Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
This is a Petition for Review on certiorari of the Resolution dated September 12, Accordingly, the counterclaim of the defendant is hereby
1985 of the Intermediate Appellate Court in AC-G.R. No. CR-05409 1 granting DISMISSED for lack of merit.
private respondent's motion for execution pending appeal and ordering the
issuance of the corresponding writ of execution on the counterbond to lift SO ORDERED. 5
attachment filed by petitioner. The focal issue that emerges is whether an order
of execution pending appeal of a judgment maybe enforced on the said bond. In Varian Industrial Corporation appealed the decision to the respondent Court.
the Resolution of September 25, 1985 2 this Court as prayed for, without Sycwin then filed a petition for execution pending appeal against the properties
necessarily giving due course to the petition, issued a temporary restraining order of Varian in respondent Court. Varian was required to file its comment but none
enjoining the respondents from enforcing the order complaint of. was filed. In the Resolution of July 5, 1985, respondent Court ordered the
execution pending appeal as prayed for. 6 However, the writ of execution was
The records disclose that private respondent Sycwin Coating & Wires, Inc., filed a returned unsatisfied as Varian failed to deliver the previously attached personal
complaint for collection of a sum of money against Varian Industrial Corporation properties upon demand. In a Petition dated August 13, 1985 filed with
before the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City. During the pendency of the suit, respondent Court Sycwin prayed that the surety (herein petitioner) be ordered to
private respondent succeeded in attaching some of the properties of Varian pay the value of its bond. 7 In compliance with the Resolution of August 23, 1985
Industrial Corporation upon the posting of a supersedeas bond. 3 The latter in of the respondent Court herein petitioner filed its comment. 8 In the Resolution
turn posted a counterbond in the sum of P1,400, 000.00 4 thru petitioner of September 12, 1985, 9 the respondent Court granted the petition. Hence this
Philippine British Assurance Co., Inc., so the attached properties were released. action.
On December 28, 1984, the trial court rendered a Decision, the dispositive It is the submission of private respondent Sycwin that without a previous motion
portion of which reads: for reconsideration of the questioned resolution, certiorari would not lie. While
as a general rule a motion for reconsideration has been considered a
WHEREFORE, plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment is condition sine qua non for the granting of a writ of certiorari, this rule does not
hereby GRANTED, and judgment is rendered in favor of the apply when special circumstances warrant immediate or more direct action. 10 It
has been held further that a motion for reconsideration may be dispensed with in SEC. 5. Manner of attaching property. — The officer executing
cases like this where execution had been ordered and the need for relief was the order shall without delay attach, to await judgment and
extremely urgent. 11 execution in the action, all the properties of the party against
whom the order is issued in the province, not exempt from
The counterbond provides: execution, or so much thereof as may be sufficient to satisfy
the applicant's demand, unless the former makes a deposit
WHEREAS, in the above-entitled case pending in the Regional with the clerk or judge of the court from which the order
Trial Court, National Capital Judicial Region, Branch LXXXV, issued, or gives a counter-bond executed to the applicant, in an
Quezon City, an order of Attachment was issued against amount sufficient to satisfy such demand besides costs, or in an
abovenamed Defendant; amount equal to the value of the property which is about to be
attached, to secure payment to the applicant of any judgement
ment which he may recover in the action. The officer shall also
WHEREAS, the Defendant, for the purpose of lifting and/or
forthwith serve a copy of the applicant's affidavit and bond, and
dissolving the order of attachment issued against them in the
of the order of attachment, on the adverse party, if he be found
above-en-titled case, have offered to file a counterbond in the
within the province.
sum of PESOS ONE MILLION FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND ONLY
(P1,400,000.00), Philippine Currency, as provided for in Section
5, Rule 57 of the Revised Rules of Court. SEC. 12. Discharge of attachment upon giving counterbond. —
At any time after an order of attachment has been granted, the
party whose property has been attached, or the person
NOW, THEREFORE, we, VARIAN INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION, as
appearing on his behalf, may, upon reasonable notice to the
Principal and the PHILIPPINE BRITISH ASSURANCE COMPANY,
applicant, apply to the judge who granted the order, or to the
INC., a corporation duly organized and existing under and by
judge of the court in which the action is pending, for an order
virtue of the laws of the Philippines, as Surety, in consideration
discharging the attachment wholly or in part on the security
of the above and of the lifting or dissolution of the order of
given. The judge shall, after hearing, order the discharge of the
attachment, hereby jointly and severally, bind ourselves in favor
attachment if a cash deposit is made, or a counter-bond
of the above Plaintiff in the sum of PESOS ONE MILLION FOUR
executed to the attaching creditor is filed, on behalf of the
HUNDRED THOUSAND ONLY (P1,400,000.00), Philippine
adverse party, with the clerk or judge of the court where the
Currency, under the condition that in case the Plaintiff recovers
application is made, in an amount equal to the value of the
judgment in the action, and Defendant will, on demand, re-
property attached as determined by the judge, to secure the
deliver the attached property so released to the Officer of the
payment of any judgment that the attaching creditor may
Court and the same shall be applied to the payment of the
recover in the action. Upon the filing of such counter-bond,
judgment, or in default thereof, the defendant and Surety will,
copy thereof shall forthwith be served on the attaching creditor
on demand, pay to the Plaintiff the full value of the property
or his lawyer. Upon the discharge of an attachment in
released.
accordance with the provisions of this section the property
attached, or the proceeds of any sale thereof, shall be delivered
EXECUTED at Manila, Philippines, this 28th day of June,
to the party making the deposit or giving the counterbond
1984. 12
aforesaid standing in place of the property so released. Should
such counterbond for any reason be found to be, or become,
Sections 5, 12, and 17 of Rule 57 of the Revised Rules of Court also provide: insufficient, and the party furnishing the same fail to file an
additional counterbond, the attaching creditor may apply for a
new order of attachment.
