This case has been cited 1 times or more.
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2010-10-19 |
VELASCO JR., J. |
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| It is apropos to state at this juncture that, in determining the reasonableness of the subsequent toll rate increases, it behooves the TRB to seek out the Commission on Audit ("COA") for assistance in examining and auditing the financial books of the public utilities concerned. Section 22, Chapter 4, Subtitle B, Title 1, Book V of the Administrative Code of 1987 expressly authorizes the COA to examine the aforementioned documents in connection with the fixing of rates of every nature, including as in this case, the fixing of toll fees.[120] We have on certain occasions applied this provision. Manila Electric Company, Inc. v. Lualhati easily comes to mind where this Court tasked the Energy Regulatory Commission to seek the assistance of the COA in determining the reasonableness of the rate increases that MERALCO intended to implement.[121] We have consistently held that "the law is deemed written into every contract."[122] Being a provision of law, this authority of the COA under the Administrative Code should therefore be deemed written in the subject contracts i.e. the STOAs. | |||||