assertion is incongruent with the recommended the fair market value of the subject
peculiar circumstances of this case. The articles seized – properties.
the thousands of articles of clothing, footwear, and In arriving at the said Report, the
accessories, among others - had little, if any, evidentiary Commissioners took into consideration the following
value for the criminal action for unfair competition, which factors: property location, identification[,] neighborhood
the petitioner expected to file. data, community facilities and utilities, highest and best
There exists a constitutional safeguard against use, valuation and reasonable indication of land values
unreasonable searches and seizures. The Constitution, within the vicinity.
however, does not provide a blanket prohibition against "On March 30, 1998, the court rendered the
all searches and seizures, rather the fundamental decision whereby the Commissioners' Report was
protection accorded by the search and seizure clause is adopted."7
that between persons and the police, there must stand The CA affirmed the lower court's judgment. The
the protective authority of a magistrate clothed with the appellate court likewise debunked the contention of the
power to issue or refuse such search warrant. Yet, the Republic of the Philippines that the commissioners had
responsibilities of the magistrate do not end with the erred in fixing the fair market values of the properties,
granting of the warrant, but extends to the custody of because the appraisals exceeded the zonal values
the articles seized. In exercising custody over these determined in Department of Finance Order No. 71-96.
articles, the property rights of the owner should be The CA held that the zonal valuation was made for
balanced with the social need to preserve evidence, taxation purposes only and was not necessarily reflective
which will be used in the prosecution of a case. of the actual market values of the properties in the area.
In the instant case, no criminal action had been
prosecuted for almost a year. Thus, the court had been
left with the custody of highly depreciable merchandise. Issue/s:
More importantly, these highly depreciable articles would
have been superfluous if presented as evidence for the Whether or not just compensation was properly
following reasons: (1) the respondent had already determined.
admitted that he is the owner of the merchandise seized,
which made use of the trademarks in dispute; (2) the Ruling:
court required the respondent to execute an undertaking
to produce the articles seized when the court requires Just compensation, is the full and fair equivalent
and had already in its possession a complete inventory of of a property taken from its owner by the expropriator.
the items seized as secondary evidence; (3) actual The measure is not the taker's gain, but the owner's loss.
samples of the respondent’s merchandise are in the Note must be taken that the word "just" is used to stress
possession of the police officers who had applied for the the meaning of the word "compensation," in order to
search warrant, and photographs thereof had been made convey the idea that the equivalent to be rendered for
part of the records, and respondent did not dispute that the property to be taken shall be real, substantial, full
these were obtained from his stores. Where the purpose and ample.
of presenting as evidence the articles seized is no longer Necessarily, just compensation must not be
served, there is no justification for severely curtailing the arrived at arbitrarily, but determined after an evaluation
rights of a person to his property. of different factors. In the present case, the
In ordering the return of the articles seized, the Commissioners' Report made use of the so-called
trial court had reasonably exercised its discretion in market-data approach in arriving at the valuation of the
determining from the circumstances of the case what properties. In this method, the value of the land is based
constitutes a reasonable and unreasonable search and on sales and listings of comparable property registered
seizure. within the vicinity.
Petition denied. Well-settled is the rule that in expropriation
proceedings, the value of a property must be determined
LECA REALTY CORPORATION vs. REPUBLIC OF THE either as of the date of the taking of the property or the
PHILIPPINES, Represented by the Department of filing of the complaint, whichever comes first. In this case,
Public Works and Highways, G.R. No. 155605 the Complaint was filed on March 18, 1996, and the trial
(September 27, 2006) court issued the Writ of Possession on June 19, 1997.
The offers cited in the Commissioners' Report, though,
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were made between May 1996 to February 1997, a could not be impaired by the enactment of Municipal
period after the filing of the Complaint on March 18, 1996. Ordinance No. 56 in 1993.
Thus, there is no evidence on record of the fair market The MTC ruled in favor of petitioners and
value of the property as of March 1996. dismissed the complaint; The RTC reversed the MTC
Moreover, the offers for sale were good for decision and decided in favor of the city government.
properties inside the Ortigas Center.41 Thus, those offers The appeal by the petitioners was denied by the CA.
cannot be used as bases for the values of properties
along EDSA, where the property of Petitioner Leca is Issue/s:
situated. In fact, no listing or evidence of concluded sales
was submitted for properties in areas outside the Ortigas Whether or not the petitioners can are covered by
Center. While it is true that adjoining properties may be Municipal Ordinance No. 56 in 1993
valued differently, competent evidence still has to be
presented to establish the differences in market values. Ruling:
The Republic is incorrect, however, in alleging
that the values were exorbitant, merely because they Contrary to petitioners’ contention that they
exceeded the maximum zonal value of real properties in were no longer covered by the 1993 ordinance their 1983
the same location where the subject properties were lease contracts did not grant them irrefutable rights to
located. The zonal value may be one, but not necessarily the market stalls. They were mere grantees of a privilege
the sole, index of the value of a realty. to occupy and operate such booths.
Petition of Leca Realty Corporation is remanded What petitioners had was a license to occupy
to the trial court for the proper determination of the and operate particular stalls over a period of time. Their
amount of just compensation. possession and use of these facilities could not be
characterized as fixed and absolute.
It was within the ambit of the Sanggunian’s
authority in the exercise of police power to regulate the
enjoyment of the privilege to lease the market stalls. The
enactment of the Municipal Ordinance No. 56, series of
1993 repealing Municipal Ordinance No. 25, series of
1983 (the basis of petitioners’ lease) was a valid exercise
of such governmental authority to regulate the
RUPERTO LUCERO, JR., PABLO LUCERO and possession and use of the public market and its facilities.
ANTONIO TENORIO, vs. CITY GOVERNMENT OF The lease (and occupation) of a stall in a public
PASIG, as represented by the Market market is not a right but a purely statutory privilege
Administrator, G.R. No. 132834 (November 24, governed by laws and ordinances. The operation of a
2006) market stall by virtue of a license is always subject to the
police power of the city government. An application for
Facts: this privilege may be granted or refused for reasons of
public policy and sound public administration. The city
Petitioners were granted lease contracts to government, through its market administrator, is not
occupy and operate stalls in the public market of Pasig by duty-bound to grant lease privileges to any applicant,
virtue of Municipal Ordinance No. 25, series of 1983. least of all those who refuse to obey the new ordinance
Later, the municipal government of Pasig prescribing the rules and regulations for the market stalls.
renovated the market facilities and constructed annex Moreover, a public market is one dedicated to
buildings to the old public market. The Sangguniang the service of the general public and operated under
Bayan of Pasig then enacted Municipal Ordinance No. 56, government control and supervision as a public utility.
series of 1993, entitled "An Ordinance Prescribing the Hence, the operation of a public market and its facilities
Rules and Regulations in Occupying and Using Market is imbued with public interest. Petitioners’ 1983 lease
Stalls and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof." contracts contained an implied reservation of the police
Pursuant to the new ordinance, municipal power as a postulate of the existing legal order. This
officials urged all stall occupants to fill up and submit the power could be exercised any time to change the
necessary application forms which would serve as the provisions of the contracts or even abrogate them
lease contract. entirely, for the protection of the general welfare. Such
Petitioners, however, refused to apply for a new an act did not violate the non-impairment clause which is
lease on their market stalls. Hence, the city government anyway subject to and limited by the paramount police
of Pasig filed a complaint for ejectment against power.
petitioners for failing to pay the required P10,000 Petition denied.
performance bond and their rental fees since January
1994 as required by the municipal ordinance.
Petitioners mainly assail the non-renewal of their NS TRANSPORT EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION (NSTEA),
lease contracts on stalls in the public market when they et. al., vs. NS TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.(NSTS),
did not comply with the requirements of the new NICANOR SORIANO, JAIME MENDOZA, and
ordinance. They claim to have a vested right to the TERESITA MENDOZA, G.R. No. 164049 (October 30,
possession, use and enjoyment of the market stalls 2006)
based on their 1983 lease contracts. This, they assert,
Facts:
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handling his defense. If the rule were otherwise, then, evidence. Evidently, this postulate is not in consonance
the tempo of a custodial investigation, will be solely in with the need for speedy disposition of labor cases, for
the hands of the accused who can impede, nay, obstruct the parties may then willfully withhold their evidence and
the progress of the interrogation by simply selecting a disclose the same only during the formal hearing, thus
lawyer, who for one reason or another, is not available to creating surprises which could merely complicate the
protect his interest. This absurd scenario could not have issues and prolong the trial. There is a dire need to
been contemplated by the framers of the charter. lessen technicalities in the process of settling labor
disputes."
SIME DARBY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION vs.
NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS COMMISSION, GR SKECHERS, U.S.A., INC. vs. INTER PACIFIC
148021 (December 6, 2006) INDUSTRIAL TRADING CORP., et al. G.R. No.
164321 (November 30, 2006)
Facts:
Facts:
Due to a deadlock in the negotiations regarding
the Collective Bargaining Agreement of the Union and the Petitioner is a foreign corporation existing under
Company resulting to a lockout and dismissal of some the laws of the State of California, United States of
employees, the dispute was brought before the NLRC. America and engaged in the manufacture of footwear.
Petitioner is not doing business in the Philippines and is
Labor arbiter ruled in favour of the Company, suing before the trial court only to protect its intellectual
dismissing for lack of merit the petitioner’s complaints. property rights.
Petitioner engaged the services of a private
Petitioner appealed the arbiter’s decision to the investigative firm, to conduct an investigation on Inter
NLRC. It was dismissed for lack of merit. The Court of Pacific Industrial Trading Corporation (Inter Pacific) in
Appeals denied the appeal. coordination with the NBI to confirm if Inter Pacific is
indeed engaged in the importation, distribution and sale
Petitioner argued that had the labor arbiter of unauthorized products bearing counterfeit or
allowed them to present evidence during a formal trial, unauthorized trademarks owned by petitioner.
the decision would have been different. Special Investigator Borromeo of the NBI, with a
witness, applied for warrants against the warehouse and
Respondents maintains that the decisions of the outlet store being operated and managed by respondent
labor arbiter and the NLRC and the Court of Appeals are for infringement of trademark.
supported by substantial evidence. After personally examining the search warrant
applicant and his witness, the court a quo found probable
Issue/s: cause to issue the search warrants applied for and thus
issued on the same day. That same afternoon, the
Whether or not the labor arbiter erred in not holding a search warrants were simultaneously served by the
formal hearing. operatives of the Intellectual Property Rights Division of
the NBI.
Ruling: After concluding that there are glaring
differences that an ordinary prudent purchaser would not
Petitioners’ argument that had the labor arbiter likely be mislead or confused in purchasing the wrong
allowed respondents to present their evidence during the article, the lower court issued the assailed Order
formal trial, the Decision would have been different, quashing Search Warrant and directing the NBI to return
cannot be sustained. As previously stated, the labor to respondents the items seized by virtue of said search
arbiter enjoys wide discretion in determining whether warrant.
there is a need for a formal hearing in a given case, and
he or she may use all reasonable means to ascertain the
facts of each case without regard to technicalities. With Issue/s:
or without a formal hearing, the labor arbiter may still
adequately decide the case since he can resolve the Whether or not that the trial court may be faulted for
issues on the basis of the pleadings and other quashing the search warrants.
documentary evidence previously submitted. When the
parties submitted their position papers and other Ruling:
pertinent pleadings to the labor arbiter, it is
understood/given/deemed that they have included The power to issue search warrants is
therein all the pieces of evidence needed to establish exclusively vested with the trial judges in the exercise of
their respective cases. The rationale for this rule is their judicial function. And inherent in the courts’ power
explained by the Court in one case, thus: to issue search warrants is the power to quash warrants
(P)etitioner believes that had there been a already issued. After the judge has issued a warrant, he
formal hearing, the arbiter’s alleged mistaken reliance on is not precluded to subsequently quash the same, if he
some of the documentary evidence submitted by parties finds upon re-evaluation of the evidence that no probable
would have been cured and remedied by them, cause exists.
presumably through the presentation of controverting
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because it amounts to impairment of the contracts respondent Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA). It
between the developer of BF Homes Parañaque and the questioned the validity of Section 3.12 of the 1987
lot buyers. Pesticide Regulatory Policies and Implementing
Public respondents alleged that the passage of Guidelines. Petitioner argued that the specific provision
the Municipal Ordinance is a valid exercise of police on the protection of the proprietary data in FPA’s
power by the Municipal Council of Parañaque and that Pesticide Regulatory Policies and Implementing
such ordinance can nullify or supersede the contractual Guidelines is unlawful for going counter to the objectives
obligations entered into by the petitioners and the of Presidential Decree No. 1144 (P.D. No. 1144); for
developer. exceeding the limits of delegated authority; and for
El Grande Aguirre Commerce and Trade encroaching on the exclusive jurisdiction of the
Organization (EL ACTO), a non-stock, non-profit Intellectual Property Office.
corporation, intervened as respondent EL ACTO asserted
that the Municipal Ordinance is a valid exercise of police Respondents, on the other hand, maintain that
power and that petitioners are guilty of estoppel since the provision on the protection of proprietary data in the
petitioners endorsed the opening of many of these FPA's Pesticide Regulatory Policies and Implementing
commercial establishments in BF Homes Parañaque. Guidelines is valid and legal as it does not violate the
Court of Appeals held that the enactment of objectives of P.D. No. 1144; the proprietary data are a
Municipal Ordinance was a valid exercise of police power substantial asset which must be protected; the protection
by the Municipality of Parañaque. for a limited number of years does not constitute
unlawful restraint of free trade; and such provision does
Issue/s: not encroach upon the jurisdiction of the Intellectual
Property Office.
Whether the Municipal Ordinance is
unconstitutional considering that it impairs a Respondents expound that since under P.D. No.
contractual obligation annotated in homeowners’ titles 1144, the FPA is mandated to regulate, control and
and violates the doctrine of separation of powers develop the pesticide industry, it was necessary to
provide for such protection of proprietary data, otherwise,
Ruling: pesticide handlers will proliferate to the the detriment of
the industry and the public since the inherent toxicity of
Under Section 447 of RA 7160, the Sangguniang pesticides are hazardous and are potential environmental
Bayan or the Municipal Council, as the legislative body of contaminants respondents emphasize that the provision
the municipality, has the power to enact ordinances for on protection of proprietary data does not usurp the
the general welfare of the municipality and its inhabitants. functions of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) since a
There was no sufficient evidence disputing the regularity patent and data protection are two different matters.
of the enactment of the Municipal Ordinance. Before the
Municipal Council of Parañaque passed the Municipal
Ordinance, it has been the subject of barangay Issue/s:
consultations and committee hearings in accordance with
Executive Order No. 72 and is found to be reasonable and Did the FPA go beyond its delegated power and
not discriminating or oppressive with respect to BF undermine the objectives of P.D. No. 1144 by issuing
Homes Parañaque. Moreover, several homeowners along regulations that provide for protection of proprietary
El Grande and Aguirre Avenues already converted their data?
residences into business establishments. As found by the
Court of Appeals, El Grande and Aguirre Avenues are Ruling:
main thoroughfares in BF Homes Parañaque which have
long been commercialized. The answer is in the negative As stated in the
The Court has upheld in several cases the Preamble of said decree, “there is an urgent need to
superiority of police power over the non-impairment create a technically-oriented government authority
clause. The constitutional guaranty of non-impairment of equipped with the required expertise to regulate, control
contracts is limited by the exercise of the police power of and develop both the fertilizer and the pesticide
the State, in the interest of public health, safety, morals industries.”
and general welfare. The Municipal Ordinance is a
legitimate exercise of police power and the Under P.D. No. 1144, the FPA is given the broad
reclassification of El Grande and Aguirre Avenues in BF power to issue rules and regulations to implement and
Homes Parañaque is not arbitrary or unreasonable. carry out the purposes and provisions of said decree, i.e.,
to regulate, control and develop the pesticide industry. In
PEST MGT. ASSOC. OF PHILS. (PMAP) vs furtherance of such ends, the FPA sees the protection of
FERTILIZER AND PESTICIDE AUTHORITY (FPA), GR proprietary data as one way of fulfilling its mandate.
No. 156041, February 21, 2007
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Jesus Nuevas was charged before the Regional GARCIA vs J.G. SUMMIT PETROCHEMICAL CORP. GR
Trial Court (RTC) of Olongapo City with illegal possession No. 127925, February 23, 2007
of marijuana. Reynaldo Din and Fernando Inocencio were
likewise charged with the same crime. RTC rendered a
Decision finding all accused in the above-entitled cases Facts:
guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Respondent J.G. Summit Petrochemical
Issue/s: Corporation was registered by the BOI as a new domestic
producer of polyethylene and polypropylene resins, for
Whether or not the warrantless searches and seizure which it was issued on May 24, 1994 BOI Certificate of
made by the police officers is valid and the evidence Registration. Respondent informed the BOI that its plant
obtained by virture thereof is admissible would be located in barangay Alangilanan, Manjuyod,
Negros Oriental. On January 29, 1996, however, it
advised the Board in writing that its plant site would be
Ruling: located in barangay Simlong, Batangas City, instead of
Negros Oriental. BOI caused the publication of
First, the Court holds that the searches and respondent’s amended application for registration in a
seizures conducted do not fall under the first exception, newspaper of general publication to enable interested
warrantless searches incidental to lawful arrests. Arrest persons to file their sworn objections within one (1) week
must precede the search; the process cannot be reversed from said publication.
as in this case where the search preceded the arrest.
Nevertheless, a search substantially contemporaneous In due time, petitioner and concerned residents
with an arrest can precede the arrest if the police have of barangay Simlong, Batangas submitted separate
probable cause to make the arrest at the outset of the letters of opposition Petitioner objected to the Batangas
search. plant site, citing as basis the 1990 decision of this Court
in G.R. No. 92024, which annulled the Board’s approval
In this case, Nuevas, Din and Inocencio of the change of plant site from Bataan to Batangas, and
were not committing a crime in the presence of the police of feedstock from naphtha only to naphtha and/or
officers. Moreover, police officers Fami and Cabling did liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). He argued that by the
not have personal knowledge of the facts indicating that said decision, this Court declared the Bataan
the persons to be arrested had committed an offense. petrochemical zone as the only possible site for
The searches conducted on the plastic bag then cannot petrochemical plants as provided for under P.D. Nos. 949
be said to be merely incidental to a lawful arrest. and 1803.
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known before and during the hearings of respondent’s non-presentation of Marcelo was a denial of her
amended application, it is bereft of merit. Petitioner has constitutional right to meet and confront her accuser.
not denied having actively participated in the August 23,
1995 meeting of the ad hoc committee on the The right of the petitioner to confront the
petrochemical industry in which the report was witnesses against her is not affected by the failure of the
discussed. But even granting that the report was not prosecution to present the informant. The matter of
mentioned during the hearings, petitioner could have presentation of witnesses is not for accused nor even for
easily moved for a reconsideration of the BOI Decision, the trial court to decide. Discretion belongs to the
reserving his right to refute the SRI findings upon actual prosecutor as to how the State should present its
receipt of a copy thereof. case. The prosecutor has the right to choose whom he
would present as witnesses. Moreover, in illegal drugs
Finally, it is not for this Court to rule on whether cases, the presentation of an informant is not essential
the national interest would be served by allowing for conviction nor is it indispensable for a successful
respondent to locate its plant in Batangas, instead of prosecution because his testimony would be merely
Bataan. As the first Garcia case held, “this Court is not corroborative and cumulative
concerned with the economic, social, and political aspects As stated earlier, the testimony of the police officers
of this case for it does not possess the necessary carried with it the presumption of regularity in the
technology and scientific expertise to determine whether performance of official function. Absent any persuasive
the transfer of the proposed BPC petrochemical complex evidence showing why these officers would falsely
from Bataan to Batangas and the change of fuel from testify against the petitioner, the logical conclusion is that
naphtha only to ‘naphtha and/or LPG will be best for the no improper motive exists, and that their testimonies are
project and for our country. This Court is not about to worthy of full faith and credit.
delve into the economics and politics of this case . . . .”
Finally, petitioner contends that the arrest and
the search conducted incidental to her arrest were illegal
DIMACUHA vs PEOPLE, GR No. 143705, February 23, as the surrounding circumstances of the arrest were not
2007 within the purview of the allowable warrantless arrests
under Rule 113, Section 5 of the Rules of Court.
Facts:
Here, the petitioner was caught in flagrante
Petitioner Ruby E. Dimacuha delicto while in the act of delivering 1.15 grams and in
seeks her acquittal by a reversal of the October 22, actual possession of another 10.78 grams of
1999 decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) in CA-G.R. CR methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) as a result of
No. 20720 which affirmed her earlier conviction by the an entrapment operation conducted by the police on the
Regional Trial Court of Marikina, Metro Manila, Branch basis of information received from Benito Marcelo
273, for violations of Sections 15 and 16 of Article III regarding petitioner's illegal drug trade. Petitioner's
of Republic Act (RA) No. 6425, otherwise known as the arrest, therefore, was lawful and the subsequent seizure
Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972. Dimacuha’s motion for of a bag of shabu inserted inside the cover
reconsideration of said decision was denied by the CA in of her checkbook was justified and legal in light of the
its June 19, 2000 resolution. After due assessment of the prevailing rule that an officer making an arrest may take
evidence presented, the trial court gave full faith and from the person arrested any property found upon his
credit to the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses and person in order to find and seize things connected with
upheld the presumption applied in cases involving the crime. The seized regulated drug is, therefore,
violation of Dangerous Drug Acts of regularity in the admissible in evidence, being the fruit of the crime. The
performance of duty by public officers conducting anti- Court finds the penalty imposed by the trial court as
narcotics operations when the police officers have no affirmed by the CA to be correct
motive in testifying falsely against an accused. It found
that the evidence for the prosecution convincingly TAYABAN vs PEOPLE, GR No. 150194, March 6,
established petitioner’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt. 2007
Unable to accept the trial court’s judgment of conviction,
petitioner went on appeal to the CA. Facts:
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Facts:
CAMARA vs PAGAYATAN,GR No. 176563, March 6, Vicente F. Macapagal and Irenea R. Estrella were
2007 the owners of 2.5 hectares of agricultural land, subject of
this dispute, denominated as Lot No. 4714, Cad-320-D,
Facts: Case 1, situated in Palapala, San Ildefonso, Bulacan.
After their demise, said piece of land passed on to their
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children (respondents herein) who are now the pro- his motion for reconsideration that a hearing be
indiviso owners of the same. conducted for the purpose of asking clarificatory
On the other hand, petitioner is the leasehold questions, set the date for the parties' oral argument on
tenant of the subject land having succeeded his father, 10 July 1996. Despite notice, however, petitioner failed
Francisco Verde, in the tenancy thereof. to show up during said date prompting provincial
On 14 July 1995, respondents initiated an action adjudicator to submit for resolution petitioner's motion
for ejectment against petitioner before the Provincial for reconsideration. In an order dated 06 December 1996,
Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board in Malolos, Bulacan. the provincial adjudicator recalled his 10 July 1996 order
In a decision dated 07 February 1996, Provincial and instead scheduled another hearing on 14 January
Adjudicator Erasmo SP. Cruz dismissed the case for lack 1997 for the purpose of asking clarificatory questions.[29]
of merit. Respondents filed a motion for reconsideration Yet again, petitioner failed to attend this hearing, thus,
which was denied by the provincial adjudicator. respondents moved that petitioner's motion for
Respondents then filed an appeal before the Department reconsideration be resolved.[30] Given this series of
of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board (DARAB) which, events, petitioner cannot now be heard to complain that
however, affirmed the earlier ruling of the provincial the Court of Appeals erred in putting premium on the
adjudicator. joint sworn statement of Sanciangco and Cruz as he was
Undaunted by these setbacks, respondents filed given ample opportunity to challenge its contents.
an appeal with the Court of Appeals. In the decision now Notwithstanding this finding, we still find merit in the
assailed before us, the appellate court reversed and set instant petition and resolve to grant the same.
aside the decision of the DARAB. According to the Court
of Appeals, Section 24 of Rep. Act No. 1199[11] prohibits ESTANISLAO V. ALVIOLA, COMPLAINANT, VS.
a share-tenant from employing a subtenant to work or JUDGE HENRY B. AVELINO, MCTC, PONTEVEDRA-
furnish labor on the land subject of a tenancy agreement. PANAY,CAPIZ,RESPONDENT.
Hence, this petition.
Facts:
Issue/s:
This is an administrative complaint against
Whether or not the Court of Appeals erred in declaring respondent Judge Henry B. Avelino of the 2nd Municipal
that petitioner did not personally cultivate the subject Circuit Trial Court of Pontevedra-Panay, Pontevedra,
land thereby justifying his ejectment there from. Capiz for gross neglect of duty relative to a civil case for
unlawful detainer and damages, docketed as Civil Case
Ruling: No. 405 and entitled “Spouses Estanislao V. Alviola
and Carmen L. Alviola v. Spouses Dullano and Theresa
Under Section 5(a) of Rep. Act No. 1199, a Suplido.
'share tenant is defined as a person who himself and with
the aid available from within his immediate farm In a Resolution dated 21 June 2006, the Court noted the
household cultivates the land belonging to or possessed OCA’s report and directed the parties to manifest their
by another, with the latter's consent, for purposes of willingness to submit the case for resolution on the basis
production, sharing the produce with the landholder of the pleadings filed. Complainant, in his Manifestation
under the share tenancy system, or paying to the dated 30 August 2005, informed the Court of his
landholder a price-certain or ascertainable in produce or willingness to submit the case for resolution on the basis
in money or both, under the leasehold tenancy system. of the pleadings/records already filed and submitted.
Respondent judge likewise manifested the same
In the present case, it is not disputed that dela willingness in his Manifestation dated 23 March 2007.
Cruz is not a member of petitioner's immediate
household. The question thus posed is whether by Paragraph 8, Title I (A) of A.M. No. 03-1-09-SC entitled
petitioner's hiring his services and that of his carabao, Guidelines to be Observed by Trial Court Judges and
the agricultural lease relationship between the parties in Clerks of Court in the Conduct of Pre-Trial and Use of
this case ceased to exist. We rule that it did not. Deposition-Discovery Measures states that:
We cannot, however, sustain petitioner's stance The judge shall issue the required Pre-Trial
that the appellate court erred in giving credence to the Order within ten (10) days after the termination of the
joint sworn statement of Sanciangco and Cruz in pre-trial. Said Order shall bind the parties, limit the trial
contravention of the pertinent provision of the Rules of to matters not disposed of and control the course of the
Court. The DARAB New Rules of Procedures explicitly action during the trial x x x
ordains that technical rules of procedure which bind the
regular courts find no application in proceedings before Issue/s:
said board and its Regional and Provincial Adjudicators.
To give effect to this rule, the DARAB New Rules of Whether or not Judge Henry B. Avelino of the 2nd
Procedure commands that all agrarian cases, disputes or Municipal Circuit Trial Court of Pontevedra-Panay,
controversies should be resolved 'in a most expeditious Pontevedra, Capiz for gross neglect of his duty
manner, employing all reasonable means to ascertain the
facts of every case in accordance with justice and equity.
But what makes petitioner's stance on this Ruling:
matter even more unavailing is the fact that the
provincial adjudicator, acceding to petitioner's prayer in
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The search revealed that Alvarez maintained 8 Whether or not the proscription against ex post facto
bank accounts with 6 different banks. The AMLC issued a laws applies to Section 11 of the AMLA (a provision
resolution authorizing its Executive Director to sign and which does not provide a penal sanction BUT which
verify an application to inquire into the deposits or merely authorizes the inspection of suspect accounts
investments of Alvarez et al. and to authorize the AMLC and deposits).
Secretariat to conduct an inquiry once the RTC grants the
application. The rationale for the resolution was founded
on the findings of the CIS that amounts were transferred Ruling:
from a Hong Kong bank account to bank accounts in the
Philippines maintained by respondents. The Resolution YES. It is clear that no person may be
also noted that by awarding the contract to PIATCO prosecuted under the PENAL provisions of the AMLA for
(despite its lack of financial capacity) Alvarez violated acts committed prior to the enactment of the law (17
Section 3(E) of the Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. October 2001). With respect to the AUTHORITY TO
INSPECT, it should be noted that an ex post facto law is
The MAKATI RTC rendered an Order granting the one that (among others) deprives a person accused of a
AMLC the authority to inquire and examine the subject crime of some lawful protection to which he has become
bank accounts of Alvarez et al. In response to a letter of entitled, such as the protection of a former conviction or
Special Prosecutor Villa-Ignacio, AMLC issued a acquittal, or a proclamation of amnesty.
Resolution authorizing its Executive Director to inquire PRIOR to the AMLA:
into and examine the accounts of Alvarez, PIATCO, and (1) The fact that bank accounts were involved in
several other entities involved in the nullified contract. activities later on enumerated in the law did not, by itself,
AMLC filed an application before the MANILA RTC to remove such accounts from the shelter of absolute
inquire into the accounts alleged as Sec 3 Corrupt confidentiality.
practices of public officers. In addition to acts or (2) In order that bank accounts could be
omissions of public officers already penalized by existing examined, there was need to secure either the written
law, the following shall constitute corrupt practices of any permission of the depositor OR a court order authorizing
public officer and are hereby declared to be unlawful: such examination, assuming that they were involved in
(j) Knowingly approving or granting any license, cases of bribery or dereliction of duty of public officials,
permit, privilege or benefit in favor of any person not or in a case where the money deposited or invested was
qualified for or not legally entitled to such license, permit, itself the subject matter of the litigation.
privilege or advantage, or of a mere representative or (3)Please read the original for the other issues
dummy of one who is not so qualified or entitled. aside from Art. 3, section 22.
(e) Causing any undue injury to any party, (4) Section 11. Authority to inquire into Bank
including the Government, or giving any private party Deposits.–
any unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference in the
discharge of his official administrative or judicial functions Notwithstanding the provisions of Republic Act
through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross No. 1405, as amended; Republic Act No. 6426, as
inexcusable negligence. amended; Republic Act No. 8791, and other laws, the
AMLC may inquire into or examine any particular deposit
or investment with any banking institution or non-bank
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Issue/s:
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On October 24, 1991, an Information for double reversal of the Decision2 and Resolution3 of the Court of
murder was filed before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Appeals in CA-G.R. SP No. 89539. The Court of Appeals'
Dagupan City, Branch 40, docketed as Crim. Case No. D- decision affirmed the two joint orders issued by the Office
10678, against Manolo Salcedo, Romulo Salcedo, Ricardo of the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon finding herein
Samuco, Rolando Pingol and one Joel Doe for the death petitioner Lorna A. Medina guilty of grave misconduct and
of the brothers Mario and Tito Untalan on October 21, dishonesty. The Resolution of the same court denied
1991. petitioner's motion for reconsideration of the said
Respondent denied the motion for decision.
reconsideration on January 10, 1992. In a Decision7 dated 8 November 2004, Deputy
On March 15, 1992, respondent issued an Order Ombudsman Victor C. Fernandez approved the
denying the motion, stating: recommendation of the Graft Investigation and
Considering that time is of the essence because Prosecution Officer to dismiss petitioner from service
all the accused except Joel Doe have been under based on the existence of substantial evidence of a
detention at the City Jail since October 21, 1991 and discrepancy in petitioner's account totaling
considering that the City Prosecutor has not yet resolved P4,080,631.36. The said decision noted petitioner's
the matter of reinvestigation on December 23, 1991 as supposed failure to file a counter-affidavit and position
ordered by the Court, and considering further that Asst. paper despite due notice.
City Prosecutor Rosita Castro interposed no objection to On 29 November 2004, petitioner filed an urgent
the granting of bail in the amount of P40,000.00 which motion8 stating that she complied with the directive to
she considered reasonable, without determining whether file a counter-affidavit and position paper and praying
or not the proper charge could be double homicide, the that the defenses therein be considered in reversing the
Court granted bail for the provisional liberty of each 8 November 2004 decision. The motion was treated as a
accused in the amount of P40,000.00. motion for reconsideration of the said decision.
In view of the foregoing, the Court finds no legal The Court of Appeals dismissed the petition in
and factual basis for the Motion to Inhibit.1 the assailed Decision dated 23 October 2006.15 It held
On April 13, 1992, complainant moved for the that petitioner was not entitled to a formal investigation
reconsideration of the Order of March 15, 1992. and it affirmed the deputy ombudsman's factual finding
Respondent denied the motion in an Order dated June 8, that petitioner was guilty of grave misconduct and
1992. dishonesty. The appellate court also denied petitioner's
motion for reconsideration in a Resolution dated 30
January 2007.
Issue/s:
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anathema in the civil service. They inevitably reflect on that petitioner’s electric meter had a broken seal and
the fitness of a civil servant to continue in office. When shunting wire, petitioner claims that the foregoing
an officer or employee is disciplined, the object sought is circumstances cannot be considered prima facie evidence
not the punishment of such officer or employee but the of illegal use of electricity because the inspection was not
improvement of the public service and the preservation conducted in the presence of an "officer of the law" as
of the public's faith and confidence in the government. contemplated under R.A. No. 7832. He argues that only a
barangay chairman witnessed the inspection, and that his
JEFFREY T. GO, vs. LEYTE II ELECTRIC presence failed to satisfy the requirements of the law
COOPERATIVE, INC., G.R. No. 176909 February 18, which specifies the police or the National Bureau of
2008 Investigation (NBI) as competent authority to verify the
findings of a private electric utility or rural electric
Facts: cooperative.
This petition for review on certiorari1 assails the However, under Section 1 of the Implementing
November 30, 2006 Decision2 of the Court of Appeals in Rules and Regulations of R.A. No. 7832, an officer of the
CA-G.R. CEB-SP No. 02010 setting aside the April 4, law is defined as one "who by direct provision of the law
2006 and May 2, 2006 Orders of Branch 6 of the Regional or by election or by appointment of competent authority,
Trial Court of Tacloban City in Special Civil Case No. is charged with the maintenance of public order and the
2006-03-24, which ordered the issuance of a writ of protection and security of life and property." Contrary to
injunction against respondent Leyte II Electric petitioner’s claim, the definition is not limited to
Cooperative, Inc. (LEYECO II). Also assailed is the members of the police force or the NBI. The rules
February 27, 2007 Resolution3 denying the motion for specifically state that a barangay chairman is considered
reconsideration. an officer of the law. Thus, his presence during the
inspection satisfies the requirements of the law.
Petitioner Jeffrey T. Go is a resident of Block 16,
Lot 14, Imelda Village, Tacloban City. He bought the We now come to the issue whether petitioner
property from Rosita Mancera, who is the registered was caught in flagrante delicto.
consumer and member of respondent LEYECO II.
In flagrante delicto means "[i]n the very act of
At about 10:20 a.m. of February 13, 2006, committing the crime." To be caught in flagrante delicto,
respondent’s inspection team went to petitioner’s therefore, necessarily implies positive identification by
residence to inspect his electric meter. They requested the eyewitness or eyewitnesses. Such is a "direct
the occupant of the house to witness the inspection but evidence" of culpability, or "that which proves the fact in
were told that the owner was out of town. dispute without the aid of any inference or presumption."
Petitioner immediately filed a "Petition for In the instant case, it was impossible for
Injunction and Damages with Preliminary Injunction with petitioner to have been caught in the act of committing
a Prayer for the Issuance of a Temporary Restraining an offense considering that he was not present during the
Order"6 before the Regional Trial Court of Tacloban City. inspection. Nor were any of his representatives at hand.
He claimed that the inspection was irregular and illegal, The presence of a broken seal and a shunting wire in
and that respondent had no legal basis to cause the petitioner’s electric meter will not suffice to support a
disconnection of his electric service. finding that petitioner was in flagrante delicto. Such
circumstances merely operate as prima facie evidence of
Respondent filed a petition for certiorari before illegal use of electricity under Section 4 of R.A. No. 7832.
the Court of Appeals, which reversed and set aside the
orders of the Regional Trial Court in its November 30, Absent a finding of in flagrante delicto, there is
2006 Decision. no basis for the immediate disconnection of petitioner’s
electric service under Section 6 of R.A. No. 7832.
Petitioner’s motion for reconsideration was Respondent’s reliance on the said provision is clearly
denied, hence this petition. misplaced.
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provision, Rule VIII of the Implementing Rules and 1. whether there was just cause to terminate the
Regulations of R.A. No. 7832. employment of respondent
2. whether due process was observed in the dismissal
The Court of Appeals erred in holding that the process
only instance where the court can issue a restraining 3. whether respondent is entitled to backwages and other
order or injunction is when there is prima facie evidence benefits despite his refusal to be reinstated.
of bad faith or grave abuse of authority.16 As the law
stands, there are two exceptions to the restriction on the
issuance of restraining orders or writs of injunction, to wit: Ruling:
1) when there is prima facie evidence that the
disconnection was made with evident bad faith or grave The Court’s Ruling Respondent’s tardiness
abuse of authority; and 2) when, even in the absence of cannot be considered condoned by petitioners
bad faith or grave abuse of authority, the electric In the case at bar, respondent did not adduce
consumer deposits a bond with the court in the form of any evidence to show waiver or condonation on the part
cash or a cashier’s check equivalent to the differential of petitioners. Thus. the findings of the CA that
billing. petitioners cannot use the previous absences and
tardiness because respondent was not subjected to any
In the instant case, petitioner filed a bond in the penalty is bereft of legal basis. The petitioners did not
form of a cashier’s check in the amount of One Hundred impose any punishment for the numerous absences and
One Thousand Five Hundred Ninety Seven and 99/100 tardiness of respondent. Thus, said infractions can be
(P101,597.99), the equivalent of the differential billing used collectively by petitioners as a ground for dismissal.
charged against him by respondent in compliance with Respondent is admittedly a daily wage earner and hence
Section 9 of R.A. No. 7832 and Rule VIII of the is paid based on such arrangement. For said daily paid
Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. No. 7832. workers, the principle of "a day’s pay for a day’s work" is
squarely applicable. Hence it cannot be construed in any
R.B. Michael Press and Annalene Reyes Escobia, wise that such nonpayment of the daily wage on the days
petitioners, vs Nicasio C. Galit he was absent constitutes a penalty.
The CA found that it was not the tardiness and Under the twin notice requirement, the
absences committed by respondent, but his refusalto employees must be given two (2) notices before his
render overtime work which caused the termination of his employment could be terminated: (1) a first notice to
employment. It ruled that the timeframe in which apprise the employees of their fault, and (2) a second
respondent was afforded procedural due process is notice to communicate to the employees that their
dubitable; he could not havebeen afforded ample employment is being terminated. On the surface, it would
opportunity to explain his side and to adduce evidence on seem that petitioners observed due process (twin notice
his behalf. Itfurther ruled that the basis for computing his and hearing requirement ): On February 23, 1999
backwages should be his daily salary at the time of his petitioner notified respondent of the hearing to be
dismissal which was PhP 230, and that his backwages conducted later that day. On the same day before the
should be computed from the time of his dismissal up to hearing, respondent was furnished a copy of an office
the finality of the CA’s decision. memorandum which contained a list of his offenses, and
a notice of a scheduled hearing in the afternoon of the
same day. The next day, February 24, 1999, he was
Issue/s: notified that his employment with petitioner R.B. Michael
Press had been terminated. The hearing was immediately
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set in the afternoon of February 23, 1999—the day were not satisfied with the quality of his work; hence
respondent received the first notice. Therefore, he was Javilgas was assigned to the Novaliches branch; that
not given any opportunity at all to consult a union official Javilgas incurred numerous absences in the Novaliches
or lawyer, and, worse, to prepare for his defense. branch; that Javilgas had opened his own machine shop
Regarding the February 23, 1999 afternoon hearing, it and even pirated the clients of petitioners; and finally,
can be inferred that respondent, without any lawyer or Javilgas again voluntarily left Padilla Machine Shop
friend to counsel him, was not given any chance at all to without prior notice.
adduce evidence in his defense. In the February 24, 1999
notice of dismissal, petitioners simply justified On March 31, 2004, the Labor Arbiter rendered a decision
respondent’s dismissal by citing his admission of the that Javilgas was illegally dismissed.
offenses charged. It did not specify the details Petitioners appealed the decision to the National
surrounding the offenses and the specific company rule Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) which reversed the
or Labor Code provision upon which the dismissal was decision of the Labor Arbiter. The NLRC found no
grounded. The Court concludes that termination of sufficient evidence to show that Javilgas was dismissed or
respondent was railroaded in serious breach of his right prevented from reporting for work; that Javilgas could
to due process. Therefore, the CA decision is REVERSED not categorically state when he was dismissed. In fine,
and SET ASIDE. The Court declares respondent’s dismissal the NLRC held that Javilgas voluntarily resigned, and not
from employment VALID and LEGAL. Petitioners are, illegally dismissed.
however, ordered jointly and solidarily to pay respondent
nominal damages in the amount of PhP 30,000 for On appeal, the Court of Appeals reversed the NLRC and
violation of respondent’s right to due process. reinstated the Decision of the Labor Arbiter. It held that
the burden of proof is on the petitioners, to show that
PADILLA MACHINE SHOP, RODOLFO PADILLA and Javilgas was dismissed for a valid and just cause.
LEONARDO PADILLA, vs. Petitioners,
RUFINOA.JAVILGAS, G.R.No.175960 February19, The appellate court did not lend credence to petitioners
2008 claim that respondent voluntarily resigned since the issue
was only raised for the first before the NLRC. Petitioners
motion for reconsideration was denied hence, the instant
Facts: petition.
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rendered to the latter. On the other hand, in its (1) Whether or not Rayala committed sexual
extraordinary concept, attorney’s fees may be awarded harassment?
by the court as indemnity for damages to be paid by the (2) what is the applicable penalty?
losing party to the prevailing party,and not counsel. In
its extraordinary sense, attorney’s fees as part of
damages is awarded only in the instances specified in Ruling:
Article 2208 of the Civil Code, among which are the
following which obtain in the instant case: CA and OP were unanimous in holding that
(7) In actions for the recovery of wages of RAYALA is guilty of sexual harassment. They only differ in
household helpers, laborers and skilled workers; the appropriate imposable penalty. That Rayala
committed the acts complained of ± and was guilty of
(8) In actions for indemnity under workmen's sexual harassment ± is, therefore, the common factual
compensation and employer's liability laws; finding of not
just one, but three independent bodies: the Committee,
MA. LOURDES T. DOMINGO vs. ROGELIO I. RAYALA the OP and the CA. It should be remembered that when
supported by substantial evidence, factual findings made
Facts: by quasi-judicial and administrative bodies are accorded
great respect and even finality by the courts.39 The
On November 16, 1998, Ma. Lourdes T. principle, therefore, dictates that such findings should
Domingo (Domingo), then Stenographic Reporter III at bind us. He insists, however, that these acts do not
the NLRC, filed a Complaint for sexual harassment constitute sexual harassment, because Domingo did not
against Rayala before Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma of allege in her complaint that there was a demand, request,
the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The or requirement of a sexual favor as a condition for her
committee constituted found Rayala guilty of the continued employment or for her promotion to a higher
offense charged. Secretary Laguesma submitted a copy position.41 Rayala urges us to apply to his case our
of the Committee Report and Recommendation to the ruling inA quino v. Acosta. We find respondent’s
OP, but with there recommendation that the insistence unconvincing.
penalty should be suspension for six (6) months and Basic in the law of public officers is the three-
one (1) day, in accordance with AO 250. fold liability rule, which states that the wrongful acts or
It was ordered that Rayala be dismissed from omissions of a public officer may give rise to civil,
service for being found guilty of grave offense of criminal and administrative liability. An action for each
disgraceful and immoral conduct. Rayala filed Motions for can proceed independently of the others.43 This rule
Reconsideration until the case was finally referred to the applies with full force
Court of Appeals for appropriate action. The CA found to sexual harassment. The law penalizing sexual
Reyala guilty and imposed the penalty of suspension of harassment in our jurisdiction is RA 7877.
service for the maximum period of one (1) year. The CA, thus, correctly ruled that Rayala’s
Domingo filed a Petition for Review before the SC. culpability is not to be determined solely on the basis of
Rayala likewise filed a Petition for Review19 with this Section 3, RA 7877, because he is charged with the
Court essentially arguing that he is not guilty of any act administrative offense, not the criminal infraction, of
of sexual harassment. The Republic then filed its own sexual harassment.44 It should be enough that the CA,
Petition for Review. On June 28, 2004, the Court directed along with the
the consolidation of the three (3)petitions. Investigating Committee and the Office of the President,
G.R. No. 155831 ± Domingo Petition - found substantial evidence to support the administrative
1. The President has the power to remove charge.
presidential appointees; and
2. AO No. 250 does not cover presidential Rayala alleges that the CA erred in holding that
appointees. sexual harassment is an offense malum prohibitum. He
G.R. No. 155840 ± Rayala Petition argues that intent is an essential element in sexual
In his petition, Rayala raises the following harassment, and since the acts imputed to him were
issues: done allegedly without malice, he should be absolved of
1. He‘s act does not constitute sexual the charges
harassment; against him. The SC reiterated that what is
a. demand, request, or requirement of a sexual before us is an administrative case for sexual harassment.
favor; Thus, whether the crime of sexual harassment is malum
b. the same is made a pre-condition to hiring, in se or malum prohibitum is immaterial. The SC also
re- employment, or continued employment; or rejected Rayala’s allegations that the charges were filed
c. the denial thereof results in discrimination because of a conspiracy to get him out of office and thus
against the employee. constitute merely political harassment.
2. Intent is an element of sexual harassment; and
3. Misapplication of the expanded definition of sexual The SC held that Rayala was properly accorded
harassment in RA 7877 by applying DOLE AO 250. due process. Thus, when the President found that Rayala
was indeed guilty of disgraceful and immoral conduct, the
Issue/s: Chief Executive did not have unfettered discretion to
impose a penalty other than the penalty provided by law
for such offense. As cited above, the imposable penalty
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electric tester, and assorted carpentry tools on suspicion was gone. He immediately reported the loss to his
that they were acquired in exchange for shabu. Following superiors at LBC and to the nearest police station.
the search, SPO1 Ilagan issued a Receipt for Property LBC, through its vice-president petitioner,
Seized and a Certification of Orderly Search which Lorenzo A. Niño, directed Mateo to appear in his office to
appellant signed. explain his side and for formal investigation. As directed,
The trial court rendered the decision and Mateo appeared and presented his side. After
convicted Nunez for a sentence of Reclusion perpetua. investigation, he received a notice of termination from
The accused appeal to the CA contending that such LBC dated May 30, 2001. He was barred from reporting
evidence were planted against him, and the appellant for work.
assails the validity of the search warrant as it did not The Department of Labor and the NLRC
indicate his exact address but only the barangay and dismissed the complaint of the respondent for the
street of his residence. He maintains that none of the petitioner has followed the due process of terminating
occupants witnessed the search as they were all kept in their employee with the sufficient ground of gross
the living room. Finally, appellant questions why the negligence on the part of the respondent. The respondent
prosecution did not call the barangay officials as appealed to the CA and reversed the decision of NLRC.
witnesses to shed light on the details of the search. The petitioner elevates the case to the Supreme Court
Despite his contention, the CA affirmed the decision of contending that they terminate their employee with
the trial court. And the appellant elevate the case to the sufficient ground of gross negligence and followed due
SC. process.
Issue/s: Issue/s:
Did the petitioner violate the procedural due process in
dismissing their employee?
1. WON the search warrant is valid?
Ruling:
2. WON the seizure of the property were valid?
The SC ruled that in applying the procedural due
process in terminating an employee, requires that the
employee be informed of the particular acts or omissions
Ruling: for which his dismissal is sought. The memorandum did
just that. Mateo was thereafter given the opportunity to
The Supreme Court ruled that the question of explain his side and was handed the requisite second
the validity of the search warrant was deemed waive notice (of termination). Procedural due process was
since the appellant failed to raise such question to the therefore complied with. The substantive loss of a
trial court and the appellant signed the receipt of the property of the company is sufficient evidence that the
property seized and the certification of orderly search. employee committed a gross negligence on his part. The
The right to be secure from unreasonable searches and petition was granted.
seizures, like any other right, can be waived and the
waiver may be made expressly or impliedly. Triumph international vs. Apostol 589 SCRA (2009)
The SC affirmed and modified the
decision of the lower court and ruled that the seizure of Facts:
personal things not subject for seizure was invalidated.
This a petition for a certiorari on the decision
rendered by the CA. The respondent was an assistant
LBC vs Mateo 589 SCRA (2009) manager hired by the petitioner, wherein the respondent
was terminated by the petitioner on the ground that the
Facts: latter has loss his trust and confidence with the former.
The respondent was given a memorandum to explain why
Respondent James Mateo, designated as a there is a huge discrepancy of the inventory in the
customer associate, was a regular employee of petitioner warehouse and permitted to leave with pay by the
LBC Express – Metro Manila, Inc. (LBC). His job was to petitioner since the investigation was still ongoing. After
deliver and pick-up packages to and from LBC and its the respondent explained his side, he was given a notice
customers. For this purpose, Mateo was assigned the use of termination of his employment.
of a Kawasaki motorcycle. The respondent goes to the Department
On April 30, 2001 at about 6:10 p.m., Mateo of Labor and NLRC and assailed that they are illegally
arrived at LBC’s Escolta office, along Burke Street, to dismissed by the petitioner. The Department of labor and
drop off packages coming from various LBC airposts. He NLRC ruled that their dismissal was legal and the
parked his motorcycle directly in front of the LBC office, petitioner followed the procedural due process in
switched off the engine and took the key with him. terminating the respondent. The CA reversed the decision
However, he did not lock the steering wheel because he of the NLRC and the petitioner went to the SC contending
allegedly was primarily concerned with the packages, that their ground for termination was sufficient.
including a huge sum of money that needed to be
immediately secured inside the LBC office. He returned
promptly within three to five minutes but the motorcycle Issue/s:
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Did the petitioner follow the procedural due process in their house in Bagumbayan, Masbate, Masbate when
terminating the respondent? P/Supt. Doria and SPO3 Ramirez (respondents),
accompanied by 10 unidentified police officers, requested
them to proceed to the Provincial PNP Headquarters at
Ruling: Camp Boni Serrano, Masbate, Masbate. Petitioner was
suspicious of the request and told respondents that he
The SC held that the petition have merit. The would proceed to the PNP Headquarters after he had
mere fact that the petitioner gave notice to the brought his wife home. Petitioner alleged that when he
respondent and gave him an opportunity to explain on parked his car in front of their house, SPO3 Ramirez
his part why such discrepancies occurred, and complying grabbed him, forcibly took the key to his Totoya Lite Ace
the second requisite of notice of termination is a van, barged into the vehicle, and conducted a search
sufficient requirement on applying the procedural due without a warrant. The search resulted to the seizure of a
process. Managerial position does not need proof beyond licensed shotgun. Petitioner presented the shotgun’s
reasonable doubt because his employment is base on license to respondents. Thereafter, SPO3 Ramirez
trust and confidence compared to the rank and file continued his search and then produced a .45 caliber
employees. In the case at bar, the respondent was not a pistol which he allegedly found inside the vehicle.
rank and file employee, he has a position wherein the Respondents arrested petitioner and detained him,
company gives his trust and confidence to the without any appropriate charge, at the PNP special
respondent, hence, the petitioner has a legal grounds for detention cell.
terminating the respondent. The petition was granted. P/Supt. Doria alleged that his office received a
telephone call from a relative of Rosa Sia about a
Republic vs Libunao 594 SCRA (2009) shooting incident in Barangay Nursery. He dispatched a
team headed by SPO3 Ramirez to investigate the incident.
Facts: SPO3 Ramirez later reported that a certain William Sia
was wounded while petitioner, who was implicated in the
The respondents were the owners of the land incident, and his wife just left the place of the incident.
which was taken by the petitioners the Republic of the P/Supt. Doria looked for petitioner and when he found
Philippines represented by NAPOCOR through eminent him, he informed him of the incident report. P/Supt.
domain. The RTC rendered their decision by approving Doria requested petitioner to go with him to the police
such taking by paying just compensation of the value of headquarters as he was reported to be involved in the
whole lot area. The petitioners move their case to the CA incident. Petitioner agreed but suddenly sped up his
but they affirmed the decision with modification that the vehicle and proceeded to his residence. P/Supt. Doria and
petitioner should pay the interest of 6% of the value of his companions chased petitioner. Upon reaching
the land from the time of taking until the full payment of petitioner’s residence, they caught up with petitioner as
the Value of the land. he was about to run towards his house. The police
The petitioners contend that they are officers saw a gun in the front seat of the vehicle beside
only allowed to pay the 10% value of the land since they the driver’s seat as petitioner opened the door. They also
are only using a portion of the land as a means of right of saw a shotgun at the back of the driver’s seat. The police
way. officers confiscated the firearms and arrested petitioner.
P/Supt. Doria alleged that his men also arrested other
Issue/s: persons who were identified to be with petitioner during
the shooting incident. Petitioner was charged with illegal
Is the contention of the petitioners meritorious? possession of firearms and frustrated murder. An
administrative case was also filed against petitioner
Ruling: before this Court.
The trial court ruled that petitioner’s warrantless
The SC ruled in affirming the decision of the CA. arrest and the warrantless seizure of the firearms were
The Court held that the nature and effect of the valid and legal. The trial court gave more credence to the
installation of power lines and the limitations on the use testimonies of respondents who were presumed to have
of the land for an indefinite period should be considered, performed their duties in accordance with law. The trial
as the owners of the properties would be deprived of the court rejected petitioner’s claim of frame-up as weak and
normal use of their properties. For this reason, the insufficient to overthrow the positive testimonies of the
property owners are entitled to the payment of just police officers who conducted the arrest and the
compensation based on the full market value of the incidental search.
affected properties.
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(1) the offender has just committed an offense; and (2) respondents.
the arresting peace officer or private person has personal
knowledge of facts indicating that the person to be Issue/s:
arrested has committed it. Personal knowledge should be
based on probable cause. SPO3 Ramirez investigated the Whether or not the seizure of the sealed boxes which,
report and learned from witnesses that petitioner was when opened, contained Disudrin syrup and Inoflox,
involved in the incident. They were able to track down were valid under the plain view doctrine.
petitioner, but when invited to the police headquarters to
shed light on the incident, petitioner initially agreed then
sped up his vehicle, prompting the police authorities to Ruling:
give chase. Petitioner’s act of trying to get away, coupled
with the incident report which they investigated, is It is true that things not described in the
enough to raise a reasonable suspicion on the part of the warrant may be seized under the plain view doctrine.
police authorities as to the existence of probable cause. However, seized things not described in the warrant
The seizure of the firearms was justified under the plain cannot be presumed as plain view. The State must
view doctrine. The plain view doctrine applies when the adduce evidence to prove that the elements for the
following requisites concur: (1) the law enforcement doctrine to apply are present, namely: (a) the executing
officer in search of the evidence has a prior justification law enforcement officer has a prior justification for an
for an intrusion or is in a position from which he can view initial intrusion or otherwise properly in a position from
a particular area; (2) the discovery of the evidence in which he can view a particular order; (b) the officer must
plain view is inadvertent; and (3) it is immediately discover incriminating evidence inadvertently; and (c) it
apparent to the officer that the item he observes may be must be immediately apparent to the police that the
evidence of a crime, contraband or otherwise subject to items they observe may be evidence of a crime,
seizure. contraband, or otherwise subject to seizure
In this case, the police authorities were in the It was thus incumbent on the NBI and the petitioner to
area because that was where they caught up with prove that the items were seized on plain view. It is not
petitioner after the chase. They saw the firearms inside enough that the sealed boxes were in the plain view of
the vehicle when petitioner opened the door. Since a the NBI agents. However, the NBI failed to present any of
shooting incident just took place and it was reported that officers who were present when the warrant was enforced
petitioner was involved in the incident, it was apparent to to prove that the the sealed boxes was discovered
the police officers that the firearms may be evidence of a inadvertently, and that such boxes and their contents
crime. Hence, they were justified in seizing the firearms. were incriminating and immediately apparent. It must be
Hence the warrantless search and seizure were stressed that only the enforcing officers had personal
justified. The petition was denied. knowledge whether the sealed boxes and their contents
thereof were incriminating and that they were
UNILAB, INC. vs. ERNESTO ISIP and/or SHALIMAR immediately apparent. There is even no showing that the
PHILIPPINES G.R. No. 163858. NBI agents knew the contents of the sealed boxes before
they were opened. In sum then, the petitioner and the
Facts: NBI failed to prove that the plain view doctrine applies to
the seized items.
UNILAB hired a private investigator to
investigate a place purported to be manufacturing fake
UNILAB products, especially Revicon multivitamins. The
agent took some photographs where the clandestine
manufacturing operation was taking place. UNILAB then
sought the help of the NBI, which thereafter filed an
application for the issuance of search warrant in the RTC PEOPLE’S JOURNAL et. al. vs. FRANCIS THOENEN,
of Manila. After finding probable cause, the court issued a G.R. No. 143372
search warrant directing the police to seize “finished or
unfinished products of UNILAB, particularly REVICON Facts:
multivitamins.” No fake Revicon was however found;
instead, sealed boxes where seized, which, when opened On 30 September 1990, a news item appeared
contained 60 ml bottles of Disudrin and 200mg tablets of in the People’s Journal claiming that a certain Francis
Inoflox, both were brands used by UNILAB. NBI prayed Thoenen, a Swiss national who allegedly shoots wayward
that some of the sized items be turned over to the neighbors’ pets that he finds in his domain. It also
custody of the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) for claimed that BF Homes residents, in a letter through
examination. The court granted the motion. The lawyer Atty. Efren Angara, requested for the deportation
respondents then filed a motion to quash the search of Thoenen to prevent the recurrence of such incident in
warrant or to suppress evidence, alleging that the seized the future. Thoenen claimed that the article destroyed
items are considered to be fruit of a poisonous tree, and the respect and admiration he enjoyed in the community.
therefore inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding, He is seeking for damages.
which the petitioners opposed alleging that the boxes of The petitioners admitted publication of the news item,
Disudrin and Inoflox were seized under the plain view ostensibly out of a “social and moral duty to inform the
doctrine. The court, however, granted the motion of the public on matters of general interest, promote the public
good and protect the moral public (sic) of the people,”
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and that the story was published in good faith and raising the constitutional protection against double
without malice. jeopardy.
Issue/s: Issue/s:
Whether or not the news report fall under privileged Whether or not double jeopardy attaches.
communication and therefore protected by the
constitutional provision on freedom of speech. Ruling:
Facts:
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Issue/s:
Facts:
Whether or not the preliminary investigation that the
Ombudsman conducted in OMB-0-91-0820 in 1991 This Petition for Review on Certiorari seeks to
satisfied the requirement of the law in forfeiture cases. reverse and set aside the Court of Appeal's (CA's) June 2,
2005 Decisioncralaw in CA-G.R. SP. No. 83577, which
affirmed with modification the October 28, 2003
Ruling: Decisioncralaw of the National Labor Relations
Commission (NLRC) in NCR CA No. 034421-03, and the
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September 23, 2005 Resolutionralaw denying petitioners' from employment and act as leverage relative to the
motion for partial reconsideration. subject labor case they filed against petitioners.
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affirmed by the appellate court itself, that respondents At about 4:40 in the afternoon of July 27, 2000,
failed to report for work starting from October 22, 2000 PO3 George Garcia (PO3 Garcia) and PO3 Romeo
for respondent Lopez and October 28, 2000 for Sotomayor, Jr. (PO3 Sotomayor), together with Michael
respondent Gavan, then at the time of the filing of the Fermin and Joseph Apologista, all members of the
complaint with the labor office on November 3, 2000, Mayor's Action Command (MAC) of Mandaluyong City,
respondents were not yet dismissed from employment. were on routine patrol along M. Cruz St., Barangay
Prior to this point in time, there was, thus, no necessity Mauway, when they chanced upon two individuals
to comply with the twin requirements of notice and chanting and in the act of exchanging something. The
hearing. police officers introduced themselves and then inquired
from petitioner what he was holding. Petitioner took out
As can be seen, under the peculiar from his possession three strips of aluminum foil which
circumstances of this case, it cannot be concluded that PO3 Garcia confiscated. PO3 Sotomayor also found on
the sending of the notices and setting of hearings were a petitioner a plastic sachet which contained white
mere afterthought because petitioners were still awaiting crystalline substance which looked like tawas. Suspecting
the report from Bagasala when respondents pre-empted that the substance was "shabu", he confiscated the
the results of the ongoing investigation by filing the plastic sachet. Petitioner and his companion, who was
subject labor complaint. For this reason, there was later identified as Clarito Yanson (Clarito), were brought
sufficient compliance with the twin requirements of notice to the MAC station at the Criminal Investigation Division
and hearing even if the notices were sent and the hearing (CID) for investigation. After laboratory examination, the
conducted after the filing of the labor complaint. Thus, contents of the plastic sachet weighing 0.03 gram were
the award of nominal damages by the appellate court is found positive for Methamphetamine Hydrochloride or
improper. shabu, a regulated drug. The test on the three strips of
aluminum foil also yielded positive for traces of shabu.
SALVADOR V. REBELLION vs. PEOPLE OF THE On the basis thereof, petitioner was
PHILIPPINES, G.R. No. 175700 (July 5, 2010) correspondingly charged with illegal possession of
dangerous drugs. Clarito, on the other hand, was further
Facts: investigated by the City Prosecutor's Office.
This petition for review assails the September 26, Petitioner denied the charge against him. He
2006 Decision1cralaw of the Court of Appeals (CA) in CA- claimed that he was merely standing in front of a store
G.R. CR No. 29248 which affirmed with modification the waiting for the change of his P500.00 bill when he was
December 8, 2004 Decision2cralaw of the Regional Trial suddenly accosted by the MAC team.
Court (RTC) of Mandaluyong City, Branch 209, finding
petitioner guilty of violation of Section 16, Article III of
Republic Act (RA) No. 6425, as amended (otherwise
known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972, as
amended). Issue/s:
On July 31, 2000, an Information was filed Whether or not the Court of Appeals erred in affirming
charging petitioner Salvador V. Rebellion with violation of the decision of the Rigional Trial Court finding the
Section 16, Article III of RA 6425, as amended, the petitioner guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime
accusatory portion thereof reads: charged.
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confined while his case is pending, or has escaped while however, not being favorable to the petitioner, cannot be
being transferred from one confinement to another. given retroactive application in this case.
In cases falling under paragraphs (a) and (b) ALAN F. PAGUIA vs. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT,
hereof, the person arrested without a warrant shall be SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, and HON.
forthwith delivered to the nearest police station or jail HILARIO DAVIDE, JR., in his capacity as Permanent
and he shall be proceeded against in accordance with Representative of the Philippines to the United
Section 7, Rule 112. Nations, G.R. No. 176278 (June 25, 2010)
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which are claimed to be unconstitutional or illegal. Fortune Savings appealed to the Court of
However, the salaries and benefits respondent Davide Appeals (CA),[4] arguing that the DARAB decision had
received commensurate to his diplomatic rank are fixed already become final and executory and that the Land
by law and other executive issuances, the funding for Bank valuation of P6,796.00, adopted by the RTC was
which was included in the appropriations for the DFA's erroneous. On August 29, 2006, the CA rendered
total expenditures contained in the annual budgets judgment, reinstating the March 3, 1999 DARAB decision
Congress passed since respondent Davide's nomination. and its P93,060.00 valuation.[5] The CA ruled that Land
Having assumed office under color of authority Bank incurred delay in filing only on April 5, 1999 its
(appointment), respondent Davide is at least a de facto petition for the determination of just compensation in
officer entitled to draw salary, negating petitioner's claim Agrarian Case 99-0214 and that, consequently, the
of 'illegal expenditure of scarce public funds.' DARAB decision became final and executory on April 1,
1999.
An incapacity to bring legal actions peculiar to
petitioner also obtains. Petitioner's suspension from the Issue/s:
practice of law bars him from performing 'any activity, in
or out of court, which requires the application of law, 1. Whether or not the CA erred in holding that, since
legal procedure, knowledge, training and experience.' Land Bank filed its original judicial action in Agrarian
Certainly, preparing a petition raising carefully crafted Case 99-0214 beyond the 15-day period set under Rule
arguments on equal protection grounds and employing XIII, Section 11 of the DARAB Rules, the DARAB
highly legalistic rules of statutory construction to parse determination of just compensation became final and
Section 23 of RA 7157 falls within the proscribed conduct. executory; and
A supervening event has rendered this case 2. Whether or not the CA erred in adopting the
academic and the relief prayed for moot. Respondent valuation fixed by DARAB for the property at P93,060.00
Davide resigned his post at the UN on 1 April 2010. instead of the P6,796.00 established by Land Bank.
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valuation. Considering the relatively small amount Tiu's advanced age alone does not render her incapable
involved, this would be a far better alternative than of testifying. The party seeking to quash the subpoena
remanding the case and incurring further delay in its for that reason must prove that she would be unable to
resolution. withstand the rigors of trial, something that petitioner
Emma Lee failed to do.
IN RE: PETITION FOR CANCELLATION AND
CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE RECORD OF
BIRTH, EMMA K. LEE vs. COURT OF APPEALS, RITA Issue/s:
K. LEE, LEONCIO K. LEE, LUCIA K. LEE-ONG, JULIAN
K. LEE, MARTIN K. LEE, ROSA LEE-VANDERLEK, Whether or not the CA erred in ruling that the
MELODY LEE-CHIN, HENRY K. LEE, NATIVIDAD LEE- trial court may compel Tiu to testify in the correction of
MIGUEL, VICTORIANO K. LEE, and THOMAS K. LEE, entry case that respondent Lee-Keh children filed for
represented by RITA K. LEE, as Attorney-in-Fact, the correction of the certificate of birth of petitioner
G.R. No. 177861 (July 13, 2010) Emma Lee to show that she is not Keh's daughter.