SEC. 17. When execution returned unsatisfied, recovery had compelling reason apparent in the law to justify it.18 Thus where a statute grants
upon bond. — If the execution be returned unsatisfied in whole a person against whom possession of "any land" is unlawfully withheld the right
or in part, the surety or sureties on any counter-bond given to bring an action for unlawful detainer, this Court held that the phrase "any
pursuant to the provisions of this rule to secure the payment of land" includes all kinds of land, whether agricultural, residential, or
the judgment shall become charged on such counter- bond, and mineral.19 Since the law in this case does not make any distinction nor intended
bound to pay to the judgement creditor upon demand, the to make any exception, when it speaks of "any judgment" which maybe charged
amount due under the judgment, which amount may be against the counterbond, it should be interpreted to refer not only to a final and
recovered from such surety or sureties after notice and executory judgment in the case but also a judgment pending appeal.
summary hearing in the same action. (Emphasis supplied.)
All that is required is that the conditions provided for by law are complied with, as
Under Sections 5 and 12, Rule 57 above reproduced it is provided that the outlined in the case of Towers Assurance Corporation v. Ororama Supermart, 20
counterbond is intended to secure the payment of "any judgment" that the
attaching creditor may recover in the action. Under Section 17 of same rule it Under Section 17, in order that the judgment creditor might
provides that when "the execution be returned unsatisfied in whole or in part" it recover from the surety on the counterbond, it is necessary (1)
is only then that "payment of the judgment shall become charged on such that the execution be first issued against the principal debtor
counterbond." and that such execution was returned unsatisfied in whole or in
part; (2) that the creditor make a demand upon the surety for
The counterbond was issued in accordance with the provisions of Section 5, Rule the satisfaction of the judgment, and (3) that the surety be
57 of the Rules of Court as provided in the second paragraph aforecited which is given notice and a summary hearing on the same action as to
deemed reproduced as part of the counterbond. In the third paragraph it is also his liability for the judgment under his counterbond.
stipulated that the counterbond is to be "applied for the payment of the
judgment." Neither the rules nor the provisions of the counterbond limited its The rule therefore, is that the counterbond to lift attachment that is issued in
application to a final and executory judgment. Indeed, it is specified that it applies accordance with the provisions of Section 5, Rule 57, of the Rules of Court, shall
to the payment of any judgment that maybe recovered by plaintiff. Thus, the only be charged with the payment of any judgment that is returned unsatisfied. It
logical conclusion is that an execution of any judgment including one pending covers not only a final and executory judgement but also the execution of a
appeal if returned unsatisfied maybe charged against such a counterbond. judgment pending appeal.
It is well recognized rule that where the law does not distinguish, courts should WHEREFORE, the petition is hereby DISMISSED for lack of merit and the
not distinguish. Ubi lex non distinguish nec nos distinguere debemos. 13 "The rule, restraining order issued on September 25, 1985 is hereby dissolved with costs
founded on logic, is a corollary of the principle that general words and phrases in against petitioner.
a statute should ordinarily be accorded their natural and general
significance. 14 The rule requires that a general term or phrase should not be SO ORDERED.
reduced into parts and one part distinguished from the other so as to justify its
exclusion from the operation of the law. 15 In other words, there should be no
Yap (Chairman), Narvasa, Melencio-Herrera, Cruz and Sarmiento, JJ., concur.
distinction in the application of a statute where none is indicated.16 For courts
are not authorized to distinguish where the law makes no distinction. They should
Feliciano, J., is on leave.
instead administer the law not as they think it ought to be but as they find it and
without regard to consequences. 17
A corollary of the principle is the rule that where the law does not make any
exception, courts may not except something therefrom, unless there is
This is a petition for certiorari under Rule 65 of the Revised Rules of Court
assailing the Resolution dated April 28, 1994 of the Commission on Elections
(COMELEC) in UND No. 94-040.
On March 22, 1992, petitioner Juanito C. Pilar filed his certificate of candidacy for
the position of member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of
Isabela.
In M.R. Nos. 93-2654 and 94-0065 dated November 3, 1993 and February 13,
1994 respectively, the COMELEC imposed upon petitioner the fine of Ten
Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) for failure to file his statement of contributions and
expenditures.
In M.R. No. 94-0594 dated February 24, 1994, the COMELEC denied the motion
for reconsideration of petitioner and deemed final M.R. Nos. 93-2654 and 94-
0065 (Rollo, p. 14).
Republic of the Philippines
Petitioner went to the COMELEC En Banc (UND No. 94-040), which denied the
SUPREME COURT
petition in a Resolution dated April 28, 1994 (Rollo, pp. 10-13).
Manila
II
G.R. No. 115245 July 11, 1995
Section 14 of R.A. No. 7166 entitled "An Act Providing for Synchronized National
JUANITO C. PILAR, petitioner,
and Local Elections and for Electoral Reforms, Authorizing Appropriations
vs.
Therefor, and for Other Purposes" provides as follows:
COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS, respondent.
To implement the provisions of law relative to election contributions and For the commission of a second or subsequent offense under
expenditures, the COMELEC promulgated on January 13, 1992 Resolution No. this section, the administrative fine shall be from Two Thousand
2348 (Re: Rules and Regulations Governing Electoral Contributions and Pesos (P2,000) to Sixty Thousand Pesos (P60,000), in the
Expenditures in Connection with the National and Local Elections on discretion of the Commission. In addition, the offender shall be
May 11, 1992). The pertinent provisions of said Resolution are: subject to perpetual disqualification to hold public office.
Petitioner argues that he cannot be held liable for failure to file a statement of objective is to pass legislation regulating contributions and expenditures of
contributions and expenditures because he was a "non-candidate," having candidates, and compelling the publication of the same. Admittedly,
withdrawn his certificates of candidacy three days after its filing. Petitioner posits contributions and expenditures are made for the purpose of influencing the
that "it is . . . clear from the law that candidate must have entered the political results of the elections (B.P. Blg. 881, Sec. 94; Resolution No. 2348, Sec. 1). Thus,
contest, and should have either won or lost" (Rollo, p. 39). laws and regulations prescribe what contributions are prohibited (B.P. Blg. 881,
Sec. 95, Resolution No. 2348, Sec. 4), or unlawful (B.P. Blg. 881, Sec. 96), and
Petitioner's argument is without merit. what expenditures are authorized (B.P. Blg. 881, Sec. 102; R.A. No. 7166, Sec. 13;
Resolution No. 2348, Sec. 7) or lawful (Resolution No. 2348, Sec. 8).
