November 2024

47decisions
  1. 01G.R. 251518Del Monte Land Transport Bus Company, Don L. Morales, and Eileen Flores v. Romeo M. Jaranilla, Marlon H. Guantero, and Jesus B. DomanaisAn employee who wins an illegal dismissal case before the Labor Arbiter is paid reinstatement wages for the entire appeal, until a higher body finally reverses the ruling, and does not have to return them if the employer eventually wins.
  2. 02G.R. 263047Spouses Noel John M. Kaw** and Josephine Caseres-Kaw,*** v. Heirs of Marilyn Nodalo, Manuel S. Olaso, Manuel S. Olaso III, Lea Lim-Tidma, Nerissa S. Orejo, Zenaida Chiquillo, Ivy Orolfo, Ronnie Gomez, and Gina NuarinSellers cannot cancel a land sale over terms that are not in the written contract, and buyers who file the same claim in two courts commit forum shopping.
  3. 03G.R. 219686Gil Apolinario v. Heirs of Francisco de Los Santos, Represented by Edwin Delos SantosA school principal who supervises a school activity is answerable for the negligence of a minor pupil he directs, but a death-benefit claim for lost income needs real proof, not just the court's notice of a salary.
  4. 04G.R. 271934Heirs of Aquilino Ramos, Represented by Wilbur M. Ramos, Marilou G. Ilagan, Lydia Galarrita, Benjamin Galarrita, the Municipal Assessor of Alubijid, Misamis Oriental, and Provincial Assessor of Misamis Oriental v. Prosalita Bagares and Danton Bagares, Represented by Proserfina Galarrita ] Marilou G. Ilagan, Benjamin Galarrita, and Elyer Galarrita Vs. Prosalita Galarrita Bagares and Danton Bagares, Represented by Proserfina GalarritaA deed of sale that was tampered with is void and passes no ownership, and buyers of unregistered land cannot claim to be buyers in good faith.
  5. 05G.R. 261323Captain Ramon R. Verga, Jr. v. Harbor Star Shipping Services, IncA seller who can no longer deliver the shares he agreed to sell must return the money he was paid, even if the deal was only oral.
  6. 06G.R. 254452Heirs of Ferdinand Roxas, Namely: Angela Margarita T. Roxas, Dyan Paula T. Roxas, Michael Jude T. Roxas, and Maria Katrina T. Roxas v. Heirs of Melania Roxas, Namely: Manuel a. Roxas, Maria Rosario Roxas-Ureta, Alexander a. Roxas, Salome Roxas-Pantaleon, Paul Gerardo Roxas, Elaine Roxas Gamboa, Ma. Imelda Roxas-Cruz, and David Anthony RoxasWhen a parent pays for land but puts the title in a child's name, the law presumes the parent gave it to the child, and that presumption is not overturned just because the parent kept using the property.
  7. 07G.R. 252944Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Pacific Hub CorporationThe Court of Tax Appeals can review the tax commissioner's denial of a request to cancel penalties if it was a grave abuse of discretion, and the BIR must give reasons and a prior assessment before seizing property.
  8. 08G.R. 255466Bbb255466,* v. People of the PhilippinesA man who kept beating and threatening his live-in partner, and who touched his seven-year-old daughter sexually, was convicted of both offenses, with the penalties adjusted by the Supreme Court.
  9. 09G.R. 242255Province of Sulu, Duly Represented by Its Governor, Abdusakur a. Tan II Philippine Association of Islamic Accountants , Inc., Represented by Its President, Amanoding D. Esmail, Cpa, et al.; Governor Esmael G. Mangudadatu, et al.; and Algamar a. Latiph, et al.-in-Intervention; v. Hon. Salvador C. Medialdea, in His Capacity as Executive Secretary; Honorable Eduardo M. año, in His Capacity as Officer-in­-Charge of the Department of Interior and Local Government; the Honorable Senate of the Philippines; the Honorable House of Representatives; the Honorable Commission on Elections; Honorable Jesus G. Dureza, in His Capacity as Secretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process; Bangsamoro Transition Commission; and Moro Islamic Liberation Front Philippine Constitution Association Vs. Senate of the Philippines, Represented by Senate President Honorable Vicente Sotto III; House of Representatives, Represented by Speaker Honorable Gloria Macapagal Arroyo; and Office of the President, Represented by Executive Secretary Honorable Salvador Medialdea Cong. Abdullah D. Dimaporo and Cong. Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo Vs. Commission on Elections , as Represented by Hon. Chairperson Sheriff AbasThe Supreme Court finally refused to reverse its ruling that the Province of Sulu is not part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, because Sulu's people voted against the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
  10. 10G.R. 263811Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Fort 1 Global City Center, IncTax assessments are void if the BIR's notices were handed to people whose authority to receive them for the taxpayer was never checked, even if the taxpayer later protested.
