answers to phil bar exams 1987-2006 political law

8/14/2019 Answers to Phil Bar Exams 1987-2006 Political Law

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BAR Q&A (as arranged by Topics) POLITICAL LAW (1987-2006) 2

F O R W A R D

This work is not intended for sale or commerce. This work is freeware. It may be

freely copied and distributed. It is primarily intended for all those who desire to have

a deeper understanding of the issues touched by the Philippine Bar Examinations and

its trend. It is specially intended for law students from the provinces who, very often,

are recipients of deliberately distorted notes from other unscrupulous law schools and

students. Share to others this work and you will be richly rewarded by God in heaven.

It is also very good karma.

We would like to seek the indulgence of the reader for some Bar Questions which

are improperly classified under a topic and for some topics which are improperly or

ignorantly phrased, for the authors are just Bar Reviewees who have prepared this

work while reviewing for the Bar Exams under time constraints and within their

limited knowledge of the law. We would like to seek the readers indulgence for a lot

of typographical errors in this work.

The Authors


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1987 CONSTITUTION OF THE PHILIPPINES ................................................................... 14Phil Con 87; New Features (1991)..................................................................................... 14Phil Con 87; People Power (1987)..................................................................................... 14Phil Con 87; People Power (2000)..................................................................................... 15Phil Con 87; People Power (2003)..................................................................................... 15

Nature of the Constitution: Constitutional Supremacy (2004)....................................... 15

Government Presidential Form vs. Parliamentary Form (Q6-2006) ............................. 15ARTICLE I National Territory........................................................................................... 16

Archipelagic Doctrine (1989)............................................................................................... 16Contiguous Zone vs. Exclusive Economic Zone (2004) ................................................. 16Exclusive Economic Zone; Rights of the Coastal State (1994) ..................................... 16Exclusive Economic Zone; Rights of the Coastal State (Q1-2005) .............................. 17Flag State vs. Flag of Convenience (2004) ...................................................................... 17Territory & Government (1996)........................................................................................... 17Territorial Sea vs. Internal Waters (2004) ......................................................................... 17

ARTICLE II Declaration of Principles and State Policies.......................................... 18

Armed Forces; Servant of the People (2003)................................................................... 18

Doctrine of Incorporation; Constitutional Law (1997)...................................................... 18Doctrine of Incorporation; Pacta Sunt Servanda (2000)................................................. 18Freedom from Nuclear Weapons; Foreign Military Bases (1988)................................. 18Philippine Flag (Q4-2006).................................................................................................... 19Principle of Civilian Supremacy (Q6-2006)....................................................................... 19State Immunity from Suit (1991)......................................................................................... 19State Immunity from Suit (1996)......................................................................................... 20State Immunity from Suit (1989)........................................................................................ 20State Immunity from Suit (1994)......................................................................................... 21State Immunity from Suit (1992)......................................................................................... 21

State Immunity from Suit (1999)......................................................................................... 22

State Immunity from Suit (1999)......................................................................................... 22State Immunity from Suit (1987)......................................................................................... 22State Immunity vs. Waiver of Immunity (1997) ................................................................ 22State Immunity from Suit (1993)......................................................................................... 23State Principles & Policies (1994) ...................................................................................... 23Transparency; Matters of Public Interest (1989).............................................................. 24Transparency; Matters of Public Interest (2000).............................................................. 25

ARTICLE III Bill of Rights ................................................................................................... 25Bill of Attainder (1987).......................................................................................................... 25Bill of Attainder (1990).......................................................................................................... 26Custodial Investigation; Extrajudicial Confession (2001) ............................................... 26Custodial Investigation; Extrajudicial Confession; Police Line-Up (1994) ................... 26Custodial Investigation; Police Line-Up (1997) ................................................................ 27Custodial Investigation; Right to Counsel (1988) ............................................................ 27Custodial Investigation; Right to Counsel (1993) ............................................................ 27Custodial Investigation; Right to Counsel (2000) ............................................................ 28Custodial Investigation; Right to Counsel; Receipt of Property Seized (2002)........... 28Custodial Investigation; Rights (1990)............................................................................... 29Custodial Investigation; Rights (1993)............................................................................... 29Custodial Investigation; Rights (1996)............................................................................... 30


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Double Jeopardy (1988) ...................................................................................................... 30Double Jeopardy (1993) ...................................................................................................... 31Double Jeopardy (1997) ...................................................................................................... 31Double Jeopardy (1999) ...................................................................................................... 32Double Jeopardy (1999) ...................................................................................................... 32Double Jeopardy (2000) ...................................................................................................... 32Double Jeopardy (2001) ...................................................................................................... 32Double Jeopardy (2002) ...................................................................................................... 33

Double Jeopardy; Requisites (1999) ................................................................................. 33Due Process; Absence of Denial (1999) ........................................................................... 33Due Process; Deportation (1994)....................................................................................... 34Due Process; Forfeiture Proceedings (1993) ................................................................... 35Due Process; Media Coverage during Hearing (1996)................................................... 35Due Process; Meeting vs. Hearing (1999) ........................................................................ 35Due Process; Notice by Publication (1988) ...................................................................... 35Due Process; Permit to Carry Firearm Outside Residence (Q6-2006) ........................ 36Due Process; PPA-Pilots (2001) ........................................................................................ 36Due Process; Procedural vs. Substantive (1999) ............................................................ 37Due Process; Provisional Order (1991) ............................................................................ 37

Due Process; Public School Teachers (2002) ................................................................. 37Due Process; Radio Station (1987) ................................................................................... 38Due Process; Represented by a Non-Lawyer (1988) ..................................................... 38Due Process; Substantive (2003) ...................................................................................... 38Due Process; Suspension of Driver's License (1992)..................................................... 38Due Process; Urgent Public Need (1987)......................................................................... 39Eminent Domain; Garnishment (1994).............................................................................. 39Eminent Domain; Garnishment (1998).............................................................................. 40Eminent Domain; immunity from suit (2001) .................................................................... 40Eminent Domain; Indirect Public Benefit (1990) .............................................................. 40Eminent Domain; Just Compensation (1988) .................................................................. 40

Eminent Domain; Just Compensation (1989) .................................................................. 41Eminent Domain; Just Compensation (1998) .................................................................. 41Eminent Domain; Legal Interest (1993) ............................................................................ 41Eminent Domain; Non-observance of the policy of "all or none" (2000) ...................... 42Eminent Domain; Power to Exercise (2005) .................................................................... 42Eminent Domain; Public Use (1987).................................................................................. 42Eminent Domain; Socialized Housing (1996)................................................................... 43Eminent Domain; Writ of Possession (1993).................................................................... 43Equal Protection; Alien Employment (1989)..................................................................... 44Equal Protection; Invidious Discrimination (1987) ........................................................... 44Equal Protection; Invidious Discrimination (1987) ........................................................... 45

Equal Protection; Police Power (2000).............................................................................. 45Equal Protection; Right to Education (1994) .................................................................... 45Equal Protection; Subsidiary Imprisonment (1989) ......................................................... 45Freedom of Expression; Censorship (2003)..................................................................... 46Freedom of Expression; Prior Restraint (1988) ............................................................... 46Freedom of Religion; Convicted Prisoners (1989) .......................................................... 46Freedom of Religion; Flag Salute (1997) .......................................................................... 47Freedom of Religion; Flag Salute (2003) .......................................................................... 48Freedom of Religion; Non-Establishment Clause (1988) ............................................... 48Freedom of Religion; Non-Establishment Clause (1992) ............................................... 48


