Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence


Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence > Year 2016 > September 2016 Decisions > A.C. No. 10565, September 07, 2016 - PROSECUTOR RHODNA A. BACATAN, Complainant, v. ATTY. MERARI D. DADULA, Respondent.:




A.C. No. 10565, September 07, 2016 - PROSECUTOR RHODNA A. BACATAN, Complainant, v. ATTY. MERARI D. DADULA, Respondent.

PHILIPPINE SUPREME COURT DECISIONS

THIRD DIVISION

A.C. No. 10565, September 07, 2016

PROSECUTOR RHODNA A. BACATAN, Complainant, v. ATTY. MERARI D. DADULA, Respondent.

D E C I S I O N

JARDELEZA, J.:

In a Complaint1 dated June 16, 2008 submitted to the Cebu City Chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Rhodna A. Bacatan, Assistant Cebu City Prosecutor (complainant) charged Atty. Merari D. Dadula (respondent) with violation of: a) Canon 8, Rule 8.01 of the Code of Professional Responsibility; b) the disregard of the duties of attorneys, particularly under paragraph (d) of Section 20, Rule 138 of the Revised Rules of Court; and c) her lawyer's oath not to do falsehood nor consent to the doing of any.2

Facts

Between September and October 2007, the following cases were raffled to complainant for preliminary investigation: (1) a complaint for libel (I.S. No. 4760) filed by Rev. Jose Bailey Bernaldez against Dr. Carlito Impas, Sr.; and (2) a complaint for falsification (I.S. No. 4999-J) filed by Dr. Carlito Impas, Jr. against Rev. Jose Bailey Bernaldez. Respondent was the counsel of Carlito Impas, Jr.3 Complainant found probable cause for libel and recommended its filing in court, while the complaint for falsification was recommended for dismissal for lack of probable cause.4 Both recommendations were approved by the City Prosecutor.5

Respondent filed a Motion to Determine Probable Cause With Motion to Hold in Abeyance Trial With Motion to Defer Issuance of Warrant and Motion to Defer Posting of Reduced Bail Bond6 in the libel case. In her pleadings, respondent accused complainant of manifest partiality and bias against her client when complainant: 1) summarily ruled that the publication of the letter was libelous but miserably failed to point out, in her Resolution, which portion constituted libel; 2) denied the motion for reconsideration with dispatch in an undated Order; 3) "sat" on the falsification case for she did not resolve it with dispatch unlike what she did in this libel case;7 4) did not send a copy of the resolution in the libel case to the accused; 5) dismissed the falsification case even if mere was clear admission from the accused in the case that it was his signature; and 6) lodged the information in the libel case within the period to appeal the undated Order.8 Respondent perceived an obvious disparity in her treatment of these two cases and further noticing the swiftness of her (Prosecutor Bacatan) Resolution and Order in this libel case which is utterly adverse against the accused despite the glaring fact that no probable cause exists to hold him for libel.9 Respondent then concluded that "[a]ll these adverse actions of prosecutor Bacatan against herein accused impels him to one inevitable conclusion: the prosecutor must have been bribed."10

In her Comment,11 complainant denied the charges of undue haste on the libel case and undue delay on the falsification case. According to her, the two cases were raffled on different dates and received by her office on separate dates. Adopting a first-in-first-out policy, the libel case, which was raffled first was resolved earlier than the falsification case.12 Moreover, she did not sit on the falsification case or act with undue haste in the libel case, but merely followed the procedure in resolving cases at the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office.13 In her Rejoinder,14 respondent claimed that complainant's undue haste and grave irregularity in handling the case is evident from the Resolution and Information which she prepared and signed on the same day, November 20, 2007.15

On October 13, 2008,16 the IBP required respondent to file her Answer.17

In her Answer, respondent insisted that complainant follow the regular procedure. She reiterated the arguments raised in her motion to determine probable cause and in her Rejoinder. She also invoked as an affirmative defense the Order of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 23 of Cebu City (RTC), granting the motion to determine probable cause for the libel case, dated August 26, 2008.18 She also presented as evidence the RTC Decision19 dated June 29, 2012 acquitting Dr. Impas, Jr. from the charge of libel.20

Pending the results of the investigation of this Complaint, respondent also filed on December 20, 2010, a Complaint for Violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act No. 3019 and a Petition for Disbarment and Imposition of Appropriate Disciplinary Actions21 before the Office of the Ombudsman for the Visayas and the IBP, respectively. The petition contained the same allegations made on the motion to determine probable cause and in the Rejoinder, but no new issues were raised against the complainant.

