SCNN14L 1st Semester School Year 2011 - 12

Mondays 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Statutory Construction Lecturer: Elvira Escueta-Duavit
E-Mail: ev.duavit@gmail.com
Lyceum of the Philippines University Phone: +639178657422

Milestones
Overview
This course is supposed to provide you with a framework from Mid Terms

which you can explore the use and the force of statutes and the 13 August 2011 (Saturday)
principles and methods of their construction and interpretation.
Time is to be announced. Mid-
terms will comprise 30% of your
Goals grade. The coverage is from the
The goals of this class is to make you understand a) what is a beginning of the syllabus till the
statute; b) how a statute is “made”; c) how to interpret a statute end.
(and whose interpretation prevails). At a minimum, this course
should provide the necessary tools necessary to practice the Finals
profession of law. 22 October 2011 (Saturday)

Time is to be announced. Finals

Materials comprise 40% of your grade.
The articles found in this syllabus are either with the Reserve Coverage is the entire syllabus.
Section of the Law Library or at the stated URL.

For this class, please secure 5 Cattleya filler/notebook, stapled

together, for your assignments with your student number on top.

Please read the appropriate pages of Agpalo, when Atty. Agpalo’s

book is mentioned.

Attire & Conduct

Each student should be in business attire. Should you be
improperly attired, you will be marked absent for that day and
should you be called for recitation, you will be given a 5.

Statutory Construction - SCNN14L 1

 Requirements Evaluation
The College of Law is compliant with the Below is the weighted percentages that will be
academic requirements of the University. Thus, basis for your final grade:
the following are the rules in relation to
attendance, mid –terms and finals.
Basis W eighted Percentage
Attendance
Only 2 excused absences (with excuse letters) are Recitation 15%
allowed. Absences during finals are NOT
allowed. Assignments 15%

M id-terms 30%
Mid Terms & Finals
There will be no make up exams given for the Finals 40%
FINALS. Mid-term make up requests will only
be entertained should they involve absences that Total: 100%
concern either imminent a) childbirth (for females
only), or; b) death (yours or that of your spouse,
parent or child) and if an excuse letter is provided,
at the latest, on the day of the mid-terms, itself.

Should you be unable to take the finals exams, you

will have to remove this subject.

Statutory Construction - SCNN14L 2

Syllabus
Assignment due on 27
Introduction Jul ‘11
Nature & Concept of Statutory Construction
• R. E. Agpalo, Statutory Construction. (2009) Chapter II, p. 104- Prepare digests that
120 comply with Kinyon’s
• Yule Kim, Statutory Interpretation: General Principles and How to Study Law and
Recent Trends. (August 31, 2008) Write Law Examinations
• N. Q. Rosenkrantz, Federal Rules of Statutory Interpretation,
for the following cases:
115 Harvard L. Rev. pp. 2086-2156 (Feb. 1990) (Also available at
the Social Science Research Network Electronic Paper
Collection at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=748207
1) Geluz v. Court of
Our Milieu – The Philippine Legal System Appeals, G. R. No.
• M. S. Feliciano, The Legal System of the Philippines (Also 16439, July 20, 1961.
available on the ASEAN Law Association Website @ (http://www.lawphil.n
www.aseanlawassociation.org on e-book on Legal Systems in et/judjuris/juri1961/jul1
ASEAN) 961/gr_l-
• Dante B. Gatmaytan, The Legal System: Analytical Reasoning 16439_1961.html)
and Legal Authorities. 2005. 2) Sermonia v. Court of
• Jose Trias Monge. Legal Methodology in Some Mixed Appeals, G. R. No.
Jurisdictions, 78 Tulane L. Rev. 333 (Dec. 2003). 109454 June 14, 1994.
(http://www.lawphil.n
Where is the woman in all this?
et/judjuris/juri1994/ju
K. T. Bartlett, Feminist Legal Methods, 103 Harvard L. Rev. pp.
n1994/gr_109454_199
829-888 (Feb. 1990) 4.html)
3) Marable v. Marable,
Statutes G.R. No. 178741,
• R. E. Agpalo, Statutory Construction. (2009) Chapter I January 17, 2011.
• H. S. Shapo et. al., Writing and Analysis in the Law. pp. 65-88. (http://www.lawphil.n
et/judjuris/juri2011/jan
The Case Method
2011/gr_178741_2011.ht
• H. S. Shapo et. al., Writing and Analysis in the Law. pp. 25-64
ml)
• M. D. Rombauer, Legal Problem Solving, Analysis, Research
4) Laurel v. Abrogar
and Writing, Chapter 2.
G.R. No. 155076 :
• L. F. Reed, Obiter Dicta, 78 Case and Comment, pp. 31-32
January 13, 2009
(Nov. – Dec. 1973)
(http://www.chanrobl
es.com/scdecisions/jur
isprudence2009/jan20
09/155076.php)

