ARTICLE II:
power you have has to be given to you.
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND
STATE POLICIES
Declaration of Principles and State Policies = statement of
the basic ideological principles and policies that underlie the
Constitution.
The provisions shed light on the meaning of the other
provisions of the Constitution and they are a guide for all
departments of the government in the implementation of the
Constitution.
Principles = binding rules which must be observed
in the conduct of government (1-6)
o Not all 6 principles are self-executory
Policies = guidelines for the orientation of the state
(7-28)
Some policies already anchor
justiciable rights.
Kilosbayan v. Morato = read Sec 5,
12, 14, and 17 as mere
guidelines which do not yet
confer rights enforceable by courts
but recognized Section 16 as a
right-conferring provision because
it speaks of the right of the
people
PRINCIPLES
Section 1. The Philippines is a democratic
and republican State. Sovereignty resides in
the people and all government authority
emanates from them.
A state is a community of persons more or less numerous
permanently occupying a definite portion of territory
independent of external control and possessing an organized
government to which a body of inhabitants render habitual
obedience.
Four requirements for a government:
People
Territory
Sovereignty
Government
State = legal concept / Nation = ethnic concept
Legal Sovereignty = the supreme power to make law.
Lodged in the people
Political Sovereignty = the sum total of all influences in a
state, legal and non-legal, which determine the course of
law.
A republican state implies a representative government
while a democratic state implies a direct democracy.
Republican state = all government authority emanates
from the people and is exercised by representatives
chosen by the people
We are not only representative or republican, we also
share aspects of direct democracy such as INITATIVE
AND REFERENDUM (Art VI, Sec. 32)
Sovereignty is the power to make legal decisions.
Constitutional Law I | Article II: Declaration of Principles and State Policies | KSantos.
All sovereignty resides in the people, and whatever
Sovereignty is defined by Jellinek as the supreme power
to affect all legal interests either by executive, legal, or
judicial action.
Constitutional Authoritarianism = understood and practiced
in the Marcos regime under the 1973 Constitution was the
presumption of the extraordinary powers by the President
INCLUDING LEGISLATIVE AND JUDICIAL and even
constituent powers, where such assumption is authorized bu
the letter or at least the SPIRIT OF LEGITIMATELY
ENACTED CONSTITUTION.
Consti Authoritarianism is compatible with a
republican state if the Consti upon which the
Executive bases his assumption of power is a
legitimate expression of the peoples will
And if the executive who assumes power receives his
office thru a valid election by the people.
Why? Because a republican state is nothing more
than a state where sovereignty resides in the people
and where all government authority emanates from
the people.
Nature and functions of Government
Government that institution or aggregate of
institutions by which an independent society makes
and carries out those rules of action which are
necessary to enable men to live in a social state
Or which are imposed upon the people forming that
society by those who possess the power or authority
of prescribing them
3 great departments: LEGISLATIVE (6), EXECUTIVE
(7), JUDICIARY (8)
2 function of Govt
o CONSTITUENT compulsory
o MINISTRANT constitute the very bonds of
society
People v. Gozo
Her house was constructed within the naval base
leased to the American armed forces. She seeks to
emasculate our sovereign rights by the assertion
that we cannot exercise therein administrative
jurisdiction.
Court ruled that the govt is merely gave consent to
the US to exercise jurisdiction in certain cases.
Auto-limitation = a state if it chooses to may refrain
from the exercise of what otherwise is illimitable
competence
Allowing another power to participate in the
exercise of jurisdictional right over certain portions
of its territory. IF IT DOES SO, IT BY NO MEANS
FOLLOWS THAT SUCH AREAS BECOME
IMPRESSED WITH AN ALIEN CHARACTER. THEY
RETAIN THEIR STATUS AS NATIVE SOIL. THEY
ARE STILL SUBJECT TO ITS AUTHORITY
Philippines have NOT abdicated its sovereignty over
the bases as part of the Philippine territory or
divested itself completely of jurisdiction of such
offenses committed therein.
Bases = they are NOT and CANNOT be foreign
territory
Doctrine: The Philippine government merely consents to a
foreign states jurisdiction in certain areas as a matter of
comity, courtesy, or expediency. The US has prior or
preferential, but not exclusive jurisdiction, and the
Philippines does not divest itself of jurisdiction over offenses
committed inside the military bases. The bases are not
foreign territory. Functions of Government As defined in
Bacani v. NACOCO, the functions of government are
classified into constituent and ministrant functions.
Constituent Functions The constituent functions of
1
government are the compulsory functions of government that
constitute the very bonds of society.
As enumerated by Woodrow Wilson, they are:
1. The keeping of order and providing for the
protection of persons and property from violence
and robbery.
2. The fixing of legal relations between man and wife
and between parents and children.
3. The regulation of the holding, transmission, and
interchange of property, and the determination its
liabilities for debt or for crime
4. The determination of contract rights between
individuals.
5. The definition and punisment of crime.
6. The administration of justice in civil cases.
7. The determination of the political duties, privileges,
and relations of citizens
8. Dealings of the state with foreign powers: the
preservation of the state from external danger or
encroachment and the advancement of its
international interest.
It is opined that housing for the people and the compelling
demands of social justice now fall under the ambit of a
governments constituent functions.
Bacani v. NACOCO issue was WON NACOCO was part of
government or not. Since NACOCO was a corporation with
personality distinct from government and could not therefore
claim the privileges which flow from sovereignty. When,
however, government chooses to operate not thru a
government owned corporation but thru an incorporated
agency, the distinction between constituent can be useful.
Ministrant Functions
Ministrant functions of the government are the optional
functions that are intended for achieving a better life for the
community. The principles for determining whether or not
the government shall exercise these functions are:
that a government should do for the public welfare
those things that private capital would not naturally
undertake
that a government should do those things which by
its very nature it is better equipped to administer for
the public welfare than any private individual or
group of individuals.
ACCFA v. CUGCO Issue was the characterization of the
functions of a government agency charged with the
implementation of the land reform program. The function
may not strictly be CONSTITUENT in the sense of BACANI.
But the compelling urgency with the Constitution speaks of
SOCIAL JUSTICE does not leave any doubt that land reform
is not an optional but a CUMPOLSARY function of
sovereignty.
State, government, and administration
State is the corporate entity, government is the institution
that implements the will of the State, and administration
refers to the people running the institution.
De facto government
Judicial acts and proceedings of de facto governments remain
good and valid even after the liberation or reoccupation of
the Philippines by the American and Filipino forces.
Go Kim Chan v. Valdez Tan Keh
Doctrine There are three kinds of de facto governments. Is
the government established by the Japanese DE FACTO?
KINDS OF DE FACTO GOVERNMENT
First, is when the government de facto gets
possession and control of, or usurps, by force or by
the voice of the majority, the rightful legal
Constitutional Law I | Article II: Declaration of Principles and State Policies | KSantos.
government and maintains itself against the will
of the latter. (Cromwells England)
The second is a government established and
