Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence


Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence > Year 2017 > June 2017 Decisions > G.R. No. 200370, June 07, 2017 - MARIO VERIDIANO Y SAPI, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.:




G.R. No. 200370, June 07, 2017 - MARIO VERIDIANO Y SAPI, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

PHILIPPINE SUPREME COURT DECISIONS

SECOND DIVISION

G.R. No. 200370, June 07, 2017

MARIO VERIDIANO Y SAPI, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

D E C I S I O N

LEONEN, J.:

Through this Petition for Review on Certiorari,1 Mario Veridiano y Sapi (Veridiano) assails the Decision2 dated November 18, 2011 and Resolution3 dated January 25, 2012 of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. CR No. 33588, which affirmed his conviction for violation of Article II, Section 11 of Republic Act No. 9165.4

In an Information filed before the Regional Trial Court of San Pablo City, Laguna,5 Veridiano was charged with the crime of illegal possession of dangerous drugs. The Information read:

That on or about January 15, 2008, in the Municipality of Nagcarlan, Province of Laguna and within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, the above-named accused, not being permitted or authorized by law, did then and there willfully, unlawfully and feloniously have in his possession, control and custody one (1) small heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing 2.72 grams of dried marijuana leaves, a dangerous drug.

CONTRARY TO LAW.6
On October 9, 2008, Veridiano was arraigned. He pleaded not guilty to the offense charged. Trial on the merits ensued.7

During trial, the prosecution presented PO1 Guillermo Cabello (PO1 Cabello) and PO1 Daniel Solano (PO1 Solano) to testify.8

According to the prosecution, at about 7:20 a.m. of January 15, 2008, a concerned citizen called a certain PO3 Esteves, police radio operator of the Nagcarlan Police Station, informing him that a certain alias "Baho," who was later identified as Veridiano, was on the way to San Pablo City to obtain illegal drugs.9

PO3 Esteves immediately relayed the information to PO1 Cabello and PO2 Alvin Vergara (PO2 Vergara) who were both on duty.10 Chief of Police June Urquia instructed PO1 Cabello and PO2 Vergara to set up a checkpoint at Barangay Taytay, Nagcarlan, Laguna.11

The police officers at the checkpoint personally knew Veridiano. They allowed some vehicles to pass through after checking that he was not on board.12 At around 10:00 a.m., they chanced upon Veridiano inside a passenger jeepney coming from San Pablo, Laguna.13 They flagged down the jeepney and asked the passengers to disembark.14 The police officers instructed the passengers to raise their t-shirts to check for possible concealed weapons and to remove the contents of their pockets.15

The police officers recovered from Veridiano "a tea bag containing what appeared to be marijuana."16 PO1 Cabello confiscated the tea bag and marked it with his initials.17 Veridiano was arrested and apprised of his constitutional rights.18 He was then brought to the police station.19

At the police station, PO1 Cabello turned over the seized tea bag to PO1 Solano, who also placed his initials.20 PO1 Solano then made a laboratory examination request, which he personally brought with the seized tea bag to the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory.21 The contents of the tea bag tested positive for marijuana.22

For his defense, Veridiano testified that he went to the fiesta in San Pablo City on January 15, 2008.23 After participating in the festivities, he decided to go home and took a passenger jeepney bound for Nagcarlan.24 At around 10:00 a.m., the jeepney passed a police checkpoint in Barangay Taytay, Nagcarlan.25 Veridiano noticed that the jeepney was being followed by three (3) motorcycles, each with two (2) passengers in civilian attire.26

When the jeepney reached Barangay Buboy, Nagcarlan, the motorcyclists flagged down the jeepney.27 Two (2) armed men boarded the jeepney and frisked Veridiano.28 However, they found nothing on his person.29 Still, Veridiano was accosted and brought to the police station where he was informed that "illegal drug was . . . found in his possession."30

In the Decision dated July 16, 2010,31 the Regional Trial Court found Veridiano guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the crime of illegal possession of marijuana. Accordingly, he was sentenced to suffer a penalty of imprisonment of twelve (12) years and one (1) day, as minimum, to twenty (20) years, as maximum, and to pay a fine of P300,000.00.32

Veridiano appealed the decision of the trial court asserting that "he was illegally arrested."33 He argued that the tea bag containing marijuana is "inadmissible in evidence [for] being the 'fruit of a poisonous tree.'"34 Veridiano further argued that the police officers failed to comply with the rule on chain of custody.35

On the other hand, the prosecution asserted that "[t]he legality of an arrest affects only the jurisdiction of the court over [the person of the accused]."36 Thus, by entering his plea, Veridiano waived his right to question any irregularity in his arrest.37 With regard to the alleged illegal warrantless search conducted by the police officers, the prosecution argued that Veridiano's "submissive deportment at the time of the search" indicated that he consented to the warrantless search.38

On November 18, 2011, the Court of Appeals rendered a Decision39 affirming the guilt of Veridiano.40

The Court of Appeals found that "Veridiano was caught in flagrante delicto" of having marijuana in his possession.41 Assuming that he was illegally arrested, Veridiano waived his right to question any irregularity that may have attended his arrest when he entered his plea and submitted himself to the jurisdiction of the court.42 Furthermore, the Court of Appeals held that Veridiano consented to the warrantless search because he did not protest when the police asked him to remove the contents of his pocket.43

Veridiano moved for reconsideration, which was denied in the Resolution dated January 25, 2012.44

On March 16, 2012, Veridiano filed a Petition for Review on Certiorari.45

Petitioner argues that the tea bag containing marijuana leaves was seized in violation of his right against unreasonable searches and seizures.46 He asserts that his arrest was illegal.47 Petitioner was merely seated inside the jeepney at the time of his apprehension. He did not act in any manner that would give the police officers reasonable ground to believe that he had just committed a crime or that he was committing a crime.48 Petitioner also asserts that reliable information is insufficient to constitute probable cause that would support a valid warrantless arrest.49

Since his arrest was illegal, petitioner argues that "the accompanying [warrantless] search was likewise illegal."50 Hence, under Article III, Section 2,51 in relation to Article III, Section 3(2)52 of the Constitution, the seized tea bag containing marijuana is "inadmissible in evidence [for] being the fruit of a poisonous tree."53

Nevertheless, assuming that the seized tea bag containing marijuana is admissible in evidence, petitioner contends that the prosecution failed to preserve its integrity.54 The apprehending team did not strictly comply with the rule on chain of custody under Section 21 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9165.55

In a Resolution dated June 13, 2012, this Court required respondent to file a comment on the petition.56 In the Manifestation and Motion dated August 1, 2012,57 respondent stated that it would no longer file a comment.

The following issues are for this Court's resolution:

First, whether there was a valid warrantless arrest;

Second, whether there was a valid warrantless search against petitioner; and

Lastly, whether there is enough evidence to sustain petitioner's conviction for illegal possession of dangerous drugs.

The Petition is granted.

I

The invalidity of an arrest leads to several consequences among which are: (a) the failure to acquire jurisdiction over the person of an accused; (b) criminal liability of law enforcers for illegal arrest; and (c) any search incident to the arrest becomes invalid thus rendering the evidence acquired as constitutionally inadmissible.

Lack of jurisdiction over the person of an accused as a result of an invalid arrest must be raised through a motion to quash before an accused enters his or her plea. Otherwise, the objection is deemed waived and an accused is "estopped from questioning the legality of his [or her] arrest."58

The voluntary submission of an accused to the jurisdiction of the court and his or her active participation during trial cures any defect or irregularity that may have attended an arrest.59 The reason for this rule is that "the legality of an arrest affects only the jurisdiction of the court over the person of the accused."60

Nevertheless, failure to timely object to the illegality of an arrest does not preclude an accused from questioning the admissibility of evidence seized.61 The inadmissibility of the evidence is not affected when an accused fails to question the court's jurisdiction over his or her person in a timely manner. Jurisdiction over the person of an accused and the constitutional inadmissibility of evidence are separate and mutually exclusive consequences of an illegal arrest.

