LYCEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES

COLLEGE OF LAW
1st Semester, A.Y. 2017-2018

STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION
COURSE OUTLINE
ATTY. JAN VINCENT S. SOLIVEN

Textbook: Statutory Construction by Agpalo

In re Joaquin T. Borromeo AM 93-7-696-0 February 21, 1995

Chapter 1 – Statutes

Definition
Classification of Statutes
Public, Private
General, Special, Local
Remedial, Curative, Substantive, Penal
Mandatory, Prohibitory
Prospective, Retroactive
Permanent, Temporary
Repealing, Amendatory
Enactment of Statutes (Legislative Intent)
Parts of a Statute
Preamble
Title
Section 26 (1), Article VI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution
Shall embrace only one subject which shall be expressed in the title
Purpose of the title requirement
Enacting clause
Body
Provisos
Exceptions
Separability clause
Repealing clause
Effectivity clause
Enrolled Billed Doctrine

Cases:

People v. Veridiano II, 132 SCRA 523

Philippine Constitution Association v. Jimenez, 15 SCRA 479
Lidasan v. COMELEC, 239 SCRA 106
Casco Philippine Chemical Co. v. Gimenez, 7 SCRA 347
Farinas v. Executive Secretary, 417 SCRA 503
Giron v. COMELEC, GR 188179, January 22, 2013
COMELEC v. Cruz, GR 186616, November 20, 2009
Philippine Judges Association v. Hon. Prado, 227 SCRA 703

Chapter 2 – Construction and Interpretation

Definition
Purpose of Construction
Legislative Intent and Legislative Purpose

Cases:
1
Caltex (Philippines) vs Palomar, 18 SCRA 247
Azarcon vs Sandiganbayan, G.R. No. 116033.  February 26, 1997
Republic vs CFI, G.R. No. L-30381.  August 30, 1988
Ursua vs Court of Appeals, 256 SCRA 147
Santos To vs Hon. Cruz-Pano, 120 SCRA 8
De Guzman vs Subido, 120 SCRA 443
Aparri vs Court of Appeals, 127 SCRA 231
Tanada vs Cuenco, G.R. No. L-10520.  February 28, 1957
Tung Chin Hui vs Rodriguez, 340 SCRA 765
People vs Licera, 65 SCRA 270
Columbia Pictures Entertainment, Inc. vs Court of Appeals, 262 SCRA 219
Unciano Paramedical College vs Court of Appeals, 221 SCRA 285
MRCA, Inc. vs CA, 180 SCRA 344

Chapter 3 – Extrinsic and Intrinsic Aids in Construction

Intrinsic Aids
 
a.    The Title
b.    The Preamble
c.    Punctuation
d.    Headings and Marginal Notes
e.    Legislative Definitions and Interpretative Clauses              

Cases:
 
Llamado vs CA, 29 June 1989
People vs Echaves, 95 SCRA 663
People vs Purisima, 86 SCRA 542
United States vs Hart, 26 Phil 149
City of Baguio vs Marcos, 27 SCRA 342
Eugenio vs Drilon, Jan. 22, 1996
The Employee’s Club, Inc. vs China Banking Corporation, G.R. No. 40188.  July 27, 1934
People vs Astorga, G.R. No. 110097.  December 22, 1997

Extrinsic Aids
 
a.    Legislative History of the Statute
b.    Contemporaneous and Practical Construction
c.    Executive Construction
d.    Contemporaneous Circumstances
e.    Policy
f.     Interpretation Clauses
 
Cases:
 
Historical Background/ Legislative History
People vs Degamo, 402 SCRA 133
Cruz vs Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 108738.  June 17, 1994
People vs Manantan G.R. 14129
 
Contemporaneous Construction
ADD: LAGMAN V. EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
The Chartered Bank Employees Association vs Ople, 138 SCRA 141
People vs Puno, G.R. No. 97471 Feb. 17, 1993
Abaquin Security and Detective Agency vs Atienza, Oct. 15, 1990
2
Phil. Global Communication vs Relova, GR L-60548 Nov. 10, 1986
 
Long Uniform Construction
Philippine Sugar Centrals Agency vs Collector of Customs, GR L-27761, December 6, 1927
     
Common Law Principles
Echegaray vs Secretary of Justice, G.R. No. 132601, Jan. 19, 1999
 
Decisions from Other Jurisdictions
People vs Echegaray, GR 117472, Feb. 7, 1997
Secretary of Justice v. Lantion, [G.R. No. 139465.  January 18, 2000.] 

