Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence


Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence > Year 2017 > January 2017 Decisions > A.C. No. 5582, January 24, 2017 - ARTHUR O. MONARES, Complainant, v. ATTY. LEVI P. MUÑOZ, Respondent.; A.C. No. 5604, January 24, 2017 - ALBAY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC., Complainant, v. ATTY. LEVI P. MUÑOZ, Respondent.; A.C. No. 5652, January 24, 2017 - BENJILIEH M. CONSTANTE,1, Complainant, v. ATTY. LEVI P. MUÑOZ, Respondent.:




A.C. No. 5582, January 24, 2017 - ARTHUR O. MONARES, Complainant, v. ATTY. LEVI P. MUÑOZ, Respondent.; A.C. No. 5604, January 24, 2017 - ALBAY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC., Complainant, v. ATTY. LEVI P. MUÑOZ, Respondent.; A.C. No. 5652, January 24, 2017 - BENJILIEH M. CONSTANTE,1, Complainant, v. ATTY. LEVI P. MUÑOZ, Respondent.

PHILIPPINE SUPREME COURT DECISIONS

EN BANC

A.C. No. 5582, January 24, 2017

ARTHUR O. MONARES, Complainant, v. ATTY. LEVI P. MUÑOZ, Respondent.

A.C. No. 5604, January 24, 2017

ALBAY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
, Complainant, v. ATTY. LEVI P. MUÑOZ, Respondent.

A.C. No. 5652, January 24, 2017

BENJILIEH M. CONSTANTE,1,
Complainant, v. ATTY. LEVI P. MUÑOZ, Respondent.

D E C I S I O N

CAGUIOA, J:

For resolution is the Joint Petition for Review with Prayer for Absolution and/or Clemency2 (Joint Petition) dated May 14, 2009 filed by respondent Atty. Levi P. Muñoz (Muñoz) , in connection with the complaints for disbarment filed by by Arthur O. Monares (Monares), Atty. Oliver 0. Olaybal (Olaybal) purportedly representing Albay Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ALECO), and Benjilieh M. Constante (Constante), dated January 17, 2002, February 4, 2002 and March 21, 2002, respectively.

Monares is the plaintiff in Civil Case No. 9923 filed against Ludolfo Muñoz (Ludolfo) before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Legazpi City. In his complaint, Monares alleged that Muñoz represented his brother Ludolfo in the said case during regular government hours while employed as Provincial Legal Officer of Albay City.3

Under the chairmanship of Olaybal, ALECO's old board of directors (BOD) engaged Muñoz as retained counsel sometime in June 1998. Olaybal averred that Muñoz did not inform ALECO's old BOD that he was employed as Provincial Legal Officer at such time. Olaybal raised that after its administrator, the National Electrification Administration (NEA), deactivated the old BOD on the ground of mismanagement, Muñoz served as retained counsel of the NEA-appointed team which took over the management of ALECO. Moreover, Olaybal alleged that Muñoz illegally collected payments in the form of notarial and professional fees in excess of what was agreed upon in their retainer agreement.4

Constante is the Executive Assistant for Legal Affairs of Sunwest Construction and Development Corporation (Sunwest). Constante claimed that Muñoz filed ten (10) cases against Sunwest on Ludolfo's behalf before the Office of the Ombudsman (Ombudsman) while he was serving as Provincial Legal Officer.5

All three (3) complaints prayed that Muñoz be disbarred for unlawfully engaging in private practice. In addition, Olaybal sought Muñoz's disbarment for acts of disloyalty, particularly, for violating the rule against conflict of interest.6

To support their position, the complainants raised that Muñoz had been previously disciplined by the Ombudsman for two (2) counts of unauthorized practice of profession in OMB-ADM-101-0462, and was meted the penalty of removal and dismissal from service. The complainants further manifested that Muñoz had been convicted by the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) of Legazpi City in Criminal Case Nos. 25568 and 25569 for violation of Section 7(b)(2) in relation to Section 11 of Republic Act No. 6713.7 Muñoz's conviction has since become final pursuant to the Court's Resolution dated June 14, 2004 in G.R. No. 160668.8

In his respective comments to the complaints,9 Muñoz claimed that he had requested Governor Al Francis C. Bichara (Governor Bichara) for authority to continue his private practice shortly after his appointment. This request was granted on July 18, 199510 Thereafter, Muñoz submitted the same request to Rafael C. Alunan III, then Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).11 On September 8, 1995, Acting Secretary Alexander P. Aguirre granted Muñoz's request, under the following conditions:

  1. That no government time, personnel, funds or supplies shall be utilized in connection (sic) and that no conflict of interest with your present position as Provincial Legal Officer shall arise thereby;chanrobleslaw

  2. That the time so devoted outside of office hours, the place(s) and under what circumstances you can engage in private employment shall be fixed by the Governor of Albay to the end that it will not impair in any way your efficiency; and

