454 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED. Philippine Bar Assocation vx Commission on Blectons “Justices Hugo Gutlerres, Jr, BS. de la Puente, Serafin R Cuevas, Nestor B. Alnnpay snd Lino M. Patsjo voted to DBCLARE B.P. 889 unconstitutional and Lo gran: the njune. tion prayed for. Justices Tesbanke, Plana, Bscolin, Relove, Gutires, Jy Alampay and Patajo fed separate opinions ‘This solution is without prejudice tothe filing of separa ‘opinions by the other Member ofthis Court” -MeleneiHerer J iso eve This resolution ix without pesudice ¢o the fing ‘separate opinions by Une other Members ofthis Cour, “At tho session of January 7, 1986, the Court noted that ct of dismissing the petitions bad ot een formally state ‘ts basic Resolution of December 19,1985. The Court !uthorizes the insertion of the following laponitve portion “Accordinely, inasmuch as thir are les than th ‘quired ten 10} votes to dadlare Batas Pambenat Bi 153 unconstitutional, the petitions Jn theae ensee Jetty DISMISSED and the writs therein prayed for DENIED. Chet gustie Aquino isthe epision thal the euson of Deere 2 ection ally umes. hy uncerstoad thatthe petitions are dismissed. ‘The pul theComlee understood thatthe pins were Meencio- Herrera. J took no prt these Very SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED 455 ‘Philippine Bar Association va Commission on Blations ‘REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SUPREME COURT MANILA. Sanuary 7, 1986 Gentieen (Quote hereunder, for your information, sa resolution ofthe (Court En Bane daved Dooomber 19, 1835 “GR, No. 12016 (Philippine Bar Aseacston, tal, ve. The Commission on Bleetions, etal; G.R. No, 7292 (artiniano P. Vivo, otal vs. Commission on lection, etal: G'k. No. 72923 IMP Agulino Q. Pimentel J et ava Tho Tveacurer ofthe Philippines. ali: G.ANo, 12924 (The Movernnt of ‘Atiomeys fer Brotherhood, Iatagrity and Nationals Ie [MABINI}, etl vs. The Commission on Elections etal: G No, 72021 (The Liberal Party, etal, Te National Teese ‘of the Philippines) CLR. No, 72928 (Concerned Women of Che Philippines, eta. ve. Hon. Maximiano Savallana etal GR ‘No, 72836 (Alberto G. Romblo, ta vs, Coninision on Ble Hons et aL GIR. No, 72954(VietorG Avecila tal va Come tission on Bletions) G6. No. 72057 (National Bat Assoc ‘don of the Philippines, oa vs. Commission on Elston et slkG.R, No. 72605 (Labanng Bayan(LABAN ot ays "he Comission on Elecions, el) and G.R. No. 72986 ivan David vs,"The Conmissln on Eestions, et} --After con sidering al the plndings and dlibersting on te oues ras ‘nthe petitions as well as onthe orl argutbnts ofthe Parties ‘and the anit curiae in the hearings hal in hee cases Chet Sustice Ramon C. Aquino and six (5) Justices naely, ‘ortions Claudlo Teshankc, Hermogayes Concepsin Vicente Abed Santos, Biren I Plana, Veco Ecol nad Lorenzo Relova, voted to DISMISS the petitions in these eases and to DENY the pray for the Ina on ane lon restraining respondent from holding the olectan. on February 7, 1986, ce opinion of Chil Juste Aguina B 8 Ts conetiutona. * Juntos Hugo Gutiren J, 1.8 dela Puen Soran ‘Cuevas, Nestor B, Alumpey ai Lino My Puta voted ta456 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED 457 Philippine Bar Association vs, Commision on Elections DECLARE B, P89 uneonettatonal and to grant the injune- ‘ton prayed for. 7 “Justice Teehankee i ofthe opinion that nas sre legs than tan votes in favr of declaring B.P. Dlg. 883 une onsitationsl, the patitions in thew cases are hereby di sided thorn rar rai “This isin accordance with the opinion in Gonzales ve, COMBLEG, SCRA 802 and Javeliana ve. Executive Secretary, SOSCRA 141. "Justicn Toobenkes, Plana, Escola, Relva, Quieres, Jr, ‘dela Puente, lsmpay and Pata Mod separate opinins. “This resolution is without projudico to tho fling of separate cpnions by tho other Members ofthis Court. "atthe session of January 7, 1986, the Court noted that its st of dismissing tho petitions had not been formally stad lta basc Resolution of December 8, 1985, The Court sithories the inerion ofthe following dapositve portion: “Accordingly, inasmuch as there ae less than the ‘quired ten (10) votes to declare Batas Pambansa ‘388 