CONSTITUTIONAL LAW II
I. Nature of the Constitution Purposes of the Constitution:
1. to prescribe the framework of a system of government
2. to assign to the several departments their respective powers and duties 3. to establish certain fixed principles on which government is founded Classification of the Constitution:
1. written
2. conventional (or enacted) 3. rigid
Essential Qualities of the Written Constitution: 1. broad
2. brief 3. clear
Essential Parts of the Written Constitution: 1. constitution of liberty
2. constitution of government 3. constitution of sovereignty
2 steps in the amendment or revision of our Constitution: 1. Proposal
1. Constituent Assembly (vote of ¾ of Congress)
2. Constitutional Convention (call by 2/3 vote of Congress, or thrown to people by majority vote of Congress)
3. People's Initiative [Amendment only] (12% of registered voters with 3% of registered voters in each legislative district)
2. Ratification (majority of the votes cast in the plebiscite; 60-90 days) Judicial Review of Amendments
The amending process, both as to proposal and ratification, raises a judicial question (Sanidad vs COMELEC) Doctrine of Proper Submission
Amendments cannot be submitteed to the people in a piecemeal fashion wherein the other amendments are to follow. The people should have a frame of reference from which to read the amendments being proposed. (Tolentino vs COMELEC)
II. The Constitution and The Courts Voting on en banc cases
majority of the members who actually took part in the deliberation on the issues in the case and voted thereon Doctrine of Purposeful Hesitation
- symbolic function of the court
- the court would not decide on matters which are considered political questions Requisites of Judicial Inquiry: [APE-N]
1. ACTUAL CASE - there must be an actual case or controversy
■ Actual case- conflict of legal rights, an assertion of opposite legal claims susceptible of judicial adjudication
2. PROPER PARTY - the question of constitutionality must be raised by the proper party
■ Proper party – one who has sustained or is in immediate danger of sustaining an injury as a result of the act complained of
3. EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY - the constitutional question must be raised at the earliest possible opportunity ■ what is not alleged cannot be proven
if question is not raised in the pleadings, it could not be raised at the trial, except: 1. in criminal case – can be raised any time in the discretion of court
2. in civil case - can be raised at any stage if necessary to the determination of the case 3. in every case (except when there is estoppel) - can be raised at any stage if it involves
4. NECESSITY OF DECIDING CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTION - the decision of the constitutional question must be necessary to the determination of the case itself
■ as long as there is some other basis that can be used by the courts for its decision, the constitutionality of the challenged law will not be touched and the case will be decided on other available grounds
Effects of Declaration of Unconstitutionality, 2 views:
ORTHODOX VIEW – an unconstitutional act is not a law; it confers no rights, imposes no duties, and affords no protection
MODERN VIEW [OPERATIVE FACT DOCTRINE] – the court does not annul or repeal the statute it finds in conflict with the Constitution; it simply refuses to recognize it; the decision affects the parties only and there is no judgment against the statue; the actual existence of the statute prior to its declaration of unconstitutionality was an operative fact and might have consequences which could not justly be ignored <more realistic approach>
Partial Unconstitutionality, when valid (2 conditions):
1. the legislature is willing to retain the valid portions even if the rest of the statute is declared illegal; and 2. the valid portions can stand independently as a separate statute
III. The Fundamental Powers of the State Police Power
Power of Eminent Domain Power of Taxation Similarities:
1. they are inherent in the State 2. they are necessary and indispensable
3. they are methods by which the State interferes with private rights 4. they presuppose an equivalent compensation
5. they are execised primarily by the legislature
Differences:
DIFFERENCES POLICE POWER EMINENT DOMAIN TAXATION
As to regulation regulates both liberty and
property regulates property rights only regulates property rights only As to who may exercise only the government government and some
private entities only the government As to the property taken destroyed because it is
noxious or intended for noxious purpose
-wholesome
-taken for a public use or purpose
-wholesome
-taken for a public use or purpose
As to Compensation intangible altruistic feeling that the person has contributed to the general welfare
full and fair equivalent of the
property expropriated protection and public improvements for the taxes paid
Limitations: Bill of Rights
IV. Police Power
-power of promoting the welfare by restraining and regulating the use of liberty and property Characteristics:
most pervasive, least limitable and most demanding of the 3 powers Justification:
Salus populi est suprema lex – the welfare of the people is the supreme law
Sic utere tuo ut alienum non laedas – a person must use his own property so as not to injure another Scope:
1. cannot be bargained away through the medium of a treaty or contract (Stone v Mississippi) 2. may use taxing power as its implement (Tio vs Videogram Regulatory Board)
3. may use eminent domain as its implement (Assoc. of Small Landowners vs Sec. of Agrarian Reform) 4. could be given retroactive effect and may reasonably impair vested rights or contracts (police power
prevails over contract)
5. dynamic, not static, and must move with the moving society it is supposed to regulate Who may exercise Police Power
the Legislature (inherent) President (by delegation)
administrative boards (by delegation)
lawmaking bodies on all municipal levels, including barangay (by delegation)
Municipal governments / LGU's (conferred by statute – general welfare clause of RA 7160) Tests (Limitations):
1. LAWFUL SUBJECT – interests of the public generally, as distinguished from those of a particular class, require the exercise of police power
2. LAWFUL MEANS – the means employed are reasonably necessary for the accomplishment of the purpose and not unduly oppressive upon individuals
Additional limitations (when exercised by delegate): express grant by law (e.g. RA 7160)
within territorial limits (for LGU's)
must not be contrary to law (City Government of Quezon City vs Ericta) for municipal ordinances -
1. must not contravene the Constitution or any statute 2. must not be unfair and oppressive
3. must not be partial and discriminatory 4. must not prohibit, but may regulate, trade 5. must not be unreasonable
6. must be general in application and consistent with public policy
V. Power of Eminent Domain - a.k.a. Expropriation; Condemnation
use of the government of its coercive authority, upon just compensation, to forcibly acquire the needed property in order to devote the same to public use
(see Rule 67, Rules of Court and Sec. 9, Art III, Constitution) Who may Exercise
1. The Congress (inherent) 2. President
3. various local legislative bodies
4. certain public corporations (e.g. National Housing Authority) 5. Quasi-public corporations (e.g. PLDT)
Eminent Domain vs.
