Professional Documents
Culture Documents
INTERNAL WATERS: Waters landward of the baseline are defined as internal of coastal countries. For the physical geography definition, see the continental shelf
waters, over which the state has complete jurisdiction: not even innocent passage is page.
allowed. Lakes and rivers are considered internal waters, as are all "archipelagic
waters" within the outermost islands of an archipelagic state such as Indonesia or the
The continental shelf of a coastal nation extends out to the outer edge of the
Philippines.
continental margin but at least 200 nautical miles (370 km) from the baselines of the
The outer edge of the continental margin for the purposes of this article is defined as: Article II
a series of lines joining points not more than 60 nautical miles (111 km) apart Section 1: Philippines as a democratic and republican State
where the thickness of sedimentary rocks is at least 1% of the height of the Bacani vs. NACOCO
continental shelf above the foot of the continental slope; or Government Functions: (revised Admin. Code) refers only to government entity
through which the function of the government are exercised as an attribute of
a series of lines joining points not more than 60 nautical miles apart that is not
sovereignty, and in this are included those arms to the government through w/c
more than 60 nautical miles from the foot of the continental margin. political authority is made effective whether they be provincial, municipal or other
form of local government. These are what we call municipal corporations. They do
The foot of the continental slope is determined as the point of maximum change in the not include government entities which are given a corporate personality separate and
distinct from the government and which are governed by the Corporation law. Their
gradient at its base.
powers, duties and liabilities have to be determined in the light of that law and their
corporate charters.
The portion of the continental shelf beyond the 200 nautical mile limit is also known
ACCFA vs. CUGCO
as the extended continental shelf. Countries wishing to delimit their outer continental
shelf beyond 200 nautical miles have to submit information on their claim to the Governmental functions:
Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. The Commission must make 1) constituent – the very bonds of society and are compulsory
recommendations on matters related to the establishment of the outer limits of their 2) ministrant – undertaken only by way of advancing the general interest of
continental shelf. The limits established based on these recommendations shall be society; optional.
final and binding. Land reform program – governmental function and cannot be undertaken by any
private enterprise (no capacity).
Countries were supposed to lodge their submissions to extend their continental shelf
beyond 200 nautical miles within 10 years of UNCLOS coming into force in the PVTA vs. CIR
country, or by 13 May 2009 for countries where the convention had come into force
before 13 May 1999. As of 1 June 2009, 51 submissions have been lodged with the Government to provide for general welfare. Government entrusted to be responsible
Commission, of which 8 have been deliberated by the Commission and have had for coping with social and economic problems with commensurate power of control
2 CONSTI LAW I – ATTY. CANDELARIA
BY STARR WEIGAND
3
over economic affairs: live up to commitment of promoting general welfare through AFP-RSBS – a GOCC and its funds are in the nature of public funds. Sandiganbayan
state action. has jurisdiction over offenses committed by presidents, directors, trustees or managers
of GOCCs. What charges to file, and who are to be charged are matters addressed to
Republic vs. Judge of CFI Rizal the discretion of the Ombudsman.
The rice and Corn Administration is a government agency without a distinct and Alzaga vs. Sandiganbayan
separate legal personality from that of the Republic of the Philippines.
The character and operations of the AFP-RSBS are imbued with public interest thus
VFP vs. Reyes the same is a government entity and its funds are in the nature of public funds.
(similar to the GSIS)
Public Office – the right, authority and duty, created and conferred by law, by which,
for a given period, either fixed by law or enduring at the pleasure of the creating PSPCA vs. COA
power, an individual is vested with some portion of sovereign functions of the
government, to be exercised by him for the benefit of the public. GOCCs are subject to the control or supervision of the State (unlike PSPCA). A
juridical entity impressed with public interest does not make the entity a public
Office (distinguished from employment or contract) – the creation and conferring of corporation. The true criterion to determine whether a corporation is public or private
an office involves a delegation to the individual of some of the sovereign functions of is found in the totality of the relation of the corporation to the State. If it is created by
the government, for the benefit of the public; that some portion of the sovereign the State as its own agency or instrumentality to help in carrying out its governmental
function of the country, either legislative, executive or judicial, attaches, for the time functions, then that corporation is considered public; otherwise, it is private.
being, to be exercised for the public benefit.
Serana vs. Sandiganbayan
MIAA vs. CA
A UP Student Regent is a public officer. It is not a natural right. It exists, when it
GOCC – a stock or non-stock corporation, vested with functions relating to the public exists at all only because and by virtue of some law expressly or impliedly creating or
needs whether governmental or proprietary in nature, and owned by the government conferring it. Compensation is not an essential element of public office. It is merely
directly or through its instrumentalities either wholly, or where applicable (for stock incidental to the public office. Delegation of sovereign functions is essential in public
corps.), to the extent of at least 51% of its capital stock. office. An investment on an individual of some portion of the sovereign functions of
the government, to be exercised by him for the benefit of the public makes one a
(MIAA as a government instrumentality) Instrumentality – defined as any agency of public officer. The administration of UP is a sovereign function of the State. (Art.
the National Government, not integrated within the department framework, vested XIV)
with special functions or jurisdiction by law, endowed with some if not all corporate
powers, administering special funds, and enjoying operational autonomy, usually De Jure and De Facto Government
through a charter.
Co Kim Cham vs. Valdez Tan Keh
Ramiscal vs. Sandiganbayan
Distinguishing characteristics of the 2nd kind of de facto government: 1) its existence Bayan vs. Zamora
is maintained by active military power within the territories and against the rightful
authority of an established and lawful government; 2) while it exists it must As long as the VFA possesses the elements of an agreement under international law,
necessarily be obeyed in civil matters by private citizens who, by acts of obedience the said agreement is to be taken equally as a treaty, which is an international
rendered in submission to such force, do not become responsible, as wrongdoers, for instrument concluded between States in written form and governed by international
those acts, though not warranted by the laws of the rightful government. law, whether embodied in a single instrument or in 2 or more related instruments, and
whatever it particular designation. In international law, there is no difference between
Letter of Associate justice Puno treaties and executive agreements in their binding effect upon states concerned, as
long as the negotiating functionaries have remained within their powers. In this,
Revolution – the complete overthrow of the established government in any country or jurisdiction, we have recognized the binding effect of executive agreements even
state by those who were previously subject to it.; sudden, radical and fundamental without the concurrence of the Senate or Congress.
change in the government or political system, usually effected with violence or at
least some acts of violence; occurs whenever the legal order of a community is Lim vs. Exec. Sec.
nullified and replaced by a new order… away not prescribed by the first order itself.
A party to a treaty is not allowed to invoke its internal law as justification for its
The Aquino government was revolutionary government due to the fact that it was failure to perform a treaty. A treaty is favored over municipal law pursuant to the
established in defiance of the existing legal processes. It was a revamp of the principle of pacta sunt servanda. Every treaty in force is binding upon the parties to it
Judiciary and the Military signaled the point when the legal system then in effect, had and must be performed by them in good faith. The VFA gives legitimacy to the
ceased to be obeyed by the Filipino. (De Facto Government). Balikatan Exercises.
The Philippines has authority over its entire domain. There is no portion of it that is There is no obligatory rule derived from treaties or conventions that requires the
beyond its power. Within its limits, its decrees are supreme, its commands paramount. Philippines to recognize foreign judgments, or allow a procedure for the enforcement
Its laws govern therein and apply to all. The extent of its jurisdiction is both territorial thereof.
and personal. A State may allow another to participate in the exercise of jurisdictional
right over certain portions of its territory (auto-limitation) but these areas do not retain Shagri-La vs. Developers
an alien character, but remain as native soil.
Pharmaceutical vs. Duque III
Section 2: International Law and Philippine Municipal Law
Under the 1987 Constitution, international law can become part of the law of the land
4 CONSTI LAW I – ATTY. CANDELARIA
BY STARR WEIGAND
5
either by transformation or incorporation. Transformation requires that the Pierce vs. Society of Sister
international law be transformed into domestic law through a constitutional
mechanism such as local legislation. Incorporation applies, when by mere The fundamental theory of liberty exclude any general power to standardize its
constitutional declaration , international law is deemed to have force and effect of children by forcing them to accept instruction from public school teachers only.
domestic law. Treaties become part of the law of the land through transformation, by
concurrence of 2/3 majority vote of the members of Senate. Wisconsin vs. Yoder
Section 3: Civilian Supremacy Only those interests of the highest order and those not otherwise served can over-
balance the primary interest of parents in the religious upbringing of their children.
IBP vs. Zamora
Inherent duty of the state to act as parens patriae (parent of the STATE).
Orders which resemble the functions of aid by the AFP already present and existent
within the functions of society such as elections, national exams, relief and rescue Schools may take disciplinary action when:
operations and projects of the Red Cross, are not violative of civilian supremacy.
1. violations of school policies in connection with school sponsored activities
Section 5: Maintenance of Peace and Order
2. misconduct affecting student’s status or good name or reputation of the
Kilosbayan vs. Morato school.
The principles in Article 2 do not embody self-executing constitutional rights, but Ginsburg vs. New York
mere guidelines for legislation and aid for the judiciary.
The knowledge that parental control cannot always be provided and society’s
Section 12: Family life, mother, unborn transcendent interest in protecting the welfare of the children justify reasonable
regulation of the sale of material to them.
Roe vs. Wade
Section 16: Right to a balanced and healthful ecology
th
On the basis of the right to privacy, abortion was legalized up to the 6 month of
pregnancy. The constitutional provision bars any application of the Roe vs. wade Opposa vs. Factoran
decision in this jurisdiction.
Intergenerational justice and responsibility: Section 16 one of the few self-executing
Meyer vs. Nebraska principles in Article 2.
Education should always be diligently promoted as it has always been regarded as a LLDA vs. CA
matter of supreme importance. It is the natural duty of the parent to give his children
education suitable to his station in life. Rights of parents are superior to the State. It is a constitutional commonplace that the ordinary requirements of due process yield
to the necessities of protecting vital public interests like the protection of the safety,
CONSTI LAW I – ATTY.
CANDELARIA
health and general welfare and comfort of the public, as well as the protection of plant Law <-> Implementing Rules and Regulations
and animal life: through the exercise of police power.
Law-making <-> Rule-making
Section 19: Self-reliant and independent national economy
Principle of non-delegability of Legislative Power
Garcia vs. BOI
People v. Rosenthal – Blue Sky Law
The State shall develop self-reliant and independent national economy effectively
controlled by Filipinos. The government must run its affairs the way it deems best for The executive has the power of subordinate legislation, insofar as it interprets the laws
the national interest, without any external influence or control. were it is based, and not going beyond and enacting laws. Moreover, this enhances
convenience and promotes specialization through the administrative bodies.
