There are 80 results on the current subject filter
Title | IDs & Reference #s | Background | Primary Holding | Subject Matter |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mapulo Mining Corporation vs. Lopez (7th February 1992) |
AK606231 206 SCRA 9 , 282 Phil. 905 , G.R. No. L-30440 |
The case arose when Project Ventures, Inc. (PROVEN) filed mining lease applications conflicting with prior claims by Mapulo Mining Association and E.V. Chavez & Associates. Petitioners opposed PROVEN’s applications, arguing that the notice's publication did not strictly comply with the Mining Act and that PROVEN’s claims violated sections of the law relating to mining claims on private lands. | Strict compliance with the publication requirements under Section 72 of the Mining Act is mandatory and cannot be substituted with "substantial compliance." Failure to publish in local newspapers where the mining claim is located invalidates the lease application process. |
Statutory Construction |
Comendador vs. De Villa (2nd August 1991) |
AK165261 200 SCRA 80 , 277 Phil. 93 , G.R. No. 93177 , G.R. No. 95020 , G.R. No. 96948 , G.R. No. 97454 |
Following a failed December 1989 coup, AFP officers were charged with mutiny, murder, and related offenses under the Articles of War. They contested the legality of the Pre-Trial Investigation (PTI) Panel, the General Court-Martial (GCM) No. 14’s composition, and the denial of peremptory challenges. Civilian RTCs granted provisional liberty to some officers via certiorari and habeas corpus, prompting appeals to the Supreme Court. | The pre-trial investigation substantially complied with legal requirements despite petitioners’ procedural delays. The right to peremptory challenge under the Articles of War was revived after PD 39 became ineffective post-martial law. Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) lack jurisdiction to interfere in military court-martial proceedings or grant bail to military personnel. |
Statutory Construction |
Co vs. Electoral Tribunal of the House of Representatives (30th July 1991) |
AK810844 199 SCRA 692 , 276 Phil. 758 , G.R. Nos. 92191-92 , G.R. Nos. 92202-03 |
Jose Ong, Jr. won the 1987 congressional election for Northern Samar’s second district. Petitioners Co and Balanquit filed protests with HRET, contesting Ong’s citizenship and residency. HRET ruled in Ong’s favor, prompting petitioners to seek certiorari before the Supreme Court. | The Supreme Court affirmed HRET’s decision, declaring Jose Ong, Jr. a natural-born Filipino citizen and resident of Laoang, Northern Samar, dismissing the petitions for lack of grave abuse of discretion by HRET. |
Statutory Construction |
Civil Liberties Union vs. Executive Secretary (22nd February 1991) |
AK233934 194 SCRA 317 , 272 Phil. 147 , G.R. No. 83896 , G.R. No. 83815 |
The case arose from the issuance of Executive Order No. 284 by President Corazon C. Aquino on July 25, 1987. This E.O. allowed members of the Cabinet, undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, and other appointive officials of the Executive Department to hold, in addition to their primary positions, not more than two positions in the government and government corporations and receive corresponding compensation. This was issued following DOJ Opinion No. 73, s. 1987, which interpreted Section 13, Article VII in relation to Section 7, par. (2), Article IX-B of the Constitution. The practice of high-ranking executive officials holding multiple government posts, often with substantial emoluments, had been a contentious issue, particularly during the Marcos regime, and the 1987 Constitution sought to address this. | Executive Order No. 284 is unconstitutional because it allows members of the Cabinet, their undersecretaries, and assistant secretaries to hold multiple offices or employment in contravention of the express prohibition in Section 13, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution, which provides a stricter rule for these officials compared to the general rule for other appointive officials in Section 7, Article IX-B. The only exceptions to this prohibition are those expressly provided in the Constitution itself, or positions held in an *ex-officio* capacity without additional compensation and as required by the primary functions of their office. |
Constitutional Law I Statutory Construction |
Luz Farms vs. Secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform (4th December 1990) |
AK615135 192 SCRA 51 , 270 Phil. 151 , G.R. No. 86889 |
Luz Farms, a corporation engaged in livestock and poultry raising, challenged certain provisions of R.A. No. 6657 arguing that livestock and poultry operations shouldn't be considered agricultural lands under agrarian reform laws. The petitioner claimed that the application of these provisions violated its property rights and due process. | Sections 3(b), 11, 13, 16(d), 17, and 32 of R.A. No. 6657 were declared unconstitutional to the extent that they included livestock, poultry, and swine raising within the agrarian reform program, as such activities are not consistent with the constitutional intent of agrarian reform. |
