2015 Digests

UP PORTIA SORORITY January-March January-March 2015 Case Digests

CIVIL KALAW v FERNANDEZ G.R. No. 166357; 14 January 2015; Bersamin, J.

SUMMARY  This is a res!"uti!n !# the MR !# the case #!r $ec"arati!n !# nu""ity !# the %arriage %a rriage un$er Art &'( )C* SC( in its !rigina" !rigina" $ecisi!n( $is%isse$ $is%isse$ the +etiti!n #!r $ec"arati!n !# nu""ity nu""ity ,ecause !# the #!""!ing reas!ns i* Petiti! Petiti!ner ner #ai"e$ t! +r!.e +r!.e that his i#e /res+!n$ /res+!n$ent ent suers #r!% +sych!"!g +sych!"!gica" ica" inca+acit inca+acity y* e +resent +resente$ e$ the testi%!nie testi%!nies s !# t! su++!se$ su++!se$ e3+ert e3+ert itnesse itnesses s h! c!nc"u$e$ that res+!n$ent is +sych!"!gica""y inca+acitate$( ,ut the c!nc"usi!ns !# these itnesses ere +re%ise$ !n the a""ege$ acts !r ,eha.i!r !# res+!n$ent hich ha$ n!t ,een su4cient"y +r!.en* ii* Petiti!ner Petiti!ners s e3+erts e3+erts hea.i"y re"ie$ re"ie$ !n +etiti!ner +etiti!ners s allegations !# res+!n$ents res+!n$ents c!nsta c!nstant nt %ah6!n %ah6!ng g sessi sessi!ns !ns(( .isits .isits t! the ,eauty ,eauty +ar"!r +ar"!r(( g!ing g!ing !ut ith ith #rien$ #rien$s( s( a$u"tery( an$ neg"ect !# their chi"$ren* Petiti!ners e3+erts !+ine$ that res+!n$ents a""ege$ ha,its( hen +er#!r%e$ c!nstant"y t! the $etri%ent !# 7ua"ity an$ 7uantity !# ti%e $e.!te$ t! her $uties as %!ther an$ i#e( c!nstitute a +sych!"!gica" inca+acity in the #!r% !# 8PD* 9ut +etiti!ners a""egati!ns( hich ser.e$ as the ,ases !r un$er"ying +re%ises !# the c!nc"usi!ns !# his e3+erts( ere n!t actua""y +r!.en* In #act( res+!n$ent +resente$ c!ntrary e.i$ence re#uting these a""egati!ns !# the +etiti!ner*

SC: Grante MR! Grante t"e #etition $or e%laration o$ n&llit'! D(C)RINE (Note that this case e!"aine# the e$o"ution o% the stan#ar#s a#o!te# &y the 'ourts in #eci#in !etitions %or #ec"aration o% nu""ity)

1* Psych!"!gica" inca+acity as a gr!un$ #!r the nu""ity !# %arriage un$er Artic"e &' !# the )a%i"y C!$e re#ers t! a seri!us +sych!"!gica" i""ness a:icting a +arty e.en +ri!r t! the ce"e,rati!n !# the %arriage that is +er%anent as t! $e+ri.e the +arty !# the aareness !# the $uties an$ res+!nsi,i"ities res+!nsi,i"ities !# the %atri%!nia" ,!n$ he !r she as a,!ut t! assu%e* 2* In the tas; !# ascertaining the +resence !# +sych!"!gica" inca+acity as a gr!un$ #!r the nu""ity !# %arriage( the c!urts( hich are c!nce$e$"y n!t en$!e$ ith e3+ertise e3+ertise in the $es+ite ha.ing the +ri%ary tas; an$ ,ur$en !#

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$ecisi!n-%a;ing( %ust n!t $isc!unt ,ut( instea$( %ust c!nsi$er as $ecisi.e e.i$ence the e3+ert !+ini!n !n the +sych!"!gica" an$ %enta" te%+era%ents !# the +arties*? 5* @ac; !# +ers!na" e3a%inati!n an$ inter.ie !# the +ers!n $iagn!se$ ith +ers!na"ity $is!r$er( "i;e "i;e the res+!n$ent( res+!n$ent( $i$ n!t +er se in.a"i$ate the
+++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++ +++++ F(R) ,(NIFACI( DEV-) C(R. v! VALEN)IN F(NG G.R. No. 20*370; +arch 25, 2015; er"as-Berna&e, J.

SUMMARY: )!rt )!rt 9!ni#a 9!ni#aci! ci! De.t De.t C!r+!r C!r+!rati ati!n !n /)9DC /)9DC enter entere$ e$ int! int! a Tra$e ra$e C!ntra C!ntract ct ith ith MS Ma3c! Ma3c! C!%+any #!r the e3ecuti!n !# the structura" an$ +artia" architectura" !r;s !# !ne !# its c!n$!% c!n$!%ini iniu% u% +r!6e +r!6ects cts in Taguig( aguig( the 9!ni#a 9!ni#aci! ci! Ri$ge Ri$ge C!n$!% C!n$!%ini iniu%* u%* Un$er Un$er the Tra$e ra$e C!ntract( )9DC ha$ the !+ti!n t! hire !ther c!ntract!rs t! recti#y any err!rs c!%%itte$ ,y MS Ma3c! ,y reas!n !# its neg"igence( act( !%issi!n( !r $e#au"t( as e"" as t! $e$uct !r set! any a%!unt #r!% the c!ntract +rice in such cases* Fhen MS Ma3c! incurre$ $e"ays an$ #ai"e$ t! c!%+"y ith the ter%s !# the Tra$e C!ntract( )9DC t!!; !.er an$ hire$ !ther c!ntract!rs t! c!%+"ete the un
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$ecisi!n-%a;ing( %ust n!t $isc!unt ,ut( instea$( %ust c!nsi$er as $ecisi.e e.i$ence the e3+ert !+ini!n !n the +sych!"!gica" an$ %enta" te%+era%ents !# the +arties*? 5* @ac; !# +ers!na" e3a%inati!n an$ inter.ie !# the +ers!n $iagn!se$ ith +ers!na"ity $is!r$er( "i;e "i;e the res+!n$ent( res+!n$ent( $i$ n!t +er se in.a"i$ate the
+++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++ +++++ F(R) ,(NIFACI( DEV-) C(R. v! VALEN)IN F(NG G.R. No. 20*370; +arch 25, 2015; er"as-Berna&e, J.

SUMMARY: )!rt )!rt 9!ni#a 9!ni#aci! ci! De.t De.t C!r+!r C!r+!rati ati!n !n /)9DC /)9DC enter entere$ e$ int! int! a Tra$e ra$e C!ntra C!ntract ct ith ith MS Ma3c! Ma3c! C!%+any #!r the e3ecuti!n !# the structura" an$ +artia" architectura" !r;s !# !ne !# its c!n$!% c!n$!%ini iniu% u% +r!6e +r!6ects cts in Taguig( aguig( the 9!ni#a 9!ni#aci! ci! Ri$ge Ri$ge C!n$!% C!n$!%ini iniu%* u%* Un$er Un$er the Tra$e ra$e C!ntract( )9DC ha$ the !+ti!n t! hire !ther c!ntract!rs t! recti#y any err!rs c!%%itte$ ,y MS Ma3c! ,y reas!n !# its neg"igence( act( !%issi!n( !r $e#au"t( as e"" as t! $e$uct !r set! any a%!unt #r!% the c!ntract +rice in such cases* Fhen MS Ma3c! incurre$ $e"ays an$ #ai"e$ t! c!%+"y ith the ter%s !# the Tra$e C!ntract( )9DC t!!; !.er an$ hire$ !ther c!ntract!rs t! c!%+"ete the un
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c!nsente$ t! the assign%ent( )!ng cann!t .a"i$"y $e%an$ #r!% )9DC the $e"i.ery !# the su% !# P1(5BB(115*G0 that as su++!se$"y assigne$ t! hi% ,y MS Ma3c! as a +!rti!n !# its reten retenti! ti!n n %!ney %!ney ith ith )9DC* )9DC* The +racti +ractica" ca" e4cac e4cacy y !# the assign assign%en %ent( t( a"th!u a"th!ugh gh .a"i$ .a"i$ ,et ,etee een n )!ng !ng an$ an$ MS Ma3c Ma3c!( !( re%ai e%ains ns c!nt c!ntin inge gent nt !n )9DC )9DCs s c!ns c!nsen ent* t* Fith! ith!ut ut the the ha++ening !# sai$ c!n$iti!n( !n"y MS Ma3c!( an$ n!t )!ng( can c!""ect !n the cre$it*

D(C)RINE: Fhen a +ers!n assigns his cre$it t! an!ther +ers!n( the "atter is $ee%e$ su,r!gate$ t! the rights as e"" as t! the !,"igati!ns !# the #!r%er* 9y .irtue !# the Dee$ !# Assign%ent( the assignee is $ee%e$ su,r!gate$ t! the rights an$ !,"igati!ns !# the assign!r an$ is ,!un$ ,y e3act"y the sa%e c!n$iti!ns as th!se hich ,!un$ the assign!r* Acc!r$ing"y( an assignee cann!t ac7uire greater rights than th!se +ertaining t! the assign!r* The genera" ru"e is that an assignee !# a n!n-neg!tia,"e ch!se in acti!n ac7uires n! greater right than hat as +!ssesse$ ,y his assign!r an$ si%+"y stan$s int! the sh!es !# the "atter* "atter*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++ +++++ R )RANS.(R) C(R.(RA)I(N v. v. LUISI)( G! YU G.R. No. 174161, e&ruary 1/, 2015, era"ta J.

SUMMARY: At ar!un$ H=5 in the %!rning !# Dece%,er 12( 1GG&( @!reta J* Yu( a#ter ha.ing a"ighte$ #r!% a +assenger ,us in #r!nt !# R!,ins!ns R!,ins!ns a""eria a"!ng the n!rth-,!un$ "ane !# +i#ani! $e "!s Sant!s A.enue / ( as hit an$ run !.er ,y a ,us $ri.en ,y Ant!ni! P* P* i%ena( h! as then e%+"!ye$ ,y +etiti!ner R Trans+!rt C!r+!rati!n* @!reta as i%%e$iate"y rushe$ t! Me$ica" City !s+ita" here she as +r!n!unce$ $ea$ !n arri.a"* On )e,ruar e,ruary y &( 1GG=( 1GG=( the hus,a hus,an$ n$ !# the $eceas $ecease$( e$( res+! res+!n$e n$ent nt @uisi @uisit! t! * Yu( <"e$ <"e$ a C!%+"aint #!r $a%ages ,e#!re the R' !# Ma;ati City against +etiti!ner R Trans+!rt( Ant!ni! i%ena( an$ Metr! Mani"a Trans+!rt C!r+!rati!n / ++' #!r the $eath !# his i#e* MMTC $enie$ its "ia,i"ity reas!ning that it is %ere"y the registere$ !ner !# the ,us in.!".e$ in the inci$ent( the actua" !ner( ,eing +etiti!ner R Trans+!rt* Petiti!ner R Trans+!rt a""ege$ that res+!n$ent ha$ n! cause !# acti!n against it #!r it ha$ e3ercise$ $ue $i"igence in the se"ecti!n an$ su+er.isi!n !# its e%+"!yees an$ $ri.ers an$ that its ,uses are in g!!$ c!n$iti!n* The tria" c!urt ren$ere$ ren$ere$ 6u$g%ent 6u$g%ent in #a.!r !# res+!n$ent res+!n$ent Yu Yu ru"ing that +etiti!ner +etiti!ner R Trans+!rt Trans+!rt #ai"e$ t! +r!.e that it e3ercise$ the $i"igence re7uire$ !# a g!!$ #ather !# a #a%i"y in the se"ect se"ecti!n i!n an$ su+er. su+er.isi isi!n !n !# its $ri.e $ri.er( r( h h!( !( ,y its neg"ig neg"igenc ence( e( ran !.er !.er the $eceas $ecease$ e$ resu"ting in her $eath* It a"s! he"$ that MMTC sh!u"$ ,e he"$ s!"i$ari"y "ia,"e ith +etiti!ner R Trans+!rt Trans+!rt ,ecause it !u"$ un$u"y +re6u$ice a thir$ +ers!n h! is a .icti% !# a t!rt t! "!!; ,ey!n$ the certi
D(C)RINE: 8eg"igence has ,een $e
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UP PORTIA SORORITY January-March 2015 Case Digests

$e%an$( here,y such !ther +ers!n suers in6ury*? Keri"y( #!reseea,i"ity is the #un$a%enta" test !# neg"igence* It is the !%issi!n t! $! s!%ething hich a reas!na,"e %an( gui$e$ ,y th!se c!nsi$erati!ns hich !r$inari"y regu"ate the c!n$uct !# hu%an aairs( !u"$ $!( !r the $!ing !# s!%ething hich a +ru$ent an$ reas!na,"e %an !u"$ n!t $!* 9!th the tria" an$ a++e""ate c!urts #!un$ $ri.er i%ena neg"igent in hitting an$ running !.er the .icti% an$ ru"e$ that his neg"igence as the +r!3i%ate cause !# her $eath* In$ee$( this C!urt has c!nsistent"y ,een !# the .ie that it is #!r the ,etter +r!tecti!n !# the +u,"ic #!r ,!th the !ner !# rec!r$ an$ the actua" !+erat!r t! ,e a$6u$ge$ 6!int"y an$ se.era""y "ia,"e ith the $ri.er* As a+t"y state$ ,y the a++e""ate c!urt( >the +rinci+"e !# h!"$ing the registere$ !ner "ia,"e #!r $a%ages n!tithstan$ing that !nershi+ !# the !en$ing .ehic"e has a"rea$y ,een trans#erre$ t! an!ther is $esigne$ t! +r!tect the +u,"ic an$ n!t as a shie"$ !n the +art !# unscru+u"!us trans#erees !# the .ehic"e t! ta;e re#uge in( in!r$er t! #ree itse"# #r!% "ia,i"ity arising #r!% its !n neg"igent act*? The registere$ !ner !r !+erat!r has the right t! ,e in$e%ni
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ S.(USES R(D(LF( AND MARCELINA GUEVARRA ( $. )/E C(MM(NER LENDING C(R.(RA)I(N0 INC!( G.R. No. 204672, e&ruary 1/, 2015, R-BRNB,

SUMMARY: On Dece%,er 1'( 1GG'( S+s* ue.arra !,taine$ a P&20(000*00 "!an #r!% TC@C( hich as secure$ ,y a rea" estate %!rtgage !.er "an$ grante$ t! the S+s thr!ugh #ree +atent** The S+s* De#au"te$ !n the "!an an$ the +r!+erty as #!rec"!se$* S+s* ue.arra cha""enge$ the .a"i$ity !# the #!rec"!sure +r!cee$ings $ue t! the +ur+!rte$ #ai"ure !# TC@C t! c!%+"y ith the n!tice( +!sting an$ +u,"icati!n re7uire%ents( an$ "ac; !# auth!rity( as a c!r+!rati!n(t! ac7uire the su,6ect +r!+erty* S+s* ue.arra a"s! assai"e$ the issuance ,y the Sheri !# I"!i"! !# a )ina" Dee$ !# Sa"e t! ,e +re%ature( as they ere sti"" entit"e$ t! re$ee% the su,6ect +r!+erty ithin <.e /5 years#r!% the e3+irati!n !# the !ne-year +eri!$ t! re+urchase* The RTC ru"e$ #!r the S+s* The CA a4r%e$* The SC a4re$( h!"$ing that the S+s* Sti"" ha$ the right t! re$ee% the +r!+erty( ha.ing <"e$ a case ithin the 5 year +eri!$*

D(C)RINE: In an e3tra-6u$icia" #!rec"!sure !# registere$ "an$ ac7uire$ un$er a #ree +atent( the %!rtgag!r %ay re$ee% the +r!+erty ithin t! /2 years #r!% the $ate !# #!rec"!sure i# the "an$ is %!rtgage$ t! a rura" ,an; un$er Re+u,"ic Act 8!* /RA B20( as a%en$e$( !therise ;n!n as the Rura" 9an;s Act( !r ithin !ne /1 year #r!% the registrati!n !# the certi
=


8!nethe"ess( the C!urt cann!t su,scri,e t! TC@Cs c!ntenti!n that it is entit"e$ t! its t!ta" c"ai%s un$er the +r!%iss!ry n!te an$ the %!rtgage c!ntractin .ie !# the sett"e$ ru"e that an action to %orec"ose must &e "imite# to the amount mentione# in the mortae * M!re!.er( the C!urt n!tes that the sti+u"ate$ three +ercent /&L %!nth"y interest is e3cessi.e( ini7uit!us( unc!nsci!na,"e( an$ e3!r,itant( hence( i""ega"an$ .!i$ #!r ,eing c!ntrary t! %!ra"s*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NFF In&strial Cor#oration v G1L Asso%iate ,ro2erage an3or Geraro )rinia GR No 17/16*; January 12, 2015; era"ta, J.

SUMMARY  Petiti!ner as a %anu#acturer !# ,u"; ,ags an$ res+!n$ent c!%+any is !ne !# its cust!%ers /Trini$a$ is the "atters M* Petiti!ner a""ege$ that Res+!n$ent c!%+any !r$ere$ 2000 ,u"; ,ags ,ut #ai"e$ t! +ay a#ter $e"i.ery !# the sa%e $es+ite $e%an$s* On the !ther han$( the Res+!n$ent c!%+any a""ege$ that they !n"y !r$ere$ 1000 ,u"; ,ags an$ that +etiti!ner #ai"e$ t! $e"i.er the sa%e in acc!r$ance ith the ter%s !# the Purchase Or$er* As a resu"t !# n!n-+ay%ent( +etiti!ner <"e$ a c!%+"aint #!r su% !# %!ney against res+!n$ents* The RTC grante$ the +etiti!n ,ut as "ater re.erse$ ,y the CA !n a++ea"* The SC re.erse$ the CA( h!"$ing the Res+!n$ent c!%+any "ia,"e t! +ay #!r the ,ags* It state$ that a"th!ugh it isnt a trier !# #acts( this case #a""s un$er the e3ce+ti!n that the $e"i.ery? in re"ati!n t! the trans#er !# !nershi+ in the c!nte3t !# the @a !n Sa"es* 9y e3a%ining the rec!r$s( it #!un$ that the +etiti!ner $i$ in$ee$ $e"i.er the g!!$s t! the $esignate$ site an$ that such $e"i.eries ere ac;n!"ege$ ,y Trini$a$ $es+ite the #act that the sa%e as n!t $e"i.ere$ t! the +ers!n na%e$ in the Purchase Or$er* Acce+tance !# $e"i.ery %ay ,e in#erre$ #r!% the c!n$uct !# res+!n$ents( an$ the ,uyer %ay ,e he"$ "ia,"e t! +ay #!r the +rice +ursuant t! Art* 15H5 8CC* ere( the Res+!n$ent c!%+any acce+te$ the $e"i.ery !# the ,ags an$ e.en use$ the sa%e #!r hau"ing* @ast"y( the SC he"$ that Trini$a$ cann!t ,e he"$ 6!int"y an$ se.era""y "ia,"e #!r the !utstan$ing !,"igati!n !# the Res+!n$ent c!%+any since he as sue$ in his ca+acity as M*

D(C)RINES 1* In uatoria" Rea"ty e$e"o!ment, nc. $. +ay%air heater, nc. ( the c!nce+t !# >$e"i.ery? as e"uci$ate$( t! it De"i.ery has ,een $escri,e$ as a c!%+!site act( a thing in hich ,!th +arties %ust 6!in an$ the %in$s !# ,!th +arties c!ncur* It is an act ,y hich !ne +arty +arts ith the tit"e t! an$ the +!ssessi!n !# the +r!+erty( an$ the !ther ac7uires the right t! an$ the +!ssessi!n !# the sa%e* In its natura" sense( $e"i.ery %eans s!%ething in a$$iti!n t! the $e"i.ery !# +r!+erty !r tit"eE it %eans trans#er !# +!ssessi!n* In the @a !n Sa"es( $e"i.ery %ay ,e either actua" !r c!nstructi.e( ,ut ,!th #!r%s !# $e"i.ery c!nte%+"ate the a,s!"ute gi.ing u+ !# the c!ntr!" an$ cust!$y !# the +r!+erty !n the +art !# the .en$!r( an$ the assu%+ti!n !# the sa%e ,y the .en$ee** 2* The .en$ees acce+tance !# the e7ui+%ent an$ su++"ies an$ access!ries( an$ the use it %a$e !# the% is an i%+"ie$ c!n#!r%ity t! the ter%s !# the in.!ices an$ he is ,!un$ there,y* /y $ +ina &* Fhi"e a c!r+!rati!n %ay e3ist #!r any "a#u" +ur+!se( the "a i"" regar$ it as an ass!ciati!n !# +ers!ns !r( in case !# t! c!r+!rati!ns( %erge the% int! !ne( hen its c!r+!rate "ega" entity is use$ as a c"!a; #!r #rau$ !r i""ega"ity* This is the $!ctrine !# +iercing the .ei" !# c!r+!rate
5


$e#eat +u,"ic c!n.enience( 6usti#y r!ng( +r!tect #rau$( !r $e#en$ cri%e( !r hen it is %a$e as a shie"$ t! c!n#use the "egiti%ate issues( !r here a c!r+!rati!n is the %ere a"ter eg! !r ,usiness c!n$uit !# a +ers!n( !r here the c!r+!rati!n is s! !rganie$ an$ c!ntr!""e$ an$ its aairs are s! c!n$ucte$ as t! %a;e it %ere"y an instru%enta"ity( agency( c!n$uit !r a$6unct !# an!ther c!r+!rati!n* T! $isregar$ the se+arate 6uri$ica" +ers!na"ity !# a c!r+!rati!n( the r!ng$!ing %ust ,e esta,"ishe$ c"ear"y an$ c!n.incing"y* It cann!t ,e +resu%e$* / Ri$era $ 8nite# a&oratories nc 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MANUEL 4USAYAN0ALFRED( 4USAYAN0 AND MIC/AEL 4USAYAN v! 4(RGE S(M,ILLA G.R. No. 163*2/; January 21, 2015; Bersamin, J.

SUMMARY: J!rge S!%,i""a an$ Ti%!te! Jusayan .er,a""y agree$ that J!rge !u"$ retain +!ssessi!n !# the "an$ an$ $e"i.er 110 ca.ans !# +a"ay annua""y t! Ti%!te! ith!ut nee$ #!r acc!unting !# the cu"ti.ati!n e3+enses( +r!.i$e$ J!rge +ai$ the irrigati!n #ees* In 1GB5( the "an$ as trans#erre$ t! Ti%!te!s three s!ns* Ti%!te! r!te J!rge ter%inating his a$%inistrati!n an$ $e%an$ing return !# the +!ssessi!n !# the "an$ in 1GH=( hich J!rge #ai"e$ t! $!* Ti%!te! <"e$ a c!%+"aint #!r rec!.ery !# +!ssessi!n against J!rge( h! argue$ that he en6!ye$ security !# tenure as an agricu"tura" "essee* The RTC u+he"$ the c!ntractua" re"ati!nshi+ !# agency an$ !r$ere$ J!rge t! $e"i.er +!ssessi!n t! the s!ns* the CA re.erse$ an$ $is%isse$ the case( h!"$ing that the re"ati!nshi!+ as !# agricu"tura" tenancy( an$ that the $e%an$ !# Ti%!te! #!r the $e"i.ery !# his share in the har.est an$ the +ay%ent !# irrigati!n #ees c!nstitute$ an agrarian $is+ute that as !utsi$e the RTCs 6uris$icti!n an$ ithin the DARs* The SC +artia""y a4r%e$ the $ecisi!n ins!#ar as regar$ing the tenancy re"ati!nshi+( ,ut since the acti!n as institute$ ,e#!re 6uris$icti!n as grante$ t! the DAR !.er agrarian re#!r% %atters( 6uris$icti!n as +r!+er"y .este$ ith the RTC*

D(C)RINE: A"th!ugh the +ur+!se !# the ci.i" "a "ease an$ the agricu"tura" "ease %ay ,e agricu"tura" cu"ti.ati!n an$ +r!$ucti!n( the $istincti.e attri,ute that sets a ci.i" "a "ease a+art #r!% an agricu"tura" "ease is the +ers!na" cu"ti.ati!n ,y the "essee* An agricu"tura" "essee cu"ti.ates ,y hi%se"# an$ ith the ai$ !# th!se !# his i%%e$iate #ar% h!useh!"$* C!n.erse"y( e.en hen the "essee is in +!ssessi!n !# the "ease$ agricu"tura" "an$ an$ +aying a c!nsi$erati!n #!r it ,ut is n!t +ers!na""y cu"ti.ating the "an$( he !r she is a ci.i" "a "essee* Cu"ti.ati!n is n!t "i%ite$ t! the +"!ing an$ harr!ing !# the "an$( ,ut inc"u$es the .ari!us +hases !# #ar% "a,!r such as the %aintenance( re+air an$ ee$ing !# $i;es( +a$$ies an$ irrigati!n cana"s in the "an$h!"$ing* M!re!.er( it c!.ers atten$ing t! the care !# the gr!ing +"ants( an$ gr!n +"ants "i;e #ruit trees that re7uire atering( #erti"iing( u+r!!ting ee$s( turning the s!i"( #u%igating t! e"i%inate +"ant +ests an$ a"" !ther acti.ities $esigne$ t! +r!%!te the gr!th an$ care !# the +"ants !r trees an$ hus,an$ing the earth( ,y genera" in$ustry( s! that it %ay ,ring #!rth %!re +r!$ucts !r #ruits* A tenant is n!t re7uire$ t! ,e +hysica""y +resent in the "an$ at a"" h!urs !# the $ay an$ night +r!.i$e$ that he "i.es c"!se en!ugh t! the "an$ t! ,e cu"ti.ate$ t! %a;e it +hysica""y +!ssi,"e #!r hi% t! cu"ti.ate it ith s!%e $egree !# c!nstancy*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ WELLE5 GR(U. INC v U6LAND AIRLINES C(! L)D! G.R. No. 16751*; 14 January 2015; eonen, J.

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SUMMARY  This is a case !# rescissi!n !# a MOA ,eteen Fe""e3 /$!%estic c!r+!rati!n an$ U-@an$ /#!reign c!r+!rati!n registere$ t! $! ,usiness in Phi"* It sh!u"$ ,e n!te$ that Fe""e3 !ns shares !# st!c; in se.era" c!r+!rati!ns inc"u$ing Air Phi"i++ines Internati!na" C!r+!rati!n /APIC( Phi"i++ine states C!r+!rati!n /PC( an$ 3+ress Sa.ings 9an; /S9* Fe""e3 an$ U-@an$ entere$ int! a 1 st MOA t! e3+an$ their res+ecti.e air"ine !+erati!ns in Asia* One !# the +r!.isi!ns !# hich +r!.i$e$ that in the e.ent !# the n!n-e3ecuti!n !# an SPA ithin the =0 $ay +eri!$( !r ithin the e3tensi!ns there!#( the +ay%ents %a$e ,y +"ainti sha"" ,e returne$ t! it* Fe""e3 an$ U-@an$ a"s! agree$ t! enter int! a 6!int $e.e"!+%ent agree%ent si%u"tane!us ith the e3ecuti!n !# the share +urchase agree%ent* The 6!int $e.e"!+%ent agree%ent sha"" c!.er h!using an$ !ther rea" estate $e.e"!+%ent +r!6ects* Its e3ecuti!n as c!n$iti!ne$ !n the e3ecuti!n !# a share +urchase agree%ent* The share +urchase agree%ent as entere$ int! un$er the un$erstan$ing that !+erati!na" c!ntr!" !# APIC an$ Air Phi"i++ines C!r+!rati!n />APC? sha"" ,e "!$ge$ 6!int"y t! F@@N an$ U-@A8D !n the ,asis !# %utua" agree%ent an$ c!nsu"tati!ns* Therea#ter( a 2 n$ MOA /,eteen Fe""e3( APIC an$ Air Phi"i++ines C!r+!rati!n !r APC as a""ege$"y e3ecute$ #!r%ing +art !# the
R)C: Res%ission is #ro#er! It #!un$ that Fe""e3 $i$ n!t enter int! the sti+u"ate$ share +urchase agree%ent ,ecause it $i$ n!t ha.e the shares !# APC trans#erre$ t! APIC $es+ite its re+resentati!ns* Un$er the circu%stances( it is c"ear that $e#en$ant #rau$u"ent"y .i!"ate$ the +r!.isi!ns !# the MOA*

CA: A7r8e R)C! It state$ that rescissi!n re#erre$ t! here is +re$icate$ !n the ,reach !# #aith ,y the a++e""ant hich ,reach is .i!"ati.e !# the reci+r!city ,eteen the +arties* It is n!te$ that a++e""ee has +art"y c!%+"ie$ ith its !n !,"igati!n( hi"e the a++e""ant has n!t* It is( there#!re( the right !# the in6ure$ +arty t! as; #!r rescissi!n ,ecause the gui"ty +arty cann!t as; #!r rescissi!n*

SC: R)C an CA a7r8e! D(C)RINE 1* This case as res!".e$ ,ase$ !n the >+"ain %eaning? ru"e !# the +r!.isi!n !# the 1 st MOA +ursuant t! Art 1&B&( 8CC* 2* 8!.ati!n e3tinguishes an !,"igati!n ,eteen t! +arties hen there is a su,stituti!n !# !,6ects !r $e,t!rs !r hen there is su,r!gati!n !# the cre$it!r* It !ccurs !n"y hen the ne c!ntract $ec"ares s! >in une7ui.!ca" ter%s? !r that >the !"$ an$ the ne !,"igati!ns ,e !n e.ery +!int inc!%+ati,"e ith each !ther*? )!r n!.ati!n t! ta;e +"ace( the #!""!ing re7uisites %ust c!ncur 1 There %ust ,e a +re.i!us .a"i$ !,"igati!n* 2 The +arties c!ncerne$ %ust agree t! a ne c!ntract*

B


& The !"$ c!ntract %ust ,e e3tinguishe$* = There %ust ,e a .a"i$ ne c!ntract* 8!.ati!n %ay a"s! ,e e3+ress !r i%+"ie$* It is e3+ress hen the ne !,"igati!n $ec"ares in une7ui.!ca" ter%s that the !"$ !,"igati!n is e3tinguishe$* It is i%+"ie$ hen the ne !,"igati!n is inc!%+ati,"e ith the !"$ !ne !n e.ery +!int* The test !# inc!%+ati,i"ity is hether the t! !,"igati!ns can stan$ t!gether( each !ne ith its !n in$e+en$ent e3istence* 9ecause n!.ati!n re7uires that it ,e c"ear an$ une7ui.!ca"( it is ne.er +resu%e$( In the ci.i" "a setting( n!.ati! is "itera""y c!nstrue$ as t! %a;e ne* S! it is $ee+"y r!!te$ in the R!%an @a 6uris+ru$ence( the +rinci+"e  n!.ati! n!n +raesu%itur  that n!.ati!n is ne.er +resu%e$* At ,!tt!%( #!r n!.ati!n t! ,e a 6ura" rea"ity( its ani%us %ust ,e e.er +resent( $e,itu% +r! $e,it!  ,asica""y e3tinguishing the !"$ !,"igati!n #!r the ne !ne* &* The test !# inc!%+ati,i"ity is hether !r n!t the t! !,"igati!ns can stan$ t!gether( each !ne ha.ing its in$e+en$ent e3istence* I# they cann!t( they are inc!%+ati,"e an$ the "atter !,"igati!n n!.ates the
H


su,!r$inate$ t! anything !ther than the cu"+a,"e ,reach !# his !,"igati!ns ,y t he $e#en$ant* This rescissi!n is a +rinci+a" acti!n reta"iat!ry in character( it ,eing un6ust that a +arty ,e he"$ ,!un$ t! #u"<"" his +r!%ises hen the !ther .i!"ates his* As e3+resse$ in the !"$ @atin a+h!ris% >8!n ser.anti <$e%( n!n est <$es ser.an$a*? ence( the re+arati!n !# $a%ages #!r the ,reach is +ure"y sec!n$ary* On the c!ntrary( in the rescissi!n ,y reas!n !# "esi!n !r ec!n!%ic +re6u$ice( the cause !# acti!n is su,!r$inate$ t! the e3istence !# that +re6u$ice( ,ecause it is the rais!n $etre as e"" as the %easure !# the right t! rescin$* ence( here the $e#en$ant %a;es g!!$ the $a%ages cause$( the acti!n cann!t ,e %aintaine$ !r c!ntinue$( as e3+ress"y +r!.i$e$ in Artic"es 1&H& an$ 1&H=* 9ut the !+erati!n !# these t! artic"es is "i%ite$ t! the cases !# rescissi!n #!r "esin enu%erate$ in Artic"e 1&H1 !# the Ci.i" C!$e !# the Phi"i++ines( an$ $!es n!t a++"y t! cases un$er Artic"e 11G1* 5* The $egree !# e.i$ence nee$e$ t! +r!.e the e3istence !# #rau$ un$er 1&&H QThe stan$ar$ !# +r!!# re7uire$ is c"ear an$ c!n.incing e.i$ence* This stan$ar$ !# +r!!# is $eri.e$ #r!% A%erican c!%%!n "a* It is "ess than +r!!# ,ey!n$ reas!na,"e $!u,t /#!r cri%ina" cases ,ut greater than +re+!n$erance !# e.i$ence /#!r ci.i" cases* The $egree !# ,e"ie.a,i"ity is higher than that !# an !r$inary ci.i" case* Ci.i" cases !n"y re7uire a +re+!n$erance !# e.i$ence t! %eet the re7uire$ ,ur$en !# +r!!#* !e.er( hen #rau$ is a""ege$ in an !r$inary ci.i" case in.!".ing c!ntractua" re"ati!ns( an entire"y $ierent stan$ar$ !# +r!!# nee$s t! ,e satis
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ,.I 9$or8erl'0 .r&ential ,an2 v S#s! Castro GR no 1*5272; 14 January 2015; ere9, J.

SUMMARY  There are t! "!ans c!ntracte$ ,y S+s Castr! #r!% Pru$entia" 9an; in the a%!unts !# P 100(000 an$ 55(000*00* The P100(000*00 "!an as secure$ ,y a Rea" state M!rtgage /RM !.er +etiti!ners +r!+erty "!cate$ in ue!n City an$ c!.ere$ ,y Trans#er Certiue""er%a Ma"a,anan re+* ,y her AI) Da.i$ M* Castr!? a++eare$ as %!rtgag!r hi"e the a%!unt !# %!rtgage$ in$e,te$ness is PG'(HB0*20 /55(000 "!an +"us interest* The rea" +r!+erty $escri,e$ therein h!e.er is the ue!n City +r!+erty* The C +r!+erty as s!"$ at a +u,"ic aucti!n in #a.!ur !# Pru$entia" h!se inning ,i$ as P &G'(000* S+s Castr! <"e$ a c!%+"aint #!r Dec"arati!n !# 8u""ity !# Sheris Certi
G


+r!+erties c!.ere$ ,y the RM e3ecute$ ,y ue""er%a Ma"a,anan hich as the ,asis !# the 8!tice !# Sheris Sa"e hich as +!ste$ an$ +u,"ishe$*

R)C: Co8#laint is8isse! It #!un$ that there is n! su,stantia" $e#ect !n the n!tice( !,6ecti.e !# n!tice as attaine$ since there as su4cient +u,"icity !# the sa"e thr!ugh nes+a+er +u,"icati!n an$ that there as n! sh!ing that the +r!+erty as s!"$ #!r a +rice #ar ,e"! its .a"ue( an inti%ati!n !# c!""usi!n ,eteen the sheri h! c!n$ucte$ the sa"e an$ the ,an;

CA: Reverse R)C! rr!ne!us $esignati!n !# ue""er%a Ma"a,anan as %!rtgag!r( instea$ !# Da.i$( $i$ n!t aect the .a"i$ity !# the n!tice* !e.er( ith res+ect t! the a%!unt !# the %!rtgage$ in$e,te$ness( the $iscre+ancy .is-a-.is the actua" a%!unt !e$ ,y S+!uses Castr! is signi
SC: A7r8e R)C! D(C)RINE 1* )!rec"!sure +r!cee$ings ha.e in their #a.!r the +resu%+ti!n !# regu"arity an$ the +arty h! see;s t! cha""enge the +r!cee$ings has the ,ur$en !# e.i$ence t! re,ut the sa%e* In this case( res+!n$ent #ai"e$ t! +r!.e that Pru$entia" 9an; has n!t c!%+"ie$ ith the n!tice re7uire%ent !# the "a* 2* M!st i%+!rtant re7uire%ents !# Act 8!* &1&5 is that the n!tice !# the ti%e an$ +"ace !# sa"e sha"" ,e gi.en* I# the sheri acts ith!ut n!tice( !r at a ti%e an$ +"ace !ther than that $esignate$ in the n!tice( the sheri acts ith!ut arrant !# "a* 9!th ti%e an$ +"ace ere gi.en in this case* &* O,6ect !# a n!tice !# sa"e is t! in#!r% the +u,"ic !# the nature an$ c!n$iti!n !# the +r!+erty t! ,e s!"$( an$ !# the ti%e( +"ace an$ ter%s !# the sa"e* 8!tices are gi.en #!r the +ur+!se !# securing ,i$$ers an$ t! +re.ent a sacri+ena"ties( charges( att!rneys #ees an$ a"" "ega" #ees an$ e3+enses #!r the #!rec"!sure an$ sa"e*? =* rr!ne!us $esignati!n !# an entity as the %!rtgag!r $!es n!t in.a"i$ate the n!tice !# sa"e* The n!tice ru"e as c!%+"ie$ ith hen the 8!tice !# Sheris Sa"e as +u,"ishe$ in Phi"i++ine Rec!r$er( a nati!na" nes+a+er !# genera" circu"ati!n !nce a ee; #!r three c!nsecuti.e ee;s* )urther( #!rec"!sure +r!ce$ure is su++!rte$ ,y A4$a.it !# Pu,"icati!n( 8!tice !# Sheris Sa"e( Sheris Certi
10


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ RICARD( /(NRAD( v GMA NE)W(RK FILMS0 INC GR no 204702; 14 January 2015; 'ar!io, J.

