Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence


Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence > Year 2014 > July 2014 Decisions > G.R. No. 203472, July 09, 2014 - MAGSAYSAY MARITIME CORPORATION, EDUARDO U. MANESE AND NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE, Petitioners, v. HENRY M. SIMBAJON, Respondent.:




G.R. No. 203472, July 09, 2014 - MAGSAYSAY MARITIME CORPORATION, EDUARDO U. MANESE AND NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE, Petitioners, v. HENRY M. SIMBAJON, Respondent.

PHILIPPINE SUPREME COURT DECISIONS

SECOND DIVISION

G.R. No. 203472, July 09, 2014

MAGSAYSAY MARITIME CORPORATION, EDUARDO U. MANESE AND NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE, Petitioners, v. HENRY M. SIMBAJON, Respondent.

D E C I S I O N

BRION, J.:

We resolve in this petition for review on certiorari1 the challenge to the June 8, 2012 decision2 and the September 11, 2012 resolution3 (assailed CA rulings) of the Court of Appeals (CA) in CA-G.R. SP No. 118610. These assailed CA rulings annulled and set aside the August 31, 2010 decision4 and the December 30, 2010 resolution5 (NLRC rulings) of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) in NLRC NCR LAC No. 10-000244-07 (NLRC NCR Case (M) 05-08-01988-00). The NLRC rulings in turn reversed and set aside the July 9, 2007 decision6 of the labor arbiter (LA).

Factual Antecedents

On July 21, 2004, petitioner Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) hired respondent Henry M. Simbajon as a cook on board its vessel, the Norwegian Star (Hotel), under a Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Standard Employment Contract (POEA-SEC).� Simbajon�s employment contract was coursed through petitioner Magsaysay Maritime Corporation (Magsaysay), the authorized manning agent of NCL in the Philippines.7 This was already the fourth time that NCL hired Simbajon through Magsaysay.8cralawred

Before hiring, Simbajon was required to undergo and pass the mandatory Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PEME).9� Simbajon was asked in this examination to disclose all his existing and prior medical conditions.� The query focused on 23 medical conditions, including diabetes. Simbajon confirmed that he had never been afflicted with this disease and that he had no family history of it.10 His medical tests confirmed this claim and he was given a clean bill of health and declared �fit for employment� or �fit for sea service.�11cralawred

On July 24, 2004, Simbajon boarded the Norwegian Star (Hotel) and joined its crew.� Only six days after embarkation, he complained of increased urination and having a constant feeling of thirst.� He consulted the doctor on board and was initially diagnosed with possible Diabetes mellitus Type II (DM Type II).� Subsequently, the doctor referred him to an on-shore physician while the vessel was docked at Alaska. The on-shore physician confirmed that Simbajon was indeed suffering from DM Type II. On August 15, 2004, he was repatriated for further medical treatment.12cralawred

On August 18, 2004, Simbajon consulted an endocrinologist designated by Magsaysay from the Alegre Medical Clinic. The series of medical tests performed on him confirmed that Simbajon had DM Type II. After a prescription for insulin treatments and oral medication, he was advised to return for a follow-up check-up.13cralawred

On October 4, 2004, Simbajon again consulted the company-designated doctor and his illness was found to be asymptomatic. Nonetheless, the attending physician advised him to continue with his medication.

A month after, or on November 4, 2004, Simbajon reported again to the Alegre Medical Clinic. His laboratory results this time disclosed that his glucohemoglobin, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase and serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase levels were normal. Despite these findings, the doctors still advised him to continue with his daily insulin regimen.14cralawred

On two more dates, November 26, 2004 and January 3, 2005, Simbajon was again evaluated to be asymptomatic for DM Type II; thus the doctors reiterated their recommendation that he continue his oral medications.� Simbajon had another medical check-up on January 11, 2005 and on this date, his fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin levels were already found to be normal.� Subsequently, on February 2, 2005, he underwent another medical evaluation and his tests revealed normal results. Because of these positive developments, the company-designated physician opined on the same date that Simbajon�s DM Type II was already under control. The physician also declared him �fit to work�.15cralawred

Simbajon was paid his illness allowance from the time of his disembarkation on August 15, 2004 until February 2, 2005, the date when he was declared �fit to work� by the company-designated physician.16cralawred

Despite the �fit to work� declaration of Magsaysay�s designated physician, Simbajon was not rehired by petitioners.17 Dissatisfied with the company-designated physician�s medical opinion, Simbajon sought a second opinion from Dr. Efren R. Vicaldo, an internal medicine doctor from the Philippine Heart Center.� After conducting a series of tests, Dr. Vicaldo gave the following diagnosis on May 6, 2005:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

Diabetes mellitus II
Diabetic retinopathy, mild
Impediment Grade VI (50.00%)18

Aside from giving a Grade VI (50%) rating to Simbajon�s resulting disability, Dr. Vicaldo opined that Simbajon�s DM Type II was �work-aggravated/related� and that �he is now unfit to resume work as a seaman in any capacity�.19� Based on this medical assessment, on August 16, 2005, Simbajon filed with the LA a complaint for disability benefits, illness allowance, reimbursement of medical expenses, damages and attorney�s fees, against the petitioners.20cralawred

The Labor Arbitration Rulings

Before the LA, the petitioners argued that there was no basis for Simbajon�s claim for disability benefits under the POEA-SEC because his illness was not work-related and did not arise during the term of his contract with NCL.21� Simbajon was merely on his sixth day on board when he felt the symptoms for DM Type II.� To the petitioners, this circumstance only means that Simbajon did not acquire his illness during the term of his contract; he already had a pre-existing disorder at the time of his embarkation.22cralawred

Moreover, the petitioners asserted that Diabetes mellitus in general had been established under jurisprudence to be a disease that is not occupationally acquired.23 Citing the cases of De Jesus v. ECC24 and Millora v. ECC,25 the petitioners claimed that Diabetes mellitus is a hereditary or developmental disorder that is not obtainable through exposure to harmful working conditions.26cralawred

On the other hand, Simbajon contended that his disease was work-related. Although he exhibited the symptoms for DM Type II merely six days after boarding, he had been under the employ of NCL during his previous three completed contracts. Hence, his disease actually developed during the period of these contracts.27cralawred

Simbajon also claimed entitlement to a Grade I (120%) impediment rating28 notwithstanding the Grade VI (50%) rating given to his disability by Dr. Vicaldo. Citing Crystal Shipping, Inc. v. Natividad,29 he argued that his inability to work as a result of his illness lasted for more than 120 days.

The LA ruled that Simbajon�s disease is work-related and, therefore, compensable. It agreed with Simbajon that his work as a cook on board NCL�s vessel was strenuous and stressful enough to trigger his affliction with DM Type II.30� Since the disease took more than 120 days to be treated, it could already be characterized as a permanent and total disability, entitling him to a Grade I (120%) impediment rating.31cralawred

The petitioners appealed the LA�s decision to the NLRC. The NLRC granted the appeal and found Simbajon�s disease not to be work-related. It considered the period of six days from Simbajon�s embarkation as an insufficient period of exposure to contract a disease.� The NLRC also gave credence to the petitioners� assertion that Diabetes mellitus is essentially a hereditary, and not an occupational disease.32cralawred

Simbajon unsuccessfully moved for the reconsideration33 of the NLRC�s decision, prompting him to seek recourse with the CA via a petition for certiorari under Rule 65.34cralawred

The CA�s Ruling

The CA reversed the NLRC�s ruling and granted Simbajon�s petition for certiorari.35 For an illness or injury to be compensable, it is enough that reasonable proof of work-connection and not direct causal relation be proven by the claimant.36� This was what Simbajon did.

Notwithstanding the findings of the company-designated physician that Simbajon was already �fit to work,� the CA ruled that Simbajon must still be declared to have permanent and total disability. He was not able to perform his customary work for more than 120 days.

The CA subsequently denied the petitioners� motion for reconsideration, prompting them to come to this Court on a petition for review under Rule 45.

The Petition

The petitioners submit that the CA did not rule in accordance with the applicable law and jurisprudence when it found that: a) Diabetes mellitus is not always a familial or hereditary disease; and b) Simbajon is entitled (i) to permanent and total disability benefits since he was not able to work for more than 120 days, and (ii) to an award of attorney�s fees.37cralawred

The petitioners question the CA�s ruling that Simbajon�s DM Type II was a work-related condition, aggravated by the supposedly stressful working conditions on board.38� Simbajon�s evidence is insufficient to establish the hostile working environment and emotional turmoil he underwent.39 Six days are not enough for Simbajon to be exposed to the necessary factors for him to contract his disease.40cralawred

The petitioners further argue that under the POEA-SEC, a seafarer, who is unable to work for more than 120 days, is not automatically entitled to permanent and total disability compensation unless there is first a determination that an illness or injury is work-related.41cralawred

Lastly, the petitioners maintain that the award of attorney�s fees should be deleted as there was no showing that Simbajon was compelled to litigate his claim because of bad faith on the petitioners� part.42cralawred

The Case for Simbajon

In his comment,43 Simbajon prayed for the dismissal of the petition on the following grounds: a) the CA correctly held that his illness is work-related and/or aggravated, hence, compensable under the POEA-SEC; b) the CA correctly held that his disability is total and permanent; and c) he is entitled to an award of attorney�s fees.44cralawred

Simbajon submits that he had no family history of Diabetes mellitus and that he only acquired this illness during the period that he worked for NCL as a cook.45� He also maintains that his diabetes is not entirely a hereditary disease as several studies have already shown that it can be caused or aggravated by stress.46� According to him, his work entails the performance of strenuous physical activities, emotional stress of being away from his family, and exposure to varying temperatures and weather conditions.47cralawred

Simbajon also reiterates that an employee who is not able to work for more than 120 days because of his work-related illness should be considered suffering from a total and permanent disability, hence entitled to a Grade I (120%) rating under the POEA-SEC.48cralawred

Finally, Simbajon defends the award of attorney�s fees as he was forced to litigate when petitioners refused to honor his disability claims.49cralawred

The Court�s Ruling

We resolve to GRANT the petition.

