Civil Case Digest Notebook

7/26/2019 Civil Case Digest Notebook

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MANUEL LARA ET AL. ,petitioner, vs. PETRONILO DEL ROSARIO, respondent

No. L-6339. April 20, 1954

Facts:

In 1950, defendant Petronilo Del osario, !r., o"ner of t"ent#-five ta$i %a&s, or %ars,operated a ta$i &'siness 'nder t(e na)e of *+AAL AI./ e e)plo#ed a)on ot(ers t(ree)e%(ani%s and 49 %(a'ffe'rs or drivers, t(e latter (avin "ored forperiods ranin fro) 2 to 3)ont(s. +(en t(e o"ner, Del rosario, !r., sold all of (is ve(i%les on epte)&er 4, 1950, to Laallor%a a transportation (e failed to %ontin'e t(e) in t(eir e)plo#)ent. 7e%a'se t(eir e)plo#er did not ive t(e) one )ont(8s salar# in lie' of t(e noti%e re'ired in Arti%le 302 of t(e:ode of :o))er%e, t(is a%tion "as instit'ted.

Issue:+(et(er or not plaintiffs are entitled to e$tra %o)pensation for "or perfor)ed in e$%ess

of ; (o'rs a da#. 'nda#s and (olida#s in%l'ded.

Ruling:(e servi%es of t(e plaintiffs ended epte)&er 4, 1950, "(en t(e ne" :ivil :ode "as

alread# in for%e, it (avin &e%o)in effe%tive A''st 30, 1950 one #ear after it "s released for %ir%'lation<. (e Ne" :ivil :ode on Arti%le 220 repealed t(e provisions of t(e :ode of :o))er%e, overnin aen%#, one provision of "(i%( "as Arti%le 302 parti%'larl# one speainof *salar# %orrespondin to said )ont(,/ %o))onl# no"n as *)esada/<. en%e, t(e plaintiffsare no loner entitled to t(eir one )ont( severan%e pa#.

1



LORENZO M. TAÑADA, ET. AL., petitioners, v. HON. UAN !. TU"ERA, IN HIS!APA!IT# AS E$E!UTI"E ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT, ET. AL, respondents.

=.. No. L-63915. April 24, 19;5

Facts: (e petitioners, Loren>o . a?ada, A&ra(a) @. ar)iento, and ove)ent of Attorne#sfor 7rot(er(ood Interit# and Nationalis), In%. A7INI<, "ere seein a "rit of )anda)'s to%o)pel respondent p'&li% offi%ials to p'&lis(, andor %a'se t(e p'&li%ation of la"s in t(e Bffi%ial=a>ette. o"ever, respondents t(ro'( oli%itor =eneral "o'ld (ave t(is %ase dis)issed on t(ero'nd t(at petitioners (ave no leal personalit# or standin to &rin t(e instant petition.espondents f'rt(er %ontend t(at p'&li%ation in t(e Bffi%ial =a>ette is not a sine qua non

re'ire)ent for t(e effe%tivit# of la"s "(ere t(e la"s t(e)selves provide for t(eir o"neffe%tivit# date.

(e# pleaded lie"ise t(at t(e date of p'&li%ation is )aterial in deter)inin t(e date of effe%tivit#, t(at is, t(e fifteent( da# follo"in t(e p'&li%ation, as provided in Arti%le 2 of t(e Ne"

:ivil :ode, &'t not "(en t(e la" itself provides its o"n date of effe%tivit#. Bt(er"ise, t(ere"o'ld &e no roo) for t(e appli%ation of t(e )a$i) “ignorantia legis non excusat,” for it preC'di%es t(e ri(t of d'e pro%ess sin%e t(ese presidential iss'an%es are *of p'&li% nat're/ or *of eneral appli%a&ilit#./

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e p'&li%ation of presidential iss'an%es in t(e Bffi%ial =a>ette is not

indispensa&le for t(eir effe%tivit#

Ruling:(e :o'rt t(erefore de%lares t(at presidential iss'an%es of eneral appli%ation, "(i%(

(ave not &een p'&lis(ed, s(all (ave no for%e and effe%t. (e enfor%e)ent of presidential de%rees prior to t(eir p'&li%ation in t(e Bffi%ial =a>ette is an *operative fa%t "(i%( )a# (ave%onse'en%e "(i%( %annot &e C'stl# inored./ +(erefore, t(e :o'rt (ere&# orders respondents to p'&lis( in t(e Bffi%ial =a>ette all 'np'&lis(ed presidential iss'an%es "(i%( are of eneralappli%ation.

2



LORENZO M. TAÑADA, ET. AL., petitioners, v. HON. UAN !. TU"ERA. IN HIS!APA!IT# AS E$E!UTI"E ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT, ET AL., respondents.

=.. No. L-63915. De%e)&er 29, 19;6.

Facts:

After t(e de%ision of t(e :o'rt on 24 April 19;5 affir)in t(e ne%essit# for t(e p'&li%ation of so)e of t(e de%rees, a?ada, et. al., are &efore t(e :o'rt aain to s'est t(att(ere s(o'ld &e no distin%tion &et"een la"s of eneral appli%a&ilit# and t(ose "(i%( are not t(at p'&li%ation s(o'ld &e %o)plete and t(e sa)e s(o'ld &e )ade in t(e Bffi%ial =a>ette.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e p'&li%ation s(o'ld &e %o)pleted prior to its enfor%e)ent in t(e

Bffi%ial =a>ette

Ruling:All stat'tes, in%l'din t(ose of lo%al appli%ation and private la"s, s(all &e p'&lis(ed as a

%ondition for t(eir effe%tivit#, "(i%( s(all &ein fifteen da#s after p'&li%ation 'nless a differenteffe%tivit# date is fi$ed &# t(e leislat're. @or t(e p(rase *'nless ot(er"ise provided/ in Arti%le 2of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode, it does not dispense t(e need of p'&li%ation rat(er it refers to t(e date of effe%tivit# of t(e la". '%( p'&li%ation of la"s %o'ld &e availa&le in a ne"spaper of eneral%ir%'lation for it is easil# availa&le, (as a "ide readers(ip, and %o)es o't re'larl#. o"ever,t(ere is no a)end)ent in t(e said :ode as to t(e p'&li%ation of la"s. And as far as t(e 'pre)e:o'rt is %on%erned, its f'n%tion is li)ited to interpret la"s and %annot pres%ri&ed ot(er r'le on"(ere t(e p'&li%ation (as to &e )ade. ('s, it (as no ot(er %(oi%e &'t to prono'n%e t(at p'&li%ation s(all &e )ade in t(e Bffi%ial =a>ette.

EF$e%'tive Brder 200, dated !'ne 1;, 19;, (as )odified Arti%le 2 of t(e :ivil :ode, "(i%( provides for t(e p'&li%ation of la"s eit(er in t(e Bffi%ial =a>ette or in a ne"spaper of eneral%ir%'lation in t(e P(ilippines as a re'ire)ent for effe%tivit#.<

3



PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL TRADIN% !ORPORATION, petitioner, vs. AN%ELES, respondent

%.R. N&. '()*+'. Oct&e- ', '//+

Facts:

Bn A''st 30, 19;9, t(e ad)inistrative order no. B:PF: ;9-0;-01 "as iss'ed &# t(eP(ilippine International :oporation PI:<. (e relevant provision t(erein "as t(atorani>ations "(i%( "anted to trade "it( t(e People8s ep'&li% of :(ina PB:< (ad to do so'nder %ertain %onditionsG I)ports )'st &e )ade "it( a %orrespondin n')&er or per%entae or e$ports. Desirin to )ae i)portations for) PB:, private respondents e)inton and@irestone, &ot( do)esti% %orporations, individ'all# applied for t(e deal and e$e%'ted respe%tive'ndertain to &alan%e t(eir i)ports and e$ports. After i)portation, &ot( private respondentsfailed to %o)pl# in s'&)ittin %orrespondin e$port %redits. (e PI: s'&se'entl# &arred private respondents fro) f't're i)portation fro) PB:.

Fvent'all#, private respondents %a)e toet(er %a)e toet(er in a petition aainst PI:petition for Pro(i&ition and anda)'s, "it( prater for iss'an%e of e)porar# estrainin

Brder<. (e reional trial %o'rt rendered its de%ision on !an'ar# 4, 1992. t(e %o'rt sided "it((erein private respondents %itin a)on a (ost of reasons t(at PI:8s a't(orit# to %reate la"s(ad alread# &een repealed &# F.B. No. 133, iss'ed on @e&r'ar# 2, 19;. Anot(er %onsidera&le point "as t(at t(e ad)inistrative order "as n'll and void sin%e t(e sa)e "as not p'&lis(ed as"as re'ired &# Arti%le 2 of t(e :ivil :ode.

Petitioner t(en %a)e to t(e 'pre)e :o'rt on petition for revie" on %ertiorari. +(ile t(e'pre)e :o'rt "as deli&eratin, President @idel . a)os %a)e to an aree)ent "it( PB:and fored F$e%'tive Brder No. 244. (e e$e%'tive order essentiall# a&roated t(ead)inistrative order. (ere (o"ever re)ained, t(e )atter of o'tstandin o&liations of t(erespondents for t(e %(ares relatin to t(e 0.5H. :o'nter F$port Develop)ent ervi%e in favor of PI:, for t(e period "(en t(e 'estioned Ad)inistrative Brder "as still in effe%t.

Issues:1. Are ad)inistrative orders s'&Ce%t to Arti%le 2 of t(e :ivil :ode2. as leal a't(orit# of PI: e)anatin fro) LBI No. 444 and P.D. No. 244 &en

repealed &# F.B. No. 1333. Is t(e o&liation still s'&sistin, or are t(e respondents freed fro) it

Ruling:LBI No. 444 and P.D. No. 244 "ere not repealed &# F.B. No. 13 sin%e t(e e$e%'tive

order itself, as "orded, "as silent as to t(e a&olition or li)itation of t(e po"ers ranted to t(eGPI:. o"ever, t(e Ad)inistrative Brder is not e$e)pt fro) Arti%le 2 of re'lations )'st also &e p'&lis(ed if t(eir p'rpose is to enfor%e or i)ple)ent e$istin la" p'rs'ant also to a validdeleation.

(e ad)inistrative order iss'ed &# PI: dated on A''st 30, 19;9 "as not p'&lis(ed int(e Bffi%ial =a>ette or in a ne"spaper of eneral %ir%'lation. en%e, t(e la" "as invalid "(eno&liations "ere s'pposed to tae effe%t.

(e 'pre)e :o'rt affir)ed t(e C'd)ent of t(e lo"er %o'rt, to t(e effe%t t(at C'd)ent"as (ere&# rendered in favor of t(e private respondents.

4



PHILIPPINE "ETERANS 0AN1 EMPLO#EES UNION2N.U.0.E an3 PERFE!TO 0.FERNANDEZ, petitioners, 4s. HONORA0LE 0ENAMIN "E%A, respondents.

=.. No. 105364. !'ne 2;, 2001

FactsG

Bn !an'ar# 24, 1992, President :or# A'ino sined into la" *An A%t to e(a&ilitate (eP(ilippine eterans 7an :reated Jnder A%t. No. 351; Providin (e e%(anis)s (erefor,And @or Bt(er P'rposes A 169<,/ "(i%( "as p'&lis(ed in t(e Bffi%ial =a>ette on @e&r'ar#24, 1992 and provides in part for t(e reopenin of t(e P(ilippine eterans 7an toet(er "it( allits &ran%(es "it(in t(e period of t(ree #ears fro) t(e date of t(e reopenin of t(e (ead offi%e.

Bn !'ne 3, 1992, t(e li'idator filed A otion for t(e er)ination of t(e Li'idationPro%eedin s of t(e P(ilippine eterans 7an "it( t(e respondent C'de. And in a esol'tiondated !'ne ;, 1992, t(e :o'rt iss'ed a te)porar# restrainin order in t(e instant %ase restraininrespondent C'de fro) f'rt(er pro%eedin "it( t(e li'idation of P7. Bn t(e ot(er (and, on!'ne 22, 1992, BP e%'rit# and Dete%tive Aen%# and its 162 se%'rit# 'ards filed a otionfor Intervention "it( pra#er t(at t(e# &e e$%l'ded fro) t(e operation of t(e e)porar#

estrainin Brder iss'ed &# t(e :o'rt. (e# alleed t(at t(e# (ad filed a )otion &efore 7ran%(39 of t(e : anila pra#in t(at t(e said %o'rt order P7 to pa# &a%"aes and salar#differentials &# a't(orit# of A No. 62, +ae Brders and t(at said %o'rt in an Brder dated!'ne 5, 1992, approved t(erein )ovants8 %ase and dire%ted t(e &an li'idator to pa# &a%"aesand differentials in a%%ordan%e "it( t(e %o)p'tation in%orporated in t(e order.

Bn A''st 3, 1992, t(e P(ilippine eterans 7an reopened.

IssueGa# a li'idation %o'rt %ontin'e "it( li'idation pro%eedins of t(e P(ilippine eterans

7an "(en :onress (ad )andated its re(a&ilitation and reopenin

RulingG(e %on%ept of li'idation is dia)etri%all# opposed or %ontrar# to t(e %on%ept of

re(a&ilitation, s'%( t(at &ot( %annot &e 'ndertaen at t(e sa)e ti)e. o allo" t(e li'idation pro%eedins to %ontin'e "o'ld serio'sl# (inder t(e re(a&ilitation of t(e s'&Ce%t &an. (eena%t)ent of t(e ep'&li% A%t No. 169 (as rendered t(e li'idation %o'rt functus de officio"(i%( "as sined into la" &# President :ora>on :. A'ino and &e%a)e effe%tive on t(e dateindi%ated. (erefore, li'idation %annot o f'rt(er pro%eedins.

5



#AO 1EE petitioner vs. S#2%ONZALES respondent

L-55960 Nove)&er 24, 19;;

Facts:#-Kiat, a :(inese national, died on !an. 1, 19 in :aloo%an :it# leavin &e(ind real

and personal properties (ere in t(e P(ilippines "ort( P300, 000.00 )ore or less. (ereafter, Aida#-=on>ales, an'el #, eresita #-7erna&e and odolfo # filed a petition for t(e rant of letters of ad)inistration in said petition, t(e# alleed a)on ot(ers t(at a< t(e# are t(e %(ildrenof t(e de%eased "it( As'n%ion =illao &< t(e# do not a%no"lede #-Kiat8s )arriae to ao-Kee. (e petition "as opposed &# ao-Kee, >e oo +an, >e Lai :(o and # 'n Kiat. After t(e (earin, t(e pro&ate %o'rt affir)ed t(at #-Kiat "as leall# )arried to ao-Kee. Bn appeal,t(e :A (eld t(at respondents are t(e a%no"leded nat'ral %(ildren of #-Kiat and t(at #-Kiat8s)arriae "it( ao-Kee (ad not &een proven to &e valid in t(e &ot( t(e P(ilippine and :(inesela"s. As testified &# ao-Kee, s(e "as )arried to #-Kiat on !an. 19, 1931, in @ooien, :(inat(at s(e is not in possession of t(eir )arriae %ertifi%ate t(at t(eir )arriae "as an aree)ent of t(eir parents "(o "ere as "ell t(e sinatories of t(e %ertifi%ate t(at t(e# "ere "ed &# a villae

leader t(at s(e %annot provide t(e said do%')ent %ontainin t(e sinat'res of t(e %o'ple8s parents and t(at s(e %annot provide an# leal do%')ent provin t(at t(eir "eddin "as indeed part of :(ina8s %'sto) or :(ina8s la"s.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e fa%t of )arriae in a%%ordan%e "it( :(inese la" "as d'l# proven

Ruling:+ell-esta&lis(ed in t(is C'risdi%tion is t(e prin%iple t(at P(ilippine %o'rts %annot tae

C'di%ial noti%e of forein la"s. (e# )'st &e alleed and proved as an# ot(er fa%t. A%%ordinl#,in t(e a&sen%e of proof of t(e :(inese la" on )arriae, it s(o'ld &e pres')ed t(at it is t(e sa)eas o'rs. @or fail're to prove t(e forein la" or %'sto), and %onse'entl# t(e validit# of t(e)arriae in a%%ordan%e "it( said la" or %'sto), t(e )arriae &et"een ao-Kee and #-Kiat%annot &e re%oni>ed in t(is C'risdi%tion.

+(erefore, t(e de%ision of t(e :A is (ere&# affir)ed.

6



MENANDRO 0. LAUREANO, petitioner, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS AND SIN%APOREAIRLINES LIMITED, respondents.=.. No. 1146. @e&r'ar# 2, 2000.

Facts: In 19;, plaintiff enandro 7. La'reano, t(en Dire%tor of @li(t Bperations and :(ief Pilot of Air anila, applied for e)plo#)ent "it( defendant %o)pan# t(ro'( its Area anaer in anila. Plaintiff8s appoint)ent "as %onfir)ed effe%tive !'l# 21, 199. Bn t(e said date, t(edefendant also offered plaintiff an e$tension of (is t"o-#ear %ontra%t to five 5< #ears effe%tive!an'ar# 21, 199 to !an'ar# 20, 19;4 s'&Ce%t to t(e ter)s and %onditions set fort( in t(e %ontra%tof e)plo#)ent, "(i%( t(e latter a%%epted.

o)eti)e in 19;2, defendant initiated %ost-%'ttin )eas'res d'e to re%ession. eventeen1< e$patriate %aptains in t(e Air&'s fleet "ere fo'nd in e$%ess of t(e defendant8s re'ire)ents.Defendant infor)ed its e$patriate pilots in%l'din plaintiff of t(e sit'ation and advised t(e) totae advan%e leaves. It did not (o"ever i))ediatel# ter)inate A-300 pilots. It revie"ed t(eir

'alifi%ations for possi&le pro)otion to t(e 7-4 fleet. A)on t(e 1 Air&'s pilots revie"ed,12 "ere fo'nd 'alified. Jnfort'natel#, plaintiff "as not one of t(e 12. Bn B%to&er 5, 19;2,defendant infor)ed plaintiff of (is ter)ination effe%tive Nove)&er 1, 19;2 and t(at (e "ill &e paid t(ree 3< )ont(s salar# in lie' of t(ree )ont(s noti%e &'t defendant ave onl# t"o 2<)ont(s noti%e and one 1< )ont( salar#.

Arieved, plaintiff on !'ne 29, 19;3, instit'ted a %ase for illeal dis)issal &efore t(eLa&or Ar&iter. Defendant on @e&r'ar# 11, 19; filed a )otion to dis)iss on C'risdi%tionalro'nds sin%e t(e plaintiff "as e)plo#ed in inapore and all ot(er aspe%ts of (is e)plo#)ent%ontra%t "ere e$e%'ted in inapore, t(erefore, inapore la"s s(o'ld appl#.

Issue:+(et(er or not inapore la"s s(o'ld &e applied in t(is %ase.

Ruling: No.(e P(ilippines la"s s(o'ld &e applied in t(is %ase &e%a'se t(e defendant t(at %lai)s t(e

appli%a&ilit# of t(e inapore la"s (as t(e &'rden of proof &'t defendant failed to do so.(erefore, t(e %o'rt de%ided to appl# *pro%ess'al pres')ption./



OSE E. ARUE%O, R., petitioner, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent=.. No. 112193. ar%( 13, 1996

Facts:Bn ar%( , 19;3, a :o)plaint for :o)p'lsar# e%onition and Fnfor%e)ent of

'%%essional i(ts "as filed &efore t(e eional rial :o'rt of anila &# t(e )inors, Antonia@. Ar'eo and (er alleed sister Fvel#n @. Ar'eo, &orn on B%to&er 5, 1962 and epte)&er 3,1963, respe%tivel#, represented &# t(eir )ot(er, L'> . @a&ian. (e %o)plaint pra#ed for anorder pra#in t(at Antonia and Fvel#n &e de%lared t(e illeiti)ate %(ildren of !ose Ar'eo, r."(o died on ar%( 30, 19;2 t(at t(e petitioners &e %o)pelled to re%oni>e and a%no"ledet(e) as t(e %o)p'lsor# (eirs of t(e de%eased and t(at t(eir s(are and parti%ipation in t(e estateof t(eir de%eased fat(er &e deter)ined and ordered delivered to t(e). (e )ain &asis of t(ea%tion for %o)p'lsor# re%onition is t(eir alleed *open and %ontin'o's possession of t(e stat'sof illeiti)ate %(ildren./

Bn !'ne 15, 1992, t(e trial %o'rt rendered C'd)ent in favor of Antonia Ar'eo,de%larin (er as t(e illeiti)ate da'(ter of t(e de%eased. Petitioners filed a )otion for partial

re%onsideration of t(e de%ision allein loss of C'risdi%tion on t(e part of t(e trial %o'rt over t(e%o)plaint &# virt'e of t(e passae of F.B. No. 209 or t(e @a)il# :ode of t(e P(ilippines. aid)otion "as denied. Anot(er petition to t(e :o'rt of Appeals "as lie"ise denied. en%e, t(is petition.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e @a)il# :ode of t(e P(ilippines or F.B. 209 &e iven retroa%tive

effe%t.

Ruling: No. (e present la" %annot &e iven retroa%tive effe%t insofar as t(e instant %ase is

%on%erned, as its appli%ation "ill preC'di%e t(e vested ri(t of t(e respondent, Antonia Ar'eo, to(ave (er %ase de%ided 'nder Arti%le 2;5 of t(e :ivil :ode. (e ri(t "as vested to (er &# t(e fa%tt(at s(e filed (er a%tion 'nder t(e rei)e of t(e :ivil :ode.

(e trial %o'rt, "(i%( a%'ired C'risdi%tion over t(e %ase &# t(e filin of t(e %o)plaint,never lost C'risdi%tion over t(e sa)e despite t(e passae of F.B. No. 209. (e r'lin reinfor%est(e prin%iple t(at t(e C'risdi%tion of a %o'rt, "(et(er in %ri)inal or %ivil %ases, on%e atta%(ed%annot &e o'sted &# s'&se'ent (appenins or events. (e 'pre)e :o'rt denied t(e petitionand affir)ed t(e de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt.

;



ERNESTO 0ERNA0E, plaintiff 4s. !AROLINA ALEO, defendant=.. No. 140500. !an'ar# 21, 2002

Facts:(e late @is%al Frnesto 7erna&e alleedl# fat(ered a son "it( (is se%retar# of t"ent#-

t(ree23< #ears, (erein plaintiff-appellant :arolina AleCo. (e son "as &orn on epte)&er 1;,19;1 and "as na)ed Adrian 7erna&e. @is%al 7erna&e died on A''st 13, 1993, "(ile (is "ifeosalina died on De%e)&er 3 of t(e sa)e #ear, leavin Frnestina as t(e sole s'rvivin (eir. Bna# 16, 1994, :arolina on &e(alf of Adrian filed t(e aforesaid %o)plaint pra#in t(at Adrian &ede%lared an a%no"leded illeiti)ate son of @is%al 7erna&e and as s'%( (e &e iven (is s(are in@is%al 7erna&e8s estate, "(i%( is no" &ein (eld &# Frnestine as t(e sole s'rvivin (eir.

Issue:I

+(et(er or not respondent (as a %a'se of a%tion to file a %ase aainst petitioner, t(e leiti)ateda'(ter of t(e p'tative fat(er, for re%onition and partition "it( a%%o'ntin after t(e p'tative

fat(er8s deat( in t(e a&sen%e of an# "ritten a%no"lede)ent of paternit# &# t(e latter.II+(et(er or not t(e onora&le :o'rt of Appeals erred in r'lin t(at respondents (a fo'r #earsfro) t(e attain)ent of )inorit# to file an a%tion for re%onition as provided in Art. 2;5 of t(e:ivil :ode, in %o)plete disreard of its repeal &# t(e provision of t(e @a)il# :ode and t(eappli%a&le C'rispr'den%e as (eld &# t(e onora&le :o'rt of Appeals.

III+(et(er or not t(e petition for %ertiorari filed &# t(e petitioner is fatall# defe%tive for fail're toi)plead t(e :o'rt of Appeals as one of t(e respondents.

RulingGAppl#in t(e foreoin C'rispr'den%e, t(e 'pre)e :o'rt (old t(at Arti%le 2;5 of t(e

%ivil :ode is a s'&stantive la", as it ives Adrian t(e ri(t to file (is petition for re%onition"it(in fo'r #ears fro) attainin )aCorit# ae. (erefore, t(e @a)il# :ode %annot i)pair or taeAdrian8s ri(t to file an a%tion for re%onition, &e%a'se t(at ri(t (ad alread# vested prior to itsena%t)ent. 7orn in 19;1, Adrian "as onl# seven #ears old "(en t(e @a)il# :ode too effe%t andonl# t"elve "(en (is alleed fat(er died in 1993. (e )inor )'st &e iven (is da# in %o'rt. (efail're of t(e petitioner to i)plead t(e :o'rt of Appeal as a part# is not a reversi&le error it is infa%t t(e %orre%t pro%ed're.

9



%U#, petitioner 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS, defendant=.. No. 1630. epte)&er 15, 2006

Facts:Bn !'ne 13, 199, private respondent M )inors Karen and Ka)ille Banes +ei

represented &# t(eir )ot(er e)edios Banes, filed a pertition for letters of ad)inistration &eforet(e eional trial %o'rt of aati.Private respondents alleed t(at t(e# are t(e d'l# a%no"lede illeiti)ate %(ildren of

i)a +ei, "(o died intestate in aati :it# on B%to&er 29, 1992, leavin an estate val'ed at 10,000, 000. 00 %onsistin of real and personal properties. is no"n (eirs are s'rvivin spo'se='#, %(ildren F)#, !eanne, :ristina, =eore and i%(ael all s'rna)ed ='#. Petitioners ar'edt(at private respondents s(o'ld (ave esta&lis(ed t(eir stat's as illeiti)ate %(ildren d'rin t(elifeti)e of i)a +ei p'rs'ant to Arti%le 15 of t(e @a)il# :ode, t(e# f'rt(er alleed t(at private respondents8 %lai) (ad &een paid, "aived, a&andoned, e$tin'is(ed &# reason of e)edios8 !'ne , 1993 elease and +aiver of :lai) statin t(at in e$%(ane for t(e finan%ialand ed'%ational assistan%e re%eived fro) petitioner, e)edios and (er )inor %(ildren dis%(are

t(e estate of i)a +ei fro) an# and all lia&ilities.

Issue:+(et(er t(e elease and +aiver of :lai) pre%l'des private respondents fro) %lai)in

t(eir (ereditar# ri(ts

Ruling:e)edios8 elease and +aiver of %lai) does not &ar private respondents fro) %lai)in

s'%%ession ri(ts. o &e valid and effe%tive, a "aiver )'st &e %o'%(ed in %lear and e'ivo%alter)s "(i%( leave no do'&t as to t(e intention of a part# to ive 'p a ri(t or &enefit "(i%(leall# pertains to (i). Fven ass')in t(at e)edios tr'l# "aived t(e (ereditar# ri(ts of (er %(ildren, s'%( "aiver does not &ar t(e latter8s %lai). Arti%le 104 of t(e :ivil :ode re'ires C'di%ial a't(ori>ation of t(e said "aiver "(i%( it la%s. in%e t(e affiliation of t(e privaterespondents as %o (eirs to i)a +ei8s Fstates, it "o'ld t('s &e in%onsistent to r'le t(at t(e#"aived t(eir (ereditar# ri(ts "(en t(e# do not (ave s'%( ri(t.

10



PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff 4s. 0ENAMIN MORIAL, defendant=.. No. 129295. A''st 15, 2001

Facts:

Bn t(e 6t(

da# of !an'ar# 1996, t(e a&ove na)ed a%%'sed %onspirin, %onfederatin and)'t'all# (elpin one anot(er, "it( intent to ill and "it( intent to ain entered into t(e (o'se of Pa'la 7andipas and 7enCa)in orial. Bn%e inside did t(en and t(ere "illf'll# and felonio'sl#sta& Pa'la 7andipas and Al&ert 7andipas "it( t(e 'se of a pointed "eapon and stones "(i%( "as'sed &# t(e a%%'sed in infli%tin )ortal "o'nds "(i%( %a'sed t(eir instantaneo's deat(, saida%%'sed too and stole P11, 000.00

(e ne$t da#, t(e a%%'sed "ent "it( t(e poli%e offi%ers to t(e poli%e station. (ereLeonardo orial "as for%ed to %onfess a&o't t(e deat( of Pa'la 7andipas and Al&ert 7andipas.Leonardo8s state)ents "ere t(en red'%ed into "ritin. A poli%e)an infor)ed (i) t(at t(e# "ereoin to %onta%t t(e la"#er to assist (i) d'rin t(e investiation &'t in tr't(, Leonardo "as notinfor)ed of (is ri(ts even &efore t(e investiation started.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e %'stodial investiation %ond'%ted to Leonardo orial "it(o't a

%o'nsel a valid "aiver of %onstit'tional ri(t

Ruling:A person 'nder %'stodial investiation enCo#s t(e ri(t to %o'nsel fro) its in%eption so

does (e enCo# s'%( ri(t 'ntil its ter)ination. Fven rantin t(at a%%'sed %onsented to Att#.A'ilar d'rin t(e investiation and to ans"er 'estions d'rin t(e la"#ers8 a&sen%e, s'%(%onsent "as an invalid "aiver of (is ri(t to %o'nsel and (is ri(t to re)ain silent. (e ri(t%annot &e "aived 'nless t(e sa)e is )ade in "ritin and "it( t(e presen%e of a %o'nsel.

Not"it(standin t(e inad)issi&ilit# of t(e e$tra C'di%ial %onfession e$e%'ted &# Leonardorial, t(e %onvi%tion of a%%'sed is f'll# s'pported &# ot(er pie%es of eviden%e. (e a%%'sed istr'l# 'ilt# and nevert(eless fa%es %onvi%tion.

11



LORNA PES!A, petitioner 4s. ZOSIMO PES!A, respondent=.. No. 136921. April 1, 2001

Facts:

Petitioner Lorna =. Pes%a and osi)o A. Pes%a ot )arried on ar%( 195. And t(eir 'nion &eot fo'r %(ildren. It started in 19;;, t(e petitioner said, "(en s(e noti%ed t(at respondents'rprisinl# s(o"ed sins of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#. is tr'e %olors of e)otionall# i))at'reand irresponsi&le ('s&and &e%a)e apparent. (e respondent alleedl# "o'ld slap, &eat and i% (er and one ti)e "it( a loaded s(ot'n t(reatened to ill (er in t(e presen%e of t(eir %(ildren.After so)e ot(er &eatin, a %ase "as filed aainst t(e respondent for sli(t p(#si%al inC'ries and"as senten%ed to eleven da#s of i)prison)ent. Bn Nove)&er 15, 1995, follo"in (earins%ond'%ted &# it, t(e trial %o'rt rendered its de%ision de%larin t(e )arriae &et"een petitioner and respondent to &e n'll and void a& initio on t(e &asis of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# on t(e partof t(e respondent and ordered a li'idation of %onC'al partners(ip. (e respondent appealed t(ea&ove de%ision to t(e :o'rt of Appeals, %ontendin t(at t(e trial %o'rt erred, and parti%'larl# in

(oldin t(at t(ere "as leal &asis to de%lare t(e )arriae n'll and void. (e :o'rt of Appealsreversed t(e de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt and de%lared t(e )arriae &et"een t(e petitioner andrespondent valid and s'&sistin.

Issue:

+(et(er or not t(e )arriae is n'll and void for t(e ro'nd of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#

Ruling:

(e 'pre)e :o'rt affir)ed t(e de%ision of t(e appellate %o'rt t(ere&# dis)issin t(e petition. (e petitioner (as 'tterl# failed to )ae o't a %ase of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# on t(e part of t(e respondent, let alone at t(e ti)e of sole)ni>ation of t(e %ontra%t, so as to "arrant ade%laration of )arriae. F)otional i))at'rit# and irresponsi&ilit# %annot &e e'ated "it( ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#. (e petitioner also failed to follo" pro%ed'ral 'idelines in tr#in%ases for n'llit# of, t(at is t(e ne%essit# for )edi%al and %lini%al identified s'ffi%ientl# proven &#e$perts for &ot( parties to deter)ine t(e presen%e of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#.

12



A#ALA !ORPORATION, petitioner, vs.ROSA2DIANA REALT# AND DE"ELOPMENT !ORPORATION, respondent.

De%e)&er 1, 2000

Facts:

Petitioner A#ala :orporation (ereinafter referred to as A#ala< "as t(e reistered o"ner of a par%el of land lo%ated in Alfaro treet, al%edo illae, aati :it# "it( an area of ;40s'are )eters, )ore or less and %overed &# ransfer :ertifi%ate of itle :< No. 233435 of t(eeister of Deeds of i>al. A#ala sold t(e lot to an'el # )arried to il)a Po and # KaKien )arried to osa :(an. (e Deed of ale e$e%'ted &et"een A#ala and t(e &'#ers%ontained pe%ial :onditions of ale and Deed estri%tions "(i%( t(en sell t(e lot to respondentosa-Diana ealt# and Develop)ent :orporation "it( A#ala8s approval. (ereafter, osa-Diana s'&)itted to t(e &'ildin offi%ial of aati anot(er set of &'ildin plans for *(e Pea/"(i%( "ere s'&stantiall# different fro) t(ose t(at it earlier s'&)itted to A#ala for approval.D'rin t(e %onstr'%tion of osa-Diana8s %ondo)ini') proCe%t, A#ala filed an a%tion "it( t(eeional rial :o'rt :< of aati, 7ran%( 139 for spe%ifi% perfor)an%e, "it( appli%ation for

a "rit of preli)inar# inC'n%tionte)porar# restrainin order aainst osa-Diana ealt# seeinto %o)pel t(e latter to %o)pl# "it( t(e %ontra%t'al o&liations 'nder t(e deed of restri%tions. (elo"er %o'rt denied A#ala8s pra#er for inC'n%tive relief, t('s ena&lin osa-Diana to %o)plete t(e%onstr'%tion of t(e &'ildin.

In t(e )eanti)e, A#ala %o)pleted its presentation of eviden%e &efore t(e trial %o'rt.osa-Diana filed a De)'rrer to Fviden%e averrin t(at A#ala failed to esta&lis( its ri(t to t(erelief so'(t.(e :o'rt of Appeals also %ited :.A. =.. :.. No. 464;; entitled, *A#ala :orporation vs. a#7'rton Develop)ent :orporation/ "(i%( relied on :.A. =.. .P. No. 2915 in r'lin t(atA#ala is &arred fro) enfor%in t(e deed restri%tions in disp'te. Jpon a )otion for re%onsideration filed &# (erein petitioner, t(e :o'rt of Appeals %larified t(at *t(e %itation of t(ede%ision in A#ala :orporation vs. a# 7'rton Develop)ent :orporation, :.A. =.. :.. No.464;;, @e&r'ar# 2, 1996, "as )ade not &e%a'se said de%ision is res judicata to t(e %ase at &ar &'t rat(er &e%a'se it is pre%edential 'nder t(e do%trine of stare decisis.”

Petitioner reiterates its %ontention t(at t(e trial %o'rt8s findins t(at A#ala (as"aived its ri(t to enfor%e t(e deed of restri%tions is not s'pported &# la" and eviden%e.In its assailed de%ision of @e&r'ar# 4, 1994, t(e trial %o'rt, r'led in favor of respondent osa-Diana ealt# on t(e ro'nd t(at A#ala (ad not a%ted fairl# "(en it did not instit'te an a%tionaainst t(e oriinal vendees despite t(e latter8s violation of t(e pe%ial :onditions of ale &'t%(ose instead to file an a%tion aainst (erein respondent osa-Diana.

espondent osa-Diana, (o"ever, )isses t(e point inas)'%( as it (as freel# %onsented to &e &o'nd &# t(e deed restri%tions "(en it entered into a %ontra%t of sale "it( spo'ses an'el #and # Ka Kien.

Issue:*An e$a)ination of t(e de%ision in t(e said osa-Diana %ase reveals t(at t(e sole iss'e

raised &efore t(e appellate %o'rt "as t(e propriet# of t(e lis pendens annotation. o"ever, t(eappellate %o'rt "ent &e#ond t(e sole iss'e and )ade fa%t'al findins &ereft of an# &asis in t(ere%ord to inappropriatel# r'le t(at AALA is in estoppel and (as "aived its ri(t to enfor%e t(es'&Ce%t restri%tions. '%( r'lin "as i))aterial to t(e resol'tion of t(e iss'e of t(e propriet# of t(e annotation of t(e lis pendens. (e findin of estoppel "as t('s i)proper and )ade in e$%essof C'risdi%tion./

Ruling:F$e)plar# da)aes in t(e s') of P2,500,000.00 as pra#ed for &# petitioner are also in

order inas)'%( as respondent osa-Diana "as in evident &ad fait( "(en it s'&)itted a set of &'ildin plans in %onfor)it# "it( t(e deed restri%tions to petitioner A#ala for t(e sole p'rpose of o&tainin title to t(e propert#. Petitioner A#ala is lie"ise entitled to an a"ard of attorne#8s feesin t(e s') of P250,000.00.(e assailed De%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals dated De%e)&er 4, 199 and its esol'tion dated!'ne 19, 199; , :.A. =.. :.. No. 459;, are FFFD and F AIDF.

13



FRAN!IS!O N. "ILLANUE"A, R., petitioner, vs.THE HON. !OURT OF APPEALS an3 RO5UE "ILLADORES, respondents.

ar%( 19, 2002

Facts:

Petitioner illan'eva, !r. filed a %o)plaint for illeal dis)issal aainst several parties,a)on t(e), I7: 13. +(en t(e la&or ar&iter r'led in favor of petitioner illan'eva, !r., I7: 13appealed to t(e National La&or elations :o))ission NL:<.

('s, t(e t"o 2< %o)plaints for falsifi%ation of p'&li% do%')ent "ere filed &efore t(eanila :it# Prose%'torOs Bffi%e. (e %(ares aainst respondent illadores and Att#. F'lalioDia> III "ere dis)issed &# t(e :it# Prose%'torOs Bffi%e "(i%(, (o"ever, fo'nd pro&a&le %a'seaainst t(e ot(er respondents.

Bn April 12, 2000, t(e appellate %o'rt rendered its no" %(allened de%ision "(i%(reversed and set aside t(e t"o 2< Brders of t(e trial %o'rt dated A''st 2, 199; and De%e)&er 4, 199;. (e appellate %o'rt dire%ted t(at t(e na)e of petitioner illan'eva, !r., appearin as t(eoffended part# in :ri)inal :ases Nos. 94-13;44-45 &e stri%en o't fro) t(e re%ords.

+(at see)s to &e )ore %r'%ial (ere is t(e fa%t t(at t(e %ri)e %(ared in t(e t"oinfor)ation is falsifi%ation of p'&li% do%')ent %o))itted &# a private individ'al defined and penali>ed 'nder Arti%le 12, pararap( 1, of t(e evised Penal :ode. Apropos, t(e %ri)e of falsifi%ation of p'&li% do%')ent does not re'ire for its essential ele)ents da)ae or intent to%a'se da)ae. In t(e final anal#sis. t(e in%l'sion of t(e na)e of @ran%is%o N. illan'eva. !r."o'ld t(en &e )erel# a s'perfl'it# in t(e infor)ation, a )eaninless s'rpl'sae t(erein. In fa%t.it is even (i(l# do'&ted if %ivil da)aes )a# &e a"arded in s'%( transression of t(e la".- ie"ed fro) t(e a&ove ratio%inations, +e find no rave a&'se of dis%retion on t(e part of t(elo"er %o'rt in ad)ittin t(e se%ond a)ended infor)ations al&eit s'%( a)end)ent is totall#irrelevant and 'nne%essar# to t(e %ri)e %(ared.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e prono'n%e)ent of t(e appellate %o'rt in :A-=.. P No. 46103 to t(e

effe%t t(at petitioner illan'eva, !r. is not an offended part# in :ri)inal :ases Nos. 94-13;44-45 is obiter dictum.

Ruling:It is sinifi%ant to )ention t(at t(e intervention of petitioner illan'eva, !r. in t(e

%ri)inal %ases as an offended part# is apparentl# predi%ated on t(e red'%tion &# t(e NL:, inI7:Os appeal of t(e illeal dis)issal %ase, of t(e )onetar# a"ard to "(i%( (e is entitled, despitefindin t(e appeal as not perfe%ted d'e to t(e postin of t(e sp'rio's appeal &ond. o"ever, s'%(alleed error s(o'ld (ave &een &ro'(t &# petitioner illan'eva, !r. to t(e appropriate for'), andnot raised in %ri)inal %ases &efore t(e trial %o'rt as a ro'nd for (is in%l'sion as a preC'di%ed part#.

In vie" of all t(e foreoin, t(e instant petition, &ein devoid of )erit, )'st fail. (e instant petition is (ere&# DFNIFD, and t(e De%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals dated April 12,2000 in :A-=.. P No. 50235 is A@@IFD. No %osts.

14



THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, petitioner, vs.HON. LORENZO 0. "ENERA!ION, HENR# LA%ARTO 6 PETILLA an3 ERNESTO

!ORDERO, respondents.=.. Nos. 1199;-;; B%to&er 12, 1995

Facts:

Bn t(e &asis of s"orn state)ents of "itnesses, &ooin s(eets, arrest reports and t(ene%rops# report of t(e vi%ti), A&'ndio La'nda#, a..a. !r. !eofre# of no fi$ed address, andenr# Laarto # Petilla, of 2;; Area . Parola :o)po'nd, ondo, anila "ere later %(ared"it( t(e %ri)e of ape "it( o)i%ide in an Infor)ation dated A''st ;, 1994 filed "it( t(eeional rial :o'rt of anila, National :apital !'di%ial eion. aid Infor)ation, do%eted as:ri)inal :ase No. 94-13;01. After trial and presentation of t(e eviden%e of t(e prose%'tion andt(e defense, t(e trial %o'rt rendered a de%ision on !an'ar# 31, 1995 findin t(e defendants enr#Laarto # Petilla and Frnesto :ordero # aristela 'ilt# &e#ond reasona&le do'&t of t(e %ri)e of ape "it( o)i%ide and senten%ed &ot( a%%'sed "it( t(e penalt# of reclusion perpetua "it( all

t(e a%%essories provided for &# la".

Disareein "it( t(e senten%e i)posed, t(e :it#Prose%'tor of anila on @e&r'ar# ;, 1995, filed a otion for e%onsideration, pra#in t(at t(eDe%ision &e )odified in t(at t(e penalt# of deat( &e i)posed aainst respondents Laarto and:ordero, in pla%e of t(e oriinal penalt# reclusion perpetua<. ef'sin to a%t on t(e )erits of t(e said otion for e%onsideration, respondent !'de, on @e&r'ar# 10, 1995, iss'ed an Brder den#in t(e sa)e for la% of C'risdi%tion.

Issue:

(e sole iss'e in t(e %ase at &en%( involves a 'estion of la". After findin t(at ana%%'sed individ'al in a %ri)inal %ase (as, on t(e o%%asion of ape, %o))itted o)i%ide, is t(e

C'de allo"ed an# dis%retion in i)posin either t(e penalt# of Reclusion Perpetua or Deat(

Ruling:

@inall#, t(e 'les of :o'rt )andates t(at after an adC'di%ation of 'ilt, t(e C'de s(o'ldi)pose t(e proper penalt# and %ivil lia&ilit# provided for &# t(e la" on t(e a%%'sed. (is is nota %ase of a )aistrate inorant of t(e la". (is is a %ase in "(i%( a C'de, f'll# a"are of t(eappropriate provisions of t(e la", ref'ses to i)pose a penalt# to "(i%( (e disarees. In so doin,respondent C'de a%ted "it(o't or in e$%ess of (is C'risdi%tion or "it( rave a&'se of dis%retiona)o'ntin to a la% of C'risdi%tion in i)posin t(e penalt# of Reclusion Perpetua "(ere t(e la"%learl# i)poses t(e penalt# of Deat(. (e instant petition is =ANFD. (e %ase is (ere&#

FANDFD to t(e eional rial :o'rt for t(e i)position of t(e penalt# of deat( 'pon privaterespondents in %onsonan%e "it( respondent C'deOs findin t(at t(e private respondents in t(einstant %ase (ad %o))itted t(e %ri)e of ape "it( o)i%ide 'nder Arti%le 335 of t(e evisedPenal :ode, as a)ended &# e%tion 11 of ep'&li% A%t No. 659, s'&Ce%t to a'to)ati% revie" &#t(is :o'rt of t(e de%ision i)posin t(e deat( penalt#.

15



!ESARIO URSUA petitioner 4.!OURT OF APPEALS AND PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, respondent

=.. No. 11210. April 10,1996.

Facts:

Petitioner :esario Jrs'a, a :o))'nit# Fnviron)ent and Nat'ral eso'r%es Bfii%er assined in Kidapa"an, :ota&ato, (ad a %o)plaint aainst (i) for &ri&er#, dis(onest#, a&'se of a't(orit# and ivin of 'n"arranted &enefits.

Bn A''st 1 19;, Att#. @ran%is Pal)ores, %o'nsel of t(e petitioner re'ested to t(eBffi%e of t(e B)&'ds)an in anila t(at (e &e f'rnis(ed a %op# of t(e %o)plaint aainst petitioner. e t(en ased (is %lient Jrs'a to tae (is letter re'est to t(e offi%e of t(eB)&'ds)an &e%a'se (is la" fir)8s )essener, Bs%ar Pere>, (ad to attend to so)e personal)atters.

+(en petitioner arrived at t(e Bffi%e of t(e B)&'ds)an, (e "rote t(e na)e *Bs%ar Pere>/ on t(e visitor8s lo&oo and 'pon re%eipt of t(e a%no"leded &# "ritin. LoidaKa('l'an, "(o (anded t(e %op# of %o)plaint, learned t(at t(e person "(o introd'%ed (i)self

as Bs%ar Pere> "as a%t'all# t(e petitioner, :esario Jrs'a. (e reported t(e )atter to t(e Dep't#B)&'ds)an "(o re%o))ended t(at petitioner &e %(ared.(e trial %o'rt fo'nd (i) 'ilt# of violatin e%. 1 of :.A. No. 142 as a)ended &# .A.

No. 60;5. (e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed t(e de%ision on a# 31, 1993. (e petitioner ass for revie" on (is %onvi%tion in 'pre)e :o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er t(e petitioner violated :.A. No. 142 as a)ended &# .A. No. 60;5 ot(er"ise

no"n as *An A%t to e'late t(e Jse of Alias.

Ruling::esario Jrs'a is a%'itted of t(e %ri)e %(ared. :.A No. 142, approved on Nove)&er ,

1936 entitled *An A%t to e'late t(e Jse of Aliases/, "as a)ended &# .A. No. 60;5on A''st4 1969. :.A. No. 142 as a)ended "as )ade pri)aril# to penali>e t(e a%t of 'sin an alias na)e p'&li%l# and in &'siness transa%tions in addition to (is real na)e 'nless s'%( alias "as d'l#a't(ori>ed &# proper C'di%ial pro%eedin.

(e fa%t t(at t(e petitioner introd'%ed (i)self in t(e Bffi%e of t(e B)&'ds)an as *Bs%ar Pere>/ served onl# t(e re'est of (is la"#er to o&tain a %op# of t(e %o)plaint in "(i%( t(e petitioner "as a respondent. (ere is no eviden%e s(o"in t(at (e (ad 'sed or "as intendin to'se t(at na)e as (is se%ond na)e in addition to (is real na)e. en%e, t(e 'se of a fi%titio's na)eor a different na)e &elonin to anot(er person in a sinle instan%e "it(o't an# sin or indi%ation t(at t(e 'ser intends to &e no"n &# t(is na)e in addition to (is real na)e fro) t(atda# fort( does not fall "it(in t(e pro(i&ition %ontained in :.A. No. 142 as a)ended &# .A.60;5. (ere e$ists a valid pres')ption t(at 'ndesira&le %onse'en%es "ere never intended &# aleislative )eas're and t(at a %onstr'%tion of "(i%( t(e stat'e is fairl# s's%epti&le is favored.

16



:OMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL RE"ENUE and ARTURO ". PAR!ERO, petitioners,vs.PRIMETO7N PROPERT# %ROUP IN!., respondent.

=.. No. 162155. A''st 2;,200.

Facts:

Bn a# 11, 1999, =il&ert ap, vi%e %(air of respondent Pri)eto"n Propert# =ro'p In%.,applied for t(e ref'nd or %redit of in%o)e ta$ respondent paid in 199. e e$plained in (is letter to t(e petitioner even'e Distri%t Bffi%er Art'ro Par%ero of even'e Distri%t No. 049 aati< of t(e 7'rea' of Internal even'e 7I< t(at (e s'ffered loses and %a'sed ind'str# to slo" do"n.

Bn a# 13, 1999, even'e Bffi%er Fli>a&et( antos re'ired t(e respondent to s'&)itadditional do%')ents to s'pport its %lai). espondents %o)plied &'t its %lai) "as not a%ted'pon. ('s on April 14, 2000, it filed a petition for revie" in t(e :o'rt of a$ Appeal :A< &'t"as dis)issed &e%a'se it "as filed &e#ond t"o-#ear pres%ription period for filin a C'di%ial %lai)for ta$ ref'nd &ased on e%. 229 of t(e National Internal even'e :ode NI:< and Art. 13 of t(e :ivil :ode.

espondent )oved for re%onsideration &'t it "as denied. en%e, it filed an appeal in t(e

:o'rt of Appeal "(i%( reversed t(e de%ision of :o'rt of a$ Appeal &e%a'se Art. 13 of t(e :ivil:ode did not distin'is( &et"een a leap #ear and a re'lar #ear.Petitioners )oved for re%onsideration &'t "as denied, t('s, petitioners as for revie" on

%ertiorari to 'pre)e :o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er t(e respondent filed its petition for revie" in t(e :A "it(in t(e t"o-#ear

pres%riptive period provided in e%. 229 of t(e NI:.

Ruling:(e %o'rt affir)s t(e de%ision of t(e :A &'t t(e &asis is (o"ever not %orre%t. Arti%le 13

of t(e :ivil :ode provides t(at "(en t(e la" speas of a #ear, it is 'nderstood to &e e'ivalent to365 da#s reardless of "(et(er it is a re'lar #ear or a leap #ear. o"ever, FB 292 or t(eAd)inistrative :ode of 19; "as ena%ted. e%tion 31, :(apter III, 7oo 1 provides t(at *#ear/s(all &e 'nderstood to &e t"elve %alendar )ont(s. 7ot( deal "it( t(e sa)e s'&Ce%t )atter- t(e%o)p'tation of leal periods. (ere o&vio'sl# e$ists in%o)pati&ilit# in t(e )anner of %o)p'tinleal periods 'nder t(e :ivil :ode and t(e Ad)inistrative :ode of 19;. @or t(is reason, "e (oldt(at e%tion 31, :(apter III, 7oo 1 of t(e Ad)inistrative :ode of 19;, &ein t(e )ore re%entla", overns t(e %o)p'tation of leal periods.

Appl#in e%tion 31,:(apter III, 7oo 1 of Ad)inistrative :ode of 19;, t(erespondent8s petition filed on April 14, 2000< "as filed on t(e last da# of t(e 24 t( %alendar )ont( fro) t(e da# respondent filed its final adC'sted ret'rn. en%e, it "as filed "it(in t(erele)entar# period.

1



PHILIPPINE RA00IT 0US LINES, IN!., petitioner, vs. HON. LUDI"I!O D. AR!IA%A,TAURINO SIN%SON AND THE HONORA0LE !OURT OF APPEALS, -es8&n3ents.

No. L-2901. ar%( 16,19;.

Facts:

Bn A''st 24, 1960, a'rino inson filed a %o)plaint aainst P(ilippine a&&it 7'sLines In%. for s'stainin )'ltiple serio's p(#si%al inC'ries "(en t(e &'s %ras(ed aainst ana%a%ia tree. (e %ase "as set for trial on De%e)&er 25, 1965 &'t 'pon t(e )otion of &ot(%o'nsel, it "as transferred to @e&r'ar# 3 and 4 1966. No pre-trial (as ever &een %ond'%ted, 'ntil"(en April 29, 196, onl# t(e defendant P(ilippine a&&it appeared and 'pon )otion of its%o'nsel, t(e %o'rt dis)issed t(e %ase for non-appearan%e of plaintiff.

(e order of dis)issal of April 29, 196 all'ded to "as sent to Att#. :onstante Pi)entel,%o'nsel for plaintiff, &# reistered )ail on a# 3, 196 and "as re%eived on a# 6, 196. Bn!'l# 6, 196 61 da#s fro) re%eipt of dis)issal<, %o'nsel for plaintiff filed a Petition for elief a%%o)panied &# an affidavit allein t(at a'rino inson 'pon attendin t(e trial of (is %ase(ad en%o'ntered enine tro'&le %a'sin (i) to &e late. Bn A''st 16, 196, lo"er %o'rt ranted

plaintiff8s petition for relief and denied t(e )otion for re%onsideration of petitioner on Nove)&er 2;, 196 on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e petition for relief 'nder 'le 3; is pre)ised on e'it#. Bn !'l# 9,196;, petitioner P(ilippine a&&it 7's Lines In%, filed a petition for %ertiorari and )anda)'s"it( preli)inar# inC'n%tion in t(e :o'rt of Appeals &'t it "as denied on A''st 5, 196;.Petitioner )oved for re%onsideration &'t "as denied on B%to&er 1, 196;. en%e, t(e instant petition for revie" on %ertiorari.

Issue:Is t(e :o'rt of Appeals erred in (oldin t(at Petition for elief 'nder 'le 3; is pre)ised

on e'it#

Ruling:(e %o'rt fo'nd t(at t(e petition is i)pressed "it( )erits. e% 3. of 'le 3; of t(e 'les

of :o'rt provides for a petition to &e filed "it(in si$t# 60< da#s after t(e petitioner learns of t(e C'd)ent and in t(is %ase t(e Petition for elief "as filed 61 da#s after t(e re%eipt of t(e noti%eof t(e dis)issal. @'rt(er)ore, t(e %o'nsel for private respondents did not )ove for re%onsideration of t(e Brder for dis)issal, nor for ne" trial. Neit(er did (e appeal, t(ere&#allo"in t(e de%ision to &e%o)e final and e$e%'tor#.

(e private respondent %o'ld (ave availed of t(e si$t# da# period provided for &# 'le3; to file Petition for relief of C'd)ent &'t (e allo"ed t(e opport'nit# to lapse, t('s, t(e r'le of e'it# is not appli%a&le in t(is %ase. oreover, t(e petitioner did not satisfa%tor# s(o"ed t(at (e(as fait(f'll# and stri%tl# %o)plied "it( t(e provisions of t(e said 'le. e %annot invoe e'it#as a ro'nd for t(e reopenin of t(e %ase. Indeed, to (i) is appli%a&le, t(e "ell no"n )a$i)t(at, *e'it# aids t(e viilant, not t(ose "(o sl')&er on t(eir ri(ts./ (e %o'rt, t('s, r'led t(att(e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals &e reversed and set aside and said :ivil :ase is de%laredter)inated.

1;



MA. "ILMA S. LA0AD, plaintiff, v.THE UNI"ERSIT# OF SOUTHEASTERN PHILIPPINES, defendant.

=. . No. 139665. A''st 9, 2001.

Facts:

Petitioner "as a pro&ationar# fa%'lt# )e)&er of t(e Jniversit# of o't(easternP(ilippines (ereafter respondent< La&orator# (i( s%(ool< and desinated as t(e adviser for t(es%(ool8s #ear&oo *AIL 95,/ t(e re'lar oran *INI=/ and t(e s%(ool8s overn)entno"n as t(e s%(ool8s overn)ent no"n as t(e *LB:=./

Bn @e&r'ar# 1, 1996, t(e offi%ers and )e)&ers of respondent 'niversit#8s Parentsea%(ers Asso%iation filed a letter-%o)plaint "it( t(e president of respondent 'niversit#,%(arin petitioner "it( *Dis(onest#,/ =rave is%ond'%t, and *Jnfitness as a ea%(er./

(e respondent8s 'niversit# 7oard of eents s'&se'entl# approved and adopted t(ereport of t(e Investiatin :o))ittee M t(at it rendered a report re%o))endin t(e penalt# of dis)issal fro) servi%e t(ro'( t(e non-rene"al of petitioner8s pro&ationar# stat's on t(e ro'ndof dis(onest# and )is%ond'%t M as its de%ision.

(e petitioner appealed said de%ision to :ivil ervi%e :o))ission. o"ever, t(e ::,iss'ed a resol'tion on April 14, 199; affir)in t(e de%ision of respondent8s 'niversit# 7oard of eents. Petitioner filed a )otion for re%onsideration to :: &'t it "as denied.

Bn De%e)&er 2;, 199;, petitioner filed "it( t(e :o'rt of Appeals a otion for e$tensionof period to file petition for evie" asin for 15 da#s fro) De%e)&er 2;, 199; 'ntil !an'ar#12, 1999 to do so. (e petitioner filed (er petition for evie" "it( t(e :o'rt of Appeals on t(elatter date.

(e %o'nsel of t(e petitioner re%eived a %op# of resol'tion dated @e&r'ar# 24, 1999 onar%( 10, 1999, iss'ed &# t(e :A, for)er 4 t( division, dis)issin t(e petitioner for revie". (e petitioner t(en filed a )otion for re%onsideration on ar%( 24, 1999. 7't it "as denied on !'l#29, 1999 resol'tion iss'ed &# t(e :A dated !'l# 2, 1999.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e :o'rt of Appeals erred in dis)issin t(e revie" &# petitioner &efore it

on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e petition "as filed late.

Ruling:7ased on e%tion 1, 'le 22 of t(e 'les of :o'rt and as applied in several %ases, "(ere

t(e last da# for doin an# a%t re'ired or per)itted &# la" falls on a at'rda#, a 'nda#, or aleal (olida# in t(e pla%e "(ere t(e %o'rt sits, t(e ti)e s(all not r'n 'ntil t(e ne$t "orin da#.In t(is %ase, petitioner still (ad 'ntil De%e)&er 2;, 199;, a onda# and t(e ne$t &'siness da# to)ove for a 15-da# e$tension %onsiderin t(at De%e)&er 26, 199;, t(e last da# for petitioner tofile (er petition for revie" fell on a at'rda#. (e )otion for e$tension filed on De%e)&er 2;,199; "as t('s filed on ti)e sin%e it "as filed &efore t(e e$piration of t(e ti)e so'(t to &ee$tended.

As a r'le, t(e e$tension s(o'ld &e atta%ed to t(e oriinal period and %o))en%ei))ediatel# after t(e e$piration of s'%( period. o"ever, in oso"s# vs. :o'rt of Appealsand da. De :ap'lon vs. +or)en8s Ins'ran%e :o., In%., t(e : allo"ed t(e e$tended period to%o))en%e fro) t(e spe%ifi% ti)e pra#ed for in t(e )otion for e$tension. In t(is %ase, t(e petitioner spe%ifi%all# )anifested t(at s(e &e ranted an e$tension of 15, da#s fro) De%e)&er 2;, 199; or 'ntil !an'ar# 12, 1999 for (er petition for revie". en%e, t(e period for re%onint(e %o))en%e)ent of t(e additional 15 da#s s(o'ld (ave &een fro) De%e)&er 2;, 199;, and notDe%e)&er 26, 199;. t('s, t(e petition filed petitioner "it( t(e :o'rt of Appeals on !an'ar# 12,199;, e$a%tl# 15 da#s fro) De%e)&er 2;, 199;, "as filed on ti)e.

19



!OMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL RE"ENUE, petitioner v. PRIMETO7N PROPERT#%ROUP, IN!., respondent.

=.. No. 162155. A''st 2;, 200

Facts:

Bn ar%( 11, 1999, =il&ert ap, vi%e %(air of respondent Pri)eto"n Propert# =ro'p,In%. Appl# for t(e ref'nd or %redit of in%o)e ta$ respondent paid in 199. 7e%a'se t(erespondent s'ffered losses a)o'ntin to P(p 1, ;9, 22;<, d'e to so)e fa%tors t(at %a'sed t(eind'str# to slo"do"n, it "as not lia&le for in%o)e ta$es. Nevert(eless, respondent paid its'arterl# %orporate in%o)e ta$ and re)itted %redi&le "it((oldin ta$ fro) real estate sales to t(e7I in t(e total a)o'nt of P(p 26, 31;, 39;.32. (erefore, respondent "as entitled to ta$ ref'ndta$ %redit.

Bn a# 13, 1999, reven'e offi%er Fli>a&et( . antos re'ired respondent to s'&)itadditional do%')ents to s'pport. espondent %o)plied &'t its %lai) "as not a%ted 'pon. ('s,on April 14, 2000, it filed a petition for revie" in t(e :o'rt of a$ Appeals.

Bn De%e)&er 15, 2000, t(e :A dis)issed t(e petition as it "as filed &e#ond t(e t"o-

#ear pres%riptive period for fillin a C'di%ial %lai) for ta$ ref'nd or ta$ %redit. A%%ordin to :A,t(e t"o-#ear pres%riptive period 'nder se%tion 229 of t(e NI: for filin of C'di%ial %lai)s "ase'ivalent to 30 da#s. 7e%a'se t(e #ear 2000 "as a leap #ear, respondent8s petition "(i%( "asfiled 31 da#s after respondent filed its final adC'sted ret'rn, "as filed &e#ond t(e rele)entar# period. espondent )oved for re%onsideration &'t it "as denied. ('s, (e filed an appeal in t(e:o'rt of Appeals. Bn A''st 1, 2003, t(e :A reversed and set aside t(e de%ision of t(e :A. Itr'led t(at Arti%le 13 of t(e :ivil :ode did not distin'is( &et"een a re'lar #ear and a leap #ear.A stat'te "(i%( is %lear and e$pli%it s(all &e neit(er interpreted not %onstr'ed. Petitioners )ovedfor re%onsideration &'t it "as denied. ('s t(is appeal.

Issue:+(et(er Arti%le 13 of t(e :ivil :ode is valid &asis to resolve t(e respondent8s petition for

ref'ndta$ %redit.

Ruling:(e %on%l'sion of t(e :A t(at respondent filed its petition for revie" in t(e :A "it(in

t(e t"o-#ear pres%riptive period provided in se%tion 229 of t(e National Internal even'e :odeis %orre%t. Its &asis (o"ever is not.

A repealin %la'se se%tion 2, 7oo II of t(e Ad)inistrative :ode of 19; is not ane$press repealin %la'se &e%a'se it fails to identif# or desinate t(e la"s to &e a&olis(ed. ('s,t(e provision a&ove onl# i)pliedl# repealed all la"s in%onsistent "it( t(e Ad)inistrative :odeof 19;. I)plied repeals, (o"ever, are not favo'red. An i)plied repeal )'st (ave &een %learl#and 'n)istaa&l# intended &# t(e leislat're. (e test is "(et(er t(e s'&se'ent la"en%o)passes entirel# t(e s'&Ce%t )atter of t(e for)er la" and t(e# %annot &e loi%all# or reasona&le re%on%iled.

(e 'pre)e :o'rt t(erefore (old t(at t(e respondent8s petition filed on April 14, 2000<"as filed on t(e last da# of t(e 24t( %alendar )ont( fro) t(e da# respondent filed its finaladC'sted ret'rn. en%e, it "as filed "it(in t(e rele)entar# period.

20



ILLUH ASAALI, HATI0 A0DURASID, IN%1OH 0ANTALA, 0ASO1 IN%1IN, an3MOHAMMAD 0ANTALA, petitioners, v. THE !OMMISSIONER OF !USTOMS,

respondent. No. L-2410, De%e)&er 16, 196;

Facts:A %'sto)s patrol tea) on &oard Patrol 7oat -23 inter%epted t(e five sailin vessels in

t(e (i( seas, &et"een 7ritis( Nort( 7orneo and 'l' on epte)&er 10, 1950. (ese fivevessels, "(i%( "ere all of t(e P(ilippine reistr#, o"ned and )anned &# @ilipino residents of 'l' "ere (eadin to"ards a"i-a"i, 'l' %arr#in %iarettes and so)e pie%es of rattan %(airs"it(o't t(e re'ire i)port li%ense, (en%e s)'led.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e sei>'re %an &e )ade alt(o'( t(e vessel "as on t(e (i( seas

Ruling:in%e t(e s(ip is reistered in t(e P(ilippines, it is s'&Ce%ted to o'r evised Penal :ode,even o'tside o'r territorial C'risdi%tion. Lie"ise, in international la", it "as areed 'pon t(at astate (as t(e ri(t to prote%t itself as "ell as its reven'es, a ri(t not li)ited to its o"n territor# &'t e$tendin to t(e (i( seas :('r%( v. '&&art, 2 :ran%( 1;, 234<.

21



%RA!E . %AR!IA, a.9.a. %RA!E . %AR!IA2RE!IO, petitioner, v. REDERI!1 A.RE!IO, respondent.

=.. No. 13;322, B%to&er 2, 2001

Facts:

ederi% A. e%io, a @ilipino, "as )arried to an A'stralian %iti>en, Fdit(a a)son, inala&on, i>al, on ar%( 1, 19;. Bn a# 1;, 19;9, a de%ree of divor%e, p'rportedl# dissolvina )arriae, "as iss'ed &# an A'stralian fa)il# %o'rt. (e respondent &e%a)e an A'stralian%iti>en on !'ne 26, 1992 "(en t(e A'stralian overn)ent iss'ed a :ertifi%ate of A'stralian%iti>ens(ip.

Bn !an'ar# 12, 1994, t(e respondent, %lai)in t(at (e is sinle, )arried t(e petitioner, a@ilipina, in B'r Lad# of Perpet'al elp :('r%( in :a&anat'an :it#. Bn ar%( 3, 199;, petitioner filed a %o)plaint for De%laration of N'llit# of arriae on t(e ro'nd of &ia)#, &elievin t(at t(e respondent8s prior )arriae to Fdit(a a)son still s'&sists. o"ever, t(erespondent %ontended t(at (is first )arriae to an A'stralian %iti>en (ad &een validl# dissolved &# a divor%e de%ree o&tained in A'stralia in 19;9 t('s, (e is leall# %apa%itated to )arr#

petitioner in 1994. +(ile t(e s'it for t(e de%laration of n'llit# "as pendin, respondent "as a&leto se%'re a divor%e de%ree fro) a fa)il# %o'rt in #dne#, A'stralia.

Issue:+(et(er or not a divor%e o&tained a&road &# an alien )a# &e re%oni>ed in o'r

C'risdi%tion

Ruling:(e :o'rt de%ided t(at a divor%e o&tained a&road &# an alien )a# &e re%oni>ed in t(e

P(ilippine C'risdi%tion, provided s'%( de%ree is valid a%%ordin to t(e national la" of t(eforeiner. ('s, t(e :o'rt de%lares t(e )arriae &et"een =ra%e !. =ar%ia and ederi% A. e%io,a nat'rali>ed A'stralian %iti>en, sole)ni>ed on !an'ar# 12, 1994 at :a&anat'an :it# as dissolvedand &ot( parties %an no" re)arr# 'nder e$istin and appli%a&le la"s to an# andor &ot( parties.

LORENZO LLORENTE, petitioner vs. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent

22



=.. NB. 12431. Nove)&er 23, 2000

Facts:Bn @e&r'ar# 22, 193, Loren>o Llorente and petitioner Pa'la Llorente "ere )arried in

Na&'a, :a)arines 'r. Bn Nove)&er 30, 1943, Loren>o "as ad)itted to Jnited tates

%iti>ens(ip and :ertifia%te of Nat'rali>ation No. 559;16 "as iss'ed in (is favor &# t(e Jnitedtates Distri%t :o'rt, o't(ern Distri%t of Ne" or. In 1945, (e dis%overed t(at (is "ife Pa'la"as prenant and "as *livin in/ and (avin an ad'ltero's relations(ip "it( (is &rot(er,:eferino Llorente. Bn @e&r'ar# 2, 1946, t(e %o'ple dre" a "ritten aree)ent to t(e effe%t t(atLlorente "o'ld not s'pport Pa'la, t(e dissol'tion of t(eir )arital 'nion, and t(at Loren>o "o'ldnot prose%'te Pa'la for (er ad'ltero's a%t. Bn Nove)&er 2, 1951, Loren>o o&tained a divor%ein :alifornia. Bn De%e)&er 4, 1952, t(e divor%e de%ree &e%a)e final. Bn !an'ar# 16, 195;,Loren>o )arried Ali%ia @. Llorente in anila and &eot t(ree %(ildren in (is later #ears.

Issue::an forein la"s &e )ade appli%a&le in t(e P(ilippines

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt reversed t(e de%ision of t(e eional rial :o'rt and re%oni>ed t(e

validit# of t(e divor%e ranted in favor of Loren>o. (e :o'rt also re)anded t(e %ases to t(e%o'rt of oriin for deter)ination of s'%%essional ri(ts allo"in proof of forein la".

23



ALI!E RE#ES "AN DORN, petitioner, v. HON. MANUEL ". ROMILLO, R. ANDRI!HARD UPTON, respondents.

No. L-6;40. B%to&er ;, 19;5.

Facts:

Petitioner Ali%e e#es an Dorn is a %iti>en of t(e P(ilippines "(ile private respondenti%(ard Jpton is a %iti>en of t(e Jnited tates. (e# "ere )arried in onon in 192 andesta&lis(ed residen%e in t(e P(ilippines after"ards. (e parties "ere divor%ed in Nevada, Jnitedtates in 19;2. Petitioner re-)arried also in Nevada "it( (eodore an Dorn. Dated !'ne ;,19;3, private respondents filed s'it aainst petitioner %lai)in t(at t(e latter8s properties inanila "ere %onC'al and t(at private respondent (ad a ri(tf'l %lai) to its )anae)ent.Petitioner )oved to dis)iss t(e s'it %lai)in t(at t(e private respondent a%no"leded t(at (eand petitioner (ad no *%o))'nit# propert#/ in t(e divor%e pro%eedins. (e eional rial:o'rt denied t(e dis)issal on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e propert# involved is lo%ated in t(e P(ilippinesso t(at t(e Divor%e De%ree (as no &earin in t(e %ase. (e denial is no" t(e s'&Ce%t of t(is%ertiorari pro%eedin.

Issues:a. +(en is a %ertiorari pro%eedin C'stifia&le &. :an t(e P(ilippines re%oni>e divor%e

Ruling:a. (e petition "as ranted, and respondent C'de "as (ere&# ordered to dis)iss t(e

%o)plaint filed "(ere respondent C'de denied (er )otion to dis)iss said %ase, and (er )otionfor re%onsideration of t(e dis)issal order. +(en t(e lo"er %o'rt a%ts in a )anner e'ivalent to ala% of C'risdi%tion t(en it devolves 'pon t(e 'pre)e :o'rt in a %ertiorari pro%eedin toe$er%ise its s'pervisor# a't(orit# and to %orre%t t(e error %o))itted.

&. B"in to t(e nationalit# prin%iple e)&odied in arti%le 15 of t(e :ivil :ode, onl#P(ilippines nationals are %overed &# t(e poli%# aainst a&sol'te divor%es. Aliens )a# o&taindivor%es a&road, "(i%( )a# &e re%oni>ed in t(e P(ilippines, provided t(e# are valid a%%ordinto t(eir national la". A divor%e de%ree ranted &# a J.. :o'rt &et"een a @ilipina and (er A)eri%an ('s&and is &indin on t(e A)eri%an ('s&and. in%e t(e %o'ple (ad o&tained adivor%ed in Nevada, t(e ('s&and is estopped fro) assertin (is ri(ts over s'pposed %onC'al propert#. (e A)eri%an ('s&and in t(is instan%e "(o "as ranted a&sol'te divor%e "it( (is@ilipina "ife is %'t off fro) )arital and s'%%essional ri(ts "it( t(e latter.

24



IN THE MATTER OF THE TESTATE ESTATE OF ED7ARD E. !HRISTENSEN,DE!EASED. ADOLFO !. AZNAR, E$E!UTOR AND LU!# !HRISTENSEN, HEIR OFTHE DE!EASED, E$E!UTOR AND HEIR2APPELLEES, vs. HELEN !HRISTENSEN

%AR!IA, oppositor-appellant. No. L-1649. !an'ar# 31, 1963.

FactsGFd"ard F. :(ristensen, t(e de%eased, "(o do)i%iled in t(e P(ilippines and&'t a %iti>en

of :alifornia, )ade a "ill e$e%'ted in anila on ar%( 5, 1951 statin t(at aria L'%#:(ristensen "as (is onl# %(ild and t(at a %ertain aria elen :(ristensen, t(o'( &apti>ed as:(ristensen, "as not in an# "a# related nor adopted &# (i). +it( t(is, aria elen :(ristensen"as C'st ranted "it( 3,000 pesos, P(ilippine %'rren%# to &e deposited in tr'st "it( t(e Davao7ran%( of t(e P(ilippine National 7an and paid to (er at t(e rate of Bne 'ndred Pesos,P(ilippine %'rren%# per )ont( 'ntil t(e prin%ipal t(ereof as "ell as an# interest "(i%( )a# (avea%%r'ed t(ereon, "as e$(a'sted "(ile all t(at "as left &# t(e de%eased &e iven to aria L'%#

:(ristensen.in%e aria elen :(ristensen "as de%lared &# t(e :o'rt in =.. Nos. L-114;3-;4 ana%no"leded nat'ral %(ild of t(e de%eased Fd"ard :(ristensen, opposition to t(e approval of t(e proCe%t of partition "as filed &# elen, insofar as it deprives (er leiti)e as an a%no"ledednat'ral %(ild.

o"ever, t(e %o'rt r'led t(at as Fd"ard F. :(ristensen "as a %iti>en of t(e Jnited tatesand of t(e ate of :alifornia at t(e ti)e of (is deat(, t(e s'%%essional ri(ts and intrinsi% validit#of t(e provisions in (is "ill are to &e overned &# t(e la" of :alifornia. Bppositor elen:(ristensen, t(ro'( %o'nsel, filed vario's )otions for re%onsideration, &'t "ere denied. o)eof "(i%( %lai)ed t(at t(e lo"er %o'rt erred in inorin t(e de%ision of t(e : t(at elen "asa%no"leded as a nat'ral %(ild re%oni>in t(e %allin for t(e appli%ation of International La"re%oni>in t(at t(e validit# of t(e testa)entar# disposition of t(e distri&'tion of estate s(o'ld &eoverned &# t(e P(ilippine la"s de%larin t(e s%(ed'le of distri&'tion "as %ontrar# toP(ilippine la"s.

Issue:+(at la" "ill deter)ine and re%oni>e t(e validit# of testa)entar# provisions and t(e

disposition of t(e &e'eat(ed of t(e de%eased iven t(at (is do)i%ile "as t(e P(ilippines &'t (is%iti>ens(ip is in :alifornia t(e reper%'ssion of "(i%( is t(e deter)inin fa%tor of "(et(er ariaelen :(ristensen8s appeal for Q s(are of t(e properties &e ranted or not.

RulingGArt. 16 of t(e P(ilippine :ivil :ode states t(at *Rintestate and testa)entar#

s'%%essionsRs(all &e re'lated &# t(e national la" of t(e person "(ose s'%%ession is 'nder %onsideration, "(atever )a# &e t(e nat're of t(e propert# and reardless of t(e %o'ntr# "(eresaid propert# )a# &e fo'nd. in%e Fd"ard :(ristensen "as a :alifornia %iti>en, t(e P(ilippines"(ere (e e$e%'ted (is testa)ent referred &a% to t(e la"s of "(i%( (e "as a %iti>en of M :alifornia, JA. o"ever, no sinle A)eri%an la" overnin t(e validit# of testa)entar# provisions "as fo'nd, t(erefore it referred to no ot(er t(an t(e private la" of t(e state of "(i%(t(e de%edent "as a %iti>en M tate of :alifornia. eferrin t(en to :alifornia :ivil :ode, Arti%le946 a't(ori>es t(e referen%e or ret'rn of t(e 'estion to t(e la" of t(e testator8s do)i%ile.@indin t(erefore t(at P(ilippines is t(e do)i%ile of t(e de%eased, t(e validit# of t(e provisionsof (is "ill deprivin (is a%no"leded nat'ral %(ild, t(e appellant, s(o'ld &e overned &# t(eP(ilippine La", p'rs'ant to t(e :ivil :ode of :alifornia, not &# t(e internal la" of :alifornia.

!'d)ent is t(erefore reversed and t(e %ase ret'rned to t(e lo"er %o'rt "it( instr'%tionst(at t(e partition &e )ade as t(e P(ilippine La" on s'%%ession provides.

25



TESTATE ESTATE OF AMOS %. 0ELLIS, de%eased. PEOPLES0AN1 AND TRUST !OMPAN#, e$e%'tor. MARIA !RISTINA

0ELLIS AND MIRIAM PALMA 0ELLIS, oppositors-appellants, vs.ED7ARD A. 0ELLIS, ET AL., (eirs-appellees.

No. L-236;. !'ne 6, 196.

FactsGA)os =. 7ellis "as &orn in e$as and a %iti>en of t(e tate of e$as and of t(e Jnited

tates. At t(e ti)e of (is deat(, (e "as a resident t(ereof. 7efore (e died, (e )ade t"o "ills, onedisposin of (is e$as properties, t(e ot(er, disposin of (is P(ilippine properties. In &ot( "ills,(is re%oni>ed illeiti)ate %(ildren "ere not iven an#t(in. e$as (as no %onfli%ts r'le M r'le of Private International La" M overnin s'%%essional ri(ts. @'rt(er)ore, 'nder e$as La", t(ereare no %o)p'lsor# (eirs and t(erefore no leiti)es. (e illeiti)ate %(ildren opposed t(e "illson t(e ro'nd t(at t(e# (ave &een denied of t(eir ri(t to in(erit to "(i%( t(e# "o'ld &e entitledif P(ilippine la" "ere to &e applied.

Issue:Are t(e# entitled to t(eir leiti)es

RulingG(e said %(ildren are not entitled to t(eir leiti)es for 'nder e$as La" "(i%( )'st &e

applied M &e%a'se it is t(e national la" of t(e de%eased M t(ere are no leiti)es.(e renvoi do%trine, applied in estate Fstate of Fd"ard :(ristensen, Adolfo A>nar v.

:(ristensen =ar%ia %annot &e applied. aid do%trine is 's'all# pertinent "(ere t(e de%edent is anational of one %o'ntr# and a do)i%iliar# of e$as at t(e ti)e of (is deat(. o t(at evenass')in t(at e$as (as a %onfli%ts of la" r'le providin t(at t(e la" of t(e do)i%ile s(o'ldovern, t(e sa)e "o'ld not res'lt in a renvoi to P(ilippine la", &'t "o'ld still refer to e$as la" &e%a'se t(e de%eased "as &ot( a %iti>en and a do)i%iliar# of e$as.

(e %ontention t(at t(e national la" of t(e de%eased s(o'ld &e disrearded &e%a'se of Arti%le 1 "(i%( in effe%t states t(at o'r pro(i&itive la"s s(o'ld not &e rendered n'ator# &#forein la"s, is "ron. (is is &e%a'se Arti%le 16 and Arti%le 1039 are spe%ial provisions "(ileArti%le 1 is )erel# a eneral provision. oreover, &e%a'se :onress deleted t(e p(rase*not"it(standin t(e provisions of t(is and t(e ne$t pre%edin arti%le/ "(en it in%orporatedArti%le 11 of t(e old :ivil :ode as Arti%le 1 of t(e ne" :ivil :ode, "(ile reprod'%in "it(o'ts'&stantial %(ane, t(e se%ond pararap( of Arti%le 10 of t(e old :ivil :ode as Arti%le 16 of t(ene".

Pointed o't &# t(e oppositor t(at t(e de%edent, e$e%'tin t"o "ills intended P(ilippineLa" to overn (is P(ilippine estate. Ass')in t(at s'%( "as t(e de%edent8s intention, a provisionin a foreiner8s "ill in a%%ordan%e "it( t(e P(ilippine la" and not "it( (is national la" is illealand void for (is national la".

26



PHILIPPINE !OMMER!IAL AND INDUSTRIAL 0AN1, petitioner vs. "ENI!IO ES!OLIN, ET AL., respondent

56 266

Facts:

Bn a# 23, 195, Linnie !ane odes died in Iloilo :it# leavin a "ill. Bn a# 2,195, (er "ido"er- odes, (ad &een appointed as pe%ialAd)inistrator. 7arel# fo'r )ont(s &efore (is deat(, (e e$e%'ted an affidavit "(erein (e ratified and %onfir)ed all t(at (e stated in(is estate ta$ ret'rns as to (is (avin reno'n%ed "(at "as iven (i) &' (is "ife8s "ill.(ereafter, Att#. Leon =ellada, "(o (ad &een previo'sl# a%tin as %o'nsel for odes in (is%apa%it# as spe%ial e$e%'tor of (is "ife8s estate, and as s'%( (ad filed t(e afore'oted )otionsand )anifestations t(at t(e )ost tr'sted e)plo#ee of &ot( spo'ses Linnie !ane odes and :.Nodes, "(o (ad &een e)plo#ed for aro'nd 30 #ears, in t(e person of iss Avelina ano,s(o'ld &e appointed as ad)inistrator of t(e estate and at t(e sa)e ti)e, a spe%ial ad)inistrator of t(e estate of :(arles Ne"ton odes.

Bn !an'ar# 24, 1964, virt'all# al of t(e (eirs of :.N odes, "(o %lai) to &e t(e sole

&enefi%iaries of t(e estate of Linnie !ane odes and vario's leal %o'nsel representin t(eafore)entioned parties, entered into ana)i%a&lesettle)ent, "(erein t(e partied t(ereto areedt(at %ertain s')s of )one# "ere to &e paid in settle)ent of different %lai)s aainst t(e 2 estatesand t(at t(e asets of &ot( estates "o'ld &e ad)inistrered Cointl# &# t(e P:I7 as ad)inistrator of t(e estate of Linnie !ane odes, s'&Ce%t, (o"ever, t(at P:I78s %lai) to e$%l'sive possessionand o"ners(ip of 100H of all assets o"ned &# :(arles Ne"ton odes or Linnie !ane odessit'ated (ere in t(e P(ilippines.

Issue:+(et(er or not P(ilippine la" s(o'ld overn t(e s'%%essional ri(ts of t(e (eris

Ruling:Appl#in t(e *renvoi do%trine,/ asen'n%iated and applied &# t(is (onora&le %o'rt in t(e

%ase of *In re:(ristensen,/ t(ere %an &e no 'estion t(at P(ilippine la" overns t(e testa)entar# provisions in t(e Last +ill and esta)ent of t(e de%eased Linnie !ane odes, as "ell as t(es'%%essional ri(ts to (er estate, &ot( "it( respe%t to )ova&les, as "ell as i))ova&les in t(eP(ilippines.

2



AMERI!AN AIRLINES, petitioner, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS,HON. 0ERNARD L. SALAS an3 DEMO!RITO MENDOZA, respondents

=. No. 116044-45. ar%( 9, 2000

Facts:

It is 'ndisp'ted t(at t(e private respondent p'r%(ased fro) inapore Airlines in anila%onC'n%tion ti%ets for anila-inapore-At(ens-Larna%a-o)e-'rin-=eneva-:open(aen- Ne" or. A)eri%an Airlines "as not a parti%ipatin airline in an# of t(e se)ents. In =eneva, private respondent de%ided to foreo (is trip to :open(aen and to o strai(t to Ne" or andin t(e a&sen%e of a dire%t fli(t 'nder (is %onC'n%tion ti%ets fro) =eneva to Ne" or t(e private respondent on !'ne , 19;9 e$%(aned t(e 'n'sed portion of t(e %onC'n%tion ti%et for aone-"a# ti%et to Ne" or fro) A)eri%an Airlines. A). Airlines iss'ed its o"n ti%et to t(e private respondent in =eneva and %lai)ed t(e val'e of t(e 'n'sed portion of t(e %onC'n%tionti%et fro) t(e %learin (o'se in =eneva. In ept. 19;9, private respondent filed an a%tion for da)aes &efore t(e : of :e&' for t(e alleed e)&arrass)ent and )ental an'is( (e s'fferedat t(e =eneva Airport "(en t(e A). Airline8s se%'rit# offi%ers prevented (i) fro) &oardin t(e

plane onl# after all t(e ot(er passeners (ave &oarded. (e petitioner filed a )otion to dis)issfor la% of C'risdi%tion of P(ilippine %o'rts to entertain t(e said pro%eedins 'nder Art. 2; of t(e+arsa" :onvention. (e petitioner %ontends t(at sin%e t(e P(ilippines is not t(e pla%e "(ere t(e%ontra%t of %arriae "as )ade &et"een t(e parties (erein, P(ilippine %o'rts do not (ave C'risdi%tion over t(is a%tion for da)aes. Petitioner la#s stress on t(e fa%t t(at t(e plane ti%et for a dire%t fli(t fro) =eneva to Ne" or "as p'r%(ased &# t(e private respondent fro) t(e petitioner &# *e$%(ane and %as(/ "(i%( sinifies t(at t(e %ontra%t of %arriae "it( inaporeAirlines "as ter)inated and a se%ond %ontra%t "as perfe%ted. oreover, t(e se%ond %ontra%t of %arriae %annot &e dee)ed to (ave &een an e$tension of t(e first as t(e petitioner airline is not a parti%ipatin airline in an# of t(e destinations 'nder t(e first %ontra%t. (e : denied t(e)otion. (e order of denial "as elevated to t(e :o'rt of Appeals "(i%( affir)ed t(e r'lin of t(e :. 7ot( : and :A (eld t(at t(e s'it )a# &e &ro'(t in t(e P(ilippines 'nder t(e pool partners(ip a)on t(e IAA International Air ransport Asso%iation< )e)&ers, "(i%( in%l'deinapore Airlines and A)eri%an Airlines, "(erein t(e )e)&ers a%t as aents of ea%( ot(er int(e iss'an%e of ti%ets to t(ose "(o )a# need t(eir servi%es.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e P(ilippines (as C'risdi%tion to tae %oni>an%e of t(e a%tion for

da)aes filed &# t(e private respondent aainst petitioner in vie" of Art 2; 1< of t(e +arsa":onvention

Ruling:(e +arsa" :onvention to "(i%( t(e P(ilippines is a part# and "(i%( (as t(e for%e and

effe%t of la" in t(is %o'ntr# applies to all international transportation of persons, &aae, or oods perfor)ed &# an air%raft rat'ito'sl# or for (ire. (e t(res(old iss'e of C'risdi%tion of P(ilippine %o'rts 'nder Art. 2; )'st first &e resolved &efore an# prono'n%e)ents )a# &e )adeon t(e lia&ilit# of t(e %arrier t(ere'nder. Art. 3 of t(e +arsa" :onvention %learl# states t(at a%ontra%t of air transportation is taen as a sinle operation "(et(er it is fo'nded on a sinle%ontra%t or a series of %ontra%ts. (e n')&er of ti%ets iss'ed does not detra%t fro) t(e onenessof t(e %ontra%t of %arriae as lon as t(e parties reard t(e %ontra%t as a sinle operation. (et(ird option of t(e plaintiff 'nder Art. 2; of t(e +arsa" :onvention e.., to s'e in t(e pla%e of &'siness of t(e %arrier "(erein t(e %ontra%t "as )ade, is t(erefore, anila, and P(ilippine %o'rtsare %lot(ed "it( C'risdi%tion over t(is %ase. +e note t(at "(ile t(is %ase "as filed in :e&', t(eiss'e of ven'e is no loner an iss'e.

+(erefore, t(e C'd)ent of t(e appellate %o'rt is affir)ed.

2;



PU0LI! ESTATES AUTHORIT#, petitioner, vs. ROSARIO %ANA! !HU respondent.

=.. No. 14521. epte)&er 21, 2005

Facts:A %o)plaint for da)aes "it( pra#er for t(e iss'an%e of a "rit of inC'n%tion and

te)porar# restrainin order filed &# respondent aainst petitioner and t(e National o'sinA't(orit# NA<.o)eti)e in !'ne 1993, "it(o't noti%e and d'e pro%ess, petitioner entered (er propert#

and &'lldo>ed t(e land destro#in (er &la% pepper plantation, %a'sin da)ae to (er operationand deprivin (er of (er )eans of liveli(ood. espondent appeared %lai)in t(at petitioner (aden%roa%(ed 'pon (er propert#. espondent failed to prove (er o"ners(ip t(ereof.

(e partial de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt favored t(e respondent. Bn t(e ot(er (and, t(e petitioner filed an appeal to t(e :A. t(e %o'rt s'stained t(e fa%t'al findins of t(e trial %o'rt.

Issue:Is t(e respondent entitled for t(e pa#)ent of da)aes

Did t(e petitioner a%ted in &ad fait(

Ruling:It "as (eld in t(e )odified de%ision of t(e 'pre)e :o'rt t(at in lie' of t(e a%t'al

da)aes, te)perate da)aes s(o'ld (ave &een a"arded &# t(e trial %o'rt %onsiderin t(atrespondent (ad s'ffered so)e pe%'niar# loss &'t its a)o'nt %annot &e proved "it(o't %ertaint#.

espondent8s o"ners(ip of t(e propert# on "(i%( t(e pepper tree stand is i))aterial tot(e %ase. (ere is no disp'te t(at respondent o"ned t(e pepper trees t(at "ere destro#ed &# t(e petitioner. Fven ass')in t(at petitioner o"ns t(e propert# or t(at &'lldo>ed t(e land "it( its &o'ndaries, still, t(ere "as no reason for t(e petitioner to disreard respondent8s ri(t over (er trees. ('s t(e petitioner a%ted in &ad fait( in vie" of t(e destro#ed trees.

29



HERMINO !. PRIN!IPIO, petitioner, vs. THE HON. OS!AR 0ARRIENTOS, 0AN1OSENTRAL N% PILIPINAS, an3 HILARIO SORIANO, respondents

=.. No. 16025. De%e)&er 19, 2005

Facts:

Bn C'ne 25, 2001, respondent ilarion P. oraino, president and sto% (older of t(e 'ral7an of an i'el In%., filed an affidavit-%o)plaint aainst petitioner "it( t(e offi%e of t(eB)&'ds)an for violation of e%tion 3 e< of ep'&li% A%t 3019. espondent alleed t(at petitioner, t(ro'( )anifest partialit#, evident &ad fait( and ross nelien%e, %a'sed 'nd'einC'r# to 7I &# reportin t(at t(e &an in%'rred leal reserve defi%ien%ies, and &#re%o))endin t(e i)position of a fine "(i%( "as adopted &# t(e onetar# 7oard.

Bn epte)&er 26, 2002, t(e Bffi%e of t(e B)&'ds)an iss'ed a resol'tion findin pro&a&le %a'se to indi%t petitioner for violation of t(e said ep'&li% A%t. Bn Nove)&er 12, 2002,and infor)ation "as filed aainst t(e petitioner "it( t(e : anila.

Bn Nove)&er 26, 2002, petitioner filed a )otion for re%onsideration "(i%( "as denied &# t(e Bffi%e of t(e B)&'ds)an on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e infor)ation (ad &een alread# filed in t(e

%o'rt. (e petitioner filed a )otion "it( t(e trial %o'rt pra#in t(at t(e )otion for re%onsideration filed "it( t(e Bffi%e of t(e B)&'ds)an &e iven d'e %o'rse and t(ereafter, tor'le t(at no pro&a&le %a'se e$ist.

Bn De%e)&er 3, 2003, t(e trial %o'rt denied petitioner8s )otion to ive d'e %o'rse to (is)otion for re%onsideration and to defer pro%eedins 'ntil resol'tion of t(e pendin iss'es. It alsos'spended petitioner fro) offi%e for a period of 60 da#s. is )otion for re%onsideration "asdenied on !an'ar# 2, 2004.

Petitioner t('s filed a petition for %ertiorari "it( t(e :o'rt of Appeals pra#in for t(eann'l)ent of respondent C'des Brders of De%e)&er 3, 2003 and !an'ar# 2, 2002 for (avin &een iss'ed "it( rave a&'se of dis%retion a)o'ntin to la% or e$%ess of C'risdi%tion.

Issue:+(et(er t(e petitioner a%ted in &ad fait(.

Ruling:It "as (eld t(at t(e B)&'ds)an %annot i)p'te &ad fait( on t(e part of t(e petitioner on

t(e ass')ption t(at (e, toet(er "it( ot(er 7P offi%ials, "as part of t(e %a&al to appl# press'reon 7I to sell o't &# s'&Ce%tin it to )an# i)positions t(ro'( t(e onetar# 7oard. 7adfait( is never pres')ed, "(ile ood fait( is al"a#s pres')ed. (e B)&'ds)an s(o'ld (ave firstdeter)ined t(e fa%ts indi%atin &ad fait( instead of rel#in on t(e ten'o's ass')ption t(at t(ere"as an or%(estrated atte)pted to for%e 7I to sell o't.

30



7ILLIAM %AT!HALIAN, petitioner, vs. 0OARD OF !OMMISSIONERS;!OMMISSION ON IMMI%RATION AND DEPORTATION<, et al., respondents.

A 31, 1991 =.. Nos. 95612-13

Facts:

Bn !'l# 12, 1960, antiao =at%(alian, randfat(er of +illia) =at%(alian, "asre%oni>ed &# t(e 7'rea' of i))iration as a native &orn @ilipino %iti>en follo"in t(e%iti>ens(ip of (is )ot(er, ar%iana =at%(alian.

Bn !'ne 2, 1961, +illia) =at%(alian, t(en a t"elve #ear old )inor, arrived in anilafro) on Kon toet(er "it( =loria, @ran%is%o, and !o(nson, all s'rna)ed =at%(alian. (e#(ad "it( t(e) :ertifi%ates of eistration and Identit# iss'ed &# t(e P(ilippine :os'late in onon and so'(t an ad)ission as @ilipino %iti>ens. =loria and @ran%is%o and da'(ter and son,respe%tivel#, of antiao "(ile +illia) and !o(nson are t(e sons of @ran%is%o.

After investiation, t(e &oard of pe%ial In'ir# No. 1 rendered a de%ision dated !'l# 6,1961, ad)ittin +illia) =at%(alian and (is %o)panions as @ilipino %iti>ens. As a %onse'en%et(ereof, +illia) =at%(alian "as iss'ed Identifi%ation :ertifi%ate &# t(e i))iration a't(orities

on A''st 16, 1961.Bn !an'ar# 24, 1962, e)orand') No. 9 "as iss'ed &# t(e se%retar# of !'sti%e settinaside all de%isions p'rportin rendered &# t(e 7oard of :o))issioners on appeal or revie" )ot' propio of t(e 7oard of spe%ial In'ir#. (e sa)e )e)orand') dire%ted t(e 7oard of %o))issioners to revie" all %ases "(ere entr# "as allo"ed on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e entrant "as aP(ilippine %iti>en.

Bn !'l# 6, 1962, t(e Ne" 7oard of :o))issioners after a revie" )ot' propio of t(e pro%eedins in t(e 7oard of pe%ial In'ir#, reversed t(e de%ision of t(e latter and ordered t(ee$%l'sion of, a)on ot(ers, respondent =at%(alian. A "arrant of e$%l'sion also dated !'l# 6,1962 "as iss'ed allein t(e de%ision of t(e 7oard of :o))issioners dated !'l# 6, 1962 (asno" &e%o)e final and e$e%'tor#.

o)eti)e in 193, respondent =at%(alian, as "ell as t(e ot(ers %overed &# !'l# 6, 1962"arrant of e$%l'sion, filed a )otion for re-(earin "it( t(e 7oard of spe%ial In'ir# "(ere t(edeportation %ase aainst t(e) "as assined.

Bn ar%( 14, 193, t(e &oard of pe%ial In'ir# re%o))ended to t(e t(en A%tin:o))issioner Nit'da iss'ed an order reaffir)in t(e !'l# 6, 1961 de%ision of t(e 7oard of pe%ial In'ir# t(ere&# ad)ittin respondent =at%(alian as a @ilipino %iti>en and re%alled t(e"arrant of arrest iss'ed aainst (i).

Bn !'ne , 1990, t(e a%tin dire%tor of t(e national 7'rea' of Investiation "rote t(e!'sti%e e%retar# re%o))endin t(at respondent =at%(alian alon "it( ot(er appli%ants %overed &# t(e "arrant of e$%l'sion dated !'l# 6, 1962 &e %(ared "it( violation of :o). A%t No. 613, asa)ended, also no"n as t(e I))iration A%t of 1940.

Bn A''st 1, 1990, t(e e%retar# of !'sti%e indorsed t(e re%o))endation of t(e N7I tot(e :I for investiation and i))ediate a%tion.

Bn A''st 15, 1990, petitioner :o))issioner Do)ino of t(e :o))ission of I))iration and Deportation iss'ed a )ission order %o))andin t(e arrest of +illia)=at%(alian.

Bn A''st 29, 1990, +illia) =at%(alian filed a petition for %ertiorari and pro(i&ition"it( inC'%tion &efore t(e : of anila.

Bn epte)&er 4, 1990, petitioners filed a )otion to dis)iss allein t(at respondent C'de (as no C'risdi%tion over t(e &oard of :o))issioners. Nonet(eless, respondent C'de iss'edt(e assailed order dated epte)&er , 1990, den#in t(e )otion to dis)iss.

In a %o'nter-petition, +illia) =at%(alian allees a)on ot(ers t(atG 1< ass')in t(at t(eeviden%e on re%ord is not s'ffi%ient to de%lare (i) as @ilipino %iti>en, petitioners (ave no C'risdi%tion to pro%eed "it( t(e deportation %ase 'ntil t(e %o'rts (ave resolved t(e 'estion of (is%iti>ens(ip 2< petitioners %an no loner C'di%io'sl# and fairl# resolve respondent8s %iti>ens(ipin t(e deportation %ase &e%a'se of t(eir &ias, pre-C'd)ent and preC'di%e aainst (i) and 3< t(ero'nd for "(i%( (e so'(t to &e deported (as alread# pres%ri&ed.

31



Issues:+(et(er or not t(e "arrant of arrest iss'ed &# t(e :o))issioner of I))iration valid+(et(er or not +illia) =at%(alian a @ilipino %iti>en

Hel3: It "as (eld t(at t(e "arrant of arrest iss'ed &# t(e :o))issioner of i))iration s(o'ld &e for investiation p'rposes onl#. ('s, t(e "arrant of arrest t(at "as iss'ed is n'll and void for &ein 'n%onstit'tional. 7ased on t(e I))iration A%t, it is %lear t(at t(e :o))issioner of I))iration )a# iss'e "arrant of arrest onl# after a deter)ination &# t(e 7oard of :o))issioners of t(e e$isten%e of t(e ro'nd for deportation as %(ared aainst t(e alien. Inot(er "ords, a "arrant of arrest iss'ed &# t(e :o))issioner of i))iration, to &e valid, )'st &efor t(e sole p'rpose of e$e%'tin a final order of deportation.

As to t(e %iti>ens(ip of +illia) =at%(alian, it "as (eld t(at +illia) =at%(alian follo"st(e %iti>ens(ip of (is fat(er @ran%is%o, a @ilipino, as a leiti)ate %(ild of t(e latter. @ran%is%o, int'rn, is lie"ise a @ilipino &ein t(e leiti)ate %(ild of antiao =at%(alian "(o is ad)ittedl# a

@ilipino %iti>en "(ose @ilipino %iti>ens(ip "as re%oni>ed &# t(e 7'rea' of I))iration in anorder dated !'l# 12, 1960. ('s, +illia) at%(alian &elons to t(e @ilipino %lass of %iti>ens as%onte)plated 'nder e%. 1 Arti%le I of t(e :onstit'tion, "(i%( providesG *e%tion 1. t(efollo"in are %iti>ens of t(e P(ilippines 1< (ose "(o are %iti>ens of t(e P(ilippines at t(e ti)eof t(e adoption of t(is :onstit'tion.

32



UNI"ERSIT# OF THE EAST, petitioner, vs. ROMEO A. ADER , respondent.=.. No. 132344. @e&r'ar# 1, 2000.

Facts: Plaintiff o)eo A. !ader "as enrolled in t(e defendant8s :ollee of La" fro) 19;4 'p to19;;. In t(e first se)ester of (is last #ear 19;-19;;<, (e failed to tae t(e re'lar finale$a)ination in Pra%ti%e :o'rt I for "(i%( (e "as iven an in%o)plete rade. e enrolled fro t(ese%ond se)ester as fo'rt( #ear la" st'dent and on @e&r'ar# 1, 19;; (e filed an appli%ation for t(e re)oval of t(e in%o)plete rade iven (i) &# Professor :arlos Brtea "(i%( "as approved &# Dean :eledonio ionson. e too t(e e$a)ination on ar%( 2;, 19;;. Bn a# 30, 19;;,(is rade of five 5< "as s'&)itted &# Professor Brtea.

In t(e deli&erations %ond'%ted &# t(e Dean and t(e @a%'lt# e)&ers of t(e :ollee of La", t(e plaintiff8s na)e appeared in t(e entative List of :andidates for rad'ation for t(eDeree of 7a%(elor of La"s. Plaintiff8s na)e also appeared in t(e invitation for t(e 35t(

Investit'res and :o))en%e)ent :ere)onies for t(e %andidates of 7a%(elor of La"s.(e plaintiff attended t(e investit're %ere)onies on April 16, 19;;. d'rin t(e prora) of "(i%( (e "ent 'p t(e stae, (is )ot(er and &rot(er pla%ed (is ood, (is assel t'rned fro) leftto ri(t, and (e "as t(ereafter (anded &# Dean :eledonio a rolled "(ite s(eet of paper s#)&oli%al of t(e La" Diplo)a.

e t(ereafter prepared (i)self for t(e &ar e$a)ination. e too a leave of a&sen%e fro)(is Co& fro) April 20, 19;; to epte)&er 30, 19;; and enrolled at t(e pre-&ar revie" %lass in @ar Fastern Jniversit#. avin learned of t(e defi%ien%#, (e dropped (is revie" %lass and "as nota&le to tae t(e &ar e$a)ination.

Plaintiff-appellee s'ed defendant-appellant for da)aes allein t(at (e s'ffered )orals(o%, )ental an'is(, serio's an$iet#, &es)ir%(ed rep'tation, "o'nded feelins and sleeplessni(ts "(en (e "as not a&le to tae t(e 19;; &ar e$a)inations arisin fro) t(e latter8snelien%e.

Issue:+(et(er or not plaintiff-appellee %an %lai) for )oral and e$e)plar# da)aes for t(e

a&'se of ri(ts 'nder Arti%le 19 of t(e :ivil :ode of t(e P(ilippines

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt ordered t(at petitioner s(o'ld pa# respondent t(e s') of (irt#-five

(o'sand @o'r 'ndred event# Pesos P35, 40.00<, "it( leal interest of 6H per ann')%o)p'ted fro) t(e date of filin of t(e %o)plaint 'ntil f'll# paid &'t not entitled to )oralda)aes. (e %o'rt does not &elieve t(at respondent s'ffered s(o%, tra')a and pain &e%a'se (e%o'ld not rad'ate and %o'ld not tae t(e &ar e$a)inations. (e %o'rt stated t(at it &e(ooved onrespondent to verif# for (i)self "(et(er (e (as %o)pleted all ne%essar# re'ire)ents to &eelii&le for t(e &ar e$a)inations. espondent s(o'ld (ave &een responsi&le eno'( to ens'ret(at all (is affairs, spe%ifi%all# t(ose pertainin to (is a%ade)i% a%(ieve)ent, are in order.

33



"IOLA !RUZ, petitioner, vs. NATIONAL LA0OR RELATIONS !OMMISSION,NOR1IS DISTRI0UTORS, IN!., OSE RAMIRO A. !ARPIO, R., 7ESSIE

5UISUM0IN%, an3 ELIZALDE AMPALA#O, respondents.,=.. No. 1163;4, 2000 @e&r'ar# , 2000.

Facts:espondent Noris Distri&'tor, In%., a do)esti% %orporation "it( prin%ipal offi%e and

&'siness address at A. . @ort'na treet, anda'e :it#, :e&', is enaed in t(e &'siness of sellin )otor%#%les and (o'se(old applian%es, "it( &ran%(es all over t(e %o'ntr#. Bne of t(e &ran%(es is in alen%ia, 7'idnon "(ere petitioner iola :r'> "as e)plo#ed as %as(ier &ooeeper. @or (er lo#alt# and dedi%ation to t(e %o)pan#, petitioner :r'> "as iven%o)pensatin salar# adC'st)ent of Bne 'ndred P100.00< Pesos, effe%tive !'l# 1, 1990.

In B%to&er 14, 1990, "(ile petitioner and (er %o-e)plo#ees "ere &'s# pa%in 'p and)ain inventor# of t(e t(ins to &e )oved &e%a'se of a s%(ed'led transfer of t(e alen%ia &ran%(, t(e petitioner s'ddenl# %ollapsed. (e "as r's(ed to t(e onsanto =eneral ospital in

alen%ia, 7'idnon and "as later on transferred to t(e :apitol :ollee =eneral ospital in:aa#an de Bro :it# on B%to&er 1, 1990. (e "as dianosed to &e s'fferin fro) *:NInfe%tionG 7 eninitis vs. :r#pto%o%%al eninitis./ (e "as later transferred to t(e ariae#na ospital, "(ere s(e "as %onfined fro) B%to&er 25 to De%e)&er 5, 1990, and treated for *:r#pto%o%%al eninitis, Pott8s Disease, and Dia&etes ellit's #pe II.

tartin B%to&er 15, 1990, t(e petitioner stopped reportin for "or. "o da#s after petitioner8s %ollapse, respondent Noris "as a&le to re%r'it a repla%e)ent %as(ier &ooeeper int(e person of ernando !'a)an.

Bn De%e)&er 2;, 1990, petitioner sent a letter to respondent Noris to verif# t(e stat's of (er e)plo#)ent. As an ans"er, s(e re%eived a ter)ination latter dated Nove)&er 2, 1990 %itin(ealt( reasons as t(e %a'se for (er dis)issal.

Bn ar%( 1;, 1991, petitioner loded a %o)plaint for illeal dis)issal aainst privaterespondents &efore t(e Ar&itration 7ran%( of t(e NL: in :aa#an De Bro :it#. Bn a# 2;,1993, La&or Ar&iter Leon P. 'rillo rendered a de%ision &'t &ot( parties appealed to t(e NL:.

Issue:+(et(er or not petitioner "as illeall# dis)issed &# private respondents on ro'nd of

illness and so s(e "as entitled to re%over )oral and e$e)plar# da)aes.

Ruling:Private respondents illeall# dis)issed t(e petitioner &e%a'se t(e# failed to %o)pl# "it(

t(e re'ire)ent t(at an e)plo#ee to &e dis)issed s(o'ld &e iven t"o "ritten noti%es. (e firstnoti%e is to apprise t(e e)plo#ee of t(e parti%'lar a%ts or o)issions &# reason of "(i%( (er dis)issal (as &een de%ided 'pon and t(e se%ond is to infor) t(e e)plo#ee of t(e e)plo#er8sde%ision to dis)iss (i). avin failed to do t(e re'ire)ent, respondents (ave not iven t(e petitioner d'e pro%ess "(i%( )aes t(eir a%t illeal and void. @or t(is, petitioner is entitled tore%over )oral and e$e)plar# da)aes.

34



%LO0E2MA!1A# !A0LE = RADIO !ORPORATION, petitioner vs. %EOR%E %.0ARRIOS AND OL%A THERESA !RUZ20ARRIOS, respondents

No. L-60;59. De%e)&er 2, 19;2

Facts:

(e petitioner %a&le %o)pan# failed to deliver to respondent-spo'ses, &ot( p(#si%ians, a%a&lera) fro) er%# ospital, 7'ffalo, Ne" or, ad)ittin respondent-"ife for a rotatininterns(ip in said (ospital. As a %onse'en%e of "(i%(, s(e "as 'na&le to sinif# (er a%%eptan%eand t(e position "as iven to so)eone else. (e rial :o'rt and t(e :o'rt of appeals fo'nd t(att(e petitioner "as rossl# nelient in (avin ad)ittedl# failed to deliver t(e %a&lera) "(i%(%a'sed respondents finan%ial diffi%'lties in Ne" or, d'e to loss of earnins for appro$i)atel#si$ )ont(s, serio's an$iet#, and sleepless ni(ts, for "(i%( t(e petitioner s(o'ld &e (eld lia&le,and "(i%( s(o'ld &e %orre%ted for t(e p'&li% ood.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e a"ard of da)aes is e$%essive.

Ruling:es. A telerap( %o)pan# is a p'&li% servi%e %orporation o"in d'ties to t(e eneral

p'&li% ands is lia&le to an# )e)&er of t(e p'&li% "(o) it o"es a d't# for da)aes pro$i)atel#flo"in fro) a violation of t(at d't#. o"ever, t(e petitioner is a 'asi-p'&li% %orporation alsoaffe%ted "it( p'&li% interest and t(e a"ard of da)aes )ade &# t(e rial :o'rt and affir)ed &#t(e :o'rt of Appeals "as fo'nd &# t(e 'pre)e :o'rt to &e e$%essive. (e de%ision of t(e'pre)e :o'rt )odified t(at of t(e lo"er %o'rts &# red'%in t(e a"ard.

35



RADIO !OMMUNI!ATIONS OF THE PHILIPPINES, IN!. :PI<, petitioner, vs.!OURT OF APPEALS AND LORETO DIONELA, respondents

No. L-444;. A''st 29, 19;6

Facts:

(e %o)plaint aainst t(e defendant %orporation is &ased on a telera) sent t(ro'( itsanila Bffi%e to t(e offended part#, Loreto Dionela. Plaintiff-respondent Dionela alleed t(at t(edefa)ator# "ords *sa i#o "alan paina&an d')atin-a di#an-"ala an padala ditto-a(it &'l&'l )o/< on t(e telera) sent to (i) not onl# "o'nded (is feelins &'t also %a'sed (i)'nd'e e)&arrass)ent and affe%ted adversel# (is &'siness as "ell &e%a'se ot(er people (ave%o)e to no" of t(e said defa)ator# "ords. Defendant-%orporation as a defense, alleed t(at t(eadditional "ords in aalo "as a private Coe &et"een t(e sendin and re%eivin operators andt(at t(e# "ere not addressed to or intended for plaintiff and t(erefore did not for) part of t(etelera) and t(at t(e aalo "ords are not defa)ator#.

(e trial %o'rt r'led t(at t(e additional "ords in aalo are li&elo's and t(at t(e# %learl#i)p'te a vi%e or defe%t of t(e plaintiff. +(et(er or not t(e# "ere intended for t(e plaintiff, t(e

effe%t on t(e plaintiff is t(e sa)e. (ere is s'ffi%ient p'&li%ation of t(e li&elo's aalo "ordsfor t(e# are open to vie" and inspe%tion &# t(ird parties. (e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed "it()odifi%ation t(e rial :o'rt8s de%ision &# red'%in t(e a"ard of da)aes. A )otion for re%onsideration "as denied, (en%e, t(e petition.

Issue:+(et(er or not a"ard of )oral da)aes &ased on do%')entar# eviden%e "it(o't

s'pportin oral testi)onies is proper.

RulingGes. In )ost %ases, nelien%e )'st &e proved in order t(at plaintiff )a# re%over.

o"ever, sin%e nelien%e )a# &e (ard to s'&stantiate in so)e %ases, "e )a# appl# t(e do%trineof F IPA LBSJIJ or *t(e t(in speas for itself,/ &# %onsiderin t(e presen%e of fa%ts or %ir%')stan%es s'rro'ndin t(e inC'r#.

36



FRAN!IS!O HERMOSSISIMA, plaintiff 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS, et.al., defendant

No.L-1462;. epte)&er 30, 1960

Facts: in%e 1950, oledad :aias "as t(en a tea%(er in t(e i&ona Provin%ial i( %(ool in:e&', and @ran%is%o er)osi)a, "(o "as al)ost 10 #ears #o'ner t(an s(e "as (er &o#friend.(e# "ere rearded as enaed alt(o'( (e (ad )ade no pro)ise of )arriae prior t(ereto. In1951, s(e ave 'p tea%(in and &e%a)e a life ins'ran%e 'nder"riter in t(e :it# of :e&', "(ereinti)a%# &et"een t(e) developed. Bne evenin in 1953, after %o)in fro) t(e )ovie (o'se,t(e# (ad se$'al inter%o'rse in (is %a&in on &oard *Fs%ana/ to "(i%( (e "as t(en atta%(ed asapprenti%e pilot. In @e&r'ar# 1954, s(e "as in t(e fa)il# "a#, "(ere'pon (e pro)ised to )arr#(er. (eir %(ild :(ris er)osi)a "as &orn on !'ne 1,1954, in a private )aternit# and %lini%.o"ever on !'l#24, 1954, @ran%is%o )arried o)anita Pere>. en%e, t(e present a%tion "as%o))en%ed on or a&o't B%to&er 4 1954.

Issue:+(et(er or not )oral da)aes are re%overa&le 'nder o'r la"s for &rea%( of pro)ise to

)arr#

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt (eld t(at 'nder t(e :ivil :ode, t(ere %an &e no re%over# of )oral

da)aes for a &rea%( of pro)ise to )arr#, as s'%( t(e o)ission in t(e :ivil :ode of t(e proposed :(apter on &rea%( of Pro)ise 'its is a %lear )anifestation of leislative intent not tosan%tion as s'%(, s'its for &rea%( of pro)ise to )arr#, ot(er"ise *)an# inno%ent )an )a# &e%o)e t(e vi%ti)s of desinin and 'ns%r'p'lo's fe)ales./ o"ever, if t(ere &e sed'%tion,)oral da)aes )a# &e re%overed 'nder Art. 2219, Par.3 of :ivil :ode of t(e P(ilippines.@ran%is%o "as )orall# 'ilt of sed'%tion in t(is %ase. oledad, t(e %o)plainant, "(o "as 10#ears older, s'rrendered (erself to (i) &e%a'se over"(el)ed &# (er love for (i) s(e "anted to &ind (i) &# (avin a fr'it of t(eir enae)ent even &efore t(e# (ad t(e &enefit of t(e %ler#. e"as, t(erefore, ordered to pa# a )ont(l# pension of P30.00 for t(e s'pport of t(e %(ild P4500.00representin t(e in%o)e t(at %o)plainant (ad alleedl# failed to earn d'rin (er prenan%# ands(ortl# after t(e &irt( of t(e %(ild as a%t'al %o)pensator# da)aes P5000.00 as )oral da)aesand P500.00 as attorne#8s fees.

3



0EATRIZ %ALAN%, petitioner 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent NB.L-124;.!an'ar# 29, 1962

Facts:7eatri> =alan and odrio S'init "ere &ot( fro) t(e sa)e to"n of ison, Panasinan,

and "ere enaed &'t odrio8s parents "ere stronl# opposed to t(eir )arriae. e "anted t(e)arriae to tae pla%e after (is rad'ation "(ile t(e appellee "as i)patient and "anted t(e)arriae to &e (eld at an earlier date. Bn April 26, 1955, odrio8s parents told (i) to leave t(e parental (o)e in vie" of (is %ontin'ed relations "it( 7eatri>. Bn April 2, 1955, t(e %o'plelived as ('s&and and "ife in t(e (o'se of Adolfo Daa"an at :olorado @alls, '&a, o'ntainProvin%e 'ntil a# 9 "(en odrio left and never ret'rned.

Issue:+(et(er or not )oral da)aes are re%overa&le 'nder o'r la"s for &rea%( of pro)ise to

)arr#

Hel3: (e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e of 7a'io, rendered a de%ision senten%in t(e defendants Cointl# and severall# to pa# s')s of P25.00 &# "a# of a%t'al da)aes P5000.00 as )oralda)aes and P500.00 as attorne#8s fees, apart fro t(e %osts. Bn appeal taen &# t(e defendants,t(e :o'rt of Appeals a&solved a$i)o S'init, and a%%ordinl# reversed said de%ision insofar as(e is %on%erned, and )odified it as reards odrio S'init &# eli)inatin t(e a"ards for )oralda)aes and attorne#8s fees. (e 'pre)e :o'rt affir)ed t(e de%ision of :o'rt of Appeals.oral da)aes for &rea%( of pro)ise to )arr# are not %olle%ti&le.

3;



%ASHEEM SHOO1AT 0A1SH, petitioner, vs. HON. !OURT OF APPEALS an3MARILOU T. %ONZALES, respondents

=. . No. 9336. @e&r'ar# 19, 1993

Facts: arilo' . =on>ales, a 22 #ear old @ilipina filed on eional rial :o'rt of Panasinanin Lina#en for a %o)plaint for da)aes aainst t(e petitioner, =as(e) (ooat 7as( anIranian %iti>en residin at t(e Lo>ano Apart)ents in ='ili, Da'pan :it# and is an e$%(naest'dent tain a )edi%al %o'rse at t(e L#%e') Nort("estern :ollees<, for t(e alleed violationof t(eir aree)ent to et )arried. 7efore A''st 20, 19;, t(e latter %o'rted and proposed to)arr# (er s(e a%%epted (is love on t(e %ondition t(at t(e# "o'ld et )arried t(e# t(ereforeareed to et )arried after t(e end of t(e s%(ool se)ester, "(i%( "as in B%to&er of t(ar #ear t(e petitioner visited to private respondent8s (o)eto"n in 7anaa, 7'allion, Panasinan to se%'ret(eir approval to t(e )arriae so)eti)es in A''st 20, 19;, t(e petitioner for%ed (er to live"it( (i) in (is apart)ent. 7e%a'se of t(e petitioner8s pro)ise to )arr# t(e private respondent,

t(e latter s'rrendered (er virinit#. A "ee &efore t(e filin of t(e %o)plaint, t(e petitioner8sattit'de to"ards (er started to %(ane (e )atreated and t(reatened to ill (er. e said t(at (edoes not "ant to )arr# (er &e%a'se (e "as alread# )arried to so)eone livin in 7a%olod. (e private respondent t(en pra#ed for C'd)ent orderin t(e petitioner to pa# (er da)aes,rei)&'rse)ents for a%t'al e$penses, and attorne#8s fees and %osts. Bn t(e ot(er (and, t(e petitioner also filed a %o'nter %lai), of %o'rse, den#in and reversin t(e alleations aainst (i) &# t(e private respodent.

Bn B%to&er 16, 19;9, t(e eional rial :o'rt applied t(e Arti%le 21 of t(e :ivil :odefavorin t(e private respondent. (e petitioner t(en appealed to t(e :o'rt of Appeals reardint(e de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt. Bn @e&r'ar# 1;, 1991, t(e :A affir)ed in toto t(e trial %o'rtsr'lin. ('s, 'nfa>ed &# (is se%ond defeat, petitioner filed instant petition on ar%( 26, 1991.

Issue:+(et(er or nor da)aes )a# &e re%overed for a &rea%( of pro)ise to )arr# on t(e &asis

of Arti%le 21 of t(e :ivil :ode of t(e P(ilippines.

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt (eld t(at, in t(e e$istin r'le 'nder o'r :ivil La", a &rea%( of

pro)ise to )arr# itself is not an a%tiona&le "ron.(e 'pre)e :o'rt fo'nd o't t(e tr'e %(ara%ter and )otive of t(e petitioner, t(at is, (e

'sed de%eption and too advantae of t(e sit'ation of t(e private respondent a (i( s%(oolrad'ate and finan%iall# 'nsta&le< &# proposin to s'pport and )arr# (er, C'st so (e %an satisf#(is l'st. ('s, (e %learl# violated t(e @ilipino8s %on%ept of )oralit# and defied t(e traditionalrespe%t "as not oin to )arr# (er after all, s(e left (i).

(erefore, findin no reversi&le error in t(e %(allened de%ision t(e instant petition(ere&# denied, "it( %osts aainst t(e petitioner.

39



0EATRIZ P. 7ASSMER, plaintiff-appellee, vs.FRAN!IS!O $. "ELEZ, defendant-appeallant

No. L-200;9. De%e)&er 26, 1964

Facts: @ran%is%o ele> and 7eatri>, foll"in t(eir pro)ise to love, de%ided to et )arried. "oda#s &efore t(eir )arriae @ran%is%o "rote 7eatri> tellin (er t(at t(eir )arriae (ad to &e postponed as (is )ot(er opposes it. A da# &efore (is )arriae (e sent a telera) infor)in (er *not(in %(aned rest ass'red ret'rnin soon./ Despite t(e fa%t t(at ever#t(in "as alread# prepared, fro) invitations to )atri)onial &ed and ot(er a%%essories, and in fa%t &ridal s(o"ers"ere iven and ifts alread# re%eived, @ran%is%o "as never (eard fro) aain. 7eatri> s'ed for da)aes for &rea%( of pro)ise to )arr#.

Issue:Is &rea%( of pro)ise to )arr# an a%tiona&le "ron

Ruling:(e e$tent to "(i%( a%ts not %ontrar# to la" )a# &e perpetrated "it( i)p'nit#, is not

li)itless for Arti%le 21 of t(e :ivil :ode provides t(at *an# person "(o "illf'll# %a'ses loss or inC'r# to anot(er in a )anner t(at is %ontrar# to )orals, ood %'sto)s or p'&li% poli%# s(all%o)pensate t(e latter for t(e da)aes.

(is is not a %ase of )ere &rea%( to )arr#. As stated, )ere &rea%( of pro)ise to )arr# isnot an a%tiona&le "ron. 7't to for)all# set a "eddin and o t(ro'( all t(e preparation and p'&li%it#, onl# to "al o't of it "(en t(e )atri)on# is a&o't to &e sole)ni>ed, is 'ite different.

(is is palpa&l# and 'nC'stifia&l# %ontrar# to ood %'sto)s for "(i%( defendant )'st &e(eld ans"era&le in da)aes in a%%ordan%e "it( Arti%le 21 of t(e :ivil :ode.

+(en a &rea%( of pro)ise to )arr# is a%tiona&le 'nder Arti%le 21 of t(e :ivil :ode,)oral da)aes )a# &e a"arded 'nder Arti%le 221910< of t(e said :ode. F$e)plar# da)aes)a# also &e a"arded 'nder Arti%le 2232 of said :ode "(ere it is proven t(at t(e defendant%learl# a%ted in a "anton, re%less and oppressive )anner.

40



!AR !OOL PHILIPPINES, IN!., represented in t(is a%t &# its President and =eneralanaer "IR%ILIO DELA ROSA, petitioner, vs. USHIO REALT# AND DE"ELOPMENT

!ORPORATION, respondent=.. No. 13;0;;. !an'ar# 23, 2006

Facts: Bn De%e)&er 19, 1995, Js(io ealt# and Develop)ent :orporations Js(io ealt#<filed an eCe%t)ent %ase aainst :ar :ool P(ilippines, In%. :A :BBL< to re%over possession of a par%el of land propert#< lo%ated at No. 2 13< S'e>on Aven'e %orner of i%tor# Aven'e,S'e>on :it#.

JIB ealt# allees t(at t(e for)er o"ners of t(e propert#, spo'ses e%tor and =loriai>on Lope> *po'ses Lope>/<, leased t(e propert# to :A :BBL sin%e 192. In 1990, t(epo'ses Lope> and :A :BBL e$e%'ted a "ritten lease aree)ent over t(e propert# for t"o#ears. Bn t(e e$piration of t(e aree)ent, t(e po'ses Lope> allo"ed :A :BBL to %ontin'erentin t(e propert#. ('s, t(e aree)ent "ent on &# a ver&al )ont(-)ont( aree)ent. e%tor Lope> "rote :A :BBL to infor) of (is intention to sell t(e propert# and te for)er ave t(e

latter t(e option to &'# t(e propert# &efore offerin it to ot(er prospe%tive &'#ers. :A :BBLfailed to respond to t(e offer. ('s, t(e propert# "as &o'(t &# JIB.JIB ave :A :BBL a spe%ifi% ti)e to "(i%( to va%ate t(e propert#. 7't after t(ree

noti%e and failin, (o"ever, to %o)pl# te de)ands of JIB, filed a %o)plaint for eCe%t)ent onDe%e)&er 19, 1995. (e etropolitan rial :o'rt de%ided in favor of JIB FAL. :A :BBL filed an appeal to t(e eional rial :o'rt, &'t still t(e latter affir) t(e de%ision of t(eetropolitan rial :o'rt. en%e, t(e instant petition.

Issue:+(et(er t(e :o'rt of Appeals erred in a"ardin da)aes &# "a# of rentals and

attorne#8s fees in favor of JIB.

Ruling:(e petition is partl# )eritorio's.:A :BBL asserts t(at to a"ard da)aes to JIB ealt# "o'ld %onstit'te 'nC'st

enri%()ent at t(e e$pense of :A :BBL. :A :BBL %lai)s t(at it never &enefited fro) itso%%'pation of t(e propert# after JIB ealt#8s aents enetered t(e propert# on B%to&er 1,1995 and 'nla"f'll# destro#ed :A :BBL8s offi%e, e'ip)ent and spare parts. 7e%a'se of t(edestr'%tion of t(e e'ip)ent and spare parts needed to operate its &'siness, :A :BBL assertst(at it "as no loner possi&le to %ontin'e its &'siness operations. (e 'pre)e :o'rt, (o"ever,"as not %onvin%ed &asin fro) t(e 'le 0 of t(e 'les of :ivil Pro%ed're, spe%ifi%all# 'nder e%tions 1 and 19.

41



%IL MI%UEL T. PU#AT, petitioner, v. RON ZA0ARTE, respondent.=.. No. 1411536. @e&r'ar# 26, 2001

Facts:

Bn 24 !an'ar# 1994, on a&arte, t(e respondent, %o))en%ed an a%tion to enfor%e t(e)one# C'd)ent rendered &# t(e 'perior :o'rt for t(e tate of :alifornia, :o'nt# of :ontra:osta, J..A.

Bn 1 A''st 1994, t(e respondent filed a otion for '))ar# !'d)ent 'nder 'le 34of t(e 'les of :o'rt allein t(at t(e Ans"er filed &# petitioner failed to tender an# en'ineiss'e as to t(e )aterial fa%ts.

Bn 6 April 1995, t(e %o'rt a 'o iss'ed an Brder rantin respondent8s otion for '))ar# !'d)ent. Lie"ise, it ranted t(e petitioner ten 10< da#s to s'&)it opposinaffidavits. (e petitioner filed a otion for e%onsideration of t(e a&ove-stated order andotion to Dis)iss on t(e ro'nd t(at it la%s C'risdi%tion over t(e s'&Ce%t )atter. o"ever, t(elo"er dis)issed t(ese t"o )otions. (e : t(en rendered its de%ision orderin t(e petitioner to

pa# t(e respondent t(e a)o'nt of JT 241,991.33 "it( t(e leal interest P30, 000.00 asattorne#8s fees and to pa# t(e %osts s'it. (is later on, affir)ed &# t(e :o'rt of Appeals. Issue

+(et(er or not t(e C'd)ent8s %onfor)it# to P(ilippine la"s, p'&li% poli%#, %anons of )oralit#, and nor)s aainst 'nC'st enri%()ent

Ruling(is is not a %ase of 'nC'st enri%()ent. JnC'st enri%()ent or solutio indebiti

%onte)plates pa#)ent "(en t(ere is no d't# to pa#, and t(e person "(o re%eives t(e pa#)ent(as no ri(t to re%eive it. (e petitioner )erel# ar'es t(at t(e ot(er t"o defendants "(o) (erepresented "ere lia&le toet(er "it( (i). Lie"ise, t(ere is no forein C'd)ent t(at is %ontrar#to la", )orals, p'&li% poli%# or t(e %anons of )oralit# o&tainin in t(e %ontrar#. (e petition,t(erefore, is (ere&# denied. Do'&le %osts aainst petitioner.

42



SER%IO AMONO#, petitioner, v. SPOUSES OSE %UTIERREZ AND AN%ELAFORNILDA, respondents.

=.. No. 140420. @e&r'ar# 15, 2001

Facts:

A)ono#, t(e petitioner, "as t(e %o'nsel of @ran%is%a :atolos, Anes :atolos, As'n%ionPasa)&a and Alfonso @or)ilda, for t(e settle)ent of t(e estate of t(e de%eased !'lio :antolos.'%( estate involves si$ 6< par%els of land sit'ated in ana#, i>al. (e ProCe%t of Partition "asapproved on 12 !an'ar# 1965 and t"o of t(e said lots "ere adC'di%ated to As'n%ion Pasa)&a andAlfonso @or)ilda. +it( reard to t(e attorne#8s fees, A)ono# %(ared P2, 600.00. o se%'ret(e pa#)ent of s'%(, on 20 !an'ar# 1965, As'n%ion Pasa)&a and Alfonso @or)ilda e$e%'ted adeed of real estate )ortae on t(e said t"o lots adC'di%ated to t(e).

As'n%ion Pasa)&a and Alfonso @or)ilda passed a"a# on 24 @e&r'ar# 1969 and on 2!'l# 1969, respe%tivel#. A)on t(e (eirs of Alfonso "as (is da'(ter, plaintiff-appellant Anela='tierre>.

Bn 21 !an'ar# 190, A)ono# filed for t(eir fore%los're &efore in t(e :@I of Pasi, i>al,

sin%e (is attorne#8s fees se%'red &# t(e t"o lots "ere not paid. (e (eirs opposed. o"ever, on2; epte)&er 192 C'de)ent, it "as rendered in favo'r of A)ono# re'irin t(e (eirs to pa#t(e P2,600.00&# t(e )ortae, P11,;;0.00 as a val'e of t(e (arvests, and P9,654.00 as anot(er ro'nd of attorne#8s fees "it(in 90 da#s. @ailin in t(at, t(e t"o 2< lots "o'ld &e sold at p'&li%a'%tion.

Bn 25 !'l# 19;5, t(e :@I iss'ed a +rit of Possession and a p'rs'ant to "(i%( a noti%e tova%ate "as )ade on 26 A''st 19;5. (e land, "(ere t(e (o'se of ='tierre> spo'ses "assit'ated, "as part of t(e said par%el of land to &e possessed &# A)ono#.

Bn 2 epte)&er 19;5 a petition "as filed &# t(e petitioners in%l'din Anela='tierre>< &efore t(e 'pre)e :o'rt. A De%ision rendered settin aside t(e +rit of Possessionand t(e e)porar# estrainin Brder "as )ade per)anent, and orderin t(at t(e si$ 6< par%elsof land are ret'rned to petitioners. o"ever, t(e said d"ellin (ad alread# &een destro#ed. ('s,a :o)plaint for da)aes for s'%( "as filed &efore t(e : &'t it "as dis)issed. Bn appeal t(e:A set aside t(e lo"er %o'rt8s de%ision, rat(er ordered petitioner A)ono# to pa# P250, 000 asa%t'al da)aes.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e :o'rt of Appeals "as %orre%t in de%idin t(at t(e petitioner "as lia&le

to t(e respondents for da)aes

Ruling: (e petition (as no )erit. (e Latin p(rase damnum absque injuria M t(at da)ae

res'ltin fro) t(e leiti)ate e$er%ise of a person8s ri(ts is a loss "it(o't inC'r# finds noappli%ation to t(is %ase. (o'( petitioner, 'nder t(e +rit of De)olition iss'ed &# t(e :,%o))en%ed t(e de)olition, t(ere "as a %ontin'ation t(e sa)e after t(e iss'an%e of a e)porar#estrainin Brder, enCoinin t(e de)olition of respondents8 (o'se, "as iss'ed &# t(e 'pre)e:o'rt. ('s, %osts aainst petitioner.

43



RODRI%O !ON!EP!ION, petitioner, v. !OURT OF APPEALS an3 SPS. NESTOR NI!OLAS an3 ALLEM NI!OLAS, respondents.

=.. No. 12006. !an'ar# 31, 2000 Facts:

(e spo'ses Nestor Ni%olas and Alle) Ni%olas, t(e respondents, "ere residin in anapart)ent leased to t(e) &# t(e o"ner @loren%e *7in/ :on%ep%ion at Pasi :it#. Nestor Ni%olas "as enaed in t(e &'siness of s'ppl#in overn)ent aen%ies and private entities "it(offi%e e'ip)ent, applian%es and ot(er fi$t'res. @loren%e :on%ep%ion Coined after %ontri&'tin%apital "it( t(e %ondition t(at s(e "ill re%eive (alf of t(e profit earned.

odrio :on%ep%ion, t(e petitioner and &rot(er of t(e de%eased ('s&and of @loren%e,"ent to Nestor8s apart)ent and a%%'sed (i) of %o))ittin ad'ltero's relations(ip "it(@loren%e.

Nestor felt e$tre)e e)&arrass)ent and s(a)e. @loren%e even %eased to do &'siness "it(t(e spo'ses. (e spo'ses started to 'arrel as Alle) &e%a)e do'&tf'l of (er ('s&and8s fidelit#. Nestor for%ed t(en odrio de)andin p'&li% apolo# and pa#)ent of da)aes. (e latter

inored t(at triered t(e spo'ses to file %ivil s'it aainst odrio for da)aes. e reasoned o'tt(at (e did s'%( to prote%t t(e na)e and rep'tation of t(e :on%ep%ion fa)il#.

Issue:+(et(er t(ere is &asis in la" for t(e a"ard of da)aes to private respondents, spo'ses

Ni%olas

Ruling:(e petitionerOs post're t(at t(ere is no leal provision t(at s'pports s'%( a"ard of

da)aes (as &een reCe%ted. Arti%le 26 of t(e ne" :ivil :ode stressed t(e sa%redness of (')an personalit#, "(i%( is a %on%o)itant %onsideration of ever# plan for (')an a)elioration. (eri(ts of persons are a)pl# prote%ted, and da)aes are provided for violations of a person8sdinit#, personalit#, priva%# and pea%e of )ind. ('s, t(e petitioner is lia&le to t(e spo'ses for P50, 000 as )oral da)aes, P25, 000 for e$e)plar# da)aes, P10, 000 for attorne#8s fees, pl's%osts of s'it.

44



PEOPLE OF TH E PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs.RO%ELIO 0A#OTAS 6 !ORDO"A, accused-appellant

=.. No. 10220. epte)&er 2, 1994

Facts:oelio 7a#otas "as %(ared "it( rape and event'all# %onvi%ted t(ereof on !'ne 19,

1991. Pendin appeal of (is %onvi%tion, 7a#otas died on @e&r'ar# 4, 1992. :onse'entl#, t(e'pre)e :o'rt dis)issed t(e %ri)inal aspe%t of t(e appeal. o"ever, it re'ired t(e oli%itor =eneral to file its %o))ent "it( reard to 7a#otas8 %ivil lia&ilit# arisin fro) (is %o))ission of t(e offense %(ared. In (is %o))ent, t(e oli%itor =eneral e$pressed (is vie" t(at t(e deat( of a%%'sed-appellant did not e$tin'is( (is %ivil lia&ilit# as a res'lt of (is %o))ission of t(e offense%(ared. (e %o'nsel of 7a#otas, (o"ever, opposed t(e vie" of t(e oli%itor =eneral ar'int(at t(e deat( of t(e a%%'sed "(ile C'd)ent of %onvi%tion is pendin appeal e$tin'is(es &ot((is %ri)inal and %ivil penalties.

Issue: Does deat( of t(e a%%'sed pendin appeal of (is %onvi%tion e$tin'is( (is %ivil lia&ilit#

Ruling:Arti%le ;9 of t(e evised Penal :ode is t(e %ontrollin stat'te. It reads, in partGArt. ;9. Ho criminal liabilit! is totall! extinguished :ri)inal lia&ilit# is totall# e$tin'is(edG1. 7# t(e deat( of t(e %onvi%t, as to t(e personal penalties and as to t(e pe%'niar#

penalties lia&ilit# t(erefor is e$tin'is(ed onl# "(en t(e deat( of t(e offender o%%'rs &efore final C'd)ent

Deat( of t(e a%%'sed pendin appeal of (is %onvi%tion e$tin'is(es (is %ri)inal lia&ilit#as "ell as t(e %ivil lia&ilit# &ased solel# t(ereon. As opined &# !'sti%e ealado, in t(is reard,t(e deat( of t(e a%%'sed prior to final C'd)ent ter)inates (is %ri)inal lia&ilit# and onl! t(e%ivil lia&ilit# directl! arisin fro) and &ased solel# on t(e offense %o))itted, i.e., %ivil lia&ilit#ex delicto in senso strictiore.

:orollaril#, t(e %lai) for %ivil lia&ilit# s'rvives not"it(standin t(e deat( of a%%'sed, if t(e sa)e )a# also &e predi%ated on a so'r%e of o&liation ot(er t(an deli%t. Arti%le 115 of t(e:ivil :ode en')erates t(ese ot(er so'r%es of o&liation fro) "(i%( t(e %ivil lia&ilit# )a# ariseas a res'lt of t(e sa)e a%t or o)issionG a< La" &< :ontra%ts %< S'asi-%ontra%ts d< S'asi-deli%ts.

+(ere t(e %ivil lia&ilit# s'rvives, as e$plained in N')&er 2 a&ove, an a%tion for re%over#t(erefor )a# &e p'rs'ed &'t onl# &# "a# of filin a separate %ivil a%tion and s'&Ce%t to e%tion 1,'le 111 of t(e 19;5 'les on :ri)inal Pro%ed're as a)ended. (is separate %ivil a%tion )a# &eenfor%ed eit(er aainst t(e e$e%'torad)inistrator or t(e estate of t(e a%%'sed, dependin on t(eso'r%e of o&liation 'pon "(i%( t(e sa)e is &ased as e$plained a&ove.

@inall#, t(e private offended part# need not fear a forfeit're of (is ri(t to file t(isseparate %ivil a%tion &# pres%ription, in %ases "(ere d'rin t(e prose%'tion of t(e %ri)inal a%tionand prior to its e$tin%tion, t(e private-offended part# instit'ted toet(er t(ere"it( t(e %ivil a%tion.In s'%( %ase, t(e stat'te of li)itations on t(e %ivil lia&ilit# is dee)ed interr'pted d'rin t(e penden%# of t(e %ri)inal %ase, %onfor)a&l# "it( provisions of Arti%le 1155 of t(e :ivil :odet(at s(o'ld t(ere&# avoid an# appre(ension on a possi&le privation of ri(t &# pres%ription.

Appl#in t(is set of r'les to t(e %ase at &en%(, t(e 'pre)e :o'rt (eld t(at t(e deat( of appellant 7a#otas e$tin'is(ed (is %ri)inal lia&ilit# and t(e %ivil lia&ilit# &ased solel# on t(e a%t%o)plained of, i.e., rape. :onse'entl#, t(e appeal is dis)issed "it(o't 'alifi%ation.

45



MANSION 0I!UIT !ORPORATION, -e8-esente3 6 its 8-esi3ent, AN% !HO HON%, petitioner, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS, T# SE!1 SUAN, sustitute3 6 >is >ei-s,

ROSENDA T#, ELIZA0ETH T# 1OH, ED7ARD T#, EDMUND T#, ED%AR T#,E"EL#N T. LIM, ED7IN T# and EDISON T#, and S# %UI, respondents

=.. No. 9413. Nove)&er 23, 1995

Facts:Bn or a&o't and d'rin t(e )ont( of !an'ar#, 19;2, in t(e )'ni%ipalit# of alen>'ela,

P(ilippines, # e% 'an, no"in f'll# "ell t(at (e (as no s'ffi%ient f'nds "it( t(e i>al:o))er%ial 7anin :orporation, did t(en and t(ere "illf'll#, 'nla"f'll# and felonio'sl# prepare, iss'e and )ae o't, for val'e %(e% "it( t(e total a)o'nt of P300,000.00 in pa#)ent of %atrons of N'tri-+afer &is%'its p'r%(ased fro) t(e ansion 7is%'it :orporation, represented &#An :(o on, president t(ereof, &# t(e Fd"ard # 7rot(ers :orporation t(r' # e% 'an, &'t t(e said %(e%s 'pon presentation "it( t(e said &an for deposit and verifi%ation of

s'ffi%ien%# of f'nds "as dis(onored and ref'sed pa#)ent on t(e ro'nd of Uins'ffi%ient f'nds,8and despite repeated de)ands to )ae food said %(e%s or redee) t(e sa)e "it(in five &aninda#s fro) de)ands, said a%%'sed failed and ref'sed to do so, to t(e da)ae and preC'di%e of t(esaid ansion 7is%'it :orporation.

Bn !an'ar# 10, 19;9, "(ile t(e appeal of t(e ansion 7is%'it :orporation assailin t(etrial %o'rts r'lin a&solvin # e% 'an and # ='i fro) %ivil lia&ilit# "as pendin "it( t(e:o'rt of Appeals, # e% 'an died.

Issue:G+(et(er or not t(e petitioner %an enfor%e %ivil lia&ilit# for non-pa#)ent of t(e n'tria-

"afer &is%'its in 'estion aainst private respondents not"it(standin t(e fa%t t(at t(e latter %ontra%ted t(e aree)ent in &e(alf of Fd"ard # 7rot(ers :orporation.

Ruling:(e %ivil lia&ilit# for non-pa#)ent of t(e n'tria-"afer &is%'its delivered &# petitioner to

t(e Fd"ard # 7rot(ers :orporation %annot &e enfor%ed aainst t(e private respondents &e%a'set(e said %ivil lia&ilit# "as not t(e personal lia&ilit# of # e% 'an to ansion 7is%'it:orporation, rat(er, it "as t(e %ontra%t'al lia&ilit# of Fd"ard # 7rot(ers :orporation, of "(i%(# e% 'an "as president. (is is &orne o't &# t(e re%ords of t(e %ase. oreover, petitioner itself ad)itted t(at t(e %ontra%t "as e$e%'ted &# and &et"een Fd"ard # 7rot(ers :orporationand ansion 7is%'it :orporation.

+it( respe%t to t(e iss'e of tortio's lia&ilit#, t(e respondent %o'rt state t(at an# %lai) for tortio's lia&ilit# )'st &e ventilated in a separate a%tion aainst t(e proper part#.

In t(e %ase at &en%(, t(e a%'ittal of # e% 'an and i# ='i e$tin'is(ed &ot( t(eir %ri)inal and %ivil lia&ilit# as it is %lear fro) t(e order a%'ittin t(e) t(at t(e iss'an%e of t(e%(e%s in 'estion did not %onstit'te a violation of 7.P. 7l. 22.

46



EDUARDO M. !OUAN%!O, R ., petitioner, vs.!OURT OF APPEALS, THE PHILIPPINE !HARIT# S7EEPSTA1ES OFFI!E

an3 FERNANDO O. !ARRAS!OSO, R ., respondents.=.. No. 11939;. !'l# 2, 1999

Facts:Fd'ardo :oC'an%o, a no"n &'seness)an-sports)an, "on a total of P1,020,00.00

on vario's (orse-ra%in. e t(en sent a letter de)andin to t(e defendants t(e %olle%tion of t(e pri>es d'e to (i). o"ever, t(e de)anded pri>es "ere &ein "it((eld on advi%e of :o))issioner a)on Dia> of t(e Presidential :o))ission on =ood =overnan%e (eedin tot(en President :ora>on A'ino8s F$e%'tive Brder No. 2 free>in all properties of for)er Presidet ar%os, (is i))ediate fa)ilies, %lose asso%iates and %ronies, in "(i%( :oC'an%o is afriend of t(e for)er President ar%os. @inall#, @e&r'ar# , 1991, t(e P:== advised defendantst(at it poses no )ore o&Ce%tion to t(e re)ittan%e of t(e pri>e "innins. I))ediatel#, t(is "as

%o))'ni%ated to Att#. endo>a &# :arras%oso, !r.As %'lled fro) t(e pleadins of t(e parties, Att#. endo>a, petitioner8s %o'nsel, ref'sedto a%%ept t(e pri>es at t(is point, reasonin t(at t(e )atter (ad alread# &een &ro'(t to %o'rt.

Issue:a< +(et(er t(e :o'rt of Appeals (ad C'risdi%tion over t(e appeal of respondent P(ilippine

:(arit# "eepstaes Bffi%e &< +(et(er t(e appeal of respondent :arras%oso, !r. s(o'ld (ave &een dis)issed for (is

fail're to file an appeal &rief%< +(et(er t(e :o'rt of Appeals (ad C'risdi%tion to revie" and reverse t(e C'd)ent on a

%a'se of a%tion "(i%( "as not appealed fro) &# t(e respondentsd< +(et(er t(e a"ard for da)aes aainst respondent :arras%oso, !r. is "arranted &#

eviden%e and t(e la"

Ruling:(e appellate %o'rt %o))itted no error in dis)issin t(e appeal sin%e t(e representation

of t(e B=:: on &e(alf of t(e P:B and r. :arras%oso is p'rs'ant to its &asi% f'n%tion to a%t as prin%ipal la" offi%e of all overn)ent-o"ned or %ontrolled %orporations.

+it( reards t(e alleed fail're of r. :arras%oso to file an appeal &rief, (is filin is notan a&sol'te re'ire)ent for t(e perfe%tion of an appeal. +(at is i)portant is t(at respondent:arras%oso filed (is noti%e of appeal on ti)e and t(at (is %o'nsel &efore t(e lo"er %o'rt (ad filedan appeal &rief on (is &e(alf.

As to t(e t(ird iss'e, respondent %o'rt %o'ld not reverse and set aside t(e : de%ision inits entiret# and dis)iss t(e oriinal %o)plaint "it(o't tra)plin 'pon t(e ri(ts t(at t(e a%%'seda%%r'ed to t(e petitioner fro) t(e 'nappealed portion of t(e de%ision. It is "ell-settled t(at onl#t(e errors assined and properl# ar'ed in t(e &rief, and t(ose ne%essaril# related t(ereto, )a# &e%onsidered &# t(e appellate %o'rt in resolvin an appeal in a %ivil %ase.

(e %ontrollin arti%le reardin t(e fo'rt( iss'e is Arti%le 32 of t(e :ivil :ode "(i%(states t(atG An# p'&li% offi%er or e)plo#ee, or an# private individ'al, "(o dire%tl# or indire%tl#o&str'%ts, defeats, violates, i)pedes or i)pairs an# of t(e follo"in ri(ts and li&erties of anot(er person s(all &e lia&le to t(e latter for da)aesG $$$ $$$ $$$ 6< (e deprivationof propert# "it(o't d'e pro%ess of la". o &e lia&le, it is eno'( t(at t(ere "as a violation of t(e%onstit'tional ri(ts of petitioner, even of t(e prete$t of C'stifia&le )otives or ood fait( in t(e perfor)an%e of one8s d'ties. (e "it((oldin of t(e pri>e "innins of petitioner "it(o't a properl# iss'ed sea'estration order %learl# spoe of a violation of (is propert# ri(ts "it(o'td'e pro%ess of la". r. :arras%oso is t(ere&# ordered to pa# petitioner no)inal da)aes.

4



!ATALINO P. ARAFILES, petitioner, vs. PHILIPPINE OURNALISTS, IN!., ROM#MORALES, MA$ 0UAN, R., an3 MANUEL !. "ILLAREAL R., respondents

=. No. 150256. ar%( 25, 2004

Facts:

A&o't 2a) on April 14, 19;, respondent orales, a reporter of People8s !o'rnaloni(t, "as at t(e +estern Poli%e Distri%t ead'arters "(ere F)elita Desp'i, and e)plo#eeof t(e National Instit'te at At)osp(eri% %ien%es NIA<, loded a %o)plaint aainst petitioner,a NIA dire%tor, for for%i&le a&d'%tion "it( rape and for%i&le a&d'%tion "it( atte)pted rape. Int(e presen%e of orales, Desp'i e$e%'ted a s"orn state)ent narratin t(e events s'rro'ndint(e reported offenses. (e stated t(at t(e first in%ident "as on ar%( 14, 19; "(ere s(e "asa&d'%ted and raped &# t(e petitioner at @la)ino otel. (e se%ond in%ident "as an atte)ptedrape on t(e ni(t of April 14, 19;. orales t(ere'pon personall# intervie"ed Desp'i. After t(eintervie", orales tried to %onta%t Arafiled at t(e NIA offi%e to verif# Desp'i8s stor# &'tfailed, t(e offi%e (avin alread# %losed. (at sa)e da#, April 14, 19;, orales8 report appearedas (eadline on People8s !o'rnal oni(t readinG *=B8 FF: APF :BFD =IL &# o)#

orales/.Bn April 13, 19;;, petitioner instit'ted a %o)plaint &efore t(e : of S'e>on :it#.Petitioner alleed t(at on a%%o'nt of t(e *rossl# )ali%io's and overl# sensationali>ed reportinin t(e ne"s ite)/ prepared &# respondent orales, edited &# respondent 7'an !r., allo"ed for p'&li%ation &# respondent illareal !r., as president of t(e P(ilippine !o'rnalists In%., aspersions"ere %at on (is %(ara%ter (is rep'tation as a dire%tor of t(e NIA at t(e PA=AA "as inC'red(e &e%a)e t(e o&Ce%t of p'&li% %onte)pt and ridi%'le as (e "as depi%ted as a se$-%ra>ed staler and serial rapist. espondents pra#ed for t(e dis)issal of t(e %o)plaint allein t(at t(e ne"site), (avin &een so'r%ed o't of t(e Poli%e 7lotter "(i%( is an offi%ial p'&li% do%')ent and &olstered &# a personal intervie" is t(erefore privileed and falls "it(in t(e prote%tive%onstit'tional freedo) of t(e press. : de%ided in favor of t(e petitioner. (e :A (o"ever fo'nd t(at petitioner "as not a&le to prove &# t(at respondents "ere )otivated to %a'se (ar) or inC'r#.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e :A erred in (oldin t(at t(e p'&li%ation of t(e ne"s ite) "as not

attended "it( )ali%e to t('s free respondents of lia&ilit# for da)aes

Ruling:Arti%le 33 %onte)plates a %ivil a%tion for t(e re%over# of da)aes t(at is entirel#

'nrelated to t(e p'rel# %ri)inal aspe%t of t(e %ase. A %ivil a%tion for li&el 'nder t(is arti%le s(all &e instit'ted and prose%'ted to final C'd)ent and proved preponderan%e of eviden%e separatel#fro) and entirel# independent of t(e instit'tion, penden%# or res'lt of t(e %ri)inal a%tion &e%a'se it is overned &# t(e provisions of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode and not &# t(e evised Penal:ode overnin t(e %ri)inal offense %(ared and t(e %ivil lia&ilit# arisin t(erefro).

(e presentation of t(e ne"s ite) s'&Ce%t of petitioner8s %o)plaint )a# (ave &een in asensational )anner, &'t it is not per se illeal. espondents %o'ld of %o'rse (ave &een )ore%ir%')spe%t in t(eir %(oi%e of "ords as t(e (eadline and first pararap(s of t(e ne"s ite) ivet(e i)pression t(at a %ertain dire%tor of t(e NIA a%t'all# %o))itted t(e %ri)es %o)plained &#Desp'i. (e s'%%eedin pararap(s s'ffi%ientl# %onve#ed to t(e readers, (o"ever, t(at t(enarration of events "as onl# an a%%o'nt of "(at Desp'i (ad reported at t(e poli%e (ead'arters.In deter)inin t(e )anner in "(i%( a iven event s(o'ld &e presented as a ne"s ite) and t(ei)portan%e to &e atta%(ed t(ereto, ne"spapers )'st enCo# a %ertain deree of dis%retion.

In fine, t(is %o'rt finds t(at %ase aainst respondents (as not &een s'ffi%ientl# esta&lis(ed &# preponderan%e of eviden%e.

4;



SOPHIA AL!UAZ, ET AL., petitioners vs. PHILIPPINE S!HOOL OF 0USINESSADMINISTRATION 5ue?&n !it6 0-anc> ET AL, respondents

No. L-6353. a# 2, 19;;

Facts:

Petitioners are all &onafide st'dents of t(e P(ilippine %(ool of 7'siness Ad)inistration,S'e>on :it#, "(ile respondents areG P(ilippine %(oll of 7'siness Ad)inistration S'e>on :it#7ran%(, a non-sto% instit'tion of (i(er learnin orani>ed and e$istin 'nder t(e la"s of t(eP(ilippines, !'an D. Li), President and :(air)an of t(e 7oard of P7A 7enCa)in P. Pa'lino,i%e-president for ad)ission and reistration of P7A '&en Fstrella, Bffi%er-in-%(are anda)on Aapa#, dire%tor of t(e Bffi%e of t'dent Affairs and o)eo afer, %(ief se%'rit# of P7A.

As earl# as ar%( 22, 19;6, t(e st'dents of t(e respondent s%(ool and t(e respondentP7A (ad alread# areed on %ertain )atters "(i%( "o'ld overn t(eir a%tivities "it(in t(es%(ool. In spite of t(e aree)ent, petitioners felt t(e need to (old dialo'es. A)on ot(ers t(e#de)anded t(e neotiation of a ne" aree)ent, "(i%( de)and "as t'rned do"n &# t(e s%(ool,

res'ltin in )ass asse)&lies and &arri%ades of s%(ool entran%es. D'rin t(e re'lar enroll)ent period, petitioners and ot(er st'dents si)ilarl# sit'ated "ere alleedl# &la%listed and deniedad)ission for t(e s%(ool #ear 19;6-19;. Bn B%t. 2;, 19;6, t(e president of t(e st'dent %o'n%ilfiled a %o)plaint aainst P7A. ean"(ile, a )otion for intervention "as filed on Nov. 10,19;6, &# t(e P7A @a%'lt# Jnion representin t(e fa%'lt# )e)&ers (ereinafter referred to asintervenors on t(e ro'nd of si)ilarit# of iss'es and %a'se "it( t(at of t(e petitioners.(ereafter, an investiatin %o))ittee "as esta&lis(ed. (e %o))ittee s'&)its t(e follo"inre%o))endationG t(at enato Pal)a, 7ernadette An, oelio aanas are to &e e$onerated of all %(ares t(at op(ia Al%'a> &e (onora&le dis)issed t(at @lorante 7asi% and Atenoenes7ondo%, &ot( fa%'lt#-intervenors, &e repri)anded "it( a "arnin t(at everinon :ortes, also afa%'lt#-intervenor, &e ranted non-rene"al of (is se)ester appoint)ent and t(at Asser a)a#oand ene Fn%arna%ion, also fa%'lt#-intervenors, &e ter)inated. espondents adopted t(eafrestated re%o))endations and pra#ed t(at t(e %ase &e dis)issed.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(ere (as &een deprivation of d'e pro%ess for petitioners-st'dents "(o

(ave &een &arred fro) enroll)ent and for intervenors-fa%'lt# "(ose servi%es (ave &eenter)inated

Ruling:It is &e#ond disp'te t(at a st'dent on%e ad)itted &# t(e s%(ool is %onsidered enrolled for

one se)ester. It is provided in Par 13 an'al of e'lations for Private %(ools, t(at "(en a%ollee st'dent reisters in a s%(ool, it is 'nderstood t(at (e is enrollin for t(e entire se)ester.Lie"ise, it is provided in t(e )an'al t(at t(e *"ritten %ontra%ts/ re'ired for %ollee tea%(ersare for *one se)ester/. It is t('s evident t(at after t(e %lose of t(e first se)ester, t(e P7A-S:no loner (as an# e$istin %ontra%t eit(er "it( t(e st'dent or "it( t(ee intervenin tea%(ers. '%( &ein t(e %ase, t(e %(are of denial of d'e pro%ess is 'ntena&le. It is a ti)e-(onored prin%iplet(at %ontra%ts are respe%ted as t(e la" &et"een t(e %ontra%tin parties. (is %o'rt )oreover stressed t(at d'e pro%ess in dis%iplinar# %ases involvin st'dents does not entail pro%eedins and(earins si)ilar to t(ose pres%ri&ed for a%tions and pro%eedins in %o'rt. @'rt(er)ore, t(e %o'rtfo'nd o't t(at petitioners "ere a%ade)i%all# defi%ient "(ile t(e intervenin tea%(ers apart fro) parti%ipatin in a%ts of illealit# aainst t(e s%(ool %o))itted vario's a%ts of )is%ond'%t. (eri(t of t(e s%(ool to ref'se re-enroll)ent of st'dents for a%ade)i% delin'en%# and violation of dis%iplinar# re'lation (as al"a#s &een re%oni>ed &# t(is %o'rt.

