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8/2/2019 58303241 DOCTRINES Consti1 Cases Based on Atty Gabriel s Outline
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DOCTRINESOFCONSTI1CASES(basedonAtty.Gabrielsoutline)CONSTITUTIONOFTHEPHILIPPINESDELEONv.ESGUERRAThe1987ConstitutionwasratifiedinaplebisciteonFebruary2,1987.Bythatdate,therefore,theProvisionalConstitutionmustbedeemedtohavebeensuperseded.
GONZALESv.COMELECR.B.H.Nos.1and3arenullandvoidbecause:
1.TheMembersofCongress,whichapprovedtheproposedamendments,aswellastheresolutioncallingaconventiontoproposeamendments,are,atbest,defactoCongressmen;
2.Congressmayadopteitheroneoftwoalternativesproposeamendmentsorcallaconventionthereforebutmaynotavailofboththatistosay,proposeamendmentandcallaconventionatthesametime;
3.Theelection,inwhichproposalsforamendmenttotheConstitutionshallbesubmittedforratification,mustbeaspecialelection,notageneralelection,inwhichofficersofthenationalandlocalgovernmentssuchastheelectionsscheduledtobeheldonNovember14,1967willbechosen;and
4.ThespiritoftheConstitutiondemandsthattheelection,inwhichproposalsforamendmentshallbesubmittedtothepeopleforratification,mustbeheldundersuchconditionswhich,allegedly,donotexistastogivethepeopleareasonableopportunitytohaveafairgraspofthenatureandimplicationsofsaidamendments.
IMBONGv.COMELECCongress,whenactingasaConstituentAssemblypursuanttoArt.XVoftheConstitution,hasfullandplenaryauthoritytoproposeConstitutionalamendmentsortocallaconventionforthepurpose,byathree-fourthsvoteofeachHouseinjointsessionassembledbutvotingseparately.Consequently,whenCongress,actingasaConstituentAssembly,omitstoprovideforsuchimplementingdetailsaftercallingaconstitutionalconvention,Congress,actingasalegislativebody,c
anenactthenecessaryimplementinglegislationtofillinthegaps.
CONCEPTOFSTATERuffyvChiefofStaff
Therulethatlawsofpoliticalnatureoraffectingpoliticalrelationsareconsideredsupersededorheldinabeyanceduringthemilitaryoccupation,isintendedforthegoverningofthecivilinhabitantsoftheoccupiedterritoryandnotfortheenemiesinarms.
STATEIMMUNITY
TheHolySeevRosario,Jr
Pursuanttothe1961ViennaConventiononDiplomaticRelations,adiplomaticenvoyisgrantedimmunityfromthecivilandadministrativejurisdictionofthereceivingstateoveranyrealactionrelatingtoprivateimmovablepropertysituatedintheterritoryofthereceivingstatewhichtheenvoyholdsonbehalfofthesendingstateforthepurposesofthemission
SandersvVeridianoMereallegationthatagovernmentfunctionaryisbeingsuedinhispersonalcapacitywillnotautomaticallyremovehimfromtheprotectionofthelawsofpublicofficersanddoctrineofstateimmunity
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Doctrineofstateimmunityapplicablealsotootherstates.
RepublicvSandovalStatecannotbeheldliableforthedeathsthatfollowedtheincident;liabilityshouldfallonthepublicofficerswhocommittedactsbeyondtheirauthority3instanceswhensuitisproper:1.whensuedbyitsname2.whenunincorporatedgovernmentagencyissued3.whenthesuitisagainstagovernmentemployeebutliabilitybelongstothegovernment
FestejovFernando
Officeroremployeecommittingthetortispersonallyliableandmaybesuedasanyothercitizenandheldanswerableforwhateverinjury
CivilAeronauticsAdministrationv.CourtofAppealsNotallgovernmententitieswhethercorporateornotareimmunefromsuits.Immunityfromsuitsisdeterminedbythecharacteroftheobjectsforwhichtheentitywasorganized.
MunicipalityofSanFernando,LaUnionv.JudgeFirme
Thetestofliabilityofthemunicipalitydependsonwhetherornotthedriveractinginbehalfofthemunicipalityisperforminggovernmentalorproprietaryfunctions.Ithasalreadybeenremarkedthatmunicipalcorporationsaresuablebecausetheirchartersgrantthemthecompetencetosueandbesued.Nevertheless,theyaregenerallynotliablefortortscommittedbytheminthedischargeofgovernmentalfunctionsandcanbeheldanswerableonlyifitcanbeshownthattheywereactinginaproprietarycapacity.Inpermittingsuchentitiestobesued,thestatemerelygivestheclaimantstherighttoshowthedefendantwasnotactinginitsgovernmentalcapacitywhentheinjurywasinflictedorthatthecasecomesundertheexceptionsrecognizedbylaw.Failingthis,theclaimantscannotrecover.
MunicipalityofSanMiguel,Bulacanv.Fernandez
Municipalfundsinpossessionofmunicipalandprovincialtreasurersarepublicfundsexemptfromexecution.Municipalfundsareheldintrustforthepeopleintendedandusedfortheaccomplishmentsofthepurposesforwhichmunicipalcorporationsarecreatedandthattosubjectsaidpropertiesandpublicfundstoexecutionwouldmateriallyimpede,evendefeatandinsomeinstancedestroysaidpurposes.
MunicipalityofMakativ.CourtofAppealsWhenamunicipalityfailsorrefuseswithoutjustifiablereasontoeffectpaymentofafinalmoneyjudgmentrenderedagainstit,theclaimantmayavailoftheremedyofmandamusinordertocompeltheenactmentandapprovalofthenecessaryappropriationordinanceandthecorrespondingdisbursementofmunicipalfunds.
USAvsGuintoAstatemaybesaidtohavedescendedtothelevelofanindividualandcanthusbedeemedtohavetacitlygivenitsconsenttobesuedonlywhenitentersintobusinesscontracts.
VeteransManpowervsCAThestateisdeemedtohavegiventacitlyitsconsenttobesuedwhenitentersintoacontract.However,itdoesnotapplywherethecontractrelatestotheexerciseofitssovereignfunctions.
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TheMerrittvsGovofthePhilByconsentingtobesued,astatesimplywaivesitsimmunityfromsuit.Itdoesnottherebyconcedeitsliabilitytotheplaintiff,orcreateanycauseofactioninhisfavor,orextenditsliabilitytoanycausenotpreviouslyrecognized.Itmerelygivesremedytoenforceapre-existingliabilityandsubmititselftothejurisdictionofthecourt,subjecttoitsrighttointerposeanylawfuldefense.
Amigablevs.CuencaThegovernment,whenittakesawayapropertyfromaprivatelandownerforpublicusewithoutgoingthroughthelegalprocessofexpropriationornegotiatedsale,theaggrievedpartymayproperlymaintainasuitagainstthegovernmentwithouttherebyviolatingthedoctrineofgovernmentalimmunityfromsuit.Thisdoctrinecannotbeusedinperpetratinginjusticetoacitizen.
Republicvs.SandiganbayanWhenthestatefilesanaction,itdivestsitselfofthesovereigncharacterandsheditsimmunityformsuit,descendingtothelevelofanordinarylitigant.
FundamentalPrinciplesandStatePoliciesSection1
Villavicenciov.Lukban:Held:Mayorsactunconstitutional.Itwasnotauthorizedbyanylaworordinance
.Ourgovernmentisagovernmentoflawsandnotmen.Section2
Kurodav.Jalandoni:thinkJapaneseLieutenat-Generalchargedbeforethemilitarycommission.Held:ThePhilippinescanadopttherulesandregulationslaiddownontheHagueandGenevaConventionsnotwithstandingthatitisnotasignatorythereto.Itembodiedgenerallyacceptedprinciplesofinternationallawbindinguponallstates.
Agustinv.Edu:
thinktriangularreflectorizedearlywarningdevices.
Held:LegislativeenactmentisnotnecessaryinordertoauthorizetheissuanceofLOIprescribingtheuseoftriangularreflectorizedearlywarningdevices.Thisisalsoanillustrationofgenerallyacceptedprinciplesofinternationallaw(Pactasuntservanda).
Ichongv.Hernandez:thinkRetailTradeNationalizationLawwhichisagainsttheprincipleofPactasuntservanda.Held:theRetailTradeNationalizationLawisnotunconstitutionalbecauseitwaspassedintheexerciseofthepolicepowerwhichcannotbebargainedawaythroughthemediumofatreaty.
Gonzalesv.Hechanova:
thinkriceimportation.Statutevs.Treaty.Held:Municipallawwasupheldoverinternationallawonthebasisofthedoctrineofseparationofpowersundertherule-makingpowersoftheSupremeCourt.Inthiscase,thecontractsadvertedtoareNOTtreaties.
Section6
Aglipayvs.Ruiz-Thereisnoviolationoftheprincipleoftheseparationofchurchandstate.Theissuanceandsaleofthestampsinquestionmaybesaidtobelinkedwithaneventofareligiouscharacter,buttheresultingpropaganda,i
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fany,receivedbytheCatholicChurch,wasnottheaimandpurposeofthegovernment.Theideabehindtheissuanceofthepostagestampswastoattracttouriststoourcountryandnotprimarilythereligiousevent.Section10Almedavs.CA-Thereexistsatenantsrightofredemptioninsugarandcoconutlands.PursuanttoAgriculturalLandReformCodeof1963,itrecognizessharetenancyinsugarlandswhichisinconsonancewiththeStatespromotionofsocialjusticewhereinitmayregulatetheacquisition,ownership,use,enjoymentanddispositionofprivateproperty,andequitablydiffusepropertyownershipandprofits.Ondoy.vs.Ignacio-Theprincipleofsocialjusticeappliedinthiscaseisamatterofprotection,notequality.TheCourtrecognizedtherightofthepetitionertotheclaimofcompensationbecausehersonwasshowntohavediedwhileintheactualperformanceofhiswork.Tostrengthentheconstitutionalschemeofsocialjusticeandprotectiontolabor,TheCourtmadementionthatasbetweenalaborer,usuallypoorandunlettered,andtheemployer,whohasresourcestosecureablelegaladvice,thelawhasreasontodemandfromthelatterthestrictercompliance.Salongavs.Farrales-Thepleaofsocialjusticeoftheplaintiffcannotbeconsideredbecauseitwasshownthatnocontract,eithertosellorofsale,waseverperfectedbetweenhimandthedefendant.ItmustberememberedthatsocialjusticecannotbeinvokedtotrampleontherightsofpropertyownerswhounderourConstitutionandlawsarealsoentitledtoprotection.Thesocialjusticeconsecratedin
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5ourConstitutionwasnotintendedtotakeawayrightsfromapersonandgivethemtoanotherwhoisnotentitledthereto.