maintained by military forces who invade and
occupy a territory of the enemy in the course of
war, and which is denominated a government of
paramount force (Japanese Occupation)
The third kind is that established as an
independent government by the inhabitants of a
country who rise in insurrection against the parent
state (Southern Confederacy)
Of the second kind, denominated as a
government of paramount force.
Distinguishing Characteristics of a De Facto government:
Its existence is maintained by active military
power within the territories and against the rightful
authority of an established and lawful government
While it exists it must necessarily be obeyed in
civil matters by private citizens, who by obedience
rendered in submission to such force, do not become
responsible as wrongdoers for those acts, though
not warranted by the laws of the rightful
government.
Philippine Government promulgated during the Japanese
years = DE FACTO GOVERNMENT OF THE SECOND KIND
The legislative and judicial acts of de facto government =
VOID AB INITIO.
In Re: Letter of Associate Justice Puno
Synopsis With respect to the Aquino government of 1986, it
can be said that the organization of Mrs. Aquinos
government was met by little resistance and her control of
the state evidenced by the appointment of the Cabinet and
other key officers of Cabinet officials, revamp of the Judiciary,
and the Military signaled the point where the legal system in
effect had ceased to be obeyed by the Filipino people.
REVOLUTIONARY.
C. Republic v. Sandiganbayan
Issue: Legality of search and seizure after the 1987
constitution was promulgated. Illegal search = against the
bill of rights.
Patterns of Government
What superficially appears to be a bewildering variety of
applications of constitutional democracy can be reduced to
the following basic patterns:
Direct government the people, organized as the
electorate, are the preponderant power holder
(Ancient Greek City-States)
Assembly government name for the pattern
which the parliament as the representation of the
people is the preponderant power holder (China,
former USSR)
o Legislative assembly holds undisputed
supremacy over all other state organs,
subject only to the sovereign electorate
renewing it at regular intervals
o Incompatible with bicameralism
o Chief of state ceremonial
Parliamentarism where there exists an
equilibrium between the independent power
holders, parliament and government, and is
attempted by the integration of the two. There are
two widely divergent forms of this type, where the
parliament is superior in political power to the
cabinet (French model) or vice versa (British model).
o 6 STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS COMMON
TO ALL PARLIAMENTARY
GOVERNMENTS:
2
 Members of the government are
also members of the parliament.
RATIONALE: So
Assembly can subject
them to political
responsibility by making
them stand up in the
midst and account for
their conduct of office.
Government/Cabinet consists of
the political leaders of the majority
party
Pyramidal structure with the Prime
Minister as its apex
recognized leader
PM exercises undisputed
supremacy over
ministerial colleagues.
Government remains in power so
long as it commands the support of
the majority of the members of the
parliament
Power is lost when
majority withdraws its
support
General elections change
the majority structure of
parliament
Policy decision is shared by the
government and the parliament
It is in POLICY CONTROL that the
crux of the pattern of a
parliamentary government lies
Dissolution and vote of
non-confidence belong
together like piston and
cylinder
Cabinet prime minister and cabinet over the
parliament
o MAIN FEATURES:
Existence of 2 alternating parties
possessing even chances in the
long run becoming the majority
party
Cabinet is relatively a small
committee composed of leaders of
the majority party
The official leader of the winning
party is the prime minister
designate. Undisputed leader and
superior of his cabinet whose
members he choose upon his
discretion
Policy decision is in the hands of
PM and cabinet, the commons are
granted only that degree of
participation in the policy
execution by legislation that the
prevailing political climate of
public opinion demands
Policy control is vested in both
houses of the parliament and the
electorate
Majority of the parliament
members = men of intelligence,
integrity, and experience. PARTY
DICSIPLINE!
Presidential If the independent power holders,
government and parliament, are kept separated but
are constitutionally obligated to corporate for the
formation of the will of the state, interdependence is
achieved by coordination.
Marcos Dictatorship and Parliamentarism vs. Presidential
Government
Constitutional Law I | Article II: Declaration of Principles and State Policies | KSantos.
The Marcos government was a presidential form of
the government. A presidential form of government has these
distinguishing features:
separation of powers
the preeminence of the President
First of all, Marcos inherited the powers of the President as
defined in the 1935 Constitution. He was also superior to the
Prime Minister by the fact that he nominated the Prime
Minister, approved the program of government to be
administered by the Prime Minister, terminated the term of
the Prime Minister if and when he nominates his successor,
and and could delegate powers to the Prime Minister. He also had
control over the ministries. Moreover, while there was a
closer relationship between the executive and legislative,
his thereby manifesting some aspects of parliamentarism, there
was a definite separation. Separation from the Judiciary was
also maintained.
Section 2. The Philippines renounces war as
an instrument of national policy, adopts the
generally accepted principles of
international law as part of the law of the
land and adheres to the policy of peace,
equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and
amity with all nations.
Renunciation of war
The war that is renounced is an aggressive and not a
defensive war.
Congress = power to declare a state of war
Adoption of International law
International law can only become part of municipal law
through the appropriate constitutional machinery, such
as an act of parliament or Congressional legislation.
TRANSFORMATION and INCORPORATION
Sec. 2 Art II accepts doctrine of incorporation.
International law has the same force as domestic law
Cases of Mejoff v. Director of Prisons (alien of Russian
descent who had been detained. Invoked the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights)
AGUSTIN V. EDU use of early warning devices. Court
ruled that the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs
and Signals had been ratified
Although the doctrine of incorporation tells us that
public international law carries the same weight as
statutory law, when it comes to general principles of
international law, the ones that will be adopted by the
country are arrived at through jurispruidential
development.
Adherence to policy of peace, freedom, amity
Foreign policy = national interest
Section 3. Civilian authority is, at all times,
supreme over the military. The Armed
Forces of the Philippines is the protector of
the people and the State. Its goal is to
3
secure the sovereignty of the State and the Article III, Section 5
integrity of the national territory.
STATE POLICIES
Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the
people and the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of
Section 7. The State shall pursue an
the State and the integrity of the national territory. The independent foreign policy. In its relations
section is divided into two clauses, the Civilian Supremacy with other states, the paramount
clause and the Mark of Sovereignty clause. consideration shall be national sovereignty,
territorial integrity, national interest, and
Civilian Supremacy - Civilian authority is, at all the right to self-determination.
times, supreme over the military.
Mark of Sovereignty -The AFP is the protector of the An Independent foreign policy
people and the state.
Discussions on the future of the military bases in
Subic and Clark
As politics get into the army, the army gets into
Closest reference to military bases that a dominant
politics. MARTIAL LAW.
majority in the ConCom would allow in the body of
the consti
Armed forces = protector of the state

