Lina v. Paño (G.R. No. 129093)

Facts:

Private respondent Tony Calvento, was appointed agent by PCSO to install a terminal for the operation of lotto, applied for a mayor’s permit to operate a lotto outlet in San Pedro,Laguna. It was denied on the ground that an ordinance entitled Kapasiyahan Blg. 508, Taon1995 of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Laguna prohibited gambling in the province,including the operation of lotto. With the denial of his application, private respondent filed an action for declaratory relief with prayer for preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order. The trial court rendered judgment in favor of private respondent enjoining petitioners from implementing or enforcing the subject resolution.

Issue:

whether Kapasiyahan Blg. 508, T. 1995 of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Laguna and the denial of a mayor’s permit based thereon are valid

Held:

No. The questioned ordinance merely states the “objection” of the council to the said game. It is but a mere policy statement on the part of the local council, which is not self-executing. Nor could it serve as a valid ground to prohibit the operation of the lotto system in the province of Laguna. As a policy statement expressing the local government’s objection to the lotto, such resolution is valid. This is part of the local government’s autonomy to air its views which may be contrary to that of the national government’s.However, this freedom to exercise contrary views does not mean that local governments may actually enact ordinances that go against laws duly enacted by Congress. Given this premise, the assailed resolution in this case could not and should not be interpreted as a measure or ordinance prohibiting the operation of lotto.

Moreover, ordinances should not contravene statutes as municipal governments are merely agents of the national government. The local councils exercise only delegated legislative powers which have been conferred on them by Congress. The delegate cannot be superior to the principal or exercise powers higher than those of the latter. This being the case, these councils, as delegates, cannot be superior to the principal or exercise powers higher than those of the latter. The question of whether gambling should be permitted is for Congress to determine, taking into account national and local interests. Since Congress has allowed the PCSO to operate lotteries which PCSO seeks to conduct in Laguna, pursuant toits legislative grant of authority, the province's Sangguniang Panlalawigan cannot nullify the exercise of said authority by preventing something already allowed by Congress.