Professional Documents
Culture Documents
SUPREME COURT
MANILA
EN BANC
-versus-
COMMENT
[On the Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition with Urgent
Prayer for Issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order
and/or Writ of Preliminary Injunction
dated 11 October 2018]
1
An Act Providing For The Organic Law For The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region In Muslim Mindanao,
Repealing For The Purpose Republic Act No. 6734, Entitled “An Act Providing For An Organic Act For
The Autonomous Region In Muslim Mindanao,” As Amended By Republic Act No. 9054, Entitled “An
Act To Strengthen And Expand The Organic Act For The Autonomous Region In Muslim Mindanao”
2
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
COUNTER-STATEMENT OF
RELEVANT FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS
2
Separate Opinion of Associate Justice Dante Tiñga in Sema v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 177597, July 16,
2008.
3
Separate Opinion of Associate Justice Samuel Martires in Lagman v. Medialdea, G.R. No. 231658, July 4,
2017 citing Rommel Banlaoi, Al-Harakatul Al-Islamiyyah, Essays on the Abu Sayyaf Group, pp. 24-25
(3rd ed.).
4
Separate Concurring Opinion of Chief Justice Reynato Puno in Province of North Cotabato v. GRP Peace
Panel on Ancestral Domain, G.R. No. 183591, October 14, 2008.
5
Ibid. citing T.J.S. George, Revolt in Mindanao: The Rise of Islam in Philippine Politics (1980) and Cesar
Majul, The Contemporary Muslim Movement in the Philippines (1985), cited in Thomas M. McKenna,
Muslim Rulers and Rebels, Everyday Politics and Armed Separatism in Southern Philippines, p. 141
(1998).
3
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
6
Ibid.
7
Ibid.
8
Ibid.
4
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
1.Basilan
2. Sulu
3. Tawi-tawi
4. Zamboanga del Sur
5. Zamboanga del Norte
6. North Cotabato
7. Maguindanao
8. Sultan Kudarat
9. Lanao del Norte
10. Lanao del Sur
11. Davao del Sur
12. South Cotabato
13. Palawan
Third:
5
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
6
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
autonomy.
9
Emphasis supplied.
10
P.D. No. 1092 was later amended by P.D. No. 1111 entitled "Further Amending Presidential Decree No.
1092, As Amended By Presidential Decree No. 1104, Providing For The Holding Of A Referendum
Through The Remark Sheets On The Occasion Of And In Connection With The April 17, 1977 Regional
Plebiscite In Southwestern Philippines, Prescribing Certain Questions For Voters' Remarks, And For Other
Purposes” (issued March 30, 1977); P.D. No. 1104 entitled "Authorizing The Use Of Remarks Sheets In
The March 1977 Regional Plebiscite, Further Amending For The Purpose Presidential Decree No. 1092, As
Amended" (issued March 3, 1977); and P.D. No. 1098 entitled "Resetting The Date Of The Regional
Plebiscite In Regions IX And XII And In The Provinces Of Palawan, Davao Del Sur And South Cotabato"
(issued February 25, 1977). See P.D. No. 1618, First Whereas Clause.
11
P.D. No. 1618, Fourth Whereas Clause.
12
President Marcos’ Proclamation No. 1628, March 25, 1977, Second Whereas Clause.
7
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
13
Ibid. at Third Whereas Clause.
14
Ibid. at Fourth Whereas Clause.
8
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
9
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
10
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
11
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
12
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
21
Ibid.
13
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
22
E.O. No. 19, Section 2(a).
23
See Kroc Institute For International Peace Studies, University Of Notre Dame, Peace Accords Matrix,
available at Peace Accords Matrix, https://Peaceaccords.Nd.Edu/Provision/Cease-Fire-Mindanao-Final-
Agreement (last accessed December 17, 2018). A Statement of Understanding, as well as a Memorandum
of Agreement, was signed in the 1st Round of Formal Peace Talks held in Jakarta, Indonesia from 25
October 25-November 7, 1993. An Interim Agreement was signed in the 2nd Round of Formal Peace Talks
held in Jakarta on September 1-5, 1994, and Interim Agreement was signed in the 3rd Round of Formal
Peace Talks held in Jakarta on November 27-December 1, 1995, an Interim Agreement was signed in the
4th Round of Formal Peace Talks held in Jakarta on August 29, 1996, and nine (9) other meetings were
held in various places and dates in the Philippines and Indonesia.
