City Engineer of Baguio v. Rolando Baniqued

Summary

This case involves Rolando Baniqued's challenge to a demolition notice issued by Baguio City officials for his allegedly illegal structure. The RTC dismissed his prohibition complaint, ruling that city officials exercise only executive functions not subject to prohibition. The Court of Appeals reversed, finding that mayors exercise quasi-judicial functions when determining property rights in demolition cases. The Supreme Court affirmed, establishing that prohibition is proper against government officials exercising quasi-judicial functions involving property rights, and that the exhaustion of administrative remedies doctrine has exceptions including urgent need for judicial intervention and potential irreparable damage. The decision clarifies that mayors determining whether structures should be demolished exercise quasi-judicial powers requiring due process protections, making them subject to prohibition when acting without jurisdiction or with grave abuse of discretion.