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Freedom of Religion; Non-Establishment Clause (1997) ............................................... 49Freedom of Speech; Ban on Tobacco AD (1992) ........................................................... 49Freedom of the Press; Actual Malice (2004) .................................................................... 50Freedom of the Press; Wartime Censorship (1987)........................................................ 50Impairment Clause; Basic Human Rights (1992) ............................................................ 51Involuntary Servitude (1993) ............................................................................................... 51Liberty of Abode; Limitations (1998) .................................................................................. 51Liberty of Abode; Temporary (1996).................................................................................. 52

Non-Imprisonment for Non-Payment of Debt (1993) ...................................................... 52Police Power; Abatement of Nuisance (2004) ................................................................. 52Police Power; Ban on Tobacco AD (1992) ....................................................................... 52Police Power; Zoning Ordinance vs. Non-Impairment of Contracts (1989) ................ 53Police Power; Zoning Ordinance vs. Non-Impairment of Contracts (2001) ................ 53Privacy of Communication (2001) ...................................................................................... 53Privacy of Correspondence (1998) .................................................................................... 54Privacy of Correspondence; Jail (1989) ............................................................................ 54Right to Assembly; Permit Application; Freedom Parks (Q2-2006).............................. 54Right to Assembly; Permit Requirements (1992) ........................................................... 55Right to Assembly; Public Teachers (2000) ..................................................................... 55

Right to Assembly; Public Teachers (2002) ..................................................................... 56Right to Travel; Order of Arrest (1991).............................................................................. 56Rights of the Accused; Counsel of his Choice (Q8-2005) .............................................. 56Rights of the Accused; Presumption of Innocence vs. Presumption of Theft (2004) 57Rights of the Accused; Right to Bail (1993) ...................................................................... 57Rights of the Accused; Right to Bail; Capital Offense (Q4-2006) .................................58Rights of the Accused; Right to Bail; Deportation Case (1989) .................................... 58Rights of the Accused; Right to Bail; Matter of Right or a Matter of Discretion (Q7-2005) ....................................................................................................................................... 58Rights of the Accused; Right to Speedy Trial (2000) ...................................................... 59Rights of the Accused; Self-Incrimination (1988) ............................................................ 59

Rights of the Accused; Self-Incrimination (1990) ............................................................ 59Rights of the Accused; Self-Incrimination (1992) ............................................................ 60Rights of the Accused; Self-Incrimination (2000) ............................................................ 60Rights of the Accused; Self-Incrimination (Q7-2006)...................................................... 61Searches and Seizure; Private Individuals (Q8-2005)................................................... 61Searches and Seizures; Aliens (2001) .............................................................................. 61Searches and Seizures; Breathalyzer Test (1992).......................................................... 62Searches and Seizures; Immediate Control (1987) ........................................................ 62Searches and Seizures; Incidental to Valid Search (1990) ........................................... 62Searches and Seizures; Place of Search (2001)............................................................. 63Searches and Seizures; search made by a private citizen (1993)................................ 63

Searches and Seizures; search made by a private citizen (2002)................................ 64Searches and Seizures; Valid Warrantless Search (2000) ............................................ 64Searches and Seizures; Visual Search (1992) ................................................................ 65Searches and Seizures; Waiver of Consent (1989) ........................................................ 65Searches and Seizures; Warrantless Arrests (1993)...................................................... 66Searches and Seizures; Warrants of Arrest (1991) ........................................................ 66

ARTICLE IV Citizenship ..................................................................................................... 66Action for Cancellation; Prescription & Effect of Death (1994)...................................... 66Citizenship; Elected Official (1993) .................................................................................... 67Dual Allegiance vs. Dual Citizenship (1987) .................................................................... 67


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Dual Allegiance vs. Dual Citizenship (1988) .................................................................... 68Dual Citizenship (1994)........................................................................................................ 68Effect of Marriage; Filipino (1989) ..................................................................................... 69Effect of Oath of Allegiance (2004) .................................................................................... 69Effect of Repatriation (1999) ............................................................................................... 70Effect of Repatriation (2002) ............................................................................................... 70Effect of Repatriation (2003) ............................................................................................... 70Effects of Marriages (1999) ................................................................................................. 70

Effects of Philippine Bill of 1902 (2001) ............................................................................ 71Elected Official (1992).......................................................................................................... 71Electing Philippine Citizenship (Q8-2006) ........................................................................ 71Electing Philippine Citizenship; When Proper (Q8-2006)............................................... 72Natural Born Filipino (1989) ................................................................................................ 72Natural Born Filipino (1998) ................................................................................................ 72Natural-Born Filipino(1993) ................................................................................................. 73Naturalization; Cancellation of Citizenship (1998)........................................................... 73Residency Requirements; Elective Official (Q9-2005).................................................... 73Status; Illegitimate Child (1990).......................................................................................... 74Status; Illegitimate Child; Dual Citizenship (1996) .......................................................... 74

Status; Legitimate Child (2003) .......................................................................................... 74Ways of Reacquiring Citizenship (2000) ........................................................................... 75

ARTICLE VI Legislative Department .............................................................................. 75Appropriation of Public Funds (1988) ................................................................................ 75Appropriation of Public Funds; Debt Servicing (1992).................................................... 75Appropriation of Public Funds; Public Purposes (1988) ................................................. 75Commission on Appointments (2002) ............................................................................... 76Delegation of Powers (2002) .............................................................................................. 76Delegation of Powers; (Q6-2005)....................................................................................... 76Delegation of Powers; Completeness Test; Sufficient Standard Test (Q6-2005) ...... 77Discipline; Modes of Removal (1993)............................................................................... 77

Discipline; Suspension of a Member of the Congress (2002) ....................................... 77Elected Official; De Facto Officer (2004) .......................................................................... 78Electoral Tribunal; HRET Members Right & Responsibilities (2002) ..........................78Electoral Tribunal; Senate; Jurisdiction (1990) ................................................................ 79Foreign Affairs; Role of House of Rep (1996) .................................................................. 79Foreign Affairs; Role of Senate (1994).............................................................................. 79Investigations in Aid of Legislation (1992) ........................................................................ 79Law Making; Process & Publication (1993) ...................................................................... 80Law-Making; Appropriation Bill (1996) .............................................................................. 80Law-Making; Appropriation Law; Automatic Renewal & Power of Augmentation(1998)...................................................................................................................................... 80

Law-Making; Appropriation Law; Rider Provision (2001) ............................................... 81Law-Making; Foreign Affairs; Treaties (1996) .................................................................. 81Law-Making; Overriding the Presidential Veto (1991) .................................................... 81Law-Making; Passage of a Law (1988) ............................................................................. 82Legislative Power; Pres. Aquinos Time (1990) ............................................................... 82Legislative Powers (1989) ................................................................................................... 82Loans Extended to Members of Congress (1991) ........................................................... 82Multi-Party System (1999) ................................................................................................... 83Non-Legislative Powers (1988) .......................................................................................... 83Non-Legislative Powers; Emergency Powers; Requisites (1997).................................83


