9/9/2019 AMELITO R. MUTUC v.

COMELEC

[ GR No. L-32717, Nov 26, 1970 ]

AMELITO R. MUTUC v. COMELEC

DECISION
146 Phil. 798

FERNANDO, J.:
The invocation of his right to free speech by petitioner Amelito Mutuc, then a
candidate for delegate to the Constitutional Convention, in this special civil action for
prohibition to assail the validity of a ruling of respondent Commission on Elections
enjoining the use of a taped jingle for campaign purposes, was not in vain. Nor could
it be, considering the conceded absence of any express power granted to respondent
by the Constitutional Convention Act to so require and the bar to any such implication
arising from any provision found therein, if deference be paid to the principle that a
statute is to be construed consistently with the fundamental law, which accords the
utmost priority to freedom of expression, much more so when utilized for electoral
purposes. On November 3, 1970, the very same day the case was orally argued, five
days after its filing, with the election barely a week away, we issued a minute
resolution granting the writ of prohibition prayed for. This opinion is intended to
explain more fully our decision.
In this special civil action for prohibition filed on October 29, 1970, petitioner, after
setting forth his being a resident of Arayat, Pampanga, and his candidacy for the
position of delegate to the Constitutional Convention, alleged that respondent
Commission on Elections, by a telegram sent to him five days previously, informed
him that his certificate of candidacy was given due course but prohibited him from
using jingles in his mobile units equipped with sound systems and loudspeakers, an
order which, according to him, is "violative of [his] constitutional right * * * to
freedom of speech."[1] There being no plain, speedy and adequate remedy, according
to petitioner, he would seek a writ of prohibition, at the same time praying for a
preliminary injunction. On the very next day, this Court adopted a resolution
requiring respondent Commission on Elections to file an answer not later than
November 2, 1970, at the same time setting the case for hearing for Tuesday,
November 3, 1970. No preliminary injunction was issued. There was no denial in the
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answer filed by respondent on November 2, 1970, of the factual allegations set forth in
the petition, but the justification for the prohibition was premised on a provision of
the Constitutional Convention Act,[2] which made it unlawful for candidates "to
purchase, produce, request or distribute sample ballots, or electoral propaganda
gadgets such as pens, lighters, fans (of whatever nature), flashlights, athletic goods or
materials, wallets, bandanas, shirts, hats, matches, cigarettes, and the like, whether of
domestic or foreign origin."[3] It was its contention that the jingle proposed to be
used by petitioner is the recorded or taped voice of a singer and therefore a tangible
propaganda material, under the above statute subject to confiscation. It prayed that
the petition be denied for lack of merit. The case was argued, on November 3, 1970,
with petitioner appearing in his behalf and Attorney Romulo C. Felizmeña arguing in
behalf of respondent.
This Court, after deliberation and taking into account the need for urgency, the
election being barely a week away, issued on the afternoon of the same day, a minute
resolution granting the writ of prohibition, setting forth the absence of statutory
authority on the part of respondent to impose such a ban in the light of the doctrine of
ejusdem generis as well as the principle that the construction placed on the statute by
respondent Commission on Elections would raise serious doubts about its validity,
considering the infringement of the right of free speech of petitioner. Its concluding
portion was worded thus: "Accordingly, as prayed for, respondent Commission on
Elections is permanently restrained and prohibited from enforcing or implementing
or demanding compliance with its aforesaid order banning the use of political jingles
[4]
by candidates. This resolution is immediately executory."
1. As made clear in our resolution of November 3, 1970, the question before us was
one of power. Respondent Commission on Elections was called upon to justify such a
prohibition imposed on petitioner. To repeat, no such authority was granted by the
Constitutional Convention Act. It did contend, however, that one of its provisions
referred to above makes unlawful the distribution of electoral propaganda gadgets,
mention being made of pens, lighters, fans, flashlights, athletic goods or materials,
wallets, bandanas, shirts, hats, matches and cigarettes, and concluding with the words
"and the like."[5] For respondent Commission, the last three words sufficed to justify
such an order. We view the matter differently. What was done cannot merit our
approval under the well-known principle of ejusdem generis, the general words
following any enumeration being applicable only to things of the same kind or class as
those specifically referred to.[6] It is quite apparent that what was contemplated in

