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Title	IDs & Reference #s	Background	Primary Holding	Subject Matter
Lazatin vs. Desierto (5th June 2009)	AK190398 588 SCRA 285 , G.R. No. 147097	The case originated from a complaint-affidavit filed by the Fact-Finding and Intelligence Bureau of the Office of the Ombudsman against then Congressman Carmelo F. Lazatin and his co-petitioners. The complaint alleged irregularities in the use of Lazatin's Countrywide Development Fund (CDF) for 1996, where he was accused of being both the proponent and implementer of projects, signing disbursement vouchers, and receiving checks as claimant, effectively converting public funds into cash.	The Ombudsman possesses prosecutorial powers and exercises supervision and control over the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) as constitutionally sanctioned by Congress through Republic Act No. 6770; consequently, the Ombudsman has the authority to approve, disapprove, or overturn any resolution issued by the OSP.	Persons and Family Law
In Re: Petition for Adoption of Michelle P. Lim, et al. (21st May 2009)	AK982276 588 SCRA 98 , 606 Phil. 82 , G.R. Nos. 168992-93	Monina and her late husband Primo Lim raised three abandoned children (including Michelle and Michael) as their own, simulating their births. After Primo’s death, Monina remarried an American citizen, Angel Olario. She later sought to legitimize the children’s status through adoption under RA 8552’s amnesty provision for simulated births.	Married individuals must adopt jointly under RA 8552; exceptions do not apply here, so the petitions were correctly dismissed.	Statutory Construction
Soriano vs. Laguardia (29th April 2009)	AK448960 587 SCRA 79 , 605 Phil. 43 , G.R. No. 164785	Petitioner Eliseo F. Soriano, as host of the television program "Ang Dating Daan" aired on UNTV 37, made remarks on August 10, 2004, which included profane and offensive language directed at Michael M. Sandoval, a minister of Iglesia ni Cristo and host of a rival TV program. These utterances prompted complaints filed with the MTRCB by members of the Iglesia ni Cristo, leading to the challenged regulatory actions by the MTRCB.	The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has the authority, derived from PD 1986, to regulate television program content, including the power to impose preventive suspension and subsequent administrative sanctions like program suspension, when such content is deemed obscene or indecent, especially considering the pervasive nature of television and its accessibility to children; such regulation, when balanced against the State's compelling interest in protecting the youth, does not unconstitutionally abridge freedom of speech.	Constitutional Law I
Barangay Association for National Advancement and Transparency (BANAT) vs. COMELEC (21st April 2009)	AK772249 604 Phil. 131 , G.R. No. 179271	The case arose from the May 14, 2007 national elections, specifically concerning the allocation of seats for party-list representatives in the House of Representatives. The COMELEC, acting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBC), applied the formula established in _Veterans Federation Party v. COMELEC_ (the "Panganiban formula" or "Veterans formula") to determine the winners and allocate seats. This application led to dissatisfaction among several party-list groups who believed the formula was unconstitutional and did not allow for the full 20% allocation of seats for party-list representatives as mandated by the Constitution.	The two percent threshold prescribed in Section 11(b) of R.A. No. 7941 is unconstitutional for the purpose of distributing additional party-list seats, as it makes it mathematically impossible to achieve the maximum number of available party-list seats and frustrates the constitutional mandate for proportional representation. A new four-step procedure for allocating party-list seats was established: (1) Rank parties from highest to lowest votes; (2) Parties receiving at least 2% of total votes get one guaranteed seat; (3) Additional seats are distributed proportionally based on total votes until all available seats are filled, disregarding fractional seats; (4) Each party is limited to a maximum of three seats.	Constitutional Law I
Deutsche Gesellschaft Für Technische Zusammenarbeit vs. Court of Appeals (16th April 2009)	AK268315 585 SCRA 150 , 603 Phil. 150 , G.R. No. 152318	The case arose from a technical cooperation agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of the Philippines, initiated in 1971 and extended by subsequent arrangements. One such arrangement in 1999 concerned a project called Social Health Insurance--Networking and Empowerment (SHINE), designed to improve health care for Philippine families. The German government designated GTZ as its implementing agency for its contributions to the SHINE project, while the Philippines designated the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth).	An entity claiming state immunity from suit, especially one described as a private company organized under foreign law even if state-owned, bears the burden of proving its entitlement to such immunity; failure to adduce evidence of its legal status under its parent country's law consenting to or restricting suit, or to secure an endorsement from the Department of Foreign Affairs, can lead to the denial of the claim for immunity.	Constitutional Law I State Immunity
Manubay, et al. vs. Sec. Garilao (16th April 2009)	AK319606 603 Phil. 135 , G.R. No. 140717	The case revolves around a 124-hectare parcel of land in Barrio Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur, owned by the petitioners. In 1994, this property was placed under the coverage of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) by the Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer (MARO). Subsequently, the petitioners applied for the conversion of this land from agricultural to residential/commercial use, which was denied by the DAR, leading to this legal dispute.	An application for land conversion can be validly denied if the subject property has already been placed under the coverage of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) prior to the application, and a party aggrieved by a DAR Secretary's decision must first exhaust available administrative remedies, such as an appeal to the Office of the President as provided by DAR rules, before resorting to a petition for certiorari in court, unless grave abuse of discretion is clearly shown and no other plain, speedy, and adequate remedy exists.	Constitutional Law I
