-
SUGGESTED ANSWERS
TO BAR EXAMINATION IN
POLITICAL LAW
ARRANGED BY TOPIC
(1987 2006)
Edited and Arranged by:
Atty. Janette Laggui-Icao and Atty. Alex Andrew P. Icao
(Silliman University College of Law)
July 26, 2005
Updated by: Romualdo L.
Seeris II, LLB. April 19, 2007
From the ANSWERS TO BAR EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
in POLITICAL LAW by the
UP LAW COMPLEX and PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF LAW SCHOOLS
BAR Q&A (as arranged by Topics) POLITICAL LAW (1987-2006)
1
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F O R W A R D
This work is not intended for sale or commerce. This work is
freeware. It may be
freely copied and distributed. It is primarily intended for all
those who desire to have
a deeper understanding of the issues touched by the Philippine
Bar Examinations and
its trend. It is specially intended for law students from the
provinces who, very often,
are recipients of deliberately distorted notes from other
unscrupulous law schools and
students. Share to others this work and you will be richly
rewarded by God in
heaven. It is also very good karma.
We would like to seek the indulgence of the reader for some Bar
Questions which
are improperly classified under a topic and for some topics
which are improperly or
ignorantly phrased, for the authors are just Bar Reviewees who
have prepared this
work while reviewing for the Bar Exams under time constraints
and within their
limited knowledge of the law. We would like to seek the readers
indulgence for a lot
of typographical errors in this work.
The Authors
BAR Q&A (as arranged by Topics) POLITICAL LAW (1987-2006)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1987 CONSTITUTION OF THE PHILIPPINES
...................................................................
14 Phil Con 87; New Features
(1991).....................................................................................
14 Phil Con 87; People Power
(1987).....................................................................................
14 Phil Con 87; People Power
(2000).....................................................................................
15 Phil Con 87; People Power
(2003).....................................................................................
15 Nature of the Constitution: Constitutional Supremacy (2004)
....................................... 15 Government Presidential
Form vs. Parliamentary Form (Q6-2006) .............................
15
ARTICLE I National
Territory...........................................................................................
16 Archipelagic Doctrine
(1989)...............................................................................................
16 Contiguous Zone vs. Exclusive Economic Zone (2004)
................................................. 16 Exclusive
Economic Zone; Rights of the Coastal State (1994)
..................................... 16 Exclusive Economic Zone;
Rights of the Coastal State (Q1-2005)
.............................. 17 Flag State vs. Flag of
Convenience (2004)
......................................................................
17
Territory & Government
(1996)...........................................................................................
17 Territorial Sea vs. Internal Waters (2004)
.........................................................................
17
ARTICLE II Declaration of Principles and State
Policies.......................................... 18 Armed Forces;
Servant of the People
(2003)...................................................................
18 Doctrine of Incorporation; Constitutional Law
(1997)...................................................... 18
Doctrine of Incorporation; Pacta Sunt Servanda
(2000)................................................. 18 Freedom
from Nuclear Weapons; Foreign Military Bases
(1988)................................. 18
Philippine Flag
(Q4-2006)....................................................................................................
19 Principle of Civilian Supremacy
(Q6-2006).......................................................................
19 State Immunity from Suit
(1991).........................................................................................
19 State Immunity from Suit
(1996).........................................................................................
20 State Immunity from Suit
(1989)........................................................................................
20 State Immunity from Suit
(1994).........................................................................................
21 State Immunity from Suit
(1992).........................................................................................
21 State Immunity from Suit
(1999).........................................................................................
22 State Immunity from Suit
(1999).........................................................................................
22 State Immunity from Suit
(1987).........................................................................................
22 State Immunity vs. Waiver of Immunity (1997)
................................................................ 22
State Immunity from Suit
(1993).........................................................................................
23 State Principles & Policies (1994)
......................................................................................
23 Transparency; Matters of Public Interest
(1989)..............................................................
24 Transparency; Matters of Public Interest
(2000)..............................................................
25
ARTICLE III Bill of Rights
...................................................................................................
25 Bill of Attainder
(1987)..........................................................................................................
25 Bill of Attainder
(1990)..........................................................................................................
26 Custodial Investigation; Extrajudicial Confession (2001)
............................................... 26 Custodial
Investigation; Extrajudicial Confession; Police Line-Up (1994)
................... 26 Custodial Investigation; Police Line-Up
(1997)
................................................................ 27
Custodial Investigation; Right to Counsel (1988)
............................................................ 27
Custodial Investigation; Right to Counsel (1993)
............................................................ 27
Custodial Investigation; Right to Counsel (2000)
............................................................ 28
Custodial Investigation; Right to Counsel; Receipt of Property
Seized (2002)........... 28 Custodial Investigation; Rights
(1990)...............................................................................
29 Custodial Investigation; Rights
(1993)...............................................................................
29 Custodial Investigation; Rights
(1996)...............................................................................
30
BAR Q&A (as arranged by Topics) POLITICAL LAW (1987-2006)
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Double Jeopardy (1988)
......................................................................................................
30 Double Jeopardy (1993)
......................................................................................................
31 Double Jeopardy (1997)
......................................................................................................
31 Double Jeopardy (1999)
......................................................................................................
32 Double Jeopardy (1999)
......................................................................................................
32 Double Jeopardy (2000)
......................................................................................................
32 Double Jeopardy (2001)
......................................................................................................
32 Double Jeopardy (2002)
......................................................................................................
33 Double Jeopardy; Requisites (1999)
.................................................................................
33 Due Process; Absence of Denial (1999)
...........................................................................
33 Due Process; Deportation
(1994).......................................................................................
34
Due Process; Forfeiture Proceedings (1993)
...................................................................
35 Due Process; Media Coverage during Hearing
(1996)................................................... 35 Due
Process; Meeting vs. Hearing
(1999)........................................................................
35 Due Process; Notice by Publication (1988)
......................................................................
35 Due Process; Permit to Carry Firearm Outside Residence (Q6-2006)
........................ 36 Due Process; PPA-Pilots (2001)
........................................................................................
36 Due Process; Procedural vs. Substantive
(1999)............................................................
37
Due Process; Provisional Order (1991)
............................................................................
37 Due Process; Public School Teachers (2002)
.................................................................
37 Due Process; Radio Station (1987)
...................................................................................
38 Due Process; Represented by a Non-Lawyer (1988)
..................................................... 38 Due
Process; Substantive (2003)
......................................................................................
38 Due Process; Suspension of Driver's License
(1992)..................................................... 38 Due
Process; Urgent Public Need
(1987).........................................................................
39
Eminent Domain; Garnishment
(1994)..............................................................................
39 Eminent Domain; Garnishment
(1998)..............................................................................
40 Eminent Domain; immunity from suit (2001)
....................................................................
40 Eminent Domain; Indirect Public Benefit (1990)
.............................................................. 40
Eminent Domain; Just Compensation (1988)
..................................................................
40 Eminent Domain; Just Compensation (1989)
..................................................................
41 Eminent Domain; Just Compensation (1998)
..................................................................
41 Eminent Domain; Legal Interest (1993)
............................................................................
41
Eminent Domain; Non-observance of the policy of "all or none"
(2000)...................... 42 Eminent Domain; Power to Exercise
(2005)
....................................................................
42 Eminent Domain; Public Use
(1987)..................................................................................
42 Eminent Domain; Socialized Housing
(1996)...................................................................
43 Eminent Domain; Writ of Possession
(1993)....................................................................
