I. Judicial Department
I. Judicial Department
I. Judicial Department
I. JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT
II. JUDICIAL POWER(Section 1)
III. JURISDICTION (Section 2)
IV. THE SUPREME COURT(Sections 4, 7-12)
V. POWERS OF THE SUPREME COURT (Sections 5,6, 11, 16)
VI. JUDICIAL REVIEW
VII. DECIDING A CASE (Sections 4,13-15)
VIII. OTHER COURTS
I. Judicial Department
Composition
Common Provisions
Independence of Judiciary
A. Composition
The Supreme Court and all lower courts make up the judicial department of our government.1
B. Common Provisions
1. Independence of Judiciary (See Section 3)
2. Congressional Oversight (Section 2)
3. Separation of Powers (Section 12)
4. General Rules (Section 14)
5. Period to Decide Case (Section 15)
To maintain the independence of the judiciary, the following safeguards have been embodied in the Constitution:2
1. The Supreme Court is a constitutional body. It cannot be abolished nor may its membership or the manner of its
meeting be changed by mere legislation. (art 8 §2)
2. The members of the Supreme Court may not be removed except by impeachment. (art. 9 §2)
3. The SC may not be deprived of its minimum original and appellate jurisdiction as prescribed in Article X, Section 5.
(art. 8 §2)
4. The appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court may not be increased by law without its advice or concurrence. (art.
6 §30)
5. Appointees to the judiciary are now nominated by the Judicial and Bar Council and no longer subject to confirmation
by Commission on Appointments. (art. 8 §9)
6. The Supreme Court now has administrative supervision over all lower courts and their personnel. (art. 8 §6)
7. The Supreme Court has exclusive power to discipline judges of lower courts. (art 8 §11)
8. The members of the Supreme Court and all lower courts have security of tenure, which cannot be undermined by a
law reorganizing the judiciary. (art. 8 §11)
9. They shall not be designated to any agency performing quasi-judicial or administrative functions. (art. 8 §12)
10. The salaries of judges may not be reduced during their continuance in office. (art. 8 §10)
11. The judiciary shall enjoy fiscal autonomy (art 8§3)
12. Only the Supreme Court may order the temporary detail of judges (art 8 §5(3))
13. The Supreme Court can appoint all officials and employees of the judiciary. (art. 8 §5(6))
Section 3. The Judiciary shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Appropriations for the Judiciary may not be reduced by the legislature below the
amount appropriated for the previous year and, after approval, shall be automatically and regularly released.
Fiscal autonomy recognizes the power and authority to (a) levy, assess and collect fees, (b) fix rates of compensation not
exceeding the highest rates authorized by law for compensation, and (c) pay plans of the government and allocate or
disburse such sums as may be provided by law or prescribed by them in the course of the discharge of their functions.
The imposition of restrictions and constraints on the manner the [Supreme Court] allocate and utilize the funds appropriated
for their operations is anathema to fiscal autonomy and violative of the express mandate of the Constitution and of the
1
2
independence and separation of powers. (Bengzon v. Drilon)
Reason. Fiscal autonomy is granted to the Supreme Court to strengthen its autonomy. 3 The provision is intended to remove
courts from the mercy and caprice, not to say vindictiveness, of the legislature when it considers the general appropriations
bill.4
Section 1. The judicial power shall be vested in one Supreme Court and in such lower courts as may be established by law.
Judicial power includes the duty of the courts of justice to settle actual controversies involving rights which are legally demandable and
enforceable, and to determine whether or not there has been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part
of any branch or instrumentality of the Government.
Judicial power shall be vested in one Supreme Court and in such lower courts as may be established by law. (Section 1 par.