Section 14 of R.A. No. 7166 states that "every candidate" has the obligation to file
his statement of contributions and expenditures. Such statutes are not peculiar to the Philippines. In "corrupt and illegal practices
acts" of several states in the United States, as well as in federal statutes,
Well-recognized is the rule that where the law does not distinguish, courts should expenditures of candidates are regulated by requiring the filing of statements of
not distinguish, Ubi lex non distinguit nec nos distinguere debemos (Philippine expenses and by limiting the amount of money that may be spent by a candidate.
British Assurance Co. Inc. v. Intermediate Appellate Court, 150 SCRA 520 Some statutes also regulate the solicitation of campaign contributions (26 Am Jur
[1987]; cf Olfato v. Commission on Elections, 103 SCRA 741 [1981]). No 2d, Elections § 287). These laws are designed to compel publicity with respect to
distinction is to be made in the application of a law where none is indicated (Lo matters contained in the statements and to prevent, by such publicity, the
Cham v. Ocampo, 77 Phil. 636 [1946]). improper use of moneys devoted by candidates to the furtherance of their
ambitions (26 Am Jur 2d, Elections § 289). These statutes also enable voters to
evaluate the influences exerted on behalf of candidates by the contributors, and
In the case at bench, as the law makes no distinction or qualification as to
to furnish evidence of corrupt practices for annulment of elections (Sparkman v.
whether the candidate pursued his candidacy or withdrew the same, the term
Saylor [Court of Appeals of Kentucky], 180 Ky. 263, 202 S.W. 649 [1918]).
"every candidate" must be deemed to refer not only to a candidate who pursued
his campaign, but also to one who withdrew his candidacy.
State courts have also ruled that such provisions are mandatory as to the
requirement of filing (State ex rel. Butchofsky v. Crawford [Court of Civil Appeals
The COMELEC, the body tasked with the enforcement and administration of all
of Texas], 269 S.W. 2d 536 [1954]; Best v. Sidebottom, 270 Ky. 423,109 S.W. 2d
laws and regulations relative to the conduct of an election, plebiscite, initiative,
826 [1937]; Sparkman v. Saylor, supra.)
referendum, and recall (The Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, Art.
IX(C), Sec. 2[1]), issued Resolution No. 2348 in implementation or interpretation
of the provisions of Republic Act No. 7166 on election contributions and It is not improbable that a candidate who withdrew his candidacy has accepted
expenditures. Section 13 of Resolution No. 2348 categorically refers to "all contributions and incurred expenditures, even in the short span of his campaign.
candidates who filed their certificates of candidacy." The evil sought to be prevented by the law is not all too remote.
Furthermore, Section 14 of the law uses the word "shall." As a general rule, the It is notesworthy that Resolution No. 2348 even contemplates the situation
use of the word "shall" in a statute implies that the statute is mandatory, and where a candidate may not have received any contribution or made any
imposes a duty which may be enforced , particularly if public policy is in favor of expenditure. Such a candidate is not excused from filing a statement, and is in
this meaning or where public interest is involved. We apply the general rule fact required to file a statement to that effect. Under Section 15 of Resolution
(Baranda v. Gustilo, 165 SCRA 757 [1988]; Diokno v. Rehabilitation Finance No. 2348, it is provided that "[i]f a candidate or treasurer of the party has
Corporation, 91 Phil. 608 [1952]). received no contribution, made no expenditure, or has no pending obligation, the
statement shall reflect such fact."
The state has an interest in seeing that the electoral process is clean, and
ultimately expressive of the true will of the electorate. One way of attaining such Lastly, we note that under the fourth paragraph of Section 73 of the B.P. Blg. 881
or the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines, it is provided that "[t]he filing or
withdrawal of certificate of candidacy shall not affect whatever civil, criminal or the withdrawal of the certificate of candidacy, petitioner cannot be accused, as
administrative liabilities which a candidate may have incurred." Petitioner's indeed there is no such charge, of utilizing his aborted candidacy for purposes to
withdrawal of his candidacy did not extinguish his liability for the administrative raise funds or to extort money from other candidates in exchange for the
fine. withdrawal.
Narvasa, C.J., Feliciano, Regalado, Davide, Jr., Romero, Bellosillo, Puno, Vitug, Padilla, J., concurs.
Mendoza and Francisco, JJ., concur.
The majority opinion is to the effect that every candidate, including one who has
withdrawn his certificate of candidacy, is obliged to file his statement of
contributions and expenditures in line with Section 14 of Republic Act No.
Separate Opinions 7166 vis-a-vis the pertinent portions of Comelec Resolution No. 2348. I must
concede that the use of the word "shall" in the main statute as well as the
implementing rules generally suggest mandatoriness as to cover all candidates.
MELO, J., dissenting: But is an aspirant for public office who had a sudden change of heart, so to speak,
still considered a candidate to begin with? I am of the impression that he is not
and is thus not bound to render an accounting subsequent to election for the
The majority opinion is to the effect that every candidate, including one who has
simple reason that the term 'candidate' is used to designate a person who
withdrawn his certificate of candidacy, is obliged to file his statement of
actually submits himself and is voted for at our election (Santos vs. Miranda, 35
contributions and expenditures in line with Section 14 of Republic Act No.
