January 2026

53decisions
  1. 01G.R. 225427Carmelita M. Mercado v. Heirs of Serafin de Guzman, Represented by Reynaldo de GuzmanThe agrarian reform adjudication board can only hear real agrarian disputes, meaning fights over tenancy or similar farming arrangements, and it cannot decide who should be given land under agrarian reform, which is for the Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary.
  2. 02G.R. 276920Spouses Quirino Roni T. Baterna and Marites M. Baterna v. National Transmission CorporationWhen the government's power company put up transmission lines on private land years before filing an expropriation case, the land is valued as of the year the lines went up, but the owners are made whole by adjusting that value for the time money has lost, plus damages for the land left useless.
  3. 03G.R. 276927Janito M. Sedenio v. People of the PhilippinesSending threatening and humiliating text messages to a woman you are or were in a relationship with can be a crime under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, and the woman's own credible testimony is enough to prove the emotional distress.
  4. 04A.M. SC-25-007Judicial Integrity Board v. Ricardo C. Aviles, Jr., Utility Foreman, Supreme Court Personnel Division, Office of Administrative ServicesA court employee who tests positive for illegal drugs for the first time must be given treatment and rehabilitation first, instead of being punished right away, because drug dependence is treated as a health problem.
  5. 05G.R. 266431Pedro P. Isican v. People of the PhilippinesEven for an offense where intent does not matter, the State must still prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused himself did the forbidden act on land that is really forest land.
  6. 06A.M. RTJ-25-103(Formerly Jib Fpi No. 22-112-Rtj) Anonymous v. Hon. Kathleen Rosario D. dela Cruz-Espinosa, Presiding Judge; Atty. Charisse Ann D. Alvaro, Clerk of Court v; Kristine Bless a. de Guzman, Court Legal Researcher II; Mailene a. Caparroso, Interpreter III; Madonna L. Señorin, Court Stenographer III; Ginalyn S. Chu, Court Stenographer III; Edna P. Dionisio, Court Stenographer III; Jonathan a. Abarcar, Sheriff IV; Shernalyn M. Carian, Clerk III; Gerelyn M. Gabriel, Clerk III; Virgilio v. Magat, Process Server; Alejandro M. Batiles, Utility Worker I, All of Branch 91, Regional Trial Court, Quezon CityCourt employees who help arrange weddings that were never raffled and paid for through the Clerk of Court break Supreme Court rules and can be fined, even if the judge who did the wedding is the one mainly at fault.
  7. 07G.R. 227861Bank of the Philippine Islands v. Angela Cordoba,* Sps. Anastacio Sayson and Gloria Sayson, and Sps. Crispin and Lourdes DizonA mortgage document that the property owner did not really sign, because her signature was forged, is void and cannot secure any loan.
  8. 08G.R. 279718Edgardo G. Laguda v. Johnna M. Manguardia-Laguda and Republic of the PhilippinesA husband who says his marriage is void because the couple's sworn statement of living together was false, or because his wife is psychologically incapacitated, must prove it with clear and convincing evidence, and here he did not.
  9. 09G.R. 254500& 254503 Spouses Amancio Justiniana and Daisy Garay Justiniana v. Heirs of Federico and Florentino Doyog, Represented by Lourdes Deniega Heirs of Federico and Florentino Doyog, Represented by Lourdes Deniega Vs. Ana B. ZuluetaA private person who claims he owned land before a free patent was issued over it can sue to cancel the title, and a party who joined a trial without objecting cannot complain about the court's lack of jurisdiction only after losing.
  10. 10G.r. Blg. 210480 Mel v. Velarde at Angeline L. Macasaet, Mga Nagpetisyon, Laban Sa Kagalang-Galang Na Hukuman Ng Pag-Aapela Sa Buwis, Ikatlong Dibisyon, Kawanihan Ng Rentas Internas, at Kagawaran Ng Katarungan, Mga Respondente. D E S I S y O NOnce the tax evasion case against the petitioners was finally dismissed, their petition about the Court of Tax Appeals' handling of their motion became moot, so the Supreme Court dismissed it without ruling on the issues.