14
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
24
Ibid.
15
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
16
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
25
Dunguan, Lower Mingading, and Tapodoc in the Municipality of Aleosan ; Manarapan and Nasapian in
the Municipality of Carmen; Nanga-an, Simbuhay, and Sanggadong in the Municipality of Kabacan;
Damatulan, Kadigasan, Kadingilan, Kapinpilan, Kudarangan, Central Labas, Malingao, Mudseng,
Nabalawag, Olandang, Sambulawan, and Tugal in the Municipality of Midsayap; Lower Baguer,
Balacayon, Buricain, Datu Binasing, Kadingilan, Matilac, Patot, and Lower Pangangkalan in the
Municipality of Pigkawayan; and Bagoinged, Balatican, S. Balong, S. Balongis, Batulawan, Buliok,
Gokotan, Kabasalan, Lagunde, Macabual, and Macasendeg in the Municipality of Pikit. See Article III,
Section 2(c) of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
17
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
26
Separate Concurring Opinion of Chief Justice Reynato Puno in Province of North Cotabato v. GRP Peace
Panel on Ancestral Domain, G.R. No. 183591, October 14, 2008.
27
Ibid. citing Memorandum of the Respondent Government of the Republic of the Philippines Peace Panel
on the Ancestral Domain, September 26, 2008, p. 10.
18
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
28
Ibid.
29
Ibid.
30
G.R. No. 183591.
19
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
20
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
V. TERRITORY
21
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
22
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
23
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
24
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
31
2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, p. 4, emphasis supplied.
25
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
32
G.R. No. 218406, November 29, 2016.
33
E.O. No. 08, Section 2.
26
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
27
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
34
See COMELEC Minute Resolution No. 18-0720 attached to the Petition as Annex “B”.
35
A certified true copy of COMELEC Resolution No. 10425 is attached hereto as Annex “1” and is made
an integral part hereof.
36
A certified true copy of COMELEC Resolution No. 10432 is attached hereto as Annex “2” and is made
an integral part hereof.
28
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
37
A certified true copy of COMELEC Minute Resolution No. 18-1162 is attached hereto as Annex “3” and
is made an integral part hereof.
38
A certified true copy of COMELEC Resolution No. 10464 is attached hereto as Annex “4” and is made
an integral part hereof.
39
A certified copy of COMELEC Resolution No. 10466 is attached hereto as Annex “5” and is made an
integral part hereof.
29
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
I.
THIS HONORABLE COURT’S POWER OF
JUDICIAL REVIEW DOES NOT INCLUDE
PURELY POLITICAL QUESTIONS. IN ANY
CASE, NO ABUSE OF DISCRETION, MUCH
LESS GRAVE, CAN BE ASCRIBED AGAINST
THE PUBLIC RESPONDENTS FOR ENACTING
AND IMPLEMENTING THE BANGSAMORO
ORGANIC LAW. THE WRITS OF CERTIORARI
AND PROHIBITION, THEREFORE, DO NOT LIE
AGAINST THEM.
40
See Memorandum Circular No. 54.
41
RULES OF COURT , Rule 22, Section 1. How to compute time. — In computing any period of time
prescribed or allowed by these Rules, or by order of the court, or by any applicable statute, the day of the
act or event from which the designated period of time begins to run is to be excluded and the date of
performance included. If the last day of the period, as thus computed, falls on a Saturday a Sunday, or a
legal holiday in the place where the court sits, the time shall not run until the next working day.
30
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
II.
CONGRESS RETAINS THE PLENARY POWER
TO AMEND AND REPEAL THE ORGANIC ACT
THAT CREATED THE AUTONOMOUS REGION
IN MUSLIM MINDANAO. THE POWER TO
AMEND AND REPEAL LAWS IS INCLUDED IN
THE GENERAL AND EXPRESS GRANT OF
LEGISLATIVE POWER UNDER SECTION 1,
ARTICLE VI OF THE 1987 CONSTITUTION.
III.
