2012SUPREMECOURTDECISIONSONPOLITICALLAW

By:JacintoD.Jimenez

AllRightsReserved

CONSTITUTIONALLAW

I.BillofRights

A.DueProcess

1.SubstantiveDueProcess

ThePhilippineAssociationofServiceExporters,Inc.questionedtheconstitutionalityofSection6
oftheMigrantWorkersandOverseasFilipinosAct,whichdefinedillegalrecruitment,for
vagueness,becauseitdidnotdistinguishbetweenlicensedandunlicensedrecruiters.HELD:
Section6makesadistinctionbetweenlicensedandunlicensedrecruiters.Thosewhoengagein
recruitmentofworkerswithouttheappropriategovernmentlicenseareguiltyofillegal
recruitment.Recruiterswhohavetheappropriatelicenseareguiltyofillegalrecruitmentonlyif
theycommitanyofthewrongfulactsenumeratedinSection6.(Sto.Tomasvs.Paneda,685
SCRA245.)

Cojuangco,Jr.vs.Republic,686SCRA472ruledthatacontractwhichwasreferredtoina
PresidentialDecreewhichwasnotincludedinthepublicationofthePresidentialDecreeisnot
valid,becausetheentirelawmustbepublished.

2.ProceduralDueProcess

BuildingCareCorporationvs.Macaraeg,687SCRA643ruledthatanemployerwhowasableto
presenthissidebeforethelaborarbiterandfailedtoappealontimewasnotdenieddue
process.

Arroyovs.RosalHomeownersAssociation,Inc.,684SCRA297ruledthatthefilingofamotion
forreconsiderationcuresthedenialofdueprocess

Govs.ColegiodeSanJuandeLetran,683SCRA358,reiteratedtherulinginGuzmanvs.
NationalUniversity,142SCRA699regardingdueprocessindisciplinaryproceedinginschools.

JaimePerez,thechiefoftheMarikinaDemolitionOffice,wroteFortunatoMadronaandYolanda
Pantetoremovethefencetheybuilt,becauseitwasprotrudingtothesidewalk.Theyfiledan
actiontoenjoinJaimePerezfromcarryingouthisthreattodemolishthefenceandtorecover
damages.JaimePerezarguedthathecouldnotbeliablefordamages.HELD:Thefencewas

notanuisanceperse.Itssummaryabatementwithoutjudicialinterventionisnotwarranted.He
shouldhavepursuedtheproperremediesthatweremoreinconsonancewiththedictatesofdue
process.(Perezvs.Madrona,668SCRA696.)

EduardoVillabona,RicardoVillabonaandGildaVillabonasuedMoldexRealty,Inc.forannulment
ofthetransfercertificatesoftitletotwoparcelsoflandonthegroundthatitacquiredthetwo
parcelsoflandthroughfalsifieddeedsofabsolutesale.AfterRicardoVillabonatestifiedasthe
firstwitness,theirlawyerrepeatedlyfailedtoappear.Thetrialcourtissuedanorderterminating
thepresentationoffurtherevidencefortheplaintiffs.Thetrialcourtalsosetthecasefor
presentationofevidencebythedefendants.Theplaintiffsfiledamotionforreconsiderationtobe
abletopresenttwomorewitnesses.Becauseofrepeatedpostponementsduetothefailureof
thelawyeroftheplaintiffstoappear,thetrialcourtdeclaredthecasesubmittedfordecision.
Then,itsetasideitsorderanddirectedthedefendantstosubmittheirofferofevidence.
Afterwards,withoutwaitingfortheevidence,thetrialcourtrenderedadecisionannullingthetwo
transfercertificatesoftitle.HELD:Thetrialcourtviolatedtherightofthepartiestodueprocess
whenitproceededtodecidethecase.Itfailedtoresolvethemotionforreconsiderationofthe
plaintiffsandpreventedthedefendantsfrompresentingevidence.(MoldexRealty,Inc.vs.
Villabona,675SCRA615.)

SalvadorKerrsuedDennisMortelforforeclosureofmortgage.Atty.LeonuelMasofthePublic
AttorneysOfficefiledananswerforhim.Becauseoftheirfailuretoappearatthepretrial,the
courtdeclaredDennisMortelindefaultandallowedSalvadorKerrtopresentevidenceexparte.
Atty.EugenioTumulakfiledanoticeofappearanceforDennisMortel,butthecourtdidnotacton
it.ItthenrenderedjudgmentinfavorofSalvadorKerr.

Atty.LeopoldoLacambra,Jr.filedamotionfornewtrialforDennisMortel.Atty.LeonuelMas
withdrewhisappearance.Thecourtdeniedthemotionbecauseitwasfiledoutoftime.

Atty.EugenioTumulakfiledapetitionforrelieffromjudgment.Itwasdeniedbecauseitwasfiled
outoftime.Hefiledamotionforreconsideration.Thecourtordereditbestrickenfromthe
recordsforlackofnoticeofhearing.Hefiledamotionforreconsideration.Itwasdeniedforbeing
asecondmotionforreconsideration.

Atty.EugenioTumulakfiledapetitionforreviewintheCourtofAppeals.TheCourtofAppeals
dismissedit,becauseitfailedtoshowthatitwasfiledontimeandtheproperremedyagainstthe
orderofdefaultwasapetitionforcertiorari.Atty.EugenioTumulakfiledamotionfor
reconsideration,butitwasdenied.

DennisMortelhimselffiledapetitionforreviewintheSupremeCourt.HELD:DennisMorteldid
nothavehisdayincourt.Hehadalreadyappearedinthefourprevioussettingsofthepretrial.
Hearrivedinthefifthsettingafewminuteslate.Thecourtcouldhaveallowedasecondorthird
call.

TheprimarynegligenceoccurredonthepartofAtty.LeonuelMas.Hedidnotappearatthe
pretrialdespitethenotice.Hedidnotofferanyexplanationforhisnonappearance.Nordidhe
takethenecessarymovetoprotecttheinterestofDennisMortelafterlearningthathehadbeen
declaredindefault.

ThecourtdidnotactontheappearanceofAtty.EugenioTumulak.Itproceededtorenderits
judgmentandsentacopyofittoAtty.LeonuelMas.

TheerrorsofAtty.EugeneTumulakdeprivedDennisMortelofthemeanstoundotheadverse
decision.(Mortelvs.Kerr,685SCRA1.)

IsabelitaGravidesandPedroBorjalwereopposingcandidatesforpunongbarangay.Isabelita
Gravideswasproclaimedthewinner.PedroBorjalfiledanelectionprotestintheMetropolitan
TrialCourt.Thecourtsetthecaseforpreliminaryconference.Thenoticereferredtothe
contentsofthepreliminaryconferencebriefsinordinarycivilcases.Duringthepreliminary
conference,IsabelitaGravidesmovedforthedismissaloftheelectionprotest,becausethe
preliminaryconferencebriefofPedroBorjaldidnotcomplywiththerequirementsforpreliminary
conferencebriefsinelectioncontests.Thecourtgrantedthemotion.HELD:Thecounselof
PedroBorjalwasmisledbythenoticeofpreliminaryconferenceissuedbythecourt.Hismistake
incomplyingwiththedirectiveofthecourtshouldnotprejudicePedroBorjal.(Gravidesvs.
CommissiononElection,685SCRA382.)

3.Impartiality

SecretaryCesarPurisimafiledanadministrativecaseagainstProsperoPichay,Jr.withthe
OfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairs.ProsperoPichay,Jr.arguedthatthe
OfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairscouldnotbeimpartial,because
SecretaryCesarPurisimaanditwerebothconnectedtothePresident.HELD:Meresuspicionof
partialitywillnotsufficetoinvalidatetheactionsoftheOfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretary
forLegalAffairs.Mereallegationisnotequivalenttoproof.(Pichay,Jr.vs.OfficeoftheDeputy
ExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairs,677SCRA408.)

TheCommissiononElectionsandtheDepartmentofJusticecreatedaJointCommitteeanda
FactFindingCommitteetoinvestigateelectionfraudduringthe2004andthe2007elections.The
JointCommitteeissuedsubpoenastoJoseMiguelArroyo,BenjaminAbalos,Jr.,andGloria
MacapagalArroyo.TheyfiledintheSupremeCourtapetitionquestioningthevalidityofthe
creationoftheJointCommitteeandtheFactFindingCommittee.Theyarguedthatitviolateddue
processsincetheywereevidencegatherer,prosecutorandjudgeatthesametime.HELD:Two
bodieswerecreated,namely:(1)theFactFindingCommitteetogatherevidence,and(2)the
JointCommitteetoconductthepreliminaryinvestigation.Itisinaccuratetosaythatthereisonly
onebodywhichactedasevidencegatherer,prosecutorandjudge.(Arroyovs.Departmentof
Justice,681SCRA181.)

RCBCCapitalCorporationpurchased67%ofthesharesofstockofEquitablePCIBank,Inc.
andtheindividualstockholdersofBankard,Inc.RCBCCapitalCorporationclaimedthatthere
wasanoverpaymentforthesharesofstockbecauseofanoverstatementofvaluationof
accountsandbreachofthewarrantyofthesellersundertheagreement.Thedisputewas
submittedtoarbitrationbytheInternationalChamberofCommerceinaccordancewitha
provisionintheagreement.

TheInternationalCourtofArbitrationrequiredthepartiestopay$350,000.00asadvanceon
costsdividedequallybetweentheparties.RCBCCapitalCorporationpaiditsshare,but
EquitablePCIBank,Inc.requestedthatseparateadvancesoncostsbefixedonthebasisofthe
claimsandcounterclaimsoftheparties,sincetheclaimofRCBCCapitalCorporationwasmore
than40timeshigherthantheamountsofitscounterclaims.TheInternationalCourtofArbitration
deniedtherequest.Itlaterorderedthesuspensionofhearings.

TheInternationalCourtofArbitrationwrotethepartiesthattheadvanceoncostswasbeing
increasedto$450,000.00,subjecttoadjustments.EquitablePCIBank,Inc.againrefusedtopay
itsshare.RCBCCapitalCorporationaskedthatEquitablePCIBank,Inc.bedeclaredindefault.

ThechairmanoftheArbitralTribunalwrotethepartiesthattheArbitralTribunalhadnopowerto
orderpaymentoftheadvanceoncostortogiveanyreliefagainstrefusaltopaybutduringthe
hearingsorwhentheallocationofcostswouldbedetermined,submissionsonthefailureof
EquitablePCIBank,Inc.topayitsshareintheadvanceofcostscouldbemade.

TheArbitralTribunalmadeafirstawardholdingEquitablePCIBank,Inc.liableandleavingthe
determinationofthedamagestoalateraward.

TheInternationalChamberofCommerceincreasedthedepositforadvanceoncoststo
$580,000.00.RCBCCapitalCorporationpaiditsshare,butEquitablePCIBank,Inc.refused.It
askedthatEquitablePCIBank,Inc.bedeclaredindefault,andthatitscounterclaimsbe
withdrawn.

TheChairmanoftheArbitralTribunalwrotealetter,whichstatedthefollowing:

1.IthadnopowertodeclarethatEquitablePCIBank,Inc.hadnorighttoparticipatein
proceedingsconcerningtheclaimofRCBCCapitalCorporation.

2.Itinterpretedthelatestletterasanapplicationforapartialawardinrespecttothefailureof
EquitablePCIBank,Inc.regardingitsfailuretopayitsshareintheadvancecosts.

RCBCCapitalCorporationconfirmedtheinterpretationoftheArbitralTribunalandfiledthe
application.

TheChairmanoftheArbitralTribunalgavebothpartiesacopyofanarticleonthesubjectinICC
Bulletin,Vol.14,Vol.1.HELD:TheactoftheChairmanoftheArbitralTribunalinprovidingthe
articleiseasilyinterpretablethathehadprejudgedthematterbeforehim.Hepracticallyarmed
RCBCCapitalCorporationwithsupportinglegalarguments.(RCBCCapitalCorporationvs.
BancodeOroUnibank,Inc.,687SCRA583.)

B.EqualProtection

1.Applicability

TheSpecialGeneralCourtMartialwhichtriedMajorGeneralCarlosGarciaconvictedhimof
violationofthe96thandthe97thArticlesoftheArticlesofWar.Hewassentencedtoundergo
confinementfortwoyears.Hehadbeenunderpreventiveconfinementduringthependencyof
thecase.HELD:UnderArticle29oftheRevisedPenalCode,anaccusedwhounderwent
preventiveimprisonmentshallbecreditedintheserviceofsentenceconsistingofdeprivationof
libertywiththefullperiodofpreventiveimprisonment.ItsapplicationtotheArticlesofWarisin
accordancewiththeequalprotectionclause.Thereisnosubstantialdistinctionbetweenthose
whoareconvictedofoffenseswhicharecriminalinnatureundermilitarycourtsandthecivil
courts.(Garciavs.ExecutiveSecretary,677SCRA750.)

