Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence


Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence > Year 2017 > July 2017 Decisions > G.R. No. 217345, July 12, 2017 - WILMER O. DE ANDRES, Petitioner, v. DIAMOND H MARINE SERVICES & SHIPPING AGENCY, INC., WU CHUN HUA AND RUBEN J. TURINGAN, Respondents.:




G.R. No. 217345, July 12, 2017 - WILMER O. DE ANDRES, Petitioner, v. DIAMOND H MARINE SERVICES & SHIPPING AGENCY, INC., WU CHUN HUA AND RUBEN J. TURINGAN, Respondents.

PHILIPPINE SUPREME COURT DECISIONS

SECOND DIVISION

G.R. No. 217345, July 12, 2017

WILMER O. DE ANDRES, Petitioner, v. DIAMOND H MARINE SERVICES & SHIPPING AGENCY, INC., WU CHUN HUA AND RUBEN J. TURINGAN, Respondents.

D E C I S I O N

MENDOZA, J.:

This is a petition for review on certiorari seeking to reverse and set aside the July 31, 2014 Decision1 and the March 12, 2015 Resolution2 of the Court of Appeals (CA) in CA-G.R. SP No. 124862, which affirmed the January 18, 2012 Decision3 of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), in NLRC LAC No. OFW-(M)-09-000825-11, which, in turn, reversed and set aside the May 20, 2011 Decision4 of the Labor Arbiter (LA) in NLRC OFW Case No. (M) 02-02844-10, a case for total and permanent disability benefits of a seafarer.

The Antecedents

Petitioner Wilmer O. De Andres (De Andres) was hired by respondent agency Diamond H Marine Services & Shipping Agency, Inc. (Diamond H) for and in behalf of its Taiwanese principal, Wu Chun Hua. On February 1, 2008, he entered into an Employment Contract,5 wherein it was stipulated that he would be working in the fishing vessel, Yi Man En No. 2; that he would receive a monthly salary of NT$17,280.00; and that the duration of the contract was for two years.

De Andres claimed that before he departed for Taiwan, he was made to sign a Contract of Agreement.6 At the vessel, he was tasked to work as a wiper, messman and bosun, and was also required to throw the fishnet, dive in the sea, and repair the nets. De Andres added that he and his Filipino crewmates were made to work for almost twenty-four hours a day. They later discovered that the document they signed before leaving for Taiwan set aside the POEA-approved contract. He averred that this agreement reduced their salaries, increased their workload, and showed that the Filipino crewmates were abused and taken advantage of.

On February 27, 2009, at around 10:00 o'clock in the evening, De Andres was tasked by the master to lower the nets for the shipping operation. While he was lowering the nets, he was accidentally hit by big waves, which caused him to be thrown out of the vessel together with the fishing nets. While struggling from the big waves, De Andres was pulled by the moving vessel with his left leg entangled by the fishing nets. As a consequence, he sustained an open fracture of the distal tibia and fibula.

De Andres was brought to Keelong Hospital in Taiwan and underwent surgical operation. The medical findings of the said hospital are as follows:

Left Tibial shaft lower third fracture, open type III
Left Tibial shaft lower third fracture, open type III S/P ESF & K-PIN
Painful disability of left lower leg with active bleeding and bone exposure was noted
He sustained injury over left lower leg when he work on a fishboat
Deformity of left lower leg with an 8 cm in size open wound with bone exposure and active bleeding was noted. He was sent to ER and was admitted for further treatment
An 8 cm in size open wound over left lower leg

Active bleeding (+)
Active bleeding (+)
Visible bone exposure (+)
Limited range of left ankle and knee due to pain
Palpable pulsation over left ankle.7

After twenty (20) days of confinement at the Keelong Hospital, De Andres was transferred to the nearest lodge. On March 23, 2009, he was brought to Zueifang Hospital due to pain and swelling over his left leg. Moreover, his exterior fixator had to be readjusted.

De Andres averred that after the operation, he was placed in a dormitory, instead of a hospital. There, he was left alone with no one to assist him in his recovery. On September 4, 2009, De Andres underwent another operation because of the non-union of his tibia. Buttress plating with autonomous bone grafting harvested from the left iliac was done on the tibia to unite the fractured tibia. He said that he repeatedly asked for repatriation as no one would attend to his needs in Taiwan, but his plea fell on deaf ears.

On February 4, 2010, almost a year after his accident, De Andres was informed by the respondents that he was free to go home. He was surprised by this decision because he had been requesting for his repatriation since his injury. De Andres later discovered that his repatriation was not due to his medical condition, but due to the expiration of his employment contract.

Before he was repatriated, De Andres was made to sign a Memorandum of Agreement8 (MOA), stipulating that the respondents agreed to pay him NT$40,000.00 and gave him a plane ticket back to the Philippines, and that, in return, he would not file any complaint against the respondents in the future. De Andres claimed, however, that he was forced to sign the agreement as he would not be able to return to the Philippines if he would not sign it. On February 5, 2010, he arrived in Manila, but no representatives from Diamond H fetched him.

On February 8, 2010, the next working day, De Andres reported to Diamond H where he was met by Ellen Purification (Purification), Operations Manager. He averred that Purification invited him to go to the nearest fast-food restaurant to discuss his predicament. There, she told him that Diamond H would not entertain any claim and that he should find a lawyer instead. De Andres could not believe what he heard from Purification because the company could not simply declare that he had no claim against them.

On February 23, 2010, De Andres filed the subject complaint against the respondents before the LA for permanent and total disability benefits, sickness allowances, salary differentials, labor insurance as provided in the contract, moral damages, exemplary damages, and attorney's fees. In his Position Paper,9 he attached the Medical Assessment,10 dated March 5, 2010, of Dr. Renato P. Runas (Dr. Runas), his physician of choice, which stated:

The patient is unable to stand with the left foot in plantigrade position. In this case, he will not be able to assume good balance and cannot ambulate properly because of the inability of the ankle to dorsiflex. The presence of calcifications around the ankle joint will hinder its normal movement that will be hard to correct or improve even with extended physical therapy.

Since the patient is working on a fishing vessel, the above condition is no longer suitable on his working environment. He can no longer withstand the strenuous activities onboard which require that both feet can assume a plantigrade position in order to maintain his balance and support his body particularly during ship rolling when the vessel will enter rough seas. In this regard, [I] recommend that he shall not be allowed to work on board permanently since he is already physically unfit for sea duties. In addition, he may already qualify for permanent total disability.11 [Boldface omitted]

For their part, the respondents countered that the injury sustained by De Andres was due to his negligence; that he was paid his salaries in full during his period of medication; that he voluntarily signed a valid MOA which stated that he would no longer file any case against them in exchange for the amount of NT$40,000.00; that the MOA was notarized by the Manila Economic Cultural Office (MECO) in Taiwan; and that before he was repatriated to the Philippines, he was declared fit to work by Dr. Chien Hua Huang (Dr. Huang) as indicated in the Certificate of Diagnosis,12 dated January 21, 2010. They also asserted that De Andres forfeited his claim for disability benefits when he failed to subject himself to the respondents for the mandatory medical examination within three working days upon his arrival in the Philippines.

The LA Ruling

In its Decision, dated May 20, 2011, the LA ruled in favor of De Andres. It explained that even though his contract expired, the respondents still had the obligation to provide medical attention because he suffered permanent and total disability. The LA was of the view that De Andres was forced to sign the MOA so he could be repatriated. Hence, there was no valid quitclaim. The LA likewise awarded De Andres insurance compensation based on the terms of the employment contract; sickness allowance because the respondents did not pay the same; salary differential due to the smaller amount of salary received in Taiwan; and 10% attorney's fees. The LA disposed the case in this wise:

WHEREFORE, premises considered, judgment is hereby rendered ordering respondents Diamond H Marine Services & Shipping Agency Inc./Wu Chun Hua/Ruben J. Turingan to pay jointly and severally complainant Wilmer O. De Andres, the following:

  1. SIXTY THOUSAND US DOLLARS (US$60,000.00) representing his total permanent disability benefits;
  2. SIX THOUSAND US DOLLARS (US$6,000.00) - attorney's fees;
  3. THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND NEW TAIWAN DOLLARS (NT$300,000.00) - compensation benefits (Clause 10 of his contract);
  4. SIXTY NINE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED TWENTY NEW TAIWAN DOLLARS (NT$69,120.00) - sickness allowance;
  5. EIGHTY THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED TWENTY NEW TAIWAN DOLLARS (NT$80,320.00) - salary differential; and
  6. FORTY FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED FORTY FOUR NEW TAIWAN DOLLARS (NT$44,944.00) - attorney's fees.

or the equivalent in Philippine Peso at the prevailing rate of exchange at the time of actual payment.

All other claims are DISMISSED for lack of merit.

SO ORDERED.13

Aggrieved, the respondents elevated an appeal to the NLRC.

