2012SUPREMECOURTDECISIONSONPOLITICALLAWBy:JacintoD.JimenezAllRightsReservedCONSTITUTIONALLAWI.BillofRightsA.DueProcess1.SubstantiveDueProcessThePhilippineAssociationofServiceExporters,Inc.questionedtheconstitutionalityofSection6oftheMigrantWorkersandOverseasFilipinosAct,whichdefinedillegalrecruitment,forvagueness,becauseitdidnotdistinguishbetweenlicensedandunlicensedrecruiters.HELD:Section6makesadistinctionbetweenlicensedandunlicensedrecruiters.Thosewhoengageinrecruitmentofworkerswithouttheappropriategovernmentlicenseareguiltyofillegalrecruitment.RecruiterswhohavetheappropriatelicenseareguiltyofillegalrecruitmentonlyiftheycommitanyofthewrongfulactsenumeratedinSection6.(Sto.Tomasvs.Paneda,685SCRA245.)Cojuangco,Jr.vs.Republic,686SCRA472ruledthatacontractwhichwasreferredtoinaPresidentialDecreewhichwasnotincludedinthepublicationofthePresidentialDecreeisnotvalid,becausetheentirelawmustbepublished.2.ProceduralDueProcessBuildingCareCorporationvs.Macaraeg,687SCRA643ruledthatanemployerwhowasabletopresenthissidebeforethelaborarbiterandfailedtoappealontimewasnotdenieddueprocess.Arroyovs.RosalHomeownersAssociation,Inc.,684SCRA297ruledthatthefilingofamotionforreconsiderationcuresthedenialofdueprocessGovs.ColegiodeSanJuandeLetran,683SCRA358,reiteratedtherulinginGuzmanvs.NationalUniversity,142SCRA699regardingdueprocessindisciplinaryproceedinginschools.JaimePerez,thechiefoftheMarikinaDemolitionOffice,wroteFortunatoMadronaandYolandaPantetoremovethefencetheybuilt,becauseitwasprotrudingtothesidewalk.TheyfiledanactiontoenjoinJaimePerezfromcarryingouthisthreattodemolishthefenceandtorecoverdamages.JaimePerezarguedthathecouldnotbeliablefordamages.HELD:Thefencewas

notanuisanceperse.Itssummaryabatementwithoutjudicialinterventionisnotwarranted.Heshouldhavepursuedtheproperremediesthatweremoreinconsonancewiththedictatesofdueprocess.(Perezvs.Madrona,668SCRA696.)EduardoVillabona,RicardoVillabonaandGildaVillabonasuedMoldexRealty,Inc.forannulmentofthetransfercertificatesoftitletotwoparcelsoflandonthegroundthatitacquiredthetwoparcelsoflandthroughfalsifieddeedsofabsolutesale.AfterRicardoVillabonatestifiedasthefirstwitness,theirlawyerrepeatedlyfailedtoappear.Thetrialcourtissuedanorderterminatingthepresentationoffurtherevidencefortheplaintiffs.Thetrialcourtalsosetthecaseforpresentationofevidencebythedefendants.Theplaintiffsfiledamotionforreconsiderationtobeabletopresenttwomorewitnesses.Becauseofrepeatedpostponementsduetothefailureofthelawyeroftheplaintiffstoappear,thetrialcourtdeclaredthecasesubmittedfordecision.Then,itsetasideitsorderanddirectedthedefendantstosubmittheirofferofevidence.Afterwards,withoutwaitingfortheevidence,thetrialcourtrenderedadecisionannullingthetwotransfercertificatesoftitle.HELD:Thetrialcourtviolatedtherightofthepartiestodueprocesswhenitproceededtodecidethecase.Itfailedtoresolvethemotionforreconsiderationoftheplaintiffsandpreventedthedefendantsfrompresentingevidence.(MoldexRealty,Inc.vs.Villabona,675SCRA615.)SalvadorKerrsuedDennisMortelforforeclosureofmortgage.Atty.LeonuelMasofthePublicAttorneysOfficefiledananswerforhim.Becauseoftheirfailuretoappearatthepretrial,thecourtdeclaredDennisMortelindefaultandallowedSalvadorKerrtopresentevidenceexparte.Atty.EugenioTumulakfiledanoticeofappearanceforDennisMortel,butthecourtdidnotactonit.ItthenrenderedjudgmentinfavorofSalvadorKerr.Atty.LeopoldoLacambra,Jr.filedamotionfornewtrialforDennisMortel.Atty.LeonuelMaswithdrewhisappearance.Thecourtdeniedthemotionbecauseitwasfiledoutoftime.Atty.EugenioTumulakfiledapetitionforrelieffromjudgment.Itwasdeniedbecauseitwasfiledoutoftime.Hefiledamotionforreconsideration.Thecourtordereditbestrickenfromtherecordsforlackofnoticeofhearing.Hefiledamotionforreconsideration.Itwasdeniedforbeingasecondmotionforreconsideration.Atty.EugenioTumulakfiledapetitionforreviewintheCourtofAppeals.TheCourtofAppealsdismissedit,becauseitfailedtoshowthatitwasfiledontimeandtheproperremedyagainsttheorderofdefaultwasapetitionforcertiorari.Atty.EugenioTumulakfiledamotionforreconsideration,butitwasdenied.DennisMortelhimselffiledapetitionforreviewintheSupremeCourt.HELD:DennisMorteldidnothavehisdayincourt.Hehadalreadyappearedinthefourprevioussettingsofthepretrial.Hearrivedinthefifthsettingafewminuteslate.Thecourtcouldhaveallowedasecondorthirdcall.

TheprimarynegligenceoccurredonthepartofAtty.LeonuelMas.Hedidnotappearatthepretrialdespitethenotice.Hedidnotofferanyexplanationforhisnonappearance.NordidhetakethenecessarymovetoprotecttheinterestofDennisMortelafterlearningthathehadbeendeclaredindefault.ThecourtdidnotactontheappearanceofAtty.EugenioTumulak.ItproceededtorenderitsjudgmentandsentacopyofittoAtty.LeonuelMas.TheerrorsofAtty.EugeneTumulakdeprivedDennisMortelofthemeanstoundotheadversedecision.(Mortelvs.Kerr,685SCRA1.)IsabelitaGravidesandPedroBorjalwereopposingcandidatesforpunongbarangay.IsabelitaGravideswasproclaimedthewinner.PedroBorjalfiledanelectionprotestintheMetropolitanTrialCourt.Thecourtsetthecaseforpreliminaryconference.Thenoticereferredtothecontentsofthepreliminaryconferencebriefsinordinarycivilcases.Duringthepreliminaryconference,IsabelitaGravidesmovedforthedismissaloftheelectionprotest,becausethepreliminaryconferencebriefofPedroBorjaldidnotcomplywiththerequirementsforpreliminaryconferencebriefsinelectioncontests.Thecourtgrantedthemotion.HELD:ThecounselofPedroBorjalwasmisledbythenoticeofpreliminaryconferenceissuedbythecourt.HismistakeincomplyingwiththedirectiveofthecourtshouldnotprejudicePedroBorjal.(Gravidesvs.CommissiononElection,685SCRA382.)3.ImpartialitySecretaryCesarPurisimafiledanadministrativecaseagainstProsperoPichay,Jr.withtheOfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairs.ProsperoPichay,Jr.arguedthattheOfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairscouldnotbeimpartial,becauseSecretaryCesarPurisimaanditwerebothconnectedtothePresident.HELD:MeresuspicionofpartialitywillnotsufficetoinvalidatetheactionsoftheOfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairs.Mereallegationisnotequivalenttoproof.(Pichay,Jr.vs.OfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairs,677SCRA408.)TheCommissiononElectionsandtheDepartmentofJusticecreatedaJointCommitteeandaFactFindingCommitteetoinvestigateelectionfraudduringthe2004andthe2007elections.TheJointCommitteeissuedsubpoenastoJoseMiguelArroyo,BenjaminAbalos,Jr.,andGloriaMacapagalArroyo.TheyfiledintheSupremeCourtapetitionquestioningthevalidityofthecreationoftheJointCommitteeandtheFactFindingCommittee.Theyarguedthatitviolateddueprocesssincetheywereevidencegatherer,prosecutorandjudgeatthesametime.HELD:Twobodieswerecreated,namely:(1)theFactFindingCommitteetogatherevidence,and(2)theJointCommitteetoconductthepreliminaryinvestigation.Itisinaccuratetosaythatthereisonlyonebodywhichactedasevidencegatherer,prosecutorandjudge.(Arroyovs.DepartmentofJustice,681SCRA181.)

RCBCCapitalCorporationpurchased67%ofthesharesofstockofEquitablePCIBank,Inc.andtheindividualstockholdersofBankard,Inc.RCBCCapitalCorporationclaimedthattherewasanoverpaymentforthesharesofstockbecauseofanoverstatementofvaluationofaccountsandbreachofthewarrantyofthesellersundertheagreement.ThedisputewassubmittedtoarbitrationbytheInternationalChamberofCommerceinaccordancewithaprovisionintheagreement.TheInternationalCourtofArbitrationrequiredthepartiestopay$350,000.00asadvanceoncostsdividedequallybetweentheparties.RCBCCapitalCorporationpaiditsshare,butEquitablePCIBank,Inc.requestedthatseparateadvancesoncostsbefixedonthebasisoftheclaimsandcounterclaimsoftheparties,sincetheclaimofRCBCCapitalCorporationwasmorethan40timeshigherthantheamountsofitscounterclaims.TheInternationalCourtofArbitrationdeniedtherequest.Itlaterorderedthesuspensionofhearings.TheInternationalCourtofArbitrationwrotethepartiesthattheadvanceoncostswasbeingincreasedto$450,000.00,subjecttoadjustments.EquitablePCIBank,Inc.againrefusedtopayitsshare.RCBCCapitalCorporationaskedthatEquitablePCIBank,Inc.bedeclaredindefault.ThechairmanoftheArbitralTribunalwrotethepartiesthattheArbitralTribunalhadnopowertoorderpaymentoftheadvanceoncostortogiveanyreliefagainstrefusaltopaybutduringthehearingsorwhentheallocationofcostswouldbedetermined,submissionsonthefailureofEquitablePCIBank,Inc.topayitsshareintheadvanceofcostscouldbemade.TheArbitralTribunalmadeafirstawardholdingEquitablePCIBank,Inc.liableandleavingthedeterminationofthedamagestoalateraward.TheInternationalChamberofCommerceincreasedthedepositforadvanceoncoststo$580,000.00.RCBCCapitalCorporationpaiditsshare,butEquitablePCIBank,Inc.refused.ItaskedthatEquitablePCIBank,Inc.bedeclaredindefault,andthatitscounterclaimsbewithdrawn.TheChairmanoftheArbitralTribunalwrotealetter,whichstatedthefollowing:1.IthadnopowertodeclarethatEquitablePCIBank,Inc.hadnorighttoparticipateinproceedingsconcerningtheclaimofRCBCCapitalCorporation.2.ItinterpretedthelatestletterasanapplicationforapartialawardinrespecttothefailureofEquitablePCIBank,Inc.regardingitsfailuretopayitsshareintheadvancecosts.RCBCCapitalCorporationconfirmedtheinterpretationoftheArbitralTribunalandfiledtheapplication.

TheChairmanoftheArbitralTribunalgavebothpartiesacopyofanarticleonthesubjectinICCBulletin,Vol.14,Vol.1.HELD:TheactoftheChairmanoftheArbitralTribunalinprovidingthearticleiseasilyinterpretablethathehadprejudgedthematterbeforehim.HepracticallyarmedRCBCCapitalCorporationwithsupportinglegalarguments.(RCBCCapitalCorporationvs.BancodeOroUnibank,Inc.,687SCRA583.)B.EqualProtection1.ApplicabilityTheSpecialGeneralCourtMartialwhichtriedMajorGeneralCarlosGarciaconvictedhimofviolationofthe96thandthe97thArticlesoftheArticlesofWar.Hewassentencedtoundergoconfinementfortwoyears.Hehadbeenunderpreventiveconfinementduringthependencyofthecase.HELD:UnderArticle29oftheRevisedPenalCode,anaccusedwhounderwentpreventiveimprisonmentshallbecreditedintheserviceofsentenceconsistingofdeprivationoflibertywiththefullperiodofpreventiveimprisonment.ItsapplicationtotheArticlesofWarisinaccordancewiththeequalprotectionclause.Thereisnosubstantialdistinctionbetweenthosewhoareconvictedofoffenseswhicharecriminalinnatureundermilitarycourtsandthecivilcourts.(Garciavs.ExecutiveSecretary,677SCRA750.)2.AbsenceofViolationTheSandiganbayanconvictedEfrenAlvarez,aMunicipalMayor,ofviolationSection3(e)oftheAntiGraftandCorruptPracticesforawardingaconstructioncontracttoacompanywhichwasnotdulylicensedbythePhilippineConstructionAccreditationBoard.Hearguedthathisconvictionviolatedequalprotection,becausehewastheonlyoneamongthenumerouspersonswhoapprovedthecontractandimplementedtheprojectwhowascharged.HELD:Theprosecutionofoneguiltypersonwhileothersequallyguiltyarenotprosecutedisnotbyitselfadenialofequalprotection.Theunequalapplicationtothoseentitledtobetreatedalikeisnotadenialofequalprotectionintheabsenceofintentionaldiscrimination.Itwouldbeunconscionabletoexcuseadefendantguiltyofmurderbecauseothershavemurderedwithimpurity.(Alvarezvs.People,677SCRA673.)TheCommissiononElectionsandtheDepartmentofJusticecreatedaJointCommitteeandaFactFindingCommitteetoinvestigateelectionfraudduringthe2004andthe2007elections.TheJointCommitteeissuedsubpoenastoJoseMiguelArroyo,BenjaminAbalos,Sr.,andGloriaMacapagalArroyo.TheyfiledintheSupremeCourtpetitionsquestioningthevalidityofthecreationoftheJointCommitteeandtheFactFindingCommitteeonthegroundthatitviolatedequalprotection,becauseitdidnotapplytoelectionsheldinpreviouselectionsin2004andwaslimitedtotheArroyoadministration.HELD:TheinvestigationwasnotlimitedtorespondentslinkedtoGloriaMacapagalArroyo.(Arroyovs.DepartmentofJustice,681SCRA181.)