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the Act was the distribution of gadgets of the kind referred to as a means of
inducement to obtain a favorable vote for the candidate responsible for its
distribution.
The more serious objection, however, to the ruling of respondent Commission was its
failure to manifest fealty to a cardinal principle of construction that a statute should
be interpreted to assure its being in consonance with, rather than repugnant to, any
[7]
constitutional command or prescription. Thus, certain Administrative Code
provisions were given a "construction which should be more in harmony with the
[8]
tenets of the fundamental law." The desirability of removing in that fashion the
taint of constitutional infirmity from legislative enactments has always commended
itself. The judiciary may even strain the ordinary meaning of words to avert any
collision between what a statute provides and what the Constitution requires. The
objective is to reach an interpretation rendering it free from constitutional defects. To
paraphrase Justice Cardozo, if at all possible, the conclusion reached must avoid not
[9]
only that it is unconstitutional, but also grave doubts upon that score.
2. Petitioner's submission of his side of the controversy, then, has in its favor
obeisance to such a cardinal precept. The view advanced by him that if the above
provision of the Constitutional Convention Act were to lend itself to the view that the
use of the taped jingle could be prohibited, then the challenge of unconstitutionality
would be difficult to meet. For, in unequivocal language, the Constitution prohibits
an abridgment of free speech or a free press. It has been our constant holding that
this preferred freedom calls all the more for the utmost respect when what may be
curtailed is the dissemination of information to make more meaningful the equally
vital right of suffrage. What respondent Commission did, in effect, was to impose
censorship on petitioner, an evil against which this constitutional right is directed.
Nor could respondent Commission justify its action by the assertion that petitioner, if
he would not resort to a taped jingle, would be free, either by himself or through
others, to use his mobile loudspeakers. Precisely, the constitutional guarantee is not
to be emasculated by confining it to a speaker having his say, but not perpetuating
what is uttered by him through tape or other mechanical contrivances. If this Court
were to sustain respondent Commission, then the effect would hardly be
distinguishable from a previous restraint. That cannot be validly done. It would
negate indirectly what the Constitution in express terms assures.[10]
3. Nor is this all. The concept of the Constitution as the fundamental law, setting
forth the criterion for the validity of any public act whether proceeding from the
highest official or the lowest functionary, is a postulate of our system of government.
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That is to manifest fealty to the rule of law, with priority accorded to that which
occupies the topmost rung in the legal hierarchy. The three departments of
government in the discharge of the functions with which it is entrusted have no choice
but to yield obedience to its commands. Whatever limits it imposes must be
observed. Congress in the enactment of statutes must ever be on guard lest the
restrictions on its authority, whether substantive or formal, be transcended. The
Presidency in the execution of the laws cannot ignore or disregard what it ordains. In
its task of applying the law to the facts as found in deciding cases, the judiciary is
called upon to maintain inviolate what is decreed by the fundamental law. Even its
power of judicial review to pass upon the validity of the acts of the coordinate
branches in the course of adjudication is a logical corollary of this basic principle that
the Constitution is paramount. It overrides any governmental measure that fails to
live up to its mandates. Thereby there is a recognition of its being the supreme law.
To be more specific, the competence entrusted to respondent Commission was aptly
summed up by the present Chief Justice thus: "Lastly, as the branch of the executive
department although independent of the President -- to which the Constitution has
given the 'exclusive charge' of the 'enforcement and administration of all laws relative
to the conduct of elections, ' the power of decision of the Commission is limited to
[11]
purely 'administrative questions.'" It has been the constant holding of this Court,
as it could not have been otherwise, that respondent Commission cannot exercise any
authority in conflict with or outside of the law, and there is no higher law than the
[12]
Constitution. Our decisions which liberally construe its powers are precisely
inspired by the thought that only thus may its responsibility under the Constitution to
[13]
insure free, orderly and honest elections be adequately fulfilled. There could be no
justification then for lending approval to any ruling or order issuing from respondent
Commission, the effect of which would be to nullify so vital a constitutional right as
free speech. Petitioner's case, as was obvious from the time of its filing, stood on solid
footing.
WHEREFORE, as set forth in our Resolution of November 3, 1970, respondent
Commission is permanently restrained and prohibited from enforcing or
implementing or demanding compliance with its aforesaid order banning the use of
political taped jingles. Without pronouncement as to costs.
Concepcion, C.J., Reyes, J.B.L., Makalintal, Zaldivar, Ruiz Castro, Barredo, and
Villamor, JJ., concur.
Teehankee, J., concurs in a separate opinion.
Dizon and Makasiar, JJ., on official leave.
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[1] Petition, paragraphs 1 to 5.