The NLRC Ruling

In its January 18, 2012 Decision, the NLRC reversed and set aside the LA ruling. It stated that De Andres failed to comply with the mandatory reportorial requirement. The NLRC observed that although he went to Diamond H on the next working day of his repatriation, he did not submit himself to the medical examination of the company-designated physician. Thus, the NLRC concluded that he was barred from demanding disability benefits. The other awards granted by the LA were also deleted by the NLRC due to insufficient basis. The fallo reads:

IN VIEW WHEREOF, the respondents' appeal isGRANTED and the appealed Decision is hereby REVERSED and SET ASIDE. The Complaint is DISMISSED for lack of cause of action.

SO ORDERED.14

The CA Ruling

In its assailed July 31, 2014 Decision, the CA affirmed the NLRC ruling. It wrote that De Andres indeed failed to comply with the mandatory reportorial requirement. The CA stressed that the failure of the seafarer to report to the company-designated physician within three (3) working days upon return shall forfeit his right to claim any benefit. It also opined that the MOA, wherein De Andres waived all claims against the respondents, was valid and binding because it was duly explained and notarized by the MECO to him. The dispositive portion reads:

WHEREFORE, premises considered, the instant Petition is DISMISSED. The Decision of the NLRC is AFFIRMED.

SO ORDERED.15

De Andres moved for reconsideration, but his motion was denied by the CA in its assailed March 12, 2015 Resolution.

Hence, this petition.

ISSUES

I

THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS COMMITTED SERIOUS ERROR WHEN IT DISMISSED THE PETITION ON THE GROUND THAT THE PETITIONER FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE REPORTORIAL REQUIREMENT PROVIDED UNDER THE POEA CONTRACT.

II

THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS COMMITTED SERIOUS ERROR WHEN IT DISMISSED THE PETITION ON THE GROUND THAT THE PETITIONER WAIVE [D] HIS RIGHT BY RECEIVING THE SUM OF NT$40,000 (MORE OR LESS PHP 50,000 IN PHILIPPINE CURRENCY) WHICH IS HIGHLY UNCONSCIONABLE AND UNREASONABLE COMPARED TO US$60,000 WHICH HE [WAS] SUPPOSED TO RECEIVE UNDER THE POEA CONTRACT.16

De Andres argued that the mandatory reportorial requirement should not be strictly applied in his case because it was the respondents who prevented him from complying with the same. He underscored that on the next working day from his repatriation, he immediately reported to Diamond H. Its Operations Manager, however, directly told him that the respondents would not entertain any of his claims. De Andres emphasized that such incident was never denied by the respondents.

De Andres also claimed that the MOA was an invalid quitclaim because its consideration was unreasonable. He explained that from the gravity of his condition, which necessitated almost a year of medical treatment and operation, it could be shown that the amount of NT$40,000 or more or less P50,000, was insufficient consideration for disability compensation. Moreover, De Andres pointed out that the MOA was neither notarized nor explained by the MECO, which simply stamped it.

Position of Respondents

In their Comment,17 the respondents argued that De Andres failed to comply with the mandatory reportorial requirement because he did not present himself to a company-designated physician for medical examination within three (3) working days from his repatriation. They also stressed that while De Andres was in Taiwan, he was declared fit to work by Dr. Huang, as indicated in the certificate of diagnosis, dated January 21, 2010.

The respondents pointed out that the medical assessment of Dr. Runas was insignificant because his medical diagnosis was not referred to a third doctor, which was required under the POEA Standard Employment Contract (POEA-SEC). They also underscored that the MOA was valid as there was a reasonable consideration of NT$40,000.00 in addition to the monthly salary received by De Andres while he was under medical treatment in Taiwan.

Reply of Petitioner

In his Reply,18 De Andres stressed that it was the respondents' primary responsibility to immediately repatriate him when he sustained a severe injury. He opined that the evil sought to be avoided by the reportorial requirement did not exist in his case because the respondents were fully aware of his medical condition while he was in Taiwan. De Andres reiterated that the MOA was an invalid quitclaim because it did not provide for a reasonable compensation and it was not signed in front of a MECO official.

The Court's Ruling

The petition is meritorious.

The present controversy involves the claim of permanent and total disability benefits of a seafarer. De Andres avers that he reported on time to the respondents with respect to his disability claims upon repatriation but they refused to acknowledge his claim and failed to subject him to medical examination. On the other hand, the respondents counter that it was De Andres who neglected to submit himself to the post-medical examination through the company-designated physician. As this case involves the reportorial requirement under the POEA-SEC, the said requirement must be scrutinized.

Compliance with the reportorial
requirement; Exceptions

Section 20 (B) (3) of the 2000 Amended POEA Standard Terms and Conditions Governing the Employment of Filipino Seafarers On-Board Ocean-Going Vessels (Section 20 (B) (3)), which was incorporated in the POEA-SEC, lays down the procedure to be followed by a seafarer in claiming disability benefits, to wit:

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS FOR INJURY OR ILLNESS

The liabilities of the employer when the seafarer suffers work-related injury or illness during the term of his contract are as follows:

x x x x

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

For this purpose,the seafarer shall submit himself to a post-employment medical examination by a company-designated physician within three working days upon his return except when he is physically incapacitated to do so, in which case, a written notice to the agency within the same period is deemed as compliance. Failure of the seafarer to comply with the mandatory reporting requirement shall result in his forfeiture of the right to claim the above benefits. If a doctor appointed by the seafarer disagrees with the assessment, a third doctor may be agreed jointly between the Employer and the seafarer. The third doctor's decision shall be final and binding on both parties. [Emphases supplied]

The rationale for this requirement is that reporting the illness or injury by the seafarer within three (3) working days from repatriation fairly makes it easier for a physician to determine the cause of the illness or injury. Ascertaining the real cause of the illness or injury beyond the period may prove difficult. To ignore the rule might set a precedent with negative repercussions, like opening floodgates to a limitless number of seafarers claiming disability benefits, or causing unfairness to the employer who would have difficulty determining the cause of a claimant's illness because of the passage of time. The employer would then have no protection against unrelated disability claims.19

Moreover, the provision mandated a period of three (3) working days within which the seafarer should report so that the company-designated physician can promptly arrive at a medical diagnosis. It must be underscored that the company-designated physician has either 120 or 240 days, depending on the circumstances, within which to complete the medical assessment of the seafarer; otherwise, the disability claim shall be granted.20 Due to the express mandate on the reportorial requirement, the failure of the seafarer to comply with the same shall result in the forfeiture of his right to claim the above benefits.

In Musnit v. Sea Star Shipping Corporation,21 the seafarer therein only submitted himself to the company-designated physician after seven (7) months from repatriation. As he failed to comply with the mandatory three working day-period, the Court denied his claim for permanent and total disability benefits.

Similarly, in Cootauco v. MMS Phil. Maritime Services, Inc.,22 the seafarer therein only submitted himself to a post-employment medical examination after fifteen (15) months from repatriation. The Court ruled that the seafarer's explanation was insufficient to justify an exemption from the application of the reportorial requirement rule.

Nevertheless, while the requirement to report within three (3) working days from repatriation appears to be indispensable in character, there are some established exceptions to this rule.

First, Section 20 (B) (3) expressly provides that a seafarer is not required to submit himself to post-employment medical examination by a company-designated physician within three (3) working days from repatriation when he is physically incapacitated to do so. In such event, a written notice to the agency within the same period is deemed as compliance.

This exception was applied in Wallem Maritime Services, Inc. v. National Labor Relations Commission,23 where the repatriated seafarer was terminally ill. The Court ruled that it could not be expected that the seafarer would immediately submit himself to post-employment medical examination due to his condition and it was understandable that he would first go home to his family. Moreover, the seafarer's wife sufficiently notified the employer therein about the condition and confinement of the seafarer. Second, another exception is when the seafarer failed to timely submit himself to post-employment medical examination due to the employer's fault. In Interorient Maritime Enterprises, Inc. v. Remo24 (Interorient), the Court recognized and addressed the unscrupulous practice of employers of deliberately or inadvertently refusing to refer the seafarer to the company-designated physician to deny his disability claim. In Interorient, the seafarer therein reported to the employer for post-employment medical examination within three (3) working days from repatriation. The employer, however, did not refer him to a company-designated physician because he already signed a quitclaim, releasing it from liability. The Court ruled that the absence of post-employment medical examination should not be taken against the seafarer because the employer declined to provide the same. Likewise, the quitclaim therein was declared void due to lack of consideration and unconscionable terms. Hence, the Court granted full disability benefits to the seafarer's family.

Recently, in Apines v. Elburg Shipmanagement Philippines, Inc.25 (Apines), the repatriated seafarer reported to the employer. He was, however, not referred to the company-designated physician. The Court emphasized that the employer, and not the seafarer, has the burden to prove that the seafarer was referred to a company-designated doctor. It was also stated that without the assessment of the said doctor, there was nothing for the seafarer's own physician to contest, rendering the requirement of referral to a third doctor superfluous. The seafarer therein was granted total and permanent disability benefits.