Dr. Señeres vs. Commission on Elections, et al. (16th April 2009)	AK746986 603 Phil. 552 , G.R. No. 178678	The case arose from an intra-party leadership dispute within Buhay Hayaan Yumabong (Buhay), a registered party-list organization, concerning who had the authority to nominate its representatives for the May 2007 party-list elections. This dispute occurred against the backdrop of Buhay's previous participation in the 2001 and 2004 elections with Melquiades Robles as its recognized president, and the upcoming 2007 elections where two conflicting Certificates of Nomination were filed with the COMELEC.	The House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) has sole and exclusive jurisdiction over contests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of members of the House of Representatives once they have been proclaimed, taken their oath, and assumed office; thus, a petition for certiorari before the Supreme Court is an improper remedy to question the qualifications or authority of those who nominated such members.	Constitutional Law I
Divinagracia vs. Consolidated Broadcasting System, Inc., et al (7th April 2009)	AK738845 602 Phil. 625 , G.R. No. 162272	The regulation of broadcast media in the Philippines involves a dual requirement: a legislative franchise granted by Congress and a license to operate (such as a CPC) issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). This system traces back to Act No. 3846 (Radio Control Act of 1931). The case arises from a dispute concerning the alleged failure of broadcast franchisees to comply with a provision in their legislative franchises mandating the public offering of a portion of their common stocks, leading to a complaint filed with the NTC seeking cancellation of their operating licenses.	The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) does not have the power to cancel Certificates of Public Convenience (CPCs) or other operating licenses it has issued to broadcast stations based on the ground that the franchisees have violated the terms of their legislative franchises; such cancellation would effectively be a revocation of the legislative franchise itself, a power not delegated to the NTC, and the proper remedy for such violations is a quo warranto proceeding.	Constitutional Law I
Geologistic, Inc. vs. Gateway Electronics Corporation (25th March 2009)	AK146267 582 SCRA 434 , G.R. Nos. 174256-57	Geologistics, Inc. sought to recover unpaid fees from Gateway Electronics Corporation for freight forwarding services, amounting to ₱4,769,954.32 plus interest and damages. The RTC ruled in favor of Geologistics, and the petitioner moved for execution pending appeal. Gateway Electronics and its surety, First Lepanto-Taisho Insurance Corp., filed separate petitions to annul the execution orders, which the Court of Appeals granted.	The Supreme Court ruled that the RTC lacked sufficient justification for ordering execution pending appeal, considering the unresolved issues of liability and the absence of compelling "good reasons."	Statutory Construction
Spouses Dela Paz (Ret.) vs. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, et al. (13th February 2009)	AK971434 598 Phil. 981 , G.R. No. 184849	The case arose from the "Moscow incident" where Gen. Eliseo Dela Paz, then PNP comptroller and part of a Philippine delegation to an INTERPOL conference in Russia, was apprehended at the Moscow airport on October 11, 2008, for failing to declare 105,000 euros found in his luggage, with an additional 45,000 euros in his possession. This led to his detention and the confiscation of the money by Russian authorities, prompting a legislative inquiry by the Philippine Senate.	The Supreme Court held that each House of Congress has full discretionary authority to determine its rules of proceedings, and the exercise of this power is generally exempt from judicial supervision, except on a clear showing of arbitrary and improvident use constituting a denial of due process; the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations acted within its jurisdiction in investigating the "Moscow incident" due to its potential impact on foreign relations and international obligations.	Constitutional Law I
Ruby Shelter Builders and Realty Development Corporation vs. Formaran III (10th February 2009)	AK620041 578 SCRA 283 , 598 Phil. 105 , G.R. No. 175914	Petitioner Ruby Shelter Builders and Realty Development Corporation obtained a loan of P95,700,620.00 from respondents Romeo Y. Tan and Roberto L. Obiedo, secured by real estate mortgages over five parcels of land. Upon petitioner's inability to pay, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was executed, granting an extension and providing for the execution of Deeds of Absolute Sale by way of dacion en pago for the mortgaged properties if the debt remained unpaid by December 31, 2005. The MOA also included redemption prices for the properties.	An action, although ostensibly for the annulment of deeds of sale, is considered a real action if its ultimate objective is the recovery of title to or possession of real property, and the docket fees must be computed based on the fair market value of the property as stated in Section 7(a) of Rule 141 of the Rules of Court, as amended.	Civil Procedure I
Rufloe vs. Burgos (30th January 2009)	AK442785 577 SCRA 264 , 597 Phil. 261 , G.R. No. 143573	The case stems from a property originally owned by the Rufloe spouses. A Deed of Sale was forged, purportedly signed by the Rufloes, transferring the property to Elvira Delos Reyes. Delos Reyes then sold the property to the Burgos siblings, who later sold it to their aunt, Leonarda Burgos. The Rufloes filed a case to nullify these transactions, claiming forgery and asserting their continued ownership.	The respondents, including the Burgos siblings and Leonarda Burgos, were not innocent purchasers for value. Consequently, they did not acquire a valid title to the property despite relying on Transfer Certificates of Title derived from a forged Deed of Sale. The original title of the Rufloe spouses was reinstated.	Property and Land Law
White Light Corporation vs City of Manila (20th January 2009)	AK433804 576 SCRA 416 , 596 Phil. 444 , G.R. No. 122846	The City of Manila enacted an ordinance seeking to regulate public morals by prohibiting short-time rates in establishments often associated with illicit activities. Several businesses challenged the ordinance, arguing it infringed upon their rights and the rights of their customers. The case highlights the tension between government's power to regulate for public welfare and individual rights to liberty and privacy.	Manila City Ordinance No. 7774, which prohibits short-time admission and wash-up rates in hotels and motels, is unconstitutional as it violates the due process clause of the Constitution.	Constitutional Law II Police Power
