G.R. No. 83578 - Presidential Anti-Dollar Salting Task Force vs. Court of Appeals

Established by Presidential Decree No. 1936 (as amended by P.D. 2002) to investigate and prosecute “dollar-salting” activities (overvaluation of imports, undervaluation of exports).
Empowered to administer oaths, summon witnesses, issue subpoenas, impose fines or sanctions, punish contempts, and, notably, issue warrants of search and seizure.

On March 12, 1985, State Prosecutor Jose B. Rosales, for the Task Force, issued search warrants Nos. 156–161 against Karamfil Import-Export Co., Inc., et al., based on an application by Atty. Napoleon Gatmaytan and the affidavit/deposition of investigator Josefin M. Castro.
Karamfil filed a petition in the RTC (Branch 147, Makati) to quash the warrants; on March 13, 1985, the RTC issued a TRO and set hearing for March 18.
On April 16, 1985, the RTC declared the warrants null and void and ordered return of seized property; on August 21, 1985, it denied reconsideration.
On April 4, 1986, the Task Force sought certiorari relief in the Court of Appeals (CA); on October 24, 1986, the CA reversed the RTC, holding the Task Force a quasi-judicial body co-equal with the RTC.
Karamfil moved for reconsideration in the CA (Nov. 12, 1986); on September 24, 1987, the CA granted it and, on May 20, 1988, denied the Task Force’s motion, thereby reinstating the RTC’s orders.
The Task Force petitioned the Supreme Court to annul the CA resolutions for grave abuse of discretion and excess jurisdiction.

Is the Presidential Anti-Dollar Salting Task Force a quasi-judicial body co-equal in rank with the Regional Trial Court, thereby beyond the latter’s jurisdiction?
May the Task Force, as a “responsible officer” under the 1973 Constitution, validly be delegated the power to issue search and arrest warrants?