Statutory Construction - SCNN14L 3

Statutes, in General
Definition –
Classification of Statutes
Parts of a Statute - Assignment due on 11
• Title July ‘11
• Enacting Clause
• Preamble
• Purview • Read Agpalo.
• Other Clauses

Rules on Legislative Drafting

• L. Gonzaga, Statutes and their Construction, Chapter 3., pp. • Draft a bill on
17-27 Stalking, it must
• W. P. Statsky, Legislative Analysis and Drafting, pp. 170-191. observe the proper
• D. Belliss. Statutory Structure and Legislative Drafting form and the style
Conventions: A Primer for Judges prescribed in the
(http://www.fjc.gov/public/pdf.nsf/lookup/draftcon.pdf/$file/dr articles.
aftcon.pdf)
• K. L. Rosenbaum. Legislative Drafting Guide: A
Practitioners’ View. (http://www.fao.org/legal/prs-
ol/lpo64.pdf)
• I. B. Forstater. House Legislative Counsel’s Manual on
Drafting Style.
(http://www.house.gov/legcoun/pdf/draftstyle.pdf )

Enacting Statutes
Steps in the Enactment of the Statute • Read Agpalo.
• 1987 Constitution, Article VI, Sections 26 (2) & 27
• Senate Rules (can be accessed @
http://www.senate.gov.ph/about/rules.asp)
• Provide a
• House of Representative Rules (can be downloaded @ chronological
http://www.congress.gov.ph/download/15th/hreprules.12142010.p outline on the
df ) process a bill goes
• Cases: through before it
o Comm. Of Internal Revenue v. CA, G. R. No. 47421, May becomes law.
14, 1990
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1990/may1990/gr_l_
47421_1990.html )
o Tolentino v. Sec. of Finance, G.R. No. 115455 August 25, • For discussion,
1994 how does the
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1994/aug1994/gr_115 internet affect the
455_1994.html) steps?

Statutory Construction - SCNN14L 4

 o Arroyo v. De Venecia, G.R. No. 127255 June 26, 1998
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1998/jun1998/gr_1272
55_1998.html) • Digest each case
assigned

Evidence of due Enactment of Statutes

• Field v. Clark 143 U.S. 63
(http://supreme.justia.com/us/143/649/case.html)
• Mabanag v. Lopez Vito, G.R. No. L-1123. March 5, 1947
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1947/mar1947/gr_l-
1123_1947.html)
• Casco Phil. Chemical Co. v. Gimenez, G.R. No. L-17931.
February 28, 1963
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1963/feb1963/gr_l-
17931_1963.html)
• Morales v. Subido, G.R. No. L-29658. November 29, 1968
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1968/nov1968/gr_l-
29658_1968.html)
• Abakada Guro Party List v. Executive Secretary, G.R. No.
168056 September 1, 2005
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/sep2005/gr_168056_200
5.html )

Journal Entry Rule

Astorga v. Villegas. G.R. No. L-23475. April 30, 1974.
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1974/apr1974/gr_l_23475_1974.ht
ml)