43 Equal Protection; Alien Employment
(1989).....................................................................
44 Equal Protection; Invidious Discrimination (1987)
........................................................... 44
Equal Protection; Invidious Discrimination (1987)
........................................................... 45
Equal Protection; Police Power
(2000)..............................................................................
45 Equal Protection; Right to Education (1994)
....................................................................
45 Equal Protection; Subsidiary Imprisonment (1989)
......................................................... 45
Freedom of Expression; Censorship
(2003).....................................................................
46 Freedom of Expression; Prior Restraint (1988)
............................................................... 46
Freedom of Religion; Convicted Prisoners (1989)
.......................................................... 46
Freedom of Religion; Flag Salute (1997)
..........................................................................
47 Freedom of Religion; Flag Salute (2003)
..........................................................................
48 Freedom of Religion; Non-Establishment Clause (1988)
............................................... 48 Freedom of
Religion; Non-Establishment Clause (1992)
............................................... 48
BAR Q&A (as arranged by Topics) POLITICAL LAW (1987-2006)
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Freedom of Religion; Non-Establishment Clause (1997)
............................................... 49 Freedom of
Speech; Ban on Tobacco AD (1992)
........................................................... 49
Freedom of the Press; Actual Malice (2004)
....................................................................
50 Freedom of the Press; Wartime Censorship
(1987)........................................................ 50
Impairment Clause; Basic Human Rights (1992)
............................................................ 51
Involuntary Servitude (1993)
...............................................................................................
51 Liberty of Abode; Limitations (1998)
..................................................................................
51 Liberty of Abode; Temporary
(1996)..................................................................................
52 Non-Imprisonment for Non-Payment of Debt (1993)
...................................................... 52 Police
Power; Abatement of Nuisance (2004)
.................................................................
52 Police Power; Ban on Tobacco AD (1992)
.......................................................................
52
Police Power; Zoning Ordinance vs. Non-Impairment of Contracts
(1989) ................ 53 Police Power; Zoning Ordinance vs.
Non-Impairment of Contracts (2001) ................ 53 Privacy of
Communication (2001)
......................................................................................
53 Privacy of Correspondence (1998)
....................................................................................
54 Privacy of Correspondence; Jail (1989)
............................................................................
54 Right to Assembly; Permit Application; Freedom Parks
(Q2-2006).............................. 54 Right to Assembly;
Permit Requirements (1992)
........................................................... 55
Right to Assembly; Public Teachers (2000)
.....................................................................
55 Right to Assembly; Public Teachers (2002)
.....................................................................
56 Right to Travel; Order of Arrest
(1991)..............................................................................
56 Rights of the Accused; Counsel of his Choice
(Q8-2005).............................................. 56 Rights
of the Accused; Presumption of Innocence vs. Presumption of Theft
(2004) 57 Rights of the Accused; Right to Bail
(1993)......................................................................
57 Rights of the Accused; Right to Bail; Capital Offense (Q4-2006)
................................. 58
Rights of the Accused; Right to Bail; Deportation Case (1989)
.................................... 58 Rights of the Accused;
Right to Bail; Matter of Right or a Matter of Discretion (Q7- 2005)
.......................................................................................................................................
58 Rights of the Accused; Right to Speedy Trial (2000)
...................................................... 59 Rights of
the Accused; Self-Incrimination (1988)
............................................................ 59
Rights of the Accused; Self-Incrimination (1990)
............................................................ 59
Rights of the Accused; Self-Incrimination (1992)
............................................................ 60
Rights of the Accused; Self-Incrimination (2000)
............................................................ 60
Rights of the Accused; Self-Incrimination
(Q7-2006)...................................................... 61
Searches and Seizure; Private Individuals
(Q8-2005)................................................... 61
Searches and Seizures; Aliens (2001)
..............................................................................
61 Searches and Seizures; Breathalyzer Test
(1992).......................................................... 62
Searches and Seizures; Immediate Control (1987)
........................................................ 62
Searches and Seizures; Incidental to Valid Search (1990)
........................................... 62 Searches and
Seizures; Place of Search
(2001).............................................................
63
Searches and Seizures; search made by a private citizen
(1993)................................ 63 Searches and Seizures;
search made by a private citizen
(2002)................................ 64 Searches and Seizures;
Valid Warrantless Search
(2000)............................................ 64 Searches and
Seizures; Visual Search (1992)
................................................................ 65
Searches and Seizures; Waiver of Consent (1989)
........................................................ 65
Searches and Seizures; Warrantless Arrests
(1993)...................................................... 66
Searches and Seizures; Warrants of Arrest (1991)
........................................................ 66
ARTICLE IV Citizenship
.....................................................................................................
66
Action for Cancellation; Prescription & Effect of Death
(1994)...................................... 66 Citizenship;
Elected Official (1993)
....................................................................................
67 Dual Allegiance vs. Dual Citizenship (1987)
....................................................................
67
BAR Q&A (as arranged by Topics) POLITICAL LAW (1987-2006)
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Dual Allegiance vs. Dual Citizenship (1988)
....................................................................
68 Dual Citizenship
(1994)........................................................................................................
68 Effect of Marriage; Filipino (1989)
.....................................................................................
69 Effect of Oath of Allegiance (2004)
....................................................................................
69 Effect of Repatriation (1999)
...............................................................................................
70 Effect of Repatriation (2002)
...............................................................................................
70 Effect of Repatriation (2003)
...............................................................................................
70 Effects of Marriages (1999)
.................................................................................................
70 Effects of Philippine Bill of 1902 (2001)
............................................................................
71 Elected Official (1992)
..........................................................................................................
71 Electing Philippine Citizenship (Q8-2006)
........................................................................
71
Electing Philippine Citizenship; When Proper
(Q8-2006)............................................... 72 Natural
Born Filipino (1989)
................................................................................................
72 Natural Born Filipino (1998)
................................................................................................
72 Natural-Born Filipino(1993)
.................................................................................................
73 Naturalization; Cancellation of Citizenship
(1998)...........................................................
73 Residency Requirements; Elective Official
(Q9-2005).................................................... 73
Status; Illegitimate Child
(1990)..........................................................................................
74
Status; Illegitimate Child; Dual Citizenship (1996)
.......................................................... 74
Status; Legitimate Child (2003)
..........................................................................................
74 Ways of Reacquiring Citizenship (2000)
...........................................................................
75
ARTICLE VI Legislative Department
..............................................................................
75 Appropriation of Public Funds (1988)
................................................................................
75 Appropriation of Public Funds; Debt Servicing
(1992).................................................... 75
Appropriation of Public Funds; Public Purposes (1988)
................................................. 75
Commission on Appointments (2002)
...............................................................................
76 Delegation of Powers (2002)
..............................................................................................
76 Delegation of Powers;
(Q6-2005).......................................................................................
76 Delegation of Powers; Completeness Test; Sufficient Standard
Test (Q6-2005) ...... 77 Discipline; Modes of Removal
(1993)...............................................................................
77 Discipline; Suspension of a Member of the Congress (2002)
....................................... 77 Elected Official; De
Facto Officer (2004)
..........................................................................
78 Electoral Tribunal; HRET Members Right & Responsibilities
(2002) .......................... 78
Electoral Tribunal; Senate; Jurisdiction (1990)
................................................................ 79
Foreign Affairs; Role of House of Rep (1996)
..................................................................
79 Foreign Affairs; Role of Senate
(1994)..............................................................................
79 Investigations in Aid of Legislation (1992)
........................................................................
