Political Law Reviewer- Memory Aid

THE CONSTITUTION

1UNIVERSITYOFSANTOTOMASF a c u l t a d d e D e r e c h o C i v i l ACADEMICSCHAIR:LESTERJAYALANE.FLORESIIVICECHAIRSFORACADEMICS:KARENJOYG.SABUGO&JOHNHENRYC.MENDOZAVICECHAIRFORADMINISTRATIONANDFINANCE:JEANELLEC.LEEVICECHAIRSFORLAYOUTANDDESIGN:EARLLOUIEM.MASACAYAN&THEENAC.MARTINEZ

POLITICALLAW

A.THECONSTITUTION

DEFINITION,NATUREANDCONCEPTS

Q:WhatisPoliticalLaw?A:Itisthatbranchofpubliclawwhichdealswiththe organization and operations of thegovernmentalorgansoftheStateanddefines itsrelations with the inhabitants of the territory.(Peoplev.Perfecto,G.R.No.L18463,October4,1922)Q:Whatisthescopeofpoliticallaw?A:

1. Politicallaw2. Constitutionallaw3. Administrativelaw4. Lawonmunicipalcorporations5. Lawonpublicofficers6. Electionlaws7. Publicinternationallaw

Q:WhatistheConstitution?A: The Constitution is the basic and paramountlawtowhichallother lawsmustconformandtowhichallpersons, including thehighestofficials,mustdefer.(Cruz,ConstitutionalLaw,1998ed.,p.4)Q:HowisthePhilippineConstitutionclassified?A: It is classified as written, enacted and rigid.(Art.XVII,1987Constitution)Q: When did the Philippine Constitution takeeffect?A: It tookeffectonFebruary2,1987,whichwasthedateof theplebiscite. (De Leon v. Esguerra,G.R.No.L78059,Aug.31,1987)Q: How should the Philippine Constitution beinterpreted?A:

1. Verba legis whenever possible, thewordsusedintheConstitutionmustbegiven their ordinary meaning exceptwheretechnicaltermsareemployed.

2. Ratio legis et anima where there is

ambiguity, the words of theConstitution should be interpreted in

accordance with the intent of theframers.

3. Ut magis valeat quam pereat the

Constitutionhas tobe interpretedasawhole. (Francisco v. HR, G.R. No.160261,Nov.10,2003)

Q:Incaseofdoubt,howshouldtheConstitutionbeconstrued?A: The provisions should be considered selfexecuting;mandatory rather thandirectory;andprospective rather than retroactive. (Nachura,ReviewerinPoliticalLaw,2005ed.,p.3)Q: What is the doctrine of ConstitutionalSupremacy?A: Under this doctrine, if a law or contractviolatesanynormoftheConstitution,thatlawor contract, whether promulgated by thelegislativeorby theexecutivebranchorenteredinto by private persons for private purposes, isnull and void andwithout any force and effect.Thus, since the Constitution is the fundamental,paramount and supreme law of thenation, it isdeemed written in every statute and contract.(Manila Prince Hotel v. GSIS, G.R. No. 122156,Feb.3,1997)Q:StatethelegaldistinctionsbetweenEDSA1and2.A:

EDSA1 EDSA2Astopowerinvolvedorexercisedbythepeople

Exerciseofthepeoplepowerofrevolution

Exerciseofthepeoplepoweroffreedomof

speechandofassembly,topetitionthe

governmentforredressofgrievances

Effectofexerciseofthepowerinvolved

Overthrowsthewholegovernment

OnlyaffectedtheOfficeofthePresident

Judicialreview

Extraconstitutional.Thelegitimacyofthenewgovernmentthatresultedfromitcannot

bethesubjectofjudicialreview.

Intraconstitutional.TheresignationofthesittingPresidentthatit

causedandthesuccessionoftheVPasPresidentaresubjecttojudicialreview.

Natureofquestioninvolved

Presentedapoliticalquestion.

Involveslegalquestions.

UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011

2 POLITICALLAWTEAM:ADVISER:ATTY.EDWINREYSANDOVAL;SUBJECTHEAD:RACHELMARIEL.FELICES;ASST.SUBJECTHEADS:WIVINOE.BRACEROII&HERAZEUSCHRISTINEY.UY;MEMBERS:LAWRENCEPAULOH.AQUINO,LEANDRORODELV.ATIENZA,MARINETHEASTERAND.AYOS,CARLOR.BALA,WILFREDOT.BONILLA,JR.,KEELACHERNARR.DINOY,APRILV.ENRILE,KENNETHJAMESCARLOC.HIZON,JOSEMARIAG.MENDOZA,ROGERCHRISTOPHERR.REYES,ROMILINDAC.SIBAL,JASMINM.SISON,ZARAHPATRICIAT.SUAREZ,RALPHJULIOUSL.VILLAMOR.

Q: Is the People Power recognized in theConstitution?A: People power is recognized in theConstitution:1.ArticleIII,Section4guaranteestherightofthepeoplepeaceabletoassembleandpetitionthegovernmentforredressofgrievances;

2.ArticleVI,Section32requiresCongresstopassalawallowingthepeopletodirectlyproposeorreject any act or law or part of it passed bycongressoralocallegislativebody;

3.ArticleXIII,Section16providesthattherightofthe people and their organizations toparticipate in all levelsof social,political, andeconomic decisionmaking shall not beabridged and that the State shall, by law,facilitate the establishment of adequateconsultationmechanisms;

4.ArticleXVII,Section2provides that subject tothe enactment of an implementing law, thepeople may directly propose amendments totheConstitutionthroughinitiative.

PARTSQ: What are the three parts of a writtenConstitution?A:

1. ConstitutionofSovereigntythisrefersto the provisions pointing out themodesorprocedureinaccordancewithwhich formal changes in theConstitution may be made (Art. XVII,AmendmentsorRevisions)

2. Constitution of Liberty the series ofprescriptions setting forth thefundamentalcivilandpolitical rightsofthecitizensandimposinglimitationsonthe power of the government as ameans of securing the enjoyment ofthoserights(Art.III,BillofRights)

3. Constitution ofGovernment provides

for a structure and system ofgovernment; refers to the provisionsoutlining the organization of thegovernment, enumerating its powers,layingdowncertain rules relative to itsadministration and defining theelectorate(Art.VI,LegislativeDept,Art.VII,Exec.Dept,Art.VIII, JudicialDept,Art.IX,Consti.Commissions)

AMENDMENTANDREVISIONQ:Distinguishamendmentfromrevision.A:

AMENDMENT REVISION

Isolatedorpiecemealchangemerelybyadding,deleting,orreducingwithoutalteringthebasicprincipleinvolved

Arevamporrewritingofthewhole

instrumentalteringthesubstantialentiretyof

theConstitution

Q:Howdo youdeterminewhetheraproposedchangeisanamendmentorarevision?A:

1. Quantitative test asks whether theproposed change is so extensive in itsprovisions as to change directly thesubstantialentiretyoftheConstitutionby the deletion or alteration ofnumerous existing provisions. Oneexaminesonlythenumberofprovisionsaffected and does not consider thedegreeofthechange.

2. Qualitative test whether the changewill accomplish such far reachingchanges in the nature of our basicgovernmental plan as to amount to arevision. (Lambinov.Comelec,G.R.No.174153,Oct.25,2006)

Q: How may the Constitution be amended orrevised?A:

1. Proposala. ByCongressuponavoteofofall

itsmembers acting asConstituentAssembly(ConAss)Note: While the substance of theproposals made by each type ofConAss is not subject to judicialreview, the manner the proposalsare made is subject to judicialreview.SinceConAssowestheirexistencetothe Constitution, the courts maydeterminewhethertheassemblyhasacted in accordance with theConstitution.

b. By Constitutional Convention(ConCon)

THE CONSTITUTION

Note:CongressmaycallaConCon:1. Byavoteof2/3ofallitsmembers;or2. Byamajorityvoteofall its members, submit suchquestiontotheelectorate.

IfCongress,actingasaConAss,callsfor a ConCon but does not providedetails for the calling of suchConCon, Congress by exercising itsordinary legislative power maysupply suchdetails.But in sodoing,the Congress (as legislature) shouldnot transgress the resolution ofCongressactingasaConAss.Note: The manner of calling aConCon is subject to judicial reviewbecause the Constitution hasprovidedforvotingrequirements.


Note: Choice of which ConAss or ConCon shouldinitiate amendments and revisions is left to thediscretionofCongress.Inotherwords,itisapoliticalquestion.

Congress,asaConAssandtheConConhasnopowerto appropriate money for their expenses. Moneymaybespentfromthetreasuryonlypursuanttoanappropriationmadebylaw.

c. By Peoples Initiative upon apetitionofatleast12%ofthetotalnumber of registered voters, ofwhich every legislative districtmustberepresentedby3%oftheregisteredvoterstherein.Note: The Constitution may beamended not oftener than every 5yearsthroughinitiative.Revisions cannot be done throughInitiative.

2. RatificationAmendmentsorrevisionstotheConstitutionshouldberatifiedbythemajorityinaplebiscitewhichshouldbe held not earlier than 60 days norlaterthan90daysaftertheapprovalofsuchamendment.

Q:WhatistheDoctrineofProperSubmission?A: Plebiscite may be held on the same day asregular election (Gonzales v.COMELEC,G.R.No.L28196,Nov.9,1967),provided thepeoplearesufficiently informed of the amendments to bevoted upon, to conscientiously deliberate

thereon, to express their will in a genuinemanner. Submission of piecemeal amendmentsis unconstitutional. All amendments must besubmitted for ratification at one plebiscite only.The people have to be given a proper frame ofreference inarrivingat theirdecision. (Tolentinov.COMELEC,G.R.No.L34150,Oct.16,1971)

a.R.A.6735INITIATIVEANDREFERENDUMLAW

Q:Whatisinitiative?A: It is the power of the people to proposeamendments to the Constitution or to proposeandenactlegislation.Q: What are the three (3) kinds of initiativeunderR.A.6735?A:

1. Initiativeon theConstitutionrefers toa petition proposing amendments totheConstitution

2. Initiative on statutesrefers to apetitiontoenactanationallegislation

3. Initiative on local legislationrefers to

apetitionproposingtoenactaregional,provincial,municipal, city, or barangaylaw, resolution orordinance (Section 2[a],R.A.6735)

Note:Section2(b)ofR.A.6735providesfor:1. Indirect Initiative exercise of initiative by the

peoplethroughapropositionsenttoCongressorthelocallegislativebodyforaction

2. Direct Initiative the people themselves filedthe petition with the COMELEC and not withCongress.

Q:WhatistheruleonLocalinitiative?A:Incaseof:

1. Autonomous regions not less than2,000registeredvoters

2. Provinces and Cities not less than1,000registeredvoters

3. Municipalities not less than 100registeredvoters

4. Barangaysnotlessthan50mayfileapetitionwiththeRegionalAssemblyorlocal legislativebody,respectively,proposing theadoption, enactment, repeal, or amendment, ofany law, ordinance or resolution. (Sec. 13 RA6735)


4 POLITICALLAWTEAM:ADVISER:ATTY.EDWINREYSANDOVAL;SUBJECTHEAD:RACHELMARIEL.FELICES;ASST.SUBJECTHEADS:WIVINOE.BRACEROII&

HERAZEUSCHRISTINEY.UY;MEMBERS:LAWRENCEPAULOH.AQUINO,LEANDRORODELV.ATIENZA,MARINETHEASTERAND.AYOS,CARLOR.BALA,WILFREDOT.BONILLA,JR.,KEELACHERNARR.DINOY,APRILV.ENRILE,KENNETHJAMESCARLOC.HIZON,JOSEMARIAG.MENDOZA,ROGERCHRISTOPHERR.REYES,ROMILINDAC.SIBAL,JASMINM.SISON,ZARAHPATRICIAT.SUAREZ,RALPHJULIOUSL.VILLAMOR.

