Admin Cases

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!
POWERS OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY A .The Quasi- Legislati e P!"e# TEST OF DELEGATION a. C!$%lete&ess Test
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% A'AYON( GP G#!u% ) VELARDE VS. S*S G.R. N!. )+,-+. A%#. /0( /112 FACTS3
&e'ore (s is a Petition 'or Re)ie* (nder R(le +, o' t-e R(les o' Co(rt. assailin/ t-e 0(ne 11. 1!!2 De3ision and 0(ly 14. 1!!2 5rder o' t-e Re/ional Trial Co(rt 6RTC7 o' Manila 6&ran3- +47. T-e 3-allen/ed De3ision *as t-e o''s-oot o' a Petition 'or De3laratory Relie' 'iled 8e'ore t-e RTC9 Manila 8y -erein Res:ondent So3ial 0(sti3e So3iety 6S0S7 a/ainst -erein Petitioner Mariano ;Mi<e; =. Velarde. to/et-er *it- >is Eminen3e. 0aime Cardinal Sin. E?e3(ti)e Minister Era@o Manalo. &rot-er Eddie Villan(e)a and &rot-er Eliseo A. Soriano as 3o9res:ondents. T-e Petition :rayed 'or t-e resol(tion o' t-e B(estion ;*-et-er or not t-e a3t o' a reli/io(s leader li<e any o' -erein res:ondents. in endorsin/ t-e 3andida3y o' a 3andidate 'or ele3ti)e o''i3e or in (r/in/ or reB(irin/ t-e mem8ers o' -is 'lo3< to )ote 'or a s:e3i'ied 3andidate. is )iolati)e o' t-e letter or s:irit o' t-e 3onstit(tional :ro)isions.
ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e RTC De3ision 3on'orm to t-e 'orm and s(8stan3e reB(ired 8y t-e Constit(tion. t-e la* and t-e R(les o' Co(rt. 5ELD3
T-e Constit(tion 3ommands t-at ;CnDo de3ision s-all 8e rendered 8y any 3o(rt *it-o(t e?:ressin/ t-erein 3learly and distin3tly t-e 'a3ts and t-e la* on *-i3- it is 8ased. No :etition 'or re)ie* or motion 'or re3onsideration o' a de3ision o' t-e 3o(rt s-all 8e re'(sed d(e 3o(rse or denied *it-o(t statin/ t-e 8asis t-ere'or.; Consistent *it- t-is 3onstit(tional mandate. Se3tion 1 o' R(le 2E o' t-e R(les on Ci)il Pro3ed(re similarly :ro)idesF ;Se3. 1. Rendition of judgments and final orders. # A G(d/ment or 'inal order determinin/ t-e merits o' t-e 3ase s-all 8e in *ritin/ :ersonally and dire3tly :re:ared 8y t-e G(d/e. statin/ 3learly and distin3tly t-e 'a3ts and t-e la* on *-i3- it is 8ased. si/ned 8y -im and 'iled *it- t-e 3ler< o' 3o(rt.; In t-e same )ein. Se3tion 1 o' R(le 11! o' t-e R(les o' Co(rt on Criminal Pro3ed(re reads as 'ollo*sF ;Se3. 1. Form and contents of judgments. 99 T-e G(d/ment m(st 8e *ritten in t-e o''i3ial lan/(a/e. :ersonally and dire3tly :re:ared 8y t-e G(d/e and si/ned 8y -im and s-all 3ontain 3learly and distin3tly a statement o' t-e 'a3ts :ro)ed or admitted 8y t-e a33(sed and t-e la* (:on *-i3- t-e G(d/ment is 8ased. P(rs(ant to t-e Constit(tion. t-is Co(rt also iss(ed on 0an(ary 1%. 14%%. Administrati)e Cir3(lar No. 1. :rom:tin/ all G(d/es ;to ma<e 3om:lete 'indin/s o' 'a3ts in t-eir de3isions. and s3r(tiniHe 3losely t-e le/al as:e3ts o' t-e 3ase in t-e li/-t o' t-e e)iden3e :resented. T-ey s-o(ld a)oid t-e tenden3y to /eneraliHe and 'orm 3on3l(sions *it-o(t detailin/ t-e 'a3ts 'rom *-i3- s(3- 3on3l(sions are ded(3ed.; ;Aait-'(l ad-eren3e to t-e reB(irements o' Se3tion 1+. Arti3le VIII o' t-e Constit(tion is indis:(ta8ly a :aramo(nt 3om:onent o' d(e :ro3ess and 'air :lay. It is li<e*ise demanded 8y t-e d(e :ro3ess 3la(se o' t-e Constit(tion. T-e :arties to a liti/ation s-o(ld 8e in'ormed o' -o* it *as de3ided. *it- an e?:lanation o' t-e 'a3t(al and le/al reasons t-at led to t-e 3on3l(sions o' t-e 3o(rt.
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% PASC4AL( *ERIC5O M. G#!u% ) 'ELTRAN VS. SEC. OF 5EALT5 GR. N!. )--621 N! . /+( /11+ FACTS3 Re:(8li3 A3t No. ""14 or t-e National &lood Ser)i3es A3t o' 144+ *as ena3ted into la* on A:ril 1. 144+. T-e A3t see<s to :ro)ide an adeB(ate s(::ly o' sa'e 8lood 8y :romotin/ )ol(ntary 8lood donation and 8y re/(latin/ 8lood 8an<s in t-e 3o(ntry. It *as a::ro)ed 8y t-en President Aidel V. Ramos on May 1,. 144+ and *as s(8seB(ently :(8lis-ed in t-e 5''i3ial GaHette on A(/(st 1%. 144+. T-e la* too< e''e3t on A(/(st 12. 144+. 5n A:ril 1%. 144,. Administrati)e 5rder No. 4. Series o' 144,. 3onstit(tin/ t-e Im:lementin/ R(les and Re/(lations o' said la* *as :rom(l/ated 8y res:ondent Se3retary o' t-e De:artment o' >ealt- Years :rior to t-e :assa/e o' t-e National &lood Ser)i3es A3t o' 144+. :etitioners -a)e already 8een o:eratin/ 3ommer3ial 8lood 8an<s. Petitioners *ere /ranted 8y t-e Se3retary o' >ealt- t-eir li3enses to o:en and o:erate a 8lood 8an< only (ntil May 1". 144%. 5n May 1!. 144%. :rior to t-e e?:iration o' t-e li3enses /ranted to :etitioners. t-ey 'iled a :etition 'or 3ertiorari *it- a::li3ation 'or t-e iss(an3e o' a *rit o' :reliminary inG(n3tion or tem:orary restrainin/ order (nder R(le E, o' t-e R(les o' Co(rt assailin/ t-e 3onstit(tionality and )alidity o' t-e a'orementioned A3t and its Im:lementin/ R(les and Re/(lations. ISS4E3
W-et-er or not se3tion " o' R.A. ""14 3onstit(tes (nd(e dele/ation o' le/islati)e :o*er.
5ELD3 In testin/ *-et-er a stat(te 3onstit(tes an (nd(e dele/ation o' le/islati)e :o*er or not. it is (s(al to inB(ire *-et-er t-e stat(te *as 3om:lete in all its terms and :ro)isions *-en it le't t-e -ands o' t-e Le/islat(re so t-at not-in/ *as le't to t-e G(d/ment o' t-e administrati)e 8ody or any ot-er a::ointee or dele/ate o' t-e Le/islat(re. E?3e:t as to matters o' detail t-at may 8e le't to 8e 'illed in 8y r(les and re/(lations to 8e ado:ted or :rom(l/ated 8y e?e3(ti)e o''i3ers and administrati)e 8oards. an a3t o' t-e Le/islat(re. as a /eneral r(le. is in3om:lete and -en3e in)alid i' it does not lay do*n any r(le or de'inite standard 8y *-i3- t-e administrati)e 8oard may 8e /(ided in t-e e?er3ise o' t-e dis3retionary :o*ers dele/ated to it Re:(8li3 A3t No. ""14 or t-e National &lood Ser)i3es A3t o' 144+ is 3om:lete in itsel'. It is 3lear 'rom t-e :ro)isions o' t-e A3t t-at t-e Le/islat(re intended :rimarily to sa'e/(ard t-e -ealt- o' t-e :eo:le and -as mandated se)eral meas(res to attain t-is o8Ge3ti)e. 5ne o' t-ese is t-e :-ase o(t o' 3ommer3ial 8lood 8an<s in t-e 3o(ntry. T-e la* -as s(''i3iently :ro)ided a de'inite standard 'or t-e /(idan3e o' t-e Se3retary o' >ealt- in 3arryin/ o(t its :ro)isions. t-at is. t-e :romotion o' :(8li3 -ealt- 8y :ro)idin/ a sa'e and adeB(ate s(::ly o' 8lood t-ro(/- )ol(ntary 8lood donation. &y its :ro)isions. it -as 3on'erred t-e :o*er and a(t-ority to t-e Se3retary o' >ealt- as to its e?e3(tion. to 8e e?er3ised (nder and in :(rs(an3e o' t-e la*. Con/ress may )alidly dele/ate to administrati)e a/en3ies t-e a(t-ority to :rom(l/ate r(les and re/(lations to im:lement a /i)en le/islation and e''e3t(ate its :oli3ies. T-e Se3retary o' >ealt- -as 8een /i)en. (nder Re:(8li3 A3t No. ""14. 8road :o*ers to e?e3(te t-e :ro)isions o' said A3t.
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% AL'ARICO( ALLESANDRA FAY V. G#!u% / T5E SOLICITOR GENERAL( RODOLFO A. MALAPIRA( STEP5EN A. MONSANTO( DAN R. CALDERON( AND GRANDY N. TRIESTE VS. T5E METROPOLITAN MANILA A4T5ORITY AND T5E M4NICIPALITY OF MANDAL4YONG G.R. N!.)1/.0/ De7. ))( ),,) FACTS3 5rdinan3e No. ". Series o' 14%%. o' Mandal(yon/. *as iss(ed a(t-oriHin/ t-e 3on'is3ation o' dri)erIs li3enses and t-e remo)al o' li3ense :lates o' motor )e-i3les 'or tra''i3 )iolations. 5n May 1+. 144!. t-e Metro:olitan Manila A(t-ority iss(ed 5rdinan3e No. 11. Series o' 1441. a(t-oriHin/ itsel' ;to deta3- t-e li3ense :lateJto* and im:o(nd attendedJ (nattendedJ a8andoned motor )e-i3les ille/ally :ar<ed or o8str(3tin/ t-e 'lo* o' tra''i3 in Metro Manila.; T-e :ro)ision a::ears to 8e in 3on'li3t *it- t-e de3ision o' t-e Co(rt in Gonon/ 3ase. *-ere it *as -eld t-at t-e li3ense :lates o' motor )e-i3les may not 8e deta3-ed e?3e:t only (nder t-e 3onditions :res3ri8ed in L5I +2. Additionally. t-e Co(rt -as re3ei)ed se)eral 3om:laints a/ainst t-e 3on'is3ation 8y :oli3e a(t-orities o' dri)erIs li3enses 'or alle/ed tra''i3 )iolations. *-i3- san3tion is. a33ordin/ to t-e said de3ision. not amon/ t-ose t-at may 8e im:osed (nder PD 1E!,. T-e Metro:olitan Manila A(t-ority de'ended t-e said ordinan3e on t-e /ro(nd t-at it *as ado:ted :(rs(ant to t-e :o*ers 3on'erred (:on it 8y E5 241. It :arti3(larly 3ited Se3tion 1 t-ereo' )estin/ in t-e Co(n3il 6its /o)ernin/ 8ody7 t-e res:onsi8ility amon/ ot-ers o'F 1. Aorm(lation o' :oli3ies on t-e deli)ery o' 8asi3 ser)i3es reB(irin/ 3oordination or 3onsolidation 'or t-e A(t-orityK and 1. Prom(l/ation o' resol(tions and ot-er issuances of metropolitan wide application . a::ro)al o' a 3ode o' 8asi3 ser)i3es reB(irin/ 3oordination. and exercise of its rule-making powers. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-ere *as a )alid dele/ation o' le/islati)e :o*er in as m(3- as t-e stat(te 3om:lied *it- t-e 3om:leteness test. 5ELD3 T-e Metro Manila A(t-ority s(stains 5rdinan3e No. 11. Series o' 1441. (nder t-e s:e3i'i3 a(t-ority 3on'erred (:on it 8y E5 241. *-ile 5rdinan3e No. ". Series o' 14%%. is G(sti'ied on t-e 8asis o' t-e General Wel'are Cla(se em8odied in t-e Lo3al Go)ernment Code. It is not dis:(ted t-at 8ot- meas(res *ere ena3ted to :romote t-e 3om'ort and 3on)enien3e o' t-e :(8li3 and to alle)iate t-e *orsenin/ tra''i3 :ro8lems in Metro:olitan Manila d(e in lar/e :art to )iolations o' tra''i3 r(les. T-e Co(rt -olds t-at t-ere is a )alid dele/ation o' le/islati)e :o*er to :rom(l/ate s(3meas(res. it a::earin/ t-at t-e reB(isites o' s(3- dele/ation are :resent. T-ese reB(isites are. 17 t-e 3om:leteness o' t-e stat(te ma<in/ t-e dele/ationK and 17 t-e :resen3e o' a s(''i3ient standard.
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!%
8. Su99i7ie&t Sta&:a#: Test
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% ARA'ACA( C5RISTINE MARIE M. G#!u% ) RESTIT4TO YNOT s. INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE CO4RT G.R. N!. .22+. Ma#7h /1( ),0. FACTS3
T-e si? 3ara8aos trans:orted 8y :etitioner. Restit(to Ynot. in a :(m: 8oat 'rom Mas8ate to Iloilo *as 3on'is3ated 8y t-e :oli3e station 3ommander o' &arota3 N(e)o. Iloilo. 'or )iolation o' E?e3(ti)e 5rder No. E1E9A. T-e :etitioner s(ed 'or re3o)ery. and t-e Re/ional Trial Co(rt o' Iloilo City iss(ed a *rit o' replevin (:on -is 'ilin/ o' a supersedeas 8ond o' P11.!!!.!!. A'ter 3onsiderin/ t-e merits o' t-e 3ase. t-e 3o(rt s(stained t-e 3on'is3ation o' t-e 3ara8aos and. sin3e t-ey 3o(ld no lon/er 8e :rod(3ed. ordered t-e 3on'is3ation o' t-e 8ond. T-e 3o(rt also de3lined to r(le on t-e 3onstit(tionality o' t-e e?e3(ti)e order. as raise 8y t-e :etitioner. 'or la3< o' a(t-ority and also 'or its :res(med )alidity. T-e :etitioner a::ealed t-e de3ision to t-e Intermediate A::ellate Co(rt. *-i3- (:-eld t-e trial 3o(rt. and -e -as no* 3ome 8e'ore t-is Co(rt in t-is :etition 'or re)ie* on certiorari. T-e t-r(st o' -is :etition is t-at t-e e?e3(ti)e order is (n3onstit(tional inso'ar as it a(t-oriHes o(tri/-t 3on'is3ation o' t-e 3ara8ao or 3ara8ee' 8ein/ trans:orted a3ross :ro)in3ial 8o(ndaries. >is 3laim is t-at t-e :enalty is in)alid 8e3a(se it is im:osed *it-o(t a33ordin/ t-e o*ner a ri/-t to 8e -eard 8e'ore a 3om:etent and im:artial 3o(rt as /(aranteed 8y d(e :ro3ess. >e 3om:lains t-at t-e meas(re s-o(ld not -a)e 8een :res(med. and so s(stained. as 3onstit(tional. T-ere is also a 3-allen/e to t-e im:ro:er e?er3ise o' t-e le/islati)e :o*er 8y t-e 'ormer President (nder Amendment No. E o' t-e 14"2 Constit(tion.
ISS4E3 W-et-er or not E?e3(ti)e 5rder No. E1E9A is (n3onstit(tional d(e to in)alid dele/ation o' le/islati)e :o*ers. 5ELD3
E?e3(ti)e 5rder No. E1E9A is -ere8y de3lared (n3onstit(tional. T-is Co(rt -as de3lared t-at *-ile lo*er 3o(rts s-o(ld o8ser)e a 8e3omin/ modesty in e?aminin/ 3onstit(tional B(estions. t-ey are nonet-eless not :re)ented 'rom resol)in/ t-e same *-ene)er *arranted. s(8Ge3t only to re)ie* 8y t-e -i/-est tri8(nal. We -a)e G(risdi3tion (nder t-e Constit(tion to ;re)ie*. re)ise. re)erse. modi'y or a''irm on a::eal or certiorari, as t-e la* or r(les o' 3o(rt may :ro)ide.; 'inal G(d/ments and orders o' lo*er 3o(rts in. amon/ ot-ers. all 3ases in)ol)in/ t-e 3onstit(tionality o' 3ertain meas(res. We also mar<. on to: o' all t-is. t-e B(estiona8le manner o' t-e dis:osition o' t-e 3on'is3ated :ro:erty as :res3ri8ed in t-e B(estioned e?e3(ti)e order. It is t-ere a(t-oriHed t-at t-e seiHed :ro:erty s-all ;8e distri8(ted to 3-arita8le instit(tions and ot-er similar instit(tions as t-e C-airman o' t-e National Meat Ins:e3tion Commission may see fit, in t-e 3ase o' 3ara8ee'. and to deser)in/ 'armers t-ro(/- dis:ersal as t-e Dire3tor o' Animal Ind(stry may see fit, in t-e 3ase o' 3ara8aos.; 6Em:-asis s(::lied.7 T-e :-rase "may see fit" is an e?tremely /enero(s and dan/ero(s 3ondition. i' 3ondition it is. It is laden *it- :erilo(s o::ort(nities 'or :artiality and a8(se. and e)en 3orr(:tion. 5ne sear3-es in )ain 'or t-e (s(al standard and t-e reasona8le /(idelines. or 8etter still. t-e limitations t-at t-e said o''i3ers m(st o8ser)e *-en t-ey ma<e t-eir distri8(tion. T-ere is none. T-eir o:tions are a::arently 8o(ndless. W-o s-all 8e t-e 'ort(nate 8ene'i3iaries o' t-eir /enerosity and 8y *-at 3riteria s-all t-ey 8e 3-osenL 5nly t-e o''i3ers named 3an s(::ly t-e ans*er. t-ey and t-ey alone may 3-oose t-e /rantee as t-ey see 'it. and in t-eir o*n e?3l(si)e dis3retion. De'initely. t-ere is -ere a ;ro)in/ 3ommission.; a *ide and s*ee:in/ a(t-ority t-at is not ;3analiHed *it-in 8an<s t-at <ee: it 'rom o)er'lo*in/.; in s-ort. a 3learly :ro'li/ate and t-ere'ore in)alid dele/ation o' le/islati)e :o*ers. T-ere is. 'inally. also an in)alid dele/ation o' le/islati)e :o*ers to t-e o''i3ers mentioned t-erein *-o are /ranted (nlimited dis3retion in t-e distri8(tion o' t-e :ro:erties ar8itrarily ta<en. Aor t-ese reasons. *e -ere8y de3lare E?e3(ti)e 5rder No. E1E9A (n3onstit(tional.
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% RENATO L. SEG4'IENSE *R. G#!u% ) EMMAN4EL PELAE; s. T5E A4DITOR GENERAL G.R. N!. L-/-0/+ De7e$8e# /2( ),6+ FACTS3 Arom Se:tem8er +. 14E+ to 53to8er 14. 14E+ t-e President o' t-e P-ili::ines iss(ed e?e3(ti)e orders to 3reate t-irty9t-ree m(ni3i:alities :(rs(ant to Se3tion E% o' t-e Re)ised Administrati)e Code. P(8li3 '(nds t-ere8y stood to 8e dis8(rsed in im:lementation o' said e?e3(ti)e orders. S(in/ as :ri)ate 3itiHen and ta?:ayer. Vi3e President Emman(el PelaeH 'iled in t-is Co(rt a :etition 'or :ro-i8ition *it- :reliminary inG(n3tion a/ainst t-e A(ditor General. It see<s to restrain t-e res:ondent or any :erson a3tin/ in -is 8e-al'. 'rom :assin/ in a(dit any e?:endit(re o' :(8li3 '(nds in im:lementation o' t-e e?e3(ti)e orders a'orementioned. Petitioner 3ontends t-at t-e President -as no :o*er to 3reate a m(ni3i:ality 8y e?e3(ti)e order. It is ar/(ed t-at Se3tion E% o' t-e Re)ised Administrati)e Code o' 141". so 'ar as it :(r:orts to /rant any s(3- :o*er. is in)alid or. at t-e least. already re:ealed. in li/-t o' t-e P-ili::ine Constit(tion and Re:(8li3 A3t 12"! 6T-e &arrio C-arter7. ISS4E3 W-et-er t-e a3t o' t-e :resident 3onstit(tes a )iolation o' )alid dele/ation o' :o*er. 5ELD3
T-e S(:reme Co(rt r(led t-at t-e a(t-ority to 3reate m(ni3i:al 3or:orations is essentially le/islati)e in nat(re and ;stri3tly a le/islati)e '(n3tion; or ;solely and e?3l(si)ely t-e e?er3ise o' le/islati)e :o*er;K t-at ;m(ni3i:al 3or:orations are :(rely t-e 3reat(res o' stat(tes.; T-at alt-o(/- Con/ress may dele/ate to anot-er 8ran3- o' t-e Go)ernment t-e :o*er to 'ill in t-e details in t-e e?e3(tion. en'or3ement or administration o' a la*. it is essential. to 'orestall a )iolation o' t-e :rin3i:le o' se:aration o' :o*ers. t-at said la*F 6a7 8e 3om:lete in itsel' M it m(st set 'ort- t-erein t-e :oli3y to 8e e?e3(ted. 3arried o(t or im:lemented 8y t-e dele/ate and 687 'i? a standard M t-e limits o' *-i3- are s(''i3iently determinate or determina8le M to *-i3- t-e dele/ate m(st 3on'orm in t-e :er'orman3e o' -is '(n3tions.1a Indeed. *it-o(t a stat(tory de3laration o' :oli3y. t-e dele/ate *o(ld in e''e3t. ma<e or 'orm(late s(3- :oli3y. *-i3- is t-e essen3e o' e)ery la*K and. *it-o(t t-e a'orementioned standard. t-ere *o(ld 8e no means to determine. *itreasona8le 3ertainty. *-et-er t-e dele/ate -as a3ted *it-in or 8eyond t-e s3o:e o' -is a(t-ority. >en3e. -e 3o(ld t-ere8y arro/ate (:on -imsel' t-e :o*er. not only to ma<e t-e la*. 8(t. also M and t-is is *orse M to (nma<e it. 8y ado:tin/ meas(res in3onsistent *it- t-e end so(/-t to 8e attained 8y t-e A3t o' Con/ress. t-(s n(lli'yin/ t-e :rin3i:le o' se:aration o' :o*ers and t-e system o' 3-e3<s and 8alan3es. and. 3onseB(ently. (nderminin/ t-e )ery 'o(ndation o' o(r Re:(8li3an system. Se3tion E% o' t-e Re)ised Administrati)e Code does not meet t-ese *ell settled reB(irements 'or a )alid dele/ation o' t-e :o*er to 'i? t-e details in t-e en'or3ement o' a la*. It does not en(n3iate any :oli3y to 8e 3arried o(t or im:lemented 8y t-e President. Neit-er does it /i)e a standard s(''i3iently :re3ise to a)oid t-e e)il e''e3ts a8o)e re'erred to. T-at t-e 8etter :roo' o' t-e 'a3t t-at t-e iss(an3e o' said e?e3(ti)e orders entails t-e e?er3ise o' :(rely le/islati)e '(n3tions 3an -ardly 8e /i)en. T-at :o*er o' 3ontrol o' t-e :resident o)er t-e o''i3ers o' t-e e?e3(ti)e de:artments. 8(rea(s. or o''i3es o' t-e national /o)ernment is denied 8y t-e 3onstit(tion to t-e e?e3(ti)e. in so 'ar as t-e lo3al /o)ernment is 3on3erned. Li<e*ise t-e s(:reme 3o(rt r(led. t-at instead o' /i)in/ t-e President less :o*er o)er lo3al /o)ernments t-an t-at )ested in -im o)er t-e e?e3(ti)e de:artments. 8(rea(s or o''i3es. it re)erses t-e :ro3ess and does t-e e?a3t o::osite. 8y 3on'errin/ (:on -im more :o*er o)er m(ni3i:al 3or:orations t-an t-at *-i3- -e -as o)er said e?e3(ti)e de:artments. 8(rea(s or o''i3es. T-e E?e3(ti)e 5rders in B(estion are de3lared n(ll and )oid a8 initio 8y t-e s(:reme 3o(rt and t-e res:ondent :ermanently restrained 'rom :assin/ in a(dit any e?:endit(re o' :(8li3 '(nds in im:lementation o' said E?e3(ti)e 5rders or any dis8(rsement 8y t-e m(ni3i:alities a8o)e re'erred to.
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% ALP4ERTO( MARIPOSA G. G#!u% )
'ATANGAS CATV( INC s. CO4RT OF APPEALS G.R. N!. )-00)1 Se%t. /,( /112 FACTS3 San//(nian/ Panl(n/sod ena3ted Resol(tion No. 11!" /rantin/ :etitioner a :ermit to 3onstr(3t. install. and o:erate a CATV system in &atan/as City. Nnder it :etitioner is a(t-oriHed to in3rease t-e rates o' its ser)i3es to its ma?im(m rate. S(8seB(ently. :etitioner in3reased its s(8s3ri8er rates 'rom %%:esos to 1%!:esos. As a res(lt. res:ondent mayor *rote :etitioner t-reatenin/ to 3an3el its :ermit (nless it se3(res t-e a::ro)al o' San//(nian/ Panl(n/sod :(rs(ant to Resol(tion No. 11!. Petitioner t-en 'iled a :etition 'or inG(n3tion 3ontendin/ t-at t-e San//(nian/ Panl(n/sod -as no a(t-ority to re/(late 8e3a(se it is t-e National tele3omm(ni3ations Commission *-o -as t-e :o*er to re/(late t-e CATV o:eration in t-e P-ili::ines. Petitioner *on in t-e lo*er 3o(rt 8(t *as re)ersed 8y t-e a::ellate 3o(rt on t-e 8asis o' &atas Pam8ansa &ilan/ 22". ot-er*ise <no*n as t-e Lo3al Go)ernment Code o' 14%2. Se3tion 1"" 6no* Se3tion +," :ara/ra:- 2 6ii7 o' Re:(8li3 A3t "1E!7 s(8stantially :ro)ides o' t-e :o*ers o' t-e San//(nian Panl(n/sod to ena3t ordinan3es. Re/(late. 'i? t-e li3ense 'ee 'or. and ta? any 8(siness or :ro'ession 8ein/ 3arried on and e?er3ised *it-in t-e territorial G(risdi3tion o' t-e 3ity ???. Nnder 3o)er o' t-e General Wel'are Cla(se as :ro)ided in t-is se3tion. Lo3al Go)ernment Nnits 3an :er'orm G(st a8o(t any :o*er t-at *ill 8ene'it t-eir 3onstit(en3ies. T-(s. lo3al /o)ernment (nits 3an e?er3ise :o*ers t-at areF 617 e?:ressly /rantedK 617 ne3essarily im:lied 'rom t-e :o*er t-at is e?:ressly /rantedK 627 ne3essary. a::ro:riate or in3idental 'or its e''i3ient and e''e3ti)e /o)ernan3eK and 6+7 essential to t-e :romotion o' t-e /eneral *el'are o' t-eir in-a8itants. >en3e. t-is :etition. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e San//(nian/ Panl(n/sod is a(t-oriHed to e?er3ise t-e re/(latory '(n3tion solely lod/ed *it- t-e NTC E.5. No.1!,L 5ELD3 Earlier. Pres. Mar3os iss(ed Letter o' Instr(3tion 6L5I7 No. %4+ )estin/ (:on t-e C-airman o' t-e &oard o' Comm(ni3ations dire3t s(:er)ision o)er CATV o:erations dire3tin/ it to iss(e 3erti'i3ates. esta8lis- and :res3ri8e areas o' o:eration ???. N:on President CoraHon C. AB(ino s ass(m:tion o' :o*er. s-e iss(ed E.5. No. 1!,11 o:enin/ t-e CATV ind(stry to all 3itiHens o' t-e P-ili::ines. It mandated t-e NTC to /rant Certi'i3ates o' A(t-ority to CATV o:erators and to iss(e t-e ne3essary im:lementin/ r(les and re/(lations. 5n Se:tem8er 4. 144". President Aidel V. Ramos iss(ed E.5. No. +2E12 :res3ri8in/ :oli3y /(idelines to /o)ern CATV o:eration in t-e P-ili::ines. &(t lest *e 8e mis(nderstood. not-in/ -erein s-o(ld 8e inter:reted as to stri: LGNs o' t-eir /eneral :o*er to :res3ri8e re/(lations (nder t-e /eneral *el'are 3la(se o' t-e Lo3al Go)ernment Code. It m(st 8e em:-asiHed t-at *-en E.5. No. +2E de3rees t-at t-e ;re/(latory :o*er; s-all 8e )ested ;solely; in t-e NTC. it :ertains to t-e ;re/(latory :o*er; o)er t-ose matters *-i3- are :e3(liarly *it-in t-e NTC s 3om:eten3e. s(3- as. t-eF 617 determination o' rates. 617 iss(an3e o' ;3erti'i3ates o' a(t-ority. 627 esta8lis-ment o' areas o' o:eration. 6+7 e?amination and assessment o' t-e le/al. te3-ni3al and 'inan3ial B(ali'i3ations o' a::li3ant o:erators. 6,7 /rantin/ o' :ermits 'or t-e (se o' 'reB(en3ies. 6E7 re/(lation o' o*ners-i: and o:eration. 6"7 adG(di3ation o' iss(es arisin/ 'rom its '(n3tions. and 6%7 ot-er similar matters.1E Wit-in t-ese areas. t-e NTC rei/ns s(:reme as it :ossesses t-e e?3l(si)e :o*er to re/(late 99 a :o*er 3om:risin/ )aried a3ts. s(3- as ;to 'i?. esta8lis-. or 3ontrolK to adG(st 8y r(le. met-od or esta8lis-ed modeK to dire3t 8y r(le or restri3tionK or to s(8Ge3t to /o)ernin/ :rin3i:les or la*s.; T-e /eneral *el'are 3la(se is t-e dele/ation in stat(tory 'orm o' t-e :oli3e :o*er o' t-e State to LGNs. T-ro(/- t-is. LGNs may :res3ri8e re/(lations to :rote3t t-e li)es. -ealt-. and :ro:erty o' t-eir 3onstit(ents and maintain :ea3e and order *it-in t-eir res:e3ti)e territorial G(risdi3tions. Li<e any ot-er enter:rise. CATV o:eration may8e re/(lated 8y LGNs (nder t-e /eneral *el'are 3la(se. T-is is :rimarily 8e3a(se t-e CATV system 3ommits t-e indis3retion o' 3rossin/ :(8li3 :ro:erties. Li<e any ot-er enter:rise. CATV o:eration may8e re/(lated 8y LGNs (nder t-e /eneral *el'are 3la(se. T-is is :rimarily 8e3a(se t-e CATV system 3ommits t-e indis3retion o' 3rossin/ :(8li3 :ro:erties. T-is re3o(rse 'inds a::li3ation -ere. T-(s. *e -old t-at t-e NTC. (nder E.5. No. 1!,. -as e?3l(si)e G(risdi3tion o)er matters a''e3tin/ CATV o:eration. in3l(din/ s:e3i'i3ally t-e 'i?in/ o' s(8s3ri8er rates. 8(t not-in/ -erein :re3l(des LGNs 'rom e?er3isin/ its /eneral :o*er. (nder R.A. No. "1E!. to :res3ri8e re/(lations to :romote t-e -ealt-. morals. :ea3e. ed(3ation. /ood order or sa'ety and /eneral *el'are o' t-eir 3onstit(ents. In e''e3t. 8ot- la*s 8e3ome eB(ally e''e3ti)e and m(t(ally 3om:lementary. W>EREA5RE. t-e :etition is GRANTED.
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% 'ANGCOY( PAOLO MARTIN S. G#!u% / ROM4LO( MA'ANTA( '4ENAVENT4RA( SAYOC < DE LOS ANGELES s. 5OME DEVELOPMENT M4T4AL F4ND GR N!. )-)10/ *u&e ),( /111
FACTS3 5n 1 Se:tem8er 144,. t-e >DMA &oard o' Tr(stees. :(rs(ant to Se3tion , o' Re:(8li3 A3t No. ""+1. iss(ed &oard Resol(tion No. 1!11. Series o' 144,. amendin/ and modi'yin/ t-e R(les and Re/(lations Im:lementin/ R.A. No. ""+1. As amended. Se3tion 1 o' R(le VII :ro)ides t-at 'or a 3om:any to 8e entitled to a *ai)er or s(s:ension o' A(nd 3o)era/e. it m(st -a)e a :lan :ro)idin/ 'or 8ot:ro)identJretirement and -o(sin/ 8ene'its s(:erior to t-ose :ro)ided (nder t-e Pa/9I&IG A(nd. 5n 1E No)em8er 144,. PETITI5NER 'iled *it- t-e res:ondent an a::li3ation 'or Wai)er or S(s:ension o' A(nd Co)era/e 8e3a(se o' its s(:erior retirement :lan. In s(::ort o' said a::li3ation. PETITI5NER s(8mitted to t-e >DMA a letter e?:lainin/ t-at t-e 144, Amendments to t-e R(les are in)alid. In a letter dated 1% Mar3- 144E. t-e President and C-ie' E?e3(ti)e 5''i3er o' >DMA disa::ro)ed PETITI5NERIs a::li3ation on t-e /ro(nd t-at t-e reB(irement t-at t-ere s-o(ld 8e 8ot- a :ro)ident retirement '(nd and a -o(sin/ :lan is 3lear in t-e (se o' t-e :-rase ;andJor.; and t-at t-e R(les Im:lementin/ R.A. No. ""+1 did not amend nor re:eal Se3tion 14 o' P.D. No. 1",1 8(t merely im:lement t-e la*. PETITI5NERIs a::eal *it- t-e >DMA &oard o' Tr(stees *as denied 'or -a)in/ 8een rendered moot and a3ademi3 8y &oard Resol(tion No. 11!%. Series o' 144E. remo)in/ t-e a)ailment o' *ai)er o' t-e mandatory 3o)era/e o' t-e Pa/9I&IG A(nd. e?3e:t 'or distressed em:loyers. 5n 21 Mar3- 144". PETITI5NER 'iled a :etition 'or re)ie* 8e'ore t-e Co(rt o' A::eals. 5n motion 8y >DMA. t-e Co(rt o' A::eals dismissed t-e :etition on t-e /ro(nd t-at t-e 3o)era/e o' em:loyers and em:loyees (nder t-e >ome De)elo:ment M(t(al A(nd is mandatory in 3-ara3ter as 3learly *orded in Se3tion + o' P.D. No. 1",1. as amended 8y R.A. No. ""+1. T-ere is no alle/ation t-at :etitioner is a distressed em:loyer to *arrant its e?em:tion 'rom t-e A(nd 3o)era/e. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e Amendments to t-e R(les and Re/(lations Im:lementin/ RA No. ""+1. and t-e s(8seB(ent re:eal o' Se3tion 14 o' PD No. 1",1 are *it-in t-e dele/ated :o*er o' t-e &oard. 5ELD3 We 'ind 'or t-e :etitioner. It is *it-o(t do(8t t-at t-e >DMA &oard -as r(le9ma<in/ :o*er as :ro)ided in Se3tion ,1 o' RA No. ""+1 and Se3tion 12 o' PD No. 1",1. >o*e)er. it is *ell9settled t-at r(les and re/(lations. *-i3- are t-e :rod(3t o' a dele/ated :o*er to 3reate ne* and additional le/al :ro)isions t-at -a)e t-e e''e3t o' la*. s-o(ld 8e *it-in t-e s3o:e o' t-e stat(tory a(t-ority /ranted 8y t-e le/islat(re to t-e administrati)e a/en3y. It is reB(ired t-at t-e re/(lation 8e /ermane to t-e o8Ge3ts and :(r:oses o' t-e la*. and 8e not in 3ontradi3tion to. 8(t in 3on'ormity *it-. t-e standards :res3ri8ed 8y la*. In t-e :resent 3ase. *-en t-e &oard o' Tr(stees o' t-e >DMA reB(ired in Se3tion 1. R(le VII o' t-e 144, Amendments to t-e R(les and Re/(lations Im:lementin/ RA No. ""+1 t-at em:loyers s-o(ld -a)e 8ot- :ro)identJretirement and -o(sin/ 8ene'its 'or all its em:loyees in order to B(ali'y 'or e?em:tion 'rom t-e A(nd. it e''e3ti)ely amended Se3tion 14 o' PD No. 1",1. And *-en t-e &oard s(8seB(ently a8olis-ed t-at e?em:tion t-ro(/- t-e 144E Amendments. it re:ealed Se3tion 14 o' PD No. 1",1. S(3- amendment and s(8seB(ent re:eal o' Se3tion 14 are 8ot- in)alid. as t-ey are not *it-in t-e dele/ated :o*er o' t-e &oard. T-e >DMA 3annot. in t-e e?er3ise o' its r(le9ma<in/ :o*er. iss(e a re/(lation not 3onsistent *it- t-e la* it see<s to a::ly. Indeed. administrati)e iss(an3es m(st not o)erride. s(::lant or modi'y t-e la*. 8(t m(st remain 3onsistent *it- t-e la* t-ey intend to 3arry o(t. 5nly Con/ress 3an re:eal or amend t-e la*.
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% AL'AO( =IEV T. G#!u% TEOFISTO T. G4INGONA( *R. a&: AQ4ILINO Q. PIMENTEL( *R. s. 5ON. G4ILLERMO CARAG4E( i& his 7a%a7it> as Se7#eta#>( 'u:get < Ma&age$e&t( 5ON. RO;ALINA S. CA*4COM i& he# 7a%a7it> as Nati!&al T#easu#e# a&: COMMISSION ON A4DIT FACTS3 T-e 144! 8(d/et 3onsists o' P4%.+ &illion in a(tomati3 a::ro:riation 6*it- P%E.% &illion 'or de8t ser)i3e7 and P1,,.2 &illion a::ro:riated (nder Re:(8li3 A3t No. E%21. ot-er*ise <no*n as t-e General A::ro:riations A3t. or a total o' P122., &illion. *-ile t-e a::ro:riations 'or t-e De:artment o' Ed(3ation. C(lt(re and S:orts amo(nt to P1".!1".%12.!!!.!!. T-e said a(tomati3 a::ro:riation 'or de8t ser)i3e is a(t-oriHed 8y P.D. No. %1. entitled ;Amendin/ Certain Pro)isions o' Re:(8li3 A3t N(m8ered Ao(r T-o(sand Ei/-t >(ndred Si?ty. as Amended 6ReF Aorei/n &orro*in/ A3t7.; 8y P.D. No. 11"". entitled ;Re)isin/ t-e &(d/et Pro3ess in 5rder to Instit(tionaliHe t-e &(d/etary Inno)ations o' t-e Ne* So3iety.; and 8y P.D. No. 14E". entitled ;An A3t Stren/t-enin/ t-e G(arantee and Payment Positions o' t-e Re:(8li3 o' t-e P-ili::ines on Its Contin/ent Lia8ilities Arisin/ o(t o' Relent and G(aranteed Loan 8y A::ro:riatin/ A(nds Aor T-e P(r:ose. T-e :etitioner see<s t-e de3laration o' t-e (n3onstit(tionality o' P.D. No. %1. Se3tions 21 o' P.D. 11"". and P.D. No. 14E". T-e :etition also see<s to restrain t-e dis8(rsement 'or de8t ser)i3e (nder t-e 144! 8(d/et :(rs(ant to said de3rees. ISS4ES3 W-et-er or not t-e a::ro:riation o' P%E &illion in t-e P122 &illion 144! &(d/et )iolati)e o' Se3tion ,. Arti3le OIV o' t-e 3onstit(tion. W-et-er or not PD No. %1. PD no. 11"" and PD No. 14E" are still o:erati)e (nder t-e 3onstit(tion and are t-ey )iolati)e o' Se3tion 14 617 o' Arti3le VI o' t-e 3onstit(tion. 5ELD3 As 'or t-e 'irst iss(e. *-ile it is tr(e t-at (nder Se3tion ,6,7. Arti3le OIV o' t-e Constit(tion Con/ress is mandated to ;assi/n t-e -i/-est 8(d/etary :riority to ed(3ation; in order to ;ins(re t-at tea3-in/ *ill attra3t and retain its ri/-t'(l s-are o' t-e 8est a)aila8le talents t-ro(/- adeB(ate rem(neration and ot-er means o' Go8 satis'a3tion and '(l'illment.; it does not t-ere8y 'ollo* t-at t-e -ands o' Con/ress are so -amstr(n/ as to de:ri)e it t-e :o*er to res:ond to t-e im:erati)es o' t-e national interest and 'or t-e attainment o' ot-er state :oli3ies or o8Ge3ti)es. As a:tly o8ser)ed 8y res:ondents. sin3e 14%,. t-e 8(d/et 'or ed(3ation -as tri:led to (:/rade and im:ro)e t-e 'a3ility o' t-e :(8li3 s3-ool system. T-e 3om:ensation o' tea3-ers -as 8een do(8led. T-e amo(nt o' P14."+!.E11.!!!.!! set aside 'or t-e De:artment o' Ed(3ation. C(lt(re and S:orts (nder t-e General A::ro:riations A3t 6R.A. No. E%217. is t-e -i/-est 8(d/etary allo3ation amon/ all de:artment 8(d/ets. T-is is a 3lear 3om:lian3e *it- t-e a'oresaid 3onstit(tional mandate a33ordin/ -i/-est :riority to ed(3ation. >a)in/ 'ait-'(lly 3om:lied t-ere*it-. Con/ress is 3ertainly not *it-o(t any :o*er. /(ided only 8y its /ood G(d/ment. to :ro)ide an a::ro:riation t-at 3an reasona8ly ser)i3e o(r enormo(s de8t. t-e /reater :ortion o' *-i3- *as in-erited 'rom t-e :re)io(s administration. It is not only a matter o' -onor and to :rote3t t-e 3redit standin/ o' t-e 3o(ntry. More es:e3ially. t-e )ery s(r)i)al o' o(r e3onomy is at sta<e. T-(s. i' in t-e :ro3ess Con/ress a::ro:riated an amo(nt 'or de8t ser)i3e 8i//er t-an t-e s-are allo3ated to ed(3ation. t-e Co(rt 'inds and so -olds t-at said a::ro:riation 3annot 8e t-ere8y assailed as (n3onstit(tional.
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% Aor t-e se3ond iss(e. Se3tion 2. Arti3le OVIII o' t-e Constit(tion re3o/niHes t-at ;All e?istin/ la*s. de3rees. e?e3(ti)e orders. :ro3lamations. letters o' instr(3tions and ot-er e?e3(ti)e iss(an3es not in3onsistent *it- t-e Constit(tion s-all remain o:erati)e (ntil amended. re:ealed or re)o<ed.; T-is transitory :ro)ision o' t-e Constit(tion -as :re3isely 8een ado:ted 8y its 'ramers to :reser)e t-e so3ial order so t-at le/islation 8y t-e t-en President Mar3os may 8e re3o/niHed. S(3- la*s are to remain in 'or3e and e''e3t (nless t-ey are in3onsistent *it- t-e Constit(tion or. are ot-er*ise amended. re:ealed or re)o<ed. An e?amination o' t-e a'ore3ited :residential de3rees s-o* t-e 3lear intent t-at t-e amo(nts needed to 3o)er t-e :ayment o' t-e :rin3i:al and interest on all 'orei/n loans. in3l(din/ t-ose /(aranteed 8y t-e national /o)ernment. s-o(ld 8e made a)aila8le *-en t-ey s-all 8e3ome d(e :re3isely *it-o(t t-e ne3essity o' :eriodi3 ena3tments o' se:arate la*s a::ro:riatin/ '(nds t-ere'or. sin3e 8ot- t-e :eriods and ne3essities are in3a:a8le o' determination in ad)an3e. T-e Co(rt. t-ere'or. 'inds t-at R.A. No. +%E!. as amended 8y P.D. No. %1. Se3tion 21 o' P.D. 11"" and P.D. No. 14E" 3onstit(te la*'(l a(t-oriHations or a::ro:riations. (nless t-ey are re:ealed or ot-er*ise amended 8y Con/ress. T-e E?e3(ti)e *as t-(s merely 3om:lyin/ *it- t-e d(ty to im:lement t-e same. W>EREA5RE. t-e :etition is DISMISSED. *it-o(t :rono(n3ement as to 3osts.
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% SALIPSIP( DARREN G#!u% ) TATAD s. SECRETARY OF DEPT. OF ENERGY G.R. NO. )/2-61 N! . +( ),,. FACTS3 In Mar3- 144E. Con/ress ena3ted R.A. No. %1%!. entitled t-e ;Do*nstream 5il Ind(stry Dere/(lation A3t o' 144E.; to dere/(late t-e oil ind(stry. Nnder t-e dere/(lated en)ironment. ;any :erson or entity may im:ort or :(r3-ase any B(antity o' 3r(de oil and :etrole(m :rod(3ts 'rom a 'orei/n or domesti3 so(r3e. lease or o*n and o:erate re'ineries and ot-er do*nstream oil 'a3ilities and mar<et s(3- 3r(de oil or (se t-e same 'or -is o*n reB(irement.; s(8Ge3t only to monitorin/ 8y t-e De:artment o' Ener/y. T-e dere/(lation :ro3ess -as t*o :-asesF t-e transition :-ase and t-e '(ll dere/(lation :-ase. T-e 'irst :-ase o' dere/(lation 3ommen3ed on A(/(st 11. 144E. 5n Ae8r(ary %. 144". t-e President im:lemented t-e '(ll dere/(lation o' t-e Do*nstream 5il Ind(stry t-ro(/- E.5. No. 2"1. T-e :ertinent :ortion o' Se3. 1, o' R.A. No. %1%! statesF
Se3. 1,. Im:lementation o' A(ll Dere/(lation M P(rs(ant to se3tion ,6e7 o' Re:(8li3 A3t No. "E2%. t-e D5E s-all. (:on a::ro)al o' t-e President. im:lement t-e '(ll dere/(lation o' t-e do*nstream oil ind(stry not later t-an Mar3- 144". As far as practicable. t-e D5E s-all time t-e '(ll dere/(lation *-en t-e :ri3es o' 3r(de oil and :etrole(m :rod(3ts in t-e *orld mar<et are de3linin/ and *-en t-e e?3-an/e rate o' t-e :eso in relation to t-e NS dollar is sta8le . . .
Petitioners Ed3el C. La/man. 0o<er P. Arroyo. EnriB(e Gar3ia. Wi/8erto Tanada. Ala/ >(man Ri/-ts Ao(ndation. In3.. Areedom 'rom De8t Coalition 6ADC7 and Sanla<as 3ontend t-at t-e *ords ;as 'ar as :ra3ti3a8le.; ;de3linin/; and ;sta8le; s-o(ld -a)e 8een de'ined in R.A. No. %1%! as t-ey do not set determinate or determina8le standards 'or '(ll dere/(lation. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not R.A. No. %1%! 3ontains s(''i3ient standards 'or im:lementationL 5ELD3 Yes. It *ill 8e noted t-at Con/ress e?:ressly :ro)ided in R.A. No. %1%! t-at '(ll dere/(lation *ill start at t-e end o' Mar3- 144". re/ardless o' t-e o33(rren3e o' any e)ent. A(ll dere/(lation at t-e end o' Mar3- 144" is mandatory and t-e E?e3(ti)e -as no dis3retion to :ost:one it 'or any :(r:orted reason. T-(s. t-e la* is 3om:lete on t-e B(estion o' t-e 'inal date o' '(ll dere/(lation. T-e dis3retion /i)en to t-e President is to ad)an3e t-e date o' '(ll dere/(lation 8e'ore t-e end o' Mar3- 144". Se3. 1, lays do*n t-e standard to /(ide t-e G(d/ment o' t-e President M -e is to time it as 'ar as :ra3ti3a8le *-en t-e :ri3es o' 3r(de oil and :etrole(m :rod(3ts in t-e *orld mar<et are de3linin/ and *-en t-e e?3-an/e rate o' t-e :eso in relation to t-e NS dollar is sta8le. A(rt-ermore. t-e di3tionary meanin/s o' t-ese *ords 6;as 'ar as :ra3ti3a8le.; ;de3linin/; and ;sta8le;7 are *ell settled and 3annot 3on'(se men o' reasona8le intelli/en3e. We8ster de'ines ;:ra3ti3a8le; as meanin/ :ossi8le to :ra3ti3e or :er'orm. ;de3line; as meanin/ to ta<e a do*n*ard dire3tion. and ;sta8le; as meanin/ 'irmly esta8lis-ed. T-e 'ear o' :etitioners t-at t-ese *ords *ill res(lt in t-e e?er3ise o' e?e3(ti)e dis3retion t-at *ill r(n riot is t-(s /ro(ndless.
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% ALON;O( RONALIN '. G#!u% MA4RICIO CR4; s. STANTON YO4NG'ERG( Di#e7t!# !9 the 'u#eau !9 A&i$al I&:ust#> G.R. N!. L--26.2 O7t!8e# /6( ),-) FACTS3 T-is is a :etition 8ro(/-t ori/inally 8e'ore t-e Co(rt o' Airst Instan3e o' Manila 'or t-e iss(an3e o' a *rit o' mandatory inG(n3tion a/ainst t-e res:ondent. Stanton Yo(n/8er/. as Dire3tor o' t-e &(rea( o' Animal Ind(stry. reB(irin/ -im to iss(e a :ermit 'or t-e landin/ o' ten lar/e 3attle im:orted 8y t-e :etitioner and 'or t-e sla(/-ter t-ereo'. T-e :etitioner atta3<ed t-e 3onstit(tionality o' A3t No. 21,,. *-i3- at :resent :ro-i8its t-e im:ortation o' 3attle 'rom 'orei/n 3o(ntries into t-e P-ili::ine Islands. Cr(H 6a::ellant7 asserts t-at ;A3t No. 21,, o' t-e P-ili::ine Le/islat(re *as ena3ted 'or t-e sole :(r:ose o' :re)entin/ t-e introd(3tion o' 3attle diseases into t-e P-ili::ine Islands 'rom 'orei/n 3o(ntries. as s-o*n 8y an e?:lanatory note and te?t o' Senate &ill No. 21% as introd(3ed in t-e P-ili::ine Le/islat(re. ... .; T-e A3t in B(estion reads as 'ollo*sF SECTI5N 1. A'ter Mar3- t-irty9'irst. nineteen -(ndred and t*enty9'i)e e?istin/ 3ontra3ts 'or t-e im:ortation o' 3attle into t-is 3o(ntry to t-e 3ontrary not*it-standin/. it s-all 8e stri3tly :ro-i8ited to im:ort. 8rin/ or introd(3e into t-e P-ili::ine Islands any 3attle 'rom 'orei/n 3o(ntriesF Pro)ided. -o*e)er. T-at at any time a'ter said date. t-e Go)ernor9 General. *it- t-e 3on3(rren3e o' t-e :residin/ o''i3ers o' 8ot- >o(ses. may raise s(3:ro-i8ition entirely or in :art i' t-e 3onditions o' t-e 3o(ntry ma<e t-is ad)isa8le or i' de3ease amon/ 'orei/n 3attle -as 3eased to 8e a mena3e to t-e a/ri3(lt(re and li)e sto3< o' t-e lands. T-ere is anot-er la* re/ardin/ t-e im:ortation o' animals 'rom 'orei/n 3o(ntries *-i3- is A3t No. 2!,1. It reads as 'ollo*sF SECTI5N 1. Se3tion se)enteen -(ndred and si?ty9t*o o' A3t N(m8ered T*enty9se)en -(ndred and ele)en. <no*n as t-e Administrati)e Code. is -ere8y amended to read as 'ollo*sF ;SEC. 1"E1. ringing of animals imported from foreign countries into t!e "!ilippine #slands. M It s-all 8e (nla*'(l 'or any :erson or 3or:oration to im:ort. 8rin/ or introd(3e li)e 3attle into t-e P-ili::ine Islands 'rom any 'orei/n 3o(ntry. T-e Dire3tor o' A/ri3(lt(re may. *it- t-e a::ro)al o' t-e -ead o' t-e de:artment 'irst -ad. a(t-oriHe t-e im:ortation. 8rin/in/ or introd(3tion o' )ario(s 3lasses o' t-oro(/-8red 3attle 'rom 'orei/n 3o(ntries 'or 8reedin/ t-e same to t-e nati)e 3attle o' t-ese Islands. and s(3- as may 8e ne3essary 'or t-e im:ro)ement o' t-e 8reed. not to e?3eed 'i)e -(ndred -ead :er ann(mF "rovided, !owever. T-at t-e Dire3tor o' A/ri3(lt(re s-all in all 3ases :ermit t-e im:ortation. 8rin/in/ or introd(3tion o' dra't 3attle and 8o)ine 3attle 'or t-e man('a3t(re o' ser(mF "rovided, furt!er. T-at all li)e 3attle 'rom 'orei/n 3o(ntries t-e im:ortation. 8rin/in/ or introd(3tion o' *-i3- into t-e Islands is a(t-oriHed 8y t-is A3t. s-all 8e s(8mitted to re/(lations iss(ed 8y t-e Dire3tor o' A/ri3(lt(re. *it- t-e a::ro)al o' t-e -ead o' t-e de:artment. :rior to a(t-oriHin/ its trans'er to ot-er :ro)in3es. ;At t-e time o' t-e a::ro)al o' t-is A3t. t-e Go)ernor9General s-all iss(e re/(lations and ot-ers to :ro)ide a/ainst a raisin/ o' t-e :ri3e o' 8ot- 'res- and re'ri/erated meat. T-e Go)ernor9General also may. 8y e?e3(ti)e order. s(s:end. t-is :ro-i8ition 'or a 'i?ed :eriod in 3ase lo3al 3onditions reB(ire it.;
13
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e lo*er 3o(rt erred in not -oldin/ t-at t-e :o*er /i)en 8y A3t No. 21,, to t-e Go)ernor9General to s(s:end or not. at -is dis3retion. t-e :ro-i8ition :ro)ided in t-e a3t 3onstit(tes an (nla*'(l dele/ation o' t-e le/islati)e :o*ers 5ELD3 T-e tr(e distin3tion. t-ere'ore. is 8et*een t-e dele/ation o' :o*er to ma<e t-e la*. *-i3ne3essarily in)ol)es dis3retion as to *-at it s-all 8e. and 3on'errin/ an a(t-ority or dis3retion as to its e?e3(tion. to 8e e?er3ised (nder and in :(rs(an3e o' t-e la*. T-e 'irst 3annot 8e doneK to t-e latter no )alid o8Ge3tion 3an 8e made. T-e a::ellant ar/(es t-at A3t No. 21,, amends se3tion 2 o' t-e Tari'' La*. 8(t it *ill 8e noted t-at A3t No. 21,, is not an a8sol(te :ro-i8ition o' t-e im:ortation o' 3attle and it does not add any :ro)ision to se3tion 2 o' t-e Tari'' La*. As stated in t-e 8rie' o' t-e Attorney9GeneralF ;It is a 3om:lete stat(te in itsel'. It does not ma<e any re'eren3e to t-e Tari'' La*. It does not :ermit t-e im:ortation o' arti3les. *-ose im:ortation is :ro-i8ited 8y t-e Tari'' La*. It is not a tari'' meas(re 8(t a B(arantine meas(re. a stat(te ado:ted (nder t-e :oli3e :o*er o' t-e P-ili::ine Go)ernment. It is at most a Ps(::lementI or an PadditionI to t-e Tari'' La*. &(t aside 'rom t-e :ro)isions o' A3t No. 2!,1. *e are o' t-e o:inion t-at A3t No. 21,, is entirely )alid. As s-o*n in :ara/ra:- % o' t-e amended :etition. t-e Le/islat(re :assed A3t No. 21,, to :rote3t t-e 3attle ind(stry o' t-e 3o(ntry and to :re)ent t-e introd(3tion o' 3attle diseases t-ro(/- im:ortation o' 'orei/n 3attle. It is no* /enerally re3o/niHed t-at t-e :romotion o' ind(stries a''e3tin/ t-e :(8li3 *el'are and t-e de)elo:ment o' t-e reso(r3es o' t-e 3o(ntry are o8Ge3ts *it-in t-e s3o:e o' t-e :oli3e :o*er In t-is 3onne3tion it is said in t-e 3ase o' P(nHalan vs. Aerriols and Pro)in3ial &oard o' &atan/as 614 P-il.. 11+7. t-at t-e :ro)isions o' t-e A3t o' Con/ress o' 0(ly 1. 14!1. did not -a)e t-e e''e3t o' denyin/ to t-e Go)ernment o' t-e P-ili::ine Islands t-e ri/-t to t-e e?er3ise o' t-e so)erei/n :oli3e :o*er in t-e :romotion o' t-e /eneral *el'are and t-e :(8li3 interest.
14
Q4ASI- LEGISLATIVE F4NCTION A. Natu#e
ROD4LFO( OLIVER G#!u% -
15
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVEN4E s. T5E 5ON. CO4RT OF APPEALS( R.O.5. A4TO PROD4CTS P5ILIPPINES( INC. a&: T5E 5ON. CO4RT OF TA? APPEALS. /21 SCRA -60
FACTS3 5n 11 A(/(st 14%E. d(rin/ t-e :eriod *-en t-e President o' t-e Re:(8li3 still *ielded le/islati)e :o*ers. E?e3(ti)e 5rder No. +1 *as :rom(l/ated de3larin/ a one9time ta? amnesty on (n:aid in3ome ta?es. later amended to in3l(de estate and donorIs ta?es and ta?es on 8(siness. 'or t-e ta?a8le years 14%1 to 14%,. A)ailin/ itsel' o' t-e amnesty. res:ondent R.5.>. A(to Prod(3ts P-ili::ines. In3.. 'iled. in 53to8er 14%E and No)em8er 14%E. its Ta? Amnesty Ret(rn and S(::lemental Ta? Amnesty Ret(rn. res:e3ti)ely. and :aid t-e 3orres:ondin/ amnesty ta?es d(e. Prior to t-is a)ailment. :etitioner Commissioner o' Internal Re)en(e. in a 3omm(ni3ation re3ei)ed 8y :ri)ate res:ondent on 12 A(/(st 14%E. assessed t-e latter de'i3ien3y in3ome and 8(siness ta?es 'or its 'is3al years ended 2! Se:tem8er 14%1 and 2! Se:tem8er 14%1 in an a//re/ate amo(nt o' P1.+1!.1,"."1. T-e ta?:ayer *rote 8a3< to state t-at sin3e it -ad 8een a8le to a)ail itsel' o' t-e ta? amnesty. t-e de'i3ien3y ta? noti3e s-o(ld 'ort-*it- 8e 3an3elled and *it-dra*n. T-e reB(est *as denied 8y t-e Commissioner. on t-e /ro(nd t-at Re)en(e Memorand(m 5rder No. +9%". im:lementin/ E?e3(ti)e 5rder No. +1. -ad 3onstr(ed t-e amnesty 3o)era/e to in3l(de only assessments iss(ed 8y t-e &(rea( o' Internal Re)en(e a'ter t-e :rom(l/ation o' t-e e?e3(ti)e order on 11 A(/(st 14%E and not to assessments t-ereto'ore made. >o*e)er t-e Co(rt o' Ta? A::eals and t-e Co(rt o' A::eals r(led in 'a)or o' t-e ta?:ayer. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e :osition ta<en 8y t-e Commissioner 3oin3ides *it- t-e meanin/ and intent o' e?e3(ti)e 5rder No. +1. 5ELD3 T-e a(t-ority o' t-e Minister o' Ainan3e 6no* t-e Se3retary o' Ainan3e7. in 3onG(n3tion *it- t-e Commissioner o' Internal Re)en(e. to :rom(l/ate all need'(l r(les and re/(lations 'or t-e e''e3ti)e en'or3ement o' internal re)en(e la*s 3annot 8e 3ontro)erted. Neit-er 3an it 8e dis:(ted t-at s(3- r(les and re/(lations. as *ell as administrati)e o:inions and r(lin/s. ordinarily s-o(ld deser)e *ei/-t and res:e3t 8y t-e 3o(rts. M(3- more '(ndamental t-an eit-er o' t-e a8o)e. -o*e)er. is t-at all s(3- iss(an3es m(st not o)erride. 8(t m(st remain 3onsistent and in -armony *it-. t-e la* t-ey see< to a::ly and im:lement. Administrati)e r(les and re/(lations are intended to 3arry o(t. neit-er to s(::lant nor to modi'y. t-e la*. We a/ree *it- 8ot- t-e 3o(rt o' A::eals and 3o(rt o' Ta? A::eals t-at E?e3(ti)e 5rder No. +1 is B(ite e?:li3it and reB(ires -ardly anyt-in/ 8eyond a sim:le a::li3ation o' its :ro)isions. I'. as t-e Commissioner ar/(es. E?e3(ti)e 5rder No. +1 -ad not 8een intended to in3l(de 14%1914%, ta? lia8ilities already assessed 6administrati)ely7 :rior to 11 A(/(st 14%E. t-e la* 3o(ld -a)e sim:ly so :ro)ided in its e?3l(sionary 3la(ses. It did not. T-e 3on3l(sion is (na)oida8le. and it is t-at t-e e?e3(ti)e order -as 8een desi/ned to 8e in t-e nat(re o' a /eneral /rant o' ta? amnesty s(8Ge3t only to t-e 3ases s:e3i'i3ally e?3e:ted 8y it. W>EREA5RE. t-e de3ision o' t-e 3o(rt o' A::eals. s(stainin/ t-at o' t-e 3o(rt o' Ta? A::eals. is -ere8y AAAIRMED in toto. AG4ISANDA( ANGELICA A. G#!u% )
16
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% EASTERN S5IPPING LINES( INC. s. CO4RT OF APPEALS a&: DAVAO PILOTS ASSOCIATION( G.R. N!. ))6-+6 *u&e /,( ),,0 FACTS3 5n Se:tem8er 1,. 14%4. :ri)ate res:ondent ele)ated a 3om:laint a/ainst :etitioner 'or s(m o' money and attorneyIs 'ees alle/in/ t-at :ri)ate res:ondent -ad rendered :ilota/e ser)i3es to :etitioner 8et*een *it- total (n:aid 'ees o' P"!2.14!.1%. Des:ite re:eated demands. :etitioner 'ailed to :ay and :rays t-at t-e latter 8e dire3ted to :ay P"!2.14!.1% *itle/al rate o' interest 'rom t-e 'ilin/ o' t-e 3om:laint. 5n No)em8er 1%. 14%4 :etitioner dis:(ted t-e 3laims o' :ri)ate res:ondent assailin/ t-e 3onstit(tionality o' E5 1!%% (:on *-i3- it 8ases its 3laimsK t-at t-e s(8Ge3t o' t-e 3om:laint 'alls *it-in t-e s3o:e and a(t-ority o' t-e P-ili::ine Ports A(t-ority 8y )irt(e o' PD No. %," K t-at E?e3(ti)e 5rder No. 1!%% is an (n*arranted re:eal or modi'i3ation o' t-e P-ili::ine Ports A(t-ority C-arter. amon/ ot-ers. Petitioner ar/(es t-at E5 1!%% is not 3onstit(tional. 8e3a(se its inter:retation and a::li3ation are le't to :ri)ate res:ondent. a :ri)ate :erson. and it 3onstit(tes an (nd(e dele/ation o' :o*er. Petitioner insists t-at it s-o(ld :ay :ilota/e 'ees in a33ordan3e *it- and on t-e 8asis o' t-e memorand(m 3ir3(lars iss(ed 8y t-e PPA. t-e administrati)e 8ody )ested (nder PD %," *itt-e :o*er to re/(late and :res3ri8e :ilota/e 'ees. It on :ayin/ :ilota/e 'ees :res3ri8ed (nder PPA 3ir3(lars 8e3a(se E5 1!%% sets a -i/-er rate. ISS4ES3 W-et-er E?e3(ti)e 5rder 1!%% is (n3onstit(tional. W-et-er t-ere is (nd(e dele/ation o' le/islati)e :o*er on :ri)ate res:ondent. @5ELD3