Statutory Construction |
Lazatin vs. House Electoral Tribunal (8th December 1988) |
AK403328 168 SCRA 391 , 250 Phil. 390 , No. L-84297 |
The case arose from the 1987 congressional election in Pampanga, where Timbol contested Lazatin’s proclamation due to alleged irregularities. After prolonged COMELEC proceedings, the Supreme Court reinstated Lazatin’s proclamation, prompting Timbol to file a protest with the HRET. | The HRET’s rules, not the Omnibus Election Code, govern the filing period for congressional election protests; Timbol’s protest was timely filed under HRET’s 15-day rule. |
Statutory Construction |
De Leon vs. Esguerra (31st August 1987) |
AK434466 153 SCRA 602 , 237 Phil. 582 , No. L-78059 |
Petitioners, elected barangay officials in 1982, faced replacement through memoranda issued by the OIC Governor in February 1987. The Court determined the memoranda were antedated and issued after the 1987 Constitution’s ratification. | The Supreme Court declared the replacements void, holding that the 1987 Constitution superseded the Provisional Constitution on February 2, 1987, and barred the OIC Governor’s post-ratification designations. |
Statutory Construction |
Galman vs. Pamaran (30th August 1985) |
AK797659 138 SCRA 294 , Nos, L-71208-09 , Nos. L-71212-13 |
The assassination of Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr. on August 21, 1983, led to the creation of the Agrava Fact-Finding Board under P.D. 1886. The Board investigated the incident and gathered testimonies, including those from suspects. Legal questions arose during subsequent trials regarding the admissibility of evidence obtained under mandatory compulsion by the Board. | This case arises from the assassination of former Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr. in 1983 at Manila International Airport. The primary issue concerns the admissibility of testimonies and evidence provided by suspects before the Agrava Fact-Finding Board, especially in light of their constitutional right against self-incrimination and the immunity granted under Presidential Decree No. 1886. The Supreme Court upheld the exclusion of the testimonies and evidence submitted to the Agrava Board, reinforcing constitutional protections against self-incrimination. |
Statutory Construction |
Arenas vs. City of San Carlos (Pangasinan) (5th April 1978) |
AK735400 82 SCRA 318 , 172 Phil. 306 , No. L-34024 |
Isidro G. Arenas, serving as City Judge of San Carlos City, claimed entitlement to a higher salary based on Republic Act No. 5967. The city government refused to pay the differential, citing that the law mandates the judge's salary to be lower than the mayor's. Arenas filed a mandamus petition, which was dismissed by the Court of First Instance. | The Supreme Court held that the proviso in Republic Act No. 5967, which states that a city judge's salary must be at least P100 less than that of the city mayor, qualifies the general provision establishing city judges' salaries. |
Statutory Construction |
Bagatsing vs. Ramirez (17th December 1976) |
AK142723 74 SCRA 306 , 165 Phil. 909 , G.R. No. L-41631 |
June 12–15, 1974: Manila’s Municipal Board enacted and Mayor Bagatsing approved Ordinance No. 7522, imposing fees on public market stalls. February 17, 1975: The Federation of Manila Market Vendors sued to invalidate the ordinance, claiming non-compliance with the City Charter’s publication rules. August 29, 1975: The Court of First Instance (Manila) nullified the ordinance for lacking pre-enactment publication. | Tax ordinances are governed by the Local Tax Code’s publication requirements (post-approval only), overriding the Revised City Charter’s stricter pre- and post-enactment rules. |
Statutory Construction |
Astorga vs. Villegas (30th April 1974) |
AK503127 56 SCRA 714 , No. L-23475 |
The case originated from the passage of House Bill No. 9266, which sought to define the powers of the Manila Vice-Mayor. After its passage, controversy erupted when it was discovered that the version signed into law did not include substantial amendments made by Senator Tolentino on the Senate floor. | The Supreme Court declared Republic Act 4065 invalid as it was not properly enacted into law, ruling that when there is a conflict between the enrolled bill and the legislative journal records, the latter may be consulted to determine whether a bill was duly enacted. |
Statutory Construction |
Commissioner of Customs vs. Court of Tax Appeals (31st January 1972) |
AK064106 43 SCRA 192 , 150 Phil. 222 , No. L-33471 |