As a component of the right to privacy,62 the fundamental right against unlawful searches and seizures is guaranteed by no less than the Constitution. Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution provides:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature and for any purpose shall be inviolable, and no search warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue except upon probable cause to be determined personally by the judge after examination under oath or affirmation of the complainant and the witnesses he may produce, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.63
To underscore the importance of an individual's right against unlawful searches and seizures, Article III, Section 3(2) of the Constitution considers any evidence obtained in violation of this right as inadmissible.64

The Constitutional guarantee does not prohibit all forms of searches and seizures.65 It is only directed against those that are unreasonable.66 Conversely, reasonable searches and seizures fall outside the scope of the prohibition and are not forbidden.67

In People v. Aruta,68 this Court explained that the language of the Constitution implies that "searches and seizures are normally unreasonable unless authorized by a validly issued search warrant or warrant of arrest."69 The requirements of a valid search warrant are laid down in Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution and reiterated in Rule 126, Section 4 of the Rules on Criminal Procedure.70

However, People v. Cogaed71 clarified that there are exceptional circumstances "when searches are reasonable even when warrantless."72 The following are recognized instances of permissible warrantless searches laid down in jurisprudence: (1) a "warrantless search incidental to a lawful arrest,"73 (2) search of "evidence in 'plain view,'" (3) "search of a moving vehicle," (4) "consented warrantless search[es]," (5) "customs search," (6) "stop and frisk," and (7) "exigent and emergency circumstances."74

There is no hard and fast rule in determining when a search and seizure is reasonable. In any given situation, "[w]hat constitutes a reasonable . . . search . . . is purely a judicial question," the resolution of which depends upon the unique and distinct factual circumstances.75 This may involve an inquiry into "the purpose of the search or seizure, the presence or absence of probable cause, the manner in which the search and seizure was made, the place or thing searched, and the character of the articles procured."76

II

Pertinent to the resolution of this case is the determination of whether the warrantless search was incidental to a lawful arrest. The Court of Appeals concluded that petitioner was caught in flagrante delicto of having marijuana in his possession making the warrantless search lawful.77

This Court disagrees. Petitioner's warrantless arrest was unlawful.

A search incidental to a lawful arrest requires that there must first be a lawful arrest before a search is made. Otherwise stated, a lawful arrest must precede the search; "the process cannot be reversed."78 For there to be a lawful arrest, law enforcers must be armed with a valid warrant. Nevertheless, an arrest may also be effected without a warrant.

There are three (3) grounds that will justify a warrantless arrest. Rule 113, Section 5 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure provides:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary
Section 5. Arrest Without Warrant; When Lawful. � A peace officer or a private person may, without a warrant, arrest a person:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary
(a) When, in his presence, the person to be arrested has committed, is actually committing, or is attempting to commit an offense;

(b) When an offense has just been committed and he has probable cause to believe based on personal knowledge of facts or circumstances that the person to be arrested has committed it; and

(c) When the person to be arrested is a prisoner who has escaped from a penal establishment or place where he is serving final judgment or is temporarily confined while his case is pending, or has escaped while being transferred from one confinement to another.
The first kind of warrantless arrest is known as an in flagrante delicto arrest. The validity of this warrantless arrest requires compliance with the overt act test79 as explained in Cogaed:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary
[F]or a warrantless arrest of in flagrante delicto to be affected, "two elements must concur: (1) the person to be arrested must execute an overt act indicating that he [or she] has just committed, is actually committing, or is attempting to commit a crime; and (2) such overt act is done in the presence or within the view of the arresting officer."80
Failure to comply with the overt act test renders an in flagrante delicto arrest constitutionally infirm. In Cogaed, the warrantless arrest was invalidated as an in flagrante delicto arrest because the accused did not exhibit an overt act within the view of the police officers suggesting that he was in possession of illegal drugs at the time he was apprehended.81

The warrantless search in People v. Racho82 was also considered unlawful.83 The police officers received information that a man was in possession of illegal drugs and was on board a Genesis bus bound for Baler, Aurora. The informant added that the man was "wearing a red and white striped [t]-shirt."84 The police officers waited for the bus along the national highway.85 When the bus arrived, Jack Racho (Racho) disembarked and waited along the highway for a tricycle.86 Suddenly, the police officers approached him and invited him to the police station since he was suspected of having shabu in his possession.87 As Racho pulled out his hands from his pocket, a white envelope fell yielding a sachet of shabu.88

In holding that the warrantless search was invalid, this Court observed that Racho was not "committing a crime in the presence of the police officers" at the time he was apprehended.89 Moreover, Racho's arrest was solely based on a tip.90 Although there are cases stating that reliable information is sufficient to justify a warrantless search incidental to a lawful arrest, they were covered under the other exceptions to the rule on warrantless searches.91

Rule 113, Section 5(b) of the Rules of Court pertains to a hot pursuit arrest.92 The rule requires that an offense has just been committed. It connotes "immediacy in point of time."93 That a crime was in fact committed does not automatically bring the case under this rule.94 An arrest under Rule 113, Section 5(b) of the Rules of Court entails a time element from the moment the crime is committed up to the point of arrest.

Law enforcers need not personally witness the commission of a crime. However, they must have personal knowledge of facts and circumstances indicating that the person sought to be arrested committed it.

People v. Gerente95 illustrates a valid arrest under Rule 113, Section 5(b) of the Rules of Court. In Gerente, the accused was convicted for murder and for violation of Republic Act No. 6425.96 He assailed the admissibility of dried marijuana leaves as evidence on the ground that they were allegedly seized from him pursuant to a warrantless arrest.97 On appeal, the accused's conviction was affirmed.98 This Court ruled that the warrantless arrest was justified under Rule 113, Section 5(b) of the Rules of Court. The police officers had personal knowledge of facts and circumstances indicating that the accused killed the victim:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary
The policemen arrested Gerente only some three (3) hours after Gerente and his companions had killed Blace. They saw Blace dead in the hospital and when they inspected the scene of the crime, they found the instruments of death: a piece of wood and a concrete hollow block which the killers had used to bludgeon him to death. The eye-witness, Edna Edwina Reyes, reported the happening to the policemen and pinpointed her neighbor, Gerente, as one of the killers. Under those circumstances, since the policemen had personal knowledge of the violent death of Blace and of facts indicating that Gerente and two others had killed him, they could lawfully arrest Gerente without a warrant. If they had postponed his arrest until they could obtain a warrant, he would have fled the law as his two companions did.99 (Emphasis supplied)
The requirement that law enforcers must have personal knowledge of facts surrounding the commission of an offense was underscored in In Re Salibo v. Warden.100

In Re Salibo involved a petition for habeas corpus. The police officers suspected Datukan Salibo (Salibo) as one (1) of the accused in the Maguindano Massacre.101 Salibo presented himself before the authorities to clear his name. Despite his explanation, Salibo was apprehended and detained.102 In granting the petition, this Court pointed out that Salibo was not restrained under a lawful court process or order.103 Furthermore, he was not arrested pursuant to a valid warrantless arrest:104
It is undisputed that petitioner Salibo presented himself before the Datu Hofer Police Station to clear his name and to prove that he is not the accused Butukan S. Malang. When petitioner Salibo was in the presence of the police officers of Datu Hofer Police Station, he was neither committing nor attempting to commit an offense. The police officers had no personal knowledge of any offense that he might have committed. Petitioner Salibo was also not an escapee prisoner.105 (Emphasis supplied)
In this case, petitioner's arrest could not be justified as an in flagrante delicto arrest under Rule 113, Section 5(a) of the Rules of Court. He was not committing a crime at the checkpoint. Petitioner was merely a passenger who did not exhibit any unusual conduct in the presence of the law enforcers that would incite suspicion. In effecting the warrantless arrest, the police officers relied solely on the tip they received. Reliable information alone is insufficient to support a warrantless arrest absent any overt act from the person to be arrested indicating that a crime has just been committed, was being committed, or is about to be committed.106

The warrantless arrest cannot likewise be justified under Rule 113, Section 5(b) of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure. The law enforcers had no personal knowledge of any fact or circumstance indicating that petitioner had just committed an offense.

A hearsay tip by itself does not justify a warrantless arrest. Law enforcers must have personal knowledge of facts, based on their observation, that the person sought to be arrested has just committed a crime. This is what gives rise to probable cause that would justify a warrantless search under Rule 113, Section 5(b) of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure.

III

The warrantless search cannot be justified under the reasonable suspicion requirement in "stop and frisk" searches.