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Prohibitions and Inhibitions of Public Office (2004)......................................................... 83Qualifications; Congressmen (1988) ................................................................................. 84Qualifications; Congressmen; (1993) ................................................................................ 84Qualifications; Congressmen; (1999) ................................................................................ 85Separation of Powers (1988) .............................................................................................. 85Separation of Powers (2003) .............................................................................................. 85Three-Term Limit: Congressmen (1996)........................................................................... 86Three-Term Limit; Congressmen (2001)........................................................................... 86

ARTICLE VII Executive Department ................................................................................ 86Appointing Power; Acting vs. Permanent Appointment (2003) ..................................... 86Appointing Power; ad interim appointments (1991) ........................................................ 86Appointing Power; Ad Interim Appointments (1994) ....................................................... 87Appointing Power; Appointments Requiring Confirmation; RA 6975-Unconstitutional(2002)...................................................................................................................................... 87Appointing Power; Categories of Officials (1999)............................................................ 88Appointing Power; Kinds of Appointments (1994) ........................................................... 88Appointing Power; Limitations on Presidential Appointments (1997)...........................89Appointing Powers; Ad Interim Appointments (Q4-2005) .............................................. 90Cabinet Members; limitation on accepting additional duties (1996) ............................. 90

Calling-out Power; President (Q1-2006) ........................................................................... 91Declaration; State of Calamity; Legal Effects (Q1-2005)................................................ 91Declaration; State of National Emergency (Q1-2006) .................................................... 91Enter into Contract or Guarantee Foreign Loans (1994) ................................................ 91Enter into Contract or Guarantee Foreign Loans (1999) ................................................ 92Enter into Executive Agreements (2003) .......................................................................... 92Impose Tariff Rates, Import and Export Quotas (1999).................................................. 92Martial Law & Suspension of Writ of Habeas Corpus (1987) ........................................ 92Martial Law; Limitations (2000).......................................................................................... 93Martial Law; Sufficiency of the Factual Basis (Q3-2006)................................................ 94Pardoning Power; Amnesty (1993) .................................................................................... 95

Pardoning Power; Amnesty (1995) .................................................................................... 95Pardoning Power; Breach of Condition; Revocation (Q5-2005).................................... 95Pardoning Power; Exec Clemency; Pardon (1995)......................................................... 95Pardoning Power; Executive Clemency (1997) ............................................................... 96Pardoning Power; Executive Clemency (1999) ............................................................... 96Pardoning Power; Kinds (1988).......................................................................................... 96Pardoning Power; Pardon, Conditional (1997) ................................................................ 97President; Participation; Legislative Process (1996)....................................................... 97Presidential Immunity from Suit (1997) ............................................................................. 97Prohibition Against Multiple Positions & Additional Compensation (2002) ................. 97Prohibition against Multiple Positions by Govt Officials (1987) .................................... 98

Suspension of Writ of Habeas Corpus (1997).................................................................. 99ARTICLE VIII Judicial Department .................................................................................... 99

Cases to be Heard En Banc; Supreme Court (1999)...................................................... 99Contempt Powers (1996)..................................................................................................... 99Finality of Void Judgments (1993)...................................................................................... 99Fiscal Autonomy (1999) ..................................................................................................... 100Function; Continuing Constitutional Convention (2000) ............................................... 100Issuance of Restraining Orders and Injunctions (1992) ............................................... 100Judicial & Bar Council (1988)............................................................................................ 101Judicial & Bar Council (1999)............................................................................................ 101


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Judicial Department; Writ of Amparo (1991) .................................................................. 101Judicial Independence; Safeguard (2000) ...................................................................... 101Judicial Power (1989)......................................................................................................... 102Judicial Power (1992)......................................................................................................... 102Judicial Power (1998)......................................................................................................... 103Judicial Power; Scope (1994) ........................................................................................... 103Judicial Review; Locus Standi (1992).............................................................................. 104Judicial Review; Requisites (1994) .................................................................................. 104

Jurisdiction of HLURB (1993) ........................................................................................... 104Mandatory Period For Deciding Cases (1989)............................................................... 105Political Question (1995).................................................................................................... 105Political Question Doctrine (1997).................................................................................... 105Political Question: Separation of Powers (2004) ........................................................... 106Political Question; To Settle Actual Controversies (2004) ........................................... 106Political Questions (1988).................................................................................................. 106Pro Hac Vice Cases (1999)............................................................................................... 107Removal of Lower Court Judges (1993) ......................................................................... 107Review Executive Acts (1996) .......................................................................................... 107Supervision; Courts & its Personnel (Q5-2005) ............................................................. 108

Taxpayer's Suit; Locus Standi (1995).............................................................................. 108Term of Office; Justices (1996) ........................................................................................ 108Votes required for declaring a law unconstitutional (1996) .......................................... 109

ARTICLE IX Constitutional Commissions .................................................................. 109Rotational Scheme (1999)................................................................................................. 109Constitutional Commissions & Council (Q7-2006) ........................................................ 109

ARTICLE IX Civil Service Commission........................................................................ 109Career Service; Characteristics (1999) ........................................................................... 109Civil Service Commission vs. COA (2004) ..................................................................... 109Function of CSC (1994) ..................................................................................................... 110GOCCs Without Original Charter vs. GOCCs With Original Charter (1998).............110

Jurisdiction over the GOCCs (1999)................................................................................ 111Jurisdiction over the GOCCs (2003)................................................................................ 111Modes of Removal from Office (1993) ............................................................................ 111Receiving of Indirect Compensation (1997) ................................................................... 111Security of Tenure (1988).................................................................................................. 112Security of Tenure (Q5-2005) ........................................................................................... 112Security of Tenure; Meaning (1999) ................................................................................ 113

ARTICLE IX COMELEC .................................................................................................... 113Electoral Tribunal; Functions & Composition (Q5-2006) .............................................. 113Fair Election; Equal Space & Time in Media (1989) ..................................................... 113Grant of Pardon in Election Offenses (1991) ................................................................. 114

Judicial Review of Decisions (2001) ................................................................................ 114Removal from Office; Commissioners (1998) ................................................................ 114Right to Vote; Jurisdiction (2001) ..................................................................................... 114

Election Laws ........................................................................................................................ 1142nd Placer Rule (2003) ..................................................................................................... 1142nd Placer Rule (1990) ...................................................................................................... 1152nd Placer Rule; in Quo Warranto Cases (1992) .......................................................... 1152nd Placer Rule; Rule of Succession (1996) ................................................................ 115Appreciation of Ballots (1994)........................................................................................... 116Disqualification; Grounds (1991) ...................................................................................... 116


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Disualifications (1999)........................................................................................................ 116Effect of Filing of Certificate of Candidacy; Appointive Officer vs Elective Officer(2002).................................................................................................................................... 116Effect of Filing of Certificate of Candidacy; Fair Election Act (2003)..........................117Election Offenses; Conspiracy to Bribe Voters (1991) ................................................. 117Election Protest (1990) ...................................................................................................... 117Election Protest vs. Quo Warranto (2001) ...................................................................... 118Election Protest vs. Quo Warranto (Q5-2006) ............................................................... 118