Section16LLDAv.CATheimmediateresponsetothedemandsofnecessitiesofprotectingvitalpublicinterestsgivesvitalitytothestatementonecologyembodiedintheDeclarationofPrinciplesandStatePoliciesofthe1987Constitution.ArticleII,Section16.Asaconstitutionallyguaranteedrightofeveryperson,itcarriesthecorrelativedutyofnon-impairment.Thisisbuttheconsonancewiththedeclaredpolicyofthestatetoprotectandpromotetherighttohealthofthepeopleandinstillhealthconsciousnessamongthem.Section19GARCIAvs
.BOIBOIcommittedgraveabuseofdiscretionbecauseitrepudiatestheindependentpolicyofgovernmenttorunitsaffairsthewayitdeemsbestforthenationalinterest.EveryprovisionoftheConstitutiononthenationaleconomyandpatrimonyisinfusedwiththespiritofnationalinterest.Thenon-alienationofnationalresources,theStatefullcontroloverthedevelopmentandutilizationofcontributionstotheeconomicgrowthandgeneralwelfareofthecountryandtheregulationofforeigninvestmentinaccordancetonationalgoalsandprioritiesaretooexplicitnottobenoticedandunderstood.
Section21ASSOC.OFSMALLLANDOWNERSINTHEPHIL.vs.SEC.OFAGRARIANREFORMEminentdomainisaninherentpoweroftheStatethatenablesittoforciblyacquireprivatelandsintendedforpublicuseuponpaymentofjustcompensationtotheowner.Privaterightsmustyieldtotheirresistibledemandsofthepublicin
terestonthetime-honoredjustification,asinthecaseofthepolicedpower,thatthewelfareofthepeopleisthesupremelaw.Section25BASCOVSPAGCORLocalAutonomyunder1987ConstitutionsimplymeansthedecentralizationanddoesnotmakethelocalgovernmentssovereignwithintheStateoranimperiumimperio.LIMBONAVSMANGELINDecentralizationofadministrationismerelydelegationofadministrativepowerstotheLGUsinordertobroadenthebaseofgovernmentalpower.Decentralizationofpoweristheabdicationbythenationalgovernmentpowers.Section30LegspivsCSC
5
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Theconstitutionalrighttoinformationonmattersofpublicconcernisself-executingwithouttheneedforanyancillaryactoflegislation.
ValmontevsdeVillaTheconstitutionalrighttoinformationislimitedonmattersofpublicconcernandisfurthersubjecttosuchlimitationsasmaybeprovidedbylaw.However,althoughcitizensareaffordedtherighttoinformation,theConstitutiondoesnotaccordthemtherighttocompelthecustodiansofofficialrecordstopreparelists,abstracts,summariesandthelikeintheirdesiretoacquireinformationofpublicconcern.Aquino-sarmientovsmoratoWhenacommitteeorboardiscreatedaspublicinitsveryexistenceandcharactersuchMTRCB,therecanbenovalidclaimtoprivacy.
SEPARATIONOFPOWERSSanidadv.COMELECOnwhetherthecaseisjusticiablePoliticalquestionsareassociatedwiththewisdomofthelegalityofaparticularact.Wherethevortexofthecontroversyreferstothelegalityorvalidityofthecontestedact,thatmatterisdefinitelyjusticiableornon-political.IftheConstitutionprovideshowitmaybeamended,thejudiciaryastheinterpreterofthatConstitution,candeclarewhethertheprocedurefollowedortheauthorityassumedwasvalidornot.OnwhetherthePresidentmayproposeConstitutionalame
ndmentsIfthePresidenthasbeenlegitimatelydischargingthelegislativefunctionsoftheinterimAssembly,thereisnoreasonwhyhecannotvalidlydischargethefunctionofthatAssemblytoproposeamendmentstotheConstitution,whichisbutanadjunct,althoughpeculiar,toitsgrosslegislativepower.(NotethatatthetimePrez.Marcoshadlegislativepowersandtherewasnolegislativedepartmentatthetime)Dazav.SingsonWherethelegalityorvalidityoftheactisinquestionandnotthewisdomoftheact,theCourtmaytakejurisdictionanddecideontheactsvalidity.EveninpoliticalquestionstheCourtmaytakejurisdictionundertheexpandedjudicialpowerextendedtoitbyArt8Sec.1oftheConstitution.(Judicialpowerincludesthedutytosettleactualcontroversiesinvolvingrightswhicharelegallydemandableandenforceable,andtodeterminewhetherornottherehasbeenagraveabuseofdiscretionamountingtolackorexcessofjurisdictiononthepartofanybranchorinstrumentalityofGovernment
.)DelegationofPowersGarciav.Exec.Secretary
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TheCongressismayauthorizethePresidenttofixtariffratesanddutiessubjecttosuchlimitationsandrestrictionsthattheymayimpose.ThisisexpresslyprovidedforinArt6,Sec28par2oftheConstitution.
Aranetav.DinglasanThedelegationofemergencypowersbyCongresstothePresi
dent.SuchdelegationofpowersmaybelimitedbyCongressandsubjecttorestrictionsitmayprovide.Congressmaywithdrawthedelegatedpoweratanytime.InthiscasetheemergencypowerwaswithdrawnatthetimeCongressbecameabletoexerciseitslegislativedutiesagain.InRe:ManzanoThecommitteeperformsadministrativefunction*whichunderSection12,ArticleVIIIoftheConstitutionprohibitsmembersoftheSCandothercourtsestablishedbylawtobedesignatedtoanyagencyperformingquasi-judicialoradministrativefunctions.ToquoteCJFernandoinGarciavs.Macaraig,hesaidthatwhilethedoctrineofseparationofpowersisarelativetheorynottobeenforcedwithpedanticrigor,thepracticaldemandsofgovernmentprecludingitsdoctrineapplication,itcannotjustif
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yamemberofthejudiciarybeingrequiredtoassumeapositionorperformadutynon-judicialincharacter.Administrativefunctionsarethosewhichinvolvestheregulationandcontroltheconductandaffairsofindividualsfortheirownwelfareandthepromulgationofrulesandregulationstobettercarryoutthepolicyofthelegislativeorsuchasaredevolvedupontheadministrativeagencybytheorganiclawofitsexistence.
Angaravs.ElectoralCommissionTheElectoralCommissionisanindependent,impartial,andnon-partisantribunal.Thesolepowertodeterminecontestsregardingtheelections,returns,andqualificationsofthemembersoftheNationalAssemblyhasbeentransferredintotalitytotheElectoralCommission.Itspowerisclear,complete,andexclusive.EasternShippingLinesvs.POEATheprincipleofnon-delegationofpowersisapplicabletoallthreebranchesofgovernmentspecificallyinthecaseofthelegislative.Whatcanbedelegatedisthediscretiontodeterminehowthelawmaybeenforcedandnotwhatthelawshallbesincetheascertainmentofthelattersubjectiswithintheprerogativeanddeterminationofthelegislature.Delegationoflegislativepowerispermittedandvalidprovidedthatispassesthetwoacceptedtests-completenesstestandthesufficientstandardtest.Thereasonforsuchdelegationistheincreasingcomplexityofthetaskofthegovernmentandthegrowinginabilityofthelegislaturetocopedirectlywiththemyriadproblemsdemandingitsattention.Casibangvs.AquinoWhileunderthe1973ConstitutiontheCommissiononElectionsisnowthesolejudgeofallcontestsrelatingtotheelections,returns,andqualificationsofmembersoftheNationalAssembleaswellaselectiveprovincialandcityofficials(
par2,Sec.2,Art.XII-C,1973Constitution),suchpowerdoesnotextendtoelectoralcontestsconcerningmunicipalelectivepositions.Theissue
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8stillremainsajusticiablequestionandnotapoliticalquestion*.Hence,thecourtshavethejurisdictiontohearanddecideonthecase.Politicalquestions,initsordinaryparlance,referstothequestionofpolicy.ItreferstothosequestionswhichundertheConstitutionaretobedecidedbythepeopleintheirsovereigncapacityto,orinregardtowhichfulldiscretionaryauthorityhasbe
envestedtothelegislativeorexecutivebranchofthegovernment.Itisconcernedwiththeissuesdependentuponthewisdom,andnotthelegalityofaparticularmeasure.Rodriguezv.GellaActNo.671wasexpresslyinpursuanceoftheconstitutionallimitationofthedelegationofemergencypowers.ItispresumedthattheNationalAssemblyintendedittobeforalimitedperiod.ExecutiveOrdersNos.545and546,whichwasanchoredtothesaidActaredeclarednullandvoidandtherespondentsareorderedtodesistfromappropriating,releasingandallottingexpendingfundssetasidetherein.Peoplev.VeraActNo.4221istantamounttoanunduedelegationoflegislativepower.Thepowersofthegovernmentaredistributedamongthreecoordinateandsubstantiallyindependentorgans:thelegislative,theexecutiveandthejudicial.EachofthedepartmentsofthegovernmentderivesitsauthorityfromtheConstitution.
LEGISLATIVEDEPARTMENT
Tobiasv.AbalosThecreationofanewcongressionaldistrictisbutanaturalconsequenceofamunicipalitysconversionintoacity.TheConstitutionprovidesthatacityshouldhaveapopulationofatleast250,000andisentitledtoatleast1representative.MarianoJr.v.ComelecAsdecidedinTobiasv.Abalos,theConstitutionprovidesthatthecompositionsoftheHouseshouldnotbemorethan250members,unlessotherwiseprovidedbylaw.ThenaturalresultinthecreationofanewlegislativefromaspeciallawwhosepurposeistoconvertamunicipalityintoacityissanctionedbytheConstitution.Montejov.ComelecTheComel
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echasnopowertoreapportiondistrictsbutonlytomakeminoradjustments.RepublicActNo.7941Anactprovidingfortheelectionoftheparty-listrepresentativesthroughtheparty-listsystemandappropriatingfundstherefrom.Section13Zanduetavs.DelaCostaWhenajudgeoffirstinstance,presidingoverabranchofaCourtofFirstInstanceofajudicialdistrictbyvirtueofalegalandvalidappointment,acceptsanotherappointmenttopresideoverthesamebranchofthesameCourtofFirstInstance,inadditionofanotherCourtofFirstInstance
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9totheoldone,entersintothedischargeofthefunctionsofhisnewofficeandreceivesthecorrespondingsalary,heabandonshisoldofficeandcannotclaimtobeentitledtorepossessitorquestiontheconstitutionalityofthelawbyvirtueofwhichhisnewappointmenthasbeenissued;and,saidnewappointmenthavingbeendisapprovedbytheCommissiononAppointmentsoftheNationalAssembly,neithercanheclaimtocontinueoccupyingtheofficeconferreduponhimbysaidnewappointment,havingipsojureceasedinthedischargeofthefunctionsthereof.