Pre)ises %onsidered, t(e petition is (ere&# dis)issed.

49



ARIEL NON ET.AL., petitioners. vs. HON. SAN!HO DAMES II, in >is ca8acit6 as t>eP-esi3ing u3ge &@ t>e t> Regi&nal T-ail !&u-t, 0-. B), an3

MA0INI !OLLE%ES, IN!., respondents =.. No. ;931. a# 20, 1990

Facts: Petitioners, st'dents in private respondent a&ini :ollees In%., in Daet "ere not allo"edto re-enroll &# t(e s%(ool for t(e a%ade)i% #ear 19;;-19;9 for leadin or parti%ipatin in st'dent)ass a%tions aainst t(e s%(ool in t(e pre%edin se)ester. Petitioners filed a petition in t(e %o'rtseein t(eir re-ad)ission to t(e s%(ool, &'t t(e trail %o'rt dis)issed t(e petition 'sin t(e r'linin t(e Al%'a> vs. P7A as t(e &asis. en%e, petitioners filed t(e instant petition for %ertiorari.(e %ase "as assined to t(e 3 rd division of t(e %o'rt, "(i%( t(en transferred it to t(e :o'rt en &an% on A'. 21, 19;9 %onsiderin t(at t(e iss'es raised are C'risdi%tional.

espondent s%(ool C'stified t(eir a%tion of non-read)ission d'e to t(e fa%t t(at t(e petitioners in%'rred a%ade)i% defi%ien%#. Petitioners 'sed t(e follo"in as defenseG t(at 3 of t(e) "ere rad'atin t(at t(eir a%ade)i% defi%ien%ies do not "arrant re-ad)ission t(at t(eir

&rea%( of dis%ipline "as not serio's t(at t(e i)proper %ond'%t attri&'ted to t(e) "as d'rin t(ee$er%ise of t(e %onate ri(ts of free spee%( and pea%ea&le asse)&l# t(at t(ere "as no d'einvestiation t(at respondent s%(ool is t(eir %(oi%e instit'tion near t(eir pla%es of residen%e"(i%( t(e# %an afford to pa# for tertiar# ed'%ation, of "(i%( t(e# (ave alread# lost one-and-a-(alf s%(ool-#ears-in itself p'nis()ent eno'(.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e r'lin in t(e Al%'a> vs. P7A &e &indin in t(is %ase

Ruling:(e %o'rt in Al%'a>, an%(ored its de%ision on t(e *ter)ination of %ontra%t/ t(eor#. 7't it

)'st &e repeatedl# e)p(asi>ed t(at t(e %ontra%t &et"een t(e s%(ool and t(e st'dent is not anordinar# %ontra%t. espondent s%(ool %annot C'stif# its a%tions &# rel#in on Par. 13 of t(e)an'al of e'lations for Private %(ools. Bn t(e ot(er (and, t(e )an'al re%oni>es t(e ri(t of t(e st'dent to &e enrolled in (is %o'rse for t(e entire period (e is e$pe%ted to %o)plete it.

It is not denied t(at "(at in%'rred t(e ire of t(e s%(ool a't(orities "ere t(e st'dent )assa%tions %ond'%ted in @e&. 19;; and "(i%( led andor parti%ipated &# t(e petitioners. :ertainl#,e$%l'din st'dents &e%a'se of failin rades "(en t(e %a'se for t(e a%tion taen aainst t(e)'ndenia&l# related to possi&le &rea%(es of dis%ipline not onl# is a denial of d'e pro%ess &'t also%onstit'tes a violation of t(e &asis tenets of fair pla#.

Petitioners, "(o (ave &een ref'sed read)ission and "(o (ave &een effe%tivel# e$%l'dedfro) respondent s%(ool for 4 se)esters, (ave alread# &een )ore t(an s'ffi%ientl# penali>ed for an# &rea%( of dis%ipline t(e# )i(t (ave %o))itted "(en t(e# led and parti%ipated in t(e )assa%tions t(at, a%%ordin to respondents, res'lted in t(e disr'ption of %lasses. o still s'&Ce%t t(e)to dis%iplinar# pro%eedins "o'ld serve no 'sef'l p'rpose and "o'ld onl# f'rt(er aravate t(estrained relations &et"een petitioners and t(e offi%ials of t(e respondent s%(ool.

+(erefore, t(e petition is ranted. (e orders of respondent C'de are (er&# ann'lled.espondent a&ini :ollee is ordered to re-ad)it and to allo" t(e re-enroll)ent of petitioners.

50



%. ESUS 0. RUIZ, petitioner, vs. EN!ARNA!ION U!OL and THE !OURT OFAPPEALS, respondents.

No. L-45404. A''st , 19;Facts:

A'stina aa%a, la'ndr# "o)an for petitioner Att#. !es's 'i> filed an ad)inistrative

%(are aainst respondent Fn%arna%ion J%ol. In t(e ans"er of t(e respondent to t(e %(are filedaainst (er, s(e alleed t(at aa%a "as )erel# 'sed as a tool &# 'i> "(o "anted to et &a% att(e J%ol8s &e%a'se of a %ase filed &# Fn%arna%ion J%ols8 ('s&and aainst 'i>. (e also alleedto (ave )ade re)ards t(at 'i> instiated t(e %o)plaint and fa&ri%ated t(e %(are.

(e ad)inistrative %ase "as dis)issed. 'i> de%ided to file (is o"n %ri)inal %o)plaintfor li&el aainst J%ol on t(e ro'nd t(at (er 'ilt "as not esta&lis(ed &e#ond reasona&le do'&t. No prono'n%e)ent "as )ade &# t(e trial %o'rt as to t(e %ivil lia&ilit# of t(e a%%'sed.

'i> filed a separate %o)plaint for da)aes &ased on t(e sa)e fa%ts 'pon "(i%( t(e li&el%ase "as fo'nded.

J%ol filed a )otion to dis)iss statin t(at t(e a%tion (ad pres%ri&e and t(at t(e %ase of a%tion "as &arred &# t(e de%ision in t(e %ri)inal %ase for li&el.

Issue:+(et(er t(e %ivil %ase "as &arred &# t(e de%ision in t(e %ri)inal %ase for li&el.

Ruling:It "as (eld t(at t(e trial %o'rt dis)issed t(e %ase filed &# Att#. 'i> aainst J%ol &e%a'se

(er 'ilt &e#ond reasona&le do'&t "as not esta&lis(ed. And in t(e revie" of t(e findins &# t(e%o'rt, t(e disp'ted ans"er of J%ol in t(e ad)inistrative %ase %ontains no li&el. (e %o'rt fo'ndt(e %(ares aainst J%ol, if not )ali%io's, at least re%less in t(e fa%e of proven fa%ts and%ir%')stan%es. (e %o'rt dis)issed t(e %ase filed &# Att#. 'i>.

51



INTERNATIONAL FLA"ORS AND FRA%RAN!ES ;PHIL< IN!., petitioner, vs. MERLIN. AR%OS an3 AA !. PINEDA, respondents

=.. No. 130362. epte)&er 10, 2001Facts:

I@@I is a %orporation orani>ed and e$istin 'nder P(ilippine la"s. Aros and Pineda

respondents< are t(e eneral )anaer and %o))er%ial dire%tor respe%tivel# of t(e @raran%eDivision of I@@I.In 1992, t(e offi%e of anain Dire%tor "as %reated to (ead t(e %orporation8s operations

in t(e P(ilippines. :osta "as appointed as t(e anain Dire%tor. Aros and Pineda as eneral)anaers (ave to report dire%tl# to :osta.

7e%a'se of serio's differen%es &et"een t(e anain Dire%tor and t(e =eneral anaer,t(e latter areed to ter)inate t(eir servi%es. (e# sined a *elease +aiver and S'it :lai)/ onDe%e)&er 10, 1993. Bn t(e sa)e date, :osta iss'ed a *Personnel Anno'n%e)ent/ "(i%(des%ri&ed respondents as Upersona non rata8 and 'red e)plo#ees not to (ave f'rt(er dealins"it( t(e).

(e respondents filed a li&el %ase in etropolitan rial :o'rt of a'i, etro anila.

Bn ar%( 31, 1995, respondents filed a %ivil %ase for da)aes at eional rial :o'rt of Pasiaainst :osta and I@@I in its s'&sidiar# %apa%it# as e)plo#er. I@@I )oved to dis)iss t(e%o)plaint.

Bn B%to&er 1995, t(e : ranted t(e )otion to dis)iss for t(e respondents fail're toreserve ri(t to instit'te a separate %ivil %ase.

A )otion for re%onsideration "as filed &# t(e respondents and "as ranted t(e sa)e%o'rt. I@@I on t(e ot(er (and filed a )otion to re%onsider t(e said order &'t "as denied &# t(e%o'rt. (e %ase "as elevated &# t(e I@@I to t(e :o'rt of Appeals reiteratin t(e sa)e ro'nd for dis)issal. o"ever, t(e :a dis)issed t(e %ase.Issue:

+(et(er t(e private respondents %an s'e I@@I for %ivil %ase for da)aes in its s'&sidiar#%apa%it# as e)plo#er.Ruling:

It "as (eld &# t(e %o'rt, &ased on t(e %ase of !oa'in vs. Ani%eto, Arti%le 33 of t(e Ne":ivil :ode %onte)plates an a%tion aainst t(e e)plo#ee in (is pri)ar# %ivil lia&ilit#. It does notappl# aainst t(e e)plo#er to enfor%e its s'&sidiar# lia&ilit#, &e%a'se s'%( lia&ilit# arises onl#after %onvi%tion of t(e e)plo#ee in t(e %ri)inal %ase or "(en t(e e)plo#ee is adC'ded 'ilt# of t(e "ronf'l a%t in a %ri)inal a%tion and fo'nd to (ave %o))itted t(e offense in t(e dis%(are of (is d'ties. An# a%tion &ro'(t aainst t(e e)plo#er &ased on its s'&sidiar# lia&ilit# &efore%onvi%tion of its e)plo#ee is pre)at're.

avin esta&lis(ed t(at respondents did not &ased t(eir %ivil a%tion on I@@I8s pri)ar#lia&ilit# 'nder Arti%le 33 &'t %lai)ed da)aes fro) I@@I &ased on its s'&sidiar# lia&ilit# ase)plo#er of :osta is pre)at're.

(e %o'rt ranted t(e petition and t(e de%isions of t(e : and :a "ere reversed and setaside.

52



MA$IMO MAR!IA, AMALIA MOI!A, TIRSO #AP, DAMIANA MAR!IA, ED%AR MAR!IA, an3 RENATO #AP, petitioners, vs. !OURT OF APPREALS, FELARDO PAE

an3 "I!TOR# LINER, IN!., respondents.

No. L-34529. !an'ar# 2, 19;3

Facts: Bn De%e)&er 23, 1956, in t(e )'ni%ipalit# of L'&ao Pa)pana, a &'s operated &#i%tor# Liner, In%. and driven &# @elardo PaCe, %ollided "it( a Ceep driven &# :le)ente ar%ia,res'ltin in t(e latter8s deat( and in p(#si%al inC'ries to petitioner Fdar ar%ia and enato ap.(ere'pon, an infor)ation for (o)i%ide and serio's p(#si%al inC'ries t(r' re%less i)pr'den%e"as filed aainst PaCe in : Pa)pana.

Bn !an'ar# 23, 195 an a%tion for da)aes "as filed in t(e : of i>al &# t(e petitioner aainst i%tor# and PaCe, allein t(at t(e )is(ap d'e to t(e re%less i)pr'den%e andnelien%e of t(e latter in drivin.

+(ile t(e %ivil %ase "as in proress in i>al, : Pa)pana rendered its de%ision and%onvi%ted t(e respondent. o"ever, in t(eir appeal to t(e :a t(e# "ere a%'itted.

As %ond'%ted &# t(e :A, %ri)inal nelien%e is "antin in t(e %ase, and t(at PaCe "asnot even 'ilt# of :ivil Nelien%e &e%a'se it "as a %ase of )ere a%%ident.espondent PaCe in t(e :ivil :ase in i>al )oved for dis)issal of t(e %o)plaint invoin

t(e de%ision of t(e :A for (is a%'ittal. o"ever, t(e i>al : dis)issed t(e )otion andt(ereafter %ontin'ed t(e trial. (e : i>al dis)issed t(e %o)plaint aainst i%tor# and PaCe &ased on t(e de%ision of t(e :A.

(e petitioner appealed to t(e :A invoin Arti%le 33 of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode and e%. 2of 'le 111 of t(e 'les of :o'rt and not e%. 3.

(e :A (eld t(at private respondent %annot &e (eld %ivill# lia&le after it (ad r'led in t(e%ri)inal a%tion t(at nelien%e "as "antin and t(at t(e %ollision "as p're a%%ident.

Issue:+(et(er t(e %ivil %ase filed separatel# &e dis)issed.

Ruling:It "as (eld &# t(e %o'rt t(at Arti%le 33 speas onl# of defa)ation, fra'd and p(#si%al

inC'ries. (e inC'ries s'ffered &# t(e petitioners "ere alleed to &e t(e res'lt of %ri)inalnelien%e t(e# "ere not infli%ted "it( )ali%e. en%e, no independent %ivil a%tion for da)aes)a#&e instit'ted in %onne%tion t(ere"it(. @'rt(er)ore, e%tion 3 %<, 'le 111 of t(e 'les of :o'rt states t(at *e$tin%tion of t(e penal a%tion does not %arr# "it( it e$tin%tion of t(e %ivil,'nless t(e e$tin%tion pro%eeds fro) "(i%( t(e %ivil )i(t arise did not e$ist./ Bt(er"ise stated,'nless t(e a%t fro) "(i%( t(e %ivil lia&ilit# arises is de%lared to &e non-e$istent in t(e final C'd)ent, t(e e$tin%tion of t(e %ri)inal lia&ilit# "ill not %arr# "it( it t(e e$tin%tion of t(e %ivillia&ilit#.

53



FAUSTO 0ARREDO, petitioner, vs. SE"ERINO %AR!IA an3 TIMOTEO ALMARIO,respondents

No. 4;006. !'l# ;, 1942

Facts:

Bn a# 3, 1936, a&o't (alf past one in t(e )ornin on t(e road &et"een ala&on and Navotas, i>al, t(ere "as a (ead-on %ollision &et"een a ta$i of t(e alate a$i%a& driven &#Pedro @ontanilla and a %arretela 'ided &# Pedro Di)apilis. (e %arretela "as overt'rned, andone of its passeners, 16-#ear-old &o# @a'stino =ar%ia, s'ffered inC'ries fro) "(i%( (e died t"oda#s later. A %ri)inal a%tion "as filed aainst @ontanilla in t(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e of i>al,and (e "as %onvi%ted and senten%ed to an indeter)inate senten%e of one #ear and one da# to t"o#ears of prision coreccional &'t t(e %o'rt ranted t(e petition t(at t(e ri(t to &rin %ivil a%tion &e reserved. (e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed t(e senten%e iven &# t(e lo"er %o'rt in t(e %ri)inal%ase.

Bn t(e ot(er (and, t(ere arose t"o lia&ilities of @a'sto 7arredoG 1< t(e s'&sidiar# one &e%a'se of t(e %ivil lia&ilit# of t(e ta$i driver arisin fro) (is %ri)inal lia&ilit# and 2<

7arredo8s pri)ar# lia&ilit# as an e)plo#er 'nder Arti%le 1903 of t(e :ivil :ode.(e plaintiffs "ere free to %(oose "(i%( %o'rse to tae and t(e# preferred t(e se%ond. Bnar%( , 1939, everino =ar%ia and i)oteo Al)ario, parents of t(e de%eased, &ro'(t an a%tionto t(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e of anila aainst @a'sto 7arredo, as t(e e)plo#er of Pedro@ontanilla.

(is %ase %o)es 'p fro) t(e :o'rt of Appeals "(i%( (eld t(e petitioner (erein, @a'sto7arredo, lia&le in da)aes for t(e deat( of @a'stino =ar%ia %a'sed &# t(e nelien%e of Pedro@ontanilla, a ta$i driver e)plo#ed &# said @a'sto 7arredo.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e plaintiffs )a# &rin a separate %ivil a%tion &ased on cuasi delito or

culpa aquiliana aainst @a'sto 7arredo for t(e deat( of @a'stino =ar%ia.

Ruling:es.(e plaintiffs )a# &rin a separate %ivil a%tion aainst @a'sto 7arredo &e%a'se of t(e

separate individ'alit# of cuasi delito or culpa aquiliana. (e %o'rt (eld t(at t(is "ill )ae for t(e &etter safe'ardin of private ri(ts and is )ore liel# to se%'re ade'ate and effi%a%io'sredress.

(e %o'rt also fo'nd o't t(at defendant-petitioner is @ontanilla8s e)plo#er. (ere is no proof t(at (e e$er%ised t(e dilien%e of a ood fat(er of a fa)il# to prevent t(e da)ae. It iss(o"n t(at (e "as %areless in e)plo#in @ontanilla "(o (ad &een %a'(t several ti)es for violation of t(e A'to)o&ile La" and speedin M violations "(i%( appeared in t(e e%ords of t(e7'rea' of P'&li% +ors availa&le to t(e p'&li% and to (i)self. (erefore, (e )'st inde)nif# plaintiffs 'nder t(e provisions of arti%le 1903 of t(e :ivil :ode.

(e C'd)ent of t(e :o'rt of Appeals is (ere&# affir)ed "(erein t(e plaintiffs s(o'ld &ea"arded for da)aes &# defendant-petitioner P1, 000 "it( leal interest fro) t(e ti)e t(e a%tion"as instit'ted.

54



ARMANDO OSE 6 PAZ an3 MANILA !ENTRAL 0US LINES ;M!L<, -e8-esente3 6its %ene-al Manage- MR. DANILO T. DE DIOS, petitioners, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS,ROMMEL A0RAHAM, -e8-esente3 6 >is @at>e- FELI$0ERTO A0RAHAM, OSE

MA!ARU0O an3 MER!EDES MA!ARU0O, respondents.=. . Nos. 11;441-42. !an'ar# 1;, 2000.

Facts:Bn @e&r'ar# 22, 19;5, at aro'nd si$ o8%lo% in t(e )ornin, 7's 203, &ein operated and

leased &# petitioner anila :entral 7's Lines :orporation :L<, %ollided "it( a red @ordFs%ort. (e &'s is driven &# Ar)ando !ose "(ile t(e @ord Fs%ort &# !o(n a%ar'&o. As a res'ltof t(e %ollision, t(e left side of t(e @ord Fs%ort8s (ood "as severel# da)aed "(ile its driver,!o(n a%ar'&o, and its lone passener, private respondent o))el A&ra(a), "ere serio'sl#inC'red. (e driver and %ond'%tress of 7's 203 r's(ed a%ar'&o and A&ra(a) to t(e near&#(ospital &'t after 5 da#s, a%ar'&o event'all# died. A&ra(a) s'rvived &'t (e &e%a)e &lind and(e also s'ffered )'ltiple la%erations on t(e fa%e and a fra%t're on t(e fore(ead.

o))el A&ra(a), represented &# (is fat(er, @eli$&erto, instit'ted a %ivil %ase aainst

:L and Ar)ando !ose "(ile spo'ses !ose and er%edes a%ar'&o, parents of t(e de%eased,filed t(eir o"n s'it for da)aes aainst :L alone. Bn t(e ot(er (and, :L filed a t(ird-part#%ase %o)plaint aainst !'anita a%ar'&o, reistered o"ner of t(e @ord Fs%ort. (e latter, in t'rn,filed a %o'nter%lai) for da)aes aainst :L for t(e da)ae in (er %ar.

(e trial %o'rt dis)issed t(e t"o %ivil %ases aainst :L and r'lin favora&l# on itst(ird-part# %o)plaint aainst !'anita a%ar'&o. (e :o'rt of Appeals reversed t(e de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt, orderin petitioners to pa# da)aes for inC'ries to persons and da)ae to propert#as a res'lt of a ve(i%'lar a%%ident, t('s, t(is petition for revie" on %ertiorari.

IssueCs:a< +(et(er it "as t(e driver of 7's 203 "(o "as at fa'lt for t(e %ollision of t(e t"o

ve(i%les 'nder Arti%le 216 of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode.&< +(et(er private respondent !'anita a%ar'&o, t(e reistered o"ner of t(e @ord

Fs%ort, is lia&le to petitioners &ased on !o(n a%ar'&o8s nelien%e.

Ruling:a< No. Private respondents failed to prove t(eir alleation of nelien%e aainst t(e

driver of 7's 203, neit(er are t(e alleations of nelien%e aainst e)plo#er-e)plo#ee relations,so t(e t"o %ivil %ases aainst anila :entral 7's Lines and driver Ar)ando !ose, are (ere&#dis)issed. Arti%le 216 provides t(at *"(oever &# a%t or o)ission %a'ses da)ae to anot(er,t(ere &ein fa'lt or nelien%e, is o&lied to pa# for t(e da)ae done. '%( fa'lt or nelien%e,if t(ere is no pre-e$istin %ontra%t'al relation &et"een t(e parties, is %alled a 'asi-deli%t and isoverned &# t(e provisions of t(is %(apter./

&< No. (e t(ird-part# %o)plaint filed aainst !'anita a%ar'&o "as also dis)issed ont(e ro'nd t(at :L onl# alleed t(at !o(n a%ar'&o is t(e *a't(ori>ed driver/ "(i%( is note'ivalent to an alleation t(at (e "as an e)plo#ee of !'anita a%ar'&o. Nor did :L presentan# eviden%e to prove t(at !'anita a%ar'&o "as t(e e)plo#er of !o(n a%ar'&o.

55



ARTURO ALANO, petitioner, vs. THE HONORA0LE !OURT OF APPEALS, HON.ENRI!O A. LANZANAS, P-esi3ing u3ge, Regi&nal T-ial !&u-t, Nati&nal !a8ital u3icial

Regi&n, Manila, 0-anc> B, an3 RO0ERTO !ARLOS, respondents.=. . No. 111244. De%e)&er 15, 199

Facts: Bn !'ne 10, 19;6, petitioner Art'ro Alano, did t(en and t(ere "illf'll#, 'nla"f'll# andfelonio'sl# defra'd o&erto . :arlos "(o) (e sold a par%el of land for P30, 000.00. Alano soldt(e aforesaid propert# t(e se%ond ti)e to one Frlinda 7. Dando# for P;, 900.00, t(ere&#deprivin t(e said o&erto . :arlos of (is ri(tf'l o"ners(ippossession of t(e said land, to t(eda)ae and preC'di%e of t(e said o&erto . :arlos in t(e aforesaid a)o'nt of P30, 000.00.Alano "as no" %(ared of estafa in a %ri)inal %ase.

Petitioner )oved for t(e s'spension of t(e %ri)inal %ase on t(e ro'nd t(at t(ere "as a preC'di%ial 'estion pendin resol'tion in anot(er %ase &ein tried aainst (i) &# o&erto :arlosand rinidad :arlos in t(e eional rial :o'rt, National :apital eion, "(i%( %on%erns t(en'llit# of t(e sale and re%over# of possession and da)aes. In t(e afore)entioned %ivil %ase,

private respondent filed a %o)plaint aainst t(e petitioner seein t(e ann'l)ent of t(e se%ondsale of said par%el of land )ade &# t(e petitioner to a %ertain Frlinda Dando# on t(e pre)ise t(att(e said land "as previo'sl# sold to t(e). In (is ans"er, petitioner %ontends t(at (e never soldt(e propert# to t(e private respondents and t(at (is sinat're appearin in t(e deed of a&sol'tesale in favor of t(e latter "as a forer#, (en%e, t(e alleed sale "as fi%titio's and ine$istent. (e%ivil %ase "as filed on ar%( 1, 19;5, five #ears &efore !'ne 19, 1990 "(en t(e %ri)inal %ase for estafa "as instit'ted. If t(e :o'rt in t(e said :ivil :ase r'les t(at t(e first sale to (erein privaterespondent "as n'll and void, d'e to t(e forer# of petitioner8s sinat're in t(e first deed of sale,it follo"s t(at t(e %ri)inal %ase for estafa "o'ld not prosper.

Bn B%to&er 3, 1991, t(e trial %o'rt denied t(e petitioner8s )otion for t(e s'spension of t(e pro%eedin of t(e %ri)inal %ase as "ell as (is )otion for re%onsideration. (e de%ision "asaffir)ed in toto &# t(e :o'rt of Appeals.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e penden%# of t(e :ivil :ase filed aainst petitioner is a preC'di%ial

'estion C'stif#in t(e s'spension of t(e pro%eedins in t(e :ri)inal :ase filed aainst (i).

Ruling:(e findins of t(e :o'rt of Appeals are affir)ed. (e penden%# of t(e %ivil %ase aainst

petitioner is not a preC'di%ial 'estion t(at "o'ld s'spend t(e %ri)inal pro%eedins.A%%ordinl#, petitioner8s ad)ission in t(e stip'lation of fa%ts d'rin t(e pre-trial of t(e

%ri)inal a)o'nts to a "aiver of (is defense of forer# in t(e %ivil %ase. en%e, t(e %o'rts (aveno reason to n'llif# s'%( "aiver, it &ein not %ontrar# to la", p'&li% order, p'&li% poli%#, )oralsor ood %'sto)s, or preC'di%ial to a t(ird person "it( a ri(t re%oni>ed &# la". @'rt(er)ore, it)'st &e e)p(asi>ed t(at t(e pre-trial order "as sined &# t(e petitioner (i)self. As s'%(, t(er'le t(at no proof need &e offered as to an# fa%ts ad)itted at a pre-trial (earin applies.

56



ME#NARDO L. 0ELTRAN, petitioner, vs. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, and HON.UD%E FLORENTINO TUAZON, R. &ein t(e !'de of t(e :, 7ran%( 139, aati :it#,

respondents=.. No. 1356. !'ne 20, 2000

Facts:Petitioner e#nardo 7eltran and "ife :(ar)aine @eli$ "ere )arried on !'ne 16, 193.

after t"ent#-fo'r #ears of )arriae and fo'r %(ildren, petitioner filed a petition for n'llit# of )arriae on t(e ro'nd of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#. Petitioner8s "ife ans"ered &# allein t(at it"as petitioner "(o a&andoned t(e %onC'al (o)e and lived "it( a %ertain "o)an na)edilaros altin. :(ar)aine s'&se'entl# filed a %ri)inal %o)plaint for %on%'&inae aainst petitioner and (is para)o'r &efore t(e :it# Prose%'tor8s offi%e in aati, "(o fo'nd pro&a&le%a'se and ordered t(e filin of an Infor)ation aainst t(e) on epte)&er 16, 199.

Bn ar%( 20, 199;, petitioner filed a )otion to Defer Pro%eedins In%l'din t(e Iss'an%eof t(e "arrant of Arrest in t(e %ri)inal %ase iss'ed &# t(e etropolitan rial :o'rt. Petitioner

ar'ed t(at t(e penden%# of t(e %ivil %ase for de%laration of n'llit# of (is )arriae posed a preC'di%ial 'estion to t(e deter)ination of t(e %ri)inal %ase. '%( )otion and t(e )otion for re%onsideration "ere denied.

Issue:Is t(e petitioner8s %ontention tena&le

Ruling: No. (e :o'rt averred t(at petitioner8s %ontention is 'ntena&le. (e rationale &e(ind t(e

prin%iple of preC'di%ial 'estion is to avoid t"o %onfli%tin de%isions. (e penden%# of t(e %asefor de%laration of n'llit# of petitioner8s )arriae is not a preC'di%ial 'estion to t(e %on%'&inae%ase &e%a'se t(e fa%ts in t(e latter %ase are not &ased on t(e for)er for t(e 'ilt of t(e petitioner-a%%'sed to &e deter)ined.

5



!IT# OF PASI%, petitioner, vs. THE HONORA0LE !OMMISSION ON ELE!TIONS andTHE MUNI!IPALIT# OF !AINTA, PRO"IN!E OF RIZAL, respondents

=.. No. 125646. epte)&er 10, 1999

MUNI!IPALIT# OF !AINTA, PRO"IN!E OF RIZAL, petitioner, vs. !OMMISSION ONELE!TIONS, !IT# OF PASI%, respondent=.. No. 12;663. epte)&er 10, 1999

Facts:(ese are t"o petitions "(i%( 'estion t(e propriet# of t(e s'spension of ple&is%ite

pro%eedins pendin t(e resol'tion of t(e iss'e of &o'ndar# disp'tes &et"een t(e 'ni%ipalit#of :ainta and t(e :it# of Pasi. (e )ain pro&le) is t(at, t"o &arana#s na)el# Karanalan and Napi%o are %lai)ed &# &ot(.

Issue:

+(et(er or not t(e ple&is%ites s%(ed'led for t(e %reation of 7arana# Karanalan and Napi%o s(o'ld &e s'spended or %an%elled in vie" of t(e pendin &o'ndar# disp'te &et"een t(et"o lo%al overn)ents.

Ruling:(e :BFLF: de%lared t(at t(e ple&is%ite (eld to ratif# t(e %reation of t(e 7arana#s

"ere n'll and void 'ntil after t(e %o'rts settle "it( finalit# t(e &o'ndar# disp'te &et"een t(e :it#of Pasi and t(e 'ni%ipalit# of :ainta.

5;



A0UNDIO MER!ED, petitioner, vs. HON. !LEMENTINO ". DIEZ. ET!. ET AL.,respondents

No. L-15315. A''st 26, 1960

Facts:

A&'ndio er%ed "as )arried to F'fri%iana an and "it(o't s'%( )arriae (avin &eenleall# dissolved (e %ontra%ted a se%ond )arriae "it( Fli>a&et( :easar. @a%in &ia)# %(ares &# t(e latter, petitioner alleed for%e and inti)idation &# t(e relatives Fli>a&et( for%e (i) into)arriae and filed for ann'l)ent. e also raised t(e iss'e of preC'di%ial 'estion.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e a%tion to ann'l t(e se%ond )arriae is a preC'di%ial 'estion to t(e

prose%'tion for &ia)#.

Ruling:(e %ivil a%tion )'st &e de%ided first &efore t(e prose%'tion for &ia)# %an pro%eed

&efore t(e ne" @a)il# :ode too effe%t<.

59



ANTONIO %ELUZ, petitioner , 4s. THE HON. !OURT OF APPEALS an3 OS!AR LAZO,respondents.

No. L-16439. !'l# 20, 1961

Facts:

Nita illan'eva %a)e to no" Antonio =el'> for t(e first ti)e in 194; t(ro'( (er a'ntPa'la a)&ot. In 1950, Nita &e%a)e prenant &# (er present ('s&and &efore t(e# leall#)arried. Desirin to %on%eal (er prenan%# fro) (er parent, and a%tin on t(e advi%e of (er a'nt,s(e (ad (erself a&orted &# t(e aain &e%a)e prenant. As s(e "as t(en e)plo#ed in t(e:o))ission on ele%tions and (er prenan%# proved to &e in%onvenient, s(e (ad (erself a&ortedaain &# t(e defendant in B%to&er 1953. Less t(an t"o #ears later, s(e aain &e%a)e prenant.Bn @e&r'ar# 21, 1955, a%%o)panied &# (er sister and t(e latter8s da'(ter, s(e aain repaired tot(e defendant8s %lini%. Nita "as aain a&orted, of a t"o-)ont( old foet's, in %onsideration of t(es') of P50.00. (e plaintiff "as at t(is ti)e in t(e provin%e of :aa#an, %a)painin for (isele%tion to t(e provin%ial &oard (e did not no" of, nor ave (is %onsent, to t(e a&ortion. It ist(e t(ird and last a&ortion t(at %onstit'tes plaintiff8s &asis in filin t(is a%tion and a"ard of

da)aes. (e :o'rt of Appeals and t(e trial %o'rt predi%ated t(e a"ard of da)aes 'pon t(e provision of t(e initial pararap( of Arti%le 2206 of t(e :ivil :ode of t(e P(ilippines.

Issue:+(et(er or not fi$in a )ini)') a"ard for t(e deat( of a person does not %over t(e %ase

of an 'n&orn foet's t(at is not endo"ed "it( personalit#.

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt r'led t(at &ot( t(e lo"er %o'rt and :o'rt of Appeals erred in ivin

)ini)') a"ard of da)aes to t(e respondent. (e t"o said %o'rts (ave not fo'nd an# &asis for an a"ard of )oral da)aes, evidentl# &e%a'se t(e appellee8s indifferen%e to t(e previo'sa&ortion of (is "ife, also %a'sed &# t(e appellant (erein, %learl# indi%ates t(at (e "as'n%on%erned "it( t(e fr'stration of (is parental (opes and affe%tions. Despite t(e s'spi%io'srepetition of t(e event, (e appeared to (ave taen no steps to investiate and se%'re t(e p'nis()ent of t(e pra%titioner. is onl# %on%ern appears to (ave &een dire%ted at o&tainin fro)t(e do%tor a lare )one# pa#)ent. It is 'n'estiona&le t(at t(e appellant8s a%t in provoin t(ea&ortion of appellee8s "ife, "it(o't )edi%al ne%essar# to "arrant it, "as a %ri)inal and )orall#repre(ensi&le a%t, t(at %an not &e too severel# %onde)ned and t(e %onsent of "o)an or t(at of (er ('s&and does not e$%'se it. 7't t(e i))oralit# or illealit# of t(e a%t does not C'stif# ana"ard of da)ae t(at 'nder t(e %ir%')stan%es on re%ord, (ave no fa%t'al or leal &asis.

60



FELI!IANO !ATALAN, petitioners, 4s. ESUS 0ASA, respondents =. . No. 15956. !'l# 31, 200.

Facts:Bn B%to&er 20, 194;, @eli%iano :atalan "as dis%(ared fro) a%tive )ilitar# servi%e. (e

7oard of edi%al Bffi%ers of t(e Depart)ent of eteran Affairs fo'nd t(at (e "as 'nfit to render )ilitar# servi%e d'e to (is )ental disorder s%(i>op(renia<. Bn epte)&er 2;, 1949, @eli%iano)arried :ora>on :ere>o. Bn !'ne 16, 1951, @eli%iano alleedl# donated to (is sister er%edesone-(alf of t(e real propert# t(ro'( t(e e$e%'tion of a do%')ent, titled, *A&sol'te deed of Donation/. Bn De%e)&er 11, 1953, People8s 7an and r'st :o)pan# filed pe%ial Pro%eedinsto de%lare @eli%iano in%o)petent. Bn De%e)&er 22, 1953, t(e trial %o'rt iss'ed its Brder of AdC'di%ation of In%o)peten%# for Appointin ='ardian for t(e Fstate and @i$in Allo"an%e of @eli%iano. ('s, 7an of t(e P(ilippine Islands 7PI<, "(i%( is for)erl# t(e People8s 7an andr'st :o)pan#, "as appointed to &e (is 'ardian &# t(e trial %o'rt. Bn ar%( 26, 199,er%edes sold t(e propert# donated &# @eli%iano to (er in iss'e in (er %(ildren Delia and !es's7asa. Bn April 1, 199, 7PI, a%tin as @eli%iano8s 'ardian filed a %ase for De%laration of N'llit#

of Do%')ents, e%over# of Possession and B"ners(ip, as "ell as da)aes aainst (ereinrespondents. 7PI alleed t(at t(e Deed of A&sol'te Donation of er%edes "as void a& initio, as@eli%iano never donated t(e propert# to er%edes. In addition, 7PI averred t(at even if @eli%iano(ad tr'l# intended to ive t(e propert# to (er, t(e donation "o'ld still &e void, as (e "as not of so'nd )ind and "as t(erefore in%apa&le of ivin valid %onsent. Bn A''st 14, 199, @eli%iano passed a"a#. 7ot( t(e lo"er %o'rt and :o'rt of Appeals dis)issed t(e %ase &e%a'se of ins'ffi%ient eviden%e presented &# t(e %o)plainants to over%o)e t(e pres')ption t(at @eli%iano"as sane and %o)petent at t(e ti)e (e e$e%'ted t(e deed of donation in favor of er%edes:atalan.

Issue:+(et(er or not @eli%iano (as t(e %apa%it# to e$e%'te t(e donation+(et(er or not t(e propert# donated to er%edes and later on sold to (er %(ildren is

leall# in possession of t(e latter Are la%(es and pres%ription s(o'ld &e %onsidered in t(e %ase

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt affir)ed t(e de%isions of t(e lo"er %o'rt and t(e :o'rt of Appeals

and denied t(e petition. A donation is an a%t of li&eralit# "(ere&# a person disposes rat'ito'sl#a t(in or ri(t in favor of anot(er, "(o a%%epts it. Lie an# ot(er %ontra%t, an aree)ent of t(e parties is essential. :onsent in %ontra%ts pres'pposes t(e follo"in re'isitesG 1< it s(o'ld &eintellient or "it( an e$a%t notion of t(e )atter to "(i%( it refers 2< it s(o'ld &e free and 3< its(o'ld &e spontaneo's. (e parties8 intention )'st &e %lear and t(e attendan%e of a vi%e of %onsent, lie an# %ontra%t, renders t(e donation voida&le. A person s'fferin fro) s%(i>op(reniadoes not ne%essaril# lose (is %o)peten%e to intellientl# dispose (is propert#. 7# )erel#allein t(e e$istin of s%(i>op(renia, petitioners failed to s(o" s'&stantial proof t(at at t(e dateof t(e donation, !'ne 16, 1951, @eli%iano :atalan (ad lost total %ontrol of (is )ental fa%ilities.('s, t(e lo"er %o'rt %orre%tl# (eld t(at @eli%iano "as of so'nd )ind at t(at ti)e and t(is%ondition %ontin'ed to e$ist 'ntil proof to t(e %ontrar# "as add'%ed. in%e t(e donation "asvalid. er%edes (as t(e ri(t to sell t(e propert# to "(o)ever s(e %(ose. Not a s(red of eviden%e (as &een presented to prove t(e %lai) t(at er%edes8 sale of propert# to (er %(ildren"as tainted "it( fra'd or false(ood. ('s, t(e propert# in 'estion &elons to Delia and !es's7asa. (e 'pre)e :o'rt notes t(e iss'e of pres%ription and la%(es for t(e first ti)e on appeal &efore t(e %o'rt. It is s'ffi%ient for t(e 'pre)e :o'rt to note t(at even if it prospered, t(e deedof donation "as still a voida&le, not a void, %ontra%t. As s'%(, it re)ained &indin as it "as notann'lled in a proper a%tion in %o'rt "it(in fo'r #ears.

61



LEONILO DONATO, petitioner , 4s. HON ARTEMON LUNA an3PAZ A0A#AN, respondents.

April 15, 19;;

Facts:Bn epte)&er 2;, 199, &efore t(e petitioner8s arrain)ent, private respondent filed "it( t(e

!'venile and Do)esti% elations :o'rt a %ivil a%tion for de%laration of n'llit# of (er )arriae "it( petitioner %ontra%ted on epte)&er 26, 19;. aid %ivil %ase "as &ased on t(e ro'nd t(at privaterespondent %onsented to enterin into t(e )arriae, "(i%( "as petitioner Donato8s se%ond one, sin%e s(e(ad no previo's no"lede t(at petitioner "as alread# )arried to osalinda al'pin on !'ne 30, 19;.Petitioner8s ans"er in t(e %ivil %ase for n'llit# interposed t(e defense t(at (is se%ond )arriae "as voidsin%e it "as sole)ni>ed "it(o't a )arriae li%ense and t(at for%e, violen%e, inti)idation, and 'nd'einfl'en%e "ere e)plo#ed &# private respondent to o&tain petitioner8s %onsent to t(e )arriae. Prior to t(esole)ni>ation of t(e s'&se'ent )arriae, petitioner and private respondent (ad lived toet(er anddeported t(e)selves as ('s&and and "ife "it(o't t(e &enefit of "edlo% for a period of at least five #earsas eviden%ed &# a Coint affidavit e$e%'ted &# t(e) on epte)&er 26, 19;, for "(i%( reason, t(e re'isite)arriae li%ense "as dispensed "it( p'rs'ant to Arti%le6 of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode pertainin to )arriaes

of e$%eptional %(ara%ter. Prior to t(e date set for t(e trial on t(e )erits of :ri)inal :ase, petitioner filed a)otion to s'spend t(e pro%eedins of said %ase %ontendin :ivil :ase seein t(e ann'l)ent of (isse%ond )arriae filed &# private respondent raises a preC'di%ial 'estion "(i%( )'st first &e deter)inedor de%ided &efore t(e %ri)inal %ase %an pro%eed.

Issue:+(et(er or not a %ri)inal %ase for &ia)# pendin &efore t(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e s(o'ld &e

s'spended in vie" of a %ivil %ase for ann'l)ent of )arriae pendin &efore t(e !'venile and Do)esti%elations :o'rt on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e latter %onstit'tes a preC'di%ial 'estion

Ruling:(e respondent C'de r'led in t(e neative and t(e 'pre)e :o'rt s'stains (i). A preC'di%ial

'estion (as &een defined to &e one "(i%( arises in a %ase, t(e resol'tion of 'estion is a loi%alante%edent of t(e iss'e involved in said %ase, and t(e %oni>an%e of "(i%( pertains to anot(er tri&'nal. Itis &ased on a fa%t distin%t or separate fro) t(e %ri)e &'t so inti)atel# %onne%ted "it( it t(at it deter)inest(e 'ilt or inno%en%e of t(e a%%'sed, and for it to s'spend t(e %ri)inal a%tion, it )'st appear not onl# int(e said %ase involves fa%ts inti)atel# related to t(ose 'pon "(i%( t(e %ri)inal prose%'tion "o'ld &e &ased &'t also t(at in t(e resol'tion of t(e iss'e or iss'es raised in t(e %ivil %ase, t(e 'ilt or inno%en%e of t(e a%%'sed "o'ld ne%essaril# &e deter)ined. (e iss'e &efore t(e !'venile and Do)esti% elation :o'rtis not deter)inative of petitioner8s 'ilt or inno%en%e in t(e %ri)e of &ia)#. It "as petitioner8s se%ond"ife, "(o filed t(e %o)plainant for ann'l)ent of t(e se%ond )arriae on t(e ro'nd t(at (er %onsent "aso&tained t(ro'( de%eit. P'rs'ant to t(e do%trine dis%'ssed in Landi%(o vs. elova, petitioner %annotappl# t(e r'le on preC'di%ial 'estion sin%e a %ase for ann'l)ent of )arriae %an &e %onsidered as a preC'di%ial 'estion to t(e &ia)# %ase aainst t(e a%%'sed onl# if it is proved t(at t(e petitioner8s

%onsent to s'%( )arriae "as o&tained &# )eans of d'ress, violen%e, and inti)idation in order toesta&lis( t(at (is a%t in t(e s'&se'ent )arriae "as an invol'ntar# one and as s'%( t(e sa)e %annot &et(e &asis for %onvi%tion. (e pre%edin ele)ents do not e$ist in %ase at &ar. Anot(er event "(i%( )ilitatesaainst petitioner8s %ontentions is t(e fa%t t(at it "as onl# "(en t(e %ivil %ase "as filed on epte)&er 2;,199, or )ore t(an t(e lapse of one #ear fro) t(e sole)ni>ation of t(e se%ond )arriae t(at petitioner %a)e 'p "it( t(e stor# t(at (is %onsent to t(e )arriae "as se%'red t(ro'( t(e 'se of for%e, violen%e,inti)idation, and 'nd'e infl'en%e. Petitioner also %ontin'ed to live "it( private respondent 'ntil Nove)&er 19;, "(en t(e latter left t(eir a&ode 'pon learnin t(at Leonilo Donato "as alread# previo'sl# )arried.

62



EU%ENIO DOMIN%O, plaintiff 4s. !OURT OFAPPEALS, defendantB%to&er 1, 2001

Facts:

Pa'lina ionan, in (er old ae, o"ned 3 par%els of land lo%ated at 7ata% and Fspirit',Ilo%os Norte. (e alleedl# sold t(e) to private respondents, t(e spo'ses @elipe and :on%ep%ionionan t(ro'( a Deed of ale e$e%'ted &# Pa'lina ionan on !an'ar# 2; 1965. espondentsfiled a reinvindi%ation of said par%els of land aainst petitioners F'enio Do)ino, :rispina&aat and a)'el :ap'l'nan, t(e %losest livin relatives of Pa'lina ionan "(o aleeedl#entered t(e properties illeall# and ref'se to leave t(e sa)e. Petitioners %ontested respondent8s%lai) of t(e properties and alleed t(at t(e deed of sale of t(e properties of Pa'lina ionan asn'll and void for la%in of %onsiderations. (e eional rial %o'rt on ar%( 23, 1994 de%idedin favor of t(e Petitioners de%larin t(e Deed of ale as n'll and void. Bn appeal &# t(erespondents, t(e :o'rt of Appeals set aside t(e de%ision of t(e rial %o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e Deed of ale e$e%'ted on !an'ar# 2;, 1965 &# Pa'lina ionan valid

Ruling:

(e 'pre)e :o'rt reversed t(e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals and reinstated t(ede%ision rendered &# t(e eional rial :o'rt.

At t(e ti)e of t(e e$e%'tion of t(e 0alleed Deed of ale, Pa'lina ionan "as alread#of advan%ed ae and senile. (e died on ar%( 20, 1966, &arel# over a #ear "(en t(e deed "asalleedl# e$e%'ted on !an'ar# 2;, 1965. (e =eneral 'le is t(at, a person is not in%o)petent to%ontra%t )erel# &e%a'se of advan%ed #ears or &# reason of p(#si%al infir)ities. o"ever, "(ens'%( ae or infir)ities (ave i)paired t(e )ental fa%'lties so as to prevent t(e person fro) properl#, intellientl#, and fir)l# prote%tin (er propert# ri(ts, t(en s(e is 'ndenia&l#in%apa%itated. A%%ordin to testi)on# of F'enio8s "ife osi)a, at t(e ti)e of t(e alleede$e%'tion of deed, Pa'lina "as alread# in%apa%itated p(#si%all# and )entall#. =iven t(ese%ir%')stan%es, t(ere is s'ffi%ient reason to serio'sl# do'&t t(at s(e %onsented to t(e sale of (er par%els of land. ('s, t(e Deed of ale e$e%'ted &# Pa'lina ionan on !an'ar# 2;, 1965rendered n'll and void a& initio.

63



OSE E. ARUE%O, R., SIMEONA SAN UAN ARUE%O, MA. IMMA!ULADA T.ALANON, RO0ERTO A. TORRES, !RISTINA A. TORRES, USTO OSE TORRES an3

A%USTIN TORRES, petitioners, vs.THE HON. !OURT OF APPEALS, THIRTEENTH DI"ISION an3 ANTONIA ARUE%O,

respondents.

=.. No. 112193 ar%( 13, 1996

Facts:

In essen%e, t(e %o)plaint :o)p'lsor# e%onition and Fnfor%e)ent of '%%essionali(ts< avers t(at t(e late !ose . Ar'eo, r., a )arried )an, (ad an a)oro's relations(ip "it(L'> . @a&ian so)eti)e in 1959 'ntil (is deat( on ar%( 30, 19;2. B't of t(is relations(ip"ere &orn Antonia @. Ar'eo and Fvel#n @. Ar'eo on B%to&er 5, 1962 and epte)&er 3, 1963,respe%tivel#. (e %o)plaint pra#ed for an Brder pra#in t(at (erein private respondent andFvel#n &e de%lared t(e illeiti)ate %(ildren of t(e de%eased !ose . Ar'eo, r. t(at (erein

petitioners &e %o)pelled to re%oni>e and a%no"lede t(e) as t(e %o)p'lsor# (eirs of t(ede%eased !ose . Ar'eo t(at t(eir s(are and parti%ipation in t(e estate of t(eir de%eased fat(er &e deter)ined and ordered delivered to t(e).

(e )ain &asis of t(e a%tion for %o)p'lsor# re%onition is t(eir alleed open and%ontin'o's possession of t(e stat's of illeiti)ate %(ildren.

Issue:

(o'ld t(e provisions of t(e @a)il# :ode &e applied in t(e instant %ase As a %orollar#"ill t(e appli%ation of t(e @a)il# :ode in t(is %ase preC'di%e or i)pair an# vested ri(t of t(e

private respondent s'%( t(at it s(o'ld not &e iven retroa%tive effe%t in t(is parti%'lar %ase

Ruling:

(e a%tion &ro'(t &# private respondent Antonia Ar'eo for %o)p'lsor# re%onitionand enfor%e)ent of s'%%essional ri(ts "(i%( "as filed prior to t(e advent of t(e @a)il# :ode,)'st &e overned &# Arti%le 2;5 of t(e :ivil :ode and not &# Arti%le 15, pararap( 2 of t(e@a)il# :ode. (e present la" %annot &e iven retroa%tive effe%t insofar as t(e instant %ase is%on%erned, as its appli%ation "ill preC'di%e t(e vested ri(t of private respondent to (ave (er %asede%ided 'nder Arti%le 2;5 of t(e :ivil :ode. (e ri(t "as vested to (er &# t(e fa%t t(at s(e filed(er a%tion 'nder t(e rei)e of t(e :ivil :ode. Pres%indin fro) t(is, t(e %on%l'sion t(en o'(t

to &e t(at t(e a%tion "as not #et &arred, not"it(standin t(e fa%t t(at it "as &ro'(t "(en t(e p'tative fat(er "as alread# de%eased, sin%e private respondent "as t(en still a )inor "(en it "asfiled, an e$%eption to t(e eneral r'le provided 'nder Arti%le 2;5 of t(e :ivil :ode. en%e, t(etrial %o'rt, "(i%( a%'ired C'risdi%tion over t(e %ase &# t(e filin of t(e %o)plaint, never lost C'risdi%tion over t(e sa)e despite t(e passae of F.B. No. 209, also no"n as t(e @a)il# :odeof t(e P(ilippines.

B'r r'lin (erein reinfor%es t(e prin%iple t(at t(e C'risdi%tion of a %o'rt, "(et(er in%ri)inal or %ivil %ases, on%e atta%(ed %annot &e o'sted &# s'&se'ent (appenins or events,alt(o'( of a %(ara%ter "(i%( "o'ld (ave prevented C'risdi%tion fro) atta%(in in t(e firstinstan%e, and it retains C'risdi%tion 'ntil it finall# disposes of t(e %ase.

+FF@BF, t(e petition is DFNIFD and t(e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals datedA''st 31, 1993 and its esol'tion dated B%to&er 13, 1993 are (ere&# A@@IFD.

64



PRIMA %. !ARRILLO an3 LORENZO LI!UP, plaintiffs and appellants, vs.FRAN!IS!A SALA1 DE PAZ an3 ERNESTO 0AUTISTA, defendants and appellees.

=.. No. L-22601. B%to&er 2;, 1966

Facts:

everino ala and Petra =ar%ia "ere t(e o"ners of Lot No. 221 of t(e :adastral'rve# of arla%, %overed &# Briinal :ertifi%ate of itle No. 41543, "it( an area of 1,334s'are )eters. Petra =ar%ia died on epte)&er 21, 1941. Bn A''st 16, 1943, everino ala sold to onoria ala for P;12.00 (is portion of said lot. A #ear later, on De%e)&er 5, 1944,everino ala died. onoria ala and ot(er )e)&ers of (er fa)il# died )assa%red &# t(e!apanese.

Bn epte)&er 4, 1946, a ProCe%t of Partition "as s'&)itted in pe%ial Pro%eedin No. 3,"(i%( t(e %o'rt approved on Nove)&er 19, 1946. aid proCe%t adC'di%ated inter alia Lot No.

221, "(i%( "as iven t(ere'nder to @ran%is%a ala de Pa> 14 of it in (er %apa%it# as (eir, andt(e ot(er 34 &# p'r%(ase andor e$%(ane "it( (er %o-(eirs, ita a(a'n, A'rea a(a'n andFrnesto 7a'tista<. @ro) 1946 'p to t(e present @ran%is%a ala (as possessed all of Lot No. 221.Bn Nove)&er 9, 194;, A'stina de ='>)an da. de :arrillo filed an a%tion in t(e :o'rt of @irstInstan%e of arla% do%eted t(erein as :ase No. 351< aainst t(e (eirs in pe%ial Pro%eedin No.3 to re%over Lot No. 221. Bn De%e)&er 20, 1960, t(e lo"er %o'rt dis)issed :ivil :ase No. 351.

Plaintiffs Pri)a :arrillo and Loren>o Li%'p t(ere'pon appealed to :A 'pon 'estions of la". At an# rate, t(is :o'rt %an resolve t(is appeal on t(e iss'e of pres%ription.

And t(e :o'rt of AppealsO de%ision affir)in t(e e$isten%e of reserva troncal ,

pro)'lated on !'ne ;, 1950, rendered it all t(e )ore do'&tless t(at s'%( ri(t (ad a%%r'ed int(eir favor fro) t(e ti)e A'stina died. It is %lear, t(erefore, t(at t(e ri(t or %a'se of a%tiona%%r'ed in favor of t(e plaintiffs-reservatarios (erein on April 24, 1950.

Issues:

+(et(er or not t(e %a'se of a%tion is &arred &# prior C'd)ent and &# t(e stat'te of li)itations. Alt(o'( t(e a%tion "as dis)issed &# t(e lo"er %o'rt e$pressl# 'pon t(e ro'nd of res judicata, it did not totall# disreard t(e defense of pres%ription.

Ruling:

e%tion 40 of t(e :ode of :ivil Pro%ed're fi$es 10 #ears as t(e period of pres%ription for a%tions to re%over real propert#, %o'nted fro) t(e ti)e t(e %a'se of a%tion a%%r'ed. (is is t(eappli%a&le la" &e%a'se Arti%le 1116 of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode provides t(at Pres%ription alread#r'nnin &efore t(e effe%tivit# of t(is :ode VA''st 30, 1950W s(all &e overned &# la"s previo'sl# in for%e. Plaintiffs-appellantsO s'it (erein, (avin &een filed onl# on April 22, 1963,or )ore t(an ten 10< #ears fro) April 24, 1950, (as pres%ri&ed. And (avin rea%(ed s'%(%on%l'sion, +e dee) it 'nne%essar# to pass 'pon t(e 'estion of "(et(er t(e s'it is also &arredon t(e ro'nd of res judicata.

+FF@BF, t(e order of dis)issal appealed fro) is (ere&# affir)ed on t(e ro'nd of

pres%ription, "it( %osts aainst appellants.

65



IMELDA ROMUALDEZ2MAR!OS, plaintiff 4s.!OMMISSION OF ELE!TIONS, defendant

24; :A 300

Facts:

Bn ; ar%( 1995, I)elda o)'alde>-ar%os filed (er :ertifi%ate of :andida%# for t(e position of epresentative of t(e @irst Distri%t of Le#te, indi%atin t(at s(e "as a resident of said%onstit'en%# for seven )ont(s. @a%ed "it( petition for %an%ellation and dis'alifi%ation &# t(ein%')&ent representative :irilo o# onteCo, ar%os filed an a)ended %ertifi%ate %(anin t(eentr# *seven )ont(s/ to *sin%e %(ild(ood./ (e :o))ission on Fle%tions, on 24 April, orderedt(e dis'alifi%ation of ar%os fro) r'nnin for t(e %onressional seat of t(e @irst Distri%t of Le#te. It appears (o"ever, t(at ar%os arnered t(e )ost votes in t(e ; a# ele%tion. (e:o))ission on Fle%tions, t('s, s'spended (er pro%la)ation.

Issue:

+(et(er t(e state)ent in t(e %ertifi%ate of %andida%# *seven/< deter)ines "(et(er anindivid'al satisfied t(e %onstit'tion8s residen%# 'alifi%ation re'ire)ent, to "arrant ar%os8dis'alifi%ation.

Ruling:

It is t(e fa%t of residen%e, not a state)ent-in a %ertifi%ate of %andida%# "(i%( o'(t to &ede%isive in deter)inin "(et(er or not an individ'al (as satisfied t(e %onstit'tion8s residen%#'alifi%ation re'ire)ent. (e said state)ent &e%o)es )aterial onl# "(en t(ere is or appears to &e a deli&erate atte)pt to )islead, )isinfor), or (ide a fa%t "(i%( "o'ld ot(er"ise render a

%andidate inelii&le. It "o'ld &e plainl# ridi%'lo's for a %andidate to deli&eratel# and no"inl#)ae a state)ent in a %ertifi%ate of %andida%# "(i%( "o'ld lead to (is or (er dis'alifi%ation. A%lose loo at said %ertifi%ate "o'ld reveal t(e possi&le so'r%e of t(e %onf'sionG t(e entr# for residen%e is follo"ed i))ediatel# &# t(e entr# for residen%e in t(e %onstit'en%# "(ere a%andidate sees ele%tion. ar%os )erel# %o))itted an (onest )istae in Cottin do"n t(e "ord*seven,/ o&vio'sl# res'ltin fro) t(e %onf'sion "(i%( pro)pted ar%os to "rite do"n t(e period of (er a%t'al sta# in olosa, Le#te instead of (er period of residen%e in t(e @irst distri%t,"(i%( "as *sin%e %(ild(ood/ in t(e spa%e provided. It )'st &e noted aain t(at *residen%e/ is'sed to indi%ate a pla%e of a&ode, "(et(er per)anent or te)porar#, "(ile *do)i%ile/ denotes afi$ed per)anent residen%e to "(i%(, "(en a&sent, one (as t(e intention of ret'rnin. esiden%efor ele%tion p'rposes is 'sed s#non#)o'sl# "it( do)i%ile.

66

http://arellanolaw.net/notesbankblog/?p=76










ERNESTINA 0ERNA0E 4. !AROLINA ALEO as gua-3ian a3 lite @&- t>e in&-, petitioner vs. ADRIAN 0ERNA0E, rspondent

=.. No. 140500. !an'ar# 21, 2002

Facts:

(e late @is%al Frnesto A. 7erna&e alleedl# fat(ered a son "it( (is se%retar# of t"ent#-t(ree 23< #ears, (erein plaintiff-appellant :arolina AleCo. (e son "as &orn on epte)&er 1;,19;1 and "as na)ed Adrian 7erna&e. @is%al 7erna&e died on A''st 13, 1993, "(ile (is "ifeosalina died on De%e)&er 3 of t(e sa)e #ear, leavin Frnestina, as t(e sole s'rvivin (eir, "(ofiled t(e %o)plaint pra#in t(at Adrian &e de%lared an a%no"leded illeiti)ate son of @is%al7erna&e and as s'%( (e Adrian< &e iven (is s(are in @is%al 7erna&e8s estate, "(i%( is no" &ein (eld &# Frnestina as t(e sole s'rvivin (eir.

(e eional rial :o'rt dis)issed t(e %o)plaint. (e :o'rt of Appeals r'led t(at in t(einterest of C'sti%e, Adrian s(o'ld &e allo"ed to prove t(at (e "as t(e illeiti)ate son of @is%al7erna&e.

Issue: +(et(er or not respondent (as a %a'se of a%tion to file a %ase aainst petitioner, t(eleiti)ate da'(ter of t(e p'tative fat(er, for re%onition and partition "it( a%%o'ntin after t(e p'tative fat(er8s deat( in t(e a&sen%e of an# "ritten a%no"led)ent of paternit# &# t(e latter.

Ruling:o e)p(asi>e, illeiti)ate %(ildren "(o "ere still )inors at t(e ti)e t(e @a)il# :ode

too effe%t and "(ose p'tative parent died d'rin t(eir )inorit# are t('s iven t(e ri(t to see re%onition 'nder Arti%le 2;5 of t(e :ivil :ode< for a period of 'p to fo'r #ears fro) attainin)aCorit# ae. (is vested ri(t "as not i)paired or taen a"a# &# t(e passae of t(e @a)il#:ode.

Indeed, o'r overridin %onsideration is to prote%t t(e vested ri(ts of )inors "(o %o'ldnot (ave filed s'it, on t(eir o"n, d'rin t(e lifeti)e of t(eir p'tative parents. As respondent aptl# points o't in (is e)orand'), V24W t(e tate as parens patriae s(o'ld prote%t a )inor8s ri(t.7orn in 19;1, Adrian "as onl# seven #ears old "(en t(e @a)il# :ode too effe%t and onl#t"elve "(en (is alleed fat(er died in 1993. (e )inor )'st &e iven (is da# in %o'rt.

+FF@BF, t(e Petition is (ere&# DFNIFD and t(e assailed De%ision and esol'tionA@@IFD.

6



ALEANDRO ESTRADA, petitioner 4.SOLEDAD S. ES!RITOR, respondentA.. No. P-02-1651 A''st 4, 2003

Facts::o)plainant AleCandro Fstrada "rote to !'de !ose @. :aoi&es, !r., presidin C'de of

7ran%( 253, eional rial :o'rt of Las PiXas :it#, re'estin for an investiation of r')orst(at respondent oledad Fs%ritor, %o'rt interpreter in said %o'rt, is livin "it( a )an not (er ('s&and. (e# alleedl# (ave a %(ild of ei(teen to t"ent# #ears old. Fstrada is not personall#related eit(er to Fs%ritor or (er partner and is a resident not of Las PiXas :it# &'t of 7a%oor,:avite. Nevert(eless, (e filed t(e %(are aainst Fs%ritor as (e &elieves t(at s(e is %o))ittin ani))oral a%t t(at tarnis(es t(e i)ae of t(e %o'rt, t('s s(e s(o'ld not &e allo"ed to re)aine)plo#ed t(erein as it )i(t appear t(at t(e %o'rt %ondones (er a%t.

Dep't# :o'rt Ad)inistrator D:A< Lo% stressed t(at alt(o'( Fs%ritor (ad &e%o)e%apa%itated to )arr# &# t(e ti)e s(e Coined t(e C'di%iar# as (er ('s&and (ad died a #ear &efore, itis d'e to (er relations(ip "it( a )arried )an, vol'ntaril# %arried on, t(at respondent )a# still &es'&Ce%t to dis%iplinar# a%tion.

Issue:+(et(er or not respondent s(o'ld &e fo'nd 'ilt# of t(e ad)inistrative %(are of ross

and i))oral %ond'%t./

Ruling:(e :o'rt (as repeatedl# de%lared t(at reliio's freedo) )eans overn)ent ne'tralit# in

reliio's )atters and t(e :o'rt (as also repeatedl# interpreted t(is poli%# of ne'tralit# to pro(i&itovern)ent fro) a%tin e$%ept for se%'lar p'rposes and in "a#s t(at (ave pri)aril# se%'lar effe%ts.

e%ond, t(e %o'rt assG i<s t(ere a s'ffi%ientl# %o)pellin state interest to C'stif# t(isinfrine)ent of reliio's li&ert# (is step involves &alan%in, i.e., "ei(in t(e interest of t(estate aainst reliio's li&ert# to deter)ine "(i%( is )ore %o)pellin 'nder t(e parti%'lar set of fa%ts. (e reater t(e stateOs interests, t(e )ore %entral t(e reliio's &elief "o'ld (ave to &e toover%o)e it.

(ird, t(e %o'rt assG (<as t(e state in a%(ievin its leiti)ate p'rposes 'sed t(e leastintr'sive )eans possi&le so t(at t(e free e$er%ise is not infrined an# )ore t(an ne%essar# toa%(ieve t(e leiti)ate oal of t(e state (e anal#sis re'ires t(e state to s(o" t(at t(e )eans in"(i%( it is a%(ievin its leiti)ate state o&Ce%tive is t(e least intr'sive )eans, i.e., it (as %(osen a"a# to a%(ieve its leiti)ate state end t(at i)poses as little as possi&le on reliio's li&erties.

In an# event, even if t(e :o'rt dee)s s'ffi%ient respondentOs eviden%e on t(e sin%erit# of (er reliio's &elief and its %entralit# in (er fait(, t(e %ase at &ar %annot still &e de%ided 'sin t(e%o)pellin state interest test. (e %ase at &ar is one of first i)pression, t('s t(e parties "erenot a"are of t(e &'rdens of proof t(e# s(o'ld dis%(are in t(e :o'rtOs 'se of t(e %o)pellinstate interest test.

IN IF+ +FFB@, t(e %ase is FANDFD to t(e Bffi%e of t(e :o'rt Ad)inistrator.

MARIETTA 0. AN!HETA, petitioner 4. RODOLFO S. AN!HETA, respondent

6;



=.. No. 14530. ar%( 4, 2004

Facts:After t(eir )arriae on ar%( 5, 1959, t(e petitioner and t(e respondent resided in

'ntinl'pa, etro anila. (e# (ad ei(t %(ildren d'rin t(eir %overt're. (e respondent left

t(e %onC'al (o)e and a&andoned t(e petitioner and t(eir %(ildren. Petitioner arietta An%(etafiled a petition "it( t(e : aainst t(e respondent for t(e dissol'tion of t(eir %onC'al partners(ip and C'di%ial separation of propert# "it( a plea for s'pport and s'pport pendente lite.

(e parties e$e%'ted a :o)pro)ise Aree)ent "(ere so)e of t(e %onC'al properties"ere adC'di%ated to t(e petitioner and (er ei(t %(ildren. (e respondent intended to )arr# aainand filed a petition "it( t(e : for t(e de%laration of n'llit# of (is )arriae "it( t(e petitioner on t(e ro'nd of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# and s'&se'entl# ranted &# t(e %o'rt. (e :o'rt of Appeals ranted t(e de%ision.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e :o'rt of Appeals erred in affir)in t(e de%ision of trial %o'rt.

Ruling:(e oriinal petition and t(e a)ended petition in t(e :o'rt of Appeals, in li(t of t(e

)aterial aver)ents t(erein, "ere &ased not onl# on e$trinsi% fra'd, &'t also on la% of C'risdi%tion of t(e trial %o'rt over t(e person of t(e petitioner &e%a'se of t(e fail're of t(e s(eriff to serve on (er t(e s'))ons and a %op# of t(e %o)plaint. (e %lai)ed t(at t(e s'))ons and%o)plaint "ere served on (er son, enan%io ariano 7. An%(eta III, "(o, (o"ever, failed toive (er t(e said s'))ons and %o)plaint.

(e 'pre)e :o'rt, t('s, r'le t(at t(e :o'rt of Appeals a%ted ar&itraril# in dis)issint(e oriinal petition of t(e petitioner and t(e a)ended petition for ann'l)ent of t(e assailedorder ro'nded on la% of C'risdi%tion over t(e person of t(e petitioner.

IN LI= B@ ALL F @BF=BIN=, t(e petition is =ANFD. (e esol'tions of t(e :o'rt of Appeals dated !'l# 13, 2000 and epte)&er 2, 2000 in :A-=.. P No. 59550 are(ere&# F AIDF and FFFD. Let t(e re%ords of :A-=.. P No. 59550 &e re)anded tot(e :o'rt of Appeals for f'rt(er pro%eedins %onfor)a&l# "it( t(e De%ision of t(is :o'rt and'le 4 of t(e 'les of :o'rt, as a)ended.

69



TEODORO %UARIN%, plaintiff 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS, defendant=.. No. 10;395. ar%( , 199

Facts:(is %ase arose fro) an 'nfort'nate ve(i%'lar a%%ident "(i%( (appened on Nove)&er ,

19;, alon t(e Nort( F$press"a# in an afael, e$i%o, Pa)pana. Involved in t(e a%%ident"ere a its'&is(i Lan%er %ar driven &# eodoro ='arin, !r., "(o died as a res'lt of t(e )is(ap,P(ilippine a&&it 7's No. 415, driven &# Aneles :'evas, and a o#ota :ressida %ar, driven &#Fliio Fnri'e>. (e its'&is(i Lan%er "as (eadin nort(, at t(e speed of ;0 to 90 ilo)eters per (o'r. @ollo"in it "as t(e P(ilippine a&&it 7's No. 415, "it( Plate No. :D-5;4. Bn t(eot(er (and, t(e o#ota :ressida "as %r'isin on t(e opposite lane, &o'nd for anila.

Petitioners, (eirs of eodoro ='arin, !r., &ro'(t t(is a%tion for da)aes, &ased on 'asideli%t, in t(e eional rial :o'rt of anila. (eir eviden%e tended to s(o" t(at t(e a&&it &'stried to overtae ='arin8s %ar &# passin on t(e ri(t s(o'lder of t(e road and t(at in so doin it(it t(e ri(t rear portion of ='arin8s its'&is(i Lan%er. (e i)pa%t %a'sed t(e Lan%er tos"erve to t(e so't(-&o'nd lane, as a res'lt of "(i%( it %ollided "it( t(e o#ota :ressida %ar

%o)in fro) t(e opposite dire%tion.(e eional rial :o'rt a"arded t(e (eirs "it( )oral and e$e)plar# da)aes. (e:o'rt of Appeals reversed t(is de%ision 'pon revie". (e appellate %o'rt (eld t(at sin%e t(e &asisof petitioners8 a%tion "as t(e alleed nelien%e of t(e &'s driver, t(e latter8s a%'ittal in t(e%ri)inal %ase rendered t(e %ivil %ase &ased on 'asi deli%t 'ntena&le.

Issue:Does C'd)ent in t(e %ri)inal %ase e$tin'is(ed t(e lia&ilit# of private respondent

P(ilippine a&&it 7's Lines, In%. and its driver, Aneles :'evas, for da)aes for t(e deat( of eodoro ='arin, !r

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt reversed t(e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals and re)anded t(e %ase

&a% to t(e :o'rt of Appeals for a de%ision in a%%ordan%e "it( la". (e C'd)ent of a%'ittale$tin'is(es t(e lia&ilit# of t(e a%%'sed for da)aes onl# "(en it in%l'des a de%laration t(at t(efa%ts fro) "(i%( t(e %ivil )i(t arise did not e$ist. ('s, t(e %ivil lia&ilit# is not e$tin'is(ed &# a%'ittal "(ere t(e a%'ittal is &ased on reasona&le do'&t PN7 v. :atipon, 9; P(il. 2;6< asonl# preponderan%e of eviden%e is re'ired in %ivil %ases. Arti%le 216 of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode providesG

Art. 216. +(oever &# a%t or o)ission %a'ses da)ae to anot(er, t(ere &ein fa'lt or nelien%e, is o&lied to pa# for t(e da)ae done. '%( fa'lt or nelien%e, if t(ere is no pre-e$istin %ontra%t'al relation &et"een t(e parties, is %alled a 'asi-deli%t and is overned &# t(e provisions of t(is :(apter.

It is no" settled t(at a%'ittal of t(e a%%'sed, even if &ased on a findin t(at (e is not'ilt#, does not %arr# "it( it t(e e$tin%tion of t(e %ivil lia&ilit# &ased on 'asi deli%t.

0



%EOR%E MANANTAN, petitioner 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS, defendant=.. No. 10125. !an'ar# 29, 2001

Facts:Bn or a&o't t(e 25t( da# of epte)&er 19;2, t(e said a%%'sed, &ein t(en t(e driver and

person-in-%(are of an a'to)o&ile, drove and operated t(e sa)e "(ile alon t(e Daana(arlia at 7arana# alvar, in said )'ni%ipalit#, in a nelient, %areless and i)pr'dent)anner, "it(o't d'e reard to traffi% la"s, re'lations and ordinan%es and "it(o't tain t(ene%essar# pre%a'tion to prevent a%%ident to person and da)ae to propert#, %a'sin &# s'%(nelien%e, %arelessness and i)pr'den%e said a'to)o&ile driven and operated &# (i) tosides"ipe a passener Ceepdriven &# :(arles :oda)on, t(ere&# %a'sin t(e said a'to)o&ile tot'rn do"n si%< res'ltin to t(e deat( of '&en Ni%olas a passener of said a'to)o&ile.

Petitioner =eore anantan "as a%'itted &# t(e trial %o'rt of (o)i%ide t(ro'( re%lessi)pr'den%e "it(o't a r'lin on (is %ivil lia&ilit#. Bn appeal fro) t(e %ivil aspe%t of t(e C'd)ent in :ri)inal :ase No. 066, t(e appellate %o'rt fo'nd petitioner anantan %ivill# lia&leand ordered (i) to inde)nif# private respondents ar%elino Ni%olas and aria Ni%olas

P104,400.00 representin loss of s'pport, P50,000.00 as deat( inde)nit#, and )oral da)aes of P20,000.00 or a total of P14,400.00 for t(e deat( of t(eir son, '&en Ni%olas. (e petitioner t(en pro%eeded to t(e 'pre)e :o'rt and (eld t(at (e "o'ld &e s'&Ce%t to do'&le Ceopard# if (etrial on (is %ivil li&ilit# "o'ld ens'e.

Issues:a. Did t(e a%'ittal of petitioner fore%lose an# f'rt(er in'ir# &# t(e :o'rt of Appeals as

to (is nelien%e or re%less i)pr'den%e &. Did t(e %o'rt a 'o err in findin t(at petitioner8s a%'ittal did not e$tin'is( (is %ivil

lia&ilit#

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt dis)issed t(e petition for la% of )erit. It s(o'ld &e noted t(at "(at

"as elevated to t(e :o'rt of Appeals &# private respondents "as t(e %ivil aspe%t of :ri)inal:ase No. 066. Petitioner "as not %(ared ane" in :A-=.. : No. 19240 "it( a se%ond%ri)inal offense identi%al to t(e first offense. (e re%ords %learl# s(o" t(at no se%ond %ri)inaloffense "as &ein i)p'ted to petitioner on appeal. In )odif#in t(e lo"er %o'rt8s C'd)ent, t(eappellate %o'rt did not )odif# t(e C'd)ent of a%'ittal. Nor did it order t(e filin of a se%ond%ri)inal %ase aainst petitioner for t(e sa)e offense. B&vio'sl#, t(erefore, t(ere "as no se%ond Ceopard# to spea of. Petitioner8s %lai) of (avin &een pla%ed in do'&le Ceopard# is in%orre%t.

B'r la" re%oni>es t"o inds of a%'ittal, "it( different effe%ts on t(e %ivil lia&ilit# of t(e a%%'sed. @irst is an a%'ittal on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e a%%'sed is not t(e a't(or of t(e a%t or o)ission %o)plained of. (is instan%e %loses t(e door to %ivil lia&ilit#. (e se%ond instan%e is ana%'ittal &ased on reasona&le do'&t on t(e 'ilt of t(e a%%'sed. %r'tin# of t(e lo"er %o'rt8sde%ision in :ri)inal :ase No. 066 s'pports t(e %on%l'sion of t(e appellate %o'rt t(at t(ea%'ittal "as &ased on reasona&le do'&t (en%e, petitioner8s %ivil lia&ilit# "as not e$tin'is(ed &# (is dis%(are.

1



FLOREN!IO 0ONITA, plaintiff 4s Z&sa, defendant=.. No. L-332 !'ne 20, 19;;

Facts:At a&o't 2G00 P.. of 24 epte)&er 196;, "(ile @loren%io 7onite "as "orin as

%a)inero of t(e 7'rea' of P'&li% i("a#s in 7arrio i%ente Alto Daatan<, Bro'ieta :it#,(e "as (it &# a tr'% driven &# private respondent, as a res'lt of "(i%(, 7onite died on t(at sa)eda#. :onse'entl#, a %ri)inal %o)plaint for o)i%ide t(ro'( e%less I)pr'den%e "as filed &# t(e s'rvivin (eirs of t(e de%eased no" petitioners< aainst t(e respondent A&a)ona, "it(t(e :it# :o'rt of Bro'ieta :it#, do%eted as :ri)inal :ase No. 932;. Petitioners t(ro'( t(eir %o'nsel Att#. Al&erto D'lalas, as private prose%'tor, a%tivel# parti%ipated in t(e prose%'tion of t(e %ri)inal %ase aainst t(e a%%'sed. After trial on t(e )erits, a de%ision "as rendered &# t(e%o'rt in t(e %ri)inal %ase, a%'ittin t(e a%%'sed A&a)ona for fail're of t(e prose%'tion to prove (is 'ilt &e#ond reasona&le do'&t.

Bn 2; De%e)&er 190, petitioners filed an a%tion for re%over# of da)aes aainst t(esa)e a%%'sed on a%%o'nt of t(e deat( of @loren%io 7onite, "it( t(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e of

isa)is B%%idental, 16t( !'di%ial Distri%t, 7ran%( III, do%eted as :ivil :ase No. 2;06. In anorder dated 25 @e&r'ar# 191, t(e %o'rt a 'o dis)issed t(e %o)plaint for da)aes. e petitioners t(en )oved for re%onsideration of t(e said order.

Issue:Is an independent %ivil a%tion for da)aes, 'nder Arti%le 29 of t(e :ivil :ode dee)ed

&arred &# petitionersO fail're in t(e %ri)inal a%tion to )ae a reservation to file a separate %ivila%tion and &# t(eir a%tive parti%ipation in t(e prose%'tion of s'%( %ri)inal a%tion

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt reversed and set aside t(e r'lins of t(e lo"er %o'rts. It allo"ed t(e

reinstate)ent of t(e %ase for retrial. +(en t(e a%%'sed in a %ri)inal %ase is a%'itted on t(ero'nd t(at (is 'ilt (as not &een proved &e#ond reasona&le do'&t, a %ivil a%tion for da)aes for t(e sa)e a%t or o)ission )a# still &e instit'ted aainst (i), and onl# a preponderan%e of eviden%e is re'ired to (old t(e a%%'sed lia&le. (e %ivil lia&ilit# is not e$tin'is(ed &# a%'ittalof t(e a%%'sed, "(ere t(e a%'ittal is &ased on reasona&le do'&t. In t(e instant %ase, t(e %ri)inal%o)plaint for (o)i%ide t(ro'( re%less i)pr'den%e "as dis)issed on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e 'iltof t(e a%%'sed (erein private respondent< "as not proved &e#ond reasona&le do'&t. :learl#,(erein petitioners (ave t(e ri(t to file an independent %ivil a%tion for da)aes, t(e a%'ittal of t(e a%%'sed in t(e %ri)inal %ase not"it(standin.

Lastl#, t(at petitioners a%tivel# parti%ipated in t(e prose%'tion of t(e %ri)inal %ase doesnot &ar t(e) fro) filin an independent and separate %ivil a%tion for da)aes 'nder Arti%le 29 of t(e :ivil :ode. (e %ivil a%tion &ased on %ri)inal lia&ilit# and a %ivil a%tion 'nder Arti%le 29 aret"o separate and independent a%tions

2



RODOLFO %. NA"ARRO, %o)plainant, vs.UD%E HERNANDO !. DOMA%TO#, respondent.

A.. No. !-96-10;;. !'l# 19, 1996

Facts:

odolfo Navarro, 'ni%ipal a#or of Dapa, 'riao del Norte, filed an ad)inistrative%o)plaint aainst respondent !'de ernando :. Do)ato#, 'ni%ipal :ir%'it rial :o'rt!'de.

Bne of t(e t"o a%ts %o)plained of "as t(e fa%t t(at respondent !'de perfor)ed a)arriae %ere)on# &et"een @loriano Dador ')a#lo and =e))a del osario o'tside (is %o'rtOs C'risdi%tion.

(e C'de (olds offi%e and (as C'risdi%tion in t(e 'ni%ipal :ir%'it rial :o'rt of ta.oni%a-7'ros, 'riao del Norte.

(e "eddin "as sole)ni>ed at t(e respondent C'deOs residen%e in t(e 'ni%ipalit# of Dapa, "(i%( does not fall "it(in (is C'risdi%tional area

espondent C'de points o't to Arti%le ; and its e$%eptions as t(e C'stifi%ation for (is

(avin sole)ni>ed t(e )arriae.

Issue: Is a )arriae sole)ni>ed o'tside of a %o'rtOs C'risdi%tion valid

Hel3:Arti%le ; of t(e @a)il# :ode provides t(at, a )arriae %an &e (eld o'tside of t(e C'deOs

%(a)&er or %o'rtroo) onl# in t(e follo"in instan%esG 1< at t(e point of deat(, 2< in re)ote pla%es in a%%ordan%e "it( Arti%le 29 or 3< 'pon re'est of &ot( parties in "ritin in a s"ornstate)ent to t(is effe%t. (ere is no pretense t(at eit(er ')a#lo or del osario "as at t(e pointof deat( or in a re)ote pla%e. oreover, t(e "ritten re'est presented addressed to t(erespondent C'de "as )ade &# onl# one part#, =e))a del osario.

ore i)portantl#, t(e ele)entar# prin%iple 'nderl#in t(is provision is t(e a't(orit# of t(e sole)ni>in offi%er. Jnder Arti%le 3, one of t(e for)al re'isites of )arriae is t(e a't(orit#of t(e sole)ni>in offi%er. Jnder Arti%le , )arriae )a# &e sole)ni>ed &#, a)on ot(ers, an#in%')&ent )e)&er of t(e C'di%iar# "it(in t(e %o'rtOs C'risdi%tion. Arti%le ;, "(i%( is a dire%tor# provision, refers onl# to t(e ven'e of t(e )arriae %ere)on# and does not alter or 'alif# t(ea't(orit# of t(e sole)ni>in offi%er as provided in t(e pre%edin provision. Non-%o)plian%e(ere"it( "ill not invalidate t(e )arriae.

A priest "(o is %o))issioned and allo"ed &# (is lo%al ordinar# to )arr# t(e fait(f'l, isa't(ori>ed to do so onl# "it(in t(e area of t(e dio%ese or pla%e allo"ed &# (is 7is(op. Anappellate %o'rt !'sti%e or a !'sti%e of t(e 'pre)e :o'rt (as C'risdi%tion over t(e entireP(ilippines to sole)ni>e )arriae, reardless of t(e ven'e, as lon as t(e re'isites of t(e la"are %o)plied "it(. o"ever, C'des "(o are appointed to spe%ifi% C'risdi%tions, )a# offi%iate in"eddin onl# "it(in said areas and not &e#ond.

+(ere a C'de sole)ni>es a )arriae o'tside (is %o'rtOs C'risdi%tion, t(ere is a res'ltantirre'larit# in t(e for)al re'isite laid do"n in Arti%le 3, "(i%( "(ile it )a# not affe%t t(evalidit# of t(e )arriae, )a# s'&Ce%t t(e offi%iatin offi%ial to ad)inistrative lia&ilit#.

Inas)'%( as respondent C'deOs C'risdi%tion %overs t(e )'ni%ipalities of ta. oni%a and7'ros, (e "as not %lot(ed "it( a't(orit# to sole)ni>e a )arriae in t(e 'ni%ipalit# of Dapa,'riao del Norte. 7# %itin Arti%le ; and t(e e$%eptions t(erein as ro'nds for t(e e$er%ise of (is )ispla%ed a't(orit#, respondent C'de aain de)onstrated a la% of 'nderstandin of t(e &asi% prin%iples of %ivil la".

3



REPU0LI! OF THE PHILIPPINES, petitioner, vs.!OURT OF APPEALS AND AN%ELINA M. !ASTRO, respondents.

=.. No. 10304 epte)&er 2, 1994

Facts:

espondent Anelina . :astro and Fd"in @. :ardenas "ere )arried in a %ivil %ere)on# perfor)ed &# a :it# :o'rt !'de of Pasi :it# and "as %ele&rated "it(o't t(e no"lede of :astroOs parents.

Defendant :ardenas personall# attended t(e pro%'rin of t(e do%')ents re'ired for t(e%ele&ration of t(e )arriae, in%l'din t(e pro%'re)ent of t(e )arriae li%ense.

(e %o'ple did not i))ediatel# live toet(er as ('s&and and "ife sin%e t(e )arriae "as'nno"n to :astroOs parents. (e# de%ided to live toet(er "(en :astro dis%overed s(e "as prenant. (e %o(a&itation lasted onl# for fo'r )ont(s. (ereafter, t(e %o'ple parted "a#s.Desirin to follo" (er da'(ter in t(e J., :astro "anted to p't in order (e )arital stat's &eforeleavin for t(e J.. (e t(en dis%overed t(at t(ere "as no )arriae li%ense iss'ed to :ardenas prior to t(e %ele&ration of t(eir )arriae as %ertified &# t(e :ivil eistrar of Pasi, etro

anila.espondent t(en filed a petition "it( t(e : of S'e>on :it# seein for t(e C'di%ialde%laration of n'llit# of (er )arriae %lai)in t(at no )arriae li%ense "as ever iss'ed to t(e) prior to t(e sole)ni>ation of t(eir )arriae.

(e trial %o'rt denied t(e petition (oldin t(at t(e %ertifi%ation "as inade'ate toesta&lis( t(e alleed non-iss'an%e of a )arriae li%ense prior to t(e %ele&ration of t(e )arriae &et"een t(e parties. It r'led t(at t(e ina&ilit# of t(e %ertif#in offi%ial to lo%ate t(e )arriaeli%ense is not %on%l'sive to s(o" t(at t(ere "as no )arriae li%ense iss'ed. Bn appeal, t(ede%ision of t(e trial %o'rt "as reversed.

Issue:a. Is t(e )arriae valid &. Is t(ere s'%( a t(in as a se%ret )arriae

Hel3:a. At t(e ti)e of t(e s'&Ce%t )arriae "as sole)ni>ed on !'ne 24, 190, t(e la"

overnin )arital relations "as t(e Ne" :ivil :ode. (e la" provides t(at no )arriae li%enses(all &e sole)ni>ed "it(o't a )arriae li%ense first iss'ed &# t(e lo%al %ivil reistrar. 7ein oneof t(e essential re'isites of a valid )arriae, a&sen%e of a li%ense "o'ld render t(e )arriaevoid a& initio.

&. It "ill &e re)e)&ered t(at t(e s'&Ce%t )arriae "as a %ivil %ere)on# perfor)ed &# a C'de of a %it# %o'rt. (e s'&Ce%t )arriae is one of t(ose %o))onl# no"n as a se%ret)arriae - a leall# non-e$istent p(rase &'t ordinaril# 'sed to refer to a %ivil )arriae%ele&rated "it(o't t(e no"lede of t(e relatives andor friends of eit(er or &ot( of t(e%ontra%tin parties. (e re%ords s(o" t(at t(e )arriae &et"een :astro and :ardenas as initiall#'nno"n to t(e parents of t(e for)er.

4



LEONILO !. DONATO, petitioners, vs. HON. ARTEMON D. LUNA, respondents.=.. No. L-53642 April 15, 19;;

Facts:Pa> A&a#an filed an infor)ation for 7ia)# aainst petitioner Leonilo Donato. (e also

filed "it( t(e !'venile and Do)esti% elations :o'rt a %ivil a%tion for de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae to petitioner &e%a'se of a prior )arriae of petitioner. In (is ans"er petitioner %lai)edt(at (is 2nd )arriae "as void &e%a'se is "as sole)ni>ed "it(o't a valid )arriae li%ense andt(at violen%e, inti)ation and 'nd'e infl'en%e "ere e)plo#ed &# Pa> to o&tain (is %onsent.

Prior to t(e date set for t(e trial of t(e %ri)inal %ase, petitioner filed a )otion to s'spendt(e pro%eedins of t(e %ase &e%a'se t(e %ivil a%tion raises a preC'di%ial 'estion "(i%( )'st first &e deter)ined &efore t(e %ri)inal %ase %an pro%eed.

Issue:Does a %ri)inal %ase for &ia)# s'spend t(e %ivil %ase of ann'l)ent of )arriae on t(e

ro'nd t(at t(e latter %onstit'tes a preC'di%ial 'estion

Hel3:(e re'isites of a preC'di%ial 'estion do not o&tain in t(e %ase at &ar. I )'st &e noted

t(at t(e iss'e &efore t(e !D: to'%(in 'pon t(e n'llit# of t(e se%ond )arriae is notdeter)inative of petitioner DonatoOs 'ilt or inno%en%e in t(e %ri)e of &ia)#. @'rt(er)ore, it"as petitionerOs 2nd "ife, t(e (erein private respondent Pa> A&a#an "(o filed t(e %o)plaint for ann'l)ent of t(e 2nd )arriae on t(e ro'nd t(at (er %onsent "as o&tained t(ro'( de%eit.

e "(o %ontra%ts a 2nd )arriae &efore t(e C'di%ial de%laration of n'llit# of first)arriae ass')es t(e ris of &ein prose%'ted for &ia)#.

5



SUSAN NI!DAO !ARINO, petitioner, vs. SUSAN #EE !ARINO, respondent.=.. No. 132529. @e&r'ar# 2, 2001

Facts:D'rin t(e lifeti)e of t(e late PB4 antiao . :ariXo, (e %ontra%ted t"o )arriaes.

(e first "as on !'ne 20, 1969, "it( petitioner 'san Ni%dao, "it( "(o) (e (ad t"o offsprinsand t(e se%ond "as on Nove)&er 10, 1992, "it( respondent 'san ee, "it( "(o) (e (ad no%(ildren in t(eir al)ost 10 #ear %o(a&itation startin "a# &a% 19;2.

In 19;;, antiao &e%a)e ill and &ed ridden d'e to dia&etes %o)pli%ated &# p'l)onar#t'&er%'losis. e passed a"a# on Nove)&er 23, 1992, 'nder t(e %are of 'san ee, "(o spent for (is )edi%al and &'rial e$penses.

7ot( petitioner and respondent filed %lai)s for )onetar# &enefits and finan%ial assistan%e pertainin to t(e de%eased fro) vario's overn)ent aen%ies. Petitioner 'san Ni%dao "as a&leto %olle%t a total of P 146, 000 fro) 7AI, P::JI, NAPBL:B, and Pa-I&i "(ilerespondent 'san ee re%eived a total of P 21,000.00 fro) *=I life, 7'rial =I< and &'rial.</

espondent filed a %ase for %olle%tion of s') of )one# aainst petitioner pra#in, inter alia, t(at petitioner &e ordered to ret'rn to (er at least Q of t(e P 146, 000.00 *deat( &enefits./Petitioner failed to file (er ans"er pro)ptin t(e trial %o'rt to de%lare (er in defa'lt.

espondent 'san ee ad)itted t(at (er )arriae to t(e de%eased too pla%e d'rin t(es'&sisten%e of, and "it(o't first o&tainin a C'di%ial de%laration of n'llit# of, t(e )arriae &et"een petitioner and t(e de%eased. (e, (o"ever, %lai)ed t(at s(e (ad no no"lede of t(e previo's )arriae and t(at s(e &e%a)e a"are of it onl# at t(e f'neral, "(ere s(e )et petitioner "(o introd'%ed (erself as t(e "ife of t(e de%eased. o &olster (er a%tion for %olle%tion of s') of )one#, respondent %ontended t(at t(e )arriae of petitioner and t(e de%eased is void a& initio &e%a'se t(e sa)e "as sole)ni>ed "it( t(e re'ired )arriae li%ense.

(e %o'rt r'led in favor or respondent. Bn appeal, t(e de%ision of t(e eional trial %o'rt"as affir)ed in toto. en%e t(is petition.

Issue:+(o is entitled to (alf t(e deat( &enefits

Hel3:Jnder t(e :ivil :ode, "(i%( "as t(e la" in for%e "(en t(e )arriae of petitioner 'san

Ni%dao and t(e de%eased "as sole)ni>ed in 1969, a valid )arriae li%ense is a re'isite of )arriae, and t(e a&sen%e t(ereof, s'&Ce%t to %ertain e$%eptions, renders t(e )arriae void a&initio.

In t(e %ase at &ar, t(ere is no 'estion t(at t(e )arriae of petitioner and t(e de%easeddoes not fall "it(in t(e )arriae e$e)pt fro) t(e li%ense re'ire)ent. . A )arriae li%ense,t(erefore, "as indispensa&le to t(e validit# of t(eir )arriae. (is not"it(standin, t(e re%ordsreveal t(at t(e )arriae %ontra%t of petitioner and t(e de%eased &ears no )arriae li%ense n')&er and, as %ertified &# t(e Lo%al :ivil eistrar of an !'an, etro anila, t(eir offi%e (as nore%ord of s'%( )arriae li%ense.

It is &e#ond %avil, t(erefore t(at t(e )arriae &et"een petitioner 'san Ni%dao and t(ede%eased, (avin &een sole)ni>ed "it(o't t(e ne%essar# )arriae li%ense, and not &ein one of t(e )arriae e$e)pt fro) t(e )arriae li%ense re'ire)ent, is 'ndo'&tedl# void a& initio.

It does not follo" (o"ever, t(at sin%e t(e )arriae of petitioner and t(e de%eased isde%lared void a& initio, t(e *deat( &enefits/ "o'ld no" &e a"arded to respondent 'san ee. EEEA%%ordinl#, t(e de%laration in t(e instant %ase of n'llit# of t(e previo's )arriae of t(ede%eased and petitioner 'san Ni%dao does not validate t(e se%ond )arriae of t(e de%eased "it(respondent 'san ee. (e fa%t re)ains t(at t(eir )arriae "as sole)ni>ed "it(o't firsto&tainin a C'di%ial de%ree de%larin t(e )arriae of petitioner 'san Ni%dao and t(e de%easedvoid. en%e, t(e )arriae of respondent 'san ee and t(e de%eased is, lie"ise, void a& initio.

Bne of t(e effe%ts of t(e de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae is t(e separation of t(e propert# of t(e spo'ses a%%ordin to t(e appli%a&le propert# rei)e. :onsiderin t(at t(e t"o)arriaes are void a& initio, t(e appli%a&le propert# rei)e "o'ld not &e a&sol'te %o))'nit# or

6



%onC'al partners(ip of propert#, &'t rat(er, &e overned &# t(e provisions of Arti%le 14 and 14;of t(e @a)il# :ode on *Propert# ei)e of Jnions +it(o't arriae./



MARILOU NAMA MORENO, %o)plainant, vs. UD%E OSE !. 0ERNA0E, respondent.A.. No. !-94-963 !'l# 14, 1995

Facts:arilo' Na)a oreno and ar%elo oreno "ere )arried &efore t(e respondent !'de

!ose 7erna&e on B%to&er 4, 1993 &'t did not pro%ess t(e papers for t(e )arriae %ontra%t. (e%o)plainant at t(at ti)e "as prenant and &eed to t(e C'de to (ave (er and (er ('s&and to &e)arried &# (i). (e %o)plainant t(en filed a %o)plaint alleedl# for de%eivin (er t(at t(e)arriae is valid.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(at a !'de "(o (eld a "eddin "it(o't iss'in a )arriae %ontra%t

s(o'ld &e (eld lia&le even if t(e %o)plaint (ad *e$pressl#/ "it(dra"n &# t(e %o)plainant.

Hel3:Fven "it( t(e "it(dra"al of t(e %o)plainant aainst t(e respondent t(e 'pre)e :o'rt

insisted t(at it s(o'ld still &e dealt "it( a%%ordinl# as t(e a%%'sed "as a )e)&er of t(e C'di%iar# and a %ond'%t of a (i(er level "ere e$pe%ted. (e C'de displa#ed inoran%e of t(ela" "(i%( is 'na%%epta&le for (is position and is t(erefore fined "it( 10, 000.00 pesos and issternl# "arned t(at a repetition of a si)ilar a%t s(o'ld &e p'nis(ed severel#.

;



THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs.ELIAS 0ORROMEO, defendant-appellant.

=.. No. L-61;3 B%to&er 3l, 19;4

Facts:

At (i( noon of !'l# 3, 19;1, t(e fo'r #ear old nie%e of Flias and 'sana 7orro)eoreported to atilde a&orada, )ot(er of 'sanna, t(at 'sana "as s(o'tin franti%all# for (elp &e%a'se Flias "as illin (er. atilde, 'pon rea%(in to (er t(e infor)ation, told t(e %(ild toreport t(e sa)e to =eroni)o a&orada, 'sana8s &rit(er "(o "as t(en "orin at t(eir )ano plantation. (e latter, 'pon (earin t(e infor)ation, "ent to infor) (is fat(er. (e t"o "ent to'sana8s ('t &'t t(e door "as %losed. =eroni)o %o'ld onl# peep t(ro'( t(e &a)&oo slats at t(e"all and sa" (er sister l#in do"n, and )otionless. 'sana8s fat(er %alled for t(e a&olo poli%e.(ereafter, poli%e offi%er @ernando :. A&ella and t(ree poli%e)en arrived. (e# s(o'ted andordered Flias to open t(e door. (e latter opened t(e door after (e %ons')ed one sti% of %iarette. +(en 'estioned, (e %o'ld onl# )')&le in%o(erent "ords.

(e eional rial :o'rt of :e&' (eld Flias 7orro)eo 'ilt# &e#ond reasona&le do'&t of

t(e %ri)e of parri%ide. ('s, t(is appeal to t(e 'pre)e :o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e %ri)e %o))itted &# Flias is not parri%ide &'t (o)i%ide &e%a'se (e

and t(e de%eased, 'sana "ere not leall# )arried

Hel3:(ere is no &etter of )arriae t(an t(e ad)ission of t(e a%%'sed of t(e e$isten%e of s'%(

)arriae. Person livin toet(er in apparent )atri)on# are pres')ed, in t(e a&sen%e of an#%o'nter pres')ption or eviden%e spe%ial to t(e %ase, to &e in fa%t )arried. And, t(e )ere fa%t t(atno re%ord of t(e )arriae e$ist in t(e reistr# of )arriae does not invalidate said )arriae, aslon as in t(e %ele&ration t(ereof, all re'isites for its validit# are present.

('s, t(e de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt "as affir)ed, "it( )odifi%ation t(at t(e inde)nit# of PP 12,000 "as in%reased to PP 30,000.

9



OSE RI"ERA petitioner, vs. INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE !OURT an3ADELAIDO . RI"ERA, respondents.=.. Nos. 5005-06 @e&r'ar# 15, 1990

Facts:

Bn a# 30, 195, a pro)inent and "ealt(# resident of a&ala%at, Pa)pana na)edenan%io ivera died. Bn !'l# 2;, 195, !ose ivera, %lai)in to &e t(e onl# s'rvivinleiti)ate son of t(e de%eased filed a petition for t(e iss'an%e of letters of ad)inistration over enan%io8s state. (is "as, apparentl#, opposed &# one Adelaido ivera "(o denied !ose "as t(eson of t(e de%edent. e avers t(at t(e de%edent left 2 (olorap(i% "ills. (e latter t(en filed for t(e pro&ation of t(e said 2 (olorap(i% "ills. (e t"o %ases "ere t(en %onsolidated. !'deFliodoro 7. ='into fo'nd t(at !ose ivera "as not t(e son of t(e de%edent &'t of a differentenan%io ivera "(o "as )arried to aria ital. (e enan%io ivera "(ose estate "as in'estion "as )arried to aria !o%son, &# "(o) (e (ad seven %(ildren, in%l'din Adelaido.(erefore, !ose (ad no ri(t to %lai) to t(is estate &e%a'se t(e de%edent "as not (is fat(er. (eInter)ediate Appellate :o'rt affir)ed t(is de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt. en%e, !ose ivera

appealed to t(e 'pre)e :o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er or not !ose ivera "as t(e onl# s'rvivin leiti)ate son of enan%io ivera,

"(ose estate "as in 'estion in t(is %ase

Hel3:It is tr'e t(at Adelaido %o'ld not present (is parents8 )arriae %ertifi%ate &e%a'se, as (e

e$plained it, t(e )arriae re%ords for 1942 in t(e a&ala%at :ivil eistr# "ere &'rned d'rint(e "ar. Fven so, (e %o'ld still rel# on t(e pres')ption of )arriae, sin%e it is not denied t(atenan%io ivera and aria !o%son lived toet(er as ('s&and and "ife and for )an# #ears, &eettin seven %(ildren in all d'rin t(at ti)e.

!ose ivera, on t(e ot(er (and, alt(o'( presented ne%essar# do%')ents, (is fat(er8s parents "ere different of t(at enan%io ivera8s "(ose estate is in 'estion. oreover, if it "astr'e, t(e %o'rt said t(at !ose and (er )ot(er did not file an# appropriate pro%eedins to prose%'teenan%io ivera as t(e# "ere a&andoned and nele%ted, %onsiderin also t(at t(e# lived in t(esa)e to"n.

+(en t(e a't(enti%it# of a "ill is not &ein 'estioned, t(ere is no ne%essit# of presentint(e t(ree "itnesses re'ired 'nder Arti%le ;11 an opposition &# a )ere straner did not (ave t(eleal effe%t of re'irin t(e t(ree "itnesses.

('s, t(e petition "as denied &# t(e 'pre)e :o'rt.

;0



MA. 0L#TH 0. A0ADILLA, %o)plainant, vs.UD%E OSE !. TA0ILIRAN, R.,respondent.

A.. No. !-92-16 B%to&er 25, 1995

Facts:

a. 7l#t( 7. A&adilla, a %ler of :o'rt assined to t(e sala of t(e respondent, !'de !ose:. a&iliran, !r. of t(e ; t( 'ni%ipal :ir%'it rial :o'rt, an'an, a)&oana Del Norte.espondent stands %(ared "it( ross i))oralit# for %ontra%tin a se%ond )arriae to %ertainPris%illa S. 7a#&a#an as (is leiti)ate %(ild and %orr'ption 'n&e%o)in of a C'de for notari>in do%')ents, %olle%ted fees t(ereof, and 'sed it for personal p'rposes.

(e respondent C'de denied all t(e alleations aainst (i). In t(e %ase of rossi))oralit#, respondent %lai)ed t(at (is )arriae to Pris%illa S. 7a#&a#an "as valid &e%a'se (isfirst "ife eresita 7an>'ela a&andoned t(e %onC'al (o)e for seven #ears, %itin Arti%le 310 of t(e :ivil :ode on de%eitf'l %ond'%t, (e %lai)ed t(at sin%e t(ere "ere onl# t(ree "ords to %(oosefro), inle, +ido", or Divor%ed, (e %(ose t(e "ord sinle as t(e )ost appropriate sin%e (e(ad no no"lede of (is first "ife "(erea&o'ts on %orr'ption, (e %lai)ed t(at t(ere "as no

Notar# P'&li% in an'an, as attested &# t(e a#or of t(e pla%e, and as s'%(, (e )a# &e allo"edto notari>e do%')ents as e$-offi%io notar#. (e fees %olle%ted "ere for t(e 'sed to s'&sidi>eoffi%e e$penses sin%e t(e f'nds (e (ad &een re%eivin fro) t(e )'ni%ipal overn)ent "ere noteno'( to %over e$penses in )aintainin (is offi%e.

Issue:+(et(er or not respondent8s %o(a&itation "it( Pris%illa 7a#&a#an is not and "as neit(er

&ia)o's nor i))oral &e%a'se, as (is %ontention, (e started livin "it( Pris%illa 7a#&a#an onl#after (is first "ife (ad alread# left and a&andoned t(e fa)il# (o)e in 1966 and 'ntil t(e present(er "(erea&o'ts is not no"n and respondent (as (ad no ne"s of (er &ein alive

Hel3:(e 'pre)e :o'rt (eld t(at t(e respondent8s a%t'ation of %o(a&itin "it( anot(er "(en

(is )arriae "as valid and s'&sistin M (is "ife (avin &een alleedl# a&sent for fo'r #ears onl# M %onstit'tes rossl# i))oral %ond'%t.

:(ildren &orn prior to )arriae %an not &e leiti)ated nor in an# "a# %onsideredleiti)ate if at t(e ti)e t(e# "ere &orn t(ere "as an e$istin valid )arriae &et"een t(e fat(er and (is first "ife.

(e respondent8s fail're to properl# a%%o'nt and t'rn over t(e fees %olle%ted &# (i) ase$-offi%io notar# to t(e )'ni%ipal overn)ent as re'ired &# la" raises t(e pres')ption t(at (e(ad p't s'%( f'nd to (is personal 'se.

('s, t(e 'pre)e :o'rt (eld t(at t(e respondent, !'de :. a&iliran, 'ilt# of t(e t(ree%(ares aainst (i) and "as dis)issed fro) servi%e, forfeit're of leave %redits and retire)ent &enefits, and dis'alifi%ation fro) re-e)plo#)ent in t(e overn)ent servi%e, all "it(o't preC'di%e to %ri)inal or %ivil lia&ilit#.

;1



ZENAIDA S. 0ESO, %o)plainant, vs. u3ge UAN DA%UMAN, respondent.A.. No. !-99-1211. !an'ar# 2;, 2000

Facts:enaida . 7eso %(ared !'de !'an !. Da')an, !r. "it( sole)ni>in )arriae o'tside

of (is C'risdi%tion and not reisterin t(e )arriae %ontra%t "it( t(e offi%e of t(e Lo%al :ivileistrar. Bn t(e ot(er (and, t(e respondent %lai)ed t(at (e sole)ni>ed t(eir )arriae enaida. 7eso and 7ernardito )an< d'e to t(e 'ren%# of t(e sit'ation, t(at 7eso, on A''st 2;, 199,t(e da# of t(e )arriae, said t(at (e "ill &e leavin t(e %o'ntr# for Co& p'rposes and %onsiderin(er to &e an Bverseas @ilipino +orer and t(at if not sole)ni>ed t(at da#, t(eir )arriae li%ense"o'ld lapse &e%a'se s(e "ill &e "orin a&road for a lon period. ('s, t(is "o'ld ne%essitatespo'ses for a ne" )arriae li%ense. (e ne%essar# do%')ents t(at "as s'pposedl# to &efor"arded &# (i) to t(e Lo%al :ivil eistrar "as )issin and %lai)ed to &e taen &# so)eone.

(e Bffi%e of t(e :o'rt ad)inistration (eld t(at t(e respondent !'de %o))itted non-feasan%e in offi%e and "as fined PP 5,000 "it( stern "arnin.

Issue: +(et(er or not !'de Da')an reall# %o))itted non-feasan%e in offi%e

Hel3:(e 'pre)e :o'rt finds eval'ation of t(e Bffi%e of t(e :o'rt Ad)inistration "ill taen.

arriae )a# onl# &e sole)ni>ed in a p'&li% pla%e e$%ept in )arriae in arti%'lo )ortis, re)ote pla%e, or 'pon re'est &# &ot( parties in "ritin a s"orn state)ent.

(e 'pre)e :o'rt also (eld t(at C'des "(o are appointed to spe%ifi% C'risdi%tion )a#offi%iate in "eddins onl# "it(in said areas and not &e#ond. oreover, a C'de is %(ared "it(e$er%isin e$tra %are in ens'in t(at t(e re%ords of t(e %ases and offi%ial do%')ents in (is%'stod# are inta%t.

LUPO ALMODIEL ATIENZA, %o)plainant, vs.

;2



UD%E FRAN!IS!O F. 0RILLANTES, R., respondent.A.. No. !-92-06 ar%( 29, 1995

Facts:L'po Al)odiel Atien>a filed an ad)inistrative %ase aainst !'de 7rillantes for =ross

I))oralit# and Appearan%e of I)propriet#. :o)plainant allees t(at (e (as t"o %(ildren "it(olanda De :astro, "(o are livin toet(er at a s'&division in aati, "(i%( (e p'r%(ased in19;. Bne da#, (e %a'(t t(e respondent asleep in (is &edroo). e ased t(e (o'se&o# a&o't(i) and t(e latter said t(at t(e C'de (ad &een %o(a&itin "it( De :astro. Atien>a did not &ot(er to "ae 'p t(e respondent instead ased t(e (o'se&o# to tae %are of (is t"o %(ildren.

After t(at, t(e respondent prevented (i) fro) visitin (is %(ild and (as alienated t(eaffe%tion of (is %(ildren. (e :o)plainant also %lai)s t(at t(e respondent is )arried to enaidaBnio.

(e C'de denies (avin &een )arried to Bnio &e%a'se t(eir )arriae "as %ele&ratedt"i%e "it(o't )arriae li%ense, t(erefore, (is )arriae to De :astro in %ivil rites in Los Aneles,:alifornia "as &e%a'se (e &elieved in ood fait( and for all leal p'rposes, t(at (is first )arriae

"as sole)ni>ed "it(o't )arriae li%ense.e f'rt(er ar'es t(at Arti%le 40 of t(e @a)il# :ode is not appli%a&le in (is %ase &e%a'se(is first )arriae in 1965 "as overned &# t(e :ivil :ode and t(e 2nd relations(ip "as 1991'nder t(e @a)il# :ode. No retroa%tive Fffe%t.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e a&sen%e of )arriae li%ense of (is previo's )arriae C'stifi3es (is a%t

to %o(a&it "it( De :astro

Hel3:espondent passed t(e 7ar e$a)inations in 1962 and "as ad)itted to t(e pra%ti%e of la"

in 1963. At t(e ti)e (e "ent t(ro'( t(e t"o )arriae %ere)onies "it( Bnio, (e "as alread#a la"#er. et, (e never se%'red an# )arriae li%ense. An# la" st'dent "o'ld no" t(at a)arriae li%ense is ne%essar# &efore one %an et )arried. espondent "as iven an opport'nit#to %orre%t t(e fla" in (is first )arriae "(en (e and Bnio "ere )arried for t(e se%ond ti)e.is fail're to se%'re a )arriae li%ense on t(ese t"o o%%asions &etra#s (is sinister )otives and &ad fait(.

Arti%le 40 is appli%a&le to re)arriaes entered into after t(e effe%tivit# of t(e @a)il#:ode on A''st 3, 19;; reardless of t(e date of t(e first )arriae. 7esides, 'nder Arti%le 256 of t(e @a)il# :ode, said Arti%le is iven retroa%tive effe%t insofar as it does not preC'di%e or i)pair vested or a%'ired ri(ts in a%%ordan%e "it( t(e :ivil :ode or ot(er la"s. (is is parti%'larl# tr'e "it( Arti%le 40, "(i%( is a r'le of pro%ed're. espondent (as not s(o"n an#vested ri(t t(at "as i)paired &# t(e appli%ation of Arti%le 40 to (is %ase.

LU!IO MORI%O 6 !A!HO, petitioner, vs. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, respondent.

;3



=.. No. 145226. @e&r'ar# 06, 2004.

Facts:L'%io orio and L'%ia 7arrete "ere &oard)ates at t(e (o'se of one :atalina ortor at

a&ilaran :it#, 7o(ol for fo'r #ears. (eir %o))'ni%ation "as &roen after s%(ool #ear 19-

19;. In 19;4, L'%io re%eived a letter fro) L'%ia fro) inapore. After an e$%(ane of letters,t(e t"o &e%a)e s"eet(earts. L'%ia later ret'rned to t(e P(ilippines &'t left aain for :anada to"or t(ere. Nonet(eless, t(e s"eet(earts )aintained a %onstant %o))'ni%ation. L'%ia, later %a)e &a% to t(e P(ilippines. (e t"o areed to et )arried, t('s, t(e# "ere )arried at Ilesiade @ilipina Na%ional at :atadaan, Pilar, 7o(ol. L'%ia reported &a% to (er "or in :anadaleavin L'%io &e(ind. 7arel# a #ear, A''st 19, 1991, L'%ia filed "it( Bntario :o'rt a petitionfor divor%e "(i%( "as ranted and too effe%t in @e&r'ar# of 1992. Bn B%to&er t(at #ear L'%ia)arried aria L')&ao also in a&ilaran :it#. epte)&er 21, 1993, L'%io filed a %o)plaint for n'llit# of )arriae in eional rial :o'rt of 7o(ol on t(e ro'nd t(at t(ere "as no )arriae%ere)on# a%t'all# too pla%e. e "as later %(are "it( 7ia)# filed &# :it# Prose%'tor of t(eeional rial :o'rt of 7o(ol.

(e petitioner )oved for t(e s'spension of t(e %ri)inal %ase invoin preC'di%ial'estion. (e %ivil %ase is a preC'di%ial 'estion to &ia)#. (e :o'rt ranted 'nfort'natel#denied &# t(e )otion for re%onsideration of t(e prose%'tion.

(e eional rial :o'rt of 7o(ol (eld L'%io 'ilt# &e#ond reasona&le do'&t of &ia)#.e filed an appeal to t(e :o'rt of Appeals. +(ile t(e %ase "as pendin in :o'rt of

Appeals, t(e trial %o'rt ranted t(e petition for n'llt# of )arriae sin%e no )arriae %ere)on#too pla%e. No appeal "as taen fro) t(is de%ision, t('s, &e%a)e final and e$e%'tor#. 7't t(e:o'rt of Appeals denied t(e petition for la% of )erit. en%e, t(e petition "as elevated to t(e'pre)e :o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er or not petitioner %o))itted &ia)# and if so, "(et(er (is defense of ood fait(

is valid

Hel3:(e first ele)ent of 7ia)# as laid do"n in 7o&is v. 7o&is "as not present. No )arriae %ere)on#. +(at transpired "as a )ere sinin of t(e )arriae %ontra%t &#

t(e t"o, "it(o't t(e presen%e of a sole)ni>in offi%er. (e )ere sinin of t(e sa)e &ears nose)&lan%e to a valid )arriae and t('s, needs no C'di%ial de%laration of n'llit#.

(e 'pre)e :o'rt need not tarr# on t(e iss'e of t(e validit# of (is defense of ood fait(or la% of %ri)inal intent, "(i%( is )oot and a%ade)i%.

LILIA OLI"A 7IE%EL, petitioner, vs. THE HONORA0LE ALI!IA ". SEMPIO2DI# an31ARL HEINZ 7IE%EL, respondents.

;4



=.. No. L-5303 A''st 19, 19;6

Facts:Karl ein> +ieel filed a petition for t(e de%laration of (is )arriae to t(e petitioner

Lilia Bliva +ieel &efore t(e !'venile and Do)esti% elations :o'rt of :aloo%an :it#. (eir

)arriae "as %ele&rated in !'ne 19;. (e &asis for s'%( petition "as t(at Lilia8s previo's)arriae to Fd'ardo A. a$ion "as still e$istin. Lilia ad)itted t(e e$isten%e of (er previo's)arriae, &'t as a defense, (e avers t(at it "as initiated &# for%e, t(erefore, t(e previo's )arriae"as n'll and void. o, a pre-trial ens'ed. respondent C'de r'led aainst Lilia.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e Lilia8s previo's )arriae "as void or )erel# voida&le

Hel3:(ere is no need to prove t(at Lilia8s previo's )arriae "as vitiated &# for%e, &e%a'se

ass')in t(at indeed it is vitiated &# for%e, it is not void &'t )erel# voida&le Ati%le ;5, :ivil

:ode<. (erefore, sin%e t(ere is no ann'l)ent )ade, (er )arriae to t(e respondent is void &e%a'se t(e previo's )arriae is not #et dissolved.

FILIPINA #. S#, petitioner, vs.THE HONORA0LE !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent.=.. No. 12263 April 12, 2000

;5



Facts:@ilipina # and @ernando # "ere )arried on Nove)&er 15, 193 at t(e %('r%( of B'r

Lad# of Lo'rdes, S'e>on :it#. 7ot( "ere 22 #ears old. t(e 'nion "as &lessed "it( t"o %(ildren,@rederi% and @arra( (er#l. (e# first resided at inalon, anila, t(en in Apalit, Pa)pana,

and later I to. o)as, Pa)pana "ere t(e# operated t(eir &'siness, l')&er and (ard"are.Later, @ernando left t(eir :onC'al d"ellin. (eir t"o %(ildren "ere 'nder t(e %'stod#of @ilipina. 7't later, @rederi% transferred to (is fat(er in ondo.

As a res'lt, @ilipina filed a petition for leal separation in eional rial :o'rt an@ernando, Pa)pana. (e %ase later 'praded to separation of propert# on t(e ro'nd t(at (er ('s&and left (er "it(o't %a'se for )ore t(an one #ear. oreover, t(e# (ave entered into ae)orand') of Aree)ent. (e trial %o'rt ranted t(e petition. (e also s'ed (er ('s&and for atte)pted parri%ide. Bne afternoon, s(e "ent to a dental %lini% o"ned &# (er ('s&and andoperated &# (er )istress. (e "ent t(ere to fet%( (er son @rederi% and to tae (i) to an@ernando, Pa)pana. 7't t(e &o# inored (er and %ontin'ed pla#in t(e fa)il# %o)p'ter. os(e spaned (er, 'nfort'natel# @ernando p'lled (er and started &eatin (er lie (ell.

Jnfort'natel#, t(e eional rial :o'rt of anila (eld @ernando lia&le onl# for sli(t p(#si%alinC'ries and senten%ed to 20 da#s of i)prison)ent.(e filed anot(er leal separation on t(at ro'nd and t(e eional trial :o'rt of

Pa)pana ranted t(e petition and ivin (er#ll in (er %'stod#, @rederi% to t(e respondent.(e filed a petition for t(e de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae to @ernando. 7't t(e

eional rial :o'rt denied for la% of )erit. (e appealed to t(e :o'rt of Appeals &'t deniedt(e sa)e. It fell s(ort of 'ant') of eviden%e. ('s, t(e petition for %ertiorari.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e )arriae is void a& initio &e%a'se of t(e a&sen%e of )arriae li%ense

at t(e ti)e of t(e %ele&ration of )arriae

Hel3:(e findins of t(e 'pre)e :o'rt "ereG

a. (e )arriae "as %ele&rated on Nove)&er 15, 193, &'t t(e )arriae li%ense "as iss'edon epte)&er 1, 194. Al)ost one #ear after t(e %ele&ration of t(e )arriae 120 da#sfro) t(e date of iss'e<.

&. (e )arriae li%ense "as iss'ed in :ar)ona, :avite, #et neit(er t(e "ife nor t(e ('s&andever resided t(e pla%e.('s, t(e petition "as ranted.

ANTONIETTA %AR!IA "DA. DE !HUA, petitioner, vs.!OURT OF APPEALS, respondents.

;6



=.. No. 116;35 ar%( 5, 199;

Facts:D'rin (is lifeti)e, o&erto Li) :('a lived o't of "edlo% "it( private respondent

@lorita A. alleCo fro) 190 'p to 19;1. (e 'nion &eot t"o illeiti)ate %(ildren, na)el#,

o&erto afson Alonso and 'd#ard Pride Alon>o.+(en o&erto :('a died intestate in Davao :it#, alleCo filed "it( t(e eional rial:o'rt of :ota&ato :it# a petition for ='ardians(ip and Ad)inistration. (e trial %o'rt iss'ed anorder settin t(e (earin and dire%ted t(e noti%e t(ereof &e p'&lis(ed in a ne"spaper of eneral%ir%'lation in t(e provin%e of a'indanao and :ota&ato :it# and or Davao :it#.

o)eti)e in !'l# 1992, Antonietta =ar%ia da. de :('a, representin to &e t(e s'rvivinspo'se of o&erto :('a, filed a )otion to dis)iss, on t(e ro'nd of i)proper ven'e. (e alleedt(at t(e de%edent8s deat( "as in Davao :it#, t('s, t(e eional rial :o'rt of Davo :it# is t(e proper for').

alleCo filed a )otion to dis)iss )ainl# on t(e ro'nd t(at Antonietta de :('a (as no personalit# to intervene in t(e petition for 'ardians(ip and ad)inistration of o&ert :('a a

pretender &e%a'se t(e de%eased never %ontra%ted )arriae "it( an# "o)an 'ntil (e died.(e trial %o'rt, indeed, dis)issed t(e petition of de :('a for la% of )erit. (e "as a&leonl# to present a ero$ %op# of t(e alleed )arriae %ertifi%ate. (e "as 'na&le to prod'%e t(eoriinal %op# or a't(enti%ated %op#. (e alleed )arriae "as not even reistered to lo%al %ivilreistration. oreover, t(e alleed C'de "(o sole)ni>ed t(e )arriae denied t(at (e sole)ni>eds'%( )arriae !'de A''sto 7an>ali<. (e trial %o'rt iss'ed an order appointin o)'lo Li)J#, first %o'sin of t(e de%eased, and @lorita alleCo as 'ardian to t(e estate of o&erto and'd#ard Alon>o.

Antonietta filed a )otion to re%all t(e letters of ad)inistration of alleCo and s(e alsofiled a petition to de%lare t(e pro%eedins as )istrial &'t "as denied.

(e filed a petition for %ertiorari and pro(i&ition to t(e :o'rt of Appeals allein t(e trial%o'rt a%ted "it( rave a&'se of dis%retion &'t it "as denied, (en%e, t(e petition "as elevated tot(e 'pre)e :o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er or not Antonietta (as a personalit# to file a )otion to dis)iss t(e petition for

'ardians(ip and ad)inistration of o&ert and 'd#ard Alon>o, filed &# alleCo

Hel3:Petitioner "as not a&le to prove (er stat's as t(e s'rvivin spo'se of t(e de%edent. (e

&est proof of )arriae &et"een )an and "ife is )arriae %ontra%t "(i%( Antonietta failed to prod'%e. (e lo"er %o'rt %orre%tl# disrearded t(e P(otostat %op# of t(e )arriae %ertifi%ate"(i%( s(e presented, t(is &ein a violation of t(e &est eviden%e r'le, toet(er "it( ot(er "ort(less pie%es of eviden%e.

MER!EDITA MATA ARANES, petitioner, vs.UD%E SAL"ADOR M. O!!IANO, respondent.

;



A.. No. !-02-1390. April 11, 2002.

Facts:Petitioner er%edita ata Aranes %(ares respondent !'de, t(e presidin C'de of t(e

'ni%ipal rial :o'rt of 7alatan, :a)arines 'r, "it( =ross Inoran%e of t(e la" for

sole)ni>in (er )arriae to (er late roo) Do)inador 7. Bro&ia a retired :o))odore of t(eP(ilippine Nav#< on @e&r'ar# 1, 2000, "it(o't t(e re'isite of )arriae li%ense and at Nav'a,:a)arines 'r "(i%( o'tside t(e respondent8s territorial C'risdi%tion.

(e# lived toet(er as ('s&and and "ife on t(e strent( of t(is )arriae 'ntil (er ('s&and passed a"a#. o"ever, sin%e t(e )arriae "as a n'llit#, petitioner8s ri(t to in(erit t(e*vast properties/ left &# Bro&ia "as not re%oni>ed. (e "as lie"ise deprived of re%eivin pensions fro) (er late ('s&and8s Co&.

Bn t(e respondent C'de8s %o))ent dated !'l# 5, 2001, (e sole)ni>ed t(e )arriae &e%a'se (e "as re'ested &# a %ertain !'an Arro#o Bro&ia (ad a diffi%'lt# "alin &e%a'se (e(ad a p(#si%al %ondition t(at if aravated %o'ld lead to a fatal end d'e to infl'$ of visitors, (e pro%eeded to sole)ni>e t(e )arriae ass')in t(at all )arriae re'ire)ents "ere present

petitioner and Bro&ia ass'red respondent C'de t(at t(e# "o'ld ive t(e li%ense to (i) in t(eafternoon on t(at sa)e da#, @e&r'ar# 12, 2000.o"ever, after readin t(e :o))ent filed &# respondent C'de, s(e reali>ed (er o"n

s(ort%o)ins and is no" &ot(ered &# (er %ons%ien%e.evie"in fro) t(e re%ords of t(e %ase, it appears t(at petitioner filed appli%ation for

)arriae li%ense on !an'ar# 5, 2000. It "as iss'ed on !an'ar# 1, 2000 &'t neit(er petitioner nor Bro&ia %lai)ed it.

Bn epte)&er 12, 2001, petitioner filed (er Affidavit of desistan%e dated A''st 2; 2001"it( t(e Bffi%e of t(e :o'rt of a )arriae li%ense.

(e Bffi%e of t(e :o'rt Ad)inistrator rendered a de%ision penali>in respondent C'de of a fine of PP 5,000 in Nove)&er 15, 2000.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e affidavit of desistan%e s(all e$%'se t(e C'de fro) &ein penali>ed

Hel3: No, &e%a'se t(e 'pre)e :o'rt (as t(e a't(orit# to dis%ipline its )e)&ers.(e a%t of t(e C'de in sole)ni>in t(e )arriae at Na&'a, o'tside t(e territorial

C'risdi%tion of t(e respondent C'de is %ontrar# to t(e la" of )arriae. (e )arriae )a# still &e%onsidered valid &'t t(e respondent C'de in ad)inistrativel# lia&le. o"ever, t(is is not a rossinoran%e of la" !'di%iar# eorani>ation A%t of 19;0, or 7.P. 129<.

(e ro'nds t(at )ae t(e a%t rossl# inoran%e of t(e la" is t(e sole)ni>ation of t(e)arriae "it(o't t(e )arriae li%ense, "(i%( )aes t(e )arriae void 'nder pararap( 2 Arti%le3 of t(e @a)il# :ode, and t(e late iss'an%e of s'%( li%ense did not prove t(e validit# of t(e)arriae. ('s, t(e 'pre)e :o'rt rendered a de%ision re'irin t(e respondent C'de to pa# t(efine of PP 5,000.

FE D. 5UITA, petitioner, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent.=.. No. 124;62 De%e)&er 22, 199;

;;



Facts:S'ita and Padlan "ere )arried in t(e P(ilippines, &'t S'ita filed for divor%e in

:alifornia "(i%( "as ranted. (e re)arried t"i%e after t(e divor%e. Jpon Padlan8s deat(, S'ita)ade %lai)s 'pon (is estate as t(e s'rvivin spo'se and (eir of Padlan, allein t(at sin%e

Padlan "as a @ilipino %iti>en, (e re)ained )arried to (er in spite of t(e divor%e de%ree.

Issue:+(et(er or not petitioner "as still entitled to in(erit fro) t(e de%edent %onsiderin t(at

s(e (ad se%'red a divor%ed in t(e JA and in fa%t (ad t"i%e re)arried

Hel3:S'ita8s ri(t to in(erit fro) Padlan depends on (er %iti>ens(ip at t(e ti)e t(e divor%e "as

de%reed. If s(e "as no loner a @ilipino %iti>en at t(e ti)e of t(eir divor%e, t(e divor%e "o'ld &evalid as to (er and "ill &e re%oni>ed in t(e P(ilippines, and s(e "o'ld lose (er ri(t to in(erit.

Aliens )a# o&tain divor%es a&road, "(i%( )a#, &e reorani>ed in t(e P(ilippines,

provided ta(# are valid a%%ordin to t(eir national la" on%e proved t(at a "ife "as no loner a@ilipino %iti>en at t(e ti)e of (er divor%e fro) (er ('s&and, t(en s(e %o'ld ver# "ell lose (er ri(t to in(erit fro) t(e latter.

REPU0LI! OF THE PHILIPPINES, petitioner, v.!IPRIANO OR0E!IDO III, respondent.

=.. No. 1543;0. B%to&er 5, 2005.

;9



Facts:Bn a# 24, 19;1 :rpriano Br&e%ido III )arried Lad# ilaros . illan'eva at t(e

Jnited :('r%( of :(rist in t(e P(ilippines in La)-an, B>a)is :it#. (e )arriae "as &lessed"it( t"o %(ildren, Kristoffer i)&orti> , Br&e%ido and Lad# Ki)&erl# 7. Br&e%ido.

In 19;6, :priano8s "ife left for t(e Jnited tates &rinin (is son, Kristoffer. A fe" #earslater, :ipriano "as infor)ed &# (is son t(at (is "ife (ad &een nat'rali>ed as A)ri%an %iti>en andt(at s(e )arried %ertain Inno%ent tanle#.

:ipriano t(ereafter filed "it( t(e trial %o'rt eional rial :o'rt of olave, a)&oanaDel 'r, 7ran%( 3< a petition to )arr# &e%a'se of t(e sit'ation. It "as ranted. o"ever, t(eep'&li% of t(e P(ilippines t(ro'( t(e Bffi%e of t(e oli%itor =eneral so'(t re%onsideration &'t it "as denied. ('s, t(is appeal.

Issue:+(et(er or not respondent %an re)arr# 'nder Arti%le 26 of t(e @a)il# :ode

Hel3: (e 'pre)e :o'rt is 'nani)o's in (oldin t(at pararap( 2 of Arti%le 26 of t(e @a)il#:ode F.B. No. 209 as a)ended &# F.B. No. 22<, s(o'ld &e interpreted to allo" a @ilipino%iti>en, "(o (as &een divor%ed &# a spo'se "(o (ad a%'ired forein %iti>ens(ip and re)arried,also to re)arr#. o"ever &efore a forein divor%e de%ree %an &e re%oni>ed &# o'r o"n %o'rts,t(e part# pleadin it )'st prove t(e divor%e as a fa%t and de)onstrate its %onfor)it# to t(eforein la" allo"in it. In t(e %ase, it "as not s'&)itted as eviden%e.

('s, t(e petition of t(e ep'&li% of t(e P(ilippines "as ranted.

AIME O. SE"ILLA, petitioner, vs. !ARMELITA N. !ARDENAS, respondent.=.. No. 166;4. !'l# 31, 2006.

90



Facts:!ai)e B. evilla, (erein petitioner, filed a petition for t(e de%laration of n'llit# of (is

)arriae to :ar)elita N. :ardenas, (erein respondent, for t(eir )arriae "as vitiated &#)a%(ination, d'ress, and inti)idation e)plo#ed &# t(e respondents :ar)elita and (er fat(er. e"as for%ed to sin a )arriae %ontra%t "it( :ar)elita :ardenas &efore a )inister of t(e =ospel,

ev. :irilo D =on>ales. oreover, (e alleed t(at t(ere "as no )arriae li%ense presented &efore t(e sole)ni>in offi%er as %ertified &# t(e Bffi%e of t(e Lo%al :ivil eistrar of an !'an,anila. A%t'all#, it "as %ertified 3 ti)es on t(e follo"in datesG ar%( 11, epte)&er 20, 1994and !'l# 25, 2000 t(at )arriae li%ense no. 2092 "as no"(ere to &e fo'nd.

Bn t(e ot(er (and, t(e respondent, :ar)elita N. :ardenas ref'ted t(ese alleations of !ai)e and %lai)s t(at t(e# "ere first %ivill# )arried on a# 19, 1969 and t(ereafter )arried at a%('r%( on a# 31, 1969 at ost ol# edee)er Paris( in S'e>on :it#. 7ot( "ere alleed to &ere%orded in Lo%al :ivil eistrar and NB. e is estopped fro) invoin t(e la% of )arriaeli%ense after (avin &een )arried to (er for 25 #ears.

(e eional rial :o'rt of aati :it# de%lared t(e n'llit# of )arriae of t(e parties &ased on t(e petitioner8s alleations t(at no )arriae li%ense "as presented &efore a sole)ni>in

offi%er. And t(at "it(o't t(e said )arriae li%ense, &ein one of t(e for)al re'isites of )arriae, t(e )arriae is void fro) t(e &einnin. (is "as &ased on t(e 3 %ertifi%ations iss'ed &# t(e Lo%al :ivil eistrar anila t(at )arriae li%ense n')&er 22092 "as fi%titio's.

espondent appealed to t(e :o'rt of Appeals "(i%( reversed and set aside t(e de%ision of t(e trail %o'rt in favor of t(e )arriae, &e%a'se t(e Lo%al :ivil eistrar failed to lo%ate t(e saidli%ense "it( d'e effort as testified &# %ertain Perlita er%ader &e%a'se t(e for)er Lo%al :ivilreistrar (ad alread# retired. (e petitioner t(en filed a )otion for re%onsideration &'t it "asdenied &# t(e :o'rt of Appeals. t('s, t(is %ase "as elevated to t(e 'pre)e :o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e %ertifi%ation )ade &# t(e Lo%al :ivil eistrar of an !'an t(at

arriae Li%ense No. 2092, as appearin in t(e )arriae %ontra%t of t(e parties, s'ffi%ient tode%lare t(e )arriae void fro) t(e &einnin

Hel3:(e pres')ption of re'larit# of offi%ial a%ts )a# &e re&'tted &# affir)ative eviden%e of

irre'larit# or fail're to perfor) a d't#. (e a&sen%e of lo&oo is not %on%l'sive proof of non-iss'an%e of arriae Li%ense No. 2092. In t(e a&sen%e of s(o"in of dilient efforts tosear%( for t(e said lo&oo, "e %an not easil# a%%ept t(at a&sen%e of t(e sa)e also )eans non-e$isten%e or falsit# of entries t(erein.

(e parties (ave %o)ported t(e)selves as ('s&and and "ife and lived toet(er for several #ears prod'%in t"o offsprins, no" ad'lt t(e)selves. ('s, t(e instant petition "asdenied.

%RA!E . %AR!IA, a.9.a. %RA!E . %AR!IA2RE!IO, petitioner, vs.REDERI!1 A. RE!IO, respondents.

=.. No. 13;322. B%to&er 2, 2001.

91



Facts:ederi% A. e%io, a @ilipino, "as )arried to Fdit(a a)son, an A'stralian %iti>en, in

ala&on, i>al, on ar%( 1, 19;. (e# lived toet(er as ('s&and and "ife in A'stralia. Bn

a# 1;, 19;9, de%ree of divor%e, p'rportedl# dissolvin t(e )arriae, "as iss'ed &# anA'stralian fa)il# %o'rt.Bn !'ne 26, 1992, respondent &e%a)e an A'stralian %iti>en, as s(o"n &# a :ertifi%ate of

A'stralian :iti>ens(ip iss'ed &# t(e A'stralian overn)ent. (e t(en )arried t(e petitioner on!an'ar# 12, 1992.

Bn ar%( 3, 199;, petitioner filed a :o)plaint for De%laration of N'llit# of arriae int(e %o'rt a 'o, on t(e ro'nd of &ia)# respondent alleedl# (ad a prior s'&sistin )arriae att(e ti)e (e )arried (er on !an'ar# 12, 1994. (e %lai)ed t(at s(e learned of respondentOs)arriae to Fdit(a a)son onl# in Nove)&er, 199.

In (is Ans"er, respondent averred t(at, as far &a% as 1993, (e (ad revealed to petitioner (is prior )arriae and its s'&se'ent dissol'tion. %ontended t(at (is first )arriae to an

A'stralian %iti>en (ad &een validl# dissolved &# a divor%e de%ree o&tained in A'stralian in 19;9t('s, (e "as leall# %apa%itated to )arr# petitioner in 1994.Bn !'l# , 199; or a&o't five #ears after t(e %o'pleOs "eddin and "(ile t(e s'it for t(e

de%laration of n'llit# "as pendin respondent "as a&le to se%'re a divor%e de%ree fro) a fa)il#%o'rt in #dne#, A'stralia &e%a'se t(e )arriae (aVdW irretrieva&l# &roen do"n.

espondent pra#ed in (is Ans"er t(at t(e :o)plained &e dis)issed on t(e ro'nd t(at itstated no %a'se of a%tion.14 (e Bffi%e of t(e oli%itor =eneral areed "it( respondent.15 (e%o'rt )ared and ad)itted t(e do%')entar# eviden%e of &ot( parties. After t(e# s'&)itted t(eir respe%tive )e)oranda, t(e %ase "as s'&)itted for resol'tion. (e trial %o'rt (eld t(e )arriaedissolved on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e divor%e iss'ed in A'stralia "as valid and re%oni>ed in t(eP(ilippines.

Issue:a. +(et(er t(e divor%e &et"een respondent and Fdit(a a)son "as proven &. +(et(er respondent "as proven to &e leall# %apa%itated to )arr# petitioner

Hel3:a. (e &'rden of proof lies "it( t(e part# "(o allees t(e e$isten%e of a fa%t or t(in

ne%essar# in t(e prose%'tion or defense of an a%tion. In %ivil %ases, plaintiffs (ave t(e &'rden of provin t(e )aterial alleations of t(e %o)plaint "(en t(ose are denied &# t(e ans"er anddefendants (ave t(e &'rden of provin t(e )aterial alleations in t(eir ans"er "(en t(e#introd'%e ne" )atters. in%e t(e divor%e "as a defense raised &# respondent, t(e &'rden of provin t(e pertinent A'stralian la" validatin it falls s'arel# 'pon (i).

&. (e 'pre)e :o'rt %annot %on%l'de t(at respondent, "(o "as t(en a nat'rali>edA'stralian %iti>en, "as leall# %apa%itated to )arr# petitioner on !an'ar# 12, 1994. (e 'pre)e:o'rt aree to t(e petitionerOs %ontention t(at t(e %o'rt a 'o erred in findin t(at t(e divor%ede%ree ipso fa%to %lot(ed respondent "it( t(e leal %apa%it# to re)arr# "it(o't re'irin (i) toadd'%e s'ffi%ient eviden%e to s(o" t(e A'stralian personal la" overnin (is stat's or at t(ever# least, to prove (is leal %apa%it# to %ontra%t t(e se%ond )arriae.

('s, t(e %ase "as re)anded.

RESTITUTO M. AL!ANTARA, petitioner, v. ROSITA A. AL!ANTARA and HON. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondents.

=.. No. 1646. A''st 2;, 200

92



Facts:A petition for ann'l)ent of )arriae "as filed &# petitioner aainst respondent osita A.

Al%antara allein t(at (e and respondent %ele&rated t(eir )arriae t"i%e "it(o't se%'rin t(ere'ired )arriae li%ense. (e alleed )arriae li%ense, pro%'red in :ar)ona, :avite, appearin

on t(e )arriae %ontra%t, is a s(a), as neit(er part# "as a resident of :ar)ona, and t(e# never "ent to :ar)ona to appl# for a li%ense "it( t(e lo%al %ivil reistrar of t(e said pla%e. Bn 14B%to&er 19;5, respondent ave &irt( to t(eir %(ild ose Ann Al%antara. In 19;;, t(e# parted"a#s and lived separate lives. Petitioner pra#ed t(at after d'e (earin, C'd)ent &e iss'edde%larin t(eir )arriae void and orderin t(e :ivil eistrar to %an%el t(e %orrespondin)arriae %ontra%t and its entr# on file.

Ans"erin petitioner8s petition for ann'l)ent of )arriae, respondent asserts t(e validit#of t(eir )arriae and )aintains t(at t(ere "as a )arriae li%ense iss'ed as eviden%ed &# a%ertifi%ation fro) t(e Bffi%e of t(e :ivil eistr# of :ar)ona, :avite. (e (ad a%t'all# ave &irt( to t"o %(ildren, one as stated &# t(e petitioner and t(e ot(er "as a%(el Ann Al%antara onB%to&er 2, 1992. oreover, petitioner filed t(e said %ase in order to evade prose%'tion for

%on%'&inae for (e (ad a )istress "it( "(o) (e (ad t(ree %(ildren. (e %ase for %on%'&inae"as a%t'all# filed and t(at petitioner pra#s t(at t(e ann'l)ent %ase &e dis)issed for la% of )erit.

(e eional rial :o'rt of aati :it# dis)issed t(e petition for la% of )erit. (e:o'rt of Appeals dis)issed also t(e petitioner8s appeal. en%e, t(e appeal to t(e 'pre)e :o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er or not (e onora&le :o'rt of Appeals %o))itted a reversi&le error "(en it

r'led t(at t(e Petition for Ann'l)ent (as no leal and fa%t'al &asis despite t(e eviden%e onre%ord t(at t(ere "as no )arriae li%ense at t(e pre%ise )o)ent of t(e sole)ni>ation of t(e)arriae

Hel3:(e %ertifi%ation of 'ni%ipal :ivil eistrar a%rino L. Dia> of :ar)ona, :avite

enCo#s t(e pres')ption t(at offi%ial d't# (as &een re'larl# perfor)ed and t(e iss'an%e of t(e)arriae li%ense "as done in t(e re'lar %ond'%t of offi%ial &'siness. (e pres')ption of re'larit# of offi%ial a%ts )a# &e re&'tted &# affir)ative eviden%e of irre'larit# or fail're to perfor) a d't#. o"ever, t(e pres')ption prevails 'ntil it is over%o)e &# no less t(an %lear and%onvin%in eviden%e to t(e %ontrar#. ('s, 'nless t(e pres')ption is re&'tted, it &e%o)es%on%l'sive. Fver# reasona&le intend)ent "ill &e )ade in s'pport of t(e pres')ption and, in%ase of do'&t as to an offi%er8s a%t &ein la"f'l or 'nla"f'l, %onstr'%tion s(o'ld &e in favor of its la"f'lness. inifi%antl#, apart fro) t(ese, petitioner, &# %o'nsel, ad)itted t(at a )arriaeli%ense "as, indeed, iss'ed in :ar)ona, :avite.

e)per praes')it'r pro )atri)onio. (e pres')ption is al"a#s in favor of t(evalidit# of t(e )arriae. Fver# intend)ent of t(e la" or fa%t leans to"ard t(e validit# of t(e)arriae &onds. (e :o'rts loo 'pon t(is pres')ption "it( reat favor. It is not to &e li(tl#repelled on t(e %ontrar#, t(e pres')ption is of reat "ei(t.

REPU0LI! OF THE PHILIPPINES, petitioner v. !RASUS L. I#O#, respondent.=.. No. 1525. epte)&er 21, 2005

93



Facts:(e pro%eedins &efore t(e : %o))en%ed "it( t(e filin of a :o)plaint for

de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae &# respondent :ras's on 25 ar%( 199. (e respondent averst(at @el# *(ot-te)pered, naer, and e$travaant,/ s(e a&andoned (i) for 13 #ears, and @el#8sa%ts &ro'(t daner and dis(onor to t(e fa)il#, and %learl# de)onstrated (er ps#%(oloi%al

in%apa%it# to perfor) t(e essential o&liations of )arriae. '%( in%apa%it#, &ein in%'ra&le and%ontin'in, %onstit'tes a ro'nd for de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae 'nder Arti%le 36, inrelation to Arti%les 6;, 0, and 2, of t(e @a)il# :ode of t(e P(ilippines.

Bn t(e ot(er (and, @el# %o'nter%lai)s t(at respondent "as an A)eri%an %iti>en, t('s, s(eis not s'&Ce%t to P(ilippine la"s. (e avers s(e left t(at respondent &e%a'se of t(e latter8sdr'nenness, "o)ani>in, and la% of sin%ere effort to find e)plo#)ent and to %ontri&'te to t(e)aintenan%e of t(eir (o'se(old. (e %o'ld not (ave &een e$travaant sin%e t(e fa)il# (ardl#(ad eno'( )one# for &asi% needs. oreover, s(e avers t(at respondent )is'sed t(e a)o'nt of P90,000.00 "(i%( s(e advan%ed to (i) to finan%e t(e &rain operation of t(eir son, :alvert. Bnt(e &asis of t(e foreoin, @el# also pra#ed t(at t(e : de%lare (er )arriae to respondent:ras's n'll and void and t(at respondent :ras's &e ordered to pa# to @el# t(e P90,000.00 s(e

advan%ed to (i), "it( interest, pl's, )oral and e$e)plar# da)aes, attorne#8s fees, andlitiation e$penses.(e eional rial :o'rt of :e&' :it# pro)'lated its !'d)ent de%larin t(e )arriae

of respondent :ras's and @el# n'll and void a& initioon t(e o'nd of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#.Petitioner ep'&li% &elievin t(at t(e afore-'oted !'d)ent of t(e : "as %ontrar# to la" andeviden%e, filed an appeal "it( t(e :o'rt of Appeals. (e appellate %o'rt, t(o'(, in its De%ision,dated 30 !'l# 2001, affir)ed t(e appealed !'d)ent of t(e :, findin no reversi&le error t(erein. en%e t(e %ase to t(e 'pre)e :o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e :o'rt of Appeals erred in not appl#in Arti%le 26, pararap( 2 of t(e

@a)il# :ode

Hel3:As it is "orded, Arti%le 26, pararap( 2, refers to a spe%ial sit'ation "(erein one of t(e

%o'ple ettin )arried is a @ilipino %iti>en and t(e ot(er a foreiner at t(e ti)e t(e )arriae "as%ele&rated. 7# its plain and literal interpretation, t(e said provision %annot &e applied to t(e %aseof respondent :ras's and (is "ife @el# &e%a'se at t(e ti)e @el# o&tained (er divor%e, s(e "asstill a @ilipino %iti>en. Alt(o'( t(e e$a%t date "as not esta&lis(ed, @el# (erself ad)itted in (er Ans"er filed &efore t(e : t(at s(e o&tained a divor%e fro) respondent :ras's so)eti)e after s(e left for t(e Jnited tates in 19;4, after "(i%( s(e )arried (er A)eri%an ('s&and in 19;5. Int(e sa)e Ans"er, s(e alleed t(at s(e (ad &een an A)eri%an %iti>en sin%e 19;;. At t(e ti)e s(efiled for divor%e, @el# "as still a @ilipino %iti>en, and p'rs'ant to t(e nationalit# prin%iplee)&odied in Arti%le 15 of t(e :ivil :ode of t(e P(ilippines, s(e "as still &o'nd &# P(ilippinela"s on fa)il# ri(ts and d'ties, stat's, %ondition, and leal %apa%it#, even "(en s(e "as alread#livin a&road. P(ilippine la"s, t(en and even 'ntil no", do not allo" and re%oni>e divor%e &et"een @ilipino spo'ses. ('s, @el# %o'ld not (ave validl# o&tained a divor%e fro) respondent:ras's.

('s, t(e Petition "as ranted and t(e assailed De%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals in :A-=.. : No. 62539, dated 30 !'l# 2001, affir)in t(e !'d)ent of t(e : of :e&' :it#,7ran%( 22, in :ivil :ase No. :F7-200, dated 30 B%to&er 199;, "as reversed and set aside.

ED%AR SAN LUIS, petitioner, vs. FELI!IDAD SAN LUIS, respondent.=.. No. 13343. @e&r'ar# 6, 200.

94



Facts:(e instant %ase involves t(e settle)ent of t(e estate of @eli%isi)o . an L'is

@eli%isi)o<, "(o "as t(e for)er overnor of t(e Provin%e of La'na. D'rin (is lifeti)e,@eli%isi)o %ontra%ted t(ree )arriaes. (e first )arriae "as "it( irinia 'lit on ar%( 1,1942 o't of "(i%( "ere &orn si$ %(ildren, na)el#G odolfo, ila, Fdar, Linda, F)ilita and

an'el. Bn A''st 11, 1963, irinia prede%eased @eli%isi)o. (e se%ond "as err# Lee:or"in, "it( "(o) (e (ad a son, o&ias and @eli%idad an L'is, t(en s'rna)ed aalonos,"it( "(o) (e (ad no %(ildren "it( respondent &'t lived "it( (er for 1; #ears fro) t(e ti)e of t(eir )arriae 'p to (is deat(.

espondent so'(t t(e dissol'tion of t(eir %onC'al partners(ip assets and t(e settle)entof @eli%isi)o8s estate. Bn De%e)&er 1, 1993, s(e filed a petition for letters of ad)inistration &efore t(e eional rial :o'rt of aati :it#, 7ran%( 146.

(ereater, t(e (eirs of irinia 'lit filed a )otion to dis)iss on t(e ro'nds of i)proper ven'e and fail're to state a %a'se of a%tion. 7't t(e trial %o'rt iss'ed an order den#in t(e t"o)otions to dis)iss. Bn epte)&er 12, 1995, t(e trial %o'rt dis)issed t(e petition for letters of ad)inistration. It (eld t(at, at t(e ti)e of (is deat(, @eli%isi)o "as t(e d'l# ele%ted overnor and

a resident of t(e Provin%e of La'na. en%e, t(e petition s(o'ld (ave &een filed in ta. :r'>,La'na and not in aati :it#. It also r'led t(at respondent "as "it(o't leal %apa%it# to file t(e petition for letters of ad)inistration &e%a'se (er )arriae "it( @eli%isi)o "as &ia)o's, t('s,void a& initio. (e :o'rt of Appeals reversed and set aside t(e orders of t(e trial %o'rt, and,(en%e, t(e %ase &efore t(e 'pre)e :o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er respondent (as leal %apa%it# to file t(e s'&Ce%t petition for letters of

ad)inistration

Hel3:espondent "o'ld 'alif# as an interested person "(o (as a dire%t interest in t(e estate of

@eli%isi)o &# virt'e of t(eir %o(a&itation, t(e e$isten%e of "(i%( "as not denied &# petitioners.If s(e proves t(e validit# of t(e divor%e and @eli%isi)o8s %apa%it# to re)arr#, &'t fails to provet(at (er )arriae "it( (i) "as validl# perfor)ed 'nder t(e la"s of t(e J..A., t(en s(e )a# &e%onsidered as a %o-o"ner 'nder Arti%le 144 of t(e :ivil :ode. (is provision overns t(e propert# relations &et"een parties "(o live toet(er as ('s&and and "ife "it(o't t(e &enefit of )arriae, or t(eir )arriae is void fro) t(e &einnin. It provides t(at t(e propert# a%'ired &#eit(er or &ot( of t(e) t(ro'( t(eir "or or ind'str# or t(eir "aes and salaries s(all &eoverned &# t(e r'les on %o-o"ners(ip. In a %o-o"ners(ip, it is not ne%essar# t(at t(e propert# &ea%'ired t(ro'( t(eir Coint la&or, efforts and ind'str#. An# propert# a%'ired d'rin t(e 'nion is pri)a fa%ie pres')ed to (ave &een o&tained t(ro'( t(eir Coint efforts. en%e, t(e portions &elonin to t(e %o-o"ners s(all &e pres')ed e'al, 'nless t(e %ontrar# is proven.

orover, t(e 'pre)e :o'rt fo'nd t(at respondent8s leal %apa%it# to file t(e s'&Ce%t petition for letters of ad)inistration )a# arise fro) (er stat's as t(e s'rvivin "ife of @eli%isi)oor as (is %o-o"ner 'nder Arti%le 144 of t(e :ivil :ode or Arti%le 14; of t(e @a)il# :ode.

(e order of t(e eional rial :o'rt "(i%( denied petitioners8 )otion to dis)iss and itsB%to&er 24, 1994 Brder "(i%( dis)issed petitioners8 )otion for re%onsideration is affir)ed. It"as also FANDFD to t(e trial %o'rt for f'rt(er pro%eedins.

IN THE MATTER OF THE INTESTATE ESTATES OF THE DE!EASED OSEFADEL%ADO AND %UILLERMO RUSTIA !ARLOTA DEL%ADO "DA. DE DE LA ROSA

an3 &t>e- HEIRS OF LUIS DEL%ADO, petitioners, v. HEIRS OF MAR!IANA RUSTIA"DA. DE DAMIAN, respondents.

95



=.. No. 15533. !an'ar# 2, 2006.Facts:

(e %lai)ants to t(e estates of ='iller)o 'stia and !osefa Delado )a# &e divided into t"oro'psG 1< t(e alleed (eirs of !osefa Delado, %onsistin of (er (alf- and f'll-&lood si&lins, nep(e"sand nie%es, and randnep(e"s and randnie%es. Petitioners allee t(at a)on Bsorio and @elisa Delado"ere never )arried. In s'pport t(ereof, t(e# assert t(at no eviden%e "as ever presented to esta&lis( it, not

even so )'%( as an alleation of t(e date or pla%e of t(e alleed )arriae. 2< t(e alleed (eirs of ='iller)o 'stia, parti%'larl#, (is sisters, (is nep(e"s and nie%es, (is illeiti)ate %(ild,9 and t(e de fa%toadopted %(ild a)p'n-a)p'nan< of t(e de%edents. espondents aver t(at lie !osefa Delado, ='iller)o'stia died "it(o't a "ill. e "as s'rvived &# (is sisters ar%iana 'stia vda. de Da)ian and orten%ia'stia-:r'>, and &# t(e %(ildren of (is prede%eased &rot(er o)an 'stia r., na)el#, !osefina 'stiaAl&ano, irinia 'stia Paraiso, o)an 'stia, !r., erio 'stia, @ran%is%o 'stia and Leti%ia 'stiairanda. ='iller)a 'stia (as no interest in t(e intestate estate of ='iller)o 'stia as s(e "as never d'l# a%no"leded as an illeiti)ate %(ild. (e# %ontend t(at (er ri(t to %o)p'lsor# a%no"lede)ent pres%ri&ed "(en ='iller)o died in 194 and t(at s(e %annot %lai) vol'ntar# a%no"lede)ent sin%e t(edo%')ents s(e presented "ere not t(e a't(enti% "ritins pres%ri&ed &# t(e ne" :ivil :ode.

(e de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt states *petitioner and (er %o-%lai)ants to t(e estate of t(e late!osefa Delado listed in t(e Petitions, and en')erated else"(ere in t(is De%ision, are (ere&# de%lared as

t(e onl# leal (eirs of t(e said !osefa Delado "(o died intestate in t(e :it# of anila on epte)&er ;,192, and entitled to partition t(e sa)e a)on t(e)selves in a%%ordan%e "it( t(e proportions referred toin t(is De%ision. Bppositors filed an appeal "(i%( "as denied on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e re%ord on appeal "asnot filed on ti)e. (e# t(en filed a petition for %ertiorari and )anda)'s, "(i%( "as dis)issed &# t(e:o'rt of Appeals. o"ever, t(e :o'rt of Appeals reversed itself and ave d'e %o'rse to oppositors8appeal in t(e interest of s'&stantial C'sti%e. A%tin on t(e appeal, t(e :o'rt of Appeals partiall# set asidet(e trial %o'rt8s de%ision. Jpon )otion for re%onsideration, t(e :o'rt of Appeals a)ended its earlier de%ision. (e de%ision "as re%onsidered and va%ated. :onse'entl#, t(e de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt "asreversed and set-aside. en%e, t(e %ase to t(e 'pre)e :o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er t(ere "as a valid )arriae &et"een ='iller)o 'stia and !osefa Delado

Hel3:In t(is %ase, several %ir%')stan%es ive rise to t(e pres')ption t(at a valid )arriae e$isted

&et"een ='iller)o 'stia and !osefa Delado. (eir %o(a&itation of )ore t(an 50 #ears %annot &edo'&ted. (eir fa)il# and friends ne" t(e) to &e )arried. (eir rep'ted stat's as ('s&and and "ife "ass'%( t(at even t(e oriinal petition for letters of ad)inistration filed &# L'isa Delado vda. de Danao in195 referred to t(e) as spo'ses. Fver# intend)ent of t(e la" leans to"ard leiti)i>in )atri)on#.Persons d"ellin toet(er apparentl# in )arriae are pres')ed to &e in fa%t )arried. (is is t(e 's'alorder of t(ins in so%iet# and, if t(e parties are not "(at t(e# (old t(e)selves o't to &e, t(e# "o'ld &elivin in %onstant violation of t(e %o))on r'les of la" and propriet#. e)per praes')it'r pro)atri)onio. Al"a#s pres')e )arriae.

('s, t(e petition "(i%( sees to reinstate t(e a# 11, 1990 de%ision of t(e : anila, 7ran%(

55< "as denied. (e assailed B%to&er 24, 2002 de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals "as affir)ed "it()odifi%ations.

96



TOMAS EU%ENIO, SR., petitioner, vs. HON. ALEANDRO M. "ELEZ, respondent.=.. No. ;5140 a# 1, 1990.