Preliminary Procedural Consideration

As a rule, only questions of law may be raised in a Rule 45 petition.50 A Rule 65 petition for certiorari, on the other hand, focuses on the jurisdictional errors the lower court or tribunal may have committed.51cralawred

The present petition is a Rule 45 petition reviewing a Rule 65 ruling of the CA.� Our jurisdiction is thus limited to errors of law which the CA might have committed in its Rule 65 ruling.� A question of law arises when there is doubt as to what the law is on a certain state of facts; we cannot rule on questions of fact, i.e., on the truth or falsity of the facts alleged by the parties.52cralawred

�In ruling for legal correctness, we have to view the CA decision in the same context that the petition for certiorari it ruled upon was presented to it; we have to examine the CA decision from the prism of whether it correctly determined the presence or absence of grave abuse of discretion in the NLRC decision before it, not on the basis of whether the NLRC decision on the merits of the case, was correct. In other words, we have to be keenly aware that the CA undertook a Rule 65 review, not a review under Rule 45, of the NLRC decision challenged before it.� This is the approach that should be basic in a Rule 45 review of a CA ruling in a labor case. In question form, the question to ask is: did the CA correctly determine whether the NLRC committed grave abuse of discretion in ruling on the case?�53cralawred

We therefore contend with the following principal question: did the CA correctly rule that the NLRC committed grave abuse of discretion when it held that Simbajon is not entitled to disability benefits?

Compensability of Simbajon�s disease

�The employment of seafarers and its incidents, including claims for death benefits, are governed by the contracts they sign every time they are hired or rehired. Such contracts have the force of law between the parties as long as its stipulations are not contrary to law, morals, public order or public policy.�54 By way of background, every seaman and the vessel owner (directly or represented by a local manning agency) are required to execute the POEA-SEC as a condition sine qua non to the seafarer�s deployment for overseas work.55cralawred

While the seafarers and their employers are governed by their mutual agreements, the POEA rules and regulations require that the POEA-SEC be integrated in every contract. This contains the standard terms and conditions of the seafarer�s employment in foreign ocean-going vessels, 56� Under its Section 32-A, for an occupational disease and the resulting disability or death from it to be compensable, all of the following conditions must first be satisfied:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

  1. The seafarer�s work must involve the risks described herein;chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary

  2. The disease was contracted as a result of the seafarer�s exposure to the described risks;chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary

  3. The disease was contracted within a period of exposure and under such other factors necessary to contract it; andChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

  4. There was no notorious negligence on the part of the seafarer.57

An examination of the surrounding facts and circumstances regarding Simbajon�s sickness will show that the third condition from the above enumeration is absent in this case.

Simbajon started exhibiting the symptoms of DM Type II barely six days after embarkation. If his disease had been acquired because of his exposure to different kinds of work-related stress, it is very unusual that it developed in a very short span of time.

He claimed in his comment that as a seafarer, he had already finished three previous contracts with NCL. In effect, he argues that his exposure to the work-related risks had been long enough to trigger his DM Type II. Unfortunately, Simbajon failed to state the respective dates and durations of his three previous employment contracts with NCL.� The absence of this evidence leaves the Court at a loss for supporting data on when he started working for NCL or if there had been long intervals in between his previous contracts to break their continuity.� The records do not even disclose how long the interim period was in between his last and most present contract with NCL. To our mind, there is always the possibility that he acquired his disease at some other time when he was not on board and working in any of NCL�s vessels.

To support his contention, Simbajon also pointed out that his PEME results cleared him from pre-identified diseases including Diabetes mellitus. This is a point, however, that we have considered in other rulings. In Nisda v. Sea Serve Maritime Agency,58 we noted that it is an accepted rule that PEMEs are usually not exploratory in nature.� The tests conducted are not intended to be an in-depth and thorough examination of an applicant�s medical condition.� They merely determine whether the examinee is �fit to work� at sea or �fit for sea service�; they do not describe the real state of health of an applicant.59cralawred

Thus, Simbajon cannot rely on his PEME results alone to support his claim that his disease only developed after embarkation. This is particularly true since several points during his treatment, his DM Type II was found to be asymptomatic, i.e, as symptomless or presenting no subjective evidence of disease.60 Thus, it is probable that Simbajon�s disease was already pre-existing even before he boarded NCL�s vessel; his diabetes was not detected because it was asymptomatic.

For failure to prove that his disease was contracted within his six days of service because of factors necessary to contract it, we cannot support Simbajon�s assertion that his DM Type II was a work-related disease that should merit compensation from the petitioners.

Fit-to-work assessment of the
company-designated physicians
versus the unfit-to-work findings
of Simbajon�s physician


We now resolve the issue of the conflicting findings of the petitioners� designated physicians and Simbajon�s own physician. The company-designated physicians have declared Simbajon as �fit to work� after 172 days of treatment from his disembarkation on August 15, 2004.� On the other hand, Simbajon�s chosen physician, Dr. Vicaldo, came out with the findings that Simbajon�s illness had rendered him �unfit to resume work as a seaman in any capacity,� with a Grade VI (50%) disability rating.

In Philippine Hammonia Ship Agency, Inc. v. Dumadag,61 we have ruled that the POEA-SEC is the law between the parties and as such, its provisions bind both of them. Under the POEA-SEC, the applicable provision to resolve the issue of conflicting medical findings is Section 20-B (3), which states:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

Upon sign-off from the vessel for medical treatment, the seafarer is entitled to sickness allowance equivalent to his basic wage until he is declared fit to work or the degree of permanent disability has been assessed by the company-designated physician but in no case shall this period exceed one hundred twenty (120) days.

xxx

If a doctor appointed by the seafarer disagrees with the assessment, a third doctor may be agreed jointly between the Employer and the seafarer. The third doctor�s decision shall be final and binding on both parties. [emphasis ours]

The glaring disparity between the findings of the petitioners� designated physicians and Dr. Vicaldo calls for the intervention of a third independent doctor, agreed upon by petitioners and Simbajon.� In this case, no such third-party physician was ever consulted to settle the conflicting findings of the first two sets of doctors.� After being informed of Dr. Vicaldo�s unfit-to-work findings, Simbajon proceeded to file his complaint for disability benefits with the LA.� This move totally disregarded the mandated procedure under the POEA-SEC requiring the referral of the conflicting medical opinions to a third independent doctor for final determination.62 Dr. Vicaldo, too, is a medical practitioner not unknown to this Court, as he has issued certifications in several disability claims that proved unsuccessful.63cralawred

In Philippine Hammonia, we have ruled that the duty to secure the opinion of a third doctor belongs to the employee asking for disability benefits.64 We explained:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

The filing of the complaint constituted a breach of Dumadag�s contractual obligation to have the conflicting assessments of his disability referred to a third doctor for a binding opinion. The petitioners could not have possibly caused the non-referral to a third doctor because they were not aware that Dumadag secured separate independent opinions regarding his disability.65 [emphasis ours]

Similarly, we note that Simbajon was the only one who knew of the conflicting results between Dr. Vicaldo�s findings with that of the petitioners� designated physicians.� The petitioners had no reason to consider a third doctor because they were not aware that Simbajon secured a separate independent opinion regarding his disability.� Thus, the obligation to comply with the requirement of securing the opinion of a neutral, third-party physician rested on Simbajon�s shoulders.� By failing to observe the required procedure under the POEA-SEC, he clearly violated its terms, i.e., the law between the parties. And without a binding third-party opinion, the fit-to-work certification of petitioners� designated physicians prevails over that of Dr. Vicaldo�s unfit-to-return-to-work finding.

Lastly, we have observed that Dr. Vicaldo only examined Simbajon once. We take this is in comparison with the series of tests and treatments made by Magsaysay�s designated physicians to Simbajon. Between the two, the latter�s medical opinion deserves more credence for being more thorough and exhaustive.

Simbajon is not entitled to
permanent and total disability
benefits


We now resolve Simbajon�s claim that his inability to resume his usual work as a cook for a period exceeding 120 days, automatically entitles him to permanent and total disability benefits based on a Grade I (120%) impediment rating.

Simbajon bases his claim in our ruling in Crystal Shipping, where we characterized permanent disability as the inability of a worker to perform his job for more than 120 days, regardless of whether or not he loses the use of any part of his body.66 On the other hand, the petitioners claim that the reckoning period for a declaration of permanent and total disability should not be 120 but rather 240 days.67� In short, the petitioners claim that Crystal Shipping is no longer the governing case law for the fact situation of this case.