Election Protest; Jurisdiction (1996) ................................................................................ 118Expiration of term bars service thereof (2000) ............................................................... 118Petition to Declare Failure of Elections; Requisites & Effects (1995)......................... 118Pre-Proclamation Contest (1987)..................................................................................... 119Pre-Proclamation Contest (1988)..................................................................................... 119Pre-Proclamation Contest vs. Election Contests (1997) .............................................. 120Pre-Proclamation Contest; Proper Issues (1996).......................................................... 121Process; Illiterate Voters (1987) ....................................................................................... 121Process; Principle of Idem Sonans (1994) ..................................................................... 121Process; Stray Ballot (1994) ............................................................................................. 121Recall (2002) ....................................................................................................................... 122

Three-Term Limit Rule (2001) .......................................................................................... 122Three-Term Limit; from Municipality to Newly-Created City (Q9-2005)....................122Vacancy; Effect of Vice-Mayor Acting As Mayor (2002)............................................... 123Vacancy; Rule of Succession (1995)............................................................................... 123Vacancy; SB; Rule on Succession (2002) ...................................................................... 124

ARTICLE IX Commission on Audit ............................................................................... 124COA; Jurisdiction (2001).................................................................................................... 124COA; Money Claims (1998) .............................................................................................. 124

ARTICLE X Local Government ..................................................................................... 125Appointment of Budget Officer; control vs supervision (1999) .................................... 125Boundary Dispute Resolution; LGU; RTCs Jurisdiction (Q10-2005)........................ 126

Boundary Dispute Settlement; Authority; Jurisdiction (1999) ...................................... 126Creation of New Local Government Units; Plebiscite Requirement (2004) ..............126De Facto Public Corporations; Effect (2004).................................................................. 126Devolution of Power (1999)............................................................................................... 126Franchise; prior approval of LGU necessary (1988) ..................................................... 126Law fixing the terms of local elective officials (Q4-2006) ............................................. 127Ordinance; Use & Lease of Properties; Public Use (1997) .......................................... 127Ordinance; Validity; Closure or Lease of Properties for Public Use (2003) ..............127Ordinance; Validity; Compensation; Tortuous Act of an Employee (1994) ............... 127Ordinance; Validity; Local Taxation vs. Special Assessment (1987) ......................... 128Ordinance; Validity; Preventing Immorality (1987) ........................................................ 128

Ordinance; Validity; Utilization & Development; National Wealth (1991) .................. 128Ordinances; Validity; Amending Natl Laws (1988) ....................................................... 128Ordinances; Validity; Gambling Prohibition (1995)........................................................ 129Ordinances; Validity; Limitation of Penalties (1991) ..................................................... 129Ordinances; Veto Power (1996) ....................................................................................... 129Police Power; LLDA (1995) ............................................................................................... 130Power to Issue Subpoena & Cite For Contempt (1993) ............................................... 130Power; Eminent Domain; LGU; Right to Exercise (Q10-2005).................................... 131Powers of Barangay Assembly (2003) ............................................................................ 131Powers; Liga ng mga Barangay (2003)........................................................................... 131


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Requisites; Contracts Involving LGU (1991) .................................................................. 131Requisites; Contracts involving LGU (1995) .................................................................. 132Taxation; GOCC Liability For Real Estate Tax (1999).................................................. 132Taxation; Sources of Revenue (1999)............................................................................. 132Withdrawal of Public Property from Public Use (1990)................................................. 132

ARTICLE XI Accountability of Public Officers........................................................... 133Abandonment of Office (2000).......................................................................................... 133Discipline; Clemency; Doctrine of Condonation (2000) ................................................ 133

Discipline; Effect of Pardon Granted in Favor of Public Officers (1999) ....................134Discipline; Preventive Suspension & Appeal; entitlement to salary pendente (2001)............................................................................................................................................... 134

Discipline; Preventive Suspension (1990) ...................................................................... 134Discipline; Preventive Suspension (2002) ...................................................................... 135Elective and Appointive Officials: disciplinary authority (2004) ................................... 135Elective Public Officer; De Facto Officer (2000) ............................................................ 135Elective Public Officers; De Facto Officer; effects (2004) ............................................ 136Graft and Corruption; Prescription of Crime (2002) ...................................................... 136Impeachment; Cronyism (2000) ....................................................................................... 137Impeachment; Grounds (1999)......................................................................................... 137

Impeachment; Nature; Grounds; PD 1606 (1988)......................................................... 137Law of Public Officers; Next-in-Rank Rule (1994) ......................................................... 137Liability For Damages in Performance of Official Functions (1990) ...........................138Local Elective Officials; Limitations On Additional Duties (1995) ............................... 139Ombudsman: Power to Suspend; Preventive Suspension (2004) ............................. 139Ombudsman; Power to Investigate (2003) ..................................................................... 139Ombudsman; Power to Suspend; Preventive Suspension (1996) ............................. 140Power to Issue Subpoena; validity of delegation (1989) .............................................. 140Prohibition On Elective Officer to Hold Public Office (2002)........................................ 140Public Office; Public Trust (1998)..................................................................................... 140Retirement Benefits (1996) ............................................................................................... 141

ARTICLE XII National Economy and Patrimony......................................................... 142Acquisition and Lease of Public Lands (1998)............................................................... 142Acquisition of Lands (1987)............................................................................................... 142Acquisition of Lands (2000)............................................................................................... 143Acquisition of Lands by Hereditary Succession (2002) ................................................ 143Acquisition of Lands; Citizenship issue (1989) .............................................................. 143Acquisition of Lands; Citizenship issue (1994) .............................................................. 144Acquisition of Lands; Citizenship issue (1995) .............................................................. 144Acquisition of Lands; Prohibition; acquisition of private lands by aliens (1994) .......145Citizenship Requirement in Management of Advertising Industry (1989) ................. 145Engagement in Business & Exercise of Profession (1987).......................................... 145

Exploration and Development of Minerals (1994) ......................................................... 146Expropriation of Public Utilities (1992) ............................................................................ 146Lease of Private Agricultural Lands (2001) .................................................................... 146National Economy & Patrimony; Constitutional Prohibition (2004) ............................. 147National Patrimony; definition (1999) .............................................................................. 147Nationalized Activities (1994)............................................................................................ 147Ownership Requirement of Mass Media (1989) ............................................................ 148Chinese citizens; engaging in retail trade (Q4-2006).................................................... 148Exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources (Q4-2006) ............... 148

ARTICLE XIII Social Justice and Human Rights ......................................................... 148


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Agrarian Reform Law; Coverage (1992) ......................................................................... 148Commission on Human Rights; Power to investigate (1992) ...................................... 149Commission on Human Rights; Power to issue TRO (1997) ...................................... 149Commission on Human Rights; Power to issue TRO (2001) ...................................... 149Commission on Human Rights; Power; Limitations (Q4-2005) ................................... 150Labor; Right to Self-Organization (1988) ........................................................................ 151Labor; Right to Strike (1988) ............................................................................................. 151Labor; Right to Strike (1993) ............................................................................................. 151

Social Justice under the Present Constitution (1995) ................................................... 152Women (2000)..................................................................................................................... 152

ARTICLE XIV Education, Science and Technology, Arts ......................................... 153Education; Academic Freedom (1987) ............................................................................ 153Education; Academic Freedom (1989) ............................................................................ 153Education; Academic Freedom (1993) ............................................................................ 153Education; Academic Freedom; Extent (1999) .............................................................. 154Education; Alien Enrollees & Donors (1999) .................................................................. 154Education; Duties of State in Re Education (1999) ....................................................... 154Education; Flag Salute (1987) .......................................................................................... 155Education; Right to Choose Profession (2000) .............................................................. 155

