Cruz v. Pandacan Hikers Club

Summary

Barangay officials Cruz and dela Cruz destroyed a basketball ring claiming it was a public nuisance causing disruptions and blocking vehicle passage. The Supreme Court affirmed their administrative liability for conduct prejudicial to service, ruling they exceeded their authority by summarily abating what was at most a nuisance per accidens without proper legal procedures. The Court emphasized that police power is exercised through legislative bodies via ordinances, not through executive officials' unilateral actions. The case establishes that even well-intentioned acts by public officials cannot justify destruction of private property without due process and legal authorization, reinforcing that no public official is above the law and that the rule of law must be preserved in government service.