CATALINO P. ARAFILES, Petitioner, vs. PHILIPPINE JOURNALISTS, INC.

, ROMY MORALES,
MAX BUAN, JR., an MANUEL C. !ILLAREAL, JR., Res"onents
Mar#$ %&, %''(
FACTS)
Petitioner, Cata*ino P. Ara+i*es, see, a revie- o+ t$e J.*/ 01, %''1 2e#ision o+ t$e Co.rt o+
A""ea*s is3issin4 $is #o3"*aint +or a3a4es a4ainst res"onents P$i*i""ine Jo.rna*ists, In#.,
Ro3/ Mora*es, Ma5 B.an, Jr., Man.e* C. !i**area*, Jr. A"ri* 1(, 1678, -$i*e res"onent Mora*es,
a re"orter o+ Peo"*e9s Jo.rna* Toni4$t, -as at t$e :estern Po*i#e 2istri#t Hea;.arters a*on4
Unite Nations Aven.e, Mani*a, E3e*ita 2es".i4, an e3"*o/ee o+ t$e Nationa* Instit.te o+
At3os"$eri# S#ien#es <NIA= *o4e a #o3"*aint a4ainst "etitioner, a NIAS ire#tor, +or +or#i>*e
a>.#tion -it$ ra"e an +or#i>*e a>.#tion -it$ atte3"te ra"e >e+ore t$e t$en on .t/ Patro*3an
Benito C$io at t$e ?enera* Assi4n3ents Se#tion o+ t$e $ea;.arters.
ISSUE)
:$et$er t$e CA erre in $o*in4 t$at t$e ".>*i#ation o+ t$e ne-s ite3 -as not attene -it$
3a*i#e to t$.s +ree res"onents o+ *ia>i*it/ +or a3a4es.
RULIN?)
In #ase o+ e+a3ation, +ra., an "$/si#a* in@.ries, t$e in@.re "art/ 3a/ >rin4 a #ivi* a#tion +or
a3a4es, entire*/ se"arate an istri#t +ro3 t$e #ri3ina* a#tion. S.#$ #ivi* a#tion s$a** "ro#ee
ine"enent*/ o+ t$e #ri3ina* "rose#.tion, s$a** re;.ire on*/ a "re"oneran#e o+ evien#e.
T$e "ertinent "rovision o+ t$e Civi* Coe <H.3an Re*ations= na3e*/ Arti#*es 16 an %1 "rovie)
Arti#*e 16. Ever/ "erson 3.st, in t$e e5er#ise o+ $is ri4$ts an in t$e "er+or3an#e o+ $is .ties,
a#t -it$ @.sti#e, 4ive ever/one $is .#e, an o>serve $onest/ an 4oo +ait$.
Arti#*e %1. An/ "erson -$o -i**+.**/ #a.ses *oss or in@.r/ to anot$er in a 3anner t$at is #ontrar/ to
3ora*s, 4oo #.sto3s or ".>*i# "o*i#/ s$a** #o3"ensate t$e *atter o+ t$e a3a4es.
A ".>*i#ation #*ai3e to >e e+a3ator/ 3.st >e rea an #onstr.e in t$e sense in -$i#$ t$e
reaers to -$o3 it is aresse -o.* orinari*/ .nerstan it. T$e -$o*e ite3, in#*.in4 is"*a/
*ines, s$o.* >e rea an #onstr.e to4et$er, an its 3eanin4 an si4ni+i#ation t$.s eter3ine.
Petitione enie.
INTERNATIONAL FLA!ORS AN2 FRA?RANCES <PHIL.=, INC., "etitioner, vs. MERLIN J.
AR?OS an JAJA C. PINE2A, res"onents, Se"te3>er 1', %''1
A0B( S.C.R.A. 86%A
FACTS)
Res"onents Mer*in Ar4os an Ja@a Pinea are t$e 4enera* 3ana4er an #o33er#ia* ire#tor,
res"e#tive*/, o+ t$e Fra4ran#es 2ivision o+ t$e "etitioner Internationa* F*avors an Fra4ran#es,
In#. <IFFI=. T$e 4enera* 3ana4ers re"orte ire#t*/ to Hernan Costa, t$e a""ointe 3ana4in4
ire#tor. Costa an res"onents $a serio.s i++eren#es. :$en t$e "ositions o+ t$e 4enera*
3ana4ers >e#a3e re.nant, res"onents a4ree to t$e ter3ination o+ t$eir servi#es. T$e/
si4ne a CRe*ease :aiver an D.it#*ai3E. T$at sa3e ti3e, Costa iss.e a CPersonne*
Anno.n#e3entE -$i#$ es#ri>e res"onents as C"ersona non 4rataE an .r4e t$e e3"*o/ees
not to $ave +.rt$er ea*in4s -it$ t$e3. T-o In+or3ations -ere +i*e a4ainst Costa +or t$e #ri3ina*
#$ar4e o+ *i>e*. In aition, res"onents +i*e a #ivi* #ase +or a3a4es a4ainst Costa an
Petitioner Cor"oration <IFFI=, in its s.>siiar/ #a"a#it/ as e3"*o/er.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not "rivate res"onents #o.* s.e "etitioner +or a3a4es >ase on s.>siiar/ *ia>i*it/
in an ine"enent #ivi* a#tion .ner Arti#*e 00 o+ t$e Civi* Coe, .rin4 t$e "enen#/ o+ t$e
#ri3ina* *i>e* #ases a4ainst "etitioner9s e3"*o/ee.
RULIN?)
Arti#*e 00 o+ t$e Civi* Coe "rovies s"e#i+i#a**/ t$at in #ases o+ e+a3ation, t$e in@.re "art/ 3a/
>rin4 a #ivi* a#tion +or a3a4es, entire*/ se"arate an istin#t +ro3 t$e #ri3ina* a#tion. S.#$ #ivi*
a#tion "ro#ees ine"enent*/ o+ t$e #ri3ina* "rose#.tion an re;.ires on*/ a "re"oneran#e o+
evien#e. In Joa;.in vs. Ani#eto, 1% SCRA 0'7 <16B(=, t$e Co.rt $e* t$at Arti#*e 00
#onte3"*ates an a#tion a4ainst t$e e3"*o/ee in $is "ri3ar/ #ivi* *ia>i*it/. It oes not a""*/ to an
a#tion a4ainst t$e e3"*o/er to en+or#e its s.>siiar/ #ivi* *ia>i*it/, >e#a.se s.#$ *ia>i*it/ arises
on*/ a+ter #onvi#tion o+ t$e e3"*o/ee in t$e #ri3ina* #ase or -$en t$e e3"*o/ee is a@.4e 4.i*t/
o+ t$e -ron4+.* a#t in a #ri3ina* a#tion an +o.n to $ave #o33itte t$e o++ense in t$e is#$ar4e
o+ $is .ties. An/ a#tion >ro.4$t a4ainst t$e e3"*o/er >ase on its s.>siiar/ *ia>i*it/ >e+ore t$e
#onvi#tion o+ its e3"*o/ee is "re3at.re.
MARCIA vs. COURT OF APPEALS
1%' SCRA 160
FACTS)
On 2e#e3>er %0, 16&B, in t$e 3.ni#i"a*it/ o+ L.>ao, Pa3"an4a, a "assen4er >.s o-ne an
o"erate >/ "rivate res"onent !i#tor/ Liner, In#. an riven >/ its e3"*o/ee, "rivate res"onent
Fe*are Pa@e, #o**ie -it$ a @ee" riven >/ C*e3ente Mar#ia, res.*tin4 in t$e *atter9s eat$ an in
"$/si#a* in@.ries to $erein "etitioners, E4ar Mar#ia an Renato Ya". T$ere."on, in+or3ation +or
$o3i#ie an serio.s "$/si#a* in@.ries t$r. re#,*ess i3"r.en#e -as +i*e a4ainst Fe*are Pa@e.
On Jan.ar/ %0, 16&8, an a#tion +or a3a4es -as +i*e >/ "etitioners a4ainst "rivate res"onents,
a**e4in4 t$at t$e 3is$a" -as .e to t$e re#,*ess i3"r.en#e an ne4*i4en#e o+ t$e *atter in
rivin4 t$e "assen4er >.s.
:$i*e t$e #ivi* #ase +or a3a4es -as in "ro4ress, t$e #ri3ina* a#tion "ro#eee. T$e a##.se
Fe*are Pa@e -as #onvi#te o+ t$e o++ense #$ar4e. Ho-ever, on a""ea* to t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s,
$e -as a#;.itte an t$e #on#*.sion is t$at FCRIMINAL NE?LI?ENCE is :ANTIN? in t$is #ase,
an t$at a""e**ant -as NOT even ?UILTY o+ CI!IL NE?LI?ENCE. Inso+ar as t$e a""e**ant is
#on#erne, it -as a #ase o+ PURE ACCI2ENT.E
As a #onse;.en#e, "rivate res"onents 3ove +or t$e is3issa* o+ t$e #ivi* #ase +or a3a4es
a4ainst t$e3 invo,in4 t$e e#ision o+ t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s in t$e #ri3ina* #ase <Cor".s vs. Pa@e=.
T$e tria* #o.rt is3isse t$e #ivi* #ase +or a3a4es. On a""ea* t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s, t$e e#ision
o+ t$e tria* #o.rt is3issin4 t$e #ivi* #ase -as a++ir3e.
Petitioners averre t$at t$e #ivi* a#tion t$e/ +i*e -as one o+ t$e nat.re o+ an Ine"enent Civi*
A#tions "rovie .ner Se#tion %, R.*e 111 o+ t$e R.*es o+ Co.rt, an t$ere+ore, s.#$ a#tion
s$o.* "ro#ee ine"enent*/ o+ t$e #ri3ina* "rose#.tion, an s$a** re;.ire on*/ a "re"oneran#e
o+ evien#e.
ISSUE)
Is t$ere a va*i ine"enent #ivi* a#tion +or a3a4es >ase on "$/si#a* in@.ries in t$is #aseG
RULIN?)
Se#tion % o+ R.*e 111 3ere*/ re+ers to t$e instit.tion o+ ine"enent #ivi* a#tion -it$o.t -aitin4 +or
t$e +i*in4 or ter3ination o+ t$e #ri3ina* a#tion an re;.ires on*/ "re"oneran#e o+ evien#e to
"ros"er. Ho-ever, a#;.itta* >ase on t$e +inin4 t$at t$e +a#ts ."on -$i#$ #ivi* *ia>i*it/ i not
e5ist, >ars t$e +i*in4 o+ an ine"enent #ivi* a#tion i+ it is >ase on t$e #ri3e.
As $e* in t$e "rior #ri3ina* #ase <Cor".s vs. Pa@e=, re#,*ess i3"r.en#e or #ri3ina* ne4*i4en#e is
not one o+ t$e t$ree #ri3es 3entione in Arti#*e 00 o+ t$e Civi* Coe. T$e in@.ries s.++ere >/
$erein "etitioners -ere a**e4e to >e t$e res.*t o+ #ri3ina* ne4*i4en#eH t$e/ -ere not in+*i#te -it$
3a*i#e. Hen#e, no ine"enent #ivi* a#tion +or a3a4es 3a/ >e instit.te in #onne#tion t$ere-it$.
T$e #$ar4e a4ainst Fe*are Pa@e -as not +or $o3i#ie or "$/si#a* in@.ries >.t +or re#,*ess
i3"r.en#e res.*tin4 to $o3i#ie <eat$ o+ C*e3ente Mari#ia= an "$/si#a* in@.ries s.++ere >/
"etitioners. T$e/ are not one o+ t$e t$ree #ri3es 3entione in Arti#*e 00 o+ t$e Civi* CoeH
t$ere+ore, no #ivi* a#tion s$a** "ro#ee ine"enent*/ o+ t$e #ri3ina* "rose#.tion.
Jes.s B. R.iI, "etitioner, vs. En#arna#ion U#o* J t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s, res"onents.
A.4.st 8, 1678
FACTS)
T$e *a.nr/-o3an +or "*ainti++Aa""e**ant Att/. Jes.s B. R.iI +i*e an a3inistrative #$ar4e
a4ainst e+enantAa""e**ee En#arna#ion U#o*. U#o*, in $er ans-er, a**e4e t$at Ta4a#a -as
3ere*/ .se as a too* >/ Att/. R.iI -$o -ante to 4et >a#, at t$e U#o*Ks >e#a.se o+ a #ase +i*e
>/ res"onent9s $.s>an a4ainst R.iI. S$e -as a*so a**e4e to $ave 3ae re3ar,s t$at Att/.
R.iI insti4ate t$e #o3"*aint an +a>ri#ate t$e #$ar4es.
:$en t$e a3inistrative #ase -as is3isse, t$e "etitioner +i*e $is o-n #ri3ina* #o3"*aint +or
*i>e* a4ainst U#o* >ase on t$e a**e4e *i>e*o.s "ortion o+ U#o*Ks ans-er.
T$e *o-er #o.rt a#;.itte U#o* on t$e 4ro.n t$at $er 4.i*t -as not esta>*is$e >e/on
reasona>*e o.>t. T$e tria* #o.rt as to t$e #ivi* *ia>i*it/ o+ t$e a##.se 3ae no "rono.n#e3ent.
Instea o+ a""ea*in4, R.iI +i*e a se"arate #o3"*aint +or a3a4es >ase on t$e sa3e +a#ts ."on
-$i#$ t$e *i>e* #ase -as +o.ne.
U#o* +i*e a 3otion to is3iss statin4 t$at t$e a#tion $a "res#ri>e an t$at t$e #a.se o+ a#tion
-as >arre >/ t$e e#ision in t$e #ri3ina* #ase +or *i>e*. T$e tria* #o.rt 4rante t$e 3otion to
is3iss on t$e 4ro.n o+ res @.i#ata. On a""ea*, t$e a""e**ate #o.rt #erti+ie t$e #ase to t$e
S."re3e Co.rt.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e #ivi* a#tion +or a3a4es -as a*rea/ >arre >/ t$e #ri3ina* #ase o+ *i>e*.
RULIN?)
T$e #ontentions o+ t$e "etitioner $ave no 3erit. Art. 00 o+ t$e Civi* Coe, ine"enent*/ o+ a
#ri3ina* a#tion +or e+a3ation, a #ivi* s.it +or t$e re#over/ o+ a3a4es arisin4 t$ere+ro3 3a/ >e
>ro.4$t >/ t$e in@.re "art/. T$e #ivi* *ia>i*it/ arisin4 +ro3 t$e #ri3e #$ar4e 3a/ sti** >e
eter3ine in t$e #ri3ina* "ro#eein4s i+ t$e o++ene "art/ oes not -aive to $ave it a@.4e,
or oes not reserve $is ri4$t to instit.te a se"arate #ivi* a#tion a4ainst t$e e+enant.
T$e S."re3e Co.rt i not +in an/ e+a3ator/ i3".tation, -$i#$ #a.ses is$onor, or is#reit
to t$e #o3"*ainant. S$e -as t$e vi#ti3 o+ an .n"rovo,e, .n@.sti+ie an *i>e*o.s atta#, a4ainst
$er $onor, $onest/, #$ara#ter an re".tationH s$e $as a ri4$t to se*+Ae+ense, -$i#$ s$e i in $er
ans-er, to "rote#t $er $onest/ an inte4rit/ an t$e ver/ @o> ."on -$i#$ $er +a3i*/ e"en +or
t$eir *ive*i$oo.
S.nta/ vs. S.nta/ ?R No. 10%&%(
Petitioner Feeri#o is t$e o""ositor to res"onent Isa>e*9s Petition +or Letters o+ A3inistration
over t$e estate o+ Cristina A. S.nta/ -$o $a ie -it$o.t *eavin4 a -i**. T$e e#eent is t$e -i+e
o+ Feeri#o an t$e 4ran3ot$er o+ Isa>e*. Isa>e*9s +at$er E3i*io, $a "ree#ease $is 3ot$er
Cristina.
T$e 3arria4e o+ Isa>e*9s "arents $a "revio.s*/ >een e#a*re >/ t$e CFI as Cn.** an voi.E
Feeri#o an#$ors $is o""ostion on t$is +a#t, a**e4in4 >ase on Art. 66% o+ t$e CC, t$at Isa>e* $as
no ri4$t to s.##ee >/ ri4$t o+ re"resentation as s$e is an i**e4iti3ate #$i*. T$e tria* #o.rt $a
enie Feeri#o9s Motion to 2is3iss, $en#e t$is "etition +or #ertiorari. Feeri#o #ontens t$at,
inter a*ia, t$at t$e is"ositive "ortion o+ t$e t$e e#ision e#*arin4 t$e 3arria4e o+ Isa>e*9s "arents
Cn.** an voiE >e ."$e*.
Iss.e)
In #ase o+ #on+*i#t >et-een t$e >o/ o+ t$e e#ision an t$e is"ostive "ortion t$ereo+, -$i#$
s$o.* "revai*G Re*ate t$ereto, -as t$e 3arria4e o+ Isa>e*9s "arents a #ase o+ a voi or voia>*e
3arria4eG
:$et$er or not Isa>e* is an *e4iti3ate #$i*G
R.*in4) Petition is3isse
Art. 1' o+ t$e Civi* Coe states t$at in #ase o+ o.>t in t$e inter"retation an a""*i#ation o+ *a-s, it
is "res.3e t$at t$e *a-3a,in4 >o/ intene ri4$t an @.sti#e to "revai*. T$is is a*so a""*i#a>*e
an >inin4 ."on #o.rts in re*ation to its @.43ent. :$i*e t$e is"ositive "ortion o+ t$e CFI
e#ision states t$at t$e 3arria4e >e Ce#*are n.** an voi,E t$e >o/ $a s$o-n t$at t$e *e4a*
>asis -as "ar. 0 Art. 7& o+ t$e Civi* Coe, -$i#$ -as in e++e#t at t$e ti3e. Art. 7& en.3erates t$e
#a.ses +or -$i#$ a 3arria4e 3a/ >e ann.**e. As s.#$ t$e #on+*i#t >et-een t$e >o/ an t$e
is"ositive "ortion o+ t$e e#ision 3a/ >e re#on#i*a>*e as note >/ t$e S."re3e Co.rt.
T$e +.na3enta* istin#tion >et-een voi an voia>*e 3arria4es is t$at voi 3arria4e is
ee3e never to $ave ta,en "*a#e at a**. T$e e++e#ts o+ voi 3arria4es, -it$ res"e#t to "ro"ert/
re*ations o+ t$e s"o.ses are "rovie +or .ner Arti#*e 1(( o+ t$e Civi* Coe. C$i*ren >orn o+
s.#$ 3arria4es -$o are #a**e nat.ra* #$i*ren >/ *e4a* +i#tion $ave t$e sa3e stat.s, ri4$ts an
o>*i4ations as a#,no-*e4e nat.ra* #$i*ren .ner Arti#*e 76 irres"e#tive o+ -$et$er or not t$e
"arties to t$e voi 3arria4e are in 4oo +ait$ or in >a +ait$.
On t$e ot$er $an, a voia>*e 3arria4e, is #onsiere va*i an "ro.#es a** its #ivi* e++e#ts, .nti*
it is set asie >/ +ina* @.43ent o+ a #o3"etent #o.rt in an a#tion +or ann.*3ent. J.rii#a**/, t$e
ann.*3ent o+ a 3arria4e isso*ves t$e s"e#ia* #ontra#t as i+ it $a never >een entere into >.t t$e
*a- 3a,es e5"ress "rovisions to "revent t$e e++e#ts o+ t$e 3arria4e +ro3 >ein4 tota**/ -i"e o.t.
T$e stat.s o+ #$i*ren >orn in voia>*e 3arria4es is 4overne >/ t$e se#on "ara4ra"$ o+ Arti#*e
76 -$i#$ "rovies t$at)
C$i*ren #on#eive o+ voia>*e 3arria4es >e+ore t$e e#ree o+ ann.*3ent s$a** >e #onsiere
*e4iti3ateH an #$i*ren #on#eive t$erea+ter s$a** $ave t$e sa3e stat.s, ri4$ts an o>*i4ations as
a#,no-*e4e nat.ra* #$i*ren, an are a*so #a**e nat.ra* #$i*ren >/ *e4a* +i#tion.
In vie- t$ereo+, t$e stat.s o+ Isa>e* -o.* >e #overe >/ t$e se#on "ara4ra"$ o+ Arti#*e 76 o+
t$e Civi* Coe -$i#$ "rovies t$at C #$i*ren #on#eive o+ voia>*e 3arria4es >e+ore t$e e#ree
o+ ann.*3ent s$a** >e #onsiere *e4iti3ate.E
IN THE MATTER OF THE TESTATE ESTATE OF E2:AR2 E. CHRISTENSEN, 2ECEASE2.
A2OLFO C. ALNAR, E5e#.tor an LUCY CHRISTENSEN, Heir o+ t$e e#ease, E5e#.tor an
HeirAa""e**ees, !S. HELEN CHRISTENSEN ?ARCIA, o""ositorAa""e**ant
Jan.ar/ 01, 16B0
FACTS)
E-ar E. C$ristensen, t$o.4$ >orn in Ne- Yor,, 3i4rate to Ca*i+ornia, -$ere $e resie an
#onse;.ent*/ -as #onsiere a Ca*i+ornia #itiIen. In 1610, $e #a3e to t$e P$i*i""ines -$ere $e
>e#a3e a o3i#i*iar/ .nti* $is eat$. Ho-ever, .rin4 t$e entire "erio o+ $is resien#e in t$is
#o.ntr/ $e $a a*-a/s #onsiere $i3se*+ a #itiIen o+ Ca*i+ornia. In $is -i** e5e#.te on Mar#$ &,
16&1, $e instit.te an a#,no-*e4e nat.ra* a.4$ter, Maria L.#/ C$ristensen as $is on*/ $eir,
>.t *e+t a *e4a#/ o+ s.3 o+ 3one/ in +avor o+ He*en C$ristensen ?ar#ia -$o -as renere to $ave
>een e#*are a#,no-*e4e nat.ra* a.4$ter. Co.nse* +or a""e**ant #*ai3s t$at Ca*i+ornia *a-
s$o.* >e a""*ieH t$at .ner Ca*i+ornia *a-, t$e 3atter is re+erre >a#, to t$e *a- o+ t$e o3i#i*eH
t$at t$ere+ore P$i*i""ine *a- is .*ti3ate*/ a""*i#a>*eH t$at +ina**/, t$e s$are o+ He*en 3.st >e
in#rease in vie- o+ t$e s.##ess iona* ri4$ts o+ i**e4iti3ate #$i*ren .ner P$i*i""ine *a-. On t$e
ot$er $an, #o.nse* +or t$e $eir o+ C$ristensen #ontens t$at inas3.#$ as it is #*ear t$at .ner
Arti#*e 1B o+ o.r Civi* Coe, t$e nationa* *a- o+ t$e e#ease 3.st a""*/, o.r #o.rts 3.st
i33eiate*/ a""*/ t$e interna* *a- o+ Ca*i+ornia on t$e 3atterH t$at .ner Ca*i+ornia *a- t$ere are
no #o3".*sor/ $eirs an #onse;.ent*/ a testator #o.* is"ose o+ an/ "ro"ert/ "ossesse >/ $i3
in a>so*.te o3inion an t$at +ina**/, i**e4iti3ate #$i*ren not >ein4 entit*e to an/t$in4 an $is -i**
re3ain .nist.r>e.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e P$i*i""ine *a- s$o.* "revai* in a3inisterin4 t$e estate o+ C$ristensenG
RULIN?)
T$e #o.rt in e#iin4 to 4rant 3ore s.##essiona* ri4$ts to He*en sai in e++e#t t$at t$ere are t-o
r.*es in Ca*i+ornia on t$e 3atter) t$e interna* *a- -$i#$ s$o.* a""*/ to Ca*i+ornians o3i#i*e in
Ca*i+orniaH an t$e #on+*i#t r.*e -$i#$ s$o.* a""*/ to Ca*i+ornians o3i#i*e o.tsie o+ Ca*i+ornia.
T$e Ca*i+ornia #on+*i#t r.*e sa/s) CI+ t$ere is no *a- to t$e #ontrar/ in t$e "*a#e -$ere "ersona*
"ro"ert/ is sit.ate, is ee3e to +o**o- t$e "erson o+ its o-ner an is 4overne >/ t$e *a- o+ $is
o3i#i*e.E C$ristensen >ein4 o3i#i*e o.tsie Ca*i+ornia, t$e *a- o+ $is o3i#i*e, t$e P$i*i""ines,
o.4$t to >e +o**o-e. :$ere it is re+erre >a#, to Ca*i+ornia, it -i** +or3 a #ir#.*ar "attern re+errin4
to >ot$ #o.ntr/ >a#, an +ort$.
TESTATE ESTATE OF AMOS ?. BELLIS, e#ease, PEOPLE9S BANM J TRUST COMPANY,
e5e#.tor, MARIA CRISTINA BELLIS an MIRIAM PALMA BELLIS, o""ositorsAa""e**ants, !S.
E2:AR2 A. BELLIS, ET. AL., $eirAa""e**ees
J.ne B, 16B8
FACTS)
A3os Be**is, >orn in Te5as, -as a #itiIen o+ t$e State o+ Te5as an o+ t$e Unite States. He $a
& *e4iti3ate #$i*ren -it$ $is -i+e, Mar/ Ma**en, -$o3 $e $a ivor#e, 0 *e4iti3ate #$i*ren -it$
$is %n -i+e, !io*et Menne/ an +ina**/, 0 i**e4iti3ate #$i*ren.
Prior to $is eat$, A3os Be**is e5e#.te a -i** in t$e P$i*i""ines in -$i#$ $is istri>.ta>*e estate
s$o.* >e ivie in tr.st in t$e +o**o-in4 orer an 3anner)
a. N%(',''' to $is 1st -i+e Mar/ Ma**enH
>. P1%',''' to $is 0 i**e4iti3ate #$i*ren at P(',''' ea#$H
#. T$e re3ainer s$a** 4o to $is s.rvivin4 #$i*ren >/ $is 1st an %n -ives, in e;.a* s$ares.
S.>se;.ent*/, A3os Be**is ie a resient o+ San Antonio, Te5as, USA. His -i** -as a3itte to
"ro>ate in t$e P$i*i""ines. T$e Peo"*e9s Ban, an Tr.st Co3"an/, an e5e#.tor o+ t$e -i**, "ai
t$e entire >e;.est t$erein.
Pre"arator/ to #*osin4 its a3inistration, t$e e5e#.tor s.>3itte an +i*e its CE5e#.tor9s Fina*
A##o.nt, Re"ort o+ A3inistration an Pro@e#t o+ PartitionE -$ere it re"orte, inter a*ia, t$e
satis+a#tion o+ t$e *e4a#/ o+ Mar/ Ma**en >/ t$e s$ares o+ sto#, a3o.ntin4 to N%(',''' e*ivere
to $er, an t$e *e4a#ies o+ t$e 0 i**e4iti3ate #$i*ren in t$e a3o.nt o+ P(',''' ea#$ or a tota* o+
P1%','''. In t$e "ro@e#t "artition, t$e e5e#.tor ivie t$e resi.ar/ estate into 8 e;.a* "ortions
+or t$e >ene+it o+ t$e testator9s 8 *e4iti3ate #$i*ren >/ $is 1st an %n 3arria4es.
A3on4 t$e 0 i**e4iti3ate #$i*ren, Mari Cristina an Miria3 Pa*3a Be**is +i*e t$eir res"e#tive
o""osition to t$e "ro@e#t "artition on t$e 4ro.n t$at t$e/ -ere e"rive o+ t$eir *e4iti3ates as
i**e4iti3ate #$i*ren.
T$e *o-er #o.rt enie t$eir res"e#tive 3otions +or re#onsieration.
ISSUE)
:$et$er Te5an La- o+ P$i*i""ine La- 3.st a""*/.
RULIN?)
It is not is".te t$at t$e e#eent -as >ot$ a nationa* o+ Te5as an a o3i#i*e t$ereo+ at t$e
ti3e o+ $is eat$. So t$at even ass.3in4 Te5an $as a #on+*i#t o+ *a- r.*e "roviin4 t$at t$e sa3e
-o.* not res.*t in a re+eren#e >a#, <renvoi= to P$i*i""ine La-, >.t -o.* sti** re+er to Te5as La-.
Nonet$e*ess, i+ Te5as $as #on+*i#t r.*e ao"tin4 t$e sit.s t$eor/ <*e5 rei sitae= #a**in4 +or t$e
a""*i#ation o+ t$e *a- o+ t$e "*a#e -$ere t$e "ro"erties are sit.ate, renvoi -o.* arise, sin#e t$e
"ro"erties $ere invo*ve are +o.n in t$e P$i*i""ines. In t$e a>sen#e, $o-ever o+ "roo+s as to t$e
#on+*i#t o+ *a- r.*e o+ Te5as, it s$o.* not >e "res.3e i++erent +ro3 o.r a""e**ants, "osition is
t$ere+ore not reste on t$e o#trine o+ renvoi.
T$e "arties a3it t$at t$e e#eent, A3os Be**is, -as a #itiIen o+ t$e State o+ Te5as, USA an
t$at .ner t$e La-s o+ Te5as, t$ere are no +or#e $eirs or *e4iti3ates. A##orin4*/, sin#e t$e
intrinsi# va*iit/ o+ t$e "rovision o+ t$e -i** an t$e a3o.nt o+ s.##essiona* ri4$ts $as to >e
eter3ine .ner Te5as La-, t$e P$i*i""ine La- on *e4iti3ates #an not >e a""*ie to t$e testate
o+ A3os Be**is.
PCIB !S. ESCOLIN
&B SCRA %BB
FACTS)
Linnie Jane Ho4es ie 4ivin4 $er testa3entar/ "rovisions to $er $.s>an. At t$e ti3e o+ $er
eat$, s$e -as #itiIen o+ Te5as >.t, -as, $o-ever o3i#i*e in t$e P$i*i""ines. To see -$et$er
t$e testa3entar/ "rovisions are va*i, it is a""arent an ne#essar/ to ,no- -$at *a- s$o.* >e
a""*ie.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not *a-s o+ Te5as is a""*i#a>*e.
RULIN?)
It is ne#essar/ t$at t$e Te5as *a- >e as#ertaine. Here it 3.st >e "roven -$et$er a renvoi -i**
$a""en or -$et$er Te5as *a- 3a,es t$e testa3entar/ "rovisions va*i. In *ine -it$ Te5as *a-,
t$at -$i#$ s$o.* >e "roven is t$e *a- en+or#e .rin4 t$e eat$ o+ Ho4es an not in an/ ot$er
ti3e.
T$e S."re3e Co.rt $e* t$at t$e estate o+ Mrs. Ho4es in$erite >/ $er >rot$ers an sisters
#o.* >e 3ore t$an @.st state, >.t t$is -o.* e"en on <1= -$et$er ."on t$e "ro"er a""*i#ation
o+ t$e "rin#i"*e o+ renvoi in re*ation to Arti#*e 1B o+ t$e Civi* Coe an t$e "ertinent *a-s o+ Te5as,
it -i** a""ear t$at Ho4es $a no *e4iti3e as #ontene >/ Ma4no, an <%= -$et$er or not it #an
>e $e* t$at Ho4es $a *e4a**/ an e++e#tive*/ reno.n#e $is in$eritan#e +ro3 $is -i+e. Uner
t$e #ir#.3stan#es "resent*/ o>tainin4 an in t$e state o+ t$e re#or o+ t$ese #ases, as o+ no-,
t$e Co.rt is not in a "osition to 3a,e a +ina* r.*in4, -$et$er o+ +a#t or o+ *a-, on an/ o+ t$ese t-o
iss.es, an :e, t$ere+ore, reserve sai iss.es +or +.rt$er "ro#eein4s an reso*.tion in t$e +irst
instan#e >/ t$e #o.rt o ;.o, as $ereina>ove ini#ate. :e reiterate, $o-ever, t$at "enin4 s.#$
+.rt$er "ro#eein4s, as 3atters stan at t$is sta4e, O.r #onsiere o"inion is t$at it is >e/on
#avi* t$at sin#e, .ner t$e ter3s o+ t$e -i** o+ Mrs. Ho4es, $er $.s>an #o.* not $ave an/-a/
*e4a**/ a@.i#ate or #a.se to >e a@.i#ate to $i3se*+ $er -$o*e s$are o+ t$eir #on@.4a*
"artners$i", a*>eit $e #o.* $ave is"ose an/ "art t$ereo+ .rin4 $is *i+eti3e, t$e res.*tin4 estate
o+ Mrs. Ho4es, o+ -$i#$ Ma4no is t$e .n#onteste a3inistratri5, #annot >e *ess t$an oneA+o.rt$
o+ t$e #on@.4a* "artners$i" "ro"erties, as o+ t$e ti3e o+ $er eat$, 3in.s -$at, as e5"*aine
ear*ier, $ave >een 4rat.ito.s*/ is"ose o+ t$ere+ro3, >/ Ho4es in +avor o+ t$ir "ersons sin#e
t$en, +or even i+ it -ere ass.3e t$at, as #ontene >/ PCIB, .ner Arti#*e 1B o+ t$e Civi* Coe
an a""*/in4 renvoi t$e *a-s o+ t$e P$i*i""ines are t$e ones .*ti3ate*/ a""*i#a>*e, s.#$ oneA+o.rt$
s$are -o.* >e $er +ree is"osa>*e "ortion, ta,in4 into a##o.nt a*rea/ t$e *e4iti3e o+ $er
$.s>an .ner Arti#*e 6'' o+ t$e Civi* Coe.
ROMMEL JACINTO 2ANTES SIL!ERIO vs. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
?R No. 18(B76
O#to>er %%, %''8
CORONA, J.)
:$en ?o #reate 3an, He 3ae $i3 in t$e *i,eness o+ ?oH He #reate t$e3 3a*e an +e3a*e.
<?enesis &)1A%=
A3i$an 4aIe ."on t$e >a3>oo ree "*ante >/ Bat$a*a an s$e $ear voi#es #o3in4 +ro3
insie t$e >a3>oo. CO$ Nort$ :inO Nort$ :inO P*ease *et .s o.tO,E t$e voi#es sai. S$e "e#,e
t$e ree on#e, t$en t-i#e. A** o+ a s.en, t$e >a3>oo #ra#,e an s*it o"en. O.t #a3e t-o
$.3an >ein4sH one -as a 3a*e an t$e ot$er -as a +e3a*e. A3i$an na3e t$e 3an CMa*a,asE
<Stron4= an t$e -o3an CMa4anaE <Bea.ti+.*=. <T$e Le4en o+ Ma*a,as an Ma4ana=
:$en is a 3an a 3an an -$en is a -o3an a -o3anG In "arti#.*ar, oes t$e *a- re#o4niIe t$e
#$an4es 3ae >/ a "$/si#ian .sin4 s#a*"e*, r.4s an #o.nse*in4 -it$ re4ar to a "erson9s se5G
Ma/ a "erson s.##ess+.**/ "etition +or a #$an4e o+ na3e an se5 a""earin4 in t$e >irt$ #erti+i#ate
to re+*e#t t$e res.*t o+ a se5 reassi4n3ent s.r4er/G
FACTS)
On Nove3>er %B, %''%, "etitioner Ro33e* Ja#into 2antes Si*verio +i*e a "etition +or t$e #$an4e
o+ $is +irst na3e an se5 in $is >irt$ #erti+i#ate in t$e RTC o+ Mani*a, Bran#$ 7, a**e4in4 t$at $e is
a 3a*e transse5.a*, t$at is, Canato3i#a**/ 3a*e >.t +ee*s, t$in,s an a#ts as a +e3a*eE an t$at $e
$a a*-a/s ienti+ie $i3se*+ -it$ 4ir*s sin#e #$i*$oo. Fee*in4 tra""e in a 3an9s >o/, $e
#ons.*te severa* o#tors in t$e Unite States. He .ner-ent "s/#$o*o4i#a* e5a3ination,
$or3one treat3ent an >reast a.43entation. His atte3"ts to trans+or3 $i3se*+ to a C-o3anE
#.*3inate on Jan.ar/ %8, %''1 -$en $e .ner-ent se5 reassi4n3ent s.r4er/ in Ban4,o,,
T$ai*an. Fro3 t$en on, "etitioner *ive as a +e3a*e an -as in +a#t en4a4e to >e 3arrie. He
t$en so.4$t to $ave $is na3e in $is >irt$ #erti+i#ate #$an4e +ro3 CRo33e* Ja#intoE to CMe*/,E
an $is se5 +ro3 C3a*eE to C+e3a*e.E
On J.ne (, %''0, t$e tria* #o.rt renere a e#ision in +avor o+ "etitioner, statin4 t$at 4rantin4 t$e
"etition -o.* >e 3ore in #onsonan#e -it$ t$e "rin#i"*es o+ @.sti#e an e;.it/H t$at -it$ $is se5.a*
reAassi4n3ent, "etitioner, -$o $as a*-a/s +e*t, t$o.4$t an a#te *i,e a -o3an, no- "ossesses
t$e "$/si;.e o+ a +e3a*e. Petitioner9s 3is+ort.ne to >e tra""e in a 3an9s >o/ is not $is o-n
oin4 an s$o.* not >e in an/ -a/ ta,en a4ainst $i3. Li,e-ise, t$e #o.rt >e*ieves t$at no $ar3,
in@.r/ or "re@.i#e -i** >e #a.se to an/>o/ or t$e #o33.nit/ in 4rantin4 t$e "etition. On t$e
#ontrar/, 4rantin4 t$e "etition -o.* >rin4 t$e 3.#$Aa-aite $a""iness on t$e "art o+ t$e
"etitioner an $er +ian#P an t$e rea*iIation o+ t$eir rea3s.
On A.4.st 17, %''0, t$e Re".>*i# o+ t$e P$i*i""ines <Re".>*i#=, t$r. t$e OS?, +i*e a "etition +or
#ertiorari in t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s. It a**e4e t$at t$ere is no *a- a**o-in4 t$e #$an4e o+ entries in
t$e >irt$ #erti+i#ate >/ reason o+ se5 a*teration. On Fe>r.ar/ %0, %''B, t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s
renere a e#ision in +avor o+ t$e Re".>*i#, an set asie t$e e#ision o+ t$e tria* #o.rt. Hen#e,
t$is "etition.
ISSUE) :$et$er or not t$e #$an4e o+ "etitioner9s na3e an se5 in $is >irt$ #erti+i#ate is a**o-e
.ner Arti#*es ('8 to (10 o+ t$e Civi* Coe, R.*es 1'0 an 1'7 o+ t$e R.*es o+ Co.rt an RA
6'(7.
HEL2)
A PERSON9S FIRST NAME CANNOT BE CHAN?E2 ON THE ?ROUN2 OF SEX
REASSI?NMENT
T$e State $as an interest in t$e na3es >orne >/ inivi.a*s an entities +or ".r"oses o+
ienti+i#ation. A #$an4e o+ na3e is a "rivi*e4e, not a ri4$t. Petitions +or #$an4e o+ na3e are
#ontro**e >/ stat.tes. In t$is #onne#tion, Arti#*e 08B o+ t$e Civi* Coe "rovies) No "erson #an
#$an4e $is na3e or s.rna3e -it$o.t @.i#ia* a.t$orit/.
T$is Civi* Coe "rovision -as a3ene >/ RA 6'(7 <C*eri#a* Error La-=. In "arti#.*ar, Se#tion 1
o+ RA 6'(7 "rovies)
SECTION 1. A.t$orit/ to Corre#t C*eri#a* or T/"o4ra"$i#a* Error an C$an4e o+ First Na3e or
Ni#,na3e. Q No entr/ in a #ivi* re4ister s$a** >e #$an4e or #orre#te -it$o.t a @.i#ia* orer,
e5#e"t +or #*eri#a* or t/"o4ra"$i#a* errors an #$an4e o+ +irst na3e or ni#,na3e -$i#$ #an >e
#orre#te or #$an4e >/ t$e #on#erne #it/ or 3.ni#i"a* #ivi* re4istrar or #ons.* 4enera* in
a##oran#e -it$ t$e "rovisions o+ t$is A#t an its i3"*e3entin4 r.*es an re4.*ations.
RA 6'(7 no- 4overns t$e #$an4e o+ +irst na3e. It vests t$e "o-er an a.t$orit/ to entertain
"etitions +or #$an4e o+ +irst na3e to t$e #it/ or 3.ni#i"a* #ivi* re4istrar or #ons.* 4enera*
#on#erne. Uner t$e *a-, t$ere+ore, @.risi#tion over a""*i#ations +or #$an4e o+ +irst na3e is no-
"ri3ari*/ *o4e -it$ t$e a+ore3entione a3inistrative o++i#ers. T$e intent an e++e#t o+ t$e *a- is
to e5#*.e t$e #$an4e o+ +irst na3e +ro3 t$e #overa4e o+ R.*es 1'0 <C$an4e o+ Na3e= an 1'7
<Can#e**ation or Corre#tion o+ Entries in t$e Civi* Re4istr/= o+ t$e R.*es o+ Co.rt, .nti* an .n*ess
an a3inistrative "etition +or #$an4e o+ na3e is +irst +i*e an s.>se;.ent*/ enie. It *i,e-ise
*a/s o-n t$e #orres"onin4 ven.e, +or3 an "ro#e.re. In s.3, t$e re3e/ an t$e
"ro#eein4s re4.*atin4 #$an4e o+ +irst na3e are "ri3ari*/ a3inistrative in nat.re, not @.i#ia*.