Assignment for 18
Effectivity, Where Jul ‘11
Territorial Extent of Operation
• 1987 Constitution Article 1
• 1935 Constitution Article 1
(http://www.filipiniana.net/publication/the-1935-constitution-of- Consider the
the-philippines/12791881595430/2/0) differences between the
• Republic Act 9522 1935 & the 1987
• Civil Code Articles 14 & 15 Constitution.
• Revised Penal Code, Article 2
• People v. Lollo. G.R. No. 17958. February 27, 1922
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1922/feb1922/gr_l-
Considering RA 9522,
17958_1922.html)
• L. B. Bautista. The Historical Context and Legal Basis of the up to what point is
Philippine Treaty Limits. Philippine jurisdiction
(http://www.hawaii.edu/aplpj/articles/APLPJ_10.1_bautista.pdf) to prosecute crimes?

Statutory Construction - SCNN14L 5

Effectivity, What
Language of the Statute that Shall Prevail
• 1987 Constitution Article XIV, Sections 6-8
Digest each case
• Administrative Code of 1987, Section 20
assigned.
• United States v. Go Chico G. R. 4963. September 15, 1909
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1909/sep1909/gr_4963_1909. Read Agpalo
html)
• United States v. Toribio G.R. No. L-5060. January 26, 1910.
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1910/jan1910/gr_l-
5060_1910.html)

Effectivity, Exactly When

Manner of Computing Time
• Civil Code Article 13
• National Marketing Corporation v. Tecson. G.R. No. L-
29131. August 27, 1969 Digest each case
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1969/a assigned.
ug1969/gr_l-29131_1969.php)
• Quizon v. Baltazar. G.R. No. Nos. L-23779-80 April 29, 1977 Read Agpalo
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1977/a
pr1977/gr_23779_80_1977.php)
• CIR v. Primetown Property G.R. No. 162155. August 28, 2007
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2007/a
ugust2007/162155.php)

Statutory Construction - SCNN14L 6

Effectivity, When
Of a Statute
1) Civil Code, Articles 2 and 14
(http://www.chanrobles.com/civilcodeofthephilippines1.htm)
2) Executive Order no. 200, s. 1987
(http://www.lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo1987/eo_200_1987.html)
as incorporated in the Executive Order No. 292 (Administrative Code of
1987), Section 18
(http://www.lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo1987/eo_292_1987.html).
3) Tanada v. Tuvera
a) 1985 Assignment for 25 Jul 2011
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1985/apr198
5/gr_l63915_1985.php) and 1986
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1986/dec198
6/gr_63915_1986.php) • Read Agpalo.
4) Philippine Veterans Bank Employees v. Vega, G. R. 105364. June 28,
2001
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2001/jun2001/10
5364.php) • Enumerate the steps needed
to make a statute, regulation
Of a Regulation and ordinance with the force
1) Executive Order No. 292 (Administrative Code of 1987), Book VII,
and effect of law.
Sections 2 – 9.
2) People v. Que Po Lay, G. R. No. L-11019. November 28, 1958
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1958/nov1958/gr
_l-11019_1958.php) • Will publication on the
3) Tanada v. Tuvera, supra
internet, considered
4) Yaokasin v. Commissioner of Customs, G.R. No. 84111. December 22,
1989. publication, as contemplated
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1989/dec1989/gr by the law and the cases?
_84111_1989.php)
5) Philippine International Trading Corporation v. Comm. On Audit.
G.R. No. 132593. June 25, 1999
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1999/jun99/1325
• Digest each case assigned.
93.php)
6) GMA Network, Inc. v. Movie & Television Review and Classification
Board, G.R. No. 148579. February 5, 2007.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2007/feb2007/14
8579.php)

Of an Ordinance
1) Local Government Code (RA 7160), Sections 54-59
2) Bagatsing v. Ramirez. G.R. No. L-41631 December 17, 1976
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1976/dec1976/gr
_41631_1976.php)