2.AbsenceofViolation

TheSandiganbayanconvictedEfrenAlvarez,aMunicipalMayor,ofviolationSection3(e)ofthe
AntiGraftandCorruptPracticesforawardingaconstructioncontracttoacompanywhichwas
notdulylicensedbythePhilippineConstructionAccreditationBoard.Hearguedthathis
convictionviolatedequalprotection,becausehewastheonlyoneamongthenumerouspersons
whoapprovedthecontractandimplementedtheprojectwhowascharged.HELD:The
prosecutionofoneguiltypersonwhileothersequallyguiltyarenotprosecutedisnotbyitselfa
denialofequalprotection.Theunequalapplicationtothoseentitledtobetreatedalikeisnota
denialofequalprotectionintheabsenceofintentionaldiscrimination.Itwouldbeunconscionable
toexcuseadefendantguiltyofmurderbecauseothershavemurderedwithimpurity.(Alvarezvs.
People,677SCRA673.)

TheCommissiononElectionsandtheDepartmentofJusticecreatedaJointCommitteeanda
FactFindingCommitteetoinvestigateelectionfraudduringthe2004andthe2007elections.The
JointCommitteeissuedsubpoenastoJoseMiguelArroyo,BenjaminAbalos,Sr.,andGloria
MacapagalArroyo.TheyfiledintheSupremeCourtpetitionsquestioningthevalidityofthe
creationoftheJointCommitteeandtheFactFindingCommitteeonthegroundthatitviolated
equalprotection,becauseitdidnotapplytoelectionsheldinpreviouselectionsin2004andwas
limitedtotheArroyoadministration.HELD:Theinvestigationwasnotlimitedtorespondents
linkedtoGloriaMacapagalArroyo.(Arroyovs.DepartmentofJustice,681SCRA181.)

ThePhilippineAssociationofServiceExporters,Inc.questionedtheconstitutionalityofSection7
oftheMigrantWorkersandOverseasFilipinosActonthegroundthatitimposedthesame
penaltiesonthepunishableactswithoutmakingadistinctionastotheirseriousness.HELD:
Congressactedwithinitsprerogativeindeterminingwhatactsareequallyreprehensible.The
lawconsideredthefactthatoverseasworkersmustworkoutsidethebordersofthePhilippine
andoutsideitsimmediateprotection.(Sto.Tomasvs.Paneda,685SCRA245.)

3.ExistenceofValidDistinction

PresidentBenignoAquinoIII,issuedExecutiveOrderNo.13,whichabolishedthePresidential
AntiGraftCommissionandtransferredtotheOfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegal
Affairsthepowertoinvestigateadministrativecasesagainstpresidentialappointees.Prospero
Pichay,Jr.waschargedbeforetheOfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairs.He
arguedthatExecutiveOrderNo.13violatedequalprotection,becauseitspowertoinvestigate
waslimitedtopresidentialappointeesoccupyingupperlevelpositionsinthegovernment.HELD:
Therearesubstantialdistinctionsbetweenpresidentialappointeesoccupyingupperlevel
positionsinthegovernmentandnonpresidentialappointeesandpresidentialappointees
occupyinglowerpositionsinthegovernment.(Pichay,Jr.vs.OfficeoftheDeputyExecutive
SecretaryforLegalAffairs,677SCRA408.)

C.SearchesandSeizures

1.SufficiencyofDescription

TheRegionalTrialCourtissuedtwosearchwarrantsfortheftoftelephoneservicesinviolationof
Article308oftheCivilCodeandviolationofPresidentialDecreeNo.401forunauthorized
installationofconnections.ThebasiswasthecomplaintofPhilippineLongDistanceTelephone
CompanythatcallsfromtheUnitedStatewerebeingtransmittedtothePhilippineswithout
passingthroughitsfacilitiesbytheuseofspecialequipment.Itwasarguedthatthesearch
warrantsweregeneralsearchwarrants.HELD:Thesearchwarrantsorderedtheseizureofthe
following:

1.
Lines,cables,antennasandequipmentcapableoftransmittingairwavesfrequency

2.
Computersoranyequipmentcapableofacceptinginformation

3.
Modemsoranyequipmentthatenablesdataterminalequipmenttocommunicatewith
otherdataterminalequipmentthroughatelephoneline

4.
Multiplexersoranyequipmentthatenablestwoormoresignalsfromdifferentsourcesto
passthroughacommontransmissionline

5.
Switchingequipmentcapableofconnectingtelephonelines


6.
Software,diskettes,tapesorequipmentforrecordingandstoringinformationand

7.
Manuals,phonecards,accesscodespertainingtosecurityandusingtelephonelines.

Theitemstobeseizedweresufficientlyidentifiedbystatingtheirrelationstotheoffenses
charged.(HPSSoftwareandCommunicationCorporationsandPhilippineLongDistance
TelephoneCompany,687SCRA426.)

2.StopandFrisk

TwopoliceofficersflaggeddownRodelLuzforviolatinganordinance,whichrequiredthe
wearingofahelmetwhiledrivingamotorcycle.Theyaskedhimtogototheirsubstation,which
wasnearby.Whilethetrafficcitationticketwasbeingissued,oneofthepoliceofficersnoticed
thathewasuneasyandkeptgettingsomethingfromhisjacket.HeaskedRodelLuztotakeout
thecontentsofthepocketofhisjacket.Hepulledoutametalcontainer.Thepoliceofficerasked
himtoopenit.Itcontainedtwosachetswhichwerefilledwithmethamphetaminehydrochloride.
RodelLuzwaschargedwithillegalpossessionofdangerousdrugs.HELD:Atthetimethathe
waswaitinginthesubstationwhilethepoliceofficerwaswritingthetrafficcitationticket,the
policeofficerhadnointentiontoarresthim.Thedetentionofamotoristpursuanttoatrafficstop
ispresumptivelytemporaryandbrief.Thecircumstancesassociatedwiththetypicaltrafficstop
arenotsuchthatthemotoristfeelscompletelyatthemercyofthepolice.Sincetherewasno
validarrest,thewarrantlesssearchthatresultedfromitwasalsoillegal.Theevidenceseized
wasnotinplainview.ItwasconcealedinsideametalcontainerinsidethepocketofRodelLuz.
Neitherwasthereaconsentedwarrantlesssearch.Hewastoldtotakeoutthecontentsofhis
pocket.Relevanttothedeterminationofconsentarethefollowing:(1)theageofthedefendant
(2)whetherhewasinapublicorsecludedlocation(3)whetherthedefendantobjectedtothe
searchorpassivelylookedon(4)theeducationandintelligenceofthedefendant(5)the
presenceofcoercivepoliceprocedures(6)thebeliefofthedefendantthatnoincriminating
evidencewouldbefound(7)thenatureofthepolicequestioning(8)theenvironmentinwhich
thequestioningtookplaceand(9)thepossiblyvulnerablesubjectivestateoftheperson
consentingtoit.Hewasaloneatthesubstationat3a.m.accompaniedbyseveralpolice
officers.Thesecircumstancesweighagainstafindingofvalidconsenttoawarrantlesssearch.
Neitherdoesthesearchqualifyunderthestopandfriskrule.Itwasmerelyalimitedprotective
searchofouterclothingforweapons.Theitemsseizedduringtheillegalarrestareinadmissible.
(Luzvs.People,667SCRA421.)

3.InadmissibilityofEvidence

AsearchwarrantauthorizedthesearchoftheresidenceofRubendelCastillotolookfor
methamphetaminehydrochloride.Abarangaytanodhelpinginimplementingitseized
methamphetaminehydrochloridefoundinanipahut20metersawayfromhisresidence.HELD:
Theconfiscateditems,havingbeenfoundinaplaceotherthantheonedescribedinthesearch

warrant,canbeconsideredasfruitsofaninvalidwarrantlesssearch.Thepoliceofficers,aswell
asthebarangaytanod,wereactingasagentsofapersoninauthorityduringtheconductofthe
search.(DelCastillovs.People,664SCRA430.)

4.WarrantlessArrest

Ambrevs.People,678SCRA552ruledthatapersoncaughtusingmethamphetamine
hydrochloridecanbearrestedwithoutneedofawarrant.

D.FreedomofthePress

Garciavs.Manrique,683SCRA491ruledthatanewspaperarticlestatingthataJusticeofthe
SupremeCourtreceivedabribetoissueatemporaryrestrainingorderisnotprotectedby
freedomofthepress.

E.ReligiousFreedom

TheUnitedChurchofChristinthePhilippines,Inc.isareligiouscorporation.Itisanational
confederationofEvangelicalChurches.TheBradfordUnitedChurchofChrist,Inc.becamea
constituentchurchofit.Lateron,itwasincorporatedasaseparatecorporation.TheBradford
UnitedChurchofChrist,Inc.disaffiliatedfromtheUnitedChurchofChristinthePhilippines,Inc.
Itamendeditsarticlesofincorporationtoeffectthedisaffiliation.TheUnitedChurchofChristin
thePhilippines,Inc.filedacomplaintonthegroundthatitsconstitutionandbylawsdidnotallow
theseparateincorporationoftheBradfordUnitedChurchofChrist,Inc.TheSecuritiesand
ExchangeCommissionruledinfavoroftheBradfordUnitedChurchofChrist,Inc.ontheground
thatithasthefreedomtoassociateanddisassociate.TheUnitedChurchofChristinthe
Philippines,Inc.arguedthatithadthesolerighttodecidewhethertheBradfordUnitedChurchof
Christ,Inc.coulddisaffiliate,becauseitwaspurelyanecclesiasticalaffair.HELD:An
ecclesiasticalaffairisonethatconcernsdoctrine,creedorformofworshipofthechurch,the
adoptionandenforcementwithinareligiousassociationofneedfullawsandregulationsforthe
governmentofthemembership,andthepowerofexcludingfromtheassociationthosedeemed
unworthyofmembership.Examplesareexcommunication,ordinationsofreligiousministers,
administrationofsacraments,andotheractivitiesattachedwithreligioussignificance.
IntertwinedwiththeissueofthevalidityofthedisaffiliationisthequestionofwhethertheBradford
UnitedChurchofChristunderthelawhadthepowertodisaffiliate.Thecourtshouldrecognize
itsdecisionasitconcernsitslegalrightsasareligiouscorporationtodisaffiliatefromanother
religiouscorporationbylegitimatemeans.Thisisasecularmatterwithinthejurisdictionofcivil
courts.(UnitedChurchofChristinthePhilippines,Inc.vs.BradfordUnitedChurchofChrist,Inc.,
674SCRA92.)

F.RighttoTravel

OCACircularNo.492003requiresjudgeswishingtotravelabroadtoobtainpriorpermission
fromtheSupremeCourtandtosubmitanapplicationstatingthepurposeofthetravel,an
applicationfortravel,favorablyrecommendedbytheExecutiveJudge,andacertificatefromthe
StatisticsDivisionoftheCourtManagementOfficeastotheconditionofhisdocket.Judge
IgnacioMacarinerequestedtheCourtAdministratorforauthoritytotraveltoHongKongto
celebratehissixtyfifthbirthdaywithhisfamily.Hisrequestwasnotacteduponbecauseofhis
failuretosubmitthecompleterequirements.Heproceededwithhistripabroad.Hisleaveof
absencewasdisapproved.HELD:Theconstitutionalguaranteeoftherighttotravelshouldnot
beconstruedaslimitingtheinherentpoweroftheSupremeCourtofadministrativesupervision
overlowercourts.OCACircularNo.492003doesnotrestrictbutmerelyregulatesbyproviding
guidelinestobecompliedwithbyjudgesbeforetheycantravelabroad.Theregulationis
intendedtoensuremanagementofcourtdocketsandtoavoiddisruptionintheadministrationof
justice.(OfficeofAdministrativeServicesvs.Macarine,677SCRA1.)

G.RighttoInformation

PetitionersclaimedthattheprocessforthebiddingoftheAngathydroelectricpowerplant
violatedtherighttoinformation,becauseitwascommencedwithoutpreviouslyreleasingcritical
information,suchasthetermsandconditionsofthesale,thequalificationstobid,andthe
minimumbidpriceandtheirrequestfordetailedinformationregardingthewinningbidderwas
notgranted.HELD:Thedutytodiscloseinformationcoversanytransactionsinvolvingpublic
interests,whilethedutytoallowaccesshasabroaderscopeofinformation.Itembracesalso
anymattercontainedinofficialcommunicationandpublicdocumentsoftheagreementagency.
ThewebsitecarriednewsandupdatesonthesaleofAngathydroelectricpowerplant.It
providedimportantinformationonbiddingactivitiesandclarificationregardingtotermsand
conditionsoftheagreementtobesigned.Ontheotherhand,thePowerSectorAssetsand
LiabilitiesManagementCorporationmerelyadvisedthepetitionerstoaddresstheirrequesttothe
counselofthewinningbidder.Suchactionisinconsistentwiththeconstitutionalrequirement.It
shouldallowaccesstothedocumentspertainingtothecompanyprofileandlegalcapacityofthe
winningbidder.(InitiativesforDialogueandEmpowermentthroughAlternativeLegalServices,
Inc.vs.PowerSectorAssetsandLiabilitiesManagementCorporations,682SCRA602.)