Mark of Sovereignty
Section 8. The Philippines, consistent with
the national interest, adopts and pursues a
The MoS clause is, in capsule form, the description of a
soldiers vocation. The soldier is supposed to renounce policy of freedom from nuclear weapons in
political ambition because he finds nobility and dignity and its territory.
honor in being the guardian of the people and of the integrity
of the national territory of a legitimate government. This is
A policy of freedom from nuclear weapons
not a principle, which once articulated, creates the reality
2 questions: 1. What are banned by the provision 2.
that it seeks to describe. To keep the dream of civilian
How absolute is the ban?
supremacy alive, two elements are needed: a civilian
government that is both legitimate and stable, and an armed
force of the highest professionalism. not only possessing weapons but also NUCLEAR
TESTS in our territory as well as the use of our
territory as dumping ground for radioactive wastes
Section 4. The prime duty of the (JPEPA?!)
Government is to serve and protect the
people. The Government may call upon the Not a ban on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy
people to defend the State and, in the
fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be
required, under conditions provided by law,
to render personal, military or civil service. Section 9. The State shall promote a just
and dynamic social order that will ensure
Compulsory military and civil service; protection of the prosperity and independence of the
people and State nation and free the people from poverty
through policies that provide adequate
Volunteer system entrusting the sacred mission of social services, promote full employment, a
defending the country to men lacking in capacity rising standard of living, and an improved
who have proved failures in other fields of activity
quality of life for all.
(like in Korea)
People v. Lagman the accused was prosecuted for
failing to register for military service under the Section 10. The State shall promote social
National Defense Act. Act is NOT unconstitutional. justice in all phases of national
People v. Manayo
development.

