1

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW 1 SYLLABUS

FOUNDATIONS AND PRINCIPLES OF THE
PHILIPPNE STATE
SY 2022-2023

Course Outline and Cases

FIRST WEEK

I. INTRODUCTION
A. Important Definitions

Political Law
Constitutional Law
Constitution

B. Overview of the Constitution

The Constitution
• Basic Principles
• Nature and Purpose/Function
• Kinds of Constitution
a. As to Origin and History
b. As to Form
c. As to Manner of Amending Them

• Requisites of a Good Written

Constitution

• Constitution Distinguished From Statute

• Authority to Interpret the Constitution

• Interpretation and Construction of the

Constitution

• Common Rules in Construction and

Interpretation of the Constitution

• Extrinsic Aids to Construction

• Amendment or Revision of Constitution,

 Ratification of the Same and Judicial
Review of the Amendments Made
Three Theories of a Constitutional
Convention

Case: (1) Lambino and

Aumentado vs. Comelec,
G.R. Nos. 174153 And
174299, October 25,
2006

• Basic Rules in the Interpretation of the

Constitution

• Principles of Constitutional Construction

Cases: (2) Civil Liberties

Union vs. Executive
Secretary, G.R. No.
83896, February 22,
1991;

(3) Francisco, Jr. vs.

House of
Representatives,
G.R. No. 160261,
November 10, 2003

• Presumptions in Constitutional
Interpretations
Cases: (4) Manila Prince
Hotel vs. GSIS, G.R. No.
122156, February 3, 1997

(5) Chavez vs. Judicial

and Bar Council, G.R.
No. 202241, July 17, 2012

• The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines

• Historical Background, Sources and
Amendments
• Basic Principles in the 1987 Constitution
• Salient Features of the 1987 Constitution
• Difference Between Constitution and
Statute
SECOND WEEK

II. THE PHILIPPINES AS A STATE

1. Definition of State, Nation and

Distinctions
2. Elements of State and
Definitions/Distinctions
1. People
Right of the People to Self-
Determination (Internal and External)
2. Territory
Three Components
Case: (6) Province of North
Cotabato vs.
Government of the
Republic of the
Philippines, G.R.
No. 183591, October
14, 2008
3. Government
De Facto (Kinds) and De Jure and
their Characteristics
Case:   (7) Lawyers League
for a Better
Philippines vs.
Corazon Aquino,
G.R. No. 73748, May
22, 1986

Functions of the Government

Case: (8) Philippine
Virginia Tobacco
Administration
(PVTA) v. Court of
Industrial
Relations (CIR), G. R.
No. L-32052, July 25,
1975

Doctrine of Parens Patriae

Cases: (9) Soriano vs.
Laguardia, G.R. no.
164785, April 29,
2009
 (10) San Juan Dela
Cruz vs. Gracia,
G.R. No. 177728,
July 31, 2009

(11) Samahan ng mg
Progresibong Kabataan
(SPARK), et al. vs. Quezon
City, G.R. No. 225442, August
8, 2017

4. Sovereignty
Four Kinds of Sovereignty
Essential Characteristics
(12) People vs.
Perfecto, G.R. NO.
L- 18463, October
4, 1922
Kinds of Jurisdiction
(13) Callado vs.
International Rice
Research
Institute, G.R. No.
106483, May 22,
1995

C. Fundamental and Inherent Powers of the

State
1. Police Power
Exercise of Police Power
(14) Natividad C. Cruz,
et al. vs. Pandacan
Hiker’s Club, G.R. No.
188213, January 11, 2016

3. Power of Eminent Domain

(15) Republic vs. Jose
Gamir Consuelo Diaz
Heirs Association, Inc.,
G.R. No. 218732, November 12,
2018*

4. Power of Taxation
(16) Ichong vs. Hernandez,
G.R No. L-7995, May 31,
1957
 • Similarities and Distinctions

THIRD WEEK

III. THE CONSTITUTION

A. The Preamble
• Brief Background
• Origin/Authorship
• Meaning
• Function

B. National Territory – Art. I

• Four Points of Reference in Determining

Philippine Territory
• Scope of Philippine National Territory

Areas Beyond Land Territory:

1. Territorial Seas
2. Contiguous Zone
3. Exclusive Economic Zone
4. High Seas

• The Archipelagic Doctrine

• Treaties
Treaty of Paris
Treaty of Washington
Treaty with Great Britain

• Method of Determining Baselines

R.A. No. 3046, June 17, 1961
R.A. No. 5446, September 8,
1968

Case: (17) Magallona vs. Ermita,

G.R. No. 187167, August
16, 2011

C. General Principles – Article II

• The principle of Republicanism- Art. II,
 Sec. 1
Definition of Republican State;
Republican
Government
Essential Features or
Characteristics of
Republicanism
Manifestations of Republicanism

• Principle of Separation of Powers

• Purpose
• Related Principles
Blending of Powers
Checks and Balances

Political and Justiciable

Questions
Cases: (18) Gonzales vs.
Office of the
President, G.R.
  No. 196231,
September 4, 2012

(19) Sanidad vs.

