130 RP V Gingoyon
130 RP V Gingoyon
130 RP V Gingoyon
CASE 130: Republic v Judge Gingoyan (Pasay-RTC), PIATCO 12/19/2005, GR 166429 TOPIC: Expropriation (Rule 67) PONENTE: Tinga FACTS: 1. The present controversy has its roots with the promulgation of the Courts decision in Agan v. PIATCO, promulgated in 2003. 1.1 This decision nullified the Concession Agreement for the BOT Arrangement of the NAIA III entered into between the Government and the PIATCO, as well as the amendments and supplements thereto. 1.2 The agreement had authorized PIATCO to build a new international airport terminal (NAIA 3), as well as a franchise to operate and maintain the said terminal during the concession period of 25 years. 2. At the time of the promulgation of the 2003 Decision, the NAIA 3 facilities had already been built by PIATCO and were nearing completion. However, the ponencia was silent as to the legal status of the NAIA 3 facilities following the nullification of the contracts, as well as whatever rights of PIATCO for reimbursement for its expenses in the construction of the facilities. 3. Eversince the ruling in Agan, the NAIA 3 facilities have remained in the possession of PIATCO, despite the avowed intent of the Government to put the airport terminal into immediate operation. 4. The Government and PIATCO conducted several rounds of negotiation regarding the NAIA 3 facilities. 4.1 It also appears that arbitral proceedings were commenced before the International Chamber of Commerce International Court of Arbitration and the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes. 4.2 Although the Government has raised jurisdictional questions before those two bodies. 5. On 21 December 2004, the Government filed a Complaint for expropriation with the Pasay RTC. 5.1 The Government sought upon the filing of the complaint the issuance of a writ of possession authorizing it to take immediate possession and control over the NAIA 3 facilities. 5.2 The Government also declared that it had deposited the amount of P3,002,125,000.00 (3 Billion) in Cash with the Land Bank, representing the NAIA 3 terminals assessed value for taxation purposes. 6. RTC: issued the writ of possession (in favor of the govt.) 7. RTC: issued a supplemental judgment stating that RA 8974 (see notes for complete name) had in many aspects amended Rule 67. 8. The very next day after the issuance order, the Government filed an Urgent Motion for Reconsideration. 9. On 7 January 2005, the RTC issued another Order which appointed three (3) Commissioners to ascertain the amount of just compensation for the NAIA 3 Complex. 10. The govt. now files a petition for certiorari under R65 alleging GADALEJ. ISSUE: Whether or not Rule 67 of the Rules of Court or Rep. Act No. 8974 governs the expropriation proceedings in this case? HELD: RA8974 applies. RATIO: 1. Rep. Act No. 8974, which provides for a procedure eminently more favorable to the property owner than Rule 67, inescapably applies in instances when the national government expropriates property for national government infrastructure projects. Thus, if expropriation is engaged in by the national government for