July 2024

43decisions
  1. 01G.R. 266310Philippine Institute of Petroleum, Inc., Isla Lpg Corporation, Ptt Philippines Corporation and Total (Philippines) Corporation v. Department of EnergyOil companies were not entitled to a court order blocking a Department of Energy circular that makes them report their price details, because the law lets the DOE monitor oil prices and the circular does not fix prices.
  2. 02G.R. 242296Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board v. Central Mindanao Construction Multi-Purpose Cooperative Rep. by Its Chairman Noel O. Gascon and Harry M. LusterioA contractors' licensing board cannot force cooperatives to turn into corporations by its own resolution, because its rules need the President's approval and the law does not stop cooperatives from doing construction work.
  3. 03G.R. 221043Nozomi Fortune Services, Inc. v. Celestino a. NaredoA manpower agency is a labor-only contractor, even if it is registered with the labor department and has plenty of money, when it has no tools or equipment tied to the actual job and the client controls the workers.
  4. 04G.R. 265651Tj Lending Investors, Inc., Represented by Ted Joseph B. Punzalan v. Spouses Arthur Ylade and Lita Ylade and the Register of Deeds of ManilaA property cannot be sold on execution for the debt of someone who does not own it, and a land title saying the owner is married does not by itself prove the land belongs to the couple.
  5. 05G.R. 239983Republic of the Philippines, Represented by Major General Dionisio R. Santiago, Commanding General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Afp) Visayas Command v. Spouses Johnny and Chona YuThe government cannot take title to land it expropriated decades ago if it never proved it paid just compensation and never registered its claim, so buyers holding a valid title keep their property.
  6. 06G.R. 266713George P. Cabreros and Barmel B. Zumel v. Commission on Audit Jessie Mario B. Dosado Vs. Commission on Audit, Hon. Maria Carmen Delos Santos, Hon. Jeannelyn v. Dulay, and State Auditor Jaime v. SerranoArmy procurement officers who acted in good faith, and who received none of the money, do not have to return a disallowed purchase payment, even though the purchase should have gone through public bidding.
  7. 07G.R. 209449Republic of the Philippines v. National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Register of Deeds – Baguio City, Land Registration Authority, Heirs of Lauro Carantes, Dimson Manila, Inc., Joan L. Gorio, and Certain Jane Does and John DoesBaguio City is outside the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act except for native title, which requires indigenous peoples to still be in actual possession of the land today.
  8. 08A.M. 23-04-05-SCRe: Illegal Campaign and Activities in Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Central Luzon Allegedly Perpetrated by Atty. Nilo DivinaA lawyer who paid for costly trips for officers of an Integrated Bar of the Philippines region, and the officers who accepted them, were fined PHP 100,000.00 each for simple misconduct, even though the Court found no proof of illegal campaigning.
  9. 09G.R. 264661Clarylyn a. Legaspi, Romeo R. Domondon, Jr., Bartolome F. Dulatre, Alejandro J. Sison, Nestor M. Jovellanos, Jerryson T. Ico, Roel P. Dinong, Fernando D. Bautista, Babylaine C. Aqui, Grace U. Dulatre, Omar G. Valdez, Reynaldo a. Soquila, Cresencio I. Belamide, Carlo M. Cabaobao, Cristy R. Reynado, Jhon Paul E. Cayabyab, Ruperto P. Boton, Thelma P. Velano, Adelaida v. Boton, Marie Cynara Panay, Oneil C. Jovero, Shekinah Tolentino, Mario Jimenez, Vergel T. Perez, Rachelle Anne Perez, Christopher R. Milanes, Laudemer I. Fabia, Irish Cherry T. Busto, Janlee Rey F. Sabado, Kenneth B. Gotoc, Imelda a. Cueva, and Maricel B. Gotoc Vs. Commission on ElectionsVoters who doubt an election result cannot force the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to recount a whole province on mere suspicion, and they must first make a proper request for information through COMELEC's own process before going to the Supreme Court.