IBP Investigating Commissioner Hector B. Almeyda (Commissioner Almeyda), in his Report and Recommendation,22 stated that it is the practice of the National Prosecution Service that where the resolution is one finding probable cause for the filing of a case, the investigating prosecutor already prepares the corresponding information to facilitate the movement of the case, should the reviewing officers affirm the finding of probable cause. The similarity of dates of the resolution that has yet to be affirmed with the information is inconsequential and hardly gives room to question the regularity of the process.23

Commissioner Almeyda found that respondent failed to abide by the bounds of courtesy, fairness and candor as provided in Canon 8 of the Code of Professional Responsibility. She "had overstepped the bounds of fair play and have drawn herself to the maelstrom of misconduct by dangerously and recklessly including in her pleadings a completely and irrelevant allegation concerning complainant's character that did not enter into the equation as a factor in the determination of whether probable cause existed in the matter tasked by the processes to be resolved by complainant."24 Commissioner Almeyda observed however, that respondent was, "a comparatively new member of the profession," and reminded her "to be a bit more circumspect in her choice of words in championing the cause of her client."25cralawred The Commissioner recommended that respondent be "strongly reprimanded, with warning that a similar or any other future infraction of the Code of Professional Responsibility shall be dealt with more severely."26

On March 20, 2013, the IBP Board of Governors passed Resolution No. XX-2013-216,27 adopting and approving Commissioner Almeyda's Report and Recommendation.

Ruling

The Court concurs with the finding of the IBP but takes exception to the recommended penalty to be imposed, which is light in relation to the circumstances presented in this case.

Membership in the bar imposes upon lawyers certain obligations to one another, including the observance of honourable, candid and courteous dealings with other lawyers,28 as well as maintaining fidelity to known and recognized customs and practices of the bar that make the practice of law a profession.29

The unfavourable resolutions against her client prompted respondent to hurl accusations of irregularity and bribery against complainant. Strongly worded statements by a lawyer against opposing counsel, if justified by the records, may not justify disciplinary actions against the former.30 But such is not the case here. Respondent's tirades against complainant have proven to be baseless.

As found by the IBP, that the dates of the finding of probable cause and that of the filing of the information are the same, is explained by the prevailing practice in the National Prosecution Service: an information is prepared together with the resolution finding probable cause to facilitate the movement of the case.31 Respondent could have easily verified this practice before she resorted to condemning complainant and her actions. Respondent failed to substantiate her bare allegations and sweeping conclusion of irregularity and charge of bribery, basing her charges purely on her flimsy gut feeling. It is unethical for a lawyer to accuse another lawyer wantonly and maliciously of a serious misconduct in the absence of a reasonable cause.32

Further, the attack on the character of the complainant is also completely unnecessary in the motion for determination of probable cause on the libel case. Contrary to respondent's contention, her misconduct is not cured nor justified by the eventual acquittal of her client.

We note the IBP's observation that during the times material to the case, respondent was considerably new to the profession,33 and must have been overzealous in protecting the cause of her client, even akin to overenthusiasm. Members of the Bar must be reminded that "enthusiasm, or even excess of it, is not really bad. In fact, the one or the other is no less a virtue, if channeled in the right direction. However, it must be circumscribed within the bounds of propriety and with due regard for the proper place of courts in our system of government."34