Petition DENIED. Reiteratin/ t-e :rono(n3ement o' t-e Co(rt in P-ili::ine Interisland S-i::in/ Asso3iation o' t-e P-ili::ines )s. Co(rt o' A::eals. t-e Co(rt -eld t-at E5 1!%% is )alid. E.5. N5. 1!%% :ro)ides 'or adG(sted :ilota/e ser)i3e rates *it-o(t *it-dra*in/ t-e :o*er o' t-e PPA to im:ose. :res3ri8e. in3rease or de3rease rates. 3-ar/es or 'ees. T-e reason is 8e3a(se E.5. No. 1!%% is not meant sim:ly to 'i? ne* :ilota/e rates. Its le/islati)e :(r:ose is t-e ;rationaliHation o' :ilota/e ser)i3e 3-ar/es. t-ro(/- t-e im:osition o' (ni'orm and adG(sted rates 'or 'orei/n and 3oast*ise )essels in all P-ili::ine :orts.Q Petitioner 3annot insist on :ayin/ :ilota/e 'ees 8ased on t-e PPA 3ir3(lars 8e3a(se t-e PPA 3ir3(lars are in3onsistent *it- E5 1!%%. t-ey are )oid and ine''e3ti)e. ;Administrati)e or e?e3(ti)e a3ts. orders and re/(lations s-all 8e )alid only *-en t-ey are not 3ontrary to t-e la*s or t-e Constit(tion.; As stated 8y t-e Co(rt in Land &an< o' t-e P-ili::ines )s. Co(rt o' A::eals. ;t-e 3on3l(si)e e''e3t o' administrati)e 3onstr(3tion is not a8sol(te. A3tion o' an administrati)e a/en3y may 8e dist(r8ed or set aside 8y t-e G(di3ial de:artment i' t-ere is an error o' la*. a /ra)e a8(se o' :o*er or la3< o' G(risdi3tion. or /ra)e a8(se o' dis3retion 3learly 3on'li3tin/ *it- eit-er t-e letter or s:irit o' t-e la*.; It is a?iomati3 t-at an administrati)e a/en3y. li<e t-e PPA. -as no dis3retion *-et-er to im:lement t-e la* or not. Its d(ty is to en'or3e it. T-ere'ore. i' t-ere is any 3on'li3t 8et*een t-e PPA 3ir3(lar and a la*. s(3- as E5 1!%%. t-e latter :re)ails. In 3on3l(sion. t-e Co(rt made it 3lear t-at E.5. No. 1!%% is a )alid stat(te and t-at t-e PPA is d(ty 8o(nd to 3om:ly *itits :ro)isions. T-e PPA may in3rease t-e rates 8(t it may not de3rease t-em 8elo* t-ose mandated 8y E.5. No. 1!%%.
MAR'ELLA( C* G#!u% / 17
OPLE VS. TORRES /,-SCRA)2)
FACTS3
Petitioner 5:le so(/-t to in)alidate Administrati)e 5rder No. 2!% iss(ed 8y :resident Aidel V. Ramos entitled ;Ado:tion o' a National Com:(teriHed Identi'i3ation Re'eren3e System; on t*o im:ortant 3onstit(tional /ro(nds. )iHF one. it is a (s(r:ation o' t-e :o*er o' Con/ress to le/islate. and t*o. it im:ermissi8ly intr(des on o(r 3itiHenryIs :rote3ted Hone o' :ri)a3y. A.5. No. 2!% *as :(8lis-ed in 'o(r ne*s:a:ers o' /eneral 3ir3(lation on 0an(ary 11. 144" and 0an(ary 12. 144". 5n 0an(ary 1+. 144". :etitioner 'iled t-e instant :etition a/ainst res:ondents. t-en E?e3(ti)e Se3retary R(8en Torres and t-e -eads o' t-e /o)ernment a/en3ies. *-o as mem8ers o' t-e Inter9A/en3y Coordinatin/ Committee. are 3-ar/ed *it- t-e im:lementation o' A.5. No. 2!%. 5n A:ril %. 144". T-e SC iss(ed a tem:orary restrainin/ order enGoinin/ its im:lementation.
ISS4E3
W-et-er or not t-e iss(an3e o' A.5. No. 2!% 8y t-e :resident is an (n3onstit(tional (s(r:ation o' t-e le/islati)e :o*ers o' t-e 3on/ress o' t-e P-ili::ines.
5ELD3
Yes. Administrati)e :o*er is 3on3erned *it- t-e *or< o' a::lyin/ :oli3ies and en'or3in/ orders as determined 8y :ro:er /o)ernmental or/ans. It ena8les t-e President to 'i? a (ni'orm standard o' administrati)e e''i3ien3y and 3-e3< t-e o''i3ial 3ond(3t o' -is a/ents. To t-is end. -e 3an iss(e administrati)e orders. r(les and re/(lations. Pres3indin/ 'rom t-ese :re3e:ts. *e -old t-at A.5. No. 2!% in)ol)es a s(8Ge3t t-at is not a::ro:riate to 8e 3o)ered 8y an administrati)e order. An administrati)e order isF ;Se3. 2. Administrative $rders.99 A3ts o' t-e President *-i3- relate to :arti3(lar as:e3ts o' /o)ernmental o:eration in :(rs(an3e o' -is d(ties as administrati)e -ead s-all 8e :rom(l/ated in administrati)e orders.; An administrati)e order is an ordinan3e iss(ed 8y t-e President *-i3- relates to s:e3i'i3 as:e3ts in t-e administrati)e o:eration o' /o)ernment. It m(st 8e in -armony *it- t-e la* and s-o(ld 8e 'or t-e sole :(r:ose o' im:lementin/ t-e la* and 3arryin/ o(t t-e le/islati)e :oli3y. It 3annot 8e sim:listi3ally ar/(ed t-at A.5. No. 2!% merely im:lements t-e Administrati)e Code o' 14%". It esta8lis-es 'or t-e 'irst time a National Com:(teriHed Identi'i3ation Re'eren3e System. S(3- a System reB(ires a deli3ate adG(stment o' )ario(s 3ontendin/ state :oli3ies99 t-e :rima3y o' national se3(rity. t-e e?tent o' :ri)a3y interest a/ainst dossier9/at-erin/ 8y /o)ernment. t-e 3-oi3e o' :oli3ies. et3. Indeed. t-e dissent o' Mr. 0(sti3e MendoHa states t-at t-e A.5. No. 2!% in)ol)es t-e all9im:ortant 'reedom o' t-o(/-t. As said administrati)e order rede'ines t-e :arameters o' some 8asi3 ri/-ts o' o(r 3itiHenry )is9a9)is t-e State as *ell as t-e line t-at se:arates t-e administrati)e :o*er o' t-e President to ma<e r(les and t-e le/islati)e :o*er o' Con/ress. it o(/-t to 8e e)ident t-at it deals *it- a s(8Ge3t t-at s-o(ld 8e 3o)ered 8y la*. Nor is it 3orre3t to ar/(e as t-e dissenters do t-at A.5. No. 2!% is not a la* 8e3a(se it 3on'ers no ri/-t. im:oses no d(ty. a''ords no :rote3tion. and 3reates no o''i3e. Nnder A.5. No. 2!%. a 3itiHen 3annot transa3t 8(siness *it- /o)ernment a/en3ies deli)erin/ 8asi3 ser)i3es to t-e :eo:le *it-o(t t-e 3ontem:lated identi'i3ation 3ard. No 3itiHen *ill re'(se to /et t-is identi'i3ation 3ard 'or no one 3an a)oid dealin/ *it- /o)ernment. It is t-(s 3lear as dayli/-t t-at *it-o(t t-e ID. a 3itiHen *ill -a)e di''i3(lty e?er3isin/ -is ri/-ts and enGoyin/ -is :ri)ile/es. Gi)en t-is reality. t-e 3ontention t-at A.5. No. 2!% /i)es no ri/-t and im:oses no d(ty 3annot stand. A/ain. *it- d(e res:e3t. t-e dissentin/ o:inions (nd(ly e?:and t-e limits o' administrati)e le/islation and 3onseB(ently erodes t-e :lenary :o*er o' Con/ress to ma<e la*s. T-is is 3ontrary to t-e esta8lis-ed a::roa3de'inin/ t-e traditional limits o' administrati)e le/islation. As *ell stated 8y Ais-erF ;? ? ? Many re/(lations -o*e)er. 8ear dire3tly on t-e :(8li3. It is -ere t-at administrati)e le/islation m(st 8e restri3ted in its s3o:e and a::li3ation. Re/(lations are not s(::osed to 8e a s(8stit(te 'or t-e /eneral :oli3y9ma<in/ t-at Con/ress ena3ts in t-e 'orm o' a :(8li3 la*. Alt-o(/- administrati)e re/(lations are entitled to res:e3t. t-e a(t-ority to :res3ri8e r(les and re/(lations is not an inde:endent so(r3e o' :o*er to ma<e la*s.;
TAN( MARIA DIANNE G#!u% / SIERRA MADRE TR4ST VS. SECRETARY OF AGRIC4LT4RE AND NAT4RAL RESO4RCES 18
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% G.R. N!s. L--/-.1 < -/.6. A%#il /1( ),0FACTS3 Petitioner 'iled *it- t-e &(rea( o' Mines an Ad)erse Claim a/ainst LLA No. V9"%"1 o' t-e 0(san Tr(st Minin/ Com:any o)er si? 6E7 lode mineral 3laims. T-e ad)erse 3laim t-at t-e si? 6E7 lode mineral 3laims en3roa3-ed and o)erla::ed t-e ele)en 6117 lode mineral 3laims o' :etitioner. It :rayed 'or an order or de3ision de3larin/ t-e si? 6E7 lode mineral 3laims o' 0(san Tr(st Minin/ Com:any. n(ll. )oid and ille/al and denyin/ lode lease a::li3ation LLA No. V9"%"1 o)er said 3laims. Li<e*ise. :etitioner 'iled *it- t-e &(rea( o' Mines an Ad)erse Claim a/ainst LLA No. V9 4!1% o' t-e 0RS Partners-i: o)er si? 6E7 lode mineral 3laims. T-e ad)erse 3laim alle/ed t-at t-e si? 6E7 lode mineral 3laims en3roa3-ed and o)erla::ed t-e t-irteen 6127 lode mineral 3laims o' :etitioner. It :rayed 'or an order or de3ision de3larin/ t-e si? 6E7 lode mineral 3laims o' 0RS Partners-i:. n(ll. )oid and ille/al and denyin/ lode lease a::li3ation o' LLA No. V94!1% o)er t-e said 3laims. T-e Dire3tor o' Mines rendered a de3ision -oldin/ t-at res:ondents -a)e t-e :re'erential ri/-t o)er said 3laims and t-e ad)erse 3laims o' :etitioner are dismissed. T-e Se3retary o' A/ri3(lt(re and Nat(ral Reso(r3es also rendered a de3ision -oldin/ t-at t-e a::eal inter:osed 8y t-e a::ellant :etitioner is dismissed and t-e de3ision o' t-e Dire3tor o' Mines a''irmed. T-e ad)erse 3laims o' :etitioner a/ainst res:ondents *ere 8ased on t-e alle/ation t-at t-e lode lease a::li3ations o' t-e latter Sen3roa3-ed and o)erla::edQ t-e 'ormer s mineral 3laims. T-e Dire3tor o' Mines 'o(nd t-at t-ere e?ists no 3on'li3t or o)erla::in/ o' 3laims. And t-is 'indin/ *as a''irmed 8y t-e Se3retary o' A/ri3(lt(re and Nat(ral Reso(r3es. ISS4E3 W-et-er t-e de3ision andJor 'indin/s o' t-e Dire3tor o' Mines as a''irmed 8y t-e Se3retary o' A/ri3(lt(re and Nat(ral Reso(r3es 3on3l(si)e and t-(s entitled to /reat res:e3t.
5ELD3 Yes. We see no reason *-y We -a)e to ans*er t-e B(estions in t-is :etition 3onsiderin/ t-at t-ere is no G(sti3ia8le iss(e 8et*een t-e :arties. T-e o''i3ers o' t-e E?e3(ti)e De:artment tas<ed *it- administerin/ t-e Minin/ La* -a)e 'o(nd t-at t-ere is neit-er en3roa3-ment nor o)erla::in/ in res:e3t o' t-e 3laims in)ol)ed. A33ordin/ly. *-ate)er may 8e t-e ans*ers to t-e B(estions *ill not materially ser)e t-e interests o' t-e :etitioner. In 3losin/ it is (se'(l to remind liti/ation :rone indi)id(als t-at t-e inter:retation 8y o''i3ers o' la*s *-i3- are entr(sted to t-eir administration is entitled to /reat res:e3t.I In -is de3ision. t-e Se3retary o' A/ri3(lt(re and Nat(ral Reso(r3es saidF ;T-is 5''i3e is in 3on'ormity *it- t-e 'indin/s o' t-e Dire3tor o' Mines t-at t-e minin/ 3laims o' t-e a::ellees *ere )alidly lo3ated. s(r)eyed and re/istered.Q
5ERRERA( NICOLE G#!u% / PERALTA V. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION ACSCB 19
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% /)/ SCRA 2/+ FACTS3 Petitioner *as a::ointed Trade9S:e3ialist II in t-e De:artment o' Trade and Ind(stry 6DTI7. N:on re3ei)in/ -is initial salary. -e noti3ed t-at sin3e -e -ad no a33(m(lated lea)e 3redits. DTI ded(3ted 'rom -is salary t-e amo(nt 3orres:ondin/ to -is a8sen3es d(rin/ t-e 3o)er :eriod. in3l(si)e o' Sat(rdays and S(ndays. Petitioner sent a memorand(m to t-e C-ie' General Administrati)e Ser)i3e inB(irin/ as to t-e la* on salary ded(3tions. i' t-e em:loyee -as no lea)e 3redits. >e *as told t-at S*-en an em:loyee is on lea)e *it-o(t :ay on a day 8e'ore or on a day immediately :re3edin/ a Sat(rday. S(nday or >oliday s(3- Sat(rday. S(nday or >oliday s-all also 8e *it-o(t :ay.Q T-e same ans*er *as /i)en 8y t-e Ci)il Ser)i3e Commission C-airman. Petitioner ar/(ed t-at a rereadin/ o' t-e General Lea)e La* as 3ontained in t-e Re)ised Administrati)e Code and ot-er :ertinent la*s. 'ails to dis3lose a s:e3i'i3 :ro)ision *-i3- s(::orts t-e CSC r(le at iss(e. Ne)ert-eless. res:ondent CSC r(led a/ainst :etitioner s 'a)or in 8otResol(tion Nos. 4!9+4" and 4!9"4". D(rin/ t-e :enden3y o' t-is :etition. t-e res:ondent CSC :rom(l/ated Resol(tion No. 419,+!. amendin/ t-e B(estioned :oli3y. 'ollo*in/ :etitioner s line o' ar/(ment. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e CSC s :oli3y mandatin/ salary ded(3tions 3orres:ondin/ to t-e inter)enin/ Sat(rdays. S(ndays. or >olidays *-ere an em:loyee *it-o(t lea)e 3redits *as a8sent on t-e immediately :re3edin/ *or<in/ day is )alid. 5ELD3 T-e :oli3y *as de3lared in)alid. T-e 3onstr(3tion 8y CSC o' RA 1E1, is not in a33ordan3e *it- t-e le/islati)e intent. RA 1E1, s:e3i'i3ally :ro)ides t-at /o)ernment em:loyees are entitled to 1, days si3< lea)e *it- '(ll :ay and 1, days )a3ation lea)e o' a8sen3e *it- '(ll :ay. e?3l(si)e o' Sat(rdays. S(ndays and >olidays in 8ot- 3ases. T-(s. t-e la* s:ea<s o' t-e /rantin/ o' a ri/-t and t-e la* does not :ro)ide 'or a distin3tion 8et*een t-ose *-o -a)e a33(m(lated lea)e 3redits and t-ose *-o -a)e e?-a(sted t-eir lea)e 3redits in order to enGoy s(3- ri/-t. Go)ernment em:loyees. *-et-er or not t-ey -a)e a33(m(lated lea)e 3redits. are not reB(ired 8y la* to *or< on Sat(rday. S(nday and >olidays and t-(s t-ey 3an not 8e de3lared a8sent on s(3- non *or<in/ days. T-ey 3annot and s-o(ld not 8e de:ri)ed o' t-eir salary 3orres:ondin/ to said non9*or<in/ days G(st 8e3a(se t-ey *ere a8sent *it-o(t :ay on t-e day immediately :rior to. or a'ter said non9*or<in/ days. A di''erent r(le *o(ld 3onstit(te a de:ri)ation o' :ro:erty *it-o(t d(e :ro3ess.
ARA'ACA( C5RISTINE MARIE M. G#!u% ) S5ELL P5ILIPPINES( INC. s. CENTRAL 'AN= OF T5E P5ILIPPINES 20
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% G.R. N!. L-+)-+*u&e /.( ),00 FACTS3 5n May 1. 14"!. Con/ress a::ro)ed t-e A3t im:osin/ a sta8iliHation ta? on 3onsi/nments a8road 6RA E11,7. Ten :er 3ent(m o' t-e A.5.&. :eso :ro3eeds o' e?:orts re3ei)ed on or a'ter t-e date o' e''e3ti)ity o' t-is A3t to 0(ne t-irty. nineteen -(ndred se)enty9oneK
Ei/-t :er 3ent(m o' t-e A.5.&. :eso :ro3eeds o' e?:orts re3ei)ed 'rom 0(ly 'irst. nineteen -(ndred se)enty9one to 0(ne t-irty. nineteen -(ndred se)enty9t*o.
In A(/(st. 14"!. t-e Central &an<. t-ro(/- its Cir3(lar No. 2!4 :ro)ided t-atF T-e sta8iliHation ta? s-all 8e/in to a::ly on 0an(ary 1st 'ollo*in/ t-e 3alendar year d(rin/ *-i3- s(3- e?:ort :rod(3ts s-all -a)e rea3-ed t-e a//re/ate A.5.&. )al(e o' more t-an NS T, million. and t-e a::li3a8le ta? rates s-all 8e t-e rates :res3ri8ed in S3-ed(le 687 o' Se3tion 1 o' Re:(8li3 A3t No. E11, 'or t-e 'is3al year 'ollo*in/ t-e rea3-in/ o' t-e said a//re/ate )al(e. D(rin/ 14"1. a::ellee S-ell. P-ili::ines. In3. e?:orted seria resid(es. a 8y9:rod(3t o' :etrole(m re'inin/. to an e?tent rea3-in/ T, million. 5n 0an(ary ". 14"1. t-e Monetary &oard iss(ed its Resol(tion No. +" ;s(8Ge3tin/ :etrole(m :it3- and ot-er :etrole(m resid(es; to t-e sta8iliHation ta? e''e3ti)e 0an(ary 1. 14"1. Nnder t-e Central &an< Cir3(lar No. 2!4. im:lemented 8y Resol(tion No. +". a::ellee -ad to :ay t-e sta8iliHation ta? 8e/innin/ 0an(ary 1. 14"1. *-i3it did (nder :rotest. T-e a::ellee 'iled s(it a/ainst t-e Central &an< 8e'ore t-e Co(rt o' Airst Instan3e o' Manila. :rayin/ t-at Monetary &oard Resol(tion No. +" 8e de3lared n(ll and )oid. and t-at Central &an< 8e ordered to re'(nd t-e sta8iliHation ta? it :aid d(rin/ t-e 'irst semester o' 14"1. Its :osition *as t-at. :(rs(ant to t-e :ro)isions o' RA E11,. it -ad to :ay t-e sta8iliHation ta? only 'rom 0(ly 1. 14"1. T-e lo*er 3o(rt s(stained a::ellee. and it de3lared Monetary &oard Resol(tion No. +" as )oid. T-e Central &an< a::eals. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e Central &an< Cir3(lar No. 2!4. im:lemented 8y Resol(tion No. +" is n(ll and )oid 8ein/ 3ontradi3tory to R.A. E11,. 5ELD3
T-e assailed de3ision is a''irmed 8(t modi'ied. T-e trial 3o(rt *as 3orre3t in de3larin/ t-at ;Monetary &oard Resol(tion No. +" is )oid inso'ar as it im:oses t-e ta? mentioned in Re:(8li3 A3t No. E11, on t-e e?:ort seria resid(e o' 6:lainti''7 t-e a//re/ate ann(al A.5.&.. )al(e o' *-i3- rea3-ed 'i)e million Nnited States dollars in 14"1 e''e3ti)e on 0an(ary 1. 14"1.; T-e said resol(tion r(ns 3o(nter to t-e :ro)isions o' R.A. E11,. T-e r(le or re/(lation s-o(ld 8e *it-in t-e s3o:e o' t-e stat(tory a(t-ority /ranted 8y t-e le/islat(re to t-e administrati)e a/en3y. 6Da)is. Administrati)e La*. :. 14+. 14". 3ited in Vi3torias Millin/ Co.. In3. ). So3ial Se3(rity Commission. 11+ P-il. ,,,. ,,%7. In 3ase o' dis3re:an3y 8et*een t-e 8asi3 la* and a r(le or re/(lation iss(ed to im:lement said la*. t-e 8asi3 la* :re)ails 8e3a(se said r(le or re/(lation 3annot /o 8eyond t-e terms and :ro)isions o' t-e 8asi3 la* 6Peo:le ). Lim. 1!% P-il. 1!417.
VALDERRAMA( NICO '. G#!u% / WILMER GREGO s. COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS 21
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% G.R. NO. )/+,++ *u&e ),( ),,. FACTS3
5n 53to8er 21. 14%1. >(m8erto &as3o *as remo)ed 'rom -is :osition as De:(ty S-eri'' 8y t-e Commission on Ele3tions 6C5MELEC7 (:on 'indin/ o' serio(s mis3ond(3t in an administrati)e 3om:laint lod/ed a/ainst -im. &y )irt(e o' s(3- order. &as3o *as dismissed 'rom ser)i3e *it- 'or'eit(re o' all retirement 8ene'its and *it- :reG(di3e to reinstatement to any :osition in t-e national or lo3al /o)ernment. in3l(din/ its a/en3ies and instr(mentalities. or /o)ernment9o*ned or 3ontrolled 3or:orations. S(8seB(ently. &as3o ran as a 3andidate 'or Co(n3ilor in t-e 1 nd Distri3t o' t-e City o' Manila d(rin/ t-e 0an(ary 1%. 14%% lo3al ele3tions *-ere -e *on and ass(med o''i3e. A'ter -is term. -e so(/-t reele3tion in t-e May 11. 1441 syn3-roniHed national ele3tions *-ere -e s(33eeded. >o*e)er. -is )i3tory *as 3-allen/ed 8y -is o::onents namely. Cenon RonB(illo and >onorio Lo:eH II. *-o 'iled 3ases a/ainst &as3o 3itin/ t-e C5MELEC r(lin/ mentioned earlier t-at dismissed &as3o 'rom :(8li3 ser)i3e. T-ese 3-allen/es *ere dismissed and :a)ed t-e *ay 'or &as3o s 3ontin(ed stay. D(rin/ t-e May %. 144, lo3al ele3tions. &as3o so(/-t 'or a t-ird and 'inal term *-ere -e emer/ed E t- in a 8attle 'or si? 3o(n3ilor seats. 5n May 12. 144,. Wilmer Gre/o. a re/istered )oter o' t-e 1 nd Distri3t o' t-e City o' Manila. 'iled a :etition to disB(ali'y &as3o. s(s:end -is :ro3lamation and de3lare Rom(aldo Maranan as t-e E t- d(ly ele3ted Co(n3ilor in re:la3ement o' &as3o. 5n t-e same day. t-e C-airman o' t-e Manila City &oard o' Can)assers 6&5C7 *as d(ly '(rnis-ed *it- a 3o:y o' t-e :etition. T-e C5MELEC 3ond(3ted a -earin/ o' t-e 3ase on May 1+. 144,. *-ere it ordered t-e :arties to s(8mit t-eir res:e3ti)e memoranda. 5n May 1". 144,. t-e Manila City &5C :ro3laimed &as3o as a d(ly ele3ted 3o(n3ilor. &as3o immediately too< -is oat- o' o''i3e 8e'ore t-e >onora8le Ma. R(8y &it-ao9Camarista o' t-e Manila Metro:olitan Trial Co(rt9&ran3- I. Gre3o 3ontends t-at :(rs(ant to Se3tion E o' RA EE+E. C5MELEC SmayQ d(rin/ t-e :enden3y o' a disB(ali'i3ation 3ase. order t-e s(s:ension o' t-e :ro3lamation o' t-e 3andidate in B(estion *-ene)er t-e e)iden3e o' /(ilt is stron/. Moreo)er. -e 3ited Se3tion ,. R(le 1, o' t-e C5MELEC R(les o' Pro3ed(re t-at says. t-e 3andidate s :ro3lamation Ss-allQ 8e s(s:ended not*it-standin/ t-e 'a3t t-at -e re3ei)ed t-e *innin/ n(m8er o' )otes in s(3- ele3tion.
ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e C5MELEC a3ted in a33ordan3e *it- t-e la* *-en it :rom(l/ated its r(les 6C5MELEC R(les o' Pro3ed(re7 re/ardin/ disB(ali'i3ation 3ases *-en it (sed t-e *ord Ss-allQ *-en RA E+EE only :ro)ided t-e *ord SmayQ in s(s:endin/ a 3andidate s :ro3lamation. 5ELD3
T-e S(:reme Co(rt reiterated t-at t-e :o*er administrati)e o''i3ials to :rom(l/ate r(les and re/(lations in t-e im:lementation o' a stat(te is ne3essarily limited only to 3arryin/ into e''e3t *-at is :ro)ided in t-e le/islati)e ena3tment. T-e re/(lations ado:ted (nder le/islati)e a(t-ority 8y a :arti3(lar de:artment m(st 8e in -armony *it- t-e :ro)isions o' t-e la* and 'or t-e :(r:ose o' 3arryin/ into e''e3t its /eneral :ro)isions. &y s(3- re/(lations. t-e la* itsel' 3an not 8e e?tended. So lon/. -o*e)er. as t-e re/(lations relate solely to 3arryin/ into e''e3t t-e :ro)ision o' t-e la*. t-ey are )alid. T-e S(:reme Co(rt r(led t-at sin3e Se3tion E o' RA EE+E. t-e la* *-i3- Se3tion , o' R(le 1, o' t-e C5MELEC R(les o' Pro3ed(re see<s to im:lement. em:loyed t-e *ord SmayQ. it is t-ere'ore. im:ro:er and -i/-ly irre/(lar 'or t-e C5MELEC to -a)e (sed instead t-e *ord Ss-allQ in its r(les. A(rt-er. it stated t-at in 3ase o' dis3re:an3y 8et*een t-e 8asi3 la* and a r(le or re/(lation iss(ed to im:lement said la*. t-e 8asi3 la* :re)ails 8e3a(se said r(le or re/(lations 3annot /o 8eyond t-e terms and :ro)isions o' t-e 8asi3 la*.
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'. =i&:s !9 A:$i&ist#ati e Regulati!&s
CALIMAG( ARNEL G#!u% -
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% MISAMIS ORIENTAL ASSOCIATION OF COCO TRADERS( INC. s. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE G.R. N!. )10+/2 N! e$8e# )1( ),,2 FACTS3 Petitioner. a domesti3 3or:oration *-ose mem8ers are en/a/ed in t-e 8(yin/ and sellin/ o' 3o:ra in Misamis 5riental. alle/es t-at :rior to t-e iss(an3e o' Re)en(e Memorand(m Cir3(lar +"941 *-i3- im:lemented VAT R(lin/ 14!94!. 3o:ra *as 3lassi'ied as a/ri3(lt(ral 'ood :rod(3t (nder Se3tion 1!28 o' t-e National Internal Re)en(e Code and. t-ere'ore. e?em:t 'rom VAT at all sta/es o' :rod(3tion or distri8(tion. Res:ondents re:resent de:artments o' t-e e?e3(ti)e 8ran3o' /o)ernment 3-ar/ed *it- t-e /eneration o' '(nds and t-e assessment. le)y and 3olle3tion o' ta?es and ot-er im:osts. Res:ondent Commissioner o' Internal Re)en(e iss(ed t-e 3ir3(lar 3lassi'yin/ 3o:ra as an a/ri3(lt(ral non9'ood :rod(3t and de3larin/ it e?em:t 'rom VAT only if t!e sale is made by t!e primary producer pursuant to %ection &'(a of t!e )ax *ode . T-e re3lassi'i3ation -ad t-e e''e3t o' denyin/ to t-e :etitioner t-e e?em:tion it :re)io(sly enGoyed *-en 3o:ra *as 3lassi'ied as an a/ri3(lt(ral 'ood :rod(3t (nder Se3 1!28 o' t-e NIRC. Petitioner 3om:lains t-at it *as denied d(e :ro3ess 8e3a(se it *as not -eard 8e'ore t-e r(lin/ *as made ISS4E3 W-et-er or not :etitioner *as denied d(e :ro3ess 8y reason t-at no :rior noti3e and -earin/ *as 3ond(3ted 8e'ore t-e :rom(l/ation o' t-e 3ir3(lar 5ELD3
T-ere is a distin3tion in administrati)e la* 8et*een le/islati)e r(les and inter:retati)e r(les. T-ere *o(ld 8e 'or3e in :etitionerIs ar/(ment i' t-e 3ir3(lar in B(estion *ere in t-e nat(re o' a le/islati)e r(le. &(t it is not. It is a mere inter:retati)e r(le. T-e reason 'or t-is distin3tion is t-at a le/islati)e r(le is in t-e nat(re o' s(8ordinate le/islation. desi/ned to im:lement a :rimary le/islation 8y :ro)idin/ t-e details t-ereo'. In t-e same *ay t-at la*s m(st -a)e t-e 8ene'it o' :(8li3 -earin/. it is /enerally reB(ired t-at 8e'ore a le/islati)e r(le is ado:ted t-ere m(st 8e -earin/. In t-is 3onne3tion. t-e Administrati)e Code o' 14%" :ro)idesF U.617 In t-e 'i?in/ o' rates. no r(le or 'inal order s-all 8e )alid (nless t-e :ro:osed rates s-all -a)e 8een :(8lis-ed in a ne*s:a:er o' /eneral 3ir3(lation at least t*o 617 *ee<s 8e'ore t-e 'irst -earin/ t-ereonU A33ordin/ly. in 3onsiderin/ a le/islati)e r(le a 3o(rt is 'ree to ma<e t-ree inB(iriesF ). w!et!er t!e rule is wit!in t!e delegated aut!ority of t!e administrative agencyK /. w!et!er it is reasonableK and -. w!et!er it was issued pursuant to proper procedure . &(t t-e 3o(rt is not 'ree to s(8stit(te its G(d/ment as to t-e desira8ility or *isdom o' t-e r(le 'or t-e le/islati)e 8ody. 8y its dele/ation o' administrati)e G(d/ment. -as 3ommitted t-ose B(estions to administrati)e G(d/ments and not to G(di3ial G(d/ments. In t-e 3ase o' an inter:retati)e r(le. t-e inB(iry is not into t-e )alidity 8(t into t-e 3orre3tness or :ro:riety o' t-e r(le. As a matter o' :o*er a 3o(rt. *-en 3on'ronted *it- an inter:retati)e r(le. is 'ree to ).B give t!e force of law to t!e ruleK /. go to t!e opposite extreme and substitute its judgment K or -.B give some intermediate degree of aut!oritative weig!t to t!e interpretative rule. In t-e 3ase at 8ar. *e 'ind no reason 'or -oldin/ t-at res:ondent Commissioner erred in not 3onsiderin/ 3o:ra as an ;a/ri3(lt(ral 'ood :rod(3t; *it-in t-e meanin/ o' Se3 1!28 o' t-e NIRC. Sim:ly stated. no8ody eats 3o:ra 'or 'ood.; T-at :re)io(s Commissioners 3onsidered it so. is not reason 'or -oldin/ t-at t-e :resent inter:retation is *ron/. T-e Commissioner o' Internal Re)en(e is not 8o(nd 8y t-e r(lin/ o' -is :rede3essors. To t-e 3ontrary. t-e o)err(lin/ o' de3isions is in-erent in t-e inter:retation o' la*s.
REYES( MEL ANDREW G#!u% -
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% 'OIE-TA=EDA C5EMICALS INC. s. DE LA SERNA G.R. N!. ,/).2 De7e$8e# )1( ),,FACTSF La8or and De)elo:ment 5''i3er Reynaldo Ramos 3ond(3ted a ro(tine ins:e3tion on t-e :remises o' &oie9Ta<eda C-emi3als. In3. Aindin/ t-at &oie9Ta<eda -ad not 8een in3l(din/ t-e 3ommissions earned 8y its medi3al re:resentati)es in t-e 3om:(tation o' t-eir 12 t- mont- :ay. Ramos ser)e a Noti3e o' Ins:e3tion Res(lts on &oie9Ta<eda t-ro(/- its :resident. Mr. &enito Araneta. reB(irin/ &oie9Ta<eda *it-in ten 3alendar days 'rom noti3e to e''e3t restit(tion or 3orre3tion o' t-e (nder:ayment o' 12t- mont- :ay 'or t-e years 14%E. 14%" and 14%% o' Med Re: in t-e total amo(nt o' P,,%. %1!.%4. &oie9Ta<eda *rote t-e La8or De:artment 3ontestin/ t-e Noti3e o' Ins:e3tion Res(lts. and e?:ressin/ t-e )ie* t-at t-e 3ommission :aid to t-e medi3al re:resentati)es are not to 8e in3l(ded in t-e 3om:(tation o' t-e 12 t- mont- :ay sin3e t-e la* and its im:lementin/ r(les s:ea< o' REGNLAR or &ASIC salary and t-ere'ore e?3l(ded all ot-er rem(neration *-i3- are not :art o' t-e REGNLAR salary. Re/ional Dire3tor L(na PieHas dire3ted &oie9Ta<eda to a::ear 8e'ore -is 5''i3e. -o*e)er. des:ite d(e noti3e. no one a::eared 'or &oie9Ta<eda. and t-e matter -ad :er'or3e to 8e resol)ed on t-e 8asis o' t-e e)iden3e at -and. 5n 0(ly 1+. 14%4. Dire3tor PieHas iss(ed an 5rder dire3tin/ &oie9Ta<eda to :ay its medi3al re:resentati)es and its mana/ers t-e total amo(nto o' P,E,. "+E.+" re:resentin/ t-e (nder:ayment o' 12 t- mont- :ay 'or t-e years 14%E. 14%" and 14%%. A motion 'or re3onsideration *as 'iled 8y &oie9Ta<eda. A3tin/ La8or Se3retary De La Serna a''irmed t-e 0(ly 1+. 14%4 5rder *it- modi'i3ation t-at t-e sales 3ommissions earned 8y &oie9Ta<eda s medi3al re:resentati)es 8e'ore A(/(st 12. 14%4. t-e e''e3ti)ity date o' Memorand(m 5rder No. 1% and its Im:lementin/ G(idelines. s-all 8e e?3l(ded in t-e 3om:(tation o' t-eir 12t- mont- :ay. ISS4E3 W-et-er t-e 3ommissions earned 8y t-e medi3al re:resentati)es s-o(ld 8e in3l(ded in t-e 3om:(tation o' t-e 12t- mont- :ay. 5ELD3 In in3l(din/ 3ommissions in t-e 3om:(tation o' t-e 12 t- mont- :ay. t-e se3ond :ara/ra:o' Se3tion , 6a7 o' t-e Re)ised G(idelines on t-e Im:lementation o' t-e 12 t- Mont- Pay La* (nd(ly e?:anded t-e 3on3e:t o' S8asi3 salaryQ as de'ined in PD %,1. It is a '(ndamental r(le t-at im:lementin/ r(les 3annot add to or detra3t 'rom t-e :ro)isions o' t-e la* it is desi/ned to im:lement. Administrati)e re/(lations ado:ted (nder le/islati)e a(t-ority 8y a :arti3(lar de:artment m(st 8e in -armony *it- t-e :ro)isions o' t-e la* t-ey are intended to 3arry into e''e3t. T-ey 3annot *iden its s3o:e. An administrati)e a/en3y 3annot amend an a3t o' Con/ress.
25
C. Requisites SECOND REQ4ISITES
ACOSTA( VOLTAIRE G#!u% /
26
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% CE'4 O?YGEN AND ACETYLENE CO.( INC. s. DRILON ).6 SCRA /2
FACTS3 Petitioner and t-e (nion o' its ran< and 'ile em:loyees. Ce8( 5?y/en. A3etylene and Central Visayas Em:loyees Asso3iation 6C5AVEA7 entered into a 3olle3ti)e 8ar/ainin/ a/reement 6C&A7 3o)erin/ t-e years 14%E to 14%%. P(rs(ant t-ereto. t-e mana/ement /a)e salary in3reasesF 5n De3em8er 1+. 14%". Re:(8li3 A3t No. EE+! *as :assed in3reasin/ t-e minim(m *a/e. as 'ollo*sF Se3. 1. T-e stat(tory minim(m *a/e rates o' *or<ers and em:loyees in t-e :ri)ate se3tor. *-et-er a/ri3(lt(ral or non9a/ri3(lt(ral. s-all 8e in3reased 8y ten :esos 6P1!.!!7 :er day. e?3e:t non9a/ri3(lt(ral *or<ers and em:loyees o(tside Metro Manila *-o s-all re3ei)e an in3rease o' ele)en :esos 6P11.!!7 :er dayF Pro)ided. t-at t-ose already re3ei)in/ a8o)e t-e minim(m *a/e (: to one -(ndred :esos 6Pl !!.!! s-all re3ei)e an in3rease o' ten :esos 6Pl !.!!7 :er day. E?3e:ted 'rom t-e :ro)isions o' t-is A3t are domesti3 -el:ers and :ersons em:loyed in t-e :ersonal ser)i3e o' anot-er. T-e Se3retary o' La8or iss(ed t-e :ertinent r(les im:lementin/ t-e :ro)isions o' Re:(8li3 A3t No. EE+!. Se3tion % t-ereo' :ro)idesF Se3tion %. +age #ncrease ,nder #ndividual-*ollective Agreements. . No *a/e in3rease s-all 8e 3redited as 3om:lian3e *it- t-e in3rease :res3ri8ed -erein (nless e?:ressly :ro)ided (nder )alid indi)id(al *rittenJ3olle3ti)e a/reementsK and. :ro)ided '(rt-er. t-at s(3- *a/e in3rease *as /ranted in anti3i:ation o' t-e le/islated *a/e in3rease (nder t-e a3t. S(3- in3reases s-all not in3l(de anni)ersary *a/e in3reases :ro)ided on 3olle3ti)e a/reements. In s(m. Se3tion % o' t-e im:lementin/ r(les :ro-i8its t-e em:loyer 'rom 3reditin/ anni)ersary *a/e in3reases ne/otiated (nder a 3olle3ti)e 8ar/ainin/ a/reement a/ainst s(3- *a/e in3reases mandated 8y Re:(8li3 A3t No. EE+!. A33ordin/ly. :etitioner 3redited t-e 'irst year in3rease o' P1!!.!! (nder t-e C&A and added t-e di''eren3e o' PE1.EE 6ro(nded to PE1.!!7 and P21.!! to t-e mont-ly salary and t-e 12t- mont- :ay. res:e3ti)ely. o' its em:loyees 'rom t-e e''e3ti)ity o' Re:(8li3 A3t No. EE+! on De3em8er 1+.14%" to Ae8r(ary 1,. 14%%. 5n Ae8r(ary 11. 14%%. a La8or and Em:loyment De)elo:ment 5''i3er. 3ommen3ed a ro(tine ins:e3tion o' :etitionerIs esta8lis-ment. N:on 3om:letion o' t-e ins:e3tio. and 8ased on :ayrolls and ot-er re3ords. -e 'o(nd t-at :etitioner 3ommitted )iolations o' t-e la*F 1. Nnder :ayment o' &asi3 Wa/e :er R.A. No. EE+! 3o)erin/ t-e :eriod o' t*o 617 mont-s re:resentin/ 1!% em:loyees *-o are not re3ei)in/ *a/es a8o)e P1!!Jday 1. Nnder :ayment o' 12t- mont- :ay 'or t-e year 14%". re:resentin/ 1!% em:loyees *-o are not re3ei)in/ *a/es a8o)e P 1!!Jday 5n A:ril ". 14%%. res:ondent Assistant Re/ional Dire3tor. iss(ed an 5rder instr(3tin/ :etitioner to :ay its 1!% em:loyees t-e a//re/ate amo(nt o' P 121.1+%.!!. In s(m. t-e Assistant Re/ional Dire3tor ordered :etitioner to :ay t-e de'i3ien3y o' P1!!.!! in t-e mont-ly salary and P 121.!! in t-e 12t- mont- :ay o' its em:loyees 'or t-e :eriod stated. Petitioner :rotested t-e 5rder o' t-e Re/ional Dire3tor on t-e /ro(nd t-at t-e anni)ersary *a/e in3reases (nder t-e C&A 3an 8e 3redited a/ainst t-e *a/e in3rease mandated 8y Re:(8li3 A3t No. EE+!. >en3e. :etitioner 3ontended t-at inasm(3- as it -ad 3redited t-e 'irst year in3rease ne/otiated (nder t-e C&A. it *as lia8le only 'or a salary di''erential o' P E1.!! and a 12t- mont- :ay di''erential o' P21.!!. Petitioner ar/(ed t-at t-e :ayment o' t-e di''erentials 3onstit(tes '(ll 3om:lian3e *it- Re:(8li3 A3t No. EE+!. A::arently. t-e :rotest *as not entertained. Petitioner 8ro(/-t t-e 3ase immediately to t-is Co(rt *it-o(t a::ealin/ t-e matter to t-e Se3retary o' La8or and Em:loyment. T-is Co(rt iss(ed a tem:orary restrainin/ order enGoinin/ t-e Assistant Re/ional Dire3tor 'rom en'or3in/ -is 5rder. T-e t-r(st o' t-e ar/(ment o' :etitioner is t-at Se3tion % o' t-e r(les im:lementin/ t-e :ro)isions o' Re:(8li3 A3t No. EE+! :arti3(larly t-e :ro)ision e?3l(din/ anni)ersary *a/e in3reases 'rom 8ein/ 3redited to t-e *a/e in3rease :ro)ided 8y said la* is n(ll and )oid on t-e /ro(nd t-at t-e same (nd(ly e?:ands t-e :ro)isions o' t-e said la*.
ISS4E3 W-et-er or not an Im:lementin/ 5rder o' t-e Se3retary o' La8or and Em:loyment 6D5LE7 3an :ro)ide 'or a :ro-i8ition not 3ontem:lated 8y t-e la* it see<s to im:lement.
27
5ELD3 T-is :etition is im:ressed *it- merit. As to t-e iss(e o' t-e )alidity o' Se3tion % o' t-e r(les im:lementin/ Re:(8li3 A3t No. EE+!. *-i3:ro-i8its t-e em:loyer 'rom 3reditin/ t-e anni)ersary *a/e in3reases :ro)ided in 3olle3ti)e 8ar/ainin/ a/reements. it is a '(ndamental r(le t-at im:lementin/ r(les 3annot add or detra3t 'rom t-e :ro)isions o' la* it is desi/ned to im:lement. T-e :ro)isions o' Re:(8li3 A3t No. EE+!. do not :ro-i8it t-e 3reditin/ o' C&A anni)ersary *a/e in3reases 'or :(r:oses o' 3om:lian3e *it- Re:(8li3 A3t No. EE+!. T-e im:lementin/ r(les 3annot :ro)ide 'or s(3- a :ro-i8ition not 3ontem:lated 8y t-e la*. Administrati)e re/(lations ado:ted (nder le/islati)e a(t-ority 8y a :arti3(lar de:artment m(st 8e in -armony *it- t-e :ro)isions o' t-e la*. and s-o(ld 8e 'or t-e sole :(r:ose o' 3arryin/ into e''e3t its /eneral :ro)isions. T-e la* itsel' 3annot 8e e?:anded 8y s(3- re/(lations. An administrati)e a/en3y 3annot amend an a3t o' Con/ress. T-(s :etitionerIs 3ontention t-at t-e salary in3reases /ranted 8y it :(rs(ant to t-e e?istin/ C&A in3l(din/ anni)ersary *a/e in3reases s-o(ld 8e 3onsidered in determinin/ 3om:lian3e *it- t-e *a/e in3rease mandated 8y Re:(8li3 A3t No. EE+!. is 3orre3t. >o*e)er. t-e amo(nt t-at s-o(ld only 8e 3redited to :etitioner is t-e *a/e in3rease 'or 14%" (nder t-e C&A *-en t-e la* too< e''e3t. T-e *a/e in3rease 'or 14%E -ad already a33r(ed in 'a)or o' t-e em:loyees e)en 8e'ore t-e said la* *as ena3ted. Petitioner t-ere'or 3orre3tly 3redited its em:loyees PE1.!! 'or t-e di''erential o' t*o 617 mont-s in3rease and P21.!! ea3- 'or t-e di''erential in 12t- mont- :ay. a'ter ded(3tin/ t-e P1!!.!! anni)ersary *a/e in3rease 'or 14%" (nder t-e C&A. Indeed. it is sti:(lated in t-e C&A t-at in 3ase any *a/e adG(stment or allo*an3e in3rease de3reed 8y la*. le/islation or :residential edi3t in any :arti3(lar year s-all 8e -i/-er t-an t-e 'ore/oin/ in3rease in t-at :arti3(lar year. t-en t-e 3om:any 6:etitioner7 s-all :ay t-e di''eren3e. Petition is -ere8y GRANTED.
28
T5IRD REQ4ISITES
'AS4G( SAM4EL M. G#!u% L4PANGCO s. CO4RT OF APPEALS
29
G.R. N!. ..-./ A%#il /,( ),00
FACTS3
5n or a8o(t 53to8er E. 14%E. t-e res:ondent Pro'essional Re/(lation Commission 6PRC7 iss(ed Resol(tion No. 1!, as :arts o' its ;Additional Instr(3tions to E?aminees.; to all t-ose a::lyin/ 'or admission to ta<e t-e li3ens(re e?aminations in a33o(ntan3y. T-e resol(tion em8odied t-e 'ollo*in/ :ertinent :ro)isionsF No e?aminee s-all attend any re)ie* 3lass. 8rie'in/. 3on'eren3e or t-e li<e 3ond(3ted 8y. or s-all re3ei)e any -and9o(t. re)ie* material. or any ti: 'rom any s3-ool. 3olle/e or (ni)ersity. or any re)ie* 3enter or t-e li<e or any re)ie*er. le3t(rer. instr(3tor o''i3ial or em:loyee o' any o' t-e a'orementioned or similar instit(tions d(rin/ t-e t-ree days immediately :ro3eedin/ e)ery e?amination day in3l(din/ e?amination day. S(8seB(ently. t-e :etitioners *-o are all re)ie*ees :re:arin/ to ta<e t-e li3ens(re e?aminations in a33o(ntan3y 'iled *it- t-e Re/ional Trial Co(rt o' Manila. a 3om:laint 'or inG(n3tion *it- a :rayer *it- t-e iss(an3e o' a *rit o' a :reliminary inG(n3tion a/ainst res:ondent PRC to restrain t-e latter 'rom en'or3in/ t-e a8o)e9mentioned resol(tion and to de3lare t-e same (n3onstit(tional. Res:ondent PRC 'iled a motion to dismiss on 53to8er 11. 14%" on t-e /ro(nd t-at t-e lo*er 3o(rt -ad no G(risdi3tion to re)ie* and to enGoin t-e en'or3ement o' its resol(tion. T-e lo*er 3o(rt de3lared t-at it -ad G(risdi3tion to try t-e 3ase and enGoined t-e res:ondent 3ommission 'rom en'or3in/ and /i)in/ e''e3t to Resol(tion No. 1!, *-i3- it 'o(nd to 8e (n3onstit(tional. T-e CA de3lared t-e G(d/ment o' t-e RTC n(ll and )oid. T-e CA also -eld t-at t-e RTC -ad no G(risdi3tion to entertain t-e 3ase and enGoined t-e en'or3ement o' t-e Resol(tion No. 1!,. stated t-at t-e Pro'essional Re/(lation Commission and t-e Re/ional Trial Co(rt are 3o9eB(al 8odies.
ISS4E3 W-et-er or not Resol(tion No.1!, iss(ed 8y t-e PRC *as a )alid e?er3ise o' its B(asi9 le/islati)e :o*er. 5ELD3
T-e SC re)ersed and set aside t-e r(lin/ o' t-e CA and de3lared Resol(tion No.1!, as n(ll and )oid. Alt-o(/- t-e B(estioned resol(tion *as ado:ted 'or a :(r:ose *-i3- is ;to :reser)e t-e inte/rity and :(rity o' t-e li3ens(re e?aminations.; >o*e)er on its 'a3e. it is (nreasona8le in t-at an e?aminee 3annot e)en attend any re)ie* 3lass. 8rie'in/. 3on'eren3e or t-e li<e. or re3ei)e any -and9o(t. re)ie* material. or any ti: 'rom any s3-ool. 3olle/e or (ni)ersity. or any re)ie* 3enter or t-e li<e or any re)ie*er. le3t(rer. instr(3tor. o''i3ial or em:loyee o' any o' t-e a'orementioned or similar instit(tions. ... T-e (nreasona8leness is more o8)io(s in t-at one *-o is 3a(/-t 3ommittin/ t-e :ro-i8ited a3ts e)en *it-o(t any ill moti)es *ill 8e 8arred 'rom ta<in/ '(t(re e?aminations 3ond(3ted 8y t-e res:ondent PRC. T-e SC said t-at. it is an a?iom in administrati)e la* t-at administrati)e a(t-orities s-o(ld not a3t ar8itrarily and 3a:ri3io(sly in t-e iss(an3e o' r(les and re/(lations. To 8e )alid. s(3- r(les and re/(lations m(st 8e reasona8le and 'airly ada:ted to t-e end in )ie*. I' s-o*n to 8ear no reasona8le relation to t-e :(r:oses 'or *-i3- t-ey are a(t-oriHed to 8e iss(ed. t-en t-ey m(st 8e -eld to 8e in)alid. In addition t-e SC dis3(ssed t-at Resol(tion No. 1!, is not only (nreasona8le and ar8itrary. it also in'rin/es on t-e e?amineesI ri/-t to li8erty /(aranteed 8y t-e Constit(tion. PRC -as no a(t-ority to di3tate on t-e re)ie*ees as to -o* t-ey s-o(ld :re:are t-emsel)es 'or t-e li3ens(re e?aminations. T-ey 3annot 8e restrained 'rom ta<in/ all t-e la*'(l ste:s needed to ass(re t-e '(l'illment o' t-eir am8ition to 8e3ome :(8li3 a33o(ntants. T-ey -a)e e)ery ri/-t to ma<e (se o' t-eir 'a3(lties in attainin/ s(33ess in t-eir endea)ors. T-ey s-o(ld 8e allo*ed to enGoy t-eir 'reedom to a3B(ire (se'(l <no*led/e t-at *ill :romote t-eir :ersonal /ro*t-.
30
FO4RT5 REQ4ISITES
ARA'ACA( C5RISTINE MARIE M. Gro(: 1 31
L5REN=5 M. TAVADA )s. >5N. 0NAN C. TNVERA G.R. N!. L-6-,)+ A%#il /2( ),0+ AACTSF
In)o<in/ t-e :eo:leIs ri/-t to 8e in'ormed on matters o' :(8li3 3on3ern. a ri/-t re3o/niHed in Se3tion E. Arti3le IV o' t-e 14"2 P-ili::ine Constit(tion. as *ell as t-e :rin3i:le t-at la*s to 8e )alid and en'or3ea8le m(st 8e :(8lis-ed in t-e 5''i3ial GaHette or ot-er*ise e''e3ti)ely :rom(l/ated. :etitioners. LorenHo M. TaWada et. al.. see< a *rit o' mandam(s to 3om:el res:ondent :(8li3 o''i3ials to :(8lis-. andJor 3a(se t-e :(8li3ation in t-e 5''i3ial GaHette o' )ario(s :residential de3rees. letters o' instr(3tions. /eneral orders. :ro3lamations. e?e3(ti)e orders. letter o' im:lementation and administrati)e orders. T-e res:ondents. t-ro(/- t-e Soli3itor General. *o(ld -a)e t-is 3ase dismissed o(tri/-t on t-e /ro(nd t-at :etitioners -a)e no le/al :ersonality or standin/ to 8rin/ t-e instant :etition. N:on t-e ot-er -and. :etitioners maintain t-at sin3e t-e s(8Ge3t o' t-e :etition 3on3erns a :(8li3 ri/-t and its o8Ge3t is to 3om:el t-e :er'orman3e o' a :(8li3 d(ty. t-ey need not s-o* any s:e3i'i3 interest 'or t-eir :etition to 8e /i)en d(e 3o(rse.
ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e said :residential iss(an3es are in )iolation o' t-e d(e :ro3ess la* 'or not 8ein/ :(8lis-ed in t-e o''i3ial /aHette. 5ELD3
T-e Co(rt -ere8y orders res:ondents to :(8lis- in t-e 5''i3ial GaHette all (n:(8lis-ed :residential iss(an3es *-i3- are o' /eneral a::li3ation. and (nless so :(8lis-ed. t-ey s-all -a)e no 8indin/ 'or3e and e''e3t. T-e Co(rt -old t-ere'ore t-at all stat(tes. in3l(din/ t-ose o' lo3al a::li3ation and :ri)ate la*s. s-all 8e :(8lis-ed as a 3ondition 'or t-eir e''e3ti)ity. *-i3- s-all 8e/in 'i'teen days a'ter :(8li3ation (nless a di''erent e''e3ti)ity date is 'i?ed 8y t-e le/islat(re. Co)ered 8y t-is r(le are :residential de3rees and e?e3(ti)e orders :rom(l/ated 8y t-e President in t-e e?er3ise o' le/islati)e :o*ers *-ene)er t-e same are )alidly dele/ated 8y t-e le/islat(re or. at :resent. dire3tly 3on'erred 8y t-e Constit(tion. Administrati)e r(les and re/(lations m(st also 8e :(8lis-ed i' t-eir :(r:ose is to en'or3e or im:lement e?istin/ la* :(rs(ant to a )alid dele/ation. Inter:retati)e re/(lations and t-ose merely internal in nat(re. t-at is. re/(latin/ only t-e :ersonnel o' t-e administrati)e a/en3y and not t-e :(8li3. need not 8e :(8lis-ed. Neit-er is :(8li3ation reB(ired o' t-e so93alled letters o' instr(3tions iss(ed 8y administrati)e s(:eriors 3on3ernin/ t-e /(idelines to 8e 'ollo*ed 8y t-eir s(8ordinates in t-e :er'orman3e o' t-eir d(ty. It is needless to add t-at t-e :(8li3ation o' :residential iss(an3es ;o' a :(8li3 nat(re; or ;o' /eneral a::li3a8ility; is a reB(irement o' d(e :ro3ess. It is a r(le o' la* t-at 8e'ore a :erson may 8e 8o(nd 8y la*. -e m(st 'irst 8e o''i3ially and s:e3i'i3ally in'ormed o' its 3ontents. As 0(sti3e Cla(dio Tee-an<ee said in "eralta vs. *$/010* F In a time o' :roli'eratin/ de3rees. orders and letters o' instr(3tions *-i3- all 'orm :art o' t-e la* o' t-e land. t-e reB(irement o' d(e :ro3ess and t-e R(le o' La* demand t-at t-e 5''i3ial GaHette as t-e o''i3ial /o)ernment re:ository :rom(l/ate and :(8lis- t-e te?ts o' all s(3- de3rees. orders and instr(3tions so t-at t-e :eo:le may <no* *-ere to o8tain t-eir o''i3ial and s:e3i'i3 3ontents.
AGONOY( CIARA MARIE P. G#!u% )
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% DE JESUS vs. COMMISSION ON AUDIT GR. No. 109023 Aug. 12, 199 FACTS3 Petitioners are em:loyees o' t-e Lo3al Water Ntilities Administration 6LWNA7. T-ey *ere re3ei)in/ -onoraria as desi/nated mem8ers o' t-e LWNA &oard Se3retariat and t-e President X(ali'i3ation. &ids and A*ards Committee. Mean*-ile. RA E",% too< e''e3t and :ro)ides 'or t-e 3onsolidation o' allo*an3es and additional 3om:ensation into standardiHed salary rates. To im:lement it. D&M iss(ed CCC No. 1! dis3ontin(in/ *it-o(t B(ali'i3ation. all allo*an3es and 'rin/e 8ene'its /ranted on to: o' 8asi3 salary. A//rie)ed. :etitioners a::ealed to C5A. B(estionin/ t-e )alidity and en'or3ea8ility o' D&M9CCC No.1! and t-at it is *it-o(t 'or3e and e''e3t 8e3a(se it *as not :(8lis-ed in t-e 5''i3ial GaHette. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not D&M9CCC No. 1! is )alid and en'or3ea8le. 5ELD3 Petition /ranted. D&M9CCC No. 1! is in)alid. P(8li3ation in t-e 5''i3ial GaHette or in a ne*s:a:er o' /eneral 3ir3(lation in t-e P-ili::ines is reB(ired sin3e D&M9CCC No. 1! is in t-e nat(re o' an administrati)e 3ir3(lar. T-e :(r:ose o' *-i3- is to en'or3e or im:lement an e?istin/ la*. Stated di''erently. to 8e e''e3ti)e and en'or3ea8le. D&M9CCC No. 1! m(st /o t-ro(/- t-e reB(isite :(8li3ation in t-e 5''i3ial GaHette or in a ne*s:a:er o' /eneral 3ir3(lation in t-e P-ili::ines. It is not merely an inter:retati)e or internal re/(lation 'or it tends to de:ri)e /o)ernment *or<ers o' t-eir allo*an3es and additional 3om:ensation sorely needed to <ee: 8ody and so(l to/et-er. At t-e )ery least. 8e'ore t-e said 3ir3(lar (nder atta3< may 8e :ermitted to s(8stantially red(3e t-eir in3ome. t-e /o)ernment o''i3ials and em:loyees 3on3erned s-o(ld 8e a::rised and alerted 8y t-e :(8li3ation o' s(8Ge3t 3ir3(lar in t-e 5''i3ial GaHette or in t-e ne*s:a:er o' /eneral 3ir3(lation in t-e P-ili::ines # to t-e end t-at t-ey may -a)e. and to )entilate t-eir stan3e on t-e matter. T-is a::roa3- is more in <ee:in/ *it- demo3rati3 :re3e:ts and r(diments o' 'airness and trans:aren3y.
TAN( GLENN G#!u% -
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% ESLAO s. COMMISSION ON A4DIT G.R. N!. )10-)1 Se%t.)( ),,2 FACTS3 Petitioner. R('ino Eslao in -is 3a:a3ity as President o' PSN. entered into a Memorand(m o' A/reement *it- t-e DENR 'or t-e e)al(ation /o)ernment re'orestation o:erations in Pan/asinan. Mean*-ile. PSN )i3e9:resident. :er ad)i3e o' t-e PSN A(ditor9in9C-ar/e reB(ested t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President. PSN. to -a)e t-e Nni)ersity s &oard o' Re/ents 3on'irm t-e a::ointments o' in)ol)ed PSN :ersonnel in3l(din/ t-e rates o' -onoraria and :er diems 3orres:ondin/ to t-eir s:e3i'i3 roles and '(n3tions. T-e &5R a::ro)ed t-e M5R. 8(t t-e -onoraria rates *as later on adG(sted a'ter 'indin/ o(t t-at t-e rates *-ere some*-at -i/-er t-an t-at :ro)ided 'or in t-e /(idelines o' t-e National Com:ensation Cir3(lar. A Noti3e 'or Disallo*an3e *as iss(ed 8y a C5A resident in 3-ar/e. alle/in/ t-at t-ere *ere e?3ess :ayments as to t-e -onoraria. A33ordin/ to t-e C5A a(ditor CPG %!9+. *-i3- :ro)ides 'or lo*er rates s-o(ld a::ly instead o' NCC ,2. Petitioner as<ed 'or re3onsideration 'rom res:ondent. statin/ t-at NCC ,2 s-o(ld a::ly sin3e t-e :roGe3t is 'orei/n assisted. C5A denied t-e motion. a33ordin/ to res:ondent. CPG %!9+ s-o(ld a::ly a33ordin/ to t-em t-ere is no di''eren3e 8et*een a 'orei/n assisted :roGe3t and a lo3ally '(nded :roGe3t. D&M. a3tin/ on t-e reB(est o' :etitioner iss(ed a 3lari'i3ation and stated t-at t-e 8asis o' t-e :roGe3t s-o(ld 8e NCC ,2 and not CPG %!9+. T-e instant :etition :rays t-at t-e iss(e -as 8e3ome moot in )ie* o' t-e D&MIs 3lari'i3ationJr(lin/ t-at t-e e)al(ation :roGe3t is 'orei/n9assisted and t-ere'ore NCC No. ,2. not CPG No. %!9+ *-i3a::lies only to lo3ally9'(nded :roGe3ts. s-o(ld a::lyK t-at D&M s :osition s-o(ld :re)ail sin3e it is )ested *it- a(t-ority to 6i7 3lassi'y :ositions and determine a::ro:riate salaries 'or s:e3i'i3 :osition 3lasses. 6ii7 re)ie* t-e 3om:ensation 8ene'its :ro/rams o' a/en3ies and 6iii7 desi/n Go8 e)al(ation :ro/rams. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not D&M s r(lin/ -as t-e 'or3e and e''e3t o' la*L 5ELD3 Yes. A33ordin/ to t-e SC. administrati)e re/(lations and :oli3ies ena3ted 8y administrati)e 8odies to inter:ret t-e la* -a)e t-e 'or3e and e''e3t o' la* and are entitled to /reat res:e3t. >o*e)er. administrati)e a/en3ies are not a(t-oriHed to s(8stit(te t-eir o*n G(d/ment 'or any a::li3a8le la* or administrati)e re/(lation *it- t-e *isdom or :ro:riety o' *-i3- t-ey do not a/ree. at least. not 8e'ore s(3- la* or re/(lation is set aside 8y t-e a(t-oriHed a/en3y o' /o)ernment as (n3onstit(tional or ille/al and )oid. In t-e 3ase at 8ar. sin3e D&M already iss(ed 3erti'i3ations t-ere 3an 8e no ar/(ment t-at t-e iss(e -as already 8een rendered moot. 8ein/ t-e administrati)e 8ody )ested *it- t-e :o*er to iss(e re/(lations.