Destruction from Necessity
EMINENT DOMAIN DESTRUCTION FROM NECESSITY
- public right
- arises from the laws of society and is vested in the state or grantee, acting under the right and power of the state or benefit of the state
- private right vested in every individual with which the right of state or state necessity has nothing to do - comes under the right of necessity, of self-preservation - arises under the laws of society or society itself - cannot require the conversion of the property taken to public use, nor is there any need for the payment of just compensation
Jurisdiction over a complaint for eminent domain - Regional Trial Court (RTC)
Requisites of Eminent Domain [NP-TPJ]: 1. [N] NECESSITY OF EXERCISE 2. [P] PROPERTY
3. [T] TAKING 4. [P] PUBLIC USE
[N] Necessity of Exercise - genuine necessity, and - must be of public character
When exercised by legislature – political question When exercised by a delegate – justiciable question
■ determine the: (a) adequacy of compensation; (b) necessity of taking; and (c) public use character
[P] Property
GENERAL RULE: anything that can come under the dominion of man is subject to expropriation
EXCEPTIONS: money and chose in action (personal right not reduced into possession, i.e. the right to bring an action to recover debt, money or thing)
Private property already devoted to public use cannot be expropriated by a delegate acting under a general grant of authority (City of Manila vs Chinese Community)
[T] Taking
- REQUISITES (Republic vs Castellvi) [EM-LPD]: 1. [E] expropriator must enter a private property 2. [M] entry must be for more than a momentary period 3. [L] entry must be under the warrant of legal authority 4. [P] entry is for public use
5. [D] the owner is deprived of enjoying his property - if taking is under police power, it is not compensable
TAKING UNDER EMINENT DOMAIN vs TAKING IN POLICE POWER :
POLICE POWER EMINENT DOMAIN
the prejudice suffered by the individual property owner is
shared in common with the rest of the community the individual suffers more than his aliquot part of the damages, i.e. a special injury above that sustained by the rest of the community
- where there is taking in the constitutional sense, the property owner need not file a claim for just compensation with the Commission on Audit; he may go directly to the court to demand payment. Arbitrary action of the government shall be deemed a waiver of its immunity from suit (Amigable vs Cuenca)
[P] Public Use
whatever may be beneficially employed for the general welfare (Heirs of Ardona vs Reyes) includes both direct or indirect benefit or advantage to the public
[J] Just Compensation
full and fair equivalent of the property taken from the property owner by the expropriator
that sum of money which a person, desirous but not compelled to buy, and an owner, willing but not compelled to sell, would agree on as a price to be given and received therefor
WHERE ONLY PART OF HE PROPERTY IS EXPROPRIATED :
entitlement to consequential damages, if any + consequential benefits must be deducted from the total compensation provided consequential benefits does not exceed consequential damages
Payment of the correct amount + Payment within a reasonable time FORM OF COMPENSATION :
* money (However, in Assoc. of Small Landowners vs Sec. of Agrarian Reform, payment is allowed to be made partly in bonds because it deals with a revolutionary kind of expropriation)
TRANSFER OF TITLE
- Payment of just compensation before title is transferred RECKONING POINT OF MARKET VALUE OF PROPERTY :
- either as of the date of taking or filing of the complaint, whichever comes first ENTITLEMENT TO INTEREST :
General Rule: when there is delay, there must be interest by way of damages (Art. 2209, CC) Exception: when waived by not claiming the interest
PAYMENT OF TAXES :
- Taxes paid from the time of the taking until the transfer of the title, during which the owner did not enjoy any beneficial use of the property, are reimbursable by the expropriator.
RIGHT OF LANDOWNER IN CASE OF NON-PAYMENT
General Rule: landowner is not entitled to recover possession of the property, but only to demand payment Exception: when the government failed to pay just compensation within 5 years from the finality of judgment in expropriation proceedings, there is a right to recover property
VI. Power of Taxation
method by which contributions are exacted from persons and property for the support of government and for all public needs.
obligation to pay taxes is a duty TAXES vs LICENSES
TAX LICENSE
- to raise revenues - for regulatory purpose only
- justified under police power
- amount of fees required is usually limited to the cost of regulation
Scope
all income earned in the taxing state, whether by citizens or aliens, and all immovable and tangible personal properties found in its territory, as well as tangible personal property owned by persons domiciled therein Power to Tax Includes Power to Destroy
when used validly as an implement of the police power in discouraging and in effect ultimately prohibiting certain things or enterprises inimical to public welfare
Power to Tax Does Not Include Power to Destroy
- where the tax is used solely for the purpose of raising revenues Who May Exercise
1. Legislature / Congress (inherent)
2. President (by delegation / tariff powers [Sec. 28 (2), Art. VI, Consti]) 3. local legislative bodies (conferred by direct authority [Sec. 5, Art. X, Consti]) Limitations of Taxation [DEP]:
1. [D] Due Process of Law 2. [E] Equal Protection 3. [P] Public Purpose [D] Due Process
A. Substantive : tax should not be confiscatory except when used as an implement of police power
B. Procedural : * due process does not require previous notice and hearing before a law prescribing specific taxes on specific articles may be enacted. * However, where the tax to be collected is to be based on the value of the taxable property, the taxpayer is entitled to be notified of the assessment proceedings and to be heard therein on the correct valuation of the property.
[E] Equal Protection
embodied in Sec. 28 (1), Art. VI, 1987 Constitution (The rule of taxation shall be uniform and equitable. The Congress shall evolve a progressive system of taxation.)
UNIFORMITY – persons or things belonging to the same class shall be taxed at the same rate * REQUISTES (Tan vs Del Rosario): [SCAE]
1. [S] standards that are used are substantial and not arbitrary 2. [C] categorization is germane to achieve the legislative purpose
3. [A] the law applies, all things being equal, to both present and future conditions 4. [E] classification applies equally well to all those belonging to the same class EQUITABLE TAXATION – based on the capacity to pay
PROGRESSIVE SYSTEM OF TAXATION – the rate increases as the tax base increases [P] Public Purpose
whatever may be beneficially employed for the general welfare Double Taxation / Direct Duplicate Taxation
when additional taxes are laid on the same subject by the same taxing jurisdiction during the same taxing period and for the same purpose.
despite the lack of specific prohibition, double taxation will not be allowed if it results in a violation of the equal protection clause.
Tax Exemptions -may either be:
1. constitutional
- Art. Vi, Sec. 28 (3) : when lands, buildings and improvements are actually, directly and exclusively [ADE] for religious, charitable or educational purposes – entitled to exemption
2. statutory- discretion of legislature
VII. Due Process of Law
no precise definition because it might prove constricting and prevent the judiciary from adjusting it to the circumstances of particular cases
responsiveness to the supremacy of reason, obedience to the dictates of justice embodiment of sporting idea of fair play
guaranty against any arbitrariness on the part of the government Protection of Person
Covers Natural (citizen and alien) and Artificial Persons. As to the latter, with respect only to property because its life and liberty are derived from and subject to control of legislature
Deprivation (in Sec. 1, Art. III)
connotes denial of right to life, liberty or property
not unconstitutional. what is prohibited is deprivation without due process of law. Life
connotes integrity of the physical person
not mere animal existence; embraces the enjoyment by the individual of God-given faculties that can make his life worth living.
Liberty
freedom to do right and never wrong (Mabini)
right to be free from arbitrary personal restraint or servitude Property
anything that can come under the right of ownership and be the subject of contract all things within the commerce of man
However, one cannot have a vested right to a public office as this is not regarded as property. If created by statute, it may be abolished by the legislature at any time.
