Title
Villegas vs. Subido
Case
G.R. No. L-24012
Decision Date
Aug 9, 1965
The Supreme Court affirmed that the Mayor of Manila has the exclusive authority to remove, suspend, and separate city police and employees, overriding the Commissioner of Civil Service's jurisdiction.
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Case Digest (G.R. No. L-24012)

Facts:

  • Antonio J. Villegas, Mayor of Manila, is the petitioner.
  • Respondents include Abelardo Subido, Commissioner of Civil Service, and Herminio A. Astorga, Vice-Mayor of Manila.
  • On January 4, 1965, the Commissioner issued Memorandum Circular No. 1, stating that Republic Act 2260 (Civil Service Act of 1959) impliedly repealed Republic Act 557, which outlined procedures for the removal and suspension of policemen.
  • The circular mandated provincial boards and municipal councils to stop investigating administrative charges against policemen and submit a list of pending cases within 30 days.
  • On January 13, 1965, another memorandum indicated that Republic Act 2260 also repealed Section 22 of Republic Act 409 (Revised Charter of Manila), affecting the suspension and removal of appointive city officers.
  • Mayor Villegas filed two actions for prohibition and injunction: L-24012 on January 7, 1965, regarding policemen, and L-24040 on January 15, 1965, concerning competitive employees.
  • The Supreme Court issued a preliminary injunction on January 18, 1965, and the cases were jointly heard on March 12, 1965.

Issue:

  • (Unlock)

Ruling:

  • The Supreme Court ruled that Republic Act 2260 did not impliedly repeal Republic Act 557 and Section 22 of Republic Act 409.
  • The petitions for prohibition were granted, a...(Unlock)

Ratio:

  • The Court noted that while Republic Act 2260 grants the Commissioner final authority over removals and suspensions in the competitive service, it does not eliminate the powers of the City Mayor and City Council under Republic Acts 557 and 409.
  • The principle of implied repeal is disfavored; laws should coexist if possi...continue reading

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