Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence


Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence > Year 2012 > March 2012 Decisions > [G.R. No. 176628 : March 19, 2012] PHILIPPINE TOURISM AUTHORITY, PETITIONER, VS. PHILIPPINE GOLF DEVELOPMENT & EQUIPMENT, INC., RESPONDENT. :




SECOND DIVISION

[G.R. No. 176628 : March 19, 2012]

PHILIPPINE TOURISM AUTHORITY, PETITIONER, VS. PHILIPPINE GOLF DEVELOPMENT & EQUIPMENT, INC., RESPONDENT.

R E S O L U T I O N


BRION, J.:

Before this Court is a petition for certiorari, under Rule 65 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, to annul the decision[1] dated December 13, 2006 of the Court of Appeals (CA) in CA G.R. SP No. 90402. This CA decision dismissed the petition for annulment of judgment which sought to set aside the decision[2] of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Muntinlupa City, Branch 203, in Civil Case No. 03-212. The RTC held the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) liable for its unpaid obligation to Philippine Golf Development & Equipment, Inc. (PHILGOLF).cralaw

FACTUAL BACKGROUND

On April 3, 1996, PTA, an agency of the Department of Tourism, whose main function is to bolster and promote tourism, entered into a contract with Atlantic Erectors, Inc. (AEI) for the construction of the Intramuros Golf Course Expansion Projects (PAR 60-66) for a contract price of Fifty-Seven Million Nine Hundred Fifty-Four Thousand Six Hundred Forty-Seven and 94/100 Pesos (P57,954,647.94).

The civil works of the project commenced. Since AEI was incapable of constructing the golf course aspect of the project, it entered into a sub-contract agreement with PHILGOLF, a duly organized domestic corporation, to build the golf course amounting to Twenty-Seven Million Pesos (P27,000,000.00). The sub-contract agreement also provides that PHILGOLF shall submit its progress billings directly to PTA and, in turn, PTA shall directly pay PHILGOLF.[3]

On October 2, 2003, PHILGOLF filed a collection suit against PTA amounting to Eleven Million Eight Hundred Twenty Thousand Five Hundred Fifty and 53/100 Pesos (P11,820,550.53), plus interest, for the construction of the golf course. Within the period to file a responsive pleading, PTA filed a motion for extension of time to file an answer.

On October 30, 2003, the RTC granted the motion for extension of time.  PTA filed another motion for extension of time to file an answer. The RTC again granted the motion.

Despite the RTC�s liberality of granting two successive motions for extension of time, PTA failed to answer the complaint. Hence, on April 6, 2004, the RTC rendered a judgment of default, ruling as follows:

WHEREFORE, judgment is hereby rendered, ordering the defendant to pay plaintiff:
  1. The amount of Eleven Million, Eight Hundred Twenty Thousand, Five Hundred Fifty Pesos and Fifty Three Centavos (P11,820,550.53), representing defendant�s outstanding obligation, plus interest thereon of twelve percent (12%) per annum from the time the unpaid billings of plaintiff were due for payment by the defendant, until they are fully paid.

  2. The amount of Two Hundred Thousand Pesos  (P200,000.00), as attorney�s fees.

  3. The amount of One Hundred Twenty Eight Thousand, Five Hundred Twenty Nine Pesos and Fourteen Centavos (P128,529.14), as filing fees and other costs of litigation.

  4. The amount of Three Hundred Thousand Pesos (P300,000.00), as moral damages.

  5. The amount of One Hundred Fifty Thousand (Pesos (P150,000.00), as nominal damages, and

  6. The amount of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (P250,000.00), as exemplary damages.
SO ORDERED.[4]

On July 11, 2005, PTA seasonably appealed the case to the CA. But before the appeal of PTA could be perfected, PHILGOLF already filed a motion for execution pending appeal with the RTC. The RTC, in an Order dated June 2, 2004, granted the motion and a writ of execution pending appeal was issued against PTA. On June 3, 2004, a notice of garnishment was issued against PTA�s bank account at the Land Bank of the Philippines, NAIA-BOC Branch to fully satisfy the judgment.

PTA filed a petition for certiorari with the CA, imputing grave abuse of discretion on the part of the RTC for granting the motion for execution pending appeal. The CA ruled in favor of PTA and set aside the order granting the motion for execution pending appeal.

On July 11, 2005, PTA withdrew its appeal of the RTC decision and, instead, filed a petition[5] for annulment of judgment under Rule 47 of the Rules of Court. The petition for annulment of judgment was premised on the argument that the gross negligence of PTA�s counsel prevented the presentation of evidence before the RTC.

On December 13, 2006, the CA dismissed the petition for annulment of judgment for lack of merit. PTA questions this CA action in the present petition for certiorari.

THE PETITION

The petition cites three arguments: first, that the negligence of PTA�s counsel amounted to an extrinsic fraud warranting an annulment of judgment; second, that since PTA is a government entity, it should not be bound by the inactions or negligence of its counsel; and third, that there were no other available remedies left for PTA but a petition for annulment of judgment.

OUR RULING

We find the petition unmeritorious.

The Rules of Court specifically provides for deadlines in actions before the court to ensure an orderly disposition of cases. PTA cannot escape these legal technicalities by simply invoking the negligence of its counsel. This practice, if allowed, would defeat the purpose of the Rules on periods since every party would merely lay the blame on its counsel to avoid any liability. The rule is that �a client is bound by the acts, even mistakes, of his counsel in the realm of procedural technique[,]and unless such acts involve gross negligence that the claiming party can prove, the acts of a counsel bind the client as if it had been the latter�s acts.�[6]

In LBC Express - Metro Manila, Inc. v. Mateo,[7] the Court held that �[g]ross negligence is characterized by want of even slight care, acting or omitting to act in a situation where there is a duty to act, not inadvertently but willfully and intentionally with a conscious indifference to consequences insofar as other persons may be affected.� This cannot be invoked in cases where the counsel is merely negligent in submitting his required pleadings within the period that the rules mandate.

