Title
Government of the Philippine Islands vs. Municipality of Bigo
Case
G.R. No. 10202
Decision Date
Mar 29, 1916
Municipality of Cardona challenged Binangonan's jurisdiction over disputed barrios, alleging unconstitutionality of Executive Order No. 66. Court upheld Binangonan's authority, ruling the order valid under legislative presumption and executive authority.
A

Case Summary (G.R. No. 149837)

Relevant Facts

The core issue arises from the complaint filed by the Municipality of Cardona, which seeks to permanently prohibit the Municipality of Binangonan from exercising municipal authority over several specific barrios: Tatala, Balatik, Nambug, Tutulo, Mahabang Parang, Nagsulo, and Bonot. Cardona asserts that Binangonan is currently exercising authority over these areas, a situation they attribute to Executive Order No. 66, series of 1914. This order purportedly defines the boundary line between the two municipalities and consolidates certain barrios under Binangonan’s jurisdiction.

Legislative Background

Cardona contests the constitutionality of the Executive Order, alleging that it operates under Act No. 1748, which, according to them, improperly confers legislative authority upon the Governor-General. The plaintiffs argue that this legislative usurpation renders the Executive Order void. Additionally, they contend that the order lacks a statement on public necessity or urgency, further undermining its validity.

Judicial Proceedings and Demurrer

The defendant, Binangonan, responded to Cardona's complaint by filing a demurrer, claiming that the complaint did not adequately state facts that constituted a cause of action. The primary question for consideration became whether Cardona's objections to the Executive Order held sufficient merit to proceed with the case.

Court's Analysis and Decision

The court ruled that the objections raised by the Municipality of Cardona were not well-founded. It highlighted that every act of the legislature is presumed constitutional until evidence to the contrary is provided. Given that Cardona failed to sufficiently demonstrate unconstitutionality or provide legal authority for its claims, the court overruled the objection to the Executive Order on constitutional grounds.

Furthermore, the court dismissed Cardona's claims concerning the necessity of including a statement on public good or urgency within the Executive Order, as

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