In earlier cases, we meted the penalty of fine for a lawyer's use of intemperate language. Saberon v. Larong35 declared a lawyer guilty of simple misconduct and imposed upon him a P2,000.00 fine for referring to a party's pleadings as "a series of blackmail suits" even if the latter were well within their rights to file cases against the clients of the lawyer.36 We ruled that while a lawyer is entitled to present his case with vigor and courage, such enthusiasm does not justify the use of offensive and abusive language.37 Although lawyers are allowed a latitude of pertinent remark or comment in the furtherance of the causes they uphold and for the felicity of their clients, they should not trench beyond the bounds of relevancy and propriety in making such remark or comment.38 In Ng v. Alar,39 we modified the IBP's recommended penalty of reprimand to a fine of P5,000.00, after finding that "[s]ubmitting pleadings containing countless insults and diatribes against the [National Labor Relations Commission] and attacking both its moral and intellectual integrity, hardly measures to the sobriety of speech demanded of a lawyer."40 The lawyer also filed disbarment cases against his opposing counsels for the latter's alleged filing of multiple actions based on the same cause of action, interference in the normal course of judicial proceeding, and instigating the filing of the disbarment complaint against him. Notably, the IBP dismissed the disbarment charges against opposing counsels. We ruled that the lawyer clearly violated Canons 8 and 11 of the Code of Professional Responsibility, for "his actions erode the public's perception of the legal profession."41

We find that respondent violated Canon 8 of the Code of Professional Responsibility. While zeal or enthusiasm in championing a client's cause is desirable, unprofessional conduct stemming from such zeal or enthusiasm is disfavoured. When without proof nor enough basis on record, respondent swiftly concluded, based only on gut feeling, that the complainant has been bribed or had acted for a valuable consideration, her conduct has overstepped the bounds of courtesy, fairness and candor.

ACCORDINGLY, we find respondent Atty. Merari D. Dadula GUILTY of violation of Canon 8 of the Code of Professional Responsibility. She is imposed a FINE of P2,000.00 with STERN WARNING that a repetition of the same or similar act in the future will be dealt with more severely.

Let a copy of this Decision be attached to the respondent's personal records in the Office of the Bar Confidant.

SO ORDERED.

Velasco, Jr., (Chairperson), Peralta, and Perez, JJ., concur.
Reyes, J., On official leave.

Endnotes:


1Rollo, pp. 3-12.

2Id. at 11.

3Id. at 390.

4Id. at 391.

5Id. at 52, 391.

6Id. at 13-17.

7Id. at 14-15.

8Id. at 16.

9Id. at 15.

10Id. at 16.

11Id. at 22-26.

12Id. at 23.

13Id. at 24-25.

14Id. at 27-31.

15Id. at 28.

16Id. at 33.

17Id. at 43-49.

18Id. at 48.

19Id. at 329-347.

20Id. at 48.

21Id. at 87-127.

22Id. at 390-395.

23Id. at 393.

24Id. at 395.

25cralawred Id. at 394.

26Id. at 395.

27Id. at 389.

28 CANON 8 � A lawyer shall conduct himself with courtesy, fairness and candor toward his professional colleagues, and shall avoid harassing tactics against opposing counsel.

29 Agpalo, Legal and Judicial Ethics, 2009, p. 107.

30Phil. Surety & Ins. Co. Inc. v. Royal Oil Products, et al., 102 Phil. 326, 336-339 (1957).

31Rollo, p. 393.

32 Agpalo, Legal and Judicial Ethics, 2009, p. 534, citations omitted.

33 Respondent was admitted to the Bar in March 2003, the incidents transpired in 2007. (Last accessed on August 15, 2016.)

34Ng v. Alar, A.C. No. 7252, November 22, 2006, 507 SCRA 465, 475, citing Rheem of the Philippines v. Ferrer, G.R. No. L-22979, June 26, 1967, 20 SCRA 441.

35 A.C. No. 6567, April 16, 2008, 551 SCRA 359.

36Id. at 363, 370.

37Id. at 368.

38Id. at 369.

39 A.C. No. 7252, November 22, 2006, 507 SCRA 465.

40Id. at 473.

41Id. at 475.




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






September-2016 Jurisprudence                 

  • G.R. No. 211608, September 07, 2016 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. MENARDO BOMBASI Y VERGARA, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 195975, September 05, 2016 - TAINA MANIGQUE-STONE, Petitioner, v. CATTLEYA LAND, INC., AND SPOUSES TROADIO B. TECSON AND ASUNCION ORTALIZ-TECSON, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 212171, September 07, 2016 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. MERCURY DELA CRUZ ALIAS "DEDAY," Accused-Appellant.