H.EminentDomain

1.Taking

ThePresidentialAgrarianReformCouncilrevokedtheapprovalofthestockdistributionplanof
theTarlacDevelopmentCorporationasamodeofcomplyingwiththeComprehensiveAgrarian
ReformLawandorderedthedistributionofthelandownedbyHaciendaLuisita,Inc.tothefarm
workersinstead.Itarguedthatthejustcompensationforthetakingofthelandshouldnotbe
basedonitsvalueonNovember21,1989whenthestockdistributionplanwasapprovedbuton
January2,2006,whenthenoticeofcoveragewasissuedrevokingthestockdistributionplan.
HELD:Takingoccurswhenagriculturallandsarevoluntarilyofferedbyalandownerand

approvedbythePresidentialAgrarianReformCouncilforcoveragethroughastockdistribution
scheme.Thesubmissionforapprovalofthestockdistributionplanisanacknowledgementthat
thelandsarecoveredbythelaw.Theapprovalshouldbeconsideredasthedateoftaking,asit
wasonlyatthattimethatthegovernmentofficiallyconfirmedthecoverageofthelands.Stock
distributionplanandcompulsorylandacquisitionarebothmodalitiestohaveamoreequitable
distributionandownershipofland,withregardtotherightofthelandownertojustcompensation.
(HaciendaLuisita,Inc.vs.PresidentialAgrarianReformCouncil,670SCRA392.)

NationalPowerCorporationvs.Saludares,671SCRA266andNationalPowerCorporationvs.
Ileto,676SCRA107heldthatanactionforacquisitionofeasementofrightofwayfor
transmissiontowersshouldbeconsideredanactionforexpropriation.

2.Imprescriptibility

NationalPowerCorporationvs.Saludares,671SCRA266heldthatanactionforpaymentof
compensationforpropertytakenforpublicusewithoutfilinganexpropriationcaseis
imprescriptible.

I.ProhibitionagainstImpairmentofContracts

TheBankofNewYorkfiledapetitionforthecorporaterehabilitationofBayantel
Telecommunications,Inc.Therehabilitationcourtissuedanorderprovidingfortheparipassu
treatmentofsecuredandunsecuredcreditorsuntiltheterminationoftherehabilitation
proceedings.Equalityinequityhasbeencitedasbasisforthis.Thesecuredcreditorsclaimed
thatthisviolatedSection10,ArticleIIIoftheConstitution.HELD:Thenonimpairmentclauseisa
limitationontheexerciseoflegislativepowerandnotofjudicialorquasijudicialpower.(Express
InvestmentsIIIPrivateLtd.vs.BayanTelecommunications,Inc.,687SCRA50.)

J.RighttoCounsel

1.Inapplicability

PHILCOMSATHoldingsCorporationisasubsidiaryofPhilippineOverseasTelecommunications
Corporations,asequesteredcorporation.TheRepublicofthePhilippinesowns35%ofits
sharesofstocks.PHILCOMSATHoldingsCorporationwasincorporatedtocollectthemoney
marketinterestincomeofpetitioner.PHILCOMSATHoldingsCorporationsustainedlosses,
becauseitsoperatingexpensesballooned.TheSenateinvestigatedthelossesincurred.It
issuedareportrecommendingtheprivatizationofthesharesofstockoftheRepublicofthe
Philippinesandthereplacementofthegovernmentnomineesasdirectors.Thedirectors
claimedthattheirrighttocounselwasviolatedduringthehearings.HELD:Therighttobe
assistedbycounselcanonlybeinvokedbyapersonundercustodialinvestigationsuspectedof
commissionofacrime.Sincetheofficerswereinvitedtothehearingsasresourcepersons,

theycannotinvoketheirrighttocounsel.(PHILCOMSATHoldingsCorporationvs.Senate,673
SCRA611.)

Peoplevs.Lara,678SCRA332ruledthatassistanceofcounselisnotrequiredduring
participationinapolicelineup.

2.NegligenceofCounsel

Thefailureofcounseltofileamotionforreconsiderationdoesnotconstitutegrossnegligence.
(Sofiovs.Valenzuela,666SCRA55.)

K.RighttoBeInformed

Peoplevs.Arcillas,677SCRA624heldthatwheretheinformationforrapeallegedthatthe
accusedwasthestepfatherofthevictimbutwhatwasprovenwasthathewasthecommonlaw
husbandofthemotherofthevictim,convictinghimofqualifiedrapewillviolatehisrighttobe
informed.

L.RighttoConfrontation

HarryGo,JonnyGo,JerryNgo,andJaneGowerechargedwithestafaunderArticle318ofthe
RevisedPenalCode.Thecomplainant,LiLienPeng,afrailoldbusinessmanfromLaos,
Cambodia,wenttothePhilippinestoattendthehearingonSeptember9,2004.Thetrialdates
weresubsequentlypostponedduetohisunavailability.Theprosecutionfiledamotiontotakehis
depositionabroadbecausehewasbeingtreatedforlunginfectionandcouldnottraveltothe
Philippinesbecauseofillhealth.HELD:Theexaminationofwitnessesmustbedoneorally
beforeajudgeinopencourt.Thisisespeciallytrueincriminalcases,inwhichtheConstitution
securestotheaccusedhisrighttoapublictrialandtomeetthewitnessesagainsthimfaceto
face.Therequirementisthesafestandmostsatisfactorymethodofinvestigatingfactsasit
enablesthejudgetotestthecredibilityofthewitnessthroughhisdeportmentwhiletestifying.(Go
vs.People,677SCRA213.)

M.ProhibitionagainstDoubleJeopardy

Peoplevs.Atienza,673SCRA470andBautistavs.CunetaPangilinan,684SCRA521heldthat
thegrantofademurrertotheevidencecannotbeappealed.

Peoplevs.CourtofAppeals,677SCRA575heldthatanacquittalcannotbeappealedonthe
groundofmisappreciationoftheevidence.

Ysidorovs.DeCastro,665SCRA1andPeoplevs.Sandiganbayan,665SCRA89ruledthatan
acquittalcannotbereversedbyfilingapetitionforcertiorari.

PhilippineNationalBankvs.Soriano,652SCRA243ruledthatthereinstatementofan
informationafteritswithdrawalbeforethearraignmentoftheaccuseddoesnotviolatetheright
againstdoublejeopardy.

N.WritofAmparo

RodolfoLozadaallegedthatwhenhewasgoingtotestifybeforetheSenatetoexposecorruption
involvingagovernmentcontract,hewastakenintocustodybygovernmentofficials.Hisbrother
filedapetitionforthewritofamparo.Claimingthateversincehetestified,heandhisfamilywere
beingharassedandthreatened,RodolfoLozadapursuedtheprosecutionofthepetitionforthe
writofamparo.HELD:RodolfoLozadahadfiledacomplaintforkidnappingandattempted
murder.Ifthecomplainthasalreadyprogressedintoacriminalcase,itcanmoreadequately
disposeofhisallegation.Ifthereisnocaselodgedbeforethecourts,thedenialofthepetitionfor
awritofamparoiswithoutprejudicetothefilingoftheappropriatecriminalcase.(Lozadavs.
Arroyo,670SCRA545.)

EdgardoNavia,asecuritysupervisor,andtwoguardsbroughtthehusbandofVirginiaPardicoto
theirofficeatasubdivision,becauseaninformantreportedthatheremovedalampfromapost
inthesubdivision.Thehusbandbecamemissing.EdgardoNaviaallegedthattheyreleasedhim.
VirginiaPardicofiledapetitionforawritofamparo.HELD:Enforceddisappearanceisthearrest,
abductionoranotherformofdeprivationoflibertybyagentsoftheStateorbypersonsorgroup
ofpersonsactingwiththeauthorization,supportoracquiescenceoftheState,followedbya
refusaltoacknowledgethedeprivationoflibertyorbytheconcealmentofthefateor
whereaboutsofthedisappearedperson,whichplacehimoutsidetheprotectionofthelaw.This
indispensableelementofStateparticipationisnotpresentinthiscase.(Naviavs.Pardico,673
SCRA618.)

LilibethLadago,AngeloLibradoTrinidad,andCarlosZaratefiledapetitionforawritofamparo
becauseoftheinclusionoftheirnamesintheorderofbattleofthePhilippineArmy.They
claimedthattheorderofbattlewasamilitaryhitlist.HELD:Amereinclusionofonesnamein
theorderofbattledoesnotsufficetoestablishactualthreattoonesrighttolife,libertyand
securityofsubstantialevidence.(Ladagovs.Mapagu,685SCRA332.)

O.WritofHabeasData

PresidentGloriaMacapagalArroyoissuedAdministrativeOrderNo.275,whichcreatedthe
ZearosaCommissiontoinvestigatethecreationofprivatearmieswithaviewofeliminating
them.MarynetteGamboawastheMayorofDingras,IlocosNorte.Sheclaimedthatthe
PhilippineNationalPoliceinIlocosNorteconductedsurveillanceoperations,classifiedheras
someonewhomaintainedaprivatearmy,andwithoutthebenefitofdataverificationforwarded
itsreporttotheZearosaCommission.

MarynetteGamboafiledapetitionforthewritofhabeasdata.Sheprayedthattheunverified
reportsinthedatabaseofthePhilippineNationalPoliceinIlocosNortebedestroyedandthatthe
informationforwardedtohigherofficialsbewithdrawn.HELD:TheConstitutionmandatedof
dismantlingofprivatearmies.AdministrativeOrderNo.275wasissuedforthispurpose.The
ZearosaCommissionwasauthorizedtodeputizethepoliceforceinthefulfillmentofits
mandate.ThereleaseofinformationtotheZearosaCommissionwithoutpriorcommunication
toMarynetteGamboaandwithoutaffordinghertheopportunitytorefuteitisnotaviolationofher
righttoprivacy,sinceitwascrucialcomponentoftheinvestigation.Thestateinterestin
dismantlingprivatearmiesoutweighstheallegedintrusionintotheprivatelifeofMarynette
Gamboa.(Gamboavs.Chan,677SCRA385.)

II.Citizenship

NoraFeSagun,thelegitimatechildofaChinesefatherandaFilipinomother,wasbornon
August8,1959.ShedidnotelectPhilippinecitizenshipuponreachingtheageofmajority.She
filedapetitionfordeclarationofelectionofPhilippinecitizenship,becauseshewasaregistered
voterandhadvotedateveryelection,shespokeIlocanoandTagalogfluently,shecontinuously
residedinthePhilippines,sheattendedlocalschools,andshealwaysthoughtofherselfasa
Filipino.HELD:HeractionscannottaketheplaceofelectionofPhilippinecitizenship.(Republic
vs.Sagun,666SCRA321.)

III.LegislativeDepartment

A.LegislativePower

1.DelegationofRuleMakingPower

PresidentGloriaMacapagalArroyocreatedthePresidentialAntiGraftCommission.President
BenignoAquinoIIIissuedExecutiveOrderNo.13,whichtransferreditsfunctiontotheDeputy
ExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairs.AcomplaintwasfiledagainstProsperoPichay,Jr.withthe
OfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairs.Hequestionedtheconstitutionalityof
ExecutiveOrderNo.13onthegroundthatitencroacheduponthepowerofCongressto
legislateandtoappropriatefunds.HELD:TheAdministrativeCodeof1987veststhePresident
withcontinuingauthoritytoreorganizetheofficesunderhimtoachievesimplicity,economyand
efficiency.UnderSection31(1)oftheAdministrativeCodeof1987,thePresidentcanreorganize
hisofficeproperbyabolishing,consolidatingormergingunitsorbytransferringfunctionsfrom
oneunittoanother.UnderSection31(2)oftheAdministrativeCodeof1987,thepowerofthe
Presidenttoreorganizeofficesoutsidehisofficeproperbutwithinhisofficeislimitedto
transferringfunctionsfromhisofficetootheragenciesandviceversa.SincethePresidential
AntiGraftCommissionandtheOfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairsboth
belongtotheOfficeofthePresidentproper,theabolitionofthePresidentialAntiGraft
CommissionandthetransferofitsfunctionstotheofficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryfor
LegalAffairsisallowable.Thisdidnotentailthecreationofanewofficebutsimplyatransferof

functiontotheOfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairs,whichisanexisting
office.

Thereisnousurpationofthelegislativepowertoappropriatefunds.Thegeneralappropriations
lawsrecognizetheextentofthepowerofthePresidenttoreorganizetheexecutiveofficesunder
himtotheextentofrealigningappropriationsforthatpurpose.Likewise,generalappropriation
lawsgavethePresidentauthoritytoaugmentanyiteminthembyusingotheritemsinthe
appropriationofhisoffice.(Pichay,Jr.vs.OfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegal
Affairs,677SCRA408.)

TheCommissiononElectionsandtheDepartmentofJusticecreatedaJointCommitteeanda
FactFindingCommitteetoinvestigateelectionfraudduringthe2004andthe2007elections.The
JointCommitteeissuedsubpoenastoJoseMiguelArroyo,BenjaminAbalos,Jr.,andGloria
MacapagalArroyo.TheyarguedthatbycreatingtheJointCommitteeandtheFactFinding
Committee,theCommissiononElectionsandtheDepartmentofJusticecreatedanewoffice
andencroacheduponthepowerofCongresstocreatepublicoffice.HELD:Themembersofthe
JointCommitteeandtheFactFindingCommitteemerelyexercisedthepowersalreadyvested
uponthembyvirtueoftheircurrentpositions.Theymerelycollaborated.(Arroyovs.Department
ofJustice,681SCRA181.)

PresidentialDecreeNo.755authorizedthePhilippineCoconutAuthoritytodistributeforfreeto
coconutfarmersthesharesofstockpurchasedwiththecoconutlevycollections.HELD:
PresidentialDecreeNo.755isanunconstitutionaldelegationoflegislativepower.Itdidnotstate
whoaretobeconsideredascoconutfarmers.Itdidnotdelineateanyclearconditionastohow
thedispositionofthesharesofstockwillredoundtotheadvancementofthenationalpolicy
declaredunderit.(PhilippineCoconutProducersFederation,Inc.vs.Republic,663SCRA514.)

