January 2023

95decisions
  1. 01A.C. 12878Tomas G. Tan v. Atty. Dennis C. PanganA lawyer who issues a bouncing check and refuses to return a client's money can be disbarred, especially if he has been punished before.
  2. 02A.C. 13132Teodora Altobano-Ruiz v. Attys. Wilfredo a. Ruiz, Cherry Anne dela Cruz, and Francisco S. Benedicto, IIIA lawyer who for years dodged a court order to support his child, used false addresses, and signed a deal with his mistress to hide his assets was disbarred.
  3. 03A.M. P-21-027(Formerly Oca-Ipi No. 17-4769-P) Presiding Judge Lorna B. Santiago-Avila, Regional Trial Court, Branch 36, General Santos City, South Cotabato v. Juanito B. Narisma, Jr. Process Server, RTC Branch 36, General Santos City, South CotabatoA court process server who joins in extorting money from a litigant by promising a favorable court order is guilty of grave misconduct, even after leaving the service.
  4. 04A.C. 10612(Formerly Cbd Case No. 17-5384) Atty. Nora M. Saludares v. Atty. Reynaldo SaludaresA lawyer who openly carries on an affair while married, and shows no shame about it, can be disbarred for gross immorality.
  5. 05A.C. 13615(Formerly Cbd Case No. 11-3166) Juliewhyn R. Quindoza v. Atty. Ernesto David Delos Santos* and Atty. Marujita S. PalabricaA lawyer who has affairs while still legally married is guilty of gross immorality, but the Court suspended him for three years instead of disbarring him because of mitigating circumstances.
  6. 06A.C. 13504Maria Cristina G. Dayos v. Atty. Grace C. BuriA lawyer who takes money from a client for a specific purpose, fails to do the work, and does not account for the money can be disbarred, especially after two earlier suspensions.
  7. 07A.C. 9288Virginia N. Jumalon v. Atty. Elmer dela RosaA lawyer who sold farmers' land awarded under the agrarian reform law, hid the buyer and kept the money in his own control was found guilty of gross misconduct, but because he was already disbarred for the same acts, he was fined instead.
  8. 08G.R. 255470-71Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Cargill Philippines, IncTo get a refund of input VAT on zero-rated export sales, a company only needs to show that its purchases are related to those sales, not that each purchase went directly into the exported product.
  9. 09G.R. 250288John Kriska Logistics, Inc. / John Kriska Distribution Center Inc., and Karen Nerona (Manager) v. Elizardo T. MendozaAn employer who says it paid its worker his wages and benefits must prove it with its own records, and if it fails, the worker's monetary claims are granted.
  10. 10G.R. 255750People of the Philippines v. Diane Argayan y OgnayonA mother can be convicted of killing her young daughter even though no one saw the killing, when the proven circumstances and her own voluntary admission point to her.
  11. 11G.R. 206905Junar D. Orillo and Florencio E. Danieles v. People of the PhilippinesPosting someone's criminal complaint on a public bulletin board out of spite is libel, and the Supreme Court replaced the prison sentence with a fine of P6,000.00.
  12. 12OCA IPI 18-4872-PJudge Roderick a. Maxino v. Jaime M. Jasmin, Legal Researcher II, Branch 43, Regional Trial Court, Tanjay City, Negros OrientalA court employee who stays away from work for a long time without approved leave can be dropped from the rolls, even if the complaint against him was dismissed.
  13. 13G.R. 207140National Power Corporation v. Provincial Government of Bulacan, Gloria P. Sta. Maria, Municipal Assessor of Norzagaray, and the Municipal Government of Norzagaray, BulacanA taxpayer who claims it is exempt from real property tax must first pay the tax under protest before going to the assessment appeals board, because an exemption claim is about the correctness of the assessment.
  14. 14G.R. 258894Glen Orda y Loyola v. People of the PhilippinesIn drug cases, a judge may allow a plea bargain even over the prosecutor's objection, but only after checking whether the accused qualifies under the Supreme Court's guidelines.
  15. 15G.R. 240542People of the Philippines v. Baltazar Achay, Jr. y DocilA witness who clearly identifies the accused beats a bare denial and alibi, and an alibi only works if it was physically impossible for the accused to be at the crime scene.
  16. 16G.R. 240255The City Government of Caloocan v. Carmel Development IncA city cannot get a court injunction forcing a private owner to keep its private road open, because it has no clear right over the road and the blockades already existed long before the case was filed.
  17. 17G.R. 236161Alma C. Lugawe v. Pacific Cebu Resort International, IncMoving some duties away from an employee is not constructive dismissal when it is done in good faith for legitimate business reasons and her rank and pay stay the same.
  18. 18G.R. 210780Edward N. Rivo v. Dolores S. RivoA marriage is not void for psychological incapacity just because it became unhappy or one spouse was unfaithful; the incapacity must exist from the time of the wedding and be proven by clear and convincing evidence.
