POLITICAL LAW REVIEW 1

COURSE OUTLINE
I.

II.

III.

DEFINITION
- People vs. Perfecto, 43 Phil. 887
- Macariola vs. Asuncion , 114 SCRA 77
THE PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION
A. Nature of the Constitution
Definition
Classifications
Qualities and essential parts of a good written Constitution
B. Ratification
- Javellana vs. Executive Secretary, 50 SCRA 33
C. Constitutional Construction
- Perfecto vs. Meer, 85 Phil 552
- Endencia vs. David, 93 Phil. 696
- Nitafan vs. CIR, 152 SCRA 284
D. Self-executing Provisions
- Manila Prince Hotel vs. GSIS, GR. 122156, Feb 3, 1997
E. Constitutional History
Pre-1935 Constitution
Schurman Commission; Taft Commission; Spooner Amendment; Philippine Bill of
902
Jones law of 1916; Tydings-Mcduffie Act of 1934
1935 Constitution
Declaration of Martial Law
- Aquino vs. Enrile, 59 SCRA 183
1973 Constitution
- Javellana vs. Executive Secretary, 50 SCRA 33
1986 Snap Presidential Electioin
- Philippine Bar Association vs. COMELEC, 140 SCRA 455
People Power Revolt
Proclamation No. 1, Feb. 25, 1986
Proclamation No. 3, March 25, 1986
- Lawyers League vs. Aquino, GR. 73748, May 22, 1986
- In re: Bermudez, 145 SCRA 160
Freedom Constitutioin
1987 Constitution
- In re: Letter of Reynato Puno, June 29, 1992, 210 SCRA
Effectivity of the 1987 Constitution
- De Leon vs. Esquerra, 153 SCRA 602

AMENDMENT AND DUE PROCESS

A. Amendment vs. Revision
Procedure
1.)Proposal
a. By Congress
b. By a Constitutional Convention
Theories on Position of Constitutional Convention

c. By the People thru Initiative

RA 6735
- Defensor-Santiago vs. COMELEC, GR. 127325, March 19, 1997
- Lambino et al vs. COMELEC, GR. 173153, October 25, 2006
2.)Ratification
Doctrine of Proper Submission
- Tolentin vs. Comelec, 41 SCRA 702
3.)Judicial Review of Amendments
- Javellana vs. Executive Secretary, 50 SCRA 30
- Sanidad vs. COMELEC, 73 SCRA 333
IV.

POWER OF JUDICIAL REVIEW

- Marbury vs. Madison, 5 US 137, L.Ed. 2d 428
- Defensor-Santiago vs. Guingona, GR 134577, Nov 18, 1998
- Francisco vs. House of Representatives, GR. 160261, November 10, 2003
Juducuial Supremacy vs. Constitutional Supremacy
Political vs. Justiciable Question
- Baker vs. Carr, 396 US 186
- Nixon vs. US, 506 US 224
- Goldwater vs. Carter, 444 US 996, 62 L.Ed. 2d 428
- Sanidad vs. COMELEC, 73 SCRA 333
- Estrada vs. Arroyo, GR. 146738, March 2, 2001
- Brillantes vs. Concepcion, GR. 163193, June 15, 2004
Presumption of Constitutionality
- Lim vs. Pacquing, GR 115044, Jan. 27, 1995
Requisites of Judicial Review:
1.)Actual Case or Controversy
- Board of Optometry vs. Colet, GR. 122241, July 30, 1996
- Mariano vs. COMELEC, 242 SCRA 211
- Fernandez vs. Torres, 215 SCRA 489
- La Bugal-Blaan Tribal Association vs. DENR Secretary, GR. 127882, Jan. 27, 2004
Ripeness
- City of Los Angeles vs. Lyons, 461 US 95, 75 L. Ed. 2d 675
Mootness
- David vs. Macapagal-Arroyo (PP1017), GR 171396, May 3, 2006
- La Bugal-Blaan Tribal Association vs. DENR Secretary, GR. 127882, Dec. 1, 2004
- De Funis vs. Odegaard, 416 US 312, 40 L. Ed. 2d. 164
2.)Proper Party
Conventional Standing
- Warth vs. Seldin, 422 US 490, 45 L.Ed.2d. 343
Representative Standing
Jus Terii Standing
- Graig vs. Boren, 429 US 190, 50 L.Ed.2d. 397
Transcendential Importance to the Public
- Tatad vs. Garcia, 243 SCRA 436
- Kilosbayan vs. Guingona, 232 SCRA 110
- Kilosbayan vs. Morato. 246 SCRA 540
- Kilosbayan vs. Morato (Recon.), GR 118910, Nov. 16, 1995
Standing of Members of Congerss
- Philconsa vs. Enriques, 235 SCRA 506