Q:WhatarethelimitationsonLocalinitiative?A:1. The power of local initiative shall not be

exercisedmorethanonceayear;2. Initiative shall extend only to subjects or

matterswhich arewithin the legalmatterswhich are within the legal powers of thelocallegislativebodiestoenact;and

3. Ifany timebefore the initiative isheld, thelocal legislativebodyshalladopt in toto thepropositionpresented,the initiativeshallbecancelled. However, those against suchaction may if they so desire, apply forinitiative.

Q: Is the initiative to change the Constitutionapplicabletorevision?A: No. An initiative to change the Constitutionappliesonly toanamendment.Revisionbroadlyimpliesachangethataltersbasicprinciple intheConstitution like altering the principle ofseparationofpowersorthesystemofchecksandbalance. The initiative of the petitioners is arevisionandnotmerelyanamendment.(Lambinovs.COMELEC,G.R.No.174153,25October2006)Q:Whatisreferendum?A:Itisthepoweroftheelectoratetoapproveorreject legislation through an election called forthatpurpose.Q:Whatarethetwo(2)classesofreferendum?A:

1. Referendum on Statutes refers to apetition to approve or reject a law, orpartthereof,passedbyCongress

2. Referendum on Local Law refers to apetition to approve or reject a law,resolution or ordinance enacted byregionalassembliesand local legislativebodies.

Notes: The following cannot be subject of aninitiativeorreferendum:

1. Petition embracing more than onesubject shall be submitted to theelectorate

2. Statutes involving emergency measures,the enactment of which is specificallyvested in Congress by the Constitution,cannotbesubject toreferendumuntil90

days after their effectivity. (Sec. 10 RA6735)

Q:Compareanddifferentiate the conceptsandprocessesofinitiativefromreferendum.A:

INITIATIVE REFERENDUMThepowerofthepeopletoproposeamendmentstotheConstitutionortopropose and enactlegislations through anelection called for thepurpose.

The power of thelegislation through anelection called for thepurpose. (Sec. 3, R.A.No.6735[1989])

LOCALINITIATIVE LOCALREFERENDUM

The legal processwhereby the registeredvoters of a localgovernment unit maydirectly propose, enact,oramendanyordinance(Sec.120)

The legal processwhereby the registeredvoters of the localgovernment units mayapprove, amend orreject any ordinanceenacted by theSanggunian(Sec.126)

SELFEXECUTINGANDNONSELFEXECUTING

Q:WhatconstitutionalprovisionsareconsideredSelfExecutingandNonSelfExecuting?A: The following provisions of the Constitutionareconsideredasselfexecuting:

1. Provisions in the Bill of Rights onarrests, searches and seizures,therights of a person under custodialinvestigation,the rights of anaccused,and the privilege against selfincrimination,

2. Fundamental rights of life, liberty andtheprotectionofproperty,

3. Provisions forbidding the taking ordamaging of property for public usewithoutjustcompensation.

XPN: A constitutional provision is not selfexecutingwhereitmerelyannouncesapolicyandits language empowers the Legislature toprescribethemeansbywhichthepolicyshallbecarriedintoeffect:

1. Article II on "Declaration of PrinciplesandStatePolicies"

2. ArticleXIIIon"SocialJusticeandHumanRights,"

3. Article XIV on "Education Science andTechnology, Arts, Culture endSports"(Manila Prince Hotel v. GSIS,G.R.122156,Feb.3,1997)

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

B.GENERALCONSIDERATIONS


NATIONALTERRITORY

Q:WhatisTerritory?A:Territory is the fixedportionof thesurfaceoftheEarthinhabitedbythepeopleoftheState.AsanelementofaState, it isanareaoverwhichastatehaseffectivecontrol.Q:WhatcomprisesthePhilippineterritory?A:

1. The Philippine archipelago that bodyofwater studdedwith islandswhich isdelineated in the Treaty of Paris, asamendedby the TreatyofWashingtonandtheTreatywithGreatBritain.

CONSISTSOF INCLUDINGITS

a.Terrestrialb.Fluvialc.AerialDomains

a. TerritorialSeab. Seabedc. Subsoild. Insularshelvese. Other Submarine

areas

2. All other territories over which the

Philippines has sovereignty orjurisdiction includesanyterritorythatpresentlybelongsormightinthefuturebelongtothePhilippinesthroughanyofthe accepted international modes ofacquiringterritory.

Q: What are the components of our NationalTerritory?A:

1. TerrestrialDomain2. MaritimeDomain3. AerialDomain

Note: R.A. 9522whichwas approved by PresidentArroyo on March 10, 2009 amended certainprovisions of R.A. 3046, as amended by R.A. 5446and defined the archipelagic baselines of thePhilippines.

ARCHIPELAGICDOCTRINEQ:WhatisanArchipelagicState?A:Itisastateconstitutedwhollybyoneormorearchipelagosandmayincludeotherislands.

Q:What istheArchipelagicDoctrineandwhereisitfoundinthe1987PhilippineConstitution?A:Itisdefinedasallwaters,aroundbetweenandconnecting different islands belonging to thePhilippineArchipelago,irrespectiveoftheirwidthordimension,arenecessaryappurtenancesof itsland territory, forming an integral part of thenationalorinlandwaters,subjecttotheexclusivesovereigntyofthePhilippines.It is found in the2ndsentenceofArticle1of the1987Constitution.Q: What does the Archipelagic Doctrineemphasize?A:Itemphasizestheunityofthelandandwatersby defining an archipelago as group of islandssurrounded by waters or a body of watersstuddedwithislands.Note: To emphasize unity, an imaginary singlebaseline is drawn around the islands by joiningappropriate points of the outermost islands of thearchipelago with straight lines and all islands andwatersenclosedwithinthebaselineformpartof itsterritory.Q: What are the purposes of the ArchipelagicDoctrine?A: The following are the purposes of theArchipelagicDoctrine:

1. TerritorialIntegrity2. NationalSecurity3. Economicreasons

Note:Themainpurposeofthearchipelagicdoctrineis to protect the territorial interests of anarchipelago, that is, to protect the territorialintegrityofthearchipelago.Withoutit,therewouldbe pockets of high seas between some of ourislandsandislets,thusforeignvesselswouldbeabletopass through these pocketsof seasandwouldhave no jurisdiction over them. Accordingly, if wefollowtheoldruleofinternationallaw,itispossiblethatbetweenislands,e.g.BoholandSiquijor,duetothe more than 24 mile distance between the 2islands,theremaybehighseas.Thus,foreignvesselsmayjustenteranytimeatwill,posingdangertothesecurity of the State. However, applying thedoctrine, even these bodies of water within thebaseline, regardless of breadth, form part of thearchipelago and are thus considered as internalwaters.Q: Is theSpratlysGroupof Islands (SGI)partofthePhilippineArchipelago?

UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011 A: No. It is too far to be included within thearchipelagiclinesencirclingtheinternalwatersofPhilippineArchipelago. However, theSGI ispartof the Philippine territory because it wasdiscovered by a Filipino seaman in the name ofViceAdmiral Cloma who later renounced hisclaim over it in favor of the Republic of thePhilippines. Subsequently, then Pres. Marcosissued a Presidential Decree constituting SGI aspartofthePhilippineterritoryandsendingsomeof our armed forces to protect said island andmaintainoursovereigntyoverit.Q:DoyouconsidertheSpratlysgroupofIslandsaspartofourNationalTerritory?A:Yes.ArticleIoftheConstitutionprovides:Thenational territory comprises the Philippinearchipelago, x x x, and all other territories overwhich the Philippines has sovereignty orjurisdiction,xx x.TheSpratlysGroupof islandsfalls under the second phrase and all otherterritories over which the Philippines hassovereignty or jurisdiction. It is part of ournational territory because Philippines exercisesovereignty (through election of public officials)overSpratlysGroupofIslands.


DOCTRINEOFSTATEIMMUNITY

Q:WhatistheDoctrineofStateImmunity?A:Under thisdoctrine,theStatecannotbesuedwithout its consent. (Sec. 3, Art. XVI, 1987Constitution)Q: What is the basis of the doctrine of Stateimmunity?

A: Itreflectsnothing lessthanrecognitionofthesovereign character of the State and an expressaffirmation of the unwritten rule effectivelyinsulating it from the jurisdiction of courts. It isbased on the very essence of sovereignty.(Department of Agriculture v. NLRC, G.R. No.104269,November11,1993)

Note: There can be no legal right against theauthoritywhichmakes the law onwhich the rightdepends (Republic vs. Villasor, GRN L30671,November28,1973).However, itmaybe sued if itgivesconsent,whetherexpressorimplied.Q: Does this doctrine apply as well to foreigngovernment?

A: Yes. This doctrine also applies to foreigngovernmentbecauseofthesovereignequalityofallthestate.Accordingly,immunityisenjoyedbyother States, consonant with the publicinternational law principle of par in parem nonhabet imperium. The head of State, who isdeemed the personification of the State, isinviolable, and thus, enjoys immunity from suit.(JUSMAG Philippines v. NLRC, G.R. No. 108813,December15,1994)Q:CantheStatewaiveitsimmunity?A:Yes,expresslyorimpliedly.

1. Express consent of the State may bemanifested through general or speciallaw.Note: Solicitor General cannot validlywaive immunity from suit. Only theCongress can (Republic v. Purisima, G.R.No.L36084,Aug.31,1977).

