Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence


Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence > Year 2014 > February 2014 Decisions > G.R. No. 199310, February 19, 2014 - REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. REMMAN ENTERPRISES, INC., REPRESENTED BY RONNIE P. INOCENCIO, Respondent.:




G.R. No. 199310, February 19, 2014 - REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. REMMAN ENTERPRISES, INC., REPRESENTED BY RONNIE P. INOCENCIO, Respondent.

PHILIPPINE SUPREME COURT DECISIONS

FIRST DIVISION

G.R. No. 199310, February 19, 2014

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. REMMAN ENTERPRISES, INC., REPRESENTED BY RONNIE P. INOCENCIO, Respondent.

D E C I S I O N

REYES, J.:

Before this Court is a petition for review on certiorari1 under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court seeking to annul and set aside the Decision2 dated November 10, 2011 of the Court of Appeals (CA) in CA�G.R. CV No. 90503. The CA affirmed the Decision3 dated May 16, 2007 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Pasig City, Branch 69, in Land Registration Case No. N�11465.

The Facts

On December 3, 2001, Remman Enterprises, Inc. (respondent), filed an application4 with the RTC for judicial confirmation of title over two parcels of land situated in Barangay Napindan, Taguig, Metro Manila, identified as Lot Nos. 3068 and 3077, Mcadm�590�D, Taguig Cadastre, with an area of 29,945 square meters and 20,357 sq m, respectively.

On December 13, 2001, the RTC issued the Order5 finding the respondent�s application for registration sufficient in form and substance and setting it for initial hearing on February 21, 2002. The scheduled initial hearing was later reset to May 30, 2002.6 The Notice of Initial Hearing was published in the Official Gazette, April 1, 2002 issue, Volume 98, No. 13, pages 1631�16337 and in the March 21, 2002 issue of People�s Balita,8 a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. The Notice of Initial Hearing was likewise posted in a conspicuous place on Lot Nos. 3068 and 3077, as well as in a conspicuous place on the bulletin board of the City hall of Taguig, Metro Manila.9

On May 30, 2002, when the RTC called the case for initial hearing, only the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) appeared as oppositor. Hence, the RTC issued an order of general default except LLDA, which was given 15 days to submit its comment/opposition to the respondent�s application for registration.10

On June 4, 2002, the LLDA filed its Opposition11 to the respondent�s application for registration, asserting that Lot Nos. 3068 and 3077 are not part of the alienable and disposable lands of the public domain. On the other hand, the Republic of the Philippines (petitioner), on July 16, 2002, likewise filed its Opposition,12 alleging that the respondent failed to prove that it and its predecessors�in�interest have been in open, continuous, exclusive, and notorious possession of the subject parcels of land since June 12, 1945 or earlier.

Trial on the merits of the respondent�s application ensued thereafter.

The respondent presented four witnesses: Teresita Villaroya, the respondent�s corporate secretary; Ronnie Inocencio, an employee of the respondent and the one authorized by it to file the application for registration with the RTC; Cenon Cerquena (Cerquena), the caretaker of the subject properties since 1957; and Engineer Mariano Flotildes (Engr. Flotildes), a geodetic engineer hired by the respondent to conduct a topographic survey of the subject properties.

For its part, the LLDA presented the testimonies of Engineers Ramon Magalonga (Engr. Magalonga) and Christopher A. Pedrezuela (Engr. Pedrezuela), who are both geodetic engineers employed by the LLDA.

Essentially, the testimonies of the respondent�s witnesses showed that the respondent and its predecessors�in�interest have been in open, continuous, exclusive, and notorious possession of the said parcels of land long before June 12, 1945. The respondent purchased Lot Nos. 3068 and 3077 from Conrado Salvador (Salvador) and Bella Mijares (Mijares), respectively, in 1989. The subject properties were originally owned and possessed by Veronica Jaime (Jaime), who cultivated and planted different kinds of crops in the said lots, through her caretaker and hired farmers, since 1943. Sometime in 1975, Jaime sold the said parcels of land to Salvador and Mijares, who continued to cultivate the lots until the same were purchased by the respondent in 1989.

The respondent likewise alleged that the subject properties are within the alienable and disposable lands of the public domain, as evidenced by the certifications issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

In support of its application, the respondent, inter alia, presented the following documents: (1) Deed of Absolute Sale dated August 28, 1989 executed by Salvador and Mijares in favor of the respondent;13 (2) survey plans of the subject properties;14 (3) technical descriptions of the subject properties;15 (4) Geodetic Engineer�s Certificate;16 (5) tax declarations of Lot Nos. 3068 and 3077 for 2002;17 and (6) certifications dated December 17, 2002, issued by Corazon D. Calamno (Calamno), Senior Forest Management Specialist of the DENR, attesting that Lot Nos. 3068 and 3077 form part of the alienable and disposable lands of the public domain.18

On the other hand, the LLDA alleged that the respondent�s application for registration should be denied since the subject parcels of land are not part of the alienable and disposable lands of the public domain; it pointed out that pursuant to Section 41(11) of Republic Act No. 485019 (R.A. No. 4850), lands, surrounding the Laguna de Bay, located at and below the reglementary elevation of 12.50 meters are public lands which form part of the bed of the said lake. Engr. Magalonga, testifying for the oppositor LLDA, claimed that, upon preliminary evaluation of the subject properties, based on the topographic map of Taguig, which was prepared using an aerial survey conducted by the then Department of National Defense�Bureau of Coast in April 1966, he found out that the elevations of Lot Nos. 3068 and 3077 are below 12.50 m. That upon actual area verification of the subject properties on September 25, 2002, Engr. Magalonga confirmed that the elevations of the subject properties range from 11.33 m to 11.77 m.

On rebuttal, the respondent presented Engr. Flotildes, who claimed that, based on the actual topographic survey of the subject properties he conducted upon the request of the respondent, the elevations of the subject properties, contrary to LLDA�s claim, are above 12.50 m. Particularly, Engr. Flotildes claimed that Lot No. 3068 has an elevation ranging from 12.60 m to 15 m while the elevation of Lot No. 3077 ranges from 12.60 m to 14.80 m.

The RTC Ruling

On May 16, 2007, the RTC rendered a Decision,20 which granted the respondent�s application for registration of title to the subject properties, viz:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary
WHEREFORE, premises considered, judgment is rendered confirming the title of the applicant Remman Enterprises Incorporated over a parcels of land [sic] consisting of 29,945 square meters (Lot 3068) and 20,357 (Lot 3077) both situated in Brgy. Napindan, Taguig, Taguig, Metro Manila more particularly described in the Technical Descriptions Ap�04�003103 and Swo�00�001769 respectively and ordering their registration under the Property Registration Decree in the name of Remman Enterprises Incorporated.

SO ORDERED.21ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary
The RTC found that the respondent was able to prove that the subject properties form part of the alienable and disposable lands of the public domain. The RTC opined that the elevations of the subject properties are very much higher than the reglementary elevation of 12.50 m and, thus, not part of the bed of Laguna Lake. The RTC pointed out that LLDA�s claim that the elevation of the subject properties is below 12.50 m is hearsay since the same was merely based on the topographic map that was prepared using an aerial survey on March 2, 1966; that nobody was presented to prove that an aerial survey was indeed conducted on March 2, 1966 for purposes of gathering data for the preparation of the topographic map.
Further, the RTC posited that the elevation of a parcel of land does not always remain the same; that the elevations of the subject properties may have already changed since 1966 when the supposed aerial survey, from which the topographic map used by LLDA was based, was conducted. The RTC likewise faulted the method used by Engr. Magalonga in measuring the elevations of the subject properties, pointing out that:

Further, in finding that the elevation of the subject lots are below 12.5 meters, oppositor�s witness merely compared their elevation to the elevation of the particular portion of the lake dike which he used as his [benchmark] or reference point in determining the elevation of the subject lots. Also, the elevation of the said portion of the lake dike that was then under the construction by FF Cruz was allegedly 12.79 meters and after finding that the elevation of the subject lots are lower than the said [benchmark] or reference point, said witness suddenly jumped to a conclusion that the elevation was below 12.5 meters. x x x.