  19. 19G.R. 207153Development Bank of the Philippines v. Monsanto CompanyA foreign company that sells goods in the Philippines through an independent local indentor, which acts in its own name and for its own account, is not considered to be doing business here and can sue without a license.
  20. 20G.R. 246410I-People Manpower Resources, Inc., Elec Qatar and Leopoldo Gangoso, Jr. v. Court of Appeals and Jomer O. MontonAn overseas worker cannot be terminated just by a contract clause allowing termination on one month's notice, because the employer still needs a lawful reason and must prove it.
  21. 21G.R. 214926Crisostomo B. Aquino v. Agua Tierra Oro Mina (Atom) Development Corporation, Represented by Its Chairman & Ceo, Virgilio a. BoteA company that lost its claim to a Boracay seaside lot could not keep an injunction against a rival occupant, because the government had already classified the lot as forest land and not as foreshore land, so the company had no right to possess it.
  22. 22G.R. 224803Provincial Prosecutor of Albay v. Marivic LobianoA trial judge may dismiss a criminal case for lack of probable cause only in clear-cut cases, so a human trafficking case against a bar owner who hired a minor had to go to trial.
  23. 23G.R. 193569Edmond Lim and Gerd Paland v. Catalina SeeBeing the first to file for a trademark does not help if the applicant registered it in bad faith, such as a mere distributor claiming a brand it does not own.
  24. 24G.R. 255538Elena Gaerlan-Ostonal v. Romeo Flores, Randy Flores, Heirs of Florencio Gaerlan, the Office of the Municipal Assessor of Bauang, La Union, and the Office of the Provincial Assessor of La Union Heirs of Efren DelimAn heir can file an ordinary court case to cancel a deed that wrongly took the family's land, without first getting a separate court declaration that she is an heir.
  25. 25G.R. 221553In Re: Petition for Registration and Issuance of Title for Lot 2264, Lot 2270 and Lot 2271 of the Himamaylan Cadastre, Province of Negros Occidental, and Miriam Durban Tagamolila, for Herself and as Attorney-in-Fact of Her Sister Cecilia Dima-Ano,* v. Republic of the PhilippinesA person asking to register public land must still prove it is alienable and disposable, but a newer law lets that be proven by a certification from a DENR geodetic engineer, and the Court applied that law to a case already pending.
  26. 26G.R. 261344Frank Ong Sibuma v. Commission on Elections, Alma L. Panelo, and Stefanie Ann Eriguel CalongcagonThe Supreme Court restored Frank Sibuma as the elected mayor of Agoo, La Union, ruling that the cancellation of his candidacy over a residency claim had no solid basis.
  27. 27G.R. 257610Glenn Quintos Albano v. Commission on Elections Catalina G. Leonen-Pizarro Vs. Commission on ElectionsCongress may set the qualifications of party-list nominees, but a rule barring anyone who lost an election the year before from being a party-list nominee is unconstitutional because it treats losing candidates unfairly without good reason.
  28. 28G.R. 251978-80Anecita C. Suyat, Asano E. Aban, and Marcelino P. Endi v. Court of Appeals, Office of the Ombudsman, and Commission on AuditUsing the wrong kind of petition to reach the Supreme Court made the Court of Appeals' decision final, and in any case three town officials were rightly dismissed for buying over P1 million of farm chemicals without public bidding.
  29. 29G.R. 236118Act Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Bayan Muna Rep. Party-List Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, and Anakpawis Rep. Party-List Ariel "Ka Ayik" Casilao v. House of Representatives Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu, Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, and Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Arthur Defensor, Jr. Laban Konsyumer, Inc. and Atty. Victorio Mario a. Dimagiba Vs. Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea, Department of Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Caesar R. Dulay, House Speaker Pantaleon D. Alvarez in Representation of the House of Representatives, and Senate President Aquilino D. Pimentel III in Representation of the SenateThe Supreme Court upheld the TRAIN Act (Republic Act No. 10963) as constitutional, finding that it was validly passed and that its fuel and coal excise taxes did not violate due process or equal protection.
  30. 30G.R. 235534Edward R. añonuevo v. Cbk Power Company, Ltd. (Cbk), Hiroshi Tanimura (Chief Administrative Officer-Cbk), Servillano Dunglao (Vp for Administration-Cbk), and Tcs Manpower Services, Inc. (Tcs)A company that hires workers through middlemen who are only labor-only contractors is treated as the workers' real employer, and it cannot lawfully dismiss them just because the contract with the middleman ended.
  31. 31A.C. 13588Miguel G. Navarrete and Miguelito G. Navarrete, Jr. v. Atty. Constante v. Brillantes, JrA lawyer who notarized a mortgage using only community tax certificates and private IDs as proof of identity broke the notarial rules and was suspended for six months.