Mere privileges are not property rights and are therefore revocable at will Substantive Due Process
requires intrinsic validity of the law in interfering with the rights of the person to his life, liberty or property REQUISITES
1. Lawful Subject 2. Lawful Means Procedural Due Process
- restriction on actions of judicial and quasi-judicial agencies of government
- Notice + Hearing (...hears before it condemns, which proceeds upon inquiry and renders judgment only after trial)
1. Judicial Due Process Requisites: [IJHJ]
2. [J] Jurisdiction lawfully acquired over the person of t he defendant and/or property 3. [H] Hearing
- not necessarily trial-type hearing; submission of position papers is enough
- right of a party to cross-examine the witness against him in a civil case is an indispensable part of due process
- the filing of a motion for reconsideration cures the defect of absence of a hearing - Cases in which notice and hearing may be dispensed with without violating due process:
a) abatement of nuisance per se
b) preventive suspension of a civil servant facing admin. charges
c) cancellation of passport of a person sought for the commission of a crime d) statutory presumptions
4. [J] Judgment rendered upon lawful hearing 2. Administrative Due Process
REQUISITES [HEDSPIK]: 1. [H] Right to a hearing
2. [E] Tribunal must consider the evidence presented 3. [D] Decision must have something to support itself 4. [S] Evidence must be Substantial
5. [P] Decision must be rendered on the evidence presented at the hearing, or at least contained in the record and disclosed to the parties affected
6. [I] Tribunal, body, or any of its judges must act on its or his own independent consideration of the facts and law of the controversy
7. [K] Decision is rendered in such a manner that the parties to the proceeding can know the various issues involved, and the reason for the decision rendered
VIII. Equal Protection
embraced in the concept of due process
embodied in a separate clause to provide for a more specific guaranty against undue favoritism or hostility from the government
DUE PROCESS CLAUSE attacks ARBITRARINESS in general
EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE attacks UNWARRANTED PARTIALITY OR PREJUDICE
SUBSTANTIVE EQUALITY – all persons or things similarly situated should be treated alike, both as to rights conferred and responsibilities imposed.
EQUALITY IN ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAW – law be enforced and applied equally
“A law which denies equal protection is the same with a law which permits such denial.” (read People vs Vera) Requisites:
1. it must be based on substantial distinctions 2. it must be germane to the purposes of the law 3. it must not be limited to existing conditions only
- must be enforced as long as the problem sought to be corrected exists 4. it must apply equally well to all members of the class
- both as to rights conferred and obligations imposed
IX. Searches and Seizures
Section 2, Article III – deals with tangibles; embodies the “castle” doctrine (a man's house is his castle; a citizen enjoys the right against intrusion and is master of all the surveys within the domain and privacy of his own home.)
Section 3 (1), Article III – deals with intangibles
Section 3 (2), Artivle III – Exclusionary Rule (which embodies the Doctrine of the Fruit of the Poisonous Tree) available to natural and artificial persons, but the latter's books of accounts may be required to open for
examination by the State in the exercise of police power or power of taxation The right is personal (Stonehill vs Diokno)
may be invoked only against the State (People vs Marti)
Only a judge may issue a warrant. EXCEPTION: orders of arrest may be issued by administrative authorities but only for the purpose of carrying out a final finding of a violation of a law
VALID WARRANTLESS SEARCHES [NOTE: each of these requires probable cause, except stop and frisk] 1. searches incidental to lawful arrest (rule 126, Rules of Court) – for dangerous weapons or anything that
Requisites:
1. the item to be searched was within the arrestee's custody or area of immediate control 2. the search was contemporaneous with the arrest
2. searches of moving vehicles
3. searches of prohibited articles in plain view Requisites:
1. prior valid intrusion to a place
2. evidence was inadvertently discovered by the police who has the right to be there 3. evidence is immediately apparent
4. there is no further search 4. enforcement of customs law 5. consented searches
6. stop and frisk (limited protective search of outer clothing for weapons) 7. routine searches at borders and ports of entry
8. searches of businesses in the exercise of visitorial powers to enforce police regulations - VALID WARRANTLESS ARREST:
1. in flagrante delicto 2. hot pursuit
3. the offender escaped from the penal establishment
Requisites of a valid warrant:
REQUISTES ARREST WARRANT SEARCH WARRANT
1. Probable Cause
- must refer to 1 specific offense such facts and circumstances which would lead a reasonably prudent man to believe that an offense has been committed and the person sought to be arrested had committed it
such facts and circumstances which would lead a reasonably prudent man to believe that an offense has been committed and the objects sought in the connection of the offense are in the place sought to be searched
2. Personal determination of probable
cause by the judge the judge personally determines the existence of probable cause; it is not necessary that he should personally examine the complainant and his witnesses (Soliven vs Makasiar)
-procedure; (1) personally evaluate the fiscal's report, or (2) if [1] is
insufficient, disregard it and require the submission of supporting affidavits of witnesses
*PRELIMINARY INQUIRY (task of the judge) – determination of probable cause for the issuance of warrant of arrest
*PRELIMINARY IVESTIGATION PROPER (task of the prosecutor) –
ascertainment whether the offender should be held for trial or be released
the judge must personally examine in the form of searching questions and answers...
in writing and under oath...
the complainants and his witnesses... on facts personally known to them... and attach to the record their sworn statements and affidavits.
(Silva vs Presiding Judge)
3. After examination under oath or affirmation of the complainant and the witnesses he may produce
not merely routinary but must be
probing and exhaustive not merely routinary but must be probing and exhaustive
4. Particularity of description GENERAL RULE: it must contain the name/s of the persons to be arrested EXCEPTION: if there is some descriptio personae which will enable the officer to identify the accused
GENERAL RULE: when the description therein is as specific as the
circumstances will ordinarily allow. EXCEPTION: when no other more accurate and detailed description could have been given.
X. Liberty of Abode and Travel
Purpose of the Provision (Art. III, Sec. 6):
to further emphasize the individual's liberty as safeguarded in general terms by the due process clause. Liberty under that clause includes the right to choose one's residence.
Limitations
1. LIBERTY OF ABODE - “upon lawful order of the court”
2. RIGHT TO TRAVEL - “national security, public safety or public health as may be provided by law” Caunca vs Salazar
82 Phil 851 Whether a maid had the right to transfer to another residence even if she had not paid yetthe amount advances by an employment agency: Yes. The fortunes of business cannot be controlled by controlling a fundamental human freedom.
Human dignity and freedom are essentially spiritual – inseparable from the idea of eternal. Money, power, etc. belong to the ephemeral and perishable.
Rubi vs Provincial Board of Mindoro
1919
The respondents were justified in requiring the members of certain non-Christian tribes to reside in a reservation, for their better education, advancement and protection. The measure was a legitimate exercise of police power.
Villavicencio vs Lukban
1919 Prostitutes, despite being in a sense lepers, are not chattels but Philippine citizens,protected by the same constitutional guarantee of freedom of abode. They may not be compelled to change their domicile in the absence of a law allowing such.