Moreover, the finding of LLDA�s witness was based on hearsay as said witness admitted that it was DPWH or the FF Cruz who determined the elevation of the portion of the lake dike which he used as the [benchmark] or reference point in determining the elevation of the subject lots and that he has no personal knowledge as to how the DPWH and FF Cruz determined the elevation of the said [benchmark] or reference point and he only learn[ed] that its elevation is 12.79 meters from the information he got from FF Cruz.22ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary
Even supposing that the elevations of the subject properties are indeed below 12.50 m, the RTC opined that the same could not be considered part of the bed of Laguna Lake. The RTC held that, under Section 41(11) of R.A. No. 4850, Laguna Lake extends only to those areas that can be covered by the lake water when it is at the average annual maximum lake level of 12.50 m. Hence, the RTC averred, only those parcels of land that are adjacent to and near the shoreline of Laguna Lake form part of its bed and not those that are already far from it, which could not be reached by the lake water. The RTC pointed out that the subject properties are more than a kilometer away from the shoreline of Laguna Lake; that they are dry and waterless even when the waters of Laguna Lake is at its maximum level. The RTC likewise found that the respondent was able to prove that it and its predecessors�in�interest have been in open, continuous, exclusive, and notorious possession of the subject properties as early as 1943.

The petitioner appealed the RTC Decision dated May 16, 2007 to the CA.

The CA Ruling

On November 10, 2011, the CA, by way of the assailed Decision,23 affirmed the RTC Decision dated May 16, 2007. The CA found that the respondent was able to establish that the subject properties are part of the alienable and disposable lands of the public domain; that the same are not part of the bed of Laguna Lake, as claimed by the petitioner. Thus:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary
The evidence submitted by the appellee is sufficient to warrant registration of the subject lands in its name. Appellee�s witness Engr. Mariano Flotildes, who conducted an actual area verification of the subject lots, ably proved that the elevation of the lowest portion of Lot No. 3068 is 12.6 meters and the elevation of its highest portion is 15 meters. As to the other lot, it was found [out] that the elevation of the lowest portion of Lot No. 3077 is also 12.6 meters and the elevation of its highest portion is 15 meters. Said elevations are higher than the reglementary elevation of 12.5 meters as provided for under paragraph 11, Section 41 of R.A. No. 4850, as amended.

In opposing the instant application for registration, appellant relies merely on the Topographic Map dated March 2, 1966, prepared by Commodore Pathfinder, which allegedly shows that the subject parcels of land are so situated in the submerge[d] [lake water] of Laguna Lake. The said data was gathered through aerial photography over the area of Taguig conducted on March 2, 1966. However, nobody testified on the due execution and authenticity of the said document. As regards the testimony of the witness for LLDA, Engr. Ramon Magalonga, that the subject parcels of land are below the 12.5 meter elevation, the same can be considered inaccurate aside from being hearsay considering his admission that his findings were based merely on the evaluation conducted by DPWH and FF Cruz. x x x.24 (Citations omitted)chanroblesvirtualawlibrary
The CA likewise pointed out that the respondent was able to present certifications issued by the DENR, attesting that the subject properties form part of the alienable and disposable lands of the public domain, which was not disputed by the petitioner. The CA further ruled that the respondent was able to prove, through the testimonies of its witnesses, that it and its predecessors�in�interest have been in open, continuous, exclusive, and notorious possession of the subject properties prior to June 12, 1945.

Hence, the instant petition.

The Issue

The sole issue to be resolved by the Court is whether the CA erred in affirming the RTC Decision dated May 16, 2007, which granted the application for registration filed by the respondent.

The Court�s Ruling

The petition is meritorious.

The petitioner maintains that the lower courts erred in granting the respondent�s application for registration since the subject properties do not form part of the alienable and disposable lands of the public domain. The petitioner insists that the elevations of the subject properties are below the reglementary level of 12.50 m and, pursuant to Section 41(11) of R.A. No. 4850, are considered part of the bed of Laguna Lake.

That the elevations of the subject properties are above the reglementary level of 12.50 m is a finding of fact by the lower courts, which this Court, generally may not disregard. It is a long�standing policy of this Court that the findings of facts of the RTC which were adopted and affirmed by the CA are generally deemed conclusive and binding. This Court is not a trier of facts and will not disturb the factual findings of the lower courts unless there are substantial reasons for doing so.25cralawred

That the subject properties are not part of the bed of Laguna Lake, however, does not necessarily mean that they already form part of the alienable and disposable lands of the public domain. It is still incumbent upon the respondent to prove, with well�nigh incontrovertible evidence, that the subject properties are indeed part of the alienable and disposable lands of the public domain. While deference is due to the lower courts� finding that the elevations of the subject properties are above the reglementary level of 12.50 m and, hence, no longer part of the bed of Laguna Lake pursuant to Section 41(11) of R.A. No. 4850, the Court nevertheless finds that the respondent failed to substantiate its entitlement to registration of title to the subject properties.

�Under the Regalian Doctrine, which is embodied in our Constitution, all lands of the public domain belong to the State, which is the source of any asserted right to any ownership of land. All lands not appearing to be clearly within private ownership are presumed to belong to the State. Accordingly, public lands not shown to have been reclassified or released as alienable agricultural land, or alienated to a private person by the State, remain part of the inalienable public domain. The burden of proof in overcoming the presumption of State ownership of the lands of the public domain is on the person applying for registration, who must prove that the land subject of the application is alienable or disposable. To overcome this presumption, incontrovertible evidence must be presented to establish that the land subject of the application is alienable or disposable.�26

The respondent filed its application for registration of title to the subject properties under Section 14(1) of Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 152927 , which provides that:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary
Sec. 14. Who may apply. The following persons may file in the proper Court of First Instance an application for registration of title to land, whether personally or through their duly authorized representatives:

(1) Those who by themselves or through their predecessors�in interest have been in open, continuous, exclusive and notorious possession and occupation of alienable and disposable lands of the public domain under a bona fide claim of ownership since June 12, 1945, or earlier.

x x x
Section 14(1) of P.D. No. 1529 refers to the judicial confirmation of imperfect or incomplete titles to public land acquired under Section 48(b) of Commonwealth Act (C.A.) No. 141, or the Public Land Act, as amended by P.D. No. 1073.28 Under Section 14(1) of P.D. No. 1529, applicants for registration of title must sufficiently establish: first, that the subject land forms part of the disposable and alienable lands of the public domain; second, that the applicant and his predecessors�in�interest have been in open, continuous, exclusive, and notorious possession and occupation of the same; and third, that it is under a bona fide claim of ownership since June 12, 1945, or earlier.29

The first requirement was not satisfied in this case. To prove that the subject property forms part of the alienable and disposable lands of the public domain, the respondent presented two certifications30 issued by Calamno, attesting that Lot Nos. 3068 and 3077 form part of the alienable and disposable lands of the public domain �under Project No. 27�B of Taguig, Metro Manila as per LC Map 2623, approved on January 3, 1968.�

However, the said certifications presented by the respondent are insufficient to prove that the subject properties are alienable and disposable. In Republic of the Philippines v. T.A.N. Properties, Inc.,31 the Court clarified that, in addition to the certification issued by the proper government agency that a parcel of land is alienable and disposable, applicants for land registration must prove that the DENR Secretary had approved the land classification and released the land of public domain as alienable and disposable. They must present a copy of the original classification approved by the DENR Secretary and certified as true copy by the legal custodian of the records. Thus:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary
Further, it is not enough for the PENRO or CENRO to certify that a land is alienable and disposable. The applicant for land registration must prove that the DENR Secretary had approved the land classification and released the land of the public domain as alienable and disposable, and that the land subject of the application for registration falls within the approved area per verification through survey by the PENRO or CENRO. In addition, the applicant for land registration must present a copy of the original classification approved by the DENR Secretary and certified as a true copy by the legal custodian of the official records. These facts must be established to prove that the land is alienable and disposable. Respondent failed to do so because the certifications presented by respondent do not, by themselves, prove that the land is alienable and disposable.32 (Emphasis ours)chanroblesvirtualawlibrary
In Republic v. Roche,33 the Court deemed it appropriate to reiterate the ruling in T.A.N. Properties, viz:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary
Respecting the third requirement, the applicant bears the burden of proving the status of the land. In this connection, the Court has held that he must present a certificate of land classification status issued by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) or the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of the DENR. He must also prove that the DENR Secretary had approved the land classification and released the land as alienable and disposable, and that it is within the approved area per verification through survey by the CENRO or PENRO. Further, the applicant must present a copy of the original classification approved by the DENR Secretary and certified as true copy by the legal custodian of the official records. These facts must be established by the applicant to prove that the land is alienable and disposable.

Here, Roche did not present evidence that the land she applied for has been classified as alienable or disposable land of the public domain. She submitted only the survey map and technical description of the land which bears no information regarding the land�s classification. She did not bother to establish the status of the land by any certification from the appropriate government agency. Thus, it cannot be said that she complied with all requisites for registration of title under Section 14(1) of P.D. 1529.34 (Citations omitted and emphasis ours)chanroblesvirtualawlibrary
The DENR certifications that were presented by the respondent in support of its application for registration are thus not sufficient to prove that the subject properties are indeed classified by the DENR Secretary as alienable and disposable. It is still imperative for the respondent to present a copy of the original classification approved by the DENR Secretary, which must be certified by the legal custodian thereof as a true copy. Accordingly, the lower courts erred in granting the application for registration in spite of the failure of the respondent to prove by well�nigh incontrovertible evidence that the subject properties are alienable and disposable.

Nevertheless, the respondent claims that the Court�s ruling in T.A.N. Properties, which was promulgated on June 26, 2008, must be applied prospectively, asserting that decisions of this Court form part of the law of the land and, pursuant to Article 4 of the Civil Code, laws shall have no retroactive effect. The respondent points out that its application for registration of title to the subject properties was filed and was granted by the RTC prior to the Court�s promulgation of its ruling in T.A.N. Properties. Accordingly, that it failed to present a copy of the original classification covering the subject properties approved by the DENR Secretary and certified by the legal custodian thereof as a true copy, the respondent claims, would not warrant the denial of its application for registration.

The Court does not agree.

Notwithstanding that the respondent�s application for registration was filed and granted by RTC prior to the Court�s ruling in T.A.N. Properties, the pronouncements in that case may be applied to the present case; it is not antithetical to the rule of non�retroactivity of laws pursuant to Article 4 of the Civil Code. It is elementary that the interpretation of a law by this Court constitutes part of that law from the date it was originally passed, since this Court�s construction merely establishes the contemporaneous legislative intent that the interpreted law carried into effect.35 �Such judicial doctrine does not amount to the passage of a new law, but consists merely of a construction or interpretation of a pre�existing one.�36

Verily, the ruling in T.A.N. Properties was applied by the Court in subsequent cases notwithstanding that the applications for registration were filed and granted by the lower courts prior to the promulgation of T.A.N. Properties.

In Republic v. Medida,37 the application for registration of the subject properties therein was filed on October 22, 2004 and was granted by the trial court on June 21, 2006. Similarly, in Republic v. Jaralve,38 the application for registration of the subject property therein was filed on October 22, 1996 and was granted by the trial court on November 15, 2002. In the foregoing cases, notwithstanding that the applications for registration were filed and granted by the trial courts prior to the promulgation of T.A.N. Properties, this Court applied the pronouncements in T.A.N. Properties and denied the applications for registration on the ground, inter alia, that the applicants therein failed to present a copy of the original classification approved by the DENR Secretary and certified by the legal custodian thereof as a true copy.

Anent the second and third requirements, the Court finds that the respondent failed to present sufficient evidence to prove that it and its predecessors�in�interest have been in open, continuous, exclusive, and notorious possession and occupation of the subject properties since June 12, 1945, or earlier.

To prove that it and its predecessors�in�interest have been in possession and occupation of the subject properties since 1943, the respondent presented the testimony of Cerquena. Cerquena testified that the subject properties were originally owned by Jaime who supposedly possessed and cultivated the same since 1943; that sometime in 1975, Jaime sold the subject properties to Salvador and Mijares who, in turn, sold the same to the respondent in 1989.

The foregoing are but unsubstantiated and self�serving assertions of the possession and occupation of the subject properties by the respondent and its predecessors�in�interest; they do not constitute the well�nigh incontrovertible evidence of possession and occupation of the subject properties required by Section 14(1) of P.D. No. 1529. Indeed, other than the testimony of Cerquena, the respondent failed to present any other evidence to prove the character of the possession and occupation by it and its predecessors�in�interest of the subject properties.

For purposes of land registration under Section 14(1) of P.D. No. 1529, proof of specific acts of ownership must be presented to substantiate the claim of open, continuous, exclusive, and notorious possession and occupation of the land subject of the application. Applicants for land registration cannot just offer general statements which are mere conclusions of law rather than factual evidence of possession. Actual possession consists in the manifestation of acts of dominion over it of such a nature as a party would actually exercise over his own property.39

Although Cerquena testified that the respondent and its predecessors�in�interest cultivated the subject properties, by planting different crops thereon, his testimony is bereft of any specificity as to the nature of such cultivation as to warrant the conclusion that they have been indeed in possession and occupation of the subject properties in the manner required by law. There was no showing as to the number of crops that are planted in the subject properties or to the volume of the produce harvested from the crops supposedly planted thereon.

Further, assuming ex gratia argumenti that the respondent and its predecessors�in�interest have indeed planted crops on the subject properties, it does not necessarily follow that the subject properties have been possessed and occupied by them in the manner contemplated by law. The supposed planting of crops in the subject properties may only have amounted to mere casual cultivation, which is not the possession and occupation required by law.

�A mere casual cultivation of portions of the land by the claimant does not constitute possession under claim of ownership. For him, possession is not exclusive and notorious so as to give rise to a presumptive grant from the state. The possession of public land, however long the period thereof may have extended, never confers title thereto upon the possessor because the statute of limitations with regard to public land does not operate against the state, unless the occupant can prove possession and occupation of the same under claim of ownership for the required number of years.�40

Further, the Court notes that the tax declarations over the subject properties presented by the respondent were only for 2002. The respondent failed to explain why, despite its claim that it acquired the subject properties as early as 1989, and that its predecessors�in�interest have been in possession of the subject property since 1943, it was only in 2002 that it started to declare the same for purposes of taxation. �While tax declarations are not conclusive evidence of ownership, they constitute proof of claim of ownership.�41 That the subject properties were declared for taxation purposes only in 2002 gives rise to the presumption that the respondent claimed ownership or possession of the subject properties starting that year. Likewise, no improvement or plantings were declared or noted in the said tax declarations. This fact belies the claim that the respondent and its predecessors�in�interest, contrary to Cerquena�s testimony, have been in possession and occupation of the subject properties in the manner required by law.