RA 6'(7 *i,e-ise "rovies t$e 4ro.ns +or -$i#$ #$an4e o+ +irst na3e 3a/ >e a**o-e)
SECTION (. ?ro.ns +or C$an4e o+ First Na3e or Ni#,na3e. Q T$e "etition +or #$an4e o+ +irst
na3e or ni#,na3e 3a/ >e a**o-e in an/ o+ t$e +o**o-in4 #ases)
<1= T$e "etitioner +ins t$e +irst na3e or ni#,na3e to >e rii#.*o.s, tainte -it$ is$onor or
e5tre3e*/ i++i#.*t to -rite or "rono.n#eH
<%= T$e ne- +irst na3e or ni#,na3e $as >een $a>it.a**/ an #ontin.o.s*/ .se >/ t$e "etitioner
an $e $as >een ".>*i#*/ ,no-n >/ t$at +irst na3e or ni#,na3e in t$e #o33.nit/H or
<0= T$e #$an4e -i** avoi #on+.sion.
Petitioner9s >asis in "ra/in4 +or t$e #$an4e o+ $is +irst na3e -as $is se5 reassi4n3ent. He
intene to 3a,e $is +irst na3e #o3"ati>*e -it$ t$e se5 $e t$o.4$t $e trans+or3e $i3se*+ into
t$ro.4$ s.r4er/. Ho-ever, a #$an4e o+ na3e oes not a*ter one9s *e4a* #a"a#it/ or #ivi* stat.s.
RA 6'(7 oes not san#tion a #$an4e o+ +irst na3e on t$e 4ro.n o+ se5 reassi4n3ent. Rat$er
t$an avoiin4 #on+.sion, #$an4in4 "etitioner9s +irst na3e +or $is e#*are ".r"ose 3a/ on*/
#reate 4rave #o3"*i#ations in t$e #ivi* re4istr/ an t$e ".>*i# interest.
Be+ore a "erson #an *e4a**/ #$an4e $is 4iven na3e, $e 3.st "resent "ro"er or reasona>*e #a.se
or an/ #o3"e**in4 reason @.sti+/in4 s.#$ #$an4e. In aition, $e 3.st s$o- t$at $e -i** >e
"re@.i#e >/ t$e .se o+ $is tr.e an o++i#ia* na3e. In t$is #ase, $e +ai*e to s$o-, or even a**e4e,
an/ "re@.i#e t$at $e 3i4$t s.++er as a res.*t o+ .sin4 $is tr.e an o++i#ia* na3e.
In s.3, t$e "etition in t$e tria* #o.rt in so +ar as it "ra/e +or t$e #$an4e o+ "etitioner9s +irst na3e
-as not -it$in t$at #o.rt9s "ri3ar/ @.risi#tion as t$e "etition s$o.* $ave >een +i*e -it$ t$e *o#a*
#ivi* re4istrar #on#erne, ass.3in4 it #o.* >e *e4a**/ one. It -as an i3"ro"er re3e/ >e#a.se
t$e "ro"er re3e/ -as a3inistrative, t$at is, t$at "rovie .ner RA 6'(7. It -as a*so +i*e in
t$e -ron4 ven.e as t$e "ro"er ven.e -as in t$e O++i#e o+ t$e Civi* Re4istrar o+ Mani*a -$ere $is
>irt$ #erti+i#ate is ,e"t. More i3"ortant*/, it $a no 3erit sin#e t$e .se o+ $is tr.e an o++i#ia*
na3e oes not "re@.i#e $i3 at a**. For a** t$ese reasons, t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s #orre#t*/
is3isse "etitioner9s "etition in so +ar as t$e #$an4e o+ $is +irst na3e -as #on#erne.
NO LA: ALLO:S THE CHAN?E OF ENTRY IN THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE AS TO SEX ON
THE ?ROUN2 OF SEX REASSI?NMENT
T$e eter3ination o+ a "erson9s se5 a""earin4 in $is >irt$ #erti+i#ate is a *e4a* iss.e an t$e #o.rt
3.st *oo, to t$e stat.tes. In t$is #onne#tion, Arti#*e (1% o+ t$e Civi* Coe "rovies) No entr/ in t$e
#ivi* re4ister s$a** >e #$an4e or #orre#te -it$o.t a @.i#ia* orer.
To4et$er -it$ Arti#*e 08B o+ t$e Civi* Coe, t$is "rovision -as a3ene >/ RA 6'(7 in so +ar as
#*eri#a* or t/"o4ra"$i#a* errors are invo*ve. T$e #orre#tion or #$an4e o+ s.#$ 3atters #an no-
>e 3ae t$ro.4$ a3inistrative "ro#eein4s an -it$o.t t$e nee +or a @.i#ia* orer. In e++e#t,
RA 6'(7 re3ove +ro3 t$e a3>it o+ R.*e 1'7 o+ t$e R.*es o+ Co.rt t$e #orre#tion o+ s.#$ errors.
R.*e 1'7 no- a""*ies on*/ to s.>stantia* #$an4es an #orre#tions in entries in t$e #ivi* re4ister.
Se#tion %<#= o+ RA 6'(7 e+ines -$at a C#*eri#a* or t/"o4ra"$i#a* errorE is) CC*eri#a* or
t/"o4ra"$i#a* errorE re+ers to a 3ista,e #o33itte in t$e "er+or3an#e o+ #*eri#a* -or, in -ritin4,
#o"/in4, trans#ri>in4 or t/"in4 an entr/ in t$e #ivi* re4ister t$at is $ar3*ess an inno#.o.s, s.#$
as 3iss"e**e na3e or 3iss"e**e "*a#e o+ >irt$ or t$e *i,e, -$i#$ is visi>*e to t$e e/es or o>vio.s
to t$e .nerstanin4, an #an >e #orre#te or #$an4e on*/ >/ re+eren#e to ot$er e5istin4 re#or
or re#ors) Provie, $o-ever, T$at no #orre#tion 3.st invo*ve t$e #$an4e o+ nationa*it/, a4e,
stat.s or se5 o+ t$e "etitioner.
Uner RA 6'(7, a #orre#tion in t$e #ivi* re4istr/ invo*vin4 t$e #$an4e o+ se5 is not a 3ere #*eri#a*
or t/"o4ra"$i#a* error. It is a s.>stantia* #$an4e +or -$i#$ t$e a""*i#a>*e "ro#e.re is R.*e 1'7 o+
t$e R.*es o+ Co.rt.
T$e entries envisa4e in Arti#*e (1% o+ t$e Civi* Coe an #orre#ta>*e .ner R.*e 1'7 o+ t$e
R.*es o+ Co.rt are t$ose "rovie in Arti#*es ('8 an ('7 o+ t$e Civi* Coe)
ART. ('8. A#ts, events an @.i#ia* e#rees #on#ernin4 t$e #ivi* stat.s o+ "ersons s$a** >e
re#ore in t$e #ivi* re4ister.
ART. ('7. T$e +o**o-in4 s$a** >e entere in t$e #ivi* re4ister)
<1= Birt$sH <%= 3arria4esH <0= eat$sH <(= *e4a* se"arationsH <&= ann.*3ents o+ 3arria4eH <B=
@.43ents e#*arin4 3arria4es voi +ro3 t$e >e4innin4H <8= *e4iti3ationsH <7= ao"tionsH <6=
a#,no-*e43ents o+ nat.ra* #$i*renH <1'= nat.ra*iIationH <11= *oss, or <1%= re#over/ o+ #itiIens$i"H
<10= #ivi* interi#tionH <1(= @.i#ia* eter3ination o+ +i*iationH <1&= vo*.ntar/ e3an#i"ation o+ a
3inorH an <1B= #$an4es o+ na3e.
T$e a#ts, events or +a#t.a* errors #onte3"*ate .ner Arti#*e ('8 o+ t$e Civi* Coe in#*.e even
t$ose t$at o##.r a+ter >irt$. Ho-ever, no reasona>*e inter"retation o+ t$e "rovision #an @.sti+/ t$e
#on#*.sion t$at it #overs t$e #orre#tion on t$e 4ro.n o+ se5 reassi4n3ent.
To #orre#t si3"*/ 3eans Cto 3a,e or set ari4$tH to re3ove t$e +a.*ts or error +ro3E -$i*e to
#$an4e 3eans Cto re"*a#e so3et$in4 -it$ so3et$in4 e*se o+ t$e sa3e ,in or -it$ so3et$in4 t$at
serves as a s.>stit.te.E T$e >irt$ #erti+i#ate o+ "etitioner #ontaine no error. A** entries t$erein,
in#*.in4 t$ose #orres"onin4 to $is +irst na3e an se5, -ere a** #orre#t. No #orre#tion is
ne#essar/.
Arti#*e ('8 o+ t$e Civi* Coe a.t$oriIes t$e entr/ in t$e #ivi* re4istr/ o+ #ertain a#ts <s.#$ as
*e4iti3ations, a#,no-*e43ents o+ i**e4iti3ate #$i*ren an nat.ra*iIation=, events <s.#$ as >irt$s,
3arria4es, nat.ra*iIation an eat$s= an @.i#ia* e#rees <s.#$ as *e4a* se"arations,
ann.*3ents o+ 3arria4e, e#*arations o+ n.**it/ o+ 3arria4es, ao"tions, nat.ra*iIation, *oss or
re#over/ o+ #itiIens$i", #ivi* interi#tion, @.i#ia* eter3ination o+ +i*iation an #$an4es o+ na3e=.
T$ese a#ts, events an @.i#ia* e#rees "ro.#e *e4a* #onse;.en#es t$at to.#$ ."on t$e *e4a*
#a"a#it/, stat.s an nationa*it/ o+ a "erson. T$eir e++e#ts are e5"ress*/ san#tione >/ t$e *a-s. In
#ontrast, se5 reassi4n3ent is not a3on4 t$ose a#ts or events 3entione in Arti#*e ('8. Neit$er is
it re#o4niIe nor even 3entione >/ an/ *a-, e5"ress*/ or i3"*ie*/.
CStat.sE re+ers to t$e #ir#.3stan#es a++e#tin4 t$e *e4a* sit.ation <t$at is, t$e s.3 tota* o+
#a"a#ities an in#a"a#ities= o+ a "erson in vie- o+ $is a4e, nationa*it/ an $is +a3i*/ 3e3>ers$i".
T$e stat.s o+ a "erson in *a- in#*.es a** $is "ersona* ;.a*ities an re*ations, 3ore or *ess
"er3anent in nat.re, not orinari*/ ter3ina>*e at $is o-n -i**, s.#$ as $is >ein4 *e4iti3ate or
i**e4iti3ate, or $is >ein4 3arrie or not. T$e #o3"re$ensive ter3 stat.sR in#*.e s.#$ 3atters
as t$e >e4innin4 an en o+ *e4a* "ersona*it/, #a"a#it/ to $ave ri4$ts in 4enera*, +a3i*/ re*ations,
an its vario.s as"e#ts, s.#$ as >irt$, *e4iti3ation, ao"tion, e3an#i"ation, 3arria4e, ivor#e,
an so3eti3es even s.##ession.
A "erson9s se5 is an essentia* +a#tor in 3arria4e an +a3i*/ re*ations. It is a "art o+ a "erson9s
*e4a* #a"a#it/ an #ivi* stat.s. In t$is #onne#tion, Arti#*e (10 o+ t$e Civi* Coe "rovies) A** ot$er
3atters "ertainin4 to t$e re4istration o+ #ivi* stat.s s$a** >e 4overne >/ s"e#ia* *a-s.
B.t t$ere is no s.#$ s"e#ia* *a- in t$e P$i*i""ines 4overnin4 se5 reassi4n3ent an its e++e#ts.
T$is is +ata* to "etitioner9s #a.se.
Moreover, Se#tion & o+ A#t 08&0 <t$e Civi* Re4ister La-= "rovies)
SEC. &. Re4istration an #erti+i#ation o+ >irt$s. Q T$e e#*aration o+ t$e "$/si#ian or 3i-i+e in
attenan#e at t$e >irt$ or, in e+a.*t t$ereo+, t$e e#*aration o+ eit$er "arent o+ t$e ne->orn #$i*,
s$a** >e s.++i#ient +or t$e re4istration o+ a >irt$ in t$e #ivi* re4ister. S.#$ e#*aration s$a** >e
e5e3"t +ro3 o#.3entar/ sta3" ta5 an s$a** >e sent to t$e *o#a* #ivi* re4istrar not *ater t$an
t$irt/ a/s a+ter t$e >irt$, >/ t$e "$/si#ian or 3i-i+e in attenan#e at t$e >irt$ or >/ eit$er "arent
o+ t$e ne->orn #$i*.
In s.#$ e#*aration, t$e "erson a>ove 3entione s$a** #erti+/ to t$e +o**o-in4 +a#ts) <a= ate an
$o.r o+ >irt$H <>= se5 an nationa*it/ o+ in+antH <#= na3es, #itiIens$i" an re*i4ion o+ "arents or, in
#ase t$e +at$er is not ,no-n, o+ t$e 3ot$er a*oneH <= #ivi* stat.s o+ "arentsH <e= "*a#e -$ere t$e
in+ant -as >ornH an <+= s.#$ ot$er ata as 3a/ >e re;.ire in t$e re4.*ations to >e iss.e.
Uner t$e Civi* Re4ister La-, a >irt$ #erti+i#ate is a $istori#a* re#or o+ t$e +a#ts as t$e/ e5iste at
t$e ti3e o+ >irt$. T$.s, t$e se5 o+ a "erson is eter3ine at >irt$, vis.a**/ one >/ t$e >irt$
attenant <t$e "$/si#ian or 3i-i+e= >/ e5a3inin4 t$e 4enita*s o+ t$e in+ant. Consierin4 t$at
t$ere is no *a- *e4a**/ re#o4niIin4 se5 reassi4n3ent, t$e eter3ination o+ a "erson9s se5 3ae at
t$e ti3e o+ $is or $er >irt$, i+ not attene >/ error, is i33.ta>*e.
:$en -ors are not e+ine in a stat.te t$e/ are to >e 4iven t$eir #o33on an orinar/ 3eanin4
in t$e a>sen#e o+ a #ontrar/ *e4is*ative intent. T$e -ors Cse5,E C3a*eE an C+e3a*eE as .se in
t$e Civi* Re4ister La- an *a-s #on#ernin4 t$e #ivi* re4istr/ <an even a** ot$er *a-s= s$o.*
t$ere+ore >e .nerstoo in t$eir #o33on an orinar/ .sa4e, t$ere >ein4 no *e4is*ative intent to
t$e #ontrar/. In t$is #onne#tion, se5 is e+ine as Ct$e s.3 o+ "e#.*iarities o+ str.#t.re an
+.n#tion t$at istin4.is$ a 3a*e +ro3 a +e3a*eE or Ct$e istin#tion >et-een 3a*e an +e3a*e.E
Fe3a*e is Ct$e se5 t$at "ro.#es ova or >ears /o.n4E an 3a*e is Ct$e se5 t$at $as or4ans to
"ro.#e s"er3atoIoa +or +erti*iIin4 ova.E T$.s, t$e -ors C3a*eE an C+e3a*eE in ever/a/
.nerstanin4 o not in#*.e "ersons -$o $ave .ner4one se5 reassi4n3ent. F.rt$er3ore,
C-ors t$at are e3"*o/e in a stat.te -$i#$ $a at t$e ti3e a -e**A,no-n 3eanin4 are "res.3e
to $ave >een .se in t$at sense .n*ess t$e #onte5t #o3"e*s to t$e #ontrar/.E Sin#e t$e stat.tor/
*an4.a4e o+ t$e Civi* Re4ister La- -as ena#te in t$e ear*/ 16''s an re3ains .n#$an4e, it
#annot >e ar4.e t$at t$e ter3 Cse5E as .se t$en is so3et$in4 a*tera>*e t$ro.4$ s.r4er/ or
so3et$in4 t$at a**o-s a "ostAo"erative 3a*eAtoA+e3a*e transse5.a* to >e in#*.e in t$e #ate4or/
C+e3a*e.E
For t$ese reasons, -$i*e "etitioner 3a/ $ave s.##eee in a*terin4 $is >o/ an a""earan#e
t$ro.4$ t$e intervention o+ 3oern s.r4er/, no *a- a.t$oriIes t$e #$an4e o+ entr/ as to se5 in t$e
#ivi* re4istr/ +or t$at reason. T$.s, t$ere is no *e4a* >asis +or $is "etition +or t$e #orre#tion or
#$an4e o+ t$e entries in $is >irt$ #erti+i#ate.
NEITHER MAY ENTRIES IN THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE AS TO FIRST NAME OR SEX BE
CHAN?E2 ON THE ?ROUN2 OF EDUITY
T$e tria* #o.rt o"ine t$at its 4rant o+ t$e "etition -as in #onsonan#e -it$ t$e "rin#i"*es o+ @.sti#e
an e;.it/. It >e*ieve t$at a**o-in4 t$e "etition -o.* #a.se no $ar3, in@.r/ or "re@.i#e to
an/one. T$is is -ron4.
T$e #$an4es so.4$t >/ "etitioner -i** $ave serio.s an -ieAran4in4 *e4a* an ".>*i# "o*i#/
#onse;.en#es. First, even t$e tria* #o.rt itse*+ +o.n t$at t$e "etition -as >.t "etitioner9s +irst ste"
to-ars $is event.a* 3arria4e to $is 3a*e +ian#P. Ho-ever, 3arria4e, one o+ t$e 3ost sa#re
so#ia* instit.tions, is a s"e#ia* #ontra#t o+ "er3anent .nion >et-een a 3an an a -o3an. One o+
its essentia* re;.isites is t$e *e4a* #a"a#it/ o+ t$e #ontra#tin4 "arties -$o 3.st >e a 3a*e an a
+e3a*e. To 4rant t$e #$an4es so.4$t >/ "etitioner -i** s.>stantia**/ re#on+i4.re an 4reat*/ a*ter
t$e *a-s on 3arria4e an +a3i*/ re*ations. It -i** a**o- t$e .nion o+ a 3an -it$ anot$er 3an -$o
$as .ner4one se5 reassi4n3ent <a 3a*eAtoA+e3a*e "ostAo"erative transse5.a*=. Se#on, t$ere
are vario.s *a-s -$i#$ a""*/ "arti#.*ar*/ to -o3en s.#$ as t$e "rovisions o+ t$e La>or Coe on
e3"*o/3ent o+ -o3en, #ertain +e*onies .ner t$e Revise Pena* Coe an t$e "res.3"tion o+
s.rvivors$i" in #ase o+ #a*a3ities .ner R.*e 101 o+ t$e R.*es o+ Co.rt, a3on4 ot$ers. T$ese
*a-s .ners#ore t$e ".>*i# "o*i#/ in re*ation to -o3en -$i#$ #o.* >e s.>stantia**/ a++e#te i+
"etitioner9s "etition -ere to >e 4rante.
It is tr.e t$at Arti#*e 6 o+ t$e Civi* Coe 3anates t$at CSnTo @.4e or #o.rt s$a** e#*ine to rener
@.43ent >/ reason o+ t$e si*en#e, o>s#.rit/ or ins.++i#ien#/ o+ t$e *a-.E Ho-ever, it is not a
*i#ense +or #o.rts to en4a4e in @.i#ia* *e4is*ation. T$e .t/ o+ t$e #o.rts is to a""*/ or inter"ret t$e
*a-, not to 3a,e or a3en it.
In o.r s/ste3 o+ 4overn3ent, it is +or t$e *e4is*at.re, s$o.* it #$oose to o so, to eter3ine -$at
4.ie*ines s$o.* 4overn t$e re#o4nition o+ t$e e++e#ts o+ se5 reassi4n3ent. T$e nee +or
*e4is*ative 4.ie*ines >e#o3es "arti#.*ar*/ i3"ortant in t$is #ase -$ere t$e #*ai3s asserte are
stat.teA>ase.
To reiterate, t$e stat.tes e+ine -$o 3a/ +i*e "etitions +or #$an4e o+ +irst na3e an +or #orre#tion
or #$an4e o+ entries in t$e #ivi* re4istr/, -$ere t$e/ 3a/ >e +i*e, -$at 4ro.ns 3a/ >e invo,e,
-$at "roo+ 3.st >e "resente an -$at "ro#e.res s$a** >e o>serve. I+ t$e *e4is*at.re intens to
#on+er on a "erson -$o $as .ner4one se5 reassi4n3ent t$e "rivi*e4e to #$an4e $is na3e an
se5 to #on+or3 -it$ $is reassi4ne se5, it $as to ena#t *e4is*ation *a/in4 o-n t$e 4.ie*ines in
t.rn 4overnin4 t$e #on+er3ent o+ t$at "rivi*e4e.
It 3i4$t >e t$eoreti#a**/ "ossi>*e +or t$is Co.rt to -rite a "roto#o* on -$en a "erson 3a/ >e
re#o4niIe as $avin4 s.##ess+.**/ #$an4e $is se5. Ho-ever, t$is Co.rt $as no a.t$orit/ to
+as$ion a *a- on t$at 3atter, or on an/t$in4 e*se. T$e Co.rt #annot ena#t a *a- -$ere no *a-
e5ists. It #an on*/ a""*/ or inter"ret t$e -ritten -or o+ its #oAe;.a* >ran#$ o+ 4overn3ent,
Con4ress.
Petitioner "*eas t$at CStT$e .n+ort.nates are a*so entit*e to a *i+e o+ $a""iness, #ontent3ent an
St$eT rea*iIation o+ t$eir rea3s.E No ar4.3ent a>o.t t$at. T$e Co.rt re#o4niIes t$at t$ere are
"eo"*e -$ose "re+eren#es an orientation o not +it neat*/ into t$e #o33on*/ re#o4niIe
"ara3eters o+ so#ia* #onvention an t$at, at *east +or t$e3, *i+e is inee an orea*. Ho-ever, t$e
re3eies "etitioner see,s invo*ve ;.estions o+ ".>*i# "o*i#/ to >e aresse so*e*/ >/ t$e
*e4is*at.re, not >/ t$e #o.rts.
:HEREFORE, t$e "etition is $ere>/ 2ENIE2.
Ba**atan vs CA <?.R.No. 1%&B70=
Fa#ts) T$is is a is".te over +ort/At-o <(%= s;.are 3eters o+ resientia* *an >e*on4in4 to
"etitioners. Parties $erein -ere o-ners o+ a@a#ent *ots *o#ate at B*o#, No. 0, Poinsettia Street,
Araneta Universit/ !i**a4e, Ma*a>on, Metro Mani*a. Een Ba**atan on*/ is#overe t$e sai
en#roa#$3ent -$en s$e #onstr.#te $er $o.se an -$i#$ -as s.rve/e >/ En4ineer Jose
D.ein4, t$e a.t$oriIe s.rve/or o+ t$e Araneta Instit.te o+ A4ri#.*t.re <AIA=, t$e o-nerA
eve*o"er o+ t$e s.>ivision "ro@e#t. Petitioner Ba**atan 3ae a -ritten e3an on res"onent to
re3ove an is3ant*e t$eir i3"rove3ents on t$e sai *ot. Fai*in4 to a4ree a3i#a>*/, "etitioner
Ba**atan instit.te a4ainst res"onents ?o Civi* Case +or re#over/ o+ "ossession >e+ore t$e
Re4iona* Tria* Co.rt.
T$e ?o9 s +i*e t$eir CAns-er -it$ T$irAPart/ Co3"*aintE i3"*eain4 as t$irA"art/ e+enants
res"onents Li C$in4 Yao, t$e AIA an En4ineer D.ein4. J.43ent -as renere in +avor o+
t$e "*ainti++s >.t t$e t$irA"art/ #o3"*aint +i*e >/ t$irA"art/ "*ainti++s ?o a4ainst t$irA"art/
e+enants Araneta Instit.te o+ A4ri#.*t.re, Jose N. D.ein4 an Li C$in4 Yao -as
2ISMISSE2. Res"onents ?o a""ea*e, t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s 3oi+ie t$e e#ision o+ t$e tria*
#o.rt. It a++ir3e t$e is3issa* o+ t$e t$irA"art/ #o3"*aint a4ainst t$e AIA >.t reinstate t$e
#o3"*aint a4ainst Li C$in4 Yao an Jose D.ein4.
Petitioners ;.estion t$e a3ission >/ res"onent Co.rt o+ A""ea*s o+ t$e t$irA"art/ #o3"*aint >/
res"onents ?o a4ainst t$e AIA, Jose D.ein4 an Li C$in4 Yao. Petitioners #*ai3 t$at t$e
t$irA"art/ #o3"*aint s$o.* not $ave >een #onsiere >/ t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s +or *a#, o+
@.risi#tion .e to t$irA"art/ "*ainti++s9 +ai*.re to "a/ t$e o#,et an +i*in4 +ees >e+ore t$e tria*
#o.rt.
Iss.e) :$et$er or not t$e res"onent #o.rt o+ a""ea*s erre on ;.estion o+ *a- an 4rave*/
a>.se its is#retion a3o.ntin4 to *a#, o+ @.risi#tion -$en it i not is3iss t$e t$ir Q"art/
#o3"*aint .e to nonA"a/3ent o+ an/ +i*in4 o+ o#,et +ee.
R.*in4) T$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s #orre#t*/ is3isse t$e t$irA"art/ #o3"*aint a4ainst AIA. T$e #*ai3
t$at t$e is#re"an#/ in t$e *ot areas -as .e to AIA9s +a.*t -as not "rove. T$e a""e**ate #o.rt,
$o-ever, +o.n t$at it -as t$e erroneo.s s.rve/ >/ En4ineer D.ein4 t$at tri44ere t$ese
is#re"an#ies. An it -as t$is s.rve/ t$at res"onent :inston ?o re*ie ."on in #onstr.#tin4 $is
$o.se on $is +at$er9s *an. He >.i*t $is $o.se in t$e >e*ie+ t$at it -as entire*/ -it$in t$e
"ara3eters o+ $is +at$er9s *an. In s$ort, res"onents ?o $a no ,no-*e4e t$at t$e/ en#roa#$e
"etitioners9 *ot. T$e/ are ee3e >.i*ers in 4oo +ait$ .nti* t$e ti3e "etitioner Ba**atan in+or3e
t$e3 o+ t$eir en#roa#$3ent on $er "ro"ert/.
T$e r.*e in t$is @.risi#tion is t$at -$en an a#tion is +i*e in #o.rt, t$e #o3"*aint 3.st >e
a##o3"anie t$e "a/3ent o+ t$e re;.isite o#,et an +i*in4 +ees. In rea* a#tions, t$e o#,et an
+i*in4 +ees are >ase on t$e va*.e o+ t$e "ro"ert/ an t$e a3o.nt o+ a3a4es #*ai3e, i+ an/ I+
t$e #o3"*aint is +i*e >.t t$e +ees are not "ai at t$e ti3e o+ +i*in4, t$e #o.rt a#;.ires @.risi#tion
."on +.** "a/3ent o+ t$e +ees -it$in a reasona>*e ti3e as t$e #o.rt 3a/ 4rant, >arrin4
"res#ri"tion.
T$e S."re3e Co.rt r.*e t$at t$e e#ision o+ res"onent Co.rt o+ A""ea*s >e 3oi+ie as
+o**o-s)
T$e 2e#ision o+ t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s orerin4 En4ineer D.ein4, as t$irA"art/ e+enant, to
"a/ attorne/9s +ees to res"onents ?o is a++ir3e. T$e aitiona* +i*in4 +ee on t$e a3a4es
#onstit.tes a *ien on t$is a-ar.
T$e 2e#ision o+ t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s is3issin4 t$irA"art/ #o3"*aint a4ainst Araneta Instit.te o+
A4ri#.*t.re is a++ir3e.
Re/es vs.Li3, Harrison L.3>er et a*. ?R 10(%(1
Re/es as se**er an Li3 as >./er $a entere into a #ontra#t to se** a "ar#e* o+ *an. Ten 3i**ion
<1',''','''.''= -as initia**/ "ai >/ Li3 ."on t$e si4nin4 o+ t$e #ontra#t, t$e -it$ a re3ainin4
>a*an#e o+ 17,''','''.'' to >e "ai -$en t$e "resent o##."ant o+ t$e "ro"ert/, Harrison
L.3>er, va#ates t$e sa3e an an A>so*.te 2ee o+ Sa*e is e5e#.te. A "ena*t/ -as to >e "ai
>/ Re/es, to >e ta,en a4ainst t$e re3ainin4 >a*an#e, i+ t$e "ro"ert/ is not va#ate -it$in a
esi4nate "erio.
Re/es -o.* a##.se Li3 an Harrison L.3>er, -$o $a sti** not va#ate t$e "ro"ert/, o+
#onnivan#e an +i*es a #ivi* #ase a4ainst t$e3. An o++er -o.* >e 3ae >/ Li3 o+ to "a/ t$e
>a*an#e, an a s.>se;.ent o++er -o.* >e 3ae >/ Re/es to ret.rn t$e o-n"a/3ent. Later, it
-as revea*e t$at t$e "ro"ert/ $a a*rea/ >een so* to a t$ir "art/.
In a t$e ori4ina* #ase, Li3 re;.este in o"en #o.rt t$at Re/es >e orere to e"osit t$e
1',''','''.'' o-n"a/3ent -it$ t$e RTC #as$ier. T$e tria* #o.rt 4rants t$is 3otion. Re/es
Motion to set Asie t$e Orer an Mot+orRe#onsieration -o.* >e enie >/ t$e tria* #o.rt.
Re/es "etition +or #ertiotrari -as enie >/ t$e CA, $en#e t$is "etition.
Re/es avers t$at t$e tria* #o.rt erre -$en it orere t$e e"osit o+ t$e o-n"a/3ent, as sai
e"osit is not a3on4 t$e "rovisiona* re3eies "rovie +or in t$e R.*es o+ Co.rt.
Iss.e) Is t$e orer to e"osit t$e o-n"a/3ent s.>@e#t 3atter o+ t$e #ase "ro"er #onsierin4 t$at
it is not a3on4 t$e "rovisiona* re3eies "rovie +or in t$e R.*es o+ Co.rt
R.*in4)
:$i*e t$e 3atter o+ e"osit is not "rovie +or t$e in t$e R.*e o+ Co.rt, t$is is a #ase -$en t$ere
is a $iat.s in t$e *a-. I+ *e+t a*one, s.#$ $iat.s -o.* res.*t to t$e .n@.st enri#$3ent o+ Re/es at
t$e e5"ense o+ Li3. T$is #a**s +or a""*i#ation o+ e;.it/ -$i#$ +i**s t$e o"en s"a#es o+ t$e *a-. Art.
6 o+ t$e Civi* Coe 3anates t$e #o.rts to 3a,e a r.*in4 es"ite Ct$e si*en#e, o>s#.rit/ or
ine++i#ien#/ o+ t$e *a-s.
As t$e #ontra#t >et-een t$e "arties #an no *on4er >e en+or#e, a res#ission o+ t$e #ontra#t
#reates t$e o>*i4ation to ret.rn t$e t$in4 s.>@e#t 3atter o+ t$e #ontra#t.
UnerArt %%, t$e "rin#i"*e t$at no "erson 3a/ .n@.st*/ enri#$ $i3se*+ at t$e e5"ense o+ anot$er
a""*ies to s.>stantive ri4$ts an "ro#e.ra* re3eies. As t$e a44rieve "art/ $as no ot$er
a#tions avai*a>*e >ase on an/ ot$er "rovision o+ #ontra#t or *a-, #o.rts #an e5ten t$is #onition
to t$e $iat.s in t$e R.*es o+ Co.rt.
?RACE J. ?ARCIA, a.,.a. ?RACE J. ?ARCIAARECIO, "etitioner, !S. RO2ERICM A. RECIO,
res"onent
O#to>er %, %''1
FACTS)
T$e res"onent, a Fi*i"ino -as 3arrie to Eit$a Sa3son, an A.stra*ian #itiIen, in RiIa* in 1678.
T$e/ *ive to4et$er as $.s>an an -i+e in A.stra*ia. In 1676, t$e A.stra*ian +a3i*/ #o.rt iss.e a
e#ree o+ ivor#e s.""ose*/ isso*vin4 t$e 3arria4e. In 166%, res"onent a#;.ire A.stra*ian
#itiIens$i". In 166(, $e 3arrie ?ra#e ?ar#ia, a Fi*i"ina, $erein "etitioner, in Ca>anat.an Cit/. In
t$eir a""*i#ation +or 3arria4e *i#ense, res"onent -as e#*are as Csin4*eE an CFi*i"inoE. Sin#e
O#to>er 166&, t$e/ *ive se"arate*/H an in 166B -$i*e in A.tra*ia, t$eir #on@.4a* assets -ere
ivie. In 1667, "etitioner +i*e Co3"*aint +or 2e#*aration o+ N.**it/ o+ Marria4e on t$e 4ro.n o+
>i4a3/, #*ai3in4 t$at s$e *earne o+ t$e res"onent9s +or3er 3arria4e on*/ in Nove3>er. On t$e
ot$er $an, res"onent #*ai3s t$at $e to* "etitioner o+ $is "rior 3arria4e in 1660, >e+ore t$e/
-ere 3arrie. Res"onent a*so #ontene t$at $is +irst 3arria4e -as isso*ve >/ a ivor#e
e#ree o>taine in A.stra*ia in 1676 an $en#e, $e -as *e4a**/ #a"a#itate to 3arr/ "etitioner in
166(. T$e tria* #o.rt e#*are t$at t$e +irst 3arria4e -as isso*ve on t$e 4ro.n o+ t$e ivor#e
iss.e in A.stra*ia as va*i an re#o4niIe in t$e P$i*i""ines. Hen#e, t$is "etition -as +or-are
>e+ore t$e S."re3e Co.rt.
ISSUES)
1. :$et$er or not t$e ivor#e >et-een res"onent an Eit$a Sa3son -as "roven.
%. :$et$er or not res"onent $as *e4a* #a"a#it/ to 3arr/ ?ra#e ?ar#ia.
RULIN?)
T$e P$i*i""ine *a- oes not "rovie +or a>so*.te ivor#eH $en#e, o.r #o.rts #annot 4rant it. In
3i5e 3arria4es invo*vin4 a Fi*i"ino an a +orei4ner, Arti#*e %B o+ t$e Fa3i*/ Coe a**o-s t$e
+or3er to #ontra#t a s.>se;.ent 3arria4e in #ase t$e ivor#e is Cva*i*/ o>taine a>roa >/ t$e
a*ien s"o.se #a"a#itatin4 $i3 or $er to re3arr/E. A ivor#e o>taine a>roa >/ t-o a*iens, 3a/
>e re#o4niIe in t$e P$i*i""ines, "rovie it is #onsistent -it$ t$eir res"e#tive *a-s. T$ere+ore,
>e+ore o.r #o.rts #an re#o4niIe a +orei4n ivor#e, t$e "art/ "*eain4 it 3.st "rove t$e ivor#e as
a +a#t an e3onstrate its #on+or3it/ to t$e +orei4n *a- a**o-in4 it.
In t$is #ase, t$e ivor#e e#ree >et-een t$e res"onent an Sa3son a""ears to >e a.t$enti#,
iss.e >/ an A.stra*ian +a3i*/ #o.rt. A*t$o.4$, a""earan#e is not s.++i#ientH an #o3"*ian#e -it$
t$e r.*es on evien#e re4arin4 a**e4e +orei4n *a-s 3.st >e e3onstrate, t$e e#ree -as
a3itte on a##o.nt o+ "etitioner9s +ai*.re to o>@e#t "ro"er*/ >e#a.se $e o>@e#te to t$e +a#t t$at it
-as not re4istere in t$e Lo#a* Civi* Re4istr/ o+ Ca>anat.an Cit/, not to its a3issi>i*it/.
Res"onent #*ai3s t$at t$e A.stra*ian ivor#e e#ree, -$i#$ -as va*i*/ a3itte as evien#e,
ae;.ate*/ esta>*is$e $is *e4a* #a"a#it/ to 3arr/ .ner A.stra*ian *a-. Ho-ever, t$ere are t-o
t/"es o+ ivor#e, a>so*.te ivor#e ter3inatin4 t$e 3arria4e an *i3ite ivor#e 3ere*/
s.s"enin4 t$e 3arria4e. In t$is #ase, it is not ,no-n -$i#$ t/"e o+ ivor#e t$e res"onent
"ro#.re.
Even a+ter t$e ivor#e >e#o3es a>so*.te, t$e #o.rt 3a/ .ner so3e +orei4n stat.tes, sti** restri#t
re3arria4e. Uner t$e A.stra*ian ivor#e e#ree Ca "art/ to a 3arria4e -$o 3arries a4ain >e+ore
t$is e#ree >e#o3es a>so*.te #o33its t$e o++ense o+ >i4a3/E. T$is s$o-s t$at t$e ivor#e
o>taine >/ t$e res"onent 3i4$t $ave >een restri#te. Res"onent a*so +ai*e to "ro.#e
s.++i#ient evien#e s$o-in4 t$e +orei4n *a- 4overnin4 $is stat.s. To4et$er -it$ ot$er evien#es
s.>3itte, t$e/ on9t a>so*.te*/ esta>*is$ $is *e4a* #a"a#it/ to re3arr/ a##orin4 to t$e a**e4e
+orei4n *a-.
Case re3ane to t$e #o.rt a ;.o. T$e 3arria4e >et-een t$e "etitioner an res"onent #an not
>e e#*are n.** an voi >ase on *a#, o+ evien#e #on#*.sive*/ s$o-in4 t$e res"onent9s *e4a*
#a"a#it/ to 3arr/ "etitioner. :it$ t$e *a#, o+ s.#$ evien#e, t$e #o.rt a ;.o 3a/ e#*are n.**it/ o+
t$e "arties9 3arria4e >ase on t-o e5istin4 3arria4e #erti+i#ates.
PAULA T. LLORENTE, "etitioner, !S. COURT OF APPEALS an ALICIA F. LLORENTE,
res"onents
Nove3>er %0, %'''
FACTS)
LorenIo L*orente an "etitioner Pa.*a L*orente -ere 3arrie in 1608 in t$e P$i*i""ines. LorenIo
-as an en*iste servi#e3an o+ t$e US Nav/. Soon a+ter, $e *e+t +or t$e US -$ere t$ro.4$
nat.ra*iIation, $e >e#a3e a US CitiIen. U"on $is visitation o+ $is -i+e, $e is#overe t$at s$e
-as *ivin4 -it$ $is >rot$er an a #$i* -as >orn. T$e #$i* -as re4istere as *e4iti3ate >.t t$e
na3e o+ t$e +at$er -as *e+t >*an,. L*orente +i*e a ivor#e in Ca*i+ornia, -$i#$ *ater on >e#a3e
+ina*. He 3arrie A*i#ia an t$e/ *ive to4et$er +or %& /ears >rin4in4 0 #$i*ren. He 3ae $is *ast
-i** an testa3ent statin4 t$at a** $is "ro"erties -i** >e 4iven to $is se#on 3arria4e. He +i*e a
"etition o+ "ro>ate t$at 3ae or a""ointe A*i#ia $is s"e#ia* a3inistrator o+ $is estate. Be+ore t$e
"ro#eein4 #o.* >e ter3inate, LorenIo ie. Pa.*a +i*e a *etter o+ a3inistration over
L*orente9s estate. T$e tria* 4rante t$e *etter an enie t$e 3otion +or re#onsieration. An a""ea*
-as 3ae to t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s, -$i#$ a++ir3e an 3oi+ie t$e @.43ent o+ t$e Tria* Co.rt
t$at s$e >e e#*are #oAo-ner o+ -$atever "ro"erties, s$e an t$e e#ease, 3a/ $ave a#;.ire
.rin4 t$eir %& /ears o+ #o$a>itation.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e Nationa* La- s$a** a""*/.
RULIN?)
LorenIo L*orente -as a*rea/ an A3eri#an #itiIen -$en $e ivor#e Pa.*a. S.#$ -as a*so t$e
sit.ation -$en $e 3arrie A*i#ia an e5e#.te $is -i**. As state in Arti#*e 1& o+ t$e #ivi* #oe,
a*iens 3a/ o>tain ivor#es a>roa, "rovie t$at t$e/ are va*i*/ re;.ire in t$eir Nationa* La-.
T$.s t$e ivor#e o>taine >/ L*orente is va*i >e#a.se t$e *a- t$at 4overns $i3 is not P$i*i""ine
La- >.t $is Nationa* La- sin#e t$e ivor#e -as #ontra#te a+ter $e >e#a3e an A3eri#an #itiIen.