A "stop and frisk" search is defined in People v. Chua107 as "the act of a police officer to stop a citizen on the street, interrogate him, and pat him for weapon(s) or contraband."108 Thus, the allowable scope of a "stop and frisk" search is limited to a "protective search of outer clothing for weapons."109

Although a "stop and frisk" search is a necessary law enforcement measure specifically directed towards crime prevention, there is a need to safeguard the right of individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures.110

Law enforcers do not have unbridled discretion in conducting "stop and frisk" searches. While probable cause is not required, a "stop and frisk" search cannot be validated on the basis of a suspicion or hunch.111 Law enforcers must have a genuine reason to believe, based on their experience and the particular circumstances of each case, that criminal activity may be afoot.112 Reliance on one (1) suspicious activity alone, or none at all, cannot produce a reasonable search.113

In Manalili v. Court of Appeals,114 the police officers conducted surveillance operations in Caloocan City Cemetery, a place reportedly frequented by drug addicts.115 They chanced upon a male person who had "reddish eyes and [was] walking in a swaying manner."116 Suspecting that the man was high on drugs, the police officers approached him, introduced themselves, and asked him what he was holding.117 However, the man resisted.118 Upon further investigation, the police officers found marijuana in the man's possession.119 This Court held that the circumstances of the case gave the police officers justifiable reason to stop the man and investigate if he was high on drugs.120

In People v. Solayao,121 the police officers were conducting an intelligence patrol to verify reports on the presence of armed persons within Caibiran.122 They met a group of drunk men, one (1) of whom was the accused in a camouflage uniform.123 When the police officers approached, his companions fled leaving behind the accused who was told not to run away.124 One (1) of the police officers introduced himself and seized from the accused a firearm wrapped in dry coconut leaves.125 This Court likewise found justifiable reason to stop and frisk the accused when "his companions fled upon seeing the government agents."126

The "stop and frisk" searches in these two (2) cases were considered valid because the accused in both cases exhibited overt acts that gave law enforcers genuine reason to conduct a "stop and frisk" search. In contrast with Manalili and Solayao, the warrantless search in Cogaed127 was considered as an invalid "stop and frisk" search because of the absence of a single suspicious circumstance that would justify a warrantless search.

In Cogaed, the police officers received information that a certain Marvin Buya would be transporting marijuana.128 A passenger jeepney passed through the checkpoint set up by the police officers. The driver then disembarked and signaled that two (2) male passengers were carrying marijuana.129 The police officers approached the two (2) men, who were later identified as Victor Cogaed (Cogaed) and Santiago Dayao, and inquired about the contents of their bags.130

Upon further investigation, the police officers discovered three (3) bricks of marijuana in Cogaed's bag.131 In holding that the "stop and frisk" search was invalid, this Court reasoned that "[t]here was not a single suspicious circumstance" that gave the police officers genuine reason to stop the two (2) men and search their belongings.132 Cogaed did not exhibit any overt act indicating that he was in possession of marijuana.133

Similar to Cogaed, petitioner in this case was a mere passenger in a jeepney who did not exhibit any act that would give police officers reasonable suspicion to believe that he had drugs in his possession. Reasonable persons will act in a nervous manner in any check point. There was no evidence to show that the police had basis or personal knowledge that would reasonably allow them to infer anything suspicious.

IV

Moreover, petitioner's silence or lack of resistance can hardly be considered as consent to the warrantless search. Although the right against unreasonable searches and seizures may be surrendered through a valid waiver, the prosecution must prove that the waiver was executed with clear and convincing evidence.134 Consent to a warrantless search and seizure must be "unequivocal, specific, intelligently given . . . [and unattended] by duress or coercion."135

The validity of a consented warrantless search is determined by the totality of the circumstances.136 This may involve an inquiry into the environment in which the consent was given such as "the presence of coercive police procedures."137

Mere passive conformity or silence to the warrantless search is only an implied acquiescence, which amounts to no consent at all.138 In Cogaed, this Court observed:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary
Cogaed's silence or lack of aggressive objection was a natural reaction to a coercive environment brought about by the police officer's excessive intrusion into his private space. The prosecution and the police carry the burden of showing that the waiver of a constitutional right is one which is knowing, intelligent, and free from any coercion. In all cases, such waivers are not to be presumed.139
The presence of a coercive environment negates the claim that petitioner consented to the warrantless search.

V

Another instance of a valid warrantless search is a search of a moving vehicle. The rules governing searches and seizures have been liberalized when the object of a search is a vehicle for practical purposes.140 Police officers cannot be expected to appear before a judge and apply for a search warrant when time is of the essence considering the efficiency of vehicles in facilitating transactions involving contraband or dangerous articles.141 However, the inherent mobility of vehicles cannot justify all kinds of searches.142 Law enforcers must act on the basis of probable cause.143

A checkpoint search is a variant of a search of a moving vehicle.144 Due to the number of cases involving warrantless searches in checkpoints and for the guidance of law enforcers, it is imperative to discuss the parameters by which searches in checkpoints should be conducted.

Checkpoints per se are not invalid.145 They are allowed in exceptional circumstances to protect the lives of individuals and ensure their safety.146 They are also sanctioned in cases where the government's survival is in danger.147 Considering that routine checkpoints intrude "on [a] motorist's right to 'free passage'"148 to a certain extent, they must be "conducted in a way least intrusive to motorists."149 The extent of routine inspections must be limited to a visual search. Routine inspections do not give law enforcers carte blanche to perform warrantless searches.150

In Valmonte v. De Villa,151 this Court clarified that "[f]or as long as the vehicle is neither searched nor its occupants subjected to a body search, and the inspection of the vehicle is limited to a visual search, said routine checks cannot be regarded as violative of an individual's right against unreasonable search[es]."152 Thus, a search where an "officer merely draws aside the curtain of a vacant vehicle which is parked on the public fair grounds, or simply looks into a vehicle, or flashes a light therein" is not unreasonable.153

However, an extensive search may be conducted on a vehicle at a checkpoint when law enforcers have probable cause to believe that the vehicle's passengers committed a crime or when the vehicle contains instruments of an offense.154

Thus, routinary and indiscriminate searches of moving vehicles are allowed if they are limited to a visual search. This holds especially true when the object of the search is a public vehicle where individuals have a reasonably reduced expectation of privacy. On the other hand, extensive searches are permissible only when they are founded upon probable cause. Any evidence obtained will be subject to the exclusionary principle under the Constitution.

That the object of a warrantless search is allegedly inside a moving vehicle does not justify an extensive search absent probable cause. Moreover, law enforcers cannot act solely on the basis of confidential or tipped information. A tip is still hearsay no matter how reliable it may be. It is not sufficient to constitute probable cause in the absence of any other circumstance that will arouse suspicion.

Although this Court has upheld warrantless searches of moving vehicles based on tipped information, there have been other circumstances that justified warrantless searches conducted by the authorities.

In People v. Breis,155 apart from the tipped information they received, the law enforcement agents observed suspicious behavior on the part of the accused that gave them reasonable ground to believe that a crime was being committed.156 The accused attempted to alight from the bus after the law enforcers introduced themselves and inquired about the ownership of a box which the accused had in their possession.157 In their attempt to leave the bus, one (1) of the accused physically pushed a law enforcer out of the way.158 Immediately alighting from a bus that had just left the terminal and leaving one's belongings behind is unusual conduct.159

In People v. Mariacos,160 a police officer received information that a bag containing illegal drugs was about to be transported on a passenger jeepney.161 The bag was marked with "O.K."162 On the basis of the tip, a police officer conducted surveillance operations on board a jeepney.163 Upon seeing the bag described to him, he peeked inside and smelled the distinct odor of marijuana emanating from the bag.164 The tipped information and the police officer's personal observations gave rise to probable cause that rendered the warrantless search valid.165

The police officers in People v. Ayangao166 and People v. Libnao167 likewise received tipped information regarding the transport of illegal drugs. In Libnao, the police officers had probable cause to arrest the accused based on their three (3)-month long surveillance operation in the area where the accused was arrested.168 On the other hand, in Ayangao, the police officers noticed marijuana leaves protruding through a hole in one (1) of the sacks carried by the accused.169

In the present case, the extensive search conducted by the police officers exceeded the allowable limits of warrantless searches. They had no probable cause to believe that the accused violated any law except for the tip they received. They did not observe any peculiar activity from the accused that may either arouse their suspicion or verify the tip. Moreover, the search was flawed at its inception. The checkpoint was set up to target the arrest of the accused.