Having failed to prove that the subject properties form part of the alienable and disposable lands of the public domain and that it and its predecessors�in�interest have been in open, continuous, exclusive, and notorious possession and occupation of the same since June 12, 1945, or earlier, the respondent�s application for registration should be denied.

WHEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing disquisitions, the instant petition is GRANTED. The Decision dated November 10, 2011 of the Court of Appeals in CA�G.R. CV No. 90503, which affirmed the Decision dated May 16, 2007 of the Regional Trial Court of Pasig City, Branch 69, in Land Registration Case No. N�11465 is hereby REVERSED and SET ASIDE. The Application for Registration of Remman Enterprises, Inc. in Land Registration Case No. N�11465 is DENIED for lack of merit.ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

SO ORDERED.

Sereno, C.J., (Chairperson), Leonardo�De Castro, Bersamin, and Villarama, Jr., JJ., concur.

Endnotes:


1Rollo, pp. 7�30.

2 Penned by Associate Justice Agnes Reyes�Carpio, with Associate Justices Fernanda Lampas Peralta and Normandie B. Pizarro, concurring; id. at 33�50.

3 Issued by Judge Lorifel Lacap Pahimna; id. at 64�75.

4 Id. at 51�55.

5 Records, p. 15.

6 Id. at 19.

7 Id. at 111�112.

8 Id. at 118.

9 Id. at 36.

10 Id. at 50�51.

11 Id. at 126�130.

12 Id. at 135�137.

13 Id. at 277�280.

14 Id. at 281�282.

15 Id. at 283�284.

16 Id. at 285�286.

17 Id. at 287�288.

18 Id. at 291A�292.

19 AN ACT CREATING THE LAGUNA LAKE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, PRESCRIBING ITS POWERS, FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

20Rollo, pp. 64�75.

21 Id. at 74�75.

22 Id. at 71�72.

23 Id. at 33�50.

24 Id. at 41�42.

25Padilla v. Velasco, G.R. No. 169956, January 19, 2009, 576 SCRA 219, 227.

26Republic v. Medida, G.R. No. 195097, August 13, 2012, 678 SCRA 317, 325�326, citing Republic v. Dela Paz, G.R. No. 171631, November 15, 2010, 634 SCRA 610, 621�622.

27 The Property Registration Decree.

28 Sec. 48(b) of the Public Land Act, as amended by P.D. No. 1073, provides that:

Sec. 48. The following described citizens of the Philippines, occupying lands of the public domain or claiming to own any such lands or an interest therein, but whose titles have not been perfected or completed, may apply to the Court of First Instance of the province where the land is located for confirmation of their claims and the issuance of a certificate of title therefor, under the Land Registration Act, to wit:

x x x

(b) Those who by themselves or through their predecessors�in�interest have been in open, continuous, exclusive, and notorious possession and occupation of alienable and disposable lands of the public domain, under a bona fide claim of acquisition or ownership, since June 12, 1945, or earlier, immediately preceding the filing of the application for confirmation of title except when prevented by war or force majeure. These shall be conclusively presumed to have performed all the conditions essential to a Government grant and shall be entitled to a certificate of title under the provisions of this chapter.

29See Republic v. Rizalvo, Jr., G.R. No. 172011, March 7, 2011, 644 SCRA 516, 523.

30 Records, pp. 291A�292.

31 578 Phil. 441 (2008).

32 Id. at 452�453.

33 G.R. No. 175846, July 6, 2010, 624 SCRA 116.

34 Id. at 121�122.

35Accenture, Inc. v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, G.R. No. 190102, July 11, 2012, 676 SCRA 325, 339; Senarillos v. Hermosisima, 100 Phil. 501, 504 (1956).

36Eagle Realty Corporation v. Republic, G.R. No. 151424, July 31, 2009, 594 SCRA 555, 558, citing Senarillos v. Hermosisima, id.

37 G.R. No. 195097, August 13, 2012, 678 SCRA 317.

38 G.R. No. 175177, October 24, 2012, 684 SCRA 495.

39See Valiao v. Republic, G.R. No. 170757, November 28, 2011, 661 SCRA 299, 308�309.

40Del Rosario v. Republic of the Philippines, 432 Phil. 824, 838 (2002).

41Alde v. Bernal, G.R. No. 169336, March 18, 2010, 616 SCRA 60, 69.



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  • G.R. No. 189833, February 05, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff�Appellee, v. JAVIER MORILLA Y AVELLANO, Accused�Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 194105, February 05, 2014 - COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Petitioner, v. TEAM SUAL CORPORATION (FORMERLY MIRANT SUAL CORPORATION), Respondent.