ThePhilippineAssociationofServiceExporters,Inc.questionedtheconstitutionalityofSection7oftheMigrantWorkersandOverseasFilipinosActonthegroundthatitimposedthesamepenaltiesonthepunishableactswithoutmakingadistinctionastotheirseriousness.HELD:Congressactedwithinitsprerogativeindeterminingwhatactsareequallyreprehensible.ThelawconsideredthefactthatoverseasworkersmustworkoutsidethebordersofthePhilippineandoutsideitsimmediateprotection.(Sto.Tomasvs.Paneda,685SCRA245.)3.ExistenceofValidDistinctionPresidentBenignoAquinoIII,issuedExecutiveOrderNo.13,whichabolishedthePresidentialAntiGraftCommissionandtransferredtotheOfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairsthepowertoinvestigateadministrativecasesagainstpresidentialappointees.ProsperoPichay,Jr.waschargedbeforetheOfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairs.HearguedthatExecutiveOrderNo.13violatedequalprotection,becauseitspowertoinvestigatewaslimitedtopresidentialappointeesoccupyingupperlevelpositionsinthegovernment.HELD:Therearesubstantialdistinctionsbetweenpresidentialappointeesoccupyingupperlevelpositionsinthegovernmentandnonpresidentialappointeesandpresidentialappointeesoccupyinglowerpositionsinthegovernment.(Pichay,Jr.vs.OfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairs,677SCRA408.)C.SearchesandSeizures1.SufficiencyofDescriptionTheRegionalTrialCourtissuedtwosearchwarrantsfortheftoftelephoneservicesinviolationofArticle308oftheCivilCodeandviolationofPresidentialDecreeNo.401forunauthorizedinstallationofconnections.ThebasiswasthecomplaintofPhilippineLongDistanceTelephoneCompanythatcallsfromtheUnitedStatewerebeingtransmittedtothePhilippineswithoutpassingthroughitsfacilitiesbytheuseofspecialequipment.Itwasarguedthatthesearchwarrantsweregeneralsearchwarrants.HELD:Thesearchwarrantsorderedtheseizureofthefollowing:1. Lines,cables,antennasandequipmentcapableoftransmittingairwavesfrequency2. Computersoranyequipmentcapableofacceptinginformation3. Modemsoranyequipmentthatenablesdataterminalequipmenttocommunicatewithotherdataterminalequipmentthroughatelephoneline4. Multiplexersoranyequipmentthatenablestwoormoresignalsfromdifferentsourcestopassthroughacommontransmissionline5. Switchingequipmentcapableofconnectingtelephonelines

6. Software,diskettes,tapesorequipmentforrecordingandstoringinformationand7. Manuals,phonecards,accesscodespertainingtosecurityandusingtelephonelines.Theitemstobeseizedweresufficientlyidentifiedbystatingtheirrelationstotheoffensescharged.(HPSSoftwareandCommunicationCorporationsandPhilippineLongDistanceTelephoneCompany,687SCRA426.)2.StopandFriskTwopoliceofficersflaggeddownRodelLuzforviolatinganordinance,whichrequiredthewearingofahelmetwhiledrivingamotorcycle.Theyaskedhimtogototheirsubstation,whichwasnearby.Whilethetrafficcitationticketwasbeingissued,oneofthepoliceofficersnoticedthathewasuneasyandkeptgettingsomethingfromhisjacket.HeaskedRodelLuztotakeoutthecontentsofthepocketofhisjacket.Hepulledoutametalcontainer.Thepoliceofficeraskedhimtoopenit.Itcontainedtwosachetswhichwerefilledwithmethamphetaminehydrochloride.RodelLuzwaschargedwithillegalpossessionofdangerousdrugs.HELD:Atthetimethathewaswaitinginthesubstationwhilethepoliceofficerwaswritingthetrafficcitationticket,thepoliceofficerhadnointentiontoarresthim.Thedetentionofamotoristpursuanttoatrafficstopispresumptivelytemporaryandbrief.Thecircumstancesassociatedwiththetypicaltrafficstoparenotsuchthatthemotoristfeelscompletelyatthemercyofthepolice.Sincetherewasnovalidarrest,thewarrantlesssearchthatresultedfromitwasalsoillegal.Theevidenceseizedwasnotinplainview.ItwasconcealedinsideametalcontainerinsidethepocketofRodelLuz.Neitherwasthereaconsentedwarrantlesssearch.Hewastoldtotakeoutthecontentsofhispocket.Relevanttothedeterminationofconsentarethefollowing:(1)theageofthedefendant(2)whetherhewasinapublicorsecludedlocation(3)whetherthedefendantobjectedtothesearchorpassivelylookedon(4)theeducationandintelligenceofthedefendant(5)thepresenceofcoercivepoliceprocedures(6)thebeliefofthedefendantthatnoincriminatingevidencewouldbefound(7)thenatureofthepolicequestioning(8)theenvironmentinwhichthequestioningtookplaceand(9)thepossiblyvulnerablesubjectivestateofthepersonconsentingtoit.Hewasaloneatthesubstationat3a.m.accompaniedbyseveralpoliceofficers.Thesecircumstancesweighagainstafindingofvalidconsenttoawarrantlesssearch.Neitherdoesthesearchqualifyunderthestopandfriskrule.Itwasmerelyalimitedprotectivesearchofouterclothingforweapons.Theitemsseizedduringtheillegalarrestareinadmissible.(Luzvs.People,667SCRA421.)3.InadmissibilityofEvidenceAsearchwarrantauthorizedthesearchoftheresidenceofRubendelCastillotolookformethamphetaminehydrochloride.Abarangaytanodhelpinginimplementingitseizedmethamphetaminehydrochloridefoundinanipahut20metersawayfromhisresidence.HELD:Theconfiscateditems,havingbeenfoundinaplaceotherthantheonedescribedinthesearch

warrant,canbeconsideredasfruitsofaninvalidwarrantlesssearch.Thepoliceofficers,aswellasthebarangaytanod,wereactingasagentsofapersoninauthorityduringtheconductofthesearch.(DelCastillovs.People,664SCRA430.)4.WarrantlessArrestAmbrevs.People,678SCRA552ruledthatapersoncaughtusingmethamphetaminehydrochloridecanbearrestedwithoutneedofawarrant.D.FreedomofthePressGarciavs.Manrique,683SCRA491ruledthatanewspaperarticlestatingthataJusticeoftheSupremeCourtreceivedabribetoissueatemporaryrestrainingorderisnotprotectedbyfreedomofthepress.E.ReligiousFreedomTheUnitedChurchofChristinthePhilippines,Inc.isareligiouscorporation.ItisanationalconfederationofEvangelicalChurches.TheBradfordUnitedChurchofChrist,Inc.becameaconstituentchurchofit.Lateron,itwasincorporatedasaseparatecorporation.TheBradfordUnitedChurchofChrist,Inc.disaffiliatedfromtheUnitedChurchofChristinthePhilippines,Inc.Itamendeditsarticlesofincorporationtoeffectthedisaffiliation.TheUnitedChurchofChristinthePhilippines,Inc.filedacomplaintonthegroundthatitsconstitutionandbylawsdidnotallowtheseparateincorporationoftheBradfordUnitedChurchofChrist,Inc.TheSecuritiesandExchangeCommissionruledinfavoroftheBradfordUnitedChurchofChrist,Inc.onthegroundthatithasthefreedomtoassociateanddisassociate.TheUnitedChurchofChristinthePhilippines,Inc.arguedthatithadthesolerighttodecidewhethertheBradfordUnitedChurchofChrist,Inc.coulddisaffiliate,becauseitwaspurelyanecclesiasticalaffair.HELD:Anecclesiasticalaffairisonethatconcernsdoctrine,creedorformofworshipofthechurch,theadoptionandenforcementwithinareligiousassociationofneedfullawsandregulationsforthegovernmentofthemembership,andthepowerofexcludingfromtheassociationthosedeemedunworthyofmembership.Examplesareexcommunication,ordinationsofreligiousministers,administrationofsacraments,andotheractivitiesattachedwithreligioussignificance.IntertwinedwiththeissueofthevalidityofthedisaffiliationisthequestionofwhethertheBradfordUnitedChurchofChristunderthelawhadthepowertodisaffiliate.Thecourtshouldrecognizeitsdecisionasitconcernsitslegalrightsasareligiouscorporationtodisaffiliatefromanotherreligiouscorporationbylegitimatemeans.Thisisasecularmatterwithinthejurisdictionofcivilcourts.(UnitedChurchofChristinthePhilippines,Inc.vs.BradfordUnitedChurchofChrist,Inc.,674SCRA92.)F.RighttoTravel

OCACircularNo.492003requiresjudgeswishingtotravelabroadtoobtainpriorpermissionfromtheSupremeCourtandtosubmitanapplicationstatingthepurposeofthetravel,anapplicationfortravel,favorablyrecommendedbytheExecutiveJudge,andacertificatefromtheStatisticsDivisionoftheCourtManagementOfficeastotheconditionofhisdocket.JudgeIgnacioMacarinerequestedtheCourtAdministratorforauthoritytotraveltoHongKongtocelebratehissixtyfifthbirthdaywithhisfamily.Hisrequestwasnotacteduponbecauseofhisfailuretosubmitthecompleterequirements.Heproceededwithhistripabroad.Hisleaveofabsencewasdisapproved.HELD:TheconstitutionalguaranteeoftherighttotravelshouldnotbeconstruedaslimitingtheinherentpoweroftheSupremeCourtofadministrativesupervisionoverlowercourts.OCACircularNo.492003doesnotrestrictbutmerelyregulatesbyprovidingguidelinestobecompliedwithbyjudgesbeforetheycantravelabroad.Theregulationisintendedtoensuremanagementofcourtdocketsandtoavoiddisruptionintheadministrationofjustice.(OfficeofAdministrativeServicesvs.Macarine,677SCRA1.)G.RighttoInformationPetitionersclaimedthattheprocessforthebiddingoftheAngathydroelectricpowerplantviolatedtherighttoinformation,becauseitwascommencedwithoutpreviouslyreleasingcriticalinformation,suchasthetermsandconditionsofthesale,thequalificationstobid,andtheminimumbidpriceandtheirrequestfordetailedinformationregardingthewinningbidderwasnotgranted.HELD:Thedutytodiscloseinformationcoversanytransactionsinvolvingpublicinterests,whilethedutytoallowaccesshasabroaderscopeofinformation.Itembracesalsoanymattercontainedinofficialcommunicationandpublicdocumentsoftheagreementagency.ThewebsitecarriednewsandupdatesonthesaleofAngathydroelectricpowerplant.Itprovidedimportantinformationonbiddingactivitiesandclarificationregardingtotermsandconditionsoftheagreementtobesigned.Ontheotherhand,thePowerSectorAssetsandLiabilitiesManagementCorporationmerelyadvisedthepetitionerstoaddresstheirrequesttothecounselofthewinningbidder.Suchactionisinconsistentwiththeconstitutionalrequirement.Itshouldallowaccesstothedocumentspertainingtothecompanyprofileandlegalcapacityofthewinningbidder.(InitiativesforDialogueandEmpowermentthroughAlternativeLegalServices,Inc.vs.PowerSectorAssetsandLiabilitiesManagementCorporations,682SCRA602.)H.EminentDomain1.TakingThePresidentialAgrarianReformCouncilrevokedtheapprovalofthestockdistributionplanoftheTarlacDevelopmentCorporationasamodeofcomplyingwiththeComprehensiveAgrarianReformLawandorderedthedistributionofthelandownedbyHaciendaLuisita,Inc.tothefarmworkersinstead.ItarguedthatthejustcompensationforthetakingofthelandshouldnotbebasedonitsvalueonNovember21,1989whenthestockdistributionplanwasapprovedbutonJanuary2,2006,whenthenoticeofcoveragewasissuedrevokingthestockdistributionplan.HELD:Takingoccurswhenagriculturallandsarevoluntarilyofferedbyalandownerand