It is not disputed that the summons together with a copy of the complaint was personally served upon, and received by PTA through its Corporate Legal Services Department, on October 10, 2003.[8] Thus, in failing to submit a responsive pleading within the required time despite sufficient notice, the RTC was correct in declaring PTA in default.

There was no extrinsic fraud

�Extrinsic fraud refers to any fraudulent act of the prevailing party in the litigation which is committed outside of the trial of the case, whereby the unsuccessful party has been prevented from exhibiting fully his case, by fraud or deception practiced on him by his opponent.�[9] Under the doctrine of this cited case, we do not see the acts of PTA�s counsel to be constitutive of extrinsic fraud.

The records reveal that the judgment of default[10] was sent via registered mail to PTA�s counsel. However, PTA never availed of the remedy of a motion to lift the order of default.[11] Since the failure of PTA to present its evidence was not a product of any fraudulent acts committed outside trial, the RTC did not err in declaring PTA in default.

Annulment of judgment is not
the proper remedy


PTA�s appropriate remedy was only to appeal the RTC decision. �Annulment of Judgment under Rule 47 of the Rules of Court is a recourse equitable in character and allowed only in exceptional cases where the ordinary remedies of new trial, appeal, petition for relief or other appropriate remedies are no longer available through no fault of petitioner.�[12]

In this case, appeal was an available remedy. There was also no extraordinary reason for a petition for annulment of judgment, nor was there any adequate explanation on why the remedy for new trial or petition for relief could not be used. The Court is actually at a loss why PTA had withdrawn a properly filed appeal and substituted it with another petition, when PTA could have merely raised the same issues through an ordinary appeal.

PTA was acting in a proprietary
character


PTA also erred in invoking state immunity simply because it is a government entity. The application of state immunity is proper only when the proceedings arise out of sovereign transactions and not in cases of commercial activities or economic affairs. The State, in entering into a business contract, descends to the level of an individual and is deemed to have tacitly given its consent to be sued.[13]

Since the Intramuros Golf Course Expansion Projects partakes of a proprietary character entered into between PTA and PHILGOLF, PTA cannot avoid its financial liability by merely invoking immunity from suit.

A special civil action for certiorari
under Rule 65 is proper only when
there is no other plain, speedy, and
adequate remedy


Lastly, a special civil action under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court is only available in cases when a tribunal, board or officer exercising judicial or quasi-judicial functions has acted without or in excess of its or his jurisdiction, or with grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction, and there is no appeal, or any plain, speedy, and adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law. It is not a mode of appeal, and cannot also be made as a substitute for appeal. It will not lie in cases where other remedies are available under the law.

In Land Bank of the Philippines v. Court of Appeals,[14] the Court had the occasion to state:

The general rule is that a [certiorari] will not issue where the remedy of appeal is available to the aggrieved party. The remedies of appeal in the ordinary course of law and that of certiorari under Rule 65 of the Revised Rules of Court are mutually exclusive and not alternative or cumulative. Hence, the special civil action for certiorari under Rule 65 is not and cannot be a substitute for an appeal, where the latter remedy is available. xxx

x          x         x          x

The proper recourse of the aggrieved party from a decision of the CA is a petition for review on certiorari under Rule 45 of the Revised Rules of Court. On the other hand, if the error subject of the recourse is one of jurisdiction, or the act complained of was perpetrated by a quasi-judicial officer or agency with grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction, the proper remedy available to the aggrieved party is a petition for certiorari under Rule 65 of the said Rules. [emphases supplied; citations omitted]

In sum, PTA had the remedy of appealing the RTC decision to the CA and, thereafter, to us. Under the circumstances, we find no adequate reason to justify the elevation of this case to the CA and then to us, under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court.cralaw

WHEREFORE, premises considered, we hereby DISMISS the petition for certiorari. No costs.

SO ORDERED.

Carpio, (Chairperson), Perez, Sereno, and Reyes, JJ., concur.

Endnotes:


[1] Penned by Associate Justice Rosmari D. Carandang, and concurred in by Associate Justices Remedios A. Salazar-Fernando and Monina Arevalo-Zenarosa; rollo, pp. 86-95.

[2] Dated April 6, 2004; id. at 26-33.

[3] Id. at 88.

[4] Id. at 33.

[5] Dated July 5, 2005.

[6] Labao v. Flores, G.R. No. 187984, November 15, 2010, 634 SCRA 723, 733.

[7] G.R. No. 168215, June 9, 2009, 589 SCRA 33, 37.

[8] Rollo, p. 28.

[9] City Government of Tagaytay v. Guerrero, G.R. Nos. 140743, 140745 and 141451-52, September 17, 2009, 600 SCRA 33, 61.

[10] Dated February 17, 2004.

[11] Rollo, p. 46.

[12] City Government of Tagaytay v. Guerrero, supra note 8, at 51.

[13] United States of America v. Ruiz, No. L-35645, May 22, 1985, 136 SCRA 487.

[14] 456 Phil. 755, 785-787 (2003).