  32. 32A.M. RTJ-23-029(Formerly Oca Ipi No. 19-4955-Rtj) Securities and Exchange Commission, Represented by Commissioner Emilio B. Aquino v. Hon. Oscar P. Noel, Jr., Presiding Judge, Branch 35, Regional Trial Court, General Santos City, South CotabatoA trial court judge who blocked a Securities and Exchange Commission cease and desist order was suspended for two years for gross ignorance of the law.
  33. 33A.C. 13664Atty. Pedro L. Linsangan v. Atty. F. George P. LuceroA lawyer who issues a check that bounces and then ignores the Integrated Bar's orders can be suspended from practicing law.
  34. 34G.R. 229394Hernando B. Perez, Rosario S. Perez and Ramon C. Arceo, Jr. v. Sandiganbayan and Republic of the Philippines Ernest de Leon Escaler Vs. Sandiganbayan and Republic of the PhilippinesThe government may proceed with a forfeiture case against a former Justice Secretary over about US$2 million allegedly extorted, because the delay did not violate the right to speedy disposition of cases and the earlier dismissal of the criminal cases did not bar it.
  35. 35G.R. 259422(Formerly Udk-17231) Kaimo Condominium Building Corporation v. Laverne Realty & Development CorporationA condominium corporation does not commit forum shopping just because individual unit owners filed a separate case, since a corporation is legally separate from its members and the two cases sought different things.
  36. 36G.R. 205699Manuel T. Zulueta v. Cyma Greek Taverna CoFiling a trademark application first does not win the mark if the applicant knew someone else was already using it, because that is bad faith.
  37. 37G.R. 228055Ronald Rey Tan Tismo v. Office of the Ombudsman, Basher Sarip Noor, and Manuel Castrodes FeliciaWhen a civil case raises a question that must be settled first, the Ombudsman may pause the criminal complaint but may not simply throw it out.
  38. 38G.R. 261882Arturo Realeza y Valenton v. People of the PhilippinesA person who offers someone for sex in exchange for money is guilty of trafficking in persons even if the sex never actually takes place.
  39. 39G.R. 224457Aniban Ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan Ng Hacienda Dolores (Anmhd/aniban), Inc. v. Fl Properties and Management Corporation and Lll Holdings, Inc.,* Department of Agrarian Reform Vs. Fl Properties and Management Corporation and Lll Holdings, IncThe Department of Agrarian Reform can take back an exemption it gave to a piece of land when the conditions that justified the exemption no longer exist, and a court cannot permanently stop it from doing so.
  40. 40G.R. 246318-19Arthur Cua Yap v. Sandiganbayan (Sixth Division) and People of the PhilippinesBecause the Ombudsman took more than three years to finish a preliminary investigation that the rules say should take days, the Supreme Court dismissed the graft charges against a former Agriculture Secretary.
  41. 41A.M. RTJ-16-2424(Formerly a.m. No. 15-12-390-RTC) Office of the Court Administrator v. Hon. Globert J. Justalero, Presiding Judge, Branch 32, Regional Trial Court, Iloilo City, and the Designated Assisting Judge of Branch 66, Regional Trial Court of Barotac Viejo, IloiloA judge who rushed through nullity of marriage cases while ignoring the required safeguards, and who solemnized marriages and notarized related papers without authority, was suspended for one year.
  42. 42G.R. 247798Constancia Javate-Asejo v. Justiniano Zantua Asejo and Republic of the PhilippinesA husband who never worked, depended entirely on his parents and wife, and could not grasp his duties to his family was found psychologically incapacitated, so the marriage was declared void.
  43. 43G.R. 205524Gerardo G. Sermona, Edin G. Cariola, Lolita G. Bartolo, Jesil R. Sermona, Charles Cariola, Remedios G. Garson, Anderson P. Garce, Epifania P. Garce, Jerry Mohello, Benjie Mohello, Sunny L. Estorco, Aida v. Garson, Josan G. Garson, Jeremias Estacion, Febie C. Estacion, Julita C. Paborada, Conrado Paborada, Juanito L. Grapa, Nardio R. Carola, Boboy F. Garie, Jarey P. Carola, Aileen P. Garie, Letecia P. Garie, Mercy P. Garie, Cristita P. Mohello, Patring Morello, Marivic Mohello, Emily M. Flores, Ailyn G. Villeres, Glini G. Garson, Jameson P. Cameon, Crispin G. Sarsuelo, Mesalyn G. Sarsuelo, Aurelia C. Grapa, Joevanie Paborada, Gerome G. Deniega, Anecita M. Tuanda, Ana Marie L. Rafael, Josefina M. Mabit, Jocelyn C. Estacion, Josa Garson, Gerom Garson, Rufina Estacion, Thelma Elisterio, Engracio C. Mabit, and Mercy G. Cameon/national Federation of Sugar Workers-Food and General Trades Vs. Hacienda Lumboy/manuel L. UyWorkers who claim to have been illegally dismissed must first prove with substantial evidence that the hacienda owner was their employer, and here they did not.