Salonga vs Hermoso
97 SCRA 121 the case became moot and academic when the permit to travel abroad was issued beforethe case could be heard. Lorenzo vs Dir. of Health
1927 Laws for the segregation of lepers have been provided the world over and is supported byhigh scientific authority. Such segregation is premised on the duty to protect public health. Manotok vs CA
1986 Bail posted in a criminal case, is a valid restriction on the right to travel. By its nature, itmay serve as a prohibition on an accused from leaving the jurisdiction of the Philippines where orders of Philippine courts would have no binding force.
Marcos vs Manglapus
1989 The liberty of abode and the right to travel includes the right to leave, reside and travelwithin one’s country but it does not include the right to return to one’s country. NOTE: Court warned that this case should not create a precedent because Marcos was a class in himself.
Philippine Association of Service Exporters vs Drilon
1988
Right to travel may be impaired in the interest of national security, public health or public order, as may be provided by law.
An order temporarily suspending the deployment of overseas workers is constitutional for having been issued in the interest of the safety of OFWs, as provided by the Labor Code.
XI. FREEDOM OF RELIGION Religion defined
“any specific system of belief, worship, conduct, etc., often involving a code of ethics and philosophy” (definition ni Cruz)
The aforesaid definition is comprehensive than that given in Aglipay vs Ruiz (a profession of faith to an active power that binds and elevates man to his Creator). This is because there are religions, which do not make reference to a God, e.g Buddhism, Atheism, etc.
(comment ko: The definition is too vague. It is too broad that it can even cover systems of belief that we do not consider as religions. If we are to accept the definition, it would be tantamount to calling different schools of thought, e.g. Analytic tradition, Existentialism, as religions.)
TWO GUARANTEES CONTAINED IN SEC. 5: 1. Non-establishment clause
2. Free exercise of religious profession and worship [1] NON-ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE
as stated by Cruz: there is no violation of this clause if: 1. the statute has a secular purpose
2. its prinipal effect is one that neither advances nor inhibits religion; and 3. it does not foster an excessive government entanglement with religion reinforces Sec. 6, Art. II on the separation of church and State
other provisions which support this: Sec 2(5), Art. IX-C [a religious sect or denomination cannot be registered as a political party], Sec 5(2), Art. VI [no sectoral representative from the religious sector], and Sec 29 (2), Art. VI [prohibition against the use of public money or property for the benefit of any religion, or of any priest, minister or ecclsiastic], Sec. 28 (3), Art. VI [exemption from taxation of properties actually, directly and exclusively used for religious purposes, Sec 4(2), Art XIV [citizenship requirement of ownership of educational institutions except those owned by religious groups], Sec 29(2), Art VI [appropriation allowed where the minister is employed in the armed forces, penal institution or government-owned orphanage or leprosarium]
Scope: the state cannot set up a church, nor pass laws which aid one religion, aid all religion, or prefer one religion...
Rationale:
o to delineate boundaries between the 2 institutions; and o to avoid encroachment by one against the other.
o [Strong fences make good neighbors; Render unto Ceasar the things that are Ceasar's and unto God the things that are God's.]
A union of Church and State would either:
o tend to destroy government and to degrade religion; or o result in a conspiracy because of its composite strength separation of church and state is not a wall of hostility
The Government is neutral. It protects all, but prefers none and disparages none.
Freedom of religion includes freedom from religion; the right to worship includes right not to worship - Two values sought to be protected by the non-establishment clause:
(a)
Voluntarism – the growth of a religious sect as a social force must come from the voluntary support of its members because of the belief that both spiritual and secular society will benefit if religions are allowed to compete on their own intrinsic merit without benefit of official patronage.(b)
Insulation of the political process from interfaith dissension – voluntarism cannot be achieved unless the political process is insulated from religion and unless religion is insulated from politics.Engel vs Vitale recitation by students in public schools in New York of a prayer composed by the Board of Regents was unconstitutional
Everson vs Board of
Education US Supreme Court sustained the law providing free transportation for all schoolchildrenwithout discrimination, including those attending parochial schools Board of Education vs
Allen US Supreme Court sustained the law requiring the petitioner to lend textbooks free ofcharge to all students from grades 7-12, including those attending private schools In Everson and Allen, the government aid was given directly to the student and parents, not to the church-related school Adong vs Cheong Seng
Gee in line with the constitutional principle of equal treatment of all religions, the Staterecognizes the validity of marriages performed in conformity with the rites of Mohammedan religion
Rubi vs Provincial Board the expression “non-Christian” in “non-Christian tribes” was not meant to discriminate. It refers to degree of civilization, not to the religious belief.
Islamic Da'wah Council of the Philippines vs Office of Exec. Sec.
by arrogating to itself the task of issuing halal certifications, the State has, in effect, forced Muslims to accept its own interpretation of the Qur'an and Sunna on halal food.
Intramural Religious Dispute = outside the jurisdiction of the secular authorities Gonzales vs Archbishop of
Manila where a civil right depends upon some matter pertaining to ecclesiastical affairs, the civiltribunal tries the civil right and nothing more. Fonacier v CA where the dispute involves the property rights of the religious group, or the relations of the
members where the property rights are involved, the civil courts may assume jurisdiction. [2] FREE EXERCISE CLAUSE
2 aspects:
1. FREEDOM TO BELIEVE absolute
“everyone has a right to his beliefs and he may not be called to account because he cannot prove what he believes”
2. FREEDOM TO ACT ACCORDING TO ONE'S BELIEFS
happens when the individual externalizes his beliefs in acts or omissions subject to regulation; can be enjoyed only with proper regard to rights of others
Justice Frankfurter: the constitutional provision on religious freedom terminated disabilities, it did not create new privileges... its essence is freedom from conformity to religious dogma, not freedom from conformity to law because of religious dogma
German vs Barangan SC found that petitioners were not sincere in their profession of religious liberty and were using it merely to express their opposition to the government
Ebralinag vs division Superintendent of Schools of Cebu
SC reversed Gerona vs Sec. of Educ. , and upheld the right of petitioners to refute to salute the Philippine flag on account of their religious scruples.
People vs Zosa invocation of religious scruples in order to avoid military service was brushed aside by the SC
Victoriano vs Elizalde Rope
Workers Union SC upheld the validity of RA 3350, exempting members of areligious sect from being compelled to join a labor union American Bible Society vs
City of Manila the constitutional guarantee of free exercise carries with it theright to disseminate information, and any restraint of such right can be justified only on the ground that there is a clear and present danger of an evil which the State has the right to prevent;
Hence, City ordinance imposing license fees to on sale is inapplicable to the society
Tolentino vs Sec. of Finance the free exercise clause does not prohibit imposing a generally applicable sales and use tax on the sale of religious materials; the registration fee is not imposed for the exerise of a privilege, but only for the purpose of defraying part of the cost of registration
Compelling State Interest test [Estrada vs Escritor]
the constitution's religion clause's prescribe not a strict bu a benevolent neutrality (which recognizes that government must pursue its secular goals and interests, but at the same time, strive to uphold religious liberty to the greatest extent possible within flexible constitutional limits
benevolent neutrality could allow for accomodation morality based on religion provided it does not offend the compelling state interest test.
two steps (as regards the test):
1. inquire whether respondent's right to religious freedom has been burdened; and 2. ascertain respondent's sincerity in her religious belief.
solicitiations for religious purposes requires not a prior permit from DSWD as it is not included in solicitations for “charitable or public welfare purposes.” [Centeno vs Villalon-Pornillos]
RELIGIOUS TESTS
Purpose: to stop government's clandestine attempts to prevent a person from exercising his civil or political rights because of his religious beliefs.