Chapter 4 – Adherence to or Departure from the Language of the Statute

A. Adherence – Literal Interpretation

Verba Legis or plain meaning rule

Republic v. Lacap, GR 158253, March 2, 2007 

Ramirez vs Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 93833.  September 28, 1995
People vs Borce, 22 April. 1998
Del Mar vs Pagcor, G.R. No. 138298.  June 19, 2001
Chavez v. Judicial and Bar Council, GR 202242, July 17, 2012

Dura Lex Sed Lex

Go v. Anti-Chinese League of the Phil, GR L-1563, August 30, 1949

Revaldo v. People, GR 170589, April 16, 2009
Roldan, Jr. v. Hon. Madrona, GR 152989, September 4, 2002
Sagana v. Francisco, GR 161952, October 2, 2009

B. Departure from Literal Interpretation

 
Republic vs Orbecido, III, 5 October 2005, GR No. 154380
Cosico vs NLRC, G.R. No. 118432.  May 23, 1997
Alonzo vs Intermediate Appellate Court, G.R. No. L-72873.  May 28, 1987
Solid Homes v. Tan, 465 SCRA 137
People v. Lacson. GR 149453, October 7, 2003
Tanada v. Cuenco, 103 Phil 1051 (1957)

Law ceases when the reason of the law ceases

Vasquez v. Giap, 96 Phil 447

Correction of clerical errors

Farinas v. Barba, 256 SCRA 396 (1996)

Construction to avoid absurdity

People v. Duque, GR 100285, August 13, 1992

Construction in favor of right and justice

Salvacion v. Central Bank, 278 SCRA 27 (1997)

Doctrine of necessary implication

Chua v. Civil Service Commission, 206 SCRA 65 (1992)
Commission on Audit v. Province of Cebu, GR 141386, November 29, 2001
Batungbakal v. National Development Co., 93 Phil 182, 1953 (INCLUDE)

3
Chapter 5 – Interpretation of Words and Phrases

Cases:

Words and Phrases

Gaanan vs Court of Appeals, [G.R. No. L-69809.  October 16, 1986.]
 
Ubi Lex Non Distinguit Nec Nos Distinguire Debemos
De Villa vs CA, [G.R. No. 87416.  April 8, 1991.]
Acop vs Guingona, [G.R. No. 134855.  July 2, 2002.] 383 SCRA 577
Ramirez vs Court of Appeals, [G.R. No. 93833.  September 28, 1995.]
 
Noscitur a Sociis
Aisporna vs Court of Appeals, 113 SCRA 459
Caltex vs Palomar, 18 SCRA 247
Carandang vs Santiago, [G.R. No. L-8238.  May 25, 1955.]
Chavez v. Judicial and Bar Council, GR 202242, July 17, 2012
People vs Delantar, G.R. No. 169143.  February 2, 2007
 
Ejusdem Generis
Vera vs Cuevas, [G.R. Nos. L-30793-94.  May 31, 1979.] 90 SCRA 380
Cagayan Valley Enterprises, Inc. vs CA, [G.R. No. 78413.  November 8, 1989.]
Napocor vs Angas, [G.R. Nos. 60225-26.  May 8, 1992.
Mutuc vs COMELEC, 36 SCRA 228, G.R. No. L-32717 November 26, 1970
 
Reddendo Singula Singulis
People vs Tamani, 55 SCRA 152, GR L-22160, January 21, 1974
Amadora vs Court of Appeals, G.R. No. L-47745.  April 15, 1988.]
 
