Lcp vs Comelec(2008)

8/12/2019 Lcp vs Comelec(2008)

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EN BANC

LEAGUE OF CITIES OF THE G.R. No. 176951PHILIPPINES (LCP) represene!"# LCP N$%on$& Pres%!en'ERR P. TREAS* CIT OFILOILO represene! "#+AOR 'ERR P. TREAS*CIT OF CALBAOGrepresene! "# +AOR+EL SENEN S. SAR+IENTO*

$n! 'ERR P. TREAS %n ,%sperson$& -$p$-%# $s $p$#er* Petitioners,

- versus -

CO++ISSION ON ELECTIONS/+UNICIPALIT OF BABA*PRO0INCE OF LETE/

+UNICIPALIT OF BOGO*PRO0INCE OF CEBU/+UNICIPALIT OF CATBALOGAN*PRO0INCE OF ESTERN SA+AR/+UNICIPALIT OF TAN2AG*PRO0INCE OF SURIGAO 2EL SUR/+UNICIPALIT OF BORONGAN*PRO0INCE OF EASTERN SA+AR/$n! +UNICIPALIT OF TAABAS*PRO0INCE OF 3UE4ON*

Respondents.

CIT OF TARLAC* CIT OF SANTIAGO*CIT OF IRIGA* CIT OF LIGAO*CIT OF LEGA4PI* CIT OFTAGATA* CIT OF SURIGAO*CIT OF BAAAN* CIT OF


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SILA* CIT OF GENERAL SANTOS*CIT OF 4A+BOANGA* CIT OFGINGOOG* CIT OF CAUAAN*CIT OF PAGA2IAN* CIT OFSAN CARLOS* CIT OFSAN FERNAN2O* CIT OFTACURONG* CIT OF TANGUB*CIT OF ORO3UIETA* CIT OFUR2ANETA* CIT OF 0ICTORIAS*CIT OF CALAPAN* CIT OFHI+A+ALAN* CIT OFBATANGAS* CIT OF BAIS*CIT OF CA2I4* $n!CIT OF TAGU+*

Petitioners-In-Intervention. LEAGUE OF CITIES OF THE G.R. No. 17799PHILIPPINES (LCP) represene!"# LCP N$%on$& Pres%!en'ERR P. TREAS* CIT OFILOILO represene! "#+AOR 'ERR P. TREAS*CIT OF CALBAOGrepresene! "# +AOR+EL SENEN S. SAR+IENTO*$n! 'ERR P. TREAS %n ,%sperson$& -$p$-%# $s $p$#er* Petitioners,

- versus -

CO++ISSION ON ELECTIONS/

+UNICIPALIT OF LA+ITAN*PRO0INCE OF BASILAN/+UNICIPALIT OF TABU*PRO0INCE OF ALINGA/+UNICIPALIT OF BAUGAN*PRO0INCE OF AGUSAN 2EL SUR/+UNICIPALIT OF BATAC*


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PRO0INCE OF ILOCOS NORTE/+UNICIPALIT OF +ATI*PRO0INCE OF 2A0AO ORIENTAL/$n! +UNICIPALIT OF GUIHULNGAN*PRO0INCE OF NEGROS ORIENTAL* Respondents.

CIT OF TARLAC* CIT OFSANTIAGO* CIT OF IRIGA*CIT OF LIGAO* CIT OF LEGA4PI*CIT OF TAGATA* CIT OF SURIGAO*

CIT OF BAAAN* CIT OFSILA* CIT OF GENERAL SANTOS*CIT OF 4A+BOANGA* CIT OFGINGOOG* CIT OF CAUAAN*CIT OF PAGA2IAN* CIT OFSAN CARLOS* CIT OFSAN FERNAN2O* CIT OFTACURONG* CIT OF TANGUB*CIT OF ORO3UIETA* CIT OFUR2ANETA* CIT OF 0ICTORIAS*CIT OF CALAPAN* CIT OFHI+A+ALAN* CIT OFBATANGAS* CIT OF BAIS*CIT OF CA2I4* $n!CIT OF TAGU+* Petitioners-In-Intervention.

LEAGUE OF CITIES OF THE G.R. No. 17856

PHILIPPINES (LCP) represene!"# LCP N$%on$& Pres%!en Present:'ERR P. TREAS* CIT OFILOILO represene! "# PUNO, C.J.,+AOR 'ERR P. TREAS* QUISUMBING,CIT OF CALBAOG YNARES-SANTIAGO,represene! "# +AOR ARPIO,


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+EL SENEN S. SAR+IENTO* AUSTRIA-MARTINE!,$n! 'ERR P. TREAS %n ,%s ORONA,person$& -$p$-%# $s $p$#er* ARPIO MORA"ES, Petitioners, A!UNA, TINGA, #IO-NA!ARIO,

- versus - $E"ASO,

%R., NA#URA,

REYES,

"EONAR&O-&E ASTRO, 'nd

CO++ISSION ON ELECTIONS/ BRION,JJ.+UNICIPALIT OF CABA2BARAN*PRO0INCE OF AGUSAN2EL NORTE/ +UNICIPALIT

OF CARCAR* PRO0INCE OFCEBU/ $n! +UNICIPALIT OFEL SAL0A2OR* +ISA+ISORIENTAL* Respondents.

CIT OF TARLAC* CIT OFSANTIAGO* CIT OF IRIGA*CIT OF LIGAO* CIT OF LEGA4PI*CIT OF TAGATA* CIT OF SURIGAO*CIT OF BAAAN* CIT OF SILA*CIT OF GENERAL SANTOS*CIT OF 4A+BOANGA* CIT OFGINGOOG* CIT OF CAUAAN*CIT OF PAGA2IAN* CIT OFSAN CARLOS* CIT OFSAN FERNAN2O* CIT OFTACURONG* CIT OF TANGUB*

CIT OF ORO3UIETA* CIT OFUR2ANETA* CIT OF 0ICTORIAS*CIT OF CALAPAN* CIT OFHI+A+ALAN* CIT OFBATANGAS* CIT OF BAIS*CIT OF CA2I4* $n! Pro(u)*'ted:CIT OF TAGU+*


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Petitioners-In-Intervention. Nove(+er , //

2 E C I S I O N

CARPIO*J.:

T,e C$se

T0ese 're 1onso)id'ted petitions 2or pro0i+ition345it0 pr'6er 2or t0e issu'n1e

o2 ' 5rit o2 pre)i(in'r6 in7un1tion or te(por'r6 restr'inin* order 2i)ed +6 t0e

"e'*ue o2 ities o2 t0e P0i)ippines, it6 o2 I)oi)o, it6 o2 ')+'6o*, 'nd %err6 P.

Tre8's34'ss'i)in* t0e 1onstitution')it6 o2 t0e su+7e1t it60ood "'5s 'nd en7oinin*

t0e o((ission on E)e1tions 9OME"E 'nd respondent (uni1ip')ities 2ro(

1ondu1tin* p)e+is1ites pursu'nt to t0e it60ood "'5s.

T,e F$-s

&urin* t0e t0on*ress,3;4on*ress en'1ted into )'5 ;; +i))s 1onvertin* ;;

(uni1ip')ities into 1ities. #o5ever, on*ress did not '1t on +i))s 1onvertin* o2 t0e "o1')

Govern(ent ode.3;4
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T,e Iss;es

T0e petitions r'ise t0e 2o))o5in* 2und'(ent') issues:

. 0et0er t0e it60ood "'5s vio)'te Se1tion /, Arti1)e H o2

t0e onstitutionJ 'nd

. 0et0er t0e it60ood "'5s vio)'te t0e e@u') prote1tion 1)'use.

T,e R;&%n< o= ,e Co;r

e *r'nt t0e petitions.

T0e it60ood "'5s vio)'te Se1tions C 'nd /, Arti1)e H o2 t0e onstitution,

'nd 're t0us un1onstitution').

First, 'pp)6in* t0e P// (i))ion in1o(e re@uire(ent in RA =//= to t0e

present 1'se is ' prospe1tive, not ' retro'1tive 'pp)i1'tion, +e1'use RA =//= too?

e22e1t in // 50i)e t0e 1it60ood +i))s +e1'(e )'5 (ore t0'n 2ive 6e'rs )'ter.

Second, t0e onstitution re@uires t0't on*ress s0')) pres1ri+e ')) t0e 1riteri'

2or t0e 1re'tion o2 ' 1it6 in t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode 'nd not in 'n6 ot0er )'5,

in1)udin* t0e it60ood "'5s.

Third, t0e it60ood "'5s vio)'te Se1tion C, Arti1)e H o2 t0e onstitution

+e1'use t0e6 prevent ' 2'ir 'nd 7ust distri+ution o2 t0e n'tion') t'es to )o1')*overn(ent units.

Fourth, t0e 1riteri' pres1ri+ed in Se1tion / o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent

ode, 's '(ended +6 RA =//=, 2or 1onvertin* ' (uni1ip')it6 into ' 1it6 're 1)e'r,

p)'in 'nd un'(+i*uous, needin* no resort to 'n6 st'tutor6 1onstru1tion.


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Fifth, t0e intent o2 (e(+ers o2 t0e t0on*ress to ee(pt 1ert'in

(uni1ip')ities 2ro( t0e 1over'*e o2 RA =//= re('ined 'n intent 'nd 5's never

5ritten into Se1tion / o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode.

Sixth, t0e de)i+er'tions o2 t0e t0or t0on*ress on un'pproved +i))s or

reso)utions 're not etrinsi1 'ids in interpretin* ' )'5 p'ssed in t0e ;t0on*ress.

Seventh, even i2 t0e ee(ption in t0e it60ood "'5s 5ere 5ritten in Se1tion

/ o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode, t0e ee(ption 5ou)d sti)) +e un1onstitution')

2or vio)'tion o2 t0e e@u') prote1tion 1)'use.

Preliminary Matters

Pro0i+ition is t0e proper '1tion 2or testin* t0e 1onstitution')it6 o2 )'5s

'd(inistered +6 t0e OME"E,3


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RA 99 "e-$>e e==e-%?e on @ ';ne 1 !;r%n< ,e 11,Con


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en'1t(ent o2 RA =//=. Conen Co!e* $s $>en!e! "# RA 99. T0ese 1it60ood +i))s )'psed into)'5 on v'rious d'tes 2ro( M'r10 to %u)6 //D '2ter President G)ori' M'1'p'*')-

Arro6o 2'i)ed to si*n t0e(.

Indisput'+)6, on*ress p'ssed t0e it60ood "'5s )on* aftert0e e22e1tivit6 o2

RA =//=. RA 99 "e-$>e e==e-%?e on @ ';ne 1 or !;r%n< ,e

11,Con


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Congress Must Prescrie in the Local !overnment Code All Criteria

Se1tion /, Arti1)e H o2 t0e =D onstitutionprovides:

No provin1e, 1it6, (uni1ip')it6, or +'r'n*'6 s0')) +e 1re'ted, divided,(er*ed, '+o)is0ed or its +ound'r6 su+st'nti'))6 ')tered, e-ep %n $--or!$n-e%, ,e -r%er%$ es$"&%s,e! %n ,e &o-$& en -o!e'nd su+7e1t to'pprov') +6 ' ('7orit6 o2 t0e votes 1'st in ' p)e+is1ite in t0e po)iti1') unitsdire1t)6 '22e1ted. 9E(p0'sis supp)ied

T0e onstitution is 1)e'r. T0e 1re'tion o2 )o1') *overn(ent units (ust

2o))o5 t0e -r%er%$ es$"&%s,e! %n ,e Lo-$& Go?ern>en Co!e 'nd not in 'n6

ot0er )'5. T0ere is on)6 one "o1') Govern(ent ode.34 T0e onstitution

re@uires on*ress to stipu)'te in t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode ')) t0e 1riteri'

ne1ess'r6 2or t0e 1re'tion o2 ' 1it6, in1)udin* t0e 1onversion o2 ' (uni1ip')it6 into

' 1it6. on*ress 1'nnot 5rite su10 1riteri' in 'n6 ot0er )'5, )i?e t0e it60ood

"'5s.

T0e 1riteri' pres1ri+ed in t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode *overn e1)usive)6

t0e 1re'tion o2 ' 1it6. No ot0er )'5, not even t0e 10'rter o2 t0e 1it6, 1'n *overnsu10 1re'tion. T0e 1)e'r intent o2 t0e onstitution is to insure t0't t0e 1re'tion o2

1ities 'nd ot0er po)iti1') units (ust 2o))o5 ,e s$>e ;n%=or>* non

!%s-r%>%n$or# -r%er%$ =o;n! so&e %n ,e Lo-$& Go?ern>en Co!e. An6

dero*'tion or devi'tion 2ro( t0e 1riteri' pres1ri+ed in t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode

vio)'tes Se1tion /, Arti1)e H o2 t0e onstitution.