  10. 10A.M. P-15-3342(Formerly Oca Ipi No. 09-3074-P) Judge Tomas D. Lasam v. Ronald L. Mamauag, Clerk of Court II, Municipal Trial Court, Rizal, CagayanA court clerk who has someone else fill in his attendance logbook for nine months, and whose time records do not match it, is dismissed from the service for serious dishonesty and falsification.
  11. 11G.R. 258449Juan Juan Olila Ollesca v. Commission on ElectionsThe Commission on Elections cannot call someone a nuisance candidate just because he lacks the money or fame to run a nationwide campaign; it must show with evidence that he has no real intention to run.
  12. 12A.M. P-24-150(Formerly Oca Ipi No. 13-4030-P) Froilan E. Ignacio v. Paul Christopher T. Balading, Sheriff III, Branch 33, Metropolitan Trial Court, Quezon CityA sheriff who seizes goods from someone who is not the judgment debtor, without even demanding payment first, commits grave abuse of authority and can lose his benefits and pay a heavy fine.
  13. 13A.M. P-24-140(Formerly Jib Fpi No. 22-110-P) Antolyn D. Gonzales v. Dwight Aldwin S. Geronimo, Sheriff IV, Branch 121, Regional Trial Court, Imus, CaviteA court sheriff who used the court's free-mail privilege to send his own personal reply was fined for simple misconduct, but an administrative case cannot find him guilty of the crime of misusing that privilege.
  14. 14A.M. P-24-121(Formerly Oca Ipi No. 18-4890-P) Ricky Hao Monion v. Vicente S. Sicat, Jr., Sheriff IV, Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Angeles City, PampangaA court sheriff who lifts a levy on property without a court order, and who already has six past administrative penalties, can be dismissed from service even for a less serious offense like simple neglect of duty.
  15. 15G.R. 264260Iloilo I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Ileco I), Iloilo II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Ileco II), and Iloilo III Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Ileco III) v. Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, Energy Regulatory Commission Chairperson Hon. Monalisa C. Dimalanta, the House of Representatives and Senate of the Republic of the Philippines as Component Houses of the Congress of the Philippines, and the More Electric and Power CorporationThe Constitution does not allow exclusive public utility franchises, so Congress may let a new power distributor operate in areas already served by electric cooperatives when it finds that competition serves the common good.
  16. 16G.R. 266636Philharbor Ferries and Port Services, Inc. v. Francis C. CarlosA company officer is not personally liable for business losses unless the company proves, with clear and convincing evidence, that he acted in bad faith or with gross negligence.
  17. 17G.R. 265481The People of the Philippines v. Xxx265481, Panfilo Delgado Lade, Jr., Reynaldo Logronio dela Torre, Jr.,* and Yyy265481,**; Panfilo Delgado Lade, Jr. and Reynaldo Logronio dela Torre, JrA witness's identification of attackers from a photo gallery at the police station can be trusted if it was made soon after the crime, the witness had a clear view, and the police did not point him to the suspects.
  18. 18G.R. 265123People of the Philippines v. Ronnel Buenafe BercadezA charge for carrying a knife outside one's home under B.P. Blg. 6 must also allege that the carrying was connected with subversion, rebellion, lawless violence, criminality, chaos or public disorder, or the charge can be thrown out.
  19. 19A.C. 10985Atty. Randy Serrano v. Atty. Rose Beatrix Cruz-Angeles and Atty. George Ahmed G. PaglinawanLawyers cannot be punished over Facebook posts unless the complainant proves the posts came from them, and even then posts about a client's case and criticism of officials are protected speech unless shown to be false or malicious.
  20. 20G.R. 268527Erika Karizza T. Polintan,* as Sole Proprietor of Kariz Polintan Atelier v. Arlene C. MalabananAn employee who does work needed in the employer's business is a regular employee, and an employer who leaves a laid-off worker out of work for more than six months after reopening has illegally dismissed her.
  21. 21G.R. 270580People of the Philippines v. Jose Roel Bragais y Sison and Alfredo Tacuyo y EvangelistaA person with an intellectual disability can be a credible witness, and a conviction for murder can stand on the clear eyewitness account of such a witness.