  • A.M. No. P�11�2903 [Formerly A.M. OCA IPI No. 09�2181�MTJ], February 05, 2014 - ANGELITO R. MARQUEZ, EDUARDO R. MARQUEZ, CRISTINA M. OCAMPO, CARMEN MARQUEZ�ROSAS, HEIRS OF ERNESTO MARQUEZ, RENATO R. MARQUEZ, ALFREDO R. MARQUEZ, FRED EVANGELISTA, JOSE MACALINO, SANTIAGO MARQUEZ, SPOUSES FREDDIE AND JOCELYN FACUNLA, SPOUSES RODRIGO AND VIRGINIA MAZON, SPOUSES ALFONSO AND LEONILA CASCO, SPOUSES BENJAMIN AND PRISCILLA BUENAVIDES, EDUARDO FACUNLA, AND ALICIA A. VILLANUEVA, Complainants, v. JUDGE VENANCIO M. OVEJERA IN HIS CAPACITY AS PRESIDING JUDGE OF MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT OF PANIQUI, TARLAC, AND SHERIFF IV LOURDES E. COLLADO, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 67, PANIQUI, TARLAC, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 189248, February 05, 2014 - TEODORO S. TEODORO (DECEASED), SUBSTITUTED BY HIS HEIRS/SONS NELSON TEODORO AND ROLANDO TEODORO, Petitioners, v. DANILO ESPINO, ROSARIO SANTIAGO, JULIANA CASTILLO, PAULINA LITAO, RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ, RUFINA DELA CRUZ, AND LEONILA CRUZ, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 195525, February 05, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff�Appellee, v. WILFREDO GUNDA ALIAS FRED, Accused�Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 173386, February 11, 2014 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM, NOW REPRESENTED BY OIC�SEC. NASSER PANGANDAMAN, Petitioner, v. TRINIDAD VALLEY REALTY & DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, FRANNIE GREENMEADOWS PASTURES, INC., ISABEL GREENLAND AGRI�BASED RESOURCES, INC., ISABEL GREENMEADOWS QUALITY PRODUCTS, INC., ERNESTO BARICUATRO,CLAUDIO VILLO AND EFREN NUEVO, Respondents.; G.R. No. 174162 - GRACE B. FUA, IN HER CAPACITY AS THE PROVINCIAL AGRARIAN REFORM OFFICER OF NEGROS ORIENTAL, JOSELIDO S. DAYOHA, JESUS S. DAYOHA AND RODRIGO S. LICANDA, Petitioners, v. TRINIDAD VALLEY REALTY AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, FRANNIE GREENMEADOWS PASTURES, INC., ISABEL GREENLAND AGRI�BASED RESOURCES, INC., ISABEL EVERGREEN PLANTATIONS INC., MICHELLE FARMS, INC. ISABEL GREENMEADOWS QUALITY PRODUCTS, INC., ERNESTO BARICU A TRO, CLAUDIO VILLO AND EFREN NUEVO, Respondents.; G.R. No. 183191 - TRINIDAD VALLEY REALTY & DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, FRANNIE GREENMEADOWS PASTURES, INC., ISABEL GREENLAND AGRI�BASED RESOURCES, INC., ISABEL GREENMEADOWS QUALITY PRODUCTS, INC., ERNESTO BARICUATRO, CLAUDIO VILLO AND EFREN NUEVO, Petitioners, v. THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE LAND REGISTRATION AUTHORITY, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 205956, February 12, 2014 - P/SUPT. HANSEL M. MARANTAN, Petitioner, v. ATTY. JOSE MANUEL DIOKNO AND MONIQUE CU�UNJIENG LA�O, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 179597, February 03, 2014 - IGLESIA FILIPINA INDEPENDIENTE, Petitioner, v. HEIRS OF BERNARDINO TAEZA, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 171590, February 12, 2014 - BIGNAY EX�IM PHILIPPINES, INC., Petitioner, v. UNION BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES,Respondent.; G.R. No. 171598 - UNION BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. BIGNAY EX�IM PHILIPPINES, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 200915, February 12, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Appellee, v. MERLITA PALOMARES Y COSTUNA, Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 184360 & 184361, February 19, 2014 - SILICON PHILIPPINES, INC., (FORMERLY INTEL PHILIPPINES MANUFACTURING, INC.), Petitioner, v. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Respondent.; G.R. No. 184384 - COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, PETITIONER, VS, SILICON PHILIPPINES, INC., (FORMERLY INTEL PHILIPPINES MANUFACTURING, INC.), Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 190621, February 10, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff�Appellee, v. GLENN SALVADOR Y BALVERDE, AND DORY ANN PARCON Y DEL ROSARIO, ACCUSED, GLENN SALVADOR Y BALVERDE, Accused�Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 200575, February 05, 2014 - INTEL TECHNOLOGY PHILIPPINES, INC., Petitioner, v. NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS COMMISSION AND JEREMIAS CABILES, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 185145, February 05, 2014 - SPOUSES VICENTE AFULUGENCIA AND LETICIA AFULUGENCIA, Petitioners, v. METROPOLITAN BANK & TRUST CO. AND EMMANUEL L. ORTEGA, CLERK OF COURT, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT AND EX�OFFICIO SHERIFF, PROVINCE OF BULACAN, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 201298, February 05, 2014 - RAUL C. COSARE, Petitioner, v. BROADCOM ASIA, INC. AND DANTE AREVALO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 184318, February 12, 2014 - ANTONIO E. UNICA, Petitioner, v. ANSCOR SWIRE SHIP MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 189538, February 10, 2014 - REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. MERLINDA L. OLAYBAR, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 197307, February 26, 2014 - FLOR GUPILAN�AGUILAR AND HONORE R. HERNANDEZ, Petitioners, v. OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN, REPRESENTED BY HON. SIMEON V. MARCELO; AND PNP�CIDG, REPRESENTED BY DIR. EDUARDO MATILLANO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 209185, February 25, 2014 - MARC DOUGLAS IV C. CAGAS, Petitioner, v. COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS, REPRESENTED BY ITS CHAIRMAN, ATTY. SIXTO BRILLANTES, JR., AND THE PROVINCIAL ELECTION OFFICER OF DAVAO DEL SUR, REPRESENTED BY ATTY. MA. FEBES BARLAAN, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 204429, February 18, 2014 - SMART COMMUNICATIONS, INC., Petitioner, v. MUNICIPALITY OF MALVAR, BATANGAS, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 203947, February 26, 2014 - RUFA A. RUBIO, BARTOLOME BANTOTO, LEON ALAGADMO, RODRIGO DELICTA, AND ADRIANO ALABATA, Petitioners, v. LOURDES ALABATA, Respondent.

  • A.M. No. CA�14�28�P [Formerly OCA IPI No. 13�208�CA�P], February 11, 2014 - ANACLETO O. VILLAHERMOSA, SR. AND JULETO D. VILLAHERMOSA, Complainants, v. VICTOR M. SARCIA, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IV AND EFREN R. RIVAMONTE, UTILITY WORKER, BOTH FROM THE COURT OF APPEALS, MANILA, Respondents.

  • G.R. NO. 185838, February 10, 2014 - RICARDO V. QUINTOS, Petitioner, v. DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM ADJUDICATION BOARD AND KANLURANG MINDORO FARMER�S COOPERATIVE, INC., Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 190632, February 26, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff�Appellee, v. MANOLITO LUCENA Y VELASQUEZ, ALIAS �MACHETE,� Accused�Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 203161, February 26, 2014 - MARTIN K. AYUNGO, Petitioner, v. BEAMKO SHIPMANAGEMENT CORPORATION, EAGLE MARITIME RAK FZE, AND JUANITO G. SALVATIERRA, JR., Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 206248, February 18, 2014 - GRACE M. GRANDE, Petitioner, v. PATRICIO T. ANTONIO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 188497, February 19, 2014 - COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Petitioner, v. PILIPINAS SHELL PETROLEUM CORPORATION, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 176830, February 11, 2014 - SATURNINO C. OCAMPO, Petitioner, v. HON. EPHREM S. ABANDO, IN HIS CAPACITY AS PRESIDING JUDGE OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF HILONGOS, LEYTE, BRANCH 18, CESAR M. MERIN, IN HIS CAPACITY AS APPROVING PROSECUTOR AND OFFICER�IN�CHARGE, ROSULO U. VIVERO, IN HIS CAPACITY AS INVESTIGATING PROSECUTOR, RAUL M. GONZALEZ, IN HIS CAPACITY AS SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, Respondents.; G.R. No. 185587 - RANDALL B. ECHANIS, Petitioner, v. HON. THELMA BUNYI�MEDINA, IN HER CAPACITY AS PRESIDING JUDGE OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MANILA, BRANCH 32, HON. EPHREM S. ABANDO, IN HIS CAPACITY AS PRESIDING JUDGE OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF HILONGOS, LEYTE, BRANCH 18, CESAR M. MERIN, IN HIS CAPACITY AS APPROVING PROSECUTOR AND OFFICER�IN�CHARGE, ROSULO U. VIVERO, IN HIS CAPACITY AS INVESTIGATING PROSECUTOR, RAUL M. GONZALEZ, IN HIS CAPACITY AS SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, Respondents.; G.R. No. 185636 - RAFAEL G. BAYLOSIS, Petitioner, v. HON. THELMA BUNYI�MEDINA, IN HER CAPACITY AS PRESIDING JUDGE OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MANILA, BRANCH 32, HON. EPHREM S. ABANDO, IN HIS CAPACITY AS PRESIDING JUDGE OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF HILONGOS, LEYTE, BRANCH 18, CESAR M. MERIN, IN HIS CAPACITY AS APPROVING PROSECUTOR AND OFFICER�IN�CHARGE, ROSULO U. VIVERO, IN HIS CAPACITY AS INVESTIGATING PROSECUTOR, RAUL M. GONZALEZ, IN HIS CAPACITY AS SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, Respondents.; G.R. No. 190005 - VICENTE P. LADLAD, Petitioner, v. HON. THELMA BUNYI�MEDINA, IN HER CAPACITY AS PRESIDING JUDGE OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MANILA, BRANCH 32, AND THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 159691, February 17, 2014 - HEIRS OF MARCELO SOTTO, REPRESENTED BY: LOLIBETH SOTTO NOBLE, DANILO C. SOTTO, CRISTINA C. SOTTO, EMMANUEL C. SOTTO AND FILEMON C. SOTTO; AND SALVACION BARCELONA, AS HEIR OF DECEASED MIGUEL BARCELONA, Petitioners, v. MATILDE S. PALICTE, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 193966, February 19, 2014 - DESIGN SOURCES INTERNATIONAL INC. AND KENNETH SY, Petitioners, v. LOURDES L. ERISTINGCOL, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 188913, February 19, 2014 - CITY GOVERNMENT OF BAGUIO, HEREIN REPRESENTED BY CITY MAYOR REINALDO A. BAUTISTA, JR., Petitioner, v. ATTY. BRAIN S. MASWENG, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 8761, February 12, 2014 - WILBERTO C. TALISIC, Complainant, v. ATTY. PRIMO R. RINEN, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 186639, February 05, 2014 - REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. EMMANUEL C. CORTEZ, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 4545, February 05, 2014 - CARLITO ANG, Complainant, v. ATTY. JAMES JOSEPH GUPANA, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 171557, February 12, 2014 - REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. RODOLFO O. DE GRACIA, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 188694, February 12, 2014 - RICARDO L. ATIENZA AND ALFREDO A. CASTRO, Petitioners, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 190178, February 12, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff�Appellee, v. FELIMON PATENTES Y ZAMORA, Accused�Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 178497, February 04, 2014 - EDITA T. BURGOS, Petitioner, v. GEN. HERMOGENES ESPERON, JR., LT. GEN. ROMEO P. TOLENTINO, MAJ. GEN. JUANITO GOMEZ, MAJ. GEN. DELFIN BANGIT, LT. COL. NOEL CLEMENT, LT. COL. MELQUIADES FELICIANO, AND DIRECTOR GENERAL OSCAR CALDERON, Respondents.; G.R. No. 183711 - EDITA T. BURGOS, Petitioner, v. GEN. HERMOGENES ESPERON, JR., LT. GEN. ROMEO P. TOLENTINO, MAJ. GEN. JUANITO GOMEZ, MAJ. GEN. DELFIN BANGIT, LT. COL. NOEL CLEMENT, LT. COL. MELQUIADES FELICIANO, AND DIRECTOR GENERAL OSCAR CALDERON, Respondents.; G.R. No. 183712 - EDITA T. BURGOS, Petitioner, v. GEN. HERMOGENES ESPERON, JR., LT. GEN. ROMEO P. TOLENTINO, MAJ. GEN. JUANITO GOMEZ, LT. COL. MELQUIADES FELICIANO, AND LT. COL. NOEL CLEMENT, Respondents.; G.R. No. 183713 - EDITA T. BURGOS, Petitioner, v. CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES, GEN. HERMOGENES ESPERON, JR.; COMMANDING GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINE ARMY, LT. GEN. ALEXANDER YANO; AND CHIEF OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE, DIRECTOR GENERAL AVELINO RAZON, JR., Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 172302, February 18, 2014 - PRYCE CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. CHINA BANKING CORPORATION, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 204406, February 26, 2014 - MACARTHUR MALICDEM AND HERMENIGILDO FLORES, Petitioners, v. MARULAS INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION AND MIKE MANCILLA, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 190028, February 26, 2014 - LETICIA P. LIGON, Petitioner, v. THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 56 AT MAKATI CITY AND ITS PRESIDING JUDGE, JUDGE REYNALDO M. LAIGO, SHERIFF IV LUCITO V. ALEJO, ATTY. SILVERIO GARING, MR. LEONARDO J. TING, AND MR. BENITO G. TECHICO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 199310, February 19, 2014 - REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. REMMAN ENTERPRISES, INC., REPRESENTED BY RONNIE P. INOCENCIO, Respondent.