  11. 11G.R. 270174People of the Philippines v. Peter Gerald Scully a.k.a. "Peter Russell" a.k.a "Peter Riddel" and Carme Ann Alvarez a.k.a. "Honey Sweet" a.k.a. "Sweet Sweet"Luring and keeping children for sexual exploitation is qualified trafficking in persons, and an accused who keeps delaying the trial can be treated as having given up the right to present a defense.
  12. 12G.R. 256649Romeo Ilao y Argente v. People of the PhilippinesA search warrant must describe the place to be searched so clearly that police cannot pick the house themselves, and evidence from a defective search cannot convict.
  13. 13A.C. 11478Spouses Andre and Ma. Fatima Chambon v. Atty. Christopher S. RuizThe Court forgave a lawyer's lifetime ban from being a notary public because he showed remorse and community service and the ban was too harsh under current rules.
  14. 14G.R. 265579Joel Pancho Bigcas v. Court of Appeals and People of the PhilippinesA barangay councilor who took PHP 200.00 for fare to check an applicant's permit, and meant to treat it as a loan, was acquitted of graft because he had no dishonest purpose.
  15. 15G.R. 254757Dominador T. Villanueva, Jr., Edmundo L. Yasay, Edgardo M. Adalia, et al. v. Sugar Regulatory Administration, Represented by Its Administrator and Board of Directors, Governance Commission for Government Owned and Controlled Corporations, Represented by Its Chairman and Board of Commissioners, and Department of Budget and Management, Represented by Its Department SecretaryGovernment employees who retired under an approved early retirement program are entitled to their retirement benefits, and the agencies involved must process and release them even after years of delay.
  16. 16G.R. 260547Xxx260547,* v. People of the PhilippinesA man convicted under the Anti-VAWC law was acquitted because the charge sheet never said his wife suffered mental or emotional anguish, so it did not properly charge a crime.
  17. 17G.R. 269372Ryan M. Sumile v. People of the PhilippinesA parent who beats up and threatens another person's child at school commits child abuse, even if he was angry because his own son had been hit.
  18. 18A.C. 13959Maria Charisse Ann Sucgang-Perez,* v. Atty. Ma. Aurora Paredes Sore-RomanoA lawyer who is dishonest with a client, files a defective petition that gets dismissed, ignores the client's requests for updates and defies the IBP can be suspended for five years and fined.
  19. 19A.M. P-24-179Michelle C. Soloria v. Alberto R. David, Utility Worker I, Municipal Circuit Trial Court, Alcala-Bautista, Alcala, PangasinanA court employee who openly admits having relationships with women other than his legal wife, and shows no remorse, can be dismissed from the service for gross immorality.
  20. 20G.R. 234694Mario Geraldo Tan, Oscar Jingapo Lopez, Glenn Biancingo Castillo, Perlita Gemperoa Jumapao, and Sofronio Tillor Magdadaro v. People of the PhilippinesManagers of a government-owned corporation can be tried by the Sandiganbayan even if their salary grade is below 27, and a procurement-law offense committed in relation to their office is within that court's reach.
  21. 21G.R. 254046Spouses Orencio S. Manalese and Eloisa B. Manalese, and Aries B. Manalese v. the Estate of the Late Spouses Narciso and Ofelia Ferreras, Represented by Its Special Administrator, Danilo S. FerrerasA buyer of titled land who ignores red flags in the seller's title and in the Registry of Deeds records is not an innocent purchaser, and the true registered owner gets the property back.
  22. 22G.R. 249832People of the Philippines v. Monico BadilloA killing is only homicide, not murder, unless the prosecution proves that the attacker deliberately chose a method of attack that left the victim no chance to defend himself.
  23. 23G.R. 232581National Electrification Administration, Represented by Its Administrator, Edgardo R. Masongsong v. Oscar C. Borja and Venancio B. ReguladoThe National Electrification Administration cannot, through its own memorandum, make electric cooperative directors automatically resigned once they file certificates of candidacy, because no law gives it that power.
  24. 24G.R. 261627Godofredo v. Arquiza Vs. People of the PhilippinesStatements made in a petition filed before a quasi-judicial body such as the COMELEC are absolutely privileged and cannot be the basis of a libel conviction, if they meet certain tests.
