Santiago v Republic, 87 SCRA 294
Facts: On August 9, 1976, Ildefonso
Santiago through his counsel filed an action for revocation of a Deed of
Donation executed by him and his spouse in January of 1971, with the Bureau of
Plant Industry as the Donee, in the Court of First Instance of Zamboanga City. Mr.
Santiago alleged that the Bureau, contrary to the terms of donation, failed to
install lighting facilities and water system on the property and to build an
office building and parking lot thereon which should have been constructed and
ready for occupancy on before December7, 1974. That because of the circumstances,
Mr. Santiago concluded that he was exempt from compliance with an explicit
constitutional command, as invoked in the Santos v Santos case, a 1952 decision which is similar. The
Court of First Instance dismissed the action in favor of the respondent on the
ground that the state cannot be sued without its consent, and Santos v Santos case is discernible.
The Solicitor General, Estelito P. Mendoza affirmed the dismissal on ground of
constitutional mandate. Ildefonso Santiago filed a petition for certiorari to the Supreme Court.
Issue: Whether or not the state can be sued
without its consent.
Held: The Supreme Court rules, that the constitutional
provision shows a waiver. Where there is consent, a suit may be filed. Consent
need not to be express. It can be implied. In this case it must be emphasized,
goes no further than a rule that a donor, with the Republic or any of its
agency being a Donee, is entitle to go to court in case of an alleged breach of
the conditions of such donation.
The writ of Certiorari prayed is granted and
the order of dismissal of October 20, 1977 is nullified, set aside and declare
to be without force and effect. The Court of First Instance of Zamboanga City,
Branch II, is hereby directed to proceed with this case, observing the
procedure set forth in the rules of court. No cost.
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