Government of the Philippine Islands vs Monte de Piedad Case Digest
About $400,000, were subscribed and paid into the treasury of the Philippine Islands by the inhabitants of the Spanish Dominions of the relief of those damaged by the earthquake which took place in the Philippine Islands on June 3, 1863.Subsequent thereto and on October 6 of that year, a central relief board was appointed, by authority of the King of Spain, to distribute the moneys thus voluntarily contributed. After a thorough investigation and consideration, the relief board allotted $365,703.50 to the various sufferers named in its resolution, dated September 22, 1866, and, by order of the Governor-General of the Philippine Islands, a list of these allotments, together with the names of those entitled thereto, was published in the Official Gazette of Manila dated April 7, 1870
Estrada Vs Arroyo Case Digest, GR No. 146710 – 15, March 2, 2001
Facts
Philippines Islands filed an action of recovery against Monte de Piedad where the money for relief of those damaged by the earthquake was deposited and yet a part of it was never distributed. A judgment was rendered in favor of the Philippines. Monte de Piedad questioned the personality of the Government of the Philippines in the said case and that the suit can only be instituted by the intended beneficiaries or by the heirs of the victim.
Issue
Whether or not the Philippine Government has the personality to institute the action.
Ruling
Yes. The government as parens patriae has the right to enforce all charities of public nature, by virtue of its general superintending authority over the public interests, where no other person is entrusted with it. This prerogative of parens patriae is inherent in the Supreme power of State.
Government of the Philippine Islands vs Monte de Piedad Case Digest