Laurel vs. Judge Abrogar (13th January 2009)	AK193690 596 Phil. 45 , G.R. No. 155076	The case arose from allegations that the petitioner, Luis Marcos P. Laurel, along with others, engaged in International Simple Resale (ISR). ISR is a method of routing and completing international long distance calls using a telecommunication company's lines, cables, antennae, and/or air wave frequency, connecting directly to local or domestic exchange facilities, thereby bypassing the official international gateway of the telecommunication company and depriving it of revenue.	The business of providing telecommunication and the telephone service itself are personal properties capable of appropriation and can be the subject of theft under Article 308 of the Revised Penal Code; the act of International Simple Resale (ISR), which involves unauthorized routing of international calls using a telecommunication company's facilities, constitutes unlawful taking (subtraction) of such business and service.	Criminal Law II
Garcillano vs. The House of Representatives Committees on Public Information, et al. (23rd December 2008)	AK185298 595 Phil. 775 , G.R. No. 170338 , G.R. No. 179275	The "Hello Garci" tapes, allegedly containing a wiretapped conversation between then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and COMELEC Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano discussing the manipulation of the 2004 presidential election results, surfaced and caused a major political controversy. Both Houses of Congress initiated separate legislative inquiries into the matter, leading to the petitions filed in this case.	The Senate or its committees may conduct inquiries in aid of legislation only in accordance with duly published rules of procedure; publication of such rules is mandatory for each Congress and failure to do so renders any such inquiry procedurally infirm and unconstitutional.	Constitutional Law I Constitutional Law II Persons and Family Law
Garcillano vs. House of Representatives Committees on Public Information, Public Order and Safety, National Defense and Security, Information and Communications Technology, and Suffrage and Electoral Reforms (23rd December 2008)	AK565763 575 SCRA 170 , 595 Phil. 775 , G.R. No. 170338	The controversy arose from the release of wiretapped recordings allegedly involving then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and a Commission on Elections official discussing electoral manipulation. These tapes became a subject of public and legislative scrutiny, with both Houses of Congress initiating separate inquiries.	The Supreme Court dismissed the first petition (G.R. No. 170338) for being moot and academic but granted the second petition (G.R. No. 179275), prohibiting the Senate from conducting its legislative inquiry due to a lack of duly published procedural rules as required by the Constitution.	Constitutional Law I Constitutional Law II Persons and Family Law
Bagabuyo vs. COMELEC (8th December 2008)	AK041705 593 Phil. 678 , G.R. No. 176970	On October 10, 2006, then Congressman Constantino G. Jaraula of Cagayan de Oro City filed House Bill No. 5859, "An Act Providing for the Apportionment of the Lone Legislative District of the City of Cagayan De Oro." This bill was subsequently enacted into Republic Act No. 9371, which increased the city's legislative districts from one to two. The law mandated that for the May 2007 elections, voters in Cagayan de Oro would be classified as belonging to either the first or second legislative district based on their residence, with each district electing its own representative to Congress and eight members to the Sangguniang Panglungsod.	Legislative reapportionment, which involves the creation or realignment of legislative districts for purposes of representation in the legislature, is fundamentally different from the creation, division, merger, abolition, or substantial alteration of boundaries of a local government unit, and thus does not require the conduct of a plebiscite for its validity.	Constitutional Law I
Social Justice Society (SJS) vs. Dangerous Drugs Board, et al (3rd November 2008)	AK613538 591 Phil. 393 , G.R. No. 157870	Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, was enacted to intensify the government's campaign against dangerous drugs. Section 36 of this Act mandated drug testing for various sectors of society. These provisions prompted challenges from different petitioners, questioning their validity on several constitutional grounds, leading to these consolidated petitions before the Supreme Court.	The mandatory drug testing requirement for candidates for public office (Sec. 36(g) of RA 9165) is unconstitutional because it imposes an additional qualification not found in the Constitution. Mandatory drug testing for persons accused of crimes (Sec. 36(f)) is also unconstitutional as it violates the right to privacy and the right against self-incrimination. However, mandatory random drug testing for students (Sec. 36(c)) and employees (Sec. 36(d)) is constitutional, being a reasonable exercise of the State's police power and, in the case of students, within the schools' _in loco parentis_ authority, and for employees, a reasonable regulation for workplace safety.	Constitutional Law I
Province of North Cotabato vs. Government of the Republic of the Philippines Peace Panel on Ancestral Domain (GRP) (14th October 2008)	AK025291 568 SCRA 402 , 589 Phil. 387 , G.R. No. 183591 , G.R. No. 183752 , G.R. No. 183893 , G.R. No. 183951 , G.R. No. 183962	The case arose from the long-standing armed conflict between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Mindanao. Decades of negotiations aimed at achieving peace led to various agreements, including the 2001 GRP-MILF Tripoli Agreement on Peace, which outlined security, rehabilitation, and ancestral domain aspects for further discussion. The MOA-AD represented the culmination of negotiations specifically on the Ancestral Domain aspect, intended to address historical grievances and establish a framework for Bangsamoro self-governance.	The Memorandum of Agreement on the Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) is unconstitutional and contrary to law because its provisions, particularly the creation of the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) under an "associative" relationship, violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of the Philippines, and the process of its negotiation failed to comply with the constitutional and statutory requirements for public consultation and the right to information. Furthermore, the Executive branch exceeded its authority by guaranteeing constitutional and legal amendments necessary for the MOA-AD's implementation, as such power rests solely with Congress and the sovereign people.	Constitutional Law I Constitutional Law II Philosophy of Law