RA =//= '(ended Se1tion / o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode to in1re'se

t0e in1o(e re@uire(ent 2ro( P/ (i))ion to P// (i))ion 2or t0e 1re'tion o2 '

1it6. T,%s oo e==e- on @ ';ne 1. Hen-e* =ro> ,$ >o>en ,eLo-$&

Go?ern>en Co!e reD;%re! ,$ $n# >;n%-%p$&%# !es%r%n< o "e-o>e $ -%#

>;s s$%s=# ,e P1 >%&&%on %n-o>e reD;%re>en. Se1tion / o2 t0e "o1')
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Govern(ent ode, 's '(ended +6 RA =//=, does not 1ont'in 'n6 ee(ption 2ro(

t0is in1o(e re@uire(ent.

In en'1tin* RA =//=, on*ress did not *r'nt 'n6 ee(ption to respondent

(uni1ip')ities, even t0ou*0 t0eir 1it60ood +i))s 5ere pendin* in on*ress 50en

on*ress p'ssed RA =//=. T0e it60ood "'5s, ')) en'1ted after t0e e22e1tivit6 o2

RA =//=, ep)i1it)6 ee(pt respondent (uni1ip')ities 2ro( t0e in1re'sed in1o(e

re@uire(ent in Se1tion / o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode, 's '(ended +6 RA

=//=. S;-, ee>p%on -&e$r ?%o&$es Se-%on 1* Ar%-&e o= ,e

Cons%;%on $n! %s ,;s p$en ;n-ons%;%on$&. To "e ?$&%!* s;-,

ee>p%on >;s "e r%en %n ,e Lo-$& Go?ern>en Co!e $n! no %n $n#

o,er &$* %n-&;!%n< ,e C%#,oo! L$s.

Cityhood Laws "iolate #ection $% Article & of the Constitution

Uni2or( 'nd non-dis1ri(in'tor6 1riteri' 's pres1ri+ed in t0e "o1')

Govern(ent ode 're essenti') to i(p)e(ent ' 2'ir 'nd e@uit'+)e distri+ution o2

n'tion') t'es to ')) )o1') *overn(ent units. Se1tion C, Arti1)e H o2 t0e

onstitution provides:

"o1') *overn(ent units s0')) 0've ';s s,$re, 's deter(ined +6 )'5, in t0en'tion') t'es 50i10 s0')) +e 'uto('ti1'))6 re)e'sed to t0e(. 9E(p0'sis supp)ied

I2 t0e 1riteri' in 1re'tin* )o1') *overn(ent units 're not uni2or( 'nd

dis1ri(in'tor6, t0ere 1'n +e no 2'ir 'nd 7ust distri+ution o2 t0e n'tion') t'es to

)o1') *overn(ent units.

A 1it6 5it0 'n 'nnu') in1o(e o2 on)6 P/ (i))ion, ')) ot0er 1riteri' +ein*

e@u'), s0ou)d not re1eive t0e s'(e s0're in n'tion') t'es 's ' 1it6 5it0 'n 'nnu')

in1o(e o2 P// (i))ion or (ore. T0e 1riteri' o2 )'nd 're', popu)'tion 'nd in1o(e,

's pres1ri+ed in Se1tion / o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode, (ust +e stri1t)6


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2o))o5ed +e1'use su10 1riteri', pres1ri+ed +6 )'5, 're ('teri') in deter(inin* t0e

7ust s0're o2 )o1') *overn(ent units in n'tion') t'es. Sin1e t0e it60ood "'5s

do not 2o))o5 t0e in1o(e 1riterion in Se1tion / o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode,

t0e6 prevent t0e 2'ir 'nd 7ust distri+ution o2 t0e Intern') Revenue A))ot(ent in

vio)'tion o2 Se1tion C, Arti1)e H o2 t0e onstitution.

#ection '(0 of the Local !overnment Code is Clear%

Plain and )namiguous

T0ere 1'n +e no resort to etrinsi1 'ids L )i?e de)i+er'tions o2 on*ress L i2

t0e )'n*u'*e o2 t0e )'5 is p)'in, 1)e'r 'nd un'(+i*uous. ourts deter(ine t0e

intent o2 t0e )'5 2ro( t0e )iter') )'n*u'*e o2 t0e )'5, 5it0in t0e )'5s 2our 1orners.3=4 I2 t0e )'n*u'*e o2 t0e )'5 is p)'in, 1)e'r 'nd un'(+i*uous, 1ourts si(p)6 'pp)6

t0e )'5 '11ordin* to its epress ter(s. I2 ' )iter') 'pp)i1'tion o2 t0e )'5 resu)ts in

'+surdit6, i(possi+i)it6 or in7usti1e, t0en 1ourts ('6 resort to etrinsi1 'ids o2

st'tutor6 1onstru1tion )i?e t0e )e*is)'tive 0istor6 o2 t0e )'5.3/4

on*ress, in en'1tin* RA =//= to '(end Se1tion / o2 t0e "o1')

Govern(ent ode, did not provide 'n6 ee(ption 2ro( t0e in1re'sed in1o(e

re@uire(ent, not even to respondent (uni1ip')ities 50ose 1it60ood +i))s 5ere t0en

pendin* 50en on*ress p'ssed RA =//=. Se1tion / o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent

ode, 's '(ended +6 RA =//=, 1ont'ins no ee(ption 50'tsoever. Sin1e t0e )'5

is 1)e'r, p)'in 'nd un'(+i*uous t0't 'n6 (uni1ip')it6 desirin* to 1onvert into '

1it6 (ust (eet t0e in1re'sed in1o(e re@uire(ent, t0ere is no re'son to *o +e6ondt0e )etter o2 t0e )'5 in 'pp)6in* Se1tion / o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode, 's

'(ended +6 RA =//=.

*he ++thCongress, -ntent was not .ritten into the Local !overnment Code
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True, (e(+ers o2 on*ress dis1ussed ee(ptin* respondent (uni1ip')ities

2ro( RA =//=, 's s0o5n +6 t0e v'rious de)i+er'tions on t0e ('tter durin* t0e

t0on*ress. #o5ever, on*ress did not 5rite t0is intended ee(ption into )'5.

on*ress 1ou)d 0've e'si)6 in1)uded su10 ee(ption in RA =//= +ut on*ress did

not. T0is is 2't') to t0e 1'use o2 respondent (uni1ip')ities +e1'use su10 ee(ption

(ust 'ppe'r in RA =//= 's 'n '(end(ent to Se1tion / o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent

ode. T0e onstitution re@uires t0't t0e 1riteri' 2or t0e 1onversion o2 '

(uni1ip')it6 into ' 1it6, in1)udin* 'n6 ee(ption 2ro( su10 1riteri', (ust ')) +e

5ritten in t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode. on*ress 1'nnot pres1ri+e su10 1riteri' or

ee(ption 2ro( su10 1riteri' in 'n6 ot0er )'5. In s,or* Conp%on =o;n!%n ,e Lo-$& Go?ern>en Co!e.

Se1tion / o2 Arti1)e H is si(i)'r to Se1tion C, Arti1)e HII o2 t0e

onstitution pro0i+itin* on*ress 2ro( 1re'tin* priv'te 1orpor'tions e1ept +6 '

*ener') )'5. Se1tion C o2 Arti1)e HII provides:

T,e Con%n$%on.34 on*ress 1'nnot 1re'te ' priv'te 1orpor'tion t0rou*0 ' spe1i')

)'5 or 10'rter.

/elierations of the ++thCongress on )napproved ills -napplicale


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on*ress is not ' 1ontinuin* +od6.34 T0e ;n$ppro?e! 1it60ood +i))s 2i)ed

durin* t0e t0on*ress +e1'(e (ere s1r'ps o2 p'per upon t0e 'd7ourn(ent o2 t0e

t0on*ress. A)) t0e 0e'rin*s 'nd de)i+er'tions 1ondu1ted durin* t0e

t0on*ress on un'pproved +i))s ')so +e1'(e 5ort0)ess upon t0e 'd7ourn(ent o2

t0e t0on*ress. T,ese ,e$r%n$ers $n! pro-ee!%n%n$e ;pon ,eep%r$%on o= one (1) Cone. 9E(p0'sis supp)ied

Si(i)'r)6, Se1tion D o2 t0e Ru)es o2 t0e #ouse o2 Represent'tives, on

Un2inis0ed Business, st'tes:

Se1tion D. ')end'r o2 Business. T0e ')end'r o2 Business s0')) 1onsist o2 t0e

2o))o5in*:

'.

Un2inis0ed Business. T0is is +usiness +ein*1onsidered +6 t0e #ouse 't t0e ti(e o2 its )'st 'd7ourn(ent. Its 1onsider'tion

s0')) +e resu(ed unti) it is disposed o2. T0e Un2inis0ed Business 't t0e end o2' session s0')) +e resu(ed 't t0e 1o((en1e(ent o2 t0e net session 's i2 no

'd7ourn(ent 0's t'?en p)'1e. A ,e en! o= ,e er> o= $ Cone! er>%n$e!. 9E(p0'sis supp)ied


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T0us, t0e de)i+er'tions durin* t0e t0on*ress on t0e un'pproved 1it60ood

+i))s, 's 5e)) 's t0e de)i+er'tions durin* t0e t0'nd ;t0on*resses on t0e

un'pproved reso)ution ee(ptin* 2ro( RA =//= 1ert'in (uni1ip')ities, 0've no

)e*') si*ni2i1'n1e. T0e6 do not @u')i26 's etrinsi1 'ids in 1onstruin* )'5s p'ssed

+6 su+se@uent on*resses.

Applicaility of 12ual Protection Clause

I2 Se1tion / o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode, 's '(ended +6 RA =//=,

1ont'ined 'n ee(ption to t0e P// (i))ion 'nnu') in1o(e re@uire(ent, t0e

1riteri' 2or su10 ee(ption 1ou)d +e s1rutiniKed 2or possi+)e vio)'tion o2 t0e e@u')prote1tion 1)'use. T0us, t0e 1riteri' 2or t0e ee(ption, i2 2ound in t0e "o1')

Govern(ent ode, 1ou)d +e 'ss'i)ed on t0e *round o2 '+sen1e o2 ' v')id

1)'ssi2i1'tion. #o5ever, Se1tion / o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode, 's '(ended

+6 RA =//=, does not 1ont'in 'n6 ee(ption. T0e ee(ption is 1ont'ined in t0e

it60ood "'5s, 50i10 're un1onstitution') +e1'use su10 ee(ption (ust +e

pres1ri+ed in t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode 's ('nd'ted in Se1tion /, Arti1)e H o2

t0e onstitution.

Even i2 t0e ee(ption provision in t0e it60ood "'5s 5ere 5ritten in

Se1tion / o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode, 's '(ended +6 RA =//=, su10

ee(ption 5ou)d sti)) +e un1onstitution') 2or vio)'tion o2 t0e e@u') prote1tion

1)'use. T0e ee(ption provision (ere)6 st'tes, Ee>p%on =ro> Rep;"&%- A-

No. 99 T,e C%# o= s,$&& "e ee>pe! =ro> ,e %n-o>e reD;%re>en

pres-r%"e! ;n!er Rep;"&%- A- No. 99. T0is one senten1e ee(ption

provision 1ont'ins no 1)'ssi2i1'tion st'nd'rds or *uide)ines di22erenti'tin* t0eee(pted (uni1ip')ities 2ro( t0ose t0't 're not ee(pted.

Even i2 5e t'?e into '11ount t0e de)i+er'tions in t0e t0on*ress t0't

(uni1ip')ities 5it0 pendin* 1it60ood +i))s s0ou)d +e ee(pt 2ro( t0e P// (i))ion

in1o(e re@uire(ent, t0ere is sti)) no v')id 1)'ssi2i1'tion to s'tis26 t0e e@u')


17/83

prote1tion 1)'use. T,e ee>p%on %&& "e "$se!so&e on ,e =$- ,$ ,e 16

>;n%-%p$&%%es ,$! -%#,oo! "%&&s pen!%n< %n ,e 11,Con


18/83

ee(ption 2ro( t0e in1re'sed P// (i))ion in1o(e re@uire(ent. #'d t0e6 +een

in2or(ed, ('n6 (uni1ip')ities 5ou)d 0've 1'used t0e 2i)in* o2 t0eir o5n 1it60ood

+i))s. T0ese (uni1ip')ities, even i2 t0e6 0've +i**er 'nnu') in1o(e t0'n t0e C

respondent (uni1ip')ities, 1'nnot no5 1onvert into 1ities i2 t0eir in1o(e is )ess

t0'n P// (i))ion.