Facts:
Ruling:
This case is about the grounds for quashing a Petitioner Emma Lee claims that the RTC
subpoena ad testificandum and a parent's right not to correctly quashed the subpoena ad testificandum it
testify in a case against his children. issued against Tiu on the ground that it was
unreasonable and oppressive, given the likelihood that
Spouses Lee Tek Sheng (Lee) and Keh Shiok the latter would be badgered on oral examination
Cheng (Keh) entered the Philippines in the 1930s as concerning the Lee-Keh children's theory that she had
immigrants from China. They had 11 children, namely, illicit relation with Lee and gave birth to the other Lee
Rita K. Lee, Leoncio K. Lee, Lucia K. Lee-Ong, Julian K. children.
Lee, Martin K. Lee, Rosa Lee-Vanderlek, Melody Lee-
Chin, Henry K. Lee, Natividad Lee-Miguel, Victoriano K. But, as the CA correctly ruled, the grounds
Lee, and Thomas K. Lee (collectively, the Lee-Keh cited-unreasonable and oppressive-are proper for
children). subpoena ad duces tecum or for the production of
documents and things in the possession of the witness, a
In 1948, Lee brought from China a young command that has a tendency to infringe on the right
woman named Tiu Chuan (Tiu), supposedly to serve as against invasion of privacy. Section 4, Rule 21 of the
housemaid. The respondent Lee-Keh children believe that Rules of Civil Procedure, thus provides:chan robles virtual
Tiu left the Lee-Keh household, moved into another law library
property of Lee nearby, and had a relation with him.
SECTION 4. Quashing a subpoena. - The court
Shortly after Keh died in 1989, the Lee-Keh may quash a subpoena duces tecum upon motion
children learned that Tiu's children with Lee (collectively, promptly made and, in any event, at or before the time
the Lee's other children) claimed that they, too, were specified therein if it is unreasonable and oppressive, or
children of Lee and Keh. the relevancy of the books, documents or things does not
appear, or if the person in whose behalf the subpoena is
April 2005 the Lee-Keh children filed with the issued fails to advance the reasonable cost of the
RTC an ex parte request for the issuance of a subpoena production thereof.
ad testificandum to compel Tiu, Emma Lee's presumed
mother, to testify in the case. The RTC granted the Taking in mind the ultimate purpose of the Lee-
motion but Tiu moved to quash the subpoena, claiming Keh children's action, obviously, they would want Tiu to
that it was oppressive and violated Section 25, Rule 130 testify or admit that she is the mother of Lee's other
of the Rules of Court, the rule on parental privilege, she children, including petitioner Emma Lee. Keh had died
being Emma Lee's stepmother.cra3cralaw On August 5, and so could not give testimony that Lee's other children
2005 the RTC quashed the subpoena it issued for being were not hers. The Lee-Keh children have, therefore, a
unreasonable and oppressive considering that Tiu was legitimate reason for seeking Tiu's testimony and,
already very old and that the obvious object of the normally, the RTC cannot deprive them of their right to
subpoena was to badger her into admitting that she was compel the attendance of such a material witness.
Emma Lee's mother.
But petitioner Emma Lee raises two other
Because the RTC denied the Lee-Keh children's objections to requiring Tiu to come to court and testify: a)
motion for reconsideration, they filed a special civil action considering her advance age, testifying in court would
of certiorari before the Court of Appeals (CA) in CA-G.R. subject her to harsh physical and emotional stresses; and
SP 92555. On December 29, 2006 the CA rendered a b) it would violate her parental right not to be compelled
decision,4cralaw setting aside the RTC's August 5, 2005 to testify against her stepdaughter.
Order. The CA ruled that only a subpoena duces tecum,
not a subpoena ad testificandum, may be quashed for Regarding the physical and emotional
being oppressive or unreasonable under Section 4, Rule punishment that would be inflicted on Tiu if she were
21 of the Rules of Civil Procedure. The CA also held that compelled at her age and condition to come to court to
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testify, petitioner Emma Lee must establish this claim to Act No. (RA) 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous
the satisfaction of the trial court. About five years have Drugs Act of 2002.
passed from the time the Lee-Keh children sought the
issuance of a subpoena for Tiu to appear before the trial Issue/s:
court. The RTC would have to update itself and determine
if Tiu's current physical condition makes her fit to 1. Whether or not the Court of Appeals erred
undergo the ordeal of coming to court and being in ruling that a search warrant was not
questioned. If she is fit, she must obey the subpoena necessary.
issued to her. 2. Whether or not the Court of Appeals erred
in ruling that the integrity and identity of
the shabu was preserved.
Tiu has no need to worry that the oral
examination might subject her to badgering by adverse Ruling:
counsel. The trial court's duty is to protect every witness
against oppressive behavior of an examiner and this is Search warrant and warrant of arrest not
especially true where the witness is of advanced age. needed
2. Tiu claimed before the trial court the right not In People v. Villamin, involving an accused
to testify against her stepdaughter, petitioner Emma Lee, arrested after he sold drugs during a buy-bust operation,
invoking Section 25, Rule 130 of the Rules of Evidence, the Court ruled that it was a circumstance where a
which reads: warrantless arrest is justified under Rule 113, Sec. 5(a)
of the Rules of Court. The same ruling applies to the
SECTION 25. Parental and filial privilege.- No instant case. When carried out with due regard for
person may be compelled to testify against his parents, constitutional and legal safeguards, it is a judicially
other direct ascendants, children or other direct sanctioned method of apprehending those involved in
descendants. illegal drug activities. It is a valid form of entrapment, as
the idea to commit a crime comes not from the police
The above is an adaptation from a similar officers but from the accused himself. The accused is
provision in Article 315 of the Civil Code that applies only caught in the act and must be apprehended on the spot.
in criminal cases. But those who revised the Rules of Civil From the very nature of a buy-bust operation, the
Procedure chose to extend the prohibition to all kinds of absence of a warrant does not make the arrest illegal.
actions, whether civil, criminal, or administrative, filed
against parents and other direct ascendants or illegal drug seized was not the "fruit of the
descendants. poisonous tree" as the defense would like this Court to
believe. The seizure made by the buy-bust team falls
But here Tiu, who invokes the filial privilege, under a search incidental to a lawful arrest under Rule
claims that she is the stepmother of petitioner Emma Lee. 126, Sec. 13 of the Rules of Court, which pertinently
The privilege cannot apply to them because the rule provides:
applies only to "direct" ascendants and descendants, a
family tie connected by a common ancestry. A A person lawfully arrested may be searched for
stepdaughter has no common ancestry by her dangerous weapons or anything which may have been
stepmother. Article 965 thus provides: used or constitute proof in the commission of an offense
without a search warrant.
Art. 965. The direct line is either descending or
ascending. The former unites the head of the family with Since the buy-bust operation was established as
those who descend from him. The latter binds a person legitimate, it follows that the search was also valid, and a
with those from whom he descends. warrant was likewise not needed to conduct it.
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On June 2, 2006 the CSC denied Dr. Estampa's The Court finds no excuse for reinstating Dr.
appeal, corrected the denomination of his offense to Estampa to the position he abandoned when it needed
gross neglect of duty, and affirmed his dismissal. The him.
CSC also denied Dr. Estampa's motion for reconsideration
for lack of merit.
Dr. Estampa appealed to the Court of Appeals HENRY "JUN" DUEÑAS, JR., vs. HOUSE OF
(CA) by petition for review under Rule 43. The CA denied REPRESENTATIVES ELECTORAL TRIBUNAL and
his application for issuance of a TRO and writ of ANGELITO "JETT" P. REYES, G.R. No. 191550 (May
preliminary injunction and eventually rendered a decision 4, 2010)
on March 30, 2009, denying his petition and affirming the
resolutions of the CSC. The CA also found no merit in his Facts:
motion for reconsideration.
This resolves the Petition for Certiorari under
Issue/s: Rule 65 of the Rules of Court praying that the Decision of
the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET)
Whether or not the CA erred in affirming the rulings of dated February 25, 2010 and its Resolution2cralaw dated
the City Legal Officer and the CSC that found Dr. March 18, 2010 be declared null and void ab initio.
Estampa guilty of gross neglect of duty for failing to
respond to the March 4, 2003 Davao City bombing. Petitioner was proclaimed as the Congressman
for the Second Legislative District of Taguig City. Private
respondent filed an election protest with the HRET. After
Ruling: revision of ballots in 100% of the protested precincts and
25% of the counter-protested precincts, the case was
In his letter-explanation, Dr. Estampa justified submitted for resolution upon the parties' submission of
his absence from the emergency rooms of the hospitals memoranda. However, in its Order dated September 25,
to attend to the bombing victims with the claim that he 2008, the HRET directed the continuation of the revision
needed to attend to his family first. Initially, he could not and appreciation of ballots for the remaining 75% of the
leave his one-year-old daughter because they had no counter-protested precincts. Petitioner's motion for
house help. When his wife arrived from work shortly, he reconsideration of said Order was denied in a HRET
also could not leave because she was six months Resolution dated October 21, 2008 which reiterated the
pregnant. Further, a bomb was found some meters from Order to continue revision in the remaining 75% of the
their apartment a few weeks earlier. Dr. Estampa said in counter-protested precincts. Petitioner then filed a
his letter that he was unable from the beginning to give petition for certiorari with this Court docketed as G.R. No.
full commitment to his job since he gave priority to his 185401, seeking the nullification of said order of revision,
family. He simply was not the right person for the job of alleging that it was issued with grave abuse of discretion.
disaster coordinator. On July 21, 2009, the Court promulgated a Decision
dismissing the petition. Said Decision became final and
Dr. Estampa's defense is not acceptable. A executory and the HRET continued the proceeding in the
person's duty to his family is not incompatible with his electoral protest case.
job-related commitment to come to the rescue of victims
of disasters. Disasters do not strike every day. Besides, On February 25, 2010, the HRET promulgated
knowing that his job as senior medical health officer its Decision which declared private respondent as the
entailed the commitment to make a measure of personal winner with a margin of 37 votes.
sacrifice, he had the choice to resign from it when he
realized that he did not have the will and the heart to Issue/s:
respond.
Whether or not HRET committed grave abuse of
Assuming that he had a one-year-old daughter discretion in its decision.
in the house, he could have taken her to relatives
temporarily while his wife was still on her way from work. Ruling:
But he did not. And when his wife arrived shortly at 9
p.m., he still did not leave under the pretext that his wife The Court resolves to dismiss the petition for
was six months pregnant. Yet, he had in fact permitted lack of merit.
her to work away from home up to the evening. What
marked his gross irresponsibility was that he did not even The Court has long declared in Dueñas, Jr. v.
care to call up his superior or associates to inform them House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal, that the
of his inability to respond to the emergency. As a result, HRET was acting well within the rules when it ordered the
the city health office failed to provide the needed continuation of revision of ballots. Petitioner cannot
coordination of all efforts intended to cope with the resurrect his claims, which had been finally adjudged
disaster. Who knows? Better coordination and dispatch of unmeritorious by this Court, through the present petition.
victims to the right emergency rooms could have saved Thus, the fact that the HRET went on with the revision of
more lives. ballots in 75% of the counter-protested precincts cannot
be considered as grave abuse of discretion on the part of
the electoral tribunal.
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REORGANIZATION.
Constitutional Law
EXPROPRIATION.
FEBRUARY 2009 CASES The National Power Corporation (NPC) filed a complaint
for the acquisition of easement right of way over lots of
Co in connection with the construction of NPC’s
Administrative Law
transmission lines. The Supreme Court held that: (a)
Republic Act No. 8974 applies to properties expropriated
ADMINISTRATIVE LIABILITY. for the installation of NPC’s power transmission lines; (b)
NPC is liable to pay the full amount of the fair market
value and not merely a 10 percent easement fee for the
It is a fundamental principle in the law on public officers
expropriated property; (c) the value of the property
that administrative liability is separate from and
should be reckoned as of 27 June 2001, the date of the
independent of criminal liability. A simple act or omission
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POLITICAL QUESTION.
During the preliminary examination stage, the Bids and
Awards Committee (BAC) checks whether all the required
The challenge to the jurisdiction of the Senate Foreign documents were submitted by the eligible bidders. Note
Relations Committee to hear the so called Moscow should be taken of the fact that the technical
incident effectively asks the Court to inquire into a matter specifications of the product bidded out is among the
that is within the full discretion of the Senate. The issue documentary requirements evaluated by
partakes of the nature of a political question that, in
Tañada v. Cuenco, was characterized as a question
the BAC during the preliminary examination stage. At this
which, under the Constitution, is to be decided by the
point, therefore, the BAC should have already discovered
people in their sovereign capacity, or in regard to which
that the technical specifications of Audio Visual’s
full discretionary authority has been delegated to the
document camera differed from the bid specifications in
legislative or executive branch of the government.
at least three (3) respects, namely: the 15
Pursuant to this constitutional grant of virtually
frames/second frame rate, the weight specification, and
unrestricted authority to determine its own rules, the
the power supply requirement. Using the non-
Senate is at liberty to alter or modify these rules at any
discretionary criteria laid out in R.A. No. 9184 and IRR-A,
time it may see fit, subject only to the imperatives of
therefore, the BAC should have rated Audio Visual’s bid
quorum, voting and publication. It is not for the Supreme
as “failed” instead of “passed.” Commission on Audit, etc.
Court to intervene in what is clearly a question of policy,
vs. Link Worth International Inc., G.R. No. 184173,
an issue dependent upon the wisdom, not the legality, of
March 13, 2009.
the Senate’s action. Sps. PNP Director Eliseo D. Dela
Paz, et al. Vs. Senate Committee., G.R. No. 184849,
February 13, 2009. BURDEN OF PROOF.
Agrarian law
Administrative law
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BREACH BY AGRICULTURAL LESSEE. approach, which based the value of the land in question
on sales and listings of similar properties situated within
the area, conformed to the subject administrative order,
R.A. No. 3844 does not operate to take away completely
and it is not also clear if same approach took into
every landowner’s rights to his land. Nor does it authorize
consideration the said administrative order. Such being
the agricultural lessee to act in an abusive or excessive
the case, the market data approach espoused by Allied
manner in derogation of the landowner’s rights. After all,
cannot be a valuation that complies with the
he is just an agricultural lessee. Although the agrarian
requirements under the agrarian law. Besides, this Court
laws afford the opportunity for the landless to break
has once refused to accept the market data approach as
away from the vicious cycle of having to perpetually rely
a method of valuation compliant with the agrarian law
on the kindness of others, a becoming modesty demands
and enforced by the DAR. Allied Banking Corp. vs. The
that this kindness should at least be reciprocated, in
Land Bank of the Philippines, et al., G.R. No. 175422,
whatever small way, by those benefited by them. Here,
March 13, 2009
the Supreme Court held that the construction of the
reservoir by the leseee constitutes a violation of Section
36 of R.A. No. 3844, an unauthorized use of the Constitutional Law.
landholding for a purpose other than what had been
agreed upon, and a violation of the leasehold contract
COMELEC POWERS.
between the lessee and lessor, for which the former was
penalized with permanent dispossession of his
leasehold. P’Carlo A. Castillo vs. Manuel Tolentino, G.R. Under Sec. 2, Article IV-C of the 1987 Constitution, the
No. 181525, March 4, 2009. COMELEC exercises original jurisdiction over all contests,
relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of all
elective regional, provincial, and city officials, and
JUST COMPENSATION; WHEN DETERMINED.
appellate jurisdiction over election contests involving
elective municipal and barangay officials, and has
As to the legal basis of just compensation for land taken supervision and control over the board of canvassers.
by the Department of Agrarian Reform for distribution to The COMELEC sitting en banc, however, does not have
farmer-beneficiaries, the Supreme Court held that the the authority to hear and decide election cases, including
applicable law is R.A. No. 6657. In Land Bank of the pre-proclamation controversies in the first instance, as
Philippines v. Pacita Agricultural Multi-Purpose the COMELEC in division has such authority. The
Cooperative, Inc., etc., et al., the Court made a COMELEC en banc can exercise jurisdiction only on
comparative analysis of cases that confronted the issue motions for reconsideration of the resolution or decision
of whether properties covered by P.D. No. 27 and E.O. of the COMELEC in division. Petitioners’ contention that
No. 228, for which the landowners had yet to be paid, the COMELEC’s choice of officials to substitute the
would be compensated under P.D. No. 27 and E.O. No. members of the Board of Canvassers is limited only to
228 or under the pertinent provisions of R.A. No. 6657. those enumerated under Sec. 21 of Republic Act. No.
The Court observed that in Gabatin v. Land Bank of the 6646 is untenable. Contrary to petitioners’ assertion, the
Philippines – a case which LBP invokes in this controversy enumeration above is not exclusive. Members of Board of
– the Court declared that the reckoning period for the Canvassers can be filled up by the COMELEC not only
determination of just compensation should be the time from those expressly mentioned in the above-quoted
when the land was taken, i.e., in 1972, applying P.D. No. provision, but from others outside if the former are not
27 and E.O. No. 228. However, the Court also noted that available. Arturo F. Pacificador and Jovito C. Plameras,
after Gabatin, the Court had decided several cases in Jr. vs. Comelec, etc., et al., G.R. No. 178259, March 13,
which it found it more equitable to determine just 2009.
compensation based on the value of the property at the
time of payment. Land Bank of the Philippines
EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE.
vs. Hernando T. Chico, et al., G.R. No. 168453. March
13, 2009
Prior to R.A. No. 8042, OFWs and local workers with
fixed-term employment who were illegally discharged
JUST COMPENSATION; MARKET DATA APPROACH.
were treated alike in terms of the computation of their
money claims: they were uniformly entitled to their
In the instant case, the regional trial court (RTC) did not salaries for the entire unexpired portions of their
consider Section 17 of Republic Act No. 6657 as well as contracts. But with the enactment of R.A. No. 8042,
Department Administrative Order (DAO) DAO No. 6 in illegally dismissed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with
determining just compensation for agrarian reform an unexpired portion of one year or more in their
cases. Instead, it adopted, hook, line and sinker, the employment contract have since been differently treated
market data approach introduced by the commissioner in that their money claims are subject to a 3-month cap,
nominated by Allied. This undoubtedly constitutes a whereas no such limitation is imposed on local workers
glaring departure from the established tenet on the with fixed-term employment. The Court concludes that
mandatory nature of Section 17 of Republic Act No. 6657 the subject clause contains a suspect classification in
and DAO No. 6, as amended. It is worthy to note that that, in the computation of the monetary benefits of
Allied did not provide any evidence that the market data fixed-term employees who are illegally discharged, it
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imposes a 3-month cap on the claim of OFWs with an investigation would be solely in the hands of the accused
unexpired portion of one year or more in their contracts, who can impede, nay, obstruct, the progress of the
but none on the claims of other OFWs or local workers interrogation by simply selecting a lawyer who, for one
with fixed-term employment. The subject clause singles reason or another, is not available to protect his interest.
out one classification of OFWs and burdens it with a While the choice of a lawyer in cases where the person
peculiar disadvantage. There being a suspect under custodial interrogation cannot afford the services
classification involving a vulnerable sector protected by of counsel – or where the preferred lawyer is not
the Constitution, the Court now subjects the classification available – is naturally lodged in the police investigators,
to a strict judicial scrutiny, and determines whether it the suspect has the final choice, as he may reject the
serves a compelling state interest through the least counsel chosen for him and ask for another one. A lawyer
restrictive means. What constitutes compelling state provided by the investigators is deemed engaged by the
interest is measured by the scale of rights and powers accused when he does not raise any objection to the
arrayed in the Constitution and calibrated by history. It is counsel’s appointment during the course of the
akin to the paramount interest of the state for which investigation, and the accused thereafter subscribes to
some individual liberties must give way, such as the the veracity of the statement before the swearing
public interest in safeguarding health or maintaining officer. Appellants Arnaldo and Flores did not object to
medical standards, or in maintaining access to the appointment of Atty. Uminga and Atty. Rous as their
information on matters of public concern. In the present lawyers, respectively, during their custodial investigation.
case, the Court dug deep into the records but found no Prior to their questioning, appellants Arnaldo and Flores
compelling state interest that the subject clause may conferred with Atty. Uminga and Atty. Rous. Appellant
possibly serve. Antonio M. Serrano vs. Gallant Maritime Arnaldo manifested that he would be assisted by Atty.
Services, Inc., et al., G.R. No. 167614, March 24, 2009. Uminga, while appellant Flores agreed to be counseled by
Atty. Rous. Atty. Uminga and Atty. Rous countersigned
the written extra-judicial confessions of appellants
IMMUNITY FROM SUIT.
Arnaldo and Flores, respectively. Hence, appellants
Arnaldo and Flores are deemed to have engaged the
The Commission on Audit (COA) is an unincorporated services of Atty. Uminga and Atty. Rous,
government agency which does not enjoy a separate respectively. Since the prosecution has sufficiently
juridical personality of its own. Hence, even in the established that the respective extra-judicial confessions
exercise of proprietary functions incidental to its primarily of appellant Arnaldo and appellant Flores were obtained
governmental functions, COA cannot be sued without its in accordance with the constitutional guarantees, these
consent. Assuming that the contract it entered into with confessions are admissible. They are evidence of a high
Audio Visual can be taken as an implied consent to be order because of the strong presumption that no person
sued, and further that incidental reliefs such as damages of normal mind would deliberately and knowingly confess
may be awarded in certiorari proceedings, Link Worth did to a crime, unless prompted by truth and
not appeal the Court of Appeals’ Decision deleting the conscience. People of the Philippines vs. Domingo Reyes
award of damages against COA. Consequently, Link Y Paje, et al., G.R. No. 178300, March 17, 2009.
Worth is bound by the findings of fact and conclusions of
law of the Court of Appeals, including the deletion of the
TERM LIMITS.
award of exemplary damages, attorney’s fees and costs.
Commission on Audit, etc. Vs. Link Worth International
Inc., G.R. No. 182559, March 13, 2009. The three-term limit for elective local officials is
contained in Section 8, Article X of the Constitution. The
Constitution did not expressly prohibit Congress from
OMBUDSMAN.
fixing any term of office for barangay officials, thereby
leaving to the lawmakers full discretion to fix such term
The scope of the authority of the Ombudsman in in accordance with the exigencies of public service. The
administrative cases as defined under the Constitution discussions in the Constitutional Commission showed that
and R.A. No. 6770 is broad enough to include the direct the term of office of barangay officials would be “[a]s
imposition of the penalty of removal, suspension, may be determined by law,” and more precisely, “[a]s
demotion, fine or censure on an erring public official or provided for in the Local Government Code.” Section
employee. 43(b) of the Local Government Code provides that
barangay officials are covered by the three-term limit,
RIGHT TO COUNSEL. while Section 43(c) thereof states that the term of office
of barangay officials shall be five (5) years. The rule on
the three-term limit, embodied in the Constitution and
Under Section 12(1), Article III of the 1987 Constitution, the Local Government Code, has two parts.
an accused is entitled to have competent and
independent counsel preferably of his own choice. The
phrase “preferably of his own choice” does not convey The first part provides that an elective local official
the message that the choice of a lawyer by a person cannot serve for more than three consecutive terms. The
under investigation is exclusive as to preclude other clear intent is that only consecutive terms count in
equally competent and independent attorneys from determining the three-term limit rule. The second part
handling the defense. Otherwise, the tempo of custodial states that voluntary renunciation of office for any length
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of time does not interrupt the continuity of service. The in our electoral system. In the case at bar, the petitioner
clear intent is that involuntary severance from office for may have been equally confused on the remedies
any length of time interrupts continuity of service and available to him vis-à-vis Resolution No. 8212. We do not
prevents the service before and after the interruption fault him for this, but we nonetheless dismiss his petition
from being joined together to form a continuous service because we find no grave abuse of discretion in the
or consecutive terms. After three consecutive terms, an assailed COMELEC Resolution and Order. Elpidio B.
elective local official cannot seek immediate reelection for Valino vs. Alvin P. Vergara, Tomas N. Joson III, et
a fourth term. The prohibited election refers to the next al., G.R. No. 180492, March 13, 2009.
regular election for the same office following the end of
the third consecutive term.
A DEBATE OVER A REGIME OF ISLANDS
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4. The main archipelago, KIG and Scarborough Shoal Baja says these countries have included the Spratlys in
are enclosed by the baselines. . . their own baselines, and that by excluding it from our
own baseline law, the Philippines is effectively
undermining our claim to Kalayaan. (see Baja: Baselines
(see Senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV, The territorial
bill weakens RP claim to Kalayaan, ABS-CBN News) ,
baseline issue, Malaya, March 14, 2009)
Second, the “regime of islands” principle increases the The Scarborough Shoal was included in the baselines [of
size of our archipelagic waters and EEZ by about 76,518 Senate Bill No. 1467] primarily because its distance from
nautical miles over existing laws. Luzon is less than the 125nm limit. With this, our country
stands to gain approximately 14,500sq nm of EEZ and
continental shelf. Another reason for its inclusion is that
Third, the pending bill does not deviate from the natural Scarborough Shoal is basically a rock and according to
shape of our archipelago, thus complying with Unclos, Paragraph 3 of Art. 121, the regime of islands definition
Article 47, para. 3, which provides that “the drawing of has an exception and that is: “Rocks which cannot
such baselines shall not depart to any appreciable extent sustain human habitation or economic life of their own
from the general configuration of the archipelago.” (see shall have no exclusive economic zone or continental
Sponsorship Speech, The 2009 Baseline Bill) shelf.” Therefore, while it is advantageous for us to
designate KIG as a regime of islands, we would be
Not everyone agrees that KIG and Scarborough Shoal depriving ourselves of the EEZ and continental shelf of
should be excluded from the baselines. For example: Scarborough Shoal if it would be designated as a regime
of islands. (see Senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV, The
territorial baseline issue, Malaya, March 14, 2009)
. . . former Ambassador to the United Nations Lauro Baja
says the baseline bill is seriously flawed because it
excludes the disputed Kalayaan islands from Philippine ABS-CBN News has learned that some lawyers are
territory. considering questioning the baseline bill before the
Supreme Court. (see Baja: Baselines bill weakens RP
claim to Kalayaan, ABS-CBN News) .
Baja says the exclusion of the Kalayaan islands, which is
part of the province of Palawan, runs counter to national
interest.
That’s because Kalayaan is part of the Spratly Group of RELIGIOUS SPEECH OR INDECENT SPEECH?
Islands, a disputed atoll in the South China Sea that is
claimed not just by the Philippines but by China, On August 10, 2004, at around 10:00 p.m., petitioner
Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan. Eliseo Soriano, as host of the program Ang Dating Daan,
aired on UNTV 37, made the following remarks:
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Lehitimong anak ng demonyo; sinungaling; albeit impliedly, to issue the challenged order of
preventive suspension. This authority stems naturally
from, and is necessary for the exercise of, its power of
Gago ka talaga Michael, masahol ka pa sa putang babae
regulation and supervision. . . The issuance of a
o di ba. Yung putang babae ang gumagana lang doon
preventive suspension comes well within the scope of the
yung ibaba, [dito] kay Michael ang gumagana ang itaas,
MTRCB’s authority and functions expressly set forth in PD
o di ba! O, masahol pa sa putang babae yan. Sabi ng lola
1986, more particularly under its Sec. 3(d), as quoted
ko masahol pa sa putang babae yan. Sobra ang
above, which empowers the MTRCB to “supervise,
kasinungalingan ng mga demonyong ito.
regulate, and grant, deny or cancel, permits for the x x x
exhibition, and/or television broadcast of all motion
Two days later, several members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo pictures, television programs and publicity materials, to
(INC) filed affidavit complaints with the MTCRB. The the end that no such pictures, programs and materials as
MTRCB sent petitioner a notice of the hearing on August are determined by the BOARD to be objectionable in
16, 2004 in relation to the alleged use of some cuss accordance with paragraph (c) hereof shall be x x x
words in the August 10, 2004 episode of Ang Dating exhibited and/or broadcast by television.
Daan.
EQUAL PROTECTION
After a preliminary conference in which petitioner
appeared, the MTRCB, by Order of August 16, 2004,
Petitioner also argued that the MTRCB denied him his
preventively suspended the showing of Ang Dating Daan
right to the equal protection of the law, arguing that,
program for 20 days. The same order also set the case
owing to the preventive suspension order, he was unable
for preliminary investigation.
to answer the criticisms coming from the INC ministers.
The Supreme Court rejected this argument and ruled:
The following day, petitioner sought reconsideration of
the preventive suspension order, praying that
Petitioner’s position does not persuade. The equal
Chairperson Consoliza P. Laguardia and two other
protection clause demands that “all persons subject to
members of the adjudication board recuse themselves
legislation should be treated alike, under like
from hearing the case. Two days after, however,
circumstances and conditions both in the privileges
petitioner sought to withdraw his motion for
conferred and liabilities imposed.” It guards against
reconsideration, followed by the filing with the Supreme
undue favor and individual privilege as well as hostile
Court of a petition for certiorari and prohibition, docketed
discrimination. Surely, petitioner cannot, under the
as G.R. No. 164785, to nullify the preventive suspension
premises, place himself in the same shoes as the INC
order thus issued.
ministers, who, for one, are not facing administrative
complaints before the MTRCB. For another, he offers no
On September 27, 2004, in Adm. Case No. 01-04, the proof that the said ministers, in their TV programs, use
MTRCB issued a decision, disposing as follows: language similar to that which he used in his own,
necessitating the MTRCB’s disciplinary action. If the
WHEREFORE, in view of all the foregoing, a Decision is immediate result of the preventive suspension order is
hereby rendered, finding respondent Soriano liable for his that petitioner remains temporarily gagged and is unable
utterances and thereby imposing on him a penalty of to answer his critics, this does not become a deprivation
three (3) months suspension from his program, “Ang of the equal protection guarantee. The Court need not
Dating Daan”. belabor the fact that the circumstances of petitioner, as
host of Ang Dating Daan, on one hand, and the INC
ministers, as hosts of Ang Tamang Daan, on the other,
In resolving the petition for certiorari and prohibition, the are, within the purview of this case, simply too different
Supreme Court ruled that: (1) the MTCRB has the power to even consider whether or not there is a prima facie
to issue a preventive suspension against the petitioner; indication of oppressive inequality.
(2) the preventive suspension order did not violate
petitioner’s right to equal protection, his freedom of
religion and his freedom of speech. FREEDOM OF RELIGION
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mission. The fact that he came out with his statements in continue as program host of Ang Dating Daan during the
a televised bible exposition program does not suspension period . . .
automatically accord them the character of a religious
discourse. Plain and simple insults directed at another
Eliseo F. Soriano vs. Ma. Consoliza P. Laguardia
person cannot be elevated to the status of religious
etc., G.R. No. 164785/G.R. No. 165636, April 29, 2009.
speech. Even petitioner’s attempts to place his words in
context show that he was moved by anger and the need
to seek retribution, not by any religious conviction. His Constitutional Law
claim, assuming its veracity, that some INC ministers
distorted his statements respecting amounts Ang Dating ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION; VOID.
Daan owed to a TV station does not convert the foul
language used in retaliation as religious speech. We
cannot accept that petitioner made his statements in Executive Order No. 566, which grants the CHED the
defense of his reputation and religion, as they constitute power to regulate review center, is unconstitutional as it
no intelligible defense or refutation of the alleged lies expands Republic Act No. 7722,. The CHED’s coverage
being spread by a rival religious group. They simply under RA 7722 is limited to public and private institutions
illustrate that petitioner had descended to the level of of higher education and degree-granting programs in all
name-calling and foul-language discourse. Petitioner public and private post-secondary educational
could have chosen to contradict and disprove his institutions. EO 566 directed the CHED to formulate a
detractors, but opted for the low road. framework for the regulation of review centers and
similar entities. A review center is not an institution of
higher learning as contemplated by RA 7722. It does not
FREEDOM OF SPEECH offer a degree-granting program that would put it under
the jurisdiction of the CHED. Review Center Associations
Petitioner urges the striking down of the decision of the Philippines vs. Executive Secretatry Eduardo
suspending him from hosting Ang Dating Daan for three Ermita, et al., G.R. No. 180046, April 2, 2009.
months on the main ground that the decision violates,
apart from his religious freedom, his freedom of speech AGRARIAN REFORM; COVERAGE.
and expression.
Even if we concede that petitioner’s remarks are not Officers who in good faith have discharged the duties
obscene but merely indecent speech, still the Court rules pertaining to their office are legally entitled to the
that petitioner cannot avail himself of the constitutional compensation attached to the office for the services they
protection of free speech. Said statements were made in actually rendered. Although the present petition must
a medium easily accessible to children. With respect to inevitably be dismissed on a technicality that serves as
the young minds, said utterances are to be treated as penalty for the pernicious practice of forum shopping, the
unprotected speech. Court nevertheless cannot countenance the refund of the
compensation differential corresponding to petitioner’s
No doubt what petitioner said constitutes indecent or tenure as HEDF head with the upgraded rank of Director
offensive utterances. . . III, since she had actually rendered services in the office
with the elevated grade for that period. Alicia D. Tagaro
vs. Ester A. Garcia, etc.,G.R. No. 173931, April 2, 2009.
After a careful examination of the factual milieu and the
arguments raised by petitioner in support of his claim to
free speech, the Court rules that the government’s COMELEC; VOTING.
interest to protect and promote the interests and welfare
of the children adequately buttresses the reasonable Section 5 (a)of Rule 3 of the Comelec Rules of Procedure
curtailment and valid restraint on petitioner’s prayer to and Section 7 of Article IX-A of the Constitution require
that a majority vote of all the members of the Comelec,
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and not only those who participated and took part in the DUE PROCESS; COURT DECISIONS.
deliberations, is necessary for the pronouncement of a
decision, resolution, order or ruling. Rodante Marcoleta,
Faithful adherence to Section 14, Article VIII of the 1987
et al. vs. Commission on Elections, et al./ Alagad Party-
Constitution is indisputably a paramount component of
list represented by Diogenes S. Osabel, President vs.
due process and fair play. The parties to a litigation
Commission on Elections, et al.,G.R. No. 181377, April
should be informed of how it was decided, with an
24, 2009.
explanation of the factual and legal reasons that led to
the conclusions of the court.
DEPORTATION; POWER.
In the assailed Decision, the Court of Appeals reiterates
The settled rule is that the entry or stay of aliens in the the rule that a notarized and authenticated deed of sale
Philippines is merely a privilege and a matter of grace; enjoys the presumption of regularity, and is admissible
such privilege is not absolute or permanent and may be without further proof of due execution. On the basis
revoked. However, aliens may be expelled or deported thereof, it declared Antonio a buyer in good faith and for
from the Philippines only on grounds and in the manner value, despite petitioner’s contention that the sale
provided for by the Constitution, the Philippine violates public policy. While it is a part of the right of
Immigration Act of 1940, as amended, and appellant to urge that the decision should directly meet
administrative issuances pursuant thereto. the issues presented for resolution, mere failure by the
appellate court to specify in its decision all contentious
issues raised by the appellant and the reasons for
It must be remembered that aliens seeking entry in the
refusing to believe appellant’s contentions is not
Philippines do not acquire the right to be admitted into
sufficient to hold the appellate court’s decision contrary
the country by the simple passage of time. When an
to the requirements of the law and the Constitution. So
alien, such as respondent, has already physically gained
long as the decision of the Court of Appeals contains the
entry in the country, but such entry is later found
necessary findings of facts to warrant its conclusions, we
unlawful or devoid of legal basis, the alien can be
cannot declare said court in error if it withheld “any
excluded anytime after it is found that he was not
specific findings of fact with respect to the evidence for
lawfully admissible at the time of his entry. Every
the defense.” We will abide by the legal presumption
sovereign power has the inherent power to exclude aliens
that official duty has been regularly performed,and all
from its territory upon such grounds as it may deem
matters within an issue in a case were laid down before
proper for its self-preservation or public interest. The
the court and were passed upon by it. Marissa R.
power to deport aliens is an act of State, an act done by
Unchuan vs. Antonio J.P. Lozada, Anita Lozada and the
or under the authority of the sovereign power. It is a
Register of Deeds of Cebu City, G.R. No. 172671, April
police measure against undesirable aliens whose
16, 2009.
continued presence in the country is found to be injurious
to the public good and the domestic tranquility of the
people. The Secretary of Justice, et al. vs. Christopher Ecozone. R.A. No. 7903 does not authorize the
Koruga, G.R. No. 166199, April 24, 2009. ZAMBOECOZONE Authority to operate and/or license
games of chance/gambling. Philippine Amusement and
Gaming Corporation, etc. vs. Philippine EGaming
DOUBLE JEOPARDY.
Jurisdiction, Incorporated (PEJI) Zamboanga City Special
Economic Zone Authority (ZAMBOECOZONE), et al., G.R.
The elements of double jeopardy are (1) the complaint or No. 177333, April 24, 2009.
information was sufficient in form and substance to
sustain a conviction; (2) the court had jurisdiction; (3)
ELECTION CONTESTS; JURISDICTION.
the accused had been arraigned and had pleaded;
and (4) the accused was convicted or acquitted or the
case was dismissed without his express consent. These The House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal’s
elements are present here: (1) the Information filed in (HRET’s) sole and exclusive jurisdiction over contests
Criminal Case No. 96-413 against Postanes was sufficient relative to the election, returns and qualifications of the
in form and substance to sustain a conviction; (2) the members of the House of Representatives “begins only
MeTC had jurisdiction over Criminal Case No. 96-413; after a candidate has become a member of the House of
(3) Postanes was arraigned and entered a non-guilty Representatives.” Thus, once a winning candidate has
plea; and (4) the MeTC dismissed Criminal Case No. 96- been proclaimed, taken his oath, and assumed office as a
413 on the ground of insufficiency of evidence amounting Member of the House of Representatives, COMELEC’s
to an acquittal from which no appeal can be had. Clearly, jurisdiction over elections relating to the election,
for this Court to grant the petition and order the MeTC to returns, and qualifications ends, and the HRET’s own
reconsider its decision, just what the RTC ordered the jurisdiction begins.
MeTC to do, is to transgress the Constitutional
proscription not to put any person “twice x x x in
Señeres filed this petition before this Court on July 23,
jeopardy of punishment for the same offense.”David Tiu
2007, the right of the nominees as party-list
vs. Court of Appeals and Edgardo Postanes, G.R. No.
representatives had been recognized and declared in the
162370, April 21, 2009.
July 19, 2007 Resolution and the nominees had taken
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their oath and already assumed their offices in the House Lorenzo H. Jamora, wrote petitioner’s manager, Armando
of Representatives. As such, the proper recourse would H. Paredes, a letter dated 28 February 2005 authorizing
have been to file a petition for quo warranto before the petitioner to file the expropriation case “against the
HRET within ten (10) days from receipt of the July 19, owner of the five-square meter portion of Lot No. 921-A
2007 Resolution and not a petition for certiorari before covered by TCT No. 168805, pursuant to Section 25 of
this Court. Dr. Hans Christian M. Señeres vs. Commission P.D. No. 198, as amended.” Metropolitan Cebu Water
on Elections and Melquiades A. Robles,G.R. No. District vs. J. King and Sons Company, Inc., G.R. No.
178678, April 16, 2009. 175983. April 16, 2009
In an expropriation proceeding there are two Section 4 of R.A. No. 8974 is emphatic to the effect that
stages: first, the determination of the validity of the “upon compliance with the guidelines…the court shall
expropriation, and second, the determination of just immediately issue to the implementing agency an order
compensation. In Tan v. Republic, the Supreme Court to take possession of the property and start the
explained the two (2) stages in an expropriation implementation of the project.” Under this statutory
proceeding, to wit: provision, when the government, its agencies or
government-owned and controlled corporations, make
the required provisional payment, the trial court has a
(1) Determination of the authority of the
ministerial duty to issue a writ of possession.Metropolitan
plaintiff to exercise the power of eminent domain and the
Cebu Water District vs. J. King and Sons Company, Inc.,
propriety of its exercise in the context of the facts
G.R. No. 175983, April 16, 2009.
involved in the suit. It ends with an order, if not of
dismissal of the action, with condemnation declaring that
the plaintiff has a lawful right to take the property sought EMINENT DOMAIN; JUST COMPENSATION.
to be condemned for the public use or purpose described
in the complaint, upon payment of just compensation. An
Under the factual circumstances of the case, the agrarian
order of expropriation is final. An order of dismissal, if
reform process is still incomplete as the just
this be ordained, would be a final one, as it finally
compensation to be paid respondents has yet to be
disposes of the action and leaves nothing more to be
settled. Considering the passage RA 6657 before the
done by the courts on the merits. The order of
completion of this process, the just compensation should
expropriation would also be a final one for after its
be determined and the process concluded under the said
issuance, no objection to the right of condemnation shall
law.
be heard. The order of expropriation may be appealed by
any party aggrieved thereby by filing a record on appeal.
Excise tax. Section 145 of the Tax Code, as amended by
RA 9334: (1) does not violate the equal protection and
(2) Determination by the court of the just
unformity of taxation clauses; (2) does not violate the
compensation for the property sought to be taken with
constitutional prohibition on unfair competition; and
the assistance of not more than three (3) commissioners.
(3) does not vilate the constitutional prohibition on
The order fixing the just compensation on the basis of
regresssive and inequitable taxation. British American
the evidence before the court and findings of the
Tobacco vs. Jose Isidro N. Camacho, et al. G.R. No.
commissioners would likewise be a final one, as it would
163583, April 15, 2009.
leave nothing more to be done by the court regarding the
issue. A second and separate appeal may be taken from
this order fixing the just compensation. Metropolitan FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION.
Cebu Water District vs. J. King and Sons Company, Inc.,
G.R. No. 175983, April 16, 2009. Jurisprudence distinguishes between a content-neutral
regulation, i.e., merely concerned with the incidents of
EMINENT DOMAIN; POWER. the speech, or one that merely controls the time, place or
manner, and under well defined standards; and a
content-based restraint or censorship, i.e., the
For Metropolitan Cebu Water District to exercise its
restriction is based on the subject matter of the utterance
power of eminent domain, two requirements should be
or speech. Content-based laws are generally treated as
met, namely: first, its board of directors passed a
more suspect than content-neutral laws because of
resolution authorizing the expropriation, and; second, the
judicial concern with discrimination in the regulation of
exercise of the power of eminent domain was subjected
expression. Content-neutral regulations of speech or of
to review by the LWUA. In this case, petitioner’s board of
conduct that may amount to speech, are subject to lesser
directors approved on 27 February 2004, Board
but still heightened scrutiny. Ostensibly, the act of an
Resolution No. 015-2004 authorizing its general manager
LGU requiring a business of proof that the property from
to file expropriation and other cases. Moreover, the
which it operates has been zoned for commercial use can
LWUA did review and gave its stamp of approval to the
be argued, when applied to a radio station, as content-
filing of a complaint for the expropriation of respondent’s
neutral since such a regulation would presumably apply
lot. Specifically, the LWUA through its Administrator,
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to any other radio station or business enterprise within result in any potential legislation. On-going judicial
the LGU. proceedings do not preclude congressional hearings in aid
of legislation.
However, the circumstances of this case dictate that we
view the action of the respondents as a content-based While Sabio and Standard Chartered Bank advert only to
restraint. pending criminal and administrative cases before lower
courts as not posing a bar to the continuation of a
legislative inquiry, there is no rhyme or reason that these
The Court is of the position that the actions of the
cases’ doctrinal pronouncement and their rationale
respondents warrant heightened or strict scrutiny from
cannot be extended to appealed cases and special civil
the Court, the test which we have deemed appropriate in
actions awaiting final disposition before this Court. . .
assessing content-based restrictions on free speech, as
well as for laws dealing with freedom of the mind or
restricting the political process, of laws dealing with the When the Committee issued invitations and subpoenas to
regulation of speech, gender, or race as well as other petitioners to appear before it in connection with its
fundamental rights as expansion from its earlier investigation of the aforementioned investments, it did so
applications to equal protection. The immediate pursuant to its authority to conduct inquiries in aid of
implication of the application of the “strict scrutiny” test legislation. This is clearly provided in Art. VI, Sec. 21 of
is that the burden falls upon respondents as agents of the Constitution, which was quoted at the outset. And the
government to prove that their actions do not infringe Court has no authority to prohibit a Senate committee
upon petitioners’ constitutional rights. As content from requiring persons to appear and testify before it in
regulation cannot be done in the absence of any connection with an inquiry in aid of legislation in
compelling reason, the burden lies with the government accordance with its duly published rules of
to establish such compelling reason to infringe the right procedure. Sabio emphasizes the importance of the duty
to free expression. Newsounds Broadcasting Network, of those subpoenaed to appear before the legislature,
Inc., et al. vs. Hon. Ceasar G. Dy, et al., G.R. No. even if incidentally incriminating questions are expected
170270/G.R. No. 179411, April 2, 2009. to be asked. Reghis M. Romero II, Edmond Q. Sese,
Leopoldo T. Sanchez, Reghis M. Romero III, Michael L.
Romero, Nathaniel L. Romero and Jerome R. Canals vs.
IMMUNITY FROM SUIT.
Sen. Jinggoy E. Estrada and Senate Committee on Labor,
Employment and Human Resources Development, G.R.
GTZ consistently has been unable to establish with No. 174105, April 2, 2009.
satisfaction that it enjoys the immunity from suit
generally enjoyed by its parent country, the Federal
JUDICIAL REVIEW.
Republic of Germany. Consequently, both the Labor
Arbiter and the Court of Appeals acted within proper
bounds when they refused to acknowledge that GTZ is so It is beyond cavil that the BI has the exclusive authority
immune by dismissing the complaint against it. Our and jurisdiction to try and hear cases against an alleged
finding has additional ramifications on the failure of GTZ alien, and that the BOC has jurisdiction over deportation
to properly appeal the Labor Arbiter’s decision to the proceedings. Nonetheless, Article VIII, Section 1 of the
NLRC. As pointed out by the OSG, the direct recourse to Constitution has vested power of judicial review in the
the Court of Appeals while bypassing the NLRC could Supreme Court and the lower courts such as the CA, as
have been sanctioned had the Labor Arbiter’s decision established by law. Although the courts are without
been a “patent nullity.” Since the Labor Arbiter acted power to directly decide matters over which full
properly in deciding the complaint, notwithstanding GTZ’s discretionary authority has been delegated to the
claim of immunity, we cannot see how the decision could legislative or executive branch of the government and are
have translated into a “patent nullity.” Deutsche not empowered to execute absolutely their own judgment
Gesellschaft fur Techniche Vs. Hon. Court of Appeals, et from that of Congress or of the President, the Court may
al., G.R. No. 152318, April 16, 2009. look into and resolve questions of whether or not such
judgment has been made with grave abuse of discretion,
when the act of the legislative or executive department is
INQUIRY IN AID OF LEGISLATION.
contrary to the Constitution, the law or jurisprudence, or
when executed whimsically, capriciously or arbitrarily out
A legislative investigation in aid of legislation and court of malice, ill will or personal bias. The Secretary of
proceedings has different purposes. On one hand, courts Justice, et al. vs. Christopher Koruga, G.R. No.
conduct hearings or like adjudicative procedures to 166199, April 24, 2009.
settle, through the application of a law, actual
controversies arising between adverse litigants and
JUDICIAL REVIEW; POLITICAL QUESTION.
involving demandable rights. On the other hand, inquiries
in aid of legislation are, inter alia, undertaken as tools to
enable the legislative body to gather information and, In asking the Supreme Court to declare Section 19 of
thus, legislate wisely and effectively; and to determine the Oil Deregulation Law as unconstitutional for
whether there is a need to improve existing laws or enact contravening Section 19, Article XII of the Constitution,
new or remedial legislation, albeit the inquiry need not petitioner invokes the exercise by the Supreme Court of
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its power of judicial review, which power is expressly the party or organization and are not designed to enable
recognized under Section 4(2), Article VIII of the or ensure the victory of the candidate in the
Constitution. The power of judicial review is the power of elections. The act of Robles of submitting the certificate
the courts to test the validity of executive and legislative nominating Velarde and others was merely in compliance
acts for their conformity with the Constitution. Through with the COMELEC requirements for nomination of party-
such power, the judiciary enforces and upholds the list representatives and, hence, cannot be treated as
supremacy of the Constitution. For a court to exercise electioneering or partisan political activity proscribed
this power, certain requirements must first be met, under by Sec. 2(4) of Art. IX(B) of the Constitution for
namely: civil servants. Dr. Hans Christian M. Señeres vs.
Commission on Elections and Melquiades A. Robles, G.R.
No. 178678, April 16, 2009.
(1) an actual case or controversy calling for the
exercise of judicial power;
PARTY LIST.
(2) the person challenging the act must have
“standing” to challenge; he must have a personal and In determining the allocation of seats for party-list
substantial interest in the case such that he has representatives under Section 11 of R.A. No. 7941, the
sustained, or will sustain, direct injury as a result of its following procedure shall be observed:
enforcement;
(1) The parties, organizations, and coalitions shall be
(3) the question of constitutionality must be raised at ranked from the highest to the lowest based on the
the earliest possible opportunity; and number of votes they garnered during the elections.
(4) the issue of constitutionality must be the very lis (2) The parties, organizations, and coalitions receiving
mota of the case. at least two percent (2%) of the total votes cast for the
party-list system shall be entitled to one guaranteed seat
each.
The Supreme Court ruled that that the issues petitioner
presented to thee Supreme Court are non-justiciable
matters that preclude the Supreme Court from exercising (3) Those garnering sufficient number of votes,
its power of judicial review. The immediate according to the ranking in paragraph 1, shall be entitled
implementation of full deregulation of the local to additional seats in proportion to their total number of
downstream oil industry is a policy determination by votes until all the additional seats are allocated.
Congress which the Supreme Court cannot overturn
without offending the Constitution and the principle of
(4) Each party, organization, or coalition shall be
separation of powers. Congressman Enrique T. Garcia
entitled to not more than three (3) seats.
Vs. The Executive Secretary, et al. G.R. No. 157584, April
2, 2009.
In computing the additional seats, the guaranteed seats
shall no longer be included because they have already
JUST COMPENSATION.
been allocated, at one seat each, to every two-
percenter. Thus, the remaining available seats for
The Special Agrarian Court and the Court of Appeals allocation as “additional seats” are the maximum seats
committed no reversible error when it ruled that it is the reserved under the Party List System less the guaranteed
provisions of RA 6657 that is applicable to the present seats. Fractional seats are disregarded in the absence of
case. The SAC arrived at the just compensation for a provision in R.A. No. 7941 allowing for a rounding off of
respondents’ property after taking into consideration the fractional seats. Barangay Association for National
commissioners’ report on the nature of the subject Advancement and Transparency (BANAT) vs. Commission
landholding, its proximity from the city proper, its use, on Elections/ Bayan Muna, et al. vs. Commission on
average gross production, and the prevailing value of the Elections, G.R. No. 179271/G.R. No. 179295, April 21,
lands in the vicinity. The SAC correctly determined the 2009.
amount of just compensation due to respondents in
accordance with, and guided by, RA 6657 and existing
POLICE POWER.
jurisprudence. Land Bank of the Philippines vs. Carolina
vda. de Abello, et al., G.R. No. 168631, April 7, 2009.
Police power to prescribe regulations to promote the
health, morals, education, good order or safety, and the
PARTISAN POLITICAL ACTIVITY.
general welfare of the people flows from the recognition
that salus populi est suprema lex – the welfare of the
Robles’ act of submitting a nomination list for BUHAY people is the supreme law. Police power primarily rests
cannot, without more, be considered electioneering or with the legislature although it may be exercised by the
partisan political activity within the context of the President and administrative boards by virtue of a valid
Election Code. The twin acts of signing and filing a delegation. Here, no delegation of police power exists
Certificate of Nomination are purely internal processes of under RA 7722 authorizing the President to regulate the
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operations of non-degree granting review al. vs. Jose Esquivel, Jr., et al.,G.R. No. 168734/G.R. No.
centers. Review Center Associations of the Philippines vs. 170621, April 24, 2009.
Executive Secretatry Eduardo Ermita, et al.,G.R. No.
180046, April 2, 2009.
Small scale mining permits. Petitioners’ small-scale
mining permits are legally questionable. Under
PUBLIC DOMAIN; CLASSIFICATION. Presidential Decree No. 1899, applications of small-scale
miners are processed with the Director of the Mines and
Geo-Sciences Bureau. Pursuant to Republic Act No.
The classification of lands of the public domain is of two
7076, which took effect on 18 July 1991, approval of the
types, i.e., primary classification and secondary
applications for mining permits and for mining contracts
classification. The primary classification comprises
are vested in the Provincial/City Mining Regulatory
agricultural, forest or timber, mineral lands, and national
Board. Composed of the DENR representative, a
parks. These are lands specifically mentioned in Section
representative from the small-scale mining sector, a
3, Article XII of the Constitution. The same provision of
representative from the big-scale mining industry and a
the Constitution, however, also states that agricultural
representative from an environmental group, this body is
lands of the public domain may further be classified by
tasked to approve small-scale mining permits and
law according to the uses to which they may be devoted.
contracts.
This further classification of agricultural lands is referred
to as secondary classification.
In the case under consideration, petitioners filed their
small-scale mining permits on 23 August 1991, making
Under existing laws, Congress has granted authority to a
them bound by the procedures provided for under the
number of government agencies to effect the secondary
applicable and prevailing statute, Republic Act No.
classification of agricultural lands to residential,
7076. Instead of processing and obtaining their permits
commercial or industrial or other urban uses. Laureano V.
from the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board, petitioners
Hermoso, et al. vs. Heirs of Antonio Francia and Petra
were able to get the same from the governor of Davao
Francia, G.R. No. 166748, April 24, 2009.
del Norte. Considering that the governor is without legal
authority to issue said mining permits, the same permits
Public Land Act; encumbrance. Section 118 of the Public are null and void. Leonora P. Calanza, et al. vs. Paper
Land Act, as amended, prohibits any encumbrance or Industries Corp., et al., G.R. No. 146622, April 24, 2009.
alienation of lands acquired under homestead provisions
from the date of the approval of application and for a
SPEEDY TRIAL.
term of five years from and after the date of issuance of
the patent or grant. The same provision provides that no
alienation, transfer, or conveyance of any homestead Under the circumstances of the cases, the right to the
after five years and before 25 years after issuance of title accused to a speedy tril was not violated. Dante Tan vs.
shall be valid without the approval of the Secretary of People of the Philippines, G.R. No. 173637, April 21,
Agriculture and Natural Resources, which approval shall 2009.
not be denied except on constitutional and legal grounds.
SUBPOENA; CONGRESS.
A homestead patent is one of the modes to acquire title
to public lands suitable for agricultural purposes. Under
PS Resolution Nos. 537 and 543 were passed in 2006 and
the Public Land Act, as amended, a homestead patent is
the letter-invitations and subpoenas directing the
one issued to any citizen of this country, over the age of
petitioners to appear and testify in connection with the
18 years or the head of a family, and who is not the
twin resolutions were sent out in the month of August
owner of more than 24 hectares of land in the
2006 or in the past Congress. On the postulate that the
country. To be qualified, the applicant must show that
Senate of each Congress acts separately and
he has resided continuously for at least one year in the
independently of the Senate before and after it, the
municipality where the land is situated and must have
aforesaid invitations and subpoenas are considered
cultivated at least one-fifth of the land applied for.
functos oficio and the related legislative inquiry
conducted is, for all intents and purposes,
The Court also cannot consider the subject property to terminated. Reghis M. Romero II, Edmond Q. Sese,
have been held in trust by Hermogenes for and on behalf Leopoldo T. Sanchez, Reghis M. Romero III, Michael L.
of Hizon. Settled is the rule that a homestead applicant Romero, Nathaniel L. Romero and Jerome R. Canals vs.
must personally comply with the legal requirements for a Sen. Jinggoy E. Estrada and Senate Committee on Labor,
homestead grant. The homestead applicant himself must Employment and Human Resources Development, G.R.
possess the necessary qualifications, cultivate the land, No. 174105, April 2, 2009.
and reside thereon. It would be a circumvention of the
law if an individual were permitted to apply “in behalf of
USURPATION OF LEGISLATIVE POWER.
another,” as the latter may be disqualified or might not
comply with the residency and cultivation
requirements. Marcelino Lopez, et al. vs. Hon. Court of EO 566 in this case is not supported by any enabling
Appeals, et al./ Noel Rubber and Development Corp, et law. Since EO 566 is an invalid exercise of legislative
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power, the RIRR is also an invalid exercise of the CHED’s Representatives Electoral Tribunal begins over election
quasi-legislative power. Review Center Associations of contests relating to his election, returns, and
the Philippines vs. Executive Secretatry Eduardo Ermita, qualifications, and mere allegation as to the invalidity of
et al. G.R. No. 180046, April 2, 2009. her proclamation does not divest the Electoral Tribunal of
its jurisdiction. Jocelyn Sy Limkaichong vs.
COMELEC, G.R. Nos. 178831-32/G.R. No. 179120/G.R.
WARRANTLESS SEARCH.
Nos. 179132-33/G.R. Nos. 179240-41, April 1, 2009.
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standards of ethical standards, persons aspiring for public The TESDA performs governmental functions, and the
office must observe honesty, candor and faithful issuance of certifications is a task within its function of
compliance with the law. developing and establishing a system of
skills standardization, testing, and certification in the
country. From the perspective of this function, the core
While dishonesty is considered a grave offense
reason for the existence of state immunity applies – i.e.,
punishable by dismissal even at the first instance,
the public policy reason that the performance
jurisprudence is replete with cases where the Court
of governmental function cannot be hindered or delayed
lowered the penalty of dismissal to suspension taking into
by suits, nor can these suits control the use and
account the presence of mitigating circumstances such as
disposition of the means for the performance
length of service in the government and being a first time
of governmental functions.
offender. Office of the Court Administrator Vs. Ma. Celia
A. Flores, A.M. No. P-07-2366, April 16, 2009.
Even assuming that TESDA entered into a proprietary
contract with PROVI and thereby gave its implied consent
RE-ASSIGNMENT; DETAIL.
to be sued, TESDA’s funds are still public in nature and,
thus, cannot be the valid subject of a writ of garnishment
A reassignment is a movement of an employee from one or attachment. Professional Video, Inc. vs. Technical
organizational unit to another in the same department or Education and Skills Development Authority, G.R. No.
agency which does not involve a reduction in rank, status 155504, June 26, 2009.
or salary and does not require the issuance of an
appointment. A detail, on the other hand, is a movement
JUST COMPENSATION; EASEMENT RIGHT OF WAY.
from one agency to another. National Transmission
Corp. Vs. Venusto
Easement of right of way falls within the purview of the
power of eminent domain. In installing the
230 KV Talisay-Compostela transmission lines which
traverse respondent’s lands, a permanent limitation is
JUNE 2009 DECISIONS imposed by petitioner National Power Corporation against
the use of the lands for an indefinite period. This deprives
Constitutional Law respondent of the normal use of the lands. In fact, not
only are the affected areas of the lands traversed by
petitioner’s transmission lines but a portion is used as the
IMMUNITY FROM SUIT. site of its transmission tower. Because of the danger to
life and limbs that may be caused beneath the high-
The rule that a state may not be sued without its consent tension live wires, the landowner will not be able to use
is embodied in Section 3, Article XVI of the the lands for farming or any agricultural purposes.
1987 Constitution and has been an established principle
that antedates the Constitution. It is a universally Thus, there is no reason to disturb the findings of the
recognized principle of international law that exempts a trial and appellate courts. Respondent is entitled to
state and its organs from the jurisdiction of another just compensation or the just and complete equivalent of
state. The principle is based on the very essence of the loss which the owner of the thing expropriated has to
sovereignty, and on the practical ground that there can suffer by reason of the expropriation.
be no legal right as against the authority that makes the
law on which the right depends. It also rests on reasons
of public policy — that public service would be hindered, Since the determination of
and the public endangered, if the sovereign authority just compensation in expropriation proceedings is
could be subjected to law suits at the instance of every essentially a judicial function, the Supreme Court held
citizen and, consequently, controlled in the uses that the amount of P450 per square meter to be just and
and dispositions of the means required for the reasonable compensation for the expropriated lands of
proper administration of the government. respondent. National Power Corporation vs.
Carlos Villamor, G.R. No. 160080, June 19, 2009.
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was likewise upheld by the Court in Acop. The foregoing ripeness: first, the fitness of the issues for judicial
ruling of the Court has been reiterated in Camanag v. decision; and second, the hardship to the parties entailed
Guerrero. More recently, in Office of the Ombudsman v. by withholding court consideration. In our jurisdiction,
Valera, the Supreme Court, basing its ratio decidendi on the issue of ripeness is generally treated in terms of
its ruling in Acop and Camanag, declared that the OSP is actual injury to the plaintiff. Hence, a question is ripe
“merely a component of the Office of the Ombudsman for adjudication when the act being challenged has had a
and may only act under the supervision and control, and direct adverse effect on the individual challenging it. An
upon authority of the Ombudsman” and ruled that under alternative road to review similarly taken would be to
R.A. No. 6770, the power to preventively suspend is determine whether an action has already
lodged only with the Ombudsman and Deputy been accomplished or performed by a branch of
Ombudsman. The Court’s ruling in Acop that the government before the courts may step in. Atty. Oliver
authority of the Ombudsman to prosecute based on R.A. O. Lozano and Atty. Evangeline J. Lozano-Endriano vs.
No. 6770 was authorized by the Constitution was also Speaker Prospero C. Nograles, Representative, Majority,
made the foundation for the decision in Perez House of Representatives / Louis “Barok” C. Biraogo vs.
v. Sandiganbayan, where it was held that the power to Speaker Prospero C. Nograles, Representative, Congress
prosecute carries with it the power to authorize the filing of the Philippines, G.R. No. 187883, June 16, 2009.
of informations, which power had not been delegated to
the OSP. It is, therefore, beyond cavil that under
JUDICIAL REVIEW; STANDING TO SUE.
the Constitution, Congress was not proscribed from
legislating the grant of additional powers to the
Ombudsman or placing the OSP under the Office of the Generally, a party will be allowed to litigate only when he
Ombudsman. Carmelo Lazatin, et al. vs. can demonstrate that (1) he has personally suffered
Hon. Aniano A. Disierto, et al., G.R. No. 147097, June 5, some actual or threatened injury because of the allegedly
2009. illegal conduct of the government; (2) the injury is fairly
traceable to the challenged action; and (3) the injury is
likely to be redressed by the remedy being sought. In the
OMBUDSMAN; REMOVAL POWERS.
cases at bar, petitioners have not shown the elemental
injury in fact that would endow them with the standing to
The Office of the Ombudsman, in the exercise of its sue. Locus standi requires a personal stake in the
administrative disciplinary authority, is vested by the outcome of a controversy for significant reasons. It
Constitution and R.A. No. 6770 with the power to impose assures adverseness and sharpens the presentation of
the penalty of removal, suspension, demotion, fine, issues for the illumination of the Court in resolving
censure, or prosecution of a public officer or employee difficult constitutional questions. The lack of petitioners’
found to be at fault. Office of the Ombudsman vs. personal stake in this case is no more evident than in
Fernando J. Beltran, G.R. No. 168039, June 5, 2009. Lozano’sthree-page petition that is devoid of any legal or
jurisprudential basis.
JUDICIAL REVIEW; ACTUAL CASE.
Neither can the lack of locus standi be cured by the claim
of petitioners that they are instituting the cases at bar as
This Supreme Court’s power of review may be awesome,
taxpayers and concerned citizens. A taxpayer’s suit
but it is limited to actual cases and controversies dealing
requires that the act complained of directly involves the
with parties having adversely legal claims, to be
illegal disbursement of public funds derived from
exercised after full opportunity of argument by the
taxation. It is undisputed that there has been no
parties, and limited further to the constitutional question
allocation or disbursement of public funds in this case as
raised or the very lis mota presented. The “case-or-
of yet. To be sure, standing as a citizen has been upheld
controversy” requirement bans this court from deciding
by this Court in cases where a petitioner is able to craft
“abstract, hypothetical or contingent questions,” lest the
an issue of transcendental importance or when
court give opinions in the nature of advice concerning
paramount public interest is involved. While the Court
legislative or executive action. Atty. Oliver O. Lozano and
recognizes the potential far-reaching implications of the
Atty. Evangeline J. Lozano-Endriano vs. Speaker Prospero
issue at hand, the possible consequence of House
C. Nograles, Representative, Majority, House of
Resolution No. 1109 is yet unrealized and does not infuse
Representatives / Louis “Barok” C. Biraogo vs. Speaker
petitioners with locus standi under the “transcendental
Prospero C. Nograles, Representative, Congress of the
importance” doctrine.
Philippines, G.R. No. 187883, June 16, 2009.
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the stringent requirements of “personal injury” to the Now that Makati is already a highly urbanized city, the
broader “transcendental importance” doctrine, such parties should follow Section 118(d) of the Local
liberality is not to be abused. It is not an open invitation Government Code (LGC) and should opt to amicably
for the ignorant and the ignoble to file petitions that settle this dispute by joint referral to the
prove nothing but their cerebral deficit. Atty. Oliver O. respective sanggunians of the parties. This has become
Lozano and Atty. Evangeline J. Lozano-Endriano vs. imperative because, after all, no attempt had been made
Speaker Prospero C. Nograles, Representative, Majority, earlier to settle the dispute amicably under the aegis of
House of Representatives/Louis “Barok” C. Biraogo vs. the LGC. The specific provision of the LGC, now made
Speaker Prospero C. Nograles, Representative, Congress applicable because of the altered status of Makati, must
of the Philippines, G.R. No. 187883, June 16, 2009. be complied with. In the event that no amicable
settlement is reached, as envisioned under Section
118(e) of the LGC, a certification shall be issued to that
SPEEDY DISPOSITION OF CASES.
effect, and the dispute shall be formally tried by
the Sanggunian concerned within sixty (60) days from
In ascertaining whether the right to speedy disposition of the date of the aforementioned certification. In this
cases has been violated, the following factors must be regard, Rule III of the Rules and
considered: (1) the length of delay; (2) the reasons for Regulations Implementing the LGC shall govern.
the delay; (3) the assertion or failure to assert such right Municipality of Pateros vs.The Honorable Court of
by the accused; and (4) the prejudice caused by the Appeals, et al., G.R. No. 157714, June 16, 2009
delay. The right to a speedy disposition of cases is
considered violated only when the proceedings are
Administrative and Civil Service Law
attended by vexatious, capricious, and oppressive delays.