Back to Home | Back to Main




















chanrobles.com





ChanRobles On-Line Bar Review

ChanRobles Internet Bar Review : www.chanroblesbar.com

ChanRobles MCLE On-line

ChanRobles Lawnet Inc. - ChanRobles MCLE On-line : www.chanroblesmcleonline.com






March-2012 Jurisprudence                 

  • [G.R. No. 152272 : March 05, 2012] JUANA COMPLEX I HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., ANDRES C. BAUTISTA, BRIGIDO DIMACULANGAN, DOLORES P. PRADO, IMELDA DE LA CRUZ, EDITHA C. DY, FLORENCIA M. MERCADO, LEOVINO C. DATARIO, AIDA A. ABAYON, NAPOLEON M. DIMAANO, ROSITA G. ESTIGOY AND NELSON A. LOYOLA, PETITIONERS, VS. FIL-ESTATE LAND, INC., FIL ESTATE ECOCENTRUM CORPORATION, LA PAZ HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, WARBIRD SECURITY AGENCY, ENRIQUE RIVILLA, MICHAEL E. JETHMAL AND MICHAEL ALUNAN, RESPONDENTS. [G. R. NO. 152397] FIL-ESTATE LAND, INC., FIL ESTATE ECOCENTRUM CORPORATION, LA PAZ HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, WARBIRD SECURITY AGENCY, ENRIQUE RIVILLA, MICHAEL E. JETHMAL AND MICHAEL ALUNAN, PETITIONERS, VS. JUANA COMPLEX I HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., ANDRES C. BAUTISTA, BRIGIDO DIMACULANGAN, DOLORES P. PRADO, IMELDA DE LA CRUZ, EDITHA C. DY, FLORENCIA M. MERCADO, LEOVINO C. DATARIO, AIDA A. ABAYON, NAPOLEON M. DIMAANO, ROSITA G. ESTIGOY AND NELSON A. LOYOLA, RESPONDENTS. D E C I S I O N

  • [G.R. No. 171251 : March 05, 2012] LASCONA LAND CO., INC., PETITIONER, VS. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, RESPONDENT.

  • [G.R. No. 194645 : March 06, 2012] CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION, PETITIONER, VS. AURORA M. CLAVE, RESPONDENT. [G.R. NO. 194665] GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM (GSIS), PETITIONER, VS. AURORA M. CLAVE, RESPONDENT.

  • [G.R. No. 179652 : March 06, 2012] PEOPLE�S BROADCASTING SERVICE (BOMBO RADYO PHILS., INC.), PETITIONER, VS. THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT, THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, DOLE REGION VII, AND JANDELEON JUEZAN, RESPONDENTS.

  • [A.M. No. 12-2-6-SC : March 06, 2012] RE: PETITION FOR JUDICIAL CLEMENCY OF JUDGE IRMA ZITA V. MASAMAYOR,

  • [G.R. Nos. 162335 & 162605 : March 06, 2012] SEVERINO M. MANOTOK IV, FROILAN M. MANOTOK, FERNANDO M. MANOTOK III, MA. MAMERTA M. MANOTOK, PATRICIA L. TIONGSON, PACITA L. GO, ROBERTO LAPERAL III, MICHAEL MARSHALL V. MANOTOK, MARYANN MANOTOK, FELISA MYLENE V. MANOTOK, IGNACIO V. MANOTOK, JR., MILAGROS V. MANOTOK, SEVERINO MANOTOK III, ROSA R. MANOTOK, MIGUEL A.B. SISON, GEORGE M. BOCANEGRA, MA. CRISTINA E. SISON, PHILIPP L. MANOTOK, JOSE CLEMENTE L. MANOTOK, RAMON SEVERINO L. MANOTOK, THELMA R. MANOTOK, JOSE MARIA MANOTOK, JESUS JUDE MANOTOK, JR. AND MA. THERESA L. MANOTOK, REPRESENTED BY THEIR ATTORNEY- IN-FACT, ROSA R. MANOTOK, PETITIONERS, VS. HEIRS OF HOMER L. BARQUE, REPRESENTED BY TERESITA BARQUE HERNANDEZ, RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. No. 160882 : March 07, 2012] FELICIDAD STA. MARIA VILLARAN, WILFREDO STA. MARIA VILLARAN, DEOGRACIAS STA. MARIA AND ROLANDO STA. MARIA, PETITIONERS, VS. DEPARTMENT OF AGARIAN REFORM ADJUDICATION BOARD AND LORENZO MARIANO, RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. No. 195239 : March 07, 2012] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. BEN RUBIO Y ACOSTA, ACCUSED-APPELLANT.

  • [G.R. No. 188103 : March 07, 2012] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. JEROME PALER, ACCUSED-APPELLANT.

  • [G.R. No. 182522 : March 07, 2012] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. NOEL T. ADALLOM, ACCUSED-APPELLANT.

  • [G.R. No. 170964 : March 07, 2012] ELSA MACANDOG MAGTIRA, PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.

  • [G.R. No. 184885 : March 07, 2012] ERNESTO G. YMBONG, PETITIONER, VS. ABS-CBN BROADCASTING CORPORATION, VENERANDA SY AND DANTE LUZON, RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. No. 174792 : March 07, 2012] WILFREDO ARO, RONILO TIROL, JOSE PACALDO, PRIMITIVO CASQUEJO AND MARCIAL ABGO, PETITIONERS, VS. NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS COMMISSION, FOURTH DIVISION AND BENTHEL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. No. 174173 : March 07, 2012] MA. MELISSA A. GALANG, PETITIONER, VS. JULIA MALASUGUI, RESPONDENT.