T0e 2'1t o2 penden16 o2 ' 1it60ood +i)) in t0e t0on*ress )i(its t0e

ee(ption to ' spe1i2i1 1ondition eistin* 't t0e ti(e o2 p'ss'*e o2 RA

=//=. T0't spe1i2i1 1ondition 5i)) never 0'ppen '*'in. T0is vio)'tes t0e

re@uire(ent t0't ' v')id 1)'ssi2i1'tion (ust not +e )i(ited to eistin* 1onditions

on)6. T0is re@uire(ent is i))ustr'ted inMayflower Farms, Inc. v. Ten yc!,

3>450ere t0e 10'))en*ed )'5 '))o5ed (i)? de')ers en*'*ed in +usiness prior to '2ied d'te to se)) 't ' pri1e )o5er t0'n t0't '))o5ed to ne51o(ers in t0e s'(e

+usiness. InMayflower, t0e U.S. Supre(e ourt 0e)d:

e 're re2erred to ' 0ost o2 de1isions to t0e e22e1t t0't ' re*u)'tor6 )'5

('6 +e prospe1tive in oper'tion 'nd ('6 e1ept 2ro( its s5eep t0ose present)6en*'*ed in t0e 1'))in* or '1tivit6 to 50i10 it is dire1ted. E'(p)es 're st'tutes

)i1ensin* p06si1i'ns 'nd dentists, 50i10 'pp)6 on)6 to t0ose enterin* t0e

pro2ession su+se@uent to t0e p'ss'*e o2 t0e '1t 'nd ee(pt t0ose t0en in pr'1ti1e,or Konin* )'5s 50i10 ee(pt eistin* +ui)din*s, or )'5s 2or+iddin*

s)'u*0ter0ouses 5it0in 1ert'in 're's, +ut e1eptin* eistin* est'+)is0(ents. T,e-,$&&en


19/83

1it60ood +i))s +e2ore t0e end o2 t0e t0on*ress 's '*'inst ')) ot0er

(uni1ip')ities t0't 5'nt to 1onvert into 1ities '2ter t0e e22e1tivit6 o2 RA =//=.

Furt0er(ore, )i(itin* t0e ee(ption on)6 to t0e C (uni1ip')ities vio)'tes

t0e re@uire(ent t0't t0e 1)'ssi2i1'tion (ust 'pp)6 to ')) si(i)'r)6 situ'ted.

Muni1ip')ities 5it0 t0e s'(e in1o(e 's t0e C respondent (uni1ip')ities 1'nnot

1onvert into 1ities, 50i)e t0e C respondent (uni1ip')ities 1'n. )e'r)6, 's 5orded

t0e ee(ption provision 2ound in t0e it60ood "'5s, even i2 it 5ere 5ritten in

Se1tion / o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode, 5ou)d sti)) +e un1onstitution') 2or

vio)'tion o2 t0e e@u') prote1tion 1)'use.

HEREFORE, 5e GRANTt0e petitions 'ndde1)'re UNCONSTITUTIONALt0e it60ood "'5s, n'(e)6: Repu+)i1 A1t Nos.

=;=, =;=/, =;=, =;=, =;=;, =;=


20/83

9On )e'veLEONAR2O A. 3UISU+BING

Asso1i'te %usti1e

CONSUELO NARESSANTIAGOAsso1i'te %usti1e

+A. ALICIA AUSTRIA+ARTINE4Asso1i'te %usti1e

RENATO C. CORONAAsso1i'te %usti1e

CONCHITA CARPIO +ORALESAsso1i'te %usti1e

A2OLFO S. A4CUNAAsso1i'te %usti1e

2ANTE O. TINGA Asso1i'te %usti1e

+INITA 0. CHICONA4ARIOAsso1i'te %usti1e

PRESBITERO '. 0ELASCO* 'R.Asso1i'te %usti1e

ANTONIO E2UAR2O B. NACHURAAsso1i'te %usti1e

RUBEN T. REESAsso1i'te %usti1e

TERESITA '. LEONAR2O2E CASTROAsso1i'te %usti1e


21/83

ARTURO 2. BRIONAsso1i'te %usti1e

CERTIFICATION

Pursu'nt to Se1tion ;, Arti1)e $III o2 t0e onstitution, I 1erti26 t0't t0e

1on1)usions in t0e '+ove &e1ision 0'd +een re'10ed in 1onsu)t'tion +e2ore t0e 1'se

5's 'ssi*ned to t0e 5riter o2 t0e opinion o2 t0e ourt.

RENATO S. PUNO 0ie2 %usti1e

34 Under Se1tion , Ru)e C> o2 t0e ==D Ru)es o2 ivi) Pro1edure.34 As N'tion') President o2 t0e "e'*ue o2 ities o2 t0e P0i)ippines, M'6or o2 I)oi)o it6,

'nd t'p'6er.3;4 %une == to %une //.3


22/83

Repu+)i1 A1t No. =;=,

entit)ed An A1t 1onvertin* t0e Muni1ip')it6 o2 T'nd'* in t0e Provin1e o2Suri*'o de) Sur into ' 1o(ponent

1it6 to +e ?no5n 's t0e it6 o2 T'nd'*. "'psed into )'5 on > M'r10 //DJ

Repu+)i1 A1t No. =;=


23/83

3;4 Se1tion > o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode provides: *llocation to -ocal overnment /nits.

L T0e s0're o2 )o1') *overn(ent units in t0e intern') revenue '))ot(ent s0')) +e '))o1'ted in

t0e 2o))o5in* ('nner:

9' Provin1es L T5ent6-t0ree per1ent 9;J 9+ ities L T5ent6-t0ree per1ent 9;J

91 Muni1ip')ities L T0irt6-2our per1ent 9;/J

9+ "'nd Are' L T5ent6-2ive per1ent 9>J 'nd

91 E@u') s0'rin* L T5ent6-2ive per1ent 9> Provided, 2urt0er, T0't t0e s0're o2 e'10 +'r'n*'6 5it0 ' popu)'tion o2 not )ess t0'n one 0undred

9// in0'+it'nts s0')) not +e )ess t0'n Ei*0t6 t0ous'nd 9P/,///.// per 'nnu( 10'r*e'+)e '*'inst t0e

t5ent6 per1ent 9/ s0're o2 t0e +'r'n*'6 2ro( t0e intern') revenue '))ot(ent, 'nd t0e +')'n1e to +e

'))o1'ted on t0e +'sis o2 t0e 2o))o5in* 2or(u)':9' On t0e 2irst 6e'r o2 t0e e22e1tivit6 o2 t0is ode:

9 Popu)'tion L Fort6 per1ent 9/

91 On t0e t0ird 6e'r 'nd t0ere'2ter:

9 Popu)'tion L Sit6 per1ent 9C/J 'nd 9 E@u') s0'rin* L Fort6 per1ent 9= 9//JMutuc v. C0M-C, 4 Se1tion -;C.
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24/83

3;4 T0e rational #asis testis t0e (ini(u( )eve) o2 s1rutin6 t0't ')) *overn(ent '1tions 10'))en*ed under t0e

e@u') prote1tion 1)'use (ust (eet. T0estrict scrutiny testis used in dis1ri(in'tions +'sed on r'1e or t0ose

50i10 resu)t in vio)'tions o2 2und'(ent') ri*0ts. Under t0e stri1t s1rutin6 test, to +e v')id t0e 1)'ssi2i1'tion

(ust pro(ote ' -o>pe&&%n< s$e %neres. T0e intermediate scrutiny testis used in dis1ri(in'tions +'sedon *ender or i))e*iti('16 o2 10i)dren. Under t0e inter(edi'te s1rutin6 test, t0e 1)'ssi2i1'tion (ust

+es;"s$n%$& re&$e! o $n %>por$n*overn(ent o+7e1tive. "'5s not su+7e1t to t0e stri1t orinter(edi'te s1rutin6 test 're ev')u'ted under t0e rational #asis test, 50i10 is t0e e'siest test to s'tis26 sin1e

t0e 1)'ssi2i1'tion (ust on)6 s0o5 ' r$%on$& re&$%ons,%pto ' )e*iti('te *overn(ent purpose. SeeEr5in0e(erins?6, Constitutional -aw, 4rinci"les and 4olicies, ndEdition, pp. C-C


25/83

Promulgat

ion

Decision (Yes/No)

oncurring Justices

omments

e.g. separate opinion (SO),

joined SO, reservations

! J. 0uisumbing

" J. 1ustria"2artine3

# J. Carpio 2orales

$ J. 4elas!o, Jr.

% J. 5rion

&

'

!

*

!

!

!

"

"

!

#

"

!

$

"

!

%

Dissenting Justices

omments

e.g. dissenting opinion (DO),

joined DO

! J. Corona # 6oin the dissent of J. %uben


26/83

%eyes.

" J. 13!una # 6oin the dissent of Justi!e

%uben %eyes

# J. Chi!o"Na3ario # 6oin the dissent of Justi!e

%uben %eyes

$ J. %eyes Pls. see 7issenting 8pinion

% J. Leonardo"7e Castro # 6oin the dissent of Justi!e

%uben T. %eyes

& " "

' " "

Justices Not Participating +eason

e.g. on oficial leave

! CJ. Puno No part

" J. 9nares":antiago 8n leave

# J. Tinga No part. Close relation to an

interested entity.

$ J. Na!hura No part.

% " "

& " "

' " "

G.R. No. 176951 (League of Cities of the Philippines 3LCP4% representedy LCP 5ational President Jerry P6 *re7as8 City of Calayog%represented y Mayor Mel #enen #6 #armiento8 and Jerry P6 *re7as% in

his personal capacity as *axpayer% petitioners% v6 Commission on

1lections8 Municipality of ayay% Province of Leyte8 Municipality of

ogo% Province of Ceu8 Municipality of Catalogan% Province of

.estern #amar8 Municipality of *andag% Province of #urigao del #ur8


27/83

Municipality of orongan% Province of 1astern #amar8 and

Municipality of *ayaas% Province of ue:on% respondents6)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

G.R. No. 17799 (League of Cities of the Philippines 3LCP4% representedy LCP 5ational President Jerry P6 *re7as8 City of Calayog%

represented y Mayor Mel #enen #6 #armiento8 and Jerry P6 *re7as% in

his personal capacity as *axpayer% petitioners% v6 Commission on

1lections8 Municipality of Lamitan% Province of asilan8 Municipality

of *au;% Province of


28/83

. On-ocus Standi - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - /

. On Pro0i+ition 's Re(ed6 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C

+$%n Po%ns o= Pe%%on - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - /

I. it60ood )'5s do not vio)'te Se1tion /, Arti1)e H o2 t0e

onstitution on 1re'tion o2 1ities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

A. T0e6 're in '11ord 5it0 t0e intent o2 R.A. No. =//=

'(endin* t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode to ee(pt respondent

(uni1ip')ities 2ro( in1re'sed in1o(e re@uire(ent - - - - - - -

. 6indi an% letra na "uma"atay, !un% hindi

an% diwa na na%#i#i%ay7#uhay- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - >

. Sen'te President Fr'n?)in &ri)ons pertinent interpe))'tion

o2 Sen'tor A@ui)ino Pi(ente) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D

;. Intent o2 ' st'tute is t0e "'5 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - =

B. Petitioners 're un'+)e to over1o(e presu(ption

o2 1onstitution')it6 o2 1it60ood )'5s - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ;/

II. it60ood )'5s do not vio)'te t0e e@u') prote1tion 1)'use

under Se1tion , Arti1)e III o2 t0e onstitution - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ;

A. Sponsors0ip spee10 o2 Sen'tor A)2redo "i(

on #ouse %oint Reso)ution No. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ;;

B. T0e 1)'ssi2i1'tion rests on su+st'nti') distin1tions - - - - - - - ;D


29/83

. T0e 1)'ssi2i1'tion is *er('ne to t0e purpose

o2 t0e )'5 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ;=

&. T0e 1)'ssi2i1'tion is not )i(ited to eistin*

1onditions on)6 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ;=

E. T0e 1)'ssi2i1'tion 'pp)ies e@u'))6 to ')) (e(+ers o2

t0e s'(e 1)'ss - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - >%n< Up- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

2%spos%%on- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - > - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

2ISSENTING OPINION

REES* R.T.*J.:

TO&AY, t0e ('7orit6 on ' C-> votin* 0's 10o?ed t0e 'spir'tion o2 t0e C

respondent (uni1ip')ities in +e1o(in* 1ities +6 de1)'rin* t0eir 1it60ood

)'5s34

un1onstitution'). For t0e 2irst ti(e, I '( 1o(pe))ed to su+(it ' respe1t2u)dissent.

T,e F$-s
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30/83

Bet5een %u)6 == 'nd %une //, durin* t0e E)event0 on*ress, ' tot') o2

2i2t6-seven 9>D +i))s see?in* t0e 1onversion o2 nu(erous (uni1ip')ities into

1o(ponent 1ities 5ere 2i)ed +e2ore t0e #ouse o2 Represent'tives. 34 Out o2 t0e

2i2t6-seven 9>D +i))s, t0irt6-t5o 9; +e1'(e 1it60ood )'5s, 'nd one 9 5's

re7e1ted in ' p)e+is1ite. T5ent6-2our 9


31/83

)e'ders0ip reor*'niK'tion in +ot0 #ouses o2 on*ressJ t0e E&SA5os 'nd

E&SA Tres uprisin*sJ t0e 1'(p'i*n periodJ 'nd t0e M'6 // e)e1tions.3D4

T0e proponents o2 #ouse %oint Reso)ution No. = 2ound su11ess in t0e

#ouse ')) t0e 5'6 t0rou*0 t0e Sen'te. In t0e Sen'te, t0e6 2ound ' st'un10 '))6 in

t0e person o2 Sen'tor Ro+ert B'r+ers, 10'ir o2 t0e o((ittee on "o1')

Govern(ent. #o5ever, not5it0st'ndin* t0e sever') pu+)i1 0e'rin*s, 1'u1uses,

di')o*ues, 'nd in2or(') dis1ussions, t0e 2'vor'+)e 1o((ittee report did not

tr'ns)'te into )e*is)'tion.34 T0e T5e)2t0 on*ress ended 5it0out 2'vor'+)e '1tion.