79 Law Making; Process & Publication (1993)
......................................................................
80 Law-Making; Appropriation Bill (1996)
..............................................................................
80
Law-Making; Appropriation Law; Automatic Renewal & Power of
Augmentation
(1998).............................................................................................................................
......... 80 Law-Making; Appropriation Law; Rider Provision (2001)
............................................... 81 Law-Making;
Foreign Affairs; Treaties (1996)
..................................................................
81 Law-Making; Overriding the Presidential Veto (1991)
.................................................... 81 Law-Making;
Passage of a Law (1988)
.............................................................................
82 Legislative Power; Pres. Aquinos Time (1990)
............................................................... 82
Legislative Powers (1989)
...................................................................................................
82 Loans Extended to Members of Congress
(1991)...........................................................
82
Multi-Party System (1999)
...................................................................................................
83 Non-Legislative Powers (1988)
..........................................................................................
83 Non-Legislative Powers; Emergency Powers; Requisites
(1997)................................. 83
BAR Q&A (as arranged by Topics) POLITICAL LAW (1987-2006)
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Prohibitions and Inhibitions of Public Office
(2004)......................................................... 83
Qualifications; Congressmen (1988)
.................................................................................
84 Qualifications; Congressmen; (1993)
................................................................................
84 Qualifications; Congressmen; (1999)
................................................................................
85 Separation of Powers (1988)
..............................................................................................
85 Separation of Powers (2003)
..............................................................................................
85 Three-Term Limit: Congressmen
(1996)...........................................................................
86 Three-Term Limit; Congressmen
(2001)...........................................................................
86
ARTICLE VII Executive Department
................................................................................
86 Appointing Power; Acting vs. Permanent Appointment (2003)
..................................... 86 Appointing Power; ad
interim appointments (1991)
........................................................ 86
Appointing Power; Ad Interim Appointments (1994)
....................................................... 87
Appointing Power; Appointments Requiring Confirmation; RA
6975-Unconstitutional
(2002).............................................................................................................................
......... 87 Appointing Power; Categories of Officials
(1999)............................................................
88 Appointing Power; Kinds of Appointments (1994)
........................................................... 88
Appointing Power; Limitations on Presidential Appointments
(1997)........................... 89 Appointing Powers; Ad Interim
Appointments (Q4-2005)
.............................................. 90 Cabinet Members;
limitation on accepting additional duties (1996)
............................. 90 Calling-out Power; President
(Q1-2006)
...........................................................................
91 Declaration; State of Calamity; Legal Effects
(Q1-2005)................................................ 91
Declaration; State of National Emergency (Q1-2006)
.................................................... 91 Enter into
Contract or Guarantee Foreign Loans
(1994)................................................ 91 Enter
into Contract or Guarantee Foreign Loans
(1999)................................................ 92 Enter
into Executive Agreements (2003)
..........................................................................
92 Impose Tariff Rates, Import and Export Quotas
(1999).................................................. 92
Martial Law & Suspension of Writ of Habeas Corpus (1987)
........................................ 92 Martial Law;
Limitations
(2000)..........................................................................................
93 Martial Law; Sufficiency of the Factual Basis
(Q3-2006)................................................ 94
Pardoning Power; Amnesty (1993)
....................................................................................
95 Pardoning Power; Amnesty (1995)
....................................................................................
95 Pardoning Power; Breach of Condition; Revocation
(Q5-2005).................................... 95 Pardoning Power;
Exec Clemency; Pardon
(1995).........................................................
95
Pardoning Power; Executive Clemency (1997)
............................................................... 96
Pardoning Power; Executive Clemency (1999)
............................................................... 96
Pardoning Power; Kinds
(1988)..........................................................................................
96 Pardoning Power; Pardon, Conditional (1997)
................................................................ 97
President; Participation; Legislative Process
(1996)....................................................... 97
Presidential Immunity from Suit (1997)
.............................................................................
97 Prohibition Against Multiple Positions & Additional
Compensation (2002) ................. 97
Prohibition against Multiple Positions by Govt Officials (1987)
.................................... 98 Suspension of Writ of
Habeas Corpus
(1997)..................................................................
99
ARTICLE VIII Judicial Department
....................................................................................
99 Cases to be Heard En Banc; Supreme Court
(1999)...................................................... 99
Contempt Powers
(1996).....................................................................................................
99 Finality of Void Judgments
(1993)......................................................................................
99 Fiscal Autonomy (1999)
.....................................................................................................
100 Function; Continuing Constitutional Convention (2000)
............................................... 100
Issuance of Restraining Orders and Injunctions (1992)
............................................... 100 Judicial &
Bar Council
(1988)............................................................................................
101 Judicial & Bar Council
(1999)............................................................................................
101
BAR Q&A (as arranged by Topics) POLITICAL LAW (1987-2006)
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Judicial Department; Writ of Amparo (1991)
..................................................................
101 Judicial Independence; Safeguard (2000)
......................................................................
101 Judicial Power
(1989).........................................................................................................
102 Judicial Power
(1992).........................................................................................................
102 Judicial Power
(1998).........................................................................................................
103 Judicial Power; Scope (1994)
...........................................................................................
103 Judicial Review; Locus Standi
(1992)..............................................................................
104 Judicial Review; Requisites (1994)
..................................................................................
104 Jurisdiction of HLURB (1993)
...........................................................................................
104 Mandatory Period For Deciding Cases
(1989)...............................................................
105 Political Question
(1995)....................................................................................................
105
Political Question Doctrine
(1997)....................................................................................
105 Political Question: Separation of Powers (2004)
........................................................... 106
Political Question; To Settle Actual Controversies (2004)
........................................... 106 Political Questions
(1988)..................................................................................................
106 Pro Hac Vice Cases
(1999)...............................................................................................
107 Removal of Lower Court Judges (1993)
.........................................................................
107 Review Executive Acts (1996)
..........................................................................................
107
Supervision; Courts & its Personnel (Q5-2005)
............................................................. 108
Taxpayer's Suit; Locus Standi
(1995)..............................................................................
108 Term of Office; Justices (1996)
........................................................................................
108 Votes required for declaring a law unconstitutional (1996)
.......................................... 109
ARTICLE IX Constitutional Commissions
..................................................................
109 Rotational Scheme
(1999).................................................................................................
109 Constitutional Commissions & Council (Q7-2006)
........................................................ 109
ARTICLE IX Civil Service
Commission........................................................................
109 Career Service; Characteristics (1999)
...........................................................................
109 Civil Service Commission vs. COA (2004)
.....................................................................
109 Function of CSC (1994)
.....................................................................................................
110 GOCCs Without Original Charter vs. GOCCs With Original Charter
(1998)............. 110 Jurisdiction over the GOCCs
(1999)................................................................................
111 Jurisdiction over the GOCCs
(2003)................................................................................
111 Modes of Removal from Office (1993)
............................................................................
111
Receiving of Indirect Compensation (1997)
...................................................................
111 Security of Tenure (1988)
..................................................................................................
112 Security of Tenure (Q5-2005)
...........................................................................................
112 Security of Tenure; Meaning (1999)
................................................................................
113
ARTICLE IX COMELEC
....................................................................................................
113 Electoral Tribunal; Functions & Composition (Q5-2006)
.............................................. 113 Fair Election;
Equal Space & Time in Media (1989)
..................................................... 113
Grant of Pardon in Election Offenses (1991)
.................................................................
114 Judicial Review of Decisions (2001)
................................................................................
114 Removal from Office; Commissioners (1998)
................................................................