  • [G.R. No. 188670 : March 07, 2012] DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM, REPRESENTED BY OIC-SECRETARY JOSE MARI B. PONCE, NOW BY SECRETARY NASSER C. PANGANDAMAN, PETITIONER, VS. HEIRS OF ANGEL T. DOMINGO, RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. No. 165132 : March 07, 2012] OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN, PETITIONER, VS. NELLIE R. APOLONIO, RESPONDENT.

  • [G.R. No. 190559 : March 07, 2012] BLUE SKY TRADING COMPANY, INC. AND/OR JOSE TANTIANSU AND LINDA TANTIANSU, PETITIONERS, VS. ARLENE P. BLAS AND JOSEPH D. SILVANO, RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. No. 183449 : March 12, 2012] ALFREDO JACA MONTAJES, PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.

  • [A.M. No. 11-10-1-SC : March 13, 2012] IN RE: LETTERS OF ATTY. ESTELITO P. MENDOZA RE: G.R. NO. 178083 � FLIGHT ATTENDANTS AND STEWARDS ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (FASAP) V. PHILIPPINE AIRLINES, INC. (PAL), ET AL.

  • [A.m. No. 12-2-03-0 : March 13, 2012] RE: IN THE MATTER OF CLARIFICATION OF EXEMPTION FROM PAYMENT OF ALL COURT AND SHERIFF�S FEES OF COOPERATIVES DULY REGISTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9520 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE PHILIPPINE COOPERATIVE CODE OF 2008, PERPETUAL HELP COMMUNITY COOPERATIVE (PHCCI), PETITIONER,

  • [G. R. No. 162322 : March 14, 2012] REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, PETITIONER, VS. BANTIGUE POINT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, RESPONDENT.

  • [G.R. No. 169628 : March 14, 2012] MANUEL A. LUMAYOG, PETITIONER, VS. SPOUSES LEONARD PITCOCK AND CORAZON PITCOCK, RESPONDENTS.

  • [G. R. No. 183367 : March 14, 2012] SECOND DIVISION AUSTRALIAN PROFESSIONAL REALTY, INC., JESUS GARCIA, AND LYDIA MARCIANO, PETITIONERS, VS. MUNICIPALITY OF PADRE GARCIA BATANGAS PROVINCE, RESPONDENT.

  • [G.R. No. 184406 : March 14, 2012] LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES, PETITIONER, VS. PERFECTO OBIAS, ET. AL., RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. No. 175263 : March 14, 2012] MANUEL H. NIETO, JR., PETITIONER, VS. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (SEC), ATTY. VERNETTE G. UMALI-PACO IN HER CAPACITY AS GENERAL COUNSEL OF THE SEC AND IN HER PERSONAL CAPACITY, AND JOHN/JANE DOES, RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. No. 193861 : March 14, 2012] PAULITA �EDITH� SERRA,1 PETITIONER, VS. NELFA T. MUMAR, RESPONDENT.

  • [G.R. No. 195546 : March 14, 2012] GOODLAND COMPANY, INC., PETITIONER, VS. ASIA UNITED BANK, CHRISTINE T. CHAN, FLORANTE DEL MUNDO, ENGRACIO M. ESCASINAS, JR., IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS CLERK OF COURT & EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF IN THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MAKATI CITY, NORBERTO B. MAGSAJO, IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS SHERIFF IV OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MAKATI CITY, AND RONALD A. ORTILE, IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS THE REGISTER OF DEEDS FOR MAKATI CITY, RESPONDENTS. [G.R. NO. 195561] GOODLAND COMPANY, INC., PETITIONER, VS. ASIA UNITED BANK, ABRAHAM CO, ATTY. JOEL T. PELICANO AND THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF MAKATI CITY, RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. No. 175924 : March 14, 2012] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. ERLAND SABADLAB Y BAYQUEL, ACCUSED-APPELLANT.