AGONOY( CIARA MARIE P. G#!u% )
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% ARANETA s. GATMAITAN G.R. N!s. L-00,+ a&: L- ,),) A%#. -1(),+. FACTS3 T-en President Ma/saysay iss(ed E?e3(ti)e 5rders :ro-i8itin/ tra*l 'is-in/ in San Mi/(el &ay. lo3ated 8et*een t-e :ro)in3es o' Camarines Norte and Camarines S(r. A /ro(: o' tra*l o:erators too< t-e matter to 3o(rt 8y 'ilin/ a 3om:laint 'or inG(n3tion to restrain t-e Se3retary o' A/ri3(lt(re and t-e Dire3tor o' Ais-eries 'rom en'or3in/ t-e said e?e3(ti)e order. T-e lo*er 3o(rt /ranted inG(n3tion an n(lli'ied t-e assailed e?e3(ti)e orders sayin/ t-at t-e matter o' allo*in/ or :ro-i8itin/ tra*l 'is-in/ is *it-in t-e :o*er o' t-e le/islat(re and not *itt-e e?e3(ti)e. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e President o' t-e P-ili::ines -as t-e :o*er to iss(e e?e3(ti)e orders 8annin/ tra*l 'is-in/ in San Mi/(el &ay. 5ELD3 T-e e?e3(ti)e orders restri3tin/ and 8annin/ tra*l 'is-in/ 'rom San Mi/(el &ay are )alid and iss(ed 8y a(t-ority o' la*. Nnder t-e Ais-eries la*. t-e restri3tion and 8annin/ o' tra*l 'is-in/ 'rom all P-ili::ine *aters 3ome *it-in t-e :o*ers o' t-e Se3retary o' A/ri3(lt(re and Nat(ral Reso(r3es. >o*e)er. sin3e t-e Se3retary o' A/ri3(lt(re e?er3ise its '(n3tions s(8Ge3t to t-e /eneral s(:er)ision and 3ontrol o' t-e President. t-e President 3an e?er3ise t-e same :o*er and a(t-ority t-ro(/e?e3(ti)e orders. re/(lations and de3rees (:on t-e re3ommendation o' t-e Se3retary 3on3erned.
35
D.A!"i#ist$%tive Ru&e 'it( )e#%& S%#*tio#s
SALIPSIP( DARREN G#!u% ) 36
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% TAY4G R4RAL 'AN= s. CENTRAL 'AN= OF T5E P5ILS. G.R. N!. L-26)+0 N! . /0( ),06 FACTS3 D(rin/ t-e :eriod 'rom De3em8er 1%. 14E1 to 0(ly 2!. 14E2. Tay(/ R(ral &an<. In3. o8tained 12 loans 'rom t-e Central &an< o' t-e P-ili::ines. T-e loans *ere all 3o)ered 8y 3orres:ondin/ :romissory notes :res3ri8in/ t-e terms and 3onditions o' t-e a'oresaid loans. No :enal 3la(se *as in3l(ded in t-e :romissory notes. 5n De3em8er 12. 14E+. t-e Central &an< iss(ed Memorand(m Cir3(lar No. DLC9%. in'ormin/ all r(ral 8an<s t-at an additional :enalty interest rate o' ten :er 3ent 61!Y7 :er ann(m *o(ld 8e assessed on all :ast d(e loans 8e/innin/ 0an(ary +. 14E,. Said Memorand(m Cir3(lar *as a3t(ally en'or3ed on all r(ral 8an<s e''e3ti)e 0(ly +. 14E,. T-e Central &an< G(sti'ied t-e im:osition o' t-e :enalty 8y statin/ t-at it *as le/ally im:osed (nder t-e :ro)isions o' Se3tion 1+" and 1+% o' t-e R(les and Re/(lations Go)ernin/ R(ral &an<s :rom(l/ated 8y t-e Monetary &oard on Se:tem8er ,. 14,%. (nder a(t-ority o' Se3tion 2 o' Re:(8li3 A3t No. "1!. as amended. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e Central &an< 3an )alidly im:ose t-e 1!Y :enaltyL 5ELD3 No. Se3. 2 o' R.A. No. "1! readsF SEC. 2. In '(rt-eran3e o' t-is :oli3y. t-e Monetary &oard o' t-e Central &an< o' t-e P-ili::ines s-all 'orm(late t-e ne3essary r(les and re/(lations /o)ernin/ t-e esta8lis-ment and o:erati)es o' R(ral &an<s 'or t-e :(r:ose o' :ro)idin/ adeB(ate 3redit 'a3ilities to small 'armers and mer3-ants. or to 3oo:erati)es o' s(3- 'armers or mer3-ants and to s(:er)ise t-e o:eration o' s(3- 8an<s. No*-ere in any o' t-e a8o)e9B(oted :ertinent :ro)isions o' R.A. "1! nor in any ot-er :ro)ision o' R.A. "1! 'or t-at matter. is t-e monetary &oard a(t-oriHed to mete o(t on r(ral 8an<s an additional :enalty rate on t-eir :ast d(e a33o(nts *it- Central &an<. W-ile t-e Monetary &oard :ossesses 8road s(:er)isory :o*ers. nonet-eless. t-e retroa3ti)e im:osition o' administrati)e :enalties 3annot 8e ta<en as a meas(re s(:er)isory in 3-ara3ter. An administrati)e a/en3y 3annot im:ose a :enalty not so :ro)ided in t-e la* a(t-oriHin/ t-e :rom(l/ation o' t-e r(les and re/(lations. m(3- less one t-at is a::lied retroa3ti)ely.
TAN( GLENN G#!u% -
37
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% PESIGAN s. 5ON. ANGELES )/, SCRA ).2 FACTS3 Anselmo Pesi/an -ere in :etitioner to/et-er *it- Mar3elo Pesi/an. are 8ot- 3ara8ao dealers. A'ter /ettin/ t-eir :ermit to/et-er *it- t-e ot-er reB(irements needed. Pesi/an. trans:orted 1E 3ara8aos 'rom one :ro)in3e to anot-er. >o*e)er des:ite :etitioners :ermit to trans:ort. t-e 3ara8aos *ere 3on'is3ated 8y 3o9 res:ondents Lie(tenant =enarosa and *it- Dr. Miranda. A33ordin/ to res:ondents. t-e 3on'is3ation *as 8ased on E?e3(ti)e 5rder No. E1E9A. *-i3- :ro)ides S t-at -en3e'ort-. no 3ara8ao. re/ardless o' a/e. se?. :-ysi3al 3ondition or :(r:ose. and no 3ara8ee' s-all 8e trans:orted 'rom one :ro)in3e to anot-er. T-e 3ara8aos or 3ara8ee' trans:orted in )iolation o' t-is E?e3(ti)e 5rder as amended s-all 8e s(8Ge3t to 3on'is3ation and 'or'eit(re 8y t-e /o)ernment to 8e distri8(ted to deser)in/ 'armers t-ro(/dis:ersal as t-e Dire3tor o' Animal Ind(stry may see 'it. in t-e 3ase o' 3ara8aos.Q As a res(lt t-e Pesi/ans 'iled an a3tion 'or t-e re3o)ery o' t-e 3ara8aos. 8(t t-e 3ase *as later on dismissed 'or la3< o' 3a(se o' a3tion. Petitioner not 3ontended a::ealed to t-e S(:reme Co(rt. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not :(8li3ation is ne3essary 8e'ore an administrati)e re/(lation *it- a :enal san3tion 3an 8e en'or3ed R4LING3 Yes. T-e S(:reme Co(rt -eld t-at. E?e3(ti)e 5rder E1E9A 8e3a(se o' its 3on'is3ation and 'or'eit(re :ro)ision ma<es it a :enal stat(te. 0(sti3e and 'airness di3tate t-at t-e :(8li3 m(st 8e in'ormed o' t-at :ro)ision 8y means o' :(8li3ation in t-e GaHette 8e'ore )iolators o' t-e e?e3(ti)e order 3an 8e 8o(nd t-ere8y. P(8li3ation. added 8y t-e 3o(rt. is ne3essary to a::rise t-e :(8li3 o' t-e 3ontents o' t-e re/(lations and ma<e t-e said :enalties 8indin/ on t-e :ersons a''e3ted. In t-e instant 3ase. Pesi/ans 3ara8aos 3o(ld not 8e 3on'is3ated (nder an e?e3(ti)e order :(8lis-ed only a'ter its alle/ed )iolation.
38
E. Ne7essit> 9!# N!ti7e !9 5ea#i&g
ROD4LFO( OLIVER G#!u% 39
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% CORONA s. 4NITED 5AR'OR PILOTS ASSOCIATION OF T5E P5ILIPPINES a&: MANILA PILOTS ASSOCIATION G.R. N!. ))),+De7e$8e# )/( ),,. FACTS3 T-e PPA *as 3reated on 0(ly 11. 14"+. 8y )irt(e o' Presidential De3ree No. ,!,. 5n De3em8er 12. 14",. Presidential De3ree No. %," *as iss(ed re)isin/ t-e PPAIs 3-arter. S(8seB(ently. t-en PPA General Mana/er Ro/elio A. Dayan iss(ed PPA9A5 No. !+941 on 0(ly 1,. 1441. *-ose a)o*ed :oli3y *as to ;instill e''e3ti)e dis3i:line and t-ere8y a''ord 8etter :rote3tion to t-e :ort (sers t-ro(/- t-e im:ro)ement o' :ilota/e ser)i3es.; T-is *as im:lemented 8y :ro)idin/ t-erein t-at ;all existing regular appointments w!ic! !ave been previously issued eit!er by t!e ureau of *ustoms or t!e ""A s!all remain valid up to (& 2ecember &334 only ; and t-at ;all appointments to !arbor pilot positions in all pilotage districts s!all, !encefort!, be only for a term of one 5&6 year from date of effectivity subject to yearly renewal or cancellation by t!e Aut!ority after conduct of a rigid evaluation of performance .; Res:ondents Nnited >ar8or Pilots Asso3iation and t-e Manila Pilots Asso3iation. t-ro(/Ca:t. Al8erto C. Com:as. B(estioned s(3- iss(an3e 8e'ore t-e De:artment o' Trans:ortation and Comm(ni3ation. 8(t t-ey *ere in'ormed 8y t-en D5TC Se3retary 0es(s &. Gar3ia t-at ;t-e matter o' re)ie*in/. re3allin/ or ann(llin/ PPAIs administrati)e iss(an3es lies e?3l(si)ely *itits &oard o' Dire3tors as its /o)ernin/ 8ody.; Res:ondents reiterated t-eir reB(est 'or t-e s(s:ension o' t-e im:lementation o' PPA9 A5 No. !+941. 8(t Se3retary Gar3ia insisted on -is :osition. Com:as a::ealed t-is r(lin/ to t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President 65P7. reiteratin/ -is ar/(ments 8e'ore t-e D5TC. T-e 5P iss(ed an order dire3tin/ t-e PPA to -old in a8eyan3e t-e im:lementation o' PPA9A5 No. !+941. In its ans*er. t-e PPA 3o(ntered t-at said administrati)e order *as iss(ed in t-e e?er3ise o' its administrati)e 3ontrol and s(:er)ision o)er -ar8or :ilots (nder Se3tion E9a 6)iii7. Arti3le IV o' P.D. No. %,". as amended. and it. alon/ *itits im:lementin/ /(idelines. *as intended to restore order in t-e :orts and to im:ro)e t-e B(ality o' :ort ser)i3es. T-e 5P. t-ro(/- t-en Assistant E?e3(ti)e Se3retary 'or Le/al A''airs Renato C. Corona. dismissed t-e a::ealJ:etition and li'ted t-e restrainin/ order iss(ed earlier. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not noti3e and -earin/ are ne3essary in t-e said 3ase. 5ELD3
Res:ondents ar/(e t-at d(e :ro3ess *as not o8ser)ed in t-e ado:tion o' PPA9A5 No. !+941 alle/edly 8e3a(se no -earin/ *as 3ond(3ted *-ere8y ;rele)ant /o)ernment a/en3ies; and t-e :ilots t-emsel)es 3o(ld )entilate t-eir )ie*s. T-ey are o8)io(sly re'errin/ to t-e :ro3ed(ral as:e3t o' t-e ena3tment. Aort(nately. t-e Co(rt -as maintained a 3lear :osition in t-is re/ard. a stan3e it -as stressed in t-e re3ent 3ase o' 1umi7ued v. 8on. 0xevea. *-ere it de3lared t-at ;6a7s lon/ as a :arty *as /i)en t-e o::ort(nity to de'end -is interests in d(e 3o(rse. -e 3annot 8e said to -a)e 8een denied d(e :ro3ess o' la*. 'or t-is o::ort(nity to 8e -eard is t-e )ery essen3e o' d(e :ro3ess. Moreo)er. t-is 3onstit(tional mandate is deemed satis'ied i' a :erson is /ranted an o::ort(nity to see< re3onsideration o' t-e a3tion or r(lin/ 3om:lained o'.; In t-e 3ase at 8ar. res:ondents B(estioned PPA9A5 No. !+941 no less t-an 'o(r times 8e'ore t-e matter *as 'inally ele)ated to t-is Tri8(nal. T-eir ar/(ments on t-is s3ore. -o*e)er. 'ail to :ers(ade. Neit-er does t-e 'a3t t-at t-e :ilots t-emsel)es *ere not 3ons(lted in any *ay taint t-e )alidity o' t-e administrati)e order. As a /eneral r(le. noti3e and -earin/. as t-e '(ndamental reB(irements o' :ro3ed(ral d(e :ro3ess. are essential only *-en an administrati)e 8ody e?er3ises its 7uasi-judicial '(n3tion. In t-e :er'orman3e o' its e?e3(ti)e or le/islati)e '(n3tions. s(3- as iss(in/ r(les and re/(lations. an administrati)e 8ody need not 3om:ly *it- t-e reB(irements o' noti3e and -earin/.
VALDERRAMA( NICO '. G#!u% / 40
COMMISSION OF INTERNAL REVEN4E s. CO4RT OF APPEALS G.R. NO. )),-// *u&e 2( ),,6 FACTS3 5n 0(ne 1. 1442. t-e President o' t-e P-ili::ines iss(ed a Memorand(m 3reatin/ a Tas< Aor3e to in)esti/ate t-e ta? lia8ilities o' man('a3t(rers en/a/ed in ta? e)asion s3-eme. s(3- as sellin/ :rod(3ts t-ro(/- d(mmy mar<etin/ 3or:orations to a)oid :ayment o' 3orre3t internal re)en(e ta?. to 3olle3t 'rom any ta? lia8ilities dis3o)ered 'rom s(3- in)esti/ation and to 'ile t-e ne3essary 3riminal a3tions a/ainst t-ose *-o may -a)e )iolated t-e ta? 3ode. T-e tas< 'or3e *as 3om:osed o' t-e Commissioner o' Internal Re)en(e. a re:resentati)e o' t-e De:artment o' 0(sti3e and a re:resentati)e o' t-e E?e3(ti)e Se3retary. 5n 0(ly 1. 1442. t-e Commissioner iss(ed a Re)en(e Memorand(m Cir3(lar No. 2"942 re3lassi'yin/ 8est sellin/ 3i/arettes 8earin/ t-e 8rands S>o:eQ. SMoreQ and SC-am:ionQ as 3i/arettes o' 'orei/n 8rands s(8Ge3t to a -i/-er rate o' ta? *it-o(t noti3e o' -earin/ to Aort(ne To8a33o Cor:oration *-o sells t-e mentioned 8rands. 5n A(/(st 2. 1442. Aort(ne B(estioned t-e )alidity o' t-e re3lassi'i3ation o' said 8rands as )iolati)e o' its ri/-t to d(e :ro3ess and eB(al :rote3tion o' la*. Parent-eti3ally. t-e Co(rt o' A::eals r(led on Se:tem8er %. 1442 t-at t-e re3lassi'i3ation made 8y t-e Commissioner is o' Sdo(8t'(l le/alityQ and enGoined its en'or3ement. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not Re)en(e Memorand(m Cir3(lar No. 2"942 is )alid des:ite t-e la3< o' noti3e o' -earin/ to Aort(ne To8a33o Cor:oration. R4LING3 T-e S(:reme Co(rt r(led t-at t-e Re)en(e Memorand(m Cir3(lar No. 2"942 *-i3re3lassi'ied t-e 3i/arette 8rands and s(8Ge3ted t-em to -i/-er ta? rate. is in)alid 'or la3< o' noti3e. :(8li3ation and :(8li3 -earin/. A re)en(e re/(lation. e)en i' B(asi9le/islati)e in nat(re s-o(ld o8ser)e d(e :ro3ess. T-e s(8Ge3t re)en(e memorand(m 3ir3(lar a''e3ts a :ri)ate entity *-i3- is a8o(t to s(''er 'rom t-e 3onseB(en3es o' s(3- 3ir3(lar. T-ere'ore. t-e :ri)ate entity. *-i3- is Aort(ne To8a33o Cor:oration in t-e 3ase at 8ar. s-o(ld 8e /i)en t-e o::ort(nity to 8e noti'ied and 8e -eard 8e'ore t-ey 3an 8e 3o)ered 8y t-e 3ir3(lar. Administrati)e re/(lations in /eneral are not reB(ired to stri3tly 'ollo* t-e 3onstit(tional reB(irement on noti3e o' -earin/. >o*e)er. t-e r(le is not a8sol(te. In 3ase an administrati)e re/(lation a''e3ts a :arti3(lar entity and se:ara8le 'rom t-e /eneral :(8li3. noti3e o' -earin/ s-o(ld 8e reB(ired in t-e o8ser)an3e o' t-e d(e :ro3ess. Re)en(e Memorand(m Cir3(lar No. 2"942 is not a administrati)e re/(lation 'or t-e /eneral :(8li3 8(t :ertains only to Aort(ne To8a33o Cor:oration. >en3e. noti3e o' -earin/ is reB(ired. ot-er*ise. it is in)alid.
A'AYON( GP G#!u% )
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% MACEDA s. ENERGY REG4LATORY 'OARD ),/ SCRA -6FACTS3 5n 1! Se:tem8er 144!. Calte? 6P-ili::ines7. In3.. Pili:inas S-ell Petrole(m Cor:oration. and Petron Cor:oration :ro'erred se:arate a::li3ations *it- t-e Ener/y Re/(latory &oard 'or :ermission to in3rease t-e *-olesale :osted :ri3es o' :etrole(m :rod(3ts. and mean*-ile. 'or :ro)isional a(t-ority to in3rease tem:orarily s(3- *-olesale :osted :ri3es :endin/ '(rt-er :ro3eedin/s. 5n Se:tem8er 11. 144!. t-e Ener/y Re/(latory &oard. in a Goint 6on t-ree a::li3ations7 order /ranted :ro)isional relie' and a(t-oriHes said a::li3ants a *ei/-ted a)era/e :ro)isional in3rease o' 5NE PES5 AND A5RTY9TW5 CENTAV5S 6P1.+17 :er liter in t-e *-olesale :osted :ri3es o' t-eir )ario(s :etrole(m :rod(3ts. re'ined andJor mar<eted 8y t-em lo3ally. T-e :etitioners. Senator Ernesto Ma3eda and Atty. 5li)er LoHano s(8mits t-at t-e same *as iss(ed *it-o(t :ro:er noti3e and -earin/ in )iolation o' Se3tion 2. :ara/ra:- 6e7. o' E?e3(ti)e 5rder No. 1"1. and -as 8een iss(ed *it- /ra)e a8(se o' dis3retion. tantamo(nt to la3< o' G(risdi3tion. and 3orre3ti8le 8y 3ertiorari. >en3e. t-is :etition :rayin/ 'or inG(n3ti)e relie'. to sto: t-e Ener/y Re/(latory &oard 'rom im:lementin/ its order. dated Se:tem8er 11. 144!. mandatin/ a :ro)isional in3rease in t-e :ri3es o' :etrole(m and :etrole(m :rod(3ts. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e 5rder o' t-e Ener/y Re/(latory &oard mandatin/ a :ro)isional in3rease on :etrole(m :rod(3ts *as iss(ed in )iolation o' t-e Constit(tional ri/-t to noti3e and -earin/. R4LING3 T-e Co(rt r(led in t-e ne/ati)e. Senator Ma3eda and Atty. LoHano. in B(estionin/ t-e la3< o' noti3e and -earin/. -a)e o)erloo<ed t-e :ro)isions o' Se3tion % o' E?e3(ti)e 5rder No. 1"1. As t-e 5rder itsel' indi3ated. t-e a(t-ority 'or :ro)isional in3rease 'alls *it-in t-is :ro)ision. T-ere is no merit in t-e Senator s 3ontention t-at t-e Sa::li3a8leQ :ro)ision is Se3tion 2. :ara/ra:- 6e7 o' said E?e3(ti)e 5rder. W-at m(st 8e stressed is t-at *-ile (nder E?e3(ti)e 5rder No. 1"1. a -earin/ is indis:ensa8le. it does not :re3l(de t-e &oard 'rom orderin/. e? :arte. a :ro)isional in3rease. s(8Ge3t to its 'inal dis:osition o' *-et-er or notF 617 to ma<e it :ermanentK 617 to red(3e or in3rease it '(rt-erK or 627 to deny t-e a::li3ation. Se3tion 2 :ara/ra:- 6e7 is a<in to a tem:orary restrainin/ order or a *rit or :reliminary atta3-ment iss(ed 8y t-e 3o(rts. *-i3are /i)en e? :arte. and *-i3- are s(8Ge3t to t-e resol(tion o' t-e main 3ase. Se3tion 2. :ara/ra:- 6e7 and Se3tion % do not ne/ate ea3- ot-er. or ot-er*ise. o:erate e?3l(si)ely o' t-e ot-er. in t-at t-e &oard may resort to one 8(t not to 8ot- at t-e same time. Se3tion 26e7 o(tlines t-e G(risdi3tion o' t-e &oard and t-e /ro(nds 'or *-i3- it may de3ree a :ri3e adG(stment. s(8Ge3t to t-e reB(irements o' noti3e and -earin/. Pendin/ t-at. -o*e)er. it may order. (nder Se3tion %. an a(t-ority to in3rease :ro)isionally. *it-o(t need o' a -earin/. s(8Ge3t to t-e 'inal o(t3ome o' t-e :ro3eedin/. T-e &oard. o' 3o(rse. is not :re)ented 'rom 3ond(3tin/ a -earin/ on t-e /rant o' :ro)isional a(t-ority # *-i3- is o' 3o(rse. t-e 8etter :ro3ed(re # -o*e)er. it 3annot 8e sti/matiHed later i' it 'ailed to 3ond(3t one.
'AS4G( SAM4EL M. G#!u% -
42
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% WARREN MAN4FACT4RING WOR=INGS 4NION s. '4REA4 OF LA'OR RELATIONS G.R. NO. .6)0+ Ma#7h -1( ),00 FACTS3 5n 0(ne 12.14%,. Res:ondent P-ili::ine A/ri3(lt(ral. Commer3ial and Ind(strial Wor<ers Nnion 6PACIWN7 'iled a :etition 'or 3erti'i3ation ele3tion. Res:ondent SAMA>ANG MANGGAGAWA SA WARREN MANNAACTNRING C5RP.9ALLIANCE 5A NATI5NALIST AND GENNINE LA&5R 5RGANI=ATI5NS 6SMWMC9ANGL57 'iled a motion to dismiss t-e :etition on t-e /ro(nd t-at t-ere e?ist a C&A 8et*een t-e res:ondent and t-e Warren M'/. Nnion *-i3- too< e''e3t (:on its si/nin/ on 0(ly 1E. 14%, and to e?:ire on 0(ly 21. 14%E. To resol)e t-e iss(e o' (nion re:resentation at Warren M'/9 Cor:. :arties -a)e a/reed to t-e -oldin/ o' a consent election amon/ t-e ran< and 'ile on A(/(st 1,. 14%, at t-e :remises o' t-e 3om:any to 8e s(:er)ised 8y M5LE. ... T-e &LR iss(ed an order t-at a 3onsent ele3tion 8e -eld. and yielded t-e 'ollo*in/ res(ltsF PACIWN99999999999999999999999999994+
WMWN9999999999999999999999999999142 Aeelin/ a//rie)ed. -o*e)er. PACIWN 'iled an Ele3tion Protest. 5n t-e 8asis o' a 0oint Motion to Dismiss 'iled 8y t-e :arties. t-e Ele3tion Protest 'iled 8y t-e PACIWN *as ordered dismissed. 5n 0(ne ,. 14%E. t-e PACIWN 'iled a :etition 'or 3erti'i3ation ele3tion 'ollo*ed 8y t-e 'ilin/ o' a :etition 'or t-e same :(r:oses 8y ANGL5. T-e Med9Ar8iter o' t-e National Ca:ital Re/ion. Ministry o' La8or and Em:loyment. ordered t-e -oldin/ o' a 3erti'i3ation ele3tion *it-in t*enty 1! days 'rom re3ei:t to determine t-e e?3l(si)e 8ar/ainin/ re:resentati)e o' all t-e ran< and 'ile em:loyees o' t-e Warren se Man('a3t(rin/ Cor:oration. >en3e. t-is :etition 8y WMWN. PetitionerIs 3ontention is an3-ored on t-e 'ollo*in/ /ro(ndsF %ection (, Rule 9 of t!e #mplementing Rules and Regulations of t!e 1abor *ode provides, among ot!ers: ... !owever no certification election may be !eld wit!in one 5&6 year from t!e date of t!e issuance of t!e declaration of a final certification result. and Article 4;<, )itle 9##, ook 9 of t!e 1abor *ode provides: =o certification election issue s!all be entertained by t!e ureau in any *ollective argaining Agreement existing between t!e employer and a legitimate labor organi>ation. 5t-er*ise stated. :etitioner in)o<ed t-e one9year no 3erti'i3ation ele3tion r(le and t-e :rin3i:le o' t-e Contra3t &ar R(le. ISS4E3 43
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% W-et-er or not :etitioner WARREN MANNAACTNRING W5RZERS NNI5N 6WMWN7 *as denied administrati)e d(e :ro3ess *-en e?3l(ded 'rom med9ar8itration :ro3eedin/s. 5ELD3 T-e :etition 8y WMWN *as dismissed 8y t-e SC. T-e re3ords s-o* t-at :etitioner admitted t-at *-at *as -eld on A(/(st 1,.14%, at t-e Com:anyIs :remises and *-i3- 8e3ame t-e root o' t-is 3ontro)ersy. *as a 3onsent ele3tion and not a 3erti'i3ation ele3tion. In 'a3t t-e Med9Ar8iter in t-e Ret(rn to Wor< A/reement si/ned 8y t-e :arties em:-asiHed t-e 'ollo*in/F )o resolve t!e issue of union representation at +arren /fg. *orp., parties !ave agreed to t!e !olding of a consent election among t!e rank and file on August 4;,&3?; at t!e premises of t!e company to be supervised by t!e /inistry of 1abor and 0mployment ..... It is. t-ere'ore. (nmista<a8le t-at t-e ele3tion -eld on A(/(st 1,. 14%, *as not 'or t-e :(r:ose o' determinin/ *-i3- la8or (nion s-o(ld 8e t-e 8ar/ainin/ re:resentati)e in t-e ne/otiation 'or a 3olle3ti)e 3ontra3t. t-ere 8ein/ an e?istin/ 3olle3ti)e 8ar/ainin/ a/reement yet to e?:ire on 0(ly 21. 14%EK but only to determine w!ic! labor union s!all administer t!e said existing contract. A33ordin/ly. t-e SC -eld t-at Arti3le 1," o' t-e Ne* La8or Code e?:ressly states t-at No 3erti'i3ation ele3tion iss(e s-all 8e entertained i' a 3olle3ti)e a/reement *-i3- -as 8een s(8mitted in a33ordan3e *it- Arti3le 121 o' t-is Code e?ists 8et*een t-e em:loyer and a le/itimate la8or or/aniHation e?3e:t *it-in si?ty 6E!7 days :rior to t-e e?:iration o' t-e li'e o' s(33erti'ied 3olle3ti)e 8ar/ainin/ a/reement.; Also. Se3tion +. R(le V. &oo< V o' t-e 5mni8(s R(les Im:lementin/ t-e La8or Code 3learly :ro)idesF %ection @. 0ffect of 0arly Agreement..)!ere representation case s!all not, !owever, be adversely affected by a collective agreement submitted before or during t!e last sixty days of a subsisting agreement or during t!e pendency of t!e representation case. T-e a8o)e R(le is 3lear and e?:li3it. lea)in/ no room 'or 3onstr(3tion or inter:retation. it is an elementary r(le in administrati)e la* t-at administrati)e re/(lations and :oli3ies ena3ted 8y administrati)e 8odies to inter:ret t-e la* *-i3- t-ey are entr(sted to en'or3e. -a)e t-e 'or3e o' la* and are entitled to /reat res:e3t T-e Med9Ar8iter 'o(nd t-at t-e :etition and inter)ention *ere s(::orted 8y more t-an 2!Y o' t-e mem8ers o' t-e 8ar/ainin/ (nit. In t-e li/-t o' t-ese 'a3ts. Arti3le 1,% o' t-e La8or Code ma<es it mandatory 'or t-e &(rea( o' La8or Relations to 3ond(3t a 3erti'i3ation ele3tion.
;AMORA( MARIA REGINA G#!u% /
44
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% TA?ICA' OPERATORS OF METRO MANILA( INC. s. 'OARD OF TRANSPORTATION )). SCRA +,. FACTS3 T-e res:ondent &oard o' Trans:ortation iss(ed res:ondent &oard o' Trans:ortation 6&5T7 iss(ed Memorand(m Cir3(lar No. ""9+1 :ro-i8itin/ t-e o:eration o' 3ars *-i3- *ere more t-an si? years old. Petitioners. t-ro(/- its President. alle/edly made :ersonal 'ollo*9(:s o' t-e 3ase. 8(t *as later in'ormed t-at t-e re3ords o' t-e 3ase 3o(ld not 8e lo3ated. Petitioner A3e Trans:ortation Cor:oration and Aeli3isimo Ca8i/ao are t*o o' t-e mem8ers o' t-e Ta?i3a8 5:erators o' Metro Manila. In3or:orated 6T5MMI7 3laimed t-e :ro-i8ition )iolated :ro3ed(ral d(e :ro3ess. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e :rom(l/ation o' t-e B(estioned memorand(m 3ir3(lar *it-o(t noti3e and -earin/ )iolate :etitioners 3onstit(tional ri/-t to :ro3ed(ral d(e :ro3ess. R4LING3 N5. T-e S(:reme Co(rt r(led t-at t-e lee*ay a33orded t-e &oard o' Trans:ortation /i)es it a *ide ran/e o' 3-oi3e in /at-erin/ ne3essary in'ormation or data in t-e 'orm(lation o' any :oli3y. :lan or :ro/ram. It is not mandatory t-at a 3on'eren3e s-o(ld 'irst 8e 3alled or t-at t-e :ersons *-o may 8e a''e3ted 8e reB(ired to s(8mit :osition :a:ers or ot-er do3(ments. Dis:ensin/ *it- a :(8li3 -earin/ :rior to t-e iss(an3e o' t-e memorand(m 3ir3(lar does N5T )iolate d(e :ro3ess. Pre)io(s noti3e and -earin/ are reB(ired 'or G(di3ial and B(asi9 G(di3ial :ro3eedin/s 8(t not 'or r(les :rom(l/ated to /o)ern '(t(re 3ond(3t.
AL'ARICO( ALLESANDRA FAY V. G#!u% /
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% P5ILIPPINE CONS4MERS FO4NDATION( INC. s. T5E SECRETARY OF ED4CATION( C4LT4RE AND SPORTS G.R. N!. .0-0+ FACTS3 5n Ae8r(ary 11. 14%". t-e Tas< Aor3e on Pri)ate >i/-er Ed(3ation 3reated 8y t-e De:artment o' Ed(3ation. C(lt(re and S:orts s(8mitted a re:ort entitled ;Re:ort and Re3ommendations on a Poli3y 'or T(ition and 5t-er S3-ool Aees.; T-e DECS too< note o' t-e re:ort o' t-e Tas< Aor3e and on t-e 8asis o' t-e same. t-e DECS. t-ro(/- t-e res:ondent Se3retary o' Ed(3ation. C(lt(re and S:orts iss(ed an 5rder a(t-oriHin/. inter alia. t-e 1,Y to 1!Y in3rease in s3-ool 'ees as re3ommended 8y t-e Tas< Aor3e. T-e :etitioner so(/-t a re3onsideration o' t-e said 5rder. a::arently on t-e /ro(nd t-at t-e in3reases *ere too -i/-. T-erea'ter. t-e DECS iss(ed De:artment 5rder No. 2" dated A:ril 1!. 14%" modi'yin/ its :re)io(s 5rder and red(3in/ t-e in3reases to a lo*er 3eilin/ o' 1!Y to 1,Y. a33ordin/ly. Des:ite t-is red(3tion. t-e :etitioner still o::osed t-e in3reases. Petitioner maintains t-at t-e B(estioned De:artment 5rder *as iss(ed in )iolation o' t-e d(e :ro3ess 3la(se o' t-e Constit(tion in asm(3- as t-e :etitioner *as not /i)en d(e noti3e and -earin/ 8e'ore t-e said De:artment 5rder *as iss(ed. Petitioner maintains t-at st(dents and :arents are interested :arties t-at s-o(ld 8e a''orded an o::ort(nity 'or a -earin/ 8e'ore s3-ool 'ees are in3reased. In s(m. t-e :etitioner stresses t-at t-e B(estioned 5rder 3onstit(tes a denial o' s(8stanti)e and :ro3ed(ral d(e :ro3ess o' la*. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e B(estioned De:artment 5rder *as iss(ed in )iolation o' t-e d(e :ro3ess 3la(se o' t-e Constit(tion in asm(3- as t-e :etitioner *as not /i)en d(e noti3e and -earin/ 8e'ore t-e said De:artment 5rder *as iss(ed. 5ELD3 T-e '(n3tion o' :res3ri8in/ rates 8y an administrati)e a/en3y may 8e eit-er a le/islati)e or an adG(di3ati)e '(n3tion. I' it *ere a le/islati)e '(n3tion. t-e /rant o' :rior noti3e and -earin/ to t-e a''e3ted :arties is not a reB(irement o' d(e :ro3ess. As re/ards rates :res3ri8ed 8y an administrati)e a/en3y in t-e e?er3ise o' its 7uasi9G(di3ial '(n3tion. :rior noti3e and -earin/ are essential to t-e )alidity o' s(3- rates. W-en t-e r(les andJor rates laid do*n 8y an administrati)e a/en3y are meant to a::ly to all enter:rises o' a /i)en <ind t-ro(/-o(t t-e 3o(ntry. t-ey may :arta<e o' a le/islati)e 3-ara3ter. W-ere t-e r(les and t-e rates im:osed a::ly e?3l(si)ely to a :arti3(lar :arty. 8ased (:on a 'indin/ o' 'a3t. t-en its '(n3tion is 7uasi9G(di3ial in 3-ara3ter. T-e assailed De:artment 5rder :res3ri8es t-e ma?im(m s3-ool 'ees t-at may 8e 3-ar/ed 8y all private sc!ools in t!e country 'or s3-oolyear 14%" to 14%%. T-is 8ein/ so. :rior noti3e and -earin/ are not essential to t-e )alidity o' its iss(an3e.
TAN( MARIA DIANNE G#!u% /
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% LINA( *R. s. CARINO G.R. No. 10012+ A,$i& 23, 1993 FACTS3 Petitioner dis:(tes t-e le/al a(t-ority o' res:ondent to iss(e DECS 5rder No. 2!. entitled SG(idelines on T(ition andJor ot-er S3-ool Aees in Pri)ate S3-ools. Colle/es and Nni)ersities 'or S3-ool Year 144191441.Q DECS 5rder No. 2! allo*s :ri)ate s3-ools to in3rease t(ition and ot-er s3-ool 'ees. s(8Ge3t to t-e /(idelines t-ere set o(t. Petitioner denies t-e le/al a(t-ority o' res:ondent to iss(e DECS 5rder No. 2!. 3onsiderin/ t-at t-e a(t-ority to :rom(l/ate r(les and re/(lations relatin/ to t-e im:osition o' s3-ool 'ees -ad 8een trans'erred to t-e State Assistan3e Co(n3il 6SAC7. Petitioner also 3ontends t-at DECS 5rder No. 2! is in3onsistent *it- Se3tion 1! o' R.A. No. E"1%. In DECS 5rder No. 2!. res:ondent e?em:ted in3reases in s3-ool 'ees ot-er t-an t(ition 'ees 'rom a::li3ation o' t-e 3ons(ltation reB(irement. N:on t-e ot-er -and. Se3tion 1! o' R.A. No. E"1% :ro)ides t-at Sin any :ro:osed in3rease in t-e rate o' t(ition 'ee. t-ere s-all 8e a::ro:riate 3ons(ltations 3ond(3ted 8y t-e s3-ool administration *it- t-e d(ly or/aniHed :arents and tea3-ers asso3iation and 'a3(lty asso3iations *itres:e3t to se3ondary s3-ools and *it- st(dent /o)ernments or 3o(n3ils. al(mni and 'a3(lty asso3iations *itres:e3t to 3olle/es ? ? ?.Q A33ordin/ to :etitioner. Se3tion 1! 3o)ers in3reases in all types of sc!ool fees. *-i3- in3rease m(st 'irst 3om:ly *it- t-e reB(irement o' 3ons(ltation 8e'ore :rom(l/ation in order t-at :ro-i8iti)e and 8(rdensome 'ees may 8e a)oided. In 'ine. :etitioner as<s (s to de3lare DECS 5rder No. 2! n(ll and )oid on t*o /ro(ndsF 617 t-at res:ondent does not -a)e t-e le/al a(t-ority to iss(e t-at 5rder. and 617 t-at DECS 5rder No. 2! )iolates Se3tion 1! o' R.A. No. E"1% *-i3- esta8lis-ed a 3om:re-ensi)e reB(irement o' 3ons(ltation. T-e Soli3itor General. re:resentin/ res:ondent maintains t-at t-e :o*er to :res3ri8e ma?im(m t(ition and ot-er s3-ool 'ees remains )ested in t-e DECS Se3retary. >e '(rt-er 3ontends t-at DECS 5rder No. 2! 3on'orms s(8stantially *it- t-e 3ons(ltation reB(irement o' R.A. No. E"1% e?3e:t item 1 6a7 *-i3- (nB(ali'iedly allo*s :ri)ate 3olle/es and (ni)ersities to raise t-e t(ition 'ee in t-e tertiary le)el to not more t-at P%!.!! :er (nit *it-o(t :rior 3ons(ltation. >e t-ere'ore (r/es t-at DECS 5rder No. 2! 8e (:-eld. sa)e only :ara/ra:- 1 6a7 t-ereo' *-i3-e 3onsiders to 8e in3onsistent *it- t-e 3ons(ltation reB(irement. ISS4E3 W-et-er an in3rease in ot-er 'ees ot-er t-an t(ition 'ees as :ro)ided 'or in DECS 5rder No. 2! reB(ires :rior 3ons(ltation. 5ELD3 No. Petitioner 3ontends t-at Se3tion 1 6d7 6*-i3- :ro)ides t-at an in3rease in ot-er 'ees need not reB(ire :rior 3ons(ltation7 o' DECS 5rder No. 2! is in3onsistent *it- Se3tion 1! o' R.A. No. E"1%. We -a)e earlier :ointed o(t t-at :etitioner s stand is in3onsistent *it- t-e )ery lan/(a/e (sed in Se3tion 1! o' R.A. No. E"1% *-i3- states in rele)ant :art t-atF Sin any :ro:osed in3rease in t-e rate o' t(ition 'ees. t-ere s-all 8e a::ro:riate 3ons(ltations #.Q Petitioner s ar/(ment -ere is. -o*e)er. essentially an in)o3ation o' SG(sti3e and eB(ityQ. T-e Co(rt 8elie)es t-at :etitioner s ar/(ment # 3o/ent t-o(/- it may 8e as a so3ial and e3onomi3 3omment # is most a::ro:riately addressed. not to a 3o(rt *-i3- m(st ta<e t-e la*s as it is a3t(ally *ritten. 8(t rat-er to t-e le/islati)e a(t-ority *-i3- 3an. i' it *is-es. 3-an/e t-e lan/(a/e and 3ontent o' t-e la*. As Se3tion 1! o' R.A. No. E"1% no* stands. *e -a)e no a(t-ority to stri<e do*n :ara/ra:- 1 6d7 o' DECS 5rder No. 2! as in3onsistent *it- t-e reB(irement o' Se3tion 1!.
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V. Q4ASI- *4DICIAL POWER C. N!ti7e a&: 5ea#i&g Administrati)e D(e Pro3ess
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% AL'AO( =IEV G#!u% ANG TI'AY( #e%#ese&te: 8> TORI'IO TEODORO( $a&age# a&: %#!%#iet!#( a&: NATIONAL WOR=ERS 'ROT5ER5OOD s. T5E CO4RT OF IND4STRIAL RELATIONS a&: NATIONAL LA'OR 4NION( INC. 6, Phil 6-+ 21 O.G. .th Su%%. )/, FACTS3 Petitioner An/ Ti8ay -as 'iled an o::osition 8ot- to t-e motion 'or re3onsideration o' t-e res:ondent Co(rt o' Ind(strial Relations and to t-e motion 'or ne* trial o' t-e res:ondent National La8or Nnion. In3. In t-e 3o(rts o:inion it is not ne3essary to :ass (:on t-e motion 'or re3onsideration o' t-e Soli3itor9General. and s-all :ro3eed to dis:ose o' t-e motion 'or ne* trial o' t-e res:ondent la8or (nion. >o*e)er. t-e 3o(rt deemed it ne3essary to ma<e se)eral o8ser)ations re/ardin/ t-e nat(re o' t-e :o*ers o' t-e Co(rt o' Ind(strial Relations and em:-asiHe 3ertain /(idin/ :rin3i:les *-i3- s-o(ld 8e o8ser)ed in t-e trial o' 3ases 8ro(/-t 8e'ore it. T-e 3o(rt re9e?amined t-e entire re3ord o' t-e :ro3eedin/s -ad 8e'ore t-e Co(rt o' Ind(strial Relations and 'o(nd no s(8stantial e)iden3e to indi3ate t-at t-e e?3l(sion o' t-e %4 la8orers -ere *as d(e to t-eir (nion a''iliation or a3ti)ity. T-e *-ole trans3ri:t ta<en 3ontains *-at trans:ired d(rin/ t-e -earin/ and is more o' a re3ord o' 3ontradi3tory and 3on'li3tin/ statements o' o::osin/ 3o(nsel. *it- s:oradi3 3on3l(sion dra*n to s(it t-eir o*n )ie*s. It is e)ident t-at t-ese statements and e?:ressions o' )ie*s o' 3o(nsel -a)e no e)identiary )al(e. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e 3ase s-o(ld 8e set 'or a ne* trial 8y t-e Co(rt o' Ind(strial Relation. 5ELD3
T-e Co(rt in t-is 3ase lay do*n t-e '(n3tions o' t-e Co(rt o' Ind(strial relations. T-e Co(rt o' Ind(strial Relations is a s:e3ial 3o(rt *-ose '(n3tions are s:e3i'i3ally stated in t-e la* o' its 3reation 6Common*ealt- A3t No. 1!27. It is more an administrati)e t-an a :art o' t-e inte/rated G(di3ial system o' t-e nation. It is not intended to 8e a mere re3e:ti)e or/an o' t-e Go)ernment. Nnli<e a 3o(rt o' G(sti3e *-i3- is essentially :assi)e. a3tin/ only *-en its G(risdi3tion is in)o<ed and de3idin/ only 3ases t-at are :resented to it 8y t-e :arty liti/ant. t-e '(n3tion o' t-e Co(rt o' Ind(strial Relations. as *ill a::ear 'rom :er(sal o' its or/ani3 la*. is more a3ti)e. a''irmati)e and dynami3. It not only e?er3ises G(di3ial or B(asi9 G(di3ial '(n3tions in t-e determination o' dis:(tes 8et*een em:loyers and em:loyees 8(t its '(n3tions in t-e determination o' dis:(tes 8et*een em:loyers and em:loyees 8(t its '(n3tions are 'ar more 3om:re-ensi)e and e?:ensi)e. It -as G(risdi3tion o)er t-e entire P-ili::ines. to 3onsider. in)esti/ate. de3ide. and settle any B(estion. matter 3ontro)ersy or dis:(te arisin/ 8et*een. andJor a''e3tin/ em:loyers and em:loyees or la8orers. and re/(lates t-e relations 8et*een t-em. s(8Ge3t to. and in a33ordan3e *it-. t-e :ro)isions o' Common*ealt- A3t No. 1!2 6se3tion 17. It s-all ta<e 3o/niHan3e or :(r:oses o' :re)ention. ar8itration. de3ision and settlement. o' any ind(strial or a/ri3(lt(ral dis:(te 3a(sin/ or li<ely to 3a(se a stri<e or lo3<o(t. arisin/ 'rom di''eren3es as re/ards *a/es. s-ares or 3om:ensation. -o(rs o' la8or or 3onditions o' tenan3y or em:loyment. 8et*een landlords and tenants or 'arm9la8orers. :ro)ided t-at t-e n(m8er o' em:loyees. la8orers or tenants o' 'arm9la8orers in)ol)ed e?3eeds t-irty. and s(3- ind(strial or a/ri3(lt(ral dis:(te is s(8mitted to t-e Co(rt 8y t-e Se3retary o' La8or or 8y any or 8ot- o' t-e :arties to t-e 3ontro)ersy and 3erti'ied 8y t-e Se3retary o' la8or as e?istin/ and :ro:er to 8e 8y t-e Se3retary o' La8or as e?istin/ and :ro:er to 8e dealt *it- 8y t-e Co(rt 'or t-e sa<e o' :(8li3 interest. It s-all. 8e'ore -earin/ t-e dis:(te and in t-e 3o(rse o' s(3- -earin/. endea)or to re3on3ile t-e :arties and ind(3e t-em to settle t-e dis:(te 8y ami3a8le a/reement. W-en dire3ted 8y t-e President o' t-e P-ili::ines. it s-all in)esti/ate and st(dy all ind(stries esta8lis-ed in a desi/nated lo3ality. *it- a )ie* to determination t-e ne3essity and 'airness o' 'i?in/ and ado:tin/ 'or s(3- ind(stry or lo3ality a minim(m *a/e or s-are o' la8orers or tenants. or a ma?im(m ;3anon; or rental to 8e :aid 8y t-e ; inB(ilinos or tenants or less to lando*ners. In 'ine. it may a::eal to )ol(ntary ar8itration in t-e settlement o' ind(strial dis:(tesK may em:loy mediation or 3on3iliation 'or t-at :(r:ose. or re3(r to t-e more e''e3ti)e system o' o''i3ial in)esti/ation and 3om:(lsory ar8itration in order to determine s:e3i'i3 3ontro)ersies
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8et*een la8or and 3a:ital ind(stry and in a/ri3(lt(re. T-ere is in reality -ere a min/lin/ o' e?e3(ti)e and G(di3ial '(n3tions. *-i3- is a de:art(re 'rom t-e ri/id do3trine o' t-e se:aration o' /o)ernmental :o*ers. T-e 'a3t. -o*e)er. t-at t-e Co(rt o' Ind(strial Relations may 8e said to 8e 'ree 'rom t-e ri/idity o' 3ertain :ro3ed(ral reB(irements does not mean t-at it 3an. in G(sti'ia8le 3ases 8e'ore it. entirely i/nore or disre/ard t-e '(ndamental and essential reB(irements o' d(e :ro3ess in trials and in)esti/ations o' an administrati)e 3-ara3ter. T-ere are :rimary ri/-ts *-i3- m(st 8e res:e3ted e)en in :ro3eedin/s o' t-is 3-ara3terF 617 T-e 'irst o' t-ese ri/-ts is t-e ri/-t to a -earin/. *-i3- in3l(des t-e ri/-t o' t-e :arty interested or a''e3ted to :resent -is o*n 3ase and s(8mit e)iden3e in s(::ort t-ereo'. 617 Not only m(st t-e :arty 8e /i)en an o::ort(nity to :resent -is 3ase and to add(3e e)iden3e tendin/ to esta8lis- t-e ri/-ts *-i3- -e asserts 8(t t-e tri8(nal m(st 3onsider t-e e)iden3e :resented. 627 ;W-ile t-e d(ty to deli8erate does not im:ose t-e o8li/ation to de3ide ri/-t. it does im:ly a ne3essity *-i3- 3annot 8e disre/arded. namely. t-at o' -a)in/ somet-in/ to s(::ort it is a n(llity. a :la3e *-en dire3tly atta3-ed. 6+7 Not only m(st t-ere 8e some e)iden3e to s(::ort a 'indin/ or 3on3l(sion. 8(t t-e e)iden3e m(st 8e ;s(8stantial.; 6,7 T-e de3ision m(st 8e rendered on t-e e)iden3e :resented at t-e -earin/. or at least 3ontained in t-e re3ord and dis3losed to t-e :arties a''e3ted. 5nly 8y 3on'inin/ t-e administrati)e tri8(nal to t-e e)iden3e dis3losed to t-e :arties. 3an t-e latter 8e :rote3ted in t-eir ri/-t to <no* and meet t-e 3ase a/ainst t-em. It s-o(ld not. -o*e)er. detra3t 'rom t-eir d(ty a3ti)ely to see t-at t-e la* is en'or3ed. and 'or t-at :(r:ose. to (se t-e a(t-oriHed le/al met-ods o' se3(rin/ e)iden3e and in'ormin/ itsel' o' 'a3ts material and rele)ant to t-e 3ontro)ersy. T-e Co(rt o' Ind(strial Relations may re'er any ind(strial or a/ri3(lt(ral dis:(te or any matter (nder its 3onsideration or ad)isement to a lo3al 8oard o' inB(iry. a :ro)in3ial 'is3al. a G(sti3e o' t-e :ea3e or any :(8li3 o''i3ial in any :art o' t-e P-ili::ines 'or in)esti/ation. re:ort and re3ommendation. and may dele/ate to s(3- 8oard or :(8li3 o''i3ial s(3- :o*ers and '(n3tions as t-e said Co(rt o' Ind(strial Relations may deem ne3essary. 8(t s(3- dele/ation s-all not a''e3t t-e e?er3ise o' t-e Co(rt itsel' o' any o' its :o*ers. 6E7 T-e Co(rt o' Ind(strial Relations or any o' its G(d/es. t-ere'ore. m(st a3t on its or -is o*n inde:endent 3onsideration o' t-e la* and 'a3ts o' t-e 3ontro)ersy. and not sim:ly a33e:t t-e )ie*s o' a s(8ordinate in arri)in/ at a de3ision. It may 8e t-at t-e )ol(me o' *or< is s(3- t-at it is literally Relations :ersonally to de3ide all 3ontro)ersies 3omin/ 8e'ore t-em. 6"7 T-e Co(rt o' Ind(strial Relations s-o(ld. in all 3ontro)ersial B(estions. render its de3ision in s(3- a manner t-at t-e :arties to t-e :ro3eedin/ 3an <no* t-e )ario(s iss(es in)ol)ed. and t-e reasons 'or t-e de3ision rendered. T-e :er'orman3e o' t-is d(ty is inse:ara8le 'rom t-e a(t-ority 3on'erred (:on it. In t-e ri/-t o' t-e 'ore/oin/ '(ndamental :rin3i:les. it is s(''i3ient to o8ser)e -ere t-at. e?3e:t as to t-e alle/ed a/reement 8et*een t-e An/ Ti8ay and t-e National Wor<erIs &rot-er-ood. t-e re3ord is 8arren and does not satis'y t-e t-irst 'or a 'a3t(al 8asis (:on *-i3- to :redi3ate. in a national *ay. a 3on3l(sion o' la*.
T-e 3o(rt 3onsidered t-e re:ly o' An/ Ti8ay and its ar/(ments a/ainst t-e :etition. &y and lar/e. a'ter 3onsidera8le dis3(ssions. *e -a)e 3ome to t-e 3on3l(sion t-at t-e interest o' G(sti3e *o(ld 8e 8etter ser)ed i' t-e mo)ant is /i)en o::ort(nity to :resent at t-e -earin/ t-e do3(ments re'erred to in -is motion and s(3- ot-er e)iden3e as may 8e rele)ant to t-e main iss(e in)ol)ed. T-e le/islation *-i3- 3reated t-e Co(rt o' Ind(strial Relations and (nder *-i3- it a3ts is ne*. T-e 'ail(re to /ras: t-e '(ndamental iss(e in)ol)ed is not entirely attri8(ta8le to t-e :arties ad)ersely a''e3ted 8y t-e res(lt. A33ordin/ly. t-e motion 'or a ne* trial s-o(ld 8e and t-e same is -ere8y /ranted. and t-e entire re3ord o' t-is 3ase s-all 8e remanded to t-e Co(rt o' Ind(strial Relations. *it- instr(3tion t-at it reo:en t-e 3ase. re3ei)e all s(3- e)iden3e as may 8e rele)ant and ot-er*ise :ro3eed in a33ordan3e *it- t-e reB(irements set 'ort- -ereina8o)e. So ordered.
50
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% ADA*AR( NINA G#!u% POLICE COM. s. G4ARDSON R. LOOD G.R. N!. L--2/-1 Ma#7h -)( ),01 FACTS3 5n De3em8er 11. 14E% Ni3olas Al3antara and =oilo Maranon 'iled *it- Poli3e Commission 6Pol3om7 an administrati)e 3om:laint 3-ar/in/ Ca:tain Ga8riel Paile. Cor:oral Reynaldo Alano and 'i)e ot-er mem8ers o' t-e Ma<ati Poli3e De:artment *it- /ra)e mis3ond(3t. T-e ne?t year. on Se:t 1E. Al3antara and Maranon 'iled *it- t-e City Co(rt o' Manila t*in 3riminal 3ases 3-ar/in/ t-e same res:ondents *it- /ra)e 3oer3ion 8ased on t-e same a3ts 'or *-i3- t-ey -ad already 8een administrati)ely 3-ar/ed. Ao(r days t-erea'ter. Ma<ati A3tin/ Mayor 0ose C. L(3iano iss(ed a Memorand(m 5rder orderin/ t-e s(s:ension 'rom o''i3e o' t-e a33(sed e''e3ti)e 53to8er 1. 14E4. In)esti/ation 8y t-e Ma<ati &oard o' In)esti/ators o' t-e admin 3-ar/e a/ainst t-e a33(sed 3ontin(ed and 3on3l(ded *it- t-e s(8mission o' a re:ort to t-e Pol3om. 5n De3em8er 11. 14E4. t-e Pol3om rendered its de3ision de3larin/ t-e res:ondents /(ilty and ordered t-eir dismissal 'rom t-e ser)i3e. Res:ondents mo)ed to re3onsider t-e de3ision to no a)ail. 5n 53to8er 1+. 14"! City Co(rt o' Manila rendered G(d/ment in t-e 3riminal 3ases a3B(ittin/ t-em o' t-e 3-ar/es. 5n De3em8er 11. 14"!. in im:lementation o' t-e de3ision o' t-e Pol3om. A3tin/ Mayor L(3iano iss(ed Administrati)e 5rder No. 24. orderin/ t-e dismissal o' t-e said administrati)e res:ondents 'rom t-e ser)i3e e''e3ti)e De3em8er 1. 14"!. 5n De3em8er 1%. 14"! res:ondents 'iled *it- t-e Pol3om t-eir se3ond ;Motion 'or Re3onsideration andJor Ne* Trial.; Wit-o(t a*aitin/ any res:onse on t-e :art o' t-e Pol3om to t-eir se3ond motion. -erein res:ondents. Paile and Alano. 'iled on 0an(ary 2!. 14"1 t-e :resent a3tion 'or mandam(s. :ro-i8ition andJor 3ertiorari *it- an a::li3ation 'or t-e iss(an3e o' t-e *rit o' :reliminary mandatory inG(n3tion. in t-e CAI o' RiHal 6&ran3- VI7 a/ainst t-e Pol3om. t-e Mayor and t-e C-ie' o' Poli3e o' Ma<ati. and t-e Ma<ati &oard o' In)esti/ators. Paile and Alano. so(/-t. inter alia. t-e iss(an3e o' t-e *rit o' :reliminary mandatory inG(n3tion reB(irin/ t-e Mayor o' Ma<ati to immediately reinstate t-em to t-eir 'ormer :ositions in t-e Ma<ati Poli3e De:artment on t-eir t-eory t-at. 8y reason o' t-eir a3B(ittal o' t-e 3riminal 3-ar/es 'or /ra)e 3oer3ion 8y t-e City Co(rt o' Manila. t-e Mayor o' Ma<ati -ad ;t-e d(ty s:e3i'i3ally enGoined to 8e :er'ormed 8y -im 8y t-e se3ond :ara/ra:- o' Se3tion 1E. R.A. No. +%E+. to immediately reinstate Ct-emD and order t-e :ayment o' t-e entire salary t-ey 'ailed to re3ei)e d(rin/ t-eir s(s:ension.; >erein :etitioner Pol3om d(ly o::osed t-is :etition on Ae8r(ary 1E. 14"1. A'ter t-e -earin/s. res:ondent G(d/e iss(ed -is order dated Mar3- 2!. 14"1 statin/ t-at 'rom t-e :leadin/s and t-e e)iden3es t-(s :resented it does not a::ear t-at t-ere are 'a3t(al iss(es not ot-er*ise 3o)ered and )entilated d(rin/ t-e -earin/ and 6t-at7 t-e Co(rt 8elie)es t-at t-e merits o' t-e 3ase 3an 8e resol)ed on t-e 8asis o' t-e :leadin/s and t-e e)iden3e add(3ed and /i)in/ t-e :arties t-ree days ;*it-in *-i3- to 'ile t-eir 3omment or mani'estation t-ereon as to *-et-er t-ey *o(ld :re'er t s(8mit t-e 3ase 'or de3ision to/et-er *it- t-e resol(tion o' t-e :etition 'or iss(an3e o' t-e *rit o' :reliminary inG(n3tion.; Res:ondents 6as t-erein :etitioners7 'iled t-eir mani'estation dated A:ril 1. 14"1 e?:ressin/ t-eir ;desire t-at only t-e :etition 'or iss(an3e o' t-e *rit o' :reliminary mandatory inG(n3tion 8e 3onsidered *-ile :etitioner Pol3om 'iled t-eir mani'estation statin/ t-at ;t-ey :re'er to s(8mit t-e merits o' t-e 3ase 'or de3ision to/et-er *it- t-e resol(tion on PetitionersI a::li3ation 'or a *rit o' :reliminary inG(n3tion on t-e 8asis o' t-e :leadin/s and t-e e)iden3e -ereto'ore add(3ed. :ro)ided. -o*e)er. t-at t-e :arties 8e /i)en a :eriod o' t-irty 62!7 days 'rom re3ei:t o' t-e rele)ant 3o(rt order *it-in *-i3- to s(8mit t-eir res:e3ti)e memoranda.; 5n A:ril ". 14"1. res:ondent G(d/e iss(ed -is order resol)in/ in e''e3t t-e 3ase on t-e merits and de3lared res:ondentsI dismissal 'rom t-e ser)i3e as *it-o(t a(t-ority o' la*. n(ll and 51
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% )oid and *it-o(t 'or3e and e''e3t;. and dire3ted t-e iss(an3e o' t-e *rit o' :reliminary mandatory inG(n3tion orderin/ t-e Mayor o' Ma<ati to reinstate t-em to t-eir res:e3ti)e in3l(din/ t-e :ayment o' t-eir salaries d(rin/ t-e :eriod o' t-eir s(s:ension 'rom o''i3e. 5n A:ril 11. 14"1. t-e Pol3om sent Paile et al. a 3omm(ni3ation ret(rnin/ to t-em t-eir se3ond ;Motion 'or Re3onsideration andJor Ne* Trial; ;*it-o(t a3tion;. T-is 3omm(ni3ation *as. -o*e)er. ret(rned to t-e Pol3om (n3laimed. S(8seB(ently. on May 2. 14"1. t-e Pol3om so(/-t re3onsideration o' t-e 3-allen/ed order. 5n 0(ly 1E. 14"1. res:ondent G(d/e iss(ed an order -oldin/ in a8eyan3e -is resol(tion o' t-e Pol3omIs motion 'or re3onsideration. :endin/ a3tion o' t-is Co(rt on an indorsement o' t-e Se3retary o' 0(sti3e relatin/ to administrati)e 3-ar/es 'iled 8y Ni3olas Al3antara a/ainst -im as :residin/ G(d/e o' t-e 3o(rt. 5n A(/(st 1+. 14"1 t-e Pol3om mo)ed *itres:ondent G(d/e 'or t-e immediate resol(tion o' its :endin/ motion 'or re3onsideration. *-i3- *as denied. >en3e t-is 'or 3ertiorari assailin/ t-e orders o' t-e :residin/ G(d/e o' t-e 3o(rt a B(o 617 dated A:ril ". 14"1 /rantin/ t-e *rit o' :reliminary mandatory inG(n3tionK 617 dated 0(ly 1E. 14"1 -oldin/ in a8eyan3e resol(tion o' t-e Pol3omIs motion 'or re3onsiderationK and 627 dated Se:tem8er %. 14"1 denyin/ t-e said CommissionIs ;Motion to Resol)e Motion 'or Re3onsideration. ; ISS4E3 W-et-er or Not res:ondent 0(d/e erred in /rantin/ t-e *rit o' :reliminary mandatory inG(n3tion and de3larin/ res:ondentsI dismissal 'rom t-e ser)i3e as ;n(ll and )oid.; and denyin/ t-e Pol3omIs motion 'or re3onsideration t-ereo'. 5ELD3 YES. Res:ondent G(d/e *as in error on 8ot- 3o(nts and a3ted *it- /ra)e a8(se o' dis3retion in /rantin/ t-e *rit o' :reliminary mandatory inG(n3tion and de3larin/ res:ondentsI dismissal 'rom t-e ser)i3e as ;n(ll and )oid.; and denyin/ t-e Pol3omIs motion 'or re3onsideration. T-e mandatory inG(n3tion 'or reinstatement iss(ed 8y res:ondent G(d/e *as in e?3ess o' its G(risdi3tion and a(t-ority. T-e :ro3eedin/s in t-e administrati)e 3ase 8e'ore t-e Pol3om -ad 8een terminated *itits denial o' res:ondentsI 'irst motion 'or re3onsideration o' t-e dismissal )erdi3t :er its 5rder o' No)em8er 1. 14"! 3o:ies o' *-i3- -ad 8een admittedly re3ei)ed 8y t-em. It *as not ne3essary 'or Pol3om to resol)e t-e 8elated se3ond motion 'or re3onsideration andJor ne* trial. as in 'a3t Pol3om ret(rned t-e same (na3ted to res:ondents :er its 3omm(ni3ation o' A:ril 11. 14"1. 3allin/ attention to its R(les allo*in/ only one motion 'or re3onsideration and addin/ t-at t-e de3ision o' dismissal -ad already 8e3ome 'inal and -ad 8een.
