Flashcards Studio

Within the city of San Roque, the Sangguniang Panlungsod passes Ordinance No. 2026-31 designating a 50-hectare portion of the national forest within the city boundary as a "Development-Conservation Zone" and authorizing its 70-year lease to a private eco-resort developer. The City Mayor signs the ordinance into law. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) objects, arguing that the land is part of the public domain and cannot be reclassified or disposed of by a local government. (a) Identify whether the act is ultra vires, naming the actors and their relationship, what was done, the scope of authority, and the effect on third parties. (b) State the controlling rule on ultra vires acts by local government units and how it differs from acts within their powers. (c) Apply the rule to the facts and decide whether Ordinance No. 2026-31 is void; if void, what remedies may be available to the DENR or to the private operator and residents, and what is the likely effect on the proposed lease arrangement.