Title
Javier vs. Bachrach Motor Co., Inc.
Case
G.R. No. 38502
Decision Date
Aug 17, 1933
A 1932 case where the Supreme Court upheld the Public Service Commission's authority to modify a taxicab operator's certificate despite an attachment, ruling the change from Austin cars to Bantam Fords was procedural, not substantive.
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Case Digest (G.R. No. 38502)

Facts:

  1. Grant of Certificate of Public Convenience:
    On August 24, 1932, the Public Service Commission granted Francisco Javier a certificate of public convenience to operate a taxicab service within Manila and surrounding areas. Javier stated his intention to use midget motor vehicles, specifically Austin cars.

  2. Attachment of Javier's Interests:
    On August 18, 1932, the Bachrach Motor Company, Inc. filed a complaint against Javier in the Court of First Instance of Manila for P20,000. A writ of attachment was issued, and the sheriff garnished Javier's interests in the certificate of public convenience.

  3. Substitution of Vehicles:
    Javier later filed a motion with the Public Service Commission to substitute Bantam Fords for Austin cars. The Commission granted this motion ex-parte, without a hearing.

  4. Intervention by Bachrach Motor Company:
    The Bachrach Motor Company, Inc. filed a motion as an intervenor, seeking reconsideration of the Commission's order. They argued that the attachment of Javier's interests prevented the Commission from modifying the certificate.

  5. Denial of Motion:
    The Public Service Commission denied the motion, stating that the modification was in form, not substance. The Bachrach Motor Company, Inc. appealed this decision.

Issue:

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Ruling:

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Ratio:

  1. Attachment Does Not Paralyze Commission's Authority:
    The Court held that an attachment does not prevent the Public Service Commission from exercising its regulatory functions over public utilities. Such a doctrine would be contrary to public interest.

  2. Modification in Form, Not Substance:
    The substitution of Bantam Fords for Austin cars was a modification in form, not substance. The Commission retained the authority to make such changes without being hindered by the attachment.

  3. No Need to Address Other Issues:
    Having resolved the primary issue, the Court found it unnecessary to address other questions raised in the briefs.


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