1)
Traditional Concept: Judicial power includes the duty of the courts of justice to settle actual controversies involving rights
which are legally demandable and enforceable. (Section 1, 2nd sentence)
Broadened Concept: Duty to determine whether [or not] there has been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or
excess of jurisdiction on the party of any branch or instrumentality of the Government. (Section 1, 2nd sentence)
Judicial power is the measure of the allowable scope of judicial action.5 The use of the word “includes” in Section 1 connotes
that the provision is not intended to be an exhaustive list of what judicial power is.6
An accused who has been convicted by final judgment still possesses collateral rights and these rights can be claimed in the
appropriate courts [e.g. death convict who becomes insane after his final conviction cannot be executed while in a state of
insanity] The suspension of death sentence is an exercise of judicial power. It is not usurpation of the presidential power of
reprieve though the effect is the same- the temporary suspension of the execution of the death convict.” (Echegaray v. Sec.
of Justice, 1999)
1. By the principle of separation of powers, courts may neither attempt to assume nor be compelled to perform non-
judicial functions.7 Thus, a court may not be required to act as a board of arbitrators (Manila Electric Co. v. Pasay
Transportation (1932). Nor may it be charged with administrative functions except when reasonably incidental to the
fulfillment of official duties. (Noblejas v. Tehankee) Neither is it’s the function of the judiciary to give advisory opinions.
2. Advisory Opinions.
An advisory opinion is an opinion issued by a court that does not have the effect of resolving a specific legal case, but
merely advises on the constitutionality or interpretation of a law.
The nature of judicial power is also the foundation of the principle that it is not the function of the judiciary to give advisory
opinion.8 If the courts will concern itself with the making of advisory opinions, there will be loss of judicial prestige. There may
be less than full respect for court decisions.
3
Bernas Primer at 336 (2006 ed.)
4
Cruz, Philippine Political Law, p. 237 (1995 ed).
5
Bernas Commentary, p 914 (2003 ed).
6
Bernas Commentary, p 919 (2003 ed).
7
Bernas Commentary, p 916 (2003 ed).
8
Bernas Commentary, p 921 (2003 ed).
Declarat Advisory
ory Opinions
Judgme
nt
Involves Response to a legal
real issue posed in the
parties abstract in advance of
with real any actual case in
conflictin which it may be
g presented
interests
Judgmen Binds no one
t is a final
one
forever
binding
on the
parties.
A judicial Not a judicial act9
act
3. The ‘broadened concept’ of judicial power is not meant to do away with the political questions doctrine itself. The concept
must sometimes yield to separation of powers, to the doctrine on “political questions” or to the “enrolled bill” rule.10
“To determine whether or not there has been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of any branch or
instrumentality of the Government”
Not every abuse of discretion can be the occasion for the Court to come in by virtue of the second sentence of Section 1. It
must be “grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction.”11
Again, the ‘broadened concept’ of judicial power is not meant to do away with the political questions doctrine itself. The
concept must sometimes yield to separation of powers, to the doctrine on “political questions” or to the “enrolled bill” rule. 12
(1995 Bar Question)
Although judicial power is vested in the judiciary, the proper exercise of such power requires prior legislative action:
1. Defining such enforceable and demandable rights; and
2. Determining the court with jurisdiction to hear and decide controversies or disputes arising from legal rights.14
Courts cannot exercise judicial power when there is no applicable law. The Court has no authority to entertain an action for
judicial declaration of citizenship because there was no law authorizing such proceeding. (Channie Tan v. Republic, 107 Phil
632 (1960)) An award of honors to a student by a board of teachers may not be reversed by a court where the awards are
governed by no applicable law. (Santiago Jr. v. Bautista) Nor may courts reverse the award of a board of judges in an
oratorical contest. (Felipe v. Leuterio, 91 Phil 482 (1952)).15
III. Jurisdiction
Definition
Scope
Role of Congress
Section 2. The Congress shall have the power to define, prescribe, and apportion the jurisdiction of the various courts but may not deprive the
Supreme Court of its jurisdiction over cases enumerated in Section 5 hereof.
No law shall be passed reorganizing the Judiciary when it under-mines the security of tenure of its Members.
A. Definition
9
Bernas Commentary, p 924 (2003 ed).
10
See Bernas Commentary, p 919-920 (2003 ed).
11
Bernas Commentary, p 920 (2003 ed).
12
See Bernas Commentary, p 919-920 (2003 ed).
13
Annotation to the Writ of Amparo.
14
Bernas Primer at 335 (2006 ed.)
15
Bernas Primer at 335 (2006 ed.)
Jurisdiction is the power and authority of the court to hear, try and decide a case. (De La Cruz v. CA, 2006)
B. Scope
It is not only the (1) power to determine, but the (2) power to enforce its determination.