Tanada vs. Angara
Substantive shares- under insular treasurer
Independence refers to freedom from undue foreign control of the national economy
especially in such strategic industries as in the development of natural resources and Not undue delegation: standard of “public interest”
public utilities. It does not prohibit competition, so long as it is fair and reasonable.
Some amount of competition would be beneficial for the consumers, as well as Delegation to be made: sufficient standard to define rules and regulations
producers.
Law’s constitutional basis:
Section 26: Equal access to political opportunities and political dynasties
1. Public purpose
Pamatong vs. Comelec
2. Reasonableness of means
There is no constitutional right to run for or hold public office and, particularly, to
seek the presidency. What is recognized is merely a privilege subject to limitations Araneta vs. Gatmaitan – EO 22, 66 and 88
imposed by the law. Equality is not sacrificed so long as the burdens engendered by
The legislature has the discretion to what the law should be while the executive has
the limitations are meant to be borne be any one who is minded to file a certificate of
the authority or discretion to the execution of such laws, provided that the execution
candidacy.
be exercised under and in pursuance of the law.
Article VI
Any fishing net or fishing device – Protect fish fry and fish eggs (under fisheries law)
Powers of Congress: plenary: article XVI authorizes Congress to pass law to change
Fish trawl – destroys fish fry and fish eggs and comes under “Any fishing net or
name of country, national anthem or national flag; subject to ratification by the
fishing device”
people.
People vs. Maceren
VALID DELEGATION
The lawmaking body cannot delegate to an executive official the power to declare
Legislative/ Law making
what acts should constitute a criminal offense. It can only authorize the issuance of
Legislative <-> Executive regulations and the imposition of the penalty provided for in the law itself. An
BY STARR WEIGAND
7
“obnoxious and poisonous substance” – under fisheries law prohibited Vienna Convention for Road Signs and Signals
Fisheries Administrative 84 – Prohibits electro fishing (created by sec. of Agriculture Free Telephone Workers vs. Min. of labor
and Natural resources, and Commissioner of Fisheries)
What cannot be delegated is the authority under the Constitution to make laws and to
- Penalizes something that is not included in the law that created it (fisheries alter and repeal them; the test is the completeness of the statute in all its term and
law) provisions when it leaves the hands of the legislature.” SC furthered that there lies a
distinction between the (1) delegation of power to make the laws that necessarily
- Test of completeness and Sufficient standard test involves a discretion as to what it shall be (law-making powers of the Congress) and
(2) delegation of authority as to its execution to be exercised under and in pursuance
- Ad. 84 goes beyond the fisheries law: added the criminalization of electro of the law (law-execution powers of administrative bodies). This principle of non-
fishing delegation is in response to “the complexities of modern governments giving rise to
the adoption, within certain limits, of the principle of ‘subordinate legislation.
Agustin vs. Edu
Min of Labor – resolve labor disputes -> compulsory arbitration of NLRC
To avoid the taint of unlawful delegation, there must be a standard, which implies at
the very least that the legislative itself determines matters of principle and lays down Eastern Shipping vs. POEA
fundamental policy. Otherwise, the charge of complete abdication may be heard to
repel. A standard thus defines legislative policy, marks its limits, maps out its With the proliferation of specialized activities and their attendant of peculiar
boundaries and specifies the public agency to apply it. It indicates the circumstances problems, the national legislature has found it more necessary to entrust to
under which the legislative command is to be effected. It is the criterion by which administrative agencies the authority to issue rules to carry out the general provisions
legislative purpose may be carried out. Thereafter, the executive or administrative of the statute. This is called the power of subordinate legislation.
office designated may in pursuance of the above guidelines promulgate supplemental
rules and regulations. The standard may be either express or implied. If the former, Memorandum Circular No. 2 – implementation
the non-delegation objection is easily met. The standard though does not have to be
spelled out specifically. It could be implied from the policy and purpose of the act Standard: fair and equitable employment practice
considered as a whole. In the Reflector Law, clearly the legislative objective is public
safety. No contract bet employer and employee – POEA to protect the employee
Memorandum Circular No. 32 With the growing complexities of modern life, the multiplication of the subjects of
governmental regulation, and the increased difficulty of administering the laws, there
is a constantly growing tendency toward the delegation of greater power by the
CONSTI LAW I – ATTY.
CANDELARIA
legislature, and toward the approval of the practice by the courts. As regards the issue non-delegation objection is easily met. The standard though does not have to be
of failing to establish the necessary standards, the court believes that standards have spelled out specifically. It could be implied from the policy and purpose of the act
indeed been set, as can be found in Section 1 of the 1959 Medical Act: “the considered as a whole. What the law intended was to permit the additional imposts for
standardization and regulation of medical education. as long as there exists a need to protect the general public and the petroleum industry
from the adverse consequences of pump rate fluctuations.
RA 2382 created the Board of Medical Education
OPSF – Created by Marcos – reimburse oil companies of the changes in the price to
Standard: standardization and regulation of the Medical education: power to stabilize prices for consumers
determine and prescribe requirements for the admission into Med schools
Oil Producers -> Market forces change prices -> imported to Philippines
Order 52: creation of NMAT for standardization
Viola vs. Alunan
Guingona v. Carague
Local Government Code – provides National Liga authority to create positions, as it
Delegation of Legislative Powers: The legislature does not abdicate its function when may deem necessary.
it describes what job must be done, who is to do it, and what is the scope of his
authority. The power to make laws and to alter and repeal them CANNOT be Fernandez v. Sto Tomas
delegated.
Authority to reorganize civil service commission
Completeness of Law: The law must be complete in all its essential terms and
conditions when it leaves the legislature so that there will be nothing left for the Standard: decentralization for efficiency and responsiveness in the management of the
delegate to do when it reaches him except to execute and enforce it. agencies
Budget Appropriation – books of treasury determine the appropriation for debt
Not create and abolish but to reorganize: revised administrative code
Total amount of debt along with interests and other fees – standard to be used
Chiongbian v. Orbos
Conference vs. POEA
RA 6734 ARMM plebiscite: 4 provinces for creation of autonomous region
POEA Resolution to increase seamen compensation and benefits
President given power to merge the remaining regions: sufficient standard: efficient
Osmena vs. Orbos administration implied in another law
For a valid delegation of power, it is essential that the law delegating the power Rodrigo vs. Sandiganbayan
must be
(1) Complete in itself, that it must set forth the policy to be executed by the DBM given authority to fill in the details of the salary grade, classification
delegate and Not undue delegation: standards given
(2) It must fix a standard—limits of which are sufficiently determinate or
determinable—to which the delegate must conform. Abakada v. Ermita
The standard of legislative delegation must be express or implied. If the former, the
8 CONSTI LAW I – ATTY. CANDELARIA
BY STARR WEIGAND
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President, through the Secretary of Finance, given criteria to ascertain facts of the Constitutionality of EPIRA and Universal Charge
situation in relation to the implementation of the increase. The case is not a delegation
of legislative power but a “delegation of ascertainment of facts” upon which the Undue Delegation – Power of tax: UC not a tax but exercise of Police power
enforcement and administration of the increase rate under the law is contingent. The
legislature has made the 12% rate contingent upon a specified fact or condition, which Complete: amount of universal charge is based on guidelines provided in EPIRA
is outside of the control of the executive. Thus, there is no discretion that is exercised
by the President. The court cited Wayman vs. Southward: “The power to ascertain Sufficient Standard: total electrification, viability of power industry, electricity made
facts is such a power which may be delegated. There is nothing essentially legislative affordable
in ascertaining the existence of facts or conditions as the basis of the taking into effect
ABAKADA vs. Purisima
of law” The ground for this that legislature has determined that under given
circumstances, certain executive or administrative action is to be taken and that under BIR and BOC: system of rewards and sanctions
other circumstances, different or no action at all is to be taken. What is left to the
administration is not legislative determination of what public policy demands but Revenue targets given by DBCC; employees covered by the civil service commission
simply an ascertainment of what the facts of the case require to be done according to and contracts of the employees
the terms of the law by which he is governed.
UNDUE DELEGATION
Beltran v. Sec. of Health
People vs. Vera
RA 7719 Voluntary Blood Donation and regulate blood banks
Probation Act – will only be applied to provinces which provide salaries for probation
Public Health sufficient guideline. There is a valid exercise of police power if (a) officers
public interest requires state interference, and (b) the means employed are necessary
to the attainment of such objectives. in this regard the interests of the Not complete in itself – w/n having probation officers under discretion of the
owners/operators of the CBBs must give way to the higher interest of the people. provincial board
BP No. 880 permits for rallies: issued by the Mayor, clear and present danger standard People vs. Barrias
for issuance
The penalty must not be left to the administrative agency, but must be provided by
The delegation to the mayors of the power to issue rally permits is valid because it is statute.
subject to the constitutionally-sound “clear and present danger” standard.
People vs. Panlilio
CONSTI LAW I – ATTY.
CANDELARIA
Act No. 1760 – not criminalizing act International soft law must first be enacted into a local regulation before it can be
followed by any agency
May be charged under other law: Penal Code
Milk Code provides the local enactment of the soft law and it is what should have
People vs. Dacuycuy been followed
Law imposes fine, but no terms of imprisonment – Minimum, medium and maximum ABAKADA vs. Purisima
sentence depending on the circumstances of the crime (mitigating, etc.)
BIR and BOC System of rewards – RA 9335, section 12: creation of the Joint
Judge given legal discretion - circumstances in the crime = penalty to be imposed Congressional Oversight Committee for approval of IRR of the RA.
Act 296 – less than 3000.00 php Encroahment of the legislative into the realm of judiciary: decision is judiciary in
nature as it involves the interpretation and application of the RA unto the IRR.
Cebu Oxygen vs. Drilon
Tatad vs. Sec of DOE
RA 6470 – increasing minimum wage = implementing rules
RA 8180 “Deregulating the Downstream Oil Industry
Ynot vs. Intermediate Appellate Court
2 phases: trasition
EO 626 – A: prohibition on inter-province transport of carabao and cara-beef.
Full deregulation: implementation should be based on two criteria:
“as may deem necessary” – gives legislative power to officers: arbitrary
1. global oil prices decline
Implementing rules cannot add or detract from the provisions of law it designed to
implement. 2. US-Peso exchange rate stable
Pharmaceutical and Health Care Assoc. vs. Duque III EO 372 – implemented full deregulation adding additional criteria: depletion of
OPSF: void: executive misapplication. Congress has to rely more on the practice of
EO No. 51 (Milk Code) – legislative power under freedom consti: Pres. Aquino delegating the execution of laws to the executive and other administrative agencies, as
society becomes more complex. According to jurisprudence, there are two tests to
WHO – promote the use of breastmilk; Milk Code – promote the use of breastmilk; determine, whether it is a valid delegation – 1) the completeness test, and, 2) the
DOH – sufficient standard test.