  3. That any violation of the above restrictions will be a ground for the cancellation and/or revocation of this authority.12 (Emphasis supplied)

Pursuant to the DILG's authorization, Governor Bichara imposed the following conditions upon Muñoz:

  1. [Y]ou cannot handle cases against the Province of Albay;chanrobleslaw

  2. [Y]ou will be on call and you will have no fix (sic) working hours provided that the efficiency of the Provincial Legal Office shall not be prejudiced;chanrobleslaw

  3. [Y]ou are exempted in (sic) accomplishing your Daily Time Record considering the limitation already mentioned above; [and]

  4. In addition to the above enumeration[,] you are to perform functions subject to limitations in Sec. 481 of RA 7160.13

Muñoz emphasized that his authority to engage in private practice was renewed by Governor Bichara on July 3, 1998 for his second term ending in July 2001, and again on July 5, 2001 for his third term ending in July 2004.14

The complaints were separately referred by the Court to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) for investigation, report and recommendation.15 The complaints were then consolidated through the Order dated January 16, 2003 issued by Commissioner Milagros V. San Juan.16 Subsequently, the complaints underwent a series of re-assignments, until finally assigned to Commissioner Dorotea B. Aguila.17

In his Report dated March 11, 200518 (IBP Report), Commissioner Aguila recommended that Muñoz be found guilty of gross misconduct and violation of Rules 1.01, 6.02, 15.01 and 15.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility (CPR). The penalty of suspension from the practice of law for an aggregate period of four (4) years19 was recommended. On automatic review, the IBP Board of Governors (IBP-BOG) approved and adopted Commissioner Aguila's recommendation in a Resolution dated October 22, 2005.20

On December 22, 2005, Muñoz filed an Ex-Parte Appeal for Mercy, Clemency and Compassion before the IBP-BOG, praying that the recommended penalty be reduced to one (1) year.21 This appeal was denied on January 28, 2006.22

Muñoz filed before this Court an Ex-Parte Appeal for Mercy, Clemency, Forgiveness and Compassion23 (Appeal) dated April 8, 2006 praying for the reduction of the recommended penalty of suspension for four (4) years to one (1) year or less, and the dismissal of the complaints for disbarment filed against him. As an alternative prayer, Muñoz requested that he be granted special limited authority to practice law until all his pending cases are terminated.24

In his Appeal, Muñoz, insisted that when he served as Provincial Legal Officer from June 1995 to May 2002, he engaged in private practice pursuant to the three (3) written authorities issued by Governor Bichara, and the written authority of the DILG issued during his first term, which he claims had never been revoked. Muñoz also argued that no conflict of interest existed between ALECO's old BOD and the NEA management team, since he was engaged as retained counsel of ALECO as an institution, not its management teams.25

On August 28, 2006, the Court resolved to remand Muñoz's Appeal to the IBP for disposition.26

Acting on Muñoz's Appeal, the IBP-BOG issued a Resolution reducing the recommended period of suspension from four (4) to three (3) years.27 Unsatisfied, Muñoz filed a Motion for Reconsideration, which the IBP-BOG denied on December 11, 2008.28

Aggrieved, Muñoz elevated his case anew to this Court through this Joint Petition. In fine, Muñoz reiterates the allegations in his Appeal, with the additional assertion that the fees he collected from ALECO were contemplated under their retainer agreement.29

The Court agrees with the IBP-BOG's findings and recommendations.

Muñoz violated the conditions of his
DILG authorization.

Munoz's DILG authorization prohibited him from utilizing government time for his private practice. As correctly observed by Commissioner Aguila, Rule XVII of the Omnibus Rules Implementing Book V of Executive Order No. 292 and Other Pertinent Civil Service Laws (Omnibus Rules), requires government officers and employees of all departments and agencies, except those covered by special laws, to render not less than eight (8) hours of work a day for five (5) days a week, or a total of forty (40) hours a week.30 The number of required weekly working hours may not be reduced, even in cases where the department or agency adopts a flexible work schedule.31

Notably, Muñoz did not deny Monares' allegation that he made at least eighty-six (86) court appearances in connection with at least thirty (30) cases from April 11, 1996 to August 1, 2001.32 He merely alleged that his private practice did not prejudice the functions of his office.

Court appearances are necessarily made within regular government working hours, from 8:00 in the morning to 12:00 noon, and 1:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon.33 Additional time is likewise required to study each case, draft pleadings and prepare for trial. The sheer volume of cases handled by Muñoz clearly indicates that government time was necessarily utilized in pursuit of his private practice, in clear violation of the DILG authorization and Rule 6.0234 of the CPR.

Muñoz should have requested for
authority to engage in private practice
from the Secretary of DILG for his
second and third terms.

Acting Secretary Aguirre's grant of authority cannot be unreasonably construed to have been perpetual. Moreover, Muñoz cannot claim that he believed in good faith that the authority granted by Governor Bichara for his second and third terms sufficed.