Eusebio Dichoco’s shipment of 438 packages of foodstuffs was seized by customs for lacking a Central Bank release certificate. The CTA initially allowed release under bond, reversed itself, then reinstated the bond order. The Commissioner of Customs challenged this via certiorari. | Importations violating Central Bank circulars are “prohibited importations” under Section 102(k) of the Tariff and Customs Code and cannot be released under bond pursuant to Section 2301. |
Statutory Construction |
Edu vs. Ericta (24th October 1970) |
AK811997 35 SCRA 481 , 146 Phil. 469 , No. L-32096 |
Respondent Teddy Galo challenged the Reflector Law and Administrative Order No. 2 (requiring vehicles to install reflectors) as violations of due process and non-delegation. The lower court issued a preliminary injunction against the order, prompting the petitioner to seek Supreme Court review. | The Reflector Law (RA 5715) and Administrative Order No. 2 are constitutional, as they reasonably advance public safety under the state’s police power and adhere to non-delegation principles. |
Statutory Construction |
Automotive Parts & Equipment Company, Inc. vs. Lingad (31st October 1969) |
AK801807 30 SCRA 248 , 140 Phil. 580 , No. L-26406 |
The petitioner, Automotive Parts & Equipment Company, was incorporated in 1961 and had been paying its employees on both daily and monthly bases. Following the enactment of Republic Act No. 4180 in 1965, which amended the minimum wage law, the Secretary of Labor mandated an increase in monthly wages to a minimum of P180.00. The company contested this requirement, seeking a declaratory relief to interpret its obligations under the law. | The Supreme Court ruled that Section 19 of Republic Act No. 602, which prohibits the reduction of wages exceeding the minimum wage, applies to all employers regardless of when they commenced operations. |
Statutory Construction |
National Marketing Corp. vs. Tecson (27th August 1969) |
AK067424 29 SCRA 70 , 139 Phil. 584 , No. L-29131 |
The Price Stabilization Corporation obtained a final judgment in 1955 against Miguel Tecson. Years later, the National Marketing Corporation, as its successor, attempted to revive this judgment in 1965. The trial court dismissed the case, finding that the action was filed beyond the ten-year prescription period. The only issue on appeal was whether the action to revive had prescribed. | An action to revive a judgment must be filed within ten years or 3,650 days from the date the judgment became final, as defined by Article 13 of the Civil Code. Beyond this period, revival is barred by prescription. |
Statutory Construction |
City of Baguio vs. Marcos (28th February 1969) |
AK680073 27 SCRA 342 , 136 Phil. 569 , No. L-26100 |
The case originated from a 1912 cadastral proceeding (Civil Reservation Case No. 1) declaring the land public in 1922. In 1961, Belong Lutes petitioned to reopen the case, claiming ancestral possession. Petitioners, as tree farm lessees, opposed the reopening but were dismissed by lower courts. The Supreme Court reversed these rulings. | Lessees of public land possess legal standing to oppose petitions to reopen cadastral proceedings under R.A. 931. The 40-year period under R.A. 931 is calculated from the law’s approval (1953), making the 1922 cadastral decision eligible for reopening. |
Statutory Construction |
Gonzales vs. Commission on Elections (9th November 1967) |
AK403726 21 SCRA 774 , 129 Phil. 7 , No. L-28196 , No. L-28224 |
Congress passed Resolutions 1 and 3 (proposing amendments) and Resolution 2 (calling a future constitutional convention) on March 16, 1967. RA 4913 scheduled the plebiscite during the 1967 general election. Petitioners argued the amendments were rushed and inadequately publicized. | The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of Republic Act No. 4913 and the congressional resolutions proposing the amendments, ruling that submission during a general election complied with Article XV. However, six justices in concurring opinions found the public’s awareness insufficient for valid ratification. |
Statutory Construction |
Lidasan vs. Commission on Elections (25th October 1967) |
AK047045 21 SCRA 496 , 128 Phil. 526 , No. L-28089 |
RA 4790 aimed to create Dianaton from barrios in Lanao del Sur and Cotabato. The Office of the President urged suspending its implementation, but COMELEC enforced it. Petitioner Bara Lidasan, a Cotabato resident, challenged the law’s validity. | RA 4790 is void for violating the Single Subject Rule under Article VI, Section 21(1) of the 1935 Constitution. |
Statutory Construction |
Caltex (Philippines), Inc. vs. Palomar (29th September 1966) |
AK979503 18 SCRA 247 , 124 Phil. 763 , No. L-19650 |
Caltex designed the “Caltex Hooded Pump Contest” in 1960 to boost sales. Participants estimated gas pump output for prizes. The Postmaster General blocked mail use for the contest, calling it a lottery. Caltex sought declaratory relief to affirm its legality. | Promotional contests lacking consideration (no payment, purchase, or value given by participants) do not qualify as lotteries or prohibited gift enterprises under the Postal Law. |