To recapitulate, a seafarer claiming disability benefits is required to submit himself to a post-employment medical examination by a company-designated physician within three (3) working days from repatriation. Failure to comply with such requirement results in the forfeiture of the seafarer's claim for disability benefits. There are, however, exceptions to the rule: (1) when the seafarer is incapacitated to report to the employer upon his repatriation; and (2) when the employer inadvertently or deliberately refused to submit the seafarer to a post-employment medical examination by a company-designated physician.

Accordingly, the issue at hand is whether De Andres sufficiently complied with the reportorial requirement under Section 20 (B) (3). After a judicious scrutiny of the records, the Court answers in the affirmative.

The respondents failed to provide a post-employment medical examination by a company-designated physician

In this case, De Andres' accident occurred on February 27, 2009. He sustained an open fracture injury over his left lower leg with an 8 cm. open wound, which resulted in bone exposure and active bleeding. Instead of immediately repatriating him when his condition permitted, the respondents kept him in Taiwan for almost a year and they waited for his contract to expire. Obviously, the delayed repatriation was intended to show that he returned due to his expired contract, and not for medical reasons. Nonetheless, even if a seafarer's contract expired, it does not release the employer from its obligations under the POEA-SEC when there is a claim for disability benefits due to an injury suffered during the term of the employment contract.26 G.R. No. 202114, November 9, 2016. 26 Accordingly, Section 20 (B) (3) must still be complied with.

De Andres was repatriated on February 5, 2010. On the next working day, February 8, 2010, he reported to the office of Diamond H where he met Ellen Purification, the Operations Manager. This is an undisputed fact as uniformly found by the LA, the NLRC and the CA.

De Andres claims that Purification invited him to go to the nearest fast-food restaurant to discuss his claim. There, she told him that Diamond H would not entertain any of his claims and that he should find a lawyer instead. Thus, he left the meeting. On the other hand, the respondents assert that while De Andres reported to Diamond H and met with its Operations Manager, he did not submit himself to post-employment medical examination by a company-designated physician. The LA upheld the position of De Andres; while the NLRC and the CA sided with the respondents. As the findings of fact are conflicting, the Court can entertain a question of fact.27

The Court is of the view that the account of De Andres is more credible. The fact that he reported to Diamond H on the next working day from his repatriation and met Purification show that he was sincere in asserting his claim against the respondents for disability benefits. Before he could even commence the procedure laid down under Section 20 (B) (3), however, Purification pre-empted him and bluntly told him that Diamond H would not entertain any of his claims and that he should find a lawyer instead. Thus, De Andres was no longer given an opportunity to submit himself to a post-employment medical examination by a company-designated physician.

The assertion of the respondents that De Andres merely reported to Diamond H but did not submit himself to a post-employment medical examination is highly dubious. It is quite absurd for a seafarer, who has a legitimate disability claim, to immediately report to his employer within three (3) working days from repatriation, only to leave the said place without any demand and without even requesting a referral from a company-designated physician. Evidently, the purpose of De Andres' reporting to Diamond H was to seek medical examination and treatment from the company-designated physician in order to initiate his claim for disability benefits. As stated in Apines, it is illogical that a seafarer would seek treatment from other doctors immediately after his disembarkation when he could avail of the services of the company-designated physician.

Moreover, the onus of establishing that the seafarer was referred to a company-designated physician is on the employer. The Court in Apines declared that the burden to prove with evidence whether the seafarer was referred to a company-designated doctor rests on the employer as the latter has custody of the documents, and not the seafarer. Here, the respondents could have easily presented proof that they referred De Andres to a company-designated physician, but they did not. Interestingly, they could not even cite the name of their company-designated physician who would have assessed the medical condition of De Andres. Thus, it is clear that it was the respondents who prevented the submission of De Andres to a post-employment medical examination.

Indeed, De Andres did his part when he immediately reported to Diamond H within three (3) working days from repatriation. Consequently, it was the duty of the employer to refer him to a company-designated physician for a post-employment medical examination knowing fully well that he had a claim for disability benefits. The respondents, however, failed to do so. Instead, they outrightly denied his claims because of the quitclaim he signed. The validity of the said quitclaim shall be discussed infra.

In fine, the exception to the reportorial requirement applies in this case because the seafarer was prevented by the employer from submitting himself to a post-employment medical examination by a company-designated physician. Thus, the disability claim of De Andres is not forfeited.

The quitclaim presented by the respondents is invalid

The primary reason for the respondents' upfront denial of De Andres' disability claims was the MOA signed by the latter which, to them, constituted as a quitclaim. It stated that the respondents agreed to pay De Andress NT$40,000.00 and gave him a plane ticket back to the Philippines; and that, in return, he would not file any complaint or sue the respondents in the future. De Andres asserted, however, that he was forced to sign the agreement.

To be valid, a Deed of Release, Waiver and/or Quitclaim must meet the following requirements: (1) that there was no fraud or deceit on the part of any of the parties; (2) that the consideration for the quitclaim is sufficient and reasonable; and (3) that the contract is not contrary to law, public order, public policy, morals or good customs, or prejudicial to a third person with a right recognized by law. Courts have stepped in to invalidate questionable transactions, especially where there is clear proof that a waiver, for instance, was obtained from an unsuspecting or a gullible person, or where the agreement or settlement was unconscionable on its face. A quitclaim is ineffective in barring recovery of the full measure of a worker's rights, and the acceptance of benefits therefrom does not amount to estoppel. Moreover, a quitclaim in which the consideration is scandalously low and inequitable cannot be an obstacle to the pursuit of a worker's legitimate claim.28

The Court finds that the MOA is not a valid quitclaim.

First, the MOA had an unreasonable consideration which was greatly disproportionate to the injury that De Andres suffered. To recall, he sustained an open fracture injury on his left lower leg with an 8 cm in size open wound which had bone exposure and active bleeding. Due to the seriousness of his injury, he was subjected to three (3) separate operations. The gravity of his injury left him incapacitated for almost a year until he was repatriated on February 5, 2010. Even in the Philippines, De Andres continued to suffer from his injury and his physician of choice, Dr. Runas, concluded that he was permanently unfit for sea duty.

In spite of the severity and prolonged injury of De Andres, the respondents gave him only NT$40,000.00, or its equivalent of P57,000.00.29 The said amount is even smaller than the lowest disability benefit granted to a seafarer under the POEA-SEC in the amount of US$1,870.00, or its equivalent of P87,220.15.30 Manifestly, the meager consideration provided by the MOA is not commensurate to the grave and protracted injury endured by De Andres.

Second, De Andres was not given any other option aside from signing the MOA. He claims that he was required to execute the MOA; otherwise, he would not be allowed to return home. On the other hand, the respondents did not categorically state that De Andres could return to the Philippines even without signing the MOA. They could not argue that the execution of the MOA was optional and that De Andres had the bargaining power to disregard the agreement or any provisions therein. In other words, he was not given any freedom to decline the execution of the MOA, and he could not be faulted for signing it as it was the only way for him to go home. Thus, the execution of the MOA was a precondition before De Andres could be repatriated.

Lastly, the respondents claim that the MOA was explained to De Andres by a MECO representative and was duly notarized therein. A reading of the MOA, however, reveal that the same merely contained a stamp at the blank space provided for the MECO.31 The one (1) page document did not bear any signature or the name of the alleged MECO representative. In addition, there was nothing in the MOA which stated that the contents thereof had been explained to De Andres. Alone in the dormitory, De Andres was guileless as to the contents of the MOA and he had no other option but to sign the same. Again, this renders suspect the legitimacy of its execution.

Accordingly, the MOA cannot be considered as a valid quitclaim because it lacks a reasonable consideration; De Andres was not given any freedom to reject it; and the document was not properly explained and notarized by any Philippine government representative. The present case is similar with Interorient where the employer declined to refer the seafarer to the company-designated physician upon repatriation due to a quitclaim which was declared null and void by the Court.

It is a time-honored rule that, in controversies between a laborer and his master, doubts reasonably arising from the evidence or in the interpretation of agreements and writings should be resolved in the former's favor. The policy is to extend the applicability to a greater number of employees who can avail of the benefits under the law, which is in consonance with the avowed policy of the State to give maximum aid and protection to labor.32

The respondents failed to provide a medical assessment of a company-designated physician

Under Section 20 (B) (3), the first procedure to determine the validity of a seafarer's claim for disability benefits is to refer him to a company-designated physician of the employer who shall conduct the medical examination. As earlier mentioned, the respondents did not comply with the initial stage because they failed to refer De Andres to a company-designated physician despite his timely reporting. They blindly relied on the MO A to cast away De Andres even though he was clearly asserting his disability claim. As discussed earlier, the MOA was an invalid quitclaim. Thus, the respondents cannot shield themselves from liability. Moreover, they could not present any medical assessment of a company-designated physician. The respondents have no legitimate means to refute his claim for permanent and total disability benefits.