Securities and Exchange Commission vs. Interport Resources Corporation (6th October 2008)	AK516001 567 SCRA 354 , 588 Phil. 651 , G.R. No. 135808	In 1994, IRC entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with Ganda Holdings Berhad (GHB) to acquire 100% of Ganda Energy Holdings, Inc. (GEHI). IRC also planned to acquire 67% of Philippine Racing Club, Inc. (PRCI). The SEC alleged that IRC failed to disclose these negotiations promptly and that some directors traded IRC shares using insider information. The SEC initiated an investigation, but the Court of Appeals issued an injunction, halting the SEC's actions.	The Supreme Court held that the SEC has the authority to investigate violations of the Revised Securities Act, and the absence of implementing rules does not render the provisions of the Act ineffective. The Court also ruled that the SEC's investigation interrupted the prescription period for filing charges.	Philosophy of Law
Neri vs. Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations, et al. (4th September 2008)	AK278418 586 Phil. 135 , G.R. No. 180643	The case arose from a legislative inquiry conducted by respondent Senate Committees into the National Broadband Network (NBN) project, a government project awarded to Zhong Xing Telecommunications Equipment (ZTE). Petitioner Romulo L. Neri, then Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), was a key figure in the evaluation of this project. During his testimony, he disclosed an alleged bribery attempt but invoked executive privilege when asked about his conversations with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo regarding the NBN project, specifically on three questions.	The claim of presidential communications privilege, when properly invoked by the President or through the Executive Secretary concerning communications with close advisors on matters quintessential to the President's duties and responsibilities, is presumptively valid and can only be overcome by a specific, demonstrated, and compelling need by the investigating legislative body that is critical to the exercise of its legislative functions, a burden which the respondent Senate Committees failed to discharge in this case.	Constitutional Law I
Abakada Guro Party List vs. Purisima (14th August 2008)	AK884230 562 SCRA 251 , 584 Phil. 246 , G.R. No. 166715	Republic Act No. 9335, the Attrition Act of 2005, was enacted to improve the revenue-generation capabilities of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC). The law established a system of rewards for officials and employees who exceed revenue targets and sanctions for those who fall short, funded by a Rewards and Incentives Fund and overseen by a Revenue Performance Evaluation Board for each agency. This legislative measure was part of broader tax reform efforts aimed at enhancing government revenue collection.	Section 12 of Republic Act No. 9335, creating a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee with the power to approve the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the law, is unconstitutional as it constitutes an encroachment on executive power (implementation of laws) and violates the principles of separation of powers, bicameralism, and the presentment clause. However, the remainder of RA 9335 is constitutional and remains in force and effect due to the law's separability clause.	Constitutional Law I Statutory Construction
In the Matter of the Allegations Contained in the Columns of Mr. Amado P. Macasaet Published in Malaya Dated September 18, 19, 20 and 21, 2007 (8th August 2008)	AK206148 583 Phil. 391 , A.M. No. 07-09-13-SC	Amado Macasaet, a columnist for the newspaper Malaya, published a series of articles in September 2007 alleging that a Supreme Court Justice had received bribes in connection with a case involving a Filipino-Chinese businessman. The articles were based on information from confidential sources and claimed that five boxes containing ₱10 million were delivered to the Court. The Court initiated contempt proceedings against Macasaet for publishing unverified allegations that damaged the Court's reputation.	The Supreme Court held that Amado Macasaet was guilty of indirect contempt for publishing false and baseless allegations of bribery within the Court, which tended to degrade the administration of justice.	Philosophy of Law
Mata vs. Agravante (6th August 2008)	AK929535 561 SCRA 66 , G.R. No. 147597	The dispute originated from a labor issue where former security guards of the Bessang Pass Security Agency, the respondents, filed complaints against their employer, the petitioner, for non-payment of salaries and other benefits. To pursue their claims, they not only filed a case with the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) but also sought the cancellation of the agency's license from the Philippine National Police (PNP), sending copies of their complaint to multiple government bodies.	The exercise of a legal right, such as filing complaints with appropriate government agencies to seek redress for grievances, does not give rise to liability for damages unless it is proven that such an act was done with malice or bad faith and with the intent to injure another, in violation of the principle of abuse of rights under Articles 19 and 21 of the Civil Code.	Persons and Family Law
Akbayan Citizens Action Party ("AKBAYAN"), et al. vs. Aquino, et al. (16th July 2008)	AK279548 580 Phil. 422 , G.R. No. 170516	The case arose from the negotiation of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), a comprehensive bilateral free trade agreement between the Philippines and Japan. Amidst concerns about transparency and the potential impact of the agreement on various national interests, petitioners sought access to the complete JPEPA documents, including the initial offers exchanged between the two countries during the negotiation phase, which the government had kept confidential.	Offers exchanged by parties during diplomatic negotiations for a treaty, such as the JPEPA, are covered by executive privilege, specifically the diplomatic negotiations privilege, and remain confidential even after the main treaty text is published, unless a sufficient showing of public interest or need to overcome the privilege is demonstrated by the requesting party.	Constitutional Law I