Facts:Jna"are of t(e deat( on 2; A''st 19;; of italiana aras, italiana for &revit#<, (er

f'll &lood &rot(ers and sisters, (erein private respondents arasesO, for &revit#< filed on 2epte)&er 19;;, a petition for (a&eas %orp's &efore t(e : of isa)is Briental 7ran%( 20,:aa#an de Bro :it#< allein t(at italiana "as for%i&l# taen fro) (er residen%e so)eti)e in19; and %onfined &# (erein petitioner in (is pala%ial residen%e in !asaan, isa)is Briental.Despite (er desire to es%ape, italiana "as alleedl# deprived of (er li&ert# "it(o't an# leala't(orit#. At t(e ti)e t(e petition "as filed, it "as alleed t(at italiana "as 25 #ears of ae,sinle, and livin "it( petitioner o)as F'enio.

Petitioner ref'sed to s'rrender t(e &od# of italiana "(o (ad died on 2; A''st 19;;< tot(e respondent s(eriff, reasonin t(at a %orpse %annot &e t(e s'&Ce%t of (a&eas %orp's pro%eedins and t(at (e alleed t(at (e (ad alread# a &'rial per)it fro) t(e Jnderse%retar# of t(e Depart)ent of ealt(, a't(ori>in t(e &'rial at t(e pala%e 'adranle of t(e P(ilippine

7enevolent :(ristian issionar#, In%. P7:<, a reistered reliio's se%t, of "(i%( (epetitioner< is t(e 'pre)e President and @o'nder.(e %o'rt a 'o denied t(e )otion to dis)iss filed &# petitioner on t(e ro'nd t(at t(ere

"as no s'rvivin spo'se, as%endants or des%endants, t(e &rot(ers and sisters "ere preferred over petitioner "(o "as )erel# a %o))on la" spo'se, t(e latter &ein (i)self leall# )arried toanot(er "o)an. en%e, t(e appeal.

Issue:+(et(er or not o)as F'enio is t(e ri(tf'l %'stodian of italianaOs &od# as (is

%o))on-la" ('s&and

Hel3:P(ilippine La" does not re%oni>e %o))on la" )arriaes. A )an and "o)an not leall#

)arried "(o %o(a&it for )an# #ears as ('s&and and "ife, "(o represent t(e)selves to t(e p'&li%as ('s&and and "ife, and "(o are rep'ted to &e ('s&and and "ife in t(e %o))'nit# "(ere t(e#live )a# &e %onsidered leall# )a'led in %o))on la" C'risdi%tions &'t not in t(e P(ilippines.+(ile it is tr'e t(at o'r la"s do not C'st &r's( aside t(e fa%t t(at s'%( relations(ips are present ino'r so%iet#, and t(at t(e# prod'%e a %o))'nit# of properties and interests "(i%( is overned &#la", a't(orit# e$ists in %ase la" to t(e effe%t t(at s'%( for) of %o-o"ners(ip re'ires t(at t(e)an and "o)an livin toet(er )'st not in an# "a# &e in%apa%itated to %ontra%t )arriae. Inan# %ase, (erein petitioner (as a s'&sistin )arriae "it( anot(er "o)an, a leal i)pedi)ent"(i%( dis'alified (i) fro) even leall# )arr#in italiana. (e provisions of t(e :ivil :ode,'nless e$pressl# providin to t(e %ontrar# as in Arti%le 144, "(en referrin to a spo'se%onte)plate a la"f'll# "edded spo'se. Petitioner vis-a-vis italiana "as not a la"f'll#-"eddedspo'se to (er in fa%t, (e "as not leall# %apa%itated to )arr# (er in (er lifeti)e.

en%e, t(e de%ision appealed fro) "as affir)ed. 7ot( petitions "ere dis)issed.

ARTURIO TRINIDAD, petitioner, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent.

9



=.. No. 11;904 April 20, 199;

Facts:Bn A''st 10, 19;, petitioner filed "it( t(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e of Alan, Kali&o,

Alan, an a%tion for partition of fo'r 4< par%els of land, des%ri&ed t(erein, %lai)in t(at (e "as

t(e son of t(e late Ino%entes rinidad, one of t(ree 3< %(ildren of Patri%io rinidad, "(o "as t(eoriinal o"ner of t(e par%els of land. Patri%io rinidad died in 1940, leavin t(e fo'r 4< par%elsof land to (is t(ree 3< %(ildren, Ino%entes, Lo'rdes and @eli$. In 190, plaintiff de)anded fro)t(e defendants to partition t(e land into t(ree 3< e'al s(ares and to ive (i) t(e one-t(ird 13<individ'al s(are of (is late fat(er, &'t t(e defendants ref'sed and alleed in t(eir ans"er filed onepte)&er 0, 19; t(at plaintiff "as not t(e son of t(e late Ino%entes rinidad. Defendants%ontended t(at Ino%entes "as sinle "(en (e died in 1941 , &efore plaintiffOs &irt(. Defendantsalso denied t(at plaintiff (ad lived "it( t(e), and %lai)ed t(at t(e par%els of land des%ri&ed int(e %o)plaint (ad &een in t(eir possession sin%e t(e deat( of t(eir fat(er in 1940 and t(at t(e#(ad not iven plaintiff a s(are in t(e prod'%e of t(e land.

(e trial %o'rt rendered in favor of t(e petitioner. o"ever, espondent :o'rt reversed

t(e trial %o'rt on t(e ro'nd t(at petitioner failed to add'%e s'ffi%ient eviden%e to prove t(at (is parents "ere leall# )arried to ea%( ot(er and t(at a%'isitive pres%ription aainst (i) (ad setin. espondent :o'rt denied re%onsideration, t('s, t(e appeal.

Issue:In t(e a&sen%e of a )arriae %ontra%t and a &irt( %ertifi%ate, (o" )a# )arriae and

filiation &e proven

Hel3:A%%ordin to espondent :o'rt, petitioner failed to a%%o)plis( to prove t(at Ino%entes

and (is )ot(er @eli%idad< "ere validl# )arried, and t(at (e "as &orn d'rin t(e s'&sisten%e of t(eir )arriae. (e 'pre)e :o'rt disarees %itin t(e %ase of P'eda v. rias "(en t(e 'estionof "(et(er a )arriae (as &een %ontra%ted arises in litiation, said )arriae )a# &e proven &#relevant eviden%e. o prove t(e fa%t of )arriae, t(e follo"in "o'ld %onstit'te %o)petenteviden%eG t(e testi)on# of a "itness to t(e )atri)on#, t(e %o'pleOs p'&li% and open %o(a&itationas ('s&and and "ife after t(e alleed "edlo%, t(e &irt( and t(e &aptis)al %ertifi%ates of %(ildren &orn d'rin s'%( 'nion, and t(e )ention of s'%( n'ptial in s'&se'ent do%')ents.

In t(e %ase at &ar, petitioner se%'red a %ertifi%ation fro) t(e Bffi%e of t(e :ivil eistrar of Alan t(at all re%ords of &irt(s, deat(s and )arriaes "ere eit(er lost, &'rned or destro#edd'rin t(e !apanese o%%'pation of said )'ni%ipalit#. (is fa%t, (o"ever, is not fatal to petitionerOs %ase. Alt(o'( t(e )arriae %ontra%t is %onsidered t(e pri)ar# eviden%e of t(e)arital 'nion, petitionerOs fail're to present it is not proof t(at no )arriae too pla%e, as ot(er for)s of relevant eviden%e )a# tae its pla%e. In pla%e of a )arriae %ontra%t, t"o "itnesses"ere presented &# petitioner, Isa&el eren, "(o testified t(at s(e "as present d'rin t(e n'ptialof @eli%idad and Ino%entes on a# 5, 1942 in Ne" +as(inton, Alan and !ovita =erardo, "(otestified t(at t(e %o'ple deported t(e)selves as ('s&and and "ife after t(e )arriae. =erardo,t(e -#ear old &arana# %aptain of ia#on and for)er &oard )e)&er of t(e lo%al parent-tea%(ersO asso%iation, 'sed to visit Ino%entes and @eli%idadOs (o'se t"i%e or t(ri%e a "ee, as s(elived onl# t(irt# )eters a"a#.

Private respondentsO t(esis is t(at Ino%entes died 'n"ed and "it(o't iss'e in ar%( 1941.Private respondentsO "itness, Pedro 7riones, testified t(at Ino%entes died in 1940 and "as &'riedin t(e estate of t(e rinidads, &e%a'se no&od# "as "illin to %arr# t(e %offin to t(e %e)eter# inKali&o, "(i%( "as t(en o%%'pied &# t(e !apanese for%es. ain C'di%ial noti%e t(at +orld +ar IIdid not start 'ntil De%e)&er , 1941 "it( t(e &o)&in of Pearl ar&or in a"aii, t(e trial %o'rt"as not %onvin%ed t(at Ino%entes dies in ar%( 1941. 35 (e !apanese for%es o%%'pied anilaonl# on !an'ar# 2, 1942 t('s, it stands to reason t(at Alan "as not o%%'pied 'ntil t(en. It "asonl# t(en t(at lo%al residents "ere 'n"illin to &'r# t(eir dead in t(e %e)eter# In Kali&o, &e%a'se of t(e !apanese soldiers "(o "ere roa)in aro'nd t(e area. @'rt(er)ore, petitioner %onsistentl# 'sed Ino%entesO s'rna)e rinidad< "it(o't o&Ce%tion fro) private respondents a pres')ptive proof of (is stat's as Ino%entesO leiti)ate %(ild.

9;



(e petition "as ranted and t(e assailed De%ision and esol'tion "ere seversed and setaside. (e trial %o'rtOs de%ision dated !'l# 4, 19;9 "as reinstated.

TOMASA "DA. DE A!O0, as S8ecial A3inist-at-i &@ t>e Estate &@ t>e Decease3 ALFREDO E.A!O0, petitioner, vs.HONORA0LE !OURT OF APPEALS, respondents.

99



=.. No. ;;602 April 6, 1990.

Facts:Dr. Alfredo F. !a%o& "as t(e reistered o"ner of a par%el of land des%ri&ed 'nder ransfer

:ertifi%ate of itle No. 1433 of t(e eister of Deeds of Naa :it#. 7e%a'se of t(e pro&le) of pa#inrealt# ta$es, internal reven'e ta$es and 'npaid "aes of far) la&orers of t(e (a%ienda, Dr. !a%o& ased

:entenera to neotiate for a loan. @or t(is p'rpose, a spe%ial po"er of attorne# "as e$e%'ted anda%no"leded &# Dr. !a%o& &efore notar# p'&li% Loren>o osales.

(e )ortae "as annotated on t(e title and "(en t(e loan "as t"i%e re-str'%t'red, t(e pro%eedsof t(e sa)e "ere not a%t'all# iven &# t(e &an to :entera sin%e t(e transa%tion "as a%t'all# not(in &'ta rene"al of t(e first or oriinal loan and t(e s'pposed pro%eeds "ere applied as pa#)ent for t(e loan.(e a%%r'ed interest for si$t# 60< da#s "as, (o"ever, paid &# :entenera.

Bn Nove)&er 15, 19;2 a definite deed of sale of t(e propert# "as e$e%'ted in favor of t(erespondent &an as t(e sole and (i(est &idder.

o)asa da. de !a%o& "(o "as s'&se'entl# na)ed ad)inistratri$ of t(e estate of Dr. !a%o& and"(o %lai)ed to &e an (eir of t(e latter, %ond'%ted (er o"n investiation and t(erefore s(e filed a%o)plaint in t(e eional rial :o'rt of :a)arines 'r allein t(at t(e spe%ial po"er of attorne# and t(edo%')ents t(erein indi%ated are fored and t(erefore t(e loan andor real estate )ortaes and pro)issor#

notes are n'll and void. (e trial %o'rt dis)issed t(e plaintiff8s %o)plaint for la% of a %a'se of a%tionandor (er fail're to prove t(e %a'ses of a%tion alleed in t(e %o)plaint and C'd)ent "as renderedaainst t(e Fstate of t(e late Dr. Alfredo !a%o& in favor of t(e defendants. (e plaintiff appealed to t(e:o'rt of Appeals &'t t(e latter affir)ed in toto t(e de%ision of t(e lo"er %o'rt and dis)issin t(e appealfor la% of )erit. ('s, t(e petition.

Issue:+(et(er or not an e$traC'di%ial fore%los're of a )ortae )a# pro%eed even after t(e deat( of t(e

)ortaor

Hel3:A )ortaee (as t(ree re)edies t(at )a# &e alternatel# availed of in %ase t(e )ortaor dies

'nder e%tion , 'le ;6 of t(e 'les of :o'rtGa. to "aive t(e )ortae and %lai) t(e entire de&t fro) t(e estate of t(e )ortaor as an ordinar# %lai) &. to fore%lose t(e )ortae C'di%iall# and prove t(e defi%ien%# as an ordinar# %lai) and%. to rel# on t(e )ortae e$%l'sivel#, or ot(er se%'rit# and fore%lose t(e sa)e at an#ti)e, &efore it is &arred &# pres%ription, "it(o't t(e ri(t to file a %lai) for an# defi%ien%#.

@ro) t(is r'le, it is %lear t(at t(e )ortaee does not lose its li(t to e$traC'di%iall# fore%lose t(e)ortae even after t(e deat( of t(e )ortaor as a t(ird alternative 'nder e%tion , 'le ;6 of t(e 'lesof :o'rt. (e po"er to fore%lose a )ortae is not an ordinar# aen%# t(at %onte)plated e$%l'sivel# t(erepresentation of t(e prin%ipal &# t(e aent &'t is pri)aril# an a't(orit# %onferred 'pon t(e )ortaee for t(e latterOs o"n prote%tion. (at po"er s'rvives t(e deat( of t(e )ortaor. (e ri(t of t(e )ortaee &an to e$traC'di%iall# fore%lose t(e )ortae after t(e deat( of t(e )ortaor, a%tin t(ro'( (isattorne#-in-fa%t, did not depend on t(e a't(orit# in t(e deed of )ortae e$e%'ted &# t(e latter. (at ri(t

e$isted independentl# of said stip'lation and is %learl# re%oni>ed in e%tion , 'le ;6 of t(e 'les of :o'rt afore%ited. Bt(er iss'es "ere 'estions of fa%ts and %an not &e revie"ed at t(e 'pre)e :o'rt asonl# 'estions of la" are revie"ed in t(e latter.

('s, t(e %ase "as dis)issed for la% of )erit.

100



TOMAS !ORPUS, plaintiff-appellant, vs. ADMINISTRATOR an3C&- E$E!UTOR &@ t>eEstate &@ Te&3&-& R. #angc&, defendants-appellee.

=.. No. L-22469 B%to&er 23, 19;

Facts:

eodoro . an%o died in anila on April 20, 1939 at t(e ae of sevent#-seven #ears.is "ill dated A''st 29, 1934 "as pro&ated in t(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e of anila. an%o(ad no for%ed (eirs. At t(e ti)e of (is deat(, (is nearest relatives "ere 1< (is (alf &rot(er, L'is. an%o, 2< (is (alf sister, Pa> an%o, t(e "ife of i'el Bssorio 3< A)alia :orp's, !ose A.. :orp's, and a)on L. :orp's, t(e %(ildren of (is (alf &rot(er, Pa&lo :orp's, and 4< !'ana!'anita< :orp's, t(e da'(ter of (is (alf &rot(er !ose :orp's. !'anita died in B%to&er, 1944 atPala'i, a)&ales.

P'rs'ant to t(e order of t(e pro&ate %o'rt, a proCe%t of partition dated Nove)&er 26, 1945"as s'&)itted &# t(e ad)inistrator and t(e leatees na)ed in t(e "ill. (e Pro&ate %o'rt in itsorder of De%e)&er 26, 1946 approved t(e proCe%t of partition. @ro) t(at order, Pedro artine>,!'liana de :astro, !'anita :orp's de%eased< and t(e estate of L'is . an%o aped to t(is :o'rt.

Appellant o)as :orp's sined t(at %o)pro)ise settle)ent as t(e sole (eir of !'anita :orp's.(e estate of L'is . an%o entered into a si)ilar %o)pro)ise a )ent A t(e resol'tiondis)issin t(e appeal &e%a)e, final and e$e%'tor# on B%to&er 14 and Nove)&er 4, 194, entriesof C'd)ent "ere )ade on t(ose dates. Bn B%to&er 5, 1951, o)as :orp's, as t(e sole (eir of !'anita %orp's, filed an a%tion in t(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e of anila to re%over (er s'pposeds(are in an%o intestate estate. e alleed in (is %o)plaint t(at t(e dispositions in (is an%os"ill sin perpet'al pro(i&itions 'pon alienation rendered it void 'nder arti%le ;5 of t(e old :ivil:ode and t(at t(e 1949 partition is invalid and, t(erefore, t(e de%edentOs estate s(o'ld &edistri&'ted a%%ordin to t(e r'les on intesta%#.

(e trial %o'rt in its de%ision of !'l# 2, 1956 dis)issed t(e a%tion on t(e ro'nds of res C'di%ata and la%(es. It (eld t(at t(e intrinsi% validit# of an%oOs "ill "as passed 'pon in its order dated De%e)&er 26, 1946 in pe%ial Pro%eedin No. 54;63 approvin t(e proCe%t of partition for t(e testatorOs estate. (e :o'rt of Appeals, (o"ever, %ertified t(e appeal to t(is :o'rt &e%a'se itinvolves real propert# val'ed at )ore t(an fift# t(o'sand pesos.

Issue:as o)as :orp's a %a'se of a%tion to re%over (is )ot(erOs s'pposed intestate s(are in

an%oOs estate

Hel3:Jnder arti%les 944 and 945 of t(e panis( :ivil :ode, if an a%no"leded nat'ral or

leiti)ated %(ild s(o'ld die "it(o't iss'e, eit(er leiti)ate or a%no"leded, t(e fat(er or )ot(er "(o a%no"leded s'%( %(ild s(all s'%%eed to its entire estate and if &ot( a%no"lededit and are alive, t(e# s(all in(erit fro) it s(are and s(are alie. In defa'lt of nat'ral as%endants,nat'ral and leiti)ated %(ildren s(all &e s'%%eeded &# t(eir nat'ral &rot(ers and sisters ina%%ordan%e "it( t(e r'les esta&lis(ed for leiti)ate &rot(ers and sisters. en%e, eodoro .an%oOs (alf &rot(ers on t(e :orp's side, "(o "ere leiti)ate, (ad no ri(t to s'%%eed to (isestate 'nder t(e r'les of intesta%#. @ollo"in t(e r'le in arti%le 992, for)erl# arti%le 943, it "as(eld t(at t(e leiti)ate relatives of t(e )ot(er %annot s'%%eed (er illeiti)ate %(ild. (e lo"er %o'rtOs C'd)ent "as affir)ed.

101



ALI!E RE#ES "AN DORN, petitioner, v. HON. MANUEL ". ROMILLO, R. ANDRI!HARD UPTON, respondents.

No. L-6;40. B%to&er ;, 19;5.

Facts: Ali%e e#es an-Dorn, petitioner, "as a %iti>en of t(e P(ilippines "(ile i%(ard Jpton,respondent, "as a J.. %iti>en. (e t"o ot )arried in on Kon in 192. (e# lived in t(eP(ilippines and &eot t"o %(ildren. (e# o&tained divor%e in Nevada to (eodore an Dorn.

(e private respondent filed s'it aainst petitioner statin t(e &'siness of t(e latter inFr)ita, anila is t(eir %onC'al propert#. ('s, (e %lai)ed t(at (e (as t(e ri(t to )anae s'%(%onC'al propert#.

Petitioner t(en filed a otion to Dis)iss sin%e it "as alread# areed 'pon in t(e divor%e C'd)ent t(at t(ere is no %o))'nit# propert# &et"een (er and t(e respondent.

(e trial %o'rt denied t(e otion to Dis)iss on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e propert# involved islo%ated in t(e P(ilippines so t(at t(e Divor%e De%ree (as no &earin in t(e %ase.

Issue:Is t(e effe%t of t(e forein divor%e &indin in t(e P(ilippines on t(e )atter of %onC'al

propert#

Ruling:(e de%ree is &indin on private respondent as an A)eri%an %iti>en. Aliens )a# o&tain

divor%es a&road, "(i%( )a# &e re%oni>ed in t(e P(ilippines, provided t(at t(e# are valida%%ordin to t(eir national la". Lie"ise, onl# P(ilippine nationals are %overed &# t(e poli%#aainst a&sol'te divor%e. ('s, p'rs'ant to (is national la", (e is no loner t(e ('s&and of petitioner. @'rt(er)ore, (e %annot &e entitled to e$er%ise %ontrol over %onC'al assets.

102



IMELDA MANALA#SA# PILAPIL, petitioner, v. HON. !ORONA I0A#2SOMERA, HONLUIS !. "I!TOR AND ERI!H E11EHARD %EILIN%, respondents.

=.. No. ;0116. !'ne 30, 19;9.

Facts: Bn epte)&er , 199, petitioner I)elda anala#sa# Pilapil @ilipino %iti>en< andrespondent and respondent Fri%( Fe(ard =eilin, =er)an national, "ere )arried at @ederalep'&li% of =er)an#. (e# lived toet(er in alate, anila and (ad a %(ild, Isa&ella Pilapil=eilin.

(e private respondent initiated divor%e pro%eedin aainst petitioner in =er)an#. (elo%al %o'rt in =er)an# pro)'lated a de%ree of divor%e on t(e ro'nd of fail're of )arriae of t(e spo'se.

Bn t(e ot(er (and, petitioner filed an a%tion for leal separation &efore a trial %o'rt inanila.

After t(e iss'an%e of t(e divor%e de%ree, private respondent filed t(e %o)plaint for

ad'lter# &efore t(e prose%'tor of anila allein t(at t(e petitioner (ad an affair +illia) :(iaand !es's :('a "(ile t(e# "ere still )arried.Petitioner filed a petition "it( t(e !'sti%e e%retar# asin to set aside t(e %ases filed

aainst (er and &e dis)issed. (ereafter, petitioner )oved to defer (er arrain)ent and tos'spend f'rt(er pro%eedins. !'sti%e e%retar# BrdoXe> iss'ed a resol'tion dire%tin to )ove for t(e dis)issal of t(e %o)plaints aainst petitioner.

Issue:Is t(e a%tion tena&le

Ruling:es. (e %ri)e of ad'lter#, as "ell as fo'r ot(er %ri)es aainst %(astit#, %annot &e

prose%'ted e$%ept 'pon s"orn "ritten filed &# t(e offended spo'se. Arti%le 344 of t(e evisedPenal :ode pres'pposes t(at t(e )arital relations(ip is still s'&sistin at t(e ti)e of t(einstit'tion of t(e %ri)inal a%tion for ad'lter#. (is is loi%al %onse'en%e sin%e t(e raison d8etreof said provision of la" "o'ld &e a&sent "(ere t(e s'pposed offended part# (ad %eased to &e t(espo'se of t(e alleed offender at t(e ti)e of t(e filin of t(e %ri)inal %ase. It is indispensa&let(at t(e stat's and %apa%it# of t(e %o)plainant to %o))en%e t(e a%tion &e definitel# esta&lis(edand, s'%( stat's or %apa%it# )'st ind'&ita&l# e$ist as of t(e ti)e (e initiates t(e a%tion. ('s, t(edivor%e de%ree is valid not onl# in (is %o'ntr#, )a# &e re%oni>ed in t(e P(ilippines insofar as private respondent is %on%erned M in vie" of t(e nationalit# prin%iple 'nder t(e :ivil :ode on t(e)atter of %ivil stat's of persons. Private respondent is no loner t(e ('s&and of petitioner and(as no leal standin to %o))en%e t(e ad'lter# %ase. (e %ri)inal %ase filed aainst petitioner isdis)issed.

103



PASTOR 0. TEN!HA"EZ, plaintiff-appellant, v. "I!ENTA F. ES!AÑO, ET. AL.,defendants-appellees.

No. L-1961. Nove)&er 29, 1965.

Facts:

i%enta Fs%aXo, 2 #ears of ae and %a)e fro) a pro)inent fa)il#, e$%(aned )arriaevo"s "it( Pastor en%(ave>, 32 #ears of ae, &efore Lt. oises Lavares a :at(oli% :(aplain<.(e did not infor) (er parents a&o't t(e )arriae rat(er s(e and en%(ave> de%ided to elope. Itdid not (o"ever )ateriali>e rat(er s(e "as for%ed to ad)it s'%( *se%ret )arriae/ to (er parents.o avoid s%andal, (er parents de%ided to let t(eir da'(ter re)arr# en%(ave> for t(e first)arriae "as sole)ni>ed &# a priest "(o (ad la% of a't(orit#. o"ever, it did not (appen.'&se'entl#, t(e %o'ple did not live toet(er.

i%enta "ent to i>a)is B%%idental to es%ape and filed a petition t(erein to ann'l (er )arriae &'t it "as dis)issed for s(e a&andoned t(e sa)e. (e rat(er "ent to t(e Jnited tatesof A)eri%a, "it(o't t(e no"lede of en%(ave> and indi%atin in (er passport t(at s(e is sinle,to st'd#. (e filed a divor%e aainst (er ('s&and on t(e ro'nd of *e$tre)e %r'elt#, and entirel#

)ental in %(ara%ter,/ in Nevada. '%( petition "as approved &# t(e forein %o'rt. (e )et anA)eri%an %iti>en, 'ssell oran, and later on, t(e# ot )arried and (ad a %(ild.en%(ave> filed t(en a %o)plaint aainst i%enta8s parents "(o) (e %(ared "it( (avin

diss'aded and dis%o'raed (er fro) Coinin (er ('s&and and alienatin (er affe%tion and asedfor leal separation.

(e C'd)ent did not de%ree a leal separation, &'t freed t(e plaintiff fro) s'pportin (is"ife and to a%'ire propert# to t(e e$%l'sion of (is "ife.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e a%tion of i%enta - filin a divor%e de%ree is proper

Ruling: No. (e )arriae of Pastor en%(ave> and i%enta is valid. (e forein divor%e &et"een

@ilipino %iti>ens so'(t and de%reed after t(e effe%tivit# of t(e present :ivil :ode, is not entitledto re%onition as valid. ('s, neit(er is t(e )arriae %ontra%ted "it( anot(er part# &# t(edivor%ed entitled to validit# in t(e %o'ntr#. (e re)arriae of t(e *divor%ed "ife/ and (er %o(a&itation "it( a person ot(er t(an t(e la"f'l ('s&and entitle t(e latter to a de%ree of lealseparation.

104



MARILOU NAMA MORENO, %o)plainant, v. UD%E OSE !. 0ERNA0E, respondent.A.. No. !-94-963. !'l# 14, 1995.

Facts:

arilo' Na)a oreno filed t(is %o)plainant aainst !'de :. 7erna&e for rave)is%ond'%t and ross inoran%e of t(e la".Bn B%to&er 4, 1993, %o)plainant allees t(at s(e and ar%elo oreno "ere )arried

&efore respondent !'de 7erna&e. (e visited t(e offi%e of t(e espondent !'de on B%to&er 15,1993 onl# to find o't t(at s(e %o'ld not et t(e )arriae %ontra%t &e%a'se t(e Bffi%e of t(e Lo%al:ivil eistrar failed to iss'e a )arriae li%ense. (e %lai)s t(at respondent !'de %onnived"it( t(e relatives of ar%elo oreno to de%eive (er.

espondent denied t(at (e %onspired "it( t(e relatives of ar%elo oreno to sole)ni>et(e )arriae for t(e p'rpose of de%eivin t(e %o)plainant.

!'de illara)a, !r. re%o))ended t(e dis)issal of t(e %o)plaint aainst respondent for fail're of %o)plainant to appear on an# of t(e s%(ed'led (earins. e, (o"ever, also

re%o))ended t(at t(e respondent &e iss'ed a stern "arnin for t(e latter sole)ni>ed a )arriae"it(o't t(e re'isites )arriae li%ense.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e )arriae is void d'e to t(e la% of )arriae li%ense

Ruling:espondent !'de displa#ed (is inoran%e of t(e la" "(en (e sole)ni>ed t(e )arriae

"it(o't a )arriae li%ense. As a C'de, (e is pres')ed to &e a"are of t(e e$isten%e of Arti%le32< of t(e @a)il# :ode of t(e P(ilippines, "(i%( provides of a )arriae is a valid )arriaeli%ense. A&sen%e of said re'isite "ill )ae t(e )arriae void fro) t(e &einnin. @a)il# :odede%lares t(at t(e a&sen%e of an# of t(e essential or for)al re'isites s(all enerall# render t(e)arriae void a& initio and t(at, "(ile an irre'larit# in t(e for)al re'isites s(all not affe%t t(evalidit# of t(e )arriae, t(e part# or parties responsi&le for t(e irre'larit# s(all &e %ivill#,%ri)inall# and ad)inistrativel# lia&le. ('s, respondent &e (eld lia&le for )is%ond'%t for sole)ni>in a )arriae "it(o't a )arriae li%ense and t(at t(e appropriate ad)inistrativesan%tions &e i)posed aainst (i).

105



RODOLFO %., %o)plainant, v.UD%E HERNANDO DOMA%TO#, respondent.

A.. No. !-96-10;;. !'l# 19, 1996.

Facts:

Bn epte)&er 2, 1994, !'de ernando Do)ato# sole)ni>ed t(e "eddin &et"een=aspar A. aadan and Arl#n 7ora despite t(e fa%t t(at t(e roo) is )erel# separated fro) (isfirst "ife.

espondent C'de, lie"ise, perfor)ed a )arriae %ere)on# &et"een @loriano Dador ')a#lo and =e))a del osario o'tside (is C'risdi%tion on B%to&er 2, 1994. ('s (e fa%ed anad)inistrative for ross )is%ond'%t as "ell as ineffi%ien%# in offi%e and inoran%e of t(e la"filed &# odolfo Navarro, t(e %o)plainant.

espondent sees e$%'lpation fro) (is a%t &# statin t(at (e )erel# relied on t(eaffidavit iss'ed &# t(e )'ni%ipal trial %o'rt %onfir)in t(e fa%t t(at r. aadan and (is first"ife (ave not seen ea%( ot(er for al)ost seven #ears. (e %ertified tr'e %op# of t(e )arriae%ontra%t &et"een aadan and 7ora states t(at t(e for)er8s %ivil stat's is *separated./ aadan

"as %ivill# )arried to Ida PeXaranda t(at after 13 #ears of %o(a&itation and (avin &orne five%(ildren, s(e left t(e %onC'al d"ellin and did not ret'rn for al)ost seven #ears t(ere&# ivinrise to t(e pres')ption t(at s(e is alread# dead.

In t(e )arriae of ')a#lo and del osario, (e )aintained t(at (e did not violate Arti%le, pararap( 1 of t(e @a)il# :ode.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e respondent C'de erred in sole)ni>in t(e )arriaes

Ruling:es. (o'ld aadan instit'te a s'))ar# pro%eedin for t(e de%laration of (is first "ife8s

pres')ptive deat( ot(er"ise (e re)ains )arried to PeXaranda. '%( nelien%e or inoran%e of t(e la" (as res'lted is a &ia)o's, and t(erefore, void )arriae. (e )arriae &et"een =aspar aadan and Arl#n 7ora is %onsidered &ia)o's and void, t(ere &ein a s'&sistin )arriae &et"een (i) and Ida PeXaranda.

A )arriae %an &e (eld o'tside of t(e C'de8s %(a)&ers or %o'rtroo) onl# in t(efollo"in instan%esG 1< at t(e point of deat( 2< in re)ote pla%es in a%%ordan%e "it( Arti%le 293< 'pon re'est of &ot( parties in "ritin in a s"orn state)ent to t(is effe%t. (ere is no pretense t(at eit(er ')a#lo or del osario "as at t(e point of deat( or in a re)ote area. (e"ritten re'est "as )ade &# onl# one part#. Jnder Arti%le 3 of t(e @a)il# :ode, one of t(efor)al re'isite is t(e a't(orit# of t(e sole)ni>in offi%er. Jnder Arti%le , )arriae )a# &esole)ni>ed &#, a)on ot(ers, an# in%')&ent )e)&er of t(e C'di%iar# "it(in (is or (er %o'rt8s C'risdi%tion. Arti%le ; of t(e sa)e :ode refers onl# to t(e ven'e of t(e )arriae %ere)on# anddoes not alter or 'alif# t(e a't(orit# of t(e sole)ni>in offi%er. Non %o)plian%e of s'%( "ill notinvalidate t(e )arriae. !'des "(o are appointed to spe%ifi% C'risdi%tions, )a# offi%iate in"eddins onl# "it(in said areas ot(er"ise t(ere is a res'ltant irre'larit# in t(e for)al re'isiteand )a# s'&Ce%t t(e sole)ni>in offi%er to ad)inistrative lia&ilit#.

106



RESTITUTO M. AL!ANTARA, petitioner, v. ROSITA A. AL!ANTARA ANDHON. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondents.

=.. No. 1646. A''st 2;, 200.

Facts:

Petitioner estit'to Al%antara filed a patition for ann'l)ent of )arriae aainstrespondent osita Al%antara on t(e ro'nd t(at t(ere "as no )arriae li%ense se%'red &eforet(e# et )arried &efore ev. A'ilino Navarro, a )inister of t(e =ospel of t(e :D:: onDe%e)&er ;, 19;2. (e# ot )arried aain on ar%( 26, 19;3 in an !ose de an''it :('r%(in ondo, anila "it(o't se%'rin )arriae li%ense. It appeared in t(eir )arriae %ontra%t t(att(e# o&tained t(eir alleed )arriae li%ense in :ar)ona, :avite "(en in fa%t neit(er part# "as aresident of :ar)ona nor t(e# never "ent to t(e sa)e to appl# for a li%ense. After t(e respondentave &irt( to ose Ann, t(e %o'ple parted "a#s.

In (er defense, s(e %ontended t(at petitioner (as a )istress t(at is "(# (e filed t(eann'l)ent of )arriae to evade prose%'tion for %on%'&inae. espondent t(en filed a %ase for %on%'&inae aainst petitioner and pra#ed t(at t(e ann'l)ent of )arriae &e denied for la% of

)erit. (e reional trial %o'rt rendered its de%ision t(at t(e petition of petitioner is dis)issed for la% of )erit.

(e :o'rt of Appeals, lie"ise, dis)issed t(e appeal of petitioner for t(e )arriaeli%ense is pres')ed to &e re'larl# iss'ed and petitioner (ad not presented an# eviden%e toover%o)e t(e pres')ption.

Issue:Is t(e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals tena&le

Ruling:es. "eper praesumitur pro matrimonio. (e pres')ption is al"a#s in favor of t(e

validit# of t(e )arriae. '%( %ertifi%ation enCo#s t(e pres')ption t(at offi%ial d't# (as &eenre'larl# perfor)ed and t(e iss'an%e of t(e )arriae li%ense "as done in t(e re'lar %ond'%t.Jnder Arti%le 53 of t(e ne" :ivil :ode, "(i%( "as in effe%t at t(e ti)e of its %ele&ration, *no)arriae s(all &e sole)ni>ed 'nless all re'isites are %o)plied "it(./ In t(e %ontention t(atneit(er spo'se is a resident of :ar)ona, :avite, it is not a s'ffi%ient &asis or t(e :o'rt to ann'lt(eir )arriae &e%a'se it is C'st a )ere irre'larit# t(at does not affe%t t(e validit# of )arriae.('s, de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals affir)in t(e de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt is (ere&#affir)ed.

10



AIME O. SE"ILLA, petitioner, v. !ARMELITA N. !ARDENAS, respondent.=.. No. 166;4. !'l# 31, 2006.

Facts:Petitioner !ai)e evilla filed a %o)plaint to de%lare t(e n'llit# of (is )arriae to

:ar)elita :ardenas on t(e ro'nd t(at t(ere "as no )arriae li%ense applied. e %lai)ed t(att(e# ot )arried on a# 19, 1969 t(ro'( )a%(inations, d'ress and inti)idations e)plo#ed'pon (i) &# respondent and t(e latter8s fat(er "(o "as a retired %olonel of t(e Ar)ed @or%es of t(e P(ilippines.

In (er defense, :ar)elita ref'ted t(ese alleations and %lai)ed t(at s(e and !ai)e "ere)arried %ivill# on t(e said date in a %('r%( %ere)on# t(ereafter. 7ot( )arriaes "ere reistered"it( t(e lo%al %ivil reistrar of anila and t(e National tatisti%s Bffi%e. Lie"ise, t(e %o'ple(ave &een )arried for 25 #ears and (ad &eotten %(ildren.

(e trial %o'rt rendered its de%ision t(at t(e a&sen%e of a li%ense, as one of t(e for)alre'isites, renders t(e )arriae void ab initio and t(at t(ere "as no )arriae li%ense no.2092 iss'ed &# t(e lo%al %ivil reistrar of t(e an !'an, anila. (is "as %ertified &# t(e

sa)e t(at s'%( )arriae li%ense n')&er is ine$istent and fi%titio's. (e )arriae of evilla and:ardenas sole)ni>ed at t(e anila :it# all &# ev. =on>ales and 'nder reliio's rites &# ev.elas%o is n'll and void for t(e la% of re'isite )arriae li%ense.

(e :o'rt of Appeals disareed "it( t(e trial %o'rt8s de%ision for t(e pres')ption prevails 'ntil it is over%o)e &# no less t(an %lear and %onvin%in eviden%e to t(e %ontrar#. Issue:

+(et(er or not t(e alleation of t(e lo%al %ivil reistrar of an !'an, t(at t(ere "as noli%ense n')&er 2062 as appearin in t(e )arriae %ontra%t of t(e parties "as iss'ed, iss'ffi%ient to de%lare t(e )arriae as n'll and void ab initio

Ruling: No. (e 'pre)e :o'rt areed "it( t(e :o'rt of Appeals8 de%ision t(at t(e )arriae is

not n'll and void ab initio &e%a'se of t(e a&sen%e of )arriae li%ense. (e pres')ption of re'larit# of perfor)an%e of offi%ial f'n%tion &# t(e lo%al %ivil reistrar is satisfa%tor# if 'n%ontradi%ted &'t )a# &e %ontradi%ted and over%o)e &# ot(er eviden%e. Fvent(o'( t(elo&oo %annot &e fo'nd, it is not %on%l'sive proof &# non-iss'an%e of )arriae li%ense n')&er 2092. (e :o'rt lie"ise prote%ts t(e san%tit# of )arriae for it is t(e fo'ndation of fa)il#and %onC'al life. ('s, petition is denied, t(e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals is affir)ed.

10;



OS!AR P. MALLION, petitioner, v. EDITHA AL!ANTARA, respondent.=.. No. 14152;. B%to&er 31, 2006.

Facts:Bn B%to&er 24, 1995, petitioner Bs%ar allion filed "it( t(e reional trial %o'rt seein

a de%laration of n'llit# of (is )arriae to respondent Fdit(a Al%antara on t(e ro'nd of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#.(e trial %o'rt denied t(e petition. Lie"ise, it "as dis)issed in t(e :o'rt of Appeals.After s'%( de%ision, petitioner filed anot(er petition for de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae

"it( t(e reional trial %o'rt allein t(at (is )arriae "it( respondent "as n'll and void d'e tot(e fa%t t(at it "as %ele&rated "it(o't a valid )arriae li%ense.

espondent filed an ans"er "it( )otion to dis)iss on t(e ro'nd of res judicata andfor') s(oppin.

(e trial %o'rt rated (er petition. Issue:

Is t(e a%tion of t(e ('s&and tena&le

Ruling: No. e%tion 4&< of 'le 39 of t(e 'les of :o'rt pertains as *&ar &# prior C'd)ent/ or

*estoppels &# verdi%t,/ "(i%( is t(e effe%t of a C'd)ent as a &ar to t(e prose%'tion of t(e se%onda%tion 'pon t(e sa)e %lai), de)and or %a'se of a%tion. In e%tion 4%< of t(e sa)e r'le, it pertains to res judicata in its %on%ept as *%on%l'siveness of C'd)ent/ or t(e r'le of a'ter a%tion pendant "(i%( ordains t(at iss'es a%t'all# and dire%tl# resolved in a for)er s'it %annot aain &eraised in an# f't're %ase &et"een t(e sa)e parties involvin a different %a'se of a%tion.(erefore, (avin e$pressl# and i)pliedl# %on%ealed t(e validit# of t(eir )arriae %ele&ration, petitioner is no" dee)ed to (ave "aived an# defe%ts t(erein. (e :o'rt finds t(en t(at t(e present a%tion for de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae on t(e ro'nd of la% of )arriae li%ense is &arred. (e petition is denied for la% of )erit.

109



EDUARDO M. !OUAN!O, R., %o)plainant, v. ATT#. LEO . PALMA, respondent.Ad). :ase No. 244. epte)&er 15, 2004.

Facts::o)plainant Fd'ardo :onC'an%o, !r. and Att#. Leo Pal)a, respondent, )et "(en t(e

latter "as assined to (andle t(e %ase of t(e for)er. In ot(er "ords, t(e respondent "as (ired &#t(e %o)plainant (as (is personal %o'nsel. :onse'entl#, t(e respondent ot a%'ainted "it( t(e%o)plainant8s fa)il#, )ost espe%iall# "it( t(e latter8s da'(ter, aria L'isa :oC'an%o.

Later on, s(e, 22 #ears of ae, and respondent ot )arried in on Kon "it(o't t(efor)er8s fa)il# no"lede. It "as onl# after t(e )arriae t(at respondent infor)ed t(e%o)plainant of t(e said )arriae and ass'red (i) t(at it is all leal. :o)plainant ne" t(atrespondent is )arried to Fli>a&et( er)osisi)a and (as t"o %(ildren t(e for)er t(en sent (ist"o sons to on Kon to %onvin%e L'isa to o (o)e to anila. (e "as pers'aded.

('s, t(e %o)plainant filed "it( t(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e a petition for de%laration of n'llit# of t(e )arriae &et"een t(e respondent and L'isa. (e lo"er %o'rt de%lared t(e sa)e n'lland void ab initio.

(ereafter, %o)plainant filed t(e instant %o)plaint for dis&ar)ent of t(e respondent.It "as fo'nd o't t(at t(e first )arriae "it( Fli>a&et( er)osisi)a "as s'&sistin at t(eti)e t(e respondent %ontra%ted se%ond )arriae.

Issue:Is t(e se%ond )arriae n'll and void ab initio

Ruling:As to t(e validit# of t(e se%ond )arriae, it (as not #et &een deter)ined &# t(e :o'rt

"it( finalit# for t(e sa)e poses a preC'di%ial 'estion to t(e present dis&ar)ent pro%eedin. If t(e a%'ittal of a la"#er in a %ri)inal a%tion is not deter)inative of an ad)inistrative %aseaainst (i) or if an affidavit of "it(dra"al of a dis&ar)ent %ase does not affe%t its %o'rse, t(ent(e C'd)ent of ann'l)ent of respondent8s )arriae does not also e$onerate (i) fro) a"rondoin a%t'all# %o))itted. Definitel#, t(e se%ond )arriae is n'll and void ab initio sin%erespondent is )arried to Fli>a&et(. @irst )arriae is not #et ann'lled, t('s se%ond )arriae &ia)o's.

110



SUSAN NI!DAO !ARIÑO, petitioner, v. SUSAN #EE !ARIÑO, respondent.=.. No. 132529. @e&r'ar# 2, 2001.

Facts:D'rin t(e lifeti)e of t(e late PB4 antiao . :ariXo, (e %ontra%ted t"o )arriaes, t(e

first "as on !'ne 20, 1969, "it( petitioner 'san Ni%dao :ariXo "it( "(o) (e (ad t"ooffsprins, na)el#, a(lee and andee :ariXo and t(e se%ond "as on Nove)&er 10, 1992, "it(respondent 'san ee :ariXo "it( "(o) (e (ad no %(ildren in t(eir al)ost ten #ear %o(a&itationstartin "a# &a% in 19;2.

In 19;;, PB4 antiao . :ariXo &e%a)e ill and &edridden d'e to dia&etes %o)pli%ated &# p'l)onar# t'&er%'losis. e passed a"a# on Nove)&er 23, 1992, 'nder t(e %are of 'sanee, "(o spent for (is )edi%al and &'rial e$penses. 7ot( petitioner and respondent filed %lai)sfor )onetar# &enefits and finan%ial assistan%e pertainin to t(e de%eased fro) vario'sovern)ent aen%ies.

Bn De%e)&er 14, 1993, respondent 'san ee filed t(e instant %ase for %olle%tion of s')of )one# aainst petitioner 'san Ni%dao pra#in t(at petitioner &e ordered to ret'rn to (er at

least one-(alf of t(e )one# %olle%tivel# deno)inated as *deat( &enefits/ "(i%( s(e re%eived.espondent 'san ee ad)itted t(at (er )arriae to t(e de%eased too pla%e d'rin t(es'&sisten%e of, and "it(o't first o&tainin a C'di%ial de%laration of n'llit# of, t(e )arriae &et"een petitioner and t(e de%eased. (e, (o"ever, %lai)ed t(at s(e (ad no no"lede of t(e previo's )arriae and t(at s(e &e%a)e a"are of it onl# at t(e f'neral of t(e de%eased, "(ere s(e)et petitioner "(o introd'%ed (erself as t(e "ife of t(e de%eased. o &olster (er a%tion for %olle%tion of s') of )one#, respondent %ontended t(at t(e )arriae of petitioner and t(ede%eased is void ab initio &e%a'se t(e sa)e "as sole)ni>ed "it(o't t(e re'ired )arriaeli%ense.

Bn A''st 2;, 1995, t(e trial %o'rt r'led in favor of respondent.Bn appeal &# petitioner to t(e :o'rt of Appeals, t(e latter affir)ed in toto t(e de%ision of

t(e trial %o'rt.

Issue:a. +(et(er or not t(e )arriae of t(e de%eased and petitioner is n'll and void ab

initio &e%a'se it "as sole)ni>ed "it(o't )arriae li%ense &. +(et(er or not t(e se%ond )arriae is valid

Ruling:a. es. Jnder t(e :ivil :ode, "(i%( "as t(e la" in for%e "(en t(e )arriae of

petitioner 'san Ni%dao and t(e de%eased "as sole)ni>ed in 1969, a valid )arriae li%ense is are'isite of )arriae, and t(e a&sen%e t(ereof, s'&Ce%t to %ertain e$%eptions, renders t(e )arriaevoid ab initio. (ere is no 'estion t(at t(e )arriae of petitioner and t(e de%eased does not fall"it(in t(e )arriaes e$e)pt fro) t(e li%ense re'ire)ent. A )arriae li%ense, t(erefore, "asindispensa&le to t(e validit# of t(eir )arriae. (e )arriae &et"een petitioner 'san Ni%daoand t(e de%eased, (avin &een sole)ni>ed "it(o't t(e ne%essar# )arriae li%ense, and not &einone of t(e )arriaes e$e)pt fro) t(e )arriae li%ense re'ire)ent, is 'ndo'&tedl# void ab

initio. &. No. (e de%laration in t(e instant %ase of n'llit# of t(e previo's )arriae of t(e

de%eased and petitioner 'san Ni%dao does not validate t(e se%ond )arriae of t(e de%eased "it(respondent 'san ee. (e fa%t re)ains t(at t(eir )arriae "as sole)ni>ed "it(o't firsto&tainin a C'di%ial de%ree de%larin t(e )arriae of petitioner 'san Ni%dao and t(e de%easedvoid. en%e, t(e )arriae of respondent 'san ee and t(e de%eased is, lie"ise, void ab initio.en%e, t(e petition is ranted, and t(e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals is reversed and set aside.

111



ARTURIO TRINIDAD, petitioner, v. !OURT OF APPEALS, FELI$ TRINIDAD;DE!EASED< AND LOURDES TRINIDAD, respondents.

=.. No. 11;904. April 20, 199;

Facts:

Bn A''st 10, 19;, petitioner Art'rio rinidad filed "it( t(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e of Alan, Kali&o, Alan, an a%tion for partition of fo'r par%els of land, des%ri&ed t(erein, %lai)int(at (e "as t(e son of t(e late Ino%entes rinidad, one of t(ree %(ildren of Patri%io rinidad, "(o"as t(e oriinal o"ner of t(e par%els of land. Patri%io rinidad died in 1940, leavin t(e fo'r par%els of land to (is t(ree %(ildren, Ino%entes, Lo'rdes and @eli$.

In 190, petitoner de)anded fro) t(e defendants to partition t(e land into t(ree e'als(ares and to ive (i) t(e one-t(ird individ'al s(are of (is late fat(er, &'t t(e defendantsref'sed.

Defendants denied t(at plaintiff "as t(e son of t(e late Ino%entes rinidad. (e#%ontended t(at Ino%entes "as sinle "(en (e died in 1941, &efore plaintiff8s &irt(.

Art'rio rinidad, &orn on !'l# 21, 1943, %lai)ed to &e t(e leiti)ate son of t(e late

Ino%entes rinidad. Art'rio ot )arried in 1966 to :andelaria =aspar, at t(e ae of t"ent# t(ree.(e trial %o'rt rendered de%ision in favor of t(e petitioner t(at (e is entitled to in(erit t(e propert# left &# (is de%eased fat(er "(i%( is 13 of t(e 4 par%els of land s'&Ce%t )atter of t(is%ase.

(e :o'rt of Appeals reversed t(e trial %o'rt on t(e ro'nd t(at petitioner failed toadd'%e s'ffi%ient eviden%e to prove t(at (is parents "ere leall# )arried to ea%( ot(er and t(ata%'isitive pres%ription aainst (i) (ad set in.

Issue: Did petitioner present s'ffi%ient eviden%e of (is parents8 )arriae and of (is filiation

Ruling:Petitioner8s first &'rden is to prove t(at Ino%entes and (is )ot(er @eli%idad< "ere validl#

)arried, and t(at (e "as &orn d'rin t(e s'&sisten%e of t(eir )arriae. Petitioner se%'red a%ertifi%ation fro) t(e Bffi%e of t(e :ivil eistrar of Alan t(at all re%ords of &irt(s, deat(s and)arriaes "ere lost, &'rned or destro#ed d'rin t(e !apanese o%%'pation of said )'ni%ipalit#.(is fa%t, (o"ever, is not fatal to petitioner8s %ase. Alt(o'( t(e )arriae %ontra%t is %onsideredt(e pri)ar# eviden%e of t(e )arital 'nion, petitioner8s fail're to present it is not proof t(at no)arriae too pla%e, as ot(er for)s of relevant eviden%e )a# tae its pla%e. In pla%e of a)arriae %ontra%t, t"o "itnesses "ere presented &# petitionerG Isa&el eren, "(otestified t(at s(e "as present d'rin t(e n'ptial of @eli%idad and Ino%entes on a# 5, 1942 in Ne" +as(inton, Alan and !ovita =erardo, "(o testified t(at t(e %o'ple deported t(e)selvesas ('s&and and "ife after t(e )arriae. It is 'ndisp'ted t(en, t(at, prior to t(e a%tion for partition, petitioner, in t(e %on%ept of a %o-o"ner, "as re%eivin fro) private respondents (iss(are of t(e prod'%e of t(e land in disp'te. @'rt(er, t(e titles of t(ese pie%es of land "ere still int(eir fat(er8s na)e. (e petition is ranted and t(e assailed de%ision and resol'tion are reversedand set aside. (e trial %o'rt8s de%ision dated !'l# 4, 19;9 is reinstated.

112



LUPO ALMODIEL ATIENZA, %o)plainant, v.UD%E FRAN!IS!O 0RILLANTES, R., respondent.

A.. No. !-92-06. ar%( 29, 1995.

Facts:

Petitioner L'po Atien>a alleed t(at (e "as livin olanda De :astro and t(at t(e# (adt"o %(ildren.In De%e)&er 1991, (e sa" !'de @ran%iso 7rillantes, !r., t(e respondent, sleepin on (is

&ed. e "as infor)ed &# t(e (o'se&o# t(at (e %o(a&ited "it( De :astro. e did not &ot(er on"(at (e sa" (e si)pl# left t(e (o'se and told t(e (o'se&o# to tae ood %are of (is %(ildren.

(ereafter, respondent prevented (i) to visit (is %(ildren. (e for)er lie"ise alienatedt(e affe%tion of (is %(ildren for (i).

+(ile %o(a&itin "it( De :astro, t(e respondent "as a%t'all# )arried to enaidaBnio "it( "(o) (e (as five %(ildren. e alleed t(at "(ile (e and Bnio "ent t(ro'( a)arriae %ere)on# &efore t(e )a#or of a to"n in N'eva F%iCa on April 25, 1965, it "as not validfor t(ere "as no )arriae li%ense. Fven "(en t(e# (ad t(eir se%ond )arriae %ere)on#, neit(er

part# applied for )arriae li%ense. Bnio a&andoned respondent leavin t(eir %(ildren to (is%are and %'stod#.espondent t(en %lai)ed t(at "(en (e )arried De :astro in %ivil rites in Los Aneles,

:alifornia, (e &elieved in all ood fait( and for all leal intents and p'rposes, t(at (e "as sinle &e%a'se (is first )arriae "as sole)ni>ed "it(o't a li%ense.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e )arriae of !'de 7rillantes and enaida Bnio is valid

Ruling: No. o"ever, t(ere s(o'ld &e C'di%ial de%laration of t(e n'llit# of t(e previo's )arriae &efore a part# %an enter into a se%ond )arriae as provided in Arti%le 40 of t(e @a)il# :ode. (efa%t t(at (e is alread# a la"#er, (e t(en ne" )arriae li%ense is ne%essar# or a for)al re'isite &efore one %an et )arried. e "as iven an opport'nit# to %orre%t t(e fla" "(en (e )arriedBnio for t(e se%ond ti)e &'t (e failed to se%'re )otives and &ad fait(.

113



HERMINIA 0ORA2MANZANO, petitioner, v.UD%E RO5UE R. SAN!HEZ, respondent.

A.. No. !-00-1329. ar%( ;, 2001

Facts:

:o)plainant er)inia 7orCa-an>ano avers t(at s(e "as t(e la"f'l "ife of t(e lateDavid an>ano, (avin &een )arried to (i) on 21 a# 1966 in an =a&riel Ar%(anel Paris(,Araneta Aven'e, :aloo%an :it#. @o'r %(ildren "ere &orn o't of t(at )arriae. Bn 22 ar%(1993, (o"ever, (er ('s&and %ontra%ted anot(er )arriae "it( one L'>vi)inda Pa#ao &eforerespondent !'de. +(en respondent !'de sole)ni>ed said )arriae, (e ne" or o'(t to no"t(at t(e sa)e "as void and &ia)o's, as t(e )arriae %ontra%t %learl# stated t(at &ot(%ontra%tin parties "ere separated.

espondent !'de, on t(e ot(er (and, %lai)s in (is :o))ent t(at "(en (e offi%iated t(e)arriae &et"een an>ano and Pa#ao (e did not no" t(at an>ano "as leall# )arried. +(at(e ne" "as t(at t(e t"o (ad &een livin toet(er as ('s&and and "ife for seven #ears alread#"it(o't t(e &enefit of )arriae, as )anifested in t(eir Coint affidavit. A%%ordin to (i), (ad (e

no"n t(at t(e late an>ano "as )arried, (e "o'ld (ave advised t(e latter not to )arr# aainot(er"ise, an>ano %o'ld &e %(ared "it( &ia)#. e t(en pra#ed t(at t(e %o)plaint &edis)issed for la% of )erit and for &ein desined )erel# to (arass (i).

(e :o'rt Ad)inistrator re%o))ended t(at respondent !'de &e fo'nd 'ilt# of rossinoran%e of t(e la".

espondent !'de allees t(at (e areed to sole)ni>e t(e )arriae in 'estion ina%%ordan%e "it( Arti%le 34 of t(e @a)il# :ode.

Issue:Is t(e reason of t(e respondent !'de in sole)ni>in t(e )arriae valid

Ruling: No. In Arti%le 34 of t(e @a)il# :ode provides *No li%ense s(all &e ne%essar# for t(e

)arriae of a )an and a "o)an "(o (ave lived toet(er as ('s&and and "ife for at least five#ears and "it(o't an# leal i)pedi)ent to )arr# ea%( ot(er. espondent !'de %annot taeref'e on t(e !oint Affidavit of David an>ano and L'>vi)inda Pa#ao statin t(at t(e# (ad &een%o(a&itin as ('s&and and "ife for seven #ears. !'st lie separation, free and vol'ntar#%o(a&itation "it( anot(er person for at least five #ears does not severe t(e tie of a s'&sistin previo's )arriae. arital %o(a&itation for a lon period of ti)e &et"een t"o individ'als "(oare leall# %apa%itated to )arr# ea%( ot(er is )erel# a ro'nd for e$e)ption fro) )arriaeli%ense. It %o'ld not serve as a C'stifi%ation for respondent !'de to sole)ni>e a s'&se'ent)arriae vitiated &# t(e i)pedi)ent of a prior e$istin )arriae.

114



EN%RA!E NIÑAL @&- He-sel@ an3 as %ua-3ian a3 Lite &@ t>e in&-s 0A0#LINENIÑAL, IN%RID NIÑAL, AR!HIE NIÑAL = PEPITO NIÑAL, R., petitioners, v.

NORMA 0A#ADO%, respondent.=.. No. 133;. ar%( 14, 2000

FactsG Pepito NiXal "as )arried to eod'lfa 7ellones on epte)&er 26, 194. (e "as s(ot &#Pepito res'ltin in (er deat( on April 24, 19;5. Bne #ear and ; )ont(s t(ereafter, Pepito andrespondent Nor)a 7ada#o ot )arried "it(o't an# )arriae li%ense. In lie' t(ereof, Pepito and Nor)a e$e%'ted an affidavit dated De%e)&er 11, 19;6 statin t(at t(e# (ad lived toet(er as('s&and and "ife for at least five #ears and "ere t('s e$e)pt fro) se%'rin a )arriae li%ense.Bn @e&r'ar# 19, 199, Pepito died in a %ar a%%ident.

After t(eir fat(er8s deat(, petitioners filed a petition for de%laration of n'llit# of t(e)arriae of Pepito to Nor)a allein t(at t(e said )arriae "as void for la% of a )arriaeli%ense. (e %ase "as filed 'nder t(e ass')ption t(at t(e validit# or invalidit# of t(e se%ond)arriae "o'ld affe%t petitioner8s s'%%essional ri(ts.

Nor)a filed a )otion to dis)iss on t(e ro'nd t(at petitioners (ave no %a'se of a%tionsin%e t(e# are not a)on t(e persons "(o %o'ld file an a%tion for ann'l)ent of )arriae 'nder Arti%le 4 of t(e @a)il# :ode.

IssuesGa< +(et(er or not Pepito and Nor)a8 livin toet(er as ('s&and and "ife for at least

five #ears e$e)pts t(e) fro) o&tainin a )arriae li%ense 'nder Arti%le 34 of t(e @a)il# :odeof t(e P(ilippines.

&< +(et(er or not plaintiffs (ave a %a'se of a%tion aainst defendant in asin for t(e de%laration of t(e n'llit# of )arriae of t(eir de%eased fat(er, Pepito =. NiXal, "it( (er spe%iall# so "(en at t(e ti)e of t(e filin of t(is instant s'it, t(eir fat(er Pepito =. NiXal isalread# dead

RulingGa< Bn t(e ass')ption t(at Pepito and Nor)a (ave lived toet(er as ('s&and and

"ife for five #ears "it(o't t(e &enefit of )arriae, t(at five-#ear period s(o'ld &e %o)p'ted ont(e &asis of %o(a&itation as *('s&and and "ife/ "(ere t(e onl# )issin fa%tor is t(e spe%ial%ontra%t of )arriae to validate t(e 'nion. In ot(er "ords, t(e five-#ear %o))on la"%o(a&itation period, "(i%( is %o'nted &a% fro) t(e date of %ele&ration of )arriae, s(o'ld &e a period of leal 'nion (ad it not &een for t(e a&sen%e of t(e )arriae. (e five-#ear period s(o'ld &e t(e #ears i))ediatel# &efore t(e da# t(e )arriae and it s(o'ld &e a period of %o(a&itation%(ara%teri>ed &# e$%l'sivit#Y)eanin no t(ird part# "as involved at an# ti)e "it(in t(e five#ears, and %ontin'it#Yt(at is, 'n&roen. Bt(er"ise, if t(at five-#ear %o(a&itation period is%o)p'ted "it(o't an# distin%tion as to "(et(er t(e parties "ere %apa%itated to )arr# ea%( ot(er d'rin t(e entire five #ears, t(en t(e la" "o'ld &e san%tionin i))oralit# and en%o'rain parties to (ave %o))on la" relations(ips and pla%in t(e) on t(e sa)e footin "it( t(ose "(olived fait(f'll# "it( t(eir spo'se.

&< (e :ode is silent as to "(o %an file a petition to de%lare t(e n'llit# of a )arriae.oida&le and void )arriaes are not identi%al. :onse'entl#, void )arriaes %an &e 'estionedeven after t(e deat( of eit(er part# &'t voida&le )arriaes %an &e assailed onl# d'rin t(elifeti)e of t(e parties and not after deat( of eit(er, in "(i%( %ase t(e parties and t(eir offsprin"ill &e left as if t(e )arriae (ad &een perfe%tl# valid.

115



FILIPINA #. S#, petitioner, v. THE HONORA0LE !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent.=.. No. 12263. April 12, 2000.

FactsGBn Nove)&er 15, 193 @ilipina # and @ernando # ot )arried at t(e :('r%( of B'r

Lad# of Lo'rdes in S'e>on :it#. After so)e ti)e, @ernando left t(eir %onC'al d"ellin. "o%(ildren "ere &orn o't of t(e )arriae. @rederi%, t(eir son "ent to (is fat(er8s residen%e.@ilipina filed for leal separation.

(e rial :o'rt dissolved t(eir %onC'al partners(ip of ains and ranted t(e %'stod# of t(eir %(ildren to (er.

Later on, @ilipina "as p'n%(ed at t(e different parts of (er &od# and "as even %(oed &#(i) "(en s(e started spanin t(eir son "(en t(e latter inored (er "(ile s(e "as talin to(i).

(e rial :o'rt %onvi%ted (i) for sli(t p(#si%al inC'ries onl#. A ne" a%tion for lealseparation "as ranted &# repeated p(#si%al violen%e and se$'al infidelit#. @ilipina t(en filed for t(e de%laration of a&sol'te n'llit# of t(eir )arriae %itin ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#.

(e rial :o'rt and Appellate :o'rt denied (er petition. Bn (er petition to t(is :o'rt, s(eassailed for t(e first ti)e t(at t(ere "as no )arriae li%ense d'rin t(eir )arriae.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e )arriae &et"een t(e parties is void fro) t(e &einnin for la% of a

)arriae li%ense at t(e ti)e of t(e %ere)on#

Ruling: (eir )arriae li%ense "as iss'ed on epte)&er 1, 194. o"ever, t(e %ele&ration of

t(eir )arriae "as on Nov. 15, 193. It is o&vio's fro) t(e dates t(at t(e )arriae "as%ontra%ted &# t(e partners "it(o't a )arriae li%ense. (e# "ere not a)on t(e e$%eptions t(at%o'ld avail of a valid )arriae "it(o't )arriae li%ense, t('s, t(eir )arriae is void fro) t(e &einnin for an a&sen%e of a for)al re'isite of a )arriae. ('s, t(e )arriae %ele&rated on Nove)&er 15, 193 &et"een petitioner @ilipina ap and private respondent @ernando # is(ere&# de%lared void ab initio for la% of )arriae li%ense at t(e ti)e of %ele&ration.

116



U"# N. !OS!A, EDMUNDO 0. PERALTA, RAMON !. SAM0O, an3 APOLLO A."ILLAMORA, %o)plainants, v. HON. LU!IO P. PALA#PA#ON, R., P-esi3ing u3ge,

an3 NELIA 0. ESMERALDA20ARO#, !le-9 &@ !&u-t II, respondents.A.. No. !-92-21. epte)&er 30, 1994.

Facts: :o)plainants allee t(at respondent C'de sole)ni>ed )arriaes even "it(o't t(ere'isite )arriae li%ense. ('s, t(e follo"in %o'ples "ere a&le to et )arried &# t(e si)plee$pedient of pa#in t(e )arriae fees to respondent 7aro#, despite t(e a&sen%e of a )arriaeli%ense. In addition, respondent C'de did not sin t(eir )arriae %ontra%ts and did not indi%atet(e date of sole)ni>ation, t(e reason &ein t(at (e alleedl# (ad to "ait for t(e )arriae li%enseto &e s'&)itted &# t(e parties "(i%( "as 's'all# several da#s after t(e %ere)on#. Ind'&ita&l#,t(e )arriae %ontra%ts "ere not filed "it( t(e lo%al %ivil reistrar. :o)plainant a)on a)&o,"(o prepares t(e )arriae %ontra%ts, %alled t(e attention of respondents to t(e la% of )arriaeli%enses and its effe%t on t(e )arriaes involved, &'t t(e latter opted to pro%eed "it( t(e%ele&ration of said )arriaes.

It is alleed t(at respondent C'de )ade it appear t(at (e sole)ni>ed seven )arriaes int(e )ont( of !'l#, 1992, "(en in tr't( (e did not do so or at )ost t(ose )arriaes "ere n'll andvoid.

In vie" of t(e findins t(at t(e eviden%e presented &# t(e %o)plainants s'ffi%ientl# s(o"t(at respondent !'de L'%io P. Pala#pa#on, !r. (ad sole)ni>ed )arriaes, parti%'larl# t(at of a))# 7o%a#a and =ina 7es)onte, "it(o't a )arriae li%ense.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e )arriaes t(e respondent !'de sole)ni>ed "ere valid

Ruling:It de%lares t(at t(e a&sen%e of an# of t(e essential or for)al re'isites s(all enerall#

render t(e )arriae void ab initio and t(at, "(ile an irre'larit# in t(e for)al re'isites s(all notaffe%t t(e validit# of t(e )arriae, t(e part# or parties responsi&le for t(e irre'larit# s(all &e%ivill#, %ri)inall# and ad)inistrativel# lia&le. (e %ivil aspe%t is addressed to t(e %ontra%tin parties and t(ose affe%ted &# t(e illeal )arriaes, and "(at "e are providin for (erein pertainsto t(e ad)inistrative lia&ilit# of respondents, all "it(o't preC'di%e to t(eir %ri)inalresponsi&ilit#.

11



FLOREN!E TE"ES MA!ARRU0O, t>e Min&-s URIS ALE$IS T. MA!ARRU0O an3%A0RIEL ENRI!O T. MA!ARRU0O as -e8-esente3 6 t>ei- M&t>e-C%ua-3ian,

FLOREN!E TE"ES MA!ARRU0O, %o)plainant, v. ATT#. EDMUNDO L.MA!ARRU0O, respondent.

A.:. No. 614;. @e&r'ar# 2, 2004.

Facts:@loren%e eves a%arr'&o, %o)plainant, filed on !'ne 6, 2000 a verified %o)plaint for

dis&ar)ent aainst Att#. Fd)'ndo L. a%ar'&&o,respondent, "it( t(e Interated 7ar of t(eP(ilippines allein t(at respondent de%eived (er into )arr#in (i) despite (is prior s'&sistin)arriae "it( a %ertain elen Fspar>a. (e %o)plainant averred t(at (e started %o'rtin (er inApril 1991, (e representin (i)self as a &a%(elor t(at t(e# event'all# %ontra%ted )arriae"(i%( "as %ele&rated on t"o o%%asions ad)inistered &# ev. oelio !. 7olivar, t(e first onDe%e)&er 1;, 1991 in t(e latter8s anila offi%e, and t(e se%ond on De%e)&er 2;, 1991 at t(eAsian Instit'te of o'ris) otel in S'e>on :it# and t(at alt(o'( respondent ad)itted t(at (e"as )arried to elen Fspar>a on !'ne 16, 19;2, (e s'%%eeded in %onvin%in %o)plainant, (er

fa)il# and friends t(at (is previo's )arriae "as void.:o)plainant f'rt(er averred t(at respondent entered into a t(ird )arriae "it( one!osep(ine . :onstantino and t(at (e a&andoned %o)plainant and t(eir %(ildren "it(o't providin t(e) an# re'lar s'pport 'p to t(e present ti)e, leavin t(e) in pre%ario's livin%onditions.

espondent denied e)plo#in de%eption in (is )arriae to %o)plainant, insistin insteadt(at %o)plainant "as f'll# a"are of (is prior s'&sistin )arriae to elen Fspar>a, &'t t(at s(edraed (i) aainst (is "ill to a *s(a) "eddin/ to prote%t (er and (er fa)il#8s rep'tation sin%es(e "as t(en t(ree-)ont(s prenant. e s'&)itted in eviden%e t(at in t(e %ivil %ase *Fd)'ndoL. a%ar'&&o v. @loren%e !. eves,/ it de%lared (is )arriae to %o)plainant void ab initio. edre" attention to t(e trial %o'rt8s findins on t(e &asis of (is eviden%e "(i%( "as not%ontroverted, t(at t(e )arriae "as indeed *a s(a) and )ae &elieve/ one, *vitiated &# fra'd,de%eit, for%e and inti)idation, and f'rt(er e$a%er&ated &# t(e e$isten%e of a leal i)pedi)ent/and "ant of a valid )arriae li%ense. espondent raised t(e additional defenses t(at t(e C'di%ialde%ree of ann'l)ent of (is )arriae to %o)plainant is res C'di%ata 'pon t(e presentad)inistrative %ase t(at %o)plainant is in estoppel for ad)ittin (er stat's as )ere live-in partner to respondent in (er letter to !osep(ine . :onstantino. tressin t(at (e (ad al"a#s &eent(e vi%ti) in (is )arital relations, respondent invoed t(e final and e$e%'tor# A''st 21, 199; int(e %ase *Fd)'ndo L. a%ar'&&o v. elen :. Fspar>a,/ de%larin (is first )arriae void on t(ero'nd of (is "ife8s ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#.

It is re%o))ended t(at respondent Att#. Fd)'ndo L. a%arr'&o &e s'spended for t(ree)ont(s for ross )is%ond'%t refle%tin 'nfavora&l# on t(e )oral nor)s of t(e profession. (eI7P 7oard of =overnors adopted and approved t(e eport and e%o))endation of t(eInvestiatin :o))issioner.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e respondent s(o'ld &e s'spended for ross )is%ond'%t

Ruling:+(ile t(e )arriae &et"een %o)plainant and respondent (as &een ann'lled &# final

C'd)ent, t(is does not %leanse (is %ond'%t of ever# tine of i)propriet#. e and %o)plainantstarted livin as ('s&and and "ife in De%e)&er 1991 "(en (is first )arriae "as still s'&sistin,as it "as onl# on A''st 21, 199; t(at s'%( first )arriae "as ann'lled, renderin (i) lia&le for %on%'&inae. '%( %ond'%t is in%onsistent "it( t(e ood )oral %(ara%ter t(at is re'ired for t(e%ontin'ed ri(t to pra%ti%e la" as a )e)&er of t(e P(ilippine &ar. Fven ass')in t(at respondent"as %oer%ed &# %o)plainant to )arr# (er, t(e d'ress, &# (is o"n ad)ission as t(e follo"intrans%ript of (is testi)on# refle%ts, %eased after t(eir "eddin da#, respondent (avin freel#%o(a&ited "it( (er and even &eot a se%ond %(ild &# (er. ('s, respondent Fd)'ndo L.a%ar'&&o is fo'nd 'ilt# of ross i))oralit# and is (ere&# dis&arred fro) t(e pra%ti%e of la".

11;



"ERONI!O TENE0RO, petitioner, v.THE HONORA0LE !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent.

=.. No. 1505;. @e&r'ar# 1;, 2004.

Facts:

Petitioner eroni%o ene&ro %ontra%ted )arriae "it( private %o)plainant Leti%iaAn%aCas on April 10, 1990. (e t"o "ere "ed &# !'de Alfredo 7. Pere>, !r. of t(e :it# rial:o'rt of Lap'-lap' :it#. ene&ro and An%aCas lived toet(er %ontin'o'sl# and "it(o'tinterr'ption 'ntil t(e latter part of 1991, "(en ene&ro infor)ed An%aCas t(at (e (ad &een previo'sl# )arried to a %ertain ilda illare#es on Nove)&er 10, 19;6. ene&ro s(o"ed An%aCasa p(oto%op# of a )arriae %ontra%t &et"een (i) and illare#es. Invoin t(is previo's )arriae, petitioner t(ereafter left t(e %onC'al d"ellin "(i%( (e s(ared "it( An%aCas, statin t(at (e "asoin to %o(a&it "it( illare#es.

Bn !an'ar# 25, 1993, petitioner %ontra%ted #et anot(er )arriae, t(is one "it( a %ertain Nilda illeas, &efore !'de =er)an Lee, !r. of t(e eional rial :o'rt of :e&' :it#, 7ran%(15. +(en An%aCas learned of t(is t(ird )arriae, s(e verified fro) illare#es "(et(er t(e latter

"as indeed )arried to petitioner. In a (and"ritten letter, illare#es %onfir)ed t(at petitioner,eroni%o ene&ro, "as indeed (er ('s&and.An%aCas t(ereafter filed a %o)plaint for &ia)# aainst petitioner.(e trial %o'rt rendered a de%ision findin t(e a%%'sed 'ilt# &e#ond reasona&le do'&t of

t(e %ri)e of &ia)#. Bn appeal, t(e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed t(e de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e %o'rt erred in %onvi%tin t(e a%%'sed for t(e %ri)e of &ia)# despite

%lear proof t(at t(e )arriae &et"een t(e a%%'sed and private %o)plainant (ad &een de%laredn'll and void ab initio and "it(o't leal for%e and effe%t

Ruling:As s'%(, an individ'al "(o %ontra%ts a se%ond or s'&se'ent )arriae d'rin t(e

s'&sisten%e of a valid )arriae is %ri)inall# lia&le for &ia)#, not"it(standin t(e s'&se'entde%laration t(at t(e se%ond )arriae is void ab initio on t(e ro'nd of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#.

As a se%ond or s'&se'ent )arriae %ontra%ted d'rin t(e s'&sisten%e of petitioner8svalid )arriae to illare#es, petitioner8s )arriae to An%aCas "o'ld &e n'll and void ab initio

%o)pletel# reardless of petitioner8s ps#%(oloi%al %apa%it# or in%apa%it#. in%e a )arriae%ontra%ted d'rin t(e s'&sisten%e of a valid )arriae is a'to)ati%all# void, t(e n'llit# of t(isse%ond )arriae is not per se an ar')ent for t(e avoidan%e of %ri)inal lia&ilit# for &ia)#.

('s, as soon as t(e se%ond )arriae to An%aCas "as %ele&rated on April 10, 1990, d'rint(e s'&sisten%e of t(e valid first )arriae, t(e %ri)e of &ia)# (ad alread# &een %ons'))ated.oreover, t(e de%laration of t(e n'llit# of t(e se%ond )arriae on t(e ro'nd of ps#%(oloi%alin%apa%it# is not an indi%ator t(at petitioner8s )arriae to An%aCas la%s t(e essential re'isitesfor validit#. In t(is %ase, all t(e essential and for)al re'isites for t(e validit# of )arriae "eresatisfied &# petitioner and An%aCas. 7ot( "ere over ei(teen #ears of ae, and t(e# vol'ntaril#%ontra%ted t(e se%ond )arriae "it( t(e re'ired li%ense &efore !'de Alfredo 7. Pere>, !r. of t(e:it# rial :o'rt of Lap'-lap' :it#, in t(e presen%e of at least t"o "itnesses. (e de%ision of t(e:o'rt of Appeals %onvi%tin petitioner eroni%o ene&ro of t(e %ri)e of 7ia)# is A@@IFD.

FE D. 5UITA, petitioner, v. !OURT OF APPEALS an3

119



0LANDINA DANDAN, respondents.=.. No. 124;62. De%e)&er 22, 199;.

Facts:@e D. S'ita and Art'ro . Padlan, &ot( @ilipinos, "ere )arried in t(e P(ilippines on 1;

a# 1941. o)e"(ere alon t(e "a# t(eir relations(ip so'red. Fvent'all# @e s'ed Art'ro for divor%e in an @ran%is%o, :alifornia, J..A. (e s'&)itted in t(e divor%e pro%eedins a private"ritin dated 19 !'l# 1950 eviden%in t(eir aree)ent to live separatel# fro) ea%( ot(er and asettle)ent of t(eir %onC'al properties. Bn 23 !'l# 1954 s(e o&tained a final C'd)ent of divor%e. (ree "ees t(ereafter s(e )arried a %ertain @eli$ 'pa> in t(e sa)e lo%alit# &'t t(eir relations(ip also ended in a divor%e. till in t(e J..A., s(e )arried for t(e t(ird ti)e, to a%ertain +erni)ont.

Bn 16 April 192 Art'ro died. e left no "ill. Bn 31 A''st 192 Lino !avier In%ionfiled a petition "it( t(e eional rial :o'rt of S'e>on :it# for iss'an%e of letters of ad)inistration %on%ernin t(e estate of Art'ro in favor of t(e P(ilippine r'st :o)pan#.espondent 7landina Dandan, %lai)in to &e t(e s'rvivin spo'se of Art'ro Padlan, opposed t(e

petition and pra#ed for t(e appoint)ent instead of Att#. Leonardo :a&asal, "(i%( "as resolvedin favor of t(e latter. Jpon )otion of t(e oppositors t(e)selves, Att#. :a&asal "as later repla%ed &# iino :astillon.

(e trial %o'rt disrearded t(e divor%e &et"een petitioner and Art'ro. :onse'entl#, ite$pressed t(e vie" t(at t(eir )arriae s'&sisted 'ntil t(e deat( of Art'ro in 192.

In t(eir appeal to t(e :o'rt of Appeals, it de%lared n'll and void t(e de%ision and order of t(e trial %o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e )arriae of Art'ro and @e still s'&sists

Ruling:(e :o'rt noted t(at Art'ro "as a @ilipino and as s'%( re)ained leall# )arried to (er in

spite of t(e divor%e t(e# o&tained. o"ever, petitioner "as no loner a @ilipino %iti>en at t(eti)e of (er divor%e fro) Art'ro. inifi%antl#, t(e de%ree of divor%e of petitioner and Art'ro "aso&tained in t(e sa)e #ear. Petitioner (o"ever did not &ot(er to file a repl# )e)orand') toerase t(e 'n%ertaint# a&o't (er %iti>ens(ip at t(e ti)e of t(eir divor%e, a fa%t'al iss'e re'irin(earins to &e %ond'%ted &# t(e trial %o'rt. :onse'entl#, respondent appellate %o'rt did not err in orderin t(e %ase ret'rned to t(e trial %o'rt for f'rt(er pro%eedins. (e :o'rt e)p(asi>es(o"ever t(at t(e 'estion to &e deter)ined &# t(e trial %o'rt s(o'ld &e li)ited onl# to t(e ri(tof petitioner to in(erit fro) Art'ro as (is s'rvivin spo'se. Private respondentOs %lai) to(eirs(ip "as alread# resolved &# t(e trial %o'rt. (e and Art'ro "ere )arried on 22 April 194"(ile t(e prior )arriae of petitioner and Art'ro "as s'&sistin t(ere&# res'ltin in a &ia)o's)arriae %onsidered void fro) t(e &einnin 'nder Arts. ;0 and ;3 of t(e :ivil :ode.:onse'entl#, s(e is not a s'rvivin spo'se t(at %an in(erit fro) (i) as t(is stat's pres'pposes aleiti)ate relations(ip. (e de%ision of respondent :o'rt of Appeals orderin t(e re)and of t(e%ase to t(e %o'rt of oriin for f'rt(er pro%eedins and de%larin n'll and void its de%ision (oldin petitioner @e D. S'ita and 'perto . Padlan as intestate (eirs is affir)ed. (e order of t(eappellate %o'rt )odif#in its previo's de%ision &# rantin one-(alf of t(e net (ereditar# estateto t(e Padlan %(ildren, na)el#, :laro, i%ardo, F))an'el, enaida and olanda, "it( t(ee$%eption of Ale$is, all s'rna)ed Padlan, instead of Art'roOs &rot(er 'perto Padlan, is lie"iseaffir)ed. (e :o'rt (o"ever e)p(asi>es t(at t(e re%eption of eviden%e &# t(e trial %o'rt s(o'ld &e li)ited to t(e (ereditar# ri(ts of petitioner as t(e s'rvivin spo'se of Art'ro Padlan.

PRIS!ILLA !ASTILLO "DA. DE MIARES, %o)plainant, v.

120



USTI!E ONOFRE A. "ILLALUZ ;RETIRED<, respondent.Ad). :ase No. 4431. !'ne 19, 199.

Facts:

:o)plainant !'de Pris%illa :astillo da. De iCares is t(e presidin C'de in Pasa# :it#"(ile respondent Bnofre A. illal'>, a retired !'sti%e of t(e :o'rt of Appeals, is a %ons'lt at t(ePresidential Anti-:ri)e :o))ission.

!'de iCares is a%t'all# "ido"ed &# t(e deat( of (er first ('s&and, Pri)itivo iCares.(e o&tained a de%ree de%larin (er ('s&and pres')ptivel# dead, after an a&sen%e of 16 #ears.('s, s(e ot )arried to respondent in a %ivil "eddin on !an'ar# , 1994 &efore !'de #rnaLi) erano.

(e# %o)plainant and respondent< ne" ea%( ot(er "(en t(e latter, "(o "as at t(at ti)et(e Presidin !'de of t(e :ri)inal :ir%'it :o'rt in Pasi, "as tr#in a )'rder %ase involvint(e deat( of t(e son of iCares.

D'rin t(eir )arriae, %o)plainant C'de dis%overed t(at respondent "as (avin an illi%it

affair "it( anot(er "o)an. espondent denied s'%( rat(er (e 'ttered (ars( "ords to t(e%o)plainant C'de. As a res'lt, t(e# lived separatel# and did not et in to'%( "it( one anot(er and t(e respondent did not &ot(er to apoloi>e for "(at (appened.

(ro'( !'de a)on aasiar, %o)plainant ne" t(at respondent )arried L#dia=eralde>. :o)plainant t(en filed a %o)plaint aainst respondent for dis&ar)ent for t(e latter i))orall# and &ia)o'sl# entered into a se%ond )arriae "(ile (avin a s'&sistin )arriaeand distorted t(e tr't( &# statin (is %ivil stat's as sinle.

In (is defense, (e %ontended t(at (is )arriae to t(e %o)plainant C'de "as a *s(a))arriae/ t(at (e vol'ntaril# sined t(e )arriae %ontra%t to (elp (er in t(e ad)inistrative %asefor i))oralit# filed aainst (er &# (er leal resear%(er. Lie"ise, (e )aintained t(at "(en (e%ontra%ted (is )arriae "it( %o)plainant, (e (ad a s'&sistin )arriae "it( (is first "ife &e%a'se t(e de%ision de%larin t(e ann'l)ent of s'%( )arriae (ad not #et &e%o)e final ande$e%'tor# or p'&lis(ed.

!'de P'risi)a t(e fo'nd respondent 'ilt# of de%eit and rossl# i))oral %ond'%t andlater on affir)ed &# t(e :o'rt. Issue:

a. +(et(er or not )arriae of %o)plainant and respondent valid &. +(et(er or not t(e )arriae of %o)plainant and respondent "as a s(a) )arriae

Ruling:a. es. It "as a valid )arriae. All t(e essential and for)al re'isites of a valid

)arriae 'nder Arti%les 2 and 3 of t(e @a)il# :ode "ere satisfied and %o)plied. =iven t(e%ir%')stan%e t(at (e "as fa%in %ri)inal %ase for &ia)# and ass')in for t(e sae of ar')entt(at t(e C'd)ent in %ivil %ase de%larin t(e ann'l)ent of )arriae &et"een respondent and t(efirst "ife (ad not attained %o)plete finalit#, t(e )arriae &et"een %o)plainant and respondent isnot void &'t onl# voida&le.

&. As to t(e iss'e t(at it "as a *s(a)/ )arriae is too in%redi&le to deserve serio's%onsideration. ('s, for)er !'sti%e Bnofre illal'> is fo'nd 'ilt# of i))oral %ond'%t inviolation of t(e :ode of Professional esponsi&ilit# (e is (ere&# s'spended fro) pra%ti%e of la"for t"o #ears "it( t(e spe%ifi% "arnin.

121



LILIA OLI"A 7IE%EL, petitioner, v. THE HONORA0LE ALI!IA ". SEMPIO2 DI# AND1ARL HEINZ 7IE%EL, respondents.

No. L-5303. A''st 19, 19;6.

Facts: Karl ein> +ieel ased for t(e de%laration of n'llit# of (is )arriae, %ele&rated on !'l#19; at t(e ol# :at(oli% Apostoli% :(ristian :('r%( in aati, "it( Lilia Bliva +ieel on t(ero'nd t(at s(e (ad a previo's e$istin )arriae to Fd'ardo a$ion sole)ni>ed on !'ne 25,192, at B'r Lad# of Lo'rdes :('r%( in S'e>on :it#.

Lilia ad)itted s(e (ad prior s'&sistin )arriae &'t it "as n'll and void t(at s(e andFd'ardo (ave &een alleedl# for%ed to enter said )arital 'nion and t(at (e, at t(e ti)e of t(e)arriae in 192, "as alread# )arried to so)eone else.

(e trial %o'rt r'led aainst Lilia &e%a'se t(e e$isten%e of for%e e$erted in &ot( parties of t(e first )arriae (ad alread# &een areed 'pon

Issue: +as said prior )arriae void or )erel# voida&le

Ruling: (e prior )arriae "as voida&le. A )arriae vitiated &# for%e on &ot( parties is not void

&'t )erel# voida&le and t(erefore valid 'ntil ann'lled. in%e t(ere is no ann'l)ent #et, it is %lear t(at "(en s(e )arried respondent, s(e "as validl# )arried to (er first ('s&and, %onse'entl#,(er )arriae to respondent is void.

122



LEON!IA 0ALO%0O% AND %AUDIOSO 0ALO%0O%, petitioners, v.HONORA0LE !OURT OF APPEALS, respondents.

=.. No. ;359;. ar%( , 199

Facts:

Petitioners Leon%ia and =a'dioso 7alo&o are t(e %(ildren of 7asilio 7alo&o and=enoveva Arni&al "(o died intestate in 1951 and 1961, respe%tivel#. (e# (ad an older &rot(er,=avino, &'t (e died in 1935, prede%easin t(eir parents.

In 196;, private respondents a)onito and =eneroso 7alo&o &ro'(t an a%tion for partition and a%%o'ntin aainst petitioners, %lai)in t(at t(e# "ere t(e leiti)ate %(ildren of =avino &# :atalina J&as and t(at, as s'%(, t(e# "ere entitled to t(e one-t(ird s(are of =avino int(e estate of t(eir randparents.

Petitioners denied no"in private respondents. (e# alleed t(at t(eir &rot(er =avinodied sinle and "it(o't iss'e in t(eir parents8 residen%e at a-a)aan, Ast'rias, :e&'. In t(e &einnin t(e# %lai)ed t(at t(e properties of t(e estate (ad &een sold to t(e) &# t(eir )ot(er "(en s(e "as still alive, &'t t(e# later "it(dre" t(is alleation.

+itnesses t(en testified t(at t(e# attended t(e "eddin of =avino and :atalina so)eti)ein 1929, in "(i%( ev. @at(er F)iliano !o)ao-as offi%iated in t(e :at(oli% :('r%( of Ast'rias,:e&' and and F)idio an'el, t(en a )'ni%ipal %o'n%ilor, a%ted as one of t(e "itnesses.

:atalina J&as testified %on%ernin (er )arriae to =avino. (e testified t(at after t(e"eddin, s(e "as (anded a *re%eipt,/ pres')a&l# t(e )arriae %ertifi%ate, &# @r. !o)ao-as, &'t it"as &'rned d'rin t(e "ar. (e said t(at s(e and =avino lived toet(er in B&oon and &eott(ree %(ildren, na)el#, a)onito, Petronilo, and =eneroso. Petronilo died after an illness at t(eae of si$. (e stated t(at after t(e deat( of =avino, s(e lived in %o))on la" relation "it( a)an for a #ear and t(en t(e# separated.

Bn t(e ot(er (and, as defendant &elo", petitioner Leon%ia 7alo&o testified t(at =avinodied sinle at t(e fa)il# residen%e in Ast'rias. (e denied t(at (er &rot(er (ad an# leiti)ate%(ildren and stated t(at s(e did not no" private respondents &efore t(is %ase "as filed.

(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e of :e&' :it# rendered C'd)ent for private respondentsorderin petitioners to partition t(e estate and deliver to private respondents one-t(ird of t(eestate of 7asilio and =enoveva.

Bn appeal, t(e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed. It (eld t(at private respondents failed toover%o)e t(e leal pres')ption t(at a )an and a "o)an deportin t(e)selves as ('s&and and"ife are in fa%t )arried, t(at a %(ild is pres')ed to &e leiti)ate, and t(at t(ins (appena%%ordin to t(e ordinar# %o'rse of nat're and t(e ordinar# (a&its of life.

Issue:+as t(e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals tena&le

Ruling:es. (e :o'rt finds no reversi&le error %o))itted &# t(e :o'rt of Appeals. in%e t(is

%ase "as &ro'(t in t(e lo"er %o'rt in 196;, t(e e$isten%e of t(e )arriae )'st &e deter)ined ina%%ordan%e "it( t(e present :ivil :ode, "(i%( repealed t(e provisions of t(e for)er :ivil :ode,e$%ept as t(e# related to vested ri(ts, and t(e r'les on eviden%e. Jnder t(e 'les of :o'rt, t(e pres')ption is t(at a )an and a "o)an %ond'%tin t(e)selves as ('s&and and "ife are leall#)arried. (is pres')ption )a# &e re&'tted onl# &# %oent proof to t(e %ontrar#. Neit(er is t(ere)erit in t(e ar')ent t(at t(e e$isten%e of t(e )arriae %annot &e pres')ed &e%a'se t(ere "asno eviden%e s(o"in in parti%'lar t(at =avino and :atalina, in t(e presen%e of t"o "itnesses,de%lared t(at t(e# "ere tain ea%( ot(er as ('s&and and "ife. An e$%(ane of vo"s %an &e pres')ed to (ave &een )ade fro) t(e testi)onies of t(e "itnesses "(o state t(at a "eddin too pla%e, sin%e t(e ver# p'rpose for (avin a "eddin is to e$%(ane vo"s of )arital %o))it)ent.It "o'ld indeed &e 'n's'al to (ave a "eddin "it(o't an e$%(ane of vo"s and 'ite 'nnat'ralfor people not to noti%e its a&sen%e. +(erefore, t(e de%ision appealed fro) is affir)ed.

123



ESTRELLITA . TAMANO, petitioner, v. HON. RODOLFO A. ORTIZ, respondent.=.. No. 126603. !'ne 29, 199;.

Facts:Bn a# 31, 195;, enator a)intal A&d'l !a&ar a)ano )arried aCa P'tri ora#da A.

a)ano, respondent, in %ivil rites. (eir )arriae s'pposedl# re)ained valid and s'&sistin 'ntil (is

deat( on a# 1;, 1994. Prior to t(e deat(, (e )arried petitioner Fstrelita a)ano on !'ne 2, 1993 in %ivilrites in ala&an, Lanao del 'r.

Jpon no"in of s'%( se%ond )arriae, ora#da filed a %o)plaint for de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae of (is ('s&and and Fstrellita on t(e ro'nd t(at it "as &ia)o's. (e entries in t(e )arriae%ontra%t of t(e se%ond )arriae "ere false and fra'd'lent for a)intal and Fstrellita )isrepresentedt(e)selves as divor%ed and sinle, respe%tivel#.

ora#da alleed t(at s(e and (er ('s&and never divor%ed and t(at Fstrellita "as still )arried too)eo Llave &e%a'se t(e de%ision on t(e ann'l)ent of t(eir )arriae never &e%a)e final and e$e%'tor for t(e non%o)plian%e "it( p'&li%ation re'ire)ent.

Fstrellita t(en filed a )otion to dis)iss for s(e alleed t(at onl# a part# to t(e )arriae %o'ld filean a%tion for ann'l)ent of )arriae aainst t(e ot(er spo'se. (e even %ontented t(at sin%e a)intal andora#da "ere 'sli)s and )arried in 'sli) rites, t(e C'risdi%tion to (ear and tr# t(e %ase "as vested in

t(e s(aria %o'rts p'rs'ant to Arti%le 155 of t(e :ode of )Jsli) Personal La"s(e lo"er %o'rt denied t(e )otion to dis)iss. (is is &e%a'se a)intal and Fstrellita "ere

)arried in a%%ordan%e "it( t(e :ivil :ode and not e$%l'sivel# in a%%ordan%e "it( P.D. No. 10;3 or t(e:ode of 'sli) Personal La"s.

(e :o'rt of Appeals r'led t(at it "o'ld fall 'nder t(e e$%l'sive C'risdi%tion of s(aria %o'rts.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e s(aria %o'rt (as C'risdi%tion over t(e s'&Ce%t and nat're of t(e a%tion

Ruling: No. Arti%le 13 of P.D. 10;3 does not provide for a sit'ation "(ere t(e parties "ere )arried &ot(

in %ivil and 'sli) rites. (e s(aria %o'rts are not vested "it( oriinal and e$%l'sive C'risdi%tion "(en it

%o)es to )arriaes %ele&rated 'nder &ot( %ivil and 'sli) la"s.

124



REPU0LI! OF THE PHILIPPINES, petitioner, v.THE HONORA0LE !OURT OF APPEALS, respondents.

=.. No. 159614. De%e)&er 9, 2005.

Facts: Bn ar%( 29, 2001, Alan 7. Alero filed a petition in t(e eional rial :o'rt&for t(e de%laration

of pres')ptive deat( of (is "ife, osalia *Lea/ A. !'laton.At t(e (earin, Alan add'%ed eviden%e t(at (e and Lea "ere )arried on !an'ar# 20, 1995 in

:at&aloan, a)ar. e testified t(at, on @e&r'ar# 6, 1995, Lea arrived (o)e late in t(e evenin and (e &erated (er for &ein al"a#s o't of t(eir (o'se. e told (er t(at if s(e enCo#ed t(e life of a sinle person,it "o'ld &e &etter for (er to o &a% to (er parents. Lea did not repl#. Alan narrated t(at, "(en (ereported for "or t(e follo"in da#, Lea "as still in t(e (o'se, &'t "(en (e arrived (o)e later in t(e da#,Lea "as no"(ere to &e fo'nd. Alan t(o'(t t(at Lea )erel# "ent to (er parents8 (o'se in 7liss, to. NiXo, :at&aloan, a)ar. o"ever, Lea did not ret'rn to t(eir (o'se an#)ore.

Alan f'rt(er testified t(at, (e in'ired Lea8s "(erea&o'ts &'t to no avail.o)eti)e in !'ne 1995, (e de%ided to o to anila to loo for Lea, &'t (is )ot(er ased (i) to

leave after t(e to"n fiesta of :at&aloan, (opin t(at Lea )a# %o)e (o)e for t(e fiesta. Alan areed.o"ever, Lea did not s(o" 'p. Alan t(en left for anila on A''st 2, 1995. e "ent to a (o'se in

Navotas "(ere !anet(, Lea8s friend, "as sta#in. +(en ased "(ere Lea "as, !anet( told (i) t(at s(e(ad not seen (er. e failed to find o't Lea8s "(erea&o'ts despite (is repeated tals "it( !anet(. Alande%ided to "or as a part-ti)e ta$i driver. Bn (is free ti)e, (e "o'ld loo for Lea in t(e )alls &'t still tono avail. e ret'rned to :at&aloan in 199 and aain looed for (is "ife &'t failed.

Bn !'ne 20, 2001, Alan reported Lea8s disappearan%e to t(e lo%al poli%e station. (e poli%ea't(orities iss'ed an Alar) Noti%e on !'l# 4, 2001. Alan also reported Lea8s disappearan%e to t(e National 7'rea' of Investiation on !'l# 9, 2001.

Bn !an'ar# ;, 2002, t(e %o'rt rendered C'd)ent rantin t(e petition.(e B= appealed t(e de%ision to t(e :o'rt of Appeals "(i%( rendered C'd)ent on A''st 4,

2003, affir)in t(e de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt.

Issue:

+(et(er or not t(e de%laration of pres')ptive deat( of t(e "ife is valid

RulingG No. In vie" of t(e s'))ar# nat're of pro%eedins 'nder Arti%le 41 of t(e @a)il# :ode for t(e

de%laration of pres')ptive deat( of one8s spo'se, t(e deree of d'e dilien%e set &# t(e :o'rt in lo%atint(e "(erea&o'ts of a )issin spo'se )'st &e stri%tl# %o)plied "it(. It is t(e poli%# of t(e tate to prote%tand strent(en t(e fa)il# as a &asi% so%ial instit'tion. arriae is t(e fo'ndation of t(e fa)il#. in%e)arriae is an inviola&le so%ial instit'tion t(at t(e 19; :onstit'tion sees to prote%t fro) dissol'tion att(e "(i) of t(e parties. @or respondent8s fail're to prove t(at (e (ad a "ell-fo'nded &elief t(at (is "ife isalread# dead and t(at (e e$erted t(e re'ired a)o'nt of dilien%e in sear%(in for (is )issin "ife, t(e petition for de%laration of pres')ptive deat( s(o'ld (ave &een denied &# t(e trial %o'rt and t(e onora&le:o'rt of Appeals. @or t(e p'rpose of %ontra%tin t(e s'&se'ent )arriae, t(e spo'se present )'st

instit'te a s'))ar# pro%eedin as provided in t(is :ode for t(e de%laration of pres')ptive deat( of t(ea&sentee, "it(o't preC'di%e to t(e effe%t of reappearan%e of t(e a&sent spo'se. (e spo'se present is, t('s, &'rdened to prove t(at (is spo'se (as &een a&sent and t(at (e (as a "ell-fo'nded &elief t(at t(e a&sentspo'se is alread# dead &efore t(e present spo'se )a# %ontra%t a s'&se'ent )arriae. (e la" does notdefine "(at is )eant &# a "ell-ro'nded &elief. :'ello :allon "rites t(at *es )enester 'e s' %reen%iasea fir)e se f'nde en )otivos ra%ionales./ (e :o'rt finds and so (olds t(at t(e respondent failed to prove t(at (e (ad a "ell-fo'nded &elief, &efore (e filed (is petition in t(e trial %o'rt, t(at (is spo'seosalia *Lea/ !'laton "as alread# dead. (e De%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals is reversed and set aside.

125



REPU0LI! OF THE PHILIPPINES, petitioner, v. %LORIA 0ERMUDEZ2LORINO, respondent.

=.. No. 16025;. !an'ar# 19, 2005

Facts:

espondent =loria 7er)'de>-Lorino, and (er ('s&and "ere )arried on !'ne 12, 19;.B't of t(is )arriae, s(e &eot t(ree %(ildren, na)el#G @ran%is !eno, @ria Lo' and @ati)a.7efore t(e# ot )arried in 19;, =loria "as 'na"are t(at (er ('s&and "as a (a&it'al driner, possessed "it( violent %(ara%terattit'de, and (ad t(e propensit# to o o't "it( friends to t(ee$tent of &ein 'na&le to enae in an# ainf'l "or.

7e%a'se of (er ('s&and8s violent %(ara%ter, =loria fo'nd it safer to leave (i) &e(ind andde%ided to o &a% to (er parents toet(er "it( (er t(ree %(ildren. In order to s'pport t(e%(ildren, =loria "as %o)pelled to "or a&road. @ro) t(e ti)e of (er p(#si%al separation fro)(er ('s&and in 1991, =loria (as not (eard of (i) at all. (e (ad a&sol'tel# no %o))'ni%ations"it( (i), or "it( an# of (is relatives.

Bn A''st 14, 2000, nine #ears after s(e left (er ('s&and, =loria filed a verified petition

"it( t(e eional rial :o'rt. (e sa)e iss'ed an order dire%tin, t(e p'&li%ation of t(e petitionin a ne"spaper of eneral %ir%'lation, on A''st 2;, 2000 t(at after nine #ears, t(ere "asa&sol'tel# no ne"s a&o't (i) and s(e &elieves t(at (e is alread# dead and is no" seeint(ro'( t(is petition for a :o'rt de%laration t(at (er ('s&and is C'di%iall# pres')ed dead for t(e p'rpose of re)arriae.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e fa%t'al and leal &ases for a C'di%ial de%laration of pres')ptive deat(

'nder Arti%le 41 of t(e @a)il# :ode "ere d'l# esta&lis(ed in t(is %ase

Ruling:(e :o'rt r'les aainst petitioner ep'&li%. (e :o'rt, t(erefore, finds in t(is %ase rave

error on t(e part of &ot( t(e trial %o'rt and t(e :o'rt of Appeals. o stress, t(e :o'rt of Appealss(o'ld (ave dis)issed t(e appeal on ro'nd of la% of C'risdi%tion, and reiterated t(e fa%t t(at t(etrial %o'rt de%ision "as i))ediatel# final and e$e%'tor#. As it "ere, t(e :o'rt of Appeals%o))itted rave reversi&le error "(en it failed to dis)iss t(e erroneo's appeal of t(e ep'&li%on ro'nd of la% of C'risdi%tion &e%a'se, &# e$press provision of la", t(e C'd)ent "as notappeala&le. ('s, t(e instant petition is (ere&# denied for la% of )erit.

126



REPU0LI! OF THE PHILIPPINES, petitioner, v. %RE%ORIO NOLAS!O, respondent.=.. No. 94053. ar%( 1, 1993.

Facts:Bn 5 A''st 19;;, respondent =reorio Nolas%o filed &efore t(e eional rial :o'rt a petition

for t(e de%laration of pres')ptive deat( of (is "ife !anet oni%a Parer, involvin Arti%le 41 of t(e

@a)il# :ode. (e petition pra#ed t(at respondentOs "ife &e de%lared pres')ptivel# dead or, in t(ealternative, t(at t(e )arriae &e de%lared n'll and void.

(e ep'&li% of t(e P(ilippines opposed t(e petition t(ro'( t(e Provin%ial Prose%'tor of Anti'e "(o (ad &een dep'ti>ed to assist t(e oli%itor-=eneral in t(e instant %ase. (e ep'&li% ar'ed,first, t(at Nolas%o did not possess a "ell-fo'nded &elief t(at t(e a&sent spo'se "as alread# dead andse%ond, Nolas%oOs atte)pt to (ave (is )arriae ann'lled in t(e sa)e pro%eedin "as a %'nnin atte)pt to%ir%')vent t(e la" on )arriae.

espondent Nolas%o testified t(at (e "as a sea)an and t(at (e (ad first )et !anet oni%a Parer,a 7ritis( s'&Ce%t, in a &ar in Fnland d'rin one of (is s(ipOs port %alls. @ro) t(at %(an%e )eetinon"ards, !anet oni%a Parer lived "it( respondent Nolas%o on (is s(ip for si$ )ont(s 'ntil t(e#ret'rned to respondentOs (o)eto"n of an !ose, Anti'e on 19 Nove)&er 19;0 after (is sea)anOs %ontra%te$pired. Bn 15 !an'ar# 19;2, respondent )arried !anet oni%a Parer in an !ose, Anti'e, in :at(oli%

rites offi%iated &# @r. enr# van il&or in t(e :at(edral of an !ose.e o&tained anot(er e)plo#)ent %ontra%t as a sea)an and left (is "ife "it( (is parents in an

!ose, Anti'e. o)eti)e in !an'ar# 19;3, "(ile "orin overseas, respondent re%eived a letter fro) (is)ot(er infor)in (i) t(at !anet oni%a (ad iven &irt( to (is son. (e sa)e letter infor)ed (i) t(at!anet oni%a (ad left Anti'e.

espondent f'rt(er testified t(at (is efforts to loo for (er (i)self "(enever (is s(ip do%ed inFnland proved fr'itless. e also stated t(at all t(e letters (e (ad sent to (is )issin spo'se at No. 3;avena oad, Allerton, Liverpool, Fnland, t(e address of t(e &ar "(ere (e and !anet oni%a first )et,"ere all ret'rned to (i). e also %lai)ed t(at (e in'ired fro) a)on friends &'t t(e# too (ad no ne"sof !anet oni%a.

(e trial %o'rt ranted Nolas%oOs petition (ere&# de%larin t(e pres')ptivel# deat( of !anetoni%a Parer Nolas%o, "it(o't preC'di%e to (er reappearan%e.

(e ep'&li% appealed to t(e :o'rt of Appeals %ontendin t(at t(e trial %o'rt erred in de%larin!anet oni%a Parer pres')ptivel# dead &e%a'se respondent Nolas%o (ad failed to s(o" t(at t(eree$isted a "ell fo'nded &elief for s'%( de%laration. (e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed t(e trial %o'rtOsde%ision, (oldin t(at respondent (ad s'ffi%ientl# esta&lis(ed a &asis to for) a &elief t(at (is a&sentspo'se (ad alread# died.

Issue:+(et(er or not Nolas%o (as a "ell-fo'nded &elief t(at (is "ife is alread# dead.

Ruling: No. (e :o'rt &elieves t(at respondent Nolas%o failed to %ond'%t a sear%( for (is )issin "ife "it( s'%(dilien%e as to ive rise to a "ell-fo'nded &elief t(at s(e is dead. P'rs'ant to Arti%le 41 of t(e @a)il#

:ode, a )arriae %ontra%ted &# an# person d'rin t(e s'&sisten%e of a previo's )arriae s(all &e n'll andvoid, 'nless &efore t(e %ele&ration of t(e s'&se'ent )arriae, t(e prior spo'se (ad &een a&sent for fo'r %onse%'tive #ears and t(e spo'se present (ad a "ell fo'nded &elief t(at t(e a&sent spo'se "as alread#dead. In fine, respondent failed to esta&lis( t(at (e (ad t(e "ell-fo'nded &elief re'ired &# la" t(at (isa&sent "ife "as alread# dead t(at "o'ld s'stain t(e iss'an%e of a %o'rt order de%larin !anet oni%aParer pres')ptivel# dead. ('s, t(e De%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals affir)in t(e trial %o'rtOs de%isionde%larin !anet oni%a Parer pres')ptivel# dead is (ere&# reversed and &ot( De%isions are (ere&#n'llified and set aside.

12



NENITA 0IEN"ENIDO, petitioner, v. HON. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent.=.. No. 1111. B%to&er 24, 1994.

Facts:A'relio P. :a)a%(o )arried :onseCo elas%o in anila on B%to&er 3, 1942. Bn @e&r'ar# 6,

1962, "it(o't (is )arriae to :onseCo elas%o &ein dissolved, A'relio P. :a)a%(o %ontra%ted anot(er

)arriae "it( respondent L'isita :. :a)a%(o "it( "(o) (e (ad &een livin sin%e 1953 and &# "(o) (e &eot a %(ild, respondent A'relio L'is *:(ito/ @a'stino :. :a)a%(o, &orn on a# 22, 1961. (e)arriae "as sole)ni>ed in o#o, !apan "(ere A'relio and L'isita (ad &een livin sin%e 195;.

7e%a'se of t(eir 'arrels, one or t(e ot(er left t(e d"ellin pla%e for lon periods of ti)e. In (er %ase L'isita sta#ed on t(ose o%%asions at vario's ti)es in Davao :it#, onon or !apan.

In 196 A'relio )et petitioner Nenita . 7ienvenido, "(o (ad &een estraned fro) (er ('s&and,L'is ivera. A'relio %o'rted (er and apparentl# "on (er (eart &e%a'se fro) !'ne 196; 'ntil A'relioOsdeat( on a# 2;, 19;;, (e lived "it( (er, t(e last ti)e in a d'ple$ apart)ent in S'e>on :it#. PetitionerOsda'(ter, Nanette, sta#ed "it( t(e) as did A'relioOs son, :(ito, "(o lived "it( t(e) for a&o't a #ear in196.

Bn a# 2;, 19;;, A'relio died. Petitioner, 'sin (er Lo#ola Life Plan and A'relioOs a%%o'nt int(e P:I 7an, too %are of t(e f'neral arrane)ents. espondent L'isita "as t(en in t(e Jnited tates

"it( respondent :(ito, (avin one t(ere, a%%ordin to (er, at t(e instan%e of A'relio in order to loo for a (o'se in an @ran%is%o so t(at A'relio %o'ld follo" and reCoin t(e). Jpon learnin of t(e deat( of A'relio s(e and (er son :(ito %a)e (o)e on a# 31, 19;;.

espondent L'isita "as ranted deat( &enefits &# t(e Ar)ed @or%es of t(e P(ilippines as t(es'rvivin spo'se of A'relio. oon s(e also %lai)ed o"ners(ip of t(e (o'se and lot on %o't Deladotreet in "(i%( Nenita (ad &een livin.

Bn epte)&er , 19;;, L'isita and (er son :(ito &ro'(t t(is %ase in t(e eional rial :o'rt of S'e>on :it#, seein t(e ann'l)ent of t(e sale of t(e propert# to petitioner and t(e pa#)ent to t(e) of da)aes. L'isita alleed t(at t(e deed of sale "as a forer# and t(at in an# event it "as e$e%'ted in fra'dof (er as t(e leiti)ate "ife of A'relio.

Bn A''st 29,19;9, t(e trial %o'rt rendered a de%ision 'p(oldin t(e sale of t(e propert# to petitioner and dis)issin t(e %o)plaint of L'isita. It fo'nd t(e deed of sale in favor of petitioner to &e

en'ine and respondents L'isita and :(ito to &e in estoppel in not %lai)in t(e propert# 'ntil 19;;despite no"lede of t(e sale &# t(e late A'relio "(o (ad represented (i)self to &e sinle.

Bn appeal t(e respondents prevailed. Bn !'ne 4, 1993, t(e :o'rt of Appeals reversed t(e de%isionof t(e trial %o'rt and de%lared respondents to &e t(e o"ners of t(e (o'se and lot in disp'te.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e %o'rt erred in pres')in t(e validit# of t(e )arriae &et"een A'relio and

L'isita

Ruling:Bn t(e 'estion of validit# of L'isitaOs )arriae to A'relio, t(ere is no disp'te on t(e fa%t of

appellant L'isitaOs )arriae in 1962 to A'relio. (e :o'rt finds t(at t(e pres')ption of t(e validit# of t(e

)arriae A'relio and L'isita (as not &een s'%%essf'll# assailed &# appellee. (e :o'rt of Appeals t('s pres')ed t(e validit# of A'relioOs se%ond )arriae fro) t(e fail're of petitioner to prove t(at at t(e ti)eof s'%( )arriae A'relioOs first "ife, :onseCo, (ad not &een a&sent for at least seven #ears and t(atA'relio did not (ave ne"s t(at (is first "ife "e still alive.It "as t(e &'rden of (erein respondents to prove t(at, at t(e ti)e of (is se%ond )arriae to respondentL'isita, A'relioOs first "ife, :onseCo elas%o, (ad &een a&sent for at least seven #ears and t(at A'relio (adno ne"s t(at s(e "as alive. o ass')e t(ese fa%ts &e%a'se petitioner (as not disproved t(e) "o'ld &e tostand t(e prin%iple on its (ead. in%e A'relio (ad a valid, s'&sistin )arriae to :onseCo elas%o, (iss'&se'ent )arriae to respondent L'isita "as void for &ein &ia)o's.

12;



NOEL 0UENA"ENTURA, plaintiff 4s !OURT OF APPEALS, defendant= No. 1235;. ar%( 31, 2005

FactsGBn !'l# 31, 1995, t(e eional rial :o'rt, de%lared t(e )arriae &et"een Noel A. 7'enavent'ra

and defendant Isa&el L'%ia in( 7'enavent'ra on !'l# 4, 199< n'll and void a& initio. Noel "as

revealed to (ave &een ps#%(oloi%all# in%apa%itated t(at (e (ad )arried o't of parental press're and noto't of love t(at (e (ad a&andoned (is fa)il# t(at t(is %a'sed defendant to s'ffer )oral da)anes. (eeional rial :o'rt a"arded t(e defendant "it( da)aes &ased on Art. 221 and Art. 21 of t(e Ne":ivil :ode. (e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed t(e r'lin. (e plaintiff-appelle t(erefore filed for a petition of %ertiorari allein t(at t(e :o'rt of Appeals erred in a"ardin da)aes.

Issue::an a"ard for da)aes &e provided "(en t(e alleed offender is ps#%(oloi%all# in%apa%itated

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt deleted t(e a"ard for )oral and e$e)plar# da)aes. It is %ontradi%tor# to

%(ara%teri>e a%ts as a prod'%t of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# and (en%e &e#ond t(e %ontrol of t(e part#

&e%a'se of an innate ina&ilit# "(ile at t(e sa)e ti)e %onsiderin t(e sa)e set of a%ts as "illf'l.Ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# t(erefore re)oves t(e &asis for t(e %ontention t(at t(e petitioner p'rposel#de%eived t(e private respondent. (erefore, t(e a"ard of )oral da)aes da)aes "as "it(o't &asis inla" and in fa%t. in%e t(e a"ard of )oral and e$e)plar# da)aes "as no loner C'stified, t(e a"ard of attorne#Os fees and e$penses of litiation is left "it(o't &asis.

129



EDUARDO MANUEL, plaintiff 4s PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, defendants=.. No. 165;42. Nove)&er 29, 2005

Facts:Petitioner Fd'ardo an'el "as )arried to '&#l's =aXa on !'l# 2;, 195. '&#l's "as %(ared

"it( estafa in 195 and t(ereafter i)prisoned. e visited (er in Cail after t(ree )ont(s and never sa" (er

aain. Bn or a&o't t(e 22nd da# of April, 1996, Fd'ardo %ontra%ted a se%ond )arriae "it( ina=andalera-an'el. e ass'red (er t(at (e "as sinle and "as a&le to )arr#. e# (ad lived toet(erfr'itf'll# for t(ree #ears 'ntil Fd'ardo &e%a)e distant and %a)e (o)e onl# t"i%e a #ear. Bne da# (e pa%ed 'p (is t(ins and left (er. Arieved and %'rio's, ina learned fro) t(e NB t(at Fd'ardo "as previo'sl# )arried, s(e t(en filed a &ia)# %ase aainst Fd'ardo. (e eional rial :o'rt fo'nd (i)'ilt# &e#ond reasona&le do'&t of t(e %ri)e of &ia)#. (e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed t(e de%ision.Fd'ardo t(en filed a )otion to t(e 'pre)e :o'rt %lai)in t(at (e (ad %ontra%ted t(e se%ond )arriae inood fait( sin%e (e (ad not &een a&le to see (is first "ife for over t"ent# #ears. e alleed t(at 'nder t(e:ivil :ode, no C'di%ial de%ree of pres')ptive deat( is ne%esssar# for re)arriae.

Issue:+(at %onstit'tes a valid &ia)o's )arriae

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt denied t(e petition and affir)ed t(e assailed de%ision of t(e :o'rt of

Appeals. Jnder t(e 19;; @a)il# :ode, in order t(at a s'&se'ent &ia)o's )arriae )a# e$%eptionall# &e %onsidered valid, t(e follo"in %onditions )'st %on%'r, vi>.G a< (e prior spo'se of t(e %ontra%tin part# )'st (ave &een a&sent for fo'r %onse%'tive #ears, or t"o #ears "(ere t(ere is daner of deat( 'nder t(e %ir%')stan%es stated in Arti%le 391 of t(e :ivil :ode at t(e ti)e of disappearan%e &< t(e spo'se present (as a "ell-fo'nded &elief t(at t(e a&sent spo'se is alread# dead and %< t(ere is, 'nlie t(e oldr'le, a C'di%ial de%laration of pres')ptive deat( of t(e a&sentee for "(i%( p'rpose t(e spo'se present %aninstit'te a s'))ar# pro%eedin in %o'rt to as for t(at de%laration. (e last %ondition is %onsistent and in%onsonan%e "it( t(e re'ire)ent of C'di%ial intervention in s'&se'ent )arriaes as so provided inArti%le 41, in relation to Arti%le 40, of t(e @a)il# :ode.

It s(o'ld &e noted t(at petitioner ot )arried on 1996, "a# past t(e ti)e "(en t(e @a)il# :ode%a)e into effe%t. (e se%ond )arriae is t(erefore overned &# t(e provisions of t(e fa)il# %ode.

130



SANTIA%O !ARINO, petitioner 4s. SUSAN !ARINO, defendant=.. No. 132529. @e&r'ar# 2, 2001

Facts:D'rin t(e lifeti)e of t(e late PB4 antiao . :ariXo, (e %ontra%ted t"o )arriaes, t(e

first "as on !'ne 20, 1969, "it( petitioner 'san Ni%dao :ariXo (ereafter referred to as 'san Ni%dao<, "it( "(o) (e (ad t"o offsprins, na)el#, a(lee and andee :ariXo and t(e se%ond"as on Nove)&er 10, 1992, "it( respondent 'san ee :ariXo (ereafter referred to as 'sanee<, "it( "(o) (e (ad no %(ildren in t(eir al)ost ten #ear %o(a&itation startin "a# &a% in19;2.

Jpon (is deat(, 'san Ni%dao in(erited petitioner 'san Ni%dao "as a&le to %olle%t atotal of P146,000.00 fro) *7AI, P::JI, :o))'tation, NAPBL:B, VandW Pa-i&i, "(ilerespondent 'san ee re%eived a total of P21,000.00 fro) *=I Life, 7'rial =I< and &'rial<. Bn De%e)&er 14, 1993, respondent 'san ee filed t(e instant %ase for %olle%tion of s')of )one# aainst petitioner 'san Ni%dao pra#in, inter alia, t(at petitioner &e ordered to ret'rnto (er at least one-(alf of t(e one ('ndred fort#-si$ t(o'sand pesos P146,000.00< %olle%tivel#

deno)inated as *deat( &enefits/ "(i%( s(e petitioner< re%eived fro) *7AI, P::JI,:o))'tation, NAPBL:B, VandW Pa-i&i./ Despite servi%e of s'))ons, petitioner failed tofile (er ans"er, pro)ptin t(e trial %o'rt to de%lare (er in defa'lt.

'san Ni%daoOs )arriae "as %ele&rated "it(o't t(e re'isite )arriae li%ense "(ile t(e)arriae of 'san :arino "as %ele&rated "it(o't (avin o&tained t(e ne%essar# C'di%ialde%laration of n'llit# of t(e first void )arriae. 7ot( t(e eional rial :o'rt and t(e :o'rt of Appeals favored rantin t(e peitition t('s leavin 'san Ni%dao to file a )otion to t(e 'pre)e:o'rt.

Issue:a. o" essential is t(e C'di%ial de%ree of n'llit# of a void )arriae &. o" )'st pres')ptive leiti)es &e delivered in t(is instan%e

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt ranted t(e petition and t(e initial de%ision of t(e eional rial

:o'rt "as dis)issed. Jnder Arti%le 40 of t(e @a)il# :ode, t(e a&sol'te n'llit# of a previo's)arriae )a# &e invoed for p'rposes of re)arriae on t(e &asis solel# of a final C'd)entde%larin s'%( previo's )arriae void. eanin, "(ere t(e a&sol'te n'llit# of a previo's)arriae is so'(t to &e invoed for p'rposes of %ontra%tin a se%ond )arriae, t(e sole &asisa%%epta&le in la", for said proCe%ted )arriae to &e free fro) leal infir)it#, is a final C'd)entde%larin t(e previo's )arriae void. o"ever, for p'rposes ot(er t(an re)arriae, no C'di%iala%tion is ne%essar# to de%lare a )arriae an a&sol'te n'llit#. @or ot(er p'rposes, s'%( as &'t notli)ited to t(e deter)ination of (eirs(ip, leiti)a%# or illeiti)a%# of a %(ild, settle)ent of estate, dissol'tion of propert# rei)e, or a %ri)inal %ase for t(at )atter, t(e %o'rt )a# pass 'pont(e validit# of )arriae even after t(e deat( of t(e parties t(ereto, and even in a s'it not dire%tl#instit'ted to 'estion t(e validit# of said )arriae, so lon as it is essential to t(e deter)inationof t(e %ase. In s'%( instan%es, eviden%e )'st &e add'%ed, testi)onial or do%')entar#, to provet(e e$isten%e of ro'nds renderin s'%( a previo's )arriae an a&sol'te n'llit#. (ese need not &e li)ited solel# to an earlier final C'd)ent of a %o'rt de%larin s'%( previo's )arriae void.

(e :o'rt of Appeals relied on t(e de%ision of da. de :ons'era v. =overn)ent ervi%eIns'ran%e #ste), "(i%( is 'nfort'natel# pre)ised on t(e re'isite of (avin a C'di%ial de%ree of n'llit# of )arriae and is t(erefore inappli%a&le to t(e %ase at (and.

131



"IN!ENT MER!ADO, petitioner 4s. MA.!ONSUELO TAN, defendant=.. No. 13110. A''st 1, 2000

Facts:(e a%%'sed, in%ent er%ado "as in la"f'l "edlo% "it( a. (el)a Bliva in a

)arriae %ere)on# sole)ni>ed on April 10, 196. Despite t(e prior )arriae (e ot )arried to%o)plainant a. :ons'elo an on !'ne 2, 1991. Bn B%to&er 5, 1992, a letter-%o)plaint for &ia)# "as filed &# %o)plainant t(ro'( %o'nsel "it( t(e :it# Prose%'tor of 7a%olod :it#,"(i%( event'all# res'lted VinW t(e instit'tion of t(e present %ase &efore t(is :o'rt aainst saida%%'sed, Dr. in%ent =. er%ado, on ar%( 1, 1993 in an Infor)ation dated !an'ar# 22, 1993.Bn Nove)&er 13, 1992, or )ore t(an a )ont( after t(e &ia)# %ase "as loded in t(eProse%'tor8s Bffi%e, a%%'sed filed an a%tion for De%laration of N'llit# of arriae aainst a.(el)a . Bliva in :-7r. 22, :e&' :it#, and in a De%ision dated a# 6, 1993 t(e )arriae &et"een in%ent =. er%ado and a. (el)a . Bliva "as de%lared n'll and void. Despite t(is,t(e rial :o'rt %(ared in%ent "it( &ia)# sin%e (is prior )arriae "as still s'&sistin at t(eti)e (e (ad %ontra%ted (is se%ond )arriae. (e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed t(e r'lin of t(e trial

%o'rt. (e petitioner t(en filed a %ase to t(e 'pre)e :o'rt.

ISSUE:Is t(e C'di%ial de%laration of n'llit# of a prior )arriae ne%essar# for re)arriae

RULIN%:(e 'pre)e :o'rt denied t(e petition and affir)ed t(e assailed de%ision. Jnder Arti%le

40 of t(e @a)il# :ode, Ut(e a&sol'te n'llit# of a previo's )arriae )a# &e invoed for p'rposesof re)arriae on t(e &asis solel# of a final C'd)ent de%larin s'%( previo's )arriae void.8 7't(ere, t(e final C'd)ent de%larin n'll and void a%%'sed8s previo's )arriae %a)e not &efore t(e%ele&ration of t(e se%ond )arriae, &'t after, "(en t(e %ase for &ia)# aainst a%%'sed "asalread# tried in %o'rt. And "(at %onstit'tes t(e %ri)e of &ia)# is t(e a%t of an# person "(os(all %ontra%t a se%ond s'&se'ent )arriae U&efore8 t(e for)er )arriae (as &een leall#dissolved.

It is no" settled t(at t(e fa%t t(at t(e first )arriae is void fro) t(e &einnin is not adefense in a &ia)# %(are. As "it( a voida&le )arriae, t(ere )'st &e a C'di%ial de%laration of t(e n'llit# of a )arriae &efore %ontra%tin t(e se%ond )arriae.

132



LUPO ATIENZA, plaintiff 4s HON. FRAN!IS!O 0RILLANTES, defendantA.. No. !-92-06 ar%( 29, 1995

Facts:espondent !'de @ran%is%o 7rillantes "as )arried to one enaida Bnio "it( "(o)

(e (as five %(ildren on April 25, 1965. (e )arriae "as %ontra%ted "it(o't a )arriae li%ense.e re)arried Bnio aain "it(o't t(e re'isite )arriae li%ense on !'ne 5, 1965. Bnioa&andoned respondent 1 #ears ao, leavin t(eir %(ildren to (is %are and %'stod# as a sinle parent. espondent %lai)s t(at "(en (e )arried De :astro in %ivil rites in Los Aneles,:alifornia on De%e)&er 4, 1991, (e &elieved, in all ood fait( and for all leal intents and p'rposes, t(at (e "as sinle &e%a'se (is first )arriae "as sole)ni>ed "it(o't a li%ense.

(e petitioner on t(e ot(er (and allees t(at (e (as t"o %(ildren "it( olanda De :astro.In De%e)&er 1991, 'pon openin t(e door to (is &edroo), (e sa" respondent sleepin on (is%o)plainantOs< &ed. Jpon in'ir#, (e "as told &# t(e (o'se&o# t(at respondent (ad &een%o(a&itin "it( De :astro. :o)plainant did not &ot(er to "ae 'p respondent and instead leftt(e (o'se after ivin instr'%tions to (is (o'se&o# to tae %are of (is %(ildren. L'po A. Atien>a

t(en filed a %o)plaint for =ross I))oralit# and Appearan%e of I)propriet# aainst !'de@ran%is%o 7rillantes.

Issue:Is t(e se%ond )arriae valid "(en %ele&rated "it(o't t(e C'di%ial de%ree of n'llit# of t(e

prior )arriae

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt dis)issed t(e respondent fro) overn)ent servi%e. Jnder t(e

@a)il# :ode, t(ere )'st &e a C'di%ial de%laration of t(e n'llit# of a previo's )arriae &efore a part# t(ereto %an enter into a se%ond )arriae. Arti%le 40 of said :ode providesG (e a&sol'ten'llit# of a previo's )arriae )a# &e invoed for t(e p'rposes of re)arriae on t(e &asis solel#of a final C'd)ent de%larin s'%( previo's )arriae void.

espondent ar'es t(at t(e provision of Arti%le 40 of t(e @a)il# :ode does not appl# to(i) %onsiderin t(at (is first )arriae too pla%e in 1965 and "as overned &# t(e :ivil :ode of t(e P(ilippines "(ile t(e se%ond )arriae too pla%e in 1991 and overned &# t(e @a)il# :ode.

Arti%le 40 is appli%a&le to re)arriaes entered into after t(e effe%tivit# of t(e @a)il#:ode on A''st 3, 19;; reardless of t(e date of t(e first )arriae. 7esides, 'nder Arti%le 256 of t(e @a)il# :ode, said Arti%le is iven retroa%tive effe%t insofar as it does not preC'di%e or i)pair vested or a%'ired ri(ts in a%%ordan%e "it( t(e :ivil :ode or ot(er la"s. (is is parti%'larl# tr'e "it( Arti%le 40, "(i%( is a r'le of pro%ed're. espondent (as not s(o"n an#vested ri(t t(at "as i)paired &# t(e appli%ation of Arti%le 40 to (is %ase.

133



RO0ERT DOMIN%O, 8etiti&ne- 4s !OURT OF APPEALS, 3e@en3ant= No. 104;1;. epte)&er 1, 1993

Facts:(e petitioner o&erto Do)ino )arried F)erlinda Pa> on April 25, 1969. o&erto (ad

re)arried aain "it( t(e respondent Delia oledad on Nove)&er 29, 196. (e "ored pri)aril# in a'di Ara&ia and filed for a %ase of &ia)# aainst o&erto. er ('s&and (ad &eensolel# dependent on (er earnins and (ad &een %o(a&itin "it( anot(er "o)an. (e filed a petition for de%laration of n'llit# and separation of propert#. Delia appointed (er &rot(er oisesas (er attorne#-in-fa%t and for assined (i) to tae %are of t(e properties )anaed &# o&erto.o&erto filed a )otion to dis)iss on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e petition stated no %a'se of a%tion. (e)arriae &ein void a& initio, t(e petition for t(e de%laration of its n'llit# is t(erefores'perfl'o's and 'nne%%essar#. o&erto also %lai)ed t(at private respondent (ad no propert# in(is possession. (e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed t(e de%ision of t(e rial :o'rt to den# t(e )otion.

Issues:

+(en does a void )arriae re'ire a C'di%ial de%laration of n'llit#

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt denied t(e petition and affir)ed t(e r'lin of t(e lo"er %o'rts. A

)arriae t(o'( void still needs a C'di%ial de%laration of s'%( fa%t 'nder t(e @a)il# :ode evenfor p'rposes ot(er t(an re)arriae. (e ne%essit# of final C'd)ent (o"ever applies "(en t(e p'rpose of n'llit# is for re)arriae. (e de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae %arries ipso fa%to a C'd)ent for t(e li'idation of propert#%'stod#, and s'pport of %(ildren, et%. (ere is no need of filin a separate %ivil a%tion for s'%( p'rpose. It s(o'ld also &e noted t(at t(e ('s&and ad)ittedto possessin (is properties &ased on t(e respondent "ifeOs earnins.

134



ME#NARDO 0ELTRAN, 8etiti&ne- 4s PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES,%.R. N&. 'B+. une (, (((

Facts:Petitioner e#nardo 7eltran and "ife :(ar)aine F. @eli$ "ere )arried on !'ne 16,

193. Bn @e&r'ar# , 199, after t"ent#-fo'r #ears of )arriae and fo'r %(ildren, petitioner fileda petition for n'llit# of )arriae on t(e ro'nd of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# 'nder Arti%le 36 of t(e @a)il# :ode. In (er Ans"er to t(e said petition, petitionerOs "ife :(ar)aine @eli$ alleedt(at it "as petitioner "(o a&andoned t(e %onC'al (o)e and lived "it( a %ertain "o)an na)edilaros altin. :(ar)aine s'&se'entl# filed a %ri)inal %o)plaint for %on%'&inae aainst petitioner and (is para)o'r &efore t(e :it# Prose%'torOs Bffi%e of aati "(o, in a esol'tiondated epte)&er 16, 199, fo'nd pro&a&le %a'se and ordered t(e filin of an Infor)ation aainstt(e). Bn ar%( 20, 199;, petitioner, in order to forestall t(e iss'an%e of a "arrant for (is arrest,filed a otion to Defer Pro%eedins In%l'din t(e Iss'an%e of t(e +arrant of Arrest in t(e%ri)inal %ase. Petitioner ar'ed t(at t(e penden%# of t(e %ivil %ase for de%laration of n'llit# of (is )arriae posed a preC'di%ial 'estion to t(e deter)ination of t(e %ri)inal %ase. (e rial

dis)issed (is petition. Jnda'nted, t(e petitioner filed a )otion to t(e (i(er %o'rts.

Issue:a. Is t(ere a preC'di%ial 'estion involved in t(e %ase a&ove &. :an a part# C'de for (i)self t(e n'llit# of (is o"n )arriae

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt dis)issed t(e petition for la% of )erit. In t(e %ase at &ar it )'st &e

(eld t(at parties to t(e )arriae s(o'ld not &e per)itted to C'de for t(e)selves its n'llit#, for t(e sa)e )'st &e s'&)itted to C'd)ent of t(e %o)petent %o'rts and onl# "(en t(e n'llit# of t(e)arriae is so de%lared %an it &e (eld as void, and so lon as t(ere is no s'%( de%laration t(e pres')ption is t(at t(e )arriae e$ists for all intents and p'rposes. (erefore, (e "(o %o(a&its"it( a "o)an not (is "ife &efore t(e C'di%ial de%laration of n'llit# of t(e )arriae ass')es t(eris of &ein prose%'ted for %on%'&inae. (e lo"er %o'rt t(erefore, (as not erred in affir)int(e Brders of t(e C'de of t(e etropolitan rial :o'rt r'lin t(at penden%# of a %ivil a%tion for n'llit# of )arriae does not pose a preC'di%ial 'estion in a %ri)inal %ase for %on%'&inae.

135



!HI MIN% TSOI, petitioner 4s !OURT OF APPEALS, defendant= No. 119190. !an'ar# 16, 199

Facts:o)eti)e on a# 22, 19;;, =ina and :(i in soi "ere )arried as eviden%e &# t(eir

)arriae %ontra%t. @ro) a# 22, 19;;, 'ntil t(eir separation on ar%( 15, 19;9, t(ere "as nose$'al %onta%t &et"een t(e). =ina )ade atte)pts for se$'al a%tivit# to no avails. edi%ale$a)inations s(o"ed t(at &ot( =ina and :(i in soi "ere %apaple of se$'al %ond'%t. =ina"as still a virin at t(e ti)e of t(e )edi%al e$a)ination. =ina filed a )otion for de%laration of n'llit# and t(e rial :o'rt de%lared t(eir )arriae as void. (e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed t(etrial %o'rtOs de%ision. Petitioner :(i in soi s'&se'entl# filed a )otion to t(e 'pre)e :o'rt%itin t(at it "as s(e and not (e t(at (ad t(e pro&le) reardin se$'al inti)a%#.

Issue:a. +(at is ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# &. :an non-desire of se$'al %ons')ation &e an indi%ator of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt fo'nd t(e petition to &e &ereft of )erit. in%e t(e a%tion to de%lare

t(e )arriae void )a# &e filed &# eit(er part#, t(e 'estion of "(o ref'ses to (ave se$ "it( t(eot(er &e%o)es i))aterial. If a spo'se, alt(o'( p(#si%all# %apa&le &'t si)pl# ref'ses to perfor)(is or (er essential )arriae o&liations, and t(e ref'sal is senseless and %onstant, :at(oli%)arriae tri&'nals attri&'te t(e %a'ses to ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# t(an to st'&&orn ref'sal.Alined "it( t(is is t(e essential )arital o&liation, t(e pro%reate %(ildren &ased on t(e'niversal prin%iple t(at pro%reation of %(ildren t(ro'( se$'al %ooperation is t(e &asi% end of )arriae. :onstant non-f'lfill)ent of t(is o&liation "ill finall# destro# t(e interit# or "(oleness of t(e )arriae.

After ten )ont(s of )arriae, t(e rel'%tan%e to perfor) t(e se$'al a%t "as indi%ative of a(opeless sit'ation, and of a serio's personalit# disorder t(at %onstit'tes ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#to dis%(are t(e &asi% )arital %ovenants "it(in t(e %onte)plation of t(e @a)il# :ode.

136



LEOUEL SANTOS, petitioner 4s !OURT OF APPEALS, defendant= No. 112019. !an'ar# 4, 1995

Facts:

Leo'el and !'lia e$%(aned vo"s on epte)&er 20, 19;6. A #ear after t(e )arriae, t(e%o'ple "(en 'arrelin over a n')&er of t(ins in%l'din t(e interferen%e of !'liaOs parents intot(eir )arital affairs. Bn a# 1;, 199;, !'lia finall# left for t(e Jnited tates. Leo'el "as t(en'na&le to %o))'ni%ate "it( (er for a period of five #ears and s(e (ad t(en virt'all# a&andonedt(eir fa)il#. Leo'el filed a %ase for n'llit# on t(e ro'nd of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#. (eeional rial :o'rt dis)issed t(e %o)plaint for la% of )erit. (e :o'rt of Appeals affir)edt(e de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt.

Issue:+(at is ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt denied t(e petition. Ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# s(o'ld refer to no lesst(an a )ental not p(#si%al< in%apa%it# t(at %a'ses a part# to &e tr'l# in%onitive of t(e &asi%)arital %ovenants t(at %on%o)itantl# )'st &e ass')ed and dis%(ared &# t(e parties to t(e)arriae "(i%(, as so e$pressed &# Arti%le 6; of t(e @a)il# :ode, in%l'de t(eir )'t'alo&liations to live toet(er, o&serve love, respe%t and fidelit# and render (elp and s'pport. (e ps#%(oloi%al %ondition )'st e$ist at t(e ti)e t(e )arriae is %ele&rated and )'st &e in%'ra&le.ere a&andon)ent %annot t(erefore 'alif# as ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# on t(e part of !'lia.

13



REPU0LI!, petitioner 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS, defendant= No. 10;63. @e&r'ar# 13, 199

Facts:oridel and e#naldo "ere )arried on APril 14, 19;5. After a #ear of )arriae, e#naldo s(o"ed sins of

i))at'rit# and irresponsi&ilit# as a ('s&and and a fat(er. e depended on (is parents for aid and assistan%e, "asnever (onest "it( (er, "as (a&it'all# 'arrelso)e. e a&andoned (is fa)il# in t(e %o'rse of t(eir )arriae. oridelfiled a %ase in t(e %o'rts and e#naldoOs %lai)s "ere t(at s(e "as ineffi%ient in t(e dis%(are of (er )arital d'ties.(e eional rial :o'rt de%lared t(e )arriae as void a& initio. (e de%ision "as affir)ed in toto &# t(e :o'rt of Appeals. (e Bffi%e of t(e oli%itor =eneral %(allened t(e de%ision, %itin t(at opposin personalities as "asevin%ed is not e'ivalent to ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#. (e ro'nd is not si)pl# t(e nele%t &# t(e parties to t(e)arriae of t(eir responsi&ilities and d'ties, &'t a defe%t in t(eir ps#%(oloi%al nat're.

Issue:o" )'st ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# &e interpreted

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt ranted t(e petition and reversed and set aside t(e r'lins of t(e lo"er %o'rts. +(at

"as s(o"n "as )ore of a diffi%'lt# rat(er t(an ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#. ere s(o"in of irre%on%ila&le differen%esand %onfli%tin personalities in no "ise %onstit'tes ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#. (ere (ad &een no s(o"in of t(e

ravit# of t(e pro&le), neit(er its C'ridi%al ante%eden%e nor its in%'ra&ilit#.(e 'pre)e :o'rt also laid do"n t(e olina 'idelines for f't're referen%e in interpretin ps#%(oloi%al

in%apa%it#G

1< (e &'rden of proof to s(o" t(e n'llit# of t(e )arriae &elons to t(e plaintiff. An# do'&t s(o'ld &e resolved infavor of t(e e$isten%e and %ontin'ation of t(e )arriae and aainst its dissol'tion and n'llit#. (is is rooted in t(efa%t t(at &ot( o'r :onstit'tion and o'r la"s %(eris( t(e validit# of )arriae and 'nit# of t(e fa)il#. $ $ $

2< (e root %a'se of t(e ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# )'st &eG a< )edi%all# or %lini%all# identified, &< alleed in t(e%o)plaint, %< s'ffi%ientl# proven &# e$perts and d< %learl# e$plained in t(e de%ision. Arti%le 36 of t(e @a)il# :odere'ires t(at t(e in%apa%it# )'st &e ps#%(oloi%al - not p(#si%al, alt(o'( its )anifestations andor s#)pto)s )a# &e p(#si%al. (e eviden%e )'st %onvin%e t(e %o'rt t(at t(e parties, or one of t(e), "as )entall# or ps#%(i%all# ill tos'%( an e$tent t(at t(e person %o'ld not (ave no"n t(e o&liations (e "as ass')in, or no"in t(e), %o'ld not

(ave iven valid ass')ption t(ereof. Alt(o'( no e$a)ple of s'%( in%apa%it# need &e iven (ere so as not to li)itt(e appli%ation of t(e provision 'nder t(e prin%iple of eC'sde) eneris alita vs. atolis, 233 :A 100, !'ne 13,1994<, nevert(eless s'%( root %a'se )'st &e identified as a ps#%(oloi%al illness and its in%apa%itatin nat're f'll#e$plained. F$pert eviden%e )a# &e iven &# 'alified ps#%(iatrists and %lini%al ps#%(oloists.

3< (e in%apa%it# )'st &e proven to &e e$istin at t(e ti)e of t(e %ele&ration of t(e )arriae. (e eviden%e )'sts(o" t(at t(e illness "as e$istin "(en t(e parties e$%(aned t(eir I doOs. (e )anifestation of t(e illness need not &e per%eiva&le at s'%( ti)e, &'t t(e illness itself )'st (ave atta%(ed at s'%( )o)ent, or prior t(ereto.

4< '%( in%apa%it# )'st also &e s(o"n to &e )edi%all# or %lini%all# per)anent or in%'ra&le. '%( in%'ra&ilit# )a# &e a&sol'te or even relative onl# in reard to t(e ot(er spo'se, not ne%essaril# a&sol'tel# aainst ever#one of t(esa)e se$. @'rt(er)ore, s'%( in%apa%it# )'st &e relevant to t(e ass')ption of )arriae o&liations, not ne%essaril#to t(ose not related to )arriae, lie t(e e$er%ise of a profession or e)plo#)ent in a Co&. en%e, a pediatri%ian )a#

&e effe%tive in dianosin illnesses of %(ildren and pres%ri&in )edi%ine to %'re t(e) &'t )a# not &e ps#%(oloi%all# %apa%itated to pro%reate, &ear and raise (is(er o"n %(ildren as an essential o&liation of )arriae.

5< '%( illness )'st &e rave eno'( to &rin a&o't t(e disa&ilit# of t(e part# to ass')e t(e essential o&liations of )arriae. ('s, )ild %(ara%terioloi%al pe%'liarities, )ood %(anes, o%%asional e)otional o't&'rsts %annot &ea%%epted as root %a'ses. (e illness )'st &e s(o"n as do"nri(t in%apa%it# or ina&ilit#, not a ref'sal, nele%t or diffi%'lt#, )'%( less in "ill. In ot(er "ords, t(ere is a natal or s'pervenin disa&lin fa%tor in t(e person, an adverseinteral ele)ent in t(e personalit# str'%t're t(at effe%tivel# in%apa%itates t(e person fro) reall# a%%eptin andt(ere&# %o)pl#in "it( t(e o&liations essential to )arriae.

13;



6< (e essential )arital o&liations )'st &e t(ose e)&ra%ed &# Arti%les 6; 'p to 1 of t(e @a)il# :ode as reardst(e ('s&and and "ife as "ell as Arti%les 220, 221 and 225 of t(e sa)e :ode in reard to parents and t(eir %(ildren.'%( non-%o)plied )arital o&liations< )'st also &e stated in t(e petition, proven &# eviden%e and in%l'ded in t(ete$t of t(e de%ision.

< Interpretations iven &# t(e National Appellate atri)onial ri&'nal of t(e :at(oli% :('r%( in t(e P(ilippines,"(ile not %ontrollin or de%isive, s(o'ld &e iven reat respe%t &# o'r %o'rts. $ $ $

;< (e trial %o'rt )'st order t(e prose%'tin attorne# or fis%al and t(e oli%itor =eneral to appear as %o'nsel for t(estate. No de%ision s(all &e (anded do"n 'nless t(e oli%itor =eneral iss'es a %ertifi%ation, "(i%( "ill &e 'oted int(e de%ision, &riefl# statin t(erein (is reasons for (is aree)ent or opposition, as t(e %ase )a# &e, to t(e petition.(e oli%itor-=eneral, alon "it( t(e prose%'tin attorne#, s(all s'&)it to t(e %o'rt s'%( %ertifi%ation "it(in fifteen15< da#s fro) t(e date t(e %ase is dee)ed s'&)itted for resol'tion of t(e %o'rt. (e oli%itor-=eneral s(alldis%(are t(e e'ivalent f'n%tion of t(e defensor vin%'li %onte)plated 'nder :anon 1095.

139



0ERNARDINO ZAMORA, 8etiti&ne- 4s !OURT OF APPEALS, 3e@en3ant= No. 14191. @e&r'ar# , 200

Facts:7ernardino . a)ora and Nor)a er%ado a)ora "ere )arried on !'ne 4, 190. (e

'nion did not prod'%e an# %(ild. In 192, private respondent left for t(e Jnited tates to "or asa n'rse. (e inter)ittentl# ret'rned to t(e P(ilippines &'t also "ent &a% to t(e Jnited tates.(is %ontrin'ed 'ntil 19;9, "(en s(e "as alread# a J %iti>en. Petitioner filed a %o)plaint for de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae allein ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# of private respondent, %itint(e ro'nds of a&andon)ent and non-desire to (ave %(ildren. espondent reCe%ted t(e %lai)%itin (er e$perien%es s(o"in affe%tion for %(ildren and pointin o't ('s&andOs infidelit# as aso'r%e of (er a&andon)ent. (e eional rial :o'rt dis)issed t(e petition o"in to t(e fa%tt(at not(in in t(e eviden%e of plaintiff s(o"s t(at t(e defendant s'ffered fro) an# ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# or t(at s(e failed to %o)pl# "it( (er essential )arital o&liations. Jponappeal, t(e :o'rt of Appeals 'p(eld t(e de%ision of t(e rial :o'rt and added t(at t(e petitioner failed to present an# )edi%al e$pert to prove prs#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#. Petitioner filed a )otion

to t(e 'pre)e :o'rt 'estionin t(e validit# of t(at re'i)ent a)on ot(er t(ins.

Issues:a. o" )'st ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# &e alleed &. Is t(e presen%e of a )edi%al e$pert ne%essar# to prove in%apa%it#

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt denied t(e petition. F$a)ination of t(e person &# a p(#si%ian in

order for t(e for)er to &e de%lared ps#%(oloi%all# in%apa%itated is not %onsidered a re'ire)entin ep'&li% vs :A, 26; :A 19; V199W. In ar%os vs ar%os, it "as (eld t(at if t(e totalit# of eviden%e presented is eno'( to s'stain a findin of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# t(en )edi%ale$a)ination of t(e person %on%erned need not &e resorted to. In t(e %ase, t(ere is proof as to t(ee$isten%e of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# nor "as t(ere proof t(at it (ad e$isted at t(e in%eption of t(e )arriae.

140



MA. ARMIDA2FERRARIS, petitioner 4s 0RI$ FERRARIS, defendant=.. No. 16236;, !'l# 1, 2006

Facts:(e eiona rial :o'rt denied t(e petition for de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae

&et"een petitioner a. Ar)ida-@erraris "it( 7ri$ @erraris. It fo'nd t(at (is violen%e d'rinepisodes of epileps# did not %onstit'te ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#. (e :o'rt of Appeals affir)edt(e de%ision and %ited t(at t(e eviden%e on re%ord did not %onvin%inl# esta&lis( t(at respondent"as s'fferin fro) ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# or t(at (is defe%ts "ere in%'ra&le and alread# presen t at t(e in%eption of t(e )arriae. Dr Da#anOs testi)on# of t(e respondentOs )i$ed- personalit# "as 'ns'ffi%ientl# arrived at. It "as alleed t(at (e (ad %(i>oid %(ara%teristi%s in (is persona. (e testi)on# (o"ever failed to esta&lis( (o" t(is "as arrived at or t(at t(ere "as anatal or s'pervenin disa&lin fa%tor or an adverse interal ele)ent in respondentOs %(ara%ter t(ateffe%tivel# in%apa%itated (i) fro) a%%eptin and %o)pl#in "it( t(e essential )aritalo&liations. (e petitioner t(en filed a )otion to t(e 'pre)e :o'rt.

Issue: :an epileps# %onstit'te ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt denied t(e petition "it( finalit#. (e 'pre)e :o'rt fo'nd

respondentOs alleed )i$ed personalit# disorder, t(e leavin-t(e-(o'se attit'de "(enever t(e#'arreled, t(e violent tenden%ies d'rin epilepti% atta%s, t(e se$'al infidelit#, t(e a&andon)entand la% of s'pport, and (is preferen%e to spend )ore ti)e "it( (is &and )ates t(an (is fa)il#,are not rooted on so)e de&ilitatin ps#%(oloi%al %ondition &'t a )ere ref'sal or 'n"illinnessto ass')e t(e essential o&liations of )arriae. Arti%le 36 of t(e @a)il# :ode s(o'ld not &e%onf'sed "it( Divor%e or "it( Leal eparation.

141



ANTONIO, petitioner 4s RE#ES, respondent=.. No. 155;00. ar%( 10, 2006

Facts:Petitioner and respondent )et in A''st 19;9 "(en petitioner "as 26 #ears old and

respondent "as 36 #ears of ae. 7arel# a #ear after t(eir first )eetin, t(e# ot )arried on 6De%e)&er 1990. Bn ; ar%( 1993, petitioner filed a petition to (ave (is )arriae to respondentde%lared n'll and void. e an%(ored (is petition for n'llit# on Arti%le 36 of t(e @a)il# :odeallein t(at respondent "as ps#%(oloi%all# in%apa%itated to %o)pl# "it( t(e essentialo&liations of )arriae. e asserted t(at respondent8s in%apa%it# e$isted at t(e ti)e t(eir )arriae "as %ele&rated and still s'&sists 'p to t(e present. As )anifestations of respondent8salleed ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#, petitioner %lai)ed t(at respondent persistentl# lied a&o't(erself, t(e people aro'nd (er, (er o%%'pation, in%o)e, ed'%ational attain)ent and ot(er eventsor t(ins. (e rial :o'rt de%lared t(e )arriae as n'll and void sin%e it fo'nd t(at respondentOs propensit# to lie rendered (er in%apa&le of ivin )eanin and sinifi%an%e to (er )arriae. (e:('r%( also ann'led t(e :at(oli% )arriae of t(e parties. (e :o'rt of Appeals nevert(eless (eld

t(at t(e totalit# of t(e eviden%e presented "as ins'ffi%ient to esta&lis( respondent8s ps#%(oloi%alin%apa%it# and t('s reversed t(e de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt. (e petitioner t(en filed a )otion tot(e 'pre)e :o'rt.

Issue::an pat(oloi%al l#in %onstit'te ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt ranted t(e petition and reinstated t(e de%ision of t(e rial :o'rt.

(e olina 'idelines did not fore%lose t(e rant of a de%ree of n'llit# 'nder Arti%le 36, even asit raised t(e &ar for its allo"an%e. (e 'idelines are in fa%t 'sed to interpret in%apa%it# in t(e present %ase. (e de%ision of t(e :('r%( to n'llif# t(e )arriae "as iven reat "ei(t in t(e%onsideration of t(e %ase. (e ot(er 'idelines "ere also satisfied in affir)in t(e ps#%(oloi%al%ondition. (e pat(oloi%al l#in of t(e respondent s(o"s a danero's if not 'n(ealt(# ina&ilit#to distin'is( realit# fro) t(e fantas# "orld "(i%( )aes t(e f'lfill)ent of )arital o&liationsand d'ties i)possi&le.

142



REPU0LI!, plaintiff 4s. !RASUS I#O#, defendant=.. No. 1525. epte)&er 21, 2005

Facts:espondent :ras's )arried @el# on 16 De%e)&er 1961 at 7radford e)orial :('r%(,

!ones Aven'e, :e&' :it#. As a res'lt of t(eir 'nion, t(e# (ad five %(ildren M :ras's, !r., Dap(ne,De&&ie, :alvert, and :arlos M "(o are no" all of leal aes. After t(e %ele&ration of t(eir )arriae, respondent :ras's dis%overed t(at @el# "as *(ot-te)pered, a naer and e$travaant./In 19;4, @el# left t(e P(ilippines for t(e Jnited tates of A)eri%a J..A.<, leavin all of t(eir five %(ildren. In 19;4, s(e filed for divor%e "(ile in t(e Jnited tates. In 19;5 respondent @el#)arried an A)eri%an %iti>en and &e%a)e an A)eri%an %iti>en (erself so)eti)e in 19;;.espondent event'all# filed a petition to t(e %o'rts allein in (is :o)plaint t(at @el#8s a%ts &ro'(t daner and dis(onor to t(e fa)il#, and %learl# de)onstrated (er ps#%(oloi%alin%apa%it# to perfor) t(e essential o&liations of )arriae. '%( in%apa%it#, &ein in%'ra&le and%ontin'in, %onstit'tes a ro'nd for de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae 'nder Arti%le 36, inrelation to Arti%les 6;, 0, and 2, of t(e @a)il# :ode of t(e P(ilippines.

(e eional rial rendered its de%ision in favor of t(e respondent and de%lared t(e)arriae as n'll and void a& initio. (e :o'rt of Appeals 'p(eld t(e de%ision also %itin t(at'nder Art. 26 of t(e @a)il# :ode, divor%e "as per)issi&le sin%e @el# "as alread# an A)eri%an%iti>en. (e Bffi%e of t(e oli%itor =eneral B=< t(en intervened %lai)in t(at )erea&andon)ent and se$'al infidelit# does not %onstit'te ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# and t(at t(ere"as error in appl#in Art. 26 of t(e @a)il# :ode. (e respondent 'estions t(e parti%ipation of t(e B=.

Issues:a. o" is ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# properl# alleed &. Is t(e divor%e of @el# valid%. :an t(e B= ri(tl# intervene in t(e %ase %ited a&ove

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt ranted t(e petition and reversed and set aside t(e de%isions of t(e

lo"er %o'rts. (e root %a'se of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# "as not proven. A%%ordin to t(eolina 'idelines, ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# )'st &e )edi%all# proven to &e e$istent. (ere "asalso i)proper appli%ation of Art. 26 of t(e @a)il# :ode. in%e @el# onl# a%'ired A)eri%an%iti>ens(ip in 19;;, s(e "as still a @ilipino %iti>en "(en s(e a%'ired (er divor%e in 19;4.@ilipinos %annot &e ranted divor%e 'nless t(e# are "it(in t(e %onte$t of a )i$ed )arriae "(i%("as not t(e %ase &a% t(en in 19;4.

+(ile it is t(e prose%'tin attorne# or fis%al "(o a%tivel# parti%ipates, on &e(alf of t(etate, in a pro%eedin for ann'l)ent or de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae &efore t(e :, t(eBffi%e of t(e oli%itor =eneral taes over "(en t(e %ase is elevated to t(e :o'rt of Appeals or t(is :o'rt. in%e it s(all &e event'all# responsi&le for tain t(e %ase to t(e appellate %o'rts"(en %ir%')stan%es de)and, t(en it is onl# reasona&le and pra%ti%al t(at even "(ile t(e pro%eedin is still &ein (eld &efore t(e :, t(e Bffi%e of t(e oli%itor =eneral %an alread#e$er%ise s'pervision and %ontrol over t(e %ond'%t of t(e prose%'tin attorne# or fis%al t(erein to &etter 'arantee t(e prote%tion of t(e interests of t(e tate.

143



AIME "ILLALON, 8etiti&ne- 4s. MA. !ORAZON "ILLALON, -es8&n3ent=.. No. 16206

Facts:Bn !'l# 12, 1996, petitioner !ai)e @. illalon filed a petition for t(e ann'l)ent of (is

)arriae to respondent a. :ora>on N. illalon. As ro'nd t(erefor, petitioner %ited (is ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# "(i%( (e %lai)ed e$isted even prior to (is )arriae. A%%ordin to petitioner, t(e )anifestations of (is ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# "ereG a< (is %(roni% ref'sal to)aintain (ar)onio's fa)il# relations and (is la% of interest in (avin a nor)al )arried life &<(is i))at'rit# and irresponsi&ilit# in ref'sin to a%%ept t(e essential o&liations of )arriae as('s&and to (is "ife %< (is desire for ot(er "o)en and a life 'n%(ained fro) an# spo'salo&liation and d< (is false ass')ption of t(e f'nda)ental o&liations of %o)panions(ip and%onsorti') to"ards respondent.