  • A.M. No. MTJ�14�1842 [Formerly OCA IPI No. 12�2491�MTJ], February 24, 2014 - REX M. TUPAL, Complainant, v. JUDGE REMEGIO V. ROJO, BRANCH 5, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT IN CITIES (MTCC), BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 182128, February 19, 2014 - PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK, Petitioner, v. TERESITA TAN DEE, ANTIPOLO PROPERTIES, INC., (NOW PRIME EAST PROPERTIES, INC.) AND AFP�RSBS, INC., Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 202976, February 19, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff�Appellee, v. MERVIN GAHI, Accused�Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 199268, February 12, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff�Appellee, v. AURELIO JASTIVA, Accused�Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 170462, February 05, 2014 - RODOLFO GUEVARRA AND JOEY GUEVARRA, Petitioners, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 193592, February 05, 2014 - PASIG PRINTING CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. ROCKLAND CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC., Respondent.; G.R. No. 193610 - REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, REPRESENTED BY THE PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION ON GOOD GOVERNMENT (PCGG) AND MID�PASIG LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (MPLDC), Petitioner, v. ROCKLAND CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC., Respondent.; G.R. No. 193686 - MID�PASIG LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, (MPLDC), Petitioner, v. ROCKLAND CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC., Respondent.

  • A.M. No. P�13�3126 (Formerly A.M. OCA IPI No. 09�3273�P), February 04, 2014 - VERONICA F. GALINDEZ, Complainant, v. ZOSIMA SUSBILLA�DE VERA, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 205453, February 05, 2014 - UNITED TOURIST PROMOTIONS (UTP) AND ARIEL D. JERSEY, Petitioners, v. HARLAND B. KEMPLIN, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 197676, February 04, 2014 - REMMAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND CHAMBER OF REAL ESTATE AND BUILDERS� ASSOCIATION, Petitioners, v. PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF REAL ESTATE SERVICE AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 191215, February 03, 2014 - THENAMARIS PHILIPPINES, INC. (FORMERLY INTERMARE MARITIME AGENCIES, INC.)/ OCEANIC NAVIGATION LTD. AND NICANOR B. ALTARES, Petitioners, v. COURT OF APPEALS AND AMANDA C. MENDIGORIN (IN BEHALF OF HER DECEASED HUSBAND GUILLERMO MENDIGORIN), Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 175723, February 04, 2014 - THE CITY OF MANILA, REPRESENTED BY MAYOR JOSE L. ATIENZA, JR., AND MS. LIBERTY M. TOLEDO, IN HER CAPACITY AS THE CITY TREASURER OF MANILA, Petitioners, v. HON. CARIDAD H. GRECIA�CUERDO, IN HER CAPACITY AS PRESIDING JUDGE OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 112, PASAY CITY; SM MART, INC.; SM PRIME HOLDINGS, INC.; STAR APPLIANCES CENTER; SUPERVALUE, INC.; ACE HARDWARE PHILIPPINES, INC.; WATSON PERSONAL CARE STORES, PHILS., INC.; JOLLIMART PHILS., CORP.; SURPLUS MARKETING CORPORATION AND SIGNATURE LINES, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 180962, February 26, 2014 - PHILTRANCO SERVICE ENTERPRISES, INC., REPRESENTED BY ITS VICE�PRESIDENT FOR ADMINISTRATION, M/GEN. NEMESIO M. SIGAYA, Petitioner, v. PHILTRANCO WORKERS UNION�ASSOCIATION OF GENUINE LABOR ORGANIZATIONS (PWU�AGLO), REPRESENTED BY JOSE JESSIE OLIVAR, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 200597, February 19, 2014 - EMILIO RAGA Y CASIKAT, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 179625, February 24, 2014 - NICANORA G. BUCTON (DECEASED), SUBSTITUTED BY REQUILDA B. YRAY, Petitioner, v. RURAL BANK OF EL SALVADOR, INC., MISAMIS ORIENTAL, AND REYNALDO CUYONG, RESPONDENTS, VS. ERLINDA CONCEPCION AND HER HUSBAND AND AGNES BUCTON LUGOD, THIRD PARTY, Defendants.