- Bagasting vs. Committee on Privitization, GR. 112399, July 14, 1995

Standing of Integrated Bar of the Philippines
- IBP vs. Zamora, GR. 141284, August 15, 2000
Standing of the Government to question its own laws
- People vs. Vera, 65 Phil. 56
Taxpayers Suits
- Bayan vs. Zamora, GR. 138570, October 10, 2000
- Gonzales vs. Narvasa, GR. 140835, Aug. 14. 2000
3.)Question must be raised at the earliest possible opportunity
4.)Constitutional Question must be the very lis mota of the case
Doctrine of Purposeful Hesitation
- Drilon vs. Lim, GR. 112497, August 4, 1994

V.

Functions of Judicial Review

Effecs of Declaration of Unconstitutionality
Doctrine of Operative Fact
Republic vs. CA, GR. 79732, Nov, 8, 1993

CONCEPT OF STATE
Elements of the State
1. People
2. Territory
Philippine Archipelago
Archipelagic Doctrine
UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
The Baselines Law
R.A. 3046
R.A. 5446
R.A. 9522
- Magallona vs. Ermita, August 16, 20113.
3. Government
Functions
Constituent vs. Ministrant
Forms of Government
1.) Monarchy
i. Absolute
ii. Limited or Constitutional
2.) Aristocracy
i.
Oligarchy
3.) Democracy
i.
Direct or Pure
ii.
Indirect or Republican
4.) Other Forms
i.
Parliamentary vs. Presidential
ii.
De Jure vs. De Fact
iii.
Unitary vs. Federal

Doctrine of Parens Patriae

Govt of Phil. Inslands vs. Monte de Piedad, 35 Phil. 728
Cabanas vs. Pilapil, 58 SCRA 94

Classification
1.) De Jure
2.) De Facto
Lawyers League vs. Aquino, GR. 73748, May 22, 1986

4. Sovereignty
Effects of Change in Sovereignty
- People vs. Perfecto, 43 Phil. 887
- Macariola vs. Asuncion, 114 SCRA 77

VI.

Effects of Belligerent Occupation

Doctrine of Jus Postliminium
Dominium vs. Imperium
Derogation of Philippine Sovereignty; The Visiting Forces Agreement
Bayan vs. Zamora, GR. 138570, October 10, 2000

DOCTRINE OF STATE IMMUNITY

BASIS
- USA vs. Reyes, March 1, 1993
Immunity of Foreign States and Diplomats
Principle of Par In Parem Non Habet Imperium
Process of Suggestion
- The Holy See vs. RTC, GR 101949, Dec. 1, 1994
Determination of Immunity by the Department of Foreign Affairs
- Liang vs. People, GR. 125865, Jan. 28, 2000
Immunity of International Organizations and Agencies
- SEAFDEC vs. NLRC, 241 SCRA 580
- Callade vs. IRRI, 244 SCRA 210
- DFA vs. NLRC, Sept. 18, 1996