  • [G.R. No. 193279 : March 14, 2012] ELEANOR DE LEON LLENADO, PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES AND EDITHA VILLAFLORES, RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. No. 155109 : March 14, 2012] C. ALCANTARA & SONS, INC., PETITIONER, VS. COURT OF APPEALS, LABOR ARBITER ANTONIO M. VILLANUEVA, LABOR ARBITER ARTURO L. GAMOLO, SHERIFF OF NLRC RAB-XI-DAVAO CITY, NAGKAHIUSANG MAMUMUO SA ALSONS-SPFL (NAMAAL-SPFL), FELIXBERTO IRAG, JOSHUA BARREDO, ERNESTO CUARIO, EDGAR MONDAY, EDILBERTO DEMETRIA, HERMINIO ROBILLO, ROMULO LUNGAY, MATROIL DELOS SANTOS, BONERME MATURAN, RAUL CANTIGA, EDUARDO CAMPUSO, RUDY ANADON, GILBERTO GABRONINO, BONIFACIO SALVADOR, CIRILO MINO, ROBERTO ABONADO, WARLITO MONTE, PEDRO ESQUIERDO, ALFREDO TROPICO, DANILO MEJOS, HECTOR ESTUITA, BARTOLOME CASTILLANES, EDUARDO CAPUYAN, SATURNINO CAGAS, ALEJANDRO HARDER, EDUARDO LARENA, JAIME MONTEDERAMOS, ERMELANDO BASADRE, REYNALDO LIMPAJAN, ELPIDIO LIBRANZA, TEDDY SUELO, JOSE AMOYLIN, TRANQUILINO ORALLO, CARLOS BALDOS, MANOLITO SABELLANO, CARMELITO TOBIAS, PRIMITIVO GARCIA, JUANITO ALDEPOLLA, LUDIVICO ABAD, WENCISLAO INGHUG, RICARDO ALTO, EPIFANIO JARABAY, FELICIANO AMPER, ALEXANDER JUDILLA, ROBERTO ANDRADE, ALFREDO LESULA, JULIO ANINO, BENITO MAGPUSAO, PEDRO AQUINO, EDDIE MANSANADES, ROMEO ARANETA, ARGUILLAO MANTICA, CONSTANCIO ARNAIZ, ERNESTO HOTOY, JUSTINO ASCANO, RICARDO MATURAN, EDILBERTO YAMBAO, ANTONIO MELARGO, JESUS BERITAN, ARSENIO MELICOR, DIOSDADO BONGABONG, LAURO MONTENEGRO, CARLITO BURILLO, LEO MORA, PABLO BUTIL, ARMANDO GUCILA, JEREMIAH CAGARA, MARIO NAMOC, CARLITO CAL, GERWINO NATIVIDAD, ROLANDO CAPUYAN, EDGARDO ORDIZ, LEONARDO CASURRA, PATROCINIO ORTEGA, FILEMON CESAR, MARIO PATAN, ROMEO COMPRADO, JESUS PATOC, RAMON CONSTANTINO, ALBERTO PIELAGO, SAMUEL DELA LLANA, NICASIO PLAZA, ROSALDO DAGONDON, TITO GUADES, BONIFACIO DINAGUDOS, PROCOPIO RAMOS, JOSE EBORAN, ROSENDO SAJOL, FRANCISCO EMPUERTO, PATRICIO SALOMON, NESTOR ENDAYA, MARIO SALVALEON, ERNESTO ESTILO, BONIFACIO SIGUE, VICENTE FABROA, JAIME SUCUAHI, CELSO HUISO, ALEX TAUTO-AN, SATURNINO YAGON, CLAUDIO TIROL, SULPECIO GAGNI, JOSE TOLERO, FERVIE GALVEZ, ALFREDO TORALBA AND EDUARDO GENELSA, RESPONDENTS. [G.R. NO. 155135] NAGKAHIUSANG MAMUMUO SA ALSONS-SPFL (NAMAAL-SPFL), FELIXBERTO IRAG, JOSHUA BARREDO, ERNESTO CUARIO, EDGAR MONDAY, EDILBERTO DEMETRIA, HERMINIO ROBILLO, ROMULO LUNGAY, MATROIL DELOS SANTOS, BONERME MATURAN, RAUL CANTIGA, EDUARDO CAMPUSO, RUDY ANADON, GILBERTO GABRONINO, BONIFACIO SALVADOR, CIRILO MINO, ROBERTO ABONADO, WARLITO MONTE, PEDRO ESQUIERDO, ALFREDO TROPICO, DANILO MEJOS, HECTOR ESTUITA, BARTOLOME CASTILLANES, EDUARDO CAPUYAN, SATURNINO CAGAS, ALEJANDRO HARDER, EDUARDO LARENA, JAIME MONTEDERAMOS, ERMELANDO BASADRE, REYNALDO LIMPAJAN, ELPIDIO LIBRANZA, TEDDY SUELO, JOSE AMOYLIN, TRANQUILINO ORALLO, CARLOS BALDOS, MANOLITO SABELLANO, CARMELITO TOBIAS, PRIMITIVO GARCIA, JUANITO ALDEPOLLA, LUDIVICO ABAD, WENCISLAO INGHUG, RICARDO ALTO, EPIFANIO JARABAY, FELICIANO AMPER, ALEXANDER JUDILLA, ROBERTO ANDRADE, ALFREDO LESULA, JULIO ANINO, BENITO MAGPUSAO, PEDRO AQUINO, EDDIE MANSANADES, ROMEO ARANETA, ARGUILLAO MANTICA, CONSTANCIO ARNAIZ, ERNESTO HOTOY, JUSTINO ASCANO, RICARDO MATURAN, EDILBERTO YAMBAO, ANTONIO MELARGO, JESUS BERITAN, ARSENIO MELICOR, DIOSDADO BONGABONG, LAURO MONTENEGRO, CARLITO BURILLO, LEO MORA, PABLO BUTIL, ARMANDO GUCILA, JEREMIAH CAGARA, MARIO NAMOC, CARLITO CAL, GERWINO NATIVIDAD, ROLANDO CAPUYAN, JUANITO NISNISAN, AURELIO CARIN, PRIMO OPLIMO, ANGELITO CASTANEDA, EDGARDO ORDIZ, LEONARDO CASURRA, PATROCINIO ORTEGA, FILEMON CESAR, MARIO PATAN, ROMEO COMPRADO, JESUS PATOC, RAMON CONSTANTINO, MANUEL PIAPE, ROY CONSTANTINO, ALBERTO PIELAGO, SAMUEL DELA LLANA, NICASIO PLAZA, ROSALDO DAGONDON, TITO GUADES, BONIFACIO DINAGUDOS, PROCOPIO RAMOS, JOSE EBORAN, ROSENDO SAJOL, FRANCISCO EMPUERTO, PATRICIO SALOMON, NESTOR ENDAYA, MARIO SALVALEON, ERNESTO ESTILO, BONIFACIO SIGUE, VICENTE FABROA, JAIME SUCUAHI, CELSO HUISO, ALEX TAUTO-AN, SATURNINO YAGON, CLAUDIO TIROL, SULPECIO GAGNI, JOSE TOLERO, FERVIE GALVEZ, ALFREDO TORALBA AND EDUARDO GENELSA, PETITIONERS, VS. C. ALCANTARA & SONS, INC., EDITHA I. ALCANTARA, ATTY. NELIA A. CLAUDIO, CORNELIO E. CAGUIAT, JESUS S. DELA CRUZ, ROLANDO Z. ANDRES AND JOSE MA. MANUEL YRASUEGUI, RESPONDENTS. [G.R. NO. 179220] NAGKAHIUSANG MAMUMUO SA ALSONS-SPFL (NAMAAL-SPFL), AND ITS MEMBERS WHOSE NAMES ARE LISTED BELOW, PETITIONERS, VS. C. ALCANTARA & SONS, INC., RESPONDENT.