&urin* t0e T0irteent0 on*ress 9//, //C, t0e Sen'te o((ittee on "o1') Govern(ent su+(itted its

o((ittee Report No. < re1o((endin* 'pprov') o2 #ouse %oint Reso)ution No.

, 5it0 '(end(ents. T0e '(end(ents in1)uded t0e 10'n*e in 9' t0e nu(+er

o2 (uni1ip')ities 50i10 sou*0t 1onversion into 1ities durin* t0e E)event0 on*ress

2ro( 2i2t6-si 9>C to 2i2t6-seven 9>DJ 'nd 9+ t0e nu(+er o2 +i))s t0't 5ere not

'1ted upon 2ro( t5ent6-t0ree 9; to t5ent6-2our 9


32/83

T0e proponents o2 #ouse %oint Reso)ution No. '11eded to t0e su**estion

o2 Sen'tor Pi(ente). onse@uent)6, o2 t0e t5ent6-2our 9


33/83

Muni1ip')it6 o2 '+'d+'r'n, Provin1e o2 A*us'n de) NorteJ Muni1ip')it6 o2

'r1'r, Provin1e o2 e+uJ 'nd Muni1ip')it6 o2 E) S')v'dor, Provin1e o2 Mis'(is

Orient').

As ' s0o5 o2 support to t0eir (ot0er 'sso1i'tion, sep'r'te petitions-in-

intervention 5ere 2i)ed +6 v'rious s6(p't0eti1 1ities 50o 're (e(+ers o2 t0e

"e'*ue o2 ities o2 t0e P0i)ippines. T0e petitions-in-intervention 5ere 'd(itted +6

t0e ourt en #anct0rou*0 v'rious Reso)utions on sep'r'te d'tes.3/4

Petitioners 'nd petitioners-in-intervention 1o))e1tive)6 pr'6ed 2or t0e

issu'n1e o2 )'52u) orders 2ro( t0is ourt, en7oinin* respondent OME"E 'nd

respondent (uni1ip')ities 2ro( i(p)e(entin* t0e provisions o2 t0e 10'))en*ed1it60ood )'5s 'nd 1ondu1tin* p)e+is1ites in t0e '22e1ted 're's or, in t0e ')tern'tive,

2or t0e OME"E not to pro1)'i( t0e p)e+is1ite resu)ts. T0e6 )i?e5ise pr'6ed

t0't t0e 1it60ood )'5s34+e stru1? do5n 's un1onstitution').

On %u)6


34/83

Iss;es

Petitioners in G.R. No. DC=>,3


35/83

Int0e )e'din* 1'se o2$a!er v. Carr,3D4t0e United St'tes Supre(e ourt,

spe'?in* t0rou*0 Mr. %usti1e i))i'( %. Brenn'n, 0e)d t0't t0e *ist o2 t0e @uestion

o2 st'ndin* is 50et0er t0e p'rt6 '))e*ed su10 ' person') st'?e in t0e out1o(e o2

t0e 1ontrovers6 's to 'ssure t0't 1on1rete 'dverseness 50i10 s0'rpens t0e

present'tion o2 issues upon 50i10 t0e 1ourt so )'r*e)6 depends 2or i))u(in'tion o2

di22i1u)t 1onstitution') @uestions.34

T0us, t0e ru)e in t0e United St'tes is t0't persons 5is0in* to 1ontest, on

1onstitution') *rounds, t0e v')idit6 o2 t0e st'tute (ust +e '+)e to s0o5 not on)6 t0't

t0e st'tute is inv')id +ut ')so t0't t0e6 0've sust'ined, or 're in i((edi'te d'n*er

o2 sust'inin*, so(e dire1t in7ur6 's t0e resu)t o2 its en2or1e(ent. Su22erin* in so(e

inde2inite 5'6 in 1o((on 5it0 peop)e *ener'))6 5ou)d not su22i1e.3=4 In ot0er5ords, one 50o is not pre7udi1ed +6 t0e en2or1e(ent o2 'n '1t o2 on*ress 1'nnot

@uestion its 1onstitution')it6.3;/4 In t0e '+sen1e o2 s0o5in* o2 in7ur6, '1tu'), or

t0re'tened, t0ere 1'n +e no 1onstitution') 'r*u(ent.3;4

T0e ru)e 0's +een 'dopted in our 7urisdi1tion. In6ouse International

$uildin% Tenants *ssociation, Inc. v. Intermediate *""ellate Court,3;4Joya v.

4residential Commission on ood overnment,3;;4Inte%rated $ar of

the 4hili""ines v. 9amora,3;


36/83

su22ers t0ere+6 in so(e inde2inite 5'6. It (ust s0o5 t0't it 0's +een or is '+out to

+e denied so(e ri*0t or privi)e*e to 50i10 it is )'52u))6 entit)ed or t0't it is '+out

to +e su+7e1ted to so(e +urdens or pen')ties +6 re'son o2 t0e st'tute or '1t1o(p)'ined o2.

For ' 1on1erned p'rt6 to +e '))o5ed to r'ise ' 1onstitution') @uestion, it(ust s0o5 t0't 9 it 0's person'))6 su22ered so(e '1tu') or t0re'tened in7ur6 's '

resu)t o2 t0e '))e*ed)6 i))e*') 1ondu1t o2 t0e *overn(ent, 9 t0e in7ur6 is 2'ir)6

tr'1e'+)e to t0e 10'))en*ed '1tion, 'nd 9; t0e in7ur6 is )i?e)6 to +e redressed +6 '2'vor'+)e '1tion.3;D4

P'rties 1'n 0'velocus standi dependin* on t0e person')it6 t0e6

'ssu(e. P'rties ('6 1o(e to t0e ourt 's 9 or*'niK'tions 'nd *roups

representin* t0eir o5n interestsJ 9 or*'niK'tions 'nd *roups representin* t0e

interests o2 t0eir (e(+ersJ 9; individu')s 10'(pionin* ' 1)'ssJ 9


37/83

;. In dividin* t0is ; s0're '(on* ')) t0e 1ities, t0e popu)'tion o2 ' p'rti1u)'r

1it6 is 1onsidered.3 o2 t0e ; s0're is e@u'))6 divided '(on* ')) t0e

1ities. T0us, 'n in1re'se in t0e nu(+er o2 1ities (e'ns t0't t0e '))ot(ent to e'10

1it6 out o2 t0e 2ied ; IRA s0're o2 ')) 5i)) +e redu1ed. A 2ied nu(er'tor

divided +6 'n in1re'sed deno(in'tor ne1ess'ri)6 resu)ts in ' s('))er

@uotient. T0e redu1tion 5ou)d o+vious)6 '22e1t t0e '(ounts +ud*eted +6 eistin*

1ities 2or t0eir pro*r'(s 'nd pro7e1ts.

%err6 P. Tre8's, 's t'p'6er, 0'slocus standi. A person 50o p'6s t'es or

is )i'+)e to p'6 t'es 2or t0e support o2 ' t'in* unit, 'nd 50o 5ou)d


38/83

+e in7ured +6 t0e un)'52u) ependiture o2 pu+)i1 2unds +6 t0e i))e*') disposition o2

t0e pu+)i1 propert6 o2 su10 unit, or +6 'n6 ot0er i))e*') '1t 50i10 5ou)d in1re'se

0is or 0er +urden o2 t''tion, 0's locus standito institute 'nd ('int'in ' t'p'6ers

suit. T0is is re*'rd)ess o2 t0e '(ount or ?ind o2 t'es +ein* p'id.34 #ere, t0ere is no @uestion t0't t0e 1ondu1t o2 t0e

p)e+is1ites re@uired under t0e 1it60ood )'5s 'nd t0e 1onse@uent re)e'se o2 t0erespe1tive IRAs o2 respondent (uni1ip')ities 's 1ities, ent'i)s t0e spendin* o2

2unds sour1ed 2ro( t0e pu+)i1 1o22ers. )e'r)6, t0ere is 'n eer1ise +6 on*ress o2

its t'in* or spendin* po5er.

In 'n6 event, t0e ourt in (ore t0'n one inst'n1e 0's t'?en ' )i+er') st'n1e

's 2'r 's st'ndin* is 1on1erned. T0is is espe1i'))6 true 50en i(port'nt

1onstitution') issues 're 't st'?e. T0e 1'ses o24hili""ine Constitution

*ssociation, Inc. v. imene2,3>4Civil -i#erties /nion v. xecutive Secretary,3>;4uin%ona, Jr. v. Cara%ue,3>D4>ilos#ayan, Inc. v. uin%ona, Jr.,3>4Cru2 v. Secretary of

nvironment and +atural Resources,3>=4'nd*%an v. 4hili""ine International *ir

Terminals Co., Inc.,3C/4+e'r 5itness to t0e )i+er') 'ttitude o2 t0e ourt on locus

standi.

Indeed, pu+)i1 interest de('nds t0't t0e ourt t'?e ' (ore )i+er') vie5 in

deter(inin* 50et0er petitioners 'nd petitioners-in-intervention possess locus

standi. T0e issues 0oisted 're o2 p'r'(ount i(port'n1e. T0e petitions 'nd

petitions-in-intervention r'ise serious 1onstitution') issues on t0e re@uire(ents 2or

1onversion o2 ' (uni1ip')it6 to ' 1it6. T0is, in turn, 5ou)d '22e1t not on)6 t0e
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1onversion o2 respondent (uni1ip')ities +ut ')so ')) 2uture 1onversions o2

(uni1ip')ities to 1ities. To dis(iss t0e petitions 'nd petitions-in-intervention on

(ere te10ni1')it6 is not in )ine 5it0 t0e 2un1tion o2 t0is ourt 's t0e 2in')

interpreter o2 50't t0e )'5 is 'nd s0ou)d (e'n.

T0ere is no (erit to t0e 1ontention o2 respondent OME"E 'nd

respondent (uni1ip')ities t0't t0e petitions 'nd petitions-in-intervention 're +'sed

on (ere spe1u)'tive in7ur6 t0't supposed)6 render t0e( devoid o2 'n6 '1tu')

1ontrovers6. T0is is +e)ied +6 t0e '))e*'tions in t0e petitions 'nd t0e petitions-in-

intervention. T0ere '1tu'))6 eist di'(etri1'))6 opposed vie5s '(on* t0e

1ontendin* p'rties 's re*'rds t0e v')idit6 o2 t0e 1it60ood )'5s. Too, petitioners 'nd

petitioners-in-intervention 0've su22i1ient)6 'verred e1ono(i1 in7ur6 to t0eir 1it6+ud*ets 'nd t0eir p)'ns 'nd pro7e1ts 's ' 1onse@uen1e o2 t0e 1onversion o2

respondent (uni1ip')ities into 1o(ponent 1ities. E1ono(i1 in7ur6 is ' v')id +'sis

2or '1@uirin* locus standi'nd 7udi1i') revie5.3C4

Prohiition is the correct remedy to 2uestion the constitutionality of the

cityhood laws.

T0e onstitution3C4*r'nts to t0e ourt ori*in') 7urisdi1tion over petitions 2or

pro0i+ition. A)t0ou*0 t0is ori*in') 7urisdi1tion over petitions 2or pro0i+ition

9to*et0er 5it0 petitions 2or certiorari, ('nd'(us, quo warranto, 'nd ha#eas

cor"us is 1on1urrent 5it0 t0't o2 t0e Re*ion') Tri') ourts 'nd t0e ourt o2

Appe')s, t0e est'+)is0ed po)i16 is t0't t0is ourt '))o5s t0e dire1t invo1'tion o2 itsori*in') 7urisdi1tion i2 1o(pe))in* re'sons, or t0e n'ture 'nd i(port'n1e o2 t0e

issues r'ised, 5'rr'nt,3C;4or in t0e interest o2 speed6 7usti1e 'nd to 'void 2uture

)iti*'tions so 's to pro(pt)6 put 'n end to t0e present 1ontrovers6. 3C


40/83

$an! v. Sayo, Jr.,3C4Cru2 v. Secretary of nvironment and +atural Resources,3C=4$u!lod n% >awanin% II$ v. 9amora,3D/4'nd overnment of the /nited States of

*merica v. 4ur%anan.3D4

T0e ourt s0ou)d t'?e 1o*niK'n1e o2 t0e petitions 'nd petitions-in-

intervention +e1'use t0e issues r'ised 're e1eption') 'nd o2 p'r'(ount

i(port'n1e. T0e6 invo)ve su+st'nti') pu+)i1 interest t0't 5'rr'nt no )ess t0'n t0e

intervention o2 t0is ourt so t0't s'id issues ('6 +e sett)ed.