International law – Soft Law and hard Law: WHO – soft law, regulation: has to be Congress: Senate and House of Representatives
enacted into local regulation before it becomes binding
HoR: 2 ways to run: (3 year term, 3 consecutive terms) = 250 members unless
There was a defect – RIRR invalidated: provided a ban on advertisement on milk otherwise provided by law
substitutes, but the law, does not provide for a total ban, only the international law
was followed 1. District representative – natural-born, at least 25 years old, read and
write, registered voter of the district, resident of same district at least one
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BY STARR WEIGAND
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1
2. Party-list representative 7. Nominee must belong to the marginalized and underrepresented sector
Senate: term of 6 years, re-election for 2 consecutive terms only 8. Nominee must be able to contribute to the formulation of legislation
Election: 6 years for first 12, 3 years for latter 12 = 24 members AKLAT vs. COMELEC
Section 5: Composition of the HoR = 80% district representatives + 20% party-list AKLAT re-disqualified: did not meet qualifications mentioned in the bagong bayani
representatives case
Standards for apportioning seats for Party-list Representatives RA 7675: Mandaluyong into an urbanized city: create own legislative district and a
new legislative district of San Juan: reapportionment
20% composition : merely a ceiling, not mandatory to fill in all seats: merely reserved
for PLR Gerrymandering – creation of a new legislative district to increase possible number of
voters for elections, contrary to the guideline of “contiguous, compact and adjacent
Ang Bagong Bayani vs. COMELEC territory.
Characteristics of a party-list: (guideline for COMELEC) Consti – one province at least on representative
1. must represent the marginalized and underrepresented groups Not gerrymandering – rep who issued RA will actually be made to lose part of his
district: contiguous, compact and adjacent territory
2. must comply with declared statutory policy of enabling Filipinos
belonging to marginalized and underrepresented sectors be elected in the Mariano vs. COMELEC
HoR.
RA 7854: Municipality of Makati into a highly urbanized city
3. Must not represent a religious sect
Valid: reapportionment thru special law: duty of congress to reapportion
4. Must not be disqualified under section 6 of RA 7941
Criteria: population (250,000) and, income or area
5. Party or org must not be an adjunct of or a project organized by the
government Samson vs. Aguirre
6. Party must comply with requirements, as well as its nominees under RA 8583: Novaliches as a city: certification as to income, population and area not
CONSTI LAW I – ATTY.
CANDELARIA
fatal: statements of NSO, Bureau of Local Government Finance, and Land among the representative districts; and accessibility and commonality of interests in
terms of each district being, as far as practicable, continuous, compact and adjacent
Montejo vs. COMELEC territory. In terms of the people represented, every city with at least 250,000 people
and every province (irrespective of population) is entitled to one representative.
COMELC res. No 2736: change legislative district of Capoocan and Palompon:
COMELEC only to make minor adjustments Section 6
Legislative district can only be apportioned by “legislative” i.e. congress Bengson vs. COMELEC
Herrera vs. COMELEC Repatriation – oath of allegiance, which reinstates previous status as a Filipino:
natural-born in Tarlac
Province of Guimaras – made into 4th class province
Aquino vs. COMELEC
Districting based on number of inhabitants: not reapportionment: can be undertaken
by COMELEC (districting) Domicile – physical residence, and intention to return there permanently.
Sema vs. COMELEC Less than one year residency prior to date of elections; lease of a house not
permanent: disqualified. The place where a party actually or constructively has his
RLA – RA 9054: power to create province, cities, etc. permanent home, where he, no matter where he may be found at any given time,
eventually intends to return and remain, i.e., his domicile is that to which the
Creation of the province of Shariff Kabunsan: the power to create provinces Constitution refers when it speaks of residence for the purposes of election law.
inherently involves the power to create legislative districts. However, under the
present Constitution, the power to increase the allowable membership in the House of Marcos vs. COMELEC
Representatives, as well as the power to reapportion legislative districts, is vested
exclusively in Congress (by virtue of Sections 5, (1), (3) and (4) of Article 6). This Criteria for the abandonment of domicile:
textual commitment to Congress of the exclusive power to create or reapportion
legislative districts is logical. Congress is a national legislature and any increase in its actual removal or change in domicile
allowable membership or in its incumbent membership through the creation of
legislative districts must be embodied in a national law. It would be anomalous for bona fide intention of abandoning and establishing new one
regional or local legislative bodies to create or reapportion legislative districts for a
national legislature like Congress. An inferior legislative body, created by a superior acts which correspond to the purpose
legislative body, cannot change the membership of the superior legislative body.
absence of which would continue the domicile of origin
Bagabuyo vs. COMELEC
Domino vs. COMELEC
Legislative apportionment – representation in the HoR
Lease of house – not indicative of intent of permanence
Reapportionment is brought about by changes in population and mandated by the
constitutional requirement of equal representation. Hence, emphasis is given to the Perez vs. COMELEC
number of people represented; the uniform and progressive ratio to be observed
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Domicile- the place where a party actually of constructively has his permanent home, of the term, shall call and hold a special elections, but in case of vacancy in senate,
where he, no matter where he may be found at any given time, eventually intends to special election will be held simultaneously with the next regular elections.”
return and remain
Special elections can coincide with regular elections
The fact that a person registered as a voter in one district is not proof of his domicile
in the said district. Ocampo vs. HRET
Petitioner – ran for governor of the province previously 2nd placer cannot take the place of a disqualified first placer
COMELEC resolution – additional qualification of a candidate for senate: The salaries of members of the Senate is governed by Article VI of the Constitution as
unconstitutional as it violates the explicit qualifications in the consti follows:
Section 7: term of representatives Sec. 10. The salaries of Senators and Members of the House of Representatives shall
be determined by law. No increase in said compensation shall take effect until after
Dimaporo vs. Mitra, Jr. the expiration of the full term of all the members of the Senate and the House of
Representatives approving such increase.
BP Blg. 881 – forfeiture or voluntary giving up of one’s tenure, due to the act of filing
of certificate of candidacy. Sec. 20. The records and books of accounts of Congress shall be preserved and be
open to the public in accordance with law, and such books shall be audited by the
Term – legally mandated Commission on Audit which shall publish annually an itemized list of amounts paid to
and expenses incurred for each Member.
Tenure – actual time
It must be noted that in accordance with the above provisions, there is no prohibition
Forfeiture, expulsion, voluntary renunciation against the receipt of allowances by the members of Congress. The second section, on
the other hand, seeks to avoid the recurrence of the abuses committed by the members
Section 9: Filling-in Vacancies of the Old Congress in allotting themselves fabulous allowances the amount of which
they refused to divulge to the people. It is now provided under the Constitution that
Lucero vs. COMELEC
the books of accounts of Congress shall be open to public inspection and must be
Failure of elections = special elections audited by the Commission on Audit. Moreover, every member of Congress’ itemized
expenditures, including allowances, shall be published annually for the information of
Tolentino vs. COMELEC the people.
Vacancy in senate: RA 7166: “permanent vacancy at least one year before expiration It is interesting to note that the Constitution in Section 17, Article XVIII, provides the
Until the Congress provides otherwise, the President shall receive an annual salary of Part of communicative and deliverative process
three hundred thousand pesos; the Vice-President, the President of the Senate, the
Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Puyat vs. De Guzman
two hundred forty thousand pesos each; the Senators, the members of the House of
Representatives, the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, and the Chairmen of the IPI elections = puyat group vs. acero group = SEC case
Constitutional Commissions, two hundred four thousand pesos each; and the
Members of the Constitutional Commissions, one hundred eighty thousand pesos Fernandez intervention – circumstances show that there is indirect appearance as
each. counsel before administrative body
However, under Joint Resolution No. 1, the salaries of the members of the Senate is Santiago vs. Guingona
increased to salary grade 33 with monthly equivalent rate of P35,000.00. The Senate
Minority vs. majority = must be understood in ordinary terms
President, on the other hand, is raised to salary grade 34 with a monthly basic salary
of P40,000.00. Avelino vs Cuenco
Section 11: Immunity of arrest Adjournment -> proclamation of new senate president and session continued with
th only 12 members present
“punishable by more than six years imprisonment”; while congress is in session – 4
Monday of july (SONA) and ends 30 days before the next session (compulsory Quorum – majority of “the house” instead of majority of “all the members of the
recess), with small recesses in between. house”
People vs. Jalosjos 12 members out of 23 is majority of “the house” = based on the number of those
present
Conviction of more than 6 years imprisonment – immunity not applicable
People vs. jalosjos
Elected by constituents even though he was already convicted.
Compulsion to attend: jalosjos saying that he could be persuaded for being unable to
Trillanes vs. Pimentel
attend session: not reason for release
No person charged by capital offense or offense punishable by reclusion perpetua
Absence is for a valid reason: being detained
shall be admitted to bail when evidence of guilt is strong.
Arroyo vs. De Venecia
Capacity to carry out his duties while in prison.
RA 8240 passed in congress not in accordance with house rules: arroyo still had
Jimenez vs. Cabangbang
questions regarding the bill but it was still passed: no calling of the yeas and nays.
Libelous letter: not in the exercise of his duties
Internal rules violated – not in court jurisdiction – only the house can determine its
Though, it was not libelous against the petitioners, only alleges that they were rules and punish its members
BY STARR WEIGAND
1
5
Privilege speech accusing Pres. Garcia of bribery -> house comitte to investigate -> Astorga vs. Villegas
House resolution # 175 declaring him guilty of disorderly behavior and suspension for
15 months Due to the circumstances in the case, the court looked into the Senate journals.
Although exempt from prosecution or civil action for words uttered in congress, = amendments made but not included in the bill signed by the president
members may be questioned in CONGRESS ITSELF.
Senate president and Chief Executive: had already withdrawn their signatures:
Disorderly behavior – the house has exclusive power and the court has none. invalidates the law
Santiago charged with graft and corruption for allowing aliens to stay in Phils. Franking privileges of judiciary
Suspended by sandiganbayan – pending criminal case: not punishment for disorderly Enrolled bill clear, no need to look into journals
behavior, but preliminary preventive measure for graft and corrupt act.
But law must be struck down as it violates the equal protection of the law, in regards
US vs. Pons to the removal of franking privileges of the judiciary
Pons charged under Act 2381 – anti-opium importation ABAKADA vs. Ermita
Act 2381 – said to have been passed after last day of session: according to the Enrolled bill to be followed as it was the one approved by both houses and by the
journals, clock was stopped at 12 midnight: law passed valid president.