Comelec, 73
SCRA 333
(1976)

(20) Lansang vs.

Garcia, 42
SCRA
448 (1971)

(21) Garcia-Padilla
vs. Enrile,
121 SCRA
472 (1983)

Political Question under the

1987 Constitution

(22) Estrada vs.

Desierto, G.R.
No. 146710-15, March 2,
2001
FOURTH WEEK

Principle of Delegation of Powers

Permissible Delegation of
Powers
1. Tariff Powers
2. Emergency Powers

Cases: (23) David vs. Arroyo,

G.R. No
171396, May
3, 2006
(24) Divinagracia vs.
Consolidated
Broadcasting
System, Inc.,
G.R. No. 62272,
April 7, 2009

3. Delegation to the People

4. Delegation to Local
Governments
5. Delegation to Administrative
Bodies

• Tests of Delegation
1. Completeness Test
2. Sufficient Standard Test

Cases: (25) People vs. Vera,

112 SCRA 294
(26) Ynot vs.
Intermediate
Appellate
Court, 148 SCRA 659
(27) Emmanuel Pelaez
vs. Auditor
General, 15
SCRA 569

• Role of the Judiciary

Determination of valid
exercise of power:
Conferred/Express
Powers
 Doctrine of implication
Case: (28) Angara
vs. Electoral
Commission, 63 Phil. 139
Inherent or Incidental
Powers

• Adherence to International Law - Art. II,

Sec. 2
Incorporation Clause/Doctrine of
Incorporation/Eff
ects of Incorporation
Dualist View of Legal Systems
International Law

• Supremacy of Civilian Authority - Art. II,

Sec. 3; Art. VII, Sec. 18; Art. XVI, Sec.
5(2) and (4)
The need for affirmation of
supremacy of civilian
authority
Composition of the AFP/Role of the
AFP (Art. XVI, Sec. 4)
Insulation of AFP from partisan
politics (Art. XVI, Sec. 5)

Case: (29) Manalo vs. Sistoza,

G.R. No. 107369, August
11, 1999;

• Government as Protector of the People

and People as Defenders of the State   -
Art. II, Sec. 4 and 5
R.A. No. 7077, The Citizen Armed
Force

• Separation of the Church and State - Art.

II, Sec. 6; Art. III, Sec. 5; Art. IX, C, Sec.
2(5); Art. VI, Sec. 5(2); Art. VI, Sec.
29(2)

Case: (30) Renato B. Peralta vs.

Philpost, G.R. No. 223395,
November 11, 2019

                  Exceptions: Art. VI, Sec. 28(3),

 29(2); Art. XIV, Sec. 3(3), Sec. 4(2)

Rationale
Reinforcement of Separation of
Church and State
Exceptions

FIFTH WEEK

D. State Policies
• Independent Foreign Policy – Art. II,
Sec. 7
Case: (31) Bayan vs. Executive
Secretary, G.R. No.
138570, October 10, 2000

• Policy of Freedom from Nuclear

Weapons – Art. II, Sec. 8
• Promotion of a Just and Dynamic Social
Order, Art. II, Section 9
• Social Justice – Art. II, Sections 10 & 26;
Art. VII, Sec. 13, par. 2; Art. XIII,
Sections. 1 & 2
Definition of Social Justice
Case: (32) Calalang vs.
Williams, 70 Phil 276

• Full Respect for Human Dignity and

Human Rights and Dignity of Every
Person – Art. II, Sec. 11; Art. XIII, Secs.
17-19
Case: (33) Basco vs. PAGCOR,
G.R. No. 91649, May
14, 1991

• Sanctity of Family Life Art. II, Sec. 12

Cases: (34) Imbong vs. Ochoa,
G.R. No. 204819,
April 8, 2014

(35) Continental Steel

Manufacturing
Corporation vs.
Montano, G.R. No.
182386, October 13,
 2009

• Vital Role of the Youth in Nation-

Building, Art. II, Section 13
• Role of Women in Nation Buidling– Art.
II, Sec. 14
Cases: (36) Garcia vs.
Drilon, G.R. No. 179267,
June 25, 2013
(37) Philippine Telegraph
and Telephone Co.
vs. NLRC, G.R. No. 118978, May
23, 1997

• Promotion of Right to Health of the

People– Art. II, Sec. 15 (Imbong vs.
Ochoa, supra)

• Protection of the Right to a Balanced and

Healthful Ecology, Art. II, Sec. 16
Writ of Kalikasan
Case: (38) Mayor Tomas R.
Osmeña vs. Capili Gargabera, for
and on his behalf and in
representation of the People of the
Cities of Cebu and Talisay, and the
Future Generations, G.R. No.
231164, March 20, 2018

• Priority to Education, Science and

Technology, Arts, Culture and Sports,
Art. II, Sec. 17
Case:   (39) Professional
Regulation
Commission vs.
De Guzman, G.R. No. 144681,
June 21, 2014