Expressio Unius est Exclusio Alterius
Malinias vs Comelec, [G.R. No. 146943.  October 4, 2002.]
E.B. Villarosa & Partner Co. Ltd. vs Hon. Benito, [G.R. No. 136426.  August 6, 1999.]
Primero vs CA, [G.R. Nos. L-48468-69.  November 22, 1989.] (rule not applied)
 
And/Or
China Banking Corporation vs Members of Board of Trustees of Home Development Mutual
Fund, GR 131787, 19 May 1999
Pimentel vs Comelec, GR 126394, 24 April 1998
 
Shall, Must, May
Loyola Grand Villas Homeowners (South) Association vs CA, GR 117188, 7 Aug 1997
Director of Lands vs CA, GR 102858, 28 July 1997
Gachon vs Hon. Devera, Jr., GR 116695, 20 June 1997
Shauf vs Court of Appeals, GR 90314, 27 Nov. 1990
Adasa vs Abalos, G.R. No. 168617.  February 19, 2007
Perez vs Court of Appeals, GR 118870, 29 March 1996
 
Doctrine of the Last Antecedent
Mapa vs Arroyo, G.R. 78585, 5 July 1989
Florentino and Zandueta vs PNB, GR L-8782, 98 Phil 959
Cadayona vs Court of Appeals, [G.R. No. 128772.  February 3, 2000.]
ALU-TUCP vs NLRC, G.R. No. 109902.  August 2, 1994
 
Casus Omissus
People vs Manantan, GR 14129, 115 SCRA 657
Chua vs CSC, [G.R. No. 88979.  February 7, 1992.]
Nereo vs St. James, [G.R. No. 166735.  November 23, 2007.]
4
 
Exceptio Firmat Regulim in Casibus Non Exceptis
Sps. Tibay vs CA, GR 119655, 24 May 1996
PIMENTEL III, vs. THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS, [G.R. No. 178413.  March 13,
2008.]

Provisos
Mercado Sr. vs NLRC, G.R. No. 79869.  September 5, 1991
ALU TUCP vs NLRC, GR 109902, 2 August 1994

Chapter 6 – Strict/Liberal and Mandatory/Directory Construction

Check provisions of different laws.

Manner of Construction:
 
1.    Political Law (Local Government Code, other Constitutional law principles)
2.    Labor Law
3.    Criminal Law/ Penal Statutes
Reason for strict construction
People v. Subido, GR 21734, September 5, 1975
People v. Atop, 286 SCRA 163
Laurel v. Abrogar, GR 155076, February 22, 2006
Villasenor v. Oco-Pesquerra, GR 180700, March 4, 2008
4.    Taxation
Commision of Internal Revenue v. Court of Appeals, 271 SCRA 605
Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority v. Marcos, 261 SCA 667 (1996)
Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. CA, 303 SCRA 58 (1999)
5.    Remedial Law/ Procedural Laws
6.    Treaties
 
Additional Cases:

Strict Construction
 
People vs Gatchalian, G.R. Nos. L-12011-14.  September 30, 1958*
Antonio vs Geronimo, [G.R. No. 124779.  November 29, 2005.]*
Samson vs Court of Appeals, [G.R. No. L-43182.  November 25, 1986.]*
Kilosbayan vs Guingona, [G.R. No. 113375.  May 5, 1994.] (gambling)
Tenebro vs Court of Appeals, [G.R. No. 150758.  February 18, 2004.]*
*Mobil Philippines Exploration Inc, 18 SCRA 1120 (state immunity)

Liberal Construction

People vs Gojo, et al, G.R. No. L-2012.  June 27, 1949 (amnesty) (MISSING)
Frivaldo vs COMELEC, [G.R. No. 120295.  June 28, 1996.] (election)
Rinconada vs Tel Co. vs Buenviaje, 27 April 1990 (procedure)
Sea Power Shipping Enterprises, Inc. v CA, GR 138270, June 6, 2001
Suzuki vs De Guzman, [G.R. No. 146979.  July 27, 2006.] *
Borromeo vs Civil Service Commission, [G.R. No. 96032.  July 31, 1991 (retirement laws)
           
Treaties
Govt of the USA vs Purganan, G.R. No. 148571, [24 Sept 2002] (extradition)
Commissioner of Internal Revenue vs SC Johnson, G.R. No. 127105.  June 25, 1999.] (taxation)