= journal prevails over extraneous evidence SECTION 17: Senate and House Representatives Electoral Tribunal
Casco vs Gimenez Election Contest - statutory contests in which the contestant seeks not only to oust the
intruder, but also to have himself inducted into the office.
Urea and formaldehyde vs urea formaldehyde (as written in the law passed)
Pre-proclamation contests - any question pertaining to or affecting the proceedings of
Wording of the law – urea formaldehyde: error in the printing the board of canvassers in relation to the preparation, transmission, receipt, custody
and appreciation of the election returns.
Between the journals and the enrolled bill: enrolled bill prevails
Angara vs. Electoral Commission
Morrales vs. Subido
CONSTI LAW I – ATTY.
CANDELARIA
Prescription given by Electoral commission – has sole jurisdiction over election Aggabao vs COMELEC
returns and qualifications of its members
Barbers vs. COMELEC
Vera vs. Avelino
Roces vs. HRET
Deferment of oath-taking – not election contest
Electoral tribunals: 3 justices appointed by Chief Justice, 6 from members of Senate
Oath-taking- makes one a members of the legislature: under jurisdiction of the or the HoR
Electoral tribunal
Abbas vs SET
Chavez vs. COMELEC
Electoral tribunal must always be composed of legislative members: for every 2
Pre-proclamation cases not allowed for president, vp, senators and members of HoR legislators only one justice.
Electoral tribunal does not assume jurisdiction until the winning candidate has been Party-list reps in HoR did not elect a member to the HRET
proclaimed and has taken his oath of office
Bondoc vs. Pineda
2nd placer – cannot take the place of the winning candidate
HRET must be non-partisan: must not alter composition of the HRET.
Perez vs. COMELEC
Robles vs. HRET
COMELEC no longer has jurisdiction as perez was already proclaimed.
Motion to withdraw does not end tribunal’s jurisdiction
Garcia vs HRET
Arroyo vs. HRET
HRET acted according to its own rules, no grave abuse of discretion resulting in
lack/excess of jurisdiction. NON-TRADITIONAL PROCESS OF PRECINCT-LEVEL DOCUMENT-BASED
EVIDENCE – the process of procuring election documents used not only during the
Rasul vs. COMELEC actual balloting stage of the election but much earlier, as early as the time of the
registration of voters. (not the best form of evidence)
HRET – exclusivity in jurisdiction over election contests relating to its own members.
Lerias vs. HRET
Guerrero vs. COMELEC
Original copy of the certificates of canvass should be the best evidence
Villarosa vs. HRET
Sandoval vs. HRET
Initials not to be used, only one nickname per candidate: not known as Girlie: JTV
initials of her husband Substitute service – exhaust all means of locating recipient,
BY STARR WEIGAND
1
7
Section 18: Commission on Appointment Commander-in-chief powers – may limit power of inquiry of congress
Shift in representation of LDP party = reapportionment of the Commission on Compel to attend – in aid of legislation
Appointment
Neri vs. Senate
Must be based on proportional representation, political party must be permanent
Executive privilege: 2 kinds: presidential communications (between president and
Coseteng vs. Mitra executive official) and deliberative process (between executive officials only)
Guingona vs. Gonzales Senate inquiry must be deferred until publication of the Senate rules has been
complied with.
Cannot reduce the number of seats of a party in favor of another.
Section 22: “Question Hour”
12 member Commission – not mandatory, what is mandatory is the proportional
representation - Voluntary with consent of the President, or upon the request of the house
Power of inquiry – for the legislative only, not delegated The materiality of the question must be determined by its direct relation to the subject
of the inquiry and not by its inherent relation to any possible or proposed legislation.
Bengzon vs. Senate Blue Ribbon Committee (Answer might be the basis if the subject is to be made the subject of legislation.)
Power of inquiry to be exercised only for legislative purposes Senate continuing – power of investigation terminates at the end of session; may be
taken up again at the next session.
Senate vs. Ermita
Sabio vs. Gordon
Question hour vs. power of inquiry
Senate vs Ermita
Gudani vs. Senga
Question hour vs. “in aid of legislation”: can only be limited by PRESIDENTIAL
CONSTI LAW I – ATTY.
CANDELARIA
communication privilege Alvarez vs Guingona
Executive: with presidential consent vs. anyone The filing in the Senate of a substitute bill in anticipation of its receipt of the Bill of
the House, does not contravene the constitutional requirement that a bill of local
Remedy: Sec 21: habeas corpus petition vs. sec 22: questions to be submitted application should originate from the House of Representatives, for as long as the
beforehand and executive session Senate does not act thereupon until it receives the House Bill.
Section 23: congress sole power to declare the existence of a state of war, but may by Presentations on (3 area- 3 groups)
law authorize president for a limited time, to exercise powers necessary and to carry
out a declared national policy. Constitutional commissions on COMELEC: Civil Service and COA
Lawless violence, invasion or rebellion – either suspend writ of habeas corpus or Southern Cross vs Philcemcor
declare martial law.
Bill is a tariff bill for a particular purpose
In line with David vs. Arroyo – gr. no. 171396 (re BP 1070)
Pascual vs Sec. of Public Works
Section 24: origin of money bills, private bills and local application
Incidental advantage to the public or to the state, which results from the promotion of
Appropriations – specific sum of money appropriated for departments for the private interest and the prosperity of private enterprises or business, does not justify
performance of their functions their aid by the use public money.
Tariff bills – raises revenue from importation and exportation of goods Brillantes vs COMELEC
Bills authorizing increase of public debt Electronic quick count (Phase III) not included in the GAA
Bills of local application – in relation to provinces, cities and municipalities, ex. Appropriation in the GAA – for modernization of Election system; not for quick count
Change municipality into a city
Guingona vs Carague
Private bills – ex. Reacquisition of citizenship
Appropriation – there must be a fixed amount: valid if it only needs to be computed
Tolentino vs. Sec of Finance
Garcia vs. Mata
It is the bill that has to originate from the HoR, not the law itself.
3rd law should have applied, but applicable provision was invalidated due to its
HoR and Senate equal = has power to propose amendment, even through substitution. insertion in the Appropirations Act.
“…originate exclusively from the HoR, but Senate may propose and concur with Atitiw vs Zamora
amendments.”
BY STARR WEIGAND
1
9
In order that a provision or clause in a general appropriations bill may comply with Deputy Executive Secretary of DILG – no power to augment: only president, senate
the test of germaneness, it must be particular, unambiguous, and appropriate. president, speaker of the House, Chief Justice, and heads of Constitutional
Commissions
Particular – if it relates specifically to a distinct item or appropriation in
the bill and does not refer generally to the entire appropriations bill Section 26: Subject and title of bills – General prohibition on “riders”
Unambiguous – when its application or operation is apparent on the face of Cordero vs. Cabatuando
the bill and it does not necessitate reference to details or sources outside the
appropriations bill The constitutional requirement (one title – one bill rule) is satisfied if all parts of the
law related to, and are germane to the subject matter expressed in the title of the Bill.
Appropriate – when its subject matter does not necessarily have to be treated
in a separate legislation. It is sufficient of the title is comprehensive enough reasonably to include the general
object which the statute seeks to effect, without expressing each and every end and
Farinas vs Executive Secretary means necessary or convenient for the accomplishment of the object.
Demetria vs Allba It has been the general disposition of the court that the constitutional provision
involving the one title – one subject rule should be construed liberally, in favor of the
The president cannot indiscriminately transfer funds without regard as to whether or validity of the statute.
not the funds to be transferred are actually savings in the item from which the same
are to be taken, or whether or not the transfer is for the purpose of augmenting the The purpose of this rule is to:
item to which said transfer is to be made.
1. prevent fraud or surprise in the legislature
Liga vs. COMELEC
2. fairly appraise the people, through such publication of legislation that are
Philconsa vs Enriquez being considered, in order that they may have the opportunity of being heard
thereon by petition or otherwise, if they shall so desire.
Chief of Staff cannot be delegated power to augment: only for those enumerated in
the constitution. The requirement that the subject of the act shall be expressed in its title is not a mere
rule of legislative procedure; it is MANDATORY. It is the duty of the court to declare
Sanchez vs COA void any statute not conforming to the constitutional provision.
2 requisites for augmentation: 1) Actual savings; and, 2) there is an existing item to be Alalayan vs NPC
augmented.
If the object of the law is to amend a previous legislation, it will suffice if the title
CONSTI LAW I – ATTY.
CANDELARIA
gives reference to the amended law. gave no info, and which might therefore be overlooked and carelessly and
unintentionally adopted; and, 3) to fairly appraise the people through such publication
Insular lumber vs CTA of legislative proceedings as is usually made, of the subjects of legislation that are
being considered, in order that they may have opportunity of being heard thereon by
The primary purpose of the one subject-one title rule is to prohibit duplicity of petition or otherwise if they so desire.
legislation, the title of which might completely fail to appraise the legislators or the
public of the nature, scope and consequences of the law or its operation. -> every Section 26 is said to have been complied with if the title is comprehensive enough to
presumption fails its validity embrace the general to embrace the general objective it seeks to achieve: presumption
is in favor of validity.
Where there is doubt as to the insufficiency of either the title or the Act, the
legislation should be sustained. Cawaling vs COMELEC
Tio vs Videogram Regulatory Board Every statutes has in its favor the presumption of validity: grounds for nullity must be
beyond reasonable doubt. (This also goes for one title-one subject rule).
Art. VI, Sec. 26 is sufficiently complied with if the title is comprehensive enough to
include the general purpose to which a statute seeks to achieve. Section 27: Procedure in Law-making
It is satisfied if all the parts of the statue are related to, and are germane to the subject Arroyo vs De Venecia
expressed in the title, or as long as they are not inconsistent with and foreign to the
general subject and title. PRACTICAL rather than TECHNICAL construction. No rule of the House of Representatives has been cited which specifically requires
that in case involving the approval of a conference committee report, the Chair must
Phil. Judges vs Prado restate the motion and conduct a viva voce or nominal voting.
The title need not be an index of the body of the act, or be comprehensive as to cover The constitution does not require that the yeas and nays of the Members be taken
every single detail of the measure. It need only that all provisions in said act should be every time a House has to vote, except only in the ff circumstances: 1) upon the last
germane to the subject thereof. and third readings of the bills; 2) at the request of 1/5 of the members present; and, 3)
in repassing a bill over the veto of the president.
Tobias vs Abalos
Abakada vs Ermita
A liberal construction of the one title-one subject rule has been invariably adopted by
the court so as not to impede or cripple legislation. It is within the power of a conference committee to include in its report an entirely
new provision that is not found either in the House bill or in the Senate bill. If the
Tatad vs DOE committee can propose an amendment consisting of one or two provisions, there is no
The title of a law need not mirror or fully index or catalogue all the contents or reason why it cannot propose several provisions, collectively considered as “an
provisions of the said law. amendment in the nature of a substitute”, so long as such amendment is germane to
the subject of the bills before the committee.