The (3) power to control the execution of its decision is an essential aspect of jurisdiction (Echegaray . Sec. of Justice, 301
SCRA 96)
C. Role of Congress
Power. The Congress shall have the power to define, prescribe, and apportion the jurisdiction of the various courts. (Section
2)
Limitations:
1. Congress may not deprive the Supreme Court of its jurisdiction over cases enumerated in Section 5. ( art. 8 §2)
2. No law shall be passed reorganizing the Judiciary when it under-mines the security of tenure of its Members. ( art. 8
§2)
3. The appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court may not be increased by law except upon its advice and
concurrence. (art. 6 § 30)
* Jurisdiction in Section 2 refers to jurisdiction over cases [jurisdiction over the subject matter].16
A. Composition
Section 4. (1) The Supreme Court shall be composed of a Chief Justice and fourteen Associate Justices. It may sit en banc or in its
discretion, in division of three, five, or seven Members. Any vacancy shall be filled within ninety days from the occurrence thereof.
Composition of the Supreme Court: Fifteen (15). 1 Chief Justice and 14 Associate Justices.
By so fixing the number of members of the Supreme Court at [fifteen], it seems logical to infer that no statute may validly
increase or decrease it.17
Collegiate Court. The primary purpose of a collegiate court is precisely to provide for the most exhaustive deliberation
before a conclusion is reached.18
B. Qualifications
Section 7. (1) No person shall be appointed Member of the Supreme Court or any lower collegiate court unless he is a natural-born citizen
of the Philippines. A Member of the Supreme Court must be at least forty years of age, and must have been for fifteen years or more a judge
of a lower court or engaged in the practice of law in the Philippines.
(2) The Congress shall prescribe the qualifications of judges of lower courts, but no person may be appointed judge thereof unless he is a
citizen of the Philippines and a member of the Philippine Bar.
(3) A Member of the Judiciary must be a person of proven competence, integrity, probity, and independence.
Congress may not alter the qualifications of Members of the Supreme Court and the constitutional qualifications of other
members of the Judiciary. But Congress may alter the statutory qualifications of judges and justices of lower courts.19
It behooves every prospective appointee to the Judiciary to apprise the appointing authority of every matter bearing on his
16
Cruz, Philippine Political Law, p. 2333 (1995 ed).
17
Sinco, Philippine Political Law, p 318 (1954ed).
18
Cruz, Philippine Political Law, p. 268 (1995 ed).
19
Bernas Primer at 356 (2006 ed.)
fitness for judicial office, including such circumstances as may reflect on his integrity and probity. Thus the fact that a
prospective judge failed to disclose that he had been administratively charged and dismissed from the service for grave
misconduct by a former President of the Philippines was used against him. It did not matter that he had resigned from office
and that the administrative case against him had become moot and academic.20
Similary, before one who is offered an appointment to the Supreme Court can accept it, he must correct the entry in his birth
certificate that he is an alien.21
“A Member of the Judiciary must be a person of proven competence, integrity, probity, and independence.”
Competence. In determining the competence of the applicant or recommendee for appointment, the Judicial and Bar Council
shall consider his educational preparation, experience, performance and other accomplishments of the applicant. (Rule 3 Section
1 of JBC Rules)
Integrity. The Judicial and Bar Council shall take every possible step to verify the applicant’s record of and reputation for honesty,
integrity, incorruptibility, irreproachable conduct and fidelity to sound moral and ethical standards. (Rule 4, Section 1 of JBC
Rules)
Probity and Independence. Any evidence relevant to the candidate’s probity and independence such as, but not limited to,
decision he has rendered if he is an incumbent member of the judiciary or reflective of the soundness of his judgment, courage,
rectitude, cold neutrality and strength of character shall be considered. (Rule 5 Section of JBC Rules)
Section 8.
(1) A Judicial and Bar Council is hereby created under the supervision of the Supreme Court composed of the Chief Justice as ex officio
Chairman, the Secretary of Justice, and a representative of the Congress as ex officio Members, a representative of the Integrated Bar, a
professor of law, a retired Member of the Supreme Court, and a representative of the private sector.