Education; Right to Quality Education (2003) ................................................................ 156Education; Teaching of Religion (1999) .......................................................................... 156Education; Validity of Academic Requirements (1994) ................................................ 156

ARTICLE XVI General Provisions .................................................................................. 156General Provisions; Local Dialect (1987)........................................................................ 156AFP; limitation on accepting additional duties (1996) ................................................... 157

ARTICLE XVII Amendments or Revisions .................................................................... 157Peoples Initiative (2004) ................................................................................................... 157Amendments and Revisions; Modes (1997) .................................................................. 157REFERENDUM vs. INITIATIVE (Q1-2005) .................................................................... 157

ARTICLE XVIII Transitory Provisions.............................................................................. 158

Transitory Provisions; Foreign Military Bases (1996) ................................................... 158Transitory Provisions; Foreign Military Bases (1988) ................................................... 158

PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW ........................................................................................ 158Basic Principles in Public Intl Law (1991) ...................................................................... 158Constitutive Theory vs. Declaratory Theory (2004)....................................................... 160Contiguous Zone vs. Exclusive Economic Zone (2004).............................................. 160Diplomatic Immunity (2000) .............................................................................................. 160Diplomatic Immunity (2001) .............................................................................................. 160Diplomatic Immunity (2003) .............................................................................................. 161Diplomatic Immunity (2004) .............................................................................................. 161Diplomatic Immunity; Ambassador (Q3-2005) ............................................................... 162

Diplomatic Immunity; Ambassadors (1990) .................................................................... 162Diplomatic Immunity; Coverage (Q3-2005) .................................................................... 163Diplomatic Immunity; Diplomatic Envoy and Consular Officers (1995)...................... 164Diplomatic Immunity; Diplomatic Envoy and Consular Officers (1997)...................... 165Exclusive Economic Zone (2000)..................................................................................... 165Executive Agreements; Binding Effect (2003)................................................................ 165Extradition vs. Deportation (1993).................................................................................... 166Extradition; Doctrine of Specialty (1993)......................................................................... 166Extradition; Effectivity of treaty (1996)............................................................................. 166Extradition; Grounds (2002) .............................................................................................. 167


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Extradition; Retroactive Application (Q2-2005).............................................................. 167Flag State vs. Flag of Convenience (2004) .................................................................. 168Genocide (1988) ................................................................................................................. 168Human Rights (1999) ......................................................................................................... 168Human Rights; Civil and Political Rights (1992) ............................................................ 168Human Rights; Civil and Political Rights (1996) ............................................................ 169Intl Court of Justice; Jurisdiction Over States................................................................ 170Intl Court of Justice; Jurisdiction Over States (1994) ................................................... 170

Intl Court of Justice; Limitations On Jurisdiction (1999) .............................................. 170Intl Court of Justice; Parties; Pleadings and Oral Argument (1994) ..........................170International Convention; Law of the Sea (2004) .......................................................... 171International Court of Justice (Q9-2006) ......................................................................... 171International Law vs. Municipal Law; Territorial Principle; International Crimes (Q2-2005) ..................................................................................................................................... 171Mandates and Trust Territories (2003)............................................................................ 172Municipal Law vs. International Law (2003) ................................................................... 173Neutrality of States (1988)................................................................................................. 173Outer Space; Jurisdiction (2003)...................................................................................... 174Principle of Auto-Limitation (Q10-2006) .......................................................................... 174

Reciprocity v. Principle of Auto-Limitation (Q10-2006) ................................................. 174Recognition of States; De Facto vs. De Jure Recognition (1998) .............................. 174Reparations Agreement; Validity (1992) ......................................................................... 175Right to Innocent Passage (1999).................................................................................... 175Right to Transit and Innocent Passage (2004) .............................................................. 176Rights and Obligation under UN Charter (1991)............................................................ 176Sources of International Law; Primary & Subsidiary Sources (2003) ........................ 177Sovereign Immunity of States; Absolute vs. Restrictive (1998) ..................................177Sovereignty of States; Natural Use of Territory (1989)................................................. 178Sovereignty; Definition; Nature (Q10-2006) ................................................................... 178State Liabilities (1995)........................................................................................................ 179

State Sovereignty; Effective Occupation; Terra Nullius (2000) ................................... 179Stateless Persons; Effects; Status; Rights (1995)......................................................... 179Territorial Sea vs. Internal Waters (2004) ....................................................................... 180Use of Force; Exceptions (2003) ...................................................................................... 180Use of Force; Principle of Non-Intervention (1994) ....................................................... 181Use of Force; Right of Self-defense (2002) .................................................................... 182Use of Force; Self-Defense; Waging War (1998) .......................................................... 182Use of Force; When allowed (1988) ................................................................................ 183War; Combatants/ Prisoners of War vs. Mercenaries (1993) ...................................... 183Wilson doctrine vs. Estrada doctrine (2004)................................................................... 184

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW ....................................................................................................... 184

Admin Law; Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies (1991) ....................................... 184Admin Law; Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies (2000) ....................................... 184Admin Law; Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies vs Doctrine of PrimaryJurisdiction (1996) .............................................................................................................. 185Admin Law; Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies; Exceptions (1991) ................. 185Admin Law; Judicial Review of Administrative Action (2001) ...................................... 186Admin Law; Judicial Review of Administrative Decisions (1988)................................ 186Admin Law; Meaning of Government of the Philippines (1997) ............................... 187Admin Law; Power of the President to Reorganize Administrative Structure (2003)............................................................................................................................................... 187


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Admin Law; Rules and Regulations; Due Process (2000) ........................................... 187Government Agency vs. Government Instrumentality (Q7-2005) ............................... 188Quasi-Judicial Body or Agency (Q5-2006) ..................................................................... 188


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1987 CONSTITUTION OF THEPHILIPPINESPhil Con 87; New Features (1991)

No 1: How is the Bill of Rights strengthened inthe 1987 Constitution?

SUGGESTED ANSWER:

There are several ways in which the Bill of

Rights is strengthened in the 1987 Constitution.

1. New rights are given explicit recognitionsuch as, the prohibition against detention byreason of political beliefs and aspirations.The waiver of Miranda rights is nowrequired to be made in writing with theassistance of counsel. The use of solitary,incommunicado and secret detention placesis prohibited, while the existence ofsubstandard and inadequate penal facilitiesis made the concern of legislation.

2. There is also recognition of the right ofexpression, an express prohibition againstthe use of torture, a mandate to the State toprovide compensation and rehabilitation forvictims of torture and their families.

3. Some rights have been expanded. Forinstance, free access to courts nowincludes access to quasi-judicial bodies andto adequate legal assistance.

4. The requirements for interfering with somerights have been made more strict. Forinstance, only judges can now issue search

warrants or warrants of arrest. There mustbe a law authorizing the ExecutiveDepartment to interfere with the privacy ofcommunication, the liberty of abode, andthe right to travel before these rights maybe impaired or curtailed.

5. The Constitution now provides that thesuspension of the privilege of the writ ofhabeas corpus does not suspend the rightto bail, thus resolving a doctrinal dispute oflong standing.