Immunity of Government Agencies

1.) Incorporated
Municipal Corporations
- Municipality of San Fernando vs. Judge Firme, 195 SCRA 692
2.) Unincorporated
i.) if principal function is Governmental
- Farolan vs. CTA, 217 SCRA 298
ii.) if principal function is Proprietary, it is Suable
Suits
-

against Public Officers

City of Angeles vs. CA, Aug. 28, 1996
Veterans Manpower vs. CA, 214 SCRA 286
Wylie vs. Rarang, 209 SCRA 357

Consent to be Sued
A. Express Consent
- Republic vs. Feliciano, 148 SCRA 424

General Law
CA 327; PD 1445; Article 218; Act No. 3038

Special Law
Meritt vs. Govt of the Phil. Islands. 34 Phil. 311

B. Implied Consent
1.) When State commences litigation
- Froilan vs. Pan Oriental Shipping, Sept. 30, 1954
2.)When State enters into a business contract
- USA vs. Ruiz, 136 SCRA 487
Suability not outright liability
- Merit vs. Govt of the Phil. Islands. 34 Phil 311
- Fontanilla vs. Maliaman, 194 SCRA 486
Consent to be Sued does not Include Consent to Execution
- Republic vs. Villasor, 54 SCRA 84
- Municipality of San Miguesl vs. Fernandez, 130 SCRA 56
- Municipality of Makati vs. CA, 190 SCRA 206
Immunity cannot be used to perpetrate an Injustice on a Citizen
- Ministerio vs. CFI of Cebu, 40 SCRA 464

VII.

LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT
Legislative Power
Initiative, Referendum and Recall
- Defensor-Santiago vs. COMELEC, GR 1273525, March 19, 1997
Indirect Initiative
- SBMA vs. COMELEC, Sept. 26, 1996
Recall
- Garcia vs. COMELEC, Oct, 5, 1993
Loss of Confidence, a political question
- Evardone vs. COMELEC, 204 SCRA 464, 472
Bicameralism vs. Unicameralism
CONGRESS
A.) Senate
i.
Composition
ii.
Qualifications;
iii.
Term of Office
B.) House of Representatives
Composition (District Representatives; Party-list Representatives)
Party-list Representatives
- Veterans Federation Party vs. COMELEC, GR 136781, Oct. 6, 2000
- Ang Bagong Bayani-OFW Labor Party vs. COMELEC, GR. 147589, June 26, 2001
- BARA vs. COMELEC May 4, 2007
- Banat vs. COMELEC April 21, 2009

Atong Paglaum vs. COMELEC April 2, 2013

Apportionment of Legislative Districes

- Baker vs. Carr, 369 US 186
- Mariano vs. COMELEC, 242 SCRA 211
- Montejo vs. COMELEC, GR. 118702, March 19, 1995
- Bagabuyo vs. COMELEC December 8, 2008
Gerrymandering
Doctrine of Equal Representation
Qualifications
- Marcos vs. COMELEC, 248 SCRA 300
- Aquino vs. COMELEC, Sept 18, 1995

Theory of legal impossibility

Natural-born
Bengzon vs. HRET, GR. 142840, May 7, 2001

Term of Office
Privileges
1.)Freedom from Arrest
2.)Parliamentary Immunity
- Eastland vs. US Servicemens Fund, 421 US 491
- Jimenez vs. Cabangbang, 17 SCRA 714

Disqualifications and Inhibitions

Effect of Imprisonment
- People vs. Jalosjos, GR. 132875-76, Feb. 3, 2000
Sessions; Adjournment; Officers
- Santiago vs. Guingona, GR. 147589, June 26, 2001
Quorum
- Avelino vs. Cuenco, 83 Phil. 17
Rules of Proceedings
- Arroyo vs. De Venecia (Sin-taxes case), GR. 127255, Aug. 14, 1997
Discipline of members
Suspension vs. Preventive Suspension
- Santiago vs. Sandiganbayan, GR. 128055. April 18, 2001
Enrolled Bill Theory
- Mabanag vs. Lopez Vito, 78 Phil. 1
- Caseco Chemical vs. Gimenez, 7 SCRA 347
Legislative Journal vs. Enrolled Bill
Electoral Tribunals
Composition
- Bondoc vs. Pineda, 201 SCRA 792