THE AUTOMATIC INCLUSION OF THE
PROVINCE OF SULU AND OTHER
CONSTITUENT POLITICIAL UNITS OF THE
CURRENT ARMM IN THE PROPOSED
BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION DOES
NOT VIOLATE SECTION 18, ARTICLE X OF
THE 1987 CONSITUTION.
IV.
UNDER THE PLENARY POWER OF CONGRESS
TO DETERMINE THE TERRITORY OF THE
PROPOSED BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS
REGION, THE INCLUSION OF THE CURRENT
CONSTITUENT UNITS OF THE ARMM IN THE
PROPOSED BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS
REGION DOES NOT VIOLATE THE IDENTITY
AND THE RIGHTS OF THE NON-MORO
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES. FURTHER, THE
BANGSAMORO ORGANIC LAW CLEARLY
PROVIDES FOR THE PROTECTION AND
PREFERENTIAL RIGHTS OF THE NON-MORO
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF MINDANAO.
V.
THE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT OF THE
BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION
COMPLIES WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF
SECTION 18, ARTICLE X OF THE 1987
CONSTITUTION.
31
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
A.
SECTION 18, ARTICLE X OF THE 1987
CONSTITUTION REQUIRES ONLY THAT THE
BASIC STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT OF THE
AUTONOMOUS REGIONS CONSIST OF AN
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT AND A
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, BOTH OF WHICH
ARE PRESENT IN THE PROPOSED
BANGSAMORO GOVERNMENT. THE 1987
CONSTITUTION DOES NOT REQUIRE
CONGRESS TO ADOPT A STRUCTURE AKIN TO
A PRESIDENTIAL FORM OF GOVERNMENT
FOR THE AUTONOMOUS REGIONS, AND
THUS, HAS THE DISCRETION OF ADOPTING A
PARLIAMENTARY FORM OF GOVERNMENT
INSTEAD.
B.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE BANGSAMORO
GOVERNMENT IS COMPLIANT WITH THE
REQUIREMENTS UNDER SECTION 18,
ARTICLE X OF THE 1987 CONSTITUTION.
VI.
THE CONSTITUTION ALLOWS CONGRESS TO
CONSTITUTE A BODY THAT WILL IMPLEMENT
THE BANGSAMORO ORGANIC LAW DURING
THE TRANSITION PERIOD. FURTHERMORE,
THE SELECTION OF THE MILF AS THE
LEADING ENTITY OF THE BANGSAMORO
TRANSITION AUTHORITY DOES NOT
VIOLATE THE EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE.
VII.
THE FORMATION OF AN AUTONOMOUS
REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO IS MADE
MANDATORY BY NO LESS THAN THE
CONSTITUTION. NO INFRINGEMENT OF THE
NON-ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE MAY BE
IMPUTED AGAINST THE STATE FOR
FULFILLING THIS MANDATE.
32
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
VIII.
PETITIONER IS NOT ENTITLED TO A
TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER AND
WRIT OF PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION.
A.
PETITIONER HAS NO CLEAR AND
UNMISTAKABLE RIGHT TO THE INJUNCTIVE
RELIEF PRAYED FOR. ITS ALLEGATIONS ARE
SPECULATIVE, MAKING ITS APPLICATION
FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF PREMATURE.
B.
PETITIONER FAILED TO SHOW THAT IT WILL
SUFFER GRAVE AND IRREPARABLE INJURY IF
INJUNCTIVE RELIEF IS NOT ISSUED.
C.
THE PUBLIC WILL SUFFER GRAVE AND
IRREPARABLE INJURY IF INJUNCTIVE
RELIEF IS ISSUED.
DISCUSSION
I.
THIS HONORABLE COURT’S POWER OF
JUDICIAL REVIEW DOES NOT INCLUDE
PURELY POLITICAL QUESTIONS. IN ANY
CASE, NO ABUSE OF DISCRETION, MUCH
LESS GRAVE, CAN BE ASCRIBED AGAINST
THE PUBLIC RESPONDENTS FOR ENACTING
AND IMPLEMENTING THE BANGSAMORO
ORGANIC LAW. THE WRITS OF CERTIORARI
AND PROHIBITION, THEREFORE, DO NOT LIE
AGAINST THEM.
42
G.R. No. 209287, July 1, 2014.
33
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
43
Petition, pp. 3 – 4.
44
Ibid.