SUMMARY  MA entere$ int! a TK Rights Agree%ent ith !nra$! un$er hich !nra$!( as "icens!r !# &' <"%s( grante$ t! MA )i"%s( #!r a #ee /three insta"%ents( the e3c"usi.e right t! te"ecast the the <"%s #!r a +eri!$ !# three years* Un$er Paragra+h & !# the Agree%ent( the +arties agree$ that >a"" ,etaca% c!+ies !# the Q<"%s sh!u"$ +ass thr!ugh ,r!a$cast 7ua"ity test c!n$ucte$ ,y MA-B* The +arties a"s! agree$ t! su,6ect the <"%s #!r a++r!.a" ,y MTRC9( an$ >in the e.ent !# $isa++r!.a"( @IC8SOR QPetiti!ner i"" either re+"ace the cens!re$ PRORAMM TIT@S ith an!ther tit"e hich is %utua""y acce+ta,"e t! ,!th +arties !r( #ai"ure t! $! such( a +r!+!rti!nate re$ucti!n #r!% the t!ta" +rice sha"" either ,e $e$ucte$ !r re#un$e$ hiche.er is the case ,y the @IC8SOR OR @IC8S QMA )i"%s? T! !# the <"%s c!.ere$ ,y the Agree%ent ere .ange"ine at!rse an$ 9u,!t #!r hich MA )i"%s +ai$ P1*5 %i""i!n each* In 200&( MA sue$ #!r ,reach !# c!ntract an$ ,reach !# trust +raying #!r a su% !# %!ney re+resenting the #ee it +ai$ #!r .ange"ine at!rse /P1*5 %i""i!n an$ a +!rti!n !# the #ee it +ai$ #!r 9u,!t /P&50(000 that as n!t re%itte$ ,y !nra$! t! the <"%!ners !# 9u,!t* As regar$s :atorse( MA re6ecte$ the <"% ,ecause >its running ti%e as t!! sh!rt #!r te"ecast?* !nra$! re+"ace$ it ith inasa< na anara!( t! hich MA issue$ a certiis !# g!!$ ,r!a$cast 7ua"ity?* 8!( MA as a""eging that it re6ecte$ inasa< $es+ite the certi,!"$?* As regar$s Bu&ot ( MA +ai$ 1*5M( ,ut !nra$! re%itte$ !n"y G00(000 t! the !ners* MA a""eges that since an i%+"ie$ trust ar!se ,eteen the +arties as +etiti!ner #rau$u"ent"y ;e+t the unre%itte$ a%!unt #!r hi%se"#*

R)C: Co8#laint is8isse! RTC ga.e cre$ence that inasa< .a"i$"y re+"ace$ :atorse( an$ that( as regar$s Bu&ot, n! i%+"ie$ trust as #!r%e$ since there is n! +r!!# that +etiti!ner +!c;ete$ any +!rti!n !# the #ee in 7uesti!n*

CA: Grante a##eal o$ GMA! inasa< is n!t a .a"i$ re+"ace%ent since it as >,!"$?an$ MA has auth!rity t! re6ect un$er Par= !# agree%ent* As regar$s Bu&ot, there is an i%+"e$ trust since >>n!here in the TK Rights Agree%ent $!es it +r!.i$e that the "icens!r is entit"e$ t! any c!%%issi!n 3 3 3 Qhence 3 3 3 Q+etiti!ner !nra$! cann!t c"ai% any +!rti!n !# the +urchase +rice +ai$ #!r ,y 3 3 3 MA )i"%s*?

SC: A7r8e R)C! D(C)RINE 1* There is n! ,reach !# c!ntracttrust since the sti+u"ate$ ,asis !# <"% re+"ace%ent is MTRC9s $isa++r!.a"* regar$"ess !# the i%+!rt !# the )i"% Certi
11


7ua"ity an$ assu%e$ the #uncti!n !# MTRC9 t! e.a"uate the <"%s #!r the +r!+riety !# their c!ntent* This runs c!unter t! the c"ear ter%s !# Paragra+hs & an$ = !# the Agree%ent* 2* There is n! ,reach !# trust since Dis+!sa" !# the )ees Pai$ t! Petiti!ner is Outsi$e !# the Ter%s !# the Agree%ent* )urther( SC $eci$e$ n!t t! ru"e !n the e3istence !# an i%+"ie$ trust since MA is n!t a +arty t! the agree%ents %a$e ,y !nra$! an$ the <"% !ners* The Agree%ent is a "icensing c!ntract( the essence !# hich is the trans#er ,y the "icens!r /+etiti!ner t! the "icensee /MA )i"%s( #!r a #ee( !# the e3c"usi.e right t! te"ecast the <"%s "iste$ in the Agree%ent* Sti+u"ati!ns #!r +ay%ent !# >c!%%issi!n? t! the "icens!r is inc!ngru!us t! the nature !# such c!ntracts un"ess the "icens!r %ere"y acte$ as agent !# the <"% !ners* 8!here in the Agree%ent( h!e.er( $i$ the +arties sti+u"ate that +etiti!ner signe$ the c!ntract in such ca+acity* On the c!ntrary( the Agree%ent re+eate$"y re#ers t! +etiti!ner as >"icens!r? an$ MA )i"%s as >"icensee*? 8!r $i$ the +arties sti+u"ate that the #ees +ai$ ,y MA )i"%s #!r the <"%s "iste$ in the Agree%ent i"" ,e turne$ !.er ,y +etiti!ner t! the <"% !ners* Instea$( the Agree%ent %ere"y +r!.i$e$ that the t!ta" #ees i"" ,e +ai$ in three insta"%ents*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ N.C v! MARU/(M E) AL G.R. No. 175/63; e&. 1/, 2015; ere9, J.

SUMMARY  8PC t!!; +!ssessi!n !# a "an$ in Marai City #!r the +ur+!se !# ,ui"$ing a hy$r!e"ectric +!er +"ant* The "an$ as in truth registere$ un$er a TCT in the na%e !# res+!n$ent Mang!n$at!( ,ut the 8PC th!ught it as +art !# +u,"ic "an$ reser.e$ #!r the use !# g!.t* Fhen res+!n$ent $isc!.ere$ 8PCs !ccu+ati!n !# the "an$( he $e%an$e$ c!%+ensati!n #r!% 8PC* 8PC initia""y re6ecte$ such c"ai% !# !nershi+( ,ut e.entua""y ac;n!"e$ge$ Mang!n$at!s right t! recei.e c!%+ensati!n there#!r* !e.er( they #ai"e$ t! yie"$ a c!nsensus as t! the )MK !# the "an$* Thus( Mang!n$at! <"e$ a c!%+"aint #!r rec!n.eyance against 8PC( hi"e the 8PC <"e$ an e3+r!+riati!n c!%+"aint ,!th ith the RTC* The RTC u+he"$ 8PCs right t! e3+r!+riate an$ $enie$ res+!n$ents c"ai% #!r rec!n.eyance( ,ut sti"" re7uiring 8PC t! +ay renta"s #!r the !ccu+ati!n !# the "an$* 8PC a++ea" t! the CA ,ecause it $isagree$ ith the a%!unt !# 6ust c!%+ensati!n a$6u$ge$* During the +en$ency !# the a++ea"( the res+!n$ents I,rahi%s an$ Maruh!%s <"e$ a c!%+"aint against Mang!n$at! an$ 8PC( c"ai%ing that they are the rea" !ners !# the "an$* The CA $enie$ the a++ea"( hich as u+he"$ ,y the SC* The RTC then ru"e$ in the sec!n$ case that the I,rahi%s an$ the Maruh!%s are the rea" !ners !# the "an$( h!e.er rec!n.eyance cann!t ha++en since the "an$ ha$ a"rea$y ,een e3+r!+riate$* It $ec"are$ the I,rahi%s an$ Maruh!%s as the right#u" reci+ients !# the renta" #ees an$ in$e%nity #!r the e3+r!+riati!n( h!"$ing Mang!n$at! an$ 8PC s!"i$ari"y "ia,"e t! the #!r%er #!r such a%!unt* CA $enie$ 8PCs a++ea"* The SC he"$ that 8PC cant ,e he"$ s!"i$ari"y "ia,"e ith Mang!n$at!* 8PC as n!t in ,a$ #aith hen it +ai$ Mang!n$at!( since such as re7uire$ ,y the
D(C)RINE A
12


!# his !n #ree i""( +r!cee$s ith such c!urse !# acti!n* On"y ith the c!ncurrence !# these t! e"e%ents can e ,egin t! c!nsi$er that the r!ng c!%%itte$ ha$ ,een $!ne #e"i&erate"y an$( thus( in ,a$ #aith* Artic"e 12=2 !# the Ci.i" C!$e is an e3ce+ti!n t! the ru"e that a .a"i$ +ay%ent !# an !,"igati!n can !n"y ,e %a$e t! the +ers!n t! h!% such !,"igati!n is right#u""y !e$* It c!nte%+"ates a situati!n here a $e,t!r +ays a > !ossessor o% cre#it ? i*e*( s!%e!ne h! is n!t the rea" cre$it!r ,ut a++ears( un$er the circu%stances( t! ,e the rea" cre$it!r* In such scenari!( the "a c!nsi$ers the +ay%ent t! the > !ossessor o% cre#it ? as .a"i$ e.en as against the rea" cre$it!r ta;ing int! acc!unt the g!!$ #aith !# the $e,t!r*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ IMELDA E)! AL v ,(NIFACI( an VSD REAL)Y 1 DEV) C(R.! G.R. Nos. 14/74/; 14 January 2015; eonar#o-#e 'astro, J.

SUMMARY  Petiti!ners are registere$ c!-!ners !# the su,6ect "an$ un$er a TCT* They ha.e ,een in !+en( c!ntinu!us( an$ uninterru+te$ +!ssessi!n !# the su,6ect "an$( ,y the%se".es !r thr!ugh their +re$ecess!rs-in-interest( since 1G2'* )urther( they are +aying the rea" +r!+erty ta3es !.er the su,6ect "an$ since 1G=G* A%!ng the ann!tati!ns !n the TCT are t! encu%,rances /1 a "ease agree%ent $ate$ Se+te%,er 2=( 1G'&( in #a.!r !# Manu#acturers 9an; an$ Trust C!%+any /Manu#acturers 9an;( !.er a +!rti!n !# the su,6ect "an$( ith the c!n$iti!n that the ,ui"$ings hich the "essee ha$ c!nstructe$ there!n sha"" ,ec!%e the +r!+erty !# the "ess!rs a#ter the e3+irati!n !# the "ease agree%entE an$ /2 an!ther "ease agree%ent $ate$ Dece%,er 20( 1GB1( in #a.!r !# a certain Chan eng( !.er the re%aining +!rti!n !# the su,6ect "an$* The +r!,"e% ar!se hen the +etiti!ners #!un$ !ut that the "an$ as ,eing s!"$ t! a certain @!uis Ong* The +ur+!rte$ !ner( res+!n$ent 9!ni#aci!( as the su,-"essee !# a"ayaan De.e"!+%ent C!r+!rati!n( hich( in turn( as the su,-"essee !# Manu#acturers 9an;( hich as the $irect "essee !# +etiti!ners* Petiti!ners a"s! "earne$ that res+!n$ent 9!ni#aci! as a,"e t! register the su,6ect "an$ in her na%e un$er an!ther TCT /it %ust ,e n!te$ that the technica" $escri+ti!n in this TCT is $ierent #r!% that !# the TCT !# +etiti!ner an$ it as issue$ +ursuant t! an!ther RTCs Or$er* Thus( +etiti!ners <"e$ $ec"arati!n !# nu""ity an$ cance""ati!n !# res+!n$ent 9!ni#aci!s TCT hich as ta;en ,y the RTC as a +etiti!n #!r 7uieting !# tit"e* Su,se7uent"y( +etiti!ners $isc!.ere$ that res+!n$ent 9!ni#aci! s!"$ the su,6ect "an$ in #a.!r !# res+!n$ent KSD Rea"ty V De.e"!+%ent C!r+!rati!n /KSD Rea"ty(

R)C: Dis8isse t"e #etition! It n!te$ the ,are $ierences in the "an$ areas an$ "!t nu%,ers c!ntaine$ therein( an$ c!nc"u$e$ that sai$ technica" $escri+ti!ns ere n!t !ne an$ the sa%e( a++reciating the testi%!ny !# se.era" engineers !# D8R an$ @an$ Manage%ent Ser.ices* It a"s! u+he"$ 9!ni#aci!s TCT*

CA: Dis8isse t"e a##eal! It ru"e$ that since res+!n$ent 9!ni#aci! is the !ner !# the su,6ect "an$( .a"i$"y registere$ in her na%e( she is ithin her rights in se""ing sai$ +r!+erty t! res+!n$ent KSD Rea"ty( %a;ing the "atters TCT 8!* 2H5&1& a"s! .a"i$* Petiti!ners cann!t attact 9!ni#aci!s TCT c!""atera""y* It #urther state$ that here t! TCTs +ur+!rt t! inc"u$e the sa%e "an$( the ear"ier in $ate +re.ai"s* ence( in +!int !# +ri!rity in issuance( the tit"e !# 9!ni#aci! +re.ai"s !.er that !# the Q+etiti!ners*

SC: Reverse R)C an CA! De%lare ,oni$a%io-s )C) n&ll an voi! D(C)RINE

1&


1

W"en is an a%tion an atta%2 on a title; It is hen the !,6ect !# the acti!n !r +r!cee$ing is t! nu""i#y the tit"e( an$ thus cha""enge the 6u$g%ent +ursuant t! hich the tit"e as $ecree$* The attac; is $irect hen the !,6ect !# an acti!n !r +r!cee$ing is t! annu" !r set asi$e such 6u$g%ent( !r en6!in its en#!rce%ent* On the !ther han$( the attac; is in$irect !r c!""atera" hen( in an acti!n t! !,tain a $ierent re"ie#( an attac; !n the 6u$g%ent is ne.erthe"ess %a$e as an inci$ent there!#* This case is a $irect attac; !n tit"e*

2

As a general r&le0 acti!n t! 7uiet tit"e +rescri,es a#ter !ne year #r!% an$ a#ter the $ate !# the entry !# such $ecree !# registrati!n* /Secti!n &2( PD 152G* !e.er( the <"ing !# an acti!n t! 7uiet tit"e is i%+rescri+ti,"e i# the $is+ute$ rea" +r!+erty is in the +!ssessi!n !# the +"ainti* One h! is in actua" +!ssessi!n !# a +iece !# "an$ c"ai%ing t! ,e !ner there!# %ay ait unti" his +!ssessi!n is $istur,e$ !r his tit"e is attac;e$ ,e#!re ta;ing ste+s t! .in$icate his right( the reas!n #!r the ru"e ,eing that his un$istur,e$ +!ssessi!n gi.es hi% a c!ntinuing right t! see; the ai$ !# a c!urt !# e7uity t! ascertain an$ $eter%ine the nature !# the a$.erse c"ai% !# a thir$ +arty an$ its eect !n his !n tit"e( hich right can ,e c"ai%e$ !n"y ,y !ne h! is in +!ssessi!n* The ru"e !n the inc!ntr!.erti,i"ity !r in$e#easi,i"ity !# tit"e has n! a++"icati!n hen c!nten$ing +arties c"ai% !nershi+ !.er the su,6ect "an$ ,ase$ !n their res+ecti.e certi
&

)"ose titles erive $ro8 an' title t"at tra%es its so&r%e to an (C) e%lare <' t"e SC as n&ll an voi 9#&rs&ant to #revio&s r&lings is voi0 $or s&%" 8ot"er title is ine=istent!>

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ /(R)IZUELA v! )AGUFA G.R. No. 205/67; e&. 23, 2015; +en#o9a, J.

SUMMARY  Petiti!ner <"e$ a c!%+"aint #!r rec!n.eyance an$ rec!.ery !# +!ssessi!n ith $a%ages against res+!n$ents ith the MCTC in Isa,e"a* Petiti!ner a""ege$ that the "an$as !rigina""y !ne$ ,y her +arents( th!ugh it as %!rtgage$ ith the D9P* )!r #ai"ure t! re$ee% the +r!+erty( D9P #!rec"!se$ an$ s!"$ it t! Atty* Mar7ue( h! in turn s!"$ it t! the hus,an$ !# !ne !# the $e#en$ants( using the #un$ sent ,y +etiti!ner h! as in A%erica an$ ith the agree%ent that the hus,an$ i"" rec!n.ey the +r!+erty* MTC $is%isse$ the c!%+"aint #!r "ac; !# %erit( ru"ing that +"aintis res!rte$ t! a r!ng cause !# acti!n* RTC re.erse$* CA re.erse$ an$ set asi$e the RTC $ecisi!n( ru"ing that the c!%+"aint as a"s! 7uesti!ning the .a"i$ity !# the T!rrens tit"e !.er the "an$( hich is in .i!"ati!n !# Sec* =H !# PD 152G hich +r!.i$es that a certi
D(C)RINE A T!rrens tit"e cann!t ,e a"tere$( %!$i
1=


is t! annu" !r set asi$e such 6u$g%ent( !r en6!in its en#!rce%ent* On the !ther han$( the attac; is in$irect !r c!""atera" hen( in an acti!n t! !,tain a $ierent re"ie#( an attac; !n the 6u$g%ent !r +r!cee$ing is ne.erthe"ess %a$e as an inci$ent there!#* An acti!n #!r rec!n.eyance is a rec!gnie$ re%e$y( an acti!n in !ersonam( a.ai"a,"e t! a +ers!n h!se +r!+erty has ,een r!ng#u""y registere$ un$er the T!rrens syste% in an!thers na%e* In an acti!n #!r rec!n.eyance( the $ecree is n!t s!ught t! ,e set asi$e* t #oes not see< to set asi#e the #ecree &ut, res!ectin it as incontro$erti&"e an# no "oner o!en to re$ie>, seener to the riht%u" o>ner. Rec!n.eyance is a"ays a.ai"a,"e as "!ng as the +r!+erty has n!t +asse$ t! an

inn!cent thir$ +ers!n #!r .a"ue* A certi
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ RE.U,LIC (F )/E ./ILI..INES v! S.S! 4(SE CAS)UERA AND .ERLA CAS)UERA G.R. No. 2033/4; January 14, 2015; 'ar!io, J.

SUMMARY: S+!uses Castuera <"e$ an a++"icati!n #!r !rigina" registrati!n !# tit"e !.er the +r!+erty* The RP <"e$ an !++!siti!n theret!* RTC an$ CA grante$ the a++"icati!n* The SC re.erse$ the CA* The a$.ance +"an an$ the C8RO certi
D(C)RINE: It is n!t en!ugh #!r the Pr!.incia" n.ir!n%ent an$ 8atura" Res!urces O4ce /P8RO !r C8RO t! certi#y that a "an$ is a"iena,"e an$ $is+!sa,"e* The a++"icant #!r "an$ registrati!n %ust +r!.e that the D8R Secretary ha$ a++r!.e$ the "an$ c"assi
15


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ UNGAY MAL(,AG( MINES0 INC! v! RE.U,LIC (F )/E ./ILI..INES G.R. No. 1/7/*2; January 14, 2015; era"ta, J.

SUMMARY: Ungay Ma"!,ag! Mines( Inc* <"e$ ith the RTC a +etiti!n #!r rec!nstituti!n !# an OCT +ursuant t! RA 2' an$ PD 152G* RTC( CA an$ SC $enie$ the +etiti!n* Ungay a$%itte$ that it as n!t the !ner !# the "an$ !n hich the %ining +atent as issue$ as the sa%e as !ne$ an$ registere$ in the na%e !# Ra+u Ra+u Minera"s Inc* ence( it is n!t +!ssesse$ !# a "ega" +ers!na"ity t! institute a +etiti!n #!r 6u$icia" rec!nstituti!n !# the a""ege$ "!st !# the OCT* The rec!nstituti!n in this case $!es n!t !n"y re#er t! a registere$ interest hich as n!te$ !n an a$$iti!na" sheet !# a certi
D(C)RINE: The +ers!ns h! can <"e the +etiti!n #!r rec!nstituti!n !# a "!st certi
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ S)R(NG/(LD INSURANCE C(M.ANY0 INC! v! S.(USES RUNE AND LEA S)R(EM G.R. No. 2046/*; January 21, 2015; eonen, J.

SUMMARY: S+!uses Str!e% entere$ int! an !ners c!ntract!r agree%ent ith Asis-@ei# an$ C!*( Inc* #!r the c!nstructi!n !# a h!use* Pursuant t! the agree%ent( Asis-@ei# secure$ a +er#!r%ance ,!n$ #r!% Str!ngh!"$ Insurance C!*( Inc* Due t! Asis-@ei#s #ai"ure t!
D(C)RINE: C!ntracts ta;e eect !n"y ,eteen the +arties( their assigns( an$ heirs*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ GE ,ANK v! S.(USES DIZ(N G.R. No. 1/4301; +arch 23, 2015; J. era"ta

SUMMARY: S+!uses Di!n !,taine$ a "!an #r!% +etiti!ner ,an; secure$ ,y ay !# RM !.er the su,6ect +r!+erty* S+!uses $e#au"te$ !n their +ay%ents an$ $es+ite $e%an$ ere una,"e t! +ay* This +r!%+te$ the ,an; t! institute e3tra-6u$icia" #!rec"!sure +r!cee$ings !.er the su,6ect +r!+erty* The 9an; as the highest ,i$$er #!r the su% !# P1H0;* Fithin the 1 year re$e%+ti!n +eri!$( the S+!uses ten$ere$ an$ ga.e !n"y PG0; hich as "ess than the re$e%+ti!n r+ice* 8!nethe"ess( the ,an; acce+te$ sai$ +rice*

1'


The 9an; then c!ns!"i$ate$ its tit"e !.er the su,6ect +r!+erty* The S+!uses Di!n %ani#este$ their $esire t! re-ac7uire the su,6ect +r!+erty( ,ut the 9an; $ec"ine$ t! entertain the sa%e as they sti"" #ai"e$ t! ten$er the #u"" a%!unt !# the re$e%+ti!n +rice* The s+!uses thus <"e$ the +resent acti!n t! rec!.er !nershi+ !.er the su,6ect +r!+erty* RTC ru"e$ in #a.!r !# the s+!uses h!"$ing that there as su,stantia" c!%+"iance in the re$e%+ti!n* CA a4r%e$* In SC( the C!urt re.erse$ CA h!"$ing that the S+!uses Di!n #ai"e$ t! eect a .a"i$ re$e%+ti!n !# the su,6ect +r!+erty*

D(C)RINE: The right !# re$e%+ti!n sh!u"$ ,e e3ercise$ ithin the +eri!$ re7uire$ ,y "a( hich sh!u"$ ,e c!unte$ n!t #r!% the $ate !# #!rec"!sure sa"e ,ut #r!% the ti%e the certiThe enera" 9an;ing Act(? as a%en$e$ ,y Presi$entia" Decree 8!* 1H2H( the a%!unt at hich the #!rec"!se$ +r!+erty is re$ee%a,"e is the a%!unt $ue un$er the %!rtgage $ee$( !r the !utstan$ing !,"igati!n !# the %!rtgag!r +"us interest an$ e3+enses in acc!r$ance ith Secti!n BH !# the enera" 9an;ing Act* It cann!t ,e $enie$ is that the a%!unt !# PG0(000*00 +ai$ ,y the S+!uses Di!n $uring the re$e%+ti!n +eri!$ is "ess than ha"# !# P1H1(G5'*B2 +ai$ ,y the 9an; at the e3tra6u$icia" #!rec"!sure sa"e he"$ !n Se+te%,er 1&( 1GG&* I# !n"y t! +r!.e their i""ingness an$ a,i"ity t! +ay( the S+!uses Di!n c!u"$ ha.e ten$ere$ a re$e%+ti!n +rice that they ,e"ie.e as the c!rrect a%!unt !r c!nsigne$ the sa%e*

1B


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NEW W(RLD DEVEL(.ERS v! AMA C(M.U)ER LEARNING CENN)ER G.R. Nos. 1/7*30 @ 1//250; e&. 23, 2015; ereno, 'J

SUMMARY  AMA entere$ int! a c!ntract !# "ease #!r the entire 2 n$ W!!r !# 8e F!r"$s ,ui"$ing #!r an Hyr* +eri!$* The c!ntract +r!.i$e$ that AMA %ay +reter%inate the c!ntract ,y sen$ing n!tice in riting at"east ' %!s* ,e#!re the inten$e$ $ate( an$ that AMA sha"" ,e "ia,"e #!r an a%!unt e7ui.a"ent t! ' %!s* current renta" as "i7ui$ate$ $a%ages* !e.er( ' yrs int! the c!ntract( AMA re%!.e$ a"" its !4ce e7ui+%ent an$ #urniture( an$ sent a "etter t! 8e F!r"$ stating that it +reter%inate$ the c!ntract eecti.e i%%e$iate"y !n the gr!un$ !# ,usiness "!sses $ue t! a $rastic $ec"ine in enr!"%ent* It a"s! $e%an$e$ the re#un$ !# its a$.ance renta" an$ security $e+!sit* 8e F!r"$ c!untere$ that AMA ha$ un+ai$ rent( hich as n!t su4cient"y ansere$ #!r ,y the a$.ance renta" an$ security $e+!sit* Thus( 8e F!r"$( <"e$ a c!%+"aint #!r a su% !# %!ney an$ $a%ages against AMA* RTC !r$ere$ AMA t! +ay the un+ai$ renta"s an$ $a%ages( ru"ing that AMA ne.er $enie$ the un+ai$ rent* CA a4r%e$ ,ut re$uce$ the a%!unt !# "i7ui$ate$ $a%ages #r!% ' %!s* !rth t! = %!s* SC reinstate$ the RTC ru"ing !n "i7ui$ate$ $a%ages( an$ a$$e$ e3e%+"ary $a%ages* !e.er( it ru"e$ that the un+ai$ renta"s ha.e ,een e3tinguishe$ ,y a++"ying the a$.ance renta" an$ the security $e+!sit* The re%aining a%!unt #!r "i7ui$ate$ $a%ages sha"" ,ear interest at the rate !# 'L +er annu%*

D(C)RINE The "a $!es n!t re"ie.e a +arty #r!% the c!nse7uences !# a c!ntract it entere$ int! ith a"" the re7uire$ #!r%a"ities* C!urts ha.e n! +!er t! ease the ,ur$en !# !,"igati!ns .!"untari"y assu%e$ ,y +arties( 6ust ,ecause things $i$ n!t turn !ut as e3+ecte$ at the ince+ti!n !# the c!ntract* In the s+here !# +ers!na" an$ c!ntractua" re"ati!ns g!.erne$ ,y "as( ru"es an$ regu"ati!ns create$ t! +r!%!te 6ustice an$ #airness( e7uity is $eser.e$( n!t $e%an$e$* The a++"icati!n !# e7uity necessitates a ,a"ancing !# the e7uities in.!".e$ in a case( #!r >he h! see;s e7uity %ust $! e7uity( an$ he h! c!%es int! e7uity %ust c!%e ith c"ean han$s*? Pers!ns in $ire straits are ne.er 6usti
1H


CRIMINAL .eo#le v! Casa%o# G.R. 20/6/5; +arch *, 2015; eonen, J.

SUMMARY: An in#!r%ati!n as <"e$ against Casac!+ stating that he s!"$ an$ $e"i.ere$ sha,u t! a +!seur ,uyer* The RTC !# San Pe$r!( @aguna #!un$ Casac!+ gui"ty !# .i!"ating Sec* 5 !# Danger!us Drugs Act /RA G1'5* The CA a4r%e$ the c!n.icti!n* The issue #!r res!"uti!n ,e#!re the SC as hether !r n!t the gui"ty !# Casac!+ as +r!.en ,ey!n$ reas!na,"e $!u,t* The SC grante$ Casac!+s a++ea" an$ ac7uitte$ hi%* The C!urt sai$ that the chain !# cust!$y as +r!.i$e$ in Sec* 21 !# RA G1'5 as n!t !,ser.e$* The +r!secuti!n #ai"e$ t! sh! that the integrity !# the seie$ ite% as +reser.e$* The arresting !4cers state%ent that he sa Casac!+ han$ !.er >s!%ething? creates reas!na,"e $!u,t hether the ite% gi.en ,y the +!seur-,uyer t! the +!"ice is the sa%e >s!%ething? that Casac!+ a""ege$"y ga.e the +!seur-,uyer* As regar$s %ar;ing the seie$ ite%( in the a,sence !# s+eci
D(C)RINES: The e"e%ents !# Sec* 5 !# RA H1G' are 1 the i$entity !# the ,uyer an$ the se""er( the !,6ect an$ the c!nsi$erati!nE an$ 2 the $e"i.ery !# the thing s!"$ an$ the +ay%ent* Fhat is %ateria" is the +r!!# that the transacti!n actua""y t!!; +"ace( c!u+"e$ ith the +resentati!n ,e#!re the c!urt !# the cor!us #e"icti. In $anger!us $rugs cases( the cor!us #e"icti is the $anger!us $rug itse"#* Thus( it is i%+erati.e that the integrity !# the seie$ $anger!us $rug ,e +reser.e$* Pe!+"e .* Re%igi! restate$ the chain !# cust!$y re7uire$ in ,uy-,ust !+erati!ns as #!""!s )irst( the seiure an$ %ar;ing( i# +ractica,"e( !# the i""ega" $rug rec!.ere$ #r!% the accuse$ ,y the a++rehen$ing !4cerE Sec!n$( the turn!.er !# the i""ega" $rug seie$ ,y the a++rehen$ing !4cer t! the in.estigating !4cerE Thir$( the turn!.er ,y the in.estigating !4cer !# the i""ega" $rug t! the #!rensic che%ist #!r "a,!rat!ry e3a%inati!nE an$( )!urth( the turn!.er an$ su,%issi!n !# the %ar;e$ i""ega" $rug seie$ ,y the #!rensic che%ist t! the c!urt* C!%+"iance ith the chain !# cust!$y re7uire%ent +r!.i$e$ ,y Sec*21 ensures the integrity !# c!n
1G


causing their seiureE an$ #!urth( the re"ati!n !# the su,stances !r ite%s seie$ t! the +ers!ns a""ege$ t! ha.e ,een in +!ssessi!n !r +e$$"ing the%* C!%+"iance ith this re7uire%ent #!rec"!ses !++!rtunities #!r +"anting( c!nta%inating( !r te%+ering !# e.i$ence in any %anner*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ .E(.LE v! C/ARLIE (R(SC( G.R. No. 20*227; +arch 25, 2015; Ai""arama, J.

SUMMARY: Or!sc!( a"!ng ith 2 !ther %en( ere charge$ ith r!,,ery ith h!%ici$e un$er Art* 2G= !# the RPC a#ter r!,,ing the st!re !# @!ur$es Ya+* She as "ater sta,,e$ in the chest an$ $ie$* A itness( A",ert Arca( an!ther cust!%er ,uying at the st!re !# Ya+( testi
D(C)RINE: Fhen a h!%ici$e ta;es +"ace ,y reas!n !# !r !n the !ccasi!n !# the r!,,ery( a"" th!se h! t!!; +art sha"" ,e gui"ty !# the s+ecia" c!%+"e3 cri%e !# r!,,ery ith h!%ici$e hether they actua""y +artici+ate$ in the ;i""ing( un"ess there is +r!!# that there as an en$ea.!r t! +re.ent the ;i""ing* There as n! e.i$ence a$$uce$ in this case that the a++e""ant atte%+te$ t! +re.ent the ;i""ing* Thus( regar$"ess !# the acts in$i.i$ua""y +er#!r%e$ ,y the a++e""ant an$ his c!-accuse$( an$ a++"ying the ,asic +rinci+"e in c!ns+iracy that the >act !# !ne is the act !# a""(? the a++e""ant is gui"ty as a c!-c!ns+irat!r* As a resu"t( the cri%ina" "ia,i"ities !# the a++e""ant an$ his c!-accuse$ are !ne an$ the sa%e*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ C/ERRY ANN M! ,ENA,AYE V! .E(.LE (F )/E ./ILI..INES G.R. No. 203466; e&ruary 25, 2015; R-BRNB, J.

SUMMARY  Petiti!ner as the @!ans 9!!;;ee+er !# Sia% 9an;* S!%eti%e in 2001( the ,an; c!n$ucte$ an au$it in.estigati!n !# its "!an transacti!ns( an$ there,y #!un$ !ut that #rau$ an$ certain irregu"arities atten$e$ the sa%e* S+eci
20


the a%!unt !# the %!ney in.!".e$* A++arent"y $issatis
c"ients* As an e8#lo'ee !# Sia% 9an;( s+eci
Do%trine: The e"e%ents !# sta%a /a the !en$ers recei+t !# %!ney( g!!$s( !r !ther +ers!na" +r!+erty in trust( !r !n c!%%issi!n( !r #!r a$%inistrati!n( !r un$er any !ther !,"igati!n in.!".ing the $uty t! $e"i.er( !r t! return( the sa%eE / & %isa++r!+riati!n !r c!n.ersi!n ,y the !en$er !# the %!ney !r +r!+erty recei.e$( !r $enia" !# recei+t !# the %!ney !r +r!+ertyE /c the %isa++r!+riati!n( c!n.ersi!n !r $enia" is t! the +re6u$ice !# an!therE an$ /# $e%an$ ,y the !en$e$ +arty that the !en$er return the %!ney !r +r!+erty recei.e$* Un$er the
over t"e t"ing *"i%" t"e trans$eree 8a' set &# even against t"e o*ner!

It ,ears t! stress that a sum of money received by an employee on behalf of an employer is considered to be only in the material possession of the employee * The %ateria" +!ssessi!n !# an e%+"!yee is a$6unct( ,y reas!n !# his e%+"!y%ent( t! a rec!gniti!n !# the 6uri$ica" +!ssessi!n !# the e%+"!yer* S! "!ng as the 6uri$ica" +!ssessi!n !# the thing a++r!+riate$ $i$ n!t +ass t! the e%+"!yee-+er+etrat!r( the !ense c!%%itte$ re%ains t! ,e the#t( 7ua"i
t"e %ase o$ an e8#lo'ee "aving 8ere 8aterial #ossession o$ t"e sai #ro#ert' %onstit&tes t"e$t0 *"ereas in t"e %ase o$ an agent to *"o8
!# #un$s recei.e$ #r!% thir$ +ers!ns +ai$ t! the ,an;( an$ an agent h! recei.es the +r!cee$s !# sa"es !# %erchan$ise $e"i.ere$ t! hi% in agency ,y his +rinci+a"* In the #!r%er case( #a'8ent <' t"ir #ersons to t"e teller is #a'8ent to t"e
teller is a 8ere %&stoian or 2ee#er o$ t"e $&ns re%eive0 an "as no ine#enent rig"t or title to retain or #ossess t"e sa8e as against t"e
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ .E(.LE (F )/E ./ILI..INES V! D(MING( GALLAN( ' 4ARANILLA G.R. No. 1/4762; e&ruary 25, 2015; BR+N, J.