Sema vs. Commission on Elections, et al. (16th July 2008)	AK715226 580 Phil. 623 , G.R. No. 177597	The 1987 Constitution apportioned two legislative districts for Maguindanao, with the first district including Cotabato City and eight municipalities. Maguindanao is part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), but Cotabato City, despite being in its first legislative district, is not part of ARMM, having voted against inclusion. Republic Act No. 9054, amending the ARMM Organic Act, granted the ARMM Regional Assembly the power to create provinces. This grant of power and its subsequent exercise led to the legal disputes in this case.	The power to create provinces and cities, which inherently includes the power to create legislative districts, is vested exclusively in Congress and cannot be delegated to the ARMM Regional Assembly; therefore, any province or city created by the ARMM Regional Assembly under such delegated authority is void.	Constitutional Law I
Figueroa vs. People (14th July 2008)	AK461685 558 SCRA 63 , 580 Phil. 58 , G.R. No. 147406	The case arose from a criminal information for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide filed against the petitioner, Venancio Figueroa y Cervantes. The core issue that reached the Supreme Court revolved around whether the petitioner was barred by estoppel by laches from questioning the jurisdiction of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) which tried and convicted him, given that he only raised the jurisdictional challenge for the first time during his appeal to the Court of Appeals.	A litigant is not estopped by laches from assailing the jurisdiction of a trial court over the subject matter for the first time on appeal if the challenge is made without unreasonable delay and the factual circumstances do not mirror the exceptional scenario of _Tijam v. Sibonghanoy_, where the jurisdictional challenge was raised only after almost 15 years. The general rule that a court's lack of jurisdiction may be raised at any stage of the proceedings, even on appeal, prevails, as jurisdiction is conferred by law and cannot be vested by consent or waiver of the parties.	Civil Procedure I
Gobenciong vs. Court of Appeals (31st March 2008)	AK728096 550 SCRA 502 , 573 Phil. 613 , G.R. No. 159883	Dr. Pedro Gobenciong, an administrative officer at a regional hospital, was administratively charged for falsification of public documents and misconduct related to the allegedly anomalous purchase of a hemoanalyzer, leading to preventive suspension and subsequent disciplinary action by the Ombudsman.	The Supreme Court held that the Ombudsman's preventive suspension orders are immediately executory, the Ombudsman's disciplinary authority is not merely recommendatory but includes ensuring compliance, and RA 6770 does not constitute an unconstitutional delegation of authority or violate the equal protection clause.	Constitutional Law II Due Process
Planters Products, Inc., vs. Fertiphil Corporation (14th March 2008)	AK870529 572 Phil. 270 , G.R. No. 166006	The case arose from the issuance of LOI No. 1465 by then-President Ferdinand Marcos, which mandated the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) to include a P10 capital recovery component (CRC) per bag in its fertilizer pricing formula. This CRC was to be collected until adequate capital was raised to make Planters Products, Inc. (PPI), a private corporation, financially viable. Fertiphil Corporation, another private entity engaged in the fertilizer business, paid these levies and, after the 1986 EDSA Revolution, sought a refund from PPI, contending the LOI was unconstitutional.	Letter of Instruction (LOI) No. 1465, which imposed a capital recovery component on the sale of fertilizers to benefit Planters Products, Inc. (PPI), is unconstitutional because it violates the public purpose requirement inherent in the power of taxation, as the levy was designed to aid a private enterprise rather than serve a public interest.	Constitutional Law I
Chavez vs. Gonzales, et al. (15th February 2008)	AK123614 569 Phil. 155 , G.R. No. 168338	The case arose from the political controversy surrounding the "Hello Garci" tapes, which allegedly contained a wiretapped phone conversation between then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and a high-ranking COMELEC official, purportedly discussing the rigging of the 2004 national election results. Following the public emergence of these tapes, the Secretary of Justice and the NTC issued warnings to the media against their dissemination, citing potential violations of the Anti-Wiretapping Act and program standards for broadcast media.	Governmental warnings or press statements made by officials in their official capacity that threaten sanctions for the publication or broadcast of specific content, without satisfying the clear and present danger test, constitute an unconstitutional prior restraint on freedom of speech and of the press.	Constitutional Law II Freedom of Expression
Trillanes IV vs. Judge Pimentel, Sr., et al. (7th February 2008)	AK688993 578 Phil. 1002 , G.R. No. 179817	The case arose after the "Oakwood Incident" on July 27, 2003, where over 300 armed soldiers, led by junior AFP officers including petitioner Antonio F. Trillanes IV, took over the Oakwood Premier Apartments in Makati City, demanding the resignation of the President and other key officials. Following their surrender, Trillanes was charged with coup d'etat and remained in detention. While detained, he ran for and won a seat in the Senate in the May 2007 elections.	A detention prisoner, even if an elected public official like a Senator, cannot be allowed to leave detention to attend legislative sessions or perform other official functions outside their place of confinement, as the fact of lawful detention inherently curtails rights and privileges, including the full exercise of civil and political rights associated with public office, especially when bail has been denied due to strong evidence of guilt for a non-bailable offense.	Constitutional Law I