unconstitutional, the petitions in thee eases breby DISMISSED end the write erin prayed for DENIED. I “Chief. Justice Aquino is ofthe opinion that the revs ‘theDecomber 19, 1986 reolotion is ally unneeestry ‘leer, I is understood that the petitions are damissed ‘ublicand the Comelae understood that the pettons were rissa” Y "Meloncio Herrera took no part in all these eases, Very truly yourn, (Sd) GLORIAG, PARAS ‘Clerkeof Court + ivan cont i Ue ion of paragraph 7 wn eat that lnc Heer. tok pa Philippine Bar Association vx Commission on Blctions TEEHANKEE, J, concurring 1 vote for the dismissal of the petition for probbiton ‘against enforcement of BP. Big. 883 on the ground tht no lear case has been made of an absobite void ef powee and ‘suthority that would warrant is mulifntion and thet peoMib ‘on is nota remedy fer ects done that can no lange be aden ‘The ststd issue is quite slple: In B.P. Bly. 883 calling for special national elections on February 7, 1986 forte offices af President and VieePresident ofthe Philippines (for she first time sine the promoartial era 1969 presidential elections a. constitutional, uid should thls Court therefore stop end pro ‘abit the holding of te letons? Upon the filing on December rd ofthe led and other pet tions at bar, four members ofthe Court Justices Abed Suse, Relove, Guieres, J, and mysol voted per the Court's ‘Revolution of Dectmber Sth co issue « temporaty restraining ‘order against enforeoment ofthe Act and ta heat tha pions on last December 12th so as to maintain the status quo and ‘hereafter epecly resolve the lau and prevent the peop’ ‘expectations from reaching a point of no return Out voted ‘ot gain the required concurrence of majority of eight Ln ‘tend the Court grantod the parties substantia perida for fk ‘ng of respondents comment and petitioners’ replied to ‘hear the case only ater two weeks on December 10h fan. ‘ined to December 18th with «ler eonsensus Co ake «Vote ‘nd etolre the petiions imma after te hearing 1 is of public knowledge and record a pointed out by former VicePresident, Senator and Exective Comite ‘Member Emmanuel N; Pela, amicus exrig who helped rafting the 1984 consticutional amendments abolishing the Bxecutive Committee and restoring the Office of View President athe President's auccesor, That such restoration was not made effectiva immediately, but only a he ond of the ‘Incumbent Presidente on Jus 0, 1987 in View ohio expressed llerny to Wee preldent,” Hence, Sen Pring mits that tho President's ltr of conditional “on gnation’ for the word is nowhere used theel) "dl no ernt th nc ‘ual vacancy required in Section 9, Article VIL ot the Com458 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED. Philippine Bar Assocation vs Commission on Blctons Eaton which cold be tha al of tha blilog of pec ‘Secon for Pesdent and VcePresient erie thin the ‘oul sein for uch positon in 1087, The eters att ree yi tee RIA fetta prin aca ‘oul, intfoce, ogi tho Prasat to actualy este ito Fie in favor af the Speaker who would then be the Acting Presiden an new one shall have boon slcte and sal ave qualia x x x In prescribing the procedure to the tio of Pride in case «vacancy therein secre dang the tr of President Moron it (he Ged ect) exchadad lity dlecreon on tie part of te Betareng Pambansa to Taga os sansa. In foc, given te very Geta IBA ests icy 10 bs tc ty the Bata’ Pa Under the fst four pergraphs for the parpose of ealng & “pei ection to fl the vcency, there sv no ft for Teint actin #oasppennn te aan BP Bl 6 which {sa reprcton of Cabot Bll No isn confit with the Conetutio in that talons the President to eontnas olin ‘ce after he calling ofthe spec lation To putt another ‘ray he Panidon' tor o Bi term sorb valde The {ecubls dos ot go far enough: he shold stall acata {iets forthwith” ia Tn the ner of over two week between December Sand mes {ace and events ve ovrakan the Cour Got Lon tal cll ery lb el tree nen expressly abandoned ply. Th ait] Gar bas gi chapel peck ac ‘ates president and vise president sn te ens cae ‘signals al ming Papin: Fenn SMa le ote {Saying we have altndy spent alot of come end mowgy tr Lag thing Tosoremoet eepeet SlReAeY oral Soutien, N.Bi Arturo oaaine