Abbas vs. Senate Electoral Tribunal, 166 SCRA 651

Power
Aquino vs. COMELEC, Sept. 18, 1995
Sampayan vs. Daza, 213 SCRA 807
Jurisdiction over Proclamation Controversy
Caruncho vs. COMELEC, GR. 135996, Sept. 30, 1999

Commission on Appointments
Composition
- Guingona vs. Gonzales, 214 SCRA 789
-

Powers of COA
Sarmiento vs. Mison, 156 SCRA 549

Powers of Congress
General Legislative Power
A.) Limitations
i.)Substantive Limitations
ii.)Procedural Limitations
1.) One Bill, One Subject
- Guzman vs. COMELEC, GR. 129118, July 19, 2000
2.) Sufficiency of Title
- Phil Judges Association vs. Prado, GR. 105371, Nov. 11, 1993
- Chongbian vs. Orbos, 245 SCRA 254
3.) Bills that must originate exclusively from the House
- Tolentino vs. Secretary of Finance, GR. 115455, Aug. 25, 1994
- Decision on Motion for Reconsideration, Oct. 30, 1995
4.) Three readings on Separate days
Bicameral Conference Committee
B.) Legislative Process
Approval of Bills
Presidential Veto
Pocket Veto
Item Veto
- Bengzon vs. Drilon, 208 SCRA 133
Legislative Veto; One-House Veto
- Immigration Service vs. Chadha, 462 US 919, 77 L.Ed.2d 317
- Phil. Constitution Association vs. Enriquez, 235 SCRA 506
C.)Power of the Purse
Implied limitations on appropriation measure
- Guingona vs. Carague, 196 SCRA 221
Constitutional limitations and rules
i.)
Riders
ii.)
Sub Rosa Appropriation
iii.)
Prohibition against transfer of appropriation
- Phil. Constitution Association vs. Enriquez, 235 SCRA 506
D.) Power of Taxation
- McCulloch vs. Maryland, 17 US (4 Wheat, 316)

E.) Power of Legislative Investigation

- Senate vs. Ermita (E.O.464) GR. 169777
- Bengzon vs. Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, 203 SCRA 767
Neri vs. Senate, GR. 180643, March 25, 2008

F.) Power to Punish Contempt

- Arnault vs. Nazareno, 87 Phil. 29
- Arnault vs. Balagtas, 97 Phil. 358
G.) Power to declare existence of State of War
- The Prize cases, 67 US 635, 17 L.Ed. 459
- Mora vs. MeNamara, 389 US 934, 19 L.Ed.2d 287
VIII.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
President and Vice-President
Qualifications
Natural-born Citizen
- Tecson vs. COMELEC, GR. 161434, March 3, 2004
Election
Congress as canvassing board
Supreme Court as Electoral Tribunal
- Defensor-Santiago vs. Ramos, PET Case no. 001, Feb. 13, 1996
- Poe vs. Arroyo, PET Case no. 001, March 29, 2005
- Legarda vs. De Castro, PET Case no. 003, Jan. 18, 2008
Term of Office
Privileges
Official Residence
Salary
Presidential Immunity
- In re: Bermudez, 145 SCRA 160
- Beltran vs. Makasiar, 167 SCRA 393
- US vs. Nixon, 318 US 683, 41 L.Ed.2d 1039
- Nixon vs. Fitzgerald, 457 US 731
- Clinton vs. Jones, 520 US 681, May 27, 1997
- Estrada vs. Arroyo, GR. 146738, March 2, 2001
- Decision on Motion for Reconsideration. April 3, 2001
Prohibitions and Inhibitions
Rules on Succession
i.)
Vacancy at beginning of term
ii.)
Vacancy during the term
iii.)
Temporary Disability
Removal of the President
- Estrada vs. Arroyo, GR. 146739, March 2, 2001
- Decision on the Motion for Reconsideration, April 3, 2001