B.PartylistSystem

RolandoLayugfiledwiththeCommissiononElectionsapetitiontodisqualifytheBuhay
PartyListanditsnomineefromparticipatingintheelectionsonthegroundthattheBuhay
PartyListwasamereextensionofareligioussectandthatitsnomineewasabillionaire.A
divisionoftheCommissiononElectionsdeniedthepetitionforlackofsubstantialevidence.The
CommissiononElectionsproclaimedtheBuhayPartyListaswinnerentitledtotwoseats.
RolandoLayugfiledamotionforreconsideration,butitwasdenied.Hefiledapetitionfor
certiorariintheSupremeCourt.HELD:TheHouseofRepresentativesElectoralTribunalhasno
jurisdictionoverthequalificationsoftheBuhayPartyList,asitisvestedbylawuponthe
CommissiononElections.(Layugvs.CommissiononElections,666SCRA321.)

MagdaloParasaPagbabagoappliedforregistrationasaregionalpoliticalpartythroughits
chairman,SenatorAntonioTrillanesIV.TheCommissiononElectionsdeniedtheapplicationon
thegroundthatitschairmanandsomeofitsmemberstookovertheOakwoodPremier
Apartmentsandusedunlawfulmeanstoachievetheirgoals.Itfiledamotionforreconsideration,

butitwasdenied.Itarguedthatthedenialofitspetitionwasbasedonspeculations.HELD:
SincetheOakwoodincidentwaswidelyknownandwasextensivelycoveredbythemedia,itisa
propersubjectofjudicialnoticeUnderArticleIXC,Section2(5)oftheConstitution,partieswhich
seektoachievetheirgoalsthroughviolenceorunlawfulmeansshallbedeniedaccreditation.
Violencedenotesphysicalforceunlawfullyexercised.Anunlawfulactisonethatiscontraryto
law.TheOakwoodincidentwasattendedbyviolence.ShouldtheMagdaloParasaPagbabago
decidetofileanotherpetitionforregistration,itsofficersmustindividuallyexecuteaffidavits
renouncingtheuseofviolencetoachievetheobjectivesoftheirorganization.Itsmembership
cannotincludemilitaryofficersandpersonnelintheactiveservice,becausetheycannotengage
inanypartisanpoliticalactivity,excepttovote.(MagdaloParasaPagbabagovs.Commissionon
Elections,673SCRA651.)

C.Taxation

ThePhilippineCoconutProducersFederation,Inc.filedacomplaintaskingthatthesharesof
stockspurchasedwiththeuseofcoconutlevycollectionsbedistributedtothefarmersin
accordancewithPresidentialDecreeNos.755,961and1468.HELD:Thecoconutlevyfunds
partakeofthenatureoftaxes.Ataxhasthreeelements:a)itisanenforcedproportional
contributionfrompersonsandpropertiesb)itisimposedbythestatebyvirtueofitssovereignty
andc)itisleviedforthesupportofthegovernment.Thecoconutlevyfundsfallsquarelyinto
theseelements.Theywereimposedtoprotectthecoconutindustry.Thecoconutlevyfundsare
publicfunds.Theirreclassificationasprivatefundsisunconstitutional.(PhilippineCoconut
ProducersFederation,Inc.vs.Republic,663SCRA514.)

RepublicActNo.6260andvariousPresidentialDecreesimposedalevyonthefirstsaleofcopra
forthedevelopmentofthecoconutindustry.PresidentJosephEstradaissuedExecutiveOrder
No.312,whichestablishedafundtobecreatedbydisposingofassetsacquiredbytheuseof
thecoconutlevyonassetsofentitiessupportedbythecoconutlevy.Thepurposewastoprovide
immediateincomesupplementtococonutfarmersandtoencouragethecreationofa
sustainablelocalmarketdemandforcoconutoilandothercoconutproducts.Areputable
accountingfirmcouldbehiredtoconductperiodicaudits.

PresidentJosephEstradaalsoissuedExecutiveOrderNo.313,whichcreatedatrustfundto
providefinancialassistancetococonutfarmers,thecoconutindustry,andotheragricultural
relatedprograms.TheTrustFundCommitteewoulddesignateanexternalauditortodoan
annualaudit.HELD:Ithasbeenruledthatthecoconutlevyfundsareinthenatureoftaxesand
canonlybeusedforpublicpurpose.Thecoconutlevyfundsarespecialfunds.Theycannotbe
declaredprivatepropertiesofcoconutfarmers.Thedeclarationdoesnotdistinguishbetween
wealthycoconutfarmersandimpoverishedones.Itwasalsosoughttoremovethecoconutlevy
fundfromscrutinyoftheCommissiononAudit.ExecutiveOrderNos.312and313are
repugnanttoArticleIXD,Section2(1)oftheConstitution.ExecutiveOrderNo.313alsoallows
theuseofthecoconutlevyfundstoassistotheragriculturallyrelatedprograms.This

contravenesArticleVI,Section29(3)oftheConstitution.(PetitionerOrganizationsvs.Executive
Secretary,669SCRA49.)

Cojuangco,Jr.vs.Republic,686SCRA472ruledthatsincethecoconutlevyisataxandcan
onlybeusedforapublicpurpose,thesharesofstockpurchasedwiththecoconutlevyfunds
cannotbegiventoprivateindividuals.

IV.ExecutiveDepartment

A.DisqualificationonCabinetMembers

PhilippineEconomicZoneAuthorityvs.CommissiononAudit,675SCRA513ruledthatcabinet
memberswhoserveasexofficiomembersoftheboardofdirectorsofagovernment
corporationarenotentitledtoanyperdiems.

B.PowerofControl

Velascovs.CommissiononAudit,681SCRA102ruledthatAdministrativeOrderNo.161,which
standardizedtheincentiveawards,isvalidbecauseofthepowerofcontrolofthePresident.

C.CommanderinChiefPowers

TheSpecialGeneralCourtMartial,whichtriedMajorGeneralCarlosGarcia,foundhimguiltyof
violationsofthe96thandthe97thArticlesoftheArticlesofWar.Therecordsofthecasewere
forwardedtothePresidentforreviewandconfirmation.ThePresidentconfirmedthesentence.
HELD:ThepowerofthePresidentisarecognitionofthesuperiorityofcivilianauthorityoverthe
military.(Garciavs.ExecutiveSecretary,677SCRA750.)

D.ExecutiveAgreement

TheNorthLuzonRailwaysCorporationandChinaNationalMachineryandEquipment
CorporationsignedacontractfortheconstructionofarailwaysystemfromCaloocanCityto
Malolos.TheDepartmentofFinanceandtheExportImportBankofChinaenteredintoaloan
agreementunderwhichthelatteragreedtofinancetheproject.Agroupoftaxpayersfiledan
actionforannulmentofthecontracts.ChinaNationalMachineryandEquipmentCorporation
arguedthattheprojectwastheproductofanexecutiveagreement.HELD:Anexecutive
agreementmustbeanagreementbetweenstates.Thecontractwasnotconcludedbetweenthe
PhilippinesandChina.TheNorthLuzonRailwaysCorporationandChinaNationalMachineryand
EquipmentCorporationenteredintothecontractasentitieswithpersonalitiesseparatefromthe
PhilippineandChinesegovernments,respectively.(ChinaNationalMachinery&Equipment
Corporationvs.Santamaria,665SCRA189.)

V.JudicialDepartment


A.JudicialPower

PresidentBenignoAquinoIIIissuedExecutiveOrderNo.13,whichabolishedthePresidential
AntiGraftCommissionandtransferredtotheOfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegal
Affairsthepowertoinvestigateadministrativecasesagainstpresidentialappointees.An
administrativecasewasfiledagainstProsperoPichay,Jr.beforetheOfficeoftheDeputy
ExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairs.HequestionedtheconstitutionalityofExecutiveOrderNo.
13onthegroundthatitvestedtheOfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairswith
judicialpower.HELD:TheOfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairscannottry
anddecidecases.Itsauthorityislimitedtotheconductofinvestigations,thepreparationof
reports,andthesubmissionofrecommendations.(Pichay,Jr.vs.OfficeoftheDeputyExecutive
SecretaryforLegalAffairs,677SCRA408.)

B.FiscalAutonomy

TheLegalServicesSector,OfficeoftheGeneralCounciloftheCommissiononAuditfoundthat
therewasanunderpaymentwhenretiredSupremeCourtJusticespurchasedfromtheSupreme
Courtthecarsassignedtothemduringtheirincumbency,becauseincomputingtheappraised
valueofthecarsthePropertyDivisionoftheSupremeCourtusedtheConstitutionalFiscal
AuthorityGroupJointResolutionNo.35datedApril1997inaccordancewithaResolutionofthe
SupremeCourtratherthantheformulainCOAMemorandumNo.98569AdatedAugust5,
1998.HELD:Undertheguaranteesoffiscalautonomyandindependence,theSupremeCourt
decidestheterms,conditionsandrestrictionsofthegrantofprivilegesandbenefitstocourt
officialsandcourtpersonnel.TheuseoftheformulainCFAGJointResolutionNo.35ispartof
theexerciseoftheSupremeCourtofitsdiscretionaryauthoritytodeterminethemannerthe
grantedretirementprivilegesandbenefitscanbeavailedof.(InReCOAOpiniononComputation
ofAppraisedValueofPropertiesPurchasedbyRetiredJusticesoftheSupremeCourt,678
SCRA1.)

C.JudicialandBarCouncil

FromthemomentofcreationoftheJudicialandBarCouncil,onememberofCongresswould
sitasanexofficiomember.ACongressmanandaSenatorwouldsitalternately.In1994,a
CongressmanandaSenatorwouldsitsimultaneouslywitheachonehavingonehalfvote.In
2001,theCongressmanandtheSenatorwereallowedtositsimultaneouslywitheachonebeing
givenafullvote.FranciscoChavezquestionedthispractice.HELD:Theenumerationofthe
exofficiomembersoftheJudicialandBarCouncilmentionsarepresentativeofCongress.The
useofthesingularletteraprecedingrepresentativeofCongressisunequivocalandleaves
noroomforanyotherconstruction.ThewordCongressusedinSection8(1),ArticleVIIIofthe
Constitutionisusedinitsgenericsense.NoallusionismadetotheSenateortheHouseof
Representatives.FromtheenumerationofthemembershipoftheJudicialandBarCouncil,itis
patentthateachcategoryofmemberpertainstoasingleindividual.Thesevenmember

compositionprovidesasolutionshouldtherebeastalemateinvoting.Noparallelismcanbe
drawnbetweenrepresentationofCongressintheJudicialandBarCouncilanditslegislative
power.(Chavezvs.JudicialandBarCouncil,676SCRA579.)

D.JudicialReview

1.LegalStanding

TheCommissiononAuditissuedcircularsliftingthepreauditofgovernmenttransactionsofthe
nationalgovernmentagencies,governmentownedorcontrolledcorporations,andlocal
governmentunits.GualbertodelaLlanafiledataxpayerssuit.Heclaimedthatpreauditcould
notbelifted,becauseitisaconstitutionalmandateunderSection2,ArticleIXDofthe
Constitutionsuit.TheSolicitorGeneralarguedthatthepetitionerhadnostandingtofilethecase.
HELD:GualbertodelaLlanaclaimedthatthecircularledtothedissipationofpublicfunds
throughnumerousirregularitiesingovernmentfinancialtransactions.Hehasstandingtofilethe
casesincehewouldbeadverselyaffectedbytheillegaluseofpublicmoney.(DelaLlanavs.
Chairperson,CommissiononAudit,665SCRA176.)

ThepetitionersquestionedthebiddingconductedbythePowerSectorAssetsandLiabilities
ManagementCorporationtoprivatizetheAngathydroelectricpowerplant.Thelatterquestioned
theirstandingtofilethecaseforfailuretoshowinjurytothemselves.HELD:Thepetitioners
possesslegalstandingtofilethesuitascitizensandtaxpayers.Thematterofensuring
adequatewatersupplyfordomesticuseisofparamountimportancetothepublic.Besides,ifthe
petitionisanchoredontherighttoinformationonmattersofpublicconcern,anycitizencanbea
realpartyininterest.(InitiativesforDialogueandEmpowermentthroughAlternativeLegal
Services,Inc.vs.PowerSectorAssetsandLiabilitiesManagementCorporations,682SCRA
602.)

ThePresidentissuedExecutiveOrderNo.7,whichorderedamoratoriumontheincreasesin
thesalariesandotherformsofcompensationofemployeesofgovernmentownedorcontrolled
corporations.JelbertGalicto,anemployeeofthePhilippineHealthInsuranceCorporation,
questioneditsconstitutionality.HELD:JelbertGalictohasnotdemonstratedthathehasa
materialinterestintheoutcomeofthecase.Futureincreasesinhissalariesandotherbenefits
arecontingentevents.Hehasnovestedrightstosalaryincreases.(Galictovs.Aquino,667
SCRA150.)