Phil. 643, 648 (1916) citing State vs. Hirsch, 125 Ind., 207; 9 L.R.A. 107; Moreno,
7166 vis-a-vis the pertinent portions of Comelec Resolution No. 2348. I must
Philippine Law Dictionary, 1972 2nd ed., p. 84) Certainly, one who withdraws his
concede that the use of the word "shall" in the main statute as well as the
certificate of candidacy 3 days after the filing thereof, can not be voted for at an
implementing rules generally suggest mandatoriness as to cover all candidates.
election. And considering the shortness of the period of 3 days from the filing to
the withdrawal of the certificate of candidacy, petitioner cannot be accused, as
But is an anspirant for public office who had a sudden change of heart, so to
indeed there is no such charge, of utilizing his aborted candidacy for purposes to
speak, still considered a candidate to begin with? I am of the impression that he is
raise funds or to extort money from other candidates in exchange for the
not and is thus not bound to render an accounting subsequent to election for the withdrawal.
simple reason that the term 'candidate' is used to designate a person who
actually submits himself and is voted for at our election (Santos vs. Miranda, 35
I, therefore, vote to grant the petition.
Phil. 643, 648 (1916) citing State vs. Hirsch, 125 Ind., 207; 9 L.R.A. 107; Moreno,
Philippine Law Dictionary, 1972 2nd ed., p. 84) Certainly, one who withdraws his
certificate of candidacy 3 days after the filing thereof, can not be voted for at an Padilla, J., concurs.
election. And considering the shortness of the period of 3 days from the filing to
This petition for review on certiorari seeks to reverse and set aside the
decision* of the Court of Appeals promulgated on February 1, 1989 in CA-G.R. SP
No. 16071 entitled "Cecilio S. de Villa vs. Judge Job B. Madayag, etc. and Roberto
Z. Lorayes," dismissing the petition for certiorari filed therein.
The factual backdrop of this case, as found by the Court of Appeals, is as follows:
PARAS, J.: On July 19, 1988, respondent court issued its first questioned orders
stating:
Accused's motion to dismiss dated July 5, 1988, is denied for private respondent, the payment could not be legally paid in
lack of merit. dollars as it would violate Republic Act No. 529; and
Under the Bouncing Checks Law (B.P. Blg. 22), foreign checks, (c) That the obligation arising from the issuance of the
provided they are either drawn and issued in the Philippines questioned check is null and void and is not enforceable with
though payable outside thereof, or made payable and the Philippines either in a civil or criminal suit. Upon such
dishonored in the Philippines though drawn and issued outside premises, petitioner concludes that the dishonor of the
thereof, are within the coverage of said law. The law likewise questioned check cannot be said to have violated the provisions
applied to checks drawn against current accounts in foreign of Batas Pambansa Bilang 22. (Rollo, Annex "A", Decision, p. 22).
currency.
On February 1, 1989, the Court of Appeals rendered a decision, the
Petitioner moved for reconsideration but his motion was subsequently decretal portion of which reads:
denied by respondent court in its order dated September 6, 1988, and
which reads: WHEREFORE, the petition is hereby dismissed. Costs against
petitioner.
Accused's motion for reconsideration, dated August 9, 1988,
which was opposed by the prosecution, is denied for lack of SO ORDERED. (Rollo, Annex "A", Decision, p. 5)
merit.1âwphi1
A motion for reconsideration of the said decision was filed by the
The Bouncing Checks Law is applicable to checks drawn against petitioner on February 7, 1989 (Rollo, Petition, p. 6) but the same was
current accounts in foreign currency (Proceedings of the denied by the Court of Appeals in its resolution dated March 3, 1989
Batasang Pambansa, February 7, 1979, p. 1376, cited in Makati (Rollo, Annex "B", p. 26).
RTC Judge (now Manila City Fiscal) Jesus F. Guerrero's The
Ramifications of the Law on Bouncing Checks, p. 5). (Rollo, Hence, this petition.
Annex "A", Decision, pp. 20-22).
In its resolution dated November 13, 1989, the Second Division of this
A petition for certiorari seeking to declare the nullity of the aforequoted Court gave due course to the petition and required the parties to submit
orders dated July 19, 1988 and September 6, 1988 was filed by the simultaneously their respective memoranda (Rollo, Resolution, p. 81).
petitioner in the Court of Appeals wherein he contended:
The sole issue in this case is whether or not the Regional Trial Court of
(a) That since the questioned check was drawn against the Makati has jurisdiction over the case in question.
dollar account of petitioner with a foreign bank, respondent
court has no jurisdiction over the same or with accounts
The petition is without merit.
outside the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines and that
Batas Pambansa Bilang 22 could have not contemplated
Jurisdiction is the power with which courts are invested for
extending its coverage over dollar accounts;
administering justice, that is, for hearing and deciding cases (Velunta vs.
Philippine Constabulary, 157 SCRA 147 [1988]).
(b) That assuming that the subject check was issued in
connection with a private transaction between petitioner and
Jurisdiction in general, is either over the nature of the action, over the Moreover, it has been held in the case of Que v. People of the
subject matter, over the person of the defendant, or over the issues Philippines (154 SCRA 160 [1987] cited in the case of People vs. Grospe,
framed in the pleadings (Balais vs. Balais, 159 SCRA 37 [1988]). 157 SCRA 154 [1988]) that "the determinative factor (in determining
venue) is the place of the issuance of the check."
Jurisdiction over the subject matter is determined by the statute in force
at the time of commencement of the action (De la Cruz vs. Moya, 160 On the matter of venue for violation of Batas Pambansa Bilang 22, the
SCRA 538 [1988]). Ministry of Justice, citing the case of People vs. Yabut (76 SCRA 624
[1977], laid down the following guidelines in Memorandum Circular No.
The trial court's jurisdiction over the case, subject of this review, can not 4 dated December 15, 1981, the pertinent portion of which reads:
be questioned.
(1) Venue of the offense lies at the place where the check was
Sections 10 and 15(a), Rule 110 of the Rules of Court specifically provide executed and delivered; (2) the place where the check was
that: written, signed or dated does not necessarily fix the place
where it was executed, as what is of decisive importance is the
Sec. 10. Place of the commission of the offense. The complaint delivery thereof which is the final act essential to its
or information is sufficient if it can be understood therefrom consummation as an obligation; . . . (Res. No. 377, s. 1980,
that the offense was committed or some of the essential Filtex Mfg. Corp. vs. Manuel Chua, October 28, 1980)." (See The
ingredients thereof occured at some place within the Law on Bouncing Checks Analyzed by Judge Jesus F. Guerrero,
jurisdiction of the court, unless the particular place wherein it Philippine Law Gazette, Vol. 7. Nos. 11 & 12, October-
was committed constitutes an essential element of the offense December, 1983, p. 14).
or is necessary for identifying the offense charged.