(2) The regular members of the Council shall be appointed by the President for a term of four years with the consent of the Commission on
Appointments. Of the Members first appointed, the representative of the Integrated Bar shall serve for four years, the professor of law for
three years, the retired Justice for two years, and the representative of the private sector for one year.
(3) The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall be the Secretary ex officio of the Council and shall keep a record of its proceedings.
(4) The regular Members of the Council shall receive such emoluments as may be determined by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court
shall provide in its annual budget the appropriations for the Council.
(5) The Council shall have the principal function of recommending appointees to the Judiciary. It may exercise such other functions and
duties as the Supreme Court may assign to it.
Composition of JBC:
1. SC Chief Justice (ex officio Chairman)
Ex officio Members
2. Secretary of Justice
3. Representative of Congress
Regular Members (Term of 4 years appointed by President with the consent of CA)
4. Representative of IBP
5. Professor of Law
6. Retired Member of SC
7. Representative of private sector
The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall be the Secretary ex officio of the JBC.
Representative from Congress. Such representative may come from either House. In practice, the two houses now
work out a way of sharing representation. 22 A member from each comes from both Houses but each have only half a
vote.23
Function of JBC. JBC’s principal function is to recommend to the President appointees to the Judiciary. It may exercise
such other functions and duties as the Supreme Court may assign to it.
Rationale for Creation of JBC. The Council was principally designed to eliminate politics from the appointment and judges
and justices. Thus, appointments to the Judiciary do not have to go through a political Commission on Appointments.24
D. Appointment
Section 9. The Members of the Supreme Court and judges of lower courts shall be appointed by the President from a list of at least three
nominees prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council for every vacancy. Such appointments need no confirmation.
For the lower courts, the President shall issue the appointments within ninety days from the submission of the list.
20
In re JBC v. Judge Quitain, JBC No. 013, August 22, 2007.
21
Kilosbayan v. Ermita, G.R. No. 177721, July 3, 2007. This was the case of Justice Gregory Ong of the Sandiganbayanwho was being promoted to the
Supreme court. Ong, however, remains in the Sandiganbayan.
22
Bernas Primer at 356 (2006 ed.)
23
Bernas Commentary, p 984 (2003 ed).
24
Bernas Primer at 357 (2006 ed.)
For every vacancy, the Judicial and Bar Council submits to the President a list of at least three names. The President may
not appoint anybody who is not in the list. If the President is not satisfied with the list, he may ask for another list.25
Why at least 3? The reason for requiring at least three nominees for every vacancy is to give the President enough leeway
in the exercise of his discretion when he makes his appointment. If the nominee were limited to only one, the appointment
would in effect be made by the Judicial and Bar Council, with the President performing only the mathematical act of
formalizing the commission.26
Judges may not be appointed in an acting capacity or temporary capacity. 27 It should be noted that what the Constitution
authorizes the President to do is to appoint Justices and judges and not the authority merely to designate a non-member
of the Supreme Court temporarily to sit as Justice of Supreme Court.28
ASM: Do you know that when there is a vacancy in the Supreme Court, the remaining members of the Tribunal vote and
make a recommendation to the Judicial and Bar Council.
E. Salaries
Section 10. The salary of the Chief Justice and of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, and of judges of lower courts shall be fixed
by law. During their continuance in office, their salary shall not be decreased.
The prohibition of the diminution of the salary of Justices and judges during their continuance in office is intended as a
protection for the independence of the judiciary.29
The clear intent of the Constitutional Commission was to subject the salary of the judges and justices to income tax. (Nitafan
v. CIR, 1987)
F. Tenure
Section 11. The Members of the Supreme Court and judges of lower courts shall hold office during good behavior until they reach the age of
seventy years or become incapacitated to discharge the duties of their office. The Supreme Court en banc shall have the power of discipline
judges of lower courts, or order their dismissal by a vote of a majority of the Members who actually took part in the deliberations on the
issues in the case and voted thereon.
G. Removal
By Impeachment. The Members of the Supreme Court are removable only by impeachment. They can be said to have
failed to satisfy the requirement of “good behavior” only if they are guilty of the offenses which are constitutional grounds of
impeachment.