SUMMARY  21


On Jan 2( 200&( in Si"ay City( a""an! a""ege$"y ha$ carna" ;n!"e$ge ith his niece /$aughter !# his i#es sister( AAA( a 12-year-!"$ %in!r( against the "atters i""* a""an! $enie$ the charge an$ insiste$ that he as !r;ing in the sugarcane
an$ un#!reseen attac; !n the .icti%( ith!ut the s"ightest +r!.!cati!n !n the "atters +art* )"e vi%ti8 8&st not "ave 2no*n t"e #eril "e *as e=#ose to at t"e 8o8ent

o$ t"e atta%2! S"o&l it a##ear0 "o*ever0 t"at t"e vi%ti8 *as $ore*arne o$ t"e anger "e *as in0 an0 instea o$ eeing $ro8 it "e 8et it an *as 2ille as a res<0 t"en t"e B&ali$'ing %ir%&8stan%e o$ trea%"er' %annot
eo!"e $. isca"sota the C!urt he"$ that treachery %annot
*"en t"e vi%ti8 "a t"e o##ort&nit' to ee or e$en "i8sel$!

)!r%u"a #!r the c!%+utati!n !# "!ss !# earning ca+acity is as #!""!s 8et earning ca+acity  @i#e 3+ectancy 3 Qr!ss Annua" Inc!%e - @i.ing 3+enses /50L !# gr!ss annua" inc!%e( here "i#e e3+ectancy  2& /H0 - the age !# the $ecease$*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Gar' Fantasti%o an Rolano Villan&eva v El#iio Mali%se0 Sr! an .eo#le o$ t"e ."ili##ines 2=


GR No 1*0*12; January 12, 2015; era"ta, J.

SUMMARY  "+i$i!( h! as ine,riate$( as curse$ at ,y his ne+he an$ his sister( causing hi% t! s"a+ his sister* This starte$ a c!%%!ti!n hich e.entua""y $ie$ $!n hen the ,arangay chair%an ca%e* "+i$i! as sent h!%e ,ut "ater ent ,ac; t! his sisters h!use t! a+!"!gie* !e.er( he as curse$ at ,y his ne+he an$ ne+he-in-"a* Angere$ ,y this( he ;ic;e$ $!n the $!!r ,ut as "ater ,eaten u+ ,y his re"ati.es there /ea+!ns rattan stic;( t!%aha; a3e( "ea$ +i+e( +iece !# !!$ causing se.era" #ractures in $ierent +arts !# his ,!$y* Des+ite his +"eas #!r the% t! st!+ an$ the inter.enti!n !# their neigh,!rs( they c!ntinue$ ,attering hi% an$ !n"y st!++e$ hen a ,ystan$er #ainte$* e +reten$e$ t! ,e $ea$ an$ as rushe$ t! P* A case #!r Atte%+te$ Mur$er as <"e$ against th!se h! ,eat hi% ,ut !n"y )antastic! /hac;e$ hi% ith a t!%aha; an$ Ki""anue.a /hit "+i$i! #r!% ,ehin$ ith a "ea$ +i+e ere #!un$ gui"ty /the Iguir!ns an$ 9a""ester!s ere ac7uitte$* MR as $enie$* CA a4r%e$ the RTC an$ $enie$ the MR* The SC $is%isse$ the case* It he"$ that the a++ea" ,y certi!rari as i%+r!+er as +etiti!ners raise$ 7uesti!ns !# #act an$ n!t "a* It a"s! sai$ that the in#!r%ati!n as n!t $e#ecti.e since it state$ a"" the e"e%ents !# the cri%e charge$ /Sec ' Ru"e 110 R!CP an$ $isregar$e$ the argu%ent that the +hrase >n!t necessari"y %!rta"? in the in#!r%ati!n %eant that there as an a,sence !# an intent t! ;i"" !n their +art* Fhats i%+!rtant is that a"" the e"e%ents !# atte%+te$ %ur$er are a""ege$ in the in#!r%ati!n* In any case( it is t!! "ate t! assai" the su4ciency !# the in#!r%ati!n +ursuant t! Sec* G Ru"e 11B R!C /sh!u"$.e $!ne s! in a Mt* The +!siti.e i$enti
D(C)RINES 1* The $istincti!n ,eteen a >7uesti!n !# "a? an$ a >7uesti!n !# #act? is sett"e$* There is a >7uesti!n !# "a? hen the $!u,t !r $ierence arises as t! hat the "a is !n a certain state !# #acts( an$ hich $!es n!t ca"" #!r an e3a%inati!n !# the +r!,ati.e .a"ue !# the e.i$ence +resente$ ,y the +arties-"itigants* On the !ther han$( there is a >7uesti!n !# #act? hen the $!u,t !r c!ntr!.ersy arises as t! the truth !r #a"sity !# the a""ege$ #acts* Si%+"y +ut( hen there is n! $is+ute as t! #act( the 7uesti!n !# hether !r n!t the c!nc"usi!n $ran there#r!% is c!rrect( is a 7uesti!n !# "a* 2* In Ri$era $. eo!"e ( this C!urt c!nsi$ere$ the #!""!ing #act!rs t! $eter%ine the +resence !# an intent t! ;i"" /1 the %eans use$ ,y the %a"e#act!rsE /2 the nature( "!cati!n( an$ nu%,er !# !un$s sustaine$ ,y the .icti%E /& the c!n$uct !# the %a"e#act!rs ,e#!re( at the ti%e( !r i%%e$iate"y a#ter the ;i""ing !# the .icti%E an$ /= the circu%stances un$er hich the cri%e as c!%%itte$ an$ the %!ti.es !# the accuse$* This C!urt a"s! c!nsi$ers %!ti.e an$ the !r$s uttere$ ,y the !en$er at the ti%e he inWicte$ in6uries !n the .icti% as a$$iti!na" $eter%inati.e #act!rs &* reater eight is gi.en t! the +!siti.e i$enti
25


5* A,use !# su+eri!r strength is +resent hene.er there is a n!t!ri!us ine7ua"ity !# #!rces ,eteen the .icti% an$ the aggress!r( assu%ing a situati!n !# su+eri!rity !# strength n!t!ri!us"y a$.antage!us #!r the aggress!r se"ecte$ !r ta;en a$.antage !# ,y hi% in the c!%%issi!n !# the cri%e / eo!"e $ aui!i" * The #act that there ere t! +ers!ns h! attac;e$ the .icti% $!es n!t +er se esta,"ish that the cri%e as c!%%itte$ ith a,use !# su+eri!r strength( there ,eing n! +r!!# !# the re"ati.e strength !# the aggress!rs an$ the .icti% /eo!"e $ 'asina" * The e.i$ence %ust esta,"ish that the assai"ants +ur+!se"y s!ught the a$.antage( !r that they ha$ the $e"i,erate intent t! use this a$.antage / eo!"e $ scoto*T! ta;e a$.antage !# su+eri!r strength %eans t! +ur+!se"y use e3cessi.e #!rce !ut !# +r!+!rti!n t! the %eans !# $e#ense a.ai"a,"e t! the +ers!n attac;e$ / eo!"e $ Aentura*The a++reciati!n !# this aggra.ating circu%stance $e+en$s !n the age( sie( an$ strength !# the +arties / eo!"e $ +o
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ .eo#le v Arnalo ,osito Y C"avenia GR No 20*346; January 12, 2015; 'ar!io, J.

SUMMARY  9!sit! as charge$ ith %ur$er a#ter hac;ing 9!na!,ra #!ur ti%es ith a ,!"! ith!ut arning* The .icti% as a,"e t! cra" aay ,ut e3+ire$ at the h!s+ita"* 9!sit!s .ersi!n as that he use$ his ,!"! t! $e#en$ hi%se"# a#ter he$ ,een gange$ u+ !n an$ attac;e$ ith a +iece !# !!$* RTC #!un$ hi% gui"ty !# %ur$er ith treachery an$ a,use !# su+eri!r strength ,ase$ !n the testi%!ny !# 9!sit!s ne+he /hich as straigh#!rar$ an$ $isregar$e$ his c"ai% !# se"#-$e#ense seeing as hes unhar%e$* CA a4r%e$ ith %!$i
D(C)RINES 1

9y in.!;ing se"#-$e#ense( a++e""ant a$%its ;i""ing the .icti% an$ the c!nstituti!na" +resu%+ti!n !# inn!cence is eecti.e"y ai.e$* The ,ur$en !# e.i$ence then shi#ts t! the a++e""ant that the ;i""ing as 6usti
2

The #ai"ure t! acc!unt #!r the n!n-+resentati!n !# the ea+!n a""ege$"y ie"$e$ ,y the .icti% is #ata" t! the +"ea !# se"#-$e#ense*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2'


.E(.LE v )I,AYAN AND .UER)( G.R. Nos. 20*655-60; 14 January 2015; ere9, J.

SUMMARY  This is a case in.!".ing cri%e !# Syn$icate$ sta#a( $e
R)C: G&ilt' o$ SIM.LE Esta$a! Pr!sec #ai"e$ t! a""ege in the in#!r%ati!ns that a++e""ants #!r%e$ a syn$icate ith the intenti!n !# $e#rau$ing the +u,"ic( !r it #ai"e$ t! a$$uce $!cu%entary e.i$ence su,stantiating its c"ai%s that the accuse$-a++e""ants c!%%itte$ Syn$icate$ sta#a*

CA: Moie! G&ilt' o$ SYNDICA)ED Esta$a! TICI an$ its su,si$iaries ere engage$ in a P!ni sche%e hich re"ie$ !n su,se7uent in.est!rs t! +ay its ear"ier in.est!rs X an$ is hat PD 1'HG +recise"y ai%s t! +unish* CA c!nc"u$e$ that as inc!r+!rat!rs$irect!rs !# TICI( accuse$-a++e""ants an$ their c!h!rts c!ns+ire$ in %a;ing TICI a .ehic"e #!r the +er+etuati!n !# #rau$ against the unsus+ecting +u,"ic* Since the TICI inc!r+!rat!rs$irect!rs c!%+rise$ %!re than <.e /5 +ers!ns( accuse$-a++e""ants cri%ina" "ia,i"ity sh!u"$ ,e u+gra$e$ t! that !# Syn$icate$ sta#a

SC: A##eals enie! A7r8e CA! D(C)RINE 1* A"" the e"e%ents !# Syn$icate$ sta#a are +resent( t! it /a sta#a !r !ther #!r%s !# sin$"ing( as $esa%ahang nay!n/s(? !r #ar%ers ass!ciati!ns( !r !# #un$s s!"icite$ ,y c!r+!rati!nsass!ciati!ns #r!% the genera" +u,"ic*

2B


It is c!%%itte$ thr!ugh a P!ni sche%e here /a the inc!r+!rat!rs$irect!rs !# TICI c!%+rising %!re than <.e /5 +e!+"e( inc"u$ing herein accuse$-a++e""ants(( %a$e #a"se +retenses an$ re+resentati!ns t! the in.esting +u,"ic X in this case(the +ri.ate c!%+"ainants X regar$ing a su++!se$ "ucrati.e in.est%ent !++!rtunity ith TICI in !r$er t! s!"icit %!ney #r!% the%E /, the sai$ #a"se +retenses an$ re+resentati!ns ere %a$e +ri!r t! !r si%u"tane!us ith the c!%%issi!n !# #rau$E /c re"ying !n the sa%e( +ri.ate c!%+"ainants in.este$ their har$ earne$ %!ney int! TICIE an$ /$ the inc!r+!rat!rs$irect!rs !# TICI en$e$ u+ running aay ith the +ri.ate c!%+"ainants in.est%ents( !,.i!us"y t! the "atters +re6u$ice* In a cri%ina" case( an a++ea" thr!s the h!"e case i$e !+en #!r re.ie* Issues hether raise$ !r n!t ,y the +arties %ay ,e res!".e$ ,y the a++e""ate c!urt* ence( accuse$a++e""ants a++ea" c!n#erre$ u+!n the a++e""ate c!urt #u"" 6uris$icti!n an$ ren$ere$ it c!%+etent t! e3a%ine the rec!r$s( re.ise the 6u$g%ent a++ea"e$ #r!%( increase the +ena"ty( an$ cite the +r!+er +r!.isi!n !# the +ena" "a*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ .E(.LE (F )/E ./ILI..INES0 +"ainti-a++e""ee( VS! R(WENA )A.UGAY Y VEN)URA0 accuse$-a++e""ant G.R. No. 200336; e&ruary 11, 2015; ere9, J.

SUMMARY: A++e""ant as charge$ ,e#!re RTC( 9ranch 1'( @a!ag City #!r .i!"ati!n !# Secti!n 5( Artic"e II !# R*A 8!* G1'5 in an in#!r%ati!n #!r se""ing $rugs in a ,uy-,ust !+erati!n* RTC #!un$ R!ena gui"ty ,ey!n$ reas!na,"e $!u,t !# the !ense charge$* CA #!un$ n! reas!n t! $istur, the
D(C)RINE: In the +r!secuti!n !# a case !# i""ega" sa"e !# $anger!us $rugs( it is necessary that the +r!secuti!n is a,"e t! esta,"ish the #!""!ing essentia" e"e%ents /1 the i$entity !# t he ,uyer an$ the se""er( the !,6ect !# the sa"e an$ the c!nsi$erati!nE an$ /2 the $e"i.ery !# the thing s!"$ an$ its +ay%ent* Fhat is %ateria" is the +r!!# that the transacti!n !r sa"e actua""y t!!; +"ace( c!u+"e$ ith the +resentati!n in c!urt !# the cor!us #e"icti as e.i$ence* The $e"i.ery !# the i""icit $rug t! the +!seur-,uyer an$ the recei+t ,y the se""er !# the %ar;e$ %!ney success#u""y c!nsu%%ate the ,uy-,ust transacti!n

2H


The a++rehen$ing !4certea% ha.ing initia" cust!$y an$ c!ntr!" !# the $rugs sha""( i%%e$iate"y a#ter seiure an$ c!n
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ .E(.LE (F )/E ./ILI..INES0 a++e""ee0 VS! (SCAR SAN)(S Y ENCINAS ( a++e""ant* G.R. No. 20530/; e&ruary 11, 2015; 'ar!io, J.

SUMMARY: A++e""ant Sant!s as charge$ in 1' in#!r%ati!ns ith !ne c!unt !# ra+e /in re"ati!n t! RA B'10 an$ 15 c!unts !# acts !# "asci.i!usness /.i!"ati!n !# Art* &&' !# the RPC in re"ati!n t! Sec* 5 !# RA B'10* The in#!r%ati!n !n ra+e a""ege$ that in June 1GGB( a++e""ant ha$ carna" ;n!"e$ge ith AAA( his se.en-year !"$ g!$$aughter* The 15 charges !# acts !# "asci.i!usness a""ege$ that a++e""ant ;isse$ AAAs nec; an$ "i+s( an$ "ic;e$ her se3 !rgan !n $ierent $ates #r!% Ju"y 1GGB t! Se+te%,er 1GGH* AAA testi
D(C)RINE: 2G


Denia" an$ a"i,i( hich are se"#-ser.ing negati.e e.i$ence an$ easi"y #a,ricate$( es+ecia""y hen unc!rr!,!rate$( cann!t ,e acc!r$e$ greater e.i$entiary eight than the +!siti.e testi%!ny !# a cre$i,"e itness* Ra+e is a"s! c!%%itte$ hen a +ers!n inserts his +enis int! an!ther +ers!ns %!uth thr!ugh #!rce !r inti%i$ati!n*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ .E(.LE v! NES)(R SUAREZ Y MAG)AGN(, G.R. No. 201151; 14 January 2015; ere9, J.

SUMMARY  In an In#!r%ati!n $ate$ 2H Ju"y 200G( Suare as in$icte$ ,e#!re the RTC #!r the ra+e !# his %in!r niece /ith s+ecia" aggra.ating7ua"i#ying circu%stance that the !en$er is a re"ati.e ithin the &r$ ci.i" $egree ,y a4nity an$ aggra.ating circu%stance !# nightti%e* During the +re-tria"( it as sti+u"ate$ that accuse$ is the unc"e !# the .icti% /his i#e is the sister !# .icti%s %!ther( that the .icti% as ,!rn !n 1H Dece%,er 1GG&( an$ that the $istance ,eteen the h!use !# accuse$ an$ that !# .icti% is a,!ut &0 %eters ith 2 h!uses in ,eteen* AAA testi
R)C: S&are g&ilt' o$ ra#e! AAAs testi%!ny is cre$i,"e* Pena"ty is rec"usi!n +er+etua( P50(000 as ci.i" in$e%nity( P50(000 as %!ra" $a%ages an$ P25(000 as e3e%+"ary $a%ages*

&0


CA: A7r8e *it" 8oi%ation! Ci.i" in$e%nity an$ %!ra" $a%ages increase$ t! PB5(000 each( hi"e e3e%+"ary $a%ages increase$ t! P&0(000*

SC: A7r8e CA *it" 8oi%ation as to a8o&nt o$ a8ages 9see o%trine! Accuse$ is gui"ty !# the cri%e !# ra+e( 7ua"i
D(C)RINE =

5

'

B H

G

The c!n.icti!n !r ac7uitta" !# !ne accuse$ !# ra+e %!st !#ten $e+en$s a"%!st entire"y !n the cre$i,i"ity !# the c!%+"ainants testi%!ny* 9y the .ery nature !# this cri%e( it is genera""y unitnesse$ an$ usua""y the .icti% is "e#t t! testi#y #!r herse"#* er testi%!ny is %!st .ita" an$ %ust ,e recei.e$ ith the ut%!st cauti!n* Fhen a ra+e .icti%s testi%!ny is straight#!rar$ an$ %ar;e$ ith c!nsistency $es+ite grue"ing e3a%inati!n( it $eser.es #u"" #aith an$ c!n<$ence an$ cann!t ,e $iscar$e$* Once #!un$ cre$i,"e( her "!ne testi%!ny is su4cient t! sustain a c!n.icti!n* The "a $!es n!t i%+!se a ,ur$en !n the ra+e .icti% t! +r!.e resistance ,ecause it is n!t an e"e%ent !# ra+e* 8!t a"" .icti%s react the sa%e ay* The #ai"ure !# a ra+e .icti% t! !er tenaci!us resistance $!es n!t %a;e her su,%issi!n t! cri%ina" acts !# the accuse$ .!"untary* Fhat is necessary is that the #!rce e%+"!ye$ against her as su4cient t! c!nsu%%ate the +ur+!se hich he has in %in$* The %e$ica" e3a%inati!n !# the .icti% is n!t an e"e%ent !# ra+e* It $!es n!t see; t! esta,"ish h! c!%%itte$ the cri%e* Rather( it %ere"y c!rr!,!rates the testi%!ny !# the ra+e .icti% that she has ,een ra+e$* The +ri%e c!nsi$erati!n in the +r!secuti!n !# ra+e is the .icti%s testi%!ny( n!t necessari"y the %e$ica"
P100(000 as ci.i" in$e%nity( P100(000 as %!ra" $a%ages /.icti% is assu%e$ t! ha.e suere$ an$ thus nee$s n! +r!!#( an$ P100(000 as e3e%+"ary $a%ages /t! set an e3a%+"e #!r the +u,"ic g!!$*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ .E(.LE (F )/E ./ILI..INESVS! R(NALD NICAL Y ALMINARI(0 G.R. No. 210430; e&ruary 1/, 2015; Reyes, J.

SUMMARY: The In#!r%ati!n $ate$ August 2H( 200B charge$ the accuse$-a++e""ant ith the cri%e !# ra+e* The accuse$-a++e""ant +"ea$e$ n!t gui"ty !n arraign%ent( an$ hen tria" ensue$( the +r!secuti!n +resente$ AAA( the .icti%( an$ Dr* Ange"it! Magn! /Dr* Magn!( a gynec!"!gist at the Phi"i++ine enera" !s+ita" /P h! e3a%ine$ her* The accuse$-a++e""ant testiAte Miche""e*? In 200B( AAA as #!"$ing "aun$ry in a r!!% insi$e the ,ig h!use hen the accuse$-a++e""ant( h! as a"s! a h!useh!"$ he"+er staying in the s%a"" h!use( su$$en"y entere$ the r!!% an$ i%%e$iate"y +r!cee$e$ t! e%,race her* She trie$ t! run ,ut the accuse$-a++e""ant gra,,e$ her ,y her sh!rts an$ +ushe$ her s! har$ against the c!ncrete a"" !# the r!!% that she hit her hea$ against it an$ ,eca%e $iy* Sensing the $ar; intenti!ns !# the accuse$-a++e""ant( AAA %anage$ t! stan$ u+ an$ ;ic; hi% in the "eg an$ run !ut !# the r!!%* The accuse$-a++e""ant

&1


ga.e chase an$ caught u+ ith her in the sa"a, here again he e%,race$ her* At that +!int( AAA "!st c!nsci!usness( an$ hen she !;e u+( she as ,ac; insi$e the r!!% she ha$ We$( "ying na;e$ ith the accuse$-a++e""ant !n t!+ !# her an$ ha"# na;e$* The accuse$-a++e""ant inserte$ his +enis int! her .agina an$ she #e"t +ain( ,ut she as a,"e t! %uster en!ugh strength t! +ush hi% ! ith her ;nee an$ %a;e her esca+e* She ran t! the !ther h!use an$ t!"$ 8e"yn 8aci!n /8e"yn( an!ther %ai$( hat the accuse$-a++e""ant ha$ 6ust $!ne t! her* 8e"yn then te3te$ AAAs sister( 999( h! s!!n arri.e$( an$ they re+!rte$ the inci$ent t! the &aranay !4cia"s* T! $ays "ater( AAA su,%itte$ herse"# #!r e3a%inati!n ,y Dr* Magn! at the P* )r!% the h!s+ita"( 999 t!!; her sister AAA aay #r!% her e%+"!yer* Dr* Magn! testi
D(C)RINE:

&2


It is sett"e$ that the a,sence !# +hysica" in6uries !r #resh "acerati!ns $!es n!t negate ra+e( an$ a"th!ugh %e$ica" resu"ts %ay n!t in$icate +hysica" a,use !r hy%ena" "acerati!ns( ra+e can sti"" ,e esta,"ishe$ since %e$ica"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ .E(.LE v! ,ASILI( G.R. No. 1*5774; e&. 23, 2015; e" 'asti""o, J.

SUMMARY  9asi"i! as charge$ !# .i!"ating Secti!n 5( Art* II !# RA G1'5* e as arreste$ $uring a ,uy,ust !+erati!n( hen he s!"$ sha,u t! the +!"ice* The RTC an$ the CA #!un$ hi% gui"ty* The SC a4r%e$ the $ecisi!n( ru"ing that a"" the e"e%ents !# i""ega" sa"e !# $anger!us $rugs ere +resent( an$ that the integrity an$ e.i$entiary .a"ue !# the seie$ $rug as +reser.e$*

D(C)RINE T! !,tain a c!n.icti!n #!r .i!"ati!n !# Secti!n 5( Artic"e II !# R*A* 8!* G1'5 in.!".ing a ,uy,ust !+erati!n( the #!""!ing essentia" e"e%ents %ust ,e esta,"ishe$ /1 the i$entity !# the ,uyer an$ the se""er( the !,6ect !# the sa"e an$ c!nsi$erati!nE an$ /2 the $e"i.ery !# the thing s!"$ an$ its +ay%ent* Fhat is %ateria" is the +r!!# that the transacti!n !r sa"e actua""y t!!; +"ace( c!u+"e$ ith the +resentati!n in c!urt !# the cor!us #e"icti as e.i$ence* Thus( the $e"i.ery !# the i""icit $rug t! the +!seur-,uyer an$ the recei+t ,y the se""er !# the %ar;e$ %!ney c!nsu%%ate the i""ega" transacti!n* T! ,e a$%issi,"e( the +r!secuti!n %ust sh! ,y rec!r$s !r testi%!ny( the c!ntinu!us herea,!uts !# the e3hi,it at "east ,eteen the ti%e it ca%e int! +!ssessi!n !# the +!"ice !4cers an$ unti" it as teste$ in the "a,!rat!ry t! $eter%ine its c!%+!siti!n u+ t! the ti%e it as !ere$ in e.i$ence* Fhi"e R*A* 8!* G1'5 +r!.i$es #!r the i%%e$iate %ar;ing !# the seie$ ite%( it $!es n!t s+eci#y a ti%e #ra%e hen an$ here sai$ %ar;ing sh!u"$ ,e $!ne* In #act( in eo!"e $. Resurreccion, the C!urt ha$ the !ccasi!n t! ru"e that %ar;ing u+!n i%%e$iate c!n
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ .E(.LE v! ,AYA,(S E) AL GR No. 171222 @ 1747/6; e&. 1/, 2015; ereno, 'J

SUMMARY  )ernan$! 9a"i$!y Jr*( a +r!,ati!nary %i$shi+%an an$ ne entrant in the Phi"i++ine Merchant Marine Aca$e%y $ie$ $uring the >In$!ctrinati!n an$ Orientati!n Peri!$? !# sai$ sch!!"* The O4ce !# the S+ecia" Pr!secut!r <"e$ a cri%ina" case ith the San$igan,ayan against res+!n$ents( h! are PMMAs sch!!" auth!rities( charging the% as acc!%+"ices t! the cri%e !# haing* The San$igan,ayan issue$ a res!"uti!n 7uashing the

&&


in#!r%ati!n an$ $is%issing the case( ru"ing that the #act that the charge against the +rinci+a" accuse$ as $is%isse$ ith
D(C)RINE The case against th!se charge$ as acc!%+"ices is n!t i!so %acto $is%isse$ in the a,sence !# tria" !# the +ur+!rte$ +rinci+a"sE the $is%issa" !# the case against the "atterE !r e.en the "atters ac7uitta"( es+ecia""y hen the !ccurrence !# the cri%e has in #act ,een esta,"ishe$* The c!rres+!n$ing res+!nsi,i"ities !# the +rinci+a"( acc!%+"ice( an$ access!ry are $istinct #r!% each !ther* As "!ng as the c!%%issi!n !# the !ense can ,e $u"y esta,"ishe$ in e.i$ence( the $eter%inati!n !# the "ia,i"ity !# the acc!%+"ice !r access!ry can +r!cee$ in$e+en$ent"y !# that !# the +rinci+a"* Acc!r$ing"y( s! "!ng as the c!%%issi!n !# the cri%e can ,e $u"y +r!.en( the tria" !# th!se charge$ as acc!%+"ices t! $eter%ine their cri%ina" "ia,i"ity can +r!cee$ in$e+en$ent"y !# that !# the a""ege$ +rinci+a"* The cri%e !# haing is c!%%itte$ hen the #!""!ing essentia" e"e%ents are esta,"ishe$ /1 a +ers!n is +"ace$ in s!%e e%,arrassing !r hu%i"iating situati!n !r su,6ecte$ t! +hysica" !r +sych!"!gica" suering !r in6uryE an$ /2 these acts ere e%+"!ye$ as a +rere7uisite #!r the +ers!ns a$%issi!n !r entry int! an !rganiati!n* In the cri%e !# haing( the crucia" ingre$ient $istinguishing it #r!% the cri%es against +ers!ns $e
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ .E(.LE v! ALAGARME G.R. No. 1/47/*; e&. 23, 2015; Bersamin, J.

SUMMARY  A"agar%e as charge$ ith the .i!"ati!n !# Secti!ns 5 an$ 11( Art* II !# RA G1'5* She as a++rehen$e$ $uring a ,uy-,ust !+erati!n c!n$ucte$ ,y the +!"ice an$ the Ma;ati Anti-Drug A,use C!unci"* A"agar%e $enie$ se""ing an$ +!ssessing sha,u( stating that she as a .icti% !# a #ra%e-u+* The RTC c!n.icte$ her !# the t! !enses charge$* CA a4r%e$* SC a7uitte$ A"agar%e ,ecause !# the States #ai"ure t! +r!.e her gui"t ,ey!n$ reas!na,"e $!u,t( since the re7uire%ent !# %ar;ing un$er the "a as n!t c!%+"ie$ ith*

&=


D(C)RINE The accuse$ cann!t ,e +r!n!unce$ gui"ty !# the !ense i# a"" the "in;s !# the chain !# cust!$y !# the $rug su,6ect !# the i""ega" sa"e X the cor!us #e"icti itse"# - are n!t sh!n* The reas!n is that the $rug +resente$ as e.i$ence at the tria" is n!t sh!n ,ey!n$ reas!na,"e $!u,t that it as the $rug su,6ect !# the i""ega" sa"e* >Chain !# Cust!$y? %eans the $u"y rec!r$e$ auth!rie$ %!.e%ents an$ cust!$y !# seie$ $rugs !r c!ntr!""e$ che%ica"s !r +"ant s!urces !# $anger!us $rugs !r "a,!rat!ry e7ui+%ent !# each stage( #r!% the ti%e !# seiurec!n+"anting(? !r c!nta%inati!n !# e.i$ence*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ .E(.LE (F )/E ./ILI..INES v! 4ULIE GRACE K! VILLANUEVA GR No. 163662; e& 25, 2015; Bersamin, J.

SUMMARY  Ki""anue.a as charge$ ith the cri%e !# esta#a as $e
D(C)RINE The esta%a as $e
treat the sa%e as +r!!# !# an !,"igati!n* Fhen there is an agree%ent ,eteen the +arties at the ti%e !# the issuance an$ +!st$ating !# the chec;s that the !,"igee sha"" n!t encash !r +resent the sa%e t! the ,an;( the !,"ig!r cann!t ,e +r!secute$ #!r esta%a ,ecause the e"e%ent !# $eceit is "ac;ing* Fhen the +ayee as in#!r%e$ that the chec;s are n!t c!.ere$ ,y a$e7uate #un$s( ,a$ #aith !r esta%a sha"" n!t arise*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ &5


ALE4ANDR( C! ALMENDRAS0 4R! v! ALE5IS C! ALMENDRAS G.R. No. 17*4*1; January 14, 2015; ereno, '.J.

SUMMARY: A"e3is <"e$ an acti!n #!r $a%ages #r!% "i,e" an$ $e#a%ati!n against A"e6an$r!( his ,r!ther* This resu"te$ #r!% "etters a""ege$"y +rinte$( $istri,ute$( circu"ate$ an$ +u,"ishe$ ,y A"e6an$r!( assiste$ ,y Atty* @ayug( ith e.i$ent ,a$ #aith an$ %ani#est %a"ice t! $estr!y A"e3is g!!$ na%e* RTC aar$e$ $a%ages in #a.!r !# A"e3is* CA an$ SC a4r%e$ the RTC* The "etters are "i,e"!us in nature an$ $! n!t #a"" ithin the +ur.ie !# +ri.i"ege$ c!%%unicati!n* In the instant case( the "etters tag res+!n$ent as a >re;n!n ,"ac; %ai"er(? a .enge#u" #a%i"y %e%,er h! <"e$ cases against his %!ther an$ si,"ings( an$ ith ne#ari!us $esigns* .en an i%+artia" %in$ rea$ing these $escri+ti!ns !u"$ ,e "e$ t! entertain $!u,ts !n the +ers!ns character( there,y aecting that +ers!ns re+utati!n*

D(C)RINE: A ritten "etter c!ntaining "i,e"!us %atter cann!t ,e c"assi
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ .eo#le o$ t"e ."ili##ines v! Mi%"ael 4oson Y Rogano G.R. No. 2063*3; January 21, 2015; ere9, J.

SUMMARY: A++e""ant Michae" ra+e$ his 1= year-!"$ sister "i.ing ith hi% an$ his c!%%!n "a +artner h! as then aay hen he c!%%itte$ sai$ act* The TC( CA an$ SC #!un$ hi% gui"ty* They #!un$ cre$i,"e the s!"e testi%!ny !# the .icti%* The a,sence !# any resistance !n the +art !# the .icti% $!es n!t raise $!u,ts as t! hether the se3ua" c!ngress as ith!ut her c!nsent* The accuse$-a++e""ant as the .icti%s !"$er ,r!ther h! ha$ $e
D(C)RINE: The #ai"ure !# the .icti% t! sh!ut #!r he"+ !r resist the se3ua" a$.ances !# the ra+ist is n!t tanta%!unt t! c!nsent* Physica" resistance nee$ n!t ,e esta,"ishe$ in ra+e hen threats an$ inti%i$ati!n are e%+"!ye$ an$ the .icti% su,%its herse"# t! her attac;ers !# ,ecause !# #ear* 9esi$es +hysica" resistance is n!t the s!"e test t! $eter%ine hether a !%an .!"untari"y succu%,e$ t! the "ust !# an accuse$* Ra+e .icti%s sh! n! uni#!r% reacti!n* S!%e %ay !er str!ng resistance hi"e !thers %ay ,e t!! inti%i$ate$ t! !er any resistance at a""* A#ter a""( resistance is n!t an e"e%ent !# ra+e an$ its a,sence $!es n!t $enigrate AAAs /the .icti%s c"ai% that the accuse$-a++e""ant c!nsu%%ate$ his ,estia" act*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Ri%"ar Ri%ale v! .eo#le o$ t"e ."ili##ines G.R. No. 211001; January 21 ,2015; , eonen, J.

SUMMARY: Rica"$e( &1 years !"$( is a $istant re"ati.e an$ te3t%ate !# NNN /a ,!y( then 10 years !"$* On January &0( 2002( hen Rica"$e s+ent the night at the h!use !# NNN( he ra+e$ NNN ,y inserting his +enis int! the anus !# NNN* The RTC( a4r%e$ ,y the CA( #!un$ Rica"$e gui"ty !# ra+e thr!ugh se3ua" assau"t* Rica"$e c"ai%s that reas!na,"e $!u,t e3ists in his #a.!r(

&'


s+eci
D(C)RINE: Ra+e un$er the sec!n$ +aragra+h !# Artic"e 2''-A is a"s! ;n!n as >instru%ent !r !,6ect ra+e(? >gen$er-#ree ra+e(? !r >h!%!se3ua" ra+e*? The gra.a%en !# ra+e thr!ugh se3ua" assau"t is >the inserti!n !# the +enis int! an!ther +ers!ns %!uth !r ana" !ri
inter+retati!n c!u"$ n!t ,e a++"ie$ can a++"y ,y ana"!gy hen the .icti% is a %an in that the s"ightest +enetrati!n t! the .icti%s ana" !riassau"t !n hu%an $ignity*? a.ing se3 ith a 10-year-!"$ is chi"$ a,use an$ is +unishe$ ,y a s+ecia" "a /Re+u,"ic Act 8!* B'10* It is a +r!gressi!n #r!% the Re.ise$ Pena" C!$e t! +r!.i$e greater +r!tecti!n #!r chi"$ren* The chi"$ren * * * h! * * * $ue t! the c!erci!n * * * !# any a$u"t * * * in$u"ge in se3ua" interc!urse * * * are $ee%e$ t! ,e chi"$ren e3+"!ite$ in +r!stituti!n an$ !ther se3ua" a,use *? The "a,e" >chi"$ren e3+"!ite$ in * * * !ther se3ua" a,use? inheres in a chi"$ h! has ,een the su,6ect !# c!erci!n an$ se3ua" interc!urse* Ra+e is ra+e* Ra+e !# a chi"$ is c"ear"y( $e
&B


MERCAN)ILE )AIWAN K(LIN C(R.(RA)I(N v! K(LIN ELEC)R(NICS C(! G.R. No. 20*/43; +arch 25, 2015; Ae"asco Jr., J

SUMMARY: Taian !"in <"e$ a tra$e%ar; a++"icati!n #!r the use !# >O@I8? !n c!"!re$ TKs( re#rigerat!rs( air c!n$iti!ners( e"ectric #ans( an$ ater $is+ensers* The a++"icati!n a"s! e.entua""y inc"u$e$ !ther a++"icances( inc"u$ing cassette rec!r$ers( KCD a%+"iO@I8? %ar; a"rea$y registere$( c!.ering +r!$ucts such as regu"at!rs( c!n.erters( rechargers( stere! ,!!sters( et* a"* The 9@A-IPO $enie$ Taian !"ins a++"icati!n( citing Sec* 12&/$ !# the IP C!$e* A %ar; cann!t ,e registere$ i# it is i$entica" ith a registere$ %ar; ,e"!nging t! a $ierent +r!+riet!r in res+ect !# the sa%e !r c"!se"y-re"ate$ g!!$s* On the !ther han$ the IPO Direct!r enera" re.erse$ the 9@A-IPO $ecisi!n* The CA #!un$ #!r !"in "ectr!nics* 9ut the SC ru"e$ that Taian !"in is entit"e$ t! its tra$e%ar; registrati!n !# >O@I8(? ,ecause its g!!$s are n!t c"!se"y re"ate$ t! th!se !# !"in "ectr!nics* I$entica" %ar;s %ay ,e registere$ #!r +r!$ucts #r!% the sa%e c"assi
D(C)RINE: A certi
the ,usiness /an$ its "!cati!n t! hich the g!!$s ,e"!ngE

,

the c"ass !# +r!$uct t! hich the g!!$s ,e"!ngE

c

the +r!$ucts 7ua"ity( 7uantity( !r sie( inc"u$ing the nature !# the +ac;age( ra++er !r c!ntainerE

$

the nature an$ c!st !# the artic"esE

e

the $escri+ti.e +r!+erties( +hysica" attri,utes !r essentia" characteristics ith re#erence t! their #!r%( c!%+!siti!n( te3ture !r 7ua"ityE

#

the +ur+!se !# the g!!$sE

g

hether the artic"e is ,!ught #!r i%%e$iate c!nsu%+ti!n( that is( $ay-t!-$ay h!useh!"$ ite%sE

h

the
i

the c!n$iti!ns un$er hich the artic"e is usua""y +urchase$E an$

&H


6

the channe"s !# tra$e thr!ugh hich the g!!$s W!( h! they are $istri,ute$( %ar;ete$( $is+"aye$ an$ s!"$*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ EAS)ERN S/I..ING LINES0 INC! V! ,.I3MS INSURANCE C(R.!0 1 MI)SUI SUMI)(M( INSURANCE C(!0 L)D! G.R. No. 1/2/64; January 12, 2015; RE, J.