45
G.R. No. 193459, February 15, 2011.
46
G.R. No. 160261, November 10, 2003.
47
Ibid. emphasis supplied.
48
G.R. No. 231658, July 4, 2017.
34
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
II.
CONGRESS RETAINS THE PLENARY POWER
TO AMEND AND REPEAL THE ORGANIC ACT
THAT CREATED THE AUTONOMOUS REGION
IN MUSLIM MINDANAO. THE POWER TO
AMEND AND REPEAL LAWS IS INCLUDED IN
THE GENERAL AND EXPRESS GRANT OF
LEGISLATIVE POWER UNDER SECTION 1 ,
ARTICLE VI OF THE 1987 CONSTITUTION.
49
See for e.g., Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System v. COA, G.R. No. 195105, November 21,
2017 and Yu v. Hon. Reyes-Carpio, G.R. No. 189207, June 15, 2011.
50
1987 PHIL. CONST ., Article X, Sections 1 and 15.
35
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
51
Emphasis and underscoring supplied.
52
Government of the Philippine Islands v. Spinger, G.R. No. L-26979, April 1, 1927 citing Cooley's
Constitutional Limitations, pp. 126-131, 157-162 (7th ed.), emphasis supplied.
53
1987 PHIL. CONST ., Article VI, Section 1.
54
Anak Mindanao Party-List Group, et al. vs. The Executive Secretary, The Hon. Eduardo R. Ermita, et al.,
G.R. No. 166052, August 29, 2007.
55
Ople v. Torres, G.R. No. 127685, July 23, 1998.
56
Review Center Association of the Philippines vs. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, et al., G.R.
No. 180046, April 2, 2009.
57
Disomangcop v. Secretary of DPWH, G.R. No. 149848, November 25, 2004.
36
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
58
Datu Michael Abas Kida, et al., vs. Senate of the Philippines, et al., G.R. No. 196271, October 18, 2011.
59
Disomangcop v. Secretary of DPWH, G.R. No. 149848, November 25, 2004.
60
Datu Michael Abas Kida, et al., v. Senate of the Philippines, et al., G.R. No. 196271, October 18, 2011.
61
Disomangcop v. Secretary of DPWH, G.R. No. 149848, November 25, 2004.
37
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
38
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
62
Ibid. citing JOAQUIN BERNAS, S.J., THE 1987 CONST IT UT ION OF T HE REPUBLIC OF T HE PHILIPPINES: A
COMMENT ARY, p. 1103 (2003 ed.) and III RECORD OF T HE 1986 CONST IT UT IONAL COMMISSION, pp. 182 –
183.
63
Datu Michael Abas Kida, et al., v. Senate of the Philippines, et al., G.R. No. 196271, Octo ber 18, 2011.
64
Ibid., emphasis supplied.
65
G.R. No. 127383, August 18, 2005.
39
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
66
Concurring and Dissenting Opinion of Justice Reynato Puno in Defensor-Santiago v. COMELEC, G.R.
No. 127325, March 19, 1997.
67
Petition, p. 16.
40
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
III.
THE AUTOMATIC INCLUSION OF THE
PROVINCE OF SULU AND OTHER
CONSTITUENT POLITICIAL UNITS OF THE
CURRENT ARMM IN THE PROPOSED
BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION DOES
NOT VIOLATE SECTION 18, ARTICLE X OF
THE 1987 CONSITUTION.
68
Petition, p. 23.
69
Ibid. at p. 31.
41
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
42
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
70
III RECORD OF T HE 1986 CONST IT UT IONAL COMMISSION, p. 185, emphasis supplied.
71
Petition, p. 31.
43
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
72
R.A. No. 6734, Article XVII, Section 3 and R.A. No. 9054, Article XVIII, Section 4.
73
Petition, p. 31.
44
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
45
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
74
Chavez v. Judicial and Bar Council, G.R. No. 202242, July 17, 2012.
75
G.R. No. 89651, November 10, 1989.
76
Ibid.
77
Oxford University Press, “creation,” available at https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/creation
(last accessed December 21, 2018).
78
Merriam-Webster, “Creation,” available at https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/creation (last
accessed December 21, 2018).
46
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
79
Chavez v. Judicial and Bar Council, G.R. No. 202242, April 16, 2013.