Petitioner presented Dr. Natividad Da#an, a %lini%al ps#%(oloist, to testif# on (is alleed ps#%(oloi%al disorder of *Nar%issisti% istrioni% Personalit# Disorder/ "it( *:asanova:o)ple$/. A person affli%ted "it( t(is disorder &elieves t(at (e is entitled to ratif# (is

e)otional and se$'al feelins and t('s enaes in serial infidelities. Lie"ise, a person "it(*:asanova :o)ple$/ e$(i&its (a&it'al ad'ltero's &e(avior and oes fro) one relations(ip toanot(er. espondent %lai)ed t(at (er ('s&and "as a d'tif'l ('s&and and fat(er d'rin t(eir )arriae and alleed t(at (is se$'al infidelit# "as e$(i&ited onl# on 2 o%%asions "(i%( "ere 13#ears apart "(i%( "as not %onsistent "it( (is s'pposed ps#%(oloi%al disorder. (e eionalrial :o'rt de%ided in favor t(e petitioner "(ile t(e :o'rt of Appeals reversed t(e earlier de%ision and (eld t(e )arriae as valid.

Issue:+(at 'ant') of eviden%e )'st &e present to properl# ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt denied t(e petition for ann'l)ent of t(e )arriae. e$'al infidelit#,

&# itself, is not s'ffi%ient proof t(at petitioner is s'fferin fro) ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#. It )'st &e s(o"n t(at t(e a%ts of 'nfait(f'lness are )anifestations of a disordered personalit# "(i%()ae petitioner %o)pletel# 'na&le to dis%(are t(e essential o&liations of )arriae. (eeviden%e at re%ord did not s(o" t(e alleed ravit# and in%'ra&ilit# of t(e ('s&andOs ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#. In fa%t t(e eviden%e s(o"s t(at t(e ('s&and "as a responsi&le ('s&andand fat(er. It appears t(at petitioner (as si)pl# lost (is love for respondent and (as %onse'entl#ref'sed to sta# )arried to (er. Also, at t(e ti)e of respondent8s testi)on#, petitioner8s illi%itrelations(ip (as &een oin on for si$ #ears. (is is not %onsistent "it( t(e s#)pto)s of a persons'fferin fro) *:asanova :o)ple$/ "(o, a%%ordin to Dr. Da#an, is one "(o C')ps fro) onerelations(ip to anot(er. Dr. Da#an also failed to provide vital lins and t(e &asis for (er findins.en%e t(e ro'nds for ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# "ere &etra#ed &# a la% of s'ffi%ient eviden%eindi%atin t(e sa)e.

144



NOEL 0UENA"ENTURA, plaintiff 4s !OURT OF APPEALS, defendant= No. 1235;. ar%( 31, 2005

FactsGBn !'l# 31, 1995, t(e eional rial :o'rt, de%lared t(e )arriae &et"een Noel A.

7'enavent'ra and defendant Isa&el L'%ia in( 7'enavent'ra on !'l# 4, 199< n'll and void a&initio. Noel "as revealed to (ave &een ps#%(oloi%all# in%apa%itated t(at (e (ad )arried o't of parental press're and not o't of love t(at (e (ad a&andoned (is fa)il# t(at t(is %a'seddefendant to s'ffer )oral da)aes. (e eional rial :o'rt a"arded t(e defendant "it(da)aes &ased on Art. 221 and Art. 21 of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode. (e :o'rt of Appeals affir)edt(e r'lin. (e plaintiff-appellee t(erefore filed for a petition of %ertiorari allein t(at t(e :o'rtof Appeals erred in a"ardin da)aes.

Issue::an a"ard for da)aes &e provided "(en t(e alleed offender is ps#%(oloi%all#

in%apa%itated

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt deleted t(e a"ard for )oral and e$e)plar# da)aes. It is

%ontradi%tor# to %(ara%teri>e a%ts as a prod'%t of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# and (en%e &e#ond t(e%ontrol of t(e part# &e%a'se of an innate ina&ilit# "(ile at t(e sa)e ti)e %onsiderin t(e sa)e setof a%ts as "illf'l. Ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# t(erefore re)oves t(e &asis for t(e %ontention t(at t(e petitioner p'rposel# de%eived t(e private respondent. (erefore, t(e a"ard of )oral da)aesda)aes "as "it(o't &asis in la" and in fa%t. in%e t(e a"ard of )oral and e$e)plar# da)aes"as no loner C'stified, t(e a"ard of attorne#Os fees and e$penses of litiation is left "it(o't &asis.

145



DIANA 0AR!ELONA, plaintiff 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS, defendant=.. No. 1300;. epte)&er 24, 2003

Facts:Bn 29 ar%( 1995, private respondent adeo . 7en>on *respondent adeo/< filed a

Petition for Ann'l)ent of arriae aainst petitioner Diana . 7ar%elona *petitioner Diana/<.Bn 9 a# 1995, respondent adeo filed a otion to +it(dra" Petition "(i%( t(e trial %o'rtranted in its Brder dated !'ne 1995. Bn 21 !'l# 1995, respondent adeo filed ane" a Petitionfor Ann'l)ent of arriae aainst petitioner Diana.Petitioner Diana filed a otion to Dis)isst(e se%ond petition on t"o ro'nds. @irst, t(e se%ond petition fails to state a %a'se of a%tion. (eroot %a'se of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# "as not properl# alleed. e%ond, it violates 'pre)e:o'rt Ad)inistrative :ir%'lar No. 04-94 *:ir%'lar No. 04-94/< on for') s(oppin.espondent adeo opposed t(e otion to "(i%( petitioner Diana filed Additional Ar')ents in'pport of t(e otion. (e lo"er %o'rts reCe%ted t(e petition, after "(i%( it "as sent to t(e'pre)e :o'rt.

Issue: a. Is a state)ent of a %a'se for a%tion re'ired in t(e de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae &. Is t(ere for') s(oppin %onstit'ted &# respondent adeo

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt denied t(e petition. A petition 'nder Arti%le 36 of t(e @a)il# :ode

s(all spe%ifi%all# allee t(e %o)plete fa%ts s(o"in t(at eit(er or &ot( parties "ere ps#%(oloi%all# in%apa%itated fro) %o)pl#in "it( t(e essential )arital o&liations of )arriaeat t(e ti)e of t(e %ele&ration of )arriae even if s'%( in%apa%it# &e%o)es )anifest onl# after its%ele&ration. e%tion 2, pararap( d< of t(e ne" 'les also provides t(at e$pert testi)on# neednot &e alleed. in%e t(e ne" 'les do not re'ire t(e petition to allee e$pert opinion on t(e ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#, it follo"s t(at t(ere is also no need to allee in t(e petition t(e root%a'se of t(e ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#.In deter)inin "(et(er t(e alleations of a %o)plaint are s'ffi%ient to s'pport a %a'se of a%tion,it )'st &e &orne in )ind t(at t(e %o)plaint does not (ave to esta&lis( or allee t(e fa%ts provint(e e$isten%e of a %a'se of a%tion at t(e o'tset t(is "ill (ave to &e done at t(e trial on t(e )eritsof t(e %ase.

(e first petition "as dis)issed "it(o't preC'di%e at t(e instan%e of respondent adeo toeep t(e pea%e &et"een (i) and (is ro"n 'p %(ildren. (e dis)issal (appened &efore servi%eof ans"er or an# responsive pleadin. :learl#, t(ere is no litis pendentia sin%e respondent adeo(ad alread# "it(dra"n and %a'sed t(e dis)issal of t(e first petition "(en (e s'&se'entl# filedt(e se%ond petition. Neit(er is t(ere res C'di%ata &e%a'se t(e dis)issal order "as not a de%isionon t(e )erits &'t a dis)issal *"it(o't preC'di%e./ ('sl#, for') s(oppin %o'ld not &eappli%a&le in t(is %ase.

146



REPU0LI!, petitioner 4s. TOSHIO HAMANO, defendant=.. No. 14949;. a# 20, 2004

Facts:Bn !'ne 1, 1996, respondent Lolita S'intero-a)ano filed a %o)plaint for de%laration

of n'llit# of (er )arriae to (er ('s&and os(io a)ano, a !apanese national, on t(e ro'nd of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#.espondent alleed t(at in B%to&er 19;6, s(e and os(io started a %o))on-la"

relations(ip in !apan. (e# later lived in t(e P(ilippines for a )ont(. (ereafter, os(io "ent &a% to !apan and sta#ed t(ere for (alf of 19;. Bn Nove)&er 16, 19;, s(e ave &irt( to t(eir %(ild.

Bn !an'ar# 14, 19;;, s(e and os(io "ere )arried &# !'de Isa'ro . 7alderia of t(e'ni%ipal rial :o'rt of 7a%oor, :avite. Jnno"n to respondent, os(io "as ps#%(oloi%all#in%apa%itated to ass')e (is )arital responsi&ilities, "(i%( in%apa%it# &e%a)e )anifest onl# after t(e )arriae. er ('s&and (ad sent t(e) finan%ial s'pport for t"o )ont(s and (ad a&andonedever sin%e. e did not even visit t(e) "(en (e ret'rned to t(e P(ilippines. (e "ife filed a

petition for t(e de%laration of n'llit# of t(e )arriae %itin t(e t(e ('s&and did not f'lfill an# of (is )arital o&liations. (e eional rial :o'rt ranted t(e petition "(i%( "as affir)ed &# t(eAppellate :o'rt.(e :o'rt of Appeals also added t(at t(is %ase %o'ld not &e e'ated "it(ep'&li% vs. :o'rt of Appeals and olina and antos vs. :o'rt of Appeals. In t(ose %ases, t(espo'ses "ere @ilipinos "(ile t(is %ase involved a *)i$ed )arriae,/ t(e ('s&and &ein a!apanese national.(e petitioner ep'&li% (o"ever for"arded t(e %ase to t(e 'pre)e :o'rt for revie".

Issue:Are t(e olina ='ildelines inappli%a&le in t(e instan%e of )i$ed )arriaes

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt ranted t(e petition. In provin ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#, t(ere is no

distin%tion &et"een an alien spo'se and a @ilipino spo'se. (ere %annot &e lenien%# in t(eappli%ation of t(e r'les )erel# &e%a'se t(e spo'se alleed to &e ps#%(oloi%all# in%apa%itated(appens to &e a forein national. (e )edi%al and %lini%al r'les to deter)ine ps#%(oloi%alin%apa%it# "ere for)'lated on t(e &asis of st'dies of (')an &e(avior in eneral. en%e, t(enor)s 'sed for deter)inin ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# s(o'ld appl# to an# person reardless of nationalit#.

In t(e %ase a&ove, t(e olina 'ildelines "ere not stri%tl# follo"ed in t(at t(ere "as no)edi%al illness t(at "as properl# identified. As it is, )ere a&andon)ent &# itself is ins'ffient to prove ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#.

14



FLOREN!E TE"ES MA!ARU00O, plaintiff 4s. EDMUNDO MA!ARU00O, defendantA.:. No. 614;. @e&r'ar# 2, 2004

Facts:Att#. Fd)'ndo L. a%arr'&o "as )arried to elen Fspar>a on !'ne 16, 19;2. Despite

t(is e$istin )arriae, (e %ontra%ted a se%ond one "it( @loren%e eves a%arr'&o, "it( "(o)(e (ad &orne t"o %(ildren, on De%e)&er 2;, 1991. Bn A''st 21, 199; a de%ision "as rendered &# t(e %o'rts de%larin (is first )arriae void on t(e &asis of (is "ifeOs ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#.@loren%e eves a%arr'&o %o)plainant<, &# (erself and on &e(alf of (er t"o %(ildren, filed on!'ne 6, 2000 a verified %o)plaint for dis&ar)ent aainst Att#. Fd)'ndo L. a%ar'&&orespondent< "it( t(e Interated 7ar of t(e P(ilippines I7P<. (e respondent (ad left (is se%ond"ife and "as )arried to anot(er "o)an, !osep(ine :onstantino, "it( "(o) (e (ad anot(er pendin %ase of ann'l)ent. (e respondent provided all relevant do%')ents s(o"in t(at (e (adno )ar of %ri)inalit# or "ron and t(at (e (ad provided s'pport for (is fa)il# t(o'(so)eti)es inter)ittent. (e investiatin &od# (en%e re%o))ended t(at (e &e s'spended for a period of t(ree )ont(s.

Issue::an t(e respondent validl# %ontra%t a se%ond )arriae "(en t(e prior )arriae "as

ann'lled on t(e &asis of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# #ears after t(e se%ond )arriae "assole)ni>ed

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt dis&arred t(e respondent fro) leal pra%ti%e. (e respondentOs

a%tions s(o" (is disrespe%t for t(e instit'tion of )arriae and t(e fa)il#. +(ile a first s(ot'n)arriae )a# &e e$%'sa&le on t(e part of a la"#er respondent, t"o %onse%'tive %lai)s of &eint(e vi%ti) in )arriae raises so)e 'estions. (e fa%t t(at anot(er petition for ann'l)ent isloded aainst t(e respondentOs t(ird "ife s(o"s (is non %o))it)ent to t(e so%ial instit'tion.is inter)ittent s'pport to (is %(ildren also does not %o)pensate for t(e )ont(l# s'pport t(at isneeded in t(eir s'stenan%e. (e respondent e$(i&ited ross i))oral %ond'%t in t(e instan%es)entioned a&ove.

(e de%ision, rendered in defa'lt of %o)plainant, %annot serve as res C'di%ata on t(e finalresol'tion of t(e present %ase. As t(is :o'rt (eld in In re Al)a%en, a dis&ar)ent %ase is s'ieneris for it is neit(er p'rel# %ivil nor p'rel# %ri)inal &'t is rat(er an investiation &# t(e :o'rtinto t(e %ond'%t of its offi%ers. ('s, if t(e a%'ittal of a la"#er in a %ri)inal a%tion is notdeter)inative of an ad)inistrative %ase aainst (i), or if an affidavit of "it(dra"al of adis&ar)ent %ase does not affe%t its %o'rse, t(en t(e C'd)ent of ann'l)ent of respondent8s)arriae does not also e$onerate (i) fro) a "rondoin a%t'all# %o))itted. o lon as t(e'ant') of proof M %lear preponderan%e of eviden%e M in dis%iplinar# pro%eedins aainst)e)&ers of t(e &ar is )et, t(en lia&ilit# atta%(es.

14;



DA"ID DEDEL, petitioner 4s !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent=.. No. 151;6. !an'ar# 29, 2004

Facts:Petitioner David 7. Dedel )arried respondent (aron L. :orp'> Dedel on a# 20, 196.

Petitioner avers t(at d'rin t(e )arriae, (aron t'rned o't to &e an irresponsi&le and i))at're"ife and )ot(er. (e (ad e$tra-)arital affairs "it( several )enG a dentist in t(e Ar)ed @or%esof t(e P(ilippines a Lie'tenant in t(e Presidential e%'rit# :o))and and later a !ordaniannational.

(aron "as on%e %onfir)ed in t(e anila edi%al :it# for treat)ent &# Dr. Lo'rdesLap'>, a %lini%al ps#%(iatrist. Petitioner alleed t(at despite t(e treat)ent, (aron did not stop(er illi%it relations(ip "it( t(e !ordanian national na)ed 'stafa I&ra(i), "(o) s(e )arriedand "it( "(o) s(e (ad t"o %(ildren. o"ever, "(en 'stafa I&ra(i) left t(e %o'ntr#, (aronret'rned to petitioner &rinin alon (er t"o %(ildren &# I&ra(i). Petitioner a%%epted (er &a% and even %onsidered t(e t"o illeiti)ate %(ildren as (is o"n. (ereafter, on De%e)&er 9, 1995,(aron a&andoned petitioner to Coin I&ra(i) in !ordan "it( t(eir t"o %(ildren. in%e t(en,

(aron "o'ld onl# ret'rn to t(e %o'ntr# on spe%ial o%%asions. @inall# t(e petitioner t(en filed a)otion for t(e de%laration of n'llit# of t(e )arriae &ased on ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#. (e petitioner presented Dr. Da#an Natividad "(o alleed t(at (aron s'ffered fro) Anti-o%ialdisorder e$(i&ited &# (er &latant displa# of infidelit# and a&andon)ent. (ese %(ara%teristi%srender (er 'na&le to perfor) essential )arital o&liations.

(e eional rial :o'rt de%lared t(e )arriae as n'll and void. (e Bffi%e of t(eoli%itor =eneral appealed and t(e :o'rt of Appeals reversed t(e earlier r'lin. (e petitioner t(en filed a )otion to t(e 'pre)e :o'rt allein t(at t(ere "as error in t(e C'd)ent of t(e:o'rt of Appeals.

Issue:Does t(e a&errant se$'al &e(avior of respondent adverted to &# petitioner fall "it(in t(e

ter) *ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#/

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt dis)issed t(e petition and affir)ed t(e r'lin t(e r'lin of t(e :o'rt

of Appeals. In t(is %ase, respondent8s se$'al infidelit# %an (ardl# 'alif# as &ein )entall# or ps#%(i%all# ill to s'%( an e$tent t(at s(e %o'ld not (ave no"n t(e o&liations s(e "as ass')in,or no"in t(e), %o'ld not (ave iven a valid ass')ption t(ereof. It appears t(at respondent8s pro)is%'it# did not e$ist prior to or at t(e in%eption of t(e )arriae. +(at is, in fa%t, dis%losed &# t(e re%ords is a &lissf'l )arital 'nion at its %ele&ration, later affir)ed in %('r%( rites, and"(i%( prod'%ed fo'r %(ildren. espondent8s se$'al infidelit# or perversion and a&andon)ent donot &# t(e)selves %onstit'te ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# "it(in t(e %onte)plation of t(e @a)il#:ode. Neit(er %o'ld (er e)otional i))at'rit# and irresponsi&ilit# &e e'ated "it( ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#.

149



REPU0LI!, petitioner 4s. A"ELINO DA%DA%, respondent=. No. 10995. @e&r'ar# 9,2001

Facts:

Bn epte)&er , 195, Frlinda atis )arried Avelino Paranan Dada. A "ee after t(e "eddin sins of t(e ('s&andOs i))at'rit# &ean to )anifest. e ind'led in drinin spreesand "o'ld ret'rn (o)e dr'n. e "o'ld for%e (is "ife to s'&)it to se$'al inter%o'rse and if s(eref'sed, (e "o'ld infli%t p(#si%al inC'ries on (er. Bn B%to&er 1993, (e left (is fa)il# aain andt(at "as t(e last t(e# (eard fro) (i). It "as learned t(at Avelino &e%a)e an es%aped %onvi%t andre)ained at-lare to date. Bn !'l# 3, 1990, Frlinda filed a petition for C'di%ial de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae on t(e ro'nd of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# 'nder Arti%le 36 of t(e @a)il#:ode. Frlinda testified and presented (er sis-in-la", irinia Dada, as (er onl# "itness. (etrial %o'rt rendered a de%ision de%larin t(e )arriae of Frlinda and Averlino void 'nder Arti%le36 of t(e @a)il# :ode. (e Bffi%e of t(e oli%itor =eneral filed a )otion for re%onsideration ont(e ro'nd t(at t(e de%ision "as not in a%%ordan%e "it( t(e eviden%e and t(e la".

Issue:+(at properl# %onstit'tes ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt ranted t(e petition of t(e B= and reversed and set aside t(e

assailed de%ision. in%e t(e olina 'ildelines "ere laid do"n, t(e %o'rts "ere e$pe%ted to &etter 'nderstand (o" to fa%ilitate %ases of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#. Frlina failed to %o)pl# "it('ideline No. 2 "(i%( re'ires t(at t(e root %a'se of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# )'st &e )edi%all#or %lini%all# identified and s'ffi%ientl# proven &# e$perts. F$pert testi)on# s(o'ld (ave also &een presented to esta&lis( t(e pre%ise %a'se of private respondentOs ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#.(e investiatin prose%'tor "as lie"ise not iven an opport'nit# to present %ontrovertineviden%e sin%e t(e trial %o'rtOs de%ision "as pre)at'rel# rendered.

150



LORNA PES!A, petitioner 4s ZOSIMO PES!A, respondent= No. 136921. April 1, 2001

Facts:

Petitioner Lorna = pes%a and respondent osi)o A . Pes%a "ere )arried on ar%( 195.In 19;;, t(e petitioner started noti%in sins of respondentOs ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# t(ro'((is (a&it'al drinin and p(#si%al a&'se. Fvent'all#, petitioner for"arded a %ase to t(e %o'rts for t(e ann'l)ent of t(e said )arriae. Bn Neve)&er 15, 1995, t(e eional rial :o'rt rendered itsde%ision, de%larin t(e )arriae &et"een t(e petitioner and respondent to &e n'll and void a&initio on t(e &asis of ps#%(oloi%l in%apa%it#. (e respondent appealed to t(e :o'rt of Appeals"(i%( rendered its de%ision in (is favor. 7ased on Arti%le 6; of t(e @a)il# :ode, in%apa%it# )'st &e rave, ps#%(oloi%al no p(#si%al, et%. (e :o'rt of Appeals reversed t(e de%ision of t(eeional rial :o'rt and de%lared t(e )arriae as valid. (e petitioner filed a )otion to t(e'pre)e :o'rt statin t(at G1< (e do%trine laid do"n in antos vs :A and ep'&li% vs :A and olina s(o'ld &ear no

retora%tive effe%t.2< (e appli%ation of t(e antos and oiline di%ta s(o'ld "arrant onl# a re)and of t(e %ase tot(e rial :o'rts for f'rt(er pro%eedins and not dis)issal.

Issues:a. +(at %onstit'tes ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# &. o" s(o'ld previo's C'di%ial de%isions affe%t f't're %ases

Ruling:(e petition "as dis)issed for la% of )erit. It "as (eld t(at t(e %la'se ps#%(oloi%al

in%apa%it# 'nder Arti%le 35 of t(e @a)il# :ode (as not &een )eant to en%o)pass all possi&le ps#%(oses, e)otional i))at'rit# and irresponsi&ilit# involved. (e de%isions fro) antos andolina (as t(e for%e of la" 'nder t(e do%trine of tare De%isis, ordained in Arti%le ; of t(e Ne":ivil :ode. !'rispr'den%e "o'ld %onstit'te part of t(at la" as of t(e date t(e stat'te is ena%ted.

151



0RENDA MAR!OS, petitioner 4s. 7ILSON MAR!OS, respondent= No. 136490. B%to&er 19,2000

Facts:(e )arriae &et"een petitioner 7renda 7. ar%os and respondent +ilson =. ar%os

"as sole)ni>ed on epte)&er 6, 19;2. +ilson "as a )ilitar# )an &'t left t(e servi%e after t(edo"nfall of ar%os in 19;. (ereafter, t(e %o'ple &ean e$perien%in )arital pro&le)s. +ilson"as 'na&le to find ainf'l e)plo#)ent over "(i%( t(e# "o'ld 'arrel. e "o'ld &eat (is "ifeand %(ildren and for%e (er to (ave se$ "it( (i). e "o'ld also leave several ti)es d'rin t(eir %o(a&itation. In 1992, t(e# "ere alread# livin separatel#. (e petitioner filed a petition for de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae on t(e ro'nd of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#. (e petitioner s'&)itted (erself to ps#%(oloist Natividad A. Da#an, P(.D for ps#%(olo%al eval'ation. (eeional rial :o'rt fo'nd t(e )arriae n'll and void. (e :o'rt of Appeals reversed t(is and(eld t(at ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# (ad not &een esta&lis(ed &# t(e t(e totalit# of t(e eviden%e presented. (e appellant "as not s'&Ce%ted to an# ps#%(oloi%al or ps#%(iatri% eval'ation eit(er.

Issue: Is ps#%(oloi%al e$a)ination of t(e respondent re'ired for t(e de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae on t(e ro'nd of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt denied t(e petition and 'p(eld t(e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals.

Personal )edi%al or ps#%(oloi%al e$a)ination of respondent "as not a re'ire)ent for ade%laration of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#. Nevert(eless, t(e totalit# of t(e eviden%e s(e presenteddid not s(o" s'%( in%apa%it#. (ere "as a&sol'tel# no s(o"in t(at respondentOs defe%ts "erealread# present at t(e in%eption of t(e )arriae or t(at t(e# "ere in%'ra&le. (e &e(avior of t(erespondent %o'ld &e attri&'ted to t(e fa%t t(at (e (ad lost (is Co& and "as not ainf'll# e)plo#edfor a period of not )ore t(an si$ #ears. At &est, t(e eviden%e presented &# petitioner refers onl#to ro'nds for leal separation, not for de%larin a )arriae void.

152



LU!ITA HERNANDEZ, petitioner 4s !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent= No. 126010. De%e)&er ;, 1999

Facts:

Petitioner L'%ita Fstrella ernande> and private respondent ario :. ernande> "ere)arried on !an'ar# 1, 19;1. Bn !'l# 10, 1992 filed a petition seein t(e ann'l)ent of (er )arriae to private respondent on t(e ro'nd of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# of t(e latter. It "asalleed t(at (e failed to s'pport t(e fa)il# and %ontri&'te to t(e )anae)ent of t(e (o'se(old.e "as a (a&it'al driner, %o(a&ited "it( anot(er "o)an "it( "(o) (e (ad an illeite)ate%(ild, and (ad trans)itted to (er a se$'all# trans)itted disease D< &e%a'se of (is pro)is%'it#. e "as irresponsi&le, i))at're, 'nprepared for t(e d'ties of )arried life. Fster Alfaro, petitionerOs %(ild(ood friend testified d'rin t(e (earin on t(e petition for ann'l)ent.Fster testified t(at L'%ita "as on%e (ospitali>ed &e%a'se s(e "as &eaten 'p &# ario. (e rial:o'rt dis)issed t(e petition. It fo'nd t(e ro'nds alleed as ro'nds for leal separation and notfor a de%laration of n'llit# of )arriaes. (e D "as also trans)itted five #ears after )arriae

and t('sl# %o'ld not %onstit'te fra'd. (e :o'rt of Appeals 'p(eld t(e de%ision "(i%( left petitioner to for"ard a )otion to t(e 'pre)e :o'rt.

Isssue:+(at %onstit'tes ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt affir)ed t(e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals. (e petitioner failed to

esta&lis( t(e fa%t t(at private respondent "as s'fferin fro) a ps#%(oloi%al defe%t at t(e start of t(eir )arriae. Private respondentOs alleed (a&it'al al%o(olis), se$'al infidelit# or peversion,and a&andon)ent do not &# t(e)selves %onstit'te ro'nds for findin t(at (e "as s'fferin fro)a ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# "it(in t(e %onte)plation of t(e @a)il# :ode. It )'st &e s(o"n t(att(e a%ts are )anifestations of a disrdered personalit# "(i%( )ae private respondent %o)pletel#'na&le to dis%(are t(e essential o&liations of t(e )arital state, and not )erel# d'e to privaterespondentOs #o't( and self-%ons%io's feelin of &ein (andso)e. orever, e$pert testi)on#s(o'ld (ave &een presented to esta&lis( t(e pre%ise %a'se of private respondentOs ps#%(oloi%alin%apa%it#, if an#, in order to s(o" t(at it e$isted at t(e in%aption of t(e )arriae.

153



"IR%ILIO MA5UILAN, petitioner 4s DITA MA5UILAN, respondent= No. 155409. !'ne ;, 200

Facts:irilio a'ilan and Dita a'ilan lived a &lissf'l )arried life and o't of "(i%( "ere

&lessed to (ave a son. o"ever, t(e ro)an%e ended "(en t(e "ife "as fo'nd o't to (ave ane$tra-)arital affair. (e and (er para)o'r "ere %onvi%ted of ad'lter# and "ere senten%ed tos'ffer i)prison)ent. Bn !'ne 15, 2001, private respondent, t(ro'( %o'nsel, filed a petition for de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae, dissol'tion and li'idation of %onC'al partners(ip of ainsand da)aes. D'rin pre-trial of t(e said %ase, petitioner and private respondent entered into a%o)pro)ise aree)ent. (e %o)pro)ise aree)ent "as iven C'di%al i)pri)at'r, "(i%( "aserroneo'sl# dated !an'ar# 2, 2002. o"ever, petitioner filed an B)ni&'s )otion dated !an'ar#15, 2002 pra#in for t(e rep'diation of t(e said aree)ent. +it( t(e lo"er %o'rts %ontin'o'sl#den#in rep'diation, petitioner event'all# %a)e to t(e 'pre)e :o'rt "it( t(e sa)e )otion%itin a)on (is reasons t(at t(e aree)ent is void for (avin failed to se%'re t(e presen%e of t(e tate t(ro'( t(e Bffi%e of t(e oli%itor =eneral d'in its ena%t)ent.

Issue:+(en is tate presen%e re'ired in arital :ases as defined 'nder Art. 4; of t(e @a)il#

:ode<

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt denied t(e petition and validated t(e %o)pro)ise aree)ent. (e

p'rpose of t(e a%tive parti%ipation of t(e p'&li% prose%'tor or t(e B= is to ens're t(at t(einterest of t(e state is represented and prote%ted in pro%eedins for ann'l)ent and de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae &# preventin %oll'sion &et"een t(e parties, or t(e fa&ri%ation, or s'ppressionof eviden%e. Not(in in t(e s'&Ce%t %o)pro)ise aree)ent to'%(ed into t(e ver# )erits of t(e%ase of n'llit# of )arriae. It )erel# pertains to an aree)ent &et"een petitioner and privaterespondent to separate t(eir %onC'al properties partiall#.

154



REPU0LI! OF THE PHILIPPINES, petitioner, vs. !UISON2MEL%AR, respondent=.. No. 13966. ar%( 31, 2006

Facts:In 1965, Nor)a and F'loio "ere )arried and t(eir 'nion &eot five %(ildren. In 1996, Nor)a filed for

de%laration of n'llit# of (er )arriae on t(e ro'nd of F'loio8s ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# to %o)pl# "it( (isessential )arital o&liations. '))ons "ere served to F'loio, (o"ever, (e failed to file an ans"er "it(in t(erele)entar# period. (e : ordered t(e P'&li% Prose%'tor to %ond'%t an investiation on t(e %ase to deter)ine"(et(er or not t(ere e$ists %oll'sion &et"een t(e %ontendin parties and "it( t(is, fo'nd none. Jpon )otion of Nor)a8s %o'nsel, t(e : allo"ed t(e presentation of eviden%e. (e testified t(at F'loio "as s'fferin fro) ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# )anifested &# t(e latter8s i))at'rit#, (a&it'al al%o(olis), 'n&eara&le Cealo's#,)altreat)ent, %onstit'tional la>iness, and a&andon)ent of (is fa)il# sin%e 19;5.Bn !an'ar# 20, 199 or t"elveda#s after t(e re%eption of eviden%e, t(e : rendered its de%ision n'llif#in t(e )arriae of Nor)a and F'loio"(i%( t(e :A affir)ed. Petitioner, represented &# t(e Bffi%e of t(e oli%itor =eneral B=<, filed an appeal "it( t(e:A, %ontendin t(at t(e eviden%e presented are not s'ffi%ient to de%lare t(e )arriae void 'nder Arti%le 36 of t(e@a)il# :ode.

Issue:a. +(et(er t(e alleed ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# of respondent of respondent is in t(e nat're

%onte)plated &# Arti%le 36 of t(e @a)il# :ode.

&. +(et(er defa'lts in a%tions for ann'l)ent of )arriae or for leal separation are a%%epted in %o'rts.

Ruling:a. (e B= s'&)its t(at Nor)a8s %o))ents are irrelevant and not responsive to t(e ar')ents in t(e

petition. Nonet(eless, t(e B= reiterates t(at Nor)a8s eviden%e fell s(ort of t(e re'ire)ents of t(ela" sin%e no %o)petent eviden%e "as presented d'rin t(e trial to prove t(at F'loio8s ina&ilit# to loo for a Co&, (is res'ltin dr'nenness, Cealo's# and ot(er disareea&le &e(avior are )anifestations of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# 'nder Arti%le 36 of t(e @a)il# :ode.

&. e%tion 6 of 'le 1; of t(e 19;5 'les of :o'rt,V23W t(e r'le t(en appli%a&le, providesG

e%. 6. No defa'lts in a%tions for ann'l)ent of )arriae or for leal separation. - If t(e defendant in ana%tion for ann'l)ent of )arriae or for leal separation fails to ans"er, t(e %o'rt s(all order t(e prose%'tin attorne# to investiate "(et(er or not a%oll'sion &et"een t(e parties e$ists, and if t(ere is

no %oll'sion, to intervene for t(e tate in order to see to it t(at t(e eviden%e s'&)itted is not fa&ri%ated.

(e trial %o'rt )'st order t(e prose%'tin attorne# or fis%al and t(e oli%itor =eneral to appear as %o'nselfor t(e state. No de%ision s(all &e (anded do"n 'nless t(e oli%itor =eneral iss'es a %ertifi%ation, "(i%("ill &e 'oted in t(e de%ision, &riefl# statin t(erein (is reasons for (is aree)ent or opposition, as t(e %ase)a# &e, to t(e petition. (e oli%itor =eneral, alon "it( t(e prose%'tin attorne#, s(all s'&)it to t(e %o'rts'%( %ertifi%ation "it(in fifteen 15< da#s fro) t(e date t(e %ase is dee)ed s'&)itted for resol'tion of t(e%o'rt.

In t(is %ase, t(e tate did not a%tivel# parti%ipate in t(e prose%'tion of t(e %ase at t(e trial level.Bt(er t(an t(e P'&li% Prose%'tor8s anifestation t(at no %oll'sion e$isted &et"een t(e %ontendin partiesand t(e &rief %ross-e$a)ination "(i%( (ad &arel# s%rat%(ed t(e s'rfa%e, no pleadin, )otion, or position paper "as filed &# t(e P'&li% Prose%'tor or t(e B=. (e tate s(o'ld (ave &een iven t(e opport'nit# to

present %ontrovertin eviden%e &efore t(e C'd)ent "as rendered.

(e de%ision of : and :A is reversed and set aside.

155



MAR%IE !ORPUS, petitioner, vs. O!HOTORENA, respondentA.. No. !-04-1;61. !'l# 30, 2004

Facts:In 2001, a verified %o)plaint for de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae "as filed aainst rs. arie :orp's-

a%ias &# ariano !oa'in . a%ias, (er ('s&and and in%')&ent presidin C'de of :, 7ran%( 11, Lilo#,a)&oana Del Norte. (e %ase "as raffled to t(e C'de B%(otorena8s %o'rt. Bn t(e sa)e da# t(e %o)plaint "asfiled, t(e respondent i))ediatel# iss'ed s'))ons to rs. a%ias. o"ever, t(e s'))ons "as not served on rs.a%ias &e%a'se (er "(erea&o'ts "ere alleedl# 'nno"n. :onse'entl#, r. a%ias filed a )otion to serves'))ons &# p'&li%ation. (e respondent ranted t(e )otion in (is order dated ar%( , 2001, "it( t(e dire%tivet(at rs. a%ias s(o'ld file (er ans"er "it(in 30 da#s after noti%e. (ereafter, r. a%ias %a'sed t(e p'&li%ation of t(e s'))ons in t(e lo%al "eel# ne"spaper. +it(in t(e 30-da# period to file an ans"er, s(e filed a )otion todis)iss, "(i%( s(e set for (earin on April 20, 2001. o"ever, instead of first a%tin 'pon t(e )otion, t(erespondent C'de set t(e (earin on t(e )erits of t(e s'&Ce%t on April 19, 2001 or one da# &efore. Bn April 19, 2001,respondent C'de denied t(e otion to Dis)iss and re-set t(e (earin on t(e )erits to April 30, a# 2 and 3, 2001.After t(e s%(ed'led (earins and "(ile vario's )otions &# t(e petitioner "ere still pendin, t(e respondent C'deter)inated t(e pro%eedins and de%lared t(e %ase s'&)itted for de%ision. ('s, rs. a%ias filed a %o)plaintaainst respondent &efore t(e Bffi%e of t(e :o'rt Ad)inistrator.

Issue:+(et(er !'de B%(otorena a%ted "it( ross inoran%e of t(e la" and pro%ed're "(i%( deprived of t(e

petitioner (er f'nda)ental ri(t to d'e pro%ess "it( 't)ost &ias and partialit# for r. a%ias.

Ruling:(e respondent C'de disrearded t(e provisions of e%tion 1, 'le 1; of t(e 199 'les on :ivil

Pro%ed're, "(i%( states t(atG After t(e last pleadin (as &een served and filed, it s(all &e t(e d't# of t(e plaintiff to pro)ptl# )ove e$-parte t(at t(e %ase &e set for pre-trial. :onsiderin t(at t(e last pleadin "as rs. a%ias8 otionto Dis)iss, t(e respondent C'de s(o'ld (ave first resolved t(e )otion and t(en "aited for r. a%ias8 )otion to sett(e %ase for pre-trial.+(at (appened in t(e %ase is a %lassi% e$a)ple of *railroading / or * procedural short-cut ./

It is also "ort( )entionin t(at even if rs. a%ias failed to file (er ans"er to t(e %o)plaint after t(e period t(erefor (ad elapsed, t(e respondent C'de "as not a't(ori>ed to %ond'%t a (earin of t(e %ase on its )erits. (e 'les of :o'rt pro(i&its defa'lt pro%eedins in %ases involvin de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae.

e%tion 3, 'le 9 of t(e 199 'les of :ivil Pro%ed're )aes t(e report of t(e P'&li% Prose%'tor a%ondition sine qua non for f'rt(er pro%eedins to o on in t(e %ase. (is "as inored &# respondent C'de. +(ile t(ere%ord s(o"s t(at t(e p'&li% prose%'tor (ad filed a #ertification statin t(at (e appeared in &e(alf of t(e oli%itor =eneral d'rin t(e ex-parte presentation of plaintiff8s eviden%e and (ad no o&Ce%tion to t(e rantin of t(e petitionfor de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae, s'%( #ertification does not s'ffi%e to %o)pl# "it( t(e )andator# re'ire)entt(at t(e %o'rt s(o'ld order t(e investiatin p'&li% prose%'tor "(et(er a %oll'sion e$ists &et"een t(e parties. '%(dire%tive )'st &e )ade &# t(e %o'rt &efore trial %o'ld pro%eed, not after t(e trial on t(e )erits of t(e %ase (adalread# &een (ad. Nota&l#, said #ertification "as filed after t(e respondent C'de (ad ordered t(e ter)ination of t(e%ase.

espondent %o)p'lsoril# retired fro) t(e servi%e on !'ne 04, 2001, t('s, dis)issal or s'spension fro) t(eservi%e is no loner possi&le. Nonet(eless, a penalt# of fine "ort( P20,000.00 "as i)posed p'rs'ant to e%tion 3 inrelation to e%tion 10 of 'le 140 of t(e 'les of :o'rt "(i%( rants t(at ross inoran%e of t(e la" is %onsidered aserio's offense, for "(i%( a penalt# of eit(er dis)issal fro) t(e servi%e "it( forfeit're of &enefits, s'spension fro)

offi%e for )ore t(an t(ree 3< )ont(s &'t not e$%eedin si$ 6< )ont(s or a fine of )ore t(an "ent# (o'sandPesos P20,000.00< &'t not e$%eedin @ort# (o'sand Pesos P

40,000.00< )a# &e i)posed.

156



MARIANO MA!IAS, petitioner, vs. MAR%IE MA!IAS, respondent=.. No. 14961. epte)&er 3, 2003

Facts:!'de ariano !oa'in . a%ias (erein petitioner< filed "it( t(e eional rial :o'rt, 7ran%( 11,

indanan, a)&oana del Norte, a petition for de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae aainst arie :orp's a%ias(erein respondent< on @e&r'ar# 6, 2001. '))ons "as not served on rs. a%ias &e%a'se (er "(erea&o'ts "erealleedl# 'nno"n. :onse'entl#, r. a%ias filed a )otion to serve s'))ons &# p'&li%ation. (e latter "asranted and in an order dated ar%( , 2001 "as a dire%tive t(at rs. a%ias s(o'ld file (er ans"er "it(in 30 da#safter noti%e. (ereafter, r. a%ias %a'sed t(e p'&li%ation of t(e s'))ons in t(e lo%al "eel# ne"spaper. Insteadof filin an ans"er, respondent, t(ro'( %o'nsel, on April 10, 2001, filed a )otion to dis)iss t(e petition. Bn April19, 2001, t(e trial %o'rt iss'ed an Brder den#in respondent8s )otion to dis)iss. In%identall#, in t(e sa)e Brder,t(e trial %o'rt ranted respondent8s re'est via lon distan%e telep(one %all< to set t(e (earin on April 30, 2001.(e (earin set on April 30, 2001 "as %an%elled for fail're of respondent and %o'nsel as "ell as t(e e$pert "itnessto appear. Bn t(e sa)e da#, t(e trial %o'rt iss'ed an Brder settin t(e (earin ane" on a# 2 and 3, 2001.espondent re%eived a %op# of t(is Brder onl# on a# ;, 2001. ('s, "(en t(e %ase "as %alled for (earin ass%(ed'led, respondent and %o'nsel, not &ein d'l# notified, did not appear. 'rprisinl#, t(e trial %o'rt allo"ed t(e petitioner to present (is eviden%e ex parte.

Bn a# 5, 2001, respondent still 'na"are t(at t(e %ase (ad &een s'&)itted for de%ision, filed a )otion for re%onsideration of t(e Brder dated April 19, 2001 den#in (er )otion to dis)iss. (e trial %o'rt )erel# noted t(e

)otion for re%onsideration in (is Brder dated a# 16, 2001. :onse'entl#, on a# 1;, 2001, respondent filed "it(t(e :o'rt of Appeals a petition for %ertiorari "it( pra#er for iss'an%e of a te)porar# restrainin order andor a "ritof preli)inar# inC'n%tion %(allenin t(e trial %o'rt8s Brder dated April 19, 2001 "(i%( denied (er )otion todis)iss. A%tin t(ereon, t(e :o'rt of Appeals, in a esol'tion dated a# 23, 2001, enCoined t(e trial %o'rt fro)%ond'%tin f'rt(er pro%eedins.

Issue:+(et(er t(e petitioner "as deprived, &# t(e espondent :o'rt, of (er ri(t to d'e pro%ess ens(rined in

Arti%le III, e%tion 1 of t(e 19; :onstit'tion.

Ruling:(e (earins of t(e %o)plaint of t(e private respondent, on its )erits, "ere a &latant transression &# t(e

respondent of t(e f'nda)ental ri(t of t(e petitioner to d'e pro%ess. Petitioner learned of t(e %o)plaint and

s'))ons a&o't t(e first "ee of April, 2001 on t(e &asis of t(e ar%( 11-1, 2001 iss'e of t(e Uino Penins'la.8Fven if t(e t(irt#-da# period fi$ed &# t(e espondent :o'rt "as re%oned fro) t(e ar%( 11-1, 2001 iss'e of t(eUino Penins'la,8 t(e Petitioner (ad 'ntil April 16, 2001 "it(in "(i%( to file a Uotion to Dis)iss8 'nder e%tion1, 'le 16 of t(e 199 'les of :ivil Pro%ed're or file an Ans"er to t(e %o)plaint. o"ever, s(e opted to file, onApril 10, 2001, a Uotion to Dis)iss,8 instead of filin an Ans"er to t(e %o)plaint. (e filin of said )otions'spended t(e period for (er to file (er Ans"er to t(e %o)plaint. Jntil said )otion is resolved &# t(e espondent:o'rt "it( finalit#, it &e(ooved t(e espondent :o'rt to s'spend t(e (earins of t(e %ase on t(e )erits.

(e Petitioner )a# file a Uotion for e%onsideration8 of said Brder %onfor)a&l# "it( e%tion 5, 'le 135of t(e 'les of :o'rt. Jntil t(en, a (earin of t(e %ase on its )erits is i)per)issi&le and a travest#. o"ever, even &efore t(e Petitioner %o'ld &e served "it( a %op# of t(e order of t(e espondent :o'rt den#in (er Uotion toDis)iss,8 t(e espondent :o'rt pro%eeded "it( t(e (earin of t(e %ase on its )erits. In t(e %ase at &ar, t(e trial %o'rtdid not o&serve t(e r'di)entar# prin%iple of d'e pro%ess ens(rined in o'r :onstit'tion. Neit(er did it %o)pl# "it( pertinent pro%ed'ral r'les.

15



FLOREN!E SIN, petitioner, vs. PHILLIP SIN, respondent=.. No. 13590. ar%( 26, 2001

Facts:

Bn !an'ar# 4, 19;, after a t"o-#ear %o'rts(ip and enae)ent, @loren%e and respondent P(ilipp . in

(ereafter *P(ilipp/<, a Port'ese %iti>en, "ere )arried. In 1994, @loren%e filed a %o)plaint for *de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae/ aainst P(ilipp. : dis)issed t(e said petition "(i%( "as affir)ed &# t(e :o'rt of Appealsdespite )otions for re%onsideration. (ro'(o't t(e trial in t(e lo"er %o'rt, t(e tate did not parti%ipate in t(e pro%eedins. +(ile @is%al !ose Danilo :. !a&son filed "it( t(e trial %o'rt a )anifestation dated Nove)&er 16, 1994,statin t(at (e fo'nd no %oll'sion &et"een t(e parties, (e did not a%tivel# parti%ipate t(erein. Bt(er t(an enterin (isappearan%e at %ertain (earins of t(e %ase, not(in )ore "as (eard fro) (i). Neit(er did t(e presidin !'de taean# step to en%o'rae t(e fis%al to %ontri&'te to t(e pro%eedins.

Issue:+(at is t(e )andator# o&liation of t(e tate in t(e pro%ed'res e)&odied "it(in t(e prose%'tion of a %ase

for t(e de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae

Ruling:

Arti%le 4; of t(e @a)il# :ode states t(at in all %ases of ann'l)ent or de%laration of a&sol'te n'llit# of )arriae, the #ourt shall order t(e prose%'tin attorne# or fis%al assined to it to appear on &e(alf of t(e tate totae steps to prevent %oll'sion &et"een t(e parties and to ta$e care that evidence is not fabricated or suppressed . It%an &e ar'ed t(at sin%e t(e lo"er %o'rt dis)issed t(e petition, t(e evil so'(t to &e prevented i.e., dissol'tion of t(e )arriae< did not %o)e a&o't, (en%e, t(e la% of parti%ipation of t(e tate "as %'red. Not so. (e tas of prote%tin )arriae as an inviola&le so%ial instit'tion re'ires viilant and >ealo's parti%ipation and not )ere pro-

forma %o)plian%e. (e prote%tion of )arriae as a sa%red instit'tion re'ires not C'st t(e defense of a tr'e anden'ine 'nion &'t t(e e$pos're of an invalid one as "ell. In Republic vs. #%, it "as %learl# stated t(atG (e trial%o'rt )'st order t(e prose%'tin attorne# or fis%al and t(e oli%itor =eneral to appear as %o'nsel for t(e state. Node%ision s(all &e (anded do"n 'nless t(e oli%itor =eneral iss'es a %ertifi%ation, "(i%( "ill &e 'oted in t(ede%ision, &riefl# statin t(erein (is reasons for his agreement or opposition as the case ma! be, to the

petition. (e re%ords are &ereft of an# eviden%e t(at t(e tate parti%ipated in t(e prose%'tion of t(e %ase not C'st att(e trial level &'t on appeal "it( t(e :o'rt of Appeals as "ell.

(e @a)il# :ode e)p(asi>es t(e per)anent nat're of )arriae, (ailin it as t(e fo'ndation of t(e fa)il#.o"ever, t(is inviola&ilit# depends on "(et(er t(e )arriae e$ists and is valid. If it is void ab initio, t(e*per)anen%e/ of t(e 'nion &e%o)es irrelevant, and t(e :o'rt %an step in to de%lare it so. Arti%le 36 of t(e @a)il#:ode is t(e C'stifi%ation. A de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae 'nder Arti%le 36 of t(e @a)il# :ode re'ires t(eappli%ation of pro%ed'ral and s'&stantive 'idelines. +(ile %o)plian%e "it( t(ese re'ire)ents )ostl# devolves'pon petitioner, t(e tate is lie"ise )andated to a%tivel# intervene in t(e pro%ed're. 7e%a'se of non-%o)plian%e &#t(e tate "it( its stat'tor# d't#, t(e %ase is t(erefore re)anded to t(e lo"er %o'rt for proper trial.

15;



MARIETTA AN!HETA, petitioner, vs. RODOLFO AN!HETA, respondent=.. No. 14530. ar%( 4, 2004

Facts:

arietta, petitioner, toet(er "it( t(eir seven %(ildren, after t(ree #ears of )arriae, "asa&andoned &# (er ('s&and odolfo. ('s t(e for)er filed an a%tion for dissol'tion of t(eir %onC'al partners(ip and C'di%ial separation of propert# "it( a plea for s'pport and t(ere&#e$e%'ted a %o)pro)ise aree)ent "(i%( "as ranted &# t(e %o'rt. (e respondent, "it( (isintention to re)arr#, filed a petition for de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae fro) arietta on t(ero'nd of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it#. +it( (is f'll no"lede t(at (is "ife alread# resided in:avite, (e entered an address different fro) t(at of t(e for)er8s "(ere s'))ons for t(e trial &eserved. :orollar# to t(is, s'))ons "as ret'rned not served res'ltin to petitioner8s ina&ilit# toattend and parti%ipate. rial ens'ed and respondent presented pie%es of eviden%e e$ parte "(i%(led to petitioner8s defa'lt and t(ere&# ranted t(e ann'l)ent of t(eir )arriae. arietta t(ereforefiled a )otion for re%onsideration for la% of C'risdi%tion "(i%( t(e :o'rt of Appeals denied.

Issue:Is t(e de%ision rantin t(e de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae &# defa'lt tena&le

Ruling: No. (e a%t'ations of t(e trial %o'rt and t(e p'&li% prose%'tor are in defian%e of Arti%le

4; of t(e @a)il# :ode, "(i%( readsG

Arti%le 4;. In all %ases of ann'l)ent or de%laration of a&sol'te n'llit# of )arriae, t(e

:o'rt s(all order t(e prose%'tin attorne# or fis%al assined to it to appear on &e(alf of t(e tateto tae steps to prevent %oll'sion &et"een t(e parties and to tae %are t(at eviden%e is notfa&ri%ated or s'ppressed.

(e trial %o'rt and t(e p'&li% prose%'tor also inored 'le 1;, e%tion 6 of t(e 19;5'les of :o'rt no" 'le 9, e%tion 3VeW of t(e 199 'les of :ivil Pro%ed're< "(i%( providesG

e%. 6. No defa'lts in a%tions for ann'l)ent of )arriae or for leal separation.Y If t(edefendant in an a%tion for ann'l)ent of )arriae or for leal separation fails to ans"er, t(e %o'rts(all order t(e prose%'tin attorne# to investiate "(et(er or not a %oll'sion &et"een t(e partiese$its, and if t(ere is no %oll'sion, to intervene for t(e tate in order to see to it t(at t(e eviden%es'&)itted is not fa&ri%ated.

159



EMILIO TUASON, petitioner , 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS an3MARIA "I!TORIA L. TUASON, respondent

=.. No. 11660. April 10, 1996

Facts:

aria i%toria 'ason filed a petition for ann'l)ent or de%laration of n'llit# of (er )arriae to petitioner F)ilio . 'ason. (e alleed t(at t(e# "ere )arried in 192 and fro)t(is 'nion, &eot t"o %(ildren t(at at t(e ti)e of t(e )arriae, petitioner "as alread# ps#%(oloi%all# in%apa%itated to %o)pl# "it( (is essential )arital o&liations "(i%( &e%a)e)anifest after"ard and res'lted in violent fi(ts t(at petitioner 'sed pro(i&ited dr's, "as a"o)ani>er, left t(e %onC'al (o)e and %o(a&ited "it( t(ree "o)en in s'%%ession, ave )ini)als'pport to t(e fa)il#, a spendt(rift t(at atte)pts at re%on%iliation "ere )ade &'t t(e# all failed &e%a'se of petitioner8s ref'sal to refor). Petitioner denied t(e i)p'tations aainst (i). (e trial"as reset d'e to F)ilio8s %o'nsel8s petition for s'spension of trial "(i%( t(e %o'rt ranted.o"ever, d'rin t(e areed date of trial, petitioner failed to appear t(ere&# arnerin a de%ision

in defa'lt "(i%( is in favor of private respondent. Petitioner, t(ro'( ne" %o'nsel, filed "it( t(etrial %o'rt a petition for relief fro) C'd)ent. Petitioner also insisted t(at (e (as a valid and)eritorio's defense. e %ited t(e @a)il# :ode "(i%( provides t(at in a%tions for ann'l)ent of )arriae or leal separation, t(e prose%'tin offi%er s(o'ld intervene for t(e state &e%a'se t(ela" *loos "it( disfavor 'pon t(e (ap(a>ard de%laration of ann'l)ent of )arriaes &# defa'lt./

Issue:

Is t(e petitioner8s %ontention tena&le

Ruling:

No. (e fa%ts in t(e %ase at &ar do not %all for t(e stri%t appli%ation of Arti%les 4; and 60of t(e @a)il# :ode. @or one, petitioner "as not de%lared in defa'lt &# t(e trial %o'rt for fail're toans"er. Petitioner filed (is ans"er to t(e %o)plaint and %ontested t(e %a'se of a%tion alleed &# private respondent. e a%tivel# parti%ipated in t(e pro%eedins &elo" &# filin several pleadinsand %ross-e$a)inin t(e "itnesses of private respondent. It is %r#stal %lear t(at ever# stae of t(elitiation "as %(ara%teri>ed &# a no-(olds &arred %ontest and not &# %oll'sion.

(e role of t(e prose%'tin attorne# or fis%al in ann'l)ent of )arriae and lealseparation pro%eedins is to deter)ine "(et(er %oll'sion e$ists &et"een t(e parties and to tae%are t(at t(e eviden%e is not s'ppressed or fa&ri%ated. Petitioner8s ve(e)ent opposition to t(e

ann'l)ent pro%eedins neates t(e %on%l'sion t(at %oll'sion e$isted &et"een t(e parties. (ereis no alleation &# t(e petitioner t(at eviden%e "as s'ppressed or fa&ri%ated &# an# of t(e parties. Jnder t(ese %ir%')stan%es, t(e :o'rt is %onvin%ed t(at t(e non-intervention of a prose%'tin attorne# to ass're la% of %oll'sion &et"een t(e %ontendin parties is not fatal to t(evalidit# of t(e pro%eedins in t(e trial %o'rt.

160



!ON!EP!ION PA!ETE, petitioner, vs. HON. !ARRIA%A, R., respondent=.. No. 53;;0. ar%( 1, 1994

Facts:

:on%ep%ion Alanis-Pa%ete filed a %o)plaint for t(e de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae &et"een (er ('s&and Fnri%o Pa%ete and one :larita de la :on%ep%ion "(o) (e )arried "(en (is)arriae "it( :on%ep%ion Alanis "as still s'&sistin, as "ell as for leal separation, a%%o'ntinand separation of properties. Alanis averred t(at Pa%ete also inored overt'res for an a)i%a&lesettle)ent and t(at re%on%iliation &et"een (er and Pa%ete "as i)possi&le sin%e t(e latter evidentl# preferred to %ontin'e livin "it( :larita. (e defendants "ere ea%( served s'))onsand as response, t(e# filed for several )otions for e$tension "(i%( t(e %o'rt ranted e$%ept for t(e last )otion. (e plaintiff t(ere'pon filed a )otion to de%lare t(e defendants in defa'lt, "(i%(t(e %o'rt ranted and %onse'entl# dire%ted (er to present eviden%e. As a res'lt t(ereof, a de%reeof leal separation of t(eir )arriae "as iss'ed.

Issue:

Is t(e %o'rt8s denial for t(e petitioners8 )otion for e$tension of ti)e to file t(eir ans"er and in de%larin t(e) in defa'lt valid

Ruling:

No. Jnder Arti%le 60 of t(e @a)il# :ode, no de%ree of leal separation s(all &e &ased'pon a stip'lation of fa%ts or a %onfession of C'd)ent. In an# %ase, t(e %o'rt s(all order t(e prose%'tin attorne# or fis%al assined to it to tae steps to prevent %oll'sion &et"een t(e partiesand to tae %are t(at t(e eviden%e is not fa&ri%ated or s'ppresses. Also, in Arti%le 5; of t(e sa)e:ode, an a%tion for leal separation s(all in %ase &e tried &efore si$ )ont(s s(all (ave elapsedsin%e t(e filin of t(e petition. (e sinifi%an%e of t(ese s'&stantive provisions of t(e la" is'nders%ored in e%tion 6, 'le 1; of 'les of :o'rtG *No defa'lts in a%tion for ann'l)ent of )arriae or for leal separation./ If t(e defendant in an a%tion for ann'l)ent of )arriae or lealseparation fails to ans"er, t(e %o'rt s(all order t(e prose%'tin attorne# or fis%al assined to it totae steps to prevent %oll'sion &et"een t(e parties and to tae %are t(at t(e eviden%e is notfa&ri%ated.

161



!ARLITOS E. SIL"A, petitioner , 4s. HON. !OURT OF APPEALS an3SUZANNE T. %ONZALES, respondents

%.R. N&. ''**. ul6 ', '//

Facts:

:arlitos F. ilva, a )arried &'siness)an, and '>anne . =on>ales, an 'n)arried lo%ala%tress, %o(a&ited "it(o't t(e &enefit of )arriae and t(eir 'nion &eat t"o %(ildren. o"ever,not lon eno'(, t(e t"o event'all# parted "a#s. (e instant petition started "it( t(e ref'sal of =on>ales to allo" ilva, in apparent %ontravention of a previo's 'nderstandin, to (ave t(e%(ildren in (is %o)pan# on "eeends. ilva filed a petition for %'stodial ri(ts over t(e %(ildren &'t t(e petition "as opposed &# =on>ales "(o averred t(at ilva often enaed in a)&lin and"o)ani>in "(i%( s(e feared %o'ld affe%t t(e )oral and so%ial val'es of t(e %(ildren. An order orderin (erein respondent to allo" petitioner visitorial ri(ts to (er %(ildren d'rin "eeends.o"ever, t(e eional rial :o'rt of S'e>on :it# reversed t(e for)er de%ision t(ere&# den#in

petitioner (is visitorial ri(ts.

Issue:

(o'ld petitioner &e denied of (is visitorial ri(ts over (is %(ildren

Ruling:

(e ans"er is in t(e neative. (e :onstit'tion itself speas in ter)s of t(e Gnat'ral and pri)ar# ri(ts/ of parents in t(e rearin of t(e #o't(. Arti%le 209, in relation to Arti%le 220, of t(e @a)il# :ode states t(at it is t(e nat'ral ri(t and d't# of parents and t(ose e$er%isin

parental a't(orit# to, a)on ot(er t(ins, eep %(ildren in t(eir %o)pan# and to ive t(e) loveand affe%tion, advi%e and %o'nsel, %o)panions(ip and 'nderstandin. (e alleations of respondent aainst t(e %(ara%ter of petitioner, even ass')in as tr'e, %annot &e taen ass'ffi%ient &asis to render petitioner an 'nfit fat(er. (e fears e$pressed &# respondent to t(eeffe%t t(at petitioner s(all &e a&le to %orr'pt and derade t(eir %(ildren on%e allo"ed to evente)poraril# asso%iate "it( petitioner is &'t t(e prod'%t of respondentOs 'nfo'nded i)aination,for no )an, &ereft of all )oral pers'asions and oodness, "o'ld ever tae t(e tro'&le ande$pense in instit'tin a leal a%tion for t(e p'rpose of seein (is illeiti)ate %(ildren. It %an C'st &e i)ained t(e deep sorro"s of a fat(er "(o is deprived of (is %(ildren of tender aes. (e:o'rt appre%iates t(e appre(ensions of private respondent and t(eir "ell-)eant %on%ern for t(e%(ildren nevert(eless, it see)s 'nliel# t(at petitioner "o'ld (ave 'lterior )otives or 'nd'e

desins )ore t(an a parent8s nat'ral desire to &e a&le to %all on, even if it "ere onl# on &rief visits, (is o"n %(ildren.

162



SUSAN !ARIÑO, petitioner, vs. SUSAN #EE !ARIÑO, respondent=.. No. 132529. ar%( 4, 2004

Facts:

D'rin t(e lifeti)e of t(e late PB4 antiao . :ariXo, (e %ontra%ted t"o )arriaes, t(e first "as "it( petitioner 'san Ni%dao :ariXo referred to as 'san Ni%dao< and t(e se%ond "as "it( respondent 'san ee :ariXoreferred to as 'san ee<, "it( "(o) %o(a&ited "it( al)ost ten #ears. In 19;;, PB4 :ariXo &e%a)e ill and &edridden d'e to dia&etes %o)pli%ated &# p'l)onar# t'&er%'losis. e passed a"a# on Nove)&er 23, 1992 'nder t(e %are of 'san ee, "(o spent for (is )edi%al and &'rial e$penses. 7ot( petitioner and respondent filed %lai)sfor )onetar# &enefits and finan%ial assistan%e pertainin to t(e de%eased fro) vario's overn)entaen%ies. Petitioner 'san Ni%dao "as a&le to %olle%t a total of P146,000.00 "(ile respondent 'san ee re%eived atotal of P21,000.00. espondent 'san ee filed t(e instant %ase for %olle%tion of s') of )one# aainst petitioner 'san Ni%dao pra#in t(at petitioner &e ordered to ret'rn to (er at least one-(alf of t(e P146,000.00 %olle%tivel#deno)inated as *deat( &enefits/. 'san ee ad)itted t(at t(e# %ontra%ted t(e )arriae "(ile PB4 :ariXo8s)arriae "it( 'san Ni%dao "as still s'&sistin. o"ever, s(e %lai)ed t(at t(e latter8s )arriae "as void a& initiofor la% of )arriae li%ense s'pported &# (er presentin t(eir )arriae %ontra%t &earin no )arriae li%ense n')&er and a %ertifi%ation fro) t(e L: t(at t(eir )arriae li%ense "as not on re%ord. : favored t(e petition, rantin

(er (alf of t(e P146,000.00.

Issue:

+(et(er 'san ee is entitled to t(e %olle%tion of one-(alf of t(e P146,000.00.

Ruling:

'san ee is not entitled to t(e said s(are. :onsiderin t(at t(e )arriae of respondent 'san ee and t(ede%eased is a &ia)o's )arriae, t(e appli%ation of Arti%le 14;Yt(e properties a%'ired &# t(e parties t(ro'( t(eir a%t'al Coint %ontri&'tion s(all &elon to t(e %o-o"ners(ip. +aes and salaries earned &# ea%( part# &elon to (i) or (er e$%l'sivel# is t(erefore in order. (e disp'ted P146,000 are %learl# ren')erations, in%entives and &enefits fro)overn)ental aen%ies earned &# t(e de%eased as a poli%e offi%er. Jnless respondent 'san ee presents proof to

t(e %ontrar#, it %o'ld not &e said t(at s(e %ontri&'ted )one#, propert# or ind'str# in t(e a%'isition of t(ese)onetar# &enefits. en%e, t(e# are not o"ned in %o))on &# respondent and t(e de%eased, &'t &elon to t(ede%eased alone and respondent (as no ri(t "(atsoever to %lai) t(e sa)e.

As to t(e propert# rei)e of petitioner 'san Ni%dao and t(e de%eased, Arti%le 14 of t(e @a)il# :odeoverns. (is arti%le applies to 'nions of parties "(o are leall# %apa%itated and not &arred &# an# i)pedi)ent to%ontra%t )arriae, &'t "(ose )arriae is nonet(eless void for ot(er reasons, lie t(e a&sen%e of a )arriaeli%ense. Jnder t(e foreoin arti%le, "aes and salaries earned &# eit(er part# d'rin t(e %o(a&itation s(all &eo"ned &# t(e parties in e'al s(ares and "ill &e divided e'all# &et"een t(e), even if onl# one part# earned t(e"aes and t(e ot(er did not %ontri&'te t(ereto. :onfor)a&l#, even if t(e disp'ted *deat( &enefits/ "ere earned &#t(e de%eased alone as a overn)ent e)plo#ee, Arti%le 14 %reates a %o-o"ners(ip in respe%t t(ereto, entitlin t(e petitioner to s(are one-(alf t(ereof. As t(ere is no alleation of &ad fait( in t(e present %ase, &ot( parties of t(e first)arriae are pres')ed to &e in ood fait(. ('s, one-(alf of t(e s'&Ce%t *deat( &enefits/ 'nder s%r'tin# s(all o to

t(e petitioner as (er s(are in t(e propert# rei)e, and t(e ot(er (alf pertainin to t(e de%eased s(all pass &#, intestates'%%ession, to (is leal (eirs, na)el#, (is %(ildren "it( 'san Ni%dao.

163



"IR%INIA A. LEONOR, petitioner, vs. 0ELDIA, R. an3 LEONOR, R., respondent=.. No. 11259. April 2, 1996

Facts:

irinia A. Leonor, (erein petitioner, "as )arried to t(e private respondent, a'ri%io D.Leonor, !r., in an :arlos :it#. (e# (ad &een separated for a s'&stantial part of t(eir )arriedlife for, "(ile a'ri%io resided in "it>erland st'd#in and "orin, irinia sta#ed in t(eP(ilippines "orin as a n'rse in La'na. a'ri%io &e%a)e 'nfait(f'l and lived "it( a %ertainL#nda Pond a&road. (is ind'%ed petitioner to instit'te a %ivil a%tion in =eneva, "it>erland for separation and ali)on#. Private respondent %o'nter-s'ed for divor%e. :antonal :ivil :o'rt of "it>erland prono'n%ed t(e divor%e of t(e spo'ses Leonor &'t reserved t(e li'idation of t(e)atri)onial partners(ip. (e said "iss :o'rt denied ali)on# to petitioner. Bn appeal to t(e(i(er :antonal :ivil :o'rt, a'ri%io ased for t(e %an%ellation of (is )arriae in t(eP(ilippines. In 1992, t(e (i(er :antonal :ivil :o'rt ranted petitioner ali)on#, pro)ptina'ri%io to elevate t(e )atter on appeal to t(e @ederal :o'rt of "it>erland. In its de%ision, t(e

@ederal :o'rt affir)ed t(e de%ision of t(e (i(er :antonal :ivil :o'rt. a'ri%io, represented &#(is &rot(er eodoro Leonor, filed a petition for t(e %an%ellation of t(e late reistration of )arriae in t(e %ivil reistr# iven as ro'nds for t(e %an%ellation "ere t(e tardiness of t(ereistration and t(e n'llit# of (is )arriae "it( irinia *d'e to t(e non-o&servan%e of t(e lealre'ire)ents for a valid )arriae./ After several (earins, t(e trial %o'rt rendered C'd)entde%larin said )arriae n'll and void for &ein s(a) and fi%titio's.

Issue:

Is t(e C'd)ent rendered &# t(e reional trial %o'rt voidin a )arriae 'nder 'le 10; of t(e 'les of :o'rt valid and proper

Ruling:

No. (e s'))ar# pro%ed're 'nder 'le 10;, and for t(at )atter 'nder Art. 412 of t(e:ivil :ode, %annot &e 'sed &# a'ri%io to %(ane (is and irinia8s %ivil stat's fro) )arried tosinle and of t(eir t(ree %(ildren fro) leiti)ate to illeiti)ate. Neit(er does t(e trial %o'rt,'nder said 'le, (ave an# C'risdi%tion to de%lare t(eir )arriae n'll and void and as a res'ltt(ereof, to order t(e lo%al %ivil reistrar to %an%el t(e )arriae entr# in t(e %ivil reistr#. (e onl#errors t(at %an &e %an%elled or %orre%ted 'nder t(is 'le are t#porap(i%al or %leri%al errors, not)aterial or s'&stantial ones lie t(e validit# or n'llit# of a )arriae. +(ere t(e effe%t of a%orre%tion in a %ivil reistr# "ill %(ane t(e %ivil stat's of petitioner and (er %(ildren fro)leiti)ate to illeiti)ate, t(e sa)e %annot &e ranted e$%ept onl# in an adversarial pro%eedin:learl# and 'ne'ivo%all#, t(e s'))ar# pro%ed're 'nder 'le 10;, and for t(at )atter 'nder.

164



LEON!IA 0ALO%0O% an3 %AUDIOSO 0ALO%0O%, petitioners, vs. HONORA0LE !OURT OFAPPEALS, respondents

=.. No. ;359;. ar%( , 199

Facts:

Leon%ia and =a'dioso 7alo&o are t(e %(ildren of 7asilio 7alo&o and =enoveva Arni&al "(o diedintestate. a)onito and =eneroso 7alo&o &ro'(t an a%tion for partition and a%%o'ntin aainst petitioners,%lai)in t(at t(e# "ere t(e leiti)ate %(ildren of =avino and t(at t(e# "ere entitled to t(e one-t(ird s(are of =avino in t(e estate of t(eir randparents. Petitioners denied no"in private respondents. Petitioners presented t"o"itnesses to fortif# t(eir %lai)s. :atalina J&as testified %on%ernin (er )arriae to =avino. (e testified t(at after t(e "eddin, s(e "as (anded a *re%eipt,/ pres')a&l# t(e )arriae %ertifi%ate &'t it "as &'rned d'rin t(e "ar. (esaid t(at s(e and =avino lived toet(er in B&oon and &eot t(ree %(ildren. Private respondents prod'%ed a%ertifi%ate fro) t(e Bffi%e of t(e Lo%al :ivil eistrar t(at t(e eister of arriaes did not (ave a re%ord of t(e)arriae of =avino and :atalina anot(er %ertifi%ate fro) t(e Bffi%e of t(e reas'rer t(at t(ere "as no re%ord of t(e &irt( of a)onito in t(at offi%e and, for t(is reason, t(e re%ord )'st &e pres')ed to (ave &een lost or destro#edd'rin t(e "ar, and a %ertifi%ate &# t(e Paris( Priest of Ast'rias t(at t(ere "as lie"ise no re%ord of &irt( of a)onito in t(e %('r%(, t(e re%ords of "(i%( "ere eit(er lost or destro#ed d'rin t(e "ar. Petitioner Leon%ia7alo&o testified t(at =avino died sinle at t(e fa)il# residen%e in Ast'rias. (e o&tained a %ertifi%ate fro) t(eLo%al :ivil eistrar of Ast'rias to t(e effe%t t(at t(at offi%e did not (ave a re%ord of t(e na)es of =avino and:atalina. (e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e of :e&' :it# rendered C'd)ent for private respondents, orderin petitioners torender an a%%o'ntin fro) 1960 'ntil t(e finalit# of its C'd)ent, to partition t(e estate and deliver to privaterespondents one-t(ird of t(e estate of 7asilio and =enoveva.

Issue:

(o'ld t(e )arriae of =avino and :atalina &e proven 'nder Arti%les 53 and 54 of t(e :ivil :ode of 1;;9and t(at t(e e$isten%e of t(eir )arriae %annot &e pres')ed &e%a'se t(ere "as no eviden%e s(o"in in parti%'lar t(at t(e# de%lared t(at t(e# tae ea%( ot(er as ('s&and and "ife d'rin t(eir )arriae

Ruling:

Arti%les 42 to 10 of t(e :ivil :ode of 1;;9 of pain did not tae effe%t, t(erefore, arti%les. 53 and 54 never %a)e into for%e. in%e t(is %ase "as &ro'(t in t(e lo"er %o'rt in 196;, t(e e$isten%e of t(e )arriae "as to &edeter)ined in a%%ordan%e "it( t(e present :ivil :ode, e$%ept as t(e# related to vested ri(ts, and t(e r'les oneviden%e. Jnder t(e 'les of :o'rt, t(e pres')ption is t(at a )an and a "o)an %ond'%tin t(e)selves as ('s&andand "ife are leall# )arried. (is pres')ption )a# &e re&'tted onl# &# %oent proof to t(e %ontrar#. Fviden%e%onsistin of t(e testi)onies of "itnesses "as (eld %o)petent to prove t(e )arriae. Indeed, alt(o'( a )arriae%ontra%t is %onsidered pri)ar# eviden%e of )arriae, t(e fail're to present it is not proof t(at no )arriae too pla%e. Bt(er eviden%e )a# &e presented to prove )arriae. (e ar')ent t(at t(e e$isten%e of t(e )arriae %annot &e pres')ed &e%a'se t(ere "as no eviden%e s(o"in in parti%'lar t(at =avino and :atalina, in t(e presen%e of t"o"itnesses, de%lared t(at t(e# "ere tain ea%( ot(er as ('s&and and "ife is "it(o't )erit. An e$%(ane of vo"s %an &e pres')ed to (ave &een )ade fro) t(e testi)onies of t(e "itnesses "(o state t(at a "eddin too pla%e, sin%e t(ever# p'rpose for (avin a "eddin is to e$%(ane vo"s of )arital %o))it)ent. It "o'ld indeed &e 'n's'al to (avea "eddin "it(o't an e$%(ane of vo"s and 'ite 'nnat'ral for people not to noti%e its a&sen%e.

165



ESTRELLITA TAMANO, petitioner, vs. HON. RODOLFO ORTIZ, respondent=.. No. 126603. !'ne 29, 199;

Facts:

enator a)intal a)ano )arried ora#da A. a)ano in %ivil rites. (eir )arriaes'pposedl# re)ained valid and s'&sistin 'ntil (is deat( in 1994. Prior to (is deat(, a)anoalso )arried petitioner Fstrellita !. a)ano in %ivil rites. In 1994, ora#da Coined &# (er sonAdi& A. a)ano filed a :o)plaint for De%laration of N'llit# of arriae of a)ano andFstrellita on t(e ro'nd t(at it "as &ia)o's. (e# %ontended t(at a)ano and Fstrellita)isrepresented t(e)selves as divor%ed and sinle, respe%tivel#, t('s )ain t(e entries in t(e)arriae %ontra%t false and fra'd'lent.

Fstrellita filed a )otion to dis)iss allein t(at t(e : "as "it(o't C'risdi%tion over t(es'&Ce%t and nat're of t(e a%tion. (e alleed t(at onl# a part# to t(e )arriae %o'ld file ana%tion for ann'l)ent of )arriae aainst t(e ot(er spo'se, (en%e, it "as onl# a)ano "(o %o'ldfile an a%tion for ann'l)ent of t(eir )arriae. Petitioner lie"ise %ontended t(at sin%e a)ano

and ora#da "ere &ot( 'sli)s and )arried in 'sli) rites t(e C'risdi%tion to (ear and tr# t(einstant %ase "as vested in t(e s(ari8a %o'rts p'rs'ant to Art. 155 of t(e :ode of 'sli) PersonalLa"s.

Issue:Is t(e )arriae &et"een a)ano and ora#da 'nder t(e C'risdi%tion of s(ari8a %o'rts and

not t(e %ivil %o'rts

Ruling: No. Jnder (e !'di%iar# eorani>ation A%t of 19;0, eional rial :o'rts (ave

C'risdi%tion over all a%tions involvin t(e %ontra%t of )arriae and )arital relations. In t(e%o)plaint for de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae filed &# private respondents (erein, it "asalleed t(at Fstrellita and a)ano "ere )arried in a%%ordan%e "it( t(e provisions of t(e :ivil:ode. en%e, %ontrar# to t(e position of petitioner, t(e :ivil :ode is appli%a&le in t(e instant%ase. Ass')in t(at indeed petitioner and a)ano "ere lie"ise )arried 'nder 'sli) la"s,t(e sa)e "o'ld still fall 'nder t(e eneral oriinal C'risdi%tion of t(e eional rial :o'rts.

Arti%le 13 of PD No. 10;3 does not provide for a sit'ation "(ere t(e parties "ere )arried &ot( in %ivil and 'sli) rites. :onse'entl#, t(e s(ari8a %o'rts are not vested "it( oriinal ande$%l'sive C'risdi%tion "(en it %o)es to )arriaes %ele&rated 'nder &ot( %ivil and 'sli) la"s.:onse'entl#, t(e eional rial :o'rts are not divested of t(eir eneral oriinal C'risdi%tion'nder e%. 19, par. 6< of 7P 7l. 129 "(i%( provides M e%. 19. !'risdi%tion in :ivil :ases. -eional rial :o'rts s(all e$er%ise e$%l'sive oriinal C'risdi%tionG $ $ $ 6< In all %ases not"it(in t(e e$%l'sive C'risdi%tion of an# %o'rt, tri&'nal, person or &od# e$er%isin C'di%ial or 'asi-C'di%ial f'n%tions $ $ $ $

166



DELIA DOMIN%O, petitioner, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent=. . No. 104;1;. epte)&er 1, 1993

Facts:

Delia oledad A Do)ino filed a petition for de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae andseparation of propert# aainst petitioner o&erto Do)ino. (e alleed t(at o&erto Do)ino(as a previo's )arriae "(en t(eir )arriae "as sole)ni>ed and %a)e to no" of t(e prior )arriae "(en petitioner8s "ife, F)erlina s'ed t(e) for &ia)#. @'rt(er)ore, petitioner "(o"as 'ne)plo#ed and %o)pletel# dependent 'pon (er (as &een alleedl# disposin so)e of (er properties "it(o't t(e latter8s %onsent. Delia t('s pra#ed for t(eir )arriae to &e de%lared n'lland void and for all of (er properties to &e de%lared in favor of (er as t(e sole and e$%l'siveo"ner. Petitioner filed a )otion to dis)iss, "it( t(e %ontention t(at t(e )arriae &ein void a&initio, t(e petition for t(e de%laration of its n'llit# is irrelevant.

Issue: +(et(er a petition for C'di%ial de%laration of a void )arriae is ne%essar#

Ruling: A de%laration of t(e a&sol'te n'llit# of a )arriae is e$pli%itl# re'ired eit(er as a %a'seof a%tion or a ro'nd for defense. +(ere t(e a&sol'te n'llit# of a previo's )arriae is so'(t to &e invoed for p'rposes of %ontra%tin a se%ond )arriae, t(e sole &asis a%%epta&le in la" for said proCe%ted )arriae to &e free fro) leal infir)it# is a final C'd)ent de%larin t(e previo's)arriae void.

16



ME#NARDO L. 0ELTRAN, petitioner, vs. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, an3 HON.UD%E FLORENTINO TUAZON, R., respondents

=.. No. 1356. !'ne 20, 2000

Facts:

Petitioner e#nardo 7eltran and "ife :(ar)aine F. @eli$ "ere )arriedafter t"ent#-fo'r #ears of )arriae and fo'r %(ildren, petitioner filed a petition for n'llit# of )arriae on t(ero'nd of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# 'nder Arti%le 36 of t(e @a)il# :od petitionerOs "ife:(ar)aine @eli$ alleed t(at it "as petitioner "(o a&andoned t(e %onC'al (o)e and lived "it(a %ertain "o)an na)ed ilaros altin. :(ar)aine s'&se'entl# filed a %ri)inal %o)plaint for %on%'&inae 'nder Arti%le 334 of t(e evised Penal :ode aainst petitioner and (is para)o'r Petitioner ar'ed t(at t(e penden%# of t(e %ivil %ase for de%laration of n'llit# of (is )arriae posed a preC'di%ial 'estion to t(e deter)ination of t(e %ri)inal %ase. Petitioner %ontends t(att(e penden%# of t(e petition for de%laration of n'llit# of (is )arriae &ased on ps#%(oloi%al

in%apa%it# 'nder Arti%le 36 of t(e @a)il# :ode is a preC'di%ial 'estion t(at s(o'ld )erit t(es'spension of t(e %ri)inal %ase for %on%'&inae filed aainst (i) &# (is "ife.

Issue:Is t(e %ontention of t(e petitioner tena&le

Ruling:

PetitionerOs ar')ent t(at (e %o'ld &e a%'itted of t(e %(are of %on%'&inae s(o'ld (is)arriae &e de%lared n'll and void, s'ffi%e it to state t(at even a s'&se'ent prono'n%e)ent t(at(is )arriae is void fro) t(e &einnin is not tena&le. (e penden%# of t(e %ase for de%laration

of n'llit# of petitionerOs )arriae is not a preC'di%ial 'estion to t(e %on%'&inae %ase. @or a %ivil%ase to &e %onsidered preC'di%ial to a %ri)inal a%tion as to %a'se t(e s'spension of t(e latter pendin t(e final deter)ination of t(e %ivil %ase, it )'st appear not onl# t(at t(e said %ivil %aseinvolves t(e sa)e fa%ts 'pon "(i%( t(e %ri)inal prose%'tion "o'ld &e &ased, &'t also t(at in t(eresol'tion of t(e iss'e or iss'es raised in t(e aforesaid %ivil a%tion, t(e 'ilt or inno%en%e of t(ea%%'sed "o'ld ne%essaril# &e deter)ined. It )'st also &e (eld t(at parties to t(e )arriae s(o'ldnot &e per)itted to C'de for t(e)selves its n'llit#, for t(e sa)e )'st &e s'&)itted to C'd)entof t(e %o)petent %o'rts and onl# "(en t(e n'llit# of t(e )arriae is so de%lared %an it &e (eld asvoid, and so lon as t(ere is no s'%( de%laration t(e pres')ption is t(at t(e )arriae e$ists for all intents and p'rposes. (erefore, (e "(o %o(a&its "it( a "o)an not (is "ife &efore t(e C'di%ial de%laration of n'llit# of t(e )arriae ass')es t(e ris of &ein prose%'ted for %on%'&inae.

16;



IMELDA MAR0ELLA20O0IS, petitioner , 4s. ISA%ANI D. 0O0IS, respondent=. . No. 13;509. !'l# 31, 2000

Facts:

Isaani 7o&is, (erein respondent %ontra%ted a first )arriae "it( aria D'l%e !avier.+it(o't said )arriae (avin &een ann'lled, n'llified or ter)inated, respondent %ontra%ted ase%ond )arriae "it( petitioner I)elda ar&ella-7o&is and alleedl# a t(ird )arriae "it( a%ertain !'lia all# ernande>. 7ased on petitioner8s %o)plaint-affidavit, an infor)ation for &ia)# "as filed aainst respondent. o)eti)e t(ereafter, respondent initiated a %ivil a%tion for t(e C'di%ial de%laration of a&sol'te n'llit# of (is first )arriae on t(e ro'nd t(at it "as%ele&rated "it(o't a )arriae li%ense. espondent t(en filed a )otion to s'spend t(e pro%eedins in t(e %ri)inal %ase for &ia)# invoin t(e pendin %ivil %ase for n'llit# of t(e first)arriae as a preC'di%ial 'estion to t(e %ri)inal %ase. (e trial C'de ranted t(e )otion tos'spend t(e %ri)inal %ase. Petitioner filed a )otion for re%onsideration, &'t t(e sa)e "as denied.

Issue: +(et(er t(e s'&se'ent filin of a %ivil a%tion for de%laration of n'llit# of a previo's)arriae %onstit'tes a preC'di%ial 'estion to a %ri)inal %ase for &ia)#.

Ruling:

(e %ivil a%tion for de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae does not %onstit'te a preC'di%ial'estion to a %ri)inal %ase for &ia)#. Arti%le 40 of t(e @a)il# :ode, "(i%( "as effe%tive at t(eti)e of %ele&ration of t(e se%ond )arriae, re'ires a prior C'di%ial de%laration of n'llit# of a previo's )arriae &efore a part# )a# re)arr#. (e %lear i)pli%ation of t(is is t(at it is not for t(e parties, parti%'larl# t(e a%%'sed, to deter)ine t(e validit# or invalidit# of t(e )arriae. +(et(er

or not t(e first )arriae "as void for la% of a li%ense is a )atter of defense &e%a'se t(ere is stillno C'di%ial de%laration of its n'llit# at t(e ti)e t(e se%ond )arriae "as %ontra%ted. It s(o'ld &ere)e)&ered t(at &ia)# %an s'%%essf'll# &e prose%'ted provided all its ele)ents %on%'r M t"oof "(i%( are a previo's )arriae and a s'&se'ent )arriae "(i%( "o'ld (ave &een valid (ad itnot &een for t(e e$isten%e at t(e )aterial ti)e of t(e first )arriae.

In t(e li(t of Arti%le 40 of t(e @a)il# :ode, respondent, "it(o't first (avin o&tainedt(e C'di%ial de%laration of n'llit# of t(e first )arriae, %an not &e said to (ave validl# entered intot(e se%ond )arriae. Per %'rrent C'rispr'den%e, a )arriae t(o'( void still needs a C'di%ialde%laration of s'%( fa%t &efore an# part# %an )arr# aain ot(er"ise t(e se%ond )arriae "illalso &e void. (e reason is t(at, "it(o't a C'di%ial de%laration of its n'llit#, t(e first )arriae is pres')ed to &e s'&sistin. In t(e %ase at &ar, respondent "as for all leal intents and p'rposesrearded as a )arried )an at t(e ti)e (e %ontra%ted (is se%ond )arriae "it( petitioner. Aainstt(is leal &a%drop, an# de%ision in t(e %ivil a%tion for n'llit# "o'ld not erase t(e fa%t t(atrespondent entered into a se%ond )arriae d'rin t(e s'&sisten%e of a first )arriae. ('s, ade%ision in t(e %ivil %ase is not essential to t(e deter)ination of t(e %ri)inal %(are. It is,t(erefore, not a preC'di%ial 'estion. As stated a&ove, respondent %annot &e per)itted to 'se (iso"n )alfeasan%e to defeat t(e %ri)inal a%tion aainst (i).

169



OFELIA P. T#, petitioner , 4s. THE !OURT OF APPEALS, an3ED%ARDO M. RE#ES, respondents.=. . No. 12406. Nove)&er 2, 2000

Facts:

Fdardo e#es, (erein private respondent, )arried Anna aria eina illan'eva onA''st 4, 19;0. (e !'venile and Do)esti% elations :o'rt de%lared t(eir )arriae n'll andvoid ab initio for la% of a valid )arriae li%ense. (e %('r%( "eddin on "as also de%lared n'lland void ab initio for la% of %onsent of t(e parties. Fven &efore t(e de%ree "as iss'ed n'llif#in(is )arriae to Anna aria, private respondent "ed Bfelia P. #, (erein petitioner. Privaterespondent filed a %ivil %ase pra#in t(at (is )arriae to petitioner &e de%lared n'll and void . ealleed t(at t(e# (ad no )arriae li%ense "(en t(e# ot )arried. e also averred t(at at t(e ti)e(e )arried petitioner, (e "as still )arried to Anna aria. e stated t(at at t(e ti)e (e )arried petitioner t(e de%ree of n'llit# of (is )arriae to Anna aria (ad not &een iss'ed. Petitioner, indefendin (er )arriae to private respondent, pointed o't t(at (is %lai) t(at t(eir )arriae "as

%ontra%ted "it(o't a valid li%ense is 'ntr'e. Petitioner also s'&)itted t(e de%ision of t(e !'venileand Do)esti% elations :o'rt. (ese do%')ents "ere s'&)itted as eviden%e d'rin trial and,a%%ordin to petitioner, are t(erefore dee)ed s'ffi%ient proof of t(e fa%ts t(erein. In 1996, t(eappellate %o'rt affir)ed t(e trial %o'rt8s de%ision. It r'led t(at a C'di%ial de%laration of n'llit# of t(e first )arriae to Anna aria< )'st first &e se%'red &efore a s'&se'ent )arriae %o'ld &evalidl# %ontra%ted.

Issue:+(et(er t(e de%ree of n'llit# of t(e first )arriae is re'ired &efore a s'&se'ent

)arriae %an &e entered into validl#

Ruling:

Private respondent8s first and se%ond )arriaes %ontra%ted in 19 and 199,respe%tivel#, are overned &# t(e provisions of t(e :ivil :ode. Pertinent to t(e present%ontrovers#, Arti%le ;3 of t(e :ivil :ode provides t(atG

Art. ;3. An# )arriae s'&se'entl# %ontra%ted &# an# person d'rin t(e lifeti)e of t(efirst spo'se of s'%( person "it( an# person ot(er t(an s'%( first spo'se s(all &e illeal and voidfro) its perfor)an%e.

A de%laration of a&sol'te n'llit# of )arriae is no" e$pli%itl# re'ired eit(er as a %a'seof a%tion or a ro'nd for defense. +(ere t(e a&sol'te n'llit# of a previo's )arriae is so'(t to &e invoed for p'rposes of %ontra%tin a se%ond )arriae, t(e sole &asis a%%epta&le in la" for said proCe%ted )arriae to &e free fro) leal infir)it# is a final C'd)ent de%larin t(e previo's)arriae void. In t(e present %ase, t(e se%ond )arriae of private respondent "as entered into in199, &efore &iegel . At t(at ti)e, t(e prevailin r'le "as fo'nd in 'da!at, (endo)a and %ragon. (e first )arriae of private respondent &ein void for la% of li%ense and %onsent,t(ere "as no need for C'di%ial de%laration of its n'llit# &efore (e %o'ld %ontra%t a se%ond)arriae. In t(is %ase, t(erefore, t(e :o'rt %on%l'ded t(at private respondent8s se%ond )arriaeto petitioner is valid . oreover, t(e provisions of t(e @a)il# :ode %annot &e retroa%tivel#applied to t(e present %ase, for to do so "o'ld preC'di%e t(e vested ri(ts of petitioner and of (er %(ildren.

10



ANTONIO A. S. "ALDES, petitioner, 4s. RE%IONAL TRIAL !OURT an3!ONSUELO M. %OMEZ2"ALDES, respondents.

=.. No. 12249. !'l# 31, 1996

Facts:

Antonio aldes and :ons'elo =o)e> "ere )arried on 05 !an'ar# 191. aldes so'(tt(e de%laration of n'llit# of t(e )arriae p'rs'ant to Arti%le 36 of t(e @a)il# :ode. After (earint(e parties follo"in t(e Coinder of iss'es, t(e trial %o'rt, in its de%ision of 29 !'l# 1994, rantedt(e petition. (e petitioner and respondent are directed to start proceedings on the liquidation of

their common properties as defined &# %rticle *+ of t(e @a)il# :ode, and to %o)pl# "it( t(e provisions of %rticles , * and / of t(e sa)e %ode, "it(in t(irt# 30< da#s fro) noti%e.:ons'elo =o)e> so'(t a %larifi%ation of t(at portion of t(e de%ision dire%tin %o)plian%e "it(Arti%les 50, 51 and 52 of t(e @a)il# :ode. (e asserted t(at t(e @a)il# :ode %ontained no provisions on t(e pro%ed're for t(e li'idation of %o))on propert# in 'nions "it(o't)arriae. Parent(eti%all#, d'rin t(e (earin on t(e )otion, t(e %(ildren filed a Coint affidavit

e$pressin t(eir desire to re)ain "it( t(eir fat(er, Antonio aldes, (erein petitioner.

Issue:+(at propert# rei)e s(o'ld overn in 'nions "it(o't )arriae

Ruling:

:onsiderin t(at t(is :o'rt (as alread# de%lared t(e )arriae &et"een petitioner andrespondent as n'll and void ab initio, p'rs'ant to Art. 14, t(e propert# rei)e of petitioner and

respondent s(all &e overned &# t(e rules on co-onership. In a void marriage, reardless of t(e%a'se t(ereof, t(e propert# relations of t(e parties d'rin t(e period of %o(a&itation is overned &# t(e provisions of Arti%le 14 or Arti%le 14;, s'%( as t(e %ase )a# &e, of t(e @a)il# :ode.Arti%le 14 is a re)ae of Arti%le 144 of t(e :ivil :ode as interpreted and so applied in previo's%ases it providesG

A. 14. +(en a )an and a "o)an "(o are %apa%itated to )arr# ea%( ot(er, livee$%l'sivel# "it( ea%( ot(er as ('s&and and "ife "it(o't t(e &enefit of )arriae or 'nder a void)arriae, t(eir "aes and salaries s(all &e o"ned &# t(e) in e'al s(ares and t(e propert#a%'ired &# &ot( of t(e) t(ro'( t(eir "or or ind'str# s(all &e overned &# t(e r'les on %o-o"ners(ip.

11



ORLANDO "ILLANUE"A, petitioner, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent=.. No. 132955. B%to&er 2, 2006

Facts:

Petitioner Brlando illan'eva and private respondent Lilia :analita-illan'eva ot)arried on April 13, 19;; in P'erto Prin%esa, Pala"an. Bn Nove)&er 1, 1992, Brlando filed"it( t(e trial %o'rt a petition for ann'l)ent of (is )arriae allein t(at t(reats of violen%e andd'ress for%ed (i) into )arr#in Lilia, "(o "as alread# prenant t(at (e did not et (er prenant prior to t(e )arriae t(at (e never %o(a&ited "it( (er after t(e )arriae and t(at (elater learned t(at private respondentOs %(ild died d'rin deliver# on A''st 29, 19;;. In (er %o'nter%lai), Lilia pra#ed for t(e dis)issal of t(e petition, ar'in t(at petitioner freel# andvol'ntaril# )arried (er t(at petitioner sta#ed "it( (er in Pala"an for al)ost a )ont( after t(eir )arriae t(at petitioner "rote letters to (er after (e ret'rned to anila, d'rin "(i%( privaterespondent visited (i) personall# and t(at petitioner ne" a&o't t(e proress of (er prenan%#,"(i%( ended in t(eir son &ein &orn pre)at'rel#.

Issue:+(et(er t(e )arriae &e ann'lled on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e %onsent of t(e petitioner, as (e

alleed, (as &een o&tained &# fra'd, inti)idation and 'nd'e and i)proper press're andinfl'en%e.

Ruling:

(e :o'rt is not %onvin%ed t(at appellant8s appre(ension of daner to (is person is soover"(el)in as to deprive (i) of t(e "ill to enter vol'ntaril# to a %ontra%t of )arriae. =ivent(at at t(e ti)e t(eir )arriae too pla%e, (is e)plo#)ent as a se%'rit# 'ard in a &an "o'ld atleast ena&le (i) to no" t(e r'di)ents of self-defense. Neit(er did (e infor) t(e C'de a&o't (is predi%a)ent prior to sole)ni>in t(eir )arriae. Appellant also invoed fra'd to ann'l (is)arriae, as (e "as )ade to &elieve &# appellee t(at t(e latter "as prenant "it( (is %(ild "(ent(e# "ere )arried. Appellant8s e$%'se t(at (e %o'ld not (ave i)prenated t(e appellee &e%a'se(e did not (ave an ere%tion d'rin t(eir tr#st is fli)s# at &est, and an o'tri(t lie at "orst. (e%o)plaint is &ereft of an# referen%e to (is ina&ilit# to %op'late "it( t(e appellee.

12



AURORA ANA#A, petitioner , 4s. FERNANDO PALAROAN, respondent=.. No. 2930. Nove)&er 26, 193

Facts:

7efore t(e !'venile and Do)esti% elations :o'rt, a %o)plaint "as &ro'(t &# A'roraAna#a aainst (er ('s&and @ernando Palaroan, pra#in for t(e ann'l)ent of t(eir )arriae.Plaintiff %ontends t(at t(e )arriae t(at "as sole)ni>ed &et"een t(e) %onstit'ted fra'd ino&tainin (er %onsent. (is %ontention "as pre)ised in t(e alleation t(at (er ('s&and div'ledto (er t(at several )ont(s prior to t(eir )arriae, (e (ad pre-)arital relations(ip "it( a %loserelative of (is and t(at t(e non-div'le)ent "re%ed t(eir )arriae.

Defendant in (is ans"er denied t(e alleations and filed a %o'nter%lai) for da)aes for t(e )ali%io's filin of t(e s'it. In (er repl#, Ana#a alleed, a)on ot(ers, t(at (er ('s&andse%retl# intended fro) t(e ver# &einnin not to perfor) (is )arital d'ties and alleationsapp'rtenan%e t(ereto and f'rt(er)ore, (e %overtl# )ade 'p (is )ind not to live "it( (er.

(e %o'rt a 'o dis)issed t(e %o)plaint for non-dis%los're of a ('s&and8s pre-)aritalrelations(ip "it( anot(er "o)an is not one of t(e en')erated %ir%')stan%es t(at "o'ld%onstit'te a ro'nd for ann'l)ent. Ana#a appealed t(e %ase %ontendin t(at t(e lo"er %o'rt erredin inorin as %a'se of a%tion (er alleations in (er repl#.

Issue:

+(et(er t(e alleation in t(e repl# "ill %onstit'te a %a'se of a%tion, "(i%( t(e %o'rt )'stadC'di%ate.

Ruling:

No. (e aver)ent )ade in t(e repl# is an entirel# ne" and additional %a'se of a%tion.A%%ordin to t(e plaintiff (erself, t(e alleation *is apart, distin%t and separate fro) t(at earlier averred in t(e %o)plaint. . ./ aid alleation "ere, t(erefore, i)properl# alleed in t(e repl#, &e%a'se if in a repl# a part# plaintiff is not per)itted to a)end or %(are t(e %a'se of a%tion asset fort( in (is %o)plaint, t(ere is )ore reason not to allo" s'%( part# to allee a ne" andadditional %a'se of a%tion in t(e repl#. Bt(er"ise, t(e series of pleadins of t(e parties %o'ld &e%o)e inter)ina&le.

13



!ESAR RE#ES, PFIIBNF "S. A%RIPINO ZA0ALLERO, FPBNDFN ;9 PIL 39

FA!TS:(is %ase oriinated fro) a loan of P6,500 "it( interest at 10 per %ent per ann') pa#a&le

in advan%e, )ade &# Dr. :easar e#es to Aripino a&allero on B%to&er 1, 1942. a&allerose%'red t(e pa#)ent "it( a first )ortae on ten par%els of land.

(e install)ents d'e for 1942 and 1943 totalin t(e s') of P1,300 pl's interest "ere paid in !apanese ilitar# %ript and t(e Pa#)ents "ere 'nreservedl# a%%epted. Bn Nove)&er 30, 1944, a&allero offered to pa# t(e t(ird install)ents and its interests "(i%( fell d'e onB%to&er of t(e sa)e #ear, &'t e#es ref'sed to a%%ept on t(e ro'nd t(at it "as i))oral and'nC'st t(at t(e pa#)ent &e )ade in !apanese ilitar# notes "(i%( (ad %onsidera&l# deval'ated,and t(at (e (ad an option a%%ordin to t(e %ontra%t to (ave t(e pa#)ent in P(ilippine or Jnitedtates %'rren%#. a&allero anno'n%ed t(at t(e ne$t da# (e "o'ld tender t(e "(ole &alan%e.e#es, a%tin 'pon advi%e iven &# (is attorne#s to "(o) (e (ad )ean"(ile resorted for 'idan%e, re%eived t(e )one# and e$e%'ted t(e notarial deed of release of t(e real estate)ortae. Bn t(e sa)e da#, (e re%eived pa#)ent, t(e )ortaee e#es<, e$e%'ted an affidavitin se%ret, "it(o't defendants8 no"lede, &efore a Notar# P'&li% statin t(at (e (ad a%%epted'nder protest t(e pa#)ent of P5,200 pl's interest in t(e s') of P612, and t(at (e (ad depositedt(e "(ole a)o'nt paid &# t(e de&tors.

ISSUE:

+(at %onstit'tes D'ress or Inti)idation

RULIN%:

A%%ordin to t(e :ivil :ode, t(ere is D'ress or inti)idation "(en one of t(e %ontra%tin parties is inspired &# a rational and "ell-ro'nded fear or s'fferin an i))inent and serio'sinC'r# to (is person or propert#, of (is spo'se, des%endants and as%endants.

ere rel'%tan%e does not detra%t fro) t(e vol'ntariness of one8s a%ts. (ere is adistin%tion &et"een a %ase "(ere a person ives (is %onsent rel'%tantl# and even aainst (is oodsense and C'd)ent, and "(ere (e, in realit#, ives no %onsent at all, as "(ere (e e$e%'ted a%ontra%t or perfor)s an a%t aainst a press're "(i%( (e %annot resist. It is %lear t(at one a%ts asvol'ntaril# and independentl# in t(e e#e of t(e la" "(en (e a%ts rel'%tantl# and "it( (esitationas "(en (e a%ts spontaneo'sl# and Co#o'sl#. Leall# speain (e a%ts as vol'ntaril# and freel#"(en (e a%ts "(oll# aainst (is &etter sense and C'd)ent as "(en (e a%ts in %onfor)it# "it(t(e). 7et"een t(e t"o a%ts t(ere is no differen%e in la".

14



0U!!AT, plaintiff 4 0U!!AT, defendant=.. No 4101 April 25, 1941

Facts:

(e 20 of ar%( of 1939 t(e ini%o plaintiff presentdispla# %a'se, in "(i%( not%o)pare%io t(e de)anded one, despite properl# to &e lo%ated. 7# t(at, allo"ed t(e plaintiff to presentdispla# its tests, t(e inferior :o'rt fail're t(e s'&Ce%t in favor of t(e de)anded one. (e plaintiff re'ests t(e %an%ellation of (is )arriae are &een "it( t(e de)anded L'ida anononde 7'%%at t(e 26 of Nove)&er of 193;, in t(e :it# of 7a'io, &ein &ased in "(i%(, "(enallo"in in t(is )arriae, s(e did &e%a'se de)anded (a&ia ass'red to (i) t(at s(e "asvirin.(e plaintiff %ono%io to de)anded t(e )ont( of ar%( of 193;. After several intervie"s, &ot( "ere it Ceopardi>e t(e 19 of epte)&er of (e (i)self #ear. (e 26 of Nove)&er of e'al#ear, t(e plaintiff %ontra%ted )arriae "it( t(e de)anded one in %atedrla %at(oli% of t(e :it# of 7a'io. Deso'es to %oe$ist )aritall# &# spa%e of ei(t# and nine da#s, t(e de)anded one ave to

li(t a &o# of nine )ont(s, t(e 23 of @e&r'ar# of 1939. @ro) #o' are fro) t(is event, t(e plaintiff a&andon)ent to de)anded and volvio not to )ae )arital life "it( (er.

Issue:

+(et(er or not t(e "as attended &# fra'd.

Ruling:

es. (e %o'rt does not see reason so)e to revoe t(e appealed senten%e. In effe%t, t(ealleation of t(e plaintiff and apellant is i)pro&a&le t(at nor follo"ed (a&ia s'spe%ted t(e

ravido state t(e de)anded one, &ein t(is, as it is proven, in prenant %ondition ver# o'tpost.eason "(# t(ere is pla%e no to %onsider t(e fra'd of "(i%( t(e apellant speas. (e alleedt(in &# t(is in t(e sense t(at ses rare not to find people of developed a&do)en, see)s to 's p'eril to deserve o'r %onsideration, as )'%( &'t "(atever t(at t(e plaintiff "as st'dent of first#ear of ri(t.(e )arriae is an instit'tion sa%ratisi)aG it is t(e fo'ndation in "(i%( t(e so%iet#rests. In order to ann'l it, t(e# are ne%essar# %lear and fe(a%ientes tests. In t(is s'&Ce%t s'%( testsdo not e$ist.

15



ENRI!O L. PA!ETE, petitioner , 4s. HON. %LI!ERIO ". !ARRIA%A, respondent=.. No. L-53;;0. ar%( 1, 1994

Facts:Bn 29 B%to&er 199, :on%ep%ion Alanis filed a %o)plaint for t(e de%laration of n'llit# of

t(e )arriae &et"een (er ('s&and Fnri%o L. Pa%ete, as "ell as for leal separation &et"eenAlanis and Pa%ete<, a%%o'ntin and separation of propert#. In (er %o)plaint, s(e averred t(at s(e"as )arried to Pa%ete on April 30, 193; &efore t(e !'sti%e of t(e Pea%e of :ota&ato, :ota&atot(at t(e# (ad a %(ild na)ed :ons'elo "(o "as &orn on 11 ar%( 1943 t(at Pa%ete s'&se'entl#%ontra%ted in 194; a se%ond )arriae "it( :larita de la :on%ep%ion in Kidapa"an, Nort(:ota&ato t(at s(e learned of s'%( )arriae onl# on A''st 1, 199 t(at d'rin (er )arriae toPa%ete, t(e latter a%'ired vast propert# %onsistin of lare tra%ts of land, fis(ponds and several)otor ve(i%les t(at (e fra'd'lentl# pla%ed t(e several pie%es of propert# eit(er in (is na)e andt(e na)e of :larita or in t(e na)es of (is %(ildren "it( :larita t(at Pa%ete inored overt'res for an a)i%a&le settle)ent and t(at re%on%iliation &et"een (er and Pa%ete "as i)possi&le sin%e (eevidentl# preferred to %ontin'e livin "it( :larita. (e defendants "ere served "it( s'))ons on

Nove)&er 15, 199. (e# filed a )otion for an e$tension of 20 da#s "it(in "(i%( to file anans"er. (e %o'rt ranted t(e )otion. Bn t(e d'e date, t(e defendants aain ased for a se%onde$tension "(i%( "as aain ranted &# t(e %o'rt. Aain, on t(e areed d'e date, defendants asedfor anot(er 15-da# e$tension "(i%( "as (o"ever denied &# t(e %o'rt. Initial pro%eedins 'sint(e eviden%e onl# of :on%ep%ion follo"ed t(ereafter.

Bn 1 ar%( 19;0, t(e %o'rt t(ro'( t(e on. =li%erio :arria pro)'lated t(e (erein'estioned de%ision na)el#G t(e valid iss'an%e of t(e leal separation &et"een :on%ep%ion andFnri%o Pa%ete t(at t(e follo"in properties na)el# t(e 10 par%els of land, "(i%( "ere oriinall#onl# na)ed after Fnri%o Pa%ete, are (ere&# de%lared as t(e %onC'al properties of t(e partners(ipof :on%ep%ion and Fnri%o Pa%ete orderin Fnri%o Pa%ete to pa# :on%ep%ion t(e s') of P46,950.00 "(i%( is (er s(are in t(e 'na%%o'nted in%o)e of t(e ri%e )ill and %orn s(eller fro)191 to 193 and de%larin t(e s'&se'ent )arriae &et"een Fnri%o Pa%ete and :larita de la:on%ep%ion to &e void a& initio.

7e%a'se of t(is, Fnri%o Pa%ete filed a spe%ial a%tion of %ertiorari.

Issue:+(et(er or not appearan%e of t(e state is essential

Ruling:(e :ivil :ode providesG Art. 101. No de%ree of leal separation s(all &e pro)'lated

'pon a stip'lation of fa%ts or &# %onfession of C'd)ent. In %ase of non-appearan%e of t(edefendant, t(e %o'rt s(all order t(e prose%'tin attorne# to in'ire "(et(er or not %oll'sion &et"een t(e parties e$ists. If t(ere is no %oll'sion, t(e prose%'tin attorne# s(all intervene for t(etate in order to tae %are t(at t(e eviden%e for t(e plaintiff is not fa&ri%ated. Arti%le 103 of t(e:ivil :ode, no" Arti%le 5; of t(e @a)il# :ode, f'rt(er )andates t(at an a%tion for lealseparation )'st in no %ase &e tried &efore si$ )ont(s s(all (ave elapsed sin%e t(e filin of t(e petition, o&vio'sl# in order to provide t(e parties a %oolin-off period. In t(is interi), t(e%o'rt s(o'ld tae steps to"ard ettin t(e parties to re%on%ile.

It "as fo'nd o't t(at t(e afore'oted stat'tor# re'ire)ents "ere not follo"ed &# &ot(:on%ep%ion Alanis and on. =li%erio :arriaa.

(e spe%ial pres%riptions on a%tions t(at %an p't t(e interit# of )arriae to an end arei)pelled &# no less t(an t(e tateOs interest in t(e )arriae relation and its intention not to leavet(e )atter "it(in t(e e$%l'sive do)ain of t(e parties to alone di%tate, "(i%( "as not present int(is %ase sin%e t(e de%ision "as onl# &ased on t(e eviden%e of :on%ep%ion. It is %lear t(at:on%ep%ion did, in fa%t, spe%ifi%all# pra# for leal separation. (at ot(er re)edies "(i%( (avelie"ise &een so'(t in t(e sa)e a%tion %annot e$%'se %o)plian%e, "it( an# of t(e stat'tor#re'ire)ents afore'oted. (erefore, t(ere is t(e need for t(e intervention of t(e state.

+FF@BF, t(e petition for %ertiorari &# Fnri%o Pa%ete is (ere&# =ANFD and t(eDe%ision of 1 ar%( 19;0 are NJLLI@IFD and F AIDF. No %osts.

16



EMILIO TUASON, 8etiti&ne-, 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS, -es8&n3ents%.R. N&. ''++(. A8-il '(, '//+

Facts:In 19;9, private respondent aria i%toria Lope> 'ason filed "it( t(e eional rial

:o'rt, aati a petition for ann'l)ent or de%laration of n'llit# of (er )arriae to petitioner F)ilio . 'ason. In (er %o)plaint, private respondent alleed t(at s(e and petitioner "ere)arried on !'ne 3, 192 and fro) t(is 'nion, &eot t"o %(ildren t(at at t(e ti)e of t(e )arriae, petitioner "as alread# ps#%(oloi%all# in%apa%itated to %o)pl# "it( (is essential )aritalo&liations "(i%( &e%a)e )anifest after"ard and res'lted in violent fi(ts &et"een ('s&and and"ife t(at petitioner 'sed pro(i&ited dr's, "as appre(ended &# t(e a't(orities and senten%ed toa one-#ear s'spended penalt# and (as not &een re(a&ilitated t(at petitioner "as a "o)ani>ert(at after (e left t(e %onC'al d"ellin, petitioner ave )ini)al s'pport to t(e fa)il# and evenref'sed to pa# for t(e t'ition fees of t(eir %(ildren %o)pellin private respondent to a%%eptdonations and dole-o'ts fro) (er fa)il# and friends t(at atte)pts at re%on%iliation "ere )ade &'t t(e# all failed &e%a'se of petitioner8s ref'sal to refor). In addition to (er pra#er for

ann'l)ent, private respondent pra#ed for po"ers of ad)inistration to save t(e %onC'al properties fro) f'rt(er dissipation.After t(e iss'es "ere Coined, trial %o))en%ed on ar%( 30, 1990. Private respondent

presented (er eviden%es. Bn t(e s%(ed'led re%eption of t(e petitioner8s eviden%es on a# 11,1990, petitioner8s %o'nsel filed for postpone)ent on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e prin%ipal %o'nsel "aso't of t(e %o'ntr#. (e %o'rt ranted t(e )otion and reset t(e (earin on !'ne ;, 1990. Bn t(esaid date, petitioner failed to appear. Bn oral )otion of private respondent, t(e %o'rt de%lared petitioner to (ave "aived (is ri(t to present eviden%e and dee)ed t(e %ase s'&)itted for de%ision on t(e &asis of t(e eviden%e presented. Bn !'ne 29, 1990, t(e trial %o'rt rendered C'd)ent de%larin t(e n'llit# of private respondent8s )arriae to petitioner and a"ardin%'stod# of t(e %(ildren to private respondent.

(e petitioner appealed &'t "as aain denied &# t(e :A. at t(e 'pre)e :o'rt, petitioner allees t(at t(e proper pro%ess for ann'l)ent of )arriae or leal separation "as not properl#follo"ed &# t(e trial %o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e trial %o'rt erred in t(e pro%ess of renderin t(e )arriae n'll and

void

Ruling:

A rant of ann'l)ent of )arriae or leal separation &# defa'lt is fra'(t "it( t(e daner of %oll'sion. en%e, in all %ases for ann'l)ent, de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae and leal

separation, t(e prose%'tin attorne# or fis%al is ordered to appear on &e(alf of t(e state for t(e p'rpose of preventin an# %oll'sion &et"een t(e parties and to tae %are t(at t(eir eviden%e is notfa&ri%ated or s'ppressed. If t(e defendant spo'se fails to ans"er t(e %o)plaint, t(e %o'rt %annotde%lare (i) or (er in defa'lt &'t instead, s(o'ld order t(e prose%'tin attorne# to deter)ine if %oll'sion e$ists &et"een t(e parties. (e prose%'tin attorne# or fis%al )a# oppose t(eappli%ation for leal separation or ann'l)ent t(ro'( t(e presentation of (is o"n eviden%e, if in(is opinion, t(e proof add'%ed is d'&io's and fa&ri%ated. B'r :onstit'tion is %o))itted to t(e poli%# of strent(enin t(e fa)il# as a &asi% so%ial instit'tion. B'r fa)il# la" is &ased on t(e poli%# t(at )arriae is not a )ere %ontra%t, &'t a so%ial instit'tion in "(i%( t(e state is vitall#interested.

(e fa%ts in t(e %ase at &ar do not %all for t(e stri%t appli%ation of Arti%les 4; and 60 of t(e @a)il# :ode. @or one, petitioner "as not de%lared in defa'lt &# t(e trial %o'rt for fail're toans"er. Petitioner a%tivel# parti%ipated in t(e pro%eedins &elo" &# filin several pleadins and%ross-e$a)inin t(e "itnesses of private respondent. It is %r#stal %lear t(at ever# stae of t(elitiation "as %(ara%teri>ed &# a no-(olds &arred %ontest and not &# %oll'sion. (e role of t(e prose%'tin attorne# or fis%al in ann'l)ent of )arriae and leal separation pro%eedins is todeter)ine "(et(er %oll'sion e$ists &et"een t(e parties and to tae %are t(at t(e eviden%e is nots'ppressed or fa&ri%ated. Petitioner8s ve(e)ent opposition to t(e ann'l)ent pro%eedins neates

1



t(e %on%l'sion t(at %oll'sion e$isted &et"een t(e parties. (ere is no alleation &# t(e petitioner t(at eviden%e "as s'ppressed or fa&ri%ated &# an# of t(e parties. Jnder t(ese %ir%')stan%es, "eare %onvin%ed t(at t(e non-intervention of a prose%'tin attorne# to ass're la% of %oll'sion &et"een t(e %ontendin parties is not fatal to t(e validit# of t(e pro%eedins in t(e trial %o'rt.

1;



ON% EN% 1IAM, 8etiti&ne- 4s. LU!ITA ON%, -es8&n3ent%.R N&. 'B(+. Oct&e- B, ((+

Facts:Bn Fn Kia), also no"n as +illia) Bn and L'%ita =. Bn "ere )arried on !'l# 13,

195 at t(e an A'stin :('r%(, anila. (e# (ave t(ree %(ildren. Bn ar%( 21, 1996, L'%itafiled a %o)plaint for leal separation 'nder Art. 55 1< of t(e fa)il# :ode &efore t(e :-Da'pan allein t(at (er life "it( +illia) "as )ared &# p(#si%al violen%e, t(reats,inti)idation and rossl# a&'sive %ond'%t. (e said a&'ses "ere repeated al)ost ever#da#.+illia) "o'ld also s%old and &eat t(e %(ildren at different parts of t(eir &odies 'sin t(e &'%leof (is &elt "(enever s(e tried to stop +illia) fro) (ittin t(e %(ildren, (e "o'ld t'rn (is ire on(er and &o$ (er. (ere "as even one ti)e "(en +illia) pointed a 'n at (er and ased (er toleave t(e (o'se. 7ot( t(e : and :A ranted t(e petition for Leal eparation. +illia) %lai)t(at t(e onl# parties "(o "ill &enefit fro) a de%ree of leal separation are L'%ita8s parents andsi&lins "(ile s'%( de%ree "o'ld %onde)n (i) as a violent and %r'el person, a "ife-&eater and a%(ild-a&'ser and "ill taint (is rep'tation espe%iall# a)on t(e @ilipino-:(inese %o))'nit#. e

f'rt(er allee t(at "(at too pla%e "ere )ere disaree)ents. e also ar'es t(at a de%ree for leal separation s(o'ld not &e ranted &e%a'se L'%ita a&andoned t(e %onC'al d"ellin. en%et(e appeal to t(is %o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e :A erred in disreardin %lear eviden%e rep'diatin respondent8s

%lai) of repeated p(#si%al violen%e and rossl# a&'sive %ond'%t on t(e part of petitioner

Ruling: As %orre%tl# o&served &# t(e :, +illia) ad)itted t(at t(ere "as no da# t(at (e did

not 'arrel "it( (is "ife, "(i%( )ade (is life )isera&le and (e &la)es (er for &ein nelient of (er "ifel# d'ties. L'%ita and (er sister also ave n')ero's a%%o'nts of t(e instan%es "(en+illia) displa#ed violent te)per aainst L'%ita and t(eir %(ildren. +illia) %lai)s t(at t(e"itnesses of L'%ita are not %redi&le &e%a'se of t(eir relations(ip "it( (er. +e do not aree.elations(ip alone is not eno'( reason to dis%redit and la&el a "itness8 testi)on# as &iased and'n"ort(# of %reden%e. +illia) also posits t(at t(e real )otive of L'%ita in filin t(e %ase is inorder for (er side of t(e fa)il# to ain %ontrol of t(e %onC'al properties. (e %o'rt finds s'%(reasonin (ard to &elieve. +(at is )ore pro&a&le is t(at t(ere tr'l# e$ists a ro'nd for lealseparation, a %a'se so stron t(at L'%ita (ad to see redress fro) t(e %o'rts. Also "it(o't )eritis t(e ar')ent of +illia) t(at no de%ree s(o'ld &e ranted &e%a'se of t(e a&andon)ent done &#L'%ita. (e a&andon)ent referred to is a&andon)ent "it(o't C'stifia&le %a'se for )ore t(an 1#ear. As it "as esta&lis(ed t(at L'%ita left +illia) d'e to (is a&'sive %ond'%t, s'%( does not%onstit'te a&andon)ent %onte)plated &# t(e said provision.

+(erefore, t(e petition is denied.

19



AIDA 0ANEZ, 8etiti&ne- 4s. %A0RIEL 0ANEZ, -es8&n3ent%.R N&. 'BB+). anua-6 B, ((

Facts:Bn epte)&er 23, 1996, t(e :-:e&' de%reed t(e leal separation &et"een petitioner

Aida 7ane> and respondent =a&rial 7ane> on t(e ro'nd of t(e latter8s se$'al infidelit# t(edissol'tion of t(eir %onC'al propert# relations and t(e division of t(e %onC'al net assets t(eforfeit're of respondent8s Q s(are in t(e net %onC'al assets in favor of t(e %o))on %(ildren andan order to respondent to leave t(e %onC'al d"ellin. In anot(er )otion, petitioner so'(t )oraland e$e)plar# da)aes. (e : t(is ti)e denied (er petition. In t'rn, in a petition for %ertiorari, =a&rial 7ane> elevated t(e %ase to t(e :A "(i%( de%ided t(at t(e rant of e$e%'tion &# t(e : &e set aside. (e :A also denied Aida8s )otion for re%onsideration. en%e t(isappeal.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e :A erred in settin aside t(e de%ision of t(e : orderin respondent

to va%ate t(eir residential (o'se

Ruling:In t(is %ase, %onsiderin t(e reasons %ited &# petitioner t(at s(e and (er %(ildren &e

allo"ed to o%%'p# and enCo# t(e (o'se %onsiderin t(at d'rin t(e entire pro%eedins &efore t(e:, s(e did not (ave t(e %(an%e to o%%'p# it, "e are in vie" t(at t(ere is no s'perior or 'rent%ir%')stan%es t(at o't"ei(s t(e da)ae "(i%( respondent "o'ld s'ffer if (e "ere ordered tova%ate t(e (o'se sin%e even (e "as not iven t(e %(an%e to o%%'p# t(e said (o'se.

@'rt(er, petitioner allees t(at an a%tion for leal separation is one "(ere )'ltipleappeals are allo"ed. +e do not t(in so. (e iss'es involved in t(e %ase "ill ne%essaril# relate tot(e sa)e )arital relations(ip &et"een t(e parties. (e effe%ts of leal separation s'%( asentitle)ent to live separatel#, dissol'tion and li'idation of t(e a&sol'te %o))'nit#, and %'stod#of t(e )inor %(ildren, follo" fro) t(e de%ree of leal separation. (e# are not separate or distin%t )atters t(at )a# &e resolved &# t(e %o'rt and &e%o)e final prior to or apart fro) t(ede%ree of leal separation. at(er, t(e# are )ere in%idents of leal separation. ('s, t(e# )a#not &e s'&Ce%t to )'ltiple appeals.

+(erefore, t(e petitions are denied. (e de%ision of t(e :A is affir)ed.

1;0



FROILAN %AUDION!O, 8etiti&ne-, 4s. HON. SENEN PENARANDA, -es8&n3ent%.R N&. /)*. N&4ee- , '/)

Facts:Bn 29 a# 19;6, eresita =a'dion%o, t(e leal "ife of t(e petitioner, @roilan =a'dion%o,

filed "it( t(e :-isa)is Briental, presided over &# respondent !'de, on. enenPenaranda, a %o)plaint aainst petitioner for leal separation, on t(e ro'nd of %on%'&inae,"it( a petition for s'pport and pa#)ent of da)aes. Bn 13 B%to&er 19;6, eresita =a'dion%oalso filed "it( t(e :-=eneral antos :it#, a %o)plaint aainst petitioner for %on%'&inae. Bn14 Nove)&er 19;6, an appli%ation for t(e provisional re)ed# of s'pport pendente lite, pendin ade%ision in t(e a%tion for leal separation, "as filed &# eresita =a'dion%o in t(e %ivil %ase for leal separation. (e respondent C'de t(en ordered t(e pa#)ent of s'pport pendente lite.

(e petitioner &elieves t(at t(e %ivil a%tion for leal separation is ro'nded on%on%'&inae, so t(at all pro%eedins related to leal separation "ill (ave to &e s'spended toa"ait %onvi%tion or a%'ittal for %on%'&inae in t(e %ri)inal %ase. Petitioner also ar'es t(at (is%onvi%tion for %on%'&inae "ill (ave to &e first se%'red &efore t(e a%tion for leal separation %an

prosper or s'%%eed, as t(e &asis of t(e a%tion for leal separation is (is alleed offense of %on%'&inae. e also allees t(at t(e C'de a%ted in a&'se of dis%retion in orderin (i) for pa#)ent of s'pport.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e ro'nd is s'ffi%ient in t(is %ase

Ruling:In vie" of t(e a)end)ent 'nder t(e 19;5 'les on :ri)inal Pro%ed're, a %ivil a%tion for

leal separation, &ased on %on%'&inae, )a# pro%eed a(ead of, or si)'ltaneo'sl# "it(, a%ri)inal a%tion for %on%'&inae, &e%a'se said %ivil a%tion is not one to enfor%e t(e %ivil lia&ilit#arisin fro) t(e offense even if &ot( t(e %ivil and %ri)inal a%tions arise fro) or are related tot(e sa)e offense. '%( %ivil a%tion is one intended to o&tain t(e ri(t to live separatel#, "it( t(eleal %onse'en%es t(ereof, s'%( as, t(e dissol'tion of t(e %onC'al partners(ip of ains, %'stod#of offsprin8s s'pport, and dis'alifi%ation fro) in(eritin fro) t(e inno%ent spo'se, a)onot(ers. A de%ree of leal separation, on t(e ro'nd of %on%'&inae, )a# &e iss'ed 'pon proof &# preponderan%e of eviden%e in t(e a%tion for leal separation. No %ri)inal pro%eedin or %onvi%tion is ne%essar#.

PetitionerOs atte)pt to resist pa#)ent of s'pport pendente lite to (is "ife )'st also fail, as"e find no proof of rave a&'se of dis%retion on t(e part of t(e respondent !'de in orderin t(esa)e. 'pport pendente lite, as a re)ed#, %an &e availed of in an a%tion for leal separation, andranted at t(e dis%retion of t(e C'de. If petitioner finds t(e a)o'nt of s'pport pendente liteordered as too onero's, (e %an al"a#s file a )otion to )odif# or red'%e t(e sa)e.

+(erefore, t(e petition of petitioner is dis)issed.

EDUARDO ARRO#O .R., petitioner , 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondents.

1;1



=.. No. 96602. Nov. 19, 1991

Facts:Bn Nove)&er 2, 19;2, a%%'sed, rs. '&# era Neri in t(e %o)pan# of rs. Linda are

and "itness !a&'nan, too t(e )ornin plane to 7a'io. Arrivin at aro'nd 11G00 a.)., t(e#

dropped first at t(e (o'se of rs. era, )ot(er of '&# era at :r#stal :ave, 7a'io :it# t(en pro%eeded to t(e ines ie" Par :ondo)ini') o"ned &# t(e Neri spo'ses. At aro'nd p),a%%'sed Fd'ardo Arro#o arrived at t(e NerisO %ondo)ini'). !a&'nan opened t(e door for Arro#o"(o i))ediatel# "ent no%ed at t(e )asterOs &edroo) "(ere a%%'sed '&# Neri and (er %o)panion Linda are "ere. Bn a%%'sed '&# NeriOs re'est, Linda are left t(e )asterOs &edroo) and "ent 'pstairs to t(e sala leavin t(e t"o a%%'sed alone in t(e )aster8s &edroo).A&o't fort#-five )in'tes later, a%%'sed Arro#o !r. %a)e 'p and told Linda are t(at s(e %o'ldalread# %o)e do"n. (e event "as )ade no"n to Dr. !ore Neri, ('s&and of '&# Neri, "(ot(ereafter, filed a %ri)inal %o)plaint for ad'lter# &efore t(e :-7en'et aainst (is "ife, '&#era Neri, and Fd'ardo Arro#o. 7ot( t(e : and t(e :A fo'nd t(e t"o a%%'sed 'ilt# of ad'lter#.

'&# era Neri and Fd'ardo Arro#o filed for a otion for e%onsideration "(i%( "asdenied &# t(e :A. Bn appeal, &ot( a%%'sed allees t(e follo"inG t(at t(e# "ere into an illi%itaffair, (o"ever, t(e# denied t(at t(e# (ad se$'al inter%o'rse on Nove)&er 2, 19;2 "(i%( Dr. Neri %lai)s and finall#, t(at a pardon (ad &een e$tended &# Dr. Neri, and t(at (e (ad later %ontra%ted )arriae "it( anot(er "o)an "it( "(o) (e is presentl# %o-(a&itin.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e pardon of Dr. Neri is tena&le to free t(e t"o a%%'sed of t(eir %ri)inal

lia&ilit#

Ruling:(e r'le on pardon is fo'nd in Arti%le 344 of t(e evised Penal :ode "(i%( providesG

Art.344-(e %ri)e of ad'lter# and %on%'&inae s(all not &e prose%'ted e$%ept 'pon a%o)plaint filed &# t(e offended spo'se. (e offended part# %annot instit'te %ri)inal prose%'tion"it(o't in%l'din &ot( parties, if t(e# are &ot( alive, or in an# %ase, if (e s(all (ave %onsented or pardoned t(e offenders.

+(ile t(ere is a %on%ept'al differen%e &et"een %onsent and pardon in t(e sense t(at%onsent is ranted prior to t(e ad'ltero's a%t "(ile pardon is iven after t(e illi%it affair,nevert(eless, for eit(er %onsent or pardon to &enefit t(e a%%'sed, it )'st &e iven prior to t(efilin of a %ri)inal %o)plaint. In t(e present %ase, t(e %o)pro)ise aree)ent statin t(e pardoniven &# Dr. Neri, "as e$e%'ted onl# on @e&r'ar# 16, 19;9, after t(e trial %o'rt (ad alread#rendered its de%ision dated De%e)&er 1, 19; findin petitioners 'ilt# &e#ond reasona&ledo'&t. 7e%a'se of t(is, t(e said pardon is not s'ffi%ient to free t(e t"o a%%'sed na)el# '&#era Neri and Fd'ardo Arro#o of t(e %ri)e ad'lter#.

0ENAMIN 0U%A#ON%, plaintiff-appellant, vs.LEONILA %INEZ, defendant-appellee.

1;2



=. No. L-10033. De%e)&er 2;, 1956

Facts:7enCa)in 7'a#on, a servi%e)an in t(e Jnited tates Nav#, "as )arried to defendant

Leonila =ine> on A''st 2, 1949, at Asinan, Panasinan. I))ediatel# after t(eir )arriae, t(e

%o'ple lived "it( t(eir sisters "(o later )oved to a)palo%, anila. At a&o't !'l#, 1951,Leonila =ine> left t(e d"ellin of (er sister-in-la" and infor)ed (er ('s&and &# letter t(at s(e(ad one to reside "it( (er )ot(er in Asinan, Panasinan. As earl# as !'l#, 1951, 7enCa)in7'a#on &ean re%eivin letters fro) (is sister-in-la" and so)e fro) anon#)o's "ritersinfor)in (i) of alleed a%ts of infidelit# of (is "ife. Bn %ross-e$a)ination, 7enCa)in ad)ittedt(at (is "ife also infor)ed (i) &# letter, t(at a %ertain Flion issed (er. All t(ese%o))'ni%ations pro)pted (i) in to see t(e advi%e of t(e nav# leal depart)ent. In A''st,1952, 7enCa)in "ent to Asinan, Panasinan, and so'(t for (is "ife "(o) (e )et in t(e (o'seof Leonila8s od)ot(er. (e %a)e alon "it( (i) and &ot( pro%eeded to t(e (o'se of a %o'sinof7enCa)in, "(ere t(e# sta#ed and lived for 2 ni(ts and 1 da# as ('s&and and "ife. Bn t(ese%ond da#, 7enCa)in tried to verif# fro) (is "ife t(e tr't( of t(e infor)ation (e re%eived t(at

s(e (ad %o))itted ad'lter# &'t Leonila, instead of ans"erin (is 'er#, )erel# pa%ed 'p andleft. After t(at and despite s'%( &elief, 7enCa)in still e$erted efforts to lo%ate (er and failin tofind (er, (e "ent to 7a%arra, Ilo%os Norte, to soot(e (is "o'nded feelins. Bn Nove)&er 1;,1952, 7enCa)in filed in t(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e of Panasinan a %o)plaint for lealseparation aainst (is "ife, Leonila "(o filed an ans"er ve(e)entl# den#in t(e aver)ents of t(e %o)plaint and settin 'p affir)ative defenses. After t(e iss'es "ere Coined and %onvin%edt(at re%on%iliation "as not possi&le, t(e %o'rt set t(e %ase for (earin on !'ne 9, 1953. 7enCa)in presented (is eviden%es, &'t t(e %o'nsel of Leonila )oved for t(e dis)issal of t(e %o)plaint d'eto t(e fa%t t(at t(ere "as *%ondonation./ 7ot( t(e : and :A &elieved t(at t(ere "as indeed%ondonation.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(ere (as &een %ondonation

Ruling::ondonation is t(e *foriveness of a )arital offense %onstit'tin a ro'nd for leal

separation/ or, %ondonation is t(e %onditional foriveness or re)ission, &# a ('s&and or "ife of a )atri)onial offense "(i%( t(e latter (as %o))itted. It is to &e noted, (o"ever, t(at indefendantOs ans"er s(e ve(e)entl# and vioro'sl# denies (avin %o))itted an# a%t of infidelit#aainst (er ('s&and, and even if "e "ere to ive f'll "ei(t to t(e testi)on# of t(e plaintiff,"(o "as t(e onl# one t(at (ad t(e %(an%e of testif#in in :o'rt and lin s'%( eviden%e "it( t(eaver)ents of t(e %o)plaint, "e "o'ld (ave to %on%l'de t(at t(e fa%ts appearin on t(e re%ord arefar fro) s'ffi%ient to esta&lis( t(e %(are of ad'lter# preferred aainst t(e defendant. :ertainl#,t(e letter t(at plaintiff %lai)s to (ave re%eived fro) (is sister-in-la", )'st (ave &een too va'eand indefinite as to defendantOs infidelit# to deserve its prod'%tion in eviden%e nor t(eanon#)o's letters "(i%( plaintiff also failed to present nor t(e alleed letter t(at, a%%ordin to plaintiff, (is "ife addressed to (i) ad)ittin t(at s(e (ad &een issed &# one Flion, "(oseidentit# "as not esta&lis(ed, do not a)o'nt to an#t(in t(at %an &e relied 'pon.

(e leal separation )a# &e %lai)ed onl# &# t(e inno%ent spo'se, provided t(ere (as &een no %ondonation of or %onsent to t(e ad'lter# or %on%'&inae. +(ere &ot( spo'ses areoffenders, leal separation %annot &e %lai)ed &# eit(er of t(e). :oll'sion &et"een t(e parties too&tain leal separation s(all %a'se t(e dis)issal of t(e petition.

A detailed e$a)ination of t(e testi)on# of t(e plaintiff-('s&and %learl# s(o"s t(at t(ere"as a %ondonation on t(e part of t(e ('s&and for t(e s'pposed a%ts of ran infidelit# a)o'ntinto ad'lter# %o))itted &# defendant-"ife. Ad)ittin for t(e sae of ar')ent t(at t(einfidelities a)o'ntin to ad'lter# "ere %o))itted &# t(e defendant-"ife, re%on%iliation "aseffe%ted &et"een (er and t(e plaintiff. (e a%t of t(e latter in pers'adin (er to %o)e alon "it((i), and t(e fa%t t(at s(e "ent "it( (i) and %onsented to &e &ro'(t to t(e (o'se of (is %o'sinand toet(er t(e# slept t(ere as ('s&and and "ife for one da# and one ni(t, and t(e f'rt(er fa%tt(at in t(e se%ond ni(t t(e# aain slept toet(er in t(eir (o'se lie"ise as ('s&and and "ife- allt(ese fa%ts (ave no ot(er )eanin in t(e opinion of t(is %o'rt t(an t(at a re%on%iliation &et"een

1;3



t(e) "as effe%ted and t(at t(ere "as a %ondonation of t(e "ife &# t(e ('s&and. (ere%on%iliation o%%'rred al)ost ten )ont(s after (e %a)e to no" of t(e a%ts of infidelit#a)o'ntin to ad'lter#. Alt(o'( (e &elieved t(at (er "ife %o))itted ad'lter#, (e still pers'aded(er "ife.

It is i)portant to note t(at a divor%e s'it "ill not &e ranted for ad'lter# "(ere t(e parties

%ontin'e to live toet(er after it "as no"n, or t(ere is se$'al inter%o'rse after no"lede of ad'lter#, or sleepin toet(er for a sinle ni(t, and )an# ot(ers. (e res')ption of )arital%o(a&itation as a &asis of %ondonation "ill enerall# &e inferred, not(in appearin to t(e%ontrar#, fro) t(e fa%t of t(e livin toet(er as ('s&and and "ife, espe%iall# as aainst t(e('s&and.

7e%a'se of t(is, t(e 'pre)e :o'rt areed "it( t(e : and :A8s findins t(at t(ere "asindeed %ondonation on t(e part of 7enCa)in 7'a#on, t(erefore, t(e foreoin %ase is (ere&#dis)issed.

1;4



PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellant, 4s. %UADALUPE ZAPATA an3DALMA!IO 0ONDO!, defendants-appellees.

=.. No. L-304. a# 161951

Facts:

In t(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e of Pa)pana a %o)plaint for ad'lter# "as filed &# Andres7ondo% aainst ='adal'pe apata, (is "ife, and Dal)a%io 7ondo%, (er para)o'r, for %o(a&itinand (avin repeated se$'al inter%o'rse d'rin t(e period fro) t(e #ear 1946 to ar%( 14, 194.(e defendant-"ife entered a plea of 'ilt# and "as senten%ed to s'ffer fo'r )ont(s of arresto)a#or "(i%( penalt# s(e served. In t(e sa)e %o'rt, on epte)&er 1, 194;, t(e offended('s&and filed anot(er %o)plaint for ad'ltero's a%ts %o))itted &# (is "ife and (er para)o'r fro) ar%( 15, 194 to epte)&er 1, 194;. Bn @e&r'ar# 21, 1949, ea%( of t(e defendants fileda )otion to 'as( t(e %o)plaint on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e# "o'ld &e t"i%e p't in Ceopard# of p'nis()ent for t(e sa)e offense. (e trial %o'rt 'p(eld t(e %ontention of t(e defendants and'as(ed t(e se%ond %o)plaint.

(e trial %o'rt (eld t(at t(e ad'ltero's a%ts %(ared in t(e first and se%ond %o)plaints

)'st &e dee)ed one %ontin'o's offense, t(e defendants in &ot( %o)plaints &ein t(e sa)e andidenti%al persons and t(e t"o sets of 'nla"f'l a%ts (avin taen pla%e %ontin'o'sl# d'rin t(e#ears 1946, 194 and part of 194; is "it(in t(e s%ope and )eanin of t(e %onstit'tional provision t(at *No person s(all &e t"i%e p't in Ceopard# of p'nis()ent for t(e sa)e offense./

Issue:+(et(er or not %onsent attended t(e %ase

Ruling:Ad'lter# is a %ri)e of res'lt and not of tenden%# it is an instantaneo's %ri)e "(i%( is

%ons'))ated and e$(a'sted or %o)pleted at t(e )o)ent of t(e %arnal 'nion. Fa%( se$'alinter%o'rse %onstit'tes a %ri)e of ad'lter#. r'e, t"o or )ore ad'ltero's a%ts %o))itted &# t(esa)e defendants are aainst t(e sa)e person- t(e offended ('s&and t(e sa)e stat's- t(e 'nionof t(e ('s&and and "ife &# t(eir )arriae and t(e sa)e %o))'nit# represented &# t(e tate for its interest in )aintainin and preservin s'%( stat's. 7't t(is identit# of t(e offended part#,stat's and so%iet# does not ar'e aainst t(e %o))ission of t(e %ri)e of ad'lter# as )an# ti)esas t(ere "ere %arnal a%ts %ons'))ated, for as lon as t(e stat's re)ain 'n%(aned, t(e ne$'s'ndissolved and 'n&roen, an en%roa%()ent or trespass 'pon t(at stat's %onstit'tes a %ri)e.(ere is no %onstit'tional or leal provision "(i%( &ars t(e filin of as )an# %o)plaints for ad'lter# as t(ere "ere ad'ltero's a%ts %o))itted, ea%( %onstit'tin one %ri)e.

In t(e instant %ase t(e last 'nit# does not e$ist, &e%a'se as alread# stated t(e %'lprits perpetrate t(e %ri)e in ever# se$'al inter%o'rse and t(e# need not do anot(er or ot(er ad'ltero'sa%ts to %ons'))ate it. After t(e last a%t of ad'lter# (ad &een %o))itted as %(ared in t(e first%o)plaint, t(e defendants aain %o))itted ad'ltero's a%ts not in%l'ded in t(e first %o)plaint andfor "(i%( t(e se%ond %o)plaint "as filed.

Anot(er reason "(# a se%ond %o)plaint %(arin t(e %o))ission of ad'ltero's a%ts doesnot %onstit'te a violation of t(e do'&le Ceopard# %la'se of t(e %onstit'tion is t(at, at t(e ti)e of t(e %o))ission of t(e %ri)e %(ared in t(e se%ond %o)plaint, t(e para)o'r alread# ne" t(at(is %odefendant "as a )arried "o)an and #et (e %ontin'ed to (ave %arnal no"lede of (er.Fven if t(e ('s&and s(o'ld pardon (is ad'ltero's "ife, s'%( pardon "o'ld not e$e)pt t(e "ifeand (er para)o'r fro) %ri)inal lia&ilit# for ad'ltero's a%ts %o))itted after t(e pardon "asranted, &e%a'se t(e pardon refers to previo's and not to s'&se'ent ad'ltero's a%ts

(e order appealed fro), "(i%( 'as(ed t(e se%ond %o)plaint for ad'lter#, is (ere&#reversed and set aside, and t(e trial %o'rt is dire%ted to pro%eed "it( t(e trial of t(e defendants ina%%ordan%e "it( la".

1;5



OSE DE O!AMPO, petitioner , 4s. SERAFINA FLOREN!IANO, respondent.=.. No. L-13553. @e&r'ar# 23, 1960

Facts:Plaintiff and defendant "ere )arried in April 5, 193; &# a reliio's %ere)on# in ='i)&a,

N'eva F%iCa, and (ad lived t(ereafter as ('s&and and "ife. (e# &eot several %(ildren. Inar%( 1951, plaintiff dis%overed on several o%%asions t(at (is "ife "as &etra#in (is tr'st &#)aintainin illi%it relations "it( one !ose Ar%alas. avin fo'nd t(e defendant %arr#in )aritalrelations "it( anot(er )an, plaintiff sent (er to anila in !'ne 1951 to st'd# &ea't# %'lt're,"(ere s(e sta#ed for one #ear. Aain, plaintiff dis%overed t(at "(ile in t(e said %it#, defendant"as oin o't "it( several ot(er )en, aside fro) !ose Ar%alas. o"ards t(e end of !'ne 1952,"(en defendant (ad finis(ed st'd#in (er %o'rse, s(e left plaintiff and sin%e t(en t(e# (ad livedseparatel#. Bn !'ne 1;, 1955, plaintiff s'rprised (is "ife in t(e a%t of (avin illi%it relations "it(anot(er )an &# t(e na)e of Nelson Br>a)e. Plaintiff sinified (is intention of filin a petitionfor leal separation to "(i%( defendant )anifested (er %onfor)it# provided s(e is not %(ared"it( ad'lter# in a %ri)inal a%tion. A%%ordinl#, plaintiff filed on !'l# 5, 1955, a petition for leal

separation.(e : and :A (eld t(at a leal separation %o'ld not &e de%reed d'e to t(e %onfessionof C'd)ent &# t(e defendant.

Issue:+(et(er or not pardon attended t(e %ase at &ar

Ruling:(e )ere %ir%')stan%e t(at defendant told t(e @is%al t(at s(e lie also to &e leall#

separated fro) (er ('s&and, is no o&sta%le to t(e s'%%essf'l prose%'tion of t(e a%tion. +(en s(eref'sed to ans"er t(e %o)plaint, s(e indi%ated (er "illinness to &e separated. et, t(e la" doesnot order t(e dis)issal. Allo"in t(e pro%eedin to %ontin'e, it taes pre%a'tions aainst%oll'sion, "(i%( i)plies )ore t(an %onsent or la% of opposition to t(e aree)ent. In t(is%onne%tion, it (as &een (eld t(at %oll'sion )a# not &e inferred fro) t(e )ere fa%t t(at t(e 'ilt# part# %onfesses to t(e offense and t('s ena&les t(e ot(er part# to pro%'re eviden%e ne%essar# to prove it and proof t(at t(e defendant desires t(e divor%e and )aes no defense, is not &# itself %oll'sion. ere, t(e offense of ad'lter# (ad reall# tain pla%e "it(o't %oll'sion &# t(e parties,a%%ordin to t(e eviden%e. (e 'pre)e :o'rt does not t(in plaintiffOs fail're a%tivel# to sear%(for defendant and tae (er (o)e %onstit'ted %ondonation or %onsent to (er ad'ltero's relations"it( Br>a)e. It "ill &e re)e)&ered t(at s(e left (i) after (avin sinned "it( Ar%alas andafter (e (ad dis%overed (er dates "it( ot(er )en. :onse'entl#, it "as not (is d't# to sear%( for (er to &rin (er (o)e. ers "as t(e o&liation to ret'rn.

+(erefore, findin no o&sta%les to t(e arieved ('s&andOs petition "e (ere&# reverse t(eappealed de%ision and de%ree a leal separation &et"een t(is spo'se. :osts of all instan%esaainst erafina @loren%iano.

1;6



SO!ORRO MATU0IS, plaintiff-appellant, 4s. ZOILO PRA$EDES, defendant-appellee.=.. No. L-1166. B%to&er 25, 1960

Facts:Plaintiff and defendant "ere leall# )arried on !an'ar# 10, 1943 at Iria, :a)arines 'r.

@or fail're to aree on (o" t(e# s(o'ld live as ('s&and and "ife, t(e %o'ple, on a# 30, 1944,areed to live separatel# fro) ea%( ot(er, "(i%( stat's re)ained 'n%(aned 'ntil t(e present. BnApril 3, 194;, plaintiff and defendant entered into an aree)ent,t(e sinifi%ant portions of "(i%(are (ere'nder reprod'%edG a< (at &ot( of 's relin'is( o'r ri(t over t(e ot(er as leal ('s&andand "ife b< (at &ot( "it(o't an# interferen%e &# an# of 's, nor eit(er of 's %an prose%'te t(eot(er for ad'lter# or %on%'&inae or an# ot(er %ri)e or s'it arisin fro) o'r separation c< (atI, t(e, "ife, is no loner entitled for an# s'pport fro) )# ('s&and or an# &enefits (e )a#re%eived t(ereafter, nor I t(e ('s&and is not entitled for an#t(in fro) )# "ife d < (at neit(er of 's %an %lai) an#t(in fro) t(e ot(er fro) t(e ti)e "e ver&all# separated, t(at is fro) a#30, 1944 to t(e present "(en "e )ade o'r ver&al separation into "ritin.

In !an'ar#, 1955, defendant &ean %o(a&itin and deportin t(e)selves as ('s&and and

"ife "(o "ere enerall# rep'ted as s'%( in t(e %o))'nit# "it( As'n%ion e&'lado and onepte)&er 1, 1955, said As'n%ion ave &irt( to t(eir %(ild. Bn April 24, 1956, plaintiff o%orroat'&is filed a %o)plaint for leal separation Allein a&andon)ent and %on%'&inae on t(e part of defendant. (e : and :A dis)issed t(e %ase d'e to t(e presen%e of %ondonation on t(e part of t(e plaintiff.

Issue:+(et(er or not %ondonation attended t(e %ase

Ruling:(e ver# "ordin of t(e aree)ent ives no roo) for interpretation ot(er t(an t(at iven

&# t(e trial C'de. :o'nsel in (is &rief s'&)its t(at t(e aree)ent is divided in t"o parts. (efirst part (avin to do "it( t(e a%t of livin separatel# "(i%( (e %lai)s to &e leal, and t(ese%ond part, t(at "(i%( &e%o)es a li%ense to %o))it t(e ro'nd for leal separation "(i%( isad)ittedl# illeal. +e do not aree in appellant8s defense. :ondonation and %onsent on t(e partof plaintiff are t(e )ost vital part in t(e said aree)ent. (e %ondonation and %onsent (ere arenot onl# i)plied &'t e$pressed. (e la" Art. 100 :ivil :ode< spe%ifi%all# provides t(at lealseparation )a# &e %lai)ed onl# &# t(e inno%ent spo'se, provided t(ere (as &een no %ondonationof or %onsent to t(e ad'lter# or %on%'&inae. avin %ondoned and or %onsented in "ritin, t(e plaintiff is no" 'ndeservin of t(e %o'rtOs s#)pat(#. PlaintiffOs %o'nsel even arees t(at t(e%o)plaint s(o'ld &e dis)issed. e %lai)s (o"ever, t(at t(e ro'nds for t(e dis)issal s(o'ld not &e t(ose stated in t(e de%ision of t(e lo"er %o'rt, &'t on t(e ro'nd t(at plaintiff and defendant(ave alread# &een leall# separated fro) ea%( ot(er, &'t "it(o't t(e )arital &ond (avin &eenaffe%ted, lon &efore t(e effe%tivit# of t(e ne" :ivil :ode. Aain, "e %annot s'&s%ri&e to%o'nselOs %ontention, &e%a'se it is %ontrar# to t(e eviden%e.

+(erefore, t(e de%isions of &ot( : and :A are (ere&# affir)ed.

1;



PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee 4s.RODOLFO S!HN!1EN0ER%ER, defendant-appellant

No. 4;1;3. Nove)&er 10, 1941

Facts:

Bn a%( 16, 1926, t(e a%%'sed, odolfo %(ne%en&erer )arried t(e %o)plainantFlena :arteena and after #ears of )arital life, t(e# areed, for reason of alleedin%o)pati&ilit# of %(ara%ter, to live separatel# fro) ea%( ot(er. And on a# 25, 1935, t(e#e$e%'ted a do%')ent in "(i%( t(e# areed to live separatel# and to %(oose "(o t(e# "ant to live"it(. Bn !'ne 15, 1935, t(e a%%'sed, "it(o't leavin t(e P(ilippines, se%'red a divor%e fro) t(e%ivil %o'rt of !'are>, e$i%o. Bn a# 11, 1936, (e %ontra%ted anot(er )arriae "it( (is %o-a%%'sed, !'lia edel. :o)plainant (erein instit'ted 2 a%tions for 7ia)# in t(e :o'rt of @irstInstan%e of i>al and t(e ot(er for %on%'&inae in t(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e of anila. (e first%'l)inated in t(e %onvi%tion of t(e a%%'sed. Bn t(e trial of %on%'&inae, a%%'sed interposed t(e plea of do'&le Ceopard#, and t(e %ase "as dis)issed. 7't 'pon appeal &# t(e fis%al, a%%'sed "as%onvi%ted of %on%'&inae t(ro'( re%less i)pr'den%e. en%e t(is appeal.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e %o'rt erred in %onvi%tin a%%'sed in t(e offense of %on%'&inae

Ruling:As to appellant8s plea for do'&le Ceopard#, it need onl# &e o&served t(at t(e offense of

&ia)# for "(i%( (e "as %onvi%ted and t(at of %on%'&inae for "(i%( (e stood trial are t"odistin%t offenses in la" and in fa%t as "ell as t(e )ode of t(eir prose%'tion. (e %ele&ration of t(e se%ond )arriae, "it( t(e first still e$istin, %(ara%teri>es &ia)# in t(e present %ase, )ere%o(a&itation &# t(e ('s&and "it( a "o)an "(o is not (is "ife %(ara%teri>es %on%'&inae.

Jpon t(e ot(er (and, "e &elieve and so (old t(at t(e a%%'sed s(o'ld &e a%'itted of t(e%ri)e of %on%'&inae. (e do%')ent e$e%'ted &# and &et"een t(e a%%'sed %learl# s(o"s t(atea%( part# intended to foreo t(e illi%it a%ts of t(e ot(er. As t(e ter) *pardon/ 'n'estiona&l#refers to t(e offense after its %o))ission, *%onsent/ )'st (ave &een intended, areea&l# "it( itsordinar# 'sae, to refer to t(e offense prior its %o))ission. No loi%al differen%e %an indeed &e per%eived &et"een prior and s'&se'ent %onsent, for in &ot( instan%es as t(e offended part# (as%(osen to %o)pro)ise "it( (is(er dis(onor, (es(e &e%o)es 'n"ort(# to %o)e to %o'rt andinvoe its aid in t(e vindi%ation of t(e "ron. In arrivin at t(is %on%l'sion, "e do not "is( to &e)is%onstr'ed as leali>in an aree)ent to do an illi%it a%t, in violation of la". B'r vie" )'st &etaen onl# to )ean t(at an aree)ent of t(e tenor entered into &et"een t(e parties (erein,operates, "it(in t(e plain lan'ae and )anifest poli%# of t(e la", to &ar t(e offended part# fro) prose%'tin t(e offense.

+(erefore, C'd)ent is reversed and t(e a%%'sed is (ere&# a%'itted in t(e %ri)e of %on%'&inae.

1;;



PEOPLE OF THE PILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, 4s.URSULA SENSANO, defendant-appellant

No. 320. ar%( , 1933

Facts:

Jrs'la ensano and ariano ent'ra "ere )arried on April 29, 1919. t(e# (ad one %(ild.(ortl# after t(e &irt( of t(e %(ild, t(e ('s&and left (is "ife to o to :aa#an "(ere (e re)ainedfor t(ree #ears "it(o't "ritin to (is "ife or sendin (er an#t(in for t(e s'pport of (erself andt(eir son. Poor and illiterate, s(e str'led for an e$isten%e of (erself and (er son 'ntil t(e da#s(e )et t(e a%%'sed ar%elo a)os "(o too (er and t(e %(ild to live "it( (i). Bn t(e ret'rnof t(e ('s&and in 1924, (e filed a %(are aainst (is "ife and ar%elo a)os for ad'lter# and &ot( "ere senten%ed to 4 )ont(s and 1 da#. After %o)pletin (er senten%e, t(e a%%'sed left (er para)o'r. (ereafter, s(e &eed for t(e ('s&and8s pardon and pro)ised to &e a fait(f'l "ife if (e "o'ld tae (er &a%. e ref'sed to pardon (er or to live "it( (er and said s(e %o'ld o "(eres(e "is(ed, t(at (e "o'ld (ave not(in to do "it( (er an#)ore and s(e %o'ld do as s(e pleased.A&andoned for t(e se%ond ti)e, s(e and (er %(ild "ent &a% to ar%elo a)os. (e ('s&and,

no"in t(at s(e res')ed livin "it( (er %odefendant did not(in to interfere "it( t(eir relations or to assert (is ri(ts as ('s&and. (ereafter, (e left foe a"aii "(ere (e re)ained froseven #ears %o)pletel# a&andonin (is "ife and %(ild. Bn (is ret'rn to t(e P(ilippines, (e presented t(e se%ond %(are of ad'lter#.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e se%ond %o)plaint "o'ld prosper

Ruling:+e (ave %o)e to t(e %on%l'sion t(at t(e eviden%e in t(is %ase and (is %ond'%t "arrant t(e

interferen%e t(at (e %onsented to t(e ad'ltero's relations e$istin &et"een t(e a%%'sed andt(erefore (e is not a't(ori>ed &# la" to instit'te t(is %ri)inal pro%eedin. +e %annot a%%ept t(ear')ent t(at t(e #ears of %onsent on (is part in t(e ad'lter# of (is "ife is e$plained &# (isa&sen%e fro) t(e P(ilippines d'rin "(i%( period it "as i)possi&le for (i) to tae an# a%tionaainst t(e a%%'sed. (ere is not )erit in t(e ar')ent t(at it "as i)possi&le for (i) to tae an#a%tion aainst t(e a%%'sed d'rin t(e said #ears.

+(erefore, t(e C'd)ent is reversed.

1;9



A%UEDA 0ENEDI!TO, plaintiff-appellee, 4s. ESTE0AN DELA RAMA, defendant No. 1056. De%e)&er ;, 1903

Facts:

@ro) t(e affidavit of t(e plaintiff is t(e follo"inG t(at plaintiff and defendant (ad livedtoet(er fro) t(e ti)e of t(eir )arriae in !'l# 1;91 to A''st 1;92. It is also ad)itted t(at t(edefendant s'ddenl#, "it(o't an# previo's "arnin, too (is "ife to t(e (o'se of (er parents, left(er t(ere, and never lived "it( (er after"ards. (e also %(ared defendant "it( (avin%o))itted %on%'&inae "it( =reoria 7er)eCo in 19;2. (e prod'%ed no eviden%e to s'pportt(is alleation. Bn t(e ot(er (and, t(e defendant presented (is %o'nter-affidavit "(ere (e areedon t(e ti)e of t(eir )arriae. (at on (is ret'rn fro) an inspe%tion of one of (is estates, (is"ife8s )aid ave (i) a letter in t(e o"n (and"ritin of (is "ife "(i%( "as dire%ted to (is lover,a panis( %orporal of t(e %ivil 'ard na)ed a&al. (e ad)itted t(e en'ineness of t(e letter,fell 'pon (er nees, and i)plored (i) to pardon (er. (at sa)e da#, (e too (er to t(e (o)e of (er parents, told "(at (ad o%%'rred, and left (er t(ere.

espondent t(en filed for Leal eparation "(i%( "as iven &# t(e :.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e Leal eparatin filed &# t(e respondent "o'ld prosper

Ruling:It is said t(at if t(e plaintiff is 'ilt#, t(e defendant (as %ondoned t(e offense. (e "ife

%an defeat t(e ('s&and8s s'it &# provin t(at (e (as pardoned (er.B'r %on%l'sion is t(at neit(er one of t(e parties is entitled to Leal eparation. As

%on%l'sion of la" fro) t(e foreoin fa%ts, "e (old t(at neit(er part# is entitled to C'd)ent of Leal eparation aainst t(e ot(er. (at C'd)ent &e entered t(at t(e plaintiff tae not(in &#(er a%tion.