Statutory Construction - SCNN14L 7

Prospective & Retrospective Operation of Statutes,
Administrative Regulations, and Circulars and Judicial
Decisions
• 1987 Constitution, Article III, Section 22
• Civil Code Article 4
• Administrative Code of 1987, Section 9
• Revised Penal Code Article 22
• Read Agpalo
• Cases:
− People v. Sumilang, G.R. No. L-49187. December 18, 1946. 77 Phil. 764
(1946) (http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1946/dec1946/gr_l-
49187_1946.html) • Be prepared to
− Salcedo v. Carpio 89 Phil 254 (1951) compute time as
(http://www.scrulings.com/ruling.php?no=10743) provided in the
− Tiu San v. Republic. G.R. No. L-7301. April 20, 1955 cases and the
(http://www.scrulings.com/ruling.php?no=11923) readings.
− Chavez v. Court of Agrarian Relations. G.R. No. L-17814. October 31,
1963 (http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1963/oct1963/gr_l-
17814_1963.html)
• List the rules for the
− Buyco v. PNB G.R. No. L-14406. June 30, 1961.
prospective and
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1961/jun1961/gr_l-14406_1961.html)
retrospective
− Cebu Portland Cement v. CIR G. R. No. 20563. October 29, 1968 operation of
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1961/jun1961/gr_l-14406_1961.html) statutes, as per the
− Development Bank of the Philippines v. Court of Appeals G. R. No. law and the cases
28774 , February 28, 1980 provided.
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1980/feb1980/gr_28774_1980.html)
− Tac-an v. Court of Appeals. G. R. No. 38736. May 31, 1984.
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1984/may1984/gr_l38736_1984.html)
− Eugenio v. Drilon, G. R. 109404. January 22, 1996. • Digest each case
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1996/jan1996/gr_109404_1996.html) assigned.
− Alunan v. Mirasol. G. R. No. 108399. July 31, 1997
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1997/jul1997/gr_108399_1997.html)
− Co v. Court of Appeals. G. R. No. 100776. October 28, 1993
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1993/oct1993/gr_10
0776_1993.php

Statutory Construction - SCNN14L 8

Amendments, Revisions and Repeals
Amendments
• Estrada v. Caseda. G.R. No. L-1560. October 25, 1949
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1949/oct1949/gr_l-1560_1949.html)
• Erectors v. NLRC. G.R. No. 104215. May 8, 1996
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1996/may1996/gr_104215_1996.html)
• Manila Jockey Club v. Games and Amusement Board. G.R. No. L-12727 .
February 29, 1960 (http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1960/feb1960/gr_l-
12727_1960.html)
• Sarcos v. Castillo. G. R. 29755. January 31, 1969.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1969/jan1969/gr_l-
29755_1969.php)

Revisions and Codifications

• Montelibano v. Ferrer. 97 Phil 228 (1955)
Assignment for 01
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1955/jun1955/gr_l-
Aug ‘11
7899_1955.php)
• American Bible Society v. Manila. 101 Phil 386 (1957) Digest each case
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1957/apr1957/gr_l-
assigned.
9637_1957.php)
• ABS CBN Broadcasting Corp. v . Court of Appeals G. R. No. 52306. Read Agpalo
October 12, 1981
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1981/oct1981/gr_52 Please be ready to
306_1981.php) discuss the when,
• Mecano v. Commission on Audit. G. R. 103982. December 11, 1992. where, what, why and
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1992/dec1992/gr_1
how’s of repeals,
03982_1992.php)
amendments and
• Ortiz v. Commission on Elections G. R. 78957. June 28, 1988.
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1988/jun1988/gr_78957_1988.html) revisions….

Repeals
• Civil Code Article 7
• Administrative Code of 1987 Sections 21 and 22
• US v. Soliman G. R. L-11555. 36 Phil 5 (1917)
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1917/jan1917/gr_l-
11555_1917.php)
• Gaerlan v. Catubig G. R. 23964 June 1, 1966
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1966/jun1966/gr_l-
23964_1966.php)
• Iloilo Palay & Corn Planters v. Feliciano. G. R. No. 24022. March 3, 1965.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1965/mar1965/gr_l-
24022_1965.php)
• Lagman v. City of Manila G. R. No. 23305. June 30, 1966.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1966/jun1966/gr_l-
23305_1966.php)