  25. 25A.C. 11889Re: * Dated August 30, 2017 in Omb-C-C-13-0357, Etc. v. Atty. Editha P. Talaboc, Atty. Delfin R. Agcaoili, Jr., and Atty. Mark S. OliverosLawyers accused of letting others use their notarial seals are not punished without real proof, but lawyers who ignore the Integrated Bar's orders can be penalised for that.
  26. 26G.R. 265223Noe R. Pagarao, Jr. and Rebecca Caballa v. Immaculada T. TrinidadA landowner cannot use an unlawful detainer case against someone who entered her land without her permission, even if she later tolerated their stay.
  27. 27G.R. 259992Department of Budget and Management Procurement Service v. Jac Automobile International Philippines, IncA government head of procurement cannot cancel a bidding just by saying the project will not benefit the government; the reason must be shown and explained.
  28. 28G.R. 196517Heirs of Antonio Lopez Namely Feliza Lopez-Julian, Maria Lopez-Udon, Pedro Lopez, Merilo Lopez, Sylvia Lopez-de Pana, Julio Lopez, Panfilo Lopez and Leotiquio Lopez, Represented by Leotiquio Lopez v. Spouses Felix and Marita EmpaynadoA forged deed of sale is void and an action to undo it does not prescribe, but a plaintiff who cannot prove that they own the land still loses a case for reconveyance.
  29. 29G.R. 233909Ernesto M. Tellez and Jovino M. Tellez, Represented by Melania T. Magpale v. Spouses Jose Joson and Jovita JosonA farmer who received land under the agrarian reform program cannot validly sell or give it up, so court judgments that enforced such a giveaway are void and do not bar the farmers from getting the land back.
  30. 30G.R. 272145Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company v. Spouses Rodolfo Antonino and Rosa Marina Antonino Rodolfo W. Antonino, Petitioner, Vs. Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company , RespondentA real estate mortgage with a "dragnet clause" does not automatically cover every other debt the borrower owes the bank; the other loans must be described in the mortgage or refer back to it.
  31. 31G.R. 267580Catalino E. Fajardo, George T. Prudencio, Norberto L. Gubian,* Jayson R. Sanguyo,** Gaudioso a. Bacsal, Jr., Ireneo L. Loyola,*** Danton B. Nuevo, Jr., Joey M. Calimlim, Juanito M. Sorosoro, Jr., and Jhoemar G. Fajardo v. San Miguel Foods, Inc. (B­ Meg Plant 1) and Nasario Sarceda, Jr., Operations ManagerMinimum wage workers whose lawyer abandoned them can be given more time to file a case, because rules of procedure should not defeat their right to be heard.
  32. 32G.R. 270870People of the Philippines v. Xxx270870 and Yyy270870Selling a child to foreigners for sex is qualified trafficking, and a child's apparent consent or delay in reporting does not excuse the traffickers.
  33. 33G.R. 259467People of the Philippines v. Magdalena K. Lupoyon, Clark Chatongna Ngaya, Edmundo Challiis Sidchayao, Fernando Yacam-Ma Cablog, Albert T. Marafo, and Danilo Rabina LucasSkipping public bidding on a government project is not automatically graft; the prosecution must still prove actual loss to the government and bad faith or gross negligence.
  34. 34G.R. 267140People of the Philippines v. Larissa Nadel DominguezRecruiting a minor under the pretext of a babysitting job to work as a bar entertainer is qualified trafficking in persons, even if she was never forced into sexual intercourse.
  35. 35G.R. 263155Omercaliph M. Tiblani, Criselle S. Sune, Maria Genelin L. Licos, Quintin Dwight G. de Luna, Marie Christine G. Danao and Other National Economic Development Authority Central Office Non-Managerial and/or Rank and File Employees Listed in Annex "a" v. Commission on Audit (COA)The Court agreed that NEDA's Cost Economy Measure Award was properly disallowed, but let the rank-and-file employees keep what they received.
  36. 36G.R. 256053Vice Mayor Peter Bascon Miguel v. Eliordo Usero OgenaA challenge to an elected city mayor's eligibility based on something that existed before the election must be filed with the COMELEC within 10 days of proclamation, while a regular court can hear a quo warranto case only for defects that arose or were discovered during the term.
  37. 37G.R. 259520Maria Lina P. Quirit-Figarido v. Edwin L. FigaridoA person who herself entered a bigamous marriage cannot go to court to have that marriage declared void, because only the injured spouse of the earlier, still-existing marriage has the right to ask for that.
  38. 38A.C. 12354Maria Victoria L. Yao, Gerardo a. Ledonio, and Ramon a. Ledonio v. Atty. Leonardo a. AurelioOnly the wronged spouse or other direct victims can bring a disbarment complaint for a lawyer's extramarital affair, but the lawyer was still disbarred for gross negligence as executor of a will.