De Guzman vs COMELEC
Bicameral conference committees – have power to introduce amendments.
Purpose of section 26: 1) prevent hodge-podge or log-rolling legislation; 2) to prevent
surprise or fraud upon the legislature by means of provisions in bills of which titles No amendment rule pertains only to the procedure to be followed by each house of the
20 CONSTI LAW I – ATTY. CANDELARIA
BY STARR WEIGAND
2
1
Congress with regard to bills initiated in each of said respective Houses, before said The act of the Executive in vetoing particular provisions is an exercise of a
bill is transmitted to the other house for its concurrence or amendment. constitutionally vested power. But the veto power is not absolute. Only particular
items may be vetoed.
Commissioner of Internal Revenue vs CTA
The president cannot set aside or reverse a final and executory judgment of the court
An “item” in a revenue bill doesn’t refer to an entire section imposing a particular through the exercise of the veto power, nor can she enact or amend statutes
kind of tax, but rather to the subject of the tax and the tax rate. To construe “item” as promulgated by her predecessors, much less to repeal existing laws.
referring to the whole section, would tie the president’s hand in choosing either to
approve the whole section at the expense of also approving a provision therein which Philconsa vs Enriquez
he deems unacceptable or veto the entire section at the expense of foregoing the
collection of the kind of tax altogether. Where the veto is claimed to have been made without or in excess of the authority
vested in the President, the issue of an impermissible intrusion of the Executive into
In Appropriation bills, the president may exercise “item-veto”. the Legislative domain arises.
The terms item and provision in budgetary legislation and practice are concededly Planters vs Fertiphil
different. An item in a bill refers to the particulars, the details, and the distinct and
several parts of a bill. It furthered that “an ‘item’ of an appropriation bill obviously Public purpose is at the heart of a tax law. It is an elastic concept. The inherent
means an item which in itself is a specific appropriation of money, not some general requirement that taxes can only be exacted for a public purpose still stands. When a
provision of law, which happens to be put into an appropriation bill.” tax law is only a mask to exact funds from the public when its true intent is to give
undue benefit and advantage to a private enterprise, the law will not satisfy the
Inappropriate provisions – should be treated as items subject to the veto power of the requirement of “public purpose”. The purpose of the law is evident from its text or
president. inferable from other secondary sources.
It is not enough that a provision be related to the institution or agency to which funds A tax is uniform when it operates with the same force and effect in every place where
are appropriated. Conditions and limitations properly included in an appropriation bill the subject of it is found. Uniformity means that all property belonging to the same
must exhibit such a connection with money items of appropriation that they logically class shall be taxed alike. (Follows requisites for a valid classification).
belong in a schedule of expenditures. For the rule to apply, restrictions should be such
in the real sense of the term, not some matter which are more appropriately dealt with Tolentino vs Sec. of Finance
in a separate legislation.
Tax exemption based on valid classification (?)
Bengzon vs Drilon
Tan vs. Del Rosario
CONSTI LAW I – ATTY.
CANDELARIA
Uniformity of taxation follows valid classification between individuals and John Hay vs Lim
corporations:
Since only Congress can pass tax laws, it follows that only Congress can provide tax
1) the standards that are used therefore are substantial and not arbitrary exemptions, through the passage of legislation.
2) the categorization is germane to achieve the legislative purpose Southern Cement vs Philcemcor
3) the law applies, all things being equal, to both present and future The power of taxation by nature and by command of the fundamental law is a
conditions preserve of the legislature.
4) the classification applies equally well to all those belonging to the same The delegation of taxation power by the legislative to the executive is authorized by
class. the constitution itself. The constitution also grants Congress the right to impose
restrictions and limitations on the taxation power of the president. The restrictions and
Under the tax system, the trend is to treat different things differently. limitations imposed by Congress take on the mantle of a constitutional command,
which the executive branch is obliged to observe.
CIRvsCA
All subjects or objects similar must be equally taxed, or put on equal footing both in Lung Center vs QC
privileges and liabilities; no exemptions.
To determine whether an enterprise is a charitable institution/entity or not, the
All taxable articles or kinds of property of the same class must be taxed at the same elements which should be considered include the statutes creating the enterprise, its
rate and the tax must operate with the same force and effect in every place where the corporate purpose, its constitution and by-laws, the methods of administration, the
subject may be found. nature of the actual work performed, the character of the services rendered, the
indefiniteness of the beneficiaries, and the use and occupation of the properties. A
Abra Valley College vs Aquino charity may be fully defined as a gift, to be applied consistently with existing laws, for
the benefit of an indefinite number of persons, either by bringing their minds and
The exemption in favor of property used exclusively for charitable or educational hearts under the influence of education or religion, by assisting them to establish
purposes is not limited to property actually indispensable therefore, but extends to themselves in life or otherwise lessening the burden or government. The test whether
facilities that are incidental to and reasonably necessary for the accomplishment of an enterprise is charitable or not is whether it exists to carry out a purpose recognized
said purpose, such as in the case of hospitals, a school for training nurses, a nurse’s in law as charitable or whether it is maintained for gain, profit or private advantage.
home, property used to provide housing facilities for interns, doctors, superintendents,
and other members of the hospital staff, etc. A charitable institution does not lose its character as such and its exemptions from
taxes simply because it derives income from paying patients, or receivables from the
The exemption extends to facilities which are incidental to and reasonably necessary government (or donations), so long as the money received is devoted or used
for the accomplishment of the main purpose of the charitable or educational (or altogether to the charitable object which it is intended to achieve, and no money
religious) institution. inures to the private benefit of the persons managing or operating the institution.
The test of exemption is the use of the property for purposes mentioned in the Abakada vs Ermita
constitution.
The power of tax cannot be delegated, but the details as to the enforcement and
Bayan vs Zamora
22 CONSTI LAW I – ATTY. CANDELARIA
BY STARR WEIGAND
2
3
administration of an exercise of such power may be left to the executive, including the Public bidding has been a practice, which is the accepted method of arriving at a fair
power to determine the existence of facts which its operation depends, the rationale price and prevents favoritism and overpricing.
being that the preliminary ascertainment of facts as basis for the enactment of
legislation is not itself a legislative function but is simply ancillary to legislation. The Guingona vs Carague
constitution does not require that Congress find for itself every fact upon which it
desires to base legislative action or that it make for itself detailed determinations Constitution does not require exact, specific appropriation made by law.
which it has declared to be prerequisite to application of legislative policy to
particular facts and circumstances impossible for Congress itself to properly COMELEC vs. Quijano
investigate.
No money shall be paid out of the treasury except in pursuance of an appropriation
Congress may delegate to the President the power to increase a tax, dependent on a made by law.
certain set of facts, upon the completion of which the president may carry out the
Appropriation must first be made prior to the bidding and creation of contracts, so as
delegated power.
to provide for a guideline regarding the amount that can be used for the specific
Spouses Constantino vs Cuisia enterprise.
The Congress can delegate to the cabinet Secretary (i.e. Secretary of Finance), in his Gaston vs Republic Planters Bank
capacity as the alter ego of the president, to carry out the authority vested on the Chief
Taxes levied for a specific purpose are considered to be special funds, which is an
Executive under Section 28.
exercise of the police power of the state. Once the specific purpose is accomplished or
Republic vs City of Kidapawan abandoned, the funds become and are transferred to the general funds of the state.
Tax exemption cannot be granted without the concurrence of the majority of the Revenues collected are to be treated as a special fund, to be ‘administered in trust’ for
members of congress, and may only be done through the passage of legislation. Only the purpose intended.
congress can provide for tax exemptions, as it is the only branch that has power to tax.
Osmena vs. Orbos
Section 29: Restrictions on the Use of Public Funds
Money named as tax but actually collected in the exercise of the police power of the
Pascual vs Secretary of Public Works state may be placed in a special trust account.
Legislative may delegate to the agency the power to provide for the means of First Lepanto Ceramics vs CA
obtaining object of an appropriation but such act cannot go beyond statutes.
The provision is intended to give the SC a measure of control over cases placed under
its appellate jurisdiction.
CONSTI LAW I – ATTY.
CANDELARIA
Diaz vs CA Marcos vs Manglapus
Fabian vs Disierto The powers of the president are not limited to those enumerated in the constitution:
residual powers
A law is invalid when it increases the appellate jurisdiction of the court without its
advice. Right to return – found in the UN declaration of Human Rights, International
covenant on human rights, but not absolute: subject to national interests, public policy
Villavert vs Desierto and welfare, health, etc.
Cabrera vs Lapid express powers of the president – those enumerated in the constitution
Section 31: Titles of Royalty and Nobility residual powers – anything not expressly provided in the Constitution, article VI
Section 32: Initiative and Referendum Laurel vs. Garcia
SBMA vs COMELEC Power to enter into contracts – except for property under public dominion
Defensor-Santiago vs COMELEC Djumantan vs. Domingo
Lambino vs COMELEC Right of every state to regulate the entry of persons into their country: deportation part
of executive power
Article VII
Chavez vs. PCGG
Section 1 Executive Power
Pontejos vs. OMB
- Constitutional power granted to the President to enforce laws
State witness – will not be charged with criminal prosecution.
- Includes rule-making power: implementation and enforcement of laws
passed US vs. Nixon
Philconsa vs Enriquez General claim of executive privilege is not absolute nor unqualified; in a situation
when a person’s right is made subject of a criminal proceeding, then production of
Webb vs De Leon evidence is essential to uphold the constitutional rights of the accused.
The prosecution of crimes pertains to the executive department, whose principal Neri vs. Senate Committee
power and reasonability is to see that our laws are faithfully executed.
Presidential communication privilege
Determining probable cause – executive in character
BY STARR WEIGAND
2
5
Elements: officials with the maximum ability to deal fearlessly and impartially with the public at
large as an acceptable justification for official immunity. The point of immunity for
Protected communication must relate to a quintessential and non-delegable such officials is to forestall an atmosphere of intimidation that would conflict with
presidential power their resolve to perform their designated function in a principled fashion. However, as
much as some public officials including the President, may be granted immunity, it
Must be authored or solicited and received by a close advisor of the President does not apply to unofficial conduct. Immunities are grounded in the nature of the
of the President himself function performed, not the identity of the actor who performed.
Remains a qualified privilege that may be overcome by a showing of Gloria vs. CA
adequate need.
Immunity from suit for the president, not for cabinet members.