52
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% AG4ISANDA( ANGELICA A. G#!u% ) PERLA C. 'A4TISTA( GREATER MANILA FEDERATION OF *EEPNEY OPERATORS < DRIVERS ASSOCIATION s. 'OARD OF ENERGY( MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY G.R. N!. .+1)6 *a&ua#> )-( ),0, FACTS3
5n May 2!. 14%E. MERALC5 'iled *it- t-e &5E a )eri'ied a::li3ation 'or an (:*ard re)ision o' its rates alle/in/ t-at t-e 3om:any -as s(''ered net losses in 14%+ and 14%,. a dro: in <ilo*att sales and t-e deterioration o' system loss. amon/ ot-ers. T-e :ro:osed rate in3rease is 4., 3enta)os :er <ilo*att -o(r. >o*e)er. 3ons(m:tions (: to 12! <ilo*att -o(rs :er mont- o' residential 3(stomers. and (: to "! <ilo*att -o(rs o' small 3ommer3ial 3(stomers. and 3ons(m:tions o' /o)ernment9o*ned -os:itals and :(8li3 street li/-tin/ ser)i3es are not a''e3ted 8y t-e in3rease. 5n 0(ne 4. 14%E. t-e :etitioners 'iled 'or an o::osition and :rayed t-at no :ro)isional a::ro)al s-o(ld 8e /ranted 8y t-e &5E. T-ey alle/ed t-at t-ey. to/et-er *it- ot-ers similarly sit(ated. are ad)ersely a''e3ted 8y t-e in3rease in rates o' MERALC5 and t-at t-e in3rease in rates is e?or8itant and (nreasona8le as t-e :ri3es o' :etrole(m :rod(3ts -ad already /one do*n. 5n 0(ne 11. 14%E. t-e &5E :ro)isionally a::ro)ed MERALC5Is re)ised rate s3-ed(les *it-o(t -earin/. Alle/in/ t-at t-ey *ere not a''orded t-e o::ort(nity to 8e -eard. t-e :etitioners mo)ed 'or a re3onsideration o' t-e &5E s order. T-e motion *as denied 8y t-e &oard *it-o(t settin/ it 'or -earin/. 3ontendin/ t-at it -as t-e :o*er to /rant :ro)isional relie' on motion o' a :arty in a 3ase or e)en on its o*n initiati)e (nder Se3tion 11 o' Re:(8li3 A3t No. E1"2. as amended 8y Presidential De3ree No. 111%. in relation to Se3tion 46e7 o' Presidential De3ree No. 11!E . Petitioners ar/(e t-at t-e a(t-ority o' t-e &5E to /rant :ro)isional a::ro)al *it-o(t -earin/ is not a8sol(te. 8(t is s(8Ge3t to t-e d(e :ro3ess 3la(se o' t-e 3onstit(tion and t-at t-eir o::osition to t-e /rant o' :ro)isional a::ro)al M s-o(ld -a)e 8een set 'or -earin/ 'or MERALC5 to :resent a prima facie 3ase on t-e iss(e o' (r/ent :(8li3 need. >en3e. t-e instant :etition.
ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e &oard o' Ener/y a3ted *it- /ra)e a8(se o' dis3retion amo(ntin/ to la3< o' G(risdi3tion *-en it :ro)isionally a::ro)ed t-e a::li3ation 'or in3rease in rates o' MERALC5 *it-o(t -earin/. 5ELD3
Petition DISMISSED. T-e re3ords s-o* t-at t-e iss(e -as 8e3ome moot and a3ademi3 as MERALC5 de3reased its rate 8y 11.E 3enta)os :er <ilo*att -o(r in its ele3tri3. 8ills 'or A(/(st 14%E. a:art 'rom a +.1 3enta)o 3(t :er <ilo*att9-o(r 'or Se:tem8er 14%E. W-ere d(rin/ t-e :enden3y o' t-e 3ase. 3ertain e)ents or 3ir3(mstan3es -a)e ta<en :la3e *-i3- *o(ld render t-e 3ase moot and a3ademi3. t-e :etition 'or certiorari *ill 8e dismissed. >en3e. t-e Co(rt *ill neit-er determine an a8stra3t :ro:osition nor e?:ress an o:inion in a 3ase in *-i3- no :ra3ti3al relie' may 8e /ranted in )ie* o' s(:er)enin/ e)ents. Ass(min/ t-at t-e 3ase -as not yet 8e3ome moot. it is 8eyond dis:(te t-at *-en &5E :ro)isionally a(t-oriHed :ri)ate res:ondentIs a::li3ation *it-o(t -earin/. it merely e?er3ised a :rero/ati)e /ranted to it 8y la*. T-is Co(rt -as (:-eld t-e a(t-ority o' re/(latory 8oards li<e t-e Ener/y Re/(latory &oard to /rant :ro)isional relie' (:on t-e 'ilin/ o' an a::li3ation. :etition or 3om:laint or at any sta/e t-erea'ter. and *it-o(t t-e need o' :rior -earin/. 8(t it s-all 3all a -earin/ t-ereon *it-in t-irty days t-erea'ter 'or t-e determination o' its 'inal de3ision. T-e order /rantin/ s(3- :ro)isional relie'. -o*e)er. m(st 8e 8ased (:on s(8stantial e)iden3e M s(::ortin/ :a:ers d(ly )eri'ied or a(t-enti3ated. and is *it-o(t :reG(di3e to rendition o' a 'inal de3ision a'ter -earin/.
53
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% REYES( MEL ANDREW G#!u% Ci il Se# i7e C!$$issi!& . *!se Lu7as G.R. N!. )/.0-0 *a&ua#> /)( ),,, -1) SCRA +61 FACTS3 5n May 1E. 1441. RaB(el Linato<. an assistant in'ormation o''i3er at t-e A/ri3(lt(ral In'ormation Di)ision. De:artment o' A/ri3(lt(re 6DA7. 'iled *it- t-e o''i3e o' t-e Se3retary o' DA. an a''ida)it93om:laint a/ainst 0ose L(3as. a :-oto/ra:-er o' t-e same a/en3y 'or mis3ond(3t. 5n 0(ne %. 1441. t-e &oard o' Personnel InB(iry. DA. iss(ed a s(mmons reB(irin/ L(3as to ans*er t-e 3om:laint. not to 'ile a motion to dismiss. *it-in 'i)e days 'rom re3ei:t. 5n 0(ne 1". 1441. L(3as s(8mitted a letter to t-e assistant -ead o' &5PI. denyin/ t-e 3-ar/es. A33ordin/ to -im. -e did not to(3- t-e t-i/- o' Linato<. t-at *-at trans:ired *as t-at -e a33identally 8r(s-ed Linato< s le/ *-en -e rea3-ed 'or -is s-oes and t-at t-e same *as merely a33idental and -e did not intend nor *as t-ere mali3e *-en -is -and /ot in 3onta3t *it- -er le/. A'ter 'ormal in)esti/ation 8y t-e &5PI. DA. t-e 8oard iss(ed a resol(tion 'indin/ L(3as /(ilty o' sim:le mis3ond(3t. and a :enalty o' s(s:ension 'or one mont- and one day. L(3as a::ealed t-e de3ision to t-e Ci)il Ser)i3e Commission 6SCS7. T-e CSC iss(ed a resol(tion 'indin/ L(3as /(ilty o' /ra)e mis3ond(3t and im:osin/ on -im t-e :enalty o' dismissal 'rom t-e ser)i3e. L(3as mo)ed 'or re3onsideration 8(t t-e SCS denied t-e motion. 5n a::eal to t-e CA. t-e CA :rom(l/ated its de3ision settin/ aside t-e resol(tion o' t-e CSC and reinstatin/ t-e resol(tion o' t-e &5PI. DA. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e CSC de:ri)ed L(3as o' -is d(e :ro3ess. 5ELD3 L(3as maintains t-at as -e *as 3-ar/ed *it- sim:le mis3ond(3t. t-e CSC de:ri)ed -im o' -is ri/-t to d(e :ro3ess 8y 3on)i3tin/ -im *it- /ra)e mis3ond(3t. T-e SC s(stain t-e r(lin/ o' t-e CA t-atF 6a7 a 8asi3 reB(irement o' d(e :ro3ess is t-at a :erson m(st 8e d(ly in'ormed o' t-e 3-ar/es a/ainst -im and t-at 687 a :erson 3an not 8e 3on)i3ted o' a 3rime *it- *-i3- -e *as not 3-ar/ed. Administrati)e :ro3eedin/s are not e?em:t 'rom t-e 8asi3 and '(ndamental :ro3ed(ral :rin3i:les. s(3- as t-e ri/-t to d(e :ro3ess in in)esti/ations and -earin/s. T-e ri/-t to s(8stanti)e and :ro3ed(ral d(e :ro3ess is a::li3a8le in administrati)e :ro3eedin/s.
54
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% ALP4ERTO( MARIPOSA G. G#!u% ) DELANO T. PADILLA s. 5ON. PATRICIA STO. TOMAS /2- SCRA )++ FACTS3 A 3ase *as 'iled a/ainst :etitioner Delano Padilla. 'ormer o''i3er9in93-ar/e o' t-e Land Trans:ortation 5''i3e 6LT57 o' &a3olod City. . It *as alle/ed t-at :etitioner s(33eeded in -a)in/ 3a(sed and a::ro)ed t-e re/istration andJor trans'er o' o*ners-i: o' t*el)e 6117 3arna::ed and stolen )e-i3les des:ite :rior <no*led/e t-at e?istin/ la*s. r(les and re/(lations *ere )iolated in t-e re/istration and trans'er t-ereo'. As 3ontended 8y 3om:lainant LT5. :etitioner 'ailed to reB(ire 3on'irmation o' t-e Certi'i3ate o' Re/istration and 5''i3ial Re3ei:ts 3orres:ondin/ to t-e s(8Ge3t )e-i3les 'rom t-e LT5 distri3t o''i3es *-i3- iss(ed t-e same. >ad -e done so. no re/istration andJor trans'er o' t-e )e-i3les *o(ld -a)e 8een :ossi8le 8e3a(se all t-e s(::ortin/ do3(ments :ertinent to t-em *ere s:(rio(s. Petitioner -o*e)er 3ontended t-at t-e t*el)e 6117 motor )e-i3les *ere 3o)ered 8y :ro:er 3learan3es. 3erti'i3ates and similar do3(ments iss(ed 8y t-e Consta8(lary >i/-*ay Patrol Gro(: 6C>PG7. T-e 3ase *as -eard 8e'ore t-e D5TC 8(t :etitioner and -is 3o(nsel 'ailed to a::ear. T-e 3ase *as de3ided a/ainst -im and ordered -im to 8e dismissed 'rom o''i3e. Petitioner mo)ed 'or re3onsideration 8(t t-e same *as denied. Petitioner a::ealed to t-e Ci)il Ser)i3e Commission 8(t it *as also denied. >en3e. t-is :etition. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not :etitioner s ri/-t o' d(e :ro3ess *as )iolated. 5ELD3 Petitioner 3ontends t-at -is 3onstit(tional ri/-t to d(e :ro3ess *as )iolated *-en on A:ril 1!. 14%4 t-e s3-ed(led -earin/ :ro3eeded des:ite -is. and -is 3o(nselIs a8sen3e. >e 3laims t-at no8ody testi'ied d(rin/ t-e -earin/ and t-at t-e s(::ortin/ do3(ments *ere not :resented or mar<ed in e)iden3e. PetitionerIs :osition 3annot 8e s(stained. T-e essen3e o' d(e :ro3ess is t-at a :arty 8e a''orded reasona8le o::ort(nity to 8e -eard and to s(8mit any e)iden3e -e may -a)e in s(::ort o' -is de'ense. In administrati)e :ro3eedin/s s(3- as t-e one at 8en3-. d(e :ro3ess sim:ly means t-e o::ort(nity to e?:lain oneIs side or t-e o::ort(nity to see< a re3onsideration o' t-e a3tion or r(lin/ 3om:lained o'. In t-e instant 3ase. :etitioner does not deny t-e 'a3t t-at -e *as '(rnis-ed a 3o:y o' t-e 3-ar/es a/ainst -im *-erein -e *as reB(ired to 'ile an ans*er and to state *-et-er -e *anted a 'ormal in)esti/ation. Petitioner did 'ile -is ans*er. And :etitioner also admitted t-at -e *as noti'ied. T-erea'ter. on a33o(nt o' t-e li8erality o' t-e AA&9D5TC. -e *as -eard and *as allo*ed to :resent -is e)iden3e. >e *as not denied -is ri/-t to d(e :ro3ess. 5ne may 8e -eard. not only 8y )er8al :resentation 8(t also. sometimes more eloB(ently. t-ro(/- :leadin/s. ;D(e :ro3ess is not sem:er et (8iB(e G(di3ial :ro3ess.; >en3e. a 'ormal or trial9ty:e -earin/ is not. at all times. ne3essary. So lon/ as a :arty is a''orded 'air and reasona8le o::ort(nity to e?:lain -is side. t-e reB(irement o' d(e :ro3ess is 3om:lied *it-. W>EREA5RE. :remises 3onsidered. t-e instant :etition is -ere8y DISMISSED 'or la3< o' merit.
55
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% 5ERRERA( NICOLE G#!u% / Ci il Se# i7e C!$$issi!& ACSCB . 5e#&a&:eC G.R. N!. )+)1,+ FACTS3 T-e Assistant S3-ools Di)ision S(:erintendent o' t-e DECS9CAR 6Cordillera Administrati)e Re/ion7 sent a letter to VelasB(eH. in'ormin/ -im o' t-e alle/ed in'ra3tions 3ommitted 8y res:ondent >ernandeH. s(3- as soli3itin/. a33e:tin/. and re3ei)in/ s(ms o' money in e?3-an/e 'or trans'er o' :romotion o' 3om:lainant tea3-ers. VelasB(eH 3on)ened a 'a3t9'indin/ 3ommittee to determine t-e )era3ity o' t-e alle/ed )iolations o' >ernandeH. T-e Committee iss(ed an In)esti/ation Re:ort re3ommendin/ t-e 'ilin/ o' administrati)e and 3riminal 3om:laints a/ainst >ernandeH. T-e 3om:lainants 'iled a 'ormal 3-ar/e to t-e o''i3e o' t-e Pro)in3ial Prose3(tor o' A8ra 'or /ra)e mis3ond(3t and ot-er related la*s. It indi3ted >ernandeH 'or )iolation o' t-e Anti9Gra't and Corr(:t Pra3ti3es A3t and dire3t 8ri8ery. T-e de3ision *as modi'ied 8y t-e 5''i3e o' t-e De:(ty 5m8(dsman 8y *it-dra*in/ t-e 3riminal 3ase a/ainst dire3t 8ri8ery. In t-e Administrati)e 3ase 'iled a/ainst >ernandeH. t-e CSC 'o(nd t-e latter /(ilty o' dis-onest and /ra)e mis3ond(3t and ordered >ernandeH dismissal. T-e CA re)ersed t-e resol(tions o' t-e CSC. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e CSC )iolated >ernandeH ri/-t to d(e :ro3ess in administrati)e :ro3eedin/s. 5ELD3 T-e Co(rt 'o(nd res:ondent s 3laim (ntena8le. T-e essen3e o' d(e :ro3ess is t-at a :arty 8e a''orded a reasona8le o::ort(nity to 8e -eard and to :resent any e)iden3e -e may -a)e in s(::ort o' -is de'ense or sim:ly an o::ort(nity to 8e -eard. As a::lied to administrati)e :ro3eedin/s. an o::ort(nity to see< a re3onsideration o' t-e a3tion o' r(lin/ 3om:lained o'. 5ne may 8e -eard. not solely 8y )er8al :resentation. 8(t also and :er-a:s e)en many times more 3redita8ly t-an oral ar/(ment. t-ro(/- :leadin/s. Te3-ni3al r(les o' :ro3ed(re and e)iden3e are not e)en stri3tly a::lied to administrati)e :ro3eedin/s. and administrati)e d(e :ro3ess 3annot 8e '(lly eB(ated to d(e :ro3ess in its stri3t G(di3ial sense. >ernandeH -ad 8een am:ly a33orded t-e o::ort(nity to 8e -eard. S-e *as reB(ired to ans*er t-e 'ormal 3-ar/e a/ainst -er and /i)en t-e 3-an3e to :resent e)iden3e in -er 8e-al'. S-e a3ti)ely :arti3i:ated in t-e :ro3eedin/s and e)en 3ross9e?amined t-e *itnesses a/ainst -er. Clearly. 8ased on t-e a8o)e G(ris:r(dential :rono(n3ements t-e CA s 'indin/ t-at >ernandeH *as denied d(e :ro3ess is *it-o(t 8asis. Administrati)e :ro3eedin/s are /o)erned 8y t-e Ss(8stantial e)iden3e r(le.Q A 'indin/ o' /(ilt in an administrati)e 3ase *o(ld -a)e to 8e s(stained 'or as lon/ as it is s(::orted 8y s(8stantial e)iden3e t-at t-e res:ondent -as 3ommitted t-e a3ts stated in t-e 3om:laint or 'ormal 3-ar/e. T-is is di''erent 'rom t-e B(ant(m o' :roo' reB(ired in 3riminal :ro3eedin/s *-i3ne3essitates a 'indin/ o' /(ilt o' t-e a33(sed 8eyond reasona8le do(8t.
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% PASC4AL( *ERIC5O M. G#!u% ) M!&te$a>!# s. CA G.R. N!. )2,--+ *ul> )( /11FACTS3 Petitioner EDILL5 C. M5NTEMAY5R assails t-e De3ision o' t-e Co(rt o' A::eals. dated A:ril 1%. 1!!1. a''irmin/ t-e de3ision o' t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President in Administrati)e 5rder No. 11 orderin/ :etitioner s dismissal as Re/ional Dire3tor o' t-e De:artment o' P(8li3 Wor<s and >i/-*ays 6DPW>7 'or (ne?:lained *ealt-. Petitioner s dismissal ori/inated 'rom an (n)eri'ied letter93om:laint. Pri)ate res:ondent a33(sed :etitioner. t-en 5IC9Re/ional Dire3tor. Re/ion III. o' t-e DPW>. o' a33(m(latin/ (ne?:lained *ealt-. in )iolation o' Se3tion % o' Re:(8li3 A3t No. 2!14. Pri)ate res:ondent 3-ar/ed t-at in 1442. :etitioner and -is *i'e :(r3-ased a -o(se and lot at 4!" Nort- &el Aire Dri)e. &(r8an<. Los An/eles. Cali'ornia. ma<in/ a do*n :ayment o' NST1!!.!!!.!!. >e '(rt-er alle/ed t-at :etitioner s in9la*s *-o *ere li)in/ in Cali'ornia -ad a :oor 3redit standin/ d(e to a n(m8er o' de8ts and t-ey 3o(ld not -a)e :(r3-ased s(3- an e?:ensi)e :ro:erty 'or :etitioner and -is *i'e. Pri)ate res:ondent a33(sed :etitioner o' amassin/ *ealt- 'rom la-ar '(nds and ot-er :(8li3 *or<s :roGe3ts. Arom May 14. 144E (ntil Mar3- 12. 144". t-e PCAGC 3ond(3ted its o*n in)esti/ation o' t-e 3om:laint. W-ile :etitioner :arti3i:ated in t-e :ro3eedin/s and s(8mitted )ario(s :leadin/s and do3(ments t-ro(/- -is 3o(nsel. :ri)ate res:ondent93om:lainant 3o(ld not 8e lo3ated as -is P-ili::ine address 3o(ld not 8e as3ertained. In t-e 3o(rse o' t-e in)esti/ation. t-e PCAGC re:eatedly reB(ired :etitioner to s(8mit -is Statement o' Assets. Lia8ilities and Net Wort6SALN7. In3ome Ta? Ret(rns 6ITRs7 and Personal Data S-eet. Petitioner i/nored t-ese dire3ti)es and s(8mitted only -is Ser)i3e Re3ord. >e li<e*ise add(3ed in e)iden3e t-e 3-e3<s alle/edly iss(ed 8y -is sister9in9la* to :ay 'or t-e -o(se and lot in &(r8an<. Cali'ornia. W-en t-e PCAGC reB(ested t-e De:(ty 5m8(dsman 'or L(Hon to '(rnis- it *it- 3o:ies o' :etitioner s SALN 'rom 14419144+. it *as in'ormed t-at :etitioner 'ailed to 'ile -is SALN 'or t-ose years. A'ter t-e in)esti/ation. t-e PCAGC. in its Re:ort to t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President. made t-e 'ollo*in/ 'indin/sF T-e PCAGC 3on3l(ded t-at t-e :etitioner 3o(ld not -a)e 8een a8le to a''ord to 8(y t-e :ro:erty on -is ann(al in3ome o' P1E%.E+%.!! in 1442 as a::earin/ on -is Ser)i3e Re3ord. It li<e*ise 'o(nd :etitioner s e?:lanation as (n(s(al. lar/ely (ns(8stantiated. (n8elie)a8le and sel'9ser)in/. T-e PCAGC noted t-at instead o' add(3in/ e)iden3e. :etitioner s 3o(nsel e?erted more e''ort in 'ilin/ :leadin/s and motion to dismiss on t-e /ro(nd o' 'or(m s-o::in/. It also too< a/ainst :etitioner -is re'(sal to s(8mit -is SALN and ITR des:ite t-e (nderta<in/ made 8y -is 3o(nsel *-i3- raised t-e :res(m:tion t-at e)iden3e *ill'(lly s(::ressed *o(ld 8e ad)erse i' :rod(3ed. T-e PCAGC 3on3l(ded t-at as :etitioner s a3B(isition o' t-e s(8Ge3t :ro:erty *as mani'estly o(t o' :ro:ortion to -is salary. it -as 8een (nla*'(lly a3B(ired. T-(s. it re3ommended :etitioner s dismissal 'rom ser)i3e :(rs(ant to Se3tion % o' R.A. No. 2!14. Petitioner s Motion 'or Re3onsideration *as denied. >is a::eal to t-e Co(rt o' A::eals *as li<e*ise dismissed. ISS4E3 W-et-er -e *as denied d(e :ro3ess in t-e in)esti/ation 8e'ore t-e PCAGC. 5ELD3 5n t-e iss(e o' d(e :ro3ess. :etitioner s(8mits t-at t-e PCAGC 3ommitted in'ra3tions o' t-e 3ardinal r(les o' administrati)e d(e :ro3ess *-en it relied on &(ndalian s (n)eri'ied letter9 3om:laint. >e /ri:es t-at -is 3o(nter9a''ida)it s-o(ld -a)e 8een /i)en more *ei/-t as t-e (n)eri'ied 3om:laint 3onstit(tes -earsay e)iden3e. Moreo)er. :etitioner insists t-at in r(lin/ a/ainst -im. t-e PCAGC 'ailed to res:e3t -is ri/-t to 3on'ront and 3ross9e?amine t-e 3om:lainant 57
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% as t-e latter ne)er a::eared in any o' t-e -earin/s 8e'ore t-e PCAGC nor did -e send a re:resentati)e t-erein. We 'ind no merit in -is 3ontentions. T-e essen3e o' d(e :ro3ess in administrati)e :ro3eedin/s is t-e o::ort(nity to e?:lain one s side or see< a re3onsideration o' t-e a3tion or r(lin/ 3om:lained o'. As lon/ as t-e :arties are /i)en t-e o::ort(nity to 8e -eard 8e'ore G(d/ment is rendered. t-e demands o' d(e :ro3ess are s(''i3iently met. In t-e 3ase at 8ar. t-e PCAGC e?erted e''orts to noti'y t-e 3om:lainant o' t-e :ro3eedin/s 8(t -is P-ili::ine residen3e 3o(ld not 8e lo3ated. &e t-at as it may. :etitioner 3annot ar/(e t-at -e *as de:ri)ed o' d(e :ro3ess 8e3a(se -e 'ailed to 3on'ront and 3ross9e?amine t-e 3om:lainant. Petitioner )ol(ntarily s(8mitted to t-e G(risdi3tion o' t-e PCAGC 8y :arti3i:atin/ in t-e :ro3eedin/s 8e'ore it. >e *as d(ly re:resented 8y 3o(nsel. >e 'iled -is 3o(nter9a''ida)it. s(8mitted do3(mentary e)iden3e. attended t-e -earin/s. mo)ed 'or a re3onsideration o' Administrati)e 5rder No. 11 iss(ed 8y t-e President and e)ent(ally 'iled -is a::eal 8e'ore t-e Co(rt o' A::eals. >is a3ti)e :arti3i:ation in e)ery ste: o' t-e in)esti/ation e''e3ti)ely remo)ed any 8ad/e o' :ro3ed(ral de'i3ien3y. i' t-ere *as any. and satis'ied t-e d(e :ro3ess reB(irement. >e 3annot no* 8e allo*ed to 3-allen/e t-e :ro3ed(re ado:ted 8y t-e PCAGC in t-e in)esti/ation. Neit-er 3an *e s(stain :etitioner s 3ontention t-at t-e 3-ar/e a/ainst -im *as (ns(::orted 8y s(8stantial e)iden3e as it *as 3ontained in an (n)eri'ied 3om:laint. T-e la3< o' )eri'i3ation o' t-e administrati)e 3om:laint and t-e non9a::earan3e o' t-e 3om:lainant at t-e in)esti/ation did not di)est t-e PCAGC o' its a(t-ority to in)esti/ate t-e 3-ar/e o' (ne?:lained *ealt-. Nnder Se3tion 2 o' E?e3(ti)e 5rder No. 1,1 3reatin/ t-e PCAGC. 3om:laints in)ol)in/ /ra't and 3orr(:tion may 8e 'iled 8e'ore it in any 'orm or manner a/ainst :residential a::ointees in t-e e?e3(ti)e de:artment. Indeed. it is not totally (n3ommon t-at a /o)ernment a/en3y is /i)en a *ide latit(de in t-e s3o:e and e?er3ise o' its in)esti/ati)e :o*ers. T-e 5m8(dsman. (nder t-e Constit(tion. is dire3ted to a3t on any 3om:laint li<e*ise 'iled in any 'orm and manner 3on3ernin/ o''i3ial a3ts or omissions. T-e Co(rt Administrator o' t-is Co(rt in)esti/ates and ta<es 3o/niHan3e o'. not only (n)eri'ied. 8(t e)en anonymo(s 3om:laints 'iled a/ainst 3o(rt em:loyees or o''i3ials 'or )iolation o' t-e Code o' Et-i3al Cond(3t. T-is :oli3y -as 8een ado:ted in line *itt-e serio(s e''ort o' t-e /o)ernment to minimiHe. i' not eradi3ate. /ra't and 3orr(:tion in t-e ser)i3e. It is *ell to remem8er t-at in administrati)e :ro3eedin/s. te3-ni3al r(les o' :ro3ed(re and e)iden3e are not stri3tly a::lied. Administrati)e d(e :ro3ess 3annot 8e '(lly eB(ated *it- d(e :ro3ess in its stri3t G(di3ial sense 'or it is eno(/- t-at t-e :arty is /i)en t-e 3-an3e to 8e -eard 8e'ore t-e 3ase a/ainst -im is de3ided.
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% ACOSTA( VOLTAIRE G#!u% / C#uC s. Ci il Se# i7e C!$$issi!& -.1 SCRA 6+1 FACTS3 T-e C-air:erson o' t-e Ci)il Ser)i3e Commission 6CSC7. re3ei)ed a letter 'rom Carmelita Este8an. 3laimin/ t-at. d(rin/ t-e e?aminations 'or non9:ro'essional in t-e 3areer 3i)il ser)i3e on 0(ly 2!. 14%4 in X(eHon City. =enaida C. Paitim. t-e M(ni3i:al Treas(rer o' NorHa/aray. &(la3an. 'alsely :retendin/ to 8e t-e e?aminee. Gilda Cr(H. a 3o9em:loyee in t-e said o''i3e. too< t-e e?aminations 'or t-e latter. Carmelita Este8an reB(ested t-e CSC to in)esti/ate t-e matter. Erlinda A. Rosas. Dire3tor IV o' t-e Commission. iss(ed a Memorand(m to Eliseo Gat3-alian. t-e Dire3tor o' t-e Mana/ement In'ormation 5''i3e o' t-e Commission. reB(estin/ t-e latter to '(rnis-er *it- t-e :i3t(re seat :lan o' t-e room *-ere Gilda G. Cr(H *as d(rin/ t-e said e?amination. to as3ertain t-e )era3ity o' t-e letter93om:laint. Erlinda Rosas *rote a Memorand(m to Ci)il Ser)i3e Commissioner T-elma P. Gaminde. de3larin/ t-at 8ased on t-e re3ord. s-e 'o(nd a prima facie 3ase a/ainst =enaida Paitim and Gilda G. Cr(H. 5n t-e 8asis o' said memorand(m. a 'a3t 'indin/ in)esti/ation *as 3ond(3ted. A ;Aormal C-ar/e; 'or ;Dis-onesty. Gra)e Mis3ond(3t. and Cond(3t PreG(di3ial to t-e &est Interest o' t-e Ser)i3e; si/ned 8y &ella Amil-asan. Dire3tor IV o' t-e Ci)il Ser)i3e Commission Re/ional 5''i3e No. 2 *as 'iled a/ainst Gilda Cr(H and =enaida C. Paitim. *it- t-e Ci)il Ser)i3e Commission. T-e :etitioners 'iled t-eir Ans*er to t-e 3-ar/e enterin/ a /eneral denial o' t-e material a)erments o' t-e ;Aormal C-ar/e.; T-ey also de3lared t-at t-ey *ere ele3tin/ a 'ormal in)esti/ation on t-e matter. T-e :etitioners s(8seB(ently 'iled a Motion to Dismiss a)errin/ t-at i' t-e in)esti/ation *ill 3ontin(e. t-ey *ill 8e de:ri)ed o' t-eir ri/-t to d(e :ro3ess 8e3a(se t-e Ci)il Ser)i3e Commission *as t-e 3om:lainant. t-e Prose3(tor and t-e 0(d/e. all at t-e same time. Dire3tor &ella A. Amil-asan iss(ed an order denyin/ t-e motion. T-e s(8seB(ent motion 'or re3onsideration o' said order *as li<e*ise dismissed. D(l3e 0. Co3-on. Attorney III o' t-e CSC *as t-ere8y dire3ted to 3ond(3t t-e 'ormal administrati)e in)esti/ation o' :etitionersI 3ase. 5n No)em8er 1E. 144,. D(l3e 0. Co3-on iss(ed an ;In)esti/ation Re:ort and Re3ommendation; 'indin/ t-e Petitioners /(ilty o' ;Dis-onesty; and orderin/ t-eir dismissal 'rom t-e /o)ernment ser)i3e. T-e Ci)il Ser)i3e Commission 'indin/ t-e :etitioners /(ilty o' t-e 3-ar/es and ordered t-eir dismissal 'rom t-e /o)ernment Petitioners t-en *ent (: to t-e Co(rt o' A::eals assailin/ t-e resol(tion o' t-e CSC. t-e Co(rt o' A::eals dismissed t-e :etition 8e'ore it. T-e motion 'or re3onsideration *as. li<e*ise. denied. >en3e. t-is :etition. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e 3onstit(tional ri/-t o' t-e :etitioners to d(e :ro3ess *as )iolated. 5ELD3 S(:reme Co(rt 'ind no merit in t-e :etition. T-ere is no B(estion t-at :etitioner =enaida Paitim. masB(eradin/ -ersel' as :etitioner Gilda Cr(H. too< t-e 3i)il ser)i3e e?aminations in -er 8e-al'. Gilda Cr(H :assed t-e e?aminations. 5n t-e 8asis o' a ti:9o'' t-at t-e t*o :(8li3 em:loyees *ere in)ol)ed in an anomalo(s a3t. t-e CSC 3ond(3ted an in)esti/ation and )eri'ied t-at t-e t*o em:loyees *ere indeed /(ilty o' dis-onesty. T-(s. in a33ordan3e *it- t-e CSC la*. t-e :etitioners merited t-e :enalty o' dismissal. PetitionersI 3ontention t-at t-ey *ere denied d(e :ro3ess o' la* 8y t-e 'a3t t-at t-e CSC a3ted as in)esti/ator. 3om:lainant. :rose3(tor and G(d/e. all at t-e same time a/ainst t-e 59
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% :etitioners is (ntena8le. T-e CA 3orre3tly e?:lained t-at t-e CSC is mandated to -ear and de3ide administrati)e 3ase instit(ted 8y it or instit(ted 8e'ore it dire3tly or on a::eal in3l(din/ a3tions o' its o''i3ers and t-e a/en3ies atta3-ed to it :(rs(ant to &oo< V. Title 1. S(8title A. C-a:ter 2. Se3tion 11. :ara/ra:- 11 o' t-e Administrati)e Code o' 14%" *-i3- statesF 6117 >ear and de3ide administrati)e 3ases instit(ted 8y or 8ro(/-t 8e'ore it dire3tly or on a::eal. in3l(din/ 3ontested a::ointments. and re)ie* de3isions and a3tions o' its o''i3es and o' t-e a/en3ies atta3-ed to it. 5''i3ials and em:loyees *-o 'ail to 3om:ly *it- s(3- de3isions. orders. or r(lin/s s-all 8e lia8le 'or 3ontem:t o' t-e Commission. Its de3isions. orders. or r(lin/s s-all 8e 'inal and e?e3(tory. S(3- de3isions. orders. or r(lin/s may 8e 8ro(/-t to t-e S(:reme Co(rt on 3ertiorari 8y t-e a//rie)ed :arty *it-in t-irty 62!7 days 'rom re3ei:t o' a 3o:y t-ereo'K T-e 'a3t t-at t-e 3om:laint *as 'iled 8y t-e CSC itsel' does not mean t-at it 3o(ld not 8e an im:artial G(d/e. As an administrati)e 8ody. its de3ision *as 8ased on s(8stantial 'indin/s. Aa3t(al 'indin/s o' administrati)e 8odies. 8ein/ 3onsidered e?:erts in t-eir 'ield. are 8indin/ on t-e S(:reme Co(rt. T-e re3ords 3learly dis3lose t-at t-e :etitioners *ere d(ly in)esti/ated 8y t-e CSC and 'o(nd t-atF A'ter a 3are'(l e?amination o' t-e re3ords. t-e Commission 'inds res:ondents /(ilty as 3-ar/ed. T-e :-oto/ra:- :asted o)er t-e name Gilda Cr(H in t-e Pi3t(re Seat Plan 6PSP7 d(rin/ t-e 0(ly 2!. 14%4 Career Ser)i3e E?amination is not t-at o' Cr(H 8(t o' "aitim. Also. t-e si/nat(re o)er t-e name o' Gilda Cr(H in t-e said do3(ment is totally di''erent 'rom t-e si/nat(re o' Gilda Cr(H. W-ere'ore. t-e :etition is Denied. T-e assailed de3ision o' t-e Co(rt o' A::eals is A''irmed.
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D. Right Agai&st Sel9- I&7#i$i&ati!&
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% VALDERRAMA( NICO '. G#!u% / MAN4EL CA'AL s. R4PERTO =AP4NAN G.R. N!. L-),1+/ De7e$8e# /,( ),6/ FACTS3 5n or a8o(t A(/(st 14E1. Col. 0ose Maristela o' t-e P-ili::ine Army 'iled *it- t-e Se3retary o' National De'ense a letter93om:laint 3-ar/in/ Man(el Ca8al. t-en C-ie' o' Sta'' o' t-e Armed Aor3es o' t-e P-ili::ines. *it- S/ra't. 3orr(:t :ra3ti3es. (ne?:lained *ealt-. 3ond(3t (n8e3omin/ o' an o''i3er and /entleman. di3tatorial tenden3ies. /i)in/ 'alse statements o' -is assets and lia8ilities in 14,% and ot-er eB(ally re:re-ensi8le a3ts. 5n Se:tem8er E. 14E1. t-e President o' t-e P-ili::ines 3reated a 3ommittee o' 'i)e mem8ers 3onsistin/ o' t-ree 'ormer G(sti3es and t*o /enerals to in)esti/ate t-e 3-are o' (ne?:lained *ealt- 3ontained in t-e said letter93om:laint and s(8mit its re:ort and re3ommendations as soon as :ossi8le. At t-e 8e/innin/ o' t-e in)esti/ation. on Se:tem8er 1,. 14E1. t-e Committee. (:on reB(est o' 3om:lainant Col. Maristela. 3onsidered Ca8al to ta<e t-e *itness stand and 8e s*orn to as *itness 'or Col. Maristela in s(::ort o' -is 3-ar/e o' (ne?:lained *ealt-. Ca8al o8Ge3ted :ersonally and in)o<ed -is 3onstit(tional ri/-t a/ainst sel'9in3rimination. T-e Committee insisted t-at Ca8al ta<e t-e *itness stand and 8e s*orn to. s(8Ge3t to -is ri/-t to re'(se to ans*er s(3B(estions as may 8e in3riminatory. Still. Ca8al re'(sed. T-e Committee *as t-ere'ore o8li/ed. in a 3omm(ni3ation dated Se:tem8er 1%. 14E1 to re'er t-e matter to t-e City Ais3al o' Manila. 5n Se:tem8er 1%. 1%E1. t-e City Ais3al 3-ar/ed Ca8al *it- 3ontem:t (nder Se3tion ,%! o' t-e Re)ised Administrati)e Code *it- t-e Co(rt o' Airst Instan3e o' Manila. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not Ca8al s 3onstit(tional ri/-t a/ainst sel'9in3rimination a::lies in t-e in)esti/ation 3ond(3ted 8y t-e 3ommittee. R4LING3 T-e S(:reme Co(rt r(led t-at sin3e t-e :ro3eedin/s instit(ted 8y t-e 3ommittee are deemed 3riminal or :enal. >en3e. t-e e?em:tion o' Ca8al 'rom t-e o8li/ation to 8e a *itness a/ainst -imsel' is a)aila8le to -im. T-e :(r:ose o' t-e in)esti/ation is to a::ly t-e :ro)isions o' Anti9Gra't La* or RA 12"4 *-i3- a(t-oriHes t-e 'or'eit(re o' t-e State o' :ro:erty o' a :(8li3 o''i3er or em:loyee *-i3- is mani'estly o(t o' :ro:ortion to -is salary as s(3- :(8li3 o''i3er or em:loyee and -is ot-er la*'(l in3ome and t-e in3ome 'rom le/itimately a3B(ired :ro:erty. S(3'or'eit(re -as 8een -eld 8y t-e S(:reme Co(rt to :arta<e a nat(re o' a :enalty. T-e r(le :rote3tin/ a :erson 'rom 8ein/ 3om:elled to '(rnis- e)iden3e *-i3- *o(ld in3riminate -im e?ists not only *-en -e is lia8le 3riminally to :rose3(tion and :(nis-ment 8(t also *-en -is ans*er *o(ld tend to e?:ose -im to a 'or'eit(re. In t-e 3ase at 8ar. t-e in)esti/ation is deemed to 8e 3riminal in nat(re not*it-standin/ t-e 'a3t t-at t-e :ro3ed(re is 3i)il. T-(s. Ca8al 3an in)o<e -is 3onstit(tional ri/-t a/ainst sel'9in3rimination.
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% MAR'ELLA( C* G#!u% / Pas7ual s. '!a#: !9 Me:i7al EDa$i&e#s /0SCRA-2+ FACTS3 Arsenio Pas3(al. 0r.. 'iled *it- t-e Co(rt o' Airst Instan3e o' Manila an a3tion 'or :ro-i8ition *it- :rayer 'or :reliminary inG(n3tion a/ainst t-e &oard o' Medi3al E?aminers. It *as alle/ed t-at at t-e initial -earin/ o' an administrati)e 3ase 'or alle/ed immorality. 3o(nsel 'or 3om:lainants anno(n3ed t-at -e *o(ld :resent Pas3(al as -is 'irst *itness. *-o *as t-e res:ondent in s(3mal:ra3ti3e 3-ar/e. Pas3(al relied on t-e 3onstit(tional ri/-t to 8e e?em:t 'rom 8ein/ a *itness a/ainst -imsel'. T-e &oard o' E?aminers. too< note o' s(3- a :lea. at t-e same time statin/ t-at at t-e ne?t s3-ed(led -earin/. Pas3(al *o(ld 8e 3alled (:on to testi'y as s(3- *itness. (nless in t-e meantime -e 3o(ld se3(re a restrainin/ order 'rom a 3om:etent a(t-ority. Pas3(al t-en alle/ed t-at to 3om:el -im to ta<e t-e *itness stand. t-e &oard o' E?aminers *as /(ilty o' /ra)e a8(se o' dis3retion 'or 'ail(re to res:e3t t-e 3onstit(tional ri/-t a/ainst sel'9 in3rimination. t-e administrati)e :ro3eedin/ a/ainst -im. *-i3- 3o(ld res(lt in 'or'eit(re or loss o' a :ri)ile/e. 8ein/ B(asi93riminal in 3-ara3ter. >is a3tion 'or :ro-i8ition *as /ranted 8y t-e lo*er 3o(rt *-i3- s(8seB(ently rendered G(d/ment in -is 'a)or. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not Pas3(al s ri/-t a/ainst sel'9in3rimination *as 8ein/ )iolated 8y t-e &oard o' Medi3al E?aminers 8y 3om:ellin/ -im to testi'y a/ainst -imsel'. 5ELD3 Yes. We 'o(nd 'or t-e :etitioner in a33ordan3e *it- t-e *ell9settled :rin3i:le t-at ;t-e a33(sed in a 3riminal 3ase may re'(se. not only to ans*er in3riminatory B(estions. 8(t. also. to ta<e t-e *itness stand.; T-e 3onstit(tional /(arantee :rote3ts as *ell t-e ri/-t to silen3e. As 'ar 8a3< as 14!,. *e -ad o33asion to de3lareF ;T-e a33(sed -as a :er'e3t ri/-t to remain silent and -is silen3e 3annot 8e (sed as a :res(m:tion o' -is /(ilt.; 5nly last year. in C-a)eH ). Co(rt o' A::eals. s:ea<in/ t-ro(/- 0(sti3e San3-eH. *e rea''irmed t-e do3trine ane* t-at it is t-e ri/-t o' a de'endant ;to 'ore/o testimony. to remain silent. (nless -e 3-ooses to ta<e t-e *itness stand *it- (ndil(ted. (n'ettered e?er3ise o' -is o*n 'ree /en(ine *ill.; We -old t-at in an administrati)e -earin/ a/ainst a medi3al :ra3titioner 'or alle/ed mal:ra3ti3e. res:ondent &oard o' Medi3al E?aminers 3annot. 3onsistently *it- t-e sel'9in3rimination 3la(se. 3om:el t-e :erson :ro3eeded a/ainst to ta<e t-e *itness stand *it-o(t -is 3onsent.
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% LEON( DAVID MARTIN L. G#!u% ) P5ILIPPINE 'AN= OF COMM4NICATIONS s. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVEN4E( CO4RT OF TA? APPEALS a&: CO4RT OF APPEALS G.R. N!. ))/1/2 ),,, *a&ua#> /0 FACTS3 Petitioner. P-ili::ine &an< o' Comm(ni3ations 6P&Com7. a 3ommer3ial 8an<in/ 3or:oration d(ly or/aniHed (nder P-ili::ine la*s. 'iled its B(arterly in3ome ta? ret(rns 'or t-e 'irst and se3ond B(arters o' 14%,. re:orted :ro'its. and :aid t-e total in3ome ta? o' P,.!1E.4,+.!!. T-e ta?es d(e *ere settled 8y a::lyin/ P&Com s ta? 3redit memos and a33ordin/ly. t-e &(rea( o' Internal Re)en(e 6&IR7 iss(ed Ta? De8it Memos. S(8seB(ently. -o*e)er. P&Com s(''ered losses so t-at *-en it 'iled its Ann(al In3ome Ta? Ret(rns 'or t-e year De3em8er 21. 14%, and De3em8er 21. 14%E.res:e3ti)ely. it de3lared no in3ome ta? lia8ility. &(t d(rin/ t-ese t*o years. P&Com earned rental in3ome 'rom leased :ro:erties. T-e lessees *it--eld and remitted to t-e &IR *it--oldin/ 3redita8le ta?es o' P1%1."4,.,! in 14%, and P12+.!"".E4 in 14%E. 5n A(/(st ". 14%". :etitioner reB(ested t-e Commissioner o' Internal Re)en(e. amon/ ot-ers. 'or a ta? 3redit o' P,.!1E.4,+.!! re:resentin/ t-e o)er:ayment o' ta?es in t-e 'irst and se3ond B(arters o' 14%,. T-erea'ter. on 0(ly 1,. 14%%. :etitioner 'iled a 3laim 'or re'(nd o' 3redita8le ta?es *it--eld 8y t-eir lessees 'rom :ro:erty rentals in 14%, 'or P1%1."4,.,! and in 14%E 'or P12+.!"".E4. Pendin/ t-e in)esti/ation o' t-e res:ondent Commissioner o' Internal Re)en(e. :etitioner instit(ted a Petition 'or Re)ie* on No)em8er 1%. 14%% 8e'ore t-e Co(rt o' Ta? A::eals 6CTA7. CTA rendered a de3ision *-i3-. as stated on t-e o(tset. denied t-e reB(est o' :etitioner 'or a ta? re'(nd or 3redit on t-e /ro(nd t-at it *as 'iled 8eyond t-e t*o9year re/lementary :eriod :ro)ided 'or 8y la*. T-e :etitioner s 3laim 'or re'(nd in 14%E *as li<e*ise denied on t-e ass(m:tion t-at it *as a(tomati3ally 3redited 8y P&Com a/ainst its ta? :ayment in t-e s(33eedin/ year. T-erea'ter. P&Com 'iled a :etition 'or re)ie* o' said de3ision and resol(tion o' t-e CTA *it- t-e Co(rt o' A::eals *-i3- -o*e)er a''irmed t-e de3sision in toto. >en3e t-is :etition. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e Co(rt o' A::eals erred in denyin/ t-e :lea 'or ta? re'(nd or ta? 3redits on t-e /ro(nd o' :res3ri:tion. des:ite :etitioner s relian3e on RMC No. "9%,. 3-an/in/ t-e :res3ri:ti)e :eriod o' t*o years to ten years. 5ELD3 A memorand(m93ir3(lar o' a 8(rea( -ead 3o(ld not o:erate to )est a ta?:ayer *it- a s-ield a/ainst G(di3ial a3tion. Aor t-ere are no )ested ri/-ts to s:ea< o' res:e3tin/ a *ron/ 3onstr(3tion o' t-e la* 8y t-e administrati)e o''i3ials and s(3- *ron/ inter:retation 3o(ld not :la3e t-e Go)ernment in esto::el to 3orre3t or o)err(le t-e same. Moreo)er. t-e non9retroa3ti)ity o' r(lin/s 8y t-e Commissioner o' Internal Re)en(e is not a::li3a8le in t-is 3ase 8e3a(se t-e n(llity o' RMC No. "9%, *as de3lared 8y res:ondent 3o(rts and not 8y t-e Commissioner o' Internal Re)en(e. Lastly. it m(st 8e noted t-at. as re:eatedly -eld 8y t-is Co(rt. a 3laim 'or re'(nd is in t-e nat(re o' a 3laim 'or e?em:tion and s-o(ld 8e 3onstr(ed in stri3tissimi G(ris a/ainst t-e ta?:ayer.
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F. A:$i&ist#ati e A%%eal a&: Re ie"
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% AGONOY( CIARA MARIE G#!u% ) ARANETA s. GATMAITAN )1) Phil. -/0 FACTS3 T-en President Ma/saysay iss(ed E?e3(ti)e 5rders :ro-i8itin/ tra*l 'is-in/ in San Mi/(el &ay. lo3ated 8et*een t-e :ro)in3es o' Camarines Norte and Camarines S(r. A /ro(: o' tra*l o:erators too< t-e matter to 3o(rt 8y 'ilin/ a 3om:laint 'or inG(n3tion to restrain t-e Se3retary o' A/ri3(lt(re and t-e Dire3tor o' Ais-eries 'rom en'or3in/ t-e said e?e3(ti)e order. T-e lo*er 3o(rt /ranted inG(n3tion an n(lli'ied t-e assailed e?e3(ti)e orders sayin/ t-at t-e matter o' allo*in/ or :ro-i8itin/ tra*l 'is-in/ is *it-in t-e :o*er o' t-e le/islat(re and not *itt-e e?e3(ti)e. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e President o' t-e P-ili::ines -as t-e :o*er to iss(e e?e3(ti)e orders 8annin/ tra*l 'is-in/ in San Mi/(el &ay. 5ELD3 T-e e?e3(ti)e orders restri3tin/ and 8annin/ tra*l 'is-in/ 'rom San Mi/(el &ay are )alid and iss(ed 8y a(t-ority o' la*. Nnder t-e Ais-eries la*. t-e restri3tion and 8annin/ o' tra*l 'is-in/ 'rom all P-ili::ine *aters 3ome *it-in t-e :o*ers o' t-e Se3retary o' A/ri3(lt(re and Nat(ral Reso(r3es. >o*e)er. sin3e t-e Se3retary o' A/ri3(lt(re e?er3ise its '(n3tions s(8Ge3t to t-e /eneral s(:er)ision and 3ontrol o' t-e President. t-e President 3an e?er3ise t-e same :o*er and a(t-ority t-ro(/e?e3(ti)e orders. re/(lations and de3rees (:on t-e re3ommendation o' t-e Se3retary 3on3erned.
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% SEG4'IENSE( RENATO G#!u% ) FORTIC5 s. CORONA /0, SCRA 6/2 FACTS3 T-e stri<ers :rotested t-e Mar3- 14. 144E De3ision o' t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President 65P7. iss(ed t-ro(/- t-en E?e3(ti)e Se3retary R(8en D. Torres. *-i3- a::ro)ed t-e 3on)ersion o' a one -(ndred 'orty9'o(r 61++79-e3tare land 'rom a/ri3(lt(ral to a/ro9ind(strialJinstit(tional area. T-is led t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President. t-ro(/- t-en De:(ty E?e3(ti)e Se3retary Renato C. Corona. to iss(e t-e so93alled SWin9WinQ Resol(tion on No)em8er ". 144". s(8stantially modi'yin/ its earlier De3ision a'ter it -ad already 8e3ome 'inal and e?e3(tory. T-e said Resol(tion modi'ied t-e a::ro)al o' t-e land 3on)ersion to a/ro9ind(strial area only to t-e e?tent o' 'orty9'o(r 6++7 -e3tares. and ordered t-e remainin/ one -(ndred 61!!7 -e3tares to 8e distri8(ted to B(ali'ied 'armer98ene'i3iaries. T-is 3ase in)ol)es a 1++9-e3tare land. o*ned 8y t-e Nor8erto X(is(m8in/. Sr. Mana/ement and De)elo:ment Cor:oration 6NXSRMDC7. one o' t-e :etitioners. In 14%+. t-e land *as leased as a :inea::le :lantation to t-e P-ili::ine Pa3<in/ Cor:oration. no* Del Monte P-ili::ines. In3. 6DMPI7. a m(ltinational 3or:oration. 'or a :eriod o' ten 61!7 years (nder t-e Cro: Prod(3er and Gro*er s A/reement. T-e lease e?:ired in A:ril. 144+. In 53to8er. 1441. d(rin/ t-e e?isten3e o' t-e lease. t-e De:artment o' A/rarian Re'orm 6DAR7 :la3ed t-e entire 1++9-e3tare :ro:erty (nder 3om:(lsory a3B(isition. NXSRMDC resisted t-e DAR s a3tion. In Ae8r(ary. 1441. it so(/-t and *as /ranted 8y t-e DAR AdG(di3ation &oard 6DARA&7. t-ro(/- its Pro)in3ial A/rarian Re'orm AdG(di3ator. a *rit o' :ro-i8ition *it- :reliminary inG(n3tion. Des:ite t-e DARA& order. t-e DAR Re/ional Dire3tor iss(ed a memorand(m. dated dire3tin/ t-e Land &an< to o:en a tr(st a33o(nt in t-e name o' NXSRMDC and to 3ond(3t s(mmary :ro3eedin/s to determine t-e G(st 3om:ensation o' t-e s(8Ge3t :ro:erty. NXSRMDC o8Ge3ted to t-ese mo)es and 'iled on 0(ne 4. 1441 an 5mni8(s Motion to en'or3e t-e DARA& order o' Mar3- 21. 1441 and to n(lli'y t-e s(mmary :ro3eedin/s (nderta<en 8y t-e DAR Re/ional Dire3tor and Land &an< on t-e )al(ation o' t-e s(8Ge3t :ro:erty. T-e DARA&. a3ted 'a)ora8ly on t-e 5mni8(s Motion 8y 6a7 orderin/ t-e DAR Re/ional Dire3tor and Land &an< Sto serio(sly 3om:ly *it- t-e terms o' t-e order dated 687 n(lli'yin/ t-e DAR Re/ional Dire3tor s memorand(m and t-e s(mmary :ro3eedin/s 3ond(3ted :(rs(ant t-eretoK and 637 dire3tin/ t-e Land &an< Sto ret(rn t-e 3laim 'older o' Petitioner NXSRMDC s s(8Ge3t :ro:erty to t-e DAR (ntil '(rt-er orders. In t-e meantime. Go)ernor Carlos 5. Aorti3-. :assed Resol(tion No. Edated. desi/natin/ 3ertain areas alon/ &(<idnon9Sayre >i/-*ay as :art o' t-e &(<idnon A/ro9Ind(strial =ones *-ere t-e s(8Ge3t :ro:erty is sit(ated. 5n No)em8er 1+. 144+. t-e DAR. t-r( Se3retary Garilao. iss(ed an 5rder denyin/ t-e instant a::li3ation 'or t-e 3on)ersion o' t-e s(8Ge3t land 'rom a/ri3(lt(ral to a/ro9ind(strial and. instead. :la3ed t-e same (nder t-e 3om:(lsory 3o)era/e o' CARP. Go)ernor Carlos 5. Aorti3- o' &(<idnon a::ealed t-e order o' denial to t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President and :rayed 'or t-e 3on)ersionJre3lassi'i3ation o' t-e s(8Ge3t land as t-e same *o(ld 8e more 8ene'i3ial to t-e :eo:le o' &(<idnon. 5n 0(ne 14. 144,. 'iled *it- t-e Co(rt o' A::eals a :etition 'or 3ertiorari. :ro-i8ition *it:reliminary inG(n3tion.In resol)in/ t-e a::eal. t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President. t-ro(/- t-en E?e3(ti)e Se3retary R(8en D. Torres. iss(ed a De3ision a::ro)in/ t-e a::li3ation o' t-e :etitioners. T-erea'ter DAR 'iled a motion 'or re3onsideration o' t-e 5P de3ision. NXSRMDC 'iled a 3om:laint *it- t-e Re/ional Trial Co(rt 6RTC7 o' Malay8alay. &(<idnon 'or ann(lment and 3an3ellation o' title. dama/es and inG(n3tion a/ainst DAR and 1+1 ot-ers. T-e RTC t-en iss(ed a Tem:orary Restrainin/ 5rder and a Writ o' Preliminary InG(n3tion.
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% restrainin/ t-e DAR and 1+1 ot-ers 'rom enterin/. o33(:yin/ andJor *restin/ 'rom NXSRMDC t-e :ossession o' t-e s(8Ge3t land. 5n 0(ne 12. 144". an 5rder *as iss(ed 8y t-en E?e3(ti)e Se3retary R(8en D. Torres denyin/ DAR s motion 'or re3onsideration 'or -a)in/ 8een 'iled 8eyond t-e re/lementary :eriod o' 'i'teen 61,7 days. T-e said order '(rt-er de3lared t-at t-e Mar3- 14. 144E 5P de3ision -ad already 8e3ome 'inal and e?e3(tory. T-e DAR 'iled on 0(ly 11. 144" a se3ond motion 'or re3onsideration o' t-e 0(ne 12. 144" 5rder o' t-e President. 5n A(/(st 11. 144". t-e said *rit o' :reliminary inG(n3tion iss(ed 8y t-e RTC *as 3-allen/ed 8y some alle/ed 'armers 8e'ore t-e Co(rt o' A::eals t-ro(/- a :etition 'or 3ertiorari and :ro-i8ition. :rayin/ 'or t-e li'tin/ o' t-e inG(n3tion and 'or t-e iss(an3e o' a *rit o' :ro-i8ition 'rom '(rt-er tryin/ t-e RTC 3ase. 5n 53to8er 4. 144". some alle/ed 'armer98ene'i3iaries 8e/an t-eir -(n/er stri<e in 'ront o' t-e DAR Com:o(nd in X(eHon City to :rotest t-e 5P De3ision o' Mar3- 14. 144E. 5n No)em8er ". 144". t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President resol)ed t-e stri<ers :rotest 8y iss(in/ t-e so93alled SWinJWinQ Resol(tion :enned 8y t-en De:(ty E?e3(ti)e Se3retary Renato C. Corona. A 3o:y o' t-e SWin9WinQ Resol(tion *as re3ei)ed 8y Go)ernor Carlos 5. Aorti3- and NXSRMDC and t-ey 'iled t-e :resent :etition 'or 3ertiorari. :ro-i8ition and inG(n3tion *it- (r/ent :rayer 'or a tem:orary restrainin/ order andJor *rit o' :reliminary inG(n3tion a/ainst t-en De:(ty E?e3(ti)e Se3retary Renato C. Corona and DAR Se3retary Ernesto D. Garilao. A Motion Aor Lea)e To Inter)ene *as 'iled 8y alle/ed 'armer98ene'i3iaries. t-ro(/3o(nsel. 3laimin/ t-at t-ey are real :arties in interest. In see<in/ t-e n(lli'i3ation o' t-e SWin9WinQ Resol(tion. t-e :etitioners 3laim t-at t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President 3ome (: :(rely :oliti3al de3ision to a::ease t-e $'armers. 8y re)i)in/ and modi'yin/ t-e De3ision o' 14 Mar3- 144E *-i3- -as 8een de3lared 'inal and e?e3(tory in an 5rder o' 12 0(ne 144". Petitioners '(rt-er alle/e. res:ondent t-en De:(ty E?e3(ti)e Se3retary Renato C. Corona S3ommitted /ra)e a8(se o' dis3retion and a3ted 8eyond -is G(risdi3tion *-en -e iss(ed t-e B(estioned Resol(tion o' " No)em8er 144". ISS4E3 W-et-er t-e re3o(rse o' :etitioners is :ro:er or not. W-et-er t-e :etitioners 3ommitted a 'atal :ro3ed(ral la:se *-en t-ey 'ailed to 'ile a motion 'or re3onsideration o' t-e assailed resol(tion 8e'ore see<in/ G(di3ial re3o(rse. 5ELD3
To resol)e t-e iss(e t-e S.C. dra* a line 8et*een an error o' G(d/ment and an error o' G(risdi3tion. An e##!# !9 Eu:g$e&t is one *-i3- t-e 3o(rt may 3ommit in t!e exercise of its jurisdiction. and *-i3- error is re)ie*a8le only 8y an a::eal. 5n t-e ot-er -and. an e##!# !9 Eu#is:i7ti!& is one *-ere t-e a3t 3om:lained o' *as iss(ed 8y t-e 3o(rt. o''i3er or a B(asi9G(di3ial 8ody wit!out or in excess of jurisdiction. or wit! grave abuse of discretion w!ic! is tantamount to lack or in excess of jurisdiction. T-is error is 3orre3ta8le only 8y t-e e?traordinary *rit o' 3ertiorari. A(rt-ermore t-e S.C. r(led t-at t-e remedy :res3ri8ed in R(le +2 is ina::li3a8le 3onsiderin/ t-at t-e :resent :etition 3ontains an alle/ation t-at t-e 3-allen/ed resol(tion is S:atently ille/al and *as iss(ed *it- S/ra)e a8(se o' dis3retionQ and S8eyond res:ondent Se3retary Renato C. Corona s G(risdi3tion *-en said resol(tion s(8stantially modi'ied t-e earlier 5P De3ision o' Mar3- 14. 144E *-i3- -ad lon/ 8e3ome 'inal and e?e3(toryK t-at t-e iss(e raised in)ol)es an error o' G(risdi3tion. not an error o' G(d/ment *-i3- is re)ie*a8le 8y an a::ealK t-at t-e a::ro:riate remedy to ann(l and set aside t-e assailed resol(tion is an ori/inal s:e3ial 3i)il a3tion 'or 3ertiorari. as *-at t-e :etitioners -a)e 3orre3tly doneK t-at t-e *rits :rayed 'or s-o(ld 8e allo*ed only *-en t-ere are s:e3ial and im:ortant reasons *-i3-. 3learly and s:e3i'i3ally set o(t in t-e :etition. T-e 3o(rt stated t-at t-e said motion is not ne3essary *-en t-e B(estioned resol(tion is a :atent n(llity. To s(m (:. t-e :etition *as /ranted and t-e 3-allen/ed resol(tion is n(lli'ied and set asideK and t-e Motion Aor Lea)e To Inter)ene 'iled 8y alle/ed 'armer98ene'i3iaries isdenied.
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% 'ANGCOY( PAOLO MARTIN S. G#!u% / SGMC REALTY CORPORATION s. OFFICE OF T5E PRESIDENT AOPB( RIDGEVIEW REALTY CORPORATION( SM INVESTMENTS CORPORATION( M4LTI-REALTY DEVELOPMENT CORP.( 5ENRY SY SR.( 5ENRY SY *R.( 5ANS T. SY( MARY 4Y TY a&: VICTOR LIM FACTS3
5n Mar3- 14. 144+. :etitioner 'iled 8e'ore t-e >o(sin/ and Land Nse Re/(latory &oard 6>LNR&7 a 3om:laint 'or 8rea3- o' 3ontra3t. )iolation o' :ro:erty ri/-ts and dama/es a/ainst :ri)ate res:ondents. A'ter t-e :arties 'iled t-eir :leadin/s and s(::ortin/ do3(ments. t-e ar8iter rendered a de3ision dismissin/ :etitionerIs 3om:laint as *ell as :ri)ate res:ondentsI 3o(nter3laim. Petitioner t-en 'iled a :etition 'or re)ie* *it- t-e &oard o' Commissioners o' t-e >LNR& *-i3-. -o*e)er. dismissed said :etition. 5n 53to8er 12. 144,. :etitioner re3ei)ed a 3o:y o' said de3ision o' t-e &oard o' Commissioners. 5n No)em8er 1!. 144,. :etitioner 'iled an a::eal *it- :(8li3 res:ondent. A'ter t-e :arties 'iled t-eir memorand(m. t-ey 'iled t-eir res:e3ti)e dra't de3isions as ordered 8y :(8li3 res:ondent. 5n 0(ne 1%. 144E. :(8li3 res:ondent. *it-o(t del)in/ into t-e merits o' t-e 3ase. dismissed t-e a::eal. Petitioner 3ontends t-at t-e :eriod o' a::eal 'rom t-e >LNR& to t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President is t-irty 62!7 days 'rom re3ei:t 8y t-e a//rie)ed :arty o' t-e de3ision a::ealed 'rom in a33ordan3e *it- Se3tion 1" o' t-e 144+ R(les o' Pro3ed(re o' >LNR& and Se3tion 1 o' Administrati)e 5rder No. 1%. series o' 14%". o' t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President.