Heirs of Marcelino Doronio vs. Heirs of Fortunato Doronio (27th December 2007)	AK570269 541 SCRA 479 , 565 Phil. 766 , G.R. No. 169454	Spouses Simeon Doronio and Cornelia Gante owned a parcel of land covered by Original Certificate of Title No. 352. They had children, including Marcelino and Fortunato Doronio. Simeon and Cornelia executed a private deed of donation propter nuptias in favor of Marcelino and his wife Veronica Pico. The description in the deed of donation differed slightly from OCT No. 352 regarding adjacent property owners. Petitioners, heirs of Marcelino, registered the deed through a petition case without naming respondents, heirs of Fortunato, leading to a new TCT in their predecessor's name, covering the entire property. Respondents contested this, claiming only half was intended for donation and the donation was invalid.	The private deed of donation propter nuptias of real property executed in 1919 under the Old Civil Code is void for not being in a public instrument; therefore, it conveyed no title.	Property and Land Law
Garcia vs. Social Security Commission Legal and Collection (17th December 2007)	AK000744 540 SCRA 456 , 565 Phil. 193 , G.R. No. 170735	Impact Corporation, a manufacturer of aluminum tube containers, experienced financial difficulties in 1978, leading to labor unrest and eventual cessation of operations. Despite collecting SSS contributions from its employees, the company failed to remit them. The SSS pursued legal actions to recover the unremitted contributions.	The Supreme Court upheld that as the only surviving director of the now-dissolved Impact Corporation, Immaculada L. Garcia was liable for unpaid Social Security System (SSS) contributions and penalties imposed under the Social Security Law.	Statutory Construction
Manotok Realty, Inc. vs. CLT Realty Development Corporation (14th December 2007)	AK258876 540 SCRA 304 , 565 Phil. 59 , G.R. No. 123346 , G.R. No. 134385	The dispute centers on ownership claims over portions of the vast Maysilo Estate, all purportedly originating from OCT No. 994. Conflicting claims arose between Manotok Realty and Manotok Estate Corporation versus CLT Realty Development Corporation in one case, and Araneta Institute of Agriculture, Inc. versus the Heirs of Jose B. Dimson in the other. These cases reached the Supreme Court after conflicting decisions in the lower courts and the Court of Appeals concerning the validity of the parties' titles. Prior Supreme Court decisions in MWSS v. Court of Appeals and Gonzaga v. Court of Appeals had previously addressed claims emanating from OCT No. 994, but inconsistencies and new factual evidence necessitated a re-examination.	The Supreme Court remanded the consolidated cases to a Special Division of the Court of Appeals to conduct further proceedings and factually determine which of the contending parties' titles, if any, are validly derived from the genuine Original Certificate of Title No. 994 registered on May 3, 1917, and to resolve other factual issues crucial to determining rightful land ownership. Titles purportedly derived from a non-existent OCT No. 994 dated April 19, 1917 are declared void.	Property and Land Law
Pharmaceutical and Health Care Assoc. of the Phils. vs. Health Sec. Duque III (9th October 2007)	AK573831 561 Phil. 386 , G.R. No. 173034	Executive Order No. 51, "The Milk Code," was issued in 1986 to give effect to Article 11 of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (ICMBS), aiming to protect and promote breastfeeding. Over the years, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted various resolutions recommending stricter measures for marketing breastmilk substitutes, including absolute bans on advertising and promotion for certain age groups. The Department of Health (DOH), citing these international instruments and its mandate under the Milk Code and the Administrative Code, issued A.O. No. 2006-0012 (RIRR) to update the implementing rules of the Milk Code, leading to this legal challenge by manufacturers of breastmilk substitutes.	The Department of Health (DOH) exceeded its rule-making authority when it issued RIRR provisions (Sections 4(f), 11, and 46) that absolutely prohibited advertising, promotions, and sponsorships of breastmilk substitutes for infants and young children up to 24 months and imposed administrative fines not authorized by the Milk Code (E.O. No. 51). While the DOH has the power to issue rules to implement the Milk Code, these rules cannot expand, modify, or contradict the parent statute; international instruments like World Health Assembly (WHA) Resolutions, unless transformed into domestic law through legislation or qualifying as customary international law, cannot be implemented by executive agencies as if they were binding domestic law.	Constitutional Law I
Heirs of Marcelina Arzadon-Crisologo vs. Rañon (5th September 2007)	AK869857 532 SCRA 391 , 559 Phil. 169 , G.R. No. 171068	Agrifina Rañon filed a complaint against spouses Montemayor to quiet title over a residential lot, claiming ownership based on long and continuous possession since 1962. The Heirs of Arzadon-Crisologo intervened, asserting their rights as successors-in-interest of the original owners and claiming that Rañon's possession was not in good faith and did not ripen into ownership. The spouses Montemayor were later dropped as parties as they had repurchased the property from the Arzadons. The Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) initially ruled in favor of the Arzadon heirs, but the Regional Trial Court (RTC) reversed this decision, favoring the Rañons through acquisitive prescription. The Court of Appeals affirmed the RTC’s decision.	The respondents, Heirs of Agrifina Rañon, validly acquired ownership of the subject property through extraordinary acquisitive prescription because they demonstrated continuous, peaceful, public, notorious, uninterrupted, and adverse possession in the concept of an owner for over thirty years.	Property and Land Law
Commissioner of Internal Revenue vs. Primetown Property Group, Inc. (28th August 2007)	AK150634 531 SCRA 436 , G.R. No. 162155	The case originated from a claim for a tax refund by Primetown Property Group, Inc. (Primetown) for taxes paid in 1997. Due to the Asian Financial Crisis, the real estate industry slowed down, causing Primetown to suffer significant losses for that year. Despite these losses, the company had paid quarterly corporate income taxes and remitted creditable withholding taxes. Believing it was not liable for income tax due to its net loss, Primetown filed an administrative claim for a refund with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), which was not acted upon, prompting the company to seek judicial relief.	A "year" for the purpose of computing legal periods is understood to be twelve calendar months, as provided in Section 31, Chapter VIII, Book I of the Administrative Code of 1987, which has impliedly repealed the definition of a "year" as 365 days under Article 13 of the Civil Code.	Persons and Family Law Statutory Construction