The respondents insist that De Andres was declared fit to work by Dr. Huang as indicated in the Certificate of Diagnosis,33 dated January 21, 2010. A reading of the said certification, however, shows that there was nothing therein which stated that De Andres was fit to work. It simply stated that the fracture had been healing, but there was neither a categorical declaration that he was fit for sea duty nor a disability grading for his injury.

Further, under Section 20 (B) (3), only upon repatriation may the company-designated physician examine the seafarer. Dr. Huang could not be considered as a company-designated physician because he was a doctor who assessed De Andres in Taiwan, before his repatriation. The medical diagnosis of Dr. Huang could not be considered as that of a company-designated physician.

On the other hand, De Andres proved that he sustained the injury on February 27, 2009 while on board the vessel. He suffered a severe open fracture leg injury which had bone exposure and active bleeding. He was incapacitated for almost a year and he underwent three (3) surgeries. Moreover, De Andres presented a medical assessment of his physician of choice, Dr. Runas, who found that he is unable to stand with the left foot in plantigrade position and the presence of calcifications around the ankle joint hindered its normal movement, which would be hard to correct or improve even with extended physical therapy. As such, Dr. Runas concluded that he was permanently unfit for sea duty.

Between the non-existent medical assessment of a company-designated physician of the respondents and the medical assessment of De Andres' physician of choice, the latter evidently stands. The permanent and total disability claim of De Andres remains unchallenged and must be granted by the Court. The respondents had the opportunity to refer De Andres to a company-designated physician, but they chose to escape their responsibility by relying on an illegal quitclaim.

Further, there was no need to refer the medical assessment of De Andres to a third doctor. Absent a certification from the company-designated physician, the seafarer had nothing to contest and the law steps in to conclusively characterize his disability as total and permanent.34

Claims for sickness allowance, salary differentials, insurance compensation, and attorney's fees not raised on appeal

In its Decision, dated May 20, 2011, the LA granted De Andres sickness allowance, payment for salary differentials, insurance compensation, and attorney's fees. The said decision, however, was set aside by the NLRC. Notably, when the petition for certiorari was filed before the CA, these deleted awards were not included in the issues.35 When the case eventually reached this Court, De Andres no longer raised the issue of whether he was entitled to these benefits. Thus, these matters cannot be tackled as only issues raised on appeal may be entertained by the appellate court. Basic is the rule that issues or grounds not raised below cannot be resolved on review by the Supreme Court, for to allow the parties to raise new issues is antithetical to the sporting idea of fair play, justice and due process.36

The only issues raised by De Andres in this petition are whether the MOA was a valid quitclaim and whether he is entitled to permanent and total disability benefits under the POEA-SEC. As the Court finds in the affirmative, De Andres is entitled to the amount of US$60,000.00 as permanent and total disability benefits.

Final Note

The Court laments that the employer of a seafarer resorted to insensitive quitclaims to avoid any disability claims. Section 20 (B) (3) specifically outlines the procedure in determining the proper compensation of a seafarer's disability. The rigorous process therein aims to provide a fair and definitive assessment on the seafarer's medical condition and to ensure that they will receive a just compensation for their injuries. At the same time, it protects the interest of the employer by ensuring that only genuine disability or injuries shall be entitled to compensation.

Although there is nothing in the law which prevents the employer and the seafarer from entering into a quitclaim to avoid legal controversies, the same must be fair, reasonable, and properly explained to the seafarer. To frustrate the provisions of the POEA-SEC by forging erroneous and prejudicial quitclaims would defeat its expedient and systematic processes and lead to protracted litigation. The Court will not think twice in striking down invalid agreements in order to uphold the constitutional obligation of the State to give fullest aid and protection to labor.

WHEREFORE, the petition is GRANTED. The July 31, 2014 Decision and the March 12, 2015 Resolution of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. SP No. 124862 are herebyREVERSED andSET ASIDE. The May 20, 2011 Decision of the Labor Arbiter in NLRC OFW Case No. (M) 02-02844-10 is hereby REINSTATED but MODIFIED to read as follows:

WHEREFORE, judgment is hereby rendered ordering respondents Diamond H Marine Services & Shipping Agency Inc., Wu Chun Hua, Ruben J. Turingan to pay jointly and severally complainant Wilmer O. De Andres SIXTY THOUSAND US DOLLARS (US$60,000.00), or the equivalent in Philippine Peso at the prevailing rate of exchange at the time of actual payment, representing his total and permanent disability benefits.

All other claims are DISMISSED for lack of merit.

SO ORDERED.

Carpio (Chairperson), Velasco, Jr.,*Leonen,** and Martires, JJ., concur.
Carpio, J., certify that J. Leonen left his vote concurring with this ponencia.

Endnotes:


* Designated additional member per Raffle dated July 10, 2017.

** On leave but left his vote.

1Rollo, pp. 31-39.

2 Id. at 54.

3 Penned by Commissioner Angelo Ang Palana, with Presiding Commissioner Herminio V. Suelo and Commissioner Numeriano D. Villena, concurring; id. at 77-85.

4 Penned by Executive Labor Arbiter Fatima Jambaro-Franco; id. at 289-302.

5 Id. at 169-173.

6 Id. at 407.

7 Id. at 120.

8 Id. at 177.

9 Id. at 89-104.

10 Id. at 137-138.

11 Id.

12 Id. at 176.

13 Id. at 301-302.

14 Id. at 84.

15 Id. at 38.

16 Id. at 17.

17 Id. at 305-326.

18 Id. at 669-678.

19Scanmar Maritime Services, Inc. v. De Leon, G.R. No. 199977, January 25, 2017, citing Wallem Maritime Services, Inc. v. Tanawan, 693 Phil. 416 (2012).

20 See Elburg Shipmanagement Phils., Inc. v. Quiogue, Jr., G.R. No. 211882, July 29, 2015, 764 SCRA 431.

21 622 Phil. 772 (2009).

22 629 Phil. 506 (2010).

23 376 Phil. 738 (1999).

24 636 Phil. 240 (2010).

25 G.R. No. 202114, November 9, 2016.

26 See Section 20 of the 2000 Amended POEA Standard Terms and Conditions Governing the Employment of Filipino Seafarers On-Board Ocean-Going Vessels which states that the employer has liabilities when the seafarer suffers work-related injury or illness during the term of his contract.

27Carbonell v. Carbonell-Mendes, G.R. No. 205681, July 1, 2015, 762 SCRA 260.

28 City Government of Makati v. Ode�a, 716 Phil. 284, 319 (2013).

29 Based on the exchange rate of NT$ 1 = P1.425 on February 4, 2010, the date of the execution of the MOA.

30 Under the Schedule of Disability Allowances, the lowest impediment grade, which is Grade 14, has a disability allowance of 3.74% of US$50,000.00 or US$1,870.00.

31Rollo, p. 177.

32Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. v. National Labor Relations Commission, 607 Phil. 359, 375 (2009).

33 Id. at 176.

34Island Overseas Transport Corp. v. Beja, G.R. No. 203115, December 7, 2015.

35Rollo, pp. 64-65.

36Asian Terminals, Inc. v. Malayan Insurance Co., Inc., 662 Phil. 473, 486 (2011).




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July-2017 Jurisprudence                 

  • G.R. No. 170341, July 05, 2017 - MANILA BULLETIN PUBLISHING CORPORATION AND RUTHER BATUIGAS, Petitioners, v. VICTOR A. DOMINGO AND THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 211170, July 03, 2017 - SPOUSES MAXIMO ESPINOZA AND WINIFREDA DE VERA, Petitioners, v. SPOUSES ANTONIO MAYANDOC AND ERLINDA CAYABYAB MAYANDOC, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 224395, July 03, 2017 - DISCIPLINARY BOARD, LAND TRANSPORTATION OFFICE; ATTY. TEOFILO E. GUADIZ, CHAIRMAN; ATTY. NOREEN BERNADETTE SAN LUIS-LUTEY; AND PUTIWAS MALAMBUT, MEMBERS; ATTY. MERCY JANE B. PARAS�-LEYNES, SPECIAL PROSECUTOR; AND ATTY. ROBERTO P. CABRERA III, ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE LAND TRANSPORTATION OFFICE, Petitioners, v. MERCEDITA E. GUTIERREZ, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 213424, July 11, 2017 - LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. COMMISSION ON AUDIT (COA), JANET D. NACION, ANTONIO L. CASTILLO, LEAH S. DAGUIO, VIRGINIA G. DATUKON, ELSA H. RAMOS-MAPILI, CECILIA C. RACIMO, FLORENTINA N. SAGABAEN, IRENE P. SALVANERA, NIMFA VILLAROMAN-SANTOS, TERESITA D. TEVES, AND LILIAN F. VARELA, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 218384, July 03, 2017 - JOHN L. BORJA AND AUBREY L. BORJA/DONG JUAN, Petitioners, v. RANDY B. MI�OZA AND ALAINE S. BANDALAN, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 224515, July 03, 2017 - REMEDIOS V. GE�ORGA, Petitioner, v. HEIRS OF JULIAN MELITON, REPRESENTED BY ROBERTO MELITON AS ATTORNEY-IN-FACT, IRENE MELITON, HENRY MELITON, ROBERTO MELITON, HAIDE* MELITON, AND MARIA FE MELITON ESPINOSA, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 202308, July 05, 2017 - PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK, Petitioner, v. JUMELITO T. DALMACIO, Respondent.; G.R. No. 202357 - JUMELITO T. DALMACIO, Petitioner, v. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK AND/OR MS. CYNTHIA JAVIER, Respondents.