approvedbythePresidentialAgrarianReformCouncilforcoveragethroughastockdistributionscheme.Thesubmissionforapprovalofthestockdistributionplanisanacknowledgementthatthelandsarecoveredbythelaw.Theapprovalshouldbeconsideredasthedateoftaking,asitwasonlyatthattimethatthegovernmentofficiallyconfirmedthecoverageofthelands.Stockdistributionplanandcompulsorylandacquisitionarebothmodalitiestohaveamoreequitabledistributionandownershipofland,withregardtotherightofthelandownertojustcompensation.(HaciendaLuisita,Inc.vs.PresidentialAgrarianReformCouncil,670SCRA392.)NationalPowerCorporationvs.Saludares,671SCRA266andNationalPowerCorporationvs.Ileto,676SCRA107heldthatanactionforacquisitionofeasementofrightofwayfortransmissiontowersshouldbeconsideredanactionforexpropriation.2.ImprescriptibilityNationalPowerCorporationvs.Saludares,671SCRA266heldthatanactionforpaymentofcompensationforpropertytakenforpublicusewithoutfilinganexpropriationcaseisimprescriptible.I.ProhibitionagainstImpairmentofContractsTheBankofNewYorkfiledapetitionforthecorporaterehabilitationofBayantelTelecommunications,Inc.Therehabilitationcourtissuedanorderprovidingfortheparipassutreatmentofsecuredandunsecuredcreditorsuntiltheterminationoftherehabilitationproceedings.Equalityinequityhasbeencitedasbasisforthis.ThesecuredcreditorsclaimedthatthisviolatedSection10,ArticleIIIoftheConstitution.HELD:Thenonimpairmentclauseisalimitationontheexerciseoflegislativepowerandnotofjudicialorquasijudicialpower.(ExpressInvestmentsIIIPrivateLtd.vs.BayanTelecommunications,Inc.,687SCRA50.)J.RighttoCounsel1.InapplicabilityPHILCOMSATHoldingsCorporationisasubsidiaryofPhilippineOverseasTelecommunicationsCorporations,asequesteredcorporation.TheRepublicofthePhilippinesowns35%ofitssharesofstocks.PHILCOMSATHoldingsCorporationwasincorporatedtocollectthemoneymarketinterestincomeofpetitioner.PHILCOMSATHoldingsCorporationsustainedlosses,becauseitsoperatingexpensesballooned.TheSenateinvestigatedthelossesincurred.ItissuedareportrecommendingtheprivatizationofthesharesofstockoftheRepublicofthePhilippinesandthereplacementofthegovernmentnomineesasdirectors.Thedirectorsclaimedthattheirrighttocounselwasviolatedduringthehearings.HELD:Therighttobeassistedbycounselcanonlybeinvokedbyapersonundercustodialinvestigationsuspectedofcommissionofacrime.Sincetheofficerswereinvitedtothehearingsasresourcepersons,

theycannotinvoketheirrighttocounsel.(PHILCOMSATHoldingsCorporationvs.Senate,673SCRA611.)Peoplevs.Lara,678SCRA332ruledthatassistanceofcounselisnotrequiredduringparticipationinapolicelineup.2.NegligenceofCounselThefailureofcounseltofileamotionforreconsiderationdoesnotconstitutegrossnegligence.(Sofiovs.Valenzuela,666SCRA55.)K.RighttoBeInformedPeoplevs.Arcillas,677SCRA624heldthatwheretheinformationforrapeallegedthattheaccusedwasthestepfatherofthevictimbutwhatwasprovenwasthathewasthecommonlawhusbandofthemotherofthevictim,convictinghimofqualifiedrapewillviolatehisrighttobeinformed.L.RighttoConfrontationHarryGo,JonnyGo,JerryNgo,andJaneGowerechargedwithestafaunderArticle318oftheRevisedPenalCode.Thecomplainant,LiLienPeng,afrailoldbusinessmanfromLaos,Cambodia,wenttothePhilippinestoattendthehearingonSeptember9,2004.Thetrialdatesweresubsequentlypostponedduetohisunavailability.TheprosecutionfiledamotiontotakehisdepositionabroadbecausehewasbeingtreatedforlunginfectionandcouldnottraveltothePhilippinesbecauseofillhealth.HELD:Theexaminationofwitnessesmustbedoneorallybeforeajudgeinopencourt.Thisisespeciallytrueincriminalcases,inwhichtheConstitutionsecurestotheaccusedhisrighttoapublictrialandtomeetthewitnessesagainsthimfacetoface.Therequirementisthesafestandmostsatisfactorymethodofinvestigatingfactsasitenablesthejudgetotestthecredibilityofthewitnessthroughhisdeportmentwhiletestifying.(Govs.People,677SCRA213.)M.ProhibitionagainstDoubleJeopardyPeoplevs.Atienza,673SCRA470andBautistavs.CunetaPangilinan,684SCRA521heldthatthegrantofademurrertotheevidencecannotbeappealed.Peoplevs.CourtofAppeals,677SCRA575heldthatanacquittalcannotbeappealedonthegroundofmisappreciationoftheevidence.Ysidorovs.DeCastro,665SCRA1andPeoplevs.Sandiganbayan,665SCRA89ruledthatanacquittalcannotbereversedbyfilingapetitionforcertiorari.

PhilippineNationalBankvs.Soriano,652SCRA243ruledthatthereinstatementofaninformationafteritswithdrawalbeforethearraignmentoftheaccuseddoesnotviolatetherightagainstdoublejeopardy.N.WritofAmparoRodolfoLozadaallegedthatwhenhewasgoingtotestifybeforetheSenatetoexposecorruptioninvolvingagovernmentcontract,hewastakenintocustodybygovernmentofficials.Hisbrotherfiledapetitionforthewritofamparo.Claimingthateversincehetestified,heandhisfamilywerebeingharassedandthreatened,RodolfoLozadapursuedtheprosecutionofthepetitionforthewritofamparo.HELD:RodolfoLozadahadfiledacomplaintforkidnappingandattemptedmurder.Ifthecomplainthasalreadyprogressedintoacriminalcase,itcanmoreadequatelydisposeofhisallegation.Ifthereisnocaselodgedbeforethecourts,thedenialofthepetitionforawritofamparoiswithoutprejudicetothefilingoftheappropriatecriminalcase.(Lozadavs.Arroyo,670SCRA545.)EdgardoNavia,asecuritysupervisor,andtwoguardsbroughtthehusbandofVirginiaPardicototheirofficeatasubdivision,becauseaninformantreportedthatheremovedalampfromapostinthesubdivision.Thehusbandbecamemissing.EdgardoNaviaallegedthattheyreleasedhim.VirginiaPardicofiledapetitionforawritofamparo.HELD:Enforceddisappearanceisthearrest,abductionoranotherformofdeprivationoflibertybyagentsoftheStateorbypersonsorgroupofpersonsactingwiththeauthorization,supportoracquiescenceoftheState,followedbyarefusaltoacknowledgethedeprivationoflibertyorbytheconcealmentofthefateorwhereaboutsofthedisappearedperson,whichplacehimoutsidetheprotectionofthelaw.ThisindispensableelementofStateparticipationisnotpresentinthiscase.(Naviavs.Pardico,673SCRA618.)LilibethLadago,AngeloLibradoTrinidad,andCarlosZaratefiledapetitionforawritofamparobecauseoftheinclusionoftheirnamesintheorderofbattleofthePhilippineArmy.Theyclaimedthattheorderofbattlewasamilitaryhitlist.HELD:Amereinclusionofonesnameintheorderofbattledoesnotsufficetoestablishactualthreattoonesrighttolife,libertyandsecurityofsubstantialevidence.(Ladagovs.Mapagu,685SCRA332.)O.WritofHabeasDataPresidentGloriaMacapagalArroyoissuedAdministrativeOrderNo.275,whichcreatedtheZearosaCommissiontoinvestigatethecreationofprivatearmieswithaviewofeliminatingthem.MarynetteGamboawastheMayorofDingras,IlocosNorte.SheclaimedthatthePhilippineNationalPoliceinIlocosNorteconductedsurveillanceoperations,classifiedherassomeonewhomaintainedaprivatearmy,andwithoutthebenefitofdataverificationforwardeditsreporttotheZearosaCommission.

MarynetteGamboafiledapetitionforthewritofhabeasdata.SheprayedthattheunverifiedreportsinthedatabaseofthePhilippineNationalPoliceinIlocosNortebedestroyedandthattheinformationforwardedtohigherofficialsbewithdrawn.HELD:TheConstitutionmandatedofdismantlingofprivatearmies.AdministrativeOrderNo.275wasissuedforthispurpose.TheZearosaCommissionwasauthorizedtodeputizethepoliceforceinthefulfillmentofitsmandate.ThereleaseofinformationtotheZearosaCommissionwithoutpriorcommunicationtoMarynetteGamboaandwithoutaffordinghertheopportunitytorefuteitisnotaviolationofherrighttoprivacy,sinceitwascrucialcomponentoftheinvestigation.ThestateinterestindismantlingprivatearmiesoutweighstheallegedintrusionintotheprivatelifeofMarynetteGamboa.(Gamboavs.Chan,677SCRA385.)II.CitizenshipNoraFeSagun,thelegitimatechildofaChinesefatherandaFilipinomother,wasbornonAugust8,1959.ShedidnotelectPhilippinecitizenshipuponreachingtheageofmajority.ShefiledapetitionfordeclarationofelectionofPhilippinecitizenship,becauseshewasaregisteredvoterandhadvotedateveryelection,shespokeIlocanoandTagalogfluently,shecontinuouslyresidedinthePhilippines,sheattendedlocalschools,andshealwaysthoughtofherselfasaFilipino.HELD:HeractionscannottaketheplaceofelectionofPhilippinecitizenship.(Republicvs.Sagun,666SCRA321.)III.LegislativeDepartmentA.LegislativePower1.DelegationofRuleMakingPowerPresidentGloriaMacapagalArroyocreatedthePresidentialAntiGraftCommission.PresidentBenignoAquinoIIIissuedExecutiveOrderNo.13,whichtransferreditsfunctiontotheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairs.AcomplaintwasfiledagainstProsperoPichay,Jr.withtheOfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairs.HequestionedtheconstitutionalityofExecutiveOrderNo.13onthegroundthatitencroacheduponthepowerofCongresstolegislateandtoappropriatefunds.HELD:TheAdministrativeCodeof1987veststhePresidentwithcontinuingauthoritytoreorganizetheofficesunderhimtoachievesimplicity,economyandefficiency.UnderSection31(1)oftheAdministrativeCodeof1987,thePresidentcanreorganizehisofficeproperbyabolishing,consolidatingormergingunitsorbytransferringfunctionsfromoneunittoanother.UnderSection31(2)oftheAdministrativeCodeof1987,thepowerofthePresidenttoreorganizeofficesoutsidehisofficeproperbutwithinhisofficeislimitedtotransferringfunctionsfromhisofficetootheragenciesandviceversa.SincethePresidentialAntiGraftCommissionandtheOfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairsbothbelongtotheOfficeofthePresidentproper,theabolitionofthePresidentialAntiGraftCommissionandthetransferofitsfunctionstotheofficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairsisallowable.Thisdidnotentailthecreationofanewofficebutsimplyatransferof

functiontotheOfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairs,whichisanexistingoffice.Thereisnousurpationofthelegislativepowertoappropriatefunds.ThegeneralappropriationslawsrecognizetheextentofthepowerofthePresidenttoreorganizetheexecutiveofficesunderhimtotheextentofrealigningappropriationsforthatpurpose.Likewise,generalappropriationlawsgavethePresidentauthoritytoaugmentanyiteminthembyusingotheritemsintheappropriationofhisoffice.(Pichay,Jr.vs.OfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairs,677SCRA408.)TheCommissiononElectionsandtheDepartmentofJusticecreatedaJointCommitteeandaFactFindingCommitteetoinvestigateelectionfraudduringthe2004andthe2007elections.TheJointCommitteeissuedsubpoenastoJoseMiguelArroyo,BenjaminAbalos,Jr.,andGloriaMacapagalArroyo.TheyarguedthatbycreatingtheJointCommitteeandtheFactFindingCommittee,theCommissiononElectionsandtheDepartmentofJusticecreatedanewofficeandencroacheduponthepowerofCongresstocreatepublicoffice.HELD:ThemembersoftheJointCommitteeandtheFactFindingCommitteemerelyexercisedthepowersalreadyvesteduponthembyvirtueoftheircurrentpositions.Theymerelycollaborated.(Arroyovs.DepartmentofJustice,681SCRA181.)PresidentialDecreeNo.755authorizedthePhilippineCoconutAuthoritytodistributeforfreetococonutfarmersthesharesofstockpurchasedwiththecoconutlevycollections.HELD:PresidentialDecreeNo.755isanunconstitutionaldelegationoflegislativepower.Itdidnotstatewhoaretobeconsideredascoconutfarmers.Itdidnotdelineateanyclearconditionastohowthedispositionofthesharesofstockwillredoundtotheadvancementofthenationalpolicydeclaredunderit.(PhilippineCoconutProducersFederation,Inc.vs.Republic,663SCRA514.)B.PartylistSystemRolandoLayugfiledwiththeCommissiononElectionsapetitiontodisqualifytheBuhayPartyListanditsnomineefromparticipatingintheelectionsonthegroundthattheBuhayPartyListwasamereextensionofareligioussectandthatitsnomineewasabillionaire.AdivisionoftheCommissiononElectionsdeniedthepetitionforlackofsubstantialevidence.TheCommissiononElectionsproclaimedtheBuhayPartyListaswinnerentitledtotwoseats.RolandoLayugfiledamotionforreconsideration,butitwasdenied.HefiledapetitionforcertiorariintheSupremeCourt.HELD:TheHouseofRepresentativesElectoralTribunalhasnojurisdictionoverthequalificationsoftheBuhayPartyList,asitisvestedbylawupontheCommissiononElections.(Layugvs.CommissiononElections,666SCRA321.)MagdaloParasaPagbabagoappliedforregistrationasaregionalpoliticalpartythroughitschairman,SenatorAntonioTrillanesIV.TheCommissiononElectionsdeniedtheapplicationonthegroundthatitschairmanandsomeofitsmemberstookovertheOakwoodPremierApartmentsandusedunlawfulmeanstoachievetheirgoals.Itfiledamotionforreconsideration,