  • A.C. No. 10565, September 07, 2016 - PROSECUTOR RHODNA A. BACATAN, Complainant, v. ATTY. MERARI D. DADULA, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 7045, September 05, 2016 - THE LAW FIRM OF CHAVEZ MIRANDA ASEOCHE REPRESENTED BY ITS FOUNDING PARTNER, ATTY. FRANCISCO I. CHAVEZ, Complainant, v. ATTYS. RESTITUTO S. LAZARO AND RODEL R. MORTA, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 204423, September 14, 2016 - PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL-CAGAYAN VALLEY CAMPUS, Petitioner, v. PIRRA CONSTRUCTION ENTERPRISES, Respondent.

  • I.P.I. No. 16-244-CA-J, September 06, 2016 - Re: VERIFIED COMPLAINT OF CATALINA Z. ALILING AGAINST ASSOCIATE JUSTICE MA. LUISA C. QUIJANO-PADILLA, COURT OF APPEALS, MANILA RELATIVE TO CA-G.R. CV NO. 103042

  • G.R. No. 203576, September 14, 2016 - NAGA CENTRUM, INC., REPRESENTED BY AIDA KELLY YUBUCO, Petitioner, v. SPOUSES RAMON J. ORZALES AND NENITA F. ORZALES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 192754, September 07, 2016 - LEONIS NAVIGATION CO., INC. AND WORLD MARINE PANAMA S.A., Petitioners, v. EDUARDO C. OBRERO AND MERCEDITA P. OBRERO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 181387, September 05, 2016 - CAMERON GRANVILLE 3 ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC., Petitioner, v. UE MONTHLY ASSOCIATES, UEAMI WORKERS UNION NFL AND ALFREDO BASI, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 206808-09, September 07, 2016 - LOCAL WATER UTILITIES ADMINISTRATION EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION FOR PROGRESS (LEAP), MELANIO B. CUCHAPIN II, GREARDO* G. PERU, ROLAND S. CABAHUG, GLORIA P. VELASQUEZ, ERLINDA G. VILLANUEVA, TEODORO M. REYNOSO, FERNANDO L. NICANDRO, JOSEPHINE P. SIMENE, LAMBERTO R. RIVERA, REYNALDO M. VIDA, and RUCTICO** B. TUTOL, Petitioners, v. LOCAL WATER UTILITIES ADMINISTRATION (LWUA) and DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 210798, September 14, 2016 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. BEVERLY VILLANUEVA Y MANALILI @ BEBANG, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R.No. 186199, September 07, 2016 - EDGARDO A. QUILO AND ADNALOY VILLAHERMOSA, Petitioners, v. TEODULA BAJAO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 187942, September 07, 2016 - THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF TUGUEGARAO, Petitioner, v. FLORENTINA PRUDENCIO, NOW DECEASED, SUBSTITUTED BY HER HEIRS, NAMELY: EXEQUIEL, LORENZO, PRIMITIVO, MARCELINO, JULIANA, ALFREDO AND ROSARIO, ALL SURNAMED DOMINGO; AVELINA PRUDENCIO, ASSISTED BY HER HUSBAND VICTORIANO DIMAYA; ERNESTO PENALBER AND RODRIGO TALANG; SPOUSES ISIDRO CEPEDA AND SALVACION DIVINI, NOW DECEASED, SUBSTITUTED BY HER HEIRS, NAMELY: MARCIAL, PEDRO AND LINA, ALL SURNAMED CEPEDA, Respondents.