There are different hybrids of reasonable warrantless searches. There are searches based on reasonable suspicion as in Posadas v. Court of Appeals170 where this Court justified the warrantless search of the accused who attempted to flee with a buri bag after the police officers identified themselves.171

On the other hand, there are reasonable searches because of heightened security. In Dela Cruz v. People,172 the search conducted on the accused was considered valid because it was done in accordance with routine security measures in ports.173 This case, however, should not be construed to apply to border searches. Border searches are not unreasonable per se;174 there is a "reasonable reduced expectation of privacy" when travellers pass through or stop at airports or other ports of travel.175

The warrantless search conducted by the police officers is invalid. Consequently, the tea bag containing marijuana seized from petitioner is rendered inadmissible under the exclusionary principle in Article III, Section 3(2) of the Constitution. There being no evidence to support his conviction, petitioner must be acquitted.

WHEREFORE, the Decision dated July 16, 2010 of the Regional Trial Court in Criminal Case No. 16976-SP and the Decision dated November 18, 2011 and Resolution dated January 25, 2012 of the Court of Appeals in CA-GR. CR. No. 33588 are REVERSED and SET ASIDE. Petitioner Mario Veridiano y Sapi is hereby ACQUITTED and is ordered immediately RELEASED from confinement unless he is being held for some other lawful cause.

SO ORDERED.

Carpio, (Chairperson), and Peralta, JJ., concur.
Mendoza, and Martires, JJ., on official leave.

Endnotes:


1Rollo, pp. 8-29, Petition for Review on Certiorari.

2 Id. at 31-44. The Decision was penned by Associate Justice Remedios A. Salazar-Fernando and concurred in by Associate Justices Sesinando E. Villon and Amy C. Lazaro-Javier of the Second Division, Court of Appeals, Manila.

3 Id. at 46-47. The Resolution was penned by Associate Justice Remedios A. Salazar-Fernando and concurred in by Associate Justices Mario V. Lopez and Amy C. Lazaro-Javier of the Special Second Division, Court of Appeals, Manila.

4 Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (2002).

5Rollo, p. 64, Regional Trial Court Decision.

6 Id.

7 Id.

8 Id. at 10.

9 Id.

10 Id.

11 Id.

12 Id.

13 Id. at 11.

14 Id. at 34.

15 Id.

16 Id.

17 Id.

18 Id. at 66, Regional Trial Court Decision.

19 Id. at 11.

20 Id.

21 Id. at 35.

22 Id. at 11.

23 Id.

24 Id.

25 Id.

26 Id.

27 Id.

28 Id.

29 Id.

30 Id. at 11-12.

31 Id. at 64-72. The Decision, docketed as Crim. Case No. 16976-SP, was penned by Presiding Judge Agripino G. Morga of Branch 32, Regional Trial Court of San Pablo City.

32 Id. at 72.

33 Id. at 37.

34 Id.

35 Id. at 41.

36Id. at 88, Brief for the Plaintiff-Appellee.

37 Id.

38 Id.

39 Id. at 31-44.

40 Id. at 43.

41 Id. at 37.

42 Id. at 40.

43 Id.

44 Id. at 46-47.

45 Id. at 8-29.

46 Id. at 14-18.

47 Id. at 14-16.

48 Id. at 16.

49 Id.

50 Id. at 17.

51 CONST, art. III, sec. 2 provides:

Section 2. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature and for any purpose shall be inviolable, and no search warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue except upon probable cause to be determined personally by the judge after examination under oath or affirmation of the complainant and the witnesses he may produce, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.

52 CONST., art. Ill, sec. 3(2) provides:

Section 3.

. . . .

(2) Any evidence obtained in violation of this or the preceding section shall be inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding.

53Rollo, pp. 17-18.

54 Id. at 19.

55 Id. at 19-21.

56 Id. at 106.

57 Id. at 107-111, Manifestation and Motion (In Lieu of Comment).

58People v. Lopez, Jr. y Mancilla, 315 Phil. 59, 71-72 (1995) [Per J. Kapunan, First Division]. See Filoteo, Jr. v. Sandiganbayan, 331 Phil. 531, 578 (1996) [Per J. Panganiban, En Banc]; Rebellion v. People, 637 Phil. 339, 345 (2010) [Per J. Del Castillo, First Division].

59People v. Lapitaje, 445 Phil. 729, 748 (2003) [Per J. Austria-Martinez, En Banc]; Rebellion v. People, 637 Phil. 339, 345 (2010) [Per J. Del Castillo, First Division].

60People v. Escordial, 424 Phil. 627, 651-652 (2002) [Per J. Mendoza, En Banc] citing People v. Timon, 346 Phil. 572 (1997) [Per J. Panganiban, Third Division].

61Homar v. People, G.R. No. 182534, September 2, 2015 9 [Per J. Brion, Second Division]; Sindac v. People, G.R. No. 220732, September 6, 2016 10-11 [Per J. Perlas-Bernabe, First Division]; People v. Racho, 640 Phil. 669, 681 (2010) [Per J. Nachura, Second Division]; People v. Martinez y Angeles, 652 Phil. 347, 359 (2010) [Per J. Mendoza, Second Division]. See Antiquera y Codes v. People, 723 Phil. 425, 432 (2013) [Per J. Abad, Third Division].

62People v. Cogaed, 740 Phil. 212, 220 (2014) [Per J. Leonen, Third Division].

63 CONST., art. III, sec. 2.

64 CONST., art. III, sec. 3(2) provides:

Section 3.

. . . .

(2) Any evidence obtained in violation of this or the preceding section shall be inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding.

65People v. Aruta, 351 Phil. 868, 878 (1998) [Per J. Romero, Second Division].

66 Id.

67Valmonte v. De Villa, 258 Phil. 838, 843 (1989) [Per J. Padilla, En Banc].

68 351 Phil. 868 (1998) [Per J. Romero, Second Division].

69 Id. at 878.

70 Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure, A.M. No. 00-5-03-SC, Rule 126, sec. 4 provides:

Section 4. Requisites for issuing search warrant. � A search warrant shall not issue except upon probable cause in connection with one specific offense to be determined personally by the judge after examination under oath or affirmation of the complainant and the witnesses he may produce, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the things to be seized which may be anywhere in the Philippines.

71 740 Phil. 212 (2014) [Per J. Leonen, Third Division].

72 Id. at 227.

73 The Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure allows a warrantless search incidental to a lawful arrest. RULES OF COURT, Rule 126, sec. 13 provides:

Section 13. Search incident to lawful arrest. � A person lawfully arrested may be searched for dangerous weapons or anything that may have been used or constitute proof in the commission of an offense without a search warrant.

74People v. Cogaed, 740 Phil. 212, 228 (2014) [Per J. Leonen, Third Division], citing People v. Aruta, 351 Phil. 868, 879-880 (1998) [Per J. Romero, Third Division].

75Valmonte v. De Villa, 258 Phil. 838, 843 (1989) [Per J. Padilla, En Banc].

76People v. Racho, 640 Phil. 669, 676 (2010) [Per J. Nachura, Third Division] citing People v. Nuevas, 545 Phil. 356 (2007) [Per J. Tinga, Second Division].

77Rollo, p. 37.

78People v. Racho, 640 Phil. 669, 676 (2010) [Per J. Nachura, Second Division].

79See People v. Cogaed, 740 Phil. 212, 238 (2014) [Per J. Leonen, Third Division].

80 Id. citing People v. Chua 444 Phil. 757 (2003) [Per J. Ynares-Santiago, First Division].

81 Id. at 238-239.

82 640 Phil. 669 (2010) [Per J. Nachura, Second Division].

83 Id. at 679-680.

84 Id. at 671-672.

85 Id. at 672.

86 Id.

87 Id.

88 Id.

89 Id.

90 Id. at 667.

91 Id. This Court cited People v. Maspil, Jr., 266 Phil. 815 (1990) [J. Gutierrez, Jr., Third Division]; People v. Bagista, 288 Phil 828 (1992) [J. Nocon, Second Division]; People v. Balingan, 311 Phil. 290 (1995) [J. Puno, Second Division]; People v. Using, 341 Phil. 801 (1997) [Per J. Melo, Third Division]; and People v. Montilla, 349 Phil. 640 (1998) [Per J. Regalado, En Banc].

92Malacat v. Court of Appeals, 347 Phil. 462, 479 (1997) [Per J. Davide, En Banc].

93 In re Salibo v. Warden, 757 Phil. 630, 656 (2015) [Per J. Leonen, Second Division] citing the Dissenting Opinion of J. Teehankee in Ilagan v. Enrile, 223 Phil. 561 (1985) [Per J. Melencio-Herrera, En Banc].