  44. 44G.R. 256242People of the Philippines v. Mark Anthony Paguinto y WaniwanA drug conviction can stand even if the charge sheet does not state how much drug was involved; the weight only affects the penalty, and the lowest penalty applies.
  45. 45G.R. 212269Presidential Commission on Good Government v. Office of the Ombudsman, Roberto v. Ongpin, Gerardo Agulto, Jr., Domingo Ingco, Bernardo M. Vergara, Federico Salcedo and Merle Jean O. DeenThe Supreme Court will not overturn the Ombudsman's decision to dismiss an anti-graft complaint unless the Ombudsman clearly abused its discretion, and here it did not.
  46. 46G.R. 235641Boracay Island Water Company v. Malay Resorts Holdings, IncA party does not commit forum shopping by also complaining to an agency that has no power over the matter, so the court case should not have been dismissed.
  47. 47A.M. P-22-053(Formerly Oca Ipi No. 15-4466-P) Judge Jaime B. Santiago v. Romelito G. Fernando, Utility Worker I, Branch 18, Regional Trial Court, , Tagaytay City, CaviteA court employee who withholds case records, ignores the Court's orders to answer a complaint, and takes money from a litigant faces heavy penalties even after being dropped from the rolls.
  48. 48G.R. 209516Angelina Villanueva v. Honorable Court of Appeals, Ninth Division, National Labor Relations Commission, First Division, University of the East, and the Members of the Board of Trustees of the University of the East, Namely: Chairman P.o. Domingo, (Deceased) and Now Replaced by Lucio Tan, Jaime J. Bautista, David O. Chua, Josefina Cortes, Corazon dela Paz, P. Siervo Dizon, Carmelita Mateo, Andres Narvasa, Jose Ngaw, Cornelio Peralta, Wilson Young and Dr. Ester GarciaA retired professor who later worked as a dean and part-time lecturer could not demand retirement pay at the higher rate of a regular law faculty member, because the university's retirement policy and her own contracts did not allow it.
  49. 49G.R. 186155Lapanday Foods Corporation v. Commissioner of Internal RevenueInterest earned from a few accommodation loans to affiliates is not subject to VAT, and the government's right to assess the first quarter of 2000 had already prescribed.
  50. 50A.C. 13471Melissa M. Masayon and Clifford M. Compas v. Atty. Ronaldo E. RentaA lawyer who asks for a personal reward before getting his clients to settle a family property dispute, and who insults people with offensive language, can be suspended from practicing law.
  51. 51G.R. 236628Marvin L. San Juan v. People of the PhilippinesA police officer who pointed a gun at a 15-year-old boy committed child abuse under R.A. No. 7610, not just grave threats, because pointing a gun at a child is cruel in itself.
  52. 52G.R. 236282Piolito C. Santos, Former Regional Manager of Nfa Regional Office No. 5 and All Concerned Employees of National Food Authority (Ro) of Region v; Eden E. Redillas and All Concerned Employees of Nfa Albay Provincial Office (Po); Yolanda R. Navarro, and All Concerned Employees of Nfa Albay P.o.; Virginia a. Garrucho, Jaime N. Esller, Marietta a. Antonio, Nerissa a. Marfiga, Restituto C. Donceras, Nernie B. Almero, Leticia U. Manlapaz, Romulo M. Leong, Catherine Rose a. Samson, Tesalona G. Tambago, Rosie C. Aviso, Osseta a. Timtim, Haydee C. Floresta, Arvin B. Lazaro, Nilo a. Manlapaz, Ebert C. Valiencia, Roman G. Masangkay, Marlon S. Esquillo, Ma. Antonina B. Esller, Dannah Jean S. Esguerra, and Cecil O. Gio, Nfa Masbate; Oscar Sg. Tubalinal and All Concerned Employees of Nfa Catanduanes Po; All of Whom Are Represented by Piolito C. Santos in His Capacity as Former Regional Manager of Nfa Region v v. the Honorable Commission on Audit Leloisa M. Apellanes, Eriberto v. Atibagos, Visitacio G. Buo, Jr., Florife a. Cayasa, Vernie L. Echin, Rustom D. Ecle, Cecilia B. Eniola, Girlie D. Enoya, Carlos v. Esculano, Rico B. Española, Samuel a. Go, Jr., Vicente D. Graven, Remedios P. Gulfo, Carmen C. Gutang, Fe M. Juanite, Lope M. Llamera, Rosendo B. Mondaya, Gerliza L. Mula, Art D. Ocado, Grace C. Orejas, Roberto J. Pajo, Roberto P. Pareja, Ranel E. Pasigna, Cirilo a. Polinar, Jayso R. Pontillas, Julieta y. Porpayas, Edna B. Resnera, Jocelyn L. Reyes, Rolando C. Sindo, Benedicto D. Tresmaria, and Elena a. Viajar, Represented by Felicity Mae E. Ecleo, All of Whom Are Officials and Employees of the National Food Authority – Surigao del Norte Provincial Office Vs. the Honorable Commission on Audit Nelly B. Ramos, Representing All the Concerned Officials and Employees Who