SOCIAL JUSTICE equalization of economic,

Section 5. The maintenance of peace and political, and social opportunities with special
order, the protection of life, liberty, and emphasis on the duty of the state to tilt the balance
property, and promotion of the general of social forces by favouring the disadvantaged in
welfare are essential for the enjoyment by life
Common tao, PREFERENTIAL OPTION FOR THE
all the people of the blessings of democracy. POOR

Peace, order, and general welfare Tondo Medical Center Employees v. CA

Padilla: provision recognized a hierarchy of rights
LIFE (1), LIBERTY (2), PROPERTY (3) o HEALTH SECTOR REFORM AGENDA
(HSRA) = Making free medicine and free
medical services inaccessible to
Section 6. The separation of Church and economically disadvantaged principles
State shall be inviolable.

Constitutional Law I | Article II: Declaration of Principles and State Policies | KSantos. 4
 o Petitioners requests that HRSA declared
VOID because it counters to the aspiration
and ideals of the Filipino people as
embodied in the Constitution
o As a general rule, provisions of the
constitution are considered SELF-
EXECUTING and do not require future
legislation for their enforcement. For if they
are not treated as self-executing, the
mandate of the fundamental law can be
easily nullified by the inaction of congress.
However, some provisions have already
been categorically declared by this court as
non-self executing
o TANADA V. ANGARA These principles in
Art II are NOT intended to be self-executing
principles ready for enforcement thru the
courts. They are used by the judiciary as
aids or guides in the exercise of its power
of judicial review, and by the legislature in
its enactment of laws
NON-SELF EXECUTIN: 5 (church
and state), 9 (promote dynamic
social order), 10 (social justice), 11
(dignity), 12 (sanctity of family
life), 15 (right of health), 18 (labor)
o BASCO V. PAGCOR Sec 11 (dignity), 12
(sanctity of family life) and 13 (youth) of Art
II ARE NOT SELF-EXECUTING
PROVISIONS. These cannot give rise to a
cause of action in the courts. They do not
embody judicially enforceable consti rights
Section 11. The State values the dignity of
every human person and guarantees full
respect for human rights.
Section 12. The State recognizes the
sanctity of family life and shall protect and
strengthen the family as a basic
autonomous social institution. It shall
equally protect the life of the mother and
the life of the unborn from conception. The
natural and primary right and duty of
parents in the rearing of the youth for civic
efficiency and the development of moral
character shall receive the support of the
Government.
FAMILY a stable, heterosexual relationship
Family is anterior to the state and is not a creature
of the state
It protects the family from the instrumentalization
by the state
2 points on the legal meaning and purpose of the
protection that is guaranteed for the unborn:
o 1. THIS IS NOT AN ASSERTION THAT THE
UNBORN IS A LEGAL PERSON
o THIS IS NOT AN ASSERTION THAT THE
LIFE OF THE UNBORN IS PLACED
Constitutional Law I | Article II: Declaration of Principles and State Policies | KSantos.
EXACTLY ON THE LEVEL TO SAVE THE
LIFE OF THE MOTHER
o When the life of the mother needs to be
saved, the unborn can be sacrificed but not
merely when the purpose is to save the
mother from emotional suffering
o Roe v. Wade liberalized abortion laws up
to the 6th month of pregnancy by allowing
abortion any time in the first 6th months
o Roe was overturned by CASEY. 4th month
with undue burden test and will inform the
parents and father
Section 13. The State recognizes the vital
role of the youth in nation-building and
shall promote and protect their physical,
moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social
well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth
patriotism and nationalism, and encourage
their involvement in public and civic affairs.
As to the education of children, the rights of the
State and parents are delineated, as the primary
right belongs to the parents and affirms the
secondary and supportive role of the state.
The State, as parens patriae, may step in when a
natural parent cannot or fails to cope with the duties
of raising his or her children.
Section 14. The State recognizes the role of
women in nation-building, and shall ensure
the fundamental equality before the law of
women and men.
Fundamental equality between men and women
before the law
The provision is worded as not to dislocate the Civil
Code and the jurisprudence on the subject. What it
does is to give impetus to the removal, through
statutes, of existing inequalities. The general idea is
for the law to ignore gender in determining rights
and duties
Section 15. The State shall protect and
promote the right to health of the people
and instill health consciousness among
them.
Section 16. The State shall protect and
advance the right of the people to a
balanced and healthful ecology in accord
with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to
a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm
and harmony of nature. This provision recognizes an
enforceable right. This is illustrated in the following cases.
Oposa v. Factoran
The subject matter of the complaint is the general
interest of all citizens of the Philippines. The
petitioner minors assert that they represent their
5
 generation and the generations yet unknown. Their Consti = NATIONAL INTEREST
personality to sue in behalf of succeeding
generations is based on the concept of Other case: Manila Prince Hotel
intergenerational responsibility. Every generation
has a responsibility to the next to preserve the
rhythm and harmony for the full enjoyment of a Section 20. The State recognizes the
balanced ecology. indispensable role of the private sector,
Intergenerational responsibility and justice encourages private enterprise, and provides
Minors: 1) cancel all existing timber license
incentives to needed investments.
agreements in the country and 2) cease and desist
from receiving, accepting, renewing, or approving MARINE RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
new timber license agreements ASSOCIATION V. REYES Article II, Section 20 is
no more than an acknowledgement of the
Laguna Lake Development Authority v. Court of Appeals importance of private initiative in building the
nation. However, it is not a call for official abdication
of duty to citizenry
Some residents near the dumpsite in Caloocan were
concerned about pollution. The LLDA issued a cease
and desist order because of its harmful effects on Section 21. The State shall promote
the residents and the possible pollution to the comprehensive rural development and
receiving streams. The Court upheld the LLDA agrarian reform.
ruling.

Comprehensive rural development also includes: 1. Social 2.