Cemco Holdings, Inc. vs. National Life Insurance Company of the Philippines, Inc. (7th August 2007)	AK555743 529 SCRA 355 , 556 Phil. 198 , G.R. NO. 171815	Cemco Holdings acquired shares in Union Cement Holdings Corporation (UCHC), a non-listed company holding 60.51% of Union Cement Corporation (UCC), a publicly listed firm. This indirect acquisition increased Cemco’s beneficial ownership in UCC from 17.03% to 53%. National Life Insurance, a minority UCC shareholder, demanded Cemco comply with the Mandatory Tender Offer Rule. After Cemco refused, National Life filed a complaint with the SEC.	The Supreme Court affirmed that the Mandatory Tender Offer Rule under the Securities Regulation Code applies to indirect acquisitions of shares in a publicly listed company, protecting minority shareholders. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had jurisdiction to order Cemco Holdings to conduct a tender offer after it acquired indirect control of Union Cement Corporation (UCC) through purchasing shares in its holding company.	Statutory Construction
National Electrification Administration vs. Morales (24th July 2007)	AK115653 528 SCRA 79 , 555 Phil. 74 , G.R. No. 154200	Danilo Morales and other employees of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) filed a class suit against NEA for the payment of various allowances and longevity pay purportedly authorized under Republic Act No. 6758 (Compensation and Classification Act of 1989). The RTC granted their petition, ordering NEA to settle their claims.	A judgment directing a government-owned or controlled corporation (GOCC) to "settle the claims" of its employees is a special judgment for the performance of an act other than the payment of a specific sum of money, and its execution cannot be enforced through garnishment; furthermore, even if a GOCC's funds can generally be garnished, a claim for payment of a judgment award against it must first be filed with the Commission on Audit (COA) before execution can proceed.	Constitutional Law I
Carlos Superdrug Corp. vs. DSWD (29th June 2007)	AK712617 526 SCRA 130 , 553 Phil. 120 , G.R. No. 166494	Petitioners, drugstore owners, questioned the constitutionality of Section 4(a) of R.A. No. 9257, which provides senior citizens with a 20% discount on medicines, arguing that the provided tax deduction mechanism does not fully reimburse them and results in financial losses, amounting to confiscation of property without just compensation. They contended that it violates their rights to due process and equal protection and the constitutional mandate to make essential goods available at affordable cost.	Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9257, the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003, is constitutional as it is a valid exercise of police power and does not violate the constitutional rights to due process, equal protection, or constitute unjust taking of private property.	Constitutional Law II Police Power
Bantay Republic Act or BA-RA 7941 vs. COMELEC (4th May 2007)	AK522247 551 Phil. 1 , G.R. No. 177271 , G.R. NO. 177314	The case arose from the upcoming May 14, 2007 party-list elections. Various groups filed manifestations of intent to participate, and some were accredited by the COMELEC. Public perception grew that some individuals behind these accredited party-list groups did not genuinely represent marginalized and underrepresented sectors. Petitioners, concerned about the qualifications and sectoral representation of these nominees, sought the disclosure of their names from the COMELEC, which the latter refused, leading to these petitions.	The Commission on Elections has a constitutional duty to disclose to the public the names of party-list nominees, as this is a matter of public concern falling under the people's right to information; Section 7 of R.A. No. 7941, which states that "The names of the party-list nominees shall not be shown on the certified list," only prohibits the inclusion of such names on the certified list posted in polling places on election day and does not constitute an absolute bar to their disclosure through other means before the election.	Constitutional Law I
Rev. Fr. Cayat vs. COMELEC (1st Div.) (24th April 2007)	AK957651 550 Phil. 209 , G.R. No. 163776 , G.R. No. 165736	Rev. Fr. Nardo B. Cayat and Thomas R. Palileng, Sr. were candidates for Mayor of Buguias, Benguet in the May 10, 2004 local elections. Cayat had been previously convicted by final judgment for Forcible Acts of Lasciviousness, a crime involving moral turpitude, and was under probation when he filed his certificate of candidacy. This conviction became the basis for Palileng's petition to disqualify Cayat.	A candidate disqualified by final judgment before an election cannot be voted for, and votes cast for him shall not be counted; consequently, the candidate who is the sole remaining qualified candidate does not merely take second place but is the only placer and is entitled to be proclaimed.	Constitutional Law I
Citizen’s Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) vs. COMELEC (13th April 2007)	AK084300 549 Phil. 76 , G.R. No. 172103	The dispute arose from the allocation of party-list seats in the House of Representatives following the May 2004 National and Local Elections. After petitioner CIBAC was proclaimed as having qualified for one seat by receiving the required two percent (2%) of the total votes cast for party-list representatives, a controversy emerged regarding its entitlement to an additional seat, hinging on the correct formula for computation to be used by the COMELEC.	The correct and prevailing formula for computing additional seats for qualified party-list groups is the one established in Veterans Federation Party v. COMELEC, which is: (Number of votes of concerned party / Number of votes of first party) x Number of additional seats allocated to the first party. A party-list group must obtain an exact whole number in this computation to be entitled to an additional seat; fractions are not rounded up.	Constitutional Law I