• Labor as a Primary Social Economic

Force– Art. II, Sec. 18
Case:  (40) JMM Promotion and
Management vs. Court
of Appeals, G.R. No. 120095,
August 5, 1996

• Self-Reliance and Independent National

 Economy – Art. II, Sec. 19
Case:   (41) Espina vs. Zamora,
G.R. No. 143855,
September 21, 2010

• Encouragement of Private Enterprise

and Incentives to Needed Investments -
Art. II, Sec. 20;
• Comprehensive Rural Development and
Agrarian Reform, Art. II, Section
• Rights of Indigenous Cultural
Communities, Art. II, Section 22
• Encouragement of Non-Governmental,
Community-Based, of Sectoral
Organizations, Art. II, Section 23
• Vital Role of Communication and
Information in Nation-Building, Art. II,
Sec. 24
• Autonomy of Local Government – Art. II,
Sec. 25; Art. X (Local Government)
Case: (42) Judge Dadole vs.
COA, G.R. No. 125350,
December 3, 2002

• Equal Access to Opportunity for Public

Service, Art. II, Section 26
• Honesty and Integrity in Public Service,
Art. II, Section 27
• Full Public Disclosure of all State
Transactions Involving Public Interest,
Art. II, Section 28,
Case: (43) Akbayan vs.
Aquino, G.R. No. 170516, July
16, 2008 - Research

SIXTH WEEK

E. Doctrine of State Immunity (Art. XVI, Sec.

3)
• Basis
• Application
Case: (44) University of the
Philippines vs.
Dizon, G.R. No. 171182, August
 23, 2012
• Waiver of Immunity
Forms of Consent (Express or
Implied)
Case: (45) Merritt vs.
Government of the
Philippine Islands,
34 Phil. 311

• Suits Against Government Agencies

Case: (46) Air
Transportation Office vs.
Ramos, G.R. No.
185685, February 23,
2011

• Suability vs. Liability

Case: (47) Fontanilla vs.
Maliaman, et al.,
G.R. No. 55963
National Irrigation
Administration vs.
Fontanilla, et al., G.R.
No. 610-45, December 1, 1989

• Act of State Doctrine

Case: (48) Credit Suisse vs.
U.S. District Court
for the Central District of
California, 130 7.3d
342, 1347-48, in
relation to PNB vs.
U.S. District Court
of Hawaii 04-71843 (D.C.
No. MDL-00840-
MLR), February 4,
2005

• Doctrine of Stare Decisis

Cases: (49) University of the
Philippines vs. Segundina
Rosario, et al., G.R. No.
186635, January 27, 2016

(50) UCPB vs. Spouses

Walter and Lily Uy, G.R. No.
 204039, January 10, 2018

SIXTH WEEK

CITIZENSHIP
• Definition of Citizenship and Citizen
• Modes of Acquiring Citizenship
• Jus Sanguinis
• Jus Soli
• Naturalization and its Attributes

A. Citizens at the time of the adoption of

1987 Constitution
B. Natural Born Citizens – Art. IV, Sec. 2
Case:   (51) Grace Poe vs.
Comelec, G.R. No.
221697, March 8,
2016

Privileges for Natural Born Citizens –

• Art. VI, Secs. 3 & 6
(Membership in Senate and
House of Representatives)
• Art. VII, Secs. 2 & 3
(President/VP)
• Art. VIII, Sec. 7(1) (Supreme
Court Justice)
• Art. IX, B, C, D, Sec. 1(1)
(Membership as
Commissioner)
• Art. XI, Sec. 8 (Ombudsman
and Deputies)
• Art. XII, Sec. 8 (Transferee of
Private Land Despite Lost of
Citizenship)
• Art. XII, Sec. 20 (Membership
in the Board of Central
Monetary Authority)
• Art. XIII, Sec. 17(2)
(Membership in the Human
Rights Commission)

C. Naturalization
Definition of Naturalization
Effects of Naturalization
 Modes of Naturalization
A. Direct
B. Derivative

Judicial Proceeding -
• Commonwealth Act No. 473
(Revised Naturalization Law) –
Sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 15 & 18
• R.A. No. 530, Section 1 – Effect
on the Wife and Children

Case: (52) Republic vs. Go Pei

Hung, G.R. No. 212785, April 4, 2018

a. Administrative Proceeding – R.A. No.

9139 Administrative Law of 2000

b. Direct Act of Congress

D. Denaturalization
Grounds for Denaturalization

E. Loss of Citizenship – Art. IV, Sec. 3

How may it be lost?

Cases: (53) Coquilla vs.