Are Presently Connected and Working With the National Food Authority – Abra Provincial Office Vs. the Honorable Commission on Audit ] Guadelyn O. Esperancilla, Representing All the Concerned Officials and Employees Who Are Presently Connected and Working With the National Food Authority – Northern Leyte Provincial Office Vs. the Honorable Commission on Audit Divinagracia O. Antolin, Representing All the Concerned Officials and Employees Who Are Presently Connected and Working With the National Food Authority – La Union Provincial Office Vs. the Honorable Commission on Audit Gondelina U. Alda and All Concerned Employees of National Food Authority, Marinduque Provincial Office – Province of Marinduque; Gondelina U. Alda in Her Capacity as Officer-in-Charge of Nfa Marinduque Provincial Office and All Concerned Employees of National Food Authority, Marinduque Provincial Office – Province of Marinduque; Tomas R. Escarez and All Concerned Employees of National Food Authority Regional Office No. IV Vs. the Honorable Commission on Audit Alejo J. Tamayo, Former Provincial Manager of National Food Authority Laguna Provincial Office and All Concerned Officers and Employees of Nfa Laguna Provincial Office, Herein Represented by Alejo J. Tamayo Vs. the Honorable Commission on Audit Joseph M. Candava and All Concerned Employees of National Food Authority Occidental Mindoro Provincial Office Vs. the Honorable Commission on Audit Carlito G. Co, Regional Manager, et al., All of National Food Authority – Regional Office No. 1, San Juan, La Union Vs. the Honorable Commission on Audit Apolinario J. Buerano, Former Provincial Manager, and All Concerned Officers and Employees of National Food Authority – Lagunda Provincial Office Vs. the Honorable Commission on Audit Emmanuel L. Villanueva and All Concerned Officials and Employees of National Food Authority – Tuguegarao, Cagayan Provincial Office Vs. the Honorable Commission on Audit Vilma H. Zaraga, Former Regional Manager, et al., National Food Authority, Regional Office No. Viii Vs. the Honorable Commission on Audit ] Beverlyn P. Peralta, in Her Capacity as Provincial Manager of the National Food Authority–ilocos Norte Provincial Office, Fortunato B. Bulao, in His Capacity as Provincial Manager of the National Food Authority – Ilocos Sur Provincial Office, Ramon B. Cuaresma, in His Capacity as Provincial Manager of the National Food Authority – Eastern Pangasinan Provincial Office, Binalonan, Pangasinan, Rolando S. Rufo, in His Capacity as Provincial Manager of the National Food Authority – Western Pangasinan Provincial Office, Cecilia a. Concubierta, in Her Capacity as Provincial Manager of the National Food Authority – Benguet Provincial Office, Miguel S. Tecson, in His Capacity as Provincial Manager of the National Food Authority – Kalinga Provincial Office, Roberto C. Gonzales, in His Capacity as Provincial Manager of the National Food Authority – Batangas Provincial Office, Zaldy C. Tan, in His Capacity as Provincial Manager of the National Food Authority – Southern Leyte Provincial Office, Ruben M. Manatad, in His Capacity as Provincial Manager of the National Food Authority – Eastern Samar Provincial Office Vs. the Honorable Commission on Audit, Concerned Officials and Employees of the National Food Authority – Isabela Provincial Office, Represented by Leslie a. Martinez, Its Former Provincial Manager Vs. the Honorable Commission on Audit Concerned Officials and Employees of National Food Authority – Laguna Provincial Office (Nfa – Lpo), Represented by Its Former Provincial Manager Alejo J. Tamayo; Concerned Officials and Employees of National Food Authority – Quezon Provincial Office (Nfa – Qpo), Represented by Ma. Lewina a. Tolentino, Division Chief of the Inventory Management Division; Concerned Officials and Employees of National Food Authority – National Capital Region – South District Office (Nfa – Ncr – Sdo), Represented by Jaime S. Hadlocon, Its Former Provincial Manager Vs. the Honorable Commission on AuditThe National Food Authority's food and grocery incentives had no legal basis and were rightly disallowed, and the employees who received them must return the money, while approving officers are excused only if no earlier disallowance had warned them.
  53. 53G.R. 258682Ireneo Magno y Montano v. People of the PhilippinesQuickly touching the private parts of two teenage girls in a public plaza is lascivious conduct against children, and the Court raised the man's penalty and the damages.
