ANGARA VS ELECTORAL COMMISSION

Posted by kaye lee on 3:28 PM

G.R. No. L!"#8$ %&ly $" $'3(
)ACTS:
%ose An*a+a and Ped+o ,ns&a- M.*&el Cast.llo and /.on.s.o Mayo+ 0e+e 1and.dates 2oted 3o+ t4e 5os.t.on o3 6e6be+ o3
t4e Nat.onal Asse6bly 3o+ t4e $st d.st+.1t o3 Tayabas 5+o2.n1e.
On O1t $7 $'3"- t4e 5+o2.n1.al boa+d o3 1an2asse+s 5+o1la.6ed An*a+a as 6e6be+ele1t o3 t4e Nat8l Asse6bly 3o+
*a+ne+.n* t4e 6ost n&6be+ o3 2otes. 9e t4en took 4.s oat4 o3 o:1e on No2 $"t4. On /e1 3+d- Nat8l Asse6bly 5assed
Res. No 8 04.14 de1la+ed 0.t4 ;nal.ty t4e 2.1to+y o3 An*a+a. On /e1 8- ,ns&a ;led be3o+e t4e Ele1to+al Co66.ss.on a
6ot.on o3 5+otest a*a.nst t4e ele1t.on o3 An*a+a- t4at 4e be de1la+ed ele1ted 6e6be+ o3 t4e Nat8l Asse6bly. Ele1to+al
Co66.ss.on 5assed a +esol&t.on .n /e1 't4 as t4e last day 3o+ t4e ;l.n* o3 t4e 5+otests a*a.nst t4e ele1t.on- +et&+ns
and <&al.;1at.ons o3 t4e 6e6be+s o3 t4e Nat.onal Asse6bly. On /e1 2#- An*a+a ;led be3o+e t4e Ele1. Co66.ss.on a
6ot.on to d.s6.ss t4e 5+otest t4at t4e 5+otest .n <&est.on 0as ;led o&t o3 t4e 5+es1+.bed 5e+.od. T4e Ele1. Co66.ss.on
den.ed An*a+a8s 5et.t.on.
An*a+a 5+ayed 3o+ t4e .ss&an1e o3 0+.t o3 5+o4.b.t.on to +est+a.n and 5+o4.b.t t4e Ele1to+al Co66.ss.on tak.n* 3&+t4e+
1o*n.=an1e o3 ,ns&a8s 5+otest. 9e 1ontended t4at t4e Const.t&t.on 1on3e+s e>1l&s.2e ?&+.sd.1t.on &5on t4e sa.d Ele1to+al
Co66.ss.ons as +e*a+ds t4e 6e+.ts o3 1ontested ele1t.ons to t4e Nat8l Asse6bly and t4e S&5+e6e Co&+t t4e+e3o+e 4as
no ?&+.sd.1t.on to 4ea+ t4e 1ase.
ISS@E:
A4et4e+ o+ not t4e SC 4as ?&+.sd.1t.on o2e+ t4e Ele1to+al Co66.ss.on and t4e s&b?e1t 6atte+ o3 t4e 1ont+o2e+syB
A4et4e+ o+ not T4e Ele1to+al Co66.ss.on 4as a1ted 0.t4o&t o+ .n e>1ess o3 .ts ?&+.sd.1t.on.
R@LING:
In t4.s 1ase- t4e nat&+e o3 t4e 5+esent 1ont+o2e+sy s4o0s t4e ne1ess.ty o3 a ;nal 1onst.t&t.onal a+b.te+ to dete+6.ne t4e
1onC.1t o3 a&t4o+.ty bet0een t0o a*en1.es 1+eated by t4e Const.t&t.on. T4e 1o&+t 4as ?&+.sd.1t.on o2e+ t4e Ele1to+al
Co66.ss.on and t4e s&b?e1t 6atte+ o3 t4e 5+esent 1ont+o2e+sy 3o+ t4e 5&+5ose o3 dete+6.n.n* t4e 14a+a1te+- s1o5e
and e>tent o3 t4e 1onst.t&t.onal *+ant to t4e Ele1to+al Co66.ss.on as Dt4e sole ?&d*e o3 all 1ontests +elat.n* to t4e
ele1t.on- +et&+ns and <&al.;1at.ons o3 t4e 6e6be+s o3 t4e Nat.onal Asse6bly.D ESe1 ! A+t. VI $'3" Const.t&t.onF. It .s
4eld- t4e+e3o+e- t4at t4e Ele1to+al Co66.ss.on 0as a1t.n* 0.t4.n t4e le*.t.6ate e>e+1.se o3 .ts 1onst.t&t.onal 5+e+o*at.2e
.n ass&6.n* to take 1o*n.=an1e o3 t4e ele1t.on 5+otest ;led by ,ns&a.
Cate*o+.es: Const.t&t.onal La0 $
G.R. No. !("7#- V.llena 2. Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+- (7 P4.l. !"$
Re5&bl.1 o3 t4e P4.l.55.nes
S@PREME CO@RT
Man.la
EN GANC
A5+.l 2$- $'3'
G.R. No. !("7#
%OSE /. VILLENA- 5et.t.one+-
2s.
T9E SECRETAR, O) T9E INTERIOR- +es5ondent.
Vicente del Rosario for petitioner.
Ofce of the Solicitor-General Ozaeta for respondent.
LA@REL- J.:
T4.s .s an o+.*.nal a1t.on o3 5+o4.b.t.on 0.t4 5+aye+ 3o+ 5+el.6.na+y .n?&n1t.on a*a.nst t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ to
+est+a.n 4.6 and 4.s a*ents 3+o6 5+o1eed.n* 0.t4 t4e .n2est.*at.on o3 t4e 4e+e.n 5et.t.one+- %ose /. V.llena- 6ayo+ o3
Makat.- R.=al- 04.14 0as s14ed&led to take 5la1e on Ma+14 28- $'3'- &nt.l t4.s 1ase .s ;nally dete+6.ned by t4.s 1o&+t.
T4e +es5ondent 0as +e<&.+ed to ans0e+- b&t t4e 5et.t.on 3o+ 5+el.6.na+y .n?&n1t.on 0as den.ed.
It a55ea+s t4at t4e /.2.s.on o3 In2est.*at.on o3 t4e /e5a+t6ent o3 %&st.1e- &5on t4e +e<&est o3 t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e
Inte+.o+- 1ond&1ted an .n<&.+y .nto t4e 1ond&1t o3 t4e 5et.t.one+- as a +es&lt o3 04.14 t4e latte+ 0as 3o&nd to 4a2e
1o66.tted b+.be+y- e>to+t.on- 6al.1.o&s ab&se o3 a&t4o+.ty and &na&t4o+.=ed 5+a1t.1e o3 t4e la0 5+o3ess.on. T4e
+es5ondent- t4e+e3o+e- on )eb+&a+y 8- $'3'- +e1o66ended to t4e P+es.dent o3 t4e P4.l.55.nes t4e s&s5ens.on o3 t4e
5et.t.one+ to 5+e2ent 5oss.ble 1oe+1.on o3 0.tnesses- 04.14 +e1o66endat.on 0as *+anted- a11o+d.n* to t4e ans0e+ o3
t4e Sol.1.to+Gene+al o3 Ma+14 2#- $'3'- 2e+bally by t4e P+es.dent on t4e sa6e day. T4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+
s&s5ended t4e 5et.t.one+ 3+o6 o:1e on )eb+&a+y '- $'3'- and t4en and t4e+ea3te+ 0.+ed t4e P+o2.n1.al Go2e+no+ o3
R.=al 0.t4 .nst+&1t.on t4at t4e 5et.t.one+ be ad2.sed a11o+d.n*ly. On )eb+&a+y $3- $'3'- t4e +es5ondent 0+ote t4e
5et.t.one+ a lette+- s5e1.3y.n* t4e 6any 14a+*es a*a.nst 4.6 and not.3y.n* 4.6 o3 t4e des.*nat.on o3 E6.l.ano Anonas as
s5e1.al .n2est.*ato+ to .n2est.*ate t4e 14a+*es. T4e s5e1.al .n2est.*ato+ 3o+t40.t4 not.;ed t4e 5et.t.one+ t4at t4e 3o+6al
.n2est.*at.on 0o&ld be 1o66en1ed on )eb+&a+y $7- $'3'- at ' a. 6.- b&t d&e to se2e+al .n1.dents and 5ost5one6ents-
t4e sa6e 4ad to be set de;n.tely 3o+ Ma+14 28- $'3'. 9en1e- t4e 5et.t.on 3o+ 5+el.6.na+y .n?&n1t.on +e3e++ed to .n t4e
be*.nn.n* o3 t4.s o5.n.on.
T4e 5et.t.one+ 1ontends .n 4.s 5et.t.on:
E$F T4at t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ 4as no ?&+.sd.1t.on o+ a&t4o+.ty to s&s5end and 6&14 less to 5+e3e+ by 4.6sel3
ad6.n.st+at.2e 14a+*es a*a.nst t4e 5et.t.one+ and de1.de also by 4.6sel3 t4e 6e+.ts o3 t4e 14a+*es as t4e 5o0e+ to
s&s5end 6&n.1.5al ele1t.2e o:1.als and to t+y and 5&n.s4 t4e6 3o+ 6.s1ond&1t .n o:1e o+ de+el.1t.on o3 d&ty .s lod*ed
.n so6e ot4e+ a*en1.es o3 t4e *o2e+n6entB
E2F T4at t4e a1ts o3 t4e +es5ondent .n s&s5end.n* t4e 5et.t.one+ 3+o6 o:1e and .n 5+e3e++.n* by 4.6sel3 14a+*es
a*a.nst 4.6 and .n des.*nat.n* a s5e1.al .n2est.*ato+ to 4ea+ t4e 14a+*es s5e1.;ed .n E>4.b.t A a+e n&ll and 2o.d 3o+ t4e
3ollo0.n* +easons:
EaF Ge1a&se t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+- by s&s5end.n* t4e 5et.t.one+- 4as e>e+1.sed 1ont+ol o2e+ lo1al *o2e+n6ents
04en t4at 5o0e+ 4as been taken a0ay 3+o6 t4e P+es.dent o3 t4e P4.l.55.nes by t4e Const.t&t.on 3o+ t4e to ab+o*ate and
t4e 5o0e+ to ab+o*ate 6eans t4e 5o0e+ to 5o0e+ to 1ont+ol 4as been .nte+5+eted to .n1l&de t4e 5o0e+ &s&+5 and t4e
5o0e+ to &s&+5 ne1essa+.ly .n1l&des t4e 5o0e+ to dest+oyB
EbF Ge1a&se e2en .3 t4e +es5ondent Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ 4as 5o0e+ o3 s&5e+2.s.on o2e+ lo1al *o2e+n6ents- t4at
5o0e+- a11o+d.n* to t4e 1onst.t&t.on- 6&st be e>e+1.sed .n a11o+dan1e 0.t4 t4e 5+o2.s.ons o3 la0 and t4e 5+o2.s.ons o3
la0 *o2e+n.n* t+.als o3 14a+*es a*a.nst ele1t.2e 6&n.1.5al o:1.als a+e t4ose 1onta.ned .n se1t.on 2$88 o3 t4e
Ad6.n.st+at.2e Code as a6ended. In ot4e+ 0o+ds- t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ 6&st e>e+1.se 4.s s&5e+2.s.on o2e+ lo1al
*o2e+n6ents- .3 4e 4as t4at 5o0e+ &nde+ e>.st.n* la0- .n a11o+dan1e 0.t4 se1t.on 2$88 o3 t4e Ad6.n.st+at.2e Code- as
a6ended- as t4e latte+ 5+o2.s.on *o2e+n t4e 5+o1ed&+e to be 3ollo0ed .n s&s5end.n* and 5&n.s4.n* ele1t.2e lo1al
o:1.als 04.le se1t.on 7' ECF o3 t4e Ad6.n.st+at.2e Code .s t4e *ene+al la0 04.14 6&st y.eld to t4e s5e1.al la0B
EcF Ge1a&se t4e +es5ondent Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ .s e>e+1.s.n* an a+b.t+a+y 5o0e+ by 1on2e+t.n* 4.6sel3 .nto a
1o65la.nant and at t4e sa6e t.6e ?&d*e o3 t4e 14a+*es 4e 4as 5+e3e++ed a*a.nst t4e 5et.t.one+B
EdF Ge1a&se t4e a1t.on o3 t4e +es5ondent Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ .s not based on any s0o+n state6ent o3 any 5+.2ate
5e+son o+ 1.t.=en o3 t4.s *o2e+n6ent 04en se1t.on 2$88 o3 t4e Ad6.n.st+at.2e Code +e<&.+es t4e 1o65la.nt a*a.nst
ele1t.2e 6&n.1.5al o:1.als to be &nde+ oat4 .n o+de+ to 6e+.t 1ons.de+at.on by t4e a&t4o+.t.es.
