Parens Patriae

On June 3, 1863 a devastating earthquake occurred in the Philippines. The Spanish Dominions then
provided $400,000.00 as aid for the victims and it was receivedby the Philippine Treasury. Out of the aid,
$80,000.00 was left untouched; it was then invested in the Monte de Piedad Bank which in turn invested
the amount in jewelries. But when the Philippine government later tried to withdraw the saidamount,
the bank cannot provide for the amount. The bank argued that the Philippine government is not an
affected party hence has no right to institute a complaint. Bank argues that the government was not the
intended beneficiary of the said amount.

ISSUE: Whether or not the Philippine government is competent to file a complaintagainst the
respondent bank?

HELD: The Philippine government is competent to institute action against Monte de Piedad, this is in
accordance with the doctrine of Parens Patriae. The government being the protector of the rights of the
people has the inherent supreme power to enforce such laws that will promote the public interest. No
other party has been entrusted with such right hence as parents of the people the government hasthe
right to take back the money intended for the people.