  54. 54G.R. 233088People of the Philippines v. Rogelio Mendoza y Samson, Hector Cornista y Reotutar, Alvin Labra y Cornista, Brian Ho y Barbosa, Ricardo Banaay y Sinangote, Joel Dionaldo y Atinta, Isidro Inosanto y Arguelles, Freeman Bagares y Roberto, Ricardo Abalos y Manuso, Romeo Rayga y Banco, Antonio Batucan y Abanilla, Gary Batan, Pedro Sorima, Elorde Bitanghol, and Andy Quintana Hector Cornista y Reotutar, Alvin Labra y Cornista, Brian Ho y Barbosa, Ricardo Banaay y Sinangote, Joel Dionaldo y Atinta, Isidro Inosanto y Arguelles, Freeman Bagares y Roberto, Ricardo Abalos y Manuso, Romeo Rayga y Banco and Antonio Batucan y AbanillaNine men were convicted of kidnapping a woman for ransom because she clearly identified them, and their alibis could not defeat that identification.
  55. 55G.R. 248140Jacqueline S. Uy v. 3tops de Philippines Estate CorporationOnce a foreclosed property is no longer redeemable, the buyer is entitled to a writ of possession as a matter of right, even if a case questioning the foreclosure is still pending.
  56. 56G.R. 242286Globe Telecom, Inc. v. Kay Abastillas EbitnerAn employee cannot be fired for fraud or serious misconduct just because she skipped a company procedure; the employer must prove she acted with wrongful intent.
  57. 57G.R. 244414Land Bank of the Philippines v. Sprint Business Network and Cargo Services, Inc. Represented by Its Vice-President Irene Velasco, and Spouses Albert Velasco and Irene VelascoA bank loan clause that lets the bank adjust interest is valid when the borrower gets notice, and can disagree and pay off the loan, so a foreclosure based on those rates stands.
  58. 58G.R. 136506Republic of the Philippines v. the Honorable Aniano a. Desierto as Ombudsman,* Eduardo Cojuangco, Jr.,* Juan Ponce Enrile, Maria Clara Lobregat,* Rolando dela Cuesta, Jose Eleazar, Jr.,* Jose C. Concepcion, Danilo Ursua, Narciso Pineda, and Augusto OrosaThe Ombudsman was wrong to dismiss the coco-levy anti-graft complaint as too old, but the Supreme Court ordered the complaint dismissed anyway because the case sat for over eight years during preliminary investigation, violating the respondents' right to a speedy disposition of their case.
  59. 59G.R. 231648Republic of the Philippines v. Nieto a. Racho Nieto a. Racho Vs. Republic of the PhilippinesAppeals from a regional trial court's decision in a forfeiture case against a public official go to the Sandiganbayan, not the Court of Appeals, and bank deposits that a public official cannot explain can be forfeited to the State.
  60. 60G.R. 252423Department of Environment and Natural Resources-­provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Denr-Penro) of Virac, Catanduanes, and People of the Philippines v. Eastern Island Shipping Lines CorporationA court cannot forfeit a truck used in illegal lumber transport without first letting an owner who was not in the case prove it had no part in the crime.
  61. 61G.R. 209691Gabriel B. Diclas, Antonia S. Dianson, Carlos Ansis, Joseph a. Soypaan, Corazon Soypaan, Rita Biador, Merto Saldet, Imelda Ingosan, Myrna Basanes, Grace Solano, Marcelo Catanes, Valentino C. Sec-Open, Dixson S. Anches, Carlos Anches, Jr. and Francis Que, Jr. v. Maximo Bugnay, SrSomeone who accuses another of fraud in getting an ancestral land title must actually prove it with evidence, and the Supreme Court will not re-weigh facts already found by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.
  62. 62G.R. 217137Land Bank of the Philippines v. Paramount Finance CorporationLand taken for agrarian reform must be paid for at its value when the State took it, and land with a slope of 18% or more is exempt from the program and must be returned to its owner.
  63. 63G.R. 244842People of the Philippines v. Ruel Alagaban y BonafeA search warrant filed in a faraway court for a vague fear of leaks is invalid, so drugs found with it cannot be used to convict anyone.
  64. 64G.R. 169649The Heirs of the Late Domingo Barraquio, Namely Glenn M. Barraquio, Maria M. Barraquio, Gregorio Barraquio, Divina B. Onesa, Ursula B. Reformado, and Editha Barraquio v. Almeda Incorporated the Heirs of the Late Domingo Barraquio Represented by Glenn Barraquio Vs. Almeda Incorporated and the Court of AppealsLand awards to farmers cannot be cancelled on the strength of an exemption order that is not yet final, and here the Court found the land was agricultural, so the farmer's awards were restored.
  65. 65G.R. 258526Manila Credit Corporation v. Ramon S. Viroomal and Anita S. Viroomal, Office of the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court of Parañaque City, as Represented by Atty. Jerry R. Toledo and Sheriff Alejandro P. Abrematea, and the Register of Deeds of Parañaque CityA lender cannot enforce sky-high interest and penalties just because the borrower signed the contract, and a court can cut them down to the legal rate.
  66. 66G.R. 252971People of the Philippines, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Alejandro Navual Abarratigue, Raul Roberto Tapia, and Analiza Mabonga Bagro, Accused-AppellantsA mayor cannot buy land for the town just because the budget has money for a project, because he still needs the town council's specific approval.