butitwasdenied.Itarguedthatthedenialofitspetitionwasbasedonspeculations.HELD:SincetheOakwoodincidentwaswidelyknownandwasextensivelycoveredbythemedia,itisapropersubjectofjudicialnoticeUnderArticleIXC,Section2(5)oftheConstitution,partieswhichseektoachievetheirgoalsthroughviolenceorunlawfulmeansshallbedeniedaccreditation.Violencedenotesphysicalforceunlawfullyexercised.Anunlawfulactisonethatiscontrarytolaw.TheOakwoodincidentwasattendedbyviolence.ShouldtheMagdaloParasaPagbabagodecidetofileanotherpetitionforregistration,itsofficersmustindividuallyexecuteaffidavitsrenouncingtheuseofviolencetoachievetheobjectivesoftheirorganization.Itsmembershipcannotincludemilitaryofficersandpersonnelintheactiveservice,becausetheycannotengageinanypartisanpoliticalactivity,excepttovote.(MagdaloParasaPagbabagovs.CommissiononElections,673SCRA651.)C.TaxationThePhilippineCoconutProducersFederation,Inc.filedacomplaintaskingthatthesharesofstockspurchasedwiththeuseofcoconutlevycollectionsbedistributedtothefarmersinaccordancewithPresidentialDecreeNos.755,961and1468.HELD:Thecoconutlevyfundspartakeofthenatureoftaxes.Ataxhasthreeelements:a)itisanenforcedproportionalcontributionfrompersonsandpropertiesb)itisimposedbythestatebyvirtueofitssovereigntyandc)itisleviedforthesupportofthegovernment.Thecoconutlevyfundsfallsquarelyintotheseelements.Theywereimposedtoprotectthecoconutindustry.Thecoconutlevyfundsarepublicfunds.Theirreclassificationasprivatefundsisunconstitutional.(PhilippineCoconutProducersFederation,Inc.vs.Republic,663SCRA514.)RepublicActNo.6260andvariousPresidentialDecreesimposedalevyonthefirstsaleofcopraforthedevelopmentofthecoconutindustry.PresidentJosephEstradaissuedExecutiveOrderNo.312,whichestablishedafundtobecreatedbydisposingofassetsacquiredbytheuseofthecoconutlevyonassetsofentitiessupportedbythecoconutlevy.Thepurposewastoprovideimmediateincomesupplementtococonutfarmersandtoencouragethecreationofasustainablelocalmarketdemandforcoconutoilandothercoconutproducts.Areputableaccountingfirmcouldbehiredtoconductperiodicaudits.PresidentJosephEstradaalsoissuedExecutiveOrderNo.313,whichcreatedatrustfundtoprovidefinancialassistancetococonutfarmers,thecoconutindustry,andotheragriculturalrelatedprograms.TheTrustFundCommitteewoulddesignateanexternalauditortodoanannualaudit.HELD:Ithasbeenruledthatthecoconutlevyfundsareinthenatureoftaxesandcanonlybeusedforpublicpurpose.Thecoconutlevyfundsarespecialfunds.Theycannotbedeclaredprivatepropertiesofcoconutfarmers.Thedeclarationdoesnotdistinguishbetweenwealthycoconutfarmersandimpoverishedones.ItwasalsosoughttoremovethecoconutlevyfundfromscrutinyoftheCommissiononAudit.ExecutiveOrderNos.312and313arerepugnanttoArticleIXD,Section2(1)oftheConstitution.ExecutiveOrderNo.313alsoallowstheuseofthecoconutlevyfundstoassistotheragriculturallyrelatedprograms.This

contravenesArticleVI,Section29(3)oftheConstitution.(PetitionerOrganizationsvs.ExecutiveSecretary,669SCRA49.)Cojuangco,Jr.vs.Republic,686SCRA472ruledthatsincethecoconutlevyisataxandcanonlybeusedforapublicpurpose,thesharesofstockpurchasedwiththecoconutlevyfundscannotbegiventoprivateindividuals.IV.ExecutiveDepartmentA.DisqualificationonCabinetMembersPhilippineEconomicZoneAuthorityvs.CommissiononAudit,675SCRA513ruledthatcabinetmemberswhoserveasexofficiomembersoftheboardofdirectorsofagovernmentcorporationarenotentitledtoanyperdiems.B.PowerofControlVelascovs.CommissiononAudit,681SCRA102ruledthatAdministrativeOrderNo.161,whichstandardizedtheincentiveawards,isvalidbecauseofthepowerofcontrolofthePresident.C.CommanderinChiefPowersTheSpecialGeneralCourtMartial,whichtriedMajorGeneralCarlosGarcia,foundhimguiltyofviolationsofthe96thandthe97thArticlesoftheArticlesofWar.TherecordsofthecasewereforwardedtothePresidentforreviewandconfirmation.ThePresidentconfirmedthesentence.HELD:ThepowerofthePresidentisarecognitionofthesuperiorityofcivilianauthorityoverthemilitary.(Garciavs.ExecutiveSecretary,677SCRA750.)D.ExecutiveAgreementTheNorthLuzonRailwaysCorporationandChinaNationalMachineryandEquipmentCorporationsignedacontractfortheconstructionofarailwaysystemfromCaloocanCitytoMalolos.TheDepartmentofFinanceandtheExportImportBankofChinaenteredintoaloanagreementunderwhichthelatteragreedtofinancetheproject.Agroupoftaxpayersfiledanactionforannulmentofthecontracts.ChinaNationalMachineryandEquipmentCorporationarguedthattheprojectwastheproductofanexecutiveagreement.HELD:Anexecutiveagreementmustbeanagreementbetweenstates.ThecontractwasnotconcludedbetweenthePhilippinesandChina.TheNorthLuzonRailwaysCorporationandChinaNationalMachineryandEquipmentCorporationenteredintothecontractasentitieswithpersonalitiesseparatefromthePhilippineandChinesegovernments,respectively.(ChinaNationalMachinery&EquipmentCorporationvs.Santamaria,665SCRA189.)V.JudicialDepartment

A.JudicialPowerPresidentBenignoAquinoIIIissuedExecutiveOrderNo.13,whichabolishedthePresidentialAntiGraftCommissionandtransferredtotheOfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairsthepowertoinvestigateadministrativecasesagainstpresidentialappointees.AnadministrativecasewasfiledagainstProsperoPichay,Jr.beforetheOfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairs.HequestionedtheconstitutionalityofExecutiveOrderNo.13onthegroundthatitvestedtheOfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairswithjudicialpower.HELD:TheOfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairscannottryanddecidecases.Itsauthorityislimitedtotheconductofinvestigations,thepreparationofreports,andthesubmissionofrecommendations.(Pichay,Jr.vs.OfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairs,677SCRA408.)B.FiscalAutonomyTheLegalServicesSector,OfficeoftheGeneralCounciloftheCommissiononAuditfoundthattherewasanunderpaymentwhenretiredSupremeCourtJusticespurchasedfromtheSupremeCourtthecarsassignedtothemduringtheirincumbency,becauseincomputingtheappraisedvalueofthecarsthePropertyDivisionoftheSupremeCourtusedtheConstitutionalFiscalAuthorityGroupJointResolutionNo.35datedApril1997inaccordancewithaResolutionoftheSupremeCourtratherthantheformulainCOAMemorandumNo.98569AdatedAugust5,1998.HELD:Undertheguaranteesoffiscalautonomyandindependence,theSupremeCourtdecidestheterms,conditionsandrestrictionsofthegrantofprivilegesandbenefitstocourtofficialsandcourtpersonnel.TheuseoftheformulainCFAGJointResolutionNo.35ispartoftheexerciseoftheSupremeCourtofitsdiscretionaryauthoritytodeterminethemannerthegrantedretirementprivilegesandbenefitscanbeavailedof.(InReCOAOpiniononComputationofAppraisedValueofPropertiesPurchasedbyRetiredJusticesoftheSupremeCourt,678SCRA1.)C.JudicialandBarCouncilFromthemomentofcreationoftheJudicialandBarCouncil,onememberofCongresswouldsitasanexofficiomember.ACongressmanandaSenatorwouldsitalternately.In1994,aCongressmanandaSenatorwouldsitsimultaneouslywitheachonehavingonehalfvote.In2001,theCongressmanandtheSenatorwereallowedtositsimultaneouslywitheachonebeinggivenafullvote.FranciscoChavezquestionedthispractice.HELD:TheenumerationoftheexofficiomembersoftheJudicialandBarCouncilmentionsarepresentativeofCongress.TheuseofthesingularletteraprecedingrepresentativeofCongressisunequivocalandleavesnoroomforanyotherconstruction.ThewordCongressusedinSection8(1),ArticleVIIIoftheConstitutionisusedinitsgenericsense.NoallusionismadetotheSenateortheHouseofRepresentatives.FromtheenumerationofthemembershipoftheJudicialandBarCouncil,itispatentthateachcategoryofmemberpertainstoasingleindividual.Thesevenmember

compositionprovidesasolutionshouldtherebeastalemateinvoting.NoparallelismcanbedrawnbetweenrepresentationofCongressintheJudicialandBarCouncilanditslegislativepower.(Chavezvs.JudicialandBarCouncil,676SCRA579.)D.JudicialReview1.LegalStandingTheCommissiononAuditissuedcircularsliftingthepreauditofgovernmenttransactionsofthenationalgovernmentagencies,governmentownedorcontrolledcorporations,andlocalgovernmentunits.GualbertodelaLlanafiledataxpayerssuit.Heclaimedthatpreauditcouldnotbelifted,becauseitisaconstitutionalmandateunderSection2,ArticleIXDoftheConstitutionsuit.TheSolicitorGeneralarguedthatthepetitionerhadnostandingtofilethecase.HELD:GualbertodelaLlanaclaimedthatthecircularledtothedissipationofpublicfundsthroughnumerousirregularitiesingovernmentfinancialtransactions.Hehasstandingtofilethecasesincehewouldbeadverselyaffectedbytheillegaluseofpublicmoney.(DelaLlanavs.Chairperson,CommissiononAudit,665SCRA176.)ThepetitionersquestionedthebiddingconductedbythePowerSectorAssetsandLiabilitiesManagementCorporationtoprivatizetheAngathydroelectricpowerplant.Thelatterquestionedtheirstandingtofilethecaseforfailuretoshowinjurytothemselves.HELD:Thepetitionerspossesslegalstandingtofilethesuitascitizensandtaxpayers.Thematterofensuringadequatewatersupplyfordomesticuseisofparamountimportancetothepublic.Besides,ifthepetitionisanchoredontherighttoinformationonmattersofpublicconcern,anycitizencanbearealpartyininterest.(InitiativesforDialogueandEmpowermentthroughAlternativeLegalServices,Inc.vs.PowerSectorAssetsandLiabilitiesManagementCorporations,682SCRA602.)ThePresidentissuedExecutiveOrderNo.7,whichorderedamoratoriumontheincreasesinthesalariesandotherformsofcompensationofemployeesofgovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporations.JelbertGalicto,anemployeeofthePhilippineHealthInsuranceCorporation,questioneditsconstitutionality.HELD:JelbertGalictohasnotdemonstratedthathehasamaterialinterestintheoutcomeofthecase.Futureincreasesinhissalariesandotherbenefitsarecontingentevents.Hehasnovestedrightstosalaryincreases.(Galictovs.Aquino,667SCRA150.)2.ActualControversyTaxpayersquestionedtheconstitutionalityoftheimplementationofthedevelopmentassistancefundintheGeneralAppropriationsActforviolationoftheseparationofpowers.TheSolicitorGeneralarguedthatthecaseisnotappropriateforjudicialreviewforlackofanactualcontroversy.HELD:Therequisiteofcontroversyistherequisiteofripeness.IntheUnitedStates,ripenessisconcernedwithwhetheracaseinvolvesuncertainfutureeventsthatmaynothappen

