Case Digest: Felipe Ysmael, etc vs.

Deputy Executive Secretary, etc

By LAPADIDAY June 20, 2017  No comments

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.