In Tan v. Commission on lections,3D4 t0is ourt *r'nted t0e petition 2or

pro0i+ition 'nd stru1? do5n 's un1onstitution')B't's P'(+'ns' B)*. >, 50i10

1re'ted t0e provin1e o2 Ne*ros de) Norte. T0e ourt 0e)d t0't 3t4t0e 10'))en*ed'1t is ('ni2est)6 void 'nd un1onstitution'). onse@uent)6, ')) t0e i(p)e(entin*

'1ts 1o(p)'ined o2, vi2. t0e p)e+is1ite, t0e pro1)'('tion o2 ' ne5 provin1e o2

Ne*ros de) Norte 'nd t0e 'ppoint(ent o2 its o22i1i')s 're e@u'))6 void.3D;4

InMiranda v. *%uirre,3D


41/83

Resour1es Ad(inistr'tive Order =C-


42/83

Se1ond, t0e petitions 'nd petitions-in-intervention 0've su22i1ient)6 '))e*ed

t0't t0e OME"E 'nd t0e &BM '1ted 5it0out or in e1ess o2 7urisdi1tion in

i(p)e(entin* t0e 1it60ood )'5s on t0e p'rt o2 t0e OME"E, in 1ondu1tin* t0e

p)e+is1itesJ 50i)e on t0e p'rt o2 t0e &BM, in re)e'sin* t0e respe1tive IRAs o2

respondent (uni1ip')ities 's 1ities.

T0ird, petitioners 'nd petitioners-in-intervention 0've no ot0er p)'in, speed6,

'nd 'de@u'te re(ed6 in t0e ordin'r6 1ourse o2 )'5. To re1')), t0e 1it60ood )'5s

0've ' 1o((on provision t0't t0e OME"E is supposed to 1ondu1t p)e+is1ites

in di22erent p'rts o2 t0e 1ountr6 2or t0e r'ti2i1'tion o2 t0e 1it60ood )'5s. T0us,

2i)in* di22erent petitions 2or pro0i+ition in t0e v'rious Re*ion') Tri') ourts 50eret0e p)e+is1ites 5ere to +e 1ondu1ted 5's not ' speed6 'nd 'de@u'te re(ed6.

I 1'nnot su+s1ri+e to t0efait accom"lide2ense o2 respondent (uni1ip')ities,

50i10 t0e6 1)'i( s0ou)d +e ' *round 2or outri*0t dis(iss') o2 t0e petitions 'nd

petitions-in-intervention. T0e6 're not (ooted +6 t0e 2'1t t0't p)e+is1ites 5ere

')re'd6 1ondu1ted, respondent (uni1ip')ities '1?no5)ed*ed 's 1ities, 'nd t0eir

o22i1i')s 1orrespondin*)6 'ppointed. T0e petitions 'nd petitions-in-intervention

r'ise 1onstitution') issues 50i10 ne1essit'te t0e intervention o2 t0e ourt. No

'(ount o2 intervenin* events 1'n )e*iti(iKe t0e 1onversions o2 respondent

(uni1ip')ities into 1o(ponent 1ities i2, indeed, t0e re@uire(ents o2 t0e

onstitution 'nd t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode 0've not +een (et. As t0e ourt

e'r)ier 0e)d:

t0e 2'1t t0't su10 p)e+is1ite 0'd +een 0e)d 'nd ' ne5 provin1e

pro1)'i(ed 'nd its o22i1i')s 'ppointed, t0e 1'se +e2ore Us 1'nnot tru)6 +e vie5ed

's ')re'd6 (oot 'nd '1'de(i1. ontinu'tion o2 t0e eisten1e o2 t0is ne5)6pro1)'i(ed provin1e 50i10 petitioners stron*)6 pro2ess to 0've +een i))e*'))6

+orn, deserves to +e in@uired +6 t0is Tri+un') so t0't, i2 indeed, i))e*')it6 'tt'10es

to its 1re'tion, t0e 1o((ission o2 t0't error s0ou)d not provide t0e ver6 e1use 2orperpetu'tion o2 su10 5ron*. For t0is ourt to 6ie)d to t0e respondents ur*in* t0't,

's t0ere 0've +eenfait accom"li, t0en t0is ourt s0ou)d p'ssive)6 '11ept 'nd

'11ede to t0e prev'i)in* situ'tion is 'n un'11ept'+)e su**estion. &is(iss') o2 t0e

inst'nt petition, 's respondents so propose is ' proposition 2r'u*0t 5it0 (is10ie2.


43/83

Respondents su+(ission 5i)) 1re'te ' d'n*erous pre1edent. S0ou)d t0is ourt

de1)ine no5 to per2or( its dut6 o2 interpretin* 'nd indi1'tin* 50't t0e )'5 is 'nd

s0ou)d +e, t0is (i*0t te(pt '*'in t0ose 50o strut '+out in t0e 1orridors o2 po5erto re1?)ess)6 'nd 5it0out u)terior (otives, 1re'te, (er*e, divide 'ndor ')ter t0e

+ound'ries o2 po)iti1') su+divisions eit0er +r'Ken)6 or ste')t0i)6, 1on2ident t0't

t0is ourt 5i)) '+st'in 2ro( entert'inin* 2uture 10'))en*es to t0eir '1ts i2 t0e6('n'*e to +rin* '+out 'fait accom"li.34

It is true t0't t0e usu') 2un1tion o2 t0e 5rit o2 pro0i+ition is to prevent t0e

ee1ution o2 'n '1t 50i10 is '+out to +e done. It is not intended to provide '

re(ed6 2or '1ts ')re'd6 '11o(p)is0ed.34T0e o22i1e o2 pro0i+ition is to 'rrest

pro1eedin*s r't0er t0'n to undo t0e(.3;4 A preventive re(ed6, 's ' ru)e, does not

)ie to restr'in 'n '1t t0't is ')re'd6fait accom"li.3


44/83

T,e -%#,oo! &$s !o no ?%o&$e Se-%on 1* Ar%-&e o= ,e 1987

Cons%;%on.

Se1tion /, Arti1)e H o2 t0e =Donstitution st'tes:

No provin1e, 1it6, (uni1ip')it6, or #aran%ay s,$&&+e 1re'ted, divided,

(er*ed, '+o)is0ed, or its +ound'r6 su+st'nti'))6 ')tered, e-ep %n $--or!$n-e%, ,e -r%er%$ es$"&%s,e! %n ,e &o-$& en -o!e 'nd su+7e1t to'pprov') +6 ' ('7orit6 o2 t0e votes 1'st in ' p)e+is1ite in t0e po)iti1') units

dire1t)6 '22e1ted. 9E(p0'sis supp)ied

0't t0e provision (e'ns is t0't on1e t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode is

en'1ted, t0e 1re'tion, (odi2i1'tion, or disso)ution o2 )o1') *overn(ent units (ust

1on2or( 5it0 t0e 1riteri' t0us )'id do5n.3D4

T0e use o2 t0e 5ord s0')) in ' 1onstitution') provision is *ener'))6

1onsidered 's ' ('nd'tor6 1o(('nd,34 t0ou*0 t0e 5ord s0')) ('6 re1eive '

per(issive interpret'tion 50en ne1ess'r6 to 1'rr6 out t0e true intent o2 t0e

provision 50ere t0e 5ord is 2ound.3=4 T0us, it is not ')5'6s t0e 1'se t0't t0e use o2

t0e 5ord s0')) is 1on1)usive.3=/4 #o5ever, ' re'din* o2 Se1tion /, Arti1)e H

1'nnot +e 1onstrued 's 'n6t0in* e)se +ut ('nd'tor6.

T0't s'id Se1tion / is ('nd'tor6 is ')) t0e (ore +o)stered +6 t0e use o2 t0e

ne*'tive 'nd pro0i+itor6 5ords 3n4oprovin1e, 1it6 ('6 +e 1re'ted

e-epin '11ord'n1e 5it0 . In :arney v. Justice3=4'nd6unt v. State,3=4it

5's 0e)d t0't i2 t0e )'n*u'*e used in t0e onstitution is pro0i+itor6, it s0ou)d +e

1onstrued to (e'n ' positive 'nd une@uivo1') ne*'tion.

Se1tion /, Arti1)e H is 1)e'r: 9' t0e 1re'tion, division, (er*er or '+o)ition

or ')ter'tion o2 +ound'ries o2 )o1') *overn(ent units (ust +e in '11ord'n1e 5it0

t0e 1riteri' set 2ort0 in t0e "o1') Govern(ent odeJ 'nd 9+ su10 '1t (ust +e

'pproved +6 ' ('7orit6 o2 t0e votes 1'st in ' p)e+is1ite 1'))ed 2or t0e purpose in t0e

po)iti1') unit dire1t)6 '22e1ted. On one 0'nd, it s0ou)d +e in '11ord'n1e 5it0 t0e
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45/83

1riteri' set 2ort0 in t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode +e1'use t0e 1re'tion, division,

(er*er, or '+o)ition o2 po)iti1') units is p'rt o2 t0e )'r*er po5er to en'1t )'5s

50i10 t0e onstitution vests in on*ress.3=;4 It is ')so to ensure uni2or(it6 in

1riteri'. On t0e ot0er 0'nd, t0e p)e+is1ite is re@uired 's ' 10e1? '*'inst t0e

perni1ious po)iti1') pr'1ti1e o2 *err6('nderin*. No +etter 1ontro) eists '*'inst

t0is e1ess t0'n t0rou*0 t0e eer1ise o2 dire1t peop)e po5er, 50i10 pro(otes )o1')

'utono(6. A2ter ')), )o1') 'utono(6 is *u'r'nteed +6 t0e onstitution.3=


46/83

Petitioners 'nd petitioners-in-intervention 5ou)d +e 1orre1t i2 it 5ere not t0e

intent o2 R.A. No. =//=, 50i10 '(ended Se1tion / o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent

ode, to ee(pt respondent (uni1ip')ities 2ro( t0e in1o(e re@uire(ent

o2 P//,///,///.//.

I 5i)) e)'+or'te.

T0e 1riteri' est'+)is0ed in t0e )o1') *overn(ent 1ode t0't Se1tion /,

Arti1)e H o2 t0e =D onstitution spe'?s o2, 're spre'd in 't )e'st 2our se1tions o2

t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode, n'(e)6, Se-%on 6entit)ed Aut0orit6 to re'te "o1')

Govern(ent UnitsJ3==4Se-%on 7entit)ed re'tion 'nd onversion,3//4Se-%on

9entit)ed M'nner o2 re'tion,3/4'nd (ost i(port'nt)6, Se-%on 5entit)edRe@uisites 2or re'tion.

&urin* t0e de)i+er'tions on Se1tion >9;, Arti1)e $I o2 t0e =D

onstitution,3/4o((issioner &e 'stro re('r?ed t0't 50en P')'6'n it6 in

Nuev' E1i7' 5's ('de ' 1it6, t0ere 5ere on)6 t0ree 0ouses 'nd t5o s0'des 2or

1o5s.3/;4 T0e 'pp'rent 50i(si1') re'sons 2or 1re'tin* 1ities ended 50en B't's

P'(+'ns' 9B.P. B)*. ;;D provided, inter alia, t0't 3'4 (uni1ip')it6 ('6 +e

1onverted into ' 1o(ponent 1it6 i2 it 0's 'n 'ver'*e re*u)'r 'nnu') in1o(e,

's 1erti2ied +6 t0e Minister o2 Fin'n1e, o2 't )e'st ten (i))ion pesos 2or t0e )'st

t0ree 1onse1utive 6e'rs.3/


47/83

#undred Mi))ion Pesos 9 P //,///,///.// 2or t0e )'st t5o 9 1onse1utive 6e'rs

+'sed on /// 1onst'nt pri1es, 'nd i2 it 0's eit0er o2 t0e 2o))o5in* re@uisites:

A 1onti*uous territor6 o2 't )e'st one 0undred 9// s@u're ?i)o(eters, 's

1erti2ied +6 t0e "'nd M'n'*e(ent Bure'uJ or

A popu)'tion o2 not )ess t0'n one 0undred 2i2t6 t0ous'nd 9>/,///

in0'+it'nts, 's 1erti2ied +6 t0e N'tion') St'tisti1s O22i1e.

T0e 1re'tion t0ereo2 s0')) not redu1e t0e )'nd 're', popu)'tion 'nd in1o(e

o2 t0e ori*in') unit or units 't t0e ti(e o2 s'id 1re'tion to )ess t0'n t0e (ini(u(

re@uire(ents pres1ri+ed 0erein.

9+ T0e territori') 7urisdi1tion o2 ' ne5)6-1re'ted 1it6 s0')) +e proper)6

identi2ied +6 (etes 'nd +ounds. T0e re@uire(ent on )'nd 're' s0')) not 'pp)6

50ere t0e 1it6 proposed to +e 1re'ted is 1o(posed o2 one 9 or (ore

is)'nds. T0e territor6 need not +e 1onti*uous i2 it 1o(prises t5o 9 or (oreis)'nds.