Pet.t.one+ 5+ays t4.s 9ono+able Co&+t:
EaF To .ss&e a 0+.t o3 5+el.6.na+y .n?&n1t.on a*a.nst t4e +es5ondent +est+a.n.n* 4.6- 4.s a*ents- atto+neys and all
5e+sons a1t.n* by 2.+t&e o3 4.s a&t4o+.ty 3+o6 3&+t4e+ 5+o1eed.n* a*a.nst t4e 5et.t.one+ &nt.l t4.s 1ase .s ;nally
dete+6.ned by t4.s 1o&+tB
EbF To de1la+e- a3te+ t4e 4ea+.n* o3 t4.s 5et.t.on- t4at t4e +es5ondent .s 0.t4o&t a&t4o+.ty o+ ?&+.sd.1t.on to s&s5end t4e
5et.t.one+ 3+o6 t4e o:1e o3 6ayo+ o3 Makat. and to o+de+ 4.s .66ed.ate +e.nstate6ent .n o:1eB
EcF To de1la+e t4at t4e +es5ondent 4as no a&t4o+.ty to 5+e3e+ 14a+*es a*a.nst t4e 5et.t.one+ and to .n2est.*ate t4ose
14a+*es 3o+ t4e *+ant 4.6 t4at 5o0e+ t4e +es5ondent 0o&ld be a1t.n* as 5+ose1&to+ and ?&d*e o3 t4e 1ase o3 4.s o0n
1+eat.on.
@5on t4e ot4e+ 4and- t4e Sol.1.to+Gene+al 1ontends .n 4.s ans0e+:
$. T4at se1t.on 7' ECF .n +elat.on 0.t4 se1t.on 8( o3 t4e Re2.sed Ad6.n.st+at.2e Code e>5+essly e65o0e+s t4e
+es5ondent as Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ to Do+de+ t4e .n2est.*at.on o3 any a1t o+ 1ond&1t o3 any 5e+son .n t4e se+2.1e o3
any b&+ea& o+ o:1e &nde+ 4.s de5a+t6entD and .n 1onne1t.on t4e+e0.t4 to Ddes.*nate an o:1.al o+ 5e+son 04o s4all
1ond&1t s&14 .n2est.*at.onDB EPa+. !.F
2. T4at alt4o&*4 se1t.on 2$88 o3 t4e Re2.sed Ad6.n.st+at.2e Code- .n2oked by t4e 5et.t.one+- e65o0e+s t4e 5+o2.n1.al
*o2e+no+ to H+e1e.2e and .n2est.*ate 1o65la.nts 6ade &nde+ oat4 a*a.nst 6&n.1.5al o:1e+s 3o+ ne*le1t o3 d&ty-
o55+ess.on- 1o++&5t.on o+ ot4e+ 3o+6 o3 6alad6.n.st+at.on o3 o:1e8- sa.d se1t.on does not 5+e1l&de t4e +es5ondent as
Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ 3+o6 e>e+1.s.n* t4e 5o0e+ 2ested .n 4.6 by se1t.on 7' ECF .n +elat.on 0.t4 se1t.on 8( o3 t4e
Re2.sed Ad6.n.st+at.2e CodeB and t4at- 6o+eo2e+- sa.d se1t.on 2$88 6&st be +ead .n +elat.on 0.t4 se1t.on 37 o3 A1t No.
!##7- kno0n as t4e Reo+*an.=at.on La0 o3 $'32B EPa+. ! IbJ.F
3. T4at at t4e 1o66en1e6ent o3 t4e .n2est.*at.on t4e 5et.t.one+ d.d not <&est.on t4e 5o0e+ o+ ?&+.sd.1t.on o3 t4e
/e5a+t6ent o3 t4e Inte+.o+ to .n2est.*ate t4e ad6.n.st+at.2e 14a+*es a*a.nst 4.6 b&t 6e+ely 1ontended t4at t4e ;l.n*
o3 sa.d 14a+*es 0as not .n a11o+dan1e 0.t4 la0 3o+ t4e +eason t4at t4ey d.d not bea+ t4e oat4s o3 t4e 1o65la.nantsB
EPa+. ".F
!. T4at t4e a&t4o+.ty o3 a de5a+t6ent 4ead o+de+ t4e .n2est.*at.on o3 any a1t o+ 1ond&1t o3 any 5e+son &nde+ 4.s
de5a+t6ent ne1essa+.ly 1a++.es 0.t4 .t by .65l.1at.on t4e a&t4o+.ty to take s&14 6eas&+es as 4e 6ay dee6 ne1essa+y
to a11o65l.s4 t4e 5&+5ose o3 t4e .n2est.*at.on- s&14 as by s&s5end.n* t4e o:1e+ &nde+ .n2est.*at.on to 5+e2ent
1oe+1.on o3 0.tnessesB and t4at- 3&+t4e+6o+e- t4e s&s5ens.on 3+o6 o:1e o3 t4e 4e+e.n 5et.t.one+ by t4e +es5ondent 0as
a&t4o+.=ed by t4e C4.e3 E>e1&t.2e- 04o .s e65o0e+ed by se1t.on (! EGF o3 t4e Ad6.n.st+at.2e Code to +e6o2e o:1.als
3+o6 o:1eB EPa+. 7.F
". T4at t4e 5et.t.on does not alle*e 3a1ts and 1.+1&6stan1es t4at 0o&ld 0a++ant t4e *+ant.n* o3 t4e 0+.t o3 5+el.6.na+y
.n?&n1t.on &nde+ se1t.on $(! o3 t4e Code o3 C.2.l P+o1ed&+eB EPa+. 8.F
(. T4at .t .s a 0ellsettled +&le Dt4at 1o&+ts o3 e<&.ty 4a2e no 5o0e+ to +est+a.n 5&bl.1 o:1e+s by .n?&n1t.on 3+o6
5e+3o+6.n* any o:1.al a1t 04.14 t4ey a+e by la0 +e<&.+ed to 5e+3o+6- o+ a1ts 04.14 a+e not .n e>1ess o3 t4e a&t4o+.ty
and d.s1+et.on +e5osed .n t4e6.D EPa+. 'F
T4e .ss&es 5+esented .n t4.s 1ase 6ay be +ed&1ed to an .n<&.+y .nto t4e le*al a&t4o+.ty o3 t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+
EaF to o+de+ an .n2est.*at.on- by a s5e1.al .n2est.*at.on a55o.nted by 4.6- o3 t4e 14a+*es o3 1o++&5t.on and .++e*&la+.ty
b+o&*4t to 4.s attent.on a*a.nst t4e 6ayo+ o3 t4e 6&n.1.5al.ty o3 Makat.- P+o2.n1e o3 R.=al- 04o .s t4e 5et.t.one+ 4e+e.n-
and EbF to de1+ee t4e s&s5ens.on o3 t4e sa.d 6ayo+ 5end.n* t4e .n2est.*at.on o3 t4e 14a+*es.
Se1t.on 7' ECF o3 t4e Ad6.n.st+at.2e Code 5+o2.des as 3ollo0s:
T4e /e5a+t6ent 9ead s4all 4a2e d.+e1t 1ont+ol- d.+e1t.on- and s&5e+2.s.on o2e+ all b&+ea&s and o:1es &nde+ 4.s
?&+.sd.1t.on and 6ay- any 5+o2.s.on o3 e>.st.n* la0 to t4e 1ont+a+y not0.t4stand.n*- +e5eal o+ 6od.3y t4e de1.s.ons o3
t4e 14.e3s o3 sa.d b&+ea&s o3 o:1es 04en ad2.sable .n t4e 5&bl.1 .nte+est.
T4e /e5a+t6ent 9ead 6ay o+de+ t4e .n2est.*at.on o3 any a1t 1ond&1t o3 any 5e+son .n t4e se+2.1e o3 any b&+ea& o3
o:1e &nde+ 4.s de5a+t6ent and .n 1onne1t.on t4e+e0.t4 6ay a55o.nt a 1o66.ttee o+ des.*nate an o:1.al o+ 5e+son
04o s4all 1ond&1t s&14 .n2est.*at.ons- and s&14 1o66.ttee- o:1.al- o+ 5e+son 6ay s&66on- 0.tness by subpoena and
subpoena duces tecum- ad6.n.ste+ oat4 and take test.6ony +ele2ant to t4e .n2est.*at.on.
T4e abo2e se1t.on s5eaks- .t .s t+&e- o3 d.+e1t 1ont+ol- d.+e1t.on- and s&5e+2.s.on o2e+ b&+ea&s and o:1es &nde+ t4e
?&+.sd.1t.on o3 t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+- b&t t4.s se1t.on s4o&ld be .nte+5+eted .n +elat.on to se1t.on 8( o3 t4e sa6e
Code 04.14 *+ants to t4e /e5a+t6ent o3 t4e Inte+.o+ De>e1&t.2e s&5e+2.s.on o2e+ t4e ad6.n.st+at.on o3 5+o2.n1es-
6&n.1.5al.t.es- 14a+te+ed 1.t.es and ot4e+ lo1al 5ol.t.1al s&bd.2.s.ons.D In t4e 1ase o3 Planas vs. Gil E37 OK. Ga=.- $228F-
0e obse+2ed t4at DS&5e+2.s.on .s not a 6ean.n*less t4.n*. It .s an a1t.2e 5o0e+. It .s 1e+ta.nly not 0.t4o&t l.6.tat.on-
b&t .t at least .65l.es a&t4o+.ty to .n<&.+e .nto 3a1ts and 1ond.t.ons .n o+de+ to +ende+ t4e 5o0e+ +eal and eKe1t.2e. I3
s&5e+2.s.on .s to be 1ons1.ent.o&s and +at.onal- and not a&to6at.1 and b+&tal- .t 6&st be 3o&nded &5on a kno0led*e o3
a1t&al 3a1ts and 1ond.t.ons d.s1losed a3te+ 1a+e3&l st&dy and .n2est.*at.on.D T4e 5+.n1.5le t4e+e en&n1.ated .s a55l.1able
0.t4 e<&al 3o+1e to t4e 5+esent 1ase.
Ae 4old- t4e+e3o+e- t4at t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ .s .n2ested 0.t4 a&t4o+.ty to o+de+ t4e .n2est.*at.on o3 t4e 14a+*es
a*a.nst t4e 5et.t.one+ and to a55o.nt a s5e1.al .n2est.*ato+ 3o+ t4at 5&+5ose.