A mere mathematical reckoning of the time involved is
not sufficient. In the application of EXHAUSTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES.
the constitutional guarantee of the right to a speedy
disposition of cases, particular regard must also be taken
The petitioners failed to appeal the decision of
of the facts and circumstances peculiar to each case.
the Adjudication and Settlement Board (ASB) of the
Commission on Audit to the Commission on Audit proper
In Bernat v. Sandiganbayan, the Court denied petitioner’s before filing the petition for certiorari with the Supreme
claim of denial of his right to a speedy disposition of Court, in derogation of the principle of exhaustion
cases considering that the petitioner in that case chose to of administrative remedies. The general rule is that
remain silent for eight years before complaining of the before a party may seek the intervention of the court, he
delay in the disposition of his case. The Court ruled that should first avail himself of all the means afforded him
petitioner failed to seasonably assert his right and he by administrative processes. The issues
merely sat and waited from the time his case was which administrative agencies are authorized to decide
submitted for resolution. In this case, petitioner similarly should not be summarily taken from them and submitted
failed to assert his right to a speedy disposition of his to the court without first giving
case. He did not take any step to accelerate the such administrative agency the opportunity to dispose of
disposition of his case. He only invoked his right to a the same after due deliberation. It is, therefore,
speedy disposition of cases after imperative that the Commission Proper be first given the
the Sandiganbayan promulgated its decision convicting opportunity to review the decision of the ASB. Only after
him for malversation of public funds. Petitioner’s silence the Commission shall have acted thereon may a petition
may be considered as a waiver of his right. Raul S. Tello for certiorari be brought to the Supreme Court by the
vs. People of the Philippines, G.R. No. 165781, June 5, aggrieved party. While the principle of exhaustion
2009 of administrative remedies admits of exceptions, the
Supreme Court did not find any cogent reason to apply
the cited exceptions to the instant case. The non-
UNDUE DELEGATION OF LEGISLATIVE POWER.
observance of the doctrine results in the petition having
no cause of action, thus, justifying its dismissal. Joseph
Revenue Regulations Nos. 9-2003, 22-2003, and Peter Sison, et al. vs. Rogelio Tablang, G.R. No. 177011,
Revenue Memorandum Order No. 6-2003, as pertinent to June 5, 2009.
cigarettes packed by machine, are invalid insofar as they
grant the BIR the power to reclassify or update the
PREVENTIVE SUSPENSION.
classification of new brands every two years or earlier.
Hon. Secretary of Finance, et al. vs. La Suerte Cigar and
Cigarette Factory, et al., G.R. No. 166498. June 11, There are two kinds of preventive suspension of
2009. government employees charged with offenses punishable
by removal or suspension, viz: (1) preventive suspension
pending investigation; and (2) preventive suspension
Local Government Code
pending appeal if the penalty imposed by
the disciplining authority is suspension or dismissal and,
BOUNDARY DISPUTES BETWEEN CITIES. after review, the respondent is exonerated. Preventive
suspension pending investigation is not a penalty. It is a
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measure intended to enable the disciplining authority to mandatory, and not merely directory. Thus, in this case,
investigate charges against respondent by preventing the petitioners should have first waited for the rules and
latter from intimidating or in any way influencing guidelines of the DBM before payment of the honoraria.
witnesses against him. If the investigation is not finished As the rules and guidelines were still forthcoming,
and a decision is not rendered within that period, the petitioners could not just award themselves the straight
suspension will be lifted and the respondent amount of 25% of their monthly basic salaries
will automatically be reinstated. If after investigation, as honoraria. This is not the intendment of the
respondent is found innocent of the charges and is law. Joseph Peter Sison, et al. vs. Rogelio Tablang, G.R.
exonerated, he should be reinstated. Civil Service No. 177011, June 5, 2009.
Commission, Anicia De Lima, in her capacity as Regional
Director of CSC-NCR vs. Larry M. Alfonso, G.R. No.
Election law
179452, June 11, 2009.
PUBLIC OFFICERS; HONORARIUM. A case becomes moot when there is no more actual
controversy between the parties or no useful purpose can
be served in passing upon the merits. Courts will not
An honorarium is defined as something given not as a
determine a moot question in a case in which no practical
matter of obligation but in appreciation for services
relief can be granted. It is unnecessary to indulge in
rendered, a voluntary donation in consideration of
academic discussion of a case presenting a moot
services which admit of no compensation in money.
question, as a judgment thereon cannot have any
Section 15 of R.A. No. 9184 uses the word “may” which
practical legal effect or, in the nature of things, cannot be
signifies that the honorarium cannot be demanded as a
enforced.
matter of right.
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The CA held that there is no tenancy relationship (b) Corporations and associations at least 60% of the
between the private respondents and petitioners capital of which is owned by Filipino citizens, since they
Apolonia, Carlos, Lourdes and Rogelio Tarona due to the have the capacity to hold lands of the public domain;
absence of personal cultivation of the subject landholding
by the latter
(c) Aliens but only in cases of hereditary
succession; and
In arriving at such a finding, the appellate court gave full
credence to the evidence proffered by private
(d) Natural born citizens who have lost their Philippine
respondents showing that the aforementioned petitioners
citizenship subject to limitations provided by law. (see 2
are not residents of the locality where the subject
Philippine Constitutional Law, p. 917 [2004])
landholding is and neither are they tenants of any lot
thereat. The evidence, among others, consists of
the Certification dated October 9, 2003 issued by One would think that all Philippine lawyers know this
the Barangay Captain of Mauban, fundamental principle but that does not appear to be the
now Nagbalayong, Morong, Bataan, stating that Apolonia, case. In Keld Stemmerik, represented by Attys.
Carlos, Lourdes and Rogelio Tarona are not residents Herminio. Liwanag and Winston P.L. Esguerra vs. Atty.
therein and that they do not personally cultivate the Leonuel N. Mas, A.C. No. 8010, June 16, 2009, Keld
subject property; and the Certification of the election Stemmerik, a Danish national, expressed interest in
officer of Caloocan City showing that said persons are buying land in the Philippines and Atty. Mas advised him
residents and registered voters of Caloocan City. that he can legally acquire and own land in the
Philippines.
We find no reason to disturb the aforesaid finding of the
CA. Clearly, private respondents’ evidence, Keld gave Atty. Mas PhP3.8 million as purchase price of
which significantly the petitioners failed to refute, more the property and returned to Denmark. Atty. Mas then
than substantially proved the impossibility of personal prepared a contract to sell between Keld (with Atty. Mas
cultivation. Petitioners (intervenors) have already left the as representative) and a certain Bonifacio de Mesa, who
place where the subject land lies in Morong, Bataan, and allegedly owns the property. Atty. Mas then prepared
now live in another locality which is in Caloocan City. and notarized a deed of sale in which de Mesa sold the
Since Bataan is of a considerable distance from Caloocan property to a certain Ailyn Gonzales for PhP3.8
City, it would undeniably be physically impossible for the million. Atty. Mas also drafted an agreement between
petitioners to personally cultivate the Keld and Gonzales stating that it was Keld who provided
landholding. Leonardo Tarona, et al. vs. Court of the funds for the purchase of the property.
Appeals, et al. G.R. No. 170182. June 18, 2009
After the various agreements were signed, Keld tried to
get in touch with Atty. Mas, who never replied to Keld’s
calls and email messages. When Keld returned to the
PRIVATE LANDS; DISBARMENT FOR GROSS Philippines, he learned that he could not own land in the
IGNORANCE OF THE LAW Philippines. In addition, a verification made at the
Community Environment & Natural Resources Office
(CENRO) of the Department of Environment and Natural
One of the fundamental principles of Philippine Resources in Olongapo City revealed that the property
constitutional law is that ownership of land is generally was inalienable as it was situated within the former US
reserved only to Filipinos. Article XII, Section 7 of the Military Reservation.
Constitution provides: ”Save in cases of hereditary
succession, no private lands shall be transferred or
conveyed except to individuals, corporations, or Keld tried to locate Atty. Mas but never found him. It
associations qualified to acquire or hold lands of the appears that Atty. Mas abandoned his law practice in
public domain.” On the other hand, Article XII, Section 8 Olongapo City. Keld then filed a complaint for
provides: ”Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7 of disbarment against Atty. Mas with the Committee on Bar
this Article, a natural-born citizen of the Philippines who Discipline (CBD) of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines
has lost his Philippine citizenship may be a transferee of (IBP). The CBD and the IBP Board of Governors
private lands, subject to limitations provided by law.” To recommended the disbarment of Atty. Mas. The
summarize: Supreme Court agreed that Atty. Mas should be
disbarred. According to the Supreme Court:
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Respondent, in giving advice that directly contradicted a et al. vs. Richard J. Gordon, G.R. No. 175352, July 15,
fundamental constitutional policy, showed disrespect for 2009.
the Constitution and gross ignorance of basic law. Worse,
he prepared spurious documents that he knew were void
ILLEGAL SEARCH.
and illegal.
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already a holder of an ordinary timber license or license necessarily exist under a general law. Stated differently,
agreement nor any member of the family, incorporator, only corporations created under a general law can qualify
director, stockholder, or member of such individual, as private corporations. Under existing laws, the general
corporation, partnership, or association shall be allowed law is the Corporation Code, except that the Cooperative
to acquire a new timber license or license agreement or Code governs the incorporation of cooperatives. The
any interest or participation in it. Charter of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) is
void insofar as it creates the PNRC as a private
corporation. The PNRC should incorporate under the
The constitutional and statutory limitations on allowable
Corporation Code and register with the Securities and
area leases and concessions were obviously meant to
Exchange Commission if it wants to be a private
prevent the concentration of large tracts of public land in
corporation. Dante Liban, et al. vs. Richard J.
the hands of a single individual. Republic of the
Gordon, G.R. No. 175352, July 15, 2009.
Philippines vs. Estate of Alfonso Lim, Sr., et al., G.R. No.
164800, July 22, 2009.
RIGHT TO BE INFORMED OF NATURE AND CAUSE OF
ACCUSATION.
Party List. There are four parameters in a Philippine-
style party-list election system:
It is settled that it is the allegations in the Information
that determine the nature of the offense, not the
1. Twenty percent of the total number of the
technical name given by the public prosecutor in the
membership of the House of Representatives is the
preamble of the Information. From a legal point of view,
maximum number of seats available to party-list
and in a very real sense, it is of no concern to the
organizations, such that there is automatically one party-
accused what is the technical name of the crime of which
list seat for every four existing legislative districts.
he stands charged. It in no way aids him in a defense on
the merits. That to which his attention should be
2. Garnering two percent of the total votes cast in the directed, and in which he, above all things else, should
party-list elections guarantees a party-list organization be most interested, are the facts alleged. The real
one seat. The guaranteed seats shall be distributed in a question is not did he commit a crime given in the law
first round of seat allocation to parties receiving at least some technical and specific name, but did he perform the
two percent of the total party-list votes. acts alleged in the body of the information in the manner
therein set forth.
3. The additional seats, that is, the remaining seats
after allocation of the guaranteed seats, shall be Gauging such standard against the wording of the
distributed to the party-list organizations including those Information in this case, the Supreme Court held that
that received less than two percent of the total votes. there was no violation of petitioner’s rights. The recital of
The continued operation of the two percent threshold as facts and circumstances in the Information sufficiently
it applies to the allocation of the additional seats is now constitutes the crime of qualified theft. Sheala P. Matrido
unconstitutional because this threshold mathematically vs. People of the Philippines, G.R. No. 179061, July 13,
and physically prevents the filling up of the available 2009.
party-list seats. The additional seats shall be distributed
to the parties in a second round of seat allocation
SEARCH WARRANTS.
according to the two-step procedure laid down in the
Supreme Court’s Decision of 21 April 2009 as clarified in
this Resolution. Under Section 12, Chapter V of the Guidelines on the
Selection and Appointment of Executive Judges and
Defining their Powers, Prerogatives and Duties, as
4. The three-seat cap is constitutional. The three-seat
embodied in A.M. No. 03-8-02-SC,The Executive Judges
cap is intended by the Legislature to prevent any party
and, whenever they are on official leave of absence or
from dominating the party-list system. There is no
are not physically present in the station, the Vice-
violation of the Constitution because the 1987
Executive Judges of the RTCs of Manila and Quezon City
Constitution does not require absolute proportionality for
shall have authority to act on applications filed by the
the party-list system. The well-settled rule is that courts
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine
will not question the wisdom of the Legislature as long as
National Police (PNP) and the Anti-Crime Task Force
it is not violative of the Constitution. BANAT vs.
(ACTAF), for search warrants involving heinous crimes,
COMELEC, G.R. No. 179271/G.R. No. 179295, July 8,
illegal gambling, illegal possession of firearms and
2009.
ammunitions as well as violations of the Comprehensive
Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the Intellectual Property
PRIVATE CORPORATIONS. Code, the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, the Tariff
and Customs Code, as amended, and other relevant laws
Congress cannot enact a law creating a private that may hereafter be enacted by Congress, and included
corporation with a special charter. Such legislation would herein by the Supreme Court.
be unconstitutional. Private corporations may exist only
under a general law. If the corporation is private, it must
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The applications shall be endorsed by the heads of such Where the restraint of liberty is allegedly authored by the
agencies or their respective duly authorized officials and State, the very entity tasked to ensure the liberty of all
shall particularly describe therein the places to be persons (citizens and aliens alike) within its jurisdiction,
searched and/or the property or things to be seized as courts must be vigilant in extending the habeas corpus
prescribed in the Rules of Court. The Executive Judges remedy to one who invokes it. To strictly restrict the
and Vice-Executive Judges concerned shall issue the great writ of liberty to technicalities not only defeats the
warrants, if justified, which may be served outside the spirit that animates the writ but also waters down the
territorial jurisdiction of the said courts. Re: Request of precious right that the writ seeks to protect, the right to
the Police Director General Avelino I. Razon for authority liberty. To dilute the remedy that guarantees protection
to delegate the endorsement of application for search to the right is to negate the right itself. Thus, the Court
warrant, A.M. No. 08-4-4-SC, July 7, 2009. will not unduly confine the writ of habeas corpus in the
prison walls of technicality. Otherwise, it will betray its
constitutional mandate to promulgate rules concerning
SECURITY OF TENURE.
the protection and enforcement of constitutional rights.
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certiorari under Rule 65 of the Rules of Civil plebiscite, initiative, referendum and recall; its power of
Procedure. Eddie T. Panlilio vs. Commission on Elections supervision and control over boards of election inspectors
and Lilia G. Pineda, G.R. No. 181478, July 15, 2009. and boards of canvassers; the concomitant need to do
everything in its power to secure a fair and honest
canvass of the votes cast in the elections; the grant to it
COMELEC; CANCELLATION OF COC.
of broad and flexible powers to effectively perform its
duties and to ensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful and
Under Section 78 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), a credible elections; and its role as the guardian of the
false representation of material fact in the Certificate of people’s sacred right of suffrage.
Candidacy (COC) is a ground for the denial or
cancellation of the COC. The false representation must
In particular, the statutory power of supervision and
pertain to a material fact that affects the right of the
control by the COMELEC over the boards of canvassers
candidate to run for the election for which he filed his
includes the power to revise or reverse the action of the
COC. Such material fact refers to a candidate’s eligibility
boards, as well as to do what the boards should have
or qualification for elective office like citizenship,
done. Such power includes the authority to initiate motu
residence or status as a registered voter. Aside from the
propio such steps or actions as may be required pursuant
requirement of materiality, the false representation must
to law, like reviewing the actions of the board;
consist of a deliberate attempt to mislead, misinform, or
conducting an inquiry affecting the genuineness of
hide a fact that would otherwise render a candidate
election returns beyond the election records of the polling
ineligible. In other words, it must be made with the
places involved; annulling canvass or proclamations
intention to deceive the electorate as to the would-be
based on incomplete returns or on incorrect or tampered
candidate’s qualifications for public office.
returns; invalidating a canvass or proclamation made in
an unauthorized meeting of the board of canvassers
It is settled that the COMELEC has jurisdiction over a either because it lacked a quorum or because the board
petition filed under Section 78 of the OEC. In the exercise did not meet at all; or requiring the board to
of such jurisdiction, it is within the competence of the convene. Rafael Flauta, Jr., et al. vs. Commission on
COMELEC to determine whether false representation as Elections, et al., G.R. No. 184586, July 22, 2009.
to material facts was made in the COC.
COMELEC; PROTESTS.
If the candidate states a material representation in the
COC that is false, the COMELEC is empowered to deny
Under Section 2(2), Article IX-C of the 1987 Constitution,
due course to or cancel the COC. The person whose COC
the COMELEC exercises exclusive original jurisdiction
is denied due course or cancelled under Section 78 of the
over all contests relating to the elections of all elective
OEC is not treated as a candidate at all, as if such person
regional, provincial, and city officials. Since the COMELEC
never filed a COC. Jamela Salic Maruhom vs. Commssion
has jurisdiction over petitioner’s election protest, it has
on Elections and Mohammad Ali “Mericano” A.
the authority to issue the assailed Orders. Eddie T.
Abinal, G.R. No. 179430, July 27, 2009.
Panlilio vs. Commission on Elections and Lilia G.
Pineda, G.R. No. 181478, July 15, 2009.
COMELEC; ORDERS OF DIVISION.
DOUBLE REGISTRATION.
Only final orders of the COMELEC in Division may be
raised before the COMELEC en banc. Section 3, Article
Maruhom, at the time she filed her COC, could not have
IX-C of the 1987 Constitution mandates that only
honestly declared therein that she was a registered voter
motions for reconsideration of final decisions shall be
of Marantao and an eligible candidate for mayor of the
decided by the COMELEC en banc. It is clear from the
said municipality. It is incumbent upon Maruhom to
foregoing constitutional provision that the COMELEC en
truthfully state her eligibility in her COC, especially so
banc shall decide motions for reconsideration only of
because the COC is filled up under oath. An elective office
“decisions” of a Division, meaning those acts having a
is a public trust. He who aspires for elective office should
final character. Here, the assailed Second Division order
not make a mockery of the electoral process by falsely
did not completely dispose of the case, as there was
representing himself. Jamela Salic Maruhom vs.
something more to be done, which was to decide the
Commssion on Elections and Mohammad Ali “Mericano”
election protest. Being interlocutory, the assailed Second
A. Abinal, G.R. No. 179430, July 27, 2009.
Division orders may not be resolved by the COMELEC en
banc. Eddie T. Panlilio vs. Commission on Elections and
Lilia G. Pineda, G.R. No. 181478, July 15, 2009. ESTOPPEL BY LACHES.
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. . . the PNRC is a privately owned, privately funded, and PNRC as a private corporation and grants it corporate
privately run charitable organization. The PNRC is not a powers, is void for being unconstitutional. Thus, Sections
government-owned or controlled corporation. 1, 2, 3, 4(a), 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 of the
PNRC Charter, as amended, are void.
Petitioners anchor their petition on the 1999 case of
Camporedondo v. NLRC, which ruled that the PNRC is a
government-owned or controlled corporation. In ruling
that the PNRC is a government-owned or controlled
AUGUST 2009 DECISIONS
corporation, the simple test used was whether the
corporation was created by its own special charter for the
exercise of a public function or by incorporation under the Constitutional law
general corporation law. Since the PNRC was created
under a special charter, the Court then ruled that it is a CONGRESS; LEGISLATIVE IMMUNITY.
government corporation. However, the Camporedondo
ruling failed to consider the definition of a government-
owned or controlled corporation as provided under The immunity Senator Santiago claims is rooted
Section 2(13) of the Introductory Provisions of the primarily on the provision of Article VI, Section 11 of the
Administrative Code of 1987. . . Constitution.
A government-owned or controlled corporation must be As American jurisprudence puts it, this legislative
owned by the government, and in the case of a stock privilege is founded upon long experience and arises as a
corporation, at least a majority of its capital stock must means of perpetuating inviolate the functioning process
be owned by the government. In the case of a non-stock of the legislative department. Without parliamentary
corporation, by analogy at least a majority of the immunity, parliament, or its equivalent, would
members must be government officials holding such degenerate into a polite and ineffective debating forum.
membership by appointment or designation by the Legislators are immune from deterrents to the
government. Under this criterion, and as discussed uninhibited discharge of their legislative duties, not for
earlier, the government does not own or control PNRC. their private indulgence, but for the public good. The
privilege would be of little value if they could be
subjected to the cost and inconvenience and distractions
Finally, the Supreme Court held that the PNRC Charter is of a trial upon a conclusion of the pleader, or to the
violative of the constitutional proscription against the hazard of a judgment against them based upon a judge’s
creation of private corporations by special law, as speculation as to the motives.
provided in Article XII, Section 16 of the Constitution:
. . . although the PNRC is created by a special charter, it For the above reasons, the plea of Senator Santiago for
cannot be considered a government-owned or controlled the dismissal of the complaint for disbarment or
corporation in the absence of the essential elements of disciplinary action is well taken. Indeed, her privilege
ownership and control by the government. In creating speech is not actionable criminally or in a disciplinary
the PNRC as a corporate entity, Congress was in fact proceeding under the Rules of Court. It is felt, however,
creating a private corporation. However, the that this could not be the last word on the
constitutional prohibition against the creation of private matter. Antero J. Pobre vs. Sen. Miriam Defensor-
corporations by special charters provides no exception Santiago, A.C. No. 7399. August 25, 2009.
even for non-profit or charitable corporations.
Consequently, the PNRC Charter, insofar as it creates the DOUBLE JEOPARDY; JUDGMENT OF ACQUITTAL.
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Double jeopardy exists when the following requisites are Just compensation is the full and fair equivalent of the
present: (1) a first jeopardy attached prior to the second; property sought to be expropriated. Among the factors to
(2) the first jeopardy has been validly terminated; and be considered in arriving at the fair market value of the
(3) a second jeopardy is for the same offense as in the property are the cost of acquisition, the current value of
first. A first jeopardy attaches only (a) after a valid like properties, its actual or potential uses, and in the
indictment; (b) before a competent court; (c) after particular case of lands, their size, shape, location, and
arraignment; (d) when a valid plea has been entered; the tax declarations thereon. The measure is not the
and (e) when the accused was acquitted or convicted, or taker’s gain but the owner’s loss. To be just, the
the case was dismissed or otherwise terminated without compensation must be fair not only to the owner but also
his express consent. to the taker.
A judgment of acquittal is final and is no longer Just compensation is based on the price or value of the
reviewable. It is also immediately executory and the property at the time it was taken from the owner and
State may not seek its review without placing the appropriated by the government. However, if the
accused in double jeopardy. The Constitution has government takes possession before the institution of
expressly adopted the double jeopardy policy and thus expropriation proceedings, the value should be fixed as of
bars multiple criminal trials, thereby conclusively the time of the taking of said possession, not of the filing
presuming that a second trial would be unfair if the of the complaint. The value at the time of the filing of the
innocence of the accused has been confirmed by a complaint should be the basis for the determination of
previous final judgment. Further prosecution via an the value when the taking of the property involved
appeal from a judgment of acquittal is likewise barred coincides with or is subsequent to the commencement of
because the government has already been afforded a the proceedings.
complete opportunity to prove the criminal defendant’s
culpability; after failing to persuade the court to enter a
The procedure for determining just compensation is set
final judgment of conviction, the underlying reasons
forth in Rule 67 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure.
supporting the constitutional ban on multiple trials
Section 5 of Rule 67 partly states that “[u]pon the
applies and becomes compelling. The reason is not only
rendition of the order of expropriation, the court shall
the defendant’s already established innocence at the first
appoint not more than three (3) competent and
trial where he had been placed in peril of conviction, but
disinterested persons as commissioners to ascertain and
also the same untoward and prejudicial consequences of
report to the court the just compensation for the property
a second trial initiated by a government who has at its
sought to be taken.” However, we held in Republic v.
disposal all the powers and resources of the
Court of Appeals that Rule 67 presupposes a prior filing
State. Unfairness and prejudice would necessarily result,
of complaint for eminent domain with the appropriate
as the government would then be allowed another
court by the expropriator. If no such complaint is filed,
opportunity to persuade a second trier of the defendant’s
the expropriator is considered to have violated procedural
guilt while strengthening any weaknesses that had
requirements, and hence, waived the usual procedure
attended the first trial, all in a process where the
prescribed in Rule 67, including the appointment of
government’s power and resources are once again
commissioners to ascertain just compensation. In
employed against the defendant’s individual means. That
National Power Corporation v. Court of Appeals, we
the second opportunity comes via an appeal does not
clarified that when there is no action for expropriation
make the effects any less prejudicial by the standards of
and the case involves only a complaint for damages or
reason, justice and conscience.
just compensation, the provisions of the Rules of Court
on ascertainment of just compensation (i.e., provisions of
Thus, the absolute and inflexible rule is that the State is Rule 67) are no longer applicable, and a trial before
proscribed from appealing the judgment of acquittal commissioners is dispensable. Republic of the Philippines
through either a regular appeal under Rule 41 of the through the Department of Public Works and Highways
Rules of Court, or an appeal by certiorari on pure vs. Court of Appeals and Rosario Rodriguez Reyes, G.R.
questions of law under Rule 45 of the same No. 160379, August 14, 2009.
Rules. People of the Philippines vs. Dir. Cesar
P. Nazareno, Dir. Evelino Nartatez, Dir. Nicasio Ma.
EMINENT DOMAIN; JUST COMPENSATION.
S. Custodio and The Sandiganbayan, G.R. No. 168982,
August 5, 2009.
PD 27 and RA 6657 provide different factors for the
computation of just compensation. The former uses
EMINENT DOMAIN; JUST COMPEMSATION.
average crop harvest as a consideration, whereas, the
latter uses the current value of like properties, its nature,
Eminent domain is the authority and right of the State, actual use and income, the sworn valuation by the
as sovereign, to take private property for public use upon owner, the tax declarations, and the assessment made
observance of due process of law and payment of by government assessors as factors for consideration in
just compensation. determining just compensation.
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In the case at bar, it is undisputed by the parties that the Every statute is presumed to be constitutional. The
lands were acquired under PD 27. Moreover, it is also presumption is that the legislature intended to enact a
undisputed that just compensation has not yet been valid, sensible and just law. Those who petition the court
settled prior to the passage of RA 6657. Thus, the issue to declare a law unconstitutional must show thta there is
to be determined is what law shall govern in the a clear and unequivocal breach of the Constitution, not
determination of just compensation. merely a doubtful, speculative or argumentative
one. Barangay Association for National Advancement
and Transparency (BANAT) Partylist represented by
If just compensation was not settled prior to the passage
Salvador B. Britanico vs. Commission on Elections, G.R.
of RA 6657, it should be computed in accordance with the
No. 177508, August 7, 2009.
said law, although the property was acquired under PD
27. Department of Agrarian Reform (etc.) vs. Carmen
S. Tongson, G.R. No. 171674, August 4, 2009. LAWS; TITLE.
EMINENT DOMAIN; TAKING. Petitioner alleges that the title of RA 9369 is misleading
because it speaks of poll automation but contains
substantial provisions dealing with the manual
It is the date of the issuance of emancipation patents
canvassing of election returns. Petitioner also alleges that
that should serve as the reckoning point for purposes of
Sections 34, 37, 38, and 43 are neither embraced in the
computation of just compensation. Copies of the
title nor germane to the subject matter of RA 9369.
emancipation patents issued to the farmer-beneficiaries,
however, have not been attached to the records of the
case. Department of Agrarian Reform (etc.) vs. Carmen The constitutional requirement that “every bill passed by
S. Tongson, G.R. No. 171674, August 4, 2009. the Congress shall embrace only one subject which shall
be expressed in the title thereof” has always been given
a practical rather than a technical construction. The
FREE ACCESS CLAUSE; COURT FILING FEES.
requirement is satisfied if the title is comprehensive
enough to include subjects related to the general purpose
The basis for the exemption from legal and filing fees is which the statute seeks to achieve. The title of a law
the free access clause, embodied in Sec. 11, Art. III of does not have to be an index of its contents and will
the 1987 Constitution. suffice if the matters embodied in the text are relevant to
each other and may be inferred from the title. Moreover,
The importance of the right to free access to the courts a title which declares a statute to be an act to amend a
and quasi judicial bodies and to adequate legal assistance specified code is sufficient and the precise nature of
cannot be denied. A move to remove the provision on the amendatory act need not be further stated.
free access from the Constitution on the ground that it
was already covered by the equal protection clause was RA 9369 is an amendatory act entitled “An Act Amending
defeated by the desire to give constitutional stature to Republic Act No. 8436, Entitled ‘An Act Authorizing the
such specific protection of the poor. Commission on Elections to Use an Automated Election
System in the May 11, 1998 National or Local Elections
In implementation of the right of free access under the and in Subsequent National and Local Electoral Exercises,
Constitution, the Supreme Court promulgated rules, to Encourage Transparency, Credibility, Fairness and
specifically, Sec. 21, Rule 3, Rules of Court, and Sec. 19, Accuracy of Elections, Amending for the
Rule 141, Rules of Court. Purpose Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, as Amended, Republic
Act No. 7166 and Other Related Election Laws, Providing
Funds Therefor and For Other Purposes.’” Clearly, the
The clear intent and precise language of subject matter of RA 9369 covers the amendments to RA
the aforequoted provisions of the Rules of Court indicate 8436, Batas Pambansa Blg. 881 (BP 881), Republic Act
that only a natural party litigant may be regarded as an No. 7166 (RA 7166), and other related election laws to
indigent litigant. The Good Shepherd Foundation, Inc., achieve its purpose of promoting transparency,
being a corporation invested by the State with a juridical credibility, fairness, and accuracy in the elections. The
personality separate and distinct from that of its provisions of RA 9369 assailed by petitioner deal with
members, is a juridical person. Among others, it has the amendments to specific provisions of RA 7166
power to acquire and possess property of all kinds as well and BP 881, specifically: (1) Sections 34, 37 and 38
as incur obligations and bring civil or criminal actions, in amend Sections 26, 30 and 15 of RA 7166, respectively;
conformity with the laws and regulations of their and (2) Section 43 of RA 9369 amends Section 265
organization. As a juridical person, therefore, it cannot be of BP 881. Therefore, the assailed provisions are
accorded the exemption from legal and filing fees granted germane to the subject matter of RA 9369 which is to
to indigent litigants. Query of Mr. Roger C. Prioreschi re amend RA 7166 and BP 881, among
exemption from legal and filing fees of the Good others. Barangay Association for National Advancement
Shepherd Foundation, Inc., A.M. No. 09-6-9-SC, August and Transparency (BANAT) Partylist represented by
19, 2009. Salvador B. Britanico vs. Commission on Elections, G.R.
No. 177508, August 7, 2009.
LAWS; PRESUMPTION OF CONSTITUTIONALITY.
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he can view a particular area; (2) the discovery of the prohibitions under Section 7 of R.A. No. 6713. The clerk
evidence in plain view is inadvertent; and (3) it is of court’s limitation is that she cannot practice her
immediately apparent to the officer that the item he profession within one year before the office where he or
observes may be evidence of a crime, contraband or she used to work with. Query of Atty. Karen M. Silverio-
otherwise subject to seizure. Buffe, former Clerk of Court, Branch
81, Romblon, Romblon, on the prohibition from engaging
in the private practice of law, A.M. No. 08-6-352-RTC,
In this case, the police authorities were in the area
August 19, 2009.
because that was where they caught up with petitioner
after the chase. They saw the firearms inside the vehicle
when petitioner opened the door. Since a shooting Agrarian law
incident just took place and it was reported that
petitioner was involved in the incident, it was apparent to
TENANTS.
the police officers that the firearms may be evidence of a
crime. Hence, they were justified in seizing the
firearms. Judge Felimon Abelita, III vs. P/Supt. German To qualify for protection under PD 1517 and avail of the
Doria and SPO3 Cesar Ramirez, G.R. No. 170672, August rights and privileges granted by the said decree, the
14, 2009. claimant must be: (1) a legitimate tenant of the land for
ten (10) years or more; (2) must have built his home on
the land by contract; and, (3) has resided continuously
Public Officers
for the last ten (10) years. The “tenant” covered by PD
1517 is, as defined under Section 3(f) thereof, “the
PRACTICE OF PROFESSION. rightful occupant of land and its structures, but does not
include those whose presence on the land is merely
tolerated and without the benefit of contract, those who
Section 7 of R.A. No. 6713 generally provides for the
enter the land by force or deceit, or those whose
prohibited acts and transactions of public officials and
possession is under litigation.”
employees. Subsection (b)(2) prohibits them from
engaging in the private practice of their profession during
their incumbency. As an exception, a public official or Stated differently, those whose possession or occupation
employee can engage in the practice of his or her of land is devoid of any legal authority or those whose
profession under the following conditions: first, the contracts of lease are already terminated, or had already
private practice is authorized by the Constitution or by expired, or whose possession is under litigation are not
the law; and second, the practice will not conflict, or tend considered “tenants” under the decree. Conversely, a
to conflict, with his or her official functions. legitimate tenant is one who is not a usurper or an
occupant by tolerance. The petitioners-defendants whose
occupation has been merely by the owner’s tolerance
The Section 7 prohibitions continue to apply for a period
obviously fall outside the coverage of PD 1517 and
of one year after the public official or employee’s
cannot seek its protection. Francisco Madrid and Edgardo
resignation, retirement, or separation from public office,
Bernardo vs.
except for the private practice of profession under
Spouses Bonifacio Mapoy and Felicidad Martinez, G.R.
subsection (b)(2), which can already be undertaken even
No. 150887, August 14, 2009.
within the one-year prohibition period. As an exception to
this exception, the one-year prohibited period applies
with respect to any matter before the office the public Election Law
officer or employee used to work with.
COMELEC; POWERS.
The Section 7 prohibitions are predicated on the principle
that public office is a public trust; and serve to remove
We do not agree with petitioner and the COMELEC that
any impropriety, real or imagined, which may occur in
the Constitution gave the COMELEC the “exclusive power”
government transactions between a former government
to investigate and prosecute cases of violations of
official or employee and his or her former colleagues,
election laws.
subordinates or superiors. The prohibitions also promote
the observance and the efficient use of every moment of
the prescribed office hours to serve the public. Section 2(6), Article IX-C of the Constitution vests in
the COMELEC the power to “investigate and, where
appropriate, prosecute cases of violations of election
Parenthetically, in the case of court employees, Section
laws, including acts or omissions constituting election
7(b)(2) of R.A. No. 6713 is not the only prohibition to
frauds, offenses, and malpractices.” This was an
contend with; Section 5, Canon 3 of the Code of Conduct
important innovation introduced by the Constitution
for Court Personnel also applies.
because this provision was not in the 1935 or 1973]
Constitutions. The phrase “[w]here appropriate” leaves to
A clerk of court can already engage in the practice of law the legislature the power to determine the kind of
immediately after her separation from the service and election offenses that the COMELEC shall prosecute
without any period limitation that applies to other exclusively or concurrently with other prosecuting arms
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of the government. Barangay Association for National After investigation, the Acting Provincial Election
Advancement and Transparency Supervisor of Cagayan recommended the dismissal of the
(BANAT) Partylist represented by Salvador complaint.
B. Britanico vs. Commission on Elections, G.R. No.
177508, August 7, 2009.
The COMELEC en banc adopted the foregoing
recommendation in its own resolution dated February 18,
2008 issued in E.O. Case No. 06-14 and dismissed the
complaint for lack of merit, holding that the acquisition of
PURCHASE OF LAND DURING THE ELECTION BAN the two parcels of land for a public cemetery was not
considered as within the term public works; and that,
consequently, the issuance of Treasury Warrant No.
The Omnibus Election Code prohibits the construction of 0001534514 was not for public works and was thus in
public works and the issuance of treasury warrants violation of Section 261 (w) of the Omnibus Election
during a period of 45 days prior to a regular election and Code.
30 days prior to a special election. Section 261 (w)
reads:
The Supreme Court ruled that the purchase of the lots for
use as a public cemetery does not constitute construction
(w) Prohibition against construction of public works, of a public work within the context of the prohibition
delivery of materials for public works and issuance of under the Omnibus Election Code. According to the
treasury warrants and similar devices.- During the period Supreme Court:
of forty five days preceding a regular election and thirty
days before a special election, any person who: (a)
undertakes the construction of any public works, except We first construe the term public works − which the
for projects or works exempted in the preceding Omnibus Election Code does not define − with the aid of
paragraph; or (b) issues, uses or avails of treasury extrinsic sources.
warrants or any device undertaking future delivery of
money, goods or other things of value chargeable against The Local Government Code of 1991 considers public
public funds. works to be the fixed infrastructures and facilities owned
and operated by the government for public use and
In Robert P. Guzman vs. Commission on Elections, Mayor enjoyment. According to the Code, cities have the
Randolph S. Ting and Salvacion Garcia, G.R. No. 182380, responsibility of providing infrastructure facilities
August 28, 2009, the issue that arose is whether the intended primarily to service the needs of their residents
purchase by the city mayor of land for use as a public and funded out of city funds, such as, among others,
cemetery and the issuance of a treasury warrant roads and bridges; school buildings and other facilities for
as payment for the land violate the Omnibus Election public elementary and secondary schools; and clinics,
Code. health centers and other health facilities necessary to
carry out health services.
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of every one, however, powerful, to whom the exercise of otherwise would have constituted an act of utter
that liberty may occasion offense.” disrespect on her part towards the Court and its
members. The factual and legal circumstances of this
case, however, deter the Court from doing so, even
As American jurisprudence puts it, this legislative
without any sign of remorse from her. Basic
privilege is founded upon long experience and arises as a
constitutional consideration dictates this kind of
means of perpetuating inviolate the functioning process
disposition.
of the legislative department. Without parliamentary
immunity, parliament, or its equivalent, would
degenerate into a polite and ineffective debating forum. We, however, would be remiss in our duty if we let the
Legislators are immune from deterrents to the Senator’s offensive and disrespectful language that
uninhibited discharge of their legislative duties, not for definitely tended to denigrate the institution pass by. It is
their private indulgence, but for the public good. The imperative on our part to re-instill in Senator/Atty.
privilege would be of little value if they could be Santiago her duty to respect courts of justice, especially
subjected to the cost and inconvenience and distractions this Tribunal, and remind her anew that the
of a trial upon a conclusion of the pleader, or to the parliamentary non-accountability thus granted to
hazard of a judgment against them based upon a judge’s members of Congress is not to protect them against
speculation as to the motives. prosecutions for their own benefit, but to enable them, as
the people’s representatives, to perform the functions of
their office without fear of being made responsible before
This Court is aware of the need and has in fact been in
the courts or other forums outside the congressional hall.
the forefront in upholding the institution of parliamentary
It is intended to protect members of Congress against
immunity and promotion of free speech. Neither has the
government pressure and intimidation aimed at
Court lost sight of the importance of the legislative and
influencing the decision-making prerogatives of Congress
oversight functions of the Congress that enable this
and its members.
representative body to look diligently into every affair of
government, investigate and denounce anomalies, and
talk about how the country and its citizens are being The Rules of the Senate itself contains a provision on
served. Courts do not interfere with the legislature or its Unparliamentary Acts and Language that enjoins a
members in the manner they perform their functions in Senator from using, under any circumstance, “offensive
the legislative floor or in committee rooms. Any claim of or improper language against another Senator or against
an unworthy purpose or of the falsity and mala fides of any public institution.” But as to Senator Santiago’s
the statement uttered by the member of the Congress unparliamentary remarks, the Senate President had not
does not destroy the privilege. The disciplinary authority apparently called her to order, let alone referred the
of the assembly and the voters, not the courts, can matter to the Senate Ethics Committee for appropriate
properly discourage or correct such abuses committed in disciplinary action, as the Rules dictates under such
the name of parliamentary immunity. circumstance. The lady senator clearly violated the rules
of her own chamber. It is unfortunate that her peers bent
backwards and avoided imposing their own rules on her.”
For the above reasons, the plea of Senator Santiago for
the dismissal of the complaint for disbarment or
disciplinary action is well taken. Indeed, her privilege
speech is not actionable criminally or in a disciplinary
proceeding under the Rules of Court. It is felt, however,
SEPTEMBER 2009 DECISIONS
that this could not be the last word on the matter.
Constitutional Law
While the Supreme Court dismissed the complaint, it felt
that such should not be the last word on the matter. It
added: CITIZENSHIP; ELECTION.
The Court wishes to express its deep concern about the Com. Act No. 625 which was enacted pursuant to Section
language Senator Santiago, a member of the Bar, used in 1(4), Article IV of the 1935 Constitution, prescribes the
her speech and its effect on the administration of justice. procedure that should be followed in order to make a
To the Court, the lady senator has undoubtedly crossed valid election of Philippine citizenship. Under Section 1
the limits of decency and good professional conduct. It is thereof, legitimate children born of Filipino mothers may
at once apparent that her statements in question were elect Philippine citizenship by expressing such intention
intemperate and highly improper in substance. To “in a statement to be signed and sworn to by the party
reiterate, she was quoted as stating that she wanted “to concerned before any officer authorized to administer
spit on the face of Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban and oaths, and shall be filed with the nearest civil registry.
his cohorts in the Supreme Court,” and calling the Court The said party shall accompany the aforesaid statement
a “Supreme Court of idiots”. . . with the oath of allegiance to the Constitution and the
Government of the Philippines.”
The Court is not hesitant to impose some form of
disciplinary sanctions on Senator/Atty. Santiago for what
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However, the 1935 Constitution and Com. Act No. 625 Neither will the Philippine Bill of 1902 nor the Jones Law
did not prescribe a time period within which the election of 1916 make Carlos a citizen of the Philippines. His bare
of Philippine citizenship should be made. The 1935 claim that his father, Go Yin An, was a resident of the
Charter only provides that the election should be made Philippines at the time of the passage of the said laws,
“upon reaching the age of majority.” The age of majority without any supporting evidence whatsoever will not
then commenced upon reaching 21 years. In the opinions suffice.
of the then Secretary of Justice on cases involving the
validity of election of Philippine citizenship, this dilemma
It is a settled rule that only legitimate children follow the
was resolved by basing the time period on the decisions
citizenship of the father and that illegitimate children are
of the Supreme Court prior to the effectivity of the 1935
under the parental authority of the mother and follow her
Constitution. In these decisions, the proper period for
nationality. Moreover, we have also ruled that an
electing Philippine citizenship was, in turn, based on the
illegitimate child of a Filipina need not perform any act to
pronouncements of the Department of State of the
confer upon him all the rights and privileges attached to
United States Government to the effect that the election
citizens of the Philippines; he automatically becomes a
should be made within a “reasonable time” after attaining
citizen himself. However, it is our considered view that
the age of majority. The phrase “reasonable time” has
absent any evidence proving that Carlos is indeed an
been interpreted to mean that the election should be
illegitimate son of a Filipina, the aforestated established
made within three (3) years from reaching the age of
rule could not be applied to him. Carlos T. Go., Sr., vs.
majority.
Luis T. Ramos/Jimmy T. Go vs. Luis T.
Ramos/Hon. Alipio F. Fernandez, etc., et al. vs. Jimmy T.
It is true that we said that the 3-year period for electing Go a.k.a. Jaime T. Gaisano, G.R. No. 167569/G.R. No.
Philippine citizenship may be extended as when the 167570/G.R. No. 171946, September 4, 2009.
person has always regarded himself as a Filipino. In hits
case, not a single circumstance was sufficiently shown
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION; JURISDICTION.
meriting the extension of the 3-year period. The fact that
Carlos exercised his right of suffrage in 1952 and 1955
does not demonstrate such belief, considering that the The CSC is the constitutional body charged with the
acts were done after he elected Philippine citizenship. On establishment and administration of a career civil service
the other hand, the mere fact that he was able to vote which embraces all branches and agencies of the
does not validate his irregular election of Philippine government. In the recent case of Civil Service
citizenship. At most, his registration as a voter indicates Commission v. Alfonso, the Court held that special laws
his desire to exercise a right appertaining exclusively to such as R.A. 4670 did not divest the CSC of its inherent
Filipino citizens but does not alter his real citizenship, power to supervise and discipline all members of the civil
which, in this jurisdiction, is determined by blood service, including public school teachers. This Court has
(jus sanguinis). The exercise of the rights and privileges also previously held in Civil Service Commission
granted only to Filipinos is not conclusive proof of v. Albao that the CSC has the authority to directly
citizenship, because a person may misrepresent himself institute proceedings to discipline a government
to be a Filipino and thus enjoy the rights and privileges of employee in order to protect the integrity of the civil
citizens of this country. service. Civil Service Commission vs. Fatima A. Macud,
G.R. No. 177531. September 10, 2009
It is incumbent upon one who claims Philippine
citizenship to prove to the satisfaction of the court that COMELEC: POLL AUTOMATION CONTRACT.
he is really a Filipino. No presumption can be indulged in
favor of the claimant of Philippine citizenship, and any Assayed against the provisions of the Constitution, the
doubt regarding citizenship must be resolved in favor of enabling automation law, RA 8436, as amended by RA
the state. Carlos T. Go., Sr., vs. Luis T. Ramos/Jimmy T. 9369, the RFP and even the Anti-Dummy Law, which
Go vs. Luis T. Ramos/Hon. Alipio F. Fernandez, petitioners invoked as an afterthought, the Court finds
etc., et al. vs. Jimmy T. Go a.k.a. Jaime T. Gaisano, G.R. the project award to have complied with legal
No. 167569/G.R. No. 167570/G.R. No. 171946, prescriptions, and the terms and conditions of the
September 4, 2009. corresponding automation contract in question to be
valid. No grave abuse of discretion, therefore, can be laid
CITIZENSHIP; JUS SOLI. on the doorsteps of respondent Comelec. And surely, the
winning joint venture should not be faulted for having a
foreign company as partner.
The doctrine of jus soli was for a time the prevailing rule
in the acquisition of one’s citizenship. However, the
Supreme Court abandoned the principle of jus soli in the The Comelec is an independent constitutional body with a
case of Tan Chong v. Secretary of Labor. Since then, said distinct and pivotal role in our scheme of government. In
doctrine only benefited those who were individually the discharge of its awesome functions as overseer of fair
declared to be citizens of the Philippines by a final court elections, administrator and lead implementor of laws
decision on the mistaken application of jus soli. relative to the conduct of elections, it should not be
stymied with restrictions that would perhaps be justified
in the case of an organization of lesser responsibility. It
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should be afforded ample elbow room and enough preliminary attachment or receivership which are always
wherewithal in devising means and initiatives that would subject to the control of the court.”
enable it to accomplish the great objective for which it
was created––to promote free, orderly, honest and
The PCGG, therefore, as the “receiver” of sequestered
peaceful elections. This is as it should be for, too
assets and in consonance with its duty under EO 1,
often, Comelec has to make decisions under difficult
Series of 1986, to protect and preserve them, has the
conditions to address unforeseen events to preserve the
power to exercise acts of dominion provided that those
integrity of the election and in the process the voice of
acts are approved by the proper court.
the people. Thus, in the past, the Court has steered away
from interfering with the Comelec’s exercise of its power
which, by law and by the nature of its office properly From the foregoing discussion, it is clear that it is
pertain to it. Absent, therefore, a clear showing of grave the PCGG—not COCOFED or the CIIF companies—that
abuse of discretion on Comelec’s part, as here, the Court has the right and/or authority during sequestration to
should refrain from utilizing the corrective hand of seek this Court’s approval for the proposed conversion.
certiorari to review, let alone nullify, the acts of that Consequently, the terms and conditions sought
body. Harry L. Roque, et al. vs. COMELEC, et al., G.R. by COCOFED for the conversion are not material to the
No. 188456, September 10, 2009. proposed conversion. At most, COCOFED’s prayer for
approval of the conversion reflects its conformity to said
transfiguration.
EMINENT DOMAIN; JUST COMPENSATION.
PCGG; POWER. Moreover, in lawful arrests, it becomes both the duty and
the right of the apprehending officers to conduct
a warrantless search not only on the person of the
The PCGG’s power to sequester alleged ill-gotten suspect, but also in the permissible area within
properties is likened to the provisional remedies of the latter’s reach. Otherwise stated, a valid arrest allows
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the seizure of evidence or dangerous weapons either on In administrative proceedings, the quantum of proof
the person of the one arrested or within the area of his necessary for a finding of guilt is substantial evidence,
immediate control. The phrase “within the area of his i.e., that amount of relevant evidence that a reasonable
immediate control” means the area from within which he mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.
might gain possession of a weapon or destructible Further, the complainant has the burden of proving by
evidence. A gun on a table or in a drawer in front of one substantial evidence the allegations in his complaint. The
who is arrested can be as dangerous to the arresting basic rule is that mere allegation is not evidence and is
officer as one concealed in the clothing of the person not equivalent to proof. Charges based on mere suspicion
arrested. Sr. Inspector Jerry Valeroso vs. Court of and speculation likewise cannot be given credence.
Appeals and People of the Philippines, G.R. No. 164815, Hence, when the complainant relies on mere conjectures
September 3, 2009. and suppositions, and fails to substantiate his allegations,
the administrative complaint must be dismissed for lack
of merit. Dr. Castor C. De Jesus vs. Rafael D. Guerrero
STATUTES; CONSTITUTIONALITY.
III, Cesario R. Pagdilao and Fortuna B. Aquino, G.R .No.
171491, September 4, 2009.
Article 202(2) of the RPC, which penalizes any person
found loitering about public or semi-public buildings or
ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES; EXHAUSTION.
places or tramping or wandering about the country or the
streets without visible means of support, is
constitutional. The provision is not vague and does not The doctrine of non-exhaustion of administrative
violate the equal protection clause. People of the remedies requires that resort be first made with the
Philippines vs. Evangeline Siton y sacil, et al., G.R. No. administrative authorities in the resolution of a
169364, September 18, 2009. controversy falling under their jurisdiction before the
controversy may be elevated to a court of justice for
review. A premature invocation of a court’s intervention
renders the complaint without cause of action and
dismissible.
Administrative Law
EO 149 transferred LLDA from the Office of the President
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS; LIABILITY. to the DENR “for policy and program coordination and/or
administrative supervision x x x.”
An administrative proceeding is different from a criminal Under EO 149, DENR only has administrative power
case and may proceed independently thereof. Even if over LLDA. Administrative power is concerned with the
respondents would subsequently be found guilty of a work of applying policies and enforcing orders as
crime based on the same set of facts obtaining in the determined by proper governmental organs.
present administrative complaint, the same will not
automatically mean that they are also administratively However, Executive Order No. 192 (EO 192), which
liable. reorganized the DENR, mandates the DENR to
“promulgate rules and regulations for the control of
A finding of guilt in the criminal case will not necessarily water, air and land pollution” and to “promulgate ambient
result in a finding of liability in the administrative case. and effluent standards for water and air quality including
Conversely, respondents’ acquittal will not necessarily the allowable levels of other pollutants and
exculpate them administratively. The basic premise is radiations.” EO 192 created the Pollution Adjudication
that criminal and civil cases are altogether different from Board under the Office of the DENR Secretary which
administrative matters, such that the disposition in the assumed the powers and functions of the NPCC with
first two will not inevitably govern the third and respect to the adjudication of pollution cases,
vice versa. including NPCC’s function to “[s]erve as arbitrator for the
determination of reparation, or restitution of the
damages and losses resulting from pollution.”
It must be stressed that the basis of administrative Hence, TACC has an administrative recourse before
liability differs from criminal liability. The purpose of the DENR Secretary which it should have first pursued
administrative proceedings is mainly to protect the public before filing a petition for certiorari before the Court of
service, based on the time-honored principle that a public Appeals. The Alexandra Condominium Corporation vs.
office is a public trust. On the other hand, the purpose of Laguna Lake Development Authority, G.R. No. 169228.
criminal prosecution is the punishment of crime. To state September 11, 2009.
it simply, petitioner erroneously equated criminal liability
to administrative liability. Dr. Castor C. De Jesus
vs. Rafael D. Guerrero DISMISSAL; GROSS MISCONDUCT.
III, Cesario R. Pagdilao and Fortuna B. Aquino, G.R .No.
171491, September 4, 2009. Pursuant to Section 52, Rule IV of the Civil Service Rules,
gross misconduct is a grave offense punishable with
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS; QUANTUM OF dismissal for the first offense, without prejudice to the
PROOF. Ombudsman’s right to file the appropriate criminal case
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against the petitioner or other responsible individuals. We pleasure, or some other reasons, one intends to return.
are, of course, aware that in several administrative It is a question of intention and circumstances. In the
cases, this Court has refrained from strictly imposing the consideration of circumstances, three rules must be
penalties provided by the law, in light of mitigating borne in mind, namely: (1) that a man must have a
factors such as the offending employee’s length of residence or domicile somewhere; (2) when once
service, acknowledgment of his or her infractions and established it remains until a new one is acquired; and
feeling of remorse, family circumstances, advanced age, (3) a man can have but one residence or domicile at a
and other equitable considerations. However, we find time.
that petitioner’s recalcitrant refusal to explain the use (or
misuse) of the more than P700,000.00 in cash placed in
If one wishes to successfully effect a change of domicile,
her possession makes her unworthy of such humanitarian
he must demonstrate an actual removal or an actual
consideration, and merits the most serious penalty
change of domicile, a bona fide intention of abandoning
provided by law. Gloria G. Hallasgo, Municipal Treasurer
the former place of residence and establishing a new one,
of Damulong, Bukidnon vs. Commission on Audit (COA),
and definite acts which correspond with the purpose.
Regional Office No. X, G.R. No. 171340, September 11,
Without clear and positive proof of the concurrence of
2009.
these three requirements, the domicile of origin
continues. Makil U. Pundaodaya vs. Commission on
PUBLIC OFFICER; PRIVATE SECTOR Elections, et al., G.R. No. 179313. September 17, 2009
REPRESENTATIVE.
CANDIDATES; PREMATURE CAMPAIGNING.
A private sector representative appointed to the National
Book Development Board is a public officer for purposes
The conduct of a motorcade is a form of election
of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the
campaign or partisan political activity, falling squarely
Revised Penal Code. Carolina R. Javier vs.
within the ambit of Section 79(b)(2) of the Omnibus
Sandiganbayan, et al., G.R. Nos. 147026-27, September
Election Code, on “[h]olding political caucuses,
11, 2009.
conferences, meetings, rallies, parades, or other similar
assemblies, for the purpose of soliciting votes and/or
undertaking any campaign or propaganda for or against a
candidate[.]” A motorcade is a procession or parade of
automobiles or other motor vehicles.[31] The conduct
Election law
thereof during election periods by the candidates and
their supporters is a fact that need not be belabored due
BALLOTS; APPRECIATION. to its widespread and pervasive practice. The obvious
purpose of the conduct of motorcades is to introduce the
The neighborhood rule is a settled rule stating that where candidates and the positions, to which they seek to be
the name of a candidate is not written in the proper elected, to the voting public; or to make them more
space in the ballot, but is preceded by the name of the visible so as to facilitate the recognition and recollection
office for which he is a candidate, the vote should be of their names in the minds of the voters come election
counted as valid for said candidate. Such rule is usually time. Unmistakably, motorcades are undertaken for no
applied in consonance with the intent rule which stems other purpose than to promote the election of a particular
from the principle that in the appreciation of the ballot, candidate or candidates.
the object should be to ascertain and carry into effect the
intention of the voter, if it could be determined with In the instant Petition, Penera never denied that she took
reasonable certainty. Ernesto Batalla vs. Commission on part in the conduct of the motorcade after she filed
Elections and Teodoro Bataller, G.R. No. 184268, her COC on the day before the start of the campaign
September 15, 2009. period.
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of an act in terms so vague that men of common unemployed, but for conducting themselves under such
intelligence must necessarily guess at its meaning and circumstances as to endanger the public peace or cause
differ as to its application, violates the first essential of alarm and apprehension in the community. Being poor or
due process of law. . . ” unemployed is not a license or a justification to act
indecently or to engage in immoral conduct.
The Regional Trial Court, in asserting the
unconstitutionality of Article 202 (2), take support mainly Vagrancy must not be so lightly treated as to be
from the U.S. Supreme Court’s opinion in the considered constitutionally offensive. It is a public order
Papachristou v. City of Jacksonville . . . crime which punishes persons for conducting themselves,
at a certain place and time which orderly society finds
unusual, under such conditions that are repugnant and
The underlying principles in Papachristou are that: 1) the
outrageous to the common standards and norms of
assailed Jacksonville ordinance “fails to give a person of
decency and morality in a just, civilized and ordered
ordinary intelligence fair notice that his contemplated
society, as would engender a justifiable concern for the
conduct is forbidden by the statute;” and 2) it
safety and well-being of members of the community.
encourages or promotes opportunities for the application
of discriminatory law enforcement.
Finally, the Supreme Court also emphasized the rule the
statues are presumed constitutional:
The said underlying principle in Papachristou that the
Jacksonville ordinance, or Article 202 (2) in this case,
fails to give fair notice of what constitutes forbidden . . . we agree with the position of the State that first and
conduct, finds no application here because under our foremost, Article 202 (2) should be presumed valid and
legal system, ignorance of the law excuses no one from constitutional. When confronted with a constitutional
compliance therewith. This principle is of Spanish origin, question, it is elementary that every court must approach
and we adopted it to govern and limit legal conduct in it with grave care and considerable caution bearing in
this jurisdiction. Under American law, ignorance of the mind that every statute is presumed valid and every
law is merely a traditional rule that admits of exceptions. reasonable doubt should be resolved in favor of its
constitutionality. The policy of our courts is to avoid
ruling on constitutional questions and to presume that
Moreover, the Jacksonville ordinance was declared
the acts of the political departments are valid in the
unconstitutional on account of specific provisions thereof,
absence of a clear and unmistakable showing to the
which are not found in Article 202 (2). . .
contrary. To doubt is to sustain, this presumption is
based on the doctrine of separation of powers which
Thus, the U.S. Supreme Court in Jacksonville declared enjoins upon each department a becoming respect for
the ordinance unconstitutional, because such activities or the acts of the other departments. The theory is that as
habits as nightwalking, wandering or strolling around the joint act of Congress and the President of the
without any lawful purpose or object, habitual loafing, Philippines, a law has been carefully studied, crafted and
habitual spending of time at places where alcoholic determined to be in accordance with the fundamental law
beverages are sold or served, and living upon the before it was finally enacted.
earnings of wives or minor children, which are otherwise
common and normal, were declared illegal. But these are
It must not be forgotten that police power is an inherent
specific acts or activities not found in Article 202 (2). The
attribute of sovereignty. It has been defined as the power
closest to Article 202 (2) – “any person found loitering
vested by the Constitution in the legislature to make,
about public or semi-public buildings or places, or
ordain, and establish all manner of wholesome and
tramping or wandering about the country or the streets
reasonable laws, statutes and ordinances, either with
without visible means of support” – from the Jacksonville
penalties or without, not repugnant to the Constitution,
ordinance, would be “persons wandering or strolling
as they shall judge to be for the good and welfare of the
around from place to place without any lawful purpose or
commonwealth, and for the subjects of the same. The
object.” But these two acts are still not the same: Article
power is plenary and its scope is vast and pervasive,
202 (2) is qualified by “without visible means of support”
reaching and justifying measures for public health, public
while the Jacksonville ordinance prohibits wandering or
safety, public morals, and the general welfare. As an
strolling “without any lawful purpose or object,” which
obvious police power measure, Article 202 (2) must
was held by the U.S. Supreme Court to constitute a “trap
therefore be viewed in a constitutional light.
for innocent acts.”
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example, the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 creates the Javier hinges her petition on the ground that the
National Renewable Energy Board and provides for the Sandiganbayan has committed grave abuse of discretion
appointment of private sector representatives to the amounting to lack of jurisdiction for not quashing the two
board. informations charging her with violation of the Anti-Graft
and Corrupt Practices Act and the Revised Penal Code on
malversation of public funds. She advanced the following
Is a private sector representative to the board a public
arguments in support of her petition, to wit: first, she is
officer?
not a public officer, and second, she was being charged
under two (2) informations, which is in violation of her
In Carolina R. Javier vs. Sandiganbayan, et al., G.R. Nos. right against double jeopardy.
147026-27, September 11, 2009, Javier was charged
with malversation of public funds. Javier was the private
The Supreme Court ruled that Javier was a public officer:
sector representative in the National Book Development
Board (NBDB), which was created by Republic Act (R.A.)
No. 8047, otherwise known as the “Book Publishing To substantiate her claim, petitioner maintained that she
Industry Development Act”. R.A. No. 8047 provided for is not a public officer and only a private sector
the creation of the NBDB, which was placed under the representative, stressing that her only function among
administration and supervision of the Office of the the eleven (11) basic purposes and objectives provided
President. The NBDB is composed of eleven (11) for in Section 4, R.A. No. 8047, is to obtain priority status
members who are appointed by the President, five (5) of for the book publishing industry. At the time of her
whom come from the government, while the remaining appointment to the NDBD Board, she was the President
six (6) are chosen from the nominees of organizations of of the BSAP, a book publishers association. As such, she
private book publishers, printers, writers, book industry could not be held liable for the crimes imputed against
related activities, students and the private education her, and in turn, she is outside the jurisdiction of the
sector. Sandiganbayan.
The Ombudsman found probable cause to indict Javier for The NBDB is the government agency mandated to
violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and develop and support the Philippine book publishing
recommended the filing of the corresponding information. industry. It is a statutory government agency created by
In an Information dated February 18, 2000, Javier was R.A. No. 8047, which was enacted into law to ensure the
charged with violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft full development of the book publishing industry as well
and Corrupt Practices Act before the Sandiganbayan. as for the creation of organization structures to
implement the said policy. To achieve this end, the
Governing Board of the NBDB was created to supervise
The Commission on Audit also charged Javier with
the implementation. . .
malversation of public funds, as defined and penalized
under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code. Thus, an
Information dated February 29, 2000 was filed before the A perusal of the above powers and functions leads us to
Sandiganbayan. conclude that they partake of the nature of public
functions. A public office is the right, authority and duty,
created and conferred by law, by which, for a given
On October 10, 2000, Javier filed a Motion to Quash
period, either fixed by law or enduring at the pleasure of
Information, averring that the Sandiganbayan has no
the creating power, an individual is invested with some
jurisdiction to hear the case as the information did not
portion of the sovereign functions of the government, to
allege that she is a public official who is classified as
be exercised by him for the benefit of the public. The
Grade “27” or higher. Neither did the information charge
individual so invested is a public officer.
her as a co-principal, accomplice or accessory to a public
officer committing an offense under the Sandiganbayan’s
jurisdiction. She also averred that she is not a public Notwithstanding that petitioner came from the private
officer or employee and that she belongs to the NBDB sector to sit as a member of the NBDB, the law invested
only as a private sector representative under R.A. No. her with some portion of the sovereign functions of the
8047, hence, she may not be charged under the Anti- government, so that the purpose of the government is
Graft and Corrupt Practices Act before the achieved. In this case, the government aimed to enhance
Sandiganbayan or under any statute which covers public the book publishing industry as it has a significant role in
officials. Moreover, she claimed that she does not the national development. Hence, the fact that she was
perform public functions and is without any appointed from the public sector and not from the other
administrative or political power to speak of – that she is branches or agencies of the government does not take
serving the private book publishing industry by advancing her position outside the meaning of a public office. She
their interest as participant in the government’s book was appointed to the Governing Board in order to see to
development policy. it that the purposes for which the law was enacted are
achieved. The Governing Board acts collectively and
carries out its mandate as one body. The purpose of the
On January 17, 2001, the Sandiganbayan issued a
law for appointing members from the private sector is to
Resolution denying Javier’s motion. Javier filed a petition
ensure that they are also properly represented in the
for certiorari before the Supreme Court.
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implementation of government objectives to cultivate the court of competent jurisdiction, upon valid information
book publishing industry. sufficient in form and substance and the accused pleaded
to the charge. In the instant case, petitioner pleaded not
guilty to the Information for violation of the Anti-Graft
Moreover, the Court is not unmindful of the definition of a
Law. She was not yet arraigned in the criminal case for
public officer pursuant to the Anti-Graft Law, which
malversation of public funds because she had filed a
provides that a public officer includes elective and
motion to quash the latter information. Double jeopardy
appointive officials and employees, permanent or
could not, therefore, attach considering that the two
temporary, whether in the classified or unclassified or
cases remain pending before the Sandiganbayan and that
exempt service receiving compensation, even nominal,
herein petitioner had pleaded to only one in the criminal
from the government.
cases against her.
Constitutional Law
On the other hand, the Revised Penal Code defines a
public officer as any person who, by direct provision of
the law, popular election, popular election or BAIL.
appointment by competent authority, shall take part in
the performance of public functions in the Government of Section 13, Article III of the Constitution provides that
the Philippine Islands, or shall perform in said “All persons, except those charged with offenses
Government or in any of its branches public duties as an punishable by reclusion perpetua when evidence of guilt
employee, agent, or subordinate official, of any rank or is strong, shall, before conviction, be bailable by
classes, shall be deemed to be a public officer. sufficient sureties, or be released on recognizance as
may be provided by law.”
Where, as in this case, petitioner performs public
functions in pursuance of the objectives of R.A. No. 8047, Section 4 of Rule 114 of the Revised Rules of Court, as
verily, she is a public officer who takes part in the amended, thus provides that all persons in custody shall,
performance of public functions in the government before conviction by a regional trial court of an offense
whether as an employee, agent, subordinate official, of not punishable by death, reclusion perpetua or life
any rank or classes. In fact, during her tenure, petitioner imprisonment, be admitted to bail as a matter of right.
took part in the drafting and promulgation of several
rules and regulations implementing R.A. No. 8047. She
was supposed to represent the country in the canceled The exercise by the trial court of its discretionary power
book fair in Spain. to grant bail to an accused charged with a capital offense
thus depends on whether the evidence of guilt is
strong. The People of the Philippines vs. Luis Plaza y
In fine, We hold that petitioner is a public officer. Bucalon, G.R. No. 176933, October 2, 2009.