asanticipatedormaynothappenatall.Anotherconcernwithfitnessoftheissuesforjudicialdecisionisthehardshiptothepartiesbywithholdingcourtconsideration.InthePhilippines,ripenessistreatedintermsofactualinjurytotheplaintiff.Aquestionisripeforadjudicationwhentheactbeingchallengedhasadirectadverseeffectontheindividualchallengingit.Thepetitioners,ascitizensandtaxpayers,allegethedirectallocationandreleaseoffundstoMembersofCongressandtheauthoritygiventothemtoselectprojectsisaseriousconstitutionaltransgressioninvolvingexpenditureofpublicfunds.Astaxpayers,petitionerswillbeadverselyaffectedbythis.Thisaffordsripenesstothepresentcontroversy.(LawyersagainstMonopolyandPovertyvs.SecretaryofBudgetandManagement,670SCRA373.)TaxpayersquestionedtheconstitutionalityoftheimplementationoftheprioritydevelopmentassistancefundintheGeneralAppreciationActforviolationoftheseparationofpowers.HELD:NoproofwaspresentedshowingthatthereweredirectreleasesoffundstoMembersofCongressandtheyactuallyspendthemaccordingtotheirsolediscretion.(LawyersagainstMonopolyandPovertyvs.SecretaryofBudgetandManagement,670SCRA373.)3.PostOperativeFactDoctrinePresidentialDecreeNo.755,whichservedasbasisforthetransferofthesharesofstockofUnitedCoconutPlantersBanktococonutfarmers,wasdeclaredunconstitutional.ThePhilippineCoconutProducersFederation,Inc.arguedthatinaccordancewiththeoperativefactdoctrinetoapplythedeclarationretroactivelywouldpenalizethefarmerswhomerelyobeyedthelaw.HELD:Tograntallthesharestopetitionersanditsmemberswillbeiniquitousandprejudicialtotheremaining4.6millionfarmerswhoalsomadepaymentsbutdidnotreceiveanyreceiptorwhowerenotabletoregistertheirreceiptsormisplacedthem.(PhilippineCoconutProducersFederation,Inc.vs.Republic,663SCRA514.)E.RuleMakingPowerTherulespromulgatedbytheSupremeCourtforpaymentoflegalfeescannotbemodifiedbyalawgrantingexemptionfromlegalfees.(InReExemptionfromPaymentofCourtandSheriffsFeesofDulyRegisteredCooperatives,668SCRA1.)ThePhilippineAssociationofServiceExporters,Inc.questionedtheconstitutionalityofSection9oftheMigrantWorkersandOverseasFilipinosAct,becauseitallowedoffendedpartiestofilecriminalcasesintheirplaceofresidencealsoandnotonlyintheplaceofcommissionofthecrime.HELD:Section15(a)oftheRulesonCriminalProcedureallowsexceptionsbylawtotherulesofvenue.Theexceptionisconsistentwithitspolicyofprovidingacriminaljusticesystemthatservesthebestinterestsofthevictimofillegalrecruitment.(Sto.Tomasvs.Paneda,685SCRA245.)VI.ConstitutionalCommissions

A.RulesofProcedureTheCommissiononElectionsandtheDepartmentofJusticecreatedaJointCommitteeandaFactFindingCommitteetoinvestigateelectionfraudduringthe2004andthe2007elections.TheJointCommitteeconductedpreliminaryinvestigationagainstJoseMiguelArroyo,BenjaminAbalos,Jr.,andGloriaMacapagalArroyo.Theyarguedthatthepreliminaryinvestigationwasnotvalid,becausetheRulesofProcedureswerenotpublished.HELD:EveniftheRulesofProcedurewereineffectiveforlackofpublication,theproceedingswerenotrenderednullandvoid,becausethepreliminaryinvestigationwasconductedpursuanttoRule112oftheRulesonCriminalProcedureandthe1993ComelecRulesofProcedure.(Arroyovs.DepartmentofJustice,681SCRA181.)B.JudicialReviewPetitionerandrespondentwereopposingcandidatesforgovernor.Petitionerwasproclaimedelected.Respondentfiledanelectionprotest.Theanswerofpetitionerallegedthatrespondentdidnotmaketherequisitecashdepositontimeandthatrespondentdidnotspecifytheactsandomissionscomplainedof.TheCommissiononElectionsdeniedthedefensesofrespondent.Respondentfiledamotionforreconsideration,butitwasdenied.RespondentfiledapetitionforcertiorariintheSupremeCourt.HELD:TheConstitutionlimitsthepowersoftheSupremeCourttoreviewanyrulingoftheCommissiononElectionstoafinalorderorresolution.(Cagasvs.CommissiononElections,663SCRA644.)VII.CivilServiceCommissionA.SecurityofTenureThePresidentappointedpetitionerasDirectorIIIoftheNationalBureauofInvestigation.Hedidnotpossesscareerexecutiveserviceeligibility.AnewPresidentreplacedhim.Petitionerfiledapetitionforquowarranto.HELD:Becausepetitionerlackedcareerserviceeligibilityanddidnotholdtheofficeinapermanentcapacity,therecouldnothavebeenaviolationofhissupposedrighttosecurityoftenure.(Ongvs.OfficeofthePresident,664SCRA413.)B.ReassignmentPetitioner,aregularemployeeoftheDepartmentofTradeandIndustry,wasassignedtotheofficeinSorsogon.Respondent,theRegionalDirector,reassignedhertotheofficeinAlbay.Afterayear,petitioneraskedforherreassignmenttoSorsogononthegroundthatthereassignmentofemployeeswithfixedstationsisallowedforamaximumofoneyearonly.HELD:Ifanemployeewithoutaspecificplaceofworkisreassignedoutsidethegeographicalregionwithouthisconsent,thereassignmentshouldnotexceedthemaximumperiodofoneyear.Sincethereassignmentofpetitionerwaswithinthesameregionaloffice,theoneyearlimitationdoesnotapply.(Nievesvs.Blanco,673SCRA638.)

C.JurisdictionCivilServiceCommissionvs.CourtofAppeals,682SCRA353reiteratedtherulingthattheCivilServiceCommissionhasjurisdictiontoentertainanadministrativecaseagainsttheofficersofastateuniversity.D.DoubleCompensationPhilippineExportZoneAuthorityvs.CommissiononAudit,675SCRA513ruledthatexofficiomembersoftheboardofthePhilippineExportZoneAuthorityarenotentitledtoreceiveanyperdiems.CertainemployeesoftheLivelihoodCorporationundertooktheliquidationoftheHumanSettlementDevelopmentCorporationpursuanttoatrustagreementbetweenthem.Lateron,theywereterminatedandgivenaseparationpaybyLivelihoodCorporationasaresultofitsreorganization.Asaresult,theycouldnolongerperformtheirfunctionsattheHumanSettlementDevelopmentCorporation.TheboardofdirectorsoftheHumanSettlementDevelopmentCorporationgrantedthemagratuitypay.HELD:Thegratuitypayisanadditionalcompensationwhichisprohibited.Thereisnolawwhichspecificallyauthorizestheadditionalpaymentofgratuity.(Dimagibavs.Espartero,676SCRA420.)VIII.CommissiononElectionsA.DeterminationofAuthoritytoNominateCandidatesLokinvs.CommissiononElections,674SCRA538ruledthattheCommissiononElectionshasauthoritytodeterminewhoisauthorizedtosubmitthecertificatesofnominationforapoliticalparty.B.AutomationofElectionTheCommissiononElectionsleasedanautomatedelectionsystemfromSmartmaticTIMforthe2010elections.Thecontractgaveitanoptiontobuythemachines.Itpartiallyexerciseditsoption.SmartmaticTIMextendedtheoptiontobuytheremainingmachinesseveraltimes.Eventually,theCommissiononElectionspurchasedtheremainingmachines.Thepetitionersassailedthevalidityofthetransaction,becausetherewasnobidding,theoptiontopurchasethemachineslapsedandcouldnotbeextended,andthemachinesweredefective.HELD:SmartmaticTIMwasnotgrantedanadditionalrightthatwasnotpreviouslyavailabletotheotherbidders.Thecontractdocumentsidentifiedthecontractasoneofleasewithoptiontobuy.TheamendmentpertainedonlytotheperiodwithinwhichtheCommissiononElectionscouldexercisetheoption.TheamendmentwasmoreadvantageoustotheCommissiononElectionsandtothepublic,becausetherentalpaidwasconsideredpartofthepurchaseprice.Toownthe

machines,theCommissiononElectionswasrequiredtopayP2,130,635,048.15.Ifitdidnotexercisetheoption,therentalspaidwouldbeofnouseinfutureelections.Priortotheexecutionofthedeedofsale,SmartmaticTIMagreedtoundertakefixesandenhancementstothemachinesandthesoftware.Thetechnicalproblemsthatwereidentifiedcouldberemedied.(Capallavs.CommissiononElections,673SCRA1.)C.ProsecutionofElectionOffenseTheCommissiononElectionsandtheDepartmentofJusticecreatedaJointCommitteeandaFactFindingCommitteetoinvestigateelectionfraudduringthe2004andthe2007elections.TheJointCommitteeissuedsubpoenastoJoseMiguelArroyo,BenjaminAbalos,Jr.,andGloriaMacapagalArroyo.TheyfiledintheSupremeCourtpetitionsquestioningthevalidityofthecreationoftheJointCommitteeandtheFactFindingCommittee.HELD:Section2(6),ArticleIXCoftheConstitutiongavetheCommissiononElectionspowertoprosecuteviolationsofelectionlaws.TheCommissiononElectionswasalsogiventhepowertoavailitselfoftheassistanceofotherprosecutingarmsofthegovernment.(Arroyovs.DepartmentofJustice,681SCRA181.)TheCommissiononElectionsandtheDepartmentofJusticecreatedaJointCommitteeandaFactFindingCommitteetoinvestigateelectionfraudduringthe2004andthe2007elections.TheJointCommitteeissuedsubpoenastoJoseMiguelArroyo,BenjaminAbalos,Jr.,andGloriaMacapagalArroyo.TheyclaimedthatbythecreationoftheJointCommitteeandtheFactFindingCommittee,theCommissiononElectionsabdicateditsconstitutionalmandatetoprosecuteelectionoffensesinfavoroftheExecutiveDepartmentthroughtheSecretaryofJustice,whowasthechairpersonoftheJointCommittee.HELD:ResolutionsoftheJointCommitteestillhavetobeapprovedbytheCommissiononElections.Itremainsincontroloftheproceedings.(Arroyovs.DepartmentofJustice,681SCRA181.)IX.CommissiononAuditA.AppointmentofCommissionerThePresidentappointedRayVillarasmemberoftheCommissiononAuditforasevenyeartermfromFebruary2,2004untilFebruary2,2011.WhenthechairmanretiredonFebruary2,2008,hewasappointedchairmanuntiltheexpirationofhisoriginaltermonFebruary2,2011.Hearguedthathisappointmentaschairmanaccordedhimanewsevenyearterm.HELD:UnderSection1(2),ArticleIXDoftheConstitution,anappointmenttoanyvacancyintheCommissiononAuditisforsevenyearsexceptwhenitistofillavacancyforanunservedterm.Theprovisionalsoprohibitsreappointmentofamemberafterhisappointmentforsevenyears.Onceachairmanoracommissionerhasservedthefulltermofsevenyears,hecannolongerbeappointedaschairmanorcommissioner.Ontheotherhand,theprovisiondoesnotprohibitpromotionalappointmentfromcommissionertochairmanifhehasnotservedthefulltermof

sevenyearsandthepromotionalappointmentwillconformtotherotationalplansothattheaggregateoftheservicewillnotexceedtosevenyears.(Funavs.Villar,670SCRA579.)B.AuditingFunctionPresidentialDecreeNos.961and1468tookawaythecoconutlevycollectionsfromthescopeofpublicfundsandprivatizedthem.HELD:TheyviolateSection2(1),ArticleIXDoftheConstitution.TheydivestedtheCommissiononAuditofitsconstitutionalitymandatedfunctiontoauditpublicfunds.(PhilippineCoconutProducersFederation,Inc.vs.Republic,663SCRA514.)TheCommissiononAuditissuedcircularsliftingthepreauditofgovernmenttransactionsofthenationalgovernment,governmentownedorcontrolledcorporations,andlocalgovernmentunits.GualbertodelaLlanaarguedthatunderSection2,ArticleIXDoftheConstitution,preauditcouldnotbelifted.HELD:ThereisnothingintheprovisionthatrequirestheCommissiononAudittoconductapreauditofallgovernmenttransactionsandforallgovernmentagencies.(DelaLlanavs.Chairperson,CommissiononAudit,665SCRA176.)X.LocalGovernmentA.LocalAutonomyTheGeneralAppropriationsActallocatedtwentyonebillionpesosfortheconditionalcashtransferprogramtobeimplementedbytheDepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopment.Theschemeprovidesfinancialassistancetoextremelypoorhouseholds.AquilinoPimentel,Jr.arguedthatgivingtheDepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopmentfullcontrolovertheschemeviolatesthepreceptsoflocalautonomyanddecentralizationintheConstitution.HELD:Thenationalgovernmentisnotprecludedfromtakingadirecthandintheformulationandimplementationofnationaldevelopmentprograms.(Pimentel,Jr.vs.Ochoa,676SCRA551.)B.PowersofGovernorThreemembersoftheInternationalCommitteeoftheRedCrosswerekidnappedinSulu.GovernorAbdusakurMakailTancreatedaCivilianEmergencyForce,composedofarmedmaleciviliansfromdifferentmunicipalities.InvokingtheHumanSecurityAct,heissuedProclamationNo.1declaringastateofemergencyinSuluandcalledupontheArmedForcesofthePhilippinestoimplementit.SomeresidentsofSuluquestionedthevalidityofProclamationNo.1.HELD:ItisonlythePresidentwhoisauthorizedtoexerciseemergencypowersunderSection23,ArticleVIoftheConstitutionandtocallouttheArmedForcesofthePhilippinesunderSection7,ArticleVIIoftheConstitution.Section465oftheLocalGovernmentCodedoesnotsanctiontheactsofGovernorAbdusakurMakailTan.ParagraphI,subparagraph(vii)ofArticle465oftheLocalGovernorCodereferstocalamitiesanddisasters.Kidnappingcannotbeconsideredasacalamityordisaster.Paragraph