190



7ILLIAM H. 0RO7N, plaintiff-appellant, 4s. UANITA #AM0AO, defendant-appellee.=.. No. L-10699. B%to&er 1;, 195

Facts:Bn !'l# 14, 1955, +illia) . 7ro"n filed s'it in t(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e of anila to

o&tain leal separation fro) (is la"f'l "ife !'anita a)&ao. e alleed 'nder oat( t(at "(ileinterned &# t(e !apanese invaders, fro) 1942-1945, (is "ife enaed in ad'ltero's relations "it(one :arlos @ield of "(o) s(e &eot a &a&# irl t(at 7ro"n learned of (is "ife8s )is%ond'%tonl# in 1945, 'pon (is release fro) intern)ent t(at t(ereafter t(e spo'se lived separatel# andlater e$e%'ted a do%')ent li'idatin t(eir %onC'al partners(ip and assinin %ertain propertiesto t(e errin "ife as (er s(are, t(e %o)plaint pra#ed for %onfir)ation of t(e li'idationaree)ent for %'stod# of t(e %(ildren iss'ed of t(e )arriae and t(at t(e defendant &e de%lareddis'alified to s'%%eed t(e plaintiff and for t(eir re)ed# as )i(t &e C'st and e'ita&le. (e%o'rt s'&se'entl# dire%ted t(e :it# @is%al to *investiate, in a%%ordan%e "it( Arti%le 101 of t(e:ivil :ode, "(et(er or not a %oll'sion e$ists &et"een t(e parties./ As ordered, Assistant :it#@is%al afael !ose appeared at t(e trial, and %ross-e$a)ined plaintiff 7ro"n. is 'estions

eli%ited t(e fa%t t(at after li&eration, 7ro"n (ad lived )aritall# "it( anot(er "o)an and (ad &eotten %(ildren &# (er. (ereafter, t(e %o'rt rendered C'd)ent den#in t(e leal separationased, on t(e ro'nd t(at, "(ile t(e "ifeOs ad'lter# "as esta&lis(ed, 7ro"n (ad in%'rred in a)is%ond'%t of si)ilar nat're t(at &arred (is ri(t of a%tion 'nder Arti%le 100 of t(e ne" :ivil:ode t(at t(ere (ad &een %onsent and %onnivan%e, and &e%a'se 7ro"nOs a%tion (ad pres%ri&ed'nder Arti%le 102 of t(e sa)e :ode sin%e t(e eviden%e s(o"ed t(at t(e learned of (is "ifeOsinfidelit# in 1945 &'t onl# filed a%tion in 1955.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e pres%ription &arred t(e s'%%ess of t(e %ase

Ruling:A. 100 of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode states t(at *(e leal separation )a# &e %lai)ed onl#

&# t(e inno%ent spo'se, provided t(ere (as &een no %ondonation or of %onsent to t(e ad'lter# or %on%'&inae. +(ere &ot( spo'ses are offenders, a leal separation %annot &e %lai)ed &# eit(er of t(e). :oll'sion &et"een t(e parties to o&tain leal separation s(all %a'se t(e dis)issal of t(e petition./ It is %lear in t(is %o'rt t(at t(e %ase s(o'ld &e dis)issed &e%a'se of 7ro"n8s illeal a%tof %o(a&itin "it( anot(er "o)an.

(is %o'rt also fo'nd, and %orre%tl# (eld t(at 7ro"n8s a%tion "as alread# &arred, &e%a'se(e did not petition for leal separation pro%eedins 'ntil ten #ears after (e learned of (is "ifeOsad'lter#, "(i%( "as 'pon (is release fro) intern)ent in 1945. Jnder Arti%le 102 of t(e ne":ivil :ode, a%tion for leal separation %annot &e filed e$%ept "it(in one 1 #ear fro) and after t(e plaintiff &e%a)e %oni>ant of t(e %a'se and "it(in five #ears fro) and after t(e date "(en s'%(%a'se o%%'rred.

en%e, t(ere &ein at least t"o "ell esta&lis(ed stat'tor# ro'nds for den#in t(e re)ed#so'(t, it &e%o)es 'nne%essar# to delve f'rt(er into t(e %ase and as%ertain if 7ro"nOs ina%tionfor ten #ears also eviden%es %ondonation or %onnivan%e on (is part. (e de%ision of t(e :dis)issin t(e %o)plaint is t(erefore affir)ed.

191



OSE DE O!AMPO, petitioner, 4s. SERAFINA FLOREN!IANO, respondent.=.. No. L-13553. @e&r'ar# 23, 1960

Facts:Plaintiff and defendant "ere )arried in April 5, 193; &# a reliio's %ere)on# in ='i)&a,

N'eva F%iCa, and (ad lived t(ereafter as ('s&and and "ife. (e# &eot several %(ildren. Inar%( 1951, plaintiff dis%overed on several o%%asions t(at (is "ife "as &etra#in (is tr'st &#)aintainin illi%it relations "it( one !ose Ar%alas. avin fo'nd t(e defendant %arr#in )aritalrelations "it( anot(er )an, plaintiff sent (er to anila in !'ne 1951 to st'd# &ea't# %'lt're,"(ere s(e sta#ed for one #ear. Aain, plaintiff dis%overed t(at "(ile in t(e said %it#, defendant"as oin o't "it( several ot(er )en, aside fro) !ose Ar%alas. o"ards t(e end of !'ne 1952,"(en defendant (ad finis(ed st'd#in (er %o'rse, s(e left plaintiff and sin%e t(en t(e# (ad livedseparatel#. Bn !'ne 1;, 1955, plaintiff s'rprised (is "ife in t(e a%t of (avin illi%it relations "it(anot(er )an &# t(e na)e of Nelson Br>a)e. Plaintiff sinified (is intention of filin a petitionfor leal separation to "(i%( defendant )anifested (er %onfor)it# provided s(e is not %(ared"it( ad'lter# in a %ri)inal a%tion. A%%ordinl#, plaintiff filed on !'l# 5, 1955, a petition for leal

separation.(e : and :A (eld t(at a leal separation %o'ld not &e de%reed d'e to t(e %onfessionof C'd)ent &# t(e defendant.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e petition "ill not prosper

Ruling:ere, t(e offense of ad'lter# (ad reall# tain pla%e, a%%ordin to t(e eviden%e. (e

defendant %o'ld not (ave falsel# told t(e ad'ltero's a%ts to t(e @is%al, &e%a'se (er stor# )i(tsend (er to Cail t(e )o)ent (er ('s&and re'ests t(e @is%al to prose%'te. (e %o'ld not (ave pra%ti%ed de%eption at s'%( a personal ris. In t(is %onne%tion, it (as &een (eld t(at %oll'sion )a#not &e inferred fro) t(e )ere fa%t t(at t(e 'ilt# part# %onfesses to t(e offense and t('s ena&lest(e ot(er part# to pro%'re eviden%e ne%essar# to prove it. And proof t(at t(e defendant desires t(edivor%e and )aes no defense, is not &# itself %oll'sion.

oreover, Art. 102 of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode statin t(at an a%tion for leal separation%annot &e filed e$%ept "it(in one 1 #ear fro) and after t(e plaintiff &e%a)e %oni>ant of t(e%a'se and "it(in five #ears fro) and after t(e date "(en s'%( %a'se o%%'rred. (is %o'rtde%ided t(at t(e 1-#ear re'ire)ent "as follo"ed. (e instan%e "(en plaintiff %a'(t (is "ife in1955 "it( anot(er )an "as dee)ed to &e start of t(e 1-#ear re'ire)ent period. in%e (e filedon t(at sa)e #ear-1955, (e properl# follo"ed t(e a&ove stated provision.

+(erefore, findin no o&sta%les to t(e arieved ('s&andOs petition "e (ere&# reverse t(eappealed de%ision and de%ree a leal separation &et"een t(is spo'se. :osts of all instan%esaainst erafina @loren%iano.

192



ELENA !ONTRERAS, plaintiff-appellant, 4s.!ESAR . MA!ARAI%, defendant-appellee.

=.. No. L-2913; a# 29, 190

Facts:

Plaintiff and defendant "ere )arried on ar%( 16, 1952 in t(e :at(oli% :('r%( of S'iapo, anila. B't of t(eir arriae, t(ree %(ildren "ere &orn. I))ediatel# &efore t(e ele%tionof 1961, defendant "as e)plo#ed as )anaer of t(e printin esta&lis()ent o"ned &# plaintiffOsfat(er no"n as t(e I:B Bffset. In t(at %apa%it#, defendant )et and %a)e to no" Lil# AnnAl%ala, "(o pla%e orders "it( I:B Bffset for propaanda )aterials for r. erio Bs)eXa,"(o "as t(en a i%e-Presidential %andidate. After t(e ele%tions of 1961, defendant resined fro)I:B Bffset to &e a spe%ial aent at ala%aXan. e &ean to &e a"a# so often and to %o)e(o)e ver# late. Jpon plaintiffOs in'ir#, defendant e$plained t(at (e "as o't on a series of %onfidential )issions.

In epte)&er, 1962, Avelino L'&os, driver of t(e fa)il# %ar, told plaintiff t(at defendant"as livin in inalon "it( Lil# Ann Al%ala. +(en defendant, t(e follo"in B%to&er, ret'rned

to t(e %onC'al (o)e, plaintiff refrained fro) verif#in L'&osO report fro) defendant in (er desire not to aner nor drive defendant a"a#. Alt(o'( plaintiff, in April 1963, also re%eivedr')ors t(at defendant "as seen "it( a "o)an "(o "as on t(e fa)il# "a# on Das)ariXas t.,s(e "as so (app# t(at defendant aain ret'rn to t(e fa)il# (o)e in a#, 1963 t(at s(e on%e)ore desisted fro) dis%'ssin t(e )atter "it( (i) &e%a'se s(e did not "is( to pre%ipitate a'arrel and drive (i) a"a#. All t(is "(ile, defendant, if and "(enever (e ret'rned to t(e fa)il#fold, "o'ld onl# sta# for t"o or t(ree da#s &'t "o'ld &e one for a period of a&o't a )ont(.After plaintiff re%eived reports t(at Lil# Ann Al%ala (ad iven &irt( to a &a&#, s(e sent rs.@eli%isi)a Antio'ia, (er fat(erOs e)plo#ee, to verif# t(e reports. (e latter "as driven &# L'&osto t(e (o'se in inalon and &et"een 5G00 and 6G00 oO%lo% t(at afternoon, s(e sa" defendant"as %arr#in a &a&# in (is ar)s. rs. Antio'ia t(en "ent to t(e paris( priest of inalon"(ere s(e in'ired a&o't t(e %(ild of :esar a%arai and Lil# Ann Al%ala and s(e "as iven a%op# of t(e &aptis)al %ertifi%ate of aria ivien aeline a%arai "(i%( s(e ave to plaintiff so)eti)e in B%to&er 1963.

Plaintiff t(en entreated (er fat(er-in-la", L'%ilo a%arai, to inter%ede "it( defendantand to %onvin%e (i) to ret'rn to (is fa)il#. r. a%arai (o"ever, a%arai ref'sed. In Nove)&er 1963, plaintiff re'ested t(e %ooperation of defendantOs older sister, rs. Fnri'etaaC'l, and t(e latter o&lied and arraned a )eetin at (er (o)e in 7'endia &et"een plaintiff and Lil# Ann Al%ala. Lil# Ann said s(e "as "illin to ive 'p defendant as s(e (ad no desire to &e a%%'sed %ri)inall# &'t it "as defendant "(o ref'sed to &rea relations(ip "it( (er. In t(eearl# part of De%e)&er 1963, plaintiff, a%%o)panied &# (er t"o %(ildren "ent to tal todefendant at (is pla%e of "or. Plaintiff pleaded "it( defendant to ive 'p Lil# Ann Al%ala andto ret'rn to t(e %onC'al (o)e, ass'rin (i) t(at s(e "as "illin to forive (i). Defendantinfor)ed plaintiff t(at (e %o'ld no loner leave Lil# Ann and ref'sed to ret'rn to (is leiti)atefa)il#.

Bn De%e)&er 14, 1963, plaintiff instit'ted t(e present a%tion for leal separation. +(endefendant did not interpose an# ans"er after (e "as served s'))ons, t(e %ase "as referred tot(e Bffi%e of t(e :it# @is%al of anila p'rs'ant to t(e provisions of Arti%le 101 of t(e :ivil:ode. After a report "as re%eived fro) Asst. @is%al Pri)itivo . PeXaranda t(at (e &elieved t(att(ere "as no %oll'sion present, plaintiff "as allo"ed to present (er eviden%e. Defendant (asnever appeared in t(is %ase.

(e : and :A dis)issed t(e %o)plaints &e%a'se it failed to follo" Arti%le 102 of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode providin t(at an a%tion for leal separation %annot &e instit'ted e$%ept "it(inone #ear after plaintiff &e%a)e %oni>ant of t(e %a'se.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e r'le on Pres%ription s(o'ld &e follo"ed

Ruling:(e re'ire)ent of t(e la" t(at a %o)plaint for leal separation &e filed "it(in one #ear

after t(e date plaintiff &e%o)e %oni>ant of t(e %a'se is not of pres%riptive nat're, &'t is of t(e

193



essen%e of t(e %a'se of a%tion. It is %onsonant "it( t(e p(ilosop(# t(at )arriae is an inviola&leso%ial instit'tion so t(at t(e la" provides stri%t re'ire)ents &efore it "ill allo" a disr'ption of its stat's.

In t(e instant a%tion, t(e :o'rt (as to find t(at plaintiff &e%a)e %oni>ant of defendantOsinfidelit# in epte)&er, 1962. Plaintiff )ade s'%%essive atte)pts to ind'%e t(e ('s&and to a)end

(is errin "a#s &'t failed. er desire to &rin defendant &a% to t(e %onn'&ial fold and to preserve fa)il# solidarit# deterred (er fro) tain ti)el# leal a%tion.(e onl# 'estion to &e resolved is "(et(er t(e period of one #ear provided for in Arti%le

102 of t(e :ivil :ode s(o'ld &e %o'nted, as far as t(e instant %ase is %on%erned fro) epte)&er 1962 or fro) De%e)&er 1963. :o)p'tin t(e period of one #ear fro) t(e for)er date, it is %lear t(at plaintiffOs %o)plaint filed on De%e)&er 14, 1963 %a)e a little too late.

(e period of five #ears fro) after t(e date "(en s'%( %a'se o%%'rred is not (ereinvolved.

Jpon t(e 'ndisp'ted fa%ts it see)s %lear t(at, in t(e )ont( of epte)&er 1962, "(atever no"lede appellant (ad a%'ired reardin t(e infidelit# of (er ('s&and, t(at is, of t(e fa%t t(at(e "as t(en livin in inalon "it( Lil# Ann Al%ala, "as onl# t(ro'( t(e infor)ation iven to

(er &# t(e driver of t(eir fa)il# %ar. '%( as s'%( (earsa# infor)ation (ad pained and an'is(ed(er, s(e apparentl# t(o'(t it &est, and no reasona&le person )a# C'stifia&l# &la)e (er for it, notto o deeper into t(e )atter (erself &e%a'se in all pro&a&ilit# even 'p to t(at ti)e,not"it(standin (er ('s&andOs o&vio's nele%t of (is entire fa)il#, appellant still %(eris(ed t(e(ope, (o"ever forlorn, of (is %o)in &a% (o)e to t(e). Indeed, "(en (er ('s&and ret'rned tot(e %onC'al (o)e t(e follo"in B%to&er, s(e p'rposel# refrained fro) &rinin 'p t(e )atter of (is )arital infidelit# in (er desire not to aner nor drive defendant a"a#. r'e, appellantlie"ise (eard in April 1963 r')ors t(at (er ('s&and "as seen "it( a "o)an on t(e fa)il# "a#on Das)ariXas treet, &'t failed aain to eit(er &rin 'p t(e )atter "it( (er ('s&and or )aeatte)pts to verif# t(e tr't( of said r')ors, &'t t(is "as d'e, &e%a'se s(e "as so (app# t(atdefendant aain ret'rned to t(e fa)il# (o)e in a# 1963 t(at s(e on%e )ore desisted fro)dis%'ssin t(e )atter "it( (i) &e%a'se s(e did not "is( to pre%ipitate a 'arrel and drive (i)a"a#. As a )atter of fa%t, not"it(standin all t(ese painf'l infor)ation "(i%( "o'ld not (ave &een leall# s'ffi%ient to )ae a %ase for leal separation, appellant still )ade &rave, desperateatte)pts to pers'ade (er ('s&and to %o)e &a% (o)e. In t(e "ords of t(e lo"er %o'rt, s(eentreated (er fat(er-in-la", L'%ilo a%arai, to inter%ede "it( defendant and to %onvin%e (i) toret'rn to (is fa)il# and also re'ested t(e %ooperation of defendantOs older sister, rs.Fnri'eta aC'l for t(e sa)e p'rpose, &'t all t(at "as of no avail. er ('s&and re)ainedst'&&orn.

After a %aref'l revie" of t(e re%ord, +e are pers'aded t(at, in t(e e#es of t(e la", t(eonl# ti)e "(en appellant reall# &e%a)e %oni>ant of t(e infidelit# of (er ('s&and "as in t(eearl# part of De%e)&er 1963 "(en plaintiff, a%%o)panied &# t(eir t"o %(ildren "ent to tal todefendant "(ere s(e pleaded &'t (o"ever "as ref'sed &# t(e defendant.

@ro) all t(e foreoin +e %on%l'de t(at it "as onl# on t(e o%%asion )entioned in t(e pre%edin pararap( "(en (er ('s&and ad)itted to (er t(at (e "as livin "it( and "o'ld noloner leave Lil# Ann to ret'rn to (is leiti)ate fa)il# t(at appellant )'st &e dee)ed to &e'nder o&liation to de%ide "(et(er to s'e or not to s'e for leal separation, and it "as onl# t(ent(at t(e leal period of one #ear )'st &e dee)ed to (ave %o))en%ed.

+(erefore, t(e de%ision appealed fro) is set aside and anot(er is (ere&# rendered(oldin t(at appellant is entitled to leal separation.

194



LUIS MA. ARANETA, petitioner 4s.HON. HERMO%ENES !ON!E!P!ION, respondent

=. No. L-966. !'l# 31, 1956

Facts:

(e )ain a%tion "as &ro'(t &# petitioner aainst (is "ife for leal separation on t(ero'nd of ad'lter#. Defendant filed an o)ni&'s petition allein t(at s(e "as &ein )olested and(arassed, to se%'re %'stod# of t(eir t(ree )inor %(ildren and a )ont(l# s'pport of P5, 000.00.Plaintiff opposed t(e petition, den#in t(e alleation and f'rt(er allein t(at defendant (asa&andoned t(e %(ildren allein t(at %onC'al properties "ere onl# "ort( P;0,000.00, not 1)illion pesos as alleed &# defendant also allein t(at defendant (ad a&andoned t(e) and (ad%o))itted ad'lter#, t(at &# (er %ond'%t s(e (ad &e%o)e 'nfit to ed'%ate (er %(ildren, &ein'nsta&le in (er e)otions and 'na&le to ive t(e %(ildren t(e love, respe%t and %are of a tr'e)ot(er and "it(o't )eans to ed'%ate t(e).

(e : ranted t(e %'stod# of t(e %(ildren to defendant. (e )ain reason iven &# t(e C'de, for ref'sin plaintiff8s re'est t(at eviden%e &e allo"ed to &e introd'%ed on t(e iss'es, is

t(e pro(i&ition %ontained in Art. 103 of t(e :ivil :ode statin t(at an a%tion for leal separations(all in no %ase &e tried &efore si$ )ont(s s(all (ave elapsed sin%e t(e filin of t(e petition.

Issue:+(et(er t(e *%oolin-off/ period is tena&le in t(e %ase at &ar

Ruling:It is %on%eded t(at t(e period of si$ )ont(s fi$ed in Art. 103 is evidentl# intended as a

%oolin-off period to )ae possi&le a re%on%iliation &et"een t(e spo'ses. (e re%ital of t(eir rievan%es aainst ea%( ot(er in %o'rt )a# onl# fan t(eir alread# infla)ed passions aainst oneanot(er.

ae t(e %ase at &ar for instan%e. +(# s(o'ld t(e %o'rt inore t(e %lai) of ad'lter#s'pported &# %ir%')stantial eviden%e t(e a't(enti%it# of "(i%( %annot &e denied And "(#ass')e t(at t(e %(ildren are in t(e %'stod# of t(e "ife "(en it is pre%isel# alleed in t(e petitionand affidavits t(at s(e (as a&andoned t(e %onC'al (o)e

Fviden%e of all t(ese disp'ted alleations s(o'ld &e allo"ed t(at t(e dis%retion of t(e%o'rt as to t(e %'stod# and ali)on# pendent elite )a# &e la"f'll# e$er%ised. (e r'le is t(at all provisions of t(e la" even if apparentl# %ontradi%tor#, s(o'ld &e allo"ed to stand and iveneffe%t &# re%on%ilin t(e) if ne%essar#. ('s, t(e deter)ination of t(e %'stod# and ali)on#s(o'ld &e iven effe%t and for%e provided it does not o to t(e e$tent of violatin t(e poli%# of t(e %oolin-off period.

195



ENRI!O L. PA!ETE, !LARITA DE LA !ON!EP!ION, petitioner , 4s.HON. %LI!ERIO ". !ARRIA%A, respondent

=.. No. L-53;;0. ar%( 1, 1994

Facts:

Bn 29 B%to&er 199, :on%ep%ion Alanis filed a %o)plaint for t(e de%laration of n'llit# of t(e )arriae as "ell as for leal separation &et"een (er ('s&and Fnri%o L. Pa%ete. In (er %o)plaint, s(e averred t(at s(e "as )arried to Pa%ete on April 30, 193; &efore t(e !'sti%e of t(ePea%e of :ota&ato, :ota&ato t(at t(e# (ad a %(ild na)ed t(at Pa%ete s'&se'entl# %ontra%ted in194; a se%ond )arriae "it( :larita de la :on%ep%ion in Kidapa"an, Nort( :ota&ato t(at s(elearned of s'%( )arriae onl# on A''st 1, 199 t(at d'rin (er )arriae to Pa%ete, t(e latter a%'ired vast propert# %onsistin of lare tra%ts of land, fis(ponds and several )otor ve(i%lest(at (e fra'd'lentl# pla%ed t(e several pie%es of propert# eit(er in (is na)e and t(e na)e of :larita or in t(e na)es of (is %(ildren "it( :larita t(at Pa%ete inored overt'res for an a)i%a&lesettle)ent and t(at re%on%iliation &et"een (er and Pa%ete "as i)possi&le sin%e (e evidentl# preferred to %ontin'e livin "it( :larita. (e defendants "ere served "it( s'))ons on

Nove)&er 15, 199. (e# filed a )otion for an e$tension of 20 da#s "it(in "(i%( to file anans"er. (e %o'rt ranted t(e )otion. Bn t(e d'e date, t(e defendants aain ased for a se%onde$tension "(i%( "as aain ranted &# t(e %o'rt. Aain, on t(e areed d'e date, defendants asedfor anot(er 15-da# e$tension "(i%( "as (o"ever denied &# t(e %o'rt. Initial pro%eedins 'sint(e eviden%e onl# of :on%ep%ion follo"ed t(ereafter.

Bn 1 ar%( 19;0, t(e %o'rt t(ro'( t(e on. =li%erio :arria pro)'lated t(e (erein'estioned de%ision na)el#G t(e valid iss'an%e of t(e leal separation &et"een :on%ep%ion andFnri%o Pa%ete and de%larin t(e s'&se'ent )arriae &et"een Fnri%o Pa%ete and :larita de la:on%ep%ion to &e void a& initio.

7e%a'se of t(is, Fnri%o Pa%ete filed a spe%ial a%tion of %ertiorari 'estionin t(e period of trial &# t(e on. :arriaa.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e %oolin-off period is )andator#

Ruling:Arti%le 103 of t(e :ivil :ode, no" Arti%le 5; of t(e @a)il# :ode, f'rt(er )andates t(at

an a%tion for leal separation )'st in no %ase &e tried &efore si$ )ont(s s(all (ave elapsed sin%et(e filin of t(e petition, o&vio'sl# in order to provide t(e parties a %oolin-off period. In t(isinteri), t(e %o'rt s(o'ld tae steps to"ard ettin t(e parties to re%on%ile. (e spe%ial pres%riptions on a%tions t(at %an p't t(e interit# of )arriae to possi&le Ceopard# are i)pelled &# no less t(an t(e tateOs interest in t(e )arriae relation and its avo"ed intention not to leavet(e )atter "it(in t(e e$%l'sive do)ain and t(e vaaries of t(e parties to alone di%tate.

It is %lear t(at t(e petitioner did, in fa%t, spe%ifi%all# pra# for leal separation. (at ot(er re)ed#, "(et(er prin%ipal or in%idental, (ave lie"ise &een so'(t in t(e sa)e a%tion %annotdispense, nor e$%'se %o)plian%e, "it( an# of t(e stat'tor# re'ire)ents afore'oted. (e 6-)ont(s period is %lear in t(is %o'rt to (ave &een follo"ed &# t(e : C'de.

+(erefore, t(e petition for %ertiorari is (ere&# ranted and t(e pro%eedins are N'llifiedand et Aside. No %osts.

196



SAMSON T. SA0ALONES, petitioner , 4s. THE !OURT OF APPEALS, respondents=.. No. 106169 @e&r'ar# 14, 1994

Facts:As a )e)&er of o'r diplo)ati% servi%e assined to different %o'ntries d'rin (is

s'%%essive to'rs of d'ties, petitioner a)son . a&alones left to (is "ife, respondent e)edios=aviola-a&alones, t(e ad)inistration of so)e of t(eir %onC'al, properties for fifteen #ears.a&alones retired as a)&assador in 19;5 and %a)e &a% to t(e P(ilippines &'t not to (is "ife andt(eir %(ildren &'t to (el)a :')aren "(o) (e %ond'%ted a se%ond )arriae on B%to&er 19;1and t(eir t(ree %(ildren. @o'r #ears later, (e filed an a%tion for C'di%ial a't(ori>ation to sell a &'ildin and lot lo%ated at =reen(ills, etro anila, &elonin to t(e %onC'al partners(ip. e%lai)ed t(at (e "as si$t#-ei(t #ears old, ver# si% and livin alone "it(o't an# in%o)e. Privaterespondent opposed t(e a't(ori>ation and filed a %o'nter%lai) for leal separation. (e alleedt(at t(e (o'se in =reen(ills "as &ein o%%'pied &# (er and t(eir si$ %(ildren. (e also infor)edt(e %o'rt t(at despite (er ('s&andOs retire)ent, (e (ad not ret'rned to (is leiti)ate fa)il# and"as instead )aintainin a separate residen%e. In (er pra#er, s(e ased t(e %o'rt to rant t(e

de%ree of leal separation and order t(e li'idation of t(eir %onC'al properties, "it( forfeit're of (er ('s&andOs s(are. After trial, t(e %o'rt de%reed t(e leal separation of t(e spo'ses and t(eforfeit're of t(e petitionerOs s(are in t(e %onC'al properties, de%larin as "ell t(at (e "as notentitled to s'pport fro) (is respondent "ife. (is de%ision "as appealed to t(e :A. Pendente

lite, t(e respondent "ife filed a )otion for t(e iss'an%e of a "rit of preli)inar# inC'n%tion to%o))and t(e petitioner fro) interferin "it( t(e ad)inistration of t(eir properties in =reen(illsand @or&es Par. After (earin, t(e :A ranted t(e preli)inar# inC'n%tion pra#ed for &# (is "ife.(e petitioner ar'es t(at sin%e t(e la" provides for a Coint ad)inistration of t(e %onC'al properties &# t(e ('s&and and "ife, no inC'n%tive relief %an &e iss'ed aainst one or t(e ot(er.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e %o'rts erred in t(eir de%ision

Ruling:(e la" does indeed rant to t(e spo'ses Coint ad)inistration over t(e %onC'al properties

as %learl# provided in t(e a&ove-%ited Arti%le 124 of t(e @a)il# :ode. o"ever, Arti%le 61 statest(at after a petition for leal separation (as &een filed, t(e trial %o'rt s(all, in t(e a&sen%e of a"ritten aree)ent &et"een t(e %o'ple, appoint eit(er one of t(e spo'ses or a t(ird person to a%tas t(e ad)inistrator. +(ile it is tr'e t(at no for)al desination of t(e ad)inistrator (as &een)ade, s'%( desination "as i)pli%it in t(e de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt den#in t(e petitioner an#s(are in t(e %onC'al properties. (at desination "as in effe%t approved &# t(e :A "(en itiss'ed in favor of t(e respondent "ife t(e preli)inar# inC'n%tion no" 'nder %(allene. (e pri)ar# p'rpose of t(e provisional re)ed# of inC'n%tion is to preserve t(e stat's 'o of t(et(ins s'&Ce%t of t(e a%tion or t(e relations &et"een t(e parties and t('s prote%t t(e ri(ts of t(e plaintiff respe%tin t(ese )atters d'rin t(e penden%# of t(e s'it. Bt(er"ise, t(e defendant )a#, &efore final C'd)ent, do or %ontin'e doin t(e a%t "(i%( t(e plaintiff ass t(e %o'rt to restrainand t('s )ae ineffe%t'al t(e final C'd)ent t(at )a# &e rendered after"ards in favor of t(e plaintiff.

(e t"in re'ire)ents of a valid inC'n%tion are t(e e$isten%e of a ri(t and its a%t'al or t(reatened violation. eardless of t(e o't%o)e of t(e appeal, it %annot &e denied t(at as t(e petitionerOs leiti)ate "ife and t(e %o)plainant and inC'red spo'se in t(e a%tion for lealseparation<, t(e private respondent (as a ri(t to a s(are if not t(e "(ole< of t(e %onC'al estate.(ere is also, in o'r vie", eno'( eviden%e to raise t(e appre(ension t(at entr'stin said estate tot(e petitioner )a# res'lt in its i)provident disposition to t(e detri)ent of (is "ife and %(ildren.+e aree t(at inas)'%( as t(e trial %o'rt (ad earlier de%lared t(e forfeit're of t(e petitionerOss(are in t(e %onC'al properties, it "o'ld &e pr'dent not to allo" (i) in t(e )eanti)e to parti%ipate in its )anae)ent. Let it &e stressed t(at t(e inC'n%tion (as not per)anentl# installedt(e respondent "ife as t(e ad)inistrator of t(e "(ole )ass of %onC'al assets. It (as )erel#allo"ed (er to %ontin'e ad)inisterin t(e properties in t(e )eanti)e "it(o't interferen%e fro)t(e petitioner, pendin t(e e$press desination of t(e ad)inistrator in a%%ordan%e "it( Arti%le 61of t(e @a)il# :ode.

19



+(erefore, t(e petition is denied.

19;



RE#NALDO ESPIRITU, petitioner , 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondents.=.. No. 115640. ar%( 15, 1995

Facts:Petitioner e#naldo Fspirit' "(o "as e)plo#ed &# t(e National teel :orporation and

respondent eresita asa'din "(o "as a n'rse, first )et so)eti)e in 196 in Ilian. In 19,eresita left for Los Aneles to "or as a n'rse. In 19;4, e#naldo "as sent &# (is e)plo#er, toPenns#lvania as its liaison offi%er and e#naldo and eresita t(en &ean to )aintain a %o))onla" relations(ip of ('s&and and "ife. Bn A''st 16 19;6, t(eir da'(ter "as &orn. Bn B%to&er , 19;, "(ile t(e# "ere on a &rief va%ation in t(e P(ilippines, e#naldo and eresita ot)arried, and 'pon t(eir ret'rn to t(e Jnited tates, t(eir se%ond %(ild "as &orn on !an'ar# 12,19;;. (e %o'ple de%ided to separate so)eti)e in 1990. Instead of ivin t(eir )arriae ase%ond %(an%e as alleedl# pleaded &# e#naldo, eresita left e#naldo and t(e %(ildren and"ent &a% to :alifornia. (e %lai)s (o"ever, t(e s(e eeps in %onstant to'%( "it( (er %(ildren.e#naldo &ro'(t (is %(ildren (o)e to t(e P(ilippines, &'t &e%a'se (is assin)ent in Pitts&'r("as not #et %o)pleted, (e "as sent &a% to Pitts&'r(. e (ad to leave (is %(ildren "it( (is

sister, %o-petitioner ='iller)a La#' and (er fa)il#. eresita %lai)s t(at s(e did not i))ediatel#follo" (er %(ildren &e%a'se e#naldo (ad filed a %ri)inal %ase for &ia)# aainst (er and s(e"as afraid of &ein arrested. (e C'd)ent of %onvi%tion in t(e &ia)# %ase "as a%t'all#rendered onl# on epte)&er 29, 1994. eresita, )ean"(ile, de%ided to ret'rn to t(e P(ilippinesand on De%e)&er ;, 1992 and filed t(e petition for a "rit of (a&eas %orp's aainst t(e t"o petitioners to ain %'stod# over t(e %(ildren, t('s startin t(e "(ole pro%eedins to ain %'stod#over t(e %(ildren.

(e : s'spended eresitaOs parental a't(orit# and de%lared e#naldo to (ave sole parental a't(orit#. Bn appeal, t(e :A (o"ever ave %'stod# to eresita.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e :A erred in s'spendin petitioner8s parental a't(orit#

Ruling:erein lies t(e error of t(e :o'rt of Appeals. Instead of s%r'tini>in t(e re%ords to

dis%over t(e %(oi%e of t(e %(ildren and rat(er t(an verif#in "(et(er t(at parent is fit or 'nfit,respondent %o'rt si)pl# follo"ed stat'tor# pres')ptions and eneral propositions appli%a&le toordinar# or %o))on sit'ations. A s%r'tin# of t(e pleadins in t(is %ase indi%ates t(at eresita is)ore intent on e)p(asi>in t(e tort're and aon# of a )ot(er separated fro) (er %(ildren andt(e (')iliation s(e s'ffered as a res'lt of (er %(ara%ter &ein )ade a e# iss'e in %o'rt rat(er t(an t(e feelins and f't're, t(e &est interest and "elfare of (er %(ildren. +(ile t(e &onds &et"een a )ot(er and (er %(ildren are spe%ial in nat're, eit(er parent, "(et(er fat(er or )ot(er,is &o'nd to s'ffer aon# and pain if deprived of %'stod#. Bne %annot sa# t(at (is or (er s'fferin, pride and ot(er feelins of eit(er parent &'t t(e "elfare of t(e %(ild "(i%( is t(e para)o'nt%onsideration. (e )atter of %'stod# is not per)anent and 'naltera&le. If t(e parent "(o "asiven %'stod# s'ffers a f't're %(ara%ter and &e%o)es 'nfit, t(e )atter of %'stod# %an al"a#s &ere-e$a)ined. De%ision s(o'ld &e &ased on t(e testi)on# of t(e da'(ter ivin all neative%(ara%teristi%s a&o't (er )ot(er. eresita. oreover, t(e %o'rt finds eresita &ein as s(e enteredinto an illi%it relations(ip "it( Perden%io =on>ales ri(t t(ere in t(e (o'se of petitioner e#naldo in Penns#lvania. (e re%ord s(o"s t(at t(e da'(ter s'ffered e)otional dist'r&an%e%a'sed &# t(e tra')ati% effe%t of seein (er )ot(er ('in and issin a &oarder in t(eir (o'se.(e re%ord also s(o"s t(at it "as eresita "(o left t(e %onC'al (o)e and t(e %(ildren.

(e la" is )ore t(an satisfied &# t(e C'd)ent of t(e trial %o'rt. (e %(ildren are no" &ot( over seven #ears old. (eir %(oi%e of t(e parent "it( "(o) t(e# prefer to sta# is %lear frontt(e re%ord. @ro) all indi%ations, e#naldo is a fit person, t('s )eetin t(e t"o re'ire)entsfo'nd in t(e @irst pararap( of Arti%le 213 of t(e @a)il# :ode. (e pres')ption 'nder t(ese%ond pararap( of said arti%le no loner applies as t(e %(ildren are over seven #ears. Ass')int(at t(e pres')ption s(o'ld (ave pers'asive val'e for %(ildren onl# one or t"o #ears &e#ond t(eae of seven #ears )entioned in t(e stat'te, t(ere are %o)pellin reasons and relevant%onsiderations not to rant %'stod# to t(e )ot(er. (e %(ildren 'nderstand t(e 'nfort'nates(ort%o)ins of t(eir )ot(er and (ave &een affe%ted in t(eir e)otional ro"t( &# (er &e(avior.

199



!ARMEN LAPUZ S#, petitioner-appellant, 4s. EUFEMIO S# U#, respondent-appellee.=.. No. L-309 !an'ar# 31, 192

Facts:Bn 1; A''st 1953, :ar)en B. Lap'> # filed a petition for leal separation aainst

F'fe)io . F'fe)io, allein, in t(e )ain, t(at t(e# "ere )arried on epte)&er 30, 1934 t(att(e# (ad lived toet(er as ('s&and and "ife %ontin'o'sl# 'ntil 1943 "(en (er ('s&anda&andoned (er t(at t(e# (ad no %(ild t(at t(e# a%'ired properties d'rin t(eir )arriae andt(at s(e dis%overed (er ('s&and %o(a&itin "it( a :(inese "o)an na)ed =o io on or a&o'tar%( 1949. (e pra#ed for t(e iss'an%e of a de%ree of leal separation, "(i%(, a)on ot(ers,"o'ld order t(at t(e defendant F'fe)io . F'fe)io s(o'ld &e deprived of (is s(are of t(e%onC'al partners(ip profits. F'fe)io . F'fe)io alleed affir)ative and spe%ial defenses, and%o'nter-%lai)ed for t(e de%laration of n'llit# ab initio of (is )arriae "it( :ar)en B. Lap'> #,on t(e ro'nd of (is prior and s'&sistin )arriae, %ele&rated a%%ordin to :(inese la" and%'sto)s, "it( one =o io. 7't &efore t(e trial %o'ld &e %o)pleted :ar)en B. Lap'> # died ina ve(i%'lar a%%ident on a# 31, 1969. Bn !'ne 9, 1969, F'fe)io )oved to dis)iss t(e petition

for leal separation on t"o 2< ro'nds, na)el#G t(at t(e petition for leal separation "as filed &e#ond t(e one-#ear period provided for in Arti%le 102 of t(e :ivil :ode and t(at t(e deat( of :ar)en a&ated t(e a%tion for leal separation. Bn !'ne 26, 1969, %o'nsel for de%eased petitioner )oved to s'&stit'te t(e de%eased :ar)en &# (er fat(er, a%ario Lap'> 7ot( t(e : and :Adenied t(e s'&stit'tion.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e deat( of t(e plaintiff &efore final de%ree, in an a%tion for leal

separation, a&ate t(e a%tion If it does, "ill a&ate)ent also appl# if t(e a%tion involves propert#ri(ts

Ruling:An a%tion for leal separation "(i%( involves not(in )ore t(an t(e &ed-and-&oard

separation of t(e spo'ses is p'rel# personal. (e :ivil :ode of t(e P(ilippines re%oni>es t(is inits Arti%le 100, &# allo"in onl# t(e inno%ent spo'se to %lai) leal separation and in its Arti%le10;, &# providin t(at t(e spo'ses %an, &# t(eir re%on%iliation, stop or a&ate t(e pro%eedins andeven res%ind a de%ree of leal separation alread# rendered. 7ein personal in %(ara%ter, it follo"st(at t(e deat( of one part# to t(e a%tion %a'ses t(e deat( of t(e a%tion itself.

A f'rt(er reason "(# an a%tion for leal separation is a&ated &# t(e deat( of t(e plaintiff,even if propert# ri(ts are involved, is t(at t(ese ri(ts are )ere effe%ts of de%ree of separation,t(eir so'r%e &ein t(e de%ree itself "it(o't t(e de%ree s'%( ri(ts do not %o)e into e$isten%e, sot(at &efore t(e finalit# of a de%ree, t(ese %lai)s are )erel# ri(ts in e$pe%tation. If deat(s'pervenes d'rin t(e penden%# of t(e a%tion, no de%ree %an &e fort(%o)in, deat( prod'%in a)ore radi%al and definitive separation and t(e e$pe%ted %onse'ential ri(ts and %lai)s "o'ldne%essaril# re)ain 'n&orn.

A%%ordinl#, t(e de%ision of &ot( t(e : and t(e :A are (ere&# affir)ed.

200



POTEN!IANO ILUSORIO, MA. ERLINDA I. 0ILDNER, an3 S#L"IA ILUSORIO, petitioners, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS an3 ERLINDA 1. ILUSORIO, respondents.

=.. No. 139;0;. a# 12, 2000

Facts:

Frlinda Kala" Il'sorio is t(e "ife of la"#er Poten%iano Il'sorio. Poten%iano Il'sorio isa&o't ;6 #ears of ae possessed of e$tensive propert# val'ed at )illions of pesos. @or )an##ears, (e "as :(air)an of t(e 7oard and President of 7a'io :o'ntr# :l'&. Bn !'l# 11, 1942,Frlinda Kala" and Poten%iano Il'sorio %ontra%ted )atri)on# and lived toet(er for a period of 30 #ears. In 192, t(e# separated fro) &ed and &oard for 'ndis%losed reasons. Poten%iano livedat Jrdaneta :ondo)ini'), aati :it# "(en (e "as in anila and at Il'sorio Pent(o'se,7a'io :o'ntr# :l'& "(en (e "as in 7a'io :it#. Bn t(e ot(er (and, Frlinda lived in Antipolo:it#. B't of t(eir )arriae, t(e spo'ses (ad 6 %(ildren. Bn De%e)&er 30, 199, 'ponPoten%iano8s arrival fro) t(e Jnited tates, (e sta#ed "it( Frlinda for a&o't 5 )ont(s inAntipolo :it#. (e %(ildren alleed t(at d'rin t(is ti)e, t(eir )ot(er ave Poten%iano anoverdose of 200 ) instead of 100 ) oloft, an antidepressant dr'. As a %onse'en%e,

Poten%iano8s (ealt( deteriorated. Bn a# 31, 199;, after attendin a %orporate )eetin in7a'io :it#, Poten%iano Il'sorio did not ret'rn to Antipolo :it# and instead lived at aati. Bnar%( 11, 1999, Frlinda filed "it( t(e :A a petition for (a&eas %orp's to (ave t(e %'stod# of Poten%iano Il'sorio d'e to (is advan%ed ae, frail (ealt(, poor e#esi(t and i)paired C'd)ent.(e alleed t(at respondents ref'sed petitioner8s de)ands to see and visit (er ('s&and. (e :Adenied petitioner8s )otion.

Issue:+(et(er or not a "ife )a# se%'re a "rit of (a&eas %orp's to %o)pel (er ('s&and to live

"it( (er in %onC'al &liss

Ruling:(e essential o&Ce%t and p'rpose of t(e "rit of (a&eas %orp's is to in'ire into all )anner

of invol'ntar# restraint, and to relieve a person t(erefro) if s'%( restraint is illeal. o C'stif# t(erant of t(e petition, t(e restraint of li&ert# )'st &e an illeal and invol'ntar# deprivation of freedo) of a%tion. (e eviden%e s(o"s t(at t(ere "as no a%t'al and effe%tive detention or deprivation of Poten%iano Il'sorio8s li&ert# t(at "o'ld C'stif# t(e iss'an%e of t(e "rit. (e fa%tt(at la"#er Poten%iano Il'sorio is a&o't ;6 #ears of ae, or 'nder )edi%ation does notne%essaril# render (i) )entall# in%apa%itated. o'ndness of )ind does not (ine on ae or )edi%al %ondition &'t on t(e %apa%it# of t(e individ'al to dis%ern (is a%tions. 7ein of so'nd)ind, (e is t('s possessed "it( t(e %apa%it# to )ae %(oi%es. In t(is %ase, t(e %r'%ial %(oi%esrevolve on (is residen%e and t(e people (e opts to see or live "it(. (e %(oi%es (e )ade )a# notappeal to so)e of (is fa)il# )e)&ers &'t t(ese are %(oi%es "(i%( e$%l'sivel# &elon toPoten%iano. e )ade it %lear &efore t(e :A t(at (e "as not prevented fro) leavin (is (o'se or seein people. +it( t(at de%laration, and a&sent an# tr'e restraint on (is li&ert#, "e (ave noreason to reverse t(e findins of t(e :o'rt of Appeals. +it( (is f'll )ental %apa%it# %o'pled "it(t(e ri(t of %(oi%e, Poten%iano Il'sorio )a# not &e t(e s'&Ce%t of visitation ri(ts aainst (is free%(oi%e. Bt(er"ise, "e "ill deprive (i) of (is ri(t to priva%#. Needless to sa#, t(is "ill r'naainst (is f'nda)ental %onstit'tional ri(t.

+(erefore, t(is %o'rt affir)s t(e de%ision of t(e :A, (o"ever, it n'llifies t(e de%isioninsofar as it ives visitation ri(ts to respondent Frlinda K. Il'sorio.

201



MARIANO ARRO#O, plaintiff 4s. DOLORES "AZ5UEZ DE ARRO#O, defendant=. No. 1014. A''st 11, 1921

Facts:ariano Arro#o and Dolores a>'e> de Arro#o "ere 'nited in t(e &onds of "edlo% &#

)arriae in 1910 and sin%e t(at date, "it( a fe" s(ort intervals of separation, t(e# lived toet(er as ('s&and and "ife 'ntil !'l# 4, 1920, "(en t(e "ife "ent a"a# fro) t(eir %o))on (o)e "it(t(e intention to live separatel# fro) (er ('s&and. After efforts (ad &een )ade &# t(e ('s&and"it(o't avail to ind'%e (er to res')e )arital relations, an a%tion "as initiated &# (i) to %o)pel(er to ret'rn to t(e )atri)onial (o)e and live "it( (i) as a d'tif'l "ife. (e "ife ans"ered t(ats(e (ad left (er ('s&and8s (o)e "it(o't (is %onsent &e%a'se of t(e %r'el treat)ent on t(e part of (er ('s&and. Jpon (earin t(e %a'se, t(e lo"er %o'rt ave C'd)ent in favor of t(e "ife,a't(ori>in (er to live apart fro) (er ('s&and. (e# %on%l'ded t(at t(e ('s&and "as )ore to &la)e t(an t(e "ife and t(at (is %ontin'ed ill-treat)ent "as a s'ffi%ient C'stifi%ation for (er a&andon)ent of t(e %onC'al (o)e.

Issue: +(et(er or not t(e lo"er %o'rt erred in t(eir C'd)ent favorin t(e "ife

Ruling:o &ein "it(, t(e o&liation "(i%( t(e la" i)poses on t(e ('s&and to )aintain t(e "ife

is a d't# 'niversall# re%oni>ed in %ivil so%iet# and is %learl# e$pressed in Art. 142 and 143 of t(e :ivil :ode. A%%ordinl#, it (as &een deter)ined t(at "(ere t(e "ife is for%ed to leave t(e)atri)onial a&ode, s(e %an, %o)pel (i) to )ae provision for (er separate )aintenan%e. Nevert(eless, t(e interests of &ot( parties and t(e so%iet# at lare re'ire t(at t(e %o'rts s(o'ld)ove "it( %a'tion in enfor%in t(e d't# to provide for t(e separate )aintenan%e of t(e "ife.@ro) t(is %onsideration, it follo"s t(at provisions s(o'ld &e )ade for separate )aintenan%e infavor of t(e "ife 'nless it appears t(at t(e %ontin'ed %o(a&itation of t(e pair (as &e%o)ei)possi&le and separation ne%essar# fro) t(e fa'lt of t(e ('s&and.

+e are t(erefore (old t(at ariano Arro#o in t(is %ase is entitled to t(e 'n%onditionaland a&sol'te ret'rn of t(e "ife to t(e )arital do)i%ile. e is entitled to a C'di%ial de%laration t(at(is "ife (as a&sented (erself "it(o't s'ffi%ient %a'se and t(at it is (er d't# to ret'rn.

(erefore, reversin t(e C'd)ent of t(e lo"er %o'rt, it is de%lared t(at Dolores a>'e>de Arro#o (as a&sented (erself fro) t(e )arital (o)e "it(o't s'ffi%ient %a'se and t(at s(e isad)onis(ed t(at it is (er d't# to ret'rn.

202



ELOISA %OITIA # DELA !AMARA, plaintiff 4s. OSE !AMPOS RUEDA, defendant No. 11263. Nove)&er 2, 1916

Facts:(is is an a%tion &# t(e "ife aainst t(e ('s&and for s'pport o'tside of t(e %onC'al

do)i%ile. Floitia =oitia and !ose :a)pos 'eda "ere leall# )arried on !an'ar# , 1915 andesta&lis(ed residen%e at an ar%elino "(ere t(e# lived toet(er for one )ont( &e%a'se t(e "iferet'rned to t(e (o)e of (er parents d'e to t(e follo"in reasonsG t(at t(e ('s&and de)and "ifeto perfor) 'n%(aste and las%ivio's a%ts on (is enital orans t(at "(enever "ife reCe%ted('s&and8s inde%oro's de)ands, ('s&and "o'ld )altreat "ife &# "ords and infli%t inC'ries on"ife8s lips, fa%e and different parts of (er &od# and t(at &e%a'se "ife "as 'na&le to desist('s&and8s rep'nant desires and )altreat)ent, s(e "as o&lied to leave t(e %onC'al (o)e. (e"ife also sees for s'pport fro) (is ('s&and even if s(e lives separatel#. (e ('s&and on t(eot(er (and, sees t(e relief of t(e %o'rts in %o)pellin (is "ife to ret'rn &a% to t(eir %onC'al(o)e.

Issue: +(et(er or not t(e "ife is %o)pelled to ret'rn to t(e )arital d"ellin

Ruling:arriae is so)et(in )ore t(an a )ere %ontra%t. It is a ne" relation, t(e ri(ts, d'ties

and o&liations of "(i%( rest not 'pon t(e aree)ent of t(e parties &'t 'pon t(e eneral la""(i%( defines and pres%ri&es t(ose ri(ts, d'ties and o&liations. +(en t(e leal e$isten%e is)ered into one &# )arriae, t(e ne" relation is re'lated and %ontrolled &# t(e overn)ent'pon prin%iples of p'&li% poli%# for t(e &enefit of t(e so%iet# as "ell as t(e parties.

arriae is an instit'tion and its )aintenan%e is in its p'rit# "(i%( t(e p'&li% is deepl#interested. In t(e %ase at &ar, "(en t(e %ontin'an%e of t(e )arriae &e%o)es intolera&le to one or &ot( parties and ives no possi&le ood to t(e %o))'nit#, relief fro) t(e %o'rt s(o'ld &eattaina&le. (e 'pre)e :o'rt )ade t(e o&servation t(at i)plied approval &# t(e %o'rt of a"ife8s separate residen%e fro) (er ('s&and doe not ne%essaril# violate t(e sa%redness andinviola&ilit# of t(e )arriae. in%e separation de-fa%to is allo"ed in t(is %ase, it is onl# d'e tot(e fa%t t(at p'&li% pea%e and "ife8s p'rit# )'st &e preserved.

Lastl#, t(e ('s&and %annot, &# (is o"n "ronf'l a%ts, relieve (i)self fro) t(e d't# tos'pport (is "ife i)posed &# la" and "(ere a ('s&and, &# "ronf'l, illeal and 'n&eara&le%ond'%t, drives (is "ife fro) t(e do)i%ile fi$ed &# (i), (e %annot tae t(e advantae of (er depart're to a&roate (is d't# to still s'pport (is "ife. In la", t(e "ife is leall# still "it(in t(e%onC'al do)i%ile, even if livin separatel#, t('s (e is entitled to s'pport and )aintenan%e &# t(e('s&and.

203



PASTOR TAN!HA"EZ, plaintiff-appellant, vs. "I!ENTA ES!ANO, defendant-appellee No. L-1961. Nove)&er 29, 1965

Facts:Bn @e&r'ar# 24, 194;, i%enta Fs%ano and Pastor an%(ave> ot )arried and t(e

)arriae "as 'nno"n to t(e parents of i%enta. (e said )arriae "as sole)ni>ed &# Lt.Lavares, an Ar)# :at(oli% :(aplain. (eir )arriae "as t(e %'l)ination of a previo's loveaffair and "as d'l# reistered "it( t(e lo%al %ivil reistrar.

Jpon t(e no"lede of t(e parents of i%enta, t(e# too (er to t(eir (o'se.:onse'entl#, s(e ad)itted (er )arriae "it( an%(ave>. er parents "ere s'rprised &e%a'sean%(ave> never ased for t(e (and of i%enta and "ere dis'sted &e%a'se of t(e reat s%andal &e%a'se of t(e %landestine )arriae "o'ld provoe.

(ereafter, i%enta %ontin'ed to live "it( (er parents, "(ile tan%(ave> ret'rned to anilato (is Co&. As of !'ne 194;, t(e ne"l#"eds "ere alread# estraned. i%enta filed a petition toann'l (er )arriae (o"ever, s(e did not sin t(e said do%')ent. ('s, t(e %ase "as dis)issed &e%a'se of (er non- appearan%e at t(e (earin.

In 1950, i%enta left for Jnited tates. Bn 22 A''st 1950, s(e filed a verified %o)plaintfor divor%e. And on B%to&er 21, 1950, a de%ree of divor%e, final and a&sol'te "as iss'ed. In1954, i%enta )arried an A)eri%an and s(e lived "it( (i) and &eotten %(ildren.

Issue: +(et(er or not i%enta failed to perfor) (er "ifel# d'ties.

Ruling:It "as (eld t(at t(e ref'sal to perfor) (er "ifel# d'ties and (er denial of %onsorti') and

(er desertion of (er ('s&and %onstit'te in la" a "ron %a'sed t(ro'( (e fa'lt. ('s, t(e('s&and is entitled for inde)nit#.

204



DIOSDIDIT !UEN!A, et al, petitioner, vs RESTITUTO !UEN!A, et al No. L-2321. De%e)&er ;, 19;;

Facts:

Aripino :'en%a and aria 7ana(on- :'en%a "ere leall# )arried, &eotten t"o%(ildren, estit'to and eladora as t(eir (eirs. aria 7ana(on &ro'(t properties into (er )arriae. aid propert# "as in(erited &# (er fro) (er parents.

o"ever, Arapi (ad a se%ond fa)il# "(o %lai)ed to &e t(e leiti)ate fa)il# of Arapino. ('s, t(e# %lai)ed t(at t(e said properties are t(e %onC'al propert# of Arapino andFnra%ia, se%ond "ife.

(e trial %o'rt de%ided in favor of t(e se%ond fa)il#. o"ever, t(e :o'rt of Appealsde%ided ot(er"ise and t('s favored t(e first fa)il#.

Issue: +(et(er or not t(e said propert# of aria is t(e %onC'al propert# of Aripino and

Fnra%ia.

Ruling:(e :o'rt (eld t(at, t(e said propert# an e$%l'sive propert# of aria "(i%( s(e in(erited

fro) (er parents and &ro'(t it to t(e )arriae. Arti%le 160 of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode provides t(at,*all propert# of t(e )arriae is pres')ed to &elon to t(e %onC'al partners(ip, 'nless it &e proved t(at it pertains e$%l'sivel# to t(e ('s&and or to t(e "ife. ('s, (eirs of aria "ere a&leto prove t(at t(at said propert# is t(e e$%l'sive propert# of t(eir )ot(er aria. Bn t(e ot(er (and, Fnra%ia failed to prove ot(er"ise.

205



ANE %O, petitioner, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent=.. No. 11491. a# 29, 199

Facts: er)oenes and !ane Bn "ere )arried on !'ne , 19;. (e video %overae of t(e"eddin "as provided &# t(e petitioner spo'ses Nan%# and Ale$ =o. po'ses Bn %lai)ed t(evideo of t(eir "eddin t(ree ti)es &'t t(e# failed to (ave it. 7e%a'se t(e ne"l#"ed %o'ple "ill &e (avin t(eir (one#)oon in J, t(e# areed to (ave t(e video tape 'pon t(eir ret'rn.

+(en t(e %o'ple %a)e (o)e, t(e# fo'nd o't t(at t(e said tape (ad &een erased &#spo'ses =o.

@'rio's at t(e lost of t(e tape "(i%( s'ppose to &e t(e onl# re%ord of t(eir "eddin. ('s,t(e# filed a %o)plaint. (e : rendered its de%ision )ain spo'ses =o lia&le to t(e saiderased tape. Bn appeal, t(e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed t(e de%ision of t(e :.

Issue: +(et(er or not Ale$ =o &e (eld lia&le.

Ruling:(e :o'rt (eld t(at, Ale$ =o ar'es t(at "(en (is "ife entered into t(e %ontra%t "it(

Bn, s(e "as a%tin alone for (er sole interest. ('s, t(e# fo'nd it "it( )erit. Jnder t(e la", a"ife )a# e$er%ise an# profession, o%%'pation or enae in &'siness "it(o't t(e %onsent of t(e('s&and.

('s, it "as onl# Nan%# =o "(o entered into t(e %ontra%t. (e is solel# lia&le to t(e%o)plainant for t(e da)ae a"arded.

206



!IRILA AR!A0A, petitioner vs. "DA. DE 0ATO!AEL, respondent=.. No. 1466;3. Nove)&er 22, 2001

Facts:

Bn !an'ar# 16, 1956, @ran%is%o :o)ille and (is "ife o>i)a ontallana are o"ners ofseveral pie%es of land. o"ever, "(en osi)a died @ran%is%o and (is )ot(er-in-la" e$e%'ted adeed of e$traC'di%ial partition "it( "aiver of ri(ts. Bn !'ne 2, 1961, @ran%is%o reistered t(osesaid lots in (is na)e.

avin no %(ildren to tae %are of (i) after (is retire)ent, @ran%is%o ased (is nie%eLeti%ia and is %o'sin L'>ve)inda and :irila A&ar%a to tae %are of (is (o'se and t(e store as"ell.

(ere are (o"ever %onfli%tin testi)onies as to t(e relations(ip of @ran%is%o and :irila. Nie%e of @ran%is%o, Leti%ia said t(at (er 'n%le and :irila "ere lovers and t(e# slept in t(e sa)eroo). Anot(er nie%e of @ernando said t(at @ran%is%o (i)self told (er t(at :irila is (er )istress.:irila on t(e ot(er (and %lai)ed t(at t(e# are not lovers nor s(e is a )istress of @ran%is%o. (e is

C'st a )ere (elper of @ran%is%o.@e" )ont(s &efore t(e deat( of @ran%is%o, (e e$e%'ted an instr')ent do)inated *Deedof Donation Inter ivos/ in favor of :irila. :irila on t(e ot(er (and a%%epted t(e said donation.

A %o)plaint "as filed &# t(e (eirs of @ran%is%o for t(e de%laration of n'llit# of t(e deedof donation inter vivos &asin it on Arti%le ; of t(e @a)il# :ode.

('s, t(e said donation "as n'llified &# t(e : and "as affir)ed &# t(e :o'rt of Appeals.

Issue: +(et(er or not t(e said donation is valid.

Ruling:It "as (eld &# t(e :o'rt t(at, @ran%is%o and :irila as proved &# eviden%es and

testi)onies, t(e# a%t'all# lived toet(er as ('s&and and "ife "it(o't a valid )arriae. ('s, t(esaid donation is invalid or void &asin it on Arti%le ; of t(e @a)il# :ode "(i%( providesG *Fver# donation or rant of rat'ito's advantae, dire%t or indire%t &et"een t(e spo'ses d'rint(e )arriae s(all &e void, e$%ept )oderate ifts "(i%( t(e spo'ses )a# ive ea%( ot(er on t(eo%%asion of an# fa)il# reCoi%in. (e pro(i&ition s(all also appl# to persons livin toet(er as('s&and and "ife "it(o't a valid )arriae.

FELI$ MATA0UENA, plaintiff-appellant, vs.

20



PETRONILA !ER"ANTES, defendant-appellee vs.FELI$ MATA0UENA, plaintiff-appellent

No. L-2;1. ar%( 31, 191

Facts:

@eli$ ata&'ena donated a par%el of land to Petronila :ervantes "(ile livin )artiall#"it(o't t(e &enefit of )arriae.(e Deed of Donation "as e$e%'ted &# @eli$ in @avor of :ervantes on @e&r'ar# 20,

1956, "(i%( sa)e donation "as a%%epted &# :ervantes.After si$ #ears, t(e# ot )arried on ar%( 2;, 1962. @eli$ died on epte)&er 13, 1962.

after t(e deat( of @eli$, :ornelia ata&'ana, sister of @eli$ &ein t(e sole (eir %lai)ed t(at t(edonation )ade &# (is &rot(er is void for it "as e$e%'ted "(ile (er &rot(er and :ervantes "erelivin toet(er as ('s&and and "ife "it(o't t(e &enefit of valid )arriae.

(e : de%ided in favor of :ervantes on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e said pro(i&ition is appliedonl# for %o'ples livin toet(er "it( t(e &enefit of a valid )arriae.

Issue: +(et(er or not t(e donation is valid.

Ruling: (e :o'rt (eld t(at, "(ile Arti%le 133 of t(e :ivil :ode %onsiders as void a donation

&et"een t(e spo'ses d'rin )arriae, poli%# %onsideration of t(e )ost e$ient %(ara%ter as "ellas t(e di%tates of )oralit# re'ires t(at t(e sa)e pro(i&ition s(o'ld &e applied to a %o))on-la"relations(ip,

o"ever, t(e la% of validit# of t(e donation to :ervantes does not ne%essaril# res'lt in:ornelia8s e$%l'sive ri(t to t(e disp'ted propert#. Prior to t(e deat( of @eli$, t(e relations(ip &et"een (i) and :ervantes "as leiti)ated &# t(eir )arriae. :ervantes is t(erefore (is "ido".('s s(e is entitled to one-(alf of in(eritan%e and :ornelia as t(e s'rvivin sister, to t(e ot(er (alf.

20;



HILARIO %ER!IO, plaintiff-appellee, vs.SUN LIFE !O. OF !ANADA, defendant-appellant

No. 2303. epte)&er 2;, 1925

Facts: Andrea ial%ita "as t(e la"f'l "ife of ilario =er%io. o"ards t(e end of t(e #ear 1919,s(e "as %onvi%ted of t(e %ri)e of ad'lter#. Bn epte)&er 4, 1920, a de%ree of divor%e "asiss'ed "(i%( (ad t(e effe%t of %o)pletel# dissolvin t(e &onds of )atri)on# %ontra%ted &#ilario =er%io and Andrea ial%ita.

Bn )ar%( 4, 1922, =er%io notified t(e 'n Life Ass'ran%e :o. of :anada t(at (e (adrevoed (is donation in favor of ial%ita, and (e (ad desinated in (er stead (is present "ife, ast(e &enefi%iar# of t(e poli%#. =er%io re'ested t(e %o)pan# to eli)inate ial%ita as &enefi%iar#,(o"ever, t(e %o)pan# ref'sed.

Issue:

+(et(er or not =er%io %an %(ane t(e &enefi%iar# of t(e poli%#.

Ruling:It "as (eld &# t(e :o'rt t(at, t(e ins'red-t(e ('s&and- (as no po"er to %(ane t(e

&enefi%iar#- t(e for)er "ife- and to na)e t(e stead (is a%t'al "ife, "(ere t(e poli%# of t(eins'ran%e does not e$pressl# reserve to t(e ins'red t(e ri(t to %(ane t(e &enefi%iar#.

HARDIN%, plaintiff-appellees vs.

209



!OMMER!IAL UNION ASSURAN!E !OMPAN#, defendant-appellant No. 120. A''st 10, 191;

FactsGA ('s&and donated an a'to)o&ile to (is "ife, "(o s'&se'entl# ins'red it for P 3,000.

+(en t(e %ar "as later %o)pletel# destro#ed, t(e "ife so'(t to re%over t(e ins'ran%e inde)nit#, &'t t(e ins'ran%e pleaded in defense t(at t(e "ife (ad no ins'ra&le interest in t(e %ar, t(edonation &# t(e ('s&and &ein void.

Issue: +(et(er or not t(e ins'ran%e %an raise t(e validit# of t(e donation as a defense.

Ruling:It "as (eld &# t(e :o'rt t(at, t(e ins'ran%e %o)pan# failed to s(o" t(at t(e ift "as not a

)oderate one, %onsiderin t(e %ir%')stan%es of t(e parties. @'rt(er)ore, even if t(e ift (ad not &een a )oderate one, t(e %o)pan# %annot assail t(e validit# of t(e donation, &e%a'se at t(e ti)e

of t(e transfer, it "as not a %reditor.

210



PA!ITA "ILLANUE"A, petitioner, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent=.. No. 1432;6. April 14, 2004

Facts:

F'se&ia Napisa and Ni%olas et'#a "ere )arried on B%to&er , 1926. o't of t(e)arriae, t(e# &eotten five %(ildren. D'rin t(eir )arriae, t(e# a%'ired real properties.In 1936, Ni%olas started to %o(a&it "it( Pa%ita illan'eva and o't of "edlo% t(e# (ad an

illeiti)ate %(ild, Pro%opio illan'eva.F'se&ia so'(t t(e re%onve#an%e fro) Ni%olas and Pa%ita of several properties, %lai)in

t(e s'&Ce%t properties are (er %onC'al properties "it( Ni%olas. Bn Nove)&er 23, 1996, F'se&iadied.

(e : r'led in favor of F'se&ia represented &# (er son. Bn appeal, t(e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed t(e said de%ision of t(e :.

Issue:

+(et(er or not F'se&ia (as t(e ri(t for t(e re%onve#an%e of t(e said properties.

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt (eld t(at in t(e affir)ative. Arti%le 105 of t(e @a)il# :ode e$pli%itl#

)andates t(at t(e :ode s(all appl# to %onC'al partners(ips esta&lis(ed &efore t(e @a)il# :odeto vest ri(ts alread# a%'ired 'nder t(e :ivil :ode. ('s, 'nder t(e @a)il# :ode, if t(e properties are a%'ired d'rin t(e )arriae, t(e pres')ption is t(at t(e# are %onC'al. (is is%o'nter &alan%ed &# t(e re'ire)ent t(at properties )'st first &e proven to (ave &een a%'iredd'rin t(e )arriae &efore it is pres')ed to &e %onC'al.

F'se&ia "as a&le to prove t(at t(ose properties "ere a%'ired d'rin t(eir )arriae.(o'( Ni%olas and Pa%ita %o(a&ited, Ni%olas and F'se&ia "ere still )arried. ('s, an# propert#a%'ired d'rin t(e period is %onsidered %onC'al, 'nless it is proven t(at Pa%ita %ontri&'ted int(e a%'isition of said propert#. o"ever, Pa%ita failed to prove t(e e$%eption.

211



ALFREDO !HIN%, petitioner, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent=.. No. 124642. @e&r'ar# 23, 2004

Facts:

Bn epte)&er 26, 19;, P7:I o&tained a loan of P9,000,000 fro) Allied 7anin:orporation. Bn De%e)&er 2;, 19;, A7: e$tended anot(er loan to t(e P7:I t(ro'( itsF$e%'tive i%e President Alfredo :(in. o"ever, P7:I defa'lted in t(e pa#)ent of all itsloans.

P7:I and Alfredo :(in Cointl# filed a petition for s'spension of pa#)ents "it( t(ee%'rities and F$%(ane :o))ission and at t(e sa)e ti)e seein t(e P7:I8s re(a&ilitation.

Bn !'l# 9, 19;2, t(e F: iss'ed an order pla%in P7:I8s &'siness, in%l'din its assetsand lia&ilities 'nder re(a&ilitation. In t(e )ean ti)e, on !'l# 21, 19;3, t(e dep't# s(eriff of t(etrial %o'rt levied on atta%()ent t(e 100,000 %o))on s(ares of sto%s in t(e na)e of :(in.

Bn Nove)&er 16, 1993, Fn%arna%ion :(in, "ife of Alfredo :(in filed a )otion to setaside t(e lev# on atta%()ent. (e alleed t(at t(e 100,000 s(ares of sto% levied on &# t(e s(eriff

"ere a%'ired &# (er and (er ('s&and d'rin t(eir )arriae o't of %onC'al f'nds. Fn%arna%ions(o"ed to t(e %o'rt %op# of (er )arriae %ontra%t "it( Alfredo as an eviden%e.(e : r'led in (er favor &'t t(e :o'rt of Appeals reversed t(e said de%ision of t(e

:.

IssueG+(et(er or not t(e said 100,000 s(ares of sto% &e e$%l'ded fro) t(e %ase.

Ruling:It "as (eld &# t(e %o'rt t(at, for %onC'al partners(ip to &e lia&le for a lia&ilit#, t(at

s(o'ld appertain to t(e ('s&and alone, t(ere )'st &e s(o"in t(at so)e advantaes a%%r'ed tot(e spo'ses. :ertainl#, to )ae %onC'al partners(ip responsi&le for a lia&ilit# t(at s(o'ldappertain alone to one of t(e spo'ses is to fr'strate t(e o&Ce%tive of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode to s(o"t(e 't)ost %on%ern for solidarit# and "ell-&ein of t(e fa)il# as a 'nit. (e ('s&and, t(erefore,is denied t(e po"er to ass')e 'nne%essar# and 'n"arranted riss to t(e finan%ial sta&ilit# of t(e%onC'al partners(ip. A7: failed to prove t(at t(e %onC'al partners(ip of Fn%arna%ion andAlfredo "as &enefited &# Alfredo8s a%t of e$e%'tin a %ontin'in 'arant# and s'ret#s(iparee)ent "it( t(e respondents for and in &e(alf of P7:I.

212



ETERIA TAN, petitioner, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondents=.. No. 120594. !'ne 10, 199

FactsG

Bn April 1,19;9, a %ase for partition and a%%o'ntin "as instit'ted &# t(e spo'sesAlfonso and Fteria an aainst Alfonso8s &rot(ers, :elestino and a$i)o an.po'ses %lai)ed t(at 13 of t(e 906 s'are )eter residential lot "as &ro'(t to t(eir

%onC'al propert# d'rin t(eir )arriae. o"ever, &rot(ers of Alfonso o&Ce%ted t(e %lai). (e#%lai)ed t(at t(e s'&Ce%t propert# "as in(erited &# t(e) fro) t(eir )ot(er and "as divideda)on t(e), Alfonso, :elestino and a$i)o.

Fteria, ad)itted t(at s(e is leall# )arried to Alfonso &'t t(e# "ere no" livin separatel# &# virt'e of a de%ree of leal separation.

(e eional rial :o'rt r'led in favor of Alfonso and Fteria, (o"ever, t(e :o'rt of Appeals de%ided ot(er"ise.

IssueG +(et(er or not t(e said 13 of t(e s'&Ce%t propert# is a %onC'al propert# of Fteria andAlfonso.

Ruling:It "as (eld &# t(e :o'rt t(at, t(e 's&and8s a%'isition &# s'%%ession of a par%el of land

d'rin (is )arriae to (is "ife si)pl# )eans t(at t(e lot is (is e$%l'sive propert# &e%a'se it "asa%'ired &# (i) d'rin t(e )arriae &# l'%rative title.

213



ANE %O, petitioner, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent=.. No. 11491. a# 29, 199

Facts:

er)oenes and !ane Bn "ere )arried on !'ne , 19;. (e video %overae of t(e"eddin "as provided &# t(e petitioner spo'ses Nan%# and Ale$ =o. po'ses Bn %lai)ed t(evideo of t(eir "eddin t(ree ti)es &'t t(e# failed to (ave it. 7e%a'se t(e ne"l#"ed %o'ple "ill &e (avin t(eir (one#)oon in J, t(e# areed to (ave t(e video tape 'pon t(eir ret'rn.

+(en t(e %o'ple %a)e (o)e, t(e# fo'nd o't t(at t(e said tape (ad &een erased &#spo'ses =o.

@'rio's at t(e lost of t(e tape "(i%( s'ppose to &e t(e onl# re%ord of t(eir "eddin. ('s,t(e# filed a %o)plaint. (e : rendered its de%ision )ain spo'ses =o lia&le to t(e saiderased tape. Bn appeal, t(e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed t(e de%ision of t(e :.

IssueG

+(et(er or not spo'ses =o &e Cointl# (eld lia&le.

Ruling:(e :o'rt (eld t(at, sin%e t(e "ife )a# e$er%ise an# profession, o%%'pation or enae in

&'siness "it(o't t(e %onsent of t(e ('s&and, t(e ('s&and )a# not &e (eld Cointl# and severall#lia&le "it( (is "ife for &rea%( of a %ontra%t t(at t(e latter (ad entered into.

214



0AUTISTA, plaintiff 4. 0ERLINA SIL"A, defendant=.. No.15434. epte)&er 19,2006

Facts: A par%el of land "as reistered in t(e na)es of spo'ses 7erlina ilva and Pedro ilva. In19;;, Pedro ilva, for (i)self and as attorne#-in-fa%t of (is "ife 7erlina, t(r' a pe%ial Po"er of Attorne# e$e%'ted &# 7erlina in (is favor, sined and e$e%'ted a Deed of a&sol'te sale over t(esaid par%el of land in favor of defendants-spo'ses :arlo and Nida 7a'tista.

(e : fo'nd o't t(at t(e said pe%ial Po"er of Attorne# as sined &# 7erlina is aforer#. It appears t(at t(e PA "as e$e%'ted, "(en s(e "as in =er)an# and (as no no"ledeto t(e said e$e%'tion "it( is tanta)o'nt to not %onsent. (e defendants pra#ed t(at t(e s(are of 7erlina in t(e par%el of land sold to t(e) &e e$%l'ded and t(e s(are of Pedro &e retained. ('s,t(e : did not entertain t(e defendant8s pra#er and r'led in favor of 7erlina. Bn appeal, t(e%o'rt of appeals affir)ed t(e de%ision rendered &# t(e : in toto.

IssueG+(et(er or not t(e s(are of 7erlina in t(e par%el of land to t(e defendants &e e$%l'ded

and t(e s(are of Pedro &e retained.

Hel3G(e %o'rt r'led t(at, t(e n'llit# of t(e sale of %onC'al propert# %ontra%ted &# t(e ('s&and

"it(o't t(e )arital %onsent of t(e "ife affe%ts t(e entire propert# not C'st t(e s(are of t(e "ife.

215



HOMEO7NER SA"IN%S LOAN 0AN1, petitioner 4s.MAR!ELINO DAILO, respondent

=.. No. 153;02. ar%( 11, 2005

Facts:

i'ela Dailo and ar%elino Dailo !r. are ('s&and and "ife "(o &o'(t a (o'se and lot.(e a&sol'te deed of sale "as e$e%'ted onl# in favor of ar%elino Dailo, !r. as vendee t(ereof tot(e e$%l'sion of t(e "ife.

In 1993, ar%elino o&tained a loan fro) petitioner o)eo"ners avins and Loan 7an to &e se%'red &# t(e spo'se (o'se and lot. An a)o'nt of P300,000.00 "as o&tained as a loa)and a eal Fstate ortae "as e$e%'ted on t(e s'&Ce%t propert# in favor of t(e petitioner. (atsaid transa%tion entered into too pla%e "it(o't t(e no"lede and %onsent of t(e "ife.

Jpon )at'rit# t(e loan re)ained o'tstandin. As a res'lt, petitioner instit'tede$traC'di%ial fore%los're pro%eedin on t(e )ortaed propert#. After t(e e$traC'di%ial salet(ereof, a :ertifi%ate of ale "as iss'ed in favor of t(e petitioner as t(e (i(est &idder. In 1995,ar%elino died.

i'ela %ali)ed t(at s(e (ad no no"lede of t(e )ortaed %onstit'ted on t(e s'&Ce%t propert# "(i%( "as %onC'al in nat're. (e trial %o'rt rendered its de%ision favorin i'ela,and it ordered t(e re%onve#an%e of t(e s'&Ce%t propert#. Bn Appeal, t(e :o'rt of Appealsaffir)ed t(e trial :o'rts de%ision.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e ('s&and )a# sale t(e %onC'al propert# even "it(o't t(e %onsent of

t(e "ife.

Ruling:(e %o'rt r'led t(at, t(e sale of a %onC'al propert# re'ires t(e %onsent of &ot( t(e

('s&and and "ife. In t(e a&sen%e of t(e %onsent of one renders t(e entire sale n'll and void,in%l'din t(e portion of t(e %onC'al propert# pertainin to t(e ('s&and "(o %ontra%ted t(e sale.

216



ESTHER A0ALOS, plaintiff 4. MA!ATAN%A# .R., defendant=.. No.155043. epte)&er 30,2004

Facts:

po'ses Art'ro and Fst(er A&alos are t(e reistered o"ner of a par%el of land "it(i)prove)ents. Ar)ed "it( pe%ial Po"er of Attorne#, p'rportedl# iss'ed &# (is "ife, Art'roe$e%'ted a e%eipt and e)orand') of Aree)ent in @avor of respondent a%atana#, &indin(i)self to sell to respondent t(e s'&Ce%t propert# ad not to offer t(e sa)e to an# ot(er part# "it(in t(irt# da#s 30< fro) date.

'&se'entl#, Art'ro8s "ife, Fst(er, e$e%'ted a pe%ial Po"er of Attorne# appointin (er sister a)os, to a%t for and in (er &e(alf relative to t(e transfer of t(e propert# to respondent.

Issue: +(et(er or not spo'ses %an dispose t(eir o"n s(are in t(e %onC'al propert# even

"it(o't t(e li'idation of t(e %onC'al partners(ip.

Hel3:(e %o'rt (eld t(at, even on t(e s'pposition t(at t(e parties onl# disposed of t(eir

respe%tive s(ares in t(e propert# t(e sale. Ass')in t(at it e$ists, is still void &e%a'se t(e ri(t of t(e ('s&and and "ife to one-(alf of t(e %onC'al assets does not rest 'ntil t(e li'idation of t(e%onC'al partners(ip. Ne)o dat 'i non (a&et. No one %an ive "(at (e (as not.

21



MELANIA RO$AS, plaintiff 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS, defendant=.. No. 92245. !'ne 26, 1991

Facts:

elania o$as and Antonio B$as are ('s&and and "ife, (o"ever, t(e# "ere livinseparatel#. Plaintiff Petitioner elania dis%overed t(at (er estraned ('s&and entered into a%ontra%t of lead %overin a portion of t(eir %onC'al lot.

elania filed a %o)plaint, (o"ever, t(e rial :o'rt Dis)issed t(e sa)e &e%a'se t(e%o)plaint fails to satisf# t(e test of s'ffi%ien%# of a%tion. Bn appeal, t(e :o'rt of Appeals,affir)ed t(e de%ision of t(e : in toto.

Issue: +(et(er or not t(e ('s&and )a# enter into a %ontra%t of lease involvin %onC'al real

propert# "it(o't t(e no"lede and %onsent of (is "ife.

Ruling:(e %o'rt (eld t(at, in t(e %ontra%t of lease t(e leesor transfers (is ri(ts of 'se in favor of t(e lessee. (e lessors ri(t is i)paired, t(erein. (erefore, lease is a &'rden o t(e land, it isan e)%oi)feran%e on t(e land.

('s, 'nder Art.16 of t(e :ivil :ode, in %are t(e "ife8s %onsent is not se%'red &# t(e('s&and as re'ired &# la", t(e "as (as t(e re)ed# of filin an a%tion for t(e ann'l)ent of t(e%ontra%t.

21;



NI!OLAS, plaintiff 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS, defendant No. L-3631. B%to&er 19;

Facts:

Anasta%io adlansaa# )arried to Lo'rdes an'el 7ro'(t par%els of land. At t(e ti)eof p'r%(ase, petitioners "ere o%%'p#in one of t(e land8s as tenants. Anasta%io sold t(at said par%el of t(e land o%%'pied &# t(e tenants to t(e).

(e %ontrovers# arose "(en %ri)inal %ase of ro&&er# "as filed &# Anasta%io aainst t(e petitioners "(en t(e# alleedl# %'t &a)&oos fro) t(e said land. Bn t(e ot(er (and, petitionersfiled a %ri)inal %ase of perC'r# aainst Anasta%io in en%roa%(in on t(eir ri(ts &# at(erin t(efr'its on t(e s'&Ce%t land.

Anasta%io %lai)ed t(at t(e Deed of A&sol'te ale t(at "as e$e%'ted is a forer#, t(ere &ein no )arital %onsent fro) (is "ife as re'ired &# la". ('s, t(e said sale is n'll and void.

(e : rendered C'd)ent favorin Anasta%io "as t(e %o'rt of Appeals "(en t(e %ase"as a&o't for appeal &# t(e petitioners.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e sale of propert# &ein %onC'al in nat're "it(o't )arital %onsent fro)

one is valid.

Ruling:(e %o'rt (eld t(at, t(e ver# %onspi%'o's a&sen%e of t(e "ife %onfor) to s'%( anan%ial

propert#, t(ere &ein no s(o"in t(at Lo'rdes an'el- "ife of Anasta%io is leall#in%apa%itated-renders t(e s%ale void a& initio.

219



ELENA MULLER, petitioner 4s. HELMUT MULLER, respondent=.. No. 149615. A''st 29,2006

Facts:

Flena 'ller and respondent el)'t 'ller "ere )arried in =er)an# in 19;9. t(e#resided at t(e (o'se o"ned &# t(e respondents parents &'t de%ided to )ove and reside in t(eP(ilippines per)anentl# in 1992. el)'t in(erited t(e (o'se in =er)an# fro) (is parents andsold it. e 'sed t(e )one# to p'r%(ase a par%el of land and to %onstr'%t a (o'se in t(eP(ilippines.

Flena filed a petition fro) leal separation d'e to in%o)pati&ilities. In 1996, t(e eionalrial :o'rt rendered its C'd)ent and ter)inated t(e rei)e of a&sol'te %o))'nit# of propert#of t(e spo'ses. It also de%reed a leal separation of properties lo%ated in t(e %o'ntr# &'te$%l'din t(ose a%'ired &# rat'ito's title d'rin t(e )arriae. o"ever, respondent %annotre%over t(e f'nds &e%a'se t(e propert# "as p'r%(ased in violation of e%., Art. II of t(e:onstit'tion.

espondent appealed and t(e :o'rt of Appeals reversed t(e de%ision of t(e reional rial:o'rt. It r'led t(at respondent )a# %lai) rei)&'rse)ent of t(e a)o'nt of t(e said propert#.

Issue:+(et(er or not respondent %an %lai) rei)&'rse)ent of t(e propert# in disp'te.

Ruling: (e %o'rt r'led t(at, t(e respondent "as a"are of t(e :onstit'tional Pro(i&ition. e

de%lared t(at (e (ad t(e propert# titled in t(e na)e of t(e @ilipino "ife &e%a'se of t(e:onstit'tional pro(i&ition aainst aliens.

is %lai) a ri(t in t(e said propert# %annot &e s'stained. In %ases of (ereditar#s'%%ession, respondents dis'alifi%ation in o"nin lands in t(e P(ilippine is a&sol'te. Not evenan o"ners(ip in tr'st is allo"ed. 7esides, "(ere t(e p'r%(ase is )ade in isolation of an e$istinstat'te and in evasion of its e$press provision, not tr'st %an res'lt in favor of t(e part# "(o is'ilt# of fra'd.

220



OPAZ OLI%ORIO, petitioner vs. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent=.. No. 104;92. Nove)&er 14, 1994

FactsG

A'relia and ar%iliano =o o"ned a par%el of land. (e spo'ses "ere %(ild less &'treared and ed'%ated ivera, Pa> Bliario and o%orro eves- respondents. Bn t(e ot(er (and,7onifa%io Bloario is t(e &rot(er of ar%iliano and Adelaida is t(e nie%e of A'relia.

A'relia died on ar%( 19, 19;6. o pre%l'de t(e (eirs of (is "ife and to avoid t(e pa#)ent of ta$, ar%iliano sold t(e propert# to t(e respondents. Bn 19;;, ar%iliano diedintestate.

IssueG1< +(et(er or not 7onifa%io and Adeliada (ave t(e leal ri(t to in(erit.2< +(at is t(e proper li'idation of t(e said propert#

Ruling:1< (e :o'rt (eld t(at, t(e petitioners &ein t(e sole (eir of t(e de%eased, (ave t(e lealri(t to in(erit. (e 'nla"f'l )otive of ar%iliano in sellin t(e propert# renderedt(e sale n'll and void.

2< (e lot is pres')ed to &e %onC'al propert#. (e deat( of A'relia dissolved t(e%onC'al partners(ip. 7# virt'e of s'%( dissol'tion, Q of t(e said propert# s(o'ldappertain to ar%iliano as (is s(are fro) t(e %onC'al partners(ip and Z representin(is s(are as s'rvivin spo'se. Adelaida as t(e s'rvivin nie%e of A'relia is entitled toZ of t(e lot.

221



NA0LE2OSE, plaintiff-appellant vs. NA0LE2OSE, respondent-appellee41 P 13

FactsG:o'ples "ere leall# )arried, (o"ever, t(e )arital &ond "as dissolved "(en t(e "ife

died.

IssueG+(et(er or not t(e s'rvivin ('s&and (as t(e po"er to sell or )ortae t(e %o))'nit#

propert# after t(e deat( of (is "ife.

Hel3GIt "as (eld &# t(e %o'rt t(at, "(en a %onC'al partners(ip is dissolved &# t(e deat( of t(e

"ife, t(e s'rvivin ('s&and and not t(e C'di%ial ad)inistrator appointed in t(e pro%eedins for t(e settle)ent of t(e "ife8s estate, is entitled to t(e possession of t(e propert# of t(e %onC'al partners(ip 'ntil (e (as li'idated its affairs t(e ('s&and is t(e ad)inistrator of t(e affairs of t(e%onC'al partners(ip 'ntil t(e# are finall# settled and li'idated and t(at t(e li'idation is to &e%ond'%ted &# (i) as ad)inistrator. ('s, t(e ('s&and (as t(e po"er to dispose properties for settle)ents of de&ts &'t not for (is o"n interest if t(e said sale is prior li'idation.

222



DIOSDIDIT !UEN!A, et al, petitioner, vs RESTITUTO !UEN!A, et al No. L-2321. De%e)&er ;, 19;;

Facts:

Aripino :'en%a and aria 7ana(on- :'en%a "ere leall# )arried, &eotten t"o%(ildren, estit'to and eladora as t(eir (eirs. aria 7ana(on &ro'(t properties into (er )arriae. aid propert# "as in(erited &# (er fro) (er parents.

o"ever, Arapi (ad a se%ond fa)il# "(o %lai)ed to &e t(e leiti)ate fa)il# of Arapino. ('s, t(e# %lai)ed t(at t(e said properties are t(e %onC'al propert# of Arapino andFnra%ia, se%ond "ife.

(e trial %o'rt de%ided in favor of t(e se%ond fa)il#. o"ever, t(e :o'rt of Appealsde%ided ot(er"ise and t('s favored t(e first fa)il#.

IssueG+(et(er or not t(e %onC'al propert# &e affe%ted &# t(e de fa%to separation.

Ruling: (e :o'rt (eld t(at, properties in t(e %onC'al partners(ip "ill still re)ain. (ere &ein

no C'di%ial de%laration of leal separation nor leal separation of %onC'al properties.

223



7ON%, petitioner vs. !OURT OFAPPEALS, respondent=.. No. 00;2. A''st 19, 1991

FactsG

o)ari%o enson and Katrina Pineda ot )arried in 1964, o't of t(eir )arriae t(e#(ave t(ree %(ildren, &'t d'rin t(e earl# ae of t(eir )arriae, t(e# (ad &een livin separatel#.o)ari%o &o'(t a par%el of land for P(P 11, 492 fro) (is fat(er and t(e )one# (e 'sed "as &arro"ed &# (i) fro) (is offi%e)ate.

ear later, a %o)plaint "as filed aainst Katrina (oldin (er %ivill# lia&le &e%a'se of (er de&t fro) t(e Ce"elries s(e p'r%(ased fro) +on and for t(e iss'an%e of %(e% "(i%( "asdis(onored for la% of f'nd.

(e : rendered its de%ision and (eld Katrina lia&le for t(ose offenses in%'rred aainst+on. en%e, said lia&ilit# "as %(ared aainst t(e propert# &o'(t &# enson.

enson on t(e ot(er (and o&Ce%ted t(e said de%ision %ontendin t(at, t(e said propert# is(is e$%l'sive propert# &e%a'se (e &o'(t it 'sin (is o"n f'nd and did not no" an#t(in a&o't

t(e transa%tions entered into &# (er "ife.: favored (i), so as t(e :o'rt of Appeals "(o affir)ed t(e de%ision of t(e : intoto in (is favor.

IssueG+(et(er or not t(e said propert# &e (eld lia&le for t(e offense in%'rred &# t(e "ife.

Ruling:(e :o'rt (eld t(at, on t(e )atter of o"ners(ip of t(e propert# involved, t(e :o'rt

disarees "it( t(e appellate %o'rt t(at t(e said propert# is e$%l'sivel# o"ned &# enson. avin &een a%'ired d'rin t(e )arriae, t(e# are still pres')ed to &elon to t(e %onC'al partners(ipeven t(o'( enson and Katrina (ad &een livin separatel#.

(e pres')ption of t(e %onC'al nat're of t(e propert# s'&sists in t(e a&sen%e of %lear satisfa%tor# and %onvin%in eviden%e to over%o)e t(e pres')ption or to prove t(at t(e propert#is e$%l'sivel# o"ned &# enson. +(ile t(ere is proof t(at enson a%'ired t(e propert# "it( t(e)one# (e loaned fro) (is offi%e)ate, if (e paid o't of (is salaries, t(en t(e )one# is part of t(e%onC'al assets and not e$%l'sivel# (is.

224



PRIMA PARTOSA2O, petitioner vs. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent=.. No. ;2606. De%e)&er 1;, 1992

FactsG

!o (avin %o(a&ited "it( t(ree "o)en and fat(ered fifteen %(ildren. (e first of t(ose"o)en is Partosa- !o, (is leal "ife "(o) (e fat(ered one da'(ter.Partosa-!o filed a %o)plaint for leal separation of propert# and an a%tion for s'pport

aainst (is ('s&and !o. ('s, &ased on t(e fa%ts presented, t(e : rendered its de%ision in favor of Partosa-!o orderin !o to s'pport (er and t(e %(ild. o"ever, t(e trial %o'rt failed to providein its depositive portion as to its de%ision %on%ernin t(e leal separation of %onC'al properties.

Bn appeal, t(e :o'rt of Appeals denied t(e appeal %ontendin t(at t(e said %o)plaintla%s )erit &e%a'se s'%( %lai) "as &ased on t(eir )'t'al aree)ent and t('s t(ere is noa&andon)ent.

IssueG

+(et(er of not leal separation of %onC'al properties &e de%lared.

Ruling:(e :o'rt (eld t(at, a&andon)ent i)plies a depart're &# one spo'se "it( t(e avo"ed

intent never to ret'rn, follo"ed &# proloned a&sen%e "it(o't C'st %a'se and "it(o't in t(e)eanti)e providin in t(e least for one8s fa)il# alt(o'( a&le to do so. (ere )'st &e a&sol'te%essation of )arital relations, d'ties and ri(ts "it( t(e intent of perpet'al separation.

As s(o"n &# eviden%es presented, !o ref'sed to a%%ept Pertosa-!o in t(eir %onC'ald"ellin "it(o't C'st %a'se and even denied t(at t(e# "ere )arried. ('s, s'%( a%t is tanta)o'ntto a&andon)ent.

DOROTEA DE O!AMPO, petitioner-appellant vs.

225



NI!OLAS DELIZO, respondent-appellee Nos. L-32;20-21. !an'ar# 30, 196

FactsG Ni%olas Deli>o %ontra%ted t"o )arriaes, first "as in 1;91 "it( osa illasfer and t(eir

)arriae ended in 1909 "(en illasfer died. In (is first )arriae, (e (ad t(ree %(ildren. isse%ond )arriae "as in 1911 "it( Dorotea de B%a)po and it ended "(en Deli>o died on a# 3,195. B't of t(e se%ond )arriae, (e (ad nine %(ildren.

Bn April 15, 195 &efore t(e deat( of Deli>o, an a%tion for partition "as instit'ted &# (isson and da'(ter in (is first )arriae, all aainst (i) and de B%a)po. de B%a)po opposed t(esaid partition, %lai)in t(at t(e properties des%ri&ed in t(e %o)plaint "ere t(ose of t(e se%ond)arriae.

(ose s'&Ce%t properties "ere alleed to &e a%'ired &# Ni%olas as (o)estead d'rin t(efirst )arriae, (o"ever, t(e re'ire)ents for t(e patent "ere perfe%ted on t(e se%ond )arriae.('s, i)prove)ents of t(e said propert# "ere introd'%ed d'rin t(e se%ond )arriae t(ro'( t(e Coint effort of Ni%olas and de B%a)po.

IssueG(o" s(o'ld t(e s'&Ce%t properties &e li'idated

RulingG(e :o'rt (eld t(at, t(e de%isive fa%tor in t(e deter)ination of "(et(er a par%el of land

a%'ired &# "a# of (o)estead is %onC'al propert# of t(e first or se%ond )arriae is notne%essar# t(e ti)e of t(e iss'an%e of t(e (o)estead patent &'t t(e ti)e of t(e f'lfill)ent of t(ere'ire)ents of t(e p'&li% land la" for t(e a%'isition of s'%( ri(t to t(e patent.

(ere is t(e esta&lis(ed fa%ts t(at t(e prod'%e of t(e lands a%'ired (o)estead%ontri&'ted %onsidera&l# to t(e a%'isition of t(e properties a%'ired d'rin t(e e$isten%e of t(ese%ond )arriae. Also t(e %(ildren of t(e first )arriae as a )atter of e'it# s(o'ld s(are in t(e properties a%'ired &# (o)estead.

"DA. DE !ONSE%RUA, petitioner-appellant vs.%O"ERNMENT SER"I!E INSURAN!E S#STEM, respondent-appellee

226



No. L-2;093. !an'ar# 30, 191

FactsGAt t(e ti)e of deat( of !ose :ons'era, (e "as an e)plo#ee of t(e Bffi%e of t(e Distri%t

Fnineer of 'riao del Norte. In (is life ti)e, (e %ontra%ted t"o )arriaes, t(e first "it( Dia>

"(o) (e fat(ered t"o %(ildren &'t prede%eased (i) and t(e se%ond )arriae in "(i%( (e%ontra%ted in ood fait(, seven %(ildren "ere &orn.7ein a )e)&er of =I, "(en (e died t(e pro%eeds of (is life ins'ran%e "ere paid &#

=I to 7erdin (is se%ond "ife and to seven %(ildren "(o "ere t(e &enefi%iaries of t(e said poli%#. avin &een in t(e overn)ent servi%e for t"ent# #ears, (e "as entitled to retire)entins'ran%e &enefits in t(e s') of P(P 6, 304. 4. o"ever, (e did not desinate an# &enefi%iar#"(o "o'ld re%eive t(e retire)ent &enefits d'e to (i).

@irst "ife Dia> filed a %lia) "it( =I asin t(at t(e retire)ent ins'ran%e &enefits &e paid to (er as t(e onl# leal (eir of !ose. 7erdin on t(e ot(er (and %lai)ed t(at t(e &enefits &e paid to (er and to t(eir %(ildren &ein t(e desinated &enefi%iaries of t(e life ins'ran%e.

o solve t(e %onfli%t, =I divided t(e said a)o'nt of &enefits e'all# to &ot( parties.

Dissatisfied "it( t(e apportion)ent )ade &# =I, petitioner filed a petition in t(e :o'rt of @irstInstan%e. (e said %o'rt 'p(eld t(e division )ade &# =I.

IssueG+(et(er or not t(e li'idation is proper.

Ruling:(e :o'rt affir)ed t(e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e. ('s, t(e %o'rt (eld t(at,

in %onstr'in t(e ri(ts of t"o "o)en "(o "ere )arried to t(e sa)e )an sin%e t(e de%easedfirst )arriae (as not &een dissolved or de%lared void, t(e %onC'al partners(ip esta&lis(ed &#t(at )arriae (as not %eased. Nor (as t(e first "ife lost or relin'is(ed (er stat's as p'tative (eir of (er ('s&and 'nder t(e Ne" :ivil :ode, entitled to s(are in t(e estate 'pon (is deat( s(o'lds(e s'rvive (i). :onse'entl#, "(et(er as %onC'al partners(ip in a still s'&sistin )arriae or as s'%( p'tative (eir (as an interest in t(e ('s&and8s s(are in t(e propert# in disp'te. And "it(respe%t to t(e se%ond "ife, t(e :o'rt o&served t(at alt(o'( t(e se%ond )arriae %an &e pres')ed to &e void ab initio as it "as %ele&rated "(ile t(e first )arriae "as still s'&sistin,still t(ere is a need for C'di%ial de%laration of n'llit#. And in as )'%( as t(e %onC'al partners(ipfor)ed &# t(e se%ond )arriae "as dissolved &efore C'di%ial de%laration of its n'llit#, *t(e onl# C'st and e'ita&le sol'tion is to re%oni>e t(e ri(t of t(e se%ond "ife to (er s(are of one-(alf int(e propert# a%'ired &# (er ('s&and, and %onsider t(e ot(er (alf as pertainin to t(e %onC'al partners(ip of t(e first )arriae.

REMEDIOS %. SAL"ADOR an3 MA. %RA!IA %. SAL"ADOR , petitioners, vs. !OURTOF APPEALS, AL0ERTO an3 ELPIA #A0O, FRAN!IS!A #A0O, et al., respondents.

22



=.. No. 109910. April 5, 1995.

Facts:Alipio a&o "as t(e o"ner of Lot No. 60;0 and Lot No. 61;0. itle t(ereto devolved

'pon (is nine %(ildren, na)el#, i%toriano, Pro%opio, Lope, !ose, Pelaia, 7aseli>a, @ran%is%a,

aria, and =a'den%ia, 'pon (is deat( so)eti)e &efore or d'rin t(e se%ond "orld "ar.Bn April 2;, 196, Pastor ai&alo, ('s&and of aria a&o, %(ild of Alipio filed "it(t(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e a %o)plaint aainst t(e spo'ses Al&erto and Flpia a&o. In s'%(%o)plaint, Pastor alleed t(at (e o"ned a total of ; s(ares of t(e said lots (avin p'r%(ased t(es(are of seven of Alipio8s %(ildren and in(erited t(e s(are of (is "ife aria, and t(at e$%ept for t(e portion %orrespondin to =a'den%ia8s s(are "(i%( (e did not &'#, (e o%%'pied, %'ltivated and possessed %ontin'o'sl#, openl#, pea%ef'll# and e$%l'sivel# t(e t"o par%els of land. e t(erefore pra#ed t(at (e &e de%lared t(e a&sol'te o"ner of ;9 of t(e lots 'estioned.

(e trial %o'rt rendered C'd)ent, findin Pastor, no" F'elio alvador and e)ediosalvador o"ners of ei(t s(ares on Lot No.60;0 and so)e s(ares on Lot No.61;0.

Bn B%to&er ;, 196, t(e rand%(ildren and reat rand%(ildren of t(e late Alipio a&o

loded "it(in t(e sa)e %o'rt a %o)plaint for partition and 'ietin of title "it( da)aes aainstPastor, Fne%ia, :ristal, and t(e spo'ses F'loio and e)edios alvador. (e# alleed t(at t(eaforesaid lots are %o))on properties of t(e (eirs of Alipio and t(at t(e defendants after Alipio8sdeat( &e%a)e t(e de fa%to ad)inistrators of t(e lots and to t(eir s'rprise dis%overed t(at t(ealvadors (ave &een (arvestin %o%on'ts fro) t(e lots.

(e plaintiffs pra#ed t(at t(e# and t(e defendant &e de%lared as t(e o"ners of t(e lots andt(at t(e alvador spo'ses &e de%lared as (avin no ri(ts t(ereto. (e t"o %ases t(ere&# "ere%onsolidated and Cointl# (eard. (e trial %o'rt (o"ever r'led aainst t(e plaintiffs.

Bn appeal, t(e :o'rt of Appeals (eld t(at aria did not sell (er s(are to Al&erto andFlpia a&o t(at pres%ription and la%(es (ave not ran aainst t(e private respondents "it( respe%tto t(e 19 s(are of aria a&o in t(e estate of (er fat(er and to (er %onC'al s(are in t(e portionsa%'ired fro) (er &rot(er and sisters and Pro%opio never sold (is s(are in Lot. No. 60;0 toPastor ai&alo.

Issue:+(et(er or not, t(e s(ares of !ose, i%toriano, Lope, 7aseli>a, Pro%opio and @ran%is%a in

Lot No.61;0 and in Lot No. 60;0 "(i%( (ad &een p'r%(ased &# Pastor d'rin (is )arriae "it(aria is t(e ('s&and8s e$%l'sive propert#.

Ruling: No.(e :o'rt r'led t(at all propert# of t(e )arriae is pres')ed to &elon to t(e %onC'al

partners(ip, 'nless it &e proved t(at it pertains e$%l'sivel# to eit(er of t(e). In t(e instant %ase,t(e s(ares of !ose, i%toriano, Lope, 7aseli>a, Pro%opio and @ran%is%a in Lot No.61;0 and in Lot No. 60;0 (ad &een p'r%(ased &# Pastor d'rin (is )arriae "it( aria. '%( s(ares "o'ld (ave &een t(e e$%l'sive propert# of Pastor (ad t(ere &een proof t(at t(e properties "ere a%'ired or p'r%(ased &# (i) "it( (is e$%l'sive )one#. ('s, a&sent s'%( proof t(e sa)e "as dee)ed &#t(e :o'rt to &elon to t(e %onC'al partners(ip of Pastor and aria.

!ESAR SARMIENTO, petitioner, vs. THE INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE !OURT,HON. RE%INA %. ORDOÑEZ20ENITEZ, as t>e P-esi3ing u3ge &@ 0-anc> $L"II &@ t>e

22;



Regi&nal T-ial !&u-t &@ Manila, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL 0AN1, NORMASARMIENTO, LORNA SARMIENTO an3 LERMA SARMIENTO, respondents.

=.. No. 5409. A''st 1, 19;.

Facts:

Petitioner :esar ar)iento "as )arried to private respondent Nor)a ar)iento. Bn a#10, 19, private respondent Nor)a s'ed (er ('s&and, :esar, for s'pport. (e %ase "as filed"it( t(e !'venile and Do)esti% elations :o'rt and later assined to eional rial :o'rt,7ran%( LII, presided over &# !'de eina BrdoXe>-7enite>. Bn ar%( 1, 19;4, !'deBrdoXe>-7enite> rendered a de%ision orderin t(e defendant, :esar, to pa# (is "ife, Nor)a, t(es') of @ive 'ndred Pesos P500.00< )ont(l# as s'pport.

Bn A''st 1, 19;4, t(e private respondent &ro'(t anot(er a%tion aainst t(e petitioner for a de%laration t(at t(e retire)ent &enefits d'e t(e petitioner fro) t(e P(ilippine National 7an PN7< "ere %onC'al and t(at 50H t(ereof &eloned to t(e private respondent as (er s(are.

7ran%( II of t(e : of anila rendered a de%ision orderin t(e PN7 to desist andrefrain fro) releasin to defendant :esar all )onetar# &enefits and e)ol')ents "(i%( )a# &e

d'e (i) &# reason of (is retire)ent fro) servi%e, &'t instead, to deliver one-(alf 12< t(ereof to(is "ife.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e order of : 7ran%( II is proper "(en it ordered t(e free>e of

one-(alf 12< of t(e retire)ent &enefits of :esar, as alleedl# a %onC'al propert# of t(e spo'ses.

Ruling: No.(e defa'lt C'd)ent dated @e&r'ar# 20, 19;6 "(i%( ordered t(e PN7 to desist and

refrain fro) releasin to petitioner all )onetar# &enefits and e)ol')ents d'e (i) as retire)ent &enefits and to deliver one-(alf t(ereof to private respondent %o)es "it(in t(e pro(i&itioni)posed &# e%. 26, as a)ended, of t(e =I :(arter "(i%( statesG "ec. /0. 1xemption fromlegal process and liens. 2o polic! of life insurance issued under this %ct, or the proceeds thereof,

hen paid to an! member thereunder, nor an! other benefit granted under this %ct, shall be

liable to attachment, garnishment, or other process, or to be sei)ed, ta$en, appropriated, or applied b! an! legal or equitable process or operation of la to pa! an! debt or liabilit! of such

member, or his beneficiar!, or an! other person ho ma! have a right thereunder, either before

or after pa!ment3 nor shall the proceeds thereof3 hen not made pa!able to a named beneficiar!,

constitute a part of the estate of the member for pa!ment of his debt4 Provided, hoever, 5hat this section shall not appl! hen obligations or indebtedness to the "!stem and the emplo!er are

concerned, nor hen the retirement annuit! is assigned to an! person, corporation, association

or ban$ or other financial institution, hich is hereb! authori)ed.6 (is, in effe%t, is a free>eorder "(i%( is illeal and i)proper.

(e dire%tive to deliver one-(alf 12< of t(e retire)ent &enefits to private respondent)aes t(e defa'lt C'd)ent do'&l# illeal &e%a'se retire)ent &enefits (ave &een adC'ded asrat'ities or re"ard for lent(# and fait(f'l servi%e of t(e re%ipient and s(o'ld &e treated asseparate propert# of t(e retiree-spo'se. ('s, if t(e )onetar# &enefits are iven ratis &# t(eovern)ent &e%a'se of previo's "or, t(is is a rat'it# and s(o'ld &e %onsidered separate propert#.

!ONSOLA!ION "ILLANUE"A, petitioner, vs. THE INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE!OURT, ESUS 0ERNAS an3 REMEDIOS 5. 0ERNAS, respondents.

=.. No. 45. De%e)&er 4, 1990.

229



Facts:po'ses =ra%iano Aranas and Ni%olasa 7'nsa "ere t(e o"ners of a par%el of land

identified as Lot 13. After t(e# died, t(eir s'rvivin %(ildren, odesto Aranas and @ederi%oAranas, adC'di%ated t(e land to t(e)selves 'nder a deed of e$traC'di%ial partition e$e%'ted on

a# 2, 1952. (e so't(ern portion, des%ri&ed as Lot 13-:, "as t(ere&# assined to odesto t(enort(ern, to @ederi%o.Bn ar%( 21, 1953, odesto Aranas o&tained a orrens title in (is na)e. e died on

April 20, 193 "(ile (is "ife, i%toria :o)orro, prede%eased (i) d#in on !'l# 16, 191. (e#(ad no %(ildren &'t odesto "as s'rvived &# t"o 2< illeiti)ate %(ildren na)ed Dorot(eaAranas Ado and eodoro :. Aranas. (ese t"o &orro"ed P1;,000.00 fro) !es's 7ernas. Asse%'rit# t(erefor t(e# )ortaed to 7ernas t(eir fat(erOs propert#, Lot 13-:.

Dorot(ea and eodoro failed to pa# t(eir loan. As a res'lt, 7ernas %a'sed t(e e$traC'di%ialfore%los're of t(e )ortae over Lot 13-: on !'ne 29, 19 and a%'ired t(e land.

Bn Nove)&er 24, 19;, :onsola%ion illan'eva and a#)'ndo Aranas filed a %o)plaintaainst !es's 7ernas and (is spo'se, e)edios 7ernas. (e# alleed t(at t(e# &e de%lared as %o-

o"ners of t(e land as stated in t(e "ill t(e# (ave dis%overed t(at "as e$e%'ted &# i%toria:o)orro.(e trial %o'rt de%lared t(e defendants spo'ses !es's 7ernas and e)edios B. 7ernas as

leal o"ners of Lot No. 13-: and in%l'din all t(e i)prove)ents t(ereon(e plaintiffs appealed to t(e Inter)ediate Appellate :o'rt, "(ere t(e# s'%%eeded onl# in

(avin t(e a"ard of a%t'al and )oral da)aes deleted, t(e C'd)ent of t(e trial %o'rt (avin &een ot(er"ise affir)ed in toto.

@ro) t(is C'd)ent of t(e Appellate :o'rt, :onsola%ion illan'eva appealed to t(e'pre)e :o'rt. er %o-plaintiff, a#)'ndo Aranas, did not.

Issue:+(et(er or not Lot 13-: is a %onC'al propert# of spo'ses odesto Aranas and i%toria

:o)orro "(i%( ives :onsola%ion illan'eva all of said i%toriaOs interests, ri(ts and properties, real and personal as (er net s(are fro) t(e %onC'al partners(ip propert# "it( (er ('s&and, odesto Aranas.

Ruling: No.Lot 13-: "as not a %onC'al partners(ip propert# of i%toria :o)orro and (er ('s&and,

odesto Aranas. It "as t(e latterOs e$%l'sive, private propert#, "(i%( (e (ad in(erited fro) (is parents =ra%iano Aranas and Ni%olasa 7'nsa as provided in Arti%le 14; of t(e :ivil :ode that to

be considered as the exclusive propert! of each spouse is inter alia, that hich is brought to the

marriage as his or her on, or that hich each acquires, during the marriage, b! lucrative title .('s, even if it &e ass')ed t(at odestoOs a%'isition &# s'%%ession of Lot 13-: too pla%ed'rin (is )arriae to i%toria :o)orro, t(e lot "o'ld nonet(eless &e (is e$%l'sive propert# &e%a'se a%'ired &# (i), d'rin t(e )arriae, &# l'%rative title.

oreover, i%toria :o)orro died on !'l# 16, 191, a&o't t"o #ears a(ead of (er ('s&and, odesto Aranas, e$%l'sive o"ner of Lot 13-:, "(o passed a"a# on April 20, 193.i%toria never t(erefore in(erited an# part of Lot 13-: and (en%e, (ad not(in of Lot 13-: to &e'eat( &# "ill or ot(er"ise to :onsola%ion illan'eva.

ALFONSO TAN an3 ETERIA TE"ES TAN, petitioners, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS,SPOUSES !ELESTINO U. TAN an3 ROSARIO D# 1USHIN an3 SPOUSES MA$IMO

U. TAN an3 TERESITA S# TAN, respondents.=. . No. 120594. !'ne 10, 199.

230



Facts:Fteria eves an "as )arried to Alfonso J. an &'t t(e# "ere no" livin separatel# &#

virt'e of a de%ree of leal separation rendered &# t(e t(en !'venile and Do)esti% elations :o'rton A''st 31, 19.

Bn April 1, 19;9, a %ase for partition and a%%o'ntin "as instit'ted &# t(e spo'ses

Alfonso and Fteria an aainst (erein private respondents "(o are AlfonsoOs &rot(ers, :elestinoand a$i)o, and t(eir respe%tive "ives, osario and eresita. It "as alleed in t(e %o)plaintt(at t(e parties are %o-o"ners of a 906-s'are )eter residential lot "it( i)prove)ents t(ereonsit'ated at 7ana'e, :e&' :it# a%'ired so)eti)e in 190. P'rs'ant to t(e provisions of Arti%le494 of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode, t(e spo'ses Alfonso and Fteria an, &ein %o-o"ners to t(e e$tent of one-t(ird 13< portion of t(e aforesaid lot, so'(t partition of t(e sa)e.

Bn !an'ar# 16, 1990, Alfonso J. an filed a anifestation and otion to Dis)iss%ontendin t(at t(e %ase "as filed onl# at t(e instan%e of (is estraned "ife, Fteria, and t(at (e(ad no %lai) "(atsoever aainst (is &rot(ers insofar as t(e fa)il# &'siness is %on%erned.

Bn !'l# 12, 1991, a de%ision "as rendered after trial findin t(at t(e 906-s'are )eter lot"it( i)prove)ents "as a%'ired &# t(e t(ree 3< &rot(ers &# sale t(ro'( install)ents and so it

s(o'ld &e partitioned e'all# a)on t(e) and t(eir respe%tive "ives. :onse'entl#, sin%e t(e lot"as a%'ired d'rin t(e )arriae of petitioner and Alfonso, t(e for)er %o'ld not &e deprived of (er s(are of t(e one-t(ird portion "(i%( is t(e %onC'al propert# of t(e spo'ses.

po'ses :elestino and osario an and t(e spo'ses a$i)o and eresita an, interposedan appeal to t(e :o'rt of Appeals "(i%(, in t'rn, reversed and set aside t(e said C'd)ent.espondent %o'rt r'led t(at alt(o'( t(e s'&Ce%t propert# "as a%'ired d'rin t(e )arriae of t(e spo'ses Fteria and Alfonso, it "as esta&lis(ed &# t(e an &rot(ers t(at t(e sa)e "as in(eritedfro) t(eir )ot(er, (en%e, t(eir e$%l'sive propert#.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e propert# in disp'te "as in(erited &# Alfonso, :elestino and a$i)o

fro) t(eir late )ot(er, rinidad J# an, )ain one-t(ird of t(e said portion an e$%l'sive propert# of Alfonso.

Ruling:es.:on%l'sive eviden%e points to t(e fa%t t(at t(e 'ndivided one-t(ird 13< of t(e par%el of

land in 'estion is not t(e %onC'al partners(ip propert# of t(e spo'ses Alfonso an and Fteriaeves an. It is t(e for)erOs e$%l'sive propert# "(i%( (e (ad in(erited fro) (is )ot(er, rinidadJ#, t(e oriinal o"ner of t(e propert#.

Alt(o'( a%'ired d'rin AlfonsoOs )arriae to Fteria, t(e said propert# s(o'ld &erearded as AlfonsoOs o"n e$%l'sivel#, as a )atter of la" p'rs'ant to Arti%le 14; of t(e :ivil:ode "(i%( provides t(atG Arti%le 14;. 5he folloing shall be the exclusive propert! of each spouse4 xxx that hich each acquires, during the marriage, b! lucrative title.

(e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals is t(en affir)ed.

MANOTO1 REALT#, IN!., petitioner, vs. THE HON. !OURT OF APPEALS an3FELIPE MADLAN%A7A, respondents.

=.. No. L-4503;. April 30, 19;.

Facts:

231



Private respondent @elipe adlana"a %lai)s t(at (e (as &een o%%'p#in a par%el of land in t(e :lara de a)&'ntin de Learda '&division sin%e 1949 'pon per)ission &eino&tained fro) Andres Ladores, t(en an overseer of t(e s'&division.

Bn April 2, 1950, t(e o"ner of t(e lot, :lara a)&'ntin, died and (er entire estate,in%l'din (er parap(ernal properties "(i%( %overed t(e lot o%%'pied &# t(e private respondent

"ere pla%ed 'nder %'stodia leis.Bn April 22, 1950, t(e private respondent )ade a deposit for t(e said lot in t(e s') of P1,500.00 "(i%( "as re%eived &# i%ente Learda, ('s&and of t(e late o"ner, "(i%( "asappointed as a spe%ial ad)inistrator of t(e estate on April 2;, 1950.

'&se'entl#, petitioner anoto ealt# In%., &e%a)e t(e s'%%essf'l &idder and vendeeof t(e a)&'ntin-Learda '&division %onsistin of 44 par%els of land p'rs'ant to t(e deeds of sale e$e%'ted in its favor &# t(e P(ilippine r'st :o)pan# on ar%( 13 and 20, 1959, asad)inistrator of t(e estate Fstate of :lara a)&'ntin de Learda. (e lot in disp'te "as one of t(ose %overed &# t(e sale and private respondent "as one of t(e )an# o%%'pants "(o ref'sed tova%ate t(e lots t(e# "ere o%%'p#in, so t(at on April 26, 196;, t(e petitioner filed an a%tion tore%over t(e said lot.

(e :o'rt of Appeals r'led t(at t(e onl# ri(t re)ainin to t(e petitioner is to enfor%e t(e%olle%tion of t(e &alan%e of pa#)ent fro) private respondent.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e propert# sold &# i%ente Learda to private respondent is %onC'al

)ain t(e sale valid, &indin, and enfor%ea&le aainst t(e petitioner.

Ruling: No.Arti%le 136 of t(e :ivil :ode provides t(at 5he ife retains the onership of the

paraphernal propert! "(ile Arti%le 13 states t(at 5he ife shall have the administration of the

paraphernal propert!, unless she delivers the same to the husband b! means of a public

instrument empoering him to administer it.It is not proved t(at i%ente Learda "as t(e ad)inistrator of t(e parap(ernal properties

of :lara a)&'ntin d'rin t(e lifeti)e of t(e latter. i%ente Learda, t(erefore, %o'ld not (avevalidl# disposed of t(e lot in disp'te as a %ontin'in ad)inistrator of t(e parap(ernal propertiesof :lara a)&'ntin. It is also 'ndisp'ted t(at t(e pro&ate %o'rt appointed i%ente Learda asad)inistrator of t(e estate onl# on A''st 2;, 1950, )ore t(an t(ree )ont(s after t(e 'estionedsale (ad taen pla%e.

(erefore, t(e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals is reversed and set aside. Privaterespondent is ordered to s'rrender t(e )aterial and p(#si%al possession of t(e lot to t(e petitioner &e%a'se t(e sale &et"een Don i%ente Learda and t(e private respondent is void a& initio, t(efor)er &ein neit(er an o"ner nor ad)inistrator of t(e s'&Ce%t propert#.

RAMON !. ON%, petitioner, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS, FRAN!IS!O 0OI$ an3ARSENIO !AMINO AS DEPUT# SHERIFF OF !AMARINES NORTE, respondents.

=.. No. 63025. Nove)&er 29, 1991.

Facts:

232



eodora 7. Bn %ond'%ted (er o"n loin &'siness in :a)arines 'r. In f'rt(eran%e of (er &'siness operation, on A''st 1;, 1955, s(e se%'red fro) @ran%is%o 7oi$ a loan in t(ea)o'nt of P2,;2.;3. Jnfort'natel#, &e%a'se of )is)anae)ent, eodora defa'lted in (er o&liation. (is pro)pted 7oi$ to file a %o)plaint aainst eodora and a)on Bn, t(e latter &ein Coined as ('s&and of t(e for)er. Defendant-spo'ses "ere de%lared in defa'lt and C'd)ent

"as rendered, in favor of 7oi$. After t(e de%ision &e%a)e final and e$e%'tor#, 7oi$ )oved toe$e%'te t(e C'd)ent. (e )otion "as ranted and a %orrespondin "rit of e$e%'tion "as iss'ed.A%%ordinl#, t(e (eriff of :a)arines Norte levied and atta%(ed a par%el of land in t(e

sole na)e of eodora 7. Bn. In a noti%e of lev# or F$e%'tion and noti%e of P'&li% A'%tion sale,a'%tion sales "as (eld on B%to&er 10, 195; "it( defendant 7oi$ (avin adC'ded as (i(est &idder.

Bn Nove)&er 16, 1961, a)on :. Bn filed a %o)plaint aainst defendants Arsenio:a)ino as Dep't# (eriff of :a)arines Norte and @ran%is%o 7oi$, to ann'l t(e a'%tion sale of a par%el of land, alleedl# o"ned %onC'all# &# plaintiff and (is for)er "ife eodora 7. Bn,a"arded in favor of 7oi$, as (i(est &idder, in an a'%tion sale %ond'%ted &# Dep't# (eriff :a)ino.

Petitioner %ontends t(at t(e a'%tion sale of t(e propert# in disp'te is n'll and void t(att(e s'&Ce%t propert# is reall# %onC'al "(i%( t(e "ife in t(e %ase at &ar %o'ld not leall# &ind,and %onsiderin t(at t(e inde&tedness "as %ontra%ted &# t(e "ife onl#, t(e lev# of t(e s'&Ce%t propert# not o"ned e$%l'sivel# &# t(e "ife &'t o"ned Cointl# "it( t(e ('s&and is i)proper.

(e s'&Ce%t propert# is parap(ernal propert#, in vie" of t(e fa%t t(at it "as de%lared,'nder a$ No. 053;, in t(e na)e of eodora 7. Bn "(ile t(e (o'se ere%ted t(ereon "asde%lared 'nder a$ No. 06022 in t(e na)e of a)on :. Bn and eodora 7. Bn is petitionerOs%lai) t(at t(e s'&Ce%t propert# is %onC'al. Petitioner stresses (eavil# on t(e fa%t t(at sin%e t(es'rna)e Bn "(i%( is t(e s'rna)e of t(e ('s&and a)on :. Bn< "as %arried &# eodora int(e ta$ de%laration, t(at indi%ates t(at t(e s'&Ce%t propert# "as a%'ired d'rin t(e )arriae. 7#reason t(ereof, t(e propert# in disp'te is pres')ed to &e o"ned Cointl# &# &ot( spo'ses.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e propert# in disp'te "as a %onC'al o"ners(ip of spo'ses a)on and

eodora Bn.

Ruling: No.(e )ere 'se of t(e s'rna)e of t(e ('s&and in t(e ta$ de%laration of t(e s'&Ce%t propert#

is not s'ffi%ient proof t(at said propert# "as a%'ired d'rin t(e )arriae and is t(erefore%onC'al. It is 'ndisp'ted t(at t(e s'&Ce%t par%el "as de%lared solel# in t(e "ifeOs na)e, &'t t(e(o'se &'ilt t(ereon "as de%lared in t(e na)e of t(e spo'ses. Jnder s'%( %ir%')stan%es, %o'pled"it( a %aref'l s%r'tin# of t(e re%ords of t(e present %ase, t(e 'pre)e :o'rt (eld t(at t(e lot in'estion is parap(ernal, and is t(erefore, lia&le for t(e personal de&ts of t(e "ife.

ALFREDO !HIN% an3 EN!ARNA!ION !HIN%, petitioners, vs. THE HON. !OURT OFAPPEALS an3 ALLIED 0AN1IN% !ORPORATION, respondents.

%.R. N&. '*+*. Fe-ua-6 B, ((*.

Facts:

233



Bn epte)&er 26, 19;, t(e P(ilippine 7loo)in ills :o)pan#, In%. P7:I<o&tained a loan of P9,000,000.00 fro) t(e Allied 7anin :orporation A7:<. 7# virt'e of t(isloan, t(e P7:I, t(ro'( its F$e%'tive i%e-President Alfredo :(in, e$e%'ted a pro)issor#note for t(e said a)o'nt pro)isin to pa# on De%e)&er 22, 19; at an interest rate of 14H per ann'). As added se%'rit# for t(e said loan, on epte)&er 2;, 19;, Alfredo :(in, toet(er "it(

F)ilio aXedo and :('n Kiat 'a, e$e%'ted a %ontin'in 'arant# "it( t(e A7: &indint(e)selves to Cointl# and severall# 'arantee t(e pa#)ent of all t(e P7:I o&liations o"int(e A7: to t(e e$tent of P3;,000,000.00. (e loan "as s'&se'entl# rene"ed on vario's dates,t(e last rene"al (avin &een )ade on De%e)&er 4, 19;0.

Farlier, on De%e)&er 2;, 199, t(e A7: e$tended anot(er loan to t(e P7:I in t(ea)o'nt of P13,000,000.00 pa#a&le in ei(teen )ont(s at 16H interest per ann'). As in t(e previo's loan, t(e P7:I, t(ro'( Alfredo :(in, e$e%'ted a pro)issor# note to eviden%e t(eloan )at'rin on !'ne 29, 19;1. (is "as rene"ed on%e for a period of one )ont(.

(e P7:I defa'lted in t(e pa#)ent of all its loans. en%e, on A''st 21, 19;1, t(eA7: filed a %o)plaint for s') of )one# "it( pra#er for a "rit of preli)inar# atta%()ent aainstt(e P7:I to %olle%t t(e P12,612,92.;; e$%l'sive of interests, penalties and ot(er &an

%(ares.In t(e )eanti)e, on !'l# 26, 19;3, t(e dep't# s(eriff of t(e trial %o'rt levied onatta%()ent t(e 100,000 %o))on s(ares of :it#%orp sto%s in t(e na)e of Alfredo :(in.

Bn Nove)&er 16, 1993, Fn%arna%ion . :(in, assisted &# (er ('s&and Alfredo :(in,filed a otion to set aside t(e lev# on atta%()ent. (e alleed inter alia t(at t(e 100,000 s(aresof sto%s levied on &# t(e s(eriff "ere a%'ired &# (er and (er ('s&and d'rin t(eir )arriae o'tof %onC'al f'nds after t(e :it#%orp Invest)ent P(ilippines. @'rt(er)ore, t(e inde&tedness%overed &# t(e %ontin'in 'arant#%o)pre(ensive s'ret#s(ip %ontra%t e$e%'ted &# petitioner Alfredo :(in for t(e a%%o'nt of P7:I did not redo'nd to t(e &enefit of t(e %onC'al partners(ip.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e lev# on atta%()ent of t(e 100,000 s(ares of sto%s in t(e na)e of

petitioner-('s&and s(o'ld &e set aside for t(e said s(ares of sto%s "ere %onC'al in nat're(en%e, not lia&le for t(e a%%o'nt of (er ('s&and 'nder (is %ontin'in 'arant# and s'ret#s(iparee)ent "it( t(e P7:I.

Ruling:es.Arti%le 161 1< of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode no" Arti%le 121 2 and 3< of t(e @a)il# :ode of

t(e P(ilippines providesG *5he conjugal partnership shall be liable for4 7*8 %ll debts and

obligations contracted b! the husband for the benefit of the conjugal partnership, and those

contracted b! the ife, also for the same purpose, in the cases here she ma! legall! bind the partnership.

(e 'pre)e :o'rt (eld in t(is %ase t(at t(e private respondent failed to prove t(at t(e%onC'al partners(ip of t(e petitioners "as &enefited &# t(e petitioner-('s&and8s a%t of e$e%'tina %ontin'in 'arant# and s'ret#s(ip aree)ent "it( t(e private respondent for and in &e(alf of P7:I. (e %ontra%t of loan "as &et"een t(e private respondent and t(e P7:I, solel# for t(e &enefit of t(e latter. No pres')ption %an &e inferred fro) t(e fa%t t(at "(en t(e petitioner-('s&and entered into an a%%o))odation aree)ent or a %ontra%t of s'ret#, t(e %onC'al partners(ip "o'ld t(ere&# &e &enefited.

SPOUSES "IR%ILIO an3 MI!HELLE !ASTRO, MOISES 0. MIAT an3 ALE$ANDER ". MIAT, petitioners, vs. ROMEO ". MIAT, respondent.

=.. No. 14329. @e&r'ar# 11, 2003.

Facts:

234



po'ses oises and :on%ordia iat &o'(t t"o par%els of land d'rin t(eir %overt're.(e first is lo%ated in ParaXa'e, etro anila and t(e se%ond is lo%ated in Pa%o, anila.:on%ordia died on April 30, 19;. (e# (ad t"o %(ildrenG o)eo and Ale$ander.

+(ile at D'&ai, Jnited Ara& F)irates, oises areed t(at t(e ParaXa'e and Pa%o properties "o'ld &e iven to o)eo and Ale$ander. o"ever, "(en oises ret'rned in 19;4, (e

reneotiated t(e aree)ent "it( o)eo and Ale$ander. e "anted t(e ParaXa'e propert# for (i)self &'t "o'ld leave t(e Pa%o propert# to (is t"o sons. (e# areed.It appears t(at oises and :on%ordia &o'(t t(e Pa%o propert# on install)ent &asis on

a# 1, 19. o"ever, it "as onl# on De%e)&er 14, 19;4 t(at oises "as a&le to pa# its &alan%e. e se%'red t(e title over t(e propert# in (is na)e as a "ido"er. A%%ordin to o)eo,oises violated t(e aree)ent t(at t(eir o)eo8s and Ale$ander8s< na)es "o'ld &e reisteredin t(e title on%e t(e &alan%e "as paid.

o)eo and Ale$ander lived on t(e Pa%o propert# &'t in April 19;;, Ale$ander areed tosell to o)eo (is s(are in t(e Pa%o propert#.

In @e&r'ar# 19;;, o)eo learned t(at osalina :astro, )ot(er of petitioner irilio:astro, (ad iven oises P30, 000.00 as do"n pa#)ent for t(e sale &# oises of t(e Pa%o

propert# to (er son. o)eo "as infor)ed t(at t(e Pa%o propert# (ad &een sold to :astro &#oises &# virt'e of a deed of sale dated De%e)&er 5, 19;; for P95, 000.00. Ale$ander testifiedt(at after t(e sale, (is fat(er ot one-t(ird of t(e pro%eeds "(ile (e re%eived t"o-t(irds. o)eodid not et a sinle %entavo.

o)eo t(en filed an a%tion to n'llif# t(e sale &et"een oises and t(e :astro spo'ses andto %o)pel oises and Ale$ander to e$e%'te a deed of %onve#an%e of t(e Pa%o propert# to (i)'pon pa#)ent of t(e &alan%e of its areed pri%e.

(e petitioners %ontend t(at t(e Pa%o propert# is t(e %apital propert# of oises. (e#allee t(at t(e spo'ses oises and :on%ordia p'r%(ased t(e propert# on install)ent &asis in19 &'t stress t(at it "as oises "(o paid t(e &alan%e of P12, 000.00 pesos in 19;4. At t(atti)e, :on%ordia (ad lon &een dead.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e Pa%o propert# is t(e %apital propert# of oises.

Ruling: No.(e Pa%o propert# is a %onC'al propert# of oises and :on%ordia. in%e oises and

:on%ordia "ere )arried &efore t(e effe%tivit# of t(e @a)il# :ode, t(e provisions of t(e Ne":ivil :ode appl#. Arti%le 1531< of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode provides t(at “5he folloing areconjugal partnership propert!4 7*8 5hose acquired b! onerous title during the marriage at the

expense of the common fund, hether the acquisition be for the partnership, or for onl! one of

the spouses3 x x x.” oises and :on%ordia &o'(t t(e Pa%o propert# d'rin t(eir )arriae Y oises did not &rin it into t(eir )arriae, (en%e it (as to &e %onsidered as %onC'al.

Petitioners also overloo Arti%le 160 of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode. It provides t(at “all

propert! of the marriage is presumed to belong to the conjugal partnership, unless it be proved that it pertains exclusivel! to the husband or to the ife.”

Petitioners-spo'ses :astro "ere not &'#ers in ood fait(. A p'r%(aser in ood fait( )'st &e "ar# and s(o'ld investiate t(e ri(ts of t(ose in possession. It "as proven t(at o)eo toldirilio in a )eetin t(at o)eo (as a ri(t over t(e Pa%o propert# &# virt'e of an oral partitionand assin)ent. irilio even ad)itted t(at (e ne" o)eo "as in possession of t(e title ando)eo t(en insisted t(at (e is t(e o"ner of t(e propert#. Petitioners-spo'ses t(erefore (ave nori(t in t(e propert#.

TERESITA !. FRAN!IS!O, petitioner, vs. HON. !OURT OF APPEALS an3!ON!HITA E"AN%ELISTA an3 He- Husan3 SIMEON E"AN%ELISTA ARA!ELI F.

MARILLA an3 He- Husan3 FREDD# MARILLA ANTONIO ". FRAN!IS!O an3EUSE0IO FRAN!IS!O, respondents.=.. No. 102330. Nove)&er 25, 199;.

235



Facts:Petitioner is t(e leal "ife of private respondent F'se&io @ran%is%o &# (is se%ond

)arriae. Private respondents :on%(ita Fvanelista, Ara%eli @. arilla and Antonio @ran%is%oare %(ildren of F'se&io &# (is first )arriae.

Petitioner allees t(at sin%e t(eir )arriae on @e&r'ar# 10, 1962, s(e and F'se&io (ave

a%'ired t(e follo"inG 1< a sari-sari store, a residential (o'se and lot, and an apart)ent (o'seand 2< a (o'se and lot lo%ated at odri'e>, i>al. Petitioner f'rt(er avers t(at t(ese properties"ere ad)inistered &# F'se&io 'ntil (e "as invalidated on a%%o'nt of t'&er%'losis, (eart diseaseand %an%er, t(ere&#, renderin (i) 'nfit to ad)inister t(e). Petitioner also %lai)s t(at privaterespondents s'%%eeded in %onvin%in t(eir fat(er to sin a eneral po"er of attorne# "(i%(a't(ori>ed :on%(ita Fvanelista to ad)inister t(e (o'se and lot toet(er "it( t(e apart)entssit'ated in odri'e>, i>al.

Bn A''st 31, 19;;, petitioner filed a s'it for da)aes and for ann'l)ent of said eneral po"er of attorne#. Petitioner also so'(t to &e de%lared as t(e ad)inistratri$ of t(e properties indisp'te. In d'e %o'rse, t(e trial %o'rt rendered C'd)ent in favor of private respondents. It (eldt(at t(e petitioner failed to add'%e proof t(at said properties "ere a%'ired d'rin t(e e$isten%e

of t(e se%ond %onC'al partners(ip, or t(at t(e# pertained e$%l'sivel# to t(e petitioner. (e :o'rtof Appeals affir)ed t(e trial %o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e s'&Ce%t properties are %onC'al properties of t(e spo'ses.

Ruling: No.Arti%le 160 of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode provides t(at 6all propert! of the marriage is

presumed to belong to the conjugal partnership, unless it be proved that it pertains exclusivel! tothe husband or to the ife6 . o"ever, proof of a%'isition d'rin t(e %overt're is a %onditionsine 'a non for t(e pres')ption in favor of t(e %onC'al partners(ip &'t petitioner failed toadd'%e a)ple eviden%e to s(o" t(at t(e properties "(i%( s(e %lai)ed to &e %onC'al "erea%'ired d'rin (er )arriae "it( F'se&io.

Propert# alread# o"ned &# a spo'se prior to t(e )arriae, and &ro'(t to t(e )arriae, is%onsidered (is or (er separate propert#. As reards t(e (o'se, apart)ent and sari-sari store, petitioner relied on t(e &'ildin per)its for t(e (o'se and t(e apart)ent, "it( (er as t(eappli%ant alt(o'( in t(e na)e of F'se&io. (e also invoed t(e &'siness li%ense for t(e sari-saristore iss'ed in (er na)e alone. It )'st &e e)p(asi>ed t(at t(e afore)entioned do%')ents in no"a# prove t(at t(e i)prove)ents "ere a%'ired d'rin t(e se%ond )arriae. And t(e fa%t t(atone is t(e appli%ant or li%ensee is not deter)inative of t(e iss'e as to "(et(er or not t(e propert#is %onC'al or not.

eardin t(e propert# at an Isidro, odri'e>, i>al, private respondents assert t(att(eir fat(er p'r%(ased it d'rin t(e lifeti)e of t(eir )ot(er. In %ontrast, petitioner %lai)so"ners(ip over said propert# inas)'%( as t(e title t(ereto is reistered in t(e na)e of F'se&io@ran%is%o, )arried to eresita @ran%is%o. It )'st &e stressed t(at t(e %ertifi%ate of title 'pon"(i%( petitioner an%(ors (er %lai) is inade'ate. (e fa%t t(at t(e land "as reistered in t(ena)e of F'se&io @ran%is%o, )arried to eresita @ran%is%o, is no proof t(at t(e propert# "asa%'ired d'rin t(e spo'ses %overt're.

(erefore, t(e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals is affir)ed.

!ON!ESO DIAZ, petitioner, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS an3 TOMAS DE %UZMAN,respondents.

=.. No. L-421;0. Nove)&er 10, 19;6.

Facts:

236



(e late eod'lo Dia>, "(o died intestate &efore t(e last +orld +ar, "as t(e reisteredo"ner of a tra%t of land lo%ated in Ilaan, Isa&ela. e "as s'rvived &# (is "ife aria FspeCono" also de%eased< and five %(ildren, one of "(o) is t(e (erein petitioner :on%eso Dia>.

Bn !'ne 9, 194, t(e "ido", aria FspeCo sold a portion of t(e land to (erein privaterespondent o)as de ='>)an. (e transa%tion "as eviden%ed &# a Deed of ale.

o)as de ='>)an de%lared t(e land (e p'r%(ased for ta$ation p'rposes, and (e (as &een pa#in t(e ta$es t(ereon. In a letter dated epte)&er 22, 191 private respondent re'ested t(eeister of Deeds of Isa&ela to iss'e t(e %orrespondin transfer %ertifi%ate of title of t(e land%onve#ed. (e eister of Deeds in t'rn "rote a letter to petitioner :on%eso Dia> to s'rrender t(e o"nerOs d'pli%ate %ertifi%ate of title in order t(at t(e deed of sale %o'ld &e properl# annotated.D'e to t(e ref'sal of petitioner to s'rrender t(e o"nerOs d'pli%ate %ertifi%ate of title, de ='>)an(ad to file on April 5, 192, in t(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e of Isa&ela, a petition for t(e s'rrender of t(e o"nerOs d'pli%ate of Briinal :ertifi%ate of itle in t(e na)e of t(e late eod'lo Dia>.

A)on (is %ontention, Dia> ar'ed t(at t(e propert# sold is part of t(e intestate estate of (is late fat(er, t('s, aria FspeCo did not (ave an# C'di%ial a't(orit# to sell t(e portion of t(e lotin 'estion.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e propert# of eod'lo Dia> and aria FspeCo is %onC'al ivin (er t(e

a't(orit# to sell t(e lot in 'estion to o)as De ='>)an.

Ruling:es.Jpon a %onsideration of t(e esta&lis(ed fa%ts, it "as s(o"n t(at t(e propert# "as

a%'ired d'rin t(e e$isten%e of t(e %onC'al partners(ip. It is a settled r'le t(at adC'di%ation of real propert# to one of t(e spo'ses onl#, does not ne%essaril# )ean t(at it is (is or (er e$%l'sive propert#, if said land "as a%'ired d'rin t(e )arriae.

Jpon t(e deat( of eod'lo Dia>, t(e land "as divided into t"o, one-(alf &e%a)e t(e%onC'al s(are of aria FspeCo and t(e ot(er (alf &e%a)e t(e (ereditar# s(are of t(e (eirs of eod'lo Dia> &# operation of la".

+(en aria FspeCo da. de Dia> sold t(e lot to respondent in 194, s(e did not sell t(esa)e as an ad)inistratri$ s(e sold it as o"ner of t(e ot(er (alf. (ere "as, t(erefore, no needfor an# C'di%ial a't(orit# for (er to sell (er o"n propert# or s(are in t(e %onC'al partners(ip.

A#ALA IN"ESTMENT = DE"ELOPMENT !ORP. an3 A0ELARDO MA%SAO, petitioners, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS an3 SPOUSES ALFREDO = EN!ARNA!ION

!HIN%, respondents.=.. No. 11;305. 12 @e&r'ar# 199;.

Facts:

23



P(ilippine 7loo)in ills P7< o&tained a P50, 300,000 loan fro) petitioner A#alaInvest)ent and Develop)ent :orporation AID:<. As added se%'rit# for t(e %redit linee$tended to P7, respondents Alfredo :(in, F$e%'tive i%e President of P7, e$e%'tesse%'rit# aree)ents )ain (i)self Cointl# and severall# ans"era&le "it( 78s inde&tedness toAID:. P7 failed to pa# t(e loan. ('s, AID: filed a %ase for s') of )one# aainst P7 and

respondent-('s&and Alfredo :(in "it( t(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e :@I<.(e :@I rendered C'd)ent orderin P7 and respondent-('s&and Alfredo :(in to Cointl# and severall# pa# AID: t(e prin%ipal a)o'nt of P 50,300,000 "it( interests.

Pendin appeal of C'd)ent in t(e %ivil %ase, 'pon )otion of AID:, t(e lo"er %o'rtiss'ed a "rit of e$e%'tion pendin appeal. Jpon AID:8s p'ttin 'p of an P;,000,000 &ond, a"rit of e$e%'tion "as iss'ed. (ereafter, petitioner A&elardo asaCo, r. appointed s(eriff int(e %ivil %ase %a'sed t(e iss'an%e and servi%e 'pon respondents-spo'ses of a noti%e of a s(eriff sale on t(ree of t(eir %onC'al properties. Petitioner asaCo t(en s%(ed'led t(e a'%tion sale of t(e properties levied.

Jpon appli%ation of private respondents, t(e lo"er %o'rt iss'ed a te)porar# restraininorder to prevent petitioner asaCo fro) pro%eedin "it( t(e enfor%e)ent of t(e "rit of

e$e%'tion and "it( t(e sale of t(e said properties at p'&li% a'%tion.o"ever, after filin of a petition for %ertiorari &# AID:, t(e :A iss'ed a e)porar#estrainin Brder enCoinin t(e lo"er %o'rt fro) enfor%in its order, t('s pavin t(e "a# for t(es%(ed'led a'%tion sale of respondents-spo'ses %onC'al properties.

(e a'%tion sale too pla%e, AID: &ein t(e onl# &idder, "as iss'ed a :ertifi%ate of ale &# petitioner asaCo "(i%( "as reistered.

Fvent'all#, t(e trial %o'rt pro)'lated its de%ision de%larin t(e sale on e$e%'tion n'lland void. (e :A pro)'lated t(e assailed de%ision, affir)in t(e de%ision of t(e : "(i%((eld t(at *t(e loan pro%'red fro) respondent-appellant AID: "as for t(e advan%e)ent and &enefit of t(e P7 and not for t(e &enefit of t(e %onC'al partners(ip of petitioner-appellees.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e de&ts and o&liations %ontra%ted &# respondent ('s&and alone in t(is

%ase are %onsidered for t(e &enefit of t(e %onC'al partners(ip "(i%( is %(area&le aainst t(e%onC'al partners(ip.

Ruling: No.+(ere t(e ('s&and %ontra%ts o&liations on &e(alf of t(e fa)il# &'siness, t(e la"

pres')es and ri(tl# so, t(at s'%( o&liation "ill redo'nd to t(e &enefit of t(e %onC'al partners(ip. If t(e ('s&and (i)self is t(e prin%ipal o&lior in t(e %ontra%t, i.e. (e dire%tl#re%eived )one# and servi%es to &e 'sed in and for (is o"n &'siness or (is o"n profession, t(at%ontra%t falls "it(in t(e ter) *o&liation for t(e &enefit of t(e %onC'al partners(ip./ ere, noa%t'al &enefit )a# &e proved. It is eno'( t(at t(e &enefit of t(e fa)il# in apparent at t(e ti)eof t(e sinin of t(e %ontra%t. @ro) t(e ver# nat're of t(e %ontra%t of loan or servi%es, t(e fa)il#stands to &enefit fro) t(e loan or servi%es to &e rendered to t(e &'siness or profession of t(e('s&and.

REMEDIOS %. SAL"ADOR an3 MA. %RA!IA %. SAL"ADOR , petitioners, vs. !OURTOF APPEALS, AL0ERTO an3 ELPIA #A0O, FRAN!IS!A #A0O, et al., respondents.

=.. No. 109910. April 5, 1995.

Facts:

23;



Alipio a&o "as t(e o"ner of Lot No. 60;0 and Lot No. 61;0. itle t(ereto devolved'pon (is nine %(ildren, na)el#, i%toriano, Pro%opio, Lope, !ose, Pelaia, 7aseli>a, @ran%is%a,aria, and =a'den%ia, 'pon (is deat( so)eti)e &efore or d'rin t(e se%ond "orld "ar.

Bn April 2;, 196, Pastor ai&alo, ('s&and of aria a&o, %(ild of Alipio filed "it(t(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e a %o)plaint aainst t(e spo'ses Al&erto and Flpia a&o. In s'%(

%o)plaint, Pastor alleed t(at (e o"ned a total of ; s(ares of t(e said lots (avin p'r%(ased t(es(are of seven of Alipio8s %(ildren and in(erited t(e s(are of (is "ife aria, and t(at e$%ept for t(e portion %orrespondin to =a'den%ia8s s(are "(i%( (e did not &'#, (e o%%'pied, %'ltivated and possessed %ontin'o'sl#, openl#, pea%ef'll# and e$%l'sivel# t(e t"o par%els of land. e t(erefore pra#ed t(at (e &e de%lared t(e a&sol'te o"ner of ;9 of t(e lots 'estioned.

(e trial %o'rt rendered C'd)ent, findin Pastor, no" F'elio alvador and e)ediosalvador o"ners of ei(t s(ares on Lot No.60;0 and so)e s(ares on Lot No.61;0.

Bn B%to&er ;, 196, t(e rand%(ildren and reat rand%(ildren of t(e late Alipio a&oloded "it(in t(e sa)e %o'rt a %o)plaint for partition and 'ietin of title "it( da)aes aainstPastor, Fne%ia, :ristal, and t(e spo'ses F'loio and e)edios alvador. (e# alleed t(at t(eaforesaid lots are %o))on properties of t(e (eirs of Alipio and t(at t(e defendants after Alipio8s

deat( &e%a)e t(e de fa%to ad)inistrators of t(e lots and to t(eir s'rprise dis%overed t(at t(ealvadors (ave &een (arvestin %o%on'ts fro) t(e lots.(e plaintiffs pra#ed t(at t(e# and t(e defendant &e de%lared as t(e o"ners of t(e lots and

t(at t(e alvador spo'ses &e de%lared as (avin no ri(ts t(ereto. (e t"o %ases t(ere&# "ere%onsolidated and Cointl# (eard. (e trial %o'rt (o"ever r'led aainst t(e plaintiffs.

Bn appeal, t(e :o'rt of Appeals (eld t(at aria did not sell (er s(are to Al&erto andFlpia a&o t(at pres%ription and la%(es (ave not ran aainst t(e private respondents "it( respe%tto t(e 19 s(are of aria a&o in t(e estate of (er fat(er and to (er %onC'al s(are in t(e portionsa%'ired fro) (er &rot(er and sisters and Pro%opio never sold (is s(are in Lot. No. 60;0 toPastor ai&alo.

Issue:+(et(er or not, t(e s(ares of !ose, i%toriano, Lope, 7aseli>a, Pro%opio and @ran%is%a in

Lot No.61;0 and in Lot No. 60;0 "(i%( (ad &een p'r%(ased &# Pastor d'rin (is )arriae "it(aria &elon to t(eir %onC'al partners(ip.

Ruling:es.(e :o'rt r'led t(at all propert# of t(e )arriae is pres')ed to &elon to t(e %onC'al

partners(ip, 'nless it &e proved t(at it pertains e$%l'sivel# to eit(er of t(e). In t(e instant %ase,t(e s(ares of !ose, i%toriano, Lope, 7aseli>a, Pro%opio and @ran%is%a in Lot No.61;0 and in Lot No. 60;0 (ad &een p'r%(ased &# Pastor d'rin (is )arriae "it( aria. '%( s(ares "o'ld (ave &een t(e e$%l'sive propert# of Pastor (ad t(ere &een proof t(at t(e properties "ere a%'ired or p'r%(ased &# (i) "it( (is e$%l'sive )one#. ('s, a&sent s'%( proof t(e sa)e "as dee)ed &#t(e :o'rt to &elon to t(e %onC'al partners(ip of Pastor and aria.

S8&uses DANILO an3 AL0ERTA DOMIN%O, an3 EDUARDO 5UITE"ES, Petitioners, vs.%UILLERMO REED, espondent.=.. No. 1501. De%e)&er 9, 2005.

Facts:

239



espondent ='iller)o eed "as an overseas %ontra%t "orer fro) 19; to 19;6 and%a)e (o)e onl# for s(ort va%ations. e p'r%(ased fro) t(e =overn)ent ervi%e Ins'ran%e#ste) =I< on install)ent &asis a 166 s'are )eter propert#. 7e%a'se (e "as "orina&road, it "as (is "ife, Lolita eed, "(o paid t(e %onsideration to t(e =I. (e title %overinsaid propert# "as iss'ed &# t(e eistr# of Deeds in t(e na)e of Lolita eed, )arried to

='iller)o eed.='iller)o (ad allo"ed (is &rot(er, Do)inador, and t(e latter8s "ife, L'>, to sta# in t(e(o'se %onstr'%ted on (is propert#.

In De%e)&er, 1991, Do)inador and L'> eed "ere s'))oned to t(e &arana# in%onne%tion "it( t(e %o)plaint for eCe%t)ent filed aainst t(e) &# Fd'ardo S'iteves and Al&ertaDo)ino, "(o %lai)ed to &e t(e o"ners of t(e lot "(ere t(eir (o'se stands. ='iller)o denied(avin sold (is propert#.

Bn ar%( ;, 1994, ='iller)o filed a %o)plaint for re%onve#an%e of propert# aainstLolita, spo'ses Ardaniel and Natividad illanera, spo'ses Danilo and Al&erta Do)ino, andFd'ardo S'iteves, allein t(at (is "ife, Lolita eed, fro) "(o) (e (ad &een estraned,%onspirin "it( t(e ot(er petitioners, %a'sed t(e preparation of a spe%ial po"er of attorne#

"(erein it "as )ade to appear t(at (e a't(ori>ed (is "ife to sell t(e s'&Ce%t propert# t(at (e didnot sin t(e spe%ial po"er of attorne# nor appear &efore t(e notar# p'&li% &e%a'se (e "as"orin a&road.

(e trial %o'rt rendered C'd)ent aainst ='iller)o. o"ever, t(e :o'rt of Appealsreversed t(e trial %o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er or not Lolita is C'stified in effe%tin a sale of t(e s'&Ce%t propert# "it(o't (er

('s&and8s %onsent for t(e )aintenan%e and s'pport of t(e fa)il#.

Ruling: No.Lolita8s ri(ts over t(e propert# "ere )erel# in%(oate prior to t(e li'idation of t(e

%onC'al partners(ip. (ere "as also a&sol'tel# no proof to (er alleations t(at s(e 'sed t(e pro%eeds of t(e sale to p'r%(ase ne%essities for t(e )aintenan%e and s'pport of t(e fa)il#.avin failed to esta&lis( an# of t(ese %ir%')stan%es, s(e )a# not 'nilaterall# &ind t(e %onC'alassets.

LU!IA EM0RADO an3 ORESTE TORRE%IANI, petitioners, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS,PA!IFI!O !IMAFRAN!A, MAR!OS SALIM0A%AT, EDA IMENEZ an3 SANTIA%O

IMENEZ, respondents.=.. No. 5145. !'ne 2, 1994.

240



Facts:L'%ia F)&rado "as )arried to Breste orreiani in 1943. Prior to t(e )arriae, t(ere

"as a sale of Lot 564, a 366-s'are )eter lot to L'%ia "(en s(e "as still sinle. o"ever, onl#on 2 !'l# 1946 "(en a enta Definitiva, a notari>ed do%')ent "ritten entirel# in panis(, "ase$e%'ted &# t(e :arpitanos to L'%ia.

(e %o'ples, after t(e )arriae )ade t(eir %onC'al a&ode on t(e lot and in 195;%onstr'%ted a residential %o))er%ial &'ildin t(ereon.Bn a# 1, 191 an a&sol'te deed of sale "as e$e%'ted &# L'%ia F)&rado orreiani of

t(e said lot des%ri&ed as (er o"n parap(ernal propert# to (er adopted da'(ter, Fda !i)ene>, for t(e s') of P 1,000.00.

Bn ar%( 6, 192, Fda !i)ene> sold 65 s'are )eters of t(e said lot to ar%osali)&aat for P 6,500.00. Bn A''st 192, t(e orreianis spo'ses instit'ted an a%tion for de%laration of n'llit# of %ontra%t, ann'l)ent of sales, re%onve#an%e and da)aes aainst t(espo'ses antiao and Fda !i)ene> allein t(at t(e sail of said lot to Fda !i)ene> "as void notonl# for la% of %onsideration &'t also &e%a'se t(e ('s&and of L'%ia did not %onsent to t(e sale,"(i%( %onsent is ne%essar# &e%a'se t(e lot "as a %onC'al propert#.

(e trial %o'rt (eld in favor of L'%ia. o"ever, t(e :o'rt of Appeals reversed t(e trial%o'rt8s de%ision.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e lot in 'estion is parap(ernal propert# of L'%ia.

Ruling: No.+(ile t(e 'pre)e :o'rt arees "it( t(e :o'rt of Appeals t(at t(e propert# in 'estion

"as oriinall# a parap(ernal propert# of L'%ia, t(e 'pre)e :o'rt %annot adopt its %on%l'siont(at &e%a'se L'%ia and t(e oriinal o"ners areed for its p'r%(ase and sale, o"ners(ip "asalread# a%'ired &# L'%ia at t(at )o)ent. Jnder Art. 1496 of t(e :ivil :ode, 6onership of the

thing sold is acquired b! the vendee from the moment it is delivered to him in an! of the a!s specified in articles *+9 to **, or in an! other manner signif!ing an agreement that the

possession is transferred from the vendor to the vendee,6 and 'nder Art. 149;, hen the sale is

made through a public instrument, the execution thereof shall be equivalent to the deliver! of thething hich is the object of the contract, if from the deed the contrar! does not appear or cannot

clearl! be inferred .(e enta Definitiva over t(e lot in favor of L'%ia F)&rado "as e$e%'ted &# t(e

:arpitanoses on 2 !'l# 1946 "(en (er )arriae to petitioner Breste orreiani "as alread#s'&sistin.

Anot(er t(in )ore, t(e se%ond pararap( of Art. 15; of t(e :ivil :ode no" Arti%le 120,@a)il# :ode< provides t(at buildings constructed, at the expense of the partnership, during themarriage on land belonging to one of the spouses, also pertain to the partnership, but the value

of the land shall be reimbursed to the spouse ho ons the same. Jnder t(is arti%le, t(e land &e%o)es %onC'al 'pon t(e %onstr'%tion of t(e &'ildin "it(o't a"aitin rei)&'rse)ent &eforeor at t(e li'idation of t(e partners(ip 'pon t(e %on%'rren%e of t"o %onditions, to "itG a< t(e%onstr'%tion of t(e &'ildin at t(e e$pense of t(e partners(ip and, &< t(e o"ners(ip of t(e land &# one of t(e spo'ses. 1; (e %onditions (ave &een f'll# )et in t(e %ase at &en%(. ('s, even if Lot 564 "as oriinall# t(e parap(ernal propert# of L'%ia as evident fro) t(e enta Definitiva,t(e sa)e &e%a)e %onC'al 'pon t(e %onstr'%tion of t(e residential%o))er%ial &'ildin in 195;.

HONORIO L. !ARLOS, petitioner, vs. MANUEL T. A0ELARDO, respondent.=.. No. 146504. April 9, 2002.

Facts:Petitioner averred in (is %o)plaint filed on B%to&er 13, 1994 t(at in B%to&er 19;9,

respondent an'el A&elardo, (is son-in-la", and t(e latter8s "ife, aria (eresa :arlos-

241



A&elardo approa%(ed (i) and re'ested (i) to advan%e t(e a)o'nt of JT25,000.00 for t(e p'r%(ase of a (o'se and lot lo%ated at [19952 :(estn't treet, F$e%'tive ei(ts illae,Parana'e, etro anila. o ena&le and assist t(e spo'ses %ond'%t t(eir )arried lifeindependentl# and on t(eir o"n, petitioner, in B%to&er 31, 19;9, iss'ed a %(e% in t(e na)e of a%ertain P'ra alleCo, seller of t(e propert#, "(o a%no"leded re%eipt t(ereof.