[2]
Republic Act No. 6132 (1970).
[3] Section 12 (E), Ibid.
[4]
Resolution of Nov. 3, 1970.
[5] Section 12 (E), Constitutional Convention Act.
[6]
Cf. United States v. Santo Niño, 13 Phil. 141 (1909); Go Tiaoco y Hermanos v.
Union Insurance Society of Canton, 40 Phil. 40 (1919); People v. Kottinger, 45 Phil.
352 (1923); Cornejo v. Naval, 54 Phil. 809 (1930); Ollada v. Court of Tax Appeals, 99
Phil. 605 (1956); Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila v. Social Security
Commission, L-15045, Jan. 20, 1961, 1 SCRA 10.
[7] Cf. Herras Teehankee v. Rovira, 75 Phil. 634 (1945); Manila Electric Co. v. Public
Utilities Employees Association, 79 Phil. 409 (1947); Araneta v. Dinglasan, 84 Phil.
368 (1949); Guido v. Rural Progress Administration, 84 Phil. 847 (1949); City of
Manila v. Arellano Law Colleges, 85 Phil. 663 (1950); Ongsiako v. Gamboa, 86 Phil.
50 (1950); Radiowealth v. Agregado, 86 Phil. 429 (1950); Sanchez v. Harry Lyons
Construction, Inc., 87 Phil, 532 (1950); American Bible Society v. City of Manila, 101
Phil. 386 (1957); Gonzales v. Hechanova, L-21897, Oct. 22, 1963, 9 SCRA 230;
Automotive Parts and Equipment Co., Inc. v. Lingad, L-26406, Oct. 31, 1969, 30
SCRA 248; J. M. Tuason and Co., Inc. v. Land Tenure Administration, L-21064, Feb.
18, 1970, 31 SCRA 413.
[8]
Radiowealth v. Agregado, 86 Phil. 429 (1950).
[9] Moore Ice Cream Co. v. Ross, 289 US 373 (1933).
[10]
Cf. Saia v. People of the State of New York, 334 US 558 (1948).
[11] Abcede v. Hon. Imperial, 103 Phil. 136 (1958). The portion of the opinion from
which the above excerpt is taken reads in full: "Lastly, as the branch of the executive
department - although independent of the President - to which the Constitution has
given the 'exclusive charge' of the 'enforcement and administration of all laws relative
to the conduct of elections,' the power of decision of the Commission is limited to
purely 'administrative questions.' (Article X, Sec. 2, Constitution of the Philippines) It
has no authority to decide matters 'involving the right to vote. 'It may not even pass
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upon the legality of a given vote (Nacionalista Party v. Commission on Elections, 47

Off. Gaz., [6], 2851). We do not see, therefore, how it could assert the greater and
more far-reaching authority to determine who - among those possessing the
qualifications prescribed by the Constitution, who have complied with the procedural
requirements, relative to the filing of certificates of candidacy - should be allowed to
enjoy the full benefits intended by law therefore. The question whether in order to
enjoy those benefits - a candidate must be capable of 'understanding the full meaning
of his acts and the true significance of election,' and must have - over a month prior to
the elections (when the resolution complained of was issued) 'the tiniest chance to
obtain the favorable indorsement of a substantial portion of the electorate,' is a matter
of policy, not of administration and enforcement of the law, which policy must be
determined by Congress in the exercise of its legislative functions. Apart from the
absence of specific statutory grant of such general, broad power as the Commission
claims to have, it is dubious whether, if so granted - in the vague, abstract,
indeterminate and undefined manner necessary in order that it could pass upon the
factors relied upon in said resolution (and such grant must not be deemed made, in
the absence of clear and positive provision to such effect, which is absent in the case at
bar) - the legislative enactment would not amount to undue delegation of legislative
power. (Schechter vs. U.S., 295 US 495, 79 L. ed. 1570.)" pp. 141-142.
[12]
Cf. Cortez v. Commission on Elections, 79 Phil. 352 (1947); Nacionalista Party v.
Commission on Elections, 85 Phil. 149 (1949); Guevara v. Commission on Elections,
104 Phil. 268 (1958); Masangcay v. Commission on Elections, L-13827, Sept. 28,
1962, 6 SCRA 27; Lawsin v. Escalona, L-22540, July 31, 1964, 11 SCRA 643; Ututalum
v. Commission on Elections, L-25349, Dec. 3, 1965, 15 SCRA 465; Janairo v.
Commission on Elections, L-28315, Dec. 8, 1967, 21 SCRA 1173; Abes v. Commission
on Elections, L-28348, Dec. 15, 1967, 21 SCRA 1252; Ibuna v. Commission on
Elections, L-28328, Dec. 29, 1967, 21 SCRA 1457; Binging Ho v. Mun. Board of
Canvassers, L-29051, July 28, 1969, 28 SCRA 829.
[13] Cf. Cauton v. Commission on Elections, L-25467, April 27, 1967, 19 SCRA 911.
The other cases are Espino v. Zaldivar, L-22325, Dec. 11, 1967, 21 SCRA 1204; Ong v.
Commission on Elections, L-28415, Jan. 29, 1968, 22 SCRA 241; Mutuc v.
Commission on Elections, L-28517, Feb. 21, 1968, 22 SCRA 662; Pedido v.
Commission on Elections, L-28539, March 30, 1968, 22 SCRA 1403; Aguam v.
Commission on Elections, L-28955, May 28, 1968, 23 SCRA 883; Pelayo, Jr. v.
Commission on Elections, L-28869, June 29, 1968, 23 SCRA 1374; Pacis v.
Commission on Elections, L-29026, Sept. 28, 1968, 25 SCRA 377; Ligot v.

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Commission on Elections, L-31380, Jan. 21, 1970, 31 SCRA 45; Abrigo v. Commission
on Elections, L-31374, Jan. 21, 1970, 31 SCRA 27; Moore v. Commission on Elections,
L-31394, Jan. 23, 1970, 31 SCRA 60; Ilarde v. Commission on Elections, L-31446, Jan.
23, 1970, 31 SCRA 72; Sinsuat v. Pendatun, L-31501, June 30, 1970, 33 SCRA 630.

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