94 Id.

95 292-A Phil. 34 (1993) [Per J. Grino-Aquino, First Division].

96 Id. at 39.

97 Id.

98 Id.

99 Id. at 40.

100 757 Phil. 630 (2015) [Per J. Leonen, Second Division].

101 Id. at 634-635.

102 Id. at 635.

103 Id. at 654-655.

104 Id.

105 Id. at 655.

106People v. Tudtud, 458 Phil. 752, 773 (2003) [Per J. Tinga, Second Division]; People v. Nuevas, 545 Phil. 356, 371-372 (2007) [Per J. Tinga, Second Division]; People v. Racho, 640 Phil. 669, 678 (2010) [Per J. Nachura, Second Division].

107 444 Phil. 757 (2003) [Per J. Ynares-Santiago, First Division].

108 Id. at 773-774.

109Malacat v. Court of Appeals, 347 Phil. 462, 480 (1997) [Per J. Davide, Jr., En Banc].

110People v. Cogaed, 740 Phil. 212, 232 (2014) [Per J. Leonen, Third Division].

111Malacat v. Court of Appeals, 347 Phil. 462, 481 (1997) [Per J. Davide, Jr., En Banc].

112 Id.

113People v. Cogaed, 740 Phil. 212, 233 (2014) [Per J. Leonen, Third Division] citing J. Bersamin, Dissenting Opinion in Esquillo v. People, 643 Phil. 577 (2010) [Per J. Carpio-Morales, Third Division].

114 345 Phil. 632 (1997) [Per J. Panganiban, Third Division].

115 Id. at 638.

116 Id.

117 Id.

118 Id.

119 Id.

120 Id. at 647.

121 330 Phil. 811 (1996) [Per J. Romero, Second Division].

122 Id. at 814-815.

123 Id. at 815.

124 Id.

125 Id.

126 Id. at 819.

127 740 Phil. 212 (2014) [Per J. Leonen, Third Division].

128 Id. at 221.

129 Id.

130 Id.

131 Id. at 221-222.

132 Id. at 234.

133 Id. at 45236-237.

134Caballes v. Court of Appeals, 424 Phil. 263, 286 (2002) [Per J. Puno, First Division].

135 Id. See also People v. Nuevas, 545 Phil. 356, 373 (2007) [Per J. Tinga, Second Division].

137 Id.

138See Caballes v. Court of Appeals, 424 Phil. 263, 285 (2002) [Per J. Puno, First Division]; People v. Cogaed, 740 Phil. 212, 239-240 (2014) [Per J. Leonen, Third Division].

139People v. Cogaed, 740 Phil. 212, 239 (2014) [Per J. Leonen, Third Division].

140Caballes v. Court of Appeals, 424 Phil. 263, 278 (2002) [Per J. Puno, First Division].

141 Id.

142 Id. at 279.

143 Id.

144See People v. Manago, G.R. No. 212340, August 17, 2016 [Per J. Perlas-Bernabe, First Division].

145Valmonte v. De Villa, 264 Phil. 265, 269 (1990) [Per J. Padilla, En Banc].

146 Id.

147 Id.

148 Id. at 270.

149People v. Vinecario, 465 Phil. 192, 206 (2004) [Per J. Carpio Morales, Third Division].

150People v. Manago, G.R. No. 212340, August 17, 2016, 10 [Per J. Perlas-Bernabe, First Division].

151 264 Phil. 265 (1990) [Per J. Padilla, En Banc].

152 Id. at 270.

153Valmonte v. De Villa, 258 Phil. 838, 843 (1989) [Per J. Padilla, En Banc].

154Valmonte v. De Villa, 264 Phil. 265, 271 (1990) [Per J. Padilla, En Banc]. See People v. Vinecario, 465 Phil. 192 (2004) [Per J. Carpio-Morales, Third Division].

155 767 Phil. 40 (2015) [Per J. Carpio, Second Division].

156 Id. at 62-65.

157 Id.

158 Id. at 65.

159 Id. at 64.

160 635 Phil. 315 (2010) [Per J. Nachura, Second Division].

161 Id. 322-323.

162 Id.

163 Id.

164 Id. at 325.

165 Id. at 331.

166 471 Phil. 379 (2004) [Per J. Corona, Third Division].

167 443 Phil. 506 (2003) [Per J. Puno, Third Division].

168 Id. at 517.

169 471 Phil. 379, 384 (2004) [Per J. Corona, Third Division].

170 266 Phil. 306 (1990) [Per J. Gancayo, First Division].

171 Id. at 307-312.

172 G.R. No. 209387, January 11, 2016 [Per J. Leonen, Second Division].

173 Id. at 22.

174Dela Cruz v. People, G.R. No. 209387, January 11, 2016 16 [Per J. Leonen, Second Division].

175 Id. at 17.



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June-2017 Jurisprudence                 

  • G.R. No. 204906, June 05, 2017 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (DPWH) SECRETARY SIMEON A. DATUMANONG; DPWH UNDERSECRETARY MANUEL M. BONOAN; DPWH CENTRAL OFFICE DIRECTOR IV CLARTTA A. BANDONILLO; DPWH REGION VI REGIONAL DIRECTOR WILFREDO AGUSTINO; DPWH ILOILO CITY DISTRICT ENGINEER VICENTE M. TINGSON, JR.; AND ENGINEERS RUBY P. LAGOC, MAVI V. JERECIA AND ELIZABETH GARDOSE, Petitioners, v. MARIA ELENA L. MALAGA, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 209132, June 05, 2017 - HEIRS OF TERESITA VILLANUEVA, SUBSTITUTED BY HER LEGAL HEIRS, NAMELY: ELSA ANA VILLANUEVA, LEONILA VILLANUEVA, TERESITA VILLANUEVA-SIPIN, FERDINAND VILLANUEVA, AND MARISSA VILLANUEVA-MADRIAGA, Petitioners, v. HEIRS OF PETRONILA SYQUIA MENDOZA, REPRESENTED BY MILAGROS PACIS, AND THE CO-HEIRS OF PETRONILA SYQUIA-MENDOZA, NAMELY, TOMAS S. QUIRINO, REPRESENTED BY SOCORRO QUIRINO, VICTORIA Q. DEGADO, CESAR SYQUIA, JUAN J. SYQUIA, REPRESENTED BY CARLOTA (NENITA) C. SYQUIA, AND HECTOR SYQUIA, JR., ACTING THROUGH THEIR ATTORNEY-IN-FACT CARLOS C. SYQUIA, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 216063, June 05, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. MARLON SORIANO Y NARAG, Accused-Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 216938, June 05, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Appellee, v. HENRY BENTAYO, Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 215627, June 05, 2017 - LUIS S. DOBLE, JR., Petitioner, v. ABB, INC./NITIN DESAI, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 218114, June 05, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. SALVADOR AYCARDO, Accused-Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 220168, June 07, 2017 - MARLOW NAVIGATION PHILIPPINES, INC./MARLOW NAVIGATION CO., LTD. AND/OR MS. EILEEN MORALES, Petitioners, v. HEIRS OF RICARDO S. GANAL, GEMMA B. BORAGAY, FOR HER BEHALF AND IN BEHALF OF HER MINOR CHILDREN NAMED: RIGEM GANAL & IVAN CHARLES GANAL; AND CHARLES F. GANAL, REPRESENTED BY SPOUSES PROCOPIO & VICTORIA GANAL, Respondents.

  • A.M. No. RTJ-16-2450 (Formerly A.M. No. 14-4324-RTJ), June 07, 2017 - PO1 MYRA S. MARCELO, Complainant, v. JUDGE IGNACIO C. BARCILLANO, BRANCH 13, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT (RTC), LIGAO CITY, ALBAY, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 210266, June 07, 2017 - ANTHONY DE SILVA CRUZ, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 204262, June 07, 2017 - MARIO C. MADRIDEJOS, Petitioner, v. NYK-FIL SHIP MANAGEMENT, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 206008, June 07, 2017 - DELFIN DOMINGO DADIS, Petitioner, v. SPOUSES MAGTANGGOL DE GUZMAN AND NORA Q. DE GUZMAN, AND THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF TALAVERA, NUEVA ECIJA, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 205428, June 07, 2017 - REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, REPRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (DPWH), Petitioner, v. SPOUSES SENANDO F. SALVADOR AND JOSEFIMA R. SALVADOR, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 223244, June 20, 2017 - RHODELIA L. SAMBO AND LORYL J. AVILA, Petitioners, v. COMMISSION ON AUDIT, REPRESENTED BY MA. GRACIA M. PULIDO TAN, CHAIRPERSON, Respondents.