2.ActualControversy

Taxpayersquestionedtheconstitutionalityoftheimplementationofthedevelopmentassistance
fundintheGeneralAppropriationsActforviolationoftheseparationofpowers.TheSolicitor
Generalarguedthatthecaseisnotappropriateforjudicialreviewforlackofanactual
controversy.HELD:Therequisiteofcontroversyistherequisiteofripeness.IntheUnitedStates,
ripenessisconcernedwithwhetheracaseinvolvesuncertainfutureeventsthatmaynothappen

asanticipatedormaynothappenatall.Anotherconcernwithfitnessoftheissuesforjudicial
decisionisthehardshiptothepartiesbywithholdingcourtconsideration.InthePhilippines,
ripenessistreatedintermsofactualinjurytotheplaintiff.Aquestionisripeforadjudicationwhen
theactbeingchallengedhasadirectadverseeffectontheindividualchallengingit.The
petitioners,ascitizensandtaxpayers,allegethedirectallocationandreleaseoffundsto
MembersofCongressandtheauthoritygiventothemtoselectprojectsisaserious
constitutionaltransgressioninvolvingexpenditureofpublicfunds.Astaxpayers,petitionerswill
beadverselyaffectedbythis.Thisaffordsripenesstothepresentcontroversy.(Lawyersagainst
MonopolyandPovertyvs.SecretaryofBudgetandManagement,670SCRA373.)

Taxpayersquestionedtheconstitutionalityoftheimplementationoftheprioritydevelopment
assistancefundintheGeneralAppreciationActforviolationoftheseparationofpowers.HELD:
NoproofwaspresentedshowingthatthereweredirectreleasesoffundstoMembersof
Congressandtheyactuallyspendthemaccordingtotheirsolediscretion.(Lawyersagainst
MonopolyandPovertyvs.SecretaryofBudgetandManagement,670SCRA373.)

3.PostOperativeFactDoctrine

PresidentialDecreeNo.755,whichservedasbasisforthetransferofthesharesofstockof
UnitedCoconutPlantersBanktococonutfarmers,wasdeclaredunconstitutional.ThePhilippine
CoconutProducersFederation,Inc.arguedthatinaccordancewiththeoperativefactdoctrineto
applythedeclarationretroactivelywouldpenalizethefarmerswhomerelyobeyedthelaw.
HELD:Tograntallthesharestopetitionersanditsmemberswillbeiniquitousandprejudicialto
theremaining4.6millionfarmerswhoalsomadepaymentsbutdidnotreceiveanyreceiptor
whowerenotabletoregistertheirreceiptsormisplacedthem.(PhilippineCoconutProducers
Federation,Inc.vs.Republic,663SCRA514.)

E.RuleMakingPower

TherulespromulgatedbytheSupremeCourtforpaymentoflegalfeescannotbemodifiedbya
lawgrantingexemptionfromlegalfees.(InReExemptionfromPaymentofCourtandSheriffs
FeesofDulyRegisteredCooperatives,668SCRA1.)

ThePhilippineAssociationofServiceExporters,Inc.questionedtheconstitutionalityofSection9
oftheMigrantWorkersandOverseasFilipinosAct,becauseitallowedoffendedpartiestofile
criminalcasesintheirplaceofresidencealsoandnotonlyintheplaceofcommissionofthe
crime.HELD:Section15(a)oftheRulesonCriminalProcedureallowsexceptionsbylawtothe
rulesofvenue.Theexceptionisconsistentwithitspolicyofprovidingacriminaljusticesystem
thatservesthebestinterestsofthevictimofillegalrecruitment.(Sto.Tomasvs.Paneda,685
SCRA245.)

VI.ConstitutionalCommissions

A.RulesofProcedure

TheCommissiononElectionsandtheDepartmentofJusticecreatedaJointCommitteeanda
FactFindingCommitteetoinvestigateelectionfraudduringthe2004andthe2007elections.The
JointCommitteeconductedpreliminaryinvestigationagainstJoseMiguelArroyo,Benjamin
Abalos,Jr.,andGloriaMacapagalArroyo.Theyarguedthatthepreliminaryinvestigationwasnot
valid,becausetheRulesofProcedureswerenotpublished.HELD:EveniftheRulesof
Procedurewereineffectiveforlackofpublication,theproceedingswerenotrenderednulland
void,becausethepreliminaryinvestigationwasconductedpursuanttoRule112oftheRuleson
CriminalProcedureandthe1993ComelecRulesofProcedure.(Arroyovs.Departmentof
Justice,681SCRA181.)

B.JudicialReview

Petitionerandrespondentwereopposingcandidatesforgovernor.Petitionerwasproclaimed
elected.Respondentfiledanelectionprotest.Theanswerofpetitionerallegedthatrespondent
didnotmaketherequisitecashdepositontimeandthatrespondentdidnotspecifytheactsand
omissionscomplainedof.TheCommissiononElectionsdeniedthedefensesofrespondent.
Respondentfiledamotionforreconsideration,butitwasdenied.Respondentfiledapetitionfor
certiorariintheSupremeCourt.HELD:TheConstitutionlimitsthepowersoftheSupremeCourt
toreviewanyrulingoftheCommissiononElectionstoafinalorderorresolution.(Cagasvs.
CommissiononElections,663SCRA644.)

VII.CivilServiceCommission

A.SecurityofTenure

ThePresidentappointedpetitionerasDirectorIIIoftheNationalBureauofInvestigation.Hedid
notpossesscareerexecutiveserviceeligibility.AnewPresidentreplacedhim.Petitionerfileda
petitionforquowarranto.HELD:Becausepetitionerlackedcareerserviceeligibilityanddidnot
holdtheofficeinapermanentcapacity,therecouldnothavebeenaviolationofhissupposed
righttosecurityoftenure.(Ongvs.OfficeofthePresident,664SCRA413.)

B.Reassignment

Petitioner,aregularemployeeoftheDepartmentofTradeandIndustry,wasassignedtothe
officeinSorsogon.Respondent,theRegionalDirector,reassignedhertotheofficeinAlbay.
Afterayear,petitioneraskedforherreassignmenttoSorsogononthegroundthatthe
reassignmentofemployeeswithfixedstationsisallowedforamaximumofoneyearonly.
HELD:Ifanemployeewithoutaspecificplaceofworkisreassignedoutsidethegeographical
regionwithouthisconsent,thereassignmentshouldnotexceedthemaximumperiodofone
year.Sincethereassignmentofpetitionerwaswithinthesameregionaloffice,theoneyear
limitationdoesnotapply.(Nievesvs.Blanco,673SCRA638.)


C.Jurisdiction

CivilServiceCommissionvs.CourtofAppeals,682SCRA353reiteratedtherulingthattheCivil
ServiceCommissionhasjurisdictiontoentertainanadministrativecaseagainsttheofficersofa
stateuniversity.

D.DoubleCompensation

PhilippineExportZoneAuthorityvs.CommissiononAudit,675SCRA513ruledthatexofficio
membersoftheboardofthePhilippineExportZoneAuthorityarenotentitledtoreceiveanyper
diems.

CertainemployeesoftheLivelihoodCorporationundertooktheliquidationoftheHuman
SettlementDevelopmentCorporationpursuanttoatrustagreementbetweenthem.Lateron,
theywereterminatedandgivenaseparationpaybyLivelihoodCorporationasaresultofits
reorganization.Asaresult,theycouldnolongerperformtheirfunctionsattheHumanSettlement
DevelopmentCorporation.TheboardofdirectorsoftheHumanSettlementDevelopment
Corporationgrantedthemagratuitypay.HELD:Thegratuitypayisanadditionalcompensation
whichisprohibited.Thereisnolawwhichspecificallyauthorizestheadditionalpaymentof
gratuity.(Dimagibavs.Espartero,676SCRA420.)

VIII.CommissiononElections

A.DeterminationofAuthoritytoNominateCandidates

Lokinvs.CommissiononElections,674SCRA538ruledthattheCommissiononElectionshas
authoritytodeterminewhoisauthorizedtosubmitthecertificatesofnominationforapolitical
party.

B.AutomationofElection

TheCommissiononElectionsleasedanautomatedelectionsystemfromSmartmaticTIMfor
the2010elections.Thecontractgaveitanoptiontobuythemachines.Itpartiallyexercisedits
option.SmartmaticTIMextendedtheoptiontobuytheremainingmachinesseveraltimes.
Eventually,theCommissiononElectionspurchasedtheremainingmachines.Thepetitioners
assailedthevalidityofthetransaction,becausetherewasnobidding,theoptiontopurchasethe
machineslapsedandcouldnotbeextended,andthemachinesweredefective.HELD:
SmartmaticTIMwasnotgrantedanadditionalrightthatwasnotpreviouslyavailabletotheother
bidders.Thecontractdocumentsidentifiedthecontractasoneofleasewithoptiontobuy.The
amendmentpertainedonlytotheperiodwithinwhichtheCommissiononElectionscould
exercisetheoption.TheamendmentwasmoreadvantageoustotheCommissiononElections
andtothepublic,becausetherentalpaidwasconsideredpartofthepurchaseprice.Toownthe

machines,theCommissiononElectionswasrequiredtopayP2,130,635,048.15.Ifitdidnot
exercisetheoption,therentalspaidwouldbeofnouseinfutureelections.Priortotheexecution
ofthedeedofsale,SmartmaticTIMagreedtoundertakefixesandenhancementstothe
machinesandthesoftware.Thetechnicalproblemsthatwereidentifiedcouldberemedied.
(Capallavs.CommissiononElections,673SCRA1.)

C.ProsecutionofElectionOffense

TheCommissiononElectionsandtheDepartmentofJusticecreatedaJointCommitteeanda
FactFindingCommitteetoinvestigateelectionfraudduringthe2004andthe2007elections.The
JointCommitteeissuedsubpoenastoJoseMiguelArroyo,BenjaminAbalos,Jr.,andGloria
MacapagalArroyo.TheyfiledintheSupremeCourtpetitionsquestioningthevalidityofthe
creationoftheJointCommitteeandtheFactFindingCommittee.HELD:Section2(6),Article
IXCoftheConstitutiongavetheCommissiononElectionspowertoprosecuteviolationsof
electionlaws.TheCommissiononElectionswasalsogiventhepowertoavailitselfofthe
assistanceofotherprosecutingarmsofthegovernment.(Arroyovs.DepartmentofJustice,681
SCRA181.)

TheCommissiononElectionsandtheDepartmentofJusticecreatedaJointCommitteeanda
FactFindingCommitteetoinvestigateelectionfraudduringthe2004andthe2007elections.The
JointCommitteeissuedsubpoenastoJoseMiguelArroyo,BenjaminAbalos,Jr.,andGloria
MacapagalArroyo.TheyclaimedthatbythecreationoftheJointCommitteeandthe
FactFindingCommittee,theCommissiononElectionsabdicateditsconstitutionalmandateto
prosecuteelectionoffensesinfavoroftheExecutiveDepartmentthroughtheSecretaryof
Justice,whowasthechairpersonoftheJointCommittee.HELD:ResolutionsoftheJoint
CommitteestillhavetobeapprovedbytheCommissiononElections.Itremainsincontrolofthe
proceedings.(Arroyovs.DepartmentofJustice,681SCRA181.)

IX.CommissiononAudit

A.AppointmentofCommissioner

ThePresidentappointedRayVillarasmemberoftheCommissiononAuditforasevenyear
termfromFebruary2,2004untilFebruary2,2011.WhenthechairmanretiredonFebruary2,
2008,hewasappointedchairmanuntiltheexpirationofhisoriginaltermonFebruary2,2011.He
arguedthathisappointmentaschairmanaccordedhimanewsevenyearterm.HELD:Under
Section1(2),ArticleIXDoftheConstitution,anappointmenttoanyvacancyintheCommission
onAuditisforsevenyearsexceptwhenitistofillavacancyforanunservedterm.Theprovision
alsoprohibitsreappointmentofamemberafterhisappointmentforsevenyears.Oncea
chairmanoracommissionerhasservedthefulltermofsevenyears,hecannolongerbe
appointedaschairmanorcommissioner.Ontheotherhand,theprovisiondoesnotprohibit
promotionalappointmentfromcommissionertochairmanifhehasnotservedthefulltermof

sevenyearsandthepromotionalappointmentwillconformtotherotationalplansothatthe
aggregateoftheservicewillnotexceedtosevenyears.(Funavs.Villar,670SCRA579.)

B.AuditingFunction

PresidentialDecreeNos.961and1468tookawaythecoconutlevycollectionsfromthescopeof
publicfundsandprivatizedthem.HELD:TheyviolateSection2(1),ArticleIXDofthe
Constitution.TheydivestedtheCommissiononAuditofitsconstitutionalitymandatedfunctionto
auditpublicfunds.(PhilippineCoconutProducersFederation,Inc.vs.Republic,663SCRA514.)

TheCommissiononAuditissuedcircularsliftingthepreauditofgovernmenttransactionsofthe
nationalgovernment,governmentownedorcontrolledcorporations,andlocalgovernmentunits.
GualbertodelaLlanaarguedthatunderSection2,ArticleIXDoftheConstitution,preaudit
couldnotbelifted.HELD:ThereisnothingintheprovisionthatrequirestheCommissionon
Audittoconductapreauditofallgovernmenttransactionsandforallgovernmentagencies.(De
laLlanavs.Chairperson,CommissiononAudit,665SCRA176.)