ISS4E3 W-et-er or not :(8li3 res:ondent 3ommitted /ra)e a8(se o' dis3retion in r(lin/ t-at t-e re/lementary :eriod *it-in *-i3- to a::eal t-e de3ision o' >LNR& to :(8li3 res:ondent is 'i'teen days. 5ELD3
We 'ind :etitioner s 3ontention 8ere't o' merit. As :ointed o(t 8y :(8li3 res:ondent. t-e a'ore3ited administrati)e order allo*s a//rie)ed :arty to 'ile its a::eal *it- t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President *it-in t-irty 62!7 days 'rom re3ei:t o' t-e de3ision 3om:lained o'. Nonet-eless. s(3- t-irty9day :eriod is s(8Ge3t to t-e B(ali'i3ation t-at t-ere are no ot-er stat(tory :eriods o' a::eal a::li3a8le. I' t-ere are s:e3ial la*s /o)ernin/ :arti3(lar 3ases *-i3- :ro)ide 'or a s-orter or lon/er re/lementary :eriod. t-e same s-all :re)ail o)er t-e t-irty9day :eriod :ro)ided 'or in t-e administrati)e order. We note t-at indeed t-ere are s:e3ial la*s t-at mandate a s-orter :eriod o' 'i'teen 61,7 days *it-in *-i3- to a::eal a 3ase to :(8li3 res:ondent. An e?am:le o' t-is is Se3tion 1 o' Presidential De3ree No. 12++ states t-at de3isions o' t-e National >o(sin/ A(t-ority s-all 8e3ome 'inal and e?e3(tory a'ter t-e la:se o' 'i'teen 61,7 days 'rom t-e date o' its re3ei:t. T-e latter de3ree :ro)ides t-at t-e de3isions o' N>A is a::eala8le only to t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President. A(rt-er. *e note t-at t-e re/(latory '(n3tions o' N>A relatin/ to -o(sin/ and land de)elo:ment -as 8een trans'erred to >(man Settlements Re/(latory Commission. no* <no*n as >LNR&. T-(s. said :residential iss(an3es :ro)idin/ 'or a re/lementary :eriod o' a::eal o' 'i'teen days a::ly in t-is 3ase. In t-is 3ase. :etitioner re3ei)ed a 3o:y o' t-e de3ision o' >LNR& on 53to8er 12. 144,. Considerin/ t-at t-e re/lementary :eriod to a::eal is 'i'teen days. :etitioner -as only (ntil No)em8er ". 144,. to 'ile its a::eal. Nn'ort(nately. :etitioner 'iled its a::eal *it- :(8li3 res:ondent only on No)em8er 1!. 144, or t*enty9ei/-t days 'rom re3ei:t o' t-e a::ealed de3ision. *-i3- is o8)io(sly 'iled o(t o' time. As t-e a::eal 'iled 8y :etitioner *as not ta<en *it-in t-e re/lementary :eriod. t-e :res3ri:ti)e :eriod 'or :er'e3tin/ an a::eal 3ontin(es to r(n. ConseB(ently. t-e de3ision o' t-e >LNR& 8e3ame 'inal and e?e3(tory (:on t-e la:se o' 'i'teen days 'rom re3ei:t o' t-e de3ision. >en3e. t-e de3ision 8e3ame imm(ta8leK it 3an no lon/er 8e amended nor altered 8y :(8li3 res:ondent. A33ordin/ly. inasm(3- as t-e timely :er'e3tion o' an a::eal is a G(risdi3tional reB(isite. :(8li3 res:ondent -as no more a(t-ority to entertain t-e :etitionerIs a::eal. 5t-er*ise. any amendment or alteration made *-i3- s(8stantially a''e3ts t-e 'inal and e?e3(tory G(d/ment *o(ld 8e n(ll and )oid 'or la3< o' G(risdi3tion.
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% 'AS4G( SAM4EL M. G#!u% MA?IMA REALTY MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION s. PAR=WAY REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION G.R. N!. )-62,/ Fe8#ua#> )-( /112 FACTS 3 T-e s(8Ge3t o' t-e 3ontro)ersy is Nnit ["!1 o' >eart To*er Condomini(m lo3ated alon/ Valero Street. Sal3edo Villa/e. Ma<ati City. Said (nit *as ori/inally sold 8y Se/o)ia De)elo:ment Cor:oration 6Se/o)ia7 to Masa-i<o Moris-ita. *-o in t(rn sold and assi/ned all -is ri/-ts t-ereto in 'a)or o' Par<*ay Real Estate De)elo:ment Cor:oration 6Par<*ay7. S(8seB(ently Par<*ay and :etitioner Ma?ima Realty Mana/ement and De)elo:ment Cor:oration 6Ma?ima7 entered into an a/reement to 8(y and sell. on installment 8asis. Nnit ["!1. It *as '(rt-er a/reed t-at 'ail(re to :ay any o' t-e installments on t-eir d(e dates s-all entitle Par<*ay to 'or'eit t-e amo(nts :aid 8y *ay o' liB(idated dama/es. Ma?ima de'a(lted in t-e :ayment o' t-e installments d(e 8(t *as /ranted se)eral /ra3e :eriods (ntil it -as :aid a total o' P1.1%!.!!!.!!. lea)in/ a 8alan3e o' P1.%1!.!!!.!!.E!. Par<*ay. *it- t-e 3onsent o' Se/o)ia. e?e3(ted a Deed o' Assi/nment trans'errin/ all its ri/-ts in t-e 3ondomini(m (nit in 'a)or o' Ma?ima. 5n t-e ot-er -and. Se/o)ia and Ma?ima a/reed to trans'er title to t-e 3ondomini(m (nit dire3tly in Ma?ima s name s(8Ge3t to t-e 3ondition t-at t-e latter s-all :ay Se/o)ia t-e amo(nt o' P,%.11+.!!. re:resentin/ trans'er 'ee. (tility e?:enses. asso3iation d(es and mis3ellaneo(s 3-ar/es. Ma?ima. -o*e)er. 'ailed to :ay Se/o)ia. T-(s. Se/o)ia did not trans'er t-e title o' t-e 3ondomini(m (nit to Ma?ima. Sin3e Par<*ay *as not :aid t-e 8alan3e o' P1.%1!.!!!.!!. it 3an3elled its a/reement to 8(y and sell and Deed o' Assi/nment in 'a)or o' Ma?ima. Ma?ima 'iled *it- t-e 5''i3e o' A::eals. AdG(di3ation and Le/al A''airs o' t-e >o(sin/ and Land Nse Re/(latory &oard 6>LNR&7. a 3om:laint 'or s:e3i'i3 :er'orman3e to en'or3e t-e a/reement to 8(y and sell Nnit ["!1. T-e >LNR& Ar8iter s(stained t-e n(lli'i3ation o' t-e Deed o' Assi/nment and ordered Par<*ay to re'(nd to Ma?ima t-e amo(nt o' P1.1%!.!!!.!!. Se/o)ia *as '(rt-er ordered to iss(e t-e 3ondomini(m 3erti'i3ate o' title o)er Nnit ["!1 in 'a)or o' Par<*ay (:on :ayment 8y t-e latter o' t-e re/istration 'ees. &ot- Ma?ima and Par<*ay a::ealed to t-e &oard o' Commissioners o' t-e >LNR& 6&oard7. T-e &oard rendered G(d/ment modi'yin/ t-e de3ision o' t-e >LNR& Ar8iter 8y 'or'eitin/ in 'a)or o' Par<*ay ,!Y o' t-e total amo(nt :aid 8y Ma?ima and orderin/ Se/o)ia to :ay Par<*ay t-e amo(nt o' P1!.!!!.!! as attorney s 'ees. Ma?ima a::ealed to t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President *-i3- dismissed t-e a::eal 'or -a)in/ 8een 'iled o(t o' time. Ma?ima 'iled a :etition 'or re)ie* *it- t-e Co(rt o' A::eals. T-e Co(rt o' A::eals a''irmed in toto t-e De3ision o' t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President. ISS4ES3 W-et-er or not t-e de3isions o' t-e N>A is a::eala8le only to t-e 5''i3e o' t-e PresidentL W-et-er or not t-e :etitioner s a::eal 8e'ore t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President 'iled *it-in t-e re/lementary :eriodL 5ELD3 De3ision o' t-e Co(rt o' A::eals *-i3- s(stained t-e 5rder o' t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President *as AAAIRMED 8y t-e SC. Also t-e SC stated t-at PD 12++ :ro)ides t-at t-e de3isions o' N>A is a::eala8le only to t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President. T-e :eriod *it-in *-i3- to a::eal t-e de3ision o' t-e &oard o' Commissioners o' >LNR& to t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President is 'i'teen 61,7 days 'rom re3ei:t o' t-e assailed de3ision. :(rs(ant to 70
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% Se3tion 1,11 o' Presidential De3ree No. 4," 6ot-er*ise <no*n as t-e S(8di)ision and Condomini(m &(yer s Prote3tion De3ree7 and Se3tion 111 o' Presidential De3ree No. 12++.12 5n t-e ot-er -and. Administrati)e 5rder No. 1%. series o' 14%". iss(ed 8y :(8li3 res:ondent readsF %ection &. ,nless ot!erwise governed by special laws, an appeal to t!e $ffice of t!e "resident s!all be taken wit!in t!irty 5('6 days from receipt by t!e aggrieved party of t!e decision-resolution-order complained of or appealed from. T-e a'ore3ited administrati)e order allo*s Ct-eD a//rie)ed :arty to 'ile its a::eal *it- t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President *it-in t-irty 62!7 days 'rom re3ei:t o' t-e de3ision 3om:lained o'. Nonet-eless. s(3- t-irty9day :eriod is s(8Ge3t to t-e B(ali'i3ation t-at t-ere are no ot-er stat(tory :eriods o' a::eal a::li3a8le. I' t-ere are s:e3ial la*s /o)ernin/ :arti3(lar 3ases *-i3- :ro)ide 'or a s-orter or lon/er re/lementary :eriod. t-e same s-all :re)ail o)er t-e t-irty9day :eriod :ro)ided 'or in t-e administrati)e order. T-is is in line *it- t-e r(le in stat(tory 3onstr(3tion t-at an administrati)e r(le or re/(lation. in order to 8e )alid. m(st not 3ontradi3t 8(t 3on'orm to t-e :ro)isions o' t-e ena8lin/ la*. Indeed t-ere are s:e3ial la*s t-at mandate a s-orter :eriod o' 'i'teen 61,7 days *it-in *-i3- to a::eal a 3ase to :(8li3 res:ondent. Airst. Se3tion 1, o' Presidential De3ree No. 4," :ro)ides t-at t-e de3isions o' t-e National >o(sin/ A(t-ority 6N>A7 s-all 8e3ome 'inal and e?e3(tory a'ter t-e la:se o' 'i'teen 61,7 days 'rom t-e date o' re3ei:t o' t-e de3ision. Se3ond. Se3tion 1 o' Presidential De3ree No. 12++ states t-at de3isions o' t-e National >o(sin/ A(t-ority s-all 8e3ome 'inal and e?e3(tory a'ter t-e la:se o' 'i'teen 61,7 days 'rom t-e date o' its re3ei:t. T-e latter de3ree :ro)ides t-at t-e de3isions o' N>A is a::eala8le only to t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President. T-e :etitioner re3ei)ed a 3o:y o' t-e de3ision o' >LNR& on 53to8er 12. 144,. Considerin/ t-at t-e re/lementary :eriod to a::eal is 'i'teen days. :etitioner -as only (ntil No)em8er ". 144,. to 'ile its a::eal. Nn'ort(nately. :etitioner 'iled its a::eal *it- :(8li3 res:ondent only on No)em8er 1!. 144, or t*enty9ei/-t days 'rom re3ei:t o' t-e a::ealed de3ision. *-i3- is o8)io(sly 'iled o(t o' time. Ma?ima -ad (ntil May +. 144+. t-e 'i'teent- day 'rom re3ei:t o' t-e de3ision o' t-e &oard on A:ril 14. 144+.1E to a::eal to t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President. T-e a::eal *-i3- *as 'iled on May 1!. 144+ *as 3learly 8eyond t-e re/lementary :eriod.
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G. D!7t#i&e !9 Res *u:i7ata
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% ACOSTA( VOLTAIRE G#!u% / FELIPE YSMAEL( *R. < CO.( INC. s. T5E DEP4TY E?EC4TIVE SECRETARY 6.- SCRA ),1 FACTS3 Soon a'ter t-e 3-an/e o' /o)ernment in Ae8r(ary 14%E. :etitioner sent a letter to t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President. and anot-er letter to Minister Ernesto Ma3eda o' t-e Ministry o' Nat(ral Reso(r3es CMNRD. see<in/F 617 t-e reinstatement o' its tim8er li3ense a/reement *-i3- *as 3an3elled d(rin/ t-e Mar3os administrationK 617 t-e re)o3ation o' TLA No. 2,E *-i3- *as iss(ed to T*in Pea<s De)elo:ment and Realty Cor:oration *it-o(t :(8li3 8iddin/ and in )iolation o' 'orestry la*s. r(les and re/(lationsK and. 627 t-e iss(an3e o' an order allo*in/ :etitioner to ta<e :ossession o' all lo/s 'o(nd in t-e 3on3ession area Petitioner made t-e 'ollo*in/ alle/ationsF 6a7 T-at on 53to8er 11. 14E,. it entered into a tim8er li3ense a/reement desi/nated as TLA No. %" *it- t-e De:artment o' A/ri3(lt(re and Nat(ral Reso(r3es. *-erein it *as iss(ed an e?3l(si)e li3ense to 3(t. 3olle3t and remo)e tim8er e?3e:t :ro-i8ited s:e3ies *it-in a s:e3i'ied :ortion o' :(8li3 'orest land lo3ated in t-e m(ni3i:ality o' Maddela. :ro)in3e o' N(e)a ViH3aya \ 'rom 53to8er 11. 14E, (ntil 0(ne 2!. 144!K 687 T-at on A(/(st 1%. 14%2. t-e Dire3tor o' t-e &(rea( o' Aorest De)elo:ment. Dire3tor Edm(ndo Cortes. iss(ed a memorand(m order sto::in/ all lo//in/ o:erations in N(e)a ViH3aya and X(irino :ro)in3es. and 3an3ellin/ t-e lo//in/ 3on3ession o' :etitioner and nine ot-er 'orest 3on3essionaires. :(rs(ant to :residential instr(3tions and a memorand(m order o' t-e Minister o' Nat(ral Reso(r3es Teodoro Pena 637 T-at on A(/(st 1,. 14%2. :etitioner re3ei)ed a tele/ram 'rom t-e &(rea(.reB(estin/ to sto: all lo//in/ o:erations to 3onser)e remainin/ 'orests and to :(ll9o(t all t-eir ma3-ineries and eB(i:ments *it-in 2! days 6d7 T-at a'ter t-e 3an3ellation o' its tim8er li3ense a/reement. it immediately sent a letter addressed to t-en President Aerdinand Mar3os *-i3- so(/-t re3onsideration o' t-e &(rea(Is dire3ti)e. 3itin/ in s(::ort t-ereo' its 3ontri8(tions to alle/in/ t-at it *as not /i)en t-e 'orest 3onser)ation and o::ort(nity to 8e -eard :rior to t-e 3an3ellation o' its lo//in/ ,21. 8(t no o:erations 6e7 T-at 8arely one year t-erea'ter. a::ro?imately one9-al' or 1E.!!! -e3tares o' t-e area 'ormerly 3o)ered 8y TLA No. %" *as re9a*arded to T*in Pea<s De)elo:ment and Reality Cor:oration (nder TLA No. 2,E *-i3- *as set to e?:ire on 0(ly 21. 1!!4. *-ile t-e ot-er -al' *as allo*ed to 8e lo//ed 8y Aili:inas Lo//ers. In3. *it-o(t t-e 8ene'it o' a 'ormal a*ard or li3enseK and. 6'7 T-at t-e latter entities *ere 3ontrolled or o*ned 8y relati)es or 3ronies o' de:osed President Aerdinand Mar3os. A3tin/ on :etitionerIs letter. t-e MNR t-ro(/- t-en Minister Ernesto Ma3eda iss(ed an order dated 0(ly 11. 14%E denyin/ :etitionerIs reB(est. T-e Ministry r(led t-at a tim8er li3ense *as not a 3ontra3t *it-in t-e d(e :ro3ess 3la(se o' t-e Constit(tion. 8(t only a :ri)ile/e *-i3- 3o(ld 8e *it-dra*n *-ene)er :(8li3 interest or *el'are so demands. and t-at :etitioner *as not dis3riminated a/ainst in )ie* o' t-e 'a3t t-at it *as amon/ ten 3on3essionaires *-ose li3enses *ere re)o<ed in 14%2. Petitioner mo)ed 'or re3onsideration o' t-e a'orestated order reiteratin/. amon/ ot-ers. its reB(est t-at TLA No. 2,E iss(ed to :ri)ate res:ondent 8e de3lared n(ll and )oid. T-e MNR -o*e)er denied t-is motion PetitionerIs s(::lemental motion 'or re3onsideration *as li<e*ise denied. Mean*-ile. :er MNR Administrati)e 5rder No. ,+. series o' 14%E. iss(ed on No)em8er 1E. 14%E. t-e lo//in/ 8an in t-e :ro)in3e o' X(irino *as li'ted. Petitioner s(8seB(ently a::ealed 'rom t-e orders o' t-e MNR to t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President. In a resol(tion. t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President. denied :etitionerIs a::eal 'or la3< o' merit.PetitionerIs motion 'or re3onsideration *as denied. 73
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% >en3e. :etitioner 'iled dire3tly *it- t-is Co(rt a :etition 'or 3ertiorari. *it- :rayer 'or t-e iss(an3e o' a restrainin/ order or *rit o' :reliminary inG(n3tion. 5n 53to8er 12. 14%". it 'iled a s(::lement to its :etition 'or 3ertiorari. T-erea'ter. :(8li3 and :ri)ate res:ondents s(8mitted t-eir res:e3ti)e 3omments. and :etitioner 'iled its 3onsolidated re:ly t-ereto. In a resol(tion. t-e Co(rt resol)ed to /i)e d(e 3o(rse to t-e :etition. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not Res 0(di3ata is a::li3a8le in t-e 3ase at 8ar. 5ELD3 It is an esta8lis-ed do3trine in t-is G(risdi3tion t-at t-e de3isions and orders o' administrati)e a/en3ies -a)e (:on t-eir 'inality. t-e 'or3e and 8indin/ e''e3t o' a 'inal G(d/ment *it-in t-e :(r)ie* o' t-e do3trine o' res judicata. T-ese de3isions and orders are as 3on3l(si)e (:on t-e ri/-ts o' t-e a''e3ted :arties as t-o(/- t-e same -ad 8een rendered 8y a 3o(rt o' /eneral G(risdi3tion. T-e r(le o' res judicata t-(s 'or8ids t-e reo:enin/ o' a matter on3e determined 8y 3om:etent a(t-ority a3tin/ *it-in t-eir e?3l(si)e G(risdi3tion In t-e 3ase at 8ar. :etitionerIs letters to t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President and t-e MNR Cno* t-e De:artment o' En)ironment and Nat(ral Reso(r3es 6DENR. so(/-t t-e re3onsideration o' a memorand(m order iss(ed 8y t-e &(rea( o' Aorest De)elo:ment *-i3- 3an3elled its tim8er li3ense a/reement in 14%2. as *ell as t-e re)o3ation o' TLA No. 2,E s(8seB(ently iss(ed 8y t-e &(rea( to :ri)ate res:ondents in 14%+. &(t as /leaned 'rom t-e re3ord. :etitioner did not a)ail o' its remedies (nder t-e la*. i.e. Se3tion % o' Pres. De3. No. "!, as amended. 'or atta3<in/ t-e )alidity o' t-ese administrati)e a3tions (ntil a'ter 14%E. &y t-e time :etitioner sent its letter dated A:ril 1. 14%E to t-e ne*ly a::ointed Minister o' t-e MNR reB(estin/ re3onsideration o' t-e a8o)e &(rea( a3tions. t-ese *ere already settled matters as 'ar as :etitioner *as 3on3erned CSee R(eda ). Co(rt o' A/rarian Relations. 1!E P-il. 2!! 614,47K Danan ). As:illera G.R. No. L91"2!,. No)em8er 1%. 14E1. E SCRA E!4K 53am:o ). Ar8oleda G.R. No. L9+%14!. A(/(st 21. 14%". 1,2 SCRA 2"+D. No :arti3(lar si/ni'i3an3e 3an 8e atta3-ed to :etitionerIs letter dated Se:tem8er 14. 14%2 *-i3:etitioner 3laimed to -a)e sent to t-en President Mar3os. see<in/ t-e re3onsideration o' t-e 14%2 order iss(ed 8y Dire3tor Cortes o' t-e &(rea(. It m(st 8e :ointed o(t t-at t-e a)erments in t-is letter are entirely di''erent 'rom t-e 3-ar/es o' 'ra(d a/ainst o''i3ials (nder t-e :re)io(s re/ime made 8y :etitioner in its letters to :(8li3 res:ondents -erein. In t-e letter to t-en President Mar3os. :etitioner sim:ly 3ontested its in3l(sion in t-e list o' 3on3essionaires. *-ose li3enses *ere 3an3elled. 8y de'endin/ its re3ord o' sele3ti)e lo//in/ and re'orestation :ra3ti3es in t-e s(8Ge3t 3on3ession area. Yet. no ot-er administrati)e ste:s a::ear to -a)e 8een ta<en 8y :etitioner (ntil 14%E. des:ite t-e 'a3t t-at t-e alle/ed 'ra(d(lent s3-eme 8e3ame a::arent in 14%+ as e)iden3ed 8y t-e a*ardin/ o' t-e s(8Ge3t tim8er 3on3ession area to ot-er entities in t-at year. W>EREA5RE. t-e :resent :etition is DISMISSED.
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% AG4ISANDA( ANGELICA A. G#!u% ) 4NITED PEPSI-COLA S4PERVISORY 4NION A4PS4B s. 5ON. 'IENVENIDO E. LAG4ESMA a&: PEPSI-COLA PROD4CTS( P5ILIPPINES( INC. FACTS3 Nnited Pe:si9Cola S(:er)isory Nnion. NPSN. is a (nion 3onsistin/ o' s(:er)isory em:loyees. 5n Mar3- 1!. 144,. NPSN 'iled a :etition 'or 3erti'i3ation ele3tion on 8e-al' o' t-e ro(te mana/ers at Pe:si9Cola Prod(3ts P-ili::ines. In3. Said :etition *as -o*e)er denied 8y t-e med9ar8iter and on a::eal to t-e Se3retary o' La8or. T-e /ro(nd *as t-at t-e ro(te mana/ers *ere mana/erial em:loyees and t-ere'ore not eli/i8le 'or (nion mem8ers-i: (nder Art. 1+, o' t-e La8or Code. Petitioner 3-allen/ed t-e B(estioned orders 8(t *as dismissed 8y t-e T-ird Di)ision o' t-e Co(rt 'or la3< o' s-o*in/ t-at res:ondent 3ommitted /ra)e a8(se o' dis3retion. Petitioner 'iled a motion 'or re3onsideration. :ressin/ 'or resol(tion its 3ontention t-at t-e 'irst senten3e o' Art. 1+, o' t-e La8or Code. so 'ar as it de3lares mana/erial em:loyees to 8e ineli/i8le to 'orm. assist or Goin (nions. 3ontra)enes Art. III. ]% o' t-e Constit(tion *-i3- :ro)idesF ST-e ri/-t o' t-e :eo:le. in3l(din/ t-ose em:loyed in t-e :(8li3 and :ri)ate se3tors. to 'orm (nions. asso3iations. or so3ieties 'or :(r:oses not 3ontrary to la* s-all not 8e a8rid/ed.Q Aor t-is reason. t-e :etition *as re'erred to t-e Co(rt en banc. It a::ears. -o*e)er. t-at t-e s(8Ge3t o' t-e 3ase at 8ar *as t-e same s(8Ge3t o' t*o :re)io(s determinations 8y t-e Se3retary o' La8or and Em:loyment. T-e 'irst *as in +orkerAs Alliance )rade ,nion 5+A),6 v. "epsi-*ola "roducts "!ilippines, #nc.. *-ere t-e Se3retary o' La8or 'o(nd t-at only t-ose em:loyees o33(:yin/ t-e :osition o' ro(te mana/er and a33o(ntin/ mana/er are mana/erial em:loyees. T-e 'indin/s *ere reiterated in #n ReF "etition for 2irect *ertification and-or *ertification 0lection-Route /anagers-%upervisory 0mployees of "epsi-*ola "roducts "!ils. #nc. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not :re)io(s administrati)e determinations on t-e B(estion *-et-er ro(te mana/ers are mana/erial em:loyees 3onstit(te res judicata o)er t-e 3ase at 8ar. 5ELD3 Petition is DISMISSED. Petitioner relies in t-e Co(rt s r(lin/ in =asipit 1umber *o. v. =ational 1abor Relations *ommission in s(8mittin/ its ar/(ment t-at t-ese :re)io(s administrati)e determinations do not -a)e t-e e''e3t o' res judicata in t-is 3ase. 8e3a(se ;la8or relations :ro3eedin/s; are ;non9 liti/io(s and s(mmary in nat(re *it-o(t re/ard to le/al te3-ni3alities.; T-e said 3ase in)ol)ed a 3learan3e to dismiss an em:loyee iss(ed 8y t-e De:artment o' La8or. T-e reB(irement o' a 3learan3e to terminate em:loyment *as a 3reation o' t-e De:artment o' la8or to 3arry o(t t-e La8or Code :ro)isions on se3(rity o' ten(re and termination o' em:loyment. T-e B(estion in t-at 3ase *as *-et-er in a s(8seB(ent :ro3eedin/ 'or ille/al dismissal. t-e 3learan3e *as res judicata. In -oldin/ it *as not. t-e Co(rt made it 3lear t-at it *as re'errin/ to la8or relations :ro3eedin/s o' a non9ad)ersary 3-ara3ter. T-e Co(rt 3lari'ied at t-e end o' its o:inion t-at ;t-e do3trine o' res judicata a::lies . . . to G(di3ial or 7uasi judicial :ro3eedin/s and not to t-e e?er3ise o' administrati)e :o*ers.Q
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% SEG4'IENSE( RENATO L. *#. G#!u% ) 5ON. CARLOS O. FORTIC5( PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR OF '4=IDNON s. 5ON. RENATO C. CORONA( DEP4TY E?EC4TIVE SECRETARY /0, SCRA 6/2 FACTS3 T-e stri<ers :rotested t-e Mar3- 14. 144E De3ision o' t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President 65P7. iss(ed t-ro(/- t-en E?e3(ti)e Se3retary R(8en D. Torres. *-i3- a::ro)ed t-e 3on)ersion o' a one -(ndred 'orty9'o(r 61++79-e3tare land 'rom a/ri3(lt(ral to a/ro9ind(strialJinstit(tional area. T-is led t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President. t-ro(/- t-en De:(ty E?e3(ti)e Se3retary Renato C. Corona. to iss(e t-e so93alled SWin9WinQ Resol(tion on No)em8er ". 144". s(8stantially modi'yin/ its earlier De3ision a'ter it -ad already 8e3ome 'inal and e?e3(tory. T-e said Resol(tion modi'ied t-e a::ro)al o' t-e land 3on)ersion to a/ro9ind(strial area only to t-e e?tent o' 'orty9'o(r 6++7 -e3tares. and ordered t-e remainin/ one -(ndred 61!!7 -e3tares to 8e distri8(ted to B(ali'ied 'armer98ene'i3iaries. T-is 3ase in)ol)es a 1++9-e3tare land. o*ned 8y t-e Nor8erto X(is(m8in/. Sr. Mana/ement and De)elo:ment Cor:oration 6NXSRMDC7. one o' t-e :etitioners. In 14%+. t-e land *as leased as a :inea::le :lantation to t-e P-ili::ine Pa3<in/ Cor:oration. no* Del Monte P-ili::ines. In3. 6DMPI7. a m(ltinational 3or:oration. 'or a :eriod o' ten 61!7 years (nder t-e Cro: Prod(3er and Gro*er s A/reement. T-e lease e?:ired in A:ril. 144+. In 53to8er. 1441. d(rin/ t-e e?isten3e o' t-e lease. t-e De:artment o' A/rarian Re'orm 6DAR7 :la3ed t-e entire 1++9-e3tare :ro:erty (nder 3om:(lsory a3B(isition. NXSRMDC resisted t-e DAR s a3tion. In Ae8r(ary. 1441. it so(/-t and *as /ranted 8y t-e DAR AdG(di3ation &oard 6DARA&7. t-ro(/- its Pro)in3ial A/rarian Re'orm AdG(di3ator. a *rit o' :ro-i8ition *it- :reliminary inG(n3tion. Des:ite t-e DARA& order. t-e DAR Re/ional Dire3tor iss(ed a memorand(m. dated dire3tin/ t-e Land &an< to o:en a tr(st a33o(nt in t-e name o' NXSRMDC and to 3ond(3t s(mmary :ro3eedin/s to determine t-e G(st 3om:ensation o' t-e s(8Ge3t :ro:erty. NXSRMDC o8Ge3ted to t-ese mo)es and 'iled on 0(ne 4. 1441 an 5mni8(s Motion to en'or3e t-e DARA& order o' Mar3- 21. 1441 and to n(lli'y t-e s(mmary :ro3eedin/s (nderta<en 8y t-e DAR Re/ional Dire3tor and Land &an< on t-e )al(ation o' t-e s(8Ge3t :ro:erty. T-e DARA&. a3ted 'a)ora8ly on t-e 5mni8(s Motion 8y 6a7 orderin/ t-e DAR Re/ional Dire3tor and Land &an< Sto serio(sly 3om:ly *it- t-e terms o' t-e order dated 687 n(lli'yin/ t-e DAR Re/ional Dire3tor s memorand(m and t-e s(mmary :ro3eedin/s 3ond(3ted :(rs(ant t-eretoK and 637 dire3tin/ t-e Land &an< Sto ret(rn t-e 3laim 'older o' Petitioner NXSRMDC s s(8Ge3t :ro:erty to t-e DAR (ntil '(rt-er orders. In t-e meantime. Go)ernor Carlos 5. Aorti3-. :assed Resol(tion No. Edated. desi/natin/ 3ertain areas alon/ &(<idnon9Sayre >i/-*ay as :art o' t-e &(<idnon A/ro9Ind(strial =ones *-ere t-e s(8Ge3t :ro:erty is sit(ated. 5n No)em8er 1+. 144+. t-e DAR. t-r( Se3retary Garilao. iss(ed an 5rder denyin/ t-e instant a::li3ation 'or t-e 3on)ersion o' t-e s(8Ge3t land 'rom a/ri3(lt(ral to a/ro9ind(strial and. instead. :la3ed t-e same (nder t-e 3om:(lsory 3o)era/e o' CARP. Go)ernor Carlos 5. Aorti3- o' &(<idnon a::ealed t-e order o' denial to t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President and :rayed 'or t-e 3on)ersionJre3lassi'i3ation o' t-e s(8Ge3t land as t-e same *o(ld 8e more 8ene'i3ial to t-e :eo:le o' &(<idnon. 5n 0(ne 14. 144,. 'iled *it- t-e Co(rt o' A::eals a :etition 'or 3ertiorari. :ro-i8ition *it:reliminary inG(n3tion.In resol)in/ t-e a::eal. t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President. t-ro(/- t-en E?e3(ti)e Se3retary R(8en D. Torres. iss(ed a De3ision a::ro)in/ t-e a::li3ation o' t-e :etitioners. T-erea'ter DAR 'iled a motion 'or re3onsideration o' t-e 5P de3ision. NXSRMDC 'iled a 3om:laint *it- t-e Re/ional Trial Co(rt 6RTC7 o' Malay8alay. &(<idnon 'or ann(lment and 3an3ellation o' title. dama/es and inG(n3tion a/ainst DAR and 1+1 76
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% ot-ers. T-e RTC t-en iss(ed a Tem:orary Restrainin/ 5rder and a Writ o' Preliminary InG(n3tion. restrainin/ t-e DAR and 1+1 ot-ers 'rom enterin/. o33(:yin/ andJor *restin/ 'rom NXSRMDC t-e :ossession o' t-e s(8Ge3t land. 5n 0(ne 12. 144". an 5rder *as iss(ed 8y t-en E?e3(ti)e Se3retary R(8en D. Torres denyin/ DAR s motion 'or re3onsideration 'or -a)in/ 8een 'iled 8eyond t-e re/lementary :eriod o' 'i'teen 61,7 days. T-e said order '(rt-er de3lared t-at t-e Mar3- 14. 144E 5P de3ision -ad already 8e3ome 'inal and e?e3(tory. T-e DAR 'iled on 0(ly 11. 144" a se3ond motion 'or re3onsideration o' t-e 0(ne 12. 144" 5rder o' t-e President. 5n A(/(st 11. 144". t-e said *rit o' :reliminary inG(n3tion iss(ed 8y t-e RTC *as 3-allen/ed 8y some alle/ed 'armers 8e'ore t-e Co(rt o' A::eals t-ro(/- a :etition 'or 3ertiorari and :ro-i8ition. :rayin/ 'or t-e li'tin/ o' t-e inG(n3tion and 'or t-e iss(an3e o' a *rit o' :ro-i8ition 'rom '(rt-er tryin/ t-e RTC 3ase. 5n 53to8er 4. 144". some alle/ed 'armer98ene'i3iaries 8e/an t-eir -(n/er stri<e in 'ront o' t-e DAR Com:o(nd in X(eHon City to :rotest t-e 5P De3ision o' Mar3- 14. 144E. 5n No)em8er ". 144". t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President resol)ed t-e stri<ers :rotest 8y iss(in/ t-e so93alled SWinJWinQ Resol(tion :enned 8y t-en De:(ty E?e3(ti)e Se3retary Renato C. Corona. A 3o:y o' t-e SWin9WinQ Resol(tion *as re3ei)ed 8y Go)ernor Carlos 5. Aorti3- and NXSRMDC and t-ey 'iled t-e :resent :etition 'or 3ertiorari. :ro-i8ition and inG(n3tion *it- (r/ent :rayer 'or a tem:orary restrainin/ order andJor *rit o' :reliminary inG(n3tion a/ainst t-en De:(ty E?e3(ti)e Se3retary Renato C. Corona and DAR Se3retary Ernesto D. Garilao. A Motion Aor Lea)e To Inter)ene *as 'iled 8y alle/ed 'armer98ene'i3iaries. t-ro(/- 3o(nsel. 3laimin/ t-at t-ey are real :arties in interest. In see<in/ t-e n(lli'i3ation o' t-e SWin9WinQ Resol(tion. t-e :etitioners 3laim t-at t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President 3ome (: :(rely :oliti3al de3ision to a::ease t-e $'armers. 8y re)i)in/ and modi'yin/ t-e De3ision o' 14 Mar3- 144E *-i3- -as 8een de3lared 'inal and e?e3(tory in an 5rder o' 12 0(ne 144". Petitioners '(rt-er alle/e. res:ondent t-en De:(ty E?e3(ti)e Se3retary Renato C. Corona S3ommitted /ra)e a8(se o' dis3retion and a3ted 8eyond -is G(risdi3tion *-en -e iss(ed t-e B(estioned Resol(tion o' " No)em8er 144". ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e do3trine o' Res 0(di3ata a::lies in t-e 3ase at 8ar. 5ELD3 T-e s(:reme 3o(rt r(led t-at t-e a3ts o' t-e :etitioner does not 3onstit(te 'or(m s-o::in/. e?:lainin/ t-at St-ere is 'or(m9s-o::in/ *-ene)er. as a res(lt o' an ad)erse o:inion in one 'or(m. a :arty see<s a 'a)ora8le o:inion 6ot-er t-an 8y a::eal or 3ertiorari7 in anot-er. T-e :rin3i:le a::lies not only *itres:e3t to s(its 'iled in t-e 3o(rts 8(t also in 3onne3tion *itliti/ation 3ommen3ed in t-e 3o(rts *-ile an administrati)e :ro3eedin/ is :endin/. as in t-is 3ase. in order to de'eat administrati)e :ro3esses and in anti3i:ation o' an (n'a)ora8le administrati)e r(lin/ and a 'a)ora8le 3o(rt r(lin/. T-is s:e3ially so. as in t-is 3ase. *-ere t-e 3o(rt in *-i3- t-e se3ond s(it *as 8ro(/-t. -as no G(risdi3tion. A(rt-ermore t-e 3o(rt e?:lained t-at t-e test 'or determinin/ *-et-er a :arty )iolated t-e r(le a/ainst 'or(m s-o::in/ is *-ere elements o' litis :endentia are :resent or *-ere a 'inal G(d/ement in one 3ase *ill amo(nt to res G(di3ata in t-e ot-er. *-i3- are a8sent in t-e 3ase at 8ar.
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% PASC4AL( *ERIC5O M. G#!u% ) MONTEMAYOR s. CA 21+ SCRA /62 FACTS3 Petitioner EDILL5 C. M5NTEMAY5R assails t-e De3ision o' t-e Co(rt o' A::eals. dated A:ril 1%. 1!!1. a''irmin/ t-e de3ision o' t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President in Administrati)e 5rder No. 11 orderin/ :etitioner s dismissal as Re/ional Dire3tor o' t-e De:artment o' P(8li3 Wor<s and >i/-*ays 6DPW>7 'or (ne?:lained *ealt-. Petitioner s dismissal ori/inated 'rom an (n)eri'ied letter93om:laint. Pri)ate res:ondent a33(sed :etitioner. t-en 5IC9Re/ional Dire3tor. Re/ion III. o' t-e DPW>. o' a33(m(latin/ (ne?:lained *ealt-. in )iolation o' Se3tion % o' Re:(8li3 A3t No. 2!14. Pri)ate res:ondent 3-ar/ed t-at in 1442. :etitioner and -is *i'e :(r3-ased a -o(se and lot at 4!" Nort- &el Aire Dri)e. &(r8an<. Los An/eles. Cali'ornia. ma<in/ a do*n :ayment o' NST1!!.!!!.!!. >e '(rt-er alle/ed t-at :etitioner s in9la*s *-o *ere li)in/ in Cali'ornia -ad a :oor 3redit standin/ d(e to a n(m8er o' de8ts and t-ey 3o(ld not -a)e :(r3-ased s(3- an e?:ensi)e :ro:erty 'or :etitioner and -is *i'e. Pri)ate res:ondent a33(sed :etitioner o' amassin/ *ealt- 'rom la-ar '(nds and ot-er :(8li3 *or<s :roGe3ts. Petitioner li<e*ise :ointed o(t t-at t-e 3-ar/e a/ainst -im *as t-e s(8Ge3t o' similar 3ases 'iled 8e'ore t-e 5m8(dsman. >e atta3-ed to -is 3o(nter9a''ida)it t-e Consolidated In)esti/ation Re:ort o' t-e 5m8(dsman dismissin/ similar 3-ar/es 'or ins(''i3ien3y o' e)iden3e. A'ter t-e in)esti/ation. t-e PCAGC. in its Re:ort to t-e 5''i3e o' t-e President. made t-e 'ollo*in/ 'indin/sF T-e PCAGC 3on3l(ded t-at t-e :etitioner 3o(ld not -a)e 8een a8le to a''ord to 8(y t-e :ro:erty on -is ann(al in3ome o' P1E%.E+%.!! in 1442 as a::earin/ on -is Ser)i3e Re3ord. It li<e*ise 'o(nd :etitioner s e?:lanation as (n(s(al. lar/ely (ns(8stantiated. (n8elie)a8le and sel'9ser)in/. T-e PCAGC noted t-at instead o' add(3in/ e)iden3e. :etitioner s 3o(nsel e?erted more e''ort in 'ilin/ :leadin/s and motion to dismiss on t-e /ro(nd o' 'or(m s-o::in/. It also too< a/ainst :etitioner -is re'(sal to s(8mit -is SALN and ITR des:ite t-e (nderta<in/ made 8y -is 3o(nsel *-i3- raised t-e :res(m:tion t-at e)iden3e *ill'(lly s(::ressed *o(ld 8e ad)erse i' :rod(3ed. T-e PCAGC 3on3l(ded t-at as :etitioner s a3B(isition o' t-e s(8Ge3t :ro:erty *as mani'estly o(t o' :ro:ortion to -is salary. it -as 8een (nla*'(lly a3B(ired. T-(s. it re3ommended :etitioner s dismissal 'rom ser)i3e :(rs(ant to Se3tion % o' R.A. No. 2!14. Petitioner s Motion 'or Re3onsideration *as denied. >is a::eal to t-e Co(rt o' A::eals *as li<e*ise dismissed. ISS4E3 W-et-er t-e earlier dismissal o' similar 3ases 8e'ore t-e 5m8(dsman rendered t-e administrati)e 3ase 8e'ore t-e PCAGC moot and a3ademi3. 5ELD3 T-e Co(rt 3annot s(stain :etitioner s stan3e t-at t-e dismissal o' similar 3-ar/es a/ainst -im 8e'ore t-e 5m8(dsman rendered t-e administrati)e 3ase a/ainst -im 8e'ore t-e PCAGC moot and a3ademi3. To 8e s(re. t-e de3ision o' t-e 5m8(dsman does not o:erate as res judicata in t-e PCAGC 3ase s(8Ge3t o' t-is re)ie*. T-e do3trine o' res judicata a::lies only to G(di3ial or B(asi9G(di3ial :ro3eedin/s. not to t-e e?er3ise o' administrati)e :o*ers. Petitioner *as in)esti/ated 8y t-e 5m8(dsman 'or -is :ossi8le 3riminal lia8ility 'or t-e a3B(isition o' t-e &(r8an< :ro:erty in )iolation o' t-e Anti9Gra't and Corr(:t Pra3ti3es A3t and t-e Re)ised Penal Code. Aor t-e same alle/ed mis3ond(3t. :etitioner. as a :residential a::ointee. *as in)esti/ated 8y t-e PCAGC 8y )irt(e o' t-e administrati)e :o*er and 3ontrol o' t-e President o)er -im. As t-e PCAGC s in)esti/ation o' :etitioner *as administrati)e in nat(re. t-e do3trine o' res judicata 'inds no a::li3ation in t-e 3ase at 8ar. 78
VI. *4DICIAL REVIEW D. X(estion may8e s(8Ge3t o' 0(di3ial Re)ie*
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% 5ERRERA( NICOLE L. G#!u% / ORT4A s. SINGSON ENCARNATION G.R. N!. -,,), *a&.-1( ),-2 +, Phil 221 FACTS3 Petitioner 'iled an a::li3ation *it- t-e &(rea( o' Lands 'or t-e :(r3-ase o' a tra3t o' :(8li3 land sit(ated in t-e m(ni3i:ality o' San 0ose. Pro)in3e o' Camarines S(r. >is a::li3ation *as reGe3ted. allo*in/ -im. -o*e)er. to 'ile a sale or lease a::li3ation 'or t-e :ortion o' t-e land 3lassi'ied to 8e s(ited 'or 3ommer3ial :(r:oses. T*o motions 'or re3onsideration *ere 'iled 8(t denied. 5ne 3ondition 'or t-e :(r3-ase o' a tra3t o' :(8li3 a/ri3(lt(ral land. :ro)ided 8y t-e P(8li3 Land La*. is t-at t-e :(r3-aser s-all 8e a 3itiHen o' la*'(l a/e o' t-e P-ili::ines or t-e N.S. It *as 3on3eded 8y t-e Dire3tor o' Lands t-at :res(m:ti)ely 5rt(a *as a Aili:ino 8(t 3ertain a3ts o' 5rt(a *ere :ointed to as demonstratin/ t-at -e -ad 'or'eited -is 3itiHens-i:. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not Co(rts -a)e t-e ri/-t to re)ie* de3isions o' t-e &(rea( o' Lands. 5ELD3 T-e Co(rt r(led in t-e a''irmati)e. T-e Dire3tor o' Lands -as 8een made 8y la* a B(asi G(di3ial o''i3er. As s(3- o''i3er -e ma<es 'indin/s o' 'a3t. e)en :asses (:on B(estions o' mi?ed 'a3t and la*. and 3onsiders and de3ides t-e B(ali'i3ations o' a::li3ants 'or t-e :(r3-ase o' :(8li3 lands. T-e de3isions o' t-e Dire3tor o' Lands on t-e 3onstr(3tion o' t-e P(8li3 Land La* are entitled to /reat res:e3t 8y t-e 3o(rts. A de3ision rendered 8y t-e Dire3tor o' Lands and a::ro)ed 8y t-e Se3retary o' A/ri3(lt(re. (:on a B(estion o' 'a3t is 3on3l(si)e and not s(8Ge3t to 8e re)ie*ed 8y t-e 3o(rts. in t-e a8sen3e o' s-o*in/ t-at s(3- de3ision *as rendered in 3onseB(en3es o' 'ra(d. im:osition. or mista<e. ot-er t-an error o' G(d/ment in estimatin/ t-e )al(e or e''e3t o' e)iden3e. re/ardless o' *-et-er or not it is 3onsistent *it- t-e :re:onderan3e o' e)iden3e. so lon/ as t-ere is some e)iden3e (:on *-i3- t-e 'indin/ in B(estion 3o(ld 8e made. T-e de3ision o' t-e Dire3tor o' Lands a::ro)ed 8y t-e Se3retary o' A/ri3(lt(re on a B(estion o' la* is in no sense 3on3l(si)e (:on t-e 3o(rts. 8(t is s(8Ge3t to re)ie*. Any a3tion o' t-e Dire3tor o' Lands *-i3- is 8ased (:on a mis3onstr(3tion o' t-e las 3an 8e 3orre3ted 8y t-e 3o(rts. T-e B(estion *-et-er or not 5rt(a is a Aili:ino 3itiHen *as re)ersed. T-e Co(rt r(led t-at 5rt(a is a Aili:ino 3itiHen. t-at -e -ad a sort o' d(al 3itiHens-i:.
80
E. D!7t#i&e !9 EDhausti!& !9 A:$i&ist#ati e Re$e:ies
81
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% CALIMAG( ARNEL G#!u% 4NION 'AN= OF T5E P5ILIPPINES s. CO4RT OF APPEALS G.R. N!. )-)./, Ma> ),( ),,0 FACTS3 5n Se:tem8er 1E. 144". :ri)ate res:ondents EYC5 Gro(: o' Com:anies. E(lo/io 5. Y(tin/3o. Caroline Y(tin/3o9Yao. and T-eresa T. Lao. all o' *-om are 3ontrollin/ sto3<-olders o' t-e a'orementioned 3or:orations. Gointly 'iled *it- t-e SEC a Petition 'or t-e De3laration o' S(s:ension o' Payments. alle/in/. amon/ ot-er t-in/s. t-at t-e :resent 3om8ined 'inan3ial 3ondition o' t-e :etitioners 3learly indi3ates t-at t-eir assets are more t-an eno(/- to :ay o'' t-e 3redits 8(t t-at d(e to 'a3tors 8eyond t-e 3ontrol and anti3i:ation o' t-e mana/ement t-e ina8ility o' t-e EYC5 Gro(: o' Com:anies to meet t-e o8li/ations as t-ey 'all d(e on t-e s3-ed(le a/reed *it- t-e 3reditors -as no* 8e3ome a star< reality. N:on 'indin/ t-e a8o)e :etition to 8e s(''i3ient in 'orm and s(8stan3e. t-e SEC >earin/ Panel iss(ed an order settin/ its -earin/. Some o' :ri)ate res:ondentsI 3reditors. 3om:osed mainly o' t*enty9t*o domesti3 8an<s in3l(din/ -erein :etitioner Nnion &an< o' t-e P-ili::ines. also 3on)ened 'or t-e :(r:ose o' de3idin/ t-eir o:tions in t-e e)ent t-at :ri)ate res:ondents in)o<e t-e :ro)isions o' Presidential De3ree No. 4!19A. Wit-o(t noti'yin/ t-e mem8ers o' t-e 3onsorti(m. :etitioner. -o*e)er. de3ided to 8rea< a*ay 'rom t-e /ro(: 8y s(in/ :ri)ate res:ondents in t-e re/(lar 3o(rts. Aside 'rom 3ommen3in/ s(its in t-e re/(lar 3o(rts. :etitioner also )e-emently o::osed :ri)ate res:ondentsI :etition 'or s(s:ension o' :ayments in t-e SEC 8y 'ilin/ a Motion to Dismiss 3ontendin/ t-at t-e SEC *as 8ere't o' G(risdi3tion o)er s(3- :etition on t-e /ro(nd t-at t-e in3l(sion o' t-e Y(tin/3os in t-e :etition 3annot 8e allo*ed sin3e t-e a(t-ority and :o*er o' t-e Commission a::lies only to 3or:orations. :artners-i:s and ot-er 'orms o' asso3iations. and not to indi)id(al :etitioners *-o are not 3learly 3o)ered 8y P.D. 4!19A T-e SEC >earin/ Panel iss(ed an 5mni8(s 5rder dire3tin/ t-is time t-e 3reation o' t-e Man3om. In iss(in/ said order. t-e :anel resol)ed t-at t-e interest o' :ri)ate res:ondents and t-eir 3reditors 3o(ld 8e 8est ser)ed i' s(3- Man3om is 3reated. It is note*ort-y. -o*e)er. t-at t-is dire3ti)e e?:ressly stated t-at t-e same *as *it-o(t :reG(di3e to t-e resol(tion o' :etitionerIs Motion to Dismiss *-ose s3-ed(led -earin/ *as set 8y :etitioner itsel' on 53to8er 14. 144". A//rie)ed. :etitioner immediately too< re3o(rse to t-e Co(rt o' A::eals 8y 'ilin/ t-ere*it- a Petition 'or Certiorari. It im:(ted /ra)e a8(se o' dis3retion on t-e :art o' t-e SEC >earin/ Panel and t-at. in any e)ent. :ri)ate res:ondents *ere not entitled to s(s:ension o' :ayments sin3e t-ey -ad already 3ommitted 'ra(d(lent dis:ositions o' t-eir :ro:erties. Petition *as denied. Wit-o(t mo)in/ 'or re3onsideration o' t-e a::ellate 3o(rtIs de3ision. :etitioner ele)ated t-e said matter to t-is Co(rt t-ro(/- a Petition 'or Certiorari. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not :etitioner 'ailed to e?-a(st administrati)e remedies in ta<in/ dire3t re3o(rse to t-e Co(rt o' A::eals to 3-allen/e t-e ass(m:tion o' G(risdi3tion 8y t-e SEC >earin/ Panel o)er :ri)ate res:ondentsI :etition 'or s(s:ension o' :ayments
82
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% 5ELD3 Petitioners 3om:laint t-at t-e SEC >earin/ Panel *as a3tin/ *it-o(t G(risdi3tion in 3ond(3tin/ :ro3eedin/s relati)e to :ri)ate res:ondentsI :etition and 'or renderin/ moot and a3ademi3 its Motion to Dismiss does not G(sti'y t-e :ro3ed(ral ;s-ort93(t; it too< to t-e a::ellate 3o(rt. &asi3 is t-e r(le *-i3- -as 8een 3onsistently -eld 8y t-is Co(rt in a lon/ line o' 3ases t-at ;before a party is allowed to seek t!e intervention of t!e court, it is a pre-condition t!at !e s!ould !ave availed of all t!e means of administrative processes afforded !im . >en3e. i' a remedy *it-in t-e administrati)e ma3-inery 3an still 8e resorted to 8y /i)in/ t-e administrati)e o''i3er 3on3erned e)ery o::ort(nity to de3ide on a matter t-at 3omes *it-in -is G(risdi3tion. t-en s(3- remedy s-o(ld 8e e?-a(sted 'irst 8e'ore t-e 3o(rtIs G(di3ial :o*er 3an 8e so(/-t. T-e :remat(re in)o3ation o' 3o(rtIs inter)ention is 'atal to oneIs 3a(se o' a3tion. T-e (nderlyin/ :rin3i:le o' t-e r(le on e?-a(stion o' administrati)e remedies rests on t-e :res(m:tion t-at t-e administrati)e a/en3y. i' a''orded a 3om:lete 3-an3e to :ass (:on t-e matter. *ill de3ide t-e same 3orre3tly. T-ere are 8ot- le/al and :ra3ti3al reasons 'or t-e :rin3i:le. T-e administrati)e :ro3ess is intended to :ro)ide less e?:ensi)e and more s:eedy sol(tions to dis:(tes. W-ere t-e ena8lin/ stat(te indi3ates a :ro3ed(re 'or administrati)e re)ie* and :ro)ides a system o' administrati)e a::eal or re3onsideration. t-e 3o(rts M 'or reasons o' la*. 3omity. and 3on)enien3e M *ill not entertain a 3ase (nless t-e a)aila8le administrati)e remedies -a)e 8een resorted to and t-e a::ro:riate a(t-orities -a)e 8een /i)en an o::ort(nity to a3t and 3orre3t t-e errors 3ommitted in t-e administrati)e 'or(m.
83
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% REYES( MEL ANDREW G#!u% *AIME LOPE; s. CITY OF MANILA G.R. N!. )/.)-, Fe8#ua#> ),( ),,, -1- SCRA 220 FACTS3
RA "1E! too< e''e3t on 0an(ary 1. 141. t-e re)ision o' real :ro:erty assessments :res3ri8e t-erein *as not yet en'or3ed in t-e 3ity o' Manila. >o*e)er. t-e :ro3ess o' real :ro:erty )al(ation -ad already 8een started and done 8y t-e 'ormer assessor. Nntil t-e year 144,. t-e 8asis 'or 3olle3tion o' real state ta?es in t-e City o' Manila *as t-e old. year914"4. real state mar<et )al(es. Mrs. Lo(rdes Laderas. t-e ne*ly a::ointed City Assessor o' Manila. re3ei)ed Memorand(m Cir3(lar No. !+94,. 'rom t-e &(rea( o' Lo3al Go)ernment Ainan3e. De:artment o' Ainan3e. It relates to t-e 'ail(re o' most 3ities and m(ni3i:alities o' Metro:olitan Manila to 3ond(3t t-e /eneral re)ision o' real :ro:erty. Mrs. Laderas em8ar<ed in a *or<in/ dialo/(e *it- t-e 5''i3e o' t-e City Mayor and t-e City Co(n3il 'or t-e 3om:letion o' t-e tas<. T-e City Assessor s 5''i3e s(8mitted t-e :ro:osed s3-ed(le o' 'air mar<et )al(e to t-e City Co(n3il 'or its a::ro:riate a3tion. T-e Co(n3il 3ond(3ted :(8li3 -earin/s and t-e :ro:osed ordinan3e *as s(8Ge3ted to re/(lar :ro3ess in t-e ena3tment o' ordinan3es :(rs(ant to t-e City C-arter o' Manila. Wit- t-e im:lementation o' t-e 5rdinan3e No. "%4+. t-e ta? on t-e land o*ned 8y Lo:eH *as in3reased 8y ,%!Y. Wit- res:e3t to t-e im:ro)ement on t-e :ro:erty. t-e ta? in3reased 8y 1,!Y. As a 3onseB(en3e o' t-e in3rease Lo:eH 'iled a s:e3ial :ro3eedin/ 'or de3laration o' n(llity o' t-e ordinan3e *it:reliminary inG(n3tion and :rayer 'or TR5. 5n t-e same date. 5rdinan3e No. "4!, too< e''e3t. red(3in/ 8y ,!Y t-e assessment le)els 'or t-e 3om:(tation o' ta? d(e. As a res(lt. t-e ordinan3e red(3ed t-e ta? in3rease o' Lo:eH s residential land to 1,,Y. *-ile t-e ta? in3rease 'or residential im:ro)ement *as %1Y. T-e ma?im(m ta? in3rease on 3lassi'ied 3ommer3ial estates is 2!!Y 8(t t-e ta? in3rease on 3ommer3ial land *as only 1%%Y. and "1Y on 3ommer3ial :ortion o' t-e im:ro)ement. Des:ite t-e amendment 8ro(/-t a8o(t 8y 5rdinan3e No. "4!,. t-e 3ontro)ersy :ro3eeded. 5n 53to8er 1+. 144E. t-e trial 3o(rt /ranted t-e motion to dismiss 'iled 8y t-e City o' Manila. T-e dismissal order *as G(sti'ied 8y Lo:eH s 'ail(re to e?-a(st t-e administrati)e remedies and t-at t-e :etition -ad 8e3ome moot and a3ademi3.
ISS4E3 W-et-er t-e trial 3o(rt erred in -oldin/ t-at Lo:eH 'ailed to e?-a(st all administrati)e remedies. 5ELD3
Lo:eH 3laims t-at resort to administrati)e remedies on 3onstit(tionality o' la* is merely :ermissi)e. A(rt-er. -e asserts t-at t-e B(estion o' t-e 3onstit(tionality o' t-e 3ity ordinan3e may 8e raised on a::eal. eit-er to t-e Se3retary o' 0(sti3e or RTC. 8ot- -a)in/ 3on3(rrent G(risdi3tion o)er t-e 3ase. in a33ordan3e *it- &P &l/. 114. >e states t-at at t-e time -e instit(ted t-e 3om:laint. it *as :remat(re to resort to t-e remedies :ro)ided 8y RA "1E!. 8e3a(se -e -as not re3ei)ed t-e 'ormal noti3e o' assessment yet. -en3e. -e 3o(ld not 8e e?:e3ted to :ay (nder :rotest and ele)ate t-e e?or8itant assessment to t-e &oard o' Assessment A::eals. 5n t-e ot-er -and. t-e City o' Manila ar/(es t-at t-e adG(stment o' t-e 'air mar<et )al(es o' real :ro:erties in t-e City o' Manila *as lon/ o)erd(e. 8ein/ (:dated only a'ter 'i'teen years. As a /eneral r(le. *-ere t-e la* :ro)ides 'or t-e remedies a/ainst t-e a3tion o' an administrati)e 8oard. 8ody. or o''i3er. relie' to 3o(rts 3an 8e so(/-t only a'ter e?-a(stin/ all remedies :ro)ided. T-e reason rest (:on t-e :res(m:tion t-at t-e administrati)e 8ody. i' /i)en t-e 3-an3e to 3orre3t its mista<e or error. may amend its de3ision on a /i)en matter and de3ide it :ro:erly. T-ere'ore. *-ere a remedy is a)aila8le *it-in t-e administrati)e ma3-inery. t-is s-o(ld 8e resorted to 8e'ore resort 3an 8e made to t-e 3o(rts. not only to /i)e t-e administrati)e a/en3y t-e o::ort(nity to de3ide t-e matter 8y itsel' 3orre3tly. 8(t also to :re)ent (nne3essary and :remat(re resort to 3o(rts. T-is r(le. -o*e)er. admits 3ertain e?3e:tions.
AL'AO( =IEV 84
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% G#!u% IND4STRIAL ENTERPRISES( INC. s. T5E 5ON. CO4RT OF APPEALS( MARIND4Q4E MINING < IND4STRIAL CORPORATION( T5E 5ON. GERONIMO VELASCO i& his 7a%a7it> as Mi&iste# !9 E&e#g> a&: P5ILIPPINE NATIONAL 'AN= )02 SCRA 26/ FACTS3 Petitioner Ind(strial Enter:rises In3. 6IEI7 *as /ranted a 3oal o:eratin/ 3ontra3t 8y t-e Go)ernment t-ro(/- t-e &(rea( o' Ener/y De)elo:ment 6&ED7 'or t-e e?:loration o' t*o 3oal 8lo3<s in Eastern Samar. S(8seB(ently. IEI also a::lied *it- t-e t-en Ministry o' Ener/y 'or anot-er 3oal o:eratin/ 3ontra3t 'or t-e e?:loration o' t-ree additional 3oal 8lo3<s *-i3-. to/et-er *it- t-e ori/inal t*o 8lo3<s. 3om:rised t-e so93alled ;Gi:orlos Area.; IEI *as later on ad)ised t-at in line *it- t-e o8Ge3ti)e o' rationaliHin/ t-e 3o(ntryIs o)er9all 3oal s(::ly9demand 8alan3e. t-e lo/i3al 3oal o:erator in t-e area s-o(ld 8e t-e Marind(B(e Minin/ and Ind(strial Cor:oration 6MMIC7. *-i3- *as already de)elo:in/ t-e 3oal de:osit in anot-er area 6&a/a3ay Area7 and t-at t-e &a/a3ay and Gi:orlos Areas s-o(ld 8e a*arded to MMIC. T-(s. IEI and MMIC e?e3(ted a Memorand(m o' A/reement *-ere8y IEI assi/ned and trans'erred to MMIC all its ri/-ts and interests in t-e t*o 3oal 8lo3<s *-i3- are t-e s(8Ge3t o' IEIIs 3oal o:eratin/ 3ontra3t. S(8seB(ently. -o*e)er. IEI 'iled an a3tion 'or res3ission o' t-e Memorand(m o' A/reement *itdama/es a/ainst MMIC and t-e t-en Minister o' Ener/y Geronimo Velas3o 8e'ore t-e Re/ional Trial Co(rt o' Ma<ati. &ran3- 1,!. 1 alle/in/ t-at MMIC too< :ossession o' t-e s(8Ge3t 3oal 8lo3<s e)en 8e'ore t-e Memorand(m o' A/reement *as 'inaliHed and a::ro)ed 8y t-e &EDK t-at MMIC dis3ontin(ed *or< t-ereonK t-at MMIC 'ailed to a::ly 'or a 3oal o:eratin/ 3ontra3t 'or t-e adGa3ent 3oal 8lo3<sK and t-at MMIC 'ailed and re'(sed to :ay t-e reim8(rsements a/reed (:on and to ass(me IEIIs loan o8li/ation as :ro)ided in t-e Memorand(m o' A/reement. IEI also :rayed t-at t-e Ener/y Minister 8e ordered to a::ro)e t-e ret(rn o' t-e 3oal o:eratin/ 3ontra3t 'rom MMIC to :etitioner. *it- a *ritten 3on'irmation t-at said 3ontra3t is )alid and e''e3ti)e. and. in d(e 3o(rse. to 3on)ert said 3ontra3t 'rom an e?:loration a/reement to a de)elo:mentJ:rod(3tion or e?:loitation 3ontra3t in IEIIs 'a)or. T-e Trial Co(rt ordered t-e res3ission o' t-e Memorand(m o' A/reement. de3lared t-e 3ontin(ed e''i3a3y o' t-e 3oal o:eratin/ 3ontra3t in 'a)or o' IEIK ordered t-e re)ersion o' t-e t*o 3oal 8lo3<s 3o)ered 8y t-e 3oal o:eratin/ 3ontra3tK ordered &ED to iss(e its *ritten a''irmation o' t-e 3oal o:eratin/ 3ontra3t and to e?:editio(sly 3a(se t-e 3on)ersion t-ereo' 'rom e?:loration to de)elo:ment in 'a)or o' IEIK dire3ted &ED to /i)e d(e 3o(rse to IEIIs a::li3ation 'or a 3oal o:eratin/ 3ontra3tK dire3ted &ED to /i)e d(e 3o(rse to IEIIs a::li3ation 'or t-ree more 3oal 8lo3<sK and ordered t-e :ayment o' dama/es and re-a8ilitation e?:enses. In re)ersin/ t-e Trial Co(rt. t-e Co(rt o' A::eals -eld t-at t-e rendition o' t-e s(mmary G(d/ment *as not :ro:er sin3e t-ere *ere /en(ine iss(es in 3ontro)ersy 8et*een t-e :arties. and more im:ortantly. t-at t-e Trial Co(rt -ad no G(risdi3tion o)er t-e a3tion 3onsiderin/ t-at. (nder Presidential De3ree No. 11!E. it is t-e &ED t-at -as t-e :o*er to de3ide 3ontro)ersies relati)e to t-e e?:loration. e?:loitation and de)elo:ment o' 3oal 8lo3<. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e 3i)il 3o(rt -as G(risdi3tion to -ear and de3ide t-e s(it 'or res3ission o' t-e Memorand(m o' A/reement 3on3ernin/ a 3oal o:eratin/ 3ontra3t o)er 3oal 8lo3<s. W-et-er or not res:ondent Co(rt o' A::eals erred in -oldin/ t-at it is t-e &(rea( o' Ener/y De)elo:ment 6&ED7 *-i3- -as G(risdi3tion o)er said a3tion and not t-e 3i)il 3o(rt.