47
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
xxx
80
R.A. No. 9054, Article IV, Section 2.
48
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
81
III RECORD OF T HE 1986 CONST IT UT IONAL COMMISSION, p. 190.
49
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
…84
82
Emphasis supplied.
83
G.R. No. 103328, October 19, 1992.
84
Ibid., emphasis and underscoring supplied.
50
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
85
Ibid., emphasis and underscoring supplied.
86
Ibid., emphasis supplied.
87
Ibid., emphasis and underscoring supplied.
88
Ibid., emphasis and underscoring supplied.
51
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
IV.
UNDER THE PLENARY POWER OF CONGRESS
TO DETERMINE THE TERRITORY OF THE
PROPOSED BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS
REGION, THE INCLUSION OF THE CURRENT
CONSTITUENT UNITS OF THE ARMM IN THE
PROPOSED BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS
REGION DOES NOT VIOLATE THE IDENTITY
AND THE RIGHTS OF THE NON-MORO
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES. FURTHER, THE
BANGSAMORO ORGANIC LAW CLEARLY
PROVIDES FOR THE PROTECTION AND
PREFERENTIAL RIGHTS OF THE NON-MORO
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF MINDANAO.
89
Petition, p. 32.
52
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
90
Ibid.
91
Pagcor vs. Thunderbird, G.R. No. 197942-43, 199528, March 26, 2014.
53
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
54
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
92
III RECORD OF T HE 1986 CONST IT UT IONAL COMMISSION, pp. 492 – 495; emphasis supplied.
93
Bernas, J., SJ. “The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines: A Commentary”, 2009 Ed ., p.
1139.
55
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
94
1987 PHIL. CONST ., Article X, Section 15.
95
Petition, pp. 34 – 35.
96
1987 PHIL. CONST ., Article II, Section 22.
56
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
97
Emphasis supplied.
98
Emphasis supplied.
57
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
xxx
99
Emphasis supplied.
100
Emphasis supplied.
58
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
101
Emphasis supplied.
59
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
60
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
102
Emphasis supplied.
61
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
V.
THE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT OF THE
BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION
COMPLIES WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF
SECTION 18, ARTICLE X OF THE 1987
CONSTITUTION.
62
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
A.
SECTION 18, ARTICLE X OF THE 1987
CONSTITUTION REQUIRES ONLY THAT THE
BASIC STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT OF THE
AUTONOMOUS REGIONS CONSIST OF AN
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT AND A
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, BOTH OF WHICH
ARE PRESENT IN THE PROPOSED
BANGSAMORO GOVERNMENT. THE 1987
CONSTITUTION DOES NOT REQUIRE
CONGRESS TO ADOPT A STRUCTURE AKIN TO
A PRESIDENTIAL FORM OF GOVERNMENT
FOR THE AUTONOMOUS REGIONS, AND
THUS, HAS THE DISCRETION OF ADOPTING A
PARLIAMENTARY FORM OF GOVERNMENT
INSTEAD.
63
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
105
Integrated Bar of the Philippines v. Zamora, G.R. No. 141284, August 15, 2000 citing Tañada v.
Cuenco, G.R. No. L-10520, February 28, 1957 and Baker v. Carr, 369 U.S. 186 (1962).
64
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
106
III RECORD OF T HE 1986 CONST IT UT IONAL COMMISSION, pp. 216 – 217, emphasis and underscoring
supplied.
65
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
107
Ibid. at pp. 400 – 401, emphasis supplied.
66
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
108
Local Government Code, Section 49.
109
G.R. Nos. 199802 & 208488, July 3, 2018.
110
Ibid. at p. 11.
67
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
68
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
112
February 5, 2018 Public Hearings of the Subcommittee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, p. 13, emphasis
supplied.
113
See February 5, 2018 Public Hearings of the Subcommittee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, p. 32.
114
See February 5, 2018 Public Hearings of the Subcommittee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, p. 28, where
former Chief Justice Davide said: “Further, I suggest that the item, “The Bangsamoro Parliament” under
that article enumerating certain powers should be transferred to the Article on the Bangsamoro Parliament.
I think that is its proper situs.”
69
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
115
G.R. No. 83896, February 22, 1991.
116
Ibid., emphasis supplied.