114 Right to Vote; Jurisdiction (2001)
.....................................................................................
114
Election Laws
........................................................................................................................
114 2nd Placer Rule (2003)
.....................................................................................................
114 2nd Placer Rule (1990)
......................................................................................................
115
2nd Placer Rule; in Quo Warranto Cases (1992)
.......................................................... 115 2nd
Placer Rule; Rule of Succession (1996)
................................................................
115 Appreciation of Ballots
(1994)...........................................................................................
116 Disqualification; Grounds (1991)
......................................................................................
116
BAR Q&A (as arranged by Topics) POLITICAL LAW (1987-2006)
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Disualifications
(1999)........................................................................................................
116
Effect of Filing of Certificate of Candidacy; Appointive Officer
vs Elective Officer
(2002)....................................................................................................................................
116 Effect of Filing of Certificate of Candidacy; Fair Election Act
(2003).......................... 117 Election Offenses; Conspiracy
to Bribe Voters (1991)
................................................. 117
Election Protest (1990)
......................................................................................................
117 Election Protest vs. Quo Warranto (2001)
......................................................................
118 Election Protest vs. Quo Warranto (Q5-2006)
............................................................... 118
Election Protest; Jurisdiction (1996)
................................................................................
118 Expiration of term bars service thereof (2000)
............................................................... 118
Petition to Declare Failure of Elections; Requisites & Effects
(1995)......................... 118 Pre-Proclamation Contest
(1987).....................................................................................
119
Pre-Proclamation Contest
(1988).....................................................................................
119 Pre-Proclamation Contest vs. Election Contests (1997)
.............................................. 120 Pre-Proclamation
Contest; Proper Issues
(1996)..........................................................
121 Process; Illiterate Voters (1987)
.......................................................................................
121 Process; Principle of Idem Sonans (1994)
.....................................................................
121 Process; Stray Ballot (1994)
.............................................................................................
121 Recall (2002)
.......................................................................................................................
122 Three-Term Limit Rule (2001)
..........................................................................................
122 Three-Term Limit; from Municipality to Newly-Created City
(Q9-2005).................... 122 Vacancy; Effect of Vice-Mayor
Acting As Mayor
(2002)............................................... 123 Vacancy;
Rule of Succession
(1995)...............................................................................
123 Vacancy; SB; Rule on Succession (2002)
......................................................................
124
ARTICLE IX Commission on Audit
...............................................................................
124 COA; Jurisdiction
(2001)....................................................................................................
124
COA; Money Claims (1998)
..............................................................................................
124 ARTICLE X Local Government
.....................................................................................
125
Appointment of Budget Officer; control vs supervision (1999)
.................................... 125 Boundary Dispute
Resolution; LGU; RTCs Jurisdiction
(Q10-2005)........................ 126 Boundary Dispute Settlement;
Authority; Jurisdiction (1999)
...................................... 126 Creation of New Local
Government Units; Plebiscite Requirement (2004) .............. 126
De Facto Public Corporations; Effect
(2004)..................................................................
126
Devolution of Power
(1999)...............................................................................................
126 Franchise; prior approval of LGU necessary (1988)
..................................................... 126 Law
fixing the terms of local elective officials (Q4-2006)
............................................. 127 Ordinance; Use
& Lease of Properties; Public Use
(1997).......................................... 127 Ordinance;
Validity; Closure or Lease of Properties for Public Use (2003)
.............. 127 Ordinance; Validity; Compensation; Tortuous Act
of an Employee (1994) ............... 127 Ordinance; Validity;
Local Taxation vs. Special Assessment (1987)
......................... 128
Ordinance; Validity; Preventing Immorality (1987)
........................................................ 128
Ordinance; Validity; Utilization & Development; National Wealth
(1991) .................. 128 Ordinances; Validity; Amending Natl
Laws (1988) .......................................................
128 Ordinances; Validity; Gambling Prohibition
(1995)........................................................ 129
Ordinances; Validity; Limitation of Penalties (1991)
..................................................... 129
Ordinances; Veto Power (1996)
.......................................................................................
129 Police Power; LLDA (1995)
...............................................................................................
130 Power to Issue Subpoena & Cite For Contempt (1993)
............................................... 130
Power; Eminent Domain; LGU; Right to Exercise
(Q10-2005).................................... 131 Powers of
Barangay Assembly (2003)
............................................................................
131 Powers; Liga ng mga Barangay
(2003)...........................................................................
131
BAR Q&A (as arranged by Topics) POLITICAL LAW (1987-2006)
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Requisites; Contracts Involving LGU (1991)
..................................................................
131 Requisites; Contracts involving LGU (1995)
..................................................................
132 Taxation; GOCC Liability For Real Estate Tax
(1999).................................................. 132
Taxation; Sources of Revenue
(1999).............................................................................
132 Withdrawal of Public Property from Public Use
(1990)................................................. 132
ARTICLE XI Accountability of Public
Officers...........................................................
133 Abandonment of Office
(2000)..........................................................................................
133 Discipline; Clemency; Doctrine of Condonation (2000)
................................................ 133 Discipline;
Effect of Pardon Granted in Favor of Public Officers (1999)
.................... 134
Discipline; Preventive Suspension & Appeal; entitlement to
salary pendente (2001)
...............................................................................................................................................
134
Discipline; Preventive Suspension (1990)
......................................................................
134 Discipline; Preventive Suspension (2002)
......................................................................
135
Elective and Appointive Officials: disciplinary authority (2004)
................................... 135 Elective Public Officer; De
Facto Officer (2000)
............................................................ 135
Elective Public Officers; De Facto Officer; effects (2004)
............................................ 136 Graft and
Corruption; Prescription of Crime (2002)
...................................................... 136
Impeachment; Cronyism (2000)
.......................................................................................
137 Impeachment; Grounds
(1999).........................................................................................
137 Impeachment; Nature; Grounds; PD 1606
(1988).........................................................
137
Law of Public Officers; Next-in-Rank Rule (1994)
......................................................... 137
Liability For Damages in Performance of Official Functions (1990)
........................... 138 Local Elective Officials;
Limitations On Additional Duties (1995)
............................... 139 Ombudsman: Power to Suspend;
Preventive Suspension (2004) ............................. 139
Ombudsman; Power to Investigate (2003)
.....................................................................
139 Ombudsman; Power to Suspend; Preventive Suspension (1996)
............................. 140 Power to Issue Subpoena; validity
of delegation (1989) ..............................................
140
Prohibition On Elective Officer to Hold Public Office
(2002)........................................ 140 Public Office;
Public Trust
(1998).....................................................................................
140 Retirement Benefits (1996)
...............................................................................................
141
ARTICLE XII National Economy and
Patrimony.........................................................
142 Acquisition and Lease of Public Lands (1998)
............................................................... 142
Acquisition of Lands
(1987)...............................................................................................
142 Acquisition of Lands
(2000)...............................................................................................
143 Acquisition of Lands by Hereditary Succession (2002)
................................................ 143 Acquisition of
Lands; Citizenship issue (1989)
.............................................................. 143
Acquisition of Lands; Citizenship issue (1994)
.............................................................. 144
Acquisition of Lands; Citizenship issue (1995)
.............................................................. 144
Acquisition of Lands; Prohibition; acquisition of private lands by
aliens (1994) ....... 145 Citizenship Requirement in Management of
Advertising Industry (1989) ................. 145 Engagement in
Business & Exercise of Profession
(1987).......................................... 145
Exploration and Development of Minerals (1994)
......................................................... 146
Expropriation of Public Utilities (1992)
............................................................................
