Case Summary (G.R. No. 146622)
Case Overview
The case concerns the denial of entry for the petitioners into what they claimed were their permitted mining sites, which were allegedly within a logging concession area operated by PICOP. The petitioners had applied for small-scale mining permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which were later approved by the governor of Davao Oriental, Rosalind Y. Lopez. PICOP contested the legitimacy of these permits, asserting that they were issued improperly and therefore invalid.
Jurisdictional Claims
In their filing, the petitioners sought an injunction against PICOP’s refusal to allow them access to the mining site. PICOP countered by claiming that the Regional Trial Court (RTC) lacked jurisdiction over the matter, given that the area in dispute was situated in Surigao del Sur. It maintained that the issuance of mining permits was invalid under Republic Act No. 7076, which restricts mining in areas covered by timber licenses unless explicitly withdrawn by competent authority.
Trial Court Decision
On November 26, 1993, the RTC ruled in favor of the petitioners, declaring that their mining areas were indeed within Davao Oriental—contrary to PICOP’s claims. The RTC concluded that the governor had the authority to issue mining permits under the Local Government Code of 1991, thereby granting the petitioners the rights to extract gold from the specified areas.
Court of Appeals Reversal
The Court of Appeals, in its decision dated June 19, 2000, reversed the RTC ruling, stating that the RTC had overstepped its bounds by resolving the boundary dispute, which should have been managed by the provincial councils according to the Local Government Code. Furthermore, the appellate court held that the governor had no authority to issue mining permits as that power resided with the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board.
Legal Framework
The case primarily engaged with the Local Government Code of 1991, particularly its provisions addressing boundary disputes and the authority granted to local government units. Section 118 delineates the responsibility for settling such disputes, while Section 119 empowers dissatisfied parties to appeal to the RTC.
Jurisdictions and Permits
The nature of the permits obtained by the petitioners was also called into question. Under both Presidential Decree No. 1899 and Republic Act No. 7076, the proper
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 146622)
Case Overview
- This case involves a Petition for Review under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court, filed by petitioners Leonora P. Calanza, Eva M. Amoren, Gene P. RoAo, Sanny C. Calanza, Gregorio C. Yncierto II, and Angel M. Puyo against respondents Paper Industries Corporation of the Philippines (PICOP), Good Earth Mineral Corp. (GEMCOR), Evaristo Narvaez, Jr., Ricardo G. Santiago, Roberto A. Dormendo, and Reydande D. Azucena.
- The petition seeks to reverse the Decision of the Court of Appeals dated June 19, 2000, which annulled the Decision of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Banganga, Davao Oriental, that had granted the petitioners' Complaint for Injunction.
Background of the Case
- On August 23, 1991, the petitioners filed applications for small-scale mining permits to extract gold in the Municipality of Boston, Davao Oriental.
- The applications were approved on December 22, 1992, by the governor of Davao Oriental, Rosalind Y. Lopez, who issued six permits in favor of the petitioners.
- The mining areas were within PICOP's logging concession under Timber License Agreements (TLAs), leading to a negotiation for entry, which PICOP denied, citing exclusive rights to occupation and control.
Legal Proceedings Initiated by Petitioners
- On May 7, 1993, petitioners filed a Complaint for Injunction with a request for a Restraining Order, Damages, and Attorney's Fees against PICOP and its officers, asserting their right to enter the mining site.
- PICOP contended that the RTC lacked jurisdiction as the disputed area was located in