  11. 11G.R. 278545Lina Mamaongpong Simpal v. Amanda B. PraxedesA person's legal name is the one in her birth certificate, and using a different name on a government ID or in daily dealings without court permission can lead to charges of falsification and illegal use of an alias.
  12. 12G.R. 261757Office of the President v. Melchor Arthur H. CarandangThe President has no power to discipline or remove a Deputy Ombudsman, because the Constitution makes the Office of the Ombudsman independent.
  13. 13G.r. Nos. 266667; 266686; 266757; and 266762 Enrique C. Fernandez, Petitioner, Vs. Jaime C. Fernandez, Roberto C. Fernandez, and Ma. Elena C. Fernandez, Respondents. [g.r. No. 266686] Jaime C. Fernandez, Roberto C. Fernandez, and Ma. Elena C. Fernandez, Petitioners, Vs. Enrique C. Fernandez, Respondent. [g.r. No. 266757] Enrique C. Fernandez, Petitioner, Vs. Jaime C. Fernandez, Roberto C. Fernandez, and Ma. Elena C. Fernandez, Respondents. [g.r. No. 266762] Enrique C. Fernandez, Petitioner, Vs. Jaime C. Fernandez, Roberto C. Fernandez, and Ma. Elena C. Fernandez, Respondents.A man who filed a guardianship petition and a contract case at the same time to get the same result, control over his elderly mother, committed forum shopping, and the guardianship petition was dismissed while the other case was allowed to continue.
  14. 14G.R. 270856Heirs of Eustacio Bulawin, Namely: Lourdes B. Cimacio, Luisita B. Cajilla, Antonia B. Cajilla, Cristita a. Abao, Represented Herein by Their Co-Heir: Ruel C. Bulawin v. Arnel Llagas and Ernesto BulawinSharing a harvest with relatives, a custom called patikim or patilaw, does not prove that they co-own the land, and weak documents cannot defeat the title and long possession of the registered owners.
  15. 15A.M. P-12-3081(Formerly Oca Ipi No. 12-3869-P) "Mr. Abenes," v. Juliet L. Corpuz, a Locally Funded Employee, and Armando G. Ydia, Clerk of Court IV, Both of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (Mtcc), Baguio City, BenguetThe Supreme Court cannot discipline a city-paid employee who was placed in a court without the Court's approval, but it can punish that person for contempt of court.
  16. 16G.R. 254854And 256455 Khadafi Aloyodan y Macauco and Ryan Abdul Malik y Tarantanto v. People of the Philippines People of the Philippines Vs. Sanawiya Apaso* Calombang y Manua @ "Soraya Umpa", Khadafi Aloyodan y Macauco, Jamiey** Sarif y Balo, Ryan Abdul Malik y TarantantoDrug suspects must be acquitted when police do not mark the seized drugs right away and call the required witnesses only after the arrest.
  17. 17G.R. 278353And G.r. No. 278359 Sara Z. Duterte, in Her Capacity as the Vice President of the Philippines v. House of Representatives, Represented by Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, in His Capacity as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Reginald S. Velasco, in His Capacity as the Secretary-General of the House of Representatives, the Senate of the Philippines, Represented by Francis G. Escudero, in His Capacity as the President of the Senate; Atty. Israelito P. Torreon, Martin Delgra III, Atty. James T. Reserva, Atty. Hilary Olga M. Reserva, J. Melchor Quitain, Jr., Luna Maria Dominique S. Acosta, Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula, Al Ryan S. Alejandre, Dante L. Apostol, Sr., Conrado C. Baluran, Jessica M. Bonguyan, Louie John J. Bonguyan, Pilar C. Braga, Jonard C. Dayap, Edgar P. Ibuyan, Jr., Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod, Myrna G. Dalodo-Ortiz, Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus, Bonz Andre a. Militar, Alberto T. Ungab, Trisha Ann J. Villafuerte, Lorenzo Benjamin D. Villafuerte, Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III, Darwin G. Salcedo, Rodolfo Mande, Kristine May John Abdul Mercado, Lord Oliver Raymund Monfero Cristobal, and Lord Byron Monfero Cristobal Vs. House of Representatives, Represented by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, and Senate of the Philippines, Represented by Senate President Francis Joseph G. EscuderoThe Supreme Court refused, with finality, to reverse its ruling that the impeachment complaint sent to the Senate against Vice President Sara Duterte was barred by the one-year rule, and it spelled out the rules the House must follow when it starts an impeachment.