2,subparagraph(vi)ofArticle465oftheLocalGovernmentCode,whichreferstothepowertocalluponnationallawenforcementagenciestosuppresslawlessviolence,isinapplicable.TheArmedForcesofthePhilippinesisnotanationallawenforcementagency.GovernorAbdusakerMakailTancannotorganizetheCivilianEmergencyForce.Section24,ArticleXVIIIoftheConstitutionproscribestheorganizationofprivatecitizenarmies.Section21,ArticleXIoftheConstitutionprovidesthatthepreservationofpeaceandorderwithintheregionsshallbetheresponsibilityoflocalpoliceagencies.(Kulayanvs.Tan,675SCRA482.)XI.OfficeoftheOmbudsmanA.DisciplinaryAuthorityoverDeputyOmbudsmanAnadministrativecaseforgravemisconductwasfiledagainstRolandoMendoza,apoliceofficer.UponrequestofDeputyOmbudsmanEmilioGonzalesIII,thePhilippineNationalPoliceturnedoverthecasetohim.Uponhisrecommendation,theOmbudsmanfoundRolandMendozaguilty.OnNovember5,2009,RolandoMendozafiledamotionforreconsideration.ThemotionwasstillpendingonMay6,2010.RolandoMendozahijackedabuspackedwithtouristsandaskedforhisreinstatement.WhenhisbrotherwasarrestedonsuspicionthathewasanaccessoryofRolandoMendoza,hestartedshootingthetourists.Inturn,RolandoMendozawasshotbyasniper.AreviewcommitteesubmittedareportfindingDeputyOmbudsmanEmilioGonzalesIIIguiltyofgravemisconductbecauseofhisinactiononthemotionforreconsiderationforninemonths.Uponitsrecommendation,thematterwasreferredtotheOfficeofthePresident.Achargeforgrossneglectofdutyandmisconductwasfiledagainsthim.TheOfficeofthePresidentfoundhimguiltyandorderedhisdismissal.EmilioGonzalesIIIquestionedbeforetheSupremeCourtthevalidityofhisdismissal.HELD:WhileSection21oftheOmbudsmanActgrantstheOmbudsmanauthoritytodisciplinetheDeputyOmbudsmenadministratively,itisnotexclusive.Section8(2)oftheOmbudsmanActgrantsthePresidentthepowertoremoveaDeputyOmbudsman.Section21,ArticleXIoftheConstitutionauthorizedCongresstoprovidefortheremovalofpublicofficerswhoarenotsubjecttoimpeachment.ThepowerofthePresidenttoappointtheDeputyOmbudsmancarrieswithitbyimplicationthepowertoremove.GrantingthePresidentthepowertoremovetheDeputyOmbudsmandoesnotdiminishtheindependenceoftheOfficeoftheOmbudsman.Itsindependenceisintendedtofreeitfrompoliticalconsiderationsintheperformanceofitsfunction.Itdoesnotextendtowrongdoingsandpermititsofficialstoescapeadministrativeliability.(GonzalesIIIvs.OfficeofthePresident,679SCRA614.)B.AdministrativeCases

Pichay,Jr.vs.OfficeoftheDeputyExecutiveSecretaryforLegalAffairs,677SCRA408ruledthatthepoweroftheOfficeoftheOmbudsmantoentertainadministrativecasesisnotexclusive.OfficeoftheOmbudsmanvs.Apolonia,664SCRA583ruledthattheOfficeoftheOmbudsmanhasthepowertoimposepenaltiesinadministrativecases.XII.NationalEconomyandPatrimonyA.ExploitationofNaturalResourcesThePowerSectorAssetsandLiabilitiesManagementCorporationconductedabiddingtoselltheAngatdam.ItwasawardedtoKoreaWaterResourcesCorporation.ThepetitionersarguedthatthisviolatedSection2,ArticleXIIoftheConstitution,becauseonlyFilipinocitizensandcorporationssixtypercentofwhosecapitalisownedbyFilipinocitizensmaybegrantedwaterrights.HELD:ThepolicyonthemanagementofwaterresourceisimplementedthroughtheWaterCode.Article9oftheWaterCodedefinestheappropriationofwaterastheacquisitionofrightsovertheuseofwaterorthetakingordiversionofwatersfromanaturalsource.UndertheElectricPowerIndustryReformAct,powergenerationisnotapublicutilityoperation.Nofranchiseisnecessary.Foreigninvestorsareallowedentryintotheelectricpowerindustry.Thereisnomentionofpowerrightsintheprivatizationofdams.TheprocessofgeneratingelectricpowerfromdamwaterenteringtheplantdoesnotconstituteappropriationofnaturalresourceutilizationintheConstitutionandtheWaterCode.(InitiativesforDialogueandEmpowermentthroughAlternativeLegalServices,Inc.vs.PowerSectorAssetsandLiabilitiesManagementCorporation,682SCRA602.)B.OwnershipofLandBeumervs.Amores,686SCRA770,ruledthattheforeignhusbandofaFilipinowomanwhosemarriagewasannulledbecauseofhispsychologicalcapacitycannotaskforthedissolutionoftheirconjugalpartnershipandthepaymenttohimofonehalfofthepurchasepriceofthelotsacquiredthroughfundshesupplied.C.PublicUtilityBankofNewYorkfiledapetitionforthecorporaterehabilitationofBayantelTelecommunication,Inc.Itproposedarehabilitationplan.Itproposedthatitwouldhold40%oftheoutstandingcapitalstockofthecorporationonadirectbasisandtheremainingshareswouldberegisteredinthenameofaholdingcompanythatwouldretaintheir60%sharesreservedforFilipinocitizens.HELD:Twostepsmustbefollowed.First,theclassofsharesintowhichthedebtwillbeconvertedmustbeidentified.Second,thenumberofvotingsharesheldbyforeignerspriortoconversionmustbedetermined.Ifuponconversion,thetotalofthesharesheldbyforeignerswill

exceed40%ofthevotingshares,theconstitutionallimitonforeignownershipisviolated.(ExpressInvestmentIIIPrivateLtd.vs.BayantelTelecommunications,Inc.,687SCRA50.)XIII.StateImmunityfromSuitA.InapplicabilityTheNorthLuzonRailwaysCorporationandChinaNationalMachineryandEquipmentCorporationsignedacontractfortheconstructionofarailwaysystemfromCaloocanCitytoMalolos.TheDepartmentofFinanceandtheExportImportBankofChinaenteredintoaloanagreementunderwhichthelatteragreedtofinancetheproject.Agroupoftaxpayersfiledanactionfortheannulmentofthecontracts.ChinaNationalMachineryandEquipmentCorporationarguedthatasanagentoftheChinesegovernmentitwasimmunefromsuit.HELD:Theapplicationofthedoctrineofimmunityhasbeenrestrictedtogovernmentalfunctions.Thedesireofpetitionertosecuretheprojectwasintheordinarycourseofitsbusinessasaglobalconstructioncompany.Theimplementationoftheprojectwasintendedtogenerateprofitsforit.(ChinaNationalMachinery&EquipmentCorporationvs.Santamaria,665SCRA189.)B.ExecutionofJudgmentTheUniversityofthePhilippinesenteredintoaGeneralConstructionAgreementwithSternBuildersCorporationfortheconstructionofanextensionbuildingandtherenovationofabuilding.Initially,theCommissiononAuditdisallowedthepaymentofthethirdbillingfortheconstruction.Althoughthedisallowancewaslifted,theUniversityofthePhilippinesstillfailedtopay.SternBuildersCorporationsuedforpayment.Thetrialcourtdecidedinitsfavorbutalsoawardedotherdamagesasidefromthepaymentforthethirdbilling.AstheappealoftheUniversityofthePhilippineswasfiledoutoftime,thedecisionbecamefinal.UponmotionofSternBuildersCorporation,thetrialcourtorderedtheissuanceofawritofexecution.ThesheriffgarnishedthebankaccountsoftheUniversityofthePhilippines.TheUniversityofthePhilippinesarguedthatitsfundswerepublicfundsandcouldnotbegarnishedtoanswerfortheotherawardsinthedecision.HELD:AllthefundsthatcometothepossessionoftheUniversityofthePhilippinesconstituteaspecialtrustfund,thedisbursementofwhichshouldbealignedwithitsmissionandsubjecttoauditingbytheCommissiononAudit.Itsfundscouldnotbegarnishedtosatisfytheawardsofotherdamagesiftherewasnoappropriationtocovertheliability.UnderSection26oftheGeneralAuditingCode,theauthorityoftheCommissiononAuditincludesthesettlementofalldebtsandclaimsandfromtheGovernment,includinggovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporations.SternBuildersCorporationmustfirstseektheapprovaloftheCommissiononAuditofitsclaims.(UniversityofthePhilippinesvs.Dizon,679SCRA54.)PUBLICCORPORATIONSI.QualificationofElectiveOfficials

RomeoJalosjos,Jr.wasborninthePhilippines.HeimmigratedtoAustraliaandacquiredAustraliancitizenship.In2008hereturnedtothePhilippinesandreacquiredPhilippinecitizenshipbyrepatriation.HeranforprovincialgovernorinZamboangaSibugayinthe2010elections.DanErasmofiledapetitionforcancellationofhiscertificateofcandidacyonthegroundthathehadnotcompliedwiththeoneyearresidencerequirement.TheCommissiononElectionsgrantedthepetitiononthegroundthatpetitionerwasmerelystayingatthehouseofhisbrotherandwasmerelyatransient.HELD:Acandidateisnotrequiredtohaveahouseinacommunitytoestablishhisresidence.(Jalosjosvs.CommissiononElections,670SCRA572.)MeynardoSabiliranforMayorofLipaCityin2010.HestatedinhiscertificateofcandidacythathehadbeenaresidentofLipaCityfortwoyearsandeightmonths.FlorencioLibreafiledapetitiontocancelhiscertificateofcandidacyonthegroundthathemisrepresentedthathehadcompliedwiththeoneyearresidencerequirement.HELD:TheincometaxreturnsofMeynardoSabiliindicatedthathewasresidinginLipaCity.SincetheincometaxreturnsshouldbefiledeitherinthelegalresidenceofthetaxpayerorhisplaceofbusinessandMeynardoSabilihadnobusinessinLipaCity,itshowedthathehadestablishedhisresidenceinLipaCity.ThebarangaychairmancertifiedthatpetitionerwasaresidentofLipaCity.Thisisanentryinofficialrecordsmadeintheperformanceofduty,becausetheLocalGovernmentCoderequiresthebarangaytokeepanupdatedrecordofallinhabitantsofthebarangay.TheaffidavitofthecommonlawwifeofMeynardoSabilistatedthattheyhadbeenresidinginLipaCitysince2007.AffidavitsfromthepreviousownerofthehouseandlotofMeynardoSabiliandneighbors,thecertificationfromtheparishpriest,thedesignationfromasociocivicorganization,andhiselectiontwotimesasprovincialboardmemberfromthedistrictthatincludedLipaCity,showthathehadbeenresidinginLipaCitysince2007.(Sabilivs.CommissiononElections,670SCRA664.)II.LegislatureA.QuorumOnMarch17,2004,RexRojosubmittedtotheSangguniangPanglungsodhisresignationasmemberofit.ThenextdaytheViceMayorappointedhimasaSangguniangPanglungsodSecretary.ThenewMayorandthenewViceMayorclaimedthattheappointmentwasvoid,becausetheSangguniangPanglungsodhadnoquorumduringthesessiononMarch17,2004,becauseapartfromtheViceMayor,onlysixofthetwelvemembersoftheSangguniangPanglungsodwerepresentandtheViceMayorshouldnotbeincludedincomputingthequorum.HELD:ThecompositionoftheSangguniangPanglungsodincludestheViceMayoraspresidingofficer.Hecanvoteonlytobreakatie.Clearly,heisamemberoftheSangguniangPanglungsod.ToconstrueotherwisewouldcreateanabsurdsituationwherethepresidingofficerwhovotestobreakatieisnotconsideredamemberoftheSangguniangPanglungsod.(LaCarlotaCityvs.Rojo,670SCRA482.)B.EffectivityofOrdinance