Statutory Construction - SCNN14L 9

• National Power Corp. v. Arca G. R. No. 23309. October 31, 1969.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1968/oct1968/gr_l-
23309_1968.php)
• People v. Pimentel. G. R. 100210. April 1, 1998.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1998/apr1998/gr_1
00210_1998.php)
• Republic v. Marcopper Mining Corp. G. R. No. 137174. July 10, 2000.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2000/july2000/1371
74.php)
• Hagad v. Gozo-Dadole. G. R. 108072. December 12, 1995.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1995/dec1995/gr_1
08072_1995.php)
• Biragogo v. Philippine Truth Commission of 2010. G.R. No. 192935 .
December 7, 2010.
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2010/dec2010/gr_192935_2010.html)

Nature and Concept of Statutory Construction

• F. Frankfurter. Some Reflections on the Reading of Statutes. 47
Colum. L. Rev. 527-545 (1947) (
• http://www.criminology.fsu.edu/faculty/gertz/felixfrankfurter.html)
• Dickerson. The Interpretation and Application of Statutes. (1975).
Chap. 2-Four Constitutional
• F. I. de Sloovere. Preliminary Questions in Statutory Interpretation.
9 New York L. Q. Rev. 407 (1932)
• Jared Tobin Finkelstein, In re Brett: The Sticky Problem of Statutory
Construction, 52 Fordham L. Rev. 430 (1984), Read Agpalo
http://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/flr/vol52/iss4/1
• People v. Mapa. G. R. 22301. August 30, 1967.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1967/aug1967/
gr_l-22301_1967.php) Digest each case
• Luzon Surety Co., Inc. v. de Garcia. G. R. No. 25659. October 31, assigned.
1969.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1969/oct1969/
gr_l-25659_1969.php)
• Matabuena v. Cervantes. G. R. No. 28771. March 31, 1971. 38 SCRA
284.
• Alonzo v. Intermediate Appellate Court. G. R. N. 72873. May 28,
1987,
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1987/may1987/
gr_72873_1987.php)
• People v. Nazario. G. R. No. 44143. August 31, 1988.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1988/aug1988/
gr_l_44143_1988.php)

Statutory Construction - SCNN14L 10

Object & Methods of Construction
Methods of Determining Legislative Content

Verba legis or literal interpretation/plain meaning rule

• Colgate Palmolive Phil Inc. v. Gimenez. G. R. No. 14787. January 28, 1961.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1961/jan1961/gr_l-
14787_1961.php)
• Bolos v. Bolos. G.R. No. 186400 . October 20, 2010.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2010/october2010/186400.
php)
• Osea v. Malaya. G.R. No. 139821 : January 30, 2002.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2002/jan2002/139821.php)
• Signey v. Espinosa-Castillo. G.R. No. 173582. January 28, 2008.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2008/jan2008/173582.php)

Ratio legis or interpretation by considering the spirit and

reason of the law otherwise known as the Golden Rule Assignments for 15
• Hidalgo v. Hidalgo. G. R. Nos. 25326-27. May 29, 1970. Aug ‘11
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1970/may1970/gr_25326_1
970.php)
• Shiou v. Chim. G.R. No. 174168 : March 30, 2009.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2009/march2009/174168.p Read Agpalo
hp)

Mens Legislatoris/Mischief Rule

Digest each case
• United States v. Toribio, supra.
• Macabenta v. Davao Stevedore Terminal Co. G. R. No. 27489. April 30, 1971. 32
assigned
SCRA 553
• Shiou v. Chim. G.R. No. 174168 : March 30, 2009.