In Vergara v. Hammonia Maritime Services, Inc., et al.,68 the Court had the occasion to clarify when a seafarer becomes entitled to permanent and total disability benefits:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

As these provisions operate, the seafarer, upon sign-off from his vessel, must report to the company-designated physician within three (3) days from arrival for diagnosis and treatment. For the duration of the treatment but in no case to exceed 120 days, the seaman is on temporary total disability as he is totally unable to work. He receives his basic wage during this period until he is declared fit to work or his temporary disability is acknowledged by the company to be permanent, either partially or totally, as his condition is defined under the POEA Standard Employment Contract and by applicable Philippine laws. If the 120 days initial period is exceeded and no such declaration is made because the seafarer requires further medical attention, then the temporary total disability period may be extended up to a maximum of 240 days, subject to the right of the employer to declare within this period that a permanent partial or total disability already exists. The seaman may of course also be declared fit to work at any time such declaration is justified by his medical condition. [emphasis ours]

Under this ruling,69 a finding by the company-designated doctor that the seafarer needs further treatment beyond the initial 120-day period results in the extension of the period for the declaration of the existence of a permanent partial or total disability to 240 days. Thus, contrary to Simbajon�s claim, his inability to resume work after the lapse of more than 120 days from the time he suffered his illness does not by itself automatically entitle him to permanent and total disability benefits.

In the present case, Simbajon�s several consultations with the company-designated doctors revealed that his DM Type II was asymptomatic. Because of this finding, the company-designated doctors had to conduct further treatments and prescribe his continuous medication before finally concluding that he was fit to return to work on February 2, 2005, or 172 days from his disembarkation. The period is 68 days short of the 240 days provided in Vergara.� Within this period, the company can continue to treat the employee or conduct an observation period (while continuing to pay his total temporary disability pay), before the Vergara deadline is reached.

In C.F. Sharp Crew Management, Inc. v. Taok,70 the Court enumerated the following instances when a seafarer may claim for permanent and total disability benefits:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

(a)
the company-designated physician failed to issue a declaration as to his fitness to engage in sea duty or disability even after the lapse of the 120-day period and there is no indication that further medical treatment would address his temporary total disability, hence, justify an extension of the period to 240 days;
(b)
240 days had lapsed without any certification being issued by the company-designated physician;
(c)
the company-designated physician declared that he is fit for sea duty within the 120-day or 240-day period, as the case may be, but his physician of choice and the doctor chosen under Section 20-B(3) of the POEA-SEC are of a contrary opinion;
(d)
the company-designated physician acknowledged that he is partially permanently disabled but other doctors who he consulted, on his own and jointly with his employer, believed that his disability is not only permanent but total as well;
(e)
the company-designated physician recognized that he is totally and permanently disabled but there is a dispute on the disability grading;
(f)
the company-designated physician determined that his medical condition is not compensable or work-related under the POEA-SEC but his doctor-of-choice and the third doctor selected under Section 20-B(3) of the POEA-SEC found otherwise and declared him unfit to work;
(g)
the company-designated physician declared him totally and permanently disabled but the employer refuses to pay him the corresponding benefits; and
(h)
the company-designated physician declared him partially and permanently disabled within the 120-day or 240-day period but he remains incapacitated to perform his usual sea duties after the lapse of the said periods.

Thus, even assuming that Simbajon�s illness is work-related, he is still not entitled to permanent and total disability benefits because his situation does not fall in any of the foregoing circumstances.

Petitioners� failure to rehire
Simbajon despite the �fit to
work declaration�


In his motion for reconsideration with the NLRC, Simbajon raised the issue that petitioners failed to rehire him despite the declaration of Magsaysay�s designated physician that he is already �fit to resume work�.

Simbajon�s POEA-SEC shows that the period of his employment with NCL is for ten months.71 His contract effectively started on July 21, 2004 � the date he boarded NCL�s vessel. Thus, his contract should have only ended on May 17, 2005 or 300 days from his embarkation.

Simbajon was subsequently declared fit to resume work on February 2, 2005. Hence, he should have been taken back by petitioners since he still had 104 days left before his contract�s expiration. But as alleged by Simbajon, he was not hired again. He contended that his non-rehiring shows that his disability was really permanent and total.72 We find this contention untenable.

We can only surmise petitioners� reasons for not reemploying Simbajon despite the effectivity of his contract. However, we cannot accept his argument that his non-rehiring translates to the permanent and total character of his disability.

For one, we have already determined that his DM Type II was not a work-related disease for failure to comply with the POEA-SEC�s requisites for compensability. Not being work-related, it cannot be the basis of any disability claims. The findings of Simbajon�s chosen physician cannot also be considered due to the absence of the medical opinion of a third independent physician.

We further note that this argument was only raised in Simbajon�s motion for reconsideration with the NLRC. This was never reiterated in his pleadings with the CA and in his comment to the present petition.

At the very least, Simbajon could have used his non-rehiring to support the argument that his contract was prematurely terminated by petitioners. He was declared fit to work but he was not reaccepted in his former or a similar position despite the remaining 104 days in his contract.

But Simbajon never made an issue out of this. Even at the level of the labor tribunals, his pleadings focused solely on the classification of his disability as permanent and total. Premature contract termination and entitlement to permanent and total disability benefits are two different labor issues. One is based on the untimely termination of the contract without any just or valid cause, while the other is on the compensation that the law aims to give to seafarers who are rendered unable to resume sea service due to work-related disease.

Thus, we cannot rule that Simbajon�s contract had been pre-terminated without any just or valid cause, and hold him entitled to payment of his salaries for the unexpired portion of his contract.73 Otherwise we would be violating petitioners� due process rights. Petitioners never controverted such claim precisely because Simbajon never raised it as an issue. Moreover, the CA and the labor tribunals� rulings never touched on this. Hence, it is beyond the ambit of our review.

On a final note, this Court would like to point out the amendments made of the POEA-SEC which now provides:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

In case of permanent total or partial disability of the seafarer caused by either injury or illness the seafarer shall be compensated in accordance with the schedule of benefits enumerated in Section 32 of this Contract. Computation of his benefits arising from an illness or disease shall be governed by the rates and the rules of compensation applicable at the time the illness or disease was contracted.

The disability shall be based solely on the disability gradings provided under Section 32 of this Contract, and shall not be measured or determined by the number of days a seafarer is under treatment or the number of days in which sickness allowance is paid.74 [emphasis and underscoring ours]

The above amendment finally clarifies the basis for the declaration of a temporary or permanent disability of a seafarer. For work-related illnesses acquired by seafarers from the time the 2010 amendment to the POEA-SEC took effect, the declaration of disability should no longer be based on the number of days the seafarer was treated or paid his sickness allowance, but rather on the disability grading he received, whether from the company-designated physician or from the third independent physician, if the medical findings of the physician chosen by the seafarer conflicts with that of the company-designated doctor.

WHEREFORE, in light of these considerations, we hereby GRANT the petition.� We REVERSE the Court of Appeals� decision dated June 8, 2012 and resolution dated September 11, 2012 in CA-G.R. SP No. 118610.� We thus, REINSTATE the decision dated August 31, 2010 and the resolution dated December 30, 2010 of the National Labor Relations Commission.� No costs.

SO ORDERED.

Carpio, (Chairperson), Del Castillo, Perez, and Perlas-Bernabe, JJ., concur.

Endnotes:


1Rollo, pp. 3-26.

2 Penned by Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan, and concurred in by Associate Justices Ramon R. Garcia and Ricardo R. Rosario; Id. at 32-45.

3 Id. at 47.

4 Penned by Commissioner Romeo L. Go, and concurred in by Commissioner Perlita B. Velasco; Id. at 269-275.

5 Id. at 304-305.

6 Penned by Labor Arbiter Aliman D. Mangandog; Id. at 197-203.

7 Id. at 6.

8 Id. at 171.

9 Id.

10 Id. at 6-7.

11Temporary Rollo, Comment on the Petition, p. 2.

12Rollo, p. 7.

13 Id. at 8.

14 Id.

15 Id. at 8-9.

16 Id. at 9.

17 Id. at 287.

18TemporaryRollo, Comment on the Petition, p. 4.

19 Id. at 5.

20 Id. at 51-52.

21Rollo, p. 102.

22 Id.

23 Id. at 104.

24 G.R. No. L-56191, 226 Phil. 33 (1986).

25 G.R. No. L-69572, July 28, 1986, 143 SCRA 151.

26Rollo, p. 106.

27 Id. at 171.

28 Id. at 176.

29 G.R. No. 154798, 510 Phil. 332 (2005).

30Rollo, p. 201.

31 Id. at 203.

32 Id. at 274-275.

33 Id. at 276-289.

34 Id. at 306-329.

35 Id.

36 Id. at 42.

37 Id. at 13-14.

38 Id. at 14.

39 Id. at 16.

40 Id. at 17.

41 Id. at 19.

42 Id. at 24.

43Temporary Rollo, Comment on the Petition, p. 1-52.

44 Id. at 1-19.

45 Id. at 7.

46 Id. at 10.

47 Id. at 11-12.

48 Id. at 16-17.

49 Id. at 17.

50Career Philippines Shipmanagement, Inc., v. Serna, G.R. No. 172086, December 3, 2012, 686 SCRA 676, 683.

51 Ibid. at 684.

52 Tongonan Holdings and Development Corporation v. Esca�o, Jr., G.R. No. 190994, September 7, 2011, 657 SCRA 306, 314.

53Montoya v. Transmed Manila Corporation, G.R. No. 183329, August 27, 2009, 597 SCRA 334, 343; emphasis ours; italics supplied.

54Wallem Maritime Services, Inc. v. Tanawan, G.R. No. 160444, August 29, 2012, 679 SCRA 255, 265.

55Vergara v. Hammonia Maritime Services, Inc., G.R. No. 172933, 588 Phil. 895, 908-909 (2008).

56 Ibid.

57 Section 32-A, DOLE Department Order No. 4, series of 2000, Standard Terms and Conditions Governing the Employment of Filipino Seafarers On Board Ocean-Going Vessels.