POWERS
1.)Executive Power
- Planas vs. Gil, 67 Phil. 62
- Myers, Administratrix vs. United States, 272 US 52
2.)Legislative Powers
- Municipality of San Juan vs. CA, Sept, 29, 1997
- Ople vs. Torres, GR. 127685, July 23, 1998
3.)Residiual Powers
- Marcos vs. Manglapus, 177 SCRA 668
4.)Power to Determine National Policy
- The Steel Seizure Case, 343 US 579, 96 L.Ed.1153
5.)Prosecution of Crimes
- Webb vs. De Leon, 247 SCRA 652
6.)Creation of Preparatory Committee on Constitutional Reforms
- Gonzales vs. Narvasa, GR. 140835, August 14, 2000
7.)Appointing Power
i.)
Discretionary Power
- Flores vs. Drilon, GR. 104732, June 22, 1993
- Gordon vs. Judge Santos,, CA-GR Sp No. 48339, Aug. 21, 1998
- Gordon vs. CA, GR. 134900, Sept. 1, 1998
- Luego vs. Civil Service Commission, 143 SCRA 327
-

ii.)
Classes of Appointment
Garninde vs. COA, GR. 140335, December 13, 2000
iii.)

Appointments subject to confirmation of Commission on

Apppointments
Sarmiento vs. Mison, 156 SCRA 549
Manalo vs. Sistoza, GR. 107369, Aug. 11, 1999
iv.)
v.)

Limitations on the Appointment Power

Power of Removal

8.)Power of Control
Control vs. Supervision
- Drilon vs. Lim, GR. 112497, Aug. 4, 1994
-

Alter-Ego Principle or Doctrine of Qualified Political Agency

Carpio vs. Executive Secretary, Feb. 14, 1992

The Executive Secretary

Lacson-Magallanes vs. Pano, 21 SCRA 895

9.)Military Powers
i.)
Commander-in-Chief Clause
- Ex Parte Milligan, 71 US 2
- David vs. Macapagal-Arroyo (PP1017), GR. 171396, May 3, 2006
- Aquino vs. Miltary Commission No. 2, 63 SCRA 546
- Olaguer vs. Military Commission No. 32, 150 SCRA 144
- Carpio vs. Executive Secretary, supra
ii.)

Calling Out the Armed Forces

IBP vs. Zamora, GR. 141284, Aug. 15, 2000

iii.) Declaration of State of Rebellion

Lacson vs. Perez, GR. 147780, May 10, 2001

iv.)
Declaration of Martial Law
Aquino vs. Enrile, 59 SCRA 183

v.)
Suspension of the Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus
Barcelon vs. Baker, 5 Phil. 87
Montenegro vs. Castaneda, 91 Phil. 882
Lansang vs. Garcia, 42 SCRA 448
Garcia-Padilla vs. Enrille, 121 SCRA 472

10.)
Pardoning Power
- People vs. Salle, 250 SCRA, 581, Secember 4, 1995
- Monsanto vs. Factoran, 170 SCRA 190
- Garcia vs. Chairman, COA, 226 SCRA 356
Pardon vs. Amnesty
11.)
Diplomatic Power
- Dames & Moore vs. Regan, 453 US 654
Treaties vs. Executive Agreements
12.)
Power to Impound
- Philconsa vs. Enriquez, Aug. 19, 1984
IX.

JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT
Judicial Power
Expanded Jurisdiction
Effect on the Political Question Doctrine
Jurisdiction
- Diaz vs. CA, Dec. 5, 1994
- First Lepanto Ceramics vs. CA, Oct. 7, 1994
Constitutional Safeguards to insure in independence of the Judiciary
i.)
Justices/Judges may not be designated to any agency performing nonjudicial functions
ii.)
Fiscal Autonomy
Power of Judicial Review
Appointment to the Judiciary
Procedure for Appointment
Judicial and Bar Council
- De Castro vs. JBC, March 17, 2010
- Chavez vs. JBC, April vs. 16, 2013
SUPREME COURT
A.)Compositions
En Banc & Division Cases
- Fortich vs. Corona, GR. 131457, Aug. 19, 1999
B.)Powers
1.)Supervision over the Judiciary