F.rt$er3ore, $is Nationa* La- a**o-e ivor#e.
T$e #ase -as re3ane to t$e #o.rt o+ ori4in +or eter3ination o+ t$e intrinsi# va*iit/ o+ LorenIo
L*orente9s -i** an eter3ination o+ t$e "arties9 s.##essiona* ri4$ts a**o-in4 "roo+ o+ +orei4n *a-.
ALICE REYES !AN 2ORN, "etitioner, !S. HON. MANUEL ROMILLO JR., as Presiin4 J.4e o+
Bran#$ CX, Re4iona* Tria* Co.rt o+ t$e Nationa* Ca"ita* Re4ion Pasa/ Cit/ an RICHAR2
UPTON, res"onents
O#to>er 7, 167&
FACTS)
A*i#e Re/es, t$e "etitioner is a #itiIen o+ t$e P$i*i""ines -$i*e "rivate res"onent Ri#$ar U"ton
is a #itiIen o+ t$e Unite States. T$e/ -ere 3arrie in Hon4 Mon4 in 168% an t$e/ esta>*is$e
resien#e in t$e P$i*i""ines. T$e/ $a t-o #$i*ren an t$e/ -ere ivor#e in Nevaa, USA in
167%. T$e "etitioner re3arrie in Nevaa to T$eoore !an 2orn. T$e "rivate res"one +i*e
a4ainst "etitioner statin4 t$at t$e "etitioner9s >.siness is a #on@.4a* "ro"ert/ o+ t$e "arties an
t$at res"onent is e#*are -it$ ri4$t to 3ana4e t$e #on@.4a* "ro"ert/. Petitioner 3ove to
is3iss t$e #ase on t$e 4ro.n t$at t$e #a.se o+ a#tion is >arre >/ "revio.s @.43ent in t$e
ivor#e "ro#eein4s >e+ore t$e Nevaa Co.rt, -$ere res"onent a#,no-*e4e t$at t$e/ $a no
#o33.nit/ "ro"ert/ as o+ J.ne 11, 167%.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e "rivate res"onent as "etitioner9s $.s>an is entit*e to e5er#ise #ontro* over
#on@.4a* assetsG
RULIN?)
T$e "etition is 4rante. Co3"*aint is is3isse.
T$e "o*i#/ a4ainst a>so*.te ivor#e #over on*/ P$i*i""ine nationa*s. Ho-ever, a*iens 3a/ o>tain
ivor#e a>roa, -$i#$ 3a/ >e re#o4niIe in t$e P$i*i""ines "rovie t$e/ are va*i a##orin4 to
t$eir nationa* *a-.
Fro3 t$e stanars o+ A3eri#an *a-, .ner -$i#$ ivor#e isso*ves 3arria4e, t$e ivor#e in
Nevaa re*ease "rivate res"onent +ro3 t$e 3arria4e >et-een t$e3 -it$ t$e "etitioner. T$.s,
".rs.ant to $is nationa* *a-, "rivate res"onent is no *on4er t$e $.s>an o+ "etitioner. He -o.*
$ave no stanin4 to s.e in t$e #ase as "etitioner9s $.s>an entit*e to e5er#ise #ontro* over
#on@.4a* assets. He is esto""e >/ $is o-n re"resentation >e+ore sai #o.rt +ro3 assertin4 $is
ri4$t over t$e a**e4e #on@.4a* "ro"ert/.
AMERICAN AIRLINES, "etitioner, !S. COURT OF APPEALS, HON. BERNAR2O LL. SALAS
an 2EMOCRITO MEN2OLA, res"onents
Mar#$ 6, %'''
FACTS)
P*ainti++ MenoIa +i*e an a#tion +or a3a4es >e+ore t$e Re4iona* Tria* Co.rt o+ Ce>. +or t$e
a**e4e e3>arrass3ent an 3enta* an4.is$ $e s.++ere at t$e ?eneva air"ort -$en t$e
A3eri#an Air*ines se#.rit/ o++i#ers "revente $i3 +ro3 >oarin4 t$e "*ane, etaine $i3 +or a>o.t
an $o.r an a**o-e $i3 to >oar t$e "*ane on*/ a+ter a** t$e ot$er "assen4ers $ave >oare.
Petitioner A3eri#an Air*ines +i*e a 3otion to is3iss t$e a#tion +or a3a4es +i*e >/ t$e "rivate
res"onent +or t$e *a#, o+ @.risi#tion .ner se#tion %7 <1= o+ t$e :arsa- Convention. Ho-ever,
t$e 3otion -as enie. T$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s *ater a++ir3e t$e tria* #o.rt9s e#ision.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e #ontra#t o+ trans"ortation >et-een t$e "rivate res"onent an "rivate
res"onent -o.* >e #onsiere as a sin4*e o"eration an "art o+ t$e #ontra#t o+ trans"ortation
entere into >/ t$e "rivate res"onent -it$ Sin4a"ore Air*ines in Mani*aG
RULIN?)
No, t$e #ontra#t o+ #arria4e >et-een t$e "rivate res"one an Sin4a"ore Air*ines a*t$o.4$
"er+or3e >/ i++erent #arriers .ner a series o+ air*ines ti#,ets, in#*.in4 t$at iss.e >/ t$e
A3eri#an Air*ines #onstit.tes a sin4*e o"eration. Me3>ers o+ t$e TATA are .ner a 4enera* "oo*
"artners$i" a4ree3ent -$erein, t$e/ a#t as a4ent o+ ea#$ ot$er in t$e iss.an#e o+ ti#,ets to
#ontra#te "assen4ers to >oost ti#,et sa*es -or*-ie -$i#$ are ina##essi>*e in so3e "arts o+
t$e -or*.
Petitioner9s a#;.ies#en#e to ta,e "*a#e o+ t$e ori4ina* esi4nate #arrier >ins it .ner t$e
#ontra#t o+ #arria4e entere into >/ t$e "rivate res"onent an Sin4a"ore Air*ines in Mani*a.
T$ere+ore, +inin4s o+ t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s are a++ir3e. Case -as orere to >e re3ane +or
3ore investi4ation +or a#tion a4ainst a3a4es.
UNI!ERSITY OF THE EAST, "etitioner, !S. ROMEO A. JA2ER, res"onent
Fe>r.ar/ 18, %'''
FACTS)
Ro3eo Jaer, a *a- st.ent o+ t$e Universit/ o+ t$e East, +ai*e to ta,e $is re4.*ar e5a3ination in
Pra#ti#e Co.rt I in $is +irst se3ester o+ $is *ast s#$oo* /ear. Ho-ever, $e -as a>*e to re3ove t$e
in#o3"*ete 3ar, -$en t$e 2ean o+ $is #o**e4e a""rove $is a""*i#ation to ta,e a re3ova*
e5a3ination.
In t$e %n se3ester, $is na3e a""eare in t$e tentative *ist o+ #aniates +or 4ra.ation +or t$e
2e#ree o+ Ba#$e*or o+ La-s an in t$e invitation +or t$e 0&t$ Investit.re an Co33en#e3ent
Cere3onies, t$e "*ainti++9s na3e a""eare. T$.s, $e attene t$e investit.re #ere3onies an
4ra.ate.
On A"ri* to Se"te3>er 1667, $e too, a *eave o+ a>sen#e +ro3 $is -or, an enro**e at t$e "reA>ar
revie- #*ass in Far Eastern Universit/. To $is is3a/ ."on ,no-in4 t$at $e in#.rre a e+i#ien#/,
$e ro""e $is revie- #*ass an -as not a>*e to ta,e t$e >ar e5a3inations.
He t$en +i*e a s.it a4ainst UE "ra/in4 +or 3ora* an e5e3"*ar/ a3a4es arisin4 +ro3 t$e *atter9s
ne4*i4en#e. T$e tria* #o.rt r.*e in $is +avor an -as 4rante +or a#t.a* a3a4es. T$e Co.rt o+
A""ea*s a++ir3e t$e tria* #o.rt9s e#ision -it$ 3oi+i#ation. T$e CA a-are 3ora* a3a4es. On
a##o.nt o+ s.++erin4 3ora* s$o#,, 3enta* an4.is$, serio.s an5iet/, >es3ir#$e re".tation,
-o.ne +ee*in4s an s*ee"*ess ni4$ts an .*ti3ate*/ +or not $avin4 to ta,e t$e >ar e5a3.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not Ro3eo Jaer #an va*i*/ #*ai3 +or 3ora* a3a4es.
RULIN?)
In vie- o+ t$e +ore4oin4 iss.e, t$e S."re3e Co.rt e3"$ati#a**/ en.n#iate t$at 3ora* a3a4es
#annot >e a-are to Ro3eo Jaer. It #annot >e*ieve t$at $e s.++ere s$o#,, tra.3a, an "ain.
A*on4 t$is vein, t$e S."re3e Co.rt $e* Jaer ne4*i4ent. It o"ine t$at as a st.ent, $e s$o.*
$ave >een res"onsi>*e eno.4$ to ens.re t$at a** $is a++airs, es"e#ia**/ t$ose a""ertainin4 to $is
a#ae3i#s, are in orer. I+ res"onent -as inee $.3i*iate >/ $is +ai*.re to ta,e t$e >ar, $e
>ro.4$t t$is ."on $i3se*+ >/ not veri+/in4 i+ $e $as satis+ie a** t$e re;.ire3ents. :$i*e t$e Co.rt
$e* t$e Universit/ o+ t$e East ne4*i4ent an t$ere+ore *ia>*e +or a#t.a* a3a4es in +avor o+ Jaer,
t$e *atter -as a*so $e* *ia>*e +or ne4*i4en#e t$ere>/ no 3ora* a3a4es #an >e a-are in $is
+avor. T$e e#ision -as a++ir3e -it$ 3oi+i#ation.
UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
CONCLUSION, LA:, APPLICABILITY TO SITUATION, JURISPRU2ENCE
Re"ort t$is "ost
To"
Pro+i*e Sen "rivate 3essa4e
Re"*/ -it$ ;.ote
OI;C
Post s.>@e#t)
PostPoste) T$. J.n '&, %''7 %)(8 "3
O++*ine
J.nior Me3>er
User avatar
Joine) T.e A.4 '8, %''8 &)1' "3
Posts) 07&
Lo#ation) Santia4o Cit/
CRUL !S. NLRC
Fe>r.ar/ 8, %'''
FACTS)
T$e "rivate res"onent Nor,is 2istri>.tors In#., is a o3esti# #or"oration. It is en4a4e in t$e
>.siness o+ se**in4 3otor#/#*es an $o.se$o* a""*ian#es. It -as o"eratin4 in Mana.e Cit/,
Ce>.H it $a its >ran#$ in !a*en#ia, B.,inon -$ere t$e "etitioner Cr.I -as e3"*o/e.
On O#to>er 1(, 166', -$i*e "etitioners an $er #oAe3"*o/ees -ere >.s/ -or,in4, "etitioner
#o**a"se an -as >ro.4$t to t$e $os"ita*. Fro3 t$en on, s$e -as not a>*e to re"ort +or -or,. On
2e#e3>er %7, 166', s$e sent a *etter to res"onent Nor,is to veri+/ $er stat.s o+ e3"*o/3ent >.t
as an ans-er, s$e re#eive a ter3ination *etter ate Nove3>er %, 166' #itin4 $ea*t$ reasons +or
t$e is3issa*.
On Mar#$ 17, 1661, t$e/ +i*e a #o3"*aint +or i**e4a* is3issa* a4ainst t$e "rivate res"onent
"ra/in4 +or "a/3ent o+ se"aration "a/ an ot$er 3one/ #*ai3s >e+ore t$e NLRC Bran#$ o+
Ca/a4an e Oro Cit/. T$e La>or Ar>itration Bran#$ r.*e in +avor o+ t$e "etitioner. Fro3 t$e sai
e#ision, >ot$ "arties a""ea*e to t$e NLRC -$ere t$e e#ision -as reverse an set asie.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e is3issa* o+ "etitioner is *e4a*.
RULIN?)
Uner Se#tion 7, R.*e 1 Boo, !I o+ t$e R.*es an Re4.*ations I3"*e3entin4 t$e La>or Coe, +or
a isease to >e a va*i 4ro.n +or t$e is3issa* o+ t$e e3"*o/ee, t$e #ontin.e e3"*o/3ent o+
s.#$ e3"*o/ee is "ro$i>ite >/ *a- or "re@.i#ia* to $is $ea*t$ or to t$e $ea*t$ o+ $is #oA
e3"*o/ees an t$ere 3.st >e a #erti+i#ation >/ a #o3"etent ".>*i# $ea*t$ a.t$orit/ t$at t$e
isease is o+ s.#$ nat.re or at s.#$ a sta4e t$at it #annot >e #.re -it$in a "erio o+ si5 3ont$s
even -it$ "ro"er 3ei#a* treat3ent.
T$ere is 3erit in "etitioner9s s.>3ission t$at t$e a-ar o+ 3ora* an e5e3"*ar/ a3a4es in $er
+avor is -arrante >/ $er .n@.sti+ie is3issa*. A-ar o+ 3ora* an e5e3"*ar/ a3a4es +or an
i**e4a**/ is3isse e3"*o/ee is "ro"er -$ere t$e e3"*o/ee $a >een $arasse an ar>itrari*/
ter3inate >/ t$e e3"*o/er.
T$e Co.rt $as #onsistent*/ a##ore t$e -or,in4 #*ass a ri4$t to re#over a3a4es +or .n@.st
is3issa*s tainte -it$ >a +ait$, -$ere t$e 3otive o+ t$e e3"*o/er in is3issin4 t$e e3"*o/ee is
+ar +ro3 no>*e. T$e "etition is 4rante.
?LOBE MCMAY CABLE AN2 RA2IO CORP. !S BARRIOS
116 SCRA (B1
FACTS)
Petitioner +ai*e to e*iver to res"onents a #a>*e4ra3 +ro3 Mer#/ Hos"ita*, B.++a*o, Ne- Yor,,
a3ittin4 res"onent -i+e +or a rotatin4 interns$i" in sai $os"ita*. As a #onse;.en#e o+ -$i#$,
s$e -as .na>*e to si4ni+/ $er a##e"tan#e an t$e "etition -as 4iven to so3eone e*se.
Res"onents s.e +or a3a4es. T$e tria* #o.rt renere @.43ent in +avor o+ res"onents +or
3ora*, e5e3"*ar/ an a#t.a* a3a4es.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$ere -as ne4*i4en#e on t$e "art o+ "etitioner as to entit*e t$e res"onents +or
a3a4es.
RULIN?)
T$e te*e4ra"$ #o3"an/9s +ai*.re to e*iver t$e #a>*e4ra3 #onstit.tes 4ross ne4*i4en#e arisin4
+ro3 a >rea#$ o+ #ontra#t >e#a.se t$e servi#e o+ t$e sai #o3"an/ is to ens.re t$at #a>*e4ra3s
-i** >e sent to its re#i"ients. T$e res"onents never re#eive t$e #a>*e4ra3 +ro3 t$e Mer#/
Hos"ita*. In +a#t, t$e/ re#eive t$e #a>*e 3essa4e +ro3 anot$er #a>*e4ra3 #o3"an/. T$e
res"onent #o."*e is entit*e to a3a4es.
RCPI !S. COURT OF APPEALS
1(0 SCRA B&8
FACTS)
Petitioner -as a o3esti# #or"oration en4a4e in t$e >.siness o+ re#eivin4 an trans3ittin4
3essa4es. One o+ its e3"*o/ees $a #o33itte an error o+ senin4 *i>e*o.s 3essa4es to a
#ertain Loreto 2ione*a. As a #onse;.en#e, a #ase -as +i*e in t$e Re4iona* Tria* Co.rt o+ Le4as"i
Cit/, an t$e e#ision -as in +avor o+ 2ione*a. :$en it -as a""ea*e to t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s, t$e
e#ision o+ t$e RTC -as a++ir3e. RCPI t$en -ent to t$e S."re3e Co.rt, "ra/in4 t$at it -as not
*ia>*e to t$e res"onent sin#e t$e #ri3ina* a#t +ro3 -$i#$ t$e #ivi* *ia>i*it/ aro.ses -as an a#t o+
its e3"*o/eeH t$ere -as no s.++i#ient ".>*i#ation o+ t$e *i>e*o.s te*e4ra3H an t$at t$e *ia>i*it/ o+
t$e "etitioner arisin4 +ro3 Arti#*es 16 an %' o+ t$e Civi* Coe -as erroneo.s.
ISSUES)
1. :$et$er or not Arti#*es 16 an %' o+ t$e Civi* Coe -as vio*ate >/ RCPI, as #*ai3e >/ t$e
Co.rt o+ A""ea*s.
%. :$et$er or not 2ione*a -as entit*e to $ave so3e ine3ni+ation +ro3 t$e "etitioner .e to
a3a4es in#.rre >/ t$e *atter.
RULIN?)
Res"onent #o33itte >rea#$ o+ #ontra#t t$ro.4$ t$e ne4*i4en#e o+ its e3"*o/ees. It -as sti**
sai to >e *ia>*e sin#e ever/ ti3e a "erson trans3its a 3essa4e t$ro.4$ t$e +a#i*ities o+ t$e
"etitioner, a #ontra#t is entere into. In #ontra#ts, t$e ne4*i4en#e o+ t$e e3"*o/ee is t$e
ne4*i4en#e o+ t$e e3"*o/er. Li>e*o.s 3essa4es or 3atters -ere in#*.e in t$e 3essa4e
trans3itte, -it$o.t t$e ,no-*e4e or #onsent o+ t$e sener. Brea#$ o+ #ontra#t -as #o33itte
t$en. As a #or"oration, t$e "etitioner #an a#t on*/ t$ro.4$ its e3"*o/ees. Hen#e, t$e a#ts o+ its
e3"*o/ees in re#eivin4 an trans3ittin4 3essa4es are t$e a#ts o+ t$e "etitioner.
To $o* t$at t$e "etitioner is not *ia>*e ire#t*/ +or t$e a#ts o+ its e3"*o/ees in t$e ".rs.it o+
"etitioner9s >.siness is to e"rive t$e 4enera* ".>*i# avai*in4 o+ t$e servi#es o+ t$e "etitioner o+ an
e++e#tive an ae;.ate re3e/. Res i"sa *o;.it.r <t$e t$in4 s"ea,s +or itse*+= -as t$e o#trine
a""*ie >/ #onsierin4 t$e "resen#e o+ +a#ts or #ir#.3stan#es s.rro.nin4 t$e in@.r/. T$e Co.rt
a++ir3e t$e assai*e e#ision.
CUSTO2IO AN2 SANTOS !S. COURT OF APPEALS
A%&0 SCRA (70A
FACTS)
A Civi* Case -as +i*e +or Pa#i+i#o Ma>asa a4ainst Cristino C.stoio, Bri4ia C.stoio, Rosa*ina
Morato, Lito Santos an Maria Cristina Santos +i*e t$e 4rant o+ an ease3ent o+ ri4$t o+ -a/.
Pa#i+i#o Ma>asa o-ne a "ar#e* o+ *an. In orer +or $i3 to enter t$e "re3ises o+ $is "ro"ert/, $e
$a to .se a "ortion o+ t$e *an o+ t$e Santos9s as "assa4e-a/. Ho-ever, t$e e+enants
3entione o+ so3e in#onvenien#es o+ $avin4 a "assa4e-a/ in t$eir "ro"ert/. A #ase -as +i*e in
t$e Re4iona* Tria* Co.rt an t$e e+enants -ere orere to 4ive "*ainti++ "er3anent a##ess to
t$e "ro"ert/ an t$e "*ainti++ -as orere to "a/ ine3nit/ +or t$e .se o+ t$e "assa4e-a/.
ISSUES)
1. :$et$er t$e 4rant o+ ri4$t o+ -a/ to "rivate res"onent is "ro"erH
%. :$et$er or not t$e a-ar o+ a3a4es is in orer.
RULIN?)
:it$ res"e#t to t$e +irst iss.e, t$e "etitioners are >arre +ro3 raisin4 t$e #o3"*aint >e#a.se t$e
e#ision o+ t$e tria* #o.rt is +ina* an e5e#.tor/.
On t$e ot$er $an, -it$ res"e#t to t$e se#on iss.e, t$e a-ar o+ a3a4es $as no *e4a* >asis.
One 3a/ .se an/ *a-+.* 3eans to a##o3"*is$ a *a-+.* ".r"ose an t$o.4$ t$e 3eans ao"te
3a/ #a.se a3a4e to anot$er, no #a.se o+ a#tion arises in t$e *atter9s +avor.
AN2RA2E !S. COURT OF APPEALS
A081 S.C.R.A. &&&A
2e#e3>er 8, %''1
FACTS)
Petitioner !ir4inia Anrae -as a""ointe as a "er3anent En4*is$ tea#$er at t$e Ara.**o Hi4$
S#$oo*. T-o a/s >e+ore t$e re4.*ar #*asses, s$e in;.ire +ro3 2e"art3ent Hea !ir4inia Fer3in
o+ $er tea#$in4 *oa >.t t$e *atter instea re+erre $er to Prin#i"a* 2o3inaor :in4sin4. On t$e
ot$er $an, t$e "rin#i"a* re+erre $er >a#, to t$e e"art3ent $ea. Be#a.se o+ t$is, t$e "etitioner
-rote to t$e Assistant S#$oo*s 2ivision S."erintenent Corone* re;.estin4 t$at s$e >e 4iven a
tea#$in4 assi4n3ent. T$e s."erintenent in+or3e t$e "etitioner t$at s$e -o.* >e esi4nate to
a nonAtea#$in4 "osition in t$e 3eanti3e t$at arran4e3ents -ere >ein4 3ae +or $er event.a*
reassi4n3ent to ot$er s#$oo*s -$ere $er servi#es 3a/ >e neee.
Petitioner 3ae a re;.est t$at s$e >e trans+erre to anot$er s#$oo*, -$i#$ -as +avora>*/ a#te
."on >/ t$e s."erintenent. Petitioner starte re"ortin4 +or -or,, >.t in a *etter s$e re*a/e t$at
s$e is -it$ra-in4 $er re;.est +or trans+er an ini#ate $er intention o+ re3ainin4 at t$e Ara.**o
Hi4$ S#$oo*. T$erea+ter, "etitioner is#overe t$at $er na3e $as >een e*ete +ro3 t$e re4.*ar
3ont$*/ "a/ro** an trans+erre to a s"e#ia* vo.#$er *ist, t$.s, +i*in4 an a#tion +or a3a4es >e+ore
t$e tria* #o.rt, -$i#$ in t.rn $e* t$e "rin#i"a* *ia>*e to $er +or a#t.a* an #o3"ensator/ a3a4es.
On a""ea*, t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s reverse t$e e#ision an is3isse t$e #o3"*aint o+ "etitioner.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s erre in not a-arin4 a3a4es to "*ainti++.
RULIN?)
:$i*e Arti#*e 16 o+ t$e Ne- Civi* Coe 3a/ $ave >een intene as a e#*aration o+ "rin#i"*e, t$e
C#arina* *a- on $.3an #on.#tE e5"resse in sai arti#*e $as 4iven rise to #ertain r.*es, e.4., t$at
-$ere a "erson e5er#ises $is ri4$ts >.t oes so ar>itrari*/ or .n@.st*/ or "er+or3s $is .ties in a
3anner t$at is not in ,ee"in4 -it$ $onest/ an 4oo +ait$, $e o"ens $i3se*+ to #ivi* *ia>i*it/. T$e
e*e3ents o+ a>.se o+ one9s ri4$ts .ner Arti#*e 16 are t$e +o**o-in4) <1= t$ere is a *e4a* ri4$t or
.t/H <%= -$i#$ is e5er#ise in >a +ait$H <0= +or t$e so*e intent o+ "re@.i#in4 or in@.rin4 anot$er. In
t$is re4ar, it a""eare t$at t$e #o3"*aint o+ "etitioner Anrae +ai*e to 3eet t$e se#on an
t$ir re;.ire3ents.
A #are+.* revie- o+ t$e re#ors revea*s t$at t$e e#*aration o+ "etitioner as an e5#ess tea#$er -as
not 3otivate >/ an/ "ersona* esire on t$e "art o+ "rin#i"a* :in4sin4 to #a.se $er .n.e 3iser/
or in@.r/, >.t 3ere*/ t$e res.*t o+ t$e va*i e5er#ise o+ a.t$orit/.
HERMOSISIMA !S. COURT OF APPEALS
A1'6 PHIL. B%6A
FACTS)
T$e #o3"*ainant So*ea Ca4i4as is t$irt/ si5 /ears o*, a +or3er $i4$ s#$oo* tea#$er an a *i+e
ins.ran#e a4ent. T$e "etitioner Fran#is#o Her3osisi3a is ten /ears /o.n4er t$an #o3"*ainant,
an an a""renti#e "i*ot. Inti3a#/ eve*o"e >et-een t$e3 an t$.s so3eti3e 16&0 a+ter #o3in4
+ro3 t$e 3ovies, t$e/ $a se5.a* inter#o.rse in $is #a>in. In Fe>r.ar/ 16&(, t$e -o3an avise
t$e 3an t$at s$e is "re4nant -$ere."on t$e 3an "ro3ise to 3arr/ $er. T$eir a.4$ter C$ris
Her3osisi3a -as >orn J.ne 16&( in a "rivate #*ini#. Ho-ever, s.>se;.ent*/ t$e 3an 3arrie
one Ro3anita PereI. Hen#e, So*ea +i*e a #o3"*aint a4ainst Fran#is#o +or a#,no-*e4e3ent
o+ $er #$i* as a nat.ra* #$i* o+ t$e "etitioner, as -e** as +or s.""ort o+ sai #$i* an 3ora*
a3a4es +or a**e4e >rea#$ o+ "ro3ise to 3arr/. T$e CFI e#*are t$e #$i* a nat.ra* a.4$ter o+
t$e e+enant, orere Fran#is#o to s.""ort t$e #$i* >/ 4ivin4 a 3ont$*/ a*i3on/, a-are
a#t.a* a3a4es an 3ora* a3a4es. On a""ea* o+ t$e "etitioner, t$e CA a++ir3e t$e assai*e
e#ision $o-ever in#rease t$e a3o.nt +or a#t.a* an 3ora* a3a4es.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e a-ar +or 3ora* a3a4es is va*i.
RULIN?)
T$e S."re3e Co.rt $e* t$at no 3ora* a3a4es #an >e $a in t$e intant #ase >e#a.se it -as t$e
-o3an -$o virt.a**/ se.#e t$e 3an >/ s.rrenerin4 $erse*+ to $i3 >e#a.se s$e a 4ir* ten
/ears o*er -as over-$e*3e >/ $er *ove +or $i3, s$e -ante to >in $i3 >/ $avin4 a +r.it o+
t$eir en4a4e3ent even >e+ore t$e/ $a t$e >ene+it o+ #*er4/.
?a*an4 vs. C.A.
A( SCRA &&A
FACTS)
P*ainti++ BeatriI ?a*an4 an Rori4o D.init -ere en4a4e, >.t Rori4o9s "arents -ere stron4*/
o""ose to t$eir 3arria4e. T$e/ *ive as $.s>an an -i+e in t$e $o.se o+ one Ao*+o 2a4a-an
.nti* Rori4o *e+t an never ret.rne. T$e evien#e on ot$er "ertinent +a#ts is $o-ever #on+*i#tin4.
P*ainti++ trie to "rove t$at s$e an Rori4o -ere en4a4e es"ite t$e o""osition o+ t$e *atter9s
3ot$er an t$at t$e +at$er o+ Rori4o a4ree to 4ive o-r/ an e+ra/ t$e e5"enses o+ t$e
3arria4e. T$e +at$er even too, t$e3 to t$e $o.se o+ 2a4a-an +or t$e3 to sta/ as $.s>an an
-i+e. Ho-ever -$en Rori4o -as not a>*e to se#.re a 3arria4e *i#ense +or *a#, o+ a resien#e
#erti+i#ate, $e -ent >a#, to $is $o3eto-n to 4et s.#$ #erti+i#ate >.t never ret.rne.
On t$e ot$er $an, t$e e+enants so.4$ to esta>*is$ t$at $e an "*ainti++ -ere en4a4e >.t $is
"arents -ere o""ose to t$e 3arria4e. Rori4o -as a4reea>*e to 3arr/ t$e "*ainti++ a+ter $is
4ra.ation >.t t$e *atter -as i3"atient an -ante t$e 3arria4e to ta,e "*a#e sooner. Be#a.se o+
#ontin.e re*ations$i"s -it$ t$e "*ainti++, Rori4o9s "arents to* $i3 to *eave t$e "arenta* $o3e.
He *ater to* t$is to "*ainti++. T$e "*ainti++ #onvin#e $i3 to 4o to 2a4a-an9s $o.se -$ere s$e
+o**o-e an sta/e t$erea+ter. Be#a.se o+ $is #ontin.e re+.sa* to 3arr/ t$e "*ainti++, t$e *atter9s
re*atives, a##o3"anie >/ "o*i#e3en an #onsta>.*ar/ so*iers inti3iate $i3. He -as a**o-e
to 4o $o3e an -as t$en "*a#e .ner t$e #.sto/ o+ a to-n 3a/or >/ $is "arents. He re+.se to
a#,no-*e4e t$e 3arria4e a""*i#ation, -$i#$ -as "rovie >/ 2a4a-an +or $i3 to si4n, -$en $e
i not a""ear >e+ore a notar/ ".>*i#.
P*ainti++ +i*e an a#tion a4ainst Rori4o an $is +at$er Ma5i3o D.init to re#over a3a4es +or
>rea#$ o+ "ro3ise on t$e "art o+ Rori4o to 3arr/ $er. T$e tria* #o.rt renere @.43ent in +avor
o+ "*ainti++, -$i#$ on a""ea*, -as reverse >/ t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not "*ainti++ 3a/ re#over a3a4es +or >rea#$ o+ "ro3ise to 3arr/.
RULIN?)
It is .r4e >/ t$e "*ainti++ t$at sai Co.rt $a erre in not a-arin4 3ora* a3a4es to $er. S$e
insists t$at 3ora* a3a4es +or >rea#$ o+ "ro3ise to 3arr/ are #o**e#ti>*e .ner o.r *a-s, >.t t$is
;.estion $as a*rea/ >een sett*e averse*/ to "*ainti++9s "retense in He3osisi3a vs. Co.rt o+
A""ea*s. Mora* a3a4es +or >rea#$ o+ "ro3ise to 3arr/ are not #o**e#ti>*e.
?ASHEM SHOOMAT BAMSH, "etitioner, vs. HON. COURT OF APPEALS an MARILOU T.
?ONLALES, res"onents
Fe>r.ar/ 16, 1660
FACTS)
Petitioner -as a 3ei#ine st.ent at L/#e.3 Nort$-estern Co**e4es at 2a4."an Cit/. He -as an
Iranian e5#$an4e st.ent an -as %6 /ears o*. Res"onent -as a +or3er -aitress on a
*.n#$eonette, an -as %% /ears o*. Petitioner -as a**e4e*/ t$e *over o+ t$e res"onent, an
-as sai to "ro3ise 3arria4e to t$e *atter, -$i#$ #onvin#e $er to *ive -it$ $i3 in $is a"art3ent.
It -as even a**e4e t$at t$e "etitioner -ent to t$e $o.se o+ t$e res"onent to in+or3 $er +a3i*/
a>o.t t$e 3arria4e on t$e en o+ t$e se3ester. Ho-ever, t$e 3arria4e i not 3ateria*iIe, -it$
severa* >eatin4s an 3a*treat3ent e5"erien#e >/ t$e res"onent +ro3 t$e "etitioner.
T$e #ase -as +i*e in t$e RTC o+ Pan4asinan, an t$e e#ision -as $e* in +avor o+ t$e
res"onent. Ho-ever, t$e "etitioner #*ai3e t$at t$e @.43ent o+ t$e RTC -as an error, +or t$e
#*ai3s o+ t$e res"onent are not tr.e, an t$at $e i not ,no- a>o.t t$e #.sto3 o+ t$e Fi*i"inosH
$is a#ts -ere in a##oran#e o+ $is #.sto3. T$e e#ision o+ t$e RTC -as a++ir3e in toto >/ t$e
Co.rt o+ A""ea*s. Hen#e, t$e "etitioner +i*e an a""ea* to t$e S."re3e Co.rt.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e res"onent #o.* #*ai3 "a/3ent +or t$e a3a4es in#.rre >/ t$e "etitioner.
RULIN?)
Mere >rea#$ o+ 3arria4e is not ".nis$a>*e >/ *a-. Ho-ever, sin#e t$e res"onent -as "rove to
$ave a 4oo 3ora* #$ara#ter, an t$at s$e $a @.st *et $er vir4init/ >e ta,en a-a/ >/ t$e
"etitioner sin#e t$e *atter o++ere a "ro3ise o+ 3arria4e, t$en s$e #o.* as, +or "a/3ent +or
a3a4es. F.rt$er3ore, sin#e s$e *et $er *over, t$e "etitioner, Ce+*o-ereE $er sin#e s$e >e*ieve
t$at $is "ro3ise to 3arr/ -as tr.e, an not .e to $er #arna* esire, t$en s$e #o.* $ave $er
#*ai3s a4ainst t$e "etitioner. Moreover, t$e +at$er o+ t$e res"onent $a a*rea/ *oo,e +or "i4s
an #$i#,en +or t$e 3arria4e re#e"tion an t$e s"onsors +or t$e 3arria4e, an t$en a3a4es
-ere #a.se >/ t$e "etitioner a4ainst t$e res"onents, -$i#$ ;.a*i+ie t$e #*ai3s o+ t$e
res"onent a4ainst t$e "etitioner.
BEATRIL P. :ASSMER, "*ainti++, vs. FRANCISCO X. !ELEL, e+enant
2e#e3>er %B, 16B(
FACTS)
Fran#is#o !e*eI an BeatriI :ass3er "*anne to 4et 3arrie. Ho-ever, !e*eI -ent a-a/ an
BeatriI i not $ear +ro3 $i3 a4ain. BeatriI s.e Fran#is#o an as,e t$e *atter to "a/ $er 3ora*
a3a4es. !e*eI #ontene t$at t$ere is no "rovision o+ t$e *a- a.t$oriIin4 an a#tion +or >rea#$
o+ "ro3ise to 3arr/. Ho-ever, t$e #o.rt i not +in t$is e+ense 3eritorio.s >e#a.se even
t$o.4$ it is tr.e t$at t$ere is no *a- +or >rea#$ o+ "ro3ise to 3arr/, :ass3er sti** s.++ere
+r.stration an ".>*i# $.3i*iation.
ISSUE)
2i t$e #o.rt err in orerin4 t$e e+enant to "a/ "*ainti++ 3ora* a3a4esG
RULIN?)
T$e #ase at >ar is not a 3ere >rea#$ o+ "ro3ise to 3arr/ >e#a.se it is not #onsiere an
a#tiona>*e -ron4. T$e 3ere +a#t t$e #o."*e $ave a*rea/ +i*e a 3arria4e *i#ense an a*rea/
s"ent +or invitations, -ein4 a""are*s, 4ives t$e "*ainti++ reason to e3an +or "a/3ent o+
a3a4es. T$e #o.rt a++ir3e t$e "revio.s @.43ent an orere t$e e+enant to "a/ t$e "*ainti++
3ora* a3a4es +or t$e $.3i*iation s$e s.++ereH a#t.a* a3a4es +or t$e e5"enses in#.rre an
e5e3"*ar/ a3a4es >e#a.se t$e e+enant a#te +ra..*ent*/ in 3a,in4 t$e "*ainti++ >e*ieve t$at
$e -i** #o3e >a#, an t$e -ein4 -i** ".s$ t$ro.4$.
?IL MI?UEL T. PUYAT, "etitioner, vs. RON LABARTE, res"onent
Fe>r.ar/ %B, %''1
FACTS)
T$e "etitioner o-e t$e res"onent a 3one/ o>*i4ation t$at ste33e +ro3 a "artners$i" interest
in t$e State o+ Ca*i+ornia. T$e S."erior Co.rt o+ t$e State o+ Ca*i+ornia renere a @.43ent
orerin4 "etitioner to "a/ res"onent in #onsonan#e -it$ a #o3"ro3ise a4ree3ent entere into
>/ t$e "arties. T$e res"onent #o33en#e an a#tion +or en+or#e3ent o+ t$e 3one/ @.43ent in
t$e P$i*i""ine #o.rt. T$e "etitioner +i*e an ans-er to t$e 3otion. T$e res"onent t$en +i*e a
3otion +or s.33ar/ @.43ent sin#e t$e +or3er -as not a>*e to 4ive a 4en.ine iss.e. T$e
Re4iona* Tria* Co.rt r.*e in +avor o+ t$e s.33ar/ @.43ent, a++ir3e t$e +orei4n @.43ent an
3ove +or t$e #o3"*etion o+ t$e @.43ent9s e5e#.tion. T$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s a++ir3e sai r.*in4.
Hen#e, t$e "etitioner9s a""ea* to t$e S."re3e Co.rt 4aine 4ro.n.
ISSUES)
1. :$et$er or not t$e 4rant +or s.33ar/ @.43ent is not erroneo.s.
%. :$et$er or not t$ere is .n@.st enri#$3ent.
RULIN?)
T$e *o-er #o.rt i not err in reso*vin4 t$e 3atter t$ro.4$ s.33ar/ @.43ent >e#a.se "etitioner
-as not a>*e to "ose a 4en.ine iss.e to an/ 3ateria* +a#t. It is a""arent t$at s.33ar/ @.43ent
is .se +or t$e "ro3"t is"ositions o+ a#tions re4arin4 a *e4a* iss.e.
T$e S."re3e Co.rt ."$e* t$at t$ere is no 3erit on t$e iss.e o+ .n@.st enri#$3ent. T$e "etitioner
#*ai3e t$at t$e +orei4n @.4e 3ae $i3 s$o.*er a** t$e *ia>i*ities in t$e #ase even i+ t$ere -ere
t-o ot$er e+enants. T$e S."re3e Co.rt #annot e5onerate "etitioner +or $is o>*i4ation .ner t$e
+orei4n @.43ent >e#a.se t$e +orei4n @.43ent itse*+ oes not 3ention t$ose ot$er e+enants,
t$eir "arti#i"ation or t$eir *ia>i*it/ to t$e res"onent. It -as "rove t$at t$e "etitioner -as t$e one
-$o #$ose to re"resent t$e ot$er e+enantsH $en#e, $e #annot >e a**o-e to i3".4n a e#ision
>ase on t$is 4ro.n.
Un@.st enri#$3ent or so*.tio ine>iti #annot >e a""*ie to $is #ase. T$e o#trine #onte3"*ates
"a/3ent -$ere t$ere is no .t/ to "a/ an t$e "erson -$o re#eives t$e "a/3ent $as no ri4$t to
re#eive it. T$e "etitioner o-e 3one/ an t$e @.43ent 3ere*/ re;.ire $i3 to "a/ it.
Con#e"#ion vs. C.A.
A0%( S.C.R.A. 7&A
FACTS)
Res"onent s"o.ses Nestor Ni#o*as an A**en Ni#o*as resie in an a"art3ent *ease >/ o-ner,
Bin4 Con#e"#ion -$o a*so resie in t$e sa3e #o3"o.n -$ere t$e a"art3ent -as. Nestor
en4a4e in a >.siness -$ere Bin4 @oine in t$e vent.re >/ #ontri>.tin4 #a"ita*. T$erea+ter,
"etitioner Rori4o Con#e"#ion, >rot$er o+ t$e e#easeA $.s>an o+ Bin4, an4ri*/ a##oste
Nestor at $is a"art3ent an a##.se $i3 o+ $avin4 an a.*tero.s re*ations$i" -it$ Bin4.
To #*ari+/ 3atters, t$e/ -ent to see so3e re*atives o+ t$e Con#e"#ion Fa3i*/, -$o a**e4e*/ ,ne-
a>o.t t$e re*ations$i", $o-ever, t$e *atter enie ,no-*e4e o+ s.#$. T$e t-o #on+ronte Bin4 on
t$e 3atter an a*so enie t$e i3".tations o+ t$e "etitioner. As a res.*t, Nestor s.++ere e5tre3e
e3>arrass3ent an s$a3e. His >.siness vent.re e#*ine an t$e $.s>an an -i+e o+ten $a
;.arre*s. Be#a.se o+ t$e re+.sa* o+ t$e "etitioner to a"o*o4iIe to t$e s"o.ses, t$e *atter +i*e a #ivi*
s.it +or a3a4es a4ainst t$e +or3er. T$e tria* #o.rt renere e#ision in +avor o+ t$e res"onents,
-$i#$ -as a++ir3e >/ t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$ere is *e4a* >asis in a-arin4 t$e a3a4es.
RULIN?)