The members of the Supreme Court may be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of:
1. Culpable violation of the Constitution;
2. Treason;
3. Bribery;
4. Graft and Corruption;
5. Other High Crimes
6. Betrayal of Public Trust(Article XI, Section 2)
A Supreme Court Justice cannot be charged in a criminal case or a disbarment proceeding, because the ultimate effect of
either is to remove him from office, and thus circumvent the provision on removal by impeachment thus violating his security
of tenure (In Re: First Indorsement from Hon. Raul Gonzalez, A.M. No. 88-4-5433)
H. Prohibition
Section 12. The Members of the Supreme Court and of other courts established by law shall not be designated to any agency performing
quasi-judicial or administrative functions.
The provision merely makes explicit an application of the principles of separate of powers.30
Take note of the other tasks given to SC or the Members of SC by the Constitution:
1. SC en banc as Presidential Electoral Tribunal (art 7 §4)
25
Bernas Commentary, p 985 (2003 ed).
26
Cruz, Philippine Political Law, p. 234 (1995 ed).
27
Cruz, Philippine Political Law, p. 237 (1995 ed).
28
Bernas Commentary, p 985 (2003 ed).
29
Bernas Commentary, p 986 (2003 ed).
30
Bernas Commentary, p 991 (2003 ed).
2. Chief Justice as presiding officer of the impeachment Court when the President is in trial (art. 11 §3(6)).
3. Chief Justice as ex officio chairman of the JBC. (art. 8 §8(1)).
4. Justices as members of Electoral Tribunals (art. 6 §17).
Section 6. The Supreme Court shall have administrative supervision over all courts and the personnel thereof.
Section 11
xxxThe Supreme Court en banc shall have the power of discipline judges of lower courts, or order their dismissal by a vote of a majority of
the Members who actually took part in the deliberations on the issues in the case and voted thereon.
A. General Power
B. Specific Powers
C. Original Jurisdiction
Note that under international law, diplomats and even consuls to a lesser extent, are not subject to jurisdiction of the courts of
the receiving State, save in certain cases, as when immunity is waived either expressly or impliedly. In such instances, the
Supreme Court can and probably should take cognizance of the litigation in view of possible international repercussions.32
The petitions for certiorari, mandamus, prohibition, and quo warranto are special civil actions. The questions raised in the first
three petitions are questions of jurisdiction or grave abuse of discretion and, in fourth, the title of the respondent. The petition
for habeas corpus is a special proceeding.33
Concurrent Jurisdiction.
The Supreme Court has concurrent original jurisdiction with Regional Trial Courts in cases affecting ambassadors, other
public ministers and consuls. (BP 129 § 21(2))
The Supreme Court has concurrent original jurisdiction with the Court of Appeals in petitions for certiorari, prohibition and
mandamus against the Regional Trial Courts. (BP 129 § 9(1))
The Supreme Court has concurrent original jurisdiction with the Court of Appeals and the Regional Trial Courts in petitions for
certiorari, prohibition and mandamus against lower courts and bodies and in petitions for quo warranto and habeas corpus.
(BP 129 §9(1), §21(2))
D. Appellate Jurisdiction
Section 5(2). The Supreme Court has the power to review, revise, reverse, modify, or affirm on appeal or certiorari as the
law or the Rules of Court may provide, final judgments and orders of lower courts in:
a. All cases in which the constitutionality or validity of any treaty, international or executive agreement, law, presidential
decree, proclamation, order, instruction, ordinance, or regulation is in question.
b. All cases involving the legality of any tax, impost, assessment, or toll, or any penalty imposed in relation thereto.
c. All cases in which the jurisdiction of any lower court is in issue.
d. All criminal cases in which the penalty imposed is reclusion perpetua or higher.
e. All cases in which only an error or question of law is involved.
Irreducible. This appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is irreducible and may not be withdrawn from it by Congress.34
Final Judgments of lower courts. It should be noted that the appeals allowed in this section are from final judgments and
decrees only of “lower courts” or judicial tribunals. Administrative decisions are not included.35
The lower courts have competence to decide constitutional questions. Section 5(2)(a) provides that Supreme Court has
appellate jurisdiction over “final judgments and orders all cases in which the constitutionality or validity of any treaty,
international or executive agreement, law, presidential decree, proclamation, order, instruction, ordinance or regulation is in
question.”
