Case Digest (G.R. No. 129093)
Facts:
In Jose D. Lina, Jr., Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Laguna, and Hon. Calixto Cataquiz v. Hon. Francisco Dizon PaaO and Tony Calvento (G.R. No. 129093, August 30, 2001), respondent Tony Calvento was appointed by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on December 29, 1995 to install Terminal OM 20 for lotto operations in San Pedro, Laguna. On February 19, 1996, Mayor Calixto Cataquiz denied Calvento’s application for a mayor’s permit, citing Kapasiyahan Blg. 508, Taon 1995, a policy resolution of the Laguna Provincial Board dated September 18, 1995. That resolution merely expressed the provincial government’s objection to illegal gambling, including lotto, but contained no self-executing prohibition. Calvento then filed a complaint for declaratory relief, seeking a preliminary injunction, issuance of a mayor’s permit, and annulment of the resolution. On February 10, 1997, the Regional Trial Court of San Pedro, Laguna (Branch 93) enjoined petitioners from enforcing the resoCase Digest (G.R. No. 129093)
Facts:
- Parties and Procedural Posture
- Petitioners: Hon. Jose D. Lina, Jr., Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Laguna, and Hon. Calixto Cataquiz, Mayor of San Pedro, Laguna.
- Respondents: Hon. Francisco Dizon PaaO, Regional Trial Court Judge, Branch 93; Tony Calvento, PCSO agent.
- Subject: Petition for review on certiorari of RTC decision (Feb 10, 1997) enjoining enforcement of Kapasiyahan Blg. 508, T. 1995, and RTC order (Apr 21, 1997) denying motion for reconsideration.
- Factual Chronology
- December 29, 1995 – Calvento appointed by PCSO to install Terminal OM 20 for lotto operations.
- February 19, 1996 – Mayor Cataquiz denies Calvento’s application for a mayor’s permit, citing Kapasiyahan Blg. 508, T. 1995 (Sept. 18, 1995), which “strongly opposes” all forms of gambling, especially lotto.
- March 1996 – Calvento files a complaint for declaratory relief with prayer for preliminary injunction, seeking to:
- Enjoin enforcement of Kapasiyahan Blg. 508, T. 1995;
- Compel issuance of the business permit; and
- Declare the Kapasiyahan invalid.
- February 10, 1997 – RTC issues decision enjoining petitioners from implementing Kapasiyahan Blg. 508, T. 1995.
- April 21, 1997 – RTC denies petitioners’ motion for reconsideration.
- May 23, 1997 – Petitioners elevate the case to the Supreme Court under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court.
Issues:
- Whether Kapasiyahan Blg. 508, T. 1995 of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Laguna and the consequent denial of a mayor’s permit are valid.
- Whether Sections 2(c) and 27 of Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code) require prior consultations and approval by the sanggunian before a lotto system may be operated.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Doctrine:
- (Subscriber-Only)