58 G.R. No. 179177, July 23, 2009, 593 SCRA 668.

59 Ibid. at 700.

60 Webster�s Third New International Dictionary Unabridged, 1993, p. 136.

61 G.R. No. 194362, June 26, 2013, 700 SCRA 53, 65.

62 Ibid. at 65-66.

63 See Magsaysay Maritime Corp. and/or Dela Cruz, et al., v. Velasquez, et al., G.R. No. 179802,� 591 Phil. 839 (2008); Musnit v. Sea Star Shipping Corporation, G.R. No. 182623,� December 4, 2009, 607 SCRA 743; Francisco v. Bahia Shipping Services, Inc., G.R. No. 190545, November 22, 2010, 635 SCRA 660; Jebsens Maritime, Inc., v. Undag, G.R. No. 191491, December 14, 2011, 662 SCRA 670; Andrada v. Agemar Manning Agency, Inc., G.R. No. 194758, October 24, 2012, 684 SCRA 587; and Oriental Shipmanagement Co., Inc., v. Nazal, G.R. No. 177103, June 3, 2013, 697 SCRA 51.

64 Supra note 61, at 65-66; emphasis ours.

65 Id.

66Supra note 29, at 340.

67Rollo, p. 20.

68Supra note 55, at 912; citations omitted; emphasis ours; italics supplied.

69 Ibid.

70 G.R. No. 193679, July 18, 2012, 677 SCRA 296, 315.

71Rollo, p. 117.

72 Id.

73Skippers United Pacific, Inc., v. Doza, et al., G.R. No. 175558, February 8, 2012, 665 SCRA 412.

74 Section 20-A (6), POEA Memorandum Circular No. 10, series of 2010, Amended Standard Terms and Conditions Governing the Overseas Employment of Filipino Seafarers On-Board Ocean-Going Ships, October 26, 2010.



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July-2014 Jurisprudence                 

  • DECISION - BERSAMIN, J. : G.R. No. 209287, July 01, 2014 - MARIA CAROLINA P. ARAULLO, CHAIRPERSON, BAGONG ALYANSANG MAKABAYAN; JUDY M. TAGUIWALO, PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN, CO-CHAIRPERSON, PAGBABAGO; HENRI KAHN, CONCERNED CITIZENS MOVEMENT; REP. LUZ ILAGAN, GABRIELA WOMEN�S PARTY REPRESENTATIVE; REP. TERRY L. RIDON, KABATAAN PARTYLIST REPRESENTATIVE; REP. CARLOS ISAGANI ZARATE, BAYAN MUNA PARTY-LIST REPRESENTATIVE; RENATO M. REYES, JR., SECRETARY GENERAL OF BAYAN; MANUEL K. DAYRIT, CHAIRMAN ANG KAPATIRAN PARTY; VENCER MARI E. CRISOSTOMO, CHAIRPERSON, ANAKBAYAN; VICTOR VILLANUEVA, CONVENOR, YOUTH ACT NOW, Petitioner, v. BENIGNO SIMEON C. AQUINO III, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES; PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR., EXECUTIVE SECRETARY; AND FLORENCIO B. ABAD, SECRETARY THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT, Respondents.; G.R. NO. 209135 - AUGUSTO L. SYJUCO JR., PH.D., Petitioner, v. FLORENCIO B. ABAD, IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT; AND HON. FRANKLIN MAGTUNAO DRILON, IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE SENATE PRESIDENT OF TH PHILIPPINES, Respondents.; G.R. NO. 209136 - MANUELITO R. LUNA, Petitioner, v. SECRETARY FLORENCIO ABAD, IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT; AND EXECUTIVE SECRETARY PAQUITO OCHOA, IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS ALTER EGO OF THE PRESIDENT, Respondents.; G.R. NO. 209155 - ATTY. JOSE MALVAR VILLEGAS, JR., Petitioner, v. THE HONORABLE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR.; AND THE SECRETARY O BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT FLORENCIO B. ABAD, Respondents.; G.R. NO. 209164 - PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION ASSOCIATION (PHILCONSA), REPRESENTED BY DEAN FROILAN BACUNGAN, BENJAMIN E. DIOKNO AND LEONOR M. BRIONES, Petitioner, v. DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT AND/OR HON. FLORENCIO B. ABAD, Respondents.; G.R. NO. 209260 - INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES (IBP), Petitioner, v. SECRETARY FLORENCIO B. ABAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT (DBM), Respondent.; G.R. NO. 209442 - GRECO ANTONIOUS BEDA B. BELGICA; BISHOP REUBEN M ABANTE AND REV. JOSE L. GONZALEZ, Petitioner, v. PRESIDENT BENIGNO SIMEON C. AQUINO III, THE SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES, REPRESENTED BY SENATE PRESIDENT FRANKLIN M. DRILON; THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, REPRESENTED BY SPEAKER FELICIANO BELMONTE, JR.; THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE, REPRESENTED BY EXECUTIVE SECRETARY PAQUITO N. OCHOA, J THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT, REPRESENTED BY SECRETARY FLORENCIO ABAD; THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE, REPRESENTED BY SECRETARY CESAR V. PURISIMA; AND THE BUREAU OF TREASURY, REPRESENTED BY ROSALIA V. DE LEON, Respondents.; G.R. NO. 209517- CONFEDERATION FOR UNITY, RECOGNITION AND ADVANCEMENT OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES (COURAGE), REPRESENTED BY ITS 1ST VICE PRESIDENT, SANTIAGO DASMARINAS, JR.; ROSALINDA NARTATES, FOR HERSELF AND AS NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE CONSOLIDATED UNION OF EMPLOYEES NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY (CUE-NHA); MANUEL BACLAGON, FOR HIMSELF AND AS PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRAL OFFICE (SWEAP-DSWD CO); ANTONIA PASCUAL, FOR HERSELF AND AS NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION (DAREA); ALBERT MAGALANG, FOR HIMSELF AND AS PRESIDENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND MANAGEMENT BUREAU EMPLOYEES UNION (EMBEU); AND MARCIAL ARABA, FOR HIMSELF AND AS PRESIDENT OF THE KAPISANAN PARA SA KAGALINGAN NG MGA KAWANI NG MMDA (KKK-MMDA), Petitioner, v. BENIGNO SIMEON C. AQUINO III, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES; PAQUITO OCHOA, JR., EXECUTIVE SECRETARY; AND HON. FLORENCIO B. ABAD, SECRETA OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT, Respondents.; G.R. NO. 209569 - VOLUNTEERS AGAINST CRIME AND CORRUPTION (VACC), REPRESENTED BY DANTE L. JIMENEZ, Petitioner, v. PAQUITO N. OCHOA, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, AND FLORENCIO B. ABAD, SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT, Respondent.

  • SEPARATE OPINION - CARPIO, J. : G.R. No. 209287 - G.R. NO. 209135 - G.R. NO. 209136 - G.R. NO. 209155 - G.R. NO. 209164 - G.R. NO. 209260 - G.R. NO. 209442 - G.R. NO. 209517 - G.R. NO. 209569, July 01, 2014 - MARIA CAROLINA P. ARAULLO, CHAIRPERSON, BAGONG ALYANSANG MAKABAYAN; JUDY M. TAGUIWALO, PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN, CO-CHAIRPERSON, PAGBABAGO; HENRI KAHN, CONCERNED CITIZENS MOVEMENT; REP. LUZ ILAGAN, GABRIELA WOMEN�S PARTY REPRESENTATIVE; REP. TERRY L. RIDON, KABATAAN PARTYLIST REPRESENTATIVE; REP. CARLOS ISAGANI ZARATE, BAYAN MUNA PARTY-LIST REPRESENTATIVE; RENATO M. REYES, JR., SECRETARY GENERAL OF BAYAN; MANUEL K. DAYRIT, CHAIRMAN ANG KAPATIRAN PARTY; VENCER MARI E. CRISOSTOMO, CHAIRPERSON, ANAKBAYAN; VICTOR VILLANUEVA, CONVENOR, YOUTH ACT NOW, Petitioner, v. BENIGNO SIMEON C. AQUINO III, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES; PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR., EXECUTIVE SECRETARY; AND FLORENCIO B. ABAD, SECRETARY THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT, Respondents.

  • SEPARATE OPINION - BRION, J. : G.R. No. 209287 - G.R. NO. 209135 - G.R. NO. 209136 - G.R. NO. 209155 - G.R. NO. 209164 - G.R. NO. 209260 - G.R. NO. 209442 - G.R. NO. 209517 - G.R. NO. 209569, July 01, 2014 - MARIA CAROLINA P. ARAULLO, CHAIRPERSON, BAGONG ALYANSANG MAKABAYAN; JUDY M. TAGUIWALO, PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN, CO-CHAIRPERSON, PAGBABAGO; HENRI KAHN, CONCERNED CITIZENS MOVEMENT; REP. LUZ ILAGAN, GABRIELA WOMEN�S PARTY REPRESENTATIVE; REP. TERRY L. RIDON, KABATAAN PARTYLIST REPRESENTATIVE; REP. CARLOS ISAGANI ZARATE, BAYAN MUNA PARTY-LIST REPRESENTATIVE; RENATO M. REYES, JR., SECRETARY GENERAL OF BAYAN; MANUEL K. DAYRIT, CHAIRMAN ANG KAPATIRAN PARTY; VENCER MARI E. CRISOSTOMO, CHAIRPERSON, ANAKBAYAN; VICTOR VILLANUEVA, CONVENOR, YOUTH ACT NOW, Petitioner, v. BENIGNO SIMEON C. AQUINO III, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES; PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR., EXECUTIVE SECRETARY; AND FLORENCIO B. ABAD, SECRETARY THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT, Respondents.