Memorandum No. 17 dated September 4, 1986 (Memorandum 17) , which Muñoz himself cites in his Joint Petition, is clear and leaves no room for interpretation. The power to grant authority to engage in the practice of one's profession to officers and employees in the public service lies with the head of the department, in accordance with Section 12, Rule XVIII of the Revised Civil Service Rules which provides, in part:

Sec. 12. No officer or employee shall engage directly in any private business, vocation, or profession or be connected with any commercial, credit, agricultural, or industrial undertaking without a written permission from the head of Department: Provided, That this prohibition will be absolute in the case of those officers and employees whose duties and responsibilities require that their entire time be at the disposal of the Government: Provided, further, That if an employee is granted permission to engage in outside activities, the time so devoted outside of office hours should be fixed by the chief of the agency to the end that it will not impair in any way the efficiency of the officer or employee x x x. (Emphasis and underscoring supplied)

Memorandum 17 was issued more than nine (9) years prior to Muñoz's appointment as Provincial Legal Officer, hence, he cannot feign ignorance thereof. As a local public official, it was incumbent upon Muñoz to secure the proper authority from the Secretary of the DILG not only for his first term, but also his second and third. His failure to do so rendered him liable for unauthorized practice of his profession and violation of Rule 1.0135 of the CPR.

Muñoz represented conflicting interests.

Muñoz cannot elude Olaybal's allegations of disloyalty. In Mabini Colleges, Inc. v. Pajarillo,36 the Court explained the tests to determine the existence of conflict of interest, thus:

There is conflict of interest when a lawyer represents inconsistent interests of two or more opposing parties. The test is "whether or not in behalf of one client, it is the lawyer's duty to fight for an issue or claim, but it is his duty to oppose it for the other client. In brief, if he argues for one client, this argument will be opposed by him when he argues for the other client." This rule covers not only cases in which confidential communications have been confided, but also those in which no confidence has been bestowed or will be used. Also, there is conflict of interest if the acceptance of the new retainer will require the attorney to perform an act which will injuriously affect his first client in any matter in which he represents him and also whether he will be called upon in his new relation to use against his first client any knowledge acquired through their connection. Another test of the inconsistency of interests is whether the acceptance of a new relation will prevent an attorney from the full discharge of his duty of undivided fidelity and loyalty to his client or invite suspicion of unfaithfulness or double dealing in the performance thereof. (Emphasis supplied)

As Muñoz himself detailed in his Joint Petition, he acted as counsel for ALECO under the management of the old BOD in the following cases:

A. Civil Case No. 10007 — ALECO (Petitioner) vs. Eleuterio Adonay, NEA Project Supervisor and his team John Catral et. al., a case filed by Oliver O. Olaybal and his group. For: Injunction, Accounting with Prayer for Writs of Preliminary Injunction and/or Temporary Restraining Order, seeking to stop the election of the new set of member (sic) of the Board of Directors x x x.

B. Civil Case [N]o. 10066 entitled ALBAY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. as Petitioner, also filed by Oliver O. Olaybal, a case for Prohibition, Mandamus and Receivership, with Preliminary Prohibition and Mandatory Injunction and/or Temporary Restraining and Mandatory Orders. Among others, this Petition was filed to stop the second scheduled election of the ALECO Board of Directors scheduled for February 23, and 24, 2002.37 (Underscoring omitted; additional emphasis supplied)

Muñoz thereafter served as retained counsel of ALECO under the direction of the NEA management team. Muñoz could have easily anticipated that his advice would be sought with respect to the prosecution of the members of the old BOD, considering that the latter was deactivated due to alleged mismanagement. The conflict of interest between Olaybal's board on one hand, and NEA and its management team on the other, is apparent. By representing conflicting interests without the permission of all parties involved, Muñoz violated Rules 15.01 and 15.03 of the CPR.38

In Catu v. Rellosa,39 the Court imposed the penalty of suspension for six (6) months upon a punong barangay who acted as counsel for respondents in an ejectment case without securing the authority of the Secretary of DILG. In Aniñon v. Sabitsana, Jr.,40 the Court imposed the penalty of one (1) year suspension upon a lawyer who accepted a new engagement that required him to oppose the interests of a party whom he previously represented. In view of Muñoz's multiple infractions, the Court finds the recommended penalty of suspension for an aggregate period of three (3) years proper.

WHEREFORE, Atty. Levi P. Muñoz is found GUILTY of gross misconduct and violation of Rules 1.01, 6.02, 15.01 and 15.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility. He is hereby SUSPENDED from the practice of law for a period of three (3) years effective upon receipt of this Decision, with a STERN WARNING that a repetition of any violation hereunder shall be dealt with more severely.

SO ORDERED.

Sereno, C.J., Carpio, Velasco, Jr., Leonardo-De Castro, Peralta, Bersamin, Del Castillo, Mendoza, Reyes, Perlas-Bernabe, Leonen, and Jardeleza, JJ., concur.