Statutory Construction |
Bolinao Electronics Corporation vs. Valencia (30th June 1964) |
AK243676 11 SCRA 486 , 120 Phil. 469 , No. L-20740 |
The Secretary of Public Works and Communications improperly initiated license renewal investigations after condoning late filings through an official circular. The Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS) unlawfully attempted to operate a TV channel in Luzon despite budgetary restrictions. | The Secretary of Public Works and Communications improperly initiated license renewal investigations after condoning late filings through an official circular. The Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS) unlawfully attempted to operate a TV channel in Luzon despite budgetary restrictions. |
Statutory Construction |
Commissioner Internal Revenue vs. Filipinas Compañia de Seguros (29th April 1960) |
AK186834 107 Phil. 1055 , No. L-14880 |
Respondent Filipinas Compañía de Seguros, a real estate dealer, paid P150 as the 1956 fixed annual tax under the original National Internal Revenue Code. RA 1612 (effective August 24, 1956) introduced graduated rates. The Commissioner later demanded an additional P350, claiming retroactive application. The Court of Tax Appeals ruled for the respondent, prompting the Commissioner’s appeal to the Supreme Court. | Tax laws are prospective unless expressly stated otherwise; Republic Act No. 1612’s increased rates for real estate dealer’s fixed annual tax applied prospectively from its effective date (August 24, 1956) and could not retroactively impose additional liability for taxes already paid for 1956. |
Statutory Construction |
Carandang vs. Santiago, etc. and Valenton (25th May 1955) |
AK105250 97 Phil. 94 , No. L-8238 |
After Tomas Valenton Jr. was convicted of frustrated homicide for attacking Carandang, Carandang filed a civil suit for damages. The trial court suspended the civil case pending the criminal appeal. Carandang challenged this suspension via certiorari. | Article 33 of the Civil Code permits a civil action for physical injuries to proceed independently of a criminal case, regardless of whether the offense is classified as physical injuries, frustrated homicide, or another crime involving bodily harm. |
Statutory Construction |
In re: Cunanan, et al. (18th March 1954) |
AK641009 94 Phil. 534 |
Post-WWII bar candidates who narrowly failed petitions sought admission under RA 972, which retroactively reduced passing averages. The Court initially adjusted passing grades annually but rejected legislative interference, citing the need to protect public interest in legal practice standards. | The Supreme Court declared Republic Act No. 972 unconstitutional, except for the portion relating to bar examinations from 1953 to 1955, which remained valid due to a lack of unanimity in the decision. |
Statutory Construction |
Endencia and Jugo vs. David (31st August 1953) |
AK286628 93 Phil. 696 , 146 Phil. 469 , Nos. L-6355-56 |
Judges Pastor M. Endencia and Fernando Jugo sued for refunds of income taxes withheld from their salaries. The lower court ruled in their favor, citing Perfecto v. Meer. The Collector of Internal Revenue appealed, arguing Congress’s enactment of RA 590 validated the taxation. | Section 13 of Republic Act No. 590 is unconstitutional because taxing judicial salaries violates the constitutional prohibition against diminishing judicial compensation, and Congress cannot legislate to override the judiciary’s constitutional interpretation. |
Statutory Construction |
Krivenko vs. Register of Deeds of Manila (15th November 1947) |
AK700773 79 Phil. 461 , No. L-630 |
The case emerged during post-WWII Philippines amid efforts to enforce constitutional protections over national patrimony. Article XIII of the 1935 Constitution prohibited alien ownership of "agricultural land," but ambiguity arose over whether this term included residential parcels. The dispute reflected tensions between foreign investments and safeguarding Filipino resources, requiring the Court to clarify the scope of constitutional land restrictions. | The Supreme Court held that aliens are prohibited from acquiring residential land under the 1935 Constitution, as such land is classified as "agricultural" under Article XIII, Section 5, which restricts ownership of private or public agricultural land to Filipino citizens. |
Statutory Construction |
Mabanag vs. Lopez Vito (5th March 1947) |
AK966503 78 Phil. 1 , G.R. No. 1123 |
The case arose after Congress passed a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment allowing American citizens and corporations to exploit natural resources in the Philippines, subject to a plebiscite for public ratification. Petitioners challenged this resolution, claiming it failed to meet the required three-fourths votes in both legislative chambers. | The Supreme Court held that the validity of a constitutional amendment proposal, including whether it meets the required threshold, is a political question not subject to judicial review. The Court emphasized the "enrolled bill doctrine" and the separation of powers. |