+(en petitioner in'ired fro) t(e spo'ses in !'l# 1991 as to t(e stat's of t(e a)o'nt (eloaned to t(e), t(e latter a%no"leded t(eir o&liation &'t pleaded t(at t(e# "ere not #et in a position to )ae a definite settle)ent of t(e sa)e. (ereafter, respondent e$pressed violentresistan%e to petitioner8s in'iries on t(e a)o'nt to t(e e$tent of )ain vario's deat( t(reatsaainst petitioner.

Bn A''st 24, 1994, petitioner )ade a for)al de)and for t(e pa#)ent of t(e a)o'nt of JT25,000.00 &'t t(e spo'ses failed to %o)pl# "it( t(eir o&liation. ('s, petitioner filed a%o)plaint for %olle%tion of a s') of )one# and da)aes aainst respondent and (is "ife.

(e trial %o'rt rendered a de%ision in favor of petitioner. (e :o'rt of Appeals reversedt(e de%ision.

Issue: +(et(er or not t(e loan &# t(e ('s&and and "ife is t(e lia&ilit# of t(e %onC'al propert#.

Ruling:es.(e loan is t(e lia&ilit# of t(e %onC'al partners(ip p'rs'ant to Arti%le 121 of t(e @a)il#

:ode. Not"it(standin t(e alleed la% of %onsent of respondent ('s&and, (e s(all &e solidaril#lia&le for s'%( loan toet(er "it( (is "ife.

(e pa#)ent of personal de&ts %ontra%ted &# t(e ('s&and or t(e "ife &efore or d'rin t(e)arriae s(all not &e %(ared to t(e %onC'al partners(ip e$%ept insofar as t(e# redo'nded to t(e &enefit of t(e fa)il#. (e defendants never denied t(at t(e %(e% of JT25,000.00 "as 'sed to p'r%(ase t(e s'&Ce%t (o'se and lot. (e# do not den# t(at t(e sa)e served as t(eir %onC'al(o)e, t('s &enefitin t(e fa)il#. Bn t(e sa)e prin%iple, a%no"led)ent of t(e loan )ade &#t(e defendant-"ife &inds t(e %onC'al partners(ip sin%e its pro%eeds redo'nded to t(e &enefit of t(e fa)il#. en%e, defendant-('s&and and defendant-"ife are Cointl# and severall# lia&le in t(e pa#)ent of t(e loan.

0A FINAN!E !ORPORATION, petitioner, vs. THE HONORA0LE !OURT OFAPPEALS, AU%USTO #ULO, LIL# #ULO, respondents.

=.. No. L-61464. a# 2;, 19;;.

Facts:Bn !'l# 1, 195, private respondent A''sto 'lo se%'red a loan fro) t(e petitioner in

t(e a)o'nt of P591,003.59 as eviden%ed &# a pro)issor# note (e sined in (is o"n &e(alf and as

242



representative of t(e A \ L Ind'stries. espondent 'lo presented an alleed spe%ial po"er of attorne# e$e%'ted &# (is "ife, respondent Lil# 'lo, "(o )anaes A \ L Ind'stries and 'nder "(ose na)e t(e said &'siness is reistered, p'rportedl# a't(ori>in A''sto to pro%'re t(e loanand sin t(e pro)issor# note. A&o't t"o )ont(s prior to t(e loan, (o"ever, A''sto (ad alread#left Lil# and t(eir %(ildren and (ad a&andoned t(eir %onC'al (o)e. +(en t(e o&liation &e%a)e

d'e and de)anda&le, A''sto failed to pa# t(e sa)e.Private respondent Lil# filed (er ans"er "it( %o'nter%lai), allein t(at alt(o'(A''sto and s(e are ('s&and and "ife, t(e for)er (ad a&andoned (er and t(eir %(ildren five)ont(s &efore t(e filin of t(e %o)plaint t(at t(e# "ere alread# separated "(en t(e pro)issor#note "as e$e%'ted t(at (er sinat're in t(e spe%ial po"er of attorne# "as fored &e%a'se s(e(ad never a't(ori>ed A''sto in an# %apa%it# to transa%t an# &'siness for and in &e(alf of A \ LInd'stries, "(i%( is o"ned &# (er as a sinle proprietor, t(at s(e never ot a sinle %entavo fro)t(e pro%eeds of t(e loan )entioned in t(e pro)issor# note and t(at as a res'lt of t(e illealatta%()ent of (er properties, "(i%( %onstit'ted t(e assets of t(e A \ L Ind'stries, t(e latter %losed its &'siness and "as taen over &# t(e ne" o"ner.

(e trial %o'rt rendered C'd)ent dis)issin t(e petitionerOs %o)plaint aainst t(e private

respondent Lil# 'lo and A \ L Ind'stries. (e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed t(e de%ision of t(etrial %o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e loan in%'rred &# respondent A''sto is a lia&ilit# of t(e %onC'al

partners(ip.

Ruling: No.(ere is no disp'te t(at A \ L Ind'stries "as esta&lis(ed d'rin t(e )arriae of A''sto

and Lil# 'lo and t(erefore t(e sa)e is pres')ed %onC'al and t(e fa%t t(at it "as reistered int(e na)e of onl# one of t(e spo'ses does not destro# its %onC'al nat're. o"ever, for t(e said propert# to &e (eld lia&le, t(e o&liation %ontra%ted &# t(e ('s&and )'st (ave redo'nded to t(e &enefit of t(e %onC'al partners(ip. In t(e present %ase, t(e o&liation "(i%( t(e petitioner isseein to enfor%e aainst t(e %onC'al propert# )anaed &# t(e private respondent Lil# "as'ndo'&tedl# %ontra%ted &# A''sto for (is o"n &enefit &e%a'se at t(e ti)e (e in%'rred t(eo&liation (e (ad alread# a&andoned (is fa)il# and (ad left t(eir %onC'al (o)e. +orse, (e)ade it appear t(at (e "as d'l# a't(ori>ed &# (is "ife in &e(alf of A \ L Ind'stries, to pro%'res'%( loan fro) t(e petitioner.

OHNSON = OHNSON ;PHILS.<, IN!., petitioner, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS an3ALEO M. "INLUAN, respondents.=.. No. 102692. epte)&er 23, 1996.

Facts:!o(nson \ !o(nson P(ils.<, In%orporated is enaed in t(e )an'fa%t'rin and sellin of

vario's %os)eti%s, (ealt(, and &od# %are prod'%ts, as "ell as )edi%al dr's. Bn severalo%%asions in t(e #ear 19;2, t(e defendant, Delila( inl'an, p'r%(ased prod'%ts of t(e said

243



%orporation, as s(e "as also enaed in t(e &'siness of retailin !o(nson prod'%ts. (edefendants, 'nder t(e na)e and st#le of inl'an Fnterprises, t('s in%'rred an o&liation of "o 'ndred (irt#-@ive (o'sand Fi(t 'ndred Fi(t# Pesos and Fi(t#-Nine P235,;;0.;9<:entavos, for "(i%( s(e iss'ed seven < P(ilippine 7anin :orporation %(e%s of var#ina)o'nts and d'e dates. +(en presented on t(eir respe%tive d'e dates, (o"ever, t(e %(e%s iven

in pa#)ent of t(e o&liation &o'n%ed and "ere dis(onored for (avin &een dra"n aainstins'ffi%ient f'nds.everal de)ands t(ereafter for pa#)ent "ere to no avail, despite t(e several e$tensions

iven to t(e defendant spo'ses to settle t(e o&liation. It "as onl# on !an'ar# 5, 19;3 t(at t(edefendants )ade a partial pa#)ent of @ive (o'sand P5,000.00< Pesos, t(ere&# red'%in t(eir prin%ipal o&liation to P230,;;0.;9. +(en no f'rt(er pa#)ents "ere )ade to settle t(eo&liation despite repeated de)ands, !o(nson \ !o(nson "as %onstrained to file a %o)plaint on!'ne ;, 19;3 aainst defendant spo'ses inl'an, for %olle%tion of t(e prin%ipal o&liation pl'sinterest, "it( da)aes.

Issue:

+(et(er or not AleCo inl'an, as "ell as t(eir %onC'al propert#, %an &e (eld lia&le for (is"ife8s o&liation to plaintiff %orporation.

Ruling: No.(e 'pre)e :o'rt r'led t(at t(e de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt is final and e$e%'tor#. ('s,

it affir)ed t(e lo"er %o'rt8s de%ision "(en it %(ared defendant Delila( inl'an alone to pa# t(e plaintiff %orporation, (avin alread# de%lared t(at t(e defendant-('s&and %annot &e (eld leall#lia&le for (is "ife8s o&liation. Per(aps, "(en it "as later dis%overed t(at t(e defendant Delila(inl'an did not (ave s'ffi%ient propert# of (er o"n to settle t(eir o&liation, t(e %onC'al properties of t(e defendant spo'ses &e%a)e t(e o&Ce%t of lev#. 7't in order to &ind t(e %onC'al partners(ip and its properties, t(e Ne" :ivil :ode provides t(at t(e de&ts and o&liations%ontra%ted &# t(e ('s&and or t(e "ife )'st &e for t(e &enefit of t(e %onC'al partners(ip and t(att(e ('s&and )'st %onsent to (is "ife8s enain in &'siness. o"ever, in t(is %ase, t(e ('s&anddid not ive (is %onsent neit(er did t(e o&liation redo'nded to t(e &enefit of t(e fa)il#. en%e,t(e %onC'al partners(ip as "ell as t(e defendant %annot &e (eld lia&le.

SPOUSES !LARO AND NIDA 0AUTISTA, petitioners, v. 0ERLINDA F. SIL"A,respondent.

=. . No. 15434. epte)&er 19, 2006.

Facts:Bn A''st 14, 19;0, a ransfer :ertifi%ate of itle No. 7- 31;9 over a par%el of land

"as reistered in t(e na)es of po'ses 7erlinda @. ilva and Pedro . ilva.

244



Bn ar%( 3, 19;;, Pedro . ilva, for (i)self and as attorne#-in-fa%t of (is "ife,7erlinda, t(r' a pe%ial Po"er of Attorne# p'rportedl# e$e%'ted on Nove)&er 1;, 19; &#7erlinda in (is favor, sined and e$e%'ted a Deed of A&sol'te ale over t(e said par%el of land%overed &# : No. 7-31;9 in favor of spo'ses :laro 7a'tista and Nida 7a'tista.

As a %onse'en%e, : No. 7-31;9 "as %an%elled and in lie' t(ereof, : No. -265

of t(e eistr# of Deeds for t(e alen>'ela 7ran%( "as iss'ed in t(e na)es of spo'ses :laro7a'tista and Nida 7a'tista on ar%( 4, 19;;.Fviden%e s(o"s t(at t(e sinat're appearin on t(e pe%ial Po"er of Attorne# as t(at of

7erlinda is a forer#, and t(at %onse'entl#, t(e Deed of A&sol'te ale e$e%'ted &# Pedro infavor of spo'ses 7a'tista is not a't(ori>ed &# 7erlinda.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e sale )ade &# Pedro is n'll and void.

Ruling:es.

(e sale of %onC'al propert# &# t(e ('s&and "it(o't )arital %onsent of t(e "ife affe%tst(e entire propert#, not C'st t(e s(are of t(e "ife and it is %onsidered a n'llit#.Petitioners are not &'#ers of ood fait( sin%e t(e# "ere dealin "it( a seller Pedro< "(o

(ad title to and possession of t(e land &'t "(ose %apa%it# to sell "as restri%ted, in t(at )arital%onsent of respondent is re'ired &efore (e %o'ld %onve# t(e propert#.

SPOUSES %ODOFREDO ALFREDO an3 !ARMEN LIMON ALFREDO, et al., petitioners, vs. SPOUSES ARMANDO 0ORRAS an3 ADELIA LO0ATON 0ORRAS,

respondents.=.. No. 144225. !'ne 1, 2003.

Facts:

245



(e reistered o"ners of t(e '&Ce%t Land, "(i%( is t(e s'&Ce%t of %ontrovers# in t(is%ase, "ere petitioner spo'ses, =odofredo and :ar)en Alfredo. (e '&Ce%t Land is %overed &#Briinal :ertifi%ate of itle No. 2;4 iss'ed to =odofredo and :ar)en.

Bn ar%( 1994, t(e private respondents, spo'ses Ar)ando 7orras and Adelia Lo&aton7orras, filed a %o)plaint for spe%ifi% perfor)an%e aainst =odofredo and :ar)en &efore t(e trial

%o'rt. Ar)ando and Adelia alleed in t(eir %o)plaint t(at =odofredo and :ar)en )ortaed t(e'&Ce%t Land for P,000.00 "it( t(e Develop)ent 7an of t(e P(ilippines D7P<. o pa# t(ede&t, :ar)en and =odofredo sold t(e '&Ce%t Land to Ar)ando and Adelia for P15,000.00, t(e &'#ers to pa# t(e D7P loan and its a%%')'lated interest, and t(e &alan%e to &e paid in %as( to t(esellers.

Ar)ando and Adelia ave =odofredo and :ar)en t(e )one# to pa# t(e loan to D7P.=odofredo and :ar)en introd'%ed Ar)ando and Adelia, as t(e ne" o"ners of t(e '&Ce%t Land,to t(e old tenants of t(e sa)e. Ar)ando and Adelia t(en too possession of t(e '&Ce%t Land.

Ar)ando and Adelia dis%overed t(at =odofredo and :ar)en (ad re-sold portions of t(e'&Ce%t Land to several persons. ('s, Ar)ando and Adelia filed a %o)plaint for spe%ifi% perfor)an%e.

(e trial %o'rt r'led in favor of Ar)ando and Adelia. (e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed t(etrial %o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e %ontra%t of sale )ade &# :ar)en is void &e%a'se s(e did not o&tain

t(e %onsent and a't(orit# of (er ('s&and, =odofredo.

Ruling: No.(e 'pre)e :o'rt r'led t(at t(e %ontra%t of sale "as voida&le s'&Ce%t to ann'l)ent &#

t(e ('s&and. @ollo"in petitioners8 ar')ent t(at :ar)en sold t(e land to Ar)ando and Adelia"it(o't t(e %onsent of :ar)en8s ('s&and, t(e sale "o'ld onl# &e voida&le and not void.

(e @a)il# :ode provides t(at an# alienation or en%')&ran%e )ade &# t(e ('s&and of t(e %onC'al partners(ip propert# "it(o't t(e %onsent of t(e "ife is void. o"ever, "(en t(esale is )ade &efore t(e effe%tivit# of t(e @a)il# :ode, t(e appli%a&le la" is t(e :ivil :ode.Arti%le 13 of t(e :ivil :ode provides t(at t(e disposition of %onC'al propert# "it(o't t(e"ife8s %onsent is not void &'t )erel# voida&le. Arti%le 13 readsG *5he ife ma!, during the

marriage, and ithin ten !ears from the transaction questioned, as$ the courts for the annulment

of an! contract of the husband entered into ithout her consent, hen such consent is required,

or an! act or contract of the husband hich tends to defraud her or impair her interest in theconjugal partnership propert!. "hould the ife fail to exercise this right, she or her heirs, after

the dissolution of the marriage, ma! demand the value of propert! fraudulentl! alienated b! the

husband.”=odofredo %an no loner 'estion t(e sale eit(er. oida&le %ontra%ts are s's%epti&le of

ratifi%ation. =odofredo ratified t(e sale "(en (e introd'%ed Ar)ando and Adelia to (is tenants ast(e ne" o"ners of t(e '&Ce%t Land. If t(e sale "as tr'l# 'na't(ori>ed, t(en =odofredo s(o'ld(ave filed an a%tion to ann'l t(e sale. e did not. (e pres%riptive period to ann'l t(e sale (aslon lapsed. =odofredo8s %ond'%t &elies (is %lai) t(at (is "ife sold t(e '&Ce%t Land "it(o't(is %onsent.

oreover, =odofredo and :ar)en 'sed )ost of t(e pro%eeds of t(e sale to pa# t(eir de&t"it( t(e D7P. (is s(o"s t(at t(e sale redo'nded to t(e &enefit of t(e %onC'al partners(ip.en%e, even if :ar)en sold t(e land "it(o't t(e %onsent of (er ('s&and, t(e sale still &inds t(e%onC'al partners(ip.

TEODORO L. ARDELEZA, petitioner, vs. %ILDA L. ARDELEZA, ERNESTO L.ARDELEZA, R., MELE!IO %IL L. ARDELEZA, an3 %LENDA L. ARDELEZA,

respondents.=.. No. 112014. De%e)&er 5, 2000.

Facts:

246



Dr. Frnesto !ardele>a, r. and =ilda L. !ardele>a "ere )arried lon &efore 03 A''st19;;, "(en t(e @a)il# :ode too effe%t. (e 'nion prod'%ed five %(ildren, na)el#G petitioner,Frnesto, !r., ele%io, =lenda and olando.

Bn 25 ar%( 1991, Dr. Frnesto !ardele>a, r. t(en 3 #ears old, s'ffered a stroe andlapsed into %o)atose %ondition.

Bn 3 !'l# 1991, petitioner filed "it( t(e trial %o'rt a )otion for t(e iss'an%e of letters of 'ardians(ip to (i), rat(er t(an to (is )ot(er, on t(e ro'nd t(at s(e %onsidered t(e propert#a%'ired &# Dr. !ardele>a as (er o"n and did not "ant to &e appointed 'ardian.

Bn 09 A''st 1991, respondents filed "it( t(e trial %o'rt an opposition to t(e petition for 'ardians(ip and t(e )otion for iss'an%e of letters of 'ardians(ip to petitioner.

Bn 20 A''st 1993, t(e trial %o'rt iss'ed an order dis)issin t(e petition for 'ardians(ip. (e trial %o'rt %on%l'ded, "it(o't e$planation, t(at t(e petition is s'perfl'o's and"o'ld onl# serve to d'pli%ate t(e po"ers of t(e "ife 'nder t(e e$pli%it provisions of Arti%le 124,se%ond pararap(, of t(e @a)il# :ode.

Issue:

+(et(er or not Arti%le 124 of t(e @a)il# :ode renders s'perfl'o's t(e appoint)ent of a C'di%ial 'ardian over t(e person and estate of an in%o)petent )arried person.

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt r'led t(at Arti%le 124 of t(e @a)il# :ode is not appli%a&le to t(e

sit'ation of Dr. Frnesto !ardele>a, r. and t(at t(e proper pro%ed're "as an appli%ation for appoint)ent of C'di%ial 'ardian 'nder 'le 93 of t(e 1964 evised 'les of :o'rt.

(e 'pre)e :o'rt re)ands t(e %ase to t(e trial %o'rt for f'rt(er pro%eedins %onsistent"it( t(is de%ision.

ANTONIO an3 LUZ"IMINDA %UIAN%, petitioners, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS an3%ILDA !ORPUZ, respondents.=.. No. 12512. !'ne 26, 199;.

Facts:=ilda :orp'> and !'die :orp'> are leall# )arried spo'ses. (e# "ere )arried on

De%e)&er 24, 196;. (e %o'ple (as t(ree %(ildren, na)el#G !'nie, arriet and !odie.

24



Bn @e&r'ar# 14, 19;3, t(e %o'ple =ilda and !'die, &o'(t a 421 s. )eter lot lo%atedfro) an'el :alleCo. o)eti)e on April 22, 19;;, t(e %o'ple sold one-(alf portion of t(e saidlot to Antonio and L'>vi)inda ='ian.

o"ever, in t(e a&sen%e of (is "ife =ilda, !'die p's(ed t(ro'( t(e sale of t(e re)aininone-(alf portion of t(eir lot on ar%( 1, 1990 to L'>vi)inda ='ian.

Bn a# 2;, 1990, =ilda filed an A)ended :o)plaint aainst (er ('s&and !'die and petitioners-spo'ses Antonio and L'>vi)inda ='ian. (e said :o)plaint so'(t t(e de%larationof a %ertain deed of sale, "(i%( involved t(e %onC'al propert# of private respondent and (er ('s&and, n'll and void.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e sale of t(e re)ainin one-(alf portion of t(e %onC'al lot )ade &# t(e

('s&and is valid "it(o't t(e %onsent of (is "ife.

Ruling: No.

(e 'pre)e :o'rt (eld t(at an# alienation or en%')&ran%e )ade after A''st 3, 19;;"(en t(e @a)il# :ode too effe%t &# t(e ('s&and of t(e %onC'al partners(ip propert# "it(o'tt(e %onsent of t(e "ife is n'll and void.

(e said %ontra%t properl# falls "it(in t(e a)&it of Arti%le 124 of t(e @a)il# :ode,"(i%( statesG %rt. */+. 5he administration and enjo!ment of the conjugal partnership propert!

shall belong to both spouses jointl!. :n case of disagreement, the husband;s decision shall

prevail, subject to recourse to the court b! the ife for proper remed!, hich must be availed of ithin five !ears from the date of the contract implementing such decision.

:n the event that one spouse is incapacitated or otherise unable to participate in the

administration of the conjugal properties, the other spouse ma! assume sole poers of administration. 5hese poers do not include the poers of disposition or encumbrance hich

must have the authorit! of the court or the ritten consent of the other spouse. :n the absence of

such authorit! or consent, the disposition or encumbrance shall be void. Hoever, thetransaction shall be construed as a continuing offer on the part of the consenting spouse and the

third person, and ma! be perfected as a binding contract upon the acceptance b! the other

spouse or authori)ation b! the court before the offer is ithdran b! either or both offerors.”

SANTIA%O NI!OLAS, et al., petitioners, vs.HONORA0LE !OURT OF APPEALS, et al., respondents.

=.. No. L-3631. B%to&er 12, 19;.

Facts:In 1951, respondent Anasta%io adlansaa#, a ri%e dealer, )arried to Lo'rdes an'el,

&o'(t fro) @elipe =ar%ia t(ree par%els of land. (e ransfer :ertifi%ate of itle "as iss'ed on

24;



B%to&er 19, 1951 in t(e na)e of adlansaa#. At t(e ti)e of t(e p'r%(ase, petitioners "ereo%%'p#in Lot No. ; as tenants.

Neotiations &e'n for t(e sale of Lot No. ; to petitioner tenants and in an affidavit datedA''st 26, 195;, adlansaa# pro)ised to s'&divide t(e land a)on t(e) at P0.0 per s'are)eter. Not(in %a)e o't of t(e neotiations.

oon t(ereafter, t(e relations(ip &et"een t(e ne" o"ner and t(e o%%'pants so'red and'i%l# deteriorated into a series of leal s'a&&les "(i%( %'l)inated in t(e present %ontrovers#.Bn April 26, 1961, petitioners filed an a)ended %o)plaint aainst adlansaa# to 'iet

title over Lot. No. ;.In (is ans"er, adlansaa# averred t(at t(e deeds of sale and t(e affidavits "(i%( (e

p'rportedl# e$e%'ted "ere all foreries and t(at t(e land in 'estion, &ein %onC'al propert# and)ortaed "it( t(e P(ilippine National 7an, %o'ld not &e alienated "it(o't (is "ifeOs %onsent.

(e trial %o'rt 'p(eld adlansaa#. It dis)issed t(e %o)plaint, n'llified t(e deeds of sale and t(e affidavits.

(e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed t(e lo"er %o'rtOs de%ision.

Issue: +(et(er or not t(e sale of t(e %onC'al propert# )ade &# adlansaa# is valid.

Ruling: No.(e land is a %onC'al propert# and, as s'%(, it %o'ld not &e alienated "it(o't t(e

%onfor)it# of (is "ife. oreover, it "as (eavil# )ortaed "it( t(e P(ilippine National 7an,alolos &ran%(, and %o'ld not &e transferred "it(o't t(e &anOs %onsent. As a )atter of fa%t, t(etransfer %ertifi%ate of title "as t(en in t(e possession of said &an.

OSE U# an3 %LENDA . U# an3 %ILDA L. ARDELEZA, petitioners, vs.

!OURT OF APPEALS an3 TEODORO L. ARDELEZA, respondents.=.. No. 10955. Nove)&er 29, 2000.

Facts:(is %ase is a disp'te &et"een eodoro L. !ardele>a, aainst (is )ot(er =ilda L.

!ardele>a, and sister and &rot(er-in-la", t(e spo'ses !ose J# and =lenda !ardele>a. (e%ontrovers# %a)e a&o't as a res'lt of Dr. Frnesto !ardele>a, r.8s s'fferin of a stroe on ar%(

249



25, 1991, "(i%( left (i) %o)atose and &ereft of an# )otor or )ental fa%'lties. aid Frnesto, r.is t(e fat(er of (erein eodoro !ardele>a and ('s&and of (erein private respondent =ilda!ardele>a.

Bn !'ne 13, 1991, respondent =ilda (erself filed a petition reardin t(e de%laration of in%apa%it# of Frnesto, r., ass')ption of sole po"ers of ad)inistration of %onC'al properties,

and a't(ori>ation to sell t(e sa)e.(e trial %o'rt rendered its de%ision findin t(at it "as %onvin%ed t(at Frnesto, r. "astr'l# in%apa%itated to parti%ipate in t(e ad)inistration of t(e %onC'al properties, and t(at t(e saleof Lot No. 4291 and t(e i)prove)ents t(ereon "as ne%essar# to defra# t(e )o'ntin e$pensesfor treat)ent and (ospitali>ation.

Bn !'ne 24, 1991, eodoro filed (is Bpposition to t(e pro%eedins &ein 'na"are and notno"in t(at a de%ision (as alread# &een rendered on t(e %ase &# p'&li% respondent.

Bn !'l# 3, 1991, eodoro filed a )otion for re%onsideration. e propo'nded t(ear')ent t(at t(e petition for de%laration of in%apa%it#, ass')ption of sole po"ers of ad)inistration, and a't(orit# to sell t(e %onC'al properties "as essentiall# a petition for 'ardians(ip of t(e person and properties of Frnesto, r. As s'%(, it %annot &e prose%'ted in

a%%ordan%e "it( t(e provisions on s'))ar# pro%eedins set o't in Arti%le 253 of t(e @a)il#:ode. It s(o'ld follo" t(e r'les overnin spe%ial pro%eedins in t(e evised 'les of :o'rt"(i%( re'ire pro%ed'ral d'e pro%ess, parti%'larl# t(e need for noti%e and a (earin on t(e )erits

Issue:+(et(er or not =ilda, as t(e "ife of Frnesto !ardele>a, r. )a# ass')e sole po"ers of

ad)inistration of t(e %onC'al propert# 'nder Arti%le 124 of t(e @a)il# :ode and dispose of a par%el of land "it( its i)prove)ents, "it( t(e approval of t(e %o'rt in a s'))ar# pro%eedins,to (er %o-petitioners, (er o"n da'(ter and son-in-la", for t(e a)o'nt of ei(t )illion pesos.

Ruling: No.In re'lar )anner, t(e r'les on s'))ar# C'di%ial pro%eedins 'nder t(e @a)il# :ode

overn t(e pro%eedins 'nder Arti%le 124 of t(e @a)il# :ode. (e sit'ation %onte)plated is one"(ere t(e spo'se is a&sent, or separated in fa%t or (as a&andoned t(e ot(er or %onsent is "it((eldor %annot &e o&tained. '%( r'les do not appl# to %ases "(ere t(e non-%onsentin spo'se isin%apa%itated or in%o)petent to ive %onsent. In t(is %ase, t(e trial %o'rt fo'nd t(at t(e s'&Ce%tspo'se is an in%o)petent "(o "as in %o)atose or se)i-%o)atose %ondition, a vi%ti) of stroe,%ere&rovas%'lar a%%ident, "it(o't )otor and )ental fa%'lties, and "it( a dianosis of &rain ste)infar%t. In s'%( %ase, t(e proper re)ed# is a C'di%ial 'ardians(ip pro%eedins 'nder 'le 93 of t(e 1964 evised 'les of :o'rt.

SAMSON T. SA0ALONES, petitioner, vs. THE !OURT OF APPEALS an3REMEDIOS %A"IOLA2SA0ALONES, respondents.

=.. No. 106169. @e&r'ar# 14, 1994.

Facts:Petitioner a)son . a&alones left to (is "ife, (erein respondent e)edios =aviola-

a&alones, t(e ad)inistration of so)e of t(eir %onC'al, properties for fifteen #ears (avin &een

250



assined to different %o'ntries d'rin (is s'%%essive to'rs of d'ties as a )e)&er of t(ediplo)ati% servi%e.

a&alones retired as a)&assador in 19;5 and %a)e &a% to t(e P(ilippines &'t not to (is"ife and t(eir %(ildren. @o'r #ears later, (e filed an a%tion for C'di%ial a't(ori>ation to sell a &'ildin and lot in =reen(ills &elonin to t(e %onC'al partners(ip.

In (er ans"er, t(e private respondent opposed t(e a't(ori>ation and filed a %o'nter%lai)for leal separation. (e alleed t(at t(e (o'se in =reen(ills "as &ein o%%'pied &# (er and t(eir si$ %(ildren and t(at t(e# "ere dependin for t(eir s'pport on t(e rentals fro) anot(er %onC'al propert# in @or&es Par. (e also infor)ed t(e %o'rt t(at despite (er ('s&andOs retire)ent, (e(ad not ret'rned to (is leiti)ate fa)il# and "as instead )aintainin a separate residen%e inS'e>on :it#, "it( (el)a :')aren and t(eir t(ree %(ildren.

e)edios also ased t(e %o'rt to rant t(e de%ree of leal separation and order t(eli'idation of t(eir %onC'al properties, "it( forfeit're of (er ('s&andOs s(are t(erein &e%a'se of (is ad'lter#.

(e trial %o'rt fo'nd t(at t(e petitioner (ad indeed %ontra%ted a &ia)o's )arriae "it((el)a :')aren, to "(o) (e (ad ret'rned 'pon (is retire)ent at a separate residen%e. (e

%o'rt t('s de%reed t(e leal separation of t(e spo'ses and t(e forfeit're of t(e petitionerOs s(arein t(e %onC'al properties, de%larin as "ell t(at (e "as not entitled to s'pport fro) (isrespondent "ife.

Issue:+(et(er or not private respondent s(o'ld &e t(e sole ad)inistrator of t(e %onC'al

properties.

Ruling:es.(e 'pre)e :o'rt notes t(at t(e "ife (as &een ad)inisterin t(e s'&Ce%t properties for

al)ost nineteen #ears, apparentl# "it(o't %o)plaint on t(e part of t(e petitioner. e (as notalleed, )'%( less s(o"n, t(at (er ad)inistration (as %a'sed preC'di%e to t(e %onC'al partners(ip.

('s, it "as (eld t(at pendin t(e appoint)ent of an ad)inistrator over t(e "(ole )assof %onC'al assets, private respondent is allo"ed to %ontin'e "it( (er ad)inistration and petitioner s(o'ld &e enCoined fro) interferin "it( (is "ifeOs ad)inistration pendin resol'tionof t(e appeal.

(e la" does indeed rant to t(e spo'ses Coint ad)inistration over t(e %onC'al propertiesas provided in Arti%le 124 of t(e @a)il# :ode. o"ever, Arti%le 61 states t(at after a petition for leal separation (as &een filed, t(e trial %o'rt s(all, in t(e a&sen%e of a "ritten aree)ent &et"een t(e %o'ple, appoint eit(er one of t(e spo'ses or a t(ird person to a%t as t(e ad)inistrator.

+(ile it is tr'e t(at no for)al desination of t(e ad)inistrator (as &een )ade, s'%(desination "as i)pli%it in t(e de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt den#in t(e petitioner an# s(are in t(e%onC'al properties and t('s also dis'alif#in (i) as ad)inistrator t(ereof<. (at desination"as in effe%t approved &# t(e :o'rt of Appeals "(en it iss'ed in favor of t(e respondent "ife t(e preli)inar# inC'n%tion.

IMELDA RELU!IO, petitioner, vs. AN%ELINA MEIA LOPEZ, respondent.=.. No. 13;49. !an'ar# 16, 2002.

Facts:Bn epte)&er 15, 1993, Anelina eCia Lope> filed a petition for *APPBINFN A

BLF ADINIAI B@ :BN!J=AL PANFIP B@ PBPFIF,@B@FIJF, F:.,/ aainst Al&erto Lope> and petitioner I)elda el'%io. In t(e petition,Anelina alleed t(at so)eti)e in 196;, Al&erto, "(o is leall# )arried to t(e (er, a&andoned

251



t(e latter and t(eir fo'r leiti)ate %(ildren t(at (e arroated 'nto (i)self f'll and e$%l'sive%ontrol and ad)inistration of t(e %onC'al properties, spendin and 'sin t(e sa)e for (is soleain and &enefit to t(e total e$%l'sion of t(e private respondent and t(eir fo'r %(ildren t(atdefendant Lope>, after a&andonin (is fa)il#, )aintained an illi%it relations(ip and %o(a&ited"it( (erein petitioner sin%e 196.

It "as f'rt(er alleed t(at Al&erto and petitioner el'%io, d'rin t(eir period of %o(a&itation sin%e 196, (ave a)assed a fort'ne %onsistin )ainl# of sto%(oldins in Lope>-o"ned or %ontrolled %orporations, residential, ari%'lt'ral, %o))er%ial lots, (o'ses, apart)entsand &'ildins, %ars and ot(er )otor ve(i%les, &an a%%o'nts and Ce"elr#. (ese properties,"(i%( are in t(e na)es of Al&erto and petitioner el'%io sinl# or Cointl# or t(eir d'))ies and pro$ies, (ave &een a%'ired prin%ipall# if not solel# t(ro'( t(e a%t'al %ontri&'tion of )one#, propert# and ind'str# of Al&erto "it( )ini)al, if not nil, a%t'al %ontri&'tion fro) petitioner el'%io.

IssueCs:a< +(et(er respondent8s petition for appoint)ent as sole ad)inistratri$ of t(e %onC'al

propert#, a%%o'ntin, et%. aainst (er ('s&and Al&erto esta&lis(ed a %a'se of a%tion aainst petitioner.&< +(et(er or not t(ere is a &asis in la" to forfeit Al&erto8s s(are in propert# %o-o"ned

&# (i) "it( petitioner, and a dissol'tion of t(e %onC'al partners(ip "it( private respondent.

Ruling:a< No. (e first %a'se of a%tion is for C'di%ial appoint)ent of respondent as

ad)inistratri$ of t(e %onC'al partners(ip or a&sol'te %o))'nit# propert# arisin fro) (er )arriae to Al&erto. Petitioner is a %o)plete straner to t(is %a'se of a%tion. (ere is no ri(t-d't# relation &et"een petitioner and respondent t(at %an possi&l# s'pport a %a'se of a%tion.

&< es. (e 'pre)e :o'rt 'p(eld t(at t(e trial %o'rt %an iss'e a C'd)ent orderinAl&erto to )ae an a%%o'ntin of (is %onC'al partners(ip "it( respondent, and ive s'pport torespondent and t(eir %(ildren, and dissolve Al&erto8s %onC'al partners(ip "it( respondent, andforfeit Al&erto8s s(are in propert# %o-o"ned &# (i) and petitioner. '%( C'd)ent "o'ld &e perfe%tl# valid and enfor%ea&le aainst Al&erto !. Lope>.

AMPARO NA0LE2OSE et al., STANDARD OIL !OMPAN# OF NE7 #OR1 an3!ARMEN !ASTRO, plaintiffs and appellants, vs. MARIANO NA0LE2OSE et al.,

defendants and appellees. No. 39. De%e)&er 11, 1916.

Facts:a%ario Na&le-!ose "as )arried to Pa> 7orCa in Da'pan, Panasinan. In t(e #ear 1;9, Pa>

7orCa passed a"a#. Bn 31 !'l# 190, ariano entered into a %ontra%t "it( tandard Bil

252



:o)pan# of Ne" or. e e$e%'ted as a )ortae a %onC'al propert# and a real estate, a (o'seand a %a)arin sit'ated in Da'pan, Panasinan )eas'rin a&o't ,091 s'are )eters.

Bn 24 B%to&er 1910, t(e tandard Bil :o)pan# of Ne" or t(ro'( its la"#ers presentedits %o)plaint to ariano Na&le !ose. aid a%tion "as no"n as No. ;33 of t(e :o'rt of @irstInstan%e of Da'pan, Panasinan. (e p'rpose of t(e a%tion "as to re%over fro) ariano t(e

s') of 633,191.244 pesos and t(e fore%los're of t(e said )ortaes iven &# ariano to t(e plaintiff 'pon %ertain propert# parti%'larl# des%ri&ed in t(e %o)plaint to se%'re t(e pa#)ent if t(e said s') of )one#.

Issue:+(et(er or not ariano Na&le-!ose after t(e deat( of Pa> 7orCa (as t(e po"er to sell or

)ortae t(e %o))'nit# propert# a%'ired d'rin t(eir %overt're.

Ruling:(e ('s&and (as t(e e$%l'sive ri(t as t(e s'rvivin spo'se to tae t(e possession of t(e

%o))on propert#, and to ad)inister it, 'ntil t(e sa)e is li'idated and (e is entr'sted to )ae

t(e li'idation 'pon t(e deat( of t(e "ife. (e interest of t(e "ife in t(e %o))'nit# propert# isan in%(oate interest, a )ere e$pe%tan%#, and after (er deat(, (er interest %onstit'tes neit(er aleal nor e'ita&le estate, and onl# ripens into title "(en 'pon li'idation and settle)ent t(ereappear to &e assets in t(e %o))'nit# partners(ip.

(e %ontra%t e$e%'ted &# a person, "(o, a%%ordin to t(e reistr# (as a ri(t t(ereto,%annot &e invalidated "it( reard to t(ird persons after it (as &een re%orded. (e )ortae is perfe%tl# valid and &indin 'pon all parties.

ARTURO R. A0ALOS, petitioner, vs.

DR. %ALI!ANO S. MA!ATAN%A#, R., respondent.=.. No. 155043. epte)&er 30, 2004.

Facts:po'ses Art'ro and Fst(er A&alos are t(e reistered o"ners of a par%el of land "it(

i)prove)ents. Bn !'ne 2, 19;;, ar)ed "it( a pe%ial Po"er of Attorne#, p'rportedl# iss'ed &#

253



(is "ife, Art'ro e$e%'ted a e%eipt and e)orand') of Aree)ent BA< in favor of respondent, &indin (i)self to sell to respondent t(e s'&Ce%t propert#. '&se'entl#, Art'ro8s "ife, Fst(er, e$e%'ted a pe%ial Po"er of Attorne# dated B%to&er 25, 19;9, appointin (er sister, 7ernadette a)os, to a%t for and in (er &e(alf relative to t(etransfer of t(e propert# to respondent. Bstensi&l#, a )arital s'a&&le "as &re"in &et"een

Art'ro and Fst(er at t(e ti)e and to prote%t (is interest, respondent %a'sed t(e annotation of (isadverse %lai) on t(e title of t(e spo'ses to t(e propert# on Nove)&er 14, 19;9.Bn Nove)&er 16, 19;9, respondent sent a letter to Art'ro and Fst(er infor)in t(e) of

(is readiness and "illinness to pa# t(e f'll a)o'nt of t(e p'r%(ase pri%e. (e letter %ontained ade)and 'pon t(e spo'ses to %o)pl# "it( t(eir o&liation to t'rn over possession of t(e propert#to (i). Art'ro and Fst(er failed to deliver t(e propert# "(i%( pro)pted respondent to file a%o)plaint for spe%ifi% perfor)an%e "it( da)aes aainst petitioners.

(e trial %o'rt dis)issed t(e %o)plaint for spe%ifi% perfor)an%e. (e :o'rt of Appealsreversed t(e de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt.

Issue:

+(et(er or not t(e sale of t(e %onC'al propert# e$e%'ted &# Art'ro and Fst(er onseparate do%')ents is valid &efore t(e dissol'tion of t(eir )arriae.

Ruling: No.Art'ro and Fst(er appear to (ave &een )arried &efore t(e effe%tivit# of t(e @a)il# :ode.

(ere &ein no indi%ation t(at t(e# (ave adopted a different propert# rei)e, t(eir propert#relations "o'ld a'to)ati%all# &e overned &# t(e rei)e of %onC'al partners(ip of ains. (es'&Ce%t land "(i%( (ad &een ad)ittedl# a%'ired d'rin t(e )arriae of t(e spo'ses for)s partof t(eir %onC'al partners(ip.

(e ('s&and, even if (e is stat'toril# desinated as ad)inistrator of t(e %onC'al partners(ip, %annot validl# alienate or en%')&er an# real propert# of t(e %onC'al partners(ip"it(o't t(e "ife8s %onsent. i)ilarl#, t(e "ife %annot dispose of an# propert# &elonin to t(e%onC'al partners(ip "it(o't t(e %onfor)it# of t(e ('s&and.

ore sinifi%antl#, it (as &een (eld t(at prior to t(e li'idation of t(e %onC'al partners(ip,t(e interest of ea%( spo'se in t(e %onC'al assets is in%(oate, a )ere e$pe%tan%#, "(i%(%onstit'tes neit(er a leal nor an e'ita&le estate, and does not ripen into title 'ntil it appears t(att(ere are assets in t(e %o))'nit# as a res'lt of t(e li'idation and settle)ent. (e interest of ea%( spo'se is li)ited to t(e net re)ainder or *re)anente li'ido/ (a&er anan%ial< res'ltinfro) t(e li'idation of t(e affairs of t(e partners(ip after its dissol'tion. ('s, t(e ri(t of t(e('s&and or "ife to one-(alf of t(e %onC'al assets does not vest 'ntil t(e dissol'tion andli'idation of t(e %onC'al partners(ip, or after dissol'tion of t(e )arriae, "(en it is finall#deter)ined t(at, after settle)ent of %onC'al o&liations, t(ere are net assets left "(i%( %an &edivided &et"een t(e spo'ses or t(eir respe%tive (eirs.

(e sale &# t(e ('s&and of propert# &elonin to t(e %onC'al partners(ip "it(o't t(e%onsent of t(e "ife "(en t(ere is no s(o"in t(at t(e latter is in%apa%itated is void a& initio &e%a'se it is in %ontravention of t(e )andator# re'ire)ents of Arti%le 166 of t(e :ivil :ode.in%e Arti%le 166 of t(e :ivil :ode re'ires t(e %onsent of t(e "ife &efore t(e ('s&and )a#alienate or en%')&er an# real propert# of t(e %onC'al partners(ip, it follo"s t(at a%ts or transa%tions e$e%'ted aainst t(is )andator# provision are void e$%ept "(en t(e la" itself a't(ori>es t(eir validit#.

As an e$%eption, t(e ('s&and )a# dispose of %onC'al propert# "it(o't t(e "ife8s%onsent if s'%( sale is ne%essar# to ans"er for %onC'al lia&ilities )entioned in Arti%les 161 and162 of t(e :ivil :ode (is is one instan%e "(ere t(e "ife8s %onsent is not re'ired and,i)pliedl#, no C'di%ial intervention is ne%essar#.

Ines%apa&l#, (erein petitioner8s a%tion for spe%ifi% perfor)an%e )'st fail. Fven on t(es'pposition t(at t(e parties onl# disposed of t(eir respe%tive s(ares in t(e propert#, t(e sale,ass')in t(at it e$ists, is still void for t(e ri(t of t(e ('s&and or t(e "ife to one-(alf of t(e%onC'al assets does not vest 'ntil t(e li'idation of t(e %onC'al partners(ip. Ne)o dat 'i non(a&et. No one %an ive "(at (e (as not.

254




Facts:Petitioner Brlando illan'eva and private respondent Lilia :analita-illan'eva ot

)arried on April 13, 19;; in P'erto Prin%esa, Pala"an. Bn Nove)&er 1, 1992, Brlando filed"it( t(e trial %o'rt a petition for ann'l)ent of (is )arriae allein t(at t(reats of violen%e and

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d'ress for%ed (i) into )arr#in Lilia, "(o "as alread# prenant t(at (e did not et (er prenant prior to t(e )arriae t(at (e never %o(a&ited "it( (er after t(e )arriae and t(at (elater learned t(at private respondentOs %(ild died d'rin deliver# on A''st 29, 19;;. In (er %o'nter%lai), Lilia pra#ed for t(e dis)issal of t(e petition, ar'in t(at petitioner freel# andvol'ntaril# )arried (er t(at petitioner sta#ed "it( (er in Pala"an for al)ost a )ont( after t(eir

)arriae t(at petitioner "rote letters to (er after (e ret'rned to anila, d'rin "(i%( privaterespondent visited (i) personall# and t(at petitioner ne" a&o't t(e proress of (er prenan%#,"(i%( ended in t(eir son &ein &orn pre)at'rel#.

Issue:+(et(er t(e )arriae &e ann'lled on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e# did not %o(a&it d'rin t(eir

)arriae.

Ruling:

Appellant %annot %lai) t(at (is )arriae s(o'ld &e ann'lled d'e to t(e a&sen%e of %o(a&itation &et"een (i) and (is "ife. La% of %o(a&itation is, per se, not a ro'nd to ann'l a)arriae. Bt(er"ise, t(e validit# of a )arriae "ill depend 'pon t(e "ill of t(e spo'ses "(o%an ter)inate t(e )arital 'nion &# ref'sin to %o(a&itate. (e fail're to %o(a&it &e%o)esrelevant onl# if it arises as a res'lt of t(e perpetration of an# of t(e ro'nds for ann'llin t(e)arriae, s'%( as la% of parental %onsent, insanit#, fra'd, inti)idation, or 'nd'e infl'en%e $ $$. in%e t(e appellant failed to C'stif# (is fail're to %o(a&it "it( t(e appellee on an# of t(osero'nds, t(e validit# of (is )arriae )'st &e 'p(eld.

FLOREN!E MA!ARRU0O, petitioner, vs. EDMUNDO MA!ARRU0O, respondentA.:. No. 614;. @e&r'ar# 2, 2004

Facts:@loren%e eves-a%%ar'&o filed an ad)inistrative %o)plaint of dis&ar)ent aainst Att#.

Fd)'ndo a%%ar'&o, respondent. @loren%e %lai)ed t(at Att#. a%%ar'&o %ontra%ted )arriae"it( @loren%e "(ile (is first )arriae "it( elen Fspan>a "it( "(o) (e (ad t"o %(ildren "as

256



still s'&sistin. A%%ordin to @loren%e, (er %onsent "as ained &# t(e respondent "it( de%eptionand t(at (e adroitl# %onvin%ed (er fa)il# (is )arriae "it( t(e first "ife "as void. +(ile@loren%e and Att#. a%%ar'&o8s )arriae "as still s'&sistin, t(e latter a&andoned t(eir fa)il#and %o(a&ited "it( !osep(ine :onstantino "(o) (e )arried.

espondent assailed t(e %lai)s of @loren%e den#in t(at (e e)plo#ed de%eption and t(at

(e "as t(e one "(ose %onsent "as vitiated &e%a'se of t(e for)er and (er fa)il#8s t(reat, for%eand inti)idation. e said t(at it "as a s(a) "eddin and t(at (e "as for%ed to )arr# @loren%e tosave t(e fa)il#8s rep'tation &e%a'se @loren%e "as at t(at ti)e t(ree-)ont(s prenant. es'&)itted pie%es of eviden%e to t(e Investiatin :o))ission t(at indi%ated final and e$e%'tor#de%ision of de%larin (is )arriae "it( @loren%e void a& initio a %ertifi%ation t(at t(eir )arriaeli%ense "as not filed in t(e re%ords of NB %ertifi%ation s(o"in (e "as a %ivi%-spirited person C'di%ial de%ree of ann'l)ent to %o)plainant "(i%( "as res C'di%ata 'pon present ad)inistrative%ase. e f'rt(er %lai)ed t(at (is first )arriae "as also de%lared void a& initio on t(e ro'nd of ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# &# (is "ife, elen.

Issue:

+(et(er Att#. a%%ar'&o is 'ilt# of ross )is%ond'%t in (is private affairs "(i%("arrant dis%iplinar# a%tion.

Ruling:

Jpon t(e eviden%e on re%ord, respondent is indeed 'ilt# of ross )is%ond'%t in (is private affairs "(i%( "arrant dis%iplinar# a%tion. (e in%ontroverti&le fa%ts s(o" t(at "(ilerespondent (ad a s'&sistin )arriae "it( elen Fspar>a "it( "(o) (e (ad t"o %(ildren, (eentered into a se%ond )arriae "it( %o)plainant. +(ile t(e )arriae &et"een %o)plainant andrespondent (as &een ann'lled &# final C'd)ent, (e and %o)plainant started livin as ('s&andand "ife in 1991 "(en (is first )arriae "as still s'&sistin, renderin (i) lia&le for

%on%'&inae. '%( %ond'%t is in%onsistent "it( t(e ood )oral %(ara%ter t(at is re'ired for t(e%ontin'ed ri(t to pra%ti%e la" as a )e)&er of t(e P(ilippine &ar. It i)ports )oral t'rpit'de andis a p'&li% assa'lt 'pon t(e &asi% so%ial instit'tion of )arriae. Fven ass')in arguendo t(atrespondent "as %oer%ed &# %o)plainant to )arr# (er, t(e d'ress, &# (is o"n ad)ission as t(efollo"in trans%ript of (is testi)on# refle%ts, %eased after t(eir "eddin da#, respondent (avinfreel# %o(a&ited "it( (er and even &eot a se%ond %(ild &# (er.

(e de%ision, rendered in defa'lt of %o)plainant, %annot serve as res judicata on t(e finalresol'tion of t(e present %ase. A dis&ar)ent %ase is sui generis for it is neit(er p'rel# %ivil nor p'rel# %ri)inal &'t is rat(er an investiation &# t(e :o'rt into t(e %ond'%t of its offi%ers. In s'),respondent (as &rea%(ed t(e follo"in pre%epts of t(e :ode of Professional esponsi&ilit#Y 'le 1.01, :ANBN , and 'le .03. espondent "as fo'nd 'ilt# of ross i))oralit# andt(erefore dis&arred.

PEOPLE &@ t>e PHILIPPINES, petitioner, vs. FELIPE SANTIA%O, respondent

Facts:

@elipe antiao, (erein appellant, ased @eli%ita asilan, (is nie%e, to a%%o)pan# (i)a%ross t(e river on so)e errand. (e irl areed and after %rossin t(e river, antiao )anifesteda desire to (ave se$'al inter%o'rse "it( t(e for)er, &'t not"it(standin (er resistan%e,a%%o)plis(ed (is p'rposes &# for%e and aainst (er "ill. After t(at deed, antiao %ond'%ted

25



@eli%ita to (is 'n%le8s (o'se t(at &ro'(t in a protestant )inister "(o sole)ni>ed a )arriae &et"een t(e t"o. After t(e %ere)on#, antiao ave t(e irl a fe" pesos and sent (er (o)e. (efat(er of @eli%ita, (avin no"n of "(at transpired, filed a %ri)inal %ase of rape aainst t(eappellant, res'ltin to (is %onvi%tion. (e latter no" for"arded t(e defense of (is )arriae to@eli%ita.

Issue:

Is t(e appellant8s defense tena&le

Ruling:

No. t(e %ere)on# %annot &e %onsidered &indin on (er &e%a'se of d'ress. It is t(ereforevoid for la% of essential %onsent, and it posed no i)pedi)ent to t(e "rondoer8s prose%'tion.(e )arriae %ere)on# "as a )ere r'se to es%ape fro) t(e %onse'en%es of (is a%t. (e )anner in "(i%( appellant dealt "it( t(e irl &efore and after t(e )arriae s(o"s t(at (e (ad no &ona

fide intention of )ain (er (is "ife.

HEIRS OF I%NA!IA A%UILAR2RE#ES, petitioners, vs. SPOUSES !IPRIANOMIARES and FLORENTINA MIARES, respondents

=.. No. 143;26. A''st 2;, 2003

Facts:i%ente and Ina%ia "ere )arried in 1960, &'t (ad &een separated sin%e 194. o)eti)e

in 19;4, Ina%ia learned t(at on ar%( 1, 19;3, i%ente sold a lot &elonin to t(e %onC'al properties to spo'ses :ipriano and @lorentina iCares on ar%( 1, 29;3, "it(o't (er no"ledeand %onsent. Bn A''st 9, 19;4, Ina%ia, t(ro'( (er %o'nsel, sent a letter to respondent spo'ses

25;



de)andin t(e ret'rn of (er Q s(are in t(e lot. @ailin to arrive at an a)i%a&le settle)ent, s(efiled a %o)plaint for ann'l)ent of sale aainst respondent spo'ses. espondent spo'ses %lai)edt(at t(e# are p'r%(asers in ood fait( and t(at t(e sale "as valid &e%a'se it "as d'l# approved &#t(e %o'rt.

Bn @e&r'ar# 15, 1990, t(e trial %o'rt de%lared t(e sale of t(e lot void "it( respe%t to t(e

s(are of Ina%ia. Bn a# 31, 1990, t(e trial %o'rt )odified its de%ision &# de%larin t(e sale voidin its entiret# and orderin i%ente e#es to rei)&'rse respondent spo'ses t(e p'r%(ase pri%e of P110,000.

7ot( Ina%ia and respondent spo'ses appealed in t(e :o'rt of Appeals. Pendin t(eappeal, Ina%ia died and s(e "as s'&stit'ted &# (er %o)p'lsor# (eirs.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e sale s(o'ld &e ann'lled in its entiret# or onl# "it( respe%t to t(e s(are

of Ina%ia

Ruling:

(e ('s&and %o'ld not alienate or en%')&er an# %onC'al real propert# "it(o't t(e%onsent, e$press or i)plied, of t(e "ife ot(er"ise, t(e %ontra%t is voida&le. In t(e %ase, t(e%ontra%t is void and not )erel# voida&le. (e trial %o'rt %orre%tl# ann'lled t(e sale of t(e lot inits entiret#. In 7'%o# v. Pa'lino, a %ase involvin t(e ann'l)ent of sale "it( ass')ption of )ortaes e$e%'ted &# t(e ('s&and "it(o't t(e %onsent of t(e "ife, it "as (eld t(at t(ealienation or en%')&ran%e )'st &e ann'lled in its entiret# and not onl# insofar as t(e s(are of t(e"ife in t(e %onC'al propert# is %on%erned.

po'ses "IR%ILIO an3 MI!HELLE !ASTRO, MOISES MIAT an3 ALE$ANDER MIAT, petitioners, vs. ROMEO MIAT, respondent

=.. No. 14329. @e&r'ar# 11, 2003

Facts: po'ses oises and :on%ordia iat &o'(t t"o par%els of land d'rin t(eir %overt're.

Bn April 30, 19;, :on%ordia died. oises areed t(at s'%( properties "o'ld &e iven to (is t"osons, o)eo and Ale$ander. o"ever, "(en oises ret'rned, (e neotiated t(e aree)ent "it((is sons in "(i%( (e ept t(e Parana'e propert# for (i)self and "o'ld leave t(e Pa%o propert#

259



to (is t"o sons. In @e&r'ar# 19;;, o)eo learned t(at t(e )ot(er of petitioner, irilio, (aveoises P30,000.00 as do"n pa#)ent for t(e sale &# oises of t(e Pa%o propert#.

:eferino iat, &rot(er of oises, testified t(at even &efore t(e deat( of :on%ordia, t(ere"as alread# an aree)ent t(at t(e Pa%o propert# "o'ld o to o)eo and Ale$ander. (is "asreiterated at t(e deat(&ed of :on%ordia as "ell as to t(e e$tended iat fa)il# )e)&ers.

o)eo filed an a%tion to n'llif# t(e sale &et"een oises and t(e :astro spo'ses, to%o)pel oises and Ale$ander to e$e%'te a deed of %onve#an%e or assin)ent of t(e Pa%o propert# to (i) 'pon pa#)ent of t(e &alan%e of its areed pri%e, and to )ae t(e) pa# da)aes.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e Pa%o propert# is %onC'al or %apital

Ruling:(e propert# is %onC'al. Arti%le 160 of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode provides t(at *all propert# of

t(e )arriae is pres')ed to &elon to t(e %onC'al partners(ip, 'nless it is to &e proved t(at it pertains e$%l'sivel# to t(e ('s&and or to t(e "ife./ (is arti%le does not re'ire proof t(at t(e

propert# "as a%'ired "it( f'nds of t(e partners(ip. (e pres')ption applies even "(en t(e)anner in "(i%( t(e propert# "as a%'ired does not appear.

NERISSA PEREZ, petitioner, vs. THE !OURT OF APPEALS andRA# PEREZ, respondents

=.. No. 11;;0. ar%( 29, 1996

Facts:Private respondent a# Pere>, a do%tor of )edi%ine, is )arried to petitioner, Nerissa

Pere>, a reistered n'rse. Nerissa &ean "orin in t(e J.. in B%to&er 19;; and s(e 'sed a partof (er earnin to &'ild a )odest (o'se for (er fa)il# in anda'e :it#, :e&'. (e &e%a)e a

260



resident alien in @e&r'ar# 1992. After 6 )is%arriaes and a (i(-ris prenan%#, Nerissa finall#ave &irt( to a# Pere> II in Ne" or on !'l# 20, 1992.

Bn !an'ar# 1, 1993, t(e %o'ple and t(eir &a&# arrived in :e&'. After a fe" "ees, onl# Nerissa ret'rned to t(e J.. (e alleed t(at t(e# %a)e (o)e onl# for a five "ee va%ation andt(e# all (ad ro'ndtrip ti%ets. o"ever, (er ('s&and sta#ed &e(ind to tae %are of (is si%

)ot(er and pro)ised to follo" (er "it( t(eir &a&#. A%%ordin to a#, t(e# (ad areed to sta# per)anentl# in t(e P(ilippines &'t on%e Nerissa "as in Ne" or, s(e %(aned (er )ind and%ontin'ed "orin. (e "as s'pposed to %o)e &a% i))ediatel# after "indin (er affairs.

+(en Nerissa arrived (o)e a fe" da#s &efore a# II8s first &irt(da#, t(e %o'ple "as noloner in ood ter)s. (e petitioner did not "ant to live near (er in-la"s. (e onl# "anted to &e"it( (er onl# %(ild &'t (e "as &ein ept a"a# fro) (er &# (is ('s&and. Bn t(e ot(er (and, a#"anted to sta# (ere in t(e P(ilippines and )aintained t(at it "o'ld not &e ver# diffi%'lt to live(ere sin%e t(e# (ave t(eir o"n (o)e and %ar. Nerissa "as for%ed to )ove to (er parents.

Bn !'l# 26, 1993, Nerissa filed a petition for (a&eas %orp's asin respondent a# tos'rrender t(e %'stod# of t(eir %(ild to (er.

Bn A''st 2, 1993, t(e %o'rt iss'ed an order a"ardin %'stod# of t(e one-#ear old %(ild

to (is )ot(er. Jpon appeal &# a#, t(e :o'rt of Appeals, on epte)&er 2,1993, reversed t(ede%ision of t(e %o'rt and a"arded t(e %'stod# of t(e %(ild to (is fat(er.

Issue:

+(et(er or not t(e %'stod# of t(e %(ild s(o'ld &e iven to (is fat(er.

Ruling:(e eneral r'le t(at a %(ild 'nder seven #ears of ae s(all not &e separated fro) (is

)ot(er finds its raison dOetre in t(e &asi% need of a %(ild for (is )ot(erOs lovin %are. Bnl# t(e)ost %o)pellin of reasons s(all C'stif# t(e %o'rtOs a"ardin t(e %'stod# of s'%( a %(ild toso)eone ot(er t(an (is )ot(er, s'%( as (er 'nfitness to e$er%ise sole parental a't(orit#. In t(e past t(e follo"in ro'nds (ave &een %onsidered a)ple C'stifi%ation to deprive a )ot(er of %'stod# and parental a't(orit#G nele%t, a&andon)ent, 'ne)plo#)ent and i))oralit#, (a&it'aldr'nenness, dr' addi%tion, )altreat)ent of t(e %(ild, insanit# and &ein si% "it( a%o))'ni%a&le disease.

(e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals is reversed and set aside. (e %'stod# of t(e %(ild &elons to t(e )ot(er, Nerissa Pere>.

"IR%ILIO MA5UILAN, petitioner, vs. DITA MA5UILAN, respondent=.. No. 155409. !'ne ;, 200

Facts:Petitioner and respondent are spo'ses, (avin a son. espondent and (er para)o'r "as

%onvi%ted for ad'lter#. After "(i%(, respondent filed a petition for de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae, dissol'tion and li'idation of %onC'al partners(ip of ains, and da)aes, i)p'tin ps#%(oloi%al in%apa%it# on t(e part of t(e petitioner.

261



D'rin t(e pre-trial of t(e %ase, t(e spo'ses entered into a %o)pro)ise aree)ent. (esaid aree)ent "as iven C'di%ial i)pri)at'r. o"ever, petitioner filed an B)ni&'s otion for t(e rep'diation of t(e %o)pro)ise aree)ent and t(e re%onsideration of t(e sa)e on t(e ro'ndst(at (is previo's la"#er did not intellientl# and C'di%io'sl# apprise (i) of t(e %onse'entialeffe%ts of t(e %o)pro)ise aree)ent. '%( "as denied &# t(e :.

Bn A''st 30, 2002, t(e :A dis)issed t(e petition (oldin t(at t(e %onvi%tion of t(erespondent of t(e %ri)e of ad'lter# does not ipso fa%to dis'alif# (er fro) s(arin in t(e%onC'al propert#.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e partial vol'ntar# separation of propert# &# t(e spo'ses pendin t(e

petition of n'llit# of )arriae is valid

Ruling:es. (e %o)pro)ise aree)ent partiall# divided t(e properties of t(e %onC'al

partners(ip of ains &et"een t(e parties and does not deal "it( t(e validit# of a )arriae or leal

separation. Jnder Arti%le 143 of t(e @a)il# :ode, separation of propert# )a# &e effe%tedvol'ntaril# or for s'ffi%ient %a'se, s'&Ce%t to C'di%ial approval. (e 'estioned %o)pro)isearee)ent "(i%( "as C'di%iall# approved is e$a%tl# s'%( a separation of propert# allo"ed 'nder t(e la". (is (olds tr'e even if t(e pro%eedins for t(e de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae "as still pendin.

IN RE "OLUNTAR# DISSOLUTION OF THE !ONU%AL PARTNERSHIP OF OSE0ERMAS, SR. AND PILAR MANUEL 0ERMAS, petitioners-appellants

No. L-2039. !'ne 22, 1965

Facts:Bn a# 31, 1962, t(e spo'ses !ose and Pilar 7er)asn e$e%'ted a deed entitled

Aree)ent for Dissol'tion of :onC'al Partners(ip and eparation of Propert#. '%( %ontra%t

262



pertains to t(e vol'ntar# dissol'tion of t(eir %onC'al partners(ip and t(e esta&lis()ent &et"eent(e) of t(e rei)e of separation of propert# ro'nded on Arti%le 191 of t(e %ivil %ode.

(e trial %o'rt denied t(e petition 'pon t(e ro'nd t(at, 'nder Arti%le 191 of t(e :ivil:ode, a %onC'al partners(ip s(all onl# &e dissolved on%e a leal separation (as &een ordered.

Issue:

+(et(er or not a %onC'al partners(ip )a# &e dissolved 'pon aree)ent of t(e spo'ses

Ruling:es. (e fo'rt( pararap( of Arti%le 191 of t(e :ivil :ode provides t(at t(e ('s&and and

"ife )a# aree 'pon t(e dissol'tion of t(e %onC'al partners(ip d'rin t(e )arriae, s'&Ce%t to C'di%ial approval. o"ever, in t(e %ase, t(e li'idation %annot &e effe%ted "it(o't a li'idationof t(e %onC'al partners(ip &et"een !ose 7er)as, r. and (is first "ife, in "(i%( t(e %(ildren &#first )arriae (ave an interest. (e de%ision appealed fro) is set aside and t(e %ase "asre)anded to t(e lo"er %o'rt for f'rt(er pro%eedins in %onfor)it# "it( t(is de%ision.

ALFONSO LA!SON, petitioner vs. !ARMEN SAN OSE2LA!SON and THE !OURT OFAPPEALS, respondents

No. L-234;2. A''st 30, 196;

Facts:Bn @e&r'ar# 14, 1953, Alfonso La%son and :ar)en an !ose-La%son "ere )arried. o

t(e) "ere &orn fo'r %(ildren.

263



Bn !an'ar# 9, 1963 t(e respondent spo'se left t(e %onC'al (o)e in anta :lara'&division, 7a%olod :it#, and %o))en%ed to reside in anila. (e filed on ar%( 12, 1963 a%o)plaint in t(e !'venile and Do)esti% elations :o'rt !D:< of anila for %'stod# of allt(eir %(ildren as "ell as s'pport for t(e) and (erself.

o"ever, t(e spo'ses, t(r' t(e assistan%e of t(eir respe%tive attorne#s, s'%%eeded in

rea%(in an a)i%a&le settle)ent respe%tin %'stod# of t(e %(ildren, s'pport, and separation of propert#. Bn April 2, 1963 t(e# filed a Coint petition dated April 21, 1963, to "(i%( t(e :@Irendered C'd)ent approvin and in%orporatin in toto t(eir %o)pro)ise aree)ent

Bn a# , 1963 t(e respondent spo'se filed in t(e !D: a )otion "(erein s(e alleedt(at s(e entered into and sined t(e !oint Petition as t(e onl# )eans &# "(i%( s(e %o'ld (avei))ediate %'stod# of t(e )inor %(ildren "(o are all &elo" t(e ae of , and t(ereafter pra#edt(at s(e &e %onsidered relieved of t(e aree)ent pertainin to t(e %'stod# and visitation of (er )inor %(ildren and t(at sin%e all t(e %(ildren are no" in (er %'stod#, t(e said %'stod# in (er favor &e %onfir)ed pendente lite. Bn a# 24, 1963 t(e petitioner spo'se opposed t(e said)otion and )oved to dis)iss t(e %o)plaint. (e !D:, on a# 2;, 1963, s'stained t(e petitioner spo'seOs plea of &ar &# prior C'd)ent and lis pendens, and dis)issed t(e %ase. After

t(e denial of (er )otion for re%onsideration, t(e respondent spo'se interposed an appeal to t(e:o'rt of Appeals "(erein s(e raised, a)on ot(ers, t(e iss'e of validit# or lealit# of t(e%o)pro)ise aree)ent in %onne%tion onl# "it( t(e %'stod# of t(eir )inor %(ildren. Bn B%to&er 14, 1964 t(e :o'rt of Appeals %ertified t(e said appeal to t(e 'pre)e :o'rt, sin%e no (earinon t(e fa%ts "as ever (eld in t(e %o'rt &elo" no eviden%e, testi)onial or do%')entar#, presented-onl# a 'estion of la" pendin resol'tion in t(e appeal.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e %o)pro)ise aree)ent entered into &# t(e parties and t(e C'd)ent

of :@I ro'nded on t(e said aree)ent, are %onfor)a&le to la"

Ruling:It is valid "it( respe%t to t(e separation of propert# of t(e spo'ses and t(e dissol'tion of

t(e %onC'al partners(ip. It is not (o"ever, "it(in t(e provin%e of t(e %o'rt to atte)pt to %o)pelone of t(e spo'ses to %o(a&it, andrender %onC'al ri(ts to t(e ot(er.

(e order dated April 2, 1963 of t(e :@I, in so far as it a"arded %'stod# of t(e t"oolder %(ildren "(o "ere 6 and 5 #ears old, respe%tivel#, to t(e fat(er, in effe%t so'(t to separatet(e) fro) t(eir )ot(er. o t(at e$tent t(erefore, it "as n'll and void &e%a'se it is %learl#violative of arti%le 363 of t(e :ivil :ode.

MAR%ARET, FLOREN!E, AND LU!ILLE MA$E#, petitioners vs. !OURT OFAPPEALS AND SPOUSES 0EATO MA!A#RA AND ALA!OPUE MONDA#, respondents

No. L-45;0. a# 11, 19;4

Facts:

264



el&o'rne a$e# and eina orales "ere 'nited toet(er in a )arriae perfor)ed in a)ilitar# fas(ion in 1903. D'rin t(eir %o(a&itation, t(e# (ad si$ %(ildren. (e disp'ted propert#involvin a par%el of land "as a%'ired in 1911 &efore t(e %('r%( "eddin in 1919.

eina orales died so)eti)e after t(eir )arriae in 1919. (e ('s&and re)arried !'liaPa)atl'an "(o sold t(e properties 'sin a po"er of attorne# to spo'ses, r. and rs. 7eato :.

a%ar#a.Plaintiffs instit'ted t(e present %ase on !an'ar# 26, 1962, &efore t(e :o'rt of @irstInstan%e of Davao, pra#in for t(e ann'l)ent of t(e do%')ents of sale %overin t(e s'&Ce%t par%els of land and to re%over possession t(ereof "it( da)aes fro) t(e (erein defendantspo'ses, allein t(at t(e realties "ere %o))on properties of t(eir parents, (avin &een a%'iredd'rin t(eir lifeti)e and t(ro'( t(eir Coint effort and %apital and t(at t(e sales of t(e said landsin favor of t(e defendant spo'ses in 1953, after t(e deat( of t(eir )ot(er, eina orales, "ase$e%'ted &# t(eir fat(er, el&o'rne a$e#, "it(o't t(eir no"lede and %onsent and t(at t(e#%a)e to no" of t(e a&ove-)entioned sales onl# in 1961.

Bn t(e ot(er (and, defendant-spo'ses den# t(e )aterial alleations of t(e %o)plaint andassert &# "a# of affir)ative defenses t(at t(e# are t(e tr'e and la"f'l o"ners and possessors of

t(e properties in 'estion (avin p'r%(ased t(e sa)e in ood fait( and t(at sin%e t(en, t(e# (ave &een in possession t(ereof openl#, e$%l'sivel# and %ontin'o'sl# in %on%ept of o"ners.

Issue:

+(et(er or not t(e properties in 'estion are t(e e$%l'sive properties of t(e lateel&o'rne a$e#, to t(e e$%l'sion of (is "ife eina orales.

Ruling: No. +(ere a )an and "o)an lived as %o))on-la" partners in 1903, ot )arried in

1919, and after t(e deat( of t(e "o)an in 1919, t(e s'rvivin spo'se sold a par%el of landa%'ired &efore t(e# ot leall# )arried, arti%le 144 of t(e ne" %ivil %ode applies and t(eir %(ildren entitled to re%over Q fro) t(e vendee.

(e disp'ted properties "ere o"ned in %o))on &# el&o'rne a$e# and t(e estate of (is late "ife, eina orales, "(en t(e# "ere sold. e%(ni%all# speain, t(e petitioners s(o'ldret'rn one-(alf of t(e P1, 300.00 p'r%(ase pri%e of t(e land "(ile t(e private respondents s(o'ld pa# so)e for) of rentals for t(eir 'se of one-(alf of t(e properties. F'ita&le %onsiderations,(o"ever, lead 's to r'le o't rentals on one (and and ret'rn of P650.00 on t(e ot(er

FRAN!IS!O %ONZALES, petitioner, vs. ERMINDA %ONZALES, respondent=.. No. 159521. De%e)&er 16, 2005

Facts:After t"o #ears of %o(a&itation, @ran%is%o and Fr)inda ot )arried on @e&r'ar# 4, 199.

(e# &eot fo'r %(ildren fro) t(e said 'nion. Bn B%to&er 29, 1992, respondent filed a %o)plaint

265



for ann'l)ent of t(eir )arriae on t(e ro'nd t(at petitioner is ps#%(oloi%all# in%apa%itated to%o)pl# "it( (is )arital o&liations. oreover, s(e pra#s for t(e dissol'tion of t(e %onC'al partners(ip of ains.

Bn @e&r'ar# 12, 199, t(e trial %o'rt r'led in favor of respondent. (e petitioner appealed to t(e :o'rt of Appeals, not satisfied "it( t(e )anner t(eir properties "ere divided. e

did not %ontest t(e de%ision de%larin (is )arriae to respondent void a& initio.(e appellate %o'rt affir)ed t(e de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e :A erred in r'lin t(at t(e properties s(o'ld &e divided e'all#

&et"een t(e parties

Ruling: No. t(eir propert# relations s(all &e overned &# Arti%le 14 of t(e @a)il# :ode "(i%(

%reates a pres')ption t(at properties a%'ired d'rin t(e %o(a&itation of t(e parties 'nder a void)arriae, (ave &een a%'ired t(ro'( t(eir Coint efforts "or or ind'str# s(all &e o"ned &#

t(e) in e'al s(ares. It f'rt(er provides t(at a part# "(o did not parti%ipate in t(e a%'isition &#t(e ot(er part# of an# propert# s(all &e dee)ed to (ave %ontri&'ted Cointl# in t(e a%'isition if t(e for)er8s efforts %onsisted in t(e %are and )aintenan%e of t(e fa)il# and of t(e (o'se(old.

FLORDELIZA !ALPATURA FLORA, DOMINADOR !ALPATURA, and TOMAS!ALPATURA, R., >ei-s &@ TOMAS !ALPATURA, SR., petitioners, vs. RO0ERTO,ERLINDA, DANIEL, %LORIA, PATRI!IO, R., EDNA, and NAR!ISA PRADO,

respondents=.. No. 156;9. !an'ar# 20, 2004

266



Facts:After t(e deat( of Patri%io Prado, r., Nar%isa s'&se'entl# )arried 7onifa%io

:alapat'ra. In order to s'pport (er )inor %(ildren "it( (er first ('s&and, Nar%isa and (er &rot(er-in-la", o)as :alapat'ra, r., e$%'ted on April 26, 196; an Aree)ent of P'r%(ase andale "(ere&# t(e for)er areed to sell to t(e latter t(e nort(ern (alf portion of t(e propert#.

Nar%isa e$e%'ted a Deed of A&sol'te ale in favor of o)as over t(e said propert#. In 196,o)as8 da'(ter, @lordeli>a :alpat'ra @lora, &'ilt a t"o-store# d'ple$ on t(e nort(ern part (alf portion of t(e propert#. Lie"ise, a$i)o :alpat'ra, son of o)as8 %o'sin, &'ilt a s)all (o'seon t(e nort(ern portion of t(epropert#.

Bn April ;, 1991, respondents filed a %o)plaint for de%laration of n'llit# of sale anddeliver# of possession of t(e nort(ern (alf portion of t(e s'&Ce%t propert#.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e s'&Ce%t propert# %onC'al or parap(ernal

Ruling:

Arti%le 160 of t(e :ivil :ode, "(i%( "as in effe%t at t(e ti)e t(e sale "as entered into, provides t(at all propert# of t(e )arriae is pres')ed to &elon to t(e %onC'al partners(ip'nless it is proved t(at it pertains e$%l'sivel# to t(e ('s&and or to t(e "ife. In t(e %ase, "(ile Nar%isa testified t(at s(e &o'(t t(e propert# "it( (er o"n f'nds, s(e, (o"ever, ad)itted in t(e%ontra%t t(at t(e propert# "as (er %onC'al s(are "it( (er first ('s&and. A ver&al assertion t(ats(e &o'(t t(e land "it( (er o"n f'nds is inad)issi&le to 'alif# t(e ter)s of a "rittenaree)ent 'nder t(e parole eviden%e r'le.

ELENA MER!ADO2FEHR , petitioner, vs. 0RUNO FEHR , respondent=.. No. 15216. B%to&er 23, 2003

Facts:

26



(e )arriae &et"een petitioner and respondent "as de%lared n'll and void a& initio &#t(e trial %o'rt 'nder Arti%le 36 of t(e @a)il# :ode and ordered t(e dissol'tion of t(eir %onC'al partners(ip of propert#.

Bn B%to&er 5, 2000, t(e trial %o'rt (eld t(at sin%e t(e )arriae &et"een petitioner andrespondent "as de%lared void a& initio, t(e r'les on %o-o"ners(ip s(o'ld appl# in t(e li'idation

and partition of t(e properties t(e# o"n in %o))on p'rs'ant to Arti%le 14 of t(e @a)il# :ode.Jpon appeal to t(e :o'rt of Appeals, petitioner8s )otion "as dis)issed for la% of )erit.

Issue:+(et(er or not Arti%le 14 of t(e @a)il# :ode applies in t(e dissol'tion of t(eir

properties

Ruling:es. All t(e ele)ents re'ired in Arti%le 14 are present in t(e %ase at &ar. :onsiderin,

(o"ever, t(e )erits of t(e %ase, t(e :o'rt &elieves t(at a &lind ad(eren%e to t(e eneral r'le "illres'lt in )is%arriae of C'sti%e as it "ill divest t(e petitioner of (er C'st s(are in t(eir %o))on

propert#, and t('s, deprive (er of a sinifi%ant so'r%e of in%o)e to s'pport t(eir %(ildren "(o)t(e %o'rt (ad entr'sted to (er %are. (e :o'rt (eld t(at "(ere a riid appli%ation of t(e r'le t(at%ertiorari %annot &e s'&stit'te for appeal "ill res'lt in a )anifest fail're of C'sti%e, t(e provisionsof t(e 'les of :o'rt "(i%( are te%(ni%al r'les )a# &e rela$ed.

SUSAN NI!DAO !ARINO, petitioner, vs. SUSAN #EE !ARINO, respondent=.. No. 132529. @e&r'ar# 2, 2001

Facts:

26;



D'rin t(e lifeti)e of t(e late PB4 antiao . :ariXo, (e %ontra%ted t"o )arriaes, t(efirst "as "it( petitioner 'san Ni%dao :arino and t(e se%ond "as "it( respondent 'san ee:ariXo.

In 19;;, PB4 antiao . :ariXo &e%a)e ill and &edridden d'e to dia&etes %o)pli%ated &# p'l)onar# t'&er%'losis. e passed a"a# 'nder t(e %are of 'san ee, "(o spent for (is

)edi%al and &'rial e$penses. 7ot( petitioner and respondent filed %lai)s for )onetar# &enefitsand finan%ial assistan%e pertainin to t(e de%eased fro) vario's overn)ent aen%ies. Petitioner 'san Ni%dao "as a&le to %olle%t a total of P146,000.00 "(ile respondent 'san ee re%eived atotal of P21,000.00. Bn De%e)&er 14, 1993, respondent 'san ee filed t(e instant %ase for %olle%tion of s') of )one# aainst petitioner 'san Ni%dao pra#in, inter alia, t(at petitioner &eordered to ret'rn to (er at least one-(alf of t(e one ('ndred fort#-si$ t(o'sand pesosP146,000.00< %olle%tivel# deno)inated as *deat( &enefits/ "(i%( t(e petitioner re%eived.

espondent 'san ee ad)itted t(at (er )arriae to t(e de%eased too pla%e d'rin t(es'&sisten%e of, and "it(o't first o&tainin a C'di%ial de%laration of n'llit# of, t(e )arriae &et"een petitioner and t(e de%eased. (e, (o"ever, %lai)ed t(at s(e (ad no no"lede of t(e previo's )arriae and t(at s(e &e%a)e a"are of it onl# at t(e f'neral of t(e de%eased, "(ere s(e

)et petitioner "(o introd'%ed (erself as t(e "ife of t(e de%eased. o &olster (er a%tion for %olle%tion of s') of )one#, respondent %ontended t(at t(e )arriae of petitioner and t(ede%eased is void a& initio &e%a'se t(e sa)e "as sole)ni>ed "it(o't t(e re'ired )arriaeli%ense.

ISSUE:+(et(er or not 'san ee :arino s(o'ld &e entitled to one (alf of t(e &enefits re%eived

&# 'san Ni%dao :arino

HELD:in%e t(e t"o )arriaes are void a& initio, t(e appli%a&le propert# rei)e "o'ld not &e

a&sol'te or %onC'al partners(ip of propert#, &'t rat(er, &e overned &# t(e provisions of Arti%le14 and 14; of t(e @a)il# :ode on *Propert# ei)e of Jnions +it(o't arriae./ In t(is propert# rei)e, t(e properties a%'ired &# t(e parties t(ro'( t(eir a%t'al Coint %ontri&'tions(all &elon to t(e %o-o"ners(ip. +aes and salaries earned &# ea%( part# &elon to (i) or (er e$%l'sivel#. (en too, %ontri&'tions in t(e for) of %are of t(e (o)e, %(ildren, and (o'se(old, ar e$%l'ded in t(is rei)e.

Bne-(alf of t(e s'&Ce%t *deat( &enefits/ 'nder s%r'tin# s(all o to t(e petitioner as (er s(are in t(e propert# rei)e, and t(e ot(er (alf to t(e de%eased leal (eirs, (is %(ildren "it('san Ni%dao.

ANTONIO "ALDES, petitioner, vs. RT!, 0R. '( 5.!. AND !ONSUELO %OMEZ2"ALDES, respondents

=.. No. 12249. !'l# 31, 1996

Facts:

269



Antonio aldes and :ons'elo =o)e> "ere )arried on !an'ar# 5, 191. 7eotten d'rint(eir )arriae "ere five %(ildren. In a petition dated !'ne 22, 1992, aldes so'(t t(e de%larationof n'llit# of t(e )arriae p'rs'ant to arti%le 36 of t(e @a)il# :ode. After (earin t(e partiesfollo"in t(e Coinder of iss'es, t(e )arriae of Antonio aldes and :ons'elo =o)e> is de%laredn'll and void 'nder Art. 36 of t(e @a)il# :ode, on t(e ro'nd of t(eir )'t'al Ps#%(oloi%al

In%apa%it# to %o)pl# "it( t(eir essential )arital o&liations. (e t(ree older %(ildren s(all%(oose "(i%( parent t(e# "o'ld "ant to sta# "it(, t(e #o'ner %(ildren s(all &e pla%ed in t(e%'stod# of t(eir )ot(er. (e petitioner and respondent are dire%ted to start pro%eedins on t(eli'idation of t(eir %o))on properties.

:ons'elo =o)e> so'(t a %larifi%ation on t(at portion dire%tin %o)plian%e "it( Art. 50,51 and 52 of t(e @a)il# :ode. (e asserted t(at t(e @a)il# :ode %ontained no provisions on t(e pro%ed're for t(e li'idation of %o))on propert# in *'nions "it(o't )arriae./ Parent(eti%all#,d'rin t(e (earin on t(e )otion, t(e %(ildren filed a Coint affidavit e$pressin t(eir desire tore)ain "it( t(eir fat(er Antonio aldes.

Issue:

+(et(er t(e trial %o'rt failed to appl# t(e %orre%t la" t(at s(o'ld overn t(e dispositionof a fa)il# d"ellin in a sit'ation "(erein a )arriae is de%lared n'll and n'll and void &e%a'seof Ps#%(oloi%al In%apa%it# on t(e part of eit(er or &ot( parties to t(e %ontra%t.

Ruling:(e trial %o'rt %orre%tl# applied t(e la". In a void )arriae, reardless of %a'se t(ereof,

t(e propert# relation of t(e parties d'rin t(e period of %o(a&itation is overned &# t(e provisions of Art. 13 or 14;.

An# propert# a%'ired d'rin t(e 'nion is pri)a fa%ie pres')ed to (ave o&tained t(ro'(t(eir Coint efforts.

(e r'les set 'p to overn li'idation of eit(er t(e a&sol'te %o))'nit# or t(e %onC'al partners(ip of ains, t(e propert# rei)es re%oni>ed for valid and vioda&le )arriaes areirrelevant to t(e li'idation of t(e %o-o"ners(ip t(at e$ist &et"een %o))on-la" spo'ses.

EUSTA5UIO MALLILIN, R., petitioner, vs. MA. EL"IRA !ASTILLO, respondent=.. No. 136;03. !'ne 16, 2000

20



Facts:Petitioner, F'sta'io allilin !r. and respondent a. Flvira :astillo "ere &ot( )arried

and "it( %(ildren &'t are separated fro) t(eir respe%tive spo'ses, t(e# %o(a&ited "(ile t(eir respe%tive )arriaes still s'&sisted. Petitioner and respondent a%'ired real and personal properties "(i%( "ere reistered solel# in respondent8s na)e. 7't d'e to irre%on%ila&le

differen%es t(e %o'ple separated. Petitioner t(e de)anded (is s(are in t(e s'&Ce%t properties &'trespondent ref'sed.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e parties &e %onsidered as %o-o"ners of t(e properties %onsiderin t(e

present stat's of t(e parties as &ot( )arried and in%apa&le of )arr#in ea%( ot(er even ass')int(at t(e# lived toet(er as ('s&and and "ife.

Ruling:(e @a)il# :ode Provides t(at a %o-o"ners(ip e$ists &et"een a )an and a "o)an "(o

live toet(er as ('s&and and "ife "it(o't t(e &enefit of )arriae, lie"ise provides t(at if t(e

parties are in%apa%itated to )arr# ea%( ot(er, properties a%'ired &# t(e) t(ro'( t(eir Coint%ontri&'tion of )one#, propert# or ind'str# s(all &e o"ned &# t(e) in %o))on in proportion tot(eir %ontri&'tions "(i%(, in t(e a&sen%e of proof to %ontrar#, is pres')ed to &e e'al. (ere ist('s %o-o"ners(ip even if t(e parties are in%apa%itated to )arr#.

%UILLERMA TUMLOS, petitioner, vs. SPOUSES MARIO FERNANDEZ and LOURDESFERNANDEZ, respondents

21



=.. No. 13650. April 12, 2000

Facts:erein respondents "ere t(e plaintiffs in a :ivil :ase, an a%tion for eCe%t)ent filed &efore

t(e : of alen>'ela, etro anila aainst ='iller)a ')los, oto ')los, and =ina

')los. In t(eir %o)plaint dated !'l# 5, 1996.Petitioner ='iller)a ')los "as t(e onl# one "(o filed an ans"er to t(e %o)plaint. (eaverred t(erein t(at t(e @ernande> spo'ses (ad no %a'se of a%tion aainst (er, sin%e s(e is a %o-o"ner of t(e s'&Ce%t pre)ises as eviden%ed &# a :ontra%t to ell "(erein it "as stated t(at s(e isa %o-vendee of t(e propert# in 'estion toet(er "it( respondent ario @ernande>. (e t(enased for t(e dis)issal of t(e %o)plaint.

After an 'nfr'itf'l preli)inar# %onferen%e on Nove)&er 15, 1996, t(e : re'ired t(e parties to s'&)it t(eir affidavits and ot(er eviden%e on t(e fa%t'al iss'es defined in t(eir pleadins "it(in ten da#s fro) re%eipt of s'%( order, p'rs'ant to se%tion 9 of t(e evised 'leon '))ar# Pro%ed're. ='iller)a ')los s'&)itted (er affidavitposition paper on Nove)&er 29, 1996, "(ile t(e respondents filed t(eir position paper on De%e)&er 5, 1996, atta%(in t(ereto

t(eir )arriae %ontra%t, letters of de)and to t(e defendants, and t(e :ontra%t to ell over t(edisp'ted propert#.

Issue:

+(et(er or not t(e %lai) of %o-o"ners(ip &# ='iller)a ')los valid.

Ruling:PetitionerOs %entral t(eor# and )ain defense aainst respondentsO a%tion for eCe%t)ent is

(er %lai) of %o-o"ners(ip over t(e propert# "it( respondent ario @ernande>. At t(e firstinstan%e &efore t(e :, s(e presented a :ontra%t to ell indi%atin t(at s(e "as (is spo'se. (e: fo'nd t(is do%')ent ins'ffi%ient to s'pport (er %lai). (e :, (o"ever, after %onsiderin (er alleation t(at s(e (ad &een %o(a&itin "it( ario @ernande> as s(o"n &#eviden%e presented &efore it, r'led in (er favor.

Bn t(e ot(er (and, t(e :A (eld t(at t(e pie%es of eviden%e add'%ed &efore t(e : %o'ldno loner &e %onsidered &e%a'se t(e# (ad not &een s'&)itted &efore t(e :. en%e, t(eappellate %o'rt %on%l'ded t(at t(e %lai) of %o-o"ners(ip "as not satisfa%toril# proven.

Jnder Arti%le 14; of t(e @a)il# :ode, a )an and "o)an "(o are not leall# %apa%itatedto )arr# ea%( ot(er, &'t "(o nonet(eless live toet(er %onC'all#, )a# &e dee)ed %o-o"ners of a propert# a%'ired d'rin t(e %o(a&itation onl# 'pon proof t(at ea%( )ade an a%t'al%ontri&'tion to its a%'isition. en%e, )ere %o(a&itation "it(o't proof of %ontri&'tion "ill notres'lt in a %o-o"ners(ip.

NEN% MALAN%, petitioner, vs. HON. !ORO!O# MOSON et. al., respondents=.. No. 119064. A''st 22, 2000

22



@a%tsG(e appli%a&ilit# of t(e re'lar r'les of pro%ed're and %ase la" in t(is C'risdi%tion. to

%ivil %ases &efore t(e Distri%t (ariOa :o'rts is t(e iss'e in t(is petition.Bn Nove)&er 14, 19;;, petitioner-spo'ses filed a %o)plaint aainst private respondents

for S'ietin of itle to Propert#, Ann'l)ent of Briinal :ertifi%ates of itle Nos. P-122 and P-

13;, and Da)aes, +it( Appli%ation for +rit of Preli)inar# InC'n%tion "it( t(e (ariOa Distri%t:o'rt, 6t( (ariOs Distri%t at :ota&ato :it#, P'&li% respondent eister of Deeds of t(e sa)e %it#"as i)pleaded as a no)inal part#. Private respondents filed t(eir ans"er dated De%e)&er 1,19;;.

(e %ase "as set for trial on t(e )erits on a# 22, 19;9 &'t it "as postponed at t(einstan%e of private respondents. Bt(er settins "ere postponed for one reason or anot(er.o"ever, on !'l# 4, 19;9, private respondents filed a pleadin desinated as A)plifi%ation of Affir)ative or pe%ial Defenses "it( Pra#er for Dis)issal of :o)plaint on t(e =ro'nd of La% of !'risdi%tion. Bn t(e &asis t(ereof, t(e trial %o'rt iss'ed an order on Nove)&er , 19;9dis)issin t(e %o)plaint.

Issue: +(et(er or not t(e :ivil :ode s(all overn t(e propert# relations of 'sli) arriaes%ele&rated &efore t(e 'sli) :ode

Ruling:es. in%e it is t(e :ivil :ode "(i%( deter)ines t(e validit# of t(e )arriaes %ontra%ted

&efore P.D. 10;3, it is t(e sa)e %ode t(at deter)ines and overns t(e propert# relations of t(e)arriaes, for t(e reason t(at at t(e ti)e of t(e %ele&ration of t(e )arriaes in 'estion, t(e :ivil:ode "as t(e onl# la" on )arriae relations, in%l'din propert# relations &et"een spo'ses,"(et(er 'sli) or non-'sli).

OSEFINA FRAN!IS!O, petitioner, vs. MASTER IRON 7OR1S AND!ONSTRU!TION !ORPORATION an3 RO0ERTO ALEO, respondents

=.. No. 15196. @e&r'ar# 16, 2005

23



Facts:Bn A''st 31, 19;4, t(e I)'s 'ral 7an, In%. e$e%'ted a deed of a&sol'te sale in favor

of !osefina :astillo @ran%is%o, )arried to Fd'ardo @ran%is%o, %overin t"o par%els of residentialland "it( a (o'se t(ereon. Bn @e&r'ar# 15, 19;5, t(e eister of Deeds )ade a re%ord entr# of

an Affidavit of +aiver e$e%'ted &# Fd'ardo "(ere (e "aived "(atever %lai)s (e (ad over t(e propert#. Bn !'ne 11, 1990, Fd'ardo &o'(t ,500 &as of %e)ent fro) aster Iron +ors and:onstr'%tion :orporation I+::< &'t failed to pa# for t(e sa)e. Bn Nove)&er 2, 1990,I+:: filed a %o)plaint aainst (i) and "as r'le &# t(e trial %o'rt in favor of t(e respondent.(eriff o&erto AleCo in%l'ded t(e par%els of land )entioned earlier at a p'&li% a'%tion for t(ere%over# of t(e &alan%e of t(e a)o'nt d'e.

Bn !'l# 3, 1994, !osefina e$e%'ted an Affidavit of (ird Part# :lai) over t(e t"o par%elsof land in "(i%( s(e %lai)ed t(at t(e# "ere (er parap(ernal propert#, and t(at (er ('s&and (adno propriet# ri(t or interest over t(e) as eviden%ed &# (is affidavit of "aiver.

(e trial %o'rt r'led in favor of !osefina. o"ever, t(e :A reversed t(e de%ision of t(e:.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e s'&Ce%t propert# is t(e %onC'al propert# of !osefina :astillo and

Fd'ardo @ran%is%o

Ruling: No. (e petitioner failed to prove t(at s(e a%'ired t(e propert# "it( (er personal f'nds

&efore t(e %o(a&itation "it( Fd'ardo and t(at s(e is t(e sole o"ner of t(e propert#. (e petitioner failed to add'%e preponderan%e of eviden%e t(at s(e %ontri&'ted )one#, propert#, or ind'str# in t(e a%'isition of t(e s'&Ce%t propert# and (en%e, is not a %o-o"ner of t(e propert#.Petiitioner ad)itted t(at "(en s(e and Fd'ardo %o(a&ited, t(e latter "as in%apa%itated to )arr#(er. in%e t(e s'&Ce%t propert# "as a%'ired d'rin t(e s'&sisten%e of t(e )arriae of Fd'ardoand :ar)elita, t(e sa)e s(o'ld &e pres')ed to &e t(e %onC'al propert# of Fd'ardo and:ar)elita.

MILA%ROS OA5UINO a..a. MILA%ROS RE#ES, petitioner, vs. LOURDES,MER!EDES, MANUEL, MIRIAM, AND RODOLFO, R .-all s'rna)ed RE#ES,

respondents

24



=.. No. 154645. !'l# 13, 2004

Facts:espondent Lo'rdes e#es "as leall# )arried to odolfo e#es on !an'ar# 3, 194 in

"(i%( t(e# (ad fo'r %(ildren. At t(e ti)e of t(e deat( of odolfo, (e "as livin "it( (is

%o))on-la" "ife "it( "(o) t(e# &eot t(ree %(ildren. D'rin t(e %o))on-la" relations(ip of odolfo and ilaros, t(e# de%ided to &'# a (o'se and lot in "(i%( a Deed of A&sol'te ale "ase$e%'ted in favor of ilaros.

Petitioner, in order to se%'re finan%es "it( "(i%( to pa# t(e p'r%(ase pri%e, e$e%'ted ape%ial Po"er of Attorne# in favor of odolfo, as attorne#-in-fa%t to se%'re a loan. (e loan "as pa#a&le for ten #ears. After t(e deat( of odolfo, t(e &alan%e "as f'll# paid &# t(e P(ila) LifeIns'ran%e :o. as ins'rer of t(e de%eased.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e salaries and earnins of odolfo, "(i%( "ere (is and Lo'rdes8

%onC'al f'ns, paid for t(e loan and, (en%e, t(e disp'ted propert# "as %onC'al

Ruling:es. Jnder Arti%le 145 of t(e :ivil :ode, a %onC'al partners(ip of ains is %reated 'pon

)arriae and lasts 'ntil t(e leal 'nion is dissolved &# deat(, ann'l)ent, leal separation, or C'di%ial separation of propert#. Bn t(e ot(er (and, Arti%le 144 of t(e :ivil :ode )andates a %o-o"ners(ip &et"een a )an and a "o)an not leall# )arried provided t(at t(e %o'ple )'st not &ein%apa%itated to %ontra%t )arriae.

Arti%le 14; of t(e @a)il# :ode lie"ise finds appli%ation to t(e %ase at &ar, t('s, "(en a%o))on-la" %o'ple (ave leal i)pedi)ent to )arriae, onl# t(e propert# a%'ired &# t(e)Y t(ro'( t(eir a%t'al Coint %ontri&'tion of )one#, propert#, or ind'str#Ys(all &e o"ned &# t(e)in %o))on and in proportion to t(eir respe%tive %ontri&'tions.

espondents (ave s(o"n t(at t(e propert# "as &o'(t d'rin t(e )arriae of odolfoand Lo'rdes, a fa%t t(at ives rise to t(e pres')ption t(at it is %onC'al. Also, t(e# (aveesta&lis(ed t(at t(e pro%eeds of t(e loan o&tained &# odolfo "ere 'sed to pa# for t(e propert#.

A!INTO SA%UID, petitioner, vs. HON. !OURT OF APPEALS, THE RE%IONALTRIAL !OURT, MARINDU5UE, and %INA RE#, respondents

=.. No. 150611. !'ne 10, 2003

25



Facts:eventeen-#ear old =ina e# "as )arried, &'t separated de fa%to fro) (er ('s&and,

"(en s(e )et petitioner !a%into a'id so)eti)e in !'l# 19;. After a &rief %o'rts(ip, t(e#de%ided to %o(a&it as ('s&and and "ife. +(en (er relations(ip "it( !a%into8s relatives t'rned

so'r, s(e de%ided to "or as an entertainer in !apan. In 1996, t(e %o'ple de%ided to separate andend t(eir 9-#ear %o(a&itation.Bn !an'ar# 9, 199, respondent filed a %o)plaint for partition and re%over# of personal

propert# "it( re%eivers(ip aainst petitioner, allein t(at s(e "as a&le to %ontri&'te P0,000.00in t(e %o)pletion of t(eir 'nfinis(ed (o'se fro) (er salar# as entertainer in !apan. Also, s(e "asa&le to a%'ire and a%%')'late applian%es, pie%es of f'rnit're, and (o'se(old effe%ts. (e pra#edt(at s(e &e de%lared t(e sole o"ner of t(ese personal properties and t(at t(e a)o'nt of P0,000.00 &e rei)&'rsed to (er.

Issue:+(et(er or not Arti%le 14; of t(e @a)il# :ode applies alt(o'( t(e ad'ltero's

%o(a&itation %o))en%ed prior to t(e effe%tivit# of t(e sa)e %ode

Ruling:es. In t(e iss'e of %o-o"ners(ip of properties a%'ired &# parties to a &ia)o's

)arriae and ad'ltero's relations(ip, a proof of a%t'al %ontri&'tion in t(e a%'isition of t(e propert# is essential. In t(e %ase at &ar, alt(o'( t(e ad'ltero's %o(a&itation of t(e parties%o))en%ed in 19;, "(i%( is &efore t(e date of t(e effe%tivit# of t(e @a)il# :ode on 19;;,Arti%le 14; applies &e%a'se t(is provision "as intended pre%isel# to fill 'p t(e (iat's in Arti%le144 of t(e :ivil :ode. espondent =ina e# is de%lared %o-o"ner of petitioner !a%into in t(e%ontroverted (o'se and personal properties. Petitioner is ordered to rei)&'rse t(e re'ireda)o'nt as deter)ined &# t(e :o'rt.

TSHIATE U# and RAMON U#, petitioners, vs. THE !OURT OF APPEALS, NATI"IDAD!ALAUNAN2U#, and THE ESTATE OF MENILO U#, respondents

=.. No. 10226. a# 2, 1994

26



Facts:espondent Natividad "as t(e %o))on-la" "ife of t(e late enilo J#, r. for a&o't

t(irt#-si$ #ears. (eir 'nion &ore fo'r %(ildren. After t(e deat( of enilo, r., petitionersinitiated a spe%ial pro%eedin entitled, *In t(e atter of t(e Petition for Letters of Ad)inistration

of t(e Fstate of enilo J#, r./ espondent filed a %ivil %ase for *Partition of Properties Jnder :o-o"ners(ip,/ aainst t(e estate of enilo, r.(e parties, 'pon t(e s'estion of t(e :, s'&)ittes a :o)pro)ise Aree)ent. Bn

April 24, 1991, a C'd)ent "as rendered &ased on s'%( %o)pro)ise. Petitioner s(iate filed ano)ni&'s )otion allein t(at &# virt'e of on Kon )arriae, s(e "as t(e s'rvivin lealspo'se of enilo, r. Petitioners %ontended t(at t(e %o)pro)ise "as a patent n'llit#.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e a%tion for partition of propert# on alleed %o-o"ners(ip in t(e %ase at

&ar &e overned &# Arti%les 14 and 14; of t(e @a)il# :ode

Ruling:es. (e a%tion for partition is predi%ated on an alleed %o-o"ners(ip &et"een privaterespondent Natividad and de%eased enilo, r. of propert# evidentl# a%'ired d'rin t(e periodof t(eir %o))on-la" relations(ip. (e overnin provisions, appli%a&le to t(eir %ase, are no"fo'nd in Arti%les 14 and 14; of t(e @a)il# :ode, %onsiderin t(at enilo, r. died onepte)&er 2, 1990, "ell after t(e effe%tivit# of F$e%'tive Brder No. 209 or t(e @a)il# :ode of t(e P(ilippines on A''st 3, 19;;.

OSEPHINE 0EL!ODERA, petitioner, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS, ET. AL., respondents=.. No. ;966. B%to&er 20, 1993

2



Facts:Ala#o D. 7'sin )arried !'liana Bda# on 2 !'l# 192, "it( "(o) (e (ad t(ree

%(ildren, na)el#, @lora, eresita, and =aido. In 1946, (e left t(e %onC'al (o)e, and (e fort("it(started to live instead "it( !osefa ivera "it( "(o) (e later &eot one %(ild, na)ed !osep(ine7osin, no" !osep(ine 7el%odero.

Bn 23 A''st 1949, Ala#o p'r%(ased a par%el of land on install)ent &asis fro) t(eadalena Fstate, In%. In t(e deed, (e indi%ated (is %ivil stat's as )arried to !osefa . 7osin,t(e %o))on-la" "ife. In a letter, dated 06 D%to&er 1959, "(i%( (e addressed to adalenaFstate, In%., (e a't(ori>ed t(e latter to transfer t(e lot in t(e na)e of (is "ife !osefa . 7osin.(e final deed of sale "as e$e%'ted &# adalena Fstate, In%., on 24 B%to&er 1959. ransfer :ertifi%ate of itle No. 4;90 "as iss'ed in t(e na)e of !osefa . osin, )arried to Ala#o7osin, Bn 6 !'ne 195;, Ala#o )arried !osefa even "(ile (is prior )arriae "it( !'liana "asstill s'&sistin. Ala#o died on 11 ar%( 196. A&o't t(ree #ears later, or on 1 epte)&er 190,!osefa and !osep(ine e$e%'ted a do%')ent of e$traC'di%ial partition and sale of t(e lot in'estion, "(i%( "as t(ere des%ri&ed as %onC'al propert# of !osefa and t(e de%eased Ala#o.(e noti%e of e$traC'di%ial partition "as p'&lis(ed on 04, 05 and 06 Nove)&er 190 in t(e

Fvenin Post t(e in(eritan%e and estate ta$es "ere paid and a ne" ransfer :ertifi%ate of itle No. 19;;40 "as iss'ed on 06 !'ne 194 in t(e na)e of !osep(ine.Bn 30 B%to&er 19;0, !'liana and (er t(ree leiti)ate %(ildren filed "it( t(e %o'rt a 'o

an a%tion for re%onve#an%e of t(e propert#. Bn t(e &asis of t(e a&ove fa%ts, t(e trial %o'rt r'led infavor of t(e plaintiffs, and it ordered t(at !osep(ine 7osin e$e%'te a deed of re%onve#an%e of t(e propert# in 'estion to t(e leal (eirs of t(e de%eased Ala#o D. 7osin, and t(at &ot(defendants pa#, Cointl# and severall#, a%t'al da)aes &# "a# of attorne#Os fees and e$penses inlitiation.

Issue:+(et(er t(e propert# in 'estion "as a%'ired &# Ala#o in 1949 "(en an aree)ent for

its p'r%(ase on install)ent &asis "as entered into &et"een (i) and adalena Fstate, In%., or in1959 "(en a deed of sale "as finall# e$e%'ted &# adalena Fstate, In%., t(e leal res'lts "o'ld &e t(e sa)e.

Ruling:es. (e propert# re)ained as &elonin to t(e %onC'al partners(ip of Ala#o and (is

leiti)ate "ife !'liana. Jnder &ot( t(e ne" :ivil :ode Arti%le 160< and t(e old :ivil :odeArti%le 140<, all propert# of t(e )arriae is pres')ed to &elon to t(e %onC'al partners(ip'nless it &e proved t(at it pertains e$%l'sivel# to t(e ('s&and or to t(e "ife./

(e appli%a&le pres%riptive period for an a%tion seein a re%onve#an%e of t(e properties &# t(e &enefi%iaries is ten #ears Arti%le 1144, %ivil %ode<. (e %ase (as &een initiated seasona&l#.

"I!TOR UANIZA, eirs of !osefa Le's, et%., et al. plaintiffs and appellees, vs. EU%ENIOOSE, THE E!ONOMI! INSURAN!E !OMPAN#, IN!., AND ROSALIA ARRO#O,

defendants and appellants

2;



Facts:F'enio "as t(e reistered o"ner and operator of a passener Ceepne# involved in an

a%%ident of %ollision "it( a frei(t train of t(e P(ilippine National ail"a#s "(i%( res'lted tot(e deat( pf seven and p(#si%al inC'ries to five passeners.

F'enio "as leall# )arried to o%orro a)os &'t (ad &een %o(a&itin "it( defendant-

appellant osalia Arro#o, for si$teen #ears. (e r'lin of t(e %ase for da)aes (eld F'enio andosalia to pa# t(e da)aes. (e lo"er %o'rt &ased (er lia&ilit# on t(e provision of Art%ile 144 of t(e %ivil %ode.

osalia t(en appealed to t(e :o'rt of Appeals "(i%( reversed t(e r'lin of t(e lo"er %o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er or not Arti%le 144 of t(e :ivil :ode is appli%a&le in a %ase "(ere one of t(e

parties in a %o))on-la" relations(ip is in%apa%itated to )arr#

Ruling:

No. t(e %o-o"ners(ip %onte)plated in Arti%le 144 of t(e :ivil :ode re'ires t(at t(e )anand t(e "o)an livin toet(er )'st not in an# "a# &e in%apa%itated to %ontra%t )arriae. in%eF'enio is leall# )arried to o%orro, t(ere is an i)pedi)ent for (i) to %ontra%t )arriae "it(osalia, t('s, osalia %annot &e a %o-o"ner of t(e Ceepne#. (e Ceepne# &elons to t(e %onC'al partners(ip of F'enio and o%orro. (ere is t(erefore, no leal &asis for t(e lia&ilit# of osaliafor da)aes arisin fro) t(e deat( of, and p(#si%al inC'ries s'ffered, &# t(e passeners of t(e Ceepne#. Bnl# t(e reistered o"ner of t(e p'&li% servi%e ve(i%le is responsi&le for da)aes.

MARINO, RENATO, LETI!IA, IMELDA, ALI!IA, LI%A#A, AND ZENAIDA, alls'rna)ed ADRIANO, petitioners, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS, !ELESTINA, MANOLO

AND AIDA, all s'rna)ed ADRIANO, respondents=.. No. 12411;. ar%( 2, 2000

29



Facts:Bn B%to&er 29, 1933, L'%io Adriano )arried =li%eria Dorado t(e# (ad t(ree %(ildren,

na)el#, :elestina, anolo, and Aida, private respondents in t(is %ase. Bn or &efore 1942, L'%ioand =li%eria separated. (e latter settled in La'na "(ere s(e died on !'ne 11, 196;. After t(eir separation L'%io %o(a&ited "it( i%enta illa and s'&se'entl# five )ont(s after t(e deat( of

=li%eria, L'%io )arried i%enta "it( "(o) (e (ad ei(t %(ildrenG arino, enato, Leti%ia,I)elda, aria, Ali%ia, Lia#a, !ose erel, and enaida. All "ere petitioners e$%ept to !oseerel d'e to (is deat( &efore t(e in%eption of t(e pro%eedins. In 192 t(e spo'ses separated.

Bn B%to&er 10,19;0, L'%io e$e%'ted (is last "ill and testa)ent disposin of all (is properties, and assinin, a)on ot(ers (is se%ond "ife i%enta and all (is %(ildren &# first andse%ond )arriaes as devisees and leatees t(erein. (e properties &e'eat(ed in t(e "ill "ere a45,000 s. ). lot and t(e residential (o'se, ri%e )ill, "are(o'se and "it( all t(e e'ip)entsit'ated t(ereon in :andelaria, S'e>on. Bn @e&r'ar# 11, 19;1, L'%io died and :elestinaAdriano, L'%io8s e$e%'tri$, filed a petition for t(e pro&ate of t(e "ill i))ediatel# after t(e deat(and i%enta opposed t(e said petition, &'t still ranted. en%e, t(e petitioner filed an a%tion for t(e ann'l)ent of L'%io Adriano8s "ill.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e propert# &e'eat(ed in t(e "ill of L'%io Adriano "ere %onC'al

propert# of t(e latter and (is se%ond "ife, i%enta illa-Adriano.

Ruling: No. (e properties, "(i%( "ere 'nder t(is iss'e, &elon to t(e %onC'al propert# of L'%io

and =li%eria. (e %o-o"ners(ip in Arti%le 144 of t(e :ivil :ode re'ires t(at a )an and "o)anlivin toet(er as ('s&and and "ife "it(o't t(e &enefit of )arriae )'st not in an# "a# &e in%apa%itated to )arr#. :onsiderin t(at t(e propert# "as a%'ired in 1964, or "(ile L'%io8s)arriae "it( =loria s'&sisted, s'%( propert# is pres')ed to &e %onC'al 'nless it &e proved t(atit pertains e$%l'sivel# to t(e ('s&and or to t(e "ife. 7e%a'se it "as %learl# s'pported t(at t(e properties "as in fa%t p'r%(ased &# L'%io "it( pro%eeds of t(e %onC'al f'nd fro) (is first)arriae.

%AUDEN!IO %UERRERO, petitioner, vs. RT! OF ILO!OS NORTE, 0R. $"I, UD%ELUIS 0ELLO, AND PEDRO HERNANDO, respondents

=.. No. 10906;. !an'ar# 10, 1994

Facts:

2;0





Bn Nove)&er 24, 2000, Al&erto oreno filed "it( t(e : a %o)plaint aainst i#asavins and Loan 7an, In%., (is "ife e)edios, t(e spo'ses @elipe and aria B"e and t(eeister of Deeds for %an%ellation of )ortae.

Bn a# 1, 2001, petitioner filed a )otion to dis)iss on t(e ro'nd t(at privaterespondent failed to %o)pl# "it( Arti%le 151 of t(e @a)il# :ode "(erein it is provided t(at no

s'it &et"een )e)&ers of t(e sa)e fa)il# s(all prosper 'nless it s(o'ld appear fro) t(e verified%o)plaint or petition t(at earnest efforts to"ard a %o)pro)ise (ave &een )ade, &'t t(at t(e sa)e(ave failed.

Issue:+(et(er or not Arti%le 151 of t(e @a)il# :ode applies in t(e %ase at &ar

Ruling: No. on%e a straner &e%o)es a part# to a s'it involvin )e)&ers of t(e sa)e fa)il#, t(e

la" no loner )aes it a %ondition to pre%edent t(at earnest efforts &e )ade to"ards a%o)pro)ise &efore an a%tion %an prosper.

APRIL MARTINEZ, FRITZ DANIEL MARTINEZ and MARIA OLI"IA MARTINEZ, petitioners, vs. RODOLFO MARTINEZ, respondent

=.. No. 1620;4. !'ne 2;, 2005

Facts:

2;2



Bn ar%( 6, 1993, Daniel, r. e$e%'ted a last "ill and testa)ent dire%tin t(e s'&divisionof t(e propert# o"ned &# (i) and (is "ife Natividad into t(ree lots &e'eat(ed to ea%( of (issons.

Bn a# 1995, Daniel, r. s'ffered a stroe "(i%( res'lted in t(e paral#sis of t(e ri(tside of (is &od#. Bn B%to&er 26, 1996, Natividad died. Daniel, r. passed a"a# on B%to&er 6,

199. Bn epte)&er 16, 199;, odolfo fo'nd a deed of sale p'rportedl# sined &# (is fat(er onepte)&er 15, 1996, "(ere t(e latter appears to (ave sold t(e lot to anolo and (is "ife L'%ila.odolfo filed a %o)plaint for ann'l)ent of deed of sale aainst (is &rot(er anolo and (issister-in-la" &efore t(e :. e also filed a %ri)inal %o)plaint for estafa t(ro'( falsifi%ation of p'&li% do%')ent aainst anolo.

(e trial %o'rt rendered C'd)ent in favor of t(e spo'ses (oldin t(at t(e spo'sess'&stantiall# %o)plied "it( Arti%le 151 of t(e @a)il# :ode &ased on t(e alleations of t(e%o)plaint and t(e appended %ertifi%ation to file a%tion iss'ed &# t(e &arana# %aptain.

Bn Nove)&er 2, 2003, t(e :A reversed t(e de%ision of t(e :.

Issue: +(et(er or not Arti%le 151 of t(e @a)il# :ode "as d'l# %o)plied "it(

Ruling:es. (e petitioners "ere a&le to %o)pl# "it( t(e re'ire)ents of Arti%le 151 of t(e

@a)il# :ode &e%a'se t(e# alleed in t(eir %o)plaint t(at t(e# (ad initiated a pro%eedin aainstt(e respondent for 'nla"f'l detainer in t(e Katar'nan Pa)&arana#, in %o)plian%e "it( P.D. No. 150; and t(at, after d'e pro%eedins, no a)i%a&le settle)ent "as arrived at, res'ltin in t(e &arana# %(air)an8s iss'an%e of %ertifi%ate to file a%tion.

(e petitioner8s petition is ranted.

SPOUSES AU%USTO HONTI"EROS an3 MARIA HONTI"EROS, petitioners, vs.RE%IONAL TRIAL !OURT an3 TEODORA A#SON, respondents.

=.. No. 125465. !'ne 29, 1999

Facts:

2;3



Bn De%e)&er 3, 1990, petitioners, t(e spo'ses A''sto and aria ontiveros, filed a%o)plaint for da)aes aainst private respondents =reorio ontiveros and eodora A#son &efore t(e eional rial :o'rt of Iloilo :it#. In said %o)plaint, petitioners alleed t(at t(e# aret(e o"ners of a par%el of land, in t(e to"n of !a)indan, Provin%e of :api>, in a land reistration%ase filed &# private respondent =reorio ontiveros, &rot(er of A''sto t(at petitioners "ere

deprived of in%o)e fro) t(e land as a res'lt of t(e filin of t(e land reistration %ase t(at s'%(in%o)e %onsisted of rentals fro) tenants of t(e land in t(e a)o'nt of P66,000.00 per #ear fro)196; to 19;, and P595,000.00 per #ear t(ereafter and t(at private respondents filed t(e landreistration %ase and "it((eld possession of t(e land fro) petitioners in &ad fait(. (erespondents filed an ans"er den#in all alleations &# t(e petitioner. Private respondents pra#edfor t(e dis)issal of t(e %o)plaint and for an order aainst petitioners to pa# da)aes to privaterespondents &# "a# of %o'nter%lai), as "ell as re%onve#an%e of t(e s'&Ce%t land to privaterespondents.Bn Nove)&er 23, 1995, t(e trial %o'rt denied petitioners8 )otion. At t(e sa)e ti)e,(o"ever, it dis)issed t(e %ase on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e %o)plaint "as not verified as re'ired &#Art. 151 of t(e @a)il# :ode and, t(erefore, it did not &elieve t(at earnest efforts (ad &een )adeto arrive at a %o)pro)ise.

Issue:

+(et(er or not Arti%le 151 of t(e @a)il# :ode "as attended in t(e %ase

Hel3:

Art. 151 provides, *No s'it &et"een )e)&ers of t(e sa)e fa)il# s(all prosper 'nless its(o'ld appear fro) t(e verified %o)plaint or petition t(at earnest efforts to"ard a %o)pro)ise(ave &een )ade, &'t t(at t(e sa)e (ave failed. It if is s(o"n t(at no s'%( efforts "ere in fa%t)ade, t(e %ase )'st &e dis)issed./ (is r'le s(all not appl# to %ases "(i%( )a# not &e t(e

s'&Ce%t of %o)pro)ise 'nder t(e :ivil :ode. Art. 151 of t(e @a)il# :ode do not appl# in t(is%ase sin%e t(e s'it is not e$%l'sivel# a)on fa)il# )e)&ers. (e private respondent A#son isad)ittedl# a straner to t(e ontiveros fa)il#, t(e %ase is not %overed &# t(e re'ire)ents of Art. 151 of t(e @a)il# :ode. (e a&sen%e of t(e verifi%ation re'ired in Art. 151 do not affe%tt(e C'risdi%tion of t(e %o'rt over t(e s'&Ce%t )atter of t(e %o)plaint. (e verifi%ation is )erel# afor)al re'ire)ent intended to se%'re an ass'ran%e t(at )atters "(i%( are alleed are tr'e and%orre%t. If t(e %o'rt do'&ted t(e vera%it# of t(e alleations reardin efforts )ade to settle t(e%ase a)on )e)&ers of t(e sa)e fa)il#, it %o'ld si)pl# (ave ordered petitioners to verif# t(e).

PILAR S. "DA. DE MANALO, ANTONIO S. MANALO, ORLANDO S. MANALO, an3ISA0ELITA MANALO, petitioners, vs. HON. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent

=.. No. 129242. !an'ar# 16, 2001

Facts:

2;4



roadio analo, a resident of 1966 died intestate on @e&r'ar# 14, 1992. e "as s'rvived &# (is "ife, Pilar . analo, and (is eleven 11< %(ildren, na)el#G P'rita . !a#)e, Antonioanalo, ilaros . erre, 7elen . Brillano, Isa&elita analo, osalina . A%'in, o)eoanalo, o&erto analo, A)alia analo, Brlando analo, and I)elda analo, "(o are all of leal ae. At t(e ti)e of (is deat( on @e&r'ar# 14, 1992, roadio analo left several real

properties lo%ated in anila and in t(e provin%e of arla%. Bn Nove)&er 26, 1992, t(e ei(t ;<of t(e s'rvivin %(ildren of t(e late roadio analo, na)el#G P'rita, ilaros, 7elen, osalina,o)eo, o&erto, A)alia, and I)elda filed a petition "it( t(e respondent eional rial :o'rt of anila for t(e C'di%ial settle)ent of t(e estate of t(eir late fat(er, roadio analo, and for t(eappoint)ent of t(eir &rot(er, o)eo analo, as ad)inistrator t(ereof. (e order of eneraldefa'lt "as set aside &# t(e trial %o'rt 'pon )otion of (erein petitioners na)el#G Pilar . da. Deanalo, Antonio, Isa&elita and Brlando "(o "ere ranted ten 10< da#s "it(in "(i%( to file t(eir opposition to t(e petition.

Issue:

+(et(er or not Arti%le 222 of t(e :ivil :ode s(all &e applied

Hel3:

Jnder Arti%le 222 of t(e :ivil :ode, No s'it s(all &e filed or )aintained &et"een)e)&ers of t(e sa)e fa)il# 'nless it s(o'ld appear t(at earnest efforts to"ard a %o)pro)ise(ave &een )ade, &'t t(at t(e sa)e (ave failed, s'&Ce%t to t(e li)itations in Arti%le 2035. (is is%lear fro) t(e ter) *s'it/ t(at it refers to an a%tion &# one person or persons aainst anot(er or ot(ers in a %o'rt of C'sti%e in "(i%( t(e plaintiff p'rs'es t(e re)ed# "(i%( t(e la" affords (i)for t(e redress of an inC'r# or t(e enfor%e)ent of a ri(t, "(et(er at la" or in e'it#. A %ivila%tion is t('s an a%tion filed in a %o'rt of C'sti%e, "(ere&# a part# s'es anot(er for t(e

enfor%e)ent of a ri(t, or t(e prevention or redress of a "ron. 7esides, an e$%erpt fro) t(eeport of t(e :ode :o))ission 'n)istaa&l# reveals t(e intention of t(e :ode :o))ission to)ae t(at leal provision appli%a&le onl# to %ivil a%tions "(i%( are essentiall# adversarial andinvolve )e)&ers of t(e sa)e fa)il#.

NI!ANOR T. SANTOS, petitioner, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS !ONSUELO T. SANTOS2%UERRERO an3 ANDRES %UERRERO, respondents.

=.. No. 134;. Nove)&er 15, 2005

Facts:

2;5



Petitioner Ni%anor . antos and private respondent :ons'elo . antos-='errero are &rot(er and sister, &orn to spo'ses Jr&ano antos and :andelaria antos, no" &ot( de%eased.o)eti)e in 1956, Ni%anor, :ons'elo, and ei(t t(eir si&lins, e$e%'ted a *7asi% Aree)ent of Partition/ %overin properties t(e# in(erited fro) t(eir parents."o #ears later, :ons'elo, Coined &# (er ('s&and, (erein respondent %ndres <uerrero, filed s'it "it( t(e t(en :o'rt of @irst

Instan%e of i>al aainst petitioner and t"o ot(er &rot(ers, for re%over# of in(eritan%e. (e#so'(t for t(e C'di%ial de%laration of validit# in t(e 1956 Aree)ent of Partition. (e antos(eirs e$e%'ted on a# 5, 1959 anot(er do%')ent, deno)inated *Deed of Partition./ po'ses='erreros filed anot(er %o)plaint aainst Ni%anor for t(e re%over# of (er s(are 'nder t(e 1959Deed of Partition. (e !'de, in (is de%ision, ordered Ni%anor and ot(ers to %o)pl# "it( (is partof t(e Deed of Partition and deliver to t(e ='erreros t(e a)o'nt of P26,650.00 "it(o't preC'di%eto t(e ri(t of rei)&'rse)ent 'nder t(e sa)e deed.'&se'entl#, t(e ='erreros instit'ted anot(er %o)plaint aainst Ni%anor "it( t(e :@I at Pasi for re%over# of s')s of )one# 'nder t(e 1959Deed of Partition. (ereat, Ni%anor, as defendant a 'o, filed a t(ird part# %o)plaint aainst &rot(ers Frnesto et al. And al&eit not to'%(ed 'pon in t(e &asi% pleadins, t(e iss'e of "(et(er Ni%anor "as o&liated to pa# :ons'elo t(e a)o'nt stated in t(e 1959 partition. Ni%anor "as

ordered &# t(e :o'rt to pa# :ons'elo t(e a)o'nt d'e (er 'nder t(e a# 5, 1959 deed of partition pl's da)aes and attorne#8s fees. Ni%anor appealed in t(e Inter)ediate Appellate :o'rtto reverse t(e de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt &'t t(e appellate %o'rt affir)ed and )odified t(ede%ision of t(e lo"er %o'rt.Appro$i)atel# si$ #ears later, t(e ='erreros filed a %o)plaint for revival of t(e IA:8s de%ision in t(e : of ala&on- Navotas &'t t(e said %o'rt dis)issed t(e%o)plaint. o"ever, on )otion for re%onsideration and follo"in a ne" trial, t(e trial %o'rtreversed itself. (erefro), Ni%anor "ent on appeal to t(e :o'rt of Appeals and t(e %o'rtdis)issed (is appeal.

Issue:

a< +(et(er or not Arti%le 222 of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode, no" p'rs'ant to 151 of t(e @a)il#:ode s(all &e applied&< +(et(er or not res C'di%ata %an &arred t(e :o'rt8s de%ision

Hel3:

a< A la"s'it &et"een %lose relatives enerates deeper &itterness t(an &et"een straners+(ile a %o)plaint in ordinar# %ivil a%tions involvin )e)&ers of t(e sa)e fa)il# )'st%ontain an alleation t(at earnest efforts to"ards a %o)pro)ise (ave &een )ade p'rs'antto Arti%le 222of t(e :ivil :ode, no" p'rs'ant to Arti%le 151 of t(e @a)il# :ode, a%o)plaint ot(er"ise defe%tive on t(at s%ore )a# &e %'red &# introd'%tion of eviden%eeffe%tivel# s'ppl#in t(e ne%essar# aver)ents of a defe%tive %o)plaint. (e %o)plaintfiled in t(is %ase %ontains no alleations. An a%tion for revival of C'd)ent of a dor)antde%ision rendered in an oriinal a%tion %an (ardl# &e t(e ind of s'it %onte)plated inArti%le 222 of t(e :ode. It %annot &e over-e)p(asi>ed in t(is reard t(at t(e rationale of said provision is to o&viate (atred and passion in t(e fa)il# liel# to &e spa"ned &#litiation &et"een and a)on t(e )e)&ers t(ereof.

&< es !'di%ata refers to t(e r'le t(at a final C'd)ent rendered &# t(e %o'rt of a %o)petent C'risdi%tion on t(e )erits is %on%l'sive as to t(e ri(ts of t(e parties and t(eir privies, and,as to t(e), %onstit'tes an a&sol'te &ar to a s'&se'ent a%tion involvin t(e sa)e %lai),de)and or %a'se of a%tion. es C'di%ata is not a n'llif#in fa%tor, s'%( t(at t(e final C'd)ent in t(e for)er a%tion "ors to n'llif# t(e pro%eedin in a s'&se'ent a%tion"(ere t(e do%trine is invoed.

!E!ILION MENDOZA, petitioner , vs. THE HONORA0LE !OURT OF APPEALS, an3LUISA DE LA ROSA MENDOZA, respondents.

No. L-23102. April 24, 196

Facts:

2;6



:e%ilio and L'isa "ere )arried on epte)&er 2, 1953 and lived toet(er as ('s&and and"ife 'ntil !'l# 14, 1954, "(en t(e ('s&and departed for t(e Jnited tates to f'rt(er (is st'diesand pra%ti%e (is profession. in%e t(en, t(e ('s&and "it(o't C'stifia&le %a'se or reasondeli&eratel# a&andoned and nele%ted t(e "ife and despite repeated de)ands fro) (er, t(e('s&and failed and ref'sed to provide for t(e )aintenan%e and s'pport of t(e "ife "(o is

prenant si%l# and "it(o't so'r%e of reven'e. ('s, s(e filed a %o)plaint aainst (er ('s&and.(e ('s&and filed t"o )otions of dis)issal %onse%'tivel# &'t &ot( "ere denied. (en (e petitioned t(e :o'rt of Appeals for a "rit of pro(i&ition "it( preli)inar# inC'n%tion to stop tostop t(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e fro) f'rt(er pro%eedin "it( t(e %ase. After t(e :A (eard and%onsidered t(e )erits, it d3enied t(e "rit of pro(i&ition and dissolved t(e inC'n%tion.

Issue:

a< +(et(er or not Arti%le 222 of t(e :ivil :ode s(all &e applied

&< +(et(er or not Arti%le 2053 of t(e :ivil :ode s(all &e applied to %lai) f't're s'pport

Hel3:

a< Arti%le 222 of t(e :ivil :ode re'ires t(at &efore a s'it &et"een )e)&ers of t(e fa)il# isfiled or )aintained, it )'st appear t(at earnest efforts to"ard a %o)pro)ise (ave &een)ade and t(e onl# "a# to )ae it so appear "(en t(e s'it is filed is &# proper aver)entto t(at effe%t in t(e %o)plaint. in%e t(e la" for&ids a s'it &ein initiated 'nless s'%(efforts at %o)pro)ise appear, t(e s(o"in t(at efforts in 'estion "ere )ade is a%ondition pre%edent to t(e e$isten%e of t(e %a'se of a%tion. It follo"s t(at t(e fail're of t(e %o)plaint to plead t(at plaintiff previo'sl# tried in earnest to rea%( a settle)ent o't of %o'rt renders it assaila&le for la% of %a'se of a%tion and it )a# &e so atta%ed at an#

stae of t(e %ase even on appeal.&< A %lai) for f't're s'pport t(at 'nder Arti%le 2053vof t(e :ivil :ode %annot &e s'&Ce%t of a valid %o)pro)ise, t(erefore, o'tside t(e sp(ere of Arti%le 222 of t(e :ode 'pon "(i%( petitioner relies. (e validit# of )arriae is also a non-%o)pro)isa&le iss'e. in%e novalid %o)pro)ise is valid on t(ese iss'es, a s(o"in of previo's effe%ts to %o)pro)iset(e) "o'ld &e s'perfl'o's.

MAR%ARET ANN 7AINRI%HT "ERSOZA, OSE MARIA "ERSOZA R., !HARLESOHN "ERSOZA, an3 "IR%INIA FELI!E "ERSOZA, petitioner-appellant, 4s. OSE

MARIA "RERSOZA, defendant-respondent No. L-25609. Nove)&er 2, 196;

Facts:

2;



Bn ar%( 4, 1964, a verified %o)plaint later a)ended, for )ont(l# s'pport in arrears andda)aes and %'stod# of t(e %(ildren "it( a petition for s'pport pendiente lite "as loded aainst!ose aria erso>a &# (is "ife and t(eir t(ree )inor %(ildren. eason ives are t(at defendant(as a&andoned plaintiff "it(o't providin for t(eir s'pport and )aintain illi%it relation "it(anot(er "o)an.

Issue:+(et(er or not Arti%le 222 of t(e :ivil :ode is appli%a&le in t(e %ase

Ruling:Arti%le 222 of t(e :ivil :ode , %onstr'ed in relation of e%tion 1 C< 'le 16, 'les of

:o'rt eanin of no s'it s(all &e filed or )aintained &et"een )e)&ers of t(e sa)e fa)il#'nless it s(o'ld appear t(at earnest effe%ts to"ard a %o)pro)ise (ave &een )ade &'t t(at t(esa)e (ave failed, s'&Ce%t to li)itations in Arti%le 2035. (e ri(t to s'pport %annot &eG 1<re)oved 2< trans)itted to t(ird persons 3< nor %o)pensated "it( "(at t(e re%eipients o"est(e o&lior Arti%le 301<. (e alleed defe%t is t(at t(e %o)plaint does not state a %a'se of a%tion.

(e proposed a)end)ent sees to %o)plete it. An a)end)ent to t(e effe%t t(at t(e re'ire)entsof Arti%le 222 (ave &een %o)plied "it( does not %onfer C'risdi%tion 'pon t(e lo"er :o'rt. (edefe%t is %'ra&le.

OSE MODE5UILLO, petitioner , 4s. HON.AU%USTO ". 0RE"A, respondents=.. No. ;6355. a# 31, 1990

Facts:

2;;



(e de&t "as in%'rred at t(e ti)e of t(e ve(i%'lar a%%ident and t(e )one# C'd)entarisin t(ere fro) "as rendered &# t(e Appellate :o'rt on !an'ar# 2, 19;; "(i%( orderin t(e petitioner to pa# t(e alinas spo'ses t(e d'e da)aes. (e said C'd)ent (avin &e%o)e finaland e$e%'tor#, a "rit of e$e%'tion "as iss'ed &# t(e :o'rt to satisf# t(e said C'd)ent on t(eoods and %(attels of t(e defendants in%l'din t(e petitioner. Bn !'l# , 19;;, t(e s(eriff levied

on a par%el of residential land reistered in t(e na)e of !ose ode'illo. A )otion to 'as( or set aside lev# of e$e%'tion "as filed &# t(e petitioner allein t(at t(e residential land lo%ated is"(ere t(e fa)il# (o)e is &'ilt sin%e 1969 prior to t(e %o))en%e)ent of t(is %ase and as s'%( ise$e)t fro) e$e%'tion, for%ed sale or atta%()ent 'nder Arti%les 152 and 153 of t(e @a)il# :odee$%ept for lia&ilities )entioned in arti%le 155 t(ereof and t(at t(e C'd)ent de&t so'(t to &eenfor%ed aainst t(e fa)il# (o)e of t(e defendant is not one of t(ose en')erated 'nder arti%le155 of t(e @a)il# :ode. 7ot( pre%eded t(e effe%tivit# of t(e @a)il# :ode on A''st 3, 19;;.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e %ase fall 'nder t(e e$e)ption fro) t(e e$e%'tion provided in t(e

@a)il# :ode

Ruling::ase does not fall 'nder t(e e$e)ptions fro) e$e%'tion provided in t(e @a)il#

:ode.Jnder t(e @a)il# :ode, a fa)il# (o)e is dee)ed %onstit'ted on a (o'se and lot fro) ti)eit is o%%'pied as a fa)il# residen%e. ('s, t(e %reditors s(o'ld tae ne%essar# pre%a'tions to prote%t t(eir interest &efore e$tendin %redit to t(e spo'ses or (ead of t(e fa)il# o"es t(e (o)e.F$e)ption is effe%tive fro) t(e ti)e of t(e :onstit'tion of t(e @a)il# (o)e as s'%( and lasts solon as an# of its &enefi%iaries a%t'all# resides t(erein. (e residential (o'se and lot of petitioner "as not %onstit'ted as a fa)il# (o)e "(et(er C'di%ial or e$traC'di%ial 'nder t(e :ivil :ode. It &e%a)e a fa)il# (o)e &# operation of la" onl# 'nder Arti%le 153 of t(e @a)il# :ode of t(eP(ilippines on A''st 3, 19;; not A''st 4, one #ear after its p'&li%ation in t(e anila:(roni%les on A''st 4, 19;.

MAR# OSEPHINE %OMEZ an3 EU%ENIA SO!ORRO !. %OMEZ2SAL!EDO, petitioners, 4s. ROEL, NOEL an3 ANNETTE 0E"ERL# STA. INES an3

HINAHON STA. INES, respondents.=.. No. 13253. B%to&er 14, 2005

2;9



Facts:Bn !'ne 1, 19;6, ar# !osep(ine :. =o)e> and F'enia o%orro :. =o)e>- al%edo

filed a %o)plaint for da)aes &efore t(e : of Pasi aainst arietta Dela :r'> ta. Ine>allein t(at t(e# are t(e %(ildren of t(e %de%eased P'rifi%a%ion Dela :r'> =o)e> "(o, d'rin(er lifeti)e, entr'sted (er ri%e land lo%ated at 7a#o)&on, N'eva i>%a#a to arietta toet(er

"it( t(e ransfer of :ertifi%ate of itle %overin said land for t(e latter to )anae and s'pervise.(e sisters f'rt(er alleed t(at t(e# (ave de)anded for an a%%o'ntin of t(e prod'%e of t(e saidri%e land "(ile 'nder t(e )anae)ent of arietta and for t(e ret'rn of t(e : to t(e propert#, &'t t(e latter ref'sed. (e trial %o'rt rendered C'd)ent aainst arietta and after s'%( C'd)ent &e%a)e final and e$e%'tor, a "rit of e$e%'tion "as iss'ed &# t(e Pasi :, &# virt'e of "(i%(,a par%el of land lo%ated at 7a#o)&on, N'eva i>%a#a, reistered in t(e na)e of arietta Dela:r'> ta. Ines, "as levied 'pon &# @laviano 7alos !r., to satisf# t(e da)aes a"arded in t(e%ivil %ase. aid propert# "as sold at a p'&li% a'%tion to ar# !osep(ine as t(e (i(est &idder.(e sale "as reistered "it( t(e eister of Deeds of N'eva i>%a#a. A %o)plaint for ann'l)entof sale "as filed &# t(e ('s&and and %(ildren of arietta on t(e ro'nd t(at said (o'se and lotsold d'rin t(e p'&li% a'%tion is t(eir fa)il# residen%e, and is t('s e$e)pt fro) e$e%'tion 'nder

e%tion 12 a<, 'le 39 of t(e 'les of :o'rt, and 'nder Arti%le 155 of t(e @a)il# :ode.

Issue:+(et(er or not Arti%le 155 of t(e @a)il# :ode is appli%a&le in t(e %ase

Ruling:Jnder Arti%le 155 of t(e @a)il# :ode, t(e fa)il# (o)e s(all &e e$e)pt fro) e$e%'tion,

for%ed sale, or atta%()ent e$%ept for, a)on ot(er t(ins, de&ts in%'rred prior to t(e %onstit'tionof t(e fa)il# (o)e. In t(e %ase, t(e (o'se and lots of ta.Ines fa)il# "as not %onstit'ted as afa)il# (o)e, "(et(er C'di%iall# or e$traC'di%iall#, at t(e ti)e arietta in%'rred (er de&ts. Jnder prevailin C'rispr'den%e, it is dee)ed %onstit'ted as s'%( onl# 'pon t(e effe%tivit# of t(e @a)il#:ode on A''st 3, 19;;, t('s, t(e de&ts "ere in%'rred &efore t(e %onstit'tion &efore t(e fa)il#(o)e.

FLORANTE F. MANA!OP, petitioner, vs .!OURT OF APPEALS an3 E = L MER!ANTILE, IN!., respondents.

=.. No. 9;9;. A''st 11, 199

Facts:

290



Petitioner @lorante @. ana%op and (is "ife F'la%eli p'r%(ased on ar%( 10, 192 aresidential lot "it( a &'nalo", in %onsideration of P5,000.00. Bn ar%( 1, 19;6, Privateespondent F \ L er%antile, In%. filed a %o)plaint aainst petitioner and @.@. ana%op:onstr'%tion :o., In%. &efore t(e eional rial :o'rt of Pasi, etro anila to %olle%t aninde&tedness of P3,359,21;.45. Instead of filin an ans"er, petitioner and (is %o)pan# entered

into a %o)pro)ise aree)ent "it( private respondent. Bn April 20, 19;6, t(e trial %o'rt rendered C'd)ent approvin t(e afore)entioned %o)pro)ise aree)ent. It enCoined t(e parties to%o)pl# "it( t(e aree)ent in ood fait(. Bn !'l# 15, 19;6, private respondent filed a )otionfor e$e%'tion "(i%( t(e lo"er %o'rt ranted on epte)&er 23, 19;6. o"ever, e$e%'tion of t(e C'd)ent "as dela#ed. Fvent'all#, t(e s(eriff levied on several ve(i%les and ot(er personal properties of petitioner. In partial satisfa%tion of t(e C'd)ent de&t, t(ese %(attels "ere sold at p'&li% a'%tion for "(i%( %ertifi%ates of sale "ere %orrespondinl# iss'ed &# t(e s(eriff. BnA''st 1, 19;9, petitioner and (is %o)pan# filed a )otion to 'as( t(e alias "rits of e$e%'tionand to stop t(e s(eriff fro) %ontin'in to enfor%e t(e) on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e C'd)ent "as not#et e$e%'tor#. Bn epte)&er 26, 19;9, t(e lo"er %o'rt denied t(e )otion to 'as( t(e "rit of e$e%'tion and t(e pra#ers in t(e s'&se'ent pleadins filed &# petitioner and (is %o)pan#.

@indin t(at petitioner and (is %o)pan# (ad not paid t(eir inde&tedness even t(o'( t(e#%olle%ted re%eiva&les a)o'ntin to P5,224,319.5, t(e lo"er %o'rt (eld t(at t(e %ase (ad &e%o)e final and e$e%'tor#. It also r'led t(at petitioner8s residen%e "as not e$e)pt fro)e$e%'tion as it "as not d'l# %onstit'ted as a fa)il# (o)e, p'rs'ant to t(e :ivil :ode.

Issue:

+(et(er or not a final and e$e%'tor# de%ision pro)'lated and a "rit of e$e%'tion iss'ed &efore t(e effe%tivit# of t(e @a)il# :ode %an &e e$e%'ted on a fa)il# (o)e %onstit'ted 'nder t(e provisions of t(e said :ode.

Ruling:In t(at %ase, petitioner in%'rred t(e inde&tedness in 19; or prior to t(e effe%tivit# of t(e

@a)il# :ode on A''st 3, 19;;. en%e, petitioner8s fa)il# (o)e "as not e$e)pt fro)atta%()ent *&# s(eer for%e of e$%l'sion e)&odied in pararap( 2, Arti%le 155 of t(e @a)il#:ode %ited in (odequillo ,/ "(ere t(e :o'rt %ateori%all# r'ledG*Jnder t(e @a)il# :ode, afa)il# (o)e is dee)ed %onstit'ted on a (o'se and lot fro) t(e ti)e it is o%%'pied as a fa)il#residen%e. (ere is no need to %onstit'te t(e sa)e C'di%iall# or e$traC'di%iall# as re'ired in t(e:ivil :ode. If t(e fa)il# a%t'all# resides in t(e pre)ises, it is, t(erefore, a fa)il# (o)e as%onte)plated &# la". ('s, t(e %reditors s(o'ld tae t(e ne%essar# pre%a'tions to prote%t t(eir interest &efore e$tendin %redit to t(e spo'ses or (ead of t(e fa)il# "(o o"ns t(e (o)e. Arti%le155 provides t(at t(e fa)il# (o)e s(all &e e$e)pt fro) e$e%'tion, for%ed sale or atta%()ente$%eptG1< @or nonpa#)ent of ta$es2< @or de&ts in%'rred prior to t(e %onstit'tion of t(e fa)il#(o)e3< @or de&ts se%'red &# )ortaes on t(e pre)ises &efore or after s'%( %onstit'tion and4< @or de&ts d'e to la&orers, )e%(ani%s, ar%(ite%ts, &'ilders, )aterial )en and ot(ers "(o (averendered servi%e or f'rnis(ed )aterial for t(e %onstr'%tion of t(e &'ildin. (e e$e)ption provided is effe%tive fro) t(e ti)e of t(e %onstit'tion of t(e fa)il# (o)e as s'%(, and lasts solon as an# of its &enefi%iaries a%t'all# resides t(erein. In t(e present %ase, t(e residential (o'seand lot of petitioner "as not %onstit'ted as a fa)il# (o)e "(et(er C'di%iall# or e$traC'di%iall#'nder t(e :ivil :ode. It &e%a)e a fa)il# (o)e &# operation of la" onl# 'nder Arti%le 153 of t(e@a)il# :ode. It is dee)ed %onstit'ted as a fa)il# (o)e 'pon t(e effe%tivit# of t(e @a)il# :odeon A''st 3, 19;; not A''st 4, one #ear after its p'&li%ation in t(e anila :(roni%le on A''st4, 19; 19;; &ein a leap #ear<.

PA0LITO TANEO, R., OSE TANEO, NENA T. !ATU0I% an3 HUS0AND, !ILIA T.MORIN% an3 HUS0AND, petitioners, 4s.

!OURT OF APPEALS an3 A0DON %ILI%, respondents.%.R. N&. '()B. Ma-c> /, '///

291





Asis, allein t(at t(e defendant is t(e fat(er of t(e s'&Ce%t )inor and t(e for)er ref'sed and or failed to provide for t(e )aintenan%e of t(e latter, despite repeated de)ands.

Issue:

a< +(et(er or not f't're s'pport %an &e t(e s'&Ce%t of a %o)pro)ise&< +(et(er or not a for)er dis)issal predi%ated 'pon a %o)pro)ise affe%tin t(e %ivilstat's of persons %an (ave for%e and effe%t

Ruling:

a< (e ri(t to re%eive %an neit(er reno'n%ed nor trans)itted to a t(ird person. Arti%le301 of t(e :ivil :ode provides t(at f't're s'pport %annot &e t(e s'&Ce%t of a%o)pro)ise. An aree)ent for t(e dis)issal of a %o)plaint and s'pport %onditioned'pon t(e dis)issal of t(e %o'nter%lai) is in t(e nat're of a %o)pro)ise "(i%( %annot &e %o'ntenan%ed.

&< A for)er dis)issal predi%ated 'pon a %o)pro)ise affe%tin t(e %ivil stat's of personsand f't're s'pport %annot (ave for%e and effe%t and %annot &ar t(e filin of anot(er a%tion, asin for t(e sa)e relief aainst t(e sa)e defendant.

RODOLFO FERNANDEZ an3 MER!EDES !ARANTO FERNANDEZ, HUS0AND an37IFE EDDIE !. FERNANDEZ an3 LUZ FERNANDEZ, petitioners, vs.

ROMEO FERNANDEZ, respondent.=.. No. 143256. A''st 2;, 2001

Facts:

293



(e late po'ses Dr. !ose K. @ernande>, and =enerosa A. de ene%ia "ere t(e reisteredo"ners of a par%el of land lo%ated at Da'pan :it# and t(e t"o store# &'ildin %onstr'%tedt(ereon. It is 'ndisp'ted t(at =enerosa ave &irt( to oelio "(o died "(en (e "as onl# 12#ears old as paral#ti%. In t(e testi)on# of o)eo @ernande>, it "as revealed t(at t(e latepo'ses &ein %(ildless &# t(e deat( of t(eir son, p'r%(ased a one )ont( &a&# &o#, "(o "as

later on identified as odolfo @ernande>. e "as taen %are of &# t(e %o'ple and "as sent tos%(ool and &e%a)e a dental te%(ni%ian. Bn !'l# 20, 19;2, !ose K. @ernande> died and left (is"ife and odolfo an estate. Bn A''st 31, 19;9, appellant and =enerosa e$e%'ted a Deed of e$tra-C'di%ial Partition. Bn t(e sa)e da#, =enerosa e$e%'ted a Deed of A&sol'te ale in favor of Fddie @ernande>, appellant8s son. After learnin t(e transa%tion, t(e nep(e"s and nie%es of t(ede%eased, t(eir fat(er =enaro &ein a &rot(er of !ose, filed an a%tion to de%lare t(e F$tra-!'di%ialPartition of Fstate and Deed of ale void a& initio. (e# alleed t(at t(e appellants "ere)otivated &# 'n)itiated reed, deli&erate and )ali%io's a%ts of deprivin t(e) and ot(er (eirsof t(e de%eased t(eir ri(ts.

Issue:

+(et(er or not Arti%le 1105 of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode is appli%a&le

Ruling:

:onsiderin t(e foreoin findins, petitioner odolfo is not a %(ild &# nat're of t(espo'ses @ernande> and not a leal (eir of t(e de%eased, t('s t(e s'&Ce%t deed of e$tra-C'di%ialsettle)ent of t(e estate &et"een =enerosa and odolfo is n'll and void insofar as odolfo is%on%erned p'rs'ant to Arti%le 1105 of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode of t(e P(ilippines "(i%( states *A partition "(i%( in%l'des a person &elieved to &e an (eir &'t "(o is not s(all &e void onl# "it(respe%t to s'%( person. oreover, +(ile one8s leiti)a%# &e 'estioned onl# in a dire%t a%tion

seasona&l# filed &# t(e proper part#, t(is do%trine (as no appli%ation in a %ase "(ere t(ealleation &# one part# is t(at a person %lai)in to &e a %(ild of t(e de%eased spo'ses "as not &orn to said de%eased persons.

%ERARDO 0. !ON!EP!ION, petitioner, 4s.THE HON. !OURT OF APPEALS MA. THERESA ALMONTE, respondent

=.. No. 123450. A''st 31, 2005

Facts:

294





s(e is t(e sole leiti)ate %(ild of t(e de%eased and =enoveva er%ado, and toet(er "it( petitioner, de%edent8s "ife &# (is se%ond )arriae, are t(e s'rvivin (eirs of t(e de%edent.Petitioner opposed t(e petition of t(e respondent. (e averred t(at respondent %o'ld not &e t(eda'(ter of @ran%is%o for, alt(o'( s(e "as re%orded as @ran%is%o8s leiti)ate da'(ter, t(e%orrespondin &irt( %ertifi%ate "as not sined &# (i). @'rt(er)ore, t(e respondent failed to

present t(e )arriae %ontra%t &et"een (er s'pposed parents or prod'%e an# a%%epta&le do%')entto prove s'%( 'nion.Issue:

a< +(et(er or not t(e pres')ption of leiti)a%# 'nder Arti%le 164 of t(e @a)il# :ode )a# &e availed &# t(e respondent

&< +(et(er or not &irt( %ertifi%ate )a# 'se as proof of paternit# and re%onition

Ruling:a< A part# in "(ose favor t(e leal pres')ption e$ists )a# rel# on and invoe s'%( leal

pres')ption to esta&lis( a fa%t in iss'e. e need not introd'%e eviden%e to prove t(at fa%t.@or, a pres')ption is pri)a fa%ie proof of t(e fa%t pres')ed. o"ever, it %annot &e over-

e)p(asi>ed, t(at "(ile a fa%t overt(ro"n, stand as proved, t(e pres')ption of leiti)a%#'nder Arti%le 164 of t(e @a)il# :ode )a# &e availed onl# 'pon %onvinv%in proof of t(efa%t'al &asis. Flse, t(e pres')ption of la" t(at a %(ild is leiti)ate does not arise. Aleiti)ate %(ild is a prod'%t of, and, t(erefore, i)plies a valid and la"f'l )arriae.e)ove t(e ele)ents of t(e la"f'l 'nion and t(ere is stri%tl# no leiti)ate filiation &et"een parents and %(ildren.

&< !'rispr'den%e tea%(es t(at a &irt( %ertifi%ate, to &e %onsidered as validatin proof of paternit# and as an instr')ent of re%onition, )'st &e sined &# t(e fat(er and )ot(er Cointl#, or &# t(e )ot(er if t(e fat(er ref'ses. In t(is %ase, t(e 7irt( :ertifi%ate presented"as not sined &# @ran%is%o aainst "(o) leiti)ate filiation is asserted. Not even &#

=enoveva, instead &# t(e attendin p(#si%ian, "(o %ertified to (avin attended t(e &irt(of a %(ild. ('s, t(e &irt( %ertifi%ate presented is not valid to prove t(e paternit#.

ARTURO R. A0ALOS, petitioner, 4s. DR. %ALI!IANO S. MA!ATAN%A#, respondent=.. No. 155043. epte)&er 30, 2004

Facts:po'ses Art'ro and Fst(er A&alos are t(e reistered o"ner of a par%el of land "it(i)prove)ents. Ar)ed "it( pe%ial Po"er of Attorne# PA<, Art'ro e$e%'ted a e%eipt and

296



e)orand') Aree)ent BA< dated B%to&er 1, 19;9 in favor of t(e respondent, &indin(i)self to sell to respondent t(e s'&Ce%t propert# and not to offer t(e sa)e to an# ot(er part#"it(in t(irt# 30< da#s fro) date. Art'ro a%no"leded re%eipt of a %(e% fro) t(e respondent in%ertain a)o'nt, representin earnest )one# for t(e s'&Ce%t propert#, t(e a)o'nt of "(i%( "o'ld &e ded'%ted fro) t(e p'r%(ase pri%e. @'rt(er, t(e BA stated t(at f'll pa#)ent "o'ld &e

effe%ted as soon as possession of t(e propert# s(all (ave &een t'rned over to respondent.'&se'entl#, Fst(er e$e%'ted a PA dated on B%to&er 25, 19;9, appointin (er sister to a%t for and in (er &e(alf relative to t(e transfer of t(e propert# to respondent. Bstensi&l#, a )aritals'a&&le "as &re"in &et"een t(e spo'ses at t(e ti)e and to prote%t is interest, respondent%a'sed t(e annotation of (is adverse %lai) on t(e title of t(e spo'ses to t(e propert#. Bn Nove)&er 16, 19;9, t(e respondent sends a de)and letter infor)in t(e spo'ses of (is readinessand "illinness to pa# t(e f'll a)o'nt of t(e p'r%(ase pri%e. (e letter %ontained a de)and 'pont(e spo'ses to %o)pl# "it( t(eir o&liation to t'rn over possession of t(e propert# to (i). Art'roand Fst(er failed to deliver t(e propert# "(i%( pro)pted t(e respondent to %a'se t(e annotationof anot(er adverse %lai). Bn !an'ar# 12, 1990, respondent filed a %o)plaint aainst petitionersfor spe%ifi% perfor)an%e "it( da)aes. Art'ro filed (is ans"er to t(e %o)plaint "(ile (is "ife

"as de%lared in defa'lt.

Issues:a< +(et(er or not t(e ('s&and is t(e ad)inistrator of t(e %onC'al partners(ip

&< +(et(er or not t(e %onsent of &ot( spo'ses is needed in t(e sale of propert# 'nder %onC'al partners(ip

%< +(et(er or not a "ritten %onsent of t(e ot(er spo'se is re'ired in sellin propert# 'nder %onC'al partners(ip

Ruling:

a< Jnder t(e :ivil :ode, t(e ('s&and is t(e ad)inistrator of t(e %onC'al partners(ip. (isri(t is %learl# ranted to (i) &# la". ore, t(e ('s&and is t(e sole ad)inistrator. (e"ife is not entitled as of ri(t to Coint ad)inistration. (e ri(t of t(e ('s&and or "ife toone-(alf of t(e %onC'al assets does not vest 'ntil t(e dissol'tion and li'idation of t(e%onC'al partners(ip is finall# deter)ined t(at, after settle)ent of %onC'al o&liations,t(ere are net assets left "(i%( %an &e divided &et"een t(e spo'ses or t(eir respe%tive(eirs.

&< (e sale &# t(e ('s&and of t(e propert# &elonin t(e %onC'al partners(ip "it(o't t(e%onsent of t(e "ife "(en t(ere is no s(o"in t(at t(e latter is in%apa%itated is void a&initio &e%a'se it is in %ontravention of t(e )andator# re'ire)ents of Arti%le 166 of t(e:ivil :ode. (is Arti%le re'ires t(e %onsent of t(e "ife &efore t(e ('s&and )a# alienateen%')&er an# real propert# of t(e %onC'al partners(ip, it follo"s t(at a%ts or transa%tionse$e%'ted aainst t(is )andator# provision are void e$%ept "(en t(e la" itself a't(ori>et(eir validit#.

%< (e @a)il# :ode no" re'ires t(e "ritten %onsent of t(e ot(er spo'se, or a't(orit# of t(e%o'rt for t(e disposition or en%')&eran%e of %onC'al partners(ip propert# "it(o't"(i%(, t(e disposition or en%')&eran%e s(all &e void.

ANI!E MARIE AO, petitioner 4s. THE HONORA0LE !OURT OF APPEALS an3PERI!O ". AO, respondents.

No. L-49162 !'l# 2;, 19;

Facts:

29



Bn B%to&er 2;, 196;, petitioner !ani%e ar'e !ao, t(en )inor, represented &# (er )ot(er and 'ardian ad-lite), filed a %ase for re%onition and s'pport "it( respondent Peri%o . !ao.(e latter denied paternit# so t(e parties areed to a &lood ro'pin test "(i%( "as in d'e %o'rse%ond'%ted &# t(e National 7'rea' of Investiation 'pon order of t(e trial %o'rt. (e res'lt of t(esaid test indi%ated t(at !ani%e %o'ld not (ave &een t(e possi&le offsprin &# Peri%o and Arlene.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e res'lt of &lood ro'pin test )a# 'se as an eviden%e for filiation

Ruling:(e findins of s'%( &lood tests are not ad)issi&le to prove t(e fa%t of paternit# as t(e#

s(o" onl# a possi&lilit# t(at t(e alleed fat(er or an# one of )an# ot(ers "it( t(e sa)e &loodt#pe )a# (ave &een t(e fat(er of t(e %(ild. 7't t(e Jnifor) A%t re%oni>es t(e tests (ave so)e pro&ative val'e to esta&lis( paternit# "(ere t(e &lood t#pe and t(e %o)&ination in t(e %(ild iss(o"n to &e rare, in "(i%( %ase t(e C'de is iven dis%retion to let it in.

ANDAL, petitioner , 4s. MA!ARAI%, respondent No. L-244. a# 30, 1951

Facts:

29;



(e ('s&and "as s'fferin fro) t'&er%'losis in s'%( a %ondition t(at (e %o'ld (ardl#)ove and et 'p fro) (is &ed, "it( feet s"ollen and voi%e (oarse. (e "ife (ad %arnalinter%o'rse "it( a )an ot(er t(an (er ('s&and d'rin t(e first 120 da#s of t(e 300 da#si))ediatel# pre%edin t(e &irt( of t(e %(ild. (e ('s&and soon died, &'t "it(in 300 da#sfollo"in dissol'tion of t(e )arriae, a %(ild "as &orn to t(e "ife.