  • [G.R. No. 151898 : March 14, 2012] RICARDO RIZAL, POTENCIANA RIZAL, SATURNINA RIZAL, ELENA RIZAL, AND BENJAMIN RIZAL, PETITIONERS, VS. LEONCIA NAREDO, ANASTACIO LIRIO, EDILBERTO CANTAVIEJA, GLORIA CANTAVIEJA, CELSO CANTAVIEJA, AND THE HEIRS OF MELANIE CANTAVIEJA, RESPONDENTS. D E C I S I O N

  • [G.R. No. 166216 : March 14, 2012] ROGELIO ABERCA, RODOLFO BENOSA, NESTOR BODINO, NOEL ETABAG, DANILO DELA FUENTE, BELEN DIAZ-FLORES, MANUEL MARIO GUZMAN, ALAN JASMINEZ, EDWIN LOPEZ, ALFREDO MANSOS, ALEX MARCELINO, ELIZABETH PROTACIO-MARCELINO, JOSEPH OLAYER, CARLOS PALMA, MARCO PALO, ROLANDO SALUTIN BENJAMIN SEGUNDO, ARTURO TABARA, EDWIN TULALIAN, AND REBECCA TULALIAN, PETITIONERS, VS. MAJ. GEN. FABIAN VER, COL. FIDEL SINGSON, COL. GERARDO B. LANTORIA, COL. ROLANDO ABADILLA, COL. GALILEO KINTANAR, LT. COL. PANFILO M. LACSON, MAJ. RODOLFO AGUINALDO, CAPT. DANILO PIZARRO, 1LT. PEDRO TANGO, 1LT. ROMEO RICARDO, 1LT. RAUL BACALSO, M/SGT. BIENVENIDO BALABA AND �JOHN DOES,� RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. No. 187521 : March 14, 2012] F.F. CRUZ & CO., INC., PETITIONER, VS. HR CONSTRUCTION CORP., RESPONDENT.

  • [G.R. No. 187073 : March 14, 2012] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, APPELLEE, VS. EDUARDO CASTRO Y PERALTA AND RENERIO DELOS REYES Y BONUS, APPELLANTS.

  • [G.R. No. 193983 : March 14, 2012] VICTORY M. FERNANDEZ, PETITIONER, VS. OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN, FORMER GOVERNOR OF THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN FLORENCIO T. MIRAFLORES, INCUMBENT GOVERNOR CARLITO MARQUEZ, AND SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT RONALDO V. PUNO, RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. No. 197124 : March 19, 2012] ALPA-PCM, INC., PETITIONER, VS. VINCENT BULASAO, JULIET BULASAO AND SUSANA BULASAO, HONORABLE JUDGE DANILO F. CAMACHO, AND THE DEPUTY SHERIFF OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET, RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. No. 176628 : March 19, 2012] PHILIPPINE TOURISM AUTHORITY, PETITIONER, VS. PHILIPPINE GOLF DEVELOPMENT & EQUIPMENT, INC., RESPONDENT.

  • [G.R. No. 178367 : March 19, 2012] PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK, PETITIONER, VS. CASTALLOY TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, ALLIED INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION, ALINSU STEEL FOUNDRY CORPORATION, GLORIA C. NGO AND TOMAS C. NGO, JR., RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. No. 197987 : March 19, 2012] MARITER MENDOZA, PETITIONER, VS. ADRIANO CASUMPANG, JENNIFER ADRIANE AND JOHN ANDRE, ALL SURNAMED CASUMPANG, RESPONDENTS.

  • [A.M. No. P-11-3019 : March 20, 2012] SHERYLL C. DELA CRUZ, COMPLAINANT, VS. PAMELA P. MALUNAO, CLERK III, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 28, BAYOMBONG, NUEVA VIZCAYA, RESPONDENT.

  • [A.M. No. 10-1-13-SC : March 20, 2012] RE: SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM DATED JANUARY 11, 2010 OF ACTING DIRECTOR ALEU A. AMANTE, PIAB-C, OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN. [A.M. NO. 10-9-9-SC] RE: ORDER OF THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN REFERRING THE COMPLAINT OF ATTYS. OLIVER O. LOZANO AND EVANGELINE J. LOZANO-ENDRIANO AGAINST CHIEF JUSTICE REYNATO S. PUNO [RET.].

  • [G.R. No. 175781 : March 20, 2012] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. FRANCISCA TALARO,* GREGORIO TALARO,** NORBERTO (JUN) ADVIENTO, RENATO RAMOS, RODOLFO DUZON,*** RAYMUNDO ZAMORA** AND LOLITO AQUINO, ACCUSED. NORBERTO (JUN) ADVIENTO, RENATO RAMOS AND LOLITO AQUINO, ACCUSED-APPELLANTS.