As +e*a+ds t4e 14allen*ed 5o0e+ o3 t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ to de1+ee t4e s&s5ens.on o3 t4e 4e+e.n 5et.t.one+
5end.n* an ad6.n.st+at.2e .n2est.*at.on o3 t4e 14a+*es a*a.nst 4.6- t4e <&est.on- .t 6ay be ad6.tted- .s not 3+ee 3+o6
d.:1&lt.es. T4e+e .s no 1lea+ and e>5+ess *+ant o3 5o0e+ to t4e se1+eta+y to s&s5end a 6ayo+ o3 a 6&n.1.5al.ty 04o .s
&nde+ .n2est.*at.on. On t4e 1ont+a+y- t4e 5o0e+ a55ea+s lod*ed .n t4e 5+o2.n1.al *o2e+no+ by se1t.on 2$88 o3 t4e
Ad6.n.st+at.2e Code 04.14 5+o2.des t4at DT4e 5+o2.n1.al *o2e+no+ s4all +e1e.2e and .n2est.*ate 1o65la.nts 6ade &nde+
oat4 a*a.nst 6&n.1.5al o:1e+s 3o+ ne*le1t o3 d&ty- o55+ess.on- 1o++&5t.on o+ ot4e+ 3o+6 o3 6alad6.n.st+at.on o3 o:1e-
and 1on2.1t.on by ;nal ?&d*6ent o3 any 1+.6e .n2ol2.n* 6o+al t&+5.t&de. )o+ 6.no+ del.n<&en1y 4e 6ay +e5+.6and t4e
oKende+B and .3 a 6o+e se2e+e 5&n.s46ent see6s to be des.+able 4e s4all s&b6.t 0+.tten 14a+*es to&14.n* t4e 6atte+
to t4e 5+o2.n1.al boa+d- 3&+n.s4.n* a 1o5y o3 s&14 14a+*es to t4e a11&sed e.t4e+ 5e+sonally o+ by +e*.ste+ed 6a.l- and
4e 6ay .n s&14 1ase s&s5end t4e o:1e+ Enot be.n* t4e 6&n.1.5al t+eas&+e+F 5end.n* a1t.on by t4e boa+d- .3 .n 4.s
o5.n.on t4e 14a+*e be one aKe1t.n* t4e o:1.al .nte*+.ty o3 t4e o:1e+ .n <&est.on. A4e+e s&s5ens.on .s t4&s eKe1ted-
t4e 0+.tten 14a+*es a*a.nst t4e o:1e+ s4all be ;led 0.t4 t4e boa+d 0.t4.n ;2e days.D T4e 3a1t- 4o0e2e+- t4at t4e 5o0e+
o3 s&s5ens.on .s e>5+essly *+anted by se1t.on 2$88 o3 t4e Ad6.n.st+at.2e Code to t4e 5+o2.n1.al *o2e+no+ does not
6ean t4at t4e *+ant .s ne1essa+.ly e>1l&s.2e and 5+e1l&des t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ 3+o6 e>e+1.s.n* a s.6.la+
5o0e+. )o+ .nstan1e- 1o&nsel 3o+ t4e 5et.t.one+ ad6.tted .n t4e o+al a+*&6ent t4at t4e P+es.dent o3 t4e P4.l.55.nes 6ay
4.6sel3 s&s5end t4e 5et.t.one+ 3+o6 o:1e .n 2.+t&e o3 4.s *+eate+ 5o0e+ o3 +e6o2al Ese1. 2$'$- as a6ended-
Ad6.n.st+at.2e CodeF to be e>e+1.sed 1on3o+6ably to la0. Indeed- .3 t4e P+es.dent 1o&ld- .n t4e 6anne+ 5+es1+.bed by
la0- +e6o2e a 6&n.1.5al o:1.al- .t 0o&ld be a le*al .n1on*+&.ty .3 4e 0e+e to be de2o.d o3 t4e lesse+ 5o0e+ o3
s&s5ens.on. And t4e .n1on*+&.ty 0o&ld be 6o+e 5atent .3- 5ossessed o3 t4e 5o0e+ bot4 to s&s5end and to +e6o2e a
5+o2.n1.al o:1.al Ese1. 2#78- Ad6.n.st+at.2e CodeF- t4e P+es.dent 0e+e to be 0.t4o&t t4e 5o0e+ to s&s5end a 6&n.1.5al
o:1.al. 9e+e .s- 5a+ent4et.1ally- an .nstan1e 04e+e- as 1o&nsel 3o+ 5et.t.one+ ad6.tted- t4e 5o0e+ to s&s5end a
6&n.1.5al o:1.al .s not e>1l&s.2e. @5on t4e ot4e+ 4and- .t 6ay be a+*&ed 0.t4 so6e de*+ee o3 5la&s.b.l.ty t4at- .3 t4e
Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ .s- as 0e 4a2e 4e+e.nabo2e 1on1l&ded- e65o0e+ed to .n2est.*ate t4e 14a+*es a*a.nst t4e
5et.t.one+ and to a55o.nt a s5e1.al .n2est.*ato+ 3o+ t4at 5&+5ose- 5+e2ent.2e s&s5ens.on 6ay be a 6eans by 04.14 to
1a++y .nto eKe1t a 3a.+ and .65a+t.al .n2est.*at.on. T4.s .s a 5o.nt- 4o0e2e+- 04.14- 3o+ t4e +eason 4e+e.na3te+ .nd.1ated-
0e do not 4a2e to de1.de.
T4e Sol.1.to+Gene+al a+*&es t4at se1t.on 37 o3 A1t No. !##7- kno0n as t4e Reo+*an.=at.on La0 o3 $'32- by 5+o2.d.n*-
Dt4e 5+o2.s.ons o3 t4e e>.st.n* la0 to t4e 1ont+a+y not0.t4stand.n*-D t4at D04ene2e+ a s5e1.;1 5o0e+- a&t4o+.ty- d&ty-
3&n1t.on- o+ a1t.2.ty .s ent+&sted to a 14.e3 o3 b&+ea&- o:1e- d.2.s.on o+ se+2.1e- t4e sa6e s4all be &nde+stood as also
1on3e++ed &5on t4e 5+o5e+ /e5a+t6ent 9ead 04o s4all 4a2e a&t4o+.ty to a1t d.+e1tly .n 5&+s&an1e t4e+eo3- o+ to
+e2.e0- 6od.3y o+ +e2oke any de1.s.on o+ a1t.on o3 sa.d 14.e3 o3 b&+ea&- o:1e- d.2.s.on o+ se+2.1eD- s4o&ld be
.nte+5+eted to 1on1ede to t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ t4e 5o0e+ to s&s5end a 6ayo+ o3 a 6&n.1.5al.ty. T4e a+*&6ent
.s so *ene+ally s0ee5.n* t4at- &nless d.st.n1t.ons a+e 6ade- t4e eKe1t 0o&ld be t4e 1o65lete ab+o*at.on at 0.ll o3 t4e
5o0e+s o3 5+o2.n1.al and 6&n.1.5al o:1.als e2en .n 1o+5o+ate aKa.+s o3 lo1al *o2e+n6ents. @nde+ t4e t4eo+y s&**ested
by t4e Sol.1.to+Gene+al- t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ 1o&ld- as obse+2ed by able 1o&nsel 3o+ t4e 5et.t.one+- ente+ .nto a
1ont+a1t and s.*n a deed o3 1on2eyan1e o3 +eal 5+o5e+ty .n be4al3 o3 a 6&n.1.5al.ty a*a.nst t4e o55os.t.on o3 t4e 6ayo+
t4e+eo3 04o .s t4e lo1al o:1.al a&t4o+.=ed by la0 to do so Ese1. 2$'(- Re2.sed Ad6.n.st+at.2e CodeF- o+ .n be4al3 o3 a
5+o2.n1e .n l.e& o3 t4e 5+o2.n1.al *o2e+no+ t4e+eo3 Ese1 2#(8- bid.F- and ot4e+0.se e>e+1.se 5o0e+s o3 1o+5o+ate
14a+a1te+ 6ent.oned .n se1t.ons 2#(7 and 2$7" o3 t4e Re2.sed Ad6.n.st+at.2e Code and 04.14 a+e lod*ed .n t4e
1o++es5ond.n* 5+o2.n1.al and 6&n.1.5al o:1.als. And .3 t4e 5o0e+ o3 s&s5ens.on o3 t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ .s to be
?&st.;ed on t4e 5lea t4at t4e 5+etended 5o0e+ .s *o2e+n6ental and not 1o+5o+ate- t4e +es&lt 0o&ld be 6o+e d.sast+o&s.
T4en and t4e+e&nde+- t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+- .n l.e& o3 t4e 6ayo+ o3 t4e 6&n.1.5al.ty- 1o&ld d.+e1tly 2eto
6&n.1.5al o+d.nan1es and +esol&t.ons &nde+ se1t.on 222' o3 t4e Re2.sed Ad6.n.st+at.2e CodeB 4e 1o&ld- 0.t4o&t any
3o+6al.ty- elbo0 as.de t4e 6&n.1.5al 6ayo+ and 4.6sel3 6ake a55o.nt6ents to all nonele1t.2e 5os.t.ons .n t4e
6&n.1.5al se+2.1e- &nde+ se1t.on 2$'' o3 t4e Re2.sed Ad6.n.st+at.2e CodeB 4e 1o&ld- .nstead o3 t4e 5+o2.n1.al *o2e+no+-
;ll a te65o+a+y 2a1an1y .n any 6&n.1.5al o:1e &nde+ s&bse1t.on EaF- se1t.on 2$88- as a6ended- o3 t4e sa.d CodeB 4e
1o&ld e2en d.+e1tly a55o.nt l.e&tenants o3 ba++.os and 0+est t4e a&t4o+.ty *.2en by se1t.on 22$8 o3 t4e Re2.sed
Ad6.n.st+at.2e Code to a 6&n.1.5al 1o&n1.lo+. Instan1es 6ay be 6&lt.5l.ed b&t .t .s &nne1essa+y to *o any 3&+t4e+.
P+&den1e- t4en- d.1tates t4at 0e s4o&ld 4es.tate to a11e5t t4e s&**est.on &+*ed &5on &s by t4e Sol.1.to+Gene+al-
es5e1.ally 04e+e 0e ;nd t4e 5at4 .nd.1ated by 4.6 ne.t4e+ .ll&6.nated by t4e l.*4t o3 o&+ o0n e>5e+.en1e no+
1e6ented by t4e 2.+t&al.ty o3 le*al 5+.n1.5les b&t .s- on t4e 1ont+a+y- d.66ed by t4e +e1o*n.t.on 4o0e2e+ l.6.ted .n o&+
o0n Const.t&t.on o3 t4e +.*4t o3 lo1al sel3*o2e+n6ent and by t4e a1t&al o5e+at.on and en3o+1e6ent o3 t4e la0s
*o2e+n.n* 5+o2.n1es- 14a+te+ed 1.t.es- 6&n.1.5al.t.es and ot4e+ 5ol.t.1al s&bd.2.s.ons. It .s not any <&est.on o3 0.sdo6 o3
le*.slat.on b&t t4e e>.sten1e o3 any s&14 dest+&1t.2e a&t4o+.ty .n t4e la0 .n2oked by t4e Go2e+n6ent t4at 0e a+e 1alled
&5on to 5ass and dete+6.ne 4e+e.
In t4e del.be+at.on o3 t4.s 1ase .t 4as also been s&**ested t4at- ad6.tt.n* t4at t4e P+es.dent o3 t4e P4.l.55.nes .s
.n2ested 0.t4 t4e a&t4o+.ty to s&s5end t4e 5et.t.one+- and .t a55ea+.n* t4at 4e 4ad 2e+bally a55+o2ed o+ at least
a1<&.es1ed .n t4e a1t.on taken by t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+- t4e s&s5ens.on o3 t4e 5et.t.one+ s4o&ld be s&sta.ned on
t4e 5+.n1.5le o3 a55+o2al o+ +at.;1at.on o3 t4e a1t o3 t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ by t4e P+es.dent o3 t4e P4.l.55.nes.
T4e+e .s- to be s&+e- 6o+e 0e.*4t .n t4.s a+*&6ent t4an .n t4e s&**ested *ene+al.=at.on o3 se1t.on 37 o3 A1t No. !##7.
A.t4al- at ;+st bl&s4- t4e a+*&6ent o3 +at.;1at.on 6ay see6 5la&s.ble &nde+ t4e 1.+1&6stan1es- .t s4o&ld be obse+2ed
t4at t4e+e a+e 1e+ta.n 5+e+o*at.2e a1ts 04.14- by t4e.+ 2e+y nat&+e- 1annot be 2al.dated by s&bse<&ent a55+o2al o+
+at.;1at.on by t4e P+es.dent. T4e+e a+e 1e+ta.n 1onst.t&t.onal 5o0e+ and 5+e+o*at.2es o3 t4e C4.e3 E>e1&t.2e o3 t4e
Nat.on 04.14 6&st be e>e+1.sed by 4.6 .n 5e+son and no a6o&nt o3 a55+o2al o+ +at.;1at.on 0.ll 2al.date t4e e>e+1.se o3
any o3 t4ose 5o0e+s by any ot4e+ 5e+son. S&14- 3o+ .nstan1e- .s 4.s 5o0e+ to s&s5end t4e 0+.t o3 habeas corpus and
5+o1la.6 6a+t.al la0 E5a+. 3- se1. $$- A+t. VIIF and t4e e>e+1.se by 4.6 o3 t4e ben.*n 5+e+o*at.2e o3 6e+1y E5a+. (- se1.
$$- idemF. @5on t4e ot4e+ 4and- do&bt .s ente+ta.ned by so6e 6e6be+s o3 t4e 1o&+t 04et4e+ t4e state6ent 6ade by
t4e Se1+eta+y to t4e P+es.dent .n t4e latte+8s be4al3 and by 4.s a&t4o+.ty t4at t4e P+es.dent 4ad no ob?e1t.on to t4e
s&s5ens.on o3 t4e 5et.t.one+ 1o&ld be a11e5ted as an a:+6at.2e e>e+1.se o3 t4e 5o0e+ o3 s&s5ens.on .n t4.s 1ase- o+
t4at t4e 2e+bal a55+o2al by t4e P+es.dent o3 t4e s&s5ens.on alle*ed .n a 5lead.n* 5+esented .n t4.s 1ase by t4e
Sol.1.to+Gene+al 1o&ld be 1ons.de+ed as a s&:1.ent +at.;1at.on .n la0.