Section14Puyatvs.DeGuzmanNoMemberoftheBatasangPambansashallappeara
scounselbeforeanycourtwithoutappellatejurisdiction,beforeanycourtinanycivilcasewhereintheGovernment,oranysubdivision,agency,orinstrumentalitythereofistheadverseparty,orinanycriminalcasewhereinanyofficeroremployeeoftheGovernmentisaccusedofanoffensecommittedinrelationtohisoffice,orbeforeanyadministrativebody.Neithershallhe,directlyorindirectlybeinterestedfinanciallyinanycontractwith,orinanyfranchiseorspecialprivilegegrantedbytheGovernment,oranysubdivision,agencyorinstrumentalitythereof,includinganygovernment-ownedorcontrolledcorporation,duringhistermofoffice.Heshallnotacceptemploymenttointerveneinanycauseormatterwherehemaybecalledtoactonaccountofhisoffice.Section16Santiagovs.Guingona,Jr.WherenoprovisionoftheConstitution,thelawsoreventherulesoftheSenatehasbeenclearlyshowntohavebeenviolated,disregardedoroverlooked,graveabuseofdiscretioncannotbeimputedtoSenateofficials
foractsdonewithintheircompetenceandauthority.Avelinovs.CuencoTheconstitutionalgranttotheSenateofthepowertoelectitsownpresident,whichshouldnotbeinterferedwith,nortakenover,bythejudiciary.WhentheconstitutiondeclaresthatamajorityofeachHouseshallconstituteaquorum,doesnotmeanallofitsmembers.MajorityofallthemembersconstitutetheHouse.Hence,12senatorswhounanimouslyvotedconstituteamajorityof23senators(10walkedout,1outofthecountry).OSMEAVS.PENDATUNTheHouseisthejudgeofwhatconstitutesdisorderlybehaviorasconferreduponbytheConstitution.Also,Congresshastheinherentlegislativeprerogativeofsuspension.PAREDES,JR.VSSANDIGANBAYANSandiganbayanhastheauthoritytosuspendadistrictrepresentativeinviolationoftheAnti-GraftLawasitisbeingimposedontherepresentativeNOTasamemberoftheHouse.
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U.S.VSPONSTheCourtmaynotgobeyondthetherecitalsofthelegislativejournalsforthepurposeofdeterminingthedateofadjournmentwhensuchjournalareclearandexplicit.Toinquiretheveracityofjournals,whentheyareclearandexplicit,wouldbetoviolateboththeletterandspiritofthelaws,toinv
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adethecoordinateandindependentdepartmentofthegovernmentandtointerferewiththelegitimatepowersandfunctionsoftheLegislature.
CASCOPHILCHEMICALCOVSGIMENEZEnrolledbilldoctrine-thetermureaformaldehydeisconclusiveuponthecourtsasregardsthetenorofthemeasurepassedbytheCongressandapprovedbythePresident.Sec.18:DazavsSingson-ThesenseoftheConstitutionisthatthemembershipintheCOAmustalwaysreflectpoliticalalignmentsandmustadjusttochanges.Nowhere,however,intheConstitutionrequirethatthepartymustbearegisteredparty.CosetengvsMitra-Endorsementofotherrepresentatives(inCOA)cannotbecountedinfavorofarepresentativeiftheydonotbelongtothelatter
sparty.GuingonavsGonzales-Fullcomplementof12seatsinCOAisnotmandatory.Roundingout0.5to1isunconstitutionalasitwoulddepriveotherpartiesofseatsinCOA.
Sec.21:BengzonvsSenateBlueRibbonCommittee-Investigationwasnotinaidoflegislationwhereitmerelyaimsatdeterminingwhetheralawisviolated.Toallowsuchinvestigationistoviolateseparationofpowers.ArnaultvsNazareno-PowerofInvestigationincludespowertopunishacontumaciouswitnessforcontempt.Experiencehasshownthatmererequestsforinformationarefrequentlyunavailing.-Inaidoflegislation-notdifficulttosatisfy.Necessityorlackofnecessityforlegislativeactionisdeterminedbythesumtotalofinformationtobegatheredasaresultofinvestigation,andnotbyafractionofsuchinformationelicitedfromsinglequestion.Itissufficientthatthequestionisgermanetothesubjectmatterofinquiry.Thereisnoneedforittobedirectlyr
elatedorconnectedtopossiblelegislation.NerivsSenateCommitteeonAccountability
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11-Exceptiontolegislativeinquiry:ExecutivePrivilege(whichisextendedtoallcloseadvisorsofthePresident)-ItiswrongforSenatetopunishoneforcontemptwhereexecutiveprivilegeisproperlyinvoked.-Senate
smistakesinthecaseatbar:(1)invitationstoNerididnotincludepossiblestatute;(2)contemptorderlacksrequired#ofvotes;(3)Senatedidnotfirstruleontheclaim
ofexecutiveprivilegeandinsteaddismissedNeri
sexplanation;(4)rulesofprocedureoninquiriesinaidoflegislationnotdulypublished.
Sec.21and22:SenatevsErmita-WhenCongressmerelyseekstobeinformedonhowdepartmentheadsareimplementingthestatutes,itisnotimperative.-TheoversightfunctionofCongressmaybefacilitatedbycompulsoryprocessonlytotheextentthatitisperformedinpursuitoflegislation.-Appearanceofdepartmentheadsinquestionhourisdiscretionary.-WhenCongressexercisesitspowerofinquiry,theonlywayforthedepartmentheadstoexemptthemselvestherefromisbyavalidclaimofprivilege.-EXECUTIVEPRIVILEGEprivilegebasedondoctrineofseparationofpowers,exemptingexecutivefromdisclosurerequirementswheresuchexemptionisnecessarytothedischargeofhighlyimportantexecutiveresponsibilities.Itcoverscategoriesofinformationnotofpersons.Sec.24:To
lentinovsSecretaryofFinance-Thephraseoriginateexclusivelydoesnotrefertotheappropriationslawbuttotheappropriationsbill.ItissufficientthattheHouseofRep.initiatedthepassageofthebill.AlvarezvsGuingona-Abilloflocalapplication,suchasoneaskingfortheconversionofamunicipalityintoacity,isdeemedtohaveoriginatedfromtheHouseprovidedthatthebilloftheHousewasfiledpriortothefilingofthebillintheSenateevenif,intheend,theSenateapproveditsownversion.-ThefilingintheSenateofasubstitutebillinanticipationofitsreceiptofthebilldoesnotcontravenetheconstitutionalrequirementaslongastheSenatedoesnotactthereuponuntilitreceivestheHousebill.Sec.25:GarciavsMata-RIDERaprovisionnotrela
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tedtotheappropriationact(isprohibited)DemetriavsAlba-transferofappropriationsprohibitedPHICONSAvsEnriquez
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12-Thelistofthosewhomaybeauthorizedtotransferfundsisexclusive.-Caseatbar:Congressmenareallowedtodeterminethenecessityofrealignment,butHouseSpeakerorSenatePres.willhavetoapprovetherealignmentbeforeitemsarerealigned.-Caseatbar:ChiefofStaffmaynotbegiveauthoritytorealignappropriations.Sec.26:TiovsVideogramRegulatoryBoard-Impositionoftaxissufficientlyrelatedtotheregulationofvideoindustrywherethetitleiscomprehensiveenoughtoincludesuchsubject(taxation)relatedtothegeneralpurpose(creationofVideogramBoard)Phil.JudgesAssoc.vsPrado-Repeal/Withdrawaloffrankingprivilegeisgermanetotheobjectofthetitle,whichistocreatepostalservicesystem.Hence,thesameisembracedinthetitle/TolentinovsSecretaryofFinance[Sec.26(1)]-WithdrawingtaxexemptionsgrantedbeforeisembracedinthesubjectofthetitlewhichistowidenthetaxbaseTanvsDelRosario-3purposesofSec.3(1),Art.VI:(a)topreventhodge-podgeorlog-rollinglegislation(b)topreventsurpriseorfrauduponthelegislaturebymeansofprovisionswhichmightbeoverlooked(c)tofairlyapprisethepeopleofthesubjectsoflegislationUniformityoftaxationmeans:(a)standardsthata
reusedaresubstantialandnotarbitrary(b)categorizationisgermanetoachievelegislativepurpose(c)lawapplies,allthingsbeingequal,tobothpresentandfutureconditions(d)classificationappliesequallywelltoallthosebelongingtothesameclassTobiasvsAbalos-ProvisionprovidingforaseparatelegislativedistrictisgermanetothesubjectofthebillcreatingtheCityofMandaluyongTolentinovsSecretaryofFinance[Sec.26(2)]-IFitisonlytheprintingthatisbeingdispensedbypresidentialcertification,thetimesavedwouldbesonegligibleastobeofanyuseinensuringimmediateenactment.(PrintingandReadingsonseparatedaysbothdispensablebypres.certification)-WherenoSenatorscontrovertedtherealityofthefactualbasisofcertification,growingbudgetdeficitmaybeconsideredasbasisforpresidentialcertification.Senators,inrespondingtothecallofthePres.byvotingonthebill,manifestedtheirbeliefintheurgentneedforcertificationofthebill.Sec.27:Tolent
inovsSec.ofFinance
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-ItiswithinthepowerofaconferencecommitteetoincludeinitsreportanentirelynewprovisionnotfoundineitherHouseBillorSenateBill.(Amendmentinthenatureofsubstitutioniswarrantedaslongasamendmentisgermanetothesubjectmatterofthebill)-todisregardtheenrolledbillistodisregardtherespectduetheother2departments.GonzalesvsMacaraig-Pressidentcanve
toanitem-Doctrineofinappropriateprovisionsaprovisionthatisconstitutionallyinappropriatemaybesingledoutforvetoifitisnotanappropriationorrevenueitem.Aninappropriateprovisioninanappropriationsbillisaniteminiself.
BengzonvsDrilon-President
spowertovetoanitemdoesnotgrantauthoritytovetopartofanitem(orprovisions).-Presidentcannotvetoalaworrepealalaw.PHILCONSAvsEnriquez-Provisionsthataregermanetothespecificappropriationscannotbevetoed.-RequirementofCongressionalapprovalforreleaseoffundsformodernizationofAFPcanbeincorporatedinseparatebillandhence
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inappropriate.Itwasproperlyvetoed.-ExecutiveImpoundmentrefusalofthePresidenttospendfundsalreadyallocatedbyCongressforaspecificpurpose(thedutytoimplementthelawincludesthedutytodesistfromimplementingitwhenimplementationwouldprejudicepublicinterest).TheCourt,however,didnotruleonthisissue,andratherdeclaredtheprovisionconcerningbenefitsofCAFGUsasaninappropriateprovision.Sec.28:KapatiranngmgaNaglilingkodsaPilipinasvsTan-ataxisconsidereduniformwhenitoperateswiththesameforceandeffectineveryplacewherethesubjectmaybefound.AbraValleyCollegevsAquino-Wherealotisnotusedexclusivelyforeducationalpurpose,itmaybetaxediftheuseisnotincidentaltotheattainmentofmainpurpose.Sec.29:PascualvsSec.ofPublicWorks-Appropriationforaroadownedbyaprivateindividualisinvalidbecauseitisnotforapublicpurpose.SubsequentdonationdidnotvalidatethelawbecausevalidityofastatutedependsuponthepowerofCongressatthetimeofitsapprovalandnotuponsubsequentevents.AglipayvsRuiz-Appropriationforspecialstampissueisvalidasitisnotspecificallymadetobenefitareligiousdenominationbutforapublicpurpose.ThebenefitacquiredbytheChurchisincidentalonly.