2. ImpliedconsentisgivenwhentheState

itself commences litigation or when itenters into a contract. There is animplied consentwhen the state entersinto a business contract. (US v. Ruiz,G.R.No.L35645May22,1985)Note:Thisruleisnotabsolute.

Q: Do all contracts entered into by thegovernment operate as a waiver of its nonsuability?A: No. Distinction must still be made betweenone which is executed in the exercise of itssovereign functionandanotherwhich isdone inits proprietary capacity. A Statemay be said tohavedescended to the levelofan individualandcan this be deemed to have actually given itsconsent to be sued only when it enters intobusiness contracts. It does not applywhere thecontract relates to the exercise of its sovereignfunctions. (Department of Agriculture vs. NLRCG.R.No.104269,November11,1993)

Q:When isasuitconsideredassuitagainsttheState?A:

1. WhentheRepublicissuedbyname;2. When the suit is against an

unincorporatedgovernmentagency;3. When the suit is on its face against a

governmentofficerbutthecaseissuch


thatultimate liabilitywillbelongnottothe officer but to the government.(Republic v. Sandoval,G.R.No. 84607,Mar.19,1993)

Q: Petitioners sued the Philippine NationalRailwaysfordamagesforthedeathoftheirsonwho fell fromanoverloaded trainbelonging tothePNR.ThetrialcourtdismissedthesuitonthegroundthatthecharterofthePNR,asamendedby P.D No. 741 has made the same agovernment instrumentality, and thus immunefromsuit.Isthedismissalproper?A:No.Thecorrectruleisthatnotallgovernmententitieswhethercorporateornoncorporate,areimmune from suits. Immunity from suit isdetermined by the character of the objects forwhich the entity is organized. When thegovernmententersintoacommercialbusiness,itabandons its sovereign capacity and is to betreated like any other corporation. In this case,theStatedivested itselfof its sovereigncapacitywhen itorganized thePNRwhich isnodifferentfrom its predecessors, the Manila RailroadCompany. (Malang v. PNRC, G.R. No. L49930,August7,1985)Q: Distinguish unincorporated governmentagency performing governmental function andoneperformingproprietary functions accordingto the applicability of the Doctrine of StateImmunity.A:

UnincorporatedGovernmentAgency

PerformingGovernmentalFunctions


UnincorporatedGovernmentAgency

PerformingProprietaryFunctions

Immunity has beenupheld in its favorbecause its function isgovernmental orincidental to suchfunction

Immunity has not beenupheld in its favorwhose functionwasnotinpursuitofanecessaryfunction of governmentbut was essentially abusiness. (AirTransportation Office v.Spouses David, G.R.No.159402, February 23,2011)

Q: What is the Restrictive Theory of StateImmunityfromSuit?A: The Restrictive Theory of State Immunitymeans that a State may be said to havedescended to the level of an individual and canthusbedeemed tohave tacitlygiven itsconsent

to be sued only when it enters into businesscontracts.However,therestrictiveapplicationofState immunity is proper only when theproceedingsariseoutofcommercialtransactionsoftheforeignsovereign, itscommercialactivitiesoreconomicaffairs. Itdoesnotapplywherethecontract relates to the exercise of its sovereignfunctions. (United States vs. Ruiz, G.R. No. L35645,May22,1985)Q:WhenisasuitagainstapublicofficialdeemedtobeasuitagainsttheState?A: The doctrine of State Immunity from suitappliestocomplaints filedagainstpublicofficialsforactsdone in theperformanceof theirdutieswithinthescopeoftheirauthority.GR:Therule isthatthesuitmustberegardedasone against the state where the satisfaction ofthejudgmentagainstthepublicofficialconcernedwill require the state to perform a positive act,suchasappropriationoftheamountnecessarytopaythedamagesawardedtotheplaintiff.

XPNs:Theruledoesnotapplywhere:

1. The public official is charged in hisofficial capacity for acts that areunlawfuland injurious to therightsofothers.Publicofficialsarenotexempt,intheirpersonalcapacity,fromliabilityarising from acts committed in badfaith;or

2. Thepublicofficialisclearlybeingsued

not in his official capacity but in hispersonal capacity, although the actscomplained of may have beencommittedwhileheoccupiedapublicposition. (Lansang vs.CA, G.R. No.102667,February23,2000)

Q:TheNorthern Luzon IrrigationAuthoritywasestablishedbyalegislativechartertostrengthentheirrigationsystemsthatsupplywatertofarmsand commercialgrowers in thearea.While theNLIA is able to generate revenues through itsoperations, it receives an annual appropriationfrom Congress. The NLIA is authorized to"exerciseall thepowersofacorporationundertheCorporationCode."Due toamiscalculationby someof itsemployees, therewasamassiveirrigationoverflowcausingaflashfloodinBarrioZanjera.Achilddrowned inthe incidentandhisparents now file suit against the NLIA fordamages. May the NLIA validly invoke theimmunityoftheStatefromsuit?



A:No.Irrigationisaproprietaryfunction.Besides,theNLIAhasa juridicalpersonality separateanddistinct from thegovernment,a suitagainst it isnot a suit against the State. (Fontanilla v.Maliaman,G.R.Nos.55963&61045,February27,1991)Since the waiver of the immunity from suit iswithout qualification, the waiver includes anaction based on a quasidelict. (Rayo vs. CFI ofBulacan.G.R.No.L55954.December19,1981)Q: What are the implications of this phrasewaiverofimmunitybytheStatedoesnotmeanaconcessionofitsliability?A:WhentheStategivesitsconsenttobesued,all it does is to give the other party anopportunity to show that the State is liable.Accordingly,thephrasethatwaiverofimmunityby the State does not mean a concession ofliabilitymeansthatbyconsentingtobesued,theStatedoesnotnecessarilyadmitthatitisliable.In such a case the State is merely giving theplaintiffachancetoprovethattheState is liablebut theState retains the right to raiseall lawfuldefenses.(PhilippineRockIndustries,Inc.v.Boardof Liquidators, G.R. No. 84992, December 15,1989)Q:IsthereanydistinctionbetweensuabilityandliabilityoftheState?A:Yes.

SUABILITY LIABILITYDependsontheconsentoftheStatetobesued

Depends on theapplicable law and theestablishedfacts

The circumstance thataState is suabledoesnotnecessarilymean that itisliable.

The State can never beheld liable if it is notsuable.

Q: How are the liabilities of the followingdetermined?A:1. Public officers their acts without or in

excessofjurisdiction:anyinjurycausedbyhim is his own personal liability andcannotbeimputedtotheState.

2. Governmentagenciesestablishwhether

or not the State, as principal whichmayultimately be held liable, has given itsconsent.

GOVERNMENTAGENCIES

SUABILITY

a.Incorporatedagencies testofsuability isstatedin their charters. If itscharter says so, it issuable

b. Unincorporatedgovernmentagencies

suable if the nature oftheir acts is proprietaryinnature

c.Juregestionis by right of economic orbusiness relation = maybesued

d.Jureimperii by right of sovereignpower,intheexerciseofsovereign functions =cannotbesued

Note: Letters c and d are also considered asnatureofactsofState.

ActaJureImperii ActaJureGestionis

Thereisnowaiver. There is waiver of Stateimmunityfromsuit.

The State is actingin its sovereigngovernmentalcapacity.

The State entered into acontract in its commercialorproprietarycapacity.TheState descended to thelevelofaprivateentity.

3. GovernmentdoctrineofState immunity

is available; nonsuability of the State isavailabletotheagencyevenifitisshownthat it isengagednotonly ingovernmentfunctions but also, as a sideline, orincidentally,inproprietaryenterprises.

Q:InwhatinstancesmayapublicofficerbesuedwithouttheStatesconsent?A:

1. Tocompelhimtodoanactrequiredbylaw

2. To restrain him from enforcing an actclaimedtobeunconstitutional

3. To compel payment of damages froman already appropriated assurancefund or to refund tax overpaymentsfrom a fund already available for thepurpose

4. To secure a judgment that the officerimpleaded may satisfy the judgmenthimselfwithouttheStatehavingtodoapositiveacttoassisthim

5. Where the government itself hasviolated its own laws because thedoctrine of State immunity cannot beusedtoperpetrateaninjustice


Q:WhatisthetruetestindeterminingwhetherasuitagainstapublicofficerisasuitagainsttheState?A:Thetestisthat,ifapublicofficeroragencyissued and made liable, the State will have toperform an affirmative act of appropriating theneeded amount to satisfy the judgment. If theStatedoesso,then,itisasuitagainsttheState.


Q:Isgarnishmentofgovernmentfundsallowed?A:

GR:No.Whether themoney isdepositedbywayofgeneralorspecialdeposit,theyremaingovernment funds and are not subject togarnishment.XPN: Where a law or ordinance has beenenacted appropriating a specific amount topay a valid government obligation, then themoneycanbegarnished.Note: Funds belonging to governmentcorporationswhichcansueandbesuedthataredepositedwithabankcanbegarnished.(PNBv.Pabalan,G.R.No.L33112,June15,1978)If the local legislative authority refuses toenact a law appropriating the moneyjudgmentrenderedbythecourt,thewinningparty may file a petition for mandamus tocompelthelegislativeauthoritytoenactalaw(Municipality of Makati v. CA, G.R. Nos.8989899,Oct.1,1990)

Q:CantheGovernmentbemadetopayinterestinmoneyjudgmentsagainstit?A:

GR:No.XPNs:1. Eminentdomain2. Erroneouscollectionoftaxes3. Where government agrees to pay

interestpursuanttolaw.