A3te+ se+.o&s +eCe1t.on- 0e 4a2e de1.ded to s&sta.n t4e 1ontent.on o3 t4e *o2e+n6ent .n t4.s 1ase on t4e boa+d
5+o5os.t.on- albe.t not s&**ested- t4at &nde+ t4e 5+es.dent.al ty5e o3 *o2e+n6ent 04.14 0e 4a2e ado5ted and
1ons.de+.n* t4e de5a+t6ental o+*an.=at.on establ.s4ed and 1ont.n&ed .n 3o+1e by 5a+a*+a54 $- se1t.on $2- A+t.1le VII- o3
o&+ Const.t&t.on- all e>e1&t.2e and ad6.n.st+at.2e o+*an.=at.ons a+e ad?&n1ts o3 t4e E>e1&t.2e /e5a+t6ent- t4e 4eads
o3 t4e 2a+.o&s e>e1&t.2e de5a+t6ents a+e ass.stants and a*ents o3 t4e C4.e3 E>e1&t.2e- and e>1e5t .n 1ases 04e+e t4e
C4.e3 E>e1&t.2e .s +e<&.+ed by t4e Const.t&t.on o+ t4e la0 to a1t .n 5e+son o+ t4e e>.*en1.es o3 t4e s.t&at.on de6and
t4at 4e a1t 5e+sonally- t4e 6&lt.3a+.o&s e>e1&t.2e and ad6.n.st+at.2e 3&n1t.ons o3 t4e C4.e3 E>e1&t.2e a+e 5e+3o+6ed by
and t4+o&*4 t4e e>e1&t.2e de5a+t6ents- and t4e a1ts o3 t4e se1+eta+.es o3 s&14 de5a+t6ents- 5e+3o+6ed and
5+o6&l*ated .n t4e +e*&la+ 1o&+se o3 b&s.ness- a+e- &nless d.sa55+o2ed o+ +e5+obated by t4e C4.e3 E>e1&t.2e-
5+es&65t.2ely t4e a1ts o3 t4e C4.e3 E>e1&t.2e. ER&nkle vs.@n.ted States I$887J- $22 @. S.- "!3B 3# La0. ed.- $$(7: 7
S&5. Ct. Re5.- $$!$B see also @. S.vs. El.ason I$83'J- $( Pet.- 2'$B $# La0. ed.- '(8B %ones vs. @. S. I$8'#J- $37 @. S.-
2#2B 3! La0. ed.- ('$B $$ S&5. Ct.- Re5.- 8#B Aolsey vs. C4a56an I$88#J- $#$ @. S.- 7""B 2" La0. ed.- '$":
A.l1o> vs. %a1kson I$83(J- $3 Pet.- !'8B $# La0. ed.- 2(!.F
)ea+ .s e>5+essed by 6o+e t4an one 6e6be+ o3 t4.s 1o&+t t4at t4e a11e5tan1e o3 t4e 5+.n1.5le o3 <&al.;ed 5ol.t.1al
a*en1y .n t4.s and s.6.la+ 1ases 0o&ld +es&lt .n t4e ass&65t.on o3 +es5ons.b.l.ty by t4e P+es.dent o3 t4e P4.l.55.nes 3o+
a1ts o3 any 6e6be+ o3 4.s 1ab.net- 4o0e2e+ .lle*al- .++e*&la+ o+ .65+o5e+ 6ay be t4ese a1ts. T4e .65l.1at.ons- .t .s sa.d-
a+e se+.o&s. )ea+- 4o0e2e+- .s no 2al.d a+*&6ent a*a.nst t4e syste6 on1e ado5ted- establ.s4ed and o5e+ated.
)a6.l.a+.ty 0.t4 t4e essent.al ba1k*+o&nd o3 t4e ty5e o3 *o2e+n6ent establ.s4ed &nde+ o&+ Const.t&t.on- .n t4e l.*4t o3
1e+ta.n 0ellkno0n 5+.n1.5les and 5+a1t.1es t4at *o 0.t4 t4e syste6- s4o&ld oKe+ t4e ne1essa+y e>5lanat.on. A.t4
+e3e+en1e to t4e E>e1&t.2e /e5a+t6ent o3 t4e *o2e+n6ent- t4e+e .s one 5&+5ose 04.14 .s 1+ystal1lea+ and .s +ead.ly
2.s.ble 0.t4o&t t4e 5+o?e1t.on o3 ?&d.1.al sea+14l.*4t- and t4at .s- t4e establ.s46ent o3 a s.n*le- not 5l&+al- E>e1&t.2e.
T4e ;+st se1t.on o3 A+t.1le VII o3 t4e Const.t&t.on- deal.n* 0.t4 t4e E>e1&t.2e /e5a+t6ent- be*.ns 0.t4 t4e en&n1.at.on
o3 t4e 5+.n1.5les t4at DT4e e>e1&t.2e 5o0e+ s4all be 2ested .n a P+es.dent o3 t4e P4.l.55.nes.D T4.s 6eans t4at t4e
P+es.dent o3 t4e P4.l.55.nes .s t4e E>e1&t.2e o3 t4e Go2e+n6ent o3 t4e P4.l.55.nes- and no ot4e+. T4e 4eads o3 t4e
e>e1&t.2e de5a+t6ents o11&5y 5ol.t.1al 5os.t.ons and 4old o:1e .n an ad2.so+y 1a5a1.ty- and- .n t4e lan*&a*e o3
T4o6as %eKe+son- Ds4o&ld be o3 t4e P+es.dent8s boso6 1on;den1eD E7 A+.t.n*s- )o+d ed.- !'8F- and- .n t4e lan*&a*e o3
Atto+neyGene+al C&s4.n* E7 O5.- Atto+neyGene+al- !"3F- Da+e s&b?e1t to t4e d.+e1t.on o3 t4e P+es.dent.D A.t4o&t
6.n.6.=.n* t4e .65o+tan1e o3 t4e 4eads o3 t4e 2a+.o&s de5a+t6ents- t4e.+ 5e+sonal.ty .s .n +eal.ty b&t t4e 5+o?e1t.on o3
t4at o3 t4e P+es.dent. Stated ot4e+0.se- and as 3o+1.bly 14a+a1te+.=ed by C4.e3 %&st.1e Ta3t o3 t4e S&5+e6e Co&+t o3 t4e
@n.ted States- Dea14 4ead o3 a de5a+t6ent .s- and 6&st be- t4e P+es.dent8salter e!o .n t4e 6atte+s o3 t4at de5a+t6ent
04e+e t4e P+es.dent .s +e<&.+ed by la0 to e>e+1.se a&t4o+.tyD EMye+s vs. @n.ted States- !7 S&5. Ct. Re5.- 2$ at 3#B 272
@. S.- "2 at $33B 7$ La0. ed.- $(#F. Se1+eta+.es o3 de5a+t6ents- o3 1o&+se- e>e+1.se 1e+ta.n 5o0e+s &nde+ t4e la0 b&t
t4e la0 1annot .65a.+ o+ .n any 0ay aKe1t t4e 1onst.t&t.onal 5o0e+ o3 1ont+ol and d.+e1t.on o3 t4e P+es.dent. As a
6atte+ o3 e>e1&t.2e 5ol.1y- t4ey 6ay be *+anted de5a+t6ental a&tono6y as to 1e+ta.n 6atte+s b&t t4.s .s by 6e+e
1on1ess.on o3 t4e e>e1&t.2e- .n t4e absen1e o3 2al.d le*.slat.on .n t4e 5a+t.1&la+ ;eld. I3 t4e P+es.dent- t4en- .s t4e
a&t4o+.ty .n t4e E>e1&t.2e /e5a+t6ent- 4e ass&6es t4e 1o++es5ond.n* +es5ons.b.l.ty. T4e 4ead o3 a de5a+t6ent .s a
6an o3 4.s 1on;den1eB 4e 1ont+ols and d.+e1ts 4.s a1tsB 4e a55o.nts 4.6 and 1an +e6o2e 4.6 at 5leas&+eB 4e .s t4e
e>e1&t.2e- not any o3 4.s se1+eta+.es. It .s t4e+e3o+e lo*.1al t4at 4e- t4e P+es.dent- s4o&ld be ans0e+able 3o+ t4e a1ts o3
ad6.n.st+at.on o3 t4e ent.+e E>e1&t.2e /e5a+t6ent be3o+e 4.s o0n 1ons1.en1e no less t4an be3o+e t4at &nde;ned 5o0e+
o3 5&bl.1 o5.n.on 04.14- .n t4e lan*&a*e o3 /an.el Aebste+- .s t4e last +e5os.to+y o3 5o5&la+ *o2e+n6ent. T4ese a+e t4e
ne1essa+y 1o+olla+.es o3 t4e A6e+.1an 5+es.dent.al ty5e o3 *o2e+n6ent- and .3 t4e+e .s any de3e1t- .t .s att+.b&table to
t4e syste6 .tsel3. Ae 1annot 6od.3y t4e syste6 &nless 0e 6od.3y t4e Const.t&t.on- and 0e 1annot 6od.3y t4e
Const.t&t.on by any s&btle 5+o1ess o3 ?&d.1.al .nte+5+etat.on o+ 1onst.t&t.on.
T4e 5et.t.on .s 4e+eby d.s6.ssed- 0.t4 1osts a*a.nst t4e 5et.t.one+. So o+de+ed.
"vance#a$ %. J.$ &iaz$ and %oncepcion$ JJ.$ concur.
Separate Opinions
VILLAREAL- J.$ 1on1&++.n* .n t4e +es&lt:
I 1on1&+ .n t4e +es&lt. T4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ .s no04e+e *.2en t4e 5o0e+ to s&s5end a 6&n.1.5al ele1t.2e o:1e+
5end.n* 14a+*es- and .n t4e absen1e o3 s&14 5o0e+ 4e 6ay not s&s5end 4.6. T4e 5o0e+ to s&s5end 1annot be .65l.ed
e2en 3+o6 an a+b.t+a+y 5o0e+ to +e6o2e- e>1e5t 04e+e t4e 5o0e+ to +e6o2e .s l.6.ted to 1a&seB .n s&14 1ase- t4e
5o0e+ to s&s5end- 6ade &se o3 as a d.s1.5l.na+y 5o0e+ 5end.n* 14a+*es- .s +e*a+ded as .n1l&ded 0.t4.n t4e 5o0e+ o3
+e6o2al E!( Co+5&s %&+.s- se1. $!2- 5a*e '82F. P+o2.n1.al *o2e+no+s alone a+e e>5+essly e65o0e+ed to s&s5end
6&n.1.5al o:1e+s &nde+ 1e+ta.n 1ond.t.ons by se1t.on 2$88 o3 t4e Re2.sed Ad6.n.st+at.2e Code- and t4e P+es.dent o3
t4e P4.l.55.nes by se1t.on 2$'$- as a6ended- o3 t4e sa6e Code. T4o&*4 t4e s&s5ens.on o3 t4e 5et.t.one+ by t4e
Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ 0as &na&t4o+.=ed- t4e .65l.ed a55+o2al by t4e P+es.dent o3 t4e P4.l.55.nes 2al.dated s&14
s&s5ens.on.
IMPERIAL- J.$ 1on1&++.n* and d.ssent.n*:
I 1on1&+ .n t4e +es&lt be1a&se .n 6y o5.n.on E$F t4e P+es.dent o3 t4e P4.l.55.nes- &nde+ se1t.ons (! EbF- and 2$'$ o3 t4e
Re2.sed Ad6.n.st+at.2e Code- as t4e latte+ 4as been a6ended- and se1t.on $$ E$F- A+t.1le VII- o3 t4e Const.t&t.on- .s
2ested 0.t4 t4e 5o0e+ to e>5el and s&s5end 6&n.1.5al o:1.als 3o+ *+a2e 6.s1ond&1t- and .t a55ea+s t4at t4e
s&s5ens.on 0as o+de+ed by 2.+t&e o3 t4at a&t4o+.tyB and E2F t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ a1ted 0.t4.n t4e 5o0e+s
1on3e++ed &5on 4.6 by se1t.on 7' ECF- .n 1onne1t.on 0.t4 se1t.on 8(- o3 t4e Re2.sed Ad6.n.st+at.2e Code- as a6ended-
.n o+de+.n* an ad6.n.st+at.2e .n2est.*at.on o3 t4e 14a+*es a*a.nst t4e 5et.t.one+- .n 4.s 1a5a1.ty as 6ayo+ o3 t4e
6&n.1.5al.ty o3 Makat.- P+o2.n1e o3 R.=al.
It .s a 3a1t t4at- as a +es&lt o3 t4e .n2est.*at.on 1ond&1ted by t4e /.2.s.on o3 In2est.*at.on o3 t4e /e5a+t6ent o3 %&st.1e-
t4e +es5ondent- .n t&+n- o+de+ed t4e ad6.n.st+at.2e .n2est.*at.on o3 t4e 5et.t.one+ and +e1o66end 4.s te65o+a+y
s&s5ens.on to t4e P+es.dent o3 t4e P4.l.55.nes to 5+e1l&de 4.6 3+o6 e>e+t.n* 5+ess&+e &5on t4e 0.tnesses 04o 0o&ld
test.3y .n t4e .n2est.*at.on- and t4at t4e P+es.dent o3 t4e P4.l.55.nes- t4+o&*4 Se1+eta+y %o+*e G. Va+*as- stated t4at 4e
4ad no ob?e1t.on to t4e s&s5ens.on. T4e a1t o3 t4e P+es.dent o3 t4e P4.l.55.nes- .n 6y o5.n.on- 0as an e>e+1.se o3 4.s
5o0e+ to s&s5end t4e 5et.t.one+ and t4e state6ent t4at 4e 4ad no ob?e1t.on 0as- at botto6- an o+de+ o3 s&s5ens.on.