  22. 22G.R. 251502Pedro C. Llevares, Jr., Provincial Treasurer (Ret.), Ma. Lucina Laroa Calapre, Officer-in-Charge-Provincial Accountant (Ret.), Joseph Altiveros Duarte, Provincial Budget Officer, and Catalino Opina Olayvar, Provincial General Services Officer v. Office of the Ombudsman, and Field Investigation Office 1, Office of the OmbudsmanWhen the Ombudsman takes too long to decide an administrative case and the respondents are harmed by the delay, their right to a speedy disposition of the case is violated and the case must be dismissed.
  23. 23G.R. 271081Dexter Bargado y Morgado v. People of the PhilippinesWhen a law postpones an election, the original election period disappears, so a person arrested for carrying a gun during that supposed gun-ban period can no longer be convicted of violating the gun ban.
  24. 24G.R. 262944People of the Philippines v. Gianne Carla Thanaraj y GloriaA wife convicted of killing her husband was acquitted because the prosecution did not prove beyond reasonable doubt that she stabbed him with intent to kill, and her words to bystanders were not clear and definite admissions.
  25. 25G.R. 236605Carmelita C. Cruz and Vilma Low Tay, Doing Business Under the Name and Style "Republic Shoes and Handbags Manufacturing," v. Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company, Pablita M. Migrino (Clerk of Court and Ex­-Officio Sheriff, Regional Trial Court , Pasig City) and Alvaro D. Mijares (Sheriff IV, RTC, Pasig City) in Re: Ex-Parte Petition for Issuance of a Writ of Possession, Etc., Metropolitan Bank and Trust CompanyA bank cannot go ahead with foreclosing a mortgage while a final court ruling says its own records are too unreliable to show whether the loan was fully paid.
  26. 26A.M. RTJ-24-071(Formerly Oca Ipi No. 18-4785-Rtj) Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels, Inc., Represented by Gerardo R. Palmero v. Hon. Brigido Artemon M. Luna II, Presiding Judge, Branch 196, Regional Trial Court, Parañaque CityA judge cannot be disciplined for gross ignorance of the law over wrong rulings in a case while the court remedies are still open and without proof of bad faith, but he can be reprimanded for mocking a lawyer in court.
  27. 27G.R. 263060Pinag-Isang Lakas Ng Mga Manggagawa Sa Lrt (Piglas), Sammy Malunes, Lorna F. Salon, Ronaldo I. Estrella, Manolo E. Santos, Jayson P. Liwag, Florife a. Blas, Joey a. Loberiano, Jaime D. Barcoma, Allan M. Marang, Catalino M. Melegrito, John M. Biscocho, Rodrigo C. Sarasua, Rolando M. Perez, Eduardo O. Roque, Rufino B. Gaurano, Jr., Paul v. Legaspi, Ponciano M. Zamora, John R. Nuñez, Joey J. Sabanal, Lilibeth R. Casiño, Euclida S. Gaurano, Natalia a. Payongayong, Justino B. Asaytuno, Jr., Eduardo S. Mañosca, Alberto S. Asis, Jr., Wilhemine T. Polintan, Ronaldo a. Gelle, Vicente Ramirez, Joel G. Evangelista, Ricardo C. Santos, Maximo Vitangcol, Arnold E. Estores, Antonio Villamor, Jr., Benjamin Candole, Orlando Macayba, Eduardo L. Berba, Hernani M. Libantino, Estela R. Atienza, Carlito R. Manzanilla, Edmundo B. Quemada, Crispin G. Yapchiongco, Teofilo