  • A.C. No. 10574 (Formerly CBD Case No. 11-3047), September 20, 2016 - PATRICK R. FABIE, Complainant, v. ATTY. LEONARDO M. REAL, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 192132, September 14, 2016 - HEIRS OF ZOSIMO Q. MARAVILLA, NAMELY, ZOSIMO W. MARAVILLA, JR., YVETTE MARAVILLA AND RICHARD MARAVILLA, REPRESENTED BY ZOSIMO W. MARAVILLA, JR., Petitioners, v. PRIVALDO TUPAS, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 206629, September 14, 2016 - NARCISO T. MATIS, Petitioner, v. MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 210940, September 06, 2016 - SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM, Petitioner, v. COMMISSION ON AUDIT, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 201320, September 14, 2016 - WILSON T. LIM, Petitioner, v. OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY OMBUDSMAN FOR THE MILITARY AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICES (MOLEO) AND P/S INSP. EUSTIQUIO FUENTES, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 219815, September 14, 2016 - J.O.S. MANAGING BUILDERS, INC. AND EDUARDO B. OLAGUER, Petitioners, v. UNITED OVERSEAS BANK PHILIPPINES (FORMERLY KNOWN AS WESTMONT BANK), EMMANUEL T. MANGOSING AND DAVID GOH CHAI ENG, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 220732, September 06, 2016 - ELMER G. SINDAC @ "TAMER," Petitioner, v. THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. Nos. 190015 & 190019, September 14, 2016 - GERALDINE MICHELLE B. FALLARME AND ANDREA MARTINEZ-GACOS, Petitioners, v. SAN JUAN DE DIOS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC., CHONA M. HERNANDEZ, VALERIANO ALEJANDRO III, SISTER CONCEPTION GABATINO, D.C., AND SISTER JOSEFINA QUIACHON, D.C., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 214238, September 14, 2016 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ESMAEL ZACARIA Y WAGAS, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 191170, September 14, 2016 - CAMERON GRANVILLE 3 ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC., Petitioner, v. FIDEL O. CHUA AND FILIDEN REALTY AND DEVELOPMENT CORP., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 219855, September 06, 2016 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ROMEO LINTAG Y LAUREOLA, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 199397, September 14, 2016 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. DARWIN GITO Y CORLIN, ACCUSED-APPELLANT., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 194561, September 14, 2016 - DRUGSTORES ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC. AND NORTHERN LUZON DRUG CORPORATION, Petitioners, v. NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY AFFAIRS; DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE; BUREAU OF INTERNAL REVENUE; DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT; AND DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 190271, September 14, 2016 - TRANSIMEX CO., Petitioner, v. MAFRE ASIAN INSURANCE CORP., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 182604, September 27, 2016 - DR. ROLANDO B. MANGUNE, DR. RENE A. ARCE AND EMMA E. TA�AFRANCA, IN THEIR RESPECTIVE PERSONAL CAPACITIES AND AS ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT FOR AND IN BEHALF OF DR. VIRGINIA M. AGUILAS, ROLANDO R. ANATALIO, DR. LEA M. DE LEON-ASI, CATALINO N. ATANACIO, JR., JULIANA M. BATALLER, MA. LUISA B. CA�EZA, LILIAN C. CANILAO, RANIEL S. CAPADA, FLORENDO A. DAYUS, JENNIFER D. PAGULAYAN, BIENVENIDO C. DE VILLA, JOSE A. DELOS REYES, CYNTHIA A. DIAZ, ANNA LEAH D. DIPATUAN, MADELAINE M. ESTOCAPIO, DR. MARIA SONIA YEE-FESTIN, MARIO E. FLORENDO, RUEL E. FORTUNADO, NATIVIDAD A. GAMIAO, IRMA Q. ANDAL, CHARITO C. LAZAM, AGNES R. LOVINDINO, EVELYN M. MABAG, RECHILDA B. MACAFE, ZENAIDA M. MADIANGKIT, ANGELICA T. MALAZARTE, DOMINGO P. MANAY, DR. EDGAR ORVEN M. MORTEL, SATURNINO E. QUIBAN, MARITES J. RAMOS, DR. MELINDA S.L. A. RAZALAN, BAITONGGAL L. SAUDAGAL, DR. JOHN ALBERT V. TABLIZO, JULIETA T. TERANIA, ANNIE B. TRINIDAD, JUDY T. AVNER, DR. ROMEO F. UY, AVELONA A. VEA, MINVILUZ G. VERA CRUZ, PE�AFLOR M. VILLAFLOR, JR., AND DR. LEOPOLDO P. SISON, JR., ALL OF TAGUIG-PATEROS DISTRICT HOSPITAL, Petitioners, v. HONORABLE SECRETARY EDUARDO ERMITA, IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, HONORABLE SECRETARY FRANCISCO DUQUE III, IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF TAGUIG AS REPRESENTED BY ITS MAYOR, HONORABLE SIGFRIDO R. TINGA, AND THE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OF PATEROS, AS REPRESENTED BY ITS MAYOR, HONORABLE ROSENDO CAPCO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 210200, September 13, 2016 - JULIET B. DANO, Petitioner, v. COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS AND MARIE KAREN JOY B. DIGAL, Respondents.; MARIA EMILY D. DAGAANG, Petitioner-Intervenor.