On the issue of double jeopardy, the Supreme Court CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION; POWERS.
ruled that there was no double jeopardy.
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M. Nazareno, et al. vs. City of Dumaguete, et al., G.R. C. Barror vs. The Commission on Elections, et al., G.R.
No. 181559, October 2, 2009. No. 186201, October 9, 2009.
Under Commonwealth Act No. 327, as amended by P.D. The COMELEC under our governmental structure is a
No. 1445, the COA, as one of the three independent constitutional administrative agency and its powers are
constitutional commissions, is specifically vested with the essentially executive in nature (i.e., to enforce and
power, authority and duty to examine, audit and settle all administer election laws), quasi-judicial (to exercise
accounts pertaining to the revenue and receipts of, and original jurisdiction over election contests of regional,
expenditures or uses of funds and property owned or provincial and city officials and appellate jurisdiction over
held in trust by the government, or any of its election contests of other lower ranking officials), and
subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities, including quasi-legislative (rulemaking on all questions affecting
government-owned and controlled corporations. To elections and the promulgation of its rules of procedure).
ensure the effective discharge of its functions, it is vested
with ample powers, subject to constitutional limitations,
Historically, the COMELEC has always been an
to define the scope of its audit and examination and
administrative agency whose powers have been
establish the techniques and methods required therefor,
increased from the 1935 Constitution to the present one,
to promulgate accounting and auditing rules and
to reflect the country’s awareness of the need to provide
regulations, including those for the prevention and
greater regulation and protection to our electoral
disallowance of irregular, unnecessary, excessive,
processes to ensure their integrity.
extravagant or unconscionable expenditures or uses of
government funds and properties.
The COMELEC’s adjudicative function is quasi-judicial
since it is a constitutional body, other than a court,
Clearly, the matter of allowing or disallowing a money
vested with authority to decide election contests, and in
claim against petitioner is within the primary power of
the course of the exercise of its jurisdiction, to hold
the COA to decide. This no doubt includes money claims
hearings and exercise discretion of a judicial nature; it
arising from the implementation of R.A. No. 6758.
receives evidence, ascertain the facts from these
Respondents’ claim against petitioner, although it has
submissions, determine the law and the legal rights of
already been validated by the trial court’s final decision,
the parties, and on the basis of all these decides on the
likewise belongs to that class of claims; hence, it must
merits of the case and renders judgment. Despite the
first be filed with the COA before execution could
exercise of discretion that is essentially judicial in
proceed. And from the decision therein, the aggrieved
character, particularly with respect to election contests,
party is afforded a remedy by elevating the matter to this
COMELEC is not a tribunal within the judicial branch of
Court via a petition for certiorari in accordance with
government and is not a court exercising judicial power
Section 1 Rule XI, of the COA Rules of
in the constitutional sense; hence, its adjudicative
Procedure. National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation
function, exercised as it is in the course of administration
vs. Mario Abayari, et al., G.R. No. 166508, October 2,
and enforcement, is quasi-judicial.
2009.
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Petitioners argue that the February 28, 2003 resolution of In taking respondents’ property without the benefit of
the COMELEC violates Article VIII, Section 14 of the expropriation proceedings and without payment of just
Constitution, which states that “no decision shall be compensation, the City of Pasig clearly acted in utter
rendered by any court without expressing clearly and disregard of respondents’ proprietary rights. Such
distinctly the facts and the law on which it is based.” The conduct cannot be countenanced by the Court. For said
COMELEC allegedly made generalizations without illegal taking, the City of Pasig should definitely be held
detailing the basis for its findings. liable for damages to respondents. Again, in Manila
International Airport Authority v. Rodriguez, the Court
held that the government agency’s illegal occupation of
The assailed resolution substantially complied with the
the owner’s property for a very long period of time surely
constitutional mandate of Article VIII, Section 14 of the
resulted in pecuniary loss to the owner. Hon. Vicente P.
Constitution. The resolution detailed the evidence
Eusebio, et al. vs.. Jovito M. Luis, et al. G.R. No.
presented by the parties. Thereafter, it weighed the
162474, October 13, 2009
respective pieces of evidence submitted by the
prosecution and the defense and chose the one that
deserved credence. It contained findings of facts as well EMINENT DOMAIN; ESTOPPEL.
as an application of case law.
Just like in the Forfom case, herein respondents also
The purpose of Article VIII, Section 14 of the Constitution failed to question the taking of their property for a long
is to inform the person reading the decision, especially period of time (from 1980 until the early 1990’s) and,
the parties, of how it was reached by the court after a when asked during trial what action they took after their
consideration of the pertinent facts and an examination property was taken, witness Jovito Luis, one of the
of the applicable laws. The losing party is entitled to respondents, testified that “when we have an occasion to
know why he lost, so he may appeal to a higher court, if talk to Mayor Caruncho we always asked for
permitted, if he believes that the decision should be compensation.” It is likewise undisputed that what was
reversed. A decision that does not clearly and distinctly constructed by the city government on respondents’
state the facts and the law on which it is based leaves property was a road for public use, namely, A. Sandoval
the parties in the dark as to how it was reached and is Avenue in Pasig City. Clearly, as in Forfom, herein
especially prejudicial to the losing party, who is unable to respondents are also estopped from recovering
pinpoint the possible errors of the court for review by a possession of their land, but are entitled to just
higher tribunal. Thus, a decision is adequate if a party compensation. Hon. Vicente P. Eusebio, et al. vs. Jovito
desiring to appeal therefrom can assign errors to M. Luis, et al., G.R. No. 162474, October 13, 2009.
it. Roberto Albaña, et al. vs. Pio Jude Belo, et al., G.R.
No. 158734, October 2, 2009.
EMINENT DOMAIN; JUST COMPENSATION.
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property was taken without the benefit of expropriation offense. Jurisprudence has laid down the fundamental
proceedings, and its owner files an action for recovery of test in appreciating a motion to quash an Information
possession thereof before the commencement of grounded on the insufficiency of the facts alleged
expropriation proceedings, it is the value of the property therein. Jose C. Go vs. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, G.R.
at the time of taking that is controlling. Hon. Vicente P. No. 178429, October 23, 2009.
Eusebio, et al. vs. Jovito M. Luis, et al., G.R. No. 162474,
October 13, 2009.
Public Officers
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the evidence presented during the hearing. These essentially an exercise of judicial power that is
standards set forth the guiding considerations in exclusively allocated to the Supreme Court and such
deliberating on the case and are the material and lower courts the Legislature may establish. Evelyn
substantial components of decision-making. Briefly, the Ongsuco and Antonia Salaya vs. Hon. Mariano M.
tribunal must consider the totality of the evidence Malones, etc., G.R. No. 182065, October 27, 2009.
presented which must all be found in the records of the
case (i.e., those presented or submitted by the parties);
Election Law
the conclusion, reached by the decision-maker himself
and not by a subordinate, must be based on substantial
evidence. PRE-PROCLAMATION CONTROVERSY.
Finally, the last requirement, relating to the form and Section 243 of the Omnibus Election Code limits a pre-
substance of the decision of a quasi-judicial body, further proclamation controversy to the questions enumerated
complements the hearing and decision-making due therein. The enumeration is restrictive and exclusive.
process rights and is similar in substance to the Resultantly, the petition for a pre-proclamation
constitutional requirement that a decision of a court must controversy must fail in the absence of any clear showing
state distinctly the facts and the law upon which it is or proof that the election returns canvassed are
based. As a component of the rule of fairness that incomplete or contain material defects (Section 234,
underlies due process, this is the “duty to give reason” to Omnibus Election Code); or appear to have been
enable the affected person to understand how the rule of tampered with, falsified or prepared under duress
fairness has been administered in his case, to expose the (Section 235, Omnibus Election Code); or contain
reason to public scrutiny and criticism, and to ensure that discrepancies in the votes credited to any candidate, the
the decision will be thought through by the decision- difference of which affects the result of the election
maker. R. Mendoza vs. Commission on Elections and (Section 236, Omnibus Election Code).
Roberto M. Pagdanganan, G.R. No. 188308, October 15,
2009. To be noted, too, is that in a pre-proclamation
controversy, the COMELEC is restricted to an examination
EXHAUSTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES. of the election returns and is without jurisdiction to go
beyond or behind the election returns and to investigate
election irregularities. For as long as the election returns
It is true that the general rule is that before a party is
appear to be authentic and duly accomplished on their
allowed to seek the intervention of the court, he or she
faces, the Board of Canvassers cannot look beyond or
should have availed himself or herself of all the means of
behind the election returns in order to verify allegations
administrative processes afforded him or her. Hence, if
of irregularities in the casting or counting of
resort to a remedy within the administrative machinery
votes. Ismunlatip H. Suhuri vs. The Honorable
can still be made by giving the administrative officer
Commssion on Elections (En Banc), The Municipal Board
concerned every opportunity to decide on a matter that
of Canvassers of Patikul, Sulu and Kabir E. Hayundini,
comes within his or her jurisdiction, then such remedy
G.R. No. 181869, October 2, 2009.
should be exhausted first before the court’s judicial
power can be sought. The premature invocation of the
intervention of the court is fatal to one’s cause of action. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT.
The doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies is
based on practical and legal reasons. The availment of The issue of petitioner’s disqualification for failure to
administrative remedy entails lesser expenses and comply with the one-year residency requirement has
provides for a speedier disposition of controversies. been resolved by this Court in Norlainie Mitmug Limbona
Furthermore, the courts of justice, for reasons of comity v. Commission on Elections and Malik “Bobby” T. Alingan.
and convenience, will shy away from a dispute until the This case stemmed from the first disqualification case
system of administrative redress has been completed and filed by herein respondent against petitioner, docketed as
complied with, so as to give the administrative agency SPA No. 07-611. Although the petitioner had withdrawn
concerned every opportunity to correct its error and the Certificate of Candidacy subject of the disqualification
dispose of the case. However, there are several case, the Comelec resolved the petition and found that
exceptions to this rule. petitioner failed to comply with the one-year residency
requirement, and was, therefore, disqualified from
The rule on the exhaustion of administrative remedies is running as mayor of Pantar. Norlainie Mitmug Limbona
intended to preclude a court from arrogating unto itself vs. Commssion on Elections and Malik “Bobby” T.
the authority to resolve a controversy, the jurisdiction Alingan, G.R. No. 186006, October 16, 2009.
over which is initially lodged with an administrative body
of special competence. Thus, a case where the issue STATISTICAL IMPROBABILITY DOCTRINE.
raised is a purely legal question, well within the
competence; and the jurisdiction of the court and not the
administrative agency, would clearly constitute an Under Lagumbay, the doctrine of statistical improbability
exception. Resolving questions of law, which involve the is applied only where the unique uniformity of tally of all
interpretation and application of laws, constitutes the votes cast in favor of all the candidates belonging to
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one party and the systematic blanking of all the Section 12 of Executive Order (EO) No. 292 or the
candidates of all the opposing parties appear in the “Administrative Code of 1987,” enumerates the powers
election return. The doctrine has no application where and functions of the CSC. In addition, Section 28, Rule
there is neither uniformity of tallies nor systematic XIV of the Omnibus Civil Service Rules and Regulations
blanking of the candidates of one party. Thus, the bare specifically confers upon the CSC the authority to take
fact that a candidate for public office received no votes in cognizance over any irregularities or anomalies
one or two precincts, standing alone and without more, connected with the examinations. To carry out this
cannot adequately support a finding that the subject mandate, the CSC issued Resolution No. 991936, or the
election returns are statistically improbable. Verily, a zero Uniform Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil
vote for a particular candidate in the election returns is Service, empowering its Regional Offices to take
but one strand in the web of circumstantial evidence that cognizance of cases involving CSC examination
the electoral returns were prepared under duress, force anomalies.
and intimidation.
Based on the foregoing, it is clear that the CSC acted
The Court has thus warned that the doctrine of statistical within its jurisdiction when it initiated the conduct of a
improbability must be restrictively viewed, with the preliminary investigation on the alleged civil service
utmost care being taken lest in penalizing fraudulent and examination irregularity committed by the
corrupt practices – which is truly called for – innocent petitioner. Eugenio S. Capablanca vs. Civil Service
voters become disenfranchised, a result that hardly Commission, G.R. No. 179370, November 18, 2009.
commends itself. Such prudential approach makes us
dismiss Suhuri’s urging that some of the electoral results
had been infected with the taint of statistical
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION; JURISDICTION.
improbability as to warrant their exclusion from the
canvass in a pre-proclamation controversy. Specifically,
his petition and the records nowhere show that his party- It has already been settled in Cruz v. Civil Service
mates received a similar number of votes (or lack of any) Commission that the appellate power of the CSC will only
by which to conclude that there were a unique uniformity apply when the subject of the administrative cases filed
of tally and a systematic blanking of other candidates against erring employees is in connection with the duties
belonging to one party. Ismunlatip H. Suhuri vs. The and functions of their office, and not in cases where the
Honorable Commssion on Elections (En Banc), The acts of complainant arose from cheating in the civil
Municipal Board of Canvassers of Patikul, Sulu and Kabir service examinations. Eugenio S. Capablanca vs. Civil
E. Hayundini, G.R. No. 181869, October 2, 2009. Service Commission, G.R. No. 179370, November 18,
2009.
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recognize substantial distinctions, it recognizes as well Elections, amending Republic Act No. 7160, as amended,
that the Constitution itself allows a non-uniform otherwise known as the Local Government Code of
treatment. No equal protection violation can exist under 1991,” states the law’s general subject matter – the
these conditions. amendment of the LGC to synchronize the barangay and
SK elections and for other purposes. To achieve
synchronization of the barangay and SK elections, the
From another perspective, we see no reason to apply the
reconciliation of the varying lengths of the terms of office
equal protection clause as a standard because the
of barangay officials and SK officials is necessary. Closely
challenged proviso did not result in any differential
related with length of term is term limitation which
treatment between barangay officials and all other
defines the total number of terms for which a
elective officials. This conclusion proceeds from our ruling
barangayofficial may run for and hold office. This natural
on the retroactivity issue that the challenged proviso
linkage demonstrates that term limitation is not foreign
does not involve any retroactive application. Commission
to the general subject expressed in the title of the law.
on Elections vs. Conrado Cruz, et al., G.R. No. 186616,
November 20, 2009.
Second, the congressional debates we cited above show
that the legislators and the public they represent were
CONSTITUTIONALITY; LIS MOTA.
fully informed of the purposes, nature and scope of the
law’s provisions. Term limitation therefore received the
In its last-ditch effort to salvage its case, SEM contends notice, consideration, and action from both the legislators
that Proclamation No. 297, issued by President Gloria and the public.
Macapagal-Arroyo and declaring the Diwalwal Gold Rush
Area as a mineral reservation, is invalid on the ground
Finally, to require the inclusion of term limitation in the
that it lacks the concurrence of Congress as mandated by
title of RA No. 9164 is to make the title an index of all the
Section 4, Article XII of the Constitution; Section 1 of
subject matters dealt with by law; this is not what the
Republic Act No. 3092; Section 14 of Executive Order No.
constitutional requirement contemplates. Commission on
292, otherwise known as the Administrative Code of
Elections vs. Conrado Cruz, et al., G.R. No. 186616,
1987; Section 5(a) of Republic Act No. 7586, and Section
November 20, 2009.
4(a) of Republic Act No. 6657.
Taking into consideration the foregoing requisites of Through all these statutory changes, Congress had
judicial review, it is readily clear that the third requisite is determined at its discretion both the length of the term
absent. The general rule is that the question of of office of barangay officials and their term limitation.
constitutionality must be raised at the earliest Given the textually demonstrable commitment by the
opportunity, so that if it is not raised in the pleadings, 1987 Constitution to Congress of the authority to
ordinarily it may not be raised at the trial; and if not determine the term duration and limition of barangay
raised in the trial court, it will not be considered on officials under the Constitution, we consider it established
appeal. Apex Mining Co. Inc. Vs. Southeast Mindanao that whatever Congress, in its wisdom, decides on these
Gold Mining Corp., et al., G.R. No. 152613/G.R. No. matters are political questions beyond the pale of judicial
152628, November 20, 2009. scrutiny, subject only to the certiorari jurisdiction of the
courts provided under Section 1, Article VIII of the
Constitution and to the judicial authority to invalidate any
CONSTITUTIONALITY; ONE SUBJECT ONE TITLE
law contrary to the Constitution.
RULE.
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Other than the Section 1, Article VIII route, courts can It is by now a settled truth that no two persons write
declare a law invalid when it is contrary to any provision alike. Even if two handwritings have a common general
of the Constitution. This requires the appraisal of the outlook, they are apt to be at variance in some basic
challenged law against the legal standards provided by characteristics that set them apart. Every person uses his
the Constitution, not on the basis of the wisdom of the own style for forming letters, technically called personal
enactment. To justify its nullification, the breach of the characteristics. Whatever features two specimens of
Constitution must be clear and unequivocal, not a handwriting may have in common, they cannot be
doubtful or equivocal one, as every law enjoys a strong regarded as written by one person if they show even but
presumption of constitutionality. These are the hurdles one consistent dissimilarity in any feature which is
that those challenging the constitutional validity of a law fundamental to the structure of the handwriting.
must overcome. Commission on Elections vs. Conrado
Cruz, et al., G.R. No. 186616, November 20, 2009.
Here, the Court did not find, after examining 93 of the
excluded ballots pertaining to petitioner Torres, any two
CONSTITUTIONALITY; RETROACTIVITY. or more of ballots that were filled in by a single hand. Of
the 47 pairs of ballots that the En Banc excluded, only
two pairs were correctly excluded because they were
The constitutional challenge must fail for a more
written by one person for each pair. 45 pairs turned out
fundamental reason – the respondents’ retroactivity
to have been filled up by different hands. While the
objection does not involve a violation of any
general outlook of the handwritings on each of the two
constitutional standard.
ballots in any given pair is the same, such handwritings
have distinct personal characteristics. In the same way,
Retroactivity of laws is a matter of civil law, not of a the three ballots that were supposedly written on by one
constitutional law, as its governing law is the Civil Code, person turned out to have been the work of three
not the Constitution. Article 4 of the Civil Code provides different hands. Ramon P. Torres vs. Commission on
that laws shall have no retroactive effect unless the Elections and Josephine “Joy” H. Gaviola, G.R. No.
contrary is provided. The application of the Civil Code is 187956, November 19, 2009.
of course self-explanatory – laws enacted by Congress
may permissibly provide that they shall have retroactive
CANDIDATES; LIABILITY FOR ELECTION
effect. The Civil Code established a statutory norm, not a
OFFENSES.
constitutional standard.
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review with the Department of Justice, which eventually administration of justice, especially that such delegation
dismissed the petition. is upon a cabinet secretary – his own alter ego.
The petitioner then filed a Petition for Review before the The Supreme Court observed that the President cannot
Office of President. The Office of the President dismissed delegate certain of her powers:
the petition, citing Memorandum Circular No. 58 which
bars an appeal or a petition for review of decisions,
. . . the power of the President to
orders, and resolutions of the Secretary of Justice except
delegate is not without limits. No less
those involving offenses punishable by reclusion perpetua
than the Constitution provides for
or death.
restrictions. . .
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both the Constitution and Section 1, creditors. Upon completion of payments to government
Chapter 1, Book III of EO No. 292, for and employee accounts, the petitioner’s cash flow
depriving the President of his power of available for debt service shall be used until the
control over the executive departments obligations are fully paid.
deserves scant consideration. In the first
place, Memorandum Circular No. 58 was
b) One half (1/2) of the principal of the petitioner’s
promulgated by the Office of the
unsecured loan obligations to other creditors shall be
President and it is settled that the acts
settled through non-cash offsetting arrangements, with
of the secretaries of such departments,
the balance payable semi-annually over a period of 10
performed and promulgated in the
years, with 3-year grace period, with interest at the rate
regular course of business are, unless
of 2% p.a. for the first 5 years and 5% p.a. from the 6th
disapproved or reprobated by the Chief
year onwards until the obligations are settled in full.
Executive, presumptively the acts of the
Accrued interest and penalties shall be
Chief Executive. Memorandum Circular
condoned. (underscoring supplied)
No. 58 has not been reprobated by the
President; therefore, it goes without
saying that the said Memorandum One of the lenders, Export and Industry Bank (EIB), filed
Circular has the approval of the with the Court of Appeals (CA) a petition for review under
President. Rule 42 of the Rules of Court. The CA affirmed the
decision of the rehabilitation court.
REHABILITATION PROCEEDINGS AND THE NON-
IMPAIRMENT CLAUSE In its petition before the Supreme Court, EIB argues that
the rehabilitation plan was unreasonable and in violation
of the non-impairment clause. The Supreme Court
Can a rehabilitation court compel a lender to accept a
disagreed. The court first explained the nature of
50% reduction in the borrower’s principal
rehabilitation proceedings:
obligation? Would that violate the non-impairment of
contracts clause of the Constitution?
Rehabilitation contemplates a continuance of corporate
life and activities in an effort to restore and reinstate the
In Pacific Wide Realty and Development Corporation vs.
corporation to its former position of successful operation
Puerto Azul Land, Inc./Pacific Wide Realty and
and solvency. The purpose of rehabilitation proceedings
Development Corporation Vs. Puerto Azul Land, Inc., G.R.
is to enable the company to gain a new lease on life and
No. 178768/G.R. No. 180893, November 25, 2009, the
thereby allow creditors to be paid their claims from its
borrower, Puerto Azul Land, Inc. (PALI) is the owner and
earnings. The rehabilitation of a financially distressed
developer of the Puerto Azul Complex situated in Ternate,
corporation benefits its employees, creditors,
Cavite. Its business involves the development of Puerto
stockholders and, in a larger sense, the general public.
Azul into a satellite city with residential areas, resort,
tourism and retail commercial centers with recreational
areas. In order to finance its operations, it obtained loans Under the Rules of Procedure on Corporate
from various banks, the principal amount of which Rehabilitation, “rehabilitation” is defined as the
amounted to aroundPhP640 million. restoration of the debtor to a position of successful
operation and solvency, if it is shown that its continuance
of operation is economically feasible and its creditors can
Because of financial difficulties, PALI subsequently filed a
recover by way of the present value of payments
petition for rehabilitation. After trial, the rehabilitation
projected in the plan, more if the corporation continues
court issued a decision which reads, in part:
as a going concern than if it is immediately liquidated.
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BILL OF RIGHTS; EMINENT DOMAIN; INTEREST. Nevertheless, the classification would still be invalid if it
does not comply with the second requirement—if it is not
germane to the purpose of the law.
In Philippine Railway Company v. Solon, decided in 1909,
the Court treated interest as part of just compensation
when the payment to the owner was delayed. Apo Fruits The third requirement means that the classification must
Corporation and Hijo Plantation, Inc. vs. The Hon. Court be enforced not only for the present but as long as the
of Appeals, and Land Bank of the Philippines, G.R. No. problem sought to be corrected continues to exist. And,
164195. December 4, 2009. under the last requirement, the classification would be
regarded as invalid if all the members of the class are not
treated similarly, both as to rights conferred and
BILL OF RIGHTS; EMINENT DOMAIN; JUST
obligations imposed.
COMPENSATION.
In Camarines Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. v. Court of To the petitioners, the cityhood laws, by granting special
Appeals and National Power Corporation v. Manubay treatment to respondent municipalities/LGUs by way of
Agro-Industrial Development Corporation, the Court exemption from the standard PhP 100 million minimum
sustained the award of just compensation equivalent to income requirement, violate Sec.1, Art. III of the
the fair and full value of the property even if petitioners Constitution, which in part provides that no person shall
only sought the continuation of the exercise of their “be denied the equal protection of the laws.”
right-of-way easement and not the ownership over the
land. There is simply no basis for NPC to claim that the
The equal protection guarantee is embraced in the
payment of fair market value without the concomitant
broader and elastic concept of due process, every unfair
transfer of title constitutes an unjust enrichment.
discrimination being an offense against the requirements
of justice and fair play. It has nonetheless come as a
BILL OF RIGHTS; EQUAL PROTECTION. separate clause in Sec. 1, Art. III of the Constitution to
provide for a more specific protection against any undue
discrimination or antagonism from government.
In order that there can be valid classification so that a
Arbitrariness in general may be assailed on the basis of
discriminatory governmental act may pass the
the due process clause. But if a particular challenged act
constitutional norm of equal protection, it is necessary
partakes of an unwarranted partiality or prejudice, the
that the four (4) requisites of valid classification be
sharper weapon to cut it down is the equal protection
complied with, namely:
clause. This constitutional protection extends to all
persons, natural or artificial, within the territorial
(1) It must be based upon substantial distinctions; jurisdiction. Artificial persons, as the respondent LGUs
herein, are, however, entitled to protection only insofar
(2) It must be germane to the purposes of the law; as their property is concerned.
(3) It must not be limited to existing conditions only; and In the proceedings at bar, petitioner LCP and the
intervenors cannot plausibly invoke the equal protection
clause, precisely because no deprivation of property
(4) It must apply equally to all members of the class. results by virtue of the enactment of the cityhood laws.
The LCP’s claim that the IRA of its member-cities will be
The first requirement means that there must be real and substantially reduced on account of the conversion into
substantial differences between the classes treated cities of the respondent LGUs would not suffice to bring it
differently. As illustrated in the fairly recent Mirasol v. within the ambit of the constitutional guarantee. Indeed,
Department of Public Works and Highways, a real and it is presumptuous on the part of the LCP member-cities
substantial distinction exists between a motorcycle and to already stake a claim on the IRA, as if it were their
other motor vehicles sufficient to justify its classification property, as the IRA is yet to be allocated. For the same
among those prohibited from plying the toll ways. Not all reason, the municipalities that are not covered by the
motorized vehicles are created equal—a two-wheeled uniform exemption clause in the cityhood laws cannot
vehicle is less stable and more easily overturned than a validly invoke constitutional protection. For, at this point,
four-wheel vehicle. the conversion of a municipality into a city will only affect
its status as a political unit, but not its property as such.
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As a matter of settled legal principle, the fundamental flexible term, Lumanlaw v. Peralta, Jr. summons the
right of equal protection does not require absolute courts to maintain a delicate balance between the
equality. It is enough that all persons or things similarly demands of due process and the strictures of speedy trial
situated should be treated alike, both as to rights or on the one hand, and the right of the State to prosecute
privileges conferred and responsibilities or obligations crimes and rid society of criminals on the other.
imposed. The equal protection clause does not preclude
the state from recognizing and acting upon factual
Applying the balancing test for determining whether an
differences between individuals and classes. It recognizes
accused has been denied his constitutional right to a
that inherent in the right to legislate is the right to
speedy trial, or a speedy disposition of his case, taking
classify,necessarily implying that the equality guaranteed
into account several factors such as the length and
is not violated by a legislation based on reasonable
reason of the delay, the accused’s assertion or non-
classification. Classification, to be reasonable, must (1)
assertion of his right, and the prejudice to the accused
rest on substantial distinctions; (2) be germane to the
resulting from the delay, the Court does not find
purpose of the law; (3) not be limited to existing
petitioner to have been unduly and excessively
conditions only; and (4) apply equally to all members of
prejudiced by the “delay” in the proceedings, especially
the same class. The Court finds that all these requisites
given that he had posted bail. Federico Miguel Olbes vs.
have been met by the laws challenged as arbitrary and
Hon. Danilo A. Buemio, etc. et al., G.R. No. 173319.
discriminatory under the equal protection clause. League
December 4, 2009.
of Cities of the Philippines, et al. vs. COMELEC, G.R. No.
176951/G.R. No. 177499 & G.R. No. 178056. December
21, 2009. BILL OF RIGHTS; RIGHT TO TRAVEL.
BILL OF RIGHTS; NON-IMPAIRMENT CLAUSE. Petitioner invokes the extraordinary remedy of the writ of
amparo for the protection of his right to travel. He
insists that he is entitled to the protection covered by the
PICOP’c cause of action consists in the allegation that the
Rule on the Writ of Amparo because the Hold Departure
DENR Secretary, in not issuing an IFMA, violated its
Order is a continuing actual restraint on his right to
constitutional right against non-impairment of contracts.
travel. The Court is thus called upon to rule whether or
The 1969 document signed by President Marcos is not a
not the right to travel is covered by the Rule on the Writ
contract recognized under the non-impairment clause.
of Amparo.
The conclusion that the 1969 Document is not a contract
recognized under the non-impairment clause has even
been disposed of in another case decided by another The rights that fall within the protective mantle of the
division of this Court, PICOP Resources, Inc. v. Base Writ of Amparo under Section 1 of the Rules thereon are
Metals Mineral Resources Corporation, the Decision in the following: (1) right to life; (2) right to liberty; and (3)
which case has become final and executory. Hon. right to security.
Heherson T. Alvarez vs. PICOP Resources, Inc./PICOP
Resources, Inc. vs. Hon. Heherson T. Alavarez/Hon. The right to travel refers to the right to move from one
Angelo T. Reyes vs. Paper Industries Corporation of the place to another. As stated in Marcos v. Sandiganbayan,
Philippines (PICOP), G.R. No. 162243/G.R. No. “xxx a person’s right to travel is subject to the usual
164516/G.R. No. 171875. December 3, 2009 constraints imposed by the very necessity of
safeguarding the system of justice. In such cases,
BILL OF RIGHTS; RIGHT TO SPEEDY TRIAL. whether the accused should be permitted to leave the
jurisdiction for humanitarian reasons is a matter of the
court’s sound discretion.”
The time limits set by the Speedy Trial Act of 1998 do not
preclude justifiable postponements and delays when so
warranted by the situation. The reasons for the Here, the restriction on petitioner’s right to travel as a
postponements and delays attendant to the present case consequence of the pendency of the criminal case filed
reflected above are not unreasonable. While the records against him was not unlawful. Petitioner has also failed
indicate that neither petitioner nor his counsel was to establish that his right to travel was impaired in the
notified of the resetting of the pre-trial to October 23, manner and to the extent that it amounted to a serious
2003, the same appears to have been occasioned by violation of his right to life, liberty and security, for which
oversight or simple negligence which, standing alone, there exists no readily available legal recourse or
does not prove fatal to the prosecution’s case. The faux remedy. Rev. Father Robert P. Reyes vs. Court of
pas was acknowledged and corrected when the MeTC Appeals, et al., G.R. No. 182161, December 3, 2009.
recalled the arrest warrant it had issued against
petitioner under the mistaken belief that petitioner had CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION; JURISDICTION
been duly notified of the October 23, 2003 pre-trial OVER COURT PERSONNEL.
setting.
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extends to court personnel in view of Section 6, Article elections in Maguindanao. To achieve its objective, the
VIII of the 1987 Constitution. Task Force conducted hearings and required the
attendance of the parties concerned and their counsels to
give them the opportunity to argue and support their
In the Julaton and Sta. Ana cases, the CSC recognized
respective positions.
the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Supreme Court over
court personnel. This is consonant with Section 6, Article
VIII of the 1987 Constitution vesting in the Supreme To withhold from the COMELEC the power to punish
Court administrative supervision over all courts and the individuals who refuse to appear during a fact-finding
personnel thereof. investigation, despite a previous notice and order to
attend, would render nugatory the COMELEC’s
investigative power, which is an essential incident to its
By virtue of this power, it is only the Supreme Court that
constitutional mandate to secure the conduct of honest
can oversee the judges’ and court personnel’s
and credible elections. In this case, the purpose of the
administrative compliance with all laws, rules and
investigation was however derailed when petitioner
regulations. No other branch of government may intrude
obstinately refused to appear during said hearings and to
into this power, without running afoul of the doctrine of
answer questions regarding the various election
separation of powers. This we have ruled in Maceda v.
documents which, he claimed, were stolen while they
Vasquez and have reiterated in the case of Ampong v.
were in his possession and custody. Undoubtedly, the
Civil Service Commission. In Ampong, we also
COMELEC could punish petitioner for such contumacious
emphasized that in case of violation of the Civil Service
refusal to attend the Task Force hearings. Lintang Bedol
Law by a court personnel, the standard procedure is for
vs. Commssion on Elections, G.R. No. 179830, December
the CSC to bring its complaint against a judicial employee
3, 2009.
before the Office of the Court Administrator of the
Supreme Court. Civil Service Commission vs.
Herminigildo L. Andal, G.R. No. 185749, December 16, CONSTITUTIONALITY; LOCUS STANDI.
2009.
Central to the determination of locus standi is the
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION; JURISDICTION. question of whether a party has alleged such a personal
stake in the outcome of the controversy as to assure that
concrete adverseness which sharpens the presentation of
The CSC, as the central personnel agency of the
issues upon which the court so largely depends for
Government, has jurisdiction over disputes involving the
illumination of difficult constitutional questions. In this
removal and separation of all employees of government
case, petitioners allege that they will be directly affected
branches, subdivisions, instrumentalities and agencies,
by COMELEC Resolution No. 8678 for they intend, and
including government-owned or controlled corporations
they all have the qualifications, to run in the 2010
with original charters. Simply put, it is the sole arbiter of
elections. The OSG, for its part, contends that since
controversies relating to the civil service.
petitioners have not yet filed their CoCs, they are not yet
candidates; hence, they are not yet directly affected by
In this case, petitioners are former local government the assailed provision in the COMELEC resolution.
employees whose services were terminated due to the
reorganization of the municipal government under
The Court, nevertheless, finds that, while petitioners are
Resolution Nos. 27 and 80 of the Sangguniang Bayan of
not yet candidates, they have the standing to raise the
San Isidro, Nueva Ecija. Considering that they belong to
constitutional challenge, simply because they are
the civil service, the CSC has jurisdiction over their
qualified voters. A restriction on candidacy, such as the
separation from office. Evelyn S. Cabungcal, et al. vs.
challenged measure herein, affects the rights of voters to
Sonia R. Lorenzo, et al., G.R. No. 160367, December 18,
choose their public officials. The rights of voters and the
2009.
rights of candidates do not lend themselves to neat
separation; laws that affect candidates always have at
COMELEC; CONTEMPT. least some theoretical, correlative effect on voters. The
Court believes that both candidates and voters may
The main thrust of petitioner’s argument is that the challenge, on grounds of equal protection, the assailed
COMELEC exceeded its jurisdiction in initiating the measure because of its impact on voting rights.
contempt proceedings when it was performing its
administrative and not its quasi-judicial functions as the In any event, in recent cases, this Court has relaxed the
National Board of Canvassers for the election of stringent direct injury test and has observed a liberal
senators. According to petitioner, the COMELEC may policy allowing ordinary citizens, members of Congress,
only punish contemptuous acts while exercising its quasi- and civil organizations to prosecute actions involving the
judicial functions. constitutionality or validity of laws, regulations and
rulings. Eleazar P. Quinto and Gerino A. Tolentino, Jr. vs.
The COMELEC, through the Task Force Maguindanao, was Commission on Elections, G.R. No. 189698, December 1,
exercising its quasi-judicial power in pursuit of the truth 2009.
behind the allegations of massive fraud during the
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CONSTITUTIONALITY; LOCUS STANDI. In filing the instant case before the RTC, petitioners seek
to restrain public respondents from implementing the
bond flotation and to declare null and void all contracts
A taxpayer is allowed to sue where there is a claim that
related to the bond flotation and construction of the town
public funds are illegally disbursed, or that the public
center. In the petition before the RTC, they alleged grave
money is being deflected to any improper purpose, or
abuse of discretion and clear violations of law by public
that there is wastage of public funds through the
respondents. They put in issue the overpriced
enforcement of an invalid or unconstitutional law. A
construction of the town center; the grossly
person suing as a taxpayer, however, must show that the
disadvantageous bond flotation; the irrevocable
act complained of directly involves the illegal
assignment of the provincial government’s annual regular
disbursement of public funds derived from taxation. He
income, including the IRA, to respondent RCBC to cover
must also prove that he has sufficient interest in
and secure the payment of the bonds floated; and the
preventing the illegal expenditure of money raised by
lack of consultation and discussion with the community
taxation and that he will sustain a direct injury because
regarding the proposed project, as well as a proper and
of the enforcement of the questioned statute or contract.
legitimate bidding for the construction of the town center.
In other words, for a taxpayer’s suit to prosper, two
requisites must be met: (1) public funds derived from
taxation are disbursed by a political subdivision or Obviously, the issues raised in the petition do not refer to
instrumentality and in doing so, a law is violated or some the wisdom but to the legality of the acts complained of.
irregularity is committed and (2) the petitioner is directly Thus, we find the instant controversy within the ambit of
affected by the alleged act. judicial review. Besides, even if the issues were political
in nature, it would still come within our powers of review
under the expanded jurisdiction conferred upon us by
In light of the foregoing, it is apparent that contrary to
Section 1, Article VIII of the Constitution, which includes
the view of the RTC, a taxpayer need not be a party to
the authority to determine whether grave abuse of
the contract to challenge its validity. As long as taxes are
discretion amounting to excess or lack of jurisdiction has
involved, people have a right to question contracts
been committed by any branch or instrumentality of the
entered into by the government.
government. Manuel Mamba, et al. vs. Edgar R. Lara, et
al., G.R. No. 165109, December 14, 2009.
In this case, although the construction of the town center
would be primarily sourced from the proceeds of the
CONSTITUTIONALITY; OVERBROAD.
bonds, which respondents insist are not taxpayer’s
money, a government support in the amount of P187
million would still be spent for paying the interest of the The challenged provision also suffers from the infirmity
bonds. In fact, a Deed of Assignment was executed by of being overbroad.
the governor in favor of respondent RCBC over the
Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) and other revenues of
First, the provision pertains to all civil servants holding
the provincial government as payment and/or security for
appointive posts without distinction as to whether they
the obligations of the provincial government under the
occupy high positions in government or not. Certainly, a
Trust Indenture Agreement dated September 17, 2003.
utility worker in the government will also be considered
Records also show that on March 4, 2004, the governor
as ipso facto resigned once he files his CoC for the 2010
requested the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to appropriate
elections. This scenario is absurd for, indeed, it is
an amount of P25 million for the interest of the bond.
unimaginable how he can use his position in the
Clearly, the first requisite has been met.
government to wield influence in the political world.
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not shown a compelling state interest to restrict the are to be transferred to the assignee or buyer. Strategic
fundamental right involved on such a sweeping scale. Alliance Development Corporation vs. Radstock
Securities Limited and Philippine National Construction
Corporation, G.R. No. 178158/G.R. No. 180428,
Specific evils require specific treatments, not through
December 4, 2009.
overly broad measures that unduly restrict guaranteed
freedoms of the citizenry. After all, sovereignty resides in
the people, and all governmental power emanates from POLICE POWER; MMDA.
them. Eleazar P. Quinto and Gerino A. Tolentino, Jr. vs.
Commission on Elections, G.R. No. 189698, December 1,
MMDA simply had no power on its own to dismantle,
2009.
remove, or destroy the billboards, signages and other
advertising media installed on the MRT3 structure by
HRET; JURISDICTION. Trackworks. In Metropolitan Manila Development
Authority v. Bel-Air Village Association, Inc., Metropolitan
Manila Development Authority v. Viron Transportation
The 1987 Constitution explicitly provides under Article VI,
Co., Inc., and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority
Section 17 thereof that the HRET and the Senate
v. Garin, the Court had the occasion to rule that MMDA’s
Electoral Tribunal (SET) shall be the sole judges of all
powers were limited to the formulation, coordination,
contests relating to the election, returns, and
regulation, implementation, preparation, management,
qualifications of their respective members. The authority
monitoring, setting of policies, installing a system, and
conferred upon the Electoral Tribunal is full, clear and
administration. Nothing in Republic Act No. 7924 granted
complete. The use of the word sole emphasizes the
MMDA police power, let alone legislative
exclusivity of the jurisdiction of these Tribunals, which is
power. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority vs..
conferred upon the HRET and the SET after elections and
Trackworks Rail Transit Advertising, Vending and
the proclamation of the winning candidates. A candidate
Promotions, Inc., G.R. No. 179554, December 16, 2009.
who has not been proclaimed and who has not taken his
oath of office cannot be said to be a member of the
House of Representatives. PUBLIC FUNDS; APPROPRIATION.
Thus, private respondent correctly pointed out that a Applying Section 29(1), Article VI of the Constitution, as
petition for quo warranto is within the exclusive implanted in Sections 84 and 85 of the Government
jurisdiction of the HRET, and cannot be considered forum Auditing Code, a law must first be enacted by Congress
shopping even if, as in this case, the COMELEC had appropriating P6.185 billion as compromise money before
already passed upon in administrative or quasi-judicial payment to Radstock can be made. Otherwise, such
proceedings the issue of the qualification of the Member payment violates a prohibitory law and thus void under
of the House of Representatives while the latter was still Article 5 of the Civil Code which states that “[a]cts
a candidate. Representative Danila Ramon S. Fernandez executed against the provisions of mandatory or
vs. House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal and Jesus prohibitory laws shall be void, except when the law itself
L. Vicente, G.R. No. 187478, December 21, 2009. authorizes their validity.”
NATURAL RESOURCES; LAND OWNERSHIP. Indisputably, without an appropriation law, PNCC cannot
lawfully pay P6.185 billion to Radstock. Any contract
allowing such payment, like the Compromise Agreement,
Radstock is a private corporation incorporated in the
“shall be void” as provided in Section 87 of the
British Virgin Islands. Its office address is at Suite 14021
Government Auditing Code.
Duddell Street, Central Hongkong. As a foreign
corporation, with unknown owners whose nationalities
are also unknown, Radstock is not qualified to own land PNCC cannot use public funds, like toll fees that
in the Philippines pursuant to Section 7, in relation to indisputably form part of the General Fund, to pay a
Section 3, Article XII of the Constitution. private debt of CDCP Mining to Radstock. Such payment
cannot qualify as expenditure for a public purpose. The
toll fees are merely held in trust by PNCC for the National
Consequently, Radstock is also disqualified to own the
Government, which is the owner of the toll fees.
rights to ownership of lands in the Philippines. Contrary
to the OGCC’s claim, Radstock cannot own the rights to
ownership of any land in the Philippines because Considering that there is no appropriation law passed by
Radstock cannot lawfully own the land itself. Otherwise, Congress for the P6.185 billion compromise amount, the
there will be a blatant circumvention of the Constitution, Compromise Agreement is void for being contrary to law,
which prohibits a foreign private corporation from owning specifically Section 29(1), Article VI of the Constitution
land in the Philippines. In addition, Radstock cannot and Section 87 of PD 1445. And since the payment of the
transfer the rights to ownership of land in the Philippines P6.185 billion pertains to CDCP Mining’s private debt to
if it cannot own the land itself. It is basic that an assignor Radstock, the Compromise Agreement is also void for
or seller cannot assign or sell something he does not own being contrary to the fundamental public policy that
at the time the ownership, or the rights to the ownership, government funds or property shall be spent or used
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solely for public purposes, as provided in Section 4(2) of Party List vs. COMELEC, G.R. No. 189868, December 15,
the Government Auditing Code. Strategic Alliance 2009.
Development Corporation vs. Radstock Securities
Limited and Philippine National Construction
Corporation, G.R. No. 178158/G.R. No. 180428,
December 4, 2009.
Administrative Law
SUFFRAGE; EXTENSION OF VOTER REGISTRATION.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS; DUE PROCESS.
Section 8 of RA 8189 decrees that voters be allowed to
register daily during regular offices hours, except during It is settled that in administrative proceedings, a fair and
the period starting 120 days before a regular election and reasonable opportunity to explain one’s side suffices to
90 days before a special election. meet the requirements of due process. The essence of
procedural due process is embodied in the basic
requirement of notice and a real opportunity to be heard.
By the above provision, Congress itself has determined
that the period of 120 days before a regular election and
90 days before a special election is enough time for the In the present case, since PCMC was properly informed of
COMELEC to make ALL the necessary preparations with the supposed discrepancy in its import and export
respect to the coming elections. The COMELEC’s rule- liquidations, that it was given ample opportunity by the
making power should be exercised in accordance with the PEZA management to be heard or to explain its side in
prevailing law. relation to its unaccounted imported materials and that it
was subsequently informed of the decision of the PEZA
Board to cancel its registration on the basis of its
Respecting the authority of the COMELEC under RA 6646
assessment of the evidence presented or lack thereof,
and RA 8436 to fix other dates for pre-election acts, the
petitioners cannot claim that they were denied their right
same is not in conflict with the mandate of continuing
to due process of law. Philippine Economic Zone
voter registration under RA 8189. Both R.A. No. 6646,
Authority (PEZA), et al. Vs. Pearl City Manufacturing
Section 29 and R.A. No. 8436, Section 28 grant the
Corporation, et al., G.R. No. 168668, December 16,
COMELEC the power to fix other periods and dates for
2009.
pre-election activities only if the same cannot be
reasonably held within the period provided by law. This
grant of power, however, is for the purpose of enabling ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS; DUE PROCESS.
the people to exercise the right of suffrage – the common
underlying policy of RA 8189, RA 6646 and RA 8436. The CA correctly concluded that petitioner’s right to due
process was not violated. Due process, as a constitutional
In the present case, the Court finds no ground to hold precept, does not always, and in all situations, require a
that the mandate of continuing voter registration cannot trial-type proceeding. Litigants may be heard through
be reasonably held within the period provided by RA pleadings, written explanations, position papers,
8189, Sec. 8 – daily during office hours, except during memoranda or oral arguments. Due process is satisfied
the period starting 120 days before the May 10, 2010 when a person is notified of the charge against him and
regular elections. There is thus no occasion for the given an opportunity to explain or defend himself. In
COMELEC to exercise its power to fix other dates or administrative proceedings, filing charges against the
deadlines therefor. person and giving reasonable opportunity to the person
so charged to answer the accusations against him
constitute the minimum requirements of due process.
The present case differs significantly from Akbayan-Youth
The essence of due process is simply to be heard; or as
v. COMELEC. In said case, the Court held that the
applied to administrative proceedings, an opportunity to
COMELEC did not commit abuse of discretion in denying
explain one’s side, or an opportunity to seek a
the request of the therein petitioners for an extension of
reconsideration of the action or ruling complained of.
the December 27, 2000 deadline of voter registration for
the May 14, 2001 elections. For the therein petitioners
filed their petition with the Court within the 120-day Petitioner actively participated in the proceedings before
prohibitive period for the conduct of voter registration the Office of the Ombudsman. She was given every
under Section 8 of RA 8189, and sought the conduct of a opportunity to submit various pleadings and documents
two-day registration on February 17 and 18, 2001, in support of her claim, which she, in fact, did through
clearly within the 120-day prohibitive period. her counter-affidavit and documentary evidence,
manifestation and motion, memorandum on appeal, etc.
In her Manifestation and Motion, petitioner moved and
In the present case, as reflected earlier, both the dates of
submitted the case for resolution based on the
filing of the petition (October 30, 2009) and the
arguments and evidentiary records that were submitted
extension sought (until January 9, 2010) are prior to the
before the Ombudsman. These were all duly acted upon
120-day prohibitive period. The Court, therefore, finds no
by the Ombudsman. Petitioner was given all the
legal impediment to the extension prayed for. Kabataan
opportunity to present her side. Due process was,
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therefore, properly observed. Lily O. Orbase Vs. Office of Thus, instead of immediately filing a petition with the CA,
the Ombudsman and Adoracion Mendoza-Bolos, G.R. No. petitioners should have first brought the matter to the
175115. December 23, 2009 CSC which has primary jurisdiction over the case. Evelyn
S. Cabungcal, et al. vs. Sonia R. Lorenzo, et al., G.R. No.
160367, December 18, 2009.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS; EXHAUSTION OF
REMEDIES.
EO 259; LACK OF IMPLEMENTING RULES.
The rule on exhaustion of administrative remedies
provides that a party must exhaust all administrative Carabeo impugns the validity of EO 259 for lack of
remedies to give the administrative agency an implementing rules and regulations. Indeed, EO 259
opportunity to decide the matter and to prevent lacks any implementing guidelines. However, such fact is
unnecessary and premature resort to the courts. This, immaterial and does not affect, in any manner, the
however, is not an ironclad rule as it admits of validity of the criminal and administrative charges against
exceptions, viz: Carabeo. While the DOF-RIPS derived from EO 259 its
power and authority to gather evidence against DOF
officials and employees suspected of graft and corruption,
1. when there is a violation of due process;
the DOF-RIPS need not be vested with such power in
order to validly file criminal and administrative charges
2. when the issue involved is purely a legal question; against Carabeo. In fact, any concerned ordinary citizen
can file criminal and administrative charges against any
3. when the administrative action is patently illegal corrupt government official or employee if there exists
amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction; sufficient evidence of culpability. Hence, the DOF-RIPS,
even without EO 259 and whether as subordinates of the
Secretary of Finance or as private citizens, can validly file
4. when there is estoppel on the part of the criminal and administrative charges against Carabeo.
administrative agency concerned;
10. when the rule does not provide a plain, speedy and Ombudsman; jurisdiction. At the time of the filing of the
adequate remedy; and case against petitioner, she was the Assistant Director of
the National Library; as such, as an appointive employee
11. when there are circumstances indicating the of the government, the jurisdiction of the Office of the
urgency of judicial intervention. Ombudsman to take cognizance of the action against the
petitioner was beyond contestation.
The instant case does not fall under any of the
exceptions. Petitioners’ filing of a petition for mandamus Moreover, petitioner’s claim that the Ombudsman does
and prohibition with the CA was premature. It bears not have jurisdiction over the action, since the act
stressing that the remedies of mandamus and prohibition complained of was committed before her entering
may be availed of only when there is no appeal or any government service, cannot be sustained. Under Section
other plain, speedy and adequate remedy in the ordinary 46 (18), Title I, Book V of the Administrative Code of
course of law. Moreover, being extraordinary remedies, 198, even if the dishonest act was committed by the
resort may be had only in cases of extreme necessity employee prior to entering government service, such act
where the ordinary forms of procedure are powerless to is still a ground for disciplinary action. Lily O. Orbase vs.
afford relief. Office of the Ombudsman and Adoracion Mendoza-
Bolos, G.R. No. 175115. December 23, 2009
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Petitioner insists that Section 20 (5) of R.A. No. 6770 The qualifications of a member of the House of
proscribes the investigation of any administrative act or Representatives are found in Article VI, Section 6 of the
omission if the complaint was filed one year after the Constitution.
occurrence of the act or omission complained of.
The evidence presented by private respondent before the
In Office of the Ombudsman v. De Sahagun, the Court HRET hardly suffices to prove that petitioner failed to
held that the period stated in Section 20 (5) of R.A. No. comply with the one-year residency requirement under
6770 does not refer to the prescription of the offense, but the Constitution. Private respondent’s documentary
to the discretion given to the Office of the Ombudsman evidence to disqualify petitioner mainly consisted of (a)
on whether it would investigate a particular petitioner’s certificates of candidacy (COCs) for various
administrative offense. The use of the word “may” in the positions in 1998, 2001 and 2004, which all indicated his
provision is construed as permissive and operating to residence as Pagsanjan, Laguna within the Fourth District
confer discretion. Where the words of a statute are clear, of said province; (b) his application for a driver’s license
plain and free from ambiguity, they must be given their in August 2005 that indicated Pagsanjan, Laguna as his
literal meaning and applied without attempted residence; and (c) the statement in his COCs including
interpretation. his 2007 COC for Congressman for the First District of
Laguna that his place of birth was Pagsanjan, Laguna.
It is, therefore, discretionary upon the Ombudsman
whether or not to conduct an investigation of a complaint The HRET puts undue emphasis on the fact that
filed before it even if it was filed one year after the petitioner is only leasing a townhouse in Sta. Rosa while
occurrence of the act or omission complained of. Thus, he owns houses in Pagsanjan and Cabuyao. His
while the complaint herein was filed three years after the ownership of properties in other places has been taken to
occurrence of the act imputed to petitioner, it was within mean that petitioner did not intend to make Sta. Rosa his
the authority of the Office of the Ombudsman to act, to permanent residence or that he had not abandoned his
proceed with and conduct an investigation of the subject domicile of origin.
complaint. Lily O. Orbase vs. Office of the Ombudsman
and Adoracion Mendoza-Bolos, G.R. No. 175115.
Although it is true that the latest acquired abode is not
December 23, 2009
necessarily the domicile of choice of a candidate, there is
nothing in the Constitution or our election laws which
OSG. Only the OSG can bring or defend actions on behalf require a congressional candidate to sell a previously
of the Republic or represent the People or the State in acquired home in one district and buy a new one in the
criminal proceedings pending in this Court and the CA. place where he seeks to run in order to qualify for a
congressional seat in that other district. Neither do we
see the fact that petitioner was only leasing a residence
While there may be rare occasions when the offended
in Sta. Rosa at the time of his candidacy as a barrier for
party may be allowed to pursue the criminal action on his
him to run in that district. Certainly, the Constitution
own behalf, as when there is a denial of due process, this
does not require a congressional candidate to be a
exceptional circumstance does not obtain in the instant
property owner in the district where he seeks to run but
case. Elvira O. Ong vs. Jose Casim Genio, G.R. No.
only that he resides in that district for at least a year
182336, December 23, 2009.
prior to election day. To use ownership of property in the
district as the determinative indicium of permanence of
domicile or residence implies that only the landed can
establish compliance with the residency requirement.
Election Law This Court would be, in effect, imposing a property
requirement to the right to hold public office, which
property requirement would be unconstitutional.
APPOINTIVE OFFICIALS; RESIGNATION.
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other previous domicile. Representative Danila Ramon S. application for IFMA conversion. This cannot be deemed
Fernandez vs. House of Representatives Electoral sufficient compliance with the foregoing provision.
Tribunal and Jesus L. Vicente, G.R. No. 187478, Surigao del Sur is not the only province affected by the
December 21, 2009. area covered by the proposed IFMA. Hon. Heherson T.
Alvarez vs. PICOP Resources, Inc./PICOP Resources, Inc.
vs. Hon. Heherson T. Alavarez/Hon. Angelo T. Reyes vs.
TERM LIMIT; PREVENTIVE SUSPENSION.
Paper Industries Corporation of the Philippines
(PICOP), G.R. No. 162243/G.R. No. 164516/G.R. No.
The preventive suspension of an elected public official 171875. December 3, 2009
does not interrupt of his term of office for purposes of the
three-term limit rule under Section 8, Article X of the
Other laws
Constitution and Section 43(b) of Republic Act No.
7160. Simon B. Aldovino, Jr., Danilo B. Faller and
Ferdinand N. Talabong vs. Commission on Elections and PUBLIC BIDDING; DACION EN PAGO.
Wilfredo F. Asilo, G.R. No. 184836, December 23, 2009.
Under Section 79 of the Government Auditing Code, the
Local Government Code disposition of government lands to private parties
requires public bidding. COA Circular No. 89-926, issued
on 27 January 1989, sets forth the guidelines on the
CREATION OF CITIES.
disposal of property and other assets of the government.
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owner is made to suffer the consequence of being Aldaba, et al. vs. Commission on Elections, G.R. No.
immediately deprived of his land while being made to 188078, January 25, 2010.
wait for years before actually receiving the amount
necessary to cope with his loss. Land Bank of the
Philippines vs. Department of Agrarian Reform
Adjudication Board and Heirs of Vicente Adaza, Heirs of
Administrative Law
Romeo Adaza, Heirs of Cesar Adaza, represented by
Russel Adaza, G.R. No. 183279, January 25, 2010.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES; FINDINGS OF FACT.
JUDICIAL REVIEW; CREATION OF CITY.
The findings of fact of administrative bodies, such as the
SEC, will not be interfered with by the courts in the
On the OSG’s contention that Congress’ choice of means
absence of grave abuse of discretion on the part of said
to comply with the population requirement in the creation
agencies, or unless the aforementioned findings are not
of a legislative district is non-justiciable, suffice it to say
supported by substantial evidence. These factual findings
that questions calling for judicial determination of
carry even more weight when affirmed by the CA. They
compliance with constitutional standards by other
are accorded not only great respect but even finality, and
branches of the government are fundamentally
are binding upon this Court, unless it is shown that the
justiciable. The resolution of such questions falls within
administrative body had arbitrarily disregarded or
the checking function of this Court under the 1987
misapprehended evidence before it to such an extent as
Constitution to determine whether there has been a
to compel a contrary conclusion had such evidence been
grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of
properly appreciated. By reason of the special knowledge
jurisdiction on the part of any branch or instrumentality
and expertise of administrative agencies over matters
of the Government.
falling under their jurisdiction, they are in a better
position to pass judgment thereon.
Even under the 1935 Constitution, this Court had already
ruled, “The overwhelming weight of authority is that
A review of the petition does not show any reversible
district apportionment laws are subject to review by the
error committed by the appellate court; hence, the
courts.” Compliance with constitutional standards on the
petition must be denied. Petitioner failed to present any
creation of legislative districts is important because the
argument that would convince the Court that the SEC
“aim of legislative apportionment is ‘to equalize
and the CA made any misappreciation of the facts and
population and voting power among districts.’” Victorino
the applicable laws such that their decisions should be
Aldaba, et al. vs. Commission on Elections, G.R. No.
overturned. Catmon Sales International Corporation vs.
188078, January 25, 2010.
Atty. Manuel D. Yngson, Jr. as Liquidator of Catmon Sales
International Corporation, G.R. No. 179761, January 15,
2010.
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We therefore hold that ballots indicating only the similar paramount public interest considering the need to dispel
surname of two (2) candidates for the same position uncertainty over the real choice of the electorate.
may, in appropriate cases, be counted in favor of the
bona fide candidate and not considered stray, even if the
In controversies pertaining to nuisance candidates as in
other candidate was declared a nuisance candidate by
the case at bar, the law contemplates the likelihood of
final judgment after the elections. Accordingly, the 5,401
confusion which the similarity of surnames of two (2)
votes for “MARTINEZ” or “C. MARTINEZ” should be
candidates may generate. A nuisance candidate is thus
credited to petitioner giving him a total of 72,056 votes
defined as one who, based on the attendant
as against 67,108 total votes of private respondent.
circumstances, has no bona fide intention to run for the
Petitioner thus garnered more votes than private
office for which the certificate of candidacy has been
respondent with a winning margin of 4,948
filed, his sole purpose being the reduction of the votes of
votes. Celestino A. Martinez III vs. House of
a strong candidate, upon the expectation that ballots with
Representatives Electoral Tribunal and Benhur L.
only the surname of such candidate will be considered
Salimbangon, G.R. No. 189034, January 11, 2010.
stray and not counted for either of them.
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GERRYMANDERING; MEANING.
(1) The classification rests on substantial distinctions;
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and the HRET’s own jurisdiction begins. Electoral Petitioner having alleged a grave violation of the
Tribunal, et al. /Congressman Jovito S. Palparan, Jr. vs. constitutional prohibition against Members of the Cabinet,
House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET), et their deputies and assistants holding two (2) or more
al., G.R. No. 189466/G.R. No. 189506,. February 11, positions in government, the fact that he filed this suit as
2010. a concerned citizen sufficiently confers him with standing
to sue for redress of such illegal act by public
officials. Dennis B. Funa vs. Executive Secretary Eduardo
JUDICIAL REVIEW; REQUISITES.
R. Ermita, Office of the President, G.R. No. 184740,
February 11, 2010.
The courts’ power of judicial review, like almost all other
powers conferred by the Constitution, is subject to
JUDICIAL REVIEW; STANDING TO SUE.
several limitations, namely: (1) there must be an actual
case or controversy calling for the exercise of judicial
power; (2) the person challenging the act must have In her Memorandum, respondent Governor Geraldine B.
“standing” to challenge; he must have a personal and Ecleo-Villaroman of the Province of Dinagat Islands raises
substantial interest in the case, such that he has procedural issues. She contends that petitioners do not
sustained or will sustain, direct injury as a result of its have the legal standing to question the constitutionality
enforcement; (3) the question of constitutionality must of the creation of the Province of Dinagat, since they
be raised at the earliest possible opportunity; and (4) the have not been directly injured by its creation and are
issue of constitutionality must be the very lis mota of the without substantial interest over the matter in
case. Respondents assert that the second requisite is controversy. Moreover, she alleges that the petition is
absent in this case. moot and academic because the existence of the Province
of Dinagat Islands has already commenced; hence, the
petition should be dismissed.
Generally, a party will be allowed to litigate only when
(1) he can show that he has personally suffered some
actual or threatened injury because of the allegedly The contention is without merit.
illegal conduct of the government; (2) the injury is fairly
traceable to the challenged action; and (3) the injury is
In Coconut Oil Refiners Association, Inc. v. Torres, the
likely to be redressed by a favorable action. The question
Court held that in cases of paramount importance where
on standing is whether such parties have “alleged such a
serious constitutional questions are involved, the
personal stake in the outcome of the controversy as to
standing requirements may be relaxed and a suit may be
assure that concrete adverseness which sharpens the
allowed to prosper even where there is no direct injury to
presentation of issues upon which the court so largely
the party claiming the right of judicial review. In the
depends for illumination of difficult constitutional
same vein, with respect to other alleged procedural
questions.”
flaws, even assuming the existence of such defects, the
Court, in the exercise of its discretion, brushes aside
In David v. Macapagal-Arroyo, summarizing the rules these technicalities and takes cognizance of the petition
culled from jurisprudence, the Supreme Court held that considering its importance and in keeping with the duty
taxpayers, voters, concerned citizens, and legislators to determine whether the other branches of the
may be accorded standing to sue, provided that the government have kept themselves within the limits of the
following requirements are met: Constitution.
(1) cases involve constitutional issues; Further, supervening events, whether intended or
accidental, cannot prevent the Court from rendering a
decision if there is a grave violation of the Constitution.
(2) for taxpayers, there must be a claim of illegal
The courts will decide a question otherwise moot and
disbursement of public funds or that the tax measure is
academic if it is capable of repetition, yet evading
unconstitutional;
review. Rodolfo G. Navarro, et al. vs. Executive
Secretary Eduardo Ermita, et al., G.R. No. 180050,
(3) for voters, there must be a showing of obvious February 10, 2010.
interest in the validity of the election law in question;
LOCAL GOVERNMENT; CREATION OF PROVINCE.
(4) for concerned citizens, there must be a showing that
the issues raised are of transcendental importance which
The Constitution clearly mandates that the creation of
must be settled early; and
local government units must follow the criteria
established in the Local Government Code. Any
(5) for legislators, there must be a claim that the official derogation of or deviation from the criteria prescribed in
action complained of infringes upon their prerogatives as the Local Government Code violates Sec. 10, Art. X of the
legislators. Constitution.
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R.A. No. 9355 (creating the province of Dinagat Islands) protected candidacies blocked by the possible inhibitory
is unconstitutional for its failure to comply with the effect of a potentially overly broad statute.
criteria for the creation of a province prescribed in Sec.
461 of the Local Government Code. The provision in
In this light, the conceivably impermissible applications of
Article 9 (2) of the Rules and Regulations Implementing
the challenged statutes – which are, at best, bold
the Local Government Code of 1991 stating, “The land
predictions – cannot justify invalidating these statutes in
area requirement shall not apply where the proposed
toto and prohibiting the State from enforcing them
province is composed of one (1) or more islands,” is null
against conduct that is, and has for more than 100 years
and void. Rodolfo G. Navarro, et al. vs. Executive
been, unquestionably within its power and interest to
Secretary Eduardo Ermita, et al., G.R. No. 180050,
proscribe. Instead, the more prudent approach would be
February 10, 2010.
to deal with these conceivably impermissible applications
through case-by-case adjudication rather than through a
PRESIDENT; IMMUNITY FROM SUIT. total invalidation of the statute itself. Eleazar P. Quinto
and Gerino A. Tolentino, Jr. vs. Commission on Elections,
G.R. No. 189698, February 22, 2010.
Petitioners first take issue on the President’s purported
lack of immunity from suit during her term of office. The
1987 Constitution, so they claim, has removed such PUBLIC ASSEMBLY; MODIFICATION OF PERMIT.
immunity heretofore enjoyed by the chief executive
under the 1935 and 1973 Constitutions.
In modifying the permit outright, respondent Mayor of
Manila gravely abused his discretion when he did not
Petitioners are mistaken. The presidential immunity from immediately inform the IBP who should have been heard
suit remains preserved under our system of government, first on the matter of his perceived imminent and grave
albeit not expressly reserved in the present constitution. danger of a substantive evil that may warrant the
Addressing a concern of his co-members in the 1986 changing of the venue. The opportunity to be heard
Constitutional Commission on the absence of an express precedes the action on the permit, since the applicant
provision on the matter, Fr. Joaquin Bernas, S.J. may directly go to court after an unfavorable action on
observed that it was already understood in jurisprudence the permit.
that the President may not be sued during his or her
tenure. The Court subsequently made it abundantly clear
Respondent failed to indicate how he had arrived at
in David v. Macapagal-Arroyo, a case likewise resolved
modifying the terms of the permit against the standard of
under the umbrella of the 1987 Constitution, that indeed
a clear and present danger test which, it bears repeating,
the President enjoys immunity during her incumbency.
is an indispensable condition to such modification.
Nothing in the issued permit adverts to an imminent and
And lest it be overlooked, the petition is simply bereft of grave danger of a substantive evil, which “blank” denial
any allegation as to what specific presidential act or or modification would, when granted imprimatur as the
omission violated or threatened to violate petitioners’ appellate court would have it, render illusory any judicial
protected rights. Lourdes D. Rubrico, et al. vs. Gloria scrutiny thereof. Intergrated Bar of the Philippines,
Macapagal-Arroyo, et al., G.R. No. 183871, February 18, represented by its National President Jose Anselmo I.