  • A.M. No. SB-17-24-P [Formerly A.M. No. 14-12-07-SB], July 11, 2017 - SECURITY AND SHERIFF DIVISION, SANDIGANBAYAN, Complainant, v. RONALD ALLAN GOLE R. CRUZ, SECURITY GUARD I, SECURITY AND SHERIFF DIVISION, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 220057, July 12, 2017 - RENE MICHAEL FRENCH, Petitioner, v. COURT OF APPEALS, EIGHTEENTH DIVISION, CEBU CITY AND MAGDALENA O'DELL, REPRESENTED BY HECTOR P. TEODOSIO AS HER ATTORNEY-IN-FACT, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 227894, July 05, 2017 - JOSE S. OCAMPO, Petitioner, v. RICARDO S. OCAMPO, SR., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 212641, July 05, 2017 - ANGELICA A. FAJARDO, Petitioner, v. MARIO J. CORRAL, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 223513, July 05, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ALEX AMAR Y MONTANO, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 223862, July 10, 2017 - HON. MYLYN P. CAYABYAB, IN HER CAPACITY AS THE MUNICIPAL MAYOR OF LUBAO, PAMPANGA, AND ANGELITO L. DAVID, IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE BARANGAY CHAIRMAN OF PRADO SIONGCO, LUBAO, PAMPANGA, REPRESENTED BY THEIR ATTORNEY-IN-FACT, EMMANUEL SANTOS, Petitioners, v. JAIME C. DIMSON, REPRESENTED BY HIS ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT, CARMELA R. DIMSON AND IRENE R. DIMSON, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 216124, July 19, 2017 - RIZAL COMMERCIAL BANKING CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. FEDERICO A. SERRA, SPOUSES EDUARDO AND HENEDINA ANDUEZA, ATTY. LEOMAR R. LANUZA, MR. JOVITO C. SORIANO, ATTY. EDWIN L. RANA, ATTY. PARIS G. REAL, ATTY. PRUDENCIO B. DENSING, JR., HON. JUDGE MAXIMINO R. ABLES, AND ATTY. ERWIN S. OLIVA, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 188057, July 12, 2017 - HILLTOP MARKET FISH VENDORS' ASSOCIATION, INC., Petitioner, v. HON. BRAULIO YARANON, CITY MAYOR, BAGUIO CITY, HON. GALO WEYGAN, CITY COUNCILOR AND CHAIRMAN ANTI-VICE COORDINATING TASK FORCE, AND THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF BAGUIO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 190590, July 12, 2017 - ROBERTO V. SAN JOSE AND DELFIN P. ANGCAO, Petitioners, v. JOSE MA. OZAMIZ, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 167952, July 05, 2017 - GONZALO PUYAT & SONS, INC., Petitioner, v. RUBEN ALCAIDE (DECEASED), SUBSTITUTED BY GLORIA ALCAIDE, REPRESENTATIVE OF THE FARMER� BENEFICIARIES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 225051, July 19, 2017 - DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS (DFA), Petitioner, v. BCA INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION & AD HOC ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL, COMPOSED OF CHAIRMAN DANILO L. CONCEPCION AND MEMBERS, CUSTODIO O. PARLADE AND ANTONIO P. JAMON, JR., Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 220926, July 05, 2017 - LUIS JUAN L. VIRATA AND UEM-�MARA PHILIPPINES CORPORATION (NOW KNOWN AS CAVITEX INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION), Petitioners, v. ALEJANDRO NG WEE, WESTMONT INVESTMENT CORP., ANTHONY T. REYES, SIMEON CUA, VICENTE CUALOPING, HENRY CUALOPING, MARIZA SANTOS�TAN, AND MANUEL ESTRELLA, Respondents.; G.R. No. 221058 - WESTMONT INVESTMENT, CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. ALEJANDRO NG WEE, Respondent.; G.R. No. 221109 - MANUEL ESTRELLA, Petitioner, v. ALEJANDRO NG WEE, Respondent.; G.R. No. 221135 - SIMEON CUA, VICENTE CUALOPING, AND HENRY CUALOPING, Petitioners, v. ALEJANDRO NG WEE, Respondent.; G.R. No. 221218 - ANTHONY T. REYES, Petitioner, v. ALEJANDRO NG WEE, LUIS JUAN VIRATA, UEM-MARA PHILIPPINES CORP., WESTMONT INVESTMENT CORP., MARIZA SANTOS-TAN, SIMEON CUA, VICENTE CUALOPING, HENRY CUALOPING, AND MANUEL ESTRELLA, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 204544, July 03, 2017 - MARLON BACERRA Y TABONES, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 209555, July 31, 2017 - UNITED POLYRESINS, INC., ERNESTO UY SOON, JR., AND/OR JULITO UY SOON, Petitioners, v. MARCELINO PINUELA, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 217982, July 10, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ROLLY DIZON Y TAGULAYLAY, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 208000, July 26, 2017 - VIRGEL DAVE JAPOS, Petitioner, v. FIRST AGRARIAN REFORM MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE (FARMCOOP) AND-OR CRISLINO BAGARES, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 214340, July 19, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. GILDA ABELLANOSA, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 215332, July 24, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. MARK GAMBA Y NISSORADA, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 215029, July 05, 2017 - SUMMIT ONE CONDOMINIUM CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. POLLUTION ADJUDICATION BOARD AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT BUREAU - NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 204617, July 10, 2017 - ESPERANZA BERBOSO, Petitioner, v. VICTORIA CABRAL, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 10553, July 05, 2017 - FILIPINAS O. CELEDONIO, Complainant, v. ATTY. JAIME F. ESTRABILLO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 223678, July 05, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ALFREDO GUNSAY Y TOLENTINO, Defendant-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 223138, July 05, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. RICKY PRIMAVERA Y REMODO, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 185647, July 26, 2017 - DY TEBAN TRADING, INC., Petitioner, v. PETER C. DY, JOHNNY C. DY AND RAMON C. DY, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 203902, July 19, 2017 - SPOUSES DIONISIO ESTRADA AND JOVITA R. ESTRADA, Petitioners, v. PHILIPPINE RABBIT BUS LINES, INC. AND EDUARDO R. SAYLAN, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 230481, July 26, 2017 - HOEGH FLEET SERVICES PHILS., INC., AND/OR HOEGH FLEET SERVICES AS, Petitioners, v. BERNARDO M. TURALLO, Respondent.; G.R. No. 230500 - BERNARDO M. TURALLO, Petitioner, v. HOEGH FLEET SERVICES PHILS., INC., AND/OR HOEGH FLEET SERVICES AS, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 218910, July 05, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. LUTHER SABADO, SATURNINO SABADO Y LOMBOY AND HOSPICIO HARUTA Y MARTINEZ, ACCUSED, LUTHER SABADO Y PANGANGAAN, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 220889, July 05, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. MARLON BELMONTE Y SUMAGIT, MARVIN BELMONTE Y SUMAGIT, ENRILE GABAY Y DELA TORRE A.K.A "PUNO", AND NOEL BAAC Y BERGULA, Accused, -- MARLON BELMONTE Y SUMAGIT, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 220700, July 10, 2017 - OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY OMBUDSMAN FOR LUZON, Petitioner, v. EUFROCINA CARLOS DIONISIO AND WINIFREDO SALCEDO MOLINA, Respondents.

  • A.M. No. 17-03-03-CA, July 11, 2017 - RE: LETTER OF RAFAEL DIMAANO REQUESTING INVESTIGATION OF THE ALLEGED ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES PURPORTEDLY PERPETRATED BY ASSOCIATE JUSTICE JANE AURORA C. LANTION OF THE COURT OF APPEALS, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, AND A CERTAIN ATTY. DOROTHY S. CAJAYON OF ZAMBOANGA CITY; OCA IPI No. 17-258-CA-J, July 11, 2017 - RE: UNSWORN COMPLAINT OF ROSA ABDULHARAN AGAINST ASSOCIATE JUSTICE JANE AURORA C. LANTION OF THE COURT OF APPEALS, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, AND A CERTAIN ATTY. DOROTHY S. CAJAYON OF ZAMBOANGA CITY

  • A.C. No. 8450, July 26, 2017 - SPOUSES FELIX AND FE NAVARRO, Complainants, v. ATTY. MARGARITO G. YGO�A, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 11663, July 31, 2017 - NANETTE B. SISON, REPRESENTED BY DELIA B. SARABIA, Complainant, v. ATTY. SHERDALE M. VALDEZ, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 225054, July 17, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. AGAPITO DIMAALA Y ARELA, Accused-Appellant.