It oes not nee +.rt$er e*.#iation t$at t$e in#ient #$ar4e o+ "etitioner -as >e *ess t$an an
invasion o+ t$e ri4$t o+ res"onent Nestor as a "erson. T$e "$i*oso"$/ >e$in Arti#*e %B
.ners#ores t$e ne#essit/ +or its in#*.sion in o.r #ivi* *a-. T$e Coe Co33ission stresse in no
.n#ertain ter3s t$at t$e $.3an "ersona*it/ 3.st >e e5a*te. T$e to.#$stone o+ ever/ s/ste3 o+
*a-, o+ t$e #.*t.re an #ivi*iIation o+ ever/ #o.ntr/, is $o- +ar it i4ni+ies 3an. T$.s, .ner t$is
arti#*e, t$e ri4$ts o+ "ersons are a3"*/ "rote#te, an a3a4es are "rovie +or vio*ations o+ a
"erson9s i4nit/, "ersona*it/, "riva#/ an "ea#e o+ 3in.
T$e vio*ations 3entione in t$e #oa* "rovisions are not e5#*.sive >.t are 3ere*/ e5a3"*es an
o not "re#*.e ot$er si3i*ar or ana*o4o.s a#ts. 2a3a4es t$ere+ore are a**o-a>*e +or a#tions
a4ainst a "erson9s i4nit/. Uner Arti#*e %%18 o+ t$e Civi* Coe, 3ora* a3a4es -$i#$ in#*.e
"$/si#a* s.++erin4, 3enta* an4.is$, +ri4$t, serio.s an5iet/, >es3ir#$e re".tation, -o.ne
+ee*in4s, 3ora* #$o#,, so#ia* $.3i*iation, an si3i*ar in@.r/, a*t$o.4$ in#a"a>*e o+ "e#.niar/
#o3".tation, 3a/ >e re#overe i+ t$e/ are t$e "ro5i3ate res.*t o+ t$e e+enant9s -ron4+.* a#t or
o3ission.
SER?IO AMONOY, "etitioner, vs. S"o.ses JOSE ?UTIERREL an AN?ELA FORNIL2A,
res"onents
Fe>r.ar/ 1&, %''1
FACTS)
As.n#ion Pasa3>a an A*+onso For3i*a e5e#.te a ee o+ rea* estate 3ort4a4e +or t-o *ots in
+avor o+ "etitioner Ser4io A3ono/ to se#.re $i3 o+ $is attorne/9s +ees in a #ase +or t$e sett*e3ent
o+ an estate invo*vin4 si5 "ar#e*s o+ *an. Ho-ever, t$e t-o ie >e+ore t$e ta5es $ave >een "ai,
#*ai3s sett*e an "ro"erties a@.i#ate an t$e estate -as e#*are #*ose an ter3inate,
t$.s, t$e attorne/9s +ees o+ "etitioner, se#.re >/ t$e *ots -ere *e+t .n"ai. J.43ent, in
"etitioner9s a#tion +or +ore#*os.re re;.ire t$e $eirs to "a/ t$e attorne/9s +ees se#.re >/ t$e
3ort4a4e, an t$at +ai*.re to "a/ -o.* s.>@e#t t$e *ots to sa*e at a ".>*i# a.#tion. T$e $eirs +ai*e
to "a/, #onse;.ent*/, t$e *ots -ere +ore#*ose an an a.#tion sa*e -as $e* -$ere "etitioner -as
t$e $i4$est >ier. In#*.e in t$ose so* -as t$e *ot on -$i#$ t$e res"onents ?.tierreI
s"o.ses $a t$eir $o.se. On A3ono/9s 3otion, an orer -as iss.e on t$e e3o*ition o+ t$e
str.#t.re. T$e res"onents t$en +i*e an a#tion a4ainst t$e tria* #o.rt e".t/ s$eri++ an A3ono/.
T$e S."re3e Co.rt 4rante a te3"orar/ restrainin4 orer <TRO= en@oinin4 t$e e3o*ition o+ t$e
res"onents9 $o.ses an a #o"/ -as serve to "etitionerH $o-ever, $e ".rs.e t$e e3o*ition o+
t$e res"onents9 $o.se. T$.s a #o3"*aint +or a3a4es a4ainst "etitioner A3ono/ -as +i*e.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not *ia>i*it/ +or a3a4es in +avor o+ res"onents -as -it$ 3erit.
RULIN?)
A*t$o.4$ t$e a#ts o+ "etitioner 3a/ $ave >een @.sti+ie at t$e o.tset, t$eir #ontin.ation a+ter t$e
iss.an#e o+ t$e TRO a3o.nte to an insiio.s a>.se o+ $is ri4$t. In.>ita>*/, $is a#tions -ere
tainte in >a +ait$. Ha $e not insiste on #o3"*etin4 t$e e3o*ition, res"onents -o.* not
$ave s.++ere t$e *oss t$at *e t$e s.it >e+ore t$e tria* #o.rt. His a#ts #onstit.te not on*/ an
a>.se o+ ri4$t, >.t a*so an inva*i e5er#ise o+ a ri4$t t$at $a >een s.s"ene -$en $e re#eive
t$e TRO +ro3 t$e Co.rt. B/ t$en, $e -as no *on4er entit*e to "ro#ee -it$ t$e e3o*ition.
O>vio.s*/, "etitioner #annot invo,e a3n.3 a>s;.e in@.ria, a "rin#i"*e "re3ise on t$e va*i
e5er#ise o+ a ri4$t. An/t$in4 *ess or >e/on s.#$ e5er#ise -i** not 4ive rise to t$e *e4a* "rote#tion
t$at t$e "rin#i"*e a##ors. An -$en a3a4e or "re@.i#e to anot$er is o##asione t$ere>/,
*ia>i*it/ #annot >e o>s#.re, 3.#$ *ess a>ate.
In t$e .*ti3ate ana*/sis, "etitioner9s *ia>i*it/ is "re3ise on t$e o>*i4ation to re"air or to 3a,e
-$o*e t$e a3a4e #a.se to anot$er >/ reason o+ one9s a#t or o3ission, -$et$er one
intentiona**/ or ne4*i4ent*/ an -$et$er or not ".nis$a>*e >/ *a-.
HEIRS OF THE LATE TEO2ORO ?UARIN?, JR. !S. COURT OF APPEALS
%B6 SCRA %70
FACTS)
On Nove3>er 8, 1678, t$e #ar riven >/ Teooro ?.arin4 Jr. #o**ie -it$ t$e P$i*i""ine Ra>>it
B.s riven >/ An4e*o C.evas an -t$ a To/ota Cressia Car riven >/ E*i4io Enri;.eI, a*on4 t$e
Nort$ L.Ion E5"ress-a/ in San Ra+ae*, Me5i#o Pa3"an4a.. As a #onse;.en#e, ?.arin4 ie.
T$e tria* #o.rt r.*e in +avor o+ $erein "etitioners, >.t *ost in t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s -$ere t$e
a##.se -as a#;.itte >ase on reasona>*e o.>t. T$is -as >e#a.se it -as +o.n o.t t$at t$e
e#ease -as t$e one -$o a#te ne4*i4ent*/. T$e a##.se t$e #*ai3e a""ea*e in t$e #o.rt t$at
t$e #ivi* #ase +i*e a4ainst $i3 >e e5tin4.is$e sin#e t$e e5tin4.is$3ent o+ $is #ri3ina* *ia>i*it/
ne#essari*/ +o**o-s t$e e5tin4.is$3ent o+ $is #ivi* *ia>i*it/, sin#e $is #ivi* *ia>i*it/ aro.se +ro3 $is
#ri3ina* *ia>i*it/. T$e "etitioners isa4ree on t$is 4ro.n, #*ai3in4 t$at t$e #ivi* #ase s$o.*
".rs.e. T$is -as t$en a""ea*e to t$e S."re3e Co.rt.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e #ivi* #ase 3.st >e ter3inate as a #onse;.en#e o+ t$e ter3ination o+ t$e
#ri3ina* #ase >ase on reasona>*e o.>t.
RULIN?)
T$e S."re3e Co.rt $e* t$at t$e a#;.itta* o+ t$e >.s river -as >ase on reasona>*e o.>t,
-$i#$ 3eans t$at t$e #ivi* #ase +or a3a4es -as not >arre sin#e t$e #a.se o+ a#tion o+ t$e $eirs
-as >ase on ;.asi e*i#t. Even i+ a3a4es are so.4$t on t$e >asis o+ #ri3e an not ;.asi e*i#t,
t$e a#;.itta* o+ t$e >.s river -i** not >ar re#over/ o+ a3a4es >e#a.se t$e a#;.itta* -as >ase
not on a +inin4 t$at $e -as not 4.i*t/ >.t on*/ on reasona>*e o.>t. T$.s, it $as >een $e*)
T$e @.43ent o+ a#;.itta* e5tin4.is$es t$e *ia>i*it/ o+ t$e a##.se +or a3a4es on*/ -$en it
in#*.es a e#*aration t$at t$e +a#ts +ro3 -$i#$ t$e #ivi* 3i4$t arise i not e5ist. T$.s, t$e #ivi*
*ia>i*it/ is not e5tin4.is$e >/ a#;.itta* -$ere t$e a#;.itta* is >ase on reasona>*e o.>t as on*/
"re"oneran#e o+ evien#e is re;.ire in #ivi* #asesH -$ere t$e #o.rt e5"ress*/ e#*ares t$at t$e
*ia>i*it/ o+ t$e a##.se is not #ri3ina* >.t on*/ #ivi* in nat.re as, +or instan#e, in t$e +e*onies o+
esta+a, t$e+t, an 3a*i#io.s 3is#$ie+ #o33itte >/ #ertain re*atives -$o t$ere>/ in#.r on*/ #ivi*
*ia>i*it/H an, -$ere t$e #ivi* *ia>i*it/ oes not arise +ro3 or is not >ase ."on t$e #ri3ina* a#t o+
-$i#$ t$e a##.se -as a#;.itte.
T$ere+ore, t$e S."re3e Co.rt r.*e t$at t$e "ro#eein4s +or t$e #ivi* #ase o+ t$e sai in#ient
3.st #ontin.e +or t$e re#over/ o+ a3a4es o+ t$e vi#ti39s $eirs. T$e #ase -as re3ane to t$e
tria* #o.rt to eter3ine t$e #ivi* *ia>i*it/ o+ t$e a##.se.
?EOR?E MANANTAN, "etitioner, vs. THE COURT OF APPEALS, SPOUSES MARCELINO
NICOLAS an MARIA NICOLAS, res"onents
Jan.ar/ %6, %''1
FACTS)
In t$e evenin4 o+ Se"te3>er %&, 167%, at t$e Nationa* Hi4$-a/ o+ Ma*var, Santia4o, Isa>e*a,
?eor4e Manantan -as rivin4 a To/ota #ar 4oin4 $o3e. At t$at ti3e, $e -as -it$ Fis#a*
A3>ro#io, Mi4.e* Ta>an4in an R.>en Ni#o*as. S.en*/, a @ee"ne/, #o3in4 +ro3 t$e o""osite
ire#tion $it t$e river sie o+ t$e #ar, riven >/ Manantan. Conse;.ent*/, Manantan, A3>ro#io
an Ta>an4in -ere in@.re -$i*e Ni#o*as ie. Tria* +o**o-e.
T$e *o-er #o.rt a#;.itte t$e a##.se o+ t$e #ri3e o+ re#,*ess i3"r.en#e res.*tin4 to $o3i#ie.
T$e res"onents +i*e t$eir noti#e o+ a""ea* on t$e #ivi* as"e#t o+ t$e *o-er #o.rt9s @.43ent.
Even i+ t$e a##.se -as a#;.itte +ro3 $is #ri3ina* *ia>i*it/, t$e A""e**ate Co.rt $e* $i3 #ivi**/
*ia>*e an orere $i3 to ine3ni+/ t$e a44rieve "art/ +or t$e eat$ o+ Ni#o*as.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e a#;.itta* o+ "etitioner e5tin4.is$e $is #ivi* *ia>i*it/G
RULIN?)
T$e a#;.itta* -as >ase on reasona>*e o.>t on t$e 4.i*t o+ t$e a##.se. Arti#*e %6 o+ t$e Civi*
Coe "rovies t$at a #ivi* *ia>i*it/ is not e5tin4.is$e in #ri3ina* #ases. T$ere+ore, t$e a##.se
#annot >e e5e3"te +ro3 "a/in4 #ivi* a3a4es -$i#$ 3a/ on*/ >e "roven >/ "re"oneran#e o+
evien#e.
Manantan #*ai3e t$at $e -as "*a#e on o.>*e @eo"ar/ >.t t$e #o.rts i not 4ive 3erit to t$is
#ontention. T$e +o**o-in4 e*e3ents 3.st >e "resent +or o.>*e @eo"ar/ to e5ist) <1= A +irst
@eo"ar/ 3.st $ave atta#$e "rior to t$e se#onH <%= T$e +irst @eo"ar/ 3.st $ave ter3inateH
an <0= t$e t$ir @eo"ar/ 3.st >e +or t$e sa3e o++ense as t$e +irst.
In t$e #ase at >ar, t$e initia**/ ".t into @eo"ar/ >.t $e it -as ter3inate >/ $is is#$ar4e. :$en
t$e #ase -as e*evate to t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s, t$e iss.e -as a>o.t t$e #ivi* as"e#t o+ t$e #ri3ina*
#ase. T$.s, t$ere #o.* >e no o.>*e @eo"ar/.
BONITE !S. LOSA
A1B% SCRA 180A
FACTS)
At a>o.t %)'' "3 on Se"te3>er %(, 16B7, Mr. F*oren#io Bonite -as -or,in4 as C#a3ineroE o+ t$e
B.rea. o+ P.>*i# Hi4$-a/s at Barrio !i#ente A*to, Or;.ita Cit/ -$en a ve$i#*e >ein4 riven >/
E*i4io A>a3on4a, -$i#$ #a.se t$e eat$ o+ Bonite, $it $i3. T$e $eirs o+ Bonite t$en +i*e a
#ri3ina* a#tion a4ainst A>a3on4a >.t Hon. Mariano Losa, t$e "resiin4 @.4e +or *a#, o+
evien#e to "rove t$e a##.se 4.i*t/ o+ t$e #ri3e #$ar4e, is3isse t$e sa3e. Petitioners i
not a""ea* >.t instea +i*e a #ivi* #ase +or a3a4es.
T$e sa3e @.4e is3isse t$e instant #ase statin4 t$at t$e "arties ear*ier reserve t$e ri4$t to +i*e
a #ivi* #ase. T$e "etitioners t$en raise t$is #ase +or a""ea* Certiorari.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e #o.rts erre in is3issin4 t$e #ase on t$e >asis t$at t$e "etitioners i not
reserve t$eir ri4$t to +i*e a se"arate #ivi* #ase.
RULIN?)
T$e S."re3e Co.rt reverse t$e e#ision o+ t$e *o-er #o.rt an state t$at it is ri4$t o+ ever/
"art/ to >e #o3"ensate +or a3a4es t$at t$e/ $ave in#.rre >/ -a/ o+ t$e #ri3ina* a#tion. T$e
#o.rt +.rt$er state t$at a #ri3ina* a#tion is istin#t +ro3 t$at o+ a #ivi* a#tion. So ."on t$is, t$e
S."re3e Co.rt reverse t$e e#ision o+ t$e *o-er #o.rt an re3ane t$e #ase >a#, +or t$e tria*
o+ t$e #ase.
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, "*ainti++Aa""e**ee, vs. RO?ELIO BAYOTAS Y COR2O!A,
a##.seAa""e**ant
Se"te3>er %, 166(
FACTS)
Ro4e*io Ba/otas -as #$ar4e -it$ ra"e an event.a**/ #onvi#te on J.ne 16, 1661. :$i*e t$e
a""ea* -as "enin4, Ba/otas ie. T$e S."re3e Co.rt is3isse t$e #ri3ina* as"e#t o+ t$e
a""ea*H $o-ever, it re;.ire t$e So*i#itorA?enera* to #o33ent -it$ re4ar to Ba/otas9 #ivi* *ia>i*it/
arisin4 +ro3 $is #o33ission o+ t$e o++ense #$ar4e.
In $is #o33ent, t$e So*i#itorA?enera* e5"resse $is vie- t$at t$e eat$ o+ a##.seAa""e**ant i
not e5tin4.is$ $is #ivi* *ia>i*it/ as a res.*t o+ $is #o33ission o+ t$e o++ense #$ar4e. T$is #o33ent
-as o""ose >/ t$e #o.nse* o+ a##.seAa""e**ant, ar4.in4 t$at t$e eat$ o+ t$e a##.se -$i*e
@.43ent o+ t$e #onvi#tion is "enin4 a""ea* e5tin4.is$es >ot$ #ri3ina* an #ivi* "ena*ties, $e
#ite in s.""ort an invo,e t$e r.*in4 o+ t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s in Peo"*e v. Casti**o, -$i#$ -as
$e* t$at t$e #ivi* o>*i4ation in a #ri3ina* #ase ta,es root in t$e #ri3ina* res"onsi>i*it/ an
t$ere+ore #ivi* *ia>i*it/ is e5tin4.is$e i+ a##.se s$o.* ie >e+ore +ina* @.43ent is renere.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e eat$ o+ t$e a##.se "enin4 a""ea* o+ $is #onvi#tion e5tin4.is$es $is #ivi*
*ia>i*it/.
RULIN?)
Yes, t$e eat$ o+ t$e a##.se "enin4 a""ea* o+ $is #onvi#tion e5tin4.is$es $is #ivi* *ia>i*it/
>e#a.se tire *ia>i*it/ is >ase so*e*/ on t$e #ri3ina* a#t #o33itte. Coro**ari*/, t$e #*ai3 +or #ivi*
*ia>i*it/ s.rvives not-it$stanin4 t$e eat$ o+ t$e a##.se, i+ t$e sa3e 3a/ a*so >e "rei#ate
+ro3 anot$er so.r#e o+ o>*i4ation ot$er t$an e*i#t, s.#$ as *a-, #ontra#t, ;.asiA#ontra#t or ;.asiA
e*i#t.
:$ere #ivi* *ia>i*it/ s.rvives, an a#tion +or re#over/ 3a/ >e ".rs.e >.t on*/ >/ -a/ o+ +i*in4 a
se"arate #ivi* a#tion an s.>@e#t to Se#tion 1. R.*e 11 o+ t$e R.*es on Cri3ina* Pro#e.re as
a3ene. T$is se"arate #ivi* a#tion 3a/ >e en+or#e eit$er a4ainst t$e e5e#.torVa3inistrator or
t$e estate o+ t$e a##.se e"enin4 on t$e so.r#e o+ o>*i4ation ."on -$i#$ t$e sa3e is >ase.
MANSION BISCUITS !. CA
A%&' S.C.R.A. 16&A
FACTS)
T-o in+or3ations -ere +i*e a4ainst T/ Te#, S.an, "resient o+ E-ar T/ Brot$ers Cor"oration,
+or $avin4 vio*ate Batas Pa3>ansa B*4. %% or t$e Bo.n#in4 C$e#,s La- +or a**e4e*/ +ai*in4 $is
o>*i4ation to "a/ or 3a,e 4oo t$e va*.e o+ t$e "ostate #$e#,s $e iss.e, -$i#$ -as
is$onore >/ t$e >an, .e to ins.++i#ien#/ o+ +.ns, in "a/3ent o+ t$e n.triA-a+er >is#.its
e*ivere >/ Mansion Bis#.it Cor"oration to t$e *atter. T/ Te#, S.an -as +o.n not 4.i*t/ o+ t$e
sai #ri3ina* #$ar4e >/ t$e tria* #o.rt. Petitioner t$en +i*e an a""ea* >e+ore t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s
assai*in4 t$e tria* #o.rt9s r.*in4 a>so*vin4 e+enant +ro3 #ivi* *ia>i*it/ in t$e #ri3ina* #ases.
Petitioner #ontene t$at t$e a#;.itta* o+ t$e a##.se in t$e #ri3ina* #ases i not ne#essari*/
e5tin4.is$ t$eir #ivi* *ia>i*it/.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e "etitioner #an en+or#e t$e #ivi* *ia>i*it/ +or nonA"a/3ent o+ t$e n.triA-a+er
>is#.its in ;.estion a4ainst "rivate res"onent not-it$stanin4 t$e +a#t t$at t$e *atter #ontra#te
t$e a4ree3ent in >e$a*+ o+ E-ar T/ Brot$ers Cor"oration.
RULIN?)
T$e #ivi* *ia>i*it/ +or nonA"a/3ent o+ t$e 4oos e*ivere >/ "etitioner to t$e E-ar T/ Brot$ers
Cor"oration #annot >e en+or#e a4ainst t$e "rivate res"onent >e#a.se t$e sai #ivi* *ia>i*it/ -as
not t$e "ersona* *ia>i*it/ o+ T/ Te#, S.an to Mansion Bis#.it Cor"oration, rat$er, it -as t$e
#ontra#t.a* *ia>i*it/ o+ E-ar T/ Brot$ers Cor"oration, o+ -$i#$ T/ Te#, S.an -as "resient, to
Mansion Bis#.it Cor"oration.
T$e iss.e o+ t$e #ivi* *ia>i*it/ o+ E-ar T/ Brot$ers Cor"oration to Mansion Bis#.its Cor"oration
arisin4 +ro3 t$e #ontra#t o+ ".r#$ase an sa*e >et-een t$e3 #o.* not $ave >een an -as not
*iti4ate an reso*ve in t$e #ri3ina* #ase inas3.#$ as t$e/ -ere not "arties t$erein. A se"arate
#ivi* a#tion 3.st >e instit.te >/ Mansion Bis#.its Cor"oration a4ainst E-ar T/ Brot$ers
Cor"oration to en+or#e t$e #ontra#t >et-een t$e3. Ne#essari*/, an/ #*ai3 +or tort.o.s *ia>i*it/
3.st >e venti*ate in a se"arate a#tion a4ainst t$e "ro"er "art/.
E2UAR2O M. COJUAN?CO JR., "etitioner vs. COURT OF APPEALS, THE PHILIPPINE
CHARITY S:EEPSTAMES OFFICE an FERNAN2O O. CARRASCOSO JR., res"onents
J.*/ %0, 1666
FACTS)
Herein "etitioner -as a >.siness3anAs"orts3an o-nin4 severa* ra#e$orses -$i#$ $e entere in
t$e s-ee"sta,es ra#es >et-een t$e "erios #overin4 Mar#$ B, 167B to Se"te3>er 17, 1676.
Severa* o+ $is $orses -on t$e ra#es on vario.s ates, *anin4 +irst, se#on, or t$ir "*a#es,
res"e#tive*/.
Ho-ever, res"onents PCSO an its #$air3an -it$$e* t$e "riIes o+ t$e "etitioner, #*ai3in4 t$at
s.#$ -as t$e orer o+ t$e P$i*i""ine Co33ission on ?oo ?overn3ent <PC??=. A #ase -as +i*e
re4arin4 t$e sai 3atter >e+ore t$e RTC o+ Mani*a. PC?? avises e+enants t$at Cit "oses no
3ore o>@e#tion to t$e re3ittan#e o+ t$e "riIe -innin4sE, an t$is -as #o33.ni#ate >/
Carras#oso, Jr., e+enant, to t$e "etitioner9s #o.nse*, >.t -as re+.se sin#e t$e 3atter -as
>ro.4$t to t$e #o.rt. RTC r.*e in t$is #ase in +avor o+ t$e "etitioner. Ho-ever, t$e a-arin4 o+
3ora* a3a4es, e5e3"*ar/ an attorne/9s +ees in +avor o+ t$e "etitioner an t$at t$e/ a#te in
>a +ait$ -as ;.estione >/ t$e res"onents, an -as a""ea*e to t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s, -$i#$
reverse an set asie t$e r.*in4s o+ t$e RTC. So, t$e "etitioner a""ea*e it to t$e S."re3e
Co.rt.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e #onstit.tiona* ri4$ts o+ t$e "etitioner -ere vio*ate.
RULIN?)
:$en t$e res"onents -it$$e* t$e "riIe -innin4s o+ t$e "etitioner, t$e *atter9s ri4$t to t$e .se o+
$is "ro"ert/ -as .n.*/ i3"ee.
T$ere -as no -rit o+ se;.estration on neit$er t$e ra#e$orse -innin4s o+ "etitioner, nor t$e
ra#e$orses +or t$at 3atter. T$e iss.an#e o+ a se;.estration orer re;.ires t$e s$o-in4 o+ a "ri3a
+a#ie an .e re4ar +or t$e re;.ire3ents o+ .e "ro#ess. T$e -it$$o*in4 o+ t$e "riIe -innin4s
o+ "etitioner -it$o.t a "ro"er*/ iss.e se;.estration orer #*ear*/ s"o,e o+ a vio*ation o+ $is
"ro"ert/ ri4$ts -it$o.t .e "ro#ess o+ *a-. T$e res"onents are *ia>*e not >e#a.se t$e/ $ave
a#te in >a +ait$ or -it$ 3a*i#e, >.t >e#a.se t$ere -as a vio*ation o+ t$e #onstit.tiona* ri4$ts o+
"etitioner, even on t$e "rete5t o+ @.sti+ia>*e 3otives or 4oo +ait$ in t$e "er+or3an#e o+ one9s
.ties.
UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
CONCLUSION, LA:, APPLICABILITY TO SITUATION, JURISPRU2ENCE
Re"ort t$is "ost
To"
Pro+i*e Sen "rivate 3essa4e
Re"*/ -it$ ;.ote
OI;C
Post s.>@e#t)
PostPoste) T$. J.n '&, %''7 ()%' "3
O++*ine
J.nior Me3>er
User avatar
Joine) T.e A.4 '8, %''8 &)1' "3
Posts) 07&
Lo#ation) Santia4o Cit/
ALCUAL !S. PSBA
A1B1 SCRA 8A
FACTS)
In 167B, so3e PSBA st.ents, $erein "etitioners A*#.aI et. a*. sta4e e3onstrations in t$e
"re3ises o+ t$e s#$oo*. In orer +or t$e e3onstration to >e sett*e, an a4ree3ent -as entere
into a3on4 ot$ers t$e re4.*ations +or t$e #on.#t o+ "rotest a#tion. In s"ite o+ t$e a4ree3ent, it
-as a**e4e t$at t$e "etitioners, #o33itte t.3.*t.o.s an anar#$i# a#ts -it$in t$e "re3ises o+
t$e s#$oo*, +anne >/ t$e #oo"eration o+ t$e intervenin4 "ro+essors, #a.sin4 isr."tion o+ #*asses
to t$e "re@.i#e o+ t$e 3a@orit/ st.ents. T$e s#$oo* too, a3inistrative san#tions ."on t$e3 in
vie- o+ t$eir "arti#i"ation in t$e e3onstration. T$e st.ents an t$e intervenin4 "ro+essors -ere
san#tione. T$e/ -ere is3isse an ter3inate.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$ere $as >een a e"rivation o+ #onstit.tiona* ri4$ts o+ e5"ression an asse3>*/
an o+ .e "ro#ess o+ *a- o+ t$e st.ents -$o $ave >een >arre +ro3 reAenro**3ent.
HEL2)
T$e S."re3e Co.rt $e* t$at .e "ro#ess in is#i"*inar/ #ases s.#$ as t$e #ase at >ar oes not
entai* "ro#eein4s an $earin4s si3i*ar to t$ose "res#ri>e +or a#tions an "ro#eein4s in t$e
#o.rts o+ @.sti#e. T$e Co.rt $as a*rea/ re#o4niIe t$e ri4$t o+ t$e s#$oo* to re+.se reAenro**3ent
o+ st.ents +or a#ae3i# e*in;.en#/ an vio*ation o+ is#i"*inar/ re4.*ations. In t$e s#$oo*9s
a3inistrative "ro#ess, >ot$ st.ents an "ro+essors -ere 4iven t$ree <0= a/s +ro3 re#ei"t o+
*etter to e5"*ain in -ritin4 -$/ t$e s#$oo* s$o.* not ta,e a3inistrative san#tion a4ainst t$e3.
:it$ res"e#t to t$e a#ae3i# a#tivities o+ t$e st.ents an t$e tea#$in4 *oas o+ t$e tea#$ers, t$e
res"onent s#$oo* $as #reate ne- #*ass +or t$e "etitioners an t$e intervenin4 "ro+essors .rin4
an -$en t$e investi4ation -as 4oin4 on.
T$e Co.rt t$en ."$e* t$at t$ere is no enia* o+ .e "ro#ess -$ere a** re;.ire3ents o+
a3inistrative .e "ro#ess -ere 3et >/ t$e s#$oo* an t$e st.ents -ere 4iven t$e o""ort.nit/
to >e $ear an t$at t$e ri4$t o+ e5"ression an asse3>*/ are not a>so*.te es"e#ia**/ -$en
"arties are >o.n to #ertain r.*es .ner a #ontra#t.
Arie* Non,et. a*, "etitioners, vs. Hon. San#$o 2a3es II an Ma>ini Co**e4es, In#., res"onents,
Ma/ %', 166'
FACTS)
Petitioners, st.ents in "rivate res"onent Ma>ini Co**e4es, In#. -ere not a**o-e to reAenro** >/
t$e s#$oo* +or t$e a#ae3i# /ear 1677A1676 +or *eain4 or "arti#i"atin4 in st.ent 3ass a#tions
a4ainst t$e s#$oo* in t$e "re#ein4 se3ester. T$e s.>@e#t o+ t$e "rotests is not, $o-ever, 3ae
#*ear in t$e "*eain4s.
T$e tria* #o.rt is3isse t$e "etition re+errin4 to t$e r.*in4 in A*#.aI vs. PSBA statin4, t$at >ein4
a 3ere "rivi*e4e an not a *e4a* ri4$t +or a st.ent to >e enro**e or reAenro**e, res"onent
Ma>ini Co**e4e is +ree to a3it or not a3it t$e "etitioners +or reAenro**3ent in vie- o+ t$e
a#ae3i# +reeo3 en@o/e >/ t$e s#$oo*.
T$e res"onents, in @.sti+/in4 t$eir a#tion, state t$at 7 o+ t$e "etitioners $ave in#.rre +ai*in4
4raes. In res"onse, t$e "etitioners state t$at) <a= t$ree o+ t$e3 -ere 4ra.atin4. <>= T$eir
a#ae3i# e+i#ien#ies o not -arrant nonArea3ission. <#= T$e i3"ro"er #on.#t attri>.te to
t$e3 -as .rin4 t$e e5er#ise o+ t$e #o4nate ri4$ts o+ +ree s"ee#$ an "ea#ea>*e asse3>*/. <=
T$ere -as no .e investi4ation t$at #o.* serve as >asis +or is#i"*inar/ a#tion. <e= Res"onent
s#$oo* is t$eir #$oi#e instit.tion near t$eir "*a#es o+ resien#e, -$i#$ t$e/ #an a++or to "a/ +or
tertiar/ e.#ation.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e s#$oo* $as t$e ri4$t not to reAa3it t$e "etitioners.
RULIN?)
T$e S."re3e Co.rt r.*e t$at t$e tria* #o.rt #annot an#$or t$e CTer3ination o+ Contra#tE t$eor/
t$e #ontra#t >et-een t$e s#$oo* an t$e st.ent is not an orinar/ #ontra#t. It is i3>.e -it$
".>*i# interest, #onsierin4 t$e $i4$ "riorit/ 4iven >/ t$e Constit.tion to e.#ation an t$e 4rant to
t$e State o+ s."ervisor/ an re4.*ator/ "o-ers over a** e.#ationa* instit.tions. It is intene
3ere*/ to "rote#t s#$oo*s -$erein t.ition +ees are #o**e#te an "ai on insta**3ent >asis. It
#annot >e #onstr.e to 3ean t$at a st.ent s$a** >e enro**e +or on*/ one se3ester.
T$e ri4$t o+ an instit.tion o+ $i4$er *earnin4 to set a#ae3i# stanars #annot >e .ti*iIe to
is#ri3inate a4ainst st.ents -$o e5er#ise t$eir #onstit.tiona* ri4$ts to s"ee#$ an asse3>*/, +or
ot$er-ise t$ere -i** >e a vio*ation o+ t$eir ri4$t to e;.a* "rote#tion. It "rovies t$at ever/ st.ent
$as t$e ri4$t to enro** in an/ s#$oo* #o**e4e or .niversit/ ."on 3eetin4 its s"e#i+i# re;.ire3ents
an reasona>*e re4.*ationsH . . . an t$at Wt$e st.ent is "res.3e to >e ;.a*i+ie +or enro**3ent
+or t$e entire "erio $e is e5"e#te to #o3"*ete t$e #o.rse, -it$o.t "re@.i#e to $is ri4$t to
trans+er.W
ARMAN2O JOSE / PAL an MANILA CENTRAL BUS LINES <MCL=,"etitioners vs. COURT OF
APPEALS, ROMMEL ABRAHAM, re"resente >/ $is +at$er FELIXBERTO ABRAHAM, JOSE
MACARUBO an MERCE2ES MACARUBO, res"onents
Jan.ar/ 17, %'''
FACTS)
On Fe>r.ar/ %%, 167&, a >.s riven >/ "etitioner Ar3ano Jose, #o**ie -it$ a re For Es#ort
riven >/ Jo$n Ma#ar.>o.As a res.*t o+ t$e #o**ision, t$e *e+t sie o+ t$e For Es#ortKs $oo -as
severe*/ a3a4e -$i*e its river an its *one "assen4er, "rivate res"onent Ro33e* A>ra$a3,
-ere serio.s*/ in@.reMa#ar.>o, es"ite >ein4 ta,en to $os"ita*, ie a+ter $e .ner4one a
s.r4er/. A>ra$a3, on t$e ot$er $an, >e#a3e >*in on t$e *e+t e/e -$i#$ $a to >e re3ove. In
aition, $e s.staine a +ra#t.re on t$e +ore$ea an 3.*ti"*e *a#erations on t$e +a#e, -$i#$
#a.se $i3 to >e $os"ita*iIe +or a -ee,. Conse;.ent*/, res"onent, re"resente >/ $is +at$er,
Fe*i5>erto, instit.te a #ivi* #ase +or a3a4es a4ainst "etitioners MCL an Ar3ano Jose in t$e
Re4iona* Tria* Co.rt.On J.*/ 18, 167B, t$e s"o.ses Jose an Mer#ees Ma#ar.>o, "arents o+ t$e
e#ease Jo$n Ma#ar.>o, +i*e t$eir o-n s.it +or a3a4es in t$e sa3e tria* #o.rt. On t$e ot$er
$an, MCL +i*e a t$irA"art/ #o3"*aint a4ainst J.anita Ma#ar.>o, re4istere o-ner o+ t$e For
Es#ort on t$e t$eor/ t$at Jo$n Ma#ar.>o -as ne4*i4ent an t$at $e -as t$e Wa.t$oriIe riverW o+
J.anita Ma#ar.>o. T$e *atter, in t.rn, +i*e a #o.nter#*ai3 +or a3a4es a4ainst MCL +or t$e
a3a4e to $er #ar. T$e tria* #o.rt renere @.43ent is3issin4 >ot$ #ivi* #ases a4ainst MCL
an r.*in4 +avora>*/ on its t$irA"art/ #o3"*aint a4ainst J.anita Ma#ar.>o, orerin4 t$e *atter to
"a/ MCL P&(,%0%.1% as a#t.a* a3a4es, P%(,'''.'' +or *ost in#o3e, an P1','''.'' as
attorne/Ks +ees. T$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s renere a e#ision reversin4 t$e e#ision o+ t$e tria* #o.rt.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not Ar3ano Jose, t$e o-ner o+ B.s %'0 is *ia>*e +or a ;.asiAe*i#t
RULIN?)
It is s.#$ a +ir3*/ esta>*is$e "rin#i"*e, as to $ave virt.a**/ +or3e "art o+ t$e *a- itse*+, t$at t$e
ne4*i4en#e o+ t$e e3"*o/ee 4ives rise to t$e "res.3"tion o+ ne4*i4en#e on t$e "art o+ t$e
e3"*o/er. Be+ore t$e "res.3"tion o+ t$e e3"*o/erKs ne4*i4en#e in t$e se*e#tion an s."ervision
o+ its e3"*o/ees #an arise, t$e ne4*i4en#e o+ t$e e3"*o/ee 3.st +irst >e esta>*is$e. :$i*e t$e
a**e4ations o+ ne4*i4en#e a4ainst t$e e3"*o/ee an t$at o+ an e3"*o/erAe3"*o/ee re*ation in t$e
#o3"*aint are eno.4$ to 3a,e o.t a #ase o+ ;.asiAe*i#t .ner Art. %17' o+ t$e Civi* Coe, t$e
+ai*.re to "rove t$e e3"*o/eeKs ne4*i4en#e .rin4 t$e tria* is +ata* to "rovin4 t$e e3"*o/erKs
vi#ario.s *ia>i*it/. In t$is #ase, "rivate res"onents +ai*e to "rove t$eir a**e4ation o+ ne4*i4en#e
a4ainst river Ar3ano Jose -$o, in +a#t, -as a#;.itte in t$e #ase +or #ri3ina* ne4*i4en#e
arisin4 +ro3 t$e sa3e in#ient. MCL +ai*e to "resent an/ evien#e to "rove t$at J.anita
Ma#ar.>o -as t$e e3"*o/er o+ Jo$n Ma#ar.>o or t$at s$e is in an/ -a/ *ia>*e +or Jo$n
Ma#ar.>oKs ne4*i4en#e .ner Art. %17' o+ t$e Civi* Coe. For +ai*.re to is#$ar4e its >.ren,
MCLKs t$irA"art/ #o3"*aint s$o.* >e is3isse. T$.s, t$e e#ision o+ t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s is
reverse an t$e #o3"*aints +i*e a4ainst MCL an Ar3ano Jose, as -e** as t$e t$irA"art/
#o3"*aint +i*e a4ainst J.anita Ma#ar.>o, are is3isse.
A*ano vs. Co.rt o+ A""ea*s
O#to>er 1&, 1668
FACTS)
On or a>o.t J.ne 1', 167B, in t$e Cit/ o+ Mani*a, P$i*i""ines, t$e sai a##.se e+ra. Ro>erto
S. Car*os >/ "retenin4 to >e sti** t$e o-ner o+ a "ar#e* o+ *an -it$ an area o+ 1,18% s;.are
3eters, 3ore or *ess, *o#ate at Bi#.tan, Ta4.i4, Metro Mani*a, #overe >/ Ta5 2e#*aration No.
1%'A''(A''067, -e** ,no-in4 t$at $e $a "revio.s*/ so* t$e sa3e to t$e sai Ro>erto S. Car*os
+or P0','''.'', so* t$e a+oresai "ro"ert/ +or t$e se#on ti3e to one Er*ina B. 2ano/ +or
P78,6''.'', t$ere>/ e"rivin4 t$e sai Ro>erto S. Car*os o+ $is ri4$t+.* o-ners$i"V"ossession o+
t$e sai "ar#e* o+ *an, to t$e a3a4e an "re@.i#e o+ t$e sai Ro>erto S. Car*os in t$e
a+oresai a3o.nt o+ P0','''.'', P$i*i""ine #.rren#/.
Petitioner 3ove +or t$e s.s"ension o+ t$e #ri3ina* #ase on t$e 4ro.n t$at t$ere -as a
"re@.i#ia* ;.estion "enin4 reso*.tion in anot$er #ase >ein4 trie in t$e Re4iona* Tria* Co.rt,
Nationa* Ca"ita* Re4ion, Pasi4, Bran#$ B7. T$e #ase, o#,ete as Civi* Case No. &&1'0 an
entit*e WRo>erto Car*os an Trinia M. Car*os v. Art.ro A*ano, et. a*.,W #on#erns t$e n.**it/ o+ t$e
sa*e an re#over/ o+ "ossession an a3a4es. In t$e a+ore3entione Civi* Case, "rivate
res"onent +i*e a #o3"*aint a4ainst t$e "etitioner see,in4 t$e ann.*3ent o+ t$e se#on sa*e o+
sai "ar#e* o+ *an 3ae >/ t$e "etitioner to a #ertain Er*ina 2ano/ on t$e "re3ise t$at t$e
sai *an -as "revio.s*/ so* to t$e3. In $is ans-er, a##.se #*ai3e t$at $is si4n -as +or4e in
t$e se#on #ontra#t, >.t t$is -as sai a+ter t$e +ive /ears o+ +i*in4 o+ esta+a a4ainst $i3 in a
#ri3ina* #ase.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e "enen#/ o+ Civi* Case No. &&1'0, is a "re@.i#ia* ;.estion @.sti+/in4 t$e
s.s"ension o+ t$e "ro#eein4s in Cri3ina* Case No. 6'A7(600 +i*e a4ainst t$e "etitioner.
RULIN?)
T$e S."re3e Co.rt $e* t$at t$ere is no "re@.i#ia* ;.estion on t$is #ase.