Review of Death Penalty. Section 5 requires a mandatory review by the Supreme Court of cases where the penalty
imposed is reclusion perpetua, life imprisonment, or death. However, the Constitution has not proscribed an intermediate
review. To ensure utmost circumspection before the penalty of death, reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment is imposed, the
Rule now is that such cases must be reviewed by the Court of Appeals before they are elevated to the Supreme Court.36
Note, however, that the rule for the review of decisions of lower courts imposing death or reclusion perpetua or life
imprisonment are not the same. In case the sentence is death, there is automatic review by the Court of Appeals and
ultimately by the Supreme Court. This is mandatory and neither the accused nor the courts may waive the right of appeal. In
the case of the sentence of reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment, however, although the Supreme Court has jurisdiction to
31
See Rule 65, 66 and 102, Rules of Court.
32
Cruz, Philippine Political Law, p. 252 (1995 ed).
33
Cruz, Philippine Political Law, p. 252 (1995 ed).
34
Cruz, Philippine Political Law, p. 255 (1995 ed).
35
Cruz, Philippine Political Law, p. 256 (1995 ed).
36
People v. Mateo, G.R. No. 147678-87. July 7, 2004; People v. Lagua, G.R. No. 170565, January 31, 2006.
review them, the review is not mandatory. Therefore review in this later cases may be waived and appeal may be
withdrawn.37
In Republic v. Sandiganbayan, 2002, it was held that the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court over decisions and final
orders of the Sandiganbayan is limited to questions of law. A question of law exists when the doubt or controversy concerns
the correct application of law or jurisprudence to a certain set of facts; or when the issue does not call for an examination of
the probative value of the evidence presented, the truth or falsehood of facts being admitted.
Section 5(2), (a) and (b) explicitly grants judicial review in the Supreme Court. (Judicial Review will be discussed in the next
chapter)
Section 5(3). The Supreme Court has the power to assign temporarily judges of lower courts to other stations as public
interest may require. Such temporary assignment shall not exceed six months without the consent of the judge concerned.
Rationale of the Provision. The present rule bolsters the independence of the judiciary in so far as it vests the power to
temporarily assign judges of inferior courts directly in the Supreme Court and no longer in the executive authorities and
conditions the validity of any such assignment in excess of six months upon the consent of the transferred judge. This will
minimize if not altogether eliminate the pernicious practice of the rigodon de jeuces, or the transfer of judges at will to suit the
motivations of the chief executive.38
Purpose of Transfer. Temporary assignments may be justified to arrange for judges with clogged dockets to be assisted by
their less busy colleagues, or to provide for the replacement of the regular judge who may not be expected to be impartial in
the decision of particular cases.39
Permanent Transfer. Since transfer imports removal from one office and since a judge enjoys security of tenure, it cannot be
effected without the consent of the judge concerned.40
Section 5(4). The Supreme Court has the power to order a change of venue or place of trial to avoid a miscarriage of justice.
This power is deemed to be an incidental and inherent power of the Court. (See People v. Gutierrez, 36 SCRA 172 (1970))
Rules of procedure of special courts and quasi-judicial bodies shall remain effective unless disapproved by the Supreme
Court.
37
People v. Rocha and Ramos, G.R. No. 173797, August 31, 2007.
38
Cruz, Philippine Political Law, p. 259 (1995 ed).
39
Cruz, Philippine Political Law, p. 259 (1995 ed).
40
Bernas Commentary, p 967(2003 ed).
administration of justice and thus makes for a more independent judiciary.
Enhances the capacity to render justice. It also enhances the Court’s capacity to render justice, especially since, as the
Supreme Court has had occasion to say, it includes the inherent authority to suspend rules when the requirement of justice
demand.
Moreover, since it is to the Supreme Court that rule making authority has been given, rules promulgated by special courts
and quasi-judicial bodies are effective unless disapproved by the Supreme Court.
4. Test to Determine whether the rules diminish, increase or modify substantive rights
1. If the rule takes away a vested right, it is a substantive matter.
2. If the rule creates a right, it may be a substantive matter.
3. If it operates as a means of implementing an existing right, then the rule deals merely with procedure. (Fabian v.
Disierto)
41
Jacinto Jimenez, Political Law Compendium 344 (2006 ed.)