  • [G.R. No. 190293 : March 20, 2012] PHILIP SIGFRID A. FORTUN AND ALBERT LEE G. ANGELES, PETITIONERS, VS. GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, AS COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF AND PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, EDUARDO ERMITA, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES (AFP), OR ANY OF THEIR UNITS, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (PNP), OR ANY OF THEIR UNITS, JOHN DOES AND JANE DOES ACTING UNDER THEIR DIRECTION AND CONTROL, RESPONDENTS. [G.R. NO. 190294] DIDAGEN P. DILANGALEN, PETITIONER, VS. EDUARDO R. ERMITA IN HIS CAPACITY AS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, NORBERTO GONZALES IN HIS CAPACITY AS SECRETARY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE, RONALDO PUNO IN HIS CAPACITY AS SECRETARY OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, RESPONDENTS. [G.R. NO. 190301] NATIONAL UNION OF PEOPLES� LAWYERS (NUPL) SECRETARY GENERAL NERI JAVIER COLMENARES, BAYAN MUNA REPRESENTATIVE SATUR C. OCAMPO, GABRIELA WOMEN�S PARTY REPRESENTATIVE LIZA L. MAZA, ATTY. JULIUS GARCIA MATIBAG, ATTY. EPHRAIM B. CORTEZ, ATTY. JOBERT ILARDE PAHILGA, ATTY. VOLTAIRE B. AFRICA, BAGONG ALYANSANG MAKABAYAN (BAYAN) SECRETARY GENERAL RENATO M. REYES, JR. AND ANTHONY IAN CRUZ, PETITIONERS, VS. PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY EDUARDO R. ERMITA, ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES CHIEF OF STAFF GENERAL VICTOR S. IBRADO, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE DIRECTOR GENERAL JESUS A. VERZOSA, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE SECRETARY AGNES VST DEVANADERA, ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES EASTERN MINDANAO COMMAND CHIEF LIEUTENANT GENERAL RAYMUNDO B. FERRER, RESPONDENTS. [G.R. NO. 190302] JOSEPH NELSON Q. LOYOLA, PETITIONER, VS. HER EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, ARMED FORCES CHIEF OF STAFF GENERAL VICTOR IBRADO, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (PNP), DIRECTOR GENERAL JESUS VERZOSA, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY EDUARDO ERMITA, RESPONDENTS. [ G.R. NO. 190307] JOVITO R. SALONGA, RAUL C. PANGALANGAN, H. HARRY L. ROQUE, JR., JOEL R. BUTUYAN, EMILIO CAPULONG, FLORIN T. HILBAY, ROMEL R. BAGARES, DEXTER DONNE B. DIZON, ALLAN JONES F. LARDIZABAL AND GILBERT T. ANDRES, SUING AS TAXPAYERS AND AS CONCERNED FILIPINO CITIZENS, PETITIONERS, VS. GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, IN HIS (SIC) CAPACITY AS PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, HON. EDUARDO ERMITA, JR., IN HIS CAPACITY AS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, AND HON. ROLANDO ANDAYA IN HIS CAPACITY AS SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT, GENERAL VICTOR IBRADO, IN HIS CAPACITY AS ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES CHIEF OF STAFF, DIRECTOR JESUS VERZOSA, IN HIS CAPACITY AS CHIEF OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE, RESPONDENTS. [G.R. NO. 190356] BAILENG S. MANTAWIL, DENGCO SABAN, ENGR. OCTOBER CHIO, AKBAYAN PARTY LIST REPRESENTATIVES WALDEN F. BELLO AND ANA THERESIA HONTIVEROS-BARAQUEL, LORETTA ANN P. ROSALES, MARVIC M.V.F. LEONEN, THEODORE O. TE AND IBARRA M. GUTIERREZ III, PETITIONERS, VS. THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, THE SECRETARY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE, THE SECRETARY OF JUSTICE, THE SECRETARY OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, THE SECRETARY OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT, AND THE CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES, THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE, RESPONDENTS. [G.R. NO. 190380] CHRISTIAN MONSOD AND CARLOS P. MEDINA, JR., PETITIONERS, VS. EDUARDO R. ERMITA, IN HIS CAPACITY AS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, RESPONDENT.

  • [A.M. No. P-09-2686 (Formerly OCA I.P.I No. 06-2441-P) : March 21, 2012] PRISCILLA L. HERNANDO, COMPLAINANT, VS. JULIANA Y. BENGSON, LEGAL RESEARCHER, RTC, BRANCH 104, QUEZON CITY, RESPONDENT.

  • [G.R. No. 191913 : March 21, 2012] SPO2 LOLITO T. NACNAC, PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.

  • [G.R. No. 184478 : March 21, 2012] JAIME S. PEREZ, BOTH IN HIS PERSONAL AND OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS CHIEF, MARIKINA DEMOLITION OFFICE, PETITIONER, VS. SPOUSES FORTUNITO L. MADRONA AND YOLANDA B. PANTE, RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. Nos. 189161 & 189173 : March 21, 2012] JUDGE ADORACION G. ANGELES, PETITIONER, VS. HON. MA. MERCEDITAS N. GUTIERREZ, OMBUDSMAN; HON. ORLANDO C. CASIMIRO, OVERALL DEPUTY OMBUDSMAN; HON. SYLVIA A. SEVERO, GRAFT INVESTIGATOR AND PROSECUTION OFFICER I; HON. MARILOU B. ANCHETA-MEJICA, ACTING DIRECTOR, PIAB-D; HON. JOSE T. DE JESUS, JR., ASSISTANT OMBUDSMAN, PAMO; ALL OF THE OMBUDSMAN; AND SSP EMMANUEL Y. VELASCO, RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. No. 171765, March 21, 2012] THE INCORPORATORS OF MINDANAO INSTITUTE INC. AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MINDANAO INSTITUTE INC., REPRESENTED BY ENGR. VICTORIOSO D. UDARBE, PETITIONERS, VS. THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IN THE PHILIPPINES, ACTING THROUGH AGUSAN DISTRICT CONFERENCE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IN THE PHILIPPINES, REPRESENTED BY REV. RODOLFO BASLOT, RESPONDENT.