  39. 39G.R. 249678Quezon for Environment, Atimonan Power to the People, Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (Pmcj) Incorporated Center for Energy, Environment and Development (Ceed) Incorporated Sanlakas, Monsignor Emmanuel Ma. L. Villareal, Rev. Fr. Warren R. Puno, Reynaldo Upalda, Fr. Edwin Gariguez, Gerard Arances, Bibiano Rivera, Jr., Marie Margaruerite Lopez, and Erwin Puhawan v. Hon. Salvador Medialdea, in His Capacity as Executive Secretary, Senior Undersecretary Jesus Cristino P. Posadas, in His Capacity as Chair of the Energy Investment Coordinating Council, and John and Jane DoesThe Supreme Court upheld Executive Order No. 30, which speeds up government permits for major energy projects, because the President may streamline how executive agencies work and the order does not remove environmental requirements.
  40. 40G.R. 248680Migrante International, Feliza B. Benitez, Jennifer Borbe, Maria Lovina Castro, Michelle Custodio, Ervie Fuentes, Fatima Mampo, Elvira Montero, Rosario J. Valdesco, Verna Villancio, Neri Colmenares, Carlos Isagani T. Zarate, Ferdinand Gaite, Eufemia Cullamat, Bayan Muna Partylist Representatives; Arlene D. Brosas, Gabriela Women'S Party Representative; Francisca L. Castro, Act­-Teachers Partylist Representative; and Sarah Jane I. Elago, Kabataan Partylist Representative v. Social Security System, Represented by Carlos G. Dominguez III, in His Capacity as Chairman, Aurora C. Ignacio, SSS President and Vice-Chairman, Department of Foreign Affairs, Represented by Teodoro Locsin, Jr., in His Capacity as Secretary, and Department of Labor and Employment, Represented by Silvestre H. Bello III, in His Capacity as Secretary, and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Represented by Its Administrator Bernard OlaliaThe Supreme Court upheld the law that makes Social Security System coverage compulsory for overseas Filipino workers, but struck down the rule that made land-based workers pay SSS contributions before they could get their Overseas Employment Certificate.
  41. 41G.R. 263627Ronald B. Boado v. Florence C. Galvez-Boado and the Republic of the PhilippinesA marriage can be declared void for psychological incapacity even if the spouse seemed able to do his duties for years, as long as the incapacity comes from a genuine, deep-rooted psychic cause that existed before the marriage.
  42. 42G.R. 226859Perlita Rodriguez,* v. Laura ElordeWhen an accused person dies while the case is still pending, the criminal case ends, so the Supreme Court dismissed the estafa case against Perlita Rodriguez.
  43. 43G.R. 261113Hilario Cosme y Terenal v. People of the PhilippinesA licensed security guard who carries the firearm his agency issued under a Duty Detail Order is not guilty of illegal possession of firearm just because the gun turns out to be unlicensed, if he believed in good faith that it was licensed.
  44. 44G.R. 271967Rolly B. Laqui, Sr. v. Alex E. Sagun, Nelia S. Espiritu, Katherine Marie T. Sagun, Herein Represented by Mary Jane S. CuevasA court may decide a case early, without a pretrial conference, when the defendant's answer raises no real issue; and a tenant cannot deny the landlord's title that existed when the lease began.
  45. 45G.R. 264652Daalco Development Coration v. Palmas del Mar Homeowners Association (Pdm-Hoa), Represented by Gil Fernandez, PresidentA subdivision developer cannot be forced to donate the land holding its water system to the city, or to hand management of the water system to the homeowners' association.
  46. 46G.R. 269159The City of Caloocan, Represented by Its City Mayor, Dale Gonzalo R. Malapitan v. the City of Malabon, Amado S. Vicencio, Mark Allan G. Yambao, Danilo v. Dumalaog, Lauro B. Borja, Cynthia a. Gutierrez, Ricky R. Bernardo, Edilberto G. Torres, Payapa v. Ona, Isagani P. Santos, Benjamin Galauran, Arnold D. Vicencio, Maria Luisa Roque, Alfonso Mañalac, Venancio Sevilla, Pablo C. Cabrera, and Rogelio D. YangaWhen two cities both claim the same area, it is a boundary dispute that must first go to their city councils, so a court petition attacking the law as unconstitutional was premature.
  47. 47G.R. 267310Fleet Marine Cable Solutions Inc. v. Mjas Zenith Geomapping & Surveying Services, Mr. Samson Lato and Travellers Insurance and Surety CorporationThe construction arbitration body, CIAC, cannot hear a dispute over a contract for marine surveys only, because there was no construction contract or construction activity behind it.