wolgonsty hal tha". Mates not intend hy the Concatien to eae ‘ot lel fore 107 for aallo!oyain end Eh “the Presiden mot fit resign fom oie Ine for ho conmtittonl mindate to po ito ofc a for Ow Bataan * phan * Philly Bape on of ee 18,1985, SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED 459 Philippine Bar Assocation ox Commission on Bletions speaker to assume the post of Acting President bad laid sie hs “personal sbjecons spans ce if sale bas secs he rling KB onation ae veopreaeta smandate inan lection that will scons, us ea inborn netstat es ree ar enrages ethers ae ‘The unified opposition has kee rain tho Ipert ‘urgency of seeking the mandate and verdict of al aed ave not fed any suit, tte in nervenion fr the paren a Seine econ even. the ani sorone ae nos lotr pitcal parti of standing. with tease Snot stew whofe lot faith inthe date cea ee 2 say experience hav aed bated Ue eet comet if With cerrenn the events tale plas damn. ths astomaticaly, The Bataan tat ng aurhony whalgevercosoy, ‘rie onthe cause ke post-dated eigen Co take pce {he President oss in ths ea ton propane in Cones Bl a 1 to asi such an election This wool mlify th eee po ‘eure ofthe Constiationand would be grossly unemeciaont ‘els, by rereading the third nd succding entence, ie ‘Point the species Us scceen pcre mamised tthe Go "Upon eh erirenc of permanent scone in the Presidency SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED 477 Philipine Bar Association vx Commission on Blctions by angina prvnig even ansphing se fling of the petitions and che "people's overwhelning desire to hold” the “snap lation, che constitutional ante having "become political on, beyond ivf this Court's athe, sity tenn.” Aarne the present term of President Marco, the allowing evens ‘woul tke pace 3, The Spesior ofthe Batasen automatically becomes he Acting Preside. He sal are a such vel Presley, ‘Vie Print trot sal have tee eet 4nd sal have Gund. The fnnge ofthe Constiation i er enogh ein 0 explanation o elaboration, 2h the thi dy fae honoree ofthe vcanc, (a) a an lc the moran) he Baas a cose 'n sconce wih ts rule Wit aw elle co, Scitainal provision if make hl a aan a thin ve yo. 1) alin oat lets Prsieot and VieePreien nal than fry fv45 orate than ty 160 ay ro the io th el Rison note bow the Constitution oe no prnatabing dal, ‘Th convening othe Batata mst bg the td ay tho ‘rence of he vacant othe a scent fauth ol os sgn ee er nrg oat cee Ba ven days within ‘rhc io ene law calingor a opel Tecate to be sled ae spciiod—the Preside the Vice Pret Fe ‘atsun is given ery lteleeey in ‘must not be arr thn ote ‘Mtr eh cll Ths ncaa of etl hd deine patpon, ose "hal preety an. “The provisions ofthe above entanad Seen 9, Atte VI, ‘se contaty to al addin tons af somttaon ing 5 ‘ata kpowidg i a eat out bw euch ene 'erms lowing the lage eh tthe coe as utnes with dla Asaboveahown hawovee. the sl! So on day not flow de trail Th Conetaton hal pce ‘edna 1 allows thelr no leeway ta The foregoing ienstann eal ha la nen dhe Con ‘ui o rok he staan rom baling aa478 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED Philippine Bar Assocation vx Commission on Elections ‘While the prectise followed under the Constivation and our lection laws has been (0 allow the President ora elacive ‘publi official to submit himfr eeeloetion vo the same of fice without vacating it remaining in office unt the end of is {erm and during te election perio), this generally retes to 8 “gular” election, not toa spett election calle prciely to ‘lup an existing permnnent voancy in the lative oie The evie or formula found in Section, Article VI, having beon lon excep in tine evo instances avec where te Constitution (prestyaathoriso't a dose, “Th aw cag seca section under he presidents uc: ‘union provilon, Seen 9 of Arte sn efecto mesure genes wherein th Constieaton hes act ota te furan [hwo te land at s the mpl prensping ny clan of he ‘BrtasangFanbans ony logaativenstorty lacnnge organs {he onstttlenalyproserbed proc oreo suction, ‘he aim thatthe Batasang Pambansa ty ow, nthe eer «dn of is omer of gee lealation aac «wom resident ‘enti alls spec election, ur eure ter tha ‘hose snumeratad inthe Cotten tty tna and short ‘resting the very precisa id dow por n Sct Aric ‘Vion the ubjact,tttery bales Nala Aico Vt os powers lth relent ad Vice Prdent no Aris VII font powers ‘he Batanal ofthe Constation grata ibe wthory ead ‘Onthebasis of th foregolg dein arin fe perinat ‘ronttional provisions, there can be daub on tne Come ‘Sitstion's meaning te nt wuchw pec] Iestential ction cing Preideot Mars tem mus lke plas tnd mut he cred ‘ut strtly im errdonce igh th ercumttances eel rocedares ‘Special out bythe Conatition ‘Cabinet Bl No. 7, however, would openly daly the Com seincion Conaer te fling la) Whe Section 9, Article VII of the Constation onl whore» epecalccin daring the ta of een Marcos ony In case his ofc npernasenty a octal ‘an, heeabioet il wuld utharona snap dction tht Ui cecurence of wich a Yc rondo Mtreow ete SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED 479 Philippine Bar Association vs, Commission on Blections ‘0 conceived and designed in dtal to meet a possible madden ‘vacancy occurdag diving a shor period before the ragulor residential lection in 1987, respect forthe wil ofthe Pipi People who ratified the constitution amendment in 1984 demands, I think, no. less than stect adherence to the sforemeniioned swccesion provision. BP. Big. S89 com ‘tistes plainly, a deviation from and evasion of tt prov Sion. “respon categorical sates ta be wil ouish the {i poston Sie he Sneed Sessa eine ; wld bse rapionaf o r any parton cil he tre resident Maron thre wel etal Dono eo in wan, moe th Buea toe Pe El esi the a ws Saat tian th Smet Snepresderhcctotetheate pace ‘etn wht sito (2) Wie ce atl ayia ae "tn men eh ae ° ‘ie ew nt pl stig pv Sra etn ge yer “If he gropos) becomes a law RI upheld than the com stu povtces sath en lf wa sc dogo recede : ‘It we mpuld but... bold uppermont tn or nds the fre of cena qevoromin nen | Sala ten be accommodation which would bls rathr than sor the of In Tothinconnctin, my Tr fellow guest 2, In hin och Cat on Nov. 15, 198, the Proident ‘eat mare of ln tha shan ‘win leaeraip hd sai bd nd Moa cen to svn ht he people we oll “it hit oft a «stn in am dat eet oan oh Con480 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED ‘SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED 481 ‘Philippine Bar Association vs Commisslon on Elections Finally, ifthe objective of the socalled “anap” lection law ‘was to enable the President to ask the Filipino peopl for & {ote of confidence, the most appropriate and edoquste vice for that ia referendum as sugested by MP Arto Tolentine ‘nd former VieePresident elas, A negalive vote would sare |y bring about vacancy in the office of the President, which ‘an then be filed up in accordance withthe mucoeeson pro. ‘cure provided by section 8, Artcie VII. The other option, ‘also suggest by oth, i» constittional ameniment incor. orating the features of B.P. Big 83, to be submitted tothe eople for ratification, Senator Arturo M. Tolentino tat the ease appropriate forthe ‘urpone shold be e rferendum on whachsr sno the Preset ‘haidcotinaenofce “tf the otis the fino, Present weld he be sreasry weapon to eater what be belonce te scat pln cteieaton guns her “If he ota is in he pat, ante President should without diy. 'Avacney In the Prendany would the occ ‘ich cae the constitatonl succnnon roca meu’ a nteatsuembiy and sprove resin propa sn smendneat to tha Conntiion naloneoae ‘healing of a apical prenatal on more or ie ‘proposed in Gubinet Bl No. oat may be agen he ‘aor, and the ancy im the Baten, The rctng eed “Init cv, ch Contuton sal ave ben shied from ‘ertherassute ois apremacy ct ‘Philippine Bar Association va Commission on Elstons ‘SEPARATE OPINION ALAMPAY, J ‘The asic duty of this Cort i restricted tothe determing- ‘on of whether B.P. 883 ealling for «epoca lotion fei ae. ‘avn al Vc dey o tptn Sa toate se ; tis my submison thatthe Court shoud detach al from hn ing td Ses a apace cheia te eta {etnies of a pale prc ey tion wich itt au ie Cotanded (ob et seetoned yn incon wah what ey ve en stn Tel ins ecpeoc appease ruby pclones yeaa an hes Stews ree at el se iy ha it ier hasnt brenin e Comay A tenn. wht cman pa pope wah assume no significance In the resolution primary inn,OE eee ee ‘SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED 06 ‘Philippine Bar Assocation vx Commission on Bloctions ‘What our constitution decreas should be and f eopectad and fo: It is my considered view that the spedal election on February 7, 1987, called for pursuant to Batas Pambansa Big. 253, dm ot man tal th pce cnton tn her an weal yacaney before pec ‘ection ean be eld to let a nw Presiden Bator th present. ‘termof the ineunbentexprw on Mey 361987, Logic and sam. ple reasoning lone even witht ned of legal tations, wil be fulilenily prauasive to form a conclsion that no peciel lection is necessary to fill ups position which snot attended. bby m vacancy. The ebecnce of an actual Vacancy nogates end precudes acceptance of any’ unwarranted and expensive special clacton The searching analysis made by other Co: leagues in the Court who share with me In the above sated views make needles «repetitious and extended dlaveretion ‘on this matter, Absont an actual and real vacancy, the holding Gt special lotion cannot bo given calor of loglity by the ‘ference to certain conditions attaching to Une mpated vacate cy but which conditions most plainly would happen only ater theclection had elreedy taken place and with the potion tobe. filled up by the sletion uniterrapedlyoceaped by legal ‘eupant ‘On this simple view, Irenilyconelude that Batas Parnbun 1 Blg. 883 should be declared untonsttutional for being lolative of the eprt and eter of gar Constitution. 1 voles therfore, to declare Batas. Pambansa Big. 889 un. cnetiitonal and. consequendy, to enjoin the respondent (Commission on Blectons from candeting the nwarated ‘specal election for President and Vies President en February T1986. DISSENTING OPINION PATAIO, J dissenting Fully aware as I am that all lows are presumed com sticational and that al reasonable doubt should be reralved favor of thelr contitutinality end only when the eoflict Philippine Bar Assocation ox Commission on Bleetions ‘beoween any law and the Constitution is elerly beyond reasonable’ doubt,” should sid law be declared Un: ‘constitutions, | approach the faue ofthe contitutenalty of ‘Batas Pambansa Big 629 inthe context of what appanrs tobe ‘8 popular clamor for the holding ofa special presdental and ‘ice pesidantil elton on February 7 1986, The common grounds alloged in the petition asaling the ‘constitutionally of sd la are atthe only instance thatthe Batasan ca call for tho holding ofan election before th ex- ration ofthe tem ofthe President in 1987 is upon the ocr once of the contingencies provided fr in ction 9 of Article Vit af the Constitution, namoly the permanent disability, death, removal from office or resignation of the President ‘efor the presidential elation of 987 for in that casea vacare cy in the Oifice ofthe Prosdent a been ented igaoring ‘he mechanien for he calling fa special election to fill up sad ‘vacancy topeter with the election of he viepresident Sn a ‘cordance with tho provisions eat rth n Section, Aree VIL ‘tthe Conatiution and thet Batas Parbanan Bl BS has i ‘Hct shortened the term of the Prosident laced in 1981 ‘withoat going through the proses of amending the Con- ‘ftstion ay he Batosa in endctng sad aw acted nthe exer ‘inf itr lgilative powars and nat as a constituent body Petitioners contend that the litr afte President recommen ‘ding othe Batasen the elling ofa special election because of theteed forthe President to secs ew mandate in an alacion that will ates, o= dane! by the oppesition. the policies find programs bing undertaken by him spon hit undertaking {hat he wl revocaly vate the postion ofthe President. of fective when such election s eld and the wir is prociaimed ‘pd qualified as present by taking his oath of oie ten days ler hls proclamation is not resignation which would create ft vacany within the meaning of Section 9c Article VIL Taat ‘hare sno wacancy iy evident fom Ue fact thatthe President sll continues in office unl dhe assumption i affice by the ‘winning eandiate in the special lection instead of the ‘Spaokr wh, under thé provision ofthe Constitution, becomes fcting president in cate of «permanent daa, death, ‘removal from lfc o resignation af the President bafre the ‘residential eleton of 1987, What Section 9, Article VI com-484 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED Philippine Bar Assoeaiion vx Commission on Elections Vemplates is an actual vacaney and nota vacancy in far, ‘The Solicitor General defending th constitationalty of sad ‘uw contends that there is nothing in the Constitation which prohibits the Batasan Parnbangs in the exercise of st legilative plenary powers to cll ortho bldg ofthe epeciel lection for the Office of the President on February 77 1986, ‘pon the undertaking of the incumbent President that be will ieravoeably vacate the position of president ifn election it hel for sid fice und th winner proclaim and qualified by taldng his oath of eis ten days after his proclamation, The ‘occasion forthe holding of sid special election i Ue need of the ineumbent President to seek a new mnndate han elestion that will assess, as demanded hy the epporiton, the pices and programs being undertaken by him. 1s my considered view Ut Batas Pambansa Bg, 889 ‘unconstitstional While the 1973 Constituton, as amended, hes adopted ‘several features ofthe parliamentary system, our vermin is still essentially a presidential form of governmens and the tzrm of office of the President is for fixed term of six years, Since the incumbent President was elected in 1981 for term of sx years begining at noon on thedOth day of June of 1981 ‘and ending noon ofthe same dat ix years thereafter when che term of his surcessor shall begin Bates Pambansa Big, $69 Jha shortened the term ofthe President without going tea the ‘rocess of amending the Consitation, The shortening of the ferm of the oie of the incumbent President caavot be Susie by the ation ofthe President agreeing to vacete fie fie on contin that. special elation be held and the wine ning cendidate for said office ix proclane snd qualified a2 resident by tang his oath of office ten daye after the pro. ‘lamation The President ean only shorten fs term a office by ‘unconditionally resigning thersham before is expation order Uta vacancy is created andthe Spsierof tho Batacan shal act as President and the Batas Pambansa shal all for the hol of «special eoction to lect presidental a vee. resident in accordance wth the provisions of Section 8 of A ticle VI ofthe Constitution SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED 485 Philippine Bar Associaton ve, Commission on Bloc ‘The letter ofthe President af November 1, 1985 recommen ding to the Batasen the entctnent of law calling for spa ‘lection as there wil ba definite and inevitable vacaneyin the Otfice ofthe President which wll pave the way for the halding of sald. special election because of his undertaking to it Fevocably vacate the postion of President effective anly when the election shel ard ho winner is proclaimed and qualied ‘as president by taking his oath of fice ten days after his peor lamation des not ereate « vacancy that will trigger the ‘mechanism forthe calling of « special sloction to fill up said ‘vacaney in accordance with the procedure st frth in Sacion 9 of Amile VII. Actually, the conditions mentioned by the resident forealling ofa pecal lction hae not at all created 1 vacancy because ho continues In fflee at prosident up co the ‘sscumption of office of the presente, As pottanes cor. rectly contended, proof tha there tno vacancy in he Oice of ‘he President as eontrplated in Seti 9 of Atle Vi is hat he continues to exerci the functions of th prosidnt steed ofthe Speaker who. under th provision of sald Section 5, ep cing presen af pratt, lath, removal from office oF resignation of Use President Defors the prosidntial eletion of 1987, “The contention of cho Saliite General that the provisions of Section, Article VIE do not, the B iba ‘ain the execow of ts pena powers ie holding of» special elactin for the poston of i situation otha than bat eontemplatad in Seton 9 uh a the now ofthe feumbent Presiden: fora ne marsdate a witha ‘ert, While este Ut the power to calla elton Io elusively legislative prerogative such power cannot exer aed where its effet would be to wtp un expres provision ‘of the Constitutton, spore spaifially Section 6, Arle VT fixing the term of tho