  18. 18G.R. 262551, 266971, and275314 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Llc (Formerly Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.) v. Oceanic Empire LimitedA hotel group's stylized, bold letter "W" logo is protected, so a real estate developer cannot register or keep marks built around a similar stylized "W", even though a plain letter "W" cannot be owned by anyone.
  19. 19G.R. 264862Republic of the Philippines v. Antonio v. MitraA landowner can remove the standard warning note on a reconstituted land title without publishing notices if more than two years have passed since the title was reconstituted and nobody has claimed an interest.
  20. 20G.R. 262969Protect Manicani Island Society Incorporated (Promisi), Represented by Fidelino M. Atregenio, Coordinator; United Manicani Metro Manila Residence Organization, Inc. (Ummmroi), Represented by Rogelio P. Gagap, President; and Hamorawon Manila Residence Elementary Batch Association, Inc. (Hmrebai), Represented by Myra F. Torres, Member v. Hon. Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, in Her Capacity as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Hinatuan Mining CorporationTo get a writ of kalikasan, a special court order protecting the environment, you must show with real evidence that the damage is huge and reaches at least two cities or provinces, and fear of harm alone is not enough.
  21. 21G.R. 272170Attys. Teodoro B. Pisón and Rosalina L. Pisón, Riverside Holdings Corporation, and Riverside Boardwalk Properties, Inc. v. City of Iloilo, Represented by Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, Office of the City Assessor of Iloilo, Represented by Mr. Cesar Jalbuena, Jr., Office of the City Treasurer of Iloilo, Represented by Engr. Jinny C. Hermano, and the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Iloilo, Represented by Vice-Mayor Jeffrey P. GanzonProperty owners who think a new city land-value schedule is too high must first use the remedies in the Local Government Code and go to the lower courts. They cannot go straight to the Supreme Court with questions that need proof.
  22. 22G.R. 233121-23& 233626-28 Bayan Muna Party-List Representatives Neri Colmenares and Carlos Isagani Zarate v. Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc., Globe Telecommunications, Inc., Smart Communications, Inc., and National Telecommunications Commission National Telecommunications Commission Vs. Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc., Globe Telecommunications, Inc., and Smart Communications, IncA government order that only lowers the fee phone companies charge each other for text messages does not automatically force them to lower what they charge their customers.
  23. 23A.M. RTJ-19-2570Office of the Court Administrator v. Winlove M. Dumayas, Former Presiding Judge, Branch 59, Regional Trial Court, Makati CityA judge who makes mistaken or flip-flopping rulings is not punished for gross ignorance of the law unless the error is about something elementary or was driven by bad faith, fraud or corruption.
  24. 24A.M. P-25-292(Formerly Jib Fpi No. 23-194-P) Office of the Court Administrator v. Emerose F. Denso, Former Clerk of Court II, Municipal Trial Court, Bulan, SorsogonA clerk of court who leaves large shortages in court funds and ignores orders to explain is penalized even after leaving the service: she loses her benefits, pays a fine, and must return the missing money.