2010. Cadiz, H. Harry L. Roque, et al. vs. Honorable Manila
Mayor Jose “Lito” Atienza, G.R. No. 175241, February 24,
2010.
OVERBREADTH.
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The disqualification laid down in Section 13, Article VII is Under Section 13 of RA 9369, which reiterates Section 66
aimed at preventing the concentration of powers in the of the Omnibus Election Code, any person holding a
Executive Department officials, specifically the President, public appointive office or position, including active
Vice-President, Members of the Cabinet and their members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and
deputies and assistants. Civil Liberties Union traced the officers and employees in government-owned or -
history of the times and the conditions under which the controlled corporations, shall be considered ipso facto
Constitution was framed, and construed the Constitution resigned from his office upon the filing of his certificate of
consistent with the object sought to be accomplished by candidacy. On the other hand, pursuant to Section 14 of
adoption of such provision, and the evils sought to be RA 9006 or the Fair Election Act, which repealed Section
avoided or remedied. We recalled the practice, during the 67 of the Omnibus Election Code and rendered ineffective
Marcos regime, of designating members of the Cabinet, Section 11 of R.A. 8436 insofar as it considered an
their deputies and assistants as members of the elected official as resigned only upon the start of the
governing bodies or boards of various government campaign period corresponding to the positions for which
agencies and instrumentalities, including government- they are running, an elected official is not deemed to
owned or controlled corporations. This practice of holding have resigned from his office upon the filing of his
multiple offices or positions in the government led to certificate of candidacy for the same or any other elected
abuses by unscrupulous public officials, who took office or position. In fine, an elected official may run for
advantage of this scheme for purposes of self- another position without forfeiting his seat.
enrichment. The blatant betrayal of public trust evolved
into one of the serious causes of discontent with the Section 4(a) of Resolution 8678, Section 66 of the
Marcos regime. It was therefore quite inevitable and in Omnibus Election Code, and the second proviso in the
consonance with the overwhelming sentiment of the third paragraph of Section 13 of RA 9369 are not
people that the 1986 Constitutional Commission would violative of the equal protection clause of the Constitution
draft into the proposed Constitution the provisions under and does not suffer from overbreadth. Eleazar P. Quinto
consideration, which were envisioned to remedy, if not and Gerino A. Tolentino, Jr. vs. Commission on Elections,
correct, the evils that flow from the holding of multiple G.R. No. 189698, February 22, 2010. (Note: The
governmental offices and employment. Dennis B. Funa Supreme Court reconsidered its earlier decision of
vs. Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita, Office of the December 1, 2009.)
President, G.R. No. 184740, February 11, 2010.
AUTOMATION PROJECT; VALIDITY.
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The contract-award of the 2010 Election Automation agreement of the parties; it cannot be acquired through,
Project to the joint venture of Total Information or waived, enlarged or diminished by, any act or
Management Corporation (TIM) and Smartmatic omission of the parties. Neither can it be conferred by the
International Corporation (Smartmatic) is valid. H. Harry acquiescence of the court, more particularly so in election
L. Roque, Jr., Joel R. Butuyan, Romel R. Bagares, et al. cases where the interest involved transcends those of the
vs. Commission on Elections, represented by Hon. contending parties.
Chaiman Jose Melo, et al., Pete Quirino-Qaudra
(Petitioner-in-intervention) Senate of the Philippines,
This being so, the Special Second Division of the
represented by its President Juan Ponce Enrili (Movant-
COMELEC clearly acted with grave abuse of discretion
Intervenor), G.R. No. 188456, February 10,
when it immediately transferred to the Commission en
2010. (Note: The Supreme Court denied the motion to
banc a case that ought to be heard and decided by a
reconsider its earlier decision of September 10, 2009.)
division. Such action cannot be done without running
afoul of Section 3, Article IX-C of the 1987 Constitution.
BALLOT; TAMPERING. Instead of peremptorily transferring the case to the
Commission en banc, the Special Second Division of
COMELEC, should have instead assigned another
The COMELEC gravely abused its discretion in declaring
Commissioner as additional member of its Special Second
Peñano, based on the results of the revision of ballots,
Division, not only to fill in the seat temporarily vacated
the winner in the mayoralty contest for the Municipality
by Commissioner Ferrer, but more importantly so that
of Alfonso, Cavite. The ballots, after proof of tampering,
the required quorum may be attained. Sandra Y Eriguel
cannot be considered reflective of the will of the people of
vs. Commission on Elections and Ma. Theresa Dumpit-
Alfonso. Mayor Virgilio P. Varias vs. Commission on
Michelena, G.R. No. 190526, February 26, 2010.
Elections, et al., G.R. No. 189078, February 11, 2010.
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conclusions are generally respected by and conclusive on Atienza, Jr., et al. vs. Commission on Elections, et al.,
the Court. G.R. No. 188920, February 16, 2010.
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In Velasco, the Court rejected Velasco’s contention that be filed within five days. Upon receipt of the notice of
the Comelec improperly ruled on the right to vote when it appeal, the BOC will make its report to the COMELEC,
cancelled his COC. The Court stated that the Comelec and elevate the records and evidence.
merely relied on or recognized the RTC’s final and
executory decision on the matter of the right to vote in
Moreover, pursuant to Section 235 of the Omnibus
the precinct within its territorial jurisdiction.
Election Code, in cases where the ERs appear to have
been tampered with, altered or falsified, the COMELEC
In the present petition, it is Panlaqui’s turn to proffer the shall examine the other copies of the questioned returns
novel interpretation that the RTC properly cancelled and, if the other copies are likewise tampered with,
Velasco’s COC when it ruled on his right to vote. The altered, falsified, or otherwise spurious, after having
Court rejects the same. given notice to all candidates and satisfied itself that the
integrity of the ballot box and of the ballots therein have
been duly preserved, shall order a recount of the votes
It is not within the province of the RTC in a voter’s
cast, prepare a new return which shall be used by the
inclusion/exclusion proceedings to take cognizance of and
BOC as basis for the canvass, and direct the proclamation
determine the presence of a false representation of a
of the winner accordingly.
material fact. It has no jurisdiction to try the issues of
whether the misrepresentation relates to material fact
and whether there was an intention to deceive the Based on the records of this case, we find that petitioner
electorate in terms of one’s qualifications for public office. failed to timely make his objections to the contested
The finding that Velasco was not qualified to vote due to ERs. Themistocles A. Saño, Jr. vs. Commission on
lack of residency requirement does not translate into a Elections, et al., G.R. No. 182221, February 3, 2010.
finding of a deliberate attempt to mislead, misinform, or
hide a fact which would otherwise render him
Local Government
ineligible. Mozart P. Panlaqui vs. Commission on
Elections and Nardo M. Velasco, G.R. No. 188671,
February 24, 2010. SUCCESSION; SANNGGUNIAN.
PRE-PROCLAMATION CONTROVERSY; CONTESTED Sec. 45(b) of RA 7160 provides for the rule on succession
RETURNS. in cases of permanent vacancies in the Sanggunian. The
law provides for conditions for the rule of succession to
apply: First, the appointee shall come from the same
It is settled that a pre-proclamation controversy is
political party as that of the Sanggunian member who
summary in character; indeed, it is the policy of the law
caused the vacancy. Second, the appointee must have a
that pre-proclamation controversies be promptly decided,
nomination and a Certificate of Membership from the
so as not to delay canvass and proclamation. The Board
highest official of the political party concerned. Atty.
of Canvassers (BOC) will not look into allegations of
Lucky M. Damasen vs. Oscar G. Tumamao, G.R. No.
irregularity that are not apparent on the face of ERs that
173165, February 17, 2010.
appear otherwise authentic and duly accomplished.
Public officers
Consistent with the summary character and limited scope
of a pre-proclamation controversy, Section 20 of RA 7166
lays down the procedure to be followed when ERs are APPOINTMENT; SUBMISSION TO CIVIL SERVICE
contested before the BOC. Compliance with this COMMISSION.
procedure is mandatory, so as to permit the BOC to
resolve the objections as quickly as possible. The deliberate failure of the appointing authority (or
other responsible officials) to submit respondent’s
Section 20 of RA 7166 and Section 36 of COMELEC appointment paper to the CSC within 30 days from its
Resolution 2962 provide that any candidate may contest issuance did not make her appointment ineffective and
the inclusion of an ER by making an oral objection at the incomplete.
time the questioned return is submitted for canvass; the
objecting party shall also submit his objections in writing Under Article 1186 of the Civil Code, “[t]he condition
simultaneously with the oral objections. The BOC shall shall be deemed fulfilled when the obligor voluntarily
consider the written objections and opposition, if any, prevents its fulfillment.” Applying this to the appointment
and summarily rule on the petition for exclusion. Any process in the civil service, unless the appointee himself
party adversely affected by such ruling must immediately is negligent in following up the submission of his
inform the BOC if he intends to appeal such ruling. appointment to the CSC for approval, he should not be
prejudiced by any willful act done in bad faith by the
After the BOC rules on the contested returns and appointing authority to prevent the timely submission of
canvasses all the uncontested returns, it shall suspend his appointment to the CSC. While it may be argued that
the canvass. Any party adversely affected by the ruling the submission of respondent’s appointment to the CSC
has 48 hours to file a Notice of Appeal; the appeal shall within 30 days was one of the conditions for the approval
of respondent’s appointment, however, deliberately and
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with bad faith, the officials responsible for the submission “command responsibility,” in its simplest
of respondent’s appointment to the CSC prevented the terms, means the “responsibility of
fulfillment of the said condition. Thus, the said condition commanders for crimes committed by
should be deemed fulfilled. subordinate members of the armed
forces or other persons subject to their
control in international wars or domestic
The Court has already had the occasion to rule that an
conflict.” In this sense, command
appointment remains valid in certain instances despite
responsibility is properly a form of
non-compliance of the proper officials with the pertinent
criminal complicity. The Hague
CSC rules. Arlin B. Obiasca vs. Jeane O. Basallote, G.R.
Conventions of 1907 adopted the
No. 176707, February 17, 2010.
doctrine of command responsibility,
foreshadowing the present-day precept
of holding a superior accountable for the
atrocities committed by his subordinates
COMMAND RESPONSIBILITY FOR CRIMINAL ACTS should he be remiss in his duty of
OF SUBORDINATES control over them. As then formulated,
command responsibility is “an omission
mode of individual criminal liability,”
Can a military commander be held liable for the criminal whereby the superior is made
acts of his subordinates? responsible for crimes committed by his
subordinates for failing to prevent or
The Supreme Court touched on that issue in Lourdes D. punish the perpetrators (as opposed to
Rubrico, et al. vs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, et al., G.R. crimes he ordered).
No. 183871, February 18, 2010. However, that case did
not provide a venue for the Supreme Court to provide a The doctrine has recently been codified
definitive ruling on the matter. in the Rome Statute of the International
Criminal Court (ICC) to which the
The case involved a petition for a writ of amparo filed Philippines is signatory. Sec. 28 of the
against the President, the Chief of the Armed Forces of Statute imposes individual responsibility
the Philippines (AFP), and the Chief of the Philippine on military commanders for crimes
National Police (PNP), among others. The petition was committed by forces under their control.
originally filed with the Supreme Court, which referred The country is, however, not yet
the case to the Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals formally bound by the terms and
eventually dropped the President as a respondent (based provisions embodied in this treaty-
on presidential immunity from suit during her term). statute, since the Senate has yet to
extend concurrence in its ratification.
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bearing in amparo proceedings.” According to the question of constitutionality must have been raised at the
Supreme Court: earliest opportunity and (5) the issue of constitutionality
must be the very lis mota of the case.
Still, it would be inappropriate to apply
to these proceedings the doctrine of Respondents aver that the first three requisites are
command responsibility, as the CA absent in this case. According to them, there is no actual
seemed to have done, as a form of case calling for the exercise of judicial power and it is not
criminal complicity through omission, yet ripe for adjudication.
for individual respondents’ criminal
liability, if there be any, is beyond the
An actual case or controversy involves a conflict of legal
reach of amparo. In other words, the
rights or an assertion of opposite legal claims which is
Court does not rule in such proceedings
susceptible of judicial resolution as distinguished from a
on any issue of criminal culpability,
hypothetical or abstract difference or dispute. On the
even if incidentally a crime or an
other hand, a question is considered ripe for adjudication
infraction of an administrative rule may
when the act being challenged has a direct adverse effect
have been committed. As the Court
on the individual challenging it.
stressed in Secretary of National
Defense v. Manalo, the writ of amparo
was conceived to provide expeditious Contrary to respondents’ assertion, we do not have to
and effective procedural relief against wait until petitioner’s members have shut down their
violations or threats of violation of the operations as a result of the MCIT or CWT. The assailed
basic rights to life, liberty, and security provisions are already being implemented. As we stated
of persons; the corresponding amparo in Didipio Earth-Savers’ Multi-Purpose Association,
suit, however, “is not an action to Incorporated (DESAMA) v. Gozun: “By the mere
determine criminal guilt requiring proof enactment of the questioned law or the approval of the
beyond reasonable doubt x x x or challenged act, the dispute is said to have ripened into a
administrative liability requiring judicial controversy even without any other overt act.
substantial evidence that will require Indeed, even a singular violation of the Constitution
full and exhaustive proceedings.” . . . and/or the law is enough to awaken judicial duty.”
If command responsibility were to be invoked and applied If the assailed provisions are indeed unconstitutional,
to these proceedings, it should, at most, be only to there is no better time than the present to settle such
determine the author who, at the first instance, is question once and for all. Chamber of Real Estate and
accountable for, and has the duty to address, the Builders’ Associations, Inc. Vs. The Hon. Executive
disappearance and harassments complained of, so as to Secretary Alberto Romulo, et al., G.R. No. 160756, March
enable the Court to devise remedial measures that may 9, 2010.
be appropriate under the premises to protect rights
covered by the writ of amparo. As intimated earlier, CONSTITUTIONALITY; JUSTICIABLE CONTROVERSY
however, the determination should not be pursued to fix .
criminal liability on respondents preparatory to criminal
prosecution, or as a prelude to administrative disciplinary
proceedings under existing administrative issuances, if We hold that the petitions set forth an actual case or
there be any. controversy that is ripe for judicial determination. The
reality is that the JBC already commenced the
proceedings for the selection of the nominees to be
included in a short list to be submitted to the President
for consideration of which of them will succeed Chief
Justice Puno as the next Chief Justice. Although the
MARCH 2010 CASES position is not yet vacant, the fact that the JBC began the
process of nomination pursuant to its rules and practices,
although it has yet to decide whether to submit the list of
Constitutional Law
nominees to the incumbent outgoing President or to the
next President, makes the situation ripe for judicial
CONSTITUTIONALITY; JUSTICIABLE CONTROVERSY determination, because the next steps are the public
. interview of the candidates, the preparation of the short
list of candidates, and the “interview of constitutional
experts, as may be needed.”
Courts will not assume jurisdiction over a constitutional
question unless the following requisites are satisfied: (1)
there must be an actual case calling for the exercise of A part of the question to be reviewed by the Court is
judicial review; (2) the question before the court must be whether the JBC properly initiated the process, there
ripe for adjudication; (3) the person challenging the being an insistence from some of the oppositors-
validity of the act must have standing to do so; (4) the intervenors that the JBC could only do so once the
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vacancy has occurred (that is, after May 17, 2010). The Court rules that the petitioners have each
Another part is, of course, whether the JBC may resume demonstrated adequate interest in the outcome of the
its process until the short list is prepared, in view of the controversy as to vest them with the requisite
provision of Section 4(1), Article VIII, locus standi.The issues before us are of transcendental
which unqualifiedly requires the President to appoint one importance to the people as a whole, and to the
from the short list to fill the vacancy in the Supreme petitioners in particular. Indeed, the issues affect
Court (be it the Chief Justice or an Associate Justice) everyone (including the petitioners), regardless of one’s
within 90 days from the occurrence of the vacancy. personal interest in life, because they concern that great
doubt about the authority of the incumbent President to
appoint not only the successor of the retiring incumbent
The ripeness of the controversy for judicial determination
Chief Justice, but also others who may serve in the
may not be doubted. The challenges to the authority of
Judiciary, which already suffers from a far too great
the JBC to open the process of nomination and to
number of vacancies in the ranks of trial judges
continue the process until the submission of the list of
throughout the country.
nominees; the insistence of some of the petitioners to
compel the JBC through mandamus to submit the short
list to the incumbent President; the counter-insistence of In any event, the Court retains the broad discretion to
the intervenors to prohibit the JBC from submitting the waive the requirement of legal standing in favor of any
short list to the incumbent President on the ground that petitioner when the matter involved has transcendental
said list should be submitted instead to the next importance, or otherwise requires a liberalization of the
President; the strong position that the incumbent requirement.
President is already prohibited under Section 15, Article
VII from making any appointments, including those to
Yet, if any doubt still lingers about the locus standi of any
the Judiciary, starting on May 10, 2010 until June 30,
petitioner, we dispel the doubt now in order to remove
2010; and the contrary position that the incumbent
any obstacle or obstruction to the resolution of the
President is not so prohibited are only some of the real
essential issue squarely presented herein. We are not to
issues for determination. All such issues establish the
shirk from discharging our solemn duty by reason alone
ripeness of the controversy, considering that for some
of an obstacle more technical than otherwise. In Agan, Jr.
the short list must be submitted before the vacancy
v. Philippine International Air Terminals Co., Inc., we
actually occurs by May 17, 2010. The outcome will not be
pointed out: “Standing is a peculiar concept in
an abstraction, or a merely hypothetical exercise. The
constitutional law because in some cases, suits are not
resolution of the controversy will surely settle – with
brought by parties who have been personally injured by
finality – the nagging questions that are preventing
the operation of a law or any other government act but
the JBC from moving on with the process that it already
by concerned citizens, taxpayers or voters who actually
began, or that are reasons persuading the JBC to desist
sue in the public interest.” But even if, strictly speaking,
from the rest of the process. Arturo M. De Castro vs.
the petitioners “are not covered by the definition, it is still
Judicial and Bar Council, et al., G.R. No. 191002, G.R.
within the wide discretion of the Court to waive the
No. 191032, G.R. No. 191057, A.M. No. 10-2-5-SC, G.R.
requirement and so remove the impediment to its
No. 191149, G.R. No. 191342, March 17, 2010.
addressing and resolving the serious constitutional
questions raised.” Arturo M. De Castro vs. Judicial and
CONSTITUTIONALITY; JUSTICIABLE CONTROVERS Bar Council, et al., G.R. No. 191002, G.R. No. 191032,
Y. G.R. No. 191057, A.M. No. 10-2-5-SC, G.R. No. 191149,
G.R. No. 191342, March 17, 2010.
It will not do for the COMELEC to insist that the reliability
and authoritativeness of the population indicators CONSTITUTIONALITY; STANDING TO SUE.
Congress used in enacting RA 9591 are non-justiciable. If
laws creating legislative districts are unquestionably
Respondents next argue that petitioner has no legal
within the ambit of this Court’s judicial review power,
standing to sue: “Petitioner is an association of some of
then there is more reason to hold justiciable subsidiary
the real estate developers and builders in the Philippines.
questions impacting on their constitutionality, such as
Petitioners did not allege that [it] itself is in the real
their compliance with a specific constitutional limitation
estate business. It did not allege any material interest or
under Section 5(3), Article VI of the 1987 Constitution
any wrong that it may suffer from the enforcement of
that only cities with at least 250,000 constituents are
[the assailed provisions].”
entitled to representation in Congress. To fulfill this
obligation, the Court, of necessity, must inquire into the
authoritativeness and reliability of the population Legal standing or locus standi is a party’s personal and
indicators Congress used to comply with the substantial interest in a case such that it has sustained or
constitutional limitation. Victorino B. Aldaba, et al. Vs. will sustain direct injury as a result of the governmental
Commission on Elections, G.R. No. 188078, March 15, act being challenged. In Holy Spirit Homeowners
2010. Association, Inc. v. Defensor, we held that the
association had legal standing because its members
stood to be injured by the enforcement of the assailed
CONSTITUTIONALITY; STANDING TO SUE.
provisions.
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In any event, this Court has the discretion to take persons or other classes in the same place and in like
cognizance of a suit which does not satisfy the circumstances.” Stated differently, all persons belonging
requirements of an actual case, ripeness or legal standing to the same class shall be taxed alike. It follows that the
when paramount public interest is involved. The guaranty of the equal protection of the laws is not
questioned MCIT and CWT affect not only petitioners but violated by legislation based on a reasonable
practically all domestic corporate taxpayers in our classification. Classification, to be valid, must (1) rest on
country. The transcendental importance of the issues substantial distinctions; (2) be germane to the purpose of
raised and their overreaching significance to society the law; (3) not be limited to existing conditions only and
make it proper for us to take cognizance of this (4) apply equally to all members of the same class.
petition. Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’
Associations, Inc. Vs. The Hon. Executive Secretary
The taxing power has the authority to make reasonable
Alberto Romulo, et al., G.R. No. 160756, March 9, 2010.
classifications for purposes of taxation. Inequalities which
result from a singling out of one particular class for
DUE PROCESS; MINIMUM CORPORATE INCOME taxation, or exemption, infringe no constitutional
TAX. limitation. The real estate industry is, by itself, a class
and can be validly treated differently from other business
enterprises. Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’
Petitioner claims that the MCIT under Section 27(E) of RA
Associations, Inc. Vs. The Hon. Executive Secretary
8424 is unconstitutional because it is highly oppressive,
Alberto Romulo, et al., G.R. No. 160756, March 9, 2010.
arbitrary and confiscatory which amounts to deprivation
of property without due process of law. It explains that
gross income as defined under said provision only EQUAL PROTECTION; NPC REGULATION.
considers the cost of goods sold and other direct
expenses; other major expenditures, such as
The equal protection clause means that “no person or
administrative and interest expenses which are equally
class of persons shall be deprived of the same protection
necessary to produce gross income, were not taken into
of laws which is enjoyed by other persons or other
account. Thus, pegging the tax base of the MCIT to a
classes in the same place and in like circumstances.” The
corporation’s gross income is tantamount to a
guaranty of the equal protection of the laws is not
confiscation of capital because gross income, unlike net
violated by a legislation based on a reasonable
income, is not “realized gain.”
classification. The equal protection clause, therefore,
does not preclude classification of individuals who may be
Petitioner failed to support, by any factual or legal basis, accorded different treatment under the law as long as the
its allegation that the MCIT is arbitrary and confiscatory. classification is reasonable and not arbitrary.
The Court cannot strike down a law as unconstitutional
simply because of its yokes. Taxation is necessarily
Items 3 and 3.1 clearly did not infringe on the equal
burdensome because, by its nature, it adversely affects
protection clause as these were based on a reasonable
property rights. The party alleging the law’s
classification intended to protect, not the right of any
unconstitutionality has the burden to demonstrate the
business or trade but the integrity of government
supposed violations in understandable terms. Chamber
property, as well as promote the objectives of RA 7832.
of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations, Inc. Vs. The
Traders like Pinatubo could not claim similar treatment as
Hon. Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo, et al., G.R. No.
direct manufacturers/processors especially in the light of
160756, March 9, 2010.
their failure to negate the rationale behind the
distinction. National Power Corporation vs. Pinatubo
EQUAL PROTECTION; CREDITABLE WITHHOLDING Commercial, represented by Alfredo A. Dy, G.R. No.
TAX. 176006, March 26, 2010.
Petitioner claims that the revenue regulations FREEDOM OF SPEECH; PRIOR RESTRAINT.
are violative of the equal protection clause because the
CWT is being levied only on real estate enterprises.
Petitioner’s threshold posture that the suspension thus
Specifically, petitioner points out that manufacturing
imposed constitutes prior restraint and an abridgement of
enterprises are not similarly imposed a CWT on their
his exercise of religion and freedom of expression is a
sales, even if their manner of doing business is not much
mere rehash of the position he articulated in the
different from that of a real estate enterprise. Like a
underlying petitions for certiorari and expounded in his
manufacturing concern, a real estate business is involved
memorandum. So are the supportive arguments and
in a continuous process of production and it incurs costs
some of the citations of decisional law, Philippine and
and expenditures on a regular basis. The only difference
American, holding it together. They have been
is that “goods” produced by the real estate business are
considered, sufficiently discussed in some detail, and
house and lot units.
found to be without merit in our Decision. It would, thus,
make little sense to embark on another lengthy
The equal protection clause under the Constitution means discussion of the same issues and arguments.
that “no person or class of persons shall be deprived of
the same protection of laws which is enjoyed by other
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Suffice it to reiterate that the sanction imposed on the TV appointments in the Judiciary. Arturo M. De Castro vs.
program in question does not, under the factual milieu of Judicial and Bar Council, et al., G.R. No. 191002, G.R.
the case, constitute prior restraint, but partakes of the No. 191032, G.R. No. 191057, A.M. No. 10-2-5-SC, G.R.
nature of subsequent punishment for past violation No. 191149, G.R. No. 191342, March 17, 2010.
committed by petitioner in the course of the broadcast of
the program on August 10, 2004. Eliseo F. Soriano Vs.
SPEEDY TRIAL.
Ma. Consoliza P. Laguardia, etc. et al./Eliseo
F. Soriano Vs. Movie and Television Review and
Classification Board, et al., G.R. No. 164785/G.R. No. The constitutional right to a “speedy disposition of cases”
165636, March 15, 2010. is not limited to the accused in criminal proceedings but
extends to all parties in all cases, including civil and
administrative cases, and in all proceedings, including
HRET; PROCEDURE.
judicial and quasi-judicial hearings. Hence, under the
Constitution, any party to a case may demand
It is quite clear that the Tribunal acted in the best expeditious action by all officials who are tasked with the
interest of the electorate, ensuring the determination of administration of justice.
the latter’s will within a reasonable time. In sum, there is
absolutely nothing in this case that would justify a finding
The right to a speedy disposition of a case, like the right
that the HRET gravely abused its discretion by not
to a speedy trial, is deemed violated only when the
granting petitioner an extension of time to present
proceedings are attended by vexatious, capricious, and
additional evidence and formally offer the
oppressive delays; or when unjustified postponements of
same. Representative Alvin S. Sandoval vs. House of
the trial are asked for and secured; or even without
Representatives Electoral Tribunal Josephine Veronique
cause or justifiable motive, a long period of time is
R. Lacson-Noel and Hon. Speaker Prospero Nograles,
allowed to elapse without the party having his case tried.
G.R. No. 190067, March 9, 2010.
Equally applicable is the balancing test used to determine
whether a defendant has been denied his right to a
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS; CONTIGUOUS speedy trial, or a speedy disposition of a case for that
REQUIREMENT. matter, in which the conduct of both the prosecution and
the defendant is weighed, and such factors as the length
of the delay, the reasons for such delay, the assertion or
Aside from failing to comply with Section 5(3), Article VI
failure to assert such right by the accused, and the
of the Constitution on the population requirement, the
prejudice caused by the delay. The concept of a speedy
creation by RA 9591 of a legislative district
disposition is a relative term and must necessarily be a
for Malolos City, carving the city from the former First
flexible concept.
Legislative District, leaves the town of Bulacan isolated
from the rest of the geographic mass of that district. This
contravenes the requirement in Section 5(3), Article VI Hence, the doctrinal rule is that in the determination of
that each legislative district shall “comprise, as far as whether that right has been violated, the factors that
practicable, contiguous, compact, and adjacent territory.” may be considered and balanced are as follows: (1) the
It is no argument to say, as the OSG does, that it was length of delay; (2) the reasons for the delay; (3) the
impracticable for Congress to create a district with assertion or failure to assert such right by the accused;
contiguous, compact, and adjacent territory and (4) the prejudice caused by the delay.
because Malolos city lies at the center of the First
Legislative District. The geographic lay-out of the First
Applying the doctrinal ruling vis-a-vis the factual milieu of
Legislative District is not an insuperable condition making
this case, the violation of the right to a speedy
compliance with Section 5(3) impracticable. To adhere to
disposition of the case against petitioner is clear for the
the constitutional mandate, and thus maintain fidelity to
following reasons: (1) the delay of almost five (5) years
its purpose of ensuring efficient representation, the
on the part of ADT in resolving the motion of petitioner,
practicable alternative for Congress was to include the
which resolution petitioner reasonably found necessary
municipality of Bulacan in Malolos City’s legislative
before he could present his defense; (2) the
district. Although unorthodox, the resulting contiguous
unreasonableness of the delay; and (3) the timely
and compact district fulfills the constitutional
assertions by petitioner of the right to an early
requirements of geographic unity and population floor,
disposition which he did through a motion to dismiss.
ensuring efficient representation of the minimum mass of
Over and above this, the delay was prejudicial to
constituents. Victorino B. Aldaba, et al. Vs. Commission
petitioner’s cause as he was under preventive suspension
on Elections, G.R. No. 188078, March 15, 2010.
for ninety (90) days, and during the interregnum of
almost five years, the trial of the accusation against him
PRESIDENT; POWER OF APPOINTMENT. remained stagnant at the prosecution stage.
The incumbent President can appoint the successor of The Constitutional guarantee against unreasonable delay
Chief Justice Puno upon his retirement on May 17, 2010 in the disposition of cases was intended to stem the tide
as the prohibition against presidential appointments of disenchantment among the people in the
under Section 15, Article VII does not extend to administration of justice by our judicial and quasi-judicial
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tribunals. The adjudication of cases must not only be Petitioner’s allegation of improper venue and the fact that
done in an orderly manner that is in accord with the the complaint was not under oath are not sufficient
established rules of procedure but must also be promptly grounds for the dismissal of the complaint. Well to
decided to better serve the ends of justice. Excessive remember, the case was an administrative case and as
delay in the disposition of cases renders the rights of the such, technical rules of procedure are liberally applied. In
people guaranteed by the Constitution and by administrative cases, technical rules of procedure and
various legislations inutile. Capt. Wilferdo G. Roquero vs. evidence are not strictly applied and administrative due
The Chancellor of UP Manila, et al., G.R. No. 181851, process cannot be fully equated with due process in its
March 9, 2010. strict judicial sense. The intention is to resolve disputes
brought before such bodies in the most expeditious and
inexpensive manner possible.
UNFAIR COMPETITION; BIDDING.
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NPC Circular No. 99-75 did not have to be published andNatalia, holding that the respondents’ landholdings
since it was merely an internal rule or regulation. It did were non-agricultural, and, consequently, outside the
not purport to enforce or implement an existing law but coverage of the CARL, was fully warranted. In fact, the
was merely a directive issued by the NPC President to his excerpt from the Comprehensive Development Plan of
subordinates to regulate the proper and efficient disposal Sorsogon, Sorsogon showed that Barangay Bibincahan
of scrap ACSRs to qualified bidders. Thus, NPC Circular was within the Central Business District of the
No. 99-75 defined the responsibilities of the municipality. Department of Agrarian Reform,
different NPC personnel in the disposal, pre-qualification, represented by Secretary Hernani A. Braganza vs.
bidding and award of scrap ACSRS. It also provided for Pablo Berenguer, et al., G.R. No. 154094, March 9, 2010.
the deposit of a proposal bond to be submitted by
bidders, the approval of the award, mode of payment and
CARP; COVERAGE.
release of awarded scrap ACSRs. All these guidelines
were addressed to the NPC personnel involved in the
bidding and award of scrap ACSRs. It did not, in any way, Petitioner insists on exemption of
affect the rights of the public in general or of any other the Alangilan landholding from CARP coverage. It argues
person not involved in the bidding process. Assuming it that the subject landholding had already been converted
affected individual rights, it did so only remotely, into non-agricultural use long before the advent of the
indirectly and incidentally. National Power Corporation CARP. The passage of the 1982 Ordinance, classifying the
vs. Pinatubo Commercial, represented by Alfredo A. property as reserved for residential, it asserts, effectively
Dy, G.R. No. 176006, March 26, 2010. transformed the land into non-agricultural use, and thus,
outside the ambit of the CARL. It cites Natalia, wherein it
was ruled that lands intended for residential use are
Agrarian law
outside the coverage of the CARL.
CARL; COVERAGE.
Indeed, lands devoted to non-agricultural activity are
outside the coverage of CARL. These include lands
Resolution No. 5, passed on March 12, 1981 by the previously converted into non-agricultural uses prior to
Sangguniang Bayan of Sorsogon, Sorsogon, showed that the effectivity of the CARL on June 15, 1988.
the limits of the poblacion area of the municipality Unfortunately, petitioner failed to convince us that
included Barangay Bibincahan, where the respondents’ the Alangilan landholding ceased to be agricultural at the
landholdings were situated. The significance of this fact time of the effectivity of the CARL.
cannot be overstated, for, thereby, the respondents’
landholdings were presumed to be industrial and
It is beyond cavil that the Alangilan landholding was
residential lands. Jurisprudence has been clear about the
classified as agricultural, reserved for residential in 1982,
presumption. In Hilario v. Intermediate Appellate Court,
and was reclassified as residential-1 in 1994. However,
the Court said: “The presumption assumed by the
contrary to petitioner’s assertion, the term reserved for
appellate court that a parcel of land which is located in a
residential does not change the nature of the land from
poblacion is not necessarily devoted to residential
agricultural to non-agricultural. As aptly explained by the
purposes is wrong. It should be the other way around. A
DAR Secretary,
lot inside the poblacion should be presumed residential,
the term reserved for residential simply reflects the
or commercial, or non-agricultural unless there is a
intended land use. It does not denote that the property
clearly preponderant evidence to show that it is
has already been reclassified as residential, because the
agricultural.”
phrase reserved for residential is not a land classification
category.
To the same effect was Natalia Realty Corporation v.
DAR, thus: “We now determine whether such lands are
Indubitably, at the time of the effectivity of the CARL in
covered by the CARL. Section 4 of R.A. 6657 provides
1988, the subject landholding was still agricultural. This
that the CARL shall “cover, regardless of tenurial
was bolstered by the fact that
arrangement and commodity produced, all public and
the Sangguniang Panlalawigan had to pass an Ordinance
private agricultural lands.” As to what constitutes
in 1994, reclassifying the landholding as residential-1. If,
“agricultural land,” it is referred to as “land devoted to
indeed, the landholding had already been earmarked for
agricultural activity as defined in this Act and not
residential use in 1982, as petitioner claims, then there
classified as mineral, forest, residential, commercial or
would have been no necessity for the passage of the
industrial land.” The deliberations of the Constitutional
1994 Ordinance. Alangilan Realty & Development
Commission confirm this limitation. “Agricultural lands”
Corporation vs. Office of the President, represented by
are only those lands which are “arable and suitable
Alberto Romulo, as Executive Secretary and Arthur
agricultural lands” and “do not include commercial,
P. Autea, as Deputy Secretary and Department of
industrial and residential lands.”
Agrarian Reform, G.R. No. 180471, March 26, 2010.
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COMELEC; FINDINGS. candidate, the best and most conclusive evidence is the
ballots themselves. However, this rule applies only if the
ballots are available and their integrity has been
The appreciation of election documents involves a
preserved from the day of elections until revision. When
question of fact best left to the determination of
the ballots are unavailable or cannot be produced, then
the COMELEC, a specialized agency tasked with the
recourse can be made to untampered and unaltered
supervision of elections all over the country. The findings
election returns or other election documents as
of fact of administrative bodies, when supported by
evidence. Bai Sandra S.A. Sema vs. House of
substantial evidence, are final and nonreviewable by
Representatives Electoral Tribunal
courts of justice. This principle is applied with greater
and Didagen P. Dilangalen, G.R. No. 190734, March 26,
force when the case concerns the COMELEC, because the
2010.
framers of the Constitution intended to place the poll
body—created and explicitly made independent by the
Constitution itself—on a level higher than statutory Local Government
administrative organs. Jesus O. Typoco vs. Commission
on Elections, et al., G.R. No. 186359. March 5, 2010.
CITY; POPULATION REQUIREMENT.
What petitioner questions is the Tribunal’s reliance on Admittedly, before and up to the time of the termination
election returns and/or tally sheets and other election of her appointment, respondent did not go through the
documents to arrive at the number of votes for each of four stages of CES eligibility examinations.
the parties. However, jurisprudence has established that
such action of the HRET was well within its discretion and The appellate court’s ruling that respondent
jurisdiction. became CES eligible upon earning the MNSA degree,
purportedly in accordance with Executive Order No. 696,
Indeed, the general rule is, if what is being questioned is as amended by Executive Order No. 771, does not lie.
the correctness of the number of votes for each
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By respondent’s attainment of an MNSA degree, she was grave abuse of discretion clearly conflicting with the
not conferred automatic CES eligibility. It was, as above- letter and spirit of the law.
quoted portions of CESB Resolution No. 204 state, merely
accredited as “equivalent to passing the Management
Clearly, Atty. Nghuatco’s memorandum did not cover the
Aptitude Test Battery.” For respondent to
action contemplated by Section 49. For one, it did not
acquire CES eligibility and CES rank, she could “proceed
bear the imprimatur of the Commission Chairman (or his
to the second stage of the eligibility examination process
duly authorized representative) who was the proper party
. . . and the other stages of the examination . . . in
to grant or deny the application, as dictated by Section
accordance with existing policies and regulations”; and
52 of the Omnibus Rules on Leave. For another, it only
that if respondent as MNSA degree holder passed the
submitted to the Commission Secretary
three other stages of the CES eligibility examinations and
Atty. Nghuatco’s comments and/or recommendations
is conferred CES eligibility, she could “qualify for
on Paler’s application. It was merely preliminary and did
appointment to CES ranks,” PROVIDED that she meets
not propose any definitive action (i.e., approval or
and complies “with other requirements of the CES Board
disapproval) on Paler’s application, and simply
and the Office of the President to qualify for rank
recommended what action to take. It was obviously not
appointment.”
controlling and the Chairman could have agreed or
disagreed with the recommended action. In fact, the
Since, it is admitted that respondent, who acquired memorandum clearly provided that Paler’s request was
an MNSA degree in 1993, had not undergone the second, still to be referred to the Legal Service for comment, and
third and fourth stages of the CES eligibility examinations that the application “(could) be acted upon depending on
prior to her appointment or during her incumbency as the completion of his work load and submission of the
Deputy Director General up to the time her appointment medical certificate.” These circumstances plainly meant
was terminated, she was not a CES eligible, as indeed that further action was yet to be made on the application.
certified to by the CES Board. Not being a CES eligible, And since there was no final approval or disapproval
she had no security of tenure, hence, the termination by of Paler’s application within 5 working days from receipt
the PEZA Board on June 1, 2000 of her appointment, as as required by Section 49, the application was deemed
well as the appointment in her stead of CES eligible approved. Paler, therefore, could not be considered on
by Ortaliz, were not illegal. PEZA Board of Directors and AWOL. Commission on Appointments, represented
Lilia D. De Lima vs. Gloria J. Mercado, G.R. No. 172144, herein by its Secretary Hon. Arturo L. Tiu vs. Celso M.
March 9, 2010. Paler, G.R. No. 172623. March 3, 2010.
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After months of heated debate all over the country, the Based on the foregoing discussion and due to the lack or
Supreme Court has finally spoken – President Arroyo is absence of any law or jurisprudence saying otherwise, we
not prohibited by the Constitution to appoint the next rule that, in resolving cases brought before it on appeal,
Chief Justice of the Philippines (see Arturo M. De Castro respondent COA is not required to limit its review only to
Vs. Judicial and Bar Council, et al., G.R. No. 191002, G.R. the grounds relied upon by a government agency’s
No. 191032, G.R. No. 191057, A.M. No. 10-2-5-SC, G.R. auditor with respect to disallowing certain disbursements
No. 191149, G.R. No. 191342, March 17, 2010). of public funds. In consonance with its general audit
power, respondent COA is not merely legally permitted,
but is also duty-bound to make its own assessment of the
According to the Supreme Court, President Arroyo can merits of the disallowed disbursement and not simply
appoint the successor of Chief Justice Puno upon his restrict itself to reviewing the validity of the ground relied
retirement on May 17, 2010 since the constitutional upon by the auditor of the government agency
prohibition against presidential appointments during the concerned. To hold otherwise would render COA’s vital
two month period before a presidential election does not constitutional power unduly limited and thereby useless
extend to appointments in the Judiciary. and ineffective. Ramon R. Yap vs. Commission on
Audit, G.R. No. 158562, April 23, 2010.
Many of our readers will likely be surprised with the
ruling. In the poll we conducted among Lexoterica FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION; LGBT GROUP.
readers during the past several weeks, 78% believe that
the President cannot legally appoint the next Chief
Justice. Only 19% believe that the President can legally Under our system of laws, every group has the right to
do so. For the rest, they “don’t know”. promote its agenda and attempt to persuade society of
the validity of its position through normal democratic
means. It is in the public square that deeply held
Have your views changed given the Supreme Court’s convictions and differing opinions should be distilled and
ruling? Let us know by voting at our new poll. To help deliberated upon.
you decide, here is a link to the majority opinion penned
by Justice Bersamin, the dissenting opinion of Justice
Carpio Morales, the separate opinion of Justice Brion and The OSG argues that since there has been neither prior
the separate opinion of Justice Nachura. restraint nor subsequent punishment imposed on Ang
Ladlad, and its members have not been deprived of their
right to voluntarily associate, then there has been no
restriction on their freedom of expression or association.
APRIL 2010 CASES The OSG fails to recall that petitioner has, in fact,
established its qualifications to participate in the party-
Constitutional Law list system, and – as advanced by the OSG itself – the
moral objection offered by the COMELEC was not a
limitation imposed by law. To the extent, therefore, that
COA; POWERS.
the petitioner has been precluded, because of COMELEC’s
action, from publicly expressing its views as a political
The 1987 Constitution has made the COA the guardian of party and participating on an equal basis in the political
public funds, vesting it with broad powers over all process with other equally-qualified party-list candidates,
accounts pertaining to government revenue and we find that there has, indeed, been a transgression of
expenditures and the uses of public funds and property petitioner’s fundamental rights. Ang Ladlad LGBT Party
including the exclusive authority to define the scope of its vs. Commission on Elections, G.R. No. 190582, April 8,
audit and examination, establish the techniques and 2010.
methods for such review, and promulgate accounting and
auditing rules and regulations. Section 11, Chapter 4,
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT; POPULATION
Subtitle B, Title I, Book V of the Administrative Code of
REQUIREMENT.
1987 echoes this constitutional mandate given to COA.
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Camarines Sur and Thereby Creating a New Legislative It bears stressing that our finding that COMELEC’s act of
District From Such Reapportionment.” differentiating LGBTs from heterosexuals insofar as the
party-list system is concerned does not imply that any
other law distinguishing between heterosexuals and
Petitioners contend, citing Section 5(3), Article VI of the
homosexuals under different circumstances would
1987 Constitution, that the reapportionment introduced
similarly fail. We disagree with the OSG’s position that
by Republic Act No. 9716, runs afoul of the explicit
homosexuals are a class in themselves for the purposes
constitutional standard that requires a minimum
of the equal protection clause. We are not prepared to
population of two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) for
single out homosexuals as a separate class meriting
the creation of a legislative district. The petitioners claim
special or differentiated treatment. We have not received
that the reconfiguration by Republic Act No. 9716 of the
sufficient evidence to this effect, and it is simply
first and second districts of Camarines Sur is
unnecessary to make such a ruling today. Petitioner itself
unconstitutional, because the proposed first district will
has merely demanded that it be recognized under the
end up with a population of less than 250,000 or only
same basis as all other groups similarly situated, and that
176,383.
the COMELEC made “an unwarranted and impermissible
classification not justified by the circumstances of the
The second sentence of Section 5(3), Article VI of the case.” Ang Ladlad LGBT Party vs. Commission on
Constitution, succinctly provides: “Each city with a Elections, G.R. No. 190582, April 8, 2010.
population of at least two hundred fifty thousand, or each
province, shall have at least one representative.” The
PARTY LIST; SECTORS QUALIFIED.
provision draws a plain and clear distinction between the
entitlement of a city to a district on one hand, and the
entitlement of a province to a district on the other. For The COMELEC denied Ang Ladlad’s application for
while a province is entitled to at least a representative, registration on the ground that the LGBT sector is neither
with nothing mentioned about population, a city must enumerated in the Constitution and RA 7941, nor is it
first meet a population minimum of 250,000 in order to associated with or related to any of the sectors in the
be similarly entitled. Plainly read, Section 5(3) of the enumeration.
Constitution requires a 250,000 minimum population only
for a city to be entitled to a representative, but not so for
Respondent mistakenly opines that our ruling in Ang
a province. Senator Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III and
Bagong Bayani stands for the proposition that only those
Mayor Jesse Robredo vs. Commission on Elections, G.R.
sectors specifically enumerated in the law or related to
No. 189793, April 7, 2010.
said sectors (labor, peasant, fisherfolk, urban poor,
indigenous cultural communities, elderly, handicapped,
PARTY LIST; ACCREDITATION. women, youth, veterans, overseas workers, and
professionals) may be registered under the party-list
system. As we explicitly ruled in Ang Bagong Bayani-OFW
Ang Ladlad has sufficiently demonstrated its compliance
Labor Party v. Commission on Elections, “the
with the legal requirements for accreditation. Indeed,
enumeration of marginalized and under-represented
aside from COMELEC’s moral objection and the belated
sectors is not exclusive”. The crucial element is not
allegation of non-existence, nowhere in the records has
whether a sector is specifically enumerated, but whether
the respondent ever found/ruled that Ang Ladlad is not
a particular organization complies with the requirements
qualified to register as a party-list organization under any
of the Constitution and RA 7941. Ang Ladlad LGBT Party
of the requisites under RA 7941 or the guidelines in Ang
vs. Commission on Elections, G.R. No. 190582, April 8,
Bagong Bayani. Ang Ladlad LGBT Party vs. Commission
2010.
on Elections, G.R. No. 190582, April 8, 2010.
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under Section 15, Article VII does not extend to executive offices has been consistently supported by
appointments in the Judiciary. Arturo M. De Castro vs. specific provisions in general appropriations laws. Atty.
Judicial and Bar Council, et al., G.R. No. 191002, April Sylvia Banda, et al. vs.. Eduardo R. Ermita etc., et
20, 2010. al. G.R. No. 166620, April 20, 2010.
It is a well-settled principle in jurisprudence that the Section 4 of Presidential Decree No. 1445 lays out the
President has the power to reorganize the offices and basic guidelines that government entities must follow in
agencies in the executive department in line with the disbursing public funds. Any disbursement of public
President’s constitutionally granted power of control over funds, which includes payment of salaries and benefits to
executive offices and by virtue of previous delegation of government employees and officials, must (a) be
the legislative power to reorganize executive offices authorized by law, and (b) serve a public purpose.
under existing statutes.
In this regard, it is necessary for this Court to elaborate
Executive Order No. 292 or the Administrative Code of on the nature and meaning of the term “public purpose,”
1987 gives the President continuing authority to in relation to disbursement of public funds. As
reorganize and redefine the functions of the Office of the understood in the traditional sense, public purpose or
President. Section 31, Chapter 10, Title III, Book III of public use means any purpose or use directly available to
the said Code, is explicit. the general public as a matter of right. Thus, it has also
been defined as “an activity as will serve as benefit to
[the] community as a body and which at the same time is
It is undisputed that the NPO, as an agency that is part
directly related function of government.” However, the
of the Office of the Press Secretary (which in various
concept of public use is not limited to traditional
times has been an agency directly attached to the Office
purposes. Here as elsewhere, the idea that “public use”
of the Press Secretary or as an agency under the
is strictly limited to clear cases of “use by the public” has
Philippine Information Agency), is part of the Office of the
been discarded. In fact, this Court has already
President.
categorically stated that the term “public purpose” is not
defined, since it is an elastic concept that can be
Pertinent to the case at bar, Section 31 of the hammered to fit modern standards. It should be given a
Administrative Code of 1987 quoted above authorizes the broad interpretation; therefore, it does not only pertain
President (a) to restructure the internal organization of to those purposes that which are traditionally viewed as
the Office of the President Proper, including the essentially government functions, such as building roads
immediate Offices, the President Special and delivery of basic services, but also includes those
Assistants/Advisers System and the Common Staff purposes designed to promote social justice. Thus, public
Support System, by abolishing, consolidating or merging money may now be used for the relocation of illegal
units thereof or transferring functions from one unit to settlers, low-cost housing and urban or agrarian
another, and (b) to transfer functions or offices from the reform. In short, public use is now equated with public
Office of the President to any other Department or interest, and that it is not unconstitutional merely
Agency in the Executive Branch, and vice versa. because it incidentally benefits a limited number of
persons.
There is a view that the reorganization actions that the
President may take with respect to agencies in the Office To our mind, in view of the public purpose requirement,
of the President are strictly limited to transfer of the disbursement of public funds, salaries and benefits of
functions and offices as seemingly provided in Section 31 government officers and employees should be granted to
of the Administrative Code of 1987. compensate them for valuable public services rendered,
and the salaries or benefits paid to such officers or
However, Section 20, Chapter 7, Title I, Book III of the employees must be commensurate with services
same Code significantly provides: ”Sec. 20. Residual rendered. In the same vein, additional allowances and
Powers. – Unless Congress provides otherwise, the benefits must be shown to be necessary or relevant to
President shall exercise such other powers and functions the fulfillment of the official duties and functions of the
vested in the President which are provided for under the government officers and employees. We cannot accept
laws and which are not specifically enumerated above, or petitioner’s theory that the compensation and benefits of
which are not delegated by the President in accordance public officers are intended purely for the personal
with law. “ benefit of such officers, or that the mere payment of
salaries and benefits to a public officer satisfies the public
purpose requirement. That theory would lead to the
Pursuant to Section 20, the power of the President to anomalous conclusion that government officers and
reorganize the Executive Branch under Section 31 employees may be paid enormous sums without limit or
includes such powers and functions that may be provided without any justification necessary other than that such
for under other laws. To be sure, an inclusive and broad sums are being paid to someone employed by the
interpretation of the President’s power to reorganize government. Public funds are the property of the people
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and must be used prudently at all times with a view to alleged being deprived of this opportunity, nor indicated
prevent dissipation and waste. Ramon R. Yap vs. any situation in which his revisors were denied access to
Commission on Audit, G.R. No. 158562, April 23, 2010. the revision proceedings. He could not also insist that the
COMELEC did not consider his legal and factual
arguments; besides, he could still raise them in his
Administrative Law
memorandum should he chose to. During the revision
stage, he should raise all objections, present his evidence
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS; DUE PROCESS. and witnesses, and file his memorandum before the case
would be submitted for resolution. Mayor Abraham N.
On the due process issue, we agree with the COMELEC Tolentino vs. Commission on Elections, et al./Vice-Mayor
that PGBI’s right to due process was not violated for PGBI Celso P. De Castro vs. Commission on Elections, et
was given an opportunity to seek, as it did seek, a al., G.R. Nos. 187958, G.R. No. 187961 & 187962/G.R.
reconsideration of Resolution No. 8679. The essence of No. 187966, G.R. No. 187967 & 187968. April 7, 2010.
due process, we have consistently held, is simply the
opportunity to be heard; as applied to administrative REORGANIZATION; GOOD FAITH.
proceedings, due process is the opportunity to explain
one’s side or the opportunity to seek a reconsideration of
The presidential power to reorganize agencies and
the action or ruling complained of. A formal or trial-type
offices in the executive branch of government is subject
hearing is not at all times and in all instances
to the condition that such reorganization is carried out in
essential. The requirement is satisfied where the parties
good faith.
are afforded fair and reasonable opportunity to explain
their side of the controversy at hand. What is frowned
upon is absolute lack of notice and hearing x x x. We If the reorganization is done in good faith, the abolition of
find it obvious under the attendant circumstances that positions, which results in loss of security of tenure of
PGBI was not denied due process. In any case, given the affected government employees, would be
result of this Resolution, PGBI has no longer any cause valid. In Buklod ng Kawaning EIIB v. Zamora, we even
for complaint on due process grounds. Philippine observed that there was no such thing as an absolute
Guardians Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI), etc. vs. Commission right to hold office. Except those who hold constitutional
on Elections, G.R. No. 190529. April 29, 2010 offices, which provide for special immunity as regards
salary and tenure, no one can be said to have any vested
right to an office or salary. Atty. Sylvia Banda, et al. vs..
PROCEDURAL DUE PROCESS; REQUIREMENTS.
Eduardo R. Ermita etc., et al. G.R. No. 166620, April 20,
2010.
The Ang Tibay formulation was overlapping and
repetitious. Hence, in Air Manila, Inc. v. Balatbat, the
Election Law
formulation was simplified into four basic rights, as
follows:
BALLOTS; REVISION.
1. The right to notice, be it actual or constructive,
of the institution of the proceedings that may affect a The COMELEC did not commit grave abuse of discretion
person’s legal right; when it order the revision of 44 ballots with the Senate
Electoral Tribunal without first reolsivng whether 16 of
those 44 ballots should be included in the revision.
2. The right to a reasonable opportunity to appear and
defend his rights and to introduce witnesses and relevant
evidence in his favor; In regular election contests, the general averment of
fraud or irregularities in the counting of votes justifies the
examination of the ballots and recounting of votes. This
3. The right to a tribunal so constituted as to give him
process of examination is the revision of the ballots
reasonable assurance of honesty and impartiality, and
pursuant to Section 6, Rule 20 of the 1993 COMELEC
one of competent jurisdiction; and
Rules of Procedure.
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No ruling could be handed down against the integrity of partly invalidated the 2% party-list vote requirement
the ballot boxes that would effectively render naught the provided in RA 7941 as follows: ”We rule that, in
evidentiary value of the ballots they contained unless a computing the allocation of additional seats, the
full blown trial on the merits was first conducted. continued operation of the two percent threshold for the
Tolentino should accept the legal impossibility for the distribution of the additional seats as found in the second
Division to rule on the issue of inclusion or exclusion of clause of Section 11(b) of R.A. No. 7941 is
the set-aside ballot boxes except after the revision unconstitutional. This Court finds that the two percent
process. Mayor Abraham N. Tolentino vs. Commission on threshold makes it mathematically impossible to achieve
Elections, et al./Vice-Mayor Celso P. De Castro vs. the maximum number of available party list seats when
Commission on Elections, et al., G.R. Nos. 187958, G.R. the number of available party list seats exceeds 50. The
No. 187961 & 187962/G.R. No. 187966, G.R. No. 187967 continued operation of the two percent threshold in the
& 187968. April 7, 2010. distribution of the additional seats frustrates the
attainment of the permissive ceiling that 20% of the
members of the House of Representatives shall consist of
PARTY LIST; DELISTING.
party-list representatives.”
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not only an intention to reside in a fixed place but also INTERNATIONAL LAW; BINDING EFFECT.
personal presence in that place, coupled with conduct
indicative of such intention inferable from a person’s acts,
Although this Court stands willing to assume the
activities, and utterances. “Domicile” denotes a fixed
responsibility of giving effect to the Philippines’
permanent residence where, when absent for business or
international law obligations, the blanket invocation of
pleasure, or for like reasons, one intends to return. In the
international law is not the panacea for all social ills. We
consideration of circumstances obtaining in each
refer now to the petitioner’s invocation of the Yogyakarta
particular case, three rules must be borne in mind,
Principles (the Application of International Human Rights
namely: (1) that a person must have a residence or
Law In Relation to Sexual Orientation and Gender
domicile somewhere; (2) once established, it remains
Identity), which petitioner declares to reflect binding
until a new one is acquired; and (3) that a person can
principles of international law.
have but one residence or domicile at a time.
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Lizares v. Hechanova, et al. replicated the doctrine. The hold appointive positions, they cannot claim the mandate
Court dismissed the petition in that case for being moot, of the electorate. The people cannot be charged with the
the therein petitioner “having been duly reelected, is no presumption of full knowledge of the life and character of
longer amenable to administrative sanctions.” each and every probable appointee of the elective official
ahead of the latter’s actual reelection.
Ingco v. Sanchez, et al. clarified that the condonation
doctrine does not apply to a criminal case. Luciano v. Moreover, the unwarranted expansion of the Pascual
The Provincial Governor, et al., Olivarez v. Judge Villaluz, doctrine would set a dangerous precedent as it would, as
and Aguinaldo v. Santos echoed the qualified rule that respondents posit, provide civil servants, particularly
reelection of a public official does not bar prosecution for local government employees, with blanket immunity from
crimes committed by him prior thereto. administrative liability that would spawn and breed abuse
in the bureaucracy. Atty. Vicente E. Salumbides, Jr., et
al. vs. Office of the Ombudsman, et al., G.R. No. 180917,
Consistently, the Court has reiterated the doctrine in a
April 23, 2010.
string of recent jurisprudence including two cases
involving a Senator and a Member of the House of
Representatives. PUBLIC OFFICE; PUBLIC TRUST.
Salalima v. Guingona, Jr. and Mayor Garcia v. Hon. Unlike private offices which are held largely on the
Mojica reinforced the doctrine. The condonation rule was dictates of market forces, public offices are public trust.
applied even if the administrative complaint was not filed Public officers are tasked to serve the public interest,
before the reelection of the public official, and even if the thus the excessive burden for their retention in the form
alleged misconduct occurred four days before the of numerous prohibitions. The liberal evidentiary
elections, respectively. Salalima did not distinguish as to standard of substantial evidence and the freedom of
the date of filing of the administrative complaint, as long administrative proceedings from technical niceties
as the alleged misconduct was committed during the effectuate the fiduciary nature of public office: they are
prior term, the precise timing or period of which Garcia procedural mechanisms assuring ease in maintaining an
did not further distinguish, as long as the wrongdoing efficient bureaucracy, free of rent-seeking officials who
that gave rise to the public official’s culpability was exploit government processes to raise easy money.
committed prior to the date of reelection. Respondent’s hold on his item at the Mandaue City
revenue office, which, like our customs offices, is a
common situs for corrupt activities, is no more lasting
Petitioners’ theory is not novel.
than his fidelity to his trust. Although no criminal verdict
deprives respondent of his liberty, adequate evidence
A parallel question was involved in Civil Service justifies his removal from the bureaucracy for forfeiting
Commission v. Sojor where the Court found no basis to the public trust. Hon. Primo C. Miro, etc. vs. Reynaldo M.
broaden the scope of the doctrine of condonation. Dosono, G.R. No. 170697, April 30, 2010.
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The OSG argues that since there has been neither prior
restraint nor subsequent punishment imposed on Ang
Ladlad, and its members have not been deprived of their
APRIL 2010 CASES
right to voluntarily associate, then there has been no
restriction on their freedom of expression or association.
Constitutional Law
The OSG fails to recall that petitioner has, in fact,
COA; powers. established its qualifications to participate in the party-
list system, and – as advanced by the OSG itself – the
The 1987 Constitution has made the COA the guardian of moral objection offered by the COMELEC was not a
public funds, vesting it with broad powers over all limitation imposed by law. To the extent, therefore, that
accounts pertaining to government revenue and the petitioner has been precluded, because of COMELEC’s
expenditures and the uses of public funds and property action, from publicly expressing its views as a political
including the exclusive authority to define the scope of its party and participating on an equal basis in the political
audit and examination, establish the techniques and process with other equally-qualified party-list candidates,
methods for such review, and promulgate accounting and we find that there has, indeed, been a transgression of
auditing rules and regulations. Section 11, Chapter 4, petitioner’s fundamental rights. Ang Ladlad LGBT Party
Subtitle B, Title I, Book V of the Administrative Code of vs. Commission on Elections, G.R. No. 190582, April 8,
1987 echoes this constitutional mandate given to COA. 2010.
In light of these express provisions of law granting Legislative district; population requirement.
respondent COA its power and authority, we have
previously ruled that its exercise of its general audit Petitioners Senator Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III and
power is among the constitutional mechanisms that give Mayor Jesse Robredo seek the nullification as
life to the check and balance system inherent in our form unconstitutional of Republic Act No. 9716, entitled “An
of government. Furthermore, we have also declared that Act Reapportioning the Composition of the First (1st) and
COA is endowed with enough latitude to determine, Second (2nd) Legislative Districts in the Province of
prevent and disallow irregular, unnecessary, excessive, Camarines Sur and Thereby Creating a New Legislative
extravagant or unconscionable expenditures of District From Such Reapportionment.”
government funds.
Petitioners contend, citing Section 5(3), Article VI of the
Based on the foregoing discussion and due to the lack or 1987 Constitution, that the reapportionment introduced
absence of any law or jurisprudence saying otherwise, we by Republic Act No. 9716, runs afoul of the explicit
rule that, in resolving cases brought before it on appeal, constitutional standard that requires a minimum
respondent COA is not required to limit its review only to population of two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) for
the grounds relied upon by a government agency’s the creation of a legislative district. The petitioners claim
auditor with respect to disallowing certain disbursements that the reconfiguration by Republic Act No. 9716 of the
of public funds. In consonance with its general audit first and second districts of Camarines Sur is
power, respondent COA is not merely legally permitted, unconstitutional, because the proposed first district will
but is also duty-bound to make its own assessment of the end up with a population of less than 250,000 or only
merits of the disallowed disbursement and not simply 176,383.
restrict itself to reviewing the validity of the ground relied
upon by the auditor of the government agency
The second sentence of Section 5(3), Article VI of the
concerned. To hold otherwise would render COA’s vital
Constitution, succinctly provides: “Each city with a
constitutional power unduly limited and thereby useless
population of at least two hundred fifty thousand, or each
and ineffective. Ramon R. Yap vs. Commission on
province, shall have at least one representative.” The
Audit, G.R. No. 158562, April 23, 2010.
provision draws a plain and clear distinction between the
________________
entitlement of a city to a district on one hand, and the
* Sourced from http://lexoterica.wordpress.com by
entitlement of a province to a district on the other. For
Vicente D. Gerochi IV
while a province is entitled to at least a representative,
with nothing mentioned about population, a city must
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first meet a population minimum of 250,000 in order to associated with or related to any of the sectors in the
be similarly entitled. Plainly read, Section 5(3) of the enumeration.
Constitution requires a 250,000 minimum population only
for a city to be entitled to a representative, but not so for
Respondent mistakenly opines that our ruling in Ang
a province. Senator Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III and
Bagong Bayani stands for the proposition that only those
Mayor Jesse Robredo vs. Commission on Elections, G.R.
sectors specifically enumerated in the law or related to
No. 189793, April 7, 2010.
said sectors (labor, peasant, fisherfolk, urban poor,
indigenous cultural communities, elderly, handicapped,
Party list; accreditation. women, youth, veterans, overseas workers, and
professionals) may be registered under the party-list
system. As we explicitly ruled in Ang Bagong Bayani-OFW
Ang Ladlad has sufficiently demonstrated its compliance
Labor Party v. Commission on Elections, “the
with the legal requirements for accreditation. Indeed,
enumeration of marginalized and under-represented
aside from COMELEC’s moral objection and the belated
sectors is not exclusive”. The crucial element is not
allegation of non-existence, nowhere in the records has
whether a sector is specifically enumerated, but whether
the respondent ever found/ruled that Ang Ladlad is not
a particular organization complies with the requirements
qualified to register as a party-list organization under any
of the Constitution and RA 7941. Ang Ladlad LGBT Party
of the requisites under RA 7941 or the guidelines in Ang
vs. Commission on Elections, G.R. No. 190582, April 8,
Bagong Bayani. Ang Ladlad LGBT Party vs. Commission
2010.
on Elections, G.R. No. 190582, April 8, 2010.
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of the Press Secretary or as an agency under the purposes. Here as elsewhere, the idea that “public use”
Philippine Information Agency), is part of the Office of the is strictly limited to clear cases of “use by the public” has
President. been discarded. In fact, this Court has already
categorically stated that the term “public purpose” is not
defined, since it is an elastic concept that can be
Pertinent to the case at bar, Section 31 of the
hammered to fit modern standards. It should be given a
Administrative Code of 1987 quoted above authorizes the
broad interpretation; therefore, it does not only pertain
President (a) to restructure the internal organization of
to those purposes that which are traditionally viewed as
the Office of the President Proper, including the
essentially government functions, such as building roads
immediate Offices, the President Special
and delivery of basic services, but also includes those
Assistants/Advisers System and the Common Staff
purposes designed to promote social justice. Thus, public
Support System, by abolishing, consolidating or merging
money may now be used for the relocation of illegal
units thereof or transferring functions from one unit to
settlers, low-cost housing and urban or agrarian
another, and (b) to transfer functions or offices from the
reform. In short, public use is now equated with public
Office of the President to any other Department or
interest, and that it is not unconstitutional merely
Agency in the Executive Branch, and vice versa.
because it incidentally benefits a limited number of
persons.
There is a view that the reorganization actions that the
President may take with respect to agencies in the Office
To our mind, in view of the public purpose requirement,
of the President are strictly limited to transfer of
the disbursement of public funds, salaries and benefits of
functions and offices as seemingly provided in Section 31
government officers and employees should be granted to
of the Administrative Code of 1987.
compensate them for valuable public services rendered,
and the salaries or benefits paid to such officers or
However, Section 20, Chapter 7, Title I, Book III of the employees must be commensurate with services
same Code significantly provides: ”Sec. 20. Residual rendered. In the same vein, additional allowances and
Powers. – Unless Congress provides otherwise, the benefits must be shown to be necessary or relevant to
President shall exercise such other powers and functions the fulfillment of the official duties and functions of the
vested in the President which are provided for under the government officers and employees. We cannot accept
laws and which are not specifically enumerated above, or petitioner’s theory that the compensation and benefits of
which are not delegated by the President in accordance public officers are intended purely for the personal
with law. “ benefit of such officers, or that the mere payment of
salaries and benefits to a public officer satisfies the public
Pursuant to Section 20, the power of the President to purpose requirement. That theory would lead to the
reorganize the Executive Branch under Section 31 anomalous conclusion that government officers and
includes such powers and functions that may be provided employees may be paid enormous sums without limit or
for under other laws. To be sure, an inclusive and broad without any justification necessary other than that such
interpretation of the President’s power to reorganize sums are being paid to someone employed by the
executive offices has been consistently supported by government. Public funds are the property of the people
specific provisions in general appropriations laws. Atty. and must be used prudently at all times with a view to
Sylvia Banda, et al. vs.. Eduardo R. Ermita etc., et prevent dissipation and waste. Ramon R. Yap vs.
al. G.R. No. 166620, April 20, 2010. Commission on Audit, G.R. No. 158562, April 23, 2010.