SUMMARY  9PIMS an$ Mitsui /insurers against a"" ris;s <"e$ a C!%+"aint against S@I an$ ATI t! rec!.er actua" $a%ages /USZ1B(5'0*=H ith "ega" interest( attys #ees an$ c!sts* The 2 shi+%ents !# .ari!us Stee" Sheet c!i"s ere re6ecte$ ,y Ca"a%,a Stee" since they ere $a%age$ X the $a%ages as attri,ute$ t! S@I /carrier an$ ATI /arrastre !+erat!r in charge !# the han$"ing an$ $ischarge !# the c!i"s* Ca"a%,a <"e$ an insurance c"ai% #!r the carg!s t!ta" a%!unt( thus the insurers su,r!gate$ the #!r%er* RTC #!un$ S@I an$ ATI 6!int"y an$ se.era""y "ia,"e #!r the $a%ages* CA u+he"$ S@Is "ia,i"ity ,ut a,s!".e$ ATI* SC a4r%e$ - n! a$e7uate e3+"anati!n is gi.en as t! h! the $eteri!rati!n( "!ss( !r $estructi!n !# the g!!$s ha++ene$* S@I cann!t in.!;e its n!n-"ia,i"ity s!"e"y !n the %anner the carg! as $ischarge$ an$ un"!a$e$* The actua" c!n$iti!n !# the carg!es u+!n arri.a" +ri!r t! $ischarge is e7ua""y i%+!rtant an$ cann!t ,e $isregar$e$* Pr!!# is nee$e$ that the carg! arri.e$ at the +!rt !# Mani"a in g!!$ !r$er c!n$iti!n an$ re%aine$ as such +ri!r t! its han$"ing ,y ATI* A"s!( it !u"$ ,e un#air #!r S@I t! in.!;e the "i%itati!n un$er COSA hen the shi++er in #act +ai$ the #reight charges ,ase$ !n the .a"ue !# the g!!$s* @ast"y( it is inc!ncei.a,"e that a shi++ing c!%+any ith %ariti%e e3+erience an$ res!urce "i;e the S@I i"" a$%it the e3istence !# a %ariti%e $!cu%ent "i;e an in.!ice e.en i# it has n! ;n!"e$ge !# its c!ntents !r ith!ut ha.ing any c!+y there!#*

D(C)RINE C!%%!n carriers( #r!% the nature !# their ,usiness an$ !n +u,"ic +!"icy c!nsi$erati!ns( are ,!un$ t! !,ser.e e3tra!r$inary $i"igence in the .igi"ance !.er the g!!$s trans+!rte$ ,y the%* Su,6ect t! certain e3ce+ti!ns enu%erate$ un$er Art 1B&= CC( c!%%!n carriers are res+!nsi,"e #!r the "!ss( $estructi!n( !r $eteri!rati!n !# the g!!$s* The e3tra!r$inary res+!nsi,i"ity !# the c!%%!n carrier "asts #r!% the ti%e the g!!$s are unc!n$iti!na""y +"ace$ in the +!ssessi!n !#( an$ recei.e$ ,y the carrier #!r trans+!rtati!n unti" the sa%e are $e"i.ere$( actua""y !r c!nstructi.e"y( ,y the carrier t! the c!nsignee( !r t! the +ers!n h! has a right t! recei.e the%* The ,i""s !# "a$ing re+resent the #!r%a" e3+ressi!n !# the +arties rights( $uties an$ !,"igati!ns* It is the ,est e.i$ence !# the intenti!n !# the +arties hich is t! ,e $eci+here$ #r!% the "anguage use$ in the c!ntract( n!t #r!% the uni"atera" +!st #act! asserti!ns !# !ne !# the +arties( !r !# thir$ +arties h! are strangers t! the c!ntract* Thus( hen the ter%s !# an agree%ent ha.e ,een re$uce$ t! riting( it is $ee%e$ t! c!ntain a"" the ter%s agree$ u+!n an$ there can ,e( ,eteen the +arties an$ their success!rs in interest( n! e.i$ence !# such ter%s !ther than the c!ntents !# the ritten agree%ent* •

I# the sai$ ,i"" has n! n!tati!n !# any $e#ect !r $a%age in the g!!$s( it is c!nsi$ere$ as a >c"ean ,i"" !# "a$ing*? A c"ean ,i"" !# "a$ing c!nstitutes +ri%a #acie e.i$ence !# the recei+t ,y the carrier !# the g!!$s as therein $escri,e$*

Mere +r!!# !# $e"i.ery !# the g!!$s in g!!$ !r$er t! a c!%%!n carrier an$ !# their arri.a" in ,a$ !r$er at their $estinati!n c!nstitutes a +ri%a #acie case !# #au"t !r neg"igence against the carrier* I# n! a$e7uate e3+"anati!n is gi.en as t! h! the $eteri!rati!n( "!ss( !r $estructi!n !# the g!!$s ha++ene$( the trans+!rter sha"" ,e he"$ res+!nsi,"e*

&G


Acc!r$ing t! 8CC( the "a !# the c!untry t! hich the g!!$s are t! ,e trans+!rte$ sha"" g!.ern the "ia,i"ity !# the c!%%!n carrier #!r their "!ss( $estructi!n !r $eteri!rati!n* The C!$e ta;es +rece$ence as the +ri%ary "a !.er the rights an$ !,"igati!ns !# c!%%!n carriers ith the C!$e !# C!%%erce an$ COSA a++"ying su++"et!ri"y* •

•

NCC #rovies t"at a sti#&lation li8iting a %o88on %arrier-s lia
Ju$icia" a$%issi!ns are "ega""y ,in$ing !n the +arty %a;ing the a$%issi!ns* Pre-tria" a$%issi!n in ci.i" cases is !ne !# the instances !# 6u$icia" a$%issi!ns e3+"icit"y +r!.i$e$ #!r un$er ROC Sec B Ru"e 1H( hich %an$ates that the c!ntents !# the +re-tria" !r$er sha"" c!ntr!" the su,se7uent c!urse !# the acti!n( there,y( $e
•

9ayas .* San$igan,ayan Once the sti+u"ati!ns are re$uce$ int! riting an$ signe$ ,y the +arties an$ their c!unse"s( they ,ec!%e ,in$ing !n the +arties h! %a$e the%* They ,ec!%e 6u$icia" a$%issi!ns !# the #act !r #acts sti+u"ate$* .en i# +"ace$ at a $isa$.antage!us +!siti!n( a +arty %ay n!t ,e a""!e$ t! rescin$ the% uni"atera""y( it %ust assu%e the c!nse7uences !# the $isa$.antage* A"#e"!r .* a"asan A +arty h! 6u$icia""y a$%its a #act cann!t "ater cha""enge that #act as 6u$icia" a$%issi!ns are a ai.er !# +r!!#E +r!$ucti!n !# e.i$ence is $is+ense$ ith* 333 C!nse7uent"y( an a$%issi!n %a$e in the +"ea$ings cann!t ,e c!ntr!.erte$ ,y the +arty %a;ing such a$%issi!n an$ are c!nc"usi.e as t! such +arty( an$ a"" +r!!#s t! the c!ntrary !r inc!nsistent thereith sh!u"$ ,e ign!re$( hether !,6ecti!n is inter+!se$ ,y the +arty !r n!t

=0


LA,(R WA)ERFR(N) CE,U CI)Y CASIN( /()EL0 INC! AND MARC( .R()ACI( $s. ILDE,RAND( LEDESMA G.R. No. 1*755; +arch 25, 2015; AR+, JR., J.

SUMMARY: @e$es%a as e%+"!ye$ as a !use Detecti.e at Fater#r!nt !te"* A c!%+"aint as <"e$ against hi% ,y Christe Man$a" #!r a""ege$"y ;issing an$ %ashing her ,rasts insi$e the h!te"s e"e.at!r( an$ ,y R!sanna @!#ranc!( #!r ha.ing e3hi,ite$ his +enis an$ as;ing @!#ranc! t! %astur,ate hi% at the c!n#erence r!!% !# the h!te"* A#ter an a$%inistrati.e hearing c!n$ucte$ ,y the h!te"( @e$es%a as $is%isse$* Su,se7uent"y( he <"e$ an i""ega" $is%issa" case against Fater#r!nt* @A ru"e$ that @e$es%a as i""ega""y $is%isse$* 8@RC re.erse$( saying that the acts c!nstitute$ gra.e %isc!n$uct hich 6usti
D(C)RINE: The un6usti
$or certiorari 8&st
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

=1


/(C/ENG ./ILI..INES C(R.(RA)I(N0 .E)I)I(NER0 VS! AN)(NI( M! FARRALES0 RES.(NDEN)! G.R. No. 2114*7; +arch 1/, 2015; J. Reyes

SUMMARY: %+"!yee )arra"es as ter%inate$ ,y his e%+"!yer !cheng Phi"* C!* #!r stea"ing #r!% the c!%+any( its e%+"!yees an$ !4cia"s( !r #r!% its c!ntract!rs( .isit!rs !r c"ients(? hich they c!nc"u$e is a;in t! seri!us %isc!n$uct an$ #rau$ !r i""#u" ,reach ,y the e%+"!yee !# the trust re+!se$ in hi% ,y his e%+"!yer !r $u"y auth!rie$ re+resentati.e( hich are 6ust causes #!r ter%inati!n !# e%+"!y%ent un$er Artic"e 2H2 !# the @a,!r C!$e( a""ege$"y ,ecause the sa .ia CCTK that a +ers!n they i$enti
D(C)RINE: The#t c!%%itte$ ,y an e%+"!yee against a +ers!n !ther than his e%+"!yer( i# +r!.en ,y su,stantia" e.i$ence( is a cause ana"!g!us t! seri!us %isc!n$uct* Misc!n$uct is i%+r!+er !r r!ng c!n$uct( it is the transgressi!n !# s!%e esta,"ishe$ an$ $e
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ .URISIM( CA,A(,AS et al! v! .E.SI6C(LA .R(DUC)S ./ILI..INES G.R. No. 176*0/; +arch 25, 2015; era"ta, J.

SUMMARY: Pe+si-C!"a i%+"e%ente$ a c!%+any-i$e retrench%ent +r!gra% as a resu"t !# ,usiness "!sses a%!unting t! Ph+2G-M in 1GGG* It "ai$ ! =B e%+"!yees !# its Tanauan P"ant* Tentyse.en /2B !# sai$ e%+"!yees <"e$ c!%+"aints #!r i""ega" $is%issa" ,e#!re the 8@RC* They a""ege$ that Pe+si-C!"a Pr!$ucts as n!t #acing seri!us
=2


The SC ru"e$ in #a.!r !# Pe+si-C!"a an$ a4r%e$ the CA $ecisi!n* Pe+si-C!"a ha$ .a"i$"y i%+"e%ente$ its retrench%ent +r!gra% an$ ha$ c!%+"ie$ ith the re7uire%ents +rere7uisite there!#*

D(C)RINE: ssentia""y( the +rer!gati.e !# an e%+"!yer t! retrench its e%+"!yees %ust ,e e3ercise$ !n"y as a "ast res!rt( c!nsi$ering that it i"" "ea$ t! the "!ss !# the e%+"!yees "i.e"ih!!$* It is 6usti
That retrench%ent is reas!na,"y necessary an$ "i;e"y t! +re.ent ,usiness "!sses hich( i# a"rea$y incurre$( are n!t %ere"y #e minimis( ,ut su,stantia"( seri!us( actua" an$ rea"( !r i# !n"y e3+ecte$( are reas!na,"y i%%inent as +ercei.e$ !,6ecti.e"y an$ in g!!$ #aith ,y the e%+"!yerE

2

That the e%+"!yer ser.e$ ritten n!tice ,!th t! the e%+"!yees an$ t! the De+art%ent !# @a,!r an$ %+"!y%ent at "east !ne %!nth +ri!r t! the inten$e$ $ate !# retrench%entE

&

That the e%+"!yer +ays the retrenche$ e%+"!yees se+arati!n +ay e7ui.a"ent t! !ne /1 %!nth +ay !r at "east !ne-ha"# /[ %!nth +ay #!r e.ery year !# ser.ice( hiche.er is higherE

=

That the e%+"!yer e3ercises its +rer!gati.e t! retrench e%+"!yees in g!!$ #aith #!r the a$.ance%ent !# its interest an$ n!t t! $e#eat !r circu%.ent the e%+"!yees right t! security !# tenureE an$

5

That the e%+"!yer use$ #air an$ reas!na,"e criteria in ascertaining h! !u"$ ,e $is%isse$ an$ h! !u"$ ,e retaine$ a%!ng the e%+"!yees( such as status( e4ciency( seni!rity( +hysica"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ VICEN)E C! )A)EL V! 4LF. INVES)IGA)I(N SECURI)Y AGENCY0 INC!0 4(SE LUIS F! .AMIN)UAN0 AND3(R .A(L( C! )URN( G.R. No. 206*42; e&ruary 25, 2015; R-BRNB, J.

SUMMARY  In 1GGH( Tate" is hire$ as !ne !# J@)P Security Agencys security guar$s* M!re than 11 years "ater( Tate" <"e$ a c!%+"aint in 8@RC #!r un$er+ay%ent !# sa"aries an$ ages( etc* A#ter 10 $ays( he as +"ace$ !n W!ating status( an$ a#ter the "a+se !# ' %!nths there#r!%( ith!ut ha.ing ,een gi.en any assign%ents( he <"e$ an!ther c!%+"aint #!r i""ega" $is%issa"( reinstate%ent( ,ac;ages( etc* As a $e#ense( the res+!n$ents %aintaine$ that Tate" a,an$!ne$ his !r;* @A $is%isse$ Tate"s c!%+"aint #!r "ac; !# %erit X @A $i$ n!t gi.e cre$ence t! Tate"s a""egati!n !# $is%issa" in "ight !# the inc!nsistent state%ents he %a$e un$er !ath in the 2 "a,!r c!%+"aints he ha$ <"e$ against the res+!n$ents* 8@RC re.erse$ X Tate" i""ega""y $is%isse$* CA reinstate$ @A* SC As the !-$etai" +eri!$?W!ating status? ha$ a"rea$y "aste$ #!r %!re than si3 /' %!nths( Tate" is there#!re $ee%e$ t! ha.e ,een c!nstructi.e"y $is%isse$* A"s!( the

=&


res+!n$ents #ai"e$ t! esta,"ish that Tate" a,an$!ne$ his !r; X the sai$ charge is ,e"ie$ ,y the high i%+r!,a,i"ity !# Tate" intenti!na""y a,an$!ning his !r;( ta;ing int! c!nsi$erati!n his "ength !# ser.ice an$( c!nc!%itant"y( his security !# tenure ith J@)P* The $iscre+ancies in his state%ents ere a"s! 7ua"i
D(C)RINE On"y 7uesti!ns !# "a %ay ,e raise$ in a +etiti!n #!r re.ie !n certi!rari un$er Ru"e =5 ROC since the SC is ,!un$ ,y the
hen the
==


T! c!nstitute a,an$!n%ent( t! e"e%ents %ust c!ncur /a the #ai"ure t! re+!rt #!r !r; !r a,sence ith!ut .a"i$ !r 6usti
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ZENAIDA .AZ $. N(R)/ERN )(,ACC( REDRYING C(!0 INC!0 AND3(R ANGEL( ANG* *R* 8!* 1GG55=( )e,ruary 1H( 2015( @e!nen( J*

SUMMARY: 8TRCI hire$ \enai$a Pa /Pa s!%eti%e in 1GB= as a seas!na" s!rter( +ai$ P1H5*00 $ai"y* 8TRCI regu"ar"y re-hire$ her e.ery t!,acc! seas!n since then* On May 1H( 200&( ' Pa as '& years !"$ hen 8TRCI in#!r%e$ her that she as c!nsi$ere$ retire$ un$er c!%+any +!"icy* A year "ater( 8TRCI t!"$ her she !u"$ recei.e P12(000*00 as retire%ent +ay* Pa( <"e$ a C!%+"aint #!r +ay%ent !# retire%ent ,ene
D(C)RINE: In the case at ,ar( hi"e it %ay a++ear that the !r; !# +etiti!ners is seas!na"( inas%uch as +etiti!ners ha.e ser.e$ the c!%+any #!r %any years( s!%e #!r !.er 20 years( +er#!r%ing ser.ices necessary an$ in$is+ensa,"e t! @UTORCOs ,usiness( ser.e as ,a$ges !# regu"ar e%+"!y%ent* **This C!urt has a"rea$y sett"e$ that seas!na" !r;ers h! are ca""e$ t! !r; #r!% ti%e t! ti%e an$ are te%+!rari"y "ai$ ! $uring !-seas!n are n!t se+arate$ #r!% ser.ice in sai$ +eri!$( ,ut are %ere"y c!nsi$ere$ !n "ea.e unti" re-e%+"!ye$* erein res+!n$ents(ha.ing +er#!r%e$ the sa%e tas;s #!r +etiti!ners e.ery seas!n #!r se.era" years( are c!nsi$ere$ the "atters regu"ar e%+"!yees #!r their res+ecti.e tas;s* >Retire%ent is the resu"t !# a ,i"atera" act !# the +arties( a .!"untary agree%ent ,eteen the e%+"!yer an$ the e%+"!yee here,y the "atter( a#ter reaching a certain age( agrees t! se.er his !r her e%+"!y%ent ith the #!r%er* Artic"e 2HB( as a%en$e$( a""!s #!r !+ti!na" retire%ent at the age !# at "east '0 years !"$* C!nse7uent"y( i# >the intent t! retire is n!t c"ear"y esta,"ishe$ !r i# the retire%ent is in.!"untary( it is t! ,e treate$ as a $ischarge* Petiti!ner Pa as !n"y '& years !"$ !n May

=5


1H( 200& ith t! %!re years re%aining ,e#!re she !u"$ reach the c!%+u"s!ry retire%ent age !# '5* Artic"e 2HB !# the @a,!r C!$e !n retire%ent +ay si%i"ar"y +r!.i$es that >a #racti!n !# at "east si3 /' %!nths ,eing c!nsi$ere$ as !ne h!"e year*?** An e%+"!yee %ust ha.e ren$ere$ at "east si3 %!nths in a year #!r sai$ year t! ,e c!nsi$ere$ in the c!%+utati!n* 9ase$ !n these #actua" as a %easure !# s!cia" 6ustice Qin e3ce+ti!na" circu%stances( an$ as an e7uita,"e c!ncessi!n*?

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MAERSK6FILI.INAS CREWING0 INC!0 A!.! M(LLER SINGA.(RE .)E! LIMI)ED0 AND 4ESUS AG,AYANI( $. )(RI,I( C! AVES)RUZ G.R. No. 207010, e&ruary 1/, 2015 , R-BRNB, J

SUMMARY: On A+ri" 2H( 2011( +etiti!ner Maers;-)i"i+inas Creing( Inc* /Maers;( !n ,eha"# !# its #!reign +rinci+a"( +etiti!ner A*P* M!""er Singa+!re Pte* @t$* /A*P* M!""er( hire$ A.estru as Chie# C!!; !n ,!ar$ the .esse" +FA Ne#""oy# ra ir i% you are "ooant to c"ean an# >e >i"" c"ean it. ? Ca+tain F!!$ar$ re+"ie$ ,y sh!.ing A.estrus chest( t! hich the "atter c!%+"aine$ an$ sai$( >onIt touch me(? causing an argu%ent t! ensue ,eteen the% On the .ery sa%e $ay( Ca+tain F!!$ar$ in#!r%e$ A.estru that he !u"$ ,e $is%isse$ #r!% ser.ice an$ ,e $ise%,ar;e$ in In$ia* A.estru <"e$ a case #!r i""ega" $is%issa"( +ay%ent #!r the une3+ire$ +!rti!n !# his c!ntract( $a%ages( an$ att!rneys #ees as there as n! in.estigati!n c!n$ucte$ n!r n!tice +ri!r t! his $is%issa"* The @A #!un$ that he #ai"e$ t! +er#!r% his $uty !# %aintaining c"ean"iness in the ga""ey( an$ that he a"s! re+eate$"y #ai"e$ t! !,ey the $irecti.es !# his su+eri!r( hich as tanta%!unt t! insu,!r$inati!n* the 8@RC sustaine$ the .a"i$ity !# A.estrus $is%issa" ,ut #!un$ that +etiti!ners #ai"e$ t! !,ser.e the +r!ce$ures "ai$ $!n in Secti!n 1B !# the POA-SC /n!tice( in.estigati!n( n!tice !# +ena"ty an$ gr!un$s( an$ thus ere he"$ "ia,"e t! &0; n!%ina" $a%ges* the CA re.erse$ an$ set asi$e the ru"ings !# the 8@RC an$ instea$( #!un$ A.estru t! ha.e ,een i""ega""y $is%isse$* The SC a4r%e$ an$ he"$ that there as i""ega" $is%issa" an$ a #ai"ure t! c!%+"y ith the +r!+er +r!ce$ure*

D(C)RINE: It as incu%,ent u+!n the +etiti!ners t! +resent !ther su,stantia" e.i$ence t! ,!"ster their c"ai% that A.estru c!%%itte$ acts that c!nstitute insu,!r$inati!n as !u"$ arrant his $is%issa"* Insu,!r$inati!n( as a 6ust cause #!r the $is%issa" !# an e%+"!yee( necessitates the c!ncurrence !# at "east t! re7uisites /1 the e%+"!yees assai"e$ c!n$uct %ust ha.e ,een

='


i""#u"( that is( characterie$ ,y a r!ng#u" an$ +er.erse attitu$eE an$ /2 the !r$er .i!"ate$ %ust ha.e ,een reas!na,"e( "a#u"( %a$e ;n!n t! the e%+"!yee( an$ %ust +ertain t! the $uties hich he ha$ ,een engage$ t! $ischarge* '1cra"are$ In this case( the c!ntents !# Ca+tain F!!$ar$s e-%ai"s $! n!t esta,"ish that A.estrus c!n$uct ha$ ,een i""#u"( !r characterie$ ,y a r!ng#u" an$ +er.erse attitu$e* Si%i"ar"y( the C!urt a4r%s the
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CLU, FILI.IN( an DE LE(N v ,AU)IS)A et!al! G.R. No. 16/406; 14 January 2015; eonen, J.

SUMMARY  C"u, )i"i+in! %+"!yees Ass!ciati!n /C@U)A is a uni!n re+resenting the e%+"!yees !# C"u, )i"i+in!( Inc* 9e#!re C@U)A an$ C"u, )i"i+in!( Inc*s "ast c!""ecti.e ,argaining agree%ent e3+ire$ an$ ithin the '0-$ay #ree$!% +eri!$( C@U)A ha$ %a$e se.era" $e%an$s !n C"u, )i"i+in!( Inc* t! neg!tiate a ne agree%ent* C"u, )i"i+in!( Inc #ai"e$ t! neg!tiate* C@U)A then <"e$ ,e#!re 8CM9 a re7uest #!r +re.enti.e %e$iati!n* !e.er( there as a $ea$"!c;* Se.era" !ers an$ c!unters ere gi.en* !e.er( a ,argaining $ea$"!c; sti"" ensue$* Thus( C@U)A <"e$ ith the 8CM9 a 8!tice !# Stri;e !n the gr!un$ !# ,argaining $ea$"!c;* Therea#ter a stri;e .!te un$er DO@s su+er.isi!n as c!n$ucte$* It sh!u"$ ,e n!te$ h!e.er( that c!unter-+r!+!sa"s ere sent ,y the c!r+!rati!n a#ter the 8!tice an$ stri;e .!te* Sti"" n!t arri.ing at an agree%ent( C@U)A stage$ a stri;e !n the gr!un$ !# ,argaining $ea$"!c;* C"u, )i"i+in! <"e$ ,e#!re 8@RC a Petiti!n t! Dec"are QC@U)As Stri;e I""ega" !n the gr!un$s that the 8!tice $i$ n!t c!%+"y ith the re7uire%ents un$er Ru"e NNII( Secti!n = /@Cs IRR an$ that the e%+"!yees a""ege$"y c!%%itte$ se.era" acts* @A $eci$e$ that the stri;e is i""ega" since the 8!tice !# Stri;e $i$ n!t c!ntain C@U)As ritten +r!+!sa"s an$ C"u, )i"i+in!( Inc*s c!unter+r!+!sa"s* 8@RC $is%isse$ the a++ea" since it #!un$ !ut that ne !4cers a"rea$y re+"ace$ the i%+"ea$e$ !4cers !# C@U)A* C@U)A( un$er a ne "ea$ershi+( sent a "etter e3+ressing their intent n!t t! a++ea"* !e.er( the CA re.erse$ @As ru"ing( an$ $ec"are$ e%+"!yees h! ere $is%isse$ ha.e the right t! 7uesti!n the "ega"ity !# their $is%issa"( an$ that the stri;e is .a"i$* It ru"e$ that Ru"e NNII( Secti!n = !n"y re7uires that the +r!+!sa"s an$ c!unter+r!+!sa"s ,e attache$ t! the 8!tice !# Stri;e >as #ar as +ractica,"e*? Since C@U)A ha$ a"rea$y <"e$ a 8!tice !# Stri;e hen C"u, )i"i+in!( Inc* su,%itte$ its c!unter+r!+!sa"s( it as n!t +ractica,"e #!r C@U)A t! attach C"u, )i"i+in!( Inc*s c!unter+r!+!sa"s t! the 8!tice !# Stri;e* )"is *as a7r8e <' t"e SC * The SC a"s! $enie$ the %!ti!n #!r rec!nsi$erati!n <"e ,y C"u, )i"i+in!* C!nse7uent"y( an ntry !# Ju$g%ent as !r$ere$* Pen$ing this case( C"u, )i"i+in! i%+"e%ente$ a retrench%ent +r!gra% hich "e$ t! a C!%+"aint #!r i""ega" $is%issa" ith the 8@RC( 7uesti!ning the .a"i$ity !# the retrench%ent +r!gra% ,y the retrenche$ e%+"!yees* C!nsi$ering that the 8@RC ha$
SC: S&##le8etal Motion $or Re%onsieration enie! Entr' o$ 4&g8ent a7r8e! D(C)RINE =B


1* )"e ling o$ t"e S&##le8ental Motion $or Re%onsieration i not #revent t"is

%o&rt-s Resol&tion en'ing t"e #etition $or %ertiorari o$ Cl&< Fili#ino s&staining CA-s e%ision0 $ro8
Ju$g%ent as %a$e ith!ut the C!urt ha.ing
2* NLRC-s De%ision on t"e illegal is8issal %ase *as not res ?&i%ata on t"e illegal stri2e %ase! Res 6u$icata has t! /2 as+ects* The issues actua""y an$ $irect"y res!".e$ in a #!r%er suit cann!t again ,e raise$ in any #uture case ,eteen the sa%e +arties in.!".ing a $ierent cause !# acti!n*?The e"e%ents !# res 6u$icata are /1 the 6u$g%ent s!ught t! ,ar the ne acti!n %ust ,e
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ R(MMEL ,! DARAUG v! KG4S FLEE) MANAGEMEN) MANILA0 INC!0 KRIS)IAN GER/ARD 4E,SEN SKI.SREDER0 MR! GUY D(MIN( A! MACA.AYAG AND3(R M3V I,IS ARR(W> G.R. No. 211211; January 14, 2015; +en#o9a, J.

SUMMARY: Daraug as e%+"!ye$ ,y JS )"eet Manage%ent Mani"a as %!t!r%an !n ,!ar$ a .esse"* On Dece%,er 2&( 200B( hi"e he as !r;ing in the st!rage r!!%( se.era" stee" +"ates #ee" an$ hit his "eg* This resu"te$ in the #racture !# his right <,u"a an$ ti,ia* e as %e$ica""y re+atriate$( e3a%ine$ an$ treate$ ,y the c!%+any-$esignate$ +hysicians( Dr* Chua an$ Dr* @i%* A#ter treat%ent( the $!ct!rs c!nc"u$e$ that his right "eg as #u""y hea"e$ an$ that he as
=H


200G( e as hire$ again ,y JS as a %!t!r%an* e enc!untere$ an!ther acci$ent( in6uring his right "eg again* e as $iagn!se$ ith c!ntusi!n he%at!%a* In Dece%,er( Dr* @i% #!un$ that he ha$ rec!.ere$ an$ $ec"are$ hi%
D(C)RINE:

The t! instru%ents /POA-SC an$ C9A are the "a ,eteen the%* A sea#arer %ay ha.e ,asis t! +ursue an acti!n #!r t!ta" an$ +er%anent $isa,i"ity ,eneithin the 120-#ay or 240-#ay !erio#, as the case may &e, &ut his !hysician o% choice an# the #octor chosen un#er ection 20-B(3) o% the C-' are o% a contrary o!inion;

/$ The c!%+any-$esignate$ +hysician ac;n!"e$ge$ that he is +artia""y +er%anent"y $isa,"e$ ,ut !ther $!ct!rs h! he c!nsu"te$( !n his !n an$ 6!int"y ith his e%+"!yer( ,e"ie.e$ that his $isa,i"ity is n!t !n"y +er%anent ,ut t!ta" as e""E /e The c!%+any-$esignate$ +hysician rec!gnie$ that he is t!ta""y an$ +er%anent"y $isa,"e$ ,ut there is a $is+ute !n the $isa,i"ity gra$ingE /# The c!%+any-$esignate$ +hysician $eter%ine$ that his %e$ica" c!n$iti!n is n!t c!%+ensa,"e !r !r;-re"ate$ un$er the POA-SC ,ut his $!ct!r-!#-ch!ice an$ the thir$ $!ct!r se"ecte$ un$er Secti!n 20-9/& !# the POA-SC #!un$ !therise an$ $ec"are$ hi% un
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ N(RIEL R! M(N)IERR( v! RICKMERS MARINE AGENCY ./ILS!0 INC! G.R. No. 210634; January 14, 2015; ereno, '.J.

SUMMARY: M!ntierr! as hire$ as an !r$inary sea%an ,y Ric;%ers Marine Agency Phi"s( Inc* !n ,eha"# its +rinci+a" "!,a" Manage%ent @i%ite$* In 2010( M!ntierr! in6ure$ his right ;nee hen he "!st ,a"ance an$ tiste$ his "egs as he as g!ing $!n a crane "a$$er !n ,!ar$ the .esse"* As a resu"t( he as re+atriate$ an$ ha$ t! un$erg! surgery an$ treat%ent* e <"e$ a

=G


c!%+"aint #!r rec!.ery !# +er%anent $isa,i"ity c!%+ensati!n( sic;ness a""!ance +"us %!ra" an$ e3e%+"ary $a%ages an$ att!rneys #ees ith the "a,!r ar,iter* A %e$ica" certira$e 10? 10? !n & Se+te%,er 2010( the G1 st$ay !# M!ntierr!s treat%ent( hich as ithin the 120-$ay +eri!$*

D(C)RINE:

I# the %ariti%e c!%+ensati!n c!%+"aint as <"e$ +ri!r t! ' Oct!,er 200H( the 120-$ay ru"e a++"iesE i#( !n the !ther han$( the c!%+"aint as <"e$ #r!% ' Oct!,er 200H !nar$s( the 2=0-$ay ru"e a++"ies* Fhen a sea#arer sustains a !r;-re"ate$ i""ness !r in6ury hi"e !n ,!ar$ the .esse"( his
50


.(LI)ICAL ANGEL A,AD VS! /ERMINI( DELA CRUZ G.R. No. 207422, +arch 1/, 2015 CNN

SUMMARY This res!".es the Petiti!n #!r Re.ie !n Certi!rari <"e$ ,y Ange" A,a$ assai"ing the C!urt !# A++ea"s Decisi!n* The C!urt !# A++ea"s a4r%e$ the Ci.i" Ser.ice C!%%issi!n Res!"uti!n* This Res!"uti!n a4r%e$ the +er%anent a++!int%ent !# er%ini! De"a Cru as City !.ern%ent De+art%ent ea$ III* May!r Jai%e R* )resne$i a++!inte$ /De"a Cru as City Assess!r !# the City !.ern%ent !# Muntin"u+a in a +er%anent ca+acity !n Dece%,er 2H( 200'*The City Assess!r is gi.en the ite% !# City !.ern%ent De+art%ent ea$ III* In Res!"uti!n 8!* 0'-&'1( %a6!rity !# the %e%,ers !# the Sangguniang Pan"ungs!$ !# the City !.ern%ent !# Muntin"u+a c!ncurre$ in the a++!int%ent !# De"a Cru as City !.ern%ent De+art%ent ea$ III* Pursuant t! Ci.i" Ser.ice C!%%issi!n Res!"uti!n 8!* 02-12&5 granting the City !.ern%ent !# Muntin"u+a the +!er t! ta;e
D(C)RINE: A++!int%ents in the ci.i" ser.ice are %a$e #un$a%enta""y !n the ,asis !# %erit* 9!th the C!nstituti!n an$ "a ensure that th!se a++!inte$ are
51


eight eight ,ut sh!u"$ sh!u"$ n!t tru%+ tru%+ the +u,"ic +u,"ic interest* interest* The Ci.i" Ci.i" Ser.ice Ser.ice C!%%issi!n-8a C!%%issi!n-8ati!na ti!na"" Ca+ita" Ca+ita" Regi!n an$ the Ci.i" Ci.i" Ser.ice Ser.ice C!%%issi!n C!%%issi!n agree agree that res+!n$ res+!n$ent ent +!ssesse +!ssesses s the %ini%u% 7ua"i
+++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++ +++++ DE.AR)MEN) DE.AR)MEN) (F /EAL)/ /EAL)/ v! ./ILI. ./ILI . M(RRIS M(RR IS G.R. No. 202*43; +arch 25, 2015; er"as-Berna&e er"as-Berna&e

SUMMARY: Phi"i+ M!rris Phi"i++ines /PMPMI a++"ie$ #!r a sa"es +r!%!ti!n +er%it ,e#!re the 9)AD* M!re than 15 $ays +asse$ ith!ut 9)AD acting u+!n the a++"icati!n( s! PMPI in7uire$ a,!ut its status* PMPI as !n"y .er,a""y in#!r%e$ !# the e3istence !# a Me%!ran$u% ,y the DO +ur+!r +ur+!rte$ te$"y "y +r!hi +r!hi,it ,iting ing t!,acc t!,acc! ! c!%+an c!%+anies ies #r!% #r!% c!n$uc c!n$uctin ting g any t!,acc t!,acc! ! +r!%! +r!%!ti! ti!na" na" acti.ities in the c!untry* PMPIs a++"icati!n as $enie$* PMPI <"e$ an a$%inistrati.e a++ea" ,e#!re the DO Secretary( assai"ing the 9)ADs $enia" !# its a++"icati!n* It %aintaine$ that un$er RA G211( !romotion is n!t +r!hi,ite$ ,ut %ere"y restricte#( an$ that hi"e there are s+eci
D(C)RINE: •

I# the IACIAC-T T!,acc! !,acc! as creat create$ e$ an$ e3+r e3+ress ess"y "y gi.en gi.en the e3c"u e3c"usi. si.e e auth!r auth!rity ity t! i%+"e%ent the +r!.isi!ns !# RA G211 in acc!r$ance ith the #!reg!ing State +!"icy( it signi+r!%!ti!n? hich essent essentia" ia""y "y inc"u$ inc"u$es es >sa"e >sa"es s +r!%! +r!%!ti! ti!n*? n*? There There#!r #!re( e( ith ith this this regu" regu"at! at!ry ry +!er +!er c!n#erre$ u+!n the IAC-T!,acc! ,y RA G211( the DO an$ the 9)AD ha.e ,een eecti eecti.e" .e"y y an$ i%+"ie i%+"ie$"y $"y $i.est $i.este$ e$ !# any auth!r auth!rity ity t! act u+!n u+!n a++"ic a++"icati ati!ns !ns #!r t!,acc! sa"es +r!%!ti!na" +er%it( inc"u$ing PMPMIs*

52

UP PORTIA SORORITY January-March January-March 2015 Case Digests •

RA G211 is a s+ecia" "egis"ati!n hich e3c"usi.e"y $ea"s ith the su,6ect !# t!,acc! +r!$ucts an$ re"ate$ acti.ities* On the !ther han$( RA B&G= is ,r!a$er an$ %!re genera" in sc!+e( an$ treats !# the genera" e"#are an$ interests !# c!nsu%ers .is-.is +r!+er c!n$uct #!r ,usiness an$ in$ustry* As such( "e3 s+ecia"is $er!gat genera"i*

Genera Gene rall legis legisla lati tion on 8&st 8&st give give *a' *a' to s#e% s#e%ia iall legi legisla slati tion on on t"e sa8e sa8e s&
+++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++ +++++ A))Y! ))Y! ALICIA RIS(S6VIDAL0 ALFRED( S! LIM v! C(MMISSI(N (N ELEC)I(NS AND 4(SE./ E4ERCI)( ES)RADA G.R. No. 206666; January 21, 2015; eonar#o-e 'astro, J.