It is undisputed that the check in question was executed and delivered
Sec. 15. Place where action is to be instituted. (a) Subject to by the petitioner to herein private respondent at Makati, Metro Manila.
existing laws, in all criminal prosecutions the action shall be
instituted and tried in the court of the municipality or territory However, petitioner argues that the check in question was drawn
where the offense was committed or any of the essential against the dollar account of petitioner with a foreign bank, and is
ingredients thereof took place. therefore, not covered by the Bouncing Checks Law (B.P. Blg. 22).
In the case of People vs. Hon. Manzanilla (156 SCRA 279 [1987] cited in But it will be noted that the law does not distinguish the currency
the case of Lim vs. Rodrigo, 167 SCRA 487 [1988]), the Supreme Court involved in the case. As the trial court correctly ruled in its order dated
ruled "that jurisdiction or venue is determined by the allegations in the July 5, 1988:
information."
Under the Bouncing Checks Law (B.P. Blg. 22), foreign checks,
The information under consideration specifically alleged that the offense provided they are either drawn and issued in the Philippines
was committed in Makati, Metro Manila and therefore, the same is though payable outside thereof . . . are within the coverage of
controlling and sufficient to vest jurisdiction upon the Regional Trial said law.
Court of Makati. The Court acquires jurisdiction over the case and over
the person of the accused upon the filing of a complaint or information It is a cardinal principle in statutory construction that where the law
in court which initiates a criminal action (Republic vs. Sunga, 162 SCRA does not distinguish courts should not
191 [1988]). distinguish.1âwphi1 Parenthetically, the rule is that where the law does
not make any exception, courts may not except something unless MR. MENDOZA. Yes, Mr. Speaker.
compelling reasons exist to justify it (Phil. British Assurance Co., Inc. vs.
IAC, 150 SCRA 520 [1987]). xxx xxx xxx
More importantly, it is well established that courts may avail themselves (p. 1376, Records of the Batasan, Volume III; Emphasis supplied).
of the actual proceedings of the legislative body to assist in determining
the construction of a statute of doubtful meaning (Palanca vs. City of PREMISES CONSIDERED, the petition is DISMISSED for lack of merit.
Manila, 41 Phil. 125 [1920]). Thus, where there is doubts as to what a
provision of a statute means, the meaning put to the provision during
Melencio-Herrera, Padilla, Sarmiento and Regalado, JJ., concur.
the legislative deliberation or discussion on the bill may be adopted
(Arenas vs. City of San Carlos, 82 SCRA 318 [1978]).
The records of the Batasan, Vol. III, unmistakably show that the intention
of the lawmakers is to apply the law to whatever currency may be the
subject thereof. The discussion on the floor of the then Batasang
Pambansa fully sustains this view, as follows:
MR. MENDOZA. The bill refers to any check, Mr. Speaker, and
this check may be a check in whatever currency. This would not
even be limited to U.S. dollar checks. The check may be in
French francs or Japanese yen or deutschunorhs. (sic.) If drawn,
then this bill will apply.
This case puts in issue the authority of the Presidential Commission on Good The case was set for preliminary investigation by the PCGG. Private respondent
Government (PCGG), through the New Armed Forces of the Philippines Anti-Graft moved to dismiss the case on the following grounds: (1) that the PCGG has no
Board (hereinafter referred to as the "Board"), to investigate and cause the jurisdiction over his person; (2) that the action against him under Rep. Act No.
prosecution of petitioner, a retired military officer, for violation of Republic Acts 1379 has already prescribed; (3) that E.O. No. 14, insofar as it suspended the
Nos. 3019 and 1379. provisions of Rep. Act No. 1379 on prescription of actions, was inapplicable to his
case; and (4) that having retired from the AFP on May 9, 1984, he was now
Assailed by the Republic in this petition for certiorari, prohibition and/or beyond the reach of Rep. Act No. 3019. The Board opposed the motion to
mandamus with prayer for the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction and/or dismiss.
temporary restraining order are the orders of respondent judge in Civil Case No.
57092 Branch 151 of the Regional Trial Court of Pasig, Metro Manila: (1) dated In a resolution dated February 8, 1989, the PCGG denied the motion to dismiss
June 23, 1989, denying petitioners’ Motion to Dismiss and Opposition, and (2) for lack of merit. Private respondent moved for reconsideration but this was
dated June 26, 1989, granting private respondent’s application for the issuance of denied by the PCGG in a resolution dated March 8, 1989. Private respondent was
a writ of preliminary injunction. Thus, the petition seeks the annulment of the directed to submit his counter-affidavit and other controverting evidence on
two orders, the issuance of an injunction to enjoin respondent judge from March 20, 1989 at 2:00 p.m.
proceeding with Civil Case No. 57092 and, finally, the dismissal of the case before
the trial court. On March 13, 1989, private respondent filed a petition for prohibition with
preliminary injunction with the Regional Trial Court in Pasig, Metro Manila. The
The controversy traces its roots to the order of then PCGG Chairman Jovito R. case was docketed as Case No. 57092 and raffled to Branch 151, respondent
Salonga, dated May 13, 1986, which created the New Armed Forces of the judge’s court. Petitioner filed a motion to dismiss and opposed the application for
Philippines Anti-Graft Board. The Board was created to "investigate the the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction on the principal ground that the
Regional Trial Court had no jurisdiction over the Board, citing the case of PCGG v.