13by1E(2008-2009)SBCLaw-Mendiola
14GuingonavsCarague-TheAutomaticReappropriationLawforservicingforeignde
btsisvalidbecausetheamountisfixedbytheparametersofthelawitselfwhichrequiresthesimpleactoflookingintothebooksofTreasure(theamountisdeterminable).-Budgetaryprocess:(a)budgetpreparation(b)legislativeauthorization(c)budgetexecution(d)budgetaccountabilityOsmenavsOrbos-IncreaseofpetroleumpricestoresolvetheTerminalFundBalancedeficitisvalidasitwasavalidexerciseofpolicepower.PHILCONSAvsEnriquez-PorkbarrelprovisionsintheannualbudgetallowingmembersofCongresstoperformexecutivefunctionofspendingmoneyappropriatedarenotinviolationofseparationofpowersbecauseCongressitselfhadspecifiedtheusesofthefundandthepowergivenwasmerelyrecommendatorytothePresidentwhocouldapproveordisapprovetherecommendation.Sec.30:FirstLepantoCeramics,Inc.vsCA-B.P.Blg.129grantingexclusiveappellatejurisdictiontoCAoverthedecisionsofquasi-judicialbodiesisnotsupersededbyOmnibusInvestmentsCodeof1987providingthatd
ecisionsofBOIareappealabletoSCbecauseadviceandconcurrenceofSCwasnotsought.DiazvsCA-Sec.10ofEONo.170statingapartyadverselyaffectedbyadecisionofERBmayfileapetitionwithSCwassupersededbytheConstitutionstatingthatjurisdictionofSCcannotbemadetoincreasewithoutitsadviceandconcurrence.Sec.32:SubicBayMetropolitanAuthorityvsCOMELEC-Initiativeisentirelytheworkofelectorate;theprocessoflaw-makingbythepeoplethemselves-Referendumconsistsmerelyoftheelectorateapprovingorrejectingwhathasbeendrawnuporenactedbyalegislativebody.-Caseatbar:COMELECerredinimplementingaResolutionwhenrespondentsfiledpetitionforInitiativeandnotReferendum.EXECUTIVEDEPARTMENTSec.1:MarcosvsManglapus-ThePresidenthasresidualpowers.ThePresidentismorethanthesumofspecificpowersenumeratedintheConstitution.
14by1E(2008-2009)SBCLaw-Mendiola
15-Whatisnotpartofthelegislativeandjudicialdepartmentsisdeemedpartoftheexecutive.-The1987ConstitutionprovidedforalimitationofspecificpowersofthePresident,particularlythoserelatingtothecommander-in-chiefclause,butnotadiminutionofthegeneralgrantofexecutivepower.SolivenvsMakasiar-TheprivilegeofimmunityfromsuitistoassuretheexerciseofPresid
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entialdutiesfreefromanyhindranceordistractionconsideringthatbeingtheChiefExecutivedemandsundividedattention.-TheprivilegepertainstothePresidentbyvirtueoftheofficeandmaybeinvokedonlybytheholderoftheoffice.ThereisnothingwhichprohibitsthePresidenttowaivethisprivilege.EstradavsDesierto-Anon-sittingPresidentdoesnotenjoyimmunityfromsuit(immunityisonlyduringthetenure)-EvenasittingPresidentisnotimmunefromsuitfornon-officialactsorfromwrongdoing.(Publicofficeisapublictrust.TheruleisthatunlawfulactsofpublicofficialsarenotactsoftheStateandtheofficerwhoactsillegallyisnotactingassuchbutstandsinthesamefootingasanyothertrespasser.Sec.13:DoromalvsSandiganbayan-SecSec.13,Art.VIIisapplicableinacasewheretheaccusedhasnotsignedanydocumentofanybidofthefamilycorporationofwhichheisamember,submittedtoanygovernmentdepartment.-Caseatbar:PetitionerhasatleastanindirectinterestwiththetransactionwithDECSandNMYC.CivilLibertiesUnionvsExecutiveSecretary-EONo.284isunconstitutionalinsofaritallowsamemberoftheCabinettoholdnotmorethantwopositionsinthegovernment.(Respondent scontentionthatSec.7,Art.IX-Bisanexceptionwoulddefeattheobviouslegislativeintentwhichistoprohibitcabinetmembersfromholdingmultipleoffices.)AytonavsCastillo-Asarule,onceanappointmentisissued,itcannotbereconsideredwheretheappointeehasqualified.Exception:adinterimappointmentsissuedinthelasthoursofanoutgoingChiefExecutive(midnightappointmentsmadeforbuyingvotes).InreValenzuelaandVallarta-Sec.15(Presidentshallnotmakeappointmentswithin2monthspriortothenextPresidentialelection)isapplicabletothemembersoftheJudiciary.-Thissortofappointmentismadeforpar
tisanconsiderations.Sec.16:BinamiravsGarrucho15by1E(2008-2009)SBCLaw-Mendiola
16-Appointmentordesignationinvolvesexerciseofdiscretionwhichcannotbedelegated.EvenifitbeassumedthatthepowercouldbeexercisedbyMinisterofTourism,itcouldberecalledbythePresident.-Designationisconsideredonlyanactingortemporaryappointment,whichdoesnotconfersecurityoftenure.SarmientovsMison-4groupsofofficerswhomthePresidentshallappoint:(a)headsoftheexecutivedepartments,ambassadors,otherpublicministersandconsul
s,officersofthearmedforcesfromtherankofcolonelornavalcaptain,andotherwhoseappointmentsarevestedinhiminthisConstitution(b)allotherofficersoftheGovernmentwhoseappointmentsarenototherwiseprovidedforbylaw(c)thosewhomthePresidentmaybeauthorizedbylawtoappoint(d)officerslowerinrankwhoseappointmentstheCongressmaybylawvestinthePresidentalone.-Caseatbar:ConfirmationofCOAisnotneededinappointmentofCommissionerofBureauofCustomsbecauseabureauheadisnotamongthosewithinthefirstgroupofappointmentswhereconsentofCOAisrequired.BautistavsSalonga-ConfirmationofCOAisnotneededinappointmentofChairmanofCommissionofHumanRightsbecausesuchappointmentisnotvestedinthePresidentintheConstitution.TherdPresidentappointsChairmanofCHRpursuanttoEO163(CHRChairmanisthuswithinthe3groupofofficers)Quintos-DelesvsCommissionofAppointments-TheappointmentofSectoralRepresentativesrequiresconfirmationby
theCommissiononAppointments.TheseatsreservedforsectoralrepresentativesmaybefilledbyappointmentbythePresidentbyexpressprovisionofSec.7,ArticleXVIIIoftheConstitution(hence,sectoralstrepresentativesarewithinthe1groupofofficers)st-Exceptionstothoseofficerswithinthe1group:(1)Ombudsmanandhisdeputies,and(2)membersoftheSupremeCourtandjudgesoflowercourts.CalderonvsCarale-ConfirmationbyCOAisrequiredonlyforpresidentialappointeesthatarewithinthe1groupofofficersasmentionedinSarmientovsMison.-Congressmaynotexpandthelistofappointmentsneedingconfirmation.-Caseatbar:RA6715,whichrequirestheCOAconfirmationinappointmentsofNLRCChairmanandCommissioners,transgressesSec.16,Art.VII.Theapp
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ointmentsofNLRCChairmanandrdCommissionersdonotneedCOAconfirmationbecausetheyfallunderthe3groupofofficers.TarrosavsSingson-affirmedtherulinginCalderonvsCarale-Caseatbar:AppointmentofCentralBankGovernordoesnotneedCOAconfirmation.FloresvsDrilon-AlawwhichlimitsthePresidenttoonlyoneappointeeisanencroachmenttotheprerogativeofthePresidentbecauseappointmentinvolvesdiscretiontochoosewhotoappoint.st
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17
LuegovsCivilServiceCommission-CSCiswithoutauthoritytorevokeanappointmentbecauseofitsbeliefthatanotherpersonwasbetterqualified,whichisanencroachmentonthediscretionvestedsolelyintheappointingauthority.-ThepermanentappointmentmadebytheappointingauthoritymaynotbereversedbyCSCandcallittemporary.PobrevsMendieta-ThevacancyinthepositionofChairmanoftheProfessionalRegulationCommissioncannotbefilledbytheSeniorAssociateCommissionerbyoperationoflaw(orbysuccession)becauseitwilldeprivethePresidentofthepowertoappointtheChairman.
Sec.17DrilonvsLim-Distinctionbetweenpowerandcontrol:Anofficerincon
trollaysdowntherulesinthedoingofanact.iftheyarenotfollowed,hemay,inhisdiscretion,ordertheactundoneorre-donebyhissubordinateorhemayevendecidetodoitbyhimself.Supervisiondoesnotcoversuchauthority.Thesupervisormerelyseestoitthatrulesarefollowed,buthehimselfdoesnotlaydownsuchrules,nordoeshehavethediscretiontomodifyorreplacethem.Iftherulesarenotobserved,hemayordertheworkdoneorre-donebutonlytoconformtotheprescribedrules.Hemaynotprescribehisownmannerexcepttoseetoitthattherulesarefollowed.(Note)Powerofcontrolpertainstopowerofanofficertoalter,modify,nullify,orsetasidewhatasubordinatehasdoneintheperformanceofhisdutiesandtosubstitutehisjudgmenttothatoftheformer[MondanovsSilvosa]VillenavsSecretaryoftheInterior-DoctrineofQualifiedPoliticalAgency(alteregoprinciple)-actsoftheSecretariesofExecutiveDepartments,whenperformedandpromulgatedintheregularcourseofbu
sinessorunlessdisapprovedorreprobatedbytheChiefExecutive,arepresumptivelytheactsoftheChiefExecutive-Caseatbar:SecretaryoftheInteriorisinvestedwiththeauthoritytoordertheinvestigationofthechargesagainstthepetitionerandtoappointaspecialinvestigatorforthatpurpose.Lacson-MagallanesCo.,Inc.vsPano-DepartmentheadsarePresident
smenofconfidence.Hisisthepowertoappointthem;his,too,istheprivilegetodismissthematpleasure.Normally,hecontrolsanddirectstheiracts.Implicitthenishisauthoritytogoover,confirm,modifyorreversetheactiontakenbyhisdepartmentsecretaries.-Caseatbar:ThePresident,throughhisExecutiveSecretary,mayundoanactoftheDirectorofLandsCityofIliganvsDirectorofLands
17by1E(2008-2009)SBCLaw-Mendiola
18-ThePresidenthasthepowertograntportionsofpublicdomaintoanygovernmententityliketheCityofIliganbecausehehascontrolovertheDirectorofLands,whohasdirectexecutivecontrolinthelease,saleoranyformofconcessionordispositionofthelandofpublicdomain.GasconvsArroyo-Caseatbar:ExecutiveSecretaryhasthepowerandauthoritytoenterintotheAgreementtoArbitratewiththeABSCBNasheactedforandinbehalfofthePresidentwhenhesignedit.KilusanBayanvsDominguez-Anadministrativeofficerhasonlysuch
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powersasareexpresslygrantedtohimandthosenecessarilyimpliedintheexercisethereof.Thesepowersshouldnotbeextendedbyimplicationbeyondwhatmaybenecessaryfortheirjustandreasonableexecution.