  • A.C. No. 11095 [Formerly CBD Case No. 11-3140], September 20, 2016 - EUFEMIA A. CAMINO, Complainant, v. ATTY. RYAN REY L. PASAGUI, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 188952, September 21, 2016 - PE�AFRANCIA SHIPPING CORPORATION AND SANTA CLARA SHIPPING CORPORATION, Petitioners, v. 168 SHIPPING LINES, INC., Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 11238, September 21, 2016 - ATTY. MYLENE S. YUMUL-ESPINA, Complainant, v. ATTY. BENEDICTO D. TABAQUERO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 187922, September 21, 2016 - MARPHIL EXPORT CORPORATION AND IRENEO LIM, Petitioners, v. ALLIED BANKING CORPORATION, SUBSTITUTED BY PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 188646, September 21, 2016 - GEORGE C. CORDERO, Petitioner, v. BOARD OF NURSING, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 10150, September 21, 2016 - GINA E. ENDAYA, Complainant, v. ATTY. EDGARDO O. PALAY, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 185765, September 28, 2016 - PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC ZONE AUTHORITY, Petitioner, v. PILHINO SALES CORPORATION, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 184237, September 21, 2016 - HENRY H. TENG, Petitioner, v. LAWRENCE C. TING, EDMUND TING AND ANTHONY TING, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 222740, September 28, 2016 - ST. LUKE'S COLLEGE OF MEDICINE-WILLIAM H. QUASHA MEMORIAL FOUNDATION, DR. BRIGIDO L. CARANDANG, AND DR. ALEJANDRO P. ORTIGAS Petitioners, v. SPOUSES MANUEL AND ESMERALDA PEREZ AND SPOUSES ERIC AND JURISITA QUINTOS, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 211680, September 21, 2016 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Appellee, v. BELBAN SIC-OPEN Y DIMAS, Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 193837, September 21, 2016 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. RENATO M. PANGAN, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 224804, September 21, 2016 - EFREN R. LEYNES, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 215072, September 07, 2016 - PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK, Petitioner, v. HEIRS OF THE LATE IRENEO AND CARIDAD ENTAPA, NAMELY: ROSARIO ENTAPA-ORPEZA, JULIANNE E. HAMM,1 CERINA G. ENTAPA, WINSTON G. ENTAPA (DECEASED) REPRESENTED BY HIS SPOUSE, NINFA LAMISTOZA-ENTAPA, FRANKLIN G. ENTAPA, MARINA E. SCHACHT, AND ELVIRA G. ENTAPA, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 201354, September 21, 2016 - PABLO M. PADILLA, JR. AND MARIA LUISA P. PADILLA, Petitioners, v. LEOPOLDO MALICSI, LITO CASINO, AND AGRIFINO GUANES, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 183947, September 21, 2016 - RIZAL COMMERCIAL BANKING CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. TEODORO G. BERNARDINO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 204891, September 14, 2016 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Appellee, v. REYNALDO ABAYON Y APONTE, Appellant.

  • A.C. No. 11064, September 27, 2016 - BIENVENIDA FLOR SUAREZ, Complainant, v. ATTY. ELEONORA. MARAVILLA-ONA, Respondent.