T$e o#trine o+ "re@.i#ia* ;.estion #o3es into "*a/ in a sit.ation -$ere a #ivi* a#tion an a
#ri3ina* a#tion are >ot$ "enin4 an t$ere e5ists in t$e +or3er an iss.e -$i#$ 3.st >e
"ree3"tive*/ reso*ve >e+ore t$e #ri3ina* a#tion 3a/ "ro#ee, >e#a.se $o-soever t$e iss.e
raise in t$e #ivi* a#tion is reso*ve -o.* >e eter3inative o+ t$e 4.i*t or inno#en#e o+ t$e
a##.se in t$e #ri3ina* a#tion. In ot$er -ors, i+ >ot$ #ivi* an #ri3ina* #ases $ave si3i*ar iss.es
or t$e iss.e in one is inti3ate*/ re*ate to t$e iss.es raise in t$e ot$er, t$en a "re@.i#ia*
;.estion -o.* *i,e*/ e5ists, "rovie t$e ot$er e*e3ent or #$ara#teristi# is satis+ie. In t$is #ase,
t$ere -as no "re@.i#ia* ;.estion sin#e $e a3itte in t$e "reAtria* t$at $is si4nat.re is va*i on
t$e vo.#$ers an on t$e se#on ee o+ sa*e. B/ a3ission o+ t$e va*iit/ o+ $is si4nat.res an
t$e se#on ee o+ sa*e, $is a3ission on t$e esta+a #ase 3eant t$at $e #o.* no *on4er .se or
raise sai e+ense to raise a "re@.i#ia* ;.estion in $is #ase.
Me/naro L. Be*tran, "etitioner, vs. Peo"*e o+ t$e P$i*i""ines, an Hon. J.4e F*orentino T.aIon,
Jr., res"onents
J.ne %', %'''
FACTS)
T$e "etitioner +i*e a "etition +or n.**it/ o+ 3arria4e on t$e 4ro.n o+ "s/#$o*o4i#a* in#a"a#it/. In
$er Ans-er to t$e sai "etition, "etitionerKs -i+e C$ar3aine Fe*i5 a**e4e t$at it -as "etitioner -$o
a>anone t$e #on@.4a* $o3e an *ive -it$ a #ertain -o3an na3e Mi*a4ros Sa*tin4.
C$ar3aine s.>se;.ent*/ +i*e a #ri3ina* #o3"*aint +or #on#.>ina4e. T$e "etitioner, in orer to
+oresta** t$e iss.an#e o+ a -arrant +or $is arrest, +i*e a Motion to 2e+er Pro#eein4s In#*.in4 t$e
Iss.an#e o+ t$e :arrant o+ Arrest in t$e #ri3ina* #ase. Petitioner ar4.e t$at t$e "enen#/ o+ t$e
#ivi* #ase +or e#*aration o+ n.**it/ o+ $is 3arria4e "ose a "re@.i#ia* ;.estion to t$e
eter3ination o+ t$e #ri3ina* #ase. J.4e A*en !as;.eI Cervantes enie t$e +ore4oin4 3otion.
PetitionerKs 3otion +or re#onsieration -as *i,e-ise enie.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e "enen#/ o+ t$e "etition +or e#*aration o+ n.**it/ o+ 3arria4e >ase on
"s/#$o*o4i#a* in#a"a#it/ is a "re@.i#ia* ;.estion t$at s$o.* 3erit t$e s.s"ension o+ t$e #ri3ina*
#ase +or #on#.>ina4e.
RULIN?)
T$e S."re3e Co.rt +ins t$e #ontention o+ t$e "etitioner -it$o.t 3erit. T$e "enen#/ o+ t$e #ase
+or e#*aration o+ n.**it/ o+ "etitionerKs 3arria4e is not a "re@.i#ia* ;.estion to t$e #on#.>ina4e
#ase. For a #ivi* #ase to >e #onsiere "re@.i#ia* to a #ri3ina* a#tion as to #a.se t$e s.s"ension
o+ t$e *atter "enin4 t$e +ina* eter3ination o+ t$e #ivi* #ase, it 3.st a""ear not on*/ t$at t$e sai
#ivi* #ase invo*ves t$e sa3e +a#ts ."on -$i#$ t$e #ri3ina* "rose#.tion -o.* >e >ase, >.t a*so
t$at in t$e reso*.tion o+ t$e iss.e or iss.es raise in t$e a+oresai #ivi* a#tion, t$e 4.i*t or
inno#en#e o+ t$e a##.se -o.* ne#essari*/ >e eter3ine.
CITY OF PASI?, "etitioner, vs. THE HONORABLE COMMISSION ON ELECTION an THE
MUNICIPALITY OF CAINTA, PRO!INCE OF RILAL, res"onents
Se"te3>er 1', 1666
FACTS)
On A"ri* %%, 166B, ."on "etition o+ t$e resients o+ Maran4a*an !i**a4e t$at t$e/ >e #onverte an
se"arate into a istin#t >aran4a/ to >e ,no-n as Baran4a/ Maran4a*an, t$e Cit/ Co.n#i* o+
Pasi4 "asse an a""rove Orinan#e No. %1, Series o+ 166B, #reatin4 Baran4a/ Maran4a*an in
Pasi4 Cit/. P*e>is#ite on t$e #reation o+ sai >aran4a/ -as t$erea+ter set +or J.ne %%, 166B.
Mean-$i*e, on Se"te3>er 6, 166B, t$e Cit/ o+ Pasi4 si3i*ar*/ iss.e Orinan#e No. &%, Series o+
166B, #reatin4 Baran4a/ Na"i#o in Pasi4 Cit/. P*e>is#ite +or t$is ".r"ose -as set +or Mar#$ 1&,
1668. T$e M.ni#i"a*it/ o+ Cainta 3ove to s.s"en or #an#e* t$e res"e#tive "*e>is#ites
s#$e.*e, an +i*e Petitions -it$ t$e COMELEC its attention to a "enin4 #ase +or sett*e3ent o+
>o.nar/ is".te -$erein areas o+ t$e "ro"ose >aran4a/s are in#*.e. T$e COMELEC
orere t$e "*e>is#ite on t$e #reation o+ Baran4a/ Maran4a*an to >e $e* in a>e/an#e .nti* a+ter
t$e #o.rt $as sett*e -it$ +ina*it/ t$e >o.nar/ is".te invo*vin4 t$e t-o 3.ni#i"a*ities. Hen#e t$e
+i*in4 o+ #ivi* #ase >/ t$e Cit/ o+ Pasi4. T$e COMELEC, $o-ever, is3isse t$e Petition +or >ein4
3oot in vie- o+ t$e $o*in4 o+ t$e "*e>is#ite as s#$e.*e on Mar#$ 1&, 1668 -$ere t$e #reation
o+ Baran4a/ Na"i#o -as rati+ie an a""rove >/ t$e 3a@orit/ o+ t$e votes #ast t$erein. Hen#e,
t$e +i*in4 o+ #ivi* #ase >/ t$e M.ni#i"a*it/ o+ Cainta.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e "*e>is#ites s#$e.*e +or t$e #reation o+ Baran4a/s Maran4a*an an Na"i#o
s$o.* >e s.s"ene or #an#e**e in vie- o+ t$e "enin4 >o.nar/ is".te >et-een t$e t-o *o#a*
4overn3ents.
RULIN?)
T$e Co.rt a4rees -it$ t$e "osition o+ t$e COMELEC t$at t$e Civi* Case invo*vin4 t$e >o.nar/
is".te >et-een t$e M.ni#i"a*it/ o+ Cainta an t$e Cit/ o+ Pasi4 "resents a "re@.i#ia* ;.estion
-$i#$ 3.st +irst >e e#ie >e+ore "*e>is#ites +or t$e #reation o+ t$e "ro"ose >aran4a/s 3a/ >e
$e*. In t$e #ase at >ar, -$i*e t$e Cit/ o+ Pasi4 vi4oro.s*/ #*ai3s t$at t$e areas #overe >/ t$e
"ro"ose Baran4a/s Maran4a*an an Na"i#o are -it$in its territor/, it #an not en/ t$at "ortions
o+ t$e sa3e area are in#*.e in t$e >o.nar/ is".te #ase "enin4 >e+ore t$e RTC. S.re*/,
-$et$er t$e areas in #ontrovers/ s$a** >e e#ie as -it$in t$e territoria* @.risi#tion o+ t$e
M.ni#i"a*it/ o+ Cainta or t$e Cit/ o+ Pasi4 $as 3ateria* >earin4 to t$e #reation o+ t$e "ro"ose
Baran4a/s Maran4a*an an Na"i#o. Inee, a re;.isite +or t$e #reation o+ a >aran4a/ is +or its
territoria* @.risi#tion to >e "ro"er*/ ienti+ie >/ 3etes an >o.ns or >/ 3ore or *ess "er3anent
nat.ra* >o.naries. Pre#ise*/ >e#a.se territoria* @.risi#tion is an iss.e raise in t$e "enin4 #ivi*
#ase, .nti* an .n*ess s.#$ iss.e is reso*ve -it$ +ina*it/, to e+ine t$e territoria* @.risi#tion o+ t$e
"ro"ose >aran4a/s -o.* on*/ >e an e5er#ise in +.ti*it/. Neit$er oes t$e Co.rt a4ree t$at
3ere*/ >e#a.se a "*e>is#ite $a a*rea/ >een $e* in t$e #ase o+ t$e "ro"ose Baran4a/ Na"i#o,
t$e "etition o+ t$e M.ni#i"a*it/ o+ Cainta $as a*rea/ >een renere 3oot an a#ae3i#. T$e
iss.es raise >/ t$e M.ni#i"a*it/ o+ Cainta in its "etition >e+ore t$e COMELEC a4ainst t$e $o*in4
o+ t$e "*e>is#ite +or t$e #reation o+ Baran4a/ Na"i#o are sti** "enin4 eter3ination >e+ore t$e
RTC.
T$ere+ore, t$e "*e>is#ite on t$e #reation o+ Baran4a/ Maran4a*an s$o.* >e $e* in a>e/an#e
"enin4 +ina* reso*.tion o+ t$e >o.nar/ is".te >et-een t$e Cit/ o+ Pasi4 an t$e M.ni#i"a*it/ o+
Cainta >/ t$e Re4iona* Tria* Co.rt o+ Anti"o*o Cit/. In t$e sa3e vein, t$e "*e>is#ite $e* on Mar#$
1&, 1668 to rati+/ t$e #reation o+ Baran4a/ Na"i#o, Pasi4 Cit/, s$o.* >e ann.**e an set asie.
2iaI v. Mer#e
A1'6 P$i*. 1&&A
FACTS)
A>.nio Mer#e +i*e a #o3"*aint +or ann.*3ent o+ $is se#on 3arria4e -it$ E*iIa>et$ Ceasar on
t$e 4ro.n t$at *atter9s re*ative9s +or#e, t$reatene an inti3iate $i3 into si4nin4 t$e a++iavit to
t$e e++e#t t$at $e an e+enant $a >een *ivin4 to4et$er as $.s>an an -i+e +or +ive /ears. T$e
i33eiate*/ a+ter t$en #e*e>ration o+ t$e 3arria4e, "*ainti++ *e+t e+enant an never *ive -it$ $er.
E*iIa>et$ Ceasar enies t$e 3aterna* a**e4ations o+ t$e #o3"*aint an avers t$at neit$er s$e nor
$er re*atives o+ "*ainti++9s "revio.s 3arria4e to E.+ro#ina Tan >.t "*ainti++ s$o-e $er a *etter
-$i#$ $e -rote >rea,in4 o++ is en4a4e3ent -it$ Tan. A+ter "*ainti++ $a +i*e #ivi* #ase, e+enant
E*iIa>et$ Ceasar +i*e a #ri3ina* #o3"*aint +or >i4a3/ a4ainst "*ainti++ A>.nio Mer#e. A>.nio
Mer#e +i*e a 3otion to $o* t$e tria* in Cri3ina* Case >e#a.se #ivi* #ase invo*ves "re@.i#ia*
;.estions, -$i#$ i+ reso*ve, -i** eter3ine i+ #ri3ina* "ro#eein4 -o.* "ros"er.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$ere is a "re@.i#ia* ;.estion.
RULIN?)
Pre@.i#ia* ;.estion is one t$at 3.st >e e#ie +irst >e+ore a #ri3ina* a#tion 3a/>e instit.te or
3a/ "ro#ee >e#a.se a e#ision t$erein is vita* to t$e @.43ent in t$e #ri3ina* #ase. T$ere are
t-o e*e3ents o+ "re@.i#ia* ;.estion) +irst, it 3.st >e eter3inative o+ t$e 4.i*t or inno#en#e o+ t$e
s"o.se an se#on, t$e reso*.tion o+ -$i#$ 3.st >e *o4e to i++erent #o.rts.
In t$e #ase at >ar, t$e iss.e on t$e va*iit/ o+ t$e se#on 3arria4e #an >e eter3ine or 3.st
+irst >e eter3ine in t$e #ivi* a#tion >e+ore t$e #ri3ina* a#tion +or >i4a3/ #an >e "rose#.te. T$e
"re@.i#ia* ;.estion is, -$et$er or not t$e se#on 3arria4e is va*i, >e#a.se eter3ination o+ t$e
va*iit/ o+ t$e se#on 3arria4e is eter3inative in t$e #ivi* a#tion 3.st >e "re#ee t$e #ri3ina*
a#tion +or >i4a3/.
2ONATO, "etitioners, vs. HON. ARTEMON 2. LUNA, PRESI2IN? JU2?E, COURT OF FIRST
INSTANCE OF MANILA, BRANCH XXXIIH HON. JOSE FLAMINIANO, CITY FISCAL OF
MANILAH PAL B. ABAYAN, res"onents,
A"ri* 1&, 1677
FACTS)
On Jan.ar/ %0, 1686, t$e Cit/ Fis#a* o+ Mani*a a#tin4 t$r. Assistant Cit/ Fis#a* A3ao Cantor,
+i*e in+or3ation +or >i4a3/ a4ainst Leoni*a 2onato -it$ t$e Co.rt o+ First Instan#e. T$e "rivate
res"onent +i*e a #ivi* a#tion +or e#*aration o+ n.**it/ o+ $er 3arria4e -it$ "etitioner. Res"onent
$a no "revio.s ,no-*e4e o+ "etitioner9s e5istin4 3arria4e to Rosa*ina Ma*."in4.
2onato inter"ose in $er ans-er t$e e+ense t$at $is se#on 3arria4e -as voi an sin#e it -as
so*e3niIe -it$o.t a 3arria4e *i#ense an t$at +or#e, vio*en#e, inti3iation an .n.e in+*.en#e
-ere e3"*o/e >/ res"onent.
Petitioner +i*e a 3otion to s.s"en t$e "ro#eein4s o+ t$e #ri3ina* #ase #ontenin4 t$at t$e #ivi*
#ase see,in4 t$e ann.*3ent o+ t$e se#on 3arria4e raise a "re@.i#ia* ;.estion -$i#$ 3.st >e
eter3ine or e#ie >e+ore t$e #ri3ina* #ase #an "ro#ee.
ISSUES)
1. :$et$er or not t$e iss.e raise in t$e #ivi* #ase is a "re@.i#ia* ;.estion -$i#$ 3.st >e
eter3ine >e+ore t$e #ri3ina* #ase #an "ro#eeH
%. :$et$er or not t$e "etitioner *a#,e t$e *e4a* #a"a#it/ to #ontra#t t$e se#on 3arria4e.
RULIN?)
2onato #annot a""*/ t$e r.*e on "re@.i#ia* ;.estion >e#a.se a #ase +or ann.*3ent o+ 3arria4e
#an on*/ >e #onsiere as a "re@.i#ia* ;.estion on t$e #onition t$at it 3.st >e "roven t$at t$e
"etitioner9s #onsent to t$e 3arria4e -as o>taine t$ro.4$ inti3iation, vio*en#e an .n.e
in+*.en#e in orer to esta>*is$ t$at $is a#t in t$e s.>se;.ent 3arria4e -as one invo*.ntari*/.
In t$e "etitioner9s ar4.3ent t$at t$e se#on 3arria4e s$o.* $ave >een e#*are n.** an voi on
t$e 4ro.n o+ +or#e, inti3iation an vio*en#e a**e4e*/ e3"*o/e a4ainst $i3 >/ res"onent on*/
so3eti3e *ater #annot >e #onsiere re*evant.
?ELUL vs. COURT OF APPEALS
% SCRA 7'1
FACTS)
Her "resent $.s>an i3"re4nate Nita !i**an.eva >e+ore t$e/ -ere *e4a**/ 3arrie. 2esirin4 to
#on#ea* $er "re4nan#/ +ro3 t$e "arent, s$e $a $erse*+ a>orte >/ "etitioner Antonio ?e*.I. A+ter
$er 3arria4e, s$e a4ain >e#a3e "re4nant. As s$e -as t$en e3"*o/e in t$e COMELEC an $er
"re4nan#/ "rove to >e in#onvenient, s$e $a $erse*+ a>orte a4ain >/ ?e*.I. Less t$an % /ears
*ater, Nita in#.rre a t$ir a>ortion o+ a t-oA3ont$ o* +et.s, in #onsieration o+ t$e s.3 o+
P&'.''. Her $.s>an i not ,no- o+, nor #onsente to t$e a>ortion. Hen#e Os#ar LaIo, "rivate
res"onent, s.e "etitioner +or a3a4es >ase on t$e t$ir an *ast a>ortion.
T$e tria* #o.rt renere @.43ent orerin4 Antonio ?e*.I to "a/ P0,'''.'' as a3a4es, P8''.''
as attorne/9s +ee an t$e #ost o+ t$e s.it. Co.rt o+ A""ea*s a++ir3e t$e e#ision.
ISSUE)
Is an .n>orn #$i* #overe -it$ "ersona*it/ so t$at i+ t$e .n>orn #$i* in#.rs in@.r/, $is "arents
3a/ re#over a3a4es +ro3 t$e ones -$o #a.se t$e a3a4e to t$e .n>orn #$i*G
RULIN?)
Persona*it/ >e4ins at #on#e"tion. T$is "ersona*it/ is #a**e "res.3"tive "ersona*it/. It is, o+
#o.rse, essentia* t$at >irt$ s$o.* o##.r *ater, ot$er-ise t$e +et.s -i** >e #onsiere as never
$avin4 "ossesse *e4a* "ersona*it/.
Sin#e an a#tion +or "e#.niar/ a3a4es on a##o.nt o+ in@.r/ or eat$ "ertains "ri3ari*/ to t$e one
in@.re, it is eas/ to see t$at i+ no a#tion +or a3a4es #o.* >e instit.te on >e$a*+ o+ t$e .n>orn
#$i* on a##o.nt o+ in@.ries it re#eive, no s.#$ ri4$t o+ a#tion #o.* erivative*/ a##r.e to its
"arents or $eirs. In +a#t, even i+ a #a.se o+ a#tion i a##r.e on >e$a*+ o+ t$e .n>orn #$i*, t$e
sa3e -as e5tin4.is$e >/ its "reAnata* eat$, sin#e no trans3ission to an/one #an ta,e "*a#e
+ro3 one t$at *a#,e @.rii#a* "ersona*it/.
It is no ans-er to invo,e t$e "res.3"tive "ersona*it/ o+ a #on#eive #$i* .ner Arti#*e (' o+ t$e
Civi* Coe >e#a.se t$at sa3e arti#*e e5"ress*/ *i3its s.#$ "rovisiona* "ersona*it/ >/ i3"osin4 t$e
#onition t$at t$e #$i* s$o.* >e s.>se;.ent*/ >orn a*ive. In t$e "resent #ase, t$e #$i* -as
ea -$en se"arate +ro3 its 3ot$er9s -o3>.
T$is is not to sa/ t$at t$e "arents are not entit*e to a3a4es. Ho-ever, s.#$ a3a4es 3.st >e
t$ose in+*i#te ire#t*/ ."on t$e3, as istin4.is$e +ro3 in@.r/ or vio*ation o+ t$e ri4$ts o+ t$e
e#ease #$i*.
E.4enio 2o3in4o, Cris"in Man4a>at an Sa3.e* #a"a*.n4an, "etitioners,
vs. Co.rt o+ A""ea*s, Fe*i"e C. Ri4onan an Con#e"#ion R. Ri4onan, res"onents O#to>er 18,
%''1
FACTS)
Pa.*ina Ri4onan o-ne t$ree <0= "ar#e*s o+ *an in#*.in4 t$e $o.se an -are$o.se on one
"ar#e*. S$e a**e4e*/ so* t$e3 to "rivate res"onents, t$e s"o.ses Fe*i"e an Con#e"#ion
Ri4onan, -$o #*ai3 to >e $er re*atives a3o.ntin4 to P7&'.''. T$e "etitioners E.4enio 2o3in4o,
Cris"in Man4a>at an Sa3.e* Ca"a*.n4an, -$o #*ai3 to >e $er #*osest s.rvivin4 re*atives,
a**e4e*/ too, "ossession o+ t$e "ro"erties >/ 3eans o+ stea*t$, +or#e an inti3iation, an
re+.se to va#ate t$e sa3e. T$e res"onent +i*e a #o3"*aint +or reinvini#a#ion a4ainst
"etitioners. T$e "etitioners state t$at t$e sa*e -as s".rio.s an t$e/ are t$e *e4iti3ate o-ner o+
t$e *an >ein4 t$e nearest ,in o+ Pa.*ina. T$e res"onents s$o-n a #ar>on #o"/ o+ t$e ee o+
sa*e not >earin4 t$e si4nat.re o+ Pa.*ina on*/ a**e4e t$.3> 3ar, o+ t$e *atter an t$e ee -as
tainte -it$ a*terations, e+e#ts an irre4.*arities. T$e tria* #o.rt +o.n t$e ee C+a,eE an
renere @.43ent in +avor o+ t$e "etitioners. T$e a""e**ate #o.rt, $o-ever, reverse t$e e#ision
an e#*are t$e res"onents t$e o-ner o+ t$e "ro"erties. On a""ea*, t$e "etitioners asserte
t$at t$ere -as a>.nant evien#e at t$e ti3e o+ t$e e5e#.tion o+ t$e sa*e, t$e e#ease -as
a*rea/ seni*e. S$e #o.* $ave not #onsente to t$e sa*e >/ 3ere*/ i3"rintin4 $er t$.3>3ar, on
t$e ee.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e venor $as t$e #a"a#it/ to a#t on t$e a**e4e sa*e o+ $er "ro"ert/.
RULIN?)
T$e S."re3e Co.rt reinstate t$e e#ision o+ t$e tria* #o.rt. T$ere is a serio.s o.>t t$at t$e
se**er #onsente to t$e sa*e o+ an t$e "ri#e +or $er "ar#e*s o+ *an. T$e ti3e o+ t$e e5e#.tion o+
t$e a**e4e #ontra#t, Pa.*ina Ri4onan -as a*rea/ o+ avan#e a4e an seni*e. S$e ie an
o#to4enarian >are*/ over a /ear -$en t$e ee -as a**e4e*/ e5e#.te >.t >e+ore #o"ies o+ t$e
ee -ere entere in t$e re4istr/. T$e 4enera* r.*e is t$at a "erson is not in#o3"etent to #ontra#t
3ere*/ >e#a.se o+ avan#e /ears or >/ reason o+ "$/si#a* in+ir3ities. Ho-ever, -$en s.#$ a4e
or in+ir3ities $ave i3"aire t$e 3enta* +a#.*ties so as to "revent t$e "erson +ro3 "ro"er*/,
inte**i4ent*/, an +ir3*/ "rote#tin4 $er "ro"ert/ ri4$ts t$en s$e is .nenia>*/ in#a"a#itate. T$e
.nre>.tte testi3on/ o+ Losi3a 2o3in4o s$o-s t$at at t$e ti3e o+ t$e a**e4e e5e#.tion o+ t$e
ee, Pa.*ina -as a*rea/ in#a"a#itate "$/si#a**/ an 3enta**/. S$e narrate t$at Pa.*ina
"*a/e -it$ $er -aste an .rinate in >e.
MARIO J. MEN2ELONA ,et a*,"etitioners, vs. JULIO H. OLAMIL,et a*, res"onents
Fe>r.ar/ B, %''%
FACTS)
Petitioners a**e4e t$at "etitioner s"o.ses Mario MeneIona an Teresita MeneIona o-n a
"ar#e* o+ *an -$i#$ t$e/ >o.4$t +ro3 Car3en OIa3iI. T$e/ initiate t$e s.it to re3ove a #*o.
ont$eir res"e#tive tit*es o+ o-ners$i" #a.se >/ t$e ins#ri"tion t$ereono+ t$e noti#e o+ *is "enens
-$i#$ #a3e a>o.t as a res.*t o+ an in#ient in a s"e#ia* "ro#eein4 +or 4.arians$i"over t$e
"erson an "ro"erties o+ Car3en OIa3iI initiate >/ res"onents J.*io OIa3iI, Jose OIa3iI,
PaI Monta*van, Ma. Terresa Larra4a, Car*os Forti#$, Jose RoI, Pa.*ita Rori4.eI an Lo.res
Lon. T$e res"onents a**e4e t$at Car3en OIa3iI, t$en 7B /earso*, a+ter an i**ness on J.*/
1678, $a >e#o3e isoriente an #o.* no *on4er ta,e #are o+ $erse*+ nor 3ana4e $er
"ro"erties >/ reason o+ $er +ai*in4 $e*at$, -ea, 3in an a>sentA3ineness. Bot$ "arties
a4reet$at Car3en neee a 4.arian over $er "erson an $er "ro"erties. T$.s, as 4.arians,
res"onent Ro>erto Monta*van an J.*io OIa3iI +i*e t$eir CInventories an A##o.ntsE o+
Car3en9s "ro"erties an ot$er assets in#*.in4 t$e "ar#e* o+ *an >o.4$t >/ t$e "etitioners.
Ro>erto an J.*io #a.se t$e ins#ri"tionon t$e tit*es o+ "etitioners a noti#e o+ *is "enens t$.s
4ivin4 rise to t$e s.it +or ;.ietin4 o+ tit*es +i*e >/ "etitioners. T$e RTC renere its e#iion in
+avor o+ t$e "etitionersH $o-ever, t$e a""e**ate #o.rt reverse it.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or notCar3en OIa3iI -as o+ so.n 3in t$.s #a"a#itate to #ontra#t -it$ t$e
"etitioners re4arin4 t$e sa*e o+ a #ertain "ar#e* o+ *an.
RULIN?)
A "erson is "res.3e to >e o+ so.n 3in at an/ "arti#.*ar ti3e an t$e #onition is "res.3e to
#ontin.e to e5ist, in t$e a>sen#e o+ "roo+ to t$e #ontrar/. Co3"eten#/ an +reeo3 +ro3 .n.e
in+*.en#e, s$o-n to $ave e5iste in t$e ot$er a#ts one or #ontra#ts e5e#.te, are "res.3e to
#ontin.e .nti* t$e #ontrar/ is s$o-n. T$e res"onents so.4$t to i3".4n on*/ one o#.3ent,
na3e*/, t$e 2ee o+ A>so*.te Sa*e ate A"ri* %7, 1676, e5e#.te >/ Car3en OIa3iI. Ho-ever,
t$ere are nine <6= ot$er i3"ortant o#.3ents t$at -ere, si4ne >/ Car3en OIa3iI eit$er >e+ore
or a+ter A"ri* %7, 1676 -$i#$ -ere not assai*e >/ t$e res"onents. S.#$ is #ontrar/ to t$eir
assertion o+ #o3"*ete in#a"a#it/ o+ Car3en OIa3iI to $an*e $er a++airs sin#e 1678. :e a4ree
-it$ t$e tria* #o.rt9s assess3ent t$at Wit is .n+air +or t$e Sres"onentsT to #*ai3 so.nness o+ 3in
o+ Car3en OIa3iI -$en it >ene+its t$e3 an ot$er-ise -$en it isavanta4es t$e3.W T$.s, t$e
e#ision o+ t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s is reverse an set asie.
PRIMA ?. CARRILLO an LORENLO LICUP, "*ainti++sAa""e**ants, vs. FRANCISCA SALAM 2E
PAL an ERNESTO BAUTISTA, e+enantsAa""e**ees
O#to>er %7, 16BB
FACTS)
Pri3a Cari**o an LorenIo Li#." -ere #*ai3in4 "ortions o+ t$eir in$eritan#e +ro3 t$eir e#ease
3ot$er. T$e "ro"ert/ -as #.rrent*/ on t$e na3e o+ t$e a""e**ees.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e iss.e o+ s.rvivors$i" #an >e a""*ie in t$is #ase.
RULIN?)
Reserva tron#a* in t$is @.risi#tion is treate in Arti#*e 761 o+ t$e ne- Civi* Coe an Arti#*e 711 o+
t$e o* Civi* Coe, -$i#$ state)
WT$e as#enant -$o in$erits +ro3 $is es#enant an/ "ro"ert/ -$i#$ t$e *atter 3a/ $ave
a#;.ire >/ 4rat.ito.s tit*e +ro3 anot$er as#enant, or a >rot$er or sister, is o>*i4e to reserve
s.#$ "ro"ert/ as $e 3a/ $ave a#;.itte >/ o"eration o+ *a- +or t$e >ene+it o+ re*atives -$o are
-it$in t$e t$ir e4ree an -$o >e*on4 to t$e *ine +ro3 -$i#$ sai "ro"ert/ #a3e.W
T$e reserva tron#a* arose X as $a >een +ina**/ e#ie >/ t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s in S"e#ia*
Pro#eein4 No. %0 X -$en A4.stina a#;.ire >/ o"eration o+ *a- a** t$e "ro"erties o+ $er
es#enant Ao*+o <4ranson=, -$o a#;.ire t$e3 >/ 4rat.ito.s tit*e +ro3 anot$er as#enant,
Isa>e* <Ao*+oKs 3ot$er=. A##orin4 to Manresa, t$e reserva is e5tin4.is$e ."on t$e eat$ o+ t$e
reservista, as it t$en >e#o3es a ri4$t o+ +.** o-ners$i" on t$e "art o+ t$e reservatarios, -$o #an
>rin4 a revini#ator/ s.it t$ere+or. Nonet$e*ess, t$is ri4$t, i+ not e5er#ise -it$in t$e ti3e +or
re#overin4 rea* "ro"erties, #an >e *ost >/ "res#ri"tion.
P*ainti++sAa""e**ants $erein, as reservatarios, $a t$e ri4$t to #*ai3 t$e "ro"ert/ X %V0 o+ 1V% o+
Lot No. %%1 A +ro3 Fran#is#a Sa*a, e PaI, -$o $as >een "ossessin4 it in t$e #on#e"t o+ an
o-ner, +ro3 A"ri* %(, 16&' -$en A4.stina ie. An t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*sK e#ision a++ir3in4 t$e
e5isten#e o+ reserva tron#a*, "ro3.*4ate on J.ne 7, 16&', renere it a** t$e 3ore o.>t*ess t$at
s.#$ ri4$t $a a##r.e in t$eir +avor +ro3 t$e ti3e A4.stina ie. It is #*ear, t$ere+ore, t$at t$e
ri4$t or #a.se o+ a#tion a##r.e in +avor o+ t$e "*ainti++sAreservatarios $erein on A"ri* %(, 16&'.
Mar#os vs. COMELEC
A%(7 SCRA 0''A
FACTS)
I3e*a Ro3.a*eI Mar#os -as >orn in a to-n in t$e +irst Con4ressiona* istri#t o+ Le/te. S$e
t$en 3i4rate to Mani*a -$en $er "arents e#ie to *ive in t$e sai "*a#e. S$e -as 3arrie to
t$e t$en Presient Ferinan Mar#os, an #onse;.ent*/, *ive in I*o#os.
A+ter severa* /ears, an ."on ret.rnin4 to $er >irt$ "*a#e, s$e ran as a #on4ress-o3an in t$e
+irst istri#t o+ Le/te. Her o""onent in t$at "osition -as Ciri*o Ro/ Monte@o. T$e #ase starte -$en
Monte@o as,e t$e COMELEC to is;.a*i+/ Mar#os +or a**e4e*/ *a#,in4 t$e oneA/ear resien#/
re;.ire3ent 3anate >/ t$e 1678 P$i*i""ine Constit.tion. Monte@o #*ai3e t$e +or3er First La/
"*a#e $er resien#/ in t$e +irst istri#t o+ t$e "rovin#e at seven 3ont$s"re#eein4 t$e >a**otin4,
-$i#$ entai*e t$at s$e *a#,e +ive 3ont$s o+ t$e re;.ire resien#/. Mar#os ar4.e t$at s$e $as
>een a resient o+ t$e are sin#e #$i*$oo an $as not a>anone $er resien#/. T$e "o** >o/
is;.a*i+ie $er, an as a #onse;.en#e, s$e a""ea*e it to t$e S."re3e Co.rt.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not I3e*a Mar#os is a resient o+ t$e First 2istri#t o+ Le/te, an #o.* r.n +or an
#o.* >e e*e#te to a Con4ressiona* seat.
RULIN?)
T$e S."re3e Co.rt $e* t$at Mrs. I3e*a Mar#os is a resient o+ t$e +irst 2istri#t o+ Le/te an
#o.* r.n +or an #o.* >e e*e#te to a Con4ressiona* seat. T$is is >ase on t$e 4ro.n t$at Mrs.
Mar#os is sti** a resient o+ t$at "*a#e an i not a#t.a**/ *a#, t$e re;.ire3ents o+ t$ose "ersons
-$o #o.* r.n a Con4ressiona* seat. Mrs. Mar#os *ive in Mani*a an in I*o#os +or a *on4 ti3e an
on*/ -ent >a#, to $er to-n an *ive t$ere +or on*/ seven 3ont$s "rior to t$e e*e#tion >.t s$e i
not rea**/ intene to a>anon $er >irt$ "*a#e. T$is -as "rove >/ t$e +re;.ent visits t$at s$e $a
in t$at "*a#e. Mrs. Mar#os is sai to $ave $er o3i#i*e o+ $er #$oi#e an o+ ori4in in Le/te. Yes,
s$e i *e+t Le/te >.t $a s$o-n t$at $er #$oi#e o+ resien#e -as Le/te, as "rove >/ $er visits.
T$ere+ore, Mrs. Mar#os #o.* r.n +or an #o.* >e e*e#te to a Con4ressiona* seat on t$e First
2istri#t o+ Le/te.
ALEJAN2RO ESTRA2A !. SOLE2A2 ESCRITOR
%% J.ne %''B
FACTS)
In a s-ornA*etter #o3"*aint ate J.*/ %8, %''', #o3"*ainant A*e@anro Estraa re;.este J.4e
Jose F. Caoi>es, Jr., "resiin4 @.4e o+ Bran#$ %&0, Re4iona* Tria* Co.rt o+ Las PiYas Cit/, +or an
investi4ation o+ res"onent So*ea Es#ritor, #o.rt inter"reter in sai #o.rt, +or *ivin4 -it$ a 3an
not $er $.s>an, an $avin4 >orne a #$i* -it$in t$is *iveAin arran4e3ent. Estraa >e*ieves t$at
Es#ritor is #o33ittin4 an i33ora* a#t t$at tarnis$es t$e i3a4e o+ t$e #o.rt, t$.s s$e s$o.* not >e
a**o-e to re3ain e3"*o/e t$erein as it 3i4$t a""ear t$at t$e #o.rt #onones $er a#t.
Conse;.ent*/, res"onent -as #$ar4e -it$ #o33ittin4 Cis4ra#e+.* an i33ora* #on.#tE .ner
Boo, !, Tit*e I, C$a"ter !I, Se#. (B<>=<&= o+ t$e Revise A3inistrative Coe.
Res"onent Es#ritor testi+ie t$at -$en s$e entere t$e @.i#iar/ in 1666, s$e -as a*rea/ a
-io-, $er $.s>an $avin4 ie in 1667. S$e a3itte t$at s$e starte *ivin4 -it$ L.#iano
D.i*a"io, Jr. -it$o.t t$e >ene+it o+ 3arria4e 3ore t$an t-ent/ /ears a4o -$en $er $.s>an -as
sti** a*ive >.t *ivin4 -it$ anot$er -o3an. S$e a*so a3itte t$at s$e an D.i*a"io $ave a son.T B.t
as a 3e3>er o+ t$e re*i4io.s se#t ,no-n as t$e Je$ova$9s :itnesses an t$e :at#$ To-er an
Bi>*e Tra#t So#iet/, res"onent asserte t$at t$eir #on@.4a* arran4e3ent is in #on+or3it/ -it$
t$eir re*i4io.s >e*ie+s an $as t$e a""rova* o+ $er #on4re4ation. In +a#t, a+ter ten /ears o+ *ivin4
to4et$er, s$e e5e#.te on J.*/ %7, 1661, a C2e#*aration o+ P*e4in4 Fait$+.*ness.E
For Je$ova$9s :itnesses, t$e 2e#*aration a**o-s 3e3>ers o+ t$e #on4re4ation -$o $ave >een
a>anone >/ t$eir s"o.ses to enter into 3arita* re*ations. T$e 2e#*aration t$.s 3a,es t$e
res.*tin4 .nion 3ora* an >inin4 -it$in t$e #on4re4ation a** over t$e -or* e5#e"t in #o.ntries
-$ere ivor#e is a**o-e. As *ai o.t >/ t$e tenets o+ t$eir +ait$, t$e Je$ova$9s #on4re4ation
re;.ires t$at at t$e ti3e t$e e#*arations are e5e#.te, t$e #o."*e #annot se#.re t$e #ivi*
a.t$orities9 a""rova* o+ t$e 3arita* re*ations$i" >e#a.se o+ *e4a* i3"ei3ents. On*/ #o."*es -$o
$ave >een >a"tiIe an in 4oo stanin4 3a/ e5e#.te t$e 2e#*aration, -$i#$ re;.ires t$e
a""rova* o+ t$e e*ers o+ t$e #on4re4ation. As a 3atter o+ "ra#ti#e, t$e 3arita* stat.s o+ t$e
e#*arants an t$eir res"e#tive s"o.ses9 #o33ission o+ a.*ter/ are investi4ate >e+ore t$e
e#*arations are e5e#.te.
ISSUE)
B/ invo,in4 t$e re*i4io.s >e*ie+s, "ra#ti#es an 3ora* stanars o+ $er #on4re4ation, in assertin4
t$at $er #on@.4a* arran4e3ent oes not #onstit.te is4ra#e+.* an i33ora* #on.#t, 3a/ t$e
res"onent >e $e* a3inistrative*/ *ia>*eG
RULIN?)
T$ere $as never >een an/ ;.estion t$at t$e state $as an interest in "rote#tin4 t$e instit.tions o+
3arria4e an t$e +a3i*/, or even in t$e so.n a3inistration o+ @.sti#e. Inee, t$e "rovisions >/
-$i#$ res"onent9s re*ations$i" is sai to $ave i3"in4e, e.4., Boo, !, Tit*e I, C$a"ter !I, Se#.
(B<>=<&= o+ t$e Revise A3inistrative Coe, Arti#*es 00( an 0(6 o+ t$e Revise Pena* Coe,
an even t$e "rovisions on 3arria4e an +a3i*/ in t$e Civi* Coe an Fa3i*/ Coe, a** #*ear*/
e3onstrate t$e State9s nee to "rote#t t$ese se#.*ar interests.
Be t$at as it 3a/, t$e +ree e5er#ise o+ re*i4ion is s"e#i+i#a**/ arti#.*ate as one o+ t$e +.na3enta*
ri4$ts in o.r Constit.tion. It is a +.na3enta* ri4$t t$at en@o/s a "re+erre "osition in t$e $ierar#$/
o+ ri4$ts X Ct$e 3ost ina*iena>*e an sa#re o+ $.3an ri4$ts,E in t$e -ors o+ Je++erson. Hen#e, it
is not eno.4$ to #onten t$at t$e state9s interest is i3"ortant, >e#a.se o.r Constit.tion itse*+
$o*s t$e ri4$t to re*i4io.s +reeo3 sa#re. T$e State 3.st arti#.*ate in s"e#i+i# ter3s t$e state
interest invo*ve in "reventin4 t$e e5e3"tion, -$i#$ 3.st >e #o3"e**in4, +or on*/ t$e 4ravest
a>.ses, enan4erin4 "ara3o.nt interests #an *i3it t$e +.na3enta* ri4$t to re*i4io.s +reeo3. To
r.*e ot$er-ise -o.* >e to e3as#.*ate t$e Free E5er#ise C*a.se as a so.r#e o+ ri4$t >/ itse*+.
T$.s, it is not t$e State9s >roa interest in C"rote#tin4 t$e instit.tions o+ 3arria4e an t$e +a3i*/,E
or even Cin t$e so.n a3inistration o+ @.sti#eE t$at 3.st >e -ei4$e a4ainst res"onent9s #*ai3,
>.t t$e State9s narro- interest in re+.sin4 to 3a,e an e5#e"tion +or t$e #o$a>itation -$i#$
res"onent9s +ait$ +ins 3ora*. In ot$er -ors, t$e 4overn3ent 3.st o 3ore t$an assert t$e
o>@e#tives at ris, i+ e5e3"tion is 4ivenH it 3.st "re#ise*/ s$o- $o- an to -$at e5tent t$ose
o>@e#tives -i** >e .ner3ine i+ e5e3"tions are 4rante. T$is, t$e So*i#itor ?enera* +ai*e to o.