Issue:

+(et(er or not t(e late ('s&and is t(e fat(er of t(e %(ild

Ruling:

(e :o'rt (eld t(at t(e %(ild is still (is leiti)ate %(ild. (e fa%t t(at t(e ('s&and "asserio'sl# si% is not s'ffi%ient to over%o)e t(e pres')ption of leiti)a%#. (ere are %ases "(ere persons s'fferin fro) s'%( illness %an do %arnal a%t even in t(e )ost %r'%ial stae of (is (ealt( &e%a'se t(en t(e# see) to &e )ore in%lined to se$'al inter%o'rse. (is pres')ption %an onl# &e

re&'tted &# proof t(at it "as p(#si%all# i)possi&le for t(e ('s&and to (ave (ad a%%ess to (is "ifed'rin t(e first 120 da#s of t(e 300 da#s ne$t pre%edin t(e &irt( of t(e %(ild. *I)possi&ilit# of a%%ess &# ('s&and to "ife "o'ld in%l'de a&sen%e d'rin t(e initial period of %on%eption,i)poten%e "(i%( is patent, %ontin'in and in%'ra&le and i)prison)ent, 'nless it %an &e s(o"nt(at %o(a&itation too pla%e t(ro'( %orr'pt violation of prison re'lation./ (e fa%t t(at t(e "ife(ad illi%it inter%o'rse "it( a )an ot(er t(an (er ('s&and d'rin t(e initial period, do not pre%l'de %o(a&itation &et"een said ('s&and and "ife.

TEOFISTO 0A0IERA, petitioner, 4s. PRESENTA!ION 0. !ATOTAL, respondent=.. No. 13;493. !'ne 15, 2000

Facts:

299



Presenta%ion 7. :atotal filed a petition for t(e %an%ellation of t(e entr# of &irt( of eofista 7a&iera in t(e :ivil eistr# of Ilaan :it#. (e asserted t(at s(e is t(e onl# s'rvivin%(ild of t(e late F'enio and er)oena 7a&iera. (e alleed t(at eofista is not (er sister &e%a'se s(e is t(e da'(ter of @lora ='into "(o is t(e (o'se)aid of t(e spo'ses and ave &irt(t(ro'( U(ilot8 at t(e (o'se of t(e spo'ses "it(o't t(eir no"lede. (is %a'sed t(e reistration

of t(e fa%ts of &irt( of (er %(ild, &# si)'latin t(at t(e %(ild "as t(e %(ild of t(e spo'sesF'enio, t(en 65 #ears old and e)oena, t(en 54 #ears old, and )ade (er to &e t(e )ot(er of t(e %(ild. D'e to la% of eviden%e presented t(at er)oena &e%a)e prenant and "as alread#54 at t(e alleed ti)e of eofista8s &irt(, &ot( t(e trial and appellate %o'rt de%lared t(e %ertifi%ateof &irt( of eofista as n'll and void a& initio and orderin (er Lo%al :ivil eistrar of Ilian to%an%el fro) t(e reistr# of live &irt( of Ilian :it# 7I :FI@I:AF.

Issues:a< +(et(er or not Arti%le 11 of t(e @a)il# :ode s(all &e applied

&< +(et(er or not Arti%le 10 of t(e @a)il# :ode s(all &e applied

Ruling:a< A leiti)ate %(ild (as t(e re'isite standin to initiate an a%tion to %an%el t(e &irt(

%ertifi%ate of one %lai)in to &e t(e %(ild of t(e for)er8s )ot(er. Arti%le 11 of t(e@a)il# :ode states t(at t(e %(ild8s filiation %an &e i)p'ned onl# &# t(e fat(er or inspe%ial %ir%')stan%es, (is (eirs. It applies to instan%es in "(i%( t(e fat(er i)p'ns t(eleiti)a%# of (is "ife8s %(ild. (is Arti%le is not appli%a&le in t(e present %ase &e%a'se itdoes not i)p'n petitioner8s filiation to po'ses F'enio and er)oena 7a&iera sin%et(ere is no &lood relation to i)p'n in t(e first pla%e. In e%tion 2, 'le 3 of t(e 'les of :o'rt, provides t(at a real part# in interest is one *"(o stands to &e &enefited or inC'red &# t(e C'd)ent in t(e s'it, or t(e part# entitled to t(e avails of t(e s'it./

&< (e pres%riptive period set fort( in Arti%le 10 of t(e @a)il# :ode does not appl#. Ana%tion to %an%el a person8s 7irt( :ertifi%ate for &ein alleedl# void a& initio does not pres%ri&e.

MARISSA 0ENITEZ20ADUA, petitioner, 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS, "I!TORIA0ENITEZ2 LIRIO AND FEODOR 0ENITEZ A%UILAR, respondents

=.. No. 105625. !an'ar# 24, 1994

Facts:

300



po'ses i%ente 7enite> and Isa&el :(iponian o"ned vario's properties espe%iall# inLa'na. Isa&el died and follo"ed (er in t(e rave, seven #ears after. e died intestate. (e fi(tfor ad)inistration of i%ente8s estate ens'ed on epte)&er 24, 1990, private respondent i%toria7enite>- Lirio and @eodor 7enite>- A'ilar, i%ente8s sister and nep(e", respe%tivel#. (e# pra#ed for t(e iss'an%e of letters of ad)inistration of i%ente8s favor of private respondent

A'ilar. Bn Nove)&er 2, 1990, petitioner opposed t(e petition. (e alleed t(at s(e is t(e sole(eir of t(e de%eased and %apa&le of ad)inisterin (is estate.

Issue:

+(et(er or not Arti%les 164, 166, 10 and 11 of t(e @a)il# :ode s(all &e %onte)plated

Ruling:

Arti%les 164, 166, 10, and 11 of t(e @a)il# :ode do %onte)plate a sit'ation "(ere a%(ild is alleed not &e t(e %(ild of nat're or &ioloi%al %(ild of a %ertain %o'ple. (e instant %ase

does not %onte)plated &# t(ese arti%les. (ese arti%les overn a sit'ation "(ere a ('s&and or (is(eirs< denies as (is o"n a %(ild of (is "ife. ('s, 'nder Arti%le 166, it is t(e ('s&and "(o %ani)p'n t(e leiti)a%# of said %(ild &# provinG a< it "as p(#si%all# i)possi&le for (i) to (avese$'al inter%o'rse, "it( (is "ife "it(in t(e first 120 da#s of t(e 300 da#s "(i%( i))ediatel# pre%eded t(e &irt( of t(e %(ild &< t(at for &ioloi%al or ot(er s%ientifi% reasons, t(e %(ild %o'ldnot (ave &een (is %(ild %< t(at in %ase of %(ildren %on%eived t(ro'( artifi%ial inse)ination, t(e"ritten a't(ori>ation or ratifi%ation &# eit(er spo'se "as o&tained t(ro'( )istae, fra'd,violen%e, inti)idation, or 'nd'e infl'en%e.

7ILLIAM LI#AO, R., -e8-esente3 6 >is &t>e- !&-a?&n %a-cia, petitioner , 4s.UANITA TANHOTI2LI#AO, PEARL MAR%ARET L. TAN, TITA ROSE L. TAN AND

LINDA !HRISTINA LI#AO, respondents.=.. No. 13;961. ar%( , 2002

Facts:

301



:ora>on =. =ar%ia is leall# )arried to &'t livin separatel# fro) a)on . 'lo for )ore t(an ten 10< #ears at t(e ti)e of t(e instit'tion of t(e %ivil %ase filed &# (er in favor to (er son. :ora>on %o(a&ited "it( t(e late +illia) Li#ao fro) 1965 'p to t(e ti)e of +illia)8s'nti)el# de)ise on De%e)&er 2, 195. (e# lived toet(er in t(e %o)pan# of :ora>on8s t"o 2<%(ildren fro) (er s'&sistin )arriae. (is "as "it( t(e no"lede of +illia) Li#ao8s

leiti)ate %(ildren, ita ose L. an and Linda :(ristina Li#ao-Brtia, fro) (is s'&sistin)arriae "it( !'anita an(oti Li#ao. ita ose and :(ristina "ere &ot( e)plo#ed at t(e @ar Fastealt# Invest)ent, In%. of "(i%( :ora>on and +illia) "ere t(en vi%e president and president,respe%tivel#. Bn !'ne 9, 195, :ora>on ave &irt( to +illia) Li#ao, !r. at t(e :ardinal antose)orial ospital. D'rin (er t(ree 3< da# sta# at t(e (ospital, +illia) Li#ao visited andsta#ed "it( (er and t(e ne" &orn &a&#, +illia), !r. 7ill#<. All t(e )edi%al and (ospitale$penses, food and %lot(in "ere paid 'nder t(e a%%o'nt of +illia) Li#ao. +illia) Li#ao evenased (is %onfidential se%retar#, rs. irinia odri'e>, to se%'re a %op# of 7ill#8s &irt(%ertifi%ate. e lie"ise instr'%ted :ora>on to open a &an a%%o'nt for 7ill# "it( t(e:onsolidated 7an and r'st :o)pan# and ave "eel# a)o'nts to &e deposited t(erein.+illia) Li#ao "o'ld &rin 7ill# to t(e offi%e, introd'%e (i) as (is ood looin son and (ad

t(eir pi%t'res taen toet(er. D'rin t(e lifeti)e of +illia) Li#ao, several pi%t'res "ere taens(o"in, a)on ot(ers, +illia) Li#ao and :ora>on toet(er "it( 7ill#8s odfat(er, @r. !'lian'i>, +illia) Li#ao8s leal staff and t(eir "ives "(ile on va%ation in 7a'io. :ora>on also presented pi%t'res in %o'rt to prove t(at t(at s(e 's'all# a%%o)panied +illia) Li#ao "(ileattendin vario's so%ial at(erins and ot(er i)portant )eetins.

Issue:

+(o s(all invoe t(e leiti)a%# of t(e %(ild )entioned in Arti%le 255 of t(e :ivil :ode

Ruling:

Jnder t(e Ne" :ivil :ode, a %(ild &orn and %on%eived d'rin a valid )arriae is pres')ed to &eleiti)ate. (e pres')ption of leiti)a%# of %(ildren does not onl# flo" o't fro) a de%laration%ontained in t(e stat'te &'t is &ased on t(e &road prin%iples of nat'ral C'sti%e and t(e s'pposedvirt'e of t(e )ot(er. (e pres')ption is ro'nded in a poli%# to prote%t inno%ent offsprin fro)t(e odi') of illeiti)a%#. (e pres')ption of leiti)a%# of t(e %(ild, (o"ever, is not %on%l'siveand %onse'entl#, )a# &e overt(ro"n &# eviden%e to t(e %ontrar#. en%e, Arti%le 255 of t(e Ne":ivil :ode providesG Arti%le 255. :(ildren &orn after one ('ndred and ei(t# da#s follo"in t(e%ele&ration of t(e )arriae, and &efore t(ree ('ndred da#s follo"in its dissol'tion or t(eseparation of t(e spo'ses s(all &e pres')ed to &e leiti)ate. Aainst t(is pres')ption noeviden%e s(all &e ad)itted ot(er t(an t(at of t(e p(#si%al i)possi&ilit# of t(e ('s&and (avina%%ess to (is "ife "it(in t(e first one ('ndred and t"ent# da#s of t(e t(ree ('ndred "(i%( pre%eded t(e &irt( of t(e %(ild. (is p(#si%al i)possi&ilit# )a# &e %a'sedG1< 7# t(e i)poten%e of t(e ('s&and2< 7# t(e fa%t t(at ('s&and and "ife "ere livin separatel# in s'%( a "a# t(at a%%ess"as not possi&le3< 7# t(e serio's illness of t(e ('s&and. (e fa%t t(at :ora>on =ar%ia (ad &eenlivin separatel# fro) (er ('s&and, a)on 'lo, at t(e ti)e petitioner "as %on%eived and &ornis of no )o)ent. +(ile p(#si%al i)possi&ilit# for t(e ('s&and to (ave se$'al inter%o'rse "it((is "ife is one of t(e ro'nds for i)p'nin t(e leiti)a%# of t(e %(ild, it &ears e)p(asis t(att(e ro'nds for i)p'nin t(e leiti)a%# of t(e %(ild )entioned in Arti%le 255 of t(e :ivil :ode)a# onl# &e invoed &# t(e ('s&and, or in proper %ases, (is (eirs 'nder t(e %onditions set fort('nder Arti%le 262 of t(e :ivil :ode.

IN1IE !HRISTIE A. DE ESUS an3 A!5UELINE A. DE ESUS, in&-s, -e8-esente36 t>ei- &t>e-, !AROLINA A. DE ESUS, petitioners, 4s.

THE ESTATE OF DE!EDENT UAN %AM0OA DIZON, respondent.=.. No. 142;. B%to&er 2, 2001

Facts:

302



(e petition involves t(e %ase of t"o illeiti)ate %(ildren "(o, (avin &een &orn inla"f'l "edlo%, %lai) to &e t(e illeiti)ate s%ions of t(e de%edent in order to enfor%e t(eir respe%tive s(ares in t(e latter8s estate 'nder t(e r'les on s'%%ession. Danilo 7. de !es's and:arolina Aves de !es's ot )arried on 23 A''st 1964. It "as d'rin t(is )arriae t(at!a%'eline A. de !es's and !inie :(ristie A. de !es's, "ere &orn, t(e for)er on 01 ar%( 199

and t(e latter on 06 !'l# 19;2. In a notari>ed do%')ent, dated 0 !'ne 1991, !'an =. Di>ona%no"leded !a%'eline and !inie de !es's as &ein (is o"n illeiti)ate %(ildren &# :arolinaAves de !es's. !'an =. Di>on died intestate on 12 ar%( 1992, leavin &e(ind %onsidera&leassets %onsistin of s(ares of sto% in vario's %orporations and so)e real propert#. It "as on t(estrent( of (is notari>ed a%no"led)ent t(at petitioners filed a %o)plaint on 01 !'l# 1993 for *Partition "it( Inventor# and A%%o'ntin/ of t(e Di>on estate. espondents, t(e s'rvivinspo'se and leiti)ate %(ildren of t(e de%edent !'an =. Di>on, in%l'din t(e %orporations of "(i%( t(e de%eased "as a sto%(older, so'(t t(e dis)issal of t(e %ase, ar'in t(at t(e%o)plaint, even "(ile deno)inated as &ein one for partition, "o'ld nevert(eless %all for alterin t(e stat's of petitioners fro) &ein t(e leiti)ate %(ildren of t(e spo'ses Danilo de !es'sand :arolina de !es's to instead &e t(e illeiti)ate %(ildren of :arolina de !es's and de%eased

!'an Di>on.

Issue:

+(et(er or not Arti%les 10 and 11 s(all &e o&served in t(e %ase

Ruling:

(ere is per(aps no pres')ption of t(e la" )ore fir)l# esta&lis(ed and fo'nded onso'nder )oralit# and )ore %onvin%in reason t(an t(e pres')ption t(at %(ildren &orn in"edlo% are leiti)ate. (is pres')ption indeed &e%o)es %on%l'sive in t(e a&sen%e of proof t(at

t(ere is p(#si%al i)possi&ilit# of a%%ess &et"een t(e spo'ses d'rin t(e first 120 da#s of t(e 300da#s "(i%( i))ediatel# pre%edes t(e &irt( of t(e %(ild d'e to a< t(e p(#si%al in%apa%it# of t(e('s&and to (ave se$'al inter%o'rse "it( (is "ife &< t(e fa%t t(at t(e ('s&and and "ife are livinseparatel# in s'%( a "a# t(at se$'al inter%o'rse is not possi&le or %< serio's illness of t(e('s&and, "(i%( a&sol'tel# prevents se$'al inter%o'rse. S'ite re)ara&l#, 'pon t(e e$piration of t(e periods set fort( in Arti%le 10, and in proper %ases Arti%le 11, of t(e @a)il# :ode "(i%(too effe%t on 03 A''st 19;;<, t(e a%tion to i)p'n t(e leiti)a%# of a %(ild "o'ld no loner &e leall# feasi&le and t(e stat's %onferred &# t(e pres')ption &e%o)es fi$ed and 'nassaila&le.

ED%ARDO A. TIIN% an3 0IEN"ENIDA R. TIIN%, petitioners, 4s. THE HON. !OURTOF APPEALS an3 AN%ELITA DIAMANTE, respondents

=.. No. 125901. ar%( ;, 2001

Facts:Petitioners are ('s&and and "ife. (e# (ave si$ %(ildren and t(e #o'nest is Fdardo

iCin !r., "(o "as &orn on April 2, 19;9 at t(e %lini% of )id"ife and reistered n'rse Lo'rdes-as'e>. 7ienvenida served as t(e la'ndr#"o)an of anelita, t(e respondent. Bn A''st, 19;9,

303



anelita "ent to (er (o'se to fet%( for an 'rent la'ndr# Co&. in%e 7ienvenida "as on (er "a#to do so)e )aretin, s(e ased Anelita to "ait 'ntil s(e ret'rned. (e also left (er fo'r-)ont(old son, Fdardo !r. 'nder t(e %are of Aanelita as s(e 's'all# let (er tae %are of t(e %(ild "(ile7ienvenida "as doin la'ndr#. +(en s(e %a)e &a% fro) t(e )aret, t(e t"o "ere onealread#. (e "ent to Anelita8s (o)e &'t s(e "as infor)ed t(at Anelita alread# )oved to ot(er

pla%e. 7ienvenida and (er ('s&and sear%(ed for t(eir )issin son in ot(er pla%es. Not"it(standin t(eir serio's efforts, t(e# sa" no tra%es of (is "(erea&o'ts. @o'r #ears later,7ienvenida read in t(e ta&loid a&o't t(e deat( of o)as Lope>, alleedl# t(e %o))on ('s&andof Anelita. (e# "ent to t(e pla%e and sa" (er son. (e %lai)s t(at t(e &o# "as alread# na)ed!o(n (o)as Lope>. (e spo'ses filed t(eir petition for (a&eas %orp's "it( t(e trial %o'rt inorder to re%over t(eir son. (e petitioners presented t"o "itnesses, Lo'rdes as'e>, t(e)id"ife and 7enCa)in Lope>, t(e &rot(er of o)as. 7enCa)in Lope> de%lared t(at (is &rot(er %o'ld not (ave possi&l# fat(ered !o(n (o)as Lope> as (e "as sterile. (e trial %o'rt rantedt(e petition "(ile in t(e appellate %o'rt, it reversed t(e de%ision of t(e lo"er %o'rt.

Issue:

+(et(er or not t(e Fdardo !r. and !o(n (o)as is t(e sa)e person

Ruling:Jnder t(e la", t(e attendin p(#si%ian or )id"ife in attendan%e of &irt( s(o'ld %a'se t(e

re%onition of s'%( &irt( and onl# is defa'lt of t(e p(#si%ian or )id"ife %an t(e parent reister t(e &irt( of (is %(ild. A false entr# in t(e &irt( %ertifi%ate reardin t(e alleed )arriae &et"eent(e parents of t(e %(ild p'ts to do'&t t(e ot(er data in said &irt( %ertifi%ate. oreover,rese)&lan%e &et"een a )inor and (is alleed parent is %o)petent and )aterial eviden%e toesta&lis( parentae. 7ienvenida and t(e s'&Ce%t %(ild (ave a %o))on rese)&lan%e. ('s, t(e%o'rt %onsidered t(is in t(e de%ision. Parentae "ill s(all &e resolved 'sin %onventional)et(ods 'nless adopt t(e )odern and s%ientifi% "a#s availa&le lie Deo$#re&on'%lei A%idDNA< test.

7ILLIAM %O 1IM HU#, petitioner, 4s. SANTIA%O %O 1IM HU#, 0ONIFA!IO %O1IM = SONS, SANTIA%O %O 1IM = SONS, !&., respondents.

=.. No. 1364. epte)&er 20, 2001

Facts:7onifa%io =o Ki) died on @e&r'ar# 26, 194. +illia) =o Ki) '# %lai)s (ereditar#

ri(ts over t(e )ass of propert#, ri(ts, and assets &elonin to (is estate. eard &# si$ : C'des of S'e>on :it#, t(is 2 de%ade-old %ontrovers# started on !'ne 1;, 19;0 "(en petitioner

304



filed a %o)plaint aainst t(e respondents to de%lare t(e properties and &'sinesses (eld &# t(e) as part of t(e estate of 7onifa%io =o Ki) and %o)pel t(e) to render an a%%o'ntin. espondentantiao avers t(at (e is t(e onl# son of 7onifa%io =o Ki). e )aintains t(at petitioner (aslived and "ored "it( t(e) and "as treated as a fa)il# )e)&er &e%a'se petitioner8s real fat(er "as %lose friend of t(e de%edent. is real parents "ere =a" =ee and N Kee appearin in (is

landin %ertifi%ate. e denied an# relation "it( petitioner ad de%lares t(at t(e rant of petition for %(ane of na)e fro) =a" Pia to +illia) =o Ki) '# did not )ae petitioner a )e)&er of t(efa)il# of 7onifa%io =o Ki).

Issue:+(et(er or not +illia) =o Ki) '# esta&lis(ed (is filiation "it( t(e de%eased

Ruling:@ro) t(e ti)e of deat( of 7onifa%io =o Ki) in 194, (is (eirs a%'ired a definite ri(t to

in(eritan%e. 7# provision of "ill or operation of la", (is (eirs are %alled to s'%%eed. Nevert(eless, t(e &'rden of proof is on petitioner to esta&lis( (is affir)ative alleation t(at

7onifa%io is (is fat(er. Jnder o'r leal s#ste), filiation is esta&lis(ed &# an# of t(e follo"inGa< t(e re%ord of &irt( appearin in t(e %ivil reister or a fial C'd)ent &< an ad)ission of leiti)ate filiation in a p'&li% do%')ent or private (and"ritten instr')ent and sined &# t(e parent %on%erned. In t(e a&sen%e of t(e foreoin eviden%e, t(e leiti)ate filiation s(all &e proved &# t(e open and %ontin'o's possession of t(e stat's of a leiti)ate %(ild or an# ot(er )eans allo"ed &# t(e 'les of :o'rt and pe%ial La"s.

MARIA EANETTE !. TE!SON an3 FELI$ 0. DESIDERIO, R., petitioners, 4s.T>e !OMMISSION ON ELE!TIONS, RONALD ALLAN 1ELL# POE ;a.9.a.

FERNANDO POE, R.<, respondents.=.. No. 161434. ar%( 3, 2004

Facts:

305



Bn 31 De%e)&er 2003, respondent onald Allan Kell# Poe, also no"n as @ernando Poe,!r. (ereinafter @P!<, filed (is %ertifi%ate of %andida%# for t(e position of President of t(eep'&li% of t(e P(ilippines 'nder t(e Koalis#on n Naaaisan Pilipino KNP< Part#, in t(efort(%o)in national ele%tions. In (is %ertifi%ate of %andida%#, @P!, representin (i)self to &e anat'ral-&orn %iti>en of t(e P(ilippines, stated (is na)e to &e @ernando !r., or onald Allan

Poe, (is date of &irt( to &e 20 A''st 1939 and (is pla%e of &irt( to &e anila. Petitioner initiated a petition to dis'alif# t(e respondent and to den# d'e %o'rse or to %an%el (is %ertifi%ateof %andida%# 'pon t(e t(esis t(at @P! )ade a )isrepresentation in (is %ertifi%ate of %andida%# &#%lai)in to &e a nat'ral-&orn @ilipino %iti>en "(en in tr't( (is parents "ere foreiners. is)ot(er "as 7essie Kelle# Poe, an A)eri%an and (is fat(er "as Allan Poe, a panis( national, &ein t(e son of Loren>o Poe, a panis( s'&Ce%t. =rantin, petitioner asseverated t(at Allan Poe"as a @ilipino %iti>en, (e %o'ld not (ave trans)itted (is @ilipino %iti>ens(ip to @P!, t(e latter &ein an illeiti)ate %(ild of an alien )ot(er. Petitioner &ased t(e alleation of t(e illeiti)ate &irt( of respondent on t"o assertions- first, Allan Poe %ontra%ted a prior )arriae to a %ertainPa'lita =o)e> &efore (is )arriae to 7essie Kelle#, and se%ond, even if no s'%( prior )arriae(ad e$isted, is parents ot )arried onl# a #ear after t(e &irt( of respondent.

Issue:

+(et(er or not @P! is a leiti)ate %(ild

Ruling:

Jnder Arti%le 12 of t(e @a)il# :ode, (e filiation of leiti)ate %(ildren is esta&lis(ed &# an# of t(e follo"inG1< (e re%ord of &irt( appearin in t(e %ivil reister or a final C'd)entor 2< An ad)ission of leiti)ate filiation in a p'&li% do%')ent or a private (and"ritteninstr')ent and sined &# t(e parent %on%erned. In t(e a&sen%e of t(e foreoin eviden%e, t(e

leiti)ate filiation s(all &e proved &#G 1< t(e open and %ontin'o's possession of t(e stat's of aleiti)ate %(ild or 2 an# ot(er )eans allo"ed &# t(e 'les of :o'rt and spe%ial la"s. Jnder Arti%le 13, t(e a%tion to %lai) leiti)a%# )a# &e &ro'(t &# t(e %(ild d'rin (is or (er lifeti)eand s(all &e trans)itted to t(e (eirs s(o'ld t(e %(ild die d'rin )inorit# or in a state of insanit#.In t(ese %ases, t(e (eirs s(all (ave a period of five #ears "it(in "(i%( to instit'te t(e a%tion. (ea%tion alread# %o))en%ed &# t(e %(ild s(all s'rvive not"it(standin t(e deat( of eit(er or &ot(of t(e parties/ *Art. 15. Illeiti)ate %(ildren )a# esta&lis( t(eir illeiti)ate filiation in t(esa)e "a# and on t(e sa)e, eviden%e as leiti)ate %(ildren./, *(e a%tion )'st &e &ro'(t"it(in t(e sa)e period spe%ified in Arti%le 13, e$%ept "(en t(e a%tion is &ased on t(e se%ond pararap( of Arti%le 12, in "(i%( %ase t(e a%tion )a# &e &ro'(t d'rin t(e lifeti)e of t(ealleed parent./ (e provisions of t(e @a)il# :ode are retroa%tivel# applied Arti%le 256 of t(e%ode readsG Art. 256. (is :ode s(all (ave retroa%tive effe%t insofar as it does not preC'di%e or i)pair vested or a%'ired ri(ts in a%%ordan%e "it( t(e :ivil :ode or ot(er la"s./ (e 1950:ivil :ode %ateori>ed t(e a%no"led)ent or re%onition of illeiti)ate %(ildren intovol'ntar#, leal or %o)p'lsor#. ol'ntar# re%onition "as re'ired to &e e$pressedl# )ade in are%ord of &irt(, a "ill, a state)ent &efore a %o'rt of re%ord or in an# a't(enti% "ritin. Leala%no"led)ent too pla%e in favor of f'll &lood &rot(ers and sisters of an illeiti)ate %(ild"(o "as re%oni>ed or C'di%iall# de%lared as nat'ral. :o)p'lsor# a%no"led)ent %o'ld &ede)anded enerall# in %ases "(en t(e %(ild (ad in (is favor an# eviden%e to prove filiation.Jnlie an a%tion to %lai) leiti)a%# "(i%( "o'ld last d'rin t(e lifeti)e of t(e %(ild, and )i(t pass e$%eptionall# to t(e (eirs of t(e %(ild, an a%tion to %lai) a%no"led)ent, (o"ever, %o'ldonl# &e &ro'(t d'rin t(e lifeti)e of t(e pres')ed parent. In %ase of an illeiti)ate %(ild, t(e &irt( %ertifi%ate s(all &e sined and s"orn to Cointl# &# t(e parents of t(e infant or onl# &# t(e)ot(er if t(e fat(er ref'ses. In t(e latter %ase, it s(all not &e per)issi&le to state or reveal in t(edo%')ent t(e na)e of t(e fat(er "(o ref'ses to a%no"lede t(e %(ild, or to ive t(erein an#infor)ation &# "(i%( s'%( fat(er %o'ld &e identified. In order t(at t(e &irt( %ertifi%ate %o'ld t(en &e 'tili>ed to prove vol'ntar# a%no"led)ent of filiation or paternit#, t(e %ertifi%ate "asre'ired to &e sined or s"orn to &# t(e fat(er. (e fail're of s'%( re'ire)ent rendered t(esa)e 'seless as &ein an a't(oritative do%')ent of re%onition.

306



!AMELO !A0ATANIA, petitioner 4s. HON. !OURT OF APPEALS an3!AMELO RE%ODOS, respondents=.. No. 124;14. B%to&er 21, 2004

Facts:(is %ontrovers# ste))ed fro) a petition for re%onition and s'pport filed &# @loren%ia

eodos in &e(alf of (er son, :a)elo eodos. :a)elo "as &orn on epte)&er 9, 19;2. In

30



19;1, @loren%ia "as (ired as petitioner8s (o'se(old (elp. D'rin t(e %o'rse of (er e)plo#)ent,s(e often "ent (o)e to (er ('s&and in t(e afternoon and ret'rn to "or for t(e )ornin. (isdispleased petitioner8s "ife, (en%(, s(e "as told to loo for anot(er Co&. Bne ti)e, petitioner and@loren%ia a%%identall# sa" ea%( ot(er in a &'s. (e# "ent for a dinner and spent t(e ni(t in aotel, "(ere t(e# (ad se$'al inter%o'rse. In t(at ti)e, t(e "o)an %onfessed t(at s(e "as

prenant "it( t(e %(ild of (er ('s&and. (e# "ent (o)e follo"in t(at da#. @loren%ia "ent to petitioner8s (o'se (opin to &e re-e)plo#ed as servant. in%e petitioner8s "ife "as in need onet(at ti)e, s(e "as re-(ired. o"ever, petitioner8s "ife noti%ed (er prenan%# and s(e dis%losedt(at t(e fat(er "as (er ('s&and. ('s, s(e "as aain told to o (o)e and after t(at t(e# did notsee ea%( ot(er an#)ore.

Issue:+(et(er or not paternit# or filiation "as d'l# esta&lis(ed

Ruling:An order for re%onition and s'pport )a# %reate a "(oleso)e sit'ation or )a# &e on

irritant to t(e fa)il# or t(e lives of t(e parties so t(at it )'st &e iss'ed onl# if paternit# or filiation is esta&lis(ed &# %lear and %onvin%in eviden%e. A %ertifi%ate of live &irt( p'rportedl#identif#in t(e p'tative fat(er is not %o)petent eviden%e of paternit# "(en t(ere is no s(o"int(at t(e p'tative fat(er "as in t(e preparation of t(e said %ertifi%ate. (e pres')ption of leiti)a%# does not onl# flo" o't of a de%laration in t(e stat'te &'t it is &ased on t(e &road prin%iples of nat'ral C'sti%e and t(e s'pposed virt'e of t(e )ot(er. (e pres')ption is ro'ndedon t(e poli%# to prote%t inno%ent offsprin fro) t(e odi') of illeiti)a%#. (e fa%t t(at@loren%ia8s ('s&and is livin and t(ere is a valid s'&sisten%e )arriae &et"een t(e) ives rise to pres')ption t(at a %(ild &orn "it(in t(at )arriae is leiti)ate even t(o'( t(e )atter )a# (avede%lared aainst its leiti)a%# or )a# (ave &een senten%ed as an ad'lteress.

ROSALINA P. E!ETA, petitioner 4s. MA. THERESA "ELL LA%URA E!ETA, respondent.

=.. No. 1503. a# 20, 2004

Facts:osalina P. da. De F%eta "as )arried to Isaa% F%eta so)eti)e in 1962. D'rin t(e

s'&sisten%e of t(eir )arriae, t(e# &eot a son, i%ente. (e %o'ple a%'ired several propert#

30;



lo%ated at tarford, :'&ao, S'e>on :it#. Isaa% died in 196, leavin &e(ind osalina and i%enteas (is %o)p'lsor# (eirs. In 19, i%ente died. D'rin (is lifeti)e (o"ever (e sired aria(eresa an illeiti)ate da'(ter. ('s, at t(e ti)e of (is deat( (is %o)p'lsor# (eirs are (is)ot(er and illeiti)ate da'(ter. In 1991, aria (eresa filed a %ase &efore t(e eional rial:o'rt of S'e>on :it# for *Partition and A%%o'ntin "it( Da)aes/ aainst osalina allein &#

virt'e of (er fat(er8s deat(, s(e &e%a)e osalina8s %o-(eir and %o-o"ner of t(e :'&ao propert#.rial, Appellate, and 'pre)e :o'rt ranted aria (eresa8s pra#ers.

Issue:+(et(er or not aria (eresa s'%%essf'll# esta&lis(ed (er filiation

Hel3:aria (eresa s'%%essf'll# esta&lis(ed (er filiation "it( i%ente &# presentin a d'l#

a't(enti%ated &irt( %ertifi%ate. i%ente (i)self sined t(e &irt( %ertifi%ate t(ere&# a%no"ledint(at s(e is (is da'(ter. 7# t(is a%t alone, i%ente is dee)ed to (ave a%no"leded (is paternit#over aria (eresa. ('s, t(e filiation of illeiti)ate %(ildren lie leiti)ate %(ildren is

esta&lis(ed &#G a< t(e re%ord of &irt( appearin in t(e %ivil reister or a final C'd)ent or &<ad)ission of leiti)ate filiation is p'&li% do%')ent or private (and"ritten instr')ent and sined &# t(e parent %on%erned. In t(e a&sen%e t(ereof, filiation s(all &e proved &#G a< t(e open and%ontin'o's possession of t(e stat's of t(e leiti)ate %(ild or &< onl# ot(er )eans allo"ed &#t(e 'le of t(e :o'rt and spe%ial la"s. (e d'e re%onition of an illeiti)ate %(ild in a re%ord of &irt(, a "ill, a state)ent &efore a %o'rt of re%ord, or in an# a't(enti% "ritin is in itself a%ons'))ated a%t of a%no"led)ent of t(e %(ild and no f'rt(er %o'rt a%tion is re'ired.

MA. THERESA R. AL0ERTO, petitioner , 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS, INTESTATEESTATE OF UAN M.AL0ERTO #OLANDA R.AL0ERTO, respondents.

=.. No. ;6639. !'ne 2, 1994

Facts:Bn epte)&er 1;, 1953, a. (eresa Al&erto "as &orn o't of "edlo% to A'rora eniva

"it( !'an Al&erto as t(e fat(er. (e 'sed *Al&erto/ as s'rna)e in all (er %(ool re%ords and

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%orresponden%es. Bn epte)&er 1;, 196, !'an died intestate. is "ido", olanda Al&erto, fileda petition for t(e ad)inistration of (is estate. After t(e p'&li%ation of noti%es, s(e "as appointedas t(e ad)inistratri$ of t(e estate. After t(e Inventor# and Appraisal and t(e Ad)inistratri$8A%%o'ntin "ere approved, t(e pro%eedins "ere ordered %losed and ter)inated. Bn epte)&er 15, 19;, a. (eresa filed a )otion for leave to intervene as oppositor and to re-open t(e

pro%eedins pra#in t(at s(e &e de%lared to (ave a%'ired t(e stat's of a nat'ral %(ild and ass'%(, entitled to s(are in t(e estate of t(e de%eased. (e )otion "as ranted &# t(e pro&ate %o'rt.(e :o'rt "as %onvin%ed t(at t(e petitioner (ad &een in %ontin'o's possession of t(e stat's of anat'ral %(ild. ('s, it %o)pelled t(e de%edent8s (eirs and estate to re%oni>e (er as a nat'ralda'(ter and allo" (er to parti%ipate in t(e estate pro%eedins.

Issues:a< +(et(er or not t(e nat'ral %(ild o%%'pies t(e (i(est position 'nder t(e old :ivil :ode

&< +(et(er or not t(e petitioner is &arred to file an a%tion

Ruling:

a< +(ile (e did %ontra%t )arriae s'&se'entl# "it( anot(er "o)an, it "as onl# too %lear t(at (e (ad no intentions of %losin definitivel# t(at %(apter in (is life "(en (e &eat (isfirst-&orn. Bf t(e different %ateories of illeiti)ate %(ildren 'nder t(e old :ivil :ode,t(e nat'ral %(ild o%%'pies t(e (i(est position, s(e &ein t(e %(ild of parents "(o, at t(eti)e of (er %on%eption, "ere not dis'alified &# an# i)pedi)ent to )arr# ea%( ot(er and%o'ld, t(erefore, (ave %ontra%ted a valid )arriae.

&< An illeiti)ate %(ild "(ose fat(er or )ot(er dies d'rin (er )inorit# (as fo'r 4< #earsfro) t(e attain)ent of (er )aCorit# "it(in "(i%( to file an a%tion for t(e re%onition. (e)otion of t(e petitioner "as seasona&l# filed t(ree da#s &efore t(e e$piration of t(e fo'r-#ear period. en%e, t(e said )otion is valid.

IN1IE !HRISTIE A. DE ESUS an3 A!5UELINE A. DE ESUS, in&-s, -e8-esente36 t>ei- &t>e-, !AROLINA A. DE ESUS, petitioners, 4s.

THE ESTATE OF DE!EDENT UAN %AM0OA DIZON, respondent.=.. No. 142;. B%to&er 2, 2001

Facts:

310



(e petition involves t(e %ase of t"o illeiti)ate %(ildren "(o, (avin &een &orn inla"f'l "edlo%, %lai) to &e t(e illeiti)ate s%ions of t(e de%edent in order to enfor%e t(eir respe%tive s(ares in t(e latter8s estate 'nder t(e r'les on s'%%ession. Danilo 7. de !es's and:arolina Aves de !es's ot )arried on 23 A''st 1964. It "as d'rin t(is )arriae t(at!a%'eline A. de !es's and !inie :(ristie A. de !es's, "ere &orn, t(e for)er on 01 ar%( 199

and t(e latter on 06 !'l# 19;2. In a notari>ed do%')ent, dated 0 !'ne 1991, !'an =. Di>ona%no"leded !a%'eline and !inie de !es's as &ein (is o"n illeiti)ate %(ildren &# :arolinaAves de !es's. !'an =. Di>on died intestate on 12 ar%( 1992, leavin &e(ind %onsidera&leassets %onsistin of s(ares of sto% in vario's %orporations and so)e real propert#. It "as on t(estrent( of (is notari>ed a%no"led)ent t(at petitioners filed a %o)plaint on 01 !'l# 1993 for *Partition "it( Inventor# and A%%o'ntin/ of t(e Di>on estate. espondents, t(e s'rvivinspo'se and leiti)ate %(ildren of t(e de%edent !'an =. Di>on, in%l'din t(e %orporations of "(i%( t(e de%eased "as a sto%(older, so'(t t(e dis)issal of t(e %ase, ar'in t(at t(e%o)plaint, even "(ile deno)inated as &ein one for partition, "o'ld nevert(eless %all for alterin t(e stat's of petitioners fro) &ein t(e leiti)ate %(ildren of t(e spo'ses Danilo de !es'sand :arolina de !es's to instead &e t(e illeiti)ate %(ildren of :arolina de !es's and de%eased

!'an Di>on.

Issue:+(et(er or not vol'ntar# re%onition of illeiti)ate %(ildren is present

Ruling:

(e r'le t(at t(e "ritten a%no"led)ent )ade &# t(e de%eased !'an =. Di>onesta&lis(es petitioners8 alleed illeiti)ate filiation to t(e de%edent %annot &e validl# invoed to &e of an# relevan%e in t(is instan%e. !'rispr'den%e is stronl# settled t(at t(e para)o'ntde%laration of leiti)a%# &# la" %annot &e atta%ed %ollaterall#, one t(at %an onl# &e rep'diated

or %ontested in a dire%t s'it spe%ifi%all# &ro'(t for t(at p'rpose. Indeed, a %(ild so &orn in s'%("edlo% s(all &e %onsidered leiti)ate alt(o'( t(e )ot(er )a# (ave de%lared aainst itsleiti)a%# or )a# (ave &een senten%ed as (avin &een an ad'lteress. (e filiation of illeiti)ate%(ildren, lie leiti)ate %(ildren, is esta&lis(ed &# 1< t(e re%ord of &irt( appearin in t(e %ivilreister or a final C'd)ent or 2< an ad)ission of leiti)ate filiation in a p'&li% do%')ent or a private (and"ritten instr')ent and sined &# t(e parent %on%erned. In t(e a&sen%e t(ereof,filiation s(all &e proved &# 1< t(e open and %ontin'o's possession of t(e stat's of a leiti)ate%(ild or 2< an# ot(er )eans allo"ed &# t(e 'les of :o'rt and spe%ial la"s. (e d'ere%onition of an illeiti)ate %(ild in a re%ord of &irt(, a "ill, a state)ent &efore a %o'rt of re%ord, or in an# a't(enti% "ritin is, in itself, a %ons'))ated a%t of a%no"led)ent of t(e%(ild, and no f'rt(er %o'rt a%tion is re'ired. In fa%t, an# a't(enti% "ritin is treated not C'st aro'nd for %o)p'lsor# re%onition it is in itself a vol'ntar# re%onition t(at does not re'ire aseparate a%tion for C'di%ial approval. +(ere, instead, a %lai) for re%onition is predi%ated onot(er eviden%e )erel# tendin to prove paternit#, i.e., o'tside of a re%ord of &irt(, a "ill, astate)ent &efore a %o'rt of re%ord or an a't(enti% "ritin, C'di%ial a%tion "it(in t(e appli%a&lestat'te of li)itations is essential in order to esta&lis( t(e %(ild8s a%no"led)ent. A s%r'tin# of t(e re%ords "o'ld s(o" t(at petitioners "ere &orn d'rin t(e )arriae of t(eir parents. (e%ertifi%ates of live &irt( "o'ld also identif# Danilo de !es's as &ein t(eir fat(er.

'%%in%tl#, in an atte)pt to esta&lis( t(eir illeiti)ate filiation to t(e late !'an =. Di>on, petitioners, in effe%t, "o'ld i)p'n t(eir leiti)ate stat's as &ein %(ildren of Danilo de !es'sand :arolina Aves de !es's. (is step %annot &e aptl# done &e%a'se t(e la" itself esta&lis(es t(eleiti)a%# of %(ildren %on%eived or &orn d'rin t(e )arriae of t(e parents. (e pres')ption of leiti)a%# fi$es a %ivil stat's for t(e %(ild &orn in "edlo%, and onl# t(e fat(er, or in e$%eptionalinstan%es t(e latter8s (eirs, %an %ontest in an appropriate a%tion t(e leiti)a%# of a %(ild &orn to(is "ife. ('s, it is onl# "(en t(e leiti)a%# of a %(ild (as &een s'%%essf'll# i)p'ned t(at t(e paternit# of t(e ('s&and %an &e reCe%ted.

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!ONSOLA!ION LUMAIN DE APARI!IO acc&8anie3 6 t>e >usan3 0ENITOAPARI!IO, petitioner-appellant, 4s. HIPOLITO PARA%U#A, defendant-respondent

ar%( 29, 19;

Facts:rinidad ontilde, a #o'n lass (ad a love affair "it( a priest, @r. @elipe L')ain and in

t(e pro%ess s(e %on%eived. +(en s(e al)ost fo'r-)ont(s prenant and in order to %on%eal (er

312



disra%e in t(e p'&li%, s(e de%ided to )arr# Anasta%io a)&'rao. @r. L')ain sole)ni>ed t(eir )arriae. (e# never lived toet(er as )an and "ife. Bn epte)&er 12, 1924, 192 da#s after t(e)arriae, rinidad ave &irt( to :onsola%ion L')ain. As s(o"n &# (er &irt( %ertifi%ate (er reistered parents are rinidad and Anasta%io. Bn B%to&er 31, 19;6, @r. L')ain died &'t (e left alast "ill and testa)ent "(erein (e a%no"lede :onsola%ion (is da'(ter and instit'ted (er as

t(e sole and 'niversal (eir of all propert# ri(ts and interests. (is "as d'l# pro&ated &# t(e:o'rt of @irst Instan%e of 7o(ol and on appeal it "as affir)ed &# :o'rt of appeals. oonafterrea%('n t(e ae of )aCorit#, :onsola%ion filed an a%tion aainst ipolito for t(e re%over#of %ertain par%el of lands s(e %lai) to (ave in(erited fro) @r. L')ain and for da)aes.

Issue:+(et(er or not :onsola%ion is t(e la"f'l (eir

Ruling:Bne "(o (as no %o)p'lsor# (eirs )a# dispose &# "ill all (is estate or an# part of it in

favor of an# person (avin %apa%it# to s'%%eed Deter)ination of paternit# not even ne%essar#.

In t(e last "ill anCd testa)ent of @r. L')ain, (e not onl# a%no"leded appellee, :onsola%ion as(is nat'ral da'(ter &'t desinated (er as (is onl# (eir. ('s, :onsola%ion is t(e la"f'l (eir.

OSE RI"ERO, plaintiff 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS, defendant=.. No. 14123. a# 1, 2005

Facts:

Bn A''st 2, 1996, 7enedi% Arevalo filed a :o)plaintV2W aainst ar# !ane D#:(iao-De ='>)an, 7enito D# :(iao, !r., and 7enson D# :(iao, in t(e eional rial :o'rt

313



:< of Naa :it#, for %o)p'lsor# re%onition as t(e illeiti)ate %(ild of t(eir fat(er, 7enitoD# :(iao, r., and for t(e ad)inistration and partition of (is estate as (e (ad died intestate on!'l# 2, 1995. in%e 7enedi% "as a )inor, (is nat'ral )ot(er and 'ardian ad lite), (irle#Arevalo, filed t(e %o)plaint on (is &e(alf. :on%ep%ion, 7enito r.8s "ife, "as not i)pleaded ass(e (ad died on !'l# , 1995. (e :A n'llified t(e de%ision of t(e : on t(e ro'nd, inter alia,

t(at t(e filiation of 7enedi% %o'ld not &e t(e s'&Ce%t of a %o)pro)ise, and t(at ar# !ane (adno a't(orit# to e$e%'te t(e %o)pro)ise aree)ent for and in &e(alf of (er &rot(ers.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e : (ad C'risdi%tion over t(e a%tion of 7enedi% Arevalo for

re%onition as t(e illeiti)ate son of t(e de%eased 7enito D# :(iao, r

Ruling:(e petitioners8 %lai)s t(at t(ere "as no fa%t'al &asis for t(e appellate %o'rt8s findin

t(at t(e respondents "ere in%o)petent %annot prevail. It )'st &e stressed t(at t(e :A %ond'%teda (earin &efore arrivin at t(e %on%l'sion t(at respondent 7enito, !r. "as in%o)petent. ore

i)portantl#, s'%( %lai) involves a fa%t'al iss'e "(i%( %annot &e raised &efore t(is :o'rt 'nder 'le 45 of t(e 'les of :o'rt. (e %ontention of t(e petitioners is &ereft of )erit. (e :o'rtfinds and so (olds t(at t(e de%ision of t(e : &ased on t(e %o)pro)ise aree)ent e$e%'ted &#ar# !ane is n'll and void. , t(e :o'rt is %onvin%ed t(at t(e %o)pro)ise aree)ent sined &#ar# !ane and 7enedi% "as a %o)pro)ise relatin to t(e latter8s filiation. ar# !anere%oni>ed 7enedi% as t(e illeiti)ate son of (er de%eased fat(er, t(e %onsideration for "(i%("as t(e a)o'nt of P6, 000,000.00 to &e taen fro) t(e estate, t(e "aiver of ot(er %lai)s fro)t(e estate of t(e de%eased, and t(e "aiver &# t(e D# :(iao si&lins of t(eir %o'nter%lai)s aainst7enedi%. (is is readil# apparent, %onsiderin t(at t(e %o)pro)ise aree)ent "as e$e%'teddespite t(e si&lins8 'ne'ivo%al alleations in t(eir ans"er to t(e %o)plaint filed onl# t"o)ont(s earlier, t(at 7enedi% "as )erel# an i)posto

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff v. MORENO 0A#ANI, defendantB:. ;, 1996

Facts: t. oreno 7a#ani, a )e)&er of t(e P(ilippine National Poli%e PNP<, sees t(e

reversal of t(e 2; April 1995 de%ision1 of t(e eional rial :o'rt :< of Laoa :it#, 7ran%(11, in :ri)inal :ase No. 6433, findin (i) 'ilt# &e#ond reasona&le do'&t of t(e %ri)e of rape

314



and senten%in (i) to s'ffer t(e penalt# of re%l'sion perpet'a, "it( all t(e a%%essor# penalties provided &# la" to inde)nif# %o)plainant aria Flena Nieto in t(e a)o'nt of @ift# (o'sandP50, 000.00< Pesos, "it(o't s'&sidiar# i)prison)ent in %ase of insolven%# and to pa# t(e%osts.In (er s"orn %o)plaint dated 22 @e&r'ar# 1993 and filed on 24 @e&r'ar# 1993 "it( t(e %o'rt

&elo", t(e %o)plainant %(ared t(e a%%'sed "it( t(e %ri)e of rape alleedl# %o))itted.

Issue:

F IAL :BJ FFD IN FNDFIN= A !JD=FN IN I :AF BN A+BN AFFN B@ F :BPLAINAN :A=IN= F APPFLLANF :IF B@ APF, @B F FABN A F I=NAJF APPFAIN=FFBN +A NB IDFNI@IFD 7 :BPLAINAN AND NB PFFNFDA FIDFN:F IN :BJ 7 F PBF:JIBN.

Ruling: Arti%le 16 of t(e @a)il# :ode %onfers parental a't(orit# over illeiti)ate %(ildren ont(e )ot(er, and lie"ise provides for t(eir entitle)ent to s'pport in %onfor)it# "it( t(e @a)il#:ode. As s'%(, t(ere is no f'rt(er need for t(e pro(i&ition aainst a%no"led)ent of t(eoffsprin &# an offender "(o is )arried, "(i%( "o'ld vest parental a't(orit# in (i). (erefore,'nder Arti%le 345 of t(e evised Penal :ode, t(e offender in a rape %ase "(o is )arried %an onl# &e senten%ed to inde)nif# t(e vi%ti) and s'pport t(e offsprin, if t(ere &e an#. In t(e instant %aset(en, t(e a%%'sed s(o'ld also &e ordered to s'pport (is illeiti)ate offsprin, ra%# !('en Nieto,2 "it( arie Flena Nieto, &'t in li(t of Arti%le 2013 of t(e @a)il# :ode, t(e a)o'nt andter)s t(ereof to &e deter)ined &# t(e trial %o'rt onl# after d'e noti%e and (earin.

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff 4s. MANUEL MANAHAN, defendantepte)&er 29, 1999

Facts::o)plainant eresita i&iar, 16 #ears old, "ored at t(e Fspirit' :anteen in Da'pan

:it#. Bn 5 !an'ar# 1995, at a&o't t"o oO%lo% in t(e )ornin, eresita "(o "as asleep "as

315





=on>ales (ereinafter =on>ales<. espondents :atalino, L'%ia, P'rifi%a%ion and el%(or, alls'rna)ed illan'eva, and Arnaldo . Avendano are alleedl# t(e si&lins, f'll and (alf-&lood of o)'aldo illan'eva (ereinafter illan'eva<.(e# are deno)inated as t(e (eirs of illan'evaand are represented &# el%(or. (e# "ere allo"ed to s'&stit'te for illan'eva 'pon (is deat(.(e re)ainin respondents, Anelina illan'eva (ereinafter respondent Anelina< and ('s&and

i%toriano de L'na, are alleedl# t(e da'(ter and t(e son-in-la", respe%tivel#, of t(e lateillan'eva. Petitioners =on>alesO (alf-&rot(ers, et%.< filed a %ase for partition of =on>alesO estateand ann'l)ent of titles and da)aes, "it( t(e eional rial :o'rt. In dis)issin t(e %o)plaint,t(e : )ade t"o findinsG 1< =on>ales "as never )arried to illan'eva and 2< respondentAnelina "as (er illeiti)ate %(ild &# illan'eva and t(erefore (er sole (eir, to t(e e$%l'sion of petitioners.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e : and :A erred in findin t(at respondent Anelina "as =on>alesO

illeiti)ate da'(ter

Ruling:7ot( t(e trial %o'rt and t(e :A r'led t(at respondent Anelina "as t(e illeiti)ate

da'(ter of t(e de%edent, &ased solel# on (er &irt( %ertifi%ate. A%%ordin to t(e assailed de%ision,t(e &irt( %ertifi%ate %learl# dis%loses t(at Pa%ita =on>ales "as t(e )ot(er of Anelinaillan'eva "(ile )'ni%ipal treas'rer o)'aldo illan'eva "as deno)inated t(erein as (er fat(er.13 (e :A fo'nd t(is to &e ade'ate proof t(at respondent Anelina "as =on>alesOilleiti)ate %(ild.

o"ever, a %loser e$a)ination of t(e &irt( %ertifi%ate14 reveals t(at respondent Anelina"as listed as adopted &# &ot( illan'eva and =on>ales. A re%ord of &irt( is )erel# a pri)afa%ie eviden%e of t(e fa%ts %ontained t(erein.

7e%a'se t(e %o(a&itation of illan'eva and =on>ales fro) 192 to 1963 "as ad'ltero's,t(eir propert# relations d'rin t(ose 36 #ears "ere not overned &# Arti%le 144 of t(e :ivil :ode"(i%( applies onl# if t(e %o'ple livin toet(er is not in an# "a# in%apa%itated fro) ettin)arried.

+FF@BF, t(e petition is (ere&# =ANFD. (e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appealsare reversed and set aside, and a ne" one entered ANNJLLIN= t(e deed of e$traC'di%ial partition "it( sale and FANDIN= t(e %ase to t(e %o'rt of oriin for t(e deter)ination andidentifi%ation of Pa%ita =on>alesO (eirs and t(e %orrespondin partition of (er estate.

MER!EDES !RISTO0AL !RUZ, et.al., petitioners 4.EUFROSINA !RISTO0AL, respondent

=.. No. 140422

Facts:Petitioners er%edes :risto&al, Ansel)o :risto&al, t(e (eirs of t(e de%eased o%orro

:risto&al, and Flisa :risto&al-iat< %lai) t(at t(e# are t(e leiti)ate %(ildren of 7'enavent'ra

31



:risto&al d'rin (is first )arriae to Ina%ia :risto&al. Bn t(e ot(er (and, private respondentsNor&erto, @loren%io, F'frosina and !ose, all s'rna)ed :risto&al< are also t(e %(ildren of 7'enavent'ra :risto&al res'ltin fro) (is se%ond )arriae to Donata Fnri'e>. o)eti)e in t(e#ear 1930, 7'enavent'ra :risto&al died intestate. ore t(an si$ de%ades later, petitionerslearned t(at private respondents (ad e$e%'ted an e$traC'di%ial partition of t(e s'&Ce%t propert#

and transferred its title to t(eir na)es.o prove t(eir filiation "it( t(e de%eased 7'enavent'ra :risto&al, t(e &aptis)al%ertifi%ates of Flisa, V3W Ansel)o, V4W and t(e late o%orro V5W "ere presented. After trial on t(e)erits, t(e trial %o'rt rendered a C'd)ent V;W on 11 !'l# 199, dis)issin t(e %ase, r'lin t(at petitioners failed to prove t(eir filiation "it( t(e de%eased 7'enavent'ra :risto&al as t(e &aptis)al and &irt( %ertifi%ates presented (ave s%ant evidentiar# val'e and t(at petitioners8ina%tion for a lon period of ti)e a)o'nts to la%(es.

Not satisfied, petitioners so'(t re%o'rse in t(e :o'rt of Appeals "(i%(, in its De%ision V9W dated22 !'l# 1999, r'led t(at t(e# "ere a&le to prove t(eir filiation "it( t(e de%eased 7'enavent'ra:risto&al t(r' *ot(er )eans allo"ed &# t(e 'les of :o'rt and spe%ial la"s,/ &'t affir)ed t(e

r'lin of t(e trial %o'rt &arrin t(eir ri(t to re%over t(eir s(are of t(e s'&Ce%t propert# &e%a'se of la%(es.

Issue:+(et(er or not filiation "as properl# proven &# t(e respondents "it( t(e de%eased

7'enavent'ra :risto&al

Ruling:(e foreoin eviden%e t('s s'ffi%e to %onvin%e t(is :o'rt t(at petitioners are, indeed,

%(ildren of t(e late 7'enavent'ra :risto&al d'rin t(e first )arriae.+FF@BF, in vie" of t(e foreoin, t(is :o'rt r'les as follo"sG

1< (e Petition is =ANFD, and t(e assailed De%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals is (ere&#FFFD and F AIDF

2< Petitioners are F:B=NIFD and DF:LAFD as %(ildren of t(e late 7'enavent'ra:risto&al fro) (is first )arriae to Ina%ia :risto&al3< (e Deed of Partition e$e%'ted &# private respondents is DF:LAFD not &indin 'pon petitioners "(o "ere not notified or did not parti%ipate in t(e e$e%'tion t(ereof

4< (e s'&Ce%t propert#, %overed &# :s No. 165132, No. 165133, 165134, and No. 165135, int(e na)e of private respondents %onsistin of 535 s'are )eters is BDFFD to &e partitionedand distri&'ted in a%%ordan%e "it( t(is De%ision and appropriate %ertifi%ates of title &e iss'ed infavor of ea%( of t(e re%oni>ed (eirs of t(e late :risto&al 7'enavent'ra, and

5< Petitioners are A+ADFD t(e a)o'nt of BNF JNDFD BJAND P100,000.00<PFB as da)aes, to &e paid &# private respondents.

!AMELO !A0ATANIA, petitioner "S. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent=.. No. 124;14, B%to&er 21, 2004

Fatcs:A petition for revie" on %ertiorari 'nder 'le 45 of t(e 'les of :o'rt assailin t(e

ar%( 15, 1996 de%isionV1W of t(e :o'rt of Appeals in :A-=.. 360; "(i%( in t'rn affir)ed

31;



t(e de%ision of t(e eional rial :o'rt of :adi> :it#, 7ran%( 60 in pe%. Pro%. No. ;;-: "(i%(%o)pelled petitioner :a)elo :a&atania to a%no"lede private respondent :a)elo eodos as(is illeiti)ate son and to ive s'pport to t(e latter in t(e a)o'nt of P 500 per )ont(.

(is %ontrovers# ste))ed fro) a petition for re%onition and s'pport filed &# @loren%ia

eodos in &e(alf of (er )inor son, private respondent :a)elo eodos.After trial, t(e %o'rt a 'o ave )ore pro&ative "ei(t to t(e testi)on# of @loren%ia. Bnappeal, t(e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed t(e :.

Issue:F :BJ B@ APPFAL FFD IN I APPLI:AIBN B@ AI:LF 2;3 B@

F :IIL :BDF BN F :BPJLB F:B=NIIBN AND A+AD B@ JPPBIN @AB B@ FPBNDFN-APPFLLFF :AFLB F=BDB

Ruling:7ot( t(e trial %o'rt and t(e appellate %o'rt &r's(ed aside t(e )isrepresentation of

@loren%ia in t(e petition for re%onition t(at s(e "as a "ido". 7ot( %o'rts dis)issed t(e lie as)inor "(i%( did not affe%t t(e rest of (er testi)on#. +e disaree. (e fa%t t(at @loren%ia8s('s&and is livin and t(ere is a valid s'&sistin )arriae &et"een t(e) ives rise to t(e pres')ption t(at a %(ild &orn "it(in t(at )arriae is leiti)ate even t(o'( t(e )ot(er )a#(ave de%lared aainst its leiti)a%# or )a# (ave &een senten%ed as an ad'lteress.V11W (e pres')ption of leiti)a%# does not onl# flo" o't of a de%laration in t(e stat'te &'t is &ased ont(e &road prin%iples of nat'ral C'sti%e and t(e s'pposed virt'e of t(e )ot(er. (e pres')ption isro'nded on t(e poli%# to prote%t inno%ent offsprin fro) t(e odi') of illeiti)a%#.V12W

In t(is ae of eneti% profilin and deo$#ri&on'%lei% a%id DNA< anal#sis, t(e e$tre)el#s'&Ce%tive test of p(#si%al rese)&lan%e or si)ilarit# of feat'res "ill not s'ffi%e as eviden%e to prove paternit# and filiation &efore t(e %o'rts of la".

+FF@BF, t(e petition is (ere&# ranted. (e assailed de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals in dated ar%( 15, 1996, affir)in t(e de%ision of t(e eional rial :o'rt of :adi>:it# is reversed and set aside.

IDA LA%A0ALA, plaintiff 4. OSE SANTIA%O, defendantDF:F7F 4, 2001

Facts:(is petition for revie" on %ertiorari sees to ann'l t(e de%ision dated ar%( 4, 199, of

t(e :o'rt of Appeals in :A-=.. : No. 32;1, "(i%( reversed and set aside t(e C'd)entdated B%to&er 1, 1990, Bf t(e eional rial :o'rt of anila, 7ran%( 54, in :ivil :ase No.;-

319





!ARLITO FERNANDEZ, PFIIBNF "S. !OURT OF APPEALS, FPBNDFN230 :A 130

Facts:

321



In 19;3,ioleta Fs'erra, sinle, )et :arlito . @ernande>, )arried, at t(e eral%o:o)po'nd tennis %o'rts "(ere ioleta8s fat(er "ored as a tennis instr'%tor. (e t"o t(enstarted an illi%it se$'al relations(ip si$ )ont(s after t(eir first )eetin. (e tr#st alleedl# ave &irt( to (erein petitioners :arlo Antonio and !o(n Pa'l @ernande>.

Petitioners filed a %ivil %ase for s'pport aainst :arlito in t(e eional rial :o'rt of S'e>on :it#. (e %ase (o"ever, "as dis)issed on t(e &asis of i))aterialit#, and ins'ffi%ien%#and in%o)peten%e of eviden%e.

Anot(er a%tion for re%onition and s'pport "as filed on @e&r'ar# 19, 19; at t(eeional rial :o'rt of S'e>on :it#, 7r. ;. Fvent'all#, t(e de%ision "as rendered in favor of t(e petitioners.

Bn appeal, t(e de%ision "as set aside and t(e %o)plaint "as dis)issed &# respondentappellate %o'rt on B%to&er 20, 1992. (eir )otion for re%onsideration "as also denied inDe%e)&er 22, 1922.

en%e t(is appeal.

Issue:

+(et(er or not petitioners are entitled to re%onition and s'pport fro) privaterespondent

Ruling:

It is t(e :o'rt8s findins t(at t(at petitioners8 eviden%e failed to s'&stantiate t(eir %a'se of

a%tion. espondent appellate %o'rt "as %orre%t in appl#in t(e do%trine of res judicata asadditional reason for dis)issin t(e %ase.

FRAN!IS!O ISON, PFIIBNF "S. !OURT OF APPEALS, FPBNDFN2;6 :A 495

Facts:

322



@ran%is%o !ison )arried Lilia Lope> in 1940. At t(e end of 1945 or at t(e &einnin of 1946, @ran%is%o i)prenated Fsperan>a @. A)olar, "(o "as a nann# for @ran%is%o8s da'(ter,Lo'rdes. As a res'lt, onina !ison "as &orn on A''st 6, 1946. Petitioner allees s(e enCo#ed%ontin'o's i)plied re%onition as an illeiti)ate %(ild of @ran%is%o. onina f'rt(er allees t(at@ran%is%o (as al"a#s iven (er s'pport and s'pport for (er ed'%ation.

Bn ar%( 15, 195, onina !ison, pra#in for a C'di%ial de%laration of (er illeiti)atestat's and for @ran%is%o to re%oni>e (er as s'%(, filed a %o)plaint aainst @ran%is%o L. !ison int(e eional rial :o'rt of Iloilo :it#. A de%ision "as rendered dis)issin t(e %o)plaint "it(%osts aainst onina !ison.

Bn appeal &# onina, t(e :o'rt of Appeals reversed t(e de%ision of t(e eional rial:o'rt in April 25, 1995.

en%e t(is appeal.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e a%tion for re%onition is of )erit

Ruling:

onina !ison8s eviden%e ('rdled *t(e (i( standard of proof/ re'ired for t(e s'%%ess of an a%tion to esta&lis( one8s illeiti)ate filiation "(en rel#in 'pon t(e provisions reardin*open and %ontin'o's possession/ or *an# ot(er )eans allo"ed t(e &# t(e 'les of :o'rt andspe%ial la"s/ )oreover, onina proved (er filiation &# )ore t(an )ere preponderan%e of eviden%e.

ED%ARDO A. TIIN%, plaintiff 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent=.. No. 125901, ar%( ;, 2001

Facts:

323



Petitioners are ('s&and and "ife. (e# (ave si$ %(ildren. (e #o'nest is FdardoiCin, !r., "(o "as &orn on April 2, 19;9, at t(e %lini% of )id"ife and reistered n'rse Lo'rdesas'e> in ta. Ana, anila. Petitioner 7ienvenida served as t(e la'ndr#"o)an of privaterespondent Anelita Dia)ante, t(en a resident of ondo, anila.+(en 7ienvenida ret'rned fro) t(e )aret, Anelita and Fdardo, !r., "ere one. 7ienvenida

fort("it( pro%eeded to AnelitaOs (o'se in ondo, anila, &'t did not find t(e) t(ere. AnelitaOs)aid told 7ienvenida t(at (er e)plo#er "ent o't for a stroll and told 7ienvenida to %o)e &a% later. (e ret'rned to AnelitaOs (o'se after t(ree da#s, onl# to dis%over t(at Anelita (ad )ovedto anot(er pla%e. 7ienvenida t(en %o)plained to (er &arana# %(air)an and also to t(e poli%e"(o see)ed 'n)oved &# (er pleas for assistan%e @o'r #ears later or in B%to&er 1993,7ienvenida read in a ta&loid a&o't t(e deat( of o)as Lope>, alleedl# t(e %o))on-la"('s&and of Anelita, and "(ose re)ains "ere l#in in state in aono#, 7'la%an.

7ienvenida and Fdardo filed t(eir petition for (a&eas %orp's "it( t(e trial %o'rt in order to re%over t(eir son. Bn ar%( 10, 1995, t(e trial %o'rt %on%l'ded t(at sin%e Anelita and (er %o))on-la" ('s&and %o'ld not (ave %(ildren, t(e alleed &irt( of !o(n (o)as Lope> is ani)possi&ilit#.5 (e trial %o'rt also (eld t(at t(e )inor and 7ienvenida s(o"ed stron fa%ial

si)ilarit#. Bn appeal, t(e :o'rt of Appeals reversed and set aside t(e de%ision rendered &# t(etrial %o'rt. (e appellate %o'rt e$pressed its do'&ts on t(e propriet# of t(e (a&eas %orp's. In itsvie", t(e eviden%e add'%ed &# 7ienvenida "as not s'ffi%ient to esta&lis( t(at s(e "as t(e )ot(er of t(e )inor. It r'led t(at t(e lo"er %o'rt erred in de%larin t(at Fdardo iCin, !r., and !o(n(o)as Lope> are one and t(e sa)e person

Issue:+(et(er or not Fd'ardo iCin !r. is t(e sa)e person as !o(n o)as Lope>

Ruling:A %lose s%r'tin# of t(e re%ords of t(is %ase reveals t(at t(e eviden%e presented &#

7ienvenida is s'ffi%ient to esta&lis( t(at !o(n (o)as Lope> is a%t'all# (er )issin son,Fdardo iCin, !r.

(ere is stron eviden%e "(i%( dire%tl# proves t(at o)as Lope> is no loner %apa&le of sirin a son. (e trial %o'rt o&served several ti)es t(at "(en t(e %(ild and 7ienvenida "ere &ot(in %o'rt, t(e t"o (ad stron si)ilarities in t(eir fa%es, e#es, e#e&ro"s and (ead s(apes.ese)&lan%e &et"een a )inor and (is alleed parent is %o)petent and )aterial eviden%e toesta&lis( parentae. All t(ese %onsidered, "e are %onstrained to r'le t(at s'&Ce%t )inor is indeedt(e son of petitioners.

ARNEL L. A%USTIN, petitioner , 4s. HON. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent=.. No. 16251. !'ne 15, 2005

Facts:In t(eir %o)plaint, respondents alleed t(at Arnel %o'rted @e in 1992, after "(i%( t(e#

entered into an inti)ate relations(ip. Arnel s'pposedl# i)prenated @e on (er 34t( &irt(da# on

324



Nove)&er 10, 1999. Despite Arnel8s insisten%e on a&ortion, @e de%ided ot(er"ise and ave &irt(to t(eir %(ild o't of "edlo%, artin, on A''st 11, 2000 at t(e :apitol edi%al ospital inS'e>on :it#. (e &a&#8s &irt( %ertifi%ate "as p'rportedl# sined &# Arnel as t(e fat(er. Arnels(o'ldered t(e pre-natal and (ospital e$penses &'t later ref'sed @e8s repeated re'ests forartin8s s'pport despite (is ade'ate finan%ial %apa%it# and even s'ested to (ave t(e %(ild

%o))itted for adoption. Arnel also denied (avin fat(ered t(e %(ild. In (is pre-trial &rief filed ona# 1, 2002, Arnel ve(e)entl# denied (avin sired artin &'t e$pressed "illinness to%onsider an# proposal to settle t(e %ase.Bn !'l# 23, 2002, @e and artin )oved for t(e iss'an%eof an order dire%tin all t(e parties to s'&)it t(e)selves to DNA paternit# testin p'rs'ant to'le 2; of t(e 'les of :o'rt. Arnel opposed said )otion &# invoin (is %onstit'tional ri(taainst self-in%ri)ination.

(e trial %o'rt denied t(e )otion to dis)iss t(e %o)plaint and ordered t(e parties tos'&)it t(e)selves to DNA paternit# testin at t(e e$pense of t(e appli%ants. (e :o'rt ofAppeals affir)ed t(e trial %o'rt.

Issue:

+(et(er DNA paternit# testin %an &e ordered in a pro%eedin for s'pport "it(o'tviolatin petitioner8s %onstit'tional ri(t to priva%# and ri(t aainst self-in%ri)ination

Ruling:@or too lon, illeiti)ate %(ildren (ave &een )arinali>ed &# fat(ers "(o %(oose to den#

t(eir e$isten%e. (e ro"in sop(isti%ation of DNA testin te%(nolo# finall# provides a )'%(needed e'ali>er for s'%( ostra%i>ed and a&andoned proen#. +e (ave lon &elieved in t(e)erits of DNA testin and (ave repeatedl# e$pressed as )'%( in t(e past. (is %ase %o)es at a perfe%t ti)e "(en DNA testin (as finall# evolved into a dependa&le and a't(oritative for) ofeviden%e at(erin. +e t(erefore tae t(is opport'nit# to for%ef'll# reiterate o'r stand t(at DNAtestin is a valid )eans of deter)inin paternit#.

Alt(o'( t(e instant %ase deals "it( s'pport rat(er t(an in(eritan%e, as in a#a, t(e &asisor rationale for interatin t(e) re)ains t(e sa)e. +(et(er or not respondent artin is entitledto s'pport depends %o)pletel# on t(e deter)ination of filiation.=iven t(at t(is is t(e ver# first ti)e t(at t(e ad)issi&ilit# of DNA testin as a )eans fordeter)inin paternit# (as a%t'all# &een t(e fo%al iss'e in a %ontrovers#, a &rief (istori%al set%(of o'r past de%isions feat'rin or )entionin DNA testin is %alled for.

ROSENDO HERRERA, petitioner vs. ROSENDO AL0A,-e8-esente3 6 >is &t>e- ARMI A. AL0A, respondent

460 19

Facts:

325



Bn 14 a# 199;, t(en t(irteen-#ear-old osendo Al&a *respondent/<, represented &# (is)ot(er Ar)i Al&a, filed &efore t(e trial %o'rt a petition for %o)p'lsor# re%onition, s'pport andda)aes aainst petitioner. Bn A''st 199;, petitioner filed (is ans"er "it( %o'nter%lai)"(ere (e denied t(at (e is t(e &ioloi%al fat(er of respondent. Petitioner also denied p(#si%al

%onta%t "it( respondent8s )ot(er.espondent filed a )otion to dire%t t(e tain of DNA paternit# testin to a&&reviate t(e pro%eedins. o s'pport t(e )otion, respondent presented t(e testi)on# of at'rnina :. alos,P(.D. +(en s(e testified, Dr. alos "as an Asso%iate Professor at De La alle Jniversit# "(eres(e ta'(t :ell 7iolo#. (e "as also (ead of t(e Jniversit# of t(e P(ilippines Nat'ral %ien%esesear%( Instit'te *JP-NI/<, a DNA anal#sis la&orator#. (e "as a for)er professor at t(eJniversit# of t(e P(ilippines in Dili)an, S'e>on :it#, "(ere s(e developed t(e ole%'lar 7iolo# Prora) and ta'(t ole%'lar 7iolo#. In (er testi)on#, Dr. alos des%ri&ed t(e pro%ess for DNA paternit# testin and asserted t(at t(e test (ad an a%%'ra%# rate of 99.9999H inesta&lis(in paternit#.V4WPetitioner opposed DNA paternit# testin and %ontended t(at it (as not ained a%%epta&ilit#.

Petitioner f'rt(er ar'ed t(at DNA paternit# testin violates (is ri(t aainst self-in%ri)ination.In an Brder dated 3 @e&r'ar# 2000, t(e trial %o'rt ranted respondent8s )otion to %ond'%tDNA paternit# testin on petitioner, respondent and Ar)i Al&a.

Issue:+(et(er a DNA test is a valid pro&ative tool in t(is C'risdi%tion to deter)ine filiation

Ruling:(e poli%# of t(e @a)il# :ode to li&erali>e t(e r'le on t(e investiation of t(e paternit#

and filiation of %(ildren, espe%iall# of illeiti)ate %(ildren, is "it(o't preC'di%e to t(e ri(t of t(e p'tative parent to %lai) (is or (er o"n defenses.V5W +(ere t(e eviden%e to aid t(isinvestiation is o&taina&le t(ro'( t(e fa%ilities of )odern s%ien%e and te%(nolo#, s'%(eviden%e s(o'ld &e %onsidered s'&Ce%t to t(e li)its esta&lis(ed &# t(e la", r'les, and C'rispr'den%e.

+FF@BF, t(e %o'rt A@@I t(e De%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals dated 29 Nove)&er 2000.


Facts:Petitioner Brlando illan'eva and private respondent Lilia :analita-illan'eva ot

)arried on April 13, 19;; in P'erto Prin%esa, Pala"an. Bn Nove)&er 1, 1992, Brlando filed

326



"it( t(e trial %o'rt a petition for ann'l)ent of (is )arriae allein t(at t(reats of violen%e andd'ress for%ed (i) into )arr#in Lilia, "(o "as alread# prenant t(at (e did not et (er prenant prior to t(e )arriae t(at (e never %o(a&ited "it( (er after t(e )arriae and t(at (elater learned t(at private respondentOs %(ild died d'rin deliver# on A''st 29, 19;;. In (er %o'nter%lai), Lilia pra#ed for t(e dis)issal of t(e petition, ar'in t(at petitioner freel# and

vol'ntaril# )arried (er t(at petitioner sta#ed "it( (er in Pala"an for al)ost a )ont( after t(eir )arriae t(at petitioner "rote letters to (er after (e ret'rned to anila, d'rin "(i%( privaterespondent visited (i) personall# and t(at petitioner ne" a&o't t(e proress of (er prenan%#,"(i%( ended in t(eir son &ein &orn pre)at'rel#.

Issue:+(et(er t(e )arriae &e ann'lled on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e defendant alleedl# %on%ealed

(er prenan%# at t(e ti)e of t(e %ele&ration of )arriae.

Ruling:(e appellant8s %ontention t(at (is "ife8s %on%eal)ent of (er prenan%# d'rin t(e

sole)ni>ation of t(eir )arriae %onstit'tes a ro'nd to ann'l (is )arriae, as (e "as )ade to &elieve &# appellee t(at t(e latter "as prenant "it( (is %(ild "(en t(e# "ere )arried, is'ntena&le. Appellant8s e$%'se t(at (e %o'ld not (ave i)prenated t(e appellee &e%a'se (e did not(ave an ere%tion d'rin t(eir tr#st is fli)s# at &est, and an o'tri(t lie at "orst. (e %o)plaint is &ereft of an# referen%e to (is ina&ilit# to %op'late "it( t(e appellee. In t(e li(t of appellant8sad)ission t(at (e (ad a se$'al inter%o'rse "it( (is "ife in !an'ar# 19;;, and (is fail're toattri&'te t(e latter8s prenan%# to an# ot(er )an, appellant %annot %o)plain t(at (e "as de%eived &# t(e appellee into )arr#in (er.

OEL IMENEZ, petitioner, vs. REMEDIOS !AÑIZARES, respondent No. L-1290. A''st 31, 1960

Facts:!oel !i)ene>, (erein petitioner, filed a petition for de%laration of n'llit# of (is )arriae to

t(e defendant, e)edios :aXi>ares on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e orifi%e of (er enitals or vaina "astoo s)all to allo" t(e penetration of a )ale oran or penis for %op'lation and t(at t(is %ondition

32



of (er enitals e$isted at t(e ti)e of )arriae and %ontin'es to e$ist. e)edios "as s'))oned &'t failed to ans"er. (ere'pon, p'rs'ant to Arti%le ;; of t(e :ivil :ode, t(e %o'rt dire%ted t(e%it# attorne# to in'ire "(et(er t(ere "as %oll'sion &et"een t(e parties or if ot(er"ise, to seet(at t(e eviden%e for t(e plaintiff is nor fa&ri%ated. (e %o'rt f'rt(er dire%ted defendant to'ndero p(#si%al e$a)ination and t s'&)it a )edi%al %ertifi%ation. till, defendant failed to

parti%ipate and %o)pl#. earin of t(e %ase ens'ed and a de%ree ann'llin t(e )arriae &et"eent(e plaintiff and t(e defendant "as iss'ed.

Issue:+(et(er t(e )arriae )a# &e ann'lled "(i%( is ro'nded solel# of t(e lone testi)on# of

t(e ('s&and "(o %lai)ed t(at (is "ife as i)potent.

Ruling:(e ans"er is in t(e neative. (e la" spe%ifi%all# en')erates t(e leal ro'nds t(at

)'st &e proved to e$ist &# ind'&ita&le eviden%e to ann'l a )arriae. (e ann'l)ent of t(e)arriae in 'estion for"arded in t(is %ase, "as de%reed 'pon t(e sole testi)on# of t(e ('s&and.

(e i)poten%e of t(e "ife (as not &een satisfa%toril# esta&lis(ed &e%a'se fro) t(e%o))en%e)ent 'ntil t(e entr# of t(e de%ree, s(e (ad a&stained fro) parti%ipatin. @'rt(er)ore,as to &e noted, t(e ('s&and left t(e (o)e t"o ni(ts and one da# after t(e# (ad )arried for t(ereason alread# stated. aid d'ration "o'ld not &e eno'( to fortif# (er %lai) t(at t(e "ife "asi)potent.

OEL IMENEZ, petitioner, vs. REPU0LI!, respondent No. L-1290. A''st 31, 1960

Facts:!oel !i)ene>, (erein petitioner, filed a petition for de%laration of n'llit# of (is )arriae to

t(e defendant, e)edios :aXi>ares on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e orifi%e of (er enitals or vaina "astoo s)all to allo" t(e penetration of a )ale oran or penis for %op'lation and t(at t(is %ondition

32;



of (er enitals e$isted at t(e ti)e of )arriae and %ontin'es to e$ist. e)edios "as s'))oned &'t failed to ans"er. (ere'pon, p'rs'ant to Arti%le ;; of t(e :ivil :ode, t(e %o'rt dire%ted t(e%it# attorne# to in'ire "(et(er t(ere "as %oll'sion &et"een t(e parties or if ot(er"ise, to seet(at t(e eviden%e for t(e plaintiff is nor fa&ri%ated. (e %o'rt f'rt(er dire%ted defendant to'ndero p(#si%al e$a)ination and t s'&)it a )edi%al %ertifi%ation. till, defendant failed to

parti%ipate and %o)pl#. earin of t(e %ase ens'ed and a de%ree ann'llin t(e )arriae &et"eent(e plaintiff and t(e defendant "as iss'ed.

Issue:+(et(er t(e )arriae )a# &e ann'lled "(i%( is ro'nded solel# of t(e lone testi)on# of

t(e ('s&and "(o %lai)ed t(at (is "ife as i)potent.

Ruling:(e ans"er is in t(e neative. (e la" spe%ifi%all# en')erates t(e leal ro'nds t(at

)'st &e proved to e$ist &# ind'&ita&le eviden%e to ann'l a )arriae. (e ann'l)ent of t(e)arriae in 'estion for"arded in t(is %ase, "as de%reed 'pon t(e sole testi)on# of t(e ('s&and.

(e i)poten%e of t(e "ife (as not &een satisfa%toril# esta&lis(ed &e%a'se fro) t(e%o))en%e)ent 'ntil t(e entr# of t(e de%ree, s(e (ad a&stained fro) parti%ipatin. @'rt(er)ore,as to &e noted, t(e ('s&and left t(e (o)e t"o ni(ts and one da# after t(e# (ad )arried for t(ereason alread# stated. aid d'ration "o'ld not &e eno'( to fortif# (er %lai) t(at t(e "ife "asi)potent.

OSE RI"ERO, petitioner 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent=.. No. 14123. a# 1, 2005

Facts:

Bn A''st 2, 1996, 7enedi% Arevalo filed a :o)plaint aainst ar# !ane D# :(iao-De ='>)an, 7enito D# :(iao, !r., and 7enson D# :(iao, in t(e eional rial :o'rt :< of

329



Naa :it#, for %o)p'lsor# re%onition as t(e illeiti)ate %(ild of t(eir fat(er, 7enito D# :(iao,r., and for t(e ad)inistration and partition of (is estate as (e (ad died intestate on !'l# 2, 1995.in%e 7enedi% "as a )inor, (is nat'ral )ot(er and 'ardian ad lite), (irle# Arevalo, filed t(e%o)plaint on (is &e(alf. :on%ep%ion, 7enito r.8s "ife, "as not i)pleaded as s(e (ad died on!'l# , 1995. (e :A n'llified t(e de%ision of t(e : on t(e ro'nd, inter alia, t(at t(e filiation

of 7enedi% %o'ld not &e t(e s'&Ce%t of a %o)pro)ise, and t(at ar# !ane (ad no a't(orit# toe$e%'te t(e %o)pro)ise aree)ent for and in &e(alf of (er &rot(ers.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e : (ad C'risdi%tion over t(e a%tion of 7enedi% Arevalo for

re%onition as t(e illeiti)ate son of t(e de%eased 7enito D# :(iao, r

Ruling:(e petitioners8 %lai)s t(at t(ere "as no fa%t'al &asis for t(e appellate %o'rt8s findin

t(at t(e respondents "ere in%o)petent %annot prevail. It )'st &e stressed t(at t(e :A %ond'%teda (earin &efore arrivin at t(e %on%l'sion t(at respondent 7enito, !r. "as in%o)petent. ore

i)portantl#, s'%( %lai) involves a fa%t'al iss'e "(i%( %annot &e raised &efore t(is :o'rt 'nder 'le 45 of t(e 'les of :o'rt. (e %ontention of t(e petitioners is &ereft of )erit. (e :o'rtfinds and so (olds t(at t(e de%ision of t(e : &ased on t(e %o)pro)ise aree)ent e$e%'ted &#ar# !ane is n'll and void. , t(e :o'rt is %onvin%ed t(at t(e %o)pro)ise aree)ent sined &#ar# !ane and 7enedi% "as a %o)pro)ise relatin to t(e latter8s filiation. ar# !anere%oni>ed 7enedi% as t(e illeiti)ate son of (er de%eased fat(er, t(e %onsideration for "(i%("as t(e a)o'nt of P6, 000,000.00 to &e taen fro) t(e estate, t(e "aiver of ot(er %lai)s fro)t(e estate of t(e de%eased, and t(e "aiver &# t(e D# :(iao si&lins of t(eir %o'nter%lai)s aainst7enedi%. (is is readil# apparent, %onsiderin t(at t(e %o)pro)ise aree)ent "as e$e%'teddespite t(e si&lins8 'ne'ivo%al alleations in t(eir ans"er to t(e %o)plaint filed onl# t"o)ont(s earlier, t(at 7enedi% "as )erel# an i)posto

ELINO RI"ERA, plaintiff 4s. HEIRS OF ROMUALDO "ILLANUE"A, respondent=.. No. 14150 !'l# 21, 2006

Facts:Petitioners are alleedl# t(e (alf-&rot(ers Flino and Do)inador<, t(e (alf-sister-

in-la" oledad<, and t(e %(ildren of a (alf-&rot(er eofila and :e%ilia< of t(e de%eased Pa%ita=on>ales (ereinafter =on>ales<. espondents :atalino, L'%ia, P'rifi%a%ion and el%(or, all

330



s'rna)ed illan'eva, and Arnaldo . Avendano are alleedl# t(e si&lins, f'll and (alf-&lood of o)'aldo illan'eva (ereinafter illan'eva<.(e# are deno)inated as t(e (eirs of illan'evaand are represented &# el%(or. (e# "ere allo"ed to s'&stit'te for illan'eva 'pon (is deat(.(e re)ainin respondents, Anelina illan'eva (ereinafter respondent Anelina< and ('s&andi%toriano de L'na, are alleedl# t(e da'(ter and t(e son-in-la", respe%tivel#, of t(e late

illan'eva. Petitioners =on>alesO (alf-&rot(ers, et%.< filed a %ase for partition of =on>alesO estateand ann'l)ent of titles and da)aes, "it( t(e eional rial :o'rt. In dis)issin t(e %o)plaint,t(e : )ade t"o findinsG 1< =on>ales "as never )arried to illan'eva and 2< respondentAnelina "as (er illeiti)ate %(ild &# illan'eva and t(erefore (er sole (eir, to t(e e$%l'sion of petitioners.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e : and :A erred in findin t(at respondent Anelina "as =on>alesO

illeiti)ate da'(ter

Ruling:

7ot( t(e trial %o'rt and t(e :A r'led t(at respondent Anelina "as t(e illeiti)ateda'(ter of t(e de%edent, &ased solel# on (er &irt( %ertifi%ate. A%%ordin to t(e assailed de%ision,t(e &irt( %ertifi%ate %learl# dis%loses t(at Pa%ita =on>ales "as t(e )ot(er of Anelinaillan'eva "(ile )'ni%ipal treas'rer o)'aldo illan'eva "as deno)inated t(erein as (er fat(er.13 (e :A fo'nd t(is to &e ade'ate proof t(at respondent Anelina "as =on>alesOilleiti)ate %(ild.

o"ever, a %loser e$a)ination of t(e &irt( %ertifi%ate14 reveals t(at respondent Anelina"as listed as adopted &# &ot( illan'eva and =on>ales. A re%ord of &irt( is )erel# a pri)afa%ie eviden%e of t(e fa%ts %ontained t(erein.

7e%a'se t(e %o(a&itation of illan'eva and =on>ales fro) 192 to 1963 "as ad'ltero's,t(eir propert# relations d'rin t(ose 36 #ears "ere not overned &# Arti%le 144 of t(e :ivil :ode"(i%( applies onl# if t(e %o'ple livin toet(er is not in an# "a# in%apa%itated fro) ettin)arried.

+FF@BF, t(e petition is (ere&# =ANFD. (e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appealsare reversed and set aside, and a ne" one entered ANNJLLIN= t(e deed of e$traC'di%ial partition "it( sale and FANDIN= t(e %ase to t(e %o'rt of oriin for t(e deter)ination andidentifi%ation of Pa%ita =on>alesO (eirs and t(e %orrespondin partition of (er estate.

MER!EDES !RISTO0AL !RUZ, petitioner 4. EUFROSINA !RISTO0AL, respondent=.. No. 140422

Facts:Petitioners er%edes :risto&al, Ansel)o :risto&al, t(e (eirs of t(e de%eased o%orro

:risto&al, and Flisa :risto&al-iat< %lai) t(at t(e# are t(e leiti)ate %(ildren of 7'enavent'ra:risto&al d'rin (is first )arriae to Ina%ia :risto&al. Bn t(e ot(er (and, private respondents

331



Nor&erto, @loren%io, F'frosina and !ose, all s'rna)ed :risto&al< are also t(e %(ildren of 7'enavent'ra :risto&al res'ltin fro) (is se%ond )arriae to Donata Fnri'e>. o)eti)e in t(e#ear 1930, 7'enavent'ra :risto&al died intestate. ore t(an si$ de%ades later, petitionerslearned t(at private respondents (ad e$e%'ted an e$traC'di%ial partition of t(e s'&Ce%t propert#and transferred its title to t(eir na)es.

o prove t(eir filiation "it( t(e de%eased 7'enavent'ra :risto&al, t(e &aptis)al%ertifi%ates of Flisa, V3W Ansel)o, V4W and t(e late o%orro V5W "ere presented. After trial on t(e)erits, t(e trial %o'rt rendered a C'd)ent V;W on 11 !'l# 199, dis)issin t(e %ase, r'lin t(at petitioners failed to prove t(eir filiation "it( t(e de%eased 7'enavent'ra :risto&al as t(e &aptis)al and &irt( %ertifi%ates presented (ave s%ant evidentiar# val'e and t(at petitioners8ina%tion for a lon period of ti)e a)o'nts to la%(es.

Not satisfied, petitioners so'(t re%o'rse in t(e :o'rt of Appeals "(i%(, in its De%ision V9W dated22 !'l# 1999, r'led t(at t(e# "ere a&le to prove t(eir filiation "it( t(e de%eased 7'enavent'ra:risto&al t(r' *ot(er )eans allo"ed &# t(e 'les of :o'rt and spe%ial la"s,/ &'t affir)ed t(er'lin of t(e trial %o'rt &arrin t(eir ri(t to re%over t(eir s(are of t(e s'&Ce%t propert# &e%a'se of

la%(es.

Issue:+(et(er or not filiation "as properl# proven &# t(e respondents "it( t(e de%eased

7'enavent'ra :risto&al

Ruling:(e foreoin eviden%e t('s s'ffi%e to %onvin%e t(is :o'rt t(at petitioners are, indeed,

%(ildren of t(e late 7'enavent'ra :risto&al d'rin t(e first )arriae.+FF@BF, in vie" of t(e foreoin, t(is :o'rt r'les as follo"sG

1< (e Petition is =ANFD, and t(e assailed De%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals is (ere&#FFFD and F AIDF

2< Petitioners are F:B=NIFD and DF:LAFD as %(ildren of t(e late 7'enavent'ra:risto&al fro) (is first )arriae to Ina%ia :risto&al3< (e Deed of Partition e$e%'ted &# private respondents is DF:LAFD not &indin 'pon petitioners "(o "ere not notified or did not parti%ipate in t(e e$e%'tion t(ereof

4< (e s'&Ce%t propert#, %overed &# :s No. 165132, No. 165133, 165134, and No. 165135, int(e na)e of private respondents %onsistin of 535 s'are )eters is BDFFD to &e partitionedand distri&'ted in a%%ordan%e "it( t(is De%ision and appropriate %ertifi%ates of title &e iss'ed infavor of ea%( of t(e re%oni>ed (eirs of t(e late :risto&al 7'enavent'ra, and

5< Petitioners are A+ADFD t(e a)o'nt of BNF JNDFD BJAND P100,000.00<PFB as da)aes, to &e paid &# private respondents.

!AMELO !A0ATANIA, plaintiff 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS, defendant=.. No. 124;14, B%to&er 21, 2004

Fatcs:A petition for revie" on %ertiorari 'nder 'le 45 of t(e 'les of :o'rt assailin t(e

ar%( 15, 1996 de%isionV1W of t(e :o'rt of Appeals in :A-=.. 360; "(i%( in t'rn affir)edt(e de%ision of t(e eional rial :o'rt of :adi> :it#, 7ran%( 60 in pe%. Pro%. No. ;;-: "(i%(

332



%o)pelled petitioner :a)elo :a&atania to a%no"lede private respondent :a)elo eodos as(is illeiti)ate son and to ive s'pport to t(e latter in t(e a)o'nt of P 500 per )ont(. (is%ontrovers# ste))ed fro) a petition for re%onition and s'pport filed &# @loren%ia eodos in &e(alf of (er )inor son, private respondent :a)elo eodos.

After trial, t(e %o'rt a 'o ave )ore pro&ative "ei(t to t(e testi)on# of @loren%ia. Bn

appeal, t(e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed t(e :.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e :o'rt of Appeals erred in its de%ision.

Hel3:7ot( t(e trial %o'rt and t(e appellate %o'rt &r's(ed aside t(e )isrepresentation of

@loren%ia in t(e petition for re%onition t(at s(e "as a "ido". 7ot( %o'rts dis)issed t(e lie as)inor "(i%( did not affe%t t(e rest of (er testi)on#. +e disaree. (e fa%t t(at @loren%ia8s('s&and is livin and t(ere is a valid s'&sistin )arriae &et"een t(e) ives rise to t(e pres')ption t(at a %(ild &orn "it(in t(at )arriae is leiti)ate even t(o'( t(e )ot(er )a#(ave de%lared aainst its leiti)a%# or )a# (ave &een senten%ed as an ad'lteress.V11W (e

pres')ption of leiti)a%# does not onl# flo" o't of a de%laration in t(e stat'te &'t is &ased ont(e &road prin%iples of nat'ral C'sti%e and t(e s'pposed virt'e of t(e )ot(er. (e pres')ption isro'nded on t(e poli%# to prote%t inno%ent offsprin fro) t(e odi') of illeiti)a%#.V12W

In t(is ae of eneti% profilin and deo$#ri&on'%lei% a%id DNA< anal#sis, t(e e$tre)el#s'&Ce%tive test of p(#si%al rese)&lan%e or si)ilarit# of feat'res "ill not s'ffi%e as eviden%e to prove paternit# and filiation &efore t(e %o'rts of la".

+FF@BF, t(e petition is (ere&# ranted. (e assailed de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals in dated ar%( 15, 1996, affir)in t(e de%ision of t(e eional rial :o'rt of :adi>:it# is reversed and set aside.

OHN PAUL FERNANDEZ, plaintiff vs. !OURT OF APPEALS, defendantB( S 'B(

Facts:

333



In 19;3,ioleta Fs'erra, sinle, )et :arlito . @ernande>, )arried, at t(e eral%o:o)po'nd tennis %o'rts "(ere ioleta8s fat(er "ored as a tennis instr'%tor. (e t"o t(enstarted an illi%it se$'al relations(ip si$ )ont(s after t(eir first )eetin. (e tr#st alleedl# ave &irt( to (erein petitioners :arlo Antonio and !o(n Pa'l @ernande>.

Petitioners filed a %ivil %ase for s'pport aainst :arlito in t(e eional rial :o'rt of

S'e>on :it#. (e %ase (o"ever, "as dis)issed on t(e &asis of i))aterialit#, and ins'ffi%ien%#and in%o)peten%e of eviden%e.Anot(er a%tion for re%onition and s'pport "as filed on @e&r'ar# 19, 19; at t(e

eional rial :o'rt of S'e>on :it#, 7r. ;. Fvent'all#, t(e de%ision "as rendered in favor of t(e petitioners. Bn appeal, t(e de%ision "as set aside and t(e %o)plaint "as dis)issed &#respondent appellate %o'rt on B%to&er 20, 1992. (eir )otion for re%onsideration "as alsodenied in De%e)&er 22, 1922.

en%e t(is appeal.

Issue:

+(et(er or not petitioners are entitled to re%onition and s'pport fro) privaterespondent

Ruling:

It is t(e :o'rt8s findins t(at t(at petitioners8 eviden%e failed to s'&stantiate t(eir %a'se of a%tion. espondent appellate %o'rt "as %orre%t in appl#in t(e do%trine of res judicata asadditional reason for dis)issin t(e %ase.

0IEN"ENIDO RODRI%UEZ, Plaintiff "S. !OURT OF APPEALS, defendant245 :A 150

Facts:

334



Bn B%to&er 15, 19;6, an a%tion for %o)p'lsor# re%onition and s'pport "as &ro'(t &efore t(e eional rial :o'rt of 7a'io-7en'et, 7r. 9, &# (erein respondent :larito A&'losaainst 7ienvenido odri'e>, petitioner (erein. At t(e trial, t(e plaintiff presented (is )ot(er,@ele%itas A&'los a&er, as first "itness. In t(e %o'rse of (er dire%t e$a)ination, s(e "as ased &# %o'nsel t reveal t(e identit# of t(e plaintiff8s fat(er &'t t(e defendant8s %o'nsel raised a ti)el#

o&Ce%tion, "(i%( t(e %o'rt s'stained. (e plaintiff file &efore t(e 'pre)e :o'rt a petition for revie" on %ertiorari 'estionin t(e said order in JDK ;516 entitled *:larito A&'los vs. on.o)eo A. 7ra"ner and 7ienvenido odri'e>./ Bn ar%( 1;, 19;;, t(e 'pre)e :o'rt referredt(e petition to t(e :o'rt of Appeals, "(i%( pro)'lated t(e 'estioned de%ision dated Nove)&er 2, 19;;.

en%e t(is petition.

ISSUE:

+(et(er or not t(e a%tion for %o)p'lsor# re%onition is deserves )erit

Ruling:

In vie" in Art. 12 of t(e @a)il# :ode, "it( respe%t to Art. 2;3 of t(e :ivil :ode of t(eP(ilippines, filiation )a# &e proven &# *an# eviden%e or proof t(at t(e defendant is (is fat(er./

RA#MOND PE LIM, Petitioner "S. !OURT OF APPEALS, Defendant20 :A 1

335



Facts:

In 19;, ari&el :r'>, t(en 16, "as a part-ti)e st'dent at t(e sa)e ti)e a re%eptionist att(e oni(t8s :l'& and est(o'se. It "as (ere "(ere s(e )et a#)ond Pe Li) on (er first ni(ton t(e Co&. Li) alleedl# "ooed ari&el and t(e latter re%ipro%ated. (e# soon lived toet(er

"it( Li) pa#in t(e apart)ent rentals. ari&el left for !apan, alread# prenant, in !'l# 19;1 andret'rned to anila in B%to&er of t(e sa)e #ear.Bn !an'ar# 1, 19;2, ari&el ave &irt( to a irl and "as na)ed !oanna ose :. Li).

Li) paid t(e &ills for ari&el8s %onfine)ent.o"ards t(e latter part of 19;3, petitioner a&andoned t(e )ot(er and %(ild.

Jnfort'natel#, vario's Co&s and (e fro) relatives "ere not eno'( to )eet t(eir needs. ari&elased Li) for s'pport &'t, despite pro)ises, "ere never iven. ari&el t(en filed a %o)plaintfor s'pport in t(e eional rial :o'rt on anila. (e trial %o'rt rendered its de%ision enCoininLi) to provide s'pport for !oanna ose and pa# litiation e$penses.

Li) elevated t(e %ase to t(e :o'rt of Appeals, "(i%( in t'rn affir)ed t(e r'lin of t(eeional rial :o'rt.

en%e t(is petition.

Issue:

+(et(er or not t(e a%tion for %o)p'lsor# re%onition is of )erit

Ruling:

Petitioner (as never %ontroverted t(e eviden%e on re%ord. is love letters to ari&elvo"in to &e a ood fat(er to !oanna ose pi%t'res of (i)self on vario's o%%asions %'ddlin!oanna ose and :ertifi%ate of Live 7irt( sa# it all. (e r'le in Art. 2;3 of t(e :ivil :ode t(at

filiation )a# &e proven &# *an# eviden%e or proof t(at t(e defendant is (is fat(er/ s(all overn.

ED%ARDO A. TIIN%, Plaintiff 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS, Defendant=.. No. 125901, ar%( ;, 2001

336



Facts:Petitioners are ('s&and and "ife. (e# (ave si$ %(ildren. (e #o'nest is Fdardo

iCin, !r., "(o "as &orn on April 2, 19;9, at t(e %lini% of )id"ife and reistered n'rse Lo'rdesas'e> in ta. Ana, anila. Petitioner 7ienvenida served as t(e la'ndr#"o)an of privaterespondent Anelita Dia)ante, t(en a resident of ondo, anila.

+(en 7ienvenida ret'rned fro) t(e )aret, Anelita and Fdardo, !r., "ere one.7ienvenida fort("it( pro%eeded to AnelitaOs (o'se in ondo, anila, &'t did not find t(e)t(ere. AnelitaOs )aid told 7ienvenida t(at (er e)plo#er "ent o't for a stroll and told7ienvenida to %o)e &a% later. (e ret'rned to AnelitaOs (o'se after t(ree da#s, onl# to dis%over t(at Anelita (ad )oved to anot(er pla%e. 7ienvenida t(en %o)plained to (er &arana# %(air)anand also to t(e poli%e "(o see)ed 'n)oved &# (er pleas for assistan%e @o'r #ears later or inB%to&er 1993, 7ienvenida read in a ta&loid a&o't t(e deat( of o)as Lope>, alleedl# t(e%o))on-la" ('s&and of Anelita, and "(ose re)ains "ere l#in in state in aono#, 7'la%an.

7ienvenida and Fdardo filed t(eir petition for (a&eas %orp's "it( t(e trial %o'rt in order to re%over t(eir son. Bn ar%( 10, 1995, t(e trial %o'rt %on%l'ded t(at sin%e Anelita and (er %o))on-la" ('s&and %o'ld not (ave %(ildren, t(e alleed &irt( of !o(n (o)as Lope> is an

i)possi&ilit#.5 (e trial %o'rt also (eld t(at t(e )inor and 7ienvenida s(o"ed stron fa%ialsi)ilarit#. Bn appeal, t(e :o'rt of Appeals reversed and set aside t(e de%ision rendered &# t(etrial %o'rt. (e appellate %o'rt e$pressed its do'&ts on t(e propriet# of t(e (a&eas %orp's. In itsvie", t(e eviden%e add'%ed &# 7ienvenida "as not s'ffi%ient to esta&lis( t(at s(e "as t(e )ot(er of t(e )inor. It r'led t(at t(e lo"er %o'rt erred in de%larin t(at Fdardo iCin, !r., and !o(n(o)as Lope> are one and t(e sa)e person

Issue:+(et(er or not Fd'ardo iCin !r. is t(e sa)e person as !o(n o)as Lope>

Ruling:A %lose s%r'tin# of t(e re%ords of t(is %ase reveals t(at t(e eviden%e presented &#

7ienvenida is s'ffi%ient to esta&lis( t(at !o(n (o)as Lope> is a%t'all# (er )issin son,Fdardo iCin, !r.

(ere is stron eviden%e "(i%( dire%tl# proves t(at o)as Lope> is no loner %apa&le of sirin a son. (e trial %o'rt o&served several ti)es t(at "(en t(e %(ild and 7ienvenida "ere &ot(in %o'rt, t(e t"o (ad stron si)ilarities in t(eir fa%es, e#es, e#e&ro"s and (ead s(apes.ese)&lan%e &et"een a )inor and (is alleed parent is %o)petent and )aterial eviden%e toesta&lis( parentae. All t(ese %onsidered, "e are %onstrained to r'le t(at s'&Ce%t )inor is indeedt(e son of petitioners.

ARNEL L. A%USTIN, petitioner , 4s. HON. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent=.. No. 16251. !'ne 15, 2005

Facts:

33



In t(eir %o)plaint, respondents alleed t(at Arnel %o'rted @e in 1992, after "(i%( t(e#entered into an inti)ate relations(ip. Arnel s'pposedl# i)prenated @e on (er 34t( &irt(da# on Nove)&er 10, 1999. Despite Arnel8s insisten%e on a&ortion, @e de%ided ot(er"ise and ave &irt(to t(eir %(ild o't of "edlo%, artin, on A''st 11, 2000 at t(e :apitol edi%al ospital inS'e>on :it#. (e &a&#8s &irt( %ertifi%ate "as p'rportedl# sined &# Arnel as t(e fat(er. Arnel

s(o'ldered t(e pre-natal and (ospital e$penses &'t later ref'sed @e8s repeated re'ests for artin8s s'pport despite (is ade'ate finan%ial %apa%it# and even s'ested to (ave t(e %(ild%o))itted for adoption. Arnel also denied (avin fat(ered t(e %(ild. In (is pre-trial &rief filed ona# 1, 2002, Arnel ve(e)entl# denied (avin sired artin &'t e$pressed "illinness to%onsider an# proposal to settle t(e %ase.Bn !'l# 23, 2002, @e and artin )oved for t(e iss'an%eof an order dire%tin all t(e parties to s'&)it t(e)selves to DNA paternit# testin p'rs'ant to'le 2; of t(e 'les of :o'rt. Arnel opposed said )otion &# invoin (is %onstit'tional ri(taainst self-in%ri)ination.

(e trial %o'rt denied t(e )otion to dis)iss t(e %o)plaint and ordered t(e parties tos'&)it t(e)selves to DNA paternit# testin at t(e e$pense of t(e appli%ants. (e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed t(e trial %o'rt.

Issue: +(et(er DNA paternit# testin %an &e ordered in a pro%eedin for s'pport "it(o't

violatin petitioner8s %onstit'tional ri(t to priva%# and ri(t aainst self-in%ri)ination

Ruling:@or too lon, illeiti)ate %(ildren (ave &een )arinali>ed &# fat(ers "(o %(oose to den#

t(eir e$isten%e. (e ro"in sop(isti%ation of DNA testin te%(nolo# finall# provides a )'%(needed e'ali>er for s'%( ostra%i>ed and a&andoned proen#. +e (ave lon &elieved in t(e)erits of DNA testin and (ave repeatedl# e$pressed as )'%( in t(e past. (is %ase %o)es at a perfe%t ti)e "(en DNA testin (as finall# evolved into a dependa&le and a't(oritative for) of eviden%e at(erin. +e t(erefore tae t(is opport'nit# to for%ef'll# reiterate o'r stand t(at DNAtestin is a valid )eans of deter)inin paternit#.

Alt(o'( t(e instant %ase deals "it( s'pport rat(er t(an in(eritan%e, as in a#a, t(e &asisor rationale for interatin t(e) re)ains t(e sa)e. +(et(er or not respondent artin is entitledto s'pport depends %o)pletel# on t(e deter)ination of filiation.=iven t(at t(is is t(e ver# first ti)e t(at t(e ad)issi&ilit# of DNA testin as a )eans for deter)inin paternit# (as a%t'all# &een t(e fo%al iss'e in a %ontrovers#, a &rief (istori%al set%(of o'r past de%isions feat'rin or )entionin DNA testin is %alled for.

ROSENDO HERRERA, plaintiff vs.ROSENDO AL0A, -e8-esente3 6 >is &t>e- ARMI A. AL0A, defendant

460 19

33;



Facts:

Bn 14 a# 199;, t(en t(irteen-#ear-old osendo Al&a *respondent/<, represented &# (is)ot(er Ar)i Al&a, filed &efore t(e trial %o'rt a petition for %o)p'lsor# re%onition, s'pport and

da)aes aainst petitioner. Bn A''st 199;, petitioner filed (is ans"er "it( %o'nter%lai)"(ere (e denied t(at (e is t(e &ioloi%al fat(er of respondent. Petitioner also denied p(#si%al%onta%t "it( respondent8s )ot(er.espondent filed a )otion to dire%t t(e tain of DNA paternit# testin to a&&reviate t(e pro%eedins. o s'pport t(e )otion, respondent presented t(e testi)on# of at'rnina :. alos,P(.D. +(en s(e testified, Dr. alos "as an Asso%iate Professor at De La alle Jniversit# "(eres(e ta'(t :ell 7iolo#. (e "as also (ead of t(e Jniversit# of t(e P(ilippines Nat'ral %ien%esesear%( Instit'te *JP-NI/<, a DNA anal#sis la&orator#. (e "as a for)er professor at t(eJniversit# of t(e P(ilippines in Dili)an, S'e>on :it#, "(ere s(e developed t(e ole%'lar 7iolo# Prora) and ta'(t ole%'lar 7iolo#. In (er testi)on#, Dr. alos des%ri&ed t(e pro%ess for DNA paternit# testin and asserted t(at t(e test (ad an a%%'ra%# rate of 99.9999H in

esta&lis(in paternit#.V4WPetitioner opposed DNA paternit# testin and %ontended t(at it (as not ained a%%epta&ilit#.Petitioner f'rt(er ar'ed t(at DNA paternit# testin violates (is ri(t aainst self-in%ri)ination.

In an Brder dated 3 @e&r'ar# 2000, t(e trial %o'rt ranted respondent8s )otion to %ond'%tDNA paternit# testin on petitioner, respondent and Ar)i Al&a.

Issue:+(et(er a DNA test is a valid pro&ative tool in t(is C'risdi%tion to deter)ine filiation

Ruling:(e poli%# of t(e @a)il# :ode to li&erali>e t(e r'le on t(e investiation of t(e paternit#

and filiation of %(ildren, espe%iall# of illeiti)ate %(ildren, is "it(o't preC'di%e to t(e ri(t of t(e p'tative parent to %lai) (is or (er o"n defenses.V5W +(ere t(e eviden%e to aid t(isinvestiation is o&taina&le t(ro'( t(e fa%ilities of )odern s%ien%e and te%(nolo#, s'%(eviden%e s(o'ld &e %onsidered s'&Ce%t to t(e li)its esta&lis(ed &# t(e la", r'les, and C'rispr'den%e.

+FF@BF, t(e %o'rt A@@I t(e De%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals dated 29 Nove)&er 2000.

RULE ON DNA E"IDEN!E

A.M. N&. (+2''22S!

339



; Oct&e- ((<

SECTION 1. "cope. (is 'le s(all appl# "(enever DNA eviden%e, as defined in e%tion 3(ereof, is offered, 'sed, or proposed to &e offered or 'sed as eviden%e in all %ri)inal and %ivila%tions as "ell as spe%ial pro%eedins.

DNA anal#sis is fo'nd to (ave several 'ses for forensi% investiation, in%l'din, &'t notli)ited to t(e 1< Identifi%ation of potential s'spe%ts "(ose DNA )a# )at%( eviden%e left at%ri)e s%ene 2< F$oneration of persons "ronl# a%%'sed of %ri)es 3< Identifi%ation of %ri)e and%atastrop(e vi%ti)s 4< Fsta&lis( paternit# and ot(er fa)il# relations(ips, t(ro'( its varia&len')&er tande) repeats N< patterns 5< Identifi%ation of endanered and prote%ted spe%iesas an aid to "ildlife offi%ials %o'ld &e 'sed for prose%'tin poa%(ers 6< Dete%tion of &a%teriaand ot(er oranis) t(at )a# poll'te air, "ater, soil and food <at%( oran donors "it(re%ipients in transplant prora)s and ;< Deter)ination of pediree for seed or livesto% &reeds.DNA is no" &ein 'sed as eviden%e in trial %o'rts espe%iall# in vario's %ri)inal %ases. In A. . No. 06-11-5-:, t(e 'pre)e :o'rt (as approved (as approved on B%to&er 2, 200 t(e 'les onDNA Fviden%e to appl# in %ivil, %ri)inal and spe%ial pro%eedins "(enever DNA is offered or

'sed as eviden%e.(e said r'les defined *DNA/ a%ron#) for *deo$#ri&on'%lei%*< as t(e %(ain of )ole%'lesfo'nd in ever# n'%leated %ell of t(e &od#. (e totalit# of an individ'al8s DNA is 'ni'e for t(eindivid'al, e$%ept identi%al t"ins. *DNA profile/ refers to t(e eneti% infor)ation derived fro)DNA testin of a &ioloi%al sa)ple o&tained fro) a person, "(i%( &ioloi%al sa)ple is %learl#identifia&le as oriinatin fro) t(at person. *DNA eviden%e/, on t(e ot(er (and, %onstit'tes t(etotalit# of t(e DNA profiles, res'lts and ot(er eneti% infor)ation dire%tl# enerated fro) DNAtestin of &ioloi%al sa)ples.

+(ile t(e 'pre)e :o'rt provides for DNA Fviden%e 'les, it is i)portant t(erefore t(at:onress s(all i))ediatel# pass t(e present &ill %enterin on t(e %apa%it# of forensi% DNAte%(nolo# to %ontri&'te to t(e %ri)inal C'sti%e s#ste). pe%ifi%all#, t(is &ill "ill provide t(estat'tor# a't(orit# for t(e %reation of t(e National DNA Inde$ #ste) NADI< in t(e %o'ntr#.

(e reatest role of DNA anal#sis lies in its %apa&ilit# to a%%elerate %ri)inalinvestiations &# identif#in perpetrators and e$%l'din individ'al8s ri(t at t(e onset of t(e%ri)inal investiation. +it( t(e aid of DNA anal#sis, a fair and s"ift ad)inistration of C'sti%es#ste) in t(e %o'ntr# %an &e e$pe%ted.

(e 2002 %ase of People v. alleCo dis%'ssed DNA anal#sis as eviden%e. (is )a# &e%onsidered a 1;0 deree t'rn fro) t(e :o'rt8s "ar# attit'de to"ards DNA testin in t(e 199 PeLi) %ase, "(ere "e stated t(at *DNA, &ein a relativel# ne" s%ien%e, $$$ (as not #et &eena%%orded offi%ial re%onition &# o'r %o'rts./ In alleCo, t(e DNA profile fro) t(e vainal s"a&staen fro) t(e rape vi%ti) )at%(ed t(e a%%'sed8s DNA profile. 7# 2002, t(ere "as no loner an# 'estion on t(e validit# of t(e 'se of DNA anal#sis as eviden%e.

%U#, plaintiff 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS, defendant=.. No. 1630. epte)&er 15, 2006

340



Facts:Bn !'ne 13, 199, private respondent M )inors Karen and Ka)ille Banes +ei

represented &# t(eir )ot(er e)edios Banes, filed a pertition for letters of ad)inistration &eforet(e eional trial %o'rt of aati.

Private respondents alleed t(at t(e# are t(e d'l# a%no"lede illeiti)ate %(ildren of

i)a +ei, "(o died intestate in aati :it# on B%to&er 29, 1992, leavin an estate val'ed at 10,000, 000. 00 %onsistin of real and personal properties. is no"n (eirs are s'rvivin spo'se='#, %(ildren F)#, !eanne, :ristina, =eore and i%(ael all s'rna)ed ='#. Petitioners ar'edt(at private respondents s(o'ld (ave esta&lis(ed t(eir stat's as illeiti)ate %(ildren d'rin t(elifeti)e of i)a +ei p'rs'ant to Arti%le 15 of t(e @a)il# :ode, t(e# f'rt(er alleed t(at private respondents8 %lai) (ad &een paid, "aived, a&andoned, e$tin'is(ed &# reason of e)edios8 !'ne , 1993 elease and +aiver of :lai) statin t(at in e$%(ane for t(e finan%ialand ed'%ational assistan%e re%eived fro) petitioner, e)edios and (er )inor %(ildren dis%(aret(e estate of i)a +ei fro) an# and all lia&ilities.

Issue:

+(et(er t(e elease and +aiver of :lai) pre%l'des private respondents fro) %lai)int(eir (ereditar# ri(ts

Ruling:e)edios8 elease and +aiver of %lai) does not &ar private respondents fro) %lai)in

s'%%ession ri(ts. o &e valid and effe%tive, a "aiver )'st &e %o'%(ed in %lear and e'ivo%alter)s "(i%( leave no do'&t as to t(e intention of a part# to ive 'p a ri(t or &enefit "(i%(leall# pertains to (i). Fven ass')in t(at e)edios tr'l# "aived t(e (ereditar# ri(ts of (er %(ildren, s'%( "aiver does not &ar t(e latter8s %lai). Arti%le 104 of t(e :ivil :ode re'ires C'di%ial a't(ori>ation of t(e said "aiver "(i%( it la%s. in%e t(e affiliation of t(e privaterespondents as %o (eirs to i)a +ei8s Fstates, it "o'ld t('s &e in%onsistent to r'le t(at t(e#"aived t(eir (ereditar# ri(ts "(en t(e# do not (ave s'%( ri(t.

OE# D. 0RIONES, petitioner 4s. MARI!EL P. MI%UEL, respondent

Facts:

341



Bn ar%( 5, 2002, petitioner !oe# D. 7riones filed a Petition for a&eas :orp's aainstrespondents ari%el Pineda i'el and @ran%is%a Pineda i'el, to o&tain %'stod# of (is )inor %(ild i%(ael Kevin Pineda. (e petitioner allees t(at t(e )inor i%(ael Kevin Pineda is (isilleiti)ate son "it( respondent Loreta P. i'el. e "as &orn in !apan on epte)&er 1, 1996as eviden%ed &# (is 7irt( :ertifi%ate. (e respondent Loreta P. i'el is no" )arried to a

!apanese national and is presentl# residin in !apan. (e petitioner pra#s t(at t(e %'stod# of (isson i%(ael Kevin Pineda &e iven to (i) as (is &ioloi%al fat(er and VasW (e (as de)onstrated(is %apa&ilit# to s'pport and ed'%ate (i).

(e said %ase "as "it(dra"n e$-parte. Appl#in Arti%le 213 pararap( 2< of t(e @a)il#:ode, t(e :A a"arded t(e %'stod# of i%(ael Kevin Pineda i'el to (is )ot(er, espondentLoreta P. i'el. +(ile a%no"ledin t(at petitioner tr'l# loved and %ared for (is son and%onsiderin t(e tro'&le and e$pense (e (ad spent in instit'tin t(e leal a%tion for %'stod#, itnevert(eless fo'nd no %o)pellin reason to separate t(e )inor fro) (is )ot(er. Petitioner,(o"ever, "as ranted visitorial ri(ts.

Issue:

+(et(er or not petitioner, as t(e nat'ral fat(er, )a# &e denied t(e %'stod# and parental%are of (is o"n %(ild in t(e a&sen%e of t(e )ot(er "(o is a"a#

Ruling:

7earin in )ind t(e "elfare and t(e &est interest of t(e )inor as t(e %ontrollin fa%tor,Bnl# t(e )ost %o)pellin of reasons, s'%( as t(e )ot(er8s 'nfitness to e$er%ise sole parentala't(orit#, s(all C'stif# (er deprivation of parental a't(orit# and t(e a"ard of %'stod# to so)eoneelse.In t(e past, t(e follo"in ro'nds (ave &een %onsidered a)ple C'stifi%ation to deprive a)ot(er of %'stod# and parental a't(orit#G nele%t or a&andon)ent, 'ne)plo#)ent, i))oralit#,(a&it'al dr'nenness, dr' addi%tion, )altreat)ent of t(e %(ild, insanit#, and affli%tion "it( a%o))'ni%a&le disease. Parental a't(orit# over re%oni>ed nat'ral %(ildren "(o "ere 'nder t(eae of )aCorit# "as vested in t(e fat(er or t(e )ot(er re%oni>in t(e). If &ot( a%no"lede t(e%(ild, a't(orit# "as to &e e$er%ised &# t(e one to "(o) it "as a"arded &# t(e %o'rts if it "asa"arded to &ot(, t(e r'le as to leiti)ate %(ildren applied. In ot(er "ords, in t(e latter %ase, parental a't(orit# resided Cointl# in t(e fat(er and t(e )ot(er.

(e fine distin%tions a)on t(e vario's t#pes of illeiti)ate %(ildren (ave &eeneli)inated in t(e @a)il# :ode. No", t(ere are onl# t"o %lasses of %(ildren -- leiti)ate andt(ose "(o, lie t(e leall# adopted, (ave t(e ri(ts of leiti)ate %(ildren< and illeiti)ate. All%(ildren %on%eived and &orn o'tside a valid )arriae are illeiti)ate, 'nless t(e la" itself ivest(e) leiti)ate stat's.

Jnder Arti%le 16 of t(e @a)il# :ode, all illeiti)ate %(ildren are enerall# pla%ed 'nder one %ateor#, "it(o't an# distin%tion &et"een nat'ral and sp'rio's. (e %on%ept of *nat'ral%(ild/ is i)portant onl# for p'rposes of leiti)ation. +it(o't t(e s'&se'ent )arriae, a nat'ral%(ild re)ains an illeiti)ate %(ild.

B&vio'sl#, i%(ael is a nat'ral *illeiti)ate,/ 'nder t(e @a)il# :ode< %(ild, as t(ere isnot(in in t(e re%ords s(o"in t(at (is parents "ere s'fferin fro) a leal i)pedi)ent to )arr#at t(e ti)e of (is &irt(. 7ot( a%no"lede t(at i%(ael is t(eir son. As earlier e$plained and p'rs'ant to Arti%le 16, parental a't(orit# over (i) resides in (is )ot(er, espondent Loreta,not"it(standin (is fat(er8s re%onition of (i).

EUTI5UIO MAR5UINO, PFIIBNF "S.INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE !OURT, FPBNDFN

342



233 :A 34;FA!TS:

Bn !an'ar# 10, 191,7i&iana o)ano-Paadora &ro'(t a %ivil a%tion for t(e !'di%ialDe%laration of @iliation, Ann'l)ent of Partition, 'pport, and Da)aes aainst F'ti'io

ar'ino. Also in%l'ded, as defendants "ere aria erenal-ar'ino, F'ti'io8s "ife, and t(eir %(ildren, L'>, Ana, and Fva. o)ano-Paadora "as &orn on De%e)&er 2, 1926 &# =eoriao)ano and alleedl# &# F'ti'io, "(o "as sinle t(en. (e ar'inos personall# ne"ro)ano-Paadora for s(e "as (ired as a (elper in t(eir (o'se(old. (e %lai)s s(e (as al"a#senCo#ed %ontin'o's possession of t(e stat's of an a%no"leded nat'ral %(ild &# dire%t a%ts of t(e ar'inos. (e ar'inos, on t(e ot(er (and, denied t(e alleations.

D'rin t(e penden%# of t(e trial, 7i&iana died on ar%( 1, 199. i$ da#s later, (er (eirs "ere ordered to s'&stit'te for (er. Bn a# 1, 19;3, t(e ar'inos filed a otion toDis)iss on t(e ro'nd t(at an a%tion for re%onition is intrans)issi&le to t(e (eirs, t(e sa)e &ein a personal a%t. (e %ase "as dis)issed.

(e (eirs of t(e de%eased interposed an appeal &efore t(e Inter)ediate Appellate :o'rt.Bn A''st 20, 19;3 (o"ever, F'ti'io ar'ino died. Bn !'ne 1, 1;95, t(e appellate %o'rtde%ided in favor of t(e (eirs of o)ano-Paadora reversin t(e de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt.

en%e t(is petition.

Issue:a< +(et(er or not t(e deat( of t(e nat'ral %(ild d'rin t(e penden%# of (er a%tion for

re%onition is trans)issi&le to t(e (eirs &< +(et(er or not t(e deat( of t(e p'tative parent also d'rin t(e penden%# of t(e %ase is

trans)issi&le to t(e (eirs

Ruling:

Art. 13 is t(e overnin provision "(erein t(e %(ild %an &rin t(e a%tion d'rin (is or (er entire lifeti)e and even after t(e deat( of t(e parents. In ot(er "ords, t(e a%tion does not pres%ri&e as lon as (e lives. (e arti%le %annot &e iven an# retroa%tivit# for it "ill preC'di%evested ri(ts trans)itted to t(e) at t(e ti)e of t(e deat( of t(eir fat(er.

O!AMPO TA#A%, PFIIBNF "S. !OURT OF APPEALS, FPBNDFN209 :A 665

343



Facts:

Bn April 9, 19;, F)ilei Da#rit :'#'an, as ot(er and leal 'ardian of )inor :(ad D.:'#'an, filed a %o)plaint for *:lai) of In(eritan%e/ aainst :orito B%a)po a#a, t(e

ad)inistatri$ of t(e late Att#. i%ardo B%a)po. F)ilei D. :'#'an, petitioner t(erein, alleedt(at several #ears &efore Att#. B%a)po died, t(e# (ad an illi%it relations(ip, "(i%( later &ro'(ta&o't :(ad on B%to&er 5, 19;0, t(erefore :(ad is entitled to a s(are of t(e estate of Att#.B%a)po as one of t(e s'rvivin (eirs.

Petitioner a#a, respondent t(erein, filed a %o'nter%lai) and a otion to Dis)iss. (e)otion "as denied on B%to&er 12, 19;. Lie"ise (er otion for e%onsideration "as alsodenied on Nove)&er 19, 19;.

a#a pro%eeded to t(e :o'rt of Appeals on De%e)&er 10, 19; and filed a petition pra#in for %ertiorari and pro(i&ition, "(i%( "as ranted on A''st 2, 19;9 and enCoined t(e

trial %o'rt C'de to resolve petitioner8s )otion to dis)iss. In %o)plian%e "it( t(e order, t(e trial%o'rt a%ted on and denied )otion to dis)iss t(e %o)plaint. Petitioner8s )otion for re%onsideration "as denied on !an'ar# 30, 1990.

As a %onse'en%e, petitioner filed anot(er petition for %ertiorari and pro(i&ition on ar%(12, 1990 "it( t(e :o'rt of Appeals, pra#in to set aside t(e orders of t(e eional rial :o'rt.Bn a# 10, 1990, t(e :o'rt of Appeals dis)issed t(e petition and on epte)&er 5,1990, denied)otion for re%onsideration

en%e t(is petition

Issue:

+(et(er or not t(e ri(t of a )inor %(ild to file an a%tion for re%onition is a vestedri(t

Ruling:

A%%ordinl#, Arti%le 15 of t(e @a)il# :ode finds no proper appli%ation to t(is %ase sin%eit "ill inel'%ta&l# affe%t adversel# a ri(t of private respondent and, %onse'entl#, of t(e )inor %(ild s(e represents, &ot( of "(i%( (as &een vested "it( t(e filin of t(e %o)plaint in %o'rt. (etrial %o'rt, t(erefore, "as %orre%t in appl#in Arti%le 2;5 of t(e :ivil :ode and (oldin t(at

private respondent8s %a'se of a%tion (as not #et pres%ri&ed.

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff v. MORENO 0A#ANI, defendantB:. ;, 1996

344



Facts:t. oreno 7a#ani, a )e)&er of t(e P(ilippine National Poli%e PNP<, sees t(e

reversal of t(e 2; April 1995 de%ision1 of t(e eional rial :o'rt :< of Laoa :it#, 7ran%(11, in :ri)inal :ase No. 6433, findin (i) 'ilt# &e#ond reasona&le do'&t of t(e %ri)e of rape

and senten%in (i) to s'ffer t(e penalt# of re%l'sion perpet'a, "it( all t(e a%%essor# penalties provided &# la" to inde)nif# %o)plainant aria Flena Nieto in t(e a)o'nt of @ift# (o'sandP50, 000.00< Pesos, "it(o't s'&sidiar# i)prison)ent in %ase of insolven%# and to pa# t(e%osts.In (er s"orn %o)plaint dated 22 @e&r'ar# 1993 and filed on 24 @e&r'ar# 1993 "it( t(e %o'rt &elo", t(e %o)plainant %(ared t(e a%%'sed "it( t(e %ri)e of rape alleedl# %o))itted.

Issue:

F IAL :BJ FFD IN FNDFIN= A !JD=FN IN I :AF BN A

+BN AFFN B@ F :BPLAINAN :A=IN= F APPFLLANF :IF B@ APF, @B F FABN A F I=NAJF APPFAIN=FFBN +A NB IDFNI@IFD 7 :BPLAINAN AND NB PFFNFDA FIDFN:F IN :BJ 7 F PBF:JIBN.

Ruling:Arti%le 16 of t(e @a)il# :ode %onfers parental a't(orit# over illeiti)ate %(ildren on

t(e )ot(er, and lie"ise provides for t(eir entitle)ent to s'pport in %onfor)it# "it( t(e @a)il#:ode. As s'%(, t(ere is no f'rt(er need for t(e pro(i&ition aainst a%no"led)ent of t(eoffsprin &# an offender "(o is )arried, "(i%( "o'ld vest parental a't(orit# in (i). (erefore,'nder Arti%le 345 of t(e evised Penal :ode, t(e offender in a rape %ase "(o is )arried %an onl# &e senten%ed to inde)nif# t(e vi%ti) and s'pport t(e offsprin, if t(ere &e an#. In t(e instant %aset(en, t(e a%%'sed s(o'ld also &e ordered to s'pport (is illeiti)ate offsprin, ra%# !('en Nieto,2 "it( arie Flena Nieto, &'t in li(t of Arti%le 2013 of t(e @a)il# :ode, t(e a)o'nt andter)s t(ereof to &e deter)ined &# t(e trial %o'rt onl# after d'e noti%e and (earin.

REPU0LI! OF THE PHILIPPINES, petitioner , 4s.%ERSON R. A0ADILLA, respondent

345



=.. No. 133054 !an'ar# 2;, 1999

Facts:=erson A&adilla and L'>vi)inda :elestino (ave &een livin toet(er as ('s&and and

"ife "it(o't t(e &enefit of )arriae. D'rin t(eir %o(a&itation, L'>vi)inda &eot t"o %(ildren,

F)erson and afael. In t(e :ertifi%ates of 7irt( of t(ese t"o %(ildren, t(e# "ere reistered "it(t(e s'rna)e A&adilla and t(e na)e of t(eir fat(er "as entered as erson A&adilia.oreover, t(e entr# in t(e date and pla%e of )arriae of t(e %(ildrenOs parents appeared as !'ne19, 19; at Dinras, Ilo%os Norte.

(ereafter, an A)ended Petition for :orre%tion:an%ellation of Fntries dated @e&r'ar# 5,199 3 "as filed &# =erson A&adilla, L'>vi)inda :elestino and t(eir t"o )inor %(ildren,F)erson and afael, "it( t(e eional rial :o'rt of Laoa :it#. D'rin t(e (earin of t(e petition, &ot( =erson A&adilla and L'>vi)inda :elestino testified t(at t(e# are not #et )arried toea%( ot(er despite &earin t"o %(ildren.

In a de%ision dated @e&r'ar# 1, 199;, t(e trial %o'rt ranted t(e petition and ordered t(e%orrespondin %orre%tion to &e )ade. t(e :ivil eistrar of an Ni%olas, Ilo%os Norte is (ere&#

ordered to iss'e an A)ended 7irt( :ertifi%ate and :(ane an Fntr# t(erein &# deletin t(e firstna)e FBN in t(e %ol')n Na)e of @at(er and s'&stit'te it "it( =FBN, and also todelete t(e entr# appearin t(e %ol')n Date of arriae of Parents and Pla%e of arriae of Parents. (e instant petition for revie" on %ertiorari (as &een interposed &# t(e Bffi%e of t(eoli%itor =eneral on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e trial %o'rt %o))itted a reversi&le error "(en it allo"edt(e deletion of t(e date and pla%e of )arriae of parents fro) t(e &irt( %ertifi%ates of )inorsF)erson :. A&adilla and afael :. A&adilla &'t failed to order t(e %(ane of t(e )inorsOs'rna)e fro) A&adilla to :elestino.

Issue:+(et(er or not illeiti)ate %(ildren %an 'se s'rna)e of &ioloi%al fat(er

Ruling:F)erson :. A&adilla and afael :. A&adilla are illeiti)ate %(ildren, t(eir parents,

po'ses erson and L'>vi)inda not &ein )arried to ea%( ot(er even 'p to no".D'rin t(e &irt( of F)erson and afael, t(e @a)il# :ode "as alread# t(e overnin la" andArti%le 16 of "(i%( e$pli%itl# provides as follo"sGArt. 16. Illeiti)ate %(ildren s(all 'se t(e s'rna)e and s(all &e 'nder t(e parental a't(orit# of t(eir )ot(er, and s(all &e entitled to s'pport in %onfor)it# "it( t(is :ode. (e leiti)e of ea%(illeiti)ate %(ild s(all %onsist of one (alf of t(e leiti)e of a leiti)ate %(ild.('s, as illeiti)ate %(ildren, F)erson and afael s(o'ld &ear t(e s'rna)e of t(eir )ot(er,L'>vi)inda :elestino. es'ltinl#, "it( t(e %orre%tion of t(e entries in t(eir &irt( %ertifi%ates"(i%( deleted t(e entr# in t(e date and pla%e of )arriae of parents, t(e %orrespondin %orre%tion"it( respe%t to t(eir s'rna)e s(o'ld (ave also &een )ade and %(aned to :elestino, t(eir )ot(erOs s'rna)e.

TEOFISTO I. "ER!ELES, plaintiff 4s. MARIA !LARISSA POSADA, defendant

346



=.. No. 159;5 April 2, 200

Facts:espondent aria :larissa Posada :larissa<, a #o'n lass fro) t(e &arrio of Pandan,

:atand'anes, so)eti)e in 19;6 )et a %lose fa)il# friend, petitioner eofisto I. er%eles, )a#or

of Pandan. e t(en %alled on t(e Posadas and at t(e end of t(e visit, offered :larissa a Co&. BnDe%e)&er 22, 19;6, on orders of petitioner, s(e "ent to ira%, :atand'anes, to follo" 'p f'ndsfor &arana# proCe%ts. At aro'nd 11G00 a.). t(e sa)e da#, s(e "ent to :atand'anes otel oninstr'%tions of petitioner "(o ased to &e &riefed on t(e proress of (er )ission. (e# )et at t(elo&&# and (e led (er 'pstairs &e%a'se (e said (e "anted t(e &riefin done at t(e resta'rant at t(e'pper floor. Instead, (o"ever, petitioner opened a (otel roo) door, led (er in, and s'ddenl#e)&ra%ed (er, as (e told (er t(at (e "as 'n(app# "it( (is "ife and "o'ld divor%e (er an#ti)e.e also %lai)ed (e %o'ld appoint (er as a )'ni%ipal develop)ent %oordinator. (e s'%%')&ed to(is advan%es.

:larissa avers t(at on ar%( 3, 19;, petitioner, a"are of (er prenan%#, (anded (er aletter and P2,000 po%et )one# to o to anila and to tell (er parents t(at s(e "o'ld enroll in a

:PA revie" %o'rse or loo for a Co&. In !'ne 19;, petitioner "ent to see (er in anila and ave(er anot(er P2,000 for (er deliver#. +(en (er parents learned of (er prenan%#, so)eti)e in!'l#, (er fat(er fet%(ed (er and &ro'(t (er &a% to Pandan. Bn epte)&er 23, 19;, s(e ave &irt( to a &a&# irl, erna Ai>a Posada. (e Posadas filed a :o)plaint for Da)aes %o'pled"it( 'pport Pendente Lite &efore t(e :, ira%, :atand'anes aainst petitioner on B%to&er 23, 19;. Bn !an'ar# 4, 1995, t(e trial %o'rt iss'ed a C'd)ent in t(eir favor.er%eles appealed to t(e :o'rt of Appeals "(i%( affir)ed t(e C'd)ent "it( )odifi%ation,spe%if#in t(e part# to "(o) t(e da)aes "as a"arded.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e filiation of erna Ai>a Posada as t(e illeiti)ate %(ild of petitioner

"as proven

Ruling:Petitioner ar'es (e never sined t(e &irt( %ertifi%ate of erna Ai>a Posada as fat(er and

t(at it "as respondent :larissa "(o pla%ed (is na)e on t(e &irt( %ertifi%ate as fat(er "it(o't (is%onsent. e f'rt(er %ontends t(e alleed love letters (e sent to :larissa are not ad)issions of paternit# &'t )ere e$pressions of %on%ern and advi%e. As to t(e a"ard for da)aes, petitioner ar'es :larissa %o'ld not (ave s'ffered )oral da)aes &e%a'se s(e "as in pari deli%to, &ein a"illin parti%ipant in t(e %onsens'al %arnal a%t &et"een t(e).13 In s'pport of (is ar')entt(at t(e iss'e on filiation s(o'ld (ave &een resolved in a separate a%tion, petitioner %ited t(e %aseof osales v. :astillo osales14 "(ere "e (eld t(at t(e leiti)a%# of a %(ild "(i%( is%ontroversial %an onl# &e resolved in a dire%t a%tion.

Petitioner not onl# failed to re&'t t(e eviden%e presented, (e (i)self presented noeviden%e of (is o"n. is &are denials are tellin. +ell-settled is t(e r'le t(at denials, if 'ns'&stantiated &# %lear and %onvin%in eviden%e, are neative and self-servin "(i%( )erit no"ei(t in la" and %annot &e iven reater evidentiar# val'e over t(e testi)on# of %redi&le"itnesses "(o testif# on affir)ative )atters.

IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF STEPHANIE NATH# ASTOR%A %AR!IA

34



454 541

Facts:Bn A''st 31, 2000, onorato 7. :atindi, (erein petitioner, filed a petitionV1W to adopt

(is )inor illeiti)ate %(ild tep(anie Nat(# Astora =ar%ia. e alleed t(erein, a)on ot(ers,

t(at tep(anie "as &orn on !'ne 26, 1994V2W t(at (er )ot(er is =e))a Astora =ar%ia t(attep(anie (as &een 'sin (er )ot(er8s )iddle na)e and s'rna)e and t(at (e is no" a "ido"er and 'alified to &e (er adoptin parent. e pra#ed t(at tep(anie8s )iddle na)e Astora &e%(aned to *=ar%ia,/ (er )ot(er8s s'rna)e, and t(at (er s'rna)e *=ar%ia/ &e %(aned to*:atindi,/ (is s'rna)e.Bn ar%( 23, 2001,V3W t(e trial %o'rt rendered t(e assailed De%ision rantin t(e adoption.

Bn April 20, 2001, petitioner filed a )otion for %larifi%ation andor re%onsiderationV5W pra#in t(at tep(anie s(o'ld &e allo"ed to 'se t(e s'rna)e of (er nat'ral )ot(er =A:IA< as(er )iddle na)e and on a# 2;, 2001,V6W t(e trial %o'rt denied petitioner8s )otion for re%onsideration (oldin t(at t(ere is no la" or C'rispr'den%e allo"in an adopted %(ild to 'se t(es'rna)e of (is &ioloi%al )ot(er as (is )iddle na)e.

Issue:+(et(er an illeiti)ate %(ild )a# 'se t(e s'rna)e of (er )ot(er as (er )iddle na)e

"(en s(e is s'&se'entl# adopted &# (er nat'ral fat(er

Ruling:(e ep'&li%, t(ro'( t(e Bffi%e of t(e oli%itor =eneral B=<, arees "it( petitioner

t(at tep(anie s(o'ld &e per)itted to 'se, as (er )iddle na)e, t(e s'rna)e of (er nat'ral)ot(er. (e :o'rt said t(at, it is ne%essar# to preserve and )aintain tep(anie8s filiation "it( (er nat'ral )ot(er &e%'se 'nder Arti%le 1;9 of t(e @a)il# :ode, s(e re)ains to &e an intestate (eir of at(e latter. ('s, to prevent an# %onf'sion and needless (ards(ip in t(e f't're, (er relations(ip or proof of t(at relations(ip "it( (er nat'ral )ot(er s(o'ld &e )aintained and t(at ,t(ere is no la" e$pressl# pro(i&itin tep(anie to 'se t(e s'rna)e of (er nat'ral )ot(er as (er )iddle na)e. +(at t(e la" does not pro(i&it, it allo"s.

en%e, sin%e t(ere is no la" pro(i&itin an illeiti)ate %(ild adopted &# (er nat'ralfat(er, lie tep(anie, to 'se, as )iddle na)e (er )ot(er8s s'rna)e, "e find no reason "(# s(es(o'ld not &e allo"ed to do so.

+FF@BF, t(e petition is =ANFD. (e assailed De%ision is partl# BDI@IFDin t(e sense t(at tep(anie s(o'ld &e allo"ed to 'se (er )ot(er8s s'rna)e *=A:IA/ as (er )iddle na)e.

34;



OE# D. 0RIONES, petitioner 4s. MARI!EL P. MI%UEL, respondent

Facts:Bn ar%( 5, 2002, petitioner !oe# D. 7riones filed a Petition for a&eas :orp's aainst

respondents ari%el Pineda i'el and @ran%is%a Pineda i'el, to o&tain %'stod# of (is )inor

%(ild i%(ael Kevin Pineda. (e petitioner allees t(at t(e )inor i%(ael Kevin Pineda is (isilleiti)ate son "it( respondent Loreta P. i'el. e "as &orn in !apan on epte)&er 1, 1996as eviden%ed &# (is 7irt( :ertifi%ate. (e respondent Loreta P. i'el is no" )arried to a!apanese national and is presentl# residin in !apan. (e petitioner pra#s t(at t(e %'stod# of (isson i%(ael Kevin Pineda &e iven to (i) as (is &ioloi%al fat(er and VasW (e (as de)onstrated(is %apa&ilit# to s'pport and ed'%ate (i).

(e said %ase "as "it(dra"n e$-parte. Appl#in Arti%le 213 pararap( 2< of t(e @a)il#:ode, t(e :A a"arded t(e %'stod# of i%(ael Kevin Pineda i'el to (is )ot(er, espondentLoreta P. i'el. +(ile a%no"ledin t(at petitioner tr'l# loved and %ared for (is son and%onsiderin t(e tro'&le and e$pense (e (ad spent in instit'tin t(e leal a%tion for %'stod#, itnevert(eless fo'nd no %o)pellin reason to separate t(e )inor fro) (is )ot(er. Petitioner,

(o"ever, "as ranted visitorial ri(ts.

Issue:+(et(er or not petitioner, as t(e nat'ral fat(er, )a# &e denied t(e %'stod# and parental

%are of (is o"n %(ild in t(e a&sen%e of t(e )ot(er "(o is a"a#

Ruling:

7earin in )ind t(e "elfare and t(e &est interest of t(e )inor as t(e %ontrollin fa%tor,Bnl# t(e )ost %o)pellin of reasons, s'%( as t(e )ot(er8s 'nfitness to e$er%ise sole parentala't(orit#, s(all C'stif# (er deprivation of parental a't(orit# and t(e a"ard of %'stod# to so)eoneelse.In t(e past, t(e follo"in ro'nds (ave &een %onsidered a)ple C'stifi%ation to deprive a)ot(er of %'stod# and parental a't(orit#G nele%t or a&andon)ent, 'ne)plo#)ent, i))oralit#,(a&it'al dr'nenness, dr' addi%tion, )altreat)ent of t(e %(ild, insanit#, and affli%tion "it( a%o))'ni%a&le disease. Parental a't(orit# over re%oni>ed nat'ral %(ildren "(o "ere 'nder t(eae of )aCorit# "as vested in t(e fat(er or t(e )ot(er re%oni>in t(e). If &ot( a%no"lede t(e%(ild, a't(orit# "as to &e e$er%ised &# t(e one to "(o) it "as a"arded &# t(e %o'rts if it "asa"arded to &ot(, t(e r'le as to leiti)ate %(ildren applied. In ot(er "ords, in t(e latter %ase, parental a't(orit# resided Cointl# in t(e fat(er and t(e )ot(er.

(e fine distin%tions a)on t(e vario's t#pes of illeiti)ate %(ildren (ave &eeneli)inated in t(e @a)il# :ode. No", t(ere are onl# t"o %lasses of %(ildren -- leiti)ate andt(ose "(o, lie t(e leall# adopted, (ave t(e ri(ts of leiti)ate %(ildren< and illeiti)ate. All%(ildren %on%eived and &orn o'tside a valid )arriae are illeiti)ate, 'nless t(e la" itself ivest(e) leiti)ate stat's.

Jnder Arti%le 16 of t(e @a)il# :ode, all illeiti)ate %(ildren are enerall# pla%ed 'nder one %ateor#, "it(o't an# distin%tion &et"een nat'ral and sp'rio's. (e %on%ept of *nat'ral%(ild/ is i)portant onl# for p'rposes of leiti)ation. +it(o't t(e s'&se'ent )arriae, a nat'ral%(ild re)ains an illeiti)ate %(ild.


PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. USTINIANO %LA0O aliasTOTO 0U%O#J, a%%'sed-appellant.=.. No. 12924;. De%e)&er , 2001

349



Facts:(at on or a&o't t(e )ont( of B%to&er, 1991, at itio iniaran, 7#. 7an&anan, in t(e

'ni%ipalit# of a#ta#, Provin%e of Pala"an, P(ilippines and "it(in t(e C'risdi%tion of t(isonora&le :o'rt, t(e said a%%'sed "it( le"d desin and &# )eans of for%e, t(reat andinti)idation, did t(en and t(ere "ilf'll#, 'nla"f'll# and felonio'sl# (ave %arnal no"lede "it(

one ila Lo&ri%o aainst (er "ill and %onsent to t(e da)ae and preC'di%e of said ila Lo&ri%oin s'%( a)o'nt as )a# &e a"arded (er &# t(e %o'rt.

In (is defense, a%%'sed-appellant alleed t(at d'rin t(e entire )ont( of B%to&er 1991, (e"as plo"in t(e field of one of (is sisters in itio aal, ne" ='into, a#ta#, Pala"an. (evi%ti)8s )ot(er, =loria =la&o-Lo&ri%o, testified for t(e defense. (e stated t(at s(e "anted t(e%ase to &e settled to restore (er ood relations(ip "it( a%%'sed-appellant, "(o is (er &rot(er.

Issue: +(et(er or not t(e a%%'sed-appellant is f'rt(er o&lied to provide s'pport to t(e vi%ti)8s%(ild &orn o't of t(e rape, s'&Ce%t to t(e a)o'nt and ter)s to &e deter)ined &# t(e trial %o'rt in a proper pro%eedin

Ruling:

:on%ernin t(e a%no"lede)ent and s'pport of t(e offsprin of rape, Arti%le 345 of t(eevised Penal :ode provides for t(ree inds of %ivil lia&ilit# t(at )a# &e i)posed on t(eoffenderG a< inde)nifi%ation, &< a%no"lede)ent of t(e offsprin, 'nless t(e la" s(o'ld prevent (i) fro) so doin, and %< in ever# %ase to s'pport t(e offsprin. +it( t(e passae of t(e@a)il# :ode, t(e %lassifi%ation of a%no"leded nat'ral %(ildren and nat'ral %(ildren &# lealfi%tion "as eli)inated and t(e# no" fall 'nder t(e spe%ie of illeiti)ate %(ildren. in%e parentala't(orit# is vested &# Arti%le 16 of t(e @a)il# :ode 'pon t(e )ot(er and %onsiderin t(at anoffender senten%ed to reclusion perpetua a'to)ati%all# loses t(e po"er to e$er%ise parentala't(orit# over (is %(ildren, no *f'rt(er positive a%t is re'ired of t(e parent as t(e la" itself

provides for t(e %(ild8s stat's./ en%e, a%%'sed-appellant s(o'ld onl# &e ordered to inde)nif#and s'pport t(e vi%ti)8s %(ild. o"ever, t(e a)o'nt and ter)s of s'pport s(all &e deter)ined &# t(e trial %o'rt after d'e noti%e and (earin in a%%ordan%e "it( Arti%le 201 of t(e @a)il# :ode.

DINAH 0. TONO%, petitioner, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS an3ED%AR ". DA%UIMOL, respondents.

=.. No. 122906. @e&r'ar# , 2002

350



Facts:

Bn epte)&er 23, 19;9, petitioner Dina( 7. ono ave &irt( to =ardin @ait( 7elardeono, (er illeiti)ate da'(ter "it( private respondent Fdar . Da'i)ol. Petitioner "as t(ena n'rsin st'dent "(ile private respondent "as a li%ensed p(#si%ian. (e# %o(a&ited for a ti)eand lived "it( private respondent8s parents and sister in t(e latter8s (o'se in S'e>on :it# "(ere

t(e infant, =ardin @ait(, "as a "el%o)e addition to t(e fa)il#.

A #ear after t(e &irt( of =ardin @ait(, petitioner left for t(e Jnited tates of A)eri%a "(eres(e fo'nd "or as a reistered n'rse. =ardin @ait( "as left in t(e %are of (er fat(er privaterespondent (erein< and paternal randparents.

Bn !an'ar# 10, 1992, private respondent filed a petition for 'ardians(ip over =ardin @ait(,do%eted as p. Pro%. No. S-92-11053, in t(e eional rial :o'rt of S'e>on :it#. Bn ar%( 9,1992, t(e trial %o'rt rendered C'd)ent appointin private respondent as leal 'ardian of t(e)inor, =ardin @ait(.

Issue:

+it( reard to 'ardians(ip, "(o is entitled over =ardin @ait(, an illeiti)ate %(ild, "o'ld it &e t(e fat(er or t(e )ot(er

Ruling:

In t(e %ase at &ar, "e are &ein ased to r'le on t(e temporar! %'stod# of t(e )inor, =ardin@ait(, sin%e it appears t(at t(e pro%eedins for 'ardians(ip &efore t(e trial %o'rt (ave not &eenter)inated, and no prono'n%e)ent (as &een )ade as to "(o s(o'ld (ave final %'stod# of t(e)inor. 7earin in )ind t(at t(e "elfare of t(e said )inor as t(e %ontrollin fa%tor, "e find t(att(e appellate %o'rt did not err in allo"in (er fat(er private respondent (erein< to retain in t(e)eanti)e parental %'stod# over (er. ean"(ile, t(e %(ild s(o'ld not &e "ren%(ed fro) (er fa)iliar s'rro'ndins, and t(r'st into a strane environ)ent a"a# fro) t(e people and pla%es to

"(i%( s(e (ad apparentl# for)ed an atta%()ent.

A "ord of %a'tionG o'r prono'n%e)ent (ere s(o'ld not &e interpreted to i)pl# a preferen%eto"ard t(e fat(er (erein private respondent< relative to t(e final %'stod# of t(e )inor, =ardin@ait(. Nor s(o'ld it &e taen to )ean as a state)ent against petitioner8s fitness to (ave final%'stod# of (er said )inor da'(ter. It s(all &e onl# 'nderstood t(at, for t(e present and 'ntilfinall# adC'ded, te)porar# %'stod# of t(e s'&Ce%t )inor s(o'ld re)ain "it( (er fat(er, t(e private respondent (erein pendin final C'd)ent of t(e trial %o'rt in p. Pro%. No. S-92-11053.

REPU0LI! OF THE PHILIPPINES, petitioner , 4s. %ERSON R. A0ADILLA,LUZ"IMINDA M. !ELESTINO, an3 THE MINORS EMERSON !. A0ADILLA AND

351



RAFAEL !. A0ADILLA, REPRESENTED 0# THEIR %UARDIAN AD LITEMLUZ"IMINDA M. !ELESTINO, respondents.

=.. No. 133054. !an'ar# 2;, 1999

Facts:

=erson A&adilla and L'>vi)inda :elestino (ave &een livin toet(er as ('s&and and "ife"it(o't t(e &enefit of )arriae. D'rin t(eir %o(a&itation, L'>vi)inda &eot t"o %(ildren,F)erson and afael. In t(e :ertifi%ates of 7irt( of t(ese t"o %(ildren, t(e# "ere reistered "it(t(e s'rna)e *A&adilla/ and t(e na)e of t(eir fat(er "as entered as *erson/ A&adilla.oreover, t(e entr# in t(e date and pla%e of )arriae of t(e %(ildren8s parents appeared as !'ne19, 19; at Dinras, Ilo%os Norte.

(ereafter, an A)ended Petition for :orre%tion:an%ellation of Fntries dated @e&r'ar# 5,199 "as filed &# =erson A&adilla, L'>vi)inda :elestino and t(eir t"o )inor %(ildren,F)erson and afael, "it( t(e eional rial :o'rt of Laoa :it#, 7ran%( 65.

Issue:

+(ose s'rna)e "ill &e follo"ed "it( reard to illeiti)ate %(ildren, t(at of t(e fat(er8s or of t(e )ot(er8s

Ruling:

(ere is no disp'te t(at F)erson :. A&adilla and afael :. A&adilla are illeiti)ate%(ildren, t(eir parents, po'ses erson and L'>vi)inda not &ein )arried to ea%( ot(er even 'pto no".

D'rin t(e &irt( of F)erson and afael, t(e @a)il# :ode "as alread# t(e overnin la" and

Arti%le 16.('s, as illeiti)ate %(ildren, F)erson and afael s(o'ld &ear t(e s'rna)e of t(eir )ot(er,

L'>vi)inda :elestino. es'ltinl#, "it( t(e %orre%tion of t(e entries in t(eir &irt( %ertifi%ates"(i%( deleted t(e entr# in t(e date and pla%e of )arriae of parents, t(e %orrespondin %orre%tion"it( respe%t to t(eir s'rna)e s(o'ld (ave also &een )ade and %(aned to :elestino, t(eir )ot(er8s s'rna)e.

MARISSA A. MOSSES%ELD, petitioner , 4s. !OURT OF APPEALS an3 !I"ILRE%ISTRAR %ENERAL, respondents.

=.. No. 111455. De%e)&er 23, 199;

352



Facts:

Bn De%e)&er 2, 19;9, petitioner arissa Alfaro osseseld, sinle, 31 #ears of ae, ave &irt( to a &a&# &o# at t(e edi%al :it# =eneral ospital, andal'#on, etro anila. It "ast(e t(ird ti)e t(at s(e delivered a %(ild. (e pres')ed fat(er, one Flea>ar iri&an :alasan, 42

#ears old, a la"#er, )arried, and a resident of ;632 an !ose t. ='adal'pe N'evo, aati,etro anila, sined t(e &irt( %ertifi%ate of t(e %(ild as t(e infor)ant, indi%atin t(erein t(e%(ild8s first na)e as !onat(an, )iddle na)e as osseseld, and last na)e as :alasan. 7ot( t(e pres')ed fat(er, Flea>ar . :alasan and t(e )ot(er arissa A. osseseld, a%%o)plis(ed t(edorsal side of t(e %ertifi%ate of live &irt( statin t(at t(e infor)ation %ontained t(erein "ere tr'eand %orre%t. In addition, la"#er :alasan e$e%'ted an affidavit ad)ittin paternit# of t(e %(ild.

Bn De%e)&er 6, 19;9, d'e to t(e ref'sal of t(e person in %(are at t(e (ospital to pla%in t(e pres')ed fat(er8s s'rna)e as t(e %(ild8s s'rna)e in t(e %ertifi%ate of live &irt(, petitioner (i)self s'&)itted t(e %ertifi%ate to t(e offi%e of t(e lo%al %ivil reistrar of andal'#on, for reistration.

Bn De%e)&er 2;, 19;9, t(e )'ni%ipal treas'rer of andal'#on, as offi%er in %(are of t(eoffi%e of t(e lo%al %ivil reistrar, reCe%ted t(e reistration on t(e &asis of :ir%'lar No. 4, datedB%to&er 11, 19;;, of t(e :ivil eistrar =eneral, providin t(at 'nder Arti%le 16 of t(e @a)il#:ode of t(e P(ilippines, illeiti)ate %(ildren &orn on or after A''st 3, 19;;, s(all 'se t(es'rna)e of t(eir )ot(er.

Issue:

(e iss'e raised is "(et(er mandamus lies to %o)pel t(e Lo%al :ivil eistrar to reister a%ertifi%ate of live &irt( of an illeiti)ate %(ild 'sin t(e alleed fat(er8s s'rna)e "(ere t(e latter ad)itted paternit#.