Comelec, G.R. No. 151914,
July 31, 2002
(54) Yu vs. Santiago, 169
SCRA 364 (1989)

F. Reacquisition of Citizenship
How may it be reacquired?

Commonwealth Act No 63, Sec. 1(2)

Cases:
(55) Vivenne K. Tan, vs.
Vincent “Bingbong” Crisologo, G.R.
Bo. 193993, November 8, 2017
(56) Frivaldo vs. Comelec, 174
SCRA 245
(1989)
(57) Frivaldo vs. Comelec, 257
SCRA 727 (1996)
(58) Altarejos vs. Comelec, G.R.
No. 163256,
November 10, 2004

R.A. No. 8171 [An Act Providing for Repatriation

of Filipino Woman Who Lost Her Citizenship by
Reason of Marriage to Aliens and of Natural Born
Filipinos, on Account of Political and Economic
Necessity and to the Minor Children of Natural Born
Citizens]

Case: (59) Tabasa vs. Court

of Appeals, GR No.
125793, August 29,
2006

G. Dual Citizenship

R.A. No. 9225 [An Act Making the Citizenship of

Philippine Citizens Who Acquire Foreign Citizenship
Permanent; Amending for the Purpose
Commonwealth Act No. 63, as Amended and for
Other Purposes], September 17, 2003

Cases: (60) Lopez vs.

Comelec and Tessie P.
Villanueva, G.R. No.
182701, July
23, 2008

  (61) Nicholas-Lewis vs.

Comelec, G.R.
No. 162759,
August 4, 2006

(62) Renato M.
David, Editha A.
Agbay & People,
G.R. No. 199113,
March 18, 2015

H. Dual Allegiance – Art IV, Secs. 4 & 5 (See

Sec. 40, R.A. No 7160, Local Government
Code)

Case: (63) Aznar vs. Comelec,

G.R. No. 83820, May
25, 1990
 (64) Mercado vs. Manzano,
307 SCRA 630 (1999)
(65) Valles vs. Comelec,
G.R. No. 137000,
August 9, 2000
(66) AASJS vs. Simeon
Datumanong, as Secretary
of Justice,   G.R. No. 160869,
May 11, 2007

IV. Suffrage
Definition
Who may exercise it?
Residence vs Domicile
Case: (67) Atty. Romulo B.
Macalintal vs. COMELEC,
G.R. No. 157013, July 19, 2003
Persons Disqualified to Vote

Case: (68) Jalosjos vs.

Comelec, G.R. No. 191970,
April 24, 2012

SEVENTH WEEK

IV. LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

Legislative Power
1. Classification/Kinds of Legislative Power
2. Limitations
3. Exceptions to Non-Delegation of Legislative
Powers

Cases: (69) Kilusang Mayo

Uno, et al. vs. The Director
General, NEDA, et al., G.R. No.
167798, April 19, 2006
(70) Metropolitan
Development Authority vs.
Dante O. Garin, G.R. No. 130230,
April 15, 2005

• Composition, Qualification and Term of

Office
Senate – Art. VI, Secs. 2-4
 House of Representatives – Art. VI,
Secs. 5-8, Art. XVIII,
Sec. 7

Legislative Districts
Apportionment and
Rationale
Gerrymandering

Party List System

Manner of Allocating Seats for
Party List Representatives

Case: (71) Ang Ladlad vs.

Comelec, G.R. No.
190582, April 8, 2010

• Synchronized Terms of Office –Art. XVIII,

Secs. 1 & 2

• Election
Regular – Art. VI, Sec. 8
Special – Art. VI, Sec. 9
Case: (72) Tolentino vs.
Comelec, G.R. No.
148334, January 21,
2004
Disqualification

Case: (73)   Ocampo vs

HRET, G.R. No.
158466, June 15, 2004
• Organization and Sessions
Election of Officers – Art. VI, Sec. 16(1)
Quorum – Art. VI, Sec. 16(2) and Sec. 21

• Journal and Congressional Record – Art. VI,

Sec. 16(4)

• Enrolled Bill Theory

• Probative Value of the Journal

• Matters to be Entered in the Journal – Art.

VI, Sec. 16(4), Sec. 26(2), Sec. 27(1), Sec. 16
 • Journal Entry Rule vs. Enrolled Bill Theory

• Sessions
Regular – Art. VI, Sec. 15
Special – Art. VII, Secs. 10-11, 18, par. 2
Joint Session
• Voting Separately

Art. VI, Sec. 23(1) (Declaring a

State of War)
Art. VII, Sec. 4 (Choosing the
President)
Art. VII, Sec. 9 (Confirming the
Nomination of Vice
President)
Art. VII, Sec. 11, par. 4
(Determining the
President’s Temporary Disability)
Art. XVII, Sec. 1(1) (Proposing
Constitutional
Amendments)

• Voting Jointly
Art. VII, Sec. 18 (To Revoke or
Extend Martial Law or
Suspension of Privilege of
Habeas Corpus)

• Freedom from Arrest – Art. VI, Sec. 11, Art.

145, Revised Penal Code

• Speech and Debate Clause – Art. VI, Sec. 11

• Disqualifications
Incompatible and Forbidden Offices –
Art. VI, Sec. 13

• Other Prohibitions – Art. VI, Sec. 14

Case: (74) Liban vs. Gordon, G.R. No.

