Gov. of Phil. Islands v.

Monte de Piedad
(1916)

Contributions were collected during the Spanish Regime for the relief of the victims of an earthquake. Part of the money was
never distributed and was instead deposited with the defendant bank. In an action for its recovery later filed by the government,
the defendant questioned the competence of the plaintiff (PI government), contending that the suit could be instituted only by the
intended beneficiaries themselves or by the heirs of the victims. The issue of concern here is WON the PI has the right to file a
case in behalf of its citizens. It does in its capacity as the guardian or parens patriae of the people.