5ELD3 85
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% Clearly. t-e do3trine o' :rimary G(risdi3tion 'inds a::li3ation in t-is 3ase sin3e t-e B(estion o' *-at 3oal areas s-o(ld 8e e?:loited and de)elo:ed and *-i3- entity s-o(ld 8e /ranted 3oal o:eratin/ 3ontra3ts o)er said areas in)ol)es a te3-ni3al determination 8y t-e &ED as t-e administrati)e a/en3y in :ossession o' t-e s:e3ialiHed e?:ertise to a3t on t-e matter. T-e Trial Co(rt does not -a)e t-e 3om:eten3e to de3ide matters 3on3ernin/ a3ti)ities relati)e to t-e e?:loration. e?:loitation. de)elo:ment and e?tra3tion o' mineral reso(r3es li<e 3oal. T-ese iss(es :re3l(de an initial G(di3ial determination. It 8e-oo)es t-e 3o(rts to stand aside e)en *-en a::arently t-ey -a)e stat(tory :o*er to :ro3eed in re3o/nition o' t-e :rimary G(risdi3tion o' an administrati)e a/en3y. 5ne t-r(st o' t-e m(lti:li3ation o' administrati)e a/en3ies is t-at t-e inter:retation o' 3ontra3ts and t-e determination o' :ri)ate ri/-ts t-ere(nder is no lon/er a (niB(ely G(di3ial '(n3tion. e?er3isa8le only 8y o(r re/(lar 3o(rts 6Anti:olo Realty Cor:. )s. National >o(sin/ A(t-ority. 1,2 SCRA 244. at +!"7. T-e a::li3ation o' t-e do3trine o' :rimary G(risdi3tion. -o*e)er. does not 3all 'or t-e dismissal o' t-e 3ase 8elo*. It need only 8e s(s:ended (ntil a'ter t-e matters *it-in t-e 3om:eten3e o' t-e &ED are t-res-ed o(t and determined. T-ere8y. t-e :rin3i:al :(r:ose 8e-ind t-e do3trine o' :rimary G(risdi3tion is sal(tarily ser)ed. Wit- t-e 'ore/oin/ 3on3l(sion arri)ed at. t-e B(estion as to t-e :ro:riety o' t-e s(mmary G(d/ment rendered 8y t-e Trial Co(rt 8e3omes (nne3essary to resol)e. W>EREA5RE. t-e Co(rt Resol)ed to DENY t-e :etition. No 3osts.
TAN( MARIA DIANNE 86
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% G#!u% / COMMISSIONER OF C4STOMS s. NAVARRO G.R. N!. L---)26 Ma> -)( ),.. FACTS3 T-e Commissioner o' C(stoms and t-e Colle3tor o' C(stoms so(/-t to n(lli'y and set aside t-e order o' res:ondent 0(d/e Na)arro. iss(in/ a *rit o' :reliminary inG(n3tion as :rayed 'or 8y :ri)ate res:ondents 0(anito Alores and Asiati3 In3. as im:orters o' 3artons o' 'res- 'r(its. restrainin/ :etitioners 'rom :ro3eedin/ *it- t-e a(3tion sale o' s(3- :eris-a8le /oods. Classi'ied as non9essential 3ons(mer 3ommodities. t-ey *ere 8anned 8y t-e Central &an< Cir3(lars Nos. 1%4. 14+ and 14, as :ro-i8ited im:ortation s(8Ge3t to 'or'eit(re :ro3eedin/s 8y :etitioners. Petitioners :ointed o(t -o* )iolati)e *as t-e ass(m:tion o' G(risdi3tion 8y res:ondent 0(d/e o)er an in3ident o' a :endin/ seiH(re and 'or'eit(re :ro3eedin/ *-i3-. as -eld in a n(m8er o' de3isions. *as a matter 'allin/ *it-in t-e e?3l(si)e 3om:eten3e o' t-e 3(stoms a(t-orities. T-e S(:reme Co(rt iss(ed a resol(tion reB(irin/ res:ondents to 'ile an ans*er and at t-e same time iss(in/ a *rit o' :reliminary inG(n3tion as :rayed 'or 8y :etitioners to :re)ent t-e 3-allen/ed order o' res:ondent 0(d/e 'rom 8ein/ im:lemented. Instead o' :re:arin/ an ans*er. t-ey G(st s(8mitted a mani'estation statin/ t-at ;a'ter an intensi)e and serio(s st(dy o' t-e merit o' t-e 3ase. t-e res:ondents -a)e de3ided to a8andon its interest in t-e 3ase.; T-e rationale 8e-ind s(3- a mo)e *as ostensi8ly t-e desire to a)oid additional e?:enses. in )ie* o' t-e 'a3t t-at ;t-e s-i:ments. 8ein/ :eris-a8le. -a)e already deteriorated.; It is di''i3(lt to a)oid t-e s(s:i3ion t-at t-e real reason *as t-at t-e :oints o' la* raised 8y :etitioners 3o(ld not 8e re'(ted. ISS4ES3 1. W-et-er 3o(rts -a)e G(risdi3tion o)er 3ases lod/ed into administrati)e 8odiesL No. 1. W-et-er :etitioners -a)e e?-a(sted all administrati)e remediesL Yes. Certiorari lies. 5ELD3 T-e B(estion o' seiH(re and 'or'eit(re is 'or t-e administrati)e in t-e 'irst instan3e and t-en t-e Commissioner o' C(stoms. T-is is a 'ield *-ere t-e do3trine o' :rimary G(risdi3tion 3ontrols. T-erea'ter. an a::eal may 8e ta<en to t-e Co(rt o' Ta? A::eals. A 3o(rt o' 'irst instan3e is de)oid o' 3om:eten3e to a3t on t-e matter. T-ere is '(rt-er G(di3ial re)ie*. 8(t only 8y t-is Co(rt in t-e e?er3ise o' its 3ertiorari G(risdi3tion. T-e 3ontrollin/ :rin3i:le *as set 'ort- ane* in "once 0nrile v. 9inuya. T-(sF ;T-e :re)ailin/ do3trine is t-at t-e e?3l(si)e G(risdi3tion in seiH(re and 'or'eit(re 3ases )ested in t-e Colle3tor o' C(stoms :re3l(des a 3o(rt o' 'irst instan3e 'rom ass(min/ 3o/niHan3e o)er s(3- a matter.; In "apa v. /ago, t-e o:inion o' 0(sti3e =aldi)ar 'or t-e Co(rt em:-ati3ally asserted t-e do3trine ane* in t-e 'ollo*in/ lan/(a/eF $It is t-e settled r(le. t-ere'ore. t-at t-e &(rea( o' C(stoms a3B(ires e?3l(si)e G(risdi3tion o)er im:orted /oods. 'or t-e :(r:oses o' en'or3ement o' t-e 3(stoms la*s. 'rom t-e moment t-e /oods are a3t(ally in its :ossession or 3ontrol. e)en i' no *arrant o' seiH(re or detention -ad :re)io(sly 8een iss(ed 8y t-e Colle3tor o' C(stoms in 3onne3tion *it- seiH(re and 'or'eit(re :ro3eedin/s. In t-e :resent 3ase. t-e &(rea( o' C(stoms a3t(ally seiHed t-e /oods in B(estion on No)em8er +. 14EE. and so 'rom t-at date t-e &(rea( o' C(stoms a3B(ired G(risdi3tion o)er t-e /oods 'or t-e :(r:oses o' t-e en'or3ement o' t-e tari'' and 3(stoms la*s. to t-e e?3l(sion o' t-e re/(lar 3o(rts. M(3- less t-en *o(ld t-e Co(rt o' Airst Instan3e o' Manila -a)e G(risdi3tion o)er t-e /oods in B(estion a'ter t-e Colle3tor o' C(stoms -ad iss(ed t-e *arrant o' seiH(re and detention on 0an(ary 11. 14E". And so. it 3annot 8e said t-at t-e iss(an3e o' said *arrant *as only an attem:t to di)est t-e res:ondent 0(d/e o' G(risdi3tion o)er t-e s(8Ge3t matter o' t-e 3ase. T-e 3o(rt :resided 8y res:ondent 0(d/e did not a3B(ire G(risdi3tion o)er t-e /oods in B(estion *-en t-e :etition 'or mandam(s *as 'iled 8e'ore it. and so 87
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% t-ere *as no need o' di)estin/ it o' G(risdi3tion. Not -a)in/ a3B(ired G(risdi3tion o)er t-e /oods. it 'ollo*s t-at t-e Co(rt o' Airst Instan3e o' Manila -ad no G(risdi3tion to iss(e t-e B(estioned order o' Mar3- ". 14E" releasin/ said /oods. T-e :etition li<e*ise too< :ains to :oint o(t t-at t-e relian3e 8y res:ondent 0(d/e on *ommissioner of *ustoms v. Alikpala *as mis:la3ed. T-is Co(rt. re3o/niHin/ t-at t-e G(di3iary in t-e P-ili::ines is )ested *it- 8ot- le/al and eB(ita8le :o*ers. did not deem it :ro:er to set aside an inG(n3tion iss(ed 8y t-e lo*er 3o(rt addressed to t-e 3(stoms a(t-orities to sto: t-e sale at :(8li3 a(3tion o' im:orted 'r(its. T-e *arrants o' seiH(re *ere iss(ed in )ie* o' Central &an< Cir3(lars Nos. 14+ and 14,. *-i3- :ro)ide t-at Ino9dollar im:orts not 3o)ered 8y Cir3(lar No. 1+" s-all not 8e iss(ed any release 3erti'i3ates and s-all 8e re'erred to t-e Central &an< 'or o''i3ial transmittal to t-e &(rea( o' C(stoms 'or a::ro:riate seiH(re :ro3eedin/s. E)idently. in t-e o:inion o' t-e Colle3tor o' C(stoms -imsel'. e)en in t-e li/-t o' t-ose 3ir3(lars t-ere e?ists no le/al im:ediment to t-e release o' t-e s(8Ge3t im:ortations (nder 8ond. ot-er*ise -e *o(ld not -a)e a/reed t-ereto. alt-o(/- -e 3-an/ed -is reB(irement 'rom s(rety 8ond to 3as-. In any 3ase. as :ointed o(t 8y :ri)ate res:ondents. t-e said im:ortations -ad 8een ordered 8e'ore Central &an< Cir3(lars 14+ and 14, *ere :rom(l/ated. and sin3e. t-e orders *ere made in a33ordan3e *it- :re)io(s :ra3ti3e t-ere 3o(ld 8e no 8ad 'ait- or intent to )iolate t-ose 3ir3(lars.; Nn'ort(nately. in t-is 3ase res:ondent 0(d/e missed t-ose si/ni'i3ant distin3tions. T-e im:ortation in B(estion *as 3learly )iolati)e o' t-e a8o)e Cir3(lars Nos. 1%4. 14+ and 14,. Also :etitioner Colle3tor o' C(stoms in t-is 3ase *as. in a33ordan3e *it- la*. de'initely o::osed to t-e release o' t-e im:ortation in B(estion. >e 3o(ld not -a)e a(t-oriHed it *it-o(t 8ein/ -eld lia8le 'or )iolatin/ t-e Tari'' and C(stoms Code and t-e a::li3a8le do3trines o' t-is Co(rt. T-e :etition t-ere'ore did not e?a//erate matters *-en it em:-asiHed t-at res:ondent 0(d/e. in iss(in/ t-e *rit o' :reliminary inG(n3tion so(/-t to 8e n(lli'ied. a3ted in a manner 3ontrary to and in )iolation o' t-e la*. ass(min/ G(risdi3tion o)er a matter 8eyond -is 3om:eten3e.
A'AYON( GP 88
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% G#!u% ) CRISTO'AL s. CO4RT OF APPEALS G.R. N!. )/+--, *u&e //( ),,0 FACTS3 W-en Visayas A)en(e 8e3ame a national road. :ri)ate res:ondent Ledesma. o*ner o' t-e road lot (sed as a :assa/e*ay 8y :etitioners. 'iled 'or a :etition 8e'ore t-e RTC o' X(eHon City 'or 3on)ersion o' -is road lot into residential lot. T-e :etition *as a::ro)ed and t-erea'ter sold -is :ro:erty to :ri)ate res:ondent Pa3ione. Petitioners o::osed 8e3a(se it *as in3on)enient 'or t-em to (se t-e lon/er ro(te e?it to Visayas A)en(e. Trial Co(rt dismissed t-e :etition 'or easement o' ri/-t o' *ay and on a::eal to t-e CA. :etitioners alle/ed t-at t-e 3on)ersion o' t-e Road Lot into t*o 617 residential lots 8y Cesar Ledesma. In3.. *as )iolati)e o' PD No. 4," and t-e titles iss(ed as a 3onseB(en3e o' t-e 3on)ersion *ere n(ll and )oid. Res:ondent Co(rt o' A::eals a''irmed t-e de3ision o' t-e Trial Co(rt dismissin/ :etitioners :etition 'or easement o' ri/-t o' *ay and stated t-at -as no le/al le/ to stand on sin3e :lainti''9a::ellants 3annot G(st introd(3e a ne* iss(e to an already settled one. es:e3ially 'or t-e time on a::eal. ISS4E3 W-et-er t-e Co(rt o' A::eals :ro:erly reGe3ted t-e 3ontention o' :etitioners t-at t-e 3on)ersion o' a road lot into a residential lot s-o(ld 8e lod/ed in Administrati)e 8odies and not 8y t-e Co(rts. 5ELD3 T-e S(:reme Co(rt r(led t-at :etitioners 3ontention *as :ro:erly reGe3ted 8y t-e a::ellate 3o(rt. Primarily. t-e iss(e o' le/ality or ille/ality o' t-e 3on)ersion o' t-e road lot in B(estion -as lon/ 8een laid to rest in LRC Case No. X91E1+ *-i3- de3lared *it- 'inality t-e le/ality o' t-e se/re/ation s(8di)ision s(r)ey :lan o' t-e dis:(ted road lot. ConseB(ently. it is no* too late 'or :etitioners to B(estion t-e )alidity o' t-e 3on)ersion o' t-e road lot. Ainally. B(estions relatin/ to non93om:lian3e *it- t-e reB(isites 'or 3on)ersion o' s(8di)ision lots are :ro:erly 3o/niHa8le 8y t-e National >o(sin/ A(t-ority 6N>A7. no* t-e >o(sin/ and Land Nse Re/(latory &oard 6>LNR&7. :(rs(ant to Se3. 11 o' PD 4," and not 8y t-e re/(lar 3o(rt. Nnder t-e do3trine o' :rimary administrati)e G(risdi3tion. *-ere G(risdi3tion is )ested (:on an administrati)e 8ody. no resort to t-e 3o(rts may 8e made 8e'ore s(3- administrati)e 8ody s-all -a)e a3ted (:on t-e matter.
ROD4LFO( OLIVER 89
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% G#!u% PAAT s. CO4RT OF APPEALS /66 SCRA )6. FACTS3 5n May 14. 14%4 *-en t-e tr(3< o' :ri)ate res:ondent Vi3toria de G(Hman *-ile on its *ay to &(la3an *as seiHed 8y t-e De:artment o' En)ironment and Nat(ral Reso(r3es 6DENR. 'or 8re)ity7 :ersonnel in Aritao. N(e)a ViH3aya 8e3a(se t-e dri)er 3o(ld not :rod(3e t-e reB(ired do3(ments 'or t-e 'orest :rod(3ts 'o(nd 3on3ealed in t-e tr(3<. Petitioner 0o)ito Lay(/an. t-e Comm(nity En)ironment and Nat(ral Reso(r3es 5''i3er 6CENR57 in Aritao. Ca/ayan. iss(ed on May 12. 14%4 an order o' 3on'is3ation o' t-e tr(3< and /a)e t-e o*ner t-ereo' 'i'teen 61,7 days *it-in *-i3- to s(8mit an e?:lanation *-y t-e tr(3< s-o(ld not 8e 'or'eited. Pri)ate res:ondents. -o*e)er. 'ailed to s(8mit t-e reB(ired e?:lanation. T-e Re/ional E?e3(ti)e Dire3tor Ro/elio &a//ayan o' DENR s(stained :etitioner Lay(/anIs a3tion o' 3on'is3ation and ordered t-e 'or'eit(re o' t-e tr(3< in)o<in/ Se3tion E%9A o' Presidential De3ree No. "!, as amended 8y E?e3(ti)e 5rder No. 1"". Pri)ate res:ondents 'iled a letter o' re3onsideration *-i3- *as. -o*e)er. denied. S(8seB(ently. t-e 3ase *as 8ro(/-t 8y t-e :etitioners to t-e Se3retary o' DENR. Pendin/ resol(tion -o*e)er o' t-e a::eal. a s(it 'or re:le)in *as 'iled 8y t-e :ri)ate res:ondents a/ainst :etitioner Lay(/an and E?e3(ti)e Dire3tor &a//ayan *it- t-e Re/ional Trial Co(rt. &ran3- 1 o' Ca/ayan. *-i3- iss(ed a *rit orderin/ t-e ret(rn o' t-e tr(3< to :ri)ate res:ondents. Petitioner Lay(/an and E?e3(ti)e Dire3tor &a//ayan 'iled a motion to dismiss *itt-e trial 3o(rt 3ontendin/. inter alia. t-at :ri)ate res:ondents -ad no 3a(se o' a3tion 'or t-eir 'ail(re to e?-a(st administrati)e remedies. T-e trial 3o(rt denied t-e motion to dismiss. ISS4E3 Wit-o(t )iolatin/ t-e :rin3i:le o' e?-a(stion o' administrati)e remedies. may an a3tion 'or replevin :ros:er to re3o)er a mo)a8le :ro:erty *-i3- is t-e s(8Ge3t matter o' an administrati)e 'or'eit(reL 5ELD3 T-is Co(rt in a lon/ line o' 3ases -as 3onsistently -eld t-at 8e'ore a :arty is allo*ed to see< t-e inter)ention o' t-e 3o(rt. it is a :re93ondition t-at -e s-o(ld -a)e a)ailed o' all t-e means o' administrati)e :ro3esses a''orded -im. >en3e. i' a remedy *it-in t-e administrati)e ma3-inery 3an still 8e resorted to 8y /i)in/ t-e administrati)e o''i3er 3on3erned e)ery o::ort(nity to de3ide on a matter t-at 3omes *it-in -is G(risdi3tion t-en s(3- remedy s-o(ld 8e e?-a(sted 'irst 8e'ore 3o(rtIs G(di3ial :o*er 3an 8e so(/-t. T-e :remat(re in)o3ation o' 3o(rtIs inter)ention is 'atal to oneIs 3a(se o' a3tion. A33ordin/ly. a8sent any 'indin/ o' *ai)er or esto::el t-e 3ase is s(s3e:ti8le o' dismissal 'or la3< o' 3a(se o' a3tion. T-is do3trine o' e?-a(stion o' administrati)e remedies *as not *it-o(t its :ra3ti3al and le/al reasons. 'or one t-in/. a)ailment o' administrati)e remedy entails lesser e?:enses and :ro)ides 'or a s:eedier dis:osition o' 3ontro)ersies. It is no less tr(e to state t-at t-e 3o(rts o' G(sti3e 'or reasons o' 3omity and 3on)enien3e *ill s-y a*ay 'rom a dis:(te (ntil t-e system o' administrati)e redress -as 8een 3om:leted and 3om:lied *it- so as to /i)e t-e administrati)e a/en3y 3on3erned e)ery o::ort(nity to 3orre3t its error and to dis:ose o' t-e 3ase. >o*e)er. *e are not amiss to reiterate t-at t-e :rin3i:le o' e?-a(stion o' administrati)e remedies as tested 8y a 8attery o' 3ases is not an iron3lad r(le. T-is do3trine is a relati)e one and its 'le?i8ility is 3alled (:on 8y t-e :e3(liarity and (niB(eness o' t-e 'a3t(al and 3ir3(mstantial settin/s o' a 3ase. >en3e. it is disre/arded 617 *-en t-ere is a )iolation o' d(e :ro3ess. 617 *-en t-e iss(e in)ol)ed is :(rely a le/al B(estion. 627 *-en t-e administrati)e a3tion is :atently ille/al amo(ntin/ to la3< or e?3ess o' G(risdi3tion. 6+7 *-en t-ere is esto::el on t-e :art o' t-e administrati)e a/en3y 3on3erned. 6,7 *-en t-ere is irre:ara8le inG(ry. 6E7 *-en t-e res:ondent is a de:artment se3retary *-ose a3ts as an alter ego o' t-e President 8ears t-e im:lied and ass(med a::ro)al o' t-e latter. 6"7 *-en to reB(ire e?-a(stion o' administrati)e remedies *o(ld 8e (nreasona8le. 6%7 *-en it 90
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% *o(ld amo(nt to a n(lli'i3ation o' a 3laim. 647 *-en t-e s(8Ge3t matter is a :ri)ate land in land 3ase :ro3eedin/s. 61!7 *-en t-e r(le does not :ro)ide a :lain. s:eedy and adeB(ate remedy. and 6117 *-en t-ere are 3ir3(mstan3es indi3atin/ t-e (r/en3y o' G(di3ial inter)ention. In t-e 3ase at 8ar. t-ere is no B(estion t-at t-e 3ontro)ersy *as :endin/ 8e'ore t-e Se3retary o' DENR *-en it *as 'or*arded to -im 'ollo*in/ t-e denial 8y t-e :etitioners o' t-e motion 'or re3onsideration o' :ri)ate res:ondents t-ro(/- t-e order o' 0(ly 11. 14%4. In t-eir letter o' re3onsideration dated 0(ne 1%. 14%4. :ri)ate res:ondents 3learly re3o/niHe t-e :resen3e o' an administrati)e 'or(m to *-i3- t-ey see< to a)ail. as t-ey did a)ail. in t-e resol(tion o' t-eir 3ase. T-e letter. reads. t-(sF I' t-is motion 'or re3onsideration does not merit yo(r 'a)ora8le a3tion. t-en t-is letter s-o(ld 8e 3onsidered as an a::eal to t-e Se3retary. It *as easy to :er3ei)e t-en t-at t-e :ri)ate res:ondents loo<ed (: to t-e Se3retary 'or t-e re)ie* and dis:osition o' t-eir 3ase. &y a::ealin/ to -im. t-ey a3<no*led/ed t-e e?isten3e o' an adeB(ate and :lain remedy still a)aila8le and o:en to t-em in t-e ordinary 3o(rse o' t-e la*. T-(s. t-ey 3annot no*. *it-o(t )iolatin/ t-e :rin3i:le o' e?-a(stion o' administrati)e remedies. see< 3o(rtIs inter)ention 8y 'ilin/ an a3tion 'or re:le)in 'or t-e /rant o' t-eir relie' d(rin/ t-e :enden3y o' an administrati)e :ro3eedin/s. Moreo)er. it is im:ortant to :oint o(t t-at t-e en'or3ement o' 'orestry la*s. r(les and re/(lations and t-e :rote3tion. de)elo:ment and mana/ement o' 'orest lands 'all *it-in t-e :rimary and s:e3ial res:onsi8ilities o' t-e De:artment o' En)ironment and Nat(ral Reso(r3es. &y t-e )ery nat(re o' its '(n3tion. t-e DENR s-o(ld 8e /i)en a 'ree -and (n:ert(r8ed 8y G(di3ial intr(sion to determine a 3ontro)ersy *-i3- is *ell *it-in its G(risdi3tion. T-e ass(m:tion 8y t-e trial 3o(rt. t-ere'ore. o' t-e re:le)in s(it 'iled 8y :ri)ate res:ondents 3onstit(tes an (nG(sti'ied en3roa3-ment into t-e domain o' t-e administrati)e a/en3yIs :rero/ati)e. T-e do3trine o' :rimary G(risdi3tion does not *arrant a 3o(rt to arro/ate (nto itsel' t-e a(t-ority to resol)e a 3ontro)ersy t-e G(risdi3tion o)er *-i3- is initially lod/ed *it- an administrati)e 8ody o' s:e3ial 3om:eten3e. Se3. E%9A. Administrati)e A(t-ority o' t-e De:artment or >is D(ly A(t-oriHed Re:resentati)e To 5rder Con'is3ation. In all 3ases o' )iolation o' t-is Code or ot-er 'orest la*s. r(les and re/(lations. t-e 2epartment 8ead or !is duly aut!ori>ed representative . may order t!e confiscation o' any 'orest :rod(3ts ille/ally 3(t. /at-ered. remo)ed. or :ossessed or a8andoned. and all conveyances used eit!er by land, water or air in t-e 3ommission o' t-e o''ense and to dispose of t!e same in accordance wit! pertinent laws, regulations and policies on t!e matter . 6Em:-asis o(rs7 It is. t-(s. 3lear 'rom t-e 'ore/oin/ :ro)ision t-at t-e Se3retary and -is d(ly a(t-oriHed re:resentati)es are /i)en t-e a(t-ority to 3on'is3ate and 'or'eit any 3on)eyan3es (tiliHed in )iolatin/ t-e Code or ot-er 'orest la*s. r(les and re/(lations. T-e :-rase ;to dis:ose o' t-e same; is 8road eno(/- to 3o)er t-e a3t o' 'or'eitin/ 3on)eyan3es in 'a)or o' t-e /o)ernment. T-e only limitation is t-at it s-o(ld 8e made ;in a33ordan3e *it- :ertinent la*s. re/(lations or :oli3ies on t-e matter.; In t-e 3onstr(3tion o' stat(tes. it m(st 8e read in s(3- a *ay as to /i)e e''e3t to t-e :(r:ose :roGe3ted in t-e stat(te. Stat(tes s-o(ld 8e 3onstr(ed in t-e li/-t o' t-e o8Ge3t to 8e a3-ie)ed and t-e e)il or mis3-ie' to 8e s(::ressed. and t-ey s-o(ld 8e /i)en s(3- 3onstr(3tion as *ill ad)an3e t-e o8Ge3t. s(::ress t-e mis3-ie'. and se3(re t-e 8ene'its intended.
ARA'ACA( C5RISTINE MARIE M. G#!u% ) 91
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% LILIA Y. GON;ALES s. CO4RT OF APPEALS G.R. N!. )161/0 Ma> ,( /11) FACTS3 Petitioner. Petitioner Lilia Y. GonHales. re3ei)ed t*o orders 'rom t-e Re/ional 5''i3e o' t-e De:artment o' A/rarian Re'orm 6DAR7. si/ned 8y t-e res:ondent DAR Re/ional Dire3tor Antonio S. Maraya. and iss(ed :(rs(ant to t-e o:eration land trans'er :ro/ram o' t-e /o)ernment (nder Presidential De3ree 6PD7 No. 1" dire3tin/ -er to s(rrender t-e titles to -er land and to s(8mit t-e ot-er reB(irements o' t-e res:ondent Land &an< o' t-e P-ili::ines. *-ile t-e said 8an< *as ordered to :ay t-e :etitioner an a//re/ate amo(nt o' P,,.E4!."+ as 3om:ensation 'or t-e t*o :ar3els o' land. T-e :etitioner 'iled a Petition 'or *ertiorari and Pro-i8ition *it- Tem:orary Restrainin/ 5rder *it- t-e Co(rt o' A::eals to restrain t-e en'or3ement and to ann(l t-e said t*o 5rders o' t-e DAR Re/ional Dire3tor on t-e /ro(nd o' la3< or e?3ess o' G(risdi3tion. alle/in/ t-at t-e :etitioner ne)er 'iled a land trans'er 3laim and *as not noti'ied o' nor -eard in t-e e?e3(tion o' t-e 'inal s(r)ey :lans and t-e )al(ation o' -er land. A'ter reB(irin/ t-e res:ondents to 'ile t-eir Comment. t-e Co(rt o' A::eals rendered a De3ision dismissin/ t-e :etition 'or 'ail(re o' t-e :etitioners to e?-a(st administrati)e remedies. T-e Co(rt o' A::eals also -eld t-at *ertiorari 3annot 8e (sed 8y t-e :etitioners as a s(8stit(te 'or a::eal o' t-e assailed iss(an3es. >en3e t-is :etition. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e 3o(rt o' a::eals 3ommitted a re)ersi8le error o' la* in dismissin/ t-e :etition 'or 'ailin/ to e?-a(st administrati)e remedies. 5ELD3 T-e :etition is denied. and t-e assailed De3ision o' t-e Co(rt o' A::eals is a''irmed. T-e t-r(st o' t-e r(le on e?-a(stion o' administrati)e remedies is t-at t-e 3o(rts m(st allo* t-e administrati)e a/en3ies to 3arry o(t t-eir '(n3tions and dis3-ar/e t-eir res:onsi8ilities *it-in t-e s:e3ialiHed areas o' t-eir res:e3ti)e 3om:eten3e. It is :res(med t-at an administrati)e a/en3y. i' a''orded an o::ort(nity to :ass (:on a matter. *ill de3ide t-e same 3orre3tly. or 3orre3t any :re)io(s error 3ommitted in its 'or(m. 4 A(rt-ermore. reasons o' la*. 3omity and 3on)enien3e :re)ent t-e 3o(rts 'rom entertainin/ 3ases :ro:er 'or determination 8y administrati)e a/en3ies. >en3e. :remat(re resort to t-e 3o(rts ne3essarily 8e3omes 'atal to t-e 3a(se o' a3tion o' t-e :etitioner. A'ter a 3are'(l :er(sal o' t-e re3ords. *e 'ind t-e do3trine o' e?-a(stion o' administrati)e remedies to 8e a::li3a8le in t-is 3ase. T-e :etitioner raises t-e 'ollo*in/ e?3e:tions to t-e do3trine o' E?-a(stion o' Administrati)e Remedies as a::li3a8le to t-e 3ase at 8arF 617 *-ere t-e B(estioned order is a :atent n(llityK 617 *-ere t-ere is a de:ri)ation o' t-e :etitionerIs '(ndamental ri/-t to d(e :ro3essK and 627 *-ere t-e B(estion in)ol)ed is a :(rely le/al one. We are not 3on)in3ed t-at any o' t-e e?3e:tions o8tains -ere. As a8o)e stated. t-e 5rders iss(ed 8y t-e Re/ional Dire3tor :(rs(ant to la* are not :atent n(llities. and t-e alle/ed denial o' t-e :etitionerIs ri/-t to d(e :ro3ess is intert*ined *it- t-e B(estion o' noti3e (:on t-e :etitioner *-i3- raises 8asi3ally a 'a3t(al matter. i.e.. *-et-er t-ree noti3es *ere :ro:erly ser)ed (:on :etitioner. T-is iss(e is not to 8e resol)ed 8y t-e Co(rt o' A::eals in t-e 'irst instan3e on certiorari. T-is Co(rt do not see -o* t-e 3ontro)ersy raises a :(rely le/al B(estion. MAR'ELLA( C* G#!u% / 92
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% 5ON. CARALE( ET AL s. A'ARINTOS < PONTE*OS G.R. N!. )/1.12 FACTS3 Pri)ate res:ondent PonteGos *as iss(ed an ori/inal and :ermanent a::ointment ;La8or and Em:loyment De)elo:ment 5''i3er in t-e National La8or Relations Commission. Petitioner C-airman o' t-e NLRC. iss(ed an Administrati)e 5rder detailin/Jreassi/nin/ :ri)ate res:ondent to t-e NLRC. Ao(rt- Di)ision. Ce8( City. Pri)ate res:ondent 'iled a 3om:laint 8e'ore t-e Re/ional Trial Co(rt o' Ce8( City a/ainst -erein :etitioners 'or Ille/al Trans'er Tantamo(nt To Remo)al Wit-o(t Ca(se and an a3tion 'or inG(n3tion *-i3- *as /ranted. Petitioners 'iled a motion to dismiss ar/(in/ t-at it is t-e Ci)il Ser)i3e Commission *-i3-as e?3l(si)e G(risdi3tion o)er any B(estion 3on3ernin/ :ersonnel mo)ement. Said motion and motion 'or re3onsideration *as denied 8y reason o' (r/en3y o' G(di3ial inter)ention. >en3e :etition. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e G(d/e -as G(risdi3tion to re)ie* t-e )alidity o' t-e trans'er order iss(ed 8y :etitioner 3-airman o' t-e NLRC sin3e t-e 3ontro)ersy is *it-in t-e ori/inal and e?3l(si)e G(risdi3tion o' t-e Ci)il Ser)i3e Commission. 5ELD3
No. 58ser)an3e o' t-e mandate re/ardin/ e?-a(stion o' administrati)e remedies is a so(nd :ra3ti3e and :oli3y. It ens(res an orderly :ro3ed(re *-i3- 'a)ors a :reliminary si'tin/ :ro3ess. :arti3(larly *itres:e3t to matters :e3(liarly *it-in t-e 3om:eten3e o' t-e administrati)e a/en3y. a)oidan3e o' inter'eren3e *it- '(n3tions o' t-e administrati)e a/en3y 8y *it--oldin/ G(di3ial a3tion (ntil t-e administrati)e :ro3ess -ad r(n its 3o(rse. and :re)ention o' attem:ts to s*am: t-e 3o(rts 8y a resort to t-em in t-e 'irst instan3e. T-e (nderlyin/ :rin3i:le o' t-e r(le rests on t-e :res(m:tion t-at t-e administrati)e a/en3y. i' a''orded a 3om:lete 3-an3e to :ass (:on t-e matter. *ill de3ide t-e same 3orre3tly. T-ere are 8ot- le/al and :ra3ti3al reasons 'or t-is :rin3i:le. T-e administrati)e :ro3ess is intended to :ro)ide less e?:ensi)e and more s:eedy sol(tions to dis:(tes. W-ere t-e ena8lin/ stat(te indi3ates a :ro3ed(re 'or administrati)e re)ie*. and :ro)ides a system o' administrati)e a::eal. or re3onsideration. t-e 3o(rts. 'or reasons o' la*. 3omity and 3on)enien3e. *ill not entertain a 3ase (nless t-e a)aila8le administrati)e remedies -a)e 8een resorted to and t-e a::ro:riate a(t-orities -a)e 8een /i)en an o::ort(nity to a3t and 3orre3t t-e errors 3ommitted in t-e administrati)e 'or(m. A33ordin/ly. t-e :arty *it- an administrati)e remedy m(st not merely initiate t-e :res3ri8ed administrati)e :ro3ed(re to o8tain relie'. 8(t also :(rs(e it to its a::ro:riate 3on3l(sion 8e'ore see<in/ G(di3ial inter)ention in order to /i)e t-e administrati)e a/en3y an o::ort(nity to de3ide t-e matter 8y itsel' 3orre3tly and :re)ent (nne3essary and :remat(re resort to t-e 3o(rt. In t-e instant 3ase. PonteGos did not attem:t to see< administrati)e relie'. *-i3- *as 8ot- a)aila8le and s(''i3ient. Initially. -e 3o(ld -a)e as<ed 'or re3onsideration o' t-e detail order. 'ailin/ *-i3-. -e 3o(ld -a)e /one dire3tly to t-e CSC. t-ro(/- t-e MSP&. *-i3- is em:o*ered toF 617 >ear and de3ide 3ases 8ro(/-t 8e'ore it 8y o''i3es and em:loyees *-o 'eel a//rie)ed 8y t-e determination o' a::ointin/ a(t-orities in)ol)in/ . . . trans'er. detail. reassi/nment and ot-er :ersonnel a3tions. as *ell as 3om:laints a/ainst any o''i3ers in t-e /o)ernment arisin/ 'rom :ersonnel a3tions o' t-ese o''i3ers or 'rom )iolations o' t-e merit system. e?3e:tions to t-e r(leF 617 *-ere t-e B(estion is :(rely le/al. 617 *-ere G(di3ial inter)ention is (r/ent. 627 *-en its a::li3ation may 3a(se /reat and irre:ara8le dama/e. 6+7 *-ere t-e 3ontro)erted a3ts )iolate d(e :ro3ess. 6,7 'ail(re o' a -i/- /o)ernment o''i3ial 'rom *-om relie' is so(/-t to a3t on t-e matter. and 6E7 *-en t-e iss(e o' non9e?-a(stion o' administrati)e remedies -as 8een rendered moot.
ALP4ERTO( MARIPOSA G. 93
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% G#!u% ) ED4ARDO P. CORSIGA s. 5ON. Q4IRICO G. DEFENSOR -,) SCRA /6. FACTS3 Pri)ate res:ondent 5rtiHo *as t-e senior en/ineer o' & in t-e National Irri/ation Administration 6NIA7. 0ala(r9S(a/(e Ri)er Irri/ation System Re/ion VI. >e is tas<ed to assist Irri/ation S(:erintendent in t-e said station. Sometime in 0(ne 144,. :etitioner Ed(ardo P. Corsi/a. t-en re/ional irri/ation mana/er o' t-e NIA. Re/ion VI. iss(ed Re/ional 5''i3e Memorand(m 6R5M7 No. ,1. reassi/nin/ :ri)ate res:ondent to A/anan9Sta. &ar8ara Ri)er Irri/ation System. li<e*ise to assist t-e Irri/ation S(:erintendent t-ereat. &(t :ri)ate res:ondent *rote :etitioner 3ontendin/ t-at t-e :oli3y o' rotation only a::lies to De:artment Mana/ers. Irri/ation S(:erintendents. Pro)in3ial En/ineers and Di)ision Mana/er o' Aield 5''i3es. Petitioner denied t-e reB(est and so :ri)ate res:ondent 'iled a :etition 'or inG(n3tion. Petitioner mo)ed to dismiss t-e :etition 'or la3< o' G(risdi3tion and non9e?-a(stion o' administrati)e remedies. 8(t t-e motion *as denied. Petitioner t-en ele)ated it to t-e Co(rt o' A::eals 8(t t-e same *as denied sayin/ t-at t-e do3trine o' e?-a(stion o' administrati)e remedies does not a::ly *-ere t-e 3ontro)erted a3t is :atently ille/al. ar8itrary. and o::ressi)e. Re/ional 5''i3e Memorand(m No. ,1. a33ordin/ to t-e 3o(rt. *as ille/al sin3e it )iolated :ri)ate res:ondentIs 3onstit(tional ri/-t to se3(rity o' ten(re. Pri)ate res:ondentIs ori/inal a::ointment as Senior En/ineer & in t-e NIA 0ala(r Ri)er Irri/ation System. Re/ion VI is a :ermanent oneK t-(s. it entitled -im to a se3(rity o' ten(re. >e 3annot. t-ere'ore. 8e reassi/ned to anot-er :osition t-at in)ol)es a red(3tion in ran< *it-o(t -is 3onsent. >en3e. t-is :etition. ISS4E3 W-et-er or not res:ondent -as a )alid 3a(se o' a3tion a/ainst :etitioner 'or 'ail(re to e?-a(st administrati)e remedies. 5ELD3
&ein/ an NIA em:loyee 3o)ered 8y t-e Ci)il Ser)i3e La*. in o(r )ie*. :ri)ate res:ondent s-o(ld -a)e 'irst 3om:lained to t-e NIA Administrator. and i' ne3essary. t-en a::eal to t-e Ci)il Ser)i3e Commission. As r(led in A8e9A8e )s. Manta. 4! SCRA ,1+ 614"47. i' a liti/ant /oes to 3o(rt *it-o(t 'irst :(rs(in/ -is administrati)e remedies. -is a3tion is :remat(re. and -e -as no 3a(se o' a3tion to )entilate in 3o(rt. >en3e. :etitioner asserts t-at :ri)ate res:ondentIs 3ase is not ri:e 'or G(di3ial determination. A33ordin/ to :ri)ate res:ondent. t-e 3ir3(mstan3es o' t-e 3ase reB(ired -im to (r/ently a3t on -is reassi/nment sin3e -e mi/-t 8e administrati)ely 3-ar/ed i' -e resisted :etitionerIs order. yet. at t-e same time -e 3o(ld 8e in esto::ed to B(estion t-e order -ad -e yielded to it *it-o(t :rotest. A33ordin/ to :ri)ate res:ondent. :etitioner *as /(ilty o' 8ad 'ait-K -is real o8Ge3ti)e *as to assi/n someone 3lose to -im to re:la3e :ri)ate res:ondent. PetitionerIs a3tion *as 3a:ri3io(s. *-imsi3al. ar8itrary. and dis3riminatory. said :ri)ate res:ondent sin3e -e *as t-e only one. 'rom amon/ t-e o''i3ials or em:loyees o' t-e same ran<. *-o *as reassi/ned. >o*e)er. :ri)ate res:ondent 'ailed to re3<on *it- t-e 'a3t t-at t-e iss(e in Ci)il Case No. 11+E1 *as not :(rely a B(estion o' la*. Certain 'a3ts needed to 8e resol)ed 'irst. Did :ri)ate res:ondentIs reassi/nment in)ol)e a red(3tion in ran<L Pri)ate res:ondent 3laimed -is trans'er to a ne* station )iolated t-e r(le on reassi/nment 'or -e *as alle/edly trans'erred to a lo*er :osition. &(t :etitioner -ad re'(ted t-is 3ontention. addin/ t-at -is order reassi/nin/ :ri)ate res:ondent *as a la*'(l e?er3ise o' mana/ement :rero/ati)es. Lastly. :ri)ate res:ondent 3laimed (r/en3y in t-at -e -ad no ot-er re3o(rse 8(t to /o to 3o(rt. or -e *o(ld 8e 3-ar/ed administrati)ely. >o*e)er. (nder 5mni8(s R(les Im:lementin/ t-e Ci)il Ser)i3e La*. a re3o(rse is a)aila8le to -im 8y *ay o' a::eal *-i3- 3o(ld 8e 8ro(/-t to t-e a/en3y -ead. *it- '(rt-er re3o(rse. i' needed. to t-e Ci)il Ser)i3e Commission. W>EREA5RE. t-e :etition is GRANTED.
94
A. Do3trine o' Prior Resort
95
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% SALIPSIP( DARREN G#!u% ) I&:ust#ial E&te#%#ise I&7. s. CA )02 SCRA 26/ FACTS3
Petitioner Ind(strial Enter:rises In3. 6IEI7 *as /ranted a 3oal o:eratin/ 3ontra3t 8y t-e Go)ernment t-ro(/- t-e &(rea( o' Ener/y De)elo:ment 6&ED7 'or t-e e?:loration o' t*o 3oal 8lo3<s in Eastern Samar. S(8seB(ently. IEI also a::lied *it- t-e t-en Ministry o' Ener/y 'or anot-er 3oal o:eratin/ 3ontra3t 'or t-e e?:loration o' t-ree additional 3oal 8lo3<s *-i3-. to/et-er *it- t-e ori/inal t*o 8lo3<s. 3om:rised t-e so9 3alled ;Gi:orlos Area.; IEI *as later on ad)ised t-at in line *it- t-e o8Ge3ti)e o' rationaliHin/ t-e 3o(ntryIs o)er9all 3oal s(::ly9 demand 8alan3e. t-e lo/i3al 3oal o:erator in t-e area s-o(ld 8e t-e Marind(B(e Minin/ and Ind(strial Cor:oration 6MMIC7. *-i3- *as already de)elo:in/ t-e 3oal de:osit in anot-er area 6&a/a3ay Area7 and t-at t-e &a/a3ay and Gi:orlos Areas s-o(ld 8e a*arded to MMIC. T-(s. IEI and MMIC e?e3(ted a Memorand(m o' A/reement *-ere8y IEI assi/ned and trans'erred to MMIC all its ri/-ts and interests in t-e t*o 3oal 8lo3<s *-i3- are t-e s(8Ge3t o' IEIIs 3oal o:eratin/ 3ontra3t. S(8seB(ently. -o*e)er. IEI 'iled an a3tion 'or res3ission o' t-e Memorand(m o' A/reement *itdama/es a/ainst MMIC and t-e t-en Minister o' Ener/y 8e'ore t-e Re/ional Trial Co(rt o' Ma<ati alle/in/ t-at MMIC too< :ossession o' t-e s(8Ge3t 3oal 8lo3<s e)en 8e'ore t-e Memorand(m o' A/reement *as 'inaliHed and a::ro)ed 8y t-e &EDK t-at MMIC dis3ontin(ed *or< t-ereonK t-at MMIC 'ailed to a::ly 'or a 3oal o:eratin/ 3ontra3t 'or t-e adGa3ent 3oal 8lo3<sK and t-at MMIC 'ailed and re'(sed to :ay t-e reim8(rsements a/reed (:on and to ass(me IEIIs loan o8li/ation as :ro)ided in t-e Memorand(m o' A/reement. IEI also :rayed t-at t-e Ener/y Minister 8e ordered to a::ro)e t-e ret(rn o' t-e 3oal o:eratin/ 3ontra3t 'rom MMIC to :etitioner. *it- a *ritten 3on'irmation t-at said 3ontra3t is )alid and e''e3ti)e. and. in d(e 3o(rse. to 3on)ert said 3ontra3t 'rom an e?:loration a/reement to a de)elo:mentJ:rod(3tion or e?:loitation 3ontra3t in IEIIs 'a)or.
ISS4E3 W-et-er or not t-e 3i)il 3o(rt -as G(risdi3tion to -ear and de3ide t-e s(it 'or res3ission o' t-e Memorand(m o' A/reement. 5ELD3
No. In re3ent years. it -as 8een t-e G(ris:r(dential trend to a::ly t-e do3trine o' :rimary G(risdi3tion in many 3ases in)ol)in/ matters t-at demand t-e s:e3ial 3om:eten3e o' administrati)e a/en3ies. It may o33(r t-at t-e Co(rt -as G(risdi3tion to ta<e 3o/niHan3e o' a :arti3(lar 3ase. *-i3- means t-at t-e matter in)ol)ed is also G(di3ial in 3-ara3ter. >o*e)er. i' t-e 3ase is s(3- t-at its determination reB(ires t-e e?:ertise. s:e3ialiHed s<ills and <no*led/e o' t-e :ro:er administrati)e 8odies 8e3a(se te3-ni3al matters or intri3ate B(estions o' 'a3ts are in)ol)ed. t-en relie' m(st 'irst 8e o8tained in an administrati)e :ro3eedin/ 8e'ore a remedy *ill 8e s(::lied 8y t-e 3o(rts e)en t-o(/- t-e matter is *it-in t-e :ro:er G(risdi3tion o' a 3o(rt. T-is is t-e do3trine o' :rimary G(risdi3tion. It a::lies ;*-ere a 3laim is ori/inally 3o/niHa8le in t-e 3o(rts. and 3omes into :lay *-ene)er en'or3ement o' t-e 3laim reB(ires t-e resol(tion o' iss(es *-i3-. (nder a re/(latory s3-eme. -a)e 8een :la3ed *it-in t-e s:e3ial 3om:eten3e o' an administrati)e 8ody. in s(3- 3ase t-e G(di3ial :ro3ess is s(s:ended :endin/ re'erral o' s(3- iss(es to t-e administrati)e 8ody 'or its )ie*;. Clearly. t-e do3trine o' :rimary G(risdi3tion 'inds a::li3ation in t-is 3ase sin3e t-e B(estion o' *-at 3oal areas s-o(ld 8e e?:loited and de)elo:ed and *-i3- entity s-o(ld 8e /ranted 3oal o:eratin/ 3ontra3ts o)er said areas in)ol)es a te3-ni3al determination 8y t-e &ED as t-e administrati)e a/en3y in :ossession o' t-e s:e3ialiHed e?:ertise to a3t on t-e matter. T-e Trial Co(rt does not -a)e t-e 3om:eten3e to de3ide matters 3on3ernin/ a3ti)ities relati)e to t-e e?:loration. e?:loitation. de)elo:ment and e?tra3tion o' mineral reso(r3es li<e 3oal. T-ese iss(es :re3l(de an initial G(di3ial determination. It 8e-oo)es t-e 3o(rts to stand aside e)en *-en a::arently t-ey -a)e stat(tory :o*er to :ro3eed in re3o/nition o' t-e :rimary G(risdi3tion o' an administrati)e a/en3y.
96
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% TAN( MARIA DIANNE G#!u% / COMMISSIONER OF C4STOMS s. NAVARRO G.R. N!. L---)26 Ma> -)( ),.. FACTS3 T-e Commissioner o' C(stoms and t-e Colle3tor o' C(stoms so(/-t to n(lli'y and set aside t-e order o' res:ondent 0(d/e Na)arro. iss(in/ a *rit o' :reliminary inG(n3tion as :rayed 'or 8y :ri)ate res:ondents 0(anito Alores and Asiati3 In3. as im:orters o' 3artons o' 'res- 'r(its. restrainin/ :etitioners 'rom :ro3eedin/ *it- t-e a(3tion sale o' s(3- :eris-a8le /oods. Classi'ied as non9essential 3ons(mer 3ommodities. t-ey *ere 8anned 8y t-e Central &an< Cir3(lars Nos. 1%4. 14+ and 14, as :ro-i8ited im:ortation s(8Ge3t to 'or'eit(re :ro3eedin/s 8y :etitioners. Petitioners :ointed o(t -o* )iolati)e *as t-e ass(m:tion o' G(risdi3tion 8y res:ondent 0(d/e o)er an in3ident o' a :endin/ seiH(re and 'or'eit(re :ro3eedin/ *-i3-. as -eld in a n(m8er o' de3isions. *as a matter 'allin/ *it-in t-e e?3l(si)e 3om:eten3e o' t-e 3(stoms a(t-orities. T-e S(:reme Co(rt iss(ed a resol(tion reB(irin/ res:ondents to 'ile an ans*er and at t-e same time iss(in/ a *rit o' :reliminary inG(n3tion as :rayed 'or 8y :etitioners to :re)ent t-e 3-allen/ed order o' res:ondent 0(d/e 'rom 8ein/ im:lemented. Instead o' :re:arin/ an ans*er. t-ey G(st s(8mitted a mani'estation statin/ t-at ;a'ter an intensi)e and serio(s st(dy o' t-e merit o' t-e 3ase. t-e res:ondents -a)e de3ided to a8andon its interest in t-e 3ase.; T-e rationale 8e-ind s(3- a mo)e *as ostensi8ly t-e desire to a)oid additional e?:enses. in )ie* o' t-e 'a3t t-at ;t-e s-i:ments. 8ein/ :eris-a8le. -a)e already deteriorated.; It is di''i3(lt to a)oid t-e s(s:i3ion t-at t-e real reason *as t-at t-e :oints o' la* raised 8y :etitioners 3o(ld not 8e re'(ted. ISS4ES3 1. W-et-er 3o(rts -a)e G(risdi3tion o)er 3ases lod/ed into administrati)e 8odiesL No. 1. W-et-er :etitioners -a)e e?-a(sted all administrati)e remediesL Yes. Certiorari lies. 5ELD3 T-e B(estion o' seiH(re and 'or'eit(re is 'or t-e administrati)e in t-e 'irst instan3e and t-en t-e Commissioner o' C(stoms. T-is is a 'ield *-ere t-e do3trine o' :rimary G(risdi3tion 3ontrols. T-erea'ter. an a::eal may 8e ta<en to t-e Co(rt o' Ta? A::eals. A 3o(rt o' 'irst instan3e is de)oid o' 3om:eten3e to a3t on t-e matter. T-ere is '(rt-er G(di3ial re)ie*. 8(t only 8y t-is Co(rt in t-e e?er3ise o' its 3ertiorari G(risdi3tion. T-e 3ontrollin/ :rin3i:le *as set 'ort- ane* in "once 0nrile v. 9inuya. T-(sF ;T-e :re)ailin/ do3trine is t-at t-e e?3l(si)e G(risdi3tion in seiH(re and 'or'eit(re 3ases )ested in t-e Colle3tor o' C(stoms :re3l(des a 3o(rt o' 'irst instan3e 'rom ass(min/ 3o/niHan3e o)er s(3- a matter.; In "apa v. /ago, t-e o:inion o' 0(sti3e =aldi)ar 'or t-e Co(rt em:-ati3ally asserted t-e do3trine ane* in t-e 'ollo*in/ lan/(a/eF $It is t-e settled r(le. t-ere'ore. t-at t-e &(rea( o' C(stoms a3B(ires e?3l(si)e G(risdi3tion o)er im:orted /oods. 'or t-e :(r:oses o' en'or3ement o' t-e 3(stoms la*s. 'rom t-e moment t-e /oods are a3t(ally in its :ossession or 3ontrol. e)en i' no *arrant o' seiH(re or detention -ad :re)io(sly 8een iss(ed 8y t-e Colle3tor o' C(stoms in 3onne3tion *it- seiH(re and 'or'eit(re :ro3eedin/s. In t-e :resent 3ase. t-e &(rea( o' C(stoms a3t(ally seiHed t-e /oods in B(estion on No)em8er +. 14EE. and so 'rom t-at date t-e &(rea( o' C(stoms a3B(ired G(risdi3tion o)er t-e /oods 'or t-e :(r:oses o' t-e en'or3ement o' t-e tari'' and 3(stoms la*s. to t-e e?3l(sion o' t-e re/(lar 3o(rts. M(3- less t-en *o(ld t-e Co(rt o' Airst Instan3e o' Manila -a)e G(risdi3tion o)er t-e /oods in B(estion a'ter t-e Colle3tor o' C(stoms -ad iss(ed t-e *arrant o' seiH(re and detention on 0an(ary 11. 14E". And so. it 3annot 8e said t-at t-e iss(an3e o' said *arrant *as only an attem:t to di)est t-e res:ondent 0(d/e o' G(risdi3tion o)er t-e s(8Ge3t matter o' t-e 3ase. T-e 3o(rt :resided 8y res:ondent 0(d/e did not a3B(ire G(risdi3tion o)er t-e /oods in B(estion *-en t-e :etition 'or mandam(s *as 'iled 8e'ore it. and so t-ere *as no need o' di)estin/ it o' G(risdi3tion. Not -a)in/ a3B(ired G(risdi3tion o)er t-e /oods. it 97
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% 'ollo*s t-at t-e Co(rt o' Airst Instan3e o' Manila -ad no G(risdi3tion to iss(e t-e B(estioned order o' Mar3- ". 14E" releasin/ said /oods. T-e :etition li<e*ise too< :ains to :oint o(t t-at t-e relian3e 8y res:ondent 0(d/e on *ommissioner of *ustoms v. Alikpala *as mis:la3ed. T-is Co(rt. re3o/niHin/ t-at t-e G(di3iary in t-e P-ili::ines is )ested *it- 8ot- le/al and eB(ita8le :o*ers. did not deem it :ro:er to set aside an inG(n3tion iss(ed 8y t-e lo*er 3o(rt addressed to t-e 3(stoms a(t-orities to sto: t-e sale at :(8li3 a(3tion o' im:orted 'r(its. T-e *arrants o' seiH(re *ere iss(ed in )ie* o' Central &an< Cir3(lars Nos. 14+ and 14,. *-i3- :ro)ide t-at Ino9dollar im:orts not 3o)ered 8y Cir3(lar No. 1+" s-all not 8e iss(ed any release 3erti'i3ates and s-all 8e re'erred to t-e Central &an< 'or o''i3ial transmittal to t-e &(rea( o' C(stoms 'or a::ro:riate seiH(re :ro3eedin/s. E)idently. in t-e o:inion o' t-e Colle3tor o' C(stoms -imsel'. e)en in t-e li/-t o' t-ose 3ir3(lars t-ere e?ists no le/al im:ediment to t-e release o' t-e s(8Ge3t im:ortations (nder 8ond. ot-er*ise -e *o(ld not -a)e a/reed t-ereto. alt-o(/- -e 3-an/ed -is reB(irement 'rom s(rety 8ond to 3as-. In any 3ase. as :ointed o(t 8y :ri)ate res:ondents. t-e said im:ortations -ad 8een ordered 8e'ore Central &an< Cir3(lars 14+ and 14, *ere :rom(l/ated. and sin3e. t-e orders *ere made in a33ordan3e *it- :re)io(s :ra3ti3e t-ere 3o(ld 8e no 8ad 'ait- or intent to )iolate t-ose 3ir3(lars.; Nn'ort(nately. in t-is 3ase res:ondent 0(d/e missed t-ose si/ni'i3ant distin3tions. T-e im:ortation in B(estion *as 3learly )iolati)e o' t-e a8o)e Cir3(lars Nos. 1%4. 14+ and 14,. Also :etitioner Colle3tor o' C(stoms in t-is 3ase *as. in a33ordan3e *it- la*. de'initely o::osed to t-e release o' t-e im:ortation in B(estion. >e 3o(ld not -a)e a(t-oriHed it *it-o(t 8ein/ -eld lia8le 'or )iolatin/ t-e Tari'' and C(stoms Code and t-e a::li3a8le do3trines o' t-is Co(rt. T-e :etition t-ere'ore did not e?a//erate matters *-en it em:-asiHed t-at res:ondent 0(d/e. in iss(in/ t-e *rit o' :reliminary inG(n3tion so(/-t to 8e n(lli'ied. a3ted in a manner 3ontrary to and in )iolation o' t-e la*. ass(min/ G(risdi3tion o)er a matter 8eyond -is 3om:eten3e.
98
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% LEON( DAVID MARTIN G#!u% ) CRESENCIA CRISTO'AL s. CO4RT OF APPEALS G.R. N!. )/+--, *u&e //( ),00 FACTS3
Petitioners o*n a -o(se and lot sit(ated at No. 1! Visayas A)en(e E?tension. X(eHon City. *-ere t-ey -a)e 8een residin/ 'rom 14E1 to t-e :resent. Res:ondent Cesar Ledesma. In3.. on t-e ot-er -and. is t-e o*ner o' a s(8di)ision at &arrio C(liat alon/ Visayas A)en(e *-i3- on3e in3l(ded t-e dis:(ted residential lots. Lot 1 and Lot 1. lo3ated adGa3ent to :etitionersI :ro:erty. Petitioners *ere (sin/ Road Lot 1 in /oin/ to and 'rom t-e nearest :(8li3 road. W-en Visayas A)en(e 8e3ame o:erational as a national road in 14"4. Cesar Ledesma. In3.. 'iled a :etition 8e'ore t-e RTC o' X(eHon City to 8e allo*ed to 3on)ert Road Lot 1 into residential lots. T-e :etition *as /ranted. -en3e. Road Lot 1 *as 3on)erted into residential lots desi/nated as Lot 1 and Lot 1. S(8seB(ently. Cesar Ledesma. In3.. sold 8ot- lots to Ma3ario Pa3ione in *-ose 'a)or Trans'er Certi'i3ates o' Title *ere 3orres:ondin/ly iss(ed. In t(rn. Ma3ario Pa3ione 3on)eyed t-e lots to -is son and da(/-ter9in9 la*. res:ondent s:o(ses 0es(s and Lerma Pa3ione. W-en t-e Pa3ione s:o(ses. )isited t-e :ro:erty. t-ey 'o(nd o(t t-at t-e lot *as o33(:ied 8y a sB(atter named 0(anita Geronimo and a :ortion *as 8ein/ (sed as a :assa/e*ay 8y :etitioners to and 'rom Visayas A)en(e. A33ordin/ly. t-e s:o(ses 3om:lained a8o(t t-e intr(sion into t-eir :ro:erty to t-e &aran/ay 5''i3e. W-en t-e :arties 'ailed to arri)e at an ami3a8le settlement. t-e s:o(ses started en3losin/ Lot 1 *it- a 3on3rete 'en3e. At t-e instan3e o' t-e :arties. t-e trial 3o(rt ordered an o3(lar ins:e3tion o' t-e :ro:erty. A re:ort *as s(8mitted 8y t-e de:(ty s-eri'' as t-e re:resentati)e o' t-e 3o(rt. >o*e)er. on t-e 8asis o' t-e re:ort as *ell as t-e testimonial and do3(mentary e)iden3e o' t-e :arties. t-e trial 3o(rt dismissed t-e 3om:laint -oldin/ t-at one essential reB(isite o' a le/al easement o' ri/-t o' *ay *as not :ro)ed. i.e.. t-e a8sen3e o' an alternati)e adeB(ate *ay or o(tlet to a :(8li3 -i/-*ay. in t-is 3ase. Visayas A)en(e. Petitioners a::ealed to t-e Co(rt o' A::eals ar/(in/F 1.7 t-at t-e trial 3o(rt erred in 'indin/ t-at t-ey 'ailed to s(''i3iently esta8lis- t-e essential 'a3t t-at 'rom t-eir :ro:erty no adeB(ate o(tlet or a33ess to a :(8li3 -i/-*ay e?isted andF 1.7 t-at t-e 3on)ersion o' t-e Road Lot into t*o 617 residential lots 8y Cesar Ledesma. In3.. *as )iolati)e o' PD No. 4,". -en3e ille/al. and t-e titles iss(ed as a 3onseB(en3e o' t-e 3on)ersion *ere n(ll and )oid. T-e Co(rt o' A::eals a''irmed t-e trial 3o(rt s de3ision. >en3e t-is A::eal.
ISS4E3 W-et-er or not :etitioners are entitled to 3om:(lsory easement. 5ELD3