Q:A propertyowner filed an actiondirectly incourt against the Republic of the Philippinesseekingpayment foraparcelof landwhich thenationalgovernmentutilizedforaroadwideningproject.Canthegovernmentinvokethedoctrineofnonsuitabilityofthestate?A: No. When the government expropriatesproperty for public use without paying justcompensation,itcannotinvokeitsimmunityfromthe suit. Otherwise, the right guaranteed inSection9,ArticleIIIofthe1987Constitutionthat

privatepropertyshallnotbetakenforpublicusewithout just compensation will be renderednugatory.(Ministeriovs.CourtofFirstInstance,L31635,August31,1971)

PRINCIPLESANDPOLICIESQ:AretheprovisionsinArticleIIselfexecuting?A: No. By its very title, Article II of theConstitution is a declaration of principles andstate policies. However, principles in Article IIare not intended to be selfexecuting principlesready forenforcement through the courts. Theyareusedby the judiciary as aidsor asguides intheexerciseofitspowerofjudicialreview,andbythe legislature in its enactment of laws. (TondoMedicalv.CA,G.R.No.167324,July17,2007)Note: As a general rule, these provisions are nonselfexecuting. But a provision that is complete initself,andprovidessufficientrulesfortheexerciseofrights, is selfexecuting. Thus, certain provisions inArt. II are selfexecuting, one of which is thatprovided in Section 16, Art. II, The State shallprotect and advance the right of the people to abalanced and healthful ecology in accord with therhythmandharmonyofnature.(Oposav.Factoran,G.R.No.101083,July,30,1993)

Q:WhatisaRepublicanState?A: It isa statewhereinallgovernmentauthorityemanates from the people and is exercised byrepresentativeschosenbythepeople.(DissentingOpinionof J.Puno,G.R.No.148334, January21,2004andBernasPrimer,2006Edition)Q: What are the manifestations ofRepublicanism?A: The following are the manifestations ofRepublicanism:

1. Ours is a governmentof laws andnotofmen.

2. RuleofMajority(Pluralityinelections)3. Accountabilityofpublicofficials4. BillofRights5. Legislaturecannotpassirrepealablelaws6. Separationofpowers

Note: In the view of the new Constitution, thePhilippinesisnotonlyarepresentativeorrepublicanstate but also shares some aspects of directdemocracysuchasinitiativeandreferendum.

UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011 Q: What do you understand by ConstitutionalAuthoritarianism?A:Constitutionalauthoritarianismasunderstoodand practiced in the Marcos regime under the1973 constitution was the assumption ofextraordinarypowersby thePresident, includinglegislative and judicial and even constituentpowers.Q: Isconstitutionalauthoritarianismcompatiblewitharepublicanstate?A. Yes, if the Constitution upon which theExecutive bases his assumption of power is alegitimate expression of the peopleswill and ifthe Executive who assumes power received hisoffice through a valid election by the people.(BernasPrimer,2006Edition)

Note: The essence of republicanism isrepresentationandrenovation,theselectionbythecitizenry of a corps of public functionaries whoderive their mandate from the people and act ontheirbehalf, serving fora limitedperiodonly,afterwhichtheyarereplacedorretainedattheoptionoftheirprincipal.Q:WhatistheStatepolicyregardingwar?A:TheState renounceswarasan instrumentofnationalpolicy.(Sec.2,Art.II,1987Constitution)Q:DoesthePhilippinesrenouncedefensivewar?A. No, because it is duty bound to defend itscitizens.Under the Constitution, the prime dutyof the government is to serve and protect thepeople.Note: The Philippines renounces war as aninstrument of national policy, adopts the generallyaccepted principles of international law as part ofthe law of the land and adheres to the policy ofpeace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, andamity with all nations. (Section 2, Article II, 1987Constitution)Q: What are the policies of the State on thefollowing?1. Workingmen2. Ecology3. Theysymbolsofstatehood4. Culturalminorities5. ScienceandTechnology

10

A:1. Section14,ArticleXIIIof theConstitution

provides:"TheStateshallprotectworking

women by providing safe and healthfulworking conditions, taking into accounttheir maternal functions, and suchfacilities and opportunities that willenhancetheirwelfareandenablethemtorealizetheirfullpotentialintheserviceofthenation."

2. Section 16, Article II of the Constitutionprovides: The State shall protect andadvance therightof thepeopleand theirposterity to a balanced and healthfulECOLOGY in accordwith the rhythm andharmonyofnature."

3. Section 1, Article XVII of the Constitutionprovides:"TheFlagofthePhilippinesshallbe red, white, and blue, with a sun andthree stars, as consecrated and honoredbythepeopleandrecognizedbylaw."Section 2, Article XVI of the Constitutionstates:TheCongressmaybylaw,adoptanew name for the country, a nationalanthem,oranationalseal,whichshallallbe truly reflective and symbolic of theideals, history, and traditions of thepeople. Such law shall take effect onlyupon its ratification by the people in anationalreferendum."

4. Section 22, Article II of the Constitutionprovides: The State recognizes andpromotestherightsofindigenousculturalcommunities within the framework ofnationalunityanddevelopment."Section 5, Article XII of the Constitutionreads: The State, subject to theprovisions of this Constitution andnational development policies andprograms, shall protect the rights ofindigenous cultural communities to theirancestral lands toensure theireconomic,socialandculturalwellbeing.The Congress may provide for theapplicabilityof customary laws governingpropertyrightsorrelationsindeterminingtheownershipandextentoftheancestraldomains."Section 6, Art. XIII of the Constitutionprovides: The State shall apply theprinciples of agrarian reform orstewardship, whenever applicable inaccordancewith law, inthedispositionorutilization of other natural resources,

POLITICALLAWTEAM:ADVISER:ATTY.EDWINREYSANDOVAL;SUBJECTHEAD:RACHELMARIEL.FELICES;ASST.SUBJECTHEADS:WIVINOE.BRACEROII&HERAZEUSCHRISTINEY.UY;MEMBERS:LAWRENCEPAULOH.AQUINO,LEANDRORODELV.ATIENZA,MARINETHEASTERAND.AYOS,CARLOR.BALA,WILFREDOT.BONILLA,JR.,KEELACHERNARR.DINOY,APRILV.ENRILE,KENNETHJAMESCARLOC.HIZON,JOSEMARIAG.MENDOZA,ROGERCHRISTOPHERR.REYES,ROMILINDAC.SIBAL,JASMINM.SISON,ZARAHPATRICIAT.SUAREZ,RALPHJULIOUSL.VILLAMOR.


includinglandsofthepublicdomainunderleaseorconcessionsuitabletoagriculture,subjecttopriorrights,homesteadrightsofsmallsettlers,andtherightsofindigenouscommunitiestotheirancestrallands.The State may resettle landless farmersand farm workers in its own agriculturalestateswhichshallbedistributedtotheminthemannerprovidedbylaw."Section17,ArticleXIVof theConstitutionstates:"TheStateshallrecognize,respectand protect the rights of indigenouscultural communities to preserve anddevelop their cultures, traditions, andinstitutions.Itshallconsidertheserightsinthe formulation of national plans andpolicies."

5. Section 17, Article II of the Constitutionprovides: "The State shall givepriority toEducation, Science and Technology, Arts,Culture and Sports to foster patriotismand nationalism, accelerate socialprogress, and promote total humanliberationanddevelopment."Section 14, Article XII of the Constitutionreadsinpart:"Thesustaineddevelopmentofareservoirofnationaltalentsconsistingof Filipino scientists, entrepreneurs,professionals, managers, highleveltechnical manpower and skilled workersand craftsmen shall be promoted by theState. The State shall encourageappropriate technology and regulate itstransferforthenationalbenefit.Subsection2,Section3,ArticleXIVoftheConstitution states: "They (educationalinstitutions)shall inculcatepatriotismandnationalism, foster love of humanity,respect forhuman rights,appreciationoftheroleofnationalheroesinthehistoricaldevelopment of the country, teach therightsanddutiesofcitizenship,strengthenethicalandspiritualvalues,developmoralcharacter and personal discipline,encourage critical and creative thinking,broaden scientific and technologicalknowledge, and promote vocationalefficiency."Section10,ArticleXIVof theConstitutiondeclares: "Science and Technology areessential for national development andprogress. The State shall give priority to

research and development, invention,innovation, and their utilization; and toscience and technology education,training, services. It shall supportindigenous, appropriate, and selfreliantscientific and cultural capabilities, andtheir application to the country'sproductivesystemsandnationallife."

Section11,ArticleXIVof theConstitutionprovides: "The Congressmay provide forincentives, including tax deductions, toencourage private participation inprograms of basic and applied scientificresearch. Scholarships, grantsinaid orother forms of Incentives shall beprovided to deserving science students,researchers, scientists, investors,technologists, and specially giftedcitizens."

Section12,ArticleXIVof theConstitutionreads: The State shall regulate thetransfer and promote the adaptation oftechnology from all sources for thenationalbenefit.Itshallencouragewidestparticipation of private groups, localgovernments, and communitybasedorganizations in the generation andutilizationofscienceandtechnology."

Q: Does the 1987 Constitution provide for apolicy of transparency in matters of publicconcern?

A:Yes,the1987Constitutionprovidesforapolicyoftransparencyinmattersofpublicinterest:

1. Section 28, Article II of the 1987Constitutionprovides:"Subjecttoreasonableconditions prescribed by law, the Stateadopts and implements a policy of fulldisclosure of all its transactions involvingpublicinterest,"2. Section 7, Article III states: "The right ofthe people to information on matters ofpublicconcernshallberecognized,accesstoofficial records, and to documents, andpapers pertaining to official acts,transactions, or decisions, as well as togovernment researchdatausedasbasis forpolicy development, shall be afforded thecitizen,subjecttosuchlimitationsasmaybeprovidedbylaw."

11

3.Section20,ArticleVI reads: "The recordsandbooksof accountof theCongress shall

UNIVERSITYOFSANTOTOMASF a c u l t a d d e D e r e c h o C i v i l

ACADEMICSCHAIR:LESTERJAYALANE.FLORESIIVICECHAIRSFORACADEMICS:KARENJOYG.SABUGO&JOHNHENRYC.MENDOZAVICECHAIRFORADMINISTRATIONANDFINANCE:JEANELLEC.LEEVICECHAIRSFORLAYOUTANDDESIGN:EARLLOUIEM.MASACAYAN&THEENAC.MARTINEZ


be preserved and be open to the public inaccordance with law, and such books shallbe audited by the Commission on Auditwhichshallpublishannuallyan itemized listof amounts paid to and expenses incurredforeachmember."4. Section 17, Article XI provides: swornstatementofassets,liabilitiesandnetworthof the President, the VicePresident, theMembersof theCabinet, theCongress, theSupreme Court, the ConstitutionalCommissionandotherconstitutionaloffices,andofficersofthearmedforceswithgeneralor flag rank filed upon their assumption ofofficeshallbedisclosed to thepublic in themannerprovidedbylaw.5. Section 21, Article XII declares:"Information on foreign loans obtained orguaranteed by the government shall bemadeavailabletothepublic."

Note: These provisions on public disclosuresare intended to enhance the role of thecitizenry in governmental decisionmaking aswell as in checking abuse in government.(Valmonte vs. Belmonte,G.R.No. 74930, Feb.13,1989)

Q:WhatistheDoctrineofIncorporation?A: It means that the rules of International lawformpartofthelawofthelandandnolegislativeaction is required tomake them applicable in acountry.Bythisdoctrine,thePhilippinesisboundby generally accepted principles of internationallaw, which are considered to be automaticallypartofourownlaws.(Taadav.Angara,G.R.No.118295,May2,1997)Q:WhatistheDoctrineofAutolimitation?A:ItisthedoctrinewherethePhilippinesadheretoprinciplesofinternationallawasalimitationtotheexerciseofitssovereignty.Note: The fact that the international lawhasbeenmade part of the law of the land doesnot by anymeans imply the primacy of international law overnational law inthemunicipalsphere. (PhilipMorris,Inc.v.CA,G.R.No.91332,July16,1993)Q: What is meant by the principle of CivilianSupremacy?