Equity of the Statute/Clean Hands Doctrine

• Civil Code Articles 9 and 10
• Amatan v. Aujereo. A. M. No. RTJ-93-956. September 27, 1995.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1995/sep1995/am_rtj_93_9
56_1995.php)
• Abacus Securities v. Ampil. G. R. 160016. February 27, 2006.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2006/feb2006/G.R.%20N
o.%20160016.php)
• AHS Philippines v. Court of Appeals. G.R. No. 111807. June 14, 1996.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1996/jun1996/111807.php)
• Tala Realty Services Corporation v. Court of Appeals. G.R. No. 130088 : April 7,
2009.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2009/april2009/130088.ph
p)

Statutory Construction - SCNN14L 11

Aids in Interpretation & Construction
Intrinsic Aids
• Manila Trading & Supply Company v. Register of Deeds. G. R. No.
5623. January 28, 1954.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1954/jan1954/gr_l-
5623_1954.php)

Title
• Central Capiz v. Ramirez, 40 Phil 883. (1920)
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1920/mar1920/gr_l
-16197_1920.php)
Assignment for 22
Preamble Aug. ‘11
• People v. Purisima. G. R. Nos. 42050-66. November 20, 1978.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1954/jan1954/gr_l- Read Agpalo
5623_1954.php)

Punctuation Marks
Digest each case
• US v. Hart. 26 Phil 149 (1913)
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1913/nov1913/gr_l- assigned.
8848_1913.php)
• People v. Subido. G. R. No. 21734. September 5, 1975.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1975/sep1975/gr_21
734_1975.php)

Definition, Sections and Interpretation Clauses

• People v. Buenviaje. G. R. No. 22945. 47 Phil 536. March 3, 1925.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw19252.htm)

Capitalization of Letters
• Unabia v. City Mayor. G.R. No. L-8759. May 25, 1956. 99 Phil 253
(http://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/1956maydecisions.php?id=193)

Statutory Construction - SCNN14L 12

Extrinsic Aids

Legislative History Prior to Enactment

Contemporaneous Circumstances
• Philippine Sugar Centrals Agency v. Collector of Customs. G.R. No. L-
27761. December 6, 1927. 51 Phil 131
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1927/dec1927/gr_l-
27761_1927.php)

Policy
• Sarcos v. Castillo, supra.

Legislative History of Statute

• Olive v. La Madrid G. R. No. 23196. October 31, 1967.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1967/oct1967/gr_l-
23196_1967.php) Read Agpalo
• Celestial Mining Exploration Corporation v. Macroasia Corporation. G.
R. No. 169080. December 19, 2007.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2007/december20 Digest each case
07/169080.php) assigned.
Contemporaneous and Practical Construction
• University of the Philippines v. Court of Appeals. G. R. No. 28153. January
28, 1971.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1971/jan1971/gr_281
53_1971.php)
• Nestle Philippines v. Court of Appeals. G. R. No. 86738. November 13,
1991.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1991/nov1991/gr_8
6738_1991.php)

Other Aids
• Dictionaries
• Documents
• Scientific and Political Writing
• Legal Treatises

Statutory Construction - SCNN14L 13

Interpretation and Construction in Relation to
Language of the Statute
Common Meaning Rule
• Song Kiat Chocolate Factory v. Central Bank of the Philippines. G.R. No. L-
8888. November 29, 1957.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1957/nov1957/gr_l-
8888_1957.php)
• Kuenzle & Streiff v. Collector of Customs. 32 Phil 510 (1915)
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1915/sep1915/gr_8019_1915.
php)
• Tan, et. al. v. People. G. R. 115507. May 19, 1998.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1998/may1998/115507.php)

Terms with Legal Meaning

• Bernardo v. Bernardo. G. R. No. 5872 November 29, 1954.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1954/nov1954/gr_l-
5872_1954.php)
• China Banking Corporation v. HDMF Board of Trustees. G.R. No. 131787. Assignment for 29
May 19, 1999 Aug. ‘11
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1999/may99/131787.php)
Read Agpalo
Terms with Multiple Meaning
• Carandang v. Santiago. G.R. No. L-8238. May 25, 1955. Digest each case
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1955/may1955/gr_l-
assigned.
8238_1955.php)
• Malanyaon v. Lising. G. R. No. 56028. July 30, 1981.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/1981julydecisions.php?id=19)

