Case Summary (G.R. No. 60210)
Background of the Petition
The petitioner filed a petition for mandamus on January 21, 1971, against the City of San Carlos and its officials, alleging non-compliance with the salary provisions outlined in Republic Act No. 5967. The act stipulates that judges in second and third class cities, like San Carlos City, should receive a basic annual salary of ₱18,000. At the time of the petition, the petitioner was earning an annual salary of ₱12,000, substantially below the mandated amount.
Allegations and Claims Made by the Petitioner
Arenas claimed that the City had a duty to ensure that he received the appropriate salary differential as mandated by law, as it was the City’s obligation to provide such payments. He argued that the respondents had repeatedly failed to enact the necessary budget to pay this differential, totaling ₱9,500, which he claimed created a situation that obliged him to resort to legal action due to a lack of other remedies. He also mentioned incurring attorney's fees for the petition.
Respondents' Defense
In their response dated February 10, 1971, the respondents admitted some facts but denied the claims regarding the legislative duty to pay the salary difference. They argued that the payment of salary differences was discretionary based on the financial state of the city, which they claimed was facing severe budget issues. They indicated that the city judge’s salary was already set at ₱12,000, which was ₱100 less than that of the city mayor’s ₱13,200, aligning with the stipulations of Republic Act No. 5967.
Lower Court Decision
The Court of First Instance of San Carlos City dismissed the petition on May 31, 1971, stating that the Congress intent in enacting Republic Act No. 5967 was to ensure that a city judge’s salary should not exceed that of the city mayor. The Court noted that the statutory provision permitting the city government to determine the salary was integral to implementing such salary determinations.
Legislative Intent Interpreted
The Court highlighted discussions from Senate deliberations associated with the creation of Republic Act No. 5967, indicating that it was never the intent for city judges to earn more than mayors. C
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 60210)
Case Overview
- This case involves a petition for certiorari filed by Isidro G. Arenas against the City of San Carlos (Pangasinan), including various city officials in their official capacities, following a decision made by the Court of First Instance of Pangasinan at San Carlos City, Branch X.
- The petition sought to review the dismissal of a prior petition for mandamus concerning salary differentials for the city judge.
Background of the Case
- In January 1971, Isidro G. Arenas, who was serving as the City Judge of San Carlos City, initiated a petition for mandamus.
- The petition claimed that the City of San Carlos had been classified as a third-class city since its creation in 1966 and cited Republic Act No. 5967, which established the basic salary for city judges in second and third-class cities at P18,000 per annum.
- Arenas indicated that he was receiving a monthly salary of P1,000.00, which was P500.00 below the established salary for a city judge, and that this salary was divided between the national government and the city government.
Claims and Allegations
- Arenas claimed entitlement to a salary differential of P9,500.00 due to the city government's failure to adjust his salary in accordance with Republic Act No. 5967.
- He argued that the city government had a clear dut