175352, January 15, 2009

• Electoral Tribunals – Art. VI, Secs. 17 & 19;

Composition
Case: (75) Sampayan vs. Daza, 213
SCRA 807

• Commission on Appointments – Art. VI, Secs.

18 & 19; Composition

• General Plenary Powers – Art. VI, Sec. 1

Limitations

Substantive Limitations
Art. III (Bill of Rights)
Art. VI, Secs. 25, 28, 29, 30
and 31

Implied Substantive Limitations

1. Prohibition Against
Delegation of Legislative
Powers

Exceptions:
a. Delegation to the
President – Art. VI, Sec.
23(2) and 28(2)
b. Delegation to the People
– Art. VII, Sec. 32
c. Delegation to Local
Government

2. Prohibition Against Passage

of Irrepealable Laws

• Legislative Investigations – Art. VI, Sec. 21

Case: (76) Bengzon vs. Senate Blue
Ribbon
Committee, 203
SCRA 767

• Government Appropriations – General

Appropriations Bill; Rules on Special
Appropriations; Rule on Discretionary Funds

• Bill Requirements

Case: (77) Ang Nars Party-List,

et al. vs. The Executive
Secretary, G.R. No. 215746,
 October 8, 2019

• Presidential Approval and/or Veto

• Publication of Laws
Case: (78) Tañada vs. Tuvera, 146
SCRA 446 (1986); G.R.
L-63915, December 29,
1986

EIGHTH WEEK

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

V. Executive Department - The President – Art.

VII, Secs. 2, 4 & 5
A. Qualifications and Term of Office
• Privilege and Salary – Art. VII, Sec. 6
• Prohibitions – Art. VII, Sec. 13
Exceptions to Prohibition of Executive
Officials from Holding
Another Office:
• Vice-President as Member of
the Cabinet-Art. VII, Sec. 3,
par.2
• Secretary of Justice as Member
of JBC –Art. VIII, Sec. 8(1)

Cases: (79) Estrada vs. Desierto, G.R.

Nos. 146710-15, March 2,
2001
(80) Neri vs. Senate
Committee, G.R. No.
180843, March 15,
2008

• Succession
Vacancy at the Beginning of Term – Art.
VII, Sec. 7 & 10
Vacancy During Term – Art. VII, Secs. 8
& 10
Temporary Disability – Art VII, Secs. 11
& 12
Removal – Art. XI, Secs. 2 & 3
 Presidential Immunity

Cases: (81) Leila M. De Lima vs.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte, G.R. No. 227635,
October 15, 2019

Case: (82) Alfredo T. Romualdez vs.

Sandiganbayan, G.R. No.
152259, July 29, 2004

• Powers/Functions of the President

1. Executive Power – Art. VII, Secs. 1
& 17
2. Control of Executive Department –
Art. VII, Sec. 17

Case: (83) Hontiveros-Baraquel vs. Toll

Regulatory Board, G.R.
No. 181293, February 23, 2015 (Doctrine
of Qualified Political
Agency)

3. General Supervision of Local

Governments and Autonomous
Regions – Art. X, Secs. 4 & 16
4. Power of Appointment

Heads of Departments – Art.

VII, Sec. 16
Ambassadors, Public Ministers
and Consuls – Art.
VII, Sec. 16
Officers of the AFP from
Colonel and Naval
Captain – Art. VII, Sec. 16
Chairman and Members of
Constitutional
Commissions – Art. IX, B, C, D, Sec. 1(2)  
Members of the Judicial and
Bar Council – Art. VIII,
Sec. 8(2)
Members of the Supreme Court
and all other Courts –
Art. VIII, Sec. 9
Ombudsman and Deputies –
Art. XI, Sec. 9
 Appointment of Vice-President
as Member of the
Cabinet – Art. VII, Sec. 3

Case: (84) Domingo vs.

Rayala, G.R. No.
155831, February 18,
2008

Appointments Solely by the

President – Art. VII, Sec.
16
Those whose appointments are
not otherwise
provided by law;
Those whom he may be
authorized by law to
appoint;
Ad Interim Appointments

Case: (85) Matibag vs.

Benipayo, G.R. No.
149036, April 2,
2002

Limitations on Appointing Power of

the President
Interim or Recess
Appointments – Art.VI, Sec.
19, Art. VII, Sec. 16,
par. 2
Temporary Appointments –
Commonwealth Act
No. 588

(86) Atty. Cheloy E. Velicari

Garagil vs. Office of the
President, G.R. No. 203372,
June 16, 2015

Limitations on Appointing Power of

Acting President – Art.
VII, Secs. 14-16

Case: (87) De Castro vs. JBC and

Arroyo, G.R. No. 191002,
March 17, 2010

5. Executive Clemencies – Art. VII,

Sec. 19; Art. IX, C, Sec. 5; Kinds-
Pardon, Amnesty, Reprieve,
Commutation, Parole; Distinguish
Absolute Pardon from Conditional
Pardon; Pardon from Amnesty

Case: (88) People vs. Patriarca, G.R.

