G.R. No. L-1612; February 26, 1948
JORGE B. VARGAS, petitioner, vs. EMILIO RILLORAZA, JOSE BERNABE, MANUEL ESCUDERO, Judges of the People’s Court, and THE SOLICITOR GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINES, respondents.

FACTS

Petitioner Jorge B. Vargas, through counsel, filed a motion assailing the constitutionality of Section 14 of Commonwealth Act No. 682 (the People’s Court Act). The challenged provision disqualified members of the Supreme Court who had rendered service during the Japanese occupation from sitting and voting in treason cases or other cases involving collaboration. It also authorized the President to designate judges of first instance, judges-at-large, or cadastral judges to sit temporarily as Justices of the Supreme Court if, due to such disqualifications or other grounds, a quorum or judgment could not be reached. The petitioner raised multiple constitutional grounds, including that the law added qualifications for Supreme Court members, removed judges without impeachment, bypassed the Commission on Appointments, created a “special Supreme Court,” and was a bill of attainder, among others.

ISSUE

Is Section 14 of Commonwealth Act No. 682 unconstitutional?

RULING

Yes, Section 14 of Commonwealth Act No. 682 is unconstitutional. The Court held that the provision violates the Constitution by disqualifying sitting Supreme Court Justices on grounds not recognized by the Constitution, effectively removing them from office without impeachment. Furthermore, it authorizes the designation of judges who may not possess the constitutional qualifications required for Supreme Court Justices, thereby circumventing the constitutional appointment process and undermining the independence of the Judiciary. The provision is deemed an invalid legislative encroachment on the constitutional framework for the Supreme Court.

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