T4e 1.+1&6stan1e t4at .n t4e 1o66&n.1at.on 04.14 t4e +es5ondent add+essed to t4e 5et.t.one+ .t a55ea+ed as t4o&*4
t4e s&s5ens.on 4ad been o+de+ed by 4.6- .s .66ate+.al and does not alte+ t4e 6e+.ts o3 t4e 1ase- as t4e 3a1ts d.s1lose
t4at t4e o+de+ o3 s&s5ens.on 1a6e d.+e1tly 3+o6 t4e P+es.dent o3 t4e P4.l.55.nes.
9o0e2e+- I d.ssent 3+o6 t4e 1on1l&s.on o3 t4e 6a?o+.ty t4at- &nde+ t4e e>.st.n* 5+es.dent.al syste6 o3 *o2e+n6ent and
.n 2.e0 o3 t4e 3a1t t4at t4e de5a+t6ent se1+eta+.es a+e- .n t4e last analys.s- a*ents o3 t4e e>e1&t.2e- t4e a1ts o3 t4e
sa.d o:1.als a+e 5+es&65t.2ely dee6ed t4e a1ts o3 t4e e>e1&t.2e and t4at- 1onse<&ently- t4e s&s5ens.on o3 t4e
5et.t.one+ d.+e1ted by t4e +es5ondent s4o&ld be 1ons.de+ed- &nde+ t4e sa6e t4eo+y- as t4e s&s5ens.on de1+eed by t4e
P+es.dent o3 t4e P4.l.55.nes. I bel.e2e t4at t4e 5+.n1.5le t4&s en&n1.ated .s at on1e dan*e+o&s and 0.t4o&t le*al
san1t.on. @nde+ t4e la0 ea14 o3 t4ese o:1.als 4as 4.s o0n 5o0e+s and d&t.es and I do&bt se+.o&sly .3 .t 4as e2e+ been
t4e .ntent.on o3 t4e le*.slat.2e to 1on3&se t4e.+ d&t.es and 5+e+o*at.2es- 3o+ ot4e+0.se .t 0o&ld be d.:1&lt- .3 not
.65oss.ble- to l.6.t and ;> +es5ons.b.l.ty. T4e +es5ondent 4.6sel3 1o&ld not 4a2e so &nde+stood t4e la0 04en- &nde+
t4e 3a1ts- .n o+de+ to s&s5end t4e 5et.t.one+ 4e 3o&nd .t ne1essa+y to obta.n t4e e>5+ess a&t4o+.ty o3 t4e P+es.dent o3
t4e P4.l.55.nes.
MORAN- J.$ 1on1&++.n* and d.ssent.n*:
I 1on1&+ .n t4e +es&lt.
T4e ratio dicidendi o3 t4e 1ase .s 1onta.ned .n t4e 3ollo0.n* 5a+a*+a54 o3 t4e 6a?o+.ty de1.s.on:
. . .- t4at &nde+ t4e 5+es.dent.al ty5e o3 *o2e+n6ent 04.14 0e 4a2e ado5ted and 1ons.de+.n* t4e de5a+t6ental
o+*an.=at.on establ.s4ed and 1ont.n&ed .n 3o+1e by 5a+a*+a54 $- se1t.on $2- A+t.1le VII- o3 o&+ Const.t&t.on- all
e>e1&t.2e and ad6.n.st+at.2e o+*an.=at.ons a+e ad?&n1ts o3 t4e E>e1&t.2e /e5a+t6ent- t4e 4eads o3 t4e 2a+.o&s
e>e1&t.2e de5a+t6ents a+e ass.stants and a*ents o3 t4e C4.e3 E>e1&t.2e- and- e>1e5t .n 1ases 04e+e t4e C4.e3
E>e1&t.2e .s +e<&.+ed by t4e Const.t&t.on o+ t4e la0 to a1t .n 5e+son o+ t4e e>.*en1.es o3 t4e s.t&at.on de6and t4at 4e
a1t 5e+sonally- t4e 6&lt.3a+.o&s e>e1&t.2e and ad6.n.st+at.2e 3&n1t.ons o3 t4e C4.e3 E>e1&t.2e a+e 5e+3o+6ed by and
t4+o&*4 t4e e>e1&t.2e de5a+t6ents- and t4e a1ts o3 t4e se1+eta+.es o3 s&14 de5a+t6ents- 5e+3o+6ed and 5+o6&l*ated
.n t4e +e*&la+ 1o&+se o3 b&s.ness- a+e- &nless d.sa55+o2ed o+ +e5+obated by t4e C4.e3 E>e1&t.2e- 5+es&65t.2ely t4e a1ts
o3 t4e C4.e3 E>e1&t.2e. . . .
I3 by t4.s 5+o5os.t.on .t .s 6eant t4at t4e 5o0e+ o3 s&s5ens.on +es.d.n* .n t4e P+es.dent 6ay 2al.dly be e>e+1.sed by t4e
Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ .n 4.s o0n na6e- and 4.s a1t- &nless d.sa55+o2ed o+ +e5+obated by t4e P+es.dent- .s
5+es&65t.2ely t4e a1t o3 t4e P+es.dent- I d.sa*+ee. T4e .65l.1at.ons .n2ol2ed .n t4e 5+o5os.t.on a+e se+.o&s. S&55ose t4e
Se1+eta+y o3 %&st.1e- 5end.n* 5+o1eed.n*s a*a.nst a ?&d*e o3 ;+st .nstan1e- s&s5ends 4.6 te65o+a+.ly- a 5o0e+ 2ested
.n t4e P+es.dent Ese1t.on $73- Ad6. CodeF- .s t4e s&s5ens.on 2al.d .n t4e s.len1e o3 t4e P+es.dentL S&55ose t4e
Se1+eta+y o3 P&bl.1 Ao+ks and Co66&n.1at.ons +e6o2es t4e /.+e1to+ o3 Posts - .s t4e +e6o2al t4e a1t o3 t4e P+es.dent .3
not d.sa55+o2ed by t4e latte+L S&55ose t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ *+ants 1ond.t.onal 5a+don to a 5+.sone+- .s t4e
5a+don 2al.d &nless +e5+obated by t4e P+es.dentL T4e ans0e+ a+e sel3e2.dent.
It .s t+&e t4at t4e 6a?o+.ty de1.s.on 6akes e>1e5t.on o3 t4e 5o0e+s 04.14 t4e C4.e3 E>e1&t.2e- by Const.t&t.on- by la0-
o+ by t4e e>.*en1.es o3 t4e s.t&at.on- s4o&ld e>e+1.se .n 5e+son. T4e d.st.n1t.on- 4o0e2e+- t4&s so&*4t to be establ.s4ed
bet0een t4e 5o0e+s 04.14 t4e P+es.dent s4o&ld e>e+1.se .n 5e+son and t4ose 04.14 4e 6ay e>e+1.se t4+& t4e
de5a+t6ent se1+eta+.es- .3 .t e>.sts at all- .s e>t+e6ely s4ado0y and .n 3a1t 1an no04e+e be 3o&nd .n t4e Const.t&t.on- .n
t4e la0 o+ 5+a1t.1es o3 ad6.n.st+at.on. On t4e 1ont+a+y- t4e 0e.*4t o3 0.sdo6 and a&t4o+.ty .s t4at 5o0e+s 1o66.tted
o+ .nt+&sted by t4e Const.t&t.on o+ by la0 to t4e P+es.dent 6&st be e>e+1.sed by 4.6 5os.t.2ely and .n 5e+son. T4e only
3&n1t.ons o3 t4e P+es.dent 04.14- .n 6y o5.n.on- 6ay be 5e+3o+6ed by t4e de5a+t6ent se1+eta+.es a+e t4ose 04.14 a+e
5+el.6.na+y o+ 5+e5a+ato+y to t4e e>e+1.se o3 4.s 5o0e+s- s&14 as- .n .n2est.*at.on- +esea+14 and ot4e+ .n<&.+.es 04.14
6ay be ne1essa+y 3o+ a 0.se and ?&d.1.o&s e>e+1.se o3 4.s ?&d*6ent o+ d.s1+et.on. T4.s o5.n.on ;nds 1o++obo+at.on .n
se1t.on 7'A o3 t4e Ad6.n.st+at.2e Code.
T4e 5+o5os.t.on 1onta.ned .n t4e 6a?o+.ty de1.s.on .s e2en o3 6&14 0.de+ s1o5e t4an .s abo2e stated- 3o+ .t 1on2eys t4e
.dea t4at all t4e 3&n1t.ons o3 t4e e>e1&t.2e b+an14 o3 t4e *o2e+n6ent a+e .n t4e P+es.dent- 0.t4 t4e e>e1&t.2e
de5a+t6ents as 6e+e ad?&n1ts to 4.6 and t4e de5a+t6ent se1+eta+.es 4.s 6e+e ass.stants o+ a*ents 0.t4 no a&t4o+.ty-
3&n1t.on o+ +es5ons.b.l.ty o3 t4e.+ o0n- e>1e5t t4ose e6anat.n* 3+o6 t4e P+es.dent- and t4at- t4e+e3o+e- as t4ey 1annot
a1t b&t at t4e 0.ll o3 t4e P+es.dent- all t4e.+ a1ts- &nless d.sa55+o2ed o+ +e5+obated by t4e P+es.dent- a+e 5+es&65t.2ely
t4e a1ts o3 t4e P+es.dents. T4.s s0ee5.n* state6ent .s &ndo&btedly .ns5.+ed by se1t.on $- A+t.1le VII- o3 t4e
Const.t&t.on- 04.14 5+o2.des t4at Dt4e e>e1&t.2e 5o0e+ s4all be 2ested .n a P+es.dent o3 t4e P4.l.55.nes.D It d.s+e*a+ds-
4o0e2e+- t4e t+&e 6ean.n* o3 ot4e+ 5+o2.s.ons o3 t4e Const.t&t.on- s&14 as 5a+a*+a54 $ o3 se1t.on $2 o3 t4e sa6e
a+t.1le- 04.14 5+o2.des t4at De>e1&t.2e de5a+t6ents o3 t4e 5+esent Go2e+n6ent o3 t4e P4.l.55.ne Islands s4all
1ont.n&e as no' authorized b( la' &nt.l t4e Nat.onal Asse6bly s4all 5+o2.de ot4e+0.se.D EE654as.s s&55l.ed.F
A11o+d.n* to se1t.on 7! o3 t4e Ad6.n.st+at.2e Code D. . . t4e de5a+t6ents a+e establ.s4ed 3o+ t4e 5+o5e+ d.st+.b&t.on o3
t4e 0o+k o3 t4e e>e1&t.2e- 3o+ t4e 5e+3o+6an1e o3 t4e 3&n1t.ons e)pressl( assi!ned to them b( la'- and .n o+de+ t4at
ea14 b+an14 o3 t4e ad6.n.st+at.on 6ay 4a2e a 14.e3 responsible for its direction and polic(.D EE654as.s s&55l.ed.F To
*.2e eKe1t to t4.s 5+o2.s.on- ea14 de5a+t6ent 4ead .s e>5+essly 2ested 0.t4 b+oad as 0ell as s5e1.;1 5o0e+s
1o66ens&+ate 0.t4 4.s +es5ons.b.l.ty- s&14 as t4e 5o0e+s to D. . . 5+o6&l*ate- 04ene2e+ 4e 6ay see ;t to do so- all
+&les- +e*&lat.ons- o+de+s- 1.+1&la+s- . . . ne1essa+y to +e*&late t4e 5+o5e+ 0o+k.n* and 4a+6on.o&s and e:1.ent
ad6.n.st+at.on o3 ea14 and all o3 t4e o:1es and de5enden1.es o3 4.s de5a+t6ent- and 3o+ t4e st+.1t en3o+1e6ent and
5+o5e+ e>e1&t.on o3 t4e la0s +elat.2e to 6atte+s &nde+ t4e ?&+.sd.1t.on o3 sa.d de5a+t6entD Ese1t.on 7'G- Ad6. CodeFB
t4e 5o0e+ o3 d.+e1t.on and s&5e+2.s.on o2e+ s&14 b&+ea&s and o:1es &nde+ 4.s ?&+.sd.1t.on- and to +e5eal o+ 6od.3y t4e
de1.s.ons o3 t4e 14.e3 o3 sa.d b&+ea&s o+ o:1es 04en ad2.sable .n t4e 5&bl.1 .nte+est Ese1t.on 7'C- Ad6. CodeB se1t.on
37- A1t No. !##7FB t4e 5o0e+ to a55o.nt s&bo+d.nate o:1e+s and e65loyees 04ose a55o.nt6ent .s not e>5+essly
2ested by la0 .n t4e P+es.dent- and to +e6o2e and 5&n.s4 t4e6 e>1e5t as s5e1.ally 5+o2.ded ot4e+0.se .n a11o+dan1e
0.t4 t4e C.2.l Se+2.1e La0 Ese1t.on 7'/- Ad6. CodeF- et1. All t4ese 5o0e+s a+e 1ont.n&ed .n 3o+1e by t4e Const.t&t.on.