No. 135457,
September 29, 2000

6. Emergency Powers – Art. VI, Sec.

23(2); Limitations on the Military
Powers of the President;
Suspension of Habeas Corpus;
Declaration of Martial Law; Calling
Out of the Armed Forces

7. Contracting and Guaranteeing

Foreign Loans – Art. VII, Sec. 20,
Art. XII, Sec. 21

8. Foreign Affairs – Art. VII, Sec. 11

NINTH WEEK

VI. Judicial Department

a. Judicial Power
Requisites of Judicial
Review

Case: (89) Santiago, Jr. vs. Bautista, 32

SCRA 188 (1970)

(90) Oscar B. Pimentel, et al. vs.

LEB, et al., G.R. No. 230642/G.R. No.
242954, September 10, 2019

(91) Senators Pangilinan, et al. vs.

Cayetano, et al., G.R. Nos. 238875,
239483, and 240954, July 21, 2021

(92) Louis C. Biaraogo vs. The

Philippine Truth Commission,
 G.R. No. 192935, December 7, 2010

b. Power of Congress Over the Judiciary

Case: (93) Fabian vs. Desierto, G.R. No.

129742,
September 16, 1998

c. Fiscal Autonomy of the Judiciary

Constitutional Safeguards Ensuring
Independence of Judiciary

Principle of Inter-Departmental
Courtesy

Case: (94) Republic vs. Maria

Lourdes P.A. Sereno, G.R. No.
237428, May 11, 2018 (Quo Warranto
Case)

d. Composition of the Supreme Court

1. En Banc
2. Division Cases

Case: (95) Arturo de Castro vs. JBC,

G.R. No. 191002, March 17,
2000

e. Powers of the Supreme Court

Rule Making Power
Writ of Amparo

Writ of Habeas Data

Case: (96) Vivares vs. St.
Theresa’s
College, G.R.
No. 202666
September 29, 2014
(97) Dr. Joy Margate
Lee vs. P/Supt. Neri A.
Ilagan, G.R. No. 203534,
October 8, 2014

Writ of Kalikasan
Cases: (98) Oposa vs.
Factoran, G.R. No.
 101083, July
30, 1993
(99) Mayor Tomas R.
Osmena vs. Joel Capili
Garganera, G.R. No.
231164, March 20, 2018
(supra)

Writ of Continuing Mandamus

Case: (100) Metropolitan
Manila
Development
Authority vs.
Concerned
Residents of Manila
Bay, G.R. No. 171947-
48,
December
18, 2008

f. Administrative Powers, Section 5(3) to

(6), Sections 6 and 11, Article VIII

g. Qualifications of Justices, Lower

Collegiate and Non-Collegiate Lower
Courts

h. Salaries, Tenure and Removal

Cases: (101) Re: Allegations Made
Under Oath Against
Associate Justice
Gregory Ong, A.M.
No. SB-14-21-J, 9/23/14
(102) Republic of the
Philippines, represented
by Solicitor General
Jose C. Calida vs.
Maria Lourdes P.A.
Sereno, G.R. No.
237428, May 11, 2018 (supra)

i. Judicial and Bar Council

1. The Judicial and Bar Council
(i) Composition
(ii) Powers and Functions
(iii) Rationale behind Creation
 Case: (103) Francis Jardeleza vs.
Maria Lourdes Sereno,
G.R. No. 213181, August 19, 2014

j. Presidential Electoral Tribunal – Art.

VII, Section 4

TENTH WEEK

CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSIONS

VII. Constitutional Commission

The Three Constitutional Commissions

(Comparison-Composition, Qualifications,
Appointments and Disqualifications)

• Guarantees of Independence
Cases:   (104) Brillantes vs. Yorac, G.R.
No. 93867, December 18, 1990
(105) Cayetano vs. Monsod, G.R. No.
100113, September 3, 1991

• Appointment and Term

• Rotational Scheme of Appointment and

Purpose
Case: (106) Gaminde vs. COA, G.R. No.
140335, December 13, 2000

• Vacancies

• Disqualification/Inhibitions
Case: (107) Dennis Funa vs. Chairman,
Civil Service
Commission, G.R. No.
191672, November 25, 2014

• Fiscal Autonomy
Cases: (108) CSC vs. DBM, G.R. No.
158791, July 22, 2005
(109) CHREA vs. CHR, G.R. No.
155336, November 25, 2004
 • Submission of Reports and
Recommendations
• Rule Making Power
• Decisions
Case: (110) Dumayas vs. COMELEC, G.R.
No. 141952-53, April 20, 2001

• Appeals
Case: (111) Ambil vs. COMELEC, G.R. No.
143398, October 25, 2000

ELEVENTH WEEK

THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

A. The Civil Service Commission

• Composition and Qualifications
• Disqualifications
• Scope of the Civil Service
• Classification of Position
1. Career
2. Non-Career Service
Case: (112) Santiago, Jr. vs. CSC,
G.R. No. 81467, October
27, 1989
          (113 Montecillo vs. CSC, G.R.
No. 131954, June 28, 2001
• Security of Tenure
Case: (114) General vs. Roco, G.R. No.
143366, January 29, 2001
• Terms and Conditions and Employment
in the Civil Service