Section 17. The State shall give priority to Economic 3. Human 4. Cultural 5. Political and 6. Industrial
education, science and technology, arts, development
culture, and sports to foster patriotism and
nationalism, accelerate social progress, and Section 22. The State recognizes and
promote total human liberation and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural
development. communities within the framework of
national unity and development.
This does not mean that the government is not free to
balance the demands of education against other competing Indigenous and cultural communities are discussed
and urgent demands. under National Economy and Patrimony (XII) and LG
(X)
Section 18. The State affirms labor as a
primary social economic force. It shall Section 23. The State shall encourage non-
protect the rights of workers and promote governmental, community-based, or sectoral
their welfare. organizations that promote the welfare of
the nation.
This means that the human factor has primacy over the non-
human factor in production.
Section 24. The State recognizes the vital
role of communication and information in
Section 19. The State shall develop a self- nation-building.
reliant and independent national economy
effectively controlled by Filipinos. *The 1986 Constitutional Commission refused to impose a
social responsibility on media
This is a guide for interpreting provisions on the
national economy and patrimony imposing such a duty will open the door for the state to
Any doubt must be resolved in favour of self-reliance require media to follow a certain line
and independence in favour of Filipinos
*Note: Article XVI Sec. 10-11
Garcia vs Board of Investments
Art. XVI Sec. 10. The State shall provide the policy
environment for the full development of Filipino capability
Transfer of the petrochemical plant in Bataan to and the emergence of COMMUNICATION STRUCTURES
Batangas suitable to the needs and aspirations of the nation and the
Taiwanese want to transfer the site to Batangas BALANCED FLOW OF INFORMATION into, out of, and
because of employment issues. across the country, in a accordance with a policy that
respects FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
Issue: WON the foreign investor has the right of
final choice of plant site Communication Policy-includes within its scope
COMMERCIAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS, MASS MEDIA,
BOI committed a grave abuse of discretion in and ADVERTISING. This section is concerned with the
approving the transfer of the petrochemical plant AVAILABILITY and REACH of communication facilities.
from Bataan to Batangas and authoring change of
feedstock from naptha oly naptha and LPG for the The State may exercise its authority TO MAINTAIN a
main reason that the final say is in the investor all PROPER COMMUNICATION ENVIRONMENT by ordering a
other circumstances to the contrary notwithstanding PRIVATE telephone company to allow interconnection.