T4&s- 04.le .n one 5+o2.s.on t4e Const.t&t.on 2ests .n t4e P+es.dent o3 t4e P4.l.55.nes t4e e>e1&t.2e 5o0e+ o3 t4e
*o2e+n6ent- .n anot4e+ t4e sa6e Const.t&t.on +e1o*n.=es t4e 5o0e+s o3 t4e de5a+t6ent se1+eta+.es 1on3e++ed &5on
t4e6 by la0. T4e a55a+ent 1onC.1t bet0een t4e t0o 5+o2.s.ons .s +e1on1.led by t4e Const.t&t.on .tsel3 by 6eans o3 t4e
5o0e+ o3 1ont+ol 2ested .n t4e P+es.dent o2e+ t4e e>e1&t.2e de5a+t6ents. T4at 5o0e+ o3 1ont+ol 1o&ld not 4a2e been
.ntended to 0.5e o&t o+ s&5e+sede all t4e 5o0e+s o3 t4e de5a+t6ent se1+eta+.es- 3o+- ot4e+0.se- t4ose 5o0e+s 0o&ld
not 4a2e been 1ont.n&ed .n 3o+1e by t4e Const.t&t.on. It 0o&ld 1e+ta.nly be an abs&+d.ty .n t4e Const.t&t.on to
+e1o*n.=e and at t4e sa6e t.6e ab+o*ate t4ose 5o0e+s. On t4e 1ont+a+y- t4e 1+eat.on o3 t4e 5o0e+ o3 1ont+ol .65l.es
t4e 5+ese+2at.on- not t4e dest+&1t.on- o3 all t4e 5o0e+s 1on3e++ed by la0 &5on t4e de5a+t6ent se1+eta+.es. In 3a1t- t4e
6a?o+.ty ad6.ts t4e e>.sten1e o3 t4ose 5o0e+s- s&b?e1t- o3 1o&+se- to t4e 5o0e+s o3 1ont+ol o3 t4e P+es.dent. No0- t4e
5o0e+ o3 1ont+ol 6ay o+ 6ay not be e>e+1.sed. I3 not e>e+1.sed- t4e a1ts o3 t4e de5a+t6ent se1+eta+.es .n 5&+s&an1e o3
t4e.+ 5o0e+s 0o&ld +e6a.n .n 3&ll 3o+1e and eKe1t- and a+e t4e.+ o0n a1ts and not t4e P+es.dent8s. I3 e>e+1.sed- by 0ay
o3 d.sa55+o2al o+ +e5+obat.on o3 t4e a1ts o3 t4e de5a+t6ent se1+eta+.es- t4e a1ts so +e5+obated a+e st.ll t4e.+ a1ts and
not t4e P+es.dent8s.
T4e+e .s 6o+e t4eo+y t4an la0 .n t4e state6ent t4at t4e 5e+sonally o3 t4e de5a+t6ent se1+eta+.es .s b&t t4e 5+o?e1t.on
o3 t4at o3 t4e P+es.dent. T4e+e .s 6o+e t+&t4 .n t4e lan*&a*e &sed by C4.e3 %&st.1e Ta3t- as <&oted .n t4e 6a?o+.ty
o5.n.on- to t4e eKe1t t4at Dea14 4ead o3 a de5a+t6ent .s- and 6&st be- t4e P+es.dent8s alter e!o .n t4e 6atte+s o3 t4at
de5a+t6ent 'here the President is re*uired b( la' to e)ercise authorit(D Ee654as.s s&55l.ed.F. )o+ .t .s only 04en t4e
P+es.dent e>e+1.ses 4.s a&t4o+.ty and 5o0e+s t4at t4e de5a+t6ent se1+eta+.es a1t 6e+ely as 4.s ass.stants- a*ents o+
ad2.se+s- and- .n s&14 1ases- t4e.+ a1ts a+e 4.s. G&t 04en t4ey a1t .n a11o+dan1e 0.t4 t4e 5o0e+s 2ested .n t4e6 by
la0- t4ey a1t 0.t4 a 5e+sonal.ty se5a+ate 3+o6 and no less d.st.n1t t4an t4at o3 t4e P+es.dent 4.6sel3- .3 t4e +e1o*n.t.on
a11o+ded to t4e.+ 5o0e+s by t4e Const.t&t.on .s to 6ean anyt4.n* at all. And t4e 3a1t t4at t4e *o2e+n6ent 0e 4a2e
.nst.t&ted .s a 5+es.dent.al one .n no 0.se dest+oys 04at t4e la0 4as 1+eated and t4e Const.t&t.on 4as +e1o*n.=ed. T4e
5+es.dent.al syste6 o3 *o2e+n6ent 1o&ld not 4a2e been .ntended to s&5e+sede a *o2e+n6ent o3 la0s 3o+ a *o2e+n6ent
o3 6en.
I3- as stated by t4e 6a?o+.ty- all t4e o:1.al a1ts o3 t4e se1+eta+.es o3 t4e de5a+t6ents a+e 5+es&65t.2ely t4e a1ts o3 t4e
P+es.dent- .t 6&st 3ollo0 t4at t4e P+es.dent .s 5+es&65t.2ely +es5ons.ble t4e+e3o+. T4at t4.s 1o++olla+y 5+o5os.t.on 1annot
be 6a.nta.ned .s ob2.o&s. At e2e+y .nstan1e- 4e 0o&ld be 1alled &5on to a11o&ntab.l.ty 3o+ a1ts o3 04.14 4e 6.*4t not
4a2e any kno0led*e at all and 3o+ 04.14 4e 1o&ld .n no 0.se be 4eld +es5ons.ble. In t4e 1o65l.1ated a1t.2.t.es o3 ea14
de5a+t6ent- 6&lt.3a+.o&s o:1.al a1ts 4a2e to be 5e+3o+6ed 3+o6 t.6e to t.6e. Ve+y o3ten t4ese a1ts a+e 5e+3o+6ed .n
5&+s&an1e o3 5o0e+s and d&t.es e>5+essly lod*ed .n t4e6 by la0B and- o11as.onally- &5on a&t4o+.ty and d.+e1t.on o3
t4e P+es.dent .n t4e latte+8s e>e+1.se o3 4.s 5o0e+ o3 1ont+ol. In t4e 5e+3o+6an1e o3 s&14 a1ts- e>e1&t.2e and
ad6.n.st+at.2e d.s1+et.on 4ad to be e>e+1.sed 3o+ 04.14 +es5ons.b.l.ty 6&st a11o+d.n*ly be e>1l&s.2e and 5&+ely
5e+sonal. To 4old t4e P+es.dent 5+es&65t.2ely +es5ons.ble 3o+ s&14 a1ts 0o&ld s&**est- .n eKe1t- t4e ne1ess.ty on t4e
5a+t o3 t4e P+es.dent to e>e+1.se 1onstant and &n+ela>.n* 2.*.lan1e o2e+ all t4e o:1.al a1ts o3 t4e se1+eta+.es o3 t4e
de5a+t6ents- &nde+ 4a=a+d o3 be.n* .n2ol2ed .n endless d.:1&lt.es. T4e 6an.3old e>.*en1.es o3 *o2e+n6ent +ende+
s&14 a s&**est.on .n1on1e.2able.
My 2.e0- t4e+e3o+e- .s t4at t4e de5a+t6ent se1+eta+.es 6ay a1t .n a 5&+ely ad2.so+y 1a5a1.ty o+ &nde+ t4e d.+e1t.on and
a&t4o+.ty o3 t4e P+es.dent .n t4e latte+8s e>e+1.se o3 4.s 1onst.t&t.onal 5o0e+ o3 1ont+ol- and- .n s&14 1ases- t4e
5+o5os.t.on 1onta.ned .n t4e 6a?o+.ty de1.s.on a55l.es- be1a&se t4en- t4e de5a+t6ent se1+eta+.es a1t 5&+ely 3o+ t4e
C4.e3 E>e1&t.2e. 9o0e2e+- t4ey 6ay also a1t .n 5&+s&an1e o3 t4e 5o0e+s and d&t.es 1on3e++ed &5on t4e6 by la0 and
1ont.n&ed .n 3o+1e by t4e Const.t&t.on- and- &nless t4e P+es.dent des.+es to .nte+2ene- .n a55+o5+.ate 1ases- by
.nte+5os.n* 4.s 1onst.t&t.onal 5o0e+ o3 1ont+ol- t4e a1ts o3 t4e de5a+t6ent se1+eta+.es a+e e>1l&s.2ely t4e.+ o0n- and
t4ey a+e l.ke0.se e>1l&s.2ely +es5ons.ble t4e+e3o+. It 3ollo0s t4at 04en a de5a+t6ent se1+eta+y a1ts .n 4.s o0n na6e
and not by o+de+ o+ a&t4o+.ty o3 t4e P+es.dent- 4e .s 5+es&6ed to be so a1t.n* .n 5&+s&an1e o3 a 5o0e+ 1on3e++ed &5on
4.6 by la0- and 04en t4e 5o0e+ .s not t4&s 1on3e++ed- 4.s a1t .s n&ll and 2o.d. And .3 t4e 5o0e+ .s 1on3e++ed e>5+essly
&5on t4e P+es.dent- 4e 6&st e>e+1.se .t 5os.t.2ely and .n 5e+son 0.t4 s&14 ass.stan1e- ad2.1e and +e1o66endat.on o3
t4e 1o++es5ond.n* de5a+t6ent 4ead- as 4e 4.6sel3 6ay 14oose to de6and. A11o+d.n*ly- t4e ba+e state6ent 6ade by
t4e P+es.dent o3 4.s nonob?e1t.on to t4e a1t.on taken by t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ .n t4e 5+esent 1ase .s not a
s&:1.ent e>e+1.se o3 4.s 5o0e+ to s&s5end- 3o+ .t 6ay 6ean ne.t4e+ a55+o2al no+ d.sa55+o2al. T4e P+es.dent 5+obably
bel.e2ed- and .ndeed +.*4tly as I s4all 4e+ea3te+ s4o0- t4at t4e 5o0e+ to s&s5end t4e 5et.t.one+ also +es.ded .n t4e
Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+- and 1alled &5on to e>e+1.se 4.s 5o0e+ o3 s&5e+2.s.on- 4e 1on;ned 4.6sel3 to 6ak.n* a 6e+e
state6ent o3 nonob?e1t.on to t4e latte+8s e>e+1.se o3 4.s 5o0e+. T4.s- .n 6y o5.n.on- .s t4e 6ost +at.onal e>5lanat.on o3
t4e 5ass.2e att.t&de t4&s obse+2ed by t4e P+es.dent. I a6 al6ost s&+e t4at 4ad 4e .ntended to e>e+1.se 4.s o0n 5o0e+
to s&s5end- 4e 0o&ld 4a2e done so- as &s&ally- .n a 6anne+ t4at 0o&ld not ad6.t o3 any 5oss.b.l.ty o3 do&bt.
Mo+eo2e+- bes.des t4e 0+.tten state6ent o3 nonob?e1t.on 6ade by t4e P+es.dent- .t .s 1la.6ed by t4e Sol.1.to+Gene+al
t4at t4e P+es.dent e>5+essly and o+ally a55+o2ed t4e o+de+ o3 s&s5ens.on .ss&ed by t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+. S&14
s&55osed o+al a55+o2al alle*ed .n t4e +es5ondent8s ans0e+ .s- 4o0e2e+- dee6ed 1ont+o2e+ted by t4e 5et.t.one+-
a11o+d.n* to se1t.on $#! o3 A1t No. $'#- and- not be.n* s&55o+ted by 5+oo3- .t 1annot be 1ons.de+ed as t+&e 3a1t .n t4e
d.s5os.t.on o3 t4.s 1ase.
I3 I a*+ee 0.t4 t4e +es&lt- .t .s not t4e+e3o+e on t4e b+oad 5+o5os.t.on +el.ed &5on by t4e 6a?o+.ty- b&t 3+o6 04at .s
ne1essa+y .65l.ed 3+o6 e>5+ess 5+o2.s.ons o3 la0. Se1t.on 37 o3 A1t No. !##7 5+o2.des:
T4e 5+o2.s.ons o3 t4e e>.st.n* la0 to t4e 1ont+a+y not0.t4stand.n*- 04ene2e+ a s5e1.;1 5o0e+- a&t4o+.ty- d&ty- 3&n1t.on
o+ a1t.2.ty .s ent+&sted to a 14.e3 o3 b&+ea&- o:1e- d.2.s.on o+ se+2.1e- t4e sa6e s4all be &nde+stood as also 1on3e++ed
&5on t4e 5+o5e+ /e5a+t6ent 9ead 04o s4all 4a2e a&t4o+.ty to a1t d.+e1tly .n 5&+s&an1e t4e+eo3- o+ to +e2.e0- 6od.3y
o+ +e2oke any de1.s.on o+ a1t.on o3 sa.d 14.e3 o3 b&+ea&- o:1e- d.2.s.on o+ se+2.1e.