12

A:Thecivilianauthority is,atall times,supremeoverthemilitary.

Q:Howisciviliansupremacyensured?A:

1. By the installation of the President, thehighestcivilianauthority,asthecommanderinchief of all the armed forces of thePhilippines. (Sec. 18, Art. VII, 1987Constitution)2.Throughtherequirementthatmembersofthe AFP swear to uphold and defend theConstitution, which is the fundamental lawofcivilgovernment.(Sec.5[1],Art.XVI,1987Constitution)

Q:Canapersonavoid the renditionofmilitaryservicestodefendtheState?A: No. One cannot avoid compulsory militaryserviceby invokingones religiousconvictionsorby saying that he has a sick father and severalbrothersand sisters to support.Accordingly, theduty of government to defend the State cannotbeperformedexcept throughanarmy.To leavethe organization of an army to the will of thecitizens would be to make this duty to theGovernment excusable should there be nosufficient men who volunteer to enlist therein.The right of the Government to requirecompulsorymilitary service is a consequence ofitsdutytodefendtheStateandisreciprocalwithitsdutytodefendthelife,liberty,andpropertyofthecitizen.(Peoplev.Zosa,G.R.No.L4589293,July13,1938).Q:What are the provisionsof the Constitutionthat support the principle of separation ofChurchandState?A:

1. Thenonestablishment clause. (Sec. 5 ofArt.III)

2. Sectoral representation in the House ofRepresentatives.Various sectorsmayberepresented except the religious sector.(Par.2,Sec.5ofArt.VI)

3. Religiousgroupsshallnotberegisteredaspoliticalparties. (Par.5,Sec.2,Art. IXC,1987Constitution)

Note: Exceptions to the abovementioned rule arethefollowingprovisons:

1. Churches, parsonages, etc. actually, directlyand exclusively used for religious purposesshall be exempt from taxation. (Article VI,Section28[3]);

2. Whenpriest,preacher,ministerordignitaryisassigned to the armed forces, or any penal

POLITICALLAWTEAM:ADVISER:ATTY.EDWINREYSANDOVAL;SUBJECTHEAD:RACHELMARIEL.FELICES;ASST.SUBJECTHEADS:WIVINOE.BRACEROII&HERAZEUSCHRISTINEY.UY;MEMBERS:LAWRENCEPAULOH.AQUINO,LEANDRORODELV.ATIENZA,MARINETHEASTERAND.AYOS,CARLOR.BALA,WILFREDOT.BONILLA,JR.,KEELACHERNARR.DINOY,APRILV.ENRILE,KENNETHJAMESCARLOC.HIZON,JOSEMARIAG.MENDOZA,ROGERCHRISTOPHERR.REYES,ROMILINDAC.SIBAL,JASMINM.SISON,ZARAHPATRICIAT.SUAREZ,RALPHJULIOUSL.VILLAMOR.


institution or government orphanage orleprosarium, public money may be paid tothem(ArticleVI,Section29[2]);

3. Optional religious instruction for publicelementary and high school students (ArticleXIV,Section3[3]);

4. Filipinoownership requirement foreducationinstitutions, except those established byreligious groups and mission boards (ArticleXIV,Section4[2]).

Q:WhatistheStrictSeparationistApproach?A:Underthisapproach,theestablishmentclausewasmeanttoprotecttheStatefromthechurch,and the States hostility towards religion allowsno interaction between the two. (Estrada v.Escritor,A.M.No.P021651,June22,2006)Q:WhatistheStrictNeutralityApproach?A: It is not hostile in religion, but it is strict inholding that religionmaynotbeusedasabasisfor classification for purposes of governmentalaction, whether the action confers rights orprivileges or imposes duties or obligations.Onlysecular criteriamaybe thebasisof governmentaction. It does not permit, much less requireaccommodationof secularprograms to religiousbelief. (Estrada v. Escritor, A.M. No. P021651,June22,2006)Q:WhatisthetheoryofBenevolentNeutrality?A:Under this theory the wall of separation ismeant to protect the church from the State. Itbelieves that with respect to governmentalactions, accommodation of religion may beallowed, not to promote the governmentsfavored formof religion,but toallow individualsand groups to exercise their religion withouthindrance. (Estrada v. Escritor, A.M. No. P021651,June22,2006)Q:WhattheoryisappliedinthePhilippines?


A: In the Philippine context, the Courtcategorically ruled that, the Filipino people, inadopting the Constitution, manifested theiradherencetothebenevolentneutralityapproachthatrequiresaccommodationsininterpretingthereligion clauses. (Estrada v.Escritor,A.M.No.P021651,June22,2006)Q:Whatare the threekindsofaccommodationthatresultsfromfreeexerciseclaim?

A:Thosewhichare:1. Found to be constitutionally compelled,

i.e. requiredby theFreeExerciseClause(mandatory),

2. Discretionary or legislative, i.e. notrequired by the Free Exercise Clause(permissive),

3. Prohibited by the religion clauses(prohibited).

Note:Basedontheforegoing,andafterholdingthatthe Philippine Constitution upholds the benevolentneutralitydoctrinewhichallowsforaccommodation,the Court laid down the rule that in dealing withcases involving purely conduct based on religiousbelief, it shall adopt the strictcompelling Stateinterest test because it is most in line with thebenevolentneutralityaccommodation.Q:WhatisMandatoryAccommodation?A: This is based on the premise that whenreligious conscience conflictswithagovernmentobligation or prohibition, the governmentsometimes may have to give way. ThisaccommodationoccurswhenallthreeconditionsofthecompellingStateinteresttestaremet.Q:WhatisPermissiveAccommodation?A: It means that the State may, but is notrequiredto,accommodatereligiousinterests.Q:WhatisProhibitedAccommodation?A:ThisresultswhentheCourtfindsnobasisforamandatoryaccommodation,oritdeterminesthatthe legislative accommodation runs afoul of theestablishmentor the freeexerciseclause. In thiscase,theCourtfindsthatestablishmentconcernsprevailoverpotentialaccommodationinterests.Note:Thepurposeofaccommodationsistoremoveaburdenon,orfacilitatetheexerciseof,apersonsorinstitutionsreligions.

SEPARATIONOFPOWERSQ: What is the Doctrine of Separation ofPowers?A: In essence, separation of powers means thelegislationbelongs toCongress,execution to theexecutive,settlementoflegalcontroversiestothejudiciary. Each is therefore prevented frominvadingthedomainoftheothers.Q:Whatisthepurposeofseparationofpowers?

UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011 A: To prevent the concentration of authority inonepersonorgroupofpersonsthatmightleadtoirreparable error or abuse in its exercise to thedetrimentofrepublican institutions.Thepurposewas not to avoid friction, but, bymeans of theinevitable friction incident to the distribution ofgovernmental powers among the threedepartments,tosavethepeoplefromautocracy.

1. Tosecureaction2. Toforestalloveraction3. Topreventdespotism4. Toobtainefficiency

Q: What are the powers vested in the threebranchesofgovernment?A:

Executive Legislative


Judiciary

Implementationof

laws(Powerofthe

sword)

Makingoflaws(Powerofthe

purse)

Interpretationoflaws

(Powerofjudicialreview)

Note: Legislative power is given to the Legislaturewhosemembersholdofficeforafixedterm(Art.VI,Sec.1); executive power is given to a separateExecutivewhoholdsofficeforafixedterm(Art.VII,Sec.1);andjudicialpowerisheldbyanindependentJudiciary.(Art.VIII,Sec.1)Q:AgroupoflosinglitigantsinacasedecidedbytheSCfiledacomplaintbeforetheOmbudsmancharging the Justices with knowingly anddeliberatelyrenderinganunjustdecisioninutterviolationof thepenal lawsof the land.Can theOmbudsmanvalidlytakecognizanceofthecase?A:No.Pursuant to theprincipleofseparationofpowers,thecorrectnessofthedecisionsoftheSCas final arbiter of all justiciable disputes isconclusive upon all other departments of thegovernment; the Ombudsman has no power toreview thedecisionsof the SCbyentertainingacomplaint against the Justices of the SC forknowingly rendering an unjust decision. (In re:Laureta,G.R.No.L68635,May14,1987)Q: May the RTC or any court prohibit acommittee of the Senate like the Blue RibbonCommittee from requiring a person to appearbefore itwhen it is conducting investigation inaidoflegislation?A: No, because that would be violative of theprinciple of separation of powers. The principle

essentially means that legislation belongs toCongress, execution to the Executive andsettlementoflegalcontroversiestotheJudiciary.Each is prevented from invading the domain ofthe others. (Senate Blue Ribbon Committee v.Majaducon,G.R.No.136760,July29,2003)Q:WhatistheprincipleofBlendingofPowers?A:Itisaninstancewhenpowersarenotconfinedexclusively within one department but areassignedtoorsharedbyseveraldepartments.Examples of the blending of powers are thefollowing:1. Power of appointment which can be

exercised by each department and berightfully exercised by each departmentoveritsownadministrativepersonnel;

2. General Appropriations Law Presidentprepares the budgetwhich serves as thebasisofthebilladoptedbyCongress;

3. Amnesty granted by the Presidentrequires the concurrence of themajorityofallthemembersoftheCongress;and

4. COMELEC does not deputize lawenforcement agencies andinstrumentalities of the government forthe purpose of ensuring free, orderly,honest, peaceful and credible electionsalone (consent of the President isrequired)

CHECKSANDBALANCES

Q:WhatistheprincipleofChecksandBalances?A: It allows one department to resistencroachmentsuponitsprerogativesortorectifymistakes or excesses committed by the otherdepartments.Q:HowdoestheExecutiveChecktheothertwobranches?A:

EXECUTIVECHECKLegislative Judiciary

Through itsvetopower

1. Through its power ofpardon, itmay set asidethe judgment of thejudiciary.

2. Also by power ofappointment power toappointmembers of theJudiciary.


Q: How does Legislature check the other twobranches?A:


LEGISLATIVECHECKExecutive Judiciary

1. Override theveto of thePresident

Revoke or amend thedecisionsbyeither:1.Enactinganewlaw

2. Reject certainappointmentsmade by thepresident

2. Amending the old law,giving it certaindefinition andinterpretation differentfromtheold

3. Revoke theproclamationof martial lawor suspensionof the writ ofhabeascorpus

3. Impeachment of SCmembers

4. Impeachment 4. Define, prescribe,apportion jurisdiction oflowercourts:

a. Prescribe thequalifications oflower courtjudges

b. Impeachmentc. Determination of

salariesofjudges.5. Determine the

salaries of thepresident orvicepresident

Q:Howdoes the Judiciary check theother twobranches?A:

JUDICIALCHECKExecutive LegislativeItmaydeclare (through theSCas the finalarbiter) theactsofboth the legislature andexecutive as unconstitutionalor invalid so long as there isgraveabuseofdiscretion.

