G.R. No. 79538
Felipe Ysmael, etc vs. Deputy Executive
Secretary, etc
October 18, 1990
Petitioner sought the reconsideration of a
memorandum order issued by the Bureau of Forest Development which cancelled its
timber license agreement in 1983, as well as the revocation of TLA No. 356
subsequently issued by the Bureau to private respondents in 1984 by sending
letters to the Office of the President and the MNR [now the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Petitioner’s prayers were to no
avail. Hence the petition in the Court, imputing grave abuse of discretion to public
respondents.
RULING:
The Court stressed the authority of
administrative bodies to handle matters within there scope without need of
interference by the courts of law. These administrative bodies are deemed to be
in better positions to determine issues within their specialty and resolve the
same. The Court cited the doctrine of res judicata which avers that the
decisions and orders of administrative agencies have upon their finality, the
force and binding effect of a final judgment. The rule of res judicata thus
forbids the reopening of a matter once determined by competent authority acting
within their exclusive jurisdiction
The Court also held that the assailed orders
by public respondent was in line with the latter’s duty to develop and conserve
the country’s natural resources in view of the constitutional mandate of the
right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the
rhythm and harmony of nature. It is their duty to regulate the issuance of
licenses (TLA) as they see fit, which the court cannot interfere with. The
Court further held that sans grave abuse of discretion which may be imputed to
public respondents, the court ruled that petitioner cannot seek affirmative
relief.
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