6. The suspension of the privilege of the writ

of habeas corpus and the proclamation ofmartial law have been limited to sixty (60)days and are now subject to the power ofCongress to revoke. In addition, theSupreme Court is given the jurisdiction,upon the petition of any citizen to determinethe sufficiency of the factual basis of thesuspension of the privilege of the writ ofhabeas corpus and the proclamation ofmartial law.

7. The Supreme Court is empowered to adoptrules for the protection and enforcement ofconstitutional rights.

8. Art. II. Sec. 11 commits the State to a policywhich places value on the dignity of everyhuman person and guarantees full respectfor human rights.

9. A Commission on Human Rights is created.

10. Under Article XVI. Sec. 5(2) the State ismandated to promote respect for thepeople's rights among the members of themilitary in the performance of their duty.

Phil Con 87; People Power (1987)

No. XVIII: The framers of the 1987 Constitutionand the people who ratified it made sure thatprovisions institutionalizing people power wereincorporated in the fundamental law, Brieflydiscuss at least two such provisions.

SUGGESTED ANSWER:

Art. VI, Sec. 1, while vesting in Congress thelegislative power, nonetheless states that suchconferment of power shall be subject to thereservation made in favor of the people byprovisions on initiatives and referendum. Forthis purpose, Congress is required, as early aspossible, to provide for a system of initiative ofreferendum whereby the people can directlypropose and enact laws or approve or reject anact or law or part thereof passed by theCongress or the legislative bodies after the

registration of a petition therefor, signed by atleast 10% of the total number of registeredvoters, of which every legislative district mustbe represented by at least 3% of the registeredvoters. (Id., sec. 32) The Constitution alsoprovides that through initiative, upon a petitionof at least 12% of the total numbers ofregistered voters, of which every legislativedistrict must be represented by at least 3% ofthe registered voters therein, amendments tothe Constitution may be directly proposed bythe people.

Art, XIII, sec. 15 states that the state shallrespect the role of independent people'sorganization to enable them to pursue andprotect, within the democratic framework, theirlegitimate and collective interests andaspirations through peaceful lawful means. Forthis purpose, the Constitution guarantees tosuch organizations the right to participate at alllevels of social, political and economic decision-making and the state is required to validate the


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establishment of adequate mechanism for thispurpose. (Id., sec, 16)


No IX. Is the concept of People Powerrecognized in the Constitution? Discuss briefly.(3%)

SUGGESTED ANSWER:

Yes, the concept of People Power is recognizedin the Constitution.Under Section 32. Article VI of the Constitution,through initiative and referendum, the peoplecan directly propose and enact laws or approveor reject any act or law or part thereof passedby the Congress or local legislative body afterthe registration of a petition therefor signed byat least ten per centum of the total number ofregistered voters, of which every legislativedistrict must be represented by at least threeper centum of the registered voters thereof.

Under Section 16, Article XIII of theConstitution, the right of the people and theirorganizations to effective and reasonableparticipation at all levels of social, political andeconomic decision-making shall not beabridged. The State shall, by law facilitate theestablishment of adequate consultationmechanisms.Under Section 2. Article XVII of theConstitution, the people may directly proposeamendments to the Constitution throughinitiative upon a petition of at least twelve percentum of the total number of registered voters,

of which every legislative district must berepresented by at least three per centum of theregistered voters therein.


No I - Is "people power" recognized by the1987 Constitution? Explain fully.

SUGGESTED ANSWER:

"People power" is recognized in theConstitution.

Article III, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution

guarantees the right of the people peaceable toassemble and petition the government forredress of grievances.

Article VI, Section 32 of the 1987 Constitutionrequires Congress to pass a law allowing thepeople to directly propose and enact lawsthrough initiative and to approve or reject anyact or law or part of it passed by Congress or alocal legislative body.

Article XIII, Section 16 of the 1987 Constitutionprovides that the right of the people and theirorganizations to participate at all levels ofsocial, political, and economic decision-makingshall not be abridged and that the State shall,by law, facilitate the establishment of adequateconsultation mechanisms.

Article XVII, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitutionprovides that subject to the enactment of animplementing law, the people may directlypropose amendments to the Constitutionthrough initiative.

Nature of the Constitution: ConstitutionalSupremacy (2004)(10-a) BNN Republic has a defense treaty with

EVA Federation. According to the Republic'sSecretary of Defense, the treaty allowstemporary basing of friendly foreign troops incase of training exercises for the war onterrorism. The Majority Leader of the Senate

contends that whether temporary or not, thebasing of foreign troops however friendly isprohibited by the Constitution of BNN whichprovides that, "No foreign military bases shallbe allowed in BNN territory."In case there is indeed an irreconcilable conflictbetween a provision of the treaty and aprovision of the Constitution, in a jurisdictionand legal system like ours, which shouldprevail: the provision of the treaty or of theConstitution? Why? Explain with reasons,briefly. (5%)SUGGESTED ANSWER:In case of conflict between a provision of atreaty and a provision of the Constitution, theprovision of the Constitution should prevail.Section 5(2)(a), Article VIII of the 1987Constitution authorizes the nullification of atreaty when it conflicts with the Constitution.(Gonzales v. Hechanova, 9 SCRA 230 [1963]).

Government Presidential Form vs. Parlia-mentary Form (Q6-2006)1. a) What is the principal identifying featureof a presidential form of government? Explain.

(2.5%)SUGGESTED ANSWER:The principal identifying feature of a presidentialform of government is embodied in theseparation of powers doctrine. Eachdepartment of government exercises powersgranted to it by the Constitution and may notcontrol, interfere with or encroach upon the actsdone within the constitutional competence ofthe others. However, the Constitution also giveseach department certain powers by which it


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may definitely restrain the others fromimprovident action, thereby maintaining asystem of checks and balances among them,thus, preserving the will of the sovereignexpressed in the Constitution.

b) What are the essential characteristics of aparliamentary form of government? (2.5%)SUGGESTED ANSWER:

The essential characteristics of a parliamentaryform of government are: the fusion of thelegislative and executive branches inparliament; the prime minister, who is the headof government, and the members of thecabinet, are chosen from among the membersof parliament and as such are accountable tothe latter; and the prime minister may beremoved from office by a vote of loss ofconfidence of parliament. There may be a headof state who may or may not be elected.

ARTICLE I National TerritoryArchipelagic Doctrine (1989)No. 20: What do you understand by thearchipelagic doctrine? Is this reflected in the1987 Constitution?SUGGESTED ANSWER:The ARCHIPELAGIC DOCTRINE emphasizesthe unity of land and waters by defining anarchipelago either as a group of islandssurrounded by waters or a body of watersstudded with islands. For this purpose, itrequires that baselines be drawn by connectingthe appropriate points of the "outermost islands

to encircle the islands within the archipelago.The waters on the landward side of thebaselines regardless of breadth or dimensionsare merely internal waters.

Yes, the archipelagic doctrine is reflected in the1987 Constitution. Article I, Section 1 providesthat the national territory of the Philippinesincludes the Philippine archipelago, with all theislands and waters embraced therein; and thewaters around, between, and connecting theislands of the archipelago, regardless of theirbreadth and dimensions, form part of the

internal waters of the Philippines.

Contiguous Zone vs. Exclusive EconomicZone (2004)(2-a-2) Distinguish: The contiguous zone and

the exclusive economic zone.SUGGESTED ANSWER:CONTIGUOUS ZONE is a zone contiguous tothe territorial sea and extends up to 12 nauticalmiles from the territorial sea and over which thecoastal state may exercise control necessary to

prevent infringement of its customs, fiscal,immigration or sanitary laws and regulationswithin its territory or territorial sea. (Article 33 ofthe Convention on the Law of the Sea.)

The EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE is a zoneextending up to 200 nautical miles from thebaselines of a state over which the coastal statehas sovereign rights for the purpose of

exploring and exploiting, conserving andmanaging the natural resources, whether livingor nonliving, of the waters superjacent to theseabed and of the seabed and subsoil, and withregard to other activities for the economicexploitation and exploration of the zone.(Articles 56 and 57 of the Convention on theLaw of the Sea.)

Exclusive Economic Zone; Rights of theCoastal State (1994)

No. 11: In the desire to improve the fishing

methods of the fishermen, the Bureau ofFisheries, with the approval of the President,entered into a memorandum of agreement toallow Thai fishermen to fish within 200 milesfrom the Philippine sea coasts on the conditionthat Filipino fishermen be allowed to use Thaifishing equipment and vessels, and to learnmodern technology in fishing and canning.

1) Is the agreement valid?

SUGGESTED ANSWER:1) No. the President cannot authorize theBureau of Fisheries to enter into a

memorandum of agreement allowing Thaifishermen to fish within the exclusive economiczone of the Philippines, because theConstitution reserves to Filipino citizens the useand enjoyment of the exclusive economic zoneof the Philippines.

Section 2. Article XII of the Constitutionprovides: The State shall protect the nation'smarine part in its archipelagic waters, territorialsea, and exclusive economic zone, and reserveits use and enjoyment to Filipino citizens."

Section 7, Article XIII of the Constitutionprovides: "The State shall protect the rights ofsubsistence fishermen, especially of localcommunities, to the preferential use of thecommunal marine and fishing resources, bothinland and offshore. It shall provide support tosuch fishermen through appropriate technologyand research, adequate financial, production,and marketing assistance, and other services.The State shall also protect, develop, andconserve such resources. The protection shallextend to offshore fishing grounds of


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subsistence fishermen against foreign intrusion.Fishworkers shall receive a just share from theirlabor in the utilization of marine and fishingresources.

Exclusive Economic Zone; Rights of theCoastal State (Q1-2005)(c) Enumerate the rights of the coastal statein the exclusive economic zone. (3%)

ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:In the EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE, thecoastal State has sovereign rights for thepurpose of exploring and exploiting, conservingand managing the natural resources, whetherliving or non-living, of the waters superjacent tothe seabed and of the seabed and its subsoil,and with regard to other activities for theeconomic exploitation and exploration of thezone, such as the production of energy from thewater, currents and winds in an area notextending more than 200 nautical miles beyondthe baseline from which the territorial sea is

measured. Other rights include the productionof energy from the water, currents and winds,the establishment and use of artificial islands,installations and structures, marine scientificresearch and the protection and preservation ofthe marine environment. (Art. 56, U.N.Convention on the Law of the Sea)ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:SOVEREIGN RIGHTS for the purpose ofexploring and exploiting, conserving andmanaging the natural resources, whether livingor non-living, of the seabed and subsoil and the

superjacent waters, and with regard to otheractivities such as the production of energy fromthe water, currents and winds in an area notextending more than 200 nautical miles beyondthe baseline from which the territorial sea ismeasured. (See Art. 56, UNCLOS)Jurisdiction, inter alia, with regard to:(1) the establishment and use of artificial

islands, installations and structures;(2) marine scientific research; and(3) the protection and preservation of the

marine environment.

Flag State vs. Flag of Convenience (2004)(2-a-3) Distinguish: The flag state and the flag

of convenience.SUGGESTED ANSWER:FLAG STATE means a ship has the nationalityof the flag of the state it flies, but there must bea genuine link between the state and the ship.(Article 91 of the Convention on the Law of the Sea.)

FLAG OF CONVENIENCE refers to a state withwhich a vessel is registered for various reasons

such as low or non-existent taxation or lowoperating costs although the ship has nogenuine link with that state. (Harris, Cases andMaterials on International Law, 5th ed., 1998, p. 425.)

Territory & Government (1996)No. 8: A law was passed dividing thePhilippines into three regions (Luzon, Visayas,and Mindanao), each constituting an

independent state except on matters of foreignrelations, national defense and nationaltaxation, which are vested in the Centralgovernment. Is the law valid? Explain.SUGGESTED ANSWER:The law dividing the Philippines into threeregions, each constituting an independent stateand vesting in a central government matters offoreign relations, national defense, and nationaltaxation, is unconstitutional.

First, it violates Article I, which guarantees theintegrity of the national territory of the

Philippines because it divided the Philippinesinto three states.

Second, it violates Section 1, Article II of theConstitution, which provides for theestablishment of democratic and republicStates by replacing it with three Statesorganized as a confederation.

Third, it violates Section 22, Article II of theConstitution, which, while recognizing andpromoting the rights of indigenous culturalcommunities, provides for national unity anddevelopment.

Fourth, it violates Section 15, Article X of theConstitution, which, provides for autonomousregions in Muslim Mindanao and in theCordilleras within the framework of nationalsovereignty as well as territorial integrity of theRepublic of the Philippines.

Fifth, it violates the sovereignty of the Republicof the Philippines.

Territorial Sea vs. Internal Waters (2004)(2-a-1) Distinguish: The territorial sea and theinternal waters of the Philippines.SUGGESTED ANSWER:TERRITORIAL SEA is an adjacent belt of seawith a breadth of 12 nautical miles measuredfrom the baselines of a state and over which thestate has sovereignty. (Articles 2 and 3 of theConvention on the Law of the Sea.) Ship of allstates enjoy the right of innocent passage


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through the territorial sea. (Article 14 of theConvention on the Law of the Sea.)

Under Section 1, Article I of the 1987Constitution, the INTERNAL WATERS of thePhilippines consist of the waters around,between and connecting the islands of thePhilippine Archipelago, regardless of theirbreadth and dimensions, including the waters in

bays, rivers and lakes. No right of innocentpassage for foreign vessels exists in the case ofinternal waters. (Harris, Cases and Materials onInternational Law, 5th ed., 1998, p. 407.)Internal waters are the waters on the landwardside of baselines from which the breadth of theterritorial sea is calculated. (Brownlie, Principlesof Public International Law, 4th ed., 1990, p. 120.)

ARTICLE II Declaration ofPrinciples and State Policies

Armed Forces; Servant of the People (2003)No I - Article II. Section 3, of the 1987Constitution expresses, in part, that the "ArmedForces of the Philippines is the protector of thepeople and (of) the State." Describe briefly whatthis provision means. Is the Philippine NationalPolice covered by the same mandate?FIRST ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:Article II, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitutionmeans that the Armed Forces of the Philippinesshould not serve the interest of the Presidentbut of the people and should not commitabuses against the people. (Record of theConstitutional Commission, Vol. V, p. 133.) Thisprovision is specifically addressed to the ArmedForces of the Philippines and not to thePhilippine National Police, because the latter isseparate and distinct from the former. (Recordof the Constitutional Commission, Vol. V, p. 296;Manalo v. Sistoza. 312 SCR A 239 [1999].)SECOND ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:Article II, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution canbe interpreted to mean that the Armed Forcesof the Philippines can be a legitimate instrument

for the overthrow of the civilian government if ithas ceased to be the servant of the people.(Bernas, The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines:A Commentary, 2003 ed., p. 66.) This provisiondoes not apply to the Philippine National Police,because it is separate and distinct from theArmed Forces of the Philippines. (Record of theConstitutional Commission, Vol. V, p. 296, Manalo v.Sistoza. 312 SCRA 239 [1999].)

