KMU Labor Center vs. Garcia, GR 115381, December 23, 1994

FACTS:  The Kilusang Mayo Uno Labor Center (KMU) assails the constitutionality and validity of a memorandum which, among others, authorize provincial bus and jeepney operators to increase or decrease the prescribed transportation fares without application therefore with the LTFRB, and without hearing and approval thereof by said agency. 

ISSUE:  Whether or not Kilusang Mayo Uno has legal standing to file a petition against LTFRB. 

DECISION:  The petition was GRANTED. 

RATIO DECIDENDI:  Petitioner KMU has the standing to sue. The requirement of  LOCUS STANDI inheres from the definition of judicial power. In the case at bench, petitioner, whose members had suffered and continue to suffer grave and irreparable injury and damage from the implementation of the questioned memoranda, circulars and/or orders, has shown that it has a clear legal right that was violated and continues to be violated with the enforcement of the challenged memoranda, circulars and/or orders. KMU members, who avail of the use of buses, trains and jeepneys everyday, are directly affected by the burdensome cost of arbitrary increase in passenger fares. They are part of the millions of commuters who comprise the riding public. Certainly, their rights must be protected, not neglected nor ignored.