  25. 25G.R. 277630Atty. Janus T. Jarder v. Committee on Public Accounts of the House of Representatives, Hon. Joseph Stephen S. Paduano, Hon. Romeo M. Acop, Hon. Gerville Luistro, Hon. Roger Gutierrez, Hon. Zia Adiong, Committee Secretariat James Francis Cancio, and Hon. Ferdinand Martin Gomez Romualdez, Speaker of the House, and Pmgen Napoleon C. Taas (Ret.), Sergeant-at-Arms, and All Those Acting for and in His BehalfA House committee's contempt orders stop having any effect when that Congress adjourns for good, so a court case challenging them becomes moot and is dismissed.
  26. 26G.R. 270575Autophil Zone Sales Corporation v. Director of Bureau of TrademarksA trademark that copies the dominant word of already registered marks for related goods can be refused registration, and IPO examiners do not need to present substantial evidence of confusion at the application stage.
  27. 27G.R. 246446Intestate Heirs of the Late Indalicio Monera v. Manila Bankers Life Insurance Corp. and Meycauayan Rural Bank,incAn insurance company may cancel a life insurance policy for hiding a serious illness, even if the person did not mean to cheat, and the two-year rule that protects policies from challenge did not apply to this very short policy.
  28. 28G.R. 259683Central Azucarera de San Antonio, Inc. and the Heirs of Antonio Steven Chan v. Casa Sugar Mill Workers Union-FfwAn employer may claim damages for illegal acts committed during a strike, but only against the officers or members who personally did them in bad faith, never against the whole union, and the labor tribunals, not regular courts, hear the claim.
  29. 29G.R. 267588Orophil Shipping International Co., Inc. and/or Santoku Senpaku Co., Ltd. v. Leve Lester Q. NavarraA seafarer declared fit to work by the company doctor just three days after the 120-day mark is not automatically treated as permanently disabled when the doctor had good reason for the short delay.
  30. 30G.R. 275805Manolo P. Samson v. People of the PhilippinesA shoe seller who copied the look of Caterpillar products was acquitted of unfair competition because the prosecution did not prove beyond reasonable doubt that he meant to deceive, given that the government had registered his CATERPILLAR mark.
  31. 31G.R. 270579People of the Philippines v. Yolanda G. Baylon and Rafael D. EstebanPeople who recruit and offer minors to customers for sex in exchange for money are guilty of qualified trafficking in persons and face life imprisonment.
  32. 32G.R. 273389People of the Philippines v. Orville Fua y Ano-Os, Rose Marie Tomogsoc y Villacampa, Natalio Bongcawel Jumawan, Jr., Sue Agnes Castillon y Aljas, and Merlyn Estallo LuGovernment officials who rush a purchase, ignore the bidding rules and hand the contract to an unqualified supplier can be jailed for graft, along with the supplier's representative.
  33. 33A.C. 13889(Formerly Cbd Case No. 18-5701) Ysmael v. Abo Vs. Atty. Gina P. BallebarA lawyer who repeatedly skips court hearings and ignores court orders while her client faces jail is guilty of gross negligence and was suspended for five years.
  34. 34G.R. 276833People of the Philippines v. Jose Olbato y Aurella,* Jaime Toleva y Camposano, Romeo Aruta y Fabiano, Rodrigo Aruta y Fabiano, Alberto Culanag y Frejoles, Spo4 Romeo Ayson y Sejira @ "Romy," Po3 Clayton Patingan y Amatic @ "Ricky / Bobot," Edwin Castillo y Igada, Lolita Monarez y Estrella, Sebastian Magaipo y Alipante, Mary-Ann Angcahan y Butilla, Jullien Madrid y Echavez @ "Marlou," Pepe Bihag y Baltazar, Yong Yong Mentis (at Large), Vina Argayoza (at Large), and Four John Does,**; Jose Olbato y Aurella, Jaime Tolevas y Camposano, Romeo Aruta y Fabiano, Rodrigo Aruta y Fabiano, and Alberto Culanag y FrejolesKidnapping for ransom is proven by the victim's clear identification and proof that ransom was demanded and paid, and a police officer who abducts someone for ransom is treated as a private person who committed the crime.