Doctrine of Associated Words or Noscitur a Sociis

• Caltex Philippines v. Palomar. G.R. No. L-19650. September 29, 1966.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1966/sep1966/gr_l-
19650_1966.php)
• People v. Santiago. G.R. No. L-17663. May 30, 1962
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1962/may1962/gr_l-
17663_1962.php)
• Buenaseda v. Flavier. G.R. No. 106719. September 21, 1993.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1993/sep1993/gr_106719_1
993.php)
• Kua v. Barbers. G.R. No. 159410. January 28, 2008.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2008/jan2008/159410.php)
• Aboitiz Shipping Corporation v. Court of Appeals. G.R. No. 89757. August 6,
1990.(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1990/aug1990/gr_89
757_1990.php)

Statutory Construction - SCNN14L 14

Interpretation and Construction in Relation to
Language of the Statute
Ejusdem Generis
• Mutuc v. Commission on elections. G. R. 32717. November 26, 1970.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1970/nov1970/gr_32717_19
70.php)
• People v. Echaves. G.R. No. L-47757-61. January 28, 1980.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1980/jan1980/gr_47757_61
_1980.php)
• Parayno v. Jovellanos. G.R. No. 148408. July 14, 2008.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2006/july2006/G.R.%20N
o.%20148408.php)

Expressio Unius Exclusio Alterius Rule

• Manabat v. de Aquino 92 Phil 1025 (1915)
• Canlas v. Republic 103 Phil 712 (1953)
• Centeno v. Villalon-Pomillos. G. R. No. 113092. September 1, 1994.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1994/sep1994/gr_113092_1
994.php)

Casus Omissus Rule Read Agpalo

• People v. Manantan. G. R. No. 14129. July 31, 1962.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1962/jul1962/gr_l-
14129_1962.php)
• La Bugal B-laan Tribal Association, Inc. v. Ramos. G. R. No. 127882. January 27, Digest each case
2004. assigned
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2004/jan2004/127882.php
)
• Commission on Audit of the Province of Cebu v. the Province of Cebu. G.R. No.
141386. November 29, 2001.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2001/nov2001/141386.php)

Ubi Lex Non Distinguit Nec Nos Distinguere Debemos

• Intestate Estate of Manolita Gonzalez Vda. De Carungcong v. People. G.R. No.
181409 : February 11, 2010.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2010/february2010/181409.
php)
• Pilar v. Comelec. G.R. No. 115245 . July 11, 1995.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1995/jul1995/gr_115245_19
95.php)

Doctrine of Last Antecedent

• Florentino v. Philippine National Bank. G.R. No. L-8782. April 28, 1956.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1956/apr1956/gr_l-
8782_1956.php)
• Mapa v. Arroyo. G. R. No. 78585. July 5, 1989.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1989/jul1989a/gr_78585_19
89.php)
• Mendoza v. Palacio. G.R. No. L-658. October 25, 1946

Statutory Construction - SCNN14L 15

 (http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1946/oct1946/gr_l-
658_1946.php)

Redendo Singula Singulis

• People v. Tamani. G. R. Nos. 22160-61. January 21, 1974.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1974/jan1974/gr_l_22160_
61_1974.php)
• CIR v. PLDT. G.R. No. 140230. December 15, 2005.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2005/dec2005/140230.php
)

Doctrine of Necessary Implication

• Escribano v. Avila. G. R. 30375. September 12, 1978.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1978/sep1978/gr_30375_19
78.php)
• Atienza v. Villarosa. G. R. No. 161081. May 10, 2005.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2005/may2005/161081.php
)

Verbal or Clerical Errors

• Rufino Lopez & Sons v. Court of Tax Appeals. G. R. No. 9274.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1957/feb1957/gr_l-
9274_1957.php)

Number, Gender and Tense

• Santillon v. Miranda. G. R. No. 19281. June 30, 1986.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1965/jun1965/gr_l-
19281_1965.php)

Conjunctive & Disjunctive Words

• San Miguel Corp. v. Municipal Council G. R. No. 30761. July 11, 1973.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1973/jul1973/gr_30761_197
3.php)
• Amon Trading Corporation v. Court of Appeals. G. R. No. 158585. December 13,
2005.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2005/dec2005/158585.php)

Use of “Shall” or “May”