Adasa vs. Abalos (19th February 2007)	AK799445 516 SCRA 261 , 545 Phil. 168 , G.R. No. 168617	The case originated from two complaints filed by Cecille S. Abalos against Bernadette L. Adasa for estafa, alleging that Adasa encashed two checks without her consent. The Office of the City Prosecutor of Iligan City found probable cause and filed criminal cases against Adasa. Adasa sought reinvestigation, and the DOJ later reversed the prosecutor's resolution, leading to the withdrawal of the charges. The trial court dismissed the case based on the DOJ's resolution, but the Court of Appeals reversed this decision, prompting Adasa to file a Petition for Review with the Supreme Court.	The Supreme Court denied Adasa's petition, affirming the Court of Appeals' decision. The Court held that the DOJ should not have entertained Adasa's petition for review after her arraignment, as it violated DOJ Circular No. 70. The trial court's dismissal of the case was also void as it was based on the DOJ's void resolutions.	Statutory Construction
Balagtas Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc. vs. Court of Appeals (27th October 2006)	AK270160 505 SCRA 654 , 536 Phil 511 , G.R. No. 159268	Josefina Hipolito-Herrero was hired by Balagtas Multi-Purpose Cooperative in 1991. After closing a branch office in 1994, she resigned and later filed a complaint for illegal dismissal and unpaid benefits. The Labor Arbiter ruled in her favor, ordering Balagtas to pay backwages, separation pay, and 13th-month pay. Balagtas appealed to the NLRC but refused to post the required bond, citing Article 62(7) of the Cooperative Code. The NLRC and Court of Appeals rejected this argument.	Cooperatives are not exempt from posting an appeal bond under Article 223 of the Labor Code when appealing to the NLRC. The exemption in Article 62(7) of the Cooperative Code applies only to appeals from decisions of inferior courts (e.g., municipal or regional trial courts), not quasi-judicial agencies.	Statutory Construction
Lambino vs. Commission on Elections (25th October 2006)	AK596385 505 SCRA 160 , 536 Phil. 1 , G.R. No. 174153 , G.R. No. 174299	The petitioners, led by Raul Lambino and Erico Aumentado, sought to amend the 1987 Constitution via a people’s initiative by collecting signatures from registered voters. They filed a petition with the COMELEC requesting a plebiscite to ratify their proposed amendments. COMELEC dismissed their petition, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling in Santiago v. COMELEC, which declared R.A. 6735 inadequate to allow an initiative for constitutional amendments. The petitioners then sought recourse with the Supreme Court.	The Supreme Court ruled that the initiative petition filed by the Lambino Group was fatally defective because it failed to comply with constitutional requirements. It also reaffirmed the Santiago v. COMELEC ruling that R.A. 6735 is inadequate to implement the people’s initiative to amend the Constitution.	Constitutional Law II
Aquino vs. Quezon City (3rd August 2006)	AK382783 497 SCRA 497 , 529 Phil. 486 , G.R. No. 137534 , G.R. No. 138624	G.R. No. 137534 (Aquino Case): The Aquino spouses' 612-square meter lot in East Avenue Subdivision, Diliman, Quezon City, was sold in 1984 for non-payment of property taxes from 1975 to 1982. They withheld payment as a protest against the Marcos regime. G.R. No. 138624 (Torrado Case): A 407-square meter property at No. 20 North Road, Cubao, Quezon City, owned by Solomon Torrado, was sold in 1983 due to unpaid property taxes from 1976 to 1982. Notices were sent to an insufficient address, "Butuan City," causing them to be undelivered.	The Supreme Court upheld the validity of the auction sales, ruling that the notice requirements under P.D. No. 464 were sufficiently complied with. The Court emphasized that personal service of notice via registered mail satisfies the legal requirements even if the notice was not personally received. Constructive notice through compliance with statutory procedures was deemed adequate.	Statutory Construction
Sevilla vs. Cardenas (31st July 2006)	AK546972 497 SCRA 428 , 529 Phil. 419 , G.R. No. 167684	Jaime O. Sevilla and Carmelita N. Cardenas were married in civil rites on May 19, 1969, and in a church ceremony on May 31, 1969. Jaime later filed a complaint for the nullity of their marriage, claiming that no marriage license was issued for their union. The Regional Trial Court (RTC) declared the marriage null and void, but the Court of Appeals reversed this decision, leading to the present petition.	The Supreme Court denied the petition, affirming the Court of Appeals' decision that the marriage between Jaime O. Sevilla and Carmelita N. Cardenas was valid, as the certifications from the Local Civil Registrar did not conclusively prove the absence of a marriage license.	Philosophy of Law
Rufino vs. Endriga (21st July 2006)	AK344369 528 Phil. 473 , G.R. No. 139554	Presidential Decree No. 15 created the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) as a non-municipal public corporation governed by a Board of Trustees. PD 15, as amended, provided that vacancies in the Board were to be filled by election by a majority of the remaining trustees. Only if the Board became entirely vacant could the President of the Philippines fill such vacancies. This case arose from a dispute between a group of trustees appointed by then-President Joseph E. Estrada (Rufino group) and the incumbent trustees (Endriga group) who claimed their terms had not yet expired and that vacancies should be filled according to PD 15.	Section 6(b) and (c) of Presidential Decree No. 15, as amended, are unconstitutional insofar as they authorize the remaining trustees of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Board to fill vacancies in the Board by election, as this mechanism infringes upon the President's constitutional power of appointment and power of control.	Constitutional Law I
Preysler, Jr. vs. Court of Appeals (11th July 2006)	AK116882 494 SCRA 547 , 527 Phil. 129 , G.R. No. 158141	Petitioner owned landlocked parcels adjacent to Respondent's Tali Beach Subdivision, needing access through the subdivision roads. Respondent initially allowed access but later barricaded the property. Petitioner sought a right of way and preliminary injunction. The trial court initially granted a preliminary injunction to remove barricades and allow passage. This was later amended to include passage for contractors, equipment, and power line installation.	The Supreme Court partially granted the petition, affirming the Court of Appeals' decision to reinstate the original writ of preliminary injunction (maintaining status quo). However, the Supreme Court recognized the petitioner's need for temporary easement for construction purposes under Article 656 of the Civil Code and remanded the case to the trial court to determine the proper indemnity for this temporary right of way. The installation of power lines was deemed a permanent easement not covered by the temporary easement provisions.	Property and Land Law