  67. 67A.C. 13466(Formerly Cbd Case No. 16-5156) Maricel H. Artates v. Atty. Meinrado Enrique a. BelloA lawyer who does not tell his client about an unfavorable decision, causing her to miss her appeal, can be suspended for six months, even if he handled the case for free.
  68. 68G.R. 245982-83Philippine Pizza, Inc. v. Michael a. Oraa, Bernardito* R. Garcia, Jr. and Consolidated Building Maintenance, IncA contractor already recognized by the Supreme Court as legitimate is treated as the real employer of the workers it deploys, but it still cannot dismiss them for abandonment just because they missed a few days of work.
  69. 69G.R. 211701Florentino G. Dueñas, Jr. v. People of the PhilippinesAn employee who sells a company car and keeps the money is guilty of qualified theft of the sale proceeds, not carnapping, and his penalty was lowered because a newer law raised the property values used to set penalties.
  70. 70G.R. 247564Serafin Manarin v. Leoncia Manarin, Eliza Manarin-Altarez, Francisca Manarin-Gonzales, Domingo Manarin-Gonzales, Obdulia Manarin-Pamplona, and Fely Panganiban as Attorney-in-FactA trial court that is carrying out its own final judgment may clarify who keeps the land title and may replace a title that a non-party refuses to surrender, without being accused of changing the judgment.
  71. 71G.R. 250539Dhy Realty & Development Corporation v. the Honorable Court of Appeals-Special Sixth Division, Construction Industry Arbitration Commission, Sheriff of the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines, and Wing-an Construction Development CorporationA company that did not answer a construction arbitration because it said notices went to the wrong address could not undo the award, since the notices went to the address in its own latest corporate filing.
  72. 72G.R. 205986Gma Network, Inc. and Citynet Network Marketing and Productions, Inc. v. Abc Development Corporation (Abc), Media Prima Berhad, and Mpb Primedia, IncWhen a dispute depends on technical facts that a specialized government agency is best placed to judge, the courts should let that agency look at it first, and a complaint filed with a defective certification against forum shopping can be dismissed.
  73. 73G.R. 204479Rudy Chua and Cai Changcheng v. the Hon. Secretary of Justice and Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group-Task Force Subic (Pasg-Tfs)Courts will not overturn the Secretary of Justice's decision to file criminal charges unless there is grave abuse of discretion, and a person's defenses are for the trial, not the preliminary stage.
  74. 74G.R. 249135Dr. Peter Stephen S. Samonte v. Antonio B. Jumawak, Marina M. Tinonga, Nestor I. Epo, Cornelio R. Tabad,* Samuel L. Emia, Arfel D. Daan, Omar G. Bayron, Willie James a. Wong, Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao and Roberto y. Uy,** Provincial Governor, Province of Zamboanga del NorteA municipal health officer who liquidated his cash advances late, without any sign of corruption or deliberate defiance, was guilty only of simple misconduct and not dismissed from service.
  75. 75G.R. 205241Concepcion a. Vizcarra, Feliciano a. Vizcarra Married to Maria Luisa a. Vizcarra, Victor a. Vizcarra, Evarista a. Vizcarra, and Dionisio a. Vizcarra v. Lilia Vizcarra-Nocillado, Antonio a. Vizcarra, Norma Vizcarra-Sanchez, Rizalina Vizcarra-Hinkley, and Julieta v. Hunter-SuttonA birth record that names the supposed father is not proof of paternity unless the father himself took part in making it, so relatives who could not prove their father's parentage lost their claim to an inheritance.
  76. 76G.R. 249323People of the Philippines v. Isagani Laurence de Guzman Nicolas and Leonardo Rosario Nicolas, JrAn Ombudsman investigator who demanded PHP 3 million to make complaints disappear was convicted of direct bribery, but his companion was acquitted because being present and making introductions did not prove he agreed to the crime.
  77. 77A.C. 13376(Formerly Cbd No. 19-6116) Crisente L. Caparas v. Atty. Alwin P. RacelisA lawyer who takes a client's fee and then does nothing for over a year, and does not keep the client informed, can be suspended from practice and made to return the money.
  78. 78G.R. 228150Karlos Noel R. Aleta v. Sofitel Philippine Plaza ManilaA hotel that put slides over its kiddie pool without enough safeguards is responsible for injuries to two small children who used the pool, and it must pay damages.
  79. 79G.R. 250979People of the Philippines v. Rene Esma y JovenA trial judge may approve a drug suspect's plea bargain to a lesser offense even if the prosecution objects, because plea bargaining is a court procedure that the Supreme Court controls.
  80. 80G.R. 257733James Billoso y Obligar v. People of the PhilippinesA trial court cannot approve a drug plea bargain over the prosecution's objection without first looking at the evidence and ruling on that objection.