Endnotes:


1 Also referred to as "Benjilieh M. Constante-Reyes" elsewhere in the records.

2Rollo (A.C. No. 5582), Vol. II, pp. 614-642.

3 Id. at 544-545.

4 Id. at 545.

5 Id.

6 Id.

7 Id. at 546, 692-700. OMB-ADM-1-01-0462 is also referred to as OMB-ADM-1-01-0462-1 in some parts of the records.

8 Id. at 754.

9 Id. at 543.

10 See rollo (A.C. No. 5582), Vol. I, pp. 270, 273.

11 Id. at 270, 274.

12 Id. at 276.

13 Id. at 277.

14Rollo (A.C. No. 5582) Vol. II, p. 547.

15Rollo (A.C. No. 5582) Vol. I, p. 289; see rollo (A.C. No. 5582) Vol. II, p. 543.

16Rollo (A.C. No. 5582) Vol. II, p. 544.

17 Id.

18 Id. at 543-553.

19 Id. at 553. Three (3) years for unauthorized practice of law, plus one (1) year for acts of disloyalty.

20 Id. at 541-542.

21 Id. at 555-557 and 559.

22 Id. at 559.

23 Id. at 558-562.

24 Id. at 561.

25 Id. at 559-560.

26 Id. at 570-571.

27 Id. at 597-598.

28 Id. at 595-596.

29 Id. at 618.

30 OMNIBUS RULES IMPLEMENTING BOOK V OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 292 AND OTHER PERTINENT CIVIL SERVICE LAWS, Rule XVII, Section 5.

31 Id. at Section 6.

32Rollo (A.C. No. 5582), Vol. I, pp. 5-12.

33Rollo (A.C. No. 5582), Vol. II, pp. 608-609.

34 Rule 6.02 of Canon 6 provides:

Rule 6.02.- A lawyer in the government service shall not use his public position to promote or advance his private interests, nor allow the latter to interfere with his public duties.

35 Rule 1.01, Canon 1 provides:

Rule 1.01. - A lawyer shall not engage in unlawful, dishonest, immoral or deceitful conduct.

36 A.C. No. 10687, July 22, 2015, 763 SCRA 288, 294-295, citing Hornilla v. Salunat, 453 Phil. 108, 111-112 (2003).

37Rollo (A.C. No. 5582), Vol. II, pp. 629-630.

38 Rules 15.01 and 15.03 of Canon 15 provide:

Rule 15.01. - A lawyer, in conferring with a prospective client, shall ascertain as soon as practicable whether the matter would involve a conflict with another client or his own interest, and if so, shall forthwith inform the prospective client.

xxxx

Rule 15.03. - A lawyer shall not represent conflicting interests except by written consent of all concerned given after a full disclosure of the facts.

39 569 Phil. 539 (2008).

40 685 Phil. 322 (2012).




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  • G.R. No. 206627, January 18, 2017 - VAN CLIFFORD TORRES Y SALERA, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 206390, January 30, 2017 - JACK C. VALENCLA, Petitioner, v. CLASSIQUE VINYL PRODUCTS CORPORATION, JOHNNY CHANG (OWNER) AND/OR CANTINGAS MANPOWER SERVICES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 218466, January 23, 2017 - MANNY RAMOS, ROBERTO SALONGA AND SERVILLANO NACIONAL, Petitioners, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.; G.R. No. 221425 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. MANNY RAMOS, ROBERTO SALONGA A.K.A. "JOHN," "KONYONG" SALONGA AND SERVILLANO NACIONAL @ "INONG" @ DIONISIO NACIONAL, Accused-Appellants.