146 Lease of Private Agricultural Lands (2001)
....................................................................
146 National Economy & Patrimony; Constitutional Prohibition
(2004)............................. 147 National Patrimony;
definition (1999)
..............................................................................
147 Nationalized Activities
(1994)............................................................................................
147 Ownership Requirement of Mass Media (1989)
............................................................
148
Chinese citizens; engaging in retail trade
(Q4-2006).................................................... 148
Exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources
(Q4-2006) ............... 148
ARTICLE XIII Social Justice and Human Rights
......................................................... 148
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Agrarian Reform Law; Coverage (1992)
.........................................................................
148 Commission on Human Rights; Power to investigate (1992)
...................................... 149 Commission on Human
Rights; Power to issue TRO (1997)
...................................... 149 Commission on Human
Rights; Power to issue TRO (2001)
...................................... 149 Commission on Human
Rights; Power; Limitations (Q4-2005)
................................... 150 Labor; Right to
Self-Organization (1988)
........................................................................
151 Labor; Right to Strike (1988)
.............................................................................................
151 Labor; Right to Strike (1993)
.............................................................................................
151 Social Justice under the Present Constitution (1995)
................................................... 152 Women
(2000).....................................................................................................................
152
ARTICLE XIV Education, Science and Technology, Arts
......................................... 153
Education; Academic Freedom
(1987)............................................................................
153 Education; Academic Freedom
(1989)............................................................................
153 Education; Academic Freedom
(1993)............................................................................
153 Education; Academic Freedom; Extent (1999)
.............................................................. 154
Education; Alien Enrollees & Donors (1999)
..................................................................
154 Education; Duties of State in Re Education (1999)
....................................................... 154
Education; Flag Salute (1987)
..........................................................................................
155
Education; Right to Choose Profession
(2000)..............................................................
155 Education; Right to Quality Education (2003)
................................................................
156 Education; Teaching of Religion (1999)
..........................................................................
156 Education; Validity of Academic Requirements (1994)
................................................ 156
ARTICLE XVI General Provisions
..................................................................................
156 General Provisions; Local Dialect
(1987)........................................................................
156 AFP; limitation on accepting additional duties (1996)
................................................... 157
ARTICLE XVII Amendments or Revisions
....................................................................
157 Peoples Initiative (2004)
...................................................................................................
157 Amendments and Revisions; Modes (1997)
..................................................................
157 REFERENDUM vs. INITIATIVE (Q1-2005)
....................................................................
157
ARTICLE XVIII Transitory
Provisions..............................................................................
158 Transitory Provisions; Foreign Military Bases (1996)
................................................... 158 Transitory
Provisions; Foreign Military Bases (1988)
................................................... 158
PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW
........................................................................................
158
Basic Principles in Public Intl Law (1991)
......................................................................
158 Constitutive Theory vs. Declaratory Theory
(2004)....................................................... 160
Contiguous Zone vs. Exclusive Economic Zone
(2004).............................................. 160 Diplomatic
Immunity (2000)
..............................................................................................
160 Diplomatic Immunity (2001)
..............................................................................................
160 Diplomatic Immunity (2003)
..............................................................................................
161 Diplomatic Immunity (2004)
..............................................................................................
161
Diplomatic Immunity; Ambassador (Q3-2005)
............................................................... 162
Diplomatic Immunity; Ambassadors
(1990)....................................................................
162 Diplomatic Immunity; Coverage (Q3-2005)
....................................................................
163 Diplomatic Immunity; Diplomatic Envoy and Consular Officers
(1995)...................... 164 Diplomatic Immunity; Diplomatic
Envoy and Consular Officers (1997)...................... 165
Exclusive Economic Zone
(2000).....................................................................................
165 Executive Agreements; Binding Effect
(2003)................................................................
165
Extradition vs. Deportation
(1993)....................................................................................
166 Extradition; Doctrine of Specialty
(1993).........................................................................
166 Extradition; Effectivity of treaty
(1996).............................................................................
166 Extradition; Grounds (2002)
..............................................................................................
167
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Extradition; Retroactive Application
(Q2-2005)..............................................................
167 Flag State vs. Flag of Convenience (2004)
..................................................................
168 Genocide (1988)
.................................................................................................................
168 Human Rights (1999)
.........................................................................................................
168 Human Rights; Civil and Political Rights (1992)
............................................................ 168
Human Rights; Civil and Political Rights (1996)
............................................................ 169
Intl Court of Justice; Jurisdiction Over
States................................................................
170 Intl Court of Justice; Jurisdiction Over States (1994)
................................................... 170 Intl Court
of Justice; Limitations On Jurisdiction (1999)
.............................................. 170 Intl Court of
Justice; Parties; Pleadings and Oral Argument (1994)
.......................... 170 International Convention; Law of the
Sea (2004)
.......................................................... 171
International Court of Justice (Q9-2006)
.........................................................................
171 International Law vs. Municipal Law; Territorial Principle;
International Crimes (Q2- 2005)
.....................................................................................................................................
171 Mandates and Trust Territories
(2003)............................................................................
172 Municipal Law vs. International Law (2003)
...................................................................
173 Neutrality of States
(1988).................................................................................................
173 Outer Space; Jurisdiction
(2003)......................................................................................
174 Principle of Auto-Limitation (Q10-2006)
..........................................................................
174 Reciprocity v. Principle of Auto-Limitation (Q10-2006)
................................................. 174 Recognition
of States; De Facto vs. De Jure Recognition (1998)
.............................. 174 Reparations Agreement; Validity
(1992)
.........................................................................
175 Right to Innocent Passage
(1999)....................................................................................
175 Right to Transit and Innocent Passage (2004)
.............................................................. 176
Rights and Obligation under UN Charter
(1991)............................................................
176 Sources of International Law; Primary & Subsidiary Sources
(2003) ........................ 177
Sovereign Immunity of States; Absolute vs. Restrictive (1998)
.................................. 177 Sovereignty of States;
Natural Use of Territory
(1989)................................................. 178
Sovereignty; Definition; Nature (Q10-2006)
...................................................................
178 State Liabilities
(1995)........................................................................................................
179 State Sovereignty; Effective Occupation; Terra Nullius (2000)
................................... 179 Stateless Persons; Effects;
Status; Rights
(1995)......................................................... 179
Territorial Sea vs. Internal Waters (2004)
.......................................................................
180
Use of Force; Exceptions
(2003)......................................................................................
180 Use of Force; Principle of Non-Intervention (1994)
....................................................... 181 Use of
Force; Right of Self-defense (2002)
....................................................................
182 Use of Force; Self-Defense; Waging War (1998)
.......................................................... 182 Use
of Force; When allowed (1988)
................................................................................
183 War; Combatants/ Prisoners of War vs. Mercenaries (1993)
...................................... 183 Wilson doctrine vs.
Estrada doctrine
(2004)...................................................................
184
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
.......................................................................................................
184 Admin Law; Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies (1991)
....................................... 184 Admin Law; Exhaustion
of Administrative Remedies (2000)
....................................... 184
Admin Law; Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies vs Doctrine of
Primary Jurisdiction (1996)
..............................................................................................................
185 Admin Law; Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies; Exceptions
(1991) ................. 185 Admin Law; Judicial Review of
Administrative Action (2001) ......................................
186 Admin Law; Judicial Review of Administrative Decisions
(1988)................................ 186
Admin Law; Meaning of Government of the Philippines (1997)
............................... 187 Admin Law; Power of the
President to Reorganize Administrative Structure (2003)
...............................................................................................................................................