91 T0e 'ver'*e 'nnu') in1o(e s0')) in1)ude t0e in1o(e '11ruin* to t0e

*ener') 2und, e1)usive o2 spe1i') 2unds, tr'ns2ers, 'nd non-re1urrin*

in1o(e. 9Unders1orin* supp)ied

0't on*ress 0'd in (ind is not 't ')) ti(es '11ur'te)6 re2)e1ted in t0e

)'n*u'*e o2 t0e st'tute. T0us, t0e )iter') interpret'tion o2 ' st'tute ('6

render it (e'nin*)essJ 'nd )e'd to '+surdit6, in7usti1e, or 1ontr'di1tion.3/>4 0en

t0is 0'ppens, 'nd 2o))o5in* t0e ru)e t0't t0e intent or t0e spirit o2 t0e )'5 is t0e )'5

itse)2,3/C4resort s0ou)d +e 0'd to t0e prin1ip)e t0't t0e spirit o2 t0e )'5 1ontro)s its

)etter.3/D4 Not to t0e )etter t0't ?i))et0, +ut to t0e spirit t0't vivi2iet0. indi ang

letra na pumapatay% ;ung hindi ang diwa na nagiigay uhay.

It is in t0is respe1t t0't t0e intent o2 on*ress in en'1tin* Sen'te Bi)) No.

>D, 50i10 eventu'))6 +e1'(e R.A. No. =//=, 2inds re)ev'n1e.

T0e purpose o2 t0e en'1t(ent o2 R.A. No. =//= 1'n +e seen in t0e

sponsors0ip spee10 o2 Sen'tor Pi(ente) on Sen'te Bi)) No. >D. Note5ort06 is

0is st'te(ent t0't t0e +'sis 2or t0e proposed in1re'se 2ro( P/,///,///.//

to P//,///,///.// in t0e in1o(e re@uire(ent 2or (uni1ip')ities 'nd 1)uster

o2 #aran%ays5'ntin* to +e 1onverted into 1ities is t0e ('d rus0 o2 (uni1ip')ities
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5'ntin* to +e 1onverted into 1ities, 'nd in order t0't t0e 1ountr6 5i)) not +e '

n'tion o2 ')) 1ities 'nd no (uni1ip')ities, vi2.:

Sen$or P%>ene&. Mr. President, I 5ou)d 0've 5'nted t0is +i)) to +ein1)uded in t0e 50o)e set o2 proposed '(end(ents t0't 5e 0've introdu1ed topre1ise)6 '(end t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode. #o5ever, it is ' 2'1t t0't t0ere is

' >$! r;s, o= >;n%-%p$&%%es $n%n< o "e -on?ere! %no -%%es . 0ere's in==, 50en t0e "o1') Govern(ent 5's 'pproved, t0ere 5ere on)6 C/ 1ities, tod'6

t0e nu(+er 0's in1re'sed to > 1ities, 5it0


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$==e-e! +6 t0e in1o(e t0res0o)d o2 P//,///,///.// +ein* proposed +6 Sen'te

Bi)) No. >D, t0us:

T#E PRESI&ENT. T0e 0'ir 5ou)d )i?e to 's? 2or so(e 1)'ri2i1'tor6

point.

SENATOR PIMENTE". Yes, Mr. President.

T#E PRESI&ENT. T0is is 7ust on t0e point o2 t0e pendin* +i))s in t0e

Sen'te 50i10 propose t0e 1onversion o2 ' nu(+er o2 (uni1ip')ities into 1ities 'nd50i10 @u')i26 under t0e present st'nd'rd.

e 5ou)d )i?e to ?no5 t0e vie5 o2 t0e sponsor: Assu(in* t0't t0is +i))

+e1o(es ' )'5, 5i)) t0e 0'(+er 'pp)6 t0e st'nd'rd 's proposed in t0is +i)) tot0ose +i))s 50i10 're pendin* 2or 1onsider'tion

SENATOR PIMENTE", Mr. President, it (i*0t not +e 2'ir to ('?e t0is

+i)), on t0e 'ssu(ption t0't it is 'pproved, retro'1t to t0e +i))s t0't 're pendin* in

t0e Sen'te 2or 1onversion 2ro( (uni1ip')ities to 1ities.

T#E PRESI&ENT. i)) t0ere +e 'n 'ppropri'te )'n*u'*e 1r'2ted to re2)e1t

t0't vie5 Or does it not +e1o(e ' po)i16 o2 t0e 0'(+er, 'ssu(in* t0't t0is +i))

+e1o(es ' )'5 to(orro5, t0't it 5i)) 'pp)6 to t0ose +i))s 50i10 're ')re'd6'pproved +6 t0e #ouse under t0e o)d version o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode 'nd

're no5 pendin* in t0e Sen'te T0e 0'ir does not ?no5 i2 5e 1'n 1r'2t '

)'n*u'*e 50i10 5i)) )i(it t0e 'pp)i1'tion to t0ose 50i10 're not 6et in t0e

Sen'te. Or is t0't ' po)i16 t0't t0e 0'(+er 5i)) 'dopt

SENATOR PIMENTE". Mr. President, person'))6, I do not t0in? it is

ne1ess'r6 to put t0't provision +e1'use 50't 5e 're s'6in* 0ere 5i)) 2or( p'rt o2t0e interpret'tion o2 t0is +i)). Besides, i2 t0ere is no retro'1tivit6 1)'use, I do not

t0in? t0't t0e +i)) 5ou)d 0've 'n6 retro'1tive e22e1t.

T#E PRESI&ENT. So t0e underst'ndin* is t0't t0ose +i))s 50i10 're

')re'd6 pendin* in t0e 0'(+er 5i)) not +e '22e1ted.

SENATOR PIMENTE". T0ese 5i)) not +e '22e1ted, Mr. President.

T#E PRESI&ENT. T0'n? 6ou Mr. 0'ir('n.3/=4 9Unders1orin* supp)ied

T0e de)i+er'tions o2 on*ress 're ne1ess'r6 to 2erret out t0e intent o2

t0e )e*is)'ture in en'1tin* R.A. No. =//=. It is ver6 1)e'r t0't Con


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%n-o>e reD;%re>en o=P1**. %>pose! "# R.A. No. 99. It 5's ('de

1)e'r +6 t0e "e*is)'ture t0't R.A. No. 99 o;&! no ,$?e $n# rero$-%?e

e==e-.

T0us, t0e interpe))'tions +6 Sen'tor &ri)on o2 Sen'tor Pi(ente) 're

1onsistent 5it0 t0e ru)e t0't )'5s s0ou)d +e 'pp)ied prospe1tive)6 in t0e spirit o2

7usti1e 'nd 2'ir p)'6. Be t0't 's it ('6, t0e ivi) ode is ep)i1it t0't )'5s s0'))

0've no retro'1tive e22e1t un)ess t0e 1ontr'r6 is provided. 3/4 T0is is epressed in

t0e 2'(i)i'r )e*') ('i(, lex "ros"icit, non res"icit. T0e )'5 )oo?s 2or5'rd, never

+'1?5'rd. Ang atas ay tumitingin sa hinaharap% hindi sa na;araan. T0e

re'son +e0ind t0e ru)e is not di22i1u)t to per1eive. T0e retro'1tive 'pp)i1'tion o2

t0e )'5 usu'))6 divests ri*0ts t0't 0've ')re'd6 +e1o(e vested or i(p'irs t0eo+)i*'tions o2 1ontr'1ts, t0us, is un1onstitution').34

It t0en +e1o(es 1)e'r t0't t0e +'sis 2or t0e in1)usion o2 t0e ee(ption 1)'use

o2 t0e 1it60ood )'5s is t0e 1)e'r-1ut %neno2 t0e "e*is)'ture o2 not *ivin*

retro'1tive e22e1t to R.A. No. =//=. In 2'1t, not on)6 do t0e )e*is)'tive re1ords +e'r

t0e )e*is)'tive intent o2 ee(ptin* t0e 1it60ood )'5s 2ro( t0e in1o(e re@uire(ent

o2 P//,///,///.// i(posed +6 R.A. No. =//=. on*ress 0's no5 ('de its

intent epressin t0e 1it60ood )'5s.

"e*is)'tive intent or spirit is t0e 1ontro))in* 2'1tor, t0e )e'din* st'r 'nd

*uidin* )i*0t in t0e 'pp)i1'tion 'nd interpret'tion o2 ' st'tute.34 I2 ' st'tute needs

1onstru1tion, t0e in2)uen1e (ost do(in'nt in t0't pro1ess is t0e intent or spirit o2

t0e '1t.3;4 T0e spirit, r't0er t0'n t0e )etter, o2 ' st'tute, deter(ines its 1onstru1tion.34 For 50't is

5it0in t0e spirit is 5it0in t0e st'tute ')t0ou*0 it is not 5it0in its )etter, 'nd t0't50i10 is 5it0in t0e )etter +ut not 5it0in t0e spirit is not 5it0in t0e st'tute.3C4 St'ted ot0er5ise, ' t0in* 50i10 is 5it0in t0e intent o2 t0e )'5('?er is 's (u10

5it0in t0e st'tute 's i2 5it0in t0e )etterJ 'nd ' t0in* 50i10 is 5it0in t0e )etter o2 t0e

st'tute is not 5it0in t0e st'tute un)ess 5it0in t0e intent o2 t0e )'5('?ers.3D4 "e*is)'tive intent is p'rt 'nd p'r1e) o2 t0e )'5. It is t0e 1ontro))in* 2'1tor in
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interpretin* ' st'tute. In 2'1t, 'n6 interpret'tion t0't runs 1ounter 5it0 t0e

)e*is)'tive intent is un'11ept'+)e 'nd inv')id.34 Torres v. -im8a"3=41ou)d not

0've +een (ore pre1ise, to 5it:

*he intent of a #tatute is the Law. I2 ' st'tute is v')id, it is to 0've

e22e1t '11ordin* to t0e purpose 'nd intent o2 t0e )'5('?er. T,e %nen %s ,e?%$& p$r* ,e essen-e o= ,e &$ $n! ,e pr%>$r# r;&e o= -onsr;-%on %s o$s-er$%n $n! 4'nd 9d 50en t0e inv')idit6 is

+e6ond re'son'+)e dou+t.3C4
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t0ere is ' stron* presu(ption t0't ')) re*u)'r)6 en'1ted st'tutes 're

1onstitution'). In ot0er 5ords, st'tutes 're not presu(ed to +e irr'tion'). T0us,

50ere possi+)e, 1on*ression') en'1t(ents 're to +e interpreted so 's to 'voidr'isin* serious dou+ts on 1onstitution') @uestions.

T0e *ener') prin1ip)e t0't t0ere is ' stron* presu(ption t0't ')) re*u)'r)6en'1ted st'tutes 're 1onstitution') 0's +een epressed in ' v'riet6 o2 5'6s. T0us,

it 0's +een s'id t0't ')) st'tutes 're o2 1onstitution') v')idit6 un)ess t0e6 're s0o5n

to +e inv')idJ t0't )e*is)'tures 're presu(ed to 0've '1ted 1onstitution'))6 inp'ssin* ' st'tuteJ t0't t0e 1ourts (ust st'rt out 5it0 t0e presu(ption t0't ' st'tute

is 1onstitution') 'nd v')idJ t0't ever6 intend(ent is in 2'vor o2 t0e v')idit6 o2 '

st'tuteJ t0't ever6 '1t o2 t0e )e*is)'ture is presu(ed to +e in 0'r(on6 5it0 t0e1onstitution un)ess t0e 1ontr'r6 1)e'r)6 'ppe'rsJ t0't ever6 '1t o2 t0e )e*is)'ture

'nd ever6 )'5 2ound on t0e st'tute +oo?s is presu(ptive)6 v')id, 't )e'st i2 t0e

st'tute is not p'tent)6 un1onstitution') on its 2'1eJ t0't t0e 1ourts 5i)) indu)*e inever6 presu(ption o2 1onstitution')it6 o2 50i10 t0e st'tute is sus1epti+)eJ t0't

ever6 r'tion') 'nd re'son'+)e presu(ption (ust +e indu)*ed in 2'vor o2 t0e

v')idit6 o2 'n '1tJ 'nd t0't t0e presu(ption o2 1onstitution')it6 is t0e postu)'te o2

7udi1i') 'd7udi1'tion. T0e presu(ption s0ou)d +e t0e 2ore(ost t0ou*0t in t0e1ourts (ind 's its pro1eeds to deter(ine t0e 1onstitution')it6 o2 ' st'tute.3D49it'tions o(itted

T0e presu(ption o2 1onstitution')it6 '11orded to st'tutes produ1es ' *r've

1onse@uen1e 'n6one 50o 5'nts ' st'tute to +e de1)'red un1onstitution') +e'rs

t0e onus "ro#andi, t0us:

A p'rt6 50o '))e*es t0e un1onstitution')it6 o2 ' st'tute nor('))6 0's t0e

+urden o2 su+st'nti'tin* 0is or 0er 1)'i(. T0e +urden is ' 0e'v6 'nd di22i1u)t one,

'nd it is 5e)) sett)ed t0't to sust'in it, t0e 'ss'i)'nt (ust ne*'te ever6 re'son'+)e,1on1eiv'+)e +'sis 50i10 (i*0t support t0e st'tute 'tt'1?edJ (ust +e '+)e to point

out t0e p'rti1u)'r provision t0't 0's +een vio)'ted 'nd t0e *round on 50i10 it 0's

+een in2rin*edJ 5it0 re*'rd to 2'1i') 'tt'1?s '))e*in* inv')idit6, (ust est'+)is0 t0'tno set o2 1ir1u(st'n1es eists under 50i10 t0e '1t ('6 +e 0e)d v')idJ 'nd (ust

over1o(e t0e stron* presu(ption in 2'vor o2 its v')idit6, 50i10 1ontinues unti) t0e

1ontr'r6 is proved. #e or s0e (ust s0o5 0o5, 's to 0i( or 0er, t0e )e*is)'tion in

@uestion is un1onstitution'). 34 9it'tions o(itted
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S'd)6 2or petitioners 'nd petitioners-in-intervention, t0e6 2'i)ed to

dis10'r*e t0eir 0e'v6 +urden. Be1'use t0e6 2'i)ed to do so, t0e ourt 0's no

10oi1e +ut to up0o)d t0e presu(ption o2 1onstitution')it6 '11orded to t0e 1it60ood

)'5s.