  • GR. No. 194190, January 25, 2017 - REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, REPRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (DPWH), Petitioner, v. SPOUSES FRANCISCO R. LLAMAS, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 215009, January 23, 2017 - REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. CARMEN SANTORIO GALENO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 212774, January 23, 2017 - WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. GUILLERMO T. MAGLAYA, SR., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 192159, January 25, 2017 - COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. MARK SENSING AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD., MARK SENSING PHILIPPINES, INC. AND OFELIA B. CAJIGAL, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 219829, January 18, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. MONIR JAAFAR Y TAMBUYONG, Accused-Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 193397, January 25, 2017 - ESTRELLA MEJIA-ESPINOZA AND NORMA MEJIA DELLOSA, Petitioners, v. NENA A. CARIÑO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 178842, January 30, 2017 - RENE H. IMPERIAL AND NIDSLAND RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, Petitioners, v. HON. EDGAR L. ARMES, PRESIDING JUDGE OF BRANCH 4, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, 5TH JUDICIAL REGION, LEGAZPI CITY AND ALFONSO B. CRUZ, JR., Respondents.; G.R. No. 195509 - ALFONSO B. CRUZ, Petitioner, v. RENE IMPERIAL AND NIDSLAND RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 219509, January 18, 2017 - ILOILO JAR CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. COMGLASCO CORPORATION/AGUILA GLASS, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 215331, January 23, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. LUDIGARIO BELEN Y MARASIGAN, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 175949, January 30, 2017 - UNITED ALLOY PHILIPPINES CORPORATION, SPOUSES DAVID C. CHUA AND LUTEN CHUA, Petitioners, v. UNITED COCONUT PLANTERS BANK, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 220506, January 18, 2017 - C.I.C.M. MISSION SEMINARIES (MARYHURST, MARYHEIGHTS, MARYSHORE AND MARYHILL) SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY, INC., FR. ROMEO NIMEZ, CICM, Petitioners, v. MARIA VERONICA C. PEREZ, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 219345, January 30, 2017 - SECURITY BANK CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. GREAT WALL COMMERCIAL PRESS COMPANY, INC., ALFREDO BURIEL ATIENZA, FREDINO CHENG ATIENZA AND SPS. FREDERICK CHENG ATIENZA AND MONICA CU ATIENZA, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 211175, January 18, 2017 - ATTY. REYES G. GEROMO, FLORENCIO BUENTIPO, JR., ERNALDO YAMBOT AND LYDIA BUSTAMANTE, Petitioners, v. LA PAZ HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 189714, January 25, 2017 - TPG CORPORATION (FORMERLY THE PROFESSIONAL GROUP PLANS, INC.), Petitioner, v. ESPERANZA B. PINAS, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 193150, January 23, 2017 - LOIDA M. JAVIER, Petitioner, v. PEPITO GONZALES, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 5582, January 24, 2017 - ARTHUR O. MONARES, Complainant, v. ATTY. LEVI P. MUÑOZ, Respondent.; A.C. No. 5604, January 24, 2017 - ALBAY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC., Complainant, v. ATTY. LEVI P. MUÑOZ, Respondent.; A.C. No. 5652, January 24, 2017 - BENJILIEH M. CONSTANTE,1, Complainant, v. ATTY. LEVI P. MUÑOZ, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 11545 (Formerly CBD case No. 12-3439), January 24, 2017 - SUSAN LOBERES-PINTAL, Complainant, v. ATTY. RAMONCITO B. BAYLOSIS, Respondent.

  • G.R. Nos. 205045 & 205723, January 25, 2017 - COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Petitioner, v. SAN MIGUEL CORPORATION, Respondent.