Riz L. Mocorro, Jr., Edgardo F. Vicillaje, Edward M. Diaz, Renato L. Tapalla, Ariel I. Dimawala, Ramir R. Gordo, Mateo C. Hao, Jr., Benjamin a. Abidin, Brendo M. Makiling, Marito N. Hebreo, Daniel F. Ijiran, Wilfredo G. de Ramos, Editha L. dela Rosa, Fernando C. Mallari, Rodolfo v. Gamboa, Marilyn M. Bravo, Alberto O. Bravo, Generoso C. Raposa, Reinerio v. Ripay, Edward F. Mariano, Reggie B. Felixmenia, Desiderio S. Mosqueda, Jr., Elizalde D. Janapin, Apolinario M. Polgen, Cyril T. Mayor, Victor C. Sanchez, Edmundo a. Liongson, Jr., Alberto T. dela Cruz, Rogelio v. Lumaban, Santiago D. Clarin, Rolando P. de Guzman, Carlos O. Samonte, Jr., Ricardo B. año, Jr., Alfonso C. Trinidad, Jr., Melchor C. Regalado, Arthur B. Hermitanio, Alejandro M. Diaz, Ronnie M. Gonzales, Dennis T. Cruz, Rosell L. Villanueva, Elmer B. Cruz, Maynardo Maur a. Mendelbar, Edgardo L. Espinosa, Jessie a. Duque, Mario S. dela Cruz, Crisanto S. Magnaye, Agripino a. Gorospe, Jr., Elpidio P. Vargas, Reden a. Nolasco, Ernesto a. Serena, Rhodelio G. Cruz, Rodolfo C. Camerino, Carlos D. Bandilla, Melchor G. Alarcon, Edwin R. Juat, Manuel M. Flogio, Reynaldo S. del Rosario, Ramon R. Amigleo, Felix N. Arriola, Pascual D. Paragas, Glicerio M. Sayat, Jr., Ricardo D. Evangelista, Joselito G. Concio, Ramon R. Caguiat, William O. Villanueva, Romeo F. Mirafuente, Jose Mari a. Cenidoza, Romeo G. Tagud, Quigao Romulo, Eduardo dela Cruz Santos, Michael Romblon, Romeo M. Plaganas, Jaime C. Abulencea, Ricardo D. Dalusong, Dana S. Kingking, Elmer Bobadilla, Delia C. Cupcupin, Marlon E. Santos, Allan J. Cortez, Joenel G. Baliguat, Joel a. Maraño, Eduardo a. Aguila, Ariel a. Bustamante, Bernardino G. Matias, Aquilino J. Eben, Crisendo C. Casas, Enrique L. Flores, Edgardo C. Ramos, Exejeson Evangelo B. Ruazol, Leopoldo M. Cazeña, Serwin S. Barrera, Gerardo R. de Guzman, Valentin D. Borbon, Laurence B. Sacdalan, Noel B. Esgasane, Ronilo C. de Vera, Guillermo H. Duman, Pedro G. Tesiorna, Cezar Battung, Allan R. Aturba, Michael a. Guinto, Francisco F. Flores, Mauricio O. dela Cruz, Jr., Atilano G. Job, Ruben T. Bernal, Agnes v. dela Cruz, Dante P. Mendoza, Larry M. Hernandez, Maria Rutchie R. Relimbo, Emerson R. Lumabi, Wilfredo R. Bandiala, Jeremiah v. Mahinay, Raymundo C. Litan, Jr., Cesar B. Cuenco, Jr., Reynaldo T. Ignacio, Joseph P. Rodriguez, Cesar CAñete, Nelson J. Labayo, Clarymar D. Estoque, Godofredo M. Belino, Artemio B. Salig, Arnold M. Dimalanta, Rainero L. Gako, Neptale S. Padasas, Nelfred M. Deletina, Anastacio G. Janavan, Jr., Robinson D. Vinzon, Silvestre Alvano, Wilfredo R. Bandila, Rodolfo C. Herese, Danilo a. Mariano, Medwin Mesina, Larry Orate, Danilo Rivera, Ruel Magbalana, Godofredo Bueno, Larry Tan, Jose Mari a. Cenidoza, Harold Flores, Antonio H. Balangue, Jr., (Dec.) Rep. by Wife, Dinah E. Balangue, Ronald G. Reyes (Dec.) Rep. by Wife Emelita G. Reyes, Teresita M. Velasquez (Dec.) Rep. by Sister Lolita v. Balansag, Pampilo P. Balasbas (Dec.) Rep. by Daughter Lileth a. Balasbas, Isidro T. Cortes (Dec.) Rep. by Wife Marilou M. Cortes, Armando Nodado (Dec.) Rep. by