AngangcovsCastillo-Thepowertoremoveisinherentinthepowertoappoint,butnotwithregardtothoseofficersoremployeeswhobelongtotheclassifiedserviceforastothemtheinherentpowercannotbeexercisedNAMARCOvsArca-Executivepowerofcontrolextendstogovernment-ownedcorporations.Sec.18:GuazonvsDeVilla-ThePresidenthasthepowertoordainsaturationdrives.ThereisnothingintheConstitutionwhichdeniestheauthorityoftheChiefExec.toorderpoliceactionstostopunabatedcriminality,risinglawlessness,andalarmingcommunistactivities.RuffyvsChiefofStaff-Courtsmartialaresimplyinstrumentalitiesoftheexecutivepower,providedbytheCongressforthePresidentasCommanderinchieftoaidhiminproperlycommandingthearmyandnavyandenforcingdisciplinethereinandutilizeunderhisorderthoseofhisauthorizedmilitaryrepresentatives.OlaguervsMilitaryCommissionNo.34-Dueprocessoflawdemandsthatinallcriminalprosecutionstheaccusedbeentitledtoatrial.Thetrialcontemplatedbythedueprocessclauseistrialbyjudicialprocess.MilitaryCommissionsarenotcourtswithinthePhilippinejudicialsystem.Judicialpowerisvestedonlyinthecourts.MilitarycommissionspertaintotheexecutivedepartmentandareinstrumentalitiesofthePresidentascommander-in-chieftoaidhiminenforcingdisciplineinthearmedforces.Sec.19:TorresvsGonzales
18by1E(2008-2009)SBCLaw-Mendiola
19-Ajudicialpronouncementisnotnecessaryindeterminingwhethertheconditionsinthepardonareviolated.ThedeterminationofwhetherthereisaviolationsoftheconditionsrestsexclusivelyinthesoundjudgmentofthePresident.MonsantovsFactoran-Pardonimpliesguilt.Whileitrelievesthepartypardonedfromallpunitiveconsequencesofhiscriminalact,itrelieveshimfromnothingmore.Itdoesnot,therefore,restoreaconvictedfelontopublicofficeforfeitedbyreasonofconviction.PeoplevsSalle,Jr.-Pardonmaybegrantedonlybyfinaljudgment.Wherethejudgmentofconvictionisstillpendingappeal,execu
tiveclemencymaynotyetbegranted.Beforeanappellantmaybegrantedpardon,hemustfirstaskforthewithdrawalofhisappeal.GarciavsCOA-President sgrantofexecutiveclemencytoapersondismissedfromhisofficepursuanttoanadministrativecase(butwherethelatterhasbeenacquittedinacriminalcasebasedonthesamefactsallegedinthecriminalcase)entitlesthelattertoautomaticreinstatementandbackwages.
SabellovsDECS-Pardon(inacriminalcase)freestheindividualfromallthepenaltiesanddisabilitiesandrestoreshimtoallhiscivilrights.Althoughsuchpardonmayrestoreaperson seligibilitytopublicoffice,itdoesnotentitlehimtoautomaticreinstatement.Heshouldapplyforreappointmenttosaidoffice.-[ComparewithGarciavsCOA]LlamasvsOrbos-Ingrantingthepowerofexecutiveclemency,theConstitutiondoesnotdistinguishbetweencriminalandad
ministrativecases.Sec.18:Constantino,Jr.vsCuisia-Thedebt-reliefcontracts,prividingforbuy-backandbond-conversionschemes,enteredintopursuanttoFinancingProgramarenotbeyondthepowersgrantedtothePresidentunderSec.20,Art.VII.TheonlyrestrictionthattheConstitutionprovides,asidefromthepriorconcurrenceoftheMonetaryBoard,isthatloansmustbesubjecttolimitationsprovidedbylaw.Accordingly,thecontentionthatbuy-backandbond-conversionschemesareneitherloansnorguarantees,andhencebeyondthePresidentswertoexecute,arewithoutmerit.Sec.21:CommissionerofCustomsvsEasternSeaTrading(1961)-TheconcurrenceoftheHouseofCongressisrequiredbyourfundamentallawinthemakingoftreatieswhicharehoweverdistinctanddiffere
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ntfromexecutiveagreementswhichmaybevalidlyenteredwithoutsuchconcurrence.
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Pimentel,Jr.vsExec.Sec.-ThepowertoratifyisvestedinthePresident,subjecttoconcurrenceoftheSenate.TheroleoftheSenateislimitedonlytogivingorwithholdingitsconsentorconcurrencetotheratification.Hence,itiswithintheauthorityofthePresidenttorefusetosubmitatreatytotheSenateorhavingsecureditsconsentforitsratification,refusetoratifyit.ThisdiscretiontoratifylieswithinthePresident
scompetencealone.-4stepsintreaty-makingprocess:(a)negotiation(b)signingofthetreaty(simplyameansofauthenticatingtheinstrumentandasymbolofgoodfaith)(c)ratification(formalactbywhichastatuteconfirmsandacceptstheprovisionsofatreaty)(d)exchangeofinstrumentsofratification-Inthecaseatbar,thetreatywasmerelysigned.
JUDICIALDEPARTMENTSec.1:SantiagovsBautista-Thecourtsmaynotexercisejudicialpowerwhenthereisnoapplicablelaw.-Caseatbar:Anawardofhonorstoastudentbyaboardofteachersmaynotbereversedbyacourtwheretheaw
ardsaregovernedbynoapplicablelaw.DazavSingson-Eveniftheissuepresentedwaspoliticalinnature,theCourtisstillnotbeprecludedfromresolvingitundertheexpandedjurisdictionconferreduponitthatnowcovers,inpropercases,eventhepoliticalquestion.-Thatwhereseriousconstitutionalquestionsareinvolved,"thetranscendentalimportancetothepublicofthesecasesdemandsthattheybesettledpromptlyanddefinitelybrushingaside,ifwemust,technicalitiesofprocedure."MantrusteSystemsvCourtofAppeals-Therecanbenojustificationforjudicialinterferenceinthebusinessofanadministrativeagency,exceptwhenitviolatesacitizen
sconstitutionalrights,orcommitsagraveabuseofdiscretion,oractsinexcessof,orwithoutjurisdiction.-CourtsmaynotsubstitutetheirjudgmentforthatoftheAssetPrivatizationTrust(administrativebody),norblock,byaninjunction,thedischargeofitsfunctionsandtheimplementationofitsdecisionsinconnectionwiththeacquisition,sa
leordispositionofassetstransferredtoit.MalagavPenachos,Jr.-Itwaspreviouslydeclaredtheprohibitionpertainedtotheissuanceofinjunctionsorrestrainingordersbycourtsagainstadministrativeactsincontroversiesinvolvingfactsortheexerciseof
20by1E(2008-2009)SBCLaw-Mendiola
21discretionintechnicalcases.TheCourtobservedthattoallowthecourtstojudgethesematterswoulddisturbthesmoothfunctioningoftheadministrativemachinery.Onissuesdefinitelyoutsideofthisdimensionandinvolvingquestionso
flaw,courtscouldnotbepreventedbyanylaw(inthiscase,P.D.No.605)fromexercisingtheirpowertorestrainorprohibitadministrativeacts.PACUvSecretaryofEducation-Judicialpowerislimitedtothedecisionofactualcasesandcontroversies.(MereapprehensionthattheSecretaryofEducationmightunderthelawwithdrawthepermitofoneofpetitionersdoesnotconstituteajusticiablecontroversy.)-Courtsdonotsittoadjudicatemereacademicquestionstosatisfyscholarlyinterestthereinhoweverintellectuallysolidtheproblemmaybe.Thisisespeciallytruewheretheissues"reachconstitutionaldimensions,forthentherecomesintoplayregardforthecourt sdutytoavoiddecisionofconstitutionalissuesunlessavoidancebecomesevasion.Mariano,Jr.vCOMELEC-
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Consideringthatthosecontingenciesmentionedbythepetitionersmayormaynothappen,petitionersmerelyposeahypotheticalissuewhichhasyettoripentoanactualcaseorcontroversy.PetitionerswhoareresidentsofTaguig(exceptMariano)arenotalsotheproperpartiestoraisethisabstractissue(cityofMakatiisinvolved).Worse,theyraisethisfuturisticissueinapetitionfordeclaratoryreliefoverwhichthisCourthasnojurisdiction.
MacasianovNationalHousingAuthority-Itisarulefirmlyentrenchedinourjurisprudencethattheconstitutionalityofanactofthelegislaturewillnotbedeterminedbythecourtsunlessthatquestionisproperlyraisedandpresentedinappropriatecasesandisnecessarytoadeterminationofthecase.J.JoyavPCGG-Theruleissettledthatnoquestioninvolvingtheconstitutionalityorvalidityofalaworgovernmentalactmaybeheardanddecidedbythecourtunlessthereiscompliancewiththelegalrequisitesforjudicialinquiry,namely:thatthequestionmustberaisedbytheproperparty;thattheremustbeanactualcaseorcontroversy;thatthequestionmustberaisedattheearliestpossibleopportunity;and,thatthedecisionontheconstitutionalorlegalquestionmustbenecessarytothedeterminationofthecaseitself.Butthemostimportantarethefirsttwo(2)requisites.-Noteveryactionfiledbyataxpayercanqualifytochallengethelegalityofofficialactsdonebythegovernment.Ataxpayerssuitcanprosperonlyifthegovernmentalactsbeingquestionedinvolvedisbursementofpublicfundsuponthetheorythattheexpenditureofpublicfundsbyanofficerofthestateforthepurposeofadministeringanunconstitutionalactconstitutesamisapplicationofsuchfunds,whichmaybeenjoinedattherequest
ofataxpayer.LegaspivCivilServiceCommission-ItbecomesapparentthatwhenaMandamusproceedinginvolvestheassertionofapublicright,therequirementofpersonalinterestissatisfiedbythemerefactthatthepetitionerisacitizen,andtherefore,partofthegeneral"public"whichpossessestheright.-"Public"isacomprehensive,all-inclusiveterm.Properlyconstrued,itembraceseveryperson.
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DumlaovCOMELEC-Forone,thereisamisjoinderofpartiesandactions.Onepetitionerdoesnotjoinotherpetitionersintheburdenoftheircomplaint,nordothelatterjointheformerinhis.They,respectively,contestcompletelydifferentstatutoryprovisions.-Foranother,therearestandardsthathavetobefollowedintheexerciseofthefunctionofjudicialreview,namely:(1)theexistenceofanappropriatecase;(2)aninterestpersonalandsubstantialbythepartyraisingtheconstitutionalquestion;(3)thepleathatthefunctionbeexercisedattheearliestopportunity;and(4)thenecessitythattheconstitutionalquestionbepasseduponinordertodecidethecase.BugnayConst.andDevt.Corp.vLaron-Thedoctrineholdsthatonlywhentheactcomplainedofdirectlyinvolvesanillegaldisbursementofpublicfundsraisedbytaxationwillthetaxpayer ssuitbeallowed.Theessenceofataxpayer srighttoinstitutesuchanactionhingesontheexistenceofthatrequisitepecuniaryormonetaryinterest.-
Itisnotenoughthatthetaxpayer-plaintiffsufficientlyshowthathewouldbebenefitedorinjuredbythejudgmentorentitledtotheavailsofthesuitasarealpartyininterest.