Peña, G.R. No. 77663, April 12, 1988, 159 SCRA 556. Private respondent opposed As to the first issue, petitioner contends that following the ruling of the Court in
the motion to dismiss. Petitioner replied to the opposition. PCGG v. Peña the Board, being a creation and/or extension of the PCGG, is
beyond the jurisdiction of the Regional Trial Court. On the second issue,
On June 23, 1989, respondent judge denied petitioner’s motion to dismiss. On petitioner strongly argues that the private respondent’s case falls within the
June 26, 1989, respondent judge granted the application for the issuance of a jurisdiction of the PCGG.
writ of preliminary injunction, enjoining petitioners from investigating or
prosecuting private respondent under Rep. Acts Nos. 3019 and 1379 upon the The pivotal issue is the second one. On this point, private respondent’s position is
filing of a bond in the amount of Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00). as follows:chanrob1es virtual 1aw library
Hence, the instant petition. 1. . . . he is not one of the subordinates contemplated in Executive Orders 1 , 2 ,
14 and 14-A as the alleged illegal acts being imputed to him, that of alleged
On August 29, 1989, the Court issued a restraining order enjoining respondent amassing wealth beyond his legal means while Finance Officer of the Philippine
judge from enforcing his orders dated June 23, 1989 and June 26, 1989 and from Constabulary, are acts of his own alone, not connected with his being a crony,
proceeding with Civil Case No. 57092. business associate, etc. or subordinate as the petition does not allege so. Hence
the PCGG has no jurisdiction to investigate him.
Private respondent filed his comment, to which petitioners filed a reply. A
rejoinder to the reply was filed by private Respondent. The Court gave due course If indeed private respondent amassed wealth beyond his legal means, the
to the petition and the parties filed their memoranda. Thereafter, the case was procedure laid down by Rep. Act 1379 as already pointed out before be applied.
deemed submitted. And since, he has been separated from the government more than four years
ago, the action against him under Republic Act 1379 has already prescribed.
The issues raised in the petition are as follows:chanrob1es virtual 1aw library
2. . . . no action can be filed anymore against him now under Republic Act 1379
I. for recovery of unexplained wealth for the reason that he has retired more than
four years ago.
WHETHER OR NOT RESPONDENT JUDGE GRAVELY ABUSED HIS DISCRETION OR 3. . . . The order creating the AFP Anti-Graft Board (Annex "A", Petition) is null and
ACTED WITHOUT OR IN EXCESS OF JURISDICTION IN ASSUMING JURISDICTION void. Nowhere in Executive Orders 1, 2, 14 and 14-A is there any authority given
OVER AND INTERFERING WITH THE ORDERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE to the commission, its chairman and members, to create Boards or bodies to be
PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION ON GOOD GOVERNMENT. invested with powers similar to the powers invested with the commission ..
[Comment, pp. 6-7; Rollo, pp. 117-118].
II.
1. The most important question to be resolved in this case is whether or not
private respondent may be investigated and caused to be prosecuted by the
WHETHER, OR NOT RESPONDENT JUDGE GRAVELY ABUSED HIS DISCRETION OR Board, an agency of the PCGG, for violation of Rep. Acts Nos. 3019 and 1379.
ACTED WITHOUT OR IN EXCESS OF JURISDICTION IN ISSUING THE ASSAILED According to petitioners, the PCGG has the power to investigate and cause the
ORDER DATED JUNE 26, 1989 ENJOINING PETITIONERS FROM INVESTIGATING prosecution of private respondent because he is a "subordinate" of former
AND PROSECUTING PRIVATE RESPONDENT FOR VIOLATION OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. President Marcos. They cite the PCGG’s jurisdiction over —
3019, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ANTI-GRAFT AND CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT AND
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1379, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS AN ACT FOR THE FORFEITURE (a) The recovery of all ill-gotten wealth accumulated by former President
OF UNLAWFULLY ACQUIRED PROPERTY [Rollo, p. 19]. Ferdinand E. Marcos, his immediate family, relatives, subordinates and close
associates, whether located in the Philippines or abroad, including the takeover
or sequestration of all business enterprises and entities owned or controlled by The situations envisaged and sought to be governed [by Proclamation No. 3 and
them, during his administration, directly or through nominees, by taking undue E.O. Nos. 1, 2 and 14] are self-evident, these being:chanrob1es virtual 1aw library
advantage of their public office and/or using their powers, authority, influence,
connections or relationship. [E.O. No. 1, sec. 2.]. 1) that" (i)ll gotten properties (were) amassed by the leaders and supporters of
the previous regime" ;
Undoubtedly, the alleged unlawful accumulation of wealth was done during the
administration of Pres. Marcos. However, what has to be inquired into is whether a) more particularly, that" (i)ll-gotten wealth (was) accumulated by former
or not private respondent acted as a "subordinate" of Pres. Marcos within the President Ferdinand E. Marcos, his immediate family, relatives, subordinates, and
contemplation of E.O. No. 1, the law creating the PCGG, when he allegedly close associates, . . . located in the Philippines or abroad, xx (and) business
unlawfully acquired the properties. enterprises and entities (came to be) owned or controlled by them, during . . .
(the Marcos) administration, directly or through nominees, by taking undue
A close reading of E. O. No. 1 and related executive orders will readily show what advantage of their public office and/or using their powers, authority, influence,
is contemplated within the term "subordinate."cralaw virtua1aw library connections or relationship;"
The Whereas Clauses of E. O. No. 1 express the urgent need to recover the ill- b) otherwise stated, that "there are assets and properties pertaining to former
gotten wealth amassed by former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, his immediate President Ferdinand E. Marcos, and/or his wife Mrs. Imelda Romualdez Marcos,
family, relatives, and close associates both here and abroad. their close relatives, subordinates, business associates, dummies, agents or
nominees which had been or were acquired by them directly or indirectly,
E.O. No. 2 freezes "all assets and properties in the Philippines in which former through or as a result of the improper or illegal use of funds or properties owned
President Marcos and/or his wife, Mrs. Imelda Romualdez Marcos, their close by the Government of the Philippines or any of its branches, instrumentalities,
relatives, subordinates, business associates, dummies, agents, or nominees have enterprises, banks or financial institutions, or by taking undue advantage of their
any interest or participation."cralaw virtua1aw library office, authority, influence, connections or relationship, resulting in their unjust
enrichment and causing grave damage and prejudice to the Filipino people and
Applying the rule in statutory construction known as ejusdem generis, that is — the Republic of the Philippines" ;
[W]here general words follow an enumeration of persons or things, by words of a c) that "said assets and properties are in the form of bank accounts, deposits,
particular and specific meaning, such general words are not to be construed in trust accounts, shares of stocks, buildings, shopping centers, condominiums,
their widest extent, but are to be held as applying only to persons or things of the mansions, residences, estates, and other kinds of real and personal properties in
same kind or class as those specifically mentioned [Smith, Bell & Co., Ltd. v. the Philippines and in various countries of the world;" and.