  • CONCURRING AND DISSENTING - DEL CASTILLO, J. : G.R. No. 209287 - G.R. NO. 209135 - G.R. NO. 209136 - G.R. NO. 209155 - G.R. NO. 209164 - G.R. NO. 209260 - G.R. NO. 209442 - G.R. NO. 209517 - G.R. NO. 209569, July 01, 2014 - MARIA CAROLINA P. ARAULLO, CHAIRPERSON, BAGONG ALYANSANG MAKABAYAN; JUDY M. TAGUIWALO, PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN, CO-CHAIRPERSON, PAGBABAGO; HENRI KAHN, CONCERNED CITIZENS MOVEMENT; REP. LUZ ILAGAN, GABRIELA WOMEN�S PARTY REPRESENTATIVE; REP. TERRY L. RIDON, KABATAAN PARTYLIST REPRESENTATIVE; REP. CARLOS ISAGANI ZARATE, BAYAN MUNA PARTY-LIST REPRESENTATIVE; RENATO M. REYES, JR., SECRETARY GENERAL OF BAYAN; MANUEL K. DAYRIT, CHAIRMAN ANG KAPATIRAN PARTY; VENCER MARI E. CRISOSTOMO, CHAIRPERSON, ANAKBAYAN; VICTOR VILLANUEVA, CONVENOR, YOUTH ACT NOW, Petitioner, v. BENIGNO SIMEON C. AQUINO III, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES; PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR., EXECUTIVE SECRETARY; AND FLORENCIO B. ABAD, SECRETARY THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT, Respondents.

  • SEPARATE CONCURRING OPINION - PERLAS-BERNABE, J. : G.R. No. 209287 - G.R. NO. 209135 - G.R. NO. 209136 - G.R. NO. 209155 - G.R. NO. 209164 - G.R. NO. 209260 - G.R. NO. 209442 - G.R. NO. 209517 - G.R. NO. 209569, July 01, 2014 - MARIA CAROLINA P. ARAULLO, CHAIRPERSON, BAGONG ALYANSANG MAKABAYAN; JUDY M. TAGUIWALO, PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN, CO-CHAIRPERSON, PAGBABAGO; HENRI KAHN, CONCERNED CITIZENS MOVEMENT; REP. LUZ ILAGAN, GABRIELA WOMEN�S PARTY REPRESENTATIVE; REP. TERRY L. RIDON, KABATAAN PARTYLIST REPRESENTATIVE; REP. CARLOS ISAGANI ZARATE, BAYAN MUNA PARTY-LIST REPRESENTATIVE; RENATO M. REYES, JR., SECRETARY GENERAL OF BAYAN; MANUEL K. DAYRIT, CHAIRMAN ANG KAPATIRAN PARTY; VENCER MARI E. CRISOSTOMO, CHAIRPERSON, ANAKBAYAN; VICTOR VILLANUEVA, CONVENOR, YOUTH ACT NOW, Petitioner, v. BENIGNO SIMEON C. AQUINO III, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES; PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR., EXECUTIVE SECRETARY; AND FLORENCIO B. ABAD, SECRETARY THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT, Respondents.

  • CONCURRING OPINION - LEONEN, J. : G.R. No. 209287 - G.R. NO. 209135 - G.R. NO. 209136 - G.R. NO. 209155 - G.R. NO. 209164 - G.R. NO. 209260 - G.R. NO. 209442 - G.R. NO. 209517 - G.R. NO. 209569, July 01, 2014 - MARIA CAROLINA P. ARAULLO, CHAIRPERSON, BAGONG ALYANSANG MAKABAYAN; JUDY M. TAGUIWALO, PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN, CO-CHAIRPERSON, PAGBABAGO; HENRI KAHN, CONCERNED CITIZENS MOVEMENT; REP. LUZ ILAGAN, GABRIELA WOMEN�S PARTY REPRESENTATIVE; REP. TERRY L. RIDON, KABATAAN PARTYLIST REPRESENTATIVE; REP. CARLOS ISAGANI ZARATE, BAYAN MUNA PARTY-LIST REPRESENTATIVE; RENATO M. REYES, JR., SECRETARY GENERAL OF BAYAN; MANUEL K. DAYRIT, CHAIRMAN ANG KAPATIRAN PARTY; VENCER MARI E. CRISOSTOMO, CHAIRPERSON, ANAKBAYAN; VICTOR VILLANUEVA, CONVENOR, YOUTH ACT NOW, Petitioner, v. BENIGNO SIMEON C. AQUINO III, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES; PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR., EXECUTIVE SECRETARY; AND FLORENCIO B. ABAD, SECRETARY THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 178055, July 02, 2014 - AMECOS INNOVATIONS, INC. AND ANTONIO F. MATEO, Petitioners, v. ELIZA R. LOPEZ, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 177374, July 02, 2014 - MARIANO JOSE, FELICISIMO JOSE, DECEASED, SUBSTITUTED BY HIS CHILDREN MARIANO JOSE, CAMILO JOSE, TIBURCIA JOSE, FERMINA JOSE, AND VICTORIA JOSE, Petitioners, v. ERNESTO M. NOVIDA, RODOLFO PALAYLAY, JR., ALEX M. BELARMINO, RODRIGO LIBED, LEONARDO L. LIBED, BERNARDO B. BELARMINO, BENJAMIN G. ACOSTA, MODESTO A. ORLANDA, WARLITO B. MEJIA, MAMERTO B. BELARMINO, MARCELO O. DELFIN AND HEIRS OF LUCINO A. ESTEBAN, REPRESENTED BY CRESENCIA M. VDA. DE ESTEBAN, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 202809, July 02, 2014 - DENNIS L. GO, Petitioner, v. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 181045, July 02, 2014 - SPOUSES EDUARDO AND LYDIA SILOS, Petitioners, v. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK, Respondent.

  • A.M. No. P-13-3147 (Formerly A.M. No. 11-4-78-RTC), July 02, 2014 - OFFICE OF THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR, Complainant, v. PAZ P. CAPISTRANO, COURT STENOGRAPHER III, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, QUEZON CITY, BRANCH 224, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 188035, July 02, 2014 - IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ACADEMY/DR. JOSE PAULO E. CAMPOS, Petitioners, v. EVELYN E. CAMILON, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 194638, July 02, 2014 - PARA�AQUE KINGS ENTERPRISES, INC., Petitioner, v. CATALINA L. SANTOS, REPRESENTED BY HER ATTORNEY-IN-FACT, LUZ B. PROTACIO, AND DAVID R. RAYMUNDO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 193796, July 02, 2014 - LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. ATLANTA INDUSTRIES, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 173861, July 14, 2014 - JAY CANDELARIA AND ERIC BASIT, Petitioners, v. REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 42, CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, (PAMPANGA) REPRESENTED BY ITS PRESIDING JUDGE HON. MARIA AMIFAITH S. FIDER-REYES, OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL PROSECUTOR, CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA AND ALLIED DOMECQ PHILIPPINES, INC., Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 198226, July 18, 2014 - ABOITIZ TRANSPORT SYSTEM CORPORATION AND ABOITIZ SHIPPING CORPORATION, Petitioners, v. CARLOS A. GOTHONG LINES, INC. AND VICTOR S. CHIONGBIAN, Respondents.; G.R. NO. 198228 - ABOITIZ TRANSPORT SYSTEM CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. CARLOS A. GOTHONG LINES, INC. AND VICTOR S. CHIONGBIAN, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 190303, July 09, 2014 - COLEGIO DE SAN JUAN DE LETRAN-CALAMBA, Petitioner, v. ENGR. DEBORAH P. TARDEO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 183901, July 09, 2014 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM, Petitioner, v. SALUD GACIAS BERI�A,1 CESAR GACIAS, NORMA GACIAS TANDOC,2 LYDIA LEANDER GACIAS, AND GREGORIO MEDEN GACIAS, Respondents.; G.R. NO. 183931 - LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. SALUD GACIAS BERI�A, CESAR GACIAS, NORMA GACIAS TANDOC, LYDIA LEANDER GACIAS, AND GREGORIO MEDEN GACIAS, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 179571, July 02, 2014 - ERLINDA K. ILUSORIO, Petitioner, v. BAGUIO COUNTRY CLUB CORPORATION AND ANTHONY R. DE LEON, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 207392, July 02, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. RAMIE ORTEGA Y KALBI, A.K.A AY-AY, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 197515, July 02, 2014 - COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Petitioner, v. UNITED SALVAGE AND TOWAGE (PHILS.), INC., Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 6470, July 08, 2014 - MERCEDITA DE JESUS, Complainant, v. ATTY. JUVY MELL SANCHEZ-MALIT, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 177235, July 07, 2014 - SERCONSISION R. MENDOZA, Petitioner, v. AURORA MENDOZA FERMIN, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 176598, July 09, 2014 - PETRONIO CLIDORO, DIONISIO CLIDORO, LOLITA CLIDORO, CALIXTO CARDANO, JR., LOURDES CLIDORO-LARIN, MATEO CLIDORO AND MARLIZA CLIDORO-DE UNA, Petitioners, v. AUGUSTO JALMANZAR, GREGORIO CLIDORO, JR., SENECA CLIDORO-CIOCSON, MONSERAT CLIDORO-QUIDAY, CELESTIAL CLIDORO-BINASA, APOLLO CLIDORO, ROSALIE CLIDORO-CATOLICO, SOPHIE CLIDORO, AND JOSE CLIDORO, JR., Respondents.