Doctrine of Incorporation; ConstitutionalLaw (1997)

No. 1; What do you understand by the "Doctrineof Incorporation" in Constitutional Law?SUGGESTED ANSWER:The DOCTRINE OF INCORPORATION meansthat the rules of International law form part ofthe law of the land and no legislative action isrequired to make them applicable to a country.The Philippines follows this doctrine, becauseSection 2. Article II of the Constitution states

that the Philippines adopts the generallyaccepted principles of international law as partof the law of the land.

Doctrine of Incorporation; Pacta SuntServanda (2000)No X. The Philippines has become a member ofthe World Trade Organization (WTO) andresultantly agreed that it "shall ensure theconformity of its laws, regulations andadministrative procedures with its obligations asprovided in the annexed Agreements." This isassailed as unconstitutional because this

undertaking unduly limits, restricts and impairsPhilippine sovereignty and means amongothers that Congress could not pass legislationthat will be good for our national interest andgeneral welfare if such legislation will notconform with the WTO Agreements. Refute thisargument. (5%)SUGGESTED ANSWER:According to Tanada v. Angara, 272 SCRA 18(1997), the sovereignty of the Philippines issubject to restriction by its membership in thefamily of nations and the limitations imposed of

treaty limitations. Section 2. Article II of theConstitution adopts the generally acceptedprinciples of international law as part of the lawof the land. One of such principles is pacta suntservanda. The Constitution did not envision ahermit-like isolation of the country from the restof the world.

Freedom from Nuclear Weapons; ForeignMilitary Bases (1988)No. 22: The Secretary of Justice had recentlyruled that the President may negotiate for amodification or extension of military bases

agreement with the United States regardless ofthe "no nukes" provisions in the 1987Constitution. The President forthwithannounced that she finds the same opinion"acceptable" and will adopt it. The Senators onthe other hand, led by the Senate President,are skeptical, and had even warned that notreaty or international agreement may go intoeffect without the concurrence of two-thirds ofall members of the Senate.


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A former senator had said, "it is completelywrong, if not erroneous," and "is an amendmentof the Constitution by misinterpretation." Somemembers of the Lower House agree withSecretary Ordonez, while others lament thelatter's opinion as "questionable, unfortunate,and without any basis at all."Do you or do you not agree with theaforementioned ruling of the Department of

Justice? Why?SUGGESTED ANSWER:No. The Constitution provides that if foreignmilitary bases, troops or facilities are to beallowed after the expiration of the presentPhilippine-American Military Bases Agreementin 1991, it must be "under a treaty dulyconcurred in by the Senate and, when theCongress so requires, ratified by a majority ofthe votes cast by the people in a nationalreferendum." (Art. XVIII, sec. 25) A mereagreement, therefore, not a treaty, without theconcurrence of at least 2/3 of all the members

of the Senate will not be valid (Art. VII, sec. 21,Art. XVIII, sec. 4). With respect to the provisionallowing nuclear weapons within the bases, theConstitution appears to ban such weapons fromthe Philippine territory. It declares as a statepolicy that "the Philippines, consistent with thenational interest, adopts and pursues a policy offreedom from nuclear weapons in its territory."(Art, II, sec. 8) However, the deliberations of theConstitutional Commission would seem toindicate that this provision of the Constitution is"not something absolute nor 100 percent

without exception." It may therefore be thatcircumstances may justify a provision onnuclear weapons.

Philippine Flag (Q4-2006)State whether or not the law is constitutional.Explain briefly.1. A law changing the design of the

Philippine flag. (2%)ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:The law is invalid considering that under ArticleXVI, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution, the flagof the Philippines shall be red, white, and blue,

with a sun and three stars, as consecrated andhonored by the people and recognized by law.Since the Constitution itself prescribes thedesign, it can only be changed by constitutionalamendment.ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:The law is valid, provided that the new designdoes not change the elements and colorscheme of the flag as stated in the Constitution,and the flag is consecrated and honored by thepeople. Since the Constitution itself states that

the flag must be recognized by law, it impliesthat certain aspects of the flag are subject tochange through legislative action.

Principle of Civilian Supremacy (Q6-2006)2. What Constitutional provisions institutionalizethe principle of civilian supremacy? (2.5%)SUGGESTED ANSWER:The following constitutional provisions

institutionalize the principle of civiliansupremacy:a. Civilian authority is at all times supreme

over the military. [Article II, Section 3]b. The installation of the President, the

highest civilian authority, as theCommander-in-Chief of the military. [Ar-ticle VII, Section 18]

c. The requirement that members of theAFP swear to uphold and defend theConstitution, which is the fundamental lawof the civil government. [Article XVI,Section 5(1)]

d. The requirement that members of theAFP shall have respect for people's rightsin the performance of their duty. [ArticleXVI, Section 5(2)]

e. Professionalism in the armed forces.[Article XVI, Section 5(3)]

f. Insulation of the AFP from partisanpolitics. [Article XVI, Section 5(3)]

g. Prohibition against the appointment of anAFP member in the active service to acivilian position. [Article XVI, Section 5(4)]

h. Compulsory retirement of officers without

extension of service. [Article XVI, Section5(5)]i. Requirement of proportional recruitment

from all provinces and cities, so as toavoid any regional clique from formingwithin the AFP. [Article XVI, Section 5(7)]

j. A 3-year limitation on the tour of duty ofthe Chief of Staff, which althoughextendible in case of emergency by thePresident, depends on Congressionaldeclaration of emergency. [Article XVI,Section 5(6)]

The establishment of a police force that is not

only civilian in character but also under the localexecutives. [Article XVI, Section 5(7)]

State Immunity from Suit (1991)No. 13; In February 1990, the Ministry of theArmy. Republic of Indonesia, invited bids for thesupply of 500,000 pairs of combat boots for theuse of the Indonesian Army. The Marikina ShoeCorporation, a Philippine corporation, which hasno branch office and no assets in Indonesia,submitted a bid to supply 500,000 pairs of


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combat boots at U.S. $30 per pair delivered inJakarta on or before 30 October 1990. Thecontract was awarded by the Ministry of theArmy to Marikina Shoe Corporation and wassigned by the parties in Jakarta. Marikina ShoeCorporation was able to deliver only 200,000pairs of combat boots in Jakarta by 30 October1990 and it received payment for 100,000 pairsor a total of U.S. $3,000,000.00. The Ministry of

the Army promised to pay for the other 100,000pairs already delivered as soon as theremaining 300,000 pairs of combat boots aredelivered, at which time the said 300,000 pairswill also be paid for. Marikina Shoe Corporationfailed to deliver any more combat boots.

On 1 June 1991, the Republic of Indonesia filedan action before the Regional Trial Court ofPasig. Rizal, to compel Marikina ShoeCorporation to perform the balance of itsobligations under the contract and for damages.In its Answer, Marikina Shoe Corporation sets

up a counterclaim for U.S. $3,000,000.00representing the payment for the 100,000 p

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