Note:Oftentimes,duetotheprincipleofseparationofpowers,theSupremeCourtrefusestopassupontheconstitutionalityofthelawssolongasitcanuseotherbasisfordecidingthecase.The legislature cannot, upon passing a law whichviolatesaconstitutionalprovision,validateitsoastoprevent an attack thereon in the courts, by adeclaration that it shall be so construed as not toviolate the constitutional inhibition (Endencia v.David,G.R.No.L635556Aug.31,1953).The rightand responsibility to investigate and suspend a

public official rests solely in the executivedepartment; the legislature cannot delegate apower/dutytotheSCtoinvestigatetheconductandbehaviorofexecutiveofficialsotherwise,itwouldbeunconstitutional as per violationof the doctrineofseparation of powers. (Noblejas v. Teehankee,G.R.No.L28790,Apr.29,1968)Thefirstandsafestcriteriontodeterminewhetheragiven power has been validly exercised by aparticular department iswhether or not the powerhas been constitutionally conferred upon thedepartment claiming its exercise.However,even intheabsenceofexpressconferment, theexerciseofthe power may be justified under the Doctrine ofNecessary Implication thegrantofexpresspowercarried with it all other powers that may bereasonablyinferredfromit.

DELEGATIONOFPOWERSQ:Canadelegatedpowerberedelegated?A:

GR:No.Delegatedpowerconstitutesnotonlya right but a duty to be performed by thedelegate through the instrumentality of hisown judgment and not through theinterveningmindofanother.XPN:Permissibledelegations:PETAL1. Delegation to the People through

initiative and referendum. (Sec. 1, Art.VI,1987Constitution)

2. Emergency powers delegated byCongresstothePresident.(Sec.23,Art.VI)The conditions for the vesture ofemergencypowersarethefollowing:a. There must be war or other

nationalemergencyb. The delegation is for a limited

periodonlyc. Delegationissubjecttorestrictions

asCongressmayprescribed. Emergency powers must be

exercisedtocarryanationalpolicydeclaredbyCongress

3. CongressmaydelegateTariffpowerstothePresident.(Sec.28(2),Art.VI)Note:TheTariffandCustomsCode istheenabling law that grants such powers tothepresident.


The power to impose tariffs in the firstplace isnot inherent in thePresidentbutarisesonlyfromcongressionalgrant.Thus,itistheprerogativeofCongresstoimposelimitations and restrictions on suchpowerswhichdonotnormallybelong totheexecutive in the firstplace. (SouthernCross Cement Corporation v. PhilippineCement Manufacturing Corp., G.R. No.158540,Aug.3,2005)


4. Delegation to Administrative bodies

also known as power of subordinatelegislation.Note: This refers to the authority vestedby Congress to the administrative bodiesto fill in the details which Congresscannotprovidedueto lackofopportunityorcompetence.Such includesthemakingof supplementary rules and regulations.Suchhavetheforceandeffectoflaw.

5. DelegationtoLocalGovernmentsIt isnot regarded as a transfer of generallegislative power, but rather as thegrant of authority to prescribe localregulations.Note:Congresscanonlydelegate,usuallyto administrative agencies, RuleMakingPower.

Q:Whatarethetwotestsofvaliddelegation?A:

1. Completeness Test law must becomplete in all essential terms andconditions when it leaves thelegislature so that there will benothing left for the delegate to dowhen it reaches him except toenforceit.

2. Sufficient Standard Test if law doesnotspelloutindetailthelimitsofthedelegates authority, it may besustained if delegation is madesubjecttoasufficientstandard.Note: SUFFICIENT STANDARD mapsout the boundaries of the delegatesauthority and indicating thecircumstances under which it is to bepursuedandeffected(purpose:preventtotaltransferenceoflegislativepower).

Note: INVALID DELEGATION OF LEGISLATIVEPOWERIf there are gaps that will prevent itsenforcement, delegate is given the opportunity to

step into the shoes of the legislature and exercisediscretioninordertorepairtheomissions.Q: What is the distinction between thePresidents authority to declare a state ofnational emergency and her authority toexerciseemergencypowers?A:ThePresidentsauthorityto:

DeclareaStateofNationalEmergency

ExerciseEmergencyPowers

Granted by theConstitution, nolegitimate objection canberaised.

Requires a delegationfrom Congress. (David,et al. v. GloriaMacapagalArroyo, etal., G.R. No. 171396,May3,2006)Note: Conferment ofemergency powers onthe President is notmandatoryonCongress.

FORMSOFGOVERNMENT

Q: What is the form of government of thePhilippines?

A: The Philippines adheres to the presidentialsystem.

Q:What is theprincipal identifying featureofapresidentialformofgovernment?A: The principal identifying feature of apresidential formof government is embodied intheseparationofpowersdoctrine.Note: In presidential system, the President is boththeheadofStateandtheheadofgovernment.

Q: What are the essential characteristics of aparliamentaryformofgovernment?

A:1.Themembersofthegovernmentorcabinetor the executive arm are, as a rule,simultaneouslymembersofthelegislature;

2.Thegovernmentorcabinetconsistingofthepoliticalleadersofthemajoritypartyorofacoalition who are also members of thelegislature, is in effect a committee of thelegislature;

3.Thegovernmentorcabinethasapyramidalstructureat theapexofwhich is thePrimeMinisterorhisequivalent;


17UNIVERSITYOFSANTOTOMASF a c u l t a d d e D e r e c h o C i v i l

ACADEMICSCHAIR:LESTERJAYALANE.FLORESIIVICECHAIRSFORACADEMICS:KARENJOYG.SABUGO&JOHNHENRYC.MENDOZAVICECHAIRFORADMINISTRATIONANDFINANCE:JEANELLEC.LEEVICECHAIRSFORLAYOUTANDDESIGN:EARLLOUIEM.MASACAYAN&THEENAC.MARTINEZ

4.Thegovernmentorcabinetremainsinpoweronly for so long as itenjoys the supportofthemajorityofthelegislature;

5. Both government and legislature arepossessedofcontroldeviceswhicheachcandemand of the other immediate politicalresponsibility.Inthehandsofthelegislatureis the vote of nonconfidence (censure)wherebygovernmentmaybeousted. Inthehands of the government is the power todissolve the legislature and call for newelections.

Q:WhatarethefunctionsoftheGovernment?

A:1. Constituent mandatory for the

government to perform because theyconstitutetheverybondsofsociety.

2. Ministrant intended to promote thewelfare,progressandprosperityof thepeople.

Note: Distinction of function is no longer relevantbecause the Constitution obligates the State topromotesocialjusticeandhasrepudiatedthelaissezfaire policy (ACCFA v. Federation of Labor Unions,G.R. No. L221484, Nov. 29, 1969). However, inShipside Incorporated v. CA (G.R. No. 143377,Feb.20, 2001), the nature of the function of the BCDAwas a factor to determine the locus standi of theGovernment.Q: Does the Bases Conversion DevelopmentAuthority (BCDA) exercise constituent orministrantfunction?

A: While public benefit and public welfare,particularly, thepromotionof theeconomicandsocial development of Central Luzon, may beattributabletotheoperationoftheBCDA,yetitiscertainthatthefunctionsperformedbytheBCDAare basically proprietary in nature. Othercorporations have been created by governmentto act as its agents for the realization of itsprograms,theSSS,GSIS,NAWASAandtheNIA,tocount a few, and yet, the Court has ruled thatthese entities, although performing functionsaimed at promoting public interest and publicwelfare, are not governmentfunctioncorporations invested with governmentalattributes. Itmay thus be said that theBCDA isnot a mere agency of the Government but acorporatebodyperformingproprietaryfunctions.(Shipside Incorporated v. CA, G.R. No.143377,Feb.20,2001)

Q:Whataretheclassificationsofgovernmentonthebasisoflegitimacy?A:

1. De jure government. A governmenttruly and lawfully established by theConstitutionofaStatebutwhichhavingbeen in the meantime displaced isactuallycutofffrompowerorcontrol.

2. De factogovernment.Agovernmentoffact;oneactuallyexercisingpowerandcontrol in the State asopposed to thetrueandlawfulgovernment.

Q:Whatarethekindsofadefactogovernment?A:

1. Defactopropergovernmentthatgetspossessionandcontrolof,orusurps,byforce or by the voice of the majority,the rightful legal government andmaintains itself against the will of thelatter;

2. Government of paramount force established andmaintained bymilitaryforces who invade and occupy aterritoryof theenemy in thecourseofwar;and

3. Independent government establishedby the inhabitants of the countrywhorise in insurrection against the parentState.(KopKimChamv.ValdezTanKey,G.R.No.L5,Sept.17,1945)



C.LEGISLATIVEDEPARTMENTQ:Towhatbodyislegislativepowervested?A:

GR:CongressXPN: Powers reserved to the people by theprovisiononinitiativeandreferendum.

Q:Whataretheclassesoflegislativepower?A:ODeCO

1. Original: Possessed by the people intheir sovereign capacity i.e. initiativeandreferendum.

2. Delegated: Possessed by Congress andother legislativebodiesbyvirtueoftheConstitution.

3. Constituent: The power to amend orrevisetheConstitution.

4. Ordinary: The power to pass ordinarylaws.

Q: What are the limitations on the legislativepowerofCongress?A:

1. Substantive: limitationson the contentoflaws.

2. Procedural: limitations on the mannerofpassinglaws.

3. Congresscannotpassirrepealablelaws.4. Congress, as a general rule, cannot

delegateitslegislativepower.Note:TheCongressofthePhilippinesisabicameralbody composed of a Senate and House ofRepresentatives, the first being considered as theupperhouseandthesecondthelowerhouse.

HOUSESOFCONGRESSCompositions,QualificationsandTermsofOfficeQ: Discuss the composition, qualifications, andtermofofficeofmembersofCongress.A:

SENATE HoRComposition

24 Senators (electedat large by qualifiedFilipinovoters)

Not more than 250members,unlessotherwiseprovidedbylaw.