  • Adm. Case No. 8108, July 15, 2014 - DANTE LA JIMENEZ & LAURO G. VIZCONDE, Complainants, v. ATTY. FELISBERTO L. VERANO, JR., Respondent.; Adm. Case No. 10299 - ATTY. OLIVER O. LOZANO, Complainant, v. ATTY. FELISBERTO L. VERANO, JR., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 181836, July 09, 2014 - BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, Petitioner, v. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 176341, July 07, 2014 - PRO-GUARD SECURITY SERVICES CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. TORMIL REALTY AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 178145, July 07, 2014 - REYNALDO S. MARIANO, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 203288, July 18, 2014 - REMEDIOS M. MAULEON, Petitioner, v. LOLINA MORAN PORTER, REPRESENTED BY ERVIN C. MORAN, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 190277, July 23, 2014 - ABSOLUTE MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. METROPOLITAN BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 189644, July 02, 2014 - NEIL E. SUYAN, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE CHIEF PROBATION AND PAROLE OFFICER, DAGUPAN CITY, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 182438, July 02, 2014 - RENE RONULO, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 194833, July 02, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. PORFERIO BALINO ALIAS �TOTO,� Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 196936, July 02, 2014 - MONCHITO R. AMPELOQUIO, Petitioner, v. JAKA DISTRIBUTION, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 195466, July 02, 2014 - ARIEL L. DAVID, DOING BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME AND STYLE �YIELS HOG DEALER,� PETITIONER, VS. JOHN G. MACASIO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 204101, July 02, 2014 - THE LATE ALBERTO B. JAVIER, AS SUBSTITUTED BY HIS SURVIVING WIFE, MA. THERESA M. JAVIER, AND CHILDREN, KLADINE M. JAVIER, CHRISTIE M. JAVIER, JALYN M. JAVIER, CANDY GRACE M. JAVIER AND GLIZELDA M. JAVIER, Petitioners, v. PHILIPPINE TRANSMARINE CARRIERS, INC. AND/OR NORTHERN MARINE MANAGEMENT, LTD., Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 184785, July 09, 2014 - RUBY P. LAGOC, Petitioner, v. MARIA ELENA MALAGA, OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN AND THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY OMBUDSMAN (VISAYAS), Respondents.; G.R. NO. 184890 - LIMUEL P. SALES, Petitioner, v. MARIA ELENA MALAGA, OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN AND THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY OMBUDSMAN (VISAYAS), Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 163999, July 09, 2014 - PHILIPPINE LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE COMPANY, Petitioner, v. MILLARD R. OCAMPO, CIPRIANO REY R. HIPOLITO, ERIC F. MERJILLA AND JOSE R. CARANDANG, Respondents,

  • G.R. No. 188944, July 09, 2014 - SPOUSES RODOLFO BEROT AND LILIA BEROT, Peitioners, v. FELIPE C. SIAPNO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 205179, July 18, 2014 - GERVE MAGALLANES, Petitioner, v. PALMER ASIA, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 209302, July 09, 2014 - ALONE AMAR P. TAGLE, Petitioner, v. ANGLO-EASTERN CREW MANAGEMENT, PHILS., INC., ANGLO-EASTERN CREW MANAGEMENT (ASIA) AND CAPT. GREGORIO B. SIALSA, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 203834, July 09, 2014 - HEIRS OF DIOSDADO M. MENDOZA, NAMELY: LICINIA V. MENDOZA, PETER VAL V. MENDOZA, CONSTANCIA V. MENDOZA YOUNG, CRISTINA V. MENDOZA FIGUEROA, DIOSDADO V. MENDOZA, JR., JOSEPHINE V. MENDOZA JASA, AND RIZALINA V. MENDOZA PUSO, Petitioners, v. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS AND THE DPWH SECRETARY, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 207851, July 08, 2014 - ANGEL G. NAVAL, Petitioner, v. COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS AND NELSON B. JULIA, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 160143, July 02, 2014 - LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. BENECIO EUSEBIO, JR., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 185100, July 09, 2014 - GIRLY G. ICO, Petitioner, v. SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE, INC., MONICO V. JACOB AND PETER K. FERNANDEZ, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 166680, July 07, 2014 - ALOYSIUS DAIT LUMAUIG, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 183290, July 09, 2014 - DEPARTMENT REFORM, SECRETARY OF AGRARIAN REPRESENTED BY NASSER C. PANGANDAMAN, Petitioner, v. SPOUSES DIOSDADO STA. ROMANA AND RESURRECCION 0. RAMOS, REPRESENTED BY AURORA STA. ROMANA, PURIFICACION C. DAEZ, REPRESENTED BY EFREN D. VILLALUZ AND ROSAURO D. VILLALUZ, AND SPOUSES LEANDRO C. SEVILLA AND MILAGROS C. DAEZ, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 190445, July 23, 2014 - BANCO DE ORO UNIBANK, INC., Petitioner, v. SPOUSES ENRIQUE GABRIEL LOCSIN AND MA. GERALDINE R. LOCSIN, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 205055, July 18, 2014 - COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Petitioner, v. TEAM SUAL CORPORATION (FORMERLY MIRANT SUAL CORPORATION), Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 201286, July 18, 2014 - INOCENCIA TAGALOG, Petitioner, v. MARIA LIM VDA. DE GONZALEZ, GAUDENCIA L. BUAGAS, RANULFO Y. LIM, DON L. CALVO, SUSAN C. SANTIAGO, DINA C. ARANAS, AND RUFINA C. RAMIREZ, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 199208, July 30, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Appellee, v. TRINIDAD A. CAHILIG, Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 169745, July 18, 2014 - REPUBLIC OF THE PIDLIPPINES, REPRESENTED BY THE HONORABLE SECRETARY OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT (DOLE), Petitioner, v. NAMBOKU PEAK, INC., Respondent.; G.R. NO. 170091 - PHIL-JAPAN WORKERS UNION� SOLIDARITY OF UNIONS IN THE PIDLIPPINES FOR EMPOWERMENT AND REFORMS (PJWU-SUPER), MED� ARBITER CLARISSA G. BELTRAN� LERIOS AND SECRETARY PATRICIA A. STO. TOMAS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT, Petitioners, v. PIDL-JAPAN INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 177484, July 18, 2014 - SPOUSES ALEJANDRO MANZANILLA AND REMEDIOS VELASCO, Petitioners, v. WATERFIELDS INDUSTRIES CORPORATION, REPRESENTED BY ITS PRESIDENT, ALIZA MA, Respondent.

  • G.R. No.178115, July 28, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PIDLIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. JOJO SUMILIDG, RICARDO SUMILIDG ALIAS CARDING SUMILIDG, PASOT SALOLI, ERIC ENOC, WARLITOMONTEBON, AND CIO LIMAMA, Accused, JOJO SUMILIDG, RICARDO SUMILIDG ALIAS CARDING SUMILIDG, AND PASOT SALOLI, Accused-Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 192352, July 23, 2014 - ROSEMARIE ESMARIALINO, Petitioner, v. EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION COMMISSION, SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM AND JIMENEZ PROTECTIVE AND SECURITY AGENCY, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 194157, July 30, 2014 - ROMEO R. ARAULLO, Petitioner, v. OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN, HON. MERCEDITAS N. GUTIERREZ, HON. GERARDO C. NOGRALES, HON. ROMEO L. GO, HON. PERLITA B. VELASCO, HON. ARDEN S. ANNI, ATTY. FILOMEMO B. BALBIN, ATTY. ERNESTO P. TABAO AND ATTY. ROBERTO F. DE LEON, Respondents.

  • A.C. No. 10031, July 23, 2014 - RAUL M. FRANCIA, Complainant, v. ATTY. REYNALDO V. ABDON, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 178343, July 14, 2014 - THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN, Petitioner, v. ALEX M. VALENCERINA, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 187701, July 23, 2014 - PHILAM INSURANCE COMPANY, INC. (NOW CHARTIS PHILIPPINES INSURANCE, INC.*), Petitioner, v. HEUNG-A SHIPPING CORPORATION AND WALLEM PHILIPPINES SHIPPING, INC., Respondents.; G.R. NO. 187812 - HEUNG-A SHIPPING CORPORATION AND WALLEM PHILIPPINES SHIPPING, INC., Petitioners, v. PHILAM INSURANCE COMPANY, INC. (NOW CHARTIS PHILIPPINES INSURANCE, INC.), Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 201725, July 18, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. JOY ALCALA Y NOVILLA, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 186589, July 18, 2014 - RICARDO C. SILVERIO, SR. AND LORNA CILLAN-SILVERIO, Petitioners, v. RICARDO S. SILVERIO, JR., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 209373, July 30, 2014 - JOEL YONGCO AND JULIETO LA�OJAN, Petitioners, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.; G.R. NO. 209414 - ANECITO TANGIAN, JR., Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 182705, July 18, 2014 - VICENTE JOSEFA, Petitioner, v. MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 198388, July 28, 2014 - JORAINA DRAGON TALOSIG, Petitioner, v. UNITED PHILIPPINE LINES, INC., FERNANDO LISING [President], HOLLAND AMERICAN LINE WASTOURS, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 188931, July 28, 2014 - JUANITO M. GOPIAO, Petitioner, v. METROPOLITAN BANK & TRUST CO., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 196786, July 23, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. STANLEY BUNAGAN Y JUAN, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 201572, July 09, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Appellee, v. RAEL DELFIN, Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 176694, July 18, 2014 - GMA NETWORK, INC., Petitioner, v. CENTRAL CATV, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 178451, July 30, 2014 - RURAL BANK OF CABADBARAN, INC., Petitioner, v. JORGITA A. MELECIO-YAP, LILIA MELECIO PACIFICO (DECEASED, SUBSTITUTED BY HER ONLY CHILD ERLL ISAAC M. PACIFICO, JR.), REYNALDO A. MELECIO, ROSIE MELECIO DELOSO, AND SARAH MELECIO PALMA-GIL, Respondents.