  • A.C. No. 11480 (Formerly CBD Case No. 05-1558), June 20, 2017 - ARLENE VILLAFLORES�-PUZA, Complainant, v. ATTY. ROLANDO B. ARELLANO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 211166, June 05, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. PORFERIO CULAS Y RAGA, Accused-Appellant.

  • A.M. No. P-17-3676 (formerly OCA IPI No. 12-3985-P), June 05, 2017 - ELEANOR OLYMPIA-GERONILLA AND EMMA OLYMPIA GUTIERREZ, REPRESENTED BY ATTY. BEATRIZ O. GERONILLA-VILLEGAS, Complainant, v. RICARDO V. MONTEMAYOR, JR., SHERIFF IV AND ATTY. LUNINGNING CENTRON, CLERK OF COURT VI AND EX- OFFICIO SHERIFF, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 220211, June 05, 2017 - EDRON CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION AND EDMER Y. LIM, Petitioners, v. THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF SURIGAO DEL SUR, REPRESENTED BY GOVERNOR VICENTE T. PIMENTEL, JR., Respondents.

  • G. R. No. 217730, June 05, 2017 - PHILIPPINE AIRLINES, INC., Petitioner, v. ARJAN T. HASSARAM, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 215061, June 06, 2017 - AMANDO M. TETANGCO, JR., PETER B. FAVILA, JUANITA D. AMATONG, NELLY A. FAVIS� VILLAFUERTE, ALFREDO C. ANTONIO, IGNACIO R. BUNYE, MARIE MICHELLE N. ONG, BELLA M. PRUDENCIO, ESMEGARDO S. REYES, MA. CORAZON G. CATARROJA, Petitioners, v. COMMISSION ON AUDIT, Respondents.

  • A.M. No. P-06-2279 (Formerly OCA IPI No. 06-2452-P), June 06, 2017 - MAURA JUDAYA AND ANA AREVALO, Complainants, v. RAMIRO F. BALBONA, UTILITY WORKER I, OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF CEBU CITY, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 11533, June 06, 2017 - SPOUSES EDWIN AND GRETA CHUA, Complainants, v. SACP TERESA BELINDA G. TAN-SOLLANO, DCP MARIA GENE Z. JULIANDA-SARMIENTO, SDCP EUFROSINO A. SULLA, SACP SUWERTE L. OFRECIO-GONZALES, AND DCP JOSELITO D.R. OBEJAS, ALL OF THE OFFICE OF THE CITY PROSECUTOR OF MANILA, RELATIVE TO I.S. NO. XV-07-INV-15J-05513, Respondents.

  • A.M. No.16-12-03-CA, June 06, 2017 - RE: LETTER OF LUCENA OFENDOREYES ALLEGING ILLICIT ACTIVITIES OF A CERTAIN ATTY. CAJAYON INVOLVING CASES IN THE COURT OF APPEALS, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY; IPI No. 17-248-CA-J, June 6, 2017 - RE: LETTER-COMPLAINT OF SYLVIA ADANTE CHARGING HON. JANE AURORA C. LANTION, ASSOCIATE JUSTICE, COURT OF APPEALS, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, AND ATTY. DOROTHY CAJAYON WITH SYSTEMATIC PRACTICES OF CORRUPTION.

  • G.R. No. 209859, June 05, 2017 - EILEEN P. DAVID, Petitioner, v. GLENDA S. MARQUEZ, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 190043, June 21, 2017 - SANTOS-YLLANA REALTY CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. SPOUSES RICARDO DEANG AND FLORENTINA DEANG, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 175772[*], June 05, 2017 - MITSUBISHI CORPORATION-MANILA BRANCH, Petitioner, v. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 184464, June 21, 2017 - CINDY SHIELA COBARDE-GAMALLO, Petitioner, v. JOSE ROMEO C. ESCANDOR, Respondent.; G.R. NO. 184469 - OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN, Petitioner, v. JOSE ROMEO C. ESCANDOR, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 226792, June 06, 2017 - SOFRONIO B. ALBANIA, Petitioner, v. COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS AND EDGARDO A. TALLADO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 189100, June 21, 2017 - OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN, Petitioner, v. LETICIA BARBARA B. GUTIERREZ, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 182297, June 21, 2017 - GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM, Petitioner, v. FE L. ESTEVES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 195876, June 19, 2017 - PILIPINAS SHELL PETROLEUM CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 221717, June 19, 2017 - MANG INASAL PHILIPPINES, INC., Petitioner, v. IFP MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 10911, June 06, 2017 - VIRGILIO J. MAPALAD, SR., Complainant, v. ATTY. ANSELMO S. ECHANEZ, Respondent.

  • A.M. No. P-16-3614 [Formerly OCA IPI No. 16-4630-P], June 20, 2017 - ANONYMOUS, Complainant, v. GLENN L. NAMOL, COURT INTERPRETER, ERLA JOIE L. ROCO, LEGAL RESEARCHER AND EDSELBERT ANTHONY A. GARABATO, PROCESS SERVER, ALL OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT , BRANCH 63, BAYAWAN CITY, NEGROS ORIENTAL, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 211093, June 06, 2017 - MINDANAO SHOPPING DESTINATION CORPORATION, ACE HARDWARE PHILS., INC., INTERNATIONAL TOYWORLD, INC., STAR APPLIANCE CENTER, INC., SURPLUS MARKETING CORPORATION, WATSONS PERSONAL CARE STORES (PHILS.), INC., AND SUPERVALUE, INC., Petitioners, v. HON. RODRIGO R. DUTERTE, IN HIS CAPACITY AS MAYOR OF DAVAO CITY, HON. SARA DUTERTE, VICE-MAYOR OF DAVAO CITY, IN HER CAPACITY AS PRESIDING OFFICER OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD, AND THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD (CITY COUNCIL) NG DAVAO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 210693, June 07, 2017 - EMERALD GARMENT MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. THE H.D. LEE COMPANY, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 223844, June 28, 2017 - DANILO CALIVO CARIAGA, Petitioner, v. EMMANUEL D. SAPIGAO AND GINALYN C. ACOSTA, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 224022, June 28, 2017 - TEODORICO A. ZARAGOZA, Petitioner, v. ILOILO SANTOS TRUCKERS, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 224143, June 28, 2017 - KEVIN BELMONTE Y GOROMEO, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • A.M. No. P-17-3709 (Formerly OCA IPI No.13-4058-P), June 19, 2017 - JUDGE CELSO O. BAGUIO, Complainant, v. JOCELYN P. LACUNA, COURT STENOGRAPHER III, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 34, GAPAN CITY, NUEVA ECIJA, Respondent.

  • OCA IPI No. 11-3800-RTJ, June 19, 2017 - OSCAR C. RIZALADO, Complainant, v. PRESIDING JUDGE GIL G. BOLLOZOS, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BR. 21, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL, Respondent.; OCA IPI No. 12-3867-RTJ, June 19, 2017 - RE: LETTER-COMPLAINT DATED JUNE 27, 2011 OF OSCAR C. RIZALADO AGAINST JUDGE GIL BOLLOZOS, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 21, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, RELATIVE TO G.R. NO. 188427 (CYNTHIA G. ESPANO, ET AL. v. DR. OTHELLO C. GUZMAN, ET AL.); OCA IPI No. 12-3897-RTJ, June 19, 2017 - OTHELLO C. GUZMAN, RICARDO GUZMAN, MARIO C. GUZMAN, SR., AND ROSARIO GUZMAN RIZALADO, Complainant, v. PRESIDING JUDGE GIL G. BOLLOZOS, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 21, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL, Respondent.; OCA IPI No. 13-4070-RTJ, June 19, 2017 - OSCAR C. RIZALADO, Complainant, v. PRESIDING JUDGE GIL G. BOLLOZOS, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 21, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 11600, June 19, 2017 - ROMULO DE MESA FESTIN, Complainant, v. ATTY. ROLANDO V. ZUBIRI, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 218942, June 05, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ROLANDO BISORA Y LAGONOY, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 216937, June 05, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. TITO AMOC Y MAMBATALAN, Accused-Appellant.