  • A.M. No. P-16-3615 (Formerly A.M. No. 15-8-249-RTC), January 24, 2017 - MARITA TOLENTINO AND FELY SAN ANDRES, Complainants, v. SHERIFF IV GLENN A. UMALI, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 10, MALOLOS CITY, BULACAN, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 207971, January 23, 2017 - ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT, Petitioner, v. ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT FACULTY ASSOCIATION, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 212376, January 31, 2017 - MADAG BUISAN, ET AL., NAMELY: HADJI MUSA MANALAG, HADJI SUKOR MAMADRA, H. SALAM TUMAGANTANG, SUGRA SUKOR BUISAN, MONAURA TUMAGANTAING, NOJA TUMAGANTANG, SULTAN BUISAN, PAULO TUMAGANTANG,DAKUNDAY MANALAG, KINGI BUISAN, BUGOY PANANGBUAN, TUMBA TUMAGANTANG, MAMALO ELI, MALIGA ATOGAN, PAGUIAL SALDINA, EBRAHIM TAGURAK, HADJI ESMAEL KASAN, OTAP GANDAWALI, TWAN IT SALAM, EDEL SABAL, GUIMA H. SALAM, KATUNTONG H. SALAM, THONY IBAD, BANGKALING BANTAS, ALON KIKI, DAMDAEN TUMAGANTANG, MAMASALIDO KIKI, ROSTAN TUMAGANTANG, MONTASER DAMDAMEN, MODSOL TANDIAN, RAHMAN SUKOR, SUKARNO H. SUKOR, KUNGAS PAYAG, JIMIE BUISAN, MADAODAO KEDTUNGEN, TUTIN MANALAG, DATU ALI MANALAG, TUGAYA MANALAG, SAGANDINGAN MANALAG, SAUIATRA MANALAG, KAUTIN MANALAG, PANTAS DALANDAS,ULAD BANTAS, PALANO BUISAN, PANIANG BUISAN, INDASIA BUISAN, MAKAKWA BUISAN, SULTAN BUISAN, MANTIKAN BUISAN, ABULKARIM TUMAGANTANG, SAKMAG MANALAG, DEMALANES BUISAN, MANALAG PAKAMAMA, MALAMBONG PANDIAN, ABDULKARIM TUMAGANTANG, GUIANDAL OPAO, KUSIN PUWI, H. SULAIMAN UNAK, PABLO ALQUESAR, SAGIBA GABAO, TABUAN LUAY, POTENCIANO NAVARRO, KUSIN PENEL, MALAMON TALIB, MALIGA BIDA, MOKAMAD KUDALIS, CEDULA PAGABANGAN, SALILAGUIA LENANDANG, ENGKEL ALILAYA, MANGATOG SUDANG, MANAGKING MANGATONG, SEVERINO FERNANDEZ, JOSEAS GOTOKANO, MALYOD LAWADI, MANSALGAN UDAY, SANDATO DALANDAS, BANTAS DALANDAS, MAMANTAL DALANDAS, MAKALIPUAS MAKALILAY, BINGKONG BUISAN, FARIDA SUMAGKA, NUNET YUSOP, KADIGIA SABAL, NANANGGA TAYA, MAMA BANGKALING, CORRY DAMO, BUKA LATIP, MADAODAO KADTUNGAN, KOMINIE ADAM, BANGKALING BANTAS, RONIE EDZAKAL, KEDOPAO BUTO, SARIP EDZEMBAGA, TUTEN MANALAG, ABAS LATIP, MAKALIPUAS MAKALILAY, DAGENDENGAN ZUMBAGA, PAGUIAL LUBALANG, JIMMY BUISAN, KADIL SUKOR, JAKIRI LOZANO, MANUEL MAKATIMBEL, AISA BANSUAN, TATO BUISAN, HARON ABO, MAMAAN LAMADA, THING GUIAMILON, TATO SUMAGKA, NORALYN KAHAR, MOKAGI ANTAS, KINGI BUISAN, ZAINUDEN PANAYAMAN, PIAGA MANALAG, SAGIATRA MANALAG, SAILA LATIP, PINKI KADTUNGAN, ALI KADTUNGAN, NANDING TAYA, INDAY BUISAN, KINTOL KADTUNGAN, MALAWINIE EDZAKAL, MINGUTIN AMAL, BUGLI MANALAG, MANGAPANG SADINA, KURANUNGAN SADINA, SANGUTIN LUBALANG, DAUD H. LATIP, REY PALAMAN, MONTANER KID, BAKATED KADTUNGAN, GUIAMATULA DIMAGIL, ALON H. LATIP, SULTAN BUISAN, HADJI MUSA MANALAG, MANTO BANTAS, ABAS L. LATIP RODIEL KID, DATU BUTO ALI, ODIN TIAGO, ABDUL ANTA, EMBIT BUKA, LAGA KID, ULAMA DALUS, SUWAILA DAMDAMIN, TALILISAN PALEMBA, LANTOKA PATOG, MAKATEGKA BANGKONG, BEMBI KUDO, MOGAWAN GINANTE, PATANG BALODTO, EUSEBIO QUIJANO, FAISAN TAYA, LAGA KAHAR, ESMAEL KID, TAYA PALAMAN, NORJANA BUISAN, TONTONGAN MANALAG, SAMIER MANGULI, SINUMAGAD BANSUAN, BHING HARON, NENENG BUISAN, DIDO KID, ZALDI AGIONG, ROWENA MANALAG, NASSER MAMALANGKAP, TANOSI ZUMBAGA, GUIDAT DANDALANAN, FATIMA KID, KIMAMA KATIMPO, ALON GUIANDAL, MAMALUBA AKOD, AIN SUKOR AND NORIA DALANDAS, ALL REPRESENTED BY BAI ANNIE C. MONTAWAL, Petitioners, v. COMMISSION ON AUDIT AND DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 193156, January 18, 2017 - IVQ LANDHOLDINGS, INC., Petitioner, v. REUBEN BARBOSA, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 212818, January 25, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. GREGORIO QUITA ALIAS "GREG", Accused-Appellant.