• Bersabal v. Salvador. G. R. No. 35910. July 21, 1978.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1978/jul1978/gr_35910_197
8.php)
• Fule v. Court of Appeals, G. R. No. 79094. June 22, 1988.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1988/jun1988/gr_79094_1
988.php)
• Office of the Ombudsman v. Court of Appeals. G. R. 159395. May 7, 2008.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2008/may2008/159395.php
)

Statutory Construction - SCNN14L 16

Construction of the Statute as a Whole, Its Part &
Other Statutes
• Aboitiz Shipping v. City of Cebu. G. R. No. 14526. March 21, 1965.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1965/mar1965/gr_l-
14526_1965.php)
• Araneta v. Concepcion. G. R. No. 9667. July 31, 1956.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/1956julydecisions.php?id=269)
• Magtajas & City of Cagayan de Ora v. Pryce Properties Corp. &
PAGCOR, G. R. No. 111097. July 20, 1994.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1994/jul1994/gr_11
1097_1994.php)
• Laguna Lake Development Authority v. Court of Appeals. G. R. Nos.
120865-71. December 7, 1995.
Assignment for 05
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1995/dec1995/gr_12
0865_71_1995.php) Sep ‘11
• U. P. Board of Regents v. Aud. General. G. R. No. 19617. October 31, Please read Agpalo
1969.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1969/oct1969/gr_l- Digest each case
19617_1969.php) assigned.
• National Tobacco Administration v. Comm. On Audit. G. R. No. 119385.
August 5, 1999.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1999/aug99/119385.
php)
• Tan Co v. Civil Register of Manila. G. R. No. 138496. February 23, 2004.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2004/feb2004/138
496.php)
• Bangus Fry Fisherfolk et. al. v. Lanzanas. G. R. 131442. July 10, 2003.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2003/jul2003/13144
2.php)
• MMDA v. Concerned Residents of Manila Bay. G. R. No. 171947-48.
Deember 18, 2008.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence2008/december20
08/171947-48.php)

Statutory Construction - SCNN14L 17

Strict & Liberal Construction: Mandatory & Directory
• People v. Terrado. G. R. No. 23625. November 25, 1983.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1983/nov1983/gr_l_
23625_1983.php)
• Santos To v. Cruz-Pano. G. R. No. 55130. January 17, 1983.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1983/jan1983/gr_l_
55130_1983.php)
• In re Amount of the Monthly Pension of Judges. A. M. No. 90-9-019-SC.
October 4, 1990.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1990/oct1990/am_ Please read Agpalo
90_9_019_sc_1990.php)
Digest each case
• Alpha Investigation & Security Agency v. NLRC. G. R. No. 111722. May
assigned.
27, 1997.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1997/may1997/gr_1
11722_1997.php)
• Bermudez v. Executive Secretary Torres. G. R. No. 131429. August 4,
1999.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1999/aug99/131429
.php)

Constitutional Construction
• Dela Cruz v. Paras, G. R. Nos. 42571-72. July 25, 1983.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1983/jul1983/gr_l_
42571_72_1983.php)
• Nitafan v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue. G. R. No. 78780. July 23,
1987.
• Cordillera Broad Coalition v. Commission on Audit. G. R. Nos. 79958 &
82217. January 29, 1990. (http://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw19908.htm)
• Ordillo v. Commission on Elections. G. R. No. 93054. December 4, 1990. Please read Agpalo &
(http://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/1990decemberdecisions.php?id=22) Alcantara.
• Calderon v. Carale. G. R. No. 91636. April 23, 1992.
(http://www.chanrobles.com/scdecisions/jurisprudence1992/apr1992/gr_9 Digest each case
1636_1992.php) assigned.
• Manila Prince Hotel v. GSIS. G. R. No. 122156. February 3, 1997.
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1997/feb1997/gr_122156_1997.html)
• Central Bank Employees Association v. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. G.
R. No. 148208. December 15, 2004.
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/dec2004/gr_148208_2004.html
)
• Province of Rizal v. Executive Secretary. G. R. No. 129546. December 13,
2005.
(http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/dec2005/gr_129546_2005.html)

Statutory Construction - SCNN14L 18