Gonzales v. Narvasa, GR 140835

FACTS:  On November 26, 1998, President Joseph Estrada created the Preparatory Commission on Consitutional Reform (PCCR) by virtue of Executive Order No. 43 to study and recommend proposed amendments and/or revisions to the 1987 Consitution, and the manner implementing the same. On November 9, 1999, Petitioner, in his capacity as a citizen and taxpayer, assails the consitutionality of the creation of the PCCR. On December 20, 1999, the PCCR submitted its recommendations to the President, and was dissolved by the President on the same day. 

ISSUE:  Whether or not the court can take cognizance of the case 

DECISION:  Dismissed 

​RATIO DECIDENDI:  The case has become moot and academic. An action is considered "moot" when it no longer presents a justiciable controversy because the issues involved have become academic or dead. The PCCR submitted its recommendations to the President on December 20, 1999 and was dissolved by the President on the same day. It had likewise spent the funds allotted to it. Thus, the PCCR has ceased to exist, having lost its raison d’etre. Subsequent events have overtaken the petition and the Court has nothing left to resolve. The staleness of the issue before us is made more manifest by the impossibility of granting the relief prayed for by petitioner.