Constitutional Law I | Article II: Declaration of Principles and State Policies | KSantos. 6
e.g. Philippine Long Distance Co. vs.
Telecommunications Commissions:
The Court: The interconnection which has been required of
PLDT is a form of intervention with property rights...The
decisive considerations are PUBLIC NEED, PUBLIC
INTEREST and the COMMON GOOD...To these PUBLIC and
NATIONAL INTERESTS, PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES must
bow and yield.
Art. XVI Sec. 11. (1) The OWNERSHIP and MANAGEMENT
of MASS MEDIA shall be limited to CITIZENS of the
PHILIPPINES, or to corporations, cooperatives or
associations, WHOLLY-OWNED and MANAGED by such
CITIZENS.
The CONGRESS shall REGULATE or PROHIBIT
MONOPOLIES in COMMERCIAL MASS MEDIA when the
PUBLIC INTEREST so requires.
(2) The ADVERTISING industry is
impressed with PUBLIC INTEREST, and shall be regulated by
law for the PROTECTION OF CONSUMERS and the
PROMOTION of the GENERAL WELFARE.
ONLY FILIPINO CITIZENS or corporations or
associations at least SEVENTY PER CENTUM of the capital
of which is owned by such citizens shall be allowed to engage
in the advertising industry.
The participation of FOREIGN INVESTORS in the
governing body of entities in such industry shall be LIMITED
TO THEIR PROPORTIONATE SHARE in the capital thereof,
and all the EXECUTIVE and MANAGING OFFICERS of such
entities MUST BE CITIZENS OF THE PHILIPPINES.
*The Consti. Commission did not succeed in formulating a
definition of MONOPOLIES
MASS MEDIA-includes radio, television, and the printed
media. It does not include commercial telecommunications,
which are governed as public utilities, nor the advertising
industry.
PUBLIC UTILITY-a utility corporation which renders service
to the general public for COMPENSATION. Its service is not
confined to privileged individuals but is OPEN TO AN
INDEFINITE PUBLIC. It is a business or service engaged in
regularly supplying the public with some commodity or
service of PUBLIC CONSEQUENCE (Iloilo Ice and Cold
Storage Co. v. Public Utility Board, Art. XII Sec. 11).
Section 25. The State shall ensure the
autonomy of local governments.
*Note: Article X Sec. 1-3
Art. X Sec. 1. The TERRITORIAL and POLITICAL
SUBDIVISIONS of the Republic of the Philippines are the
PROVINCES, CITIES, MUNICIPALITIES, and BARANGAYS.
There shall be AUTONOMOUS REGIONS in MUSLIM
MINDANAO and THE CORDILLERAS as herein after
provided.
PROVINCES, CITIES, MUNICIPALITIES, and BARANGAYS-
fixed as the standard TERRITORIAL and POLITICAL
SUBDIVISIONS of the Philippines
AUTONOMOUS REGION-a BODY CORPORATE consisting of
provinces, cities, and municipalities. Creation of other
autonomous regions can only be accomplished by
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Constitutional Law I | Article II: Declaration of Principles and State Policies | KSantos.
National The right of PROVINCES, CITIES, MUNICIPALITIES,
BARANGAYS, and AUTONOMOUS REGIONS to exist as the
TERRITORIAL and POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS of the state
is no longer just a STATUTORY RIGHT but a
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT.
Salient Criteria for AUTONOMY:
(1) AUTONOMY should be compatible with NATIONAL
GOALS
(2) AUTONOMY should ensure WIDEST PARTICIPATION and
INITIATIVE to the local government unit
(3) AUTONOMY should assure the development of SELF-
RELIANT communities
LOCAL GOVERNMENT-a POLITICAL SUBDIVISION of a
nation or a state which is CONSTITUTED BY LAW and has
SUBSTANTIAL CONTROL of LOCAL AFFAIRS.
Unitary System of the Philippines: LOCAL GOVERNMENT
can only be an infra-sovereign subdivision of ONE
SOVEREIGN NATION.
It cannot be an imperium in imperio but only:
(1) a measure of autonomy
(2) decentralization of the FUNCTIONS of
GOVERNMENT
Art. X Sec. 2. The TERRITORIAL and POLITICAL
SUBDIVISIONS shall enjoy LOCAL AUTONOMY.
Local Autonomy-means more than just decentralization:
Decentralization of ADMINISTRATION-when the CENTRAL
GOVERNMENT delegates ADMINISTRATIVE powers to
political subdivisions in order to:
(1) broaden the base of government power making local
governments more RESPONSIVE and ACCOUNTABLE
(2) ensure their fullest development as SELF-RELIANT
communities
(3) make them more effective PARTNERS in the pursuit of
NATIONAL DEVT. and PROGRESS
(4) relieves THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT the burden of
managing LOCAL AFFAIRS, enabling it to focus on
NATIONAL CONCERNS
Decentralization of POWER-involves an abdication of
POLITICAL POWER in favour of LOCAL GOVERNMENT
UNITS declared to be AUTONOMOUS. The AUTONOMOUS
GOVERNMENT becomes accountable not to the CENTRAL
AUTHORITIES but to ITS CONSTITUENCY.
*The meaning of LOCAL AUTONOMY under the 1987
Constitution, HOWEVER, was effectively thrown down to the
LEVEL OF AUTONOMY under the 1935 Constitution.
e.g. Magtajas v. Pryce Properties: GOVT OF CAGAYAN DE
ORO CITY contended that it could prevent the PAGCOR from
operating a casino in the city, under its authority to prohibit
gambling. PAGCOR, however, had authority under P.D. No.
1869 to CENTRALIZE and REGULATE all games of chance
under territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines.
THE COURT ruled that: CDO City could not curtail
PAGCORS authority. Municipal governments are ONLY
AGENTS of the national government. Municipal corporations
owe to, and derive their powers and rights wholly from the
LEGISLATURE.
7
 Lina, Jr. v. Pano: an attempt by the provincial government
to PROHIBIT LOTTO. THE COURT ruled: The provincial
government may not prohibit lotto.
*Commision on Audit MAY NOT reduce the allowance given
to JUDGES by LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, as the LOCAL
GOVERNMENT CODE authorizes LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
to give allowance to judges and decide how much this should
be.
San Juan v. Civil Service Commission:
Facts: By E.O. No. 112, authority to appoint a Provincial
Budget Officer (PBO) had been given to the SECRETARY OF
BUDGET MANAGEMENT upon RECOMMENDATION of the
LOCAL EXECUTIVE concerned. The person recommended
by the PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR, however, did not possess
the necessary qualifications. Hence, the c appointed
somebody else of his own choice.
Issue: The authority to appoint a PBO.
Held: THE COURT rules that if the recommendee of the
PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR is not qualified, the SECRETARY
OF BUDGET MANAGEMENT must ask for new
recommendees with the necessary eligibility.
San Juan was aware that there are factors about life in a
local community about which the CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
is NOT the best judge. THE COURT: More important is the
proper administration of FISCAL AFFAIRS at the LOCAL
LEVEL.
Laguna Lake Devt. Authority v. Court of Appeals
Facts: The Task Force Camarin Dumpsite filed a complaint
with the Laguna Lake Devt. Authority (LLDA) seeking to stop
the operation of the garbage dumpsite in Tala Estate, Brngy.
Camarin, Caloocan City due to its harmful effects on the
health of the residents and the possibility of pollution of the
water content of the surrounding area. The LLDA found out
that the City Government was not able to secure an
Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the
Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) before
maintaining an open dumpsite. The LLDA issued a CEASE
and DESIST ORDER ordering the City Government of
Caloocan to stop dumping garbage at the Camarin Dumpsite.
Less than a year later, the dumping operation was resumed
after a meeting among the City Government of Caloocan. The
LLDA then issued another order reiterating the CEASE AND
DESIST ORDER previously issued. The City Government filed
with the RTC DECLARATION OF NULLITY of the CEASE
AND DESIST ORDER.
Issue: Which agency can lawfully exercise jurisdiction over
the matter?
Held: The Supreme Court denied to the municipalities around
Laguna Lake and here, the City Government of Caloocan, the
power to authorize the construction or dismantling of
fishpens, fish enclosures, and the like (in this case a garbage
dumpsite) in Laguna Lake. The COURT ruled that the
SPECIFIC POWER of the LLDA must prevail over the
GENERAL POWER of LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.
The issuance of the CEASE AND DESIST ORDER by the
LLDA is a proper exercise of its power and authority under
its charter and amendatory laws. This charter of LLDA, R.A.
4850 have provided the power to institute necessary legal
proceeding against any person who shall commence to
implement or continue implementation of any project, plan or
program WITHIN THE LAGUNA DE BAY REGION without
previous clearance from the LLDA. In addition, E.O. 927
series of 1983 confers on the LLDA the power to make, alter
or modify orders requiring the discontinuance of pollution.
Constitutional Law I | Article II: Declaration of Principles and State Policies | KSantos.