X.LocalGovernment

A.LocalAutonomy

TheGeneralAppropriationsActallocatedtwentyonebillionpesosfortheconditionalcash
transferprogramtobeimplementedbytheDepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopment.The
schemeprovidesfinancialassistancetoextremelypoorhouseholds.AquilinoPimentel,Jr.
arguedthatgivingtheDepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopmentfullcontroloverthe
schemeviolatesthepreceptsoflocalautonomyanddecentralizationintheConstitution.HELD:
Thenationalgovernmentisnotprecludedfromtakingadirecthandintheformulationand
implementationofnationaldevelopmentprograms.(Pimentel,Jr.vs.Ochoa,676SCRA551.)

B.PowersofGovernor

ThreemembersoftheInternationalCommitteeoftheRedCrosswerekidnappedinSulu.
GovernorAbdusakurMakailTancreatedaCivilianEmergencyForce,composedofarmedmale
civiliansfromdifferentmunicipalities.InvokingtheHumanSecurityAct,heissuedProclamation
No.1declaringastateofemergencyinSuluandcalledupontheArmedForcesofthe
Philippinestoimplementit.SomeresidentsofSuluquestionedthevalidityofProclamationNo.1.
HELD:ItisonlythePresidentwhoisauthorizedtoexerciseemergencypowersunderSection
23,ArticleVIoftheConstitutionandtocallouttheArmedForcesofthePhilippinesunderSection
7,ArticleVIIoftheConstitution.

Section465oftheLocalGovernmentCodedoesnotsanctiontheactsofGovernorAbdusakur
MakailTan.ParagraphI,subparagraph(vii)ofArticle465oftheLocalGovernorCoderefersto
calamitiesanddisasters.Kidnappingcannotbeconsideredasacalamityordisaster.Paragraph

2,subparagraph(vi)ofArticle465oftheLocalGovernmentCode,whichreferstothepowerto
calluponnationallawenforcementagenciestosuppresslawlessviolence,isinapplicable.The
ArmedForcesofthePhilippinesisnotanationallawenforcementagency.

GovernorAbdusakerMakailTancannotorganizetheCivilianEmergencyForce.Section24,
ArticleXVIIIoftheConstitutionproscribestheorganizationofprivatecitizenarmies.Section21,
ArticleXIoftheConstitutionprovidesthatthepreservationofpeaceandorderwithintheregions
shallbetheresponsibilityoflocalpoliceagencies.(Kulayanvs.Tan,675SCRA482.)

XI.OfficeoftheOmbudsman

A.DisciplinaryAuthorityoverDeputyOmbudsman

AnadministrativecaseforgravemisconductwasfiledagainstRolandoMendoza,apolice
officer.UponrequestofDeputyOmbudsmanEmilioGonzalesIII,thePhilippineNationalPolice
turnedoverthecasetohim.Uponhisrecommendation,theOmbudsmanfoundRoland
Mendozaguilty.OnNovember5,2009,RolandoMendozafiledamotionforreconsideration.The
motionwasstillpendingonMay6,2010.RolandoMendozahijackedabuspackedwithtourists
andaskedforhisreinstatement.Whenhisbrotherwasarrestedonsuspicionthathewasan
accessoryofRolandoMendoza,hestartedshootingthetourists.Inturn,RolandoMendozawas
shotbyasniper.

AreviewcommitteesubmittedareportfindingDeputyOmbudsmanEmilioGonzalesIIIguiltyof
gravemisconductbecauseofhisinactiononthemotionforreconsiderationforninemonths.
Uponitsrecommendation,thematterwasreferredtotheOfficeofthePresident.Achargefor
grossneglectofdutyandmisconductwasfiledagainsthim.TheOfficeofthePresidentfound
himguiltyandorderedhisdismissal.EmilioGonzalesIIIquestionedbeforetheSupremeCourt
thevalidityofhisdismissal.HELD:WhileSection21oftheOmbudsmanActgrantsthe
OmbudsmanauthoritytodisciplinetheDeputyOmbudsmenadministratively,itisnotexclusive.
Section8(2)oftheOmbudsmanActgrantsthePresidentthepowertoremoveaDeputy
Ombudsman.Section21,ArticleXIoftheConstitutionauthorizedCongresstoprovideforthe
removalofpublicofficerswhoarenotsubjecttoimpeachment.ThepowerofthePresidentto
appointtheDeputyOmbudsmancarrieswithitbyimplicationthepowertoremove.

GrantingthePresidentthepowertoremovetheDeputyOmbudsmandoesnotdiminishthe
independenceoftheOfficeoftheOmbudsman.Itsindependenceisintendedtofreeitfrom
politicalconsiderationsintheperformanceofitsfunction.Itdoesnotextendtowrongdoingsand
permititsofficialstoescapeadministrativeliability.(GonzalesIIIvs.OfficeofthePresident,679
SCRA614.)

B.AdministrativeCases

Pichay,Jr.vs.OfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairs,677SCRA408ruled
thatthepoweroftheOfficeoftheOmbudsmantoentertainadministrativecasesisnot
exclusive.

OfficeoftheOmbudsmanvs.Apolonia,664SCRA583ruledthattheOfficeoftheOmbudsman
hasthepowertoimposepenaltiesinadministrativecases.

XII.NationalEconomyandPatrimony

A.ExploitationofNaturalResources

ThePowerSectorAssetsandLiabilitiesManagementCorporationconductedabiddingtosell
theAngatdam.ItwasawardedtoKoreaWaterResourcesCorporation.Thepetitionersargued
thatthisviolatedSection2,ArticleXIIoftheConstitution,becauseonlyFilipinocitizensand
corporationssixtypercentofwhosecapitalisownedbyFilipinocitizensmaybegrantedwater
rights.HELD:Thepolicyonthemanagementofwaterresourceisimplementedthroughthe
WaterCode.Article9oftheWaterCodedefinestheappropriationofwaterastheacquisitionof
rightsovertheuseofwaterorthetakingordiversionofwatersfromanaturalsource.Underthe
ElectricPowerIndustryReformAct,powergenerationisnotapublicutilityoperation.No
franchiseisnecessary.Foreigninvestorsareallowedentryintotheelectricpowerindustry.
Thereisnomentionofpowerrightsintheprivatizationofdams.Theprocessofgenerating
electricpowerfromdamwaterenteringtheplantdoesnotconstituteappropriationofnatural
resourceutilizationintheConstitutionandtheWaterCode.(InitiativesforDialogueand
EmpowermentthroughAlternativeLegalServices,Inc.vs.PowerSectorAssetsandLiabilities
ManagementCorporation,682SCRA602.)

B.OwnershipofLand

Beumervs.Amores,686SCRA770,ruledthattheforeignhusbandofaFilipinowomanwhose
marriagewasannulledbecauseofhispsychologicalcapacitycannotaskforthedissolutionof
theirconjugalpartnershipandthepaymenttohimofonehalfofthepurchasepriceofthelots
acquiredthroughfundshesupplied.

C.PublicUtility

BankofNewYorkfiledapetitionforthecorporaterehabilitationofBayantelTelecommunication,
Inc.Itproposedarehabilitationplan.Itproposedthatitwouldhold40%oftheoutstandingcapital
stockofthecorporationonadirectbasisandtheremainingshareswouldberegisteredinthe
nameofaholdingcompanythatwouldretaintheir60%sharesreservedforFilipinocitizens.
HELD:Twostepsmustbefollowed.First,theclassofsharesintowhichthedebtwillbe
convertedmustbeidentified.Second,thenumberofvotingsharesheldbyforeignerspriorto
conversionmustbedetermined.Ifuponconversion,thetotalofthesharesheldbyforeignerswill

exceed40%ofthevotingshares,theconstitutionallimitonforeignownershipisviolated.
(ExpressInvestmentIIIPrivateLtd.vs.BayantelTelecommunications,Inc.,687SCRA50.)

XIII.StateImmunityfromSuit

A.Inapplicability

TheNorthLuzonRailwaysCorporationandChinaNationalMachineryandEquipment
CorporationsignedacontractfortheconstructionofarailwaysystemfromCaloocanCityto
Malolos.TheDepartmentofFinanceandtheExportImportBankofChinaenteredintoaloan
agreementunderwhichthelatteragreedtofinancetheproject.Agroupoftaxpayersfiledan
actionfortheannulmentofthecontracts.ChinaNationalMachineryandEquipmentCorporation
arguedthatasanagentoftheChinesegovernmentitwasimmunefromsuit.HELD:The
applicationofthedoctrineofimmunityhasbeenrestrictedtogovernmentalfunctions.Thedesire
ofpetitionertosecuretheprojectwasintheordinarycourseofitsbusinessasaglobal
constructioncompany.Theimplementationoftheprojectwasintendedtogenerateprofitsforit.
(ChinaNationalMachinery&EquipmentCorporationvs.Santamaria,665SCRA189.)

B.ExecutionofJudgment

TheUniversityofthePhilippinesenteredintoaGeneralConstructionAgreementwithStern
BuildersCorporationfortheconstructionofanextensionbuildingandtherenovationofa
building.Initially,theCommissiononAuditdisallowedthepaymentofthethirdbillingforthe
construction.Althoughthedisallowancewaslifted,theUniversityofthePhilippinesstillfailedto
pay.SternBuildersCorporationsuedforpayment.Thetrialcourtdecidedinitsfavorbutalso
awardedotherdamagesasidefromthepaymentforthethirdbilling.Astheappealofthe
UniversityofthePhilippineswasfiledoutoftime,thedecisionbecamefinal.Uponmotionof
SternBuildersCorporation,thetrialcourtorderedtheissuanceofawritofexecution.Thesheriff
garnishedthebankaccountsoftheUniversityofthePhilippines.TheUniversityofthePhilippines
arguedthatitsfundswerepublicfundsandcouldnotbegarnishedtoanswerfortheother
awardsinthedecision.HELD:AllthefundsthatcometothepossessionoftheUniversityofthe
Philippinesconstituteaspecialtrustfund,thedisbursementofwhichshouldbealignedwithits
missionandsubjecttoauditingbytheCommissiononAudit.Itsfundscouldnotbegarnishedto
satisfytheawardsofotherdamagesiftherewasnoappropriationtocovertheliability.Under
Section26oftheGeneralAuditingCode,theauthorityoftheCommissiononAuditincludesthe
settlementofalldebtsandclaimsandfromtheGovernment,includinggovernmentownedor
controlledcorporations.SternBuildersCorporationmustfirstseektheapprovalofthe
CommissiononAuditofitsclaims.(UniversityofthePhilippinesvs.Dizon,679SCRA54.)

PUBLICCORPORATIONS

I.QualificationofElectiveOfficials

RomeoJalosjos,Jr.wasborninthePhilippines.HeimmigratedtoAustraliaandacquired
Australiancitizenship.In2008hereturnedtothePhilippinesandreacquiredPhilippinecitizenship
byrepatriation.HeranforprovincialgovernorinZamboangaSibugayinthe2010elections.Dan
Erasmofiledapetitionforcancellationofhiscertificateofcandidacyonthegroundthathehad
notcompliedwiththeoneyearresidencerequirement.TheCommissiononElectionsgranted
thepetitiononthegroundthatpetitionerwasmerelystayingatthehouseofhisbrotherandwas
merelyatransient.HELD:Acandidateisnotrequiredtohaveahouseinacommunityto
establishhisresidence.(Jalosjosvs.CommissiononElections,670SCRA572.)

MeynardoSabiliranforMayorofLipaCityin2010.Hestatedinhiscertificateofcandidacythat
hehadbeenaresidentofLipaCityfortwoyearsandeightmonths.FlorencioLibreafileda
petitiontocancelhiscertificateofcandidacyonthegroundthathemisrepresentedthathehad
compliedwiththeoneyearresidencerequirement.HELD:TheincometaxreturnsofMeynardo
SabiliindicatedthathewasresidinginLipaCity.Sincetheincometaxreturnsshouldbefiled
eitherinthelegalresidenceofthetaxpayerorhisplaceofbusinessandMeynardoSabilihadno
businessinLipaCity,itshowedthathehadestablishedhisresidenceinLipaCity.Thebarangay
chairmancertifiedthatpetitionerwasaresidentofLipaCity.Thisisanentryinofficialrecords
madeintheperformanceofduty,becausetheLocalGovernmentCoderequiresthebarangayto
keepanupdatedrecordofallinhabitantsofthebarangay.Theaffidavitofthecommonlawwife
ofMeynardoSabilistatedthattheyhadbeenresidinginLipaCitysince2007.Affidavitsfromthe
previousownerofthehouseandlotofMeynardoSabiliandneighbors,thecertificationfromthe
parishpriest,thedesignationfromasociocivicorganization,andhiselectiontwotimesas
provincialboardmemberfromthedistrictthatincludedLipaCity,showthathehadbeenresiding
inLipaCitysince2007.(Sabilivs.CommissiononElections,670SCRA664.)