  • A.M. No. P-09-2621 [Formerly OCA-I.P.I. No. 08-2939-P], September 20, 2016 - OFFICE OF THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR, Complainant, v. EDUARDO T. UMBLAS, LEGAL RESEARCHER, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 33, BALLESTEROS, CAGAYAN, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 208979, September 21, 2016 - GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM, Petitioner, v. ROGELIO F. MANALO, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 11099, September 27, 2016 - LILY FLORES-SALADO, MINDA FLORES LURA, AND FE V. FLORES, Complainants, v. ATTY. ROMAN A. VILLANUEVA, JR. Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 7348, September 27, 2016 - ROUEL YAP PARAS, Complainant, v. ATTY. JUSTO P. PARAS, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 208067, September 14, 2016 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Appellee, v. RONNIE R. LIBRIAS, Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 211553, September 13, 2016 - LEANDRO B. VERCELES, JR., Petitioner, v. COMMISSION ON AUDIT, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 208089, September 28, 2016 - PHILIPPINE TRANSMARINE CARRIERS, INC., STEALTH MARITIME CORPORATION AND CARLOS SALINAS, Petitioners, v. CASIANO F. SALADAS, JR., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 217356, September 07, 2016 - DOROTEO C. GAERLAN, (DECEASED) SUBSTITUTED BY HIS SON, RAYMOND G. GAERLAN, Petitioner, v. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 222424, September 21, 2016 - FONTANA DEVELOPMENT CORP., DENNIS PAK AS GENERAL MANAGER, PASTOR ISAAC AS DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES, CHRIS CHENG* AS DEPUTY GROUP FINANCIAL CONTROLLER, JESUS CHUA, REPRESENTATIVE MICHAEL FELICIANO, ALMA EREDIANO, LEILANI VALIENTE, MAN CHOI AS GROUP FINANCIAL CONTROLLER, AND JAIME VILLAREAL AS CHIEF ENGINEER, Petitioners, v. SASCHA VUKASINOVIC, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 221864, September 14, 2016 - CELERNA CALAYAG, AMELIA ORFIANO, MARILYN HIBE, ERNESTO CLARIN, NARCISO UNGSOD, BONIFACIO TORIDA, BOB ILLUT, EVELYN BAJET, ELORDE ILUSTRISIMO, ENRICO DETIQUEZ, JAIME CASTRO, JOSEFINA DAMALERIO, CARIDAD LERUM, NOVA FAJARDO, DANILO DELA CRUZ, ALBERTO FAUSTO, ESTELLA GELLI, KATHERINE DELA CRUZ, HEIDEE LAUREL, NISSAN LAUREL, VICENTE CHUA, ARMELA MARTIN, MELINDA BATIANCILA, GEMMA REBAYA, PRECIOUS ILUSTRISIMO, SOSAN LISBO, MARLON TRABALLO, NIMFA DANNUG, MARILYN LABORTE, SONIA MANZANILLA, LOURDES PARBA, ADELINA ALIPIN, JONATHAN BASA, MARIA LIZA CABARQUIL, RICHARD FAJICULAY, RICARDO HILARIO AND JONATHAN TESSLER, Petitioners, v. SULPICIO LINES, INC. (NOW KNOWN AS PHILIPPINE SPAN ASIA CARRIER CORPORATION, DOING BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME AND STYLE OF "SPAN ASIA CARRIER") [FORMERLY: SULPICIO LINES, INC.], Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 221047, September 14, 2016 - MICHAEL A. ONSTOTT, Petitioner, v. UPPER TAGPOS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION, INC., Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 11323, September 14, 2016 - NICOLAS ROBERT MARTIN EGGER, Complainant, v. ATTY. FRANCISCO P. DURAN, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 221241, September 14, 2016 - MARIO N. FELICILDA, Petitioner, v. MANCHESTEVE H. UY, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 9912, September 21, 2016 - DATU REMIGIO M. DUQUE JR., Complainant, v. COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS CHAIRMAN SIXTO S. BRILLANTES, JR., COMMISSIONERS LUCENITO N. TAGLE, ELIAS R. YUSOPH, AND CHRISTIAN ROBERT S. LIM; ATTYS. MA. JOSEFINA E. DELA CRUZ, ESMERALDA A. AMORA-LADRA, MA. JUANA S. VALLEZA, SHEMIDAH G. CADIZ, AND FERNANDO F. COT�-OM; AND PROSECUTOR NOEL S. ADION, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 212157, September 28, 2016 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. RODRIGO RUSCO, ACCUSED-APPELLANT., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 221538, September 20, 2016 - RIZALITO Y. DAVID, Petitioner, v. SENATE ELECTORAL TRIBUNAL AND MARY GRACE POE-LLAMANZARES, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 207147, September 14, 2016 - EMELITA BASILIO GAN, Petitioner, v. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 213699, September 28, 2016 - THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN, Petitioner, v. P/SUPT. ROGER JAMES BRILLANTES, PO3 PETER PAUL PABLICO, AND PO1 NOEL FABIA, Respondents.; G.R. No. 215008 - THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN, Petitioner, v. POLICE SENIOR INSPECTOR2 DANTE G. YANG, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 223852, September 14, 2016 - EDNA ROQUE ALEGUELA, FELIPE GONZALES, DOLORES COCHESA, LUISA CAGALINGAN, REYNALDO JUNSAY, BONIFACIA RODRIQUEZ, CONEY CERDENA, AND ALL PERSONS CLAIMING RIGHTS UNDER THEM, Petitioners, v. EASTERN PETROLEUM CORPORATION AND J&M PROPERTIES AND CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 205721, September 14, 2016 - HARTE-HANKS PHILIPPINES, INC., Petitioner, v. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 225141, September 26, 2016 - ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, Petitioner, v. HON. GREGORIO L. VEGA, JR., PRESIDING JUDGE, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 157, PASIG CITY, AND MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 205200, September 21, 2016 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Appellee, v. LEONARDO CRUZ Y ROCO, Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 205871, September 28, 2016 - RUEL TUANO Y HERNANDEZ, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 11121, September 13, 2016 - DELIA LIM, Complainant, v. ATTY. AQUILINO MEJICA, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 191537, September 14, 2016 - PAULINO M. ALECHA, FELIX B. UNABIA, RICARDO A. TOLINO AND MARIO A. CATANES, Petitioners, v. JOSE L. ATIENZA JR., THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES (DENR), MICHAEL L. ROMERO AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF 168 FERRUM PACIFIC MINING CORPORATION, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 213418, September 21, 2016 - ALFREDO S.RAMOS, CONCHITA S. RAMOS, BENJAMIN B. RAMOS, NELSON T. RAMOS AND ROBINSON T. RAMOS, Petitioners, v. CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES CO. LTD., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 220605, September 21, 2016 - COCA-COLA FEMSA PHILIPPINES, INC.,* Petitioner, v. BACOLOD SALES FORCE UNION-CONGRESS OF INDEPENDENT ORGANIZATION-ALU, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 190187, September 28, 2016 - THE PHILIPPINE GEOTHERMAL, INC. EMPLOYEES UNION, Petitioner, v. UNOCAL PHILIPPINES, INC. (NOW KNOWN AS CHEVRON GEOTHERMAL PHILIPPINES HOLDINGS, INC.), Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 198350, September 14, 2016 - ATTY. MARCOS D. RISONAR, JR., Petitioner, v. COR JESU COLLEGE AND/OR EDGARDO S. ESCURIL, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 172507, September 14, 2016 - NATIONAL POWER CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. SPS. MARGARITO ASOQUE AND TARCINIA ASOQUE, Respondents.

