Facts:

• The case involves a parcel of land owned by the Philippine Communications Satellite Corporation (PHILCOMSAT) in Pinugay, Baras, Rizal.
• This land contains the Philippine Space Communications Center (PSCC) and a satellite earth station, which is a crucial communications gateway for the Philippines.
• The surrounding area, cultivated by local farmers with fruit trees, rice, and corn, was declared a security zone under Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 1845 on April 30, 1982, and later amended by P.D. No. 1848 on July 29, 1982.
• The security zone encompasses a three-kilometer radius around the satellite earth station, totaling 5,654 hectares, including 700 hectares owned by PHILCOMSAT.
• In 1992, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) issued a Notice of Coverage to PHILCOMSAT, indicating the land would be placed under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
• PHILCOMSAT sought an exemption from CARP, arguing the land was essential for national defense and operational expansion.
• DAR rejected the exemption application, leading PHILCOMSAT to file a petition for review with the Court of Appeals, which ruled in favor of PHILCOMSAT.
• DAR then filed a petition for review on certiorari with the Supreme Court.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• The Supreme Court denied the petition and affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeals, declaring the subject landholdings of PHILCOMSAT exempt from CARP coverage due to their ...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court held that P.D. No. 1845 and P.D. No. 1848, issued before the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988, established the area around PHILCOMSAT's satellite earth station as a security zone to ensure its security and uninterrupted operation, given its vital role in national telecommunications and development.
• The decrees granted the Ministry of National Defense control and administration over the security zone, including the authority to determine occupancy and land use.
• The Court emphasi...continue reading