Gliceria v. Nodado, Ricardo Patriarca, Jr., (Dec.) Rep. by Wife Josephine G. Patriarca, Arnold Dv. Mendoza (Dec.) Rep. by Wife Cecilia T. Mendoza, Virgilio C. Cruz (Dec.) Rep. by Wife Almira Cruz, Danilo P. Yu (Dec.) Rep. by Wife Angelina G. Yu, Jesus C. Fajardo (Dec.) Rep. by Wife Rodelyn R. Fajardo, Teofanes G. Tesiorna (Dec.) Rep. by Wife Wilma P. Tesiorna, Gregorio P. Salvedia (Dec.) Rep. by Wife Veronica G. Salvedia, Peter C. Dia (Dec.) Rep. by Daughter Diana F. Dia, Reynaldo C. Verano (Dec.) Rep. by Wife Ma. Victoria a. Verano, Ariel a. Magno (Dec.) Rep. by Wife Victoria R. Magno, Alberto H. Ramos (Dec.) Rep. by Son Alberto y. Ramos, Jr., Antonio v. Legaspi (Dec.) Rep. by Wife Emily P. Legaspi, Aurelio a. Pagtakhan (Dec.) Rep. by Antonette C. Pagtakhan, Edmundo G. Gonzales (Dec.) Rep. by Wife Imelda N. Gonzales, Restituto Felipe (Dec.) Rep. by Son Jimmy a. Felipe, Arnulfo S. de Lara (Dec.) Rep. by Wife Zenaida de Lara, Victor Babiera, Anthony de Luna, Elmer Cruz, Giovanni v. Muescan, Ma. Elizabeth M. Reyes, Edison Jose Z. Dordas, George B. dela Cueva, Enrique P. Español, Luisito C. dela Cruz, Jose Edwin S.j. Borja, Rolando B. Canlas, and Leuvino M. de Lima Vs. Commission on Audit (COA), Light Rail Transit Authority (Lrta) and Metro Transit Organization, Inc. (Mtoi)The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) cannot be made to pay the illegal dismissal award of the former employees of its subsidiary Metro, because labor tribunals have no power over LRTA, a government corporation under its own charter.
  28. 28G.R. 252124Bohol Wisdom School, Dr. Simplicio Yap, Jr., and Raul H. Deloso v. Miraflor MabaoA school cannot suspend a teacher for getting pregnant outside marriage, because the law judges morality by public and secular standards and not by religious ones.
  29. 29G.R. 208788Quezon City Government Represented by Honorable Herbert M. Bautista, in His Capacity as City Mayor of Quezon City, and Tomasito L. Cruz, in His Capacity as the City Planning and Development Officer and Zoning Official of Quezon City v. Manila Seedling Bank Foundation, Inc., Represented by Its President and Chairman, Lucito M. Bertol Manila Seedling Bank Foundation, Inc., Represented by Its President and Chairman, Leonardo D. Ligeralde Vs. Quezon City Government, Represented by Hon. Herbert M. Bautista, in His Capacity as City Mayor of Quezon City, Gen. Elmo San Diego, in His Capacity as Head, Department of Public Order and Safety (Dpos), Roger Cuaresma, and Cameran, M.j., and Other Members of the DposA city cannot use its zoning ordinance to take away rights that a presidential proclamation gave to a foundation, and it cannot foreclose and seize land owned by a tax-exempt government agency for unpaid taxes of the user.
  30. 30A.M. MTJ-23-017(Formerly Oca Ipi No. 19-3073-Mtj) Aldrin B. Magaoay v. Hon. Ateneones S. Bacale, Presiding Judge, Municipal Circuit Trial Court, Biliran-Cabucgayan, BiliranA judge who helped his wife collect money from a supplier for a rigged government medicine contract was dismissed from the service for gross misconduct.