Section 4 of Presidential Decree No. 1445 lays out the Administrative Law
basic guidelines that government entities must follow in
disbursing public funds. Any disbursement of public Administrative proceedings; due process.
funds, which includes payment of salaries and benefits to
government employees and officials, must (a) be
On the due process issue, we agree with the COMELEC
authorized by law, and (b) serve a public purpose.
that PGBI’s right to due process was not violated for PGBI
was given an opportunity to seek, as it did seek, a
In this regard, it is necessary for this Court to elaborate reconsideration of Resolution No. 8679. The essence of
on the nature and meaning of the term “public purpose,” due process, we have consistently held, is simply the
in relation to disbursement of public funds. As opportunity to be heard; as applied to administrative
understood in the traditional sense, public purpose or proceedings, due process is the opportunity to explain
public use means any purpose or use directly available to one’s side or the opportunity to seek a reconsideration of
the general public as a matter of right. Thus, it has also the action or ruling complained of. A formal or trial-type
been defined as “an activity as will serve as benefit to hearing is not at all times and in all instances
[the] community as a body and which at the same time is essential. The requirement is satisfied where the parties
directly related function of government.” However, the are afforded fair and reasonable opportunity to explain
concept of public use is not limited to traditional their side of the controversy at hand. What is frowned
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upon is absolute lack of notice and hearing x x x. We If the reorganization is done in good faith, the abolition of
find it obvious under the attendant circumstances that positions, which results in loss of security of tenure of
PGBI was not denied due process. In any case, given the affected government employees, would be
result of this Resolution, PGBI has no longer any cause valid. In Buklod ng Kawaning EIIB v. Zamora, we even
for complaint on due process grounds. Philippine observed that there was no such thing as an absolute
Guardians Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI), etc. vs. Commission right to hold office. Except those who hold constitutional
on Elections, G.R. No. 190529. April 29, 2010 offices, which provide for special immunity as regards
salary and tenure, no one can be said to have any vested
right to an office or salary. Atty. Sylvia Banda, et al. vs..
Procedural due process; requirements.
Eduardo R. Ermita etc., et al. G.R. No. 166620, April 20,
2010.
The Ang Tibay formulation was overlapping and
repetitious. Hence, in Air Manila, Inc. v. Balatbat, the
formulation was simplified into four basic rights, as
follows:
Election Law
1. The right to notice, be it actual or constructive,
of the institution of the proceedings that may affect a Ballots; revision.
person’s legal right;
The COMELEC did not commit grave abuse of discretion
2. The right to a reasonable opportunity to appear and when it order the revision of 44 ballots with the Senate
defend his rights and to introduce witnesses and relevant Electoral Tribunal without first reolsivng whether 16 of
evidence in his favor; those 44 ballots should be included in the revision.
3. The right to a tribunal so constituted as to give him In regular election contests, the general averment of
reasonable assurance of honesty and impartiality, and fraud or irregularities in the counting of votes justifies the
one of competent jurisdiction; and examination of the ballots and recounting of votes. This
process of examination is the revision of the ballots
pursuant to Section 6, Rule 20 of the 1993 COMELEC
4. The right to a finding or decision of that tribunal
Rules of Procedure.
supported by substantial evidence presented at the
hearing or at least ascertained in the records or disclosed
to the parties. The protests involved herein assailed the authenticity of
the election returns and the veracity of the counting of
the ballots. In that regard, the ballots themselves are the
Gauged upon the foregoing guidelines, Tolentino’s gripe
best evidence. The only means to overcome the
was unwarranted. He was not denied procedural due
presumption of legitimacy of the election returns is to
process. The Division had required him to provide the
examine and determine first whether the ballot boxes
names of his revisors whose tasks included the raising of
have been substantially preserved in the manner
objections, the claiming votes for him, or the contesting
mandated by law. Hence, the necessity to issue the order
of the votes in favor of his opponent. He has neither
of revision.
alleged being deprived of this opportunity, nor indicated
any situation in which his revisors were denied access to
the revision proceedings. He could not also insist that the No ruling could be handed down against the integrity of
COMELEC did not consider his legal and factual the ballot boxes that would effectively render naught the
arguments; besides, he could still raise them in his evidentiary value of the ballots they contained unless a
memorandum should he chose to. During the revision full blown trial on the merits was first conducted.
stage, he should raise all objections, present his evidence Tolentino should accept the legal impossibility for the
and witnesses, and file his memorandum before the case Division to rule on the issue of inclusion or exclusion of
would be submitted for resolution. Mayor Abraham N. the set-aside ballot boxes except after the revision
Tolentino vs. Commission on Elections, et al./Vice-Mayor process. Mayor Abraham N. Tolentino vs. Commission on
Celso P. De Castro vs. Commission on Elections, et Elections, et al./Vice-Mayor Celso P. De Castro vs.
al., G.R. Nos. 187958, G.R. No. 187961 & 187962/G.R. Commission on Elections, et al., G.R. Nos. 187958, G.R.
No. 187966, G.R. No. 187967 & 187968. April 7, 2010. No. 187961 & 187962/G.R. No. 187966, G.R. No. 187967
& 187968. April 7, 2010.
Reorganization; good faith.
Party list; delisting.
The presidential power to reorganize agencies and
offices in the executive branch of government is subject Our Minero ruling is an erroneous application of Section
to the condition that such reorganization is carried out in 6(8) of RA 7941; hence, it cannot sustain PGBI’s delisting
good faith. from the roster of registered national, regional or sectoral
parties, organizations or coalitions under the party-list
system.
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First, the law is clear – the COMELEC may motu proprio We need not extensively discuss Banat’s significance,
or upon verified complaint of any interested party, except to state that a party-list group or organization
remove or cancel, after due notice and hearing, the which qualified in the second round of seat allocation
registration of any national, regional or sectoral party, cannot now validly be delisted for the reason alone that it
organization or coalition if it: (a) fails to participate in the garnered less than 2% in the last two elections. In other
last two (2) preceding elections; or (b) fails to obtain at words, the application of this disqualification should
least two per centum (2%) of the votes cast under the henceforth be contingent on the percentage of party-list
party-list system in the two (2) preceding elections for votes garnered by the last party-list organization that
the constituency in which it has registered. The word qualified for a seat in the House of Representatives, a
“or” is a disjunctive term signifying disassociation and percentage that is less than the 2% threshold invalidated
independence of one thing from the other things in Banat. The disqualification should now necessarily be
enumerated; it should, as a rule, be construed in the read to apply to party-list groups or organizations that
sense in which it ordinarily implies, as a disjunctive did not qualify for a seat in the two preceding elections
word. Thus, the plain, clear and unmistakable language for the constituency in which it registered.
of the law provides for two (2) separate reasons for
delisting.
To reiterate, (a) Section 6(8) of RA 7941 provides for two
separate grounds for delisting; these grounds cannot be
Second, Minero is diametrically opposed to the legislative mixed or combined to support delisting; and (b) the
intent of Section 6(8) of RA 7941, as PGBI’s cited disqualification for failure to garner 2% party-list votes in
congressional deliberations clearly show. two preceding elections should now be understood, in
light of the Banat ruling, to mean failure to qualify for a
party-list seat in two preceding elections for the
Minero therefore simply cannot stand. Its basic defect
constituency in which it has registered. This, we declare,
lies in its characterization of the non-participation of a
is how Section 6(8) of RA 7941 should be understood and
party-list organization in an election as similar to a failure
applied. We do so under our authority to state what the
to garner the 2% threshold party-list vote. What Minero
law is, and as an exception to the application of the
effectively holds is that a party list organization that does
principle of stare decisis. Philippine Guardians
not participate in an election necessarily gets, by default,
Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI), etc. vs. Commission on
less than 2% of the party-list votes. To be sure, this is a
Elections, G.R. No. 190529. April 29, 2010.
confused interpretation of the law, given the law’s clear
and categorical language and the legislative intent to
treat the two scenarios differently. A delisting based on a Voter; residency requirement.
mixture or fusion of these two different and separate
grounds for delisting is therefore a strained application of
The the residency requirement of a voter is at least one
the law – in jurisdictional terms, it is an interpretation
(1) year residence in the Philippines and at least six (6)
not within the contemplation of the framers of the law
months in the place where the person proposes or
and hence is a gravely abusive interpretation of the law.
intends to vote. “Residence,” as used in the law
prescribing the qualifications for suffrage and for elective
What we say here should of course take into account our office, is doctrinally settled to mean “domicile,” importing
ruling in Barangay Association for Advancement and not only an intention to reside in a fixed place but also
National Transparency v. COMELEC (Banat) where we personal presence in that place, coupled with conduct
partly invalidated the 2% party-list vote requirement indicative of such intention inferable from a person’s acts,
provided in RA 7941 as follows: ”We rule that, in activities, and utterances. “Domicile” denotes a fixed
computing the allocation of additional seats, the permanent residence where, when absent for business or
continued operation of the two percent threshold for the pleasure, or for like reasons, one intends to return. In the
distribution of the additional seats as found in the second consideration of circumstances obtaining in each
clause of Section 11(b) of R.A. No. 7941 is particular case, three rules must be borne in mind,
unconstitutional. This Court finds that the two percent namely: (1) that a person must have a residence or
threshold makes it mathematically impossible to achieve domicile somewhere; (2) once established, it remains
the maximum number of available party list seats when until a new one is acquired; and (3) that a person can
the number of available party list seats exceeds 50. The have but one residence or domicile at a time.
continued operation of the two percent threshold in the
distribution of the additional seats frustrates the
Domicile is not easily lost. To successfully effect a
attainment of the permissive ceiling that 20% of the
transfer thereof, one must demonstrate: (1) an actual
members of the House of Representatives shall consist of
removal or change of domicile; (2) a bona fide intention
party-list representatives.”
of abandoning the former place of residence and
establishing a new one; and (3) acts which correspond
The disqualification for failure to get 2% party-list votes with that purpose. There must be animus manendi
in two (2) preceding elections should therefore be coupled with animus non revertendi. The purpose to
understood in light of the Banat ruling that party-list remain in or at the domicile of choice must be for an
groups or organizations garnering less than 2% of the indefinite period of time; the change of residence must
party-list votes may yet qualify for a seat in the be voluntary; and the residence at the place chosen for
allocation of additional seats. the new domicile must be actual.
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the date of filing of the administrative complaint, as long administrative proceedings from technical niceties
as the alleged misconduct was committed during the effectuate the fiduciary nature of public office: they are
prior term, the precise timing or period of which Garcia procedural mechanisms assuring ease in maintaining an
did not further distinguish, as long as the wrongdoing efficient bureaucracy, free of rent-seeking officials who
that gave rise to the public official’s culpability was exploit government processes to raise easy money.
committed prior to the date of reelection. Respondent’s hold on his item at the Mandaue City
revenue office, which, like our customs offices, is a
common situs for corrupt activities, is no more lasting
Petitioners’ theory is not novel.
than his fidelity to his trust. Although no criminal verdict
deprives respondent of his liberty, adequate evidence
A parallel question was involved in Civil Service justifies his removal from the bureaucracy for forfeiting
Commission v. Sojor where the Court found no basis to the public trust. Hon. Primo C. Miro, etc. vs. Reynaldo M.
broaden the scope of the doctrine of condonation. Dosono, G.R. No. 170697, April 30, 2010.
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Comelec Resolution No. 8646, dated July 14, 2009, which Comelec has the duty and can be compelled to explain
sets August 17, 2009 as the deadline for filing petitions fully its preparations for the May 10, 2010 elections
for registration of political parties, without mentioning under Section 7 of Article III of the Constitution on the
political organizations and coalitions, should be people’s right to information and Section 28 of Article II
understood as covering the latter entities as well. A on the State’s corresponding duty of full public disclosure
petition for registration as a political coalition filed of all transactions involving public interest. Any citizen
beyond that deadline is time-barred, and the Comelec can file a petition for mandamus if the same is anchored
resolution granting that petition constitutes grave abuse on the people’s right to information. Teofisto Guingona,
of discretion. Jr. et al. vs. Commission on Elections, G.R. No. 191846,
May 6, 2010.
Political coalitions, even if composed of registered
political parties, need to register separately in accordance
with established norms and procedures, if they are to be
recognized as such and be given the benefits accorded by
law to registered coalitions. Registered political parties
carry a different legal personality from that of the
coalition they may wish to establish with other registered
parties. If parties want to coalesce with one another
without the formal registration of their coalition, they can JUNE 2010 CASES
do so on their own in the exercise of their and their
members’ democratic freedom of choice, but they cannot
receive official recognition for their coalition. Liberal Administrative cases; quantum of evidence.
Party, etc. et al. vs. Commission on Elections, et al., G.R.
No. 191771, May 6, 2010. In administrative cases, the quantum of evidence
necessary to find an individual administratively liable is
Electoral tribunals; grave abuse of discretion. substantial evidence. Substantial evidence does not
necessarily mean preponderant proof as required in
ordinary civil cases, but such kind of relevant evidence as
The Supreme Court’s jurisdiction to review decisions and a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a
orders of electoral tribunals is exercised only upon conclusion or evidence commonly accepted by reasonably
showing of grave abuse of discretion committed by the prudent men in the conduct of their affairs. The evidence
tribunal; otherwise, the Court will not interfere with the upon which respondent’s administrative liability would be
tribunal’s exercise of its discretion and anchored lacked that degree of certainty required in
jurisdiction. There was no grave abuse of discretion administrative cases, because the two separate audits
when the House of Representatives Electoral conducted by the Commission on Audit yielded conflicting
Tribunal ordered to continue the revision and results. Evidence of shortage in respondent’s cash and
appreciation of ballots after the case had been submitted accounts, as alleged in the first audit report, is
for resolution and when it issued its decisions without the imperative to hold him liable. In this case, the evidence
participation of any of the Justices of the Court against respondent could not be relied upon, because the
who were members of that tribunal. Henry “Jun” Dueñas, second audit report, which was favorable to him,
Jr. vs. House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal, et al., necessarily puts into question the reliability of the initial
G.R. No. 191550, May 4, 2010. audit findings. Whether the zero balance as appearing in
the second audit report was correct or inadvertently
Province; requirements for creation. indicated, the credibility and accuracy of the two audit
reports were already tarnished. Even in administrative
cases, a degree of moral certainty is necessary to support
Section 10 of Article X of the Constitution mandates that
a finding of liability. Office of the Ombudsman (Visayas)
the criteria in the Local Government Code must be
vs. Rodolfo Zaldarriaga, G.R. No. 175349, June 22, 2010.
followed in the creation of a province. Any derogation of
or deviation from those criteria violates the
Constitution. Thus, a law creating a province, which Agrarian cases; just compensation.
failed to comply with either the population or territorial
requirement of the Local Government Code, is The taking of property under the Comprehensive Agrarian
unconstitutional. The Court can pass upon the validity of Reform Law (CARL) is a government exercise of the
such law even if the province it created has begun its power of eminent domain. Since the determination of
existence. Rodolfo G. Navarro, et al. vs. Executive just compensation in eminent domain proceedings is a
Secretary Eduardo Ermita, et al., G.R. No. 180050, May judicial function, a court proceeding to fix just
12, 2010. compensation cannot be made to depend on the
existence of, and is considered separate and independent
Right to information; duty to disclose. from, an administrative case of a similar nature. Thus,
the filing by the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) of a
new petition for judicial determination of just
compensation after the dismissal without prejudice of
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another LBP-initiated court proceeding on the same issue Article IX-A of the 1987 Constitution, notwithstanding the
cannot be regarded as barred by the filing of the latter proclamation of, and assumption of office by, the
proceeding beyond the 15-day period prescribed under substitute nominee.
Rule XIII, Section 11 of the Rules of the Department of
Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board (DARAB). Although The COMELEC exceeded its authority when it issued an
the formula for fixing just compensation found in Section implementing regulation allowing a party-list nominee to
17 of the CARL may be justly adopted in certain cases, it be substituted when his nomination is withdrawn by his
is by no means the only formula that the court may party, because the statutory provision (Section 8 of the
adopt in determining just compensation. Land Bank of Party-List System Act) that such regulation seeks to
the Philippines vs. Fortune Savings and Loan Association, implement provides an exclusive list of instances in which
Inc., represented by Philippine Deposit Insurance a party-list organization can substitute its nominees, and
Corporation, G.R. No. 177511, June 29, 2010. the above ground for substitution is not one of those
instances. It is basic that implementing rules and
Due process; local autonomy; police power. regulations should remain consistent with, and cannot
override or modify, the law they intend to carry out. Luis
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Administrative K. Lokin, Jr. vs. Commission on Elections, et al./Luis K.
Order No. 01-02, as amended, which sets out rules on Lokin, Jr. vs. Commission on Elections, et al. G.R. Nos.
land use conversion, does not violate the due process 179431-32/G.R. No. 180443. June 22, 2010.
clause, because in providing administrative and criminal
penalties, the Secretary of Agrarian Reform simply
Party list; Qualifications of party-list nominees.
implements the provisions of the Comprehensive
Agrarian Reform Law and the Agriculture and Fisheries
Modernization Act, both of which provide penalties for The provision in Section 9 of Republic Act No. 7941 (The
illegal land conversion. Contrary to petitioner’s Party-List System Act) that a nominee of the youth sector
assertions, the penalties provided under DAR AO No. 01- must be at least 25 but not more than 30 years of age on
02 are imposed upon the illegal or premature conversion the day of the election applies to all youth sector
of lands within DAR’s jurisdiction. nominees of any party-list group. Public respondent
In providing that reclassification of agricultural lands by erroneously interpreted that provision as applying only to
local government units (LGUs) shall be subject to the those nominated during the first three congressional
requirements of, and procedures for, land use terms after the ratification of the 1987 Constitution or
conversion, including DAR approval or clearance, DAR AO until 1998, unless a sectoral party is thereafter registered
No. 01-02 did not violate the autonomy of the LGUs. The exclusively as representing the youth sector.
power of LGUs to reclassify agricultural lands is not
absolute, and the Local Government Code recognizes the Section 15 of RA 7941 provides that a nominee of a
authority of DAR to approve conversion of agricultural sectoral party who changes his sectoral affiliation within
lands. DAR Memorandum No. 88, which temporarily the same party is not eligible for nomination under the
suspended the processing and approval of all land use new sectoral affiliation unless such change occurred at
conversion applications, is a valid exercise of police least six months before the elections. There is no textual
power, as it was issued upon the instruction of the support in the law for public respondent’s argument that
President in order to address the unabated conversion of Section 15 does not apply to private respondent’s shift of
prime agricultural lands for real estate development affiliation from his party’s youth sector to its sector
because of the worsening rice shortage in the country at representing overseas Filipino workers and their families
that time. Such measure was made in order to ensure on the basis that there was no resultant change in party
that there are enough agricultural lands in which rice affiliation. Section 15 clearly covers changes in both
cultivation and production may be carried into. Chamber political party and sectoral affiliation within the same
of Real Estate and Builders Associations, Inc. vs. The party. Milagros E. Amores vs. House of Representatives
Secretary of Agrarian Reform, G.R. No. 183409, June 18, Electoral Tribunal and Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva. G.R.
2010. No. 189600, June 29, 2010.
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structures. Considering that, in this case, a fencing Honorable Sandiganbayan, et al., G.R. No. 180564, June
permit is issued complementary to a building permit and 22, 2010.
that, within its premises, PEZA may properly issue a
building permit, it is only fitting that fencing permits be
Standing to sue.
issued by PEZA within such premises. Philippine
Economic Zone Authority vs. Joseph Jude Carantes, et
al., G.R. No. 181274, June 23, 2010. Petitioner’s citizenship and taxpayer status do not
automatically clothe him with standing to bring suit. The
Supreme Court will grant access to citizen’s suits on the
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation;
narrowest of ground: when they raise issues of
power to grant casino licenses in economic zones.
transcendental importance calling for urgent
resolution. Three factors are relevant in the Court’s
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation determination to allow third party suits so it can resolve
(PAGCOR) draws its authority and power to operate, the merits of the crucial issues raised – the character of
license and regulate casinos from its charter, Presidential funds or assets involved in the controversy; a clear
Decree No. 1869, and not from Section 5 of Executive disregard of constitutional or statutory prohibition; and
Order No. 80, dated April 3, 1993 (which extended to the the lack of any other party with a more direct and specific
Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) all applicable interest to bring the suit. Petitioner’s suspension from the
incentives granted to the Subic Bay Special Economic practice of law bars him from performing any activity, in
Zone), in relation to Section 13 of Republic Act No. 7227, or out of court, which requires the application of law,
which created the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and legal procedure, knowledge, training and
empowered it to license tourism related activities except experience. Preparing a petition raising carefully crafted
casinos which shall continue to be licensed by arguments on equal protection grounds and employing
PAGCOR. Thus, PAGCOR did not lose its power to license highly legalistic rules of statutory construction falls within
and regulate casinos when the Supreme Court nullified the proscribed conduct. Allan F. Paguia vs. Office of the
Section 5 of EO 80. It incorrectly argued that such President, et al., G.R. No. 176278, June 25, 2010.
nullification automatically invalidated its memorandum of
agreement with respondent for the operation of a casino
Warrantless search; arrest without warrant.
inside the CSEZ. It cannot therefore, on the basis of that
position, revoke such memorandum of agreement and
replace it with its new Standard Authority to Operate. The search of a moving vehicle is one of the doctrinally
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation vs. accepted exceptions to the Constitutional mandate that
Fontana Development Corporation, G.R. No. 187972, no search or seizure shall be made except by virtue of a
June 29, 2010. warrant issued by a judge after personally determining
the existence of probable cause. In the instances the
Supreme Court has recognized as exceptions to the
Presidential Commission on Good Government;
requirement of a judicial warrant, it is necessary that the
power to grant immunity.
officer effecting the seizure must have been impelled to
do so because of probable cause. The essential requisite
The scope of immunity that the Presidential Commission of probable cause must be satisfied before a warrantless
on Good Government (PCGG) may offer to witnesses search can be lawfully conducted. The vehicle that carried
under Section 5 of Executive Order No. 14 may vary. It the contraband or prohibited drugs was about to
has discretion to grant appropriate levels of criminal leave. The searching officer had to make a quick decision
immunity depending on the situation of the witness and and act fast. It would be unreasonable to require him to
his relative importance to the prosecution of ill-gotten procure a warrant before conducting the search under
wealth cases. It can even agree to conditions expressed the circumstances. He only had enough time to board
by the witness as sufficient to induce cooperation. In the vehicle before the same left for its destination. Given
petitioner’s case, respondent Republic of the Philippines, the above, and the fact that the officer had probable
acting through the PCGG, offered him not only criminal cause to search the packages allegedly containing illegal
and civil immunity but also immunity against being drugs, the search in this case was valid. A search
compelled to testify in any domestic or foreign substantially contemporaneous with an arrest can
proceeding, other than the civil and arbitration cases precede the arrest if the police has probable cause to
identified in the Immunity Agreement, just so he would make the arrest at the outset of the search. Given that
agree to testify. Trusting in the Government’s honesty the search was valid, appellant’s arrest based on that
and fidelity, petitioner agreed and fulfilled his part of the search was also valid. People of the Philippines vs. Belen
bargain. Surely, the principle of fair play, which is the Mariacos, G.R. No. 188611, June 16, 2010.
essence of due process, should hold the Republic on to its
promise. The immunity from criminal or civil prosecution
that Section 5 of EO 14 authorizes covers immunity from
giving evidence in a case before a court of law, because
in reality the guarantee given to a witness against being
compelled to testify constitutes a grant of immunity from
civil or criminal prosecution. Jesus P. Disini vs. The
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JULY 2010 CASES such election. Their exercise of suffrage, being elected to
public office, continuous and uninterrupted stay in the
Philippines, and other similar acts showing exercise of
Philippine citizenship do not on their own take the place
of election of citizenship. But where, as here, the
Agrarian reform; coverage. election of citizenship has in fact been done and
documented within the constitutional and statutory
Lands that are not directly, actually and exclusively used timeframe, registration of the documents of election
for pasture nor devoted to commercial livestock raising beyond the timeframe should be allowed if in the
are not excluded from the coverage of the meanwhile positive acts of citizenship have been done
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. A.Z. Arnaiz publicly, consistently and continuously. These acts
Realty, Inc. vs. Office of the President. G.R. No. 170623, constitute constructive registration. In other words, the
July 7, 2010. actual exercise of Philippine citizenship for over half a
century by the petitioners is actual notice to the
Philippine public, which is equivalent to formal
Certificate of candidacy; residency requirement.
registration of the election of Philippine citizenship. It is
not the registration of the act of election, although a valid
The Omnibus Election Code provides that a certificate of requirement under Commonwealth Act No. 625, that will
candidacy may be denied due course or cancelled if there confer Philippine citizenship on the petitioners. It is only
is any false representation of a material fact. The critical a means of confirming the fact that citizenship has been
material facts are those that refer to a candidate’s claimed. Having a Filipino mother is permanent. It is the
qualifications for elective office, such as his or her basis of the right of the petitioners to elect Philippine
citizenship and residence. The false representation must citizenship. Petitioners elected Philippine citizenship in
be a deliberate attempt to mislead, misinform, or hide a form and substance. The failure to register the election
fact that would otherwise render a candidate ineligible. in the civil registry should not defeat that election and
Given the purpose of the requirement, it must be made negate the permanent fact that petitioners have a Filipino
with the intention to deceive the electorate as to the mother. The lacking requirements may still be complied
would-be candidate’s qualifications for public with subject to the imposition of appropriate
office. Thus, the misrepresentation cannot be the result administrative penalties, if any. The documents
of a mere innocuous mistake, and cannot exist in a petitioners submitted supporting their allegations that
situation where the intent to deceive is patently absent, they have registered with the civil registry, although
or where no deception on the electorate results. The belatedly, should be examined for validation purposes by
foregoing are the legal standards by which the COMELEC the appropriate agency, in this case the Bureau of
must act on a petition to deny due course or to cancel a Immigration. Other requirements embodied in the
certificate of candidacy. Thus, in considering the administrative orders and other issuances of the Bureau
residency of a candidate as stated in the certificate of of Immigration and the Department of Justice must be
candidacy, the COMELEC must determine whether or not complied with within a reasonable time. Balgamelo
the candidate deliberately attempted to mislead, Cabiling Ma, et al. vs. Commissioner Alipio F. Fernandez,
misinform or hide a fact about his or her residency that Jr., et al. G.R. No. 183133, July 26, 2010.
would otherwise render him or her ineligible for the
position sought. The COMELEC gravely abused its
Double jeopardy; elements.
discretion in this case when, in considering the residency
issue, it based its decision solely on very personal and
subjective assessment standards, such as the nature or Following are the elements of double jeopardy: (1) the
design and furnishings of the dwelling place in relation to complaint or information was sufficient in form and
the stature of the candidate. Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra vs. substance to sustain a conviction; (2) the court had
Commission on Elections, et al. G.R. No. 191938, July 2, jurisdiction; (3) the accused had been arraigned and had
2010. pleaded; and (4) the accused was convicted or acquitted,
or the case was dismissed without his express
consent. These elements are present in this case. The
Citizenship; election and constructive registration.
information filed in each of the criminal cases against
respondent was sufficient in form and substance to
The statutory formalities of electing Philippine citizenship sustain a conviction. The regional trial court had
are the following: (1) a statement of election under oath; jurisdiction over these cases. The respondent was
(2) an oath of allegiance to the Constitution and arraigned and entered a plea of not guilty. The court
Government of the Philippines; and (3) registration of the dismissed both cases on a demurrer to evidence on the
statement of election and of the oath with the nearest ground of insufficiency of evidence, which amounts to an
civil registry. Here, petitioners complied with the first acquittal from which no appeal can be had as that would
and second requirements upon reaching the age of place respondent in double jeopardy. People of the
majority. However, registration of the documents of Philippines vs. Dante Tan. G.R. No. 167526, July 26,
election with the civil registry was done belatedly. Under 2010.
the facts peculiar to the petitioners, the right to elect
Philippine citizenship has not been lost and they should
Double jeopardy; exceptions.
be allowed to complete the statutory requirements for
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The rule on double jeopardy is not without exceptions. ground for dismissal of the action. In this case, however,
Double jeopardy will not attach when the trial court acted the doctrine does not apply because petitioners failed to
with grave abuse of discretion, or when the prosecution demonstrate that recourse to the Commission on Higher
was denied due process. Here, the prosecution was Education is mandatory – or even possible – in an action
given more than ample opportunity to present its such as that brought by the respondent, which is
case. No grave abuse of discretion can be attributed to essentially one for mandamus and damages. The
the trial court simply because it chose not to hold in doctrine admits of numerous exceptions, one of which is
abeyance the resolution of the demurrer to evidence filed where the issues are purely legal and well within the
by the accused. While it would have been ideal for the jurisdiction of the trial court, as in the present
trial court to hold in abeyance the resolution of the case. Petitioners’ liability, if any, for damages will have
demurrer to evidence, nowhere in the rules is it to be decided by the courts, since any judgment
mandated to do so. Furthermore, even if the Supreme inevitably calls for the application and the interpretation
Court were to consider the same as an error on the part of the Civil Code. As such, exhaustion of administrative
of the trial court, the same would merely constitute an remedies may be dispensed with. University of Santo
error of procedure or of judgment and not an error of Tomas, et al. vs. Danes B. Sanchez. G.R. No. 165569.
jurisdiction. Errors or irregularities, which do not render July 29, 2010.
the proceedings a nullity, will not defeat a plea of double
jeopardy. People of the Philippines vs. Dante Tan. G.R.
Freedom of speech.
No. 167526, July 26, 2010.
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position to another involving the issuance of an a mutually agreeable arrangement with the lawyer of her
appointment with diminution in duties, responsibilities, choice subject to the general limitation that the
status or rank, which may or may not involve a reduction contractual stipulations should not be contrary to law,
in salary, is tantamount to removal, if no cause is shown morals, good customs, public order or public policy, and,
for it. Consequently, before a demotion may be effected considering that this is a contract of legal services, to the
pursuant to reorganization, the observance of the rules added restriction that the agreed attorney’s fees must
on bona fide abolition of public office is essential. There not be unreasonable and unconscionable. On its face,
was no demotion in this case because petitioner was and there is no allegation to the contrary, the prior
appointed to a position comparable to her former authorization given under Resolution No. 15-92 appears
position. In fact, her new position entailed an increase in to have been given by the council in good faith in order
her salary grade from 20 to 24. There is, thus, no to expeditiously safeguard the rights of Tiwi. Thus, there
evidence to suggest that the Development Bank of the is nothing objectionable to this manner of prior
Philippines acted in bad faith. Virginia D. Bautista vs. authorization, and the Mayor was sufficiently authorized
Civil Service Commission and Development Bank of the to enter into said Contract of Legal Services. Such
Philippines. G.R. No. 185215, July 22, 2010. contract need not be ratified first by the Sangguniang
Bayan to be enforceable against Tiwi. The law speaks of
prior authorization and not ratification with respect to the
Government contracts; perfection.
power of the local chief executive to enter into a contract
on behalf of the local government unit. That authority
Contracts to which the government is a party are was granted by the Sangguniang Bayan to the Mayor
generally subject to the same laws and regulations that under Resolution No. 15-92. Municipality of Tiwi,
govern the validity and sufficiency of contracts between represented by Hon. Mayor Jiame C. Villanueva and
private individuals. A government contract, however, is Sangguniang Bayan of Tiwi Vs. Antonio B. Betito, G.R.
perfected only upon approval of competent authority, No. 171873, July 9, 2010.
where such approval is required. With respect to
contracts of government-owned and controlled
Municipal ordinance; deed of restrictions.
corporations, the provisions of existing laws are clear in
requiring the governing board’s approval thereof. For the
Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), its charter (Presidential While a zoning ordinance can override the deed of
Decree 857) vests the general manager with power to restrictions on the use of a property on the basis of the
sign contracts and to perform such other duties as the municipality’s exercise of police power, the Court will
Board of Directors may assign. Therefore, unless the reconcile seemingly opposing provisions in the deed of
Board validly authorizes the general manager, the latter restrictions and the zoning ordinance rather than nullify
cannot bind PPA to a contract. The authority of one or the other, particularly where, as here, the
government officials to represent the government in any continued enforcement of the deed of restrictions is
contract must proceed from an express provision of law reasonable and the municipality was not asserting any
or valid delegation of authority. Without such actual interest or zoning purpose contrary to the interest of the
authority being possessed by PPA’s general manager, subdivision developer that is seeking to enforce the deed
there could be no real consent, much less a perfected of restrictions. The Learning Child, Inc., et al. vs. Ayala
contract, to speak of. A notice of award signed by the Alabang Village Association, et al./Jose Marie V. Aquino,
general manager does not embody a perfected contract minor and represented by his parents Dr. Errol Aquino
without the PPA Board’s prior approval of the and Atty. Marilyn Aquino, et al. vs. Ayala Alabang Village
contract. Sargasso Construction & Development Association, et al./Ayala Alabang Village Association, et
Corporation, et al. vs. Philippine Ports Authority. G.R. No. al. vs. Municipality of Muntinlupa, et al. G.R. No.
170530, July 5, 2010. 134269/G.R. No. 134440/G.R. No. 144518, July 7, 2010.
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official. Clearly, therefore, the Ombudsman has disposable is not sufficient to establish the actual legal
concurrent jurisdiction with the sangguniang bayan over classification of the disputed lot. It is not the kind of
administrative cases against elective barangay officials evidence required by law to establish that the land is
occupying positions below salary grade 27, such as alienable and disposable. The approved survey plan
private respondent in this case. In administrative cases merely identifies the property preparatory to a judicial
involving the concurrent jurisdiction of two or more proceeding for adjudication of title. Republic of the
disciplining authorities, the body in which the complaint Philippines vs. Domingo Espinosa. G.R. No. 176885, July
is filed first, and which opts to take cognizance of the 5, 2010.
case, acquires jurisdiction to the exclusion of other
tribunals exercising concurrent jurisdiction. In this case,
Public officers; demotion.
since the complaint was filed first in the Ombudsman,
and the Ombudsman opted to assume jurisdiction over
the complaint, the Ombudsman’s exercise of jurisdiction There is demotion when an employee is appointed to a
is to the exclusion of the sangguniang bayan exercising position resulting in diminution of duties, responsibilities,
concurrent jurisdiction. Jurisdiction is a matter of law. status or rank, which may or may not involve a reduction
Jurisdiction, once acquired, is not lost upon the instance in salary. Where an employee is appointed to a position
of the parties but continues until the case is with the same duties and responsibilities but with rank
terminated. When complainants first filed the complaint and salary higher than those enjoyed in his previous
in the Ombudsman, jurisdiction was already vested on position, there is no demotion and the appointment is
the latter. Jurisdiction could no longer be transferred to valid. In this case, the appointment of petitioner to Bank
the sangguniang bayan by virtue of a subsequent Executive Officer II did not constitute a demotion. Her
complaint filed by the same complainants. As a final duties and responsibilities as Account Officer (her
note, under Section 60 of the Local Government Code, previous position) and as BEO II are practically the
the sangguniang bayan has no power to remove an same. Rather than lowering her rank and salary,
elective barangay official. Apart from the Ombudsman, petitioner’s appointment as BEO II had, in fact, resulted
only a proper court may do so. Unlike the sangguniang in an increase thereof from salary grade 20 to
bayan, the Ombudsman’s powers are not merely 24. Further, her appointment to BEO II was done in
recommendatory. The Ombudsman is clothed with good faith and pursuant to a valid
authority to directly remove an erring public official other reorganization. Virginia D. Bautista vs. Civil Service
than officials who may be removed only by Commission and Development Bank of the Philippines.
impeachment. Office of the Ombudsman vs. Rolson G.R. No. 185215, July 22, 2010.
Rodriquez. G.R. No. 172700, July 23, 2010.
Review of COMELEC Decision.
Primary jurisdiction; Commission on Higher
Education. In light of the Supreme Court’s limited authority to
review findings of fact, it does not ordinarily review in a
The rule on primary jurisdiction applies only where the certiorari case the COMELEC’s appreciation and
administrative agency exercises quasi-judicial or evaluation of evidence. Findings of fact of the COMELEC,
adjudicatory functions. Petitioners have not shown that supported by substantial evidence, are final and non-
the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has power reviewable. Any misstep by the COMELEC in this regard
to “investigate facts or ascertain the existence of facts, generally involves an error of judgment, not of
hold hearings, weigh evidence, and draw jurisdiction. In exceptional cases, however, when the
conclusions.” Section 8 of Republic Act No. 7722 (the COMELEC’s action on the appreciation and evaluation of
Higher Education Act of 1994), which enumerates the evidence oversteps the limits of its discretion to the point
powers and functions of CHED) does not contain any of being grossly unreasonable, the Supreme Court is not
express grant to CHED of judicial or quasi-judicial power. only obliged, but has the constitutional duty to
In any event, CHED has no authority to adjudicate an intervene. When grave abuse of discretion is present,
action for damages. University of Santo Tomas, et al. vs. resulting errors arising from the grave abuse mutate
Danes B. Sanchez. G.R. No. 165569. July 29, 2010. from error of judgment to one of jurisdiction. Abraham
Kahlil B. Mitra vs. Commission on Elections, et al. G.R.
No. 191938, July 2, 2010.
Public lands; registration.
Right to information.
All lands not appearing to be clearly of private dominion
presumptively belong to the State. Public lands not
shown to have been reclassified or released as alienable Like all constitutional guarantees, the right to
agricultural land or alienated to a private person by the information is not absolute. The people’s right to
State remain part of the inalienable public domain. The information is limited to matters of public concern, and is
onus to overturn, by incontrovertible evidence, the further subject to such limitations as may be provided by
presumption that the land subject of an application for law. Similarly, the State’s policy of full disclosure is
registration is alienable or disposable rests with the limited to transactions involving public interest, and is
applicant. A notation on the advanced survey plan subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by
stating in effect that the subject property is alienable and law. National board examinations, such as the certified
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public accountant board examinations, are matters of same. In this case, petitioner challenges the
public concern. The populace in general, and the constitutionality of Section 2.6 of the Distribution
examinees in particular, would understandably be Services and Open Access Rules (DSOAR) of the Energy
interested in the fair and competent administration of Regulatory Commission, which obligates residential end-
these examinations in order to ensure that only those users to advance the cost of extending power distribution
qualified are admitted into the accounting profession. And lines and installing additional facilities. However,
as with all matters pedagogical, these examinations could petitioner’s members consist of developers, brokers,
be not merely quantitative means of assessment, but appraisers, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers,
also means to further improve the teaching and learning engineers, architects, and other persons or entities
of the art and science of accounting. On the other hand, engaged in the housing and real estate business. It does
there may be valid reasons to limit access to the not question the challenged DSOAR provision as a
examination papers in order to properly administer the residential end-user, and it cannot do so because the
tests. More than the mere convenience of the examiner, challenged provision refers only to the rights and
it may well be that there exist inherent difficulties in the obligations of distribution utilities and residential end-
preparation, generation, encoding, administration, and users; neither the petitioner nor its members are
checking of the multiple choice examinations that require residential end-users. Thus, neither the petitioner nor its
that the questions and answers remain confidential for a members can claim any injury, as residential end-users,
limited duration. However, the Professional Regulation arising from Section 2.6 of the DSOAR; neither can they
Commission is not a party to the proceedings. It has not cite any benefit accruing to them as residential end-users
been given an opportunity to explain the reasons behind that would result from the invalidation of the assailed
the regulations or articulate the justification for keeping provision. Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’
the examination documents confidential. In view of the Association, Inc. Vs. Energy Regulatory Commission, et
far-reaching implications of the cases, which may impact al. G.R. No. 174697, July 8, 2010.
on every board examination administered by the
Professional Regulation Commission, and in order that all
Waiver of locus standi rule.
relevant issues may be ventilated, the Court remanded
the cases to the Regional Trial Court for further
proceedings. Hazel Ma. C. Antolin vs. Abelardo R. The Court can waive the procedural rule on standing in
Domondon, et al./Hazel Ma. C. Antolin vs. Antonieta cases that raise issues of transcendental
Fortuna-Ibe. G.R. No. 165036/G.R. No. 175705, July 5, importance. Following are the guidelines in determining
2010. whether or not a matter is of transcendental importance:
(1) the character of the funds or other assets involved in
the case; (2) the presence of a clear case of disregard of
Sanggunian resolution; validity.
a constitutional or statutory prohibition by the public
respondent agency or instrumentality of the government;
A municipal resolution correcting an alleged typographical and (3) the lack of any other party with a more direct
error in a zoning ordinance does not have to comply with and specific interest in the questions being raised. In
the requirements of notice and hearing, which are this case, the three determinants are absent. Public
required for the validity and effectiveness of zoning funds are not involved. The allegations of constitutional
ordinances. The Learning Child, Inc., et al. vs. Ayala and statutory violations of the public respondent agency
Alabang Village Association, et al./Jose Marie V. Aquino, are unsubstantiated by facts and are mere challenges on
minor and represented by his parents Dr. Errol Aquino the wisdom of the rules. Parties with a more direct and
and Atty. Marilyn Aquino, et al. vs. Ayala Alabang Village specific interest in the questions being raised – the
Association, et al./Ayala Alabang Village Association, et residential end-users – undoubtedly exist and are not
al. vs. Municipality of Muntinlupa, et al. G.R. No. included as parties to the petition. Chamber of Real
134269/G.R. No. 134440/G.R. No. 144518, July 7, 2010. Estate and Builders’ Association, Inc. Vs. Energy
Regulatory Commission, et al. G.R. No. 174697, July 8,
2010.
Standing to sue.
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Civil Service Commission; jurisdiction. gain back possession. The landowner’s remedy in such
case is an action for the payment of just compensation,
not ejectment. Here, the Court of Appeals erred in
The civil service encompasses all branches and agencies
ordering the eviction of petitioner from the property that
of the Government, including government-owned or
it has held as government school site for more than 50
controlled corporations with original charters, like the
years. The evidence on record shows that the
Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), or those
respondents intended to cede the property to the City
created by special law. Thus, GSIS employees are part of
Government of Lipa permanently. In fact, they allowed
the civil service system and are subject to the law and to
the city to declare the property in its name for tax
the circulars, rules and regulations issued by the Civil
purposes. And when they sought to have the bigger lot
Service Commission (CSC) on discipline, attendance and
subdivided, the respondents earmarked a specific portion
general terms and conditions of employment. The CSC
for the City Government of Lipa. Under the
has jurisdiction to hear and decide disciplinary cases
circumstances, it may be assumed that the respondents
against erring employees. Winston F. Garcia vs. Mario I.
had agreed to transfer ownership of the land to the
Molina, et al./Winston F. Garcia vs. Mario I. Molina, et al.,
government, whether to the City Government of Lipa or
G.R. No. 157383/G.R. No. 174137, August 18, 2010.
to the Republic of the Philippines, but the parties never
formalized and documented such transfer. Consequently,
Double compensation. petitioner should be deemed entitled to possession
pending the respondents’ formal transfer of ownership to
Section 8, Article IX-B of the Constitution provides that it upon payment of just compensation. Republic of the
no elective or appointive public officer or employee shall Philippines vs. Primo Mendoza and Maria Lucero, G.R. No.
receive additional, double or indirect compensation, 185091, August 8, 2010.
unless specifically authorized by law, nor accept without
the consent of the Congress, any present emolument, Equal protection clause.
office or title of any kind from any foreign
government. Pensions and gratuities shall not be
There is no substantial distinction between municipalities
considered as additional, double or indirect
with pending cityhood bills in Congress and municipalities
compensation. This provision, however, does not apply to
that did not have similar pending bills for purposes of the
the present case as there was no double compensation to
income requirement for converting a municipality into a
the petitioners. The questioned resolutions of the
city under Republic Act No. 9009. The pendency of such
Monetary Board are valid corporate acts of petitioners
a bill does not affect or determine the level of income of
that became the bases for granting them additional
a municipality. Municipalities with pending cityhood bills
monthly representation and transportation allowance
in Congress might even have lower annual income than
(RATA), as members of the Board of Directors of
municipalities that did not have pending cityhood
Philippine International Convention Center Inc. (PICCI), a
bills. Thus, the classification criterion − mere pendency
government corporation whose sole stockholder is the
of a cityhood bill in Congress − is not rationally related to
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). RATA is distinct from
the purpose of RA 9009, which is to prevent fiscally non-
salary as a form of compensation. Unlike salary which is
viable municipalities from converting into cities.
paid for services rendered, RATA is a form of allowance
Moreover, the fact of pendency of a cityhood bill in
intended to defray expenses deemed unavoidable in the
Congress limits the exemption (from the income
discharge of office. Hence, RATA is paid only to certain
requirement) to a specific condition existing at the time
officials who, by the nature of their offices, incur
of passage of RA 9009. That specific condition will never
representation and transportation expenses. Indeed,
happen again. This violates the requirement that a valid
aside from the RATA that they have been receiving from
classification must not be limited to existing conditions
the BSP, the grant of RATA to each of the petitioners for
only. Also, the exemption provision in the Cityhood Laws
every board meeting they attended, in their capacity as
gives the 16 respondent municipalities a unique
members of the Board of Directors of PICCI, in addition
advantage based on an arbitrary date − the filing of
to their per diem, does not violate the constitutional
their cityhood bills before the end of the 11 th Congress –
proscription against double compensation. Gabriel C.
as against all other municipalities that may want to
Singson, et al. vs. Commission on Audit, G.R. No.
convert into cities after the effectiveness of RA 9009.
159355, August 9, 2010.
Lastly, limiting the exemption only to the 16
municipalities violates the Constitutional requirement that
Eminent domain; voluntary agreement by the classification must apply to all those who are similarly
landowner. situated. Municipalities with the same income as the 16
respondent municipalities cannot convert into cities, while
Where the landowner agrees voluntarily to the taking of those 16 municipalities can. Clearly, as worded, the
his property by the government for public use, he exemption found in the Cityhood Laws would be
thereby waives his right to the institution of a formal unconstitutional for violation of the equal protection
expropriation proceeding covering such property. Failure clause. League of Cities of the Philippines represented by
for a long time of the owner to question the lack of LCP National President Jerry P. Trenas, et al. vs.
expropriation proceedings covering a property that the Commission on Elections, et al. G.R. No. 176951/G.R.
government had taken constitutes a waiver of his right to No. 177499/G.R. No. 178056, August 24, 2010.
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Judicial review; justiciable controversy; moot case. unconstitutional. This view is an open invitation to
serially violate the Constitution, and be quick about it,
lest the violation be stopped by the Court.
Private respondent was not elected President in the May
10, 2010 election. Since the issue on the proper
interpretation of the phrase “any reelection” in Section 4, The operative fact doctrine is a rule of equity. As such, it
Article VII of the Constitution will be premised on a must be applied as an exception to the general rule that
person’s second (whether immediate or not) election as an unconstitutional law produces no effects. It can never
President, there is no case or controversy to be resolved be invoked to validate as constitutional an
in this case. No live conflict of legal rights exists. There unconstitutional act. The operative fact doctrine never
is in this case no definite, concrete, real or substantial validates or constitutionalizes an unconstitutional
controversy that touches on the legal relations of parties law. The unconstitutional law remains unconstitutional,
having adverse legal interests. No specific relief may but its effects, prior to its judicial declaration of nullity,
conclusively be decreed upon by the Court in this case may be left undisturbed as a matter of equity and fair
that will benefit any of the parties. As such, one of the play. The doctrine affects or modifies only the effects of
essential requisites for the exercise of the power of the unconstitutional law, not the unconstitutional law
judicial review, the existence of an actual case or itself. Applying the doctrine to this case, the Cityhood
controversy, is sorely lacking in this case. As a rule, the Laws remain unconstitutional because they violate
Court may only adjudicate actual, ongoing controversies. Section 10, Article X of the Constitution. However, the
It is not empowered to decide moot questions or abstract effects of the implementation of the Cityhood Laws prior
propositions, or to declare principles or rules of law which to the declaration of their nullity, such as the payment of
cannot affect the result as to the thing in issue in the salaries and supplies by the concerned local government
case before it. When a case is moot, it becomes non- units or their issuance of licenses or execution of
justiciable. An action is considered “moot” when it no contracts, may be recognized as valid and
longer presents a justiciable controversy because the effective. League of Cities of the Philippines represented
issues involved have become academic or dead or when by LCP National President Jerry P. Trenas, et al. vs.
the matter in dispute has already been resolved and Commission on Elections, et al. G.R. No. 176951/G.R.
hence, one is not entitled to judicial intervention unless No. 177499/G.R. No. 178056, August 24, 2010.
the issue is likely to be raised again between the parties.
There is nothing for the Court to resolve as the
Search warrant; requirements for validity.
determination thereof has been overtaken by subsequent
events. Assuming an actual case or controversy existed
prior to the proclamation of a President who has been The validity of the issuance of a search warrant rests
duly elected in the May 10, 2010 election, the same is no upon the following factors: (1) it must be issued upon
longer true today. Following the results of that election, probable cause; (2) the probable cause must be
private respondent was not elected President for the determined by the judge himself and not by the applicant
second time. Thus, any discussion of his “reelection” will or any other person; (3) in the determination of probable
simply be hypothetical and speculative. It will serve no cause, the judge must examine, under oath or
useful or practical purpose. Atty. Evillo C. Pormento vs. affirmation, the complainant and such witnesses as the
Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada and Commission on latter may produce; and (4) the warrant issued must
Elections. G.R. No. 191988. August 31, 2010. particularly describe the place to be searched and
persons or things to be seized. On the first requisite, a
magistrate’s determination of probable cause for the
Operative fact doctrine.
issuance of a search warrant is paid great deference by a
reviewing court, as long as there was substantial basis
Under the operative fact doctrine, the law is recognized for that determination. Substantial basis means that the
as unconstitutional but the effects of the unconstitutional questions of the examining judge brought out such facts
law, prior to its declaration of nullity, may be left and circumstances as would lead a reasonably discreet
undisturbed as a matter of equity and fair play. However, and prudent man to believe that an offense has been
in this case, the minority’s novel theory, invoking the committed, and the objects in connection with the
operative fact doctrine, is that the enactment of the offense sought to be seized are in the place sought to be
Cityhood Laws and the functioning of the 16 searched. On the last requirement, a description of the
municipalities as new cities with new sets of officials and place to be searched is sufficient if the officer serving the
employees operate to constitutionalize the warrant can, with reasonable effort, ascertain and
unconstitutional Cityhood Laws. This novel theory identify the place intended and distinguish it from other
misapplies the operative fact doctrine and sets a gravely places in the community. A designation or description
dangerous precedent. Under the minority’s view, an that points out the place to be searched to the exclusion
unconstitutional law, if already implemented prior to its of all others, and on inquiry unerringly leads the peace
declaration of unconstitutionality by the Court, can no officers to it, satisfies the constitutional requirement of
longer be revoked and its implementation must be definiteness. People of the Philippines vs. Estela Tuan y
continued despite being unconstitutional. This view will Baludda. G.R. No. 176066, August 11, 2010.
open the floodgates to the wanton enactment of
unconstitutional laws and a mad rush for their immediate
Warrantless arrest.
implementation before the Court can declare them
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Appellant was arrested during an entrapment operation disciplining authority shall require the person complained
where he was caught in flagrante delicto selling of to submit a counter-affidavit or comment under oath
shabu. When an arrest is made during an entrapment within three days from receipt. The use of the word
operation, it is not required that a warrant be secured in “shall” quite obviously indicates that it is mandatory for
line with Rule 113, Section 5(a) of the Revised Rules of the disciplining authority to conduct a preliminary
Court, which provides that a peace officer or a private investigation or at least give the respondent the
person may, without a warrant, arrest a person when, in opportunity to comment and explain his side. This must
his presence, the person to be arrested has committed, is be done prior to the issuance of the formal charge, and
actually committing, or is attempting to commit an the comment required is different from the answer that
offense. A buy-bust operation is a form of entrapment may later be filed by respondents. Contrary to
which in recent years has been accepted as a valid and petitioner’s claim, no exception is provided for in the Civil
effective mode of apprehending drug pushers. If carried Service Rules, not even an indictment in flagranti as
out with due regard for constitutional and legal claimed by petitioner.
safeguards, a buy-bust operation, such as the one
involving appellant, deserves judicial sanction.
The above rules apply even if the complainant is the
Consequently, the warrantless arrest and warrantless
disciplining authority himself, as in this case. To comply
search and seizure conducted on the person of appellant
with such requirement, petitioner could have issued a
were allowed under the circumstances. The search,
memorandum requiring respondents to explain why no
incident to his lawful arrest, needed no warrant to sustain
disciplinary action should be taken against them instead
its validity. Thus, there is no doubt that the sachets of
of immediately issuing formal charges. With respondents’
shabu recovered during the legitimate buy-bust operation
comments, petitioner should have properly evaluated
are admissible and were properly admitted in evidence
both sides of the controversy before making a conclusion
against him. People of the Philippines vs. Michael
that there was a prima facie case against respondents,
Sembrano y Castro. G.R. No. 185848, August 16, 2010.
leading to the issuance of the questioned formal charges.
It is noteworthy that the very acts subject of the
administrative cases stemmed from an event that took
place the day before the formal charges were issued. It
appears, therefore, that the formal charges were issued
Administrative Law
after the sole determination by the petitioner as the
disciplining authority that there was a prima facie case
Administrative agencies; findings. against respondents. To condone this would give the
disciplining authority an unrestricted power to judge by
Findings of fact of administrative agencies and quasi- himself the nature of the act complained of as well as the
judicial bodies, like the Department of Agrarian Reform gravity of the charges. Thus, respondents here were
Adjudication Board, which have acquired expertise denied due process of law. Not even the fact that the
because their jurisdiction is confined to specific matters, charges against them are serious and evidence of their
are generally accorded respect. In this case, there is no guilt is – in the opinion of their superior – strong can
ground to disturb the DARAB’s findings, which affirmed compensate for the procedural shortcut taken by
those of the Provincial Agrarian Reform Adjudication petitioner. The filing by petitioner of formal charges
Board after due hearing and appreciation of the evidence against the respondents without complying with the
submitted by both parties. Heirs of Jose M. Cervantes, et mandated preliminary investigation or at least giving the
al. vs. Jesus G. Miranda. G.R. No. 183352, August 9, respondents the opportunity to comment violated their
2010. right to due process. Accordingly, the formal charges are
void ab initio and may be assailed directly or indirectly at
anytime. Winston F. Garcia vs. Mario I. Molina, et
al./Winston F. Garcia vs. Mario I. Molina, et al. .G.R. No.
157383/G.R. No. 174137, August 18, 2010.
Administrative cases; preliminary investigation;
due process. Administrative cases; decision rendered without
due process.
Section 45 of the Government Service Insurance System
Act of 1997 gives the President and General Manager of The cardinal precept is that where there is a violation of
GSIS the authority and responsibility to remove, suspend basic constitutional rights, courts are ousted from their
or otherwise discipline GSIS personnel for cause. jurisdiction. The violation of a party’s right to due process
However, this power is not without limitations for it must raises a serious jurisdictional issue which cannot be
be exercised in accordance with civil service rules. While glossed over or disregarded at will. Where the denial of
the Uniform Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil the fundamental right to due process is apparent, a
Service (Civil Service Rules) do not specifically provide decision rendered in disregard of that right is void for
that a formal charge issued against a government lack of jurisdiction. This rule is equally true in quasi-
employee without the requisite preliminary investigation judicial and administrative proceedings, for the
is null and void, it is required that, upon receipt of a constitutional guarantee that no man shall be deprived of
complaint which is sufficient in form and substance, the life, liberty, or property without due process is
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unqualified by the type of proceedings (whether judicial which he has no authority and jurisdiction, the Supreme
or administrative) where he stands to lose the same. Court affirmed the ruling of the Court of Appeals that
Although administrative procedural rules are less petitioner is liable for abuse of authority on the basis that
stringent and often applied more liberally, administrative he participated in the unlawful act as a higher authority
proceedings are not exempt from basic and fundamental that gave a semblance of legality over that act and
procedural principles, such as the right to due process in influenced the actions of his co-defendants. Here,
investigations and hearings. Winston F. Garcia vs. Mario petitioner was president of the organization of barangay
I. Molina, et al./Winston F. Garcia vs. Mario I. Molina, et officials in his municipality and sat as ex-officio member
al., G.R. No. 157383/G.R. No. 174137, August 18, 2010. of the Sangguniang Bayan, which has power to review
barangay ordinances and authority to discipline barangay
officials. His co-defendants were officials in the barangay
Administrative cases; quantum of evidence.
where the incident occurred. Josephil C. Bien vs. Pedro B.
Bo, G.R. No. 179333, August 3, 2010.
In administrative cases, the requisite proof is substantial
evidence, i.e., the amount of relevant evidence which a
Creation of local government unit.
reasonable mind might accept as adequate to justify a
conclusion. In this case, substantial evidence consisted of
the uniform findings of the Department of Environment The Constitution states that the creation of local
and Natural Resources, the Deputy Ombudsman for government units must follow the criteria established in
Luzon and the Court of Appeals that petitioner connived the Local Government Code and not in any other
with his co-defendants to destroy the improvements law. There is only one Local Government Code. The
introduced by respondent on the subject property so they Constitution requires Congress to stipulate in the Local
could construct their own cottages thereon. Josephil C. Government Code all the criteria necessary for the
Bien vs. Pedro B. Bo, G.R. No. 179333, August 3, 2010. creation of a city, including the conversion of a
municipality into a city. Congress cannot write such
criteria in any other law. The clear intent of the
Public officers; statement of assets and liabilities.
Constitution is to insure that the creation of cities and
other political units must follow the same uniform, non-
Even an asset that was acquired through chattel discriminatory criteria found solely in the Local
mortgage must be declared and included in the Sworn Government Code. Any derogation or deviation from the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities (SSAL). The law criteria prescribed in the Local Government Code violates
requires that the SSAL be accomplished truthfully and in Section 10, Article X of the Constitution.
detail without distinction as to how the property was
acquired. Respondent, therefore, cannot escape liability
Republic Act No. 9009 amended Section 450 of the Local
by arguing that the ownership of the vehicle has not yet
Government Code to increase the income requirement
passed to him on the basis that it was acquired only on
from Php20 million to Php100 million for the creation of a
installment basis. The requirement to file the SSAL not
city. This law took effect on 30 June 2001. Hence, from
later than the first 15 days of April at the close of every
that moment the Local Government Code required that
calendar year must not be treated as a simple and trivial
any municipality desiring to become a city must satisfy
routine, but as an obligation that is part and parcel of
the Php100 million income requirement. Section 450 of
every civil servant’s duty to the people. It serves as the
the Local Government Code, as amended by RA 9009,
basis of the government and the people in monitoring the
does not contain any exemption from this income
income and lifestyle of officials and employees in the
requirement. In enacting RA 9009, Congress did not
government in compliance with the Constitutional policy
grant any exemption to respondent municipalities, even
to eradicate corruption, promote transparency in
though their cityhood bills were pending in Congress
government, and ensure that all government employees
when Congress passed RA 9009. The laws converting
and officials lead just and modest lives. It is for this
these municipalities into cities, all enacted after the RA
reason that the SSAL must be sworn to and is made
9009 became effective, explicitly exempt respondent
accessible to the public, subject to reasonable
municipalities from the increased income requirement in
administrative regulations. Hon. Waldo Q. Flores, et al.
Section 450 of the Local Government Code, as amended
vs. Atty. Antonio F. Montemayor. G.R. No. 170146,
by RA 9009. Such exemption clearly violates Section 10,
August 25, 2010.
Article X of the Constitution and is thus patently
unconstitutional. To be valid, such exemption must be
written in the Local Government Code and not in any
other law. League of Cities of the Philippines represented
Local Government by LCP National President Jerry P. Trenas, et al. vs.
Commission on Elections, et al. G.R. No. 176951/G.R.
No. 177499/G.R. No. 178056, August 24, 2010.
Abuse of authority.
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A local water district is a government-owned and Constitution requires the development of a self-reliant
controlled corporation with special charter since it is and independent national economy effectively controlled
created pursuant to a special law, Presidential Decree No. by Filipino entrepreneurs, it does not impose a policy of
198 (1973). PD 198 constitutes the special charter by Filipino monopoly of the economic environment. The
virtue of which local water districts exist. Unlike private objective is simply to prohibit foreign powers or interests
corporations that derive their legal existence and power from maneuvering our economic policies and ensure that
from the Corporation Code, water districts derive their Filipinos are given preference in all areas of
legal existence and power from P.D. No. 198. Section 6 development. The 1987 Constitution takes into account
of the decree in fact provides that water districts “shall the realities of the outside world as it requires the pursuit
exercise the powers, rights and privileges given to of a trade policy that serves the general welfare and
private corporations under existing laws, in addition to utilizes all forms and arrangements of exchange on the
the powers granted in, and subject to such restrictions basis of equality and reciprocity; and speaks of industries
imposed under this Act.” Therefore, water districts would which are competitive in both domestic and foreign
not have corporate powers without PD 198. Engr. Ranulfo markets as well as of the protection of Filipino enterprises
C. Feliciano vs. Hon. Cornelio C. Gison. G.R. No. 165641, against unfair foreign competition and trade
August 25, 2010. practices. Thus, while the Constitution mandates a bias
in favor of Filipino goods, services, labor and enterprises,
it also recognizes the need for business exchange with
the rest of the world on the bases of equality and
reciprocity and limits protection of Filipino enterprises
SEPTEMBER 2010 CASES only against foreign competition and trade practices that
are unfair. In other words, the 1987 Constitution does
not rule out the entry of foreign investments, goods, and
services. While it does not encourage their unlimited
entry into the country, it does not prohibit them
Constitutional Law either. In fact, it allows an exchange on the basis of
equality and reciprocity, frowning only on foreign
competition that is unfair. The key, as in all economies in
the world, is to strike a balance between protecting local
businesses and allowing the entry of foreign investments
Constitutionality; Presidential Proclamation 310; and services. More important, Section 10, Article XII of
inalienable lands. the 1987 Constitution gives Congress the discretion to
reserve to Filipinos certain areas of investments upon the
The Court declared as unconstitutional Presidential recommendation of the National Economic and
Proclamation 310, which took 670 hectares from Development Authority and when the national interest
petitioner’s registered lands for distribution to indigenous requires. Thus, Congress can determine what policy to
peoples and cultural communities, on the basis that such pass and when to pass it depending on the economic
lands are inalienable, being part of the functions of an exigencies. It can enact laws allowing the entry of
educational institution. It did not matter that it was foreigners into certain industries not reserved by the
President Arroyo who, in this case, attempted by Constitution to Filipino citizens. In this case, Congress
proclamation to appropriate the lands for distribution to has decided to open certain areas of the retail trade
indigenous peoples and cultural communities. The lands business to foreign investments instead of reserving
by their character have become inalienable from the them exclusively to Filipino citizens.
moment President Garcia dedicated them for petitioner’s
use in scientific and technological research in the field of The control and regulation of trade in the interest of the
agriculture. They have ceased to be alienable public public welfare is of course an exercise of the police power
lands. Central Mindanao University, etc. vs. The Hon. of the State. A person’s right to property, whether he is
Executive Secretary, et al. G.R. No. 184869, September a Filipino citizen or foreign national, cannot be taken from
21, 2010. him without due process of law. In 1954, Congress
enacted the Retail Trade Nationalization Act (RA 1180)
Constitutionality; Retail Trade Liberalization Act of that restricts the retail business to Filipino citizens. In
2000. denying the petition assailing the validity of such Act for
violation of the foreigner’s right to substantive due
process of law, the Supreme Court held that the law
The Court dismissed petitioners’ argument that Republic
constituted a valid exercise of police power. The State
Act No. 8762, known as the Retail Trade Liberalization
had an interest in preventing alien control of the retail
Act of 200, violates the mandate of the 1987 Constitution
trade and R.A. 1180 was reasonably related to that
for the State to develop a self-reliant and independent
purpose. That law is not arbitrary. Here, to the extent
national economy effectively controlled by Filipinos. The
that RA 8762 lessens the restraint on the foreigners’ right
provisions of Article II of the 1987 Constitution, the
to property or to engage in an ordinarily lawful business,
declarations of principles and state policies, are not self-
it cannot be said that the law amounts to a denial of the
executing. Legislative failure to pursue such policies
Filipinos’ right to property and to due process of
cannot give rise to a cause of action in the
law. Filipinos continue to have the right to engage in the
courts. Further, while Section 19, Article II of the 1987
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kinds of retail business to which the law in question has they were based, as when they stated the legal
permitted the entry of foreign investors. Certainly, it is qualifications of the offense constituted by the facts
not within the province of the Court to inquire into the proved, the modifying circumstances, the participation of
wisdom of RA 8762 save when it blatantly violates the the accused, the penalty imposed and the civil liability; or
Constitution. But as the Court has said, there is no discussed the facts comprising the elements of the
showing that the law has contravened any constitutional offense that was charged in the information, and
mandate. The Court is not convinced that the accordingly rendered a verdict and imposed the
implementation of RA 8762 would eventually lead to alien corresponding penalty; or quoted the facts narrated in
control of the retail trade business. Petitioners have not the prosecution’s memorandum, but made their own
mustered any concrete and strong argument to support findings and assessment of evidence, before finally
its thesis. The law itself has provided strict safeguards agreeing with the prosecution’s evaluation of the case.
on foreign participation in that business. Representatives On the other hand, the Court has expressed concern over
Gerardo S. Espina, et al. vs. Hon. Ronaldo Zamora, Jr., et the possible denial of due process when an appellate
al. G.R. No. 143855, September 21, 2010. court failed to provide the appeal the attention it
rightfully deserved, thus depriving the appellant of a fair
opportunity to be heard by a fair and responsible
Constitutionality; standing to sue.
magistrate. The parties to a litigation should be informed
of how it was decided, with an explanation of the factual
The long settled rule is that he who challenges the and legal reasons that led to the conclusions of the trial
validity of a law must have a standing to do so. Legal court. The losing party is entitled to know why he lost,
standing or locus standi refers to the right of a party to so he may appeal to the higher court, if permitted,
come to a court of justice and make such a challenge. should he believe that the decision should be reversed. A
More particularly, standing refers to his personal and decision that does not clearly and distinctly state the
substantial interest in that he has suffered or will suffer facts and the law on which it is based leaves the parties
direct injury as a result of the passage of that law. The in the dark as to how it was reached and is precisely
party must show that he has been or is about to be prejudicial to the losing party, who is unable to pinpoint
denied some right or privilege to which he is lawfully the possible errors of the court for review by a higher
entitled or that he is about to be subjected to some tribunal.
burdens or penalties by reason of the law he complains
of. In this case, there is no clear showing that the
The Court of Appeals (CA) decision in this case cannot be
implementation of the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of
deemed constitutionally infirm, as it clearly stated the
2000 prejudices petitioners or inflicts damages on them,
facts and law on which the ruling was based, and while it
either as taxpayers or as legislators. Still the Court will
did not specifically address each and every assigned error
resolve the question they raise since the rule on standing
raised by appellants, it cannot be said that the appellants
can be relaxed for nontraditional plaintiffs like ordinary
were left in the dark as to how the CA reached its ruling
citizens, taxpayers, and legislators when, as here, the
affirming the trial court’s judgment of conviction. The
public interest so requires or the matter is of
principal arguments raised in their Memorandum
transcendental importance, of overarching significance to
submitted before the Supreme Court actually referred to
society, or of paramount public interest. Representatives
the main points of the CA rulings, such as the alleged
Gerardo S. Espina, et al. vs. Hon. Ronaldo Zamora, Jr., et
sufficiency of prosecution evidence, their common
al. G.R. No. 143855, September 21, 2010.
defense of alibi, allegations of torture, probative value of
ballistic and fingerprint test results, circumstances
qualifying the offense and modification of penalty
imposed by the trial court. Lenido Lumanog, et al. vs.