To "ara"$rase J.sti#e B*a#,3.n9s a""*i#ation o+ t$e #o3"e**in4 interest test, t$e State9s interest
in en+or#in4 its "ro$i>ition, in orer to >e s.++i#ient*/ #o3"e**in4 to o.t-ei4$ a +ree e5er#ise #*ai3,
#annot >e 3ere*/ a>stra#t or s/3>o*i#. T$e State #annot "*a.si>*/ assert t$at .n>enin4
a""*i#ation o+ a #ri3ina* "ro$i>ition is essentia* to +.*+i** an/ #o3"e**in4 interest, i+ it oes not, in
+a#t, atte3"t to en+or#e t$at "ro$i>ition.
In t$e #ase at >ar, t$e State $as not evin#e an/ #on#rete interest in en+or#in4 t$e #on#.>ina4e
or >i4a3/ #$ar4es a4ainst res"onent or $er "artner. T$e State $as never so.4$t to "rose#.te
res"onent nor $er "artner. T$e State9s asserte interest t$.s a3o.nts on*/ to t$e s/3>o*i#
"reservation o+ an .nen+or#e "ro$i>ition. In#ienta**/, as e#$oes o+ t$e -ors o+ Messrs. J.
Be**osi**o an !it.4, in t$eir #on#.rrin4 o"inions in o.r 2e#ision, ate A.4.st (, %''0, to en/
t$e e5e3"tion -o.* e++e#tive*/ >rea, ." Can ot$er-ise iea* .nion o+ t-o inivi.a*s -$o $ave
3ana4e to sta/ to4et$er as $.s>an an -i+e Sa""ro5i3ate*/ t-ent/A+ive /earsTE an $ave t$e
e++e#t o+ e+eatin4 t$e ver/ s.>stan#e o+ 3arria4e an t$e +a3i*/.
T$.s, -e +in t$at in t$is "arti#.*ar #ase an .ner t$ese istin#t #ir#.3stan#es, res"onent
Es#ritor9s #on@.4a* arran4e3ent #annot >e "ena*iIe as s$e $as 3ae o.t a #ase +or e5e3"tion
+ro3 t$e *a- >ase on $er +.na3enta* ri4$t to +reeo3 o+ re*i4ion. T$e Co.rt re#o4niIes t$at
state interests 3.st >e ."$e* in orer t$at +reeo3s A in#*.in4 re*i4io.s +reeo3 A 3a/ >e
en@o/e. In t$e area o+ re*i4io.s e5er#ise as a "re+erre +reeo3, $o-ever, 3an stans
a##o.nta>*e to an a.t$orit/ $i4$er t$an t$e state, an so t$e state interest so.4$t to >e ."$e*
3.st >e so #o3"e**in4 t$at its vio*ation -i** eroe t$e ver/ +a>ri# o+ t$e state t$at -i** a*so "rote#t
t$e +reeo3. In t$e a>sen#e o+ a s$o-in4 t$at s.#$ state interest e5ists, 3an 3.st >e a**o-e to
s.>s#ri>e to t$e In+inite.
MARIETTA B. ANCHETA, "etitioner, vs. RO2OLFO S. ANCHETA, res"onent
Mar#$ (, %''(
FACTS)
T$e "etitioner an t$e res"onent -ere 3arrie on Mar#$ &, 16&6. Ei4$t #$i*ren -ere >orn +ro3
t$eir 3arria4e. On 2e#e3>er B, 166%, t$e res"onent *e+t t$e #on@.4a* $o3e an a>anone t$e
"etitioner an t$eir #$i*ren. On Jan.ar/ %&, 166(, "etitioner Marietta An#$eta +i*e a "etition
a4ainst t$e res"onent +or t$e isso*.tion o+ t$eir #on@.4a* "artners$i" an @.i#ia* se"aration o+
"ro"ert/ -it$ a "*ea +or s.""ort an s.""ort "enente *ite. On A"ri* %', 166(, t$e "arties
e5e#.te a Co3"ro3ise A4ree3ent -$ere so3e o+ t$e #on@.4a* "ro"erties -ere a@.i#ate to
t$e "etitioner an $er ei4$t #$i*ren, in#*.in4 t$e "ar#e* o+ *an *o#ate at Ban#a*, Car3ona,
Cavite -it$ t$e resort M.ntin4 Paraiso Trainin4 Center. T$e #o.rt renere @.43ent >ase on
t$e sai #o3"ro3ise a4ree3ent. Con+or3a>*/ t$ereto, t$e res"onent va#ate t$e resort
M.ntin4 Paraiso. T$e "etitioner, -it$ t$e ,no-*e4e o+ t$e res"onent, t$en#e+ort$ resie in t$e
sai "ro"ert/.
On J.ne &, 166&, res"onent +i*e a "etition +or t$e e#*aration o+ n.**it/ o+ $is 3arria4e -it$ t$e
"etitioner on t$e 4ro.n o+ "s/#$o*o4i#a* in#a"a#it/. A*t$o.4$ t$e res"onent ,ne- t$at t$e
"etitioner -as a*rea/ resiin4 at t$e resort M.ntin4 Paraiso, $e, nevert$e*ess, a**e4e in $is
"etition t$at t$e "etitioner -as resiin4 Las PiYas, Metro Mani*a, C-$ere s$e 3a/ >e serve -it$
s.33ons.E On J.ne %1, 166&, t$e Co.rt s$eri++ s.>3itte a Ret.rn o+ Servi#e to t$e #o.rt statin4
t$at t$e s.33ons an a #o"/ o+ t$e "etition -ere serve on t$e "etitioner t$ro.4$ $er son
!enan#io Mariano B. An#$eta III on J.ne B, 166&.
T$e "etitioner +ai*e to +i*e an ans-er to t$e "etition. On J.ne %%, 166&, t$e res"onent +i*e an
CE5AParte Motion to 2e#*are 2e+enant as in 2e+a.*tE. T$e tria* #o.rt 4rante t$e 3otion an
e#*are t$e "etitioner in e+a.*t, an a**o-e t$e res"onent to a.#e evien#e e5A"arte. On
J.*/ 8, 166&, t$e tria* #o.rt iss.e an Orer 4rantin4 t$e "etition an e#*arin4 t$e 3arria4e o+ t$e
"arties voi a> initio. On Fe>r.ar/ 1(, 1667, t$e res"onent an Teresita H. Roi* -ere 3arrie
in #ivi* ri4$ts.
On J.*/ 8, %''', t$e "etitioner +i*e a veri+ie "etition a4ainst t$e res"onent -it$ t$e Co.rt o+
A""ea*s +or t$e ann.*3ent o+ t$e orer o+ t$e RTC o+ Cavite. T$e "etitioner a**e4e t$at t$e
res"onent #o33itte 4ross 3isre"resentations >/ 3a,in4 it a""ear in $is "etition t$at s$e -as a
resient o+ Las PiYas, Metro Mani*a, -$en in tr.t$ an in +a#t, t$e res"onent ,ne- ver/ -e** t$at
s$e -as resiin4 at M.ntin4 Paraiso. A##orin4 to t$e "etitioner, t$e res"onent i so to e"rive
$er o+ $er ri4$t to >e $ear in t$e sai #ase, an .*ti3ate*/ se#.re a +avora>*e @.43ent -it$o.t
an/ o""osition t$ereto. T$e "etitioner a*so a**e4e t$at t$e res"onent #a.se t$e servi#e o+ t$e
"etition an s.33ons on $er >/ s.>stit.te servi#e t$ro.4$ $er 3arrie son, !enan#io Mariano
B. An#$eta III. A##orin4 to t$e "etitioner, t$e orer o+ t$e tria* #o.rt in +avor o+ t$e res"onent
-as n.** an voi +or *a#, o+ @.risi#tion over $er "erson an .e to t$e e5trinsi# +ra. "er"etrate
>/ t$e res"onent. S$e +.rt$er #ontene t$at t$ere -as no +a#t.a* >asis +or t$e tria* #o.rt9s
+inin4 t$at s$e -as s.++erin4 +ro3 "s/#$o*o4i#a* in#a"a#it/.
ISSUES)
1= :$et$er or not t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s erre in is3issin4 t$e "etition +or *a#, o+ @.risi#tion over
t$e "erson o+ t$e "etitioner.
%= :$et$er or not a @.43ent >ase ."on a sti".*ation o+ +a#ts or #on+ession o+ @.43ent 3a/ >e
$a in t$e instant #ase.
0= :$et$er or not t$e "res.3"tion o+ 3arria4e #an >e a""re#iate in t$e #ase at >ar.
RULIN?)
T$e Co.rt r.*e t$at t$e "etition states a s.++i#ient #a.se o+ a#tion +or t$e n.**i+i#ation o+ t$e
assai*e orer on t$e 4ro.n o+ *a#, o+ @.risi#tion o+ t$e RTC over t$e "erson o+ t$e "etitioner,
not-it$stanin4 t$e a>sen#e o+ an/ a**e4ation t$erein t$at t$e orinar/ re3e/ o+ ne- tria* or
re#onsieration, or a""ea* are no *on4er avai*a>*e t$ro.4$ no +a.*t o+ t$e "etitioner. A @.43ent
renere or +ina* orer iss.e >/ t$e RTC -it$o.t @.risi#tion is n.** an voi an 3a/ >e assai*e
an/ ti3e eit$er #o**atera**/ or in a ire#t a#tion or >/ resistin4 s.#$ @.43ent or +ina* orer in an/
a#tion or "ro#eein4 -$enever it is invo,e .n*ess >arre >/ *a#$es.
No @.43ent s$a** >e >ase ."on a sti".*ation o+ +a#ts or #on+ession o+ @.43ent. T$e a#t.ations
o+ t$e tria* #o.rt an t$e ".>*i# "rose#.tor are in e+ian#e o+ Arti#*e (7 o+ t$e Fa3i*/ Coe, -$i#$
reas)
Arti#*e (7. In a** #ases o+ ann.*3ent or e#*aration o+ a>so*.te n.**it/ o+ 3arria4e, t$e Co.rt s$a**
orer t$e "rose#.tin4 attorne/ or +is#a* assi4ne to it to a""ear on >e$a*+ o+ t$e State to ta,e
ste"s to "revent #o**.sion >et-een t$e "arties an to ta,e #are t$at evien#e is not +a>ri#ate or
s.""resse.
T$e tria* #o.rt an t$e ".>*i# "rose#.tor a*so i4nore R.*e 17, Se#tion B o+ t$e 167& R.*es o+
Co.rt <no- R.*e 6, Se#tion 0SeT o+ t$e 1668 R.*es o+ Civi* Pro#e.re= -$i#$ "rovies)
Se#. B. No e+a.*ts in a#tions +or ann.*3ent o+ 3arria4e or +or *e4a* se"aration. I+ t$e e+enant in
an a#tion +or ann.*3ent o+ 3arria4e or +or *e4a* se"aration +ai*s to ans-er, t$e #o.rt s$a** orer
t$e "rose#.tin4 attorne/ to investi4ate -$et$er or not a #o**.sion >et-een t$e "arties e5its, an i+
t$ere is no #o**.sion, to intervene +or t$e State in orer to see to it t$at t$e evien#e s.>3itte is
not +a>ri#ate
T$e tas, o+ "rote#tin4 3arria4e as an invio*a>*e so#ia* instit.tion re;.ires vi4i*ant an Iea*o.s
"arti#i"ation an not 3ere "roA+or3a #o3"*ian#e. T$e "rote#tion o+ 3arria4e as a sa#re
instit.tion re;.ires not @.st t$e e+ense o+ a tr.e an 4en.ine .nion >.t t$e e5"os.re o+ an inva*i
one as -e**.
A 4rant o+ ann.*3ent o+ 3arria4e or *e4a* se"aration >/ e+a.*t is +ra.4$t -it$ t$e an4er o+
#o**.sion. Hen#e, in a** #ases +or ann.*3ent, e#*aration o+ n.**it/ o+ 3arria4e an *e4a*
se"aration, t$e "rose#.tin4 attorne/ or +is#a* is orere to a""ear on >e$a*+ o+ t$e State +or t$e
".r"ose o+ "reventin4 an/ #o**.sion >et-een t$e "arties an to ta,e #are t$at t$eir evien#e is
not +a>ri#ate or s.""resse. I+ t$e e+enantAs"o.se +ai*s to ans-er t$e #o3"*aint, t$e #o.rt
#annot e#*are $i3 or $er in e+a.*t >.t instea, s$o.* orer t$e "rose#.tin4 attorne/ to
eter3ine i+ #o**.sion e5ists >et-een t$e "arties. T$e "rose#.tin4 attorne/ or +is#a* 3a/ o""ose
t$e a""*i#ation +or *e4a* se"aration or ann.*3ent t$ro.4$ t$e "resentation o+ $is o-n evien#e, i+
in $is o"inion, t$e "roo+ a.#e is .>io.s an +a>ri#ate.
T$e Constit.tion is #o33itte to t$e "o*i#/ o+ stren4t$enin4 t$e +a3i*/ as a >asi# so#ia* instit.tion.
T$e +a3i*/ *a- is >ase on t$e "o*i#/ t$at 3arria4e is not a 3ere #ontra#t, >.t a so#ia* instit.tion
in -$i#$ t$e State is vita**/ intereste. T$e State #an +in no stron4er an#$or t$an on 4oo, so*i
an $a""/ +a3i*ies. T$e >rea,A." o+ +a3i*ies -ea,ens o.r so#ia* an 3ora* +a>ri#H $en#e, t$eir
"reservation is not t$e #on#ern o+ t$e +a3i*/ 3e3>ers a*one. :$et$er or not a 3arria4e s$o.*
#ontin.e to e5ist or a +a3i*/ s$o.* sta/ to4et$er 3.st not e"en on t$e -$i3s an #a"ri#es o+
on*/ one "art/, -$o #*ai3s t$at t$e ot$er s.++ers "s/#$o*o4i#a* i3>a*an#e, in#a"a#itatin4 s.#$
"art/ to +.*+i** $is or $er 3arita* .ties an o>*i4ations.
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, "*ainti++Aa""e**ee, vs. ELIAS BORROMEO, e+enantA
a""e**ant
O#to>er 01, 167(
FACTS)
T$is is an a""ea* +ro3 t$e e#ision o+ t$e #o.rt +inin4 a##.se E*ias Borro3eo 4.i*t/ >e/on
reasona>*e o.>t o+ t$e #ri3e o+ "arri#ie an senten#in4 $i3 to s.++er t$e "ena*t/ o+ re#*.sion
"er"et.a. A##.seAa""e**ant #ontens t$at t$e tria* #o.rt erre in $o*in4 t$at $e an S.sana
Ta>oraa <t$e e#ease= -ere *e4a**/ an va*i*/ 3arrie >e#a.se t$ere -as no 3arria4e
#onta#t e5e#.te in t$eir -ein4, $en#e $e #o.* >e *ia>*e on*/ +or $o3i#ie, not "arri#ie.
Ot$er t$an t$e stan o+ a""e**ants #o.nse* a4ainst t$e e5isten#e o+ 3arria4e in orer to *essen or
3iti4ate t$e "ena*t/ i3"osa>*e ."on $is #*ient, a##.se E*ias Borro3eo $i3se*+ a3itte t$at t$e
e#easeAvi#ti3 -as $is *e4iti3ate -i+e.
ISSUE)
:as t$ere a va*i 3arria4e >et-een t$e a##.seAa""e**ant an t$e e#easeAvi#ti3G
RULIN?)
T$ere is no >etter "roo+ o+ 3arria4e t$an t$e a3ission o+ t$e a##.se o+ t$e e5isten#e o+ s.#$
3arria4e. <To*entino vs. Paras=.
Persons *ivin4 to4et$er in a""arent 3atri3on/ are "res.3e, in t$e a>sen#e o+ an/ #o.nter
"res.3"tion or evien#e s"e#ia* to t$e #ase, to >e in +a#t 3arrie. T$e reason is t$at s.#$ is t$e
#o33on orer o+ t$e so#iet/, an i+ t$e "arties -ere not -$at t$e/ t$.s $o* t$e3se*ves o.t as
>ein4, t$e/ -o.* >e *ivin4 in #onstant vio*ation o+ e#en#/ an *a-.
T$e "res.3"tion in +avor o+ t$e 3atri3on/ is one o+ t$e stron4est ,no-n in *a-. T$e reason +or
t$is "res.3"tion is -e** sett*e in Perio vs. Perio, t$.s)
T$e >asis o+ $.3an so#iet/ t$ro.4$o.t t$e #ivi*iIe -or* is t$at o+ 3arria4e. Marria4e is not on*/
a #ivi* #ontra#t, >.t it is a ne- re*ation, an instit.tion in t$e 3aintenan#e o+ -$i#$ t$e ".>*i# is
ee"*/ intereste. Conse;.ent*/, ever/ inten3ent o+ t$e *a- *eans to-ar *e4a*iIin4 3atri3on/.
CORPUS !. CORPUS
7& SCRA &B8
FACTS)
Teooro R. Yan4#o ie in Mani*a on A"ri* %', 1606. Yan4#o $a no +or#e $eirs. At t$e ti3e o+
$is eat$, $is nearest re*atives -ere) <1= $is $a*+ >rot$er, L.is R. Yan4#o, <%= $is $a*+ sister, PaI
Yan4#o, t$e -i+e o+ Mi4.e* Ossorio, <0= A3e*ia Cor".s, Jose A. !. Cor".s an Ra3on L. Cor".s,
t$e #$i*ren o+ $is $a*+ >rot$er, Pa>*o Cor".s an <(= J.ana <J.anita= Cor".s, t$e a.4$ter o+ $is
$a*+ >rot$er Jose Cor".s. J.anita ie in O#to>er, 16((. Teooro R. Yan4#o -as t$e son o+ L.is
Ra+ae* Yan4#o an Ra3ona Ar4.e**es, t$e -io- o+ To3as Cor".s. Be+ore $er .nion -it$ L.is
Ra+ae* Yan4#o, Ra3ona $a >e4otten +ive <&= #$i*ren -it$ To3as Cor".s, t-o <%= o+ -$o3 -ere
t$e a+ore3entione Pa>*o Cor".s an Jose Cor".s. On O#to>er &, 16&1, To3as Cor".s, as t$e
so*e $eir o+ J.anita Cor".s, +i*e an a#tion in t$e Co.rt o+ First Instan#e o+ Mani*a to re#over t$e
s.""ose s$are in Yan4#o9 intestate estate. He a**e4e in $is #o3"*aint t$at t$e is"ositions in
Yan4#o9s -i** i3"osin4 "er"et.a* "ro$i>itions ."on a*ienation renere it voi an t$at t$e 16(6
"artition is inva*i an, t$ere+ore, t$e e#eent9s estate s$o.* >e istri>.te a##orin4 to t$e
r.*es on intesta#/.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not To3as Cor".s $as a #a.se o+ a#tion +or re#over/ o+ t$e s.""ose $ereitar/
s$are o+ $is 3ot$er, J.anita Cor".s, as *e4a* $eir in Yan4#o9s estate.
RULIN?)
It is is".ta>*/ "res.3e t$at a 3an an a -o3an e"ortin4 t$e3se*ves as $.s>an an -i+e
$ave entere into a *a-+.* #ontra#t o+ 3arria4e an t$at a #$i* >orn in a *a-+.* -e*o#,, t$ere
>ein4 no ivor#e, a>so*.te or +ro3 >e an >oar, is *e4iti3ate. Sin#e Teooro R. Yan4#o -as an
a#,no-*e4e nat.ra* #$i* or -as i**e4iti3ate an sin#e J.anita Cor".s -as t$e *e4iti3ate #$i*
o+ Jose Cor".s, $i3se*+ a *e4iti3ate #$i*, t$e S."re3e Co.rt $e* t$at a""e**ant To3as Cor".s
$as no #a.se o+ a#tion +or t$e re#over/ o+ t$e s.""ose $ereitar/ s$are o+ $is 3ot$er, J.anita
Cor".s, as a *e4a* $eir, in Yan4#o9s estate.
JOSE RI!ERA, "etitioner, vs. INTERME2IATE APPELLATE COURT an A2ELAI2O J.
RI!ERA, res"onents
Fe>r.ar/ 1&, 166'
FACTS)
On Ma/ 0', 168&, a "ro3inent an -ea*t$/ resient o+ t$at to-n na3e !enan#io Rivera ie.
On J.*/ %7, 168&, Jose Rivera, #*ai3in4 to >e t$e on*/ s.rvivin4 *e4iti3ate son o+ t$e e#ease,
+i*e a "etition +or t$e iss.an#e o+ *etters o+ a3inistration over !enan#io9s estate. 2o#,ete as
SP No. 1'8B, t$is "etition -as o""ose >/ Ae*aio J. Rivera. :$o enie t$at Jose -as t$e son
o+ t$e e#eent. Ae*aio averre t$at !enan#io -as $is +at$er an i not ie interstate >.t in
+a#t *e+t t-o $o*o4ra"$i# -i**s.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not Jose Rivera -as t$e *e4iti3ate son o+ t$e e#ease !enan#io Rivera.
RULIN?)
In #ase o+ o.>t, a** "res.3"tions +avor t$e so*iarit/ o+ t$e +a3i*/. T$.s ever/ inten3ent o+ t$e
*a- or +a#t *eans to-ar t$e va*iit/ o+ 3arria4e t$e *e4iti3a#/ o+ #$i*ren. Even in t$e a>sen#e o+
an/ #erti+i#ate o+ 3arria4e or ot$er o#.3entar/ "roo+ o+ t$e e5isten#e o+ 3arria4e, t$e *a-
"res.3es a 3an an -o3an #o$a>itin4 -it$ ea#$ ot$er as >ein4 3arrie, in t$e a>sen#e o+
"roo+ to t$e #ontrar/.
Base on t$is .nre+.te *e4a* "res.3"tion, Jose Rivera is not t$e son o+ t$e e#ease !enan#io
Rivera -$ose estate is in ;.estion. Hen#e, >ein4 a 3ere stran4er, $e $a no "ersona*it/ to
#ontest t$e -i**s an $is o""osition t$ereto i not $ave t$e *e4a* e++e#t o+ re;.irin4 t$e t$ree
-itnesses. T$e testi3on/ o+ Lenaia an !enan#io Rivera, Jr. -$o a.t$enti#ate t$e -i**s as
$avin4 >een -ritten an si4ne >/ t$eir +at$er, -as s.++i#ient.
UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
CONCLUSION, LA:, APPLICABILITY TO SITUATION, JURISPRU2ENCE
Re"ort t$is "ost
To"
Pro+i*e Sen "rivate 3essa4e
Re"*/ -it$ ;.ote
OI;C
Post s.>@e#t)
PostPoste) T$. J.n '&, %''7 ()0B "3
O++*ine
J.nior Me3>er
User avatar
Joine) T.e A.4 '8, %''8 &)1' "3
Posts) 07&
Lo#ation) Santia4o Cit/
MA. BLYTH B. ABA2ILLA, #o3"*ainant, vs. JU2?E JOSE C. TABILIRAN, JR., Presiin4 J.4e,
7t$ MCTC, Man.,an an Jose 2a*3an, 6t$ J.i#ia* Re4ion, Man.,an, La3>oan4a e* Norte,
res"onent
O#to>er %&, 166&
FACTS)
Res"onent $a >een s#ana*o.s*/ an o"en*/ *ivin4 -it$ Pris#i**a Ba/>a/an as ear*/ as 168'
an >e4ot t$ree #$i*ren a** s.rna3e Ta>i*iran even -$i*e res"onent9s 3arria4e to $is +irst -i+e
-as sti** va*i an s.>sistin4. Res"onent9s #ontention is t$at $is +irst -i+e *e+t t$e #on@.4a* $o3e
in 16BB. An sin#e t$en an .nti* t$e "resent $er -$erea>o.ts is not ,no-n an res"onent $as
$a no ne-s o+ $er >ein4 a*ive. He +.rt$er avers t$at %& /ears $a a*rea/ e*a"se sin#e t$e
isa""earan#e o+ $is +irst -i+e -$en $e 3arrie Pris#i**a Ba/>a/an in 167B. T$at $e re"resente
$i3se*+ as Csin4*eE >e#a.se t$at is -$at >est +its to $i3 sin#e t$e -ors to #$oose +ro3 -ere
-io-, sin4*e an ivor#e. T$at >esies >ot$ $e an Pris#i**a e5e#.te a @oint a++iavit -$erein
in $is +or3er 3arria4e to BanI.e*a -as $onest*/ iv.*4e.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not res"onent9s 3arria4e to Pris#i**a is va*i.
RULIN?)
Arti#*e 06' o+ t$e Civi* Coe -$i#$ "rovie t$at, a+ter an a>sen#e o+ seven /ears, it >ein4 ,no-n
-$et$er or not t$e a>sentee is sti** *ives, t$e a>sent s$a** >e ee3e ea +or a** ".r"oses,
e5#e"t +or t$ose o+ s.##ession, #an not >e invo,e >/ res"onent. B/ res"onent9s o-n
a**e4ation, $is +irst -i+e *e+t t$e #on@.4a* $o3e in 16BB. Fro3 t$at ti3e on ." to t$e ti3e t$at
res"onent starte to #o$a>it -it$ Pris#i**a in 168', on*/ ( /ears $a e*a"se. T$e res"onent
$a no ri4$t to "res.3e t$ere+ore t$at $is +irst -as a*rea/ ea +or a**A".r"oses. T$.s,
res"onent9s a#t.ation o+ #o$a>itin4 -it$ Pris#i**a Ba/>a/an in 168' -$en $is 3arria4e to $is +irst
-i+e -as sti** va*i an s.>sistin4 #onstit.tes 4ross i33orta* #on.#t. T$e SC sai, it 3a,es
3o#,er/ o+ t$e invio*a>i*it/ an san#tit/ o+ 3arria4e as a >asi# so#ia* instit.tion.
TOMAS EU?ENIO, SR., "etitioner, vs. HON. ALEJAN2RO M. !ELEL, Presiin4 J.4e,
Re4iona* Tria* Co.rt, Bran#$ %', Ca4a/an e Oro Cit/, ET. AL., res"onents
Ma/ 18, 166'
FACTS)
Una-are o+ t$e eat$ on %7 A.4.st 1677 o+ !ita*iana !ar4as, $er +.** >*oo >rot$ers an sisters,
$erein "rivate res"onents +i*e a "etition +or $a>eas #or".s >e+ore t$e RTC o+ Misa3is Orienta*
a**e4in4 t$at !ita*iana -as +or#i>*/ ta,en +ro3 $er resien#e so3eti3e in 1678 an #on+ine >/
$erein "etitioner in $is "a*a#ia* resien#e in Jasaan, Misa3is Orienta*. 2es"ite $er esire to
es#a"e, !ita*iana -as a**e4e*/ e"rive o+ $er *i>ert/ -it$o.t an/ *e4a* a.t$orit/. At t$e ti3e t$e
"etition -as +i*e, it -as a**e4e t$at !ita*iana -as %& /ears o+ a4e, sin4*e, an *ivin4 -it$
"etitioner To3as E.4enio. Petitioner re+.se to s.rrener t$e >o/ o+ !ita*iana <-$o $a ie on
%7 A.4.st 1677= to t$e res"onent s$eri++. As $er #o33on *a- $.s>an, "etitioner #*ai3e *e4a*
#.sto/ o+ $er >o/. Private res"onents <!ar4ases= a**e4e t$at "etitioner To3as E.4enio, -$o
is not in an/ -a/ re*ate to !ita*iana -as -ron4+.**/ inter+errin4 -it$ t$eir <!ar4asesK= .t/ to >.r/
$er. Invo,in4 Arts. 0'& an 0'7 o+ t$e Civi* Coe, t$e !ar4ases #ontene t$at, as t$e ne5t o+ ,in
in t$e P$i*i""ines, t$e/ are t$e *e4a* #.stoians o+ t$e ea >o/ o+ t$eir sister !ita*iana. An
e5#$an4e o+ "*eain4s +o**o-e. Petitioner #*ai3s $e is t$e s"o.se #onte3"*ate .ner Art. %6(
o+ t$e Civi* Coe, t$e ter3 s"o.se .se t$erein not >ein4 "re#ee >/ an/ ;.a*i+i#ationH $en#e, in
t$e a>sen#e o+ s.#$ ;.a*i+i#ation, $e is t$e ri4$t+.* #.stoian o+ !ita*ianaKs >o/. !ita*ianaKs
>rot$ers an sisters #onten ot$er-ise.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not "etitioner #an >e #onsiere as a s"o.se o+ !ita*iana !ar4as.
RULIN?)
T$ere is a vie- t$at .ner Arti#*e 00% o+ t$e Revise Pena* Coe, t$e ter3 Ws"o.seW e3>ra#es
#o33on *a- re*ation +or ".r"oses o+ e5e3"tion +ro3 #ri3ina* *ia>i*it/ in #ases o+ t$e+t, s-in*in4
an 3a*i#io.s 3is#$ie+ #o33itte or #a.se 3.t.a**/ >/ s"o.ses. T$e Pena* Coe arti#*e, it is
sai, 3a,es no istin#tion >et-een a #o."*e -$ose #o$a>itation is san#tione >/ a sa#ra3ent or
*e4a* tie an anot$er -$o are $.s>an an -i+e e +a#to. B.t t$is vie- #annot even a""*/ to t$e
+a#ts o+ t$e #ase at >ar. :e $o* t$at t$e "rovisions o+ t$e Civi* Coe, .n*ess e5"ress*/ "roviin4
to t$e #ontrar/ as in Arti#*e 1((, -$en re+errin4 to a Ws"o.seW #onte3"*ate a *a-+.**/ -ee
s"o.se. Petitioner visAZAvis !ita*iana -as not a *a-+.**/ -ee s"o.se, in +a#t, $e -as not *e4a**/
#a"a#itate to 3arr/ $er in $er *i+eti3e.
C.sto/ o+ t$e ea >o/ o+ !ita*iana -as #orre#t*/ a-are to $er s.rvivin4 >rot$ers an sisters
<t$e !ar4ases=.
PRISCILLA CASTILLO !2A. 2E MIJARES, #o3"*ainant vs. JUSTICE ONOFRE A. !ILLALUL
<Retire=, res"onent
J.ne 16, 1668
FACTS)
On Jan.ar/ 8, 166(, #o3"*ainant 4ot 3arrie to res"onent in a #ivi* -ein4 >e+ore J.4e
M/rna Li3 !erano. On t$at ni4$t, res"onent +et#$e #o3"*ainant +ro3 $er $o.se an rea#$e
t$e #ono3ini.3 .nit o+ res"onent t-o $o.rs *ater at -$i#$ ti3e, s$e ans-ere t$e "$one. At
t$e ot$er en o+ t$e *ine -as a -o3an o++enin4 $er -it$ ins.*tin4 re3ar,s. Consternate,
#o3"*ainant #on+ronte res"onent on t$e ientit/ o+ s.#$ #a**er >.t res"onent si3"*/ re3ar,e
Wit -o.* $ave >een @.st a #a** at t$e -ron4 n.3>erW. :$at +o**o-e -as a $eate e5#$an4e o+
$ars$ -ors, to a "oint -$en res"onent #a**e #o3"*ainant a Wna44erW, $e even sai, C?et t$at
3arria4e #ontra#t an $ave it >.rne.W Co3"*ainant *eaves in $aste t$e "*a#e o+ t$eir -o.*A>e
$one/3oon. Sin#e t$en, t$e/ $ave >een *ivin4 se"arate*/ >e#a.se as #o3"*ainant rationa*iIe,
#ontrar/ to $er e5"e#tation res"onent never 4ot in to.#$ -it$ $er an i not even >ot$er to
a"o*o4iIe +or -$at $a""ene Severa* 3ont$s a+ter t$at +ate+.* en#o.nter, t$e #o3"*ainant
*earne +ro3 Mani*a RTC J.4e Ra3on Ma,asiar, t$at $e so*e3niIe t$e 3arria4e >et-een
+or3er J.sti#e Ono+re A. !i**a*.I an a #ertain L/ia ?era*eI. In+.riate, #o3"*ainant *ost no
ti3e in 4at$erin4 evien#e a4ainst res"onent, s.#$ t$at, on J.ne B, 166& s$e +i*e t$e instant
Co3"*aint +or 2is>ar3ent a4ainst $i3. On A.4.st 8, 166&, -$en s$e is#overe anot$er
in#ri3inator/ o#.3ent a4ainst res"onent, t$e #o3"*ainant e5e#.te a4ainst res"onent $er
WS.""*e3enta* Co3"*aint A++iavit +or Fa*si+i#ationW. T$e 3arria4e #ontra#t o+ res"onent an
L/ia ?era*eI, ate Ma/ 1', 166(, -as o++ere >/ #o3"*ainant to "rove t$at res"onent
i33ora**/ an >i4a3o.s*/ entere into a 3arria4e, an to s$o- t$at t$e res"onent istorte t$e
tr.t$ >/ statin4 $is #ivi* stat.s as SIN?LE, -$en $e 3arrie L/ia ?era*eI.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not a s$a3 3arria4e is a va*i 3arria4e.
RULIN?)
T$e Co.rt +ins itse*+ in +.** a##or -it$ t$e +inin4s an re#o33enation o+ J.sti#e P.risi3a.
Herein res"onent is .nenia>*/ 4.i*t/ o+ e#eit an 4ross*/ i33ora* #on.#t. He $as 3ae a
3o#,er/ o+ 3arria4e -$i#$ is a sa#re instit.tion e3anin4 res"e#t an i4nit/. He $i3se*+
asserts t$at at t$e ti3e o+ $is 3arria4e to $erein #o3"*ainant, t$e e#ision o+ t$e #o.rt ann.**in4
$is 3arria4e to $is +irst -i+e, Li>raa PeYa, $a not /et attaine +ina*it/. :orse, +o.r 3ont$s a+ter
$is 3arria4e to "etitioner, res"onent 3arrie anot$er -o3an, L/ia ?era*eI, in Cavite, a+ter
3a,in4 a +a*se state3ent in $is a""*i#ation +or 3arria4e *i#ense t$at $is "revio.s 3arria4e $a
>een ann.**e.
Res"onentKs s.>ter+.4e t$at $is 3arria4e to "etitioner -as @.st a Ws$a3W 3arria4e -i** not @.sti+/
$is a#t.ations. Even i+ t$e sai 3arria4e -as @.st a #a"er o+ *evit/ in >a taste, a e+ense -$i#$
a3aIes an >e+.*es >.t oes not #onvin#e, it oes not s"ea, -e** o+ res"onentKs sense o+
so#ia* "ro"riet/ an 3ora* va*.es. T$is is a44ravate >/ t$e +a#t t$at $e is not a *a/3an nor even
@.st an orinar/ *a-/er, >.t a +or3er J.4e o+ t$e Cir#.it Cri3ina* Co.rt an, t$erea+ter, a J.sti#e
o+ t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s -$o #annot >.t $ave >een +.**/ a-are o+ t$e #onse;.en#e o+ a 3arria4e
#e*e>rate -it$ a** t$e ne#essar/ *e4a* re;.isites.
?ar#ia !a. 2e C$.a vs. CA
Mar#$ &, 1667
FACTS)
Ro>erto C$.a -as t$e #o33onA*a- $.s>an o+ F*orita A. !a**e@o an $a t-o i**e4iti3ate sons
-it$ $er. On %7 Ma/ 166%, Ro>erto C$.a ie intestate in 2avao Cit/. U"on t$e eat$ o+
Ro>erto, !a**e@o +i*e -it$ t$e Re4iona* Tria* Co.rt o+ Cota>ato Cit/ a "etition +or t$e 4.arians$i"
an a3inistration over t$e "ersons an "ro"erties o+ t$e t-o 3inors. Herein "etitioner +i*e +or its
is3issa*, #*ai3in4 t$at s$e -as t$e so*e s.rvivin4 $eir o+ t$e e#eent >ein4 $is -i+eH an t$at
t$e e#eent -as a resient o+ 2avao Cit/ an not Cota>ato Cit/, -$i#$ 3eans t$at t$e sai
#o.rt -as not t$e "ro"er +or.3 to sett*e sai 3atters.
T$e "etitioner +ai*e to s.>3it t$e ori4ina* #o"/ o+ t$e 3arria4e #ontra#t an t$e evien#es t$at
s$e .se -ere) a "$oto#o"/ o+ sai 3arria4e #ontra#t, Trans+er Certi+i#ate o+ Tit*e iss.e in t$e
na3e o+ Ro>erto L. C$.a 3arrie to Antonietta ?ar#ia, an a resient o+ 2avao Cit/H Resien#e
Certi+i#ates +ro3 1677 an 1676 iss.e at 2avao Cit/ ini#atin4 t$at $e -as 3arrie an -as
>orn in Cota>ato Cit/H In#o3e Ta5 Ret.rns +or 166' an 1661 +i*e in 2avao Cit/ -$ere t$e
stat.s o+ t$e e#eent -as state as 3arrieH "ass"ort o+ t$e e#eent s"e#i+/in4 t$at $e -as
3arrie an $is resien#e -as 2avao Cit/. T$e tria* #o.rt r.*e t$at s$e +ai*e to esta>*is$ t$e
va*iit/ o+ 3arria4e, an even enie $er "etition. T$is -as *atter a""ea*e to t$e a""e**ate #o.rt,
>.t it e#ie in +avor o+ $erein res"onents.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e tria* an a""e**ate #o.rt is #orre#t on t$eir r.*in4 on t$e va*iit/ o+ 3arria4e o+
Antonietta ?ar#ia to Ro>erto C$.a.
RULIN?)
T$e S."re3e Co.rt $e* t$at t$e *o-er #o.rt an t$e a""e**ate #o.rt are #orre#t in $o*in4 t$at
"etitioner $erein +ai*e to esta>*is$ t$e tr.t$ o+ $er a**e4ation t$at s$e -as t$e *a-+.* -i+e o+ t$e
e#eent. T$e >est evien#e is a va*i 3arria4e #ontra#t -$i#$ t$e "etitioner +ai*e to "ro.#e.
Trans+er Certi+i#ates o+ Tit*e, Resien#e Certi+i#ates, "ass"orts an ot$er si3i*ar o#.3ents
#annot "rove 3arria4e es"e#ia**/ so -$en t$e "etitioner $as s.>3itte a #erti+i#ation +ro3 t$e
Lo#a* Civi* Re4istrar #on#erne t$at t$e a**e4e 3arria4e -as not re4istere an a *etter +ro3 t$e
@.4e a**e4e to $ave so*e3niIe t$e 3arria4e t$at $e $as not so*e3niIe sai a**e4e 3arria4e.
T$e *o-er #o.rt #orre#t*/ isre4are t$e "$otostat #o"/ o+ t$e 3arria4e #erti+i#ate -$i#$ s$e
"resente, t$is >ein4 a vio*ation o+ t$e >est evien#e r.*e, to4et$er -it$ ot$er -ort$*ess "ie#es o+
evien#e. A va*i, ori4ina* 3arria4e #ontra#t -o.* >e t$e >est evien#e t$at t$e "etitioner s$o.*
$ave "resente. Fai*.re to "resent it as an evien#e -o.* 3a,e t$e 3arria4e .>io.s.
2ONATO v. LUNA
1B' SCRA 1(
FACTS)
On Jan.ar/ %0, 1686, t$e Cit/ Fis#a* o+ Mani*a a#tin4 t$r. Assistant Cit/ Fis#a* A3ao N. Cantor,
+i*e in+or3ation +or >i4a3/ a4ainst $erein "etitioner, Leoni*a C. 2onato -it$ t$e Co.rt o+ First
Instan#e. T$e In+or3ation +i*e -as >ase on t$e #o3"*aint o+ "rivate res"onent PaI B. A>a/an.
On Se"te3>er %7, 1686, >e+ore t$e "etitioner9s arrai4n3ent, "rivate res"onent +i*e -it$ t$e
J.veni*e an 2o3esti# Re*ations Co.rt o+ Mani*a a #ivi* a#tion +or e#*aration o+ n.**it/ o+ $er
3arria4e -it$ "etitioner #ontra#te on Se"te3>er %B, 1687. It -as 2onato9s se#on one.
Res"onent $a no "revio.s ,no-*e4e o+ "etitioner9s e5istin4 3arria4e to a #ertain Rosa*ina R.