Qualifications1. Naturalborn 1. Naturalborn citizen of

citizenofthePhils.2.Atleast35yearsof

age on the day ofelection.

3. Able to read andwrite.

4. Resident of thePhils. for not lessthan 2 yearsimmediatelypreceding the dayofelection.

thePhils.2.At least25 yearsofage

onthedayofelection.3.Abletoreadandwrite.4. Except the partylist

reps, a registered voterin the district in whichheshallbeelected.

5. Resident thereof for aperiodofnotlessthan1year immediatelyproceeding the day oftheelection.

Termofoffice6 years, commencingat noon on the 30thday of June nextfollowing theirelection.Termlimit:Onlyupto2 consecutive terms.However, they mayserveformorethan2terms provided thatthe terms are notconsecutive.

3 years, commencing atnoon on the 30th day ofJune next following theirelection.Term limit:Nomember ofthe HoR shall serve formore than 3 consecutiveterms.

Q: Discuss the disqualifications of members ofCongress.A:

Senate HoR1.NoSenatorshallservefor more than 2consecutive terms.Voluntary renunciationof the office for anylength of time shall notbe considered as aninterruption in thecontinuity of his servicefor the full term forwhich he was elected(Section4,ArticleVI).

1. Shall not serve formore than three (3)consecutive terms (Sec.7,ArticleVI).

2. One who has beendeclared by competentauthority as insane orincompetent

2. One who has beendeclared by competentauthority as insane orincompetent

3. One who has beensentenced by finaljudgmentfor:

a.Subversion;b.Insurrection;c.Rebellion;d.Anyoffenseforwhichhehasbeensentencedtoa

3. One who has beensentenced by finaljudgmentfor:

a.Subversion;b.Insurrection;c.Rebellion;d.Anyoffenseforwhichhehasbeensentencedtoa

LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

penaltyofnotmorethan18months;ore.A crime involvingmoral turpitude,unless given plenarypardonorgranted amnesty.(Section12,BP881)

penaltyofnotmorethan18months;ore.Acrimeinvolvingmoral


turpitude,unlessgivenplenarypardonorgrantedamnesty.(Section12,BP881)

Note: The term of office prescribed by theConstitutionmaynotbeextendedor shortenedbythe legislature, but the period during which anofficer actually holds the office (tenure) may beaffected by circumstances within or beyond thepower of said officer. Tenuremay be shorter thanthe termor itmaynotexistatall.Thesesituationswillnotchangethedurationofthetermofoffice.Q:How canmembers of Congress be removedfromtheirrespectiveoffices?A:

SENATORS MEMBERSOFTHEHOUSEOF

REPRESENTATIVES(HoR)

Expulsionby the Senatewith the concurrenceof2/3 of all its members.(Sec. 16, par. 3, ArticleVI)

Expulsion by the Houseis with the concurrenceof 2/3 of all itsmembers. (Sec. 16, par.3,Art.VI)

Q: Can Congress or COMELEC impose anadditional qualification for candidates forsenator?A: No. The Congress cannot validly amend orotherwise modify these qualification standards,asitcannotdisregard,evade,orweakentheforceof a constitutionalmandate, or alter or enlargethe Constitution (Cordora v. COMELEC,G.R.No.176947, Feb. 19, 2009; Social Justice Society v.DDB and PDEA, G.R Nos. 157870, 158633,161658,Nov.3,2008).Q:Whatistheruleonvoluntaryrenunciationofofficeforanylengthoftime?A:Itshallnotbeconsideredasaninterruptioninthecontinuityofhis service for the full term forwhichhewaselected(Sec.4,ArticleVI).

HouseofRepresentatives(HoR)

Q:WhatisthecompositionofHoR?

A:DistrictRepresentative Partylist

Representative

1. Elected accordingto legislativedistrict by theconstituents ofsuchdistrict;

2. Mustbea residentof his legislativedistrict for at least1year immediatelybefore theelection;

3. Elected personally,byname;

4. Does not lose seatif he/she changespartyoraffiliation;

5. In caseof vacancy,a special electionmay be heldprovided that thevacancytakesplaceat least 1 yearbefore the nextelection;

6. A districtrepresentative isnotpreventedfromrunning again as adistrictrepresentative ifhe/she lost duringthe previouselection;and

7. A change inaffiliation withinmonths prior toelection does notprevent a districtrepresentativefromrunningunderhisnewparty.

1. Elected nationally

with partylistorganizationsgarnering at least3%ofallvotescastfor the partylistsystem entitled to1 seat, which isincreasedaccording toproportionalrepresentation,butis in no way toexceed 3 seats perorganization;

2. No specialresidencyrequirement;

3. Voted upon byparty ororganization. It isonly when a partyis entitled torepresentationthat it designateswho will sit asrepresentative;

4. If he/she changesparty or affiliation,loses his seat, inwhich case he/shewill be substitutedby anotherqualified person inthe party/organizationbased on the listsubmitted to theCOMELEC;

5. In case of vacancy,a substitution willbemadewithin theparty,basedon thelistsubmittedtotheCOMELEC;

6. A partylistrepresentativecannot sit if he ranand lost in theprevious election;and

7. A change inaffiliation within 6months prior toelection prohibitsthe partylistrepresentativesfrom listing as


representativeunderhisnewpartyororganization.


DISTRICTREPRESENTATIVESANDQUESTIONSOF

APPORTIONMENTQ:Whoaredistrictrepresentatives?A: District representatives are those who wereelected from legislative districts apportionedamongtheprovinces,citiesandtheMetropolitanManilaarea.Q:Howarelegislativedistrictsapportioned?A:Legislativedistrictsareapportionedamongtheprovinces, cities, and the Metropolitan Manilaarea. They are apportioned in accordance withthe number of their respect inhabitants and onthe basis of a uniform and progressive ratio.(Section5,ArticleVI,1987Constitution)Each city with a population of at least 250,000shall have at least one representative. Eachprovinceshallhaveatleastonerepresentative.Note: The question of the validity of anapportionment lawisajusticiablequestion.(Maciasv.Comelec,G.R.No.L18684,September14,1961)Q:Whataretheconditionsforapportionment?A:

1. Elected from legislative districts whichareapportionedinaccordancewiththenumberofinhabitantsofeachareaandon the basis of a uniform andprogressiveratio:

a. Uniform Every representative of

Congress shall represent a territorialunit with more or less 250,000population. All the otherrepresentatives shallhave the sameornearly the same political constituencyso much so that their votes willconstitutethepopularmajority.

b. Progressive It must respond to thechange in times.ThenumberofHouserepresentativesmustnotbesobigastobe unwieldy. (Let us say, there is agrowth in population. The ratio maythen be increased. From 250,000constituents/1 representative itmaybereapportioned to 300, 000constituents/1representative).

2. Each legislative district shall comprisecontiguous, compact and adjacentterritory. (This condition is notabsolute)

3. Each citywith a population of at least

250,000oreachprovince shallat leasthaveonerepresentative.

4. Legislative districts shall be re

apportionedbyCongresswithin3yearsafterthereturnofeachcensus(SenatorAquinoIIIv.COMELEC,G.R.No.189793,April7,2010.

Note: GR: There must be proportionalrepresentation according to the number of theirconstituents/inhabitantsXPN: In one cityone representative/one provinceonerepresentativerule.Note: Where a town is converted to a highlyurbanized city with a population of not less than250, 000, the creation of a separate congressionaldistrict is in keeping with the one cityonerepresentative/one provinceone representativerule.Acitywhichhasexceeded thenumberof250,000inhabitantsisentitledtoonerepresentative.Q:Whatisthereasonforsuchrule?A: The underlying principle behind the rule forapportionment is the concept of equality ofrepresentation which is a basic principle ofrepublicanism. One mans vote should carry asmuchweightasthevoteofeveryotherman.Note: Section 5 provides that the House shall becomposed of not more than 250 members unlessotherwiseprovidedbylaw.Thus,CongressitselfmaybylawincreasethecompositionoftheHR.(Tobiasv.Abalos,G.R.No.L114783,December8,1994)As such, when one of the municipalities of acongressional district is converted to a city largeenough to entitle it to one legislative district, theincidentaleffect is the splittingofdistrict into two.Theincidentalarisingofanewdistrictinthismannerneed not be preceded by a census. (Tobias v.Abalos,G.R.No.L114783,December8,1994)Q:Howshouldthereapportionmentbemade?A:Reapportionment canbemade thrua speciallaw. (Mariano, Jr.vs.COMELEC,G.R.No.118577,March7,1995)


Note: In Montejo vs. COMELEC, it was held thatwhile concededly the conversion of Biliran into aregularprovincebroughtaboutan imbalance inthedistribution of voters and inhabitants in the 5districtsofLeyte,theissueinvolvesreapportionmentof legislative districts, and Petitioners remedy lieswith Congress. This Court cannot itself make thereapportionment as petitioner would want.(Montejo vs.COMELECG.R.No.118702,March16,1995)Q:WhatisGerrymandering?Isitallowed?A: Gerrymandering is the formation of onelegislative district out of separate territories forthepurposeoffavoringacandidateoraparty.Itisnotallowedbecause theConstitutionprovidesthat each district shall comprise, as far aspracticable, contiguous, compact and adjacentterritory (Bernas, Reviewer in PhilippineConstitution,p.186)


PARTYLISTSYSTEM

Q:DiscussthePartyListSystem.A:Partylist representatives shall constitute20%of the total number of representatives in theHouseofRepresentatives.(Sec.5[2],Art.VI,1987Constitution)Partylist system isamechanismofproportionalrepresentation in theelectionof representativesto theHoR from national, regional and sectoralparties or organizations or coalitions thereofregisteredwiththeCOMELEC.Afreeandopenpartysystemshallbeallowedtoevolveaccordingtothefreechoiceofthepeople.(Sec. 2 [5], Art. IXC, 1987 Constitution) Politicalparties registered under the partylist systemshall be entitled to appoint poll watchers inaccordance with law. (Sec. 8, Art. IXC, 1987Constitution)Q:DiscussthedifferentpartiesunderthepartylistsystemA: No votes cast in favor of political party,organizationorcoalitionshallbevalidexcept forthoseregisteredunderthepartylistsystem.

1. Political party organized group ofcitizens advocating ideology orplatform,principlesandpoliciesforthegeneral conduct of government andwhich,asthemostimmediatemeansofsecuring their adoption, regularly

nominates and supports certain of itsleaders and members as candidate inpublicoffice(BayanMunav.COMELEC,G.R.No.147612,June28,2001)

2. National party its constituency isspread over the geographical territoryofatleastamajorityofregions

3. Regional party its constituency isspread over the geographical territoryof at least amajority of the cities andprovincescomprisingtheregion

4. Sectoral party organized group ofcitizens belonging to any of thefollowing sectors: labor, peasant,fisherfolk, urban poor, indigenous,cultural communities, elderly,handicapped,women, youth, veterans,overseas workers and professionals,whose principal advocacy pertains tothe special interest and concerns oftheirsectors.