  • A.C. No. 6933, July 05, 2017 - GREGORIO V. CAPINPIN, JR., Complainant, v. ATTY. ESTANISLAO L. CESA, JR., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 213922, July 05, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ROMMEL DIPUTADO, Accused-Appellant.

  • A.M. No. P-06-2253 (Formerly A.M. No. 06-9-297-MTC), July 12, 2017 - THE OFFICE OF THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR, Complainant, v. ELIZABETH R. TENGCO, CLERK OF COURT II, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT, STA. CRUZ, LAGUNA, Respondent.; A.M. No. P-07-2360 (Formerly OCA IPI No. 06-2427-P), July 12, 2017 - JUDGE ELPIDIO R. CALIS, Complainant, v. ELIZABETH R. TENGCO, CLERK OF COURT II, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT, STA. CRUZ, LAGUNA, Respondent.; A.M. No. P-13-3157 (Formerly A.M. No. 12-4-30-MTC), July 12, 2017 - THE OFFICE OF THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR, Complainant, v. ELIZABETH R. TENGCO, FORMER CLERK OF COURT II, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT, STA. CRUZ, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 231671, July 25, 2017 - ALEXANDER A. PADILLA, RENE A.V. SAGUISAG, CHRISTIAN S. MONSOD, LORETTA ANN P. ROSALES, RENE B. GOROSPE, AND SENATOR LEILA M. DE LIMA, Petitioners, v. CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES, CONSISTING OF THE SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES, AS REPRESENTED BY SENATE PRESIDENT AQUILINO "KOKO" PIMENTEL III, AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AS REPRESENTED BY HOUSE SPEAKER PANTALEON D. ALVAREZ, Respondents.; G.R. No. 231694 - FORMER SEN. WIGBERTO E. TA�ADA, BISHOP EMERITUS DEOGRACIAS S. I�IGUEZ, BISHOP BRODERICK PABILLO, BISHOP ANTONIO R. TOBIAS, MO. ADELAIDA YGRUBAY, SHAMAH BULANGIS AND CASSANDRA D. DELURIA, Petitioners, v. CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES, CONSISTING OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AQUILINO "KOKO" PIMENTEL III, PRESIDENT, SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES, AND PANTALEON D. ALVAREZ, SPEAKER, HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 201018, July 12, 2017 - UNITED COCONUT CHEMICALS, INC., Petitioner, v. VICTORIANO B. VALMORES, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 11668, July 17, 2017 - JOY T. SAMONTE, Complainant, v. ATTY. VIVENCIO V. JUMAMIL, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 227757, July 25, 2017 - REPRESENTATIVE TEDDY BRAWNER BAGUILAT, JR., REPRESENTATIVE EDCEL C. LAGMAN, REPRESENTATIVE RAUL A. DAZA, REPRESENTATIVE EDGAR R. ERICE, REPRESENTATIVE EMMANUEL A. BILLONES, REPRESENTATIVE TOMASITO S. VILLARIN, AND REPRESENTATIVE GARY C. ALEJANO, Petitioners, v. SPEAKER PANTALEON D. ALVAREZ, MAJORITY LEADER RODOLFO C. FARI�AS, AND REPRESENTATIVE DANILO E. SUAREZ, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 220458, July 26, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ROSARIO BALADJAY, Accused-Appellant.

  • A.C. No. 5161, July 11, 2017 - RE: IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR REINSTATEMENT OF ROLANDO S. TORRES AS A MEMBER OF THE PHILIPPINE BAR. -- ROLANDO S. TORRES, Petitioner.

  • G.R. No. 207193, July 24, 2017 - ROBLE BARBOSA AND RAMDY BARBOSA, Petitioners, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 215200, July 26, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. NOMERTO NAPOLES Y BAJAS, Accused-Appellant.

  • A.C. No. 1346, July 25, 2017 - PACES INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. ATTY. EDGARDO M. SALANDANAN, Respondent.

  • A.M. No. MTJ-15-1854 [Formerly A.M. No. 14-4-50-MCTC], July 11, 2017 - OFFICE OF THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR, Complainant, v. PRESIDING JUDGE BILL D. BUYUCAN AND CLERK OF COURT GERARD N. LINDAWAN, BOTH AT MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURT, BAGABAG-DIADI, NUEVA VIZCAYA, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 212616, July 10, 2017 - DISTRIBUTION & CONTROL PRODUCTS, INC./VINCENT M. TIAMSIC, Petitioners, v. JEFFREY E. SANTOS, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 220759, July 24, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ARMANDO MENDOZA Y POTOLIN A.K.A. "JOJO," Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 219649, July 26, 2017 - AL DELA CRUZ, Petitioner, v. CAPT. RENATO OCTAVIANO AND WILMA OCTAVIANO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 212098, July 26, 2017 - JULIO C. ESPERE, Petitioner, v. NFD INTERNATIONAL MANNING AGENTS, INC./TARGET SHIP MANAGEMENT PTE LTD./CYNTHIA SANCHEZ, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 181474, July 26, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ROMALDO LUMAYAG Y DELA CRUZ, DIONY OPINIANO Y VERANO, AND JERRY1 DELA CRUZ Y DIAZ, ACCUSED, DIONY OPINIANO Y VERANO, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 228412, July 26, 2017 - ALASKA MILK CORPORATION AND THE ESTATE OF WILFRED UYTENGSU, Petitioners, v. ERNESTO L. PONCE, Respondent.; G.R. No. 228439, 26 July 2017 - ERNESTO L. PONCE, Petitioner, v. ALASKA MILK CORPORATION, ROYAL FRIESLAND CAMPINA (RFC), AS SUCCESSORS-IN-INTEREST AND SOLIDARY DEBTORS WITH THE ESTATE OF WILFRED UYTENGSU, ALASKA MILK WORKERS UNION AND FREDDIE BAUTISTA, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 206916, July 03, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. JOSEPH SAN JOSE Y GREGORIO AND JONATHAN SAN JOSE Y GREGORIO, Accused-Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 191458, July 03, 2017 - CHINATRUST (PHILS.) COMMERCIAL BANK, Petitioner, v. PHILIP TURNER, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 228296, July 26, 2017 - GRIEG PHILIPPINES, INC., GRIEG SHIPPING GROUP AS, AND/OR MANUEL F. ORTIZ, Petitioners, v. MICHAEL JOHN M. GONZALES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 198196, July 17, 2017 - SPOUSES LORETO AND MILAGROS SIBAY AND SPOUSES RUEL AND OLGA ELAS, Petitioners, v. SPOUSES BIENVENIDO AND JUANITA BERMUDEZ, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 197526, July 26, 2017 - CE LUZON GEOTHERMAL POWER COMPANY, INC., Petitioner, v. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Respondent.; G.R. No. 199676-77, July 26, 2017 - REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, REPRESENTED BY THE BUREAU OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Petitioner, v. CE LUZON GEOTHERMAL POWER COMPANY, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 221424, July 19, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ROBELYN CABANADA Y ROSAURO, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 219885, July 17, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Appellee, v. AUGUSTO F. GALLANOSA, JR., Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 173120 & 173141, July 26, 2017 - SPOUSES YU HWA PING AND MARY GAW, Petitioners, v. AYALA LAND, INC., Respondent.; G.R. No. 173141, July 26, 2017 - HEIRS OF SPOUSES ANDRES DIAZ AND JOSEFA MIA, Petitioners, v. AYALA LAND, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 183408, July 12, 2017 - COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Petitioner, v. LANCASTER PHILIPPINES, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 217345, July 12, 2017 - WILMER O. DE ANDRES, Petitioner, v. DIAMOND H MARINE SERVICES & SHIPPING AGENCY, INC., WU CHUN HUA AND RUBEN J. TURINGAN, Respondents.

  • G.R.. No. 214529, July 12, 2017 - JERRYSUS L. TILAR, Petitioner, v. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 214300, July 26, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. MANUEL ESCOBAR, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 11482, July 17, 2017 - JOCELYN IGNACIO, Complainant, v. ATTY. DANIEL T. ALVIAR, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 213192, July 12, 2017 - TERESA R. IGNACIO, Petitioner, v. RAMON REYES, FLORENCIO REYES, JR., ROSARIO R. DU AND CARMELITA R. PASTOR, Respondents.