People vs Zosa invocation of religious scruples in order to avoid military service was brushed aside by the SC
XII. FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
Freedom of Speech – “at once the instrument and the guaranty and the bright consummate flower of all liberty.” (Wendell Philips)
Scope
Freedom of Expression is available only insofar as it is exercised for the discussion of matters affecting the public interest. Purely private interest matters do not come within the guaranty (invasion of privacy is not sanctioned by the Constitution).
covers ideas that are acceptable to the majority and the unorthodox view. (One of the functions of this freedom is “to invite dispute” – US Supreme Court; “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend
to the death your right to say it.” - Voltaire)
The freedom to speak includes the right to silent. (This freedom was meant not only to protect the minority who want to talk but also to benefit the majority who refuse to listen. - Socrates)
Importance
The ultimate good desired is better reached by a free trade in ideas – that the best test of truth is the power of the thought to get itself accepted in the competition of the market; and that truth is the only ground upon which their wishes safely can be carried out.
Modes of Expression Oral and written language
Symbolisms (e.g. bended knee, salute to the flag, cartoons) ELEMENTS:
Freedom from previous restraint or censorship Freedom from subsequent punishment
[1] FREEDOM FROM PREVIOUS RESTRAINT OR CENSORSHIP
embodied in Art. III, Sec. 4 [No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peacably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.] CENSORSHIP conditions the exercise of freedom of expression upon the prior approval of the government.
Only those ideas acceptable to it are allowed to be disseminated.
CENSOR, therefore, assumes the role of arbiter for the people, usually applying his own subjective standards in determining the good and the not. Such is anathema in a free society.
Grosjean vs American
Press Co. There need not be total suppression; even restriction of circulation constitutes censorship Burgos vs Chief of Staff the search, padlocking and sealing of the offices of Metropolitan Mail and We Forum by
military authorities, resulting in the discontinuance of publication of the newspapers, was held to be prior restraint
Mutuc vs COMELEC the COMELEC prohibition against the use of taped jingles in the mobile units used in the campaign was held to be unconstitutional, as it was in the nature of censorship
Sanidad vs COMELEC the Court annulled the COMELEC prohibition against radio commentators or newspaper columnists from commenting on the issues involved in the scheduled plebiscite on the organic law creating the Cordillera Autonomous Region as an unconstitutional restraint on freedom of expression
But...
Gonzales vs COMELEC the Court upheld the validity of the law which prohibited, except during the prescribed election period, the making of speeches, announcements or commentaries for or against the election of any party or candidate for public office.
JUSTIFICATION: the inordinate preoccupation of the people with politics tended toward the neglect of the other serious needs of the nation and the pollution of its suffrages.
Iglesia ni Cristo vs CA The Board of Review for Motion Pictures and Television (BRMPT) has the authority to review the petitioner's television program.
However, the Board acted with grave abuse of discretion when it gave an “X-rating” to the TV program on the ground of “attacks against another religion.” Such a classification can be justified only if there is a showing that the tv program would create a clear and present danger of an evil which the State ought to prevent.
Primicias vs Fugosos The respondent mayor could only reasonably regulate, not absolutely prohibit, the use of public places for the purpose indicated.
National Press Club vs
COMELEC the Supreme Court upheld the validity of Sec. 11(b), RA 6646, which prohibited any personmaking use of the media to sell or to give free of charge print space or air time for campaign or other political purposes except to the COMELEC. This was held to be within the power of the COMELEC to supervise the enjoyment or utilization of franchises for the operation of media of communication and information, for the purpose of ensuring equal opportunity, time and space, and the “right to reply,” as well as uniform and reasonable rates of charges for the use of such media facilities.
Osmeňa vs COMELEC SC reaffirmed validity of RA 6646 as a legitimate exercise of police power. The regulation is unrelated to the suppression of speech, as any restriction on freedom of expression occasioned thereby is only incidental and no more than is necessary to achieve the purpose of promoting equality.
simply said that COMELEC cannot procure print space without paying just compensation. Adiong vs COMELEC COMELEC's resolution prohibiting the posting of decals, and stickers in mobile units like cars
and other moving vehicles was declared unconstitutional for infringmenet of freedom of expression.
Besides, the constitutional objective of giving the rich and poor candidates' equal opportunity to inform the electorate is not violated by the posting of decals and stickers on cars and other vehicles.
“Overbreadth doctrine” = prohibits the government from achieving its purpose by means that weep unnecessarily broadly, reaching constitutionally protected as well as unprotected activity; the government has gone too far; its legitimate interest can be satisfied without reaching so broadly into the area of protected freedom.
Gonzales vs katigbak petitioner questioned the classification of the movie as “for adults only.” the petition was dismissed because the Board did not commit grave abuse of discretion.
[2] FREEDOM FROM SUBSEQUENT PUNISHMENT
embodied in Art. III, Sec. 18 (1) [No person shall be detained solely by reason of his political beliefs and aspirations]
without this assurance, the individual would hesitate to speak for fear that he might be held to account for his speech, or that he might be provoking the vengeance of the officials he may have criticized.
not absolute; subject to police power and may be regulated (freedom of expression does not cover ideas offensive to public order)
- Obscenity
US vs Kottinger SC acquitted accused who was charged of having offered for sale pictures of half-clad members of non-Christian tribes, holding that he had only presented them in their native attire
People vs Go Pin Accused was convicted for exhibiting nude paintings and pictures, notwithstanding his claim that he had done so in the interest of art. SC, noting that he has charged admission fees to the exhibition, held that his purpose was commercial, not merely artistic.
Pita vs CA SC declared that the determination of what is obscene is a judicial function. Miller vs California Test of Obscenity:
whether the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest
whether the work depicts, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by the applicable law
whether the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value
Justice Douglas, dissent: I do not think we, the judges, were ever given the constitutional power to make definitions of obscenity. Obscenity is a hodgepodge. - The Courts should not apply a national standard but the standard of the community in which the material is being tested.
- Criticism of Official Conduct Lagunzad vs Sotto Vda.
de Gonzales the Court granted the petition to restrain the public exhibition of the movie“Moises Padilla Story,” because it contained fictionalized embellishments. Being a public figure does not destroy one's right to privacy.