  • A.M. No. P-16-3550 (Formerly A.M. IPI No. 14-4252-P), January 31, 2017 - JUDGE GUILLERMO P. AGLORO, Complainant, v. COURT INTERPRETER LESLIE BURGOS, OFFICER-IN-CHARGE/CLERK III ANNALIZA P. SANTIAGO, COURT STENOGRAPHER MARISSA M. GARCIA, AND CLERK III JULIETA FAJARDO, ALL OF REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 83, MALOLOS CITY, BULACAN, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 202781, January 10, 2017 - CRISANTO M. AALA, ROBERT N. BALAT, DATU BELARDO M. BUNGAD, CESAR B. CUNTAPAY, LAURA S. DOMINGO, GLORIA M. GAZMEN-TAN, AND JOCELYN P. SALUDARES-CADAYONA, Petitioners, v. HON. REY T. UY, IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE CITY MAYOR OF TAGUM CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE, MR. ALFREDO H. SILAWAN, IN HIS CAPACITY AS CITY ASSESSOR OF TAGUM CITY, HON. DE CARLO L. UY, HON. ALLAN L. RELLON, HON. MARIA LINA F. BAURA, HON. NICANDRO T. SUAYBAGUIO, JR., HON. ROBERT L. SO, HON. JOEDEL T. CAASI, HON. OSCAR M. BERMUDEZ, HON. ALAN D. ZULUETA, HON. GETERITO T. GEMENTIZA, HON. TRISTAN ROYCE R. AALA, HON. FRANCISCO C. REMITAR, IN THEIR CAPACITY AS CITY COUNCILORS OF TAGUM CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE, HON. ALFREDO R. PAGDILAO, IN HIS CAPACITY AS ABC REPRESENTATIVE, AND HON. MARIE CAMILLE C. MANANSALA, IN HER CAPACITY AS SKF REPRESENTATIVE, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 190431, January 31, 2017 - BAYAN MUNA PARTY-LIST REPRESENTATIVE SATUR C. OCAMPO, GABRIELA WOMEN'S PARTY-LIST REPRESENTATIVE LIZA L. MAZA, BAYAN MUNA PARTY-LIST REPRESENTATIVE TEODORO A. CASIÑO, ANAKPAWIS PARTY-LIST REPRESENTATIVE JOEL B. MAGLUNSOD, PAGKAKAISA NG MGA SAMAHAN NG TSUPER AT OPERATOR NATIONWIDE (PISTON), REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY GENERAL GEORGE F. SAN MATEO, Petitioners; AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, GLICERIO M. MANZANO, JR., RAUL M. CONSUNJI, AND LYN C. BRONTE, Petitioners-In-Intervention, v. LEANDRO R. MENDOZA SECRETARY OF DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS; ARTURO C. LOMIBAO, CHIEF OF THE LAND TRANSPORTATION OFFICE, AND STRADCOM CORPORATION, Respondents.; FEDERATION OF JEEPNEY OPERATORS AND DRIVERS ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (FEJODAP) REPRESENTED BY ZENAIDA "MARANAN" DE CASTRO, ALLIANCE OF TRANSPORT OPERATORS AND DRIVERS ASSOCIATIONS OF THE PHILIPPINES (ALTODAP) REPRESENTED BY MELENCIO "BOY" VARGAS, LAND TRANSPORTATION ORGANIZATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (LTOP) REPRESENTED BY ORLANDO MARQUEZ, NTU­TRANSPORTER REPRESENTED BY ALEJO SAYASA, PASANG-MASDA NATIONWIDE, INC., REPRESENTED BY ROBERTO "OBET" MARTIN, ALLIANCE OF CONCERNED TRANSPORT ORGANIZATIONS (ACTO) REPRESENTED BY EFREN DE LUNA, Oppositors-Intervenors.

  • G.R. No. 207156, January 16, 2017 - TURKS SHAWARMA COMPANY/GEM ZEÑAROSA, Petitioners, v. FELICIANO Z. PAJARON AND LARRY A. CARBONILLA, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 184317, January 25, 2017 - METROPOLITAN BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, Petitioner, v. LIBERTY CORRUGATED BOXES MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 207786, January 30, 2017 - SPOUSES MARCELIAN TAPAYAN AND ALICE TAPAYAN, Petitioners, v. PONCEDA M. MARTINEZ, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 206038, January 25, 2017 - MARY E. LIM, REPRESENTED BY HER ATTORNEY-IN-FACT, REYNALDO V. LIM, Petitioner, v. MOLDEX LAND, INC., 1322 ROXAS BOULEVARD CONDOMINIUM CORPORATION, AND JEFFREY JAMINOLA, EDGARDO MACALINTAL, JOJI MILANES, AND CLOTHILDA ANNE ROMAN, IN THEIR CAPACITY AS PURPORTED MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF 1322 GOLDEN EMPIRE CORPORATION, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 196347, January 23, 2017 - SUSAN A. YAP, Petitioner, v. ELIZABETH LAGTAPON, Respondent.