Court decisions; statement of fact and law. People of the Philippines/Cesar Fortuna vs. People of the
Philippines/People of the Philippines vs. SPO2 Cesar
Fortuna y Abudo, et al. G.R. Nos. 182555/G.R. No.
The Constitution commands that “[n]o decision shall be 185123/G.R. No. 187745, September 7, 2010.
rendered by any court without expressing therein clearly
and distinctly the facts and the law on which it is
based.” Judges are expected to make complete findings Custodial investigation; right to counsel.
of fact in their decisions and scrutinize closely the legal
aspects of the case in the light of the evidence Custodial investigation refers to the critical pre-trial stage
presented. They should avoid the tendency to generalize when the investigation is no longer a general inquiry into
and form conclusions without detailing the facts from an unsolved crime, but has begun to focus on a particular
which such conclusions are deduced. The Court has person as a suspect. The police officers here claimed that
sustained decisions of lower courts as having upon arresting one of the accused and before questioning
substantially or sufficiently complied with the him, they informed him of his constitutional rights to
constitutional injunction, notwithstanding the laconic and remain silent, that any information he would give could
terse manner in which they were written; and even if be used against him, and that he had the right to a
“there (was left) much to be desired in terms of (their) competent and independent counsel, preferably of his
clarity, coherence and comprehensibility,” provided that own choice, and if he cannot afford the services of
they eventually set out the facts and the law on which counsel he will be provided with one. However, since
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these rights can only be waived in writing and with the to being that of a mere witness to the signing of a pre-
assistance of counsel, there could not have been such a prepared confession, even if it indicated compliance with
valid waiver by the accused, who was presented by the the constitutional rights of the accused. The accused is
police investigators to the lawyer of the IBP Office, entitled to effective, vigilant and independent
Quezon City Hall, for the taking of his formal statement counsel. Where the prosecution failed to discharge the
only the following day and stayed overnight at the police State’s burden of proving with clear and convincing
station before he was brought to said counsel. Thus, the evidence that the accused had enjoyed effective and
constitutional requirement had not been vigilant counsel before he extrajudicially admitted his
observed. Settled is the rule that the moment a police guilt, the extrajudicial confession cannot be given any
officer tries to elicit admissions or confessions or even probative value. Lenido Lumanog, et al. vs. People of the
plain information from a suspect, the latter should, at Philippines/Cesar Fortuna vs. People of the
that juncture, be assisted by counsel, unless he waives Philippines/People of the Philippines vs. SPO2 Cesar
this right in writing and in the presence of counsel. Fortuna y Abudo, et al., G.R. Nos. 182555/G.R. No.
185123/G.R. No. 187745, September 7, 2010.
However, the Court rejected the appellants’ contention
that the accused was not given a counsel of his own Immunity from suit.
choice, as he never objected to the IBP lawyer when the
latter was presented to him to be his counsel for the
Petitioner here claimed that it could not be sued pursuant
taking down of his statement. The phrase “preferably of
to the doctrine of state immunity without the consent of
his own choice” does not convey the message that the
the Republic of the Philippines, on the basis that under
choice of a lawyer by a person under investigation is
Service Contract 38, it served merely as an agent of the
exclusive as to preclude other equally competent and
Philippine government in the development of the
independent attorneys from handling the defense;
Malampaya gas reserves. The Court ruled that petitioner
otherwise the tempo of custodial investigation would be
cannot claim immunity from suit because it is not an
solely in the hands of the accused who can impede or
agent of the Republic of the Philippines, but the latter’s
obstruct the progress of the interrogation by simply
service contractor for the exploration and development of
selecting a lawyer who, for one reason or another, is not
one of the country’s natural gas reserves. While the
available to protect his interest. Thus, while the choice of
Republic of the Philippines appointed petitioner as the
a lawyer in cases where the person under custodial
exclusive party to conduct petroleum operations in the
interrogation cannot afford the services of counsel – or
Camago-Malampayo area under the State’s full control
where the preferred lawyer is not available – is naturally
and supervision, it does not follow that petitioner has
lodged in the police investigators, the suspect has the
become the State’s “agent” within the meaning of the
final choice, as he may reject the counsel chosen for him
law. An agent is a person who binds himself to render
and ask for another one. A lawyer provided by the
some service or to do something in representation or on
investigators is deemed engaged by the accused when he
behalf of another, with the consent or authority of the
does not raise any objection against the counsel’s
latter. The essence of an agency is the agent’s ability to
appointment during the course of the investigation, and
represent his principal and bring about business relations
the accused thereafter subscribes to the veracity of the
between the latter and third persons. An agent’s
statement before the swearing officer.
ultimate undertaking is to execute juridical acts that
would create, modify or extinguish relations between his
The Constitution gives the person under custodial principal and third persons. It is this power to affect the
investigation the right to a competent and independent principal’s contractual relations with third persons that
counsel. The modifier “competent and independent” is differentiates the agent from a service contractor.
not an empty rhetoric. It stresses the need to accord the
accused, under the uniquely stressful conditions of a
Petitioner’s main undertaking under Service Contract 38
custodial investigation, an informed judgment on the
is to “[p]erform all petroleum operations and provide all
choices explained to him by a diligent and capable
necessary technology and finance” as well as other
lawyer. An effective and vigilant counsel necessarily and
connected services to the Philippine government. As
logically requires that the lawyer be present and able to
defined under the contract, petroleum operation means
advise and assist his client from the time the confessant
the “searching for and obtaining Petroleum within
answers the first question asked by the investigating
the Philippines”, including the “transportation, storage,
officer until the signing of the extrajudicial
handling and sale” of petroleum whether for export or
confession. Moreover, the lawyer should ascertain that
domestic consumption. Petitioner’s primary obligation
the confession is made voluntarily and that the person
under the contract is not to represent the Philippine
under investigation fully understands the nature and the
government for the purpose of transacting business with
consequence of his extrajudicial confession in relation to
third persons. Rather, its contractual commitment is to
his constitutional rights. A contrary rule would
develop and manage petroleum operations on behalf of
undoubtedly be antagonistic to the constitutional rights to
the State. Consequently, it is not an agent of the
remain silent, to counsel and to be presumed innocent.
Philippine government, but a provider of services,
The right to counsel has been written into the
technology and financing for the Malampaya Natural Gas
Constitution in order to prevent the use of duress and
Project. Notably, the Philippine government itself
other undue influence in extracting confessions from a
recognized that petitioner could be sued in relation to the
suspect in a crime. The lawyer’s role cannot be reduced
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project. This is evident in the stipulations agreed upon other hand, if the purpose is primarily to regulate, then it
by the parties under Service Contract 38. Shell is deemed a regulation and an exercise of the police
Philippines Exploration B. V. vs. Efren Jalos, et al., G.R. power of the state, even though incidentally, revenue is
No. 179918, September 8, 2010. generated. In this case, the royalty fees were imposed
by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) primarily
for regulatory purposes, and not for the generation of
Judiciary; seniority in appointment of Court of
income or profits as petitioner claims. These fees form
Appeals justices.
part of the regulatory mandate of CDC to ensure “free
flow or movement” of petroleum fuel to and from the
An appointment to a public office is the unequivocal act, Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ). Being the
of one who has the authority, of designating or selecting administrator of CSEZ, CDC is responsible for ensuring
an individual to discharge and perform the duties and the safe, efficient and orderly distribution of fuel products
functions of an office or trust. Where the power of within the CSEZ. Addressing specific concerns demanded
appointment is absolute and the appointee has been by the nature of goods or products involved is
determined upon, no further consent or approval is encompassed in the range of services which respondent
necessary and the formal evidence of the appointment, CDC is expected to provide under the law, pursuant to its
the commission, may issue at once. The appointment is general power of supervision and control over the
deemed complete once the last act required of the movement of all supplies and equipment into the
appointing authority has been complied with. A written CSEZ. Chevron Philippines, Inc. vs. Bases conversion
memorial that can render title to public office indubitable Development Authority and Clark Development
is required. This written memorial is known as the Corporation. G.R. No. 173863, September 15, 2010.
commission. For purposes of completion of the
appointment process, the appointment is complete when
Right to speedy disposition of cases.
the commission is signed by the executive, and sealed if
necessary, and is ready to be delivered or transmitted to
the appointee. Thus, transmittal of the commission is an Section 16, Article III of the Constitution provides that
act which is done after the appointment has already been “all persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of
completed. It is not required to complete the their cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or
appointment but only to facilitate the effectiveness of the administrative bodies.” This protection extends to all
appointment by the appointee’s receipt and acceptance citizens and covers the periods before, during and after
thereof. trial, affording broader protection than Section 14(2),
which guarantees merely the right to a speedy
trial. However, just like the constitutional guarantee of
For purposes of appointments to the judiciary, therefore,
“speedy trial,” “speedy disposition of cases” is a flexible
the date the commission has been signed by the
concept. It is consistent with delays and depends upon
President (which is the date appearing on the face of
the circumstances. What the Constitution prohibits are
such document) is the date of the appointment. Such
unreasonable, arbitrary and oppressive delays, which
date will determine the seniority of the members of the
render rights nugatory. The determination of whether the
Court of Appeals in connection with Section 3, Chapter I
right to speedy disposition of cases has been violated,
of BP 129, as amended by RA 8246. In other words, the
particular regard must be taken of the facts and
earlier the date of the commission of an appointee, the
circumstances peculiar to each case. A mere
more senior he is over the other subsequent
mathematical reckoning of the time involved would not
appointees. It is only when the appointments of two or
be sufficient. Under the circumstances of this case, the
more appointees bear the same date that the order of
Court held that the delay of four years during which the
issuance of the appointments by the President becomes
case remained pending with the Court of Appeals and the
material. This provision of statutory law (Section 3,
Supreme Court was not unreasonable, arbitrary or
Chapter I of BP 129, as amended by RA 8246) controls
oppressive. Lenido Lumanog, et al. vs. People of the
over the provisions of the 2009 Internal Rules of the
Philippines/Cesar Fortuna vs. People of the
Court of Appeals, which gives premium to the order of
Philippines/People of the Philippines vs. SPO2 Cesar
appointments as transmitted to this Court. Rules
Fortuna y Abudo, et al. G.R. Nos. 182555/G.R. No.
implementing a particular law cannot override but must
185123/G.R. No. 187745, September 7, 2010.
give way to the law they seek to implement. Re:
Seniority among the four most recent appointments to
the position of Associate Justices of the Court of
Appeals. A.M. No. 10-4-22-SC, September 28, 2010.
Administrative Law
Police power; taxation versus regulation.
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Findings of facts and conclusions of law of the Securities relief. This doctrine is a judicial recognition of certain
and Exchange Commission are controlling on the matters that are peculiarly within the competence of the
reviewing authority. The rule is that findings of fact of administrative agency to address. It operates as a shield
administrative bodies, if based on substantial evidence, that prevents the overarching use of judicial power and
are controlling on the reviewing authority. It is not for thus hinders courts from intervening in matters of policy
the appellate court to substitute its own judgment for infused with administrative character. Dimson (Manila),
that of the administrative agency on the sufficiency of the Inc. and Phesco, Inc. vs. Local Water Utilities
evidence and the credibility of the witnesses. It is not Administration. G.R. No. 168656, September 22, 2010.
the function of this Court to analyze or weigh all over
again the evidence and the credibility of witnesses
Administrative remedies; exhaustion.
presented before the lower court, tribunal, or office, as
we are not a trier of facts. Our jurisdiction is limited to
reviewing and revising errors of law imputed to the lower Under the doctrine of exhaustion of administrative
court, the latter’s findings of fact being conclusive and remedies, before a party is allowed to seek the
not reviewable by this Court. The SEC Hearing Officer intervention of the court, he or she should have availed
had the optimum opportunity to review the pieces of himself or herself of all the means of administrative
evidence presented before him and to observe the processes afforded him or her. Hence, if resort to a
demeanor of the witnesses. Administrative decisions on remedy within the administrative machinery can still be
matters within his jurisdiction are entitled to respect and made by giving the administrative officer concerned
can only be set aside on proof of grave abuse of every opportunity to decide on a matter that comes
discretion, fraud, or error of law, which has not been within his or her jurisdiction, then such remedy should be
shown by petitioner in this case. Queensland-Tokyo exhausted first before the court’s judicial power can be
Commodities, Inc., et al. vs. Thomas George. G.R. No. sought. The premature invocation of the intervention of
172727, September 8, 2010. the court is fatal to one’s cause of action. The doctrine of
exhaustion of administrative remedies is based on
practical and legal reasons. Resort to administrative
Administrative investigation; right to counsel;
remedy entails lesser expenses and provides for a
admission.
speedier disposition of controversies. Furthermore,
courts of justice, for reasons of comity and convenience,
The right to counsel under Section 12 of the Bill of will shy away from a dispute until the system of
Rights is meant to protect a suspect during custodial administrative redress has been completed and complied
investigation. The exclusionary rule under paragraph 2, with, so as to give the administrative agency concerned
Section 12 of the Bill of Rights applies only to admissions every opportunity to correct its error and dispose of the
made in a criminal investigation but not to those made in case. While the doctrine of exhaustion of administrative
an administrative investigation. While investigations remedies is subject to several exceptions, the Court finds
conducted by an administrative body may at times be that the instant case does not fall under any of
akin to a criminal proceeding, the rule under existing them. Public Hearing Committee of the Laguna Lake
laws is that a party in an administrative inquiry may or Development Authority, et al. vs. SM Prime Holdings, Inc.
may not be assisted by counsel, irrespective of the G.R. No. 170599, September 22, 2010.
nature of the charges and of petitioner’s capacity to
represent herself, and no duty rests on such body to
Laguna Lake Development Authority; powers.
furnish the person being investigated with counsel. The
right to counsel is not always imperative in administrative
investigations because such inquiries are conducted The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) has
merely to determine whether there are facts that merit power to impose fines in the exercise of its function as a
the imposition of disciplinary measures against erring regulatory and quasi-judicial body with respect to
public officers and employees, with the purpose of pollution cases in the Laguna Lake region. Adjudication
maintaining the dignity of government service. As such, of pollution cases generally pertains to the Pollution
the admissions made by petitioner during the Adjudication Board (PAB), except where a special law,
investigation may be used as evidence to justify her such as the LLDA Charter, provides for another
dismissal. Clarita J. Carbonel vs. Civil Service forum. Although the PAB assumed the powers and
Commission. G.R. No. 187689, September 7, 2010. functions of the National Pollution Control Commission
with respect to adjudication of pollution cases, this does
not preclude the LLDA from assuming jurisdiction of
Administrative remedies; exhaustion.
pollution cases within its area of responsibility and to
impose fines as penalty. Public Hearing Committee of the
The doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies Laguna Lake Development Authority, et al. vs. SM Prime
requires that when an administrative remedy is provided Holdings, Inc. G.R. No. 170599, September 22, 2010.
by law, relief must be sought by exhausting this remedy
before judicial intervention may be availed of. No
recourse can be had until all such remedies have been
exhausted, and the special civil actions against
administrative officers should not be entertained if there Election Law
are superior administrative officers who could grant
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Automated election system; source code. is the power to alter or modify or set aside what a
subordinate officer had done in the performance of his
duties and to substitute the judgment of the President
The pertinent portion of Section 12 of Republic Act No.
over that of the subordinate officer. The power of control
9369 is clear in that “once an [automated election
gives the President the power to revise or reverse the
system] technology is selected for implementation, the
acts or decisions of a subordinate officer involving the
[COMELEC] shall promptly make the source code of that
exercise of discretion. Since LGUs are subject only to the
technology available and open to any interested political
power of general supervision of the President, the
party or groups which may conduct their own review
President’s authority is limited to seeing to it that rules
thereof.” The COMELEC has offered no reason not to
are followed and laws are faithfully executed. The
comply with this requirement of the law. Indeed, its only
President may only point out that rules have not been
excuse for not disclosing the source code was that it was
followed but the President cannot lay down the rules,
not yet available when petitioner asked for it and,
neither does he have the discretion to modify or replace
subsequently, that the review had to be done, apparently
the rules. Thus, the grant of additional compensation like
for security reason, under a controlled environment. The
hospitalization and health care insurance benefits in this
elections had passed and that reason is already stale.
case does not need the approval of the President to be
The Court here ruled on the petition notwithstanding the
valid. The Province of Negros Occidental vs. The
fact that the elections for which the subject source code
Commissioners, Commission on Audit, et al. G.R. No.
was to be used had already been held. It accepted
182574, September 28, 2010.
petitioner’s claim that the source code remained
important and relevant not only for compliance with the
law, and the purpose thereof, but especially in the Special Laws
backdrop of numerous admissions of errors and claims of
fraud in the May 2010 elections. Center for People
Agrarian reform; just compensation.
Empowerment in Governance vs. Commission on
Elections, G.R. No. 189546, September 21, 2010.
The Supreme Court here reiterated its previous rulings
that the factors for determining just compensation under
Section 17 of Republic Act No. 6657 (the Comprehensive
Agrarian Reform Law), which have been translated into a
Local Government formula through DAR Administrative Order No. 6, series
of 1992, as amended by DAR Administrative Order No.
11, series of 1994, are mandatory and should be strictly
Salary standardization; President’s power over
complied with. In this case, Land Bank’s valuation
local governments.
correctly reflected the actual use and produce of the
subject properties and did not factor in potential use as
The Court here reversed the ruling of the Commission on what respondent’s appraiser did. (Note that DAR AO No.
Audit (COA), which disallowed the premium payment for 6, as amended by DAR A.O. No. 11, has been superseded
hospitalization and health care insurance benefits granted by DAR Administrative Order No. 5, series of
by petitioner to its officials and employees. COA held that 1998.) Land Bank of the Philippines vs. Conrado O.
such benefits disregarded Section 2 of Administrative Colarina, G.R. No. 176410, September 1, 2010.
Order No. 103, series of 1994 (AO 103), which prohibits
all heads of government offices and agencies from
Agrarian reform; just compensation.
granting productivity incentive benefits or any and all
similar forms of allowances and benefits without the
President’s prior approval. The Court ruled that petitioner For purposes of just compensation, the fair market value
did not violate the rule of prior Presidential approval since of an expropriated property is determined by its
Section 2 of AO 103 states that the prohibition applies character and its price at the time of taking. There are
only to “government offices/agencies, including three important concepts in this definition – the character
government-owned and/or controlled corporations, as of the property, its price, and the time of actual
well as their respective governing boards.” Nowhere is it taking. The time of taking is the time when the
indicated in Section 2 that the prohibition also applies to landowner was deprived of the use and benefit of his
local government units. The approval requirement must property, such as when title is transferred to the
be observed by government offices under the President’s Republic.
control, i.e., departments, bureaus, offices and
government-owned and controlled corporations under the
The property’s character refers to its actual use at the
Executive branch. Being an LGU, petitioner is merely
time of taking, not its potential uses. Where, as here, it
under the President’s general supervision pursuant to
has been conclusively decided by final judgment in the
Section 4, Article X of the Constitution.
earlier cases filed by respondent that his property was
validly acquired under the Comprehensive Agrarian
The President’s power of general supervision means the Reform Law (RA 6657) and validly distributed to agrarian
power of a superior officer to see to it that subordinates reform beneficiaries, the property should be conclusively
perform their functions according to law. This is treated as an agricultural land and valued as such. The
distinguished from the President’s power of control which lower courts erred in ruling that the character or use of
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the property has changed from agricultural to residential, rules and regulations in order to implement a
because there is no allegation or proof that the property statute. The power, however, is restricted such that an
was approved for conversion to other uses by the administrative regulation cannot go beyond what is
Department of Agrarian Reform. In the absence of such provided in the legislative enactment. It must always be
approval, it cannot be said that the character or use of in harmony with the provisions of the law; hence, any
the property has changed from agricultural to resulting discrepancy between the two will always be
residential. Respondent’s property remains agricultural resolved in favor of the statute. Celestio Santiago
and should be valued as such. Respondent’s evidence of substituted by Lauro Santiago and Isidro Gutierrez
the value of his land as residential property (which the substituted by Rogelio Gutierez vs. Amada R. Ortiz-Luis
lower courts found to be preponderant) could, at most, substituted by Juan Ortiz-Luiz, Jr. G.R. No. 186184 &
refer to the potential use of the property. While the G.R. No. 186988, September 20, 2010.
potential use of an expropriated property is sometimes
considered in cases where there is a great improvement
Government Procurement Reform Act; jurisdiction;
in the general vicinity of the expropriated property, it
appeal from decisions of bids and awards
should never control the determination of just
committee.
compensation. The potential use of a property should
not be the principal criterion for determining just
compensation for this will be contrary to the well-settled Under Republic Act No. 9184, or the Government
doctrine that the fair market value of an expropriated Procurement Reform Act (GPRA), the proper recourse to
property is determined by its character and its price at a court action from decisions of the Bids and Awards
the time of taking, not its potential uses. The proper Committee (BAC) is to file a certiorari not before the
approach should have been to value respondent’s Supreme Court but before the regional trial court, which
property as an agricultural land, which value may be is vested by the GPRA with jurisdiction to entertain the
adjusted in light of the improvements in the locality same. Compliance with the mandatory protest
where it is situated. mechanisms of the GPRA is jurisdictional in
character. Section 58 of that law requires that there be
exhaustion of the statutorily available remedies at the
As to the price, the factors and requirements set out in
administrative level as a precondition to the filing of a
Section 17 of RA 6657 must be applied. Here, the Land
certiorari petition. This requirement points to the
Bank’s authority to value the land is only preliminary and
mechanisms for protest against decisions of the BAC in
the landowner who disagrees with petitioner’s valuation
all stages of the procurement process that are outlined in
may bring the matter to court for a judicial determination
both the provisions of Section 55 of the GPRA as well in
of just compensation. The Regional Trial Courts,
Section 55 of the implementing rules. Under these
organized as special agrarian courts, are the final
relevant sections of the law and the rules, resort to the
adjudicators on the issue of just compensation. Land
judicial remedy of certiorari must be made only after the
Bank must substantiate its valuation. It is not enough
filing of a motion for reconsideration of the BAC’s decision
that the landowner fails to prove a higher valuation for
before the said body. Subsequently, from the final denial
the property; Land Bank must still prove the correctness
of the motion for reconsideration, the aggrieved party
of its claims. Land Bank of the Philippines vs. Enrique
must then lodge a protest before the head of the
Livioco, G.R. No. 170685, September 22, 2010.
procuring entity through a verified position paper that
formally complies with requirements in Section 55.2 of
Agrarian reform; retention rights. the GPRA’s Implementing Rules and Regulations – Part
A. Only upon the final resolution of the protest can the
aggrieved party be said to have exhausted the available
The right of retention, as protected and enshrined in the
remedies at the administrative level. In other words,
Constitution, balances the effect of compulsory land
only then can he viably avail of the remedy of certiorari
acquisition by granting the landowner the right to choose
before the proper courts. Non-compliance with this
the area to be retained subject to legislative
statutory requirement, under Section 58 of the GPRA,
standards. Thus, landowners who have not yet exercised
constitutes a ground for the dismissal of the action for
their retention rights under Presidential Decree No. 27
lack of jurisdiction. Dimson (Manila), Inc. and Phesco,
are entitled to new retention rights provided for by
Inc. vs. Local Water Utilities Administration. G.R. No.
Republic Act No. 6657. However, the limitations under
168656, September 22, 2010.
Letter of Instruction No. 474 still apply to a landowner
who filed an application for retention under RA
6657. LOI 474 amended PD 27 by removing any right of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act; vested property
retention from persons who own other agricultural lands rights.
of more than 7 hectares, or lands used for residential,
commercial, industrial or other purpose from which they
When Congress enacted the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights
derive adequate income to support themselves and their
Act (IPRA) or Republic Act 8371 in 1997, it provided in
families. Section 9 (d) of DAR Administrative Order No.
Section 56 that “property rights within the ancestral
05 is inconsistent with PD No. 27, as amended by LOI
domains already existing and/or vested” upon its
474, insofar as it removed the limitations to a
effectiveness “shall be recognized and respected.” In this
landowner’s retention rights. It is well-settled that
case, ownership over the subject lands had been vested
administrative officials are empowered to promulgate
in petitioner as early as 1958. Consequently, a
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Presidential proclamation transferring the lands in 2003 the e-Passport Project was pursued under the BOT Law.
to the indigenous peoples around the area is not in However, petitioners presented no proof that the e-
accord with the IPRA. Central Mindanao University, etc. Passport Project was a BOT project. On the contrary,
vs. The Hon. Executive Secretary, et al. G.R. No. 184869, evidence adduced by both sides tended to show that the
September 21, 2010. e-Passport Project was a procurement contract under the
GPRA. Accordingly, only the civil works component of the
e-Passport Project would be considered an infrastructure
Republic Act No. 8975; government ICT projects.
project that may not be the subject of a lower court-
issued writ of injunction under RA 8975.
This is the first time that the Court is confronted with the
question of whether a government information and
Could the e-Passport Project be considered as
communication technology project is covered by Republic
“engineering works or a service contract” or as “related
Act No. 8975, which prohibits trial courts from issuing a
and necessary activities” under RA 8975. The Court ruled
temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction or
in the negative. Under that law, a “service contract”
mandatory injunction against the bidding or awarding of
refers to “infrastructure contracts entered into by any
a contract or project of the national government. The
department, office or agency of the national government
term “national government projects” means (i) national
with private entities and nongovernment organizations
government infrastructure projects, engineering works
for services related or incidental to the functions and
and service contracts, (ii) all projects covered by the
operations of the department, office or agency
Build-Operate-and-Transfer (BOT) Law, and (iii) other
concerned.” On the other hand, the phrase “other
related and necessary activities, such as site acquisition,
related and necessary activities” refers to activities
supply and/or installation of equipment and materials,
related to a government infrastructure, engineering
implementation, construction, completion, operation,
works, service contract or project under the BOT Law. In
maintenance, improvement repair and rehabilitation. The
other words, to be considered a service contract or
purpose of RA 8975 is to ensure the expeditious
related activity, petitioners must show that the e-
implementation and completion of government
Passport Project is an infrastructure project or necessarily
infrastructure projects.
related to an infrastructure project. This, petitioners
failed to do as they saw fit not to present any evidence
Undeniably, under the BOT Law, the entire information on the details of the e-Passport Project before the trial
technology project, including the civil works component court and this Court. There is nothing on record to
and the technological aspect thereof, is considered an indicate that the e-Passport Project has a civil works
infrastructure or development project and treated component or is necessarily related to an infrastructure
similarly as traditional infrastructure projects. Such project. In fact, the BSP’s request for interest and to bid
information technology project is therefore covered by RA confirms that the e-Passport Project is a procurement of
8975. goods and not an infrastructure project. Thus, within the
context of the GPRA – which is the governing law for the
On the other hand, under Republic Act No. 9184 or the e-Passport Project – the said Project is not an
Government Procurement Reform Act (GPRA), which infrastructure project that is protected from lower court
contemplates projects to be funded by public funds, the issued injunctions. Department of Foreign Affairs and
term “infrastructure project” is limited to the “civil works Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas vs. Hon. Franco T.
component” of information technology projects. The Falcon, G.R. No. 176657, September 1, 2010.
non-civil works component of information technology
projects is treated as an acquisition of goods or
consulting services. Thus, the civil works component of
information technology projects are subject to the
provisions of the GPRA and its implementing regulations
on infrastructure projects, while the technological and
other components would be covered by the provisions on OCTOBER 2010 CASES
procurement of goods or consulting services as the
circumstances may warrant. When Congress adopted a Constitutional Law
limited definition of what is to be considered
“infrastructure” in relation to information technology
projects under the GPRA, legislators are presumed to
have taken into account previous laws concerning
infrastructure projects, including the BOT Law and RA Bill of Rights; Presumption of Innocence.
8975, and deliberately adopted the limited definition.
In this case, the so-called frame-up was virtually pure
Taking into account the different treatment of information allegation bereft of credible proof. The narration of the
technology projects under the BOT Law and the GPRA, police officer who implemented the search warrant was
petitioners’ contention the trial court had no jurisdiction found, after trial and appellate review, as the true story.
to issue a writ of preliminary injunction (because of the It is on firmer ground than the self-serving statement of
prohibition under RA 8975) would have been correct if the accused-appellant of frame-up. The defense cannot
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solely rely upon the constitutional presumption of Petitions for certiorari and prohibition are, as here,
innocence for, while it is constitutional, the presumption appropriate remedies to raise constitutional issues and to
is not conclusive. Notably, the accused-appellant herself review and/or prohibit or nullify, when proper, acts of
stated in her brief that “no proof was proffered by the legislative and executive officials. The present petitions
accused-appellant of the police officers’ alleged ill allege that then President Ramos had exercised vis-à-vis
motive.” Stated otherwise, the narration of the incident an assignment of franchise, a function legislative in
by law enforcers, buttressed by the presumption that character. As alleged, too, the Toll Regulatory Board
they have regularly performed their duties in the absence (TRB), in the guise of entering into contracts
of convincing proof to the contrary, must be given or agreements
weight. People of the Philippines vs. Olive with the Philippine National Construction Corporation (PN
Rubio Mamaril. G.R. No. 171980, October 6, 2010. CC) and other juridical entities, virtually enlarged,
modified and/or extended the statutory franchise of
PNCC, thereby usurping a legislative prerogative. The
Bill of Rights; Probable Cause.
usurpation came in the form of executing the assailed
Supplemental Toll Operation Agreements and the
There is no general formula or fixed rule for the issuance of Toll Operation Certificates. Grave abuse of
determination of probable cause since the same must be discretion is also laid on the doorstep of the TRB for its
decided in light of the conditions obtaining in given act of entering into these same contracts or agreements
situations and its existence depends to a large degree without the required public bidding mandated by law. In
upon the findings or opinion of the judge conducting the fine, the certiorari petitions impute on then President
examination. It is presumed that a judicial function has Ramos and the TRB, the commission of acts that
been regularly performed, absent a showing to the translate inter alia into usurpation of the congressional
contrary. The defense’s reliance of the quoted testimony authority to grant franchises and violation of extant
of the police officer alone, without any other evidence to statutes. The petitions make a prima facie case for
show that there was indeed lack of personal knowledge, certiorari and prohibition; an actual case or controversy
is insufficient to overturn the finding of the trial court. ripe for judicial review exists. Verily, when an act of a
The accused-appellant, having failed to present branch of government is seriously alleged to have
substantial rebuttal evidence to defeat the presumption infringed the Constitution, it becomes not only the right
of regularity of duty of the issuing judge, cannot not be but in fact the duty of the judiciary to settle the
sustained by the Court. People of the Philippines vs. Olive dispute. In doing so, the judiciary merely defends the
Rubio Mamaril. G.R. No. 171980, October 6, 2010. sanctity of its duties and powers under the Constitution.
Constitutionality; Actual Controversy; Standing to In any case, the rule on standing is a matter of
Sue. procedural technicality, which may be relaxed when the
subject in issue or the legal question to be resolved is of
The power of judicial review can only be exercised in transcendental importance to the public. Hence, even
connection with a bona fide controversy involving a absent any direct injury to the suitor, the Court can relax
statute, its implementation or a government the application of legal standing or altogether set it aside
action. Without such controversy, courts will decline to for non-traditional plaintiffs, like ordinary citizens, when
pass upon constitutional issues through advisory the public interest so requires. There is no doubt that
opinions, bereft as they are of authority to resolve individual petitioners, Marcos,et al., in G.R. No. 169917,
hypothetical or moot questions. The limitation on the as then members of the House of Representatives,
power of judicial review to actual cases and possess the requisite legal standing since they assail acts
controversies defines the role assigned to the judiciary in of the executive they perceive to injure the institution of
a tripartite allocation of power, to assure that the courts Congress. On the other hand, petitioners
will not intrude into areas committed to the other Francisco, Hizon, and the other petitioning associations,
branches of government. But even with the presence of as taxpayers and/or users of the tollways or
an actual case or controversy, the Court may refuse representatives of such users, would ordinarily not be
judicial review unless the constitutional question or the clothed with the requisite standing. While this is so, the
assailed illegal government act is brought before it by a Court is wont to presently relax the rule on locus standi
party who possesses locus standi or the standing to owing primarily to the transcendental importance and the
challenge it. To have standing, one must establish that paramount public interest involved in the implementation
he has a “personal and substantial interest in the case of the laws on the Luzon tollways, a roadway complex
such that he has sustained, or will sustain, direct injury used daily by hundreds of thousands of
as a result of its enforcement.” Particularly, he must motorists. Ernesto B. Francisco, Jr., et al. vs. Toll
show that (1) he has suffered some actual or threatened Regulatory Board, et al./Hon. Imee R. Marcos, et al. vs.
injury as a result of the allegedly illegal conduct of the The Republic of the Philippines, et
government; (2) the injury is fairly traceable to the al./Gising Kabataan Movement, Inc., et al. vs. The
challenged action; and (3) the injury is likely to be Republic of the Philippines, et al./The Republic of the
redressed by a favorable action. Philippines vs. Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs of
San Pedro, Laguna. G.R. No. 166910, 169917, 173630,
183599, October 19, 2010.
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petitions have become pleas for declaratory relief, over may even forbid and penalize acts formerly considered
which the Court has no original jurisdiction. Then again, innocent and lawful, so long as it refrains from
declaratory actions characterized by “double diminishing or dissuading the exercise of constitutionally
contingency,” where both the activity the petitioners protected rights. Under no case, therefore, may ordinary
intend to undertake and the anticipated reaction to it of a penal statutes be subjected to a facial challenge. The
public official are merely theorized, lie beyond judicial rationale is obvious. If a facial challenge to a penal
review for lack of ripeness. Allegations of abuse must be statute is permitted, the prosecution of crimes may be
anchored on real events before courts may step in to hampered. No prosecution would be possible. It is
settle actual controversies involving rights which are settled, furthermore, that the application of
legally demandable and enforceable. Southern the overbreadth doctrine is limited to a facial kind of
Hemisphere Engagement Network, Inc, et al. vs. Anti- challenge and, owing to the given rationale of a facial
Terrorism Council, et al./Kilusang Mayo Uno etc., et al. challenge, applicable only to free speech cases. By its
Vs. Hon. Eduardo Ermita., et nature, the overbreadth doctrine has to necessarily apply
al./Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), et al. vs. a facial type of invalidation in order to plot areas of
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, et al./Karapatan, et al. vs. protected speech, inevitably almost always under
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, et al./The Integrated Bar of the situations not before the court, that are impermissibly
Philippines, et al. vs. Executive Secretary swept by the substantially overbroad regulation.
Eduardo Ermita, et al./Bagong Alyansang Makabayan- Otherwise stated, a statute cannot be properly analyzed
Southern Tagalog, et al. vs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, et for being substantially overbroad if the court confines
al. G.R. Nos. 178552, 178554, 178581, 178890, 179157, itself only to facts as applied to the litigants. In this case,
179461, October 5, 2010. since a penal statute may only be assailed for
being vague as applied to petitioners, a limited
vagueness analysis of the definition of “terrorism” in RA
9372 is legally impermissible absent an actual or
imminent charge against them. In fine, petitioners have
Constitutionality; Void for Vagueness established neither an actual charge nor a credible threat
and Overbreadth Doctrine. of prosecution under RA 9372. Even a limited vagueness
analysis of the assailed definition of “terrorism” is thus
A facial invalidation of a statute is allowed only in free legally impermissible. Southern Hemisphere Engagement
speech cases, wherein certain rules of constitutional Network, Inc., et al. vs. Anti-Terrorism Council, et
litigation are rightly excepted. To be sure, the doctrine of al./Kilusang Mayo Uno, et al. Vs. Hon. Eduardo Ermita.,
vagueness and the doctrine of overbreadth do not et al./Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), et al. vs.
operate on the same plane. A statute or act suffers from Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, et al./Karapatan, et al. vs.
the defect of vagueness when it lacks comprehensible Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, et al./The Integrated Bar of the
standards that men of common intelligence must Philippines, et al. vs. Executive Secretary
necessarily guess at its meaning and differ as to its Eduardo Ermita, et al./Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-
application. The overbreadth doctrine, meanwhile, Southern Tagalog, et al. vs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, et
decrees that a governmental purpose to control or al. G.R. Nos. 178552, 178554, 178581, 178890, 179157,
prevent activities constitutionally subject to state 179461, October 5, 2010.
regulations may not be achieved by means which sweep
unnecessarily broadly and thereby invade the area of
protected freedoms. As distinguished from the vagueness
doctrine, the overbreadth doctrine assumes that
Eminent Domain; Just Compensation.
individuals will understand what a statute prohibits and
will accordingly refrain from that behavior, even though
some of it is protected. A “facial” challenge is likewise Section 9, Article III of the 1987 Constitution requires
different from an “as-applied” challenge. Distinguished that in the exercise of the power of eminent domain,
from an as-applied challenge which considers only extant compensation should be just. The public, through the
facts affecting real litigants, a facial invalidation is an State, must balance the injury that the taking of property
examination of the entire law, pinpointing its flaws and causes through compensation for what is taken, value for
defects, not only on the basis of its actual operation to value. The owner’s loss is not only his property but also
the parties, but also on the assumption or prediction that its income-generating potential. While the LBP
its very existence may cause others not before the court immediately paid the remaining balance on the just
to refrain from constitutionally protected speech or compensation due to the petitioners after the
activities. The vagueness and overbreadth doctrines, as Supreme Court had fixed the value of the expropriated
grounds for a facial challenge, are not applicable properties, it overlooks one essential fact – from the time
to penal laws. On the other hand, the allowance of a that the State took the petitioners’ properties until the
facial challenge in free speech cases is justified by the time that the petitioners were fully paid, almost 12 long
aim to avert the “chilling effect” on protected speech, the years passed. This is the rationale for imposing the 12%
exercise of which should not at all times be interest – in order to compensate the petitioners for the
abridged. This rationale is inapplicable to plain penal income they would have made had they been properly
statutes that generally bear an “in terrorem effect” in compensated for their properties at the time of the
deterring socially harmful conduct. In fact, the legislature taking. Furthermore, while the SC has equitably reduced
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the amount of interest awarded in numerous cases in the mean that the Supreme Court is nullifying the
past, those cases involved interest that was essentially proceedings before the Ombudsman as estoppel has
consensual in nature, i.e., interest stipulated in signed already set in. Respondent actively participated in the
agreements between the contracting parties. In contrast, proceedings before the Ombudsman. He submitted his
the interest involved in the present case “runs as counter-affidavit, an affidavit of his witness, and attached
a matter of law and follows as a matter of course from annexes. Respondent even filed a Motion for
the right of the landowner to be placed in as good a Reconsideration asking for affirmative relief from the
position as money can accomplish, as of the date of Ombudsman. Finally, as to the power to impose
taking.” Thus, the interest due in the present case cannot administrative liability, the Office of the Ombudsman has
be reduced. Apo Fruits Corporation, et al. vs. Land Bank the authority to determine the administrative liability of
of the Philippines. G.R. No. 164195, October 12, 2010. an erring public official or employee, and to direct and
compel the head of the concerned officer or agency to
implement the penalty imposed. This power to impose
Fiscal Autonomy of the Judiciary; GSIS; Exemption
administrative liability is not merely recommendatory but
from Legal Fees.
actually mandatory. Office of the Ombudsman vs.
Pedro Delijero, Jr. G.R. No. 172635, October 20, 2010.
In In Re: Petition for Recognition of the Exemption of the
Government Service Insurance System from Payment of
Office of the Ombudsman; Powers.
Legal Fees, the Court ruled that the provision in the
Charter of the GSIS, i.e., Section 39 of Republic Act No.
8291, which exempts it from “all taxes, assessments, The Ombudsman’s decision imposing the penalty of
fees, charges or duties of all kinds,” cannot operate to suspension for one year
exempt it from the payment of legal fees. This was is immediately executory pending appeal. It cannot be
because, unlike the 1935 and 1973 Constitutions, which stayed by the mere filing of an appeal to the Court of
empowered Congress to repeal, alter or supplement the Appeals (CA). Clearly, Section 7, Rule III of the Rules of
rules of the Supreme Court concerning pleading, practice Procedure of the Office of the Ombudsman supersedes
and procedure, the 1987 Constitution removed this the discretion given to the CA in Section 12, Rule 43 of
power from Congress. Hence, the Supreme Court now the Rules of Court when a decision of the Ombudsman in
has the sole authority to promulgate rules concerning an administrative case is appealed to the CA. The
pleading, practice and procedure in all courts. Any provision in the Rules of Procedure of the Office of the
exemption from the payment of legal fees granted by Ombudsman that a decision is immediately executory is a
Congress to government-owned or controlled special rule that prevails over the provisions of the Rules
corporations and local government units will necessarily of Court. Moreover, Section 13 (8), Article XI of the
reduce the JDF and the SAJF. Undoubtedly, such situation Constitution authorizes the Office of the Ombudsman to
is constitutionally infirm for it impairs the Court’s promulgate its own rules of procedure. In this
guaranteed fiscal autonomy and erodes its connection, Sections 18 and 27 of the Ombudsman Act of
independence. In the instant case, therefore, the trial 1989 also provide that the Office of the Ombudsman has
court did not acquire jurisdiction to try and decide the the power to “promulgate its rules of procedure for the
permissive counterclaim considering that petitioner is not effective exercise or performance of its powers, functions
exempted from the payment of legal fees. Government and duties” and to amend or modify its rules as the
Service Insurance System (GSIS) vs. Heirs of Fernando interest of justice may require. For the CA to issue a
P. Caballero, et al. G.R. No. 158090, October 4, 2010. preliminary injunction that will stay the penalty imposed
by the Ombudsman in an administrative case would be to
encroach on the rule-making powers of the Office of the
Ombudsman; Disciplinary Authority over Public
Ombudsman under the Constitution and RA 6770 as the
School Teachers.
injunctive writ will render nugatory the provisions of
Section 7, Rule III of the Rules of Procedure of the Office
The administrative disciplinary authority of the of the Ombudsman. Office of the Ombudsman vs. Joel
Ombudsman over a public school teacher is not an S. Samaniego. G.R. No. 175573, October 5, 2010.
exclusive power but is concurrent with the proper
committee of the Department of Education, Culture and
Preliminary Investigation; Decision; Applicability of
Sports (DECS). However, while petitioner has such
Constitutional Requirements to DOJ.
concurrent authority, Section 23 of the Ombudsman Act
of 1989 provides that the Ombudsman may refer a
complaint to the proper disciplinary authority. Under the A preliminary investigation is not a quasi-judicial
circumstances obtaining in the case, it would have been proceeding since “the prosecutor in a preliminary
more prudent for petitioner to have referred the investigation does not determine the guilt or innocence of
complaint to the DECS given that it would have been in a the accused.” Preliminary investigation is merely
better position to serve the interest of justice considering inquisitorial. While the prosecutor makes that
the nature of the controversy. Respondent is a public determination, he cannot be said to be acting as a quasi-
school teacher and is covered by RA 4670, therefore, the court, for it is the courts, ultimately, that pass judgment
proceedings before the DECS would have been the more on the accused, not the prosecutor. A preliminary
appropriate venue to resolve the dispute. In any case, investigation thus partakes of
the foregoing pronouncement does not automatically an investigative or inquisitorial power for the sole
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purpose of obtaining information on what future action of Operation Certificate that it issued when public interest
a judicial nature may be taken. Balangauan v. Court of so requires. Accordingly, there is nothing infirm much
Appeals in fact iterates that even the action of the less questionable about the provision in the MNTC STOA
Secretary of Justice in reviewing a prosecutor’s order or allowing the substitution of MNTC in case it defaults in its
resolution via appeal or petition for review cannot be loans.
considered a quasi-judicial proceeding since the “DOJ is
not a quasi-judicial body.” Section 14, Article VIII of the
Furthermore, the “unrestricted right” of the lender in
Constitution does not thus extend to resolutions issued
Clause 17.4.1 of the MNTC STOA to appoint a
by the DOJ Secretary. Atty. Alice Odchique-Bondoc vs.
substituted entity is never intended to afford such
Tan Tiong Bio a.k.a. Henry Tan. G.R. No.
lender the plenary power to do so. It is clear that the
186652, October 6, 2010.
lenders do not actually have an absolute or “unrestricted”
right to appoint the substituted entity in view of TRB’s
Validity of right to accept or reject the substitution within one
Supplemental Toll Operation Agreements. month from notice, and such right to appoint comes into
force only if and when the TRB decides to effectuate the
substitution of MNTC as allowed in Clause 17.2 of the
(a) Public Utility Franchise; Substitution of
MNTC STOA.
Grantee.
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Clause 17.5, i.e., 50 years, is used, the accumulated investors and negated the public hearing
concession period granted in this case would effectively requirement. The Court held that the requisite public
be 80 years. This is a clear violation of the 50-year hearings under Section 3(d) of PD 1112 and Section 8(b)
franchise threshold set by the Constitution. It is on this of PD 1894 are not negated by the fixing of the initial toll
basis that the Court struck down the provision in Clause rates and the periodic adjustments under the STOAs.
17.5 allowing extension of the concession for up to 50
years. However, the nullity is only with respect
A clear distinction must be made between the statutory
to any extension beyond the 50-year constitutional limit.
prescription on the fixing of initial toll rates, on the one
hand, and of periodic/interim or subsequent toll rates, on
(c) Government Guarantee. the other. First, the hearing required under the said
provisos refers to notice and hearing for the approval or
denial of petitions for toll rate adjustments – or the
The Court declared as unconstitutional and grossly
subsequent toll rates, not to the fixing of initial toll
disadvantageous to the Government Clause 11.7 of the
rates. By express legal provision, the TRB is authorized to
MNTC STOA (and a similar provision in the STOA for the
approve the initial toll rates without the necessity of a
South Luzon Expressway rehabilitation and extension
hearing. It is only when a challenge on the initial toll
project), which guarantees the financial viability
rates fixed ensues that public hearings are required.
of tollway project. Under Clause 11.7 of the MNTC STOA,
the TRB agreed to pay monthly the difference in the toll
fees actually collected by MNTC and that which it could In determining the reasonableness of subsequent toll rate
have realized under the STOA. Article VI, Section 29(1) increases, the TRB must seek out the Commission on
of the Constitution mandates that “[n]o money shall be Audit for assistance in examining and auditing the
paid out of the Treasury except in pursuance of an financial books of the public utilities
appropriation made by law.” In this case, the TRB, by concerned. Furthermore, while the periodic, interim and
warranting to compensate MNTC for loss of revenue other toll rate adjustment formulas are indicated in the
resulting from the non-implementation of the periodic STOAs, it does not mean that the TRB should accept a
and interim toll fee adjustments, violates the rate adjustment predicated on the economic data,
constitutionally guaranteed and exclusive power of the references or assumptions adopted by the toll
Legislature to appropriate money for public purpose from operator. The final figures should be determined by the
the General Funds of the Government. TRB based on its appreciation of the relevant rate-
influencing data. The TRB should exercise its rate-fixing
powers within the context of the agreed formula, but
Further, Section 3(e)(5) of PD 1112 explicitly states that
always having in mind that the rates should be just and
no guarantee, Certificate of Indebtedness, collateral
reasonable. Conversely, it is very well within the power of
securities, or bonds shall be issued by any government
the TRB under the law to approve a change in the current
agency or government-owned or controlled corporation
toll fees. Section 3(d) of PD 1112 grants the TRB the
on any financing program of the toll operator in
power to “issue, modify and promulgate from time to
connection with his undertaking under the Toll Operation
time the rates of toll that will be charged the direct users
Certificate. What the law here seeks to prevent is the
of toll facilities.” But the reasonableness of a possible
eventuality that the Government, through any of its
increase in the fees must first be clearly and convincingly
agencies, could be obligated to pay or secure, whether
established by the petitioning entities, i.e., the toll
directly or indirectly, the financing by the private investor
operators. Ernesto B. Francisco, Jr., et al. vs. Toll
of the project. In this case, under Clause 11.7 of the
Regulatory Board, et al./Hon. Imee R. Marcos, et al. vs.
MNTC STOA, the Republic of the Philippines (through the
The Republic of the Philippines, et
TRB) guaranteed the security of the project against
al./Gising Kabataan Movement, Inc., et al. vs. The
revenue losses that could result in case the TRB, based
Republic of the Philippines, et al./The Republic of the
on its determination of a just and reasonable toll fee,
Philippines vs. Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs of
decides not to effect a toll fee adjustment under the
San Pedro, Laguna. G.R. No. 166910, 169917, 173630,
STOA’s periodic/interim adjustment formula.
183599, October 19, 2010.
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determine technical and intricate matters of fact. The BOT-scheme infrastructure project will have to construct,
objective of the doctrine of primary jurisdiction is to operate and maintain the tollways through an automatic
guide the court in determining whether it should refrain grant of a franchise or TOC, in which case, public bidding
from exercising its jurisdiction until after an is required under the law. Where, as here, a
administrative agency has determined some question or franchisee (PNCC) undertakes the construction,
some aspect of some question arising in the proceeding rehabilitation and expansion of the tollways under its
before the court. Undeniably, supervening events have franchise, there is no need for a public bidding. In
substantially changed the factual backdrop of the case pursuing the projects with the vast resource
while it was pending before the Court. The Supreme requirements, the franchisee can partner with other
Court thus deferred to the competence and expertise of investors, which it may choose in the exercise of its
the Securities and Exchange Commission to determine management prerogatives. In this case, no public bidding
whether, given the supervening events, the Second is required upon the franchisee in choosing
Amendment to the Rehabilitation Plan is no longer its partners, as such process was done in the exercise of
capable of implementation and whether the rehabilitation management prerogatives and in pursuit of its right
case should be terminated as a consequence. Nestle of delectus personae. Ernesto B. Francisco, Jr., et al. vs.
Philippines, Inc. et al. vs. Uniwide Sales, Inc., et al. G.R. Toll Regulatory Board, et al./Hon. Imee R. Marcos, et al.
No. 174674, October 20, 2010. vs. The Republic of the Philippines, et
al./Gising Kabataan Movement, Inc., et al. vs. The
Republic of the Philippines, et al./The Republic of the
Government Contracts; Public Bidding.
Philippines vs. Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs of
San Pedro, Laguna. G.R. No. 166910, 169917, 173630,
The Court held that public bidding is not required with 183599, October 19, 2010.
respect to the procurement of the South Metro Manila
Skyway, North Luzon Expressway and South Luzon
Expressway projects. Private petitioners maintain that
public bidding is required for these projects on the basis
that they are in the nature of a build-operate- Election Laws
transfer infrastructure undertaking under the BOT
Law. The Court said that the BOT Law does not squarely
Candidate; Residency Requirement.
apply to Philippine National Construction Corporation
(PNCC), which exercised its prerogatives and obligations
under its franchise to pursue the construction, While it is undisputed that Mitra’s domicile of origin is
rehabilitation and expansion of the above toll roads with Puerto Princesa City, Mitra adequately proved by
chosen partners. These tollway projects may very well substantial evidence that he transferred by incremental
qualify as a build-operate-transfer undertaking. However, process to Aborlan beginning 2008, and concluded his
given that the projects have been undertaken by PNCC in transfer in early 2009. Given this proof, the burden of
the exercise of its franchise under Presidential Decree No. evidence lies with the private respondents to establish
1113 and Presidential Decree No. 1894, in joint the contrary, which the latter failed to do. On the other
venture with its chosen partners at the time when it was hand, the COMELEC based its ruling that Mitra did not
held valid to do so by the Office of take up residence in Aborlan largely on the photographs
the Government Corporate Counsel and the Department of Mitra’s Aborlan premises; it concluded that the
of Justice, the public bidding provisions under the BOT photographed premises could not have been a residence
Law do not strictly apply. because of its assessment of the interior design and
furnishings of the room. Thus, the COMELEC Second
Division’s Resolution (which the COMELEC en banc fully
The above projects are not ordinary contracts for the
supported) did not merely conclude that Mitra does not
construction of government infrastructure projects, which
live in the photographed premises; more than this, it
require, under the Government Procurement Reform Act
ruled that these premises cannot be considered a home
or the now-repealed Presidential Decree No. 1594, public
or a residence, for lack of the qualities of a home that the
bidding as the preferred mode of contract award. Neither
Second Division wanted to see. The COMELEC not only
are these contracts where financing or financial
grossly misread the evidence but even used personal and
guarantees for the project are obtained from the
subjective standards in its assessment of Mitra’s dwelling
government. Rather, the
when, in fact, the law is replete with standards, i.e., the
Supplemental Toll Operating Agreements (pursuant to
dwelling must be where a person permanently intends to
which PNCC is undertaking the projects together with its
return and to
chosen partners) actually constitute a statutorily-
remain. Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra vs. Commission on
authorized transfer or assignment of usufruct of PNCC’s
Elections, Antonio V. Gonzales and Orlando R. Balbon,
existing franchise to construct, maintain and operate
Jr. G.R. No. 191938, October 19, 2010.
expressways.
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Agrarian Reform; Just Compensation. PPA formula in the exercise of its rate-making power over
them. Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc.
(SURNECO) vs. Energy Regulatory Commission. G.R. No.
Although the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is
183626, October 4, 2010.
vested with primary jurisdiction under the
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL) of 1988 to
determine in a preliminary manner the reasonable PNCC; Authority After Expiration of Franchise.
compensation for lands taken under the CARP, such
determination is subject to challenge in the courts. The
In this case, petitioners assume and harp on the lack of
CARL vests in the RTCs, sitting as Special Agrarian
authority of the Philippine National Construction
Courts, original and exclusive jurisdiction over all
Corporation (PNCC) to continue, in joint venture with
petitions for the determination of just
private investors, with its North Luzon Expressway
compensation. The jurisdiction of the RTCs is not any
(NLEX), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and Metro
less “original and exclusive” because the question is first
Manila Expressway (MMEX) operations after the lapse of
passed upon by the DAR. The proceedings before the
its franchise (granted under Presidential Decree No.
RTC are not a continuation of the administrative
1113) on May 1, 2007. However, this expiration did not
determination. Additionally, the administrative orders
carry with it the cancellation of PNCC’s authority and that
providing for the guidelines in determining just
of its joint venture partners granted under Presidential
compensation are mandatory and not mere guides that
Decree No. 1112 in relation to Section 1 of Presidential
the RTC may disregard. Finally, although in some
Decree No. 1894 to construct, operate and maintain
expropriation cases, the Court allowed the imposition of
“any and all such extensions, linkages or stretches,
said interest, the same was in the nature of damages for
together with the toll facilities appurtenant thereto, from
delay in payment which in effect makes the obligation on
any part of [NLEX], [SLEX] and/or [MMEX] and/or to
the part of the government one of forbearance. In this
divert the original route and change the original end-
case, respondents are not entitled to interest on the final
points of the [NLEX] and/or [SLEX] as may be approved
compensation considering that petitioner promptly
by the [TRB].” To highlight the point, Section 2 of PD
deposited the compensation for their lands after they
1894 specifically provides that the franchise for the
rejected petitioner’s initial valuation. Land Bank of the
extension and toll road projects constructed after the
Philippines vs. Glenn Y. Escandor, et al. G.R. No.
approval of PD 1894 shall be 30 years, counted from
171685, October 11, 2010.
project completion. Indeed, prior to the expiration of
PNCC’s original franchise in May 2007, the
Energy Regulatory Commission; Implementation of Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), in the exercise of its special
RA 7832. powers under PD 1112, signed Supplemental Toll
Operation Agreements (STOAs) with PNCC and its private
joint venture partners. These STOAs covered the
SURNECO cannot insist on using the multiplier scheme
expansion and rehabilitation of NLEX and SLEX, as the
even after the imposition of the system loss caps under
case may be, and/or the construction, operation and
Section 10 of R.A. No. 7832. Indeed, under National
maintenance of toll road projects contemplated in PD
Electrification Administration Memorandum No. 1-A, the
1894. Further, corresponding Toll Operation Certificates
use of the multiplier scheme allows the recovery of
(TOCs) have been issued for the toll road projects. The
system losses even beyond the caps mandated in R.A.
STOAs TRB entered into with PNCC and its joint venture
No. 7832, which is intended to gradually phase out
partners had the effect of granting authorities to
pilferage losses as a component of the recoverable
construct, operate and maintain toll facilities, but with
system losses by the distributing utilities such as
the injection of additional private sector investments
SURNECO. However, it is totally repugnant to and
consistent with the intent of PD 1112, PD 1113 and PD
incompatible with the system loss caps established in
1894. The execution of these STOAs came in 1995, 1998
R.A. No. 7832, and is repealed by Section 16 of the law.
and 2006, or before the expiration of PNCC’s original
As between NEA Memorandum No. 1-A, a mere
franchise on May 1, 2007. Upon the expiration of PNCC’s
administrative issuance, and R.A. No. 7832, a legislative
legislative franchise on May 1, 2007, the new authorities
enactment, the latter must prevail. Additionally, the PPA
to construct, maintain and operate the
formula provided in the IRR of R.A. No. 7832 was only a
subject tollways and toll facilities granted by the TRB
model to be used as a guide by the electric cooperatives
pursuant to the validly executed STOAs and TOCs, shall
in proposing their own PPA formula for approval by the
begin to operate and be treated as administrative
then Energy Regulatory Board (ERB). Sections 4 and 5,
franchises or authorities. After May 1, 2007, the
Rule IX of the IRR directed the electric cooperatives to
operation and maintenance of the NLEX and the other
apply for approval of such formula with the ERB so that
subject tollways are no longer be founded on PNCC’s
the system loss caps under the law would be
original franchise but on entirely new
incorporated in their computation of power cost
authorizations, i.e. the TOCs, granted by the TRB
adjustments. The IRR did not provide for a specific
pursuant to its statutory franchising authority under
formula; therefore, there was nothing in the IRR that was
Sections 3(a) and (e) of PD 1112. Ernesto B. Francisco,
amended or could have been amended relative to the
Jr., et al. vs. Toll Regulatory Board, et al./Hon. Imee R.
PPA formula. The IRR left to the ERB, now the Energy
Marcos, et al. vs. The Republic of the Philippines, et
Regulatory Commission, the authority to approve and
al./Gising Kabataan Movement, Inc., et al. vs. The
oversee the implementation of the electric cooperatives’
Republic of the Philippines, et al./The Republic of the
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Philippines vs. Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs of To qualify as foreshore land, it must be shown that the
San Pedro, Laguna. G.R. No. 166910, 169917, 173630, land lies between the high and low water marks and is
183599, October 19, 2010. alternately wet and dry according to the flow of the
tide. The land’s proximity to the waters alone does not
automatically make it a foreshore land. Thus, in Republic
President’s Power to Approve TRB Contracts.
of the Philippines v. Lensico, the Court held that although
the two corners of the subject lot adjoins the sea, the lot
Petitioners here assert that the grant to the President of cannot be considered as foreshore land since it has not
the power to peremptorily authorize the assignment by been proven that the lot was covered by water during
Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC), as high tide. Similarly in this case, it was clearly proven that
franchise holder, of its franchise or the usufruct in its the disputed land remained dry even during high tide.
franchise is unconstitutional for being an encroachment Indeed, all the evidence supports the conclusion that the
of legislative power. The Court rejected this disputed portion of Lot No. 6278-M is not foreshore land
claim. Section 3(a) of Presidential Decree No. 1112 but remains private land owned by
requires approval by the President of any respondents. Manuel Almagro, joined by his spouse,
contract the Toll Regulatory Board may have entered into Elizabeth Almagro vs. Salvacion C. Kwan, et al. /
or effected for the construction and operation of toll Margarita Pachoro, et al. vs. William C. Kwan, et al. G.R.
facilities. Complementing Section 3(a) is 3(e)(3) of PD Nos. 175806, 175810 and G.R. No. 175849. October 20,
1112 enjoining the transfer of the usufruct of PNCC’s 2010.
franchise without the President’s prior approval. The
President’s approving authority is therefore of statutory
Toll Regulatory Board; Franchising Powers.
origin. There is nothing illegal, let alone unconstitutional,
with the delegation to the President of the authority to
approve the assignment by PNCC of its rights and The Court dismissed petitioners’ argument that only
interest in its franchise, the assignment and delegation Congress has, under the 1987 Constitution, the exclusive
being circumscribed by restrictions in the delegating law prerogative to grant franchise to operate public
itself. Ernesto B. Francisco, Jr., et al. vs. Toll Regulatory utilities. With respect to the Toll Regulatory Board
Board, et al./Hon. Imee R. Marcos, et al. vs. The Republic (TRB), Sections 3(a) and (e) of
of the Philippines, et al./Gising Kabataan Movement, Presidential Decree No. 1112 in relation to Section 4 of
Inc., et al. vs. The Republic of the Philippines, et al./The Presidential Decree No. 1894 have invested the TRB with
Republic of the Philippines vs. Young Professionals and sufficient power to grant a qualified person or entity with
Entrepreneurs of San Pedro, Laguna. G.R. No. 166910, authority to construct, maintain, and operate a toll facility
169917, 173630, 183599, October 19, 2010. and to issue the corresponding toll operating permit or
Toll Operation Certificate. By explicit provision of
law, therefore, the TRB was given the power to grant
Public Land; Alienability.
administrative franchise for toll facility projects.
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Toll Regulatory Board; Quasi-Legislative and Quasi- prosecutors to the case. Although the Revised Rules of
Judicial Functions. Criminal Procedure mandate commencement of trial
within 30 days from receipt of the pre-trial order, and the
continuous conduct thereof for a period not exceeding
Petitioners in the special civil actions cases would have
180 days, Section 3(a)(1) of Rule 119 provides that
the Court declare as invalid (i) Sections 3(a) and (d) of
delays resulting from extraordinary remedies against
Presidential Decree No. 1112 (which accord the
interlocutory orders shall be excluded in computing the
Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) the power to enter into
time within which trial must commence. In determining
contracts for the construction and operation of toll
the right of an accused to speedy trial, courts are
facilities, and, at the same time, grant it the power to
required to do more than a mathematical computation of
issue and promulgate toll rates) and (ii) Section 8(b) of
the number of postponements of the scheduled hearings
Presidential Decree No. 1894 (which grant the TRB
of the case and to give particular regard to the facts and
adjudicatory jurisdiction over matters involving toll rate
circumstances peculiar to each case. Based on the
movements). As submitted by petitioners, granting the
foregoing, the Court rejected petitioner Francisco’s claim
TRB the power to award toll contracts is inconsistent with
that the postponements of the pre-trial conferences
its quasi-judicial function of adjudicating petitions for
before the lower court violated his right to a speedy trial.
initial toll and periodic toll rate adjustments. There
Nelson Imperial, et al. vs. Maricel M. Joson, et al./Santos
cannot, so petitioners would postulate, be impartiality in
O. Francisco vs. Spouses Gerard and Maricel Joson
such a situation. The Court rejected these
Nelson/Imperial, et al. vs.. Hilarion C. Felix, et al., G.R.
arguments. It does not perceive an irreconcilable clash
No. 160067/G.R. Mo. 170410/G.R. No. 171622,
in the enumerated statutory powers of the TRB, such that
November 17, 2010.
the exercise of one negates the other. The ascription of
impartiality on the part of the TRB cannot, under the
premises, be accorded cogency. Petitioners have not Bill of Rights; Right to Speedy Trial.
shown that the TRB lacks the expertise, competence and
capacity to implement its mandate of balancing the
In determining whether the right of the accused to a
interests of the toll-paying motoring public and the
speedy trial was violated, any delay should be considered
imperative of allowing the concessionaires to recoup their
in relation to the entirety of the proceedings. Here, there
investment with reasonable profits. The fact that an
had been an undue and inordinate delay in the
administrative agency is exercising its administrative or
reinvestigation of the cases by the Office of the
executive functions (such as the granting of franchises or
Ombudsman, which failed to submit its reinvestigation
awarding of contracts) and at the same time exercising
report despite the lapse of the 60-day period set by the
its quasi-legislative (e.g., rule-making) and/or quasi-
Sandiganbayan, and did so only after more than a year
judicial functions (e.g., rate-fixing), does not support a
thereafter. However, while such reinvestigation delayed
finding of a violation of due process or the Constitution.
the proceedings, the Court held that said process could
Ernesto B. Francisco, Jr., et al. vs. Toll Regulatory Board,
not have been dispensed with as it was undertaken for
et al./Hon. Imee R. Marcos, et al. vs. The Republic of the
the protection of the rights of petitioners and their co-
Philippines, et al./Gising Kabataan Movement, Inc., et al.
accused. These rights should not be compromised at the
vs. The Republic of the Philippines, et al./The Republic of
expense of expediency. Thus, even though the Court
the Philippines vs. Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs
acknowledged the delay in the criminal proceedings, as
of San Pedro, Laguna. G.R. No. 166910, 169917,
well as the prejudice suffered by petitioners and their co-
173630, 183599, October 19, 2010.
accused by reason thereof, the Court held that
petitioners’ right to speedy trial and disposition of the
cases involving them do not justify the dismissal of the
criminal cases. The Court further held that the State
should not be prejudiced and deprived of its right to
NOVEMBER 2010 CASES
prosecute the criminal cases simply because of the
ineptitude or nonchalance of the Office of the
Constitutional Law Ombudsman. Monico V. Jacob, et al. vs. Sandiganbayan,
et al., G.R. No. 162206, November 17, 2010.