187
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Admin Law; Rules and Regulations; Due Process (2000)
........................................... 187 Government Agency
vs. Government Instrumentality (Q7-2005)
............................... 188
Quasi-Judicial Body or Agency (Q5-2006)
.....................................................................
188
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1987 CONSTITUTION OF THE PHILIPPINES Phil Con 87; New Features
(1991)
No 1: How is the Bill of Rights strengthened in the 1987
Constitution?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
There are several ways in which the Bill of Rights is
strengthened in the 1987 Constitution.
1. New rights are given explicit recognition such as, the
prohibition against detention by reason of political beliefs and
aspirations. The waiver of Miranda rights is now required to be
made in writing with the assistance of counsel. The use of
solitary, incommunicado and secret detention places is prohibited,
while the existence of substandard and inadequate penal facilities
is made the concern of legislation.
2. There is also recognition of the right of expression, an
express prohibition against the use of torture, a mandate to the
State to provide compensation and rehabilitation for victims of
torture and their families.
3. Some rights have been expanded. For instance, free access to
courts now includes access to quasi-judicial bodies and to adequate
legal assistance.
4. The requirements for interfering with some rights have been
made more strict. For instance, only judges can now issue search
warrants or warrants of arrest. There must be a law authorizing the
Executive Department to interfere with the privacy of
communication, the liberty of abode, and the right to travel before
these rights may be impaired or curtailed.
5. The Constitution now provides that the suspension of the
privilege of the writ of habeas corpus does not suspend the right
to bail, thus resolving a doctrinal dispute of long standing.
6. The suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus
and the proclamation of martial law have been limited to sixty (60)
days and are now subject to the power of Congress to revoke. In
addition, the Supreme Court is given the jurisdiction, upon the
petition of any citizen to determine the sufficiency of the factual
basis of the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas
corpus and the proclamation of martial law.
7. The Supreme Court is empowered to adopt rules for the
protection and enforcement of constitutional rights.
8. Art. II. Sec. 11 commits the State to a policy which places
value on the dignity of every human person and guarantees full
respect for human rights.
9. A Commission on Human Rights is created.
10. Under Article XVI. Sec. 5(2) the State is mandated to
promote respect for the people's rights among the members of the
military in the performance of their duty.
Phil Con 87; People Power (1987)
No. XVIII: The framers of the 1987 Constitution and the people
who ratified it made sure that provisions institutionalizing people
power were incorporated in the fundamental law, Briefly discuss at
least two such provisions.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
Art. VI, Sec. 1, while vesting in Congress the legislative
power, nonetheless states that such conferment of power shall be
subject to the reservation made in favor of the people by
provisions on initiatives and referendum. For this purpose,
Congress is required, as early as possible, to provide for a system
of initiative of referendum whereby the people can directly propose
and enact laws or approve or reject an act or law or part thereof
passed by the Congress or the legislative bodies after the
registration of a petition therefor, signed by at least 10% of the
total number of registered voters, of which every legislative
district must be represented by at least 3% of the registered
voters. (Id., sec. 32) The Constitution also provides that through
initiative, upon a petition of at least 12% of the total numbers of
registered voters, of which every legislative district must be
represented by at least 3% of the registered voters therein,
amendments to the Constitution may be directly proposed by the
people.
Art, XIII, sec. 15 states that the state shall respect the role
of independent people's organization to enable them to pursue and
protect, within the democratic framework, their legitimate and
collective interests and aspirations through peaceful lawful means.
For this purpose, the Constitution guarantees to such organizations
the right to participate at all levels of social, political and
economic decision- making and the state is required to validate
the
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establishment of adequate mechanism for this purpose. (Id., sec,
16)
Phil Con 87; People Power (2000)
No IX. Is the concept of People Power recognized in the
Constitution? Discuss briefly. (3%)
SUGGESTED ANSWER: Yes, the concept of People Power is recognized
in the Constitution. Under Section 32. Article VI of the
Constitution, through initiative and referendum, the people can
directly propose and enact laws or approve or reject any act or law
or part thereof passed by the Congress or local legislative body
after the registration of a petition therefor signed by at least
ten per centum of the total number of registered voters, of which
every legislative district must be represented by at least three
per centum of the registered voters thereof. Under Section 16,
Article XIII of the Constitution, the right of the people and their
organizations to effective and reasonable participation at all
levels of social, political and economic decision-making shall not
be abridged. The State shall, by law facilitate the establishment
of adequate consultation mechanisms. Under Section 2. Article XVII
of the Constitution, the people may directly propose amendments to
the Constitution through initiative upon a petition of at least
twelve per centum of the total number of registered voters, of
which every legislative district must be represented by at least
three per centum of the registered voters therein.
Phil Con 87; People Power (2003)
No I - Is "people power" recognized by the 1987 Constitution?
Explain fully.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
"People power" is recognized in the Constitution.
Article III, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution guarantees the
right of the people peaceable to assemble and petition the
government for redress of grievances.
Article VI, Section 32 of the 1987 Constitution requires
Congress to pass a law allowing the people to directly propose and
enact laws through initiative and to approve or reject any act or
law or part of it passed by Congress or a local legislative
body.
Article XIII, Section 16 of the 1987 Constitution provides that
the right of the people and their organizations to participate at
all levels of social, political, and economic decision-making shall
not be abridged and that the State shall, by law, facilitate the
establishment of adequate consultation mechanisms.
Article XVII, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution provides that
subject to the enactment of an implementing law, the people may
directly propose amendments to the Constitution through
initiative.
Nature of the Constitution: Constitutional Supremacy (2004)
(10-a) BNN Republic has a defense treaty with
EVA Federation. According to the Republic's Secretary of
Defense, the treaty allows temporary basing of friendly foreign
troops in case of training exercises for the war on terrorism. The
Majority Leader of the Senate contends that whether temporary or
not, the basing of foreign troops however friendly is prohibited by
the Constitution of BNN which provides that, "No foreign military
bases shall be allowed in BNN territory." In case there is indeed
an irreconcilable conflict between a provision of the treaty and a
provision of the Constitution, in a jurisdiction and legal system
like ours, which should prevail: the provision of the treaty or of
the Constitution? Why? Explain with reasons, briefly. (5%)
SUGGESTED ANSWER: In case of conflict between a provision of a
treaty and a provision of the Constitution, the provision of the
Constitution should prevail. Section 5(2)(a), Article VIII of the
1987 Constitution authorizes the nullification of a treaty when it
conflicts with the Constitution. (Gonzales v. Hechanova, 9 SCRA 230
[1963]). Government Presidential Form vs. Parlia- mentary Form
(Q6-2006) 1. a) What is the principal identifying feature of a
presidential form of government? Explain. (2.5%) SUGGESTED ANSWER:
The principal identifying feature of a presidential form of
government is embodied in the separation of powers doctrine. Each
department of government exercises powers granted to it by the
Constitution and may not control, interfere with or encroach upon
the acts done within the constitutional competence of the others.
However, the Constitution also gives each department certain powers
by which it
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may definitely restrain the others from improvident action,
thereby maintaining a system of checks and balances among them,
thus, preserving the will of the sovereign expressed in the
Constitution.
b) What are the essential characteristics of a parliamentary
form of government? (2.5%) SUGGESTED ANSWER:
The essential characteristics of a parliamentary form of
government are: the fusion of the legislative and executive
branches in parliament; the prime minister, who is the head of
government, and the members of the cabinet, are chosen from among
the members of parliament and as such are accountable to the
latter; and the prime minister may be removed from office by a vote
of loss of confidence of parliament. There may be a head of state
who may or may not be elected.