II.Legislature

A.Quorum

OnMarch17,2004,RexRojosubmittedtotheSangguniangPanglungsodhisresignationas
memberofit.ThenextdaytheViceMayorappointedhimasaSangguniangPanglungsod
Secretary.ThenewMayorandthenewViceMayorclaimedthattheappointmentwasvoid,
becausetheSangguniangPanglungsodhadnoquorumduringthesessiononMarch17,2004,
becauseapartfromtheViceMayor,onlysixofthetwelvemembersoftheSangguniang
PanglungsodwerepresentandtheViceMayorshouldnotbeincludedincomputingthequorum.
HELD:ThecompositionoftheSangguniangPanglungsodincludestheViceMayoraspresiding
officer.Hecanvoteonlytobreakatie.Clearly,heisamemberoftheSangguniang
Panglungsod.Toconstrueotherwisewouldcreateanabsurdsituationwherethepresiding
officerwhovotestobreakatieisnotconsideredamemberoftheSangguniangPanglungsod.
(LaCarlotaCityvs.Rojo,670SCRA482.)

B.EffectivityofOrdinance

In2003,theSangguniangPanglungsodofMalabonapprovedOrdinanceNo.152003,which
authorizedViceMayorJayJayYambaotoenterintocontractsforconsultancyservices.In2004,
ArnoldVicenciowaselectedViceMayor.InvokingOrdinanceNo.152003,heenteredintothree
contractsforconsultancyservices.TheCommissiononAuditdisallowedpaymentsmade
pursuanttothecontractsandheldtheofficersresponsibleforthepaymentspersonallyliable.
HELD:OrdinanceNo.152003specificallyauthorizedViceMayorJayJayYambaotoenterinto
contractsforconsultancyservices.Itisnotacontinuingauthorityforanypersonwhobecomes
ViceMayortoenterintosubsequentsimilarcontracts.Section103oftheGovernmentAuditing
Codemakestheexpendituresofgovernmentfundsinviolationoflawapersonalliabilityofthe
officialdirectlyresponsibleforit.(Vicenciovs.Villar,675SCRA468.)

III.MayorsPermit

NaguilianEmissionTestingCenter,Inc.wasoperatingitsbusinessonaparcelofpublicland
coveredbyataxdeclarationinthenameoftheMunicipalityofNaguilian.AbrahamRimando,the
Mayor,refusedtorenewitsbusinesspermitunlessitsignedacontractofleasewiththe
MunicipalityofNaguilian.AssomeproposedrevisionsofNaguilianEmissionTestingCenter,Inc.
inthecontractofleasewerenotacceptable,thepartiesdidnotreachanagreement.Naguilian
EmissionTestingCenter,Inc.filedapetitionformandamustocompeltheMayortoissuea
businesspermitinitsfavor.HELD:AMayorcannotbecompelledbymandamustoissuea
businesspermitsinceitinvolvestheexerciseofdelegatedpolicepowerandisdiscretionary.
(Rimandovs.NaguilianEmissionTestingCenter,Inc.,677SCRA343.)

ADMINISTRATIVELAW

I.AdministrativeRegulations

A.NonConformitywithLaw

TheCommissionerofCustomsissuedCustomsMemorandumOrderNo.272003,which
classifiedimportedwheatbeforethecustomofficershadthechancetoexamineit.HELD:
Section1403oftheTariffandCustomsCodetaskedcustomsofficerstodeterminewhetherthe
packagesdesignatedforexaminationandtheircontentsareinaccordancewiththedeclaration
beforethetariffmaybeimposed.Theregulationhasalreadyclassifiedtheimportedwheateven
beforethecustomsofficershadachancetoexamineit.Itisnotinconformitywiththelaw.
(CommissionerofCustomsvs.HypermixFeedsCorporation,664SCRA666.)

B.Arbitrariness

TheCommissionerofCustomsissuedCustomsMemorandumOrderNo.272003.Itclassified
wheataccordingtothefollowing:(1)theimporterorconsignee(2)thecountryoforiginand(3)
theportofdischarge.Onthebasisofthesefactors,wheatwouldbeclassifiedasfoodgradeand
subjecttoa3%tarifforfeedgradeandsubjecttoa7%tariff.Theregulationcontainedan

excessivelistofwheatimporters.HypermixFeedsCorporation,awheatimporter,arguedthat
theclassificationviolatedequalprotection.HELD:Itcannotbeseenhowthequalityofthewheat
isaffectedbywhoimportsit,whereitisdischarged,orfromwhichcountryitcame.Ifimporters
excludedfromthelistimportfoodgradewheat,thewheatwillstillbeclassifiedasfeedgrade
wheatandsubjecttoa7%tariff.Iflistedimportersimportfeedgradewheat,theywillpaya3%
tariffonly.Itisnotclearhowtheregulationswillpreventmisclassification.Theapplicationofthe
regulationforeclosesthepossibilitythatcorporationsexcludedfromthelistimportfoodgrade
wheat.Italsoassumesthatthosewhodonotmeetthecriteriadonotimportfeedgradewheat.
(CommissionerofCustomsvs.HypermixFeedsCorporation,664SCRA666.)

C.PublicHearings

CommissionerofCustomsvs.HypermixFeedsCorporation,664SCRA666heldthatthe
adoptionofaregulationwhichwillresultinhighertariffrateswithoutapublichearingviolatesdue
process.

D.Publication

TheAssociationofSouthernTagalogElectricCooperatives,Inc.questionedthevalidityofthe
guidelinesissuedbytheEnergyRegulatoryCommissionregardingthetreatmentofdiscounts
extendedbypowersuppliersonthegroundthattheywerenotpublishedandwerenotsubmitted
totheUniversityofthePhilippinesLawCenter.HELD:Thepolicyguidelinesgivenoreal
consequencemorethanwhatthelawprescribed.Publicationisnotnecessary.Aninterpretative
regulationdoesnotrequirepublicationforitseffectivity.(AssociationofSouthernTagalog
ElectricCooperatives,Inc.vs.EnergyRegulatoryCommission,681SCRA119.)

II.AdministrativeProceedings

A.SummaryProcedure

Melendresvs.PresidentialAntiGraftCommission,678SCRA415heldthatanadministrative
disciplinaryproceedingisvalidevenifitissummary.

B.ResJudicata

NationalSpiritualAssemblyoftheBahaisofthePhilippinesvs.Pascual,676SCRA96heldthat
afinaldecisionofanadministrativeorderhastheeffectofresjudicata.

III.ExhaustionofAdministrativeRemedies

ThemajorityofthemembersoftheboardofdirectorsofSamarIIElectricCooperative,Inc.
passedaresolutiondisallowingAnianoSeludo,Jr.fromattendingboardmeetingsuntiltheendof
histermanddisqualifyinghimfromrunningasdirectorattheupcomingelection.Hefileda

petitionforprohibitionintheRegionalTrialCourt.HELD:TheNationalElectrification
Administrationhasthepowerofsupervisionandcontroloverelectriccooperatives.Before
seekingtheinterventionofthecourt,AnianoSeludo,Jr.shouldhaveavailedhimselfofall
administrativeprocessesaffordedtohim.(SamarIIElectricCooperative,Inc.vs.Seludo,Jr.,
671SCRA78.)

MegaworldPropertiesHoldings,Inc.obtainedallthenecessaryclearances,licensesandpermits
foracondominiumproject.AdditionHillsMandaluyongCivicandSocialOrganization,Inc.filedin
theRegionalTrialCourtacomplainttoannulthepermitsandclearancesandtopermanently
enjointheissuanceoflicensesandpermitstoit.HELD:AdditionHillsMandaluyongCivicand
SocialOrganization,Inc.unjustifiablyfailedtoexhausttheadministrativeremediesavailablewith
theHousingandLandUseRegulatoryBoardbeforeseekingrecoursewiththetrialcourt.
(AdditionHillsMandaluyongCivic&SocialOrganization,Inc.vs.MegaworldPropertiesHoldings,
Inc.,670SCRA83.)

IV.DoctrineofPrimaryJurisdiction

ThemajorityofthemembersoftheboardofdirectorsofSamarIIElectricCooperative,Inc.
passedaresolutiondisallowingAnaniaSeludo,Jr.fromattendingboardmeetingsuntiltheendof
histermanddisqualifyinghimfromrunningasdirectorattheupcomingelections.Hefileda
petitionforprohibitionintheRegionalTrialCourt.HELD:PresidentialDecreeNo.1645amended
Section10oftheNationalElectrificationAdministrationDecreebyprovidingthatintheexercise
ofitspowerofsupervisionandcontroloverelectriccooperatives,theNationalElectrification
Administrationwasempowered,uponpetitionofthirdparties,toconductinvestigations,
referendaandothersimilaractionsinallmattersaffectingelectriccooperatives.HELD:Inthe
exerciseofitspowerofsupervisionandcontroloverelectriccooperatives,theNational
ElectrificationAdministrationhasprimaryjurisdictiontodeterminetheissueofvalidityofthe
resolution.(SamarIIElectricCooperative,Inc.vs.Seludo,Jr.,671SCRA78.)

TheSecretaryofEnvironmentandNaturalResourcesgrantedtheapplicationofDizonCopper
SilverMines,Inc.butdeniedthesimilarapplicationofBenguetCorporation.BenguetCorporation
questionedtheorder.HELD:InchoosingtoactfavorablyontheapplicationofDizonCopper
SilverMines,Inc.,theSecretaryofEnvironmentandNaturalResourcesmerelyexercisedhis
discretiontodeterminewhoamongthecompetingminingapplicantismorequalifiedforamining
agreement.Thedoctrineofprimaryjurisdictionfindsapplicationinthiscase.(DizonCopper
SilverMines,Inc.vs.Dizon,677SCRA171.)

LAWONPUBLICOFFICERS

I.AdministrativeCases

A.PreventiveSuspension

MariaRosarioManalangDemigillowasaseniorvicepresidentofTradeandInvestment
DevelopmentCorporationofthePhilippines,agovernmentownedcorporation.Shewascharged
withgravemisconduct,conductprejudicialtothebestinterestoftheservice,insubordination,
andgrossdiscourtesy.Shewasplacedunderpreventivesuspensionfor90days.She
questionedherpreventivesuspensiononthegroundthatshecouldnotpossiblyinfluence
witnessesortampertheevidenceonrecordinheroffice.HELD:UnderSection51,Chapter6,
SubtitleA,Title1,BookVoftheAdministrativeCode,preventivesuspensionmaybeimposedfor
thechargeofgravemisconduct.Nowheredoesitstatethattheremustbeproofthatthe
respondentmayundulyinfluencewitnessesortamperwiththedocumentaryevidenceonfilein
theoffice.(TradeandInvestmentDevelopmentCorporationofthePhilippinesvs.
ManalangDemigillo,681SCRA27.)

B.AcquittalinCriminalCase

Melendresvs.PresidentialAntiGraftCommission,678SCRA415heldthatanadministrative
casemayproceedeveniftheoffensewasthesubjectofacriminalcaseandtheaccusedwas
acquitted.

C.Removal

BecauseofhisinactionforninemonthsonthemotionforreconsiderationfiledbyRolando
Mendozaintheadministrativecaseagainsthim,theOfficeofthePresidentfoundDeputy
OmbudsmanEmilioGonzalesIIIguilty.Hequestionedthevalidityofhisdismissal.HELD:
Section8oftheOmbudsmanActprovidesthattheDeputyOmbudsmanmayberemovedfrom
officeonthesamegroundsthattheOmbudsmanmayberemovedfromofficethrough
impeachment.TheOfficeofthePresidentheldthatthewrongfulconductofDeputy
OmbudsmanEmilioGonzalesIIIconsistedofhisunexplainedactionindirectingthatthecase
recordsofRolandoMendozabeturnedovertohisoffice,hisfailuretoverifythebasisfor
requestingforthetakeoverofthecase,hispronouncementofadministrativeliabilityand
impositionofdismissalbaseduponanunverifiedcomplaintaffidavit,hisinordinatehastein
implementingthedismissalofRolandoMendozaalthoughhehadnotreceivedacopyofthe
decisionandhisfilingofamotionforreconsideration,andhisunconcernforthependencyofthe
motionforreconsiderationhaddeprivedRolandoMendozaofavailableremediesagainstthe
immediateimplementationofhisdismissal.HELD:Theinordinatedelayintheresolutionofthe
motionandunexplainedfailuretosupervisehissubordinatesinitspromptdispositioncannotbe
consideredaviciousandmalevolentactwarrantinghisremovalforbetrayalofpublictrust.His
actofdirectingtheendorsementofthecasetotheOmbudsmanwithoutcitinganyreason
cannotbeconsideredasmanifestationofundueinterestinthecasethatwouldamountto
wrongfulconduct.(GonzalesIIIvs.OfficeofthePresident,679SCRA614.)

D.Appeal

ThePhilippineCharitySweepstakesOfficefiledanadministrativecaseagainstRomeoLiggayu
withtheOfficeoftheOmbudsman.TheOfficeoftheOmbudsmanfoundhimguiltyandordered
hisdismissal.RomeoLiggayuappealedtotheCourtofAppeals.TheCourtofAppealsreversed
thedecisionoftheOfficeoftheOmbudsman.TheOfficeoftheOmbudsmanappealedtothe
SupremeCourt.HELD:TheOfficeoftheOmbudsmanisnottheappropriatepartytoappeal.It
mustremainimpartial.Itmustbemindfulofitsroleasanadjudicator.(OfficeoftheOmbudsman
vs.Liggayu,674SCRA134.)