II

*he cityhood laws do not violate the e2ual protection clause under #ection

+% Article --- of the Constitution y granting special treatment to respondentmunicipalities in exempting them from the minimum income re2uirement

imposed y R6A6 5o6 90096

Arti1)e III, Se1tion o2 t0e onstitution p'rt)6 provides t0't no person s0'))

+e denied t0e e@u') prote1tion o2 t0e )'5s. T0is provision 5's sour1ed 2ro( t0e

Fourteent0 A(end(ent o2 t0e United St'tes onstitution 3=450i10, '(on* ot0ers,

provides t0't no St'te s0')) den6 to 'n6 person 5it0in its 7urisdi1tion t0e e@u')

prote1tion o2 t0e )'5s.3;/4 A)t0ou*0 1ou10ed di22erent)6, t0e e@u') prote1tion

1)'use in t0e United St'tes onstitution 0's t0e s'(e (e'nin* 's t0't in t0e

P0i)ippine onstitution.3;4

T0e essen1e o2 t0e 1o(('nd o2 t0e e@u') prote1tion 1)'use is ' dire1tion t0't

')) persons si(i)'r)6 situ'ted s0ou)d +e tre'ted ')i?e.3;4 T0e pri('r6 o+7e1tive o2

t0e e@u') prote1tion 1)'use 5's to se1ure 2or t0e +)'1? persons, 50o 5ere t0en

re1ent)6 e('n1ip'ted, t0e 2u)) en7o6(ent o2 t0eir 2reedo(.3;;4

As present)6understood, 0o5ever, e@u') prote1tion etends to ')) persons 5it0out re*'rd 2or

r'1e, 1o)or, or 1)'ss. It pro0i+its 'n6 st'te )e*is)'tion 50i10 denies to 'n6 r'1e,

1)'ss, or individu') t0e e@u') prote1tion o2 t0e )'5s. 3;4po)iti1') su+divisions o2 ' st'te, 50i10 're pu+)i1 1orpor'tions,

're 1overed +6 t0e *u'r'ntee o2 t0e e@u') prote1tion 1)'use.
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Not ')) 1)'ssi2i1'tions 're pro0i+ited, 0o5ever. T0e e@u') prote1tion

*u'r'ntee o2 t0e Fourteent0 A(end(ent does not t'?e '5'6 2ro( on*ress t0e

po5er o2 1)'ssi2i1'tion.3;C4 T0us, it is 0orn+oo? do1trine t0't t0e *u'r'nt6 o2 t0e

e@u') prote1tion o2 t0e )'5 is not vio)'ted +6 ' )e*is)'tion +'sed on re'son'+)e

1)'ssi2i1'tion.3;D4

#o5ever, t0e 1)'ssi2i1'tion, to +e re'son'+)e, 9 (ust rest on su+st'nti')

distin1tionsJ 9 (ust +e *er('ne to t0e purpose o2 t0e )'5J 9; (ust not +e

)i(ited to eistin* 1onditions on)6J 'nd 9


55/83

0's (et t0e re@uisites 2or 1onversion under Se1tion / o2 t0e "o1')

Govern(ent ode, p'rti1u)'r)6 t0e in1o(e t0res0o)d o2 P/ (i))ion. O2 t0e >D

t0't 2i)ed, t0irt6-t5o 9; 5ere en'1ted into )'5J one 5's re7e1ted in ' p)e+is1iteJ50i)e t0e rest t5ent6-2our 9, I i((edi'te)6 set t0e pu+)i1 0e'rin* t0e 2o))o5in*


56/83

(ont0. On %u)6 >, //C, I 2i)ed o((ittee Report No. < '2ter over ' 6e'r o2

deter(inin* t0e senti(ents o2 our 1o))e'*ues 'nd 1onsiderin* t0e positions t'?en

+6 t0e 1on1erned se1tors +ot0 2or 'nd '*'inst t0e reso)ution. On Septe(+er C, Ide)ivered t0e sponsors0ip spee10 'nd 5's interpe))'ted +6 Sen'tors A@ui)ino

Pi(ente), %r. 'nd Ser*io Os(e8' III on Septe(+er . A)t0ou*0 I 0'd ('de

(6se)2 'v'i)'+)e 2or interpe))'tion 2ro( 'n6one ')(ost ever6


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session d'6 sin1e t0en, it 5's on)6 )'st O1to+er t0't t0e Sen'te '*reed

to pro1eed 5it0 t0e 1o((ittee 'nd individu') '(end(ents. On t0e s'(e d'6, t0e

Sen'te 'pproved t0e (e'sure on Se1ond Re'din*, 5it0out pre7udi1e to ' (otion2or re1onsider'tion +6 'n6 (e(+er 50o 5's not on t0e 2)oor t0't d'6.

A2ter ' (ont0-)on* +re'?, on Nove(+er D, t0e 'pprov') 5's re1onsideredto *ive 5'6 to 2urt0er @uestions 2ro( Sen'tors Pi(ente) 'nd Bi'Kon. B6

Nove(+er


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. A popu)'tion o2 not )ess t0'n >/,/// in0'+it'nts, 's 1erti2ied +6 t0e

N'tion') St'tisti1s O22i1e.

A))o5 (e no5 to p)'1e on re1ord t0e @u')i2i1'tion o2 e'10 o2 t0e

(uni1ip')ities +'sed on t0ese re@uire(ents. T0e 'ver'*e re*u)'r in1o(e 2or t0e6e'rs /// 'nd // 9prior to t0e e22e1tivit6 o2 RA =//= +'sed on == 1onst'nt

pri1es 5's du)6 1erti2ied +6 t0e Bure'u o2 "o1') Govern(ent Fin'n1e, t0e )'nd

're' +6 t0e "'nds M'n'*e(ent Bure'u, 'nd t0e popu)'tion 9+'sed on t0e ///

ensus +6 t0e N'tion') St'tisti1s O22i1e:

Muni1ip')ities 9#ouse Bi))- In1o(e "'nd Are' Popu)'tion

o((ittee Report

. B'6+'6, "e6te 9#. No. >=D;-R P=. M =.;< ?( C,D=. T'6'+'s, QueKon 9#. No. >=;/-R = P ?( C===-R P.D M =.D; ?( ;=,

de) SurC. T'+u?, ')in*' 9#. No. C//>-R ; P=.= M D//.> ?( C;,>/D

D. B't'1, I)o1os Norte 9#. No. C// P>.D M C.D ?( D,DC

=. B'6u*'n, A*us'n 9#. No. >==-R C P;.> M CC.DD ?( =,=== de) Sur

/. '+'d+'r'n, A*us'n 9#. No. >==-R D P.= M ;./ ?( >,=/>

&e) Norte. Boron*'n, E'stern 9#. No. >==/-R P>.< M .// ?( ==D-R = P./ M /;.>?( >D,>/=

B'sed on t0ese d't', it is 1)e'r t0't ')) t0e (uni1ip')ities under

1onsider'tion 're @u')i2ied to +e1o(e 1ities prior to RA =//=. A)) o2 t0e( s'tis26

t0e ('nd'tor6 re@uire(ent on in1o(e 'nd one o2 t0e t5o option') re@uire(entso2 territor6.

It (ust ')so +e noted t0't e1ept 2or T'nd'* 'nd "'(it'n, 50i10 're +ot0se1ond-1)'ss (uni1ip')ities in ter(s o2 in1o(e, ')) t0e rest 're 1'te*oriKed +6 t0e

&ep'rt(ent o2 Fin'n1e 's 2irst-1)'ss (uni1ip')ities 5it0 *ross in1o(e o2 't

)e'st PD/ (i))ion 's per o((ission on Audit Report 2or //>. Moreover, T'nd'* 'nd "'(it'n, to*et0er 5it0 Boron*'n, 't+')o*'n,

'nd T'+u?, 're ')) provin1i') 1'pit')s.


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T0e (ore re1ent in1o(e 2i*ures o2 t0e (uni1ip')ities, 50i10 5ou)d

0've in1re'sed 2urt0er +6 t0is ti(e, indi1'te t0eir re'diness to t'?e on t0e

responsi+i)ities o2 1it60ood.

Moreover, t0e (uni1ip')ities under 1onsider'tion 're )e'din* )o1')ities in

t0eir respe1tive provin1es. Boron*'n, 't+')o*'n, T'nd'*, B't'1 'nd T'+u? 'rer'n?ed nu(+er one in ter(s o2 in1o(e '(on* ')) t0e (uni1ip')ities in t0eir

respe1tive provin1esJ B'6+'6 'nd B'6u*'n 're nu(+er t5oJ Bo*o 'nd "'(it'n

're nu(+er t0reeJ 'r1'r, nu(+er 2ourJ 'nd T'6'+'s, nu(+er seven. Not on)6 'ret0e6 p'1esetters in t0eir respe1tive provin1es, t0e6 're ')so '(on* t0e

2rontrunners in t0eir re*ions B'6+'6, B'6u*'n 'nd T'+u? 're nu(+er t5o

in1o(e e'rners in Re*ions $III, HII, 'nd AR, respe1tive)6J 't+')o*'n 'nd

B't'1 're nu(+er t0ree in Re*ions $III 'nd I, respe1tive)6J Bo*o, nu(+er 2ive inRe*ion $IIJ Boron*'n 'nd 'r1'r 're +ot0 nu(+er si in Re*ions $III 'nd $II,

respe1tive)6. T0is si(p)6 s0o5s t0't t0ese (uni1ip')ities 're vi'+)e.

It is 2or t0ese re'sons t0't I on1e '*'in 'ppe') to (6 distin*uis0ed

1o))e'*ues 2or t0eir ?ind 1onsider'tion 'nd 'pprov') o2 t0e it60ood Bi))s o2 t0e (uni1ip')ities 50ose 'pp)i1'tion 2or 1it6 st'tus 5's overt'?en +6 events

+e6ond t0eir 1ontro). T0e6 0've )on*ed 2or so )on* ' ti(e no5, ever 0opin* t0't

t0eir e)e1ted represent'tives in t0is 0'(+er 5ou)d see t0e re'son'+)eness o2 t0eir'ppe'). I +e)ieve t0e6 0've ')re'd6 +ent over +'1?5'rds in re1o*nition o2 t0e

v')id senti(ents o2 t0eir 1o))e'*ues in t0e "e'*ue o2 ities. You 5i)) note t0't out

o2 t0e ori*in') < (uni1ip')ities, 5e on)6 0've +e2ore us ne'r)6 's 0')2.