  • A.C. No. 10782, September 14, 2016 - ATTY. DELIO M. ASERON, Complainant, v. ATTY. JOSE A. DI�O, JR., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 223076, September 13, 2016 - PILAR CA�EDA BRAGA, PETER TIU LAVINA, ANTONIO H. VERGARA, BENJIE T. BADAL, DIOSDADO ANGELO A. MAHIPUS, AND SAMAL CITY RESORT OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. (SCROA), Petitioners, v. HON. JOSEPH EMILIO A. ABAYA, IN HIS CAPACITY AS SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS (DOTC), PRE-QUALIFICATION, BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE (PBAC) AND PHILIPPINE PORTS AUTHORITY (PPA), Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 204659, September 19, 2016 - JESTER MABUNOT, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 175651, September 14, 2016 - PILMICO-MAURI FOODS CORP., Petitioner, v. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 218891, September 19, 2016 - EDMUND BULAUITAN Y MAUAYAN,* Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 218009, September 21, 2016 - MARVIN G. FELIPE AND REYNANTE L. VELASCO, Petitioners, v. DANILO DIVINA TAMAYO KONSTRACT, INC. (DDTKI) AND/OR DANILO DIVINA TAMAYO, PRESIDENT/OWNER, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 8560, September 06, 2016 - CARRIE-ANNE SHALEEN CARLYLE S. REYES, Complainant, v. ATTY. RAMON F. NIEVA, Respondent.