oie of the prsidamt od th vice resident to sx years °The power to define the term of the Dresdent and vie president not lagilative It conaent dca only be exerted Uh an amesdmant to the Con ‘icution nthe mann provided fori Ue Conglitilon fn fect, Balas Pambansa I. 8) has amended the Conaietion by an act of the Hatasan an legislative body, not en tuont aatmbly aad without che ratiealon ut majority486 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED Philipine Bar Association va Commission on Elections ‘oves cast ina plebiscien, ¥ x Ard we are and to rise the power fo the genet ene ethorigy by plant serve Convenience and expe lo in aking agai eange- I mae concn ht eit. ‘ghee mode of hangs is deal conctsan aot permet it {he sows ofthe grates writer a qustion ave gover ‘oer wren Gonstlos ar fren cannon of sista) ‘onsrvcn forbidth impli of th ether, fr is the ale ‘at whar the means by thick 2 por pranted thal bu cece? ‘re sce no other or ferent moans forthe exes of och ‘ower can be inp eventhough considered move conceit ooh fretve ttn the reas ven inthe Canetiaons an the Co siution ves seca pomer to th Laplatur, eel rove toe Ie fering it to ell eed Changes in he an a XOx'8 lingam Dye, ITS tad 996 NE 18 aes cure) ete sin oven a in Cnt roving sean at ie garni ern x ‘ocaetcie! iecoenmmmerin cule Sie ca fecoes ogg ote Pema cis ch gece co ssh stn fr Oi of he ren snore poe mm tim ee ee a Oe ae See Arc etme ome fa toa sn naa Ste Rese ee {Sting of he Peed botrentinelic one irene fone ie rasa te pea na Poioagtt cb bt ortega me focgeeagee Ve tae poplar am Sh being et aaa es Postion” end finally accopted by the Presiden inorder topo ide an opporuity to submit ta the electorate the aeeptabl- ty of the President's peogeurs and police of government even before the expiration of his trm of offic ia June 1981, 1 ‘aleve the duty to uphold the primacy ofthe Constitution fsa esponsibility tht this Court cannot shitk, Por as sad bythe ‘Supreme Court of Michigan speking chreugh Coley, J: SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED 487 ‘Philppine Bar Assocation va Commlasion on Bastions “Cenmion da once vite varying ef boon dese: wt ho en hrc ye as ‘Netw unt shnge ty Un ows daltweicesotor cat ees ‘eprint eura that infer tc eae imemions thy sal bjt thee snes Se ae ‘tracton other gre pul nena reeing n ha ‘rors andthe ty of every sod ion wan open A ‘Prvions whence practcbls end ge them donapng ee Shineve cnn Tym oat Ct or ga AG tha eden i the means of sing at thet sere arin i owe "Buy Cy vite Taste 2 Mc oa ‘nthe same vein fs what the Court aud inex rel Kinworthy : ‘Martin 60 Atk. 43, 30 SW. 421, that in Cnstrng Con: stitations, Courts have nothing todo with the argument ob onveniente and shoul not bend the Constitution to set te law of the hou, quoting Groenoasete vx, Black 9 Ind 355, 860.11 Am dur 668, ‘The consitatioaity of Batas Pambansa Big. 88 is @ Susticiable one and nota political question which the Court ‘ust decide without equivaeation 1 ote, therefore, to grant tho petition and declare Batas Parobansa Bg 883 vnconaitutional nua, 1986 va. The Re; G.. No. 72015 Philippine Bar Associaton ota. ‘Commission on Blections,e alan othe Herewith isa copy ofthe sacond revised payee | and 3 ofthe revolution ig the aboveentitied snap election cues dated December 18, 1985, Revision connate nthe audio ot Drngraph 7 and statement that Melecl-errety ak no pat (ed) QLONIAG PARAS ‘erator.488 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED Philippine Bar Assocation vs, Commission on Blections (Copy furnished: ‘Atay BdurdoF. Moronder “ein Romulo) ‘loPhil Bar Aasolaton Lnwyers inn Bling WCalayr s,Q Forme Junie Joe Tie aes cocunael for pttonre Tope Bentes St Senta Meo Manila ‘Alty Ragen A. Tan) Coanel tr pte TeePie Paclie Bank Big ‘Ayala Aven Makati, MIM ‘Ay, Martnan . Vivo 3 Cuts for petitioners Suhr, BP Topran Bl, ‘og yaa Ave, Makat MM ‘Aty. Antonio M.Hoalnts Cousalorpectiners Sti 904906 Madge Bi ‘cota, Mania Comin on Ant ab Dont Mareoe Ave, QC “The Detar Printing) Manila ‘TeSoletor Genel) 134 Amor St, Lage ‘Vig, Maal SO ‘The Natloal Treasurers) Ieamures Mona “Commision on Bitens Ineamavos Mans Tha Director of Printing) are Aten, Manila ‘The