In2003,theSangguniangPanglungsodofMalabonapprovedOrdinanceNo.152003,whichauthorizedViceMayorJayJayYambaotoenterintocontractsforconsultancyservices.In2004,ArnoldVicenciowaselectedViceMayor.InvokingOrdinanceNo.152003,heenteredintothreecontractsforconsultancyservices.TheCommissiononAuditdisallowedpaymentsmadepursuanttothecontractsandheldtheofficersresponsibleforthepaymentspersonallyliable.HELD:OrdinanceNo.152003specificallyauthorizedViceMayorJayJayYambaotoenterintocontractsforconsultancyservices.ItisnotacontinuingauthorityforanypersonwhobecomesViceMayortoenterintosubsequentsimilarcontracts.Section103oftheGovernmentAuditingCodemakestheexpendituresofgovernmentfundsinviolationoflawapersonalliabilityoftheofficialdirectlyresponsibleforit.(Vicenciovs.Villar,675SCRA468.)III.MayorsPermitNaguilianEmissionTestingCenter,Inc.wasoperatingitsbusinessonaparcelofpubliclandcoveredbyataxdeclarationinthenameoftheMunicipalityofNaguilian.AbrahamRimando,theMayor,refusedtorenewitsbusinesspermitunlessitsignedacontractofleasewiththeMunicipalityofNaguilian.AssomeproposedrevisionsofNaguilianEmissionTestingCenter,Inc.inthecontractofleasewerenotacceptable,thepartiesdidnotreachanagreement.NaguilianEmissionTestingCenter,Inc.filedapetitionformandamustocompeltheMayortoissueabusinesspermitinitsfavor.HELD:AMayorcannotbecompelledbymandamustoissueabusinesspermitsinceitinvolvestheexerciseofdelegatedpolicepowerandisdiscretionary.(Rimandovs.NaguilianEmissionTestingCenter,Inc.,677SCRA343.)ADMINISTRATIVELAWI.AdministrativeRegulationsA.NonConformitywithLawTheCommissionerofCustomsissuedCustomsMemorandumOrderNo.272003,whichclassifiedimportedwheatbeforethecustomofficershadthechancetoexamineit.HELD:Section1403oftheTariffandCustomsCodetaskedcustomsofficerstodeterminewhetherthepackagesdesignatedforexaminationandtheircontentsareinaccordancewiththedeclarationbeforethetariffmaybeimposed.Theregulationhasalreadyclassifiedtheimportedwheatevenbeforethecustomsofficershadachancetoexamineit.Itisnotinconformitywiththelaw.(CommissionerofCustomsvs.HypermixFeedsCorporation,664SCRA666.)B.ArbitrarinessTheCommissionerofCustomsissuedCustomsMemorandumOrderNo.272003.Itclassifiedwheataccordingtothefollowing:(1)theimporterorconsignee(2)thecountryoforiginand(3)theportofdischarge.Onthebasisofthesefactors,wheatwouldbeclassifiedasfoodgradeandsubjecttoa3%tarifforfeedgradeandsubjecttoa7%tariff.Theregulationcontainedan

excessivelistofwheatimporters.HypermixFeedsCorporation,awheatimporter,arguedthattheclassificationviolatedequalprotection.HELD:Itcannotbeseenhowthequalityofthewheatisaffectedbywhoimportsit,whereitisdischarged,orfromwhichcountryitcame.Ifimportersexcludedfromthelistimportfoodgradewheat,thewheatwillstillbeclassifiedasfeedgradewheatandsubjecttoa7%tariff.Iflistedimportersimportfeedgradewheat,theywillpaya3%tariffonly.Itisnotclearhowtheregulationswillpreventmisclassification.Theapplicationoftheregulationforeclosesthepossibilitythatcorporationsexcludedfromthelistimportfoodgradewheat.Italsoassumesthatthosewhodonotmeetthecriteriadonotimportfeedgradewheat.(CommissionerofCustomsvs.HypermixFeedsCorporation,664SCRA666.)C.PublicHearingsCommissionerofCustomsvs.HypermixFeedsCorporation,664SCRA666heldthattheadoptionofaregulationwhichwillresultinhighertariffrateswithoutapublichearingviolatesdueprocess.D.PublicationTheAssociationofSouthernTagalogElectricCooperatives,Inc.questionedthevalidityoftheguidelinesissuedbytheEnergyRegulatoryCommissionregardingthetreatmentofdiscountsextendedbypowersuppliersonthegroundthattheywerenotpublishedandwerenotsubmittedtotheUniversityofthePhilippinesLawCenter.HELD:Thepolicyguidelinesgivenorealconsequencemorethanwhatthelawprescribed.Publicationisnotnecessary.Aninterpretativeregulationdoesnotrequirepublicationforitseffectivity.(AssociationofSouthernTagalogElectricCooperatives,Inc.vs.EnergyRegulatoryCommission,681SCRA119.)II.AdministrativeProceedingsA.SummaryProcedureMelendresvs.PresidentialAntiGraftCommission,678SCRA415heldthatanadministrativedisciplinaryproceedingisvalidevenifitissummary.B.ResJudicataNationalSpiritualAssemblyoftheBahaisofthePhilippinesvs.Pascual,676SCRA96heldthatafinaldecisionofanadministrativeorderhastheeffectofresjudicata.III.ExhaustionofAdministrativeRemediesThemajorityofthemembersoftheboardofdirectorsofSamarIIElectricCooperative,Inc.passedaresolutiondisallowingAnianoSeludo,Jr.fromattendingboardmeetingsuntiltheendofhistermanddisqualifyinghimfromrunningasdirectorattheupcomingelection.Hefileda

petitionforprohibitionintheRegionalTrialCourt.HELD:TheNationalElectrificationAdministrationhasthepowerofsupervisionandcontroloverelectriccooperatives.Beforeseekingtheinterventionofthecourt,AnianoSeludo,Jr.shouldhaveavailedhimselfofalladministrativeprocessesaffordedtohim.(SamarIIElectricCooperative,Inc.vs.Seludo,Jr.,671SCRA78.)MegaworldPropertiesHoldings,Inc.obtainedallthenecessaryclearances,licensesandpermitsforacondominiumproject.AdditionHillsMandaluyongCivicandSocialOrganization,Inc.filedintheRegionalTrialCourtacomplainttoannulthepermitsandclearancesandtopermanentlyenjointheissuanceoflicensesandpermitstoit.HELD:AdditionHillsMandaluyongCivicandSocialOrganization,Inc.unjustifiablyfailedtoexhausttheadministrativeremediesavailablewiththeHousingandLandUseRegulatoryBoardbeforeseekingrecoursewiththetrialcourt.(AdditionHillsMandaluyongCivic&SocialOrganization,Inc.vs.MegaworldPropertiesHoldings,Inc.,670SCRA83.)IV.DoctrineofPrimaryJurisdictionThemajorityofthemembersoftheboardofdirectorsofSamarIIElectricCooperative,Inc.passedaresolutiondisallowingAnaniaSeludo,Jr.fromattendingboardmeetingsuntiltheendofhistermanddisqualifyinghimfromrunningasdirectorattheupcomingelections.HefiledapetitionforprohibitionintheRegionalTrialCourt.HELD:PresidentialDecreeNo.1645amendedSection10oftheNationalElectrificationAdministrationDecreebyprovidingthatintheexerciseofitspowerofsupervisionandcontroloverelectriccooperatives,theNationalElectrificationAdministrationwasempowered,uponpetitionofthirdparties,toconductinvestigations,referendaandothersimilaractionsinallmattersaffectingelectriccooperatives.HELD:Intheexerciseofitspowerofsupervisionandcontroloverelectriccooperatives,theNationalElectrificationAdministrationhasprimaryjurisdictiontodeterminetheissueofvalidityoftheresolution.(SamarIIElectricCooperative,Inc.vs.Seludo,Jr.,671SCRA78.)TheSecretaryofEnvironmentandNaturalResourcesgrantedtheapplicationofDizonCopperSilverMines,Inc.butdeniedthesimilarapplicationofBenguetCorporation.BenguetCorporationquestionedtheorder.HELD:InchoosingtoactfavorablyontheapplicationofDizonCopperSilverMines,Inc.,theSecretaryofEnvironmentandNaturalResourcesmerelyexercisedhisdiscretiontodeterminewhoamongthecompetingminingapplicantismorequalifiedforaminingagreement.Thedoctrineofprimaryjurisdictionfindsapplicationinthiscase.(DizonCopperSilverMines,Inc.vs.Dizon,677SCRA171.)LAWONPUBLICOFFICERSI.AdministrativeCasesA.PreventiveSuspension

MariaRosarioManalangDemigillowasaseniorvicepresidentofTradeandInvestmentDevelopmentCorporationofthePhilippines,agovernmentownedcorporation.Shewaschargedwithgravemisconduct,conductprejudicialtothebestinterestoftheservice,insubordination,andgrossdiscourtesy.Shewasplacedunderpreventivesuspensionfor90days.Shequestionedherpreventivesuspensiononthegroundthatshecouldnotpossiblyinfluencewitnessesortampertheevidenceonrecordinheroffice.HELD:UnderSection51,Chapter6,SubtitleA,Title1,BookVoftheAdministrativeCode,preventivesuspensionmaybeimposedforthechargeofgravemisconduct.Nowheredoesitstatethattheremustbeproofthattherespondentmayundulyinfluencewitnessesortamperwiththedocumentaryevidenceonfileintheoffice.(TradeandInvestmentDevelopmentCorporationofthePhilippinesvs.ManalangDemigillo,681SCRA27.)B.AcquittalinCriminalCaseMelendresvs.PresidentialAntiGraftCommission,678SCRA415heldthatanadministrativecasemayproceedeveniftheoffensewasthesubjectofacriminalcaseandtheaccusedwasacquitted.C.RemovalBecauseofhisinactionforninemonthsonthemotionforreconsiderationfiledbyRolandoMendozaintheadministrativecaseagainsthim,theOfficeofthePresidentfoundDeputyOmbudsmanEmilioGonzalesIIIguilty.Hequestionedthevalidityofhisdismissal.HELD:Section8oftheOmbudsmanActprovidesthattheDeputyOmbudsmanmayberemovedfromofficeonthesamegroundsthattheOmbudsmanmayberemovedfromofficethroughimpeachment.TheOfficeofthePresidentheldthatthewrongfulconductofDeputyOmbudsmanEmilioGonzalesIIIconsistedofhisunexplainedactionindirectingthatthecaserecordsofRolandoMendozabeturnedovertohisoffice,hisfailuretoverifythebasisforrequestingforthetakeoverofthecase,hispronouncementofadministrativeliabilityandimpositionofdismissalbaseduponanunverifiedcomplaintaffidavit,hisinordinatehasteinimplementingthedismissalofRolandoMendozaalthoughhehadnotreceivedacopyofthedecisionandhisfilingofamotionforreconsideration,andhisunconcernforthependencyofthemotionforreconsiderationhaddeprivedRolandoMendozaofavailableremediesagainsttheimmediateimplementationofhisdismissal.HELD:Theinordinatedelayintheresolutionofthemotionandunexplainedfailuretosupervisehissubordinatesinitspromptdispositioncannotbeconsideredaviciousandmalevolentactwarrantinghisremovalforbetrayalofpublictrust.HisactofdirectingtheendorsementofthecasetotheOmbudsmanwithoutcitinganyreasoncannotbeconsideredasmanifestationofundueinterestinthecasethatwouldamounttowrongfulconduct.(GonzalesIIIvs.OfficeofthePresident,679SCRA614.)D.Appeal

