In re: Reorganization of the Divisions of the Court
REITERATIONFacts
The Antecedents: The Supreme Court has been sitting en banc and in three divisions of five Members each since the effectivity of the Constitution. Procedural History: Not applicable. The Petition: Not applicable. This is an administrative matter concerning the reorganization of the Court's divisions.
Issue(s)
Whether there is a need to reorganize the three Divisions of the Court. How the Divisions of the Court shall be composed.
Ruling
The Court hereby RESOLVES to reorganize, as it hereby REORGANIZES, its three Divisions. The composition of each Division is specified, and the assignment of new Associate Justices to the Divisions will be in accordance with the Court's policy on the matter. This Resolution takes effect on September 1, 2002.
Ratio Decidendi
On the need to reorganize the three Divisions of the Court: The Court, in its "WHEREAS" clauses, stated that in view of the appointment of new Members and the expected appointment of three more to fill vacancies created by retirements, there is a need to reorganize the three Divisions of the Court. This reorganization is to conform with its policy to attain balance among the Divisions on the basis of seniority and other relevant considerations. On how the Divisions of the Court shall be composed: The Resolution explicitly details the composition of the First, Second, and Third Divisions. The First Division is Chaired by Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr., with Associate Justices Jose C. Vitug, Consuelo Ynares-Santiago, and Antonio T. Carpio as Members. The Second Division is Chaired by Senior Associate Justice Josue N. Bellosillo, with Associate Justices Vicente V. Mendoza, Leonardo A. Quisumbing, and Ma. Alicia Austria-Martinez as Members. The Third Division is Chaired by Associate Justice Reynato S. Puno, with Associate Justices Artemio V. Panganiban, Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez, and Renato C. Corona as Members. The three new Associate Justices to be appointed will be assigned to the Divisions according to the Court's policy.
Main Doctrine
The Supreme Court, sitting en banc, resolved to reorganize its three divisions to attain balance among them based on seniority and other relevant considerations, in view of the appointment of new Members and expected appointments to fill vacancies.