  • A.M. No. MTJ-16-1883 (Formerly OCA IPI No. 12-2497-MTJ), July 11, 2017 - EMMA G. ALFELOR, Complainant, v. HON. AUGUSTUS C. DIAZ, PRESIDING JUDGE, METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 37, QUEZON CITY, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 10580, July 12, 2017 - SPOUSES GERALDY AND LILIBETH VICTORY, Complainants, v. ATTY. MARIAN JO S. MERCADO, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 9919, July 19, 2017 - DR. EDUARDO R. ALICIAS, JR. COMPLAINANT, VS. ATTY. VIVENCIO S. BACLIG, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 7824, July 19, 2017 - ELIEZER F. CASTRO AND BETHULIA C. CASAFRANCISCO, Complainants, v. ATTY. JOHN BIGAY, JR. AND ATTY. JUAN SIAPNO, JR., Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 196412, July 19, 2017 - LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. MIGUEL OMENGAN, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 174670, July 26, 2017 - PHILCONTRUST RESOURCES INC. (FORMERLY KNOWN AS INTER-ASIA LAND CORPORATION), Petitioner, v. CARLOS SANTIAGO, LITO PALANGANAN, OLIMPIA ERCE, TAGUMPAY REYES, DOMINGO LUNA, RICARDO DIGO, FRANCIS DIGO, VIRGILIO DIGO, CORAZON DIGO, WILBERT SORTEJAS, ADRIEL SANTIAGO, CARLOS SANTIAGO JR., SEGUNDO BALDONANSA, RODRIGO DIGO, PAULINO MENDOZA, SOFRONIO OLEGARIO, BERNARD MENDOZA, JUN DELPINADO, EDILBERTO CABEL, ERINITO MAGSAEL, HONORIO BOURBON, MAURICIO SENARES, RICARTE DE GUZMAN, MANUEL DE CASTRO, CENON MOSO, JESUS EBDANI, DOMINGO HOLGADO, LETICIA PELLE, REY SELLATORES, EFREN CABRERA, RONNIE DIGO, RENATO OLIMPIAD, RICARDO LAGARDE, ERIC DIGO, ISAGANI SENARES, CANCIANO PAYAD, MELITONA PALANGANAN, VIRGILIO PERENA, EDGARDO PAYAD, WINNIE CABANSAG, WINNIE AVINANTE, AND VALENTINA SANTIAGO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 227695, July 31, 2017 - GENPACT SERVICES, INC., AND DANILO SEBASTIAN REYES, Petitioners, v. MARIA KATRINA SANTOS�FALCESO, JANICE ANN* M. MENDOZA, AND JEFFREY S. MARIANO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 227038, July 31, 2017 - JEFFREY MIGUEL Y REMEGIO, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 202342, July 19, 2017 - AMA LAND, INC., Petitioner, v. WACK WACK RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 208735, July 19, 2017 - BDO UNIBANK, INC. (FORMERLY EQUITABLE PCI BANK), Petitioner, v. NESTOR N. NERBES AND ARMENIA F. SURAVILLA, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 215874, July 05, 2017 - ARLO ALUMINUM, INC., Petitioner, v. VICENTE M. PI�ON, JR., IN BEHALF OF VIC EDWARD PI�ON, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 218250, July 10, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. GIO COSGAFA Y CLAMOCHA, JIMMY SARCEDA Y AGANG, AND ALLAN VIVO Y APLACADOR, Accused-Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 210129, July 05, 2017 - S/SGT. CORNELIO PAMAN, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 224974, July 03, 2017 - MARVIN CRUZ AND FRANCISCO CRUZ, IN HIS CAPACITY AS BONDSMAN, Petitioners, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 212814, July 12, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ERNIE CARILLO Y PABELLO ALIAS "NANNY," RONALD ESPIQUE Y LEGASPI ALIAS "BORLOK," RAFAEL SUSADA Y GALURA ALIAS "RAFFY," Accused; ERNIE P. CARILLO AND RONALD L. ESPIQUE, Accused-Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 207684, July 17, 2017 - PHILTRANCO SERVICE ENTERPRISES, INC., AND/OR JOSE PEPITO ALVAREZ, ARSENIO YAP AND CENTURION SOLANO, Petitioners, v. FRANKLIN CUAL, NOEL PORMENTO, RAMIL TIMOG, WILFREDO PALADO, ROBERTO VILLARAZA, JOSE NERIO ARTISTA, CESAR SANCHEZ, RENERIO MATOCI�OS, VALENTINO SISCAR, LARRY ACASIO, GERARDO NONATO, JOSE SAFRED, JUAN LUNA, GREGORIO MEDINA, NESTOR ZAGADA, FRANCISCO MIRANDA, LEON MANUEL VILLAFLOR, RODOLFO NOLASCO, REYNALDO PORTES, GERARDO CALINYAO, LUTARDO DAYOLA, VICENTE BALDOS, ROGELIO MEJARES, RENIE SILOS AND SERVANDO PETATE, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 208013, July 03, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. EDGAR ALLAN CORPUZ Y FLORES, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 208441, July 17, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ZENAIDA FABRO OR ZENAIDA MANALASTAS Y VI�EGAS, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 221443, July 17, 2017 - THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. DOMINADOR LADRA, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 219501, July 26, 2017 - POLICE DIRECTOR GENERAL ALAN LA MADRID PURISIMA, Petitioner, v. HON. CONCHITA CARPIO MORALES, IN HER OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS THE OMBUDSMAN OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 232413 [Formerly UDK 15419], July 25, 2017 - IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR ISSUANCE OF WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS WITH PETITION FOR RELIEF - INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES PANGASINAN LEGAL AID AND JAY-AR R. SENIN, Petitioners, v. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, PROVINCIAL PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE, BUREAU OF JAIL MANAGEMENT AND PENOLOGY, AND PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 223610, July 24, 2017 - CONCHITA S. UY, CHRISTINE UY DY, SYLVIA UY SY, JANE UY TAN, JAMES LYNDON S. UY, IRENE S. UY,* ERICSON S. UY, JOHANNA S. UY, AND JEDNATHAN S. UY, Petitioners, v. CRISPULO DEL CASTILLO, SUBSTITUTED BY HIS HEIRS PAULITA MANATAD-DEL CASTILLO, CESAR DEL CASTILLO, AVITO DEL CASTILLO, NILA C. DUE�AS, NIDA C. LATOSA, LORNA C. BERNARDO, GIL DEL CASTILLO, LIZA C. GUNGOB, ALMA DEL CASTILLO, AND GEMMA DEL CASTILLO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 210615, July 26, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ABENIR BRUSOLA Y BARAGWA, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 218205, July 05, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. MARCIAL D. PULGO, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 196888, July 19, 2017 - AURELIA NARCISE, GLORIA A. DELA CRUZ, MARITESS O. GARCIA, PHILIP FALCON, ENRICO M. VITUG, LYNETTE C. PONTRERAS, BONIFACIO BARRAMEDA, RAMON S. MORADA, MANUEL G. VIOLA, ZENAIDA LANUZA, CIRILO G. SALTO, TEODORO DEL ROSARIO, NANCY G. INSIGNE, MELANIE G. VIANA, ROMEO TICSAY, AMY J. FRANCISCO, MARIE J. FRANCISCO, ZENAIDA LANUZA, MIGUELITO B. MARTINEZ, APOLONIO SANTOS, MARIVIC TAN, JANE CLOR DILEMA, VALENTINO DILEMA, JOSE L. PANGAN, ANTONIA M. MANGELEN, IMELDA MANALASTAS, TEODORICO N. ANDRADE, AIDA L. CRUZ, MANUEL YAMBOT, JAIME SERDENA, ARIEL PALACIOS, EVE BOLNEO, LIBETINE MODESTO, MA. AILEEN VERDE, BENNY ILAGAN, MICHELLE ROMANA, DANILO VILLANUEVA, LEO NALUGON, ROSSANA MARASIGAN, NELIE BINAY AND ISABELITA MENDOZA, Petitioners, v. VALBUECO, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 217973, July 19, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. FEDERICO GEROLA Y AMAR ALIAS "FIDEL", Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 211947, July 03, 2017 - HEIRS OF CAYETANO CASCAYAN, REPRESENTED BY LA PAZ MARTINEZ, Petitioners, v. SPOUSES OLIVER AND EVELYN GUMALLAOI, AND THE MUNICIPAL ENGINEER OF BANGUI, ILOCOS NORTE, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 220383, July 05, 2017 - SONEDCO WORKERS FREE LABOR UNION (SWOFLU) / RENATO YUDE, MARIANITO REGINO, MANUEL YUMAGUE, FRANCISCO DACUDAG, RUDY ABABAO, DOMINIC SORNITO, SERGIO CAJUYONG, ROMULO LABONETE, GENEROSO GRANADA, EMILIO AGUS, ARNOLD CAYAO, BEN GENEVE, VICTOR MAQUE, RICARDO GOMEZ, RODOLFO GAWAN, JIMMY SULLIVAN, FEDERICO SUMUGAT, JR., ROMULO AVENTURA, JR., JURRY MAGALLANES, HERNAN EPISTOLA, JR., ROBERTO BELARTE, EDMON MONTALVO, TEODORO MAGUAD, DOMINGO TABABA, MAXIMO SALE, CYRUS DIONILLO, LEONARDO JUNSAY, JR., DANILO SAMILLION, MARIANITO BOCATEJA, JUANITO GEBUSION, RICARDO MAYO, RAUL ALIMON, ARNEL ARNAIZ, REBENCY BASOY, JIMMY VICTORIO BERNALDE, RICARDO BOCOL, JR., JOB CALAMBA, WOLFRANDO CALAMBA, RODOLFO CASISID, JR., EDGARDO DELA PENA, ALLAN DIONILLO, EDMUNDO EBIDO, JOSE ELEPTICO, JR., MARCELINO FLORES, HERNANDO FUENTEBILLA, SAUL HITALIA, JOSELITO JAGODILLA, NONITO JAYME, ADJIE JUANILLO, JEROLD JUDILLA, EDILBERTO NACIONAL, SANDY NAVALES, FELIPE NICOLASORA, JOSE PAMALO-AN, ISMAEL PEREZ, JR., ERNESTO RANDO, JR., PHILIP REPULLO, VICENTE RUIZ, JR., JOHN SUMUGAT, CARLO SUSANA, ROMEO TALAPIERO, JR., FERNANDO TRIENTA, FINDY VILLACRUZ, JOEL VILLANUEVA, AND JERRY MONTELIBANO, Petitioners, v. UNIVERSAL ROBINA CORPORATION, SUGAR DIVISION-SOUTHERN NEGROS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (SONEDCO), Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 224102, July 26, 2017 - RYAN MARIANO Y GARCIA, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. Nos. 193969-193970, July 05, 2017 - KA KUEN CHUA, DOING BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME AND STYLE KA KUEN CHUA ARCHITECTURAL, Petitioner, v. COLORITE MARKETING CORPORATION, Respondent.; G.R. Nos. 194027-194028 - COLORITE MARKETING CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. KA KUEN CHUA, DOING BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME AND STYLE KA KUEN CHUA ARCHITECTURAL, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 197032, July 26, 2017 - SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, Petitioner, v. PRICE RICHARDSON CORPORATION, CONSUELO VELARDE-ALBERT, AND GORDON RESNICK, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 205614, July 26, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. JAIME SEGUNDO Y IGLESIAS, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 181953, July 25, 2017 - LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. RURAL BANK OF HERMOSA (BATAAN), INC., Respondent.

