RP VS PLDT

20 SCRA 620
FACTS:
Public petitioner commenced a suit against private respondent praying for
the right of the Bureau of Telecommunications to demand interconnection
between the Government Telephone System and that of PLDT, so that the
Government Telephone System could make use of the lines and facilities of
the PLDT. Private respondent contends that it cannot be compelled to enter
into a contract where no agreement is had between them.
ISSUE:
Whether or not interconnection between PLDT and the Government
Telephone System can be a valid object for expropriation.
HELD:
Yes, in the exercise of the sovereign power of eminent domain, the Republic
may require the telephone company to permit interconnection as the needs
of the government service may require, subject to the payment of just
compensation. The use of lines and services to allow inter-service connection
between the both telephone systems, through expropriation can be a subject
to an easement of right of way.