II.Benefits

A.Salary

Dr.FortunatoCastillowastheProvincialHealthOfficerIIoftheDepartmentofHealthandHead
oftheBasilanProvincialHealthHospital.Inaccordancewiththedevolutionprogramunderthe
LocalGovernmentCode,GovernorGerrySalapuddinofBasilanrefusedtoacceptDr.Fortunato
CastilloastheProvincialHealthOfficerII.TheDepartmentofHealthretainedDr.Fortunato
CastilloattheRegionalOfficeinZamboangaCityuntilhisretirement.GovernorGerrySalapuddin
appointedDr.AgnesYuasPublicHealthOfficerII.RepublicActNo.8543revertedtheBasilan
ProvincialHospitaltotheDepartmentofHealth.Dr.AgnesYuwasrevertedtotheDepartmentof
HealthbutretainedheroriginalitemofPublicHealthOfficerIIinsteadofbeinggiventhe
reclassifiedpositionofChiefofHospitalII.Sheprotestedthatshehadavestedrighttothe
positionofChiefofHospitalIIinsteadofRemusDayrit,whowasappointedtoit.HELD:Itwas
mandatoryforGovernorGerrySalapuddintoabsorbthepositionofProvincialHealthOfficerII,as
wellasDr.FortunatoCastillo.Hence,hisrefusaldidnotpreventthedevolutionofDr.Fortunato
Castillo,withthepositionofPublicHealthOfficerII.Dr.AgnesYuwasvalidlyappointedasPublic
HealthOfficerIIandacquiredavestedrighttoitsreclassificationasChiefofHospitalIIand
shouldreceivehersalaryassuchuntilherretirement.(CivilServiceCommissionvs.Yu,678
SCRA39.)

B.IncentiveAllowance

PresidentialDecreeNo.1597repealedalllawsgrantingallowancesinconsistentwiththe
NationalCompensationandPositionClassificationPlan.In1987,theboardofdirectorsofthe
NationalHousingAuthorityapprovedaresolutiongrantingitsprojectemployeesincentive
allowances.In1987,RepublicActNo.6758providedthatonlyadditionalbenefitswhichwerenot
integratedinthestandardizedsalaryratesshallbecontinuedtobeauthorized.TheNational
HousingAuthoritycontinuedgrantingtheincentiveallowancesapprovedinitsresolution.HELD:
Suchallowancescannolongerbegranted.(Abellanosavs.CommissiononAudit,677SCRA
371.)

C.RetirementBenefits

RetiredofficersoftheGovernmentServiceInsuranceSystemreceivedadditionalretirement
benefitsbecauseofavoidresolutionoftheboardoftrustees.Theywereorderedtoreturnthe
excessretirementbenefits.Theyarguedthatitissettledthatgovernmentemployeeswho
receivedingoodfaithadditionalbenefitsshouldnotberequiredtoreturnthem.HELD:The
benefitsinvolvedintheearliercasewereallowancesorfringebenefitsgiveninadditionto
salaries.Retirementbenefitsbelongtoadifferentclassofbenefits.Theyaregivenonthe
assumptionthattheemployeecannolongerworkandaregivenasarewardforservices
rendered.Thepurposeisnotenrichinghimbuttohelphimduringthenonproductiveyears.To
allowthepayeestoretainthedisallowedbenefitswouldallowtheirunjustenrichmenttothe
prejudiceoftheGovernmentServiceInsuranceSystem,whomustmaintainitsactuarial
solvencytofinancethebenefitsofitsmembers.(GovernmentServiceInsuranceSystemsvs.
CommissiononAudit,680SCRA376.)

EvelynFetalinoandAmadoCalderonweregivenadinterimappointmentsasCommissionersof
theCommissiononElections.SinceCongressadjournedwithouttheirappointmentshaving
beenconfirmed,theirappointmentslapsed.Theirappointmentswerenotreviewed.Theyserved
asCommissionersfromFebruary16,1998toJune30,1998.Theyappliedforretirement
benefitsunderRepublicActNo.1568.HELD:RepublicActNo.1569grantsafiveyearlumpsum
gratuityincaseofretirementfromtheserviceforhavingcompletedthetermofoffice.Evelyn
FetalinoandAmadoCalderondidnotretireunderRepublicActNo.1568sincetheynever
completedthesevenyeartermofofficeprescribedbySection2,ArticleIXDoftheConstitution.
AnadinterimappointmentthatlapsedbecauseofinactionoftheCommissiononAppointments
doesnotconstituteatermofoffice.Itisnotafixedtermoranunexpiredterm.Theretirements
benefitsgrantedunderRepublicActNo.1568arepurelygratuitousunlikeapension,whichisa
benefitofdeferredcompensationforservicesperformed.(Fetalinovs.vs.Commissionon
Elections,686SCRA813.)

ELECTIONLAW

I.IneligibilityofCandidate

A.ForeignCitizenship

SobejanaCondonvs.CommissiononElections,678SCRA267heldthatanaturalbornFilipino
citizenwhobecameanaturalizedcitizenofaforeigncountryandrepatriatedcannotranfor
publicofficeunlessheexecutesarenunciationofforeigncitizenshipsbeforeanauthorized
publicofficer.

B.MaterialMisrepresentation

RomeoLonzanidaandEsteloAntipolowereopposingcandidatesforMunicipalMayorin2010.A
petitiontodenyduecourseortocancelthecertificateofcandidacyofRomeoLonzanidawas
filedonthegroundthathehadservedasMayorforfourconsecutivetermsbeforethe2010

electionsandmadeafalserepresentationinhiscertificateofcandidacywhenhecertifiedthathe
waseligible.Inaddition,hewasconvictedoftencountsoffalsificationundertheRevisedPenal
Code,andthejudgmentbecamefinalonOctober23,2009.RomeoLonzanidaandEfrenAratea
wereproclaimedasthewinningcandidatesforMayorandViceMayor,respectively.The
CommissiononElectionsruledthatRomeoLonzanidawasdisqualified.EfrenArateaclaimed
thataselectedViceMayor,heshouldsucceedtothepositionofMayor.HELD:EsteloAntipolo
shouldbeproclaimedMayor.SincethecertificateofcandidacyofRomeoLonzanidawasvoid,
hewasneveracandidate.Allhisvoteswerestray.EsteloAntipolo,theonlyqualifiedcandidate,
gotthehighestnumberofvotesforthepositionofMayor.Thepenaltyfortheconvictionof
RomeoLonzanidaautomaticallycarriedwithitperpetualspecialdisqualificationtoholdany
publicoffice.Acandidatewhoisineligiblecommitsafalsematerialrepresentationifhestatesin
hiscertificateofcandidacythatheiseligibletorun.(Arateavs.CommissiononElections,683
SCRA105.)

C.InvalidationofVotes

RamonTalagaandPhilipCastillofiledtheircertificatesofcandidacyforCityMayor.Ramon
Talagawasdisqualified,becausehehadbeenelectedandhadservedasMayorforthree
consecutiveterms.BarbaraRubyTalagafiledhercertificateofcandidacyassubstitutefor
RamonTalaga.VotescastinfavorofRamonTalagawerecountedinfavorofBarbaraRuby
Talaga.Shewasproclaimedelected.PhilipCastilloarguedthatRamonTalagacouldnotbe
substituted,RamonTalagacouldnotbeconsideredasacandidateandthatsincehewasthe
candidatewhogotthehighestnumberofvotes,heshouldbeproclaimedelected.HELD:After
BarbaraRubyTalagasubstitutedRamonTalaga,electionsproceededwithherbeingregarded
bytheelectorateasabonafidecandidate.SincePhilipCastillowasnotthecandidatewhogot
thehighestnumberofvotes,hecouldnotassumetheofficeofCityMayor.TheCommissionon
ElectionsfoundthesubstitutionbyBarbaraRubyTalagainvalidaftertheelections.Sincea
permanentvacancyintheofficeofMayorresulted,itshouldbefilledbytheViceMayorpursuant
tothelawonsuccession.(Talagavs.CommissiononElections,683SCRA197.)

DominadorJalosjos,Jr.andAgapitoCardiowereopposingcandidatesforCityMayor.Agapito
CardiofiledapetitiontocancelthecertificateofcandidacyofDominadorJalosjos,Jr.,sincehe
wasdisqualifiedbecausehehadbeenconvictedofrobberybyfinaljudgmentandhadnotyet
servedhissentence.HELD:SincetheperpetualspecialdisqualificationofDominadorJalosjos,
Jr.arisingfromhisfinalconvictionwasapropergroundforthecancellationofhiscandidacy,his
certificateofcandidacywasvoid.AgapitoCardioistheonlyqualifiedcandidatewhogotthe
highestnumberofvotes.(Jalosjos,Jr.vs.CommissiononElections,683SCRA1.)

II.NuisanceCandidate

TheCommissiononElectionsissuedaresolutionconsideringasstraythevotescastinfavorof
candidateswhoweredisqualifiedorwhosecertificatesofcandidacywerecancelledordenied
duecoursethatwhosenamesstillappearedinthecertifiedlistofcandidates.


CasmirodelaCruzranforViceMayor.AureliodelaCruzranforthesameoffice.Althoughhe
wasdeclaredasanuisancecandidate,hisnamewasnotdeletedinthecertifiedlistof
candidates.CasmirodelaCruzaskedtheCommissiononElectionstodirectthatallvotescast
forAureliodelaCruzbecreditedinhisfavor.TheCommissiononElectionsinsteadruledthe
votescastinhisfavorbeconsideredasstray.

Duringthecanvassingofvotes,the532votescastforAureliodelaCruzwereconsideredstray.
CasmirodelaCruzlosttothewinnerby39votes.HELD:AureliodelaCruzwasdeclareda
nuisancecandidatelongbeforetheelections.Thevotescastforhimshouldnothavebeen
consideredstraybutcountedinfavorofCasmirodelaCruz.(DelaCruzvs.Commissionon
Elections,685SCRA347.)

III.ElectionProtest

A.PreliminaryConferenceBrief

PedroBorjalandIsabelitaGravideswereopposingcandidatesforPunongBarangay.Isabelita
Gravideswasproclaimedthewinnerbytwovotes.PedroBorjalfiledanelectionprotest.When
thecasewassetforpreliminaryconference,uponmotionofIsabelitaGravides,theelection
protestwasdismissed,becausethecontentsofthepreliminaryconferencebriefhefileddidnot
complywiththerequirementsoftheRulesofProcedureonElectionContests.HELD:The
counselofPedroBorjalwasmisledbytheNoticeofPreliminaryConferenceissuedbythe
MetropolitanTrialCourt,whicherroneouslyappliedtheprovisiononpretrialbriefundertheRules
ofCivilProcedure.Hismistakeincomplyingwiththedirectiveofthecourtshouldnotprejudice
hiscause.AnotherimportantconsiderationisthatonlytwovotesseparatedIsabelitaGravides
fromPedroBorjal.(Gravidesvs.CommissiononElections,685SCRA382.)

B.RecountingofVotes

AntoniaCeronandRomeoArcilllawerecandidatesforBarangayKagawad.Thecandidateswho
receivedthesevenhighestnumbersofvoteswereproclaimedelected.AntoniaCeronwas
rankedsixth,whileRomeoArcillawasrankedeighth.RomeoArcillaprotestedtheelectionof
AntoniaCeron.Heallegedthatinthetabulationoftheelectionreturnforacertainprecinct,the
totalnumberofvotesAntoniaCeronreceivedwasindicatedbyfiguresas50,butthewritten
wordserroneouslyindicatedthatshereceived56votes.TheCourtdismissedtheelection
protestforfailuretospecifythetotalnumberofprecinctsinvolvedintheprotest.RomeoArcilla
didnotappeal.

Thethreemembersoftheboardofelectiontellersinvolvedinthedisputedelectionreturnfileda
petitionwiththeCommissiononElectionstoorderacorrectionoftheelectionreturn,because
theelectionreturnerroneouslyrecordedthatAntonioCerongot56votesinsteadof50votes
becauseoftoomuchnoiseduringthecountingofthevotes.TheCommissiononElections

orderedthecorrection.AntoniaCeronarguedthatarecountingofthevotesshouldinsteadbe
ordered.HELD:Thediscrepancybetweenthewrittenwordsandfiguresisapparentontheface
oftheelectionreturn.Itcanbecorrectedwithouttheneedofopeningtheballotbox.(Ceronvs.
CommissiononElections,680SCRA441.)

C.Appeal

BienvenidoWilliamLlorenandRogelioPua,Jr.wereopposingcandidatesforMunicipalVice
Mayor.RogelioPua,Jr.wasproclaimedthewinner.BienvenidoWilliamLlorenfiledanelection
protestintheRegionalTrialCourt.TheelectionprotestwasdismissedonNovember17,2010.
OnNovember17,2010,BienvenidoWilliamLlorenfiledanoticeofappealandpaidtheappeal
feetotheRegionalTrialCourt.OnDecember2,2010,hepaidtheappealfeeofP3,200.00due
totheCommissiononElections.TheCommissiononElectionsdismissedtheappealforfailure
ofBienvenidoWilliamLlorentopaytheappealfeewithinfive(5)daysfromthedayofhisreceipt
ofthedecisionoftheRegionalTrialCourt.HELD:ResolutionNo.8486oftheCommissionon
Electionsallowedtheappellanttopaytheappealfeeduewithinfifteen(15)daysfromthetimeof
thefilingofthenoticeofappealwiththeRegionalTrialCourt.BienvenidoWilliamLloren
perfectedhisappeal.(Llorenvs.CommissiononElections,681SCRA167.)

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