Facts:

• The case involves the Domestic Insurance Company of the Philippines (plaintiff-appellant) against Barber Line, Macondray & Co., Inc., and/or the Republic of the Philippines (defendants-appellees).
• On May 17, 1963, the SS Queensville loaded cargo in New York, U.S.A., destined for Centennial Commercial Corporation in Manila.
• Among the cargo were three cartons of shears, for which Barber Line issued a Bill of Lading.
• The vessel arrived in Manila on June 24, 1963, and discharged its cargo into the custody of the arrastre operator under the Bureau of Customs.
• Centennial Commercial Corporation completed all necessary shipping documents through the defendants and the Bureau of Customs.
• Due to alleged negligence by the defendants, certain items were not delivered, resulting in a loss of P8,800.92.
• The Domestic Insurance Company, as the insurer-subrogee, filed a suit for money against the defendants to recover the losses.
• The Republic of the Philippines was named as an alternative defendant.
• The lower court dismissed the case against the Republic, citing state immunity from suit without consent.
• The Domestic Insurance Company appealed the dismissal.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• The Supreme Court affirmed the dismissal of the case against the Republic of the Philippines, ruling that the stat...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Court reiterated established jurisprudence on state immunity from suit, especially regarding functions related to revenue assessment and collection, tariffs, and customs duties.
• The operation of the arrastre service by the ...continue reading