AKBAYAN vs. Aquino
Estrada vs. Disierto
Soliven vs. Makasiar
Though incumbent presidents are immune from suit DURING their tenure, this
President may waive immunity from suit. The only person who can invoke immunity immunity does not extend BEYOND their tenure. Additionally, the charges filed
is the president himself. against Erap are criminal in nature, and the SC cannot “wrap him in post-tenure
immunity from liability”. It would then circumvent the general application of laws to
Harlow vs. Fitzgerald him.
Qualified Immunity or “good faith” immunity may be use by an official. A official David vs. Arroyo
would be qualifiedly immune if he (1) does not know that the action taken in his
sphere of responsibility would violate the constitutional rights of the victim. (2) did The President, during his tenure of office or actual incumbency, may not be sued in
not act with malicious intent. Gov’t officials performing discretionary functions any civil or criminal case, and there is no need to provide for it in the Constituion or
generally are shieled from civil damages insofar as their conduct does not violate law. It will degrade the dignity of the high office of the President, the Head of State, if
clearly established statutory or constitutional rights a reasonable person would have he can be dragged into court litigations while serving as such. Furthermore, it is
known. important that he be freed from any form of harassment, hindrance or distraction to
enable him to fully attend to the performance of his official duties and functions.
Clinton vs. Jones Unlike the legislative and judicial branch, only one constitutes the executive branch
and anything which impairs his usefulness in the discharge of the many great and
The President of the United States is entitled to absolute immunity from damages
important duties imposed upon him by the Constitution necessarily impairs the
liability predicated on official acts. Some public servants are granted immunity from
operation of the Government. However, this does not mean that the President is not
suits for money damages arising out of their official acts so as to enable them to
accountable to anyone. Like any other official, he remains accountable to the people
perform their designated functions effectively without fear that a particular decision
but he may be removed from office only in the mode provided by law and that is by
may give rise to personal liability. The societal interest in providing such public
IMPEACHMENT.
CONSTI LAW I – ATTY.
CANDELARIA
Constantino vs. Cuisia Canvassing of votes for President and VP is the tack of Congress. It cannot be
undertaken by the Comelec, even in the disguise of being “unofficial.”
The President of the Philippines is the Executive of the Government of the
Philippines, and no other. The heads of the executive departments occupy political Pimentel vs. Joint Committee
President fails to
Not Chosen Death/Disability
Qualify The canvassing of votes of the President and VP by the Congress is not one of its
legislative functions. Thus, it is not covered by the end of the session of Congress,
Pres unlike its legislative funcstions, which end along with the adjournment of its
VP Both Pres. VP Both Pres. VP Both
.
sessions.
Pres.
Senate Nominates Lopez vs. Senate
Pres,/Spe VP from
Senate
VP
aker of
VP as Pres.
members of
Senate The constitution provides that Congress has the power to promulgate its rules
No HoR No Congress concerning the canvassing of votes for the presidency and VP.
acts actin Or VP as Pres./S
succe success upon
as g Speake Pres. peaker
ssion (until one ion confirmation
Pres. Pres. r of of HoR Defensor-santiago vs. Ramos
qualifies) by majority
HoR
“acting vote of all
pres.” members of Section 7: Start of Term as of noon June 30
both houses
positions and hold office in an advisory capacity, and, in the language of Thomas
Jefferson, "should be of the President's bosom confidence", and, in the language of Tecson vs. Lim
Attorney-General Cushing, "are subject to the direction of the President." Without
minimizing the importance of the heads of the various departments, their personality The election contest can only contemplate a post-election scenario. It is fair to
is in reality but the projection of that of the President. Stated otherwise, and as conclude that the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, defined by Section 4, paragraph
forcibly characterized by Chief Justice Taft of the Supreme Court of the United 7, of the 1987 Constitution, would not include cases directly brought before it,
States, "each head of a department is, and must be, the President's alter ego in the questioning the qualifications of a candidate for the presidency or vice-presidency
matters of that department where the President is required by law to exercise before the elections are held.
authority".
Section 7-8: Filling in vacancy in the presidency
Section 4: Election of President and VP
Estrada vs. Disierto
Anson-Roa vs. Arroyo
Resignation is not a high level legal abstraction. It is a factual question and its
GMA was not elected: she assumed presidency after resignation of Estrada. Thus, elements are beyond quibble: there must be an intent to resign and the intent must be
there is no bar from running for presidency as she is not covered by the phrase: “run coupled by acts of relinquishment. The validity of a resignation is not government by
for any reelection.” any formal requirement as to form. It can be oral. It can be written. It can be express.
It can be implied. As long as the resignation is clear, it must be given legal effect.
Brillantes vs. Comelec
Section 8: Midterm past June 30
26 CONSTI LAW I – ATTY. CANDELARIA
BY STARR WEIGAND
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7
Death, Disability; Removal, Resignation Death, Disability; Representatives designated by ex-officio members are not exempted from the law: the
Resignation designation is an imposition only of additional duties, and does not confer any legally
Pres. VP Both Acting Pres.
demandable rights.
(SP/SH)
Doromal vs. Sandiganbayan
VP is Pres. Pres. Will nominate Senate By Law (Congress)
VPP from Congress Pres./Speaker of Participation in a contract with the government, though indirect, is still prohibited: but
(sec. 9) HoR as Pres. accused is entitled to investigation and rights conferred by the law.
Ex-officio capacity – not entirely different from current duties and functions;
Section 16: Nature of Appointing Power
incidental to their office
Ex-officio capacity – no compensation for the executive who acts as such, nor do their
representatives. Bermudez vs. Exec. Sec.
Bitonio vs. COA and Amnesty int’l vs. COA
This provision empowers the President to appoint "those whom he may be authorized
Pimentel vs. Ermita by law to appoint." The law that authorizes him to appoint the PRC Commissioner
and Associate Commissioners, is P.D. 223, Section 2, which provides that the
Commissioner and Associate Commissioners of the PRC are "all to be appointed by
the President for a term of nine (9) years, without reappointment, to start from the
The law expressly allows the President to make such acting appointment. Section 17, time they assume office .
Chapter 5, Title I, Book III of EO 292 states that “[t]he President may temporarily
designate an officer already in the government service or any other competent person
to perform the functions of an office in the executive branch.” Thus, the President
may even appoint in an acting capacity a person not yet in the government service, as Flores vs. Drilon
long as the President deems that person competent.
The power of choice is the heart of the power to appoint. Appointment involves an
exercise of discretion of whom to appoint; it is not a ministerial act of issuing
appointment papers to the appointee. In other words, the choice of the appointee is a
Sarmiento vs. Mison fundamental component of the appointing power.
Except as to those officers whose appointments require the consent of the COA by
express mandate of the first sentence in Sec 16 Art VII, appointments of other officers
are left to the President without need of confirmation by the COA. It is only in the
first sentence where it is clearly stated that positions enumerated therein require the
consent of the COA. The word “alone” is a mere lapsus. Rufino vs. Endriga
The power to appoint is the prerogative of the President, except in those instances
when the Constitution provides otherwise. Under Section 16, there is a fourth group of
Bautista vs. Salonga lower-ranked officers whose appointments Congress may by law vest in the heads of
departments, agencies, commissions, or boards. These inferior or lower in rank
Appointing power solely vests in the President, but once she makes the appointment, officers are the subordinates of the heads of departments, agencies, commissions, or
the President loses the power over the position. It’s up to the appointed person if she boards who are vested by law with the power to appoint. Congress has the discretion
would accept or not. to grant to, or withhold from, the heads the power to appoint lower-ranked officers.
The 1987 Constitution only allows heads of departments, agencies, commissions, or
boards to appoint only “officers lower in rank” than such “heads of departments,
agencies, commissions, or boards.”
Quinto-Deles vs. CA
BY STARR WEIGAND
2
9
The second sentence of Sec 16, Art VII refers to all other officers of the government It is clear from Section 16, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution that only appointed
whose appointments are not otherwise provided for by law and those whom the officers from the rank of colonel or naval captain in the armed forces require
President may be authorized by law. The NLRC Chairman and Commissioners fall confirmation by the CA. The rule is that the plain, clear and unambiguous language of
within the second sentence of Sec 16. The Chairman and Members of the NLRC are the Constitution should be construed as such and should not be given a construction
NOT among the officers mentioned in the first sentence of Sec 16, whose that changes its meaning. The enumeration of appointments subject to confirmation
appointments requires the confirmation by the Commission on App. by the CA under Section 16, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution is exclusive. The
clause "officers of the armed forces from the rank of colonel or naval captain" refers
to military officers alone.
Congress cannot by law expand the confirmation powers of the Commission on The president is vested with the executive power in the 3 branches of government.
Appointments and require confirmation of appointments of other government With this power, comes the power to control all of the executive departments. He can
officials not expressly mentioned in the first sentence of Section 16 of Article 7 of the appoint these heads, and dismiss them as he pleases. Having the power to control and
Constitution. direct them, he as well can confirm, modify or reverse the decisions of these
department secretaries.
The Ministry of Labor is under the executive department and the president has the
power of control of its department head (Secretary). It is implicit in the power of Hutchinson vs. SBMA
control is the power to review, confirm, modify or reverse acts of Dept’ heads. In this
case, if the Secretary grants a new license, Marcos can deny or approve of it. Hence, Chartered instirutions are always under the power of control of the President.
this LOI takes the nature of a presidential issuance which can be repealed by a later
presidential issuance.
Cruz vs. Sec. of DENR
• All executive departments, bureaus, and offices are under control of PRA vs. Bunag
President
The task of the Department of Budget and Management is simply to review the
• President’s power of control over cabinet, who in turn controls bureaus and
compensation and benefits plan of the government agency or entity concerned and
30 CONSTI LAW I – ATTY. CANDELARIA
BY STARR WEIGAND
3
1
determine if the same complies with the prescribed policies and guidelines issued in prerogative of her office.
this regard. The role of the Department of Budget and Management is supervisorial in
nature, its main duty being to ascertain that the proposed compensation, benefits and
other incentives to be given to PRA officials and employees adhere to the policies and
guidelines issued in accordance with applicable laws. Section 18 Commander in Chief
Suspend
Declare
Domingo vs. Zamora Call in Privilege of
Martial
AFP Writ of Habeas
Law
Power of the President to reorganize over: 1) office of the President proper; 2) offices Corpus
Prevent /
within the office of the President Suppress lawless Yes ? ?
Groun violence
ds Invasion Yes yes yes
Rebellion Yes yes yes
Romuldez vs. Sndiganbayan Prevent /
Suppress lawless ?
The felonious act of public officials and their close relatives are not acts of the state, violence
and the officer who acts illegally is not acting as such, but stands on the same footing Period Gen. Rule: 60 days (except if extended or
Invasion
as any other offender. revoked by Congress)
Rebellion
Notice ? Congress w/in 48 hours
Revocation ? Congress
Chavez vs. Romulo Yes. The test is w/n the Pres.