ARTICLE I National Territory Archipelagic Doctrine (1989) No.
20: What do you understand by the archipelagic doctrine? Is this
reflected in the 1987 Constitution? SUGGESTED ANSWER:
The ARCHIPELAGIC DOCTRINE emphasizes the unity of land and
waters by defining an archipelago either as a group of islands
surrounded by waters or a body of waters studded with islands. For
this purpose, it requires that baselines be drawn by connecting the
appropriate points of the "outermost islands to encircle the
islands within the archipelago. The waters on the landward side of
the baselines regardless of breadth or dimensions are merely
internal waters.
Yes, the archipelagic doctrine is reflected in the 1987
Constitution. Article I, Section 1 provides that the national
territory of the Philippines includes the Philippine archipelago,
with all the islands and waters embraced therein; and the waters
around, between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago,
regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the
internal waters of the Philippines.
Contiguous Zone vs. Exclusive Economic Zone (2004) (2-a-2)
Distinguish: The contiguous zone and the exclusive economic zone.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
CONTIGUOUS ZONE is a zone contiguous to the territorial sea and
extends up to 12 nautical miles from the territorial sea and over
which the coastal state may exercise control necessary to
prevent infringement of its customs, fiscal, immigration or
sanitary laws and regulations within its territory or territorial
sea. (Article 33 of the Convention on the Law of the Sea.) The
EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE is a zone extending up to 200 nautical
miles from the baselines of a state over which the coastal state
has sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting,
conserving and managing the natural resources, whether living or
nonliving, of the waters superjacent to the seabed and of the
seabed and subsoil, and with regard to other activities for the
economic exploitation and exploration of the zone. (Articles 56 and
57 of the Convention on the Law of the Sea.) Exclusive Economic
Zone; Rights of the Coastal State (1994)
No. 11: In the desire to improve the fishing
methods of the fishermen, the Bureau of Fisheries, with the
approval of the President, entered into a memorandum of agreement
to allow Thai fishermen to fish within 200 miles from the
Philippine sea coasts on the condition that Filipino fishermen be
allowed to use Thai fishing equipment and vessels, and to learn
modern technology in fishing and canning.
1) Is the agreement valid?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
1) No. the President cannot authorize the Bureau of Fisheries to
enter into a memorandum of agreement allowing Thai fishermen to
fish within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, because
the Constitution reserves to Filipino citizens the use and
enjoyment of the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.
Section 2. Article XII of the Constitution provides: The State
shall protect the nation's marine part in its archipelagic waters,
territorial sea, and exclusive economic zone, and reserve its use
and enjoyment to Filipino citizens."
Section 7, Article XIII of the Constitution provides: "The State
shall protect the rights of subsistence fishermen, especially of
local communities, to the preferential use of the communal marine
and fishing resources, both inland and offshore. It shall provide
support to such fishermen through appropriate technology and
research, adequate financial, production, and marketing assistance,
and other services. The State shall also protect, develop, and
conserve such resources. The protection shall extend to offshore
fishing grounds of
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subsistence fishermen against foreign intrusion. Fishworkers
shall receive a just share from their labor in the utilization of
marine and fishing resources.
Exclusive Economic Zone; Rights of the Coastal State (Q1-2005)
(c) Enumerate the rights of the coastal state in the exclusive
economic zone. (3%) ALTERNATIVE ANSWER: In the EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC
ZONE, the coastal State has sovereign rights for the purpose of
exploring and exploiting, conserving and managing the natural
resources, whether living or non-living, of the waters superjacent
to the seabed and of the seabed and its subsoil, and with regard to
other activities for the economic exploitation and exploration of
the zone, such as the production of energy from the water, currents
and winds in an area not extending more than 200 nautical miles
beyond the baseline from which the territorial sea is measured.
Other rights include the production of energy from the water,
currents and winds, the establishment and use of artificial
islands, installations and structures, marine scientific research
and the protection and preservation of the marine environment.
(Art. 56, U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea) ALTERNATIVE
ANSWER: SOVEREIGN RIGHTS for the purpose of exploring and
exploiting, conserving and managing the natural resources, whether
living or non-living, of the seabed and subsoil and the superjacent
waters, and with regard to other activities such as the production
of energy from the water, currents and winds in an area not
extending more than 200 nautical miles beyond the baseline from
which the territorial sea is measured. (See Art. 56, UNCLOS)
Jurisdiction, inter alia, with regard to: (1) the establishment and
use of artificial
islands, installations and structures; (2) marine scientific
research; and (3) the protection and preservation of the
marine environment. Flag State vs. Flag of Convenience (2004)
(2-a-3) Distinguish: The flag state and the flag of convenience.
SUGGESTED ANSWER: FLAG STATE means a ship has the nationality of
the flag of the state it flies, but there must be a genuine link
between the state and the ship. (Article 91 of the Convention on
the Law of the Sea.)
FLAG OF CONVENIENCE refers to a state with which a vessel is
registered for various reasons
such as low or non-existent taxation or low operating costs
although the ship has no genuine link with that state. (Harris,
Cases and Materials on International Law, 5th ed., 1998, p.
425.)
Territory & Government (1996) No. 8: A law was passed
dividing the Philippines into three regions (Luzon, Visayas, and
Mindanao), each constituting an independent state except on matters
of foreign relations, national defense and national taxation, which
are vested in the Central government. Is the law valid? Explain.
SUGGESTED ANSWER: The law dividing the Philippines into three
regions, each constituting an independent state and vesting in a
central government matters of foreign relations, national defense,
and national taxation, is unconstitutional. First, it violates
Article I, which guarantees the integrity of the national territory
of the Philippines because it divided the Philippines into three
states. Second, it violates Section 1, Article II of the
Constitution, which provides for the establishment of democratic
and republic States by replacing it with three States organized as
a confederation. Third, it violates Section 22, Article II of the
Constitution, which, while recognizing and promoting the rights of
indigenous cultural communities, provides for national unity and
development. Fourth, it violates Section 15, Article X of the
Constitution, which, provides for autonomous regions in Muslim
Mindanao and in the Cordilleras within the framework of national
sovereignty as well as territorial integrity of the Republic of the
Philippines. Fifth, it violates the sovereignty of the Republic of
the Philippines. Territorial Sea vs. Internal Waters (2004)
(2-a-1) Distinguish: The territorial sea and the internal waters
of the Philippines. SUGGESTED ANSWER: TERRITORIAL SEA is an
adjacent belt of sea with a breadth of 12 nautical miles measured
from the baselines of a state and over which the state has
sovereignty. (Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention on the Law of the
Sea.) Ship of all states enjoy the right of innocent passage
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through the territorial sea. (Article 14 of the Convention on
the Law of the Sea.)
Under Section 1, Article I of the 1987 Constitution, the
INTERNAL WATERS of the Philippines consist of the waters around,
between and connecting the islands of the Philippine Archipelago,
regardless of their breadth and dimensions, including the waters in
bays, rivers and lakes. No right of innocent passage for foreign
vessels exists in the case of internal waters. (Harris, Cases and
Materials on International Law, 5th ed., 1998, p. 407.) Internal
waters are the waters on the landward side of baselines from which
the breadth of the territorial sea is calculated. (Brownlie,
Principles of Public International Law, 4th ed., 1990, p. 120.)
