Decision summaries
What each Supreme Court decision decided, in a sentence or two. Open one and use its Summary tab for the facts, issue and ruling in plain language or lawyer mode. These are study aids, not legal advice. Check the decision itself before you rely on it.
- A.C. 14013Jul 2024Jyq 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.
- A.C. 13982Jul 2024(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.
- G.R. 210970Jul 2024Local 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.
- G.R. 266116Jul 2024David 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.
- G.R. 268457Jul 2024Xxx,* 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.
- G.R. 264268Jul 2024Chris 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.
- G.R. 235673Jul 2024Philippine 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.
- G.R. 269657Jul 2024The 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.
- G.R. 250313Jul 2024Hedcor, 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.
- G.R. 215166Jul 2024Edgar 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.
- A.M. MTJ-23-017Jul 2024(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.
- G.R. 208788Jul 2024Quezon 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.
- G.R. 252124Jul 2024Bohol 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.
- G.R. 263060Jul 2024Pinag-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.
- A.M. RTJ-24-071Jul 2024(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.
- G.R. 236605Jul 2024Carmelita 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.
- G.R. 262944Jul 2024People 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.
- G.R. 271081Jul 2024Dexter 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.
- G.R. 251502Jul 2024Pedro 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.
- G.R. 270580Jul 2024People 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.