KilosbayanvGuingona,Jr.-Aparty sstandingbeforethisCourtisaproceduraltechnicalitywhichitmay,intheexerciseofitsdiscretion,setasideinviewoftheimportanceoftheissuesraised.-InlinewiththeliberalpolicyofthisCourtonlocusstandi,ordinarytaxpayers,membersofCongress,andevenassociationofplanters,andnon-profitcivicorganizationswereallowedtoinitiateandprosecuteactionsbeforethisCourttoquestiontheconstitutionalityorv
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alidityoflaws,acts,decisions,rulings,orordersofvariousgovernmentagenciesorinstrumentalities.PHILCONSAvEnriquez-TheSenatorshavelegalstandingtoquestionthevalidityoftheveto.WhenavetowasmadeinexcessoftheauthorityofthePresident,itimpermissibilyintrudesintothedomainoftheLegislature.AmemberofCongresscanquestionanactoftheExecutivewhichinjuresCongressasaninstitution.TatadvGarcia,Jr.-Theprevailingdoctrinesintaxpayer
ssuitsaretoallowtaxpayerstoquestioncontractsenteredintobythenationalgovernmentorgovernment-ownedorcontrolledcorporationsallegedlyincontraventionofthelawandtodisallowthesamewhenonlymunicipalcontractsareinvolved(justlikeinBugnaycasesincenopublicmoneywasinvolved).OposavFactoran,Jr.-CLASSSUIT:Thesubjectmatterofthecomplaintisofcommonandgeneralinterestnotjusttoseveral,buttoallcitizensofthePhilippines.Consequently,sincethepartiesaresonumerous,itbecomesimpracticable,ifnottotallyimpossible,tobringallofthembeforethecourt.
22by1E(2008-2009)SBCLaw-Mendiola
23-Theirpersonalitytosueinbehalfofthesucceedinggenerationscanonlybebasedontheconceptofintergenerationalresponsibilityinsofarastherighttoabalancedandhealthfulecologyisconcerned.-Needlesstosay,everygenerationhasaresponsibilitytothenexttopreservethatrhythmandharmonyforthe
fullenjoymentofabalancedandhealthfulecology.Putalittledifferently,theminors`assertionoftheirrighttoasoundenvironmentconstitutes,atthesametime,theperformanceoftheirobligationtoensuretheprotectionofthatrightforthegenerationstocome.LozadavCOMELEC-Astaxpayers,petitionersmaynotfiletheinstantpetition,fornowherethereinisitallegedthattaxmoneyisbeingillegallyspent.Itisonlywhenanactcomplainedof,whichmayincludealegislativeenactmentorstatute,involvestheillegalexpenditureofpublicmoneythattheso-calledtaxpayersuitmaybeallowed.-Theunchallengedruleisthatthepersonwhoimpugnsthevalidityofastatutemusthaveapersonalandsubstantialinterestinthecasesuchthathehassustained,orwillsustain,directinjuryasaresultofitsenforcement.Concreteinjury,whetheractualorthreatened,isthatindispensableelementofadisputewhichservesinparttocastitinaformtraditionallycapableofjudicialresolution.Whentheasser
tedharmisa"generalizedgrievance"sharedinsubstantiallyequalmeasurebyalloralargeclassofcitizens,thatharmalonenormallydoesnotwarrantexerciseofjurisdiction.
KilosbayanvMorato-Thevotingonpetitioners
standinginthepreviouscasewasanarrowone,seven(7)memberssustainingpetitioners standingandsix(6)denyingpetitioners
righttobringthesuit.Themajoritywasthusatenuousonethatisnotlikelytobemaintainedinanysubsequentlitigation.Inaddition,therehavebeenchargesinthemembershipoftheCourt,withtheretirementofJusticeCruzandBidinandtheappointmentofthewriterofthisopinionandJusticeFrancisco.Giventhisfactitishardlytenabletoinsistonthemaintenanceoftherulingastopetitioners standing.SECTION3BengzonvLim-Whatisfiscalautonomy?Itcontemplatesaguaranteeoffullflexibilitytoallocateand
utilizetheirresourceswiththewisdomanddispatchthattheirneedsrequire.Itrecognizesthepowerandauthoritytolevy,assessandcollectfees,fixratesofcompensationnotexceedingthehighestratesauthorizedbylawforcompensationandplayplansofthegovernmentandallocateanddisbursesuchsumsasmaybeprovidedbylaworprescribedbytheminthecourseofthedischargeoftheirfunctions.Fiscalautonomymeansfreedomfromoutsidecontrol.-TheJudiciary,theConstitutionalCommissions,andtheOmbudsmanmusthavetheindependenceandflexibilityneededinthedischargeoftheirconstitutionalduties.Theimpositionofrestrictionsandconstraintsonthemannertheindependentconstitutionalofficesallocateandutilizethefundsappropriatedfortheiroperationsisan
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athematofiscalautonomyandviolativenotonlyoftheexpressmandateoftheConstitutionbutespeciallyasregardstheSupremeCourt,oftheindependenceandseparationofpowersuponwhichtheentirefabricofourconstitutionalsystemisbasedSECTION4
23by1E(2008-2009)SBCLaw-Mendiola
24LimketkaiSonsMilling,Inc.vCourtofAppeals,et.al.-ReorganizationispurelyaninternalmatteroftheCourttowhichpetitionercertainlyhasnobusinessatall.-TheCourtwithitsnewmembershipisnotobligedtofollowblindlyadecisionupholdingaparty
scasewhen,afteritsre-examination,thesamecallsforarectification.SECTION5DrilonvLim-TheConstitutionvestsintheSupremeCourtappellatejurisdictionoverfinaljudgmentsandordersoflowercourtsinallcasesinwhichtheconstitutionalityorvalidityofanytreaty,internationalorexecutiveagreement,law,presidentialdecree,proclamation,order,instruction,ordinance,orregulationisinquestion.-Intheexerciseofthisjurisdiction,lowercourtsareadvisedtoactwiththeutmostcircumspection,bearinginmindtheconsequencesofadeclarationofunconstitutionalityuponthestabilityoflaws,nolessthanonthedoctrineofseparationofpowers.Asthequestionedactisusuallythehandiworkofthelegislativeortheexecutivedepartments,orboth,itwillbeprudentforsuchcourts,ifonlyoutofabecomingmo
desty,todefertothehigherjudgmentofthisCourtintheconsiderationofitsvalidity,whichisbetterdeterminedafterathoroughdeliberationbyacollegiatebodyandwiththeconcurrenceofthemajorityofthosewhoparticipatedinitsdiscussion.LarranagavCourtofAppeals(TransferthevenueofthepreliminaryinvestigationfromCebuCitytoManilabecauseoftheextensivecoverageoftheproceedingsbytheCebumediawhichallegedlyinfluencedthepeople
sperceptionofpetitioner
scharacterandguilt.)-TheCourtrecognizesthatpervasiveandprejudicialpublicityundercertaincircumstancescandepriveanaccusedofhisdueprocessrighttofairtrial.Itwaspreviouslyheldthattowarrantafindingofprejudicialpublicitytheremustbeallegationandproofthatthejudgeshavebeenundulyinfluenced,notsimplythattheymightbe,bythebarrageinpublicity.-Inthecaseatbar,nothingintherecordsshowsthatthetoneandcontentofthepublicitythatattendedtheinvestigationofpetitionersfatally
infectedthefairnessandimpartialityoftheDOJPanel.FirstLepantoCeramics,Inc.vCourtofAppeals-ItisintendedtogivetheSupremeCourtameasureofcontrolovercasespacedunderitsappellatejurisdiction.Fortheindiscriminateenactmentoflegislationenlargingitsappellatejurisdiction.FortheindiscriminateenactmentoflegislationenlargingitsappellatejurisdictioncanunnecessarilyburdentheCourtandtherebyundermineitsessentialfunctionofexpoundingthelawinitsmostprofoundnationalaspects.AruelovCourtofAppeals-Constitutionallyspeaking,theCOMELECcannotadoptaruleprohibitingthefilingofcertainpleadingsintheregularcourts.Thepowertopromulgaterulesconcerningpleadings,practiceandprocedureinallcourtsisvestedontheSupremeCourt.JavellanavDILG
24
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(Section90oftheLocalGovernmentCodeof1991andDLGMemorandumCircularNo.90-81doesnotviolateArticleVIII.Section5oftheConstitution.NeitherthestatutenorthecirculartrenchesupontheSupremeCourt
spowerandauthoritytoprescriberulesonthepracticeoflaw.)-TheLocalGovernmentCodeandDLGMemorandumCircularNo.90-81simplyprescriberulesofconductforpublicoffic
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ialstoavoidconflictsofinterestbetweenthedischargeoftheirpublicdutiesandtheprivatepracticeoftheirprofession,inthoseinstanceswherethelawallowsit.SECTION6MacedavVasquez-IntheabsenceofanyadministrativeactiontakenagainstapersonbytheCourtwithregardtohiscertificatesofservice,theinvestigationbeingconductedbytheOmbudsmanencroachesintotheCourt
spowerofadministrativesupervisionoverallcourtsanditspersonnel,inviolationofthedoctrineofseparationofpowers.-WhereacriminalcomplaintagainstaJudgeorothercourtemployeearisesfromtheiradministrativeduties,theOmbudsmanmustdeferactiononsaidcomplaintandreferthesametotheCourtfordeterminationwhethersaidJudgeorcourtemployeehadactedwithinthescopeoftheiradministrativeduties.RaquizavJudgeCastaneda,Jr.-TheruleseveninanadministrativecasedemandsthatiftherespondentJudgeshouldbedisciplinedforgravemisconductoranygraveroffense,theevidencepresentedagainsthimshouldbecompetentandderivedfromdirectknowledge.Thejudiciary,towhichrespondentbelongs,nolessdemandsthatbeforeitsmembercouldbefaulted,itshouldbeonlyafterdueinvestigationandbasedoncompetentproofs,noless.Thisisallthemoresowhenasinthiscasethechargesarepenalinnature.(
Misconduct
alsoimplies
awrongfulintentionandnotamereerrorofjudgment.Itresultsthatevenifrespondentwerenotcorrectinhislegalconclusions,hisjudicialactuationscannotberegardedasgravemisconduct,unlessthecontrarysufficientlyappears.)SECTION10NitafanvCommissionerofInternalRevenue-TheclearintentoftheConstitutionalCommissionwastodeletetheproposedexpressgrantofexemptionfrompaymentofincometaxtomembersoftheJudiciary,soasto"givesubstancetoequalityamongthethreebranchesofGovernmen
t.SECTION11DeLaLlanavAlba-JudiciaryActdoesnotviolatejudicialsecurityoftenure.ThisCourtisempowered"todisciplinejudgesofinferiorcourtsand,byavoteofatleasteightmembers,ordertheirdismissal."Thus,itpossessesthecompetencetoremovejudges.UndertheJudiciaryAct,itwasthePresidentwhowasvestedwithsuchpower.Removalis,ofcourse,tobedistinguishedfromterminationbyvirtueoftheabolitionoftheoffice.Therecanbenotenuretoanon-existentoffice.Aftertheabolition,thereisinlawnooccupant.Incaseofremoval,thereisanofficewithanoccupantwhowouldtherebylosehisposition.Itisinthatsensethatfromthestandpointofstrictlaw,thequestionof
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26anyimpairmentofsecurityoftenuredoesnotarise.Nonetheless,fortheincumbentsofinferiorcourtsabolished,theeffectisoneofseparation.Astoitseffect,nodistinctionexistsbetweenremovalandtheabolitionoftheoffice.Realistically,itisdevoidofsignificance.Heceasestobeamemberofthejudiciary.PeoplevGacott,Jr.-TorequiretheentireCourttodeliberateuponandparticipateinalladministrativemattersorcasesregardlessofthesanctions,imposableorimposed,wouldresultinacongesteddocketandunduedelayintheadjudicationofcasesintheCourt,especiallyinadministrativematters,sinceevencasesinvolvingthepenaltyofreprimandwouldrequireactionbytheCourtenbanc.-Yet,althoughasthusdemonstrated,onlycasesinvolvingdismissalof