Ruling:Arti%le 16 of t(e @a)il# :ode of t(e P(ilippines provides t(at *illeiti)ate %(ildren s(all

'se t(e s'rna)e and s(all &e 'nder t(e parental a't(orit# of t(eir )ot(er, and s(all &e entitled tos'pport in %onfor)it# "it( t(is :ode./ (is is t(e r'le reardless of "(et(er or not t(e fat(er ad)its paternit#. :onse'entl#, t(e Lo%al :ivil eistrar %orre%tl# ref'sed to reister t(e%ertifi%ate of live &irt( of petitioner8s illeiti)ate %(ild 'sin t(e s'rna)e of t(e alleed fat(er,even "it( t(e latter8s %onsent. Bf %o'rse, t(e p'tative fat(er, t(o'( a )'%( )arried )an, )a#leall# adopt (is o"n illeiti)ate %(ild. In %ase of adoption, t(e %(ild s(all &e %onsidered aleiti)ate %(ild of t(e adopter, entitled to 'se (is s'rna)e.

DEPARTMENT OF SO!IAL 7ELFARE AND DE"ELOPMENT, %o)plainant, vs. UD%EANTONIO M. 0ELEN, respondent

A.. No. !-96-1362. !'l# 1;, 199

353



Facts:

In t(is ad)inistrative %o)plaint initiated &# :ora>on . La#', o%ial +elfare Bffi%er Iof t(e Depart)ent of o%ial +elfare and Develop)ent D+D<, @ield Bffi%e No. 1 stationed inan @ernando, La Jnion, respondent !'de Antonio . 7elen of t(e eional rial :o'rt,

7ran%( 3;, of Lina#en, Panasinan, is %(ared "it( renderin an erroneo's de%ree of adoptionin violation of Arti%le 33 of Presidential De%ree No. 603, ot(er"ise no"n as *(e :(ild ando't( +elfare :ode,/ and t(e %orrespondin 'pre)e :o'rt %ir%'lar t(ereon, na)el#, :ir%'lar No. 12 dated B%to&er 2, 19;6.

espondent Fl)a P. edaXa, o%ial +elfare Bffi%er II, Bffi%e of t(e :ler of :o'rt,eional rial :o'rt of Lina#en, Panasinan is %(ared "it( disreardin t(e provisions of t(esa)e :ir%'lar No. 12 of t(is :o'rt in %onne%tion "it( t(e afore)entioned spe%ial pro%eedin.

As appears fro) t(e re%ords, t(e spo'ses Desiderio oriano and A'rora 7ernardo-oriano, &ot( of "(o) are nat'rali>ed A)eri%an %iti>ens, filed a verified petition for adoption of t(eir nie%e, t(e )inor (edell 7ernardo I&ea, "(i%( "as do%eted as pe%ial Pro%eedin No. 5;30 of

t(e eional rial :o'rt of Lina#en, Panasinan, and assined to 7ran%( 3; t(ereof. In d'eti)e, respondent !'de 7elen ranted t(e petition in a de%ision dated !'ne 25, 1992, after findint(at petitioner spo'ses "ere (i(l# 'alified to adopt t(e %(ild as t(eir o"n.

Issue:

Is t(ere a violation of Arti%le 33 of PD 603 in dispensin "it( t(e pro%ed're of adoptin a%(ild

Ruling:

+e are, (o"ever, pers'aded t(at respondent C'de a%ted in ood fait( "(en (e stated in (isde%ision t(at t(e D+D s'&)itted t(e re'ired reports to (is %o'rt t(ro'( respondent edaXa,

pres')a&l# in t(e &elief t(at it "as standard pro%ed're for t(e o%ial +elfare Bffi%er II of aeional rial :o'rt to do so in %oordination "it( t(e D+D. +e also aree "it( t(e findinsof t(e B:A t(at t(ere is no eviden%e "(atsoever t(at respondent edaXa so'(t to o&tain an#a)o'nt fro) t(e adoptin parents. In fa%t, t(is is &elied &# t(e affidavit of t(e %(ild8s nat'ral)ot(er, Loreta I&ea. +e are, t(erefore, in%lined to adopt a li&eral vie" on t(e %(ares aainstrespondents.

DI7ATA RAMOS LANDIN%IN petitioner, "S. REPU0LI! OF THE PHILIPPINES,respondent.

=.. No. 16494;, !'ne 2, 2006

354



Facts: Bn @e&r'ar# 4, 2002, Di"ata a)os Landinin, a %iti>en of t(e Jnited tates of A)eri%aJA<, of @ilipino parentae and a resident of ='a), JA, filed a petition for t(e adoption of )inors Flaine Di>on a)os "(o "as &orn on A''st 31, 19;6 Fl)a Di>on a)os, "(o "as

&orn on epte)&er , 19; and F'ene Di>on a)os "(o "as &orn on A''st 5, 19;9. (e)inors are t(e nat'ral %(ildren of an'el a)os, petitionerOs &rot(er, and A)elia a)os. Landinin, as petitioner, alleed in (er petition t(at "(en an'el died on a# 19, 1990,t(e %(ildren "ere left to t(eir paternal rand)ot(er, aria ar'% a)os t(eir &ioloi%al )ot(er,A)elia, "ent to Ital#, re-)arried t(ere and no" (as t"o %(ildren &# (er se%ond )arriae and noloner %o))'ni%ated "it( (er %(ildren &# an'el a)os nor "it( (er in-la"s fro) t(e ti)e s(eleft 'p to t(e instit'tion of t(e adoption t(e )inors are &ein finan%iall# s'pported &# t(e petitioner and (er %(ildren, and relatives a&road as aria passed a"a# on Nove)&er 23, 2000, petitioner desires to adopt t(e %(ildren t(e )inors (ave iven t(eir "ritten %onsent to t(eadoption s(e is 'alified to adopt as s(o"n &# t(e fa%t t(at s(e is a 5-#ear-old "ido", (as%(ildren of (er o"n "(o are alread# )arried, ainf'll# e)plo#ed and (ave t(eir respe%tive

fa)ilies s(e lives alone in (er o"n (o)e in ='a), JA, "(ere s(e a%'ired %iti>ens(ip, and"ors as a resta'rant server. (e %a)e &a% to t(e P(ilippines to spend ti)e "it( t(e )inors(er %(ildren ave t(eir "ritten %onsent to t(e adoption of t(e )inors. PetitionerOs &rot(er,ariano a)os, "(o earns s'&stantial in%o)e, sinified (is "illinness and %o))it)ent tos'pport t(e )inors "(ile in petitionerOs %'stod#.

IssueCs: (e iss'es raised &# t(e parties in t(eir pleadins are t(e follo"inG a< "(et(er t(e petitioner is entitled to adopt t(e )inors "it(o't t(e "ritten %onsent of t(eir &ioloi%al )ot(er,A)elia a)os &< "(et(er or not t(e affidavit of %onsent p'rportedl# e$e%'ted &# t(e petitioner-adopterOs %(ildren s'ffi%ientl# %o)plies "it( t(e la" and %< "(et(er or not petitioner is finan%iall# %apa&le of s'pportin t(e adoptees.

Ruling:

+(ile petitioner %lai)s t(at s(e (as t(e finan%ial s'pport and &a%in of (er %(ildren andsi&lins, t(e B= is %orre%t in statin t(at t(e a&ilit# to s'pport t(e adoptees is personal to t(eadopter, as adoption onl# %reates a leal relation &et"een t(e for)er and t(e latter. oreover,t(e re%ords do not prove nor s'pport petitionerOs alleation t(at (er si&lins and (er %(ildren arefinan%iall# a&le and t(at t(e# are "illin to s'pport t(e )inors (erein. (e :o'rt, t(erefore,aain s'stains t(e r'lin of t(e :A on t(is iss'e.

+(ile t(e :o'rt re%oni>es t(at petitioner (as onl# t(e &est of intentions for (er nie%esand nep(e", t(ere are leal infir)ities t(at )ilitate aainst reversin t(e r'lin of t(e :A. In

an# %ase, petitioner is not prevented fro) filin a ne" petition for adoption of t(e (erein )inors.

HER0ERT !AN%, petitioner, vs. !OURT OF APPEALS an3 S8&uses RONALD ".!LA"ANO an3 MARIA !LARA !LA"ANO, respondents.

=.. No. 10530;. epte)&er 25, 199;

355



Facts:

Petitioner er&ert :an and Anna arie :lavano "(o "ere )arried on !an'ar# 2, 193, &eot t(ree %(ildren, na)el#G Keit(, &orn on !'l# 3, 193 :(ar)aine, &orn on !an'ar# 23, 19,and !osep( Ant(on#, &orn on !an'ar# 3, 19;1.

D'rin t(e earl# #ears of t(eir )arriae, t(e :an %o'ple8s relations(ip "as 'ndist'r&ed. Not lon t(ereafter, (o"ever, Anna arie learned of (er ('s&and8s alleed e$tra)arital affair "it( +il)a o%o, a fa)il# friend of t(e :lavanos.

Jpon learnin of (er ('s&and8s alleed illi%it liaison, Anna arie filed a petition for lealseparation "it( ali)on# pendente lite "it( t(e t(en !'venile and Do)esti% elations :o'rt of :e&' "(i%( rendered a de%ision approvin t(e Coint )anifestation of t(e :an spo'ses providint(at t(e# areed to *live separatel# and apart or fro) &ed and &oard./

Issue: :an )inor %(ildren &e leall# adopted "it(o't t(e "ritten %onsent of a nat'ral parent on t(e

ro'nd t(at t(e latter (as a&andoned t(e)

Ruling: As %learl# inferred fro) t(e foreoin provisions of la", t(e "ritten %onsent of t(e nat'ral parent is indispensa&le for t(e validit# of t(e de%ree of adoption. Nevert(eless, t(e re'ire)entof "ritten %onsent %an &e dispensed "it( if t(e parent (as a&andoned t(e %(ild or t(at s'%( parentis *insane or (opelessl# inte)perate./ (e %o'rt )a# a%'ire C'risdi%tion over t(e %ase even"it(o't t(e "ritten %onsent of t(e parents or one of t(e parents provided t(at t(e petition for adoption allees fa%ts s'ffi%ient to "arrant e$e)ption fro) %o)plian%e t(ere"it(. (is is in%onsonan%e "it( t(e li&eralit# "it( "(i%( t(is :o'rt treats t(e pro%ed'ral aspe%t of adoption.

In t(e instant %ase, re%ords dis%lose t(at petitioner8s %ond'%t did not )anifest a settled p'rpose to foreo all parental d'ties and relin'is( all parental %lai)s over (is %(ildren as to%onstit'te a&andon)ent. P(#si%al estrane)ent alone, "it(o't financial and moral desertion, isnot tanta)o'nt to a&andon)ent. +(ile ad)ittedl#, petitioner "as p(#si%all# a&sent as (e "ast(en in t(e Jnited tates, (e "as not re)iss in (is nat'ral and leal o&liations of love, %are ands'pport for (is %(ildren. e )aintained re'lar %o))'ni%ation "it( (is "ife and %(ildrent(ro'( letters and telep(one. e 'sed to send pa%aes &# )ail and %atered to t(eir "(i)s.

(e :o'rt r'led t(at t(e li&eralit# "it( "(i%( t(is :o'rt treats )atters leadin to adoptioninsofar as it %arries o't t(e &enefi%ent p'rposes of t(e la" to ens're t(e ri(ts and privilees of t(e adopted %(ild arisin t(erefro), ever )indf'l t(at t(e para)o'nt %onsideration is t(e overall &enefit and interest of t(e adopted %(ild, s(o'ld &e 'nderstood in its proper %onte$t and

perspe%tive. (e :o'rtOs position s(o'ld not &e )is%onstr'ed or )isinterpreted as to e$tend toinferen%es &e#ond t(e %onte)plation of la" and C'rispr'den%e. ('s, t(e dis%retion to approveadoption pro%eedins is not to &e an%(ored solel# on &est interests of t(e %(ild &'t lie"ise, "it(d'e reard to t(e nat'ral ri(ts of t(e parents over t(e %(ild.

REPU0LI! OF THE PHILIPPINES, petitioner, vs. HON. OSE R. HERNANDEZ, an3SPOUSES "AN MUNSON 6 NA"ARRO an3

RE%INA MUNSON 6 ANDRADE, respondents.

356



=.. No. 11209. @e&r'ar# 9, 1996

Facts:

Bn ar%( 10, 1994, (erein private respondent spo'ses, an 'nson # Navarro and eina'nson # Andrade, filed a petition to adopt t(e )inor Kevin Farl 7artolo)e oran, d'l#

allein t(erein t(e C'risdi%tional fa%ts re'ired &# 'le 99 of t(e 'les of :o'rt for adoption,t(eir 'alifi%ations as and fitness to &e adoptive parents, as "ell as t(e %ir%')stan%es 'nder and &# reason of "(i%( t(e adoption of t(e aforena)ed )inor "as so'(t. In t(e ver# sa)e petition, private respondents pra#ed for t(e %(ane of t(e first na)e of said )inor adoptee to Aaron!osep(, t(e sa)e &ein t(e na)e "it( "(i%( (e "as &apti>ed in eepin "it( reliio's tradition,and &# "(i%( (e (as &een %alled &# (is adoptive fa)il#, relatives and friends sin%e a# 6, 1993"(en (e arrived at private respondents8 residen%e.

IssueCs:

(e onl# leal iss'es t(at need to &e resolved )a# t(en &e s#nt(esi>ed )ainl# as follo"sG1< "(et(er or not t(e %o'rt a quo erred in rantin t(e pra#er for t(e %(ane of t(e reistered

proper or iven na)e of t(e )inor adoptee e)&odied in t(e petition for adoption and 2<"(et(er or not t(ere "as la"f'l ro'nd for t(e %(ane of na)e.

Ruling:

(e sit'ation presented in t(is %ase does not "arrant e$%eption fro) t(e 'les 'nder t(e poli%# of li&eral %onstr'%tion t(ereof in eneral, and for %(ane of na)e in parti%'lar, as proposed &# private respondents and adopted &# respondent C'de. Li&eral %onstr'%tion of t(e'les )a# &e invoed in sit'ations "(erein t(ere )a# &e so)e e$%'sa&le for)al defi%ien%# or error in a pleadin, provided t(at t(e sa)e does not s'&vert t(e essen%e of t(e pro%eedin and%onnotes at least a reasona&le atte)pt at %o)plian%e "it( t(e 'les. Jtter disreard of t(e 'les%annot C'stl# &e rationali>ed &# (arin on t(e poli%# of li&eral %onstr'%tion.

7# Arti%le 40; of t(e :ivil :ode, a person8s &irt( )'st &e entered in t(e %ivil reister. (eoffi%ial na)e of a person is t(at iven (i) in t(e %ivil reister. (at is (is na)e in t(e e#es of t(e la". And on%e t(e na)e of a person is offi%iall# entered in t(e %ivil reister, Arti%le 36 of t(e sa)e :ode seals t(at identit# "it( its pre%ise )andateG no person %an %(ane (is na)e or s'rna)e "it(o't C'di%ial a't(orit#. (is stat'tor# restri%tion is pre)ised on t(e interest of t(etate in na)es &orne &# individ'als and entities for p'rposes of identifi%ation.

+FF@BF, on t(e foreoin pre)ises, t(e assailed order of respondent C'de is (ere&#BDI@IFD. (e leall# adopted %(ild of private respondents s(all (en%efort( &e offi%iall#no"n as Kevin Farl 'nson # Andrade 'nless a %(ane t(ereof is (ereafter effe%ted ina%%ordan%e "it( la". In all ot(er respe%ts, t(e order is A@@IFD.

RO0ERTO DE %UZMAN, petitioner, vs. HERNANDO PEREZ, SE!. OF USTI!ESHIRLE# A0ERDE, respondents.

496 44

35



Facts:

o&erto and (rile# &e%a)e s"eet(earts "(ile st'd#in la" at to. o)as. (is res'lted to(irle#8s ivin &irt( to o&&#. (e# never ot )arried. (e# lived separate lives. o&erto)arried anot(er "o)an and (ad %(ildren "it( (er. o&erto ave s'pport t"i%e onl# 1992 \

1993< in 1994, (e ave )one# for )edi%al e$penses &e%a'se o&&# "as si%. e desisted inivin s'pport (en%e. D'e to finan%ial diffi%'lties, (irle# "ored as a fa%tor# "orer in ai"anfor a &rief period. +(en o&&# a&o't to enter (i( s%(ool, (irle# de)anded s'pport fro)o&erto "(o )erel# inored (er. +(ile (irle# "as in finan%ial distress, o&erto lived al'$'rio's lifest#le 5 l'$'r# %ars, 1 &i (o'se in A#ala, fre'entl# travels a&road, sends (is%(ildren to e$pensive s%(ools sto% s(ares "ort( P 50,000<. Despite t(e o&vio's l'$'r#,o&erto )aintains t(at (e is finan%iall# in%apa&le of s'pportin o&&#. en%e, (irle# filed a%ri)inal %ase for NF=LF: of :ILD 'nder Art. 594< of PD 603 in relation to e%tion 10a<of A 610.

Issue:

Is (irle#8s %ri)inal %ase for nele%t of %(ild aainst o&erto tena&le

Ruling:

o&erto %an &e %(ared "it( NF=LF: B@ :ILD. (at t(e e%retar# of !'sti%e didn8t err in its de%ision.

MA. 0ELEN 0. MAN%ONON, @&- an3 in e>al@ &@ >e- in&- c>il3-en RE0E!!AAN%ELA DEL%ADO an3 RE%INA ISA0EL DEL%ADO, petitioner, vs.

35;



HON. !OURT OF APPEALS, HON. UD%E OSEFINA %UE"ARA2SALON%A,FEDERI!O !. DEL%ADO an3 FRAN!IS!O !. DEL%ADO, respondents.

=.. No. 125041. !'ne 30, 2006Facts:

Bn 1 ar%( 1994, petitioner a. 7elen 7. anonon filed, in &e(alf of (er t(en )inor %(ildren i%a and ina, a Petition for De%laration of Leiti)a%# and 'pport, "it( appli%ationfor s'pport pendente lite "it( t(e : aati. In said petition, it "as alleed t(at on 16@e&r'ar# 195, petitioner and respondent @ederi%o Delado "ere %ivill# )arried &# t(en :it#:o'rt !'de Fle'terio A'do in Leaspi :it#, Al&a#. At t(at ti)e, petitioner "as onl# 21 #earsold "(ile respondent @ederi%o "as onl# 19 #ears old. As t(e )arriae "as sole)ni>ed "it(o'tt(e re'ired %onsent per Arti%le ;5 of t(e Ne" :ivil :ode, it "as ann'lled on 11 A''st 195 &#t(e S'e>on :it# !'venile and Do)esti% elations :o'rt.

Bn 25 ar%( 196, or "it(in seven )ont(s after t(e ann'l)ent of t(eir )arriae, petitioner ave &irt( to t"ins i%a and ina. A%%ordin to petitioner, s(e, "it( t(e assistan%e of (er se%ond

('s&and Dann# anonon, raised (er t"in da'(ters as private respondents (ad totall#a&andoned t(e). At t(e ti)e of t(e instit'tion of t(e petition, i%a and ina "ere a&o't to enter %ollee in t(e Jnited tates of A)eri%a JA< "(ere petitioner, toet(er "it( (er da'(ters andse%ond ('s&and, (ad )oved to and finall# settled in. i%a "as ad)itted to t(e Jniversit# of assa%('setts A)(erst< "(ile ina "as a%%epted &# t(e Lon Island Jniversit# and +estern Ne" Fnland :ollee. Despite t(eir ad)issions to said 'niversities, i%a and ina "ere,(o"ever, finan%iall# in%apa&le of p'rs'in %olleiate ed'%ation.

Issue:

As leiti)ate %(ildren and rand%(ildren, are i%a and ina entitled to eneral and

ed'%ational s'pport 'nder Arti%les 14 and 195&< in relation to Arti%les 1941 and 2< and 199%<of t(e @a)il# :ode

Ruling:

@inall#, as to t(e a)o'nt of s'pport pendente lite, "e tae o'r &earins fro) t(e provision of t(e la" )andatin t(e a)o'nt of s'pport to &e proportionate to t(e reso'r%es or )eans of t(eiver and to t(e ne%essities of t(e re%ipient. ='ided &# t(is prin%iple, "e (old respondent@ran%is%o lia&le for (alf of t(e a)o'nt of s%(ool e$penses in%'rred &# i%a and ina as s'pport pendente lite. As esta&lis(ed &# petitioner, respondent @ran%is%o (as t(e finan%ial reso'r%es to pa# t(is a)o'nt iven (is vario's &'siness endeavors.

:onsiderin, (o"ever, t(at t(e t"in sisters )a# (ave alread# &een done "it( t(eir ed'%ation &# t(e ti)e of t(e pro)'lation of t(is de%ision, "e dee) it proper to a"ard s'pport pendente

lite in arrears to &e %o)p'ted fro) t(e ti)e t(e# entered %ollee 'ntil t(e# (ad finis(ed t(eir respe%tive st'dies.

MANUEL . !. RE#ES, petitioner, vs.HON. LEONOR INES2LJ:IANB, :BJ OF APPEALS an3

!ELIA ILUSTRE2RE#ES, respondents.

359



=.. No. L-4;219 @e&r'ar# 2;, 199

Facts:

(e private petitioner, :elia Il'stre-e#es, filed in t(e !'venile and Do)esti% elations

:o'rt of S'e>on :it# a %o)plaint dated !'ne 3, 196 aainst (er ('s&and, an'el !. :. e#es,for leal separation on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e defendant (ad atte)pted to ill plaintiff.

(e plaintiff ased for s'pport pendente lite for (er and (er t(ree %(ildren. (e defendant, petitioner (erein, opposed t(e appli%ation for s'pport pendente lite on t(e ro'nd t(at (is "ife(ad %o))itted ad'lter# "it( (er p(#si%ian.

Issue:

In a%tions for leal separation, is t(e "ife entitled to s'pport fro) t(e ('s&and despite t(efa%t t(at a %ase for ad'lter# (ad &een filed &# t(e ('s&and aainst (er

Ruling:

In t(e instant %ase, at t(e (earin of t(e appli%ation for s'pport pendente lite &efore t(e!'venile and Do)esti% elations :o'rt presided &# t(e respondent !'de, on. Leonor Ines-L'%iano t(e petitioner did not present an# eviden%e to prove t(e alleation t(at (is "ife, privaterespondent :elia Il'stre-e#es, (ad %o))itted ad'lter# "it( an# person.

In a resol'tion dated !'l# 31, 19;, t(is :o'rt iss'ed a te)porar# restrainin order effe%tivei))ediatel# aainst t(e enfor%e)ent of t(e lo"er %o'rtOs order ivin s'pport pendente lite to private respondent in t(e s') of P4,000.00 )ont(l# %o))en%in !'ne 196 and in lie' t(ereof

to allo" s'%( s'pport onl# to t(e e$tent of P1,000.00 a )ont(.

Later t(e petitioner "as re'ired to pa# t(e s'pport at t(e rate of P1,000.00 a )ont( "(i%((ad a%%')'lated sin%e !'ne 196 "it(in ten 10< da#s fro) noti%e of t(e resol'tionG

(e private respondent a%no"leded on Nove)&er 20, 19; (avin re%eived fro) t(e petitioner, t(ro'( (is %o'nsel a %(e% in t(e a)o'nt of P30,000.00 as pa#)ent of s'pport fort(e period fro) !'ne 196 to Nove)&er 19; or t(irt# 30< )ont(s at P1,000.00 a )ont( in%o)plian%e "it( t(e resol'tion of t(is :o'rt dated B%to&er 9, 19;.

In vie" of t(e foreoin, t(e s'pport of P4,000.00 s(o'ld &e )ade to %o))en%e or, ar%(

1, 199.

PRIN!ESITA SANTERO, FEDERI!O SANTERO an3 7ILLIE SANTERO, petitioners,vs.

HON. !OURT OF FIRST INSTAN!E OF !A"ITE, ANSELMA DIAZ, "I!TOR,RODRI%O, ANSELMINA, MI%UEL, all su-nae3 SANTERO, respondents.

360



=.. No. L-6100 epte)&er 14, 19;

Facts:

In t(e otion @or Allo"an%e in 'estion 'ardian-)ovant Ansel)a Dia> onl# follo"ed t(e

pre%edent of t(e :o'rt "(i%( ranted a si)ilar )otion last #ear to &e spent for t(e s%(oole$penses of (er "ards. In t(eir opposition t(e oppositors %ontend t(at t(e "ards for "(o)allo"an%e is so'(t are no loner s%(oolin and (ave attained )aCorit# ae so t(at t(e# are noloner 'nder 'ardians(ip. (e# lie"ise allee t(at t(e ad)inistrator does not (ave s'ffi%ientf'nds to %over t(e said allo"an%e &e%a'se "(atever f'nds are in t(e (ands of t(e ad)inistrator,t(e# %onstit'te f'nds (eld in tr'st for t(e &enefit of "(oever "ill &e adC'ded as o"ners of t(eKa"it propert# fro) "(i%( said ad)inistrator derives t(e onl# in%o)e of t(e intestate estate of Pa&lo antero, et al.

Issues:

a. +(et(er or not respondent %o'rt a%ted "it( a&'se of dis%retion a)o'ntin to la% of C'risdi%tion in rantin t(e allo"an%e to t(e respondents i%tor, odrio, Ansel)ina and i'el-P2,000.00 ea%( despite t(e fa%t t(at all of t(e) are not )inors and all are ainf'll# e)plo#ed"it( t(e e$%eption of i'el.

&. +(et(er or not respondent :o'rt a%ted "it( a&'se of dis%retion in rantin t(e allo"an%e &ased on t(e alleations of t(e said respondents t(at t(e a&ovena)ed "ards are still s%(oolinand t(e# are in a%t'al need of )one# to defra# t(eir s%(ool e$penses for 19;2-;3 "(en t(e tr't(is t(at t(e# are no loner s%(oolin.

%. +(et(er or not respondent :o'rt a%ted "it( a&'se of dis%retion in rantin t(e )otion for

allo"an%e "it(o't %ond'%tin a (earin t(ereon, to deter)ine t(e tr't( of alleations of t(e private respondents.

Ruling:

(e fa%t t(at private respondents are of ae, ainf'll# e)plo#ed, or )arried is of no )o)entand s(o'ld not &e rearded as t(e deter)inin fa%tor of t(eir ri(t to allo"an%e 'nder Art. 1;;.+(ile t(e 'les of :o'rt li)it allo"an%es to t(e "ido" and )inor or in%apa%itated %(ildren of t(e de%eased, t(e Ne" :ivil :ode ives t(e s'rvivin spo'se and (is(er %(ildren "it(o'tdistin%tion. en%e, t(e private respondents i%tor, odrio, Ansel)ina and i'el all s'rna)edantero are entitled to allo"an%es as advan%es fro) t(eir s(ares in t(e in(eritan%e fro) t(eir

fat(er Pa&lo antero. in%e t(e provision of t(e :ivil :ode, a s'&stantive la", ives t(e s'rvivinspo'se and to t(e %(ildren t(e ri(t to re%eive s'pport d'rin t(e li'idation of t(e estate of t(ede%eased, s'%( ri(t %annot &e i)paired &# 'le ;3 e%. 3 of t(e 'les of :o'rt "(i%( is a pro%ed'ral r'le. 7e it noted (o"ever t(at "it( respe%t to spo'se, t(e sa)e )'st &e t(eleiti)ate spo'se not %o))on-la" spo'ses "(o are t(e )ot(ers of t(e %(ildren (ere<.

REPU0LI! OF THE PHILIPPINES, petitioner, vs.HON. !ON!EP!ION S. ALAR!ON "ER%ARA an3 SPOUSES SAMUEL RO0ERT

D#E, R. an3 ROSALINA D. D#E, respondents.=.. No. 95551. ar%( 20, 199

361



Facts:

Bn !'ne 25, 1990, t(e spo'ses a)'el . D#e, !r. and osalina D'e D#e filed a petition &efore t(e eional rial :o'rt of Aneles :it# to adopt ari%el . D'e and Alvin . D'e, aes13 and 12 #ears old, respe%tivel#, #o'ner si&lins of osalina. a)'el . D#e, !r. a )e)&er of

t(e Jnited tates Air @or%e, is an A)eri%an %iti>en "(o resided at t(e :lar Air 7ase inPa)pana. is "ife osalina is a for)er @ilipino "(o &e%a)e a nat'rali>ed A)eri%an. (e#(ave t"o %(ildren. 7ot( ari%el and Alvin D'e, as "ell as t(eir nat'ral parents, ave t(eir %onsent to t(e adoption.

After trial, t(e lo"er %o'rt rendered its de%ision on epte)&er 10, 1990 rantin t(e petitionand de%larin Alvin and ari%el to &e t(e %(ildren of t(e spo'ses D#e &# adoption. espondenteional rial :o'rt disrearded t(e si$teen-#ear ae ap re'ire)ent of t(e la", t(e spo'ses &ein onl# fifteen #ears and t(ree )ont(s and fifteen #ears and nine )ont(s older t(an ari%elD'e, on t(e ro'nd t(at a literal i)ple)entation of t(e la" "o'ld defeat t(e ver# p(ilosop(# &e(ind adoption stat'tes, na)el#, to pro)ote t(e "elfare of a %(ild. (e %o'rt also fo'nd t(at t(e

petitionin spo'ses are )entall# and p(#si%all# fit to adopt, possess ood )oral %(ara%ter,s'ffi%ient finan%ial %apa&ilit# and love and affe%tion for t(e intended adoptees.

Issue:

(e ep'&li% filed t(is petition for revie" on a p're 'estion of la", is %ontention of t(e petitioner t(at t(e spo'ses D#e are not 'alified 'nder t(e la" to adopt ari%el and Alvin D'e%orre%t

Ruling:

As a eneral r'le, aliens %annot adopt @ilipino %iti>ens as t(is is pros%ri&ed 'nder Arti%le 1;4of t(e @a)il# :ode.

+e are not 'n)indf'l of t(e )ain p'rpose of adoption stat'tes, "(i%( is t(e pro)otion of t(e "elfare of %(ildren. A%%ordinl#, t(e la" s(o'ld &e %onstr'ed li&erall#, in a )anner t(at "ills'stain rat(er t(an defeat said p'rpose. (e la" )'st also &e applied "it( %o)passion,'nderstandin and less severit# in vie" of t(e fa%t t(at it is intended to provide (o)es, love, %areand ed'%ation for less fort'nate %(ildren. eretta&l#, t(e :o'rt is not in a position to affir) t(etrial %o'rtOs de%ision favorin adoption in t(e %ase at &ar, for t(e la" is %lear and it %annot &e)odified "it(o't violatin t(e pros%ription aainst C'di%ial leislation. Jntil s'%( ti)e (o"ever,t(at t(e la" on t(e )atter is a)ended, "e %annot s'stain t(e respondent-spo'sesO petition for

adoption.

REPU0LI! OF THE PHILIPPINES, petitioner, vs.THE !OURT OF APPEALS, AIME 0. !ARANTO, an3

ZENAIDA P. !ARANTO, respondents.=.. No. 103695. ar%( 15, 1996

362



Facts:

(e petition &elo" "as filed on epte)&er 21 19;; &# private respondents spo'ses !ai)e 7.:aranto and enaida P. :aranto for t(e adoption of idael :. a>on, t(en fifteen #ears old, "(o(ad &een livin "it( private respondent !ai)e 7. :aranto sin%e (e "as seven #ears old. +(en

private respondents "ere )arried on !an'ar# 19, 19;6, t(e )inor idael :. a>on sta#ed "it(t(e) 'nder t(eir %are and %'stod#. Private respondents pra#ed t(at C'd)ent &e renderedG

a< De%larin t(e %(ild i%(ael :. a>on t(e %(ild of petitioners for all intents and p'rposes

&.< Dissolvin t(e a't(orit# vested in t(e nat'ral parents of t(e %(ild and

%< (at t(e s'rna)e of t(e %(ild &e leall# %(aned to t(at of t(e petitioners andt(at t(e first na)e "(i%( "as )istaenl# reistered as IDAFL &e %orre%ted toI:AFL.

Issue:

(e oli%itor =eneral opposed t(e petition insofar as it so'(t t(e %orre%tion of t(e na)e of t(e %(ild fro) idael to i%(ael. e ar'ed t(at alt(o'( t(e %orre%tion so'(t %on%ernedonl# a %leri%al and inno%'o's error, it %o'ld not &e ranted &e%a'se t(e petition "as &asi%all# for adoption, not t(e %orre%tion of an entr# in t(e %ivil reistr# 'nder 'le 10; of t(e 'les of :o'rt.Is (e %orre%t

Ruling:

+FF@BF, in vie" of t(e foreoin, t(e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals is BDI@IFD &# deletin fro) t(e de%ision of t(e eional rial :o'rt t(e order to t(e lo%al %ivil reistrar to%(ane t(e na)e IDAFL to I:AFL in t(e &irt( %ertifi%ate of t(e %(ild. In ot(er respe%ts relatin to t(e adoption of idael :. a>on, t(e de%ision appealed fro) is A@@IFD.

REPU0LI! OF THE PHILIPPINES, petitioner, 4s.HONORA0LE RODOLFO TOLEDANO, an3 SPOUSES AL"IN A. !LOUSE an3

E"EL#N A. !LOUSE, respondents.=.. No. 9414. !'ne ;, 1994

363



Facts:

Bn @e&r'ar# 21, 1990, in a verified petition filed &efore t(e eional rial :o'rt of I&a,a)&ales, private respondents spo'ses :lo'se so'(t to adopt t(e )inor, olo)on !osep(Al%ala, t(e #o'ner &rot(er of private respondent Fvel#n A. :lo'se. In an Brder iss'ed on ar%(

12, 1990, t(e petition "as set for (earin on April 1;, 1990. (e said Brder "as p'&lis(ed in ane"spaper of eneral %ir%'lation in t(e provin%e of a)&ales and :it# of Blonapo for t(ree 3<%onse%'tive "ees.

(e prin%ipal eviden%e dis%lose t(at private respondent Alvin A. :lo'se is a nat'ral &orn%iti>en of t(e Jnited tates of A)eri%a. e )arried Fvel#n, a @ilipino on !'ne 4, 19;1 atBlonapo :it#. Bn A''st 19, 19;;, Fvel#n &e%a)e a nat'rali>ed %iti>en of t(e Jnited tates of A)eri%a in ='a). (e# are p(#si%all#, )entall#, )orall#, and finan%iall# %apa&le of adoptinolo)on, a t"elve 12< #ear old )inor.

in%e 19;1 to 19;4, t(en fro) Nove)&er 2, 19;9 'p to t(e present, olo)on !osep( Al%ala

"as and (as &een 'nder t(e %are and %'stod# of private respondents. olo)on ave (is %onsentto t(e adoption. is )ot(er, Ner# Al%ala, a "ido", lie"ise %onsented to t(e adoption d'e to povert# and ina&ilit# to s'pport and ed'%ate (er son.

rs. Nila :ora>on Pronda, t(e so%ial "orer assined to %ond'%t t(e o)e and :(ild t'd#,favora&l# re%o))ended t(e rantin of t(e petition for adoption.

Issue:

(e sole iss'e for deter)ination %on%erns t(e ri(t of private respondents spo'ses Alvin A.:lo'se and Fvel#n A. :lo'se "(o are aliens to adopt 'nder P(ilippine La".

Ruling:

+e are not 'na"are t(at t(e )odern trend is to en%o'rae adoption and ever# reasona&leintend)ent s(o'ld &e s'stained to pro)ote t(at o&Ce%tive. Adoption is eared )ore to"ards t(e pro)otion of t(e "elfare of t(e %(ild and en(an%e)ent of (is opport'nities for a 'sef'l and(app# life. It is not t(e &'rea'%rati% te%(ni%alities &'t t(e interest of t(e %(ild t(at s(o'ld &e t(e prin%ipal %riterion in adoption %ases. F$e%'tive Brder 209 lie"ise 'p(olds t(at t(e interest and"elfare of t(e %(ild to &e adopted s(o'ld &e t(e para)o'nt %onsideration. (ese %onsiderationsnot"it(standin, t(e re%ords of t(e %ase do not evin%e an# fa%t as "o'ld C'stif# 's in allo"in t(eadoption of t(e )inor, olo)on !osep( Al%ala, &# private respondents "(o are aliens.

"I!ENTE 0. TEOTI!O, petitioner-appellant, vs.ANA DEL "AL, ET!., oppositor-appellant.

=.. No. L-1;53. ar%( 26, 1965

Facts:

364



Bn !'l# 1, 1955, i%ente 7. eoti%o filed a petition for t(e pro&ate of t(e "ill &efore t(e:o'rt of @irst Instan%e of anila "(i%( "as set for (earin on epte)&er 3, 1955 after t(ere'isite p'&li%ation and servi%e to all parties %on%erned.

Ana del al :(an, %lai)in to &e an adopted %(ild of @ran%is%a ortera, a de%eased sister of

t(e testatri$, as "ell as an a%no"leded nat'ral %(ild of !ose ortera, a de%eased &rot(er of t(esa)e testatri$, filed on epte)&er 2, 1955 an opposition to t(e pro&ate of t(e "ill allein t(efollo"in ro'ndsG 1< said "ill "as not e$e%'ted as re'ired &# la" 2< t(e testatri$ "as p(#si%all# and )entall# in%apa&le to e$e%'te t(e "ill at t(e ti)e of its e$e%'tion and 3< t(e "ill"as e$e%'ted 'nder d'ress, t(reat or infl'en%e of fear.

i%ente 7. eoti%o, filed a )otion to dis)iss t(e opposition allein t(at t(e oppositor (ad noleal personalit# to intervene. (e pro&ate %o'rt, after d'e (earin, allo"ed t(e oppositor tointervene as an adopted %(ild of @ran%is%a ortera, and on !'ne 1, 1959, t(e oppositor a)ended(er opposition &# allein, t(e additional ro'nd t(at t(e "ill is inoperative as to t(e s(are of Dr.ene eoti%o &e%a'se t(e latter "as t(e p(#si%ian "(o too %are of t(e testatri$ d'rin (er last

illness.

Issue:

as oppositor an# interest in an# of t(e provisions of t(e "ill, and, in t(e neative, "o'lds(e a%'ire an# ri(t to t(e estate in t(e event t(at t(e "ill is denied pro&ate

Ruling:

P'rs'ant to t(e foreoin pre%edents t(e prono'n%e)ent )ade &# t(e %o'rt a quo de%larininvalid t(e lea%# )ade to Dr. ene eoti%o in t(e "ill F$(i&it A )'st &e set aside as (avin

&een )ade in e$%ess of its C'risdi%tion. Anot(er reason "(# said prono'n%e)ent s(o'ld &e setaside is t(at t(e leatee "as not iven an opport'nit# to defend t(e validit# of t(e lea%# for (e"as not allo"ed to intervene in t(is pro%eedin. As a %orollar#, t(e ot(er prono'n%e)entsto'%(in on t(e disposition of t(e estate in favor of so)e relatives of t(e de%eased s(o'ld also &eset aside for t(e sa)e reason.

+FF@BF, "it( t(e e$%eption of t(at portion of t(e de%ision "(i%( de%lares t(at t(e"ill in 'estion (as &een d'l# e$e%'ted and ad)itted t(e sa)e to pro&ate, t(e rest of t(e de%isionis (ere&# set aside. (is %ase is ordered re)anded to t(e %o'rt a quo for f'rt(er pro%eedins.

IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF STEPHANIE NATH# ASTOR%A %AR!IA

=.. No. 14;311. ar%( 31, 2005

Facts:

365



Bn A''st 31, 2000, onorato 7. :atindi, (erein petitioner, filed a petition to adopt (is)inor illeiti)ate %(ild tep(anie Nat(# Astora =ar%ia. e alleed t(erein, a)on ot(ers, t(attep(anie "as &orn on !'ne 26, 1994 t(at (er )ot(er is =e))a Astora =ar%ia t(at tep(anie(as &een 'sin (er )ot(er8s )iddle na)e and s'rna)e and t(at (e is no" a "ido"er and'alified to &e (er adoptin parent. e pra#ed t(at tep(anie8s )iddle na)e Astora &e %(aned

to *=ar%ia,/ (er )ot(er8s s'rna)e, and t(at (er s'rna)e *=ar%ia/ &e %(aned to *:atindi,/ (iss'rna)e.

Issue:

+(et(er an illeiti)ate %(ild )a# 'se t(e s'rna)e of (er )ot(er as (er )iddle na)e"(en s(e is s'&se'entl# adopted &# (er nat'ral fat(er

Ruling:

(e ep'&li%, t(ro'( t(e Bffi%e of t(e oli%itor =eneral B=<, arees "it( petitioner

t(at tep(anie s(o'ld &e per)itted to 'se, as (er )iddle na)e, t(e s'rna)e of (er nat'ral )ot(er for t(e follo"in reasonsG

@irst, it is ne%essar# to preserve and )aintain tep(anie8s filiation "it( (er nat'ral )ot(er &e%a'se 'nder Arti%le 1;9 of t(e @a)il# :ode, s(e re)ains to &e an intestate (eir of t(e latter.('s, to prevent an# %onf'sion and needless (ards(ip in t(e f't're, (er relations(ip or proof of t(at relations(ip "it( (er nat'ral )ot(er s(o'ld &e )aintained.

e%ond, t(ere is no la" e$pressl# pro(i&itin tep(anie to 'se t(e s'rna)e of (er nat'ral)ot(er as (er )iddle na)e. +(at t(e la" does not pro(i&it, it allo"s.

Last, it is %'sto)ar# for ever# @ilipino to (ave a )iddle na)e, "(i%( is ordinaril# t(es'rna)e of t(e )ot(er. (is %'sto) (as &een re%oni>ed &# t(e :ivil :ode and @a)il# :ode.In fa%t, t(e @a)il# La" :o))ittees areed t(at “the initial or surname of the mother should immediatel! precede the surname of the father so that the second name, if an!, ill be before the

surname of the mother.”

+FF@BF, t(e petition is =ANFD. (e assailed De%ision is partl# BDI@IFDin t(e sense t(at tep(anie s(o'ld &e allo"ed to 'se (er )ot(er8s s'rna)e *=A:IA/ as (er )iddle na)e.

MA. 0L#TH 0. A0ADILLA, %o)plainant, vs.UD%E OSE !. TA0ILIRAN, R., respondent.

A.. No. !-92-16. B%to&er 25, 1995

Facts:

366



In (er verified %o)plaint, %o)plainant A&adilla, in respe%t to t(e %(are of ross i))oralit#on t(e part of t(e respondent, %ontends t(at respondent (ad s%andalo'sl# and p'&li%l# %o(a&ited"it( a %ertain Pris%illa S. 7a#&a#an d'rin t(e e$isten%e of (is leiti)ate )arriae "it( eresita7an>'ela. Addin ino)in# to an ino)inio's sit'ation, respondent alleedl# s(a)efa%edl#%ontra%ted )arriae "it( t(e said Pris%illa 7a#&a#an on a# 23, 19;6. :o)plainant %lai)s t(at

t(is "as a &ia)o's 'nion &e%a'se of t(e fa%t t(at t(e respondent "as t(en still ver# )'%()arried to eresita 7an>'ela.

In respe%t of t(e %(are of de%eitf'l %ond'%t, %o)plainant %lai)s t(at respondent %a'sed to &e reistered as leiti)ate, (is t(ree illeiti)ate %(ildren "it( Pris%illa 7a#&a#an, &# falsel#e$e%'tin separate affidavits statin t(at t(e dela#ed reistration "as d'e to inadverten%e,e$%'sa&le nelien%e or oversi(t, "(en in tr't( and in fa%t, respondent ne" t(at t(ese %(ildren%annot &e leall# reistered as leiti)ate.

Issue:

Is t(e a%t of t(e C'de leiti)atin (is illeiti)ate %(ild valid

Ruling:

(e appli%a&le leal provision in t(e %ase at &ar is Arti%le 269 of t(e :ivil :ode of t(eP(ilippines .A. 3;6 as a)ended< "(i%( providesG

Art. 269. Bnl# nat'ral %(ildren %an &e leiti)ated. :(ildren &orn o'tside of "edlo% of parents "(o, at t(e ti)e of t(e %on%eption of t(e for)er, "ere notdis'alified &# an# i)pedi)ent to )arr# ea%( ot(er, are nat'ral.

Leiti)ation is li)ited to nat'ral %(ildren and %annot in%l'de t(ose &orn of ad'ltero'srelations a)ire> vs. =)'r, 42 P(il. ;55<. (e @a)il# :odeG F$e%'tive Brder, No. 209<, "(i%(too effe%t on A''st 3, 19;;, reiterated t(e a&ove-)entioned provision t('sG

Art. 1. Bnl# %(ildren %on%eived and &orn o'tside of "edlo% of parents "(o, att(e ti)e of t(e %on%eption of t(e for)er, "ere not dis'alified &# an# i)pedi)entto )arr# ea%( ot(er )a# &e leiti)ated.

+FF@BF, t(e :o'rt finds respondent !'de !ose :. a&iliran, !r. 'ilt# of rossi))oralit#, de%eitf'l %ond'%t and %orr'ption and, %onse'entl#, orders (is dis)issal fro) t(eservi%e. '%( dis)issal s(all %arr# "it( it %an%ellation of elii&ilit#, forfeit're of leave %redits

and retire)ent &enefits, and dis'alifi%ation fro) re-e)plo#)ent in t(e overn)ent-servi%e, all"it(o't preC'di%e to %ri)inal or %ivil lia&ilit#.

MARIA ROSARIO DE SANTOS, petitioner, vs.HON. ADORA!ION %. AN%ELES, an3 !ON!HITA TALA% DE SANTOS, respondents.

=.. No. 105619. De%e)&er 12, 1995

Facts:

36



Bn @e&r'ar# , 1941, Dr. Antonio de antos )arried ofia 7ona, "(i%( 'nion "as &lessed"it( a da'(ter, (erein petitioner aria osario de antos. After so)e ti)e, t(eir relations(ip &e%a)e strained to t(e &reain point. (ereafter, Antonio fell in love "it( a fello" do%tor,:on%(ita ala, private respondent (erein. Antonio so'(t a for)al dissol'tion of (is first)arriae &# o&tainin a divor%e de%ree fro) a Nevada %o'rt in 1949.

Antonio pro%eeded to o#o, !apan in 1951 to )arr# private respondent, "it( "(o) (e (ad &een %o(a&itin sin%e (is de facto separation fro) ofia. (is 'nion prod'%ed eleven %(ildren.Bn ar%( 30, 196, ofia died in ='ate)ala. Less t(an a )ont( later, on April 23, 196,Antonio and private respondent %ontra%ted a )arriae in aa#ta# :it# %ele&rated 'nder P(ilippine la"s. Bn ar%( ;, 19;1, Antonio died intestate leavin properties "it( an esti)atedval'e of P15,000,000.00.

Bn a# 15, 19;1, private respondent "ent to %o'rt asin for t(e iss'an%e of letters of ad)inistration in (er favor in %onne%tion "it( t(e settle)ent of (er late ('s&andOs estate. (ealleed, a)on ot(er t(ins, t(at t(e de%edent "as s'rvived &# t"elve leiti)ate (eirs, na)el#,

(erself, t(eir ten s'rvivin %(ildren, and petitioner. (ere &ein no opposition, (er petition "asranted.

Bn Nove)&er 14, 1991, after approval of private respondentOs a%%o'nt of (er ad)inistration,t(e %o'rt a quo passed 'pon petitionerOs )otion. (e %o'rt, %itin t(e %ase of =rancisco H .5ongo!, et al . v. #ourt of %ppeals, et al . 23 :A 99 V19;3W<, de%lared private respondentOs ten%(ildren leiti)ated and t(ere'pon instit'ted and de%lared t(e), alon "it( petitioner and private respondent, as t(e (eirs of Antonio de antos.

Issue:

:an nat'ral %(ildren &# leal fi%tion &e leiti)i>ed

Ruling:

A leal fi%tion (ad to &e resorted to, t(at devi%e %ontrived &# la" to si)'late a fa%t or %ondition "(i%(, stri%tl# and te%(ni%all# speain, is not "(at it p'rports to &e. In t(is %ase, t(eter) nat'ral %(ildren &# leal fi%tion "as invented, t('s ivin rise to anot(er %ateor# of illeiti)ate %(ildren, %learl# not to &e %onf'sed "it( nat'ral %(ildren as defined 'nder Art. 269 &'t &# fi%tion of la" to &e e'ated "it( a%no"leded nat'ral %(ildren and, %onse'entl#,enCo#in t(e stat's, ri(ts and o&liations of t(e latter.

@inall#, attention )'st &e dra"n to t(e fa%t t(at t(is %ase (as &een de%ided 'nder t(e provisions of t(e :ivil :ode, not t(e @a)il# :ode "(i%( no" re%oni>es onl# t"o %lasses of %(ildrenG leiti)ate and illeiti)ate. Nat'ral %(ildren &# leal fi%tion are not(in if not p'refi%tion.

+FF@BF, t(e instant petition is (ere&# =ANFD. (e assailed orders of t(e %o'rt a

quo dated Nove)&er 14, 1991 and !an'ar# 9, 1992, are NJLLI@IFD and F AIDF. Petitioner aria osario de antos is (ere&# de%lared t(e BLF LF=IIAF :ILD of t(e de%edentAntonio de antos and, as s'%(, entitled to all t(e ri(ts a%%orded to (er &# la".

DAISIE T. DA"ID, petitioner, vs.!OURT OF APPEALS, RAMON R. "ILLAR, respondents.

=.. No. 1111;0. Nove)&er 16, 1995

Facts:

36;



Petitioner Daisie . David "ored as se%retar# of private respondent a)on . illar, a &'siness)an in Aneles :it#. Private respondent is a )arried )an and t(e fat(er of fo'r %(ildren,all ro"n-'p. After a "(ile, t(e relations(ip &et"een petitioner and private respondent developedinto an inti)ate one, as a res'lt of "(i%( a son, :(ristop(er !., "as &orn on ar%( 9, 19;5 tot(e). :(ristop(er !. "as follo"ed &# t"o )ore %(ildren, &ot( irls, na)el# :(ristine, &orn on

!'ne 9, 19;6, and :at(# ae on April 24, 19;;.

(e relations(ip &e%a)e no"n to private respondentOs "ife "(en Daisie too :(ristop(er !,to illarOs (o'se at illa eresa in Aneles :it# so)eti)e in 19;6 and introd'%ed (i) to illarOsleal "ife.

After t(is, t(e %(ildren of Daisie "ere freel# &ro'(t &# illar to (is (o'se as t(e# "ereevent'all# a%%epted &# (is leal fa)il#.

In t(e s'))er of 1991, illar ased Daisie to allo" :(ristop(er !., t(en si$ #ears of ae, too "it( (is fa)il# to 7ora%a#. Daisie areed, &'t after t(e trip, illar ref'sed to ive &a% t(e

%(ild. illar said (e (ad enrolled :(ristop(er !. at t(e ol# @a)il# A%ade)# for t(e ne$t s%(ool#ear.

Bn !'l# 30, 1991, Daisie filed a petition for habeas corpus on &e(alf of :(ristop(er !.

Issue:

Is t(e fa%t t(at private respondent is "ell-off a reason for deprivin petitioner of t(e %'stod#of (er %(ildren, espe%iall# %onsiderin t(at s(e (as &een a&le to rear and s'pport t(e) on (er o"n sin%e t(e# "ere &orn

Ruling:

In t(e %ase at &ar, :(ristop(er !. is an illeiti)ate %(ild sin%e at t(e ti)e of (is %on%eption,(is fat(er, private respondent a)on . illar, "as )arried to anot(er "o)an ot(er t(an t(e%(ildOs )ot(er. As s'%(, p'rs'ant to Art. 16 of t(e @a)il# :ode, :(ristop(er !. is 'nder t(e parental a't(orit# of (is )ot(er, t(e (erein petitioner, "(o, as a %onse'en%e of s'%( a't(orit#, isentitled to (ave %'stod# of (i). in%e, ad)ittedl#, petitioner (as &een deprived of (er ri(tf'l%'stod# of (er %(ild &# private respondent, s(e is entitled to iss'an%e of t(e "rit of habeascorpus.

Indeed, 'le 102.1 )aes no distin%tion &et"een t(e %ase of a )ot(er "(o is separated fro)

(er ('s&and and is entitled to t(e %'stod# of (er %(ild and t(at of a )ot(er of an illeiti)ate%(ild "(o, &# la", is vested "it( sole parental a't(orit#, &'t is deprived of (er ri(tf'l %'stod# of (er %(ild.

(e fa%t t(at private respondent (as re%oni>ed t(e )inor %(ild )a# &e a ro'nd for orderin (i) to ive s'pport to t(e latter, &'t not for ivin (i) %'stod# of t(e %(ild. Jnder Art.213 of t(e @a)il# :ode, no %(ild 'nder seven #ears of ae s(all &e separated fro) t(e )ot(er 'nless t(e %o'rt finds %o)pellin reasons to order ot(er"ise.

!ARLITOS E. SIL"A, petitioner, vs. HON. !OURT OF APPEALS an3 SUZANNE T. %ONZALES , respondents.

=.. No. 11442. !'l# 1, 199

Facts:

369



:arlitos F. ilva, a )arried &'siness)an, and '>anne . =on>ales, an 'n)arried lo%ala%tress, %o(a&ited "it(o't t(e &enefit of )arriae. (e 'nion sa" t(e &irt( of t"o %(ildrenGa)on :arlos and i%a Natalia. Not ver# lon after, a rift in t(eir relations(ip s'rfa%ed. It &ean, a%%ordin to ilva, "(en =on>ales de%ided to res')e (er a%tin %areer over (is vioro'so&Ce%tions. (e assertion "as 'i%l# ref'ted &# =on>ales "(o %lai)ed t(at s(e, in fa%t, (ad

never stopped "orin t(ro'(o't t(eir relations(ip. At an# rate, t(e t"o event'all# parted"a#s.

(e instant %ontrovers# "as spa"ned, in @e&r'ar# 19;6, &# t(e ref'sal of =on>ales to allo"ilva, in apparent %ontravention of a previo's 'nderstandin, to (ave t(e %(ildren in (is %o)pan#on "eeends. ilva filed a petition for %'stodial ri(ts over t(e %(ildren &efore t(e eionalrial :o'rt *:/<, 7ran%( ;, of S'e>on :it#. (e petition "as opposed &# =on>ales "(oaverred t(at ilva often enaed in a)&lin and "o)ani>in "(i%( s(e feared %o'ld affe%tt(e )oral and so%ial val'es of t(e %(ildren.

Issue:

(e iss'e is not reall# a 'estion of %(ild %'stod# instead, t(e %ase )erel# %on%erns t(evisitation ri(t of a parent over (is %(ildren "(i%( t(e trial %o'rt (as adC'ded in favor of petitioner &# (oldin t(at (e s(all (ave *visitorial ri(ts to (is %(ildren d'rin at'rda#s andor 'nda#s, &'t in no %ase %o'ld< (e tae o't t(e %(ildren "it(o't t(e "ritten %onsent of t(e )ot(er $ $ $. (e visitation ri(t referred to is t(e ri(t of a%%ess of a non%'stodial parent to (is or (er %(ild or %(ildren.

Ruling:

(e :o'rt appre%iates t(e appre(ensions of private respondent and t(eir "ell-)eant %on%ernfor t(e %(ildren nevert(eless, it see)s 'nliel# t(at petitioner "o'ld (ave 'lterior )otives or

'nd'e desins )ore t(an a parent8s nat'ral desire to &e a&le to %all on, even if it "ere onl# on &rief visits, (is o"n %(ildren. (e trial %o'rt, in an# %ase, (as seen it fit to 'nderstanda&l# provide t(is pre%a'tionar# )eas're, i.e., in no %ase %an petitioner< tae o't t(e %(ildren "it(o'tt(e "ritten %onsent of t(e )ot(er.

ISA0ELITA S. LAHOM, petitioner, vs. OSE MEL"IN SI0ULO ;8-e4i&usl6 -e@e--e3 t& asDR. MEL"IN S. LAHOMJ<, respondent.

=.. No. 1439;9. !'l# 14, 2003

Facts:

30



(e &liss of )arriae and fa)il# "o'ld &e to )ost less t(an %o)plete "it(o't %(ildren. (ereali>ation %o'ld (ave liel# prodded t(e spo'ses Dr. Diosdado La(o) and Isa&elita La(o) totae into t(eir %are Isa&elita8s nep(e" !ose elvin i&'lo and to &rin (i) 'p as t(eir o"n. Att(e tender ae of t"o, !ose elvin enCo#ed t(e "ar)t(, love and s'pport of t(e %o'ple "(otreated t(e %(ild lie t(eir o"n. Indeed, for #ears, Dr. and rs. La(o) fan%ied on leall#

adoptin !ose elvin. @inall#, in 191, t(e %o'ple de%ided to file a petition for adoption. Bn 05a# 192, an order rantin t(e petition "as iss'ed t(at )ade all t(e )ore intense t(an &eforet(e feelin of affe%tion of t(e spo'ses for elvin. In eepin "it( t(e %o'rt order, t(e :ivileistrar of Naa :it# %(aned t(e na)e *!ose elvin i&'lo/ to *!ose elvin La(o)./

A sad t'rn of events %a)e )an# #ears later. Fvent'all#, in De%e)&er of 1999, rs. La(o)%o))en%ed a petition to res%ind t(e de%ree of adoption &efore t(e eional rial :o'rt :<,7ran%( 22, of Naa :it#.

Issue:

:an t(e adopter res%ind t(e de%ree of adoption

Ruling:

Prior to t(e instit'tion of t(e %ase, spe%ifi%all# on 22 ar%( 199;, ep'&li% A%t .A.< No.;552, also no"n as t(e Do)esti% Adoption A%t, "ent into effe%t. (e ne" stat'te deleted fro)t(e la" t(e ri(t of adopters to res%ind a de%ree of adoption.

e%tion 19 of Arti%le I of .A. No. ;552 no" readsG

*F:. 19. <rounds for Rescission of %doption. > Jpon petition of t(e adoptee,"it( t(e assistan%e of t(e Depart)ent if a )inor or if over ei(teen 1;< #ears of ae &'t

is in%apa%itated, as 'ardian%o'nsel, t(e adoption )a# &e res%inded on an# of t(efollo"in ro'nds %o))itted &# t(e adopters<G a< repeated p(#si%al and ver&al)altreat)ent &# t(e adopters< despite (avin 'nderone %o'nselin &< atte)pt on t(elife of t(e adoptee %< se$'al assa'lt or violen%e or d< a&andon)ent and fail're to%o)pl# "it( parental o&liations.

*Adoption, &ein in t(e &est interest of t(e %(ild, s(all not &e s'&Ce%t to res%ission &# t(e adopters<. o"ever, t(e adopters< )a# disin(erit t(e adoptee for %a'ses provided in Arti%le 919 of t(e :ivil :ode./

It is still note"ort(#, (o"ever, t(at an adopter, "(ile &arred fro) severin t(e leal ties of adoption, %an al"a#s for valid reasons %a'se t(e forfeit're of %ertain &enefits ot(er"ise a%%r'in

to an 'ndeservin %(ild. @or instan%e, 'pon t(e ro'nds re%oni>ed &# la", an adopter )a# den#to an adopted %(ild (is leiti)e and, &# a "ill and testa)ent, )a# freel# e$%l'de (i) fro)(avin a s(are in t(e disposa&le portion of (is estate.

OE# D. 0RIONES, petitioner, vs. MARI!EL P. MI%UEL,FRAN!IS!A P. MI%UEL an3 LORETA P. MI%UEL, respondents.

=.. No. 156343. B%to&er 1;, 2004

Facts:

31



*Bn ar%( 5, 2002, petitioner !oe# D. 7riones filed a Petition for Habeas #orpus

aainst respondents ari%el Pineda i'el and @ran%is%a Pineda i'el, to o&tain %'stod#of (is )inor %(ild i%(ael Kevin Pineda.

*Bn April 25, 2002, t(e petitioner filed an A)ended Petition to in%l'de Loreta P.i'el, t(e )ot(er of t(e )inor, as one of t(e respondents.

*A +rit of Habeas #orpus "as iss'ed &# t(is :o'rt on ar%( 11, 2002 orderin t(erespondents to prod'%e &efore t(is :o'rt t(e livin &od# of t(e )inor i%(ael Kevin Pinedaon ar%( 21, 2002 at 2G00 o8%lo% in t(e afternoon.

*(e petitioner allees t(at t(e )inor i%(ael Kevin Pineda is (is illeiti)ate son "it(respondent Loreta P. i'el. e "as &orn in !apan on epte)&er 1, 1996 as eviden%ed &#(is 7irt( :ertifi%ate. (e respondent Loreta P. i'el is no" )arried to a !apanese nationaland is presentl# residin in !apan.

Issue:

+(et(er or not V(eW, as t(e nat'ral fat(er, )a# &e denied t(e %'stod# and parental %are of (is

o"n %(ild in t(e a&sen%e of t(e )ot(er "(o is a"a#

Ruling:


(ere is t('s no 'estion t(at espondent Loreta, &ein t(e )ot(er of and (avin sole parentala't(orit# over t(e )inor, is entitled to (ave %'stod# of (i). (e (as t(e ri(t to eep (i) in (er

%o)pan#. (e %annot &e deprived of t(at ri(t, and s(e )a# not even reno'n%e or transfer it*e$%ept in t(e %ases a't(ori>ed &# la"./

In t(e present %ase, it (as &een esta&lis(ed t(at petitioner and espondent Loreta "ere never)arried. en%e, t(at portion of t(e :A De%ision allo"in t(e %(ild to %(oose "(i%( parent to live"it( is deleted, &'t "it(o't disreardin t(e o&liation of petitioner to s'pport t(e %(ild.

THE ESTATE OF HILARIO M. RUIZ, EDMOND RUIZ, Eecut&-, petitioner , vs . THE!OURT OF APPEALS, respondent.=.. No. 11;61. !an'ar# 29, 1996

Facts:

(e fa%ts s(o" t(at on !'ne 2, 19;, ilario . 'i> e$e%'ted a (olorap(i% "ill na)inas (is (eirs (is onl# son, Fd)ond 'i>, (is adopted da'(ter, private respondent aria Pilar

32



'i> ontes, and (is t(ree randda'(ters, private respondents aria :at(r#n, :andi%eAl&ertine and aria Aneline, all %(ildren of Fd)ond 'i>. (e testator &e'eat(ed to (is (eirss'&stantial %as(, personal and real properties and na)ed Fd)ond 'i> e$e%'tor of (is estate.

Bn April 12, 19;;, ilario 'i> died. I))ediatel# t(ereafter, t(e %as( %o)ponent of (isestate "as distri&'ted a)on Fd)ond 'i> and private respondents in a%%ordan%e "it( t(e

de%edent8s "ill. @or 'n&eno"n reasons, Fd)ond, t(e na)ed e$e%'tor, did not tae an# a%tionfor t(e pro&ate of (is fat(er8s (olorap(i% "ill.

Bn !'ne 29, 1992, fo'r #ears after t(e testator8s deat(, it "as private respondent aria Pilar 'i> ontes "(o filed &efore t(e eional rial :o'rt, 7ran%( 156 , Pasi, a petition for t(e pro&ate and approval of ilario 'i>8s "ill and for t(e iss'an%e of letters testa)entar# toFd)ond 'i>. 'rprisinl#, Fd)ond opposed t(e petition on t(e ro'nd t(at t(e "ill "ase$e%'ted 'nder 'nd'e infl'en%e.

Issue:

(e iss'e for resol'tion is "(et(er t(e pro&ate %o'rt, after ad)ittin t(e "ill to pro&ate &'t

&efore pa#)ent of t(e estate8s de&ts and o&liations, (as t(e a't(orit#G 1< to rant an allo"an%efro) t(e f'nds of t(e estate for t(e s'pport of t(e testator8s rand%(ildren 2< to order t(e releaseof t(e titles to %ertain (eirs and 3< to rant possession of all properties of t(e estate to t(ee$e%'tor of t(e "ill.

Ruling:

Petitioner )'st &e re)inded t(at (is ri(t of o"ners(ip over t(e properties of (is fat(er is)erel# in%(oate as lon as t(e estate (as not &een f'll# settled and partitioned. As e$e%'tor, (e isa )ere tr'stee of (is fat(er8s estate. (e f'nds of t(e estate in (is (ands are tr'st f'nds and (e is(eld to t(e d'ties and responsi&ilities of a tr'stee of t(e (i(est order. e %annot 'nilaterall#assin to (i)self and possess all (is parents8 properties and t(e fr'its t(ereof "it(o't first

s'&)ittin an inventor# and appraisal of all real and personal properties of t(e de%eased,renderin a tr'e a%%o'nt of (is ad)inistration, t(e e$penses of ad)inistration, t(e a)o'nt of t(eo&liations and estate ta$, all of "(i%( are s'&Ce%t to a deter)ination &# t(e %o'rt as to t(eir vera%it#, propriet# and C'stness.

ED7ARD ". LA!SON, petitioner 4. MAO7EE DA0AN LA!SON, respondent =.. No. 150644, A''st 2;, 2006

Facts:(e sisters ao"ee Da&an La%son and aonaa Da&an La%son are leiti)ate da'(ters

of petitioner Fd"ard . La%son and (is "ife, Lea Da&an La%son. ao"ee "as &orn onDe%e)&er 4, 194, "(ile aonaa, a little less t(an a #ear later. Not lon after t(e &irt( of

33



aonaa, petitioner left t(e %onC'al (o)e, virt'all# for%in )ot(er and %(ildren to see,apparentl# for finan%ial reason, s(elter so)e"(ere else. After so)e ti)e, t(e# rented anapart)ent onl# to ret'rn later to t(e (o'se of LeaOs )ot(er. As t(e trial %o'rt aptl# o&served, t(esisters and t(eir )ot(er, fro) 196 to 1994, or for a period of ei(teen 1;< #ears, s('ttled fro)one d"ellin pla%e to anot(er not t(eir o"n. As t(ins t'rned o't, (o"ever, Fd"ard reneed on

(is pro)ise of s'pport, despite LeaOs efforts to"ards (avin (i) f'lfill t(e sa)e. Lea "o'ldad)it, t(o'(, t(at Fd"ard o%%asionall# ave t(eir %(ildren )eaer a)o'nts for s%(oole$penses. (ro'( t(e #ears and 'p to t(e )iddle part of 1992, Fd"ardOs )ot(er, Ali%ia La%son,also ave s)all a)o'nts to (elp in t(e s%(oolin of ao"ee and aonaa, &ot( of "(o)event'all# too 'p n'rsin at t. Pa'lOs :ollee in Iloilo :it#. In t(e earl# part of 1995 "(en Lea,in &e(alf of (er t"o da'(ters, filed a %o)plaint aainst Fd"ard for s'pport &efore t(e eionalrial :o'rt of Iloilo :it#, 7ran%( 33, ao"ee "as a&o't to rad'ate.

(e : rendered C'd)ent in favor for t(e plaintiff sisters, as represented &# t(eir )ot(er. (e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed t(e de%ision.

Issue:

+(et(er t(e appellate %o'rt erred "(en it affir)"d t(e rant of s'poort in arrears fro)196 to 1994.

Ruling:(e :o'rt finds no ade'ate reason to dist'r& t(e fa%t'al deter)ination of t(e :A

%onfir)ator# of t(at of t(e trial %o'rt respe%tin t(e de)and Lea )ade on t(e petitioner to se%'res'pport for t(e respondents. As a )atter of lon and so'nd appellate pra%ti%e, fa%t'al findins of t(e :A are a%%orded respe%t, if not finalit#, save for t(e )ost %o)pellin and %oent reasons.

@'rt(er)ore, t(e respondents appeared to (ave sta#ed lonest "it( t(eir 'n%le, NoelDa&an. Loi%all#, t(e sisters "o'ld, t(r' t(eir )ot(er, t'rn to t(eir 'n%le Noel Da&an< for t(eir s'stenan%e and ed'%ation "(en petitioner failed to ive t(e sa)e, a failin "(i%( stret%(ed fro)t(eir pre-s%(oolin da#s to t(eir %ollee #ears. P'rs'ant to Arti%le 20 of t(e @a)il# :ode, NoelDa&an %an ri(tf'll# e$a%t rei)&'rse)ent fro) t(e petitioner. As for t(e a)o'nt of s'pport inarrears, t(ere is also no reason to dist'r& t(e a&sol'te fi'res arrived at &# t(e t"o %o'rts &elo",appearin as t(e# do to &e reasona&le and proper. As a )atter of la", t(e a)o'nt of s'pport"(i%( t(ose related &# )arriae and fa)il# relations(ip is enerall# o&lied to ive ea%( ot(er s(all &e in proportion to t(e reso'r%es or )eans of t(e iver and to t(e needs of t(e re%ipient.Petitioner, 'nlie an# ood fat(er of a fa)il#, (as &een re)iss in (is d't# to provide respondents"it( s'pport pra%ti%all# all t(ro'(o't t(eir ro"in #ears. At &otto), t(e sisters (ave &eendeprived &# a nele%tf'l fat(er of t(e &asi% ne%essities in life as if it is t(eir fa'lt to (ave &een &orn. (is disposition is t('s not(in )ore t(an a &elated )eas're to ri(t a "ron done t(e(erein respondents "(o are no less petitionerOs da'(ters.

RO0ERTO DE %UZMAN, petitioner 4. PEREZ, respondent496 44

Facts:Petitioner o&erto de ='>)an and respondent (irle# A&erde &eot a %(ild "(en t(e#

"ere p'rs'in t(eir st'dies &'t t(e t"o s'&se'entl# ot )arried. In 1991, private respondentde)anded s'pport for t(eir %(ild "(o "as enterin (i( s%(ool &'t petitioner inored t(e

34



respondent8s de)and. (e t('s filed a %ri)inal %o)plaint for a&andon)ent and nele%t of %(ild'nder Art. 52 2< and 4< of PD 603 &efore t(e Bffi%e of t(e :it# Prose%'tor.

In (is %o'nter-affidavit, petitioner averred t(at (e never a&andoned or nele%ted t(e %(ild"(o) (e readil# a%no"leded as (is son and pointed o't t(at respondent "as t(e finan%iall#%apa&le parent "(ile (e (ad no fi$ed Co& and )erel# depended on t(e %(arit# of (is fat(er.

(e :it# Prose%'tor iss'ed (is resol'tion dis)issin t(e %o)plaint for a&andon)ent &'t%(ared t(e petitioner "it( nele%t of %(ild p'nis(a&le 'nder Art. 59 4< of PD 603 in relation toe%. 10 a< of A 610. (e resol'tion "as filed &efore t(e : "(i%( s'&se'entl# affir)eds'%(.

IssueG+(et(er t(e %o'rt a%ted "it( rave a&'se of dis%retion in s'stainin t(e :it# Prose%'tor8s

resol'tion.

Ruling:(e assailed resol'tion of private respondent "as 'sed as an eviden%e o re%ord and

ro'nded in la".Petitioner8s position oes aainst t(e intent of t(e la". o allo" t(e nele%tf'l parent tos(ield (i)self fro) %ri)inal lia&ilit# &# defeatin t(e pros%ription t(at in all intent reardin t(e%are, %'stod#, ed'%ation, and propert# of t(e %(ild and (is "elfare s(all &e para)o'nt%onsideration.

(ere is pri)a fa%ie eviden%e s(o"in fro) t(e eviden%e t(at petitioner is in fa%tfinan%iall# %apa&le of s'pportin t(e %(ild8s ed'%ation. (e notari>ed =I of N:DDevelop)ent :orporations indi%ated t(at petitioner o"ns 50,000 pesos "ort( of paid-'p s(aresin t(e %o)pan#.

(e *nele%t of %(ild/ p'nis(ed 'nder Art. 59 4< of PD 603 is also a %ri)e. ('s, petitioner8s 'ilt s(o'ld still &e proven &e#ond reasona&le do'&t.

Petition is denied.

DINA TONO%, petitioner 4. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent @e&r'ar# 2002

Facts:Bn epte)&er 23 19;9, petitioner Dina ono ave &irt( to a %(ild, (er illeiti)ate

da'(ter "it( t(e respondent Fdar Da'i)ol. A #ear after t(e &irt( of =ardin @ait(, petitioner,left for t(e Jnited tates "(ere s(e fo'nd "or as a n'rse. (e %(ild "as left in t(e %are of (is

35



fat(er and paternal randparents. Bn !an'ar# 1990, respondent filed a petition for 'ardians(ip,on "(i%( a )ont( later, (e "as appointed as t(e leal 'ardian. Petitioner avers t(at s(e onl#learned of t(e de%ision a )ont( later, and a%%ordinl# filed for relief of C'd)ent, on "(i%( s(e"as t(en ranted to file (er opposition to private respondent petitions, as "ell as a )otion tore)and t(e %'stod# of t(e %(ild to (er.

(e :o'rt of Appeals de%ided over t(e iss'e of 'ardians(ip and %'stod# over t(e %(ildt(at s'%( %'stod# s(all t(en &e a"arded to t(e respondent te)poraril# pendin t(e resol'tion of t(e )ain %ase.

IssueG+(o s(all (old %'stod# over t(e %(ild pendin t(e resol'tion of t(e 'ardians(ip

pro%eedin, on "(o s(all (ave t(e final %'stod# over t(e %(ild.

RulingGIn %'stod# disp'tes, it is t(e a$io)ati% t(at t(e %riteria are t(e "elfare and "ell &ein of

t(e %(ild. In%'rrin at its de%isions, t(e %o'rt )'st tae into t(e a%%o'nt t(e respe%tive reso'r%es

and t(e so%ial and )oral sit'ations of t(e %ontendin part#.tat'te sets %ertain r'les to assist t(e %o'rt in )ain an infor)ed de%ision. Insofar asilleiti)ate %(ildren are %on%erned, Arti%le 16 of t(e @a)il# :ode provides t(at illeiti)ate%(ildren s(all &e 'nder t(e parental a't(orit# of t(eir )ot(er. Lie"ise, Arti%le 213 of t(e@a)il# :ode provides t(at *VnWo %(ild 'nder seven #ears of ae s(all &e separated fro) t(e)ot(er, 'nless t(e %o'rt finds %o)pellin reasons to order ot(er"ise./ It "ill &e o&served t(at in &ot( provisions, a stron &ias is %reated in favor of t(e )ot(er. (is is spe%iall# evident inArti%le 213 "(ere it )a# &e said t(at t(e la" pres')es t(at t(e )ot(er is t(e &est %'stodian.

(e e$%eption allo"ed &# t(e r'le (as to &e for *%o)pellin reasons/ for t(e ood of t(e%(ild t(ose %ases )'st indeed &e rare, if t(e )ot(er8s (eart is not to &e 'nd'l# ('rt. If s(e (aserred, as in %ases of ad'lter#, t(e penalt# of i)prison)ent and t(e divor%e de%ree relativedivor%e< "ill ordinaril# &e s'ffi%ient p'nis()ent for (er. oreover, )oral dereli%tion "ill not(ave an# effe%t 'pon t(e &a&# "(o is as #et 'na&le to 'nderstand (er sit'ation.

7earin in )ind t(e "elfare of t(e )inor is t(e %ontrollin fa%tor t(e %o'rt finds t(at t(e:o'rt of Appeals did not err in t(e allo"in t(e fat(er to retain in t(e )eanti)e parental %'stod#over t(e %(ild.

0ONIFA!IA "AN!IL, petitioner 4. HELEN 0ELMES, respondent19 !JNF 2001

Facts:Petitioner, 7onifa%ia an%il is t(e )ot(er of eeder an%il, a nav# servi%e)an of t(e

Jnited tates of A)eri%a "(o (ad died in t(e said %o'ntr#. D'rin (is lifeti)e, (e (ad t"o%(ildren fro) (is %o))on la" "ife, elen 7el)as.

36



o)eti)e in a# 19;, petitioner filed 'ardians(ip pro%eedins over t(e persons and properties of t(e %(ildren. A )ont( after, petitioner "as appointed leal 'ardian over t(e persons and properties of (er rand%(ildren. elen, nat'ral )ot(er of t(e t"o %(ildren, (o"ever s'&)itted an opposition to t(e said pro%eedins, and %on%'rrentl#, s(e (ad filed a si)ilar petitionfor 'ardians(ip.

: de%ided in favor of 7onifa%ia. :A reversed and favored elen. en%e, t(is petition &# 7onifa%ia.

Issue:+(o is t(e leal 'ardian of t(e )inors

Ruling:Parents are pla%ed first in t(e ran of priorit# in )atters of parental a't(orit#. (e

%(ildren illeiti)a%# does not in an# "a# affe%t t(e order of priorit#. espondent, &ein t(enat'ral )ot(er of t(e )inors, (as t(e preferential ri(t over t(at of t(e petitioner in iss'e of

'ardians(ip. Petitioner as t(e s'rvivin randparent %an e$er%ise s'&stit'te parental a't(orit#onl# if in %ase of deat(, a&sen%e of 'ns'ita&ilit# of respondent.(is follo"s t(e provision of arti%le 212 "(i%( 'alif# t(at t(e parents e$er%ise parental

a't(orit# Cointl#. Arti%le 214, "(i%( provides for t(e s'&stit'tion of t(e parental a't(orit# &# t(erandparents, applies onl# "(en t(e a&ove)entioned %onditions e$ist.

(e %ase reardin t(e da'(ter alerie is )oot and a%ade)i% sin%e s(e (ad rea%(ed t(eae of )aCorit#. In t(e %ase of in%ent, parental a't(orit# is vested on t(e fat(er and )ot(er Art.211 of @:<. It is onl# in t(e %ases of deat(, a&sen%e, or 'ns'ita&ilit# of t(e parents "(erein t(e parental a't(orit# is &ested on t(e s'rvivin randparents Art. 214 of @:<. (ere is no s(o"inof 'ns'ita&ilit# of t(e )ot(er. oreover, t(e rand)ot(er is a nat'rali>ed A)eri%an %iti>en"(ose residen%e is in A)eri%a. (e "ill find it diffi%'lt to perfor) (er ri(ts and d'ties as a'ardian. @'rt(er)ore, t(e rand)ot(er (as not set foot in t(e P(ilippines for )ore t(an ade%ade. (e is old. (e (as a %onvi%tion of li&el in a %ri)inal %ase "(i%( "o'ld )ae (er t(in t"i%e %o)in (ere to t(e P(ilippines. Lastl#, t(e :o'rt e)p(asi>ed t(at C'rispr'den%e s(o"s t(at'ardians(ip is not allo"ed "(ere t(e 'ardian is o'tside t(e C'risdi%tion of P(ilippine %o'rts.

SA0RINA 0ONDA%I#, petitioner 4. FUOZI 0ONDA%I#, respondent DF:F7F 2001

Facts:espondent @'o>i and a&rina "ere )arried in anila 'nder Isla)i% rites. @o'r )ont(s

prior to s'%( )arriae, a&ina &e%a)e a 'sli) &# %onversion. . (e %onversion (o"ever "asnot d'l# reistered. B't of s'%( 'nion, t(e# &eot t"o %(ildren.

3



o)eti)e in 1995, t(e %(ildren lived in t(e (o'se of a&rina8s )ot(er. @o'>i alleed t(at(e %o'ld not see (is %(ildren 'ntil (e ot an order fro) t(e %o'rt. Bne #ear t(ereafter a&rina (adt(e %(ildren &apti>ed as :(ristian and (ad t(eir na)es %(aned too.

espondent alleed also t(at on vario's o%%asions, a&rina "as seen "it( different )enat odd (o'rs in anila and "earin o'tfits detesta&le 'nder t(e Isla)i% la" on %'lt're.

espondent t(en filed "it( t(e (ari Ua %o'rt an a%tion to o&tain %'stod# of (is )inor %(ildren no" aes 10 and 9 respe%tivel#. (e C'd)ent rendered &# t(e (ari Ua :o'rt a"ardedt(e %'stod# of t(e )inors to t(eir fat(er findin t(eir )ot(er 'n"ort(# to %are for (er %(ildren.

IssueG+(et(er or not a :(ristian "(o %onverted to Isla) &efore (er )arriae to a 'sli) and

%onverted &a% to :at(oli%is) 'pon t(eir separation, still &o'nded &# t(e )oral la"s of Isla) int(e deter)ination of (er fitness to &e t(e %'stodian of t(eir %(ildren.

Ruling: (e %o'rt applies t(e %ivil la" in t(e &est interest of t(e %(ildren. (e standard in t(e

deter)ination of s'ffi%ien%# of proof to esta&lis( t(e 'nfitness of a )ot(er "(o (ad %onverted to'sli) &efore )arriae &'t (ad %onverted &a% to :at(oli%is) in relation to %'stod# of (er %(ildren is not restri%ted to 'sli) la"s. (e fa)il# %ode s(all also &e taen in %onsideration inde%idin "(et(er s(e is in%o)petent. (e &'rden is 'pon t(e respondent to prove t(at t(e petitioner is not "ort(# to (ave t(e %'stod# of (er %(ildren.

(e :o'rt fo'nd t(at t(e eviden%e presented &# t(e respondent "as not s'ffi%ient toesta&lis( (er 'nfitness a%%ordin to 'sli) la"s or t(e @a)il# :ode. o"ever t(e a"ard of %'stod# to t(e "ife does not deprive t(e ('s&and of parental a't(orit# and visitation ri(ts over t(e %(ildren.

TERESITA SA%ALA2ESLAO, petitioner 4. !OURT OF APPEALS an3MARIA PAZ !ORDERO2OU#E, respondents

=.. No. 1163. !an'ar#, 16,199

Facts:Bn !'ne 22, 19;4, petitioner aria Pa> :ordero-B'#e and e#naldo Fslao "ere )arried

after t(eir )arriae, t(e %o'ple sta#ed "it( respondent eresita Fslao, )ot(er of t(e ('s&and.

3;



B't of t(eir )arriae, t"o %(ildren "ere &eotten, na)el#, Leslie Fslao and Aneli%a Fslao. Int(e )eanti)e, Leslie "as entr'sted to t(e %are and %'stod# of petitionerOs )ot(er "(ile Aneli%asta#ed "it( (er parents at respondentOs (o'se. Bn A''st 6, 1990, petitionerOs ('s&and e#naldoFslao died, petitioner intended to &rin Aneli%a "it( (er to Pa)pana &'t t(e respondent prevailed 'pon (er to entr'st t(e %'stod# of Aneli%a to (er, respondent reasonin o't t(at (er

son C'st died and to ass'ae (er rief t(erefore, s(e needed t(e %o)pan# of t(e %(ild to at least%o)pensate for t(e loss of (er late son. In t(e )eanti)e, t(e petitioner ret'rned to (er )ot(erOs(o'se in Pa)pana "(ere s(e sta#ed "it( Leslie.

'&se'entl#, petitioner "as introd'%ed &# (er a'ntie to Dr. !a)es ana&'-B'#e, a!apanese-A)eri%an, "(o) s(e &e%a)e (er ('s&and. Bn !'ne 24, 1993, t(e petitioner ret'rned tot(e P(ilippines t(en infor)ed t(e respondent a&o't (er desire to tae infor)ed t(e respondenta&o't (er desire to tae %'stod# of Aneli%a and e$plained t(at (er present ('s&and, Dr. !a)esB'#e, e$pressed (is "illinness to adopt Leslie and Aneli%a and to provide for t(eir s'pport anded'%ation, (o"ever, respondent resisted t(e idea &# "a# of e$plainin t(at t(e %(ild "asentr'sted to (er "(en s(e "as ten da#s old and a%%'sed t(e petitioner of (avin a&andonedAneli%a. (e : rants t(e petition in favor of petitioner and t(e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed in

toto.

Issue:+(et(er t(e %o'rt erred in not findin t(e petitioner fit to &e iven of )inor, Aneli%a

Fslao.

Ruling:Parental a't(orit# and responsi&ilit# are inaliena&le and )a# not &e transferred or

reno'n%ed e$%ept in %ases a't(ori>ed &# la". (e ri(t atta%(ed to parental a't(orit#, &ein p'rel# personal, t(e la" allo"s a "aiver of parental a't(orit# onl# in %ases of adoption,'ardians(ip and s'rrender to a %(ildrenOs (o)e or an orp(an instit'tion. +(en a parent entr'stst(e %'stod# of a )inor to anot(er, s'%( as a friend or odfat(er, even in a do%')ent, "(at isiven is )erel# te)porar# %'stod# and it does not %onstit'te a ren'n%iation of parental a't(orit#.Fven if a definite ren'n%iation is )anifest, t(e la" still disallo"s t(e sa)e.

en%e, "(en private respondent entr'sted t(e %'stod# of (er )inor %(ild to t(e petitioner,"(at s(e ave to t(e latter "as )erel# te)porar# %'stod# and it did not %onstit'te a&andon)entor ren'n%iation of parental a't(orit#. @or t(e ri(t atta%(ed to parental a't(orit#, &ein p'rel# personal, t(e la" allo"s a "aiver of parental a't(orit# onl# in %ases of adoption, 'ardians(ipand s'rrender to a %(ildrenOs (o)e or an orp(an instit'tion "(i%( do not appear in t(e %ase at &ar.(e petition is DIIFD for la% of )erit.

!RISANTO %UAL0ERTO, petitioner 4. O#!EL#N %UAL0ERTO, respondent2; !'ne 2005

Facts: Bn ar%( 2002, :risanto ='al&erto filed a )otion &efore t(e lo"er %o'rt a petition for

t(e de%laration of n'llit# of )arriae of (is )arriae to !o#%el#n ='al&erto, "it( an an%illar#

39



pra#er for t(e %'stod# pendente lite of t(eir al)ost fo'r #ear old son, "(o) !o#%el#n alleedl#too a"a# "it( (er fro) t(e %onC'al (o)e "(en s(e de%ided to a&andon (i) so)eti)e in t(eearl# @e&r'ar# of t(e sa)e #ear. (e trial %o'rt (eard t(e an%illar# pra#er of :risanto for %'stod# pendente lite. 7e%a'se !o#%el#n alleedl# failed to appear despite noti%e, and in t(e fa%eof "itnesses and eviden%e presented, t(e %o'rt a"arded s'%( te)porar# %'stod# to :risanto.

'%( "as affir)ed &# t(e :o'rt of Appeals pendin t(e resol'tion of t(e ot(er iss'eraised.

Issue:+(et(er or not a %(ild less t(an seven #ears of ae, and "it(o't %o)pellin reasons not

to, &e separated fro) t(e )ot(er, and t(at s'%( %'stod# &e a"arded to t(e fat(er.

Ruling:(e eneral r'le t(at %(ildren 'nder seven #ears of ae s(all not &e separated fro) t(eir

)ot(er finds its raison d8etre in t(e &asi% need of t(e )inor %(ildren for t(e t(eir )ot(er lovin%are. In e$plainin t(e rationale for Arti%le 213, t(e :ode :o))ission said t(at *(e eneral

r'le is re%o))ended in order to avoid )an# a traed# "(ere a )ot(er (as seen (er &a&# torna"a# fro) (er. No )an %an so'nd t(e deep sorro"s of a )ot(er "(o is deprived of (er %(ild of tender ae. (e e$%eption allo"ed &# t(e r'le (as to &e for *%o)pellin reasons/ for t(e ood of t(e %(ild t(ose %ases )'st indeed &e rare, if t(e )ot(er8s (eart is not to &e 'nd'l# ('rt. If s(e(as erred, as in %ases of ad'lter#, t(e penalt# of i)prison)ent and t(e divor%e de%ree relativedivor%e< "ill ordinaril# &e s'ffi%ient p'nis()ent for (er. oreover, )oral dereli%tion "ill not(ave an# effe%t 'pon t(e &a&# "(o is as #et 'na&le to 'nderstand (er sit'ation/.

F$%eption allo"ed &# t(e %o'rt (as to &e for %o)pellin reasons for t(e ood of t(e %(ild,"(i%( s(e (ad erred, lie in t(e %ases of ad'lter# "(en a"arded a penalt# of i)prison)ent.

(e :o'rt fo'nd no s'ffi%ient proof of an# %o)pellin reason to separate t(e )inor fro)(is )ot(er, %'stod# s(o'ld re)ain "it( (er.

LEOUEL SANTOS, SR., petitioner 4. !OURT OF APPEALS, an3 SPOUSES LEOPOLDOan3 OFELIA 0EDIA, respondents=.. No. 113054 ar%( 16, 1995

Facts:Petitioner Leo'el antos, r., an ar)# lie'tenant, and !'lia 7edia a n'rse &# profession,

"ere )arried and &eet onl# one %(ild, Leo'el antos, !r. @ro) t(e ti)e t(e &o# "as released

3;0



fro) t(e (ospital 'ntil so)eti)e t(ereafter, (e (ad &een in t(e %are and %'stod# of (is )aternalrandparents, private respondents (erein, Leopoldo and Bfelia 7edia. Petitioner and "ife !'liaareed to pla%e Leo'el !r. in t(e te)porar# %'stod# of t(e latterOs parents, t(e respondent spo'ses7edia.

!'lia 7edia-antos, left for t(e Jnited tates to "or. Petitioner alleed t(at (e is not

a"are of (er "(erea&o'ts &'t private respondents %lai) t(at alt(o'( a&road, t(eir da'(ter !'lia (ad &een sendin finan%ial s'pport to t(e) for (er son. (e spo'ses 7edia t(en filed aPetition for :are, :'stod# and :ontrol of inor +ard Leo'el antos !r., &efore t(e :, "it(antos, r. as respondent, "(i%( "as s'&se'entl# ranted and affir)ed &# t(e :o'rt of Appeals.

Issue:+(et(er t(e :o'rt of Appeals erred in a"ardin %'stod# of t(e &o# to (is randparents.

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt (eld t(at t(e fa%t t(at petitioner "as 'na&le to provide finan%ial

s'pport for (is )inor son fro) &irt( 'p to over t(ree #ears "(en (e too t(e &o# fro) (is in-

la"s "it(o't per)ission, s(o'ld not &e s'ffi%ient reason to strip (i) of (is per)anent ri(t tot(e %(ildOs %'stod#. +(ile petitionerOs previo's inattention is ine$%'sa&le and )erits onl# t(eseverest %riti%is), it %annot &e %onstr'ed as a&andon)ent. is appeal of t(e 'nfavora&le de%isionaainst (i) and (is efforts to eep (is onl# %(ild in (is %'stod# )a# &e rearded as serio'sefforts to re%tif# (is past )isdeeds. o a"ard (i) %'stod# "o'ld (elp en(an%e t(e &ond &et"een parent and son. It "o'ld also ive t(e fat(er a %(an%e to prove (is love for (is son and for t(e sonto e$perien%e t(e "ar)t( and s'pport "(i%( a fat(er %an ive.

(e ri(t of %'stod# a%%orded to parents sprins fro) t(e e$er%ise of parental a't(orit#.Parental a't(orit# or patria potestas in o)an La" is t(e C'ridi%al instit'tion "(ere&# parentsri(tf'll# ass')e %ontrol and prote%tion of t(eir 'ne)an%ipated %(ildren to t(e e$tent re'ired &# t(e latterO s needs. It is a )ass of ri(ts and o&liations "(i%( t(e la" rants to parents for t(e p'rpose of t(e %(ildrenOs p(#si%al preservation and develop)ent, as "ell as t(e %'ltivation of t(eir intelle%t and t(e ed'%ation of t(eir (eart and senses. As reards parental a't(orit#, t(ere isno po"er, &'t a tas no %o)ple$ of ri(ts, &'t a s') of d'ties no sovereint# &'t a sa%red tr'stfor t(e "elfare of t(e )inor. (e la" vests on t(e fat(er and )ot(er Coint parental a't(orit# over t(e persons of t(eir %o))on %(ildren.

(e petition is =ANFD.

RENE U# %OLAN%!O, petitioner 4. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent2;3 :A 493

Facts:A petition for ann'l)ent of )arriae "as filed &# private respondent L'%ia :arlos

=olan%o aainst petitioner ene J# =olan%o &efore t(e eional rial :o'rt of aati,7ran%( 144. (e %o'ple (ad t"o %(ildren, !'stin ene and tefan afael. D'rin t(e pro%eedins

3;1



of t(e %ase, a (earin for %'stod# pendente lite of t(e t"o %(ildren "as (eld. In an order dated!'l# 21, 1994, t(e trial %o'rt a"arded t(e t"o %(ildren to L'%ia "(ile ene "as iven visitationri(ts of at least one "ee in a )ont(. (erafter ene 'estioned t(e order dated !'l# 21, 1994"it( t(e :o'rt of Appeals. (e :o'rt of Appeals, (o"ever dis)issed t(e petition and insteadaffir)ed t(e order of t(e trial %o'rt. Not %ontented, ene appealed t(e resol'tion of t(e :o'rt of

Appeals affir)in t(e order dated !'l# 21, 1994 &efore t(is %o'rt, and t(e %ase "as do%eted as=.. No. 120;31. Bn !'l# 1, 1995, t(e :o'rt resolved to dis)iss t(e petition for fail're of petitioner ene to s(o" t(at rave a&'se of dis%retion (ad &een %o))itteds &# t(e appellate%o'rt.

Bn A''st 15, 1995, L'%ia filed "it( t(e trial %o'rt a )otion for re%onsideration "it( pra#er for t(e iss'an%e of a "rit of preli)inar# inC'n%tion &e%a'se s(e alleed t(at (er estraned('s&and p(#si%all# a&'sed t(eir son !'stin. D'e to t(e in%ident, a %ri)inal %o)plaint for sli(t p(#si%al inC'ries "as filed. (e trial %o'rt ranted t(e "rit of preli)inar# inC'n%tion restraininene fro) seein (is %(ildren. ene @iled a petition for %ertiorari, (o"ever, t(e %o'rt of appealsdis)issed t(e petition for violation for on non-for') s(oppin. en%e, t(is petition.

Issue: +(et(er ene s(o'ld &e pro(i&ited fro) seein (is %(ildren.

Ruling:It is a f'nda)ental and settled r'le t(at %on%l'sions and findins of fa%t &# t(e trial %o'rt

are entitled to reat "ei(t and s(o'ld not &e dist'r&ed on appeal, 'nless stron and %oentreasons di%tate ot(er"ise. (is is &e%a'se t(e trial %o'rt is in a &etter position to e$a)ine t(e realeviden%e, as "ell as to o&serve t(e de)eanor of t(e "itnesses "(ile testif#in in t(e %ase. (e%o'rt, t(erefore, finds no C'stifia&le reason or e$%eption s'ffi%ient to %a'se t(e reversal of t(etrial %o'rt8s de%laration in rantin t(e "rit of preli)inar# inC'n%tion aainst petitioner.

+FF@BF, t(e instant petition is (ere&# PAIALL =ANFD. (e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals in :.A. M=.. No. 3;;66 dated !an'ar# 10, 1996, is F AIDF. (e order dated B%to&er 4, 1995, iss'ed &# t(e %o'rt a 'o is (ere&# affir)ed in toto.

!ARLITO SIL"A, plaintiff 4. !OURT OF APPEALS, defendant=.. No. 11442. !'l# 1, 199

FactsG:arlito F. ilva, a )arried &'siness)an, and '>anne . =on>ales, an 'n)arried lo%al

a%tress, %o(a&ited "it(o't t(e &enefit of )arriae. (e 'nion sa" t(e &irt( of t"o %(ildrenGa)on :arlos and i%a Natalia. Not ver# lon after, a rift ion t(eir relations(ip s'rfa%ed. It

3;2



&ean, a%%ordin to ilva, "(en =on>ales de%ided to res')e (er a%tin %areer over (is vioro'so&Ce%tions. (e assertion "as 'i%l# ref'ted &# =on>ale "(o %lai)ed t(at s(e, in fa%t, (adnever stopped "orin t(ro'(o't t(eir relations(ip. At an# rate, t(e t"o event'all# parted "a#s.

(e instant %ontrovers# "as spa"ned, in @e&r'ar# 19;6, &# t(e ref'sal of =on>ales toallo" ilva, in apparent %ontravention of a previo's 'nderstandin, to (ave t(e %(ildren in (is

%o)pan# on "eeends. ilva filed a petition for %'stodial ri(ts over t(e %(ildren &efore t(e:. (e petition "as opposed &# =on>ales "(o averred t(at ilva often enaed in *a)&linand "o)ani>in/ "(i%( s(e feared %o'ld affe%t t(e )oral and so%ial val'es of t(e %(ildren.

(e trial %o'rt (as adC'ded in favor of petitioner &# (oldin t(at (e s(all (ave *visitorialri(ts to (is %(ildren d'rin at'rda#s andor 'nda#s, &'t in no %ase %o'ld< (e taes o't t(e%(ildren "it(o't t(e "ritten %onsent of t(e )ot(er/. (e visitation ri(t referred to is t(e ri(t of a%%ess of a non%'stodial parent to (is or (er %(ild or %(ildren.

ilva appeared so)e(o" satisfied "it( t(e C'd)ent for onl# =on>ales interposed anappeal fro) t(e :8s order to t(e :o'rt of Appeals.

@or t(e )eanti)e, =on>ales ot )arried to a D't%( national. (e ne"l#"eds e)iratedto olland "it( a)on :arlos and i%a Natalia.

Issue:+(et(er or not trial %o'rt erred in a"ardin t(e petitioner visitation ri(ts.

Ruling:(e %o'rt appre%iates t(e appre(ensions of private respondent and t(eir "ell-)eant

%on%ern for t(e %(ildren nevert(eless, it see)s 'nliel# t(at petitioner "o'ld (ave 'lterior )otives or 'nd'e desins )ore t(an a parent8s nat'ral desire to &e a&le to %all on, even if it "ereonl# on &rief visits, (is o"n %(ildren. (e trial %o'rt, in an# %ase, (as seen it fit to'nderstanda&l# provide t(is pre%a'tionar# )eas're, i.e., *in no %ase %an petitioner< tae o't t(e%(ildren "it(o't t(e "ritten %onsent of t(e )ot(er./

+FF@BF, t(e de%ision of t(e trial %o'rt is FINAFD, reversin t(ere&# t(e C'd)ent of t(e appellate %o'rt "(i%( is (er&# F AIDF. No %osts.

DAISIE DA"ID, plaintiff 4. !OURT OF APPEALS, defendant=.. No. 1111;0. Nove)&er 16, 1995

Facts:Petitioner Daisie . David "ored as se%retar# of private respondent a)on . illar, a

&'siness)an in Aneles :it#. Private respondent is a )arried )an and t(e fat(er of fo'r

3;3



%(ildren, all ro"n-'p. After a "(ile, t(e relations(ip &et"een petitioner and private respondentdeveloped into an inti)ate ioni%, as a res'lt of "(i%( a son, :(ristop(er !. "as follo"ed &# t"o)ore %(ildren, &ot( irls, na)el# :(ristine.

(e relations(ip &e%a)e no"n to private respondent8s "ife "(en Daisie too :(ristop(er !. to illar8s (o'se at illa eresa in Aneles :it# so)eti)e in 19;6 and introd'%ed

(i) to illar8s leal "ife. After t(is, t(e %(ildren of Daisie "ere freel# &ro'(t &# illar to (is(o'se as t(e# "ere event'all# a%%epted &# (is leal fa)il#.In t(e s'))er of 1991, illar ased Daisie to allo" :(ristop(er !. t(en si$ #ears of ae,

to o "it( (is fa)il# to 7ora%a#. Daisie areed, &'t after t(e trip, illar ref'sed to ive &a% t(e%(ild. illar said (e (ad enrolled :(ristop(er !. at t(e ol# @a)il# A%ade)# for t(e ne$t s%(ool#ear.P'rs'ant to Art. 16 of t(e @a)il# :ode, :(ristop(er C. is 'nder t(e parental a't(orit# of (is)ot(er, t(e (erein petitioner, "(o, as a %onse'en%e of s'%( a't(orit#, is entitled to (ave %'stod#of (i). in%e, ad)ittedl#, petitioner (as &een deprived of (er ri(tf'l %'stod# of (er %(ild &# private respondent, s(e is entitled to iss'an%e of t(e "rit of (a&eas %orp's.

IssueG +(et(er or not t(e )ot(er is t(e ri(tf'l parent to t(e %'stod# of (er %(ild.

Ruling:In t(e %ase at &ar, as (as alread# &een pointed o't, :(ristop(er !., &ein less t(an seven

#ears of ae at least at t(e ti)e t(e %ase "as de%ided &# t(e :, %annot &e taen fro) t(e)ot(er8s %'stod#. Fven no" t(at t(e %(ild is over seven #ears of ae, t(e )ot(er8s %'stod# over (i) "ill (ave to &e 'p(eld &e%a'se t(e %(ild %ateori%all# e$pressed preferen%e to live "it( (is)ot(er. Jnder Art. 213 of t(e fa)il# %ode, %o'rts )'st respe%t t(e *%(oi%e of t(e %(ild over seven #ears of ae, 'nless t(e parent %(osen is 'nfit/ and (ere it (as not &een s(o"n t(at t(e)ot(er is in an# "a# 'nfit to (ave %'stod# of (er %(ild. Indeed, if private respondent loves (is%(ild, (e s(o'ld not %ondition t(e rant of s'pport for (i) on t(e a"ard of (is %'stod# to (i)private respondent<

+FF@BF, t(e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals is FFFD and privaterespondent is BDFFD to deliver t(e )inor :(ristop(er !. . David to t(e %'stod# of (is)ot(er, t(e (erein petitioner, and to ive (i) te)porar# s'pport in t(e a)o'nt of P3,000.00 pendin t(e fi$in of t(e a)o'nt of s'pport in an appropriate a%tion..

RE#NALDO ESPIRITU an3 %UILLERMA LA#U%, petitioners 4. !OURT OF APPEALSan3 TERESITA MASAUDIN%, respondents

=.. No. 115640 ar%( 15, 1995

Facts:Petitoner e#naldo Fspirit' and respondent eresita asa'din t&ean to )aintain a

%o))on la" relations(ip of ('s&and and "ife "(en petitioner "as sent &# (is e)plo#er, t(e

3;4



National teel :orporation, to Pitts&'r(, Penns#lvania as its liaison offi%er "(ile respondent"ored as a n'rse in Los Aneles, :alifornia. Bn A''st 16, 19;6, t(eir da'(ter, osalind(erese, "as &orn. +(ile t(e# "ere on a &rief va%ation in t(e P(ilippines, e#naldo and eresitaot )arried, and 'pon t(eir ret'rn to t(e Jnited tates, t(eir se%ond %(ild, a son, t(is ti)e, andiven t(e na)e einald in%e.

(e relations(ip of t(e %o'ple deteriorated 'ntil t(e# de%ided to separate and eresita lefte#naldo and t(e %(ildren and "ent &a% to :alifornia. e#naldo &ro'(t (is %(ildren (o)e tot(e P(ilippines, &'t &e%a'se (is assin)ent in Pitts&'r( "as not #et %o)pleted, (e "as sent &a% &# (is %o)pan# to Pitts&'r(. e (ad to leave (is %(ildren "it( (is sister, %o-petitioner ='iller)a La#' and (er fa)il#.

eresita to ret'rn to t(e P(ilippines and filed t(e petition for a "rit of (a&eas %orp'saainst (erein t"o petitioners to ain %'stod# over t(e %(ildren, (o"ever, t(e trial %o'rtdis)issed t(e petition and s'spended eresitaOs parental a't(orit# over osalind and einaldand de%lared e#naldo to (ave sole parental a't(orit# over t(e) &'t "it( ri(ts of visitation to &e areed 'pon &# t(e parties and to &e approved &# t(e :o'rt. (e :o'rt of Appeals, (o"ever,reversed t(e de%ision and ave t(e eresita t(e %'stod# to (er %(ildren.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e :o'rt of Appeals disrearded t(e fa%t'al findins of t(e trial %o'rt.

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt is in%lined to s'stain t(e findins and %on%l'sions of t(e reional trial

%o'rt &e%a'se it ave reater attention to t(e %(oi%e of osalind and %onsidered in detail all t(erelevant fa%tors &earin on t(e iss'e of %'stod#. In as%ertainin t(e "elfare and &est interests of t(e %(ild, %o'rts are )andated &# t(e @a)il# :ode to tae into a%%o'nt all relevant%onsiderations. If a %(ild is 'nder seven #ears of ae, t(e la" pres')es t(at t(e )ot(er is t(e &est%'stodian. It %an &e over%o)e &# %o)pellin reasons. If a %(ild is over seven, (is %(oi%e is para)o'nt &'t, aain, t(e %o'rt is not &o'nd &# t(at %(oi%e. In its dis%retion, t(e %o'rt )a# findt(e %(osen parent 'nfit and a"ard %'stod# to t(e ot(er parent, or even to a t(ird part# as it dee)sfit 'nder t(e %ir%')stan%es.

(e la" is )ore t(an satisfied &# t(e C'd)ent of t(e trial %o'rt. (e %(ildren are no" &ot( over seven #ears old. (eir %(oi%e of t(e parent "it( "(o) t(e# prefer to sta# is %lear fro)t(e re%ord. @ro) all indi%ations, e#naldo is a fit person, t('s )eetin t(e t"o re'ire)entsfo'nd in t(e first pararap( of Arti%le 213 of t(e @a)il# :ode. (e pres')ption 'nder t(ese%ond pararap( of said arti%le no loner applies as t(e %(ildren are over seven #ears. Ass')int(at t(e pres')ption s(o'ld (ave pers'asive val'e for %(ildren onl# one or t"o #ears &e#ond t(eae of seven #ears )entioned in t(e stat'te, t(ere are %o)pellin reasons and relevant%onsiderations not to rant %'stod# to t(e )ot(er. (e %(ildren 'nderstand t(e 'nfort'nates(ort%o)ins of t(eir )ot(er and (ave &een affe%ted in t(eir e)otional ro"t( &# (er &e(avior.

NERISSA Z. PEREZ, plaintiff 4. THE !OURT OF APPEALS an3RA# !. PEREZ, defendant

=.. No. 11;;0. ar%( 29, 1996

Facts:a# Pere>, private respondent, is a do%tor of )edi%ine pra%ti%in in :e&' "(ile Nerissa,

(is "ife "(o is petitioner (erein, is a reistered n'rse. (e# "ere )arried and after si$

3;5



)is%arriaes, t"o operations and a (i(-ris prenan%#, petitioner finall# ave &irt( to a# Pere>II in Ne" or. (e %o'ple and t(eir &a&# arrived in :e&'. After a fe" "ees, onl# Nerissaret'rned to t(e J.. &e%a'se t(e respondent (as to tae %are of (is )ot(er and pro)ised to (er "it( t(e &a&#.

+(en Nerissa %a)e (o)e a fe" da#s &efore a# II8s first &irt(da#, t(e %o'ple "as no

loner on ood ter)s. Bn !'l# 26, 1993, Nerissa . Pere> filed a petition for (a&eas %orp'sasin respondent a# :. Pere> to s'rrender t(e %'stod# of t(eir son, a# . Pere> II, to (er andt(e %o'rt a 'o iss'ed an Brder a"ardin %'stod# of t(e one-#ear old %(ild to (is )ot(er, NerissaPere>. (e :o'rt of Appeals reversed t(e trial %o'rt8s order and a"arded %'stod# of t(e &o# to(is fat(er.

Issue:+(et(er t(e :o'rt of Appeals erred in a"ardin t(e %'stod# of t(e %(ild to (is fat(er.

Ruling:+(en t(e parents of t(e %(ild are separated, Arti%le 213 of t(e @a)il# :ode is t(e

appli%a&le la". It providesG *A. 213. In %ase of separation of t(e parents, parental a't(orit#s(all &e e$er%ised &# t(e parent desinated &# t(e :o'rt. (e :o'rt s(all tae into a%%o'nt allrelevant %onsiderations, espe%iall# t(e %(oi%e of t(e %(ild over seven #ears of ae, 'nless t(e parent %(osen is 'nfit. No %(ild 'nder seven #ears of ae s(all &e separated fro) t(e )ot(er,'nless t(e %o'rt finds %o)pellin reasons to order ot(er"ise./

in%e t(e :ode does not 'alif# t(e "ord *separation/ to )ean *leal separation/de%reed &# a %o'rt, %o'ples "(o are separated in fa%t, s'%( as petitioner and private respondent,are %overed "it(in its ter)s.

(e petition for revie" is =ANFD. (e de%ision of t(e :o'rt of Appeals datedepte)&er 2, 1994 as "ell as its esol'tion dated !an'ar# 24, 1995 are (ere&# FFFDand F AIDF. (e Brder of t(e trial %o'rt dated A''st 2, 1993 is (ere&# FINAFD.:'stod# over t(e )inor a# . Pere> II is a"arded to (is )ot(er, (erein petitioner Nerissa .Pere>. (is de%ision is i))ediatel# e$e%'tor#.

TERESITA SA%ALA2ESLAO, petitioner 4. !OURT OF APPEALS an3 MARIA PAZ!ORDERO2OU#E, respondent

=.. No. 1163. !an'ar#, 16,199

Facts:Bn !'ne 22, 19;4, petitioner aria Pa> :ordero-B'#e and e#naldo Fslao "ere )arried

after t(eir )arriae, t(e %o'ple sta#ed "it( respondent eresita Fslao, )ot(er of t(e ('s&and.

3;6



B't of t(eir )arriae, t"o %(ildren "ere &eotten, na)el#, Leslie Fslao and Aneli%a Fslao. Int(e )eanti)e, Leslie "as entr'sted to t(e %are and %'stod# of petitioner8s )ot(er in ta. Ana,Pa)apana, "(ile Aneli%a sta#ed "it( t(eir parents at respondent8s (o'se. Bn A''st 6, 1990, petitioner8s ('s&and e#naldo Fslao died petitioner intended to &rin Aneli%a "it( (er toPa)pana &'t t(e respondent prevailed 'pon (er to entr'st t(e %'stod# of Aneli%a to (er,

respondent reasonin o't t(at (er son C'st died and to ass'ae (er rief t(erefore, s(e needed t(e%o)pan# of t(e %(ild to at least %o)pensate for t(e loss of (er late son. In t(e )eanti)e, t(e petitioner ret'rned to (er )ot(er8s (o'se in Pa)pana "(ere s(e sta#ed "it( Leslie.

'&se'entl#, petitioner "as introd'%ed &# (er a'ntie to Dr. !a)es ana&'-B'#e, a!apanese-A)eri%an, "(o is an ort(odontist pra%ti%in in t(e Jnited tates t(eir a%'aintan%e &losso)ed into a )eaninf'l relations(ip "(ere on ar%( 1;, 1992, t(e petitioner and Dr. !a)esB'#e de%ided to et )arried and )irated to JA to Coin (er ne" ('s&and. Bn !'ne 24, 1993,t(e petitioner ret'rned to t(e P(ilippines to &e re'nited "it( (er %(ildren and &rin t(e) to t(eJnited tates. (e petitioner t(en infor)ed t(e respondent a&o't (er desire to tae %'stod# of Aneli%a and e$plained t(at (er present ('s&and, Dr, !a)es B'#e, e$pressed (is "illinness toadopt Leslie and Aneli%a and to provide for t(e s'pport and ed'%ation (o"ever, respondent

resisted t(e idea &# "a# of e$plainin t(at t(e %(ild "as entr'sted to (er "(en s(e "as ten #earsold and a%%'sed t(e petitioner of (avin a&andoned Aneli%a. 7e%a'se of t(e ada)ant attit'de of t(e respondent, t(e petitioner t(en so'(t t(e assistan%e of a la"#er, Att#. ariano de !o#a, !r.,"(o "rote a letter to t(e respondent de)andin for t(e ret'rn of t(e %'stod# of Aneli%a to (er nat'ral )ot(er and "(en t(e de)and re)ainVedW 'n(eeded, t(e petitioner instit'ted t(e presenta%tion./

Issue:+(et(er or not Parental A't(orit# and esponsi&ilit# are inaliena&le and )a# not &e

transferred or re)oved.

Ruling:+(en private respondent entr'sted t(e %'stod# of (er )inor %(ild to t(e petitioner, "(at

s(e ave to t(e latter "as )erel# te)porar# %'stod# and it did not %onstit'te a&andon)ent or ren'n%iation of parental a't(orit#. @or t(e ri(t atta%(ed to parental a't(orit#, &ein p'rel# personal, t(e la" allo"s a "aiver of parental a't(orit# onl# in %ases of adoption, 'ardians(ipand s'rrender to a %(ildrenOs (o)e or an orp(an instit'tion "(i%( do not appear in t(e %ase at &ar.

Bf %onsidera&le i)portan%e is t(e r'le lon a%%epted &# t(e %o'rts t(at t(e ri(t of parents to t(e %'stod# of t(eir )inor %(ildren is one of t(e nat'ral ri(ts in%ident to parent(ood, ari(t s'pported &# la" and so'nd p'&li% poli%#. (e ri(t is an in(erent one, "(i%( is not %reated &# t(e state or de%isions of t(e %o'rts, &'t derives fro) t(e nat're of t(e parental relations(ip.

ST. MAR#S A!ADEM#, petitioner 4. SHER7IN !ARPITANOS, respondent@e&r'ar#. 6, 2002

Facts:t. ar#8s A%ade)# %ond'%ted an enroll)ent drive for t(e s%(ool #ear. A fa%et of t(e

enroll)ent %a)pain "as t(e visitation of s%(ools "(ere prospe%tive enrollees "ere st'd#in.Defendant-appellant t. ar#8s A%ade)# of Dipolo :it# %on%l'ded an enrol)ent drive for t(e

3;



s%(ool #ear 1995-1996. As a st'dent of t. ar#8s A%ade)#, (er"in :arpitanos "as part of t(e%a)painin ro'p. (er"in, alon "it( ot(er (i( s%(ool st'dents "ere ridin in a its'&is(i Ceep o"ned &# defendant iven%io illan'eva, "ere on t(eir "a# to an ele)entar# s%(ool. (e Ceep "as driven &# !a)es Daniel II t(en fifteen #ears old and a st'dent of t(e sa)e s%(ool. (e Ceep "as o"ned &# ivi%en%io. (e driver, !a)es II, drove t(e Ceep in a re%less )anner "(i%(

%a'se it to t'rn t'rtle. Alleedl#, t(e latter drove t(e Ceep in a re%less )anner and as a res'lt t(e Ceep t'rned t'rtle.(er"in died as a %onse'en%e. (e trial %o'rt t(en a"arded da)aes to t(e parents of

(er"in aainst t(e petitioner &# virt'e of Art. 21; and 219 of t(e fa)il# %ode.

Issue:+(et(er or not petitioner is lia&le for da)aes for t(e deat( of (er"in.

RulingGArti%le 21; of t(e @a)il# %ode en')erates t(ose "(o (ave spe%ial parental a't(orit# over

a )inor %(ild and arti%le 219 of t(e sa)e %ode provides t(at t(ose e$er%isin spe%ial parental

a't(orit# are prin%ipall# and s'&sidiar# lia&le for da)aes %a'sed &# t(e a%ts or o)ission of t(ee)an%ipated )inor 'nder t(eir s'pervision, instr'%tion or %'stod#.o"ever, for t(e persons and instit'tions en')erated t(erein are to &e (eld lia&le, t(ere

)'st &e a findin t(at t(e a%t or o)ission %onsidered as nelient "as t(e pro$i)ate %a'se of t(einC'r# %a'sed &e%a'se t(e nelien%e )'st (ave a %a'sal %onne%tion to t(e a%%ident. ('s, inC'r#for "(i%( re%over# is so'(t )'st &e t(e leiti)ate %onse'en%e of t(e "ron done.

(e nelien%e of t(e petitioner "as onl# a re)ote %a'se of t(e a%%ident. (ere "as t(eintervention of t(e nelien%e of t(e )inor8s parents "(o drove t(e Ceep and t(e deta%()ent of t(e steerin "(eel of t(e Ceep "as t(e one "(i%( %a'sed t(e a%%ident.

(e :o'rt (eld t(at for t(e s%(ool to &e lia&le t(ere )'st &e a findin t(at t(e a%t or o)ission %onsidered as nelient "as t(e pro$i)ate %a'se of t(e inC'r# %a'sed &e%a'se of nelien%e, )'st (ave %a'sal %onne%tion to t(e a%%ident. (ere is no s(o"in of s'%(. (ei))ediate %a'se "as t(e deta%()ent of t(e steerin "(eel 'ide of t(e Ceep. Also, t(ere "as noeviden%e t(at t(e s%(ool allo"ed t(e !a)es II to drive t(e Ceep. (e one pri)aril# lia&le is t(ereistered o"ner of t(e ve(i%le.

ALFREDO AMADORA, petitioner 4. !OURT OF APPEALS, respondent160 :A 315

Facts:Alfredo A)adora "as looin for"ard to t(e %o))en%e)ent e$er%ises "(ere (e "o'ld a

stand t(e stae and in t(e presen%e of (is relatives and friends re%eive (is (i( s%(ool diplo)a.(ese %ere)onies "ere s%(ed'led on April 16, 192. As it t'rned o't, t(o'(, fate "o'ldintervene and den# (i) t(at a"aited e$perien%e. Bn April 13, 192, "(ile t(e# "ere in t(e

3;;



a'ditori') of t(eir s%(ool, t(e :olleio de an !ose-e%oletes, a %lass)ate, Pa&lito Daffon, &ared a 'n t(at )ortall# (it Alfredo, endin all (is e$pe%tations and (is life as "ell. (e vi%ti)"as onl# seventeen #ears old.

Pa&lito "as %onvi%ted of (o)i%ide t(r' re%less i)pr'den%e. Additionall#, t(e parents oft(e vi%ti) filed t(is petition for %ivil da)aes aainst t(e a%%'sed "it( t"o ot(er st'dents t(r'

t(eir parents< toet(er "it( t(e :ollee, its re%tor, t(e (i( s%(ool prin%ipal, t(e dean of &o#s,and t(e p(#si%s tea%(er, 'nder Art. 21;0. After rial, t(e :o'rt of @irst Instan%e of :e&' (as%onvi%ted t(e re)ainin defendants lia&le to t(e plaintiffs. Bn appeal of t(e respondent %o'rt,(o"ever, t(e de%ision "as reversed in all t(e defendants "ere %o)pletel# a&solved.

In its de%ision, "(i%( is no" t(e s'&Ce%t of t(is petition for %riteriorai 'nder 'le 45 of t(e 'les of :o'rt, t(e respondent %o'rt fo'nd t(at Arti%le 21;0 "as not appli%a&le as t(e:olleio de an !ose-e%oletos "as not a s%(ool of Arts and rades &'t an a%ade)i% instit'tionof learnin.

IssueG+(et(er or not s%(ool )a# &e (eld lia&le 'nder dilien%e of &on's pater fa)ilies.

RulingG(e :o'rt (as %o)e to t(e %on%l'sion t(at t(e provision in 'estion Art. 21;0< s(o'ld

appl# to all s%(ools, a%ade)i% as "ell as non-a%ade)i%. @ollo"in t(e %anon of reddendosin'lar sin'liG +(ere t(e s%(ool is a%ade)i%, responsi&ilit# for t(e tort %o))itted &# t(est'dent "ill atta%( to t(e tea%(er in %(are of s'%( st'dent. (is is t(e eneral r'le. Vea%(ers to p'pilsst'dentsW easonG Bld a%ade)i% s%(ools, t(e (eads C'st s'pervise t(e tea%(ers "(o are t(eones dire%tl# involved "it( t(e st'dents. +(ere t(e s%(ool is for arts and trades, it is t(e (eadand onl# (e "(o s(all &e (eld lia&le as a) e$%eption to t(e eneral r'le. Veads to apprenti%esWeasonG Bld s%(ools of arts and trades sa" t(e )asters or (eads of t(e s%(ool< personall# anddire%tl# instr'%ted t(e apprenti%es. (erefore, t(e (eads are not lia&le. (e tea%(er-in-%(are isnot also lia&le &e%a'se t(ere8s no s(o"in t(at (e "as nelient in enfor%in dis%ipline aainstt(e a%%'sed or t(at (e "aived o&servan%e of t(e r'les and re'lations of t(e s%(ool, or %ondonedt(eir non-o&servan%e. Also, t(e fa%t t(at (e "asn8t present %an8t &e %onsidered aainst (i) &e%a'se (e "asn8t re'ired to report on t(at da#. :lasses (ad alread# %eased.

.

ESUS SAL"OSA, petitioner ". INTERMEDIATE APPELATE !OURT, respondent166 :A 25

Facts:7a'io :ollees @o'ndation 7:@, (ereafter< is an a%ade)i% instit'tion. o"ever, it is

also an instit'tion of arts and trade. It (as so advertised itself, as its o"n eviden%e s(o"s. +it(int(e pre)ises of t(e 7:@ is an B: Jnit, t(e 7a'io :ollees @o'ndation eserve Bffi%e

3;9



rainin :orps B:<, alf, "(i%( is 'nder t(e f'll %ontrol of t(e Ar)ed @or%es of t(eP(ilippines.

Bn 3 ar%( 19, at aro'nd ;G00 p.)., in t(e parin spa%e of 7:@, !i))# 7. A&on,appointed ar)orer of B:, s(ot Napoleon :astro a st'dent of t(e Jniversit# of 7a'io "it( an'nli%ensed firear) "(i%( t(e ar)or too fro) t(e ar)or# of t(e B: Jnit of t(e 7:@. As a

res'lt, Napoleon :astro died and !i))# 7. A&on "as prose%'ted for, and %onvi%ted of t(e %ri)eof o)i%ide &# ilitar# :o))ision No. 30, A@P.'&se'entl#, t(e (eirs of napoleon :astro s'ed for da)ae, I)pleadin !i))# 7.

A&on, o&erto :. Jnos B:, %o))andant<, 7enCa)in alvosa President and :(air)an of t(e 7orad of 7:@<, !es's alvosa F$e%'tive i%e President of 7:@<, Li&ertad D. S'etolioDean of t(e :ollee of Fd'%ation and F$e%'tive r'stee of 7:@< and t(e 7a'io :ollees@o'ndation, In%. as part# defendants. After (earin, t(e rial :o'rt rendered a de%ision, 1<senten%in defendants !i))# 7. A&on, 7enCa)in alvosa and 7a'io :ollees @o'ndation, In%., Cointl# and severall#, to pa# private respondents, as (eirs of Napoleon :astro.

Issue:

+(et(er or not petitioner %an &e (eld solidaril# lia&le "it( !i)# 7. A&on for da)aes'nder Art. 21;0 of t(e %ivil %ode, as a %onse'en%es of t(e tortio's a%t of !i))# 7. A&on.

RulingGJnder Art. 21;0 t(at t(e petition s(o'ld appl# to all s%(ools, a%ade)i% as "ell as non-

a%ade)i%. @ollo"in t(e %anon of reddendo sin'lar sin'liG +(ere t(e s%(ool is a%ade)i%,responsi&ilit# for t(e tort %o))itted &# t(e st'dent "ill atta%( to t(e tea%(er in %(are of s'%(st'dent. (e tea%(er-in-%(are is not also lia&le &e%a'se t(ere8s no s(o"in t(at (e "as nelientin enfor%in dis%ipline aainst t(e a%%'sed or t(at (e "aived o&servan%e of t(e r'les andre'lations of t(e s%(ool, or %ondoned t(eir non-o&servan%e. Also, t(e fa%t t(at (e "asn8t present%an8t &e %onsidered aainst (i) &e%a'se (e "asn8t re'ired to report on t(at da#. :lasses (adalread# %eased.

+FF@BF, t(e de%ision appealed fro) is (ere&# FFFD in so far as it (olds petitioners solidaril# lia&le "it( !i))# 7. A&on for (is tortio's a%t in illin of Napoleon:astro. No %osts.

PHILIPPINE S!HOOL OF 0USINESS ADMINISTRATION, Plaintiff 4.!OURT OF APPEALS, Defendant

205 :A 29

Facts:A sta&&in in%ident on 30 A''st 19;5 "(i%( %a'sed t(e deat( of :arlitos 7a'tista, a

st'dent of P7A "(ile on t(e se%ond-floor pre)ises of t(e P(ilippine %(ool of 7'siness

390



Ad)inistration P7A< pro)pted t(e parents of t(e de%eased to file s'it in t(e eional rial:o'rt. pe%ifi%all#, t(e s'it i)pleaded t(e P7A and t(e follo"in s%(ool a't(oritiesG !'an D.Li) President<, 7enCa)in P. Pa'lino i%e-President<, Antonio atalas reas'rer:as(ier<:ol. Pedro a%ro :(ief of e%'rit#< and a Lt. . oriano Assistant :(ief of e%'rit#<.'&stantiall#, t(e plaintiffs no" private respondents< so'(t to adC'de t(e) lia&le for t(e

vi%ti)8s 'nti)el# de)ise d'e to t(eir alleed nelien%e, re%lessness and la% of se%'rit# pre%a'tions, )eans and )et(ods &efore, d'rin and after t(e atta% on t(e vi%ti). D'rin t(e pro%eedins a 'o, Lt. . oriano ter)inated (is relations(ip "it( t(e ot(er petitioners &#resinin fro) (is position in t(e s%(ool.

(e defendants a 'o no" petitioners< so'(t to (ave t(e s'it dis)issed, allein t(atsin%e t(e# are pres')a&l# s'ed 'nder Arti%le 21;0 of t(e :ivil :ode, t(e %o)plaint states no%a'se of a%tion aainst t(e), as C'rispr'den%e on t(e s'&Ce%t is to t(e effe%t t(at a%ade)i%instit'tions, s'%( as t(e P7A.

(e respondent trial %o'rtoverr'led petitioner8s %ontention and denied t(eir )otion todis)iss. t(e respondent appellate %o'rt affir)ed t(e trial %o'rt8s orders.

Issue: +(et(er or not an a%ade)i% instit'tion (as a &ilateral o&liation 'pon st'dents "(i%( &ot( parents are &o'nd to %o)pl#.

Ruling:As t(e pro%eedins a 'o (ave #et to %o))en%e on t(e s'&stan%e of t(e private

respondents %o)plaint, t(e re%ord is &ereft of all t(e )aterial fa%ts. B&vio'sl#, at t(is stae, onl#t(e trial %o'rt %an )ae s'%( a deter)ination fro) t(e eviden%e still to 'nfold.

+F@BF, t(e foreoin pre)ises %onsidered, t(e petition is DFNIFD. (e %o'rt of oriin :, anila, 7r. 4< is (ere&# ordered to %ontin'e pro%eedins %onsistent "it( t(isr'lin of t(e %o'rt. :osts aainst t(e petitioners.

7ENDELL LI0I, plaintiff 4. INTERMEDIATE APPELATE !OURT, defendant214 :A 16

Facts:De%eased !'lie Ann =otion 1; #.o.< and de%eased +endell Li&i &et. 1; and 19 #.o.<

"ere s"eet(earts for t"o #ears prior to t(e in%ident. After t(e irl de%ided to end t(e relations(ip

391



findin t(e '# sadisti% and irresponsi&le<, t(e &o# in%essantl# p'rs'ed (er and pra#ed t(at t(e# &e toet(er aain "(i%( )ade t(e '# resort to t(reats<. 7't, t(e irl (old steadfast to (er de%ision. In order to avoid t(e '#, t(e irl lived "it( (er &est friend. Bn t(e da# of t(e in%ident,t(e t"o "ere fo'nd s(ot dead "it( a )it( and +esson revolver. (e parents of t(e irlinstit'ted t(is %ase aainst t(e parents of t(e '# for da)aes. (e eional rial :o'rt

dis)issed t(e %ase for ins'ffi%ien%# of eviden%e. In t(e :o'rt of Appeals t(e : de%ision "asreversed and ordered t(e Li&i spo'ses to pa# ,)oral and e$e)plar# da)aes.(e %o'rt fo'nd o't &# %onvin%in eviden%e t(at +endell Li&i s(ot =otion &efore %o))ittin s'i%ide. '&se'entl#,t(e Li&i spo'ses filed an appeal %ontendin t(at t(e# s(o'ld onl# ass')e s'&sidiar# lia&ilit# for da)aes %a'se &# t(eir )inor %(ild.

Issue:+(et(er or not parental lia&ilit# for da)aes %a'se &# t(e )inor %(ild is s'&sidiar#.

Ruling:(e parents of +endel Li&i are (eld lia&le for not e$er%isin d'e dilien%e, dilientissi)i

patris fa)ilias, Art. 21;0<. (e fat(er of t(e '# o"ns a 'n "(i%( (e ept in a safet# deposit &o$. (e fat(er and t(e )ot(er ea%( (ad a e#. (e '# ne" of it. (e e# )'st (ave &eennelientl# left l#in aro'nd or (e (ad free a%%ess to it, s'%( as t(e &a of (is )ot(er. (e said'n "as )issin. (e parents "ere also 'na&le to e$plain t(e p(otorap( of t(eir son (oldin a'n. (e said p(otorap( "as dedi%ated to t(e irl. oreover, t(e# "ere re)iss in t(eir d'ties as parents as not &ein a&le to no" t(at t(eir son "as a :onsta&'lar# Anti-Nar%oti%s Jnite:ANJ< aent involved in a danero's "or of as eit(er a dr' infor)er or dr' 'ser. (eda)aes is &ased on Art. 21;0 of t(e :ivil :ode. Art. 101 of P: doesn8t appl# sin%e t(e '# isor a&ove 1; #.o. alread#.

(e 'pre)e :o'rt &elieves t(at t(e %ivil lia&ilit# of parents for 'asi deli%ts of t(eir )inor %(ildren as %onte)plated in Arti%le 21;0 of t(e :ivil :ode is pri)ar# and not s'&sidiar#.A%%ordinl#, C'st lie t(e r'le in 2194 of t(e :ivil :ode t(e %ivil lia&ilit# of t(e parents for %ri)es %o))itted &# t(eir )inor %(ildren is lie"ise dire%t and pri)ar# and also s'&Ce%t to t(edefense of la% of fa'lt or nelien%e on t(eir part, t(at is t(e e$er%ise of t(e dilien%e of a oodfat(er of t(e fa)il#.

ENNIFER TAMAR%O, plaintiff 4. !OURT OF APPEALS, Defendant=.. No. ;5044. !'ne 3, 1992

Facts:Bn A''st 20, 19;2 Adel&erto 7'ndo%, a )onor of 10 #ears of ae s(ot !ennifer

a)aro. A %o)plaint for %ivil and %ri)inal a%tion "as filed &# t(e de%eased adoptin parent andnat'ral parents aainst t(e nat'ral parents of 7'ndo%. (e eional rial :o'rt dis)issed t(e%ase r'lin t(at respondents "ere not indespensi&le parties to t(e a%tion. Bn petition for revie",

392



respondents %ontend t(at t(e adoptin parents na)el# t(e apis'ra spo'ses "ere t(eindespensi&le parties to t(e a%tion sin%e parental a't(orit# (ave s(ifted to t(e) fro) t(e )o)entt(e s'%%essf'l petition for adoption "as filed on Nove)&er 1;, 19;2.

Issue:

+(et(er or not t(e effe%ts of adoption insofar as parental a't(orit# is %on%ern )a#&eiven retroa%tive effe%t.

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt did not %onsider t(e retroa%tive effe%t t(at )a# &e iven to t(e de%ree

of adoption so as to i)pose a lia&ilit# 'pon t(e adoptin parents a%%r'in at t(e ti)e "(en t(eadoptin parents (ad no a%t'al %'stod# over t(e adopted %(ild. (is is %onsistent "it t(e do%trineof vi%ario's lia&ilit#. No pres')ption of parental dereli%tion on t(e part of t(e adoptin parents,t(e apis'ra spo'ses %o'ld (ave arisen sin%e Adel&erto 7'ndo% "as not in fa%t s'&Ce%t to t(eir %ontrol at t(e ti)e t(e tort "as %o))itted.

DI7ATA RAMOS LANDIN%IN, appellant 4.REPU0LI! OF THE PHILIPPINES, appellee

=.. No. 16494;. !'ne 2, 2006

Facts: Bn @e&r'ar# 4, 2002, Di"ata a)os Landinin, a %iti>en of t(e Jnited tates of A)eri%aJA<, of @ilipino parentae and a resident of ='a), JA, filed a petition for t(e adoption of

393



)inors Flaine Di>on a)os, Fl)a Di>on a)os, and F'ene Di>on a)os. (e )inors are t(enat'ral %(ildren of an'el a)os, petitioner8s &rot(er, and A)elia a)os.

Landinin, as petitioner, alleed in (er petition t(at "(en an'el died on a# 19, 1990,t(e %(ildren "ere left to t(eir paternal rand)ot(er, aria ar'% a)os t(eir &ioloi%al )ot(er,A)elia, "ent to Ital#, re-)arried t(ere. (e )inors are &ein finan%iall# s'pported &# t(e

petitioner and (er %(ildren, and relatives a&road. Petitioner pra#ed t(at, after d'e (earin, C'd)ent &e rendered in (er favor.(e %o'rt, findin )erit in t(e petition for adoption, rendered a de%ision rantin said

petition. (e :o'rt of Appeals rendered a de%ision reversin t(e r'lin of t(e :.

IssueG+(et(er t(e petitioner is entitled to adopt t(e )inors "it(o't t(e "ritten %onsent of t(eir

&ioloi%al )ot(er, A)elia a)os.

Ruling:(e eneral re'ire)ent of %onsent and noti%e to t(e nat'ral parents is intended to prote%t

t(e nat'ral parental relations(ip fro) 'n"arranted interferen%e &# interlopers, and to ins're t(eopport'nit# to safe'ard t(e &est interests of t(e %(ild in t(e )anner of t(e proposed adoption.:learl#, t(e "ritten %onsent of t(e &ioloi%al parents is indispensa&le for t(e validit# of a

de%ree of adoption. Indeed, t(e nat'ral ri(t of a parent to (is %(ild re'ires t(at (is %onsent)'st &e o&tained &efore (is parental ri(ts and d'ties )a# &e ter)inated and re-esta&lis(ed inadoptive parents. In t(is %ase, petitioner failed to s'&)it t(e "ritten %onsent of A)elia a)os tot(e adoption.

+(en s(e filed (er petition "it( t(e trial %o'rt, ep. A%t No. ;552 "as alread# in effe%t.e%tion 9 t(ereof provides t(at if t(e "ritten %onsent of t(e &ioloi%al parents %annot &e o&tained,t(e "ritten %onsent of t(e leal 'ardian of t(e )inors "ill s'ffi%e. If, as %lai)ed &# petitioner,t(at t(e &ioloi%al )ot(er of t(e )inors (ad indeed a&andoned t(e), s(e s(o'ld, t('s (aveadd'%ed t(e "ritten %onsent of t(eir leal 'ardian.

(e petition is (ere&# DFNIFD.

OHANNA SOM0ON%, petitioner 4. !OURT OF APPEALS, defendant252 :A 663

Facts:!o(anna o)&on alleedl# &ro'(t (er da'(ter to t(e %lini% of spo'ses #. After

)edi%ation Do%tor i%ente # ref'sed to ive &a% t(e %(ild sin%e (erein petitioner !o(anna

394



o)&on failed to pa# t(e %ost of P300.00. (e petitioner, alleedl# tried to see (elp fro) p'&li% offi%ers to re%over (er %(ild &'t (e availed of not(in. '&se'entl#, s(e filed a petition int(e eional rial :o'rt for idnappin of )inor aainst t(e spo'se #. (e spo'ses dis%losedt(at t(e &a&# "as iven to t(eir staff to a%t as 'ardian. (e :o'rt of Appeals set aside t(e saidde%ision and ive to arieta Neri Alviar, t(e staff of t(e spo'ses in t(eir %lini% t(e %'stod# of t(e

said %(ild. (is is &e%a'se t(e persons %on%erned %annot as%ertain "(et(er t(e said %(ild reall# &elons to t(e petitioner.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e %'stod# of t(e %(ild s(all &e iven to iss Neri Alviar.

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt states t(at t(e %'stod# of t(e %(ild s(all &e iven to iss Neri Alviar

%itin t(e :(ild and o't( +elfare :ode, "(i%( provides t(at all 'estions reardin t(e %areand %'stod#, a)on ot(ers, of t(e %(ild, (is "elfare s(all &e t(e para)o'nt %onsideration. In t(esa)e nein, t(e @a)il# :ode a't(ori>es t(e %o'rts to, t(e "elfare of t(e %(ild so de)ands,

deprived t(e parents %on%ern of a't(orit# over t(e %(ild or adopt s'%( )eas'res as )a#&e proper 'nder t(e %ir%')stan%es.

HATIMA !. #ASIN, petitioner 4. THE HONORA0LE UD%E SHARIKA DISTRI!T!OURT THIRD SHARIKA UDI!IAL DISTRI!T, defendant

=.. No. 949;6 @e&r'ar# 23, 1995

Facts:Petitioner ati)a asin is. of leal ae, a divor%ee, a 'slin @ilipino and a resident of

'terville, a)&oana :it#, P(ilippines. (e "as for)erl# )arried to a %ertain adCi Idris asin,

395



also a 'sli) @ilipino in a%%ordan%e "it( 'sli) rites and %'sto)s, and "(o is no" residin at7arana# e%odo, a)&oana :it#, &'t so)eti)e on ar%( 13, 19;4, t(e# "ere ranted ade%ree of divor%e &# t(e indanao Isla)i% :enter @o'ndation, In%., in a%%ordan%e "it( Isla)i%La". (e for)er ('s&and adCi Idris asin %ontra%ted anot(er )arriae to anot(er "o)an andt(e petitioner pra#ed to res')e t(e 'se of (er )aiden na)e ati)a :enti # a'l in a%%ordan%e

"it( t(e provisions of 'les 103, 'les of :o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er or not a petition for res')ption of )aiden na)e and s'rna)e is also a petition

for %(ane of na)e.

Ruling:(e 'pre)e :o'rt finds t(e petition to res')e t(e 'se of )aiden na)e filed &#

petitioner &efore t(e respondent %o'rt a s'perfl'it# and 'nne%essar# pro%eedin sin%e t(e la"re'ires (er to do so as (er for)er ('s&and is alread# )arried to anot(er "o)an after o&tainina de%ree of divor%e fro) (er in a%%ordan%e "it( 'sli) la"s.

Alt(o'( t(ere is no leal pro(i&ition aainst o&tainin a C'di%ial %onfir)ation of a lealri(t, nevert(eless, no la" or r'le provides for t(e pro%ed're &# "(i%( s'%( %onfir)ation )a# &eo&tained. In vie" of s'%( %ir%')stan%es, t(e onero's re'ire)ents of 'le 103 of t(e 'les of :o'rt on %(ane of na)e s(o'ld not &e applied to C'di%ial %onfir)ation of t(e ri(t of a divor%ed"o)an to res')e (er )aiden na)e and s'rna)e. In t(e a&sen%e of a spe%ifi% r'le or provisionovernin s'%( a pro%eedin, "(ere s'ffi%ient fa%ts (ave &een alleed s'pported &# %o)petent proof as anne$es, "(i%( appear to &e satisfa%tor# to t(e %o'rt, s'%( petition for %onfir)ation of %(ane of %ivil stat's andor to res')e t(e 'se of )aiden na)e )'st &e iven d'e %o'rse ands'))aril# ranted as in fa%t it is a ri(t %onferred &# la".

+FF@BF, t(e petition is =ANFD and t(e orders of respondent %o'rt dated !'l#4, 1990 and A''st 10, 1990 are (ere&# F AIDF. Petitioner is a't(ori>ed to res')e (er )aiden na)e and s'rna)e.

!ESARIO URSUA, petitioner 4. !OURT OF APPEALS AND PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, respondents

=.. No. 11210. April 10,1996.

Facts:

396



Petitioner :esario Jrs'a, a :o))'nit# Fnviron)ent and Nat'ral eso'r%es Bfii%er assined in Kidapa"an, :ota&ato, (ad a %o)plaint aainst (i) for &ri&er#, dis(onest#, a&'se of a't(orit# and ivin of 'n"arranted &enefits.

Bn A''st 1 19;, Att#. @ran%is Pal)ores, %o'nsel of t(e petitioner re'ested to t(eBffi%e of t(e B)&'ds)an in anila t(at (e &e f'rnis(ed a %op# of t(e %o)plaint aainst

petitioner. e t(en ased (is %lient Jrs'a to tae (is letter re'est to t(e offi%e of t(eB)&'ds)an &e%a'se (is la" fir)8s )essener, Bs%ar Pere>, (ad to attend to so)e personal)atters.

+(en petitioner arrived at t(e Bffi%e of t(e B)&'ds)an, (e "rote t(e na)e *Bs%ar Pere>/ on t(e visitor8s lo&oo and 'pon re%eipt of t(e a%no"leded &# "ritin. LoidaKa('l'an, "(o (anded t(e %op# of %o)plaint, learned t(at t(e person "(o introd'%ed (i)self as Bs%ar Pere> "as a%t'all# t(e petitioner, :esario Jrs'a. (e reported t(e )atter to t(e Dep't#B)&'ds)an "(o re%o))ended t(at petitioner &e %(ared.

(e trial %o'rt fo'nd (i) 'ilt# of violatin e%. 1 of :.A. No. 142 as a)ended &# .A. No. 60;5. (e :o'rt of Appeals affir)ed t(e de%ision on a# 31, 1993. (e petitioner ass for revie" on (is %onvi%tion in 'pre)e :o'rt.

Issue:+(et(er t(e petitioner violated :.A. No. 142 as a)ended &# .A. No. 60;5 ot(er"ise

no"n as *An A%t to e'late t(e Jse of Alias.

Hel3::esario Jrs'a is a%'itted of t(e %ri)e %(ared. :.A No. 142, approved on Nove)&er ,

1936 entitled *An A%t to e'late t(e Jse of Aliases/, "as a)ended &# .A. No. 60;5on A''st4 1969. :.A. No. 142 as a)ended "as )ade pri)aril# to penali>e t(e a%t of 'sin an alias na)e p'&li%l# and in &'siness transa%tions in addition to (is real na)e 'nless s'%( alias "as d'l#a't(ori>ed &# proper C'di%ial pro%eedin.

(e fa%t t(at t(e petitioner introd'%ed (i)self in t(e Bffi%e of t(e B)&'ds)an as *Bs%ar Pere>/ served onl# t(e re'est of (is la"#er to o&tain a %op# of t(e %o)plaint in "(i%( t(e petitioner "as a respondent. (ere is no eviden%e s(o"in t(at (e (ad 'sed or "as intendin to'se t(at na)e as (is se%ond na)e in addition to (is real na)e. en%e, t(e 'se of a fi%titio's na)eor a different na)e &elonin to anot(er person in a sinle instan%e "it(o't an# sin or indi%ation t(at t(e 'ser intends to &e no"n &# t(is na)e in addition to (is real na)e fro) t(atda# fort( does not fall "it(in t(e pro(i&ition %ontained in :.A. No. 142 as a)ended &# .A.60;5. (ere e$ists a valid pres')ption t(at 'ndesira&le %onse'en%es "ere never intended &# aleislative )eas're and t(at a %onstr'%tion of "(i%( t(e stat'e is fairl# s's%epti&le is favored.

ROMMEL A!INTO an3 DANTES SIL"ERIO, petitioners 4.REPU0LI! OF THE PHILIPPINES, respondent

=.. 146;9. B%to&er 22, 199

39



Facts:Bn Nove)&er 26, 2002, petitioner o))el !a%into Dantes ilverio filed a petition for t(e

%(ane of (is first na)e and se$ in (is &irt( %ertifi%ate in : anila. is na)e "as reisteredas *o))el !a%into Dantes ilverio/ in (is %ertifi%ate of live &irt( &irt( %ertifi%ate<. is se$ "asreistered as *)ale./ e f'rt(er alleed t(at (e is a )ale transse$'al, t(at is, *anato)i%all# )ale

&'t feels, t(ins and a%ts as a fe)ale/ and t(at (e (ad al"a#s identified (i)self "it( irls sin%e%(ild(ood. is atte)pts to transfor) (i)self to a *"o)an/ %'l)inated on !an'ar# 2, 2001"(en (e 'nder"ent se$ reassin)ent s'rer# in 7ano, (ailand. @ro) t(en on, petitioner lived as a fe)ale and "as in fa%t enaed to &e )arried. e t(en so'(t to (ave (is na)e in (is &irt( %ertifi%ate %(aned fro) *o))el !a%into/ to *el#,/ and (is se$ fro) *)ale/ to*fe)ale./

!'d)ent is (ere&# rendered =ANIN= t(e petition and orderin t(e :ivil eistrar to%(ane t(e entries appearin in t(e :ertifi%ate of 7irt( of petitioner, spe%ifi%all# for petitioner8sfirst na)e fro) *o))el !a%into/ to FL and petitioner8s ender fro) *ale/ to@FALF.(e :o'rt of Appeals rendered a de%ision in favor of t(e ep'&li%. It r'led t(at t(etrial %o'rt8s de%ision la%ed leal &asis.

IssueG+(et(er or not petitioner is entitled to t(e relief ased for.

Ruling:(e petition la%s )erit. Person8s @irst Na)e :annot 7e :(aned Bn t(e =ro'nd of e$

eassin)ent. (e tate (as an interest in t(e na)es &orne &# individ'als and entities for p'rposes of identifi%ation. A %(ane of na)e is a privilee, not a ri(t. Petitions for %(ane of na)e are %ontrolled &# stat'tes. In t(is %onne%tion, Arti%le 36 of t(e :ivil :ode provides t(at*No person %an %(ane (is na)e or s'rna)e "it(o't C'di%ial a't(orit#./

No La" Allo"s (e :(ane of Fntr# In (e 7irt( :ertifi%ate As o e$ Bn t(e =ro'ndof e$ eassin)ent. (e deter)ination of a person8s se$ appearin in (is &irt( %ertifi%ate is aleal iss'e and t(e %o'rt )'st loo to t(e stat'tes. In t(is %onne%tion, Arti%le 412 of t(e :ivil:ode provides t(at *No entr# in t(e %ivil reister s(all &e %(aned or %orre%ted "it(o't a C'di%ialorder./ @or t(ese reasons, "(ile petitioner )a# (ave s'%%eeded in alterin (is &od# andappearan%e t(ro'( t(e intervention of )odern s'rer#, no la" a't(ori>es t(e %(ane of entr# asto se$ in t(e %ivil reistr# for t(at reason. ('s, t(ere is no leal &asis for (is petition for t(e%orre%tion or %(ane of t(e entries in (is &irt( %ertifi%ate.

Neit(er a# Fntries in t(e 7irt( :ertifi%ate As to @irst Na)e or e$ 7e :(aned on t(e=ro'nd of F'it#. (e trial %o'rt opined t(at its rant of t(e petition "as in %onsonan%e "it( t(e prin%iples of C'sti%e and e'it#. It &elieved t(at allo"in t(e petition "o'ld %a'se no (ar), inC'r#or preC'di%e to an#one. (is is "ron.

(e :o'rt re%oni>es t(at t(ere are people "(ose preferen%es and orientation do not fitneatl# into t(e %o))onl# re%oni>ed para)eters of so%ial %onvention and t(at, at least for t(e),life is indeed an ordeal. o"ever, t(e re)edies petitioner sees involve 'estions of p'&li% poli%# to &e addressed solel# &# t(e leislat're, not &# t(e %o'rts.

NENITA 0IEN"ENIDO, petitioner v.HON. !OURT OF APPEALS, LUISITA !AMA!HO an3

LUIS FAUSTINO !. !AMA!HO, respondents.=.. No. 1111. B%to&er 24, 1994.

39;



Facts:A'relio P. :a)a%(o )arried :onseCo elas%o in anila on B%to&er 3, 1942. Bn @e&r'ar#

6, 1962, "it(o't (is )arriae to :onseCo elas%o &ein dissolved, A'relio P. :a)a%(o%ontra%ted anot(er )arriae "it( respondent L'isita :. :a)a%(o "it( "(o) (e (ad &een livinsin%e 1953 and &# "(o) (e &eot a %(ild, respondent A'relio L'is *:(ito/ @a'stino :.

:a)a%(o, &orn on a# 22, 1961. (e )arriae "as sole)ni>ed in o#o, !apan "(ere A'relioand L'isita (ad &een livin sin%e 195;.7e%a'se of t(eir 'arrels, one or t(e ot(er left t(e d"ellin pla%e for lon periods of ti)e.

In (er %ase L'isita sta#ed on t(ose o%%asions at vario's ti)es in Davao :it#, onon or !apan.In 196 A'relio )et petitioner Nenita . 7ienvenido, "(o (ad &een estraned fro) (er

('s&and, L'is ivera. A'relio %o'rted (er and apparentl# "on (er (eart &e%a'se fro) !'ne 196;'ntil A'relioOs deat( on a# 2;, 19;;, (e lived "it( (er, t(e last ti)e in a d'ple$ apart)ent inS'e>on :it#. PetitionerOs da'(ter, Nanette, sta#ed "it( t(e) as did A'relioOs son, :(ito, "(olived "it( t(e) for a&o't a #ear in 196.

Bn a# 2;, 19;;, A'relio died. Petitioner, 'sin (er Lo#ola Life Plan and A'relioOsa%%o'nt in t(e P:I 7an, too %are of t(e f'neral arrane)ents. espondent L'isita "as t(en in

t(e Jnited tates "it( respondent :(ito, (avin one t(ere, a%%ordin to (er, at t(e instan%e of A'relio in order to loo for a (o'se in an @ran%is%o so t(at A'relio %o'ld follo" and reCoint(e). Jpon learnin of t(e deat( of A'relio s(e and (er son :(ito %a)e (o)e on a# 31, 19;;.

espondent L'isita "as ranted deat( &enefits &# t(e Ar)ed @or%es of t(e P(ilippines ast(e s'rvivin spo'se of A'relio. oon s(e also %lai)ed o"ners(ip of t(e (o'se and lot on %o'tDelado treet in "(i%( Nenita (ad &een livin.

Bn epte)&er , 19;;, L'isita and (er son :(ito &ro'(t t(is %ase in t(e eional rial:o'rt of S'e>on :it#, seein t(e ann'l)ent of t(e sale of t(e propert# to petitioner and t(e pa#)ent to t(e) of da)aes. L'isita alleed t(at t(e deed of sale "as a forer# and t(at in an#event it "as e$e%'ted in fra'd of (er as t(e leiti)ate "ife of A'relio.

Bn A''st 29,19;9, t(e trial %o'rt rendered a de%ision 'p(oldin t(e sale of t(e propert#to petitioner and dis)issin t(e %o)plaint of L'isita. It fo'nd t(e deed of sale in favor of petitioner to &e en'ine and respondents L'isita and :(ito to &e in estoppel in not %lai)in t(e propert# 'ntil 19;; despite no"lede of t(e sale &# t(e late A'relio "(o (ad represented(i)self to &e sinle.

Bn appeal t(e respondents prevailed. Bn !'ne 4, 1993, t(e :o'rt of Appeals reversed t(ede%ision of t(e trial %o'rt and de%lared respondents to &e t(e o"ners of t(e (o'se and lot indisp'te.

Issue:+(et(er or not t(e %o'rt erred in pres')in t(e validit# of t(e )arriae &et"een A'relio

and L'isita

Hel3:Bn t(e 'estion of validit# of L'isitaOs )arriae to A'relio, t(ere is no disp'te on t(e fa%t

of appellant L'isitaOs )arriae in 1962 to A'relio. (e :o'rt finds t(at t(e pres')ption of t(evalidit# of t(e )arriae A'relio and L'isita (as not &een s'%%essf'll# assailed &# appellee. (e:o'rt of Appeals t('s pres')ed t(e validit# of A'relioOs se%ond )arriae fro) t(e fail're of petitioner to prove t(at at t(e ti)e of s'%( )arriae A'relioOs first "ife, :onseCo, (ad not &eena&sent for at least seven #ears and t(at A'relio did not (ave ne"s t(at (is first "ife "e still alive.It "as t(e &'rden of (erein respondents to prove t(at, at t(e ti)e of (is se%ond )arriae torespondent L'isita, A'relioOs first "ife, :onseCo elas%o, (ad &een a&sent for at least seven #earsand t(at A'relio (ad no ne"s t(at s(e "as alive. o ass')e t(ese fa%ts &e%a'se petitioner (as notdisproved t(e) "o'ld &e to stand t(e prin%iple on its (ead. in%e A'relio (ad a valid, s'&sistin)arriae to :onseCo elas%o, (is s'&se'ent )arriae to respondent L'isita "as void for &ein &ia)o's.

IN THE RE: !HAN%E OF NAME OF ULIAN 7AN%=.. No. 159966. ar%( 30, 2005

Facts!'lian Lin :ar'lasan +an "as &orn to parents Anaa Lisa +an and in-@oe +an. (e

399



parents )arried so)e ti)e after. (e# e$e%'ted a deed of leiti)ation in favor of !'lian. (eleiti)ation pra#ed for t(e droppin of t(e )iddle na)e for t"o reasonsG 1< possi&le %onf'sionand dis%ri)ination, and 2< &est interest of t(e %(ild. (e parents planned to send t(eir son toinapore to st'd#. (e# alleed t(at in t(ere t(e )iddle na)e is disrearded. As s'%(, people)i(t et %onf'sed and dis%ri)inate !'lian and (is sister "(o is alread# st'd#in t(ere.

Lie"ise, t(e inaporean andarin lan'ae don8t (ave t(e letter *,/ instead t(e# prono'n%eit as *L./ In effe%t, t(e na)e of !'lian "ill so'nd f'nn#.(e Lo"er :o'rts denied t(e petition. (e Bffi%e of t(e oli%itor =eneral also pointed

o't t(at t(e %a'se of %(ane "as onl# for )ere %onvenien%e and not one of ne%essit#. (e lin &et"een t(e %(anedroppin of t(e )iddle na)e and t(e %(ildOs "elfare "ere not "ells'&stantiated

Issue:+(en %an a person avail of a na)e %(ane

Ruling:

(e 'pre)e :o'rt denied t(e petition. (e reasons are ins'ffi%ient. (ere is no proper and reasona&le %a'se for a %(ane of na)e. (ere is no s(o"in of inaporean la"s reardinna)es, and t(e possi&le effe%ts of %onf'sion and dis%ri)ination are i)ainar# t(an real.P(ilippine la" di%tates t(at t(e leiti)ate and leiti)ated %(ildren s(all %arr# t(e s'rna)es of t(e fat(er and t(e )ot(er.

(e to'%(stone for t(e rant of a %(ane of na)e is t(at t(ere &e Uproper and reasona&le%a'se8 for "(i%( t(e %(ane is so'(t. o C'stif# a re'est for %(ane of na)e, petitioner )'sts(o" not onl# so)e proper or %o)pellin reason t(erefore &'t also t(at (e "ill &e preC'di%ed &#t(e 'se of (is tr'e and offi%ial na)e. A)on t(e ro'nds for %(ane of na)e "(i%( (ave &een(eld valid areG a< "(en t(e na)e is ridi%'lo's, dis(onora&le or e$tre)el# diffi%'lt to "rite or prono'n%e &< "(en t(e %(ane res'lts as a leal %onse'en%e, as in leiti)ation %< "(en t(e%(ane "ill avoid %onf'sion d< "(en one (as %ontin'o'sl# 'sed and &een no"n sin%e%(ild(ood &# a @ilipino na)e, and "as 'na"are of alien parentae e< a sin%ere desire to adopt a@ilipino na)e to erase sins of for)er alienae, all in ood fait( and "it(o't preC'di%inan#&od# and f< "(en t(e s'rna)e %a'ses e)&arrass)ent and t(ere is no s(o"in t(at t(edesired %(ane of na)e "as for a fra'd'lent p'rpose or t(at t(e %(ane of na)e "o'ld preC'di%e p'&li% interest.

Documents

Civil Case Digest Notebook