Case Digest: Fernandez V. Vega

PHILIPPINE VETERANS BANK EMPLOYEES UNION-N.U.B.E. and PERFECTO V. FERNANDEZ, petitioners, VS. HONORABLE BENJAMIN VEGA, Presiding Judge of Branch 39 of the REGIONAL TRIAL COURT of Manila, the CENTRAL BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES and THE LIQUIDATOR OF THE PHILIPPINE VETERANS BANK, respondents

June 28, 2001

FACTS:

On January 2, 1992, the Congress enacted R.A. 7169 providing for the rehabilitation of Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB). Thereafter petitioners filed with the labor tribunals their residual claims for benefits and for reinstatement upon reopening of the bank. Despite the legislative mandate for rehabilitation and reopening of PVB, respondent judge continued with the liquidation proceedings of the bank. The petitioners invoked the passage of R.A. 7169 as removing for the liquidation court the authority to continue proceedings.

ISSUE:

Whether or not the petitioners may rightfully invoke RA 7169.

RULING:

RA 7169 expressly provided that it should take effect upon its approval. Aquino signed it into law on January 2, 1992. Thereafter, said law became effective on said date. Its subsequent publication was not necessary for its effectivity. RA 7169 is of internal nature and not have general application thus it took effect on the date provided for and hence was rightfully invoked by the petitioners. The petition was granted.