ThePhilippineCharitySweepstakesOfficefiledanadministrativecaseagainstRomeoLiggayuwiththeOfficeoftheOmbudsman.TheOfficeoftheOmbudsmanfoundhimguiltyandorderedhisdismissal.RomeoLiggayuappealedtotheCourtofAppeals.TheCourtofAppealsreversedthedecisionoftheOfficeoftheOmbudsman.TheOfficeoftheOmbudsmanappealedtotheSupremeCourt.HELD:TheOfficeoftheOmbudsmanisnottheappropriatepartytoappeal.Itmustremainimpartial.Itmustbemindfulofitsroleasanadjudicator.(OfficeoftheOmbudsmanvs.Liggayu,674SCRA134.)II.BenefitsA.SalaryDr.FortunatoCastillowastheProvincialHealthOfficerIIoftheDepartmentofHealthandHeadoftheBasilanProvincialHealthHospital.InaccordancewiththedevolutionprogramundertheLocalGovernmentCode,GovernorGerrySalapuddinofBasilanrefusedtoacceptDr.FortunatoCastilloastheProvincialHealthOfficerII.TheDepartmentofHealthretainedDr.FortunatoCastilloattheRegionalOfficeinZamboangaCityuntilhisretirement.GovernorGerrySalapuddinappointedDr.AgnesYuasPublicHealthOfficerII.RepublicActNo.8543revertedtheBasilanProvincialHospitaltotheDepartmentofHealth.Dr.AgnesYuwasrevertedtotheDepartmentofHealthbutretainedheroriginalitemofPublicHealthOfficerIIinsteadofbeinggiventhereclassifiedpositionofChiefofHospitalII.SheprotestedthatshehadavestedrighttothepositionofChiefofHospitalIIinsteadofRemusDayrit,whowasappointedtoit.HELD:ItwasmandatoryforGovernorGerrySalapuddintoabsorbthepositionofProvincialHealthOfficerII,aswellasDr.FortunatoCastillo.Hence,hisrefusaldidnotpreventthedevolutionofDr.FortunatoCastillo,withthepositionofPublicHealthOfficerII.Dr.AgnesYuwasvalidlyappointedasPublicHealthOfficerIIandacquiredavestedrighttoitsreclassificationasChiefofHospitalIIandshouldreceivehersalaryassuchuntilherretirement.(CivilServiceCommissionvs.Yu,678SCRA39.)B.IncentiveAllowancePresidentialDecreeNo.1597repealedalllawsgrantingallowancesinconsistentwiththeNationalCompensationandPositionClassificationPlan.In1987,theboardofdirectorsoftheNationalHousingAuthorityapprovedaresolutiongrantingitsprojectemployeesincentiveallowances.In1987,RepublicActNo.6758providedthatonlyadditionalbenefitswhichwerenotintegratedinthestandardizedsalaryratesshallbecontinuedtobeauthorized.TheNationalHousingAuthoritycontinuedgrantingtheincentiveallowancesapprovedinitsresolution.HELD:Suchallowancescannolongerbegranted.(Abellanosavs.CommissiononAudit,677SCRA371.)C.RetirementBenefits

RetiredofficersoftheGovernmentServiceInsuranceSystemreceivedadditionalretirementbenefitsbecauseofavoidresolutionoftheboardoftrustees.Theywereorderedtoreturntheexcessretirementbenefits.Theyarguedthatitissettledthatgovernmentemployeeswhoreceivedingoodfaithadditionalbenefitsshouldnotberequiredtoreturnthem.HELD:Thebenefitsinvolvedintheearliercasewereallowancesorfringebenefitsgiveninadditiontosalaries.Retirementbenefitsbelongtoadifferentclassofbenefits.Theyaregivenontheassumptionthattheemployeecannolongerworkandaregivenasarewardforservicesrendered.Thepurposeisnotenrichinghimbuttohelphimduringthenonproductiveyears.ToallowthepayeestoretainthedisallowedbenefitswouldallowtheirunjustenrichmenttotheprejudiceoftheGovernmentServiceInsuranceSystem,whomustmaintainitsactuarialsolvencytofinancethebenefitsofitsmembers.(GovernmentServiceInsuranceSystemsvs.CommissiononAudit,680SCRA376.)EvelynFetalinoandAmadoCalderonweregivenadinterimappointmentsasCommissionersoftheCommissiononElections.SinceCongressadjournedwithouttheirappointmentshavingbeenconfirmed,theirappointmentslapsed.Theirappointmentswerenotreviewed.TheyservedasCommissionersfromFebruary16,1998toJune30,1998.TheyappliedforretirementbenefitsunderRepublicActNo.1568.HELD:RepublicActNo.1569grantsafiveyearlumpsumgratuityincaseofretirementfromtheserviceforhavingcompletedthetermofoffice.EvelynFetalinoandAmadoCalderondidnotretireunderRepublicActNo.1568sincetheynevercompletedthesevenyeartermofofficeprescribedbySection2,ArticleIXDoftheConstitution.AnadinterimappointmentthatlapsedbecauseofinactionoftheCommissiononAppointmentsdoesnotconstituteatermofoffice.Itisnotafixedtermoranunexpiredterm.TheretirementsbenefitsgrantedunderRepublicActNo.1568arepurelygratuitousunlikeapension,whichisabenefitofdeferredcompensationforservicesperformed.(Fetalinovs.vs.CommissiononElections,686SCRA813.)ELECTIONLAWI.IneligibilityofCandidateA.ForeignCitizenshipSobejanaCondonvs.CommissiononElections,678SCRA267heldthatanaturalbornFilipinocitizenwhobecameanaturalizedcitizenofaforeigncountryandrepatriatedcannotranforpublicofficeunlessheexecutesarenunciationofforeigncitizenshipsbeforeanauthorizedpublicofficer.B.MaterialMisrepresentationRomeoLonzanidaandEsteloAntipolowereopposingcandidatesforMunicipalMayorin2010.ApetitiontodenyduecourseortocancelthecertificateofcandidacyofRomeoLonzanidawasfiledonthegroundthathehadservedasMayorforfourconsecutivetermsbeforethe2010

electionsandmadeafalserepresentationinhiscertificateofcandidacywhenhecertifiedthathewaseligible.Inaddition,hewasconvictedoftencountsoffalsificationundertheRevisedPenalCode,andthejudgmentbecamefinalonOctober23,2009.RomeoLonzanidaandEfrenArateawereproclaimedasthewinningcandidatesforMayorandViceMayor,respectively.TheCommissiononElectionsruledthatRomeoLonzanidawasdisqualified.EfrenArateaclaimedthataselectedViceMayor,heshouldsucceedtothepositionofMayor.HELD:EsteloAntipoloshouldbeproclaimedMayor.SincethecertificateofcandidacyofRomeoLonzanidawasvoid,hewasneveracandidate.Allhisvoteswerestray.EsteloAntipolo,theonlyqualifiedcandidate,gotthehighestnumberofvotesforthepositionofMayor.ThepenaltyfortheconvictionofRomeoLonzanidaautomaticallycarriedwithitperpetualspecialdisqualificationtoholdanypublicoffice.Acandidatewhoisineligiblecommitsafalsematerialrepresentationifhestatesinhiscertificateofcandidacythatheiseligibletorun.(Arateavs.CommissiononElections,683SCRA105.)C.InvalidationofVotesRamonTalagaandPhilipCastillofiledtheircertificatesofcandidacyforCityMayor.RamonTalagawasdisqualified,becausehehadbeenelectedandhadservedasMayorforthreeconsecutiveterms.BarbaraRubyTalagafiledhercertificateofcandidacyassubstituteforRamonTalaga.VotescastinfavorofRamonTalagawerecountedinfavorofBarbaraRubyTalaga.Shewasproclaimedelected.PhilipCastilloarguedthatRamonTalagacouldnotbesubstituted,RamonTalagacouldnotbeconsideredasacandidateandthatsincehewasthecandidatewhogotthehighestnumberofvotes,heshouldbeproclaimedelected.HELD:AfterBarbaraRubyTalagasubstitutedRamonTalaga,electionsproceededwithherbeingregardedbytheelectorateasabonafidecandidate.SincePhilipCastillowasnotthecandidatewhogotthehighestnumberofvotes,hecouldnotassumetheofficeofCityMayor.TheCommissiononElectionsfoundthesubstitutionbyBarbaraRubyTalagainvalidaftertheelections.SinceapermanentvacancyintheofficeofMayorresulted,itshouldbefilledbytheViceMayorpursuanttothelawonsuccession.(Talagavs.CommissiononElections,683SCRA197.)DominadorJalosjos,Jr.andAgapitoCardiowereopposingcandidatesforCityMayor.AgapitoCardiofiledapetitiontocancelthecertificateofcandidacyofDominadorJalosjos,Jr.,sincehewasdisqualifiedbecausehehadbeenconvictedofrobberybyfinaljudgmentandhadnotyetservedhissentence.HELD:SincetheperpetualspecialdisqualificationofDominadorJalosjos,Jr.arisingfromhisfinalconvictionwasapropergroundforthecancellationofhiscandidacy,hiscertificateofcandidacywasvoid.AgapitoCardioistheonlyqualifiedcandidatewhogotthehighestnumberofvotes.(Jalosjos,Jr.vs.CommissiononElections,683SCRA1.)II.NuisanceCandidateTheCommissiononElectionsissuedaresolutionconsideringasstraythevotescastinfavorofcandidateswhoweredisqualifiedorwhosecertificatesofcandidacywerecancelledordeniedduecoursethatwhosenamesstillappearedinthecertifiedlistofcandidates.

CasmirodelaCruzranforViceMayor.AureliodelaCruzranforthesameoffice.Althoughhewasdeclaredasanuisancecandidate,hisnamewasnotdeletedinthecertifiedlistofcandidates.CasmirodelaCruzaskedtheCommissiononElectionstodirectthatallvotescastforAureliodelaCruzbecreditedinhisfavor.TheCommissiononElectionsinsteadruledthevotescastinhisfavorbeconsideredasstray.Duringthecanvassingofvotes,the532votescastforAureliodelaCruzwereconsideredstray.CasmirodelaCruzlosttothewinnerby39votes.HELD:AureliodelaCruzwasdeclaredanuisancecandidatelongbeforetheelections.ThevotescastforhimshouldnothavebeenconsideredstraybutcountedinfavorofCasmirodelaCruz.(DelaCruzvs.CommissiononElections,685SCRA347.)III.ElectionProtestA.PreliminaryConferenceBriefPedroBorjalandIsabelitaGravideswereopposingcandidatesforPunongBarangay.IsabelitaGravideswasproclaimedthewinnerbytwovotes.PedroBorjalfiledanelectionprotest.Whenthecasewassetforpreliminaryconference,uponmotionofIsabelitaGravides,theelectionprotestwasdismissed,becausethecontentsofthepreliminaryconferencebriefhefileddidnotcomplywiththerequirementsoftheRulesofProcedureonElectionContests.HELD:ThecounselofPedroBorjalwasmisledbytheNoticeofPreliminaryConferenceissuedbytheMetropolitanTrialCourt,whicherroneouslyappliedtheprovisiononpretrialbriefundertheRulesofCivilProcedure.Hismistakeincomplyingwiththedirectiveofthecourtshouldnotprejudicehiscause.AnotherimportantconsiderationisthatonlytwovotesseparatedIsabelitaGravidesfromPedroBorjal.(Gravidesvs.CommissiononElections,685SCRA382.)B.RecountingofVotesAntoniaCeronandRomeoArcilllawerecandidatesforBarangayKagawad.Thecandidateswhoreceivedthesevenhighestnumbersofvoteswereproclaimedelected.AntoniaCeronwasrankedsixth,whileRomeoArcillawasrankedeighth.RomeoArcillaprotestedtheelectionofAntoniaCeron.Heallegedthatinthetabulationoftheelectionreturnforacertainprecinct,thetotalnumberofvotesAntoniaCeronreceivedwasindicatedbyfiguresas50,butthewrittenwordserroneouslyindicatedthatshereceived56votes.TheCourtdismissedtheelectionprotestforfailuretospecifythetotalnumberofprecinctsinvolvedintheprotest.RomeoArcilladidnotappeal.ThethreemembersoftheboardofelectiontellersinvolvedinthedisputedelectionreturnfiledapetitionwiththeCommissiononElectionstoorderacorrectionoftheelectionreturn,becausetheelectionreturnerroneouslyrecordedthatAntonioCerongot56votesinsteadof50votesbecauseoftoomuchnoiseduringthecountingofthevotes.TheCommissiononElections

orderedthecorrection.AntoniaCeronarguedthatarecountingofthevotesshouldinsteadbeordered.HELD:Thediscrepancybetweenthewrittenwordsandfiguresisapparentonthefaceoftheelectionreturn.Itcanbecorrectedwithouttheneedofopeningtheballotbox.(Ceronvs.CommissiononElections,680SCRA441.)C.AppealBienvenidoWilliamLlorenandRogelioPua,Jr.wereopposingcandidatesforMunicipalViceMayor.RogelioPua,Jr.wasproclaimedthewinner.BienvenidoWilliamLlorenfiledanelectionprotestintheRegionalTrialCourt.TheelectionprotestwasdismissedonNovember17,2010.OnNovember17,2010,BienvenidoWilliamLlorenfiledanoticeofappealandpaidtheappealfeetotheRegionalTrialCourt.OnDecember2,2010,hepaidtheappealfeeofP3,200.00duetotheCommissiononElections.TheCommissiononElectionsdismissedtheappealforfailureofBienvenidoWilliamLlorentopaytheappealfeewithinfive(5)daysfromthedayofhisreceiptofthedecisionoftheRegionalTrialCourt.HELD:ResolutionNo.8486oftheCommissiononElectionsallowedtheappellanttopaytheappealfeeduewithinfifteen(15)daysfromthetimeofthefilingofthenoticeofappealwiththeRegionalTrialCourt.BienvenidoWilliamLlorenperfectedhisappeal.(Llorenvs.CommissiononElections,681SCRA167.)SentfrommyiPad