judgesoflowercourtsarespecificallyrequiredtobedecidedbytheCourtenbanc,incognizanceoftheneedforathoroughandjudiciousevaluationofseriouschargesagainstmembersofthejudiciary,itisonlywhenthepenaltyimposeddoesnotexceedsuspensionofmorethanoneyearorafineofP10,000.00,orboth,thattheadministrativemattermaybedecidedindivision.SECTION12InRe:Manzano-AsincumbentRTCJudges,theyformpartofthestructureofgovernment.Theirintegrityandperformanceintheadjudicationofcasescontributetothesolidityofsuchstructure.Aspublicofficials,theyaretrusteesofanorderlysociety.Evenasnon-membersofProvincial/CityCommitteesonJustice,RTCjudgesshouldrenderassistancetosaidCommitteestohelppromotethelandablepur
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posesforwhichtheyexist,butonlywhensuchassistancemaybereasonablyincidentaltothefulfillmentoftheirjudicialduties.SECTION14NicosIndustrialCorpvCourtofAppeals-TheCourtisnotdutyboundtorendersigneddecisionsallthetime.Ithasamplediscretiontoformulatedecisionsand/orminuteresolutions,providedalegalbasisisgiven,dependingonitsevaluationofacase.-Asitissettledthatanorderdismissingacaseforinsufficientevidenceisajudgmentonthemerits,itisimperativethatitbeareasoneddecisionclearlyanddistinctlystatingthereinthefactsandthelawonwhichitisbased.MendozavCFI-Whatisexpectedofthejudiciary"isthatthedecisionrenderedmakesclearwhyeitherpartyprevailedundertheapplicablelawtothefactsasestablished.Noristhereanyregidformulaastothelanguagetobeemployedtosatisfytherequirementofclarityanddistinctness.Thediscretionoftheparticularjudgeinthisrespect,whilenotunlimited,isnecessarilybroad.ThereisnosacramentalformofwordswhichhemustuseuponpainofbeingconsideredashavingfailedtoabidebywhattheConstitutiondirects."-Theprovisionhasbeenheldtoreferonlytodecisionsofthemeritsandnottoordersofthetrialcourtresolvingincidentalmatterssuchastheoneatbar.(contentoftheresolution:incidentintheprosecutionofpetitioner)
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BorromeovCourtofAppeals-TheCourtremindsalllowercourts,lawyers,andlitigantsthatitdisposesofthebulkofitscasesbyminuteresolutionsanddecreesthemasfinalandexecutory,aswhereacaseispatentlywithoutmerit,wheretheissuesraisedarefactualinnature,wherethedecisionappealedfromissupportedbysubstantialevidenceandisinaccordwiththefactsofthecaseandtheapplicablelaws,whereitisclearfromtherecordsthatthepetitionisfiledmerelytoforestalltheearlyexecutionofjudgmentandfornon-compliancewiththerules.Theresolutiondenyingduecourseordismissingthepetitionalwaysgivesthelegalbasis.-WhentheCourt,afterdeliberatingonapetitionandanysubsequentpleadings,manifestations,comments,ormotionsdecidestodenyduecoursetothepetitionandstatesthatthequestionsraisedarefactualornoreversibleerrorintherespondentcourt
sdecisionisshownorforsomeotherlegalbasisstatedintheresolution,thereissufficientcompliancewiththe
constitutionalrequirement.-MinuteresolutionsneednotbesignedbythemembersoftheCourtwhotookpartinthedeliberationsofacasenordotheyrequirethecertificationoftheChiefJustice.
KomatsuIndustries(Phils.)IncvCourtofAppeals-IthaslongbeensettledthatthisCourthasdiscretiontodecidewhethera"minuteresolution"shouldbeusedinlieuofafull-blowndecisioninanyparticularcaseandthataminuteResolutionofdismissalofaPetitionforReviewonCertiorariconstitutesanadjudicationonthemeritsofthecontroversyorsubjectmatterofthePetition.IthasbeenstressedbytheCourtthatthegrantofduecoursetoaPetitionforReviewis"notamatterofright,butofsoundjudicialdiscretion;andsothereisnoneedtofullyexplaintheCourt sdenial.Foronething,thefactsandlawarealreadymentionedintheCourtofAppeals
opinion."PrudentialBankvCastr
o-TheConstitutionalmandatethat"no...motionforreconsiderationofadecisionofthecourtshallbe...deniedwithoutstatingthelegalbasistherefor"isinapplicableinadministrativecases.Andevenifitwere,saidResolutionstatedthelegalbasisforthedenialand,therefore,adheredfaithfullytotheConstitutionalrequirement."Lackofmerit,"whichwasoneofthegroundsfordenial,isalegalbasis.-(certificationissue)Therequirementofacertificationreferstodecisionstojudicialcasesandnottoadministrativecases.Besides,sincethedecisionwasapercuriamdecision,aformalcertificationisnotrequired.OilandNaturalGasCommissionvCourtofAppeals-Theconstitutionalmandatethatnodecisionshallberenderedbyanycourtwithoutexpressingther
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einclearlyanddistinctlythefactsandthelawonwhichitisbaseddoesnotprecludethevalidityof"memorandumdecisions"whichadoptbyreferencethefindingsoffactandconclusionsoflawcontainedinthedecisionsofinferiortribunals.SECTION14(not16)ValdezvCourtofAppeals
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28-The(lower)courtstatementinthedecisionthatapartyhasprovenhiscasewhiletheotherhasnot,isnotthefindingsoffactscontemplatedbytheConstitutionandtherulestobeclearlyanddistinctlystated.-ThisCourthassaidagainandagainthatitisnotatrieroffactsandthatitrelies,onthefactualfindingsofthelowercourtandtheappellatecourtwhichareconclusive.CONSTITUTIONALCOMMISSIONSA.COMMONPROVISIONSAruelov.CATheruleoftheCommissionshouldprevailiftheproceedingisbeforeaCommission.Butiftheproceedingisbeforeacourt,theRulesofCourtprevails.(Sec.6)Cuav.ComelecThe2-1decisionrenderedbytheFirstDivisionwasavaliddecisionunderArticleIX-A,Section7oftheConstitution.(Sec.7)Vital-Gozonv.CAExecutionoftheCivilServiceCommission
sdecisionshouldhavebeenorderedandeffectedbytheCommissionitself,whendelaFuentefiledamotiontherefor.Itdeclinedtodoso,however,ontheallegedground,asdelaFuenteclaimshewastold,thatit"hadnocoercivepowersunlikeacourttoenforceitsfinaldecisions/resolutions
."Thatproposition,communicatedtodelaFuente,oftheCommission
ssupposedlackofcoercivepowertoenforceitsfinaljudgments,isincorrect.ItisinconsistentwithpreviousactsoftheCommissionofactuallydirectingexecutionofitsdecisionsandresolutions,whichthisCourthassanctionedinseveralcases;anditisnotintruthacorrectassessmentofitspowersundertheConstitutionandtherelevantlaws
FilipinasEngineeringandMachineShopv.FerrerWhileitmaybetruethatthelowercourthasthejurisdictionovercontroversiesdealingwiththeCOMELEC
sawardofcontracts,thesamebeingpurelyadministrativeandcivilinnature,nevertheless,hereinpetitionerhasnocauseofactiononthebasisoftheallegationsofitscomplaint."TheCommissiononElectionsshallhaveexclusivechargeoftheenforcementandadministrationofalllawsrelativetotheconductofelect
ionsandshallexerciseallotherfunctionswhichmaybeconferreduponitbylaw.Itshalldecide,savethoseinvolvingtherighttovote,alladministrativequestionsaffectingelections,includingthedeterminationofthenumberoflocationofpollingplaces,andtheappointmentofelectioninspectorsandofotherelectionofficials...Thedecisions,ordersandrulingsoftheCommissionshallbesubjecttoreviewbytheSupremeCourt."Mateov.CAThehiringandfiringofemployeesofgovernment-ownedandcontrolledcorporationsaregovernedbytheprovisionsoftheCivilServiceLawandRulesandRegulations.SCRevisedAdministrativeCircularNo.1-95.FinalresolutionsoftheCivilServiceCommissionshallbeappealabletotheCourtofAppeals.Inanyevent,whetherundertheoldruleorthe
28
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29presentrule,RegionalTrialCourtshavenojurisdictiontoentertaincasesinvolvingdismissalofofficersandemployeescoveredytheCivilServiceLaw.CIVILSERVICECOMMISSIONSection2TUPASv.NHCCivilservicenowcoversonlygovernment-ownedorcontrolledcorporationswithoriginalorlegislativecharters,thatisthosecreatedbyanactofCongressorbyspeciallaw,andnotthoseincorporatedunderandpursuanttoagenerallegislation.NHCisnotcoveredbycivils
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ervicesoitsemployeesundoubtedlyhavetherighttoformunionsoremployees
organizations.Therighttounionizeortoformorganizationsisnowexplicitlyrecognizedandgrantedtoemployeesinboththegovernmentalandtheprivatesectors.DelosSantosv.MallareTheofficeofcityengineerisneitherprimarilyconfidential,policy-determining,norhighlytechnical.ThesepositionsmentionedareexcludedfromthemeritsystemanddismissalatpleasureofofficersandemployeesappointedthereinisallowedbytheConstitution.Thus,thecityengineercannotberemovedwithoutjustcause.Salazarv.MathayThetenureofofficialsholdingprimarilyconfidentialpositionsendsuponlossofconfidencebecausetheirtermofofficelastsonlyaslongasconfidenceinthemendures.Corpusv.CuadernoHighlytechnicalemployeescannotberemovedbyreasonoflackorlossofconfidencebytheonemakingtheappointment.Luegov.CivilServiceCommissionTheCSChasnoauthoritytodisapproveorrevokeapermanentappointmentonthegroundthatanotherpersonisbetterqualifiedthantheappointee.TheCSCisnotempoweredtodeterminethekindornatureoftheappointmentextendedbytheappointingofficer,itsauthoritybeinglimitedtoapprovingorreviewingtheappointmentinthelightoftherequirementsoftheCivilServiceLaw.Approvalismoreappropriatelycalledanattestation,thatis,ofthefactthattheappointeeisqualifiedforthepositiontowhichhehasbeennamed.ProvinceofCamarinesSurv.CALackofcivilserviceeligibilitymakesanappointmenttemporary;thus,theappointmentisrevocableatanytime(withoutafixedanddefiniteterm)ordependentuponthepleasureoftheappointingpower.Obtainingthecivilservicelegibilitylaterondoesnotipsofactoconvertatemporaryappointmentintoapermanentone.SSSEmployeesAssociationv.CATherightofgovernment
employeestoorganizedoesnotincludetherighttostrike.Section729by1E(2008-2009)SBCLaw-Mendiola
30CivilLibertiesUnionv.ExecutiveSecretaryWhileallotherappointiveofficialsinthecivilserviceareallowedtoholdotherofficeoremploymentinthegovernmentduringtheirtenurewhensuchisallowedbytlawandtheprimaryfunctionoftheiroffice,Cabinetmembers,theirdeputies,andassistantsmayonlydosowhenexpresslyauthorizedbytheConstitutionitself.Floresv.DrilonTheprovisowhichstates,Provided,however,thatforthefirstyearofitsoperationsf
romtheeffectivityofthisAct,themayoroftheCityofOlongaposhallbeappointedasthechairmanandchiefexecutiveofficeroftheSubicAuthority,violatestheconstitutionalprohibitionagainstappointmentordesignationofelectiveofficialstoothergovernmentposts.Section8Quimsonv.OzaetaTheemploymentofapersonasanagentcollectorisnotitselfunlawfulbecausethereisnoincompatibilitybetweenaidappointmentandhisemploymentasDeputyProvincialTreasurerandMunicipalTreasurer.Thereisnolegalobjectiontogovernmentofficialoccupyingtwogovernmentofficesandperformingfunctionstobothaslongasthereisnoincompatibility.TheConstitutionalprohibitionreferstodoubleappointmentsandperformanceoffunctionsofmorethanoneoffice.