70
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
71
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
72
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
73
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
74
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
75
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
76
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
77
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
78
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
79
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
THE PRESIDING
OFFICER
(Mr. Rodrigo). Just a minute, please, the audience
is requested not to make any show
of approval or disapproval.
THE PRESIDING
OFFICER
(Mr. Rodrigo). The Chair would like-to call the
attention of the audience to please
refrain from any demonstration of
approval or disapproval.
80
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
THE PRESIDING
OFFICER
(Mr. Rodrigo). The Floor Leader is recognized.
THE PRESIDING
OFFICER
(Mr. Rodrigo). Commissioner Bacani is recognized.
81
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
82
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
117
III RECORD OF T HE 1986 CONST IT UT IONAL COMMISSION, pp. 225 – 228, emphasis and underscoring
supplied.
118
P.D. No. 1618, Section 35(b) states that, “The President shall have the power of general supervision and
control over the Autonomous Regions. In this connection, the President may call upon the Ministry of
Local Government and Community Development to assist him in the exercise of his supervision over the
Autonomous Regions, particularly in matters relating to the administration of the regions and their
relationships with the local government units therein.”
83
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
may not prescribe his own manner for the doing of the act.
He has no judgment on this matter except to see to it that
the rules are followed. 119
119
Drilon v. Lim, G.R. No. 112497, August 4, 1994.
84
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
SEN.
HONTIVEROS. Thank you, Sultan Abbas.
85
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
120
Emphasis supplied.
86
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
87
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
B.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE BANGSAMORO
GOVERNMENT IS COMPLIANT WITH THE
REQUIREMENTS UNDER SECTION 18,
ARTICLE X OF THE 1987 CONSTITUTION.
88
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
121
Petition, p. 21.
122
Ibid. at p. 22.
123
Funa v. Chairman Villar, G.R. No. 192791, April 24, 2012.
124
Black’s Law Dictionary, p. 609 (Rev. 4th ed., 1968).
125
R.A. No. 11054, Article VII, Section 32.
89
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
126
Emphasis supplied.
90
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
91
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
92
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
128
Ibid. at Section 7(a).
129
Ibid.
130
Ibid.
131
Ibid. at Section 7(b).
132
Ibid.
133
Ibid. at Section 7(c).
134
Ibid. at pp. 22 – 23.
93
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
135
Ibid. at Section 7(a).
136
Ibid. at Section 7(b).
137
Ibid. at Section 12.
138
Ibid. at Section 9.
94
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
139
Petition, p. 23.
140
See Francisco v. House of Representatives, G.R. No. 160261, November 10, 2003.
141
G.R. Nos. 199802 & 208488, July 3, 2018.
142
1987 PHIL. CONST ., Article X, Section 6.
143
G.R. Nos. 199802 & 208488, July 3, 2018.
95
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
VI.
THE CONSTITUTION ALLOWS CONGRESS TO
CONSTITUTE A BODY THAT WILL IMPLEMENT
THE BANGSAMORO ORGANIC LAW DURING
THE TRANSITION PERIOD. FURTHERMORE,
THE SELECTION OF THE MILF AS THE
LEADING ENTITY OF THE BANGSAMORO
TRANSITION AUTHORITY DOES NOT
VIOLATE THE EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE.
144
See R.A. 11054, Article XVI, Sections 1 and 12.
96
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
145
Petition, p. 41.
97
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
146
Ibid.
147
Ibid. pp. 35 – 42.
148
Ibid. pp. 41 – 42.
149
See R.A. No. 11054, Article XVI, Section 10.
150
See Bicameral Conference Committee on the Disagreeing Provisions of Senate Bill No. 1717 and House
Bill No. 6475 (Bangsamoro Basic Law), July 11, 2018, p. 82; July 12, 2018, pp. 232-233; AND July 18,
2018, pp. 119-120, 255-256, and 248. See also Committee On Local Government (Subcommittee on the
Bangsamoro Basic Law) Joint With The Committees On Constitutional Amendments And Revision Of
Codes; Ways And Means; And Finance, February 5, 2018, pp. 129-132.
151
See R.A. No. 11054, Article XVI, Section 4.
98
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
152
See Buklod ng Kawaning EIIB v. Zamora, G.R. Nos. 142801-802, July 10, 2001.