Sotr Caneel iad Tee Ameria, gaa Vise ‘Mat ete Mane Comnitsionon Blctions Ttramorer Masta ‘ Tresure ofbe Pi Ban of Trey Tamar Maile ‘he Cmlson of Bet Ofte af the Budget ‘Management Malecaing Mania SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED 489 Philippine Bar Assocation va Commission on Bections Atty, Ramon A. Gonels |x) The Solar Generals) Counol tr petsonees 134 Amorslo St. Lagu Saf a eralde Vig, Maka, ‘Sta Mes, Masia ‘The Treaare oft P a) Incraares, Mele ‘Tbe Commssion on Eeesons Inramares, Maria ‘Awgenbivman AuguitoS, ‘The Slitor Generals) oc wiamemiot Dilan Qc. stat Mette Manla At Emigdo§,Tanjato Je.) The Canin on atone x) Rm dozequltable ak Bldg Irate, Mana Pidooxasear GPa Ave Makatt Mee ana ‘The Autor Genera ‘uy agin Paciran dest De Mere A ty eat Assia - Panay nd Mekat wr ; Aly-Solley A. Ondnee ix)‘ SliorGanaa Cease or petoner 1S Amero Sty Sele, rats Yn. esp Vi, pus Puan | Mala Masi Sues Rae Bie aah ‘Ayala Ave, Aa MM “The Nao Tame a ramon Meni490 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED Philippine Bar Assocation vx Commission on Elections 786 Hon Manuel Aba) Mens a i Bdge Otgceat te Budge Manager. Malang, Ma 654 {ty Roo Goin Cent fr oie ‘TRenedy Brive, Pleasant view Sb. ‘TandangSor Quwon Cy Comal fr pcioners Soitedibsi6 May Bide isl Avenue, Mie ty. ArtaroM. deCattzo 8 Inervenoe TEMP LTA Bldg, 106 Pernt Matas Met Maia Forme Chil esti Eeigue ‘Ferman ‘Aman Curse ‘ty Baan David Patties 7988 Sole Banke Di acai, Mesa Hon Vier, Macandagie) Treanor a th Ph ‘Burn of Teasary Touramaros Mia ‘TeSolstor Genet) 134 Amore St Mat etretanta ‘The Commisnan on letons Irae Mani ‘ha Sor Generali) 1c Amoroi Se gasp Vins Makat Metro Mail "ThaCommieion on Eetonain Intros Mie “ThaNatlonal Transeo Thtetos, Mani ‘Te Soistr Genera) [it Amarsdiost- Legaspt Vitae Malad Metre Mast Comminsion on Eltions Tntramron Ma SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED 491 ‘Philippine Bar Association vs, Commission on Flections ‘Atty. Ababa FSarmieno(s) Th Nationa Trarue ab Coane for panes in 2968 Thr Mnatry of Faunce Sr Ele Biee ‘Agta Gl, Mane B02 Rasgoen SB, Goern ty ‘he Hon. Mint Minisy ofthe Budget ‘Theo Mintr() Malang Male Mi dn Spore ‘Commsisinon Asa x Paco del Goternadr Geena ‘crams Mane Aly ArturodeCatrots) ‘ty Sabvador Nemes) Iervonor ¢ ‘Amisun Carin TIMPs LTA Big, ‘S10 Leon Guinot TiePeea, Malate Man Legs Vilpe ‘Maat Met Mande Porne hit uso Bacio ‘M Fenanda ‘Arisa (ovThird Pe ana Hotel Roxas Blvd, Mane Porm Senntor Enel Plas bo i ‘amigos Corine ‘eda Big mera Avene Orns Compl Pasig at ‘ty. Mary Concepcon Bautista "be Sloe Gana) o 14Amarao Sty Cove for etna apn Vila ‘maGen: Cdn Part, ,—Maath Metre Mane Maat Metro Maa Hon Maxiniano estan hairaan, CONLIN nario, Mana492 SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED Philippine Bar Assocation vx Commission on Bections ‘The National Tenner) Iinases Masia ‘The Minter of the Bude) Maltatang bane "The Conioion of Aunt oat Marcoe Ave, ass Aasrlymas Albert G. Rone The Salitor Gover) os Int AmorcioSe, Paliloner Cerone forCo: Legal Vilage Makat Mette Manta a8 Malia St, Vale Verde 111 Pasig eto ane Conmisan on Eaton) Itremuon Mate = SUPREME COURT REPORTS ANNOTATED 499, ‘The Consteutionatity ofthe "Snap Blecion ANNOTATION ‘THE CONSTITUTIONALITY oF THE. “SNAP” ELECTION By MANUEL, LAZARO Wiresidenia Assistant for Legal fairs «and Government Corporate Counse $1 toteduction 498 412 Sttion8 Arle VI of he Contiaton not Applicable p44 4.8. There Slecein he Prevent Charter, 497 $4 KindotResigation p48 115. Vacancy May Be Actual or Consrctve, Thar smo Actual ‘Vaeaey athe tine of Beton p68 416. The Batten has Plenary Liltve Powers to Fl he Gap in he Ceeter p29 87, Dangero Hats Avoided by “Sip” Beton». 50 $5. Prinpleot Accountability, p51 $1. Teteoduetion 7h mtorr rnin eau of Dt Par ‘bans Bl 883 calling fra spacial (snap ection fr Present tnd Vice President on Pebruny 7, 1086, hasten aly lid to rt when the Suprem’ Court ~ by a0 vote/ decd to ‘uphold the eonstietionality of ad law. ‘Amity, tb questions ried is Ue 1 consoldatd pe ons were of fundamental significance They tvolve ness ‘an the propa interpretation of the hndamenta aw ofthe and Without doe, the dion teach iy the Supe ‘