  35. 35A.M. 24-07-31-SCRe: Request of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament to the Supreme Court of the Philippines to Facilitate the Immediate Organization of the Shari'Ah High Court in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim MindanaoThe Supreme Court agreed to move toward organizing the Shari'ah High Court in the Bangsamoro region, and ordered its court offices to prepare the budget and staffing for it.
  36. 36G.R. 272465Concordia S. Pagkaliwangan, Alex B. Balde, and Other Officers and Employees of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap), Represented Herein by Captain Manuel Antonio L. Tamayo v. Commission on Audit and Leila S. Paras (in Her Capacity as Director IV, Cluster IV, Corporate Government Sector)Flying pay is meant for airmen and staff whose duties involve regular flights and its risks, not for administrators who merely ride planes to meetings, so the payments were disallowed, but the officers who approved them in good faith do not have to refund them.
  37. 37G.R. 213610Municipality of Bontoc, Hereto Represented by the Hon. Franklin C. Odsey, Municipal Mayor v. the Honorable Court of Appeals (Former Fourth Division), the Kalinga Anti-Pollution Action Group (Kapag), Inc., Represented by Its President, Rev. Luis AoasA court cannot order a town to dig up garbage from a closed dumpsite when the agreement that the court approved allowed removal only if the government agencies first found it technically sound and feasible, and they later found it was not.
  38. 38G.R. 256282, 256559, and257049 Republic of the Philippines, Represented by the Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the National Telecommunications Commission v. Royale Fishing Corporation, Bonanza Fishing and Market Resources, Inc., Rbl Fishing Corporation, and the Honorable RTC Judge Zaldy B. Docena, Branch 170, Malabon City Republic of the Philippines, Represented by the Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the National Telecommunications Commission Vs. Royale Fishing Corporation, Bonanza Fishing and Market Resources, Inc., and Rbl Fishing Corporation Oceana Philippines International, Pablo R. Rosales, and Ronaldo P. Reyes Vs. Royale Fishing Corporation, Bonanza Fishing and Market Resources, Inc., and Rbl Fishing CorporationThe Supreme Court struck down Fisheries Administrative Order No. 266, which required round-the-clock satellite tracking of commercial fishing vessels, because it was not a reasonable way to fight illegal fishing and it violated the fishing companies' rights.
  39. 39G.R. 279464Xxx279464 v. People of the PhilippinesA man who rubbed his private part against an eight-year-old girl was convicted of statutory acts of lasciviousness under the Revised Penal Code, not under the child abuse law, because a child that young cannot give any consent.
  40. 40G.R. 277496Michael E. Soriano,* v. Intestate Estate of Bryan G. Diano, Represented by Nemesia DianoAn employer who cannot back up a claim of careful hiring and supervision with real evidence is liable for the damages caused by an employee's negligent driving.
  41. 41G.R. 255900Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Semirara Mining and Power CorporationThe Local Government Code took away coal operators' exemption from local taxes only, so Semirara Mining keeps its exemption from national taxes such as VAT on its fuel imports and gets its refund.
  42. 42G.R. 271162Rolando M. Briso, Alfonso T. Dondoyano, Ryan N. Raagas, Diego E. Rosas, Bobbert P. Zamora, Alido D. Omlang, Edwin y. Labra, Jaymar L. Castillo, Leopoldo Lorenzo Jr., Hermes D. Alicabo, Francis John P. Zamora, Diego S. Aumentado, and Reynaldo a. Sobiono v. M. Lhuillier Taxi/ Michael J. Lhuillier – Owner/ Jay Vincent Jumapao – Manager/ Mark Mecinas – AuditorTaxi drivers who pay a daily boundary are employees, and a company that takes their taxis away without notice because of unpaid boundary has illegally dismissed them.
  43. 43G.R. 262830Benito Ramon v. Araneta and Brand Realty Corporation Vs. Republic of the PhilippinesIn a civil forfeiture case under the anti-money laundering law, the government may freeze a person's other assets of equal value even if those assets are not themselves linked to a crime, but only if it shows that the tainted assets can no longer be reached.