SUMMARY: In Se+t 200B( #!r%er Presi$ent stra$a as c!n.icte$ !# +"un$er an$ as i%+!se$ the +ena"ty !# rec"usi!n +er+etua ith the access!ry +ena"ties !# ci.i" inter$icti!n $uring the sentence an$ +er+etua" a,s!"ute $is7ua"i
5&


that that !# +er+et +er+etua" ua" a,s!"u a,s!"ute te $is7ua $is7ua"i< "i
D(C)RINE: )!r%er Pres stra$a as grante$ an a,s!"ute +ar$!n that #u""y rest!re$ a"" his ci.i" an$ +!"itica" rights( hich natura""y inc"u$es the right t! see; +u,"ic e"ecti.e !4ce( the #!ca" +!int !# this c!ntr!.ersy* The !r$ing !# the +ar$!n e3ten$e$ t! #!r%er Pres stra$a is c!%+"ete( una%,igu!us( an$ un7ua"i!enses in.!".ing gra#t an$ c!rru+ti!n? that !u"$ ,e enu%erate$ an$ $eis here,y rest!re$ rest!re$ t! his ci.i" an$ +!"itica" rights? su,stantia""y c!%+"ies ith the re7uire%ent re7uire%ent !# e3+ress rest!rati!n* A"" that Arts &' an$ =1 $! is +rescri,e that( i# the Presi$ent Presi$ent ishes t! inc"u$e in the +ar$!n the rest!rati!n !# the rights !# surage an$ t! h!"$ +u,"ic !4ce( !r the re%issi!n re%issi!n !# the access!ry +ena"ty !# +er+etua" a,s!"ute $is7ua"i/he is here,y rest!re$ rest!re$ t! his ci.i" an$

5=


+!"itica" rights(? e3+ress"y re%itte$ the access!ry +ena"ties that attache$ t! the +rinci+a" +ena"ty !# rec"usi!n +er+etua* ence( e.en i# e a++"y Arts &' an$ =1 !# the RPC( it is in$u,ita,"e #r!% the te3t !# the +ar$!n that the access!ry +ena"ties !# ci.i" inter$icti!n an$ +er+etua" a,s!"ute $is7ua"iQhereas( J!se+h 6ercit! stra$a has +u,"ic"y c!%%itte$ t! n! "!nger see; any e"ecti.e +!siti!n !r !4ce(? neither %a;es the +ar$!n c!n$iti!na"( n!r %i"itate against the c!nc"usi!n that #!r%er Presi$ent stra$as rights t! surage an$ t! see; +u,"ic e"ecti.e !4ce ha.e ,een rest!re$* This is es+ecia""y true as the +ar$!n itse"# $!es n!t e3+"icit"y i%+!se a c!n$iti!n !r "i%itati!n( c!nsi$ering the un7ua"ici.i" an$ +!"itica" rights? as ,eing rest!re$* Juris+ru$ence e$ucates that a +rea%,"e is n!t an essentia" +art !# an act as it is an intr!$uct!ry !r +re+arat!ry c"ause that e3+"ains the reas!ns #!r the enact%ent( usua""y intr!$uce$ ,y the !r$ >hereas* Fhere the sc!+e an$ i%+!rt !# the e3ecuti.e c"e%ency e3ten$e$ ,y the Presi$ent is in issue( the C!urt %ust turn t! the !n"y e.i$ence a.ai"a,"e t! it( an$ that is the +ar$!n itse"#* )r!% a $etai"e$ re.ie !# the #!ur c!rners !# sai$ $!cu%ent( n!thing therein gi.es an i!ta !# inti%ati!n that the thir$ Fhereas C"ause is actua""y a "i%itati!n( +r!.is!( sti+u"ati!n !r c!n$iti!n !n the grant !# the +ar$!n( such that the ,reach !# the %enti!ne$ c!%%it%ent n!t t! see; +u,"ic !4ce i"" resu"t in a re.!cati!n !r cance""ati!n !# sai$ +ar$!n* T! the C!urt( hat it is si%+"y is a state%ent !# #act !r the +re.ai"ing situati!n at the ti%e the e3ecuti.e c"e%ency as grante$* It as n!t use$ as a c!n$iti!n t! the e4cacy !r t! $e"i%it the sc!+e !# the +ar$!n*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ )IM,(L v! C(MELEC G.R. No. 206004; e&. 24, 2015; eonen, J.

SUMMARY  Ti%,!" <"e$ a C!C #!r the +!siti!n !# Me%,er !# the Sangguniang Pan"ungs!$ !# the Sec!n$ District !# Ca"!!can City* is na%e as "iste$ a%!ng th!se $ec"are$ ,y the COM@C as nuisance can$i$ates e.en ,e#!re he as su,+!enae$ #!r a c"ari
55


Ti%,!" <"e$ a +etiti!n ith the COM@C +raying that his na%e ,e inc"u$e$ in the certi
D(C)RINE The +!er !# the C!%%issi!n !n "ecti!ns /COM@C t! restrict a citiens right !# surage sh!u"$ n!t ,e ar,itrari"y e3ercise$* The COM@C cann!t motu !ro!rio $eny $ue c!urse t! !r cance" an a""ege$ nuisance can$i$ates certiceases t! +resent a 6usticia,"e c!ntr!.ersy ,ecause !# su+er.ening e.ents s! that a $ec"arati!n there!n !u"$ ,e !# n! +ractica" use !r .a"ue*? Fhen a case is %!!t an$ aca$e%ic( the c!urt genera""y $ec"ines 6uris$icti!n !.er it* There are rec!gnie$ e3ce+ti!ns t! this ru"e* The c!urt has ta;en c!gniance !# %!!t an$ aca$e%ic cases hen /1 there as a gra.e .i!"ati!n !# the C!nstituti!nE /2 the case in.!".e$ a situati!n !# e3ce+ti!na" character an$ as !# +ara%!unt +u,"ic interestE /& the issues raise$ re7uire$ the #!r%u"ati!n !# c!ntr!""ing +rinci+"es t! gui$e the 9ench( the 9ar an$ the +u,"icE an$ /= the case as ca+a,"e !# re+etiti!n yet e.a$ing re.ie . 8uisance can$i$ates are +ers!ns h! <"e their certit! +ut the e"ecti!n +r!cess in %!c;ery !r $isre+ute !r t! cause c!n#usi!n a%!ng the .!ters ,y the si%i"arity !# the na%es !# the registere$ can$i$ates !r ,y !ther circu%stances !r acts hich c"ear"y $e%!nstrate that the can$i$ate has n! &ona =#e intenti!n t! run #!r the !4ce #!r hich the certi
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ IN )/E MA))ER (F: SAVE )/E SU.REME C(UR) 4UDICIAL INDE.ENDENCE AND FISCAL AU)(N(MY M(VEMEN) v! A,(LI)I(N (F )/E 4UDICIARY DEVEL(.MEN) FUND 94DF AND REDUC)I(N (F FISCAL AU)(N(MY 8:-15143; January 21, 2015; eonen, J.

SUMMARY: This case in.!".es the +r!+!se$ ,i""s a,!"ishing the Ju$iciary De.e"!+%ent )un$ an$ re+"acing it ith the Ju$iciary Su++!rt )un$ herein the #un$s c!""ecte$ sha"" ,e re%itte$ t! the nati!na" treasury an$ C!ngress sha"" $eter%ine h! the #un$s i"" ,e use$* Petiti!ner Mi6ares +rays #!r the issuance !# a rit !# %an$a%us in !r$er t! c!%+e" this c!urt t! e3ercise its 6u$icia" in$e+en$ence an$
D(C)RINE: Re7uisites #!r 6u$icia" re.ie /1 there %ust ,e an actua" case !r c!ntr!.ersy ca""ing #!r the e3ercise !# 6u$icia" +!erE /2 the +ers!n cha""enging the act %ust ha.e the stan$ing t! 7uesti!n the .a"i$ity !# the su,6ect act !r issuanceE !therise state$( he %ust ha.e a +ers!na" an$ su,stantia" interest

5'


in the case such that he has sustaine$( !r i"" sustain( $irect in6ury as a resu"t !# its en#!rce%entE /& the 7uesti!n !# c!nstituti!na"ity %ust ,e raise$ at the ear"iest !++!rtunityE an$ /= the issue !# c!nstituti!na"ity %ust ,e the .ery "is %!ta !# the case* The Ju$iciary( the C!nstituti!na" C!%%issi!ns( an$ the O%,u$s%an %ust ha.e the in$e+en$ence an$ We3i,i"ity nee$e$ in the $ischarge !# their c!nstituti!na" $uties* The i%+!siti!n !# restricti!ns an$ c!nstraints !n the %anner the in$e+en$ent c!nstituti!na" !4ces a""!cate an$ uti"ie the #un$s a++r!+riate$ #!r their !+erati!ns is anathe%a t!
5B


REMEDIAL ME)R(GUARDS SECURI)Y AGENCY C(R.(RA)I(N 9F(RMERLY KN(WN AS ,EEGUARDS C(R.(RA)I(N an MS! MILAGR(S )! C/AN0 v! AL,ER)( N! /IL(NG( G.R. No. 215630; +arch 0*, 2015; Ai""arama, Jr., J.

SUMMARY: On A+ri" &0( 2010( the @a,!r Ar,iter ru"e$ that i"!ng! as i""ega""y $is%isse$( an$ !r$ere$ that i"!ng! ,e +ai$ his ,ac;ages #r!% the $ate !# $is%issa" t! the $ate !# the $ecisi!n an$ se+arati!n +ay !# !ne %!nth +ay +er year !# ser.ice( +"us 10L there!# as att!rneys #ees( hich t!ta""e$ P1B0( 520*&1* The 8@RC re.erse$ the ru"ing !# @A( ,ut the CA re.erse$ the 8@RC $ecisi!n an$ reinstate$ the @As* Petiti!ners MR as $enie$ ,y the CA !n March 2'( 201&* i"!ng! <"e$ a %!ti!n #!r entry !# 6u$g%ent an$ %!ti!n #!r c"ari
D(C)RINE: 8! essentia" change is %a$e ,y a rec!%+utati!n as this ste+ is a necessary c!nse7uence that W!s #r!% the nature !# the i""ega"ity !# $is%issa" $ec"are$ ,y the "a,!r ar,iter in that $ecisi!n* A rec!%+utati!n /r an !rigina" c!%+utati!n( i# n! +re.i!us c!%+utati!n has ,een %a$e is +art !# the "a X s+eci
5H


u+!n e3ecuti!n !# the $ecisi!n $!es n!t c!nstitute an a"terati!n !r a%en$%ent !# the
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ N(RMA 4AVA)E v! S.S! RENA)( an LERMA )I()UIC( G.R. No. 1/7606; +arch *, 2015; era"ta, J.

SUMMARY: Ja.ate #ai"e$ t! +ay her !,"igati!n an$ the uagua Rura" 9an; #!rec"!se$ the %!rtgage* The "!t hich secure$ the %!rtgage as s!"$ at +u,"ic aucti!n here the 9an; as the highest ,i$$er* Ja.ate as n!t a,"e t! re$ee% the +r!+erty* The 9an; c!ns!"i$ate$ its !nershi+ !.er the sa%e( an$ a ne tit"e as issue$ in the na%e !# the 9an;* S+s* Ti!tuic! ,!ught the su,6ect "!t #r!% the 9an;( an$ a ne tit"e as issue$ in their #a.!ur* S+s* Ti!tuic! <"e$ a Petiti!n #!r Issuance !# a Frit !# P!ssessi!n ith the RTC* The RTC ru"e$ in their #a.!ur* Ja.ate a++ea"e$ the RTC Or$er* S+s* Ti!tuic! <"e$ a %!ti!n #!r the issuance !# a rit !# +!ssessi!n +en$ing a++ea"( hich as grante$* Ja.ate <"e$ a +etiti!n #!r certi!rari ith the CA 7uesti!ning the issuance !# the rit* The CA $enie$ the +etiti!n an$ the MR* S+s* Ti!tuic! <"e$ a %!ti!n t! i%+"e%ent the rit !# +!ssessi!n ear"ier issue$* This %!ti!n as grante$( +r!%+ting Ja.ate t! <"e a s+ecia" ci.i" acti!n #!r certi!rari ,e#!re the CA* This +etiti!n as $is%isse$( resu"ting t! the +resent +etiti!n #!r re.ie !n certi!rari ,e#!re the SC* The issue raise$ as hether !r n!t S+s* Ti!tuic! are entit"e$( as a %atter !# right( t! the issuance !# a rit !# +!ssessi!n hen they %ere"y ,!ught the su,6ect +r!+erty thr!ugh +ri.ate transacti!n an$ 8OT thr!ugh "an$ registrati!n +r!cee$ings( 6u$icia" #!rec"!sure an$ e3tra6u$icia" #!rec"!sure* Ja.ate c!nten$e$ that the 9an;( ,eing the ,uyer $uring the #!rec"!sure sa"e( is the !n"y !ne entit"e$ as a %atter !# right t! the issuance !# rit !# +!ssessi!nE that res+!n$ents as su,se7uent ,uyers sh!u"$ instea$ res!rt t! e6ect%ent !r accion rein$in#icatoria in !r$er t! gain +!ssessi!n* The C!urt $enie$ the +etiti!n* The C!urt sai$ that the issuance !# a rit !# +!ssessi!n is +r!+er since( e.en th!ugh the +etiti!n #!r issuance !# rit !# +!ssessi!n as <"e$ e3-+arte( a hearing as n!nethe"ess c!n$ucte$ hen the RTC ga.e Ja.ate her $ay in c!urt ,y gi.ing her the !++!rtunity t! <"e .ari!us +"ea$ings t! !++!se res+!n$ents +etiti!n* A"s!( Ja.ate re%aine$ in +!ssessi!n !# the +r!+erty +ri!r t! the issuance !# the 7uesti!ne$ rit* Thus it is c"ear that S+s* Ti!tuic!s res!rt( as a su,se7uent !r thir$-+arty +urchaser( t! the +etiti!n #!r the issuance !# rit !# +!ssessi!n is +r!+er*

D(C)RINES: The re%e$y !# a rit !# +!ssessi!n( a re%e$y that is a.ai"a,"e t! the %!rtgagee-+urchaser t! ac7uire +!ssessi!n !# the #!rec"!se$ +r!+erty #r!% the %!rtgag!r( is %a$e a.ai"a,"e t! a su,se7uent +urchaser( ,ut !n"y a#ter hearing an$ a#ter $eter%ining that the su,6ect +r!+erty is sti"" in the +!ssessi!n !# the %!rtgag!r* Un"i;e i# the +urchaser is the %!rtgage !r thir$ +arty $uring the re$e%+ti!n +eri!$( a rit !# +!ssessi!n %ay issue e3-+arte !r ith!ut hearing* In !ther !r$s( i# the +urchaser is a thir$ +arty h! ac7uire$ the +r!+erty a#ter the re$e%+ti!n +eri!$( a hearing %ust ,e c!n$ucte$ t! $eter%ine hether +!ssessi!n !.er the su,6ect +r!+erty is sti"" ith the %!rtgag!r !r is a"rea$y in the +!ssessi!n !# a thir$ +arty h!"$ing the sa%e a$.erse"y t! the $e#au"ting $e,t!r !r %!rtgag!r* I# the +r!+erty is in the +!ssessi!n !# the %!rtgag!r( a rit !# +!ssessi!n c!u"$ thus ,e issue$* Otherise( the re%e$y !# a rit !# +!ssessi!n is n! "!nger a.ai"a,"e t! such +urchaser( ,ut he can rest +!ssessi!n !.er the +r!+erty thr!ugh an !r$inary acti!n !# e6ect%ent*

5G


I%%e$iate"y re7uiring the su,se7uent +urchaser t! <"e a se+arate case !# e6ect%ent instea$ !# a +etiti!n #!r the issuance !# a rit !# +!ssessi!n( a",eit n!t e3-+arte( i"" !n"y +r!"!ng the +r!cee$ings an$ un$u"y $eny the su,se7uent +urchaser !# +!ssessi!n !# the +r!+erty hich he a"rea$y ,!ught*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 4(SE .E.E> SANIC( $. .E(.LE (F )/E ./ILI..INES AND 4ENNIFER S(N6 )ENI( G.R. No. 1*/75; +arch 25, 2015; BR+N, J.

SUMMARY: J!se Sanic! an$ Marsit! 9ati7uin ere c!n.icte$ ,y MCTC #!r the#t !# %inera"s /RA BG=2 !n A+ri" 2( 200G* On A+ri" 22( 200G( Sanic!s c!unse" <"e$ a n!tice !# a++ea" in the MCTC* On January 5( 2010( the RTC !r$ere$ Sanic! t! <"e his %e%!ran$u% !n a++ea"* Sanic! $i$ n!t c!%+"yE hence( the RTC $is%isse$ the a++ea" ith +re6u$ice !n March 1'( 2010* The CA a"s! $is%isse$ the Petiti!n #!r Re.ie <"e$ ,y Sanic! $ue t! +r!ce$ura" in
D(C)RINE: The #ai"ure t! <"e the %e%!ran$u% !n a++ea" is a gr!un$ #!r the RTC t! $is%iss the a++ea" !n"y in ci.i" cases /Sec* B /,( Ru"e =0* The sa%e ru"e $!es n!t a++"y in cri%ina" cases( ,ecause Secti!n G /c !# Ru"e 122 i%+!ses !n the RTC the $uty to #eci#e the a++ea" on the &asis o% the entire recor# o% the case an# o% such memoran#a or &rie%s as may ha$e &een ="e#K u+!n the su,%issi!n !# the a++e""ate %e%!ran$a !r ,rie#s( !r u+!n the e3+irati!n !#

the +eri!$ t! <"e the sa%e* ence( the $is%issa" !# the +etiti!ners a++ea" cann!t ,e +r!+er"y +re%ise$ !n the #ai"ure t! <"e the %e%!ran$u% !n a++ea"*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ N(VECI( v! LIM G.R. No. 1*3/0*; +arch 23, 2015; J. Brion

SUMMARY: Pri.ate res+!n$ents Tua!n an$ 8iet! <"e$ an acti!n #!r #!rci,"e entry against +etiti!ners h!% they c"ai% ere s7uatting !.er the su,6ect +r!+erty !ne$ ,y the #!r%er* Petiti!ners c"ai% that they ere in +!ssessi!n !.er the "an$ #!r %!re than t! years an$ that the su,6ect +r!+erty ere $i.i$e$ a%!ng the% ,y .irtue !# the CAR@* MTC ru"e$ #!r the +etiti!ners* RTC re.erse$* Fhi"e !n a++ea" t! CA( +etiti!ners %!.e$ #!r the issuance !# a rit !# +re"i%inary in6uncti!n an$ a '0-$ay TRO hen the res+!n$ents( $es+ite the +en$ency !# the CA a++ea"( s!ught t! e3ecute the RTC 6u$g%ent* CA grante$ the TRO ,ut u"ti%ate"y $enie$ the issuance !# a rit !# +re"i%inary in6uncti!n* In SC( +etiti!ners n! c!nten$ that CA acte$ in AD #!r $enying their %!ti!n #!r +re"i%inary in6uncti!n* SC ru"e$ that CA acte$ in AD an$ hence#!rth set asi$e the CA $enia"*

'0


D(C)RINE: A +re"i%inary in6uncti!n is +r!+er hen the +"ainti a++ears t! ,e c"ear"y entit"e$ t! the re"ie# s!ught an$ has su,stantia" interest in the right s!ught t! ,e $e#en$e$* As this C!urt has +re.i!us"y ru"e$( hi"e the e3istence !# the right nee$ n!t ,e c!nc"usi.e"y esta,"ishe$( it %ust ,e c"ear* A rit !# +re"i%inary in6uncti!n is genera""y ,ase$ s!"e"y !n initia" !r inc!%+"ete e.i$ence* Such e.i$ence nee$ !n"y ,e a sa%+"ing inten$e$ %ere"y t! gi.e the c!urt an e.i$ence !# 6usti
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NA)ANYA 4(ANA D! ARGEL $s. G(V! LUIS C! SINGS(N0 IN /IS CA.ACI)Y AS )/E G(VERN(R (F )/E .R(VINCE (F IL(C(S SUR G.R. No. 202*70; +arch 25, 2015; RE, J.

SUMMARY: Arge" as a++!inte$ ,y then I"!c!s Sur !.ern!r Sa.e""an! as 8urse II un$er +er%anent status at the a,rie"a Si"ang enera" !s+ita"* !e.er( the Ci.i" Ser.ice C!%%issi!n )ie"$ O4ce /CSC)O X I"!c!s Sur $isa++r!.e$ the a++!int%ent !n the gr!un$ that she sti"" "ac;s = %!nths !ut !# the 1 year e3+erience re7uire$* U+!n a++ea" ith the CSC Regi!na" O4ce 8!* 1 /CSCRO1( Arge" as a++!inte$ as 8urse II* In a "etter $ate$ August 1' 2010( the Direct!r !# CSC)O #!rar$e$ t! !.ern!r Sings!n( success!r !# !.ern!r Sa.e""an!( a +h!t!c!+y !# the $ecisi!n( ith a $irecti.e that un"ess a++ea"e$ ithin <#teen /15 $ays #r!% recei+t( the $ecisi!n !# the CSCRO1 sh!u"$ ,e i%+"e%ente$* On Se+te%,er 15 2010( the Pr!.incia" !.ern%ent !# I"!c!s Sur <"e$ a 8!tice !# A++ea" ,e#!re the C!%%issi!n* It as $is%isse$ ,y the C!%%issi!n !n the gr!un$ that it as <"e$ ,ey!n$ the 15 $ay reg"e%entary +eri!$ re7uire$ un$er the Uni#!r% Ru"es !n A$%inistrati.e Cases in the Ci.i" Ser.ice* CA grante$ !.ern!r Sings!ns Petiti!n #!r Re.ie ith Prayer #!r Pre"i%inary In6uncti!n an$!r Te%+!rary Restraining Or$er* SC ru"e$ that +r!ce$ura""y an$ !n the %erits( the +etiti!n %ust ,e grante$*

D(C)RINE: The sett"e$ an$
'1


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ C(MGLASC( C(R.(RA)I(N v! SAN)(S CAR C/ECK CEN)ER G.R. No. 202*/*; +arch 25, 2015; Reyes, J.

SUMMARY: Sant!s Car Chec; Center "ease$ !ut its sh!r!!% t! C!%g"asc! C!r+!rati!n #!r 5 years* A year "ater( C!%g"asc! a$.ise$ Sant!s that it as +re-ter%inating their "ease c!ntract* Sant!s re#use$ t! acce$e t! the +re-ter%inati!n( re%in$ing C!%g"asc! that their c!ntract as #!r 5 years* C!%g"asc! "ater .acate$ the "ease$ +re%ises an$ st!++e$ +aying any #urther renta"s* Sant!s <"e$ a suit #!r ,reach !# c!ntract* The RTC ru"e$ in #a.!r !# Sant!s an$ !r$ere$ C!%g"asc! t! c!%+"y ith its !,"igati!n an$ +ay its un+ai$ renta"s* A rit !# e3ecuti!n as grante$ in #a.!r !# Sant!s* The CA a4r%e$ the RTC 6u$g%ent* The SC ru"e$ that the RTC acte$ c!rrect"y in res!rting t! Sec* 1 !# Ru"e &= !n Ju$g%ent !n the P"ea$ings( t! cut sh!rt a nee$"ess tria"* C!%g"asc! ha$ rec!urse t! %!.e #!r su%%ary 6u$g%ent( herein it c!u"$ ha.e a$$uce$ su++!rting e.i$ence t! 6usti#y its acti!n !n the +arties "ease( ,ut it $i$ n!t $! s!*

D(C)RINE: A 6u$g%ent !n the +"ea$ings is a 6u$g%ent !n the #acts as +"ea$e$( an$ is ,ase$ e3c"usi.e"y u+!n the a""egati!ns a++earing in the +"ea$ings !# the +arties an$ the acc!%+anying anne3es* It is sett"e$ that the tria" c!urt has the $iscreti!n t! grant a %!ti!n #!r 6u$g%ent !n the +"ea$ings <"e$ ,y a +arty i# there is n! c!ntr!.erte$ %atter in the case a#ter the anser is <"e$* A genuine issue !# #act is that hich re7uires the +resentati!n !# e.i$ence( as $istinguishe$ #r!% a sha%(
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FA4 C(NS)RUC)I(N v! SUSAN SAUL(G G.R. No. 20075*; +arch 25, 2015; e" 'asti""o, J.

SUMMARY: )AJ C!nstructi!n an$ Sau"!g entere$ int! an agree%ent #!r the c!nstructi!n !# a resi$entia" ,ui"$ing in Ma;ati #!r Ph+ 12*5-M* Pay%ent t! )AJ C!nstructi!n sha"" ,e !n a +r!gress ,i""ing ,asis( a#ter ins+ecti!n !# !r; ,y Sau"!g* )!r 2 +r!gress ,i""ing state%ents( Sau"!g re#use$ t! +ay* )AJ C!nstructi!n ter%inate$ the c!nstructi!n c!ntract( +ursuant t! Art 2B/, !# the Uni#!r% enera" C!n$iti!ns !# COngrat #!r Pri.ate C!nstructi!n /D!cu%ent 102 !# the C!nstructi!n In$ustry Auth!rity !# the Phi"i++ines* )AJ C!nstructi!n sent $e%an$ "etters t! Sau"!g( ,ut Sau"!g c"ai%e$ that )AJ C!nstructi!ns !r; as $e#ecti.e an$ that it sh!u"$ instea$ ,e %a$e "ia,"e there!n* )AJ C!nstructi!n <"e$ !# su% !# %!ney* A#ter se.era" !++!rtunities #!r the +resentati!n !# its
'2


D(C)RINE: •

•

The C!urt has re+eate$"y sai$ that %inute res!"uti!ns $is%issing the acti!ns <"e$ ,e#!re it c!nstitute actua" a$6u$icati!ns !n the %erits* They are the resu"t !# th!r!ugh $e"i,erati!n a%!ng the %e%,ers !# the C!urt* Fhen the C!urt $!es n!t
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ YUK LING (NG V! ,EN4AMIN )! C( G.R. No. 206653; e&ruary 25, 2015; +NCE, J.

SUMMARY  Yu; @ing Ong /9ritish- nati!na"( an$ 9en6a%in C! /)i"i+in!( ere %arrie$ !n 1GH2 at ""in!!$-Ma"ate Church* Then in 200H( Ong recei.e$ a su,+!ena $irecting her t! a++ear ,e#!re the 9ureau !# I%%igrati!n an$ De+!rtati!n ,ecause her +er%anent resi$ence .isa as ,eing su,6ecte$ t! cance""ati!n +r!cee$ings* It as re+!rte$ that her %arriage ith C! as nu""i
D(C)RINE Annu"%ent !# 6u$g%ent is a rec!urse e7uita,"e in character( a""!e$ !n"y in e3ce+ti!na" cases as here there is n! a.ai"a,"e !r !ther a$e7uate re%e$y* Ru"e =B !# the 1GGB Ru"es !# Ci.Pr! g!.erns acti!ns #!r annu"%ent !# 6u$g%ents !r
1 A""ege$"y( C! $e"i,erate"y in$icate$ a r!ng a$$ress t! +re.ent her #r!% +artici+ating in the tria"* 2 Juris$icti!n !.er her +ers!n as n!t ac7uire$ ,ecause !# an i n.a"i$ su,stitute$ ser.ice !# su%%!ns as n! su4cient e3+"anati!n( sh!ing i%+!ssi,i"ity !# +ers!na" ser.ice( as state$ ,e#!re res!rting t! su,stitute$ ser.ice !# su%%!nsE an$ that the a""ege$ su,stitute$ ser.ice as %a$e !n a security guar$ !# their t!nh!use an$ n!t !n a %e%,er !# her h!useh!"$*

'&


+rinci+"e n!t ,ecause it a""!s a +arty-"itigant an!ther !++!rtunity t! re!+en a 6u$g%ent that has "!ng "a+se$ int!
Juris$icti!n !.er the $e#en$ant is ac7uire$ either u+!n a .a"i$ ser.ice !# su%%!ns !r the $e#en$ants .!"untary a++earance in c!urt*

In c!urt +r!cee$ings( there is n! right %!re cherishe$ than the right !# e.ery "itigant t! ,e gi.en an !++!rtunity t! ,e hear$* This right ,egins at the .ery %!%ent that su%%!ns is ser.e$ !n the $e#en$ant* The Ru"es !# C!urt +"aces ut%!st i%+!rtance in ensuring that the $e#en$ant +ers!na""y gras+ the eight !# res+!nsi,i"ity that i"" ,e#a"" hi%* Thus( it is !n"y in e3ce+ti!na" circu%stances that c!nstructi.e n!ti
'=


The stricter ru"e in su,stitute$ ser.ice !# su%%!ns as %eant t! a$$ress >Qthe nu%er!us c"ai%s !# irregu"arities in su,stitute$ ser.ice hich ha.e s+ane$ the <"ing !# a great nu%,er !# unnecessary s+ecia" ci.i" acti!ns !# certi!rari an$ a++ea"s t! higher c!urts( resu"ting in +r!"!nge$ "itigati!n an$ aste#u" "ega" e3+enses*?