  • A.M. No. RTJ-14-2401 (Formerly OCA IPI No. 12-3841-RTJ), January 25, 2017 - OFFICE OF THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR, Complainant, v. EXECUTIVE JUDGE ILLUMINADA P. CABATO, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT [RTC], BAGUIO CITY; CLERK OF COURT IV ARMANDO G. YDIA, PROCESS SERVER I SONNY S. CARAGAY, CLERK OF COURT III OFELIA T. MONDIGUING, SHERIFF III JOSE E. ORPILLA, AND CLERK III VILMA C. WAYANG, ALL OF THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT IN CITIES [MTCC], BAGUIO CITY; JUDGE ROBERTO R. MABALOT, CLERK OF COURT III LOURDES G. CAOILI, AND UTILITY WORKER I ANTINO M. WAKIT, ALL OF BRANCH I, MTCC, BAGUIO CITY; JUDGE JENNIFER P. HUMINDING, COURT STENOGRAPHER II PERLA B. DELACRUZ, COURT STENOGRAPHER II GRACE F. DESIERTO, COURT STENOGRAPHER II CAROLYN B. DUMAG, COURT STENOGRAPHER II MARY ROSE VIRGINIA O. MATIC, AND CLERK IV LOURDES D. WANGWANG, ALL OF BRANCH 2, MTCC, BAGUIO CITY; CLERK OF COURT REMEDIOS BALDERAS-REYES, SHERIFF IV RUBEN L. ATIJERA, CASH CLERK II MERLIN ANITA N. CALICA, PROCESS SERVER EDWIN V. FANGONIL, SHERIFF IV ROMEO R. FLORENDO, LIBRARIAN II NAMNAMA L. LOPEZ, CLERK III JEFFREY G. MENDOZA, CLERK II ROLANDO G. MONTES, COURT STENOGRAPHER III VENUS D. SAGUID, AND UTILITY WORKER I FRANCISCO D. SIAPNO, ALL OF THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT, RTC, BAGUIO CITY; CLERK OF COURT GAIL M. BACBAC-DEL ISEN, COURT STENOGRAPHER III RESTITUTO A. CORPUZ, COURT STENOGRAPHER MARLENE A. DOMAOANG, AND LEGAL RESEARCHER II FLORENCE F. SALANGO, ALL OF BRANCH 3, RTC, BAGUIO CITY; JUDGE MIA JOY C. OALLARES-CAWED, LEGAL RESEARCHER II ELIZABETH G. AUCENA, CLERK OF COURT V RUTH B. BAWAYAN, COURT STENOGRAPHER III JOY P. CHILEM-AGUILBA, COURT STENOGRAPHER III LEONILA P. FERNANDEZ, PROCESS SERVER MARIA ESPERANZA N. JACOB, COURT CLERK III REYNALDO R. RAMOS, COURT INTERPRETER III MELITA C. SALINAS, AND COURT CLERK III WILMA M. TAMANG, ALL OF BRANCH 4, RTC, BAGUIO CITY; JUDGE ANTONIO M. ESTEVES, UTILITY WORKER JONATHAN R. GERONIMO, COURT STENOGRAPHER III PRECY T. GOZE, CLERK OF COURT V ALEJANDRO EPIFANIO D. GUERRERO, AND COURT STENOGRAPHER III VIRGINIA M. RAMIREZ, ALL OF BRANCH 5, RTC, BAGUIO CITY; CLERK OF COURT MYLENE MAY ADUBE-CABUAG, PROCESS SERVER ROBERTO G. COROÑA, JR., COURT STENOGRAPHER III VICTORIA J. DERASMO, CLERK OF COURT III BOBBY D. GALANO, UTILITY WORKER MANOLO V. MARIANO III, AND CLERK III ROWENA C. PASAG, ALL OF BRANCH 6, RTC, BAGUIO CITY; JUDGE MONA LISA TIONGSON-TABORA, PROCESS SERVER ROMEO E. BARBACHANO, COURT STENOGRAPHER EDNA P. CASTILLO, COURT STENOGRAPHER III DOLORES M. ESERIO, COURT INTERPRETER III GEORGE HENRY A. MANIPON, COURT STENOGRAPHER III ANITA MENDOZA, CLERK III DOMINADOR B. REMIENDO, AND CLERK III DOLORES G. ROMERO, ALL OF BRANCH 7, RTC, BAGUIO CITY; UTILITY WORKER GILBERT L. EVANGELISTA, PROCESS SERVER EDUARDO B. RODRIGO, COURT STENOGRAPHER III ELIZABETH M. LOCKEY, COURT STENOGRAPHER III ANALIZA G. MADRONIO, CLERK III EVANGELINE N. GONZALES, COURT STENOGRAPHER III MARILOU M. TADAO, COURT STENOGRAPHER III AGNES P. MACA-EY, SHERIFF IV MARANI S. BACOLOD, CLERK III EDGARDO R. ORATE, AND LEGAL RESEARCHER JESSICA D. GUANSING, ALL OF BRANCH 59, RTC, BAGUIO CITY; CLERK OF COURT ROGER NAFIANOG, COURT STENOGRAPHER III RUTH C. LAGAN, COURT STENOGRAPHER III ELEANOR V. NIÑALGA, CLERK III ANGELINA M. SANTIAGO, UTILITY WORKER LEO P. VALDEZ, AND CLERK III SAMUEL P. VIDAD, ALL OF BRANCH 60, RTC, BAGUIO CITY; JUDGE ANTONIO C. REYES, COURT INTERPRETER III ELEANOR I. BUCAYCAY, LEGAL RESEARCHER II JOAN G. CASTILLO, CLERK OF COURT V JERICO G. GAY­YA, CLERK III CONCEPCION SOLIVEN VDA. PULMANO, AND SHERIFF IV ALBERT G. TOLENTINO, ALL OF BRANCH 61, RTC, BAGUIO CITY, Respondents.