  • [G.R. No. 186030 : March 21, 2012] NORMA DELOS REYES VDA. DEL PRADO, EULOGIA R. DEL PRADO, NORMITA R. DEL PRADO AND RODELIA R. DEL PRADO, PETITIONERS, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RESPONDENT.

  • [G.R. No. 192180 : March 21, 2012] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, APPELLEE, VS. ALIAS KINO LASCANO (AT LARGE) AND ALFREDO DELABAJAN ALIAS TABOYBOY, ACCUSED. ALFREDO DELABAJAN, APPELLANT.

  • [G.R. No. 196358 : March 21, 2012] JANDY J. AGOY, PETITIONER, VS. ARANETA CENTER, INC., RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. No. 185568 : March 21, 2012] COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, PETITIONER, VS. PETRON CORPORATION, RESPONDENT.

  • [G.R. No. 190342 : March 21, 2012] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. CIPRIANO CARDENAS Y GOFRERICA, ACCUSED-APPELLANT.

  • [G.R. No. 184719 : March 21, 2012] LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES, PETITIONER, VS. HEIRS OF JESUS S. YUJUICO, MARIETTA V. YUJUICO AND DR. NICOLAS VALISNO, SR., RESPONDENTS. [G.R. NO. 184720] DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM, REPRESENTED BY SECRETARY NASSER PANGANDAMAN, PETITIONER, VS. HEIRS OF JESUS YUJUICO, MARIETTA YUJUICO AND NICOLAS VALISNO, SR., RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. No. 172712 : March 21, 2012] STRADCOM CORPORATION, PETITIONER, VS. HONORABLE HILARIO L. LAQUI AS ACTING PRESIDING JUDGE OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF QUEZON CITY, BRANCH 97 AND DTECH MANAGEMENT, INC., RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. No. 173155 : March 21, 2012] R.S. TOMAS, INC., PETITIONER, VS. RIZAL CEMENT COMPANY, INC., RESPONDENT.

  • [G.R. No. 173857 : March 21, 2012] LEONCIA MANUEL & MARINA S. MUDLONG, PETITIONERS, VS. LEONOR SARMIENTO, RESPONDENT.

  • [G.R. No. 194445 : March 12, 2012] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF, VS. ROGER POSADAY URBANO AND EMILY POSADAY SARMIENTO, ACCUSED.

  • [G.R. No. 191703 : March 12, 2012] CRESENCIO BA�O AND HEIRS OF THE DECEASED AMANCIO ASUMBRADO, NAMELY: ROSALINDA ASUMBRADO, VICENTE ASUMBRADO, ROEL ASUMBRADO, ANNALYN ASUMBRADO, ARNIEL ASUMBRADO, ALFIE ASUMBRADO AND RUBELYN ASUMBRADO, PETITIONERS, VS. BACHELOR EXPRESS, INC./ CERES LINER, INC. AND WENIFREDO SALVANA, RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. No. 173586 : March 14, 2012] MCA-MBF COUNTDOWN CARDS PHILIPPINES INC., AMABLE R. AGUILUZ V, AMABLE C. AGUILUZ IX, CIELO C. AGUILUZ, ALBERTO L. BUENVIAJE, VICENTE ACSAY AND MCA HOLDINGS AND MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, PETITIONERS, VS. MBF CARD INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND MBF DISCOUNT CARD LIMITED, RESPONDENTS.

  • [G.R. No. 193279 : March 14, 2012] ELEANOR DE LEON LLENADO, PETITIONER, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES AND EDITHA VILLAFLORES, RESPONDENTS.

  • [A.C.No. 9154 (Formerly CBD No. 07-1965) : March 19, 2012] AURORA D. CERDAN, PETITIONER, VS. ATTY. CARLO GOMEZ, RESPONDENT.

  • [G. R. No. 195191 : March 20, 2012] CONGRESSWOMAN LUCY MARIE TORRES-GOMEZ PETITIONER, VS. EUFROCINO C. CODILLA, JR. AND HON. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ELECTORAL TRIBUNAL RESPONDENTS.

  • [A.M. No. CA-12-25-P : March 20, 2012] RE: COMPLAINT FILED BY (RET.) MCTC JUDGE RODOLFO B. GARCIA AGAINST 18TH DIVISION CLERK OF COURT ATTY. MAY FAITH L. TRUMATA-REBOTIACO, COURT OF APPEALS, CEBU CITY.

  • [A.C. No. 7591 : March 20, 2012] CORAZON T. NEVADA, COMPLAINANT, VS. ATTY. RODOLFO D. CASUGA, RESPONDENT.

  • [G.R. No. 146754 : March 21, 2012] SPOUSES JESSE CACHOPERO AND BEMA CACHOPERO, PETITIONERS, VS. RACHEL CELESTIAL, RESPONDENT.

  • [G.R. No. 186499 : March 21, 2012] PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. MELECIO DE LOS SANTOS, JR., ACCUSED-APPELLANT.

  • [G.R. No. 185255 : March 14, 2012] NORKIS DISTRIBUTORS, INC. AND ALEX D. BUAT, PETITIONERS, VS. DELFIN S. DESCALLAR, RESPONDENT.