COMMISSIONONELECTIONSSection1Cayetanov.MonsodPracticeoflawmeansanyactivity,inoroutofcourt,whichrequirestheapplicationoflaw,legalproced
ure,knowledge,trainingandexperience.Toengageinthepracticeoflawistoperformthoseactswhicharecharacteristicsoftheprofession.Generally,topracticelawistogivenoticeorrenderanykindofservicewhichdeviceorservicerequirestheuseinanydegreeoflegalknowledgeorskill.Brillantesv.YoracThePresidenthasnoauthoritytomakedesignationofaComelecChairmaninanActingCapacity.ThechoiceoftemporaryChairmanintheabsenceoftheregularchairmancomesunderthediscretionoftheComelec.ItcannotbeexercisedbythePresident.AdesignationAsActingChairmanisbyitsverytermsessentiallytemporaryandthereforerevocableatwill.Nocauseneedbeestablishedtojustifyitsrevocation.Lindov.ComelecComelecsstatementthatfakeandspuriousba
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llotsmayhavebeenintroducedtoincreasethevotesofprotestantcannotbemadeabasisfordenyingtheexecutionpendingappeal.
Section3Sarmientovs.Comelec
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31PursuanttoSection16ofR.A.7166,itprovides:"Allpre-proclamationcasespendingbeforetheCommissionshallbedeemedterminatedatthebeginningofthetermoftheofficeinvolvedandtherulingsoftheboardsofcanvassersconcernedshallbedeemedaffirmed,withoutprejudicetothefilingofaregularelectionprotestbytheaggrievedparty.However,proceedingsmaycontinuewhenonthebasisoftheevidencethusfarpresented,theCommissiondeterminesthatthepetitionappearsmeritoriousandaccordinglyissuesanorderfortheproceedingtocontinueorwhenanappropriateorderhasbeenissuedbytheSupremeCourtinapetitionforcertiorari."
Reyesvs.RTCofOrientalMindoroAllelectioncases,includingpre-proclamationcontroversies,mustbedecidedbytheCOMELECindivision.Shouldapartybedissatisfiedwiththedecision,hemayfileamotionforreconsiderationbeforetheCOMELECenbanc.Itis,therefore,thedecision,orderorrulingoftheCOMELE
Cenbancthat,inaccordancewithArt.IX,A,Section7,"maybebroughttotheSupremeCourtoncertiorari."Section4NationalPressClubvs.ComelecTheComelechasalsobeengrantedtherighttosuperviseandregulatetheexercisebymediapractitionersthemselvesoftheirrighttoexpressionduringplebisciteperiods.Mediapractitionersexercisingtheirfreedomofexpressionduringplebisciteperiodsareneitherthefranchiseholdersnorthecandidates.Infact,therearenocandidatesinvolvedinaplebiscite.
TelecommunicationsandBroadcastAttorneysofthePhilippinesvsGMAItisarguedthatthepowertosuperviseorregulategiventotheCOMELECunderArt.IX-C,Section4oftheConstitutiondoesnotincludethepowertoprohibit.Inthefirstplace,whattheCOMELECisauthorizedtosuperviseorregulatebyArt.IX-C,Section4oftheConstitution,amongotherthings,istheusebymediaofinform
ationoftheirfranchisesorpermits,whilewhatCongress(nottheCOMELEC)prohibitsisthesaleordonationofprintspaceorairtimeforpoliticalads.Inotherwords,theobjectofsupervisionorregulationisdifferentfromtheobjectoftheprohibition.Itisanotherfallacyforpetitionerstocontendthatthepowertoregulatedoesnotincludethepowertoprohibit.Thismayhaveforceiftheobjectofthepowerwerethesame.Adiongvs.COMELECThepostingofdecalsandstickersoncars,calesas,tricycles,pedicabsandothermovingvehiclesneedstheconsentoftheownerofthevehicle.Hence,thepreferenceofthecitizenbecomescrucialinthiskindofelectionpropagandanotthefinancialresourcesofthecandidate.Whetherthecandidateisrichand,therefore,canaffordtodoleoutmoredecalsandstickersorpoorandwithoutthemeanstospreadoutthenumberofdecalsandstickersisnotasimportantastherightoftheownertofreelyexpresshischoiceandexercisehisrightoffreespeech.Theownercanev
enpreparehisowndecalsorstickersforpostingonhispersonalproperty.Tostrikedownthisrightandenjoinitisimpermissibleencroachmentofhisliberties.Sanidadvs.COMELEC
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32ComelecspacesandComelecradiotimemayprovideaforumforexpressionbutthe
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ydonotguaranteefulldisseminationofinformationtothepublicconcernedbecausetheyarelimitedtoeitherspecificportionsinnewspapersortospecificradioortelevisiontimes.
COMMISSIONONAUDITSECTION2GUEVARAVSGIMENEZTheAuditor-Generalhasnomadatetodisapproveexpenditureswhichinhisopinionareexcessiveandextravagant.Hisauthorityislimitedtotheauditinginexpendituresoffundsandproperties.suchfunctionislimitedtoadeterminationofwhetherthereisalawappropriatingfundsforagivenpurpose;whetheracontractenteredmadebytheproperofficerhasbeenenteredinconformitywiththesaidappropriationlaw;whetherthegoodsandservicescoveredbythesaidcontracthavebeendeliveredorrenderedinpursuancethereof,asattestedbytheproperofficer;andwhetherpaymentthereforehasbeenauthorizedbytheofficialsofthecorrespondingdepartmentorbureau.Iftheserequirementshavebeenfulfilled,itistheministerialdutyoftheAuditorGeneraltoapproveandpassinauditthevoucherandtreasurywarrantforsaidpayment.Nodiscretiontodisapprovesaidpaymentonthegroundthatcontractwasunwiseorunreasonable.OROCIOVSCOATodeterminewhetheranexpenditureofagovernmentagencyorinstrumentalityisirregular,unnecessary,excessive,extravagantandunconscionable,theCOAshouldnotbeboundbytheopinionofthelegalcounselofaparticularagency.Legalcounselcanonlyofferlegaladvice.OSMENAVSCOAAcompromiseagreementbetweenamunicipalcorporation(CebuCity)andtheparentsofvictim(SpousesdelaCerna)wasconstitutional.Theparticipationofthecityinanamicablesettlementandeventualexecutionofacompromiseisindubitablewithinthepowerandauthorityofamunicipalc
orporation.Notably,thecompromiseagreementwassubmittedtoitslegislativecouncil,whichapproveditconformablywithitsestablishedrulesandprocedure.
SAMBELIVSPROVINCEOFISABELACOAhastheregulatorypowertoensurethatgovernmentfundsandpropertiesarefullyprotectedandconservedandthatirregularunnecessary,excessive,orextravagantexpendituresorusesoffundsownedby,orpertainingtotheGovernmentoranyofitssubdivisions,agenciesofinstrumentalitiesareprevented.BUSTAMANTEVSCOADiscretionexercisedbyCOAinthedenialoftheappeal(onthedecisionofaRegionalAuditor)iswithinitspower.Also,conclusionsofaBoardofDirectorsofagovernment-ownedandcontrolledcorporationinsafeguardingtheproperuseofthegovernmentsandpeoplespropertycannotprevailovertheconstitutionalmandateonCOA.SALIGUMBAVSCOA
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33SupremeCourtspowertoreviewCOAdecisionsreferstomoneymattersandnottoadministrativecases(rapecasevs.auditingexaminer-respondent)involvingthedisciplineofitspersonnel.SECTION3PHILAIRLINESVSCOA(moreonsection2)COAhastheexclusiveauthority,subjecttolimitations,todefinethescopeofitsauditandexamination,establishthetechniquesandmethodsrequiredtherefore.COAcanadoptasitsown,simplybyreiterationorbyreference,withoutthenecessityofrepromulgation,alreadyexistingrulesandregulations.Itmayalsoexpandthecoveragethereoftoagenciesorinstrumentalitiesunderitsauditj
urisdiction.COAcanadvisedPALtodesistfrombiddingtheitsfueluponexpirationofcontractsBAGATSINGVSCOMMITTEEONPRIVATIZATIONCOA,theagencythatadoptedtherulesonbiddingproceduretobefollowedbygovernmentofficesandcorporations,upheldthelegalityofbiddingalthoughthereisonlyoneofferor(2weredisqualified-bidbelowfloorpriceandtechnicalreasons)sincetheCOACirculardoesnotspeakofacceptedbidsbutofofferors,withoutdistinctionastowhethertheyweredisqualified.Theinterpretationofanagencyofitsownrulesshouldbegivenmoreweightthantheinterpretationbytheagencyofthelawitismerelytaskedtoadminister.
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