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ R&
SUMMARY  A re"!cati!n an$ .eri
D(C)RINES 1* The 6u$g%ent !#
'5


e6ect%ent #r!% the "an$ !# the res+!n$ents as the !ccu+ants in un"a#u" $etainer( there#!re( there#!re( the c!%+"aint sh!u"$ e%,!$y such a state%ent !# #acts c"ear"y sh!ing the attri,utes !# un"a#u" $etainer*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++ +++++ SENA)(R 4INGG(Y E4ERCI)( ES)RADA0 .E)I)I(NER0 VS! ,ERSAMIN0 (FFICE (F )/E (M,UDSMAN0 FIELD INVES)IGA)I(N (FFICE0 (FFICE (F )/E (M,UDSMAN0 NA)I(NAL ,UREAU (F INVES)IGA)I(N AND A))Y! LEVI)( D! ,ALIG(D0 RES.(NDEN)S! G.R. Nos. 212140-41; January 21, 2015

SUMMARY: Sen* stra$a <"e$ a re7uest t! ,e #urnishe$ ith c!+ies !# c!unter-a4$a.its !# his c!res+!n$ res+!n$ents ents(( a4$a.its a4$a.its !# ne itnesses( itnesses( an$ !ther !ther <"ings <"ings in a +"un$er +"un$er c!%+"aint <"e$ agains againstt hi%* hi%* is re7uest re7uest as %a$e %a$e +ursua +ursuant nt t! a res+! res+!n$e n$ent nts s right right t! e3a%i e3a%ine ne the e.i$ence su,%itte$ ,y the c!%+"ainant hich he %ay n!t ha.e ,een #urnishe$ /Sec &,( Ru"e 112( R!C an$ t! ha.e access t! the e.i$ence !n rec!r$ /Sec =c( Ru"e II( Ru"es u"es !# Pr!ce Pr!ce$ur $ure e !# O4ce O4ce !# the O%,u$s O%,u$s%an %an* * The O%,u$ O%,u$s%a s%an n $enie$ $enie$ the re7uest(
D(C)RINE: Sen* stra$a #ai"e$ t! s+eci#y a "a !r ru"e hich states that it is a c!%+u"s!ry re7uire%ent !# $ue +r!cess in a +re"i%inary +re"i%inary in.estigati!n that the O%,u$s%an #urnish a res+!n$ent ith the c!unter-a4$a.its !# his c!-res+!n$ents* 8either Sec &/,( Ru"e 112 !# the Re.* ru"es !# Cri%Pr! n!r Sec =/c( Ru"e II( Ru"es !# Pr!ce$ure !# the O4ce !# the O%,u$s%an su++!rts his c"ai%* Fhat the Ru"es !# Pr!ce$ure !# the O4ce !# the O%,u$s%an re7uire is #!r the O%,u$s%an t! #urnish the res+!n$ent res+!n$ent ith a c!+y !# the c!%+"aint an$ the su++!rting a4$a.its an$ $!cu%ents at the ti%e the !r$er t! su,%it the c!unter-a4$a.it is issue$ t! the res+!n$ent* At this +!int( there is sti"" n! c!unter-a4$a.it c!unter-a4$a.it su,%itte$ ,y any res+!n$ent* res+!n$ent* C"ear"y( hat Sec =/, re#ers t! are a4$a.its !# the c!%+"ainant an$ his itnesses( n!t the a4$a.its !# the c!-res+!n$ents* O,.i! O,.i!us" us"y( y( the c!unte c!unterr-a4$a. -a4$a.its its !# the c!-re c!-res+! s+!n$e n$ents nts are are n!t +art +art !# the su++! su++!rti rting ng a4$a.its !# the c!%+"ainant* 8! gra.e a,use !# $iscreti!n can thus ,e attri,ute$ t! the O%,u$s%an #!r the issuance !# the 2B March 201= Or$er hich $enie$ Sen* stra$as Re7uest* A"th!ugh Sec =/c( Ru"e II !# the Ru"es !# Pr!ce$ure !# the O4ce !# the O%,u$s%an +r!.i$es that a res+!n$ent >sha"" ha.e access t! t he e.i$ence !n rec!r$(? this +r!.isi!n sh!u"$ ,e c!nstrue$ in re"ati!n t! Sec =/a an$ /, !# the sa%e Ru"e( as e"" as t! the Ru"es !# Cri%ina" Pr!ce$ure* )irst( Sec =/a states that >the in.estigating !4cer !4cer sha"" sha"" re7ui re7uire re the c!%+"a c!%+"aina inant nt !r su++!r su++!rtin ting g itne itness sses es t! e3ecu e3ecute te a4$a.i a4$a.its ts t! su,s su,sta tant ntia iate te the the c!%+ c!%+"a "ain int* t*? ? The The >su+ >su++! +!rt rtin ing g itn itnes esse ses? s? are are the the itn itnes esse ses s !# the the c!%+"ainant( an$ $! n!t re#er t! the c!-res+!n$ents* c!-res+!n$ents* Sec!n$( the a4$a.its re#erre$ re#erre$ t! in Sec =/, hich +r!.i$es that the in.estigating !4cer sha"" issue an !r$er attaching a c!+y !# the a4$a.its*** are th!se in Sec =/a( i*e* th!se !# the c!%+"ainant an$ his su++!rting itnesses* itnesses* Sec =/c hich +r!.i$es that a res+!n$ent sh!u"$ ha.e access t! the e.i$ence !n rec!r$ sh!u"$ ,e rea$ in re"ati!n t! Secs =a an$ , !# the sa%e Ru"e II* Thus( a res+!n$ents

''


access t! e.i$ence !n rec!r$ rec!r$ in Sec =c( Ru"eII !# the O%,u$s%ans Ru"es !# Pr!ce$ure re#ers re#ers t! the a4$a.its an$ su++!rting $!cu%ents !# the c!%+"ainant !r su++!rting itnesses in Sec =/a !# the sa%e Ru"e II* Thir$( Sec &, Ru"e 112 !# the Re.* Re.* Ru"es !# Cri%Pr! +r!.i$ing a res+!n$ents right t! e3a%ine re#ers !n"y t! the e.i$ence su,%itte$ ,y the c!%+"ainant* Thus( hether un$er Ru"e Ru"e 112 !# the Re. Ru"es !# Cri%Pr! Cri%Pr! !r un$er Ru"e Ru"e II !# the O%,u$s%ans Ru"es !# Pr!ce$ure( there is n! re7uire%ent hats!e.er that the a4$a.its e3ecute$ ,y the c!-res+!n$ents sh!u"$ ,e #urnishe$ t! a res+!n$ent* "i;eise $e.!i$ !# c!ge c!genc ncy y is +eti +etiti ti!n !ner ers s argu argu%e %ent nt that that thet thetes esti ti%! %!ni nies es !# a"a a"ari ri!n !n an$ an$ an!+ an!+!" !" are are ina$%issi,"e as t! hi% since he as n!t grante$ the !++!rtunity !# cr!ss-e3a%inati!n* cr!ss-e3a%inati!n* The accuse$ in a +re"i%inary +re"i%inary in.estigati!n has n! right t! cr!ss-e3a%ine cr!ss-e3a%ine the itnesses hich the c!%+"ainant %ay +resent* Sec &( Ru"e 112 !# the R!C e3+ress"y +r!.i$es that the res+!n$ent sha"" !n"y ha.e the right t! su,%it a c!unter-a4$a.it( t! e3a%ine a"" !ther e.i$ence su,%itte$ ,y the c!%+"ainant an$( here the
'B


hich are %atters ,etter .enti"ate$ $uring the tria" +r!+er* Thus( +r!,a,"e cause can ,e esta,"ishe$ ith hearsay e.i$ence( as "!ng as there is su,stantia" ,asis #!r cre$iting the hearsay* earsay e.i$ence is a$%issi,"e in $eter%ining +r!,a,"e cause in a +re"i%inary in.est in.estiga igati! ti!n n ,ecaus ,ecause e such such in.est in.estiga igati! ti!n n is %ere"y %ere"y +re"i +re"i%in %inary ary(( an$ $!es $!es n!t
+++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++ +++++ S.(USES 4(SE (! GA)USLA( GA)USLA( AND ERMILA ERM ILA LE(NILA LIMSIAC(6GA LIMSIA C(6GA)USLA(0 )USLA(0 .E)I)I(NERS0 VS! LE( RAY V! YANS(N0 RES.(NDEN)! G.R. No. 1*1540, January 21, 2015

SUMMARY: The "ate )e"icisi%! )e"icisi%! @i%siac! as the registere$ registere$ !ner !# t! +arce"s !# "an$ hich he %!rtgage$( a"!ng ith a h!use there!n( t! P89* Fhen he #ai"e$ t! +ay( P89 #!rec"!se$ !n the %!rtgage an$ s!"$ the +r!+erties at +u,"ic aucti!n here it as the highest ,i$$er* S!%e years "ater( P89 s!"$ the +r!+erties t! res+!n$ent Yans!n( h! <"e$ #!r issuance !# a rit !# +!ssessi!n un$er Sec B( Act 8! &1&5* Petiti!ners argue$ that he as n!t entit"e$ t! the sa%e since he as n!t the ,uyer !# the +r!+erties at the +u,"ic aucti!n sa"e an$ !n"y +urcha +urchase$ se$ these these thr!ugh thr!ugh a su,se7 su,se7uen uentt sa"e( sa"e( an$ that that an acti!n acti!n #!r annu"% annu"%ent ent !# the #!rec"!sure an$ aucti!n sa"e ha$ a"rea$y ,een <"e$* The RTC grante$ the issuance !# the rit !# +!ssessi!n* Petiti!ners $irect"y res!rte$ t! the SC( in .i!"ati!n !# the hierarchy !# c!urtsE the SC res!".e$ the case $ue t! the "ength !# ti%e the +etiti!n ha$ ,een +en$ing( an$ $enie$ the +etiti!n( ru"ing in res+!n$ents #a.!r*

D(C)RINE: A +en$ing acti!n #!r annu"%ent !# %!rtgage !r #!rec"!sure sa"e $!es n!t stay the issuance !# the rit !# +!ssessi!n* The TC( TC( here the a++"icati!n #!r a rit !# +!ssessi!n is <"e$( $!es n!t nee$ t! "!!; int! the .a"i$ity !# the %!rtgage !r the %anner !# its #!rec"!sure* The +urchaser is entit"e$ t! a rit !# +!ssessi!n ith!ut +re6u$ice +re6u$ice t! the !utc!%e !# the +en$ing annu"%ent case* This is in "ine ith the %inisteria" character !# the +!ssess!ry rit* T! stress the %inisteria" character !# the rit !# +!ssessi!n( the C!urt has $isa""!e$ in6uncti!n t! +r!hi,it its issuance( 6ust as it has he"$ that its issuance %ay n!t ,e staye$ ,y a +en$ing acti!n #!r annu"%ent !# %!rtgage !r the #!rec"!sure itse"# itse"#** C"ear"y then( unti" the #!rec"!sure #!rec"!sure sa"e !# the +r!+erty in 7uesti!n is annu""e$ ,y a c!urt !# c!%+etent 6uris$icti!n( the issuance !# a rit !# +!ssessi!n re%ains the %inisteria" $uty !# the tria" c!urt* The sa%e is true ith its i%+"e%entati!nE !therise( !therise( the rit i"" ,e a use"ess +a+er 6u$g%ent X a resu"t ini%ica" t! the %an$ate !# Act 8!* &1&5 t! .est +!ssessi!n in the +urchaser i%%e$iate"y* A"th!ugh the Sec B( Act &1&5 c"ear"y +ertains t! a rit !# +!ssessi!n a.ai"e$ !# an$ issue$ ithin the re$e%+ti!n +eri!$ !# the #!rec"!sure sa"e( the sa%e +r!ce$ure a"s! a++"ies t! a situati!n here a +urchaser is see;ing +!ssessi!n !# the #!rec"!se$ +r!+erty ,!ught at the +u,"ic aucti!n sa"e a#ter the re$e%+ti!n re$e%+ti!n +eri!$ has e3+ire$ e3+ire$ ith!ut re$e%+ti!n ha.ing ,een %a$e* The !n"y $ierence is that in the "atter case( n! ,!n$ is re7uire$ there#!r there#!r** Res+!n$ent( as a trans#eree !r success!r-in-interest !# P89 ,y .irtue !# the c!ntract !# sa"e ,eteen the%( is c!nsi$ere$ c!nsi$ere$ t! ha.e ste++e$ int! the sh!es !# P89* As such( he is necessari"y entit"e$ entit"e$ t! a.ai" !# the +r!.isi!ns !# Secti!n B !# Act 8!* &1&5( as a%en$e$( as i# he is P89* )urther( res+! res+!n$e n$ent nt %ay right# right#u"" u""y y ta;e ta;e +!sses +!ssessi! si!n n !# the su,6ec su,6ectt +r!+e +r!+erti rties es thr!ug thr!ugh h a rit rit !# +!ssessi!n( e.en i# he as n!t the actua" ,uyer there!# at the +u,"ic aucti!n sa"e*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++ +++++ REYNALD( /! 4AYL(0 WILLIAM VALENZ(NA AND AN)(NI( G! /A,AL(0 v! SANDIGAN,AY SANDIGAN,AYAN 9FIRS) DIVISI(N0 .E(.LE (F )/E ./ILI..INES AND /EIRS (F C(L! R(LAND( DE GUZMAN0 FRANC( CALAN(G AND AVELIN( MANGUERA 'H


G.R. Nos. 1/3152-54; January 21, 2015; ereno, '.J.

SUMMARY: In the c!urse !# a ,uy-,ust !+erati!n( P8P !4cers Jay"!( Ka"en!na( a,a"! an$ Castr! sh!t three +ers!ns in.!".e$ in $rug transacti!ns* The San$igan,ayan c!n.icte$ the% #!r h!%ici$e* Des+ite n!tice( n!ne !# the accuse$ a++eare$ $uring the +r!%u"gati!n !# the San$igan,ayans 6u$g%ent( hich as +r!%u"gate$ in a,sentia !n A+ri" 1B( 200B* The accuse$s ,ai" ,!n$s ere cance"e$( an$ arrants #!r their arrest issue$* C!unse" #!r Jay"!( Ka"en!na an$ a,a"! <"e$ a M!ti!n #!r Partia" MR !n A+ri" &0* The San$igan,ayan t!!; n! acti!n !n the %!ti!n an$ !r$ere$ i%+"e%entati!n !# the arrants !# arrest( stating that they ha$ "!st the re%e$ies a.ai"a,"e un$er the Ru"es #!r #ai"ure t! gi.e a 6usti
D(C)RINE: I# the 6u$g%ent is #!r c!n.icti!n an$ the #ai"ure t! a++ear as ith!ut 6usti
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ EDMUND SIA v ARCENAS0 L(.EZ0 RAFANAN G.R. Nos. 20*672-74; 14 January 2015; er"as-Berna&e, J.

SUMMARY  Due t! the rea" +r!+erty ta3 $e"in7uencies !# Panay Rai"ays( Inc!r+!rate$ /PRI !.er the su,6ect "!ts( the City Treasurer aucti!ne$ the su,6ect "!ts( ith Sia as the highest ,i$$er* Des+ite the issuance !# a certi
'G


rit !# +!ssessi!n is +r!scri,e$* They +!site$ that the e3ecuti!n !# a
R)C: Motion to H&as" enie! Pr!cee$ings #!r ta3 $e"in7uency sa"e at a +u,"ic aucti!n ta;es the nature !# an e3tra6u$icia" #!rec"!sure( thus necessitating the issuance !# the c!rres+!n$ing rits !# +!ssessi!n an$ $e%!"iti!n*

CA: Set asie t"e *rits ! Frits !# +!ssessi!n an$ $e%!"iti!n issue$ ,y the RTC 9r* 15 are nu"" an$ .!i$ as they ere issue$ ,ey!n$ the a%,it !# the March 21( 2001 Decisi!n* Since the +etiti!n is !ne #!r %an$a%us( RTCs +!er in e3ecuting the 6u$g%ent therein is "i%ite$ t! $irecting c!%+"iance ith the 6u$g%ent /i*e*( !r$ering the City Treasurer t! issue a )ina" 9i"" !# Sa"e in +etiti!ners #a.!r an$( in case !# re#usa"( +unish ith c!nte%+t the +ers!n re7uire$ ,y "a t! !,ey the sa%e*

SC: A7r8e CA! D(C)RINE 1* A rit !# man#amus is a >c!%%an$ issuing #r!% a c!urt !# "a !# c!%+etent 6uris$icti!n( in the na%e !# the state !r s!.ereign( $irecte$ t! an in#eri!r c!urt( tri,una"( !r ,!ar$( !r t! s!%e c!r+!rati!n !r +ers!n( re7uiring the +er#!r%ance !# a +articu"ar $uty therein s+ecirit !# e3ecuti!n e%+"!ye$ t! en#!rce a 6u$g%ent t! rec!.er the +!ssessi!n !# "an$* It c!%%an$s the sheri t! enter the "an$ an$ gi.e its +!ssessi!n t! the +ers!n entit"e$ un$er the 6u$g%ent*? It %ay ,e issue$ un$er the #!""!ing instances /a "an$ registrati!n +r!cee$ings un$er Secti!n 1BQ51 !# Act 8!* =G'( !therise ;n!n as >The @an$ Registrati!n ActE? /, 6u$icia" #!rec"!sure( +r!.i$e$ the $e,t!r is in +!ssessi!n !# the %!rtgage$ rea"ty an$ n! thir$ +ers!n( n!t a +arty t! the #!rec"!sure suit( ha$ inter.ene$E /c e3tra6u$icia" #!rec"!sure !# a rea" estate %!rtgage un$er Secti!n B !# Act 8!* &1&5( as a%en$e$ ,y Act 8!* =11HEQ55 an$ /$ in e3ecuti!n sa"es* Pr!cee$ing there#r!%( the issuance !# a rit !# +!ssessi!n is !n"y +r!+er in !r$er t! e3ecute 6u$g%ents !r$ering the $e"i.ery !# s+eci
B0


ter%s !# the 6u$g%ent it see;s t! en#!rce* Fhere the e3ecuti!n is n!t in har%!ny ith the 6u$g%ent hich gi.es it "i#e an$ e3cee$s it( it has n! .a"i$ity*a$ the +etiti!ner +ursue$ an acti!n #!r e6ect%ent !r rec!n.eyance( the issuance !# rits !# +!ssessi!n an$ $e%!"iti!n !u"$ ha.e ,een +r!+erE ,ut n!t in a s+ecia" ci.i" acti!n #!r %an$a%us( as in this case*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SARA LEE ./ILI..INES v MACA)LANG E)!AL G.R. No. 1/0147; 14 January 2015; ere9, J. ^This is a case !# c!ns!"i$ate$ +etiti!ns <"e$ ,y se.era" c!%+anies against Macat"ang*

SUMMARY  This is an MR !# the

1* In +cBurnie $ Gan9on ( the C!urt state$ that a ,!n$ e7ui.a"ent t! 10L !# the %!netary aar$ +ertains t! the reas!na,"e a%!unt hich the 8@RC !u"$ acce+t as the %ini%u% !# the ,!n$ that sh!u"$ acc!%+any the %!ti!n t! re$uce ,!n$ in !r$er t! sus+en$ the +eri!$ t! +er#ect an a++ea" un$er the 8@RC ru"es* The 10L is ,ase$ !n the 6u$g%ent aar$ an$ sh!u"$ in n! case ,e c!nstrue$ as the %ini%u% a%!unt !# ,!n$ t! ,e +!ste$ in !r$er t! +er#ect a++ea"* The +ercentage !# the ,!n$ set is PROKISIO8A@* 8@RC retains its auth!rity an$ $uty t! res!".e the %!ti!n an$ $eter%ine the
B1


the +arty sha"" c!%+"y acc!r$ing"y* The a++e""ant sha"" ,e gi.en a +eri!$ !# 10 $ays #r!% n!tice !# the 8@RC !r$er ithin hich t! +er#ect the a++ea" ,y +!sting the re7uire$ a++ea" ,!n$* 2* As regar$s the 8@RCs $ecisi!n +en$ing the +etiti!n #!r re.ie ,e#!re the CA( the C!urt $iscusse$ the %on%e#t o$ ?&i%ial %o&rtes'* Princi+"e !# 6u$icia" c!urtesy is t! 6usti#y the sus+ensi!n !# the +r!cee$ings ,e#!re the "!er c!urt e.en ith!ut an in6uncti.e rit !r !r$er #r!% the higher c!urt* !e.er( the a++"icati!n !# 6u$icia" c!urtesy is "i%ite$ an$ 7ua"ii# there is a str!ng +r!,a,i"ity that the issues ,e#!re the higher c!urt !u"$ ,e ren$ere$ %!!t an$ %!ri,un$ as a resu"t !# the c!ntinuati!n !# the +r!cee$ings in the "!er c!urt*? SC c"ari
%on$ession o$ ?&g8ent!

A %!ti!n #!r 6u$g%ent !n c!nsent is n!t t! ,e e7uate$ ith a 6u$g%ent ,y c!n#essi!n* The #!r%er is !ne the +r!.isi!ns an$ ter%s !# hich are sett"e$ an$ a agree$ u+!n ,y the +arties t! the acti!n( an$ hich is entere$ in the rec!r$ ,y the c!nsent an$ sancti!n !# the c!urt( ence( there %ust ,e an un7ua"it! +r!%!te an$ e%+hasie the +ri%acy !# #ree c!""ecti.e ,argaining an$ neg!tiati!ns( inc"u$ing .!"untary ar,itrati!n( %e$iati!n an$ c!nci"iati!n( as %!$es !# sett"ing "a,!r !r in$ustria" $is+utes*?

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ D(A ADELA E5.(R) IN)ERNA)I(NAL0 INC!0 +etiti!ner( VS! )RADE AND INVES)MEN) DEVEL(.MEN) C(R.(RA)I(N 9)IDC(R.0 AND )/E ,ANK (F )/E ./ILI..INE ISLANDS 9,.I0 res+!n$ents* G.R. No. 201*31; e&ruary 11, 2015; Ai""arama Jr., J.

SUMMARY: Petiti!ner D!_a A$e"a 3+!rt Internati!na"( Inc* <"e$ a Petiti!n #!r K!"untary Ins!".ency* The RTC( a#ter
B2


+etiti!ner as ins!".ent an$ staying a"" ci.i" +r!cee$ings against +etiti!ner* Therea#ter( Atty* Ar"ene !na"es as a++!inte$ as recei.er* A#ter ta;ing her !ath( Atty* !na"es +r!cee$e$ t! %a;e the necessary re+!rt( engage$ a++raisers an$ re7uire$ the cre$it!rs t! su,%it +r!!# !# their res+ecti.e c"ai%s* Atty* !na"es <"e$ a M!ti!n #!r Parties t! nter Int! C!%+r!%ise Agree%ent inc!r+!rating therein her +r!+!se$ ter%s !# c!%+r!%ise* On May 2'( 2011( +etiti!ner( thr!ugh its Presi$ent +i#ani! C* Ra%!s( Jr*( an$ Techn!"!gy Res!urce Center /TRC entere$ int! a acion n ao ,y C!%+r!%ise Agree%ent herein +etiti!ner agree$ t! trans#er a &51-s7uare %eter +arce" !# "an$ c!.ere$ ,y TCT 8!* 1002B ith e3isting i%+r!.e%ents situate$ in the 9arri! !# J!"!( Man$a"uy!ng City( in #a.!r !# TRC in #u"" +ay%ent !# +etiti!ners !,"igati!n* The agree%ent ,ears the c!n#!r%ity !# Atty* !na"es as recei.er* TRC <"e$ !n May 2'( 2011 a C!%+"iance( Mani#estati!n an$ M!ti!n t! A++r!.e acion n ao ,y C!%+r!%ise Agree%ent* On August 11( 2011( cre$it!rs TIDCORP an$ 9PI a"s! <"e$ a J!int M!ti!n t! A++r!.e Agree%ent* +i#ani! Ra%!s( Jr* <"e$ a Mani#estati!n an$ M!ti!n t! the Pr!+!se$ C!%+r!%ise Agree%ent !# TIDCORP an$ 9PI herein he state$ that +etiti!ner has a +ers!na"ity se+arate an$ $istinct #r!% its st!c;h!"$ers an$ !4cers* e argue$ that he cann!t ,e he"$ "ia,"e #!r the e3+enses an$ ta3es as a c!nse7uence !# the aucti!n !r $istri,uti!n+ay%ent !# sai$ %achineries t! the cre$it!rsE hence( his na%e sh!u"$ ,e $e"ete$ as a +arty t! the C!%+r!%ise Agree%ent* The RTC ren$ere$ the assai"e$ Decisi!n a++r!.ing the acion n ao ,y C!%+r!%ise Agree%ent an$ the J!int M!ti!n t! A++r!.e Agree%ent* ence( this +etiti!n* The %ain issue #!r c!nsi$erati!n is hether the +etiti!ner is ,!un$ ,y the +r!.isi!n in the 9PI-TIDCORP J!int M!ti!n t! A++r!.e Agree%ent that +etiti!ner sha"" ai.e its rights t! c!n<$entia"ity !# its ,an; $e+!sits un$er R*A* 8!* 1=05( as a%en$e$( !therise ;n!n as the @a !n Secrecy !# 9an; De+!sits an$ R*A* 8!* HBG1( !therise ;n!n as The enera" 9an;ing @a !# 2000* The SC
D(C)RINE: A 6u$g%ent ren$ere$ !n the ,asis !# a c!%+r!%ise agree%ent ,eteen the +arties in a ci.i" case is
B&


%ust in$u"ge e.ery reas!na,"e +resu%+ti!n against the e3istence an$ .a"i$ity !# such ai.er

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DIANA YA.6C(0 +etiti!ner0 VS! S.(USES WILLIAM )! UY AND ES)ER G(6UY0 res+!n$ents* G.R. No. 20*2*5; e&ruary 11, 2015; er"as-Berna&e, J.

SUMMARY: On )e,ruary 2H( 200B( res+!n$ents-s+!uses Fi""ia% T* Uy an$ ster !-Uy /res+!n$ents ha$ secure$ a #a.!ra,"e Decisi!n ren$ere$ ,y the Regi!na" Tria" C!urt !# R!3as( Isa,e"a( 9ranch 2& in Ci.i" Case 8!* 2&-H&1 #!r c!""ecti!n !# su% !# %!ney an$ $a%ages against !ne J!se+h Chung /Chung* Fith the sai$ Decisi!n ,ec!%ing Qi# +"ainti #ai"s t! a++ear at the ti%e !# the tria"( !r t! +r!secute his acti!n #!r an unreas!na,"e "ength !# ti%e( !r t! c!%+"y ith these ru"es !r any !r$er !# the c!urt( the acti!n %ay ,e $is%isse$ u+!n %!ti!n !# the $e#en$ant !r u+!n the c!urts !n %!ti!n* This $is%issa" sha"" ha.e the eect !# an a$6u$icati!n u+!n the %erits( un"ess !therise +r!.i$e$ ,y the c!urt*? !e.er( the a++"icati!n !# the #!reg!ing ru"e is n!t( t! the C!urts %in$( arrante$ in this case since( as c!rrect"y #!un$ ,y the CA( res+!n$ents c!unse" acte$ neg"igent"y in #ai"ing t! atten$ the sche$u"e$ hearing $ates an$ e.en n!ti#y res+!n$ents !# the sa%e s! as t! ena,"e the% t! tra.e" a"" the ay #r!% Aur!ra( Isa,e"a t! Mani"a an$ atten$ sai$ hearings* At ,ench( i# Fe sustain the ru"ing !# the c!urt a uo t! stri;e !ut #r!% the rec!r$s the testi%!ny !# Petiti!ner Qhereina#ter res+!n$ent STR O-UY an$ $is%iss the case( the Petiti!ners Qhereina#ter res+!n$ents !u"$ "!se any !++!rtunity t! +r!.e the "egiti%acy !# their c"ai%s* The C!urt ta;es n!te( h!e.er( that the cite$ %!ti!n t! $is%iss as n!t +re%ise$ !n the res+!n$ents #ai"ure t! +r!secute their case ,ut !n the a""ege$ #ai"ure !# the c!%+"aint t! state a cause !# acti!n*

D(C)RINE: Re"ie# is acc!r$e$ t! the c"ient h! suere$ ,y reas!n !# the "ayers +a"+a,"e %ista;e !r neg"igence an$ here the interest !# 6ustice s! re7uires* )un$a%enta" is the ru"e that a %!ti!n t! $is%iss gr!un$e$ !n #ai"ure t! state a cause !# acti!n re#ers !n"y t! the insu4ciency !# the +"ea$ing* A c!%+"aint states a cause !# acti!n i# it a.ers the e3istence !# the three essentia" e"e%ents !# a cause !# acti!n( na%e"y / a the

B=


"ega" right !# the +"aintiE / & the c!rre"ati.e !,"igati!n !# the $e#en$antE an$ / c the act !r !%issi!n !# the $e#en$ant in .i!"ati!n !# sai$ right*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DENR v! U.CI G.R. No. 2120/1; e&. 23, 2015; er"as-Berna&e, J.

SUMMARY  The D8R( thr!ugh the @an$ Mgt 9ureau( entere$ int! an Agree%ent #!r C!nsu"tancy Ser.ices ith UPCI in c!nnecti!n ith the @M9S @an$ Res!urce Mgt Master P"an* They agree$ !n a c!ntract +rice( ,ut D8R as !n"y a,"e t! +ay =BL !# the t!ta" u+!n c!%+"eti!n ,y UPCI !# the !r; re7uire$* The COA re"ease$ a re+!rt
D(C)RINE The S+ecia" ADR Ru"es $! n!t aut!%atica""y g!.ern the ar,itrati!n +r!cee$ings itse"#* A +i.!ta" #eature !# ar,itrati!n as an a"ternati.e %!$e !# $is+ute res!"uti!n is that it is a +r!$uct !# +arty aut!n!%y !r the #ree$!% !# the +arties t! %a;e their !n arrange%ents t! res!".e their !n $is+utes* Thus( Ru"e 2*& !# the S+ecia" ADR Ru"es e3+"icit"y +r!.i$es that >+arties are #ree t! agree !n the +r!ce$ure t! ,e #!""!e$ in the c!n$uct !# ar,itra" +r!cee$ings* )ai"ing such agree%ent( the ar,itra" tri,una" %ay c!n$uct ar,itrati!n in the %anner it c!nsi$ers a++r!+riate*? Un$er Secti!n 1B*2( Ru"e 1B !# the CIAC Ru"es( n! %!ti!n #!r rec!nsi$erati!n !r ne tria" %ay ,e s!ught( ,ut any !# the +arties %ay <"e a %!ti!n #!r c!rrecti!n !# the
B5


e* here the aar$ is i%+er#ect in a %atter !# #!r% n!t aecting the %erits !# the c!ntr!.ersy* The %!ti!n sha"" ,e acte$ u+!n ,y the Ar,itra" Tri,una" !r the sur.i.ingre%aining %e%,ers* The s+ecia" ci.i" acti!n #!r certiorari $escri,e$ in Ru"e 1G*2' !# the S+ecia" ADR Ru"es %ay ,e <"e$ t! annu" !r set asi$e the #!""!ing !r$ers !# the RTC a* !"$ing that the ar,itrati!n agree%ent is ine3istent( in.a"i$ !r unen#!rcea,"eE ,* Re.ersing the ar,itra" tri,una"s +re"i%inary $eter%inati!n u+h!"$ing its 6uris$icti!nE c* Denying the re7uest t! re#er the $is+ute t! ar,itrati!nE $* ranting !r re#using an interi% re"ie#E e* Denying a +etiti!n #!r the a++!int%ent !# an ar,itrat!rE #* C!n
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (R)IGAS 1 C(M.ANY LIMI)ED .AR)NERS/I. v! 4UDGE )IRS( VELASC( AND D(L(RES V! M(LINA G.R. No. 10*645; January 21, 2015; eonen, J.

D(L(RES V! M(LINA v! /(N! .RESIDING 4UDGE (F R)C0 HUEZ(N CI)Y0 ,R! J AND MANILA ,ANKING C(R.(RA)I(N G.R. No. 112564; January 21, 2015; eonen, J.

B'


D(L(RES V! M(LINA v! )/E /(N(RA,LE C(UR) (F A..EALS AND E.IMAC( (RE)A G.R. No. 12/422; January 21, 2015; eonen, J.

)/E MANILA ,ANKING C(R.(RA)I(N AND AL,ER)( v! REYES0 .E)I)I(NERS0 VS! D(L(RES V! M(LINA AND /(N! MARCIAN( ,ACALLA0 IN /IS CA.ACI)Y AS .RESIDING 4UDGE (F )/E REGI(NAL )RIAL C(UR) (F HUEZ(N CI)Y0 ,RANC/ J G.R. No. 12/*11; January 21, 2015; eonen, J.

SUMMARY: This c!ns!"i$ate$ cases ste%%e$ #r!% a Petiti!n #!r Rec!nstituti!n !# a TCT <"e$ ,y M!"ina* She c"ai%s that the the !rigina" c!+y !# the TCT as a""ege$"y "!st hen the C ROD as gutte$ ,y
D(C)RINE: The Justice Secretary is %ere"y a$.ise$( as #ar as +ractica,"e( t! re#rain #r!% entertaining a +etiti!n #!r re.ie !# the +r!secut!rs
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ VIRGILI( C! ,RI(NES v! C(UR) (F A..EALS AND CAS/ ASIA CREDI) C(R.(RA)I(N G.R. No. 204444; January 14, 2015 er"as-Berna&e, J.

SUMMARY: 9ri!nes <"e$ a c!%+"aint against Cash Asia #!r 8u""ity !# M!rtgage C!ntract( Pr!%iss!ry 8!te( @!an Agree%ent( )!rec"!sure !# M!rtgage( Cance""ati!n !# TCT( an$ Da%ages* e c"ai%s that his signature as #!rge$ in the c!ntracts an$ that he ne.er c!ntracte$ "!ans

BB


#r!% Cash Asia h! as then +r!cee$ing t! #!rec"!se his +r!+erty* Cash Asia <"e$ a MTD !n the gr!un$ !# i%+r!+er .enue* RTC $enie$ the MTD* CA re.erse$ the RTC* SC agree$ ith the RTC* Fhi"e there is a .enue sti+u"ati!n in the c!ntract hich is restricti.e in nature( it %ust ,e e%+hasie$ that 9ri!nes c!%+"aint $irect"y assai"s the .a"i$ity !# the c!ntracts* ence( he cann!t ,e e3+ecte$ t! c!%+"y ith the .enue sti+u"ati!n*

D(C)RINE: A c!%+"aint $irect"y assai"ing the .a"i$ity !# the ritten instru%ent itse"# sh!u"$ n!t ,e ,!un$ ,y the e3c"usi.e .enue sti+u"ati!n c!ntaine$ therein an$ sh!u"$ ,e <"e$ in acc!r$ance ith the genera" ru"es !n .enue* It !u"$ ,e inherent"y c!nsistent #!r a c!%+"aint !# this nature t! rec!gnie the e3c"usi.e .enue sti+u"ati!n hen it( in #act( +recise"y assai"s the .a"i$ity !# the instru%ent in hich such sti+u"ati!n is c!ntaine$

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ,E))Y GE.ULLE6GAR,(0 RE.RESEN)ED ,Y A))(RNEY6IN6FAC)0 MINDA G! R(SALES 9N(W RE.RESEN)ED ,Y /ER NEW A))(RNEY6IN6FAC)0 GARY LL(YD G! R(SALES v! S.(USES VIC)(REY AN)(NI( GARA,A)( AND 4(SE./INE S! GARA,A)( G.R. No. 200013; January 14, 2015; Ai""arama, J.

SUMMARY: 8ic; an$ $u.iges ere %arrie$ ,e#!re 1GBH* They ha$ a $aughter na%e$ )"!rence h! in turn ha$ a s!n Kict!rey* During the %arriage !# 8ic; an$ $u.iges( 8ic; c!ha,ite$ ith 9etty* In 1GBB( $u.iges s!"$ a "!t t! )"!rence* The Dee$ !# Sa"e as signe$ ,y 8ic;* & %!nths a#ter $u.iges +asse$ aay( 8ic; %arrie$ 9etty* 9!th )"!rence an$ 8ic; $ie$* Kict!rey %arrie$ t! J!se+hine registere$ the "!t in his na%e ,y .irtue !# a Dees !# Sa"e %a$e ,y )"!rence in his #a.!r* 9etty <"e$ a +etiti!n #!r cance""ati!n !# the TCT c"ai%ing that the signatures !# 8ic; an$ $u.iges ere #!rge$ ,y )"!rence* RTC( CA an$ SC $is%isse$ the c!%+"aint* A"a,acea /the han$riting e3+ert +resente$ ,y 9etty $i$ n!t e3+"ain the %anner !# e3a%inati!n !# the s+eci%en signatures in reaching his c!nc"usi!n* A",acea $i$ n!t +!int !ut $istinguishing %ar;s( characteristics an$ $iscre+ancies in an$ ,eteen genuine an$ #a"se s+eci%ens !# riting hich !u"$ !r$inari"y esca+e n!tice !r $etecti!n ,y an untraine$ !,ser.er* 9etty( in c!%ing ,e#!re us( ha$ the !nus !# sh!ing that the signatures ere #!rge$*

D(C)RINE: In any e.ent( Secti!n 1( Ru"e 1&1 !# the Ru"es !# C!urt +r!.i$es that the ,ur$en !# +r!!# is the $uty !# a +arty t! +r!.e the truth !# his c"ai% !r $e#ense( !r any #act in issue ,y the a%!unt !# e.i$ence re7uire$ ,y "a* As a ru"e( #!rgery cann!t ,e +resu%e$ an$ %ust ,e +r!.e$ ,y c"ear( +!siti.e an$ c!n.incing e.i$ence( the ,ur$en !# +r!!# "ies !n the +arty a""eging #!rgery The authenticity !# a 7uesti!ne$ signature cann!t ,e $eter%ine$ s!"e"y u+!n its genera" characteristics( si%i"arities !r $issi%i"arities ith the genuine signature* Dissi%i"arities as regar$s s+!ntaneity( rhyth%( +ressure !# the +en( "!!+s in the str!;es( signs !# st!+s( sha$es( etc*( that %ay ,e #!un$ ,eteen the 7uesti!ne$ signature an$ the genuine !ne are n!t $ecisi.e !n the 7uesti!n !# the #!r%ers authenticity* The resu"t !# e3a%inati!ns !# 7uesti!ne$ han$riting( e.en ith the ,ene
BH


eight sh!u"$ n!t ,e gi.en t! characteristic si%i"arities( !r $issi%i"arities( ,eteen that 7uesti!ne$ han$riting an$ an authentic !ne* The !+ini!n !# han$riting e3+erts are n!t necessari"y ,in$ing u+!n the c!urt( the e3+erts #uncti!n ,eing t! +"ace ,e#!re the c!urt $ata u+!n hich the c!urt can #!r% its !n !+ini!n*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MANUEL R! .(R)UGUEZ v! .E(.LE (F )/E ./ILI..INES *R* 1G==GGE January 1=( 2015E Ki""ara%a( J*

SUMMARY: P!rtugue as accuse$ !# .i!"ating Sec* 11( Art* II !# RA G1'5 #!r i""ega" +!ssessi!n !# 0*5 gra% !# %eta%+heta%ine hy$r!ch"!ri$e !r sha,u* is arrest resu"te$ #r!% ,eing i$enti
D(C)RINE:

In cases in.!".ing .i!"ati!ns !# the Danger!us Drugs Act( cre$ence is gi.en t! +r!secuti!n itnesses h! are +!"ice !4cers( #!r they are +resu%e$ t! ha.e +er#!r%e$ their $uties in a regu"ar %anner( un"ess there is e.i$ence t! the c!ntrary*

BG


)A5A)I(N SILIC(N ./ILI..INES0 INC! 9F(RMERLY IN)EL ./ILI..INES MANUFAC)URING0 INC! $s. C(MMISSI(NER (F IN)ERNAL REVENUE G.R. No. 173241; +arch 25, 2015 CNRC- 'RC, J.