  81. 81G.R. 256253People of the Philippines v. Romel Vale y PalmariaA man can be convicted of raping a child even when she was knocked unconscious, if a chain of strong circumstances points to him, and an Information lacking the provincial prosecutor's signature does not strip the court of jurisdiction.
  82. 82G.R. 248890Ma. Cecilia P. Ngo v. Fortune Medicare, Inc. and Dr. Alfonso SahagunAn employer cannot fire a manager for loss of trust and confidence unless it shows a reasonable basis that the manager was actually responsible for the wrongdoing.
  83. 83A.C. 11032Re: Order Dated 01 October 2015 in Crim. Case No. 15-318727-34, Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 49, Manila, Against Atty. Severo L. BrillantesA suspended lawyer can resume practice by filing a sworn statement that he served his suspension; certifications from the IBP or courts are no longer required.
  84. 84G.R. 182734Bayan Muna Party-List Representatives Satur C. Ocampo and Teodoro a. Casiño, Anakpawis Representative Crispin B. Beltran, Gabriela Women'S Party Representatives Liza L. Maza and Luzviminda C. Ilagan, Rep. Lorenzo R. Tañada III, and Rep. Teofisto L. Guingona III v. President Gloria Macapagal­-Arroyo, Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Secretary of the Department of Energy, Philippine National Oil Company, and Philippine National Oil Company Exploration CorporationThe Supreme Court struck down a 2005 deal among the national oil companies of the Philippines, China and Vietnam to survey for oil in the South China Sea, because searching for oil is exploration and the deal broke the Constitution's rules on natural resources.
  85. 85G.R. 250636Merlinda Plana v. Lourdes Tan Chua and Heirs of Ramon ChiangA true landowner who was not at fault keeps the land even against a bank-like lender who honestly relied on a fraudulent title, so the mortgage on her lot was cancelled.
  86. 86G.R. 263061Glenda Buray Ecleo v. Commission on ElectionsThe Commission on Elections took seven years to decide whether to charge a governor with overspending, and that unexplained delay violated her right to a speedy disposition of her case.
  87. 87G.R. 219425Violeta C. Magaso v. the Hon. Commission on AuditA government accountant who certifies that a payment's supporting documents are complete and proper cannot escape liability by saying she merely relied on others or signed as routine.
  88. 88G.R. 255509Edwin D. Rodriguez and Michael T. Defensor v. Commission on Elections, Maria Josefina G. Belmonte, Gian Carlo G. Sotto, Wilfredo B. Revillame, and Elizabeth a. DelarmenteA complaint for vote-buying fails if it rests only on unsupported video clips and screenshots, with no witness affidavits to prove the elements of the offense.
  89. 89G.R. 214223Republic of the Philippines v. Spouses Jovito and Kathleen BercedeA court can order a lost land title to be rebuilt only if the law's strict requirements are followed, and a petition that skips them must be dismissed.
  90. 90G.R. 237322Civil Service Commission v. Po1 Gilbert FuentesThe Civil Service Commission can generally appeal to the Supreme Court when a lower court overturns its decision, and a police officer who drew his gun over a traffic incident and shot a man was properly dismissed for grave misconduct.
  91. 91G.R. 258424Philippine Health Insurance Corporation v. Commission on Audit, Represented by Its Chairperson, Michael G. AguinaldoPhilHealth cannot hand out allowances and benefits to its staff on its own, because it needs the President's approval, so most of the payments were disallowed, though longevity pay was allowed.
  92. 92G.R. 244587Amil P. Sula, Gaspar S. Asi, and Hussien K. Malig, Sr. v. Commission on Elections, in Its Official Capacity as the National Plebiscite Board of Canvassers Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi- Vs. Commission on Elections, in Its Official Capacity as the National Plebiscite Board of CanvassersThe Supreme Court upheld the Commission on Elections' handling of the Cotabato City plebiscite, so Cotabato City stays in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
  93. 93A.M. P-14-3248(Formerly a.m. No. 14-6-66-MTC) Office of the Court Administrator v. Virgilio M. Fortaleza and Norberta R. FortalezaCourt employees who tamper with receipts and pocket court funds are punished severely, and a clerk of court who retires cannot escape forfeiture of benefits and repayment of what was taken.
  94. 94G.R. 243259Patricia Halagueña, Ma. Angelita L. Pulido, Ma. Teresita P. Santiago, Marianne v. Katindig, Bernadetta a. Cabalquinto, Lorna B. Tugas, Mary Christine a. Villarete, Cynthia a. Stehmeier, Rose Ana G. Victa, Noemi R. Cresencio and Other Female Flight Attendants of Philippine Airlines Vs. Philippine Airlines, IncA union contract that forces female flight attendants to retire at 55 while male attendants retire at 60 is discriminatory against women and void.
  95. 95G.R. 255668Jeremy Reyes y Collano v. People of the PhilippinesA person can still be convicted of illegal possession of a firearm even when the drug charges from the same police operation fail for broken evidence handling.