Parens Patriae On June 3, 1863 a devastating earthquake occurred in the Philippines. The Spanis h Dominions then provided $400,000.

0.00 as aid for the victims and it was received by the Philippine Treasury. Out of the aid, $80,000.00 was left untouched; it w as then invested in the Monte de Piedad Bank which in turn invested the amount i n jewelries. But when the Philippine government later tried to withdraw the said amount, the bank cannot provide for the amount. The bank argued that the Philip pine government is not an affected party hence has no right to institute a compl aint. Bank argues that the government was not the intended beneficiary of the sa id amount. ISSUE: Whether or not the Philippine government is competent to file a complaint against the respondent bank? HELD: The Philippine government is competent to institute action against Monte d e Piedad, this is in accordance with the doctrine of Parens Patriae. The governm ent being the protector of the rights of the people has the inherent supreme pow er to enforce such laws that will promote the public interest. No other party ha s been entrusted with such right hence as parents of the people the government has the right to take back the money intended for the people.