G.R. No. 31508, December 27, 1929
SAN JUAN DE DIOS HOSPITAL, plaintiff-appellee, vs. METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT, defendant-appellant.

FACTS

The San Juan de Dios Hospital (appellee) sought free water service from the Metropolitan Water District (appellant) for its nurses’ home located at No. 219, Calle Real, Intramuros, Manila, which is separate from the main hospital building by 1316 meters. The hospital had historically received free water under the Carriedo Water System, based on the will of Francisco Carriedo, which granted free water to the “San Juan de Dios Convent.” The Metropolitan Water District, successor to the Carriedo system, denied free water for the nurses’ home. The hospital paid under protest and sued for a refund. The trial court ruled in favor of the hospital, ordering a refund of P106.57. The Water District, represented by the Attorney-General, appealed.

ISSUE

Whether the nurses’ home of the San Juan de Dios Hospital is entitled to free water service from the Metropolitan Water District as an extension of the charitable institution covered by the Carriedo legacy.

RULING

Yes. The Supreme Court affirmed the trial court’s decision, holding that the San Juan de Dios Hospital is entitled to free water service for its nurses’ home. The Court ruled that:
1. The Metropolitan Water District is the successor and trustee of the Carriedo Water System legacy, and the hospital has an acquired right to free water based on long-standing practice and legal succession.
2. The Carriedo legacy intended to benefit the hospital as an institution, not merely as a building. A hospital cannot function without personnel, and the nurses’ home is an essential adjunct to the hospital’s charitable operations.
3. Free water for the nurses’ home serves the same philanthropic purpose as free water for the main hospital, aligning with Carriedo’s intent and public policy to encourage charitable works. Technical interpretations should not restrict this beneficent grant.

The refund was upheld, and no costs were awarded.