  31. 31G.R. 215166Edgar M. Rico v. Ernie "Toto" Castillo, Pifiano Jumo, Gerry Villegas, Alfrance Alicante, Felix Yagao, John Does, and Marilou Lopez a.k.a. Ma. Loreto v. Abella-LopezIn a forcible entry case, only who was in physical possession first matters, and nobody, not even a person who wins an eviction case, may use force to remove someone instead of going through court execution.
  32. 32G.R. 250313Hedcor, Inc. v. Commissioner of Internal RevenueA renewable energy developer gets zero-rated VAT on its purchases only if it has the required Department of Energy certification, so without one it paid real input VAT and may claim a refund from the government.
  33. 33G.R. 269657The People of the Philippines v. Leonardo Banaag, JrA killing can still be murder by treachery even when the victim had received death threats, because what counts is whether the actual attack was sudden and left the victim defenseless.
  34. 34G.R. 235673Philippine National Construction Corporation v. Felix M. Erece, Jr., Janice Day E. Alejandrino, Miriam M. Pasetes, Yolanda C. Mortel, and Henry B. SalazarLabor arbiters, not the Commission on Audit, hear money claims of employees of a government corporation without an original charter, but a benefit that goes against COA rules can be stopped and is not protected by the rule against reducing benefits.
  35. 35G.R. 264268Chris Art L. Normandy, Owner, Valkyrie Construction v. Mary Ann CabailoA complaint against someone who does construction work without a contractor's license belongs before the contractors' licensing board (PCAB), not the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), because a rule of the DTI cannot override the law.
  36. 36G.R. 268457Xxx,* v. People of the PhilippinesA parent's right to discipline a child does not cover beating the child with excessive, violent means, and such beating can be child abuse when the force used shows an intent to degrade the child.
  37. 37G.R. 266116David H. Carnabuci v. Harryvette Rowena Tagaña-Carnabuci, Joselyn B. Espiritu,*and "John Does,"Young children under seven stay with their mother after the parents separate unless there are compelling reasons otherwise, and a mother working abroad is not treated as absent if she still looks after and supports them.
  38. 38G.R. 210970Local Water Utilities Administration v. R.d. Policarpio & Co., IncA government lender that approves a construction contract, controls the funds and pays the contractor can be held liable together with the borrower for the contractor's unpaid claims, even though it signed only as an agent and lender.
  39. 39A.C. 13982(Formerly Cbd Case No. 19-5970) Myrna Gomez Stewart v. Atty. Crisaldo R. RiofloridoA lawyer who takes a client's fees, does nothing, ignores her messages, and keeps her money and papers can be suspended from law practice, and the Court gives a separate penalty for each wrong.
  40. 40A.C. 14013Jyq Holdings & Mgt. Corp. Represented by Carlos M. Ambrosio III v. Atty. Zafiro T. LauronA lawyer who receives money from a client for a specific purpose must account for it with receipts and return what he cannot justify, and he cannot just keep money for his own fees when the client disputes them.
  41. 41G.R. 201881Spouses Flavio P. Bautista and Zenaida L. Bautista v. Premiere Development Bank, Substituted by Security Bank Savings Corporation, and Atty. Pacita Araos,* Senior Assistant Vice President and Acting Head of Legal and Collection GroupA bank whose foreclosure sale was void and whose 10-year deadline has passed cannot foreclose again, and it also cannot sue to collect the loan, because filing for foreclosure was its choice of remedy.
  42. 42G.R. 257219(Formerly Udk No. 16941) Tullett Prebon (Philippines), Inc. v. Commissioner of Internal RevenueA company claiming a tax refund can prove its income was reported through the combined weight of its records, and its past tax returns are accepted as proof of earlier excess credits unless the tax bureau shows they are false.
  43. 43G.R. 232269(Formerly Udk 15799) Shela Bacaltos Asilo v. Presiding Judge Maria Luisa Lesle G. Gonzales-Betic, Branch 225, Regional Trial Court, Quezon CityTo have a foreign divorce recognised in the Philippines, the petition itself must state the foreign spouse's nationality and national law allowing the divorce and remarriage, and these must be proven in court.