  • A.M. No. MTJ-16-1870 [Formerly OCA I.P.I. No. 16-2833-MTJ], June 06, 2017 - RE: ANONYMOUS LETTER COMPLAINT, Complainant, v. JUDGE DIVINA T. SAMSON, MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURT, MABINI-PANTUKAN, COMPOSTELA VALLEY, AND UTILITY WORKER FRANCISCO M. ROQUE, JR., MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURT, MABINI-PANTUKAN, COMPOSTELA VALLEY, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 223334, June 07, 2017 - DANILO BARTOLATA, REPRESENTED BY HIS ATTORNEY-IN-FACT REBECCA R. PILOT AND/OR DIONISIO P. PILOT, Petitioner, v. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS, AND TOLL REGULATORY BOARD, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 225743, June 07, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. SANDY DOMINGO Y LABIS, Accused-Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 219070, June 21, 2017 - CONRADO R. ESPIRITU, JR., TERESITA ESPXRITU-GUTIERREZ, MARIETTA R. ESPIRITU-CRUZ, OSCAR R. ESPIRITU, AND ALFREDO R. ESPIRITU, Petitioners, v. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 198583, June 28, 2017 - ARLYN ALMARIO-TEMPLONUEVO, Petitioner, v. OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN, THE HONORABLE SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND CHITO M. OYARDO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 218970, June 28, 2017 - RICHARD ESCALANTE, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 194137, June 21, 2017 - AMBASSADOR HOTEL, INC., Petitioner, v. SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM, Respondent.

  • A.M. No. P-16-3604 [Formerly OCA I.P.I. No. 14-4245-P], June 28, 2017 - HEIRS OF DAMASO OCHEA, REPRESENTED BY MIGUEL KILANTANG, Complainant, v. ATTY. ANDREA P. MARATAS, BRANCH CLERK OF COURT, BRANCH 53, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, LAPU-LAPU CITY, CEBU, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 222538, June 21, 2017 - EDUARDO N. RIGUER, Petitioner, v. ATTY. EDRALIN S. MATEO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 228435, June 21, 2017 - KT CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY, INC., REPRESENTED BY WILLIAM GO, Petitioner, v. PHILIPPINE SAVINGS BANK, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 200370, June 07, 2017 - MARIO VERIDIANO Y SAPI, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 198544, June 19, 2017 - SEAPOWER SHIPPING ENT., INC., Petitioner, v. HEIRS OF WARREN M. SABANAL, REPRESENTED BY ELVIRA ONG-SABANAL, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 192391, June 19, 2017 - ESTATE OF HONORIO POBLADOR, JR., REPRESENTED BY RAFAEL A. POBLADOR, Petitioner, v. ROSARIO L. MANZANO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 218242, June 21, 2017 - PAULINO M. ALDABA, Petitioner, v. CAREER PHILIPPINES SHIP-MANAGEMENT, INC., COLUMBIA SHIPMANAGEMENT LTD., AND/OR VERLOU CARMELINO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 220718, June 21, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. NICOLAS TUBILLO Y ABELLA, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 210654, June 07, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. PABLO LUAD ARMODIA, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 208243, June 05, 2017 - EDWIN GRANADA REYES, Petitioner, v. THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN, THE SANDIGANBAYAN, AND PAUL JOCSON ARCHES, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 200512, June 07, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ELMER AVANCENA Y CABANELA, JAIME POPIOCO Y CAMBAYA1 AND NOLASCO TAYTAY Y CRUZ, Accused-Appellants.

  • A.M. No. P-16-3616 [Formerly OCA I.P.I. No. 15-4457-P], June 21, 2017 - ATTY. PROSENCIO D. JASO, Complainant, v. GLORIA L. LONDRES, COURT STENOGRAPHER III, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 258, PARA�AQUE CITY, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 198066, June 07, 2017 - YOLANDO T. BRAVO, Petitioner, v. URIOS COLLEGE (NOW FATHER SATURNINO URIOS UNIVERSITY) AND/OR FR. JOHN CHRISTIAN U. YOUNG, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 194152, June 05, 2017 - MAKILITO B. MAHINAY, Petitioner, v. DURA TIRE & RUBBER INDUSTRIES, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 212201, June 28, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. RODOLFO DENIEGA Y ESPINOSA, Accused-Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 219848, June 07, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. GODOFREDO MACARAIG Y GONZALES, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 213088, June 28, 2017 - LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD (LTFRB), Petitioner, v. G.V. FLORIDA TRANSPORT, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 214500, June 28, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v, MICHELLE DELA CRUZ, Accused-Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 226846, June 21, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. JEFFREY MACARANAS Y FERNANDEZ, Accused-Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 224300, June 07, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. JOSE CUTARA Y BRIX, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 176703, June 28, 2017 - MUNICIPALITY OF CAINTA, Petitioner, v. CITY OF PASIG AND UNIWIDE SALES WAREHOUSE CLUB, INC., Respondents.; G.R. No. 176721 - UNIWIDE SALES WAREHOUSE CLUB, INC., Petitioner, v. CITY OF PASIG AND MUNICIPALITY OF CAINTA, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 220143, June 07, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. JONATHAN BAAY Y FALCO, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 203114, June 28, 2017 - VIRGILIO LABANDRIA AWAS, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 211108, June 07, 2017 - ALEJANDRO D.C. ROQUE, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 214301, June 07, 2017 - RAMON MANUEL T. JAVINES, Petitioner, v. XLIBRIS A.K.A. AUTHOR SOLUTIONS, INC., JOSEPH STEINBACH, AND STELLA MARS OUANO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 205283, June 07, 2017 - ABIGAIL L. MENDIOLA, Petitioner, v. VENERANDO P. SANGALANG, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 212934, June 07, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. BLAS GAA Y RODRIGUEZ, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 224532, June 21, 2017 - CONSTANCIO CADERAO BALATERO, Petitioner, v. SENATOR CREWING (MANILA) INC., AQUANAUT SHIPMANAGEMENT LTD., ROSE AARON AND CARLOS BONOAN, MV MSC FLAMINIA, Respondents.; G.R. No. 224565, June 21, 2017 - SENATOR CREWING (MANILA) INC., AQUANAUT SHIPMANAGEMENT LTD., ROSE AARON AND CARLOS BONOAN, Petitioners, v. CONSTANCIO C. BALATERO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 225623, June 07, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. LORENZO RAYTOS Y ESPINO, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 207001, June 07, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. RICHARD F. TRIPOLI AND ROMULO B. IMPAS, Accused-Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 191174, June 07, 2017 - PARADIGM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES ISLANDS, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 217459, June 07, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ALBERTO FORTUNA ALBERCA, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 220758, June 07, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. STEPHAN CABILES Y SUAREZ A.K.A. "KANO", Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 177000, June 19, 2017 - NESTOR GUELOS, RODRIGO GUELOS, GIL CARANDANG AND SPO2 ALFREDO CARANDANG Y PRESCILLA, Petitioners, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 221096, June 28, 2017 - CLAUDIA'S KITCHEN, INC. AND ENZO SQUILLANTINI, Petitioners, v. MA. REALIZA S. TANGUIN, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 206702, June 07, 2017 - REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, REPRESENTED BY THE NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION, Petitioner, v. ROLANDO C. CEBUAN, RUBEN C. CEBUAN, ERIC C. CEBUAN, SAMUEL C. BARING, BEATRICE A. LOW, LEONORE L. DE LA SERNA AND HEIRS OF LORENZO UMBAAD, Respondents