T4e+e 1an be no <&est.on t4at t4e 0o+d Dd.2.s.onD .n t4e abo2e 5+o2.s.on 4as no ot4e+ +e3e+en1e t4an to 5+o2.n1es and
6&n.1.5al.t.es EC4a5te+ 2 and se1t.on 8(- Ad6. CodeF. It .s t4en e2.dent t4at t4.s 5+o2.s.on 1on3e+s &5on t4e Se1+eta+y
o3 t4e Inte+.o+ t4e 5o0e+ +es.d.n* .n t4e 5+o2.n1.al *o2e+no+ Ese1t.on 2$88- Ad6. CodeF to de1+ee t4e s&s5ens.on o3 t4e
5et.t.one+ 5end.n* an ad6.n.st+at.2e .n2est.*at.on o3 t4e 14a+*es a*a.nst 4.6. T4at t4.s .s t4e t+&e 6ean.n* o3 t4e la0-
t4e 6a?o+.ty does not <&est.on.
)ea+- 4o0e2e+- 4as been e>5+esses .n t4e 6a?o+.ty o5.n.on t4at t4.s 2.e0 6ay +es&lt .n t4e 1o65lete ab+o*at.on o3 t4e
5o0e+s o3 5+o2.n1.al and 6&n.1.5al o:1.als e2en .n 1o+5o+ate aKa.+s o3 lo1al *o2e+n6ents. Instan1es a+e 1.ted .n 04.14
t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ 6ay e>e+1.se 3o+ 4.6sel3 t4e 5o0e+s 2ested by la0 .n 5+o2.n1.al *o2e+no+s and 6&n.1.5al
6ayo+s as to 6atte+s o3 bot4 *o2e+n6ental and 1o+5o+ate 3&n1t.ons o3 5+o2.n1es and 6&n.1.5al.t.es- s&14 as- t4e
5o0e+ to 2eto- t4e 5o0e+ to a55o.nt- and t4e 5o0e+ to ente+ .nto 1ont+a1ts. A4et4e+ o+ not t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+
1an t4&s e>e+1.se t4e 5o0e+s 2ested by la0 .n 5+o2.n1.al and 6&n.1.5al e>e1&t.2es .n t4e .nstan1es 1.ted- to t4e
1o65lete ab+o*at.on o3 5+o2.n1.al and 6&n.1.5al a&tono6y- .s a <&est.on 04.14 I need not d.s1&ss no0. Ot4e+
5+o2.s.ons o3 la0 and a n&6be+ o3 1ollate+al <&est.ons 6ay 4a2e to be .n<&.+ed .nto .3 any sa3e 1on1l&s.on .s to be
3o+6ed. G&t e2en .3- as 3ea+ed- t4e la0 4as t4e eKe1t o3 n&ll.3y.n* t4e 5o0e+s 1on3e++ed &5on 5+o2.n1.al and 6&n.1.5al
e>e1&t.2es- 1an t4e+e be any do&bt t4at t4e la0 1an do soL T4e sa6e a&t4o+.ty t4at 1+eates t4ose 5o0e+s 6ay
0.t4d+a0 o+ <&al.3y t4e6 at 0.ll o+ 5+o2.de eKe1t.2e 6eas&+es o3 s&5e+2.s.on o2e+ t4e.+ e>e+1.se. T4e e>tent o+ e2en
t4e e>.sten1e o3 lo1al a&tono6y .s a 6atte+ 04.14 l.es 0.t4.n t4e e>1l&s.2e 5+e+o*at.2e o3 t4e Le*.slat&+e to de;ne. I3
t4e la0 .s 1lea+- o+ d&ty to a55ly .t .s ?&st as 1lea+- .++es5e1t.2e o3 4o0 dest+&1t.2e .t 6ay be o3 t4e a&tono6y o3 lo1al
*o2e+n6ents. To +e3&se to a55ly a la0- 04.14 .s ot4e+0.se a55l.1able and .s 2al.d and 1onst.t&t.onal- s.65ly be1a&se .t
does 2.olen1e to o&+ t4eo+y o3 *o2e+n6ent- 0o&ld- .n eKe1t- be .65os.n* o&+sel2es &5on t4e le*.slat&+e de5a+t6ent o3
t4e *o2e+n6ent and an .nt+&s.on .nto .ts o0n s54e+e o3 1onst.t&t.onal a&t4o+.ty.
Mo+eo2e+- t4e la0 .s not o3 s&14 Ddest+&1t.2e a&t4o+.tyD as t4e 6a?o+.ty 4as 5.1t&+ed .t to be. T4e 54.loso54y be4.nd
t4.s 5+o2.s.on .s a55a+ent. It .s .ntended to s&55ly 5oss.ble o6.ss.ons o+ .na1t.ons on t4e 5a+t o3 t4e s&bo+d.nate
o:1e+s 1on1e+ned by +eason o3 t4e entan*le6ent a+.s.n* 3+o6 5a+t.san a1t.2.t.es. T4e 5o0e+ 04.14 t4e la0 1on3e+s
&5on t4e de5a+t6ent 4ead .s &ndo&btedly s&s1e5t.ble o3 ab&ses. G&t 04at 5o0e+ .s not s&s1e5t.ble o3 ab&seL In t4e
ena1t6ent o3 t4e la0- t4e le*.slat&+e &ndo&btedly +el.ed 6&14 on t4e sense o3 5at+.ot.s6 and so&nd ?&d*6ent o3 t4e
de5a+t6ent 4ead. It .s 5e+4a5s t4e .ntent.on o3 t4e la0 t4at t4e de5a+t6ent 4ead s4o&ld e>e+1.se 4.s 5o0e+ .n a
6anne+ 1o65at.ble 0.t4 t4e a&tono6y *.2en t4e lo1al *o2e+n6ents- and t4at 4e s4o&ld a1t d.+e1tly only 04en t4e
e>.*en1.es o3 t4e s.t&at.on +e<&.+e 4.6 to a1t .n t4e .nte+est o3 t4e Nat.on. T4&s- t4e de5a+t6ent 4ead .s *.2en a65le
d.s1+et.on. T4e 5oss.b.l.ty o3 a 6.s14.e2o&s o+ d.sast+o&s ab&se o3 5o0e+ on 4.s 5a+t .s not ent.+ely 0.t4o&t any +e6edy
at all. T4e 5+es.dent.al 5o0e+ o3 1ont+ol o2e+ e>e1&t.2e de5a+t6ents and t4e e>.sten1e o3 ?&d.1.al +e6ed.es 6ay aKo+d
eKe1t.2e 14e1k o+ +ed+ess. In t4e .nstant 1ase- t4e+e .s no s4o0.n* t4at t4e Se1+eta+y o3 t4e Inte+.o+ 4as ab&sed- o+
e2en .ntended to ab&se t4e 5o0e+ o3 s&s5ens.on. I3 a 1a5+.1.o&s and 04.6s.1al &se o3 s&14 5o0e+ 5+esents .tsel3 to &s
3o+ dete+6.nat.on .n so6e 3&t&+e t.6e- t4en and t4e+e 6&st 0e de1la+e 04e+e one 5o0e+ be*.ns and t4e ot4e+ ends.
As t4e la0- t4e+e3o+e- .s not &n1onst.t&t.onal- 0e 0o&ld be .*no+.n* .t 1lea+ 5+o2.s.on .3 not a55l.ed .n t4.s 1ase.
Ma+1os Vs. Man*la5&s Case /.*est
Ma+1os Vs. Man*la5&s
$77 SCRA ((8
G.R. No. 882$$
Se5te6be+ $"- $'8'
)a1ts: T4.s 1ase .n2ol2es a 5et.t.on o3 6anda6&s and 5+o4.b.t.on ask.n* t4e 1o&+t to o+de+ t4e +es5ondents Se1+eta+y
o3 )o+e.*n AKa.+s- et1. To .ss&e a t+a2el do1&6ents to 3o+6e+ P+es. Ma+1os and t4e .66ed.ate 6e6be+s o3 4.s 3a6.ly
and to en?o.n t4e .65le6entat.on o3 t4e P+es.dent8s de1.s.on to ba+ t4e.+ +et&+n to t4e P4.l.55.nes. Pet.t.one+s asse+t
t4at t4e +.*4t o3 t4e Ma+1oses to +et&+n .n t4e P4.l.55.nes .s *&a+anteed by t4e G.ll o3 R.*4ts- s5e1.;1ally Se1t.ons $ and
(. T4ey 1ontended t4at P+es. A<&.no .s 0.t4o&t 5o0e+ to .65a.+ t4e l.be+ty o3 abode o3 t4e Ma+1oses be1a&se only a
1o&+t 6ay do so 0.t4.n t4e l.6.ts 5+es1+.bed by la0. No+ t4e P+es.dent .65a.+ t4e.+ +.*4t to t+a2el be1a&se no la0 4as
a&t4o+.=ed 4e+ to do so.
T4ey 3&+t4e+ asse+t t4at &nde+ .nte+nat.onal la0- t4e.+ +.*4t to +et&+n to t4e P4.l.55.nes .s *&a+anteed 5a+t.1&la+ly by t4e
@n.2e+sal /e1la+at.on o3 9&6an R.*4ts and t4e Inte+nat.onal Co2enant on C.2.l and Pol.t.1al R.*4ts- 04.14 4as been
+at.;ed by t4e P4.l.55.nes.
Iss&e: A4et4e+ o+ not- .n t4e e>e+1.se o3 t4e 5o0e+s *+anted by t4e 1onst.t&t.on- t4e P+es.dent EA<&.noF 6ay 5+o4.b.t
t4e Ma+1oses 3+o6 +et&+n.n* to t4e P4.l.55.nes.
9eld: DIt 6&st be e654as.=ed t4at t4e .nd.2.d&al +.*4t .n2ol2ed .s not t4e +.*4t to t+a2el 3+o6 t4e P4.l.55.nes to ot4e+
1o&nt+.es o+ 0.t4.n t4e P4.l.55.nes. T4ese a+e 04at t4e +.*4t to t+a2el 0o&ld no+6ally 1onnote. Essent.ally- t4e +.*4t
.n2ol2ed .n t4.s 1ase at ba+ .s t4e +.*4t to +et&+n to one8s 1o&nt+y- a d.st.n1t +.*4t &nde+ .nte+nat.onal la0- .nde5endent
3+o6 alt4o&*4 +elated to t4e +.*4t to t+a2el. T4&s- t4e @n.2e+sal /e1la+at.on o3 9&6an R.*4ts and t4e Inte+nat.onal
Co2enant on C.2.l and Pol.t.1al R.*4ts t+eat t4e +.*4t to 3+eedo6 o3 6o2e6ent and abode 0.t4.n t4e te++.to+y o3 a state-
t4e +.*4t to lea2e t4e 1o&nt+y- and t4e +.*4t to ente+ one8s 1o&nt+y as se5a+ate and d.st.n1t +.*4ts. A4at t4e
/e1la+at.on s5eaks o3 .s t4e D+.*4t to 3+eedo6 o3 6o2e6ent and +es.den1e 0.t4.n t4e bo+de+s o3 ea14 stateD. On t4e
ot4e+ 4and- t4e Co2enant *&a+antees t4e +.*4t to l.be+ty o3 6o2e6ent and 3+eedo6 to 14oose 4.s +es.den1e and t4e
+.*4t to be 3+ee to lea2e any 1o&nt+y- .n1l&d.n* 4.s o0n. S&14 +.*4ts 6ay only be +est+.1ted by la0s 5+ote1t.n* t4e
nat.onal se1&+.ty- 5&bl.1 o+de+- 5&bl.1 4ealt4 o+ 6o+als o+ t4e se5a+ate +.*4ts o3 ot4e+s. 9o0e2e+- +.*4t to ente+ one8s
1o&nt+y 1annot be a+b.t+a+.ly de5+.2ed. It 0o&ld be t4e+e3o+e .na55+o5+.ate to 1onst+&e t4e l.6.tat.ons to t4e +.*4t to
+et&+n to ones 1o&nt+y .n t4e sa6e 1onte>t as t4ose 5e+ta.n.n* to t4e l.be+ty o3 abode and t4e +.*4t to t+a2el.
T4e G.ll o3 +.*4ts t+eats only t4e l.be+ty o3 abode and t4e +.*4t to t+a2el- b&t .t .s a 0ell 1ons.de+ed 2.e0 t4at t4e +.*4t to
+et&+n 6ay be 1ons.de+ed- as a *ene+ally a11e5ted 5+.n1.5le o3 Inte+nat.onal La0 and &nde+ o&+ Const.t&t.on as 5a+t o3
t4e la0 o3 t4e land.