  • A.C. No. 10450, July 30, 2014 - EMERITA B. MAHILUM, Complainant, v. ATTY. SAMUEL SM. LEZAMA, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 197046, July 21, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. GEORGE ZAPATA Y VIANA, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 183664, July 28, 2014 - AIRLIFT ASIA CUSTOMS BROKERAGE, INC. AND ALLAN G. BENEDICTO, Petitioners, v. COURT OF APPEALS, COMMISSIONER OF THE BUREAU OF CUSTOMS, AND THE SECRETARY OF FINANCE, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 189574, July 18, 2014 - ESTRELLA D. S. BA�EZ, Petitioner, v. SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM AND DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 208623, July 23, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. VIRGILIO ANTONIO Y RIVERA, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 207818, July 23, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ALEX DE LOS SANTOS, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 200748, July 23, 2014 - JAIME D. DELA CRUZ, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 175293, July 23, 2014 - CRISANTO F. CASTRO, JR., Petitioner, v. ATENEO DE NAGA UNIVERSITY, FR. JOEL TABORA, AND MR. EDWIN BERNAL, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 200903, July 22, 2014 - KALIPUNAN NG DAMAYANG MAHIHIRAP, INC., REPRESENTED BY ITS VICE-PRESIDENT, CARLITO BADION, CORAZON DE JESUS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, REPRESENTED BY ITS PRESIDENT, ARNOLD REPIQUE, FERNANDO SEVILLA AS PRESIDENT OF SAMAHANG PAMATA SA KAPATIRANG KRISTIYANO, ESTRELIETA BAGASBAS, JOCY LOPEZ, ELVIRA VIDOL, AND DELIA FRAYRES, Petitioners, v. JESSIE ROBREDO, IN HIS CAPACITY AS SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HON. GUIA GOMEZ, IN HER CAPACITY AS MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN, HON. HERBERT BAUTISTA, IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE MAYOR OF QUEZON CITY, HON. JOHN REY TIANGCO, IN HIS CAPACITY AS MAYOR OF NAVOTAS CITY, AND THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 194068, July 09, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. BENJIE CONSORTE Y FRANCO, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 199100, July 18, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ROSENDO AMARO, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 177524, July 23, 2014 - NATIONAL UNION OF WORKERS IN HOTEL RESTAURANT AND ALLIED INDUSTRIES (NUWHRAIN-APL-IUF), PHILIPPINE PLAZA CHAPTER, Petitioner, v. PHILIPPINE PLAZA HOLDINGS, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 199874, July 23, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. PETER FANG Y GAMBOA A.K.A. �FRITZ� AND JEFFERSON FANG Y PERALTA, ACCUSED, PETER FANG Y GAMBOA A.K.A. �FRITZ,� Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 198093, July 28, 2014 - FLP ENTERPRISES INC. � FRANCESCO SHOES/EMILIO FRANCISCO B. PAJARO, Petitioners, v. MA. JOERALYN D. DELA CRUZ AND VILMA MALUNES, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 180086, July 02, 2014 - AFP RETIREMENT AND SEPARATION BENEFITS SYSTEM [AFP-RSBS], Petitioner, v. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 193324, July 23, 2014 - ST. LUKE�S MEDICAL CENTER, Petitioner, v. DANIEL QUEBRAL AND ST. LUKE�S MEDICAL CENTER EMPLOYEES� ASSOCIATION - ALLIANCE OF FILIPINO WORKERS (SLMCEA-AFW), Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 182970, July 23, 2014 - EMILIANO S. SAMSON, Petitioner, v. SPOUSES JOSE AND GUILLERMINA GABOR, TANAY RURAL BANK, INC., AND REGISTER OF DEEDS OF MORONG, RIZAL, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 172204, July 10, 2014 - CATHAY METAL CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. LAGUNA WEST MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 190706, July 21, 2014 - SHANG PROPERTIES REALTY CORPORATION (FORMERLY THE SHANG GRAND TOWER CORPORATION) AND SHANG PROPERTIES, INC. (FORMERLY EDSA PROPERTIES HOLDINGS, INC.), Petitioners, v. ST. FRANCIS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 188133, July 07, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Appellee, v. OLIVER RENATO EDA�O Y EBDANE, Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 203434, July 23, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. MARCELINO VITERBO y REALUBIT AND RONALD VITERBO y REALUBIT, Accused-Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 202809, July 02, 2014 - DENNIS L. GO, Petitioner, v. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 181045, July 02, 2014 - SPOUSES EDUARDO AND LYDIA SILOS, Petitioners, v. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 178055, July 02, 2014 - AMECOS INNOVATIONS, INC. AND ANTONIO F. MATEO, Petitioners, v. ELIZA R. LOPEZ, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 177374, July 02, 2014 - MARIANO JOSE, FELICISIMO JOSE, DECEASED, SUBSTITUTED BY HIS CHILDREN MARIANO JOSE, CAMILO JOSE, TIBURCIA JOSE, FERMINA JOSE, AND VICTORIA JOSE, Petitioners, v. ERNESTO M. NOVIDA, RODOLFO PALAYLAY, JR., ALEX M. BELARMINO, RODRIGO LIBED, LEONARDO L. LIBED, BERNARDO B. BELARMINO, BENJAMIN G. ACOSTA, MODESTO A. ORLANDA, WARLITO B. MEJIA, MAMERTO B. BELARMINO, MARCELO O. DELFIN AND HEIRS OF LUCINO A. ESTEBAN, REPRESENTED BY CRESENCIA M. VDA. DE ESTEBAN, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 196249, July 21, 2014 - ROSE HANA ANGELES, doing business under the name and style [of] LAS MARIAS GRILL AND RESTAURANT[,] and ZENAIDA ANGELES[,] doing business under the name and style [of] CAF� TERIA BAR AND RESTAURANT, Petitioners, v. FERDINAND M. BUCAD, CHARLESTON A. REYNANTE, BERNADINE B. ROAQUIN, MARLON A. OMPOY, RUBEN N. LAROZA, EVANGELINE B. BUMACOD, WILMA CAINGLES, BRIAN OGARIO, EVELYN A. BASTAN, ANACLITO A. BASTAN, MA. GINA BENITEZ, HERMINIO AGSAOAY, NORBERTO BALLASTEROS, DEMETRIO L. BERDIN, JR., JOEL DUCUSIN, JOVY R. BALATA, and MARIBEL ROAQUIN, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 207443, July 23, 2014 - GENATO INVESTMENTS, INC., Petitioner, v. HON. JUDGE OSCAR P. BARRIENTOS, In His Capacity As The Presiding Judge Of The Regional Trial Court, Of Caloocan City, Branch 123, EMILY P. DIZON, In Her Capacity As The Branch Clerk Of Court Of The Regional Trial Court Of Caloocan City, Branch 123, JIMMY T. SORO, Court Process Server Of The Regional Trial Court Of Caloocan, Branch 123, EVELINA M. GARMA, CITY TREASURER OF CALOOCAN CITY, PHILLIP L. YAM, Officer-In-Charge, Real Property Tax Division Of The Caloocan City Treasurer�S Office, ANTHONY B. PULMANO, Officer-In-Charge, City Assessor Of Caloocan City, And LAVERNE REALTY & DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, Respondents. D E C I S I O N

  • G.R. No. 198097, July 30, 2014 - STATUS MARITIME CORPORATION, MS. LOMA B. AGUIMAN, FAIRDEAL GROUP MANAGEMENT S.A., AND MT FAIR JOLLY, Petitioners, v. SPOUSES MARGARITO B. DELALAMON AND PRISCILA A. DELALAMON, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 195190, July 28, 2014 - ROYALE HOMES MARKETING CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. FIDEL P. ALCANTARA [DECEASED], SUBSTITUTED BY HIS HEIRS, Respondent.