Art. X Sec. 3. THE CONGRESS shall enact a LOCAL
GOVERNMENT CODE which shall provide for a more
RESPONSIVE and ACCOUNTABLE local government
structure instituted through a SYSTEM OF
DECENTRALIZATION with effective mechanism of RECALL,
INITIATIVE, and REFERENDUM, ALLOCATE among the
different local government units their powers,
responsibilities, and resources, and provide for the
QUALIFICATIONS, ELECTION, APPOINTMENT AND
REMOVAL, TERM, SALARIES, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS
AND DUTIES OF LOCAL OFFICIALS, and all other matters
relating to the organization and operation of the local units.
INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM-the legal process whereby
the registered voters of a LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT may
DIRECTLY propose, enact, or amend any ordinance.
The COURT has ruled that, even as worded, the statute
authorizes INITIATIVE AND REFRENDUM not just on
ordinances BUT ALSO ON RESOLUTIONS
RECALL-as an instrument for effecting official accountability,
is a DEVICE or PROCEDURE by which a public officials
tenure may be terminated by POPULAR VOTE. It may be
applied to both ELECTIVE and APPOINTIVE officials.
e.g. Garcia v. Commission on Elections-
Facts: The 1991 Local Government Code authorized
PROVINCES, CITIES, LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS AND
MUNICIPALITIES to have a PREPARATORY RECALL
ASSEMBLY authorized to initiate the recall of an elective
official. Governor Garcia contended that such a right includes
the SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE RIGHT to decide on whether to
INITIATE a recall proceeding or not.
Issue: Whether the Local Government Code also authorizes
local government units to have a sole and exclusive right to
decide on whether there should be a recall proceeding or not.
Held: The COURT did not agree with Governor Garcia and
stated that the CONGRESS has made its choice as called for
by the constitution and it is not the prerogative of this court
to supplant this judgement. There is nothing in the
CONSTITUTION that will remotely suggest that the people
have the sole and exclusive right to decide on whether to
initiate a recall proceeding.
CONGRESS was not straight jacketed to one particular
mechanism of initiating recall elections and was given the
POWER TO CHOOSE the effective mechanism of recall AT
ITS DISCERNMENT. It is the LEGISLATIVE that determines
the necessity, adequacy, wisdom and expediency of law.
Principal Guidelines given to CONGRESS for structuring
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS:
(1) The structure must be RESPONSIVE and ACCOUNTABLE
(2) It must be instituted through a SYSTEM OF
DECENTRALIZATION
Section 26. The State shall guarantee equal
access to opportunities for public service
and prohibit political dynasties as may be
defined by law.
*The establishment of political dynasties is an effective way
of MONOPILIZING and PERPETUATING power. BUT the
argument that the ELECTORATE should be LEFT FREE TO
DECIDE is not without VALIDITY.
8
*The meaning of POLITICAL DYNASTIES has been left for
CONGRESS to define:
DEAN BAU: POLITICAL DYNASTIES still has no definition
to date. The question is are the principles CORRECT and
can they be IMPLEMENTED?
A. Pamatong v. Comelec article is not self-executing
Facts: PETITIONER Rev. Ely Pamatong filed his Certificate of
Candidacy. The COMELEC refused to give due course to the
PETITIONERS Certificate of Candidacy. PETITIONER sought
to reverse the resolutions which were allegedly rendered in
violation of his right to equal access to opportunities for
public service under Sec. 26, Art. II.
Issue: Whether denial of PETITIONER to run for the
presidency violative of his right to equal access to
opportunities for public service under Sec. 26, Art. II.
Held: No. The provision is not intended to compel the state to
enact positive measures that would accommodate AS MANY
PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE into public office.
There is no CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT to run for or hold
public office. What is recognized is merely a privilege subject
to LIMITATIONS imposed by law. Some valid limitations
specifically on the privilege to seek elective office are found
in the provisions of the OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE on
NUISANCE CANDIDATES and COMELEC Resolution No.
6452, wherein the COMELEC may motu proprio refuse to
give due course to or cancel a Certificate of Candidacy.
Section 27. The State shall maintain honesty
and integrity in the public service and take
positive and effective measures against graft
and corruption.
*NOTE: Article XI
Art. XI Sec. 1. PUBLIC OFFICE is a PUBLIC TRUST. Public
officers and employees must at all times be ACCOUNTABLE
to the people, serve them with utmost RESPONSIBILITY,
INTEGRITY, LOYALTY, AND EFFICIENCY, act with
PATRIOTISM and JUSTICE, and lead MODEST lives.
The provisions of Art. XI are designed to
ACCOUNTABILITY from public officers
Art. XI Sec. 2. The PRESIDENT, THE VICE-PRESIDENT,
THE MEMBERS OF THE SUPREME COURT, THE MEMBERS
OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSIONS, AND THE
OMBUDSMAN may be removed from office, ON
IMPEACHMENT for, and CONVICTION OF, CULPABLE
VIOLATION OF THE CONSTITUTION, TREASON, BRIBERY,
GRAFT and CORRUPTION, OTHER HIGH CRIMES, or
BETRAYAL OF PUBLIC TRUST. All other public officers and
employees may be removed from office as provided by law,
but NOT BY IMPEACHMENT.
The 2 exceptions of JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE:
(1) power of the COMELEC and of the ELECTORAL
TRIBUNALS to be judges of ELECTIONS CONTESTS
(2) power of IMPEACHMENT of CONGRESS, the exercise of
which is an act of POLITICAL JUSTICE**
IMPEACHMENT PROCESS-The RIGHT to be removed ONLY
BY IMPEACHMENT is the Constitutions strongest guarantee
of SECURITY OF TENURE. The guarantee effectively blocks
the use of other legal ways of ousting an officer.
Constitutional Law I | Article II: Declaration of Principles and State Policies | KSantos.
makes the president immune from LEGAL ACTION
but at the same time REMOVABLE in extreme cases
e.g. In re Gonzales-the suggestion that a Supreme Court
justice may be subjected to disbarment proceedings was
dismissed by THE COURT: A public officer...who may be
removed from office only by impeachment, cannot be
charged with disbarment during the incumbency of such
public officer.
The object of the process is NOT TO PUNISH but ONLY TO
REMOVE a person from office
REMOVAL and DISQUALIFICATION are the only
punishments that can be imposed upon conviction on
impeachment. CRIMINAL and CIVIL LIABILITY can follow
AFTER the officer has been removed by IMPEACHMENT.
Art. XI Sec. 4. The present ANTI-GRAFT COURT known as
the SANDIGANBAYAN shall continue to function and exercise
its jurisdiction as now or hereafter may be provided by law.
*The SANDIGANBAYAN-shall have the jurisdiction over
CRIMINAL and CIVIL cases involving GRAFT and CORRUPT
practices.
Art. XI Sec. 15. The RIGHT OF THE STATE to RECOVER
PROPERTIES unlawfully acquired by PUBLIC OFFICIALS of
EMPLOYEES, from them or from their nominees or
transferees, shall not be barred by PRESCRIPTION, LACHES,
OR ESTOPPEL.
PRESCRIPTION-A method of acquiring or extinguishing
rights through the inaction of the legal owner
LACHES-A legal doctrine whereby those who take too long to
assert a legal right, lose their entitlement to a right or
compensation.
ESTOPPEL-A bar preventing one from making an allegation
or a denial that contradicts what one has previously stated as
the truth.
R.A. 1379 Sec. 11: The laws concerning acquisitive
prescription and limitation of actions CANNOT BE INVOKED
by, nor shall they benefit the RESPONDENT in respect of any
property UNLAWFULLY ACQUIRED by him.
exact
Art. XI Sec. 16. No LOAN, GUARANTY, or other form of
FINANCIAL ACCOMMODATION for any business purpose
may be granted, DIRECTLY or INDIRECTLY, by any
GOVERNMENT-OWNED or CONTROLLED bank or financial
institution to the PRESIDENT, THE VICE-PRESIDENT, THE
MEMBERS OF THE CABINET, THE CONGRESS, THE
SUPREME COURT, AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL
COMMISSIONS, THE OMBUDSMAN, or to any firm or entity
in which they have controlling interest, during their tenure.
Includes only those of HIGH RANK
Section 28. Subject to reasonable conditions
prescribed by law, the State adopts and
implements a policy of full public disclosure
of all its transactions involving public
interest.
Art. III Sec. 7. The right of the people to information on
matters of PUBLIC CONCERN shall be recognized. Access to
OFFICIAL RECORDS, and to DOCUMENTS, and PAPERS
pertaining to OFFICIAL ACTS, TRANSACTIONS, or
DECISIONS, as well as to GOVERNMENT RESEARCH DATA
used as basis for policy development, shall be afforded the
9
citizen, subject to such LIMITATIONS as may be provided by
law.