Mandatory/Directory

5
In the matter of the adoption of the minors Lualhati Magpayo and Amada Magpayo, G.R. No. L-
5387.  April 29, 1954*
In the Matter of the Adoption of Elizabeth Mira, G.R. No. L-18566.  September 30, 1963
Marcelino vs Cruz, Jr., G.R. No. L-42428.  March 18, 1983
Chartered Bank vs National Government Auditing Office, G.R. No. L-38513.  March 31, 1987
De Mesa v. Mencias, GR 24583, October 29, 1966
 
Civil Rules in Criminal Cases
People vs Reyes, GR 74226-27, July 27, 1989, 175 SCRA 597
Sermonia vs Court of Appeals, [G.R. No. 109454.  June 14, 1994.]

Chapter 7 – Prospective and Retroactive Statutes

Article 4 of the New Civil Code

Article III, Section 22 of the 1987 Constitution
Nilo vs Court of Appeals, 128 SCRA 519
Laceste v. Santos, 56 Phil 472 (1932)
People v. Jabinal, GR 30061, February 27, 1974
People v. Macarandang, 106 Phil 713 (1959)
Republic vs Court of Appeals and Bobiles, G.R. No. 92326.  January 24, 1992 (procedure will
apply to pending cases)
Rajah Humabon Hotel, Inc. vs Trajano, G.R. Nos. 100222-23.  September 14, 1993 (jurisdiction,
curative statutes)
Frivaldo vs COMELEC, G.R. No. 120295.  June 28, 1996

Chapter 8 - Operation / Repeal / Amendment and Revival of Statutes

Mecano vs COA, [G.R. No. 103982. December 11, 1992.]

Araneta vs Dinglasan, [G.R. No. L-2044. August 26, 1949.]
Judge Leynes vs COA, [G.R. No. 143596. December 11, 2003.]
Magno vs Comelec, [G.R. No. 147904. October 4, 2002.]
People vs Macatanda, [G.R. No. L-51368. November 6, 1981.]
ABS CBN vs CTA, [G.R. No. L-52306. October 12, 1981.]
Tatad vs Secretary of the Department of Energy, Secretary of Finance, 282 SCRA 337
People vs Monton, G.R. No. L-48112. February 29, 1988
DAR vs Sutton, [G.R. No. 162070. October 19, 2005.]
Didipio vs Earth Saver’s Multi-Purpose, [G.R. No. 157882. March 30, 2006.]
People vs Bon, [G.R. No. 166401. October 30, 2006.]
Alunan, III vs Hon. Asuncion, [G.R. No. 115824. January 28, 2000.]
Sps. Recana, Jr. vs Court of Appeals, [G.R. No. 123850. January 5, 2001.]
City Warden of the Manila City Jail vs Estrella [G.R. No. 141211. August 31, 2001.]
Agujetas vs Court of Appeals, [G.R. No. 106560. August 23, 1996.]
Corona vs Court of Appeals, [G.R. No. 97356. September 30, 1992.]

Chapter 9 - Statutes in Conjunction with other statutes

Bellis vs Bellis, 20 SCRA 358, GR L-23678

Sajonas vs Court of Appeals, 5 July 1996, GR 102377
Alpha Investigation and Security Agency, Inc. vs NLRC, G.R. No. 111722.  May 27, 1997
Izon and Milla vs People of the Philippines, [G.R. No. L-51370.  August 31, 1981.]

Chapter 10 - The Constitution

People vs Derilo, 18 April 1997, GR 117818

Miriam Defensor Santiago vs COMELEC, 270 SCRA 106

6
Lambino vs COMELEC, [G.R. No. 174153.  October 25, 2006.]
Pangandaman vs Comelec Nov. 25, 1999, GR 134340
Loida Nicolas-Lewis vs COMELEC Aug. 4, 2006, GR 162759
Francisco, Jr. vs Nagmamalasakit na mga Manananggol ng mga Manggagawang Pilipino, 415
SCRA 44, GR 160261
Randolf David, et al. vs GMA, G.R. No. 171396.  May 3, 2006

Doctrine of Operative Fact

Serrano de Agbayani v. PNB, 148 Phil 443, 447-448 (1971), GR L-23127