  • G.R. No. 206698, February 25, 2014 - LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE , Petitioner, v. COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS AND MIGUEL R. VILLAFUERTE, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 183711, February 04, 2014 - EDITA T. BURGOS, Petitioner, v. GEN. HERMOGENES ESPERON, JR., LT. GEN. ROMEO P. TOLENTINO, MAJ. GEN. JUANITO GOMEZ, MAJ. GEN. DELFIN BANGIT, LT. COL. NOEL CLEMENT, LT. COL. MELQUIADES FELICIANO, AND DIRECTOR GENERAL OSCAR CALDERON, Respondents.; G.R. No. 183712 - EDITA T. BURGOS, Petitioner, v. GEN. HERMOGENES ESPERON, JR., LT. GEN. ROMEO P. TOLENTINO, MAJ. GEN. JUANITO GOMEZ, LT. COL. MELQUIADES FELICIANO, AND LT. COL. NOEL CLEMENT, Respondents.; G.R. No. 183713 - EDITA T. BURGOS, Petitioner, v. CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES, GEN. HERMOGENES ESPERON, JR.; COMMANDING GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINE ARMY, LT. GEN. ALEXANDER YANO; AND CHIEF OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE, DIRECTOR GENERAL AVELINO RAZON, JR., Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 179031, February 24, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff�Appellee, v. BENJAMIN SORIA Y GOMEZ, Accused�Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 191714, February 26, 2014 - T & H SHOPFITTERS CORPORATION/GIN QUEEN CORPORATION, STINNES HUANG, BEN HUANG AND ROGELIO MADRIAGA, Petitioners, v. T & H SHOPFITTERS CORPORATION/GIN QUEEN WORKERS UNION, ELPIDIO ZALDIVAR, DARIOS GONZALES, WILLIAM DOMINGO, BOBBY CASTILLO, JIMMY M. PASCUA, GERMANO M. BAJO, RICO L. MANZANO, ALLAN L. CALLORINA, ROMEO BLANCO, GILBERT M. GARCIA, CARLOS F. GERILLO, EDUARDO A. GRANDE, EDILBRANDO MARTICIO, VIVENCIO SUSANO, ROLANDO GARCIA, JR., MICHAEL FABABIER, ROWELL MADRIAGA, PRESNIL TOLENTINO, MARVIN VENTURA, FRANCISCO RIVARES, PLACIDO TOLENTINO AND ROLANDO ROMERO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 193217, February 26, 2014 - CORAZON MACAPAGAL, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 182738, February 24, 2014 - CAPITOL HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, INC. AND PABLO B. ROMAN, JR., Petitioners, v. MANUEL O. SANCHEZ, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 190524, February 17, 2014 - MICHAELINA RAMOS BALASBAS, Petitioner, v. PATRICIA B. MONAYAO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 173523, February 19, 2014 - LUCENA D. DEMAALA, Petitioner, v. SANDIGANBAYAN (THIRD DIVISION) AND OMBUDSMAN, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 189477, February 26, 2014 - HOMEOWNERS SAVINGS AND LOAN BANK, Petitioner-Appellant, v. ASUNCION P. FELONIA AND LYDIA C. DE GUZMAN, REPRESENTED BY MARIBEL FRIAS, Respondents-Appellees.; MARIE MICHELLE P. DELGADO, REGISTER OF DEEDS OF LAS PI�AS CITY AND RHANDOLFO B. AMANSEC, IN HIS CAPACITY AS CLERK OF COURT EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF, OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT, LAS PI�AS CITY, Respondents-Defendants.

  • A.M. No. P-13-3119 (Formerly A.M. No. 12-9-68-MeTC), February 10, 2014 - EXECUTIVE JUDGE MA. OFELIA S. CONTRERAS-SORIANO, Complainant, v. CLERK III LIZA D. SALAMANCA, METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 55, MALABON, CITY, Respondent.