Our peop)e 2ro( t0ese (uni1ip')ities deserve ' str'i*0t2or5'rd

response 2ro( us on t0is ('tter t0e6 dee( i(port'nt. Even t0ose 50o oppose t0e

ee(ption epe1t t0't t0e Sen'te 5ou)d on1e 'nd 2or ')) put ' 1)osure to t0eissue. T0ere is '(p)e ti(e i2 5e 10oose to (e'sure up to our ('nd'te 's

represent'tives o2 t0e peop)e. I '( 1on2ident t0't 5e 5i)) not 2'i) t0e( t0e t0ird

ti(e.3;=4 9Unders1orin* supp)ied

B. T,e -&$ss%=%-$%on ress on s;"s$n%$& !%s%n-%ons. 0't

distin*uis0es respondent (uni1ip')ities 2ro( ot0er (uni1ip')ities is t0't t0e )'tter

0'd pendin* 1it60ood +i))s +e2ore t0e p'ss'*e o2 R.A. No. =//=. In t0e 5ords

o2 Sen'tor "i(, t0e pe1u)i'r 1onditions o2 respondent (uni1ip')ities, 50i10 )ed tot0eir ee(ption 2ro( t0e in1re'sed P//,///,///.// in1o(e re@uire(ent o2

R.A. No. =//=, is t0't t0e i(position o2 ' (u10 0i*0er in1o(e re@uire(ent on

t0ose t0't 5ere @u')i2ied to +e1o(e 1ities +e2ore t0e en'1t(ent o2 R.A. No. =//=

5's un2'irJ )i?e 'n6 sport 10'n*in* t0e ru)es in t0e (idd)e o2 t0e *'(e. T0us,

2'irness di1t'tes t0't t0e6 s0ou)d +e *iven ' )e*') re(ed6 +6 50i10 t0e6 s0ou)d +e


60/83

'))o5ed to prove t0't t0e6 0've ')) t0e ne1ess'r6 @u')i2i1'tions 2or 1it6 st'tus usin*

t0e 1riteri' set 2ort0 under t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode prior to its '(end(ent +6

R.A. No. =//=. Tru)6, t0e pe1u)i'r 1onditions o2 respondent (uni1ip')ities, 50i10

're '1tu') 'nd re'), 2urnis0 su22i1ient *rounds 2or )e*is)'tive 1)'ssi2i1'tion.

It is not t0e provin1e o2 t0e ourt to de)ve into t0e 5isdo( o2 )e*is)'tive

en'1t(ents. T0e on)6 2un1tion o2 1ourts is t0e interpret'tion o2 )'5s. T0e

prin1ip)e o2 sep'r'tion o2 po5ers prevents t0e( 2ro( reinventin* )'5s. 3


61/83

ourts do not sit to deter(ine t0e 5isdo( o2 st'tutes, or 2's0ion re(edies

t0't on*ress 0's spe1i2i1'))6 10osen not to etend. it0 @uestions o2 5isdo(,

propriet6, 'ppropri'teness, ne1essit6, po)i16, 2'irness, or epedien16 o2 )e*is)'tionor re*u)'tions, t0e 1ourts si(p)6 0've no 1on1ern.

T0e 1ourts s0ou)d si(i)'r)6 +e un1on1erned 5it0 @uestions o2 )e*is)'tive

(otiv'tion. Indeed, t0e 2'1t2indin* pro1ess 'nd (otiv'tion o2 )e*is)'tive +odies is*ener'))6 entit)ed to ' presu(ption o2 re*u)'rit6 'nd de2erenti') revie5 +6 t0e

7udi1i'r6 .3


62/83

1onditions eistin* 't t0e ti(e o2 its en'1t(ent. It is intended to 'pp)6 2or '))

ti(e 's )on* 's t0e 1onditions set t0ere eist. It is 'pp)i1'+)e 's )on* 's t0e

1on1erned (uni1ip')ities 0've 2i)ed t0eir respe1tive 1it60ood +i))s +e2ore t0e

e22e1tivit6 o2 R.A. No. =//=, 'nd @u')i26 2or 1onversion into 1it6 under t0e ori*in')

version o2 Se1tion / o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode.

T0e 1o((on ee(ption 1)'use in t0e 1it60ood )'5s is 'n 'pp)i1'tion o2 t0e

non-retro'1tive e22e1t o2 R.A. No. =//=. I %s no $ !e-&$r$%on o= -er$%n r%


63/83

tr'de n'(e in ' 1it6 o2 (ore t0'n one (i))ion in0'+it'nts to se)) 2)uid (i)?

in +ott)es to stores in su10 1it6 't ' pri1e not (ore t0'n one 1ent per @u'rt +e)o5

t0e pri1e o2 su10 (i)? so)d to stores under ' 5e)) 'dvertised tr'de n'(e, 'nd su10)o5er pri1e s0')) ')so 'pp)6 on s')es 2ro( stores to 1onsu(ersJ provided t0't in no

event s0')) t0e pri1e o2 su10 (i)? not 0'vin* ' 5e)) 'dvertised tr'de n'(e, +e

(ore t0'n one 1ent per @u'rt +e)o5 t0e (ini(u( pri1e 2ied 9+6 t0e +o'rd 2orsu10 s')es to stores in su10 ' 1it6.3


64/83

is not ' re*u)'tion o2 ' +usiness or 'n '1tivit6 in t0e interest o2, or 2or t0e

prote1tion o2, t0e pu+)i1, +ut 'n 'tte(pt to *ive 'n e1ono(i1 'dv'nt'*e to t0ose

en*'*ed in ' *iven +usiness 't 'n 'r+itr'r6 d'te 's '*'inst ')) t0ose 50o enter t0e

industr6 '2ter t0't d'te.3>/4

In 2in'))6 ru)in* t0't t0e @uestioned A1t vio)'ted t0e e@u') prote1tion 1)'use,

t0e United St'tes Supre(e ourt, t0rou*0 Mr. %usti1e O5en Ro+erts, 0e)d t0't

'ppe))ees do not inti('te t0't t0e 1)'ssi2i1'tion +e'rs 'n6 re)'tion to t0e pu+)i1

0e')t0 or 5e)2're *ener'))6J t0't t0e provision 5i)) dis1our'*e (onopo)6J or t0't it

5's 'i(ed 't 'n6 '+use, 1o*niK'+)e +6 )'5, in t0e (i)? +usiness. 3>4 T0us, 3i4n

t0e '+sen1e o2 'n6 su10 s0o5in*, 5e 0've no ri*0t to 1on7ure up possi+)e

situ'tions 50i10 (i*0t 7usti26 t0e dis1ri(in'tion. T0e 1)'ssi2i1'tion is 'r+itr'r6'nd unre'son'+)e 'nd denies t0e 'ppe))'nt t0e e@u') prote1tion o2 t0e )'5.3>4

Petitioners 'nd petitioners-in-intervention 1)'i( t0't )i?e t0e Mi)? ontro)

A1t o2 =;;, t0e 1it60ood )'5s s0ou)d ')so +e de1)'red un1onstitution') +e1'use

t0ere is no 1o(pe))in* or 1ounterv'i)in* St'te po)i16, 1onstitution') provision or

even st'tutor6 or pu+)i1 po)i16 t0't under)ies t0e ee(ption 1)'use in t0e 1it60ood

)'5s.3>;4

T0e 'r*u(ent is unten'+)e. T0e Mi)? ontro) A1t o2 =;; 5's de1)'red

un1onstitution') +e1'use t0e ti(e 5's +'sed on 'n 'r+itr'r6 d'te. It did not 0've

'n6 re)'tion to t0e pu+)i1 5e)2're *ener'))6. T0ere 5's no 1'us') 1onne1tion

+et5een ti(e 'nd t0e purpose o2 t0e )'5.

0't 5e 0've 0ere is di22erent. T0ere is ' 1'us') 1onne1tion +et5een ti(e,

i.e., t0e E)event0 on*ress 50en t0e 1it60ood +i))s o2 respondent
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(uni1ip')ities 5ere 2i)ed, 'nd t0e purpose o2 t0e )'5, 50i10 is 7usti1e 'nd

2'irness.

Respondent (uni1ip')ities 'nd t0e ot0er t0irt6-t5o 9; (uni1ip')ities,

50i10 0'd ')re'd6 +een e)ev'ted to 1it6 st'tus, 5ere ')) 2ound to +e @u')i2ied under

t0e o)d Se1tion / o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode 'nd 0'd pendin*

1it60ood +i))s durin* t0e E)event0 on*ress. As su10, +ot0 respondent

(uni1ip')ities 'nd t0e ot0er t0irt6-t5o 9; (uni1ip')ities 're under )i?e

1ir1u(st'n1es 'nd 1onditions. T0ere is t0us no 1o*ent re'son 506 'n ee(ption

2ro( t0e P//,///,///.// 1'nnot +e *iven to respondent

(uni1ip')ities. Ot0er5ise, un2'irness 'nd in7usti1e 5i)) +e 1o((itted '*'inst

t0e(.

T0e e@u') prote1tion o2 t0e )'5 1)'use pros1ri+es undue 2'vor 'nd individu')

2'vor 'nd individu') or 1)'ss privi)e*e 's 5e)) 's 0osti)e dis1ri(in'tion or t0e

possession o2 ine@u')it6. T0e e@u') prote1tion 1)'use is not intended to pro0i+it

)e*is)'tion, 50i10 is )i(ited eit0er in t0e o+7e1t to 50i10 it is dire1ted or +6

territor6 5it0in 50i10 it is to oper'te. Neit0er does e@u') prote1tion de('nd

'+so)ute e@u')it6 '(on* residents. It (ere)6 re@uires t0't ')) persons s0')) +e

tre'ted ')i?e, under )i?e 1ir1u(st'n1es 'nd 1onditions +ot0 's to privi)e*es

1on2erred 'nd )i'+i)ities en2or1ed.3>>4

In )i?e ('nner,on*ress 0's t0e po5er to 1'rr6 out t0e intent o2 R.A. No. =//= +6 ('?in* ' )'5

50i10 ee(pts (uni1ip')ities 2ro(
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t0e P//,///,///.// in1o(e re@uire(ent i(posed +6 R.A. No. =//= i2 t0eir

1it60ood )'5s 5ere pendin* 50en R.A. No. =//= 5's p'ssed, 'nd 5ere 1o(p)i'nt

5it0 t0e in1o(e t0res0o)d re@uire(ent o2 P/,///,///.// i(posed +6 t0en Se1tion

/ o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode.

Even i2 t0e 1)'ssi2i1'tion o2 t0e 1it60ood )'5s is )i(ited to eistin*

1onditions on)6, t0is does not 'uto('ti1'))6 (e'n t0't t0e6 're

un1onstitution'). T0e *ener') ru)e is t0't ' 1)'ssi2i1'tion (ust not +e +'sed on

eistin* 1onditions on)6. It (ust ')so +e ('de 2or 2uture '1@uisitions o2 t0e 1)'ss

's ot0er su+7e1ts '1@uire t0e 10'r'1teristi1s 50i10 2or( t0e +'sis o2 t0e

1)'ssi2i1'tion. T0e e1eptionis 50en t0e st'tute is 1ur'tive or re(edi'), 'nd t0us

te(por'r6.3>C4

#ere, t0e 1it60ood )'5s 're 1ur'tive or re(edi') st'tutes. T0e6 see? to

prevent t0e *re't in7usti1e 50i10 5ou)d +e 1o((itted to respondent

(uni1ip')ities. A*'in, t0e 1it60ood )'5s 're not 1ontr'r6 to t0e spirit 'nd intent o2

R.A. No. =//= +e1'use on*ress intended s'id )'5 to +e prospe1tive, not

retro'1tive, in 'pp)i1'tion. Indeed, to den6 respondent (uni1ip')ities t0e s'(e

ri*0ts 'nd privi)e*es '11orded to t0e ot0er t0irt6-t5o 9; (uni1ip')ities 50en t0e6

're under t0e s'(e 1ir1u(st'n1es, is t'nt'(ount to den6in* respondent

(uni1ip')ities t0e prote1tive ('nt)e o2 t0e e@u') prote1tion 1)'use. In e22e1t,

petitioners 'nd petitioners-in-intervention 're 1re'tin* 'n '+surd situ'tion in 50i10

'n '))e*ed vio)'tion o2 t0e e@u') prote1tion 1)'use o2 t0e onstitution is re(edied

+6 'not0er vio)'tion o2 t0e e@u') prote1tion 1)'use. T0't t0e ourt 1'nnot sust'in.

E. T,e -&$ss%=%-$%on $pp&%es eD;$& o $&& >e>"ers o= ,e s$>e

-&$ss. T0e 1it60ood )'5s, in 1'rr6in* out t0e 1)e'r intent o2 R.A. No. =//=, 'pp)6to (uni1ip')ities t0't 0'd pendin* 1it60ood +i))s +e2ore t0e p'ss'*e o2 R.A. No.

=//= 'nd 5ere 1o(p)i'nt 5it0 t0en Se1tion / o2 t0e "o1') Govern(ent ode

t0't pres1ri+ed 'n in1o(e re@uire(ent o2 P/,///,///.//.


67/83

In su(, ' st'tutor6 dis1ri(in'tion 5i)) not +e set 'side on t0e *round o2

deni') o2 e@u') prote1tion o2 t0e )'5s i2 'n6 st'te o2 2'1ts re'son'+)6 ('6 +e

1on1eived to 7usti26 it.3>D4 )'ss )e*is)'tion 50i10 dis1ri(in'tes '*'inst so(e 'nd

2'vors ot0ers is pro0i+ited. But ' 1)'ssi2i1'tion on ' re'son'+)e +'sis, 50i10 is not

('de 'r+itr'ri)6 or 1'pri1ious)6, is per(issi+)e.3>4 T0us, in-o"e2 v. Commission

on lections,3>=4 t0e ourt re7e1ted t0e 1)'i( t0't t0ere 5's deni') o2 t0e e@u')

prote1tion provision o2 t0e onstitution, un)ess Presidenti') &e1ree No.


68/83

No. 3C4'nd t0't +6 t0e respe1tive on*ress(en3C450o introdu1ed 50't
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