Acted arbitrarily 7 sufficiently
?
Under Section 17, Article VII of the Constitution, he/she is given powers as the Chief Judicial Review & based on the facts; decide in 60
Period days
Executive: “The president shall have control of all the executive departments, bureaus
Who can
and offices. He shall ensure that the laws be faithfully executed.” As the Chief question
? Any Citizen
Executive, GMA holds the steering wheel that controls the course of her government. Courts & legis. Open Open Open
She lays down the policies in the execution of her plans and programs. Whatever Assembly
policy she chooses, she has her subordinate to implement them. In short, she has the
power of control. Whenever a specific function is entrusted by law or regulation to her
subordinate, she may act directly or merely direct the performance of a duty. Thus,
when GMA directed Ebdane to suspend the issuance of the PTCFOR, she was just
directing a subordinate to perform an assigned duty. Such act was well within the Lansang vs. Garcia
The calling out power is placed in a different category from the power to declare
martial law and the power to suspend martial law and the power to suspend the habeas
corpus otherwise, the framers of the Constitution would have simply lumped together
the 3 powers and provided for their revocation and review without any qualification
(see Section 18, Article 7 codal)
The court may review the factual basis for the proclamation declaring the existence of
a state of rebellion.
Commutat
Reprieves Pardon Fines Amnesty
ion
Pres. +
Lim vs. Exec. Sec. Who
President President President President maj. Of all
exercises
of Congress
BY STARR WEIGAND
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3
The president may grant clemency for administrative cases in the executive branch:
the constitution does not distinguish between criminal and administrative cases.
Except:
impeachment;
election Same (if People vs. Salle
Limitation offense -> Same Same Same tax
(Comelec amnesty,
recommendati needs “after final judgment of conviction” – no appeals: if pardon is applied for, it shall not
on) legislative be processed pending an appeal. The judgment must fist be final.
concurrenc
e)
People vs. Bacang
Gen. Rule:
Acceptan needed Pardon cannot be extended pending an appeal.
ce except if
absolute
Drilon vs. CA
Once a person has been pardoned, or has served his sentence, his case can no longer
be reopened and reinvestigated.
The acceptance of a conditional pardon, carried with it the authority or power given to Executive agreements are two classes:
the President to determine whether the condition of the pardon has been violated. To
no other department of the Government has such power been entrusted or delegated. 1) PRESIDENTIAL AGREEMENTS- Agreement made purely by executive
Such act of the President is not subject to judicial scrutiny. acts affecting external relations and independent of or needs no legislative
authorization.
People vs Cassido 2) CONGRESSIONAL- EXECUTIVE AGREEMENTS- Agreement entered
into in pursuance of acts of congress.
Amnesty – granted to classes of persons guilty of political offenses, instituted before
or after criminal prosecution or even after conviction. The agreement may fall under any of these 2 classes. Why?
Monsanto vs. factoran 1) Because congress granted authority to the president to obtain loans and incur
indebtedness with the Government of US.
Pardon does not restore a convicted felon to public office. He must first acguire a 2) Even assuming that there was no legislative authorization, the agreement
reappointment, not a reinstatement, and does not exempt him from paying civil may still be entered into purely as executive acts (which usually relates to
liabilities.
money agreements for settlement of pecuniary claims of the citizens.
3) Senate resolution 15 admitted the validity and the binding force of the
Garcia vs. COA
agreement.
4) The act of congress appropriating funds for the yearly installments (under the
Since the pardon was based on innocence, the accused should be accorded his rights
previously held. He should be automatically reinstated and given back wages, as if he agreement) constitute a ratification thereof. Because international agreements
never left his office, as his dismissal is rendered null and void, due to lack of the cause are for the executive, the courts may not encroach upon their validity.
of action to which his innocence was found. Tanada vs. Angara
Bayan vs. Zamora
Section 21 International agreements, treaties, etc. Treaty – signed and approved by 2/3 majority vote of all members of the Senate.
BY STARR WEIGAND
3
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sometimes, to avoid the process of legislative approval. It is stated that "treaties, exist:
agreements, conventions, charters, protocols, declarations, memoranda of a. That there must be a specific controversy involving the rights of persons or
understanding, modus vivendi and exchange of notes" all refer to "international property;
instruments binding at international law."Significantly, an exchange of notes is b. Such controversy is brought before a tribunal, board, or officer for hearing and
considered a form of an executive agreement, which becomes binding through determination of rights and obligations.
executive action without the need of a vote by the Senate or Congress. Agreements
concluded by the President which fall short of treaties are commonly referred to as Manila Electric vs. Pasay Transit
executive agreements and are no less common in our scheme of government than are The Supreme Court and its members should not and cannot be required to exercise
the more formal instruments – treaties and conventions. They sometimes take the any power or to perform any trust or to assume any duty not pertaining to or
form of exchange of notes and at other times that of more formal documents connected with the administering of judicial functions.
denominated "agreements" or "protocols". The point where ordinary correspondence The power conferred on this court is exclusively judicial, and it cannot be required or
between this and other governments ends and agreements – whether denominated authorized to exercise any other. . . . Its jurisdiction and powers and duties being
executive agreements or exchange of notes or otherwise – begin, may sometimes be defined in the organic law of the government, and being all strictly judicial, Congress
difficult of ready ascertainment. cannot require or authorize the court to exercise any other jurisdiction or power, or
Pharmaceutical vs. DOH perform any other duty… And while it executes firmly all the judicial powers
Non-customary laws need to be transformed into local legislation before it can be entrusted to it, the court will carefully abstain from exercising any power that is not
binding: ratification and concurrence of Senate. strictly judicial in its character, and which is not clearly confided to it by the
Constitution.
Article VIII
Noblejas vs. Teehankee
Section 1: Judicial Power Judicial power does not include the power to discipline officers in others branches of
government with equal rank as that of a judge. This is beyond the judicial sphere.
Marbury vs. Madison
Judicial review: authority of the court to inquire into the acts of the branches of Radiowealth vs. Agregado
government or instrumentalities thereof. The “preservation of Judiciary’s integrity and effectiveness is necessary”. Corollary to
this is the power of judiciary to maintain its existence. The quality of the government
Santiago vs. Bautista depends upon the independence of judiciary and the officials of the government
Judicial function is an act performed by virtue of judicial powers; the exercise of cannot deprive the courts of anything which is vital to their functions.
which is the doing of something in the nature of the action of the court. In order that a
special action of certiorari may be invoked in this jurisdiction, the following must Furthermore, the prerogatives of this court which the Constitution secures against
CONSTI LAW I – ATTY.
CANDELARIA
interference include not only the powers to adjudicate cases but all things that are The power to control the execution of its decision is an essential aspect of jurisdiction.
REASONABLY necessary for the administration of justice. The purchase of the Supervening events may change the circumstance of the parties and compel courts to
necessary equipment would contribute to a more effective judiciary. Lastly, these are intervene and adjust the rights of the litigants to prevent unfairness.
implied and incidental powers that are as essential to the existence of the court as the Postponement of the date: The particulars of the execution itself are absolutely under
powers specifically granted to it. the control of the judicial authority, while the executive has no power over the person
of the convict except to provide for carrying out of the penalty and to pardon. The
In re Laureta date can be postponed, even in sentences of death. Under the common law this
The Court's authority and duty under the premises is unmistakable. It must act to postponement can be ordered in 3 ways: (1) by command of the King (2) by discretion
preserve its honor and dignity from the scurrilous attacks of an irate lawyer, mouthed of the court (3) by mandate of the law.
by his client, and to safeguard the morals and ethics of the legal profession.
PCGG vs. Disierto
In re Borromeo The Constitution has tasked this Court “to determine whether or not there has been
Judges must be free to judge, without pressure or influence from external forces or grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of any
factors. They should not be subject to intimidation, the fear of civil, criminal or branch or instrumentality of the Government,” including the Office of the
administrative sanctions for acts they may do and dispositions they may make in the Ombudsman. Specifically, this Court is mandated to review and reverse the
performance of their duties and functions. Hence it is sound rule, which must be ombudsman’s evaluation of the existence of probable cause, if it has been made with
recognized independently of statute that judges are not generally liable for acts done grave abuse of discretion.
within the scope of their jurisdiction and in good faith. The Court has repeatedly and
uniformly ruled that a judge may not be held administratively accountable for every Domingo vs. Scheer
erroneous order or decision he renders. The exercise of the power of contempt of the Although the courts are without power to directly decide matters over which full
court is valid. discretionary authority has been delegated to the legislative or executive branch of the
government and are not empowered to execute absolutely their own judgment from
Director of Prisons vs. Ang Cho Kio that of Congress or of the President, the Court may look into and resolve questions of
The power to revoke a conditional pardon is within the realm of the executive, and whether or not such judgment has been made with grave abuse of discretion, when the
does not fall within the jurisdiction of the judiciary. Neither does the judiciary have act of the legislative or executive department violates the law or the Constitution.
the power to give advisory opinions. Its main duty is to settle disputes and uphold
rights, in the absence of which it cannot render opinions, as this is not one of its Angara vs. Electoral Tribunal
functions. Judicial supremacy is but the power of judicial review in actual and appropriate cases
and controversies, and is the power and duty to see that no one branch or agency of
Echegaray vs. Sec. of Justice the government transcends the Constitution, which is the source of all authority.
The finality of a judgment does not mean the Court has lost all its powers over the The Electoral Commission is an independent constitutional creation with specific
case. By the finality of the judgment, what the court loses is its jurisdiction to amend, powers and functions to execute and perform, closer for purposes of classification to
modify, or alter the same. The court still has jurisdiction to execute and enforce it. the legislative than to any of the other two departments of the government; is the sole
BY STARR WEIGAND
3
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judge of all contests relating to the election, returns and qualifications of members of amounting to excess or lack of jurisdiction has been committed by any branch or
the National Assembly. instrumentality of the government.
BY STARR WEIGAND
3
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amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of any branch or The court has jurisdiction over administrative issuances of agencies, which were
instrumentality of government. The judiciary has focused on the “thou shall not’s” of issued in the exercise of their quasi-legislative, and not quasi-judicial function.
the Constitution.
Buac vs. Comelec
Cawaling vs. Comelec Recount of plebiscite ballots is exclusively within the realm of the Comelec: not to be
A political question is one in which the wisdom, expediency or justice of the interfered with by the courts.
legislative enactment is being questioned. The courts cannot rule on the wisdom of the
laws. Information Technology vs. Comelec
The court does not give advisory opinions. It can nly rule on actual cases or
Montesclaros vs. Comelec controversies, involving rights which are legally demandable and enforceable.
A proposed bill cannot be the subject of judicial review because it is not a law.