e.g. Subido v. Ozaeta (Pre-1973 Case):

Facts: The press wanted to examine the records of the

Register of Deeds.

Issue: Whether the press, and for that matter, the public had
a CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT to demand the examination of
PUBLIC LAND records.

Held: The press had a STATUTORY RIGHT to examine the

records of the Register of Deeds because the interest of the
press was REAL and ADEQUATE.

Note: However, THE COURT said: We do not believe that

the CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT to FREEDOM OF SPEECH is
in any way involved (in this case). Freedom of information
and freedom to obtain information for publication is NOT
GUARANTEED by the constitution.

1973 Constitution: Went beyond the Subido case:

recognized the right of access to public documents and
records as a SELF-EXECUTORY CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT.
Preserved by the 1987 Consti with the addition of
government research data as a reaction to the government
practice during the Marcos regime of withholding such data
from the public.

Also determined in Chavez is the extent to which the public

has a right to information about the efforts of government
through the PCGG to recover ILLEGALLY OBTAINED
WEALTH. THE COURT: It is incumbent upon the PCGG to
disclose sufficient public information...such information,
though, must pertain to DEFINITE PROPOSITIONS...not to
communications during the stage when common assertions
are still IN THE PROCESS of being formulated.

Gonzales v. Narvasa: Issue: Whether the Executive

Secretary, upon petition of a citizen, may be ordered to give
access to the names of executive officials holding multiple
positions in government, copies of their appointments, and
the list of the recipients of luxury vehicles seized by the BOC.
Held: THE COURT: The information is of public concern BUT
called attention to the limitations on the right found in R.A.
No. 6713 the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for
Public Officials and Employees, which provides that in the
performance of their duties, all public officials and employees
are obliged to respond to letters sent by the PUBLIC within
15 working days...

Lantaco, Sr. v. Llamas: THE COURT: While the public

officers in custody or control of public records have the
discretion to REGULATE, such discretion does not carry with
it the AUTHORITY TO PROHIBIT access, inspection,
examination or copying.

GSIS: In granting loans, exercises a PROPRIETARY

FUNCTION does not justify the exclusion of the transactions
from the coverage and scope of the RIGHT TO
INFORMATION. As a government institution, it may be
compelled to show documents evidencing BEHEST LOANS
even if they are proprietary in nature.

COMELEC: The refusal of the COMELEC to reveal the

names of the nominees for party-list seats violates the right
of the people to information on matters of PUBLIC
CONCERN.

Constitutional Law I | Article II: Declaration of Principles and State Policies | KSantos. 10