1. Oath and allegiance to the Constitution, Article

IX-B, Section 4, Article XI, Section 18
2. Merit System
Case: (115) PAGCOR vs. Rilloraza, G.R.
No. 141141, June 25, 2001
3. Appointment of Lameducks –Article IX-B,
Section 6
4. Appointment and designation of
elective/appointive officials-Article IX-B,
Section 7; Article VII, Section 13; Article VI,
Section 13
 5. Exemptions from Exam Requirement
Case: (116) Office of the Ombudsman vs.
CSC, G.R. No. 159940,
February 16, 2005

6. Standardization of pay and ban on double

compensation, Article IX-B, Section 5 and
Section 8
Case: (117) Central Bank Employees
Association vs. BSP, G.R. No.
148208, December 15, 2004

7. Ban on partisan political activities, Article IX-

B, Section 2(4)

Case: (118) Vistan vs. Nicolas, 201 SCRA

524 (1991)

7. Removal or Suspension only for cause – Article

IX-B, Section 3

Cases: (119) Pastor vs. City of Pasig, G.R.

No. 146873, May 9, 2002
(120) Office of the President vs.
Buenaobra, G.R. No. 170021,
September 8, 2006

8. Authority to Take Appropriate Actions on

Appointments and Personnel Actions
(121) Civil Service Commission
vs. Peter G. Cutao, G.R. No.
225151, September 30, 2020

1. Right of Self-Organization, Article III, Section 8,

Article IX, Section 2(5)
2. Review of Decisions of the CSC – Article IX,
Section 7
Case: (122) Julius Tugade
Alatraca vs. NAPOLCOM and CSC,
G.R. No. 238312, September 3, 2020

3. Fiscal Independence – Article IX-A, Section 5

Case: (123) U.P. vs. Regino, G.R. No.
88167, May 3, 1993
TWELFTH WEEK

THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS

B. The Commission on Election

• Composition and Qualifications of
Commissioners
• Appointment
• Appointment of personnel
• Decisions
En Banc and Division Cases
Review of Comelec Decision by the
Supreme Court
Case: (124) Most Rev.
Bishop Vicente
Navarra vs.
Comelec, G.R. No.
205720, January 21,
2015
• Salary
• Disqualification
• Impeachment
• Powers and Functions – Article IX-C,
Section 2

Case: (125) Bagumbayan-VNP

Movement, Inc. and Richard
Gordon vs. COMELEC, G.R. No.
206719, April 10, 2019
• Enforcement of Election Laws- Article
IX-C, Section 2(1), Sec. 10
Case: (126) Brillantes vs. Comelec,
G.R. No. 163193, June 15, 2004

• Decide administrative question

pertaining to elections, except the right
to vote-Article IX, Section 2(3)
      Case: (127) Jaramilla vs. Comelec,
G.R. No. 155717, October
23, 2003

3. Prosecution of election law violators –Article

IX-C, Section 2(6)
     Case: (128) Baytan vs. Comelec, G.R.
no. 153945, February 4, 2003
 • Recommend pardon, parole or
suspension of sentence of election law
violators, Article IX-C, Section 5
• Deputize law enforcement agents, etc.,
Article IX-C, Section 2(4), Section 2(8)
      Case: (129) People vs. Judge Basilia,
179 SCRA 87 (1989)

• Registration of political parties,

organization/coalitions and
accreditation of citizens’ arms – Article
IX-C, Section 2(5)
• Regulation of public utilities and media
information, Article IX-C, Section 4 and
Section 9
Case: (130) UNIDO vs. Comelec, 104
SCRA 17 (1981)

• Decide election contests and cases,

Article IX-C, Section 2(2), Section 3
Case: (131) Sebastian vs. Comelec,
G.R. No. 139573, March 7,
2000

THE COMMISSION ON AUDIT

C. The Commission on Audit

• Composition and Appointment
• Powers and Functions
Case: (132) Sto. Cristo
Construction vs. COA, G.R. No.
246777, March 2, 2021

• Jurisdiction of the Commission

Cases:
(133) Boy Scouts of the
Philippines vs. COA,
G.R. No. 177131, June 7,
2011
(134) Irene G. Ancheta, et al. vs.
COA, G.R. No. 236725, February 2,
2021
(135) Philippine Health
Insurance Corporation vs.
COA, et al., G.R. No. 222129,
February 2, 2021
THIRTEENTH WEEK
THE SANDIGANBAYAN

The Sandiganbayan
P.D. 1606, December 10, 1979
1. Composition
2. Jurisdiction
Case: (136) Omar Erasmo Gonowon
Ampongan vs. Sandiganbayan, G.R.
No. 234670-71, August 14, 2019
3. Proceedings