  • A.M. No. P-14-3218 [Formerly: OCA IPI No. 13-4037-P], July 08, 2014 - SELECTION AND PROMOTION BOARD, OFFICE OF THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR, Complainant, v. RONALDO D. TACA, CASHIER I, METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT, OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT, MANILA, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 196118, July 30, 2014 - LEONARDO C. CASTILLO, REPRESENTED BY LENNARD V. CASTILLO, Petitioner, v. SECURITY BANK CORPORATION, JRC POULTRY FARMS OR SPOUSES LEON C. CASTILLO, JR., AND TERESITA FLORES-CASTILLO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 196219, July 30, 2014 - SPOUSES MAURICIO M. TABINO AND LEONILA DELA CRUZ-TABINO, Petitioners, v. LAZARO M. TABINO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 205610, July 30, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. RAMONITO VILLARTA Y RIVERA AND ALLAN ARMENTA Y CABILES, Accused-Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 205741, July 23, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. REYMAN ENDAYA Y LAIG, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 184295, July 30, 2014 - NATIONAL TRANSMISSION CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. ALPHAOMEGA INTEGRATED CORPORATION, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 203957, July 30, 2014 - UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS FACULTY UNION, Petitioner, v. UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 181843, July 14, 2014 - MIGUEL CIRERA Y USTELO, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 197530, July 09, 2014 - ABOITIZ EQUITY VENTURES, INC., Petitioner, v. VICTOR S. CHIONGBIAN, BENJAMIN D. GOTHONG, AND CARLOS A. GOTHONG LINES, INC. (CAGLI), Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 161759, July 02, 2014 - COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS, Petitioner, v. OILINK INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 192866, July 09, 2014 - PEDRO G. RESURRECCION, JOSEPH COMETA AND CRISEFORO LITERATO, JR., Petitioners, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 191240, July 30, 2014 - CRISTINA B. CASTILLO, Petitioner, v. PHILLIP R. SALVADOR, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 174411, July 02, 2014 - CITY OF DAGUPAN, REPRESENTED BY THE CITY MAYOR BENJAMIN S. LIM, Petitioner, v. ESTER F. MARAMBA, REPRESENTED BY HER ATTORNEY-IN-FACT JOHNNY FERRER, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 203472, July 09, 2014 - MAGSAYSAY MARITIME CORPORATION, EDUARDO U. MANESE AND NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE, Petitioners, v. HENRY M. SIMBAJON, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 196251, July 09, 2014 - OLIVAREZ REALTY CORPORATION AND DR. PABLO R. OLIVAREZ, Petitioners, v. BENJAMIN CASTILLO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 208321, July 30, 2014 - WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. NOWELLA REYES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 210636, July 28, 2014 - MA. HAZELINA A. TUJAN-MILITANTE IN BEHALF OF THE MINOR CRISELDA M. CADA, Petitioner, v. RAQUEL M. CADA-DEAPERA, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 191723, July 23, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ROLANDO LAS PI�AS, JIMMY DELIZO AND MERWIN LAS PI�AS, Accused-Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 171914, July 23, 2014 - SOLEDAD L. LAVADIA, Petitioner, v. HEIRS OF JUAN LUCES LUNA, REPRESENTED BY GREGORIO Z. LUNA AND EUGENIA ZABALLERO-LUNA, Respondents.

  • A.M. No. P-14-3198 (formerly A.M. OCA IPI No. 09-3158-P), July 23, 2014 - FLORA P. HOLASCA, Petitioner, v. ANSELMO P. PAGUNSAN, JR., SHERIFF IV, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 20, IMUS, CAVITE, Respondent.; [A.M. NO. P-14-3199 (FORMERLY A.M. OCA IPI NO. 10-3415-P)] - OFFICE OF THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR (OCA), Petitioner, v. FRANCISCO J. CALIBUSO, JR., CLERK OF COURT III, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT IN CITIES, BRANCH 1, CAVITE CITY, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 200334, July 30, 2014 - THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent-Appellee, v. VICTOR COGAED Y ROMANA, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 163879, July 30, 2014 - DR. ANTONIO P. CABUGAO, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES AND SPOUSES RODOLFO M. PALMA AND ROSARIO F. PALMA, Respondents.; [G.R. NO. 165805] - DR. CLENIO YNZON, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES AND SPOUSES RODOLFO M. PALMA AND ROSARIO F. PALMA, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 209287, July 01, 2014 - MARIA CAROLINA P. ARAULLO, CHAIRPERSON, BAGONG ALYANSANG MAKABAYAN; JUDY M. TAGUIWALO, PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN, CO-CHAIRPERSON, PAGBABAGO; HENRI KAHN, CONCERNED CITIZENS MOVEMENT; REP. LUZ ILAGAN, GABRIELA WOMEN�S PARTY REPRESENTATIVE; REP. TERRY L. RIDON, KABATAAN PARTYLIST REPRESENTATIVE; REP. CARLOS ISAGANI ZARATE, BAYAN MUNA PARTY-LIST REPRESENTATIVE; RENATO M. REYES, JR., SECRETARY GENERAL OF BAYAN; MANUEL K. DAYRIT, CHAIRMAN ANG KAPATIRAN PARTY; VENCER MARI E. CRISOSTOMO, CHAIRPERSON, ANAKBAYAN; VICTOR VILLANUEVA, CONVENOR, YOUTH ACT NOW, Petitioners, v. BENIGNO SIMEON C. AQUINO III, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES; PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR., EXECUTIVE SECRETARY; AND FLORENCIO B. ABAD, SECRETARY THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT, Respondents.; [G.R. NO. 209135] - AUGUSTO L. SYJUCO JR., PH.D., Petitioner, v. FLORENCIO B. ABAD, IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT; AND HON. FRANKLIN MAGTUNAO DRILON, IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE SENATE PRESIDENT OF TH PHILIPPINES, Respondents.; [G.R. NO. 209136] - MANUELITO R. LUNA, Petitioner, v. SECRETARY FLORENCIO ABAD, IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT; AND EXECUTIVE SECRETARY PAQUITO OCHOA, IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS ALTER EGO OF THE PRESIDENT, Respondents.; [G.R. NO. 209155] - ATTY. JOSE MALVAR VILLEGAS, JR., Petitioner, v. THE HONORABLE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR.; AND THE SECRETARY O BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT FLORENCIO B. ABAD, Respondents.; [G.R. NO. 209164] - PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION ASSOCIATION (PHILCONSA), REPRESENTED BY DEAN FROILAN BACUNGAN, BENJAMIN E. DIOKNO AND LEONOR M. BRIONES, Petitioners, v. DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT AND/OR HON. FLORENCIO B. ABAD, Respondents.; [G.R. NO. 209260] - INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES (IBP), Petitioner, v. SECRETARY FLORENCIO B. ABAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT (DBM), Respondents.; [G.R. NO. 209442] - GRECO ANTONIOUS BEDA B. BELGICA; BISHOP REUBEN M ABANTE AND REV. JOSE L. GONZALEZ, Petitioners, v. PRESIDENT BENIGNO SIMEON C. AQUINO III, THE SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES, REPRESENTED BY SENATE PRESIDENT FRANKLIN M. DRILON; THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, REPRESENTED BY SPEAKER FELICIANO BELMONTE, JR.; THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE, REPRESENTED BY EXECUTIVE SECRETARY PAQUITO N. OCHOA, J THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT, REPRESENTED BY SECRETARY FLORENCIO ABAD; THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE, REPRESENTED BY SECRETARY CESAR V. PURISIMA; AND THE BUREAU OF TREASURY, REPRESENTED BY ROSALIA V. DE LEON, Respondents.; [G.R. NO. 209517] - CONFEDERATION FOR UNITY, RECOGNITION AND ADVANCEMENT OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES (COURAGE), REPRESENTED BY ITS 1ST VICE PRESIDENT, SANTIAGO DASMARINAS, JR.; ROSALINDA NARTATES, FOR HERSELF AND AS NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE CONSOLIDATED UNION OF EMPLOYEES NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY (CUE-NHA); MANUEL BACLAGON, FOR HIMSELF AND AS PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRAL OFFICE (SWEAP-DSWD CO); ANTONIA PASCUAL, FOR HERSELF AND AS NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION (DAREA); ALBERT MAGALANG, FOR HIMSELF AND AS PRESIDENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND MANAGEMENT BUREAU EMPLOYEES UNION (EMBEU); AND MARCIAL ARABA, FOR HIMSELF AND AS PRESIDENT OF THE KAPISANAN PARA SA KAGALINGAN NG MGA KAWANI NG MMDA (KKK-MMDA), Petitioners, v. BENIGNO SIMEON C. AQUINO III, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES; PAQUITO OCHOA, JR., EXECUTIVE SECRETARY; AND HON. FLORENCIO B. ABAD, SECRETA OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT, Respondents.; [G.R. NO. 209569] - VOLUNTEERS AGAINST CRIME AND CORRUPTION (VACC), REPRESENTED BY DANTE L. JIMENEZ, Petitioner, v. PAQUITO N. OCHOA, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, AND FLORENCIO B. ABAD, SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 188707, July 30, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. MANUELITA AMPATUAN Y GONZALES, ET AL., Accused, MASTOR SARIP Y MARUHOM AND WARREN TUMOG Y SAMPARADO, Accused-Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 180651, July 30, 2014 - NURSERY CARE CORPORATION; SHOEMART, INC.; STAR APPLIANCE CENTER, INC.; H&B, INC.; SUPPLIES STATION, INC.; AND HARDWARE WORKSHOP, INC., Petitioners, v. ANTHONY ACEVEDO, IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE TREASURER OF MANILA; AND THE CITY OF MANILA, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 180343, July 09, 2014 - BAHIA SHIPPING SERVICES, INC. AND FRED OLSEN CRUISE LINES LIMITED, Petitioners, v. CRISANTE C. CONSTANTINO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 176317, July 23, 2014 - MANOLITO GIL Z. ZAFRA, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 207949, July 23, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ARMANDO DIONALDO Y EBRON, RENATO DIONALDO Y EBRON, MARIANO GARIGUEZ, JR.Y RAMOS, AND RODOLFO LARIDO Y EBRON, Accused-Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 179205, July 30, 2014 - HEIRS OR REYNALDO DELA ROSA, NAMELY: TEOFISTA DELA ROSA, JOSEPHINE SANTIAGO AND JOSEPH DELA ROSA, Petitioners, v. MARIO A. BATONGBACAL, IRENEO BATONGBACAL, JOCELYN BATONGBACAL, NESTOR BATONGBACAL AND LOURDES BATONGBACAL, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 172132, July 23, 2014 - THE HERITAGE HOTEL MANILA, ACTING THROUGH ITS OWNER, GRAND PLAZA HOTEL CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. SECRETARY OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT; MED-ARBITER TOMAS F. FALCONITIN; AND NATIONAL UNION OF WORKERS IN THE HOTEL, RESTAURANT AND ALLIED INDUSTRIES�HERITAGE HOTEL MANILA SUPERVISORS CHAPTER (NUWHRAIN-HHMSC), Respondents.