Register of Deeds of Davao, 96 Phil. 53, 58 (1954), citing Black on Interpretation
of Laws, 2nd Ed., 203]. 2) that certain "business enterprises and properties (were) taken over by the
government of the Marcos Administration or by entities or persons close to
the term "subordinate" as used in E.O. Nos. 1 and 2 would refer to one who former President Marcos." [Footnotes deleted].
enjoys a close association or relation with former Pres. Marcos and/or his wife,
similar to the immediate family member, relative, and close associate in E.O. No. It does not suffice, as in this case, that the respondent is or was a government
1 and the close relative, business associate, dummy, agent, or nominee in E.O. official or employee during the administration of former Pres. Marcos. There
No. 2. must be a prima facie showing that the respondent unlawfully accumulated
wealth by virtue of his close association or relation with former Pres. Marcos
Thus, as stated by the Court in Bataan Shipyard & Engineering Co., Inc. v. PCGG, and/or his wife. This is so because otherwise the respondent’s case will fall under
G.R. No. 75885, May 27, 1987, 150 SCRA 181, 205-206. existing general laws and procedures on the matter. Rep. Act No. 3019, the Anti-
Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, penalizes the corrupt practices of any public
officer. Under Rep. Act No. 1379 (An Act Declaring Forfeited in Favor of the State (c) The letter of the Board chairman to the chairman of the PCGG, dated July 28,
Any Property Found to Have Been Unlawfully Acquired By Any Public Officer or 1988, is clear:chanrob1es virtual 1aw library
Employee and Providing for the Procedure Therefor), whenever any public officer
or employee has acquired during his incumbency an amount of property which is Respectfully transmitted herewith for the prosecution before the Sandiganbayan
manifestly out of proportion to his salary as such public officer or employee and is the case folder of COLONEL TROADIO TECSON (Ret) who after preliminary
to his other lawful income and the income from legitimately acquired property, investigation of the case by the Board, found a prima facie evidence against
said property shall be presumed prima facie to have been unlawfully acquired subject officer for violating Section 8, R.A. 3019, as amended by BP 195,
[Sec. 2]. The Solicitor General shall file the petition and prosecute the case in otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and R.A. 1379,
behalf of the Republic, after preliminary investigation by the provincial or city otherwise known as an Act for the Forfeiture of Unlawfully Acquired Property."
prosecutor [Ibid]. [Rollo, p. 46].
Moreover, the record shows that private respondent was being investigated for Moreover, from the allegations of petitioner in its memorandum, it would appear
unlawfully acquired wealth under Rep. Acts Nos. 3019 and 1379, and not under that private respondent accumulated his wealth for his own account. Petitioner
E.O. Nos. 1, 2, 14 and 14-A. quoted the letter of Ignacio Datahan, a retired PC sergeant, to General Fidel
Ramos, the material portion of which reads:chanrob1es virtual 1aw library
Since private respondent was being investigated by the PCGG through the AFP
Anti-Graft Board it would have been presumed that this was under Rep. Acts Nos. . . . After an official in the military unit received an Allotment Advice the same
3019 and 1379 in relation to E.O. Nos. 1, 2, 14 and 14-A. But the record itself signed a cash advance voucher, let us say in the amount of P5,000.00. Without
belies this presumption:chanrob1es virtual 1aw library much ado, outright, Col. Tecson paid the amount. The official concerned was also
made to sign the receipt portion on the voucher the amount of which was left
(a) The letter of the chairman of the AFP Anti-Graft Board to private respondent, blank. Before the voucher is passed for routine processing by Mrs. Leonor Cagas,
dated October 16, 1987, states: "This letter is in connection with the alleged clerk of Col. Tecson and its facilitator, the maneuver began. The amount on the
information received by the AFP Anti-Graft Board indicating your acquisition of face of the cash advance voucher is altered or superimposed. The original
wealth beyond legal means of income in violation of Rep. Act No. 3019 known as amount of P5,000.00 was now made say, P95,000.00. So it was actually the
the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act." [Rollo, p. 39]. amount of P95,000.00 that appeared on the records. The difference of
P90,000.00 went to the syndicate.
(b) The Resolution dated June 30, 1988 of the Board categorically
states:chanrob1es virtual 1aw library . . . Boy Tanyag, bookkeeper in Col. Tecson’s office took care of the work.
I. PRELIMINARY STATEMENT:chanrob1es virtual 1aw library . . . In the liquidation of the altered cash advance amount, names of persons
found in the Metropolitan Manila Telephone Directory with fictitious addresses
This refers to the case against Col Troadio B. Tecson PC (Ret) for alleged appeared as recipients or payees. Leonor and Boy got their shares on commission
unexplained wealth pursuant to R.A. 3019, as amended, otherwise known as Anti- basis of the looted amount while the greater part went to Col. Tecson. [Rollo, pp.
Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and R.A. 1379, as amended, otherwise known as 184-185.].
the "Act for Forfeiture of Unlawfully Acquired Property." [Rollo, p. 43].
Clearly, this alleged unlawful accumulation of wealth is not that contemplated in
The resolution alleges that private respondent unlawfully accumulated wealth by E.O. Nos. 1, 2, 14 and 14-A.
taking advantage of his office as Finance Officer of the Philippine Constabulary.