Statutory Construction |
Laurel vs. Misa (30th January 1947) |
AK294241 77 Phil. 856 , G.R. No. 409 |
The case arose in the aftermath of World War II, specifically following the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. During this period, some Filipino citizens were alleged to have collaborated with the Japanese forces. Anastacio Laurel was one such individual accused of treason for acts committed during the occupation. | A Filipino citizen's absolute and permanent allegiance to the legitimate government of the Philippines is not suspended or abrogated by enemy occupation, and consequently, such a citizen can be prosecuted for treason under Article 114 of the Revised Penal Code for acts of adherence and giving aid and comfort to the enemy committed during said occupation. |
Constitutional Law I Criminal Law II Statutory Construction |
Co Kim Cham vs. Valdez Tan Keh and Dizon (17th September 1945) |
AK116370 75 Phil. 113 , No. L-5 |
During World War II, the Japanese forces occupied the Philippines and established the Philippine Executive Commission and later the Republic of the Philippines. After liberation by American forces, questions arose about the validity of judicial proceedings conducted during the occupation period. | The Supreme Court ruled that judicial acts and proceedings of courts during the Japanese occupation remained valid after liberation, but that courts needed proper enabling laws to continue proceedings from the Japanese occupation period. |
Philosophy of Law Statutory Construction |
Gold Creek vs. Rodriguez and Abadilla (28th September 1938) |
AK685675 66 Phil. 259 , No. 45859 |
Gold Creek Mining Corp. applied for a patent for the “Nob Fraction” mining claim, but the government refused, citing the 1935 Constitution’s prohibition on alienating natural resources. The case centered on whether pre-Constitution mining rights survived the constitutional ban. | A perfected mining claim located before the 1935 Constitution’s adoption is not part of the public domain and thus falls outside the constitutional ban on alienating natural resources, mandating respondents to process the patent application. |
Statutory Construction |
Chartered Bank vs. Imperial and National Bank (15th March 1921) |
AK799964 48 Phil. 931 , No. 17222 |
PNB sued Umberto de Poli to recover goods under a chattel mortgage. After PNB obtained a writ of attachment, other creditors petitioned for de Poli’s insolvency. The insolvency court took control of all assets, including the attached goods. PNB argued its mortgage rights superseded insolvency proceedings. The lower court allowed PNB to proceed, prompting creditors to challenge via certiorari. | Secured creditors retain the right to enforce their liens independently under the Insolvency Law (Act No. 1956) and are not compelled to participate in insolvency proceedings. |
Statutory Construction |
Mapulo Mining Corporation vs. Lopez
7th February 1992
ak606231Comendador vs. De Villa
2nd August 1991
ak165261Co vs. Electoral Tribunal of the House of Representatives
30th July 1991
ak810844Civil Liberties Union vs. Executive Secretary
22nd February 1991
ak233934Luz Farms vs. Secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform
4th December 1990
ak615135Lazatin vs. House Electoral Tribunal
8th December 1988
ak403328De Leon vs. Esguerra
31st August 1987
ak434466Galman vs. Pamaran
30th August 1985
ak797659Arenas vs. City of San Carlos (Pangasinan)
5th April 1978
ak735400Bagatsing vs. Ramirez
17th December 1976
ak142723Astorga vs. Villegas
30th April 1974
ak503127Commissioner of Customs vs. Court of Tax Appeals
31st January 1972
ak064106Edu vs. Ericta
24th October 1970
ak811997Automotive Parts & Equipment Company, Inc. vs. Lingad
31st October 1969
ak801807National Marketing Corp. vs. Tecson
27th August 1969
ak067424City of Baguio vs. Marcos
28th February 1969
ak680073Gonzales vs. Commission on Elections
9th November 1967
ak403726Lidasan vs. Commission on Elections
25th October 1967
ak047045Caltex (Philippines), Inc. vs. Palomar
29th September 1966
ak979503Bolinao Electronics Corporation vs. Valencia
30th June 1964
ak243676Commissioner Internal Revenue vs. Filipinas Compañia de Seguros
29th April 1960
ak186834Carandang vs. Santiago, etc. and Valenton
25th May 1955
ak105250In re: Cunanan, et al.
18th March 1954
ak641009Endencia and Jugo vs. David
31st August 1953
ak286628Krivenko vs. Register of Deeds of Manila
15th November 1947
ak700773Mabanag vs. Lopez Vito
5th March 1947
ak966503Laurel vs. Misa
30th January 1947
ak294241Co Kim Cham vs. Valdez Tan Keh and Dizon
17th September 1945
ak116370Gold Creek vs. Rodriguez and Abadilla
28th September 1938
ak685675Chartered Bank vs. Imperial and National Bank
15th March 1921
ak799964