42
Jacinto Jimenez, Political Law Compendium, 342 (2006 ed.)
impaired by Section 3, Rule 83 of the Rules of Court.43
Illustrative case where retroactive application of a ruling will affect substantive right:
5. Rules Concerning the protection and enforcement of constitutional rights; Rules Concerning pleading, practice
and procedure in courts
c. Section 1 of The Rule on the Writ of Amparo: “The petition for a writ of amparo is a remedy available to any person
whose right to life, liberty and security is violated or threatened with violation by unlawful act or omission of a public
official or employee, or of a private individual or entity. The writ shall cover extralegal killings and enforced
disappearances or threats thereof.” (Note that not all constitutional rights are covered by this Rule; only right to life,
liberty and security)
Writ of Habeas Data. The writ of habeas data is a remedy available to any person whose right to privacy in life, liberty or
security is violated or threatened by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or of a private individual or
entity engaged in the gathering, collecting or storing of data or information regarding the person, family, home and
correspondence of the aggrieved party. (Section 1, The Rule on the Habeas Data)
In Re: Request for Creation of Special Division, A.M. No. 02-1-07-SC (2002): It was held that it is within the competence
of the Supreme Court, in the exercise of its power to promulgate rules governing the enforcement and protection of
constitutional rights and rules governing pleading, practice and procedure in all courts, to create a Special Division in the
Sandiganbayan which will hear and decide the plunder case of Joseph Estrada.
Regulation of Demonstrations
Facts: Petitioner applied for a permit to hold a rally in from of the Justice Hall to protest the delay in the disposition of the
43
Jacinto Jimenez, Political Law Compendium, 343 (2006 ed.)
44
Jacinto Jimenez, Political Law Compendium, 343 (2006 ed.)
45
Jacinto Jimenez, Political Law Compendium, 343 (2006 ed.)
46
Jacinto Jimenez, Political Law Compendium, 345 (2006 ed.)
cases of his clients. The mayor refused to issue the permit on the ground that it was prohibited by the Resolution of the
Supreme Court dated July 7, 1998, which prohibited rallies within two hundred meters of any court building. Petitioners
argued that the Resolution amended the Public Assembly Act in violation of the separation of powers.
Held: The existence of the Public Assembly Act does not preclude the Supreme Court from promulgating rules regulating the
conduct of demonstration in the vicinity of courts to assure the people of an impartial and orderly administration of justice as
mandate by the Constitution. (In re Valmonte, 296 SCRA xi)
Power to Suspend Its Own Rules. Section 5(5) of the Constitution gives this Court the power to "[p]romulgate rules
concerning the protection and enforcement of constitutional rights, pleading, practice and procedure in all courts." This
includes an inherent power to suspend its own rules in particular cases in order to do justice.48
Bar Flunkers Act. After the Supreme Court has declared candidates for the bar as having flunked the examinations,
Congress may not pass a law lowering the passing mark and declaring the same candidates as having passed. This would
amount to not just amending the rules but reversing the Court’s application of an existing rule. (In re Cunanan , 94 phil 534
(1954))
Nullification of Bar Results. In 2003, the Court nullified the results of the exams on Commercial Law when it was
discovered that the Bar questions had been leaked. (Bar matter No. 1222, 2004)
b. Integration of the Philippine Bar - means the official unification of the entire lawyer population of the Philippines. This
requires membership and financial support (in reasonable amount) of every attorney as conditions sine qua non to the
practice of law and the retention of his name in the Roll of Attorneys of the Supreme Court. (In re Integration of the Bar of the
Philippines)
d. In re: Atty. Marcial Edillon. In this case, Atty. Edillon objects to the requirement of membership in the integrated bar as a
pre-condition to the practice of law. This gave the Court the opportunity to ventilate some basic notions underlying bar
integration.
1. The practice of law is a privilege that is subject to reasonable regulation by the State;
2. Bar integration is mandated by the Constitution;
3. The lawyer is not being compelled to join the association. Passing the bar examination already made him a member
of the bar. The only compulsion to which he is subjected is the payment of annual dues, and this is justified by the
47
Jacinto Jimenez, Political Law Compendium, 347 (2006 ed.)
