Reset

There are 80 results on the current subject filter

Mapulo Mining Corporation vs. Lopez

7th February 1992

ak606231
206 SCRA 9 , 282 Phil. 905 , G.R. No. L-30440
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
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
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
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
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
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
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
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
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

Lazatin vs. House Electoral Tribunal

8th December 1988

ak403328
168 SCRA 391 , 250 Phil. 390 , No. L-84297
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

De Leon vs. Esguerra

31st August 1987

ak434466
153 SCRA 602 , 237 Phil. 582 , No. L-78059
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

Galman vs. Pamaran

30th August 1985

ak797659
138 SCRA 294 , Nos, L-71208-09 , Nos. L-71212-13
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

Arenas vs. City of San Carlos (Pangasinan)

5th April 1978

ak735400
82 SCRA 318 , 172 Phil. 306 , No. L-34024
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

Bagatsing vs. Ramirez

17th December 1976

ak142723
74 SCRA 306 , 165 Phil. 909 , G.R. No. L-41631
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

Astorga vs. Villegas

30th April 1974

ak503127
56 SCRA 714 , No. L-23475
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

Commissioner of Customs vs. Court of Tax Appeals

31st January 1972

ak064106
43 SCRA 192 , 150 Phil. 222 , No. L-33471
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

Edu vs. Ericta

24th October 1970

ak811997
35 SCRA 481 , 146 Phil. 469 , No. L-32096
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

Automotive Parts & Equipment Company, Inc. vs. Lingad

31st October 1969

ak801807
30 SCRA 248 , 140 Phil. 580 , No. L-26406
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

National Marketing Corp. vs. Tecson

27th August 1969

ak067424
29 SCRA 70 , 139 Phil. 584 , No. L-29131
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

City of Baguio vs. Marcos

28th February 1969

ak680073
27 SCRA 342 , 136 Phil. 569 , No. L-26100
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

Gonzales vs. Commission on Elections

9th November 1967

ak403726
21 SCRA 774 , 129 Phil. 7 , No. L-28196 , No. L-28224
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

Lidasan vs. Commission on Elections

25th October 1967

ak047045
21 SCRA 496 , 128 Phil. 526 , No. L-28089
Primary Holding
RA 4790 is void for violating the Single Subject Rule under Article VI, Section 21(1) of the 1935 Constitution.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

Caltex (Philippines), Inc. vs. Palomar

29th September 1966

ak979503
18 SCRA 247 , 124 Phil. 763 , No. L-19650
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

Bolinao Electronics Corporation vs. Valencia

30th June 1964

ak243676
11 SCRA 486 , 120 Phil. 469 , No. L-20740
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

Carandang vs. Santiago, etc. and Valenton

25th May 1955

ak105250
97 Phil. 94 , No. L-8238
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

In re: Cunanan, et al.

18th March 1954

ak641009
94 Phil. 534
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

Endencia and Jugo vs. David

31st August 1953

ak286628
93 Phil. 696 , 146 Phil. 469 , Nos. L-6355-56
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

Krivenko vs. Register of Deeds of Manila

15th November 1947

ak700773
79 Phil. 461 , No. L-630
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

Mabanag vs. Lopez Vito

5th March 1947

ak966503
78 Phil. 1 , G.R. No. 1123
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

Laurel vs. Misa

30th January 1947

ak294241
77 Phil. 856 , G.R. No. 409
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
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
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Philosophy of Law Statutory Construction

Gold Creek vs. Rodriguez and Abadilla

28th September 1938

ak685675
66 Phil. 259 , No. 45859
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction

Chartered Bank vs. Imperial and National Bank

15th March 1921

ak799964
48 Phil. 931 , No. 17222
Primary Holding
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.
Background
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.
Statutory Construction
« 1-50 51-80