153
G.R. No. 143374, September 30, 2005.
154
Citation omitted.
155
G.R. No. 196271, October 18, 2011.
99
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
100
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
101
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
159
Garcia v. Hon. Drilon, G.R. No. 179267, June 25, 2013.
160
G.R. No. 179367, June 25, 2013.
161
Ibid.
162
Petition, pp. 41-42.
163
Petition, pp. 35-36.
102
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
VII.
THE FORMATION OF AN AUTONOMOUS
REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO IS MADE
MANDATORY BY NO LESS THAN THE
CONSTITUTION. NO INFRINGEMENT OF THE
NON-ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE MAY BE
IMPUTED AGAINST THE STATE FOR
FULFILLING THIS MANDATE.
164
R.A. No. 11054, Article XVI, Section 2; emphasis and underscoring supplied.
165
Id.
166
Petition, p, 42.
167
Id., p. 44
168
Id., p. 45.
169
Id.
103
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
170
The term is also used in Article X, Sections 1 and 19 of the Constitution.
171
III RECORD OF T HE 1986 CONST IT UT IONAL COMMISSION, p. 496.
172
Report of the Peace Council on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, p. 14, available at
http://www.bantaybayanihan.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/263331469-Full-report-Peace-Council-on-
the-BBL.pdf (last accessed December 13, 2018). See also III RECORD OF T HE 1986 CONST IT UT IONAL
COMMISSION, pp. 183, 185, 224, and 375; emphasis supplied.
104
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
173
III RECORD OF T HE 1986 CONST IT UT IONAL COMMISSION, p. 496.
174
Id.
175
1987 PHIL. CONST ., Article III, Section 5 states that: “No law shall be made respecting an establishment
of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession
and worship, without discrimination or preference shall forever be ed. No religious test shall be required for
the exercise of civil or political rights.”
176
A.M. No. 10-4-19-SC, March 7, 2017
105
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
177
JOAQUIN BERNAS, S.J., THE 1987 CONST IT UT ION OF T HE PHILIPPINES, p. 346 (2009 ed.).
106
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
VIII.
PETITIONER IS NOT ENTITLED TO A
TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER AND
WRIT OF PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION.
107
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
A.
PETITIONER HAS NO CLEAR AND
UNMISTAKABLE RIGHT TO THE INJUNCTIVE
RELIEF PRAYED FOR. ITS ALLEGATIONS ARE
SPECULATIVE, MAKING ITS APPLICATION
FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF PREMATURE.
178
Marquez v. The Presiding Judge Hon. Ismael B. Sanchez, et al., G.R. No. 141849, February 13, 2007,
515 SCRA 577, 594.
179
Cayabyab, et al. v. Dimson, et al., G.R. No. 223862, July 10, 2017, citing Australian Professional
Realty, Inc. v. Municipality of Padre Garcia, Batangas, G.R. No. 183367, March 14, 2012.
180
Buayan Cattle Company, Inc. v. Quintillan, et al., G.R. No. L-26970, March, 19 1984, 128 SCRA 276,
286, emphasis supplied.
181
Petition, p. 45.
108
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
109
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
B.
PETITIONER FAILED TO SHOW THAT IT WILL
SUFFER GRAVE AND IRREPARABLE INJURY IF
INJUNCTIVE RELIEF IS NOT ISSUED.
186
Ermita v. Hon. Aldecoa-Delorino, G.R. No. 177130, June 7, 2011, citing Social Security Commission v.
Bayona, G.R. No. L-13555, May 30, 1962; emphasis in the original.
187
G.R. No. L-27829, August 19, 1988.
110
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
188
Emphasis and underscoring supplied; citations omitted.
189
Petition, p. 6.
111
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
ARTICLE VII
CANVASSING OF VOTES BY THE PLEBISCITE BOARD OF
CANVASSERS
…190
112
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
C.
THE PUBLIC WILL SUFFER GRAVE AND
IRREPARABLE INJURY IF THE INJUNCTIVE
RELIEF IS ISSUED.
191
R.A. No. 11054, Section 3.
192
Ibid.
113
COMMENT
Province of Sulu v. Hon. Medialdea, et al.
G.R. No. 242255
x---------------------------x
PRAYER
114