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case itself. The Court said that even if the petitioner’s The Court here rejected petitioner’s claim that the
claim that he is a proper party on the basis that the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) exercises quasi-
creation and operation of the PET involves the use of judicial functions contrary to Section 12, Article VIII of
public funds and the issue he raised is of transcendental the Constitution, which states that “The Members of the
importance, his standing was still imperiled by his Supreme Court and of other courts established by law
appearance as counsel to then presidential candidate shall not be designated to any agency performing quasi-
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the 2004 election protest filed judicial or administrative functions.” The traditional grant
by her opponent before the PET. A constitutional of judicial power is found in Section 1, Article VIII of the
question must be raised at the earliest possible Constitution, which provides that the power “shall be
opportunity. That appearance would have been the first vested in one Supreme Court and in such lower courts as
opportunity to challenge the constitutionality of the PET’s may be established by law.” Consistent with the
constitution. Instead, petitioner ubiquitously entered his presidential system of government, the function of
appearance before the PET and acknowledged its “dealing with the settlement of disputes, controversies or
jurisdiction. His failure to raise a seasonable conflicts involving rights, duties or prerogatives that are
constitutional challenge at that time, coupled with his legally demandable and enforceable” is apportioned to
unconditional acceptance of the PET’s authority, meant courts of justice. With the advent of the 1987
that he did not meet the third condition and therefore Constitution, judicial power was expanded to include “the
has no standing to file the petition. Atty. Romulo B. duty of the courts of justice to settle actual controversies
Macalintal vs. Presidential Electoral Tribunal, G.R. No. involving rights which are legally demandable and
191618, November 23, 2010. enforceable, and to determine whether or not there has
been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or
excess of jurisdiction on the part of any branch or
instrumentality of the Government.” Judicial power was
thus expanded, but it remained absolute.
Constitutionality; Presidential Electoral Tribunal;
Creation.
The Court held that set up embodied in the 1987
Constitution characterizes the resolution of electoral
Petitioner here claimed that the creation of the contests as essentially an exercise of judicial
Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) is unconstitutional as power. When the Supreme Court, as the PET, resolves a
it violates Section 4 of Article VII of the 1987 presidential or vice-presidential election contest, it
Constitution, which provides that “The Supreme Court, performs what is essentially a judicial power. The
sitting en banc, shall be the sole judge of all contests present Constitution has allocated to the Supreme Court,
relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of the in conjunction with latter’s exercise of judicial power
President or Vice-President, and may promulgate its rules inherent in all courts, the task of deciding presidential
for the purpose.” He contends that the provision, as and vice-presidential election contests, with full authority
worded, does not authorize the constitution of the PET. in the exercise thereof. The power wielded by PET is a
The Court said that, while the above provision does not derivative of the plenary judicial power allocated to
specify the establishment of the PET, neither does it courts of law, expressly provided in the Constitution.
preclude, much less prohibit, the same. The Court further Atty. Romulo B. Macalintal vs. Presidential Electoral
said that its constitutional mandate to act as sole judge Tribunal, G.R. No. 191618, November 23, 2010.
of election contests involving the President or Vice-
President, and its rule-making authority in connection
Eminent Domain; Interest.
therewith (granted by the provision of Section 4 that the
Court “may promulgate its rules for the purpose”), are
not restricted but include all necessary powers implicit in If property is taken for public use before compensation is
the exercise of such mandate and authority. These paid or deposited with the court having jurisdiction over
powers are plenary and the authority of the Court to the case, the final compensation must include interest on
decide presidential and vice-presidential election contests its just value to be computed from the time the property
through the PET are derived from the unequivocal grant was taken to the time when compensation is actually paid
of jurisdiction under Section 4 of Article VII of the 1987 or deposited with the court. In fine, between the taking
Constitution. Accordingly, the creation of the PET of the property and the actual payment, legal interest
implements Section 4 and faithfully complies with the accrue in order to place the owner in a position as good
constitutional directive. The discussions of the as (but not better than) that he was in before the taking
Constitutional Commission clearly support the foregoing occurred. As in previous cases, the Supreme Court
conclusion. Atty. Romulo B. Macalintal vs. Presidential affirmed the award of 12% interest on just compensation
Electoral Tribunal, G.R. No. 191618, November 23, 2010. payable to the landowner. Land Bank of the Philippines
vs. Esther Anson Rivera, et al., G.R. No. 182431,
November 17, 2010.
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of 2010 / Rep. Edcel C. Lagman, et al. vs. Exec. Sec. thereof. One of the recognized powers of the President is
Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr., et al., G.R. No. 192935 & G.R. No. the power to create ad hoc committees. This flows from
19303, December 7, 2010. the need to ascertain facts and determine if laws have
been faithfully executed or guide the President in
performing his duties relative to the execution and
President; creation of Truth Commission; power to
enforcement of laws. Contrary to petitioners’
reorganize.
apprehension, the Truth Commission will not supplant the
Ombudsman or the Department of Justice or erode their
The creation of the Truth Commission does not fall within respective powers. The investigative function of the
the President’s power to reorganize. Section 31 of the Commission will complement those of the two
Revised Administrative Code contemplates offices. The recommendation to prosecute is but a
“reorganization” as limited by the following functional and consequence of the overall task of the Commission to
structural lines: (1) restructuring the internal conduct a fact-finding investigation. The actual
organization of the Office of the President by abolishing, prosecution of suspected offenders, much less
consolidating or merging units thereof or transferring adjudication on the merits of the charges against them, is
functions from one unit to another; (2) transferring any certainly not a function given to the Commission. Louis
function under the Office of the President to any other “Barok” C. Biraogo vs. The Philippine Truth Commission
department or agency or vice versa; or (3) transferring of 2010 / Rep. Edcel C. Lagman, et al. vs. Exec. Sec.
any agency under the Office of the President to any other Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr., et al., G.R. No. 192935 & G.R. No.
department or agency or vice versa. This provision, 19303, December 7, 2010.
according to the Court, refers to reduction of personnel,
consolidation of offices, or abolition thereof by reason of
Tenancy relationship; elements.
economy or redundancy of functions. These refer to
situations where a body or an office is already existent
but a modification or alteration thereof has to be For purposes of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law,
effected. Louis “Barok” C. Biraogo vs. The Philippine there is tenancy relationship between parties if the
Truth Commission of 2010 / Rep. Edcel C. Lagman, et al. following elements concur: (1) the parties are the
vs. Exec. Sec. Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr., et al., G.R. No. landowner and the tenant or agricultural lessee; (2) the
192935 & G.R. No. 19303, December 7, 2010. subject matter of the relationship is an agricultural land;
(3) there is consent between the parties to the
relationship; (4) the purpose of the relationship is to
President; creation of Truth Commission; power of
bring about agricultural production; (5) there is personal
control.
cultivation on the part of the tenant or agricultural
lessee; and (6) the harvest is shared between landowner
The creation of the Commission is not justified by the and tenant or agricultural lessee. All the foregoing
President’s power of control. Control is essentially the requisites must be proved by substantial evidence. In
power to alter, modify, nullify or set aside what a this case, the continued stay of the purported tenant in
subordinate officer had done in the performance of his the premises of the company was the result of an
duties and to substitute the judgment of the former with amicable settlement in a labor dispute and not because
that of the latter. Clearly, the power of control is entirely there was a landlord-tenant relationship. The fact that
different from the power to create public offices. The the stay was free of charge only proves the absence of
former is inherent in the Executive, while the latter finds such a relationship. Even assuming that the employer
basis from either a valid delegation from Congress, or the was receiving a share of the produce, the fact of receipt,
Executive’s inherent duty to faithfully execute the without an agreed system of sharing, does not ipso facto
laws. Louis “Barok” C. Biraogo vs. The Philippine Truth create a tenancy. There was no evidence to indicate that
Commission of 2010 / Rep. Edcel C. Lagman, et al. vs. the parties agreed to any system of sharing. The
Exec. Sec. Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr., et al., G.R. No. 192935 employee’s activities in the property cannot be classified
& G.R. No. 19303, December 7, 2010. as one for agricultural production. There was no record
showed that he was engaged in any planting or other
agricultural activity. Heirs of Jose Barredo, namely,
Lolita Barredo, et al. vs. Lavoiser Besañes, G.R. No.
164695, December 13, 2010.
Warrantless arrest.
President; creation of Truth Commission; power to
conduct investigations.
The Supreme Court here found that the prosecution failed
to prove the guilt of the accused, as (a) the evidence
The President’s power to conduct investigations to aid against them is inadmissible and (b) granting the same
him in ensuring the faithful execution of laws – in this to be admissible, the chain of custody has not been duly
case, fundamental laws on public accountability and established. The police went to the house of one of the
transparency – is inherent in the President’s powers as accused based solely on the report of a concerned citizen
the Chief Executive. It flows from the faithful-execution that a pot session was going on. Sole reliance on such a
clause of the Constitution under Article VII, Section 17 tip does not constitute probable cause. The
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apprehending officers should have first conducted a occasions, however, a motion for reconsideration after an
surveillance considering that the identity and address of acquittal is possible. But the grounds are exceptional
one of the accused had earlier been ascertained. After and narrow as when the court that absolved the accused
conducting the surveillance and determining the gravely abused its discretion, resulting in loss of
existence of probable cause, a search warrant should jurisdiction, or when a mistrial has occurred. In any of
have been secured prior to effecting the arrest and such cases, the State may assail the decision by special
seizure. The arrest being illegal, the ensuing search is civil action of certiorari under Rule 65. Here, although
likewise illegal. The items seized during the illegal arrest complainant Vizconde invoked the exceptions, he was not
are thus inadmissible. People of the Philippines vs. Arnold able to bring his pleas for reconsideration under such
Martinez y Angeles, et al., G.R. No. 191366, December exceptions. Complainant Vizconde cited the decision in
13, 2010. Galman v. Sandiganbayan as authority that the Court can
set aside the acquittal of the accused in the present
case. But the Court observed that the government
proved in Galman that the prosecution was deprived of
due process since the judgment of acquittal in that case
was “dictated, coerced and scripted.” It was a sham
trial. In this case, however, Vizconde does not allege
JANUARY 2011 CASES that the Court held a sham review of the decision of the
CA. He has made out no case that the Court held a
phony deliberation such that the seven Justices who
Constitutional Law voted to acquit the accused, the four who dissented, and
the four who inhibited themselves did not really go
through the process. Antonio Lejano vs. People of the
Philippines / People of the Philippines vs. Hubert Jeffrey
P. Webb, et al., G.R. No. 176389/G.R. No. 176864.
Bill of Rights; Rights under custodial investigation. January 18, 2011.
As found by the Court of Appeals, (1) there is no Bill of Rights; Unreasonable searches and seizures.
evidence of compulsion or duress or violence on the
person of Nagares; (2) Nagares did not complain to the
officers administering the oath during the taking of his Under the plain view doctrine, objects falling in the “plain
sworn statement; (3) he did not file any criminal or view” of an officer, who has a right to be in the position
administrative complaint against his alleged malefactors to have that view, are subject to seizure and may be
for maltreatment; (4) no marks of violence were presented as evidence. In this case, the SC found that
observed on his body; and (5) he did not have himself the seizure of the two receivers of the .45 caliber pistol
examined by a physician to support his claim. Moreover, outside petitioner’s house falls within the purview of the
appellant’s confession is replete with details, which, plain view doctrine. First, the presence of SPO2 Nava at
according to the SC, made it highly improbable that it the back of the house and of the other law enforcers
was not voluntarily given. Further, the records show that around the premises was justified by the fact that
Nagares was duly assisted by an effective and petitioner and Valerio were earlier seen respectively
independent counsel during the custodial investigation in holding .45 caliber pistols before they ran inside the
the NBI. As found by the Court of Appeals, after Nagares structure and sought refuge. The attendant
was informed of his constitutional rights, he was asked circumstances and the evasive actions of petitioner and
by Atty. Esmeralda E. Galang whether he accepts her as Valerio when the law enforcers arrived engendered a
counsel. During the trial, Atty. Galang testified on the reasonable ground for the latter to believe that a crime
extent of her assistance. According to her, she was being committed. Secondly, from where he was
thoroughly explained to Nagares his constitutional rights, situated, SPO2 Nava clearly saw, on two different
advised him not to answer matters he did not know, and instances, Valerio emerge on top of the subject dwelling
if he did not want to answer any question, he may inform and throw suspicious objects. Lastly, considering the
Atty. Galang who would be the one to relay his refusal to earlier sighting of Valerio holding a pistol, SPO2 Nava had
the NBI agents. She was also present during the entire reasonable ground to believe that the things thrown
investigation. Thus, the SC held that there was no duress might be contraband items, or evidence of the offense
or violence imposed on the person of Nagares during the they were then suspected of committing. The ensuing
custodial investigation and that Nagares was duly recovery of the receivers may have been deliberate;
assisted by an independent counsel during such nonetheless, their initial discovery was indubitably
investigation in the NBI. People of the Philippines vs. inadvertent. It is not crucial that at initial sighting the
Rodolfo Capitle and Arutor Nagares, G.R. No. 175330, seized contraband be identified and known to be so. The
January 12, 2010. law merely requires that the law enforcer observes that
the seized item may be evidence of a crime, contraband,
or otherwise subject to seizure. Hence, the two receivers
Bill of Rights; Double jeopardy. were admissible as evidence. Elenita C. Fajardo vs.
People of the Philippines, G.R. No. 190889, January 10,
As a rule, a judgment of acquittal cannot be reconsidered 2010.
because it places the accused under double jeopardy. On
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Bill of rights; Unreasonable searches and seizures. It is the nature and character of the land at the time of
its taking that is the principal criterion for determining
how much just compensation should be given to the
In this case, there was a valid warrantless arrest in
landowner. Prior to the NPC’s introduction of
flagrante delicto. The following are the circumstances
improvements in the area where the subject parcel of
immediately prior to and surrounding the arrest of
land is located, the properties therein, including the
accused-appellants: (1) the police officers received
disputed lot, remained agricultural and residential. The
information from an operative about an ongoing
SC found that it was only upon entry of the NPC in
shipment of contraband; (2) the police officers, with the
Barangay San Roque, and after constructing buildings
operative, proceeded to Villa Vicenta Resort in Barangay
and other facilities and bringing in various equipment for
Bignay II, Sariaya, Quezon; (3) they observed the
its multi-purpose project, that the lands in the said
goings-on at the resort from a distance of around 50
locality were later classified as commercial or industrial.
meters; and (4) they spotted the six accused-appellants
Moises Tinio, Jr. and Francis Tinio vs. National Power
loading transparent bags containing a white substance
Corporation/National Power Corporation vs. Moises Tinio,
into a white L-300 van. The crime was committed in the
Jr. and Francis Tinio, G.R. No. 160923/G.R. No. 161093,
presence of the police officers with the contraband, inside
January 24, 2011.
transparent plastic containers, in plain view and duly
observed by the arresting officers. Furthermore, accused-
appellants are deemed to have waived their objections to Government contracts; Payment based on quantum
their arrest for not raising the issue before entering their meruit for illegal contracts.
plea. People of the Philippines vs. Ng Yik bun, et al., G.R.
No. 180452. January 10, 2010.
The government project involved in this case, the
construction of a dike, was completed way back on 9 July
Constitutionality; Lis mota. 1992. For almost two decades, the public and the
government benefitted from the work done by
respondent. According to the SC, public interest and
The SC observed that the issue of constitutionality of R.A.
equity dictate that the contractor should be compensated
No. 95 (Philippine National Red Cross charter) was not
for services rendered and work done. To deny the
raised by the parties, and was not among the issues
payment to the contractor would be to allow the
defined in the body of the previous decision of the SC;
government to unjustly enrich itself at the expense of
thus, it was not the very lis mota of the case. The SC
another. Justice and equity demand compensation on the
reminded that it will not touch the issue of
basis of quantum meruit. Gregorio R. Vigilar, et al. vs.
unconstitutionality unless it is the very lis mota. A court
Arnulfo D. Aquino, G.R. No. 180388, January 18, 2011.
should not pass upon a constitutional question and decide
a law to be unconstitutional or invalid, unless such
question is raised by the parties. Under this rule, the SC Philippine National Red Cross; Status.
held that it should not have declared void certain sections
of R.A. No. 95, as amended by Presidential Decree (P.D.)
The SC found merit in Philippine National Red Cross’s
Nos. 1264 and 1643, the PNRC Charter. Instead, the
contention that its structure is sui generis. National
Court should have exercised judicial restraint on the
Societies such as the PNRC act as auxiliaries to the public
matter, especially since there was some other ground
authorities of their own countries in the humanitarian
upon which the Court could have based its judgment.
field and provide a range of services including disaster
Dante V. Liban, et al. vs. Richard J. Gordon, G.R. No.
relief and health and social programmes. National
175352, January 18, 2011.
societies were held to be organizations that are directly
regulated by international humanitarian law, in contrast
Congress; Creation of private corporations. to other ordinary private entities, including NGOs. The
auxiliary status of a Red Cross Society means that it is at
one and the same time a private institution and a public
The SC observed that the purpose of the constitutional
service organization because the very nature of its work
provision prohibiting Congress from creating private
implies cooperation with the authorities, a link with the
corporations was to prevent the granting of special
State. The SC further noted that the creation of the PNRC
privileges to certain individuals, families, or groups,
was a result of the country’s adherence to the Geneva
which were denied to other groups. The SC found the
Convention which has the force and effect of law. Under
Philippine National Red Cross Charter is not covered by
the Constitution, the Philippines adopts the generally
the constitutional provision, as it does not grant special
accepted principles of international law as part of the law
privileges to a particular individual, family, or group, but
of the land. The PNRC, as a National Society of the
creates an entity that strives to serve the common good.
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, can
Dante V. Liban, et al. vs. Richard J. Gordon, G.R. No.
neither “be classified as an instrumentality of the State,
175352, January 18, 2011.
so as not to lose its character of neutrality” as well as its
independence, nor strictly as a private corporation since
it is regulated by international humanitarian law and is
treated as an auxiliary of the State. Dante V. Liban, et al.
Eminent domain; Just compensation. vs. Richard J. Gordon, G.R. No. 175352, January 18,
2011.
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Administrative Law
The doctrine of governmental immunity from suit cannot Administrative remedies; Exhaustion.
serve as an instrument for perpetrating an injustice to a
citizen. It would be the apex of injustice and highly
Respondent in this case filed a complaint for collection of
inequitable to defeat respondent’s right to be duly
sum of money against petitioners since, according to
compensated for actual work performed and services
him, a large amount of money was still due him under
rendered, where both the government and the public
the “Contract of Agreement” involving the construction of
have for years received and accepted benefits from the
a dike, executed between him and petitioners. On the
project and reaped the fruits of respondent’s honest toil
other hand, petitioners aver that respondent should have
and labor. The rule, in any case, is not absolute for it
first filed a claim before the Commission on Audit (COA)
does not say that the state may not be sued under any
before going to the courts. The SC held that there was no
circumstance. Gregorio R. Vigilar, et al. vs. Arnulfo D.
need to exhaust administrative remedies. The doctrine of
Aquino, G.R. No. 180388, January 18, 2011.
exhaustion of administrative remedies and the doctrine of
primary jurisdiction are not ironclad rules. The exceptions
to these rules are the following: (a) where there is
estoppel on the part of the party invoking the doctrine;
(b) where the challenged administrative act is patently
Agrarian Law
illegal, amounting to lack of jurisdiction; (c) where there
is unreasonable delay or official inaction that will
Agrarian reform; Coverage. irretrievably prejudice the complainant; (d) where the
amount involved is relatively so small as to make the rule
The main issue for resolution by the Court is whether the impractical and oppressive; (e) where the question
Lopez and Limot lands of SNLABC can be considered involved is purely legal and will ultimately have to be
grazing lands for its livestock business and are thus decided by the courts of justice; (f) where judicial
exempted from the coverage of the CARL. In Luz Farms intervention is urgent; (g) where the application of the
v. Secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform, the doctrine may cause great and irreparable damage; (h)
Court declared unconstitutional the CARL provisions that where the controverted acts violate due process; (i)
included lands devoted to livestock under the coverage of where the issue of non-exhaustion of administrative
the CARP. The transcripts of the deliberations of the remedies has been rendered moot; (j) where there is no
Constitutional Commission of 1986 on the meaning of the other plain, speedy and adequate remedy; (k) where
word “agricultural” showed that it was never the intention strong public interest is involved; and (l) in quo warranto
of the framers of the Constitution to include the livestock proceedings. In the present case, the SC found conditions
and poultry industry in the coverage of the (c) and (e) as present. The government project
constitutionally mandated agrarian reform program of the contracted out to respondent was completed almost two
government. Thus, lands devoted to the raising of decades ago. To delay the proceedings by remanding the
livestock, poultry and swine have been classified as case to the relevant government office or agency will
industrial, not agricultural, and thus exempt from definitely prejudice respondent. More importantly, the
agrarian reform. In the instant case, the MARO in its issues in the present case involved the validity and the
ocular inspection found on the Lopez lands several heads enforceability of the “Contract of Agreement” entered into
of cattle, carabaos, horses, goats and pigs. There were by the parties. These, according to the SC, are questions
likewise structures on the Lopez lands used for its purely of law and clearly beyond the expertise of the
livestock business. Hence, the Court found that the Lopez Commission on Audit or the DPWH. Gregorio R. Vigilar, et
lands were in fact actually, directly and exclusively being al. vs. Arnulfo D. Aquino, G.R. No. 180388, January 18,
used as industrial lands for livestock-raising. The Court 2011.
affirmed the findings of the DAR Regional Director and
the Court of Appeals that the Lopez lands were actually, Career Executive Service; Coverage.
directly and exclusively being used for SNLABC’s livestock
business and, thus, are exempt from CARP coverage. In
The Career Executive Service covers presidential
contrast, however, the Limot lands were found to be
appointees only. Corollarily, as the position of
agricultural lands devoted to coconut trees and rubber
Department Manager II of the PEZA does not require
and as such, are thus not subject to exemption from
appointment by the President of the Philippines, it does
CARP coverage. Republic of the Philippines, rep. by Dept.
not fall under the CES. The Third Level of Career Service
Agrarian Reform vs. Salvador N. Lopez Agri-Business
covers only the positions in the CES as enumerated in the
Corp./Agri-Business Corp. vs. Dept. Agrarian Reform,
Administrative Code of 1987 and those identified by the
G.R. No. 178895, January 10, 2011.
Career Executive Service Board as of equivalent rank, all
of whom are appointed by the President of the
Philippines. Modesto Agyao, Jr. vs. Civil Service
Commission, G.R. No. 182591. January 18, 2011.
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found that the imposition of the P100 million average its private owner, if the latter so desires. The government
annual income requirement for the creation of component cannot plausibly keep the property it expropriated in any
cities was arbitrarily made as there was no evidence or manner it pleases and, in the process, dishonor the
empirical data, such as inflation rates, to support the judgment of expropriation. Anunciacion Vda. De Ouano,
choice of this amount. The imposition of a very high et al. v. Republic of the Philippines, et al./Mactan-Cebu
income requirement of P100 million, increased from P20 International Airport [MCIAA] v. Ricardo L. Inocian, in his
million, was simply to make it extremely difficult for personal capacity and as Attorney-in-Fact of Olympia E.
municipalities to become component cities. The SC also Esteves, et al. and Aletha Suico Magat in her personal
found that substantial distinction lies in the capacity and capacity and as Attorney-in-Fact of Philip M. Suico, et al.
viability of respondent municipalities to become G.R. Nos. 168770 & 168812, February 9, 2011.
component cities of their respective provinces. Congress,
by enacting the Cityhood Laws, recognized this capacity
Expropriation; reconveyance of expropriated
and viability of respondent municipalities to become the
property.
State’s partners in accelerating economic growth and
development in the provincial regions, which is the very
thrust of the LGC, manifested by the pendency of their In accordance with Art. 1187 of the Civil Code on mutual
cityhood bills during the 11th Congress and their compensation, MCIAA may keep whatever income or
relentless pursuit for cityhood up to the present. League fruits it may have obtained from the parcels of land
of Cities of the Phil. etc., et al. v. COMELEC, et al./League expropriated. In turn, the landowners need not require
of Cities of the Phil. etc., et al. v. COMELEC, et al./League the accounting of interests earned by the amounts they
of Cities of the Phil. etc., et al. v. COMELEC, et al. G.R. received as just compensation. Following Art. 1189 of the
No. 176951/G.R. No. 177499/G.R. No. 178056, February Civil Code providing that if the thing is improved by its
15, 2011. nature, or by time, the improvement shall inure to the
benefit of the creditor, the landowners do not have to
settle the appreciation of the values of their respective
Expropriation; abandonment of public purpose.
lots as part of the reconveyance process, since the value
increase is merely the natural effect of nature and time.
In this case, the Mactan Cebu International Airport Anunciacion Vda. De Ouano, et al. v. Republic of the
Authority (MCIAA) and/or its predecessor agency had not Philippines, et al./Mactan-Cebu International Airport
actually used the lots subject of the final decree of [MCIAA] v. Ricardo L. Inocian, in his personal capacity
expropriation in Civil Case No. R-1881 for the purpose and as Attorney-in-Fact of Olympia E. Esteves, et al. and
they were originally taken by the government, i.e., for Aletha Suico Magat in her personal capacity and as
the expansion and development of Lahug Airport. In fact, Attorney-in-Fact of Philip M. Suico, et al. G.R. Nos.
the Lahug Airport had been closed and abandoned. Also, 168770 & 168812, February 9, 2011.
in this case, it was preponderantly established by
evidence that the National Airport Corporation, MCIAA’s
Impeachment; narration of facts.
predecessor, through its team of negotiators, had given
assurance to the affected landowners that they would be
entitled to repurchase their respective lots in the event Petitioner urged the Court to look into the narration of
they are no longer used for airport purposes. The SC held facts constituting the offenses vis-à-vis her submissions
that the government acquires only such rights in disclaiming the allegations in the complaints. The SC
expropriated parcels of land as may be allowed by the denied this as that would require the Court to make a
character of its title over the properties. This means that determination of what constitutes an impeachable
in the event the particular public use for which a parcel of offense. Such a determination is a purely political
land is expropriated is abandoned, the owner shall not be question, which the Constitution has left to the sound
entitled to recover or repurchase it as a matter of right, discretion of the legislature. Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez
unless such recovery or repurchase is expressed in or v. The House of Representatives Committee on Justice, et
irresistibly deducible from the condemnation judgment. al. G.R. No. 193459, February 15, 2011.
The SC held that the decision in Civil Case No. R-1881
enjoined MCIAA, as a condition of approving
expropriation, to allow recovery or repurchase upon
abandonment of the Lahug airport project. In effect, the
government merely held the properties condemned in Impeachment; publication requirement.
trust until the proposed public use or purpose for which
the lots were condemned was actually consummated by Petitioner contended that she was deprived of due
the government. Since the government failed to perform process since the Impeachment Rules was published only
the obligation that is the basis of the transfer of the on September 2, 2010 a day after public respondent
property, then the lot owners can demand the ruled on the sufficiency of form of the complaints. She
reconveyance of their old properties after the payment of likewise tacked her contention on Section 3(8), Article XI
the condemnation price. A condemnor should commit to of the Constitution which directs that “Congress shall
use the property pursuant to the purpose stated in the promulgate its rules on impeachment to effectively carry
petition for expropriation, failing which it should file out the purpose of this section.” While “promulgation”
another petition for the new purpose. If not, then it would seem synonymous to “publication,” there is a
behooves the condemnor to return the said property to
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statutory difference in their usage. Promulgation must Petitioner claimed that Congress failed to ascertain the
thus be used in the context in which it is generally sufficiency of form and substance of the complaints on
understood, that is, to make known. What is generally the basis of the standards set by the Constitution and its
spoken shall be generally understood. Between the own Impeachment Rules. The SC found this claim to be
restricted sense and the general meaning of a word, the untenable. The determination of sufficiency of form and
general must prevail unless it was clearly intended that substance of an impeachment complaint is an exponent
the restricted sense was to be used. Since the of the express constitutional grant of rule-making powers
Constitutional Commission did not restrict “promulgation” of the House of Representatives which committed such
to “publication,” the former should be understood to have determinative function to public respondent. Contrary to
been used in its general sense. It is within the discretion petitioner’s position that the Impeachment Rules do not
of Congress to determine on how to promulgate its provide for comprehensible standards in determining the
Impeachment Rules, in much the same way that the sufficiency of form and substance, the Impeachment
Judiciary is permitted to determine that to promulgate a Rules are clear in echoing the constitutional requirements
decision means to deliver the decision to the clerk of and providing that there must be a “verified complaint or
court for filing and publication. It is not for the Supreme resolution,” and that the substance requirement is met if
Court to tell a co-equal branch of government how to there is “a recital of facts constituting the offense
promulgate when the Constitution itself has not charged and determinative of the jurisdiction of the
prescribed a specific method of promulgation. The SC committee.” Notatu dignum is the fact that it is only in
observed that it is in no position to dictate a mode of the Impeachment Rules where a determination of
promulgation beyond the dictates of the Constitution. sufficiency of form and substance of an impeachment
Had the Constitution intended to have the Impeachment complaint is made necessary. This requirement is not
Rules published, it could have stated so as categorically explicitly found in the organic law, as Section 3(2), Article
as it did in the case of the rules of procedure in XI of the Constitution basically merely requires a
legislative inquiries. Even assuming that publication is “hearing.” Prudential considerations behooved the
required, lack of it does not nullify the proceedings taken Supreme Court to respect the compliance by the House
prior to the effectiveness of the Impeachment Rules, of its duty to effectively carry out the constitutional
which faithfully comply with the relevant self-executing purpose, absent any contravention of the minimum
provisions of the Constitution. Ma. Merceditas N. constitutional guidelines. Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez v.
Gutierrez v. The House of Representatives Committee on The House of Representatives Committee on Justice, et
Justice, et al. G.R. No. 193459, February 15, 2011. al. G.R. No. 193459, February 15, 2011.
Article XI, Section 3, paragraph (5) of the Constitution Congress, who holds the power of the purse, in enacting
reads: “No impeachment proceedings shall be initiated the Cityhood Laws, only sought the well-being of
against the same official more than once within a period respondent municipalities, having seen their respective
of one year.” Petitioner reckoned the start of the one- capacities to become component cities of their provinces,
year bar from the filing of the first impeachment temporarily stunted by the enactment of R.A. No.
complaint against her on July 22, 2010 or four days 9009. By allowing respondent municipalities to convert
before the opening on July 26, 2010 of the 15th into component cities, Congress desired only to uphold
Congress. She posited that within one year from July 22, the very purpose of the LGC, i.e., to make the local
2010, no second impeachment complaint may be government units “enjoy genuine and meaningful local
accepted and referred to public respondent. Contrary to autonomy to enable them to attain their fullest
petitioner’s claim, the SC found that the previous case of development as self-reliant communities and make them
Francisco v. House of Representatives was applicable to more effective partners in the attainment of national
this case. There the SC held that the term “initiate” goals,” which is the very mandate of the Constitution.
means to file the complaint and take initial action on it. It League of Cities of the Phil. etc., et al. v. COMELEC, et
refers to the filing of the impeachment complaint coupled al./League of Cities of the Phil. etc., et al. v. COMELEC, et
with Congress’ taking initial action of said complaint. The al./League of Cities of the Phil. etc., et al. v. COMELEC, et
initial action taken by the House on the complaint is the al. G.R. No. 176951/G.R. No. 177499/G.R. No.
referral of the complaint to the Committee on 178056, February 15, 2011.
Justice. With a simultaneous referral of multiple
complaints filed, more than one lighted matchstick light
International Agreements; limitations on
the candle at the same time. According to the SC, what
sovereignty.
is important is that there should only be one candle that
is kindled in a year, such that once the candle starts
burning, subsequent matchsticks can no longer rekindle The RP, by entering into the Agreement, does thereby
the candle. Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez v. The House of abdicate its sovereignty, abdication being done by its
Representatives Committee on Justice, et al. G.R. No. waiving or abandoning its right to seek recourse through
193459, February 15, 2011. the Rome Statute of the ICC for erring Americans
committing international crimes in the country. As it
were, the Agreement is but a form of affirmance and
Impeachment; sufficiency of form and substance.
confirmation of the Philippines’ national criminal
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jurisdiction. National criminal jurisdiction being primary, Supreme Court held, however, that the categorization of
it is always the responsibility and within the prerogative subject matters that may be covered by international
of the RP either to prosecute criminal offenses equally agreements mentioned in Eastern Sea Trading is not cast
covered by the Rome Statute or to accede to the in stone. There are no hard and fast rules on the
jurisdiction of the ICC. Thus, the Philippines may decide propriety of entering, on a given subject, into a treaty or
to try “persons” of the US, as the term is understood in an executive agreement as an instrument of international
the Agreement, under our national criminal justice relations. The primary consideration in the choice of the
system; or it may opt not to exercise its criminal form of agreement is the parties’ intent and desire to
jurisdiction over its erring citizens or over US “persons” craft an international agreement in the form they so wish
committing high crimes in the country and defer to the to further their respective interests. The matter of form
secondary criminal jurisdiction of the ICC over them. In takes a back seat when it comes to effectiveness and
the same breath, the US must extend the same privilege binding effect of the enforcement of a treaty or an
to the Philippines with respect to “persons” of the RP executive agreement, as the parties in either
committing high crimes within US territorial jurisdiction. international agreement each labor under the pacta sunt
By their nature, treaties and international agreements servanda principle. Bayan Muna, as represented by Rep.
actually have a limiting effect on the otherwise Satur Ocampo, et al. v. Alberto Romulo, in his capacity
encompassing and absolute nature of sovereignty. By as Executive Secretary, et al. G.R. No. 159618, February
their voluntary act, nations may decide to surrender or 1, 2011.
waive some aspects of their state power or agree to limit
the exercise of their otherwise exclusive and absolute
Judicial Review; expanded certiorari jurisdiction.
jurisdiction. The usual underlying consideration in this
partial surrender may be the greater benefits derived
from a pact or a reciprocal undertaking of one contracting Respondents raised the impropriety of the remedies of
party to grant the same privileges or immunities to the certiorari and prohibition. They argued that public
other. Bayan Muna, as represented by Rep. Satur respondent (the Congress) was not exercising any
Ocampo, et al. v. Alberto Romulo, in his capacity as judicial, quasi-judicial or ministerial function in taking
Executive Secretary, et al. G.R. No. 159618, February 1, cognizance of the two impeachment complaints as it was
2011. exercising a political act that is discretionary in nature,
and that its function is inquisitorial that is akin to a
preliminary investigation. The case of Francisco v. House
International Agreements; treaties and executive
of Representatives characterizes the power of judicial
agreements.
review as a duty which, as the expanded certiorari
jurisdiction of the Supreme Court reflects, includes the
Under international law, there is no difference between power to “determine whether or not there has been a
treaties and executive agreements in terms of their grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of
binding effects on the contracting states concerned, as jurisdiction on the part of any branch or instrumentality
long as the negotiating functionaries have remained of the Government.” The SC found it well-within its power
within their powers. However, a treaty has greater to determine whether Congress committed a violation of
“dignity” than an executive agreement, because its the Constitution or gravely abused its discretion in the
constitutional efficacy is beyond doubt, a treaty having exercise of its functions and prerogatives that could
behind it the authority of the President, the Senate, and translate as lack or excess of jurisdiction, which would
the people; a ratified treaty, unlike an executive require corrective measures from the Court. Ma.
agreement, takes precedence over any prior statutory Merceditas N. Gutierrez v. The House of Representatives
enactment. Petitioner, in this case, argues that the Non- Committee on Justice, et al. G.R. No. 193459, February
Surrender Agreement between the Philippines and the US 15, 2011.
is of dubious validity, partaking as it does of the nature of
a treaty; hence, it must be duly concurred in by the
Judicial Review; ripeness.
Senate. Petitioner relies on the case, Commissioner of
Customs v. Eastern Sea Trading, in which the Court
stated: international agreements involving political issues An aspect of the “case-or-controversy” requirement is the
or changes of national policy and those involving requisite of ripeness. The question of ripeness is
international arrangements of a permanent character especially relevant in light of the direct, adverse effect on
usually take the form of treaties; while those embodying an individual by the challenged conduct. In the present
adjustments of detail carrying out well established petition, the SC found no doubt that questions on, inter
national policies and traditions and those involving alia, the validity of the simultaneous referral of the two
arrangements of a more or less temporary nature take complaints and on the need to publish as a mode of
the form of executive agreements. According to promulgating the Rules of Procedure in Impeachment
petitioner, the subject of the Agreement does not fall Proceedings of the House (Impeachment Rules) present
under any of the subject-categories that are enumerated constitutional vagaries which call for immediate
in the Eastern Sea Trading case that may be covered by interpretation. The unusual act of simultaneously
an executive agreement, such as commercial/consular referring to public respondent two impeachment
relations, most-favored nation rights, patent rights, complaints presents a novel situation to invoke judicial
trademark and copyright protection, postal and power. Petitioner was, therefore, found not to have
navigation arrangements and settlement of claims. The acted prematurely when she took the cue from the
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constitutional limitation that only one impeachment The doctrine of sovereign immunity cannot be
proceeding should be initiated against an impeachable successfully invoked to defeat a valid claim for
officer within a period of one year. Ma. Merceditas N. compensation arising from the taking without just
Gutierrez v. The House of Representatives Committee on compensation and without the proper expropriation
Justice, et al. G.R. No. 193459, February 15, 2011. proceedings being first resorted to of the plaintiffs’
property. The SC cited the previous case of De los Santos
v. Intermediate Appellate Court where it ruled that the
Legal Standing; requirements.
doctrine of sovereign immunity was not an instrument for
perpetrating any injustice on a citizen. In exercising the
When suing as a citizen, the interest of the petitioner right of eminent domain, the State exercised its jus
assailing the constitutionality of a statute must be direct imperii, as distinguished from its proprietary rights, or
and personal. He must be able to show, not only that the jus gestionis; yet, even in that area, where private
law or any government act is invalid, but also that he property had been taken in expropriation without just
sustained or is in imminent danger of sustaining some compensation being paid, the defense of immunity from
direct injury as a result of its enforcement, and not suit could not be set up by the State against an action for
merely that he suffers thereby in some indefinite way. In payment by the owners. Air Transportation Office v.
fine, when the proceeding involves the assertion of a Spouses David and Elisea Ramos, G.R. No.
public right, the mere fact that he is a citizen satisfies the 159402, February 23, 2011.
requirement of personal interest. In this case, as citizens,
petitioners’ interest in the subject matter of the petition
Sovereign Immunity; sovereign function and
is direct and personal. At the very least, their assertions
proprietary function.
questioning the Non-Surrender Agreement between the
Philippines and the US are made of a public right, i.e., to
ascertain that the Agreement did not go against The immunity from suit is based on the political truism
established national policies, practices, and obligations that the State, as a sovereign, can do no wrong. Practical
bearing on the State’s obligation to the community of considerations dictate the establishment of immunity
nations. Bayan Muna, as represented by Rep. Satur from suit in favor of the State. Otherwise, and the State
Ocampo, et al. v. Alberto Romulo, in his capacity as is suable at the instance of every other individual,
Executive Secretary, et al. G.R. No. 159618, February 1, government service may be severely obstructed and
2011. public safety endangered because of the number of suits
that the State has to defend against. An unincorporated
government agency without any separate juridical
Stare Decisis; nature.
personality of its own enjoys immunity from suit because
it is invested with an inherent power of
The principle of stare decisis enjoins adherence by lower sovereignty. Accordingly, a claim for damages against
courts to doctrinal rules established by the Supreme the agency cannot prosper; otherwise, the doctrine of
Court in its final decisions. It is based on the principle sovereign immunity is violated. However, the need to
that once a question of law has been examined and distinguish between an unincorporated government
decided, it should be deemed settled and closed to agency performing governmental function and one
further argument. Basically, it is a bar to any attempt to performing proprietary functions has arisen. The
relitigate the same issues, necessary for two simple immunity has been upheld in favor of the former because
reasons: economy and stability. In our jurisdiction, the its function is governmental or incidental to such
principle is entrenched in Article 8 of the Civil Code. The function; it has not been upheld in favor of the latter
previous case of Lubrica and the present case involve two whose function was not in pursuit of a necessary function
different issues. The relief prayed for in the previous case of government but was essentially a business. In this
of Lubrica is that the amount for deposit in favor of the case, the juridical character of the Air Transportation
landowner be determined on the basis of the time of Office (“ATO”) as an agency of the Government was not
payment and not of the time of taking. But in the present performing a purely governmental or sovereign function,
case, the prayer of the LBP is for the deposit of the but was instead involved in the management and
valuation of the Land Bank of the Philippines and maintenance of the Loakan Airport, an activity that was
Department of Agrarian Reform and not that of the not the exclusive prerogative of the State in its sovereign
Provincial Agrarian Reform Adjudicator. The principle of capacity. Hence, the ATO had no claim to the State’s
stare decisis, therefore, does not apply. Land Bank of the immunity from suit. Air Transportation Office v. Spouses
Philippines v. Hon. Ernesto P. Pagayatan, Presiding Judge David and Elisea Ramos, G.R. No. 159402, February 23,
of RTC, Branch 46, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; and 2011.
Josefina S. Lubrica, in her capacity as Assignee of
Federico Suntay, et al., G.R. No. 177190, February 23,
Supreme Court; modification of doctrines and
2011.
principles.
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the Special Third Division may be considered relating to the present petition. Based on the foregoing,
unconstitutional, hence, it can never become final. A the COA was not faulted for finding that petitioners
decision rendered by a Division of the SC in violation of facilitated the commission of the irregular transaction.
the constitutional provision, that only the SC En Banc Ruben Reyna, et al. v. Commission on Audit, G.R. No.
may modify or reverse a SC doctrine and principle, would 167219, February 8, 2011.
be in excess of jurisdiction and, therefore, invalid. Any
entry of judgment may thus be said to be “inefficacious”
Agrarian Law
since the decision is void for being unconstitutional. That
a judgment must become final at some definite point at
the risk of occasional error cannot be appreciated in a Agrarian Reform; exclusion and exemption from
case that embroils not only a general allegation of coverage.
“occasional error” but also a serious accusation of a
violation of the Constitution, viz., that doctrines or The deliberations of the 1987 Constitutional Commission
principles of law were modified or reversed by the Court’s show a clear intent to exclude, inter alia, all lands
Special Third Division August 4, 2009 Resolution. David exclusively devoted to livestock, swine and poultry-
Lu v. Paterno Lu Ym, Sr., et al./Paterno Lu Ym, Sr., et al. raising from the coverage of the Comprehensive Agrarian
v. David Lu/John Lu Ym, et al. v. The Hon. Court of Reform Program. Petitioner’s admission that, since 2001,
Appeals of Ceby City, et al. G.R. No. 153690/G.R. No. it leased another ranch for its own livestock is fatal to its
157381/G.R. No. 170889. February 15, 2011. cause. The SC, in this case, accorded respect to the CA’s
observation that the assailed MARO reports and the
Administrative Law Investigating Team’s Report do not actually contradict
one another, finding that the 43 cows, while owned by
petitioner, were actually pastured outside the subject
Administrative Proceedings; findings of fact of
property. Milestone Farms, Inc. v. Office of the President,
quasi-judicial agencies.
G.R. No. 182332, February 23, 2011.
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considerable length of time. Land Bank of the Philippines on Elections (COMELEC) from conducting plebiscites
v. Magin V. Ferrer, et al./Department of Agrarian Reform, pursuant to the subject laws. In the Decision dated
represented by Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman v. November 18, 2008, the SC En Banc, by a 6-5 vote,
Antonio V. Ferrer and Ramon V. Ferrer. G.R. No. granted the petitions and struck down the Cityhood Laws
172230, February 2, 2011. as unconstitutional for violating Sections 10 and 6, Article
X, and the equal protection clause. Then, in another
Decision dated December 21, 2009, the SC En Banc, by a
Agrarian Reform; initial valuation and just
vote of 6-4, declared the Cityhood Laws as constitutional.
compensation.
Thereafter, on August 24, 2010, the Court En Banc,
through a Resolution, by a vote of 7-6, reinstated the
It is the initial valuation made by the Department of November 18, 2008 Decision. The SC held that the
Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Land Bank of the Cityhood laws were constitutional. Based on the
Philippines that must be released to the landowner in deliberations by Congress on R.A. No. 9009, Congress
order for DAR to take possession of the property. intended that those with pending cityhood bills during the
Otherwise stated, Sec. 16 of RA 6657 does not authorize 11th Congress would not be covered by the new and
the release of the Provincial Agrarian Reform higher income requirement of P100 million imposed by
Adjudicator’s determination of just compensation for the R.A. No. 9009. Notwithstanding that both the 11th and
land which has not yet become final and executory. Land 12th Congress failed to act upon the pending cityhood
Bank of the Philippines v. Hon. Ernesto P. Pagayatan, bills, both the letter and intent of Section 450 of the LGC,
Presiding Judge of RTC, Branch 46, San Jose, Occidental as amended by R.A. No. 9009, were carried on until the
Mindoro; and Josefina S. Lubrica, in her capacity as 13th Congress, when the Cityhood Laws were enacted.
Assignee of Federico Suntay, et al., G.R. No. The exemption clauses found in the individual Cityhood
177190, February 23, 2011. Laws are the express articulation of that intent to exempt
respondent municipalities from the coverage of R.A. No.
Civil Service Law 9009. League of Cities of the Phil. etc., et al. v.
COMELEC, et al./League of Cities of the Phil. etc., et al. v.
COMELEC, et al./League of Cities of the Phil. etc., et al. v.
Regulations; Civil Service. COMELEC, et al. G.R. No. 176951/G.R. No. 177499/G.R.
No. 178056, February 15, 2011.
Not all rules and regulations adopted by every
government agency are to be filed with the UP Law Legislative power; amendment.
Center. Only those of general or of permanent character
are to be filed. Resolution No. 372 was about the new
GSIS salary structure, Resolution No. 306 was about the R.A. No. 9009 amended the LGC. But the SC also held
authority to pay the 2002 Christmas Package, and that, in effect, the Cityhood Laws amended R.A. No. 9009
Resolution No. 197 was about the GSIS merit selection through the exemption clauses found therein. Since the
and promotion plan. Clearly, the assailed resolutions Cityhood Laws explicitly exempted the concerned
pertained only to internal rules meant to regulate the municipalities from the amendatory R.A. No. 9009, such
personnel of the GSIS. There was no need for the Cityhood Laws are, therefore, also amendments to the
publication or filing of these resolutions with the UP Law LGC itself. League of Cities of the Phil. etc., et al. v.
Center. The Board of Trustees of the Government Service COMELEC, et al./League of Cities of the Phil. etc., et al. v.
Insurance System, et al. v. Albert M. Velasco, et al. G.R. COMELEC, et al./League of Cities of the Phil. etc., et al. v.
No. 170463, February 2, 2011. COMELEC, et al. G.R. No. 176951/G.R. No. 177499/G.R.
No. 178056, February 15, 2011.
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Gonzalez had not only been duly proclaimed, he had also When the Constitution uses the word “promulgate,” it
taken his oath of office and assumed office as Member of does not necessarily mean to publish in the Official
the House of Representatives. Once a winning candidate Gazette or in a newspaper of general
has been proclaimed, taken his oath, and assumed office circulation. Promulgation, as used in Section 3(8), Article
as a member of the House of Representatives, XI of the Constitution, suitably takes the meaning of “to
COMELEC’s jurisdiction over election contests relating to make known” as it should be generally understood. Ma.
the candidate’s election and qualifications ends, and the Merceditas C. Gutierrez v. The House of Representatives
HRET’s own jurisdiction begins. Fernando V. Gonzalez v. Committee on Justice, et al., G.R. No. 193459, March 8,
Commission on Elections, et al., G.R. No. 192856, March 2011.
8, 2011.
Non-impairment Clause.
Equal Protection.
Petitioner PAGCOR, in this case, states that the private
The main issue in this case is whether or not PAGCOR is parties/investors transacting with it considered the tax
still exempt from corporate income tax and VAT with the exemptions, which inure to their benefit, as the main
enactment of R.A. No. 9337. The Supreme Court held consideration and inducement for their decision to
that under Section 1 of R.A. No. 9337, transact/invest with it. Petitioner argues that the
amending Section 27 (c) of the National Internal Revenue withdrawal of its exemption from corporate income tax
Code of 1977, petitioner is no longer exempt from by R.A. No. 9337 has the effect of changing the main
corporate income tax as it has been effectively omitted consideration and inducement for the transactions of
from the list of GOCCs that are exempt from it. The private parties with it; thus, the amendatory provision is
burden of proof rests upon the party claiming exemption violative of the non-impairment clause of the
to prove that it is, in fact, covered by the exemption so Constitution. The SC held that a franchise partakes of the
claimed. In this case, PAGCOR failed to prove that it is nature of a grant which is beyond the purview of the non-
still exempt from the payment of corporate income tax, impairment clause of the Constitution. Under Section 11,
considering that Section 1 of R.A. No. 9337 amended Article XII of the Constitution, PAGCOR’s franchise is
Section 27 (c) of the National Internal Revenue Code of subject to amendment, alteration or repeal by Congress
1997 by omitting PAGCOR from the exemption. PAGCOR such as the amendment under Section 1 of R.A. No.
cannot find support in the equal protection clause of the 9377. Hence, the provision in Section 1 of R.A. No. 9337,
Constitution, as the legislative records of the Bicameral amending Section 27 (c) of R.A. No. 8424 by withdrawing
Conference Meeting dated October 27, 1997, of the the exemption of PAGCOR from corporate income tax,
Committee on Ways and Means, show that PAGCOR’s which may affect any benefits to PAGCOR’s transactions
exemption from payment of corporate income tax, as with private parties, is not violative of the non-
provided in Section 27 (c) of R.A. No. 8424, or the impairment clause of the Constitution. Philippine
National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, was not made Amusement and Gaming Corporation v. Bureau of
pursuant to a valid classification based on substantial Internal Revenue, G.R. No. 172087, March 15, 2011.
distinctions and the other requirements of a reasonable
classification by legislative bodies, so that the law may
Senate Ethics Committee; Due Process.
operate only on some, and not all, without violating the
equal protection clause. The legislative records show
that the basis of the grant of exemption to PAGCOR from This case refers to the ethics complaint filed against Sen.
corporate income tax was PAGCOR’s own request to be Manny Villar on the alleged double insertion of Php200
exempted. Philippine Amusement and Gaming million for the C-5 Road Extension Project in the 2008
Corporation v. Bureau of Internal Revenue, G.R. No. General Appropriations Act. Petitioners allege that the
172087, March 15, 2011. adoption of the Rules of the Ethics Committee by the
Senate Committee of the Whole is violative of Senator
Villar’s right to due process. The SC did not agree. The
Impeachment; Initiation.
Constitutional right of the Senate to promulgate its own
rules of proceedings has been recognized and affirmed by
The Supreme Court reiterated its previous ruling that the this Court. The only limitation to the power of Congress
term “initiate” as used in Section 3, Article XI of the to promulgate its own rules is the observance of quorum,
Constitution refers to the filing of the impeachment voting, and publication when required. As long as these
complaint coupled with Congress’ taking initial action on requirements are complied with, according to the SC, the
said complaint. The initial action of the House of Court will not interfere with the right of Congress to
Representatives on the complaint is the referral of the amend its own rules. Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr., et al. v.
same to the Committee on Justice. Ma. Merceditas C. Senate Committee of the Whole represented by Senate
Gutierrez v. The House of Representatives Committee on President Juan Ponce Enrile, G.R. No. 187714, March 8,
Justice, et al., G.R. No. 193459, March 8, 2011. 2011.
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Petitioners allege that the Senate Committee of the If the Senate is constituted as a Committee of the Whole,
Whole was constituted solely for the purpose of assuming a majority of the Senate is required to constitute a
jurisdiction over the complaint against Senator Villar. quorum to do business pursuant to Section 16(2), Article
Petitioners further allege that the act was discriminatory VI of the Constitution. Otherwise, there will be a
and removed Senator Villar’s recourse against any circumvention of this express provision of the
adverse report of the Ethics Committee to the Senate as Constitution on quorum requirement. Obviously, the
a body. The SC did not agree with this. The Rules of the Rules of the Senate Committee of the Whole require
Ethics Committee provide that “all matters relating to the modification to comply with requirements of quorum and
conduct, rights, privileges, safety, dignity, integrity and voting which the Senate must have overlooked in this
reputation of the Senate and its Members shall be under case. In any event, in case of conflict between the Rules
the exclusive jurisdiction of the Senate Committee on of the Senate Committee of the Whole and the
Ethics and Privileges.” However, in this case, the refusal Constitution, the latter will of course prevail. . Aquilino Q.
of the Minority to name its members to the Ethics Pimentel, Jr., et al. v. Senate Committee of the Whole
Committee stalled the investigation. In short, while represented by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, G.R.
ordinarily an investigation about one of its members’ No. 187714, March 8, 2011.
alleged irregular or unethical conduct is within the
jurisdiction of the Ethics Committee, the Minority
Unlawful Expenditure for being Excessive; Factors.
effectively prevented it from pursuing the investigation
when they refused to nominate their members to the
Ethics Committee. Even Senator Villar called the Ethics Price is considered “excessive” if it is more than the 10%
Committee a kangaroo court and declared that he would allowable price variance between the price paid for the
answer the accusations against him on the floor and not item bought and the price of the same item per canvass
before the Ethics Committee. Given the circumstances, of the auditor. In determining whether or not the price is
the referral of the investigation to the Committee of the excessive, the following factors may be considered: (a)
Whole was an extraordinary remedy undertaken by the supply and demand forces in the market; (b) government
Ethics Committee and approved by a majority of the price quotations; (c) warranty of products or special
members of the Senate. Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr., et al. features; (d) brand of products. In this case, the issue
v. Senate Committee of the Whole represented by Senate was whether the computer units bought by Cooperative
President Juan Ponce Enrile, G.R. No. 187714, March 8, Development Authority (CDA) from Tetra were
2011. overpriced. The records showed that while the
respondents found nothing wrong per se with the criteria
adopted by the CDA in the overall evaluation of the bids,
Senate; Publication of Rules
the technical aspect was seriously questioned. The final
technical evaluation report was apparently manipulated
Petitioners assail the non-publication of the Rules of the to favor Tetra, which offered a Korean-made brand as
Senate Committee of the Whole. Respondent counters against Microcircuits which offered a US-made brand said
that publication is not necessary because the Senate to be more durable, at a lower price. The SC concluded
Committee of the Whole merely adopted the Rules of the that the price per item of the PC units, laptop and UPS
Ethics Committee which had been published in the Official were overpriced by almost 50%. This comparison was
Gazette on 23 March 2009. Respondent alleges that there based on the initial purchase of 23 PC units with the bid
is only one set of Rules that governs both the Ethics price by Tetra of Php1,269,630.00 (23 PC units, 1 unit
Committee and the Senate Committee of the Whole. The 386 Tower and 1 unit 386 Notebook) under Disbursement
SC held that the Constitution does not require publication Voucher No. 01-92-12-2399. There was an additional
of the internal rules of the House or Senate. Since rules (repeat) purchase of 21 PC units for Php929,649.00
of the House or the Senate that affect only their (same price per item of Php44,269.00) and one unit UPS
members are internal to the House or Senate, such rules for Php86,000.00. The total contract price obtained by
need not be published, unless such rules expressly Tetra was Php2,285,279.00, of which COA disallowed the
provide for their publication before the rules can take amount of Php881,819.00 representing the overprice per
effect. In this particular case, the Rules of the Senate the auditor’s findings. Candelario L. Verzosa, Jr. v.
Committee of the Whole itself provide that the Rules Guillermo N. Carague, et al., G.R. No. 157838, March 8,
must be published before the Rules can take effect. Thus, 2011.
even if publication is not required under the Constitution,
publication of the Rules of the Senate Committee of the
Unlawful Expenditure; Liability of Public Officers.
Whole is required because the Rules expressly mandate
their publication. To comply with due process
requirements, the Senate must follow its own internal The SC held the petitioner liable personally and solidarily
rules if the rights of its own members are affected. for the disallowed amount of Php881,819.00. The
Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr., et al. v. Senate Committee of doctrine of separate personality of a corporation finds no
the Whole represented by Senate President Juan Ponce application because the Cooperative Development
Enrile, G.R. No. 187714, March 8, 2011. Authority is not a private entity but a government agency
created by virtue of Republic Act No. 6939 in compliance
with the provisions of Section 15, Article XII of the 1987
Senate; Quorum and Voting.
Constitution. Moreover, respondents satisfactorily
established that petitioner acted in bad faith when he
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prevailed upon the Development Academy of the S. Lebrudo and Reynaldo L. Lebrudo v. Remedios Loyola,
Philippines-Technical Evaluation Committee (DAP-TEC) to G.R. No. 181370, March 9, 2011.
modify the initial result of the technical evaluation of the
computers by imposing an irrelevant grading system that
Agrarian Reform; Role of Land Bank of the
was intended to favor one of the bidders, after the bids
Philippines.
had been opened. Candelario L. Verzosa, Jr. v. Guillermo
N. Carague, et al., G.R. No. 157838, March 8, 2011.
In this case, the issue was whether the Land Bank of the
Philippines has the personality to file a petition for
determination of just compensation before the Special
Agrarian Court. The SC held that LBP did. The LBP is an
Administrative Law agency created primarily to provide financial support in
all phases of agrarian reform pursuant to Section 74 of
RA 3844 or the Agricultural Reform Code and Section 64
of RA 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law
of 1988. In the previous case of Heirs of Lorenzo and
Administrative Proceeding; Doctrine of Primary Carmen Vidad v. Land Bank of the Philippines, the SC
Jurisdiction. held that LBP is not merely a nominal party in the
determination of just compensation, but an indispensable
This case refers to the ethics complaint filed against Sen. participant in such proceedings. It is primarily responsible
Manny Villar on the alleged double insertion of Php200 for the valuation and determination of compensation for
million for the C-5 Road Extension Project in the 2008 all private lands. It has the discretion to approve or reject
General Appropriations Act. Respondent avers that the land valuation and just compensation for a private
primary recourse of petitioners should have been to the agricultural land placed under the CARP. In case the LBP
Senate and that the Supreme Court must uphold the disagrees with the valuation of land and determination of
separation of powers between the legislative and judicial just compensation by a party, the DAR, or even the
branches of the government. The SC held that the courts, the LBP not only has the right, but the duty, to
doctrine of primary jurisdiction does not apply to this challenge the same, by appeal to the Court of Appeals or
case. The issues presented here do not require the to this Court, if appropriate. Davao Fruits Corporation v.
expertise, specialized skills and knowledge of respondent Land Bank of the Philippines, G.R. Nos. 181566 &
for their resolution. On the contrary, the issues here are 181570. March 9, 2011.
purely legal questions which are within the competence
and jurisdiction of the Court, and not for an Agrarian Reform; Sale or Conveyance of Land.
administrative agency or the Senate to resolve. Aquilino
Q. Pimentel, Jr., et al. v. Senate Committee of the Whole
It is clear from Section 27 of RA 6657 that lands awarded
represented by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, G.R.
to beneficiaries under the Comprehensive Agrarian
No. 187714, March 8, 2011.
Reform Program (CARP) may not be sold, transferred or
conveyed for a period of 10 years. The law enumerated
four exceptions: (1) through hereditary succession; (2)
to the government; (3) to the Land Bank of the
Agrarian Law Philippines (LBP); or (4) to other qualified beneficiaries.
In short, during the prohibitory 10-year period, any sale,
transfer or conveyance of land reform rights is void,
Agrarian Reform; Qualifications of Beneficiary. except as allowed by law, in order to prevent a
circumvention of agrarian reform laws. In this case,
DAR Administrative Order No. 3, series of 1990, petitioner Lebrudo insists that he is entitled to one-half
enumerated the qualifications of a beneficiary: (1) portion of the lot awarded to Loyola under the CARP as
Landless; (2) Filipino citizen; (3) Actual occupant/tiller payment for shouldering all the expenses for the transfer
who is at least 15 years of age or head of the family at of the title of the lot from respondent Loyola’s mother,
the time of filing application; and (4) Has the willingness, Cristina Hugo, to Loyola’s name. Lebrudo used the two
ability and aptitude to cultivate and make the land Sinumpaang Salaysay executed by Loyola alloting to him
productive. The SC found that petitioner Lebrudo does the one-half portion of the lot as basis for his claim. In
not qualify as a beneficiary because of (1) and (3). First, other words, waiver of rights and interests over
Lebrudo is not landless. According to the records, landholdings awarded by the government is invalid for
Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer Amelia Sangalang being violative of agrarian reform laws. Julian S. Lebrudo
issued a certification dated 28 February 1996 attesting and Reynaldo L. Lebrudo v. Remedios Loyola, G.R. No.
that Lebrudo was awarded by the DAR with a home lot 181370, March 9, 2011.
consisting of an area of 236 square meters situated at
Japtinchay Estate, Bo. Milagrosa, Carmona, Cavite. Next,
Lebrudo is not the actual occupant or tiller of the lot at
the time of the filing of the application. Loyola and her
family were the actual occupants of the lot at the time Election Law
Loyola applied to be a beneficiary under the CARP. Julian
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Cancellation of Certificate of Candidacy; office, such as citizenship, to be filed even beyond the
Disqualification of Candidate; Period for Filing period provided in Section 78 – was simply to remedy a
Petition. perceived “procedural gap” though not expressly stated
in Resolution No. 8696, the Court, in a previous case,
had already rejected such justification. Fernando V.
Petitioner Fernando V. Gonzalez and private respondent
Gonzalez v. Commission on Elections, et al., G.R. No.
Reno G. Lim both filed certificates of candidacy for the
192856, March 8, 2011.
position of Representative of the 3rd congressional
district of the Province of Albay in the May 10, 2010
elections. On March 30, 2010, a Petition for
Disqualification and Cancellation of Certificate of
Candidacy (COC) was filed by Stephen Bichara [SPA No.
10-074 (DC)] on the ground that Gonzalez is a Spanish
national, being the legitimate child of a Spanish father
and a Filipino mother, and that he failed to elect
Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority in
accordance with the provisions of Commonwealth Act
(C.A.) No. 625. The SC explained the difference between
Cancellation under Section 78 of the Omnibus Election
Code and Disqualification under Section 68 of the OEC. A
petition to cancel a candidate’s COC may be filed under
Section 78 of the OEC exclusively on the ground that any
material representation contained therein as required by
law is false. On the other hand, a petition for
disqualification of a candidate may also be filed pursuant
to Section 68 for committing prohibited acts referred to
in said section. As to the ground of false representation
in the COC under Section 78, the Court in a previous case
elaborated that the misrepresentation must be material,
i.e. misrepresentation regarding age, residence and
citizenship or non-possession of natural-born Filipino
status. In this case, the petition in SPA No. 10-074 (DC)
based on the allegation that Gonzalez was not a natural-
born Filipino which was filed before the elections is in the
nature of a petition filed under Section 78. The recitals in
the petition in said case, however, state that it was filed
pursuant to Section 4 (b) of COMELEC Resolution No.
8696 and Section 68 of the OEC to disqualify a candidate
for lack of qualifications or possessing some grounds for
disqualification. The COMELEC treated the petition as
one filed both for disqualification and cancellation of COC,
with the effect that Section 68, in relation to Section 3,
Rule 25 of the COMELEC Rules of Procedure, is applicable
insofar as determining the period for filing the petition.
This Rule provides the prescriptive period of filing to be
not later than the date of proclamation. On the other
hand, the procedure for filing a petition for cancellation of
COC is covered by Rule 23 of the COMELEC Rules of
Procedure, which provides as the prescriptive period to
be within five (5) days following the last day for the filing
of certificate of candidacy. Section 4(B) of Resolution No.
8696 represents another attempt to modify by a mere
procedural rule the statutory period for filing a petition to
cancel COC on the ground of false representation therein
regarding a candidate’s qualifications. Section 4(B) of
Resolution No. 8696 would supplant the prescribed period
of filing of petition under Section 78 with that provided in
Section 68 even if the latter provision does not at all
cover the false representation regarding age, residence
and citizenship which may be raised in a petition under
Section 78. If the purpose behind this rule promulgated
by the COMELEC – allowing a petition to cancel COC
based on the candidate’s non-compliance with
constitutional and statutory requirements for elective
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