To 8e entitled to a 3om:(lsory easement o' ri/-t o' *ay. t-e :re3onditions :ro)ided (nder Arts. E+4 and E,! o' t-e Ci)il Code m(st 8e esta8lis-ed. T-ese areF 617 t-at t-e dominant estate is s(rro(nded 8y ot-er immo)a8les and -as no adeB(ate o(tlet to a :(8li3 -i/-*ayK 617 t-at :ro:er indemnity -as 8een :aidK 627 t-at t-e isolation *as not d(e to a3ts o' t-e :ro:rietor o' t-e dominant estateK 6+7 t-at t-e ri/-t o' *ay 3laimed is at a :oint least :reG(di3ial to t-e ser)ient estate and. in so 'ar as 3onsistent *it- t-is r(le. *-ere t-e distan3e 'rom t-e dominant estate to a :(8li3 -i/-*ay may 8e t-e s-ortest. T-e 8(rden o' :ro)in/ t-e e?isten3e o' t-ese :rereB(isites lies on t-e o*ner o' t-e dominant estate. In t-e :resent 3ase. t-e 'irst element is 3learly a8sent. We 'ind :etitionersI 3on3e:t o' *-at is ;adeB(ate o(tlet; a 3om:lete disre/ard o' t-e *ell9 entren3-ed do3trine t-at in order to G(sti'y t-e im:osition o' an easement o' ri/-t o' *ay t-ere m(st 8e a real. not 'i3titio(s or arti'i3ial. ne3essity 'or it.
99
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% ROD4LFO( OLIVER G#!u% PAAT s. CO4RT OF APPEALS /66 SCRA )6. FACTS3 5n May 14. 14%4 *-en t-e tr(3< o' :ri)ate res:ondent Vi3toria de G(Hman *-ile on its *ay to &(la3an *as seiHed 8y t-e De:artment o' En)ironment and Nat(ral Reso(r3es 6DENR. 'or 8re)ity7 :ersonnel in Aritao. N(e)a ViH3aya 8e3a(se t-e dri)er 3o(ld not :rod(3e t-e reB(ired do3(ments 'or t-e 'orest :rod(3ts 'o(nd 3on3ealed in t-e tr(3<. Petitioner 0o)ito Lay(/an. t-e Comm(nity En)ironment and Nat(ral Reso(r3es 5''i3er 6CENR57 in Aritao. Ca/ayan. iss(ed on May 12. 14%4 an order o' 3on'is3ation o' t-e tr(3< and /a)e t-e o*ner t-ereo' 'i'teen 61,7 days *it-in *-i3- to s(8mit an e?:lanation *-y t-e tr(3< s-o(ld not 8e 'or'eited. Pri)ate res:ondents. -o*e)er. 'ailed to s(8mit t-e reB(ired e?:lanation. T-e Re/ional E?e3(ti)e Dire3tor Ro/elio &a//ayan o' DENR s(stained :etitioner Lay(/anIs a3tion o' 3on'is3ation and ordered t-e 'or'eit(re o' t-e tr(3< in)o<in/ Se3tion E%9A o' Presidential De3ree No. "!, as amended 8y E?e3(ti)e 5rder No. 1"". Pri)ate res:ondents 'iled a letter o' re3onsideration *-i3- *as. -o*e)er. denied. S(8seB(ently. t-e 3ase *as 8ro(/-t 8y t-e :etitioners to t-e Se3retary o' DENR. Pendin/ resol(tion -o*e)er o' t-e a::eal. a s(it 'or re:le)in *as 'iled 8y t-e :ri)ate res:ondents a/ainst :etitioner Lay(/an and E?e3(ti)e Dire3tor &a//ayan *it- t-e Re/ional Trial Co(rt. &ran3- 1 o' Ca/ayan. *-i3- iss(ed a *rit orderin/ t-e ret(rn o' t-e tr(3< to :ri)ate res:ondents. Petitioner Lay(/an and E?e3(ti)e Dire3tor &a//ayan 'iled a motion to dismiss *itt-e trial 3o(rt 3ontendin/. inter alia. t-at :ri)ate res:ondents -ad no 3a(se o' a3tion 'or t-eir 'ail(re to e?-a(st administrati)e remedies. T-e trial 3o(rt denied t-e motion to dismiss. ISS4E3 Wit-o(t )iolatin/ t-e :rin3i:le o' e?-a(stion o' administrati)e remedies. may an a3tion 'or replevin :ros:er to re3o)er a mo)a8le :ro:erty *-i3- is t-e s(8Ge3t matter o' an administrati)e 'or'eit(reL 5ELD3 T-is Co(rt in a lon/ line o' 3ases -as 3onsistently -eld t-at 8e'ore a :arty is allo*ed to see< t-e inter)ention o' t-e 3o(rt. it is a :re93ondition t-at -e s-o(ld -a)e a)ailed o' all t-e means o' administrati)e :ro3esses a''orded -im. >en3e. i' a remedy *it-in t-e administrati)e ma3-inery 3an still 8e resorted to 8y /i)in/ t-e administrati)e o''i3er 3on3erned e)ery o::ort(nity to de3ide on a matter t-at 3omes *it-in -is G(risdi3tion t-en s(3- remedy s-o(ld 8e e?-a(sted 'irst 8e'ore 3o(rtIs G(di3ial :o*er 3an 8e so(/-t. T-e :remat(re in)o3ation o' 3o(rtIs inter)ention is 'atal to oneIs 3a(se o' a3tion. A33ordin/ly. a8sent any 'indin/ o' *ai)er or esto::el t-e 3ase is s(s3e:ti8le o' dismissal 'or la3< o' 3a(se o' a3tion. T-is do3trine o' e?-a(stion o' administrati)e remedies *as not *it-o(t its :ra3ti3al and le/al reasons. 'or one t-in/. a)ailment o' administrati)e remedy entails lesser e?:enses and :ro)ides 'or a s:eedier dis:osition o' 3ontro)ersies. It is no less tr(e to state t-at t-e 3o(rts o' G(sti3e 'or reasons o' 3omity and 3on)enien3e *ill s-y a*ay 'rom a dis:(te (ntil t-e system o' administrati)e redress -as 8een 3om:leted and 3om:lied *it- so as to /i)e t-e administrati)e a/en3y 3on3erned e)ery o::ort(nity to 3orre3t its error and to dis:ose o' t-e 3ase. >o*e)er. *e are not amiss to reiterate t-at t-e :rin3i:le o' e?-a(stion o' administrati)e remedies as tested 8y a 8attery o' 3ases is not an iron3lad r(le. T-is do3trine is a relati)e one and its 'le?i8ility is 3alled (:on 8y t-e :e3(liarity and (niB(eness o' t-e 'a3t(al and 3ir3(mstantial settin/s o' a 3ase. >en3e. it is disre/arded 617 *-en t-ere is a )iolation o' d(e :ro3ess. 617 *-en t-e iss(e in)ol)ed is :(rely a le/al B(estion. 627 *-en t-e administrati)e a3tion is :atently ille/al amo(ntin/ to la3< or e?3ess o' G(risdi3tion. 6+7 *-en t-ere is esto::el on t-e :art o' t-e administrati)e a/en3y 10 0
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!% 3on3erned. 6,7 *-en t-ere is irre:ara8le inG(ry. 6E7 *-en t-e res:ondent is a de:artment se3retary *-ose a3ts as an alter ego o' t-e President 8ears t-e im:lied and ass(med a::ro)al o' t-e latter. 6"7 *-en to reB(ire e?-a(stion o' administrati)e remedies *o(ld 8e (nreasona8le. 6%7 *-en it *o(ld amo(nt to a n(lli'i3ation o' a 3laim. 647 *-en t-e s(8Ge3t matter is a :ri)ate land in land 3ase :ro3eedin/s. 61!7 *-en t-e r(le does not :ro)ide a :lain. s:eedy and adeB(ate remedy. and 6117 *-en t-ere are 3ir3(mstan3es indi3atin/ t-e (r/en3y o' G(di3ial inter)ention. In t-e 3ase at 8ar. t-ere is no B(estion t-at t-e 3ontro)ersy *as :endin/ 8e'ore t-e Se3retary o' DENR *-en it *as 'or*arded to -im 'ollo*in/ t-e denial 8y t-e :etitioners o' t-e motion 'or re3onsideration o' :ri)ate res:ondents t-ro(/- t-e order o' 0(ly 11. 14%4. In t-eir letter o' re3onsideration dated 0(ne 1%. 14%4. :ri)ate res:ondents 3learly re3o/niHe t-e :resen3e o' an administrati)e 'or(m to *-i3- t-ey see< to a)ail. as t-ey did a)ail. in t-e resol(tion o' t-eir 3ase. T-e letter. reads. t-(sF I' t-is motion 'or re3onsideration does not merit yo(r 'a)ora8le a3tion. t-en t-is letter s-o(ld 8e 3onsidered as an a::eal to t-e Se3retary. It *as easy to :er3ei)e t-en t-at t-e :ri)ate res:ondents loo<ed (: to t-e Se3retary 'or t-e re)ie* and dis:osition o' t-eir 3ase. &y a::ealin/ to -im. t-ey a3<no*led/ed t-e e?isten3e o' an adeB(ate and :lain remedy still a)aila8le and o:en to t-em in t-e ordinary 3o(rse o' t-e la*. T-(s. t-ey 3annot no*. *it-o(t )iolatin/ t-e :rin3i:le o' e?-a(stion o' administrati)e remedies. see< 3o(rtIs inter)ention 8y 'ilin/ an a3tion 'or re:le)in 'or t-e /rant o' t-eir relie' d(rin/ t-e :enden3y o' an administrati)e :ro3eedin/s. Moreo)er. it is im:ortant to :oint o(t t-at t-e en'or3ement o' 'orestry la*s. r(les and re/(lations and t-e :rote3tion. de)elo:ment and mana/ement o' 'orest lands 'all *it-in t-e :rimary and s:e3ial res:onsi8ilities o' t-e De:artment o' En)ironment and Nat(ral Reso(r3es. &y t-e )ery nat(re o' its '(n3tion. t-e DENR s-o(ld 8e /i)en a 'ree -and (n:ert(r8ed 8y G(di3ial intr(sion to determine a 3ontro)ersy *-i3- is *ell *it-in its G(risdi3tion. T-e ass(m:tion 8y t-e trial 3o(rt. t-ere'ore. o' t-e re:le)in s(it 'iled 8y :ri)ate res:ondents 3onstit(tes an (nG(sti'ied en3roa3-ment into t-e domain o' t-e administrati)e a/en3yIs :rero/ati)e. T-e do3trine o' :rimary G(risdi3tion does not *arrant a 3o(rt to arro/ate (nto itsel' t-e a(t-ority to resol)e a 3ontro)ersy t-e G(risdi3tion o)er *-i3- is initially lod/ed *it- an administrati)e 8ody o' s:e3ial 3om:eten3e. Se3. E%9A. Administrati)e A(t-ority o' t-e De:artment or >is D(ly A(t-oriHed Re:resentati)e To 5rder Con'is3ation. In all 3ases o' )iolation o' t-is Code or ot-er 'orest la*s. r(les and re/(lations. t-e 2epartment 8ead or !is duly aut!ori>ed representative. may order t!e confiscation o' any 'orest :rod(3ts ille/ally 3(t. /at-ered. remo)ed. or :ossessed or a8andoned. and all conveyances used eit!er by land, water or air in t-e 3ommission o' t-e o''ense and to dispose of t!e same in accordance wit! pertinent laws, regulations and policies on t!e matter. 6Em:-asis o(rs7 It is. t-(s. 3lear 'rom t-e 'ore/oin/ :ro)ision t-at t-e Se3retary and -is d(ly a(t-oriHed re:resentati)es are /i)en t-e a(t-ority to 3on'is3ate and 'or'eit any 3on)eyan3es (tiliHed in )iolatin/ t-e Code or ot-er 'orest la*s. r(les and re/(lations. T-e :-rase ;to dis:ose o' t-e same; is 8road eno(/- to 3o)er t-e a3t o' 'or'eitin/ 3on)eyan3es in 'a)or o' t-e /o)ernment. T-e only limitation is t-at it s-o(ld 8e made ;in a33ordan3e *it- :ertinent la*s. re/(lations or :oli3ies on t-e matter.; In t-e 3onstr(3tion o' stat(tes. it m(st 8e read in s(3- a *ay as to /i)e e''e3t to t-e :(r:ose :roGe3ted in t-e stat(te. Stat(tes s-o(ld 8e 3onstr(ed in t-e li/-t o' t-e o8Ge3t to 8e a3-ie)ed and t-e e)il or mis3-ie' to 8e s(::ressed. and t-ey s-o(ld 8e /i)en s(3- 3onstr(3tion as *ill ad)an3e t-e o8Ge3t. s(::ress t-e mis3-ie'. and se3(re t-e 8ene'its intended.
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ADMINISTRATIVE LAW DIGESTED CASES Atty. Voltaire San Pedro 1st Semester SY !" # $!