4. Review
Cases: (137) Nuñez vs. Sandiganbayan,
111 SCRA 433 (1982)
(138) Macalino vs. Sandiganbayan,
G.R. No. 140199- 200, February
6, 2002
(139) Bolastig vs. Sandiganbayan,
235 SCRA 103

THE OMBUDSMAN

The Office of the Ombudsman, P.D. 1630,

R.A. N0. 6770
• Composition – Article XI, Section 5
• Qualifications-Article XI, Section 8
• Appointment and Term – Article XI,
Sections 9 & 11
• Rank and Salary – Article XI, Section 10
• Disqualifications/Inhibitions-Article XI,
Section 8; Article IX-A, Section 2
• Jurisdiction-Article XI, Section 12
Cases: (140) People vs. Velez,
G.R. No. 138093,
February 19,
2003
(141) Sherwin T. Gatchalian
vs. Office of the
Ombdusman, G.R. No.
229288, August 1, 2018

• Powers and Functions-Article XI, Section

 13
Cases: (142) Ledesma vs. CA,
G.R. No. 161629, July
29, 2005
(143) Ombudsman vs.
Madriaga, G.R. No.
164316, September 27,
2006

• Fiscal Autonomy – Article XI, Section 14

• Appointment of Personnel – Article XI,
Section 6

Office of the Special Prosecutor – Article XI,

Section 7
Cases: (144) Zaldivar vs. SB, 160 SCRA
843
(145) Orap vs. SB, 139 SCRA 252
(1985)

See PD No. 1630, Sections 10, 12-15

(administrative investigations), Section 17 (criminal
investigations)

NATIONAL COMMISSIONS

I. COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

(Article XIII, Sections 17-20)
Composition
Powers and Functions
Case: (146) Carino vs. CHR, G.R. No.
96681, December 2, 1991

II. NATIONAL LANGUAGE COMMISSION

(Article XIV, Section 9)
Constitutional Mandate

III. NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION

(Article XVI, Section 6) (R.A. No. 6975)
Constitutional Mandate
Powers and Functions
IV. NATIONAL COMMISSION ON
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES (NCIP) R.A. 8371 (Article
XVI, Sec. 12)
 Case: (147) Gregorio M. Sanson, et
al. vs. The ATI Indigenous Cultural
Community/Indigenous Peoples of
Boracay Island, and the National
Commission on Indigenous
Peoples, G.R. No. 224462, June 10,
2019
SUGGESTED TEXT BOOK:
Political and Constitutional Law for Students,
Barristers and Lawyers by Edgardo M. Villareal II,
REX Book Store
REFERENCES:

1. Outline Reviewer in Political Law by Justice

Antonio E.B. Nachura
2. Political and Constitutional Law for Students,
Barristers and Lawyers by Edgardo M. Villareal
II, REX Book Store
3. 1987 Philippine Constitution Reviewer-Primer
by Joaquin G. Bernas, S.J.
4. Philippine Constitutional Law, Principles and
Cases, Vol. 1, Hector S. De Leon and Hector M.
Del Leon, Jr., Rex Book Store, 2017 Edition
5. Philippine Political Law 2014 Edition by
Isagani A. Cruz and Carlo A. Cruz
6. The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the
Philippines, A Commentary, 2009 Edition, by
Joaquin G. Bernas
7. 1987 Philippine Constitution

III. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING

SYSTEM

The students must be able to recite in English on

the assigned topics scheduled for the day without
going over his/her notes. He/she is likewise expected
to know the basic facts and ruling on the cases
assigned relevant to the topic assigned. A
recapitulation of what was taken in the last lecture
will be made by the professor before each week for
purposes of review and clarification, should there be
any.

The student’s grade for every period (Prelim,

Midterm and Final) will be based on the
Prelim/Midterm/Final exam and the quizzes covering
the period (90%-examination; 10%-quizzes).
However, for the final grade, this will be based on the
following:

1. Prelim Grade (15%)

2. Midterm Grade (35%)
3. Final Exams (40%)
4. Recitation, Attendance and Attitude (10%)

IV. COURSE POLICIES

1. Honesty must be observed at all times.

CHEATING IS ABHORRED. Any form of
dishonesty will be meted with a corresponding
sanction, ranging from meriting a FAILED
MARK to EXPULSION.
2. Classes start promptly on time. For those who
are working and cannot make it on time, the
professor must be informed ahead of time.
3. SILENCE must be observed at all times. Only
the student called upon to recite is allowed to
talk. Students should refrain from talking when
somebody is reciting and when the professor is
lecturing.   Recitation is looking directly at the
camera and reciting based on one’s reading and
understanding.
4. Students are not allowed to leave the virtual
lecture room for whatever reason during
examinations, except for emergency reasons.
5. Students must be neatly and properly
dressed/attired and groomed.
6. Special exams for Prelim/Midterm/Finals and
quizzes are not allowed unless in highly
meritorious reasons.

Email address:
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09178714895