Ma*."in4. Petitioner 2onato inter"ose in $er ans-er in t$e #ivi* #ase +or n.**it/ t$e e+ense t$at
$is se#on 3arria4e -as voi sin#e it -as so*e3niIe -it$o.t a 3arria4e *i#ense an t$at +or#e,
vio*en#e, inti3iation an .n.e in+*.en#e -ere e3"*o/e >/ "rivate res"onent. Petitioner +i*e
a 3otion to s.s"en t$e "ro#eein4s o+ t$e #ri3ina* #ase #ontenin4 t$at t$e #ivi* #ase see,in4
t$e ann.*3ent o+ t$e se#on 3arria4e raise a "re@.i#ia* ;.estion -$i#$ 3.st >e eter3ine or
e#ie >e+ore t$e #ri3ina* #ase #an "ro#ee.
ISSUES)
:$et$er or not t$e iss.e raise in t$e #ivi* #ase is a "re@.i#ia* ;.estion -$i#$ 3.st >e
eter3ine >e+ore t$e #ri3ina* #ase #an "ro#ee, an -$et$er or not t$e "etitioner *a#,e t$e
*e4a* #a"a#it/ to #ontra#t t$e se#on 3arria4eG
RULIN?)
P.rs.ant to t$e o#trine is#.sse in Lani#$o v. Re*ova, "etitioner 2onato #annot a""*/ t$e r.*e
on "re@.i#ia* ;.estion sin#e a #ase +or ann.*3ent o+ 3arria4e #an >e #onsiere as a "re@.i#ia*
;.estion to t$e >i4a3/ #ase a4ainst t$e a##.se on*/ i+ it is "rove t$at t$e "etitioner9s #onsent
to s.#$ 3arria4e -as o>taine >/ 3eans o+ .ress, vio*en#e an inti3iation in orer to esta>*is$
t$at $is a#t in t$e s.>se;.ent 3arria4e -as an invo*.ntar/ one an as s.#$ t$e sa3e #annot >e
t$e >asis +or #onvi#tion. T$e "re#ein4 e*e3ents o not e5ist in t$e #ase at >ar.
T$e ar4.3ent o+ "etitioner 2onato raise t$e ar4.3ent t$at t$e se#on 3arria4e s$o.* $ave
>een e#*are n.** an voi on t$e 4ro.n o+ +or#e, t$reats an inti3iation a**e4e*/ e3"*o/e
a4ainst $i3 >/ "rivate res"onent on*/ so3eti3e *ater -$en $e -as re;.ire to ans-er t$e #ivi*
a#tion +or ann.*3ent o+ t$e se#on 3arria4e is tota**/ irre*evant.
LILIA OLI!A :IE?EL, "etitioner, vs. THE HONORABLE ALICIA !. SEMPIOA2IY <as "resiin4
@.4e o+ t$e J.veni*e an 2o3esti# Re*ations Co.rt o+ Ca*oo#an Cit/= an MARL HEINL
:IE?EL, res"onents
A.4.st 16, 167B
FACTS)
In an a#tion +i*e >e+ore t$e erst-$i*e J.veni*e an 2o3esti# Re*ations Co.rt o+ Ca*oo#an Cit/,
$erein res"onent Mar* HeinI :ie4e* as,e +or t$e e#*aration o+ N.**it/ o+ $is 3arria4e -it$
$erein "etitioner Li*ia O*iva :ie4e* on t$e 4ro.n o+ Li*ia9s "revio.s e5istin4 3arria4e to one
E.aro A. Ma5ion, t$e #ere3on/ $avin4 >een "er+or3e on J.ne %&, 168% at o.r La/ o+
Lo.res C$.r#$ in D.eIon Cit/. *i*ia -$i*e a3ittin4 t$e e5isten#e o+ sai "rior s.>sistin4
3arria4e #*ai3e t$at sai 3arria4e -as n.** an voi, s$e an t$e iss.e a4ree ."on >/ >ot$
"arties -as t$e stat.s o+ t$e +irst 3arria4e.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e 3arria4e voi or -as it 3ere*/ voia>*e.
RULIN?)
T$ere is no nee +or "etitioner to "rove t$at $er +irst 3arria4e -as vitiate >/ +or#e #o33itte
a4ainst >ot$ "arties >e#a.se ass.3in4 t$is to >e so, t$e 3arria4e -i** not >e voi >.t 3ere*/
voia>*e <Art 7&, Civi* Coe=, an t$ere+ore va*i .nti* ann.**e. Sin#e no ann.*3ent $as /et >een
3ae, it is #*ear t$at -$en s$e 3arrie res"onent s$e -as va*i*/ 3arrie to $er +irst $.s>an,
#onse;.ent*/, $er 3arria4e to res"onent is !OI2.
T$ere is *i,e-ise no nee o+ intro.#in4 evien#e a>o.t t$e e5istin4 "rior 3arria4e o+ $er
$.s>an at t$e ti3e t$e/ 3arrie ea#$ ot$er, +or t$e3 s.#$ a 3arria4e t$o.4$ voi sti** nees
a##orin4 to t$is Co.rt a @.i#ia* e#*aration 1 o+ s.#$ +a#t an +or a** *e4a* intents an ".r"oses
s$e -o.* sti** >e re4are as a 3arrie -o3an at t$e ti3e s$e #ontra#te $er 3arria4e -it$
res"onent Mar* HeinI :ie4e*=, a##orin4*/, t$e 3arria4e o+ "etitioner an res"onent -o.* >e
re4are !OI2 .ner t$e *a-.
LILIA OLI!A :IE?EL, "etitioner, vs. THE HONORABLE ALICIA !. SEMPIOA2IY <as "resiin4
@.4e o+ t$e J.veni*e an 2o3esti# Re*ations Co.rt o+ Ca*oo#an Cit/= an MARL HEINL
:IE?EL, res"onents
A.4.st 16, 167B
FACTS)
In an a#tion +i*e >e+ore t$e erst-$i*e J.veni*e an 2o3esti# Re*ations Co.rt o+ Ca*oo#an Cit/,
$erein res"onent Mar* HeinI :ie4e* as,e +or t$e e#*aration o+ N.**it/ o+ $is 3arria4e -it$
$erein "etitioner Li*ia O*iva :ie4e* on t$e 4ro.n o+ Li*ia9s "revio.s e5istin4 3arria4e to one
E.aro A. Ma5ion, t$e #ere3on/ $avin4 >een "er+or3e on J.ne %&, 168% at o.r La/ o+
Lo.res C$.r#$ in D.eIon Cit/. *i*ia -$i*e a3ittin4 t$e e5isten#e o+ sai "rior s.>sistin4
3arria4e #*ai3e t$at sai 3arria4e -as n.** an voi, s$e an t$e iss.e a4ree ."on >/ >ot$
"arties -as t$e stat.s o+ t$e +irst 3arria4e.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e 3arria4e voi or -as it 3ere*/ voia>*e.
RULIN?)
T$ere is no nee +or "etitioner to "rove t$at $er +irst 3arria4e -as vitiate >/ +or#e #o33itte
a4ainst >ot$ "arties >e#a.se ass.3in4 t$is to >e so, t$e 3arria4e -i** not >e voi >.t 3ere*/
voia>*e <Art 7&, Civi* Coe=, an t$ere+ore va*i .nti* ann.**e. Sin#e no ann.*3ent $as /et >een
3ae, it is #*ear t$at -$en s$e 3arrie res"onent s$e -as va*i*/ 3arrie to $er +irst $.s>an,
#onse;.ent*/, $er 3arria4e to res"onent is !OI2.
T$ere is *i,e-ise no nee o+ intro.#in4 evien#e a>o.t t$e e5istin4 "rior 3arria4e o+ $er
$.s>an at t$e ti3e t$e/ 3arrie ea#$ ot$er, +or t$e3 s.#$ a 3arria4e t$o.4$ voi sti** nees
a##orin4 to t$is Co.rt a @.i#ia* e#*aration 1 o+ s.#$ +a#t an +or a** *e4a* intents an ".r"oses
s$e -o.* sti** >e re4are as a 3arrie -o3an at t$e ti3e s$e #ontra#te $er 3arria4e -it$
res"onent Mar* HeinI :ie4e*=, a##orin4*/, t$e 3arria4e o+ "etitioner an res"onent -o.* >e
re4are !OI2 .ner t$e *a-.
LUPO ALMO2IEL ATIENLA, #o3"*ainant, vs. JU2?E FRANCISCO F. BRILLANTES, JR.,
Metro"o*itan Tria* Co.rt, Bran#$ %', Mani*a, res"onent
Mar#$ %6, 166&
FACTS)
Res"onent J.4e Fran#is#o R. Bri**antes, Jr. is #$ar4e >/ #o3"*ainant -it$ 4ross i33orta*it/
an i4noran#e o+ i3"ro"riet/ +or $avin4 >een #o$a>itin4 -it$ an s.>se;.ent*/ 3arrie Yo*ana
2e Castro, #o3"*ainant9s *iveAin "artner an o+ -$o3 $e $as t-o #$i*ren, es"ite o+ $i3 >ein4
3arrie t-i#e -it$ On4,i,o -$i#$ a**e4es to >e inva*i +or $avin4 >een #e*e>rate -it$o.t a
3arria4e *i#ense. His s.>se;.ent 3arria4e -it$ 2e Castro -as #e*e>rate -it$o.t $avin4
o>taine a @.i#ia* e#*aration o+ n.**it/ o+ $is +irst 3arria4e -it$ On4,i,o.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not res"onent @.4e is *e4a**/ #a"a#itate to #onta#t a s.>se;.ent 3arria4e -it$o.t
$avin4 se#.re a @.i#ia* e#*aration o+ n.**it/ o+ $is 3arria4e.
RULIN?)
Uner Arti#*e (' o+ t$e Fa3i*/ Coe o+ t$e P$i*i""ines, t$ere 3.st >e a @.i#ia* e#*aration o+ t$e
n.**it/ o+ a "revio.s 3arria4e >e+ore a "art/ t$ereto #an enter into a se#on 3arria4e. T$.s,
res"onent @.4e is not *e4a**/ #a"a#itate to #ontra#t $is s.>se;.ent 3arria4e -it$ 2e Castro,
$is +irst 3arria4e -it$ On4,i,o not $avin4 >een @.i#ia**/ e#*are n.** an voi +or *a#, o+ a
3arria4e *i#ense.
BESO !S. 2A?UMAN
Jan.ar/ %7, %'''
FACTS)
J.4e J.an 2a4.3an so*e3niIe t$e 3arria4e o+ t$e #o3"*ainant, Lenaia Beso, an $er +ian#P
at t$e @.4e9s resien#e in Ca*>a/o4 Cit/, -$i#$ -as attene >/ t$ree -itnesses. A+ter t$e
-ein4, t$e #o3"*ainant9s $.s>an a>anone $er -it$o.t reason an -$en t$e #o3"*ainant
-ent to t$e Cit/ Civi* Re4istrar o+ Ca*>a/o4 Cit/ to in;.ire a>o.t $er 3arria4e #ontra#t, s$e -as
in+or3e t$at t$eir 3arria4e -as not re4istere. S$e t$ere+ore -rote to t$e @.4e to in;.ire, an
-as to* t$at a** t$e #o"ies o+ t$e #ontra#t -ere ta,en >/ $er +ian#P. Hen#e, t$e #o3"*ainant +i*e
#$ar4es a4ainst t$e @.4e +or so*e3niIin4 t$eir 3arria4e o.tsie o+ $is @.risi#tion an +or
ne4*i4en#e in not retainin4 a #o"/ an not re4isterin4 t$eir 3arria4e.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e @.4e so*e3niIe 3arria4e o.tsie o+ $is @.risi#tion.
RULIN?)
J.4e 2a4.3an so*e3niIe t$e 3arria4e o+ t$e #o3"*ainant o.tsie o+ $is @.risi#tion.
Arti#*e 7 o+ t$e Fa3i*/ Coe states t$at a 3arria4e #an >e $e* o.tsie t$e @.4e9s #$a3>ers or
#o.rtroo3 on*/ in t$e +o**o-in4 instan#es) at t$e "oint o+ eat$H in re3ote "*a#es in a##oran#e
-it$ Arti#*e %6H or ."on t$e re;.est o+ >ot$ "arties in -ritin4 in a s-orn state3ent to t$is e++e#t.
In t$e #ase, none o+ t$e instan#es 3entione -ere "resent. In +a#t, t$e @.4e -as "ro3"te 3ore
>/ .r4en#/ to so*e3niIe t$e 3arria4e o+ #o3"*ainant to $er +ian#P >e#a.se t$e #o3"*ainant -as
an overseas -or,er, -$o, t$e @.4e rea*iIe eserve 3ore t$an orinar/ o++i#ia* attention .ner
t$e "resent 4overn3ent "o*i#/. T$e @.4e +.rt$er #*ai3e t$at $e >e*ieve $e -as *eanin4 on t$e
sie o+ *i>era*it/ o+ t$e *a- so t$at it 3a/ not >e too e5"ensive an #o3"*i#ate +or #itiIens to 4et
3arrie. J.4es 3.st not on*/ a""*/ t$e *a- >.t 3.st a*so *ive an a>ie >/ it an rener @.sti#e
at a** ti3es -it$o.t resortin4 to s$ort#.ts #*ear*/ .n#a**e +or.
A*so, #onsierin4 t$at t$e @.4e9s @.risi#tion #overs t$e 3.ni#i"a*it/ o+ Sta. Mar4aritaATaran4anA
Pa4san@an, Sa3ar on*/, $e oes not $ave t$e a.t$orit/ to so*e3niIe a 3arria4e in Ca*>a/o4 Cit/.
Moreover, t$e @.4e, >/ $is #are*essness, *ost t$e ."*i#ate an tri"*i#ate #o"ies o+ t$e 3arria4e
#erti+i#ate o+ t$e #o3"*ainant an $er +ian#P. T$e @.4e t$ere+ore #o33itte nonA+easan#e in
o++i#e. His #*ai3 t$at t$e #o3"*ainant9s +ian#P too, a** #o"ies oesn9t eserve #onsieration +or
*a#, o+ "roo+. He s$o.* $ave e5erte 3ore e++ort to *o#ate or re#onstit.te t$e o#.3ents. As a
@.4e, $e is e5"e#te to >e #ons#ientio.s in $an*in4 o++i#ia* o#.3ents.
T$e @.4e -as +ine P&,'''.'' an stern*/ -arne t$at a re"etition o+ t$e sa3e or si3i*ar a#ts
-i** >e ea*t -it$ 3ore severe*/.
MARILOU NAMA MORENO, #o3"*ainant, vs. JU2?E JOSE C. BERNABE, Metro"o*itan Tria*
Co.rt, Bran#$ 8%, Pasi4, Metro Mani*a, res"onent
J.*/ 1(, 166&
FACTS)
Mari*o. Moreno +i*e t$is #o3"*aint a4ainst J.4e Jose C. Berna>e o+ t$e Metro"o*itan Tria*
Co.rt, Bran#$ 8%, Metro Mani*a +or 4rave 3is#on.#t an 4ross i4noran#e o+ t$e *a-.
Co3"*aint a**e4e t$at s$e an Mar#e*o Moreno -ere 3arrie on O#to>er (, 1660 >e+ore t$e
res"onent @.4e. T$e res"onent ass.re $er t$at t$e 3arria4e #ontra#t -i** >e re*ease ten
<1'= a/s a+ter t$e ate o+ #e*e>ration. :$en s$e visite t$e o++i#e o+ t$e res"onent, s$e +o.n
o.t t$at t$e *o#a* Civi* Re4istrar +ai*e to iss.e 3arria4e *i#ense. T$.s, s$e #*ai3e t$at t$e
res"onent #onnive -it$ t$e re*atives o+ Mar#e*o to e#eive $er. B.t t$e res"onent enie t$e
a**e4ations. T$e investi4ation t$en -as re+erre to e5e#.tive J.4e !i**ara3a Jr., -$o
re#o33ene t$e 3atter +or is3issa* +or +ai*.re o+ t$e #o3"*ainant to a""ear on $earin4s, an
t$e 3e3oran.3 $e iss.e -as re+erre to t$e #o.rt a3inistrator o++i#e +or eva*.ation. T$e
o++i#e +o.n o.t t$at res"onent is"*a/e $is i4noran#e o+ t$e *a-, as a++ir3e >/ t$e S."re3e
Co.rt.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not res"onent @.4e 3a/ >e $e* *ia>*e +or 3is#on.#t +or so*e3niIin4 -it$o.t t$e
3arria4e *i#ense.
RULIN?)
T$e S."re3e Co.rt re#o33ene t$at Res"onent >e $e* *ia>*e +or 3is#on.#t +or so*e3niIin4
a 3arria4e -it$o.t a 3arria4e *i#ense an t$at t$e a""ro"riate a3inistrative san#tions >e
i3"ose a4ainst $i3.
Care+.* st./ o+ t$e re#ors revea*s t$at inee res"onent J.4e is"*a/e $is i4noran#e o+ t$e
*a- -$en $e so*e3niIe t$e 3arria4e -it$o.t a 3arria4e *i#ense. As a @.4e, $e is "res.3e to
>e a-are o+ t$e e5isten#e o+ Arti#*e 0<%= o+ t$e Fa3i*/ Coe o+ t$e P$i*i""ines <E.O. %'6, as
a3ene >/ E.O. %%8=, -$i#$ "rovies o+ a 3arria4e is a va*i 3arria4e *i#ense. A>sen#e o+ sai
re;.isite -i** 3a,e t$e 3arria4e voi +ro3 t$e >e4innin4 <Arti#*e 0& S0T, t$e Fa3i*/ Coe o+ t$e
P$i*i""ines=. J.4es are en@oine to s$o- 3ore t$an @.st a #.rsor/ a#;.aintan#e o+ t$e *a- an
ot$er esta>*is$e r.*es.
On t$e #$ar4e re4arin4 i**e4a* 3arria4es t$e Fa3i*/ Coe "ertinent*/ "rovies t$at t$e +or3a*
re;.isites o+ 3arria4e are, inter a*ia, a va*i 3arria4e *i#ense e5#e"t in t$e #ases "rovie +or
t$erein. Co3"*e3entari*/, it e#*ares t$at t$e a>sen#e o+ an/ o+ t$e essentia* or +or3a* re;.isites
s$a** 4enera**/ rener t$e 3arria4e voi a> initio an t$at, -$i*e an irre4.*arit/ in t$e +or3a*
re;.isites s$a** not e++e#t t$e va*iit/ o+ t$e 3arria4e, t$e "art/ or "arties res"onsi>*e +or t$e
irre4.*arit/ s$a** >e #ivi**/, #ri3ina**/ an a3inistrative*/ *ia>*e.
T$e Revise Pena* Coe "rovies t$at W"riests or 3inisters o+ an/ re*i4io.s eno3ination or se#t,
or #ivi* a.t$orities -$o s$a** "er+or3 or a.t$oriIe an/ i**e4a* 3arria4e #ere3on/ s$a** >e ".nis$e
in a##oran#e -it$ t$e "rovisions o+ t$e Marria4e La-.W
RO2OLFO ?. NA!ARRO, #o3"*ainant, vs. JU2?E HERNAN2O C. 2OMA?TOY, res"onent
J.*/ 16, 166B
FACTS)
Ma/or Roo*+o Navarro +i*e an a3inistrative #ase a4ainst MCTC J.4e Hernano 2o3a4to/.
Co3"*ainant #ontene t$at 2o3a4to/ is"*a/e 4ross 3is#on.#t as -e** as ine++i#ien#/ in
o++i#e an i4noran#e o+ t$e *a- -$en $e so*e3niIe t$e -ein4s o+ ?as"ar Ta4aan an Ar*/n
Bor4a, es"ite t$e ,no-*e4e t$at t$e 4roo3 is 3ere*/ se"arate +ro3 $is +irst -i+eH an F*oriano
2aor S.3a/*o an ?e33a e* Rosario, -$i#$ -as so*e3niIe at t$e res"onent9s resien#e
-$i#$ oes not +a** -it$in $is @.risi#tion.
ISSUES)
1. :$at are t$e e++e#ts o+ t$e irre4.*arities in +or3a* re;.isites o+ t$e t-o 3arria4esG
%. :$et$er or not t$e res"onent @.4e 3a/ >e $e* *ia>*e +or so*e3niIin4 3arria4es -$i#$ i
not #o3"*/ -it$ t$e re;.isites in t$e Fa3i*/ Coe.
RULIN?)
T$e Co.rt $e* t$at even i+ t$e s"o.se "resent $as a -e**A+o.ne >e*ie+ t$at t$e "resent s"o.se
-as a*rea/ ea, a s.33ar/ "ro#eein4 +or t$e e#*aration o+ "res.3"tive eat$ is ne#essar/
in orer to #ontra#t a s.>se;.ent 3arria4e. In t$is #ase, Ta4aan -as not a>*e to "resent a
s.33ar/ "ro#eein4 +or t$e e#*aration o+ t$e +irst -i+e9s "res.3"tive eat$ t$.s, $e is sti**
#onsiere 3arrie to $is +irst -i+e.
A 3arria4e #an on*/ >e #onsiere >e/on t$e >o.naries o+ t$e @.risi#tion o+ t$e @.4e in t$e
+o**o-in4 instan#es) <1= at t$e "oint o+ eat$H <%= in re3ote "*a#esH or <0= ."on re;.est o+ >ot$
"arties in -ritin4 in a s-orn state3ent to t$is e++e#t. None o+ t$ese -ere #o3"*ie -it$ t$ere+ore
t$ere is an irre4.*arit/.
:$ere+ore, t$e Co.rt s.s"ene J.4e 2o3a4to/ +or a "erio o+ si5 <B= 3ont$s an -as 4iven a
-arnin4 t$at on#e $e re"eats t$ese o++enses a4ain, it -i** >e ea*t -it$ severe*/.
RP !. IYOY
%1 Se"t. %''&
FACTS)
A+ter t$e #e*e>ration o+ t$eir 3arria4e, res"onent Cras.s is#overe t$at Fe*/ -as W$otA
te3"ere, a na44er an e5trava4ant.W In 167(, Fe*/ *e+t t$e P$i*i""ines +or t$e Unite States o+
A3eri#a <U.S.A.=, *eavin4 a** o+ t$eir +ive #$i*ren, t$e /o.n4est t$en >ein4 on*/ si5 /ears o*, to
t$e #are o+ res"onent Cras.s. Bare*/ a /ear a+ter Fe*/ *e+t +or t$e U.S.A., res"onent Cras.s
re#eive a *etter +ro3 $er re;.estin4 t$at $e si4n t$e en#*ose ivor#e "a"ersH $e isre4are t$e
sai re;.est. So3eti3e in 167&, res"onent Cras.s *earne, t$ro.4$ t$e *etters sent >/ Fe*/ to
t$eir #$i*ren, t$at Fe*/ 4ot 3arrie to an A3eri#an, -it$ -$o3 s$e event.a**/ $a a #$i*. In
1678, Fe*/ #a3e >a#, to t$e P$i*i""ines -it$ $er A3eri#an +a3i*/, sta/in4 at Ce>. P*aIa Hote* in
Ce>. Cit/. Res"onent Cras.s i not >ot$er to ta*, to Fe*/ >e#a.se $e -as a+rai $e 3i4$t not
>e a>*e to >ear t$e sorro- an t$e "ain s$e $a #a.se $i3. Fe*/ ret.rne to t$e P$i*i""ines
severa* ti3es 3ore) in 166', +or t$e -ein4 o+ t$eir e*est #$i*, Cras.s, Jr.H in 166%, +or t$e
>rain o"eration o+ t$eir +o.rt$ #$i*, Ca*vertH an in 166&, +or .n,no-n reasons. Fe*/ #ontin.e to
*ive -it$ $er A3eri#an +a3i*/ in Ne- Jerse/, U.S.A. S$e $a >een o"en*/ .sin4 t$e s.rna3e o+
$er A3eri#an $.s>an in t$e P$i*i""ines an in t$e U.S.A. For t$e -ein4 o+ Cras.s, Jr., Fe*/
$erse*+ $a invitations 3ae in -$i#$ s$e -as na3e as WMrs. Fe*/ Aa Mi#,*.s.W At t$e ti3e t$e
Co3"*aint -as +i*e, it $a >een 10 /ears sin#e Fe*/ *e+t an a>anone res"onent Cras.s, an
t$ere -as no 3ore "ossi>i*it/ o+ re#on#i*iation >et-een t$e3. Res"onent Cras.s +ina**/ a**e4e
in $is Co3"*aint t$at Fe*/9s a#ts >ro.4$t an4er an is$onor to t$e +a3i*/, an #*ear*/
e3onstrate $er "s/#$o*o4i#a* in#a"a#it/ to "er+or3 t$e essentia* o>*i4ations o+ 3arria4e. S.#$
in#a"a#it/, >ein4 in#.ra>*e an #ontin.in4, #onstit.tes a 4ro.n +or e#*aration o+ n.**it/ o+
3arria4e .ner Arti#*e 0B, in re*ation to Arti#*es B7, 8', an 8%, o+ t$e Fa3i*/ Coe o+ t$e
P$i*i""ines.
ISSUE)
S$o.* t$e ivor#e o>taine a>roa >/ t$e Fi*i"ino -i+e >e re#o4niIe as va*iG
RULIN?)
Arti#*e %B o+ t$e Fa3i*/ Coe "rovies)
WArt. %B. A** 3arria4es so*e3niIe o.tsie t$e P$i*i""ines in a##oran#e -it$ t$e *a-s in +or#e in
t$e #o.ntr/ -$ere t$e/ -ere so*e3niIe, an va*i t$ere as s.#$, s$a** a*so >e va*i in t$is
#o.ntr/, e5#e"t t$ose "ro$i>ite .ner Arti#*es 0&<1=, <(=, <&= an <B=, 0B, 08 an 07.
W:HERE A MARRIA?E BET:EEN A FILIPINO CITILEN AN2 A FOREI?NER IS !ALI2LY
CELEBRATE2 AN2 A 2I!ORCE IS THEREAFTER !ALI2LY OBTAINE2 ABROA2 BY THE
ALIEN SPOUSE CAPACITATIN? HIM OR HER TO REMARRY, THE FILIPINO SPOUSE SHALL
LIME:ISE HA!E CAPACITY TO REMARRY UN2ER PHILIPPINE LA:.W
T$e rationa*e >e$in t$e se#on "ara4ra"$ o+ t$e a>oveA;.ote "rovision is to avoi t$e a>s.r
an .n@.st sit.ation o+ a Fi*i"ino #itiIen sti** >ein4 3arrie to $is or $er a*ien s"o.se, a*t$o.4$ t$e
*atter is no *on4er 3arrie to t$e Fi*i"ino s"o.se >e#a.se $e or s$e $as o>taine a ivor#e
a>roa. In t$e #ase at >en#$, t$e e+enant $as .no.>te*/ a#;.ire $er A3eri#an $.s>an9s
#itiIens$i" an t$.s $as >e#o3e an a*ien as -e**. T$is Co.rt #annot see -$/ t$e >ene+its o+ Art.
%B a+ore;.ote #an not >e e5tene to a Fi*i"ino #itiIen -$ose s"o.se event.a**/ e3>ra#es
anot$er #itiIens$i" an t$.s >e#o3es $erse*+ an a*ien.
It -o.* >e t$e $ei4$t o+ .n+airness i+, .ner t$ese #ir#.3stan#es, "*ainti++ -o.* sti** >e
#onsiere as 3arrie to e+enant, 4iven $er tota* in#a"a#it/ to $onor $er 3arita* #ovenants to
t$e +or3er. To #one3n "*ainti++ to re3ain s$a#,*e in a 3arria4e t$at in tr.t$ an in +a#t oes not
e5ist an to re3ain 3arrie to a s"o.se -$o is in#a"a#itate to is#$ar4e essentia* 3arita*
#ovenants, is veri*/ to #one3n $i3 to a "er"et.a* isavanta4e -$i#$ t$is Co.rt +ins a>$orrent
an -i** not #o.ntenan#e. J.sti#e i#tates t$at "*ainti++ >e 4iven re*ie+ >/ a++ir3in4 t$e tria* #o.rt9s
e#*aration o+ t$e n.**it/ o+ t$e 3arria4e o+ t$e "arties.
Arti#*e %B, "ara4ra"$ % o+ t$e Fa3i*/ Coe o+ t$e P$i*i""ines is not a""*i#a>*e to t$e #ase at >ar.
As it is -ore, Arti#*e %B, "ara4ra"$ %, re+ers to a s"e#ia* sit.ation -$erein one o+ t$e #o."*e
4ettin4 3arrie is a Fi*i"ino #itiIen an t$e ot$er a +orei4ner at t$e ti3e t$e 3arria4e -as
#e*e>rate. B/ its "*ain an *itera* inter"retation, t$e sai "rovision #annot >e a""*ie to t$e #ase
o+ res"onent Cras.s an $is -i+e Fe*/ >e#a.se at t$e ti3e Fe*/ o>taine $er ivor#e, s$e -as
sti** a Fi*i"ino #itiIen. A*t$o.4$ t$e e5a#t ate -as not esta>*is$e, Fe*/ $erse*+ a3itte in $er
Ans-er +i*e >e+ore t$e RTC t$at s$e o>taine a ivor#e +ro3 res"onent Cras.s so3eti3e a+ter
s$e *e+t +or t$e Unite States in 167(, a+ter -$i#$ s$e 3arrie $er A3eri#an $.s>an in 167&. In
t$e sa3e Ans-er, s$e a**e4e t$at s$e $a >een an A3eri#an #itiIen sin#e 1677. At t$e ti3e s$e
+i*e +or ivor#e, Fe*/ -as sti** a Fi*i"ino #itiIen, an ".rs.ant to t$e nationa*it/ "rin#i"*e e3>oie
in Arti#*e 1& o+ t$e Civi* Coe o+ t$e P$i*i""ines, s$e -as sti** >o.n >/ P$i*i""ine *a-s on +a3i*/
ri4$ts an .ties, stat.s, #onition, an *e4a* #a"a#it/, even -$en s$e -as a*rea/ *ivin4 a>roa.
P$i*i""ine *a-s, t$en an even .nti* no-, o not a**o- an re#o4niIe ivor#e >et-een Fi*i"ino
s"o.ses. T$.s, Fe*/ #o.* not $ave va*i*/ o>taine a ivor#e +ro3 res"onent Cras.s.
?RACE J. ?ARCIA, a.,.a. ?RACE J. ?ARCIAARECIO, "etitioner, vs. RE2ERICM A. RECIO,
res"onent
O#to>er %0, %''1
FACTS)
T$e res"onent, Reeri#, Re#io, a Fi*i"ino -as 3arrie to Eit$a Sa3son, an A.stra*ian #itiIen,
in RiIa* in 1678. T$e/ *ive to4et$er as $.s>an an -i+e in A.stra*ia. In 1676, t$e A.stra*ian
+a3i*/ #o.rt iss.e a e#ree o+ ivor#e s.""ose*/ isso*vin4 t$e 3arria4e. In 166%, res"onent
a#;.ire A.stra*ian #itiIens$i". In 166(, $e 3arrie ?ra#e ?ar#ia, a Fi*i"ina, $erein "etitioner, in
Ca>anat.an Cit/. In t$eir a""*i#ation +or 3arria4e *i#ense, res"onent -as e#*are as Csin4*eE
an CFi*i"ino.E Sin#e O#to>er 166&, t$e/ *ive se"arate*/H an in 166B -$i*e in A.stra*ia, t$eir
#on@.4a* assets -ere ivie. In 1667, "etitioner +i*e Co3"*aint +or 2e#*aration o+ N.**it/ o+
Marria4e on t$e 4ro.n o+ >i4a3/, #*ai3in4 t$at s$e *earne o+ t$e res"onent9s +or3er 3arria4e
on*/ in Nove3>er. On t$e ot$er $an, res"onent #*ai3s t$at $e to* "etitioner o+ $is "rior
3arria4e in 1660, >e+ore t$e/ -ere 3arrie. Res"onent a*so #ontene t$at $is +irst 3arria4e
-as isso*ve >/ a ivor#e a e#ree o>taine in A.stra*ia in 1676 an $en#e, $e -as *e4a**/
#a"a#itate to 3arr/ "etitioner in 166(. T$e tria* #o.rt e#*are t$at t$e +irst 3arria4e -as
isso*ve on t$e 4ro.n o+ t$e ivor#e iss.e in A.stra*ia as va*i an re#o4niIe in t$e
P$i*i""ines. Hen#e, t$is "etition -as +or-are >e+ore t$e S."re3e Co.rt.
ISSUES)
1. :$et$er or not t$e ivor#e >et-een res"onent an Eit$a Sa3son -ere "roven.
%. :$et$er or not res"onent $as *e4a* #a"a#it/ to 3arr/ ?ra#e ?ar#ia.
RULIN?)
T$e P$i*i""ine *a- oesn9t "rovie +or a>so*.te ivor#eH $en#e, o.r #o.rts #annot 4rant it. In
3i5e 3arria4es invo*vin4 a Fi*i"ino an a +orei4ner, Arti#*e %B o+ t$e Fa3i*/ Coe a**o-s t$e
+or3er to #ontra#t a s.>se;.ent 3arria4e in #ase t$e ivor#e is Cva*i*/ o>taine a>roa >/ t$e
a*ien s"o.se #a"a#itatin4 $i3 or $er to re3arr/.E A ivor#e o>taine a>roa >/ t-o a*iens, 3a/
>e re#o4niIe in t$e P$i*i""ines, "rovie it is #onsistent -it$ t$eir res"e#tive *a-s. T$ere+ore,
>e+ore o.r #o.rts #an re#o4niIe a +orei4n ivor#e, t$e "art/ "*eain4 it 3.st "rove t$e ivor#e as
a +a#t an e3onstrate its #on+or3it/ to t$e +orei4n *a- a**o-in4 it.
In t$is #ase, t$e ivor#e e#ree >et-een t$e res"onent an Sa3son a""ears to >e a.t$enti#,
iss.e >/ an A.stra*ian +a3i*/ #o.rt. A*t$o.4$, a""earan#e is not s.++i#ientH an #o3"*ian#e -it$
t$e r.*es on evien#e re4arin4 a**e4e +orei4n *a-s 3.st >e e3onstrate, t$e e#ree -as
a3itte on a##o.nt o+ "etitioner9s +ai*.re to o>@e#t "ro"er*/ >e#a.se $e o>@e#te to t$e +a#t t$at it
-as not re4istere in t$e Lo#a* Civi* Re4istr/ o+ Ca>anat.an Cit/, not to its a3issi>i*it/.
Res"onent #*ai3s t$at t$e A.stra*ian ivor#e e#ree, -$i#$ -as va*i*/ a3itte as evien#e,
ae;.ate*/ esta>*is$e $is *e4a* #a"a#it/ to 3arr/ .ner A.stra*ian *a-. Ho-ever, t$ere are t-o
t/"es o+ ivor#e, a>so*.te ivor#e ter3inatin4 t$e 3arria4e an *i3ite ivor#e 3ere*/
s.s"enin4 t$e 3arria4e. In t$is #ase, it is not ,no-n -$i#$ t/"e o+ ivor#e t$e res"onent
"ro#.re.
Even a+ter t$e ivor#e >e#o3es a>so*.te, t$e #o.rt 3a/ .ner so3e +orei4n stat.tes, sti** restri#t
re3arria4e. Uner t$e A.stra*ian ivor#e e#ree Ca "art/ to a 3arria4e -$o 3arries a4ain >e+ore
t$is e#ree >e#o3es a>so*.te #o33its t$e o++ense o+ >i4a3/.E T$is s$o-s t$at t$e ivor#e
o>taine >/ t$e res"onent 3i4$t $ave >een restri#te. Res"onent a*so +ai*e to "ro.#e
s.++i#ient evien#e s$o-in4 t$e +orei4n *a- 4overnin4 $is stat.s. To4et$er -it$ ot$er evien#es
s.>3itte, t$e/ on9t a>so*.te*/ esta>*is$ $is *e4a* #a"a#it/ to re3arr/ a##orin4 to t$e a**e4e
+orei4n *a-.
Case re3ane to t$e #o.rt a ;.o. T$e 3arria4e t$e "etitioner an res"onent #an9t >e e#*are
n.** an voi >ase on *a#, o+ evien#e #on#*.sive*/ s$o-in4 res"onent9s *e4a* #a"a#it/ to
3arr/ "etitioner. :it$ t$e *a#, o+ s.#$ evien#e, t$e #o.rt a ;.o 3a/ e#*are n.**it/ o+ t$e "arties9
3arria4e >ase on t-o e5istin4 3arria4e #erti+i#ates.
ALICE REYES !AN 2ORN, "etitioner, vs. HON. MANUEL !. ROMILLO, JR., as Presiin4 J.4e
o+ Bran#$ CX, Re4iona* Tria* Co.rt o+ t$e Nationa* Ca"ita* Re4ion Pasa/ Cit/, an RICHAR2
UPTON, res"onents
O#to>er 7, 167&
FACTS)
A*i#e Re/es, a Fi*i"ina, 3arrie Ri#$ar U"ton, an A3eri#an, in Hon4,on4 in 168%. T$e/
esta>*is$e resien#e in t$e P$i*i""ines an $a t-o #$i*ren. In 167%, t$e -i+e s.e +or ivor#e
in Nevaa, U.S.A., on t$e 4ro.n o+ in#o3"ati>i*it/. S$e *ater 3arrie T$eoore !an 2orn in
Nevaa. In 1670, U"ton s.e $er as,in4 t$at s$e >e orere to rener an a##o.ntin4 o+ $er
>.siness -$i#$ U"ton a**e4e to >e #on@.4a* "ro"ert/. He a*so "ra/e t$at $e >e e#*are -it$
ri4$t to 3ana4e t$e #on@.4a* "ro"ert/. T$e e+enant -i+e 3ove to is3iss t$e #o3"*aint on t$e
4ro.n t$at #a.se o+ a#tion -as >arre >/ "revio.s @.43ent in t$e ivor#e "ro#eein4s -$erein
$e $a a#,no-*e4e t$at t$e #o."*e $a no #o33.nit/ "ro"ert/. Fro3 enia* o+ t$at 3otion,
s$e -ent to t$e S."re3e Co.rt on a "etition +or #ertiorari an "ro$i>ition.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e ivor#e e#ree 4rante >/ U.S. #o.rt, >et-een Fi*i"ina -i+e an A3eri#an
$.s>an, $e* >inin4 ."on t$e *atter.
RULIN?)
It is tr.e t$at o-in4 to t$e nationa*it/ "rin#i"*e e3>oie in Arti#*e 1& o+ t$e Civi* Coe, on*/
P$i*i""ine nationa*s are #overe >/ t$e "o*i#/ a4ainst a>so*.te ivor#es t$e sa3e >ein4
#onsiere #ontrar/ to o.r #on#e"t o+ ".>*i# "o*i#/ an 3ora*it/. Ho-ever, a*iens 3a/ o>tain
ivor#es a>roa, -$i#$ 3a/ >e re#o4niIe in t$e P$i*i""ines, "rovie t$e/ are va*i a##orin4 to
t$eir nationa* *a-. In t$is #ase, t$e ivor#e in Nevaa re*ease "rivate res"onent +ro3 t$e
3arria4e +ro3 t$e stanars o+ A3eri#an *a-. T$.s, ".rs.ant to $is nationa* *a-, "rivate
res"onent is no *on4er t$e $.s>an o+ "etitioner. He -o.* $ave no stanin4 to s.e in t$e #ase
>e*o- as "etitionerKs $.s>an entit*e to e5er#ise #ontro* over #on@.4a* assets. As $e is >o.n >/
t$e 2e#ision o+ $is o-n #o.ntr/Ks Co.rt, -$i#$ va*i*/ e5er#ise @.risi#tion over $i3, an -$ose
e#ision $e oes not re".iate, $e is esto""e >/ $is o-n re"resentation >e+ore sai Co.rt +ro3
assertin4 $is ri4$t over t$e a**e4e #on@.4a* "ro"ert/.
To 3aintain, as "rivate res"onent oes, t$at, .ner o.r *a-s, "etitioner $as to >e #onsiere sti**
3arrie to "rivate res"onent an sti** s.>@e#t to a -i+eKs o>*i4ations .ner Arti#*e 1'6, et. se;. o+
t$e Civi* Coe #annot >e @.st. Petitioner s$o.* not >e o>*i4e to *ive to4et$er -it$, o>serve
res"e#t an +ie*it/, an rener s.""ort to "rivate res"onent. T$e *atter s$o.* not #ontin.e to
>e one o+ $er $eirs -it$ "ossi>*e ri4$ts to #on@.4a* "ro"ert/. S$e s$o.* not >e is#ri3inate
a4ainst in $er o-n #o.ntr/ i+ t$e ens o+ @.sti#e are to >e serve.
IMEL2A MANALAYSAY PILAPIL, "etitioner, vs. HON. CORONA IBAYASOMERAH HON. LUIS C.