ARTICLE II Declaration of
Principles and State Policies Armed Forces; Servant of the
People (2003)
No I - Article II. Section 3, of the 1987 Constitution
expresses, in part, that the "Armed Forces of the Philippines is
the protector of the people and (of) the State." Describe briefly
what this provision means. Is the Philippine National Police
covered by the same mandate? FIRST ALTERNATIVE ANSWER: Article II,
Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution means that the Armed Forces of
the Philippines should not serve the interest of the President but
of the people and should not commit abuses against the people.
(Record of the Constitutional Commission, Vol. V, p. 133.) This
provision is specifically addressed to the Armed Forces of the
Philippines and not to the Philippine National Police, because the
latter is separate and distinct from the former. (Record of the
Constitutional Commission, Vol. V, p. 296; Manalo v. Sistoza. 312
SCR A 239 [1999].) SECOND ALTERNATIVE ANSWER: Article II, Section 3
of the 1987 Constitution can be interpreted to mean that the Armed
Forces of the Philippines can be a legitimate instrument for the
overthrow of the civilian government if it has ceased to be the
servant of the people. (Bernas, The 1987 Constitution of the
Philippines:
A Commentary, 2003 ed., p. 66.) This provision does not apply to
the Philippine National Police, because it is separate and distinct
from the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (Record of the
Constitutional Commission, Vol. V, p. 296, Manalo v. Sistoza. 312
SCRA 239 [1999].)
Doctrine of Incorporation; Constitutional
Law (1997)
No. 1; What do you understand by the "Doctrine of Incorporation"
in Constitutional Law? SUGGESTED ANSWER: The DOCTRINE OF
INCORPORATION means that the rules of International law form part
of the law of the land and no legislative action is required to
make them applicable to a country. The Philippines follows this
doctrine, because Section 2. Article II of the Constitution states
that the Philippines adopts the generally accepted principles of
international law as part of the law of the land. Doctrine of
Incorporation; Pacta Sunt Servanda (2000)
No X. The Philippines has become a member of the World Trade
Organization (WTO) and resultantly agreed that it "shall ensure the
conformity of its laws, regulations and administrative procedures
with its obligations as provided in the annexed Agreements." This
is assailed as unconstitutional because this undertaking unduly
limits, restricts and impairs Philippine sovereignty and means
among others that Congress could not pass legislation that will be
good for our national interest and general welfare if such
legislation will not conform with the WTO Agreements. Refute this
argument. (5%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: According to Tanada v. Angara, 272
SCRA 18 (1997), the sovereignty of the Philippines is subject to
restriction by its membership in the family of nations and the
limitations imposed of treaty limitations. Section 2. Article II of
the Constitution adopts the generally accepted principles of
international law as part of the law of the land. One of such
principles is pacta sunt servanda. The Constitution did not
envision a hermit-like isolation of the country from the rest of
the world. Freedom from Nuclear Weapons; Foreign Military Bases
(1988)
No. 22: The Secretary of Justice had recently ruled that the
President may negotiate for a modification or extension of military
bases agreement with the United States regardless of the "no nukes"
provisions in the 1987 Constitution. The President forthwith
announced that she finds the same opinion "acceptable" and will
adopt it. The Senators on the other hand, led by the Senate
President, are skeptical, and had even warned that no treaty or
international agreement may go into effect without the concurrence
of two-thirds of all members of the Senate.
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A former senator had said, "it is completely wrong, if not
erroneous," and "is an amendment of the Constitution by
misinterpretation." Some members of the Lower House agree with
Secretary Ordonez, while others lament the latter's opinion as
"questionable, unfortunate, and without any basis at all." Do you
or do you not agree with the aforementioned ruling of the
Department of Justice? Why? SUGGESTED ANSWER:
No. The Constitution provides that if foreign military bases,
troops or facilities are to be allowed after the expiration of the
present Philippine-American Military Bases Agreement in 1991, it
must be "under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate and, when
the Congress so requires, ratified by a majority of the votes cast
by the people in a national referendum." (Art. XVIII, sec. 25) A
mere agreement, therefore, not a treaty, without the concurrence of
at least 2/3 of all the members of the Senate will not be valid
(Art. VII, sec. 21, Art. XVIII, sec. 4). With respect to the
provision allowing nuclear weapons within the bases, the
Constitution appears to ban such weapons from the Philippine
territory. It declares as a state policy that "the Philippines,
consistent with the national interest, adopts and pursues a policy
of freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory." (Art, II, sec.
8) However, the deliberations of the Constitutional Commission
would seem to indicate that this provision of the Constitution is
"not something absolute nor 100 percent without exception." It may
therefore be that circumstances may justify a provision on nuclear
weapons.
Philippine Flag (Q4-2006)
State whether or not the law is constitutional. Explain briefly.
1. A law changing the design of the
Philippine flag. (2%) ALTERNATIVE ANSWER: The law is invalid
considering that under Article XVI, Section 1 of the 1987
Constitution, the flag of the Philippines shall be red, white, and
blue, with a sun and three stars, as consecrated and honored by the
people and recognized by law. Since the Constitution itself
prescribes the design, it can only be changed by constitutional
amendment. ALTERNATIVE ANSWER: The law is valid, provided that the
new design does not change the elements and color scheme of the
flag as stated in the Constitution, and the flag is consecrated and
honored by the people. Since the Constitution itself states
that
the flag must be recognized by law, it implies that certain
aspects of the flag are subject to change through legislative
action. Principle of Civilian Supremacy (Q6-2006) 2. What
Constitutional provisions institutionalize the principle of
civilian supremacy? (2.5%) SUGGESTED ANSWER:
The following constitutional provisions institutionalize the
principle of civilian supremacy: a. Civilian authority is at all
times supreme
over the military. [Article II, Section 3] b. The installation
of the President, the
highest civilian authority, as the Commander-in-Chief of the
military. [Ar- ticle VII, Section 18]
c. The requirement that members of the AFP swear to uphold and
defend the Constitution, which is the fundamental law of the civil
government. [Article XVI, Section 5(1)]
d. The requirement that members of the AFP shall have respect
for people's rights in the performance of their duty. [Article XVI,
Section 5(2)]
e. Professionalism in the armed forces. [Article XVI, Section
5(3)]
f. Insulation of the AFP from partisan politics. [Article XVI,
Section 5(3)]
g. Prohibition against the appointment of an AFP member in the
active service to a civilian position. [Article XVI, Section
5(4)]
h. Compulsory retirement of officers without extension of
service. [Article XVI, Section 5(5)]
i. Requirement of proportional recruitment from all provinces
and cities, so as to avoid any regional clique from forming within
the AFP. [Article XVI, Section 5(7)]
j. A 3-year limitation on the tour of duty of the Chief of
Staff, which although extendible in case of emergency by the
President, depends on Congressional declaration of emergency.
[Article XVI, Section 5(6)]
The establishment of a police force that is not only civilian in
character but also under the local executives. [Article XVI,
Section 5(7)] State Immunity from Suit (1991) No. 13; In February
1990, the Ministry of the Army. Republic of Indonesia, invited bids
for the supply of 500,000 pairs of combat boots for the use of the
Indonesian Army. The Marikina Shoe Corporation, a Philippine
corporation, which has no branch office and no assets in Indonesia,
submitted a bid to supply 500,000 pairs of
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combat boots at U.S. $30 per pair delivered in Jakarta on or
before 30 October 1990. The contract was awarded by