No attempt is made in the Board’s resolution to link him or his accumulation of 2. It will not do to cite the order of the PCGG Chairman, dated May 13, 1986,
wealth to former Pres. Marcos and/or his wife. creating the Board and authorizing it to investigate the unexplained wealth and
corrupt practices of AFP personnel, both retired and in active service, to support
the contention that PCGG has jurisdiction over the case of private Respondent. 5. The pronouncements made above should not be taken to mean that the
The PCGG cannot do more than what it was empowered to do. Its powers are PCGG’s creation of the AFP Anti-Graft Board is a nullity and that the PCGG has no
limited. Its task is limited to the recovery of the ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses, authority to investigate and cause the prosecution of members and former
their relatives and cronies. The PCGG cannot, through an order of its chairman, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for violations of Rep. Acts Nos.
grant itself additional powers — powers not contemplated in its enabling law. 3019 and 1379. The PCGG may investigate and cause the prosecution of active
and retired members of the AFP for violations of Rep. Acts Nos. 3019 and 1379
3. Petitioner assails the trial court’s cognizance of the petition filed by only in relation to E.O. Nos. 1, 2, 14 and 14-A, i.e., insofar as they involve the
private Respondent. Particularly, petitioner argues that the trial court cannot recovery of the ill-gotten wealth of former Pres. Marcos and his family and
acquire jurisdiction over the PCGG. This matter has already been settled in Peña, "cronies." But the PCGG would not have jurisdiction over an ordinary case falling
supra, where the Court ruled that those who wish to question or challenge the under Rep. Acts Nos. 3019 and 1379, as in the case at bar. E.O. Nos. 1, 2, 14 and
PCGG’s acts or orders must seek recourse in the Sandiganbayan, which is vested 14-A did not envision the PCGG as the investigator and prosecutor of all unlawful
with exclusive and original jurisdiction. The Sandiganbayan’s decisions and final accumulations of wealth. The PCGG was created for a specific and limited
orders are in turn subject to review on certiorari exclusively by this Court. [Ibid, at purpose, as we have explained earlier, and necessarily its powers must be
pp. 564-565]. construed with this in mind.
The ruling in Peña was applied in PCGG v. Aquino, G.R. No. 77816, June 30, 1988, 6. n his pleadings, private respondent contends that he may no longer be
163 SCRA 363, Soriano III v. Yuson, G.R. No. 74910 (and five other cases), August prosecuted because of prescription. He relies on section 2 of Rep. Act No. 1379
10, 1988, 164 SCRA 226 and Olaguer v. RTC, NCJR, Br. 48, G.R. No. 81385, which provides that" [t]he right to file such petition [for forfeiture of unlawfully
February 21, 1989, 170 SCRA 478, among others, to enjoin the regional trial acquired wealth] shall prescribe within four years from the date of resignation,
courts from interfering with the actions of the PCGG. dismissal or separation or expiration of the term of the officer or employee
concerned." He retired on May 9, 1984, or more than six (6) years ago. However,
Respondent judge clearly acted without or in excess of his jurisdiction when he it must be pointed out that section 2 of Rep. Act No. 1379 should be deemed
took cognizance of Civil Case No. 57092 and issued the writ of preliminary amended or repealed by Article XI, section 15 of the 1987 Constitution which
injunction against the PCGG. provides that" [t]he right of the State to recover properties unlawfully acquired
by public officials or employees, from them or from their nominees or
4. Thus, we are confronted with a situation wherein the PCGG acted in excess of transferees, shall not be barred by prescription, laches, or estoppel." Considering
its jurisdiction and, hence, may be enjoined from doing so, but the court that that sec. 2 of Rep. Act No. 1379 was deemed amended or repealed before the
issued the injunction against the PCGG has not been vested by law with prescriptive period provided therein had lapsed insofar as private respondent is
jurisdiction over it and, thus, the injunction issued was null and void. concerned, we cannot say that he had already acquired a vested right that may
not be prejudiced by a subsequent enactment.
The nullification of the assailed order of respondent judge issuing the writ of
preliminary injunction is therefore in order. Likewise, respondent judge must be Moreover, to bar the Government from recovering ill-gotten wealth would result
enjoined from proceeding with Civil Case No. 57092. in the validation or legitimization of the unlawful acquisition, a consequence at
variance with the clear intent of Rep. Act No. 1379, which provides:chanrobles
But in view of the patent lack of authority of the PCGG to investigate and cause virtual lawlibrary
the prosecution of private respondent for violation of Rep. Acts Nos. 3019 and
1379, the PCGG must also be enjoined from proceeding with the case, without SEC. 11. Laws on prescription. — The laws concerning acquisitive prescription and
prejudice to any action that may be taken by the proper prosecutory agency. The limitation of actions cannot be invoked by, nor shall they benefit the respondent,
rule of law mandates that an agency of government be allowed to exercise only in respect to any property unlawfully acquired by him.
the powers granted it.
Thus, we hold that the appropriate prosecutory agencies, i.e., the city or
provincial prosecutor and the Solicitor General under sec. 2 of Rep. Act No. 1379,
may still investigate the case and file the petition for the forfeiture of unlawfully
acquired wealth against private respondent, now a private citizen. (On the other
hand, as regards respondents for violations of Rep. Acts Nos. 3019 and 1379 who
are still in the government service, the agency granted the power to investigate
and prosecute them is the Office of the Ombudsman [Rep. Act No. 6770]). Under
Presidential Decree No. 1606, as amended, and Batas Pambansa Blg. 195
violations of Rep. Acts Nos. 3019 and 1379 shall be tried by the Sandiganbayan.
7. The Court hastens to add that this decision is without prejudice to the
prosecution of private respondent under the pertinent provisions of the Revised
Penal Code and other related penal laws.
WHEREFORE, the order of respondent judge dated June 26, 1989 in Civil Case No.
57092 is NULLIFIED and SET ASIDE. Respondent judge is ORDERED to dismiss Civil
Case No. 57092. The temporary restraining order issued by the Court on August
29, 1989 is MADE PERMANENT. The PCGG is ENJOINED from proceeding with the
investigation and prosecution of private respondent in I.S. No. 37, without
prejudice to his investigation and prosecution by the appropriate prosecutory
agency.
SO ORDERED.