  • A.M. No. MTJ-16-1886 (Formerly OCA IPI No. 16-2869-MTJ), July 25, 2017 - ANONYMOUS COMPLAINT, Complainant, v. PRESIDING JUDGE EXEQUIL L. DAGALA, MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURT, DAPA-SOCORRO, DAPA, SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 217453, July 19, 2017 - DENMARK S. VALMORES, Petitioner, v. DR. CRISTINA ACHACOSO, IN HER CAPACITY AS DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, AND DR. GIOVANNI CABILDO, FACULTY OF THE MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 220835, July 26, 2017 - COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Petitioner, v. SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 207765, July 26, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. JULITO DIVINAGRACIA, SR., Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 199825, July 26, 2017 - BRO. BERNARD OCA, BRO. DENNIS MAGBANUA, CIRILA N. MOJICA, ALEJANDRO N. MOJICA, JOSEFINA PASCUAL, SILVESTRE PASCUAL AND ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL OF GENERAL TRIAS, CAVITE, INC., Petitioners, v. LAURITA CUSTODIO, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 11494, July 24, 2017 - HEIRS OF JUAN DE DIOS E. CARLOS, NAMELY, JENNIFER N. CARLOS, JOCELYN N. CARLOS, JACQUELINE CARLOS�-DOMINGUEZ, JO-ANN CARLOS-�TABUTON, JIMMY N. CARLOS, LORNA A. CARLOS, JERUSHA ANN A. CARLOS AND JAN JOSHUA A. CARLOS, Complainants, v. ATTY. JAIME S. LINSANGAN, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 191657, July 31, 2017 - NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY, Petitioner, v. DOMINADOR LAURITO, HERMINIA Z. LAURITO, NIEVES A. LAURITO, NECITAS LAURITO VDA. DE DE LEON, ZENAIDA D. LAURITO, CORNELIA LAURITO VDA. DE MANGA, AGRIPINA T. LAURITO, VITALIANA P. LAURITO, REPRESENTED BY: DOMINADOR LAURITO, Respondents.; HEIRS OF RUFINA MANARIN, NAMELY: CONSUELO M. LOYOLA-�BARUGA, ROSY M. LOYOLA-�GONZALES, BIENVENIDO L. RIVERA, REYNALDO L. RIVERA, ISABELITA A. LOYOLA, LIWAYWAY A. LOYOLA, LOLITA A. LOYOLA, LEANDRO A. LOYOLA, PERLITO L. LOYOLA, GAVINA L. LOYOLA, ZORAIDA L. PURIFICACION, PERLITA L. DIZON, LUCENA R. LOYOLA, ANITA L. REYES, VISITACION L. ZAMORA, CRISTINA L. CARDONA, NOEL P. LOYOLA, ROMEO P. LOYOLA, JR., FERDINAND P. LOYOLA, EDGARDO A. LOYOLA, DIONISA L. BUENA, SALUD L. MAPALAD, CORAZON L. SAMBILLO, VIDAL A. LOYOLA, AND MILAGROS A. LOYOLA, REPRESENTED BY THEIR ATTORNEY-IN-FACT ZOSIMO A. LOYOLA, Petitioner-Intervenors.

  • G.R. No. 222699, July 24, 2017 - MAUNLAD TRANS INC., CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES AND/OR AMADO CASTRO, Petitioners, v. GABRIEL ISIDRO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 230664, July 24, 2017 - EDWARD M. COSUE, Petitioner, v. FERRITZ INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, MELISSA TANYA F. GERMINO AND ANTONIO A. FERNANDO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 209452, July 26, 2017 - GOTESCO PROPERTIES, INC., Petitioner, v. SOLIDBANK CORPORATION (NOW METROPOLITAN BANK AND TRUST COMPANY), Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 228628, July 25, 2017 - REP. REYNALDO V. UMALI, IN HIS CAPACITY AS CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE AND EX OFFICIO MEMBER OF THE JBC, Petitioner, v. THE JUDICIAL AND BAR COUNCIL, CHAIRED BY THE HON. MARIA LOURDES P.A. SERENO, CHIEF JUSTICE AND EX OFFICIO CHAIRPERSON, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 206890, July 31, 2017 - EVIC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT INC., FREE BULKERS S.A. AND/OR MA. VICTORIA C. NICOLAS, Petitioners, v. ROGELIO O. PANAHON, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 204530, July 26, 2017 - REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, REPRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS, Petitioner, v. POTENCIANO A. LARRAZABAL, SR., VICTORIA LARRAZABAL LOCSIN AND BETTY LARRAZABAL MACATUAL, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 231658, July 04, 2017 - REPRESENTATIVES EDCEL C. LAGMAN, TOMASITO S. VILLARIN, GARY C. ALEJA�O, EMMANUEL A. BILLONES, AND TEDDY BRAWNER BAGUILAT, JR., Petitioners, v. HON. SALVADOR C. MEDIALDEA, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY; HON. DELFIN N. LORENZANA, SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE AND MARTIAL LAW ADMINISTRATOR; AND GEN. EDUARDO A�O, CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES AND MARTIAL LAW IMPLEMENTOR, Respondents.; G.R. No. 231771 - EUFEMIA CAMPOS CULLAMAT, VIRGILIO T. LINCUNA, ATELIANA U. HIJOS, ROLAND A. COBRADO, CARL ANTHONY D. OLALO, ROY JIM BALANGHIG, RENATO REYES, JR., CRISTINA E. PALABAY, AMARYLLIS H. ENRIQUEZ, ACT TEACHERS' REPRESENTATIVE ANTONIO L. TINIO, GABRIELA WOMEN'S PARTY REPRESENTATIVE ARLENE D. BROSAS, KABATAAN PARTY-LIST REPRESENTATIVE SARAH JANE I. ELAGO, MAE PANER, GABRIELA KRISTA DALENA, ANNA ISABELLE ESTEIN, MARK VINCENT D. LIM, VENCER MARI CRISOSTOMO, JOVITA MONTES, Petitioners, v. PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY SALVADOR MEDIALDEA, DEFENSE SECRETARY DELFIN LORENZANA, ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES CHIEF OF STAFF LT. GENERAL EDUARDO A�O, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE DIRECTOR-GENERAL RONALD DELA ROSA, Respondents.; G.R. No. 231774 - NORKAYA S. MOHAMAD, SITTIE NUR DYHANNA S. MOHAMAD, NORAISAH S. SANI, ZAHRIA P. MUTI-MAPANDI, Petitioners, v. EXECUTIVE SECRETARY SALVADOR C. MEDIALDEA, DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE (DND) SECRETARY DELFIN N. LORENZANA, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (DILG) SECRETARY (OFFICER-IN�-CHARGE) CATALINO S. CUY, ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES (AFP) CHIEF OF STAFF GEN. EDUARDO M. A�O, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (PNP) CHIEF DIRECTOR GENERAL RONALD M. DELA ROSA, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER HERMOGENES C. ESPERON, JR., Respondents.