  • G.R. No. 227005, June 19, 2017 - BDO UNIBANK, INC., Petitioner, v. ENGR. SELWYN LAO, DOING BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME AND STYLE "SELWYN F. LAO CONSTRUCTION" AND "WING AN CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION" AND INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE BANK (NOW UNION BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES), Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 227306, June 19, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ROBERTO ESPERANZA JESALVA ALIAS "ROBERT SANTOS," Accused-Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 224144, June 28, 2017 - LOLITA BAS CAPABLANCA, Petitioner, v. HEIRS OF PEDRO BAS, REPRESENTED BY JOSEFINA BAS ESPINOSA AND REGISTER OF DEEDS OF THE PROVINCE OF CEBU, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 216987, June 05, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. WILFREDO PACAYRA Y MABUTOL, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 222685, June 21, 2017 - LORETA SAMBALILO, SALVADOR SAMBALILO, ZOILO SAMBALILO, JR. AND RENANTE SAMBALILO, Petitioners, v. SPOUSES PABLO LLARENAS AND FE LLARENAS, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 221085, June 19, 2017 - RAVENGAR G. IBON, Petitioner, v. GENGHIS KHAN SECURITY SERVICES AND/OR MARIETTA VALLESPIN, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 202091, June 07, 2017 - SUMIFRU (PHILIPPINES) CORP. (SURVIVING ENTITY OF A MERGER WITH FRESH BANANA AGRICULTURAL CORPORATION AND OTHER CORPORATIONS), Petitioner, v. NAGKAHIUSANG MAMUMUO SA SUYAPA FARM1 (NAMASUFA-NAFLU-KMU), Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 198485, June 05, 2017 - MARUBENI PHILIPPINES CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 220977, June 19, 2017 - PO1 CELSO TABOBO III Y EBID, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 196650, June 07, 2017 - SPECTRUM SECURITY SERVICES, INC., Petitioner, v. DAVID GRAVE, ARIEL V. AROA, TOMASINO R. DE CHAVEZ, JR., LUCITO P. SAMARITA, SAIDOMAR M. MAROHOM, LITO V. MAHILOM AND OLIVER N. MARTIN, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 159139, June 06, 2017 - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, MA. CORAZON M. AKOL, MIGUEL UY, EDUARDO H. LOPEZ, AUGUSTO C. LAGMAN, REX C. DRILON, MIGUEL HILADO, LEY SALCEDO, AND MANUEL ALCUAZ, JR., Petitioners, v. COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS, COMELEC CHAIRMAN BENJAMIN ABALOS, SR., COMELEC BIDDING AND AWARDS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN EDUARDO D. MEJOS AND MEMBERS GIDEON DE GUZMAN, JOSE F. BALBUENA, LAMBERTO P. LLAMAS, AND BARTOLOME SINOCRUZ, JR., Respondents.; G.R. NO. 174777 - AQUILINO Q. PIMENTEL, JR., SERGIO R. OSME�A III, PANFILO M. LACSON, ALFREDO S. LIM, JAMBY A.S. MADRIGAL, LUISA P. EJERCITO-ESTRADA, JINGGOY E. ESTRADA, RODOLFO G. BIAZON, AND RICHARD J. GORDON, Petitioners, v. MA. MERCEDITAS NAVARRO-GUTIERREZ, IN HER CAPACITY AS OMBUDSMAN, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 215195, June 07, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. JOSE DESCARTIN, JR. Y MERCADER, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 220022, June 19, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. WILTON ALACDIS Y ANATIL A.K.A. "WELTON", DOMINGO LINGBANAN (AT-LARGE), AND PEPITO ANATIL ALACDIS (AT-LARGE), Accused.; WILTON ALACDIS Y ANATIL A.K.A. "WELTON", Accused-Appellant.

  • A.M. No. P-15-3335 [Formerly A.M. No. 15-04-98-RTC], June 28, 2017 - OFFICE OF THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR, Complainant, v. ATTY. JEROME B. BANTIYAN, CLERK OF COURT VI AND ERLINDA G. CAMILO, FORMER OIC/COURT INTERPRETER, BOTH OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 34, BANAUE, IFUGAO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 219615, June 07, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. RAFAEL AGUDO Y DEL VALLE, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 219590, June 07, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. MARCIAL M. PARDILLO, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 224099, June 21, 2017 - ROMMEL M. ZAMBRANO, ROMEO O. CALIPAY, JESUS L. CHIN, LYNDON B. APOSAGA, BONIFACIO A. CASTA�EDA, ROSEMARIE P. FALCUNIT, ROMEO A. FINALLA, LUISITO G. GELLIDO, JOSE ALLI L. MABUHAY, VICENTE A. MORALES, RAUL L. REANZARES, DIODITO I. TACUD, ERNAN D. TERCERO, LARRY V. MUTIA, ROMEO A. GURON, DIOSDADO S. AZUSANO, BENEDICTO D. GIDAYAWAN, LOWIS M. LANDRITO, NARCISO R. ASI, TEODULO BORAC, SANTOS J. CRUZADO, JR., ROLANDO DELA CRUZ, RAYMUNDO, MILA Y. ABLAY, ERMITY F. GABUCAY, PABLITO M. LACANARIA, MELCHOR PE�AFLOR, ARSENIO B. PICART III, ROMEO M. SISON, JOSE VELASCO JR., ERWIN M. VICTORIA, PRISCO J. ABILO, WILFREDO D. ARANDIA, ALEXANDER Y. HILADO, JAIME M. CORALES, GERALDINE C. MAUHAY, MAURO P. MARQUEZ, JONATHAN T. BARQUIN, RICARDO M. CALDERON JR., RENATOR. RAMIREZ, VIVIAN P. VIRTUDES, DOMINGO P. COSTANTINO JR., RENATO A. MANAIG, RAFAEL D. CARILLO, Petitioners, v. PHILIPPINE CARPET MANUFACTURING CORPORATION/PACIFIC CARPET MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, DAVID E. T. LIM, AND EVELYN LIM FORBES, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 209518, June 19, 2017 - MA. HAZELINA A. TUJAN-MILITANTE, Petitioner, v. ANA KARI CARMENCITA NUSTAD, AS REPRESENTED BY ATTY. MARGUERITE THERESE L. LUCILA, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 208359, June 19, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. DEMETRIO SABIDA Y SADIWA, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 206114, June 19, 2017 - DOLORES ALEJO, Petitioner, v. SPOUSES ERNESTO CORTEZ AND PRISCILLA SAN PEDRO, SPOUSES JORGE LEONARDO AND JACINTA LEONARDO AND THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF BULACAN, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 192723, June 05, 2017 - LEOVIGILDO A. DE CASTRO, Petitioner, v. FIELD INVESTIGATION OFFICE, OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN AND THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 207516, June 19, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. AMBROSIO OHAYAS, ROBERTO OWAS, FLORENCIO RAPANA, CERELO BALURO, EDDIE YAGUNO, RUPO YAGUNO AND JERRY YAGUNO, ACCUSED. AMBROSIO OHAYAS, Accused-Appellant.

  • A.C. No. 8371, June 28, 2017 - SPOUSES GERARDO MONTECILLO AND DOMINGA SALONOY, Complainant, v. ATTY. EDUARDO Z. GATCHALIAN, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 208450, June 05, 2017 - SPS. ROBERTO ABOITIZ AND MARIA CRISTINA CABARRUS, Petitioners, v. SPS. PETER L. PO AND VICTORIA L. PO, Respondents.; G.R. No. 208497 - SPS. PETER L. PO AND VICTORIA L. PO, Petitioners, v. SPS. ROBERTO ABOITIZ AND MARIA CRISTINA CABARRUS, JOSE MARIA MORAZA, AND ERNESTO ABOITIZ AND ISABEL ABOITIZ, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 218572, June 19, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. BILLIE GHER TUBALLAS Y FAUSTINO, Accused-Appellant,

  • G.R. No. 202922, June 19, 2017 - COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Petitioner, v. SEMIRARA MINING CORPORATION, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 198795, June 07, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. MERCEDITAS MATHEUS Y DELOS REYES, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 195003, June 07, 2017 - CITY OF BATANGAS, REPRESENTED BY HON. SEVERINA VILMA ABAYA, IN HER CAPACITY AS CITY MAYOR OF BATANGAS, Petitioner, v. PHILIPPINE SHELL PETROLEUM CORPORATION AND SHELL PHILIPPINES EXPLORATION B.V., Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 198162, June 21, 2017 - CORAZON M. LACAP, Petitioner, v. SANDIGANBAYAN [FOURTH DIVISION] AND THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 202086, June 21, 2017 - NORMAN PANALIGAN, IRENEO VILLAJIN, AND GABRIEL PENILLA, Petitioners, v. PHYVITA ENTERPRISES CORPORATION, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 189102, June 07, 2017 - CHIQUITA BRANDS, INC. AND CHIQUITA BRANDS INTERNATIONAL, INC., Petitioners, v. HON. GEORGE E. OMELIO, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, DAVAO CITY, BRANCH 14, SHERIFF ROBERTO C. ESGUERRA, CECILIO G. ABENION, AND 1,842 OTHER PLAINTIFFS IN CIVIL CASE NO. 95-45, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 208001, June 19, 2017 - P/C SUPT. EDWIN A. PFLEIDER, Petitioner, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 225634, June 07, 2017 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ALLAN JAO Y CALONIA AND ROGELIO CATIGTIG Y COBIO, Accused-Appellants.