PROVINCE OF ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE VS CITY OF ZAMBOANGA (1968) F: Province of Zamboanga del norte is suing the city for

compensation on several lots and buildings which the province allegedly owns. The municipality of Zamboanga used to be the capital of the (old, unified) Zamboanga province. Commonwealth Act 39 converted the municipality to the present City of Zamboanga. The law also provided that the buildings and properties left by the Province and to be transferred into a new capital will be paid for by the city. The capital was transferred to Dipulog. 1952: RA 711 was passed. This divided the province of Zamboanga into two (del Norte and del Sur). 54% of the amount to be paid by the city to the Province (for the bldgs and properties) will be for Zamboanga del Norte (total of P705K.) That year, the secretary of Finance decreased the revenue allotment for the city. The decrease in allotment would be treated as partial payment to the Province for the transfer (decrease-turned-partialpayment totals P54K) 1961: RA 3039 was passed ammending CA 39. RA 3039 stipulates that the transfer of the bldgs and properties to the new capital will be free of charge in favor of the City. (City does not need to pay anymore!). Hence, the City of Zamboanga wanted a reimbursement of the 54K partial payment. HENCE THIS COMPLAINT BY The Province of Zambo del norte. The petitioner province alleges that it was deprived of property without due process of law. RA 3039 therefore accdg to ptr is unconstituional. ISSUE: VALIDITY OF RA 3039. To inquire into its validity, the nature of the 50 lots inquestion should be ascertained. The nature of the properties would show whether or not Congress (through RA 3039) had the power to control this thru law. If properties are public CONGRESS CAN CONTROL if properties are patrimonial CONGRESS HAS NO CONTROL and province cannot be deprived of their lands without due process of law and just compensation.