T4e 1o&+t 4eld t4at P+es.dent d.d not a1t a+b.t+a+.ly o+ 0.t4 *+a2e ab&se o3 d.s1+et.on .n dete+6.n.n* t4at t4e +et&+n o3
t4e )o+6e+ P+es. Ma+1os and 4.s 3a6.ly 5oses a se+.o&s t4+eat to nat.onal .nte+est and 0el3a+e. P+es.dent A<&.no 4as
dete+6.ned t4at t4e destab.l.=at.on 1a&sed by t4e +et&+n o3 t4e Ma+1oses 0o&ld 0.5e a0ay t4e *a.ns a14.e2ed d&+.n*
t4e 5ast 3e0 yea+s a3te+ t4e Ma+1os +e*.6e.
T4e +et&+n o3 t4e Ma+1oses 5oses a se+.o&s t4+eat and t4e+e3o+e 5+o4.b.t.n* t4e.+ +et&+n to t4e P4.l.55.nes- t4e .nstant
5et.t.on .s 4e+eby /ISMISSE/.
MARCOS VS. MANGLAP@S I$77 SCRA ((8B G.R. NO. 882$$B $" SEPT $'8'J
)+.day- )eb+&a+y #(- 2##' Posted by CoKee4ol.1 A+.tes
Labels: Case /.*ests- Pol.t.1al La0
)a1ts: T4.s 1ase .n2ol2es a 5et.t.on o3 6anda6&s and 5+o4.b.t.on ask.n* t4e 1o&+t to o+de+ t4e +es5ondents Se1+eta+y
o3 )o+e.*n AKa.+s- et1. To .ss&e a t+a2el do1&6ents to 3o+6e+ P+es. Ma+1os and t4e .66ed.ate 6e6be+s o3 4.s 3a6.ly
and to en?o.n t4e .65le6entat.on o3 t4e P+es.dent8s de1.s.on to ba+ t4e.+ +et&+n to t4e P4.l.55.nes. Pet.t.one+s asse+t
t4at t4e +.*4t o3 t4e Ma+1oses to +et&+n .n t4e P4.l.55.nes .s *&a+anteed by t4e G.ll o3 R.*4ts- s5e1.;1ally Se1t.ons $ and
(. T4ey 1ontended t4at P+es. A<&.no .s 0.t4o&t 5o0e+ to .65a.+ t4e l.be+ty o3 abode o3 t4e Ma+1oses be1a&se only a
1o&+t 6ay do so 0.t4.n t4e l.6.ts 5+es1+.bed by la0. No+ t4e P+es.dent .65a.+ t4e.+ +.*4t to t+a2el be1a&se no la0 4as
a&t4o+.=ed 4e+ to do so.
T4ey 3&+t4e+ asse+t t4at &nde+ .nte+nat.onal la0- t4e.+ +.*4t to +et&+n to t4e P4.l.55.nes .s *&a+anteed 5a+t.1&la+ly by t4e
@n.2e+sal /e1la+at.on o3 9&6an R.*4ts and t4e Inte+nat.onal Co2enant on C.2.l and Pol.t.1al R.*4ts- 04.14 4as been
+at.;ed by t4e P4.l.55.nes.
Iss&e: A4et4e+ o+ not- .n t4e e>e+1.se o3 t4e 5o0e+s *+anted by t4e 1onst.t&t.on- t4e P+es.dent EA<&.noF 6ay 5+o4.b.t
t4e Ma+1oses 3+o6 +et&+n.n* to t4e P4.l.55.nes.
9eld: DIt 6&st be e654as.=ed t4at t4e .nd.2.d&al +.*4t .n2ol2ed .s not t4e +.*4t to t+a2el 3+o6 t4e P4.l.55.nes to ot4e+
1o&nt+.es o+ 0.t4.n t4e P4.l.55.nes. T4ese a+e 04at t4e +.*4t to t+a2el 0o&ld no+6ally 1onnote. Essent.ally- t4e +.*4t
.n2ol2ed .n t4.s 1ase at ba+ .s t4e +.*4t to +et&+n to one8s 1o&nt+y- a d.st.n1t +.*4t &nde+ .nte+nat.onal la0- .nde5endent
3+o6 alt4o&*4 +elated to t4e +.*4t to t+a2el. T4&s- t4e @n.2e+sal /e1la+at.on o3 9&6an R.*4ts and t4e Inte+nat.onal
Co2enant on C.2.l and Pol.t.1al R.*4ts t+eat t4e +.*4t to 3+eedo6 o3 6o2e6ent and abode 0.t4.n t4e te++.to+y o3 a state-
t4e +.*4t to lea2e t4e 1o&nt+y- and t4e +.*4t to ente+ one8s 1o&nt+y as se5a+ate and d.st.n1t +.*4ts. A4at t4e
/e1la+at.on s5eaks o3 .s t4e D+.*4t to 3+eedo6 o3 6o2e6ent and +es.den1e 0.t4.n t4e bo+de+s o3 ea14 stateD. On t4e
ot4e+ 4and- t4e Co2enant *&a+antees t4e +.*4t to l.be+ty o3 6o2e6ent and 3+eedo6 to 14oose 4.s +es.den1e and t4e
+.*4t to be 3+ee to lea2e any 1o&nt+y- .n1l&d.n* 4.s o0n. S&14 +.*4ts 6ay only be +est+.1ted by la0s 5+ote1t.n* t4e
nat.onal se1&+.ty- 5&bl.1 o+de+- 5&bl.1 4ealt4 o+ 6o+als o+ t4e se5a+ate +.*4ts o3 ot4e+s. 9o0e2e+- +.*4t to ente+ one8s
1o&nt+y 1annot be a+b.t+a+.ly de5+.2ed. It 0o&ld be t4e+e3o+e .na55+o5+.ate to 1onst+&e t4e l.6.tat.ons to t4e +.*4t to
+et&+n to ones 1o&nt+y .n t4e sa6e 1onte>t as t4ose 5e+ta.n.n* to t4e l.be+ty o3 abode and t4e +.*4t to t+a2el.
T4e G.ll o3 +.*4ts t+eats only t4e l.be+ty o3 abode and t4e +.*4t to t+a2el- b&t .t .s a 0ell 1ons.de+ed 2.e0 t4at t4e +.*4t to
+et&+n 6ay be 1ons.de+ed- as a *ene+ally a11e5ted 5+.n1.5le o3 Inte+nat.onal La0 and &nde+ o&+ Const.t&t.on as 5a+t o3
t4e la0 o3 t4e land.
T4e 1o&+t 4eld t4at P+es.dent d.d not a1t a+b.t+a+.ly o+ 0.t4 *+a2e ab&se o3 d.s1+et.on .n dete+6.n.n* t4at t4e +et&+n o3
t4e )o+6e+ P+es. Ma+1os and 4.s 3a6.ly 5oses a se+.o&s t4+eat to nat.onal .nte+est and 0el3a+e. P+es.dent A<&.no 4as
dete+6.ned t4at t4e destab.l.=at.on 1a&sed by t4e +et&+n o3 t4e Ma+1oses 0o&ld 0.5e a0ay t4e *a.ns a14.e2ed d&+.n*
t4e 5ast 3e0 yea+s a3te+ t4e Ma+1os +e*.6e.
T4e +et&+n o3 t4e Ma+1oses 5oses a se+.o&s t4+eat and t4e+e3o+e 5+o4.b.t.n* t4e.+ +et&+n to t4e P4.l.55.nes- t4e .nstant
5et.t.on .s 4e+eby /ISMISSE/.
Marcos vs. Manglapus, [G.R. # 88211 September 15, 1989
Post &nde+ 1ase d.*ests- Pol.t.1al La0 at S&nday- )eb+&a+y 2(- 2#$2 Posted by S14.=o54+en.1 M.nd
)a1ts: )e+d.nand E. Ma+1os 0as de5osed 3+o6 t4e 5+es.den1y and 0as 3o+1ed .nto e>.le. Co+a=on A<&.noMs as1ens.on
.nto 5+es.den1y 0as 14allen*ed by 3a.led 1o&5 atte65ts as 0ell as by 5lots o3 Ma+1os loyal.sts and t4e Ma+1oses
t4e6sel2es. Ma+1os- .n 4.s deat4bed- 4as s.*n.;ed 4.s 0.s4 to +et&+n to t4e P4.l.555.nes to d.e. G&t P+es.dent A<&.no-
1ons.de+.n* t4e d.+e 1onse<&en1es to t4e nat.on o3 4.s +et&+n 4as stood ;+6ly on t4e de1.s.on to ba+ t4e +et&+n o3 M+.
Ma+1os and 4.s 3a6.ly. 9en1e- t4.s 5et.t.on 3o+ 6anda6&s and 5+o4.b.t.on asks t4e Co&+ts to o+de+ t4e +es5ondents to
.ss&e t+a2el do1&6ents to M+. Ma+1os and t4e .66ed.ate 6e6be+s o3 4.s 3a6.ly and to en?o.n t4e .65le6entat.on o3
t4e P+es.dent8s de1.s.on to ba+ t4e.+ +et&+n to t4e P4.l.55.nes.
Iss&es: A4et4e+ o+ not t4e P+es.dent 4as t4e 5o0e+ to ba+ t4e +et&+n o3 Ma+1os to t4e P4.l.55.nes. Ass&6.n* t4at s4e
4as t4e 5o0e+ to ba+- 0as t4e+e a ;nd.n* 6ade t4at t4e+e .s a 1lea+ and 5+esent dan*e+ to t4e 5&bl.1 d&e to t4e
+et&+nL And 4a2e t4e +e<&.+e6ents o3 d&e 5+o1ess been 1o65l.ed 0.t4 .n t4e 6ak.n* o3 t4e ;nd.n*L
9EL/: Pet.t.on /.s6.ssed.
T4e +e<&est o3 t4e Ma+1oses 6&st not be t+eated only .n t4e l.*4t o3 1onst.t&t.onal 5+o2.s.ons- .t 6&st be t+eated as a
6atte+ t4at .s a55+o5+.ately add+essed to t4ose +es.d&al &nstated 5o0e+s o3 t4e P+es.dent 04.14 a+e .65l.1.t .n to t4e
5a+a6o&nt d&ty +es.d.n* .n t4at o:1e to sa3e*&a+d and 5+ote1t *ene+al 0el3a+e. S&14 +e<&est o+ de6and s4o&ld
s&b6.t to t4e e>e+1.se o3 a b+oade+ d.s1+et.on on t4e 5a+t o3 t4e P+es.dent to dete+6.ne 04et4e+ .t 6&st be *+anted o+
den.ed.
It .s 3o&nd by t4e Co&+t t4at 3+o6 t4e 5lead.n*s ;led by t4e 5a+t.es- 3+o6 t4e.+ o+al a+*&6ents- and t4e 3a1ts +e2ealed
d&+.n* t4e b+.e;n* .n 14a6be+s by t4e C4.e3 o3 StaK o3 t4e A+6ed )o+1es o3 t4e P4.l.55.nes and t4e Nat.onal Se1&+.ty
Ad2.se+- 04e+e.n 5et.t.one+s and +es5ondents 0e+e +e5+esented- t4at t4e+e e>.st 3a1t&al bases 3o+ t4e P+es.dent8s
de1.s.on. 9en1e- t4.s a1t 1annot be sa.d to 4a2e been done a+b.t+a+.ly o+ 1a5+.1.o&sly. )&+t4e+- t4e 5onen1.a Et4e 1o&5s-
t4e 1o66&n.st t4+eat- 5ea1e and o+de+ .ss&es es5e1.ally .n M.ndanao- Ma+1os loyal.sts 5lott.n*F bolste+s t4e 1on1l&s.on
t4at t4e +et&+n o3 Ma+1os 0.ll only e>a1e+bate t4e s.t&at.on .n t4e 1o&nt+y.
Anot4e+ +eason o3 t4e Co&+t...NAe 1annot also lose s.*4t o3 t4e 3a1t t4at t4e 1o&nt+y .s only no0 be*.nn.n* to +e1o2e+
3+o6 t4e 4a+ds4.5s b+o&*4t abo&t by t4e 5l&nde+ o3 t4e e1ono6y att+.b&ted to t4e Ma+1oses and t4e.+ 1lose asso1.ates
and +elat.2es- 6any o3 04o6 a+e st.ll 4e+e .n t4e P4.l.55.nes .n a 5os.t.on to destab.l.=e t4e 1o&nt+y- 04.le t4e
Go2e+n6ent 4as ba+ely s1+at14ed t4e s&+3a1e- so to s5eak- .n .ts eKo+ts to +e1o2e+ t4e eno+6o&s 0ealt4 stas4ed a0ay
by t4e Ma+1oses .n 3o+e.*n ?&+.sd.1t.ons.O