SUMMARY 9Dates are i8#t:

On May '( 1GGG SPI <"e$ an A++"icati!n #!r Ta3 Cre$itRe#un$ !# Ka"ue-A$$e$ Ta3 Pai$ c!.ering the Thir$ uarter !# 1GGH* Fhen CIR #ai"e$ t! act u+!n its a++"icati!n( SPI <"e$ !n Se+te%,er 2G( 2000 a Petiti!n #!r Re.ie ,e#!re the CTA Di.isi!n* On 8!.e%,er 2=( 200&( the CTA Di.isi!n +artia""y grante$ the c"ai% !# SPI #!r ta3 cre$itre#un$* U+!n SPIs Partia" M!ti!n #!r Rec!nsi$erati!n( CTA en &anc u+he"$ the CTA Di.isi!ns Res!"uti!n* During the +en$ency !# this case( the SC en ,anc +r!%u"gate$ !n )e,ruary 12( 201& its Decisi!n in the c!ns!"i$ate$ cases !# 'ommissioner o% nterna" Re$enue $. an Roue o>er 'or!oration, aanito +inin 'or!oration $. 'ommissioner o% nterna" Re$enue ( an$ hi"e +inin 'or!oration $. 'ommissioner o% nterna" Re$enue /hereina#ter c!""ecti.e"y re#erre$ t! as San R!7ue* In San R!7ue( the C!urt sett"e$ the ru"es !n the +rescri+ti.e +eri!$s #!r c"ai%ing cre$itre#un$ !# in+ut KAT un$er Secti!n 112 !# the 1GGB Ta3 C!$e*

D(C)RINE: Secti!n 112/A an$ /C !# the 1GGB Ta3 C!$e %ust ,e inter+rete$ acc!r$ing t! its c"ear( +"ain( an$ une7ui.!ca" "anguage* The ta3+ayer can <"e his a$%inistrati.e c"ai% #!r re#un$ !r cre$it at anyti%e ithin the t!-year +rescri+ti.e +eri!$* I# he <"es his c"ai% !n the "ast $ay !# the t!-year +rescri+ti.e +eri!$( his c"ai% is sti"" <"e$ !n ti%e* The C!%%issi!ner i"" ha.e 120 $ays #r!% such <"ing t! $eci$e the c"ai%* I# the C!%%issi!ner $eci$es the c"ai% !n the 120th $ay( !r $!es n!t $eci$e it !n that $ay( the ta3+ayer sti"" has &0 $ays t! <"e his 6u$icia" c"ai% ith the CTA* This is n!t !n"y the +"ain %eaning ,ut a"s! the !n"y "!gica" inter+retati!n !# Secti!n 112/A an$ /C* The SC a"s! t!!; n!te !# !ther 6uris+ru$ence regar$ing the +rescri+ti.e +eri!$( an$ "iste$ a su%%ary !# ru"es A. Two-Year Prescriptive Period

1

It is !n"y the a$%inistrati.e c"ai% that %ust ,e <"e$ ithin the t!-year +rescri+ti.e +eri!$* / ichi

2

The +r!+er rec;!ning $ate #!r the t!-year +rescri+ti.e +eri!$ is the c"!se !# the ta3a,"e 7uarter hen the re"e.ant sa"es ere %a$e* / an Roue

&

The !n"y !ther ru"e is the At"as ru"ing( hich a++"ie$ !n"y #r!% H June 200B t! 12 Se+te%,er 200H* At"as states that the t!-year +rescri+ti.e +eri!$ #!r <"ing a c"ai% #!r ta3 re#un$ !r cre$it !# unuti"ie$ in+ut KAT +ay%ents sh!u"$ ,e c!unte$ #r!% the $ate !# <"ing !# the KAT return an$ +ay%ent !# the ta3* / an Roue

B. 1!"#! $ay Period

1

The ta3+ayer can <"e an a++ea" in !ne !# t! ays /1 <"e the 6u$icia" c"ai% ithin thirty $ays a#ter the C!%%issi!ner $enies the c"ai% ithin the 120-$ay +eri!$( !r /2

H0


<"e the 6u$icia" c"ai% ithin thirty $ays #r!% the e3+irati!n !# the 120-$ay +eri!$ i# the C!%%issi!ner $!es n!t act ithin the 120-$ay +eri!$* 2

The &0-$ay +eri!$ a"ays a++"ies( hether there is a $enia" !r inacti!n !n the +art !# the CIR*

&

As a genera" ru"e( the &0-$ay +eri!$ t! a++ea" is ,!th %an$at!ry an$ 6uris$icti!na"* / ichi an$ an Roue

=

As an e3ce+ti!n t! the genera" ru"e( +re%ature <"ing is a""!e$ !n"y i# <"e$ ,eteen 10 Dece%,er 200& an$ 5 Oct!,er 2010( hen 9IR Ru"ing 8!* DA-=HG-0& as sti"" in #!rce* /an Roue

5

@ate <"ing is a,s!"ute"y +r!hi,ite$( e.en $uring the ti%e hen 9IR Ru"ing 8!* DA-=HG0& as in #!rce* /San R!7ue

SPI <"e$ !n Ma' 0 J its a$%inistrati.e c"ai% #!r ta3 cre$itre#un$ !# the in+ut KAT attri,uta,"e t! its er!-rate$ sa"es an$ !n its +urchases !# ca+ita" g!!$s #!r the Thir$ uarter !# 1GGH* The t!-year +rescri+ti.e +eri!$ #!r <"ing an a$%inistrati.e c"ai%( rec;!ne$ #r!% the c"!se !# the ta3a,"e 7uarter( +rescri,e$ !n Se#te8
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ EAS)ERN )ELEC(MMUNICA)I(NS v! CIR G.R. No. 1/3531; +arch 25, 2015; Reyes, J.

SUMMARY: astern Te"ec!%%unicati!ns Phi"i++ines /TPI is a registere$ KAT ta3+ayer* It <"e$ an a$%inistrati.e c"ai% ith the 9IR !n January 25( 2000 #!r a re#un$ /Ph+ G(2'5(G1& re+resenting e3cess in+ut ta3 attri,uta,"e t! its eecti.e"y er!-rate$ sa"es in 1GGH* Pen$ing re.ie ,y the 9IR( On )e,ruary 21( 2000( +en$ing re.ie ,y the 9IR TPI <"e$ a +etiti!n #!r re.ie ,e#!re the CTA in !r$er t! t!"" the t!-year reg"e%entary +eri!$ un$er Sec 22G !# the 8IRC* The 9IR C!%%issi!ner !++!se$ the +etiti!n an$ a.erre$ that n! 6u$icia" acti!n can ,e institute$ ,y a ta3+ayer un"ess a c"ai% has ,een $u"y <"e$ ,e#!re it* The 9IR stresse$ that TPI $i$ n!t <"e a #!r%a" c"ai% #!r re#un$ ,ut %ere"y su,%itte$ a 7uarter"y KAT return #!r the =th 7uarter !# 1GGH( c!ntrary t! hat Sec 22G +rescri,e$* The CTA $enie$ the +etiti!n ,ecause the KAT !4cia" recei+ts +resente$ ,y TPI t! su++!rt its c"ai% #ai"e$ t! i%+rint the !r$ >er!-rate$? !n its #ace in .i!"ati!n !# the in.!icing re7uire%ents un$er Secti!n =*10H-

H1


1 !# RR 8!* B-G5* The CTA en ,anc a4r%e$ the $ecisi!n !# the CTA an$ $enie$ TPIs c"ai% #!r re#un$ !# in+ut ta3es resu"ting #r!% its er!-rate$ sa"es* The SC agree$ ith the CA $ecisi!n* The !r$ >er!-rate$? is re7uire$ !n the in.!ices !r recei+ts issue$ ,y KAT-registere$ ta3+ayers* TPIs #ai"ure t! $! s! $isa""!s the% #r!% rec!.ering their re#un$* TPI #ai"e$ t! su,stantiate its c"ai% #!r re#un$ !r ta3 cre$it* C!nsi$ering that TPI is engage$ in %i3e$ transacti!ns that c!.er its er!-rate$ sa"es( ta3a,"e an$ e3e%+t sa"es( it is !n"y a++r!+riate an$ reas!na,"e #!r it t! +resent c!%+etent e.i$ence t! .a"i$ate a"" entries in its returns in !r$er t! +r!+er"y $eter%ine hich transacti!ns are er!-rate$ an$ hich are ta3a,"e*

D(C)RINE: Ta3 re#un$s( ,eing in the nature !# ta3 e3e%+ti!ns( are c!nstrue$ in strictissi%i 6uris against the ta3+ayer an$ "i,era""y in #a.!r !# the g!.ern%ent* Acc!r$ing"y( it is a c"ai%ants ,ur$en t! +r!.e the #actua" ,asis !# a c"ai% #!r re#un$ !r ta3 cre$it* C"ear"y( c!%+"iance ith a"" the KAT in.!icing re7uire%ents +r!.i$e$ ,y ta3 "as an$ regu"ati!ns is %an$at!ry* A c"ai% #!r unuti"ie$ in+ut ta3es attri,uta,"e t! er!-rate$ sa"es i"" ,e gi.en $ue c!urseE !therise( the c"ai% sh!u"$ ,e struc; ! #!r #ai"ure t! $! s!( such as hat TPI $i$ in the +resent case*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ N(R)/ERN MINDANA( .(WER C(R.(RA)I(N0 v. C(MMISSI(NER (F IN)ERNAL REVENUE! G.R. No. 1/5115, e&ruary 1/, 2015, ereno, 'J.

SUMMARY  8MPC incurre$ in+ut KAT !n its $!%estic +urchases !# g!!$s an$ ser.ices that ere use$ in its +r!$ucti!n an$ sa"e !# e"ectricity t! 8PC* 8MPC <"e$ an a$%inistrati.e c"ai% #!r a re#un$ !n 20 June 2000 #!r the & r$ an$ the =th 7uarters !# ta3a,"e year 1GGG( an$ !n 25 Ju"y 2001 #!r ta3a,"e year 2000* A""eging inacti!n !# the CIR( 8MPC <"e$ a +etiti!n ith the CTA !n 2H Se+te%,er 2001* The CTA )irst Di.isi!n $enie$ the Petiti!n an$ MR an$ #!un$ that the ter% >er!-rate$? as n!t i%+rinte$ !n the recei+ts !r in.!ices +resente$ ,y +etiti!ner in .i!"ati!n !# Secti!n =*10H-1 !# Re.enue Regu"ati!ns 8!* B-G5* On a++ea" t! the CTA n 9anc( the Petiti!n as "i;eise $enie$( ru"ing that !4cia" recei+ts are +r!!#s !# sa"e !# ser.ices an$ cann!t ,e interchange$ ith sa"es in.!ices* SC $is%isse$ the +etiti!n #!r #ai"ure t! c!%+"y ith +rescri+ti.e +eri!$s* 8MPCs c"ai% #!r the &r$ an$ the = th 7uarters !# ta3a,"e year 1GGG as <"e$ &1G $ays a#ter the e3+irati!n !# the &0-$ay +eri!$ t! a++ea" t! the CTA* 8MPCs c"ai%s #!r 2000 ere <"e$ ith the CTA !n"y '= $ays a#ter <"ing ith the CIR( an$ resu"te$ in the #ai"ure t! !,ser.e the %an$at!ry 120$ay +eri!$ ithin hich the CIR %ay $eci$e !n the c"ai%* On 2H Se+te%,er 2001 X the $ate !n hich +etiti!ner <"e$ its 6u$icia" c"ai% #!r the +eri!$ c!.ering ta3a,"e year 2000 the 120`&0 $ay %an$at!ry +eri!$ as a"rea$y in the "a an$ 9IR Ru"ing 8!* DA-=HG-0& ha$ n!t yet ,een issue$* C!nsi$ering this #act( +etiti!ner $i$ n!t ha.e an e3cuse #!r n!t !,ser.ing the 120`&0 $ay +eri!$*

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D(C)RINE: Pursuant t! Secti!n 112/D !# the 8IRC !# 1GGB( the CIR ha$ 120 $ays #r!% the $ate !# su,%issi!n !# c!%+"ete $!cu%ents in su++!rt !# the a++"icati!n ithin hich t! $eci$e !n the a$%inistrati.e c"ai% As "ai$ $!n in an Roue( 6u$icia" c"ai%s <"e$ #r!% 1 January 1GGH unti" the +resent sh!u"$ strict"y a$here t! the 120`&0-$ay +eri!$ re#erre$ t! in Secti!n 112 !# the 8IRC !# 1GGB* The !n"y e3ce+ti!n is the +eri!$ 10 Dece%,er 200& unti" ' Oct!,er 2010* Fithin this +eri!$( 9IR Ru"ing 8!* DA-=HG-0& is rec!gnie$ as an e7uita,"e est!++e"( $uring hich 6u$icia" c"ai%s %ay ,e <"e$ e.en ,e#!re the e3+irati!n !# the 120-$ay +eri!$ grante$ t! the CIR t! $eci$e !n a c"ai% #!r a re#un$* The C!urt in an Roue has a"rea$y sett"e$ that #ai"ure !# the +etiti!ner t! !,ser.e the %an$at!ry 120-$ay +eri!$ is #ata" t! its 6u$icia" c"ai% an$ ren$ers the CTA $e.!i$ !# 6uris$icti!n !.er that c"ai%* This C!urt has c!nsistent"y he"$ as #ata" the #ai"ure t! +rint the !r$ >er!-rate$? !n the KAT in.!ices !r !4cia" recei+ts in c"ai%s #!r a re#un$ !r cre$it !# in+ut KAT !n er!-rate$ sa"es* )ina""y( as regar$s the su4ciency !# a c!%+any in.!ice t! +r!.e the sa"es !# ser.ices t! 8PC( e sa"es !r c!%%ercia" in.!ice? is a ritten acc!unt !# g!!$s s!"$ !r ser.ices ren$ere$ in$icating the +rices charge$ there#!r !r a "ist ,y hate.er na%e it is ;n!n hich is use$ in the !r$inary c!urse !# ,usiness e.i$encing sa"e an$ trans#er !r agree%ent t! se"" !r trans#er g!!$s an$ ser.ices*A >recei+t? !n the !ther han$ is a ritten ac;n!"e$g%ent !# the #act !# +ay%ent in %!ney !r !ther sett"e%ent ,eteen se""er an$ ,uyer !# g!!$s( $e,t!r !r cre$it!r( !r +ers!n ren$ering ser.ices an$ c"ient !r cust!%erA KAT in.!ice is the se""ers ,est +r!!# !# the sa"e !# g!!$s !r ser.ices t! the ,uyer( hi"e a KAT recei+t is the ,uyers ,est e.i$ence !# the +ay%ent !# g!!$s !r ser.ices recei.e$ #r!% the se""er* A KAT in.!ice an$ a KAT recei+t sh!u"$ n!t ,e c!n#use$ an$ %a$e t! re#er t! !ne an$ the sa%e thing*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ RE.U,LIC re# <' CIR v )EAM ENERGY C(R.(RA)I(N 9F(RMERLY MIRAN) ./ILS! ENERGY G.R. No. 1//016; 14 January 2015; Bersamin, J.

SUMMARY  This is a case #!r ta3 re#un$ !# Mirant C!r+!rati!ns !.er+ai$ inc!%e ta3 !r e3cess CFT #!r the ca"en$ar years 2002 an$ 200&* Mirant a%en$e$ its Artic"es !# Inc!r+!rati!n reWecting a change in c!r+!rate na%eE an$ t! inc"u$e the ,usiness !# su++"ying an$ $e"i.ering e"ectricity an$ +r!.i$ing ser.ices necessary in c!nnecti!n ith the su++"y !r $e"i.ery !# e"ectricity* The inc"usi!n !# "atter "e$ Mirant t! ithhe"$ CFT !n its ser.ices t! Re+u,"ic Ce%ent C!r+!rati!n( Mirant /Phi"i++ines In$ustria" P!er C!r+!rati!n an$ S!"i$ De.e"!+%ent C!r+!rati!n #!r ta3a,"e years 2002 an$ 200&* A+ri" 15( 200&( an$ 200= Mirant <"e$ their ITRs #!r the ca"en$ar year 2002 an$ 200& here they in$icate$ therein their +re#erence #!r the re#un$ !# the ta3 !.er+ay%ents* March 25( 2005 Mirant <"e$ an a$%inistrati.e c"ai% #!r re#un$ ith 9IR* !e.er( this as n!t acte$ u+!n ,y the "atter* A+ri" 1=( 2005 Mirant <"e$ a +etiti!n #!r re.ie ith CTA t! t!"" the running !# the t!-year +rescri+ti.e +eri!$ #!r c"ai%ing a re#un$ un$er Secti!n 22G( 8IRC* This as grante$*

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C)A: Grante t"e #etition an orere ,IR to re$&n or to iss&e a ta= %reit %erti%ate in $avo&r o$ Mirant! CIR n!te$ that i Mirant signi
C)A en ,an%: A7r8e C)A Division! SC: A7r8e C)A en ,an%! D(C)RINE 1* Sec B'( 8IRC !ut"ines the %echanis%s an$ re%e$ies that a c!r+!rate ta3+ayer %ay !+t t! e3ercise* In case the c!r+!rati!n is entit"e$ t! a ta3 cre$it !r re#un$ !# the e3cess esti%ate$ 7uarter"y inc!%e ta3es +ai$( the e3cess a%!unt sh!n !n its
That the c"ai% #!r re#un$ as <"e$ ithin the t!-year reg"e%entary +eri!$ +ursuant t! Secti!n 22G !# the 8IRCE Fhen it is sh!n !n the ITR that the inc!%e +ay%ent recei.e$ is ,eing $ec"are$ +art !# the ta3+ayers gr!ss inc!%eE an$ Fhen the #act !# ithh!"$ing is esta,"ishe$ ,y a c!+y !# the ithh!"$ing ta3 state%ent( $u"y issue$ ,y the +ay!r t! the +ayee( sh!ing the a%!unt +ai$ an$ inc!%e ta3 ithhe"$ #r!% that a%!unt*

&* Su,%issi!n !# 7uarter"y returns !# the ta3+ayer t! sh! that it $i$ n!t carry-!.er the e3cess ithh!"$ing ta3 t! the succee$ing 7uarter is n!t necessary #!r ta3 re#un$issuance !# ta3 cre$its* Fhen the ta3+ayer as a,"e t! esta,"ish +ri%a #acie its right t! the re#un$ ,y testi%!nia" an$ !,6ect e.i$ence( 9IR sh!u"$ ha.e +resente$ re,utta" e.i$ence t! shi#t the

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,ur$en !# e.i$ence ,ac; t! the res+!n$ent* 9IR !ught t! ha.e its !n c!+ies !# the res+!n$ents 7uarter"y returns !n <"e( !n the ,asis !# hich it c!u"$ re,ut the ta3+ayers c"ai% that it $i$ n!t carry !.er its unuti"ie$ an$ e3cess cre$ita,"e ithh!"$ing ta3es #!r the i%%e$iate"y succee$ing 7uarters* The 9IRs #ai"ure t! +resent such .ita" $!cu%ent $uring the tria" as #ata"*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ C,K .(WER C(M.ANY L)D! v CIR CIR v C,K .(WER C(M.ANY L)D! GR no 1*3407-0/; 14 January 2015; er"as-Berna&e, J.

SUMMARY  C9 P!er is a 9OI-registere$ "i%ite$ +artnershi+( an$ +ri%ari"y engage$ in the $e.e"!+%ent an$ !+erati!n !# the Ca"iraya( 9!t!can( an$ a"ayaan hy$r!e"ectric +!er generating +"ants in @aguna /C9 Pr!6ect* C9 P!er !,taine$ "!ans #r!% se.era" #!reign ,an;s* In )e,ruary 2001( C9 P!er ,!rr!e$ %!ney #r!% In$ustria" 9an; !# Ja+an( )!rtis8ether"an$s( Raiesen 9an;( )!rtis-9e"giu%( an$ Miuh! 9an; #!r hich it re%itte$ interest +ay%ents #r!% May 2001 t! May 200&* It a""ege$"y ithhe"$
CIR: Ina%tion! Since CIR $i$ n!t act !n the c"ai%( Thus( C9 <"e$ three +etiti!ns #!r re.ie ,e#!re the CTA*

C)A First Division: Grante t"e #etitions an orere t"e re$&n o$ t"e over#ai ta=es a##l'ing t"e #re$erential rate o$ JP! CA a"s! $ec"are$ the that the re7uire$ Internati!na" Ta3 Aairs Di.isi!n /ITAD ru"ing as n!t a c!n$iti!n sine 7ua n!n #!r the entit"e%ent !# the ta3 re"ie# s!ught ,y C9 P!er* !e.er( u+!n MR( it "!ere$ the a%!unt ,ecause C9 P!er #ai"e$ t! !,tain an ITAD ru"ing ith res+ect t! its transacti!ns ith )!rtis8ether"an$s /citing an!ther 9IR Ru"ing stating that an ITAD ru"ing %ust ,e !,taine$ +ri!r t! a.ai"ing a +re#erentia" ta3 rate*

C)A En ,an%: A7r8e C)A J st Div! ITAD is re7uire$ ,y RMO 1-2000 hich a$%inistrati.e issuance has the #!rce an$ eect !# "a an$ is 6ust as ,in$ing as a ta3 treaty* It $&rt"er "el t"at +etiti!ns #!r re.ie ere <"e$ ithin the t!-year +rescri+ti.e +eri!$ +r!.i$e$ un$er Secti!n 22G an$ it as +r!+er that the +etiti!ns ere <"e$ ith!ut aaiting the
D(C)RINE 1* (
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+er#!r%ance in g!!$ #aith !# treaty !,"igati!ns !n the +art !# the states that enter int! the agree%ent* In this 6uris$icti!n( treaties ha.e the #!rce an$ eect !# "a* Thus( the a++"icati!n #!r a ta3 treaty re"ie# #r!% the 9IR sh!u"$ %ere"y !+erate t! c!no years !ro$i#e# in the "ast c"ause sha"" &e #eeme# interru!te#. No>here an# in no >ise #oes the "a> im!"y that the 'o""ector o% nterna" Re$enue must act u!on the c"aim, or that the ta!ayer sha"" not o to court &e%ore he is noti=e# o% the 'o""ectorIs action.   . e un#erstan# the ="in o% the c"aim >ith the 'o""ector o% nterna" Re$enue to &e inten#e# !rimari"y as a notice o% >arnin that un"ess the ta or !ena"ty a""ee# to ha$e &een co""ecte# erroneous"y or i""ea""y is re%un#e#, court action >i"" %o""o>.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LUCENA D! DEMAALA0 #etitioner0 VS! C(MMISSI(N (N AUDI)0 RE.RESEN)ED ,Y I)S C/AIR.ERS(N C(MMISSI(NER MA! GRACIA M! .ULID( )AN0 res#onent! G.R. No. 1**752; e&ruary 17, 2015; eonen, J.

H'


SUMMARY: The Sangguniang Pan"a"aigan !# Pa"aan enacte$ Pr!.incia" Or$inance 8!* &&2-A( Series !# 1GG5( entit"e$ >An Or$inance A++r!.ing an$ A$!+ting the C!$e !.erning the Re.isi!n !# Assess%ents( C"assi
D(C)RINE: The +!er t! ta3 is an attri,ute !# s!.ereignty* It is inherent in the state* Pr!.inces( cities( %unici+a"ities( an$ ,arangays are %ere territ!ria" an$ +!"itica" su,$i.isi!ns !# the state* They act !n"y as +art !# the s!.ereign* Thus( they $! n!t ha.e the inherent +!er t! ta3* Their +!er t! ta3 %ust ,e +rescri,e$ ,y "a* It is ,asic that "as an$ "!ca" !r$inances are >+resu%e$ t! ,e .a"i$ un"ess an$ unti" the c!urts $ec"are the c!ntrary in c"ear an$ une7ui.!ca" ter%s*?

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+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ R(/M A.(LL( SEMIC(NDUC)(R ./ILI..INES v! C(MMISSI(NER (F IN)ERNAL REVENUE G.R. No. 16/*50; January 14, 2015; ereno, '.J.

SUMMARY: On Dece%,er 11( 2000( R!h% A+!""! Se%ic!n$uct!r Phi"i++ines <"e$ a c"ai% #!r re#un$ !r cre$it #!r unuti"ie$ in+ut KAT +ai$ !n ca+ita" g!!$s +urchase$ #!r the %!nths !# Ju"y B an$ August &( 2000* Instea$ !# <"ing a 6u$icia" c"ai% ithin &0 $ays #r!% the "a+se !# the 120-$ay +eri!$ !n A+ri" 10( !r unti" May 10( 2001( R!h% A+!""! <"e$ a Petiti!n #!r Re.ie ith the CTA !n Se+te%,er 11( 2001* On May 2B( 200=( the CTA )irst Di.isi!n $enie$ the 6u$icia" c"ai% #!r a re#un$ !r ta3 cre$it( as e"" as the su,se7uent MR* The CTA en ,anc a"s! $enie$ R!h% A+!""!s +etiti!n #!r re.ie an$ MR* The SC $enie$ the Ru"e =5 +etiti!n !n the gr!un$ that the ta3+ayers 6u$icia" c"ai% #!r a re#un$ta3 cre$it as <"e$ ,ey!n$ the +rescri+ti.e +eri!$* R!h% A+!""! <"e$ a Petiti!n #!r re.ie ith the CTA !n"y !n Se+te%,er 11( 2002*

D(C)RINE: Secti!n 112/D !# the 1GGB Ta3 C!$e states the ti%e re7uire%ents #!r <"ing a 6u$icia" c"ai% #!r the re#un$ !r ta3 cre$it !# in+ut KAT* The "ega" +r!.isi!n s+ea;s !# t! +eri!$s the !erio# o% 120 #ays ( hich ser.es as a aiting +eri!$ t! gi.e ti%e #!r the CIR t! act !n the a$%inistrati.e c"ai% #!r a re#un$ !r cre$itE an$ the !erio# o% 30 #ays( hich re#ers t! the +eri!$ #!r <"ing a

6u$icia" c"ai% ith the CTA* The ta3+ayer can <"e an a++ea" in !ne !# t! ays /1 <"e the 6u$icia" c"ai% ithin &0 $ays a#ter the C!%%issi!ner $enies the c"ai% ithin the 120-$ay aiting +eri!$( !r /2 <"e the 6u$icia" c"ai% ithin &0 $ays #r!% the e3+irati!n !# the 120-$ay +eri!$ i# the C!%%issi!ner $!es n!t act ithin that +eri!$* trict com!"iance >ith the 120L30 #ay !erio#s is necessary %or such a c"aim to !ros!er ( hether ,e#!re( $uring( !r a#ter the eecti.ity !# the t"as $!ctrine( ece!t %or the !erio# %rom the issuance o% BR Ru"in No. -4/*-03 on 10 ecem&er 2003 to 6 Ccto&er 2010 >hen the ichi #octrine >as a#o!te#, >hich aain reinstate# the 120L30 #ay !erio#s as man#atory an# Duris#ictiona".

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LEGAL E)/ICS AN)(NINA S! S(SA0 C(M.LAINAN)0 VS! A))Y! MANUEL V! MEND(ZA0 RES.(NDEN)! .'. No. /776; +arch 22, 2015; J. Brion

SUMMARY: Atty* Manue" Men$!a !,taine$ a "!an #r!% c!%+"ainant S!sa #!r a su% !# P500;* Atty* Men$!a #ai"e$ t! +ay !n the agree$ u+!n $ue $ate* Des+ite $e%an$( Atty* Men$!a sti"" #ai"e$ t! c!%+"y ith his !,"igati!n t! S!sa( +r!%+ting the "atter t! <"e a c!%+"aint #!r $is,ar%ent !r sus+ensi!n( charging Atty* Men$!a #!r .i!"ati!n !# Ru"e 1*01 !# the C!$e !# Pr!#essi!na" Res+!nsi,i"ity* This Ru"e states that >Qa "ayer sha"" n!t engage in un"a#u"( $ish!nest( i%%!ra" !r $eceit#u" c!n$uct*? In the I9P( Atty* Men$!a as #!un$ t! ,e a$%inistrati.e"y "ia,"e an$ !r$ere$ his sus+ensi!n #r!% the ,ar #!r ' %!nths an$ #!r hi% t! +ay S!sa the su% $ue t! her +"us interest* SC %!$i
D(C)RINE: De"i,erate #ai"ure t! +ay 6ust $e,ts c!nstitute gr!ss %isc!n$uct( #!r hich a "ayer %ay ,e sancti!ne$ ith sus+ensi!n #r!% the +ractice !# "a* @ayers are instru%ents #!r the a$%inistrati!n !# 6ustice an$ .anguar$s !# !ur "ega" syste%* They are e3+ecte$ t! %aintain n!t !n"y "ega" +r!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ /EIRS (F .EDR( ALILAN( RE.RESEN)ED ,Y DAVID ALILAN( $s. A))Y! R(,ER)( E! E5AMEN .'. No. 10132; +arch 24, 2015; AR+, JR., J.

HG


SUMMARY: It a++ears that S+s* A"i"an!( h! ere h!"$ers !# an OCT( e3ecute$ A,s!"ute Dee$s !# Sa"e in #a.!r !# Ra%!n 3a%en an$ his i#e( $na* The $!cu%ents ere n!tarie$ ,y res+!n$ent Atty* R!,ert! 3a%en( ,r!ther !# the .en$ee* S!%eti%e in Se+te%,er 1GH=( S+!uses 3a%en !,taine$ +!ssessi!n !# the +r!+erty* The heirs !# A"i"an! <"e$ a suit #!r rec!.ery !# +!ssessi!n against $na 3a%en an$ Atty* R!,ert! 3a%en* It as $uring this +r!cee$ing that Atty* 3a%en intr!$uce$ int! e.i$ence the A,s!"ute Dee$s !# Sa"e* The heirs !# A"i"an! n! <"e$ this $is,ar%ent c!%+"aint a""eging that Atty* 3a%en .i!"ate$ the n!taria" "a hen he n!tarie$ the a,s!"ute $ee$s !# sa"e since a n!tary +u,"ic is +r!hi,ite$ #r!% n!tariing a $!cu%ent hen !ne !# the +arties is a re"ati.e ,y c!nsanguinity ithin the #!urth ci.i" $egree !r a4nity ithin the sec!n$ ci.i" $egree* It is a"s! a""ege$ that Atty* 3a%en n!tarie$ the $!cu%ents ;n!ing that the ce#u"a !r resi$ence certi
D(C)RINE: There can ,e n! +rescri+ti!n in ,ar $isci+"ine cases* I# the ru"e ere !therise( %e%,ers !# the ,ar !u"$ ,e e%,!"$ene$ t! $isregar$ the .ery !ath they t!!; as "ayers( +rescin$ing #r!% the #act that as "!ng as n! +ri.ate c!%+"ainant !u"$ i%%e$iate"y c!%e #!rar$( they stan$ a chance !# ,eing c!%+"ete"y e3!nerate$ #r!% hate.er a$%inistrati.e "ia,i"ity they !ught t! anser #!r* It is the $uty !# this C!urt t! +r!tect the integrity !# the +ractice !# "a as e"" as the a$%inistrati!n !# 6ustice* No matter ho> much time has e"a!se# %rom the time o% the commission o% the act com!"aine# o% an# the time o% the institution o% the com!"aint, errin mem&ers o% the &ench an# &ar cannot esca!e the #isci!"inin arm o% the 'ourt.

A n!tary +u,"ic %ust $ischarge his +!ers an$ $uties( hich are i%+resse$ ith +u,"ic interest( ith accuracy an$ <$e"ity* !!$ #aith cann!t ,e a %itigating circu%stance in

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situati!ns since the $uty t! #uncti!n as a n!tary +u,"ic is +ers!na"* Fe n!te that the err!r c!u"$ ha.e ,een +re.ente$ ha$ Atty* 3a%en $i"igent"y +er#!r%e$ his #uncti!ns +ers!na""y chec;e$ the c!rrectness !# the $!cu%ents* T! say that it as his secretarys #au"t reWects $isregar$ an$ un
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ S/IRLEY (LAY)A6CAM,A v! A))Y! ()ILI( ,(NG(N .'. No. //26; +arch 25, 2015; er"as-Berna&e, J.

SUMMARY: Ca%,a engage$ the ser.ices !# Atty* 9!ng!n #!r the the tit"ing an$!r rec!nstituting the ti"es t! the rea" estate +r!+erties !# the "ate 9erna,e O"ayta in A",ay* She c"ai%e$ t! ha.e gi.en the aggregate a%!unt !# Ph+ 112(=GG t! 9!ng!n #!r his ser.ices* 9!ng!n #ai"e$ t! u+$ate Ca%,a regar$ing the status !# the %atters( thus Ca%,a ter%inate$ her engage%ent ith hi% an$ $e%an$e$ #!r the return !# the su% !# %!ney( ,ut t! n! a.ai"* ence she <"e$ an a$%inistrati.e c!%+"aint* The I9P In.estigating C!%%issi!ner #!un$ 9!ng!n gui"ty !# .i!"ating Ru"e 1'(01 an$ Ru"e 1'*0&( Can!n 1' !# the C!$e !# Pr!#essi!na" Res+!nsi,i"ity( an$ rec!%%en$e$ that he ,e sus+en$e$ #!r The SC c!ncurre$ ith the
D(C)RINE: •

CA8O8 1H X A @AFYR SA@@ SRK IS C@I8T FIT COMPT8C A8D DI@I8C* o

•

Ru"e 1H*0& X A "ayer sha"" n!t neg"ect a "ega" %atter entruste$ t! hi%( an$ his neg"igence in c!nnecti!n thereith sha"" ren$er hi% "ia,"e*

CA8O8 1' X A @AFYR SA@@ O@D I8 TRUST A@@ MO8YS A8D PROPRTIS O) IS C@I8T TAT MAY COM I8TO IS POSSSSIO8* o

o

Ru"e 1'*01 X A "ayer sha"" acc!unt #!r a"" %!ney !r +r!+erty c!""ecte$ !r recei.e$ #!r !r #r!% the c"ient* Ru"e 1'*0& X A "ayer sha"" $e"i.er the #un$s an$ +r!+erty !# his c"ient hen $ue !r u+!n $e%an$*

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UP PORTIA SORORITY January-March 2015 Case Digests •

Fhen a "ayer recei.es %!ney #r!% the c"ient #!r a +articu"ar +ur+!se( the "ayer is ,!un$ t! ren$er an acc!unting t! the c"ient sh!ing that the %!ney as s+ent #!r the inten$e$ +ur+!se* C!nse7uent"y( i# n!t use$ acc!r$ing"y( the %!ney %ust ,e returne$ i%%e$iate"y t! the c"ient* As such( a "ayers #ai"ure t! return the %!ney t! his c"ient $es+ite nu%er!us $e%an$s is a .i!"ati!n !# the trust re+!se$ !n hi% an$ is in$icati.e !# his "ac; !# integrity( as in this case*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SAMA/AN NG MGA ,A,AE SA /UDIKA)URA 9SAMA,A/U V! 4UDGE CESAR (! UN)ALAN0 REGI(NAL )RIAL C(UR)0 ,RANC/ JO0 MAKA)I CI)Y .+. No. RJ-13-2363 (ormer"y C'  No. 13-414*-RJ); e&ruary 25, 2015; J. AR+, JR.

SUMMARY  The case !# >%anya;is? 6u$ge* An a$%inistrati.e case ste%%e$ #r!% an unsigne$ "etter charging res+!n$ent ith se3ua" harass%ent recei.e$ ,y the O4ce !# the Chie# Justice /OCJ( +ur+!rte$"y ritten ,y a gr!u+ !# #e%a"e c!urt e%+"!yees sty"e$ as >amahan n ma Ba&ae sa Mu#i$iscreet in.estigati!n? an$ su,%it a re+!rt X t! !# the a""ege$ .icti%s e3ecute$ their res+ecti.e a4$a.it-c!%+"aints ,e#!re the City Pr!secut!r !# Ma;ati* A#ter e.a"uati!n( the OCA c!nc"u$e$ that the a""egati!ns in the an!ny%!us c!%+"aint are #ar #r!% ,eing
%!ra" ascen$ancy !.er the c!%+"aining #e%a"e c!urt e%+"!yees* e thus rec!%%en$e$ that res+!n$ent ,e %ete$ the +ena"ty !# $is%issa" #r!% the ser.ice ith #!r#eiture !# retire%ent ,ene
c!nc"usi!ns !# the In.estigating Justice* The res+!n$ent +resente$ cre$i,"e testi%!nia" an$ $!cu%entary e.i$ence "ea$ing t! a reas!na,"e c!nc"usi!n that he c!u"$ n!t ha.e c!%%itte$ the a""ege$ se3ua" a$.ances*

Do%trine: In a$%inistrati.e +r!cee$ings( the c!%+"ainant has the ,ur$en !# +r!.ing the a""egati!ns in his c!%+"aint ith su,stantia" e.i$ence( i*e*( that a%!unt !# re"e.ant e.i$ence hich a reas!na,"e %in$ %ight acce+t as a$e7uate t! 6usti#y a c!nc"usi!n* )urther( it is sett"e$ that the assess%ent !# the cre$i,i"ity !# itnesses is a #uncti!n +ri%ari"y "!$ge$ in the In.estigating Justice* The ru"e hich c!nce$es $ue res+ect( an$ e.en
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s!%e #acts !r circu%stances !# eight an$ su,stance hich !u"$ aect the resu"t !# the case* Un$er Secti!n & !# A*M* 8!* 0&-0&-1&-SC / Re Ru"e on #ministrati$e roce#ure in eua" Marassment 'ases an# Gui#e"ines on ro!er or< ecorum in the Ju#iciary ( !r;-re"ate$ se3ua" harass%ent is c!%%itte$ ,y an !4cia" !r e%+"!yee in the Ju$iciary h!( ha.ing auth!rity( inWuence !r %!ra" ascen$ancy !.er an!ther in a !r; en.ir!n%ent( $e%an$s( re7uests !r !therise re7uires any se3ua" #a.!r #r!% the !ther( regar$"ess !# hether the $e%an$( re7uest !r re7uire%ent #!r su,%issi!n is acce+te$ ,y the "atter* It is c!%%itte$ hen >the se3ua" #a.!r is %a$e as a c!n$iti!n in the hiring !r in the e%+"!y%ent( ree%+"!y%ent !r c!ntinue$ e%+"!y%ent !# sai$ in$i.i$ua"( !r in granting sai$ in$i.i$ua" #a.!ra,"e c!%+ensati!n( ter%s( c!n$iti!ns( +r!%!ti!ns( !r +ri.i"egesE !r the re#usa" t! grant the se3ua" #a.!r resu"ts in "i%iting( segregating !r c"assi#ying the e%+"!yee hich in any ay !u"$ $iscri%inate( $e+ri.e !r $i%inish e%+"!y%ent !++!rtunities !r !therise a$.erse"y aect sai$ e%+"!yee*? This C!urt has stresse$ that an an!ny%!us c!%+"aint is a"ays recei.e$ ith great cauti!n( !riginating as it $!es #r!% an un;n!n auth!r* 9ut such nature !# the c!%+"aint $!es n!t a"ays 6usti#y its !utright $is%issa" #!r ,eing ,ase"ess !r un#!un$e$( as it %ay easi"y ,e .eri
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ,ENI)( ,! NA)E( $. 4UDGE LELU .! C(N)RERAS0 ,RANC/ O0 REGI(NAL )RIAL C(UR)0 VIRAC0 CA)ANDUANES 9)/EN CLERK (F C(UR)0 R)C6IRIGA CI)Y A*M* 8!* RTJ-15-2=0' Q)!r%er"y OCA IPI 8!* 11-&'&H-RTJ( )e,ruary 1H( 2015( SR8O( '.J.