  • G.R. No.187403, February 12, 2014 - TRADE AND INVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (FORMERLY PHILIPPINE EXPORT AND FOREIGN LOAN GUARANTEE CORPORATION.), Petitioner, v. ASIA PACES CORPORATION, PACES INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION, NICOLAS C. BALDERRAMA, SIDDCOR INSURANCE CORPORATION (NOW MEGA PACIFIC INSURANCE CORPORATION), PHILIPPINE PHOENIX SURETY AND INSURANCE, INC., PARAMOUNT INSURANCE CORPORATION,* AND FORTUNE LIFE AND GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 198452, February 19, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. VICENTE ROM, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 196112, February 26, 2014 - GMA NETWORK, INC., Petitioner, v. NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 202071, February 19, 2014 - PROCTER & GAMBLE ASIA PTE LTD., Petitioner, v. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 167286, February 05, 2014 - INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL MANILA AND/OR BRIAN MCCAULEY, Petitioners, v. INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL ALLIANCE OF EDUCATORS (ISAE) AND MEMBERS REPRESENTED BY RAQUEL DAVID CHING, PRESIDENT, EVANGELINE SANTOS, JOSELYN RUCIO AND METHELYN FILLER, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 193666, February 19, 2014 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. MARLON CASTILLO Y VALENCIA, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 203335, February 18, 2014 - JOSE JESUS M. DISINI, JR., ROWENA S. DISINI, LIANNE IVY P. MEDINA, JANETTE TORAL AND ERNESTO SONIDO, JR., Petitioners, v. THE SECRETARY OF JUSTICE, THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY OFFICE, THE CHIEF OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, RESPONDENTS.; G.R. No. 203299 - LOUIS �BAROK� C. BIRAOGO, Petitioner, v. NATIONAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION AND PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE, RESPONDENTS.; G.R. No. 203306 - ALAB NG MAMAMAHAYAG (ALAM), HUKUMAN NG MAMAMAYAN MOVEMENT, INC., JERRY S. YAP, BERTENI �TOTO� CAUSING, HERNANI Q. CUARE, PERCY LAPID, TRACY CABRERA, RONALDO E. RENTA, CIRILO P. SABARRE, JR., DERVIN CASTRO, ET AL., Petitioners, v. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, REPRESENTED BY PRESIDENT BENIGNO SIMEON AQUINO III, SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES, AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, RESPONDENTS; G.R. No. 203359 - SENATOR TEOFISTO DL GUINGONA III, Petitioner, v. EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, THE SECRETARY OF JUSTICE, THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, THE CHIEF OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE, AND DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, RESPONDENTS.; G.R. No. 203378 - ALEXANDER ADONIS, ELLEN TORDESILLAS, MA. GISELA ORDENES-CASCOLAN, H. HARRY L. ROQUE, JR., ROMEL R. BAGARES, AND GILBERT T. ANDRES, Petitioners, v. THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT, THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE, AND THE INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY OFFICE-DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, RESPONDENTS.; G.R. No. 203391 - HON. RAYMOND V. PALATINO, HON. ANTONIO TINIO, VENCER MARI CRISOSTOMO OF ANAKBAYAN, MA. KATHERINE ELONA OF THE PHILIPPINE COLLEGIAN, ISABELLE THERESE BAGUISI OF THE NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS OF THE PHILIPPINES, ET AL., Petitioners, v. PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR., IN HIS CAPACITY AS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY AND ALTER-EGO OF PRESIDENT BENIGNO SIMEON AQUINO III, LEILA DE LIMA IN HER CAPACITY AS SECRETARY OF JUSTICE, RESPONDENTS; G.R. No. 203407 - BAGONG ALYANSANG MAKABAYAN SECRETARY GENERAL RENATO M. REYES, JR., NATIONAL ARTIST BIENVENIDO L. LUMBERA, CHAIRPERSON OF CONCERNED ARTISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES, ELMER C. LABOG, CHAIRPERSON OF KILUSANG MAYO UNO, CRISTINA E. PALABAY, SECRETARY GENERAL OF KARAPATAN, FERDINAND R. GAITE, CHAIRPERSON OF COURAGE, JOEL B. MAGLUNSOD, VICE PRESIDENT OF ANAKPAWIS PARTY-LIST, LANA R. LINABAN, SECRETARY GENERAL GABRIELA WOMEN�S PARTY, ADOLFO ARES P. GUTIERREZ, AND JULIUS GARCIA MATIBAG, Petitioners, v. BENIGNO SIMEON C. AQUINO III, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR., EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES, REPRESENTED BY SENATE PRESIDENT JUAN PONCE ENRILE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, REPRESENTED BY SPEAKER FELICIANO BELMONTE, JR., LEILA DE LIMA, SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, LOUIS NAPOLEON C. CASAMBRE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY OFFICE, NONNATUS CAESAR R. ROJAS, DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, D/GEN. NICANOR A. BARTOLOME, CHIEF OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE, MANUEL A. ROXAS II, SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, RESPONDENTS.; G.R. No. 203440 - MELENCIO S. STA. MARIA, SEDFREY M. CANDELARIA, AMPARITA STA. MARIA, RAY PAOLO J. SANTIAGO, GILBERT V. SEMBRANO, AND RYAN JEREMIAH D. QUAN (ALL OF THE ATENEO HUMAN RIGHTS CENTER), Petitioners, v. HONORABLE PAQUITO OCHOA IN HIS CAPACITY AS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, HONORABLE LEILA DE LIMA IN HER CAPACITY AS SECRETARY OF JUSTICE, HONORABLE MANUEL ROXAS IN HIS CAPACITY AS SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, THE CHIEF OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE, THE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (ALL OF THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT), RESPONDENTS.; G.R. No. 203453 - NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES (NUJP), PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE (PPI), CENTER FOR MEDIA FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY, ROWENA CARRANZA PARAAN, MELINDA QUINTOS-DE JESUS, JOSEPH ALWYN ALBURO, ARIEL SEBELLINO AND THE PETITIONERS IN THE E-PETITION HTTP://WWW.NUJP.ORG/NO-TO-RA10175/, Petitioners, v. THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, THE SECRETARY OF JUSTICE, THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, THE SECRETARY OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT, THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE, THE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, THE CYBERCRIME INVESTIGATION AND COORDINATING CENTER, AND ALL AGENCIES AND INSTRUMENTALITIES OF GOVERNMENT AND ALL PERSONS ACTING UNDER THEIR INSTRUCTIONS, ORDERS, DIRECTION IN RELATION TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10175, RESPONDENTS.; G.R. No. 203454 - PAUL CORNELIUS T. CASTILLO & RYAN D. ANDRES, Petitioners, v. THE HON. SECRETARY OF JUSTICE, THE HON. SECRETARY OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, RESPONDENTS.; G.R. No. 203469 - ANTHONY IAN M. CRUZ; MARCELO R. LANDICHO; BENJAMIN NOEL A. ESPINA; MARCK RONALD C. RIMORIN; JULIUS D. ROCAS; OLIVER RICHARD V. ROBILLO; AARON ERICK A. LOZADA; GERARD ADRIAN P. MAGNAYE; JOSE REGINALD A. RAMOS; MA. ROSARIO T. JUAN; BRENDALYN P. RAMIREZ; MAUREEN A. HERMITANIO; KRISTINE JOY S. REMENTILLA; MARICEL O. GRAY; JULIUS IVAN F. CABIGON; BENRALPH S. YU; CEBU BLOGGERS SOCIETY, INC. PRESIDENT RUBEN B. LICERA, JR; AND PINOY EXPAT/OFW BLOG AWARDS, INC. COORDINATOR PEDRO E. RAHON; PETITIONERS, VS. HIS EXCELLENCY BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, IN HIS CAPACITY AS PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES; SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES, REPRESENTED BY HON. JUAN PONCE ENRILE, IN HIS CAPACITY AS SENATE PRESIDENT; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, REPRESENTED BY FELICIANO R. BELMONTE, JR., IN HIS CAPACITY AS SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; HON. PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR., IN HIS CAPACITY AS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY; HON. LEILA M. DE LIMA, IN HER CAPACITY AS SECRETARY OF JUSTICE; HON. LOUIS NAPOLEON C. CASAMBRE, IN HIS CAPACITY AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY OFFICE; HON. NONNATUS CAESAR R. ROJAS, IN HIS CAPACITY AS DIRECTOR, NATIONAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION; AND P/DGEN. NICANOR A. BARTOLOME, IN HIS CAPACITY AS CHIEF, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE, RESPONDENTS.; G.R. No. 203501 - PHILIPPINE BAR ASSOCIATION, INC., Petitioner, v. HIS EXCELLENCY BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES; HON. PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR., IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY; HON. LEILA M. DE LIMA, IN HER OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS SECRETARY OF JUSTICE; LOUIS NAPOLEON C. CASAMBRE, IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY OFFICE; NONNATUS CAESAR R. ROJAS, IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION; AND DIRECTOR GENERAL NICANOR A. BARTOLOME, IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS CHIEF OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE, RESPONDENTS.; G.R. No. 203509 - BAYAN MUNA REPRESENTATIVE NERI J. COLMENARES, Petitioner, v. THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY PAQUITO OCHOA, JR., RESPONDENT.; G.R. No. 203515 - NATIONAL PRESS CLUB OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC. REPRESENTED BY BENNY D. ANTIPORDA IN HIS CAPACITY AS PRESIDENT AND IN HIS PERSONAL CAPACITY, Petitioner, v. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, PRES. BENIGNO SIMEON AQUINO III, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE, NATIONAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT AND ALL OTHER GOVERNMENT INSTRUMENTALITIES WHO HAVE HANDS IN THE PASSAGE AND/OR IMPLEMENTATION OF REPUBLIC ACT 10175, RESPONDENTS.; G.R. No. 203518 - PHILIPPINE INTERNET FREEDOM ALLIANCE, COMPOSED OF DAKILA-PHILIPPINE COLLECTIVE FOR MODERN HEROISM, REPRESENTED BY LENI VELASCO, PARTIDO LAKAS NG MASA, REPRESENTED BY CESAR S. MELENCIO, FRANCIS EUSTON R. ACERO, MARLON ANTHONY ROMASANTA TONSON, TEODORO A. CASI�O, NOEMI LARDIZABAL-DADO, IMELDA MORALES, JAMES MATTHEW B. MIRAFLOR, JUAN G.M. RAGRAGIO, MARIA FATIMA A. VILLENA, MEDARDO M. MANRIQUE, JR., LAUREN DADO, MARCO VITTORIA TOBIAS SUMAYAO, IRENE CHIA, ERASTUS NOEL T. DELIZO, CRISTINA SARAH E. OSORIO, ROMEO FACTOLERIN, NAOMI L. TUPAS, KENNETH KENG, ANA ALEXANDRA C. CASTRO, Petitioners, v. THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, THE SECRETARY OF JUSTICE, THE SECRETARY OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, THE SECRETARY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OFFICE, THE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, THE CHIEF, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE, THE HEAD OF THE DOJ OFFICE OF CYBERCRIME, AND THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE CYBERCRIME INVESTIGATION AND COORDINATING CENTER, Respondents

  • G.R. No. 174433, February 24, 2014 - PHILIPPPINE NATIONAL BANK, Petitioner, v. SPOUSES ENRIQUE MANALO & ROSALINDA JACINTO, ARNOLD J. MANALO, ARNEL J. MANALO, AND ARMA J. MANALO, Respondents.