  44. 44G.R. 279413Errol B. Comafay, Jr. v. Commission on Elections and Paquinto B. SallayaA candidate's certificate of candidacy cannot be cancelled for a missing comma in his address, because a material misrepresentation must be a real, deliberate lie about his qualifications.
  45. 45A.m. No. 2025-047-Ret., a.m. No. 2025-051-Ret., and a.m. No. 25-11-16-Sc Re: Application for Compulsory Retirement Benefits of Atty. Maria Carina a. Matammu-Cunanan, Deputy Clerk of Court and Chief Administrative Officer, Office of Administrative Services, Supreme Court, Under Republic Act No. 910, as Amended by Republic Act No. 9946 [a.m. No. 2025-051-Ret.] Re: Application for Compulsory Retirement Benefits of Atty. Maria Teresa B. Sibulo, Division Clerk of Court, First Division, Supreme Court, Under Republic Act No. 910, as Amended by Republic Act No. 9946 [a.m. No. 25-11-16-Sc] Re: Legal Bases in Allowing Judiciary Officials With Judicial Rank to Retire Under Republic Act No. 910, as Amended by Republic Act No. 9946Court officials who were given the rank and privileges of a judge or Court of Appeals Justice may retire under the Justices' and Judges' retirement law, but only for the lump sum and pension, not for survivorship benefits or automatic pension increases.
  46. 46A.C. 11617Florentina v. Pablo-Tijing Vs. Atty. Eduardo O. CausapinA lawyer is not punished for a case that did not go the client's way unless the client proves, with solid evidence, wrongdoing or neglect that cost her her day in court.
  47. 47G.R. 272782People of the Philippines v. Elizabeth Espiritu MendozaA person who, without a license, promises overseas jobs and collects placement fees is guilty of illegal recruitment even if she claims to be only an employee or an applicant.
  48. 48G.R. 238975-76& 239050-51 Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, Inc., Formerly Known as Coca-Cola Femsa Phils., Inc. v. Menardo a. Osongco, Jr., Rhomel P. Protacio et al. Menardo a. Osongco, Jr., Noel v. Deocales et al. Vs. Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, Inc., Formerly Known as Coca-Cola Femsa Phils., Inc., and Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils., IncCoca-Cola's redundancy program, which abolished its sales department to cut costs, was a valid way to end the jobs of hundreds of employees, but the company still owed them wages for the period after the Labor Arbiter ordered their reinstatement.
  49. 49G.R. 271784Forever Manpower Services Agency, Inc., Ann Imelda Fidelino,* Nesmat Aljabalin Recruitment,** and Issa Ibrahim Al Mutairi,*** v. Honorable Court of Appeals (Former Seventh Division) and Larelyn Paulino MilagrosoA settlement signed with the help of a government labor desk officer is final and binding, and the NLRC and the courts cannot reopen it unless it was broken or was obtained through fraud, misrepresentation or coercion.
  50. 50G.R. 256320Faustine Feliz Abad v. People of the Philippines and Ght Travel and Tours, Represented by Johanna MoulicA court cannot keep a person from leaving the country through a precautionary hold departure order when the charges actually filed against her carry only light penalties.
  51. 51G.R. 268619Xxx v. People of the PhilippinesA husband who abandons his wife for another woman and causes her serious mental and emotional suffering can be convicted of psychological violence under the Anti-VAWC law.
  52. 52G.R. 265929Jade Karla Tan y Cabangon v. People of the PhilippinesWhen a Facebook post criticizes a public official, the prosecution must prove actual malice, meaning the poster knew the claim was false or recklessly ignored whether it was false, and without that proof there is no cyber libel conviction.
  53. 53G.R. 269722People of the Philippines v. Ronaldo Infortuno, Sr. y CruzA rape victim's clear identification of her attacker is reliable even if it came two months later and she saw him in the dark, as long as the identification was not suggested to her.