Judicial review may only be exercised after a laws has been passed, not before it. Macasiano vs. NHA
Requisites for declaratory relief:
John Hay vs. Lim 1) There must be a justiciable controversy;
The courts retain full discretionary power to take cognizance of the petition filed 2) The controversy must be between persons whose interests are adverse; and
directly to it if compelling reasons or the nature and importance of the uses raised, 3) The party seeking declaratory relief must have a legal interest in the controversy.
warrant. Remanding the case to the lower courts would unduly prolong the case.
Tano vs. Socrates
Velarde vs. SJS Court will not entertain direct resort unless redress desired cannot be obtained in
Requirements for declaratory relief sought by respondents are: 1) justiciable appropriate court and when there is exceptional circumstance to justify availment of
controversy, 2)controversy is between people whose interests are adverse, 3) party remedy.
seeking relief has a legal interest in the controversy and 4) the issue is ripe for judicial
determination. Section 2: Power of Legislature to Apportion Jurisdiction
A justiciable controversy refers to an existing case or controversy that is appropriate
or ripe for judicial determination, not one which is merely one of conjecture or merely Mantruste vs. CA
anticipatory. This petition failed to allege an exsitng controversy or dispute between The court is prohibited by law to interfere with, or block, a decision of an executive
the petitioner and the named respondents. agency.
BY STARR WEIGAND
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BY STARR WEIGAND
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the earliest opportunity. There are exceptions. Courts, in the exercise of sound The law requires that the question of constitutionality be raised at the earliest
discretion, may determine the time when a question affecting the constitutionality of a opportunity. In this case, Estarija raised the issue of constitutionality in his MR to the
statute should be presented. In civil cases, it has been held that it is the duty of the OMB. Verily, the OMB has no jurisdiction to entertain questions on the
court to pass on the constitutional questions, even if it was raised for the first time on constitutionality of a law. Thus, when petitioner raised the issue of constitutionality
appeal IF it appears that a determination of the question is necessary to a decision of before the CA, the constitutional question was raised at the earliest opportunity.
the case. As to the power of the court to consider the constitutional question raised for Furthermore, this court may determine when a constitutional issue may be passed
the first time in these proceedings, the SC is of the opinion is that the People of the upon.
Philippines and the Fiscal of the City of Manila is a proper party in these proceedings.
The rule is that the person who impugns the validity of a statute must have a Baker vs. Carr
substantial interest in the case. The enforcement of an invalid statute is detrimental to Political questions are those questions under the Constitution, are to be decided by the
public interest. Thus, the state has standing to sue. people in their sovereign capacity, or in regard to which full discretionary authority
has been delegated to the legislative/executive branch of the government. Cases which
Mirasol vs. CA are political in nature as follows:
The present case was instituted primarily for accounting and specific performance.
The CA correctly ruled that PNB’s obligation to render an accounting is an issue a. Textually demonstrable constitutional commitment of the issue to a
which can be determined without having to rule on the validity of PD 579. It is not the coordinate political department (issues of foreign affairs and executive war
lis mota of the case. powers, parliamentary rules and regulations)
b. A lack of judicially discoverable and manageable standards for resolving the
Matibag vs. Benipayo issue
The earliest opportunity is to raise it in the pleadings before a competent court that c. Impossibility of deciding without an initial policy determination of a kind
can resolve the same. clearly for nonjudicial discretion (WISDOM)
d. Possible infringement of separation of powers
La Bugal vs. Ramos e. An unusual need for unquestioning adherence to a political decision already
The “earliest opportunity” requirement should not be taken to mean that the question made*
of constitutionality must be immediately raised after the execution of the act f. Potentiality of embarrassment from many pronouncements by various
complained of. That the question of constitutionality has not been raised before is not departments on one question *
a valid reason for refusing to allow it to be raised later.
Arceta vs. Mangrobang Significantly in the Philippines, since the Constitution empowers the SC to check for
The constitutional question is not the lis mota in the case. To justify a law’s GADLEJ of other branches, the question is not political even if there is the presence
nullification, there must be a clear breach of the Consti and not one which is of e and f.
speculative.
Omena vs. Pendatun
Estarja vs. Ranada The resolution was unanimously approved by the Congress and such approval
BY STARR WEIGAND
4
5
questions of law. The petition does not involve pure questions of law because a practice of law.
question of law arises when the doubt or difference arises as to what the law is on a
certain set of facts as distinguished from a question of fact which occurs when the Bustos vs. Lucero
doubt or difference arises as to the truth or falsehood of the facts. Substantive law is that part of the law which creates, defines and regulates rights as
opposed to remedial law, which prescribes the method of enforcing rights/obtain
People vs. Gutierrez redress for invasion. As applied to criminal law, substantive law is that which declares
It is within the power of the courts to determine the most suitable place of the trial. what acts are crimes and prescribes the punishment for committing them, as
The Judicial Power vested in the SC and it connotes certain inherent attributes distinguished from procedural law which provides or regulates the steps by which one
necessary for an effective administration of justice. One of these inherent powers is who commits a crime is to be punished. Preliminary investigation is eminently
that of the transfer of trial of cases from one court to another. remedial (being the first step taken in a criminal prosecution). The curtailment of the
right of an accused in a prelim investigation to cross examine the witnesses who had
First Lepanto vs. CA given evidence for his arrest does not offend the Constitution. Prelim investigation is
Review of BOI decisions – first to CA. not an essential part of due process (it may suppressed entirely). Finally,nit is
inevitable that the SC in making rules should step on substantive rights, and the
Lina vs. Purisima Constitution must be presumed to tolerate if not expect such incursion as does not
If in any case elevated to this Court for the correction of any supposed procedural affect the accused in a harsh and arbitrary manner but operates only in a limited and
error of any lower court, it should be found that indeed there has been a mistake, and substantial manner to his disadvantage. It has the power to adopt a general and
it further appears that all the facts needed for a complete determination of the whole complete system of procedure.
controversy are already before the Court, the SC may at its option dispense with the
usual procedure of remanding and instead resolve the pertinent issues and render final Santero vs. CFI of Cavite
judgments on the merits. A substantive law, gives the surviving spouse and to the children the right to receive
support during liquidation, such right cannot be impaired by the Rules of Court, which
In Re: Cunanan is a procedural rule.
Congress may repeal, alter and supplement the rules promulgated by the SC but the
authority and responsibility over the admission of attorneys remain vested in the SC. PNB vs. Asuncion
A procedural rule cannot amend a substantive law.
In Re: Agrosino
The practice of law is a personal privilege limited to citizens of good moral character, Damasco vs. Laqui
with special educational qualifications, duly ascertained and certified. Philippine jurisprudence considers prescription of a crime or offense a loss or waiver
by the State of its right to prosecute an act prohibited/punished by law. While it is the
Javellana vs. DILG rule that an accused who fails to move to quash before pleading, is deemed to waive
These merely prescribe rules of conduct for public officials to avoid conflicts of all objections, yet this rule cannot apply to the defense of prescription, which under
interest between the discharge of public duties and the private practice of law, and do Art 69 of the RPC extinguishes criminal liability.
not infringe on the SC’s power and authority to promulgate rules regarding the
CONSTI LAW I – ATTY.
CANDELARIA
Carpio vs. Sulu Resources Article IX: Constitutional Commissions
When the SC, in its exercise of its rule-making power, transfers to the CA pending
cases involving a review of a quasi-judicial body’s decisions [MAB’s], such transfer Civil Service Comelec Commission on
only relates to procedure and it does not impair substantive rights because the Audit
Composition 1 chairman and 2 1 chairman and 6 1 chairman and 2
aggrieved party’s right to appeal is preserved and what is changed is only the commissioners commissioners commisisioners
procedure by which the appeal is to be made or decided. Qualifications Natural-born, 35 + Natural-born, 35+ Natural-born, 35 +
yrs old, capacity yrs old, college yrs old, CPA (10 yrs
Land Bank vs. De Leon for public ad.; not grad.; not auditing
candidate for candidate for experience), or
A petition for review, not an ordinary appeal, is the proper procedure in effecting elctive position in elctive position in members of the
appeal from decisions of Special Agrarian Courts in cases involving the determination elctions elctions bar(10 yrs law
of just compensation to the landowners concerned. immediately immediately practice); not
preceding appt preceding appt; candidate for
maj. Including elctive position in
People vs. Lacson chairman should elctions
If a criminal case is provisionally dismissed without express consent, the new rule be member of bar, immediately
would not apply. In this case, the 11 informations in criminal cases were filed with the + 10 yr practice preceding appt.
RTC which was well within the two year period therefore the MR is granted and the Term 7 yrs w/out 7 yrs w/out 7 yrs w/out
RTC is directed to proceed with the criminal cases. reappointment reappointment reappointment
(staggered) (staggered) (staggered)
Appointment President w/ CA President w/ CA President w/ CA
Planters vs. Fertiphil approval approval approval
Retroactive application is only allowed if no vested rights are impaired. In the case, at Jurisdiction Branches, Electoral process Government, any
the time PPI filed its appeal in 1992, all that the rules require for the perfection of its subdivisions, subdivision,
instrumentalities agency or
appeal was the filing of a notice of appeal. PPI complied with this requirement when and agencies of instrumentality,
it filed a notice of appeal. Thus, the 1997 Rules of CivPro which took effect on 1997 the gov’t including including GOCCs w/
and required docket fees cannot affect PPI’s appeal which was already perfected in GOCCs with original charters
1992. original charters post-audit: consti
bodies,
autonomous state
In Re: 2003 Bar Examinations univ. and colleges,
Disbarment due to violation of Rule 1.01 of Canon 1 as well as Canon 7 of the Code other GOCCs,
of Professional Responsibility (a lawyer shall not engage in unlawful, dishonest and NGOs w/ gov’t
immoral conduct/uphold the integrity and dignity of the legal profession). subsidy or equity
Powers Central personnel Insure free, orderly Examine, audit and
agency of the gov’t and honest settle all accounts
Tan vs. Bausch elections pertaining to the
SC has authority to transfer jurisdiction through Administrative Order. revenue and
receipts of, and
expenditures or
Tan vs. Comelec uses of funds and
Review of rules of quasi-judicial bodies. property owned
and held in trust
by, or pertaining to
the gov’t
46 CONSTI LAW I – ATTY. CANDELARIA
BY STARR WEIGAND
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1987 Constitution – took effect on Feb. 2, 1987 (upon ratification by the people)
PCGG – continued to operate.
Military Bases: only allowed based on following requisites:
1) a treaty is entered into
2) duly concurred in by the Senate, and when Congress requires, ratified by a
majority of the votes cast by the people in a national referendum for that
purpose
3) the treaty is recognized as such by the other contracting State.
BY STARR WEIGAND