Dolalas vs. Office of the Ombudsman, Dec. 24, 1996

2.)Rule-making Powers
Maniago vs. CA, 253 SCRA 674
3.)Mandatory Review of Death Penalty Cases
People vs. Esparas, GR. 120034, Aug. 20, 1996

Writ of Amparo
- Secretary of DND vs. Manalo, Oct. 7, 2008
Writ of Habeas Data
- Vivares vs. St. Theresas College, September 29, 2014

Equipoise Doctrine
Decisions of the Court
- Nicos Industrial Corp. vs. CA, 206 SCRA 127
- Prudential Bank vs. Castro, 158 SCRA 646
Power to Control Execution of Decision
- Echagaray vs. Secretary of Justice, GR. 132601, Jan. 19, 1999
Tenure of Justices/Judges
- De la Llana vs. Alba, 112 SCRA 294
Removal and Discipline
- Maceda vs. Ombudsman, GR. 102781, Apr. 22, 1993
- People vs. Gacott, 246 SCRA 52
Salaries
- Perfecto vs. Meer, 85 Phil. 552
- Endencia vs. David, 93 Phil 696
- Nitafan vs. CIR, 152 SCRA 284

XII. ACCOUNTABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS

Impeachment
Impeachable Officers
Grounds for Impeachment
Procedure
- Romulo vs. Yniquez, 141 SCRA 263
-

Impeachment and Criminal Prosecution

Estrada vs. Arroyo, GR. 146738, March 2, 2001
Decision on Motion for Reconsideration, April 3, 2001

SANDIGANBAYAN
Jurisdiction
- Lacson vs. Executive Secretary, GR. 128096, Jan. 20, 1999

OMBUDSMAN
A.)Supervision and Control
- Acop vs. Office of the Ombudsman, 248 SCRA 566
-

B.)Prosecutorial Powers
Camanag vs. Guerrero, GR. 121017, Feb. 17, 1997

Power to issue subpoena; Form of Complaint

Almonte vs. Vasquez, 244 SCRA 266

C.)Power to Investigate Administrative Charges

Concurrent with the Office of the President
- Hagad vs. Dadole, 241 SCRA 242
Concurrent with the DOJ
- Honasan vs. DOJ Panel of Investigating Presocutors, GR 159747, April 13,
2004
D.) Power to investigate Cases of ill-gotten wealth after Feb. 25, 1996
Republic vs. Sandiganbayan, Sept. 24, 1994

Ombudsman for the Military

Agbay vs. Deputy Ombudsman for the Military, GR. 134503, July 2, 1999

SPECIAL PROSECUTOR
- Zaldivar vs. Gonzales, 160 SCRA 843
COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
Powers and Functions of the Commission
- Carino vs. CHR, GR. 96681, Dec. 2, 1991
Civil Rights vs. Political Rights
- Simon vs. CHR, 229 SCRA 117, Jan 5. 1994
Fiscal Autonomy
- CHR Employees Association vs. CHR, GR. 155336, Nov. 25, 2004
PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION ON GOOD GOVERNANCE (PCGG)
- Chavez vs. PCGG, GR. 130716, Dec. 9, 1998
- Cojuanco vs. Roxas, 195 SCRA 797
- Republic vs. Sandiganbayan, 258 SCRA 685
- Romualdez vs. Sandiganbayan, 244 SCRA 153
Sequiestration
- Republic vs. Sandiganbayan, GR. 106244, Jan. 22, 1997
-

Order signed by only one commissioner

Repiblic vs. Sandiganbayan, GR. 113420, March 7, 1997
Imprescriptibility of Rights of State to Recover Ill-gotten Wealth
Presidential Committee on Behest Loans vs. Desierto, GR. 130140, October 25,
1999