SUMMARY: This a$%inistrati.e case c!ncerns a""egati!ns that res+!n$ent Ju$ge @e"u P* C!ntreras c!%%itte$ three c!unts !# gra.e %isc!n$uct hi"e she as sti"" h!"$ing the +!siti!n C"er; !# C!urt KI !# RTCXIriga City* irst ( res+!n$ent C!ntreras a""ege$"y n!tarie$ an a$%inistrati.e c!%+"aint that as +re+are$ ,y her !n #ather an$ <"e$ ith this C!urt* Net ( res+!n$ent certi
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e3ercise !# her !4cia" #uncti!ns( as +r!.i$e$ #!r un$er Secti!ns =1 an$ =2 !# the A$%inistrati.e C!$e !# 1GHB in re"ati!n t! Secti!n D/1( 11 Cha+ter KI !# the 2002 Re.ise$ Manua" #!r C"er;s !# C!urt* SC u+he"$ the $ecisi!n !# the OCA* Res+!n$ents act !# a43ing her signature t! the 6urat +!rti!n !# the a$%inistrati.e c!%+"aint +re+are$ ,y her #ather ha$ n! $irect re"ati!n t! her !r; as the then c"er; !# c!urt !# RTCXIriga City* SC a++"ie$ the sa%e "ega" reas!ning t! her certire+resent her +r!.i$e$ that she <"es the c!rres+!n$ing "ea.es !# a,sence !n the sche$u"e$ $ates !# hearing !# the case an$ that she i"" n!t use !4cia" ti%e in +re+aring #!r the case*? She as %ere"y re+ri%an$e$( an$ issue$ a arning*

D(C)RINE: .er since this c"ari
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ R(,ER)( ,ERNARDIN( v! A))Y! VIC)(R REY SAN)(S .'. NC. 105/4 CR+R 'B 10-2/27H e&ruary 1/, 2015, %E&'E', J

SUMMARY:

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These cases in.!".e a$%inistrati.e C!%+"aints against Atty* Kict!r Rey Sant!s #!r .i!"ati!n !# Can!n 10( Ru"e 10*01 2 an$ Can!n 15( Ru"e 15*0& & !# the C!$e !# Pr!#essi!na" Res+!nsi,i"ity* C!%+"ainant 9ernar$in! a""ege$ that the $eath certi
D(C)RINE: The ru"e !n c!nWict !# interest is ,ase$ !n the <$uciary !,"igati!n in a "ayer-c"ient re"ati!nshi+* @ayers %ust treat a"" in#!r%ati!n recei.e$ #r!% their c"ients ith ut%!st c!n<$entia"ity in !r$er t! enc!urage c"ients t! #u""y in#!r% their c!unse"s !# the #acts !# their case* There is c!nWict !# interest hen a "ayer re+resents inc!nsistent interests !# t! !r %!re !++!sing +arties* he test is >hether or not in &eha"% o% one c"ient, it is the "a>yerIs #uty to =ht %or an issue or c"aim, &ut it is his #uty to o!!ose it %or the other c"ient. n &rie%, i% he arues %or one c"ient, this arument >i"" &e o!!ose# &y him >hen he arues %or the other c"ient.K This ru"e c!.ers n!t !n"y cases in hich c!n<$entia" c!%%unicati!ns ha.e ,een

c!n<$e$( ,ut a"s! th!se in hich n! c!n<$ence has ,een ,est!e$ !r i"" ,e use$ A++"ying the test !# c!nWict !# interest t! $eter%ine hether c!nWict !# interest e3ists( res+!n$ent !u"$ necessari"y re#ute Marian! Tur"as c"ai% that he is Ru,y ritten c!nsent !# a"" c!ncerne$ gi.en a#ter a #u"" $isc"!sure !# the #acts*? Res+!n$ent ha$ the $uty t! in#!r% Marian! Tur"a an$ Mari"u Tur"a that there is a c!nWict !# interest an$ t! !,tain their ritten c!nsent* Marian! Tur"a $ie$ !n )e,ruary 5( 200G( hi"e res+!n$ent re+resente$ Mari"u Tur"a in March 200G* It is un$erstan$a,"e hy res+!n$ent as una,"e t! !,tain Marian! Tur"as c!nsent* Sti""( res+!n$ent $i$ n!t +resent e.i$ence sh!ing that he $isc"!se$ t! Mari"u Tur"a that he +re.i!us"y re+resente$ Marian! Tur"a This c!urt n!tes that the !r$ing !# the I9P 9!ar$ !# !.ern!rs Res!"uti!ns $ate$ May 10( 201& an$ March 22( 201= see%s t! i%+"y that it is the Integrate$ 9ar !# the Phi"i++ines that has the auth!rity t! i%+!se sancti!ns !n "ayers* This is r!ng*The auth!rity t! $isci+"ine %e%,ers !# the 9ar is .este$ in this c!urt un$er the 1GHB C!nstituti!n* The auth!rity gi.en t! the Integrate$ 9ar !# the Phi"i++ines is ,ase$ !n Ru"e 1&G-9( Secti!n 1 !# the Ru"es !# C!urt( hich +r!.i$es that >Q+r!cee$ings #!r the $is,ar%ent( sus+ensi!n !r $isci+"ine !# att!rneys %ay ,e ta;en ,y the Su+re%e C!urt motu !ro!rio( !r ,y the Integrate$ 9ar !# the Phi"i++ines * * * u+!n the .eri
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rec!%%en$( at ,est( the +ena"ty that %ay ,e i%+!se$ !n the erring "ayer On"y this c!urt can i%+!se sancti!ns !n %e%,ers !# the 9ar*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Con%"ita S! ,a"ala v Cirilo D&%a 9S"eriQ III MC)C ,ran%" J Caga'an e (ro Cit' + No -0/-2465; January 12, 2015; Bersamin, J.

SUMMARY  There as an a$.erse 6u$g%ent ren$ere$ ,y the MTCC against 9aha"a* Pen$ing a++ea"( the RTC ru"e$ !n the c!%+r!%ise agree%ent !# the +arties herein 9aha"a +ai$ the ,a"ance !# the %!ney 6u$g%ent an$ %!nth"y renta"s #!r 2 years* A#ter this +eri!$( she !ere$ t! se"" the ,ui"$ing stan$ing !n the +"aintis +r!+erty ,ut the "atter re#use$ an$ ha$ the 6u$g%ent e3ecute$* Sheri Duca ser.e$ the rit !# e3ecuti!n !n se.era" !ccasi!ns( $e%an$ing %!ney #r!% 9aha"a t! $e"ay its i%+"e%entati!n* At
D(C)RINE 1

As an agent !# the "a( a sheri %ust $ischarge his $uties ith $ue care an$ ut%!st $i"igence* e cann!t a!r$ t! err hi"e ser.ing the c!urts rits an$ +r!cesses ith!ut aecting the integrity !# his !4ce an$ the e4cient a$%inistrati!n !# 6ustice* / 'a"o $ i9on e is n!t gi.en any $iscreti!n !n the i%+"e%entati!n !# a rit !# e3ecuti!nE hence( he %ust strict"y a,i$e ,y the +rescri,e$ +r!ce$ure t! a.!i$ "ia,i"ity* / Aicsa" e$e"o!ment 'or!oration $ e"a 'ru9-Buen#ia

2

It is %an$at!ry #!r a sheri t! %a;e a return !# the rit !# e3ecuti!n t! the c!urt issuing it* I# the 6u$g%ent cann!t ,e satis
&

e sh!u"$ n!t ha.e +ut un$ue re"iance !n the c!%+utati!n %a$e ,y a +ri.ate in$i.i$ua" n!t $u"y $e+utie$ ,y the c!urt* It %ust ,e ,!rne in %in$ that res+!n$ent sheri has( as an !4cer !# the c!urt( the $uty t! c!%+ute the a%!unt $ue #r!% the 6u$g%ent $e,t!r* /9agan! . Panins!r!

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+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ASCA( 4R!0 E) AL v 4ACIN)( 9R)C 4UDGE0 R)C SAN 4(SE (RIEN)AL MIND(R( + No RJ-15-2405; Janurary 12, 2015; ereno, '.J.

SUMMARY  C!%+"ainants( h! are a""ege$"y the secti!n "ea$ers !# the "essees !# %ar;et sta""s in the +u,"ic %ar;et !# Min$!r!( <"e$ an a$%inistrati.e c!%+"aint against Ju$ge Jacint! #!r .i!"ating Sec &/e RA &01G /Anti-ra#t an$ C!rru+t Practices Act* They a""ege that the 6u$ge !n"y a""!e$ 12500` %e%,ers acc!%+anying the c!%+"ainants t! enter the c!urtr!!% an$ "ater( e.en ha$ a"" the c!%+"ainants esc!rte$ !ut( "ea.ing !n"y T!"e$! /h! as t! testi#y that $ay* They a"s! c"ai% that the 7uesti!ns +r!+!un$e$ t! their itnesses ere a"" geare$ t!ar$s esta,"ishing that they sh!u"$ ha.e n! right t! !++!se the May!rs +"an /May!r ante$ t! $e%!"ish the +u,"ic %ar;et t! +ut u+ the ne San J!se C!%%ercia" C!%+"e3* They a""ege that a"" these acts ere $ue t! the #act that the 6u$ge as ,eh!"$en t! the May!r* Justice C!ra"es in.estigate$ the case an$ su,%itte$ his re+!rt an$ rec!%%en$ati!n* The SC a$a+te$ the
D(C)RINE 1* Mere sus+ici!n that a 6u$ge Is +artia" is n!t en!ugh* C"ear an$ c!n.incing e.i$ence is necessary t! +r!.e a charge !# ,ias an$ +artia"ity* 2* It is re+rehensi,"e #!r a 6u$ge t! hu%i"iate a "ayer( "itigant !r itness* The act ,etrays "ac; !# +atience( +ru$ence an$ restraint* Thus( a 6u$ge %ust at a"" ti%es ,e te%+erate in his "anguage* e %ust ch!!se his !r$s( ritten !r s+!;en( ith ut%!st care an$ su4cient c!ntr!"* The ise an$ 6ust %an is estee%e$ #!r his $iscern%ent* P"easing s+eech increases his +ersuasi.eness* &* The 8e C!$e !# Ju$icia" C!n$uct #!r the Phi"i++ine Ju$iciary %an$ates that 6u$ges %ust n!t !n"y %aintain their in$e+en$ence( integrity an$ i%+artia"ityE they %ust a"s! a.!i$ any a++earance !# i%+r!+riety !r +artia"ity( hich %ay er!$e the +e!+"es #aith in the Ju$iciary* Me%,ers !# the Ju$iciary sh!u"$ ,e ,e!n$ re+r!ach an$ sus+ici!n in their c!n$uct( an$ sh!u"$ ,e #ree #r!% any a++earance !# i%+r!+riety in the $ischarge !# t heir !4cia" $uties( as e"" as in their +ers!na" ,eha.i!r an$ e.ery$ay "i#e*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 4UDGE G(D(FRED( ,! A,UL0 4R!0 C(M.LAINAN)0 VS! GE(RGE E! VIA4AR0 S/ERIFF IV0 REGI(NAL )RIAL C(UR)0 ,RANC/ O0 ,U)UAN CI)Y0 RES.(NDEN)! GB


.+. No. -11-2*40, January 21, 2015

SUMMARY: RTC Ju$ge A,u" charge$ Sheri Kia6ar ith $ish!nesty( gra.e a,use !# auth!rity( usur+ati!n !# 6u$icia" auth!rity( an$ %a"#easance an$ gra#t an$ c!rru+ti!n* Ju$ge A,u" issue$ a rit !# e3ecuti!n !n March 2'( 2010( an$ a""ege$ that Sheri Kia6ar recei.e$ it !n the sa%e $ay( ,ut Kia6ar ithhe"$ the rit an$ <"e$ the Sheris Return !# Ser.ice !n"y !n June 21( 2010* Ju$ge A,u" #urther a""ege$ that Kia6ar arr!gate$ 6u$icia" +!ers u+!n hi%se"# ,y recei.ing P'H; #r!% the 6u$g%ent cre$it!r an$ #ai"ing t! $e+!sit it t! the c!urtE that he su,%itte$ an unreas!na,"y high Sheris #ees thr!ugh +a$$e$ an$ i%aginary chargesE that he re#use$ t! #!""! the ROC hen he #ai"e$ t! $e%an$ +ay%ent $irect"y #r!% the 6u$g%ent cre$it!rE that he %ai"e$ a c!+y !# the rit !# e3ecuti!n t! the 6u$g%ent $e,t!r instea$ !# ser.ing the ritE that he e3ecute$ a "e.y garnish%ent an$ c!n$ucte$ an i""ega" sa"eE that he +ur+!se $i$ n!t gi.e n!tice t! the 6u$g%ent $e,t!r an$ c!unse" an$ thus $e+ri.e$ s!%e !# the +arties !# their right t! +artici+ateE that he c!n$ucte$ a si%u"ate$ ,i$$ing( recei.e$ PH00; #!r the ,i$ ,ut $i$ n!t $e+!sit the %!ney ith the C"er; !# C!urtE that he charge$ the 6u$g%ent $e,t!r a$$iti!na" e3+enses an$ a""!e$ the 6u$g%ent $e,t!r t! ith$ra an a%!unt #r!% hi% an$ !n"y in#!r%e$ the TC thr!ugh an a$$en$u% !# Return !# Ser.iceE an$ that he re#use$ the TCs !r$er t! $e+!sit the highest ,i$$ers +ay%ent ith !n"y a .ague e3+"anati!n* The SC re$!c;ete$ the c!%+"aint as a regu"ar a$%inistrati.e c!%+"aint an$ re#erre$ it t! an 3ecuti.e Ju$ge* The 3ecuti.e Ju$ge #!un$ that he ha$ ,een re%iss in the +er#!r%ance !# his $uties an$ rec!%%en$e$ sancti!ns* The OCA agree$ ith the in.estigating 6u$ges
D(C)RINE: Res+!n$ent ha$ ,een re%iss in +er#!r%ing his res+!nsi,i"ities* )irst( he .i!"ate$ a ,asic ru"e ,y #ai"ing t! $! his %inisteria" $uty t! %a;e +eri!$ic re+!rts !n the rit as +r!.i$e$ ,y Sec 1=( Ru"e &G !# the Re.ise$ R!C* Res+!n$ent "i;eise #ai"e$ t! sh! that he +ers!na""y $e%an$e$ #r!% the 6u$g%ent $e,t!r the i%%e$iate +ay%ent !# the #u"" a%!unt state$ in the rit !# e3ecuti!n( an$ !# a"" "a#u" #ees* In a$$iti!n( res+!n$ent #ai"e$ t! sh! that he acc!r$e$ the 6u$g%ent $e,t!r the !+ti!n t! ch!!se hich a%!ng its rea" !r +ers!na" +r!+erties !u"$ ,e "e.ie$ u+!n* In a$$iti!n( res+!n$ents $uty t! e3ecute a 6u$g%ent is %inisteria" an$ he nee$ n!t "!!; !utsi$e the +"ain %eaning !# the rit !# e3ecuti!n* Fhen a sheri is #ace$ ith an a%,igu!us e3ecuti!n !r$er( +ru$ence an$ reas!na,"eness $ictate that he see; c"ari
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ GH


/ENRY (NG LAY /IN v! C(UR) (F A..EALS 9ND DIVISI(N0 /(N! GA,RIEL )! INGLES0 AS .RESIDING 4UDGE (F R)C ,RANC/ 0 CE,U CI)Y0 AND )/E .E(.LE (F )/E ./ILI..INES G.R. No. 1*1*72; January 26, 2015; eonen, J.

SUMMARY: Ong as c!n.icte$ !# esta#a ,y the RTC* The CA a4r%e$ the RTCs ru"ing an$ $enie$ Ongs MR an$ su++"e%enta" MR* The CA $ec"are$ that the case ,eca%e
D(C)RINE: The genera" ru"e is that the neg"igence !# c!unse" ,in$s the c"ient( e.en %ista;es in the a++"icati!n !# +r!ce$ura" ru"es* The e3ce+ti!n t! the ru"e is >hen the rec;"ess !r gr!ss neg"igence !# the c!unse" $e+ri.es the c"ient !# $ue +r!cess !# "a* his is hen the neg"igence !# c!unse" is s! gr!ss( a"%!st ,!r$ering !n rec;"essness an$ utter inc!%+etence( that e can sa#e"y c!nc"u$e that the $ue +r!cess rights !# the c"ient ere .i!"ate$* .en s!( there %ust ,e a c"ear an$ c!n.incing sh!ing that the c"ient as s! %a"ici!us"y $e+ri.e$ !# in#!r%ati!n that he !r she c!u"$ n!t ha.e acte$ t! +r!tect his !r her interests* The err!r !# c!unse" %ust ha.e ,een ,!th +a"+a,"e yet %a"ici!us"y e3ercise$ that it sh!u"$ .ia,"y ,e the ,asis #!r $isci+"inary acti!n* )!r the e3ce+ti!n t! a++"y( the gr!ss neg"igence sh!u"$ n!t ,e acc!%+anie$ ,y the c"ients !n neg"igence !r %a"ice( c!nsi$ering that the c"ient has the $uty t! ,e .igi"ant in res+ect !# his interests ,y ;ee+ing hi%se"# u+-t!-$ate !n the status !# the case* )ai"ing in this $uty( the c"ient sh!u"$ suer hate.er a$.erse 6u$g%ent is ren$ere$ against hi%* Fe #ai" t! see h! +etiti!ner c!u"$ n!t ha.e ;n!n !# the issuance !# the Res!"uti!n* Fe cann!t acce+t a stan$ar$ !# neg"igence !n the +art !# a c"ient t! ai" t! #!""! thr!ugh !r a$$ress c!unse" t! get u+$ates !n his case* ither this !r the a"ternati.e that c!unse"s a""ege$ acti!ns are %ere"y su,ter#uge t! a.ai" a +ena"ty e"" $eser.e$*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ RE: VI(LA)I(N (F RULES (N N()ARIAL .RAC)ICE .+. No. 0*-6-1-'; January 21, 2015

SUMMARY: Three "etter-c!%+"aints #!r .i!"ati!n !# ru"es !n n!taria" +ractice ere en$!rse$ t!t he O4ce !# the 9ar C!n<$ant /O9C* The
GG


$enie$ #!r authenticati!n hen +resente$ ,e#!re the 8!taria" Secti!n in Mani"a since Atty* Sant!s as n!t c!%%issi!ne$ t! +er#!r% n!taria" c!%%issi!n ithin the City !# Mani"a* The thir$ re+!rte$ that Atty* .e"yn ha$ ,een n!tariing an$ signing $!cu%ents #!r an$ !n ,eha"# !# se.era" "ayers* Fith res+ect t! Atty* Sia+n!( the SC a4r%e$ the 3ecuti.e Ju$ges Re+!rt an$ Rec!%%en$ati!n that he .i!"ate$ the 200= Ru"es !n 8!taria" C!%%issi!n( ,ut increase$ the rec!%%en$e$ +ena"ty ,y +er%anent"y ,arring hi% #r!% ,eing c!%%issi!ne$ as a n!tary +u,"ic an$ sus+en$ing hi% #r!% the +ractice !# "a #!r t! years* Fith res+ect t! Atty* Sant!s an$ Atty* .e"yn( the c!%+"aints ere re-$!c;ete$ since n! #!r%a" in.estigati!n ha$ ,een c!n$ucte$ yet*

D(C)RINE: Sec 11( Ru"e III !# the 200= Ru"es !n 8!taria" Practice +r!.i$es that Juris$icti!n an$ Ter% X A +ers!n c!%%issi!ne$ as n!tary +u,"ic %ay +er#!r% n!taria" acts in any +"ace ithin the territ!ria" 6uris$icti!n !# the c!%%issi!ning c!urt #!r a +eri!$ !# 2 years c!%%encing the
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ AUGUS)( M! AHUIN( VS! /(N! ISMAEL .! CASA,AR0 AS .RESIDING 4UDGE REGI(NAL )RIAL C(UR)6GUIM,A0 NUEVA ECI4A0 ,RANC/  AND MA! ALA F! D(MING( AND MARGARI)A IRENE F! D(MING(0 SU,S)I)U)ING /EIRS (F )/E DECEASED ANGEL )! D(MING( G.R. No. 1*1470; January 26, 2015; era"ta, J.

SUMMARY: Atty* D!%ing! c!ntracte$ A7uin! !n a c!ntingency #ee ,asis t! re+resent hi% in an agrarian case t! $eter%ine 6ust c!%+ensati!n #!r e3+r!+riati!n !# the #!r%ers rice"an$s* The DAR an$ @an$ 9an; initia""y .a"ue$ the +r!+erty at P=H=(2&'*2B* The RTC( acting as a S+ecia" Agrarian C!urt( <3e$ it at P2(=5G(&1G*B0* The CA a4r%e$* Meanhi"e( Atty* D!%ing! $ie$* A7uin! <"e$ a Mani#estati!n !# his $eath an$ su,stituti!n ,y his "ega" heirs( Ma* A"a an$ Margarita Irene D!%ing!* The SC $enie$ @an$ 9an;s +etiti!n #!r re.ie !n certi!rari an$ MR* On )e, 11( 200G( A7uin! in#!r%e$ Ma* A"a !# the
100


a4r%e$ ,y the CA an$ SC( an$ re7ueste$ that she in#!r% the @an$ 9an; t! segregate his &0L c!ntingent att!rneys #ees !ut !# the increase !# the 6ust c!%+ensati!n* A7uin! c"ai%e$ that she ne.er re+"ie$* The SCs res!"uti!n ,eca%e
D(C)RINE: A c"ai% #!r att!rneys #ees %ay ,e asserte$ either in the .ery acti!n in hich the ser.ices !# a "ayer ha$ ,een ren$ere$ !r in a se+arate acti!n* Fith res+ect t! the
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LEAVE DIVISI(N  (!A!S!0 (FFICE (F )/E C(UR) ADMINIS)RA)(R0 +etiti!ner( VS! )YKE 4! SARCEN(0 res+!n$ent* .+. No. -11-2*30 (ormer"y .+. C'  No. 10-331/-); e&ruary 17, 2015; n Banc, er 'uriam

SUMMARY: The O4ce !# the C!urt A$%inistrat!r /OCA rec!%%en$e$ the ,ringing !# an a$%inistrati.e c!%+"aint #!r ha,itua" a,senteeis% against res+!n$ent Ty;e J* Sarcen!( C"er; III !# the Regi!na" Tria" C!urt( 9ranch &1( in Mani"a* The rec!%%en$ati!n as ,ase$ !n a
101


incur une3+"aine$ a,sences* is c!ntinuing a,senteeis% as $isc!.ere$ ,y Atty* Cari$a$ A* Pa,e""!( Chie#( A$%inistrati.e Ser.ices !# the OCA( A tracer "etter $ate$ Se+te%,er 2&( 2010 as s!!n $is+atche$ t! Sarcen!s resi$ence re7uiring hi% t! su,%it his ,un$y car$s an$!r "ea.e a++"icati!ns #!r Ju"y 2010 an$ August 2010( !r e"se his na%e !u"$ ,e rec!%%en$e$ #!r $r!++ing #r!% the r!""s* !e.er( he $i$ n!t res+!n$* In its A$%inistrati.e Matter #!r Agen$a /AM)A $ate$ Dece%,er 1=( 2010( the OCA su,%itte$ t! the C!urt the #!""!ing !,ser.ati!ns an$ rec!%%en$ati!ns( an$ #!un$ that Sarcen! is un$!u,te$"y "ia,"e #!r ha,itua" a,senteeis%* SC a$!+ts the unauth!rie$ a,sences e3cee$ing the a""!a,"e 2*5 $ays %!nth"y "ea.e cre$it un$er the "a #!r at "east three /& %!nths in a se%ester !r at "east three /& c!nsecuti.e %!nths $uring the year*? The OCA #!un$ that Sarcen! ha$ incurre$ a,sences t!ta"ing G2 $ays s+rea$ in the %!nths !# June( Ju"y( August( an$ Se+te%,er( a"" in 200G* Such a,senteeis% a"rea$y %erite$ the i%+!siti!n !# the +ena"ty #!r ha,itua" a,senteeis%* Sarcen! as a"s! gui"ty !# c!n$uct +re6u$icia" t! the ,est interest !# the +u,"ic ser.ice( yet an!ther a$%inistrati.e !ense* M!re!.er( the C!urt has i%+!se$ $is%issa" #r!% the ser.ice !n c!urt e%+"!yees h! ha$ g!ne a,sent ith!ut "ea.e /AFO@ e.en i# the !enses ere their
D(C)RINE: In oyao $. +anata#( the C!urt c!nsi$ere$ a c!urt e%+"!yees +r!"!nge$ a,sence as c!n$uct +re6u$icia" t! the ,est interest !# the +u,"ic ser.ice ,ecause !# its a$.erse eect !# ine4ciency in the +u,"ic ser.ice* C!n$uct is +re6u$icia" t! the +u,"ic ser.ice i# it .i!"ates the n!r% !# +u,"ic acc!unta,i"ity an$ $i%inishes X !r ten$s t! $i%inish X the +e!+"es #aith in the Ju$iciary*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ RU,Y v! ES.E4( an ,AY() .'. No. 1055/; e&. 23, 2015; Reyes, J.

SUMMARY  Ru,y an$ his %!ther engage$ the ser.ices !# res+!n$ent-"ayers in c!nnecti!n ith a case #!r cance""ati!n an$ nu""i
102


e3cess !# the 50; +ai$ ,y Ru,y t! s+e6! #!r the <"ing #ees( since it as s+e6! a"!ne h! recei.e$ an$ +ai$ the <"ing #ees* The SC a"s! #!un$ that 9ay!t as n!t gui"ty !# gr!ss neg"ect*

D(C)RINE D!cu%entary #!r%a"is% is n!t an essentia" e"e%ent in the e%+"!y%ent !# an att!rneyE the c!ntract %ay ,e e3+ress !r i%+"ie$* T! esta,"ish the re"ati!n( it is su4cient that the a$.ice an$ assistance !# an att!rney is s!ught an$ recei.e$ in any %atter +ertinent t! his +r!#essi!n* )urther( acce+tance !# %!ney #r!% a c"ient esta,"ishes an att!rney-c"ient re"ati!nshi+* M!ney entruste$ t! a "ayer #!r a s+eci
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (FFICE (F )/E C(UR) ADMINIS)RA)(R v! CLERK (F C(UR) EMMANUELA A! REYES0 M)C0 ,ANI0 .ANGASINAN + No. -10-2/72; e&. 24, 2015; er 'uriam

SUMMARY  This is an a$%in case against Reyes <"e$ ,y the OCA* Reyes as as;e$ t! e3+"ain hy she sh!u"$ n!t ,e he"$ a$%inistrati.e"y "ia,"e #!r the $e"ay in the re%ittances !# c!""ecti!ns !# the Ju$iciary De.e"!+%ent )un$( )i$uciary )un$( S+ecia" A""!ance #!r the Ju$iciary )un$( Sheris Trust )un$( an$ Me$iati!n )un$ #!r the years 200= t! 200G* A#ter a th!r!ugh re.ie an$ e.a"uati!n( the OCA rec!%%en$e$ that Reyes ,e $irecte$ t! +ay a
D(C)RINE Un$er A$%in Circu"ar 8!* &5-200=( the $ai"y re%ittance !# JD) an$ SAJ) c!""ecti!ns is re7uire$* Sec* = !# OCA Circu"ar 8!* 50-G5 +r!.i$es that a"" c!""ecti!ns #r!% ,ai",!n$s( renta" $e+!sits( an$ !ther <$uciary c!""ecti!ns sha"" ,e $e+!site$ ,y the C"er; !# C!urt c!ncerne$( ithin 2= hrs u+!n recei+t there!# ith the @an$,an; !# the Phi"s*

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ARCA)(MY S! GUARIN v! A))Y! C/RIS)INE A!C! LIM.IN .'. No. 10576; January 14, 2015; Ai""arama, J.

SUMMARY: 10&


uarin <"e$ a c!%+"aint #!r $is,ar%ent against @i%+in #!r a""ege$"y a #a"se IS ith the SC thus .i!"ating Can!n 1 an$ Ru"e 1 an$ Ru"e 1*01 !# the C!$e !# Pr!#essi!na" Res+!nsi,i"ity* @i%+in "iste$ uarin as a st!c;h!"$er( Chair%an !# the 9!ar$ an$ Presi$ent !# @CI* !e.er( uarin a"rea$y resigne$ an$ ne.er he"$ any share n!r as e"ecte$ as chair+ers!n !# the 9OD !r ,een Presi$ent !# @CI* @i%+in c"ai%s that the IS as !n"y +r!.isi!na"( %a$e an$ su,%itte$ in g!!$ #aith an$ that it !u"$ ha.e ,een c!rrecte$ in the #uture i# n!t #!r @CIs .!"untary $iss!"uti!n* I9P C9D #!un$ that @i%+in .i!"ate$ Can!n 1( Ru"e 1*01 an$ 1*02 !# the CPR an$ rec!%%en$e$ her sus+ensi!n #r!% the +ractice !# "a #!r & %!nths* This as a$!+te$ in t!t! ,y the I9P 9!ar$ !# !.ern!rs* The SC agree$ ,ut "engthene$ her sus+ensi!n t! ' %!nths* @i%+in ;ne that the c!%+anys +r!ce$ure !# a++!inting $irect!rs !# !4cers s!"e"y ,y a certain Mr* Ange"es as n!t "ega""y +er%issi,"e* There as a"s! n! su,%issi!n hich !u"$ su++!rt the a""egati!n that uarin as in #act a st!c;h!"$er*

D(C)RINE: A "ayer h! assists a c"ient in a $ish!nest sche%e !r h! c!nni.es in .i!"ating the "a c!%%its an act hich 6usti
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CIVIL SERVICE C(MMISSI(N0 AS RE.RESEN)ED ,Y DIREC)(R IV MARIA LE)ICIA G! REYNA0 c!%+"ainant0 VS! 4(VILYN ,! DAWANG0 C(UR) S)EN(GRA./ER I0 MUNICI.AL )RIAL C(UR)0 )ALUG)(G0 NUEVA ECI4A0 res+!n$ent .+. No. -15-32/*; e&ruary 17, 2015; n Banc Reso"ution

SUMMARY: Res+!n$ent Daang is a C!urt Sten!gra+her 1 in the Munici+a" Tria" C!urt !# Ta"ugt!g( 8ue.a ci6a* Daang ha$ ,een !r;ing as a sten!gra+her #!r .ari!us c!urts in a te%+!rary ca+acity since 1GG&( unti" she 7ua"i
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ta;ing the e3a%inati!n* Un$er the Re.ise$ Ru"es !n A$%inistrati.e Cases in the Ci.i" Ser.ice( Ru"e 10( Secti!n ='( seri!us $ish!nesty is a gra.e !ense +unisha,"e ,y $is%issa" #r!% the ser.ice* Daang $enie$ that she c!ns+ire$ ith an!ther +ers!n t! ta;e the e3a%inati!n !n her ,eha"#* She ,"a%e$ the c!ns+iracy !n the "ayer-e%+"!yee at the Ci.i" Ser.ice C!%%issi!n !4ce* !e.er( her $enia" $!es n!t cure the $ish!nesty !# riting the i""-g!tten 7ua"i
D(C)RINE: .ery e%+"!yee !# the 6u$iciary sh!u"$ ,e an e3a%+"e !# integrity( u+rightness an$ h!nesty* @i;e any +u,"ic ser.ant( he %ust e3hi,it the highest sense !# h!nesty an$ integrity n!t !n"y in the +er#!r%ance !# his !4cia" $uties ,ut in his +ers!na" an$ +ri.ate $ea"ings ith !ther +e!+"e( t! +reser.e the c!urts g!!$ na%e an$ stan$ing* It cann!t ,e !.erstresse$ that the i%age !# a c!urt !# 6ustice is %irr!re$ in the c!n$uct( !4cia" !r !therise( !# the +ers!nne" h! !r; thereat( #r!% the 6u$ge t! the "!est !# its +ers!nne"* C!urt e%+"!yees ha.e ,een en6!ine$ t! a$here t! the e3acting stan$ar$s !# %!ra"ity an$ $ecency in their +r!#essi!na" an$ +ri.ate c!n$uct in !r$er t! +reser.e the g!!$ na%e an$ integrity !# the c!urts !# 6ustice

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ AN(NYM(US LE))ER6C(M.LAIN) AGAINS) REYNALD( C! ALCAN)ARA0 U)ILI)Y W(RKER I0 ,R! T0 AND 4(SE./ C! 4ACIN)(0 ELEC)RICIAN0 /ALL (F 4US)ICE0 ,()/ (F )/E REGI(NAL )RIAL C(UR)0 ,URG(S0 .ANGASINAN .+. No. -15-32*6 ormer"y C'  No. 14-4364-H; e&ruary 17, 2015; n Banc, er 'uriam

SUMMARY: This case ste%%e$ #r!% an un$ate$ @etter-C!%+"aint( charging res+!n$ents Reyna"$! C* A"cantara /A"cantara an$ J!se+h C* Jacint! /Jacint! ith the c!%%issi!n !# se.era" i""ega" acti.ities in .i!"ati!n !# Ci.i" Ser.ice Ru"es* The @etter-C!%+"aint as in$!rse$ t! the O4ce !# the C!urt A$%inistrat!r* In the Re+!rt $ate$ Ju"y 1B( 201&( 3ecuti.e Ju$ge A,e""a rec!%%en$e$ that A"cantara an$ Jacint! ,e i%%e$iate"y $is%isse$ #r!% ser.ice* e #!un$ that as ear"y as 200G( A"cantara an$ Jacint! recei.e$ an$ encashe$ chec;s !# their c!!r;ers ith!ut c!nsent* 3ecuti.e Ju$ge A,e""a #!un$ that A"cantaras an$ Jacint!s acti!ns c!nstitute$ gra.e %isc!n$uct an$ rec!%%en$e$ their $is%issa" #r!% ser.ice* It c!u"$ n!t ,e $enie$ that they ere the !nes h! c!%%itte$ these seri!us %isc!n$uct Qsic ha.ing a$%itte$ in the +resence !# their .icti%s an$ in the +resence !# Ju$ge Agui"ar( that they either st!"e !r recei.e$ their c!-e%+"!yees chec;s ith!ut +r!+er auth!riati!n an$ encashe$ the% ith!ut the !nerQs c!nsent an$ use$ the cash +r!cee$s #!r their !n +ers!na" use an$ ,ene
SUMMARY  This is an a$%inistrati.e case ste%%ing #r!% a c!%+"aint-a4$a.it charging res+!n$ents !# .i!"ating the C!$e !# Pr!#essi!na" Res+!nsi,i"ity /CPR( s+eci
+r!.i$es n! 6ustiith mo#i=cation* Instea$ !# the +ena"ty !# re!riman#( the I9P 9!ar$ !#

!.ern!rs $is%isse$ the case ith arning that a re+etiti!n !# the sa%e !r si%i"ar act sha"" ,e $ea"t ith %!re se.ere"y* U+!n the c!%+"ainant MR( the 9!ar$ then %!$i
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2015 Digests

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