!ICTOR, an ERICH EMMEHAR2 ?EILIN?, res"onents
J.ne 0', 1676
FACTS)
On Se"te3>er 8, 1686, "etitioner I3e*a Mana*a/sa/ Pi*a"i*, a Fi*i"ino #itiIen, an "rivate
res"onent Eri#$ E,,e$ar ?ei*in4, a ?er3an nationa*, -ere 3arrie in t$e Feera* Re".>*i# o+
?er3an/. T$e 3arria4e starte a.s"i#io.s*/ eno.4$, an t$e #o."*e *ive to4et$er +or so3e ti3e
in Ma*ate, Mani*a -$ere t$eir on*/ #$i*, Isa>e**a Pi*a"i* ?ei*in4, -as >orn on A"ri* %', 167'.
T$erea+ter, 3arita* is#or set in, -it$ 3.t.a* re#ri3inations >et-een t$e s"o.ses, +o**o-e >/ a
se"aration e +a#to >et-een t$e3. A+ter a>o.t t$ree an a $a*+ /ears o+ 3arria4e, s.#$ #onn.>ia*
is$ar3on/ event.ate in "rivate res"onent initiatin4 a ivor#e "ro#eein4 a4ainst "etitioner in
?er3an/ >e+ore t$e S#$one>er4 Lo#a* Co.rt in Jan.ar/ 1670. He #*ai3e t$at t$ere -as +ai*.re
o+ t$eir 3arria4e an t$at t$e/ $a >een *ivin4 a"art sin#e A"ri* 167%. Petitioner, on t$e ot$er
$an, +i*e an a#tion +or *e4a* se"aration, s.""ort an se"aration o+ "ro"ert/ >e+ore t$e Re4iona*
Tria* Co.rt o+ Mani*a on Jan.ar/ %0, 1670.
On Jan.ar/ 1&, 167B, 2ivision %' o+ t$e S#$one>er4 Lo#a* Co.rt, Feera* Re".>*i# o+ ?er3an/,
"ro3.*4ate a e#ree o+ ivor#e on t$e 4ro.n o+ +ai*.re o+ 3arria4e o+ t$e s"o.ses. T$e #.sto/
o+ t$e #$i* -as 4rante to "etitioner. T$e re#ors s$o- t$at .ner ?er3an *a- sai #o.rt -as
*o#a**/ an internationa**/ #o3"etent +or t$e ivor#e "ro#eein4 an t$at t$e isso*.tion o+ sai
3arria4e -as *e4a**/ +o.ne on an a.t$oriIe >/ t$e a""*i#a>*e *a- o+ t$at +orei4n @.risi#tion.
On J.ne %8, 167B, or 3ore t$an +ive 3ont$s a+ter t$e iss.an#e o+ t$e ivor#e e#ree, "rivate
res"onent +i*e t-o #o3"*aints +or a.*ter/ >e+ore t$e Cit/ Fis#a* o+ Mani*a a**e4in4 t$at, -$i*e
sti** 3arrie to sai res"onent, "etitioner W$a an a++air -it$ a #ertain :i**ia3 C$ia as ear*/ as
167% an -it$ /et anot$er 3an na3e Jes.s C$.a so3eti3e in 1670W.
On O#to>er %8, 1678, "etitioner +i*e t$is s"e#ia* #ivi* a#tion +or #ertiorari an "ro$i>ition, -it$ a
"ra/er +or a te3"orar/ restrainin4 orer, see,in4 t$e ann.*3ent o+ t$e orer o+ t$e *o-er #o.rt
en/in4 $er 3otion to ;.as$. T$e "etition is an#$ore on t$e 3ain 4ro.n t$at t$e #o.rt is
-it$o.t @.risi#tion Wto tr/ an e#ie t$e #$ar4e o+ a.*ter/, -$i#$ is a "rivate o++ense t$at #annot
>e "rose#.te e o++i#io <si#=, sin#e t$e ".r"orte #o3"*ainant, a +orei4ner, oes not ;.a*i+/ as an
o++ene s"o.se $avin4 o>taine a +ina* ivor#e e#ree .ner $is nationa* *a- "rior to $is +i*in4
t$e #ri3ina* #o3"*aint.W
ISSUE)
:$et$er t$e #ri3ina* #ases +i*e >/ t$e ?er3an e5As"o.se 3a/ "ros"er.
RULIN?)
Uner Arti#*e 0(( o+ t$e Revise Pena* Coe, t$e #ri3e o+ a.*ter/ #annot >e "rose#.te e5#e"t
."on a s-orn -ritten #o3"*aint +i*e >/ t$e o++ene s"o.se. Coro**ar/ to s.#$ e5#*.sive 4rant o+
"o-er to t$e o++ene s"o.se to instit.te t$e a#tion, it ne#essari*/ +o**o-s t$at s.#$ initiator 3.st
$ave t$e stat.s, #a"a#it/ or *e4a* re"resentation to o so at t$e ti3e o+ t$e +i*in4 o+ t$e #ri3ina*
a#tion. Hen#e, Arti#*e 0(( o+ t$e Revise Pena* Coe t$.s "res.""oses t$at t$e 3arita*
re*ations$i" is sti** s.>sistin4 at t$e ti3e o+ t$e instit.tion o+ t$e #ri3ina* a#tion +or a.*ter/.
In t$e "resent #ase, t$e +a#t t$at "rivate res"onent o>taine a va*i ivor#e in $is #o.ntr/, t$e
Feera* Re".>*i# o+ ?er3an/, is a3itte. Sai ivor#e an its *e4a* e++e#ts 3a/ >e re#o4niIe in
t$e P$i*i""ines inso+ar as "rivate res"onent is #on#erne in vie- o+ t$e nationa*it/ "rin#i"*e in
o.r #ivi* *a- on t$e 3atter o+ stat.s o+ "ersons. Private res"onent, >ein4 no *on4er t$e $.s>an
o+ "etitioner, $a no *e4a* stanin4 to #o33en#e t$e a.*ter/ #ase .ner t$e i3"ost.re t$at $e
-as t$e o++ene s"o.se at t$e ti3e $e +i*e s.it.
ARTURIO TRINI2A2, "etitioner, vs. COURT OF APPEALS, FELIX TRINI2A2 <e#ease= an
LOUR2ES TRINI2A2, res"onents
A"ri* %', 1667
FACTS)
On A.4.st 1', 1687, Petitioner Art.rio Trinia +i*e a #o3"*aint +or "artition an a3a4es
a4ainst Private Res"onents Fe*i5 an Lo.res, >ot$ s.rna3e Trinia, >e+ore t$e Co.rt o+
First Instan#e, #*ai3in4 t$at $e -as t$e son o+ t$e *ate Ino#entes Trinia, one o+ t$ree <0=
#$i*ren o+ Patri#io Trinia, -$o -as t$e ori4ina* o-ner o+ t$e "ar#e*s o+ *an. Patri#io Trinia
ie in 16(', *eavin4 t$e +o.r <(= "ar#e*s o+ *an to $is t$ree <0= #$i*ren, Ino#entes, Lo.res an
Fe*i5. In 168', "*ainti++ e3ane +ro3 t$e e+enants to "artition t$e *an into t$ree <0= e;.a*
s$ares an to 4ive $i3 t$e oneAt$ir <1V0= inivi.a* s$are o+ $is *ate +at$er, >.t t$e e+enants
re+.se.
2e+enants enie t$at "*ainti++ -as t$e son o+ t$e *ate Ino#entes Trinia. 2e+enants #ontene
t$at Ino#entes -as sin4*e -$en $e ie in 16(1, >e+ore "*ainti++Ks >irt$. 2e+enants a*so enie
t$at "*ainti++ $a *ive -it$ t$e3, an #*ai3e t$at t$e "ar#e*s o+ *an es#ri>e in t$e #o3"*aint
$a >een in t$eir "ossession sin#e t$e eat$ o+ t$eir +at$er in 16(' an t$at t$e/ $a not 4iven
"*ainti++ a s$are in t$e "ro.#e o+ t$e *an.
Patri#io Trinia an Anasta#ia Briones -ere t$e "arents o+ t$ree <0= #$i*ren, na3e*/, Ino#entes,
Lo.res an Fe*i5. :$en Patri#io ie in 16(', s.rvive >/ t$e a>ove na3e #$i*ren, $e *e+t +o.r
<(= "ar#e*s o+ *an, a** sit.ate at Barrio Ti4a/on, Ma*i>o A,*an.
Art.rio Trinia, >orn on J.*/ %1, 16(0, #*ai3e to >e t$e *e4iti3ate son o+ t$e *ate Ino#entes
Trinia.
On O#to>er %7, 167%, Fe*i5 ie -it$o.t iss.e, so $e -as not s.>stit.te as a "art/. On J.*/ (,
1676, t$e tria* #o.rt renere a e#ision in +avor o+ t$e "etitioner. Res"onent Co.rt reverse t$e
tria* #o.rt on t$e 4ro.n t$at "etitioner +ai*e to a.#e s.++i#ient evien#e to "rove t$at $is
"arents -ere *e4a**/ 3arrie to ea#$ ot$er an t$at a#;.isitive "res#ri"tion a4ainst $i3 $a set
in.
ISSUES)
2i "etitioner "resent s.++i#ient evien#e o+ $is "arentsK 3arria4e an o+ $is +i*iationG
RULIN?)
T$e "artition o+ t$e *ate Patri#ioKs rea* "ro"erties re;.ires "re"onerant "roo+ t$at "etitioner is a
#oAo-ner or #oA$eir o+ t$e e#eentKs estate. His ri4$t as a #oAo-ner -o.*, in t.rn, e"en on
-$et$er $e -as >orn .rin4 t$e e5isten#e o+ a va*i an s.>sistin4 3arria4e >et-een $is 3ot$er
<Fe*i#ia= an $is ".tative +at$er <Ino#entes=. T$e Co.rt $e* t$at s.#$ >.ren -as s.##ess+.**/
is#$ar4e >/ "etitioner an, t$.s, t$e reverse t$e assai*e e#ision an reso*.tion.
In P.4ea vs. Trias, it -as r.*e t$at -$en t$e ;.estion o+ -$et$er a 3arria4e $as >een
#ontra#te arises in *iti4ation, sai 3arria4e 3a/ >e "roven >/ re*evant evien#e. To "rove t$e
+a#t o+ 3arria4e, t$e +o**o-in4 -o.* #onstit.te #o3"etent evien#e) t$e testi3on/ o+ a -itness to
t$e 3atri3on/, t$e #o."*eKs ".>*i# an o"en #o$a>itation as $.s>an an -i+e a+ter t$e a**e4e
-e*o#,, t$e >irt$ an t$e >a"tis3a* #erti+i#ates o+ #$i*ren >orn .rin4 s.#$ .nion, an t$e
3ention o+ s.#$ n."tia* in s.>se;.ent o#.3ents.
In t$e #ase at >ar, "etitioner se#.re a #erti+i#ation +ro3 t$e O++i#e o+ t$e Civi* Re4istrar o+ A,*an
t$at a** re#ors o+ >irt$s, eat$s an 3arria4es -ere eit$er *ost, >.rne or estro/e .rin4 t$e
Ja"anese o##."ation o+ sai 3.ni#i"a*it/. T$is +a#t, $o-ever, is not +ata* to "etitionerKs #ase.
A*t$o.4$ t$e 3arria4e #ontra#t is #onsiere t$e "ri3ar/ evien#e o+ t$e 3arita* .nion,
"etitionerKs +ai*.re to "resent it is not "roo+ t$at no 3arria4e too, "*a#e, as ot$er +or3s o+ re*evant
evien#e 3a/ ta,e its "*a#e.
In "*a#e o+ a 3arria4e #ontra#t, t-o -itnesses -ere "resente >/ "etitioner) Isa>e* Meren, -$o
testi+ie t$at s$e -as "resent .rin4 t$e n."tia* o+ Fe*i#ia an Ino#entes on Ma/ &, 16(% in
Ne- :as$in4ton, A,*anH an Jovita ?eraro, -$o testi+ie t$at t$e #o."*e e"orte t$e3se*ves
as $.s>an an -i+e a+ter t$e 3arria4e. ?eraro, t$e 88A/ear o* >aran4a/ #a"tain o+ Ti4a/on
an +or3er >oar 3e3>er o+ t$e *o#a* "arentAtea#$ersK asso#iation, .se to visit Ino#entes an
Fe*i#iaKs $o.se t-i#e or t$ri#e a -ee,, as s$e *ive on*/ t$irt/ 3eters a-a/. On J.*/ %1, 16(0,
?eraro ro""e >/ Ino#entesK $o.se -$en Fe*i#ia 4ave >irt$ to "etitioner. S$e a*so attene
"etitionerKs >a"tis3a* "art/ $e* at t$e sa3e $o.se. Her testi3on/ #onstit.tes evien#e o+
#o33on re".tation res"e#tin4 3arria4e. It +.rt$er 4ives rise to t$e is".ta>*e "res.3"tion t$at a
3an an a -o3an e"ortin4 t$e3se*ves as $.s>an an -i+e $ave entere into a *a-+.* #ontra#t
o+ 3arria4e. Petitioner a*so "resente $is >a"tis3a* #erti+i#ate in -$i#$ Ino#entes an Fe*i#ia
-ere na3e as t$e #$i*Ks +at$er an 3ot$er.
Petitioner s.>3itte in evien#e a #erti+i#ation t$at re#ors re*ative to $is >irt$ -ere eit$er
estro/e .rin4 t$e *ast -or* -ar or >.rne -$en t$e o* to-n $a** -as raIe to t$e 4ro.n on
J.ne 18, 16&B. To "rove $is +i*iation, $e "resente in evien#e t-o +a3i*/ "i#t.res, $is >a"tis3a*
#erti+i#ate an ?eraroKs testi3on/. A*t$o.4$ a >a"tis3a* #erti+i#ate is inee not a #on#*.sive
"roo+ o+ +i*iation, it is one o+ Wt$e ot$er 3eans a**o-e .ner t$e R.*es o+ Co.rt an s"e#ia* *a-sW
to s$o- "ei4ree.
T$e tota*it/ o+ "etitionerKs "ositive evien#e #*ear*/ "re"onerates over "rivate res"onentsK se*+A
servin4 ne4ations. Pre"onerant evien#e 3eans t$at, as a -$o*e, t$e evien#e a.#e >/ one
sie o.t-ei4$s t$at o+ t$e averse "art/.
LUPO ALMO2IEL ATIENLA, #o3"*ainant, vs. JU2?E FRANCISCO F. BRILLANTES, JR.,
Metro"o*itan Tria* Co.rt, Bran#$ %', Mani*a, res"onent
Mar#$ %6, 166&
FACTS)
T$is is a #o3"*aint +or 4ross i33ora*it/ an a""earan#e o+ i3"ro"riet/ a4ainst t$e @.4eA
res"onent. T$e res"onent -as #oA$a>itin4 -it$ t$e #o3"*ainant9s *iveAin "artner <Yo*ana 2e
Castro=, -$i#$ t$e res"onent #*ai3s to $ave 3arrie in Los An4e*es on 2e#e3>er (, 1661.
:$en res"onent 3arrie 2e Castro, $e >e*ieve t$at $e -as sin4*e >e#a.se $is +irst 3arria4e
-as so*e3niIe -it$o.t a *i#ense.
Res"onent enies $avin4 >een 3arrie to Lenaia On4,i,o <+irst -i+e=, a*t$o.4$ $e a3its
$avin4 +ive #$i*ren -it$ $er. He a**e4es t$at -$i*e $e an On4,i,o -ent t$ro.4$ a 3arria4e
#ere3on/ >e+ore a N.eva E#i@a to-n 3a/or on A"ri* %&, 16B&, t$e sa3e -as not a va*i 3arria4e
+or *a#, o+ a 3arria4e *i#ense. U"on t$e re;.est o+ On4,i,o9s "arents, t$e/ -ere a4ain 3arrie in
J.ne o+ t$e sa3e /ear an neit$er "art/ a""*ie +or a 3arria4e *i#ense. On4,i,o a**e4e*/
a>anone $i3 18 /ears a4o an *e+t t$eir #$i*ren in $is #are.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e 3arria4e entere into >/ t$e res"onent an Lenaia On4,i,o -as voi a>
initio
RULIN?
Uner t$e Fa3i*/ Coe, t$ere 3.st >e a @.i#ia* e#*aration o+ n.**it/ o+ a "revio.s 3arria4e
>e+ore a "art/ t$ereto #an enter into a se#on 3arria4e. T$e Fa3i*/ Coe a""*ies in t$e #ase
a*t$o.4$ t$e res"onent ar4.es t$at $is +irst 3arria4e -as 3ae "rior to t$e Coe9s e++e#tivit/.
Moreover, t$e retroa#tive a""*i#ation o+ t$e Coe oesn9t i3"air an/ veste ri4$t o+ t$e
res"onent.
Fo**o-in4 t$e r.*e t$at a** 3arria4es are va*i .n*ess ann.**e >/ a #o3"etent #o.rt, t$e 3arria4e
>et-een res"on an On4,i,o is va*i a*t$o.4$ t$e/ on9t $ave a 3arria4e *i#ense. F.rt$er3ore,
t$e res"onent #an9t invo,e t$at t$eir 3arria4e -as voi a> initio >e#a.se t$e/ $ave, in +a#t, >een
3arrie t-i#e. An -it$o.t an/ a @.i#ia* e#ision ann.**in4 t$eir 3arria4e, it re3ains va*i. T$e
res"onent is is3isse +ro3 t$e servi#e.
MERCE2ITA MATA ARA[ES vs. JU2?E SAL!A2OR M. OCCIANO, res"onent
A"ri* 11, 166%
FACTS)
Petitioner Mer#eita Mata #$ar4e res"onent @.4e -it$ ?ross I4noran#e o+ t$e La-, via a
s-orn LetterACo3"*aint, +or so*e3niIin4 t$e 3arria4e >et-een "etitioner an $er *ate 4roo3
<Ret.= Co33oore 2o3inaor B. Oro>ia -it$o.t t$e re;.isite 3arria4e *i#ense, a3on4 ot$ers.
Sin#e t$e 3arria4e is a n.**it/ <>e#a.se t$e 3arria4e -as a*so #e*e>rate o.tsie t$e
res"onents territoria* @.risi#tion=, "etitioner9s ri4$t, ."on Oro>ia9s eat$, to in$erit t$e Cvast
"ro"ertiesE *e+t >/ Oro>ia -as not re#o4niIe. Petitioner -as *i,e-ise e"rive o+ re#eivin4 t$e
"ensions o+ Oro>ia.
Petitioner "ra/s t$at san#tions >e i3"ose a4ainst res"onent +or $is i**e4a* a#ts an .net$i#a*
3isre"resentations, -$i#$ #a.se $er so 3.#$ $ars$i"s, e3>arrass3ent an s.++erin4s.
T$e #ase -as re+erre >/ t$e O++i#e o+ t$e C$ie+ J.sti#e to t$e O++i#e o+ t$e Co.rt A3inistrator,
-$i#$ re;.ire t$e res"onent to #o33ent on t$e #o3"*aint.
Res"onent averre, a3on4 ot$ers, t$at >e+ore startin4 t$e #ere3on/, $e e5a3ine t$e
o#.3ents s.>3itte to $i3 >/ t$e "etitioner an $e is#overe t$at t$e "arties i not "ossess
t$e re;.isite 3arria4e *i#ense so $e re+.se to so*e3niIe t$e 3arria4e. Ho-ever, .e to t$e
earnest "*eas o+ t$e "arties, t$e in+*.5 o+ visitors, an t$e e*iver/ o+ t$e "rovisions +or t$e
o##asion, $e "ro#eee to so*e3niIe t$e 3arria4e o.t o+ $.3an #o3"assion. A+ter t$e
so*e3niIation, res"onent reiterate t$e nee +or t$e 3arria4e *i#ense an a3onis$e t$e
"arties t$at t$eir +ai*.re to 4ive it -o.* rener t$e 3arria4e voi. Petitioner ass.re an Oro>ia
ass.re t$e res"onent t$at t$e/ -o.* 4ive t$e *i#ense to $i3, >.t t$e/ never i. He attri>.te
t$e $ars$i"s an e3>arrass3ent "etitioner s.++ere as .e to $er o-n +a.*t an ne4*i4en#e.
T$e O++i#e o+ t$e Co.rt A3inistrator, in its Re"ort an Re#o33enation, +o.n res"onent 4.i*t/
o+ so*e3niIin4 a 3arria4e -it$o.t a 3arria4e *i#ense an o.tsie $is territoria* @.risi#tion.
ISSUE)
Ass.3in4 t$at t$e 3arria4e -as #on.#te -it$in t$e territoria* @.risi#tion o+ t$e res"onent, -i**
t$e s.>se;.ent iss.an#e o+ a 3arria4e *i#ense rener a 3arria4e so*e3niIe -it$o.t it va*iG
RULIN?)
Res"onent @.4e s$o.* >e +a.*te +or so*e3niIin4 a 3arria4e -it$o.t t$e re;.isite 3arria4e
*i#ense. In Peo"*e vs. Lara, t$e S."re3e Co.rt $e* t$at a 3arria4e, -$i#$ "re#ee t$e
iss.an#e o+ t$e 3arria4e *i#ense, is voi, an t$at s.>se;.ent iss.an#e o+ s.#$ *i#ense #annot
rener or even a an iota o+ va*iit/ to t$e 3arria4e. E5#e"t in #ases "rovie >/ *a-, it is t$e
3arria4e *i#ense t$at 4ives t$e so*e3niIin4 o++i#er t$e a.t$orit/ to #on.#t 3arria4e. Res"onent
@.4e i not "ossess s.#$ a.t$orit/ -$en $e so*e3niIe t$e 3arria4e o+ t$e "etitioner.
In t$is res"e#t, res"onent @.4e a#te in 4ross i4noran#e o+ t$e *a-. <Res"onent is +ine
P&,'''.'' -it$ STERN :ARNIN? t$at re"etition o+ t$e sa3e or si3i*ar o++ense -i** >e ea*t -it$
3ore severe*/=.
ARTURIO TRINI2A2, "etitioner, vs. COURT OF APPEALS, FELIX TRINI2A2 <e#ease= an
LOUR2ES TRINI2A2, res"onents
A"ri* %', 1667
FACTS)
On A.4.st 1', 1687, "*ainti++ an "etitioner +i*e -it$ t$e Co.rt o+ First Instan#e an a#tion +or
"artition o+ +o.r <(= "ar#e*s o+ *an. He -as #*ai3in4 t$at $e -as t$e son o+ t$e e#ease
Ino#entes Trinia. Patri#io Trinia, t$e +at$er o+ t$e e#ease, o-ne +o.r <(= "ar#e*s o+ *an,
-$i#$ $e *e+t to $is t$ree #$i*ren na3e*/, Ino#entes, Lo.res, an Fe*i5. T$e re+.sa* o+ t$e
e+enants, Lo.res an Fe*i5, to t$e e3an o+ Art.ro to t$e "artition o+ t$e *an into t$ree <0=
e;.a* "arts #a.se Art.ro to +i*e a #ase -$i#$ -as e#ie in $is +avo.r.
T$e A""e**ate #o.rt i not e#ie in +avor o+ Art.ro an reverse t$e r.*in4 o+ t$e *o-er #o.rt on
t$e 4ro.n t$at $e -as not a>*e to "resent s.++i#ient evien#e to "rove t$at $is "arents -ere
*e4a**/ 3arrie to ea#$ ot$er.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e +ai*.re to "resent a 3arria4e #ontra#t -o.* 3ean t$at t$ere -as no 3arria4e
t$at trans"ire.
RULIN?)
:$i*e it is tr.e t$at a 3arria4e #ontra#t is t$e "ri3ar/ evien#e o+ a 3arria4e, t$e +ai*.re to
"resent it oes not "rove t$at no 3arria4e too, "*a#e >e#a.se t$ere are ot$er evien#es t$at
#o.* $ave t$e sa3e >earin4 as a 3arria4e #ontra#t. He +ai*e to "resent t$e 3arria4e #ontra#t
.e to t$e estr.#tion o+ s.#$ re#ors. His a#t o+ "resentin4 -itnesses -$o -ere "resent .rin4
t$e n."tia* o+ $is "arents, $is >a"tis3a* #erti+i#ate an t$e a++ir3ation o+ t$e #o$a>itation o+ $is
"arents is eno.4$ evien#e to "rove t$e 3arria4e o+ $is "arents.
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, "etitioner, vs. COURT OF APPEALS AN2 AN?ELINA M.
CASTRO, res"onents
Se"te3>er %%, 166(
FACTS)
On J.ne %(, 168', An4e*ia M. Castro an E-in F. Carenas -ere 3arrie in a #ivi* #ere3on/
"er+or3e >/ J.4e Pa>*o M. Ma*var, Cit/ Co.rt J.4e o+ Pasa/ Cit/. t$e 3arria4e -as
#e*e>rate -it$o.t t$e ,no-*e4e o+ Castro9s "arents. 2e+enant Carenas "ersona**/ attene
to t$e "ro#essin4 o+ t$e o#.3ents re;.ire +or t$e #e*e>ration o+ t$e 3arria4e, in#*.in4 t$e
"ro#.re3ent o+ t$e 3arria4e *i#ense. In +a#t, t$e 3arria4e #ontra#t itse*+ states t$at 3arria4e
*i#ense no. 016B17% -as iss.e in t$e na3e o+ t$e #ontra#tin4 "arties on J.ne %(, 168' in Pasi4,
Metro Mani*a.
T$e #o."*e i not i33eiate*/ *ive to4et$er as $.s>an an -i+e sin#e t$e 3arria4e -as
.n,no-n to Castro9s "arents. T$.s, it -as on*/ in Mar#$ 1681, -$en Castro is#overe s$e -as
"re4nant, t$at t$e #o."*e e#ie to *ive to4et$er. Ho-ever, t$eir #o$a>itation *aste on*/ +or +o.r
<(= 3ont$s. T$erea+ter, t$e #o."*e "arte -a/s. On O#to>er 16, 1681, Castro 4ave >irt$. T$e
>a>/ -as ao"te >/ Castro9s >rot$er, -it$ t$e #onsent o+ Carenas.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e o#.3entar/ an testi3ona* evien#es "resente >/ "rivate res"onent are
s.++i#ient to esta>*is$ t$at no 3arria4e *i#ense -as iss.e >/ t$e Civi* Re4istrar o+ Pasi4 "rior to
t$e #e*e>ration o+ t$e 3arria4e o+ "rivate res"onent to E-in F. Carena.
RULIN?)
At t$e ti3e t$e s.>@e#t 3arria4e -as so*e3niIe on J.ne %(, 168', t$e *a- 4overnin4 3arita*
re*ations -as t$e Ne- Civi* Coe. T$e *a- "rovies t$at no 3arria4e s$a** >e so*e3niIe -it$o.t
a 3arria4e *i#ense +irst iss.e >/ a *o#a* re4istrar. Bein4 one o+ t$e essentia* re;.isites o+ a va*i
3arria4e, a>sen#e to t$e "arties is not ae;.ate to "rove its nonAiss.an#e.
T$e a>ove R.*e a.t$oriIe t$e #.stoian o+ o#.3ents to #erti+/ t$at es"ite i*i4ent sear#$, a
"arti#.*ar o#.3ent oes not e5ist in $is o++i#e or t$at a "arti#.*ar entr/ o+ a s"e#i+ie tenor -as
not >e +o.n in a re4istrar. As #.stoians o+ ".>*i# o#.3ents, #ivi* re4istrars are ".>*i# o++i#ers
#$ar4e -it$ t$e .t/, inter a*ia, o+ 3aintainin4 a re4ister >oo, -$ere t$e/ are re;.ire to enter
a** a""*i#ations +or 3arria4e *i#ense, in#*.in4 t$e na3es o+ t$e a""*i#ants, t$e ate t$e 3arria4e
*i#ense -as iss.e an s.#$ ot$er re*evant ata.
T$e #erti+i#ation o+ .e sear#$ an ina>i*it/ to +in iss.e >/ t$e #ivi* re4istrar o+ Pasi4 en@o/s
"ro>ative va*.e, $e >ein4 t$e o++i#er #$ar4e .ner t$e *a- to ,ee" a re#or o+ a** ata re*ative to
t$e iss.an#e o+ a 3arria4e *i#ense. Una##o3"anie >/ an/ #ir#.3stan#e o+ s.s"i#ion an
".rs.ant to Se#tion %6, R.*e 10% o+ t$e R.*es o+ Co.rt, a #erti+i#ate o+ .e sear#$ an ina>i*it/ to
+in s.++i#ient*/ "rove t$at $is o++i#e i not iss.e 3arria4e *i#ense no. 106B17% to t$e
#ontra#tin4 "arties.
FILIPINA Y. SY, "etitioner, vs. THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS, THE HONORABLE
RE?IONAL TRIAL COURT, SAN FERNAN2O, PAMPAN?A, BRANCH XLI, an FERNAN2O
SY, res"onents
A"ri* 1%, %'''
FACTS)
Petitioner Fi*i"ina Y. S/ an "rivate res"onent Fernano S/ #ontra#te 3arria4e on Nove3>er
1&, 1680 at t$e C$.r#$ o+ O.r La/ o+ Lo.res in D.eIon Cit/. Bot$ -ere t$en %% /ears o*.
T$eir .nion -as >*esse -it$ t-o #$i*ren. On Se"te3>er 1&, 1670, Fernano *e+t t$eir #on@.4a*
-e**in4. Sin#e t$en, t$e s"o.ses *ive se"arate*/, an t$eir t-o #$i*ren -ere in t$e #.sto/ o+
t$eir 3ot$er. Ho-ever, t$eir son Freeri#, trans+erre to $is +at$erKs resien#e at Masan4,a/,
Tono, Mani*a on Ma/ 1&,1677, an +ro3 t$en on, *ive -it$ $is +at$er.
On Fe>r.ar/ 11, 1678, Fi*i"ina +i*e a "etition +or *e4a* se"aration. Later, ."on 3otion o+
"etitioner, t$e a#tion -as *ater a3ene to a "etition +or se"aration o+ "ro"ert/ on t$e 4ro.ns
t$at $er $.s>an a>anone $er -it$o.t @.st #a.seH t$at t$e/ $ave >een *ivin4 se"arate*/ +or
3ore t$an one /earH an t$at t$e/ vo*.ntari*/ entere into a Me3oran.3 o+ A4ree3ent ate
Se"te3>er %6, 1670, #ontainin4 t$e r.*es t$at -o.* 4overn t$e isso*.tion o+ t$eir #on@.4a*
"artners$i". J.43ent -as renere isso*vin4 t$eir #on@.4a* "artners$i" o+ 4ains an a""rovin4
a re4i3e o+ se"aration o+ "ro"erties >ase on t$e Me3oran.3 o+ A4ree3ent e5e#.te >/ t$e
s"o.ses. T$e tria* #o.rt a*so 4rante #.sto/ o+ t$e #$i*ren to Fi*i"ina.
In Ma/ 1677, Fi*i"ina +i*e a #ri3ina* a#tion +or atte3"te "arri#ie a4ainst $er $.s>an. Fi*i"ina
testi+ie t$at in t$e a+ternoon o+ Ma/ 1&, 1677, s$e -ent to t$e enta* #*ini# at Masan4,a/, Tono,
Mani*a, o-ne >/ $er $.s>an >.t o"erate >/ $is 3istress, to +et#$ $er son an >rin4 $i3 to
San Fernano, Pa3"an4a. :$i*e s$e -as ta*,in4 to $er son, t$e >o/ i4nore $er an #ontin.e
"*a/in4 -it$ t$e +a3i*/ #o3".ter. Fi*i"ina 4ot 3a, too, t$e #o3".ter a-a/ +ro3 $er son, an
starte s"an,in4 $i3. At t$at instan#e, Fernano ".**e Fi*i"ina a-a/ +ro3 t$eir son, an
".n#$e $er in t$e i++erent "arts o+ $er >o/. Fi*i"ina a*so #*ai3e t$at $er $.s>an starte
#$o,in4 $er -$en s$e +e** on t$e +*oor, an re*ease $er on*/ -$en $e t$o.4$t s$e -as ea.
Fi*i"ina s.++ere +ro3 $e3ato3a an #ont.sions on i++erent "arts o+ $er >o/ as a res.*t o+ t$e
>*o-s in+*i#te >/ $er $.s>an, evien#e >/ a Mei#a* Certi+i#ate iss.e >/ a #ertain 2r. Ja3es
Ferraren. S$e sai it -as not t$e +irst ti3e Fernano 3a*treate $er. T$e Re4iona* Tria* Co.rt o+
Mani*a #onvi#te Fernano on*/ o+ t$e *esser #ri3e o+ s*i4$t "$/si#a* in@.ries, an senten#e $i3
to %' a/s i3"rison3ent.
Petitioner *ater +i*e a ne- a#tion +or *e4a* se"aration a4ainst "rivate res"onent, on t$e +o**o-in4
4ro.ns) <1= re"eate "$/si#a* vio*en#eH <%= se5.a* in+ie*it/H <0= atte3"t >/ res"onent a4ainst
$er *i+eH an <(= a>anon3ent o+ $er >/ $er $.s>an -it$o.t @.sti+ia>*e #a.se +or 3ore t$an one
/ear. T$e Re4iona* Tria* Co.rt o+ San Fernano, Pa3"an4a, 4rante t$e "etition on t$e 4ro.ns
o+ re"eate "$/si#a* vio*en#e an se5.a* in+ie*it/, an iss.e a e#ree o+ *e4a* se"aration. It
a-are #.sto/ o+ t$eir a.4$ter Farra$ S$er/** to "etitioner, an t$eir son Freeri#, to
res"onent.
On A.4.st (, 166%, Fi*i"ina +i*e a "etition +or t$e e#*aration o+ a>so*.te n.**it/ o+ $er 3arria4e to
Fernano on t$e 4ro.n o+ "s/#$o*o4i#a* in#a"a#it/. S$e "oints o.t t$at t$e +ina* @.43ent
renere >/ t$e Re4iona* Tria* Co.rt in $er +avor, in $er "etitions +or se"aration o+ "ro"ert/ an
*e4a* se"aration, an FernanoKs in+*i#tion o+ "$/si#a* vio*en#e on $er -$i#$ *e to t$e #onvi#tion
o+ $er $.s>an +or s*i4$t "$/si#a* in@.ries are s/3"to3s o+ "s/#$o*o4i#a* in#a"a#it/. S$e a*so
#ites as 3ani+estations o+ $er $.s>anKs "s/#$o*o4i#a* in#a"a#it/ t$e +o**o-in4) <1= $a>it.a*
a*#o$o*is3H <%= re+.sa* to *ive -it$ $er -it$o.t +a.*t on $er "art, #$oosin4 to *ive -it$ $is 3istress
insteaH an <0= re+.sa* to $ave se5 -it$ $er, "er+or3in4 t$e 3arita* a#t on*/ to satis+/ $i3se*+.
Moreover, Fi*i"ina a**e4es t$at s.#$ "s/#$o*o4i#a* in#a"a#it/ o+ $er $.s>an e5iste +ro3 t$e
ti3e o+ t$e #e*e>ration o+ t$eir 3arria4e an >e#a3e 3ani+est t$erea+ter.
T$e Re4iona* Tria* Co.rt o+ San Fernano, Pa3"an4a enie t$e "etition o+ Fi*i"ina S/ +or t$e
e#*aration o+ a>so*.te n.**it/ o+ $er 3arria4e to Fernano. It state t$at t$e a**e4e a#ts o+ t$e
res"onent, as #ite >/ "etitioner, o not #onstit.te "s/#$o*o4i#a* in#a"a#it/ -$i#$ 3a/ -arrant
t$e e#*aration o+ a>so*.te n.**it/ o+ t$eir 3arria4e. Petitioner a""ea*e to t$e Co.rt o+ A""ea*s
-$i#$ a++ir3e t$e e#ision o+ t$e tria* #o.rt in +inin4 t$at t$e testi3on/ o+ "etitioner #on#ernin4
res"onentKs ".r"orte "s/#$o*o4i#a* in#a"a#it/ +a**s s$ort o+ t$e ;.ant.3 o+ evien#e re;.ire
to n.**i+/ a 3arria4e #e*e>rate -it$ a** t$e +or3a* an essentia* re;.isites o+ *a-. Moreover, t$e
Co.rt o+ A""ea*s $e* t$at "etitioner +ai*e to s$o- t$at t$e a**e4e "s/#$o*o4i#a* in#a"a#it/ o+
res"onent $a e5iste at t$e ti3e o+ t$e #e*e>ration o+ t$eir 3arria4e in 1680. It reiterate t$e
+inin4 o+ t$e tria* #o.rt t$at t$e #o."*eKs 3arita* "ro>*e3s s.r+a#e on*/ in 1670, or a*3ost ten
/ears +ro3 t$e ate o+ t$e #e*e>ration o+ t$eir 3arria4e. An "rior to t$eir se"aration in 1670, t$e/
-ere *ivin4 to4et$er $ar3onio.s*/.
ISSUES)
1= :$et$er or not t$e 3arria4e >et-een "etitioner an "rivate res"onent is voi +ro3 t$e
>e4innin4 +or *a#, o+ a 3arria4e *i#ense at t$e ti3e o+ t$e #ere3on/H an
%= :$et$er or not "rivate res"onent is "s/#$o*o4i#a**/ in#a"a#itate at t$e ti3e o+ sai 3arria4e
#e*e>ration to -arrant a e#*aration o+ its a>so*.te n.**it/.
RULIN?)
T$e ate o+ #e*e>ration o+ t$eir 3arria4e on Nove3>er 1&, 1680, is a3itte >ot$ >/ "etitioner
an "rivate res"onent. T$e "ie#es o+ evien#e on re#or s$o-e t$at on t$e a/ o+ t$e 3arria4e
#ere3on/, t$ere -as no 3arria4e *i#ense. A 3arria4e *i#ense is a +or3a* re;.ire3entH its
a>sen#e reners t$e 3arria4e voi a> initio. In aition, t$e 3arria4e #ontra#t s$o-s t$at t$e
3arria4e *i#ense, n.3>ere B%08&16, -as iss.e in Car3ona, Cavite, /et, neit$er "etitioner nor
"rivate res"onent ever resie in Car3ona.
T$e 3arria4e *i#ense -as iss.e on Se"te3>er 18,168(, a*3ost one /ear a+ter t$e #ere3on/
too, "*a#e on Nove3>er 1&, 1680. T$e ine*.#ta>*e #on#*.sion is t$at t$e 3arria4e -as inee
#ontra#te -it$o.t a 3arria4e *i#ense. Uner Arti#*e 7' o+ t$e Civi* Coe. t$ose so*e3niIe
-it$o.t a 3arria4e *i#ense, save 3arria4es o+ e5#e"tiona* #$ara#ter, are voi a> initio. T$is is
#*ear*/ a""*i#a>*e in t$is #ase.
T$e re3ainin4 iss.e on t$e "s/#$o*o4i#a* in#a"a#it/ o+ "rivate res"onent nee no *on4er etain
t$e Co.rt. It is 3oote >/ t$e #on#*.sion t$at t$e 3arria4e o+ "etitioner to res"onent is voi a>
initio +or *a#, o+ a 3arria4e *i#ense at t$e ti3e t$eir 3arria4e -as so*e3niIe.
SUSAN NIC2AO CARI[O, "etitioner, vs. SUSAN YEE CARI[O, res"onent
Fe>r.ar/ %, %''1
FACTS)
SPO( Santia4o Carino 3arrie S.san Ni#ao on J.ne %', 16B6 -it$o.t a *i#ense an -it$o.t
o>tainin4 a @.i#ia* e#*aration o+ n.**it/ o+ t$eir 3arria4e A $e 3arrie S.san Yee on Nove3>er
1', 166%. Carino ie .e to ia>etes on Nove3>er %0, 166% .ner t$e #are o+ S.san Yee -$o
s"ent +or $is 3ei#a* an >.ria* e5"enses. Bot$ s"o.ses o+ Carino #*ai3e an #o**e#te
3onetar/ >ene+its an +inan#ia* assistan#e +ro3 vario.s 4overn3ent a4en#ies as eat$ >ene+its.
S.san Yee +i*e a #ase to #o**e#t one $a*+ o+ t$e s.3 o+ t$e eat$ >ene+its re#eive >/ S.san
Ni#ao. At t$e ti3e s$e 3arrie Carino, S.san Yee #*ai3e t$at s$e $a no ,no-*e4e o+
Carino9s 3arria4e -it$ S.san Ni#ao.
ISSUE)
:$et$er or not t$e +irst 3arria4e #ontra#te >/ Carino is voi a> initio.
RULIN?)
Yes. T$e +irst 3arria4e #ontra#te >/ Carino is voi a> initio. T$e 3arria4e o+ Carino an S.san
Ni#ao is voi sin#e it -as so*e3niIe -it$o.t t$e re;.ire 3arria4e *i#ense. Uner t$e Fa3i*/
Coe, +or ".r"oses o+ re3arria4e, t$ere 3.st >e a "rior @.i#ia* e#*aration o+ n.**it/ o+ a "revio.s
3arria4e, t$o.4$ voi, >e+ore a "art/ #an enter into a se#on 3arria4e.