8. Su99i7ie&t Sta&:a#: Test

Q4ASI- LEGISLATIVE F4NCTION A. Natu#e

ROD4LFO( OLIVER G#!u% -

5ERRERA( NICOLE G#!u% / PERALTA V. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION ACSCB 19

VALDERRAMA( NICO '. G#!u% / WILMER GREGO s. COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS 21

'. =i&:s !9 A:$i&ist#ati e Regulati!&s

CALIMAG( ARNEL G#!u% -

REYES( MEL ANDREW G#!u% -

C. Requisites SECOND REQ4ISITES

ACOSTA( VOLTAIRE G#!u% /

'AS4G( SAM4EL M. G#!u% L4PANGCO s. CO4RT OF APPEALS

ARA'ACA( C5RISTINE MARIE M. Gro(: 1 31

AGONOY( CIARA MARIE P. G#!u% )

TAN( GLENN G#!u% -

AGONOY( CIARA MARIE P. G#!u% )

D.A!"i#ist$%tive Ru&e 'it( )e#%& S%#*tio#s

SALIPSIP( DARREN G#!u% ) 36

TAN( GLENN G#!u% -

E. Ne7essit> 9!# N!ti7e !9 5ea#i&g

ROD4LFO( OLIVER G#!u% 39

VALDERRAMA( NICO '. G#!u% / 40

'AS4G( SAM4EL M. G#!u% -

;AMORA( MARIA REGINA G#!u% /

AL'ARICO( ALLESANDRA FAY V. G#!u% /

TAN( MARIA DIANNE G#!u% /

V. Q4ASI- *4DICIAL POWER C. N!ti7e a&: 5ea#i&g Administrati)e D(e Pro3ess

D. Right Agai&st Sel9- I&7#i$i&ati!&

F. A:$i&ist#ati e A%%eal a&: Re ie"

G. D!7t#i&e !9 Res *u:i7ata

VI. *4DICIAL REVIEW D. X(estion may8e s(8Ge3t o' 0(di3ial Re)ie*

E. D!7t#i&e !9 EDhausti!& !9 A:$i&ist#ati e Re$e:ies

TAN( MARIA DIANNE 86

ARA'ACA( C5RISTINE MARIE M. G#!u% ) 91

A. Do3trine o' Prior Resort

ISS4E3 W-et-er or not :etitioners are entitled to 3om:(lsory easement. 5ELD3

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VI. 4DICIAL REVIEW D. X(estion may8e s(8Ge3t o' 0(di3ial Re)ie