5. Sectoral Organization refers to agroup of citizens who share similarphysical attributes or characteristics,employment,interestorconcerns.

6. Coalition refers to an aggregation ofduly registered national, regional,sectoral parties or organizations forpoliticaland/orelectionpurposes.

Q:IfoneweretoanalyzetheConstitutionalandstatutoryexamplesofqualifiedparties,itshouldbeevidentthattheyrepresentwhatclasses?A:

BroadDefinition

*NarrowDefinition

SpecificallyDefinedGroups

WorkingClass

Labor Carpenters,securityguards,microchipfactoryworkers,

barbers,tricycledriversEconomicallyDeprived

UrbanPoor

Informalsettlers,thejobless,persons

displacedbydomesticwars

TheVulnerable

Women Workingwomen,batteredwomen,victimsofslavery

WorkImpaired

HandiCapped

Deafanddumb,theblind,peopleon

wheelchairs(SeparateOpinionofJustice

Abad,AngLadladLGBTPartyv.COMELEC,G.R.


No.190582,Apr. 8,2010)


Note:Obviously,the levelofrepresentationdesiredbyboththeConstitutionandR.A.7941forthepartylist system is the second, the narrow definition ofthesectorthatthelawregardsas"marginalizedandunderrepresented."The implicationofthis isthat, ifany of the subgroupings (the carpenters, thesecurityguards,themicrochipsfactoryworkers,thebarbers, the tricycledrivers in the example)withinthe sector desires to apply for accreditation as apartylist group, it must compete with other subgroups fortheseatallotted to the"laborsector" intheHouseofRepresentatives. This is the apparentintent of the Constitution and the law. (SeparateOpinion of Justice Abad, Ang Ladlad LGBT Party v.COMELEC,G.R.No.190582,Apr.8,2010)Q:Whatgroupsaredisqualifiedforregistration?A:

1. Religiousdenominationsorsects.2. Thosewho seek to achieve their goals

throughviolenceorunlawfulmeans.3. Thosewhorefusetoupholdandadhere

totheConstitution;and4. Those supported by foreign

governments(AngBagongBayaniOFWLabor Party, v. COMELEC, G.R. No.147589,June25,2003)

Q: In sum, what are the requirements for agrouptoqualifyforsectoralpartyaccreditation?A:

1. The applying party must show that itrepresents the "marginalized andunderrepresented," exemplified by theworking class, the service class, theeconomically deprived, the socialoutcasts, the vulnerable, the workimpaired,or some such similarclassofpersons.

2. The applying party should becharacterizedbya sharedadvocacy forgenuine issues affecting basic humanrights as these apply to the sector itrepresents.

3. The applying party must share thecauseof their sector,narrowlydefinedasshownabove. Ifsuchparty isasubgroup within that sector, it mustcompetewithothersubgroups for theseatallocatedtotheirsector.

4. The members of the party seekingaccreditation must have an inherentregionalornationalpresence.

5. Except for matters the COMELEC cantake judicial notice of, the partyapplying for accreditation must proveits claims by clear and convincingevidence. (Separate Opinion of JusticeAbad, Ang Ladlad LGBT Party v.COMELEC, G.R. No. 190582, Apr. 8,2010)

Q:Has theAng Ladlad PartyList amply provedthatitmeetstherequirementsforsectoralpartyaccreditation?

A:Yes.Theirmembersareinthevulnerableclasslike the women and the youth. Ang Ladladrepresentsanarrowdefinitionofitsclass(LGBTs)ratherthanaconcreteandspecificdefinitionofasubgroup within the class (group of gaybeauticians, for example). The people that AngLadlad seeks to represent have a nationalpresence.(SeparateOpinionofJusticeAbad,AngLadladLGBTPartyv.COMELEC,G.R.No.190582,Apr.8,2010)Q:Whatarethegroundsforthecancellationofregistration?A:

1. Accepting financial contributions fromforeigngovernmentsoragencies;and

2. Failure to obtain at least 10% of thevotes casts in the constituency wherethe party fielded candidates. (AngBagong BayaniOFW Labor Party, v.COMELEC, G.R. No. 147589, June 25,2003)

Q:Canmajorpoliticalpartiesparticipate in thepartylistelections?A: No. It is not open to all but only to themarginalizedandtheunderrepresented.Allowingall individualsandgroups, including thosewhichnowdominatedistrictelections,tohavethesameopportunity to participate in the partylistelectionswoulddesecratethisloftyobjectiveandmongrelize the social justicemechanism into anatrocious veneer for traditional politics. (AngBagong BayaniOFW Labor Party v. COMELEC,G.R.No.147589,June26,2001)Q:Whoshallbevoted?A: The registered national, regional or sectoralpartylist groups or organizations and not theircandidates.Q:Whoareelectedintooffice?


A: It is the partylist representatives who areelected into office, not their parties ororganizations.These representativesareelected,however, through thatpeculiarpartylist systemthat the Constitution authorized and thatCongress by law established where the voterscasttheirvotesfortheorganizationsorpartiestowhich such partylist representatives belong.(Abayonv.HRET,G.R.No.189466,Feb.11,2010)Q: What are the qualifications of partylistnominees?A:

1. NaturalborncitizenofthePhilippines2. Registeredvoter3. ResidentofthePhilippinesforatleast1

year immediatelypreceding thedayoftheelection

4. Abletoreadandwrite5. Bona fide member of the party or

organization which he seeks torepresent at least 90 days precedingelectionday

6. Atleast25yearsofage.(notmorethan30 years old for nominees for youthsector)

Note:There isabsolutelynothing inR.A.7941 thatprohibits COMELEC from disclosing or evenpublishing through mediums other than theCertifiedListthenamesofthepartylistnominees.As may be noted, no national security or likeconcerns is involved in thedisclosureof thenamesofthepartylistgroups inquestion(BantayRA7941v.COMELEC,G.R.No.177271;G.R.No.177314,May4,2007)


Q:Whatistheeffectofchangeofaffiliationanypartylistrepresentative?A: Any elected partylist representative whochanges his political party or sectoral affiliationduring his term of office shall forfeit his seat;provided that ifhe changeshispoliticalpartyorsectoral affiliation within 6 months before anelection,heshallnotbeeligiblefornominationaspartylist representative under his new party ororganization (Amores v. HRET,G.R.No. 189600,June29,2010).Note: In case of vacancy in the seat reserved forpartylist representatives, the vacancy shall beautomatically filledby thenextrepresentative fromthe list ofnominees in the order submitted to theCOMELEC by the same party, organization orcoalition,whoshallserve fortheunexpiredterm. Ifthe list is exhausted, the party, organization orcoalition concerned shall submit additionalnominees.

Q:DoestheConstitutionprecludeCongressfromincreasingitsmembership?A: The Constitution does not preclude Congressfromincreasingitsmembershipbypassingalaw,otherthanageneralreapportionmentlaw.Thus,a law converting a municipality into a highlyurbanized city automatically creates a newlegislativedistrict,andconsequentlyincreasesthemembership of the HoR (Mariano v. COMELEC,G.RNo.118577,Mar.7,1995).Q: What is the formula mandated by theConstitution in determining the number ofpartylistrepresentatives?A: The House of Representatives shall becomposedofnotmorethan250members,unlessotherwisefixedbylaw.(Section5[1],ArticleVIofthe1987Constitution).The number of seats available to partylistrepresentativesisbasedonthe:Ratioofpartylistrepresentatives to the total number ofrepresentatives.Accordingly, we compute the number of seatsavailable to partylist representatives from thenumberoflegislativedistricts.

Number ofseats availableto legislativedistricts

x0.20=

Numberofseatsavailabletopartylistrepresentatives0.80

This formula allows for the correspondingincrease in the number of seats available forpartylist representatives whenever a legislativedistrictiscreatedbylaw.Afterprescribingtheratioofthenumberofpartylist representatives to the total number ofrepresentatives,theConstitution leftthemannerof allocating the seats available to partylistrepresentativesto thewisdomof the legislature.(BANAT v. COMELEC,G.R.No. 179271, April 21,2009)Q:How shall thepartylist representative seatsbeallocated?A:Indeterminingtheallocationofseatsforpartylist representativesunderSection11ofR.A.No.7941,thefollowingprocedureshallbeobserved:


1. The parties, organizations, andcoalitions shall be ranked from thehighest to the lowest based on thenumber of votes they garnered duringtheelections.

2. The parties, organizations, andcoalitions receiving at least 2% of thetotalvotescastforthepartylistsystemshallbeentitledtooneguaranteedseateach.

3. Those garnering sufficient number ofvotes, according to the ranking inparagraph 1, shall be entitled toadditional seats in proportion to theirtotal number of votes until all theadditionalseatsareallocated.

4. Each party, organization, or coalitionshall be entitled to not more than 3seats.

Note: In computing the additional seats, theguaranteed seats shall no longer be includedbecause they have already been allocated, at oneseat each, to every two percent. Thus, theremaining available seats for allocation asadditional seatsarethe maximum seats reservedunder the partylist system less the guaranteedseats. Fractional seats are disregarded in theabsence of a provision in R.A. 7941 allowing for aroundingoffoffractionalseats.(BANATv.COMELEC,G.R.No.179271,April21,2009)Q: Is the two percent threshold prescribed inSection11(b)R.A.7941constitutional?A:No.TheCourtthereforestrikesdownthetwopercent threshold only in relation to thedistributionoftheadditionalseatsasfoundinthesecond clauseofSection11 (b)ofRA7941.Thetwo percent threshold presents an unwarrantedobstacle to the full implementation of Section5(2),ArticleVI of the Constitution and preventsthe attainment of the broadest possiblerepresentation of party, sectoral or groupinterests in the House of Representatives.(BANAT v. COMELEC,G.R.No. 179271, April 21,2009)

24 POLITICALLAWTEAM:ADVISER:ATTY.EDWINREYSANDOVAL;SUBJECTHEAD:RACHELMARIEL.FELICES;ASST.SUBJECTHEADS:WIVINOE.BRACEROII&HERAZEUSCHRISTINEY.UY;MEMBERS:LAWRENCEPAULOH.AQUINO,LEANDRORODELV.ATIENZA,MARINETHEASTERAND.AYOS,CARLOR.BALA,WILFREDOT.BONILLA,JR.,KEELACHERNARR.DINOY,APRILV.E

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