Ayer Productions vs Judge
Capulong the tribunal upheld the primacy of freedom of expression over Enrile's “right toprivacy,” because Enrile was a public figure and a public figure's right to privacy is narrower than that of an ordinary citizen. Besides, the movie “Four Days of Revolution (sabi ni Cruz)” / “A Dangerous Life (sabi ni Nachura)” / “The Four Day Revolution (sabi sa case)” would not be historically faithful without including therein the participation of Enrile in the EDSA revolution.
US vs Bustos SC compared criticism of official conduct to a “scalpel that relieves the abscesses of officialdom”
People vs Alarcon newspaper publications tending to impede, obstruct, embarrass or influence the courts in administering justice in a pending suit or proceeding constitutes criminal contempt which is summarily punishable by the courts.
In re Jurado a publication that tends to impede, embarrass or obstruct the court and constitutes a clear and present danger to the administration of justice is not
protected by the guarantee of press freedom and is punishable by contempt. It is not necessary that publication actually obstructs the administration of justice, it is enough that it tends to do so.
In re Sotto a senator was punished for contempt for having attacked a decision of SC which he called incompetent and narrow-minded, and announcing that he would file a bill for its reorganization
In re Tulfo Tulfo's “Sangkatutak na Bobo” column was held contumacious. Freedom of the press is subordinate to the decision, authority and integrity of the judiciary and the proper administration of justice.
In re Laureta a lawyer was held in contempt and suspended from the practice of law for wrting individual letters to members of the SC division that decided a case against his client, arrogantly questioning their decision
Zaldivar vs
Sandiganbayan a member of the Bar who imputed charges of improper influence, corruption andother misdeeds to members of the Supreme Court was suspended from the practice of law as “neither the right of free speech nor the right to engage in political activities can be so construed or extended as to permit any such liberties to a member of the bar.”
Right of students to free speech in school premises not absolute.
GENERAL RULE: a student shall not be expelled or suspended solely on the basis of articles he has written EXCEPTION: when the article materially disrupts class work or involves substantial disorder or invasion of rights of others, the school has the right to discipline its students (in such a case, it may expel or suspend the student)
Tests of valid governmental interference (criteria in determining the liability of the individual for ideas expressed by him) :
1. Clear and Present Danger Rule - most libertarian
- whether the words are used in such circumstances and of such a nature as to create a clear and present danger that they will bring about the substantive evils that the State has the right to prevent.
- the substantive evil must be extremely serious and the degree of imminence extremely high before utterances can be punished
- CLEAR = causal connection with the danger of the substantive evil arising from the utterance
- PRESENT = time element; imminent and immediate danger (the danger must not only be probable but also inevitable)
Terminiello vs City of
Chicago (speech inside an auditorium with 800 persons)speech is often provocative and challenging. hence, “fighting words” are not sufficient to convict a person absent a clear and present danger of a serious substantive evil
Primicias vs Fugosos The respondent mayor could only reasonably regulate, not absolutely prohibit, the use of public places for the purpose indicated.
the condition of Manila at that time did not justify the mayor's fears. there was no clear and present danger.
decided in 1947
Navarro vs Villegas (compare with Primicias case)
SC sustained respondent mayor's act of refusing to issue a permit enabling students to hold a public rally. Mayor feared the rally would result to public disorder.
- decided in 1970
Reyes vs Bagatsing the denial of a permit to hold a public rally was invalid as there was no showing of the probability of a clear and present danger of an evil that might arise as a result of the meeting. The burden of proving such eventually rests on the Mayor.
2. Dangerous Tendency Doctrine
- if the words uttered create a dangerous tendency of an evil which the State has the right to prevent, then such words are punishable.
- Justice Holmes, critique of this doctrine: Every idea is an incitement. If believed, it is acted on unless some other belief outweighs it, or some failure of energy stifles the movement at its birth.
Bayan vs Executive
Secretary Ermita 6. the Calibrated Pre-emptive Response Policy is null and void.Respondents are enjoined from using it and to strictly observe the requirements of maximum tolerance.
Cabansag vs
Fernandez It is not necessary that some definite or immediate acts of force orviolence be advocated. It is sufficient that such acts be advocated in general terms.
A mere tendency toward the evil was enough.
People vs Perez Accused declared: “The Filipinos like myself must use bolos for cutting off (Governor-General) Wood's head for having recommended a bad thing for the Filipinos, for he has killed our independence.”
He was sentenced to jail. 3. Balance of Interest Test
- when particular conduct is regulated in the interest of public order, and the regulation results in an indirect, conditional, partial abridgment of speech, the duty of the courts is to determine which of the two conflicting interests demands the greater protection under the circumstances presented.
- Justice Black, critique: it, in effect, allows the courts to decide that this freedom may not be enforced unless they believe it is reasonable to do so.
CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER
RULE DANGEROUS TENDENCY RULE BALANCE OF INTEREST RULE
liberty is preferred Authority is preferred the issue is resolved in the light of the peculiar circumstances obtaining in
each particular case Assembly and Petition
public issues are better resolved after an exchange of view among citizens meeting with each other for the purpose.
not subject to previous restraint or censorship regulated by BP 880 (Public Assembly Act)
Tanada vs
Bagatsing SC sustained the petitioner's motion compelling the mayor of Manila to issue a permit to holda rally, but changed the meeting place to Ugarte Field, a private park Malabanan vs
Ramento (several students were suspended for 1 year for conducting demonstration in the premises ofa university outside the area permitted by the school authorities) SC emphasized that the students did not shed their constitutional rights to free speech at the schoolhouse gate, and permitted the students to re-enroll and finish their studies.
Villar vs TIP (several students were barred from re-enrollment for participating in demonstrations) while the Court upheld the academic freedom of institutions of higher learning, which includes the right to set academic standards to determine under what circumstances failing grades suffice for expulsion of students, it was held that this right cannot be utilized to discriminate against those who exercise their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly. Non vs Dames SC abandons its ruling in Alcuaz vs PSBA (that enrolment of a student is a
semester-to-semester contract and the school may not be compelled to renew the contract) upholding the primacy of freedom of expression, because the students do not shed theur constitutionally protected rights at the school gate.
PBM Employees
Assoc vs PBM right to free assembly and petition prevails over economic rights. Tests of a lawful assembly
Purpose Test
- ideally, the test should be the purpose for which the assembly is held, regardless of the auspices under which it is organized
Auspices Test
- Evengelista vs Earnshaw: the mayor of Manila prohibited the members of the Communist Party from holding any kind of meeting, revoking all permits previously granted by him on the ground that the party had been found (by the fiscal's office) to be an illegal association.
Right of Association Art. III, Sec. 8
deemed embraced in freedom of expression because the organization can be used as a vehicle for the expression of views that have a bearing on public welfare.
Assoc vs CA Victoriano vs Elizalde Rope Workers' Union Occena vs
COMELEC right of association was not violated where political parties were prohibited from participatingin the barangay elections to insure the non-partisanship of the candidates. In re Edillon Bar integration does not compel the lawyer to associate with anyone. Integration does not
make a lawyer a member of any group of which he is not already a member. Access to Information
- the citizenry has a right to know what is going on in the country and in his government so he can express his views thereon knowledgeably and intelligently
Valmonte v Belmonte 1989
The people have a right to access official records but they cannot compel custodians of official records to prepare lists, abstracts, summaries and the like, such not being based on a demandable legal right.
Baldoza v Dimaano
1976 Judges cannot prohibit access to judicial records. However, a judge may regulate the mannerin which persons desiring to inspect, examine or copy records in his office, may exercise their rights.
Legaspi v Civil Service Commission 1987
Personal interest is not required in asserting the right to information on matters of public concern.
What matters constitute “public concern” should be determined by the court on a case to case basis.
Chavez v PCGG
1998 Public concern (def.) – writings coming into the hands of public officers in connection withtheir official functions Ill-gotten wealth is, by its nature, a matter of public concern.
Privileged communication: (1) national security, (2) trade secrets, (3) criminal matters pending in court,
Echegaray case SC held that making the Lethal Injection Manual inaccessible to the convict was unconstitutional.
XIII. THE IMPAIRMENT CLAUSE
Art. III, Sec. 10 of the Constitution Purpose
- to safeguard the integrity of valid contractual agreements against unwarranted interference by the State. Contract defined
- any lawful agreement on property or property rights, whether real or personal, tangible or intangible. - does not cover:
(a) License (merely a permit or privilege to do what otherwise would be unlawful and is not a contract with the government
(b) Marriage contract (regarded as social institution subject at all times to regulation by the legislature and to change of the original conditions).
(c) Public office (public office is a public trust). EXCEPTION: where the salary has already been earned, in which case it will be deemed a vested property right that cannot be withdrawn or reduced.
Impairment - retroactive
- anything that diminishes the efficacy of the contract - right of a party is changed to his prejudice
- when a law:
(a) Changes the terms of a contract between parties (b) Imposes new conditions
(c) Dispenses those expressed
(d) Authorizes for its satisfaction something different from that provided in its terms.
** A mere change in PROCEDURAL REMEDIES which does not change the substance of the contract, and which still leaves an efficacious remedy for enforcement does NOT impair the obligation of contracts.
Limitations
Police Power
- when a contract suffers from congenital infirmity, i.e. a contract which affects the public welfare Eminent Domain
Power of Taxation
- Tax exemptions are not contractual and so may be revoked at will by the legislature.
EXCEPTION: where a law grants a tax exemption in exchange for valuable consideration, such exemption is considered a contract and cannot be repealed because of the impairment clause. Clemons v Nolting
1922 The following impair the obligation of a contract:1. A law which changes the terms of a legal contract with respect to: a. time or mode of performance
b. conditions – that which imposes new or dispenses with expressed conditions
2. A law which authorizes for the satisfaction of a contract something different from that provided in its terms
A law which compels a creditor to accept Philippine pesos when a debt in US currency is owing impairs the obligation of the contract.
Charles River Bridge v Warren Bridge
1837
The state is never presumed to surrender its police power.
A franchise granted to a company to collect tolls from a bridge is subject to the duty and power of the state to provide for the improvement of an important line of travel.
Home Building & Loan Assoc. v Blaisdell
1934
The legislature can’t bargain away public health, morals & safety. The police power is considered a reserved power.
The legislature may not impair the obligation of a contract but may modify, according to its wisdom, the remedy with which the obligations may be enforced.
remedy – modes of proceeding and forms to enforce the contract provided it does not seriously impair the value of the right
The reservation of state authority is read into and deemed part of contracts. Stone v Mississippi
1879 A statute which subsequently outlaws gambling does not impair the obligation of contract. Alottery charter is only a privilege which may be revoked by the exercise of the police power of the state, gambling being an appropriate subject of regulation.
Manila Trading v Reyes
1935
There is no vested right in remedies or modes of procedure. The legislature may modify particular remedies for the enforcement of a contract without interfering with the obligation of the contract.
Rutter v Esteban
1953 Police power may only be invoked against the impairment of contracts if:1. justified by an emergency – furnished the proper occasion for the exercise of the reserved power of the state
2. temporary in nature – operation limited to the exigency which called it forth, which period may be reduced by the court
3. exercised upon reasonable conditions
4. impairment refers only to remedy and not to substantive right
5. addressed to a legitimate purpose – the protection of the basic interests of society Ilusoria v CAR
1966 The prohibition in the Constitution refers only to contracts with respect to property. It doesnot apply to statutes relating to public subjects within the domain of the general legislative powers of the state and involving the right and public welfare of the entire community affected by it.
A law which allows tenants to change their contracts from tenancy to leasehold system does not impair the obligation of contracts because it was enacted pursuant to social justice precepts of the constitution.
Ortigas v Feati Bank
1979
Zoning laws, promulgated in the exercise of police power, justify nullification of contractual obligations.
Conference of Maritime Manning Agencies v POEA 1995
Contracts of labor are explicitly subject to the police power.
CC1700: Relations between capital and labor are not merely contractual but are impressed with public interest and must yield to the common good…
Art. III, Sec. 22 of the Constitution
Prohibition against Ex Post facto Laws - the equivalent of the impairment clause in criminal matters Kinds
1) One which makes an action done before the passing of the law, and which was innocent when done, criminal, and punishes such action.
2) One which aggravates the crime or makes it greater than when it was committed.
3) One which changes the punishment and inflicts a greater punishment than that which the law annexed to the crime when it was committed.
4) One which alters the legal rules of evidence and receives less testimony than the law required at the time of the commission of the offense in order to convict the accused.
5) One which assumes to regulate civil rights and remedies only BUT, in effect, imposes a penalty or deprivation of a right, which, when done, was lawful.
6) One which deprives a person accused of a crime of some lawful protection to which he has become entitled such as the protection of a former conviction or acquittal, or a proclamation of amnesty.
Characteristics [CPR]
[C] must refer to criminal matters [P] prejudicial to the accused [R] retroactive in application BILL OF ATTAINDER
A legislative act that inflicts punishment without trial.
Essence is the substitution of legislative fiat for a judicial determination of guilt BA → EPF
Δ BA= Bill of Attainder; EPF = Ex Post Facto Law (All Bills of Attainder are Ex Post Facto Laws) Elements of Bill of Attainder
1. There must be a law.
2. The law imposes a penal burden on a named individual or easily ascertainable members of a group. 3. There is a direct imposition of penal burden without judicial trial.
XV. NON-IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT Art. III, Sec. 20 of the Constitution
For HUMANITARIAN reasons… an added guaranty of the liberty of persons against their incarceration for the enforcement of purely private debts because of their misfortune of being poor
Debt defined
Any civil obligation arising from a contract Expressed or implied
Resulting in any liability to pay in money
Scope of guaranty against imprisonment for non-payment of debt
** If an accused fails to pay the fine imposed upon him, this may result in his subsidiary imprisonment because his liability is ex delicto and not ex contractu.
** A FRAUDULENT debt may result in the imprisonment of the debtor if: 1. The fraudulent debt constitutes a crime such as estafa and 2. The accused has been duly convicted.
POLL TAX
GENERAL RULE: Non-payment of taxes is punishable with imprisonment. EXCEPTION: Failure to pay a poll tax
Poll tax defined
A specific sum levied upon every person belonging to a certain class without regard to his property or occupation
XVI. INVOLUNTARY SERVITUDE Sec. 18, Art III, Constitution Involuntary Servitude defined
The condition of one who is compelled by force, coercion, or imprisonment, and against his will, to labor for another, whether he is paid or not.
Includes:
1. Slavery –civil relation in which one man has absolute power over the life, fortune and liberty of another
2. Peonage – a condition of enforced servitude by which the servitor is restrained of his liberty and compelled to labor in liquidation of some debt or obligation, real or pretended, against his will General Rule
No involuntary service in any form shall exist. Exceptions
1. Punishment for a crime for which the party shall have been duly convicted (Sec. 18, Art. III) 2. Personal military or civil service in the interest of national defense (Sec. 4, Art. II)
3. Naval enlistment – remain in service until the end of voyage so that the crew would not desert the ship, making it difficult for the owners to recruit new hands to continue the voyage (Robertson vs Baldwin) 4. Posse comitatus – in pursuit of persons who might have violated the law, the authorities might
command all male inhabitants of a certain age to assist them (US vs Pompeya)
5. Return to work order in industries affected with public interest (Kapisanan ng Manggagawa sa Kahoy vs Gotamco)
6. Patria Potestas – unemancipated minors are obliged to obey their parents so long as they are under parental power and to observe respect and reverence to them always (Art. 311, Civil Code)
US vs
Pompeya An Act providing for the method by which the people of the town may be called upon to renderassistance for the protection of the public and the preservation of peace and good order is constitutional. It was enacted in the exercise of the police power of the state and does not violate the constitutional prohibition on involuntary servitude.
Pollock vs
Williams No indebtedness warrants a suspension of the right to be free from compulsory service, and no statecan make the quitting of work any component of a crime, or make criminal sanctions available for holding unwilling persons to labor.
XVII. THE WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS Sec. 15, Art. III
Writ of Habeas Corpus defined A writ issued by a court
directed to a person detaining another commanding him
to produce the body of the prisoner at a designated time and place
with the day and cause of his caption and detention
to do, to submit to, and receive whatever the court or judge awarding the writ shall consider in his behalf
*** to secure the detainee’s release
*** The action shall take precedence in the calendar of the court and must be acted upon immediately When available (enumeration not exclusive)
restoration of liberty of an individual subjected to physical restraint may be availed of where, as a consequence of a judicial proceeding:
1. there has been deprivation of a constitutional right resulting in the restraint of the person 2. the court has no jurisdiction to impose the sentence, or
3. an excessive penalty has been imposed, since such sentence is void as to the excess.
May be extended to cases by which rightful custody of any person is withheld from the person entitled thereto
When moral restraint is exerted (Caunca vs Salazar)
Right was accorded a person was sentenced to a longer penalty than was subsequently meted out to another person convicted of the same offense. (Gumabon vs Director of Prisons)
Unlawful denial of bail
When not available (enumeration not exclusive)
the person alleged to be restrained is in the custody of an officer under a process issued by the court which has jurisdiction to do so
desaparecidos (disappeared persons) – persons could not be found; remedy is to refer the matter to Commission on Human Rights
Procedure
Need to comply with writ; disobedience thereof constitutes contempt Who may suspend the privilege
The President
Grounds for Suspension of the privilege 1. invasion or rebellion
2. when public safety requires it -- read Article VII, Sec. 18 of the Constitution Lansang doctrine (Lansang vs Garcia)
SC has the power to inquire into the factual basis of the suspension of the privilege of the writ Constitutionalized in Article VII, Sec. 18 of the Consti.
XVIII. SPEEDY DISPOSITION OF CASES Sec. 16, Art. III
Related concepts and provisions
Right to speedy trial (Sec. 14, Art. III)Speedy trial Speedy disposition of cases
Refers to trial phase only Refers to disposition of cases (All phases) Criminal cases only Judicial, quasi-judicial or admin. Proceedings
Periods for decision for courts (Sec. 15, Art. VIII) SC: 24 months from submission All lower collegiate courts: 12 months unless reduced by SC All other lower courts: 3 months
Periods for decision for Constitutional Commissions (Sec 7, Art. IX-A)
60 days from date of submission for decision or resolution Factors considered in determining whether the right is violated1. Length of delay 2. Reason of delay
3. Assertion of the right or failure to assert it 4. Prejudice caused by delay
Remedy in case there has been unreasonable delay in resolution of a case Dismissal through mandamus
XIX. RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED Criminal process includes:
a) Investigation prior to the filing of charges
b) Preliminary examination and investigation after charges are filed c) Period of trial
CRIMINAL DUE PROCESS
- Sec. 14, paragraph 1 of Art. III - REQUIRES:
1. Impartial and competent court in accordance with procedure prescribed by law
2. Proper observance of all the rights accorded the accused under the Constitution and the applicable statutes
(example of statutory right of the accused: right to Preliminary investigation)
- MISTRIAL may be declared if shown that proceedings were held under circumstances as would prevent the accused from freely making his defense or the judge from freely arriving at his decision
- When a law not published and a person is impleaded for violation of such law --– violation of due process - When appeal is permitted by law but there is denial thereof --– violation of due process
SELF-INCRIMINATION - Sec. 17, Art. III - Based on:
1. HUMANITARIAN reasons – it is intended to prevent the State, with all its coercive powers, from extracting from the suspect testimony that may convict him
2. PRACTICAL reasons – a person subjected to such compulsion is likely to perjure himself for his own protection
- AVAILABLE TO:
- Criminal prosecutions, government proceedings, including civil actions and administrative or legislative investigations
- MAY BE CLAIMED BY:
1. ACCUSED – at all times; there is a reasonable assumption that the purpose of his interrogation will be to incriminate him
2. WITNESS – only when an incriminating question is asked, since the witness has no way of knowing in advance the nature or effect of the question to be put to him
- He cannot invoke right to self-incrimination when:
a) The question is relevant and otherwise allowed even if the answer may tend to incriminate him or subject him to civil liability
b) the question relates to past criminality for which the witness can no longer be prosecuted
c) he has been previously granted immunity under a validly enacted statute - Only natural persons can invoke this right. Judicial persons are subject to the visitorial powers of the
state in order to determine compliance with the conditions of the charter granted to them. - SCOPE:
- Testimonial Compulsion
- Production of Documents, Papers and Chattels. EXCEPTION: when books of accounts are to be examined in the exercise of police power and power of taxation.
- What is PROHIBITED is the use of physical or moral compulsion to extort communication from the witness or to otherwise elicit evidence which would not exist were it not for the actions compelled from the witness.
- The right does NOT PROHIBIT the examination of the body of the accused or the use of findings with respect to his body as physical evidence. Hence, the fingerprinting of an accused would not violate the