48
Lim et al v CA, G.R. No. 149748, November 16, 2006.
need for elevating the quality of legal profession;
4. The Constitution vests in the SC plenary powers regarding admission to the bar.
e. Letter of Atty Arevalo, 2005. Payment of dues is a necessary consequence of membership in the Integrated Bar of the
Philippines, of which no one is exempt. This means that the compulsory nature of payment of dues subsists as long as one’s
membership in the IBP remains regardless of the lack of practice of, or the type of practice, the member is engaged in.49
Nachura (2006): Congress cannot amend the Rules of Court. “The 1987 Constitution took away the power of Congress to
repeal, alter or supplement rules concerning pleading and procedure. In fine, the power to promulgate rules of pleading,
practice and procedure is no longer shared by this Court with Congress, more so with the Executive.” Echagaray v. Secretary
of Justice (1999)
ASM: Follow Bernas’ view. Article XVIII, Section 10 provides: “The provisions of the existing Rules of Court, judiciary acts,
and procedural laws not inconsistent with this Constitution shall remain operative unless amended or repealed by the
Supreme Court or the Congress”
The authority of the Supreme Court to appoint its own official and employees is another measure intended to safeguard the
independence of the Judiciary. However, the Court’s appointing authority must be exercised “in accordance with the Civil
Service Law.”51
Note that Section 5(6) empowers the Supreme Court not only to appoint its own officials and employees but of the Judiciary
itself.
It should also be recalled that courts may be given authority by Congress “to appoint officers lower in rank.” (art. 7 §16)
Strengthens Independence. Section 6 provides that the Supreme Court shall have administrative supervision by the
Supreme Court over all lower courts and the personnel thereof. It is a significant innovation towards strengthening the
independence of the judiciary. Before 1973 Constitution, there was no constitutional provision on the subject and
administrative supervision over the lower courts and their personnel was exercised by the Secretary of Justice. 52 The
previous set-up impaired the independence of judges who tended to defer to the pressures and suggestions of the executive
department in exchange for favorable action on their requests and administrative problems.53
Exclusive Supervision. Article VIII, Section 6 exclusively vests in the Supreme Court administrative supervision over all
courts and court personnel, from the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals down to the lowest municipal trial court clerk.
By virtue of this power, it is only the Supreme Court that can oversee the judges’ and court personnel’s compliance with all
laws, and take proper administrative action against them if they commit any violation thereof. No other branch of government
may intrude into this power, without running afoul to the doctrine of separation of powers. (Maceda v. Vasquez)
Ombudsman and SC’s Power of Supervision. The Ombudsman may not initiate or investigate a criminal or administrative
complaint before his office against a judge; the Ombudsman must first indorse the case to the Supreme Court for appropriate
action. (Fuentes v. Office of Ombudsman, 2001)
Administrative Proceeding, Confidential. Administrative proceedings before the Supreme Court are confidential in nature
in order to protect the respondent therein who may turn out to be innocent of the charges. (Godinez v. Alano, 1999)
According to Bernas, the power of administrative supervision of the Supreme Court, includes the power [sitting en banc] to
discipline judges of lower courts, or order their dismissal.54
J. Disciplinary Powers
Section 11
49
Letter of Atty. Cecilio Y. Arevalo, Requesting Exemptions from Payment of IBP Dues, May 9, 2005.
50
Bernas Primer at 352 (2006 ed.)
51
52
Bernas Commentary, p 979 (2003 ed).
53
Cruz, Philippine Political Law, p. 264 (1995 ed).
54
Bernas Commentary, p 979 (2003 ed).
The Members of the Supreme Court and judges of lower courts shall hold office during good behavior until they reach the age of seventy
years or become incapacitated to discharge the duties of their office. The Supreme Court en banc shall have the power of discipline judges
of lower courts, or order their dismissal by a vote of a majority of the Members who actually took part in the deliberations on the issues in the
case and voted thereon.
1. Power to Discipline
The power of the Supreme Court to discipline judges of inferior courts or to order their dismissal is exclusive. It may not be
vested in any other body. Nor may